How do I use a Collins Kindle Dictionary?

You can use a Collins Kindle Dictionary in two ways:

1. Dictionary look-up mode

You can set up your Collins dictionary to be your default dictionary. This will enable you to look up a word directly from the book you are reading without having to navigate away. If you read across multiple languages, you can set a default dictionary for each language. (See below for further information regarding models that support dictionary look-up.)

2. Dictionary browse mode

You can open and search the dictionary directly via keyboard input. For Kindle Paperwhite, you can do this by looking up a word, selecting More and then selecting Open Dictionary. For other models, you need to access the dictionary from your home page in the same way you would access a Kindle book. In dictionary browse mode, start typing the word you want to look up, and you will see an index of words in the dictionary that start with the letters you have typed in. Navigate to the word to select it and view the dictionary entry.

Which Kindle models are the Collins Kindle Dictionaries compatible with?

Collins Kindle Dictionaries are compatible with all 2nd generation and newer Kindles, excluding Kindle Fire. If you have one of the following models, you will be able to set the dictionary as one of your default dictionaries:

- Kindle Paperwhite

- Kindle (4th generation)

- Kindle Touch

- Kindle Keyboard (3rd generation)

- Kindle (2nd generation)

- Kindle DX

There is no default dictionary feature in Kindle Fire. You will be able to search the dictionary headword list via keyboard input, but there is no setting in Kindle Fire yet to allow you to change your default dictionary.

If you’re not sure which Kindle you own, the following Amazon page has a visual guide: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_bc_nav?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200127470

Can I use the dictionaries with my Kindle reading app?

Kindle dictionaries are compatible with Kindle for iPad / iPhone (version 4.0+), but default dictionary function is not supported in other Kindle apps. Headword search via keyboard input is supported on Kindle for Mac and Kindle for PC.

How do I select a default dictionary?

In Kindle Paperwhite:
Press the Home button. At the Home screen, select Menu, then Settings. Select Device Options, then select Language and Dictionaries. Now you can select the default dictionary for each language. The Kindle will automatically list dictionaries according to the dictionary’s source language, so a French-English dictionary will be listed under French, a Spanish-English dictionary under Spanish, and an English-French dictionary under English etc. If there is more than one option for a given language, you will see an arrow next to the current default dictionary. Tap on the arrow to see further options.

In 4th & 5th generation Kindle e-readers:
Press the Home button. At the Home screen, select Menu, then Settings. In the Settings screen, scroll down until you see Dictionaries, and then select it. In the Dictionaries list, you can select a default dictionary for each language for which you have a dictionary (or dictionaries).

In 2nd & 3rd generation Kindle e-readers:
Press the Home button. Then press the Menu button, and move the 5-way to select Settings. Press the Menu button, and then move the 5-way to select Change Primary Dictionary. Move the 5-way to underline the dictionary you want to use, and press to select. Note that this menu option is only available if you have at least one additional dictionary loaded onto your Kindle.

Published by Collins
An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Westerhill Road
Bishopbriggs
Glasgow G64 2QT

Thirteenth Edition 2018

© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd 1979, 1986
© HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994 (Third updated edition), 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018

Kindle Edition © November 2018 ISBN 978-0-00-828438-1
Version: 2018-09-30

Collins® is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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The contents of this publication are believed correct at the time of creation. Nevertheless the Publisher can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions, changes in the detail given or for any expense or loss thereby caused.

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

Contents

How do I use a Collins Kindle Dictionary?

Title Page

Copyright

Foreword

Guide to the Use of the Dictionary

Pronunciation Key

Abbreviations

William Collins’ Dream

Collins English Dictionary A–Z

Editorial Staff

About the Publisher

Foreword

This is the 13th edition of Collins English Dictionary. The first edition was published in 1979 as a new venture: the firm of William Collins Sons & Co had been producing dictionaries since 1819, but this book was larger than any dictionary that it had hitherto produced. It attempted to provide comprehensive coverage of English in a single volume, while also being the first major British dictionary to include entries for people and places. Ever since the success of that first edition, the editors have been striving to keep the book up to date in a constantly changing world, while maintaining its values of clarity, comprehensiveness, and relevance.

As we approach the 40th anniversary of the first edition, this new edition remains an essential reference tool, giving the recognized meanings and spellings of words in general use as well as thousands of technical words and also older or obscure words that may only be encountered in literature or in crosswords and word games. It also contains around one thousand new words and meanings that reflect the way the English language has evolved in the years since the previous edition.

To help chart this evolution, lexicographers consult a corpus, which is an enormous database of language. The lexicographers at Collins are fortunate to have access to the Collins Corpus, which holds over 4.5 billion words of current English and is constantly updated. The Collins Corpus allows a comparative analysis of language at different points in time and paints a clear picture of what has changed, and which words have emerged, since the last revision of the dictionary.

Many of the new words entering any new edition of the dictionary are driven by recent world events. Terms such as Brexiteer, hard border, fake news, and kompromat reflect political issues that have been in the headlines in the latter part of the 2010s, while ongoing concern about our planet’s ability to cope with large quantities of waste, particularly plastic, has brought terms such as microbead, PETE, and fatberg within the remit of the dictionary.

However, this new edition also includes words that are entering our language at a more quotidian level. As English-speaking countries have continued to embrace new dishes from all over the world, the names of many dishes and ingredients have ceased to be regarded as foreign words but have become assimilated into English. So words such as freekeh, matcha, sriracha, and rendang are all included for the first time in the current edition.

Every new edition of the dictionary, especially since the 1990s, has had to address the central role that digital technology plays in the modern world. The current edition reflects the latest innovations in this field with terms such as dashcam and blockchain, while the inclusion of dark Web and GDPR point to a new level of concern about the possible ways in which this technology may be abused. As social media usage becomes commonplace across generations and cultures, new conventions and forms of behaviour are being established, all of which bring new terminology into the lexicon, so that we now have to find space for terms such as private message, upvote, and digital detox. Online gaming too has provided new words such as cutscene and open-world, both of which are included for the first time in this edition.

Indeed, there are few areas of life where language stands completely still. New words continue to emerge in commerce (Black Friday, challenger bank, gig economy), sport (vanishing spray, VAR, GOAT), and science (where the chemical elements of moscovium, nihonium, oganesson, and tennessine are now officially accepted). One particularly noteworthy area of language change concerns gender and sexuality, where new terms, such as gender-fluid, transperson, and heteronormative, have emerged to reflect a broader view of gender and sexual identity.

It has always been a concern of Collins English Dictionary to reflect English’s status as a global language. The current edition continues to note the variations found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Caribbean, and India, with words such as CanCon, seachanger, Pasifika, zama zama, CSME, and Aadhaar demonstrating how the language is developing in different parts of the globe.

Not all new words are created as a result of the need to find names for the new phenomena that emerge in our world. Speakers of English are constantly looking for new and expressive ways of communicating, and coming up with slang and informal expressions for existing words. In the age of social media, these can be circulated quickly and soon become widely used. The editors are able to examine the Collins Corpus to assess when a new slang word has become sufficiently well-established to merit inclusion in the dictionary, and coinages to make the grade include swole, woke, bae, blud, and hench along with idiomatic phrases such as park the bus, smash it, and suck it up.

Conversely, not every new phenomenon requires a completely new entry in the dictionary. One of the characteristic ways in which language develops is that existing words are brought into service as metaphors to describe new phenomena and so acquire new meanings. Social media sites have been notoriously adept at adapting words such as like, trend, profile, and friend to describe the activities performed on them. Yet the idea of finding new meanings for an existing word is not confined to social media. In the previous edition of the dictionary, the word snowflake could mean either a small arrangement of ice crystals falling as snow or else a delicate European plant. Contemporary usage has introduced a third definition, as the snowflake’s fragility has led to it to be used as a rather derogatory metaphor for a young person who lacks resilience and is especially prone to taking offence. Other words that have acquired new senses that reflect the different ways that they are used in modern speech include dab, grunt, ink, and traction.

As with every edition of the dictionary, the entries for people and places have been reviewed and updated. New entries have been added for important contemporary figures, and there are even more entries for places and peoples, so that users will now be able to look up the likes of Trump, Macron, Raqqah, and Rohingya.

One significant trend in the modern world is for names that were given by colonizing powers to be replaced by names that reflect the language and culture of the local population. Thus the country formerly known as Swaziland has recently become eSwatini, while several cities in former Soviet states have changed their official names from those declared during the Soviet era: in Ukraine, for example, the city once known as Dnepropetrovsk is now Dnipro. In Australia and New Zealand, the names used by indigenous peoples have been incorporated into official names such as Aoraki–Mount Cook, and Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. The dictionary has been updated to provide the current official names of each place, while still noting former names so that users looking up those forms will be directed to the official name.

As a result of all of this, the current edition represents a significant advance on its predecessor. We hope that it provides a clear and accurate reflection of the English language as it is used in the second decade of the twenty-first century, just as the acclaimed first edition so successfully described English in the late 1970s.

Contribute to Collins Dictionary – the home of living English

The way in which we collect words has undergone great change. Before computerized language databases emerged later in the 20th century, dictionary compilers were largely reliant on their own instincts, augmented by reading programmes and the contributions of specialist consultants, when it came to identifying new words, meanings, and usages.

The internet has brought about another revolution in dictionary-making. When we launched Collins Dictionary online in 2012, we invited word lovers across the globe to contribute new words and help us make our word collection process truly democratic. By 2018, we had received over 20,000 suggestions, opening up whole new worlds of words and areas of language for the editors to consider.

Everyone is welcome to join us in the home of living English by contributing new words and meanings at www.collinsdictionary.com, where we celebrate the extraordinary breadth and changing nature of English worldwide.

Guide to the Use of the Dictionary

The Guide that follows sets out the main principles on which the dictionary is arranged and enables you to make full use of the dictionary by showing the range of information that it contains.

Headword

All main entries, including place names, abbreviations, prefixes, and suffixes, are shown in large bold type and are listed in strict alphabetical order. This applies even if the headword consists of more than one word.

Some main entries contain subentries, in alphabetical order within the main entry. These subentry headwords are closely related to the main entry headword, usually in that they are compounds (eg bandstand at band) or derivatives (eg abhorrent at abhor) of that word. However, where the editors have judged that such a word would be too difficult to find as a subentry, the word will be found as a separate, main entry.

Order of entries

Words with superscript numbers after the headwords are homographs – they have the same spelling but are derived from different sources.

saw^1 (sɔː) n 1 any of various hand tools …

saw^2 (sɔː) vb the past tense of see^1

saw^3 (sɔː) n a wise saying, maxim, or proverb …

A word with a capital initial letter, if entered separately, follows the lowercase form. For example, Arras follows arras.

Place names

If a place has more than one name, its main entry is given at the name most often used in modern English, with a cross-reference at other names. Thus, the main entry for the capital of Bavaria is at Munich, with a cross-reference at München. If a place name has no current anglicized form, its main entry is at the form of the name used in the official language of the area. Thus, the main entry is at Brno, with a cross-reference at Brünn. Historical names of importance are also given, with dates where these can be ascertained.

Paris^1 (ˈpærɪs; French pari) n … Ancient name: Lutetia

Volgograd (Russian vəlɡaˈɡrat; English vɒlɡəʊɡræd) n … Former names: (until 1925) Tsaritsyn, (1925–61) Stalingrad

Statistical information about places has been obtained from the most up-to-date and reliable sources available. Population figures are derived from a recent census, the date of which is always given.

Abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols

Abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols are entered as headwords in the main alphabetical list. In line with modern practice, full stops are generally not used but it can be assumed that nearly all abbreviations are equally acceptable with or without stops.

Alphanumeric representations of words – GR8 (great), B4 (before), etc – are ordered such that the numeral is not regarded as representing a letter or a word. Instead, such entries are ordered like other alphanumeric abbreviations, for example K2 (the mountain).

gr

GR

Gr.

GR8

Graafian follicle

This rule, however, does not apply to the small number of alphanumeric representations of words that start with a numeral. In such cases the numeral is spelled out as the letter or series of letters that it represents.
Forester

4EVA

forex

Prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms

Prefixes (eg in-, pre-, sub-), suffixes (eg -able, -ation, -ity), and combining forms (eg psycho-, -iatry) have been entered as headwords if they are still used freely to produce new words in English.

Plural headwords

Words that have a standard use or uses in the plural may have headwords for both singular and plural forms, with the plural form most often given as a subentry of the singular form.

affair (əˈfεə) n 1 a thing to be done or attended to … ■ affairs (əˈfεəz) pl n 1 personal or business interests …

Variant spellings

Common acceptable variant spellings of English words are given as alternative forms of the headword.

capitalize or capitalise (ˈkæpɪtəˌlaɪz) vb …

US spellings

Where different, US spellings are also recorded in the headword.

centre or US center (ˈsεntə) n …

Pronunciations

Pronunciations of words in this dictionary represent those that are common in Standard English. They are transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). A Pronunciation Key is given at the end of this Guide. The pronunciation is normally given in brackets immediately after the headword.

abase (əˈbeɪs) vb (tr) 1 to humble …

The stress pattern is marked by the symbols ˈ for primary stress and ˌ for secondary stress. The stress mark precedes the syllable to which it applies.

Variant pronunciations

When a headword has an acceptable variant pronunciation or stress pattern, the variant is given by repeating only the syllable or syllables that change.

economic (ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk, ˌεkə-) adj 1 of or relating to …

Pronunciations with different parts of speech

When two or more parts of speech of a word have different pronunciations, the pronunciations are shown in brackets before the relevant group of senses.

record n (ˈrεkɔːd) 1 an account in permanent form … ▷ vb (rɪˈkɔːd) (mainly tr) 19 to set down in some permanent form …

Pronunciation of individual senses

If one sense of a headword is pronounced differently from the other senses, the pronunciation is given in brackets after the sense number.

conjure (ˈkʌndӡə) vb 1 (intr) to practise conjuring or be a conjuror 2 (intr) to call upon supposed supernatural forces by spells and incantations 3 (kənˈdӡʊə) (tr) to appeal earnestly or strongly to: I conjure you to help me

Foreign words and phrases

Foreign words or phrases are in bold italic type and are given foreign-language pronunciations only, unless they are regarded as having become accepted into English.

Weltschmerz German (ˈvεltʃmεrts) n …

Inflected forms

Where inflections are not shown, it may be assumed that they are formed as follows:

nouns   regular plurals are formed by the addition of -s (eg pencils, monkeys) or, in the case of nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh, by the addition of -es (eg losses).

verbs   in regular inflected verbs: the third person singular of the present tense is formed by the addition of -s to the infinitive (eg plays) or, for verbs ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh, by the addition of -es (eg passes, reaches); the past tense and past participle are formed by the addition of -ed to the infinitive (eg played); the present participle is formed by the addition of -ing to the infinitive (eg playing). Verbs that end in a consonant plus -e (eg locate, snare) regularly lose the final -e before the addition of -ed and -ing.

adjectives   regular comparatives and superlatives of adjectives are formed by adding -er and -est to the base (eg short, shorter, shortest). Adjectives that end in a consonant plus -e regularly lose the -e before -er and -est (eg fine, finer, finest).

Parts of speech

A part-of-speech label in italics precedes the sense or senses relating to that part of speech.

Standard parts of speech

The standard parts of speech, with the abbreviations used, are as follows: adjective (adj), adverb (adv), conjunction (conj), interjection (interj), noun (n), preposition (prep), pronoun (pron), verb (vb).

Less traditional parts of speech

Some less traditional parts of speech have been used in this dictionary:

determiner   this denotes such words as the, a, some, any, that, this, as well as the numerals, and possessives such as my and your. Many determiners can have a pronoun function without a change of meaning:

some (sʌm; unstressed səm) determiner … 2 a an unknown or unspecified quantity or amount of: there’s some rice on the table; he owns some horses b (as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural): we’ll buy some

sentence connector   this description replaces the traditional classification of certain words, such as therefore and however, as adverbs or conjunctions. These words link sentences together rather in the manner of conjunctions; however, they are not confined to the first position in a clause as conjunctions are.

sentence substitute   these are words such as yes, no, perhaps, definitely, and maybe. They can stand alone as meaningful utterances.

Words used as more than one part of speech

If a word can be used as more than one part of speech, the senses of one part of speech are separated from the others by an empty arrow (▷).

lure (lʊə) vb (tr) … 2 falconry to entice (a hawk or falcon) from the air to the falconer by a lure ▷ n 3 a person or thing that lures …

Grammatical information

Grammatical information is provided in brackets and typically in italics to distinguish it from other types of information.

Adjectives and determiners

Some adjectives and determiners are restricted by usage to a particular position relative to the nouns they qualify. This is indicated by the following labels:

postpositive   (used predicatively or after the noun, but not before it):

ablaze (əˈbleɪz) adj, adv (postpositive) 1 on fire; burning …

immediately postpositive   (always used immediately following the noun qualified and never used predicatively):

galore (ɡəˈlɔː) determiner (immediately postpositive) in great numbers or quantity: there were daffodils galore in the park …

prenominal   (used before the noun, and never used predicatively):

chief (tʃiːf) … adj 5 (prenominal) a most important; principal …

Intensifiers

Adjectives and adverbs that perform an exclusively intensifying function, with no addition of meaning, are described as (intensifier) without further explanation.

blooming (ˈbluːmɪŋ) adv, adj Brit informal (intensifier): a blooming genius; blooming painful

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are divided into two classes, marked by the following labels:

coordinating   coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that perform an identical function and are not dependent on each other. They include and, but, and or.

subordinating   subordinating conjunctions introduce clauses that are dependent on a main clause in a complex sentence. They include where, until, and if.

Some conjunctions, such as while and whereas, can function as either coordinating or subordinating conjunctions.

Singular and plural labelling of nouns

Headwords and senses that are apparently plural in form but that take a singular verb, etc, are marked (functioning as singular):

physics (ˈfɪzɪks) n (functioning as singular) 1 the branch of science …

Headwords and senses that appear to be singular, such as collective nouns, but that take a plural verb, etc, are marked (functioning as plural):

cattle (ˈkætəl) n (functioning as plural) 1 bovid mammals of the tribe Bovini …

Headwords and senses that may take either a singular or a plural verb, etc, are marked (functioning as singular or plural):

bellows (ˈbεləʊz) n (functioning as singular or plural) 1 Also called: pair of bellows an instrument consisting of an air chamber …

Modifiers

A noun that is commonly used as if it were an adjective is labelled modifier. If the sense of the modifier can be understood from the sense of the noun, the modifier is shown without further explanation, with an example to illustrate its use. Otherwise its meaning and/or usage is explained separately.

horror (ˈhɒrə) n … 4 (modifier) having a frightening subject, esp a supernatural one: a horror film

Verbs

The principal parts given are: 3rd person singular of the present tense; present participle; past tense; past participle (if different from the past tense).

Intransitive and transitive verbs

When a sense of a verb (vb) is restricted to transitive use, it is labelled (tr); if it is intransitive only, it is labelled (intr). If all the senses of a verb are transitive or all are intransitive, the appropriate label appears before the first numbered sense and is not repeated.

Absence of a label indicates that the sense may be used both transitively and intransitively.

If nearly all the senses of a verb are transitive, the label (mainly tr) appears immediately before the first numbered sense. This indicates that, unless otherwise labelled, any given sense of the verb is transitive. Similarly, all the senses of a verb may be labelled (mainly intr).

Copulas

A verb that takes a complement is labelled (copula).

seem (siːm) vb (may take an infinitive) 1 (copula) to appear to the mind or eye; look: this seems nice; the car seems to be running well …

Phrasal verbs

Verbal constructions consisting of a verb and a prepositional or an adverbial particle are given headword status if the meaning of the phrasal verb cannot be deduced from the separate meanings of the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verbs are labelled to show four possible distinctions:

a transitive verb with an adverbial particle (tr, adverb); a transitive verb with a prepositional particle (tr, preposition); an intransitive verb with an adverbial particle (intr, adverb); an intransitive verb with a prepositional particle (intr, preposition):

turn on … 4 (tr, adverb) informal to produce (charm, tears, etc) suddenly or automatically

take for vb (tr, preposition) informal to consider or suppose to be, esp mistakenly: the fake coins were taken for genuine; who do you take me for?

break off … 3 (intr, adverb) to stop abruptly; halt: he broke off in the middle of his speech

turn on … 2 (intr, preposition) to depend or hinge on: the success of the party turns on you

If there is no label (tr) or (intr), the verb may be used either transitively or intransitively. If there is no label (adverb) or (preposition), the particle may be either adverbial or prepositional.

Restrictive labels

An italic label immediately before a definition indicates that a particular sense is restricted as to appropriateness, connotation, subject field, etc:

hang on vb (intr) … 5 (adverb) informal to wait or remain: hang on for a few minutes

If a label applies to all senses of one part of speech, it is placed immediately after the part-of-speech label.

buffalo (ˈbʌfəˌləʊ) n … ▷ vb (tr) US and Canadian informal 4 (often passive) to confuse 5 to intimidate

If a label applies to all senses of a headword, it is placed immediately after the pronunciation (or inflections).

con^1 (kɒn) informal n 1 a short for confidence trick b (as modifier): con man ▷ vb cons, conning, conned 2 (tr) to swindle or defraud

Usage labels

slang   refers to words or senses that are informal and restricted in context, for example, to members of a particular social or cultural group. Slang words are inappropriate in formal speech or writing.

informal   applies to words or senses that may be widely used, especially in conversation, emails, etc, but that are not common in formal writing. Such words are subject to fewer contextual restrictions than slang words.

vulgar   indicates words that refer to parts of the body and bodily functions in a coarse way and are not acceptable in polite use.

taboo   indicates words that are not acceptable in almost all contexts.

offensive   indicates that a word might be regarded as offensive by the person described or referred to, even if the speaker uses the word without any malicious intention. Such words often make reference to people based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability.

derogatory   implies that the connotations of a word are unpleasant with intent on the part of the speaker or writer.

not standard   indicates words or senses that are frequently encountered but widely regarded as incorrect.

archaic   denotes a word or sense that is no longer in common use but that may be found in literary works or used to impart a historical colour to contemporary writing.

obsolete   denotes a word or sense that is no longer in use. In specialist or technical fields the label often implies that the term has been superseded.

The word ‘formerly’ is placed in brackets before a sense when the practice, concept, etc, being described, rather than the word itself, is obsolete or out of date.

A number of other usage labels, such as ironic, facetious, old-fashioned, and euphemistic, are used where appropriate. Further help on usage is provided in usage notes after certain entries.

Subject-field labels

A number of italic labels, such as genetics, economics, and sport, are used to indicate that a word or sense is used in a particular specialist or technical field.

National and regional labels

Words or senses restricted to or associated with a particular country or region are labelled accordingly. The following labels are the ones most frequently used: Austral (Australian), Brit (British), Canadian, Caribbean, Irish, NZ (New Zealand), Scot (Scottish), South African, US (United States).

The label Brit is used mainly to distinguish a particular word or sense from its North American equivalent or to identify a term or concept that does not exist in North American English. The North American equivalent may be given in bold type after the appropriate numbered sense.

Regional dialects (Scot and Northern English dialect, Midland dialect, etc) have been specified as precisely as possible, even at the risk of overrestriction, in order to give the reader an indication of the appropriate regional flavour.

Meaning

The meaning of each headword in this dictionary is explained in one or more definitions, together with information about context and typical use.

Order of senses

As a general rule, where a headword has more than one sense, the first sense given is the one most common in current usage.

complexion (kəmˈplεkʃən) n 1 the colour and general appearance of a person’s skin, esp of the face 2 aspect, character, or nature: the general complexion of a nation’s finances 3 obsolete a the temperament of a person …

Where the lexicographers consider that a current sense is the ‘core meaning’, in that it illuminates the meaning of other senses, the core meaning may be placed first.

competition (ˌkɒmpɪˈtɪʃən) n 1 the act of competing; rivalry 2 a contest in which a winner is selected from among two or more entrants 3 a series of games, sports events, etc 4 the opposition offered by a competitor or competitors

Subsequent senses are arranged so as to give a coherent account of the meaning of a headword. If a word is used as more than one part of speech, all the senses of each part of speech are grouped together in a single block. Within a part-of-speech block, closely related senses are grouped together; technical senses usually follow general senses; idioms and fixed phrases are generally placed last.

Scientific and technical definitions

Units, physical quantities, formulas, etc   In accordance with the recommendations of the International Standards Organization, all scientific measurements are expressed in SI units (Système International d’Unités). Measurements and quantities in more traditional units are often given as well as SI units. The entries for chemical compounds often give the systematic names as well as the more familiar popular names.

Plants and animals   When the scientific (Latin) names of phyla, divisions, classes, orders, families, genera, and species are used in definitions, they are in italic type and all except the specific name have an initial capital letter.

moss (mɒs) n 1 … any bryophyte of the phylum Bryophyta, typically growing in dense mats on trees …

Cross-references

The main entry is always given at the most common spelling or form of the word. Cross-reference entries refer to this main entry. Thus the entry for deoxyribonucleic acid cross-refers to DNA, where the full explanantion is given.

Comparisons

Cross-references introduced by the words ‘See also’ or ‘Compare’ refer the reader to additional information elsewhere in the Dictionary. If the cross-reference is preceded by a solid arrow ▶, it applies to all senses of the main entry or subentry headword that have gone before it, unless otherwise stated. If there is no arrow, the cross-reference applies only to the sense immediately preceding it.

Variant spellings

Variant spellings (eg foetus … a variant spelling of fetus) are generally entered as cross-references if their place in the alphabetical lists is considerably distant from the main entry.

Alternative names

Alternative names or terms are in bold type and introduced by the words ‘Also’ or ‘Also called’. If the alternative name or term is preceded by a solid arrow (▶), it applies to all senses of the main entry or subentry headword that have gone before it.

Related adjectives

Certain nouns, especially of Germanic origin, have related adjectives that are derived from Latin or French. For example, mural (from Latin) is an adjective related in meaning to wall. Such adjectives are shown in a number of cases after the sense (or part-of-speech block) to which they are related.

wall (wɔːl) n 1 a a vertical construction made of stone, brick, wood, etc … Related adjective: mural

Idioms

Fixed noun phrases, such as dark horse, and certain other idioms are listed as main entry or subentry headwords. Other idioms are placed under the key word of the idiom, as a separate sense, generally at the end of the appropriate part-of-speech block.

ground^1 (ɡraʊnd) n … 21 break new ground to do something that has not been done before …

Etymologies

Etymologies may appear at the end of a main entry or subentry, inside square brackets.

The purpose of the etymologies is to trace briefly the history of the word back from the present day, through its first recorded appearance in English, to its origin, often in some source language other than English. The etymologies show the history of the word both in English (wherever there has been significant change in form or sense) and in its pre-English source languages. Words given in SMALL CAPITALS refer to other headwords where relevant or additional information, either in the definition or in the etymology, may be found.

Dating

The etymology often records the first known occurrence (a written citation) of a word in English. Words first appearing in the language during the Middle English period or later are dated by century, abbreviated C.

mantis (ˈmæntɪs) n, pl -tises or -tes … [C17: New Latin, from Greek: prophet, alluding to its praying posture]

This indicates that there is a written citation for mantis in the seventeenth century. The absence of a New Latin or Greek form in the etymology means that the form of the word was the same in those languages as in English.

Old English

Native words from Old English are not dated, written records of Old English being scarce, but are simply identified as being of Old English origin.

Subentries

Derived words

Words derived from a base word by the addition of suffixes such as -ly, -ness, etc, may be entered in bold type immediately after the etymology or after the last definition if there is no etymology.

They are preceded by the symbol >. The meanings of such words may be deduced from the meanings of the suffix and the headword.

If a derived word has definitions of its own, it has subentry status in the entry for the base word, and is preceded by the symbol ■.

call (kɔːl) vb 1 (often foll by out) to speak or utter …
■ caller (ˈkɔːlə) n 1 a person or thing that calls, esp a person who makes a brief visit

Compounds

Subentries may also be compounds, words formed from two or more words or combining forms, the first of which will be the main entry headword or another of its subentries.

compulsory (kəmˈpʌlsərɪ) adj 1 required by regulations or laws …
■ compulsory purchase n purchase of a house or other property …

Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs (phrases consisting of a verb plus a particle) are usually given as subentries at the main entry for the constituent verb.

count^1 (kaʊnt) vb 1 to add up or check …
■ count on vb (intr, preposition) to rely or depend on

Usage notes

A brief note introduced by the label USAGE has been added after some entries in order to comment on matters of usage.

Pronunciation Key

The symbols used in the pronunciation transcriptions are those of the International Phonetic Alphabet. The following consonant symbols have their usual English values: b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w, z. The remaining symbols and their interpretations are listed below.

Length

The symbol ː denotes length and is shown together with certain vowel symbols when the vowels are typically long.

Stress

Three grades of stress are shown in the transcriptions by the presence or absence of marks placed immediately before the affected syllable. Primary or strong stress is shown by ', while secondary or weak stress is shown by ˌ. In photographic (ˌfəʊtə'ɡræfɪk), for example, the first syllable carries secondary stress and the third primary stress.

Notes

(i)    Though words like castle, path, and fast are shown as pronounced with an /ɑ:/ sound, many speakers use an /æ/. Such variations are acceptable and are to be assumed by the reader.

(ii)   The letter ‘r’ in some positions is not sounded in the speech of Southern England and elsewhere. However, many speakers in other areas do sound the ‘r’ in such positions with varying degrees of distinctness. Again such variations are to be assumed, and in such words as fern, fear, and arm the reader will sound or not sound the ‘r’ according to his or her speech habits.

(iii)  Though the widely received pronunciation of words like which and why is with a simple /w/ sound and is so shown in the dictionary, many speakers in Scotland and elsewhere preserve an aspirated sound: /hw/. Once again this variation is to be assumed.

English Sounds

ɑː

as in father ('fɑːðə), alms (ɑːmz), clerk (klɑːk), heart (hɑːt), sergeant ('sɑːdӡənt)

æ

as in act (ækt), Caedmon ('kædmən), plait (plæt)

aɪ

as in dive (daɪv), aisle (aɪl), guy (ɡaɪ), might (maɪt), rye (raɪ)

aɪə

as in fire ('faɪə), buyer ('baɪə), liar ('laɪə), tyre ('taɪə)

aʊ

as in out (aʊt), bough (baʊ), crowd (kraʊd), slouch (slaʊtʃ)

aʊə

as in flour ('flaʊə), cower ('kaʊə), flower ('flaʊə), sour ('saʊə)

ε

as in bet (bεt), bury ('bεrɪ), heifer ('hεfə), said (sεd), says (sεz)

eɪ

as in paid (peɪd), day (deɪ), deign (deɪn), gauge (ɡeɪdӡ), grey (ɡreɪ), neigh (neɪ)

εə

as in bear (bεə), dare (dεə), prayer (prεə), stairs (stεəz), where (wεə)

ɡ

as in get (ɡεt), give (ɡɪv), ghoul (ɡuːl), guard (ɡɑːd), examine (ɪɡ'zæmɪn)

ɪ

as in pretty ('prɪtɪ), build (bɪld), busy ('bɪzɪ), nymph (nɪmf), pocket ('pɒkɪt), sieve (sɪv), women ('wɪmɪn)

iː

as in see (siː), aesthete ('iːsθiːt), evil ('iːvəl), magazine (ˌmæɡə'ziːn), receive (rɪ'siːv), siege (siːdӡ)

ɪə

as in fear (fɪə), beer (bɪə), mere (mɪə), tier (tɪə)

j

as in yes (jεs), onion ('ʌnjən), vignette (vɪ'njεt)

ɒ

as in pot (pɒt), botch (bɒtʃ), sorry ('sɒrɪ)

əʊ

as in note (nəʊt), beau (bəʊ), dough (dəʊ), hoe (həʊ), slow (sləʊ), yeoman ('jəʊmən)

ɔː

as in thaw (θɔː), broad (brɔːd), drawer ('drɔːə), fault (fɔːlt), halt (hɔːlt), organ ('ɔːɡən)

ɔɪ

as in void (vɔɪd), boy (bɔɪ), destroy (dɪ'strɔɪ)

ʊ

as in pull (pʊl), good (ɡʊd), should (ʃʊd), woman ('wʊmən)

uː

as in zoo (zuː), do (duː), queue (kjuː), shoe (ʃuː), spew (spjuː), true (truː), you (juː)

ʊə

as in poor (pʊə), skewer (skjʊə), sure (ʃʊə)

ə

as in potter ('pɒtə), alone (ə'ləʊn), furious ('fjʊərɪəs), nation ('neɪʃən), the (ðə)

ɜː

as in fern (fɜːn), burn (bɜːn), fir (fɜː), learn (lɜːn), term (tɜːm)

ʌ

as in cut (kʌt), flood (flʌd), rough (rʌf), son (sʌn)

ʃ

as in ship (ʃɪp), election (ɪ'lεkʃən), machine (mə'ʃiːn), mission ('mɪʃən), pressure ('prεʃə), schedule ('ʃεdjuːl), sugar ('ʃʊɡə)

ӡ

as in treasure ('trεӡə), azure ('æӡə), closure ('kləʊӡə), evasion (ɪ'veɪӡən)

tʃ

as in chew (tʃuː), nature ('neɪtʃə)

dӡ

as in jaw (dӡɔː), adjective ('ædӡɪktɪv), lodge (lɒdӡ), soldier ('səʊldӡə), usage ('juːsɪdӡ)

θ

as in thin (θɪn), strength (strεŋθ), three (θriː)

ð

as in these (ðiːz), bathe (beɪð), lather ('lɑːðə)

ŋ

as in sing (sɪŋ), finger ('fɪŋɡə), sling (slɪŋ)

ə

indicates that the following consonant (l or n) is syllabic, as in bundle ('bʌndəl), button ('bʌtən)

x

as in Scottish loch (lɒx)

əɪ

as in Scottish aye (əɪ), bile (bəɪl), byke (bəɪk)

Foreign Sounds

The symbols above are also used to represent foreign sounds where these are similar to English sounds. However, certain common foreign sounds require symbols with markedly different values, as follows:

a

a in French ami, German Mann, Italian pasta: a sound between English (æ) and (ɑ:), similar to the vowel in Northern English cat or London cut

ɑ

a in French bas: a sound made with a tongue position similar to that of English (ɑ:), but shorter

e

é in French été, eh in German sehr, e in Italian che: a sound similar to the first part of the English diphthong (eɪ) in day or to the Scottish vowel in day

i

i in French il, German Idee, Spanish filo, Italian signore: a sound made with a tongue position similar to that of English (i:), but shorter

ɔ

o in Italian no, French bonne, German Sonne: a vowel resembling English (ɒ), but with a higher tongue position and more rounding of the lips

o

o in French rose, German so, Italian voce: a sound between English (ɔ:) and (u:) with closely rounded lips, similar to the Scottish vowel in so

u

ou in French genou, u in German kulant, Spanish puna: a sound made with a tongue position similar to that of English (u:), but shorter

y

u in French tu, ü in German über or fünf: a sound made with a tongue position similar to that of English (i:), but with closely rounded lips

ø

eu in French deux, ö in German schön: a sound made with the tongue position of (e), but with closely rounded lips

œ

œu in French œuf, ö in German zwölf: a sound made with a tongue position similar to that of English (ε), but with open rounded lips

~

above a vowel indicates nasalization, as in French un (), bon (), vin (), blanc (blã)

x

ch in Scottish loch, German Buch, j in Spanish Juan

ç

ch in German ich: a (j) sound as in yes, said without voice; similar to the first sound in huge

β

b in Spanish Habana: a voiced fricative sound similar to (v), but made by the two lips

ʎ

ll in Spanish llamar, gl in Italian consiglio: similar to the (lj) sequence in million, but with the tongue tip lowered and the sounds said simultaneously

ɥ

u in French lui: a short (y)

ɲ

gn in French vigne, Italian gnocchi, ñ in Spanish España: similar to the (nj) sequence in onion, but with the tongue tip lowered and the two sounds said simultaneously

ɣ

g in Spanish luego: a weak (ɡ) made with voiced friction

Abbreviations

adj

adjective

adv

adverb(ial)

anthropol

anthropology

archaeol

archaeology

architect

architecture

Austral

Australian

bacteriol

bacteriology

biochem

biochemistry

Brit

Britain; British

C

century (eg C14 = 14th century)

°C

degrees Celsius

chem

chemistry

conj

conjunction

crystallog

crystallography

E

east(ern)

eg

for example

embryol

embryology

entomol

entomology

esp

especially

est

estimate

fem

feminine

foll

followed

ft

foot or feet

ichthyol

ichthyology

ie

that is

immunol

immunology

in

inch(es)

interj

interjection

intr

intransitive

km

kilometre(s)

m

metre(s)

maths

mathematics

med

medicine

meteorol

meteorology

myth

mythology

n

noun

N

north(ern)

NE

northeast(ern)

no

number

NW

northwest(ern)

NZ

New Zealand

ophthalmol

ophthalmology

ornithol

ornithology

palaeontol

palaeontology

pathol

pathology

pharmacol

pharmacology

photog

photography

physiol

physiology

pl

plural

pop

population

prep

preposition(al)

pron

pronoun

psychol

psychology

pt

point

RC

Roman Catholic

S

south(ern)

Scot

Scottish; Scots

SE

southeast(ern)

sing

singular

sociol

sociology

sq

square

SW

southwest(ern)

telecomm

telecommunications

theol

theology

tr

transitive

US

United States

vb

verb

vet

veterinary

W

west(ern)

wt

weight

William Collins’ Dream

William Collins’ dream of knowledge for all began with the publication of his first book in 1819. A self-educated mill worker, he not only enriched millions of lives, but also founded a flourishing publishing house.William Collins’ dream of knowledge for all began with the publication of his first book in 1819. A self-educated mill worker, he not only enriched millions of lives, but also founded a flourishing publishing house.

Collins dictionary publishing began in 1824, with the publication of a Greek Lexicon. The first Collins English dictionary, Collins Senior (Etymological) Dictionary, was edited throughout the 1860s and published in 1874, with various versions following in later years. This was a large-format book with engravings, and while excellent, it was relatively expensive for people to buy. William Collins’ first pioneering contribution to dictionary publishing came in 1902, with the publication of the first edition of the Collins Gem Dictionary. This was the world’s first small-format dictionary, and also the world’s cheapest: William Collins’ idea was to publish a dictionary that everyone could afford. Collins Gem Dictionary soon became one of the company’s bestknown – and bestselling – books, familiar to generations of dictionary users, handed down from parent (and grandparent) to child, and as popular today as it has ever been.

Collins remain pioneering dictionary publishers today: our dictionaries are easy to use and up to date, benefiting from extensive language research using the Collins Corpus. Constantly updated, and with over 4.5 billion words, this living language resource helps Collins track and monitor language change, allowing us to identify the new words, phrases, and meanings that spring up every day.

The new, 13th edition of Collins English Dictionary reflects this unique breadth and depth, including 1000 newly added words and meanings – and listing 723,000 words, meanings, and phrases in total – making this the largest English dictionary available for Kindle. All of which means that when you use a Collins Dictionary, you are one of the best-informed language users in the world.

Find us at www.collinsdictionary.com.

Aa

■ 3.5G   n   same as high-speed downlink packet access

a or A (eI)   n, pl a's, A's or As   1 the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet   2 any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in take, bag, calm, shortage, or cobra   3 Also called: alpha the first in a series, esp the highest grade or mark, as in an examination   4 from A to Z from start to finish, thoroughly and in detail

a^1 (ə, stressed or emphatic eI)   determiner (indefinite article; used before an initial consonant)   1 used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known: a dog; a terrible disappointment   2 used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named: a Romeo   3 used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity: a cupful; a dozen eggs; a great many; to read a lot   4 used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided: half a loaf; a quarter of a minute   5 (preceded by once, twice, several times, etc) each or every; per: once a day; two pounds fifty a pound   6 a certain; one: to change policy at a stroke; a Mr Khan called   7 (preceded by not) any at all: not a hope   ▶ Compare an^1. See the^1

a^2 (ə)   vb   an informal or dialect word for have: they'd a said if they'd known

a^3 (ə)   prep   (usually linked to the preceding noun) an informal form of of: sorta sad; a kinda waste

a^4   symbol for   1 acceleration   2 are(s) (metric measure of land)   3 atto-   4 chess See algebraic notation

A   symbol for   1 music   a a note having a frequency of 440 hertz (A above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major   b a key, string, or pipe producing this note   c the major or minor key having this note as its tonic   2 a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen   3 (in Britain) a major arterial road: the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth   4 (formerly, in Britain)   a a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see   b (as modifier): an A film   5 mass number   6 the number 10 in hexadecimal notation   7 cards ace   8 chem argon (now superseded by Ar)   9 ampere(s)   10 Also: at ampere-turn   11 absolute (temperature)   12 (in circuit diagrams) ammeter   13 area   14 (in combination) atomic: an A-bomb; an A-plant   15 chem affinity   16 biochem adenine   17 logic a universal affirmative categorical proposition, such as all men are mortal: often symbolized as SaP. Compare E, I^2, O^1   18    a a person whose job is in top management, or who holds a senior administrative or professional position   b (as modifier): an A worker. See also occupation groupings   ▷ abbreviation for   19 Austria (international car registration) [from Latin a(ffirmo) I affirm]

■ A game   n   chiefly US and Canadian informal one's best possible performance (esp in the phrase bring or take one's A game)

■ A-sample   n   the primary urine or blood sample used in doping tests in professional sports; if the A-sample tests positive, the B-sample is tested to confirm or invalidate the results. See also B-sample

■ A-side   n   the side of a gramophone record regarded as the more important one

Å   symbol for   angstrom unit

A.   abbreviation for   1 acre(s) or acreage   2 America(n)   3 answer

a', aa or aw (ɔː)   determiner   Scot variants of all

a-1 or before a vowel an-   prefix   not; without; opposite to: atonal; asocial [from Greek a-, an- not, without]

a-2   prefix   1 on; in; towards: afoot; abed; aground; aback   2 literary or archaic (used before a present participle) in the act or process of: come a-running; go a-hunting   3 in the condition or state of: afloat; alive; asleep

A1, A-1 or A-one (ˈeIˈwʌn)   adj   1 in good health; physically fit   2 informal first-class; excellent   3 (of a vessel) with hull and equipment in first-class condition

A2 level   n (in British education)     a the second part of an A-level course, taken after the AS level examination   b the examination at the end of this

A3^1   n     a a standard paper size, 297 × 420 mm   b (as adjective): an A3 book. See also A sizes

A3^2   abbreviation for   text messaging anytime, anywhere, anyplace

A4   n     a a standard paper size, 210 × 297 mm   b (as adjective): an A4 book. See also A sizes

A5   n     a a standard paper size (half A4), 148 × 210 mm   b (as adjective): A5 notepaper. See also A sizes

aa^1 (ˈɑːɑː)   n   a volcanic rock consisting of angular blocks of lava with a very rough surface [Hawaiian]

aa^2   abbreviation for   ana^1

AA   abbreviation for   1 Alcoholics Anonymous   2 anti-aircraft   3 Architectural Association   4 (in Britain) Automobile Association   5 (in Britain) Advertising Association   ▷ symbol for   6 (in Britain, formerly) a film that may not be shown publicly to a child under fourteen

AAA   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Amateur Athletic Association   2 anti-aircraft artillery. See also triple A   3 Automobile Association of America   4 Automobile Association of Australia

Aachen (ˈɑːkən; German ˈaːxən)   n   a city and spa in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: the northern capital of Charlemagne's empire. Pop: 256 605 (2003 est). French name: Aix-la-Chapelle

Aadhar or Aadhaar (ɑːˈdɑː)   n   a unique 12-digit number linked to personal data, issued to residents of India [C21: from Hindi, literally: foundation]

aah (ɑː)   vb (intr)   informal to exclaim in pleasure or surprise

aal (ɑːl)   n   another name for Indian mulberry [Hindi]

Aalborg or Ålborg (Danish ˈɔlbɔr)   n   a city and port in Denmark, in N Jutland. Pop: 121 549 (2004 est)

Aalesund (Norwegian ˈoːləsun)   n   a variant spelling of Ålesund

aalii (ɑːˈliːiː)   n   a bushy sapindaceous shrub, Dodonaea viscosa, of Australia, Hawaii, Africa, and tropical America, having small greenish flowers and sticky foliage [Hawaiian]

Aalst (Flemish aːlst)   n   a town in central Belgium, in East Flanders province. Pop: 76 852 (2004 est). French name: Alost

Aalto (Finnish ˈɑːltɔ)   n   Alvar (ˈalvar). 1898–1976, Finnish architect and furniture designer, noted particularly for his public and industrial buildings. He invented bent plywood furniture (1932)

AAM   abbreviation for   1 air-to-air missile   2 text messaging as a matter of fact

A & E   abbreviation for   Accident and Emergency (department in hospitals)

A & M   abbreviation for   1 Agricultural and Mechanical   2 Ancient and Modern (hymn book)

A & P   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Agricultural and Pastoral (Association, Show, etc)

A & R   abbreviation for   artists and repertoire

AAP   abbreviation for   1 Australian Associated Press   2 (in the US) affirmative action program

Aarau (German ˈaːrau)   n   a town in N Switzerland, capital of Aargau canton: capital of the Helvetic Republic from 1798 to 1803. Pop: 15 470 (2000)

aardvark (ˈɑːdˌvɑːk)   n   a nocturnal mammal, Orycteropus afer, the sole member of its family (Orycteropodidae) and order (Tubulidentata). It inhabits the grasslands of Africa, has a long snout, and feeds on termites. Also called: ant bear [C19: from obsolete Afrikaans, from aarde earth + varken pig]

aardwolf (ˈɑːdˌwʊlf)   n, pl -wolves   a nocturnal mammal, Proteles cristatus, that inhabits the plains of southern Africa and feeds on termites and insect larvae: family Hyaenidae (hyenas), order Carnivora (carnivores) [C19: from Afrikaans, from aarde earth + wolf wolf]

Aargau (German ˈaːrɡau)   n   a canton in N Switzerland. Capital: Aarau. Pop: 556 200 (2002 est). Area: 1404 sq km (542 sq miles). French name: Argovie

aargh (ɑː)   interj   informal a cry of pain

Aarhus or Århus (Danish ˈʌhuːs)   n   a city and port in Denmark, in E Jutland. Pop: 228 547 (2004 est)

AARNet   abbreviation for   Australian Academic Research Network

Aaron (ˈɛərən)   n   Old Testament the first high priest of the Israelites, brother of Moses (Exodus 4:14)

■ Aaronic (ɛəˈrɒnIk)   adj   1 of or relating to Aaron, his family, or the priestly dynasty initiated by him   2 of or relating to the Israelite high priesthood   3 of or relating to the priesthood in general   4 Mormon Church denoting or relating to the second order of the Mormon priesthood

■ Aaron's beard   n   another name for rose of Sharon (sense 1)

■ Aaron's rod   n   1 the rod used by Aaron in performing a variety of miracles in Egypt. It later blossomed and produced almonds (Numbers 17)   2 a widespread Eurasian scrophulariaceous plant, Verbascum thapsus, having woolly leaves and tall erect spikes of yellow flowers

aarti (ˈɑːtI)   n   a Hindu ceremony in which lights with wicks soaked in ghee are lit and offered up to one or more deities [C21: Hindi]

A'asia   abbreviation for   Australasia

aasvogel (ˈɑːsˌfəʊɡəl)   n   archaic a South African vulture

AAVE   abbreviation for   African-American Vernacular English

Ab (æb)   n   a variant of Av

AB   abbreviation for   1 Also: a.b. able-bodied seaman   2 (in the US) Bachelor of Arts   3 (esp in postal addresses) Alberta (Canada)   ▷ symbol for   4 a human blood type of the ABO group, containing both the A antigen and the B antigen

ab-1   prefix   away from; off; outside of; opposite to: abnormal; abaxial; aboral [from Latin ab away from]

ab-2   prefix   denoting a cgs unit of measurement in the electromagnetic system: abvolt [abstracted from ABSOLUTE]

aba (ˈæbə)   n   1 a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair   2 a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth [from Arabic]

ABA   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Amateur Boxing Association   2 American Booksellers Association

abac (ˈeIbæk)   n   another name for nomogram [C20: from French, from Latin ABACUS]

abaca or abaka (ˈæbəkə)   n   1 a Philippine plant, Musa textilis, related to the banana: family Musaceae. Its leafstalks are the source of Manila hemp   2 another name for Manila hemp [via Spanish from Tagalog abaká]

aback (əˈbæk)   adv   1 taken aback   a startled or disconcerted   b nautical (of a vessel or sail) having the wind against the forward side so as to prevent forward motion   2 rare towards the back; backwards [Old English on bæc to the back]

abacterial (eIbækˈtIərIəl)   adj   not caused by or characterized by the presence of bacteria

abactinal (æbˈæktInəl)   adj   zoology (of organisms showing radial symmetry) situated away from or opposite to the mouth; aboral   > abˈactinally adv

abactor (æbˈæktə)   n   law a cattle thief

abacus (ˈæbəkəs)   n, pl -ci (-ˌsaI) or -cuses   1 a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move. Each rod designates a given denomination, such as units, tens, hundreds, etc, in the decimal system, and each bead represents a digit or a specific number of digits   2 architect the flat upper part of the capital of a column [C16: from Latin, from Greek abax board covered with sand for tracing calculations, from Hebrew ābhāq dust]

Abadan (ˌæbəˈdɑːn)   n   a port in SW Iran, on an island in the Shatt al Arab delta. Pop: 307 000 (2005 est)

Abaddon (əˈbædən)   n   1 the Devil (Revelation 9:11)   2 (in rabbinical literature) a part of Gehenna; Hell [Hebrew, literally: destruction]

abaft (əˈbɑːft) nautical   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 closer to the stern than to another place on a vessel: with the wind abaft   ▷ prep   2 behind; aft of: abaft the mast [C13: on baft; baft from Old English beæftan, from be by + æftan behind]

Abakan (Russian abaˈkan)   n   a city in S central Russia, capital of the Khakass Republic, at the confluence of the Yenisey and Abakan Rivers. Pop: 167 000 (2005 est)

abalone (ˌæbəˈləʊnI)   n   any of various edible marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Haliotis, having an ear-shaped shell that is perforated with a row of respiratory holes. The shells are used for ornament or decoration. Also called: ear shell, haliotis. See also ormer [C19: from American Spanish abulón; origin unknown]

abampere (æbˈæmpɛə)   n   the cgs unit of current in the electromagnetic system; the constant current that, when flowing through two parallel straight infinitely long conductors 1 centimetre apart, will produce a force between them of 2 dynes per centimetre: equivalent to 10 amperes. Abbreviation: abamp

aband (əˈbænd)   vb (tr)   another word for abandon

abandon (əˈbændən)   vb (tr)   1 to forsake completely; desert; leave behind: to abandon a baby; drivers had to abandon their cars   2 abandon ship the order given to the crew of a ship that is about to sink to take to the lifeboats   3 to give up completely: to abandon a habit; to abandon hope   4 to yield control of or concern in; relinquish: to abandon office   5 to give up (something begun) before completion: to abandon a job; the game was abandoned   6 to surrender (oneself) to emotion without restraint   7 to give (insured property that has suffered partial loss or damage) to the insurers in order that a claim for a total loss may be made   ▷ n   8 freedom from inhibitions, restraint, concern, or worry: she danced with abandon [C14: abandounen (vb), from Old French, from a bandon under one's control, in one's power, from a at, to + bandon control, power]   > aˈbandonment n

■ abandoned (əˈbændənd)   adj   1 deserted: an abandoned windmill   2 forsaken: an abandoned child   3 unrestrained; uninhibited: wild, abandoned dancing   4 depraved; profligate

■ abandonedly (əˈbændəndlI)   adv   in an unrestrained manner

■ abandonee (əˌbændəˈniː)   n   law a person to whom something is formally relinquished, esp an insurer having the right to salvage a wreck

■ abandoner (əˈbændənə)   n   a person or thing that abandons

■ abandonware (əˈbændənˌwɛə)   n   computer software which is no longer sold or supported by its publisher [C20: from ABANDON + (SOFT)WARE]

abapical (æbˈeIpIkəl)   adj   biology away from or opposite the apex

à bas French (a bɑ)   interj   down with!

abase (əˈbeIs)   vb (tr)   1 to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)   2 to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation [C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See BASE^2]   > aˈbasement n

■ abasedly (əˈbeIsIdlI)   adv   in an abased manner

■ abaser (əˈbeIsə)   n   a person who abases

abash (əˈbæʃ)   vb   (tr; usually passive) to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed [C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out + bair to gape, yawn]   > aˈbashment n

■ abashed (əˈbæʃt)   adj   ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; ashamed   > aˈbashedly adv

■ abashless (əˈbæʃlIs)   adj   unabashed

abasia (əˈbeIzIə)   n   a muscular disorder causing an inability to walk

abask (əˈbɑːsk)   adv   basking in sunshine

abate (əˈbeIt)   vb   1 to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc: the storm has abated   2 (tr) law   a to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance)   b to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action)   c to annul (a writ)   3 (intr) law (of a writ, legal action, etc) to become null and void   4 (tr) to subtract or deduct, as part of a price [C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell]

■ abatable (əˈbeItəbəl)   adj   able to be abated

■ abatement (əˈbeItmənt)   n   1 diminution or alleviation; decrease   2 suppression or termination: the abatement of a nuisance   3 the amount by which something is reduced, such as the cost of an article   4 property law a decrease in the payment to creditors or legatees when the assets of the debtor or estate are insufficient to meet all payments in full   5 property law (formerly) a wrongful entry on land by a stranger who takes possession after the death of the owner and before the heir has entered into possession

■ abater (əˈbeItə)   n   a person who or thing which abates

■ abator (əˈbeItə)   n   law a person who effects an abatement

abatis or abattis (ˈæbətIs, ˈæbətiː)   n fortifications   1 a rampart of felled trees bound together placed with their branches outwards   2 a barbed-wire entanglement before a position [C18: from French, from abattre to fell]

abattoir (ˈæbəˌtwɑː)   n   another name for slaughterhouse [C19: French, from abattre to fell]

abattu French (abaty)   adj   dejected

abature (ˈæbətʃə)   n   hunting the trail of trampled grass left by a hunted stag

abaxial (æbˈæksIəl) or abaxile (æbˈæksaIl)   adj   facing away from the axis, as the surface of a leaf. Compare adaxial

abaya (əˈbeIə)   n   a loose-fitting, long-sleeved robe worn by Muslim women in Arabic-speaking countries, often with a headscarf or veil [Arabic]

abb (æb)   n   weaving the yarn used for the warp

Abba^1 (ˈæbə)   n   Swedish pop group (1972–82): comprised Benny Andersson (born 1946), Agnetha Faltskog (born 1950), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born 1945), and Bjorn Ulvaeus (born 1945); numerous hit singles included "Waterloo" (1974), "Dancing Queen" (1977), and "The Winner Takes It All" (1980)

Abba^2 (ˈæbə)   n   1 New Testament father (used of God)   2 a title given to bishops and patriarchs in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Churches [from Aramaic]

abbacy (ˈæbəsI)   n, pl -cies   the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess [C15: from Church Latin abbātia, from abbāt- ABBOT]

Abbado (əˈbɑːdəʊ)   n   Claudio. 1933–2014, Italian conductor; principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra (1979–88); director of the Vienna State Opera (1986–91), and the Berlin Philharmonic (1989–2001)

Abbas (ˈæbəs)   n   Ferhat. 1899–1985, Algerian nationalist leader: joined the National Liberation Front (1956); president of the provisional government of the Algerian republic (1958–61)

Abbas I   n   called the Great. 1557–1628, shah of Persia. He greatly extended Persian territory by defeating the Uzbeks and the Ottomans

Abbasid (ˈæbəˌsId, əˈbæsId)   n     a any caliph of the dynasty that ruled the Muslim empire from Baghdad (750–1258) and claimed descent from Abbas, uncle of Mohammed   b (as modifier): the Abbasid dynasty

abbatial (əˈbeIʃəl)   adj   of or relating to an abbot, abbess, or abbey [C17: from Church Latin abbātiālis, from abbāt- ABBOT; see -AL^1]

Abbe (ˈæbI; German ˈaːbə)   n   Ernst. 1840–1905, German physicist, noted for his work in optics and the microscope condenser known as the Abbe condenser

abbé (ˈæbeI; French abe)   n   1 a French abbot   2 a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest

abbed (æbd)   adj informal   displaying well-developed abdominal muscles

abbess (ˈæbIs)   n   the female superior of a convent [C13: from Old French, from Church Latin abbātissa]

Abbeville (French abəvil)   n   a town in N France: brewing, sugar-refining, and carpet industries. Pop: 24 567 (1999)

Abbevillian (æbˈvIlIən, -jən) archaeol   n   1 the period represented by Lower Palaeolithic European sites containing the earliest hand axes, dating from the Mindel glaciation. See also Acheulian   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this period [C20: after ABBEVILLE, where the stone tools were discovered]

abbey (ˈæbI)   n   1 a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess   2 a church built in conjunction with such a building   3 such a community of monks or nuns [C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abbātia ABBACY]

Abbey Theatre   n   an influential theatre in Dublin (opened 1904): associated with it were Synge, Yeats, Lady Gregory, and O'Casey. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 but was rebuilt; it reopened in 1966

abbot (ˈæbət)   n   the superior of an abbey of monks. Related adjective: abbatial [Old English abbod, from Church Latin abbāt- (stem of abbas), ultimately from Aramaic abbā ABBA^2]   > ˈabbotˌship or ˈabbotcy n

Abbott (ˈæbət)   n   Tony, full name Anthony John Abbott. born 1957, Australian Liberal politician; prime minister (2013–2015)

abbrev. or abbr.   abbreviation for   abbreviation

abbreviate (əˈbriːvIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words   2 to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc   3 to cut short [C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief]   > abˈbreviˌator n

■ abbreviated (əˈbriːvIeItId)   adj   made into a shorter form

■ abbreviation (əˌbriːvIˈeIʃən)   n   1 a shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase used in place of the whole   2 the process or result of abbreviating

■ abbreviatory (əˌbriːvIˈeItərI)   adj   shortening

■ abbreviature (əˈbriːvIˌeItjə)   n   an abbreviation

ABC^1   n   1 (plural in US) the rudiments of a subject   2 an alphabetical guide to a subject   3 (often plural in US) the alphabet

ABC^2   abbreviation for   1 (formerly, of weapons or warfare) atomic, biological, and chemical   2 Australian Broadcasting Corporation   3 American Broadcasting Company   4 Audit Bureau of Circulation   5 Austral Australian-born Chinese: a person with Chinese parents, born and raised in Australia   6 US American-born Chinese: a person with Chinese parents, born and raised in the US   7 Brit acceptable behaviour contract: a voluntary written agreement between someone who has been involved in anti-social behaviour and a local agency such as a council or police

abcee (ˈæbsiː)   n   the alphabet

abcoulomb (æbˈkuːlɒm)   n   the cgs unit of electric charge in the electromagnetic system; the charge per second passing any cross section of a conductor through which a steady current of 1 abampere is flowing: equivalent to 10 coulombs

abdabs (ˈæbˌdæbz)   n   Brit old-fashioned a case of extreme anxiety

Abd Allah (æbd ˈælə)   n   1846–99, Sudanese leader; he led the uprising against the Egyptian government of Sudan; defeated by Kitchener in 1898

Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (æbd alˈmælIk Ibən ˈmɑːrwɑːn)   n   ?646–705 AD, fifth caliph (685–705) of the Omayyad Arab dynasty. He pacified the Muslim empire and extended its territory in North Africa

Abdelkader (ˌæbdʊlˈkɑːdə)   n   ?1807–83, Algerian nationalist, who resisted the French invasion of Algeria and established (1837) an independent state. He surrendered to the French in 1847

Abd-el-Krim (ˌæbdʊlˈkrIm)   n   1882–1963, Moroccan chief who led revolts against Spain and France, surrendered before their combined forces in 1926, but later formed the North African independence movement

Abdias (æbˈdaIəs)   n   Bible the Douay form of Obadiah

abdicate (ˈæbdIˌkeIt)   vb   to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally [C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim]   > abdicable (ˈæbdIkəbəl) adj   > ˌabdiˈcation n   > abdicative (æbˈdIkətIv) adj   > ˈabdiˌcator n

■ abdicant (ˈæbdIkənt)   n   a person who abdicates

abdomen (ˈæbdəmən, æbˈdəʊ-)   n   1 the region of the body of a vertebrate that contains the viscera other than the heart and lungs. In mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm   2 the front or surface of this region; belly. Related adjective: coeliac   3 (in arthropods) the posterior part of the body behind the thorax, consisting of up to ten similar segments [C16: from Latin; origin obscure]   > abdominal (æbˈdɒmInəl) adj   > abˈdominally adv

■ abdominal crunch   n   another term for sit up (sense 4)

■ abdominals (æbˈdɒmInəlz)   pl n   the abdominal muscles, esp when talking about exercise

■ abdominal thrust   n   another name for Heimlich manoeuvre

■ abdominous (æbˈdɒmInəs)   adj   pot-bellied

abdominoplasty (æbˈdɒmInəʊˌplæstI)   n, pl -ies   the surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen

abducent (æbˈdjuːsənt)   adj   (of a muscle) abducting [C18: from Latin abdūcent-, abdūcens leading away, from abdūcere, from ab- away + dūcere to lead, carry]

■ abduce (æbˈdjuːs)   vb (tr)   obsolete to abduct

■ abducens nerve (æbˈdjuːsənz) or abducent nerve   n   either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves, which supply the lateral rectus muscle of the eye

abduct (æbˈdʌkt)   vb (tr)   1 to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap   2 (of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body. Compare adduct [C19: from the past participle of Latin abdūcere to lead away]   > abˈductor n

■ abductee (ˌæbdʌkˈtiː)   n   someone who is abducted

■ abduction (æbˈdʌkʃən)   n   1 the act of taking someone away by force or cunning; kidnapping   2 the action of certain muscles in pulling a leg, arm, etc away from the median axis of the body

Abdul-Hamid II (ˌæbdʊlhæˈmiːd)   n   1842–1918, sultan of Turkey (1876–1909), deposed by the Young Turks, noted for his brutal suppression of the Armenian revolt (1894–96)

Abdul Kalam (ˈæbdʊl kɑːˈlɑːm)   n   A(vul) P(akir) J(ainulabdeen). 1931–2015, Indian scientist and statesman; president of India (2002–07)

Abdullah (æbˈdʌlə)   n   1882–1951, emir of Transjordan (1921–46) and first king of Jordan (1946–51). He joined the Arab revolt against Turkish rule in World War I; assassinated 1951

Abdullah II   n   born 1962, King of Jordan from 1999, son of King Hussein. See Hussein (sense 1)

Abdul Rahman (ˈæbdʊl ˈrɑːmən)   n   Tunku. 1903–90, Malaysian statesman; prime minister of Malaya (1957–63) and of Malaysia (1963–70)

abeam (əˈbiːm)   adv, adj   (postpositive) at right angles to the length and directly opposite the centre of a vessel or aircraft [C19: A-2 + BEAM]

abear (əˈbɛə)   vb (tr)   obsolete to endure or to behave

abecedarian (ˌeIbiːsiːˈdɛərIən)   n   1 a person who is learning the alphabet or the rudiments of a subject   ▷ adj   2 alphabetically arranged [C17: from Late Latin abecedarius, from the letters a, b, c, d]

abed (əˈbɛd)   adv   archaic in bed

Abednego (əˈbɛdnIˌɡəʊ)   n   Old Testament one of Daniel's three companions who, together with Shadrach and Meshach, was miraculously saved from destruction in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace (Daniel 3:12–30)

abegging (əˈbɛɡIŋ)   adj   in the act of begging

abeigh (aˈbeI)   adv   aloof

Abel (ˈeIbəl)   n   Old Testament the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd, murdered by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:1–8)

Abelard (ˈæbəˌlɑːd)   n   Peter. French name Pierre Abélard. 1079–1142, French scholastic philosopher and theologian whose works include Historia Calamitatum and Sic et Non (1121). His love for Héloïse is recorded in their correspondence

abele (əˈbiːl, ˈeIbəl)   n   another name for white poplar [C16: from Dutch abeel, ultimately related to Latin albus white]

abelia (əˈbiːlIə)   n   an ornamental garden shrub with pink or white flowers

Abelian group (əˈbiːlIən)   n   a group the defined binary operation of which is commutative: if a and b are members of an Abelian group then ab = ba [C19: named after Niels Henrik Abel (1802–29), Norwegian mathematician]

abelmosk (ˈeIbəlˌmɒsk)   n   a tropical bushy malvaceous plant, Hibiscus abelmoschus, cultivated for its yellow-and-crimson flowers and for its musk-scented seeds, which yield an oil used in perfumery. Also called: musk mallow [New Latin, from Arabic abu'l misk father of musk]

Abelson (ˈeIbəlsən)   n   Philip. 1913–2004, US physical chemist. He created (with Edwin McMillan) the first transuranic element, neptunium (1940)

Abeokuta (ˌæbIəʊˈkuːtə)   n   a town in W Nigeria, capital of Ogun state. Pop: 487 000 (2005 est)

aber (ˈæbə)   n   geography (in Wales) an estuary, or the mouth of a river

Abercrombie (ˈæbəˌkrɒmbI)   n   Sir (Leslie) Patrick. 1879–1957, British town planner and architect, best known for The County of London Plan (1943) and The Greater London Plan (1944)

Aberdare (ˌæbəˈdɛə)   n   a town in South Wales, in Rhondda Cynon Taff county borough. Pop: 31 705 (2001)

Aberdeen^1 (ˌæbəˈdiːn)   n   1 a city in NE Scotland, on the North Sea: centre for processing North Sea oil and gas; university (1494). Pop: 184 788 (2001)   2 City of Aberdeen a council area in NE Scotland, established in 1996. Pop: 206 600 (2003 est). Area: 186 sq km (72 sq miles)

■ Aberdeen Angus   n   a black hornless breed of beef cattle originating in Scotland

■ Aberdeenshire (ˌæbəˈdiːnˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a council area and historical county of N Scotland, on the North Sea: became part of Grampian Region in 1975 but reinstated as an independent unitary authority (with adjusted borders) in 1996: rises to the Grampian and Cairngorm Mountains in the SW: chiefly agricultural (esp sheep and stock raising). Administrative centre: Aberdeen. Pop: 229 330 (2003 est). Area 6319 sq km (2439 sq miles)

■ Aberdeen terrier   n   a former name for Scottish terrier

■ Aberdonian (ˌæbəˈdəʊnIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Aberdeen   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Aberdeen or its inhabitants

Aberdeen^2 (ˌæbəˈdiːn)   n   George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of. 1784–1860, British statesman. He was foreign secretary under Wellington (1828) and Peel (1841–46); became prime minister of a coalition ministry in 1852 but was compelled to resign after mismanagement of the Crimean War (1855)

aberdevine (ˌæbədIˈviːn)   n   a former name for the siskin, when kept as a cagebird [C18: of unknown origin]

Aberfan (ˌæbəˈvæn)   n   a former coal-mining village in S Wales, in Merthyr Tydfil county borough: scene of a disaster in 1966 when a slag heap collapsed onto part of the village killing 144 people (including 116 children)

abernethy (ˌæbəˈnɛθI)   n   a crisp unleavened biscuit [C19: perhaps named after Dr. John Abernethy (1764–1831), English surgeon interested in diet]

aberrant (æˈbɛrənt)   adj   1 deviating from the normal or usual type, as certain animals from the group in which they are classified   2 behaving in an abnormal or untypical way   3 deviating from truth, morality, etc [rare before c19: from the present participle of Latin aberrāre to wander away]   > abˈerrance or abˈerrancy n   > aˈberrantly adv

aberration (ˌæbəˈreIʃən)   n   1 deviation from what is normal, expected, or usual   2 departure from truth, morality, etc   3 a lapse in control of one's mental faculties   4 optics a defect in a lens or mirror that causes the formation of either a distorted image or one with coloured fringes. See also spherical aberration, chromatic aberration   5 astronomy the apparent displacement of a celestial body due to the finite speed of light and the motion of the observer with the earth

■ aberrate (ˈæbəˌreIt)   vb (intr)   to deviate from what is normal or correct

■ aberrational (ˌæbəˈreIʃənəl)   adj   characterized by aberration

Aberystwyth (ˌæbəˈrIstwIθ)   n   a resort and university town in Wales, in Ceredigion on Cardigan Bay. Pop: 15 935 (2001)

abessive (æbˈɛsIv)   n   linguistics the grammatical case indicating absence

abet (əˈbɛt)   vb abets, abetting, abetted   (tr) to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing [C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait]   > aˈbetment or aˈbettal n   > aˈbetter or esp law aˈbettor n

abeyance (əˈbeIəns) or abeyancy (əˈbeIənsI)   n   1 (usually preceded by in or into) a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily   2 (usually preceded by in) law an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained [C16-17: from Anglo-French, from Old French abeance expectation, literally a gaping after, a reaching towards]   > aˈbeyant adj

abfarad (æbˈfæræd, -əd)   n   the cgs unit of capacitance in the electromagnetic system; the capacitance of a capacitor having a charge of 1 abcoulomb and a potential difference of 1 abvolt between its conductors: equivalent to 10^9 farads

ABH   abbreviation for   actual bodily harm

abhenry (æbˈhɛnrI)   n, pl -ries   the cgs unit of inductance in the electromagnetic system; the inductance that results when a rate of change of current of 1 abampere per second generates an induced emf of 1 abvolt: equivalent to 10–9 henry

abhominable (əˈbɒmInəbəl)   adj   another word for abominable

abhor (əbˈhɔː)   vb -hors, -horring, -horred   (tr) to detest vehemently; find repugnant; reject [C15: from Latin abhorrēre to shudder at, shrink from, from ab- away from + horrēre to bristle, shudder]   > abˈhorrer n

■ abhorrence (əbˈhɒrəns) or abhorrency (əbˈhɒrənsI)   n   1 a feeling of extreme loathing or aversion   2 a person or thing that is loathsome

■ abhorrent (əbˈhɒrənt)   adj   1 repugnant; loathsome   2 (when postpositive, foll by of) feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for): abhorrent of vulgarity   3 (usually postpositive and foll by to) conflicting (with): abhorrent to common sense   > abˈhorrently adv

Abia (æbˈiːa)   n   a state of SE Nigeria. Capital: Umuahia. Pop: 2 833 999 (2006 est). Area: 6320 sq km (2440 sq miles)

Abib (Hebrew ɑˈbiːb)   n   Judaism an older name for the month of Nisan [Hebrew ābhībh ear of grain, hence the month when grain was fresh]

abide (əˈbaId)   vb abides, abiding, abode or abided   1 (tr) to tolerate; put up with   2 (tr) to accept or submit to; suffer: to abide the court's decision   3 (intr; foll by by)   a to comply (with): to abide by the decision   b to remain faithful (to): to abide by your promise   4 (intr) to remain or continue   5 (intr) archaic to dwell   6 (tr) archaic to await in expectation   7 (tr) archaic to withstand or sustain; endure: to abide the onslaught [Old English ābīdan, from a- (intensive) + bīdan to wait, bide]   > aˈbidance n   > aˈbider n

■ abiding (əˈbaIdIŋ)   adj   permanent; enduring: an abiding belief   > aˈbidingly adv

Abidjan (ˌæbIˈdʒɑːn; French abidʒɑ̃)   n   a port in Côte d'Ivoire, on the Gulf of Guinea: the commercial capital (Yamoussoukro became the administrative capital in 1983). Pop: 4 859 798 (2015 est)

abies (ˈæbIˌiːz)   n, pl abietes (ˌæbIˈeItiːz)   any conifer of the genus Abies; a fir tree

abietic acid (ˌæbIˈɛtIk)   n   a yellowish powder occurring naturally as a constituent of rosin and used in lacquers, varnishes, and soap. Formula: C_19H_29COOH; melting pt: 173°C [C19: abietic, from Latin abiēt-, from abiēs silver fir (the acid originally being extracted from the resin)]

Abigail (ˈæbIˌɡeIl)   n   Old Testament the woman who brought provisions to David and his followers and subsequently became his wife (I Samuel 25:1–42)

Abilene (ˈæbIˌliːn)   n   a city in central Texas. Pop: 114 889 (2003 est)

ability (əˈbIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power: the ability to cope with a problem   2 considerable proficiency; natural capability: a person of ability   3 (plural) special talents [C14: from Old French from Latin habilitās aptitude, handiness, from habilis ABLE]

Abingdon (ˈæbIŋdən)   n   a market town in S England, in Oxfordshire. Pop: 36 010 (2001)

ab initio Latin (æb IˈnIʃIˌəʊ)     from the start; from scratch: ab initio courses

abiogenesis (ˌeIbaIəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   1 Also called: autogenesis the hypothetical process by which living organisms first arose on earth from nonliving matter   2 another name for spontaneous generation. Compare biogenesis [C19: New Latin, from A-1 + BIO- + GENESIS]   > ˌabiogeˈnetic adj   > ˌabiogeˈnetically adv   > abiogenist (ˌeIbaIˈɒdʒInIst) n

■ abiogenic (ˈeIbaIəʊˌdʒɛnIk)   adj   another word for abiogenetic   > ˈabioˌgenically adv

abiological (ˌeIbaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   not involving living organisms

abiosis (ˌeIbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   absence of life [C20: from A-1 + Greek biōsis a way of living]   > abiotic (ˌeIbaIˈɒtIk) adj   > abiotically (ˌeIbaIˈɒtIkəlI) adv

abiotrophy (ˌeIbaIəʊˈtrəʊfI)   n   the progressive degeneration of tissues, cells, etc [C20: from Greek A-1 + BIO- + TROPHY]   > ˌabioˈtrophic adj

abirritate (æbˈIrIˌteIt)   vb   (tr) med obsolete to soothe or make less irritable

■ abirritant (æbˈIrItənt)   adj   1 relieving irritation   ▷ n   2 any drug or agent that relieves irritation

Abitur (ˌɑːbIˈtʊə)   n   (sometimes without capital) the final school examination in Germany

abiturient (ˌæbIˈtjʊərIənt)   n   a German student who is leaving secondary school and going to university after taking the final examination

abject (ˈæbdʒɛkt)   adj   1 utterly wretched or hopeless   2 miserable; forlorn; dejected   3 indicating humiliation; submissive: an abject apology   4 contemptible; despicable; servile: an abject liar [C14: (in the sense: rejected, cast out): from Latin abjectus thrown or cast away, from abjicere, from ab- away + jacere to throw]   > abˈjection n   > ˈabjectly adv   > ˈabjectness n

abjoint (æbˈdʒɔInt)   vb (tr)   biology to cut off part of a mycelium or spore by forming a septum

■ abjunction (æbˈdʒʌŋkʃən)   n   biology the act of cutting off part of a mycelium or spore by forming a septum

abjure (əbˈdʒʊə)   vb (tr)   1 to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath   2 to abstain from or reject [C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath]   > ˌabjuˈration n   > abˈjurer n

Abkhaz (æbˈkɑːz)   n   1 Also called: Abkhazi, Abkhazian (pl -khaz) a member of a Georgian people living east of the Black Sea   2 the language of this people, belonging to the North-West Caucasian family

Abkhazia (æbˈkɑːzIə) or Abkhaz Autonomous Republic   n   a disputed region of NW Georgia, between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains: a subtropical region, with mountains rising over 3900 m (13 000 ft); Abkhazian separatists seized control of the region in 1993; Russia formally recognized it as an independent republic following the Russian-Georgian war of 2008, although Georgia still claims the region as part of its territory. Capital: Sokhumi. Pop: 220 600 (2006 est). Area: 8600 sq km (3320 sq miles). Also called: Abkhaz Autonomous Republic

abl.   abbreviation for   ablative

ablactation (ˌæblækˈteIʃən)   n   1 the weaning of an infant   2 the cessation of milk secretion in the breasts

ablation (æbˈleIʃən)   n   1 the surgical removal of an organ, structure, or part   2 the melting or wearing away of an expendable part, such as the heat shield of a space re-entry vehicle on passing through the earth's atmosphere   3 the wearing away of a rock or glacier [C15: from Late Latin ablatiōn-, from Latin auferre to carry away, remove]

■ ablate (æbˈleIt)   vb   (tr) to remove by ablation [C20: back formation from ABLATION]

■ ablatitious (ˌæbləˈtIʃəs)   adj   1 med relating to the surgical removal of an organ, structure, or part   2 astronomy archaic tending to reduce or diminish

ablative (ˈæblətIv)   adj   1 grammar (in certain inflected languages such as Latin) denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb   2 taking away or removing: ablative surgery   3 able to disintegrate or be worn away at a very high temperature: a thick layer of ablative material   ▷ n   4 grammar   a the ablative case   b a word or speech element in the ablative case

■ ablatival (ˌæbləˈtaIvəl)   adj   grammar relating to the ablative case

■ ablative absolute   n   an absolute construction in Latin grammar in which a governor noun and a modifier in the ablative case function as a sentence modifier; for example, hostibus victis, "the enemy having been beaten"

■ ablatively (ˈæblətIvlI)   adv   1 physics in a way that relates to the melting or wearing away of an expendable part   2 grammar in a way that relates to the ablative case

■ ablator (æbˈleItə)   n   the heat shield of a space vehicle, which melts or wears away during re-entry into the earth's atmosphere [C20: from ABLATION]

ablaut (ˈæblaʊt; German ˈaplaut)   n   linguistics vowel gradation, esp in Indo-European languages. See gradation (sense 5) [German, coined 1819 by Jakob Grimm from ab off + Laut sound]

ablaze (əˈbleIz)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 on fire; burning   2 brightly illuminated   3 emotionally aroused

able (ˈeIbəl)   adj   1 (postpositive) having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc, to do something: able to swim   2 capable; competent; talented: an able teacher   3 law qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act [C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from habēre to have, hold + -ilis -ILE]

■ able rating   n   (esp in the Royal Navy) a rating who is qualified to perform certain duties of seamanship

■ ably (ˈeIblI)   adv   in a competent or skilful manner

-able   suffix forming adjectives   1 capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated): enjoyable; pitiable; readable; separable; washable   2 inclined to; given to; able to; causing: comfortable; reasonable; variable [via Old French from Latin -ābilis, -ībilis, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix]   > -ably suffix forming adverbs   > -ability suffix forming nouns

able-bodied   adj   1 physically strong and healthy; robust   2 not having a physical disability

USAGE

Preferred form: non-disabled

■ able-bodied seaman   n   an ordinary seaman, esp one in the merchant navy, who has been trained in certain skills. Also: able seaman. Abbreviation: AB, a.b.

abled (ˈeIbəld)   adj   having a range of physical powers as specified (esp in the phrases less abled, differently abled)

ablegate (æbˈlɛɡət)   n   RC theol a papal envoy who has important duties abroad such as bringing a cardinal's insignia to him when he has just been appointed, or taking a message to a sovereign

ableism (ˈeIbəlˌIzəm)   n   discrimination against disabled people

■ ableist (ˈeIbəlIst)   adj   1 discriminating against disabled people   ▷ n   2 a person who discriminates against disabled people

able-minded   adj   having full or superior mental capacity

ablet (ˈæblət)   n   a small freshwater fish, Leuciscus alburnus

ablings (ˈeIblIŋz) or ablins (ˈeIblInz)   adv   Scot possibly; perhaps

abloom (əˈbluːm)   adj   (postpositive) in flower; blooming

ablow (əˈbləʊ)   adj (postpositive) literature   1 in bloom; blossoming   2 blowing; being blown

ablush (əˈblʌʃ)   adj   (postpositive) (of a person) blushing

abluted (əˈbluːtId)   adj   washed thoroughly

ablution (əˈbluːʃən)   n   1 the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels   2 (often plural) the act of washing (esp in the phrase perform one's ablutions)   3 (plural) military informal a washing place [C14: ultimately from Latin ablūere to wash away]   > abˈlutionary adj

■ abluent (ˈæblʊənt) med, technical   n   1 a substance used for cleansing   ▷ adj   2 (of a substance) washing away impurities; cleansing

■ ablutomane (əˈbluːtəʊˌmeIn)   n   formal a person who is obsessive about washing himself or herself

ABM   abbreviation for   antiballistic missile

abmho (ˈæbˌməʊ)   n, pl -mhos   a unit of electrical conductance

Abnaki (æbˈnɑːkI)   n   1 (pl -ki or -kis) a member of an indigenous North American people formerly living in Maine and Quebec   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family

abnegate (ˈæbnIˌɡeIt)   vb   (tr) to deny to oneself; renounce (privileges, pleasure, etc) [C17: from Latin abnegāre to deny]   > ˌabneˈgation n   > ˈabneˌgator n

Abney level (ˈæbnI)   n   a surveying instrument consisting of a spirit level and a sighting tube, used to measure the angle of inclination of a line from the observer to another point [C20: named after Sir William Abney (1843–1920), British chemist and physicist]

abnormal (æbˈnɔːməl)   adj   1 not normal; deviating from the usual or typical; extraordinary   2 informal odd in behaviour or appearance; strange [C19: AB-1 + NORMAL, replacing earlier anormal from Medieval Latin anormalus, a blend of Late Latin anōmalus ANOMALOUS + Latin abnormis departing from a rule]   > abˈnormally adv

■ abnormalism (æbˈnɔːməlIzəm)   n   1 philosophy a belief that unusual conditions and circumstances are more important as causes of subsequent events than normal conditions   2 a formal word for abnormality

■ abnormality (ˌæbnɔːˈmælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 an abnormal feature, event, etc   2 deviation from the typical or usual; irregularity

■ abnormal psychology   n   the study of behaviour patterns that diverge widely from generally accepted norms, esp those of a pathological nature

■ abnormity (æbˈnɔːmItI)   n, pl -ities   formal lack of normality; a deviation from the usual or typical

■ abnormous (æbˈnɔːməs)   adj   formal abnormal; irregular or misshapen

Abo (ˈæbəʊ)   n, pl Abos (sometimes not capital) Austral offensive, slang     short for Aborigine, Aboriginal

USAGE

Because of its highly offensive nature, this word is now completely unacceptable

Åbo (ˈoːbuː)   n   the Swedish name for Turku

aboard (əˈbɔːd)   adv, adj, prep (postpositive)   1 on, in, onto, or into (a ship, train, aircraft, etc)   2 nautical alongside (a vessel)   3 all aboard! a warning to passengers to board a vehicle, ship, etc

abode^1 (əˈbəʊd)   n   a place in which one lives; one's home [C17: n formed from ABIDE]

abode^2 (əˈbəʊd)   vb   a past tense and past participle of abide

abodement (əˈbəʊdmənt)   n   archaic a sign that something good or bad is about to happen

abohm (æbˈəʊm, ˈæbˌəʊm)   n   the cgs unit of resistance in the electromagnetic system: equivalent to 10-9 ohm

aboideau (ˈæbəˌdəʊ) or aboiteau (ˈæbəˌtəʊ)   n, pl -deaus, -deaux (-ˌdəʊz) or -teaus, -teaux (-ˌtəʊz) (in the Canadian Maritimes)   1 a dyke with a sluicegate that allows flood water to drain but keeps the sea water out   2 a sluicegate in a dyke [Canadian French]

aboil (əˈbɔIl)   adj (postpositive) literary   1 boiling   2 indicating a volatile situation in which people are very excited or angry

abolish (əˈbɒlIʃ)   vb   (tr) to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to [C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy]   > aˈbolishable adj   > aˈbolisher n   > aˈbolishment n

■ abolition (ˌæbəˈlIʃən)   n   1 the act of abolishing or the state of being abolished; annulment   2 (often capital) (in British territories) the ending of the slave trade (1807) or the ending of slavery (1833): accomplished after a long campaign led by William Wilberforce   3 (often capital) (in the US) the emancipation of the slaves, accomplished by the Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863 and ratified in 1865 [C16: from Latin abolitio, from abolēre to destroy]   > ˌaboˈlitionary adj   > ˌaboˈlitionism n   > ˌaboˈlitionist n, adj

■ abolitional (ˌæbəˈlIʃənəl)   adj   formal aiming to abolish something, esp slavery

abolla (æbˈɒlə)   n   a cloak worn by Roman soldiers, worn draped over one shoulder and fastened with a metal brooch

aboma (æbˈəʊmə)   n   a large South American snake, Boa aboma

abomasum (ˌæbəˈmeIsəm) or abomasus (ˌæbəˈmeIsəs)   n, pl -sa (-sə) or -si (-saI)   the fourth and last compartment of the stomach of ruminants, which receives and digests food from the psalterium and passes it on to the small intestine [C18: New Latin, from AB-1 + omāsum bullock's tripe]

■ abomasal (ˌæbəʊˈmeIsəl)   adj   of or relating to the abomasum

A-bomb   n   short for atomic bomb

abominable (əˈbɒmInəbəl)   adj   1 offensive; loathsome; detestable   2 informal very bad, unpleasant, or inferior: abominable weather; abominable workmanship [C14: from Latin abōminābilis, from abōminārī to ABOMINATE]   > aˈbominably adv

■ abominableness (əˈbɒmInəbəlnəs)   n   formal the state or quality of being abominable; loathsomeness

■ abominable snowman   n   a large legendary manlike or apelike creature, alleged to inhabit the Himalayan Mountains. Also called: yeti [a translation of Tibetan metohkangmi, from metoh foul + kangmi snowman]

abominate (əˈbɒmIˌneIt)   vb   (tr) to dislike intensely; loathe; detest [C17: from the past participle of Latin abōminārī to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from + ōmin-, from OMEN]   > aˈbomiˌnator n

■ abomination (əˌbɒmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 a person or thing that is disgusting   2 an action that is vicious, vile, etc   3 intense loathing

abondance (French abɔ̃dɑ̃s)   n   cards a variant spelling of abundance (sense 6)

à bon marché French (a bɔ̃ marʃe)   adv   at a bargain price

abonnement French (abɔnmɑ̃)   n   a subscription

aboral (æbˈɔːrəl)   adj   zoology away from or opposite the mouth

■ aborally (æbˈɔːrəlI)   adv   away from or opposite the mouth

abord (əˈbɔːd)   vb (tr)   archaic to approach or accost someone

aborigine (ˌæbəˈrIdʒInI)   n   an original inhabitant of a country or region who has been there from the earliest known times [C16: back formation from aborigines, from Latin: inhabitants of Latium in pre-Roman times, probably representing some tribal name but associated in folk etymology with ab origine from the beginning]

■ aborigen (əˈbɒrIdʒIn)   n   formal another word for aborigine

■ aborigin (æbˈɒrIdʒIn) formal   adj   1 another word for aboriginal   ▷ n   2 another word for aborigine

■ aboriginal (ˌæbəˈrIdʒInəl)   adj   existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous   > ˌaboˈriginally adv

■ aboriginalism (ˌæbəˈrIdʒInəlIzəm)   n   a view of aboriginal cultures as being primitive and exotic, and having little to do with the modern world

■ aboriginal title   n   Canadian the inherent right of indigenous peoples to own territory traditionally occupied by them before colonization

Aborigine (ˌæbəˈrIdʒInI)   n   1 Also called: Aboriginal a member of the indigenous people who were living in Australia when European settlers arrived   2 any of the languages of this people. See also Australian (sense 3)

■ Aboriginal (ˌæbəˈrIdʒInəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of the indigenous peoples of Australia   ▷ n   2 another word for an Australian Aborigine

USAGE

The Australian government suggests that the most exact and inclusive way of referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Other terms which are acceptable are: Aboriginal people(s), Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

■ Aboriginalia (ˌæbəˌrIdʒIˈneIlIə)   n   objects from Aboriginal culture used as decorations, esp when they produce a distorted, sentimental view of Aborigines and Aboriginal history

■ Aboriginality (ˌæbəˌrIdʒIˈnælItI)   n   the state of being Aboriginal, esp with regard to having a common Aboriginal culture

aborne (ˈeIˌbɔːn)   adj   archaic auburn

aborning (əˈbɔːnIŋ)   adv   US while being born, developed, or realized (esp in the phrase die aborning) [C20: from A-2 + borning, from BORN]

abort (əˈbɔːt)   vb   1 to undergo or cause (a woman) to undergo the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable   2 (tr) to cause (a fetus) to be expelled from the womb before it is viable   3 (intr) to fail to come to completion; go wrong   4 (tr) to stop the development of; cause to be abandoned   5 (intr) to give birth to a dead or nonviable fetus   6 (of a space flight, military operation, etc) to fail or terminate prematurely   7 (intr) (of an organism or part of an organism) to fail to develop into the mature form   ▷ n   8 the premature termination or failure of (a space flight, military operation, etc) [C16: from Latin abortāre, from the past participle of aborīrī to miscarry, from ab- wrongly, badly + orīrī to appear, arise, be born]

■ abortee (ˌæbɔːˈtiː)   n   1 another word for aborter   2 a fetus that has been aborted

■ aborter (əˈbɔːtə)   n   a woman who is having or has had an abortion

■ abortion (əˈbɔːʃən)   n   1 an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable   2 the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus   3 the products of abortion; an aborted fetus   4 the arrest of development of an organ   5 a failure to develop to completion or maturity: the project proved an abortion   6 a thing that is badly formed   > aˈbortional adj

■ abortionist (əˈbɔːʃənIst)   n   1 a person who performs abortions, esp illegally   2 a person who is in favour of abortion on demand

■ abortion pill   n   a drug, such as mifepristone, used to terminate a pregnancy in its earliest stage

■ abortive (əˈbɔːtIv)   adj   1 failing to achieve a purpose; fruitless   2 (of organisms) imperfectly developed; rudimentary   3 causing abortion; abortifacient

■ abortively (əˈbɔːtIvlI)   adv   unsuccessfully

■ abortiveness (əˈbɔːtIvnəs)   n   1 biology imperfect development; rudimentary nature   2 formal failure to achieve a purpose; fruitlessness

aborticide (əˈbɔːtIˌsaId)   n   1 the killing of an unborn fetus   2 med another word for abortifacient

abortifacient (əˌbɔːtIˈfeIʃənt)   adj   1 causing abortion   ▷ n   2 a drug or agent that causes abortion

abortuary (əˈbɔːtʃʊərI)   n, pl -ries   US a place where abortions are carried out

abortus (əˈbɔːtəs)   n   med an aborted human fetus, esp one that is less than 12 weeks old or weighs less than 17 oz

ABO system   n   a system for classifying human blood on the basis of the presence or absence of two antigens on the red cell membrane: there are four such blood types (A, B, AB, and O)

Aboukir Bay or Abukir Bay (ˌæbuːˈkIə)   n   a bay on the N coast of Egypt, where the Nile enters the Mediterranean: site of the Battle of the Nile (1798), in which Nelson defeated the French fleet. Arabic name: Abu Qîr (abuˈkiːr)

aboulia (əˈbuːlIə, -ˈbjuː-)   n   a variant spelling of abulia

■ aboulic (əˈbuːlIk, əˈbjuːlIk)   adj   another word for abulic

abound (əˈbaʊnd)   vb (intr)   1 to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful: a swamp in which snakes abound   2 (foll by with or in) to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with): the gardens abound with flowers; the fields abound in corn [C14: via Old French from Latin abundāre to overflow, from undāre to flow, from unda wave]

about (əˈbaʊt)   prep   1 relating to; concerning; on the subject of   2 near or close to (in space or time)   3 carried on: I haven't any money about me   4 on every side of; all the way around   5 active in or engaged in: she is about her business   6 about to   a on the point of; intending to: she was about to jump   b (with a negative) determined not to: nobody is about to miss it   ▷ adv   7 approximately; near in number, time, degree, etc: about 50 years old   8 nearby   9 here and there; from place to place; in no particular direction: walk about to keep warm   10 all around; on every side   11 in or to the opposite direction: he turned about and came back   12 in rotation or revolution: turn and turn about   13 used in informal phrases to indicate understatement: I've had just about enough of your insults; it's about time you stopped   14 archaic in circumference; around   ▷ adj   15 (predicative) active; astir after sleep: up and about   16 (predicative) in existence, current, or in circulation: there aren't many about nowadays [Old English abūtan, onbūtan on the outside of, around, from ON + būtan outside]

■ abouts (əˈbaʊts)   adv   See hereabouts, thereabouts, whereabouts

■ about-ship   vb -ships, -shipping, -shipped   (intr) nautical to manoeuvre a vessel onto a new tack

■ about turn or US about face   interj   1 a military command to a formation of soldiers to reverse the direction in which they are facing   ▷ n about-turn, US about-face   2 a complete change or reversal, as of opinion, attitude, direction, etc   ▷ vb about-turn, US about-face   3 (intr) to perform an about-turn

above (əˈbʌv)   prep   1 on top of or higher than; over: the sky above the earth   2 greater than in quantity or degree: above average in weight   3 superior to or prior to: to place honour above wealth   4 too honourable or high-minded for: above petty gossiping   5 too respected for; beyond: above suspicion; above reproach   6 too difficult to be understood by: the talk was above me   7 louder or higher than (other noise): I heard her call above the radio   8 in preference to: I love you above all others   9 north of: which town lies just above Canberra?   10 upstream from   11 above all most of all; especially   12 above and beyond in addition to   13 above oneself presumptuous or conceited   ▷ adv   14 in or to a higher place: the sky above   15    a in a previous place (in something written)   b (in combination): the above-mentioned clause   16 higher in rank or position   17 in or concerned with heaven: seek the things that are above   ▷ n   18 the above something that is above or previously mentioned   ▷ adj   19 mentioned or appearing in a previous place (in something written) [Old English abufan, from a- on + bufan above]

■ above board   adj, adv (aboveboard when prenominal)   in the open; without dishonesty, concealment, or fraud

■ above-mentioned   adj   used in a text to refer back to a person or thing that has already been mentioned

■ above-named   adj   used in a text to refer back to a person or thing that has already been named

■ above-the-line   adj   1 denoting entries printed above the horizontal line on a company's profit-and-loss account separating the entries that show how the profit (or loss) was made from the entries showing how the profit is to be distributed   2 (of an advertising campaign) employing an advertising agency to use the press, television, radio, cinema, and posters   3 (in national accounts) denoting transactions concerned with revenue shown above a horizontal line that separates them from capital transactions. Compare below-the-line

ab ovo Latin (æb ˈəʊvəʊ)     from the beginning [literally: from the egg]

Abp or abp   abbreviation for   archbishop

abracadabra (ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə)   interj   1 a spoken formula, used esp by conjurors   ▷ n   2 a word used in incantations, etc, considered to possess magic powers   3 gibberish; nonsense [C17: from Latin: magical word used in certain Gnostic writings, perhaps related to Greek Abraxas; see ABRAXAS]

abrachia (əˈbrækIə)   n   med the congenital condition of having no arms

abrade (əˈbreId)   vb   (tr) to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode [C17: from Latin abrādere to scrape away, from AB-1 + rādere to scrape]   > aˈbradant n   > aˈbrader n

■ abradable (əˈbreIdəbəl)   adj   capable of being abraded

Abraham (ˈeIbrəˌhæm, -həm)   n   1 Old Testament the first of the patriarchs, the father of Isaac and the founder of the Hebrew people (Genesis 11–25)   2 Abraham's bosom the place where the just repose after death (Luke 16:22)

■ Abrahamic (ˌeIbrəˈhæmIk)   adj   denoting a group of monotheistic religions (esp Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) whose teachings are based on the belief in a covenant between God and humankind

abraid (əˈbreId)   vb (intr)   archaic to awake

abram (ˈæbrəm)   adj   obsolete auburn

abranchiate (əˈbræŋkIIt, -ˌeIt) or abranchial (əˈbræŋkIəl)   adj   zoology having no gills [C19: A-1 + BRANCHIATE]

abrasion (əˈbreIʒən)   n   1 the process of scraping or wearing down by friction   2 a scraped area or spot; graze   3 geography the effect of mechanical erosion of rock, esp a river bed, by rock fragments scratching and scraping it; wearing down. Compare attrition (sense 4), corrasion [C17: from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, from the past participle of Latin abrādere to ABRADE]

■ abrasive (əˈbreIsIv)   n   1 a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing   ▷ adj   2 causing abrasion; grating; rough   3 irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance   > aˈbrasiveness n

■ abrasively (əˈbreIsIvlI)   adv   in an abrupt manner

abraxas (əˈbræksəs) or abrasax (əˈbræsəks)   n   an ancient charm composed of Greek letters: originally believed to have magical powers and inscribed on amulets, etc, but from the second century AD personified by Gnostics as a deity, the source of divine emanations [from Greek: invented word]

abray (əˈbreI)   vb (intr)   obsolete to awake

abrazo (əˈbrɑːzəʊ)   n, pl abrazos   an embrace used as a greeting or on parting in Spain and Latin America

abreaction (ˌæbrIˈækʃən)   n   psychoanal the release and expression of emotional tension associated with repressed ideas by bringing those ideas into consciousness

■ abreact (ˌæbrIˈækt)   vb   (tr) to alleviate (emotional tension) through abreaction

■ abreactive (ˌæbrIˈæktIv)   adj   relating to abreaction

abreast (əˈbrɛst)   adj (postpositive)   1 alongside each other and facing in the same direction   2 (foll by of or with) up to date (with); fully conversant (with)

abrégé (əˈbreIʒeI)   n   an abridgment

abri (æˈbriː)   n   a shelter or place of refuge, esp in wartime [French, from Latin apricum an open place]

abricock (ˈæbrIˌkɒk)   n   obsolete an apricot

abridge (əˈbrIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting   2 to curtail; diminish   3 archaic to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc) [C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten]   > aˈbridgable or aˈbridgeable adj   > aˈbridger n

■ abridged (əˈbrIdʒd)   adj   shortened; condensed

■ abridgment or abridgement (əˈbrIdʒmənt)   n   1 a shortened version of a written work   2 the act of abridging or state of being abridged

abrim (əˈbrIm)   adj   literary filled to the brim

abrin (ˈeIbrIn)   n   chem a highly poisonous compound found in the seed of the Indian liquorice (Abrus precatorius)

abroach (əˈbrəʊtʃ)   adj   (postpositive) (of a cask, barrel, etc) tapped; broached [C14: from Old French abrochier from a- to + brochier to BROACH^1]

abroad (əˈbrɔːd)   adv   1 to or in a foreign country or countries   ▷ adj (postpositive)   2 (of news, rumours, etc) in general circulation; current   3 out in the open   4 over a wide area   5 archaic in error [C13: from A-2 + BROAD]

abrogate (ˈæbrəʊˌɡeIt)   vb   (tr) to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul [C16: from Latin abrogātus repealed, from AB-1 + rogāre to propose (a law)]   > ˌabroˈgation n   > ˈabroˌgator n

■ abrogable (ˈæbrəɡəbəl)   adj   formal able to be abrogated

■ abrogative (ˈæbrəˌɡeItIv)   adj   formal having the property of abrogating

abrooke (əˈbrʊk)   vb (tr)   obsolete to bear or tolerate

abrosia (eIˈbrəʊʒə)   n   med the practice of refraining from eating

abrupt (əˈbrʌpt)   adj   1 sudden; unexpected   2 brusque or brief in speech, manner, etc; curt   3 (of a style of writing or speaking) making sharp transitions from one subject to another; disconnected   4 precipitous; steep   5 botany shaped as though a part has been cut off; truncate   6 geology (of strata) cropping out suddenly [C16: from Latin abruptus broken off, from AB-1 + rumpere to break]   > abˈruptly adv   > abˈruptness n

abruption (əˈbrʌpʃən)   n   a breaking off of a part or parts from a mass [C17: from Latin abruptio; see ABRUPT]

Abruzzo (Italian aˈbruttso) or Abruzzi (Italian aˈbruttsi)   n   a region of S central Italy, between the Apennines and the Adriatic. Capital: L'Aquila. Pop: 1 273 284 (2003 est). Area: 10 794 sq km (4210 sq miles)

abs (æbz)   pl n   informal abdominal muscles

ABS   abbreviation for   acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene: any of a range of tough copolymers used esp for making moulded articles

Absalom (ˈæbsələm)   n   Old Testament the third son of David, who rebelled against his father and was eventually killed by Joab (II Samuel 15–18)

ABS brake   n   another name for antilock brake [from German Antiblockiersystem]

abscess (ˈæbsɛs, -sIs)   n   1 a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to form such a collection of pus [C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from abscēdere to go away]   > ˈabscessed adj

abscind (æbˈsInd)   vb (tr)   literary to cut off

abscise (æbˈsaIz)   vb   to separate or be separated by abscission [C17: from Latin abscisus, from abscīdere to cut off]

■ abscisic acid (æbˈsIsIk)   n   a type of acid that causes abscission

abscisin or abscissin (æbˈsIsIn)   n   biochem a plant hormone that plays a major role in adapting plants to suit different weather conditions

abscissa (æbˈsIsə)   n, pl -scissas or -scissae (-ˈsIsiː)   the horizontal or x-coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates. It is the distance from the y-axis measured parallel to the x-axis. Also: absciss, abscisse. Compare ordinate [C17: New Latin, originally linea abscissa a cut-off line]

abscission (æbˈsIʒən, -ˈsIʃ-)   n   1 the separation of leaves, branches, flowers, and bark from plants by the formation of an abscission layer   2 the act of cutting off [C17: from Latin abscissiōn-, from AB-1 + scissiō a cleaving]

■ abscission layer   n   a layer of parenchyma cells that is formed at the bases of fruits, flowers, and leaves before abscission. As the parenchyma disintegrates, the organ becomes separated from the plant

abscond (əbˈskɒnd)   vb   (intr) to run away secretly, esp from an open institution or to avoid prosecution or punishment [C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- AB-1 + condere to stow]   > abˈsconder n

■ abscondence (æbˈskɒndəns)   n   literary secret concealment or seclusion, or the action of absconding

■ absconding (əbˈskɒndIŋ) formal   adj   1 running away, esp from an open prison or to avoid prosecution or punishment   ▷ n   2 the act of running away from an open institution or avoiding prosecution or punishment

abseil (ˈæbseIl)   vb (intr)   1 mountaineering to descend a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through karabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent   2 to descend by rope from a helicopter   ▷ n   3 an instance or the technique of abseiling   ▶ Also called: rappel [C20: from German abseilen to descend by a rope, from ab- down + Seil rope]

■ abseiling (ˈæbseIlIŋ)   n   Brit the practice of descending a steep slope by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body

absent   adj (ˈæbsənt)   1 away or not present   2 lacking; missing   3 inattentive; absent-minded   ▷ vb (æbˈsɛnt)   4 (tr) to remove (oneself) or keep away [C14: from Latin absent-, stem of absēns, present participle of abesse to be away]   > abˈsenter n

■ absence (ˈæbsəns)   n   1 the state of being away   2 the time during which a person or thing is away   3 the fact of being without something; lack [C14: via Old French from Latin absentia, from absēns a being away]

■ absentee (ˌæbsənˈtiː)   n     a a person who is absent   b (as modifier): an absentee voter

■ absenteeism (ˌæbsənˈtiːIzəm)   n   persistent absence from work, school, etc

■ absentee landlord   n   a landlord who does not live in or near a property from which he or she draws an income

■ absently (ˈæbsəntlI)   adv   in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively

■ absent-minded   adj   preoccupied; forgetful; inattentive   > ˌabsent-ˈmindedly adv   > ˌabsent-ˈmindedness n

■ absent without leave   adj   military the full form of AWOL

absente reo (æbˈsɛntI ˈriːəʊ)     law in the absence of the defendant [Latin, literally: the defendant being absent]

absentia (æbˈsɛntIə)   n   See in absentia

absey (ˈæbsI)   n   obsolete another name for ABC^1

absinthe or absinth (ˈæbsInθ)   n   1 a potent green alcoholic drink, technically a gin, originally having high wormwood content   2 another name for wormwood (sense 1) [C15: via French and Latin from Greek apsinthion wormwood]

■ absinthiated (æbˈsInθIˌeItId)   adj   formal containing wormwood

■ absinthism (ˈæbsInˌθIzəm)   n   pathol a diseased condition resulting from excessive drinking of absinthe

absit (ˈæbsIt)   n   formal permission for a student to be absent from university for a short period

absit omen Latin (ˈæbsIt ˈəʊmɛn)     may the presentiment not become real or take place [literally: may the (evil) omen be absent]

absolute (ˈæbsəˌluːt)   adj   1 complete; perfect   2 free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified: an absolute choice   3 having unlimited authority; despotic: an absolute ruler   4 undoubted; certain: the absolute truth   5 not dependent on, conditioned by, or relative to anything else; independent: an absolute term in logic; the absolute value of a quantity in physics   6 pure; unmixed: absolute alcohol   7 (of a grammatical construction) syntactically independent of the main clause, as for example the construction Joking apart in the sentence Joking apart, we'd better leave now   8 grammar (of a transitive verb) used without a direct object, as the verb intimidate in the sentence His intentions are good, but his rough manner tends to intimidate   9 grammar (of an adjective) used as a noun, as for instance brave in the sentence Fortune favours the brave   10 physics   a (postpositive) (of a pressure measurement) not relative to atmospheric pressure: the pressure was 5 bar absolute. Compare gauge (sense 18)   b denoting absolute or thermodynamic temperature   11 maths   a (of a constant) never changing in value   b Also: numerical (of an inequality) unconditional   c (of a term) not containing a variable   12 law (of a court order or decree) coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final. See decree absolute   13 law (of a title to property, etc) not subject to any encumbrance or condition   ▷ n   14 something that is absolute [C14: from Latin absolūtus unconditional, freed from, from absolvere. See ABSOLVE]

■ Absolute (ˈæbsəˌluːt)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 philosophy   a the ultimate basis of reality   b that which is totally unconditioned, unrestricted, pure, perfect, or complete   2 (in the philosophy of Hegel) that towards which all things evolve dialectically

■ absolute alcohol   n   a liquid containing at least 99 per cent of pure ethanol by weight

■ absolute ceiling   n   the maximum height above sea level, usually measured in feet or metres, at which an aircraft can maintain horizontal flight. Compare service ceiling

■ absolute configuration   n   chem the spatial arrangement of atoms or groups in a chemical compound about an asymmetric atom. Also called: absolute stereochemistry. See chirality

■ absolute humidity   n   the humidity of the atmosphere, usually expressed as the number of grams of water contained in 1 cubic metre of air. Compare relative humidity

■ absolute judgment   n   psychol any judgment about a single stimulus, e.g. about the value of one of its properties or about whether it is present or absent. Compare comparative judgment

■ absolutely (ˌæbsəˈluːtlI)   adv   1 in an absolute manner, esp completely or perfectly   ▷ sentence substitute   2 yes; certainly; unquestionably

■ absolute magnitude   n   the apparent magnitude a given star would have if it were situated at a distance of 10 parsecs (32.6 light years) from the earth

■ absolute majority   n   a number of votes totalling over 50 per cent, such as the total number of votes or seats obtained by a party that beats the combined opposition. Compare relative majority

■ absolute monarchy   n   a monarchy without constitutional limits. Compare constitutional monarchy

■ absolute music   n   music that is not designed to depict or evoke any scene or event. Compare programme music

■ absoluteness (ˌæbsəˈluːtnəs)   n   formal the quality of being absolute

■ absolute pitch   n   1 Also called (not in technical usage): perfect pitch the ability to identify exactly the pitch of a note without comparing it to another   2 the exact pitch of a note determined by its number of vibrations per second

■ absolute temperature   n   another name for thermodynamic temperature

■ absolute threshold   n   psychol the minimum intensity of a stimulus at which it can just be perceived. Compare difference threshold

■ absolute unit   n   1 a unit of measurement forming part of the electromagnetic cgs system, such as an abampere or abcoulomb   2 a unit of measurement forming part of a system of units that includes a unit of force defined so that it is independent of the acceleration of free fall

■ absolute value   n maths   1 the positive real number equal to a given real but disregarding its sign. Written | x |. Where r is positive, | r | = r = | –r |   2 Also called: modulus a measure of the magnitude of a complex number, represented by the length of a line in the Argand diagram: |x + iy | = √(x^2 + y^2), so | 4 + 3i | = 5

■ absolute viscosity   n   a full name for viscosity, used to distinguish it from kinematic viscosity and specific viscosity

■ absolute zero   n   the lowest temperature theoretically attainable, at which the particles constituting matter would be in the lowest energy states available; the zero of thermodynamic temperature; zero on the International Practical Scale of Temperature: equivalent to –273.15°C or –459.67°F

■ absolutism (ˈæbsəluːˌtIzəm)   n   1 the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch, dictator, etc; despotism   2 philosophy   a any theory which holds that truth or moral or aesthetic value is absolute and universal and not relative to individual or social differences. Compare relativism   b the doctrine that reality is unitary and unchanging and that change and diversity are mere illusion. See also monism (sense 2), pluralism (sense 5b)   3 Christianity an uncompromising form of the doctrine of predestination   > ˈabsoˌlutist n, adj

■ absolutistic (ˌæbsəluːˈtIstIk)   adj   relating to absolutism or absolutists

■ absolutive (ˈæbsəˌluːtIv)   n   the grammatical case in an ergative language that is used for the direct object of a transitive verb and the subject of an intransitive verb

■ absolutize or absolutise (ˌæbsəˈluːtaIz)   vb (tr)   formal to make absolute

absolution (ˌæbsəˈluːʃən)   n   1 the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment   2 Christianity   a a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance   b the prescribed form of words granting such a remission [C12: from Latin absolūtiōn- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to ABSOLVE]   > absolutory (æbˈsɒljʊtərI, -trI) adj

absolve (əbˈzɒlv)   vb (tr)   1 (usually foll by from) to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility   2 to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon [C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from AB-1 + solvere to make loose]   > abˈsolvable adj   > abˈsolver n

■ absolvent (æbˈzɒlvənt)   n   formal a person who absolves

absolvitor (æbˈsɒlvItɔː)   n   Scots law a legal decision in favour of the defendant

absonant (ˈæbsənənt)   adj formal   1 inharmonious   2 unnatural or unreasonable

absorb (əbˈsɔːb, -ˈzɔːb)   vb (tr)   1 to soak or suck up (liquids)   2 to engage or occupy (the interest, attention, or time) of (someone); engross   3 to receive or take in (the energy of an impact)   4 physics to take in (all or part of incident radiated energy) and retain the part that is not reflected or transmitted   5 to take in or assimilate; incorporate   6 to accept and find a market for (goods, etc)   7 to pay for as part of a commercial transaction: the distributor absorbed the cost of transport   8 chem to cause to undergo a process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into or is dissolved by a liquid or solid: porous solids absorb water; hydrochloric acid absorbs carbon dioxide. Compare adsorb [C15: via Old French from Latin absorbēre to suck, swallow, from AB-1 + sorbēre to suck]   > abˌsorbaˈbility n   > abˈsorbable adj

■ absorbance (əbˈsɔːbəns, -ˈzɔː-)   n   physics a measure of the light-absorbing ability of an object, expressed as the logarithm to base 10 of the reciprocal of the internal transmittance. See transmittance

■ absorbancy (əbˈzɔːbənsI)   n   1 physics absorbance   2 the quality of being absorbent

■ absorbate (əbˈzɔːbeIt)   n   a substance that has been absorbed, or is to be absorbed, into an absorbent

■ absorbed (əbˈsɔːbd, -ˈzɔːbd)   adj   engrossed; deeply interested   > absorbedly (əbˈsɔːbIdlI, -ˈzɔː-) adv

■ absorbed dose   n   the amount of energy transferred by nuclear or ionizing radiation to a unit mass of absorbing material

■ absorbent or absorbant (əbˈsɔːbənt, -ˈzɔː-)   adj   1 able to absorb   ▷ n   2 a substance that absorbs   > abˈsorbency n

■ absorbent cotton   n   a US term for cotton wool (sense 1)

■ absorber (əbˈsɔːbə, -ˈzɔː-)   n   1 a person or thing that absorbs   2 physics a material that absorbs radiation or causes it to lose energy

■ absorbing (əbˈsɔːbIŋ, -ˈzɔːb-)   adj   occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping   > abˈsorbingly adv

■ absorption (əbˈsɔːpʃən, -ˈzɔːp-)   n   1 the process of absorbing or the state of being absorbed   2 physiol   a normal assimilation by the tissues of the products of digestion   b the passage of a gas, fluid, drug, etc, through the mucous membranes or skin   3 physics a reduction of the intensity of any form of radiated energy as a result of energy conversion in a medium, such as the conversion of sound energy into heat   4 immunol the process of removing superfluous antibodies or antigens from a mixture using a reagent [C16: from Latin absorptiōn-, from absorbēre to ABSORB]   > abˈsorptive adj

■ absorption costing   n   a method of cost accounting in which overheads are apportioned to cost centres, where they are absorbed using predetermined rates. Compare marginal costing

■ absorption spectrum   n   the characteristic pattern of dark lines or bands that occurs when electromagnetic radiation is passed through an absorbing medium into a spectroscope. An equivalent pattern occurs as coloured lines or bands in the emission spectrum of that medium

■ absorptiveness (əbˈsɔːptIvnəs)   n   formal the quality of being absorptive

■ absorptivity (ˌæbsɔːpˈtIvItI, -zɔːp-)   n   physics a measure of the ability of a material to absorb radiation, equal to the internal absorptance of a homogeneous layer of the material under conditions in which the path of the radiation has unit length and the boundaries of the layer have no influence

absorbefacient (əbˌsɔːbIˈfeIʃənt, -ˌzɔː-) med   n   1 a medicine or other agent that promotes absorption   ▷ adj   2 causing or promoting absorption

absorptance (əbˈsɔːptəns, -ˈzɔːp-) or absorption factor   n   physics a measure of the ability of an object to absorb radiation, equal to the ratio of the absorbed radiant flux to the incident flux. For a layer of material the ratio of the flux absorbed between the entry and exit surfaces of the layer to the flux leaving the entry surface is the internal absorptance. Symbol: α. Compare reflectance, transmittance [C20: ABSORPTION + -ANCE]

absorptiometer (əbˌsɔːpʃIˈɒmItə)   n   1 physics an instrument that measures absorption of light, esp by a solution   2 chem (formerly) an instrument that measures the solubility of gases in various liquids

absquatulate (æbˈskwɒtjʊˌleIt)   vb   (intr) to leave; decamp [C19: humorous formation as if from Latin]

abstain (əbˈsteIn)   vb (intr; usually foll by from)   1 to choose to refrain: he abstained from alcohol   2 to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc [C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- AB-1 + tenēre to hold, keep]   > abˈstainer n

abstemious (əbˈstiːmIəs)   adj   moderate or sparing, esp in the consumption of alcohol or food; temperate [C17: from Latin abstēmius, from abs- AB-1 + tēm-, from tēmētum intoxicating drink]   > abˈstemiously adv   > abˈstemiousness n

abstention (əbˈstɛnʃən)   n   1 a voluntary decision not to act; the act of refraining or abstaining   2 the act of withholding one's vote [C16: from Late Latin abstentiōn-, from Latin abstinēre. See ABSTAIN]   > abˈstentious adj

■ abstentionism (æbˈstɛnʃənIzəm)   n   the policy of withholding one's vote or refusing to participate in some other aspect of the political process

■ abstentionist (æbˈstɛnʃənIst)   n   a person who practises or advocates abstention or abstentionism

absterge (æbˈstɜːdʒ)   vb (tr)   formal to wipe clean or cleanse

■ abstergent (əbˈstɜːdʒənt)   adj   cleansing or scouring [C17: from Latin abstergent-, abstērgens wiping off, from abs- away, off + tergēre to wipe]

■ abstersion (æbˈstɜːʃən)   n   formal the act of wiping clean or cleansing

■ abstersive (æbˈstɜːsIv)   n   formal a cleansing substance

abstinence (ˈæbstInəns)   n   1 the act or practice of refraining from some action or from the use of something, esp alcohol   2 chiefly RC Church the practice of refraining from specific kinds of food or drink, esp from meat, as an act of penance [C13: via Old French from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēre to ABSTAIN]   > ˈabstinent adj   > ˈabstinently adv

■ abstinency (ˈæbstInənsI)   n   literary the quality of being abstinent

abstract   adj (ˈæbstrækt)   1 having no reference to material objects or specific examples; not concrete   2 not applied or practical; theoretical   3 hard to understand; recondite; abstruse   4 denoting art characterized by geometric, formalized, or otherwise nonrepresentational qualities   5 defined in terms of its formal properties: an abstract machine   6 philosophy (of an idea) functioning for some empiricists as the meaning of a general term   ▷ n (ˈæbstrækt)   7 a condensed version of a piece of writing, speech, etc; summary   8 an abstract term or idea   9 an abstract painting, sculpture, etc   10 in the abstract without reference to specific circumstances or practical experience   ▷ vb (æbˈstrækt) (tr)   11 to think of (a quality or concept) generally without reference to a specific example; regard theoretically   12 to form (a general idea) by abstraction   13 (ˈæbstrækt) (also intr) to summarize or epitomize   14 to remove or extract   15 euphemistic to steal [C14: (in the sense: extracted): from Latin abstractus drawn off, removed from (something specific), from abs- AB-1 + trahere to draw]

■ abstractable (æbˈstræktəbəl)   adj   formal able to be abstracted

■ abstracted (æbˈstræktId)   adj   1 lost in thought; preoccupied   2 taken out or separated; extracted   > abˈstractedly adv   > abˈstractedness n

■ abstract expressionism   n   a school of painting in New York in the 1940s that combined the spontaneity of expressionism with abstract forms in unpremeditated, apparently random, compositions. See also action painting, tachisme

■ abstraction (æbˈstrækʃən)   n   1 absence of mind; preoccupation   2 the process of formulating generalized ideas or concepts by extracting common qualities from specific examples   3 an idea or concept formulated in this way: good and evil are abstractions   4 logic an operator that forms a class name or predicate from any given expression. See also lambda calculus   5 an abstract painting, sculpture, etc   6 the act of withdrawing or removing   > abˈstractive adj   > abˈstractively adv

■ abstractional (æbˈstrækʃənəl)   adj   formal relating to abstraction

■ abstractionism (æbˈstrækʃəˌnIzəm)   n   the theory and practice of the abstract, esp of abstract art   > abˈstractionist n

■ abstractly (ˈæbstræktlI)   adv   in an abstract manner, theoretically

■ abstractness (ˈæbstræktnəs)   n   the quality of being abstract as opposed to concrete

■ abstract noun   n   a noun that refers to an abstract concept, as for example kindness. Compare concrete noun

■ abstract of title   n   property law a summary of the ownership of land, showing the original grant, conveyances, and any incumbrances

■ abstractor or abstracter (ˈæbstræktə)   n   a person who abstracts or makes an abstract

abstrict (æbˈstrIkt)   vb biology   1 (tr) to make (a spore) undergo abstriction   2 (intr) (of a spore) to undergo abstriction

■ abstriction (æbˈstrIkʃən)   n   the separation and release of a mature spore from a sporophore by the formation of a septum. This process occurs in some fungi [C17: from Latin AB-1 + strictio a binding, from stringere to bind]

abstruse (əbˈstruːs)   adj   not easy to understand; recondite; esoteric [C16: from Latin abstrūsus thrust away, concealed, from abs- AB-1 + trūdere to thrust]   > abˈstrusely adv   > abˈstruseness n

■ abstrusity (æbˈstruːsItI)   n literary   1 the quality of being abstruse   2 (pl -ties) an abstruse thing

absurd (əbˈsɜːd)   adj   1 at variance with reason; manifestly false   2 ludicrous; ridiculous   ▷ n   3 the absurd (sometimes capital) philosophy the conception of the world, esp in Existentialist thought, as neither designed nor predictable but irrational and meaningless   ▶ See also theatre of the absurd [C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from AB-1 (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct]   > abˈsurdity or abˈsurdness n   > abˈsurdly adv

■ absurdism (æbˈsɜːdIzəm)   n   philosophy the belief that life is meaningless and that all attempts to understand the universe are doomed to fail

■ absurdist (əbˈsɜːdIst) literature   adj   1 (of a play or other work) showing the absurdity of some aspect of society or human behaviour   ▷ n   2 a writer in the absurdist genre

ABTA (ˈæbtə)   n acronym for   Association of British Travel Agents

abthane (ˈæbˌθeIn)   n   a territorial possession of the early Scottish church

abubble (əˈbʌbəl)   adj   1 (of liquids) bubbling   2 filled with excitement

Abu-Bekr (əˌbuːˈbɛkər) or Abu-Bakr (əˌbuːˈbækər)   n   573–634 AD, companion and father-in-law of Mohammed; the first caliph of Islam

Abu Dhabi (ˈæbuː ˈdɑːbI)   n   a sheikhdom (emirate) of SE Arabia, on the S coast of the Persian Gulf: the chief sheikhdom and capital of the United Arab Emirates, consisting principally of the port of Abu Dhabi and a desert hinterland; contains major oilfields. Pop: 1 144 933 (2015 est). Area: 67 350 sq km (25 998 sq miles)

Abu Hanifah (ˈæbuː hæˈniːfə)   n   700–67 AD, Muslim theologian and teacher of jurisprudence

abuilding (əˈbIldIŋ)   adj   in the process of being built or building

Abuja (əˈbuːdʒə)   n   the federal capital of Nigeria, in the centre of the country. Pop: 2 440 242 (2015 est)

Abukir Bay (ˌæbuːˈkIə)   n   a variant spelling of Aboukir Bay

abulia or aboulia (əˈbuːlIə, -ˈbjuː-)   n   psychiatry a pathological inability to take decisions [C19: New Latin, from Greek aboulia lack of resolution, from A-1 + boulē will]   > aˈbulic adj

abuna (əˈbuːnə)   n   the title given to the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox church

abundant (əˈbʌndənt)   adj   1 existing in plentiful supply   2 (postpositive; foll by in) having a plentiful supply (of)   3 (of a chemical element or mineral) occurring to an extent specified in relation to other elements or minerals in the earth's crust or some other specified environment   4 (of an isotope) occurring to an extent specified in relation to other isotopes in a mixture of isotopes [C14: from Latin abundant-, present participle of abundāre to ABOUND]

■ abundance (əˈbʌndəns) or abundancy (əˈbʌndənsI)   n   1 a copious supply; great amount   2 fullness or benevolence: from the abundance of my heart   3 degree of plentifulness   4 chem the extent to which an element or ion occurs in the earth's crust or some other specified environment: often expressed in parts per million or as a percentage   5 physics the ratio of the number of atoms of a specific isotope in a mixture of isotopes of an element to the total number of atoms present: often expressed as a percentage: the abundance of neon-22 in natural neon is 8.82 per cent   6 Also called: abondance a call in solo whist undertaking to make nine tricks   7 affluence [C14: via Old French from Latin abundantia, from abundāre to ABOUND]

■ abundantly (əˈbʌndəntlI)   adv   1 very: he made his disagreement with her abundantly clear   2 plentifully; in abundance

ab urbe condita Latin (æb ˈɜːbI ˈkɒndItə)     the full form of AUC [literally: from the founding of the city]

A bursary   n   NZ the higher of two bursaries available for students entering university, polytechnic, etc. Compare B bursary

aburst (əˈbɜːst)   adj   in a bursting state

abuse   vb (əˈbjuːz) (tr)   1 to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse   2 to maltreat, esp physically or sexually   3 to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile   4 (reflexive) to masturbate   ▷ n (əˈbjuːs)   5 improper, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse   6 maltreatment of a person; injury   7 insulting, contemptuous, or coarse speech   8 an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice   9 See child abuse   10 archaic a deception [c14 (vb): via Old French from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī to misuse, from AB-1 + ūtī to USE]   > aˈbuser n

■ abusable (əˈbjuːzəbəl)   adj   able to be abused

■ abusage (æbˈjuːsIdʒ)   n   wrong or improper use

■ abusion (əˈbjuːʒən)   n   morally wrong, corrupt, or deceptive use

■ abusive (əˈbjuːsIv)   adj   1 characterized by insulting or coarse language   2 characterized by maltreatment   3 incorrectly used; corrupt   > aˈbusively adv   > aˈbusiveness n

Abu Simbel (ˌæbuː ˈsImbəl)   n   a former village in S Egypt: site of two temples of Rameses II, which were moved to higher ground (1966–67) before the area behind the Aswan High Dam was flooded. Also called: Ipsambul

abut (əˈbʌt)   vb abuts, abutting, abutted   (usually foll by on, upon, or against) to adjoin, touch, or border on (something) at one end [C15: from Old French abouter to join at the ends, border on; influenced by abuter to touch at an end, buttress]

■ abutment (əˈbʌtmənt) or abuttal   n   1 the state or process of abutting   2    a something that abuts   b the thing on which something abuts   c the point of junction between them   3 architect, civil engineering a construction that takes the thrust of an arch or vault or supports the end of a bridge

■ abuttals (əˈbʌtəlz)   pl n   property law the boundaries of a plot of land where it abuts against other property

■ abutter (əˈbʌtə)   n   property law the owner of adjoining property

abutilon (əˈbjuːtIlən)   n   any shrub or herbaceous plant of the malvaceous genus Abutilon, such as the flowering maple, that have showy white, yellow, or red flowers [C18: New Latin from Arabic]

abuzz (əˈbʌz)   adj   (postpositive) humming, as with conversation, activity, etc; buzzing

ABV   abbreviation for   alcohol by volume: the number of ml of ethyl alcohol present in each 100 ml of an alcoholic beverage when measured at 20°C; displayed on the packaging of alcoholic drinks in EU countries and used to calculate the amount of tax payable

abvolt (ˈæbˌvəʊlt)   n   the cgs unit of potential difference in the electromagnetic system; the potential difference between two points when work of 1 erg must be done to transfer 1 abcoulomb of charge from one point to the other: equivalent to 10–8 volt

abwatt (ˈæbˌwɒt)   n   the cgs unit of power in the electromagnetic system, equal to the power dissipated when a current of 1 abampere flows across a potential difference of 1 abvolt: equivalent to 10–7 watt

aby or abye (əˈbaI)   vb abys or abyes, abying, abought   (tr) archaic to pay the penalty for; redeem [Old English ābycgan to pay for, atone for, from bycgan to buy]

Abydos (əˈbaIdəs)   n   1 an ancient town in central Egypt: site of many temples and tombs   2 an ancient Greek colony on the Asiatic side of the Dardanelles (Hellespont): scene of the legend of Hero and Leander

abysm (əˈbIzəm)   n   an archaic word for abyss [C13: via Old French from Medieval Latin abysmus ABYSS]

abysmal (əˈbIzməl)   adj   1 immeasurable; very great: abysmal stupidity   2 informal extremely bad: an abysmal film   > aˈbysmally adv

abyss (əˈbIs)   n   1 a very deep or unfathomable gorge or chasm   2 anything that appears to be endless or immeasurably deep, such as time, despair, or shame   3 hell or the infernal regions conceived of as a bottomless pit [C16: via Late Latin from Greek abussos bottomless (as in the phrase abussos limnē bottomless lake), from A-1 + bussos depth]

■ abyssal (əˈbIsəl)   adj   1 of or belonging to the ocean depths, esp below 2000 metres (6500 feet): abyssal zone   2 geology another word for plutonic

Abyssinia (ˌæbIˈsInIə)   n   a former name for Ethiopia

■ Abyssinian (ˌæbIˈsInIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Abyssinia   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Abyssinia or its inhabitants

■ Abyssinian cat   n   a variety of cat with a long body and a short brown coat with black or dark brown markings

■ Abyssinian guinea pig   n   a breed of short-haired guinea pig with rosettes all over its body

abyssopelagic (əˌbIsəʊpɛˈlædʒIk)   adj   referring to or occurring in the region of deep water above the floor of the ocean

ac   the internet domain name for   Ascension Island

Ac   the chemical symbol for   actinium

AC   abbreviation for   1 alternating current. Compare DC   2 air conditioning   3 ante Christum   4 Air Corps   5 athletic club   6 Companion of the Order of Australia   7 appellation d'origine contrôlée: the highest French wine classification; indicates that the wine meets strict requirements concerning area of production, strength, etc. See VDQS, vin de pays, vin de table   8 Aelodau'r Cynulliad: Member of the Assembly (that is, the National Assembly of Wales) [(for sense 3) Latin: before Christ]

a.c. obsolete   abbreviation for   (in prescriptions) ante cibum [Latin: before meals]

a/c accounting   abbreviation for   1 account   2 account current

A/C   abbreviation for   1 air conditioning   2 (in Canada) Air Commodore

ACA   abbreviation for   Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants

acacia (əˈkeIʃə)   n   1 any shrub or tree of the tropical and subtropical leguminous genus Acacia, having compound or reduced leaves and small yellow or white flowers in dense inflorescences. Also called: acacia tree. See also wattle^1 (sense 4)   2 false acacia another name for locust (sense 2), locust (sense 3)   3 gum acacia another name for gum arabic [C16: from Latin, from Greek akakia, perhaps related to akē point]

academe (ˈækəˌdiːm)   n literary   1 any place of learning, such as a college or university   2 the grove of Academe or the groves of Academe the academic world [C16: first used by Shakespeare in Love's Labour's Lost (1594); see ACADEMY]

academia (ˌækəˈdiːmIə)   n   the academic world

academic (ˌækəˈdɛmIk) or academical (ˌækəˈdɛmIkəl)   adj   1 belonging or relating to a place of learning, esp a college, university, or academy   2 of purely theoretical or speculative interest: an academic argument   3 excessively concerned with intellectual matters and lacking experience of practical affairs   4 (esp of a schoolchild) having an aptitude for study   5 conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional: an academic painter   6 relating to studies such as languages, philosophy, and pure science, rather than applied, technical, or professional studies   ▷ n   7 a member of a college or university   > ˌacaˈdemically adv

■ academicals (ˌækəˈdɛmIkəlz)   pl n   another term for academic dress

■ academic dress   n   formal dress, usually comprising cap, gown, and hood, worn by university staff and students

■ academician (əˌkædəˈmIʃən, ˌækədə-)   n   a member of an academy (sense 1)

■ academicism (ˌækəˈdɛmIˌsIzəm), academism (əˈkædəˌmIzəm) or academicalism (ˌækəˈdɛmIkəlIzəm)   n   adherence to rules and traditions in art, literature, etc; conventionalism

academy (əˈkædəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 an institution or society for the advancement of literature, art, or science   2 a school for training in a particular skill or profession: a military academy   3 a secondary school: now used only as part of a name, and often denoting a private school   4 (in England) an inner-city school which is funded by the government and sometimes also privately but is not controlled by the local authority [C16: via Latin from Greek akadēmeia name of the grove where Plato taught, named after the legendary hero Akadēmos]

■ academist (əˈkædəmIst)   n   a person belonging to an academy or society, usually of science, art or literature

■ Academy (əˈkædəmI)   n the Academy   1    a the grove or garden near Athens where Plato taught in the late 4th century BC   b the school of philosophy founded by Plato   c the members of this school and their successors   2 short for the French Academy, Royal Academy

■ Academy Award   n   the official name for an Oscar

Acadia (əˈkeIdIə)   n   1    a the Atlantic Provinces of Canada   b the French-speaking areas of these provinces   2 (formerly) a French colony in the present-day Atlantic Provinces: ceded to Britain in 1713   ▶ French name: Acadie (akadi)

■ Acadian (əˈkeIdIən)   adj   1 denoting or relating to Acadia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 any of the early French settlers in Nova Scotia, many of whom were deported to Louisiana in the 18th century. See also Cajun

açaí (ˌæsaIˈiː; Portuguese asaˈi)   n   a berry that grows on palm trees in the Brazilian rainforests. Because it is rich in nutrients, it is used to make energy drinks. Also called: palm berry [C21: Portuguese]

acajou (ˈækəˌʒuː)   n   1 a type of mahogany used by cabinet-makers in France   2 a less common name for cashew [C18: via French from Portuguese acajú, from Tupi]

acalculia (ˌækælˈkjuːlIə)   n   psychol an inability to make simple mathematical calculations [C20: from A-1 + Latin calculāre to calculate]

acaleph or acalephe (ˈækəˌlɛf)   n   obsolete any of the coelenterates of the former taxonomic group Acalephae, which included the jellyfishes [C18: from New Latin, from Greek akalēphē a sting]

■ acalephan (ˌækəˈliːfən)   n   1 an acaleph   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the acalephs

acanaceous (ˌækəˈneIʃəs)   adj   possessing prickles or thorns

acanth (əˈkænθ)   n   another name for acanthus

acantha (əˈkænθə)   n   biology a pointed, projecting structure, such as a thorn or prickle

■ acanthaceous (ˌækənˈθeIʃəs)   adj   1 of or relating to the Acanthaceae, a mainly tropical and subtropical family of flowering plants that includes the acanthus   2 having spiny or prickly outgrowths

acanthin (əˈkænθIn)   n   pharmacol an organic chemical used in medicine as a treatment for snake venom

acantho- or before a vowel acanth-   combining form   indicating a spine or thorn: acanthocephalan [New Latin from Greek akanthos thorn plant, from akantha thorn]

acanthocephalan (əˌkænθəʊˈsɛfələn)   n   1 any of the parasitic wormlike invertebrates of the phylum Acanthocephala, the adults of which have a spiny proboscis and live in the intestines of vertebrates   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Acanthocephala

acanthoid (əˈkænθɔId)   adj   resembling a spine; spiny

acanthopterygian (ˌækənˌθɒptəˈrIdʒIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Acanthopterygii, a large group of teleost fishes having spiny fin rays. The group includes most saltwater bony fishes   ▷ n   2 any fish belonging to the Acanthopterygii   ▶ Compare malacopterygian [C19: from New Latin Acanthopterygii, from ACANTHO- + Greek pterúgion fin]

acanthous (əˈkænθəs)   adj   another term for spinous

acanthus (əˈkænθəs) or acanth (əˈkænθ)   n, pl -thuses or -thi (-θaI)   1 any shrub or herbaceous plant of the genus Acanthus, native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated as ornamental plants, having large spiny leaves and spikes of white or purplish flowers: family Acanthaceae. See also bear's-breech   2 a carved ornament based on the leaves of the acanthus plant, esp as used on the capital of a Corinthian column [C17: New Latin, from Greek akanthos, from akantha thorn, spine]

■ acanthine (əˈkænθaIn, -θiːn)   adj   1 of or resembling an acanthus   2 decorated with acanthus leaves

acapnia (eIˈkæpnIə, əˈkæpnIə)   n   the state of lacking carbon dioxide in the blood

a cappella or a capella (ɑː kəˈpɛlə)   adj, adv   music without instrumental accompaniment [Italian, literally: according to (the style of the) chapel]

Acapulco (ˌækəˈpʊlkəʊ; Spanish akaˈpulko)   n   a port and resort in SW Mexico, in Guerrero state. Pop: 761 000 (2005 est). Official name: Acapulco de Juárez (de ˈxwares)

acarbose (eIˈkɑːbəʊs)   n   med a type of diabetes medicine taken orally to slow and reduce the supply of glucose to the blood.

acarian (əˈkɛərIən)   adj   zoology relating to mites or ticks belonging to the order Acarina

acariasis (ˌækəˈraIəsIs)   n   infestation of the hair follicles and skin with acarids, esp mites [C19: New Latin. See ACARUS, -IASIS]

acaricide (əˈkærIˌsaId)   n   any drug or formulation for killing acarids

■ acaricidal (əˌkærIˈsaIdəl)   adj   destructive or fatal to mites and ticks

acarid (ˈækərId), acaridan (əˈkærIdən) or acarine (ˈækəˌraIn)   n   1 any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the order Acarina   ▶ Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean (ˌækəˈrIdIən) [C19: from ACARUS]

acaridomatium (ˌækəˌrIdəʊˈmeIʃəm) or acarodomatium (ˌækəˌrəʊdəʊˈmeIʃəm)   n   a place on a plant leaf suitable for mites to live

acaroid (ˈækəˌrɔId)   adj   resembling a mite or tick [C19: see ACARUS, -OID]

■ acaroid gum or acaroid resin   n   a red alcohol-soluble resin that exudes from various species of grass tree, esp Xanthorrhoea hastilis, and is used in varnishes, for coating paper, etc. Also called: gum accroides, acaroid resin [C19: acaroid, of uncertain origin (apparently not related to ACARUS)]

acarology (ˌækəˈrɒlədʒI)   n   the study of mites and ticks

■ acarologist (ˌækəˈrɒlədʒIst)   n   a specialist in the study of mites and ticks

acarophily (ˌækəˈrɒfIlI)   n   ecology a mutually beneficial relationship between mites and plants

acarpellous or US acarpelous (eIˈkɑːpələs)   adj   (of flowers) having no carpels

acarpous (eIˈkɑːpəs)   adj   (of plants) producing no fruit [from Greek akarpos, from A-1 + karpos fruit]

acarus (ˈækərəs)   n, pl -ri (-ˌraI)   any of the free-living mites of the widely distributed genus Acarus, several of which, esp A. siro, are serious pests of stored flour, grain, etc [C17: New Latin, from Greek akari a small thing, a mite]

ACAS or Acas (ˈeIkæs)   n acronym for (in Britain)   Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service

acatalectic (æˌkætəˈlɛktIk) prosody   adj   1 having the necessary number of feet or syllables, esp having a complete final foot   ▷ n   2 a verse having the full number of syllables [C16: via Late Latin from Greek akatalēktikos. See A-1, CATALECTIC]

acatalepsy (eIˈkætəˌlɛpsI)   n philosophy   1 the state of being impossible to conceive or understand   2 a philosophical doctrine stating that human knowledge is never certain

■ acataleptic (ˌeIkætəˈlɛptIk)   adj   philosophy not able to be understood or conceived.

acatamathesia (əˌkætəməˈθiːzIə)   n   the inability to understand what the senses detect, in particular conversation

acates (əˈkeIts)   n   archaic provisions, esp food

■ acater (əˈkeItə) or acatour   n   archaic a buyer of and supplier of provisions; caterer

acaudal (eIˈkɔːdəl) or acaudate (eIˈkɔːdeIt)   adj   zoology having no tail

acaulescent (ˌækɔːˈlɛsənt) or acaulous (eIˈkɔːləs)   adj   having no visible stem or a very short one

■ acauline (ˈækɔːˌlaIn) or acaulose (ˌeIkɔːˈləʊs)   adj   biology having no stem

ACC   abbreviation for (in New Zealand )   Accident Compensation Corporation

acc.   abbreviation for   1 accounting account   2 grammar accusative

acca or acker (ˈækə)   n   Austral informal an academic [C20: shortened form of ACADEMIC]

ACCA   abbreviation for   Associate of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants

accablé French (akable)   adj   overpowered, dejected, or beaten

Accad (ˈækæd)   n   a variant spelling of Akkad

Accademia (Italian akkaˈdɛmja)   n   an art gallery in Venice housing a collection of paintings by Venetian masters from the 13th to 18th centuries. Full name: Galleria dell' Accademia (Italian ɡalleˈria dell akkaˈdɛmja)

Accardo (Italian akˈkardo)   n   Salvatore. born 1941, Italian violinist and conductor

ACCC   abbreviation for   Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

accede (ækˈsiːd)   vb (intr; usually foll by to)   1 to assent or give one's consent; agree   2 to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc): the prince acceded to the throne   3 international law to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty [C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield]   > acˈcedence n   > acˈceder n

accel.   abbreviation for   accelerando

accelerando (ækˌsɛləˈrændəʊ) music   adj, adv   1 (to be performed) with increasing speed   ▷ n, pl -dos   2 an increase in speed [Italian]

accelerate (ækˈsɛləˌreIt)   vb   1 to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up   2 (tr) to cause to happen sooner than expected   3 (tr) to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration [C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift]   > acˈcelerable adj   > acˈcelerative or acˈceleratory adj

■ accelerant (ækˈsɛlərənt)   n   chem another name for accelerator (sense 3) [C20: from Latin from accelerāns, present participle of accelerāre to go faster]

■ acceleratingly (ækˈsɛləˌreItIŋlI)   adv   in an accelerating manner

■ acceleration (ækˌsɛləˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated   2 the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity. Symbol: a   3 the power to accelerate. Symbol: a

■ acceleration of free fall   n   the acceleration of a body falling freely in a vacuum near the surface of the earth in the earth's gravitational field: the standard value is 9.806 65 metres per second per second or 32.174 feet per second per second. Symbol: g. Also called: acceleration due to gravity, acceleration of gravity

■ accelerator (ækˈsɛləˌreItə)   n   1 a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle   2 Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target   3 chem a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst   4 (in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment   5 anatomy a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

accelerometer (ækˌsɛləˈrɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

accend (əkˈsɛnd)   vb (tr)   to set alight, to ignite

■ accension (əkˈsɛnʃən)   n   the state of being ignited or the act of igniting

accent   n (ˈæksənt)   1 the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin   2 the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch. Compare pitch^1 (sense 28), stress (sense 3)   3 a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnèd   4 any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs. See acute (sense 10), grave^2 (sense 5), circumflex   5 (in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another. Compare tone (sense 7)   6 rhythmic stress in verse or prose   7 music   a stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned   b the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar. See also syncopation   8 maths either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)   9 a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc   10 particular attention or emphasis: an accent on learning   11 a strongly contrasting detail: a blue rug with red accents   ▷ vb (ækˈsɛnt) (tr)   12 to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc   13 to lay particular emphasis or stress on [C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable]

■ accented (ˈæksɛntId)   adj   1 characterized by the particular mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin   2 linguistics marked by an accent in writing, speech, music, etc   3 given particular emphasis or stress

■ accentless (ˈæksəntlIs)   adj   having no accent

■ accentual (ækˈsɛntʃʊəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmic   2 prosody of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables. Compare quantitative (sense 3)   > acˈcentually adv

■ accentuality (ækˌsɛntʃʊˈælItI)   n   the quality of being characterized by accent or stress

accentor (ækˈsɛntə)   n   any small sparrow-like songbird of the genus Prunella, family Prunellidae, which inhabit mainly mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. See also hedge sparrow

accentuate (ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to stress or emphasize   > acˌcentuˈation n

accept (əkˈsɛpt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to take or receive (something offered)   2 to give an affirmative reply to: to accept an invitation   3 to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of: she accepted office   4 to tolerate or accommodate oneself to   5 to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc): I cannot accept your argument   6 (may take a clause as object) to be willing to grant or believe: you must accept that he lied   7 to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc   8 commerce to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing   9 to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid   10 to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)   11 (intr; sometimes foll by of) archaic to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc [C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take]   > acˈcepter n

■ acceptable (əkˈsɛptəbəl)   adj   1 satisfactory; adequate   2 pleasing; welcome   3 tolerable   > acˌceptaˈbility or acˈceptableness n   > acˈceptably adv

■ acceptance (əkˈsɛptəns)   n   1 the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable   2 favourable reception; approval   3 (often foll by of) belief (in) or assent (to)   4 commerce   a a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc   b the document so accepted. Compare bank acceptance   5 (plural) Austral and NZ a list of horses accepted as starters in a race   6 contract law words or conduct by which a person signifies his or her assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement

■ acceptancy (ækˈsɛptənsI)   n   a less common word for acceptance (sense 1), acceptance (sense 2), acceptance (sense 3)

■ acceptant (əkˈsɛptənt)   adj   receiving willingly; receptive

■ acceptation (ˌæksɛpˈteIʃən)   n   the accepted meaning, as of a word, phrase, etc

■ accepted (əkˈsɛptId)   adj   commonly approved or recognized; customary; established   > acˈceptedly adv

■ acceptee (ˌæksɛpˈtiː)   n   a person who has been accepted, or has accepted a position

■ accepting house or acceptance house   n   a financial institution that guarantees a bill of exchange, as a result of which it can be discounted on more favourable terms

■ acceptive (ækˈsɛptIv)   adj   ready or willing to accept

■ acceptivity (ˌæksɛpˈtIvItI)   n   the tendency to accept

acceptilation (əkˌsɛptIˈleIʃən)   n   civil law the cancellation of debt and the release from payment

acceptor (əkˈsɛptə)   n   1 commerce the person or organization on which a draft or bill of exchange is drawn after liability has been accepted, usually by signature   2 Also called: acceptor impurity electronics an impurity, such as gallium, added to a semiconductor material to increase its p-type conductivity by increasing the number of holes in the semiconductor. Compare donor (sense 5)   3 electronics a circuit tuned to accept a particular frequency   4 chem the atom or group that accepts electrons in a coordinate bond

access (ˈæksɛs)   n   1 the act of approaching or entering   2 the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc   3 the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something   4 a way or means of approach or entry   5 the opportunity or right to see or approach someone: I was denied access to my children   6 (modifier) designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters: access television   7 a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease   ▷ vb   8 to gain access to; make accessible or available   9 (tr) computing   a to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device   b to place (information) in a storage device. See also direct access, sequential access [C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to ACCEDE]

■ accessary (əkˈsɛsərI)   n, pl -ries   law a less common spelling of accessory   > acˈcessarily adv   > acˈcessariness n

■ access course   n   (in Britain) an intensive course of study for people without academic qualifications that enables them to apply for higher education

■ accessible (əkˈsɛsəbəl)   adj   1 easy to approach, enter, use, or understand   2 accessible to likely to be affected by; open to; susceptible to   3 obtainable; available   4 easy for disabled people to enter or use   5 logic (of a possible world) surveyable from some other world so that the truth value of statements about it can be known. A statement possibly p is true in a world W if and only if p is true in some worlds accessible to W   > acˌcessiˈbility n   > acˈcessibly adv

■ accessibleness (ækˈsɛsIbəlnəs)   n   the ability to be accessed

■ access land   n   (in England and Wales) areas of the countryside which are open to the public

■ access road   n   a road providing a means of entry into a region or of approach to another road, esp a motorway

■ access time   n   computing the time required to retrieve a piece of stored information

accession (əkˈsɛʃən)   n   1 the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc   2 an increase due to an addition   3 an addition, as to a collection   4 property law   a an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement   b the owner's right to the increased value of such land   5 international law the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty   6 agreement; consent   7 a less common word for access (sense 2)   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to make a record of (additions to a collection)   > acˈcessional adj

■ accession number   n   library science the number given to record a new addition to a collection

accessorius (ˌæksɛsˈɔːrIəs)   n   anatomy a muscle or nerve that has an augmenting action

accessorize or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to add accessories to: accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

accessory (əkˈsɛsərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc   2 (often plural) a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress   3 a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission   ▷ adj   4 supplementary; additional; subordinate   5 assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime [C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see ACCESS]   > accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrIəl) adj   > acˈcessorily adv   > acˈcessoriness n

■ accessory fruit   n   another name for pseudocarp

■ accessory nerve   n   either one of the eleventh pair of cranial nerves, which supply the muscles of the head, shoulders, larynx, and pharynx and the viscera of the abdomen and thorax

■ accessory shoe   n   photog a bracket on top of a camera to which a flash unit or other accessory may be fitted

acciaccatura (ɑːˌtʃɑːkɑːˈtʊərə)   n, pl -ras or -re (-reI, -riː)   1 a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it   2 (in modern music) a very short appoggiatura [C18: Italian, literally: a crushing sound]

accidence (ˈæksIdəns)   n   inflectional morphology; the part of grammar concerned with changes in the form of words by internal modification or by affixation, for the expression of tense, person, case, number, etc [C15: from Latin accidentia accidental matters, hence inflections of words, from accidere to happen. See ACCIDENT]

accident (ˈæksIdənt)   n   1 an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause   2 anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune: I met him by accident   3 a misfortune or mishap, esp one causing injury or death   4 Also called: adjunct logic, philosophy a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something (as opposed to substance)   5 metaphysics a property as contrasted with the substance in which it inheres   6 geology a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp in a rock formation or a river system [C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to + cadere to fall]

■ accidental (ˌæksIˈdɛntəl)   adj   1 occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally   2 nonessential; incidental   3 music denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece   4 logic (of a property) not essential; contingent   ▷ n   5 an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute   6 music a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature   > ˌacciˈdentally adv

■ accidentalism (ˌæksIˈdɛntəlIzəm), accidentality (ˌæksIdɛnˈtælItI) or accidentalness (ˌæksIˈdɛntəlnəs)   n   the state of being accidental

■ accident blackspot   n   another name for black spot (sense 1)

■ accidented (ˈæksIdəntId)   adj   1 having been subjected to an accident   2 having the character of or showing the result of accidents

■ accident insurance   n   insurance providing compensation for accidental injury or death

■ accidently (ˈæksIdəntlI)   adv   a variant (now obsolete) of accidentally

■ accident-prone   adj   more liable than most people to be involved in accidents

■ accident proneness   n   the unconscious tendency, thought to exist in some people, to involve themselves in a large number of accidents

accidentology (ˌæksIdənˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the prevention of accidents

accidie (ˈæksIdI) or acedia   n   spiritual sloth; apathy; indifference [in use c13 to c16 and revived c19: via Late Latin from Greek akēdia, from A-1 + kēdos care]

accinge (ækˈsIndʒ)   vb (tr)   archaic to make (oneself) ready, brace (oneself)

accipiter (ækˈsIpItə)   n   any hawk of the genus Accipiter, typically having short rounded wings and a long tail [C19: New Latin, from Latin: hawk]

■ accipitrine (ækˈsIpIˌtraIn, -trIn)   adj   1 Also: accipitral (ækˈsIpItrəl) of, relating to, or resembling a hawk; rapacious   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily Accipitrinae, which includes the hawks

accite (ækˈsaIt)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to call or send for officially or by authority   2 to illustrate by example   3 to agitate, awaken, stir

acclaim (əˈkleIm)   vb   1 (tr) to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc)   2 to salute with cheering, clapping, etc; applaud   3 (tr) to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc): they acclaimed him king   ▷ n   4 an enthusiastic approval, expression of enthusiasm, etc [C17: from Latin acclāmāre to shout at, shout applause, from ad- to + clamāre to shout]   > acˈclaimer n

■ acclaimed (əˈkleImd)   adj   publicly acknowledged as excellent

■ acclamation (ˌækləˈmeIʃən)   n   1 an enthusiastic reception or exhibition of welcome, approval, etc   2 an expression of approval by a meeting or gathering through shouts or applause   3 Canadian an instance of electing or being elected without opposition: her acclamation is being publicly questioned   4 by acclamation   a by an overwhelming majority without a ballot   b Canadian (of an election or electoral victory) without opposition: he won by acclamation   > acclamatory (əˈklæmətərI, -trI) adj

acclimatize, acclimatise (əˈklaIməˌtaIz) or acclimate (əˈklaImeIt, ˈæklIˌmeIt)   vb   to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment   > acˈclimaˌtizable, acˈclimaˌtisable or acˈclimatable adj   > acˌclimatiˈzation, acˌclimatiˈsation or ˌaccliˈmation n   > acˈclimaˌtizer or acˈclimaˌtiser n

■ acclimatation (əˌklaIməˈteIʃən)   n   the action of becoming used to a different climate

■ acclimatized (əˈklaIməˌtaIzd), acclimatised or acclimated   adj   adapted or accustomed to a new climate or environment

acclivity (əˈklIvItI)   n, pl -ties   an upward slope, esp of the ground. Compare declivity [C17: from Latin acclīvitās, from acclīvis sloping up, steep]   > acˈclivitous or acclivous (əˈklaIvəs) adj

accloy (əˈklɔI)   vb (tr)   1 obsolete to knock a nail into (a horse's foot) when affixing a horseshoe and thereby cause injury   2 obsolete to fill or load to or beyond a limit or cause a blockage or obstruction   3 to excite a feeling of aversion or revulsion in

accoast (əˈkəʊst)   vb   an older spelling of accost

accoil (əˈkɔIl)   n   1 a welcome   ▷ vb   2 obsolete to assemble or bring together

accolade (ˈækəˌleId, ˌækəˈleId)   n   1 strong praise or approval; acclaim   2 an award or honour   3 the ceremonial gesture used to confer knighthood, originally an embrace, now a touch on the shoulder with a sword   4 a rare word for brace (sense 7)   5 architect a curved ornamental moulding, esp one having the shape of an ogee arch [C17: via French and Italian from Vulgar Latin accollāre (unattested) to hug; related to Latin collum neck]

accommodate (əˈkɒməˌdeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to supply or provide, esp with lodging or board and lodging   2 (tr) to oblige or do a favour for   3 to adjust or become adjusted; adapt   4 (tr) to bring into harmony; reconcile   5 (tr) to allow room for; contain   6 (tr) to lend money to, esp on a temporary basis until a formal loan has been arranged [C16: from Latin accommodāre to make fit, from ad- to + commodus having the proper measure]   > acˈcommoˌdative adj

■ accommodable (əˈkɒmədəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be accommodated

■ accommodating (əˈkɒməˌdeItIŋ)   adj   willing to help; kind; obliging   > acˈcommoˌdatingly adv

■ accommodation (əˌkɒməˈdeIʃən)   n   1 lodging or board and lodging   2 adjustment, as of differences or to new circumstances; adaptation, settlement, or reconciliation   3 something fulfilling a need, want, etc; convenience or facility   4 physiol the automatic or voluntary adjustment of the shape of the lens of the eye for far or near vision   5 willingness to help or oblige   6 commerce a loan, usually made as an act of favour by a bank before formal credit arrangements are agreed

■ accommodation address   n   an address on letters, etc, to a person or business that does not wish or is not able to receive post at a permanent or actual address

■ accommodational (əˌkɒməˈdeIʃənəl)   adj   relating to accommodation

■ accommodation bill   n   commerce a bill of exchange cosigned by a guarantor: designed to strengthen the acceptor's credit. Also called: windbill, windmill

■ accommodation ladder   n   nautical a flight of stairs or a ladder for lowering over the side of a ship for access to and from a small boat, pier, etc

■ accommodation platform or accommodation rig   n   a platform or semisubmersible rig specially built or adapted to act as living accommodation for offshore personnel in the oil industry

■ accommodations (əˌkɒməˈdeIʃənz)   pl n   US another name for accommodation (sense 1)

■ accommodator (əˈkɒməˌdeItə)   n   a person or thing that accommodates

accompany (əˈkʌmpənI, əˈkʌmpnI)   vb -nies, -nying, -nied   1 (tr) to go along with, so as to be in company with or escort   2 (tr; foll by with) to supplement: the food is accompanied with a very hot mango pickle   3 (tr) to occur, coexist, or be associated with   4 to provide a musical accompaniment for (a performer) [C15: from Old French accompaignier, from compaing COMPANION^1]   > acˈcompanier n

■ accompaniment (əˈkʌmpənImənt, əˈkʌmpnI-)   n   1 something that accompanies or is served or used with something else   2 something inessential or subsidiary that is added, as for ornament or symmetry   3 music a subordinate part for an instrument, voices, or an orchestra

■ accompanist (əˈkʌmpənIst, əˈkʌmpnIst) or sometimes US accompanyist (əˈkʌmpənIIst)   n   a person who plays a musical accompaniment for another performer, esp a pianist accompanying a singer

■ accompanying (əˈkʌmpənIIŋ)   adj   1 provided at the same time as something else as an extra or addition; supplementary   2 occurring at the same time; associated

accomplice (əˈkɒmplIs, əˈkʌm-)   n   a person who helps another in committing a crime [C15: from a complice, interpreted as one word. See COMPLICE]

accomplish (əˈkɒmplIʃ, əˈkʌm-)   vb (tr)   1 to manage to do; achieve   2 to conclude successfully; complete [C14: from Old French acomplir to complete, ultimately from Latin complēre to fill up. See COMPLETE]   > acˈcomplishable adj   > acˈcomplisher n

■ accomplished (əˈkɒmplIʃt, əˈkʌm-)   adj   1 successfully completed; achieved   2 expert; proficient

■ accomplishment (əˈkɒmplIʃmənt, əˈkʌm-)   n   1 the act of carrying out or achieving   2 something achieved or successfully completed   3 (often plural) skill or talent   4 (often plural) social grace, style, and poise

accompt (əˈkɒmpt) archaic   n   1 an account   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to account

■ accomptable (əˈkaʊntəbəl)   adj   archaic accountable

■ accomptant (əˈkaʊntənt)   n   obsolete an accountant

accorage (ˌækəˈrɑːdʒ)   vb (tr)   obsolete a variant spelling of accourage

accord (əˈkɔːd)   n   1 agreement; conformity; accordance (esp in the phrase in accord with)   2 consent or concurrence of opinion   3 with one accord unanimously   4 pleasing relationship between sounds, colours, etc; harmony   5 a settlement of differences, as between nations; compromise   6 of one's own accord voluntarily   ▷ vb   7 to be or cause to be in harmony or agreement   8 (tr) to grant; bestow [C12: via Old French from Latin ad- to + cord-, stem of cor heart]   > acˈcordable adj   > acˈcorder n

■ accordance (əˈkɔːdəns)   n   1 conformity; agreement; accord (esp in the phrase in accordance with)   2 the act of granting; bestowal: accordance of rights

■ accordancy (əˈkɔːdənsI)   n   accord; agreement

■ accordant (əˈkɔːdənt)   adj   (usually postpositive; and foll by with) in conformity or harmony   > acˈcordantly adv

according (əˈkɔːdIŋ)   adj   1 (foll by to) in proportion; in relation: salary will be according to age and experience   2 (foll by to) on the report (of); as stated (by)   3 (foll by to) in conformity (with); in accordance (with): everything went according to plan   4 (foll by as) depending (on whether)   5 not standard dependent on: it's all according where you want to go

■ accordingly (əˈkɔːdIŋlI)   adv   1 in an appropriate manner; suitably   ▷ sentence connector   2 consequently

accordion (əˈkɔːdIən)   n   1 a portable box-shaped instrument of the reed organ family, consisting of metallic reeds that are made to vibrate by air from a set of bellows controlled by the player's hands. Notes are produced by means of studlike keys   2 short for piano accordion [C19: from German Akkordion, from Akkord harmony, chord]   > acˈcordionist n

■ accordion pleats   pl n   tiny knife pleats

accost (əˈkɒst)   vb   1 (tr) to approach, stop, and speak to (a person), as to ask a question, accuse of a crime, solicit sexually, etc   ▷ n   2 rare a greeting [C16: from Late Latin accostāre to place side by side, from Latin costa side, rib]   > acˈcostable adj

accouchement French (akuʃmɑ̃; English əˈkuːʃmənt)   n   childbirth or the period of confinement [C19: from accoucher to put to bed, to give birth. See COUCH]

■ accoucheur French (akuʃœr)   n   a male obstetrician or midwife [literally: one who is present at the bedside]

■ accoucheuse French (akuʃøz)   n   a female obstetrician or midwife [literally: one who is present at the bedside]

account (əˈkaʊnt)   n   1 a verbal or written report, description, or narration of some occurrence, event, etc   2 an explanation of conduct, esp one made to someone in authority   3 ground; basis; consideration (often in the phrases on this (that, every, no, etc) account, on account of)   4 importance, consequence, or value: of little account   5 assessment; judgment   6 profit or advantage: to turn an idea to account   7 part or behalf (only in the phrase on one's or someone's account)   8 finance   a a business relationship between a bank, department store, stockbroker, etc, and a depositor, customer, or client permitting the latter certain banking or credit services   b the sum of money deposited at a bank   c the amount of credit available to the holder of an account   d a record of these   9 a statement of monetary transactions with the resulting balance   10 (on the London Stock Exchange) the period, ordinarily of a fortnight's duration, in which transactions formerly took place and at the end of which settlements were made   11 accounting a chronological list of debits and credits relating to a specified asset, liability, expense, or income of a business and forming part of the ledger   12    a a regular client or customer, esp a firm that purchases commodities on credit   b an area of business assigned to another: they transferred their publicity account to a new agent   13 call to account or bring to account   a to insist on explanation   b to rebuke; reprimand   c to hold responsible   14 give a bad account of oneself to perform badly: he gave a bad account of himself in the examination   15 give a good account of oneself to perform well   16 on account   a on credit   b Also: to account as partial payment   17 on account of (preposition) because of; by reason of   18 take account of or take into account to take into consideration; allow for   19 settle accounts with or square accounts with   a to pay or receive a balance due   b to get revenge on (someone)   20 See bank account, credit account   ▷ vb   21 (tr) to consider or reckon: he accounts himself poor [C13: from Old French acont, from conter, compter to COUNT^1]

■ accountable (əˈkaʊntəbəl)   adj   1 responsible to someone or for some action; answerable   2 able to be explained   > acˌcountaˈbility n   > acˈcountably adv

■ accountableness (əˈkaʊntəbəlnəs)   n   the condition of being answerable or accountable

■ accountancy (əˈkaʊntənsI)   n   the profession or business of an accountant

■ accountant (əˈkaʊntənt)   n   a person concerned with the maintenance and audit of business accounts and the preparation of consultant reports in tax and finance

■ accountantship (əˈkaʊntəntʃIp)   n   the occupation or post of an accountant

■ account day   n   (on the London Stock Exchange) the day on which deliveries and payments relating to transactions made during the preceding account are made

■ account executive   n   an executive in an advertising agency or public relations firm who manages a client's account

■ account for   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to give reasons for (an event, act, etc)   2 to make or provide a reckoning of (expenditure, payments, etc)   3 to be responsible for destroying, killing, or putting (people, aircraft, etc) out of action

■ accounting (əˈkaʊntIŋ)   n     a the skill or practice of maintaining and auditing accounts and preparing reports on the assets, liabilities, etc, of a business   b (as modifier): an accounting period; accounting entity

■ account payable   n   accounting, US a current liability account showing amounts payable by a firm to suppliers for purchases of materials, stocks, or services on credit

■ account receivable   n   accounting, US a current asset account showing amounts payable to a firm by customers who have made purchases of goods and services on credit

■ accounts (əˈkaʊnts)   pl n   1    a a chronological list of debits and credits relating to a specified asset, liability, expense, or income of a business and forming part of the ledger   b (as modifier): an accounts book   ▷ n   2 another name for accounts department

■ accounts department or accounts   n   the section of a company that deals with the accounts

accouplement (əˈkʌpəlmənt)   n   a timber joist or beam that serves as a tie or support [C15: French, from accoupler, from Latin copulāre to COUPLE]

accourage or accorage (əˈkʌrIdʒ, ˌækəˈrɑːdʒ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to give encouragement to

accourt (əˈkɔːt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to be courteous towards

accoustrement (əˈkuːstrəmənt)   n   an obsolete form of accoutrement

accoutre or US accouter (əˈkuːtə)   vb   (tr; usually passive) to provide with equipment or dress, esp military [C16: from Old French accoustrer to equip with clothing, ultimately related to Latin consuere to sew together]

■ accoutred or US accoutered (əˈkuːtəd)   adj   military or formal equipped or dressed in a particular way

■ accoutrement (əˈkuːtrəmənt, əˈkuːtə-) or US accouterment (əˈkuːtərmənt)   n   1 military equipment worn by soldiers in addition to their clothing and weapons   2 (usually plural) clothing, equipment, etc; trappings: the correct accoutrements for any form of sport

accoy (əˈkɔI)   vb (tr)   1 obsolete to pacify or render calm   2 to overwhelm or bring under control

Accra (əˈkrɑː)   n   the capital of Ghana, a port on the Gulf of Guinea: built on the site of three 17th-century trading fortresses founded by the English, Dutch, and Danish. Pop: 2 277 298 (2015 est)

accredit (əˈkrɛdIt)   vb (tr)   1 to ascribe or attribute   2 to give official recognition to; sanction; authorize   3 to certify or guarantee as meeting required standards   4 (often foll by at or to)   a to furnish or send (an envoy, etc) with official credentials   b to appoint (someone) as an envoy, etc   5 NZ to pass (a candidate) for university entrance on school recommendation without external examination: there are six accrediting schools in the area [C17: from French accréditer, from the phrase mettre à crédit to put to CREDIT]   > acˌcrediˈtation n

■ accreditable (əˈkrɛdItəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be accredited

■ accredited (əˈkrɛdItId)   adj   1 diplomacy appointed and having official credentials   2 education certified or guaranteed as meeting required standards   3 officially recognized; sanctioned; authorized

accretion (əˈkriːʃən)   n   1 any gradual increase in size, as through growth or external addition   2 something added, esp extraneously, to cause growth or an increase in size   3 the growing together of normally separate plant or animal parts   4 pathol   a abnormal union or growing together of parts; adhesion   b a mass of foreign matter collected in a cavity   5 law an increase in the share of a beneficiary in an estate, as when a co-beneficiary fails to take his or her share   6 astronomy the process in which matter under the influence of gravity is attracted to and increases the mass of a celestial body. The matter usually forms an accretion disc around the accreting object   7 geology the process in which a continent is enlarged by the tectonic movement and deformation of the earth's crust [C17: from Latin accretiō increase, from accrēscere. See ACCRUE]   > acˈcretive or acˈcretionary adj

■ accrescence (əˈkrɛsəns)   n   1 continual increase   2 a dependent, outward growth

■ accrescent (æˈkrɛsənt)   adj   botany (of a calyx or other part) continuing to grow after flowering [C18: from Latin accrēscere to continue to grow, from crēscere to grow]

■ accrete (əˈkriːt)   vb   1 to grow or cause to grow together; be or become fused   2 to make or become bigger, as by addition [C18: back formation from ACCRETION]

■ accretionary wedge or accretionary prism   n   geology a body of deformed sediments, wedge-shaped in two dimensions or prism-shaped in three dimensions, that has been scraped off the surface of the oceanic lithosphere as it moves downwards beneath a continent or island arc. The sediments are added to the continental edge

accrew (əˈkruː)   vb   a variant spelling of accrue

Accrington (ˈækrIŋtən)   n   a town in NW England, in SE Lancashire. Pop: 35 203 (2001)

accroides (ˈækrɔIˌdiːz)   n   an alcohol-soluble resin, obtained from Australian trees, used in paper manufacturing and as a component of varnishes

accrue or accrew (əˈkruː)   vb -crues, -cruing, -crued (intr)   1 to increase by growth or addition, esp (of capital) to increase by periodic addition of interest   2 (often foll by to) to fall naturally (to); come into the possession (of); result (for)   3 law (of a right or demand) to become capable of being enforced [C15: from Old French accreue growth, ultimately from Latin accrēscere to increase, from ad- to, in addition + crēscere to grow]

■ accruable (əˈkruːəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be accrued

■ accrual (əˈkruːəl)   n   1 the act of accruing   2 something that has accrued   3 accounting a charge incurred in one accounting period that has not been paid by the end of it

■ accruement (əˈkruːmənt)   n   the action of accruing

acct US   abbreviation for   account

accubation (ˌækjuːˈbeIʃən)   n   the action or state of leaning backwards, esp at a table for meals

accultural (əˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   characterized by or showing traits of a different and influential culture

■ acculturate (əˈkʌltʃəˌreIt)   vb   (of a cultural or social group) to assimilate the cultural traits of another group [C20: from AD- + CULTURE + -ATE^1]   > acˌculturˈation n   > acˌculturˈational adj   > acˈculturative adj

accumbent (əˈkʌmbənt)   adj   1 botany (of plant parts and plants) lying against some other part or thing   2 a rare word for recumbent [C18: from Latin accumbere to recline]   > acˈcumbency n

accumulate (əˈkjuːmjʊˌleIt)   vb   to gather or become gathered together in an increasing quantity; amass; collect [C16: from Latin accumulātus, past participle of accumulāre to heap up, from cumulus a heap]   > acˈcumulable adj   > acˈcumulative adj   > acˈcumulatively adv   > acˈcumulativeness n

■ accumulation (əˌkjuːmjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of collecting together or becoming collected   2 something that has been collected, gathered, heaped, etc   3 finance   a the continuous growth of capital by retention of interest or earnings   b (in computing the yield on a bond purchased at a discount) the amount that is added to each yield to bring the cost of the bond into equality with its par value over its life. Compare amortization (sense 2)   4 the taking of a first and an advanced university degree simultaneously

■ accumulation point   n   maths another name for limit point

■ accumulator (əˈkjuːmjʊˌleItə)   n   1 Also called: battery, storage battery a rechargeable device for storing electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, consisting of one or more separate secondary cells   2 horse racing, Brit a collective bet, esp on four or more races, in which the stake and winnings on each successive race are carried forward to become the stake on the next, so that both stakes and winnings accumulate progressively so long as the bet continues to be a winning one   3    a a register in a computer or calculator used for holding the results of a computation or data transfer   b a location in a computer store in which arithmetical results are produced

accurate (ˈækjərIt)   adj   1 faithfully representing or describing the truth   2 showing a negligible or permissible deviation from a standard: an accurate ruler   3 without error; precise; meticulous   4 maths   a (to n significant digits) representing the first n digits of the given number starting with the first nonzero digit, but approximating to the nearest digit in the final position: since π = 3.14159…, the approximation 3.1416 is accurate to 5 significant digits   b (to n decimal places) giving the first n digits after the decimal point without further approximation: π = 3.1415 is in this sense accurate to 4 decimal places [C16: from Latin accūrātus, past participle of accūrāre to perform with care, from cūra care]   > ˈaccurately adv   > ˈaccurateness n

■ accuracy (ˈækjʊrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 faithful measurement or representation of the truth; correctness; precision   2 physics, chem the degree of agreement between a measured or computed value of a physical quantity and the standard or accepted value for that quantity

accurse (əˈkɜːs)   vb (tr)   to curse or consign to damnation, perdition, or misery

■ accursed (əˈkɜːsId, əˈkɜːst) or accurst (əˈkɜːst)   adj   1 under or subject to a curse; doomed   2 (prenominal) hateful; detestable; execrable [Old English ācursod, past participle of ācursian to put under a CURSE]   > accursedly (əˈkɜːsIdlI) adv   > acˈcursedness n

accuse (əˈkjuːz)   vb   to charge (a person or persons) with some fault, offence, crime, etc; impute guilt or blame [C13: via Old French from Latin accūsāre to call to account, from ad- to + causa lawsuit]   > acˈcuser n   > acˈcusing adj   > acˈcusingly adv

■ accusable (əˈkjuːzəbəl)   adj   having liability to be blamed or accused

■ accusably (əˈkjuːzəblI)   adv   in an accusable manner

■ accusal (əˈkjuːzəl)   n   another word for accusation

■ accusant (əˈkjuːzənt)   n   a person who accuses or blames

■ accusation (ˌækjʊˈzeIʃən)   n   1 an allegation that a person is guilty of some fault, offence, or crime; imputation   2 a formal charge brought against a person stating the crime that he or she is alleged to have committed

■ accusative (əˈkjuːzətIv)   adj   1 grammar denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages that is used to identify the direct object of a finite verb, of certain prepositions, and for certain other purposes. See also objective (sense 5)   2 another word for accusatorial   ▷ n   3 grammar   a the accusative case   b a word or speech element in the accusative case [C15: from Latin; in grammar, from the phrase cāsus accūsātīvus accusative case, a mistaken translation of Greek ptōsis aitiatikē the case indicating causation. See ACCUSE]   > accusatival (əˌkjuːzəˈtaIvəl) adj   > acˈcusatively adv

■ accusatorial (əˌkjuːzəˈtɔːrIəl) or accusatory (əˈkjuːzətərI, -trI, ˌækjʊˈzeItərI)   adj   1 containing or implying blame or strong criticism   2 law denoting criminal procedure in which the prosecutor is distinct from the judge and the trial is conducted in public. Compare inquisitorial (sense 3)

■ accused (əˈkjuːzd)   n   the accused law the defendant or defendants appearing on a criminal charge

■ accusement (əˈkjuːzmənt)   n   obsolete a charge or accusation of wrongdoing or crime

accustom (əˈkʌstəm)   vb   (tr; usually foll by to) to make (oneself) familiar (with) or used (to), as by practice, habit, or experience [C15: from Old French acostumer, from costume CUSTOM]

■ accustomary (əˈkʌstəmərI)   adj   archaic customary or usual

■ accustomed (əˈkʌstəmd)   adj   1 usual; customary   2 (postpositive; foll by to) used or inured (to)   3 (postpositive; foll by to) in the habit (of): accustomed to walking after meals

■ accustomedness (əˈkʌstəmdnəs)   n   the state of being customary or usual

accustrement (əˈkuːstrəmənt, əˈkuːstəmənt)   n   obsolete the process of equipping with accoutrements

Accutron (ˈækjuːˌtrɒn)   n   trademark a type of watch in which the balance wheel and hairspring are replaced by a tuning fork kept in vibration by a tiny internal battery

AC/DC   adj   informal (of a person) bisexual [C20: humorous reference to electrical apparatus that is adaptable for ALTERNATING CURRENT and DIRECT CURRENT]

ace (eIs)   n   1 any die, domino, or any of four playing cards with one spot   2 a single spot or pip on a playing card, die, etc   3 tennis a winning serve that the opponent fails to reach   4 golf, chiefly US a hole in one   5 a fighter pilot accredited with destroying several enemy aircraft   6 informal an expert or highly skilled person: an ace at driving   7 an ace up one's sleeve or an ace in the hole a hidden and powerful advantage   8 hold all the aces to have all the advantages or power   9 play one's ace to use one's best weapon or resource   10 within an ace of almost to the point of: he came within an ace of winning   ▷ adj   11 informal superb; excellent   ▷ vb (tr)   12 tennis to serve an ace against   13 golf, chiefly US to play (a hole) in one stroke   14 US and Canadian to perform extremely well or score very highly in (an examination, etc) [C13: via Old French from Latin as a unit, perhaps from a Greek variant of heis one]

ACE (eIs)   n acronym for   1 (in Britain) Advisory Centre for Education; a private organization offering advice on schools to parents   2 Allied Command Europe   3 angiotensin-converting enzyme

■ ACE inhibitor   n   any one of a class of drugs, including captopril, enalapril, and ramipril, that cause the arteries to widen by preventing the synthesis of angiotensin: used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure [C20: from a(ngiotensin-)c(onverting) e(nzyme) inhibitor]

-acea   suffix forming plural proper nouns   denoting animals belonging to a class or order: Crustacea (class); Cetacea (order) [New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of -āceus -ACEOUS]

-aceae   suffix forming plural proper nouns   denoting plants belonging to a family: Liliaceae; Ranunculaceae [New Latin, from Latin, feminine plural of -āceus -ACEOUS]

Ace Bandage   n trademark   US an elasticated bandage used to restrict blood flow to the site of an injury and so reduce inflammation

acedia (əˈsiːdIə)   n   another word for accidie

Aceh (ˈaːtʃeI)   n   an autonomous region of N Indonesia, in N Sumatra; mountainous with rain forests; scene of separatist conflict since the late 1990s; coastal areas suffered badly in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Capital: Banda Aceh. Pop: 3 930 905 (2000). Area: 55 392 sq km (21 381 sq miles)

Aceldama (əˈsɛldəmə)   n   New Testament the place near Jerusalem that was bought with the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:8; Acts 1:19) [C14: from Aramaic haqēl demā field of blood]

acellular (eIˈsɛljʊlə)   adj   biology not made up of or containing cells

acentric (eIˈsɛntrIk)   adj   1 without a centre   2 not on centre; eccentric   3 genetics (of a chromosome or chromosome fragment) lacking a centromere   ▷ n   4 an acentric chromosome or fragment

-aceous   suffix forming adjectives   relating to, belonging to, having the nature of, or resembling: herbaceous; larvaceous [New Latin, from Latin -āceus of a certain kind; related to -āc, -āx, adjectival suffix]

acephalous (əˈsɛfələs)   adj   1 Also: acephalic (ˈeIsIˌfælIk) biology having no head or one that is reduced and indistinct, as certain insect larvae   2 having or recognizing no ruler or leader [C18: via Medieval Latin from Greek akephalos. See A-1, -CEPHALIC]

acequia (əˈseIkjə, əˈseIkIə)   n   US a ditch for irrigation

acer (ˈeIsə)   n   any tree or shrub of the genus Acer, often cultivated for their brightly coloured foliage. See also maple

ACER   abbreviation for   Australian Council for Educational Research

acerate (ˈæsəˌreIt, -rIt)   adj   another word for acerose [C19: from Latin ācer sharp + -ATE^1]

■ acerated (ˈæsˌəreItId)   adj   having sharp points

acerbic (əˈsɜːbIk) or acerb (əˈsɜːb)   adj   harsh, bitter, or astringent; sour [C17: from Latin acerbus sour, bitter]

■ acerbate (ˈæsəˌbeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to embitter or exasperate   2 to make sour or bitter

■ acerbically (əˈsɜːbIkəlI)   adv   in an acerbic manner

■ acerbity (əˈsɜːbItI)   n, pl -ties   1 vitriolic or embittered speech, temper, etc   2 sourness or bitterness of taste

acerola (ˌæsəˈrəʊlə)   n   1 a small tree or shrub, Malpighia glabra, that grows in the rainforests of N South America, Central America, and Jamaica   2 the small, soft, bright red fruit of this tree, which looks like a cherry but has a sharp flavour   ▶ Also called: Amazon cherry [C21: from Portuguese]

acerose (ˈæsəˌrəʊs, -ˌrəʊz) or acerous (ˈæsəˌrəs)   adj   shaped like a needle, as pine leaves [C18: from Latin acerōsus full of chaff (erroneously used by Linnaeus as if derived from ācer sharp)]

acervate (əˈsɜːvIt, -ˌveIt)   adj   growing in heaps or clusters [C19: from Latin acervātus, from acervāre to heap up, from acervus a heap]   > aˈcervately adv

■ acervation (ˌæsəˈveIʃən)   n   formal a heaping or piling up, gathering, accumulation

acervulus (əˈsɜːvjələs)   n   1 a small, asexual spore-producing structure produced by certain parasitic fungi on a host plant   2 Also called: acervulus cerebri, brain sand sandy calcifications occurring in the brain, particularly around the pineal gland

acescent (əˈsɛsənt)   adj   slightly sour or turning sour [C18: from Latin acēscent-, from acēscere to become sour, from ācer sharp]   > aˈcescence or aˈcescency n

acetabulum (ˌæsIˈtæbjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   1 the deep cuplike cavity on the side of the hipbone that receives the head of the thighbone   2 a round muscular sucker in flatworms, leeches, and cephalopod molluscs   3 the aperture in the thorax of an insect that holds the leg [Latin: vinegar cup, hence a cuplike cavity, from acētum vinegar + -abulum, suffix denoting a container]

acetal (ˈæsIˌtæl)   n   1 1,1-diethoxyethane; a colourless volatile liquid used as a solvent and in perfumes. Formula: CH_3CH(OC_2H_5)2   2 any organic compound containing the group -CH(OR_1)OR_2, where R_1 and R_2 are other organic groups [C19: from German Azetal, from ACETO- + ALCOHOL]

acetaldehyde (ˌæsIˈtældIˌhaId)   n   a colourless volatile pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and as a solvent and reducing agent. Formula: CH_3CHO. Systematic name: ethanal

acetamide (ˌæsIˈtæmaId, əˈsɛtIˌmaId) or acetamid (ˌæsIˈtæmId, əˈsɛtImId)   n   a white or colourless soluble deliquescent crystalline compound, used in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: CH_3CONH_2 [C19: from German Azetamid, from ACETO- + AMIDE]

acetaminophen (əˌsiːtəˈmiːnəfɛn)   n   a US name for paracetamol

acetanilide (ˌæsIˈtænIˌlaId) or acetanilid (ˌæsIˈtænIlId)   n   a white crystalline powder used in the manufacture of dyes and rubber, as an analgesic in medicine, and as a precursor in penicillin manufacture. Formula: C_6H_5NHCOCH_3 [C19: from ACETO- + ANILINE + -IDE]

acetate (ˈæsIˌteIt)   n   1 any salt or ester of acetic acid, containing the monovalent ion CH_3COO– or the group CH_3COO-. Systematic name: ethanoate   2 (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group CH_3COO-: acetate group or radical   3 short for acetate rayon, cellulose acetate   4 a sound recording disc composed of an acetate lacquer coating on an aluminium or plastic base: used for demonstration or other short-term purposes [C19: from ACETIC + -ATE^1]   > ˈaceˌtated adj

■ acetate rayon   n   a synthetic textile fibre made from cellulose acetate

acetazolamide (əˌsɛtəˈzɒləˌmaId, əˌsiːtə-, -ˈzəʊlə-)   n   a drug which operates by blocking the production of hydrogen ions and hydrogen carbonate, used to treat various conditions including epilepsy and glaucoma

acetic (əˈsiːtIk, əˈsɛt-)   adj   of, containing, producing, or derived from acetic acid or vinegar [C19: from Latin acētum vinegar]

■ acetic acid   n   a colourless pungent liquid, miscible with water, widely used in the manufacture of acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate, plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, etc. Formula: CH_3COOH. Systematic name: ethanoic acid. See also glacial acetic acid, vinegar

■ acetic anhydride   n   a colourless pungent liquid used in the manufacture of cellulose and vinyl acetates for synthetic fabrics. Formula: (CH_3CO)2O

■ acetify (əˈsɛtIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to become or cause to become acetic acid or vinegar   > aˌcetifiˈcation n   > aˈcetiˌfier n

■ acetous (ˈæsItəs, əˈsiː-) or acetose (ˈæsIˌtəʊs, -ˌtəʊz)   adj   1 containing, producing, or resembling acetic acid or vinegar   2 tasting like vinegar [C18: from Late Latin acētōsus vinegary, from acētum vinegar]

acetin (ˈæsItIn)   n   any of three types of liquid acetate, formed from glycerol and acetic acid, chiefly used in explosives and solvents

aceto- or before a vowel acet-   combining form   containing an acetyl group or derived from acetic acid: acetone [from Latin acētum vinegar]

acetometer (ˌæsIˈtɒmItə)   n   a device for measuring the concentration of acetic acid in a solution, esp in vinegar

acetonaemia or US acetonemia (ˌəsiːtəʊˈniːmIə, əˌsiːtə-)   n   another name for ketosis

acetone (ˈæsIˌtəʊn)   n   a colourless volatile flammable pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of chemicals and as a solvent and thinner for paints, varnishes, and lacquers. Formula: CH_3COCH_3. Systematic name: propanone [C19: from German Azeton, from ACETO- + -ONE]   > acetonic (ˌæsIˈtɒnIk) adj

■ acetone body   n   another name for ketone body

acetonitrile (əˌsiːtəʊˈnaItrIl)   n   a colourless organic chemical, CH_3CN, used chiefly as a solvent

acetonuria (ˌəsiːtəʊˈnjʊərIə, əˌsiːtə-)   n   another name for ketonuria

acetophenetidin (əˌsiːtəʊfəˈnɛtIdIn)   n   another name for phenacetin

acetoxyl (ˌæsəˈtɒksIl)   n   a medicine used to treat acne, with benzoyl peroxide as it active ingredient

acetum (əˈsiːtəm)   n   1 another name for vinegar   2 a solution that has dilute acetic acid as solvent [Latin]

acetyl (ˈæsIˌtaIl, əˈsiːtaIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH_3CO-: acetyl group or radical [C19: from ACET(IC) + -YL]   > acetylic (ˌæsIˈtIlIk) adj

■ acetylate (əˈsɛtIˌleIt)   vb   1 (tr) to introduce an acetyl group into (a chemical compound)   2 (intr) (of a chemical compound) to gain or suffer substitution of an acetyl group   > aˌcetyˈlation n

■ acetylative (əˈsiːtaIlətIv)   adj   chem introducing an acetyl group into a chemical compound

■ acetyl chloride   n   a colourless pungent liquid used as an acetylating agent. Formula: CH_3COCl. Also called: ethanoyl chloride

■ acetylcholine (ˌæsItaIlˈkəʊliːn, -lIn)   n   a chemical substance secreted at the ends of many nerve fibres, esp in the autonomic nervous system, and responsible for the transmission of nervous impulses. Formula: CH_3CO_2(CH_2)2N(CH_3)3+

■ acetylcholinesterase (əˈsiːtaIlˌkəʊliːnˈɛstərˌeIz, ˈæsItaIl-)   n   an enzyme in nerve cells that is responsible for the destruction of acetylcholine and thus for switching off excitation of the nerve

acetylene (əˈsɛtIˌliːn)   n   1 a colourless flammable gas used in the manufacture of organic chemicals and in cutting and welding metals. Formula: C_2H_2. Systematic name: ethyne   2    a another name for alkyne   b (as modifier): acetylene series   > acetylenic (əˌsɛtIˈlɛnIk) adj

acetylide (əˈsɛtIˌlaId)   n   any of a class of carbides in which the carbon is present as a diatomic divalent ion (C_22–). They are formally derivatives of acetylene

acetylsalicylic acid (ˌæsItaIlˌsælIˈsIlIk, əˈsiːtaIl-)   n   the chemical name for aspirin

acey-deucy (ˈeIsIˈdjuːsI)   n   a form of backgammon

ACGI   abbreviation for   Associate of the City and Guilds Institute

ach (ɑːx)   interj   Scot an expression of surprise, impatience, disgust, etc. Also: och

Achaea (əˈkiːə) or Achaia (əˈkaIə)   n   1 a department of Greece, in the N Peloponnese. Capital: Patras. Pop: 318 928 (2001). Area: 3209 sq km (1239 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Akhaïa   2 a province of ancient Greece, in the N Peloponnese on the Gulf of Corinth: enlarged as a Roman province in 27 BC

■ Achaean (əˈkiːən) or Achaian (əˈkaIən)   n   1 a member of a principal Greek tribe in the Mycenaean era   2 a native or inhabitant of the later Greek province of Achaea   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Achaea or the Achaeans

■ Achaean League   n   a confederation of Achaean cities formed in the early third century BC, which became a political and military force in Greece, directed particularly against Macedonian domination of the Peloponnesus

Achaemenid (əˈkiːmənId, əˈkɛm-)   n, pl Achaemenids or Achaemenidae (ˌækIˈmɛnIˌdiː) or Achaemenides (ˌækIˈmɛnIˌdiːz)   any member of a Persian dynasty of kings, including Cyrus the Great, that ruled from about 550 to 331 BC, when Darius III was overthrown by Alexander the Great [from Greek, after Akhaimenēs, name of the founder]

achaenium (əˈkiːnIəm)   n   another name for achene

achaenocarp (əˈkiːnəˌkɑːp)   n   another name for achene

achalasia (ˌækəˈleIzIə)   n   pathol failure of the cardiac sphincter of the oesophagus to relax, resulting in difficulty in swallowing [New Latin, from A-1 + Greek chalasis relaxation]

achar (əˈtʃɑː)   n   a spicy pickle made from mango

acharné (əˈʃɑːneI)   adj   furiously violent

acharya (aˈtʃærIə)   n   Hinduism a prominent religious teacher and spiritual guide [from Sanskrit, literally: teacher]

Achates (əˈkeItiːz)   n   1 classical myth Aeneas' faithful companion in Virgil's Aeneid   2 a loyal friend

ache (eIk)   vb (intr)   1 to feel, suffer, or be the source of a continuous dull pain   2 to suffer mental anguish   ▷ n   3 a continuous dull pain [Old English ācan (vb), æce (n), Middle English aken (vb), ache (n). Compare BAKE, BATCH]   > ˈaching adj   > ˈachingly adv

■ achage (ˈeIkIdʒ)   n   jocular, informal pain, a state of aching

■ achiness (ˈeIkInəs)   n   a constant, dull pain

■ achy (ˈeIkI)   adj achier, achiest   affected by a continuous dull pain; aching

Achebe (əˈtʃeIbI)   n   Chinua. 1930–2013, Nigerian novelist. His works include Things Fall Apart (1958), A Man of the People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987)

Achelous (ˌækIˈləʊəs)   n   classical myth a river god who changed into a snake and a bull while fighting Hercules but was defeated when Hercules broke off one of his horns

achene or akene (əˈkiːn)   n   a dry one-seeded indehiscent fruit with the seed distinct from the fruit wall. It may be smooth, as in the buttercup, or feathery, as in clematis. Also called: achenium (əˈkiːnIəm) [C19: from New Latin achaenium that which does not yawn or open, from A-1 + Greek khainein to yawn]   > aˈchenial or aˈkenial adj

Achernar (ˈeIkəˌnɑː)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Eridanus, visible only in the S hemisphere. Visual magnitude: 0.5; spectral type: B3V; distance: 144 light years [from Arabic ākhīr al-nahr, literally: end of the river, alluding to the star's location in the constellation]

Acheron (ˈækəˌrɒn)   n Greek myth   1 one of the rivers in Hades over which the souls of the dead were ferried by Charon. Compare Styx   2 the underworld or Hades

Acheson (ˈætʃIsən)   n   Dean (Gooderham). 1893–1971, US lawyer and statesman: secretary of state (1949–53) under President Truman

Acheulian or Acheulean (əˈʃuːlIən, -jən) archaeol   n   1 (in Europe) the period in the Lower Palaeolithic following the Abbevillian, represented by the use of soft hammerstones in hand axe production made of chipped stone, bone, antler, or wood. The Acheulian dates from the Riss glaciation   2 (in Africa) the period represented by every stage of hand axe development   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this period [C20: after St Acheul, town in northern France]

à cheval French (a ʃəval)   adv   (of a bet, esp in roulette) made on two adjacent numbers, cards, etc [literally: on horseback]

achieve (əˈtʃiːv)   vb (tr)   1 to bring to a successful conclusion; accomplish; attain   2 to gain as by hard work or effort: to achieve success [C14: from Old French achever to bring to an end, from the phrase a chef to a head, to a conclusion]   > aˈchievable adj   > aˈchiever n

■ achievement (əˈtʃiːvmənt)   n   1 something that has been accomplished, esp by hard work, ability, or heroism   2 successful completion; accomplishment   3 heraldry a less common word for hatchment

■ achievement age   n   psychol the age at which a child should be able to perform a standardized test successfully. Compare mental age

■ achievement quotient   n   psychol a measure of ability derived by dividing an individual's achievement age by his or her actual age. Abbreviation: AQ

■ achievement test   n   psychol a test designed to measure the effects that learning and teaching have on individuals

achillea (ˌækIˈliːə)   n   any plant of the N temperate genus Achillea, with white, yellow, or purple flowers, some species of which are widely grown as garden plants: family Asteraceae (composites). See also sneezewort, yarrow [from ACHILLES, who was credited with discovering medicinal properties in the plant]

Achilles (əˈkIliːz)   n   Greek myth Greek hero, the son of Peleus and the sea goddess Thetis: in the Iliad the foremost of the Greek warriors at the siege of Troy. While he was a baby his mother plunged him into the river Styx making his body invulnerable except for the heel by which she held him. After slaying Hector, he was killed by Paris who wounded him in the heel   > Achillean (ˌækIˈliːən) adj

■ Achilles heel   n   a small but fatal weakness

■ Achilles tendon   n   the fibrous cord that connects the muscles of the calf to the heelbone

Achill Island (ˈækIl)   n   an island in the Republic of Ireland, off the W coast of Co Mayo. Area: 148 sq km (57 sq miles). Pop: 2620 (2002)

achimenes (ˌækIˈmiːniːz)   n   any plant of the tropical S American tuberous-rooted perennial genus Achimenes, with showy red, blue, or white tubular flowers, some of which are grown as greenhouse plants: family Gesneriaceae [from Latin achaemenis, from Greek achaimenis, a species of euphorbia]

achiote (ˌætʃIˈəʊtI, ˌætʃIˈəʊteI)   n   another name for annatto

achiral (eIˈkaIrəl)   adj   science able to be superimposed on its mirror image

Achitophel (əˈkItəˌfɛl)   n   Bible the Douay spelling of Ahithophel

achkan (ˈætʃkən)   n   a type of man's coat, knee-length or longer and long-sleeved, worn in South Asia, traditionally by the Muslim and Sikh aristocracy of Northern India

achlamydeous (ˌækləˈmIdIəs)   adj   (of flowers such as the willow) having neither petals nor sepals [C19: from Greek a- not, without + chlamys cloak]

ach-laut (ˈæklaʊt, ˈæx-)   n   (sometimes capital) phonetics the voiceless velar fricative sound that is written as ch in Scottish loch or in German ach, often allophonic with the ich-laut. See also ich-laut [from German, from ach ah + Laut sound]

achlorhydria (ˌeIklɔːˈhaIdrIə)   n   the absence of free hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice [C20: New Latin; see A-1, CHLORO-, HYDRO-]

■ achlorhydric (ˌeIklɔːˈhaIdrIk)   adj   relating to a lack of gastric hydrochloric acid

acholia (eIˈkəʊlIə)   n   a condition involving partial or complete lack of bile secretion

achondrite (eIˈkɒndraIt)   n   a rare stony meteorite that consists mainly of silicate minerals and has the texture of igneous rock but contains no chondrules. Compare chondrite   > achondritic (ˌeIkɒnˈdrItIk) adj

achondroplasia (eIˌkɒndrəʊˈpleIzIə)   n   a condition, characterized by failure of normal conversion of cartilage into bone, that begins during fetal life and results in dwarfism [C20: New Latin; see A-1, CHONDRO-, -PLASIA]   > achondroplastic (eIˌkɒndrəʊˈplæstIk) adj

achoo (əˈtʃuː) informal   interj   1 a representation of the sound of a sneeze   ▷ n   2 (pl achoos) a sneeze

achromat (ˈækrəˌmæt)   n   1 Also called: achromatic lens a lens designed to bring light of two chosen wavelengths to the same focal point, thus reducing chromatic aberration. Compare apochromat   2 a person who has no colour vision at all and can distinguish only black, white, and grey. The condition is very rare

■ achromatic (ˌækrəˈmætIk)   adj   1 without colour   2 capable of reflecting or refracting light without chromatic aberration   3 cytology   a not staining with standard dyes   b of or relating to achromatin   4 music   a involving no sharps or flats   b another word for diatonic   5 denoting a person who is an achromat   > ˌachroˈmatically adv   > achromatism (əˈkrəʊməˌtIzəm) or achromaticity (əˌkrəʊməˈtIsItI) n

■ achromatic colour   n   physics colour, such as white, black, and grey, that is devoid of hue. See colour (sense 2)

■ achromatin (əˈkrəʊmətIn)   n   the material of the nucleus of a cell that does not stain with basic dyes. Compare chromatin

■ achromatize or achromatise (əˈkrəʊmətaIz)   vb   (tr) to make achromatic; to remove colour from   > aˌchromatiˈzation or aˌchromatiˈsation n

■ achromatous (əˈkrəʊmətəs)   adj   having little or no colour or less than is normal

achromatopsia (eIˌkrəʊməˈtɒpsIə)   n   a visual disorder defined by deficient or absent function in the retinal cones, resulting in colour blindness and in decreased vision in bright lights

achromic (əˈkrəʊmIk) or achromous   adj   colourless

ach-y-fi (ˌaxəˈviː, ˌʌx-)   interj   Welsh dialect an expression of disgust or abhorrence [Welsh, probably from ach, achy general exclamation of disgust + fi I, me]

acicula (əˈsIkjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   a needle-shaped part, such as a spine, prickle, or crystal [C19: New Latin, diminutive of acus needle]   > aˈcicular adj

■ aciculate (əˈsIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or aciculated   adj   1 having aciculae   2 marked with or as if with needle scratches

aciculum (əˈsIkjʊləm)   n, pl -lums or -la (-lə)   a needle-like bristle that provides internal support for the appendages (chaetae) of some polychaete worms [C19: New Latin; see ACICULA]

acid (ˈæsId)   n   1 any substance that dissociates in water to yield a sour corrosive solution containing hydrogen ions, having a pH of less than 7, and turning litmus red. See also Lewis acid   2 a sour-tasting substance   3 a slang name for LSD   ▷ adj   4 chem   a of, derived from, or containing acid: an acid radical   b being or having the properties of an acid: sodium bicarbonate is an acid salt   5 sharp or sour in taste   6 cutting, sharp, or hurtful in speech, manner, etc; vitriolic; caustic   7 (of rain, snow, etc) containing pollutant acids in solution   8 (of igneous rocks) having a silica content of more than 60% of the total and containing at least one tenth quartz   9 metallurgy of or made by a process in which the furnace or converter is lined with an acid material: acid steel [C17: (first used by Francis Bacon): from French acide or Latin acidus, from acēre to be sour or sharp]   > ˈacidly adv   > ˈacidness n   > ˈacidy adj

■ acid anhydride   n   another name for anhydride (sense 3)

■ acid drop   n   a boiled sweet with a sharp taste

■ acid dye   n   a dye in which the chromophore is part of a negative ion usually applied from an acidic solution

■ acid-fast   adj   (of bacteria and tissues) resistant to decolorization by mineral acids after staining

■ acid-forming   adj   1 (of an oxide or element) yielding an acid when dissolved in water or having an oxide that forms an acid in water; acidic   2 (of foods) producing an acid residue following digestion

■ acid halide   n   another name for acyl halide

■ acidhead (ˈæsIdˌhɛd)   n   slang a person who uses LSD

■ Acid House or Acid   n   a type of funk-based electronically edited disco music of the late 1980s, which has hypnotic sound effects and is associated with hippy culture and the use of the drug ecstasy [C20: perhaps from ACID (LSD) + HOUSE (MUSIC)]

■ acidic (əˈsIdIk)   adj   1 another word for acid   2 (of an oxide) yielding an acid in aqueous solution

■ acidity (əˈsIdItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality or state of being acid   2 the amount of acid present in a solution, often expressed in terms of pH   3 another name for hyperacidity

■ acid-proof   adj   resistant to the action of acid

■ acid rain   n   rain that contains a high concentration of pollutants, chiefly sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil

■ acid reflux   n   the regurgitation of stomach acid into the oesophagus, causing heartburn

■ acid rock   n   a type of rock music characterized by electronically amplified bizarre instrumental effects [C20: from ACID (sense 3), alluding to its supposed inspiration by drug-induced states of consciousness]

■ acid salt   n   chem a salt formed by partial replacement of the acidic hydrogen atoms of the parent acid

■ acid soil   n   a soil that gives a pH reaction of below about 6, found esp in cool moist areas where soluble bases are leached away

■ acid test   n   a rigorous and conclusive test to establish worth or value: the play passed the critic's acid test [C19: from the testing of gold with nitric acid]

■ acid value   n   the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the free fatty acid in one gram of a fat, oil, resin, etc

acidanthera (ˌæsIˈdænθərə)   n   any plant of the African cormous genus Acidanthera, cultivated for its graceful tubular white and red or white and purple flowers, often scented: family Iridaceae [from Greek akis point + New Latin anthera anther, from the shape of the anthers]

acidemia (ˌæsIˈdiːmIə)   n   a state of abnormally high acidity of the blood due to an increase in hydrogen ions

acidify (əˈsIdIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to convert into or become acid   > aˈcidiˌfiable adj   > aˌcidifiˈcation n   > aˈcidiˌfier n

acidimeter (ˌæsIˈdImItə)   n   1 any instrument or standard solution for determining the amount of acid in a sample solution   2 another name for acidometer

■ acidimetry (ˌæsIˈdImItrI)   n   the determination of the amount of acid present in a solution, measured by an acidimeter or by volumetric analysis   > acidimetric (ˌæsIdIˈmɛtrIk) or ˌacidiˈmetrical adj   > ˌacidiˈmetrically adv

acidometer (ˌæsIˈdɒmItə)   n   a type of hydrometer for measuring the relative density of an acid solution, esp the acid in a battery. Also called: acidimeter

acidophil (ˈæsIdəʊˌfIl, əˈsIdə-) or acidophile (ˈæsIdəʊˌfaIl, əˈsIdə-)   adj also acidophilic (ˌæsIdəʊˈfIlIk, əˌsIdə-), acidophilous (ˌæsIˈdɒfIləs)   1 (of cells or cell contents) easily stained by acid dyes   2 (of microorganisms) growing well in an acid environment   ▷ n   3 an acidophil organism [C20: see ACID, -PHILE]

acidophilus (ˌæsIˈdɒfIləs)   n   biology a lactic-acid-producing bacterium primarily found in live yoghurt, useful in restoring bacterial balance in the intestine

■ acidophilus milk (ˌæsIˈdɒfIləs)   n   med milk fermented by bacteria of the species Lactobacillus acidophilus, used in treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

acidosis (ˌæsIˈdəʊsIs)   n   a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the acidity of the blood and extracellular fluids   > acidotic (ˌæsIˈdɒtIk) adj

acidulate (əˈsIdjʊˌleIt)   vb   (tr) to make slightly acid or sour [C18: ACIDULOUS + -ATE^1]   > aˌciduˈlation n

■ acidulous (əˈsIdjʊləs) or acidulent   adj   1 rather sour   2 sharp or sour in speech, manner, etc; acid [C18: from Latin acidulus sourish, diminutive of acidus sour]

aciduria (ˌæsIdˈjʊərIə)   n   med the condition of having acid in the urine, particularly at abnormally high levels

acierage (ˈæsIəˌrIdʒ)   n   chem the process of iron-plating metal by means of voltaic electricity

■ acierate (ˈæsIəˌreIt)   vb   (tr) to change (iron) into steel [C19: from French acier steel, from Latin aciēs sharpness]   > ˌacierˈation n

aciform (ˈæsIˌfɔːm)   adj   another term for acerose

ACII   abbreviation for   Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute

acinaceous (ˌæsIˈneIʃəs)   adj   botany containing or consisting of kernels, particularly the seeds or stones of grapes

acinaciform (ˌæsIˈnæsIˌfɔːm)   adj   (of leaves) shaped like a scimitar; curved [C19: via Latin acīnacēs, from Greek akinakēs short sword, ultimately from Iranian + -FORM]

acinar (əˈsInə)   adj   anatomy of or relating to any of the terminal saclike portions of a compound gland

acinetobacter (ˈæsInItʊˌbæktə)   n   a bacterium that causes infections such as pneumonia, particularly in people who have a compromised immune system [C20: from Greek acetinae immovable + BACTER(IUM)]

aciniform (əˈsInIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a bunch of grapes [C19: from New Latin aciniformis; see ACINUS]

acinus (ˈæsInəs)   n, pl -ni (-ˌnaI)   1 anatomy any of the terminal saclike portions of a compound gland   2 botany any of the small drupes that make up the fruit of the blackberry, raspberry, etc   3 botany obsolete a collection of berries, such as a bunch of grapes [C18: New Latin, from Latin: grape, berry]   > acinic (əˈsInIk), ˈacinous or ˈacinose adj

Acis (ˈeIsIs)   n   Greek myth a Sicilian shepherd and the lover of the nymph Galatea. In jealousy, Polyphemus crushed him with a huge rock, and his blood was turned by Galatea into a river

ack-ack (ˈækˌæk)   n military   1    a anti-aircraft fire   b (as modifier): ack-ack guns   2 anti-aircraft arms [C20: British army World War I phonetic alphabet for AA, abbreviation of anti-aircraft]

ackee or akee (ˈækiː)   n   1    a a sapindaceous tree, Blighia sapida, native to tropical Africa and cultivated in the Caribbean for its fruit, edible when cooked   b the red pear-shaped fruit of this tree   2 a sapindaceous tree, Melicoccus bijugatus, that grows on some Caribbean islands and is valued for its timber and edible fruit   3 the green tough-skinned berry of this tree [C18: of African origin]

ack-emma (ˈækˈɛmə)   adv   old-fashioned in the morning; a.m [World War I phonetic alphabet for A, M]

acker (ˈækə)   n   1 Austral informal a variant spelling of acca   2 Austral slang a pimple [for sense 2, a shortened form of ACNE]

acknow (ækˈnəʊ)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to recognize   2 to acknowledge, admit, confess

acknowledge (əkˈnɒlIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to recognize or admit the existence, truth, or reality of   2 to indicate recognition or awareness of, as by a greeting, glance, etc   3 to express appreciation or thanks for: to acknowledge a gift   4 to make the receipt of known to the sender: to acknowledge an e-mail   5 to recognize, esp in legal form, the authority, rights, or claims of [C15: probably from earlier knowledge, on the model of Old English oncnāwan, Middle English aknowen to confess, recognize]   > acˈknowledgeable adj   > acˈknowledger n

■ acknowledgeably (ækˈnɒlIdʒəblI)   adv   not standard in a way that is able to be generally acknowledged or recognized

■ acknowledged (əkˈnɒlIdʒd)   adj   1 recognized as being true or existing   2 recognized, esp in legal form, as having authority, rights, or claims   3 stated as being received

■ acknowledgedly (əkˈnɒlIdʒədlI)   adv   by general agreement, admittedly

■ acknowledgment or acknowledgement (əkˈnɒlIdʒmənt)   n   1 the act of acknowledging or state of being acknowledged   2 something done or given as an expression of thanks, as a reply to a message, etc   3 (plural) an author's statement acknowledging his or her use of the works of other authors, usually printed at the front of a book

acknowne (ækˈnəʊn)   adj   aware

ACL   abbreviation for   anterior cruciate ligament

aclinic (əˈklInIk)   adj   not leaning or inclining; unbending [C19: from Greek aklinēs not bending, from A-1 + klinein to bend, lean]

■ aclinic line   n   another name for magnetic equator

ACLU   abbreviation for   American Civil Liberties Union

ACM   abbreviation for   Air Chief Marshal

acme (ˈækmI)   n   the culminating point, as of achievement or excellence; summit; peak [C16: from Greek akmē]

■ acmatic (ækˈmætIk)   adj   relating to the highest point or pinnacle; ultimate

■ acme screw thread   n   a type of screw thread having inclined flat flanks and a flat top and bottom: used in machine tools

acmite (ˈækˌmaIt)   n   a silicate mineral with chemical formula NaFeSi_2O_6, consisting of pyramid-shaped crystals; aegirite

acne (ˈæknI)   n   Also called: acne vulgaris a chronic skin disease common in adolescence, involving inflammation of the sebaceous glands and characterized by pustules on the face, neck, and upper trunk. See also rosacea [C19: New Latin, from a misreading of Greek akmē eruption on the face. See ACME]

■ acned (ˈæknId)   adj   1 blemished by acne   2 informal marked with indentations

acnode (ˈækˌnəʊd)   n   a point whose coordinates satisfy the equation of a curve although it does not lie on the curve; an isolated point. The origin is an acnode of the curve y^2 + x^2 = x^3 [C19: from Latin acus a needle + NODE]   > acˈnodal adj

acock (əˈkɒk)   adv obsolete   1 in a cocked position   2 in a cocked or turned up manner, defiantly

acoelomate (eIˈsiːləˌmeIt) biology   n   1 any animal without a body cavity, such as a flatworm   ▷ adj   2 relating to an animal without a body cavity

acoelous (eIˈsiːləs)   adj   1 not having a true digestive tract   2 another term for acoelomate (sense 2)

acoemeti (æˈsɛmIˌtaI)   pl n   an order of monks founded in the 5th century, distinguished by the continuous nature of their praise and prayer

Acol (ˈækəl)   n   bridge a popular British bidding system favouring light opening bids and a flexible approach [C20: named after a club in Acol Road, London]

acold (əˈkəʊld)   adj   obsolete cold; chilled

acolouthic (ˌækəˈluːθIk)   adj   a variant spelling of acoluthic

acolouthite (ˌækəˈluːθaIt)   n obsolete   another name for acolyte

acolouthos (ˌækəˈluːθɒs)   n   1 obsolete another name for acolyte   2 the chief of the Varangian guard in the Byzantine empire during the Palaeologan period

acoluthic (ˌækəˈluːθIk)   adj   following, subsequent; specifically, relating to an afterimage

acolyte (ˈækəˌlaIt)   n   1 a follower or attendant   2 Christianity an officer who attends or assists a priest [C16: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek akolouthos a follower]

acolyth (ˈækəˌlIθ)   n   1 an acolyte or follower   2 Christianity a clergyman's attendant who assists with alter duties

Aconcagua (Spanish akonˈkaɣwa)   n   a mountain in W Argentina: the highest peak in the Andes and in the W Hemisphere. Height: 6961 m (22 838 ft)

aconite (ˈækəˌnaIt) or aconitum (ˌækəˈnaItəm)   n   1 any of various N temperate plants of the ranunculaceous genus Aconitum, such as monkshood and wolfsbane, many of which are poisonous. Compare winter aconite   2 the dried poisonous root of many of these plants, sometimes used as an antipyretic [C16: via Old French or Latin from Greek akoniton aconite, monkshood]   > aconitic (ˌækəˈnItIk) adj

■ aconitine (əˈkɒnIˌtaIn)   n   a poison extracted from aconite

Açôres (əˈsorəʃ)   n   the Portuguese name for (the) Azores

acorn (ˈeIkɔːn)   n   the fruit of an oak tree, consisting of a smooth thick-walled nut in a woody scaly cuplike base [C16: a variant (through influence of corn) of Old English æcern the fruit of a tree, acorn; related to Gothic akran fruit, yield]

■ acorn barnacle or acorn shell   n   any of various barnacles, such as Balanus balanoides, that live attached to rocks and have a volcano-shaped shell from the top of which protrude feathery food-catching appendages (cirri)

■ acorned (ˈeIkɔːnd)   adj   covered with acorns

■ acorn valve or US acorn tube   n   a small electronic valve, approximately acorn-shaped with small closely-spaced electrodes, used in ultrahigh-frequency applications

■ acorn worm   n   any of various small burrowing marine animals of the genus Balanoglossus and related genera, having an elongated wormlike body with an acorn-shaped eversible proboscis at the head end: subphylum Hemichordata (hemichordates)

A Coruña (Spanish a koˈruɲa)   n   the Galician name for La Coruña

acosmism (əˈkɒzmIzəm)   n   theol a belief that no world distinct from God exists

■ acosmist (əˈkɒzmIst)   n   theol someone who believes that no world distinct from God exists

acotyledon (əˌkɒtIˈliːdən)   n   any plant, such as a fern or moss, that does not possess cotyledons   > aˌcotyˈledonous adj

acouchi or acouchy (əˈkuːʃI)   n, pl -chis or -chies   any of several South American rodents of the genus Myoprocta, closely related to the agoutis but much smaller, with a white-tipped tail: family Dasyproctidae [C19: via French from a native name in Guiana]

acoustic (əˈkuːstIk) or acoustical   adj   1 of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics   2 designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound: an acoustic tile   3 (of a musical instrument or recording) without electronic amplification: an acoustic bass; an acoustic guitar [C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear]   > aˈcoustically adv

■ acoustic coupler   n   computing a device converting computer-data signals into acoustic form for transmission down a telephone line, through the handset microphone. See also modem

■ acoustic feature   n   phonetics any of the acoustic components or elements present in a speech sound and capable of being experimentally observed, recorded, and reproduced

■ acoustic guitar   n   an ordinary guitar, which produces its normal sound through the sounding board and is not amplified in any way. Compare electric guitar

■ acoustician (ˌækʊˈstIʃən)   n   an expert in acoustics

■ acoustic nerve   n   the former name for vestibulocochlear nerve

■ acoustic neuroma   n   a benign brain tumour of the vestibulocochlear nerve, one of the nerves connecting the ear to the brain, which can cause hearing and balance problems

■ acoustic phonetics   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of phonetics concerned with the acoustic properties of human speech. Compare auditory phonetics, articulatory phonetics

■ acoustics (əˈkuːstIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the scientific study of sound and sound waves   2 (functioning as plural) the characteristics of a room, auditorium, etc, that determine the fidelity with which sound can be heard within it

■ acoustic shock   n   a condition characterized by dizziness and partial hearing loss suffered by some people exposed to sudden loud noises over telephone or radio headsets; associated esp with workers in call centres

■ acoustoelectronic (əˌkuːstəʊˌIlɛkˈtrɒnIk)   adj   denoting a device in which electronic signals are converted into acoustic waves, esp in delay lines, etc. Also: electroacoustic   > aˌcoustoˌelecˈtronics n

ACPO (ˈækpəʊ) Brit   acronym for   Association of Chief Police Officers

acquaint (əˈkweInt)   vb (tr)   1 (foll by with or of) to make (a person) familiar or conversant (with); inform (of)   2 (foll by with) chiefly US to introduce (to); bring into contact (with) [C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Latin accognitus, from accognōscere to know perfectly, from ad- (intensive) + cognōscere to know]

■ acquaintance (əˈkweIntəns)   n   1 a person with whom one has been in contact but who is not a close friend   2 knowledge of a person or thing, esp when slight   3 make the acquaintance of to come into social contact with   4 those persons collectively whom one knows   5 philosophy the relation between a knower and the object of his or her knowledge, as contrasted with knowledge by description (esp in the phrase knowledge by acquaintance)   > acˈquaintanceˌship n

■ acquaintance violence   n   impulsive aggressive behaviour towards someone with whom the attacker has been in contact

■ acquainted (əˈkweIntId)   adj (postpositive)   1 (sometimes foll by with) on terms of familiarity but not intimacy   2 (foll by with) having knowledge or experience (of); familiar (with)

acquest (əˈkwɛst)   n   1 an acquisition   2 law a property that is gained by purchase or by gift rather than by inheritance

acquiesce (ˌækwIˈɛs)   vb   (intr; often foll by in or to) to comply (with); assent (to) without protest [C17: from Latin acquiēscere to remain at rest, agree without protest, from ad- at + quiēscere to rest, from quiēs QUIET]   > ˌacquiˈescence n   > ˌacquiˈescent adj   > ˌacquiˈescently adv

USAGE

The use of to after acquiesce was formerly regarded as incorrect, but is now acceptable

acquight (əˈkwaIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to acquit

acquire (əˈkwaIə)   vb   (tr) to get or gain (something, such as an object, trait, or ability), esp more or less permanently [C15: via Old French from Latin acquīrere, from ad- in addition + quaerere to get, seek]   > acˈquirable adj   > acˈquirement n   > acˈquirer n

■ acquirability (əˌkwaIərəˈbIlItI)   n   the attribute of being acquirable

■ acquired (əˈkwaIəd)   adj formal   1 obtained, through buying or being given   2 obtained by learning   3 having developed, esp during the course of one's day-to-day life or experience. See also acquired taste   4 used to describe something one is starting to suffer from

■ acquired behaviour   n   psychol the behaviour of an organism resulting from the effects of the environment

■ acquired characteristic   n   a characteristic of an organism that results from increased use or disuse of an organ or the effects of the environment and cannot be inherited. See also Lamarckism

■ acquired drive   n   psychol a drive, like the desire for money, that has not been inherited but is learned, presumably because it leads to the satisfaction of innate drives

■ acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome   n   the full name for AIDS

■ acquired immunity   n   the immunity produced by exposure of an organism to antigens, which stimulates the production of antibodies

■ acquired taste   n   1 a liking for something that is at first considered unpleasant   2 the thing so liked

■ acquiree (əˌkwaIəˈriː)   n   finance a firm that is acquired

acquis communautaire (ˈækiː kəmˌjuːnəˈtɛə; French aki kɔmynotɛr)   n   the body of law accumulated by the European Union. Often shortened to: acquis [C20: French, literally: acquired material of the Community]

acquisition (ˌækwIˈzIʃən)   n   1 the act of acquiring or gaining possession   2 something acquired   3 a person or thing of special merit added to a group   4 astronautics the process of locating a spacecraft, satellite, etc, esp by radar, in order to gather tracking and telemetric information [C14: from Latin acquīsītiōn-, from acquīrere to ACQUIRE]

■ acquisition accounting   n   an accounting procedure in which the assets of a company that has recently been taken over are changed from the book value to the fair market value

■ acquisitional (ˌækwIˈzIʃənəl)   adj   relating to the act of acquisition

■ acquisitive (əˈkwIzItIv)   adj   inclined or eager to acquire things, esp material possessions: we currently live in an acquisitive society   > acˈquisitively adv   > acˈquisitiveness n

■ acquisitor (əˈkwIzItə)   n   a person who has a tendency to acquire (information or ideas), or a desire to possess

acquist (əˈkwIst)   n   archaic an acquisition

acquit (əˈkwIt)   vb -quits, -quitting, -quitted (tr)   1 (foll by of)   a to free or release (from a charge of crime)   b to pronounce not guilty   2 (foll by of) to free or relieve (from an obligation, duty, responsibility, etc)   3 to repay or settle (something, such as a debt or obligation)   4 to perform (one's part); conduct (oneself) [C13: from Old French aquiter, from quiter to release, free from, QUIT]   > acˈquitter n

■ acquitment (əˈkwItmənt)   n   a verdict of not guilty; an acquittal

■ acquittal (əˈkwItəl)   n   1 criminal law the deliverance and release of a person appearing before a court on a charge of crime, as by a finding of not guilty   2 a discharge or release from an obligation, duty, debt, etc

■ acquittance (əˈkwItəns)   n   1 a release from or settlement of a debt, etc   2 a record of this, such as a receipt

acquite (əˈkwaIt)   vb   an obsolete form of acquit

acrasia (əˈkreIzIə)   n   a lack of self discipline, by which a person acts contrary to usual judgment

■ acratic (əˈkrætIk)   adj   of or relating to acrasia

acrasin (əˈkreIsIn)   n   biochem a chemical produced by slime moulds

acrawl (əˈkrɔːl)   adv   crawling

acre (ˈeIkə)   n   1 a unit of area used in certain English-speaking countries, equal to 4840 square yards or 4046.86 square metres   2 (plural)   a land, esp a large area   b informal a large amount: he has acres of space in his room   3 farm the long acre NZ to graze cows on the verge of a road [Old English æcer field, acre; related to Old Norse akr, German Acker, Latin ager field, Sanskrit ajra field]

■ acreage (ˈeIkərIdʒ)   n   1 land area in acres   ▷ adj   2 Austral of or relating to a large allotment of land, esp in a rural area

■ acred (ˈeIkəd)   adj   (usually in combination) having acres of land: a many-acred farm; a well-acred nobleman

■ acre-foot   n, pl -feet   the volume of water that would cover an area of 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot: equivalent to 43 560 cubic feet or 1233.5 cubic metres

■ acre-inch   n   the volume of water that would cover an area of 1 acre to a depth of 1 inch; one twelfth of an acre-foot: equivalent to 3630 cubic feet or 102.8 cubic metres

■ acres (ˈeIkəz)   pl n   1 land, esp a large area   2 informal a large amount

Acre   n   1 (ˈɑːkrə) a state of W Brazil: mostly unexplored tropical forests; acquired from Bolivia in 1903. Capital: Rio Branco. Pop: 586 942 (2002). Area: 152 589 sq km (58 899 sq miles)   2 (ˈeIkə, ˈɑːkə) a city and port in N Israel, strategically situated on the Bay of Acre in the E Mediterranean: taken and retaken during the Crusades (1104, 1187, 1191, 1291), taken by the Turks (1517), by Egypt (1832), and by the Turks again (1839). Pop: 45 600 (2001). Old Testament name: Accho (ɑːˈkəʊ). Arabic name: `Akka (ɑːˈkɑː). Hebrew name: `Akko (ɑːˈkəʊ)

acrid (ˈækrId)   adj   1 unpleasantly pungent or sharp to the smell or taste   2 sharp or caustic, esp in speech or nature [C18: from Latin ācer sharp, sour; probably formed on the model of ACID]   > acridity (əˈkrIdItI) or ˈacridness n   > ˈacridly adv

acridine (ˈækrIˌdiːn) or acridin (ˈækrIdIn)   n   a colourless crystalline solid used in the manufacture of dyes. Formula: C_13H_9N

acriflavine or acriflavin (ˌækrIˈfleIvIn, -viːn)   n   a brownish or orange-red powder used in medicine as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Formula: C_14H_14N_3Cl [C20: from ACRIDINE + FLAVIN]

■ acriflavine hydrochloride   n   a red crystalline water-soluble solid substance obtained from acriflavine and used as an antiseptic. Also called: flavine

Acrilan (ˈækrIˌlæn)   n   trademark an acrylic fibre or fabric, characterized by strength, softness, and crease-resistance and used for clothing, upholstery, carpets, etc

acrimony (ˈækrImənI)   n, pl -nies   bitterness or sharpness of manner, speech, temper, etc [C16: from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācer sharp, sour]

■ acrimonious (ˌækrIˈməʊnIəs)   adj   characterized by bitterness or sharpness of manner, speech, temper, etc   > ˌacriˈmoniously adv   > ˌacriˈmoniousness n

acritarch (ˈækrIˌtɑːk)   n   palaeontol a type of small fossil

acritical (eIˈkrItIkəl)   adj   med showing no indication of crisis

acro-   combining form   1 denoting something at a height, summit, top, tip, beginning, or end: acropolis; acrogen   2 denoting an extremity of the human body: acromegaly [from Greek akros extreme, topmost]

acroamatic (ˌækrəʊəˈmætIk) or acroamatical (ˌækrəʊəˈmætIkəl)   adj   relating to oral communication

acrobat (ˈækrəˌbæt)   n   1 an entertainer who performs acts that require skill, agility, and coordination, such as tumbling, swinging from a trapeze, or walking a tightrope   2 a person noted for his or her frequent and rapid changes of position or allegiances: a political acrobat [C19: via French from Greek akrobatēs acrobat, one who walks on tiptoe, from ACRO- + bat-, from bainein to walk]   > ˌacroˈbatic adj   > ˌacroˈbatically adv

■ acrobatics (ˌækrəˈbætIks)   n   1 (functioning as plural) the skills or feats of an acrobat   2 (functioning as singular) the art of an acrobat   3 (functioning as plural) any activity requiring agility and skill: mental acrobatics

■ acrobatism (ˈækrəbəˌtIzəm)   n   the art, or feats, of the acrobat

acrocarpous (ˌækrəʊˈkɑːpəs)   adj   (of mosses) having clustered upright stems and the reproductive parts borne at the tip of a stem. Compare pleurocarpous [C19: from New Latin, from Greek akrokarpos]

acrocentric (ˌækrəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   1 (of a chromosome) having the centromere at one end   ▷ n   2 an acrocentric chromosome

acrocyanosis (ˌækrəʊˌsaIəˈnəʊsIs)   n   cyanosis of the hands and feet due to poor circulation of the blood

acrodont (ˈækrəˌdɒnt)   adj   1 (of the teeth of some reptiles) having no roots and being fused at the base to the margin of the jawbones. See also pleurodont (sense 1)   2 having acrodont teeth [C19: from ACRO- + -ODONT]

acrodrome (ˈækrəˌdrəʊm)   adj   (of the veins of a leaf) running parallel to the edges of the leaf and fusing at the tip. Also: acrodromous (əˈkrɒdrəməs) [from ACRO- + -DROMOUS]

acrogen (ˈækrədʒən)   n   any flowerless plant, such as a fern or moss, in which growth occurs from the tip of the main stem [C19: from ACRO- + Greek genēs born; see -GEN]   > acrogenic (ˌækrəˈdʒɛnIk) or acrogenous (əˈkrɒdʒInəs) adj   > aˈcrogenously adv

acrolect (ˈækrəˌlɛkt)   n   linguistics the most standard form of language

acrolein (əˈkrəʊlIIn)   n   a colourless or yellowish flammable poisonous pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins and pharmaceuticals. Formula: CH_2:CHCHO [C19: from Latin ācer sharp + olēre to smell + -IN]

acrolith (ˈækrəlIθ)   n   (esp in ancient Greek sculpture) a wooden, often draped figure with only the head, hands, and feet in stone [C19: via Latin acrolithus from Greek akrolithos having stone extremities]   > ˌacroˈlithic adj

acromegaly (ˌækrəʊˈmɛɡəlI)   n   a chronic disease characterized by enlargement of the bones of the head, hands, and feet, and swelling and enlargement of soft tissue, esp the tongue. It is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Compare gigantism [C19: from French acromégalie, from ACRO- + Greek megal-, stem of megas big]   > acromegalic (ˌækrəʊmIˈɡælIk) adj, n

acromion (əˈkrəʊmIən)   n, pl -mia (-mIə)   the outermost edge of the spine of the shoulder blade [C17: New Latin, from Greek akrōmion the point of the shoulder, from ACRO- + ōmion, diminutive of ōmos shoulder]

■ acromial (əˈkrəʊmIəl)   adj   anatomy relating to the acromion

acronychal, acronycal, US acronical (əˈkrɒnIkəl) or acronic (əˈkrɒnIk)   adj   occurring at sunset: the star has an acronychal rising [C16: from Greek akronychos at sunset, from ACRO- + nykh-, nyx night]   > aˈcronychally, aˈcronycally or US aˈcronically adv

acronym (ˈækrənIm)   n   a pronounceable name made up of a series of initial letters or parts of words; for example, UNESCO for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization [C20: from ACRO- + -ONYM]   > ˌacroˈnymic or acronymous (əˈkrɒnIməs) adj   > ˌacroˈnymically adv

■ acronymania (ˌækrɒnIˈmeInIə)   n   a great enthusiasm for creating acronyms

acroparaesthesia (ˌækrəʊˌpærɛsˈθiːzIə) or US acroparesthesia   n   pathol a persistent sensation of numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

acropetal (əˈkrɒpItəl)   adj   (of leaves and flowers) produced in order from the base upwards so that the youngest are at the apex. Compare basipetal

■ acropetally (ˌækrəʊˈpɛtəlI)   adv   botany in an upward direction, towards the apex

acrophobe (ˈækrəʊˌfəʊb)   n   a person who is abnormally afraid of heights

■ acrophobia (ˌækrəˈfəʊbIə)   n   abnormal fear or dread of being at a great height [C19: from ACRO- + -PHOBIA]   > ˌacroˈphobic adj, n

acrophony (əˈkrɒfənI)   n   the use of symbols to represent sounds

■ acrophonetic (ˌækrəʊfəˈnɛtIk)   adj   relating to the use of symbols to represent sounds

■ acrophonic (ˌækrəʊˈfɒnIk)   adj   another word for acrophonetic

acropolis (əˈkrɒpəlIs)   n   the citadel of an ancient Greek city [C17: from Greek, from ACRO- + polis city]

■ Acropolis (əˈkrɒpəlIs)   n   the citadel of Athens on which the Parthenon and the Erechtheum stand

acrosome (ˈækrəˌsəʊm)   n   a cap-like structure on the tip of a spermatozoon that releases enzymes on encountering the ovum allowing fusion with the ovum in the sexual reproductive process; this part of the process is known as the acrosome reaction [C19: from ACRO- + -SOME^3]

■ acrosomal (ˈækrəˌsəʊməl)   adj   biology relating to the acrosome

acrospire (ˈækrəˌspaIə)   n   the first shoot developing from the plumule of a germinating grain seed [C17: from obsolete akerspire, from aker EAR^2 + spire sprout, SPIRE^1; the modern form is influenced by ACRO-]

across (əˈkrɒs)   prep   1 from one side to the other side of   2 on or at the other side of   3 so as to transcend boundaries or barriers: people united across borders by religion and history; the study of linguistics across cultures   4 fully informed about; dealing with: we are across this problem   ▷ adv   5 from one side to the other   6 on or to the other side [C13: on croice, acros, from Old French a croix crosswise]

■ across-the-board   adj   1 (of salary increases, taxation cuts, etc) affecting all levels or classes equally   2 horse racing the US term for each way

acrostic (əˈkrɒstIk)   n     a a number of lines of writing, such as a poem, certain letters of which form a word, proverb, etc. A single acrostic is formed by the initial letters of the lines, a double acrostic by the initial and final letters, and a triple acrostic by the initial, middle, and final letters   b the word, proverb, etc, so formed   c (as modifier): an acrostic sonnet [C16: via French from Greek akrostikhis, from ACRO- + stikhos line of verse, STICH]   > aˈcrostically adv

■ acrostical (əˈkrɒstIkəl)   adj   relating to an acrostic

acroter (əˈkrəʊtə, ˈækrətə)   n   architect a plinth bearing a statue, etc, at either end or at the apex of a pediment [C18: from French, from Latin acroterium, from Greek akrōtērion summit, from akros extreme]

■ acroterial (ˌækrəʊˈtIərIəl)   adj   architect relating to an acroter

■ acroterion (ˌækrəʊˈtIərIən)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   another name for acroterium

■ acroterium (ˌækrəʊˈtIərIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   architect an ornament positioned on top of an acroter

acrotic (əˈkrɒtIk)   adj   med relating to the surface

acrotism (ˈækrəˌtIzəm)   n   med an absence of pulse

acrylamide (əˈkrIləˌmaId)   n   1 a chemical compound that forms in certain foods when exposed to high temperature   2 a chemical compound produced for industry

acrylate (ˈækrIˌleIt)   n   a chemical compound used in plastics and resins

acrylic (əˈkrIlIk)   adj   1 of, derived from, or concerned with acrylic acid   ▷ n   2 short for acrylic fibre, acrylic resin   3 a paint or colour containing acrylic resin [C20: from ACROLEIN + -YL + -IC]

■ acrylic acid   n   a colourless corrosive pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of acrylic resins. Formula: CH_2:CHCOOH. Systematic name: propenoic acid

■ acrylic fibre   n   a textile fibre, such as Orlon or Acrilan, produced from acrylonitrile

■ acrylic resin   n   any of a group of polymers or copolymers of acrylic acid, its esters, or amides, used as synthetic rubbers, textiles, paints, adhesives, and as plastics such as Perspex

acrylonitrile (ˌækrIləʊˈnaItraIl)   n   a colourless liquid that is miscible with water and has toxic fumes: used in the manufacture of acrylic fibres and resins, rubber, and thermoplastics. Formula: CH_2:CHCN. Also called: vinylcyanide [C20: from ACRYLIC + NITRILE]

acrylyl (ˈækrIlIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH_2:CHCO-: acrylyl group or radical

act (ækt)   n   1 something done or performed; a deed   2 the performance of some physical or mental process; action   3 (capital when part of a name) the formally codified result of deliberation by a legislative body; a law, edict, decree, statute, etc   4 (often plural) a formal written record of transactions, proceedings, etc, as of a society, committee, or legislative body   5 a major division of a dramatic work   6    a a short performance of skill, a comic sketch, dance, etc, esp one that is part of a programme of light entertainment   b those giving such a performance   7 an assumed attitude or pose, esp one intended to impress   8 philosophy an occurrence effected by the volition of a human agent, usually opposed at least as regards its explanation to one which is causally determined. Compare event (sense 4)   ▷ vb   9 (intr) to do something; carry out an action   10 (intr) to function in a specified way; operate; react: his mind acted quickly   11 to perform (a part or role) in a play, etc   12 (tr) to present (a play, etc) on stage   13 (intr; usually foll by for or as) to be a substitute (for); function in place (of)   14 (intr; foll by as) to serve the function or purpose (of): the glass acted as protection   15 (intr) to conduct oneself or behave (as if one were): she acts like a teenager   16 (intr) to behave in an unnatural or affected way   17 (copula) to pose as; play the part of: to act the fool   18 (copula) to behave in a manner appropriate to (esp in the phrase act one's age)   19 (copula) not standard to seem or pretend to be: to act tired   20 clean up one's act to start to behave in a responsible manner   21 get in on the act informal to become involved in a profitable undertaking or advantageous situation in order to share in the benefits   22 get one's act together informal to become organized or prepared [C14: from Latin actus a doing, performance, and actum a thing done, from the past participle of agere to do]   > ˈactable adj   > ˌactaˈbility n

■ acting (ˈæktIŋ)   adj (prenominal)   1 taking on duties temporarily, esp as a substitute for another: the acting president   2 operating or functioning: an acting order   3 intended for stage performance; provided with directions for actors: an acting version of 'Hedda Gabler'   ▷ n   4 the art or profession of an actor

■ act of contrition   n   1 Christianity a short prayer of penitence   2 something done to show sorrow for one's past actions

■ act of faith   n   Christianity an act that demonstrates or tests a person's religious beliefs

■ act of God   n   law a sudden and inevitable occurrence caused by natural forces and not as a result of human activity, such as a flood, earthquake, or a similar catastrophe

■ act of war   n   an aggressive act, usually employing military force, which constitutes an immediate threat to peace

■ act on or act upon   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to regulate one's behaviour in accordance with (advice, information, etc)   2 to have an effect on (illness, a part of the body, etc)

■ actor (ˈæktə)   n   1 a person who acts in a play, film, broadcast, etc   2 informal a person who puts on a false manner in order to deceive others (often in the phrase bad actor)

USAGE

The term actor is now almost universally used to refer to people of any gender who act

■ actorish (ˈæktərIʃ)   adj   of, relating to, or characteristic of an actor

■ actorly (ˈæktəlI)   adj   of, relating to, or characteristic of an actor

■ act out   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to reproduce (an idea, former event, etc) in actions, often by mime   2 psychiatry to express unconsciously (a repressed impulse or experience) in overt behaviour

■ actress (ˈæktrIs)   n   1 a woman who acts in a play, film, broadcast, etc   2 informal a woman who puts on a false manner in order to deceive others

■ actressy (ˈæktrIsI)   adj   exaggerated and affected in manner; theatrical

■ Acts of the Apostles   n   the fifth book of the New Testament, describing the development of the early Church from Christ's ascension into heaven to Paul's sojourn at Rome. Often shortened to: Acts

■ act up   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to behave in a troublesome way: the engine began to act up when we were miles from anywhere

ACT^1   abbreviation for   1 Australian Capital Territory   2 (formerly in Britain) advance corporation tax

ACT^2 (ækt)   n acronym for   (in New Zealand) Association of Consumers and Taxpayers: a small political party of the right

acta (ˈæktə)   pl n   an official record of public events

Actaeon (ækˈtiːən, ˈæktIən)   n   Greek myth a hunter of Boeotia who, having accidentally seen Artemis bathing, was turned into a stag and torn apart by his own hounds

actant (ˈæktənt)   n   linguistics (in valency grammar) a noun phrase functioning as the agent of the main verb of a sentence

actg   abbreviation for   acting

ACTH   n   adrenocorticotrophic hormone; a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates growth of the adrenal gland and the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids. It is used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, and many other disorders. Also called: corticotrophin

actin (ˈæktIn)   n   a protein that participates in many kinds of cell movement, including muscle contraction, during which it interacts with filaments of a second protein, myosin [C20: from ACT + -IN]

actinal (ˈæktInəl, ækˈtaInəl)   adj   1 of or denoting the oral part of a radiate animal, such as a jellyfish, sea anemone, or sponge, from which the rays, tentacles, or arms grow   2 possessing rays or tentacles, as a jellyfish [C19: see ACTINO-, -AL^1]   > ˈactinally adv

actinia (ækˈtInIə)   n, pl -tiniae (-ˈtInIˌiː) or -tinias   any sea anemone of the genus Actinia, which are common in rock pools. Also called: actinian [C18: New Latin, literally: things having a radial structure. See ACTINO-, -IA]

■ actinic (ækˈtInIk)   adj   (of radiation) producing a photochemical effect [C19: from ACTINO- + -IC]   > acˈtinically adv   > ˈactinˌism n

actinide series   n   a series of 15 radioactive elements with increasing atomic numbers from actinium to lawrencium

■ actinide (ˈæktIˌnaId)   n   a member of the actinide series. Also called: actinon [C19: from ACTINO- + -IDE]

actiniform (ækˈtInIˌfɔːm)   adj   another word for actinoid [C20: from ACTINO- + -FORM]

actinium (ækˈtInIəm)   n   a radioactive element of the actinide series, occurring as a decay product of uranium. It is used as an alpha-particle source and in neutron production. Symbol: Ac; atomic no: 89; half-life of most stable isotope,227Ac: 21.6 years; relative density: 10.07; melting pt: 1051°C; boiling pt: 3200 ± 300°C [C19: New Latin, from ACTINO- + -IUM]

■ actinium series   n   a radioactive decay series that starts with uranium-235 and ends with lead-207

actino- or before a vowel actin-   combining form   1 indicating a radial structure: actinomorphic   2 indicating radioactivity or radiation: actinometer [from Greek aktino-, from aktis beam, ray]

actinobacillosis (æktiːnəʊˌbæsIlˈəʊsIs)   n   vet science a disease of cattle and sheep, caused by infection with an Actinobacillus lignieresii and characterized by soft tissue lesions, esp of the tongue. Also called: wooden tongue, woody tongue, cruels

actinobacillus (ækˈtInəʊbəˌsIləs)   n, pl -cilli (-ˈsIlaI)   bacteriol a bacillus causing disease in animals

actinobiology (ˌæktInəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of biology concerned with the effects of radiation on living organisms

actinochemistry (ækˌtInəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   another name for photochemistry

actinodermatitis (ˌæktInəʊˌdɜːməˈtaItIs)   n   dermatitis from exposure to radiation, esp ultraviolet light or X-rays

actinoid (ˈæktIˌnɔId)   adj   having a radiate form, as a sea anemone or starfish

actinolite (ækˈtInəˌlaIt)   n   a green mineral of the amphibole group consisting of calcium magnesium iron silicate. Formula: Ca_2(Mg,Fe)5Si_8O_22(OH)2 [C19: from ACTINO- (from the radiating crystals in some forms) + -LITE]

actinomere (ˈæktInəʊˌmIə)   n   another name for antimere

actinometer (ˌæktIˈnɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiation, esp of the sun's rays   > actinometric (ˌæktInəʊˈmɛtrIk) or ˌactinoˈmetrical adj   > ˌactiˈnometry n

actinomorphic (ˌæktInəʊˈmɔːfIk) or actinomorphous (ˌæktInəʊˈmɔːfəs)   adj   botany (esp of a flower) having radial symmetry, as buttercups. See also zygomorphic   > ˈactinoˌmorphy n

actinomyces (ˌæktInəʊˈmaIsiːz)   n   bacteriol a genus of bacteria that causes disease in humans and improves soil ecology

actinomycete (ˌæktInəʊmaIˈsiːt)   n   any bacterium of the group Actinomycetes, usually filamentous in form [C20: from ACTINO- + -MYCETE]

■ actinomycetous (ˌæktInəʊmaIˈsiːtəs)   adj   med of or relating to the actinomycetes

actinomycin (ˌæktInəʊˈmaIsIn)   n   any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, used in treating some cancers; the most commonly used is dactinomycin (actinomycin D)

actinomycosis (ˌæktInəʊmaIˈkəʊsIs)   n   a fungal disease of cattle and of cats and dogs, sometimes transmitted to humans esp by bites, characterized by a swelling of the affected part, most often the jaw or lungs. Nontechnical name: lumpy jaw   > actinomycotic (ˌæktInəʊmaIˈkɒtIk) adj

actinon (ˈæktIˌnɒn)   n   1 a radioisotope of radon that is a decay product of radium. Symbol: An or 219Rn; atomic no: 86; half-life: 3.92s   2 another name for actinide [C20: New Latin, from ACTINIUM + -ON]

actinopod (ækˈtInəˌpɒd)   n   any protozoan of the phylum Actinopoda, such as a radiolarian or a heliozoan, having stiff radiating cytoplasmic projections

actinotherapy (ˌæktInəʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   a former name for radiotherapy

actinouranium (ˌæktInəʊjʊˈreInIəm)   n   the isotope of uranium that has a mass number of 235

actinozoan (ˌæktInəʊˈzəʊən)   n, adj   another word for anthozoan

action (ˈækʃən)   n   1 the state or process of doing something or being active; operation   2 something done, such as an act or deed   3 movement or posture during some physical activity   4 activity, force, or energy: a man of action   5 (usually plural) conduct or behaviour   6 law   a a legal proceeding brought by one party against another, seeking redress of a wrong or recovery of what is due; lawsuit   b the right to bring such a proceeding   7 the operating mechanism, esp in a piano, gun, watch, etc   8 (of a guitar) the distance between the strings and the fingerboard   9 (of keyboard instruments) the sensitivity of the keys to touch   10 the force applied to a body: the reaction is equal and opposite to the action   11 the way in which something operates or works   12 out of action not functioning   13 physics   a a property of a system expressed as twice the mean kinetic energy of the system over a given time interval multiplied by the time interval   b the product of work or energy and time, usually expressed in joule seconds: Planck's constant of action   14 the events that form the plot of a story, film, play, or other composition   15 military   a a minor engagement   b fighting at sea or on land: he saw action in the war   16 philosophy behaviour which is voluntary and explicable in terms of the agent's reasons, as contrasted with that which is coerced or determined causally   17 Brit short for industrial action   18 informal the profits of an enterprise or transaction (esp in the phrase a piece of the action)   19 slang the main activity, esp social activity   ▷ vb (tr)   20 to put into effect; take action concerning: matters decided at the meeting cannot be actioned until the following week   ▷ interj   21 a command given by a film director to indicate that filming is to begin. See also cue^1 (sense 8) [C14: accioun, ultimately from Latin āctiōn-, stem of āctiō, from agere to do, act]

■ actionable (ˈækʃənəbəl)   adj   law affording grounds for legal action   > ˈactionably adv

■ action at a distance   n   physics the supposed interaction of two separated bodies without any intervening medium. In modern theories all interactions are assumed to require a field of force

■ actioner (ˈækʃənə)   n   informal a film with a fast-moving plot, usually containing scenes of violence

■ action figure   n   a small figure of a character from a film, television programme, comic book etc, designed as a toy and often collected by enthusiasts

■ actionist (ˈækʃənIst)   n   1 a person who is bent on (spoken) action   2 obsolete a shareholder

■ actionless (ˈækʃənlIs)   adj   inactive, without action

■ action-packed   adj   full of activities, events and excitement

■ action painting   n   a development of abstract expressionism evolved in the 1940s, characterized by broad vigorous brush strokes and accidental effects of thrown, smeared, dripped, or spattered paint. Also called: tachisme. See also abstract expressionism

■ action potential   n   a localized change in electrical potential, from about –70 mV to +30 mV and back again, that occurs across a nerve fibre during transmission of a nerve impulse

■ action replay   n   the rerunning of a small section of a television film or tape of a match or other sporting contest, often in slow motion. US and Canadian name: instant replay

■ action stations   pl n   1 military the positions taken up by individuals in preparation for or during a battle   ▷ interj   2 military a command to take up such positions   3 informal a warning to get ready for something

Actium (ˈæktIəm)   n   a town of ancient Greece that overlooked the naval battle in 31 BC at which Octavian's fleet under Agrippa defeated that of Mark Antony and Cleopatra

active (ˈæktIv)   adj   1 in a state of action; moving, working, or doing something   2 busy or involved: an active life   3 physically energetic   4 exerting influence; effective: an active ingredient   5 grammar   a denoting a voice of verbs used to indicate that the subject of a sentence is performing the action or causing the event or process described by the verb, as kicked in The boy kicked the football. Compare passive (sense 5)   b another word for nonstative   6 being fully engaged in military service (esp in the phrase on active service)   7 (of a volcano) erupting periodically; not extinct. Compare dormant (sense 3), extinct (sense 3)   8 astronomy (of the sun) exhibiting a large number of sunspots, solar flares, etc, and a marked variation in intensity and frequency of radio emission. Compare quiet (sense 8)   9 commerce   a producing or being used to produce profit, esp in the form of interest: active balances   b of or denoting stocks or shares that have been actively bought and sold as recorded in the Official List of the London Stock Exchange   10 electronics   a containing a source of power: an active network   b capable of amplifying a signal or controlling some function: an active component; an active communication satellite   ▷ n   11 grammar   a the active voice   b an active verb   12 chiefly US a member of an organization who participates in its activities [C14: from Latin āctīvus. See ACT, -IVE]   > ˈactively adv   > ˈactiveness n

■ activate (ˈæktIˌveIt)   vb (tr)   1 to make active or capable of action   2 physics to make radioactive   3 chem   a to increase the rate of (a reaction)   b to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption   4 physiol to prepare by arousal (the body or one of its organs (e.g. the brain)) for action   5 to purify (sewage) by aeration   6 US military to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit)   > ˌactiˈvation n   > ˈactiˌvator n

■ activated alumina   n   a granular highly porous and adsorptive form of aluminium oxide, used for drying gases and as an oil-filtering material and catalyst

■ activated carbon   n   a porous highly adsorptive form of carbon used to remove colour or impurities from liquids and gases, in the separation and extraction of chemical compounds, and in the recovery of solvents. Also called: activated charcoal, active carbon

■ activated sludge   n   a mass of aerated precipitated sewage added to untreated sewage to bring about purification by hastening decomposition by microorganisms

■ active centre   n   biochem the region in an enzyme molecule in which the reactive groups that participate in its action are juxtaposed. Also called: active site

■ active galaxy   n   a galaxy that emits usually large amounts of energy from a very compact central source, such as Seyfert galaxies, radio galaxies, and quasars. Also called: active galactic nucleus

■ active list   n   military a list of officers available for full duty

■ active matrix   n   computing   a a liquid crystal display in which each pixel is individually controlled to provide a sharp image at a wide viewing angle; it is used in laptop and notebook computers   b (as modifier): an active-matrix screen

■ active-matrix   adj   (in laptop and notebook computers) of or relating to a liquid crystal display in which each pixel is individually controlled to provide a sharp image at a wide viewing angle

■ active optics   n (functioning as singular)   a system to compensate for any deformation caused by gravity in the surface accuracy and alignment of the mirrors of an astronomical telescope by means of actuators that control the movable mirror supports

■ active safety   n   the practice of taking measures to avoid accidents, as opposed to merely reducing their consequences. Compare passive safety

■ active service or esp US active duty   n   military duty in an operational area

■ active transport   n   biochem, physiol a process by which molecules are enabled to pass across a membrane from a region in which they are in a low concentration to one of high concentration; this requires the expenditure of energy in metabolism and is assisted by carrier proteins, commonly referred to as pumps

■ active vocabulary   n   the total number of words a person uses in his or her own speech and writing. Compare passive vocabulary

■ ActiveX (ˌæktIvˈɛks)   n   trademark a set of technologies for integrating software components on the internet

■ activism (ˈæktIˌvIzəm)   n   a policy of taking direct and often militant action to achieve an end, esp a political or social one   > ˈactivist n

■ activistic (ˌæktIˈvIstIk)   adj   of or relating to activism

■ activity (ækˈtIvItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being active   2 lively action or movement   3 any specific deed, action, pursuit, etc: recreational activities   4 the number of disintegrations of a radioactive substance in a given unit of time, usually expressed in curies or disintegrations per second   5    a the capacity of a substance to undergo chemical change   b the effective concentration of a substance in a chemical system. The absolute activity of a substance B, λB, is defined as exp (μBRT) where μB is the chemical potential

■ activize or activise (ˈæktIˌvaIz)   vb (tr)   to make active

actomyosin (ˌæktəʊˈmaIəsIn)   n   a complex protein in skeletal muscle that is formed by actin and myosin and which, when stimulated, shortens to cause muscle contraction

acton (ˈæktən)   n (in medieval Europe)   1 a jacket or jerkin, originally of quilted cotton, worn under a coat of mail   2 a leather jacket padded with mail [C14: from Old French auqueton, probably ultimately from Arabic alqutun the cotton]

Acton^1 (ˈæktən)   n   a district of the London borough of Ealing

Acton^2 (ˈæktən)   n   1  John Emerich Edward Dalberg, 1st Baron. 1834–1902, English historian: a proponent of Christian liberal ethics and adviser of Gladstone   2  his grandfather, Sir John Francis Edward. 1736–1811, European naval commander and statesman: admiral of Tuscany (1774–79) and Naples (1779 onwards) and chief minister of Naples (1779–1806)

ACTRA (ˈæktrə)   n acronym for   Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists

ACTT   abbreviation for   Association of Cinematograph and Television Technicians

ACTU   abbreviation for   Australian Council of Trade Unions

actual (ˈæktʃʊəl)   adj   1 existing in reality or as a matter of fact   2 real or genuine   3 existing at the present time; current   4 (usually preceded by your) Brit informal, often facetious (intensifier): that music's by your actual Mozart, isn't it? [C14: actuel existing, from Late Latin āctuālis relating to acts, practical, from Latin āctus ACT]

USAGE

The excessive use of actual and actually should be avoided. They are unnecessary in sentences such as in actual fact, he is forty-two, and he did actually go to the play but did not enjoy it

■ actual bodily harm   n   criminal law injury caused by one person to another that interferes with the health or comfort of the victim. Abbreviation: ABH

■ actualist (ˈæktʃʊəlIst)   n   a person who deals in hard facts; a realist

■ actualité (ˌæktʃʊˈælIteI; French aktɥalite)   n   jocular the truth: economic with the actualité [C20: French, literally: truth]

■ actuality (ˌæktʃʊˈælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 true existence; reality   2 (sometimes plural) a fact or condition that is real

■ actualize or actualise (ˈæktʃʊəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make actual or real   2 to represent realistically   > ˌactualiˈzation or ˌactualiˈsation n

■ actually (ˈæktʃʊəlI)   adv   1    a as an actual fact; really   b (as sentence modifier): actually, I haven't seen him   2 at present   3 informal a parenthetic filler used to add slight emphasis: I don't know, actually

■ actuals (ˈæktʃʊəlz)   pl n   See physicals

■ actual sin   n   Christianity any sin that a person commits of his or her own free will and for which he or she is personally responsible. Compare original sin

actuary (ˈæktʃʊərI)   n, pl -aries   a person qualified to calculate commercial risks and probabilities involving uncertain future events, esp in such contexts as life assurance [C16: (meaning: registrar): from Latin āctuārius one who keeps accounts, from actum public business, and acta documents, deeds. See ACT, -ARY]   > actuarial (ˌæktʃʊˈɛərIəl) adj   > actuarially (ˌæktʃʊˈɛərIəlI) adj

actuate (ˈæktʃʊˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to put into action or mechanical motion   2 to motivate or incite into action: actuated by unworthy desires [C16: from Medieval Latin actuātus, from actuāre to incite to action, from Latin āctus ACT]   > ˌactuˈation n   > ˈactuˌator n

acture (ˈæktjʊə)   n   archaic action

actus reus (ˈæktəs ˈreIəs)   n   law a criminal action regarded as a constituent element of a crime, as compared with the state of mind of the perpetrator. Compare mens rea [Latin, literally: guilty act]

acuate (ˈækjʊˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to sharpen   ▷ adj   2 sharpened

acuity (əˈkjuːItI)   n   1 keenness or acuteness, esp in vision or thought   2 the capacity of the eye to see fine detail, measured by determining the finest detail that can just be detected [C15: from Old French, from Latin acūtus ACUTE]

aculeus (əˈkjuːlIəs)   n   1 a prickle or spine, such as the thorn of a rose   2 a sting or ovipositor [C19: from Latin, diminutive of acus needle]

■ aculeate (əˈkjuːlIIt, -ˌeIt) or aculeated (əˈkjuːlIˌeItId)   adj   1 cutting; pointed   2 having prickles or spines, as a rose   3 having a sting, as bees, wasps, and ants [C17: from Latin acūleātus; see ACULEUS]

acumen (ˈækjʊˌmɛn, əˈkjuːmən)   n   the ability to judge well; keen discernment; insight [C16: from Latin: sharpness, from acuere to sharpen, from acus needle]   > aˈcuminous adj

acuminate   adj (əˈkjuːmInIt, -ˌneIt)   1 narrowing to a sharp point, as some types of leaf   ▷ vb (əˈkjuːmIˌneIt)   2 (tr) to make pointed or sharp [C17: from Latin acūmināre to sharpen; see ACUMEN]   > aˌcumiˈnation n

acupoint (ˈækjʊˌpɔInt)   n   any of the specific points on the body where a needle is inserted in acupuncture or pressure is applied in acupressure [C19: from ACU(PUNCTURE) + POINT]

acupressure (ˈækjʊˌprɛʃə)   n   another name for shiatsu [C19: from ACU(PUNCTURE) + PRESSURE]

acupuncture (ˈækjʊˌpʌŋktʃə)   n   the insertion of the tips of needles into the skin at specific points for the purpose of treating various disorders by stimulating nerve impulses. Originally Chinese, this method of treatment is practised in many parts of the world. Also called: stylostixis [C17: from Latin acus needle + PUNCTURE]   > ˈacuˌpunctural adj   > ˈacuˌpuncturist n

acushla (əˈkʊʃlə)   n   Irish darling: a term of endearment

acutance (əˈkjuːtəns)   n   a physical rather than subjective measure of the sharpness of a photographic image

acute (əˈkjuːt)   adj   1 penetrating in perception or insight   2 sensitive to details; keen   3 of extreme importance; crucial   4 sharp or severe; intense: acute pain; an acute drought   5 having a sharp end or point   6 maths   a (of an angle) less than 90°   b (of a triangle) having all its interior angles less than 90°   7 (of a disease)   a arising suddenly and manifesting intense severity   b of relatively short duration. Compare chronic (sense 2)   8 phonetics   a (of a vowel or syllable in some languages with a pitch accent, such as ancient Greek) spoken or sung on a higher musical pitch relative to neighbouring syllables or vowels   b of or relating to an accent (´) placed over vowels, denoting that the vowel is pronounced with higher musical pitch (as in ancient Greek), with a certain special quality (as in French), etc. Compare (for senses 8a, 8b): grave, circumflex   9 (of a hospital, hospital bed, or ward) intended to accommodate short-term patients with acute illnesses   ▷ n   10 an acute accent [C14: from Latin acūtus, past participle of acuere to sharpen, from acus needle]   > aˈcutely adv   > aˈcuteness n

■ acute accent   n   the diacritical mark (´), used in the writing system of some languages to indicate that the vowel over which it is placed has a special quality (as in French été) or that it receives the strongest stress in the word (as in Spanish hablé)

■ acute-angled   adj   (of a triangle) having three acute angles

■ acute arch   n   another name for lancet arch

■ acute dose   n   a total dose of radiation administered over such a short period that biological recovery is impossible

ACW   abbreviation for   aircraftwoman

acyclic (eIˈsaIklIk, eIˈsIklIk)   adj   1 chem not cyclic; having an open chain structure   2 botany having flower parts arranged in a spiral rather than a whorl

acyclovir (eIˈsaIkləʊˌvIə)   n   an antiviral drug used to treat herpes. Formula: C_8H_11N_5O_3

acyl (ˈeIsaIl)   n   1 (modifier) of, denoting, or containing the monovalent group of atoms RCO-, where R is an organic group: acyl group or radical; acyl substitution   2 an organometallic compound in which a metal atom is directly bound to an acyl group [C20: from ACID + -YL]

■ acyl anhydride   n   another name for anhydride (sense 3)

■ acylate (ˈeIsaIˌleIt)   vb (intr)   chem to introduce one or more acyl groups into a compound

■ acylation (ˌeIsaIˈleIʃən)   n   the introduction into a chemical compound of an acyl group

■ acyl halide   n   any derivative of carboxylic acid in which the hydroxyl group has been replaced by a halogen atom. Also called: acid halide

acyloin (ˈeIsaIlˌəʊIn)   n   chem an organic compound containing a hydroxyl group attached to a carbonyl group

ad^1 (æd)   n   short for advertisement

ad^2 (æd)   n tennis, US and Canadian   short for advantage. Brit equivalent: van

ad^3   the internet domain name for   Andorra

AD   abbreviation for   1 (indicating years numbered from the supposed year of the birth of Christ) anno Domini: 70 AD. Compare BC   2 military active duty   3 military air defence   4 Dame of the Order of Australia [(sense 4) Latin: in the year of the Lord]

USAGE

In strict usage, AD is only employed with specific years: he died in 1621 AD, but he died in the 17th century (and not the 17th century AD). Formerly the practice was to write AD preceding the date (AD 1621), and it is also strictly correct to omit in when AD is used, since this is already contained in the meaning of the Latin anno Domini (in the year of Our Lord), but this is no longer general practice. BC is used with both specific dates and indications of the period: Heraclitus was born about 540 BC; the battle took place in the 4th century BC

ad-   prefix   1 to; towards: adsorb; adverb   2 near; next to: adrenal [from Latin: to, towards. As a prefix in words of Latin origin, ad- became ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, acq-, ar-, as-, and at- before c, f, g, l, n, q, r, s, and t, and became a- before gn, sc, sp, st]

a/d   abbreviation for   after date

-ad^1   suffix forming nouns   1 a group or unit (having so many parts or members): triad   2 an epic poem concerning (the subject indicated by the stem): Dunciad [via Latin from Greek -ad- (plural -ades), originally forming adjectives; names of epic poems are all formed on the model of the Iliad]

-ad^2   suffix forming adverbs   denoting direction towards a specified part in anatomical descriptions: cephalad [from Latin ad to, towards]

Ada (ˈeIdə)   n   a high-level computer programming language designed for dealing with real-time processing problems: used for military and other systems [C20: named after Ada, Lady Lovelace, the English mathematician, daughter of Lord Byron (1815–52), who worked with Charles Babbage (1792–1871) and whose description of his computing machines preserved them for posterity]

adactylous (eIˈdæktIləs)   adj   possessing no fingers or toes [C19: from A-1 + DACTYL + -OUS]

adage (ˈædIdʒ)   n   a traditional saying that is accepted by many as true or partially true; proverb [C16: via Old French from Latin adagium; related to āio I say]

■ adagial (ˈædIdʒIəl)   adj   proverbial

adagio (əˈdɑːdʒIˌəʊ; Italian aˈdadʒo) music   adj, adv   1 (to be performed) slowly   ▷ n, pl -gios   2 a movement or piece to be performed slowly   3 ballet a slow section of a pas de deux [C18: Italian, from ad at + agio ease]

Adam^1 (ˈædəm)   n   1 Old Testament the first man, created by God: the progenitor of the human race (Genesis 2–3)   2 not know someone from Adam to have no knowledge of or acquaintance with someone   3 the old Adam the evil supposedly inherent in human nature

■ Adamite (ˈædəˌmaIt)   n   1 a human being   2 a nudist, esp a member of an early Christian sect who sought to imitate Adam   > Adamitic (ˌædəˈmItIk) adj

■ Adam's ale or Adam's wine   n   old-fashioned, jocular water

■ Adam's apple   n   the visible projection of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx at the front of the neck

Adam^2   n   1 (French adɑ̃) Adolphe. 1803–56, French composer, best known for his romantic ballet Giselle (1841)   2 (ˈædəm) Robert. 1728–92, Scottish architect and furniture designer. Assisted by his brother, James, 1730–94, he emulated the harmony of classical and Italian Renaissance architecture   ▷ adj   3 in the neoclassical style made popular by Robert Adam

adamant (ˈædəmənt)   adj   1 unshakable in purpose, determination, or opinion; unyielding   2 a less common word for adamantine (sense 1)   ▷ n   3 any extremely hard or apparently unbreakable substance   4 a legendary stone said to be impenetrable, often identified with the diamond or loadstone [Old English: from Latin adamant-, stem of adamas, from Greek; literal meaning perhaps: unconquerable, from A-1 + daman to tame, conquer]   > ˈadamantly adv

■ adamance (ˈædəməns) or adamancy (ˈædəmənsI)   n   a state of resoluteness

■ adamantean (ˌædəˈmæntIən)   adj   1 of or relating to adamant   2 extremely hard

■ adamantine (ˌædəˈmæntaIn)   adj   1 very hard; unbreakable or unyielding   2 having the lustre of a diamond

Adamawa (ˌædəˈmɑːwə)   n   1 a state of Nigeria, in the E on the border with Cameroon. Capital: Yola. Pop: 3 168 101 (2006). Area: 36 917 sq km (14 254 sq miles)   2 a small group of languages of W Africa, spoken chiefly in E Nigeria, N Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and N Democratic Republic of the Congo, forming a branch of the Niger-Congo family

Adami (əˈdæmI)   n   Edward Fenech. born 1934, Maltese politician, president of Malta (2004–2009)

Adamkus (əˈdæmkəs)   n   Valdas. born 1926, Lithuanian politician, president of Lithuania (1998–2003, 2004–2009)

Adamov (French adamɔf)   n   Arthur. 1908–70, French dramatist, born in Russia: one of the foremost exponents of the Theatre of the Absurd. His plays include Le Professeur Taranne (1953), Le Ping-Pong (1955), and Le Printemps '71 (1960)

Adams^1 (ˈædəmz)   n   a mountain in SW Washington, in the Cascade Range. Height: 3743 m (12 280 ft)

Adams^2 (ˈædəmz)   n   1  Gerry, full name Gerrard Adams. born 1948, Northern Ireland politician; president of Sinn Féin from 1983: negotiated the Irish Republican Army ceasefires in 1994–96 and 1997; member of the parliament of the Irish Republic from 2011   2  Henry (Brooks). 1838–1918, US historian and writer. His works include Mont Saint Michel et Chartres (1913) and his autobiography The Education of Henry Adams (1918)   3  John. 1735–1826, second president of the US (1797–1801); US ambassador to Great Britain (1785–88); helped draft the Declaration of Independence (1776)   4  John Coolidge. born 1947, US composer; works include the operas Nixon in China (1987) and The Death of Klinghoffer (1991)   5  John Couch. 1819–92, British astronomer who deduced the existence and position of the planet Neptune   6  John Quincey. son of John Adams. 1767–1848, sixth president of the US (1825–29); secretary of state (1817–25)   7  Richard. 1920–2016, British author; his novels include Watership Down (1972), The Plague Dogs (1977), and Traveller (1988)   8  Samuel. 1722–1803, US revolutionary leader; one of the organizers of the Boston Tea Party; a signatory of the Declaration of Independence

adamsite (ˈædəmˌzaIt)   n   a yellow poisonous crystalline solid that readily sublimes; diphenylaminechlorarsine. It is used in chemical warfare as a vomiting agent. Formula: C_6H_4AsClNHC_6H_4; relative density: 1.65; melting pt: 195°C; boiling pt: 410°C. Also called: phenarsazine chloride [C20: named after Roger Adams (1899–1971), American chemist]

Adam's-needle   n   a North American liliaceous plant, Yucca filamentosa, that has a tall woody stem, stiff pointed leaves, and large clusters of white flowers arranged in spikes. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant. See also Spanish bayonet

Adams-Stokes syndrome (-ˈstəʊks)   n   another term for heart block [C19: named after R. Adams (1791–1875) and W. Stokes (1804–78), Irish physicians]

Adana (ˈædənə)   n   a city in S Turkey, capital of Adana province. Pop: 1 248 000 (2005 est). Also called: Seyhan

adapt (əˈdæpt)   vb   1 (often foll by to) to adjust (someone or something, esp oneself) to different conditions, a new environment, etc   2 (tr) to fit, change, or modify to suit a new or different purpose: to adapt a play for use in schools [C17: from Latin adaptāre, from ad- to + aptāre to fit, from aptus APT]   > aˈdaptable adj   > aˌdaptaˈbility or aˈdaptableness n   > aˈdaptive adj

■ adaptation (ˌædəpˈteIʃən, ˌædæp-)   n   1 the act or process of adapting or the state of being adapted; adjustment   2 something that is produced by adapting something else   3 something that is changed or modified to suit new conditions or needs   4 biology an inherited or acquired modification in organisms that makes them better suited to survive and reproduce in a particular environment   5 physiol the decreased response of a sense organ to a repeated or sustained stimulus   6 psychol (in learning theory) the weakening of a response to a stimulus with repeated presentation of the stimulus without reinforcement; applied mainly to innate responses   7 social welfare alteration to a dwelling to make it suitable for a disabled person, as by replacing steps with ramps

■ adaptational (ˌædæpˈteIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to adaptation

■ adaptationally (ˌædæpˈteIʃənəlI)   adv   in an adaptational manner

■ adaptative (əˈdæptətIv)   adj   of or relating to adaptation

■ adapted (əˈdæptId)   adj   suitable for a particular purpose

■ adaptedness (əˈdæptIdnəs)   n   1 suitability   2 the state of having been adapted

■ adaption (əˈdæpʃən)   n   another word for adaptation

■ adaptively (əˈdæptIvlI)   adv   in an adaptive manner

■ adaptiveness (əˈdæptIvnəs)   n   in a state that has a capacity for adaptation

■ adaptive optics   n (functioning as singular)   a technique used to increase the resolution of a ground-based astronomical telescope by counteracting the effects of the atmosphere on the image. A deforming mirror in the light path of the telescope maintains a pointlike image of the celestial body using either a real star or a laser beam as a reference

■ adaptive radiation   n   evolution of a number of divergent species from a common ancestor, each species becoming adapted to occupy a different environment. This type of evolution occurred in the Tertiary manuals and the Mesozoic reptiles

■ adaptivity (ˌædəpˈtIvItI)   n   in a state that has a capacity for adaptation

■ adaptor or adapter (əˈdæptə)   n   1 a person or thing that adapts   2 any device for connecting two parts, esp ones that are of different sizes or have different mating fitments   3    a a plug used to connect an electrical device to a mains supply when they have different types of terminals   b a device used to connect several electrical appliances to a single mains socket

adaptogen (əˈdæptədʒən)   n   any of various natural substances used in herbal medicine to normalize and regulate the systems of the body [C20: from ADAPT + -GEN]

■ adaptogenic (əˌdæptəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   acting to normalize and regulate the systems of the body: adaptogenic herbs

Adar (aˈdar)   n   (in the Jewish calendar) the twelfth month of the year according to biblical reckoning and the sixth month of the civil year, usually falling within February and March. In a leap year, an additional month Adar Rishon (first Adar) is intercalated between Shevat and Adar, and the latter is known as Adar Sheni (second Adar) [from Hebrew]

adaw (əˈdɔː)   vb obsolete   1 (intr) to subdue   2 (intr) to wake up   3 (tr) to awaken

adaxial (ædˈæksIəl)   adj   facing towards the axis, as the surface of a leaf that faces the stem. Compare abaxial

adays (əˈdeIz)   adv   obsolete during the day

ADC   abbreviation for   1 aide-de-camp   2 analogue-digital converter

add (æd)   vb   1 to combine (two or more numbers or quantities) by addition   2 (tr; foll by to) to increase (a number or quantity) by another number or quantity using addition   3 (tr; often foll by to) to join (something) to something else in order to increase the size, quantity, effect, or scope; unite (with): to add insult to injury   4 (intr; foll by to) to have an extra and increased effect (on): her illness added to his worries   5 (tr) to say or write further   6 (tr; foll by in) to include   ▷ n   7 informal an instance of adding someone to one's list of contacts on some social networking sites [C14: from Latin addere, literally: to put to, from ad- to + -dere to put]

■ addable (ˈædəbəl)   adj   in a state where addition is possible

■ added (ˈædId)   adj   1 having more of a particular quality   2 containing more of a particular ingredient

■ addedly (ˈædIdlI)   adv   additionally

■ added sixth   n   a chord much used esp in jazz, consisting of a triad with an added sixth above the root. Also called: added sixth chord. Compare sixth chord

■ addible (ˈædəbəl)   adj   a variant spelling of addable

■ adding (ˈædIŋ)   n   1 an act or instance of addition   ▷ adj   2 of, for, or relating to addition   3 (in systemic grammar) denoting a bound clause that qualifies the meaning of an antecedent noun rather than of the sentence as a whole. Compare contingency (sense 4)

■ adding machine   n   a mechanical device, operated manually or electrically, for adding and often subtracting, multiplying, and dividing

■ add up   vb (adverb)   1 to find the sum (of)   2 (intr) to result in a correct total   3 (intr) informal to make sense   4 (intr; foll by to) to amount to

ADD   abbreviation for   attention deficit disorder

Addams (ˈædəmz)   n   Jane. 1860–1935, US social reformer, feminist, and pacifist, who founded Hull House, a social settlement in Chicago: Nobel peace prize 1931

addax (ˈædæks)   n   a large light-coloured antelope, Addax nasomaculatus, having ribbed loosely spiralled horns and inhabiting desert regions in N Africa: family Bovidae, order Artiodactyla [C17: Latin, from an unidentified ancient N African language]

addebted (əˈdɛtId)   adj   obsolete indebted

addeem (əˈdiːm)   vb (tr)   obsolete to declare or determine, esp judicially

addend (ˈædɛnd, əˈdɛnd)   n   any of a set of numbers that is to be added. Compare sum^1 (sense 1) [C20: short for ADDENDUM]

addendum (əˈdɛndəm)   n, pl -da (-də)   1 something added; an addition   2 a supplement or appendix to a book, magazine, etc   3 the radial distance between the major and pitch cylinders of an external screw thread   4 the radial distance between the pitch circle and tip of a gear tooth [C18: from Latin, literally: a thing to be added, neuter gerundive of addere to ADD]

adder^1 (ˈædə)   n   1 Also called: viper a common viper, Vipera berus, that is widely distributed in Europe, including Britain, and Asia and is typically dark greyish in colour with a black zigzag pattern along the back   2 any of various similar venomous or nonvenomous snakes   ▶ See also death adder, puff adder [Old English nǣdre snake; in Middle English a naddre was mistaken for an addre; related to Old Norse nathr, Gothic nadrs]

■ adder's-meat   n   the greater stitchwort. See stitchwort

■ adder's-mouth   n   any of various orchids of the genus Malaxis that occur in all parts of the world except Australia and New Zealand and have small usually greenish flowers. See also bog orchid

■ adderstone (ˈædəˌstəʊn)   n   a prehistoric ornamental bead. Also called: adderbead

■ adder's-tongue   n   1 any of several terrestrial ferns of the genus Ophioglossum, esp O. vulgatum, that grow in the N hemisphere and have a spore-bearing body that sticks out like a spike from the leaf: family Ophioglossaceae   2 another name for dogtooth violet

■ adderwort (ˈædəˌwɜːt)   n   the bistort, a herbaceous flowering plant, Polygonum bistorta, of the dock family

adder^2 (ˈædə)   n   a person or thing that adds, esp a single element of an electronic computer, the function of which is to add a single digit of each of two inputs

addict   vb (əˈdIkt)   1 (tr; usually passive; often foll by to) to cause (someone or oneself) to become dependent (on something, esp a narcotic drug)   ▷ n (ˈædIkt)   2 a person who is addicted, esp to narcotic drugs   3 informal a person who is devoted to something: a jazz addict [C16: (as adj and as vb; n use C20): from Latin addictus given over, from addīcere to give one's assent to, from ad- to + dīcere to say]

■ addicted (əˈdIktId)   adj   1 dependent on a substance, esp a narcotic drug   2 devoted to a particular activity or thing, to the extent that one does it or has it as much as possible

■ addictedness (əˈdIktIdnəs)   n   the state of being addicted

■ addiction (əˈdIkʃən)   n   the condition of being abnormally dependent on some habit, esp compulsive dependency on narcotic drugs

■ addictive (əˈdIktIv)   adj   of, relating to, or causing addiction   > adˈdictiveness n

Addington (ˈædIŋtən)   n   Henry, 1st Viscount Sidmouth. 1757–1844, British statesman; prime minister (1801–04) and Home Secretary (1812–21)

addio (ˈædIəʊ) old-fashioned   interj   1 goodbye   ▷ n, pl -os   2 goodbye

Addis Ababa (ˈædIs ˈæbəbə)   n   the capital of Ethiopia, on a central plateau 2400 m (8000 ft) above sea level: founded in 1887; became capital in 1896. Pop: 3 237 525 (2015 est)

Addison (ˈædIsən)   n   Joseph. 1672–1719, English essayist and poet who, with Richard Steele, founded The Spectator (1711–14) and contributed most of its essays, including the de Coverley Papers

Addison's disease (ˈædIsənz)   n   a disease characterized by deep bronzing of the skin, anaemia, and extreme weakness, caused by underactivity of the adrenal glands. Also called: adrenal insufficiency [C19: named after Thomas Addison (1793–1860), British physician who identified it]

additament (əˈdItəmənt)   n   an addition

addition (əˈdIʃən)   n   1 the act, process, or result of adding   2 a person or thing that is added or acquired   3 a mathematical operation in which the sum of two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually indicated by the symbol +   4 chiefly US and Canadian a part added to a building or piece of land; annexe   5 obsolete a title following a person's name   6 in addition (adverb) also; as well; besides   7 in addition to (preposition) besides; as well as [C15: from Latin additiōn-, from addere to ADD]

■ additional (əˈdIʃənəl)   adj   added or supplementary   > adˈditionally adv

■ additionality (əˌdIʃəˈnælItI)   n   1 (in Britain) the principle that money raised by the National Lottery should only be spent on projects that would not otherwise be funded by government spending   2 (in the European Union) the principle that the EU contributes to the funding of a project in a member country provided that the member country also contributes

■ Additional Member System   n   a system of voting in which people vote separately for the candidate and the party of their choice. Parties are allocated extra seats if the number of constituencies they win does not reflect their overall share of the vote. See also proportional representation

■ addititious (ˌædIˈtIʃəs)   adj   increasing

additive (ˈædItIv)   adj   1 characterized or produced by addition; cumulative   ▷ n   2 any substance added to something to improve it, prevent deterioration, etc   3 short for food additive [C17: from Late Latin additīvus, from addere to ADD]

■ additive-free   adj   (of food) not containing any chemical additives

■ additively (ˈædItIvlI)   adv   in an additive manner

■ additive process   n   a photographic process in which the desired colours are produced by adding together appropriate proportions of three primary colours. Compare subtractive process

■ additivity (ˌædIˈtIvItI)   n   the state of being additive

additory (ˈædItərI)   adj   additional

addle^1 (ˈædəl)   vb   1 to make or become confused or muddled   2 to make or become rotten   ▷ adj   3 (in combination) indicating a confused or muddled state: addle-brained; addle-pated [C18: (vb), back formation from addled, from c13 addle rotten, from Old English adela filth; related to dialect German Addel liquid manure]

■ addle-brained or addle-headed   adj   another word for addled (sense 1)

■ addled (ˈædəld)   adj   1 confused or muddled   2 not working properly, making one confused or muddled   3 old-fashioned rotten

■ addlement (ˈædəlmənt)   n   a process or state of confusion

■ addle-pated   adj   a literary word for addled (sense 1)

addle^2 (ˈædəl)   vb   Northern English dialect to earn (money or one's living) [C13: addlen, from Old Norse öthlask to gain possession of property, from ōthal property]

add-on   n   a feature that can be added to a standard model or package to give increased benefits

addoom (əˈduːm)   vb (tr)   obsolete to declare or determine, esp judicially

addorsed (əˈdɔːst)   adj   heraldry placed back to back

address (əˈdrɛs)   n   1 the conventional form by which the location of a building is described   2 the written form of this, as on a letter or parcel, preceded by the name of the person or organization for whom it is intended   3 the place at which someone lives   4 a speech or written communication, esp one of a formal nature   5 skilfulness or tact   6 archaic manner or style of speaking or conversation   7 computing a number giving the location of a piece of stored information. See also direct access   8 Brit government a statement of the opinions or wishes of either or both Houses of Parliament that is sent to the sovereign   9 the alignment or position of a part, component, etc, that permits correct assembly or fitting   10 (usually plural) expressions of affection made during courtship   ▷ vb -dresses, -dressing, -dressed or obsolete or poetic -drest (tr)   11 to mark (a letter, parcel, etc) with an address   12 to speak to, refer to in speaking, or deliver a speech to   13 (used reflexively; foll by to)   a to speak or write to: he addressed himself to the crowd   b to apply oneself to: she addressed herself to the task   14 to direct (a message, warning, etc) to the attention of   15 to consign or entrust (a ship or a ship's cargo) to a factor, merchant, etc   16 to adopt a position facing (the ball in golf, a partner in a dance, the target in archery, etc)   17 to treat of; deal with: chapter 10 addresses the problem of transitivity   18 an archaic word for woo [C14: (in the sense: to make right, adorn) and c15 (in the modern sense: to direct words): via Old French from Vulgar Latin addrictiāre (unattested) to make straight, direct oneself towards, from Latin ad- to + dīrectus DIRECT]   > adˈdresser or adˈdressor n

■ addressable (əˈdrɛsəbəl)   adj   computing possessing or capable of being reached by an address   > adˌdressaˈbility n

■ address bar   n   computing the space provided (on a browser) for showing the addresses of websites

■ addressee (ˌædrɛˈsiː)   n   1 a person or organization to whom a letter, parcel, etc, is addressed   2 a person who is addressed in conversation, a speech, a poem, etc

■ addressing (əˈdresIŋ)   n   a method by which a computer network can identify which device sent a piece of information over the network, and which device received it

Addressograph (əˈdrɛsəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   trademark a machine for addressing envelopes, etc

adduce (əˈdjuːs)   vb   (tr) to cite (reasons, examples, etc) as evidence or proof [C15: from Latin addūcere to lead or bring to]   > adˈducent adj   > adˈducible or adˈduceable adj   > adduction (əˈdʌkʃən) n

■ adducer (əˈdjuːsə)   n   someone who adduces

adduct (əˈdʌkt)   vb (tr)   1 (of a muscle) to draw or pull (a leg, arm, etc) towards the median axis of the body. Compare abduct (sense 2)   ▷ n   2 chem a compound formed by direct combination of two or more different compounds or elements [C19: from Latin addūcere; see ADDUCE]   > adˈduction n

■ adductive (əˈdʌktIv)   adj   of a nature that leads towards a change

■ adductor (əˈdʌktə)   n   a muscle that adducts

addy (ˈædI)   n, pl addies   informal an e-mail address

-ade   suffix forming nouns   a sweetened drink made of various fruits: lemonade; limeade [from French, from Latin -āta made of, feminine past participle of verbs ending in -āre]

adeem (əˈdiːm)   vb (tr)   law to cancel or withdraw (a legal agreement)

Adelaide (ˈædIˌleId)   n   the capital of South Australia: Port Adelaide, 11 km (7 miles) away on St Vincent Gulf, handles the bulk of exports. Pop: 1 225 235 (2011)

adelantado (ˌædəlænˈtɑːdəʊ)   n   Spanish history a military title given to Conquistadors allowing the bearer the right to become governor or justice of a region

Adélie Land (ˈædIlI; French adeli)   n   a part of Antarctica, between Wilkes Land and George V Land: the mainland section of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (claim suspended under the Antarctic Treaty). Also called: Adélie Coast. French name: Terre Adélie

Adélie penguin   n   a flightless marine bird, Pygoscelis adeliae, of the order Sphenisciformes of cool southern, esp Antarctic, regions: they have wings modified as flippers, webbed feet, and feathers lacking barbs

ademption (əˈdɛmpʃən)   n   property law the failure of a specific legacy, as by a testator disposing of the subject matter in his or her lifetime [C16: from Latin ademptiōn- a taking away, from adimere to take away, take to (oneself), from ad- to + emere to buy, take]

Aden (ˈeIdən)   n   1 the main port and commercial capital of Yemen, on the N coast of the Gulf of Aden, an arm of the Indian Ocean at the entrance to the Red Sea: capital of South Yemen until 1990: formerly an important port of call on shipping routes to the East. Pop: 584 000 (2005 est)   2 a former British colony and protectorate on the S coast of the Arabian Peninsula: became part of South Yemen in 1967, now part of Yemen. Area: 195 sq km (75 sq miles)

Adenauer (German ˈaːdənauər)   n   Konrad (ˈkɔnraːt). 1876–1967, German statesman; chancellor of West Germany (1949–63)

adenectomy (ˌædəˈnɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 surgical removal of a gland   2 another name for adenoidectomy [C19: from ADENO- + -ECTOMY]

adenine (ˈædənIn, -ˌniːn, -ˌnaIn)   n   a purine base present in tissues of all living organisms as a constituent of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA and of certain coenzymes; 6-aminopurine. Formula: C_5H_5N_5; melting pt: 360–365°C

adenitis (ˌædəˈnaItIs)   n   inflammation of a gland or lymph node [C19: New Latin, from ADENO- + -ITIS]

adeno- or before a vowel aden-   combining form   gland or glandular: adenoid; adenology [New Latin, from Greek adēn gland]

adenocarcinoma (ˌædInəʊˌkɑːsIˈnəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   1 a malignant tumour originating in glandular tissue   2 a malignant tumour with a glandlike structure

adenohypophysis (ˌædInəʊhaIˈpɒfIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Compare neurohypophysis

adenoid (ˈædIˌnɔId)   adj   1 of or resembling a gland   2 of or relating to lymphoid tissue, as that found in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, etc   3 of or relating to the adenoids [C19: from Greek adenoeidēs. See ADENO-, -OID]

■ adenoidal (ˌædIˈnɔIdəl)   adj   1 having the nasal tones or impaired breathing of one with enlarged adenoids   2 another word for adenoid

■ adenoids (ˈædIˌnɔIdz)   pl n   a mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat behind the uvula: when enlarged it often restricts nasal breathing, esp in young children. Technical name: pharyngeal tonsil

adenoidectomy (ˌædInɔIˈdɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of the adenoids

adenoma (ˌædIˈnəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   1 a tumour, usually benign, occurring in glandular tissue   2 a tumour having a glandlike structure

■ adenomatous (ˌædIˈnəʊmətəs)   adj   characterized by a collection of glandular growths

adenopathy (ˌædIˈnɒpəθI)   n pathol   1 enlargement of the lymph nodes   2 enlargement of a gland

adenosine (æˈdɛnəˌsiːn, ˌædIˈnəʊsiːn)   n   biochem a nucleoside formed by the condensation of adenine and ribose. It is present in all living cells in a combined form, as in ribonucleic acids. Formula: C_10H_13N_5O_4 [C20: a blend of ADENINE + RIBOSE]

■ adenosine diphosphate   n   the full name of ADP

■ adenosine monophosphate (ˌmɒnəʊˈfɒsfeIt)   n   another term for adenylic acid. Abbreviation: AMP

■ adenosine triphosphate   n   the full name of ATP^1

adenosis (ˌædIˈnəʊsIs)   n   a minor glandular condition typified by swelling of the lymph glands

adenovirus (ˌædInəʊˈvaIrəs)   n   any of a group of viruses that can cause upper respiratory diseases in humans. Compare enterovirus, myxovirus

■ adenoviral (ˌædInəʊˈvaIərəl)   adj   relating to an adenovirus

adenyl (ˈædInaIl)   n   a derivative of adenine

■ adenylic acid (ˌædəˈnIlIk)   n   a nucleotide consisting of adenine, ribose or deoxyribose, and a phosphate group. It is a constituent of DNA or RNA. Also called: adenosine monophosphate

adept   adj (əˈdɛpt)   1 very proficient in something requiring skill or manual dexterity   2 skilful; expert   ▷ n (ˈædɛpt)   3 a person who is skilled or proficient in something [C17: from Medieval Latin adeptus, from Latin adipiscī to attain, from ad- to + apiscī to attain]   > aˈdeptly adv   > aˈdeptness n

adequate (ˈædIkwIt)   adj   able to fulfil a need or requirement without being abundant, outstanding, etc [C17: from Latin adaequāre to equalize, from ad- to + aequus EQUAL]   > adequacy (ˈædIkwəsI) n   > ˈadequately adv

■ adequateness (ˈædIkwətnəs)   n   the quality of being adequate

■ adequative (ˈædIkwətIv)   adj   relating to adequacy

adermin (əˈdɜːmIn)   n   another name for vitamin B6

adespota (əˈdɛspətə)   pl n   anonymous works of poetry

adessive (əˈdɛsIv)   n   a grammatical case in Finno-Ugric languages indicating place

à deux French (a dø)   adj, adv   of or for two persons

ADFA   abbreviation for   Australian Defence Force Academy

ADH   abbreviation for   antidiuretic hormone. See vasopressin

adhan (ˌaˈðaːn)   n   Islam a call to prayer [changed from Arabic adhān, literally: announcement]

adharma (əˈdɑːmə)   n   Hinduism unrighteousness or wickedness

ADHD   abbreviation for   attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

adhere (ədˈhIə)   vb (intr)   1 (usually foll by to) to stick or hold fast   2 (foll by to) to be devoted (to a political party, cause, religion, etc); be a follower (of)   3 (foll by to) to follow closely or exactly: adhere to the rules [C16: via Medieval Latin adhērēre from Latin adhaerēre to stick to]   > adˈherence n

■ adherable (ədˈhIərəbəl)   adj   having the ability to adhere

■ adherend (ədˈhIərənd)   n   a material attached using adhesive

■ adherent (ədˈhIərənt)   n   1 (usually foll by of) a supporter or follower   ▷ adj   2 sticking, holding fast, or attached

■ adherently (ədˈhIərəntlI)   adv   in an adherent manner

■ adherer (ədˈhIərə)   n   a person who adheres to practices or beliefs

■ adhesion (ədˈhiːʒən)   n   1 the quality or condition of sticking together or holding fast   2 ability to make firm contact without skidding or slipping   3 attachment or fidelity, as to a political party, cause, etc   4 an attraction or repulsion between the molecules of unlike substances in contact: distinguished from cohesion   5 pathol abnormal union of structures or parts [C17: from Latin adhaesiōn- a sticking. See ADHERE]

USAGE

Adhesion is the preferred term when talking about sticking or holding fast in a physical sense. Adherence is preferred when talking about attachment to a political party, cause, etc

■ adhesional (ədˈhiːʒənəl)   adj   relating to adhesion

■ adhesive (ədˈhiːsIv)   adj   1 able or designed to adhere; sticky: adhesive tape   2 tenacious or clinging   ▷ n   3 a substance used for sticking objects together, such as glue, cement, or paste   > adˈhesively adv   > adˈhesiveness n

■ adhesive binding   n   bookbinding a style of binding used mainly for paperback books, where the backs of the gathered sections are trimmed and inserted into a cover along with adhesive to hold the pages and cover together. Also called: perfect binding

adhibit (ədˈhIbIt)   vb (tr) rare   1 to administer or apply   2 to affix; attach [C16: from Latin adhibēre to bring on, from AD- to + habēre to have, hold]   > adhibition (ˌædhIˈbIʃən) n

ad hoc (æd ˈhɒk)   adj, adv   for a particular purpose only; lacking generality or justification: an ad hoc decision; an ad hoc committee [Latin, literally: to this]

■ adhocracy (ædˈhɒkrəsI)   n   management that responds to urgent problems rather than planning to avoid them

ad hominem Latin (æd ˈhɒmIˌnɛm)   adj, adv   1 directed against a person rather than against his or her arguments   2 based on or appealing to emotion rather than reason   ▶ Compare ad rem. See also argumentum ad hominem [literally: to the man]

adiabatic (ˌædIəˈbætIk, ˌeI-)   adj   1 (of a thermodynamic process) taking place without loss or gain of heat   ▷ n   2 a curve or surface on a graph representing the changes in two or more characteristics (such as pressure and volume) of a system undergoing an adiabatic process [C19: from Greek adiabatos not to be crossed, impassable (to heat), from A-1 + diabatos passable, from dia- across + bainein to go]

■ adiabatically (ˌædIəˈbætIkəlI)   adv   in an adiabatic manner

adiactinic (ˌædIækˈtInIk)   adj   physics denoting a substance that does not transmit radiation affecting photochemically sensitive materials, such as a safelight in a photographic darkroom

adiaphorism (ˌædIˈæfəˌrIzəm)   n   a Christian Protestant theological theory that certain rites and actions are matters of indifference in religion since not forbidden by the Scriptures [C19: see ADIAPHOROUS]   > ˌadiˈaphorist n   > ˌadiˌaphoˈristic adj

adiaphoron (ˌædIˈæfərɒn)   n, pl -ra (-rə)   1 a thing of indifference   2 philosophy a morally neutral matter   3 theol (in scripture) neither forbidden nor required

adiaphorous (ˌædIˈæfərəs)   adj   med having no effect for good or ill, as a drug or placebo [C17: from Greek adiaphoros indifferent, from A-1 + diaphoros different]

adiathermancy (ˌædIəˈθɜːmənsI)   n   another name for athermancy   > ˌadiaˈthermanous adj

adiathermic (ˌeIdaIəˈθɜːmIk)   adj   impervious to heat

Adichie (əˈdItʃI)   n   Chimamanda Ngozi, born 1977, Nigerian novelist; her novels include Purple Hibiscus (2003) and Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), which won the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction

Adie (ˈeIdI)   n   Kathryn, known as Kate. born 1945, British television and radio journalist, noted esp for her frontline reporting of revolutions, wars, etc

adieu (əˈdjuː; French adjø)   sentence substitute, n, pl adieus or adieux (əˈdjuːz; French adjø)   goodbye; farewell [C14: from Old French, from a to + dieu God]

Adige (Italian ˈaːdidʒe)   n   a river in N Italy, flowing southeast to the Adriatic. Length: 354 km (220 miles)

Adi Granth (ˌaːdI ˈɡrʌnt)   n   another name for Guru Granth [from Punjabi: first book]

ad infinitum (æd ˌInfIˈnaItəm)   adv   without end; endlessly; to infinity. Abbreviation: ad inf [Latin]

ad interim (æd ˈIntərIm)   adj, adv   for the meantime; for the present: ad interim measures. Abbreviation: ad int [Latin]

adios (ˌædIˈɒs; Spanish aˈðjos)   sentence substitute   goodbye; farewell [literally: to God]

adipic acid (əˈdIpIk)   n   a colourless crystalline solid used in the preparation of nylon. Formula: HOOC(CH_2)4COOH [C19: from New Latin adiposus fat + -IC]

adipocere (ˌædIpəʊˈsIə, ˈædIpəʊˌsIə)   n   a waxlike fatty substance formed during the decomposition of corpses. Nontechnical name: grave-wax [C19: via French from New Latin adiposus fat (see ADIPOSE) + French cire wax]   > adipocerous (ˌædIˈpɒsərəs) adj

adipocyte (ˈædIpəʊˌsaIt)   n   a fat cell that accumulates and stores fats

adipose (ˈædIˌpəʊs, -ˌpəʊz)   adj   1 of, resembling, or containing fat; fatty   ▷ n   2 animal fat [C18: from New Latin adiposus, from Latin adeps fat]

■ adipose fin   n   a posterior dorsal fin occurring in some fish, such as those of the salmon and catfish families

■ adiposis (ˌædIˈpəʊsIs)   n   1 obesity or excessive fatness   2 a condition which causes the build-up of adipose tissue

■ adiposity (ˌædIˈpɒsItI)   n   physiol the quality of being adipose; fatty nature

■ adipous (ˈædIpəs)   adj   a variant form of adipose

Adiprene (ˈædIpriːn)   n   trademark a polyurethane elastomer with exceptional abrasion resistance and strength

adipsia (eIˈdIpsIə)   n   1 complete lack of thirst   2 abnormal abstinence from drinking [C20: from A-1 + Greek dipsa thirst]

Adirondack Mountains (ˌædIˈrɒndæk) or Adirondacks   pl n   a mountain range in NE New York State. Highest peak: Mount Marcy, 1629 m (5344 ft)

adit (ˈædIt)   n   an almost horizontal shaft into a mine, for access or drainage [C17: from Latin aditus an approach, from adīre, from ad- towards + īre to go]

Adivasi (ˈɑːdIˌvɑːsI)   n   a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of India [Sanskrit, from adi beginning + vasi dweller]

adj.   abbreviation for   1 adjective   2 Also: adjt adjutant

adjacent (əˈdʒeIsənt)   adj   1 being near or close, esp having a common boundary; adjoining; contiguous   2 maths   a (of a pair of vertices in a graph) joined by a common edge   b (of a pair of edges in a graph) meeting at a common vertex   ▷ n   3 geometry the side lying between a specified angle and a right angle in a right-angled triangle [C15: from Latin adjacēre to lie next to, from ad- near + jacēre to lie]   > adˈjacency n   > adˈjacently adv

■ adjacence (əˈdʒeIsəns)   n   1 the state of being adjacent   2 something that is adjacent

■ adjacent angles   pl n   two angles that have the same vertex and a side in common

adjective (ˈædʒIktIv)   n   1    a a word imputing a characteristic to a noun or pronoun   b (as modifier): an adjective phrase. Abbreviation: adj   ▷ adj   2 additional or dependent   3 (of law) relating to court practice and procedure, as opposed to the principles of law dealt with by the courts. Compare substantive (sense 7) [C14: from Late Latin adjectīvus attributive, from adjicere to throw to, add, from ad- to + jacere to throw; in grammatical sense, from the Latin phrase nōmen adjectīvum attributive noun]   > adjectival (ˌædʒIkˈtaIvəl) adj

■ adjectivally (ˌædʒekˈtaIvəlI) or adjectively (ˈædʒIktIvlI)   adv   as an adjective

adjigo (ˈædʒIˌɡəʊ)   n   a yam plant, Dioscorea hastifolia, native to SW Australia that has edible tubers [C19: from a native Australian language]

adjoin (əˈdʒɔIn)   vb   1 to be next to (an area of land, etc)   2 (tr; foll by to) to join; affix or attach [C14: via Old French from Latin adjungere, from ad- to + jungere to join]

■ adjoining (əˈdʒɔInIŋ)   adj   being in contact; connected or neighbouring

adjoint (ˈædˌdʒɔInt)   n   maths   a another name for Hermitian conjugate   b a generalization in category theory of this notion

adjourn (əˈdʒɜːn)   vb   1 (intr) (of a court, etc) to close at the end of a session   2 to postpone or be postponed, esp temporarily or to another place   3 (tr) to put off (a problem, discussion, etc) for later consideration; defer   4 (intr) informal   a to move elsewhere: let's adjourn to the kitchen   b to stop work [C14: from Old French ajourner to defer to an arranged day, from a- to + jour day, from Late Latin diurnum, from Latin diurnus daily, from diēs day]   > adˈjournment n

adjt   abbreviation for   adjutant

adjudge (əˈdʒʌdʒ)   vb (tr; usually passive)   1 to pronounce formally; declare: she was adjudged the winner   2    a to determine judicially; judge   b to order or pronounce by law; decree: he was adjudged bankrupt   c to award (costs, damages, etc)   3 archaic to sentence or condemn [C14: via Old French from Latin adjūdicāre. See ADJUDICATE]

■ adjudgement (əˈdʒʌdʒmənt) or adjudgment (əˈdʒʌdʒmənt)   n   1 the act of adjudging   2 a judicial decision

adjudicate (əˈdʒuːdIˌkeIt)   vb   1 (when intr, usually foll by upon) to give a decision (on), esp a formal or binding one   2 (intr) to act as an adjudicator   3 (tr) chess to determine the likely result of (a game) by counting relative value of pieces, positional strength, etc   4 (intr) to serve as a judge or arbiter, as in a competition [C18: from Latin adjūdicāre to award something to someone, from ad- to + jūdicāre to act as a judge, from jūdex judge]   > adˌjudiˈcation n   > adjudicative (əˈdʒuːdIkətIv) adj

■ adjudicator (əˈdʒuːdIˌkeItə)   n   1 a judge, esp in a competition   2 an arbitrator, esp in a dispute

■ adjudicatory (əˌdʒuːdIˈkeItərI)   adj   relating to adjudication

adjunct (ˈædʒʌŋkt)   n   1 something incidental or not essential that is added to something else   2 a person who is subordinate to another   3 grammar   a part of a sentence other than the subject or the predicate   b (in systemic grammar) part of a sentence other than the subject, predicator, object, or complement; usually a prepositional or adverbial group   c part of a sentence that may be omitted without making the sentence ungrammatical; a modifier   4 logic another name for accident (sense 4)   ▷ adj   5 added or connected in a secondary or subordinate position; auxiliary [C16: from Latin adjunctus, past participle of adjungere to ADJOIN]   > adjunctive (əˈdʒʌŋktIv) adj   > adjunctively (əˈdʒʌŋktIvlI) adv   > ˈadjunctly adv

■ adjunction (əˈdʒʌŋkʃən)   n   (in phrase-structure grammar) the relationship between a branch of a tree representing a sentence to other branches to its left or right that descend from the same node immediately above

adjure (əˈdʒʊə)   vb (tr)   1 to command, often by exacting an oath; charge   2 to appeal earnestly to [C14: from Latin adjūrāre to swear to, from ad- to + jūrāre to swear, from jūs oath]   > adjuration (ˌædʒʊəˈreIʃən) n   > adˈjuratory adj   > adˈjurer or adˈjuror n

adjust (əˈdʒʌst)   vb   1 (tr) to alter slightly, esp to achieve accuracy; regulate: to adjust the screen   2 to adapt, as to a new environment, etc   3 (tr) to put into order   4 (tr) insurance to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim) [C17: from Old French adjuster, from ad- to + juste right, JUST]   > adˈjustable adj   > adˈjustably adv   > adˈjuster n

■ adjustability (əˌdʒʌstəˈbIlItI)   n   ability to adjust

■ adjusted (əˈdʒʌstId)   adj   1 psychologically well or badly equipped to cope with reality and ordinary life and relationships   2 altered or fixed to suit the circumstances

■ adjustive (əˈdʒʌstIv)   adj   allowing for adjustment

■ adjustment (əˈdʒʌstmənt)   n   1 the act of adjusting or state of being adjusted   2 a control for regulating: the adjustment for volume is beside the speaker

■ adjustmental (ədʒʌstˈmɛntəl)   adj   relating to adjustment

■ adjustor (əˈdʒʌstə)   n   a variant spelling of adjuster

adjutage (ˈædʒʊtIdʒ)   n   a nozzle or tube attached to a vessel to allow the discharge of liquid

adjutant (ˈædʒətənt)   n   1 an officer who acts as administrative assistant to a superior officer. Abbreviation: adjt, adj   2 short for adjutant bird [C17: from Latin adjūtāre to AID]   > ˈadjutancy n

■ adjutant bird or adjutant stork   n   either of two large carrion-eating storks, Leptoptilos dubius or L. javanicus, which are closely related and similar to the marabou and occur in S and SE Asia [so called for its supposedly military gait]

■ adjutant general   n, pl adjutants general   1 Brit army   a a member of the Army Board responsible for personnel and administrative functions   b a general's executive officer   2 US army the adjutant of a military unit with general staff

adjuvant (ˈædʒəvənt)   adj   1 aiding or assisting   ▷ n   2 something that aids or assists; auxiliary   3 med a drug or other substance that enhances the activity of another   4 immunol a substance that enhances the immune response stimulated by an antigen when injected with the antigen [C17: from Latin adjuvāns, present participle of adjuvāre, from juvāre to help]   > ˈadjuvancy n

adland (ˈædˌlænd)   n   informal the advertising industry and the people who work in it [C20: from AD(VERTISING) + LAND]

Adler (German ˈaːdlər)   n   1 (German ˈaːdlər) Alfred (ˈalfreːt). 1870–1937, Austrian psychiatrist, noted for his descriptions of overcompensation and inferiority feelings   2 (ˈædlə) Larry, full name Lawrence Cecil Adler. 1914–2001, US harmonica player

■ Adlerian (ædˈlIərIən)   adj   of or relating to Alfred Adler or his ideas

ad-lib (ædˈlIb)   vb -libs, -libbing, -libbed   1 to improvise and deliver without preparation (a speech, musical performance, etc)   ▷ adj (ad lib when predicative)   2 improvised; impromptu   ▷ adv ad lib   3 without restraint; freely   4 music short for ad libitum   ▷ n   5 an improvised performance, often humorous [C18: short for Latin ad libitum, literally: according to pleasure]   > ad-ˈlibber n

ad libitum (ˈlIbItʊm, -təm)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) at the performer's discretion. Often shortened to: ad lib [see AD-LIB]

ad litem Latin (æd ˈlaItɛm)   adj   (formerly, esp of a guardian) appointed for a lawsuit

Adm.   abbreviation for   Admiral

adman (ˈædˌmæn, -mən)   n, pl -men   informal a person who works in advertising

admass (ˈædmæs) old-fashioned   n   1 the part of society that is easily influenced by the mass media and advertising   ▷ adj   2 belonging to or typical of the admass

admeasure (ædˈmɛʒə)   vb   1 to measure out (land, etc) as a share; apportion   2 (tr) to determine the dimensions, capacity, weight, and other details of (a vessel), as for an official registration, documentation, or yacht handicap rating [C14: amesuren, from Old French amesurer, from mesurer to MEASURE; the modern form derives from AD- + MEASURE]   > adˈmeasurement n

Admetus (ædˈmiːtəs)   n   Greek myth a king of Thessaly, one of the Argonauts, who was married to Alcestis

admin (ˈædmIn)   n   informal short for administration

adminicle (ædˈmInIkəl)   n   law something contributing to prove a point without itself being complete proof [C16: from Latin adminiculum support]

■ adminicular (ædˈmInIkjʊlə)   adj   law giving help; auxiliary, corroborative

■ adminiculate (ædˈmInIkjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr)   law to attest or corroborate; to confirm or affirm as true

administer (ədˈmInIstə)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to direct or control (the affairs of a business, government, etc)   2 to put into execution; dispense: administer justice   3 (when intr, foll by to) to give or apply (medicine, assistance, etc) as a remedy or relief   4 to apply formally; perform: to administer extreme unction   5 to supervise or impose the taking of (an oath, etc)   6 to manage or distribute (an estate, property, etc) [C14: amynistre, via Old French from Latin administrare, from ad- to + ministrāre to MINISTER]

■ administrable (ædˈmInIstrəbəl)   adj   able to be administered or managed

■ administrant (ædˈmInIstrənt)   n   a person who administers

■ administrate (ədˈmInIˌstreIt)   vb   to manage or direct (the affairs of a business, institution, etc)

■ administration (ədˌmInIˈstreIʃən)   n   1 management of the affairs of an organization, such as a business or institution   2 the duties of an administrator   3 the body of people who administer an organization   4 the conduct of the affairs of government   5 term of office: often used of presidents, governments, etc   6 the executive branch of government along with the public service; the government as a whole   7 (often capital) chiefly US the political executive, esp of the US; the government   8 chiefly US a government board, agency, authority, etc   9 property law   a the conduct or disposal of the estate of a deceased person   b the management by a trustee of an estate subject to a trust   10    a the administering of something, such as a sacrament, oath, or medical treatment   b the thing that is administered   > adˈministrative adj   > adˈministratively adv

■ administration order   n law   1 an order by a court appointing a person to manage a company that is in financial difficulty, in an attempt to ensure the survival of the company or achieve the best realization of its assets   2 an order by a court for the administration of the estate of a debtor who has been ordered by the court to pay money that he or she owes

■ administrator (ədˈmInIˌstreItə)   n   1 a person who administers the affairs of an organization, official body, etc   2 property law a person authorized to manage an estate, esp when the owner has died intestate or without having appointed executors   3 a person who manages a computer system   > adˌminisˈtratrix fem n

admiral (ˈædmərəl)   n   1 the supreme commander of a fleet or navy   2 Also called: admiral of the fleet, fleet admiral a naval officer of the highest rank, equivalent to general of the army or field marshal   3 a senior naval officer entitled to fly his or her own flag. See also rear admiral, vice admiral   4 chiefly Brit the master of a fishing fleet   5 any of various nymphalid butterflies, esp the red admiral or white admiral [C13: amyral, from Old French amiral emir, and from Medieval Latin admīrālis (the spelling with d probably influenced by admīrābilis admirable); both from Arabic amīr emir, commander, esp in the phrase amīr-al commander of, as in amīr-al-bahr commander of the sea]   > ˈadmiralˌship n

admiralty (ˈædmərəltI)   n, pl -ties   1 the office or jurisdiction of an admiral   2    a jurisdiction over naval affairs   b (as modifier): admiralty law

■ Admiralty Board   n   the Admiralty Board (formerly) a department of the British Ministry of Defence, responsible for the administration and planning of the Royal Navy

■ Admiralty House   n   the official residence of the Governor General of Australia, in Sydney

■ Admiralty Islands   pl n   a group of about 40 volcanic and coral islands in the SW Pacific, part of Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck Archipelago: main island: Manus. Pop (whole province): 43 589 (2000). Area: about 2000 sq km (800 sq miles). Also called: Admiralties

■ Admiralty mile   n   another name for nautical mile

■ Admiralty Range   n   a mountain range in Antarctica, on the coast of Victoria Land, northwest of the Ross Sea

admire (ədˈmaIə)   vb (tr)   1 to regard with esteem, respect, approval, or pleased surprise   2 archaic to wonder at [C16: from Latin admīrāri to wonder at, from ad- to, at + mīrāri to wonder, from mīrus wonderful]   > adˈmirer n   > adˈmiring adj   > adˈmiringly adv

■ admirability (ˌædmərəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being admirable

■ admirable (ˈædmərəbəl)   adj   deserving or inspiring admiration; excellent   > ˈadmirably adv

■ admirableness (ˈædmIrəbəlnəs)   n   admirability

■ admirance (ˈædmərəns)   n   an admiration (for)

■ admiration (ˌædməˈreIʃən)   n   1 pleasurable contemplation or surprise   2 a person or thing that is admired: she was the admiration of the court   3 archaic wonder

■ admirative (ˈædməˌreItIv)   adj   possessing admiration

■ admiraunce (ˈædmərəns)   n   poetic admirance

admission (ədˈmIʃən)   n   1 permission to enter or the right, authority, etc, to enter   2 the price charged for entrance   3 acceptance for a position, office, etc   4 a confession, as of a crime, mistake, etc   5 an acknowledgment of the truth or validity of something [C15: from Latin admissiōn-, from admittere to ADMIT]   > adˈmissive adj

■ admissible (ədˈmIsəbəl)   adj   1 able or deserving to be considered or allowed   2 deserving to be admitted or allowed to enter   3 law (esp of evidence) capable of being or bound to be admitted in a court of law   > adˌmissiˈbility or adˈmissibleness n

■ admissions (ædˈmIʃənz)   pl n education   1    a the procedure for admitting students to study at a college, university, or school   b (as modifier): an admissions policy   2 the students admitted to an institution

admit (ədˈmIt)   vb -mits, -mitting, -mitted (mainly tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to confess or acknowledge (a crime, mistake, etc)   2 (may take a clause as object) to concede (the truth or validity of something)   3 to allow to enter; let in   4 (foll by to) to allow participation (in) or the right to be part (of): to admit to the profession   5 (when intr, foll by of) to allow (of); leave room (for)   6 (intr) to give access: the door admits onto the lawn [C14: from Latin admittere to let come or go to, from ad- to + mittere to send]

■ admittable (ædˈmItəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be admitted

■ admittance (ədˈmItəns)   n   1 the right or authority to enter   2 the act of giving entrance   3 electrical engineering the reciprocal of impedance, usually measured in siemens. It can be expressed as a complex quantity, the real part of which is the conductance and the imaginary part the susceptance. Symbol: y

■ admittedly (ədˈmItIdlI)   adv   (sentence modifier) willingly conceded: admittedly I am afraid

■ admittee (ˌædmIˈtiː)   n   formal a person who has been (or will be) admitted

■ admitter (ædˈmItə)   n   a person who admits or something which admits

admix (ədˈmIks)   vb   (tr) rare to mix or blend [C16: back formation from obsolete admixt, from Latin admīscēre to mix with]

■ admixture (ədˈmIkstʃə)   n   1 a less common word for mixture   2 anything added in mixing; ingredient

admonish (ədˈmɒnIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to reprove firmly but not harshly   2 to advise to do or against doing something; warn; caution [C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin admonestāre (unattested), from Latin admonēre to put one in mind of, from monēre to advise]   > adˈmonisher or adˈmonitor n   > admonition (ˌædməˈnIʃən) n   > adˈmonitory adj

■ admonishingly (ədˈmɒnIʃIŋlI)   adv   in an admonishing manner

■ admonishment (ədˈmɒnIʃmənt)   n   formal another word for admonition

■ admonitive (ədˈmɒnItIv)   adj   relating to admonition; admonitory

■ admonitorily (ədˈmɒnItərIlI)   adv   in an admonitory manner

ADN   abbreviation for   Yemen (international car registration) [from ADEN]

adnate (ˈædneIt)   adj   botany growing closely attached to an adjacent part or organ [C17: from Latin adnātus, a variant form of agnātus AGNATE]

■ adnascent (ædˈneIsənt)   adj   growing on or to something else

■ adnation (ædˈneIʃən)   n   botany the adhesion or cohesion of different plants

ad nauseam (æd ˈnɔːzIˌæm, -sI-)   adv   to a disgusting extent [Latin: to (the point of) nausea]

adnexa (ædˈnɛksə)   pl n   anatomy adjoining organs, esp of the uterus [C19: New Latin: appendages]   > adˈnexal adj

adnominal (ədˈnɒmInəl) grammar   n   1 a word modifying a noun   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to an adnoun

adnoun (ˈædnaʊn)   n   an adjective used as a noun; absolute adjective [C18: from Latin ad to + NOUN, formed on the model of ADVERB]

ado (əˈduː)   n   bustling activity; fuss; bother; delay (esp in the phrases without more ado, with much ado) [C14: from the phrase at do a to-do, from Old Norse at to (marking the infinitive) + DO^1]

ADO Austral   abbreviation for   accumulated day off

adobe (əˈdəʊbI)   n   1    a a sun-dried brick used for building   b (as modifier): an adobe house   2 a building constructed of such bricks   3 the clayey material from which such bricks are made [C19: from Spanish]

■ adobe flat   n   chiefly US a gently sloping clayey plain formed by a short-lived stream or flood water

■ adobelike (əˈdəʊbIˌlaIk)   adj   made using a material similar to adobe

adobo (əˈdəʊbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   the national dish of the Philippines, which consists of chunks of meat, fish, or vegetables, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices and then stewed in the marinade [C20: from Spanish]

adolescent (ˌædəˈlɛsənt)   adj   1 of or relating to adolescence   2 informal behaving in an immature way; puerile   ▷ n   3 an adolescent person

■ adolescence (ˌædəˈlɛsəns)   n   the period in human development that occurs between the beginning of puberty and adulthood [C15: via Old French from Latin adolēscentia, from adolēscere to grow up, from alēscere to grow, from alēre to feed, nourish]

■ adolescently (ˌædəˈlɛsəntlI)   adv   in an adolescent manner

Adonai (ˌædɒˈnaI, -ˈneIaI)   n   Judaism a name for God [C15: from Hebrew: lord; compare ADONIS]

Adonis (əˈdəʊnIs)   n   1 Greek myth a handsome youth loved by Aphrodite. Killed by a wild boar, he was believed to spend part of the year in the underworld and part on earth, symbolizing the vegetative cycle   2 a handsome young man [C16: from Latin, via Greek Adōnis from Phoenician adōni my lord, a title of the god Tammuz; related to Hebrew ADONAI]

■ Adonic (əˈdəʊnIk)   adj   1 (in classical prosody) of or relating to a verse line consisting of a dactyl (– ◡ ◡) followed by a spondee (– –) or by a trochee (– ◡), thought to have been first used in laments for Adonis   2 of or relating to Adonis   ▷ n   3 an Adonic line or verse

adonize or adonise (ˈædəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   (of a man) to make more beautiful

adoors (əˈdɔːz)   adv   archaic at the door; of the door

adopt (əˈdɒpt)   vb (tr)   1 law to bring (a person) into a specific relationship, esp to take (another's child) as one's own child   2 to choose and follow (a plan, technique, etc)   3 to take over (an idea, etc) as if it were one's own   4 to take on; assume: to adopt a title   5 to accept (a report, etc) [C16: from Latin adoptāre to choose for oneself, from optāre to choose]   > ˌadopˈtee n   > aˈdopter n   > aˈdoption n

■ adoptability (əˌdɒptəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality or extent of being adoptable

■ adoptable (əˈdɒptəbəl)   adj   able to be adopted

■ adopted (əˈdɒptId)   adj   having been adopted: an adopted child. Compare adoptive

■ adopter (əˈdɒptə)   n   1 person who adopts a child   2 person who takes up something. See also early adopter

■ adoption curve   n   a curve on a graph plotting the number of people using a new product against the time from its initial release

■ adoption panel   n   social welfare (in Britain) a committee appointed by an adoption agency, such as a local authority, to make recommendations concerning the suitability of prospective adoption cases

■ adoptious (əˈdɒpʃəs)   adj   obsolete adopted

■ adoptive (əˈdɒptIv)   adj   1 acquired or related by adoption: an adoptive father   2 of or relating to adoption. Compare adopted

■ adoptively (əˈdɒptIvlI)   adv   in an adoptive manner; by adoption

adoptianism (əˈdɒpʃənIzəm)   n   another name for adoptionism

adoptianist (əˈdɒpʃəˌnIst)   n   another name for adoptionist

adoptionism (əˈdɒpʃənIzəm)   n Christian theol   1 an early Greek theology that Jesus was a human gifted with divine powers   2 the later belief (from the 8th century) that Jesus was only the adopted, not true, son of God

■ adoptionist (əˈdɒpʃənIst)   n   Christian theol someone who believes in adoptionism

adore (əˈdɔː)   vb   1 (tr) to love intensely or deeply   2 to worship (a god) with religious rites   3 (tr) informal to like very much: I adore chocolate [C15: via French from Latin adōrāre, from ad- to + ōrāre to pray]   > aˈdorer n   > aˈdoring adj   > aˈdoringly adv

■ adorability (əˌdɔːrəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being adorable or highly attractive

■ adorable (əˈdɔːrəbəl)   adj   1 very attractive; charming; lovable   2 rare deserving or eliciting adoration   > aˈdorableness n   > aˈdorably adv

■ adoration (ˌædəˈreIʃən)   n   1 deep love or esteem   2 the act of worshipping

adorkable (əˈdɔːkəbəl)   adj slang   socially inept or unfashionable in a charming or endearing way [blend of ADORABLE and DORK]

adorn (əˈdɔːn)   vb (tr)   1 to decorate: she adorned her hair with flowers   2 to increase the beauty, distinction, etc, of [C14: via Old French from Latin adōrnāre, from ōrnāre to furnish, prepare]   > aˈdornment n

■ adorner (əˈdɔːnə)   n   someone who adorns

Adorno (German aˈdɔrno)   n   Theodor Wiesengrund. 1903–69, German philosopher, sociologist, and music critic. His writings include The Philosophy of the New Music (1949) and Negative Dialectics (1966)

Adowa (ˈɑːdʊˌwɑː)   n   a variant spelling of Aduwa

adown (əˈdaʊn)   adv   1 archaic down, downward   ▷ adj   2 archaic down

adoze (əˈdəʊz)   adv, adj   asleep; dozing

ADP   n   biochem adenosine diphosphate; a nucleotide derived from ATP with the liberation of energy that is then used in the performance of muscular work

adpress (ædˈprɛs)   vb (tr)   to press together

ADR   abbreviation for   adverse drug reaction

adrad (əˈdræd)   adj   archaic afraid

Adrastea (əˈdræstIə)   n   a small satellite of Jupiter, discovered in 1979

Adrastus (əˈdræstəs)   n   Greek myth a king of Argos and leader of the Seven against Thebes, of whom he was the sole survivor

adrate (ˈædreIt)   n   informal the price or tariff that businesses pay to advertise

adread (əˈdrɛd)   vb (tr)   archaic to dread

adred (əˈdrɛd)   adj   another word for adrad

ad referendum   adv, adj   subject to agreement by others and finalization of details: an ad referendum contract [Latin]

ad rem Latin (æd ˈrɛm)   adj, adv   to the point; without digression: to reply ad rem; an ad rem discussion. Compare ad hominem

adrenal (əˈdriːnəl)   adj   1 on or near the kidneys   2 of or relating to the adrenal glands or their secretions   ▷ n   3 an adrenal gland [C19: from AD- (near) + RENAL]

■ adrenal gland   n   an endocrine gland at the anterior end of each kidney. Its medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline and its cortex secretes several steroid hormones. Also called: suprarenal gland

■ adrenaline or adrenalin (əˈdrɛnəlIn)   n   a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress and increases heart rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure, and raises the blood levels of glucose and lipids. It is extracted from animals or synthesized for such medical uses as the treatment of asthma. Chemical name: aminohydroxyphenylpropionic acid; formula: C_9H_13NO_3. US name: epinephrine

■ adrenal insufficiency   n   another name for Addison's disease

■ adrenally (əˈdriːnəlI)   adv   med in a manner relating to the adrenal glands

adrenalectomy (əˌdriːnəlˈɛktəmI)   n   med the surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands

Adrenalin (əˈdrɛnəlIn)   n   trademark a brand of adrenaline

adrenalized or adrenalised (əˈdriːnəlaIzd)   adj   tense or highly charged: adrenalized with excitement

adrenergic (ˌædrəˈnɜːdʒIk)   adj   releasing or activated by adrenaline or an adrenaline-like substance [C20: ADRENALINE + Greek ergon work]

■ adrenergically (ˌædrəˈnɜːdʒIkəlI)   adv   med in a manner relating to the release or activation of adrenaline

adrenochrome (əˈdrɛnəˌkrəʊm)   n   med a chemical pigment produced by the oxidation of adrenaline

adrenocortical (əˌdriːnəʊˈkɔːtIkəl)   adj   anatomy relating to the adrenal cortex

adrenocorticotrophic (əˌdriːnəʊˌkɔːtəkəʊˈtrɒfIk) or adrenocorticotropic (əˌdriːnəʊˌkɔːtəkəʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   stimulating the adrenal cortex

■ adrenocorticotrophic hormone   n   the full name of ACTH

adriamycin (ˌeIdrIəˈmaIsIn)   n   med a trade name of the anticancer drug doxorubicin

Adrian (ˈeIdrIən)   n   Edgar Douglas, Baron Adrian. 1889–1977, English physiologist, noted particularly for his research into the function of neurons: shared with Sherrington the Nobel prize for physiology and medicine 1932

Adrian IV   n   original name Nicholas Breakspear. ?1100–59, the only English pope (1154–59)

Adrianople (ˌeIdrIəˈnəʊpəl) or Adrianopolis (ˌeIdrIəˈnɒpəlIs)   n   former names of Edirne

Adrian Quist (ˌɛIdrIən ˈkwIst)   adj   Austral slang intoxicated; drunk [rhyming slang for PISSED, from Australian tennis player Adrian Quist (1913–1991)]

Adriatic (ˌeIdrIˈætIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the Adriatic Sea, or to the inhabitants of its coast or islands   ▷ n   2 the Adriatic short for the Adriatic Sea

■ Adriatic Sea   n   an arm of the Mediterranean between Italy and the Balkan Peninsula

adrift (əˈdrIft)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 floating without steering or mooring; drifting   2 without purpose; aimless   3 informal off course or amiss: the project went adrift

adroit (əˈdrɔIt)   adj   1 skilful or dexterous   2 quick in thought or reaction [C17: from French à droit according to right, rightly]   > aˈdroitly adv   > aˈdroitness n

adry (əˈdraI)   adj   dry

adscititious (ˌædsIˈtIʃəs)   adj   added or supplemental; additional [C17: from Latin adscītus admitted (from outside), from adscīscere to admit, from scīscere to seek to know, from scīre to know]   > ˌadsciˈtitiously adv

adscript (ˈædˌskrIpt)   n   1 feudal history a serf bound to the land which they work or occupy, and who can be bought or sold along with it   2 a character written or printed immediately after another character and aligned with it

■ adscription (ədˈskrIpʃən)   n   a less common word for ascription

ADSL computing   abbreviation for   asynchronous digital subscriber line

adsorb (ədˈsɔːb, -ˈzɔːb)   vb   to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a substance, usually a gas, accumulates on the surface of a solid forming a thin film, often only one molecule thick: to adsorb hydrogen on nickel; oxygen adsorbs on tungsten. Compare absorb (sense 8) [C19: AD- + -sorb as in ABSORB]   > adˈsorbable adj   > adˌsorbaˈbility n   > adˈsorption n

■ adsorbate (ədˈsɔːbeIt, -bIt, -ˈzɔː-)   n   a substance that has been or is to be adsorbed on a surface

■ adsorbent (ədˈsɔːbənt, -ˈzɔː-)   adj   1 capable of adsorption   ▷ n   2 a material, such as activated charcoal, on which adsorption can occur

■ adsorber (ədˈsɔːbə)   n   something which adsorbs

■ adsorptive (ədˈsɔːptIv, ədˈzɔːptIv)   adj   relating to or characterized by adsorption

adspeak (ˈædspiːk)   n   informal the kind of language or jargon used in advertising or in advertisements

adsuki (ædˈzuːkI)   n   a variant spelling of adzuki

adsum (ˈædˌsʊm)   sentence substitute   I am present [Latin]

ADT   abbreviation for   Atlantic Daylight Time

aduki (æˈduːkI)   n   a variant of adzuki

adularescent (əˌdjʊləˈrɛsənt)   adj   (of minerals, such as moonstone) having or emitting a milky or bluish iridescence [C19: from ADULAR(IA) + -ESCENT]   > aˌdulaˈrescence n

adularia (ˌædjʊˈlɛərIə)   n   a white or colourless glassy variety of orthoclase in the form of prismatic crystals. It occurs in metamorphic rocks and is a minor gemstone. Formula: KAlSi_3O_8 [C18: via Italian from French adulaire, after Adula, a group of mountains in Switzerland]

adulate (ˈædjʊˌleIt)   vb   (tr) to flatter or praise obsequiously [C17: back formation from C15 adulation, from Latin adūlāri to flatter]   > ˈaduˌlator n

■ adulation (ˌædjʊˈleIʃən)   n   obsequious flattery or praise; extreme admiration

■ adulatory (ˌædjʊˈleItərI, ˈædjʊˌleItərI)   adj   expressing praise, esp obsequiously; flattering

Adullamite (əˈdʌləˌmaIt)   n   a person who has withdrawn from a political group and joined with a few others to form a dissident group [C19: originally applied to members of the British House of Commons who withdrew from the Liberal party (1866); alluding to the cave of Adullam in the Bible, to which David and others fled (1 Samuel 22: 1–2)]

adult (ˈædʌlt, əˈdʌlt)   adj   1 having reached maturity; fully developed   2 of or intended for mature people: adult education   3 regarded as suitable only for adults, because of being pornographic: adult films and magazines   ▷ n   4 a person who has attained maturity; a grownup   5 a mature fully grown animal or plant   6 law a person who has attained the age of legal majority (18 years for most purposes). Compare infant [C16: from Latin adultus, from adolēscere to grow up, from alēscere to grow, from alēre to feed, nourish]   > ˈadulthood n

■ adultly (əˈdʌltlI, ˈædʌltlI)   adv   in an adult manner

■ adultness (əˈdʌltnəs, ˈædʌltnəs)   n   the state or quality of being an adult; an impression of maturity

■ Adult Training Centre   n   social welfare a day centre, run by a local authority, for people with learning difficulties to gain work experience

adulterate   vb (əˈdʌltəˌreIt)   1 (tr) to debase by adding inferior material: to adulterate milk with water   ▷ adj (əˈdʌltərIt, -ˌreIt)   2 adulterated; debased or impure [C16: from Latin adulterāre to corrupt, commit adultery, probably from alter another, hence to approach another, commit adultery]   > aˌdulterˈation n   > aˈdulterˌator n

■ adulterant (əˈdʌltərənt)   n   1 a substance or ingredient that adulterates   ▷ adj   2 adulterating

■ adulterine (əˈdʌltərIn, -ˌriːn, -ˌraIn)   adj   of or made by adulteration; fake

■ adulterine (əˈdʌltərIn, -ˌriːn, -ˌraIn)   adj   conceived in adultery: an adulterine child

■ adulterous (əˈdʌltərəs)   adj   an obsolete word for adulterate (sense 2)

■ adulterous (əˈdʌltərəs)   adj   of, characterized by, or inclined to adultery. Also (less commonly): adulterate   > aˈdulterously adv

adultery (əˈdʌltərI)   n, pl -teries   voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man or woman and a partner other than the legal spouse [C15: adulterie, altered (as if directly from Latin adulterium) from C14 avoutrie, via Old French from Latin adulterium, from adulter, back formation from adulterāre. See ADULTERATE]

■ adulterer (əˈdʌltərə)   n   a person who has committed adultery [C16: originally also adulter, from Latin adulter, back formation from adulterāre to ADULTERATE]

■ adulteress (əˈdʌltərəs)   n   a woman who has committed adultery

■ adulterize or adulterise (əˈdʌltəˌraIz)   vb (intr)   to commit adultery

■ adultress (əˈdʌltrIs)   n   a female adulterer

adultescent (ˌædəlˈtɛsənt) informal   n   1 an adult who is still actively interested in youth culture   ▷ adj   2 aimed at or suitable for adultescents

adumbral (ædˈʌmbrəl)   adj   usually poetic shadowy [C19: from AD- (in the sense: in) + Latin umbra shadow]

adumbrate (ˈædʌmˌbreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to outline; give a faint indication of   2 to foreshadow   3 to overshadow; obscure [C16: from Latin adumbrātus represented only in outline, from adumbrāre to cast a shadow on, from umbra shadow]   > ˌadumˈbration n   > adumbrative (ædˈʌmbrətIv) adj   > adˈumbratively adv

adunc (əˈdʌŋk), aduncate (əˈdʌŋkeIt) or aduncated (əˈdʌŋkeItId)   adj   hooked; curved inward

■ aduncity (əˈdʌnsItI)   n   the quality of being hooked or curved inward

■ aduncous (əˈdʌŋkəs)   adj   another word for adunc

adust (əˈdʌst)   adj archaic   1 dried up or darkened by heat; burnt or scorched   2 gloomy or melancholy [C14: (in the sense: gloomy): from Latin adūstus, from adūrere to set fire to, from ūrere to burn]

Aduwa or Adowa (ˈɑːdʊˌwɑː)   n   a town in N Ethiopia: Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italians here in 1896. Pop: 46 272 (2005 est). Italian name: Adua (aˈdua)

adv.   abbreviation for   1 adverb   2 adverbial [Latin: against]

ad val.   abbreviation for   ad valorem

ad valorem (æd vəˈlɔːrəm)   adj, adv   (of taxes) in proportion to the estimated value of the goods taxed. Abbreviation: ad val, a.v., A/V [from Latin]

advance (ədˈvɑːns)   vb   1 to go or bring forward in position   2 (foll by on) to move (towards) in a threatening manner   3 (tr) to present for consideration; suggest   4 to bring or be brought to a further stage of development; improve; further   5 (tr) to cause (an event) to occur earlier   6 (tr) to supply (money, goods, etc) beforehand, either for a loan or as an initial payment   7 to increase (a price, value, rate of occurrence, etc) or (of a price, etc) to be increased   8 (intr) to improve one's position; be promoted: he advanced rapidly in his job   9 (tr) archaic to promote in rank, status, or position   ▷ n   10 forward movement; progress in time or space   11 improvement; progress in development   12 commerce   a the supplying of commodities or funds before receipt of an agreed consideration   b the commodities or funds supplied in this manner   c (as modifier): an advance supply   13 Also called: advance payment a money payment made before it is legally due: this is an advance on your salary   14 a loan of money   15 an increase in price, value, rate of occurrence, etc   16 a less common word for advancement (sense 1)   17 in advance   a beforehand: payment in advance   b (foll by of) ahead in time or development: ideas in advance of the time   18 (modifier) forward in position or time: advance booking; an advance warning [C15: advauncen, altered (on the model of words beginning with Latin ad-) from C13 avauncen, via Old French from Latin abante from before, from ab- away from + ante before]   > adˈvancer n   > adˈvancingly adv

■ advance corporation tax   n   a former UK tax in which a company paying a dividend had to deduct the basic rate of income tax from the grossed-up value of the dividend and pay it to the Inland Revenue. Abbreviation: ACT

■ advanced (ədˈvɑːnst)   adj   1 being ahead in development, knowledge, progress, etc: advanced studies   2 having reached a comparatively late stage: a man of advanced age   3 ahead of the times: advanced views on religion

■ advanced gas-cooled reactor   n   a nuclear reactor using carbon dioxide as the coolant, graphite as the moderator, and ceramic uranium dioxide cased in stainless steel as the fuel. Abbreviation: AGR

■ Advanced Higher   n (in Scotland)   1    a the highest level of qualification offered within the school system, replacing the former Certificate of Sixth Year Studies   b (as modifier): Advanced Higher Maths   2 a pass in a particular subject at Advanced Higher level

■ advance directive   n   another name for living will

■ Advanced level   n   (in Britain) the formal name for A level

■ advanced skills teacher   n   Brit education a teacher who has achieved high standards of classroom practice and success and who, after passing a national assessment, is paid to share his or her skills and experience with other teachers. Abbreviation: AST

■ advance guard   n   1 a military unit sent ahead of a main body to find gaps in enemy defences, clear away minor opposition, and prevent unexpected contact   2 a temporary military detachment sent ahead of a force to prepare for a landing or other operation, esp by making reconnaissance

■ advance man   n   US an agent of a political candidate or other public figure who travels in advance of the candidate to organize publicity, arrange meetings, and make security checks

■ advancement (ədˈvɑːnsmənt)   n   1 promotion in rank, status, etc; preferment   2 a less common word for advance (sense 10), advance (sense 11)   3 property law the use during a testator's lifetime of money or property for the benefit of a child or other person who is a prospective beneficiary in the testator's will

■ advance notice   n   See notice (sense 6)

■ advance poll   n   Canadian (in an election) a poll held prior to election day to permit voters who expect to be absent then to cast their ballots

■ advance ratio   n aeronautics   1 the ratio of wind speed along the axis of a rotor or propeller to the speed of the blade tip   2 the ratio of forward flight speed to the speed of the rotor tip of a helicopter

■ advances (ədˈvɑːnsIz)   pl n   (sometimes singular; often foll by to or towards) personal overtures made in an attempt to become friendly, gain a favour, etc

advantage (ədˈvɑːntIdʒ)   n   1 (often foll by over or of) superior or more favourable position or power: she had an advantage over me because of her experience   2 benefit or profit (esp in the phrase to one's advantage)   3 tennis   a the point scored after deuce   b the resulting state of the score   4 take advantage of   a to make good use of   b to impose upon the weakness, good nature, etc, of; abuse   c to seduce   5 to advantage to good effect: he used his height to advantage at the game   6 you have the advantage of me you know me but I do not know you [C14: avantage (later altered to advantage on the model of words beginning with Latin ad-), from Old French avant before, from Latin abante from before, away. See ADVANCE]

■ advantageable (ədˈvɑːntIdʒəbəl)   adj   archaic being of advantage; advantageous

■ advantaged (ədˈvɑːntIdʒd)   adj   in a superior social or economic position

■ advantageous (ˌædvənˈteIdʒəs)   adj   producing advantage   > ˌadvanˈtageously adv   > ˌadvanˈtageousness n

advection (ədˈvɛkʃən)   n   the transference of heat energy in a horizontal stream of gas, esp of air [C20: from Latin advectiō conveyance, from advehere, from ad- to + vehere to carry]

■ advect (ədˈvɛkt)   vb (intr)   (of air, water) to move horizontally

■ advective (ədˈvɛktIv)   adj   relating to advection

advene (ədˈviːn) archaic   vb (intr)   1 to become part of or be added to something   2 to come to

advent (ˈædvɛnt, -vənt)   n   an arrival or coming, esp one which is awaited [C12: from Latin adventus, from advenīre, from ad- to + venīre to come]

Advent (ˈædvɛnt, -vənt)   n   Christianity the season including the four Sundays preceding Christmas or (in Eastern Orthodox churches) the forty days preceding Christmas

■ Advent calendar   n   Brit a large card with a brightly coloured sometimes tinselled design on it that contains small numbered doors for children to open on each of the days of Advent, revealing pictures beneath them

■ Adventist (ˈædvɛntIst, ˈædvən-)   n   a member of any of the Christian groups, such as the Seventh-Day Adventists that hold that the Second Coming of Christ is imminent

■ Advent Sunday   n   the first of the four Sundays of Advent, and the one that falls nearest to November 30

adventitia (ˌædvɛnˈtIʃIə, -ˈtIʃə)   n   the outermost covering of an organ or part, esp the outer coat of a blood vessel [C19: New Latin, from the neuter plural of Latin adventīcius; see ADVENTITIOUS]

■ adventitial (ˌædvɛnˈtIʃəl)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the adventitia

adventitious (ˌædvɛnˈtIʃəs)   adj   1 added or appearing accidentally or unexpectedly   2 (of a plant or animal part) developing in an abnormal position, as a root that grows from a stem [C17: from Latin adventīcius coming from outside, from adventus a coming]   > ˌadvenˈtitiously adv

adventive (ədˈvɛntIv) biology   adj   1 (of a species) introduced to a new area and not yet established there; exotic   ▷ n   2 such a plant or animal   ▶ Abbreviation: casual

adventure (ədˈvɛntʃə)   n   1 a risky undertaking of unknown outcome   2 an exciting or unexpected event or course of events   3 a hazardous financial operation; commercial speculation   4 obsolete   a danger or misadventure   b chance   ▷ vb   5 to take a risk or put at risk   6 (intr; foll by into, on, upon) to dare to go or enter (into a place, dangerous activity, etc)   7 to dare to say (something): he adventured his opinion [C13: aventure (later altered to adventure after the Latin spelling), via Old French ultimately from Latin advenīre to happen to (someone), arrive]   > adˈventureful adj

■ adventure playground   n   Brit a playground for children that contains building materials, discarded industrial parts, etc, used by the children to build with, hide in, climb on, etc

■ adventurer (ədˈvɛntʃərə)   n   1 a person who seeks adventure, esp one who seeks success or money through daring exploits   2 a person who seeks money or power by unscrupulous means   3 a speculator

■ adventure racing   n   a contest in which teams compete in an expedition-length race which involves two or more sporting disciplines, often running, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, and elements of navigation and orienteering

■ adventuresome (ədˈvɛntʃəsəm)   adj   US involving adventure and risk

■ adventuress (ədˈvɛntʃərIs)   n   1 a woman who seeks adventure, esp one who seeks success or money through daring exploits   2 a woman who seeks money or power by unscrupulous means   3 a speculator

■ adventure tourism   n   tourism involving activities that are physically challenging

■ adventuring (ədˈvɛntʃərIŋ)   n   the act of doing adventurous things or having adventures

■ adventurism (ədˈvɛntʃəˌrIzəm)   n   recklessness, esp in politics and finance   > adˈventurist n

■ adventuristic (ədˌvɛntʃəˈrIstIk)   adj   relating to adventurism

■ adventurous (ədˈvɛntʃərəs)   adj   1 Also: adventuresome daring or enterprising   2 dangerous; involving risk   > adˈventurously adv

■ adventurousness (ədˈvɛntʃərəsnəs)   n   the quality of being adventurous

adverb (ˈædˌvɜːb)   n     a a word or group of words that serves to modify a whole sentence, a verb, another adverb, or an adjective; for example, probably, easily, very, and happily respectively in the sentence They could probably easily envy the very happily married couple   b (as modifier): an adverb marker. Abbreviation: adv [C15–C16: from Latin adverbium adverb, literally: added word, a translation of Greek epirrhēma a word spoken afterwards]

■ adverbial (ædˈvɜːbIəl)   n   1 a word or group of words playing the grammatical role of an adverb, such as in the rain in the sentence I'm singing in the rain   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to an adverb or adverbial   > adˈverbially adv

■ adverbialize or adverbialise (ædˈvɜːbIəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   linguistics to make (a word) into an adverb

advergaming (ˈædvəˌɡeImIŋ)   n   internet a method of interactive marketing in which free downloadable computer games appear on websites (often as pop-ups) to advertise a company or product [C21: ADVER(TISING) + GAMING]

adversaria (ˌædvɜːˈsɛərIə)   pl n   literary a collection of notes, remarks or observations

adversary (ˈædvəsərI)   n, pl -saries   1 a person or group that is hostile to someone; enemy   2 an opposing contestant in a game or sport   ▷ adj   3 the US term for adversarial (sense 2) [C14: from Latin adversārius, from adversus against. See ADVERSE]

■ adversarial (ˌædvɜːˈsɛərIəl)   adj   1 pertaining to or characterized by antagonism and conflict   2 Brit having or involving opposing parties or interests in a legal contest. US term: adversary

■ adversariness (ˈædvəsərInəs)   n   literary the state of being adversarial

adversative (ədˈvɜːsətIv) grammar   adj   1 (of a word, phrase, or clause) implying opposition or contrast. But and although are adversative conjunctions introducing adversative clauses   ▷ n   2 an adversative word or speech element

■ adversatively (ədˈvɜːsətIvlI)   adv   in an adversative manner

adverse (ˈædvɜːs, ædˈvɜːs)   adj   1 antagonistic or inimical; hostile: adverse criticism   2 unfavourable to one's interests: adverse circumstances   3 contrary or opposite in direction or position: adverse winds   4 (of leaves, flowers, etc) facing the main stem. Compare averse (sense 2) [C14: from Latin adversus opposed to, hostile, from advertere to turn towards, from ad- to, towards + vertere to turn]   > adˈversely adv   > adˈverseness n

■ adverse possession   n   property law the occupation or possession of land by a person not legally entitled to it. If continued unopposed for a period specified by law, such occupation extinguishes the title of the rightful owner

■ adverse pressure gradient   n   aerodynamics an increase of pressure in the direction of flow

■ adversity (ədˈvɜːsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 distress; affliction; hardship   2 an unfortunate event or incident

advert^1 (ˈædvɜːt)   n   Brit informal short for advertisement

advert^2 (ədˈvɜːt)   vb   (intr; foll by to) to draw attention (to); refer (to) [C15: from Latin advertere to turn one's attention to. See ADVERSE]

advertence (ədˈvɜːtəns) or advertency (ədˈvɜːtənsI)   n   heedfulness or attentiveness   > adˈvertent adj   > adˈvertently adv

advertise or sometimes US advertize (ˈædvəˌtaIz)   vb   1 to present or praise (goods, a service, etc) to the public, esp in order to encourage sales   2 to make (something, such as a vacancy, article for sale, etc) publicly known, as to possible applicants, buyers, etc: to advertise a job   3 (intr; foll by for) to make a public request (for), esp in a newspaper, etc: they advertised for a cook   4 obsolete to warn; caution [C15: from a lengthened stem of Old French avertir, ultimately from Latin advertere to turn one's attention to. See ADVERSE]   > ˈadverˌtiser or sometimes US ˈadverˌtizer n

■ advertisement or sometimes US advertizement (ədˈvɜːtIsmənt, -tIz-)   n   any public notice, as a printed display in a newspaper, short film on television, announcement on radio, etc, designed to sell goods, publicize an event, etc. Shortened forms: ad, advert

■ advertising or sometimes US advertizing (ˈædvəˌtaIzIŋ)   n   1 the promotion of goods or services for sale through impersonal media, such as radio or television   2 the business that specializes in creating such publicity   3 advertisements collectively; publicity

■ advertising agency   n   an organization that creates advertising material, contracts for publication space, and sometimes undertakes market research on behalf of its clients

■ Advertising Standards Authority   n   an independent UK body set up by the advertising industry to ensure that all advertisements comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Abbreviation: ASA

advertorial (ˌædvɜːˈtɔːrIəl)   n   advertising material presented under the guise of editorial material [C20: from ADVERT^2 + (EDIT)ORIAL]

advew (ədˈvjuː)   vb (tr)   obsolete to look at

advice (ədˈvaIs)   n   1 recommendation as to appropriate choice of action; counsel   2 (sometimes plural) formal notification of facts, esp when communicated from a distance [C13: avis (later advise), via Old French from a Vulgar Latin phrase based on Latin ad to, according to + vīsum view (hence: according to one's view, opinion)]

■ adviceful (ədˈvaIsfʊl)   adj obsolete   1 thoughtful or attentive   2 skilled at offering advice

■ advice note   n   a document sent by a supplier to a customer to declare that the goods ordered have been dispatched. It usually gives details such as the quantity of goods and how they have been sent

advise (ədˈvaIz)   vb (when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive)   1 to offer advice (to a person or persons); counsel: he advised the king; to advise caution; she advised him to leave   2 (tr; sometimes foll by of) formal to inform or notify   3 (intr; foll by with) chiefly US or obsolete to consult or discuss [C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin advīsāre (unattested) to consider, from Latin ad- to + visāre (unattested), from vīsere to view, from vidēre to see]

■ advisable (ədˈvaIzəbəl)   adj   worthy of recommendation; prudent; sensible   > adˈvisably adv   > adˌvisaˈbility or adˈvisableness n

■ advisatory (ədˈvaIzətərI)   adj   formal advisory

■ advised (ədˈvaIzd)   adj   resulting from deliberation. See also ill-advised, well-advised   > advisedly (ədˈvaIzIdlI) adv

■ advisedness (ədˈvaIzIdnəs)   n   literary the quality of being advised; consideration or caution

■ advisee (ˌædvaIˈziː)   n   formal a person who receives advice from another person

■ advisement (ədˈvaIzmənt)   n   US or archaic consultation; deliberation

■ adviser or advisor (ədˈvaIzə)   n   1 a person who advises   2 education a person responsible for advising students on academic matters, career guidance, etc   3 Brit education a subject specialist who advises heads of schools on current teaching methods and facilities

■ advisership (ədˈvaIzəʃIp)   n   formal the office or post of an adviser

■ advisorate (ədˈvaIzərIt)   n   formal an advisory body or group

■ advisory (ədˈvaIzərI)   adj   1 giving advice; empowered to make recommendations: an advisory body   ▷ n, pl -ries   2 a statement issued to give advice, recommendations, or a warning: a travel advisory   3 a person or organization with an advisory function: the Prime Minister's media advisory

■ advisory teacher   n   Brit a teacher who visits schools to advise teachers on curriculum developments within a particular subject area

advocaat (ˈædvəʊˌkɑː, -ˌkɑːt, ˈædvə-)   n   a liqueur having a raw egg base [C20: Dutch, from advocatenborrel, from advocaat ADVOCATE (n) + borrel drink]

advocate   vb (ˈædvəˌkeIt)   1 (tr; may take a clause as object) to support or recommend publicly; plead for or speak in favour of   ▷ n (ˈædvəkIt, -ˌkeIt)   2 a person who upholds or defends a cause; supporter   3 a person who intercedes on behalf of another   4 a person who pleads a client's cause in a court of law. See also barrister, solicitor, counsellor   5 Scots law the usual word for barrister [C14: via Old French from Latin advocātus legal witness, advocate, from advocāre to call as witness, from vocāre to call]   > ˌadvoˈcatory adj

■ advocacy (ˈædvəkəsI)   n, pl -cies   active support, esp of a cause

■ Advocate Depute   n   a Scottish law officer with the functions of public prosecutor

■ advocation (ˌædvəˈkeIʃən)   n   Scots law, papal law the transfer to itself by a superior court of an action pending in a lower court

■ advocative (ˈædvəkətIv)   adj   formal characterized by advocating

■ advocator (ˈædvəˌkeItə)   n   formal a person who advocates

advocatus diaboli Latin (ˌædvəˈkɑːtəs daIˈæbəˌlaI)   n   another name for the devil's advocate

advoutry (ədˈvaʊtrI)   n   obsolete adultery

■ advoutrer (ədˈvaʊtrə)   n   obsolete an adulterer

advowson (ədˈvaʊzən)   n   English ecclesiastical law the right of presentation to a vacant benefice [C13: via Anglo-French and Old French from Latin advocātiōn- the act of summoning, from advocāre to summon]

advt   abbreviation for   advertisement

adward (ədˈwɔːd)   vb (tr)   obsolete another word for award

adware (ˈædˌwɛə)   n   1 a type of computer software that collects information about a user's browsing patterns in order to display relevant advertisements in his or her Web browser   2 computer software that is given to a user with advertisements already embedded

adwoman (ˈædˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   informal a woman who works in advertising

Adygei or Adyghe (ˈɑːdIˌɡeI, ˌɑːdIˈɡeI, ˌɑːdIˈɡɛ)   n   1 (pl -gei, -geis or -ghe, -ghes) a member of a Circassian people of the Northwest Caucasus   2 the Circassian language, esp its Western dialect. Compare Kabardian

■ Adygei Republic or Adygea (ˌɑːdIˈɡeIə; Russian adIˈɡɛja)   n   a constituent republic of SW Russia, bordering on the Caucasus Mountains: chiefly agricultural but with some mineral resources. Capital: Maikop. Pop: 447 000 (2002). Area: 7600 sq km (2934 sq miles)

adynamia (ˌædIˈneImIə)   n   obsolete loss of vital power or strength, esp as the result of illness; weakness or debility [C19: New Latin, from A-1 + -dynamia, from Greek dunamis strength, force]   > adynamic (ˌædIˈnæmIk) adj

adytum (ˈædItəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   the most sacred place of worship in an ancient temple from which the laity was prohibited [C17: Latin, from Greek aduton a place not to be entered, from A-1 + duein to enter]

adze or US adz (ædz)   n   a heavy hand tool with a steel cutting blade attached at right angles to a wooden handle, used for dressing timber [Old English adesa]

Adzhar Autonomous Republic (əˈdʒɑː) or Adzharia (əˈdʒɑːrIə)   n   an administrative division of SW Georgia, on the Black Sea: part of Turkey from the 17th century until 1878; mostly mountainous, reaching 2805 m (9350 ft), with a subtropical coastal strip. Capital: Batumi. Pop: 376 016 (2002). Area: 3000 sq km (1160 sq miles)

adzuki (ædˈzuːkI), aduki (əˈduːkI) or adsuki   n   1 a leguminous plant, Phaseolus angularis, that has yellow flowers and pods containing edible brown seeds; widely cultivated as a food crop in China and Japan   2 the seed of this plant   ▶ Also: adzuki bean, adsuki bean [adzuki, from Japanese: red bean]

ae^1 (e) or yae   determiner   Scot one; a single [from Old English ān]

ae^2   the internet domain name for   United Arab Emirates

æ or Æ     1 a digraph in Latin representing either a native diphthong, as in æquus, or a Greek αι (ai) in Latinized spellings, as in Æschylus: now usually written ae, or e in some words, such as demon   2 a ligature used in Old and early Middle English to represent the vowel sound of a in cat   3 a ligature used in modern phonetic transcription also representing the vowel sound a in cat

ae.   abbreviation for   aetatis [Latin: at the age of; aged]

A.E. or AE   n   the pen name of (George William) Russell

AEA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Atomic Energy Authority

AE & P   abbreviation for   Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

AEC   abbreviation for (in the US)   Atomic Energy Commission

aecidiospore (iːˈsIdIəʊˌspɔː) or aecidospore (iːˈsIdəˌspɔː)   n   another word for aeciospore

aecium (ˈiːsIəm) or aecidium (iːˈsIdIəm)   n, pl -cia (-sIə) or -cidia (-ˈsIdIə)   a globular or cup-shaped structure in some rust fungi in which aeciospores are produced [C19: New Latin, from Greek aikia injury (so called because of the damage the fungi cause)]

■ aecial (ˈiːsIəl) or aecidial (iːˈsIdIəl)   adj   relating to or resembling an aecium

■ aeciospore (ˈiːsIəˌspɔː)   n   any of the spores produced in an aecium of the rust fungi, which spread to and infect the primary host. Also called: aecidospore [C20: from AECIUM + SPORE]

AECL   abbreviation for   Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

aedes (eIˈiːdiːz)   n   any mosquito of the genus Aedes (formerly Stegomyia) of tropical and subtropical regions, esp A. aegypti, which transmits yellow fever and dengue [C20: New Latin, from Greek aēdēs unpleasant, from A-1 + ēdos pleasant]

aedicule (ˈɛdIˌkjuːl)   n   an opening such as a door or a window, framed by columns on either side, and a pediment above [C19: from Latin aediculum small house, from aedēs building]

aedile or sometimes US edile (ˈiːdaIl)   n   a magistrate of ancient Rome in charge of public works, games, buildings, and roads [C16: from Latin aedīlis concerned with buildings, from aedēs a building]

■ aedileship (ˈiːdaIlʃIp)   n   the office of an aedile, or the duration of an aedile's term of office

aedine (eIˈiːdaIn)   adj   relating to mosquitoes of the genus Aedes

Aeëtes (iːˈiːtiːz)   n   Greek myth a king of Colchis, father of Medea and keeper of the Golden Fleece

aefauld or aefald (ˈeIfɑːld)   adj   1 obsolete single or sole   2 Scot dialect honest or faithful

Aegean (iːˈdʒiːən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Aegean Sea or Islands   2 of or relating to the Bronze Age civilization of Greece, Asia Minor, and the Aegean Islands

■ Aegean Islands   pl n   the islands of the Aegean Sea, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Euboea, and Sporades. The majority are under Greek administration

■ Aegean Sea   n   an arm of the Mediterranean between Greece and Turkey

Aegeus (iːˈdʒiːuːs, ˈiːdʒIəs)   n   Greek myth an Athenian king and father of Theseus

Aegina (iːˈdʒaInə)   n   1 an island in the Aegean Sea, in the Saronic Gulf. Area: 85 sq km (33 sq miles)   2 a town on the coast of this island: a city-state of ancient Greece   3 Gulf of Aegina another name for Saronic Gulf   ▶ Greek name: Aiyina

Aegir (ˈiːdʒIə)   n   Norse myth the god of the sea

aegirite (ˈiːdʒIˌraIt) or aegirine (ˈiːdʒIˌriːn)   n   mineralogy a mineral of the pyroxene group, NaFeSi_2O_6, commonly found in alkaline igneous rocks

aegis or sometimes US egis (ˈiːdʒIs)   n   1 sponsorship or protection; auspices (esp in the phrase under the aegis of)   2 Greek myth the shield of Zeus, often represented in art as a goatskin [C18: from Latin, from Greek aigis shield of Zeus, perhaps related to aig-, stem of aix goat]

Aegisthus (iːˈdʒIsθəs)   n   Greek myth a cousin to and the murderer of Agamemnon, whose wife Clytemnestra he had seduced. He usurped the kingship of Mycenae until Orestes, Agamemnon's son, returned home and killed him

aeglogue (ˈiːɡlɒɡ)   n   an obsolete from of eclogue

Aegospotami (ˌiːɡəsˈpɒtəˌmaI)   n   a river of ancient Thrace that flowed into the Hellespont. At its mouth the Spartan fleet under Lysander defeated the Athenians in 405 BC, ending the Peloponnesian War

aegrotat (ˈaIɡrəʊˌtæt, ˈiː-, iːˈɡrəʊtæt)   n   1 (in British and certain other universities, and, sometimes, schools) a certificate allowing a candidate to pass an examination although he or she has missed all or part of it through illness   2 a degree or other qualification obtained in such circumstances [C19: Latin, literally: he is ill]

Aegyptus (iːˈdʒIptəs)   n   Greek myth a king of Egypt and twin brother of Danaüs

Ælfric (ˈælfrIk)   n   called Grammaticus. ?955–?1020, English abbot, writer, and grammarian

-aemia, -haemia or US -emia, -hemia   n combining form   denoting blood, esp a specified condition of the blood in names of diseases: leukaemia [New Latin, from Greek -aimia, from haima blood]

aemule (ˈiːmjuːl)   vb (tr)   an obsolete word for emulate

Aeneas (Iˈniːəs)   n   classical myth a Trojan prince, the son of Anchises and Aphrodite, who escaped the sack of Troy and sailed to Italy via Carthage and Sicily. After seven years, he and his followers established themselves near the site of the future Rome

■ Aeneas Silvius or Aeneas Sylvius (ˈsIlvIəs)   n   the literary name of Pius II

Aeneid (IˈniːId)   n   an epic poem in Latin by Virgil relating the experiences of Aeneas after the fall of Troy, written chiefly to provide an illustrious historical background for Rome

aeneous (ˈiːnIəs)   adj   literary brass-coloured or greenish-gold

aeneus (ˈiːnIəs)   n   a tropical fish, Corydoras aeneus, that is commonly found in aquariums

aeolian (iːˈəʊlIən)   adj   of or relating to the wind; produced or carried by the wind [C18: from AEOLUS, god of the winds]

■ aeolian deposits   pl n   geology sediments, such as loess, made up of windblown grains of sand or dust

■ aeolian harp   n   a stringed instrument that produces a musical sound when a current of air or wind passes over the strings. Also called: wind harp

■ aeolian tone   n   the musical tone produced by the passage of a current of air over a stretched string, etc, as in an aeolian harp

Aeolian or Eolian (iːˈəʊlIən)   n   1 a member of a Hellenic people who settled in Thessaly and Boeotia and colonized Lesbos and parts of the Aegean coast of Asia Minor   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this people or their dialect of Ancient Greek; Aeolic   3 of or relating to Aeolus   4 denoting or relating to an authentic mode represented by the ascending natural diatonic scale from A to A: the basis of the modern minor key. See also Hypo-

■ Aeolian Islands   pl n   another name for the Lipari Islands

■ Aeolic or Eolic (iːˈɒlIk, iːˈəʊlIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the Aeolians or their dialect   ▷ n   2 one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek, spoken chiefly in Thessaly, Boeotia, and Aeolis   ▶ Compare Arcadic, Doric, Ionic. See also Attic (sense 3)

aeolipile or aeolipyle (iːˈɒlIˌpaIl)   n   a device illustrating the reactive forces of a gas jet: usually a spherical vessel mounted so as to rotate and equipped with angled exit pipes from which steam within it escapes [C17: from Latin aeolīpilae balls of AEOLUS or aeolīpylae gates of AEOLUS]

Aeolis (ˈiːəlIs) or Aeolia (iːˈəʊlIə)   n   the ancient name for the coastal region of NW Asia Minor, including the island of Lesbos, settled by the Aeolian Greeks (about 1000 BC)

aeolotropy (ˌiːəˈlɒtrəpI)   n   physics the state of substances that do not exhibit the same electrical, optical, or other physical qualities in all directions

■ aeolotropic (ˌiːələʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   a less common word for anisotropic [C19: from Greek aiolos fickle + -TROPIC]

Aeolus (ˈiːələs, iːˈəʊləs)   n Greek myth   1 the god of the winds   2 the founding king of the Aeolians in Thessaly

aeon or esp US eon (ˈiːən, ˈiːɒn)   n   1 an immeasurably long period of time; age   2 a period of one thousand million years   3 (often capital) gnosticism one of the powers emanating from the supreme being and culminating in the demiurge [C17: from Greek aiōn an infinitely long time]

■ aeonian or eonian (iːˈəʊnIən)   adj literary   everlasting

■ aeonic (iːˈɒnIk)   adj   formal lasting for an aeon

aepyornis (ˌiːpIˈɔːnIs)   n   any of the large extinct flightless birds of the genus Aepyornis, remains of which have been found in Madagascar [C19: New Latin, from Greek aipus high + ornis bird]

aequorin (ˈiːkwərIn)   n   biochem a protein obtained from marine organisms that emits blue light in the presence of calcium ions and is used to detect these ions in living tissue

aer-   combining form   a variant of aero-

aerate (ˈɛəreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to charge (a liquid) with a gas, esp carbon dioxide, as in the manufacture of effervescent drink   2 to expose to the action or circulation of the air, so as to purify   > aerˈation n   > ˈaerator n

■ aerated (ˈɛəreItId)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of aerate   ▷ adj   2 informal angry or agitated

aerenchyma (ɛəˈrɛŋkImə)   n   plant tissue with large air-filled spaces, which is typical of aquatic plants and allows air to reach waterlogged parts [C19: from AER(O)- + Greek enkhuma infusion]

■ aerenchymatous (ɛəˈrɛŋkImətəs)   adj   botany having or consisting of aerenchyma

aeri-   combining form   a variant of aero-

aerial (ˈɛərIəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling air   2 existing, occurring, moving, or operating in the air: aerial cable car; aerial roots of a plant   3 ethereal; light and delicate   4 imaginary; visionary   5 extending high into the air; lofty   6 of or relating to aircraft: aerial combat   ▷ n   7 Also called: antenna the part of a radio or television system having any of various shapes, such as a dipole, Yagi, long-wire, or vertical aerial, by means of which radio waves are transmitted or received [C17: via Latin from Greek aērios, from aēr air]

■ aerialist (ˈɛərIəlIst)   n   chiefly US a trapeze artist or tightrope walker

■ aeriality (ˌɛərIˈælItI)   n   literary the quality of being aerial; insubstantiality

■ aerial ladder   n US and Canadian   a power-operated extending ladder mounted on a fire engine. Also called: turntable ladder

■ aerially (ˈɛərIəlI)   adv   formal in an aerial manner

■ aerial perspective   n   a means of indicating relative distance in terms of a gradation of clarity, tone, and colour, esp blue. Also called: atmospheric perspective

■ aerial pingpong   n   Austral slang Australian Rules football

■ aerial top dressing   n   the process of spreading lime, fertilizer, etc over farmland from an aeroplane

aerie (ˈɛərI, ˈIərI)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of eyrie

■ aeried (ˈɛərId)   adj   literary located in a very high place

aeriform (ˈɛərIˌfɔːm)   adj   1 having the form of air; gaseous   2 unsubstantial

aerify (ˈɛərIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 to change or cause to change into a gas   2 to mix or combine with air   > ˌaerifiˈcation n

aero^1 (ˈɛərəʊ)   n   (modifier) of or relating to aircraft or aeronautics: an aero engine

aero^2   the internet domain name for   an organization in the air-transport industry

aero-, aeri- or before a vowel aer-   combining form   1 denoting air, atmosphere, or gas: aerodynamics   2 denoting aircraft: aeronautics [ultimately from Greek aēr air]

aeroacoustics (ˌɛərəʊəˈkuːstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the generation and transmittance of sound by fluid flow

aeroballistics (ˌɛərəʊbəˈlIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the ballistics of projectiles dropped, launched, or fired from aircraft

aerobat (ˈɛərəʊˌbæt)   n   a person who performs spectacular or dangerous manoeuvres while in an aircraft

aerobatics (ˌɛərəʊˈbætIks)   n   (functioning as singular or plural) spectacular or dangerous manoeuvres, such as loops or rolls, performed in an aircraft or glider; stunt flying [C20: from AERO- + (ACRO)BATICS]   > ˌaeroˈbatic adj

aerobe (ˈɛərəʊb) or aerobium (ɛəˈrəʊbIəm)   n, pl -obes or -obia (-ˈəʊbIə)   an organism that requires oxygen for respiration. Compare anaerobe [C19: from AERO- + Greek bios life. Compare MICROBE]

■ aerobic (ɛəˈrəʊbIk)   adj   1 (of an organism or process) depending on oxygen   2 of or relating to aerobes   3 designed for or relating to aerobics: aerobic shoes; aerobic dances   ▶ Compare anaerobic

■ aerobically (ɛəˈrəʊbIkəlI)   adv   in an aerobic manner

■ aerobicize or aerobicise (ɛəˈrəʊbIˌsaIz)   vb (intr)   (of a person) to perform aerobics

■ aerobics (ɛəˈrəʊbIks)   n   (functioning as singular) any system of sustained exercises designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and strengthen the heart and lungs   > aerˈobicist n

aerobiology (ˌɛərəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of airborne organisms, spores, etc   > aerobiological (ˌɛərəʊˌbaIəˈlɒdzIkəl) adj   > ˌaerobioˈlogically adv   > ˌaerobiˈologist n

aerobiont (ˌɛərəˈbaIɒnt)   n   biology an organism that requires oxygen to survive

aerobiosis (ˌɛərəʊbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   biology life in the presence of oxygen   > aerobiotic (ˌɛərəʊbaIˈɒtIk) adj   > aerobiotically (ˌɛərəʊˌbaIˈɒtIkəlI) adv

aerobomb (ˈɛərəʊˌbɒm)   n   military a bomb dropped from an aircraft

aerobot (ˈɛərəʊˌbɒt)   n   an unmanned aircraft used esp in space exploration

aerobraking (ˈɛərəʊˌbreIkIŋ)   n   the use of aerodynamic braking in extremely low-density atmospheres in space at hypersonic Mach numbers

■ aerobrake (ˈɛərəʊˌbreIk)   vb (intr)   to perform aerobraking

aerobus (ˈɛərəʊˌbʌs)   n   a type of monorail that is suspended by an overhead cable

aerodart (ˈɛərəʊˌdɑːt)   n   history a steel arrow dropped from an aircraft as a weapon

aerodigestive (ˌɛərəʊdIˈdʒɛstIv)   adj   of or relating to the organs and tissues of the respiratory tract and the upper part of the digestive tract

aerodonetics (ˌɛərəʊdəˈnɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of soaring or gliding flight, esp the study of gliders [C20: from Greek aerodonetos tossed in the air, from AERO- + donētos, past participle of donein to toss]

aerodrome (ˈɛərəˌdrəʊm) or US airdrome (ˈɛəˌdrəʊm)   n   a landing area, esp for private aircraft, that is usually smaller than an airport

aeroduct (ˈɛərəʊˌdʌkt)   n   an air duct

aerodynamic braking   n   1 the use of aerodynamic drag to slow spacecraft re-entering the atmosphere   2 the use of airbrakes to retard flying vehicles or objects   3 the use of a parachute or reversed thrust to decelerate an aircraft during landing

aerodynamics (ˌɛərəʊdaIˈnæmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the dynamics of gases, esp of the forces acting on a body passing through air. Compare aerostatics (sense 1)   > ˌaerodyˈnamic adj   > ˌaerodyˈnamically adv   > ˌaerodyˈnamicist n

■ aerodynamical (ˌɛərəʊdaIˈnæmIkəl)   adj   relating to aerodynamics

aerodyne (ˈɛərəʊˌdaIn)   n   any heavier-than-air machine, such as an aircraft, that derives the greater part of its lift from aerodynamic forces [C20: back formation from AERODYNAMIC; see DYNE]

aeroelastic (ˌɛərəʊIˈlæstIk)   adj   capable of changing shape under aerodynamic forces

■ aeroelastician (ˌɛərəʊIlæˈstIʃən)   n   a specialist in the science of aeroelasticity

■ aeroelasticity (ˌɛərəʊˌIlæˈstIsItI)   n   the science that studies how inertial, elastic, and aerodynamic forces interact

aeroembolism (ˌɛərəʊˈɛmbəˌlIzəm)   n   a former name for air embolism

aero engine   n   an engine for powering an aircraft

aerofoil (ˈɛərəʊˌfɔIl) or US and Canadian airfoil (ˈɛəˌfɔIl)   n   a cross section of an aileron, wing, tailplane, or rotor blade

aerogel (ˈɛərəˌdʒɛl)   n   a colloid that has a continuous solid phase containing dispersed gas

aerogenerator (ˈɛərəʊˌdʒɛnəreItə)   n   a generator that is driven by winds

aerogram or aerogramme (ˈɛərəˌɡræm)   n   1 Also called: air letter an airmail letter written on a single sheet of lightweight paper that folds and is sealed to form an envelope   2 another name for radiotelegram

aerograph (ˈɛərəʊɡræf)   n   a device formerly used to make descriptions of the character of the upper atmosphere

■ aerography (ɛəˈrɒɡrəfI)   n   archaic the description of the character of the upper atmosphere

aerohydroplane (ˈɛərəʊˌhaIdrəˌpleIn)   n   a vehicle that can function both as a motorboat and as an aircraft

aerolite (ˈɛərəˌlaIt) or aerolith (ˈɛərəʊˌlIθ)   n   a stony meteorite consisting of silicate minerals   > aerolitic (ˌɛərəˈlItIk) adj

■ aerolithology (ˌɛərəʊlIˈθɒlədʒI)   n   astronomy the science of aerolites

aerolith (ˈɛərəʊˌlIθ)   n   another word for aerolite

aerology (ɛəˈrɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the atmosphere, particularly its upper layers   > aerologic (ˌɛərəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌaeroˈlogical adj   > aerˈologist n

aeromagnetic (ˌɛərəʊmæɡˈnɛtIk)   adj   of magnetism in the atmosphere

aeromancy (ˈɛərəʊˌmænsI)   n   the interpretation of the weather and atmospheric conditions to foretell the future

aeromechanics (ˌɛərəʊmIˈkænIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the mechanics of gases, esp air   > ˌaeromeˈchanical adj

■ aeromechanic (ˌɛərəʊmIˈkænIk)   n   1 an aircraft mechanic   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to aeromechanics

aeromedicine (ˈɛərəʊˌmɛdsən)   n   the medical treatment of disorders associated with air or space travel

■ aeromedical (ˌɛərəʊˈmɛdIkəl)   adj   relating to the medical treatment of disorders associated with air or space travel

aerometeorograph (ˌɛərəʊˈmiːtIərəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   chiefly US an aircraft instrument that records temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure

aerometer (ɛəˈrɒmItə)   n   an instrument for determining the mass or density of a gas, esp air   > aerometric (ˌɛərəˈmɛtrIk) adj

■ aerometry (ɛəˈrɒmItrI)   n   another name for pneumatics

aeromodelling (ˈɛərəʊˈmɒdlIŋ)   n   1 the making and flying of model planes   ▷ adj   2 relating to the making and flying of model planes

aeromotor (ˈɛərəʊˌməʊtə)   n   an engine that powers an aircraft

aeron.   abbreviation for   1 aeronautics   2 aeronautical

aeronaut (ˈɛərəˌnɔːt)   n   a person who flies in a lighter-than-air craft, esp the pilot or navigator

■ aeronautic (ˌɛərəˈnɔːtIk)   adj   1 another word for aeronautical   2 relating to air companies

■ aeronautical (ˌɛərəˈnɔːtIkəl)   adj   of or relating to aeronauts or aeronautics   > ˌaeroˈnautically adv

■ aeronautical engineering   n   the branch of engineering concerned with the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft   > aeronautical engineer n

■ aeronautics (ˌɛərəˈnɔːtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study or practice of all aspects of flight through the air

aeroneurosis (ˌɛərəʊnjʊˈrəʊsIs)   n   a functional disorder of aeroplane pilots characterized by anxiety and various psychosomatic disturbances, caused by insufficient oxygen at high altitudes and the emotional tension of flying

aeronomer (ɛəˈrɒnəmI)   n   a scientist who studies the upper atmosphere of planets

aeronomy (ɛəˈrɒnəmI)   n   the science of the earth's upper atmosphere

■ aeronomic (ˌɛərəˈnɒmIk)   adj   of or relating to the study of the upper atmosphere

■ aeronomist (ɛəˈrɒnəˌmIst)   n   a scientist who studies the upper atmosphere

aero-optics (ˌɛərəʊˈɒptIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the effect of aircraft-induced and atmospheric disturbances on the efficiency of laser weapons

aeropause (ˈɛərəˌpɔːz)   n   the region of the upper atmosphere above which aircraft cannot fly

aerophagia (ˌɛərəˈfeIdʒIə, -dʒə) or aerophagy (ɛəˈrɒfədzI)   n   spasmodic swallowing of air, a habit that can lead to belching and stomach pain

aerophobia (ˌɛərəˈfəʊbIə)   n   a pathological fear of draughts of air   > ˌaeroˈphobic adj

■ aerophobe (ˈɛərəˌfəʊb)   n   a person with aerophobia

aerophone (ˈɛərəˌfəʊn)   n   any musical instrument in which sound is produced by air vibrations

aerophore (ˈɛərəˌfɔː)   n   a device which supplies oxygen in order to aid breathing

aerophyte (ˈɛərəˌfaIt)   n   another name for epiphyte

aeroplane (ˈɛərəˌpleIn) or US and Canadian airplane (ˈɛəˌpleIn)   n   a heavier-than-air powered flying vehicle with fixed wings [C19: from French aéroplane, from AERO- + Greek -planos wandering, related to PLANET]

■ aeroplane cloth or aeroplane fabric   n   1 a strong fabric made from cotton, linen, and nylon yarns, used for some light aircraft fuselages and wings   2 a similar lightweight fabric used for clothing   ▶ Also called: aircraft fabric

■ aeroplane spin   n   a wrestling attack in which a wrestler lifts an opponent onto his or her shoulders and spins around, leaving the opponent dizzy

aeroplankton (ˈɛərəʊˌplæŋktən)   n   the tiny plants, animals, and bacteria living and floating in the air

aeropulse (ˈɛərəʊˌpʌls)   n   a pulsejet engine

aerosat (ˈɛərəʊˌsæt)   n   a communications satellite used in air-traffic control and maritime navigation

aeroscope (ˈɛərəˌskəʊp)   n   biology a device that collects bacteria from the air, used for observing the atmosphere

aeroshell (ˈɛərəʊˌʃɛl)   n   aeronautics a protective shield, containing a parachute, which slows a spacecraft during re-entry to the earth's atmosphere and landing

aerosiderite (ˌɛərəʊˈsaIdəraIt)   n   geology a meteorite which is composed mainly of iron

aerosol (ˈɛərəˌsɒl)   n   1 a colloidal dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas; smoke or fog   2 a substance, such as a paint, polish, or insecticide, dispensed from a small metal container by a propellant under pressure   3 Also called: air spray such a substance together with its container [C20: from AERO- + SOL(UTION)]

■ aerosolization or aerosolisation (ˌɛərəˌsɒlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the production or dispersal of an aerosol

■ aerosolize or aerosolise (ˈɛərəsɒlˌaIz)   vb (tr)   to disperse as, or convert into, an aerosol

aerospace (ˈɛərəˌspeIs)   n   1 the atmosphere and space beyond   2 (modifier) of or relating to rockets, missiles, space vehicles, etc, that fly or operate in aerospace: the aerospace industry

aerosphere (ˈɛərəˌsfIə)   n   archaic the entire atmosphere surrounding the earth

aerospike (ˈɛərəʊˌspaIk)   n   a type of rocket engine

aerostat (ˈɛərəˌstæt)   n   a lighter-than-air craft, such as a balloon [C18: from French aérostat, from AERO- + Greek -statos standing]   > ˌaeroˈstatic or ˌaeroˈstatical adj

aerostatics (ˌɛərəˈstætIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the study of gases in equilibrium and bodies held in equilibrium in gases. Compare aerodynamics   2 the study of lighter-than-air craft, such as balloons

aerostation (ˈɛərəˌsteIʃən)   n   the science of operating lighter-than-air craft

aerostructure (ˈɛərəʊˌstrʌktʃə)   n   any separately manufactured unit, component, or section of an aircraft or other vehicle capable of flight

aerotaxis (ˌɛərəʊˈtæksIs)   n   biology the movement of organisms towards or away from oxygen caused by changes in oxygen concentration

■ aerotactic (ˌɛərəʊˈtæktIk)   adj   biology of movement towards or away from oxygen

aerothermodynamics (ˌɛərəʊˌθɜːməʊdaIˈnæmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the exchange of heat between solids and gases, esp of the heating effect on aircraft flying through the air at very high speeds   > ˌaeroˌthermodyˈnamic adj

aerotone (ˈɛərəʊˌtəʊn)   n   a bath which incorporates massaging air jets

aerotrain (ˈɛərəʊˌtreIn)   n   a high-speed train driven by a fan jet engine

aerotropism (ˌɛərəʊˈtrəʊpIzəm)   n   biology the growth of plants towards or away from a source of oxygen

■ aerotropic (ˌɛərəʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   biology of or relating to the growth of plants towards or away from oxygen

aerugo (Iˈruːɡəʊ)   n   (esp of old bronze) another name for verdigris [C18: from Latin, from aes copper, bronze]   > aeruginous (IˈruːdʒInəs) adj

aery^1 (ˈɛərI, ˈeIərI)   adj poetic   1 a variant spelling of airy   2 lofty, insubstantial, or visionary [C16: via Latin from Greek aērios, from aēr AIR]

■ aerily (ˈɛərIlI)   adv   literary in an aery manner

aery^2 (ˈɛərI, ˈIərI)   n, pl aeries   a variant spelling of eyrie

aesc (æʃ)   n   an Old English runic letter, comprising the letters 'A' and 'E'

Aeschines (ˈiːskəˌniːz)   n   ?389–?314 BC, Athenian orator; the main political opponent of Demosthenes

Aeschylus (ˈiːskələs)   n   ?525–?456 BC, Greek dramatist, regarded as the father of Greek tragedy. Seven of his plays are extant, including Seven Against Thebes, The Persians, Prometheus Bound, and the trilogy of the Oresteia   > Aeschylean (ˌiːskəˈliːən) adj

Aesculapius (ˌiːskjʊˈleIpIəs)   n   the Roman god of medicine or healing. Greek counterpart: Asclepius

■ Aesculapian (ˌiːskjʊˈleIpIən)   adj   of or relating to Aesculapius or to the art of medicine

aesculin (ˈiːskjʊlIn)   n   a chemical found in the bark of horse-chestnut trees

Aesir (ˈeIsIə)   pl n   the chief gods of Norse mythology dwelling in Asgard [Old Norse, literally: gods]

Aesop (ˈiːsɒp)   n   ?620–564 BC, Greek author of fables in which animals are given human characters and used to satirize human failings   > Aeˈsopian or Aeˈsopic adj

aesthesia or US esthesia (iːsˈθiːzIə)   n   the normal ability to experience sensation, perception, or sensitivity [C20: back formation from ANAESTHESIA]

aesthesiogen (iːsˈθiːzIəˌdʒɛn)   n   a substance that stimulates or produces sensation

■ aesthesiogenic (iːsˌθiːzIəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   able to stimulate or produce sensation

aesthetics or sometimes US esthetics (iːsˈθɛtIks, Is-)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of such concepts as beauty, taste, etc   2 the study of the rules and principles of art [C18: from Greek aisthētikos perceptible by the senses, from aisthesthai to perceive]

■ aesthete or US esthete (ˈiːsθiːt)   n   a person who has or who affects a highly developed appreciation of beauty, esp in poetry and the visual arts [C19: back formation from AESTHETICS]

■ aesthetic (iːsˈθɛtIk, Is-) or sometimes US esthetic   adj also aesthetical, sometimes US esthetical   1 connected with aesthetics or its principles   2    a relating to pure beauty rather than to other considerations   b artistic or relating to good taste: an aesthetic consideration   ▷ n   3 a principle of taste or style adopted by a particular person, group, or culture: the Bauhaus aesthetic of functional modernity   > aesˈthetically or sometimes US esˈthetically adv

■ aesthetician or sometimes US esthetician (ˌiːsθIˈtIʃən, ˌɛs-)   n   1 a student of aesthetics   2 another name for beauty therapist

■ aestheticism or sometimes US estheticism (iːsˈθɛtIˌsIzəm, Is-)   n   1 the doctrine that aesthetic principles are of supreme importance and that works of art should be judged accordingly   2 sensitivity to beauty, esp in art, music, literature, etc

■ aestheticist (iːsˈθɛtIˌsIst, Is-)   n   a person devoted to aesthetics and the pursuit of beauty

■ aestheticize or aestheticise (iːsˈθɛtIˌsaIz, Is-)   vb (tr)   make aesthetic

■ aesthetic labour   n   workers employed by a company for their appearance or accent, with the aim of promoting the company's image

aestival or US estival (iːˈstaIvəl, ˈɛstI-)   adj rare   of or occurring in summer [C14: from French, from Late Latin aestīvālis, from Latin aestās summer]

aestivate or US estivate (ˈiːstIˌveIt, ˈɛs-)   vb (intr)   1 to pass the summer   2 (of animals such as the lungfish) to pass the summer or dry season in a dormant condition. Compare hibernate [C17: from Latin aestīvātus, from aestīvāre to stay during the summer, from aestās summer]   > ˈaestiˌvator or US ˈestiˌvator n

■ aestivation or US estivation (ˌiːstIˈveIʃən, ˌɛs-)   n   1 the act or condition of aestivating   2 the arrangement of the parts of a flower bud, esp the sepals and petals

aet. or aetat.   abbreviation for   aetatis [Latin: at the age of]

Æthelbert (ˈæθəlˌbɜːt)   n   a variant spelling of Ethelbert

Æthelred I (ˈæθəlˌrɛd)   n   a variant spelling of Ethelred I

Æthelred II   n   a variant spelling of Ethelred II

Æthelwulf (ˈæθəlˌwʊlf)   n   a variant spelling of Ethelwulf

aether (ˈiːθə)   n   a variant spelling of ether (sense 3), ether (sense 4), ether (sense 5)

■ aetheric (ˈiːθərIk)   adj   a variant spelling of etheric

aethereal (IˈθIərIəl)   adj   a variant spelling of ethereal (sense 1), ethereal (sense 2), ethereal (sense 3)   > aethereality (IˌθIərIˈælItI) n   > aeˈthereally adv

aethrioscope (ˈiːθrIəˌskəʊp)   n   an instrument which measures temperature changes caused by different conditions of the sky

aetiology or etiology (ˌiːtIˈɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 the philosophy or study of causation   2 the study of the causes of diseases   3 the cause of a disease [C16: from Late Latin aetologia, from Greek aitiologia, from aitia cause]   > ˌaetiˈologist or ˌetiˈologist n

■ aetiological or etiological (ˌiːtIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to aetiology   2 philosophy (of an explanation) in terms of causal precedents, as opposed, for instance, to the intentions of an agent   > ˌaetioˈlogically or ˌetioˈlogically adv

Aetna (ˈɛtnə)   n   the Latin name for Mount Etna

Aetolia (iːˈtəʊlIə)   n   a mountainous region forming (with the region of Acarnania) a department of W central Greece, north of the Gulf of Patras: a powerful federal state in the 3rd century BC. Chief city: Missolonghi. Pop (with Acarnania): 219 092 (2001). Area: 5461 sq km (2108 sq miles)

AEW   abbreviation for   airborne early warning (aircraft)

af   the internet domain name for   Afghanistan

AF   abbreviation for   1 Anglo-French   2 automatic focus   3 audio frequency   4 (in Canada) Air Force

a.f.   abbreviation for   audio frequency

A/F   abbreviation for (in auction catalogues, etc)   as found

AFAIK text messaging   abbreviation for   as far as I know

afald (ˈeIfɑːld)   adj   single; sole

afar (əˈfɑː)   adv   1 at, from, or to a great distance   ▷ n   2 a great distance (esp in the phrase from afar) [C14: a fer, altered from earlier on fer and of fer; see A-2, FAR]

afara (əˈfɑːrə)   n   a tall W African hardwood tree

Afars and the Issas (ˈɑːfɑːz, ˈiːsɑːs)   n   Territory of the Afars and the Issas a former name (1967–77) of Djibouti

afawld (ˈeIfɑːld)   adj   another word for afald

AFB   abbreviation for   (US) Air Force Base

AFC   abbreviation for   1 Air Force Cross   2 Association Football Club   3 automatic flight control   4 automatic frequency control

afeard or afeared (əˈfIəd)   adj   (postpositive) an archaic or dialect word for afraid [Old English āfǣred, from afǣran to frighten, from fǣran to FEAR]

■ afear (əˈfIə)   vb (tr)   to frighten or make afraid

afebrile (æˈfiːbraIl, eI-)   adj   without fever

aff (æf) Scot   adv   1 off   ▷ prep   2 off   3 from; out of [Old English of; Old Norse af]

affable (ˈæfəbəl)   adj   1 showing warmth and friendliness; kindly; mild; benign   2 easy to converse with; approachable; amicable [C16: from Latin affābilis easy to talk to, from affārī to talk to, from ad- to + fāri to speak; compare FABLE, FATE]   > ˌaffaˈbility n   > ˈaffably adv

affair (əˈfɛə)   n   1 a thing to be done or attended to; matter; business: this affair must be cleared up   2 an event or happening: a strange affair   3 (qualified by an adjective or descriptive phrase) something previously specified, esp a man-made object; thing: our house is a tumbledown affair   4 a sexual relationship between two people who are not married to each other [C13: from Old French, from à faire to do]

■ affairs (əˈfɛəz)   pl n   1 personal or business interests: his affairs were in disorder   2 matters of public interest: current affairs

affaire French (afɛr)   n   a love affair

■ affaire d'amour French (afɛr damur)   n, pl affaires d'amour (afɛr damur)   a love affair

■ affaire de coeur French (afɛr də kœr)   n, pl affaires de coeur (afɛr də kœr)   an affair of the heart; love affair

■ affaire d'honneur French (afɛr dɔnœr)   n, pl affaires d'honneur (afɛr dɔnœr)   a duel

affear or affeare (əˈfIə)   vb (tr)   a variant spelling of afear

affect^1   vb (əˈfɛkt) (tr)   1 to act upon or influence, esp in an adverse way: damp affected the sparking plugs   2 to move or disturb emotionally or mentally: her death affected him greatly   3 (of pain, disease, etc) to attack   ▷ n (ˈæfɛkt, əˈfɛkt)   4 psychol the emotion associated with an idea or set of ideas. See also affection [C17: from Latin affectus, past participle of afficere to act upon, from ad- to + facere to do]

■ affectability (əˌfɛktəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to be influenced or affected by something

■ affectable (əˈfɛktəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be influenced or affected by something

■ affected (əˈfɛktId)   adj (usually postpositive)   1 deeply moved, esp by sorrow or grief: he was greatly affected by her departure   2 changed, esp detrimentally [C17: from AFFECT^1 + -ED^2]

■ affecting (əˈfɛktIŋ)   adj   evoking feelings of pity, sympathy, or pathos; moving   > afˈfectingly adv

■ affective (əˈfɛktIv)   adj   1 psychol relating to affects   2 concerned with or arousing the emotions or affection   > affectivity (ˌæfɛkˈtIvItI) or afˈfectiveness n

■ affective disorder   n   any psychological disorder, such as depression or mania, that is characterized by abnormal disturbances of mood

■ affectively (əˈfɛktIvlI)   adv   in an emotional manner

■ affective psychosis   n   a severe psychological disorder characterized by extreme moods of either depression or mania

■ affectless (əˈfɛktlIs)   adj     a showing no emotion or concern for others   b not giving rise to any emotion or feeling: an affectless novel [C20: from AFFECT^1 (sense 4) + -LESS]

■ affectlessness (ˈæfɛktlIsnəs)   n   the inability to have or show emotion or feeling

affect^2 (əˈfɛkt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to put on an appearance or show of; make a pretence of: to affect ignorance   2 to imitate or assume, esp pretentiously: to affect an accent   3 to have or use by preference: she always affects funereal clothing   4 to adopt the character, manner, etc, of: he was always affecting the politician   5 (of plants or animals) to live or grow in: penguins affect an arctic climate   6 to incline naturally or habitually towards: falling drops of liquid affect roundness [C15: from Latin affectāre to strive after, pretend to have; related to afficere to AFFECT^1]

■ affected (əˈfɛktId)   adj   1 behaving, speaking, etc, in an artificial or assumed way, esp in order to impress others   2 feigned: affected indifference   3 archaic inclined; disposed [C16: from AFFECT^2 + -ED^2]   > afˈfectedly adv   > afˈfectedness n

■ affecter (əˈfɛktə)   n   a person who makes a real or pretence show of liking, being, or knowing something

affectation (ˌæfɛkˈteIʃən)   n   1 an assumed manner of speech, dress, or behaviour, esp one that is intended to impress others   2 (often foll by of) deliberate pretence or false display: affectation of nobility [C16: from Latin affectātiōn- an aiming at, striving after, from affectāre; see AFFECT^2]

affection (əˈfɛkʃən)   n   1 a feeling of fondness or tenderness for a person or thing; attachment   2 (often plural) emotion, feeling, or sentiment: to play on a person's affections   3 pathol any disease or pathological condition   4 psychol any form of mental functioning that involves emotion. See also affect^1 (sense 2)   5 the act of affecting or the state of being affected   6 archaic inclination or disposition [C13: from Latin affectiōn- disposition, from afficere to AFFECT^1]   > afˈfectional adj

■ affectionally (əˈfɛkʃənəlI)   adv   another word for affectionately

■ affectionate (əˈfɛkʃənIt)   adj   having or displaying tender feelings, affection, or warmth: an affectionate mother; an affectionate message   > afˈfectionately adv

■ affectionless (əˈfɛkʃənlIs)   adj   showing no affection or kindly disposition towards

affeer (əˈfIə)   vb (tr)   1 to assess, to decide upon an amount   2 to fix upon or confirm something

■ affeerment (əˈfIəmənt)   n   the act of deciding upon or settling penalties or fines

affenpinscher (ˈæfənˌpInʃə)   n   a small wire-haired breed of dog of European origin, having tufts of hair on the muzzle [German, literally: monkey-terrier, so called because its face resembles a monkey's]

afferent (ˈæfərənt)   adj   bringing or directing inwards to a part or an organ of the body, esp towards the brain or spinal cord. Compare efferent [C19: from Latin afferre to carry to, from ad- to + ferre to carry]

■ afferently (ˈæfərəntlI)   adv   in a manner moving to the centre or inwards

affettuoso (æˌfɛtʃuːˈəʊsəʊ)   adj, adv   music with feeling [C18: from Italian]

affiant (əˈfaIənt)   n   US law a person who makes an affidavit [C19: Old French, from affier to trust to, from Medieval Latin affīdāre; see AFFIANCE]

■ affiance (əˈfaIəns)   vb   1 (tr) to bind (a person or oneself) in a promise of marriage; betroth   ▷ n   2 archaic a solemn pledge, esp a marriage contract [C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin affīdāre to trust (oneself) to, from fīdāre to trust, from fīdus faithful]

affiche French (afiʃ)   n   a poster or advertisement, esp one drawn by an artist, as for the opening of an exhibition [C18: from afficher to post]

afficionado (əˌfIʃjəˈnɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -dos   a variant spelling of aficionado

affidavit (ˌæfIˈdeIvIt)   n   law a declaration in writing made upon oath before a person authorized to administer oaths, esp for use as evidence in court [C17: from Medieval Latin, literally: he declares on oath, from affīdare to trust (oneself) to; see AFFIANCE]

affiliable (əˈfIlIəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be attributed to

affiliate   vb (əˈfIlIˌeIt)   1 (tr; foll by to or with) to receive into close connection or association (with a larger body, group, organization, etc); adopt as a member, branch, etc   2 (foll by with) to associate (oneself) or be associated, esp as a subordinate or subsidiary; bring or come into close connection: he affiliated himself with the Union   ▷ n (əˈfIlIIt, -ˌeIt)   3    a a person or organization that is affiliated with another   b (as modifier): an affiliate member [C18: from Medieval Latin affīliātus adopted as a son, from affīlīare, from Latin filius son]   > afˌfiliˈation n

■ affiliated (əˈfIlIeItId)   adj   associated or connected with a larger group

■ affiliation order   n   law (formerly) an order made by a magistrates' court that a man adjudged to be the father of an illegitimate child shall contribute a specified periodic sum towards the child's maintenance

■ affiliation proceedings   pl n   (formerly) legal proceedings, usually initiated by an unmarried mother, claiming legal recognition that a particular man is the father of her child, often associated with a claim for financial support

affinal (əˈfaInəl)   adj   joined or connected by marriage

affine (ˈæfaIn)   adj   maths of, characterizing, or involving transformations which preserve collinearity, esp in classical geometry, those of translation, rotation and reflection in an axis [C16: via French from Latin affīnis bordering on, related]

■ affined (əˈfaInd)   adj   closely related; connected

affinity (əˈfInItI)   n, pl -ties   1 (foll by with or for) a natural liking, taste, or inclination towards a person or thing   2 the person or thing so liked   3 a close similarity in appearance or quality; inherent likeness   4 relationship by marriage or by ties other than of blood, as by adoption. Compare consanguinity   5 similarity in structure, form, etc, between different animals, plants, or languages   6 chem   a the tendency for two substances to combine; chemical attraction   b a measure of the tendency of a chemical reaction to take place expressed in terms of the free energy change. Symbol: A   7 biology a measure of the degree of interaction between two molecules, such as an antigen and antibody or a hormone and its receptor [C14: via Old French from Latin affīnitāt- connected by marriage, from affīnis bordering on, related]   > afˈfinitive adj

■ affinity card   n   1 Brit a credit card issued by a bank or credit-card company, which donates a small percentage of the money spent using the card to a specified charity   2 US a card entitling members of an affinity group (e.g. club, college) to a discount when used for purchases

affirm (əˈfɜːm)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to declare to be true; assert positively   2 to uphold, confirm, or ratify   3 (intr) law to make an affirmation [C14: via Old French from Latin affirmāre to present (something) as firm or fixed, assert, from ad- to + firmāre to make FIRM^1]   > afˈfirmer or afˈfirmant n

■ affirmable (əˈfɜːməbəl)   adj   having the ability to be verified or confirmed

■ affirmance (əˈfɜːməns)   n   a verification, confirmation, or affirmation

■ affirmation (ˌæfəˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the act of affirming or the state of being affirmed   2 a statement of the existence or truth of something; assertion   3 law a solemn declaration permitted on grounds of conscientious objection to taking an oath

■ affirmative (əˈfɜːmətIv)   adj   1 confirming or asserting something as true or valid: an affirmative statement   2 indicating agreement or assent: an affirmative answer   3 logic   a (of a categorial proposition) affirming the satisfaction by the subject of the predicate, as in all birds have feathers; some men are married   b not containing negation. Compare negative (sense 12)   ▷ n   4 a positive assertion   5 a word or phrase stating agreement or assent, such as yes (esp in the phrase answer in the affirmative)   6 logic an affirmative proposition   7 the affirmative chiefly US and Canadian the side in a debate that supports the proposition   ▷ sentence substitute   8 military a signal codeword used to express assent or confirmation   > afˈfirmatively adv

■ affirmative action   n   US a policy or programme designed to counter discrimination against minority groups and women in areas such as employment and education. Brit equivalent: positive discrimination

■ affirmatory (ˌæfəˈmeItərI)   adj   showing or giving confirmation, ratification, or assertion

■ affirmingly (əˈfɜːmIŋlI)   adv   in an affirming or asserting manner

affix   vb (əˈfIks) (tr; usually foll by to or on)   1 to attach, fasten, join, or stick: to affix a poster to the wall   2 to add or append: to affix a signature to a document   3 to attach or attribute (guilt, blame, etc)   ▷ n (ˈæfIks)   4 grammar a linguistic element added to a word or root to produce a derived or inflected form: -ment in establishment is a derivational affix; -s in drowns is an inflectional affix. See also prefix, suffix, infix   5 something fastened or attached; appendage [C15: from Medieval Latin affixāre, from ad- to + fixāre to FIX]   > affixation (ˌæfIkˈseIʃən) or affixture (əˈfIkstʃə) n

■ affixal (əˈfIksəl)   adj   grammar relating to an affix

■ affixer (əˈfIksə)   n   a person or a thing that attaches or affixes something

■ affixial (əˈfIksIəl)   adj   grammar relating to an affix

■ affixment (əˈfIksmənt)   n   obsolete the act of attaching or affixing

afflatus (əˈfleItəs)   n   an impulse of creative power or inspiration, esp in poetry, considered to be of divine origin (esp in the phrase divine afflatus) [C17: Latin, from afflātus, from afflāre to breathe or blow on, from flāre to blow]

■ afflated (əfˈleItId)   adj   resulting from influence of someone or something

■ afflation (əˈfleIʃən)   n   the inspiration or influence of someone or something

afflict (əˈflIkt)   vb   (tr) to cause suffering or unhappiness to; distress greatly [C14: from Latin afflictus, past participle of afflīgere to knock against, from flīgere to knock, to strike]   > afˈflictive adj

■ afflicted (əˈflIktId)   pl n   the afflicted afflicted people considered collectively

■ afflicter (əˈflIktə)   n   a person who causes distress, torment, or affliction

■ afflicting (əˈflIktIŋ)   adj   deeply distressing; painful

■ affliction (əˈflIkʃən)   n   1 a condition of great distress, pain, or suffering   2 something responsible for physical or mental suffering, such as a disease, grief, etc

■ afflictively (əˈflIktIvlI)   adv   in a distressing, troublesome, or afflictive manner

affluent (ˈæflʊənt)   adj   1 rich; wealthy   2 abundant; copious   3 flowing freely   ▷ n   4 archaic a tributary stream [C15: from Latin affluent-, present participle of affluere to flow towards, from fluere to flow]

■ affluence (ˈæflʊəns)   n   1 an abundant supply of money, goods, or property; wealth   2 rare abundance or profusion

■ affluency (ˈæflʊənsI)   n   an obsolete word for affluence

■ affluential (ˌæflʊˈɛnʃəl)   n   an affluent person who does not display his or her wealth in the form of material possessions

■ affluently (ˈæflʊəntlI)   adv   in an abundant or wealthy manner

■ affluentness (ˈæflʊəntnəs)   n   an obsolete word for affluence

■ affluent society   n   a society in which the material benefits of prosperity are widely available

affluenza (ˌæflʊˈɛnzə)   n   the guilt or lack of motivation experienced by people who have made or inherited large amounts of money. Also called: sudden-wealth syndrome [C20: from AFF(LUENT) + (IN)FLUENZA]

afflux (ˈæflʌks)   n   a flowing towards a point: an afflux of blood to the head [C17: from Latin affluxus, from fluxus FLUX]

■ affluxion (əˈflʌkʃən)   n   a streaming or flowing towards something

affogato (ˌæfəˈɡɑːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a drink prepared by pouring espresso coffee over a scoop of ice cream [Italian, literally: drowned]

affoord (əˈfɔːd)   vb (tr)   an archaic form of afford

afforce (əˈfɔːs)   vb (tr)   obsolete to make stronger; consolidate; reinforce

■ afforcement (əˈfɔːsmənt)   n   1 an increase in force or strength   2 obsolete a place that is fortified or defended

afford (əˈfɔːd)   vb   1 (preceded by can, could, etc) to be able to do or spare something, esp without incurring financial difficulties or without risk of undesirable consequences: we can afford to buy a small house; I can afford to give you one of my chess sets; we can't afford to miss this play   2 to give, yield, or supply: the meeting afforded much useful information [Old English geforthian to further, promote, from forth FORTH; the Old English prefix ge- was later reduced to a-, and the modern spelling (C16) is influenced by words beginning aff-]   > afˈfordable adj   > afˌfordaˈbility n

■ affordably (əˈfɔːdəblI)   adv   in an affordable or reasonably priced manner

afforest (əˈfɒrIst)   vb   (tr) to plant trees on; convert into forested land [C15: from Medieval Latin afforestāre, from forestis FOREST]   > afˌforestˈation n

■ afforestable (əˈfɒrIstəbəl)   adj   having the capacity to be turned into forest

affranchise (əˈfræntʃaIz)   vb   (tr) to release from servitude or an obligation [C15: from Old French afranchiss-, a stem of afranchir, from franchir to free; see FRANK]   > afˈfranchisement n

affrap (əˈfræp)   vb (tr)   obsolete to hit, land a blow

affray (əˈfreI)   n   1 law a fight, noisy quarrel, or disturbance between two or more persons in a public place   ▷ vb   2 (tr) archaic to frighten [C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin exfridāre (unattested) to break the peace; compare German Friede peace]

■ affrayer (əˈfreIə)   n   a person who takes part in an affray or disturbance

affreightment (əˈfreItmənt)   n   a contract hiring a ship to carry goods [C19: from French affréter to charter a ship, from fret FREIGHT]

affrended (əˈfrɛndId)   adj   archaic brought back into friendship

affret (əˈfrɛt)   n   obsolete a fierce and raging attack

affricate (ˈæfrIkIt)   n   phonetics a composite speech sound consisting of a stop and a fricative articulated at the same point, such as the sound written ch, as in chair [C19: from Latin affricāre to rub against, from fricāre to rub; compare FRICTION]

■ affrication (ˌæfrIˈkeIʃən)   n   phonetics the changing of (a consonantal speech sound) to an affricate

■ affricative (əˈfrIkətIv, ˈæfrəˌkeI-)   n   1 another word for affricate   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or denoting an affricate

affright (əˈfraIt) archaic or poetic   vb   1 (tr) to frighten   ▷ n   2 a sudden terror [Old English āfyrhtan, from a-, a prefix indicating the beginning or end of an action + fyrhtan to FRIGHT]

■ affrightedly (əˈfraItIdlI)   adv   archaic, poetic in a frightened or alarmed manner

■ affrighten (əˈfraItən)   vb   archaic to cause alarm or fright (in)

■ affrightful (əˈfraItfʊl)   adj   1 archaic causing fright or alarm   2 obsolete fearful

■ affrightment (əˈfraItmənt)   n   1 obsolete the act of causing fear or alarm   2 obsolete a cause of fear or alarm   3 archaic the condition of being alarmed or in a state of fear

affront (əˈfrʌnt)   n   1 a deliberate insult   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to insult, esp openly   3 to offend the pride or dignity of   4 obsolete to confront defiantly [C14: from Old French afronter to strike in the face, from Vulgar Latin affrontāre (unattested), from the Latin phrase ad frontem to the face]

■ affronted (əˈfrʌntId)   adj   formal experiencing an insult

■ affrontingly (əˈfrʌntIŋlI)   adv   in an affronting manner

■ affrontive (əˈfrʌntIv)   adj   characterized by a propensity to cause offence

affrontee (əˈfrʌntiː) or affronté (əˈfrʌnteI)   adj heraldry   1 having faces or fronts towards each other   2 having face towards the front

affusion (əˈfjuːʒən)   n   the baptizing of a person by pouring water onto the head. Compare aspersion (sense 3), immersion [C17: from Late Latin affūsiōn- a pouring upon, from affundere, from fundere to pour]

affy (əˈfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr) obsolete   1 to have confidence, trust or faith in   2 to entrust or put one's faith in the hands of   3 to marry or take a person as a spouse   4 to promise (a person) in marriage to another

AFG   abbreviation for   Afghanistan (international car registration)

Afg. or Afgh.   abbreviation for   Afghanistan

afghan (ˈæfɡæn, -ɡən)   n   1 a knitted or crocheted wool blanket or shawl, esp one with a geometric pattern   2 a sheepskin coat, often embroidered and having long fur trimming around the edges [from AFGHANISTAN]

Afghan (ˈæfɡæn, -ɡən) or Afghani (æfˈɡænI, -ˈɡɑː-)   n   1 a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Afghanistan   2 another name for Pashto   3 history an Indian camel driver employed in the outback of Australia   ▷ adj   4 denoting or relating to Afghanistan, its people, or their language

■ Afghan hound   n   a tall graceful breed of hound with a long silky coat

■ afghani (æfˈɡɑːnI)   n   the standard monetary unit of Afghanistan, divided into 100 puli

Afghani (æfˈɡɑːnI)   n   Jamal ad-Din al-. 1839–97, Iranian Muslim religious and political reformer; a proponent of Muslim unity, he resisted European interference in Muslim countries

Afghanistan (æfˈɡænIˌstɑːn, -ˌstæn)   n   a republic in central Asia: became independent in 1919; occupied by Soviet troops, 1979–89; controlled by mujaheddin forces from 1992 until 1996 when Taliban forces seized power; in the US-led 'war on terror' (2001) the Taliban were overthrown although their insurgency continues; generally arid and mountainous, with the Hindu Kush range rising over 7500 m (25 000 ft) and fertile valleys of the Amu Darya, Helmand, and Kabul Rivers. Official languages: Pashto and Dari (Persian), Uzbek and Turkmen also widely spoken. Religion: Muslim. Currency: afghani. Capital: Kabul. Pop: 35 530 081 (2017 est). Area: 657 500 sq km (250 000 sq miles)

aficionado (əˌfIʃjəˈnɑːdəʊ; Spanish afiθjoˈnaðo)   n, pl -dos (-dəʊz; Spanish -ðos)   1 an ardent supporter or devotee: a jazz aficionado   2 a devotee of bullfighting [Spanish, from aficionar to arouse affection, from afición AFFECTION]

■ aficionada (əˌfIʃjəˈnɑːdə)   n   a female aficionado

afield (əˈfiːld)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 away from one's usual surroundings or home (esp in the phrase far afield)   2 off the subject; away from the point (esp in the phrase far afield)   3 in or to the field, esp the battlefield

afire (əˈfaIə)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 on fire; ablaze   2 intensely interested or passionate: she was afire with enthusiasm for the new plan

AFIS   n   Automated Fingerprint Identification System: a computer system that scans fingerprints from crime scenes and compares them with millions of others around the world

AFK text messaging   abbreviation for   away from keyboard

AFL   abbreviation for   Australian Football League: the national body for Australian Rules football

aflame (əˈfleIm)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 in flames; ablaze   2 in a state of intense emotion: the whole country was aflame with excitement   3 (of the face) red or inflamed

aflatoxin (ˌæfləˈtɒksIn)   n   a toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus growing on peanuts, maize, etc, causing liver disease (esp cancer) in humans [C20: from A(spergillus) fla(vus) + TOXIN]

AFL-CIO   abbreviation for   American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations: a federation of independent American trade unions formed by the union of these two groups in 1955

afloat (əˈfləʊt)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 floating   2 aboard ship; at sea   3 covered with water; flooded   4 aimlessly drifting: afloat in a sea of indecision   5 in circulation; afoot: nasty rumours were afloat   6 free of debt; solvent

aflutter (əˈflʌtə)   adj, adv (postpositive)   in or into a nervous or excited state

AFM   abbreviation for   Air Force Medal

AFN   abbreviation for (in Canada)   Assembly of First Nations

AFNOR   abbreviation for   Association Française de Normalisation: the standards organization of France

afocal (ˈeIˌfəʊkəl)   adj   astronomy denoting a method for transferring an image without bringing it into focus

afoot (əˈfʊt)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 in circulation or operation; astir: mischief was afoot   2 on or by foot

afore (əˈfɔː)   adv, prep, conj   an archaic or dialect word for before

■ aforehand (əˈfɔːˌhænd) archaic, dialect   adv   1 beforehand; in advance   ▷ adj   2 (of people) prepared in advance; well provided for

■ aforementioned (əˈfɔːˌmɛnʃənd)   adj   (usually prenominal) (chiefly in legal documents) stated or mentioned before or already

■ aforesaid (əˈfɔːˌsɛd)   adj   (usually prenominal) (chiefly in legal documents) spoken of or referred to previously

■ aforethought (əˈfɔːˌθɔːt)   adj   (immediately postpositive) premeditated (esp in the phrase malice aforethought)

■ aforetime (əˈfɔːˌtaIm)   adv   archaic formerly

a fortiori (eI ˌfɔːtIˈɔːraI, -rI, ɑː)   adv   for similar but more convincing reasons: the act was intended not only in regard to employers but a fortiori in regard to directors [Latin]

afoul (əˈfaʊl)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 (usually foll by of) in or into a state of difficulty, confusion, or conflict (with)   2 (often foll by of) in or into an entanglement or collision (with) (often in the phrase run afoul of): a yacht with its sails afoul; the boat ran afoul of a steamer

afp   abbreviation for   alpha-fetoprotein

AFRAeS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Associate Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society

afraid (əˈfreId)   adj (postpositive)   1 (often foll by of) feeling fear or apprehension; frightened: he was afraid of cats   2 reluctant (to do something), as through fear or timidity: she was afraid to let herself go   3 (often foll by that; used to lessen the effect of an unpleasant statement) regretful: I'm afraid that I shall have to tell you to go [C14: affraied, past participle of AFFRAY (to frighten)]

A-frame   adj   (of a house) constructed with an A-shaped elevation

afreet or afrit (ˈæfriːt, əˈfriːt)   n   Arabian myth a powerful evil demon or giant monster [C19: from Arabic `ifrīt]

afresh (əˈfrɛʃ)   adv   once more; once again; anew

Africa (ˈæfrIkə)   n   the second largest of the continents, on the Mediterranean in the north, the Atlantic in the west, and the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean in the east. The Sahara desert divides the continent unequally into North Africa (an early centre of civilization, in close contact with Europe and W Asia, now inhabited chiefly by Arabs) and Africa south of the Sahara (relatively isolated from the rest of the world until the 19th century and inhabited chiefly by dark-skinned peoples). It was colonized mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries by Europeans and now comprises independent nations. The largest lake is Lake Victoria and the chief rivers are the Nile, Niger, Congo, and Zambezi. Pop: 1 100 000 000 (2013 est). Area: about 30 300 000 sq km (11 700 000 sq miles)

■ African (ˈæfrIkən)   adj   1 denoting or relating to Africa or any of its peoples, languages, nations, etc   ▷ n   2 a native, inhabitant, or citizen of any of the countries of Africa   3 a member or descendant of any of the peoples of Africa, esp a Black person

■ Africana (ˌæfrIˈkɑːnə)   pl n   objects of cultural or historical interest of African origin

■ African-American   n   1 an American of African descent   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Americans of African descent

USAGE

African-American is the currently preferred term in the US for people of African ancestry

■ African-American Vernacular English   n   a dialect of English typically spoken by working-class African-Americans. Abbreviation: AAVE. Also called: ebonics

■ African-Canadian   n   1 a Canadian of African descent   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Canadians of African descent

■ African horse sickness   n   vet science a fatal infectious disease of horses, mules, and donkeys, which is transmitted by insect vectors. It is caused by an arbovirus and is characterized by pulmonary or cardiac signs

■ Africanism (ˈæfrIkəˌnIzəm)   n   something characteristic of Africa or Africans, esp a characteristic feature of an African language when introduced into a non-African language

■ Africanist (ˈæfrIkənIst)   n   a person specializing in the study of African affairs or culture

■ Africanize or Africanise (ˈæfrIkəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to make African, esp to give control of (policy, government, etc) to Africans   > ˌAfricaniˈzation or ˌAfricaniˈsation n

■ African lily   n   another name for agapanthus

■ African mahogany   n   1 any of several African trees of the meliaceous genus Khaya, esp K. ivorensis, that have wood similar to that of true mahogany   2 the wood of any of these trees, used for furniture, etc   3 any of various other African woods that resemble true mahogany

■ African National Congress   n   (in South Africa) a political party, founded in 1912 as an African nationalist movement and banned there from 1960 to 1990 because of its active opposition to apartheid: in 1994 won South Africa's first multiracial elections. Abbreviation: ANC

■ African potato   n   the corm of a southern African plant, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, believed to possess medicinal properties

■ African swine fever   n   vet science a highly contagious fatal disease of pigs caused by a myxovirus. The disease is characterized by fever, blotches on the skin, depression, and lack of coordination

■ African time   n   South African slang unpunctuality

■ African Union   n   an organization of African states established in 2002 as successor to the OAU; it aims to encourage economic development and political stability through increased cooperation between its members. Abbreviation: AU

■ African violet   n   any of several tropical African plants of the genus Saintpaulia, esp S. ionantha, cultivated as house plants, with violet, white, or pink flowers and hairy leaves: family Gesneriaceae

Afrikaans (ˌæfrIˈkɑːns, -ˈkɑːnz)   n   one of the official languages of the Republic of South Africa, closely related to Dutch. Sometimes called: South African Dutch [C20: from Dutch: African]

Afrikander or Africander (afriˈkandə, ˌæfrIˈkændə)   n   1 a breed of humpbacked beef cattle originally raised in southern Africa   2 a southern African breed of fat-tailed sheep   3 a former name for an Afrikaner [C19: from South African Dutch, formed on the model of Hollander]

Afrikaner (afriˈkaːnə, ˌæfrIˈkɑːnə)   n   a White native of the Republic of South Africa whose mother tongue is Afrikaans. See also Boer

■ Afrikanerdom (afriˈkaːnədəm, ˌæfrIˈkɑːnədəm)   n   (in South Africa) Afrikaner nationalism based on pride in the Afrikaans language and culture, conservative Calvinism, and a sense of heritage as pioneers

afrit (ˈæfriːt, əˈfriːt)   n   a variant spelling of afreet

Afro (ˈæfrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   (sometimes not capital) a hairstyle in which the hair is shaped into a wide frizzy bush [C20: independent use of AFRO-]

Afro-   combining form   indicating Africa or African: Afro-Asiatic

Afro-American   n, adj   another word for African-American

USAGE

This word has been replaced in general use by African-American

Afro-Asian   adj   of or relating to both Africa and Asia, esp as part of the Third World

Afro-Asiatic   n   1 Also called: Semito-Hamitic a family of languages of SW Asia and N Africa, consisting of the Semitic, ancient Egyptian, Berber, Cushitic, and Chadic subfamilies   ▷ adj   2 denoting, belonging to, or relating to this family of languages

Afro-British   adj   of or relating to British people of African descent

Afro-Caribbean   adj   1 denoting or relating to Caribbean people of African descent or their culture   ▷ n   2 a Caribbean of African descent

Afro-chain   n   (in the Caribbean) a large chain necklace with a central pendant: usually worn with a dashiki by men

Afro-comb   n   a comb with a handle and long teeth used esp on curly hair

Afro-Cuban   adj   of or relating to a type of jazz influenced by Cuban variants of African rhythms. Compare Cu-bop

afront (əˈfrʌnt)   prep   1 archaic in front of   ▷ adv   2 archaic face to face

Afro-pessimism   n   the belief that the provision of aid to African countries is futile

afrormosia (ˌæfrɔːˈməʊzIə)   n   a hard teaklike wood obtained from tropical African trees of the leguminous genus Pericopsis [C20: from AFRO- + Ormosia (genus name)]

AFSLAET   abbreviation for   Associate Fellow of the Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers and Technologists

aft (ɑːft)   adv, adj   chiefly nautical towards or at the stern or rear: the aft deck; aft of the engines [C17: perhaps a shortened form of earlier ABAFT]

■ aftmost (ˈɑːftˌməʊst)   adj   furthest aft; furthest towards the rear; rearmost

after (ˈɑːftə)   prep   1 following in time; in succession to: after dinner; time after time   2 following; behind: they entered one after another   3 in pursuit or search of: chasing after a thief; he's only after money   4 concerning: to inquire after someone's health   5 considering: after what you have done, you shouldn't complain   6 next in excellence or importance to: he ranked Jonson after Shakespeare   7 in imitation of; in the manner of: a statue after classical models   8 in accordance with or in conformity to: a man after my own heart   9 with a name derived from: Amaya was named after her grandmother   10 US past (the hour of): twenty after three   11 after all   a in spite of everything: it's only a game, after all   b in spite of expectations, efforts, etc: she won the race after all!   12 after you please go, enter, etc, before me   ▷ adv   13 at a later time; afterwards   14 coming afterwards; in pursuit   15 nautical further aft; sternwards   ▷ conj   16 (subordinating) at a time later than that at which: he came after I had left   ▷ adj   17 nautical further aft: the after cabin [Old English æfter; related to Old Norse aptr back, eptir after, Old High German aftar]

■ afterbirth (ˈɑːftəˌbɜːθ)   n   the placenta and fetal membranes expelled from the uterus after the birth of the offspring

■ afterbody (ˈɑːftəˌbɒdI)   n, pl -bodies   any discarded part that continues to trail a satellite, rocket, etc, in orbit

■ afterbrain (ˈɑːftəˌbreIn)   n   a nontechnical name for myelencephalon

■ afterburner (ˈɑːftəˌbɜːnə)   n   1 a device in the exhaust system of an internal-combustion engine for removing or rendering harmless potentially dangerous components in the exhaust gases   2 a system of fuel injection and combustion located behind the turbine of an aircraft jet engine to produce additional thrust

■ afterburning (ˈɑːftəˌbɜːnIŋ)   n   1 Also called: reheat a process in which additional fuel is ignited in the exhaust gases of a jet engine to produce additional thrust   2 irregular burning of fuel in a rocket motor after the main burning has ceased   3 persistence of combustion in an internal-combustion engine, either in an incorrect part of the cycle or after the ignition has been switched off

■ aftercare (ˈɑːftəˌkɛə)   n   1 support services by a welfare agency for a person discharged from an institution, such as hospital, hostel, or prison   2 med the care before and after discharge from hospital of a patient recovering from an illness or operation   3 any system of maintenance or upkeep of an appliance or product: contact lens aftercare

■ afterclap (ˈɑːftəˌklæp)   n   an unexpected, usually unwanted, repercussion of or sequel to an affair which had been thought to be closed

■ afterdamp (ˈɑːftəˌdæmp)   n   a poisonous mixture of gases containing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen formed after the explosion of firedamp in coal mines. See also whitedamp

■ afterdeck (ˈɑːftəˌdɛk)   n   nautical the unprotected deck behind the bridge of a ship

■ aftereffect (ˈɑːftərIˌfɛkt)   n   1 any result occurring some time after its cause   2 med any delayed response to a stimulus or agent. Compare side effect   3 psychol any illusory sensation caused by a stimulus that has ceased

■ aftereye (ˈɑːftəˌraI)   vb (tr)   poetic to look at or watch someone or something that has passed by

■ aftergame (ˈɑːftəˌɡeIm)   n   a game following a previous game, often intended to reverse the fortunes of that previous game

■ afterglow (ˈɑːftəˌɡləʊ)   n   1 the glow left after a light has disappeared, such as that sometimes seen after sunset   2 the glow of an incandescent metal after the source of heat has been removed   3 physics luminescence persisting on the screen of a cathode-ray tube or in a gas-discharge tube after the power supply has been disconnected   4 a trace, impression, etc, of past emotion, brilliance, etc

■ aftergrass (ˈɑːftəˌɡrɑːs)   n   grass that grows in a field after a crop (usually of grass) has been harvested

■ aftergrowth (ˈɑːftəˌɡrəʊθ)   n   1 agriculture any secondary growth of a crop after harvesting   2 (metaphorically) a secondary development of any kind

■ afterguard (ˈɑːftəˌɡɑːd)   n sailing   1 a sailor or group of sailors stationed on the poop to attend to the aft sails   2 the members of the crew responsible for strategic decisions about the sailing and navigation of a boat

■ afterheat (ˈɑːftəˌhiːt)   n   the heat generated in a nuclear reactor after it has been shut down, produced by residual radioactivity in the fuel elements

■ after-hours   adj   after the normal time for something

■ afterimage (ˈɑːftərˌImIdʒ)   n   a sustained or renewed sensation, esp visual, after the original stimulus has ceased. Also called: aftersensation, photogene

■ afterings (ˈɑːftərIŋz)   pl n   archaic, dialect the last of the milk drawn from a cow in milking, which contains the richest milk

■ afterlife (ˈɑːftəˌlaIf)   n   life after death or at a later time in a person's lifetime

■ after-lunch   adj   occurring after a midday meal

■ aftermarket (ˈɑːftəˌmɑːkIt)   n   1 business of supplying accessories and products related to cars etc   2 stock exchange buying and selling of shares and bonds after issue

■ aftermath (ˈɑːftəˌmɑːθ, -ˌmæθ)   n   1 signs or results of an event or occurrence considered collectively, esp of a catastrophe or disaster: the aftermath of war   2 agriculture a second mowing or crop of grass from land that has already yielded one crop earlier in the same year [C16: AFTER + math a mowing, from Old English mæth]

■ aftermost (ˈɑːftəˌməʊst)   adj   closer or closest to the rear or (in a vessel) the stern; last

■ afternoon (ˌɑːftəˈnuːn)   n   1    a the period of the day between noon and evening   b (as modifier): afternoon tea   2 a middle or later part: the afternoon of life

■ afternoons (ˌɑːftəˈnuːnz)   adv   informal during the afternoon, esp regularly

■ afterpain (ˈɑːftəˌpeIn)   n   1 another name for afterpains   2 any pain that follows its cause only after a certain delay

■ afterpains (ˈɑːftəˌpeInz)   pl n   cramplike pains caused by contraction of the uterus after childbirth

■ afterparty (ˈɑːftəˌpɑːtI)   n   a small party held after a larger event, such as a pop concert or film première, to which only a select group of guests is invited

■ afterpeak (ˈɑːftəˌpiːk)   n   nautical the space behind the aftermost bulkhead, often used for storage

■ afterpiece (ˈɑːftəˌpiːs)   n   a brief usually comic dramatic piece presented after a play

■ after-ripening   n   botany the period of internal change that is necessary in some apparently mature seeds before germination can occur

■ afters (ˈɑːftəz)   n (functioning as singular or plural) Brit   1 informal dessert; sweet   2 slang a confrontation or physical violence between football players immediately after they have been involved in a challenge for the ball

■ after-sales   adj   marketing relating to anything happening after something is sold

■ after-school   adj   1 put on after the end of the normal school day   ▷ n   2 a session or club after the end of the normal school day

■ aftersensation (ˈɑːftəsɛnˌseIʃən)   n   another word for afterimage

■ aftershaft (ˈɑːftəˌʃɑːft)   n   ornithol a secondary feather arising near the base of a contour feather

■ aftershave lotion (ˈɑːftəˌʃeIv)   n   a lotion, usually styptic and perfumed, for application to the face after shaving. Often shortened to: aftershave

■ aftershock (ˈɑːftəˌʃɒk)   n   one of a series of minor tremors occurring after the main shock of an earthquake. Compare foreshock

■ aftershow (ˈɑːftəˌʃəʊ)   n     a a party held after a public performance of a play or film   b (as modifier): an aftershow bash

■ aftersun (ˈɑːftəˌsʌn)   n     a a moisturizing lotion applied to the skin to soothe sunburn and avoid peeling   b (as modifier): aftersun lotion

■ aftersupper (ˈɑːftəˌsʌpə)   adj   1 happening in the period of time between supper and bedtime   ▷ n   2 archaic, dialect the period of time between supper and bedtime

■ afterswarm (ˈɑːftəˌswɔːm)   n   a secondary (or tertiary) swarm of bees which leaves the colony after the main swarm has left, in the company of a virgin queen

■ aftertaste (ˈɑːftəˌteIst)   n   1 a taste that lingers on after eating or drinking   2 a lingering impression or sensation

■ after-tax   adj   denoting earnings, profit, or income left when tax has been paid

■ afterthought (ˈɑːftəˌθɔːt)   n   1 a comment, reply, etc, that occurs to one after the opportunity to deliver it has passed   2 an addition to something already completed

■ aftertime (ˈɑːftəˌtaIm)   n   poetic, literary the time to come; the future

■ aftertreatment (ˈɑːftəˌtriːtmənt)   n   1    a a method or device for reducing harmful emissions from internal-combustion engines before they are released into the atmosphere, for example a filter or a catalytic converter   b (as modifier): an aftertreatment system   2 med additional treatment that is given to a patient following an illness or medical procedure   3 textiles a chemical treatment that is applied to a fabric immediately after it has been dyed, in order to make it more colour-fast

■ afterwards (ˈɑːftəwədz) or afterward   adv   after an earlier event or time; subsequently [Old English æfterweard, æfteweard, from AFT + WARD]

■ afterword (ˈɑːftəˌwɜːd)   n   an epilogue or postscript in a book, etc

■ afterworld (ˈɑːftəˌwɜːld)   n   a world inhabited after death

AFTN   abbreviation for   Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network: a worldwide system of radio and cable links for transmitting and recording messages

aftosa (ɑːfˈtəʊsə)   n   another name for foot-and-mouth disease

AFV   abbreviation for   armoured fighting vehicle

ag^1 (æx)   interj South African   1 an expression of surprise, annoyance, pleasure, etc   ▷ sentence connector   2 an expression used to preface a remark, gain time, etc

ag^2   the internet domain name for   Antigua and Barbuda

Ag   the chemical symbol for   silver [from Latin argentum]

AG   abbreviation for   1 Adjutant General   2 Attorney General   3 Aktiengesellschaft [(for sense 3) German: joint-stock company]

aga or agha (ˈɑːɡə)   n (in the Ottoman Empire)   1 a title of respect, often used with the title of a senior position   2 a military commander [C17: Turkish, literally: lord]

Aga (ˈɑːɡə)   n   trademark Brit a cooking range and heating system powered by solid fuel, electricity, or gas [C20: from (Svenskaa) A(ktiebolaget) Ga(sackumulator), the original Swedish manufacturer]

■ Aga saga   n   Brit a novel or drama depicting the lives and concerns of the English middle classes [C20: allusion to the popularity of AGA cookers among the English middle classes]

agaçant (aɡasɑ̃) or feminine agaçante (aɡasɑ̃t)   adj   provocative

agacerie French (aɡasəri)   n   allurement, enticement, enchantment, coquetry

Agadir (ˌæɡəˈdIə)   n   a port in SW Morocco, which became the centre of an international crisis (1911), when a gunboat arrived to protect German interests. Britain issued a strong warning to Germany but the French negotiated and war was averted. In 1960 the town was virtually destroyed by an earthquake, about 10 000 people being killed. Pop: 385 000 (2003)

again (əˈɡɛn, əˈɡeIn)   adv   1 another or second time; once more; anew: she had to start again   2 once more in a previously experienced or encountered place, state, or condition: he is ill again; she came back again   3 in addition to the original amount, quantity, etc (esp in the phrases as much again; half as much again)   4 (sentence modifier) on the other hand: he might come and then again he might not   5 besides; also: she is talented and, again, so very diligent   6 archaic in reply; back: she answered again to the questioning voice   7 again and again continuously; repeatedly   8 (used with a negative) Caribbean any more; any longer: I don't eat pumpkin again   ▷ sentence connector   9 moreover; furthermore: again, it could be said that he is not dead [Old English ongegn opposite to, from A-2 + gegn straight]

against (əˈɡɛnst, əˈɡeInst)   prep   1 opposed to; in conflict or disagreement with: they fought against the legislation   2 standing or leaning beside or in front of: a ladder against the wall   3 coming in contact with: the branches of a tree brushed against the bus   4 in contrast to: silhouettes are outlines against a light background   5 having an adverse or unfavourable effect on: the economic system works against small independent companies   6 as a protection from or means of defence from the adverse effects of: a safeguard against contaminated water   7 in exchange for or in return for   8 rare in preparation for: he gave them warm clothing against their journey through the night   9 as against as opposed to or as compared with: the global impact of combustion as against electric vehicles depends on the electrical generating technology [C12: ageines, from again, ageyn, etc, AGAIN + -es genitive ending; the spelling with -t (C16) was probably due to confusion with superlatives ending in -st]

Aga Khan (ˈɑːɡə ˈkɑːn)   n   the hereditary title of the head of the Ismaili sect of Muslims

Aga Khan IV   n   Prince Karim (kəˈriːm). born 1936, spiritual leader of the Ismaili sect of Muslims from 1957

agalactia (ˌæɡəˈlæktIə)   n   pathol obsolete absence or failure of secretion of milk [C19: New Latin, from A-1 + Greek galaktos milk]

agalloch (əˈɡælək)   n   another name for eaglewood [C17: from Greek agallokhon]

agalmatolite (ˌæɡəlˈmætəˌlaIt)   n   a soft, greenish, greyish or yellowish mineral, thought to be a variety of pinite, known particularly for its use by the Chinese for carving. Also called: pagodite

agalwood (ˈeIɡəlˌwʊd)   n   a soft, resinous wood of the Asian tree Aquilaria malaccensis, known for its aromatic qualities, and used in incense. Also called: agarwood, aloeswood, eaglewood

agama (ˈæɡəmə, əˈɡæmə)   n   1 any small terrestrial lizard of the genus Agama, which inhabit warm regions of the Old World: family Agamidae   2 Also called: agamid (ˈæɡəmId, əˈɡæmId) any other lizard of the family Agamidae, which occur in the Old World and Australia and show a wide range of habits and diversity of structure [C19: Carib]

■ agamoid (ˈæɡəˌmɔId)   n   1 another name for agama (sense 2)   ▷ adj   2 zoology resembling an agama

Agamemnon (ˌæɡəˈmɛmnɒn)   n   Greek myth a king of Mycenae who led the Greeks at the siege of Troy. On his return home he was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. See also Menelaus

agamete (əˈɡæmiːt)   n   a reproductive cell, such as the merozoite of some protozoans, that develops into a new form without fertilization [C19: from Greek agametos unmarried; see A-1, GAMETE]

■ agamic (əˈɡæmIk)   adj   asexual; occurring or reproducing without fertilization [C19: from Greek agamos unmarried, from A-1 + gamos marriage]   > aˈgamically adv

agami^1 (ˈæɡəmI)   n   a crane-like bird native to northern S America, often partially domesticated and kept with livestock because of its loud cry of alarm, which warns against predators

agami^2 (ˈæɡəmI)   n   Hinduism karma that is created in the present, the consequences of which will be felt in the future

agamogenesis (ˌæɡəməʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   asexual reproduction, such as fission or parthenogenesis [C19: AGAMIC + GENESIS]   > agamogenetic (ˌæɡəməʊdʒəˈnɛtIk) adj   > ˌagamogeˈnetically adv

agamogony (ˌæɡəˈmɒɡənI)   n   another name for schizogony

agamont (ˈæɡəmɒnt)   n   another name for schizont

agamospermy (ˈæɡəməʊˌspɜːmI)   n   botany formation of seeds in the absence of fertilization; a form of apomixis [C19: AGAMIC + Greek sperma seed]

agamous (ˈæɡəməs)   adj   another word for agamic

Agaña (əˈɡɑːnjə)   n   the former name for Hagåtña

agapanthus (ˌæɡəˈpænθəs)   n   a liliaceous plant, Agapanthus africanus, of southern Africa, having rounded clusters of blue or white funnel-shaped flowers. Also called: African lily [C19: New Latin, from Greek agapē love + anthos flower]

agape (əˈɡeIp)   adj (postpositive)   1 (esp of the mouth) wide open   2 very surprised, expectant, or eager, esp as indicated by a wide open mouth [C17: A-2 + GAPE]

Agape (ˈæɡəpI)   n Christianity   1 Christian love, esp as contrasted with erotic love; charity   2 a communal meal in the early Church taken in commemoration of the Last Supper; love feast [C17: Greek agapē love]

■ agapeic (ˌæɡəˈpiːIk)   adj   showing unconditional love

agar (ˈeIɡə)   n   a complex gelatinous carbohydrate obtained from seaweeds, esp those of the genus Gelidium, used as a culture medium for bacteria, a laxative, in food such as ice cream as a thickening agent (E406), etc. Also called: agar-agar [C19: Malay]

■ agarose (ˈeIɡɑːˌrəʊs)   n   biochem a polysaccharide gelatinous substance usually extracted from agar, used mainly in agarose gel electrophoresis and in microbial cultures

agaric (ˈæɡərIk, əˈɡærIk)   n   1 any saprotrophic basidiomycetous fungus of the family Agaricaceae, having gills on the underside of the cap. The group includes the edible mushrooms and poisonous forms such as the fly agaric   2 the dried spore-producing bodies of certain fungi, esp Polyphorus officinalis (or Boletus laricis), formerly used in medicine [C16: via Latin agaricum, from Greek agarikon, perhaps named after Agaria, a town in Sarmatia]   > agaricaceous (əˌɡærIˈkeIʃəs) adj

Agartala (ˈʌɡətəˌlɑː)   n   a city in NE India, capital of the state of Tripura. Pop: 189 327 (2001)

Agassi (ˈæɡəsI)   n   Andre (ˈɑːndreI). born 1970, US tennis player: winner of eight Grand Slam singles titles (1992–2003), including four Australian Opens (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003)

Agassiz (French aɡasi)   n   Jean Louis Rodolphe (ʒɑ̃ lwi rɔdɔlf). 1807–73, Swiss natural historian and geologist, settled in the US after 1846

agast (əˈɡɑːst)   adj   1 another spelling of aghast   ▷ vb   2 archaic to terrify or be terrified

agate^1 (ˈæɡIt)   n   1 an impure microcrystalline form of quartz consisting of a variegated, usually banded chalcedony, used as a gemstone and in making pestles and mortars, burnishers, and polishers. Formula: SiO_2   2 a playing marble of this quartz or resembling it   3 Also called: ruby printing, US and Canadian (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 5^1⁄2 point [C16: via French from Latin achātēs, from Greek akhatēs]

■ agateware (ˈæɡItˌwɛə)   n   ceramic ware made to resemble agate or marble

■ agatize or agatise (ˈæɡəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 mineralogy to turn into agate   2 to make something resemble agate

■ agatoid (ˈæɡəˌtɔId)   adj   mineralogy resembling agate

agate^2 (əˈɡeIt)   adv   Northern English dialect on the way [C16: A-2 + GATE^3]

Agate (ˈæɡeIt)   n   James (Evershed). 1877–1947, British theatre critic; drama critic for The Sunday Times (1923–47) and author of a nine-volume diary Ego (1935–49)

agathodaimon (ˌæɡəθəʊˈdaImɒn)   n   1 Greek myth a spirit of good fortune, associated with the serpent   2 any benevolent spirit or genius

agave (əˈɡeIvI, ˈæɡeIv)   n   any plant of the genus Agave, native to tropical America, with tall flower stalks rising from a massive, often armed, rosette of thick fleshy leaves: family Agavaceae. Some species are the source of fibres such as sisal or of alcoholic beverages such as pulque and tequila. See also century plant [C18: New Latin, from Greek agauē, feminine of agauos illustrious, probably alluding to the height of the plant]

agaze (əˈɡeIz)   adj   gazing at something; staring

■ agazed (əˈɡeIzd)   adj   an archaic word for aghast

AGC   abbreviation for   automatic gain control

age (eIdʒ)   n   1 the period of time that a person, animal, or plant has lived or is expected to live: the age of a tree; what age was he when he died?; the age of a horse is up to thirty years   2 the period of existence of an object, material, group, etc: the age of this table is 200 years   3    a a period or state of human life: he should know better at his age; the tricky age when peer pressure comes into play   b (as modifier): age group   4 the latter part of life   5    a a period of history marked by some feature or characteristic; era   b (capital when part of a name): the Middle Ages; the Space Age   6 generation: the Edwardian age   7 geology, palaeontol   a a period of the earth's history distinguished by special characteristics: the age of reptiles   b the period during which a stage of rock strata is formed; a subdivision of an epoch   8 myth any of the successive periods in the legendary history of humankind, which were, according to Hesiod, the golden, silver, bronze, heroic, and iron ages   9 (often plural) informal a relatively long time: they spent an age at the showroom; I've been waiting ages   10 psychol the level in years that a person has reached in any area of development, such as mental or emotional, compared with the normal level for his chronological age. See also achievement age, mental age   11 age before beauty (often said humorously when yielding precedence) older people take precedence over younger people   12 of age adult and legally responsible for one's actions (usually at 18 or, formerly, 21 years)   ▷ vb ages, ageing or aging, aged   13 to grow or make old or apparently old; become or cause to become old or aged   14 to begin to seem older: he seems to have aged a lot in the past year   15 brewing to mature or cause to mature [C13: via Old French from Vulgar Latin aetatīcum (unattested), from Latin aetās, ultimately from aevum lifetime; compare AEON]

■ age allowance   n   an income tax allowance given to taxpayers aged 65 or over

■ aged (ˈeIdʒId)   adj   1    a advanced in years; old   b old-fashioned, sometimes offensive (as collective noun; preceded by the): the aged   2 of, connected with, or characteristic of old age   3 (eIdʒd) (postpositive) having the age of: a woman aged twenty   4 geography (not in technical use) having reached an advanced stage of erosion

■ agedly (ˈeIdʒIdlI)   adv   in a manner resembling that of an aged person

■ agedness (ˈeIdʒIdnəs)   n   the property of being aged

■ age hardening   n   the hardening of metals by spontaneous structural changes over a period of time. See also precipitation hardening

■ ageing or aging (ˈeIdʒIŋ)   n   1 the process of growing old or developing the appearance and characteristics of old age   2 the change of properties that occurs in some metals after heat treatment or cold working   ▷ adj   3 becoming or appearing older or elderly: an ageing car   4 giving or creating the appearance of age or elderliness: dark hair can be really ageing on fair complexions

■ ageism or agism (ˈeIdʒIzəm)   n   discrimination against people on the grounds of age; specifically, discrimination elderly people   > ˈageist or ˈagist adj

■ ageless (ˈeIdʒlIs)   adj   1 apparently never growing old   2 timeless; eternal: an ageless quality   > ˈagelessness n

■ agelessly (ˈeIdʒləslI)   adv   in an ageless manner

■ agemate (ˈeIdʒˌmeIt)   n   a person roughly the same age as another person

■ age of consent   n   1 the age at which a person is considered legally competent to consent to sexual intercourse   2 the age at which a person can enter into a legally binding contract

■ Age of Reason   n   the Age of Reason the 18th century in W Europe. See also Enlightenment

■ age-old or age-long   adj   very old or of long duration; ancient

■ age-proof   adj   1 not adversely affected by a person's age: an age-proof career   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make (something) age-proof

■ ager (ˈeIdʒə)   n   anything that produces the effects of age on another thing

-age   suffix forming nouns   1 indicating a collection, set, or group: acreage; baggage   2 indicating a process or action or the result of an action: haulage; passage; breakage   3 indicating a state, condition, or relationship: bondage; parentage   4 indicating a house or place: orphanage   5 indicating a charge or fee: postage   6 indicating a rate: dosage; mileage [from Old French, from Late Latin -āticum, noun suffix, neuter of -āticus, adjectival suffix, from -ātus -ATE^1 + -icus -IC]

agee or ajee (əˈdʒiː) Scot and English dialect   adj   1 awry, crooked, or ajar   ▷ adv   2 awry; at an angle [C19: A-2 + GEE^1]

Agee (ˈeIdʒiː)   n   James. 1909–55, US novelist, poet, and film critic. His works include the autobiographical novel A Death in the Family (1957)

agelast (ˈædʒIˌlæst)   n   formal a person who never laughs

■ agelastic (eIdʒəˈlæstIk)   adj   never laughing; mirthless

Agen (French aʒɑ̃)   n   a market town in SW France, on the Garonne river. Pop: 30 170 (1999)

agenda (əˈdʒɛndə)   n   1 Also called: agendum (functioning as singular) a schedule or list of items to be attended to   2 Also called: agendas, agendums (functioning as plural) matters to be attended to, as at a meeting of a committee [C17: Latin, literally: things to be done, from agere to do]

■ agendaless (əˈdʒɛndəlIs)   adj   1 without an agenda; unplanned; purposeless   2 without a hidden agenda; guileless

agender (eIˈdʒɛndə)   adj   of or relating to a person who does not identify with any gender

agene (ˈeIdʒiːn)   n   a chemical (nitrogen trichloride) formerly used to bleach flour

■ agenize or agenise (ˈeIdʒiːˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to whiten (flour) using agene

agenesis (eIˈdʒɛnIsIs) or agenesia (ˌeIdʒəˈniːzIə)   n   1 (of an animal or plant) imperfect development   2 impotence or sterility   > agenetic (ˌeIdʒəˈnɛtIk) adj

agent (ˈeIdʒənt)   n   1 a person who acts on behalf of another person, group, business, government, etc; representative   2 a person or thing that acts or has the power to act   3 a phenomenon, substance, or organism that exerts some force or effect: a chemical agent   4 the means by which something occurs or is achieved; instrument: wind is an agent of plant pollination   5 a person representing a business concern, esp a travelling salesman   6 Brit short for estate agent   7 short for secret agent [C15: from Latin agent-, noun use of the present participle of agere to do]   > agential (eIˈdʒɛnʃəl) adj

■ agency (ˈeIdʒənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a business or other organization providing a specific service: an employment agency   2 the place where an agent conducts business   3 the business, duties, or functions of an agent   4 action, power, or operation: the agency of fate   5 intercession or mediation   6 one of the administrative organizations of a government [C17: from Medieval Latin agentia, from Latin agere to do]

■ agent-general   n, pl agents-general   a representative in London of a Canadian province or an Australian state

■ agent of production   n   another name for factor of production

■ Agent Orange   n   a highly poisonous herbicide used as a spray for defoliation and crop destruction, esp by US forces during the Vietnam War [C20: named after the identifying colour stripe on its container]

■ agentry (ˈeIdʒəntrI)   n   the duty or activity of an agent

agentive (ˈeIdʒəntIv), agential (eIˈdʒɛnʃəl) or agentival (ˈeIdʒənˌtaIvəl) grammar   adj   1 (in some inflected languages) denoting a case of nouns, etc, indicating the agent described by the verb   2 (of a speech element) indicating agency: '-er' in 'worker' is an agentive suffix   ▷ n   3    a the agentive case   b a word or element in the agentive case

agent provocateur French (aʒɑ̃ prɔvɔkatœr)   n, pl agents provocateurs (aʒɑ̃ prɔvɔkatœr)   a secret agent employed to provoke suspected persons to commit illegal acts and so be discredited or liable to punishment

ageratum (ˌædʒəˈreItəm)   n   any tropical American plant of the genus Ageratum, such as A. houstonianum and A. conyzoides, which have thick clusters of purplish-blue flowers [C16: New Latin, via Latin from Greek agēraton that which does not age, from A-1 + gērat-, stem of gēras old age; the flowers of the plant remain vivid for a long time]

ageusia (eIˈɡjuːsIə)   n   pathol lack of the sense of taste [C20: from A-1 + Greek geusis taste]

Aggadah (əɡəˈda)   n, pl Aggadoth (-ˈdɔːt, -ˈdəʊt) Judaism   1    a a homiletic passage of the Talmud   b collectively, the homiletic part of traditional Jewish literature, as contrasted with Halacha, consisting of elaborations on the biblical narratives or tales from the lives of the ancient Rabbis   2 any traditional homiletic interpretation of scripture   ▶ Also called: Aggada, Aggadatah (əˈɡadəta), Haggadah [from Hebrew]

■ aggadic (əˈɡædIk)   adj   relating to an Aggadah

agger (ˈædʒə)   n   an earthwork or mound forming a rampart, esp in a Roman military camp [C14: from Latin agger a heap, from ad- to + gerere to carry, bring]

aggers (ˈæɡəz)   adj   Austral slang aggressive

aggie (ˈæɡI)   n   1 US slang an agricultural student   2 informal a kind of playing marble

aggiornamento Italian (addʒornaˈmɛnto)   n, pl -ti (-ti)   RC Church the process of bringing up to date methods, ideas, etc

agglomerate   vb (əˈɡlɒməˌreIt)   1 to form or be formed into a mass or cluster; collect   ▷ n (əˈɡlɒmərIt, -ˌreIt)   2 a confused mass   3 a rock consisting of angular fragments of volcanic lava. Compare conglomerate (sense 2)   ▷ adj (əˈɡlɒmərIt, -ˌreIt)   4 formed into a mass [C17: from Latin agglomerāre, from glomerāre to wind into a ball, from glomus ball, mass]   > agˌglomerˈation n   > agˈglomerative adj

agglutinate   vb (əˈɡluːtIˌneIt)   1 to adhere or cause to adhere, as with glue   2 linguistics to combine or be combined by agglutination   3 (tr) to cause (bacteria, red blood cells, etc) to clump together   ▷ adj (əˈɡluːtInIt, -ˌneIt)   4 united or stuck, as by glue [C16: from Latin agglūtināre to glue to, from gluten glue]   > agˌglutinaˈbility n   > agˈglutinable adj   > agˈglutinant adj

■ agglutination (əˌɡluːtIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of agglutinating   2 the condition of being agglutinated; adhesion   3 a united mass or group of parts   4 chem the formation of clumps of particles in a suspension   5 biochem proteinaceous particles, such as blood cells and bacteria, that form clumps in antibody–antigen reactions   6 immunol the formation of a mass of particles, such as erythrocytes, by the action of antibodies   7 linguistics the building up of words from component morphemes in such a way that these undergo little or no change of form or meaning in the process of combination

■ agglutinative (əˈɡluːtInətIv)   adj   1 tending to join or capable of joining   2 Also: agglomerative linguistics denoting languages, such as Hungarian, whose morphology is characterized by agglutination. Compare analytic (sense 3), synthetic (sense 3), polysynthetic

agglutinin (əˈɡluːtInIn)   n   a substance, such as an antibody or a lectin, that causes agglutination of cells or bacteria [C19: AGGLUTINATE + -IN]

agglutinogen (ˌæɡlʊˈtInədʒən)   n   an antigen that reacts with or stimulates the formation of a specific agglutinin [C20: from AGGLUTINATE + -GEN]

aggrace (əˈɡreIs)   vb (tr)   archaic to grace, or add grace to

aggrade (əˈɡreId)   vb   (tr) to build up the level of (any land surface) by the deposition of sediment. Compare degrade (sense 4)   > aggradation (ˌæɡrəˈdeIʃən) n

aggrandize or aggrandise (ˈæɡrənˌdaIz, əˈɡrænˌdaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to increase the power, wealth, prestige, scope, etc, of   2 to cause (something) to seem greater; magnify; exaggerate [C17: from Old French aggrandiss-, long stem of aggrandir to make bigger, from Latin grandis GRAND; the ending -ize is due to the influence of verbs ending in -ise, -ize]   > aggrandizement or aggrandisement (əˈɡrændIzmənt) n   > ˈaggranˌdizer or ˈaggranˌdiser n

aggrate (əˈɡreIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to gratify, or please

aggravate (ˈæɡrəˌveIt)   vb (tr)   1 to make (a disease, situation, problem, etc) worse or more severe   2 informal to annoy; exasperate, esp by deliberate and persistent goading [C16: from Latin aggravāre to make heavier, from gravis heavy]   > ˈaggraˌvating adj   > ˈaggravatingly adv   > ˌaggraˈvation n

■ aggravated (ˈæɡrəˌveItId)   adj   law (of a criminal offence) made more serious by its circumstances

■ aggravated trespass   n   law an offence in which a trespasser in the open air attempts to interfere with a lawful activity, such as hunting

aggregate   adj (ˈæɡrIɡIt, -ˌɡeIt)   1 formed of separate units collected into a whole; collective; corporate   2 (of fruits and flowers) composed of a dense cluster of carpels or florets   ▷ n (ˈæɡrIɡIt, -ˌɡeIt)   3 a sum or assemblage of many separate units; sum total   4 geology a rock, such as granite, consisting of a mixture of minerals   5 the sand and stone mixed with cement and water to make concrete   6 a group of closely related biotypes produced by apomixis, such as brambles, which are the Rubus fruticosus aggregate   7 in the aggregate taken as a whole   ▷ vb (ˈæɡrIˌɡeIt)   8 to combine or be combined into a body, etc   9 (tr) to amount to (a number) [C16: from Latin aggregāre to add to a flock or herd, attach (oneself) to, from grex flock]   > ˈaggregately adv   > aggregative (ˈæɡrIˌɡeItIv) adj   > ˈaggreˌgatively adv

■ aggregateness (ˈæɡrIɡətnəs)   n   the state of being aggregate

■ aggregation (ˌæɡrIˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of aggregating   2 ecology dispersion in which the individuals of a species are closer together than if they were randomly dispersed

■ aggregational (ˌæɡrIˈɡeIʃənəl)   adj   resulting from aggregation

■ aggregator (ˈæɡrIˌɡeItə)   n   1 a business organization that collates the details of an individual's financial affairs so that the information can be presented on a single website   2 a firm that brings together a large group of consumers on whose behalf it negotiates reduced rates for good or services, esp in the energy sector   3 a web application that draws together syndicated content from various online sources and displays it in a single location for the user’s convenience

aggress (əˈɡrɛs)   vb   (intr) to attack first or begin a quarrel [C16: from Medieval Latin aggressāre to attack, from Latin aggredī to attack, approach]

aggression (əˈɡrɛʃən)   n   1 an attack or harmful action, esp an unprovoked attack by one country against another   2 any offensive activity, practice, etc: an aggression against personal liberty   3 psychol a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour [C17: from Latin aggression-, from aggrēdi to attack]   > aggressor (əˈɡrɛsə) n

■ aggressive (əˈɡrɛsIv)   adj   1 quarrelsome or belligerent: an aggressive remark   2 assertive; vigorous: an aggressive business executive   > agˈgressively adv   > agˈgressiveness n

■ aggressive accountancy   n   euphemistic the falsification of a company's accounts to give an unduly favourable impression of its financial position

■ aggressivity (ˌæɡrɛˈsIvItI)   n   the state or quality of being aggressive

aggri or aggry (ˈæɡrI)   adj   denoting a type of African bead

aggrieve (əˈɡriːv)   vb (tr)   1 (often impersonal or passive) to grieve; distress; afflict: it aggrieved her much that she could not go   2 to injure unjustly, esp by infringing a person's legal rights [C14: agreven, via Old French from Latin aggravāre to AGGRAVATE]

■ aggrieved (əˈɡriːvd)   adj   feeling resentment at having been treated unjustly   > aggrievedly (əˈɡriːvIdlI) adv

■ aggrievement (əˈɡriːvmənt)   n   the state of being aggrieved

aggro (ˈæɡrəʊ)   n   1 Brit, Austral and NZ slang aggressive behaviour, esp by youths in a gang   ▷ adj   2 Austral and NZ aggressive [C20: from AGGRAVATION]

agha (ˈɑːɡə)   n   a variant spelling of aga

aghast (əˈɡɑːst)   adj   (postpositive) overcome with amazement or horror [C13: agast, from Old English gæstan to frighten. The spelling with gh is on the model of GHASTLY]

agila (ˈæɡIˌlɑː)   n   eaglewood

agile (ˈædʒaIl)   adj   1 quick in movement; nimble   2 mentally quick or acute [C15: from Latin agilis, from agere to do, act]   > ˈagilely adv   > agility (əˈdʒIlItI) n

■ agileness (ˈædʒaIlnəs)   n   the quality of being agile

agin (əˈɡIn)   prep   an informal, facetious, or dialect word for against [C19: from obsolete again AGAINST]

■ aginner (əˈɡInə)   n   someone who is against something

Agincourt (ˈædʒInˌkɔːt; French aʒɛ̃kur)   n   a battle fought in 1415 near the village of Azincourt, N France: a decisive victory for English longbowmen under Henry V over French forces vastly superior in number

agio (ˈædʒIəʊ)   n, pl -ios   1    a the difference between the nominal and actual values of a currency   b the charge payable for conversion of the less valuable currency   2 a percentage payable for the exchange of one currency into another   3 an allowance granted to compensate for differences in currency values, as on foreign bills of exchange   4 an informal word for agiotage [C17: from Italian, literally: ease]

■ agiotage (ˈædʒətIdʒ)   n   1 the business of exchanging currencies   2 speculative dealing in stock exchange securities or foreign exchange [C19: French, from AGIO]

agist (əˈdʒIst)   vb (tr) law   1 to care for and feed (cattle or horses) for payment   2 to assess and charge (land or its owner) with a public burden, such as a tax [C14: from Old French agister, from gister to lodge, ultimately from Latin jacēre to lie down]

■ agister or agistor (əˈdʒIstə)   n   a person who grazes cattle for money

■ agistment (əˈdʒIstmənt)   n   1 the act of agisting   2 the fee charged for agisting

agita (ˈædʒItə)   n   1 acid indigestion   2 anxiety

agitate (ˈædʒIˌteIt)   vb   1 (tr) to excite, disturb, or trouble (a person, the mind, or feelings); worry   2 (tr) to cause to move vigorously; shake, stir, or disturb   3 (intr; often foll by for or against) to attempt to stir up public opinion for or against something   4 (tr) to discuss or debate in order to draw attention to or gain support for (a cause, etc): to agitate a political cause [C16: from Latin agitātus, from agitāre to move to and fro, set into motion, from agere to act, do]   > ˈagiˌtated adj   > ˈagiˌtatedly adv

■ agitable (ˈædʒItəbəl)   adj   easily agitated or moved

■ agitated depression   n   severe depression accompanied by extreme anxiety and agitation. Also called (formerly): agitated melancholia

■ agitation (ˌædʒIˈteIʃən)   n   1 a state of excitement, disturbance, or worry   2 the act of moving something vigorously; the shaking or stirring of something   3 the act of attempting to stir up public opinion for or against something   > ˌagiˈtational adj

■ agitative (ˈædʒItətIv)   adj   tending to stir or agitate

■ agitato (ˌædʒIˈtɑːtəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in an agitated manner

■ agitator (ˈædʒIˌteItə)   n   1 a person who agitates for or against a cause, etc   2 a device, machine, or part used for mixing, shaking, or vibrating a material, usually a fluid

agitpop (ˈædʒItˌpɒp)   n   the use of pop music to promote political propaganda

agitprop (ˈædʒItˌprɒp)   n   1 (often capital) (formerly) a bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, in charge of agitation and propaganda on behalf of Communism   2    a any promotion, as in the arts, of political propaganda, esp of a Communist nature   b (as modifier): agitprop theatre [C20: short for Russian Agitpropbyuro, from agit(atsiya) agitation + prop(aganda) propaganda]

Aglaia (əˈɡlaIə)   n   Greek myth one of the three Graces [Greek: splendour, from aglaos splendid]

aglare (əˈɡlɛə)   adj   glaring

agleam (əˈɡliːm)   adj   (postpositive) glowing; gleaming

aglet (ˈæɡlIt) or aiglet   n   1 a metal sheath or tag at the end of a shoelace, ribbon, etc   2 a variant spelling of aiguillette   3 any ornamental pendant [C15: from Old French aiguillette a small needle]

agley (əˈɡleI, əˈɡlaI, əˈɡliː) or aglee (əˈɡliː)   adv, adj   Scot awry; askew [from gley squint]

aglimmer (əˈɡlImə)   adj   (postpositive) glimmering

aglitter (əˈɡlItə)   adj   (postpositive) sparkling; glittering

aglossia (əˈɡlɒsIə)   n   pathol congenital absence of the tongue [C19: from A-1 + GLOSSA + -IA]   > aˈglossal adj   > aˈglossate adj

aglow (əˈɡləʊ)   adj   (postpositive) glowing

aglu or agloo (ˈæɡluː)   n   Canadian a breathing hole made in ice by a seal [C19: from Inuktitut]

aglycon (eIˈɡlaIkɒn) or aglycone (eIˈɡlaIkəʊn)   n   a chemical compound formed from a glycoside when a hydrogen atom replaces a glycosyl group

AGM   abbreviation for   annual general meeting

agma (ˈæɡmə)   n   phonetics the symbol (ŋ), used to represent a velar nasal consonant, as in long (lɒŋ) or tank (tæŋk)

agminate (ˈæɡmInIt, -ˌneIt)   adj   gathered or clustered together [C19: from Latin agmen a moving throng]

AGN   abbreviation for   active galactic nucleus. See active galaxy

agnail (ˈæɡˌneIl)   n   another name for hangnail

agname (ˈæɡˌneIm)   n   a name that is used in addition to a first name and surname

■ agnamed (ˈæɡneImd)   adj   having an agname

agnate (ˈæɡneIt)   adj   1 related by descent from a common male ancestor   2 related in any way; cognate   ▷ n   3 a male or female descendant by male links from a common male ancestor [C16: from Latin agnātus born in addition, added by birth, from agnāsci, from ad- in addition + gnāsci to be born]   > agnatic (æɡˈnætIk) or agnatical (æɡˈnætIkəl) adj   > agˈnation n

■ agnatically (æɡˈnætIkəlI)   adv   from an agnatic point of view

agnathan (æɡˈneIθən)   n   1 any jawless eel-like aquatic vertebrate of the superclass Agnatha, which includes the lampreys and hagfishes   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the superclass Agnatha. See also cyclostome [C19: from New Latin agnatha, from A-1 + Greek gnathos jaw]

■ agnathous (æɡˈneIθəs)   adj   zoology (esp of lampreys and hagfishes) lacking jaws

Agnes (ˈæɡnIs)   n   Saint. ?292–?304 AD, Christian child martyr under Diocletian. Feast day: Jan 21

Agnesi (Italian aːnˈjezi)   n   Maria Gaetana. 1718–99, Italian mathematician and philosopher, noted for her work on differential calculus. See witch of Agnesi

Agnew (ˈæɡnjuː)   n   Spiro (ˈspIərəʊ) Theodore. 1918–96, US Republican politician; vice president (1969–73)

Agni (ˈʌɡnI)   n   Hinduism the god of fire, one of the three chief deities of the Vedas [Sanskrit: fire]

agnize or agnise (ˈæɡnaIz)   vb (tr)   to acknowledge

agnoiology (ˌæɡnɔIˈɒlədʒI)   n   philosophy the theory of ignorance [C19: from Greek a- without + gnōsis knowledge]

agnomen (æɡˈnəʊmɛn)   n, pl -nomina (-ˈnɒmInə)   1 the fourth name or second cognomen occasionally acquired by an ancient Roman. See also cognomen, nomen, praenomen   2 another word for nickname [C18: from Late Latin, from ad- in addition to + nōmen name]   > agnominal (æɡˈnɒmInəl) adj

Agnon (ˈæɡnɒn)   n   Shmuel Yosef, real name Samuel Josef Czaczkes. 1888–1970, Israeli novelist, born in Austria-Hungary. His works, which treat contemporary Jewish themes, include The Day Before Yesterday (1945). Nobel prize for literature 1966

agnosia (æɡˈnəʊzIə)   n   psychol loss or diminution of the power to recognize familiar objects or people, usually as a result of brain damage [C20: New Latin, from Greek agnōsia, from a- without + gnōsis knowledge]   > agˈnosic adj

agnostic (æɡˈnɒstIk)   n   1 a person who holds that knowledge of a Supreme Being, ultimate cause, etc, is impossible. Compare atheist, theist   2 a person who claims, with respect to any particular question, that the answer cannot be known with certainty   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to agnostics   4 (of technology) designed to be compatible with any appliance or operating system [C19: coined 1869 by T. H. Huxley from A-1 + GNOSTIC]   > agˈnosticism n

-agnostic   adj combining form   computing not restricted to using one type of hardware or software

Agnus Dei (ˈæɡnʊs ˈdeII)   n Christianity   1 the figure of a lamb bearing a cross or banner, emblematic of Christ   2 a chant beginning with these words or a translation of them, forming part of the Roman Catholic Mass or sung as an anthem in the Anglican liturgy   3 a wax medallion stamped with a lamb as emblem of Christ and blessed by the pope [Latin: Lamb of God]

ago (əˈɡəʊ)   adv   in the past: five years ago; long ago [C14 ago, from Old English āgān to pass away]

USAGE

The use of ago with since (it's ten years ago since he wrote the novel) is redundant and should be avoided: it is ten years since he wrote the novel

agog (əˈɡɒɡ)   adj   (postpositive) highly impatient, eager, or curious [C15: perhaps from Old French en gogues in merriments, origin unknown]

agoge (əˈɡəʊdʒiː)   n   the rigorous Spartan educational training system

à gogo (ə ˈɡəʊˌɡəʊ)   adj, adv   informal as much as one likes; galore: amusement arcades and fish-and-chip shops à gogo [C20: from French]

-agogue or esp US -agog   n combining form   1 indicating a person or thing that leads or incites to action: pedagogue; demagogue   2 denoting a substance that stimulates the secretion of something: galactagogue [via Late Latin from Greek agōgos leading, from agein to lead]   > -agogic adj combining form   > -agogy n combining form

agoing (əˈɡəʊIŋ)   adj   in motion

agon (ˈæɡəʊn, -ɡɒn)   n, pl agones (əˈɡəʊniːz)   (in ancient Greece) a festival at which competitors contended for prizes. Among the best known were the Olympic, Pythian, Nemean, and Isthmian Games [C17: Greek: contest, from agein to lead]

■ agonist (ˈæɡənIst)   n   1 any muscle that is opposed in action by another muscle. Compare antagonist (sense 2)   2 a competitor, as in an agon [C17: from Greek agōn AGON]

■ agonistes (ˌæɡəˈnIstiːz)   n   a person enduring an inner struggle

agone (əˈɡɒn)   adv   an archaic word for ago

agonic (əˈɡɒnIk, eIˈɡɒnIk)   adj   forming no angle [C19: from Greek agōnos, from A-1 + gōnia angle]

■ agonic line   n   an imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of zero magnetic declination

agonistic (ˌæɡəˈnIstIk) or agonistical (ˌæɡəˈnIstIkəl)   adj   1 striving for effect; strained   2 eager to win in discussion or argument; competitive [C17: via Late Latin from Greek agōnistikos, from agōn contest]

■ agonistically (ˌæɡəˈnIstIkəlI)   adv   in an agonistic manner

agonize or agonise (ˈæɡəˌnaIz)   vb   1 to suffer or cause to suffer agony   2 (intr) to make a desperate effort; struggle; strive [C16: via Medieval Latin from Greek agōnizesthai to contend for a prize, from agōn AGON]   > ˈagoˌnizingly or ˈagoˌnisingly adv

■ agonized or agonised (ˈæɡənaIzd)   adj   1 showing that acute mental or physical pain is felt: I looked at my wife and saw the same agonized expression of horror and pain.   2 feeling acute physical pain: his agonized body bathed in an icy malarial sweat

■ agonizedly or agonisedly (ˈæɡəˌnaIzIdlI)   adv   in an agonized way

■ agonizing or agonising (ˈæɡənaIzIŋ)   adj   1 causing acute mental pain   2 causing acute physical pain

agonothetes (əˌɡəʊnəˈθiːtiːz)   n   Greek history a person who presided over the ancient Olympic Games

agony (ˈæɡənI)   n, pl -nies   1 acute physical or mental pain; anguish   2 the suffering or struggle preceding death   3 pile on the agony, put on the agony or turn on the agony Brit informal to exaggerate one's distress for sympathy or greater effect   4 (modifier) relating to or advising on personal problems about which people have written to the media: agony column; agony writer [C14: via Late Latin from Greek agōnia struggle, from agōn contest]

■ agonal (ˈæɡənəl)   adj   relating to agony, esp before death

■ agony aunt or masculine agony uncle   n   (sometimes capital) a person who writes the replies to readers' letters in an agony column. Gender-netural form: advice columnist

■ agony column   n   1 a magazine or newspaper feature in which advice is offered to readers who have sent in letters about their personal problems   2 a part of a newspaper containing advertisements for lost relatives, personal messages, etc

agood (əˈɡʊd)   adv   in a serious or earnest manner

agora^1 (ˈæɡərə)   n, pl -rae (-riː, -raI)   (often capital)   a the marketplace in Athens, used for popular meetings, or any similar place of assembly in ancient Greece   b the meeting itself [from Greek, from agorein to gather]

agora^2 (ˌæɡəˈrɑː)   n, pl -rot or -roth (-ˈrɒt)   an Israeli monetary unit worth one hundredth of a shekel [Hebrew, from āgōr to collect]

agoraphobia (ˌæɡərəˈfəʊbIə)   n   a pathological fear of being in public places, often resulting in reluctance to leave one's own home   > ˌagoraˈphobic adj, n

■ agoraphobe (ˈæɡərəˌfəʊb)   n   a person suffering from agoraphobia

Agostini (Italian aɡosˈtiːni)   n   Giacomo (ˈdʒaːkomo). born 1942, Italian racing motorcyclist: world champion (500 cc. class) 1966–72, 1975; (350 cc. class) 1968–74

Agostino di Duccio (Italian aɡoˈstiːno dI ˈduttʃo)   n   1415–81, Italian sculptor, noted for his carved marble panels in the interior of the Tempio Malatestiano at Rimini

agouta (əˈɡuːtə)   n   a Haitian rodent, Solenodon paradoxus. Also called: solenodon

agouti, agouty or aguti (əˈɡuːtI)   n, pl -tis or -ties   1 any hystricomorph rodent of the genus Dasyprocta, of Central and South America and the Caribbean: family Dasyproctidae. Agoutis are agile and long-legged, with hooflike claws, and are valued for their meat   2 a pattern of fur in certain rodents, characterized by irregular stripes [C18: via French and Spanish from Guarani]

AGR   abbreviation for   advanced gas-cooled reactor

agr. or agric.   abbreviation for   1 agricultural   2 agriculture

Agra (ˈɑːɡrə)   n   a city in N India, in W Uttar Pradesh on the Jumna River: a capital of the Mogul empire until 1658; famous for its Mogul architecture, esp the Taj Mahal. Pop: 1 259 979 (2001)

agraffe or sometimes US agrafe (əˈɡræf)   n   1 a fastening consisting of a loop and hook, formerly used in armour and clothing   2 a metal cramp used to connect stones [C18: from French, from grafe a hook]

Agram (ˈaːɡram)   n   the German name for Zagreb

agrammatical (ˌeIɡrəˈmætIkəl)   adj   linguistics not obeying the rules of grammar

agranulocyte (əˈɡrænjʊləˌsaIt)   n   a white blood cell without granules in its cytoplasm [C20: New Latin; see A-1, GRANULE, -CYTE ]

■ agranulocytosis (əˌɡrænjʊləʊsaIˈtəʊsIs)   n   a serious and sometimes fatal illness characterized by a marked reduction of leucocytes, usually caused by hypersensitivity to certain drugs

agranulosis (əˈɡrænjʊˌləʊsIs)   n   another name for agranulocytosis

agrapha (ˈæɡrəfə)   pl n, sing -phon (-fɒn)   Christianity sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels [Greek: things not written, from A-1 + graphein to write]

agraphia (əˈɡræfIə)   n   loss of the ability to write, resulting from a brain lesion [C19: New Latin, from A-1 + Greek graphein to write]

■ agraphic (əˈɡræfIk)   adj   having or relating to agraphia

agrarian (əˈɡrɛərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to land or its cultivation or to systems of dividing landed property   2 of or relating to rural or agricultural matters   ▷ n   3 a person who favours the redistribution of landed property [C16: from Latin agrārius, from ager field, land]   > aˈgrarianism n

agravic (eIˈɡrævIk)   adj   relating to zero gravity

agree (əˈɡriː)   vb agrees, agreeing, agreed (mainly intr)   1 (often foll by with) to be of the same opinion; concur   2 (also tr; when intr, often foll by to; when tr, takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to give assent; consent: she agreed to go home; I'll agree to that   3 (also tr; when intr, foll by on or about; when tr, may take a clause as object) to come to terms (about); arrive at a settlement (on): they agreed a price; they agreed on the main points   4 (foll by with) to be similar or consistent; harmonize; correspond   5 (foll by with) to be agreeable or suitable (to one's health, temperament, etc)   6 (tr; takes a clause as object) to concede or grant; admit: they agreed that the price they were asking was too high   7 (tr) to make consistent with: to agree the balance sheet with the records by making adjustments, writing off, etc   8 grammar to undergo agreement [C14: from Old French agreer, from the phrase a gre at will or pleasure]

■ agreeability (əˌɡriːəˈbIlItI)   n   an agreeable disposition

■ agreeable (əˈɡrIəbəl)   adj   1 pleasing; pleasant   2 prepared to consent   3 (foll by to or with) in keeping; consistent: salaries agreeable with current trends   4 (foll by to) to one's liking: he said the terms were not agreeable to him   > aˈgreeableness n   > aˈgreeably adv

■ agreed (əˈɡriːd)   adj   1 determined by common consent: the agreed price   ▷ interj   2 an expression of agreement or consent

■ agreement (əˈɡriːmənt)   n   1 the act of agreeing   2 a settlement, esp one that is legally enforceable; covenant; treaty   3 a contract or document containing such a settlement   4 the state of being of the same opinion; concord; harmony   5 the state of being similar or consistent; correspondence; conformity   6 Also called: concord grammar the determination of the inflectional form of one word by some grammatical feature, such as number or gender, of another word, esp one in the same sentence   7 See collective agreement, national agreement [C14: from Old French]

agrégation French (aɡreɡɑsjɔ̃)   n   (in France) a civil service examination for some posts in secondary and higher education

agrégé French (aɡreʒe)   n   a successful candidate following the agrégation examination for some secondary and higher education posts in France

agrémens (aˈɡreImɑ̃; French aɡremɑ̃)   pl n   1 an agreement, esp in terms of a government's official agreement to accept an ambassador from another country   2 music musical embellishments such as trills, arpeggios, etc [C18: from French]

agrément (aˈɡreImɑ̃; French aɡremɑ̃)   n     a formal approval for a construction project to proceed   b (as modifier): an agrément certificate [C20: French, literally: agreement]

agrestal (əˈɡrɛstəl)   adj   (of uncultivated plants such as weeds) growing on cultivated land

agrestial (əˈɡrɛstIəl)   adj   inhabiting a rural area

agrestic (əˈɡrɛstIk)   adj   1 rural; rustic   2 unpolished; uncouth [C17: from Latin agrestis, from ager field]

agria (ˈæɡrIə)   n   med a significant eruption of pustules

agribusiness (ˈæɡrIˌbIznIs)   n   the various businesses collectively that process, distribute, and support farm products [C20: from AGRI(CULTURE) + BUSINESS]

■ agribusinessman (ˌæɡrIˈbIznIsmæn)   n, pl -men   a person who engages in agribusiness

agrichemical (ˈæɡrIˌkɛmIkəl)   n   1 a chemical used in agriculture   ▷ adj   2 of both an agricultural and chemical nature

Agricola (əˈɡrIkələ)   n   Gnaeus Julius (ˈniːəs ˈdʒuːlIəs) 40–93 AD, Roman general; governor of Britain who advanced Roman rule north to the Firth of Forth

agriculture (ˈæɡrIˌkʌltʃə)   n   the science or occupation of cultivating land and rearing crops and livestock; farming; husbandry. Related adjective: geoponic [C17: from Latin agricultūra, from ager field, land + cultūra CULTURE]   > ˌagriˈcultural adj   > ˌagriˈculturally adv   > ˌagriˈculturist or ˌagriˈculturalist n

■ agricultural run-off   n   the portion of rainfall that runs over agricultural land and then into streams as surface water rather than being absorbed into ground water or evaporating

agri-environmental or agro-environmental   adj   of or relating to the impact of agricultural practices on the environment

agrifoodstuffs (ˈæɡrIˈfuːdstʌfs)   pl n   the foods produced by agriculture

Agrigento (Italian aɡriˈdʒɛnto)   n   a town in Italy, in SW Sicily: site of six Greek temples. Pop: 54 619 (2001). Former name (until 1927): Girgenti (ɡɜːˈɡɛntI)

agrimony (ˈæɡrImənI)   n   1 any of various N temperate rosaceous plants of the genus Agrimonia, which have compound leaves, long spikes of small yellow flowers, and bristly burlike fruits   2 any of several other plants, such as hemp agrimony [C15: altered from egrimonie (C14), via Old French from Latin agrimōnia, variant of argemōnia from Greek argemōnē poppy]

agrin^1 (əˈɡrIn)   adv   in a grinning manner

agrin^2 (əˈɡrIn)   n   biology a proteoglycan particularly known for its role in the development of the neuromuscular junction, when it is secreted by motor neuron axons

agriology (ˈæɡrIˌɒlədʒI)   n   the study of primitive peoples

Agrippa (əˈɡrIpə)   n   Marcus Vipsanius (ˈmɑːkəs vIpˈseInIəs). 63–12 BC, Roman general: chief adviser and later son-in-law of Augustus

Agrippina (ˌæɡrIˈpiːnə)   n   1  called the Elder. c. 14 BC–33 AD, Roman matron: granddaughter of Augustus, wife of Germanicus, mother of Caligula and Agrippina the Younger   2  called the Younger. 15–59 AD, mother of Nero, who put her to death after he became emperor

agriproduct (ˈæɡrIˌprɒdʌkt)   n   a product that is a result of agribusiness

agritourism (ˈæɡrIˌtʊərIzəm) or agrotourism (ˈæɡrəʊˌtʊərIzəm)   n   tourism in which customers stay in accommodation on working farms and may have the opportunity to help with farm work [C20: from AGRI(CULTURE) + TOURISM]   > ˈagriˌtourist n

agrize or agrise (əˈɡraIz)   vb obsolete   1 (tr) to fear or shudder at (something frightful)   2 (intr) to be full of fear, esp with physical symptoms such as shuddering

agro-   combining form   denoting fields, soil, or agriculture: agronomy [from Greek agros field]

agrobiology (ˌæɡrəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the science of plant growth and nutrition in relation to agriculture   > agrobiological (ˌæɡrəʊˌbaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌagrobiˈologist n

agrobusiness (ˈæɡrəʊˌbIznIs)   n   a variant form of agribusiness

agrochemical (ˌæɡrəʊˈkɛmIkəl)   n   a chemical, such as a pesticide, used for agricultural purposes

agrodolce (ˌæɡrəʊˈdɒltʃI)   n   an Italian sweet-and-sour sauce, made with onions, garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, and raisins [C21: from Italian]

agro-environmental   adj   a variant spelling of agri-environmental

agroforestry (ˌæɡrəʊˈfɒrIstrI)   n   a method of farming integrating herbaceous and tree crops

■ agroforester (ˌæɡrəʊˈfɒrIstə)   n   a person who carries out agroforestry

agroindustry (ˈæɡrəʊˌIndəstrI)   n, pl -tries   an activity combining agriculture and industry

■ agroindustrial (ˌæɡrəʊInˈdʌstrIəl)   adj   of or relating to agroindustry

agrology (əˈɡrɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of soils and their potential productivity   > agrological (ˌæɡrəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or agrologic (ˌæɡrəˈlɒdʒIk) adj

■ agrologist (əˈɡrɒləˌdʒIst)   n   a person who specializes in agrology

agronomy (əˈɡrɒnəmI)   n   the science of cultivation of land, soil management, and crop production   > aˈgronomist n

■ agronomial (ˌæɡrəˈnəʊmIəl)   adj   of or relating to agronomy

■ agronomics (ˌæɡrəˈnɒmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of economics dealing with the distribution, management, and productivity of land   > ˌagroˈnomic or ˌagroˈnomical adj   > ˌagroˈnomically adv

agrostemma (ˌæɡrəʊˈstɛmə)   n   1 See corncockle   2 See silene [New Latin, from Greek agros a field + stemma a garland]

agrostology (ˌæɡrəˈstɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of botany concerned with the study of grasses [C19: from Greek agrōstis a type of grass + -LOGY]

■ agrostological (ˌæɡrəstəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or agrostologic (ˌæɡrəstəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   of or relating to agrostology

■ agrostologist (ˌæɡrəˈstɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who specializes in agrostology

agroterrorism (ˌæɡrəʊˈtɛrərIzəm)   n   the use of biological agents as weapons against agricultural and food-supply industries [C20: from AGRO- + TERRORISM]

agrotourism (ˈæɡrəʊˌtʊərIzəm)   n   a variant spelling of agritourism   > ˈagroˌtourist n

aground (əˈɡraʊnd)   adv, adj   (postpositive) on or onto the ground or bottom, as in shallow water

agrypnia (əˈɡrIpnIə)   n   1 the inability to sleep   2 theol an intentional lack of sleep, carried out as a vigil before certain religious feasts

■ agrypnotic (ˌæɡrIpˈnɒtIk)   adj   1 obsolete inducing, relating to, or characterized by insomnia   ▷ n   2 obsolete a drug or agent that induces insomnia [C20: from Greek agrupnos wakeful, from agrein to pursue + hupnos sleep]

agryze (əˈɡraIz)   vb   a variant spelling of agrize

agt   abbreviation for   1 agent   2 agreement

agterskot (ˈaxtəˌskɒt)   n   South African the final payment to a farmer for crops. Compare voorskot [C20: Afrikaans agter after + skot shot, payment]

aguacate (ˌɑːɡwəˈkɑːteI)   n   an avocado

aguardiente Spanish (aɣwarˈðjente)   n   any inferior brandy or similar spirit, esp from Spain, Portugal, or South America [C19: literally: burning water]

Aguascalientes (Spanish aɣwaskaˈljentes)   n   1 a state in central Mexico. Pop: 943 506 (2000). Area: 5471 sq km (2112 sq miles)   2 a city in central Mexico, capital of Aguascalientes state, about 1900 m (6200 ft) above sea level, with hot springs. Pop: 830 000 (2005 est)

ague (ˈeIɡjuː)   n   1 a fever with successive stages of fever and chills esp when caused by malaria   2 a fit of shivering [C14: from Old French (fievre) ague acute fever; see ACUTE]   > ˈaguish adj   > ˈaguishly adv

■ agued (ˈeIɡjuːd)   adj   of or relating to suffering from fever

■ aguelike (ˈeIɡjuːlaIk)   adj   as if suffering from fever

agueweed (ˈeIɡjuːˌwiːd)   n   1 a North American gentianaceous plant, Gentiana quinquefolia, that has clusters of pale blue-violet or white flowers   2 another name for boneset

aguize or aguise obsolete (əˈɡaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to dress (the body)   ▷ n   2 dress; clothing

Agulhas (əˈɡʌləs)   n   Cape Agulhas a headland in South Africa, the southernmost point of the African continent

aguna or agunah (æˈɡuːnə)   n, pl -not or -noth (-ˈnɒt)   (in Jewish law) a woman whose husband will not grant her a divorce

Agung (aˈɡuːŋ)   n   Mount Agung an active volcano in Bali, sacred to Balinese Hindus. Height: 3031m (9 944 ft)

aguti (əˈɡuːtI)   n   a variant spelling of agouti

ah (ɑː)   interj   an exclamation expressing pleasure, pain, sympathy, etc, according to the intonation of the speaker

AH   abbreviation for (indicating years in the Muslim system of dating, numbered from the Hegira (622 AD))   anno Hegirae [Latin]

aha (ɑːˈhɑː)   interj   an exclamation expressing triumph, surprise, etc, according to the intonation of the speaker

■ aha moment   n   an instant at which the solution to a problem becomes clear

Ahab (ˈeIhæb)   n   Old Testament the king of Israel from approximately 869 to 850 BC and husband of Jezebel: rebuked by Elijah (I Kings 16:29–22:40)

Ahasuerus (əˌhæzjuːˈIərəs)   n   Old Testament a king of ancient Persia and husband of Esther, generally identified with Xerxes

ahchoo (ɑːˈtʃuː)   interj   a variant spelling of achoo

ahead (əˈhɛd)   adj   1 (postpositive) in front; in advance   ▷ adv   2 at or in the front; in advance; before   3 onwards; forwards: go straight ahead   4 ahead of   a in front of; at a further advanced position than   b before; at an earlier time than   c stock exchange in anticipation of: the share price rose ahead of the annual figures   5 be ahead informal to have an advantage; be winning: to be ahead on points   6 get ahead to advance or attain success

aheap (əˈhiːp)   adv   in a heap

aheight (əˈhaIt)   adv   at a significant height

ahem (əˈhɛm)   interj   a clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc

ahemeral (æˈhɛmərəl, eI-)   adj   not constituting a full 24-hour day [C20: from Greek a- not + hēmera a day]

ahent (əˈhɛnt)   adv   behind

Ahern (əˈhɜːn)   n   Bertie. born 1951, Irish politician; leader of the Fianna Fáil party (1994–2008); prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1997–2008)

ahi (ˈɑːhiː)   n   another name for yellowfin tuna [Hawaiian]

ahigh (əˈhaI)   adv   at a significant height

ahimsa (ɑːˈhImsɑː)   n   (in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist philosophy) the law of reverence for, and nonviolence to, every form of life [Sanskrit, from A-1 + himsā injury]

ahind (əˈhaInd) or ahint (əˈhInt) dialect   adv   1 behind   ▷ prep   2 behind

ahistorical (ˌeIhIsˈtɒrIkəl) or ahistoric (ˌeIhIˈstɒrIk)   adj   not related to history; not historical

Ahithophel (əˈhIθəˌfɛl) or Achitophel   n Old Testament   a member of David's council, who became one of Absalom's advisers in his rebellion and hanged himself when his advice was overruled (II Samuel 15:12–17:23)

Ahmadinejad (æhmæhdInəˈdʒæd)   n   Mahmoud (mæhˈmuːd). born 1956, Iranian politician; president of Iran (2005–13)

Ahmadiyyah or Ahmadiyah (ˌaməˈdiːjə)   n   1 a messianic Islamic sect founded in Qadian, India, in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad; it split into two branches in 1914   2 any of various Sufi sects

Ahmedabad or Ahmadabad (ˈɑːmədəˌbɑːd)   n   a city in W India, in Gujarat: famous for its mosque. Pop: 3 515 361 (2001)

Ahmednagar or Ahmadnagar (ˌɑːmədˈnʌɡə)   n   a city in W India, in Maharashtra: formerly one of the kingdoms of Deccan. Pop: 307 455 (2001)

ahold (əˈhəʊld)   adv US informal   1 to get ahold of to manage to find, contact, or obtain someone or something   2 to get ahold of, to grab ahold of or to take ahold of to take hold of something firmly   3 to get ahold of oneself to force oneself to become calm and sensible after a shock or in a difficult situation

A horizon   n   the top layer of a soil profile, usually dark-coloured and containing humus and from which soluble salts may have been leached. See B horizon, C horizon

ahorse (əˈhɔːs)   adv   on horseback

■ ahorseback (əˈhɔːsbæk)   adv   on horseback

ahoy (əˈhɔI)   interj   nautical a hail used to call a ship or to attract attention

AHQ   abbreviation for   Army Headquarters

Ahriman (ˈɑːrImən)   n   Zoroastrianism the supreme evil spirit and diabolical opponent of Ormazd

ahull (əˈhʌl)   adv   nautical with sails furled

ahungry (əˈhʌŋɡrI) or ahungered (əˈhʌŋɡəd)   adj   hungry

Ahura Mazda (əˈhʊərə ˈmæzdə)   n   Zoroastrianism another name for Ormazd

ahuru (ˈɑːˌhuːruː)   n, pl ahuru   a small pink cod, Auchenoceros punctatus, of SW Pacific waters. Also called: ahuruhuru [Māori]

Ahvenanmaa (ˈɑhvɛnɑmmɑː)   n   the Finnish name for the Åland Islands

Ahwaz (ɑːˈwɑːz) or Ahvaz (ɑːˈvɑːz)   n   a town in SW Iran, on the Karun River. Pop: 967 000 (2005 est)

ai^1 (ˈɑːI)   n, pl ais   the three-toed sloth. See sloth (sense 1) [C17: from Portuguese, from Tupi]

ai^2   the internet domain name for   Anguilla

AI   abbreviation for   1 artificial insemination   2 artificial intelligence

AIA   abbreviation for   Associate of the Institute of Actuaries

AICC   abbreviation for   All India Congress Committee: the national assembly of the Indian National Congress

aichmophobia (ˌeIkməˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of pointed objects, esp needles, pins, etc

aid (eId)   vb   1 to give support to (someone to do something); help or assist   2 (tr) to assist financially   ▷ n   3 assistance; help; support   4 a person, device, etc, that helps or assists: a teaching aid   5 Also: artificial aid mountaineering any of various devices such as piton or nut when used as a direct help in the ascent   6 (in medieval Europe; in England after 1066) a feudal payment made to the king or any lord by his vassals, usually on certain occasions such as the marriage of a daughter or the knighting of an eldest son   7 in aid of Brit informal in support of; for the purpose of [C15: via Old French aidier from Latin adjūtāre to help, from juvāre to help]   > ˈaider n

■ aidance (ˈeIdəns)   n   help

■ aidant (ˈeIdənt)   adj   1 helpful   ▷ n   2 a helper

■ aid climbing   n   mountaineering climbing that employs mechanical devices (aids) to accomplish difficult manoeuvres (artificial moves). Also called: peg climbing, pegging, artificial climbing

■ aidful (ˈeIdfʊl)   adj   helpful; assisting

■ aidless (ˈeIdlIs)   adj literary   1 without help; unassisted   2 giving no help; useless

■ aidman (ˈeIdmæn)   n, pl -men   an army medical assistant attached to a field unit

Aid or -aid   n combining form   denoting a charitable organization or function that raises money for a cause: Band Aid; Ferryaid

AID   abbreviation for   1 acute infectious disease   2 artificial insemination (by) donor: former name for Donor Insemination (DI)

aida (ˈeIdə)   n   a cotton fabric with a natural mesh

Aidan (ˈeIdən)   n   Saint. died 651 AD, Irish missionary in Northumbria, who founded the monastery at Lindisfarne (635). Feast day: Aug 31

aide (eId)   n   1 an assistant   2 social welfare an unqualified assistant to a professional welfare worker   3 short for aide-de-camp

■ aide-de-camp or aid-de-camp (ˈeId də ˈkɒŋ)   n, pl aides-de-camp or aids-de-camp   a military officer serving as personal assistant to a senior. Abbreviation: ADC [C17: from French: camp assistant]

■ aide-mémoire French (ɛdmemwar; English ˈeId mɛmˈwɑː)   n, pl aides-mémoire (ɛdmemwar; English ˈeIdz mɛmˈwɑː) or aide-mémoires (ɛdmemwar; English ˈeId mɛmˈwɑːz)   1 a note serving as a reminder   2 a summarized diplomatic communication [from aider to help + mémoire memory]

Aidin (ˈaIdIn)   n   a variant spelling of Aydin

aidos (ˈaIdɒs)   n   (in ancient Greece) shame

AIDS or Aids (eIdz)   n acronym for   acquired immune (or immuno-)deficiency syndrome: a condition, caused by a virus, in which certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) are destroyed, resulting in loss of the body's ability to protect itself against disease. AIDS is transmitted by sexual intercourse, through infected blood and blood products, and through the placenta

■ AIDS-related complex   n   See ARC

aiery (ˈaIərI)   n   a variant spelling of eyrie

AIF   abbreviation for   (formerly) Australian Imperial Force

aiga (ˌɑːˈIɡˌə)   n   a variant of ainga

aight (raIt)   sentence substitute, adv   an informal or dialect word for all right

aiglet (ˈeIɡlIt)   n   a variant of aglet

aigrette or aigret (ˈeIɡrɛt, eIˈɡrɛt)   n   1 a long plume worn on hats or as a headdress, esp one of long egret feathers   2 an ornament or piece of jewellery in imitation of a plume of feathers [C19: French]

aiguille (eIˈɡwiːl, ˈeIɡwiːl)   n   1 a rock mass or mountain peak shaped like a needle   2 an instrument for boring holes in rocks or masonry [C19: French, literally: needle]

aiguillette (ˌeIɡwIˈlɛt)   n   1 an ornamentation worn by certain military officers, consisting of cords with metal tips   2 a variant of aglet [C19: French; see AGLET]

AIH   abbreviation for   artificial insemination (by) husband

Aiken (ˈeIkən)   n   1  Conrad (Potter). 1889–1973, US poet, short-story writer, and critic. His works include Collected Poems (1953) and the novel Blue Voyage (1927)   2  Howard Hathaway. 1900–73, US mathematician; pioneered the construction of electronic computers

aikido (ˈaIkIdəʊ)   n   a Japanese system of self-defence employing similar principles to judo, but including blows from the hands and feet [from Japanese, from ai to join, receive + ki spirit, force + do way]

aikona (ˈaIkɔːnə)   interj   South African an informal word expressing strong negation [from Nguni]

ail (eIl)   vb   1 (tr) to trouble; afflict   2 (intr) to feel unwell [Old English eglan to trouble, from egle troublesome, painful, related to Gothic agls shameful]

■ ailing (ˈeIlIŋ)   adj   unwell or unsuccessful

■ ailment (ˈeIlmənt)   n   a slight but often persistent illness

ailanthus (eIˈlænθəs)   n, pl -thuses   an E Asian simaroubaceous deciduous tree, Ailanthus altissima, planted in Europe and North America, having pinnate leaves, small greenish flowers, and winged fruits. Also called: tree of heaven [C19: New Latin, from native name (in Amboina) ai lanto tree (of) the gods]

■ ailanthic (eIˈlænθIk)   adj   botany of or relating to the ailanthus tree

ailanto (eIˈlæntəʊ)   n   another name for ailanthus

aileron (ˈeIlərɒn)   n   a flap hinged to the trailing edge of an aircraft wing to provide lateral control, as in a bank or roll [C20: from French, diminutive of aile wing]

ailette (eIˈlɛt)   n   a shoulder component of a knight's armour, normally made of leather or parchment and displaying the bearer's coat of arms

ailurophile (aIˈlʊərəˌfaIl) or ailourophile (aIˈluːrəˌfaIl)   n   a person who likes cats [C20: facetious coinage from Greek ailuros cat + -PHILE]   > ailurophilia (aIˌlʊərəˈfIlIə) n

■ ailurophilic (aIˌlʊərəˈfIlIk) or ailourophilic (aIˌluːrəˈfIlIk)   adj   relating to ailurophilia

ailurophobe (aIˈlʊərəˌfəʊb) or ailourophobe (aIˈluːrəˌfəʊb)   n   a person who dislikes or is afraid of cats [C20: from Greek ailuros cat + -PHOBE]

■ ailurophobia (aIˌlʊərəˈfəʊbIə) or ailourophobia (aIˌluːrəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an abnormal fear of cats

■ ailurophobic (aIˌlʊərəˈfəʊbIk) or ailourophobic (aIˌluːrəˈfəʊbIk)   adj   relating to ailurophobia

aim (eIm)   vb   1 to point (a weapon, missile, etc) or direct (a blow) at a particular person or object; level   2 (tr) to direct (satire, criticism, etc) at a person, object, etc   3 (intr; foll by at or an infinitive) to propose or intend: we aim to leave early   4 (intr; often foll by at or for) to direct one's efforts or strive (towards): to aim at better communications; to aim high   ▷ n   5 the action of directing something at an object   6 the direction in which something is pointed; line of sighting (esp in the phrase to take aim)   7 the object at which something is aimed; target   8 intention; purpose [C14: via Old French aesmer from Latin aestimāre to ESTIMATE]

■ aimer (ˈeImə)   n   a person who aims

■ aimful (ˈeImfʊl)   adj   possessing purpose or aim

■ aimfully (ˈeImfʊlI)   adv   in an aimful manner

■ aimless (ˈeImlIs)   adj   having no goal, purpose, or direction   > ˈaimlessly adv   > ˈaimlessness n

AIM   abbreviation for   (in Britain) Alternative Investment Market

ain^1 (eIn)   determiner   a Scot word for own

ain^2 (ˈɑːjIn)   n   a variant of ayin

Ain (French ɛ̃)   n   1 a department in E central France, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Bourg-en-Bresse. Pop: 539 006 (2003 est). Area: 5785 sq km (2256 sq miles)   2 a river in E France, rising in the Jura Mountains and flowing south to the Rhône. Length: 190 km (118 miles)

aîné or feminine aînée French (ˈɛneI)   adj   the eldest or most senior

ainga (ˌɑːˈIŋˌə)   n   (in Samoa) a large family, often spanning several generations. Also called: aiga [Samoan]

ainsell (ˈeInsɛl)   n   Scot dialect one's own self

Ainsley (ˈeInzlI)   n   Sir Ben, full name Charles Benedict Ainsley. born 1977, English competitive sailor: won gold medals for Britain at four consecutive Olympics (2000–2012)

ain't (eInt) not standard   contraction of   am not, is not, are not, have not, or has not: I ain't seen it

Aintab (aInˈtɑːb)   n   the former name (until 1921) of Gaziantep

A into G NZ slang   abbreviation for   arse into gear (esp in the phrase get your A into G)

Aintree (ˈeIntrI)   n   a suburb of Liverpool, in Merseyside: site of the racecourse over which the Grand National steeplechase has been run since 1839

Ainu (ˈaInuː)   n   1 (pl -nus, -nu) a member of an aboriginal people of Japan, now mostly integrated with the rest of the population   2 the language of this people, still spoken in parts of Hokkaido [Ainu: man]

aïoli (aIˈəʊlI, eI-)   n   garlic mayonnaise [from French ail garlic]

air (ɛə)   n   1 the mixture of gases that forms the earth's atmosphere. At sea level dry air has a density of 1.226 kilograms per cubic metre and consists of 78.08 per cent nitrogen, 20.95 per cent oxygen, 0.93 per cent argon, 0.03 per cent carbon dioxide, with smaller quantities of ozone and inert gases; water vapour varies between 0 and 4 per cent and in industrial areas sulphur gases may be present as pollutants   2 the space above and around the earth; sky. Related adjective: aerial   3 breeze; slight wind   4 public expression; utterance: to give air to one's complaints   5 a distinctive quality: an air of mystery   6 a person's distinctive appearance, manner, or bearing   7 music   a a simple tune for either vocal or instrumental performance   b another word for aria   8 transportation in aircraft (esp in the phrase by air)   9 an archaic word for breath (sense 1), breath (sense 2), breath (sense 3)   10 Austral informal the height gained when getting airborne in surfing, snowboarding, etc   11 clear the air to rid a situation of tension or discord by settling misunderstandings, etc   12 give someone the air slang to reject or dismiss someone   13 in the air   a in circulation; current   b in the process of being decided; unsettled   14 into thin air leaving no trace behind   15 off the air not in the act of broadcasting or being broadcast on radio or television   16 on the air in the act of broadcasting or being broadcast on radio or television   17 out of thin air or from thin air suddenly and unexpectedly   18 take the air to go out of doors, as for a short walk or ride   19 up in the air   a uncertain   b informal agitated or excited   20 walk on air to feel elated or exhilarated   21 (modifier) astrology of or relating to a group of three signs of the zodiac, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Compare earth (sense 10), fire (sense 24), water (sense 12)   ▷ vb   22 to expose or be exposed to the air so as to cool or freshen; ventilate: to air a room   23 to expose or be exposed to warm or heated air so as to dry: to air linen   24 (tr) to make known publicly; display; publicize: to air one's opinions   25 (intr) (of a television or radio programme) to be broadcast [C13: via Old French and Latin from Greek aēr the lower atmosphere]

■ air alert   n military   1 the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation   2 a signal to prepare for this

■ air bag or airbag (ˈɛəbæɡ)   n   1 a safety device in a car, consisting of a bag that inflates automatically in an accident and prevents the passengers from being thrown forwards   2 one of a number of large inflatable bags comprising part of a spacecraft's landing system, enabling the craft to come to rest through a series of bounces

■ airball (ˈɛəˌbɔːl)   n   basketball a missed shot that fails to touch the rim of the basket

■ air base or airbase (ˈɛəˌbeIs)   n   a centre from which military aircraft operate. Also called: air station

■ air bed   n   an inflatable mattress

■ air bladder   n   1 Also called: swim bladder ichthyol an air-filled sac, lying above the alimentary canal in bony fishes, that regulates buoyancy at different depths by a variation in the pressure of the air   2 any air-filled sac, such as one of the bladders of seaweeds

■ airboard (ˈɛəˌbɔːd)   n   an inflatable board resembling a bodyboard that is used in the sport of airboarding

■ airboarding (ˈɛəˌbɔːdIŋ)   n   a snow sport in which participants slide down slopes headfirst lying flat on an inflatable board

■ airboat (ˈɛəˌbəʊt)   n   another name for swamp boat

■ airborne (ˈɛəˌbɔːn)   adj   1 conveyed by or through the air   2 (of aircraft) flying; in the air

■ airbound (ˈɛəˌbaʊnd)   adj   supported by air

■ air brake   n   1 a brake operated by compressed air, esp in heavy vehicles and trains   2 Also called: dive brake an articulated flap or small parachute for reducing the speed of an aircraft   3 a rotary fan or propeller connected to a shaft to reduce its speed

■ airbrick (ˈɛəˌbrIk)   n   chiefly Brit a brick with holes in it, put into the wall of a building for ventilation

■ air bridge   n   Brit a link by air transport between two places, esp two places separated by a stretch of sea

■ airbrush (ˈɛəˌbrʌʃ)   n   1 an atomizer for spraying paint or varnish by means of compressed air   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to paint or varnish (something) by using an airbrush   3 to improve the image of (a person or thing) by concealing defects beneath a bland exterior: an airbrushed version of the government's record

■ airbrush out   vb (tr, adverb)   to remove evidence of (someone or something from photographs, books, or history)

■ airburst (ˈɛəˌbɜːst)   n   the explosion of a bomb, shell, etc, in the air

■ Airbus (ˈɛəˌbʌs)   n   trademark a commercial aircraft manufactured and marketed by an international consortium of aerospace companies

■ aircheck (ˈɛəˌtʃɛk)   n   US a recording made from a radio or television broadcast, often used for demonstration or quality control purposes

■ air chief marshal   n   a senior officer of the Royal Air Force and certain other air forces, of equivalent rank to admiral in the Royal Navy. Abbreviation: ACM

■ air cleaner   n   a filter that prevents dust and other particles from entering the air-intake of an internal-combustion engine. Also called: air filter

■ aircoach (ˈɛəˌkəʊtʃ)   n   a bus that transports passengers to and from an airport

■ Air Command   n   Canadian the Canadian air force

■ air commodore   n   a senior officer of the Royal Air Force and certain other air forces, of equivalent rank to brigadier in the Army

■ air-con (ˈɛəˌkɒn)   n   informal air conditioning

■ air-condition   vb   (tr) to apply air conditioning to

■ air-conditioned   adj   fitted with air-conditioning

■ air conditioning   n   a system or process for controlling the temperature and sometimes the humidity and purity of the air in a house, etc   > air conditioner n

■ air-cool   vb   (tr) to cool (an engine) by a flow of air. Compare water-cool

■ air-cooled   adj   mechanical engineering cooled by a flow of air

■ air corridor   n   an air route along which aircraft are allowed to fly

■ air cover   n     a the use of aircraft to provide aerial protection for ground forces against enemy air attack   b the aircraft used in this. Also called: air support

■ aircraft (ˈɛəˌkrɑːft)   n, pl -craft   any machine capable of flying by means of buoyancy or aerodynamic forces, such as a glider, helicopter, or aeroplane

■ aircraft carrier   n   a warship built with an extensive flat deck space for the launch and recovery of aircraft

■ aircraft cloth or aircraft fabric   n   variants of aeroplane cloth

■ aircraft hangar   n   a large workshop or building for storing and maintaining aircraft

■ aircraftman (ˈɛəˌkrɑːftmən) or feminine aircraftwoman   n, pl -men or -women   a serviceman or servicewoman of the most junior rank in the RAF. Also (not in official use): aircraftsman, aircraftswoman

■ aircrew (ˈɛəˌkruː)   n   (sometimes functioning as plural) the crew of an aircraft

■ air curtain   n   an air stream across a doorway to exclude draughts, etc

■ air cushion   n   1 an inflatable cushion, usually made of rubber or plastic   2 the pocket of air that supports a hovercraft   3 a form of pneumatic suspension consisting of a constricted volume of air. See also air spring

■ air cylinder   n   a cylinder containing air, esp one fitted with a piston and used for damping purposes

■ air dam   n   any device, such as a spoiler, that reduces air resistance and increases the stability of a car, aircraft, etc

■ airdate (ˈɛəˌdeIt)   n   the scheduled date for the broadcast of a television or radio programme

■ airdrawn (ˈɛəˌdrɔːn)   adj   having its outline traced in air

■ airdrome (ˈɛəˌdrəʊm)   n   the US name for aerodrome

■ airdrop (ˈɛəˌdrɒp)   n   1 a delivery of supplies, troops, etc, from an aircraft by parachute   ▷ vb -drops, -dropping, -dropped   2 (tr) to deliver (supplies, etc) by an airdrop

■ air-dry   vb -dries, -drying, -dried   (tr) to dry by exposure to the air

■ air embolism or aeroembolism   n   the presence in the tissues and blood of a gas, such as air or nitrogen bubbles, caused by an injection of air or, in the case of nitrogen, by an abrupt and substantial reduction in the ambient pressure. See decompression sickness

■ air engine   n   1 an engine that uses the expansion of heated air to drive a piston   2 a small engine that uses compressed air to drive a piston

■ air-entrained concrete   n   a low-density type of concrete throughout which small air bubbles are dispersed in order to increase its frost resistance: used for making roads. With 1 per cent of air, the loss of strength is approximately 5 per cent

■ airer (ˈɛərə)   n   a metal or wooden frame on which clothes are hung to dry

■ airfare (ˈɛəˌfɛə)   n   the price of an airline ticket to a particular place

■ airfield (ˈɛəˌfiːld)   n   a landing and taking-off area for aircraft, usually with permanent buildings

■ air filter   n   another name for air cleaner

■ airflow (ˈɛəˌfləʊ)   n   the flow of air in a wind tunnel or past a moving aircraft, car, train, etc; airstream

■ airfoil (ˈɛəˌfɔIl)   n   US and Canadian a cross section of an aileron, wing, tailplane, or rotor blade. Also called: aerofoil

■ air force   n   1    a the branch of a nation's armed services primarily responsible for air warfare   b (as modifier): an air-force base   2 a formation in the US and certain other air forces larger than an air division but smaller than an air command

■ airframe (ˈɛəˌfreIm)   n   the body of an aircraft, excluding its engines

■ air freight   n   1 freight transported by aircraft   ▷ vb air-freight   2 (tr) to send (goods) to their destination by aircraft

■ air frost   n   the deposition of ice condensed from water vapour in the atmosphere on the surface when the air temperature is below 0°C

■ airgap (ˈɛəˌɡæp)   n   a gap or space which contains air or allows air flow

■ air gas   n   another name for producer gas

■ airglow (ˈɛəˌɡləʊ)   n   the faint light from the upper atmosphere in the night sky, esp in low latitudes

■ airgraph (ˈɛəˌɡrɑːf)   n obsolete   1 a system devised in the Second World War in which letters were photographed in miniature and sent by airmail   2 a letter sent by the airgraph system

■ air guitar   n   an imaginary guitar played while miming to rock music

■ airgun (ˈɛəˌɡʌn)   n   a gun discharged by means of compressed air

■ air hardening   n   a process of hardening high-alloy steels by heating and cooling in a current of air. Compare oil hardening

■ airhead^1 (ˈɛəˌhɛd)   n   military an area secured in hostile territory, used as a base for the supply and evacuation of troops and equipment by air [C20: modelled on BEACHHEAD]

■ airhead^2 (ˈɛəˌhɛd)   n   slang person lacking intelligence or sense [C20]

■ air hole or airhole (ˈɛəˌhəʊl)   n   1 a hole that allows the passage of air, esp for ventilation   2 a section of open water in a frozen surface   3 a less common name for air pocket (sense 1)

■ air hostess   n   old-fashioned a woman employed to attend to passengers on an aircraft. Gender-neutral form: flight attendant

■ airily (ˈɛərIlI)   adv   1 in a jaunty or high-spirited manner   2 in a light or delicate manner

■ airiness (ˈɛərInIs)   n   1 the quality or condition of being fresh, light, or breezy   2 lightness of heart; gaiety

■ airing (ˈɛərIŋ)   n   1    a exposure to air or warmth, as for drying or ventilation   b (as modifier): airing cupboard   2 an excursion in the open air   3 exposure to public debate

■ air-intake   n   1    a an opening in an aircraft through which air is drawn, esp for the engines   b the amount of air drawn in   2 the part of a carburettor or similar device through which air enters an internal-combustion engine   3 any opening, etc, through which air enters, esp for combustion or cooling purposes

■ air jacket   n   1 an air-filled envelope or compartment surrounding a machine or part to reduce the rate at which heat is transferred to or from it. Compare water jacket   2 a less common name for life jacket

■ air kiss   n   1 a kissing gesture, esp one directed towards a person's cheek, made without making physical contact   ▷ vb air-kiss   2 to make such a gesture towards a person

■ airless (ˈɛəlIs)   adj   1 lacking fresh air; stuffy or sultry   2 devoid of air   > ˈairlessness n

■ air letter   n   another name for aerogram (sense 1)

■ airlift (ˈɛəˌlIft)   n   1 the transportation by air of passengers, troops, cargo, etc, esp when other routes are blocked   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to transport by an airlift

■ air-lift pump   n   a pump that pumps liquid by injecting air into the lower end of an open pipe immersed in the liquid: often used in boreholes

■ airlike (ˈɛəlaIk)   adj   resembling air

■ airline (ˈɛəˌlaIn)   n   1    a a system or organization that provides scheduled flights for passengers or cargo   b (as modifier): an airline pilot   2 a hose or tube carrying air under pressure   3 chiefly US a beeline

■ airliner (ˈɛəˌlaInə)   n   a large passenger aircraft

■ airlock (ˈɛəˌlɒk)   n   1 a bubble in a pipe causing an obstruction or stoppage to the flow   2 an airtight chamber with regulated air pressure used to gain access to a space that has air under pressure

■ airmail (ˈɛəˌmeIl)   n   1 the system of conveying mail by aircraft   2 mail conveyed by aircraft   ▷ adj   3 of, used for, or concerned with airmail   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to send by airmail

■ airman (ˈɛəmən) or feminine airwoman   n, pl -men or -women   an aviator, esp a person who serves in a country's air force

■ airmanship (ˈɛəmənʃIp)   n   the skill or art of flying an aircraft

■ air marshal   n   1 a senior Royal Air Force officer of equivalent rank to a vice admiral in the Royal Navy   2 a Royal Australian Air Force officer of the highest rank   3 a Royal New Zealand Air Force officer of the highest rank when chief of defence forces   4 a person employed to travel as an armed guard on commercial flights to protect against hijacking

■ air mass   n   a large body of air having characteristics of temperature, moisture, and pressure that are approximately uniform horizontally

■ air mile   n   another name for nautical mile (sense 1)

■ Air Miles   pl n   points awarded by certain companies to purchasers of flight tickets and some other products that may be used to pay for other flights

■ air-minded   adj   interested in or promoting aviation or aircraft   > ˈair-ˌmindedness n

■ air miss   n   a situation in which two aircraft pass very close to one another in the air; near miss

■ airmobile (ˈɛəməbiːl)   adj   military, US capable of being moved by air, esp by helicopter

■ Air Officer   n   a term used to denote the appointment of any officer in the Royal Air Force above the rank of Air Commodore to a position of command

■ airpark (ˈɛəˌpɑːk)   n   a small airport often near a business or residential area

■ airplane (ˈɛəˌpleIn)   n   US and Canadian a heavier-than-air powered flying vehicle with fixed wings. Also called: aeroplane

■ air plant   n   an epiphyte, esp an orchid of the large Old World tropical genus Aerides, grown for its white scented flowers spotted with red, purple, or rose, or a bromeliad, esp of the genus Tillandsia

■ airplay (ˈɛəˌpleI)   n   (of recorded music) radio exposure

■ air pocket   n   1 a localized region of low air density or a descending air current, causing an aircraft to suffer an abrupt decrease in height   2 any pocket of air that prevents the flow of a liquid or gas, as in a pipe

■ airport (ˈɛəˌpɔːt)   n   a landing and taking-off area for civil aircraft, usually with surfaced runways and aircraft maintenance and passenger facilities

■ airpost (ˈɛəˌpəʊst)   n   the system of delivering mail by air; airmail

■ airpower (ˈɛəˌpaʊə)   n   the strength of a nation's air force

■ airproof (ˈɛəpruːf)   adj   1 impervious to air   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to make (something) impervious to air

■ airprox (ˈɛəˌprɒks)   n   a near collision between two or more aircraft

■ air pump   n   a device for pumping air in or out of something

■ air rage   n   aggressive behaviour by an airline passenger that endangers the safety of the crew or other passengers

■ air raid   n     a an attack by hostile aircraft   b (as modifier): an air-raid shelter

■ air-raid warden   n   a member of a civil defence organization responsible for enforcing regulations, etc, during an air attack

■ air rifle   n   a rifle discharged by compressed air

■ airs (ɛəz)   pl n   affected manners intended to impress others (esp in the phrases give oneself airs, put on airs)

■ air sac   n   1 any of the membranous air-filled extensions of the lungs of birds, which increase the efficiency of gaseous exchange in the lungs   2 any of the thin-walled extensions of the tracheae of insects having a similar function

■ airscape (ˈɛəskeIp)   n   a view of the land or sea below from the air

■ air scoop   n   a device fitted to the surface of an aircraft to provide air pressure or ventilation from the airflow

■ Air Scout   n   a scout belonging to a scout troop that specializes in flying, gliding, etc. See Scout

■ airscrew (ˈɛəˌskruː)   n   Brit an aircraft propeller

■ air-sea rescue   n   an air rescue at sea

■ air shaft or airshaft (ˈɛəˌʃɑːft)   n   a shaft for ventilation, esp in a mine or tunnel

■ airshed (ˈɛəʃɛd)   n   another name for aircraft hangar

■ airship (ˈɛəˌʃIp)   n   a lighter-than-air self-propelled craft. Also called: dirigible, zeppelin

■ air shot or airshot   n   golf a shot that misses the ball completely but counts as a stroke

■ airshow (ˈɛəˌʃəʊ)   n   an occasion when an air base is open to the public and a flying display and, usually, static exhibitions are held   ▶ Also called: air display

■ airsick (ˈɛəˌsIk)   adj   sick or nauseated from travelling in an aircraft   > ˈairˌsickness n

■ airside (ˈɛəˌsaId)   n   the part of an airport nearest the aircraft, the boundary of which is the security check, customs, passport control, etc. Compare landside (sense 1)

■ air sock   n   another name for windsock

■ airspace (ˈɛəˌspeIs)   n   the atmosphere above the earth or part of the earth, esp the atmosphere above a country deemed to be under its jurisdiction

■ airspeed (ˈɛəˌspiːd)   n   the speed of an aircraft relative to the air in which it moves. Compare groundspeed

■ air spray   n   another name for aerosol (sense 3)

■ air spring   n   mechanical engineering an enclosed pocket of air used to absorb shock or sudden fluctuations of load

■ air station   n   an airfield, usually smaller than an airport but having facilities for the maintenance of aircraft

■ airstop (ˈɛəˌstɒp)   n   a landing place for helicopters

■ airstream (ˈɛəˌstriːm)   n   1 a wind, esp at a high altitude   2 a current of moving air

■ airstrike   n   a military attack involving aircraft

■ airstrip (ˈɛəˌstrIp)   n   a cleared area for the landing and taking off of aircraft; runway. Also called: landing strip

■ air terminal   n   1 Brit a building in a city from which air passengers are taken by road or rail to an airport or the terminal building of an airport   2 a building at an airport from which air passengers depart or at which they arrive

■ airtight (ˈɛəˌtaIt)   adj   1 not permitting the passage of air either in or out   2 having no weak points; rigid or unassailable: this categorization is hardly airtight

■ airtightness (ˈɛətaItnəs)   n   the quality of being airtight

■ airtime (ˈɛəˌtaIm)   n   1 the time allocated to a particular programme, item, topic, or type of material on radio or television   2 the time of the start of a radio or television broadcast

■ air-to-air   adj   operating between aircraft in flight

■ air-to-ground   adj   operating between an aircraft in flight and a target on the ground

■ air-to-sea   adj   operating between an aircraft in flight and a target on the sea

■ air-to-surface   adj   another term for air-to-ground

■ air traffic   n   1 the organized movement of aircraft within a given space   2 the passengers, cargo, or mail carried by aircraft

■ air-traffic control   n   an organization that determines the altitude, speed, and direction at which planes fly in a given area, giving instructions to pilots by radio   > air-traffic controller n

■ air turbine   n   a small turbine driven by compressed air, esp one used as a starter for engines

■ air valve   n   1 a device for controlling the flow of air in a pipe   2 a valve for exhausting air from a fluid system, esp from a central-heating installation. See also bleed valve

■ air vesicle or air cavity   n   1 a large air-filled intercellular space in some aquatic plants   2 a large intercellular space in a leaf into which a stoma opens

■ air vice-marshal   n   1 a senior Royal Air Force officer of equivalent rank to a rear admiral in the Royal Navy   2 a Royal Australian Air Force officer of the second highest rank   3 a Royal New Zealand Air Force officer of the highest rank   ▶ Abbreviation: AVM

■ air war   n   politics the part of a political campaign that is conducted over the radio and television airwaves by senior politicians. Compare ground war

■ airward (ˈɛəwʊd) or airwards (ˈɛəwʊdz)   adv   upwards; towards the air

■ airwave (ˈɛəˌweIv)   n   telecomm a channel for broadcasting radio or television signals

■ airwaves (ˈɛəˌweIvz)   pl n   informal radio waves used in radio and television broadcasting

■ airway (ˈɛəˌweI)   n   1 an air route, esp one that is fully equipped with emergency landing fields, navigational aids, etc   2 a passage for ventilation, esp in a mine   3 a passage down which air travels from the nose or mouth to the lungs   4 med a tubelike device inserted via the throat to keep open the airway of an unconscious patient

■ air waybill   n   a document made out by the consignor of goods by air freight giving details of the goods and the name of the consignee

■ airwise (ˈɛəwaIz)   adj   having skill in flying

■ airworthy (ˈɛəˌwɜːðI)   adj   (of an aircraft) safe to fly   > ˈairˌworthiness n

■ airy (ˈɛərI)   adj airier, airiest   1 abounding in fresh air   2 spacious or uncluttered   3 nonchalant; superficial   4 visionary; fanciful: airy promises; airy plans   5 of or relating to air   6 weightless and insubstantial: an airy gossamer   7 light and graceful in movement   8 having no material substance: airy spirits   9 high up in the air; lofty   10 performed in the air; aerial

AIR   abbreviation for   All India Radio

Aïr (ˈɑːIə)   n   a mountainous region of N central Niger, in the Sahara, rising to 1500 m (5000 ft): a former native kingdom. Area: about 77 700 sq km (30 000 sq miles). Also called: Azbine, Asben

Airdrie (ˈɛədrI; Scottish ˈerdrI)   n   a town in W central Scotland, in North Lanarkshire, E of Glasgow: manufacturing industries. Pop: 36 326 (2001)

Aire (ɛə)   n   a river in N England rising in the Pennines and flowing southeast to the Ouse. Length: 112 km (70 miles)

Airedale (ˈɛəˌdeIl)   n   a large rough-haired tan-coloured breed of terrier characterized by a black saddle-shaped patch covering most of the back. Also called: Airedale terrier [C19: name of a district in Yorkshire]

airt (ɛət; Scottish ert) or airth (ɛəθ; Scottish erθ)   n   Scot a direction or point of the compass, esp the direction of the wind; quarter; region [C14: from Scottish Gaelic aird point of the compass, height]

airtsy-mairtsy (ˈɛətsIˈmɛətsI)   adj   Midland English dialect affected

Airy (ˈɛərI)   n   Sir George Biddell. 1801–92, British astronomer, noted for his estimate of the earth's density from gravity measurements in mines; astronomer royal (1835–81)

airy-fairy (ˈɛərIˈfɛərI)   adj   1 informal fanciful and unrealistic: an airy-fairy scheme   2 delicate to the point of being insubstantial; light [C19: from Tennyson's poem Lillian (1830), where the central figure is described as "Airy, fairy Lillian"]

AIS   abbreviation for   Australian Institute of Sport

Aisha or Ayesha (ˈɑːiːˌʃɑː)   n   ?613–678 AD, the favourite wife of Mohammed; daughter of Abu Bekr

aisle (aIl)   n   1 a passageway separating seating areas in a theatre, church, etc; gangway   2 a lateral division in a church flanking the nave or chancel   3 rolling in the aisles informal (of an audience) overcome with laughter [C14 ele (later aile, aisle, through confusion with isle (island)), via Old French from Latin āla wing]   > aisled adj   > ˈaisleless adj

■ aisleway (ˈaIlˌweI)   n   another name for aisle

Aisne (eIn; French ɛn)   n   1 a department of NE France, in Hauts-de-France region. Capital: Laon. Pop: 535 326 (2003 est). Area: 7428 sq km (2897 sq miles)   2 a river in N France, rising in the Argonne Forest and flowing northwest and west to the River Oise: scene of a major Allied offensive in 1918 which turned the tide finally against Germany in World War I. Length: 282 km (175 miles)

ait (eIt) or eyot   n   dialect an islet, esp in a river [Old English ӯgett small island, from ieg ISLAND]

aitch (eItʃ)   n   the letter h or the sound represented by it: he drops his aitches [C16: a phonetic spelling]

aitchbone (ˈeItʃˌbəʊn)   n   1 the rump bone or floor of the pelvis in cattle   2 a cut of beef from or including the rump bone. Also called: edgebone [C15 hach-boon, altered from earlier nache-bone, nage-bone (a nache mistaken for an ache, an aitch; compare ADDER^1); nache buttock, via Old French from Late Latin natica, from Latin natis buttock]

Aitken (ˈeItkIn)   n   1  Robert Grant. 1864–1951, US astronomer who discovered over three thousand double stars   2  William Maxwell. See Beaverbrook

aitu (ˈaItuː)   n   (in Polynesian culture) a ghost or spirit

aiver (ˈeIvə)   n   Scot a working horse

Ai Weiwei (aI ˈweIweI)   n   born 1957, Chinese multimedia artist and political activist. His works include Sunflower Seeds (2010), in which the floor of Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall was covered with millions of tiny porcelain replicas of sunflower seeds

Aix-en-Provence (French ɛksɑ̃prɔvɑ̃s)   n   a city and spa in SE France: the medieval capital of Provence. Pop: 145 721 (2006). Also called: Aix

Aix-la-Chapelle (French ɛkslaʃapɛl)   n   the French name for Aachen

Aix-les-Bains (French ɛkslebɛ̃)   n   a town in E France: a resort with sulphurous springs. Pop: 25 732 (1999)

Aíyina (ˈɛjina)   n   transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Aegina

aizle (ˈeIzəl)   n   Scot a red-hot ember or hot ashes

AJA   abbreviation for (formerly)   Australian Journalists' Association

Ajaccio (əˈdʒætsIˌəʊ, -ˈdʒeI-)   n   the capital of Corsica, a port on the W coast. Pop: 64 432 (2007)

ajar^1 (əˈdʒɑː)   adj, adv (postpositive)   (esp of a door or window) slightly open [C18: altered form of obsolete on char, literally: on the turn; char, from Old English cierran to turn]

ajar^2 (əˈdʒɑː)   adj   (postpositive) not in harmony [C19: altered form of at jar at discord. See JAR^2]

Ajax (ˈeIdʒæks)   n Greek myth   1 the son of Telamon; a Greek hero of the Trojan War who killed himself in vexation when Achilles' armour was given to Odysseus   2 called Ajax the Lesser, a Locrian king, a swift-footed Greek hero of the Trojan War

AJC   abbreviation for   Australian Jockey Club

ajiva (əˈdʒiːvə)   n   (in Jainism) a thing without life or a soul

Ajmer (ʌdʒˈmIə)   n   a city in NW India, in Rajasthan: textile centre. Pop: 485 197 (2001)

ajowan (ˈædʒəʊən)   n   a spice originating in the Middle East and now grown in certain areas of Asia, used in cookery and traditionally as a digestive aid and antiemetic

ajuga (əˈdʒuːɡə)   n   a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the mint family

ajutage (ˈædʒʊtIdʒ)   n   a tube or nozzle through which water is discharged

ajwan (ˈædʒwən)   n   another name for ajowan

AK   abbreviation for   1 Alaska   2 Knight of the Order of Australia

AK-47   n   a type of Kalashnikov assault rifle [C20: from A(utomat) K(alashnikov)]

aka (ˈɑːkə)   n, pl aka   a vine, Metrosideros scandens, found in New Zealand [Māori]

a.k.a. or AKA   abbreviation for   also known as

Akademi (əˈkɑːdəmI)   n   (in India) a learned society

Akan (ˈɑːkɑːn)   n   1 (pl -kan or -kans) a member of a people of Ghana and the E Côte d'Ivoire   2 the language of this people, having two chief dialects, Fanti and Twi, and belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family

akaryote (eIˈkærIəʊt)   n   biology a cell without a nucleus [from A-1 + KARYO- + -ote as in zygote]   > aˌkaryˈotic adj

akatea (ˌɑːkəˈteIə)   n, pl akatea   a vine with white flowers, Metrosideros diffusa, found in New Zealand [Māori]

akathisia (ˌækəˈθiːzIə)   n   the inability to sit still because of uncontrollable movement caused by reaction to drugs [C20: from A- + -kithisia, ultimately from Greek cathedra seat]

Akbar (ˈækbɑː)   n   called Akbar the Great. 1542–1605, Mogul emperor of India (1556–1605), who extended the Mogul empire to include N India

akeake (ɑːkiːɑːkiː) or ake (ˈɑːkiː)   n   a small hardwood New Zealand tree, Dodonea viscosa, with silver leaves and reddish bark. Also called: ake [Māori]

akedah (əˈkaIdɑː)   n   Old Testament the Biblical story known as the Binding of Isaac, Genesis 22:1-24

Akela (ɑːˈkeIlə)   n   Brit the adult leader of a pack of Cub Scouts. US equivalent: Den Mother [C20: after a character in Kipling's The Jungle Book (1894–95), who is the leader of a wolfpack]

akene (əˈkiːn)   n   a variant spelling of achene

Akhaïa (aˈxaːja)   n   transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Achaea

akhara (əˈkɑːrɑː)   n   (in India) a gymnasium

Akhenaten or Akhenaton (ˌækəˈnɑːtən)   n   original name Amenhotep IV. died ?1358 BC, king of Egypt, of the 18th dynasty; he moved his capital from Thebes to Tell El Amarna and introduced the cult of Aten

Akhmatova (Russian axˈmatəvə)   n   Anna (ˈannə). pseudonym of Anna Gorenko. 1889–1966, Russian poet: noted for her concise and intensely personal lyrics

Akihito (ˌækIˈhiːtəʊ)   n   born 1933, Emperor of Japan from 1989

akimbo (əˈkImbəʊ)   adj, adv   arms akimbo or with arms akimbo with hands on hips and elbows projecting outwards [C15 in kenebowe, literally: in keen bow, that is, in a sharp curve]

akin (əˈkIn)   adj (postpositive)   1 related by blood; of the same kin   2 (often foll by to) having similar characteristics, properties, etc

akinesia (ˌeIkIˈniːzIə) or akinesis (eIkIˈniːsIs)   n   med the loss of the ability to move, caused by diseases of the central nervous system

■ akinetic (eIkIˈnɛtIk)   adj   1 without motion, unmoving   2 med relating to akinesia

akiraho (ˈɑːˌkiːrɑːhəʊ)   n, pl akiraho   a small New Zealand shrub, Olearia paniculata, with white flowers [Māori]

akita (əˈkiːtə)   n   a large powerfully-built dog of a Japanese breed with erect ears, a typically white coat, and a large full tail carried curled over its back [C20: named after a district in N Japan]

`Akka (ɑːˈkɑː)   n   the Arabic name for Acre

Akkad or Accad (ˈækæd)   n   1 a city on the Euphrates in N Babylonia, the centre of a major empire and civilization (2360–2180 BC). Ancient name: Agade (əˈɡɑːdI, əˈɡeIdI)   2 an ancient region lying north of Babylon, from which the Akkadian language and culture is named

■ Akkadian or Accadian (əˈkædIən, əˈkeI-)   n   1 a member of an ancient Semitic people who lived in central Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC   2 the extinct language of this people, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this people or their language

Akkerman (Russian akIrˈman)   n   the former name (until 1946) of Belgorod-Dnestrovski

`Akko (ɑːˈkəʊ)   n   the Hebrew name for Acre

Akmola or Aqmola (ækˈməʊlə; Kazakh ɑkmɔˈlɑ)   n   a former name (1994–98) of Astana

Akmolinsk (Russian akˈmɔlinsk)   n   a former name (until 1961) of Astana

akoluthos or akolouthos (ˌækəˈluːθos)   n   history the title of a commander of a regiment in the Byzantine Varangian Guard

akrasia (əˈkreIzIə)   n   philosophy weakness of will; acting in a way contrary to one's sincerely held moral values [C20: from A-2 + Greek kratos power]   > aˈkratic adj

Akron (ˈækrən)   n   a city in NE Ohio. Pop: 212 215 (2003 est)

Aksum or Axum (ˈɑːksʊm)   n   an ancient town in N Ethiopia, in the Tigre region: capital of the Aksumite Empire (1st to 6th centuries AD). According to tradition, the Ark of the Covenant was brought here from Jerusalem

Aktobe (aktøˈbe)   n   an industrial city in W Kazakhstan. Pop: 291 000 (2005 est). Kazakh name: Aqtöbe. Former name (until 1999): Aktyubinsk (Russian akˈtjubinsk)

Akubra (əˈkuːbrə)   n   trademark a brand of Australian hat

Akure (əˈkuːre)   n   a city in SW Nigeria, capital of Ondo state: agricultural trade centre. Pop: 434 000 (2005 est)

akvavit (ˈɑːkvɑːˌviːt)   n   a variant spelling of aquavit

Akwa Ibom (ˈækwə ˈiːbɒm)   n   a state of Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea. Capital: Uyo. Pop: 3 920 208 (2006). Area: 7081 sq km (2734 sq miles)

al   the internet domain name for   Albania

Al   the chemical symbol for   aluminium

AL   abbreviation for   1 Alabama   2 Anglo-Latin   3 (in the US and Canada) American League (of baseball teams)   4 Albania (international car registration)

-al^1   suffix forming adjectives   of; related to; connected with: functional; sectional; tonal [from Latin -ālis]

-al^2   suffix forming nouns   the act or process of doing what is indicated by the verb stem: rebuttal; recital; renewal [via Old French -aille, -ail, from Latin -ālia, neuter plural used as substantive, from -ālis -AL^1]

-al^3   suffix forming nouns   1 indicating an aldehyde: ethanal   2 indicating a pharmaceutical product: phenobarbital [shortened from ALDEHYDE]

ala (ˈeIlə)   n, pl alae (ˈeIliː)   1 zoology a wing or flat winglike process or structure, such as a part of some bones and cartilages   2 botany a winglike part, such as one of the wings of a sycamore seed or one of the flat petals of a sweet pea flower [C18: from Latin āla a wing]

Ala.   abbreviation for   Alabama

à la (ɑː lɑː, æ lə; French a la)   prep   1 in the manner or style of   2 as prepared in (a particular place) or by or for (a particular person) [C17: from French, short for à la mode de in the style of]

■ à la carte (ɑː lɑː ˈkɑːt, æ lə; French a la kart)   adj, adv   1 (of a menu or a section of a menu) having dishes listed separately and individually priced. Compare table d'hôte   2 (of a dish) offered on such a menu; not part of a set meal [C19: from French, literally: according to the card]

■ à la king (ɑː lɑː ˈkIŋ, æ lə)   adj   (usually postpositive) cooked in a cream sauce with mushrooms and green peppers

■ à la mode (ɑː lɑː ˈməʊd, æ lə; French a la mɔd)   adj   1 fashionable in style, design, etc   2 (of meats) braised with vegetables in wine   3 chiefly US and Canadian (of desserts) served with ice cream [C17: from French: according to the fashion]

■ a la plancha (æ lə ˈplæntʃə; Spanish a la ˈplantʃa)   adj   (usually postpositive) (in Spanish cookery) grilled on a metal plate [C20: Spanish: on the plate]

alaap (əˈlɑːp)   n   music another name for alap

Alabama (ˌæləˈbæmə)   n   1 a state of the southeastern US, on the Gulf of Mexico: consists of coastal and W lowlands crossed by the Tombigbee, Black Warrior, and Alabama Rivers, with parts of the Tennessee Valley and Cumberland Plateau in the north; noted for producing cotton and white marble. Capital: Montgomery. Pop: 4 500 752 (2003 est). Area: 131 333 sq km (50 708 sq miles). Abbreviation: Ala, (with zip code) AL   2 a river in Alabama, flowing southwest to the Mobile and Tensaw Rivers. Length: 507 km (315 miles)

■ Alabamian (ˌæləˈbæmIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Alabama or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Alabama

alabandite (ˌæləˈbændaIt) or alabandine (ˌæləˈbændaIn)   n   mineralogy a mineral form of manganese sulphide (MnS) with cubic crystals

alabaster (ˈæləˌbɑːstə, -ˌbæstə)   n   1 a fine-grained usually white, opaque, or translucent variety of gypsum used for statues, vases, etc   2 a variety of hard semitranslucent calcite, often banded like marble   ▷ adj   3 of or resembling alabaster [C14: from Old French alabastre, from Latin alabaster, from Greek alabastros]   > ˌalaˈbastrine adj

Alacant (Catalan alakant)   n   the Catalan name for Alicante

alachlor (ˈæləˌklɔː)   n   a herbicide in the chloroacetanilide family

alack (əˈlæk) or alackaday (əˈlækəˌdeI)   interj   an archaic or poetic word for alas [C15: from a ah! + lack loss, LACK]

alacrity (əˈlækrItI)   n   liveliness or briskness [C15: from Latin alacritās, from alacer lively]   > aˈlacritous adj

Ala Dağ or Ala Dagh (Turkish ɑˈlɑ dɑː)   n   1 the E part of the Taurus Mountains, in SE Turkey, rising over 3600 m (12 000 ft)   2 a mountain range in E Turkey, rising over 3300 m (11 000 ft)   3 a mountain range in NE Turkey, rising over 3000 m (10 000 ft)

Aladdin (əˈlædIn)   n   (in The Arabian Nights' Entertainments) a poor youth who obtains a magic lamp and ring, with which he summons genies who grant his wishes

■ Aladdin's cave   n   1 a place containing fabulous riches   2 a place where something is abundant: an Aladdin's cave of presents for children

Alagez or Alagöz (ɑlɑˈɡœz)   n   the Turkish name for (Mount) Aragats

Alagna (əˈlænja)   n   Roberto. born 1963, Italian opera singer, born in France; a lyric tenor

Alagoas (Portuguese alaˈɡoːaʃ)   n   a state in NE Brazil, on the Atlantic coast. Capital: Maceió. Pop: 2 887 535 (2002). Area: 30 776 sq km (11 031 sq miles)

Alai (ɑːˈlaI)   n   a mountain range in central Asia, in SW Kyrgyzstan, running from the Tian Shan range in China into Tajikistan. Average height: 4800 m (16 000 ft), rising over 5850 m (19 500 ft)

Alain-Fournier (French alɛ̃furnje)   n   real name Henri-Alban Fournier. 1886–1914, French novelist; author of Le Grand Meaulnes (1913; translated as The Lost Domain, 1959)

alalagmos (ˌæləˈlæɡmɒs)   n   a war-cry used by the ancient Greeks, said to have been invented by Pan

alalia (æˈleIlIə)   n   a complete inability to speak; mutism [A-1 + -LALIA]

alameda (ˌæləˈmeIdə)   n   chiefly Southwestern US a public walk or promenade lined with trees, often poplars

Alamein (ˈæləˌmeIn)   n   See El Alamein

Alamo (ˈæləˌməʊ)   n   the Alamo a mission in San Antonio, Texas, the site of a siege and massacre in 1836 by Mexican forces under Santa Anna of a handful of American rebels fighting for Texan independence from Mexico

alamode (ˈæləˌməʊd)   n   a soft light silk used for shawls and dresses, esp in the 19th century. See also surah [C17: from À LA MODE]

alamort (ˌæləˈmɔːt) archaic   adj   1 exhausted, half-dead   ▷ adv   2 to the death

Alanbrooke (ˈælənˌbrʊk)   n   Alan Francis Brooke, 1st Viscount. 1883–1963, British field marshal; chief of Imperial General Staff (1941–46)

aland (əˈlænd)   adj   archaic to land, on land, ashore

Åland Islands (ˈɑːlənd, ˈɔːlənd; Swedish ˈoːland)   pl n   a group of over 6000 islands under Finnish administration, in the Gulf of Bothnia. Capital: Mariehamn. Pop: 26 347 (2003 est). Finnish name: Ahvenanmaa

alang (ˈɑːlɑːŋ)   n   a type of grass grown in Malaysia and often used for thatching roofs

Alania (əˈlænIə)   n   another name for North Ossetian Republic

alanine (ˈæləˌniːn, -ˌnaIn) or alanin (ˈælənIn)   n   a nonessential aliphatic amino acid that occurs in many proteins [C19: from German Alanin, from AL(DEHYDE) + -an- (euphonic infix) + -in -INE^2]

alannah (əˈlænə)   interj   Irish my child: used as a term of address or endearment [from Irish Gaelic a leanbh]

Al-Anon (ˈæləˌnɒn)   n   an association for the families and friends of alcoholics to give mutual support

alant (ˈɑːlənt)   n   a genus of flowering plants more commonly known as Inula

alanyl (ˈæləˌnaIl)   n   the acyl radical of alanine, found in certain proteins

Alaouite or Alawite (ˈæləˌwiːt)   n   1 a member of a Shiite sect of Syrian Muslims   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this sect [via French from Arabic, from `alaoui upper, celestial, from `ala (vb) to excel, surpass]

alap (əˈlɑːp) or alapa (əˈlɑːpə)   n   a style of Indian vocal music without words

al-Aqsa (æl ˈæksə)   n   See Dome of the Rock

alar (ˈeIlə)   adj   1 relating to, resembling, or having wings or alae   2 denoting the cells at the base of a moss leaf, to the sides, that sometimes differ in structure from cells in the rest of the leaf [C19: from Latin āla a wing]

Alar (ˈeIlɑː)   n   a chemical sprayed on cultivated apple trees in certain countries, to increase fruit set. Also called: daminozide

Alarcón (Spanish alarˈkon)   n   Pedro Antonio de (ˈpeðro anˈtonjo de). 1833–91, Spanish novelist and short-story writer, noted for his humorous sketches of rural life, esp in The Three-Cornered Hat (1874)

Alaric (ˈælərIk)   n   ?370–410 AD, king of the Visigoths, who served under the Roman emperor Theodosius I but later invaded Greece and Italy, capturing Rome in 410

alarm (əˈlɑːm)   vb (tr)   1 to fill with apprehension, anxiety, or fear   2 to warn about danger; alert   3 to fit or activate a burglar alarm on a house, car, etc   ▷ n   4 fear or terror aroused by awareness of danger; fright   5 apprehension or uneasiness: the idea of failing filled him with alarm   6 a noise, signal, etc, warning of danger   7 any device that transmits such a warning: a burglar alarm   8    a the device in an alarm clock that triggers off the bell or buzzer   b short for alarm clock   9 archaic a call to arms   10 fencing a warning or challenge made by stamping the front foot [C14: from Old French alarme, from Old Italian all'arme to arms; see ARM^2]   > aˈlarming adj   > aˈlarmingly adv

■ alarmable (əˈlɑːməbəl)   adj   able or prone to be alarmed or disturbed

■ alarm clock   n   a clock with a mechanism that sounds at a set time: used esp for waking a person up

■ alarmed (əˈlɑːmd)   adj   1 feeling afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen   2 fitted with a burglar alarm

■ alarmedly (əˈlɑːmIdlI)   adv   in an alarmed manner

■ alarmist (əˈlɑːmIst)   n   1 a person who alarms or attempts to alarm others needlessly or without due grounds   2 a person who is easily alarmed   ▷ adj   3 characteristic of an alarmist   > aˈlarmism n

alarum (əˈlærəm, -ˈlɑːr-, -ˈlɛər-)   n   1 archaic an alarm, esp a call to arms   2 (used as a stage direction, esp in Elizabethan drama) a loud disturbance or conflict (esp in the phrase alarums and excursions) [C15: variant of ALARM]

alary (ˈeIlərI, ˈæ-)   adj   of, relating to, or shaped like wings [C17: from Latin ālārius, from āla wing]

alas (əˈlæs)   sentence connector   1 unfortunately; regrettably: there were, alas, none left   ▷ interj   2 an exclamation of grief, compassion, or alarm [C13: from Old French ha las! oh wretched!; las from Latin lassus weary]

Alas.   abbreviation for   Alaska

Alaska (əˈlæskə)   n   1 the largest state of the US, in the extreme northwest of North America: the aboriginal inhabitants are Inuit and Yupik; the earliest White settlements were made by the Russians; it was purchased by the US from Russia in 1867. It is mostly mountainous and volcanic, rising over 6000 m (20 000 ft), with the Yukon basin in the central region; large areas are covered by tundra; it has important mineral resources (chiefly coal, oil, and natural gas). Capital: Juneau. Pop: 648 818 (2003 est). Area: 1 530 694 sq km (591 004 sq miles). Abbreviation: Alas, (with zip code) AK   2 Gulf of Alaska the N part of the Pacific, between the Alaska Peninsula and the Alexander Archipelago

■ Alaska Highway   n   a road extending from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Fairbanks, Alaska: built by the US Army (1942). Length: 2452 km (1523 miles). Originally called: Alcan Highway

■ Alaskan (əˈlæskən)   adj   1 of or relating to Alaska or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Alaska

■ Alaska Peninsula   n   an extension of the mainland of SW Alaska between the Pacific and the Bering Sea, ending in the Aleutian Islands. Length: about 644 km (400 miles)

■ Alaska Range   n   a mountain range in S central Alaska. Highest peak: Denali, 6190 m (20 308 ft)

alastor (əˈlæstɔː)   n   Greek myth an avenging spirit or demon

alastrim (əˈlæstrIm)   n   med a form of smallpox caused by the virus Variola minor

alate (ˈeIleIt) or alated (ˈeIleItId)   adj   having wings or winglike extensions [C17: from Latin ālātus, from āla wing]

■ alation (eIˈleIʃən)   n   the state of having wings

alay (əˈleI)   vb (tr)   an obsolete spelling of allay

alb (ælb)   n   Christianity a long white linen vestment with sleeves worn by priests and others [Old English albe, from Medieval Latin alba (vestis) white (clothing)]

Alb.   abbreviation for   Albania(n)

Alba (Spanish ˈalβa)   n   Duke of Alba See Alva

Albacete (Spanish alβaˈθete)   n   a city in SE Spain: metal goods manufacturing. Pop: 155 142 (2003 est)

albacore (ˈælbəˌkɔː)   n   a tunny, Thunnus alalunga, occurring mainly in warm regions of the Atlantic and Pacific. It has very long pectoral fins and is a valued food fish. Also called: long-fin tunny [C16: from Portuguese albacor, from Arabic al-bakrah, from al the + bakr young camel]

Alba Longa (ˈælbə ˈlɒŋɡə)   n   a city of ancient Latium, southeast of modern Rome: the legendary birthplace of Romulus and Remus

Alban (ˈɔːlbən)   n   Saint. 3rd century AD, the first English martyr. He was beheaded by the Romans on the site on which St Alban's Abbey now stands, for admitting his conversion to Christianity. Feast day: June 17

Albania (ælˈbeInIə)   n   a republic in SE Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula: became independent in 1912 after more than four centuries of Turkish rule; established as a republic (1946) under Communist rule; multiparty constitution adopted in 1991. It is generally mountainous, rising over 2700 m (9000 ft), with extensive forests. Language: Albanian. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: lek. Capital: Tirana. Pop: 2 930 187 (2017 est). Area: 28 749 sq km (11 100 sq miles)

■ Albanian (ælˈbeInIən)   n   1 the official language of Albania: of uncertain relationship within the Indo-European family, but thought to be related to ancient Illyrian   2    a a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Albania   b a native speaker of Albanian   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Albania, its people, or their language

Albany (ˈɔːlbənI)   n   1 a city in E New York State, on the Hudson River: the state capital. Pop: 93 919 (2003 est)   2 a river in central Canada, flowing east and northeast to James Bay. Length: 982 km (610 miles)   3 a port in southwest Western Australia: founded as a penal colony. Pop: 22 415 (2001)

albarello (ˌælbəˈrɛləʊ)   n   an earthenware jar used to contain drugs, originating in the Middle East

albata (ælˈbeItə)   n   a variety of German silver consisting of nickel, copper, and zinc [C19: from Latin, literally: clothed in white, from albus white]

albatross (ˈælbəˌtrɒs)   n   1 any large oceanic bird of the genera Diomedea and Phoebetria, family Diomedeidae, of cool southern oceans: order Procellariiformes (petrels). They have long narrow wings and are noted for a powerful gliding flight. See also wandering albatross   2 a constant and inescapable burden or handicap: an albatross of debt   3 golf a score of three strokes under par for a hole [C17: from Portuguese alcatraz pelican, from Arabic al-ghattās, from al the + ghattās white-tailed sea eagle; influenced by Latin albus white: C20 in sense 2, from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798) by Samuel Taylor COLERIDGE]

albedo (ælˈbiːdəʊ)   n   1 the ratio of the intensity of light reflected from an object, such as a planet, to that of the light it receives from the sun   2 physics the probability that a neutron passing through a surface will return through that surface [C19: from Church Latin: whiteness, from Latin albus white]

Albee (ˈɔːlbiː)   n   Edward. 1928–2016, US dramatist. His plays include Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962), Seascape (1975), Marriage Play (1986), Three Tall Women (1990), and Goat (2004)

albeit (ɔːlˈbiːIt)   conj   even though [C14 al be it, that is, although it be (that)]

Albemarle Sound (ˈælbəˌmɑːl)   n   an inlet of the Atlantic in NE North Carolina. Length: about 96 km (60 miles)

Albéniz (Spanish alˈβeniθ)   n   Isaac (isaˈak). 1860–1909, Spanish composer; noted for piano pieces inspired by folk music, such as the suite Iberia

albergo (ælˈbɜːɡəʊ)   n   (in Italy) a corporation of noble families typically formed to enable the success of business ventures

Alberich (German ˈalbərIç)   n   (in medieval German legend) the king of the dwarfs and guardian of the treasures of the Nibelungs

Albers (ˈælbəz)   n   Josef. 1888–1976, US painter, designer, and poet, born in Germany. His works include a series of abstract paintings entitled Homage to the Square

albert (ˈælbət)   n   1 a kind of watch chain usually attached to a waistcoat   2 Brit a standard size of notepaper, 6 × 3^7⁄8 inches [C19: named after Prince ALBERT]

Albert^1 (ˈælbət)   n   Lake Albert a lake in E Africa, between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda in the great Rift Valley, 660 m (2200 ft) above sea level: a source of the Nile, fed by the Victoria Nile, which leaves as the Albert Nile. Area: 5345 sq km (2064 sq miles). Former name: Lake Mobutu

Albert^2 (ˈælbət)   n   Prince. full name Albert Francis Charles Augustus Emmanuel of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. 1819–61, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Ireland

Albert I   n   1  c. 1255–1308, king of Germany (1298–1308)   2  1875–1934, king of the Belgians (1909–34)   3  called Albert the Bear. c. 1100–70. German military leader: first margrave of Brandenburg

Albert II   n   full name Albert Felix Humbert Theodore Christian Eugene Marie. born 1934, king of Belgium (1993–2013); abdicated in favour of his son Philippe

Alberta (ælˈbɜːtə)   n   a province of W Canada: mostly prairie, with the Rocky Mountains in the southwest. Capital: Edmonton. Pop: 3 645 257 (2011 est). Area: 661 188 sq km (255 285 sq miles). Abbreviation: Alta., AB

■ Alberta clipper   n   meteorol (in Canada) an area of low pressure that forms in winter near the Rocky Mountains

■ Albertan (ælˈbɜːtən)   adj   1 of or relating to Alberta or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Alberta

Albert Edward   n   a mountain in SE New Guinea, in the Owen Stanley Range. Height: 3990 m (13 091 ft)

Alberti (Italian alˈbɛrti)   n   Leon Battista (leˈɔn batˈtista). 1404–72, Italian Renaissance architect, painter, writer, and musician; among his architectural designs are the façades of Sta. Maria Novella at Florence and S. Francesco at Rimini

albertite (ˈælbəˌtaIt)   n   a black solid variety of bitumen that has a conchoidal fracture and occurs in veins in oil-bearing strata [C19: named after Albert county, New Brunswick, Canada, where it is mined]

Albertus Magnus (ælˈbɜːtəs ˈmæɡnəs)   n   Saint. original name Albert, Count von Böllstadt. ?1193–1280, German scholastic philosopher; teacher of Thomas Aquinas and commentator on Aristotle. Feast day: Nov 15

albescent (ælˈbɛsənt)   adj   shading into, growing, or becoming white [C19: from Latin albēscere to grow white, from albus white]   > alˈbescence n

Albi (French albi)   n   a town in S France: connected with the Albigensian heresy and the crusade against it. Pop: 46 274 (1999)

albicore (ˈælbIˌkɔː)   n   a variant spelling of albacore

Albigenses (ˌælbIˈdʒɛnsiːz)   pl n   members of a Manichean sect that flourished in S France from the 11th to the 13th century [from Medieval Latin: inhabitants of Albi, from Albiga ALBI]   > ˌAlbiˈgensian adj   > ˌAlbiˈgensianism n

albino (ælˈbiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   1 a person with congenital absence of pigmentation in the skin, eyes, and hair   2 any animal or plant that is deficient in pigment [C18: via Portuguese from Spanish, from albo white, from Latin albus]   > albinic (ælˈbInIk) or ˌalbinˈistic adj   > albinism (ˈælbIˌnIzəm) n   > albinotic (ˌælbIˈnɒtIk) adj

■ albinal (ælˈbiːnəl)   adj   related to or affected by albinism

■ albiness (ˈælbIˌnɛs)   n   a female albino

■ albinoism (ælˈbiːnəʊIzəm)   n   another name for albinism

Albinoni (Italian albiˈnoːni)   n   Tomaso (toˈmaːzo). 1671–1750, Italian composer and violinist. He wrote concertos and over 50 operas

Albinus (ælˈbiːnəs)   n   another name for Alcuin

Albion (ˈælbIən)   n   archaic or poetic Britain or England [C13: from Latin, of Celtic origin]

albite (ˈælbaIt)   n   a colourless, milky-white, yellow, pink, green, or black mineral of the feldspar group and plagioclase series, found in igneous sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Composition: sodium aluminium silicate. Formula: NaALSi_3O_8. Crystal structure: triclinic [C19: from Latin albus white]   > albitic (ælˈbItIk) adj

■ albitical (ælˈbItIkəl)   adj   mineralogy related to or formed of albite

■ albitize or albitise (ˈælbaIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   mineralogy to turn into albite

albizzia or albizia (ælˈbIzIə)   n   any of numerous trees, shrubs, and lianas of the genus Albizia, belonging to the family Leguminosae

Alboin (ˈælbɔIn, -bəʊIn)   n   died 573 AD, king of the Lombards (565–73); conqueror of N Italy

Ålborg (Danish ˈɔlbɔr)   n   a variant spelling of Aalborg

albricias Spanish (alˈβriθjas)   interj   an expression of joy

albugineous (ˌælbjʊˈdʒInIəs)   adj   1 related to or resembling the white of an egg   2 related to or resembling the white fibrous tissue layer found in the eye, the testicle, and the penis

albugo (ælˈbjuːɡəʊ)   n   a disease of the eye in which a white opacity forms on the cornea

album (ˈælbəm)   n   1 a book or binder consisting of blank pages, pockets, or envelopes for keeping photographs, stamps, autographs, drawings, poems, etc   2 a collection of recordings released as a single item   3 a booklike holder containing sleeves for gramophone records   4 chiefly Brit an anthology, usually large and illustrated [C17: from Latin: blank tablet, from albus white]

albumblatt (ˈælbəmˌblæt)   n   music a short occasional instrumental composition, usually light in character [C19: German: album-leaf]

albumen (ˈælbjʊmIn, -mɛn)   n   1 the white of an egg; the nutritive and protective gelatinous substance, mostly an albumin, that surrounds the yolk   2 a rare name for endosperm   3 a variant spelling of albumin [C16: from Latin: white of an egg, from albus white]

■ albumenize or albumenise (ælˈbjuːmIˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to coat with a solution containing albumen or albumin

albumin or albumen (ˈælbjʊmIn)   n   any of a group of simple water-soluble proteins that are coagulated by heat and are found in blood plasma, egg white, etc [C19: from ALBUMEN + -IN]

■ albuminate (ælˈbjuːmIˌneIt)   n   rare any of several substances formed from albumin by the action of acid or alkali

■ albuminize or albuminise (ˈælbjʊmIˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   biology to convert into albumin

■ albuminoid (ælˈbjuːmIˌnɔId)   adj   1 resembling albumin   ▷ n   2 another name for scleroprotein

■ albuminous (ælˈbjuːmInəs)   adj   of or containing albumin

albuminuria (ælˌbjuːmIˈnjʊərIə)   n   pathol the presence of albumin in the urine. Also called: proteinuria

■ albuminuric (ˌælbjʊmIˈnjʊərIk)   adj   related to the state of albuminuria

albumose (ˈælbjʊˌməʊs, -ˌməʊz)   n   the US name for proteose [C19: from ALBUMIN + -OSE^2]

Albuquerque^1 (ˈælbəˌkɜːkI)   n   a city in central New Mexico, on the Rio Grande. Pop: 471 856 (2003 est)

Albuquerque^2 (ˈælbəˌkɜːkI; Portuguese ɑlbuˈkɛrkə)   n   Afonso de (əˈfõsu dəː). 1453–1515, Portuguese navigator who established Portuguese colonies in the East by conquering Goa, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Malacca, and Ormuz

alburnum (ælˈbɜːnəm)   n   a former name for sapwood [C17: from Latin: sapwood, from albus white]

■ alburnous (ælˈbɜːnəs)   adj   relating to alburnum

Albury-Wodonga (ˈɔːbərI, -brI wəˈdɒŋɡə)   n   a town in SE Australia, in S central New South Wales, on the Murray River: commercial centre of an agricultural region. Pop: 69 880 (2001)

albuterol (ælˈbjuːtəˌrɒl)   n   a bronchodilator used by people with asthma, emphysema, and other lung conditions, to treat symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath

Alcaeus (ælˈsIəs)   n   7th century BC, Greek lyric poet who wrote hymns, love songs, and political odes

alcahest (ˈælkəˌhɛst)   n   a variant spelling of alkahest

Alcaic (ælˈkeIIk)   adj   1 of or relating to a metre used by the 7th-century BC Greek lyric poet Alcaeus, consisting of a strophe of four lines each with four feet   ▷ n   2 (usually plural) verse written in the Alcaic form [C17: from Late Latin Alcaicus of Alcaeus]

alcaiceria Spanish (alˌkaiθeˈria)   n   a silk market

alcaide (ælˈkeId; Spanish alˈkaIðe)   n (in Spain and Spanish America)   1 the commander of a fortress or castle   2 the governor of a prison [C16: from Spanish, from Arabic al-qā'id the captain, commander, from qād to give orders]

alcalde (ælˈkældI; Spanish alˈkalde) or alcade (ælˈkeId)   n   (in Spain and Spanish America) the mayor or chief magistrate in a town [C17: from Spanish, from Arabic al-qādī the judge, from qadā to judge]

Alcan Highway (ˈælkæn)   n   original name of the Alaska Highway

Alcántara (ælˈkæntɑːrə)   n   a town in W Spain: a Roman bridge spans the River Tagus. Pop: 1739 (2003 est)

alcarraza Spanish (ˌalkaˈraθa)   n   an earthenware container, traditionally made in Spain, that is used to cool water

alcatras (ˈælkəˌtræs)   n   an obsolete Spanish and Portuguese name for pelican

Alcatraz (ˈælkəˌtræz)   n   an island in W California, in San Francisco Bay: a federal prison until 1963

alcayde (ælˈkeId)   n   another name for alcaide

alcazar (ˌælkəˈzɑː; Spanish alˈkaθar)   n   any of various palaces or fortresses built in Spain by the Moors [C17: from Spanish, from Arabic al-qasr the castle]

Alcázar de San Juan (ˈælkəˌzɑː; Spanish alˈkaθar)   n   a town in S central Spain: associated with Cervantes and Don Quixote. Pop: 27 229 (2003 est)

Alcestis (ælˈsɛstIs)   n   Greek myth the wife of king Admetus of Thessaly. To save his life, she died in his place, but was rescued from Hades by Hercules

alchemy (ˈælkəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 the pseudoscientific predecessor of chemistry that sought a method of transmuting base metals into gold, an elixir to prolong life indefinitely, a panacea or universal remedy, and an alkahest or universal solvent   2 a power like that of alchemy: her beauty had a potent alchemy [C14 alkamye, via Old French from Medieval Latin alchimia, from Arabic al-kīmiyā', from al the + kīmiyā' transmutation, from Late Greek khēmeia the art of transmutation]   > alchemic (ælˈkɛmIk), alˈchemical or ˌalchemˈistic adj

■ alchemically (ælˈkɛmIkəlI)   adv   in an alchemical manner

■ alchemist (ˈælkəmIst)   n   a person who practises alchemy

■ alchemistical (ˌælkəˈmIstIkəl)   adj   relating to alchemists

■ alchemize or alchemise (ˈælkəˌmaIz)   vb   (tr) to alter (an element, metal, etc) by alchemy; transmute

alcheringa (ˌæltʃəˈrIŋɡə)   n   another name for Dreamtime (sense 1). Also called: alchera [from a native Australian language, literally: dream time]

Alchevsk (ælˈtʃɛvsk)   n   a city in E Ukraine. Pop: 117 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1992): Kommunarsk

Alcibiades (ˌælsIˈbaIəˌdiːz)   n   450–404 BC, Athenian statesman and general in the Peloponnesian War: brilliant, courageous, and unstable, he defected to the Spartans in 415, but returned and led the Athenian victories at Abydos (411) and Cyzicus (410)   > ˌAlciˌbiaˈdean adj

alcid (ˈælsId)   n   any of twenty-two species of oceanic birds of the family Alcidae

■ alcidine (ˈælsIˌdaIn)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Alcidae, a family of sea birds including the auks, guillemots, puffins, and related forms [C20: from New Latin Alcidae, from Alca type genus]

Alcides (ælˈsaIdiːz)   n   another name for Hercules^1 (sense 1)

Alcinoüs (ælˈsInəʊəs)   n   (in Homer's Odyssey) a Phaeacian king at whose court the shipwrecked Odysseus told of his wanderings. See also Nausicaä

ALCM   abbreviation for   air-launched cruise missile: a type of cruise missile that can be launched from an aircraft

Alcman (ˈælkmən)   n   7th century BC, Greek lyric poet

Alcmene (ælkˈmiːnI)   n   Greek myth the mother of Hercules by Zeus who visited her in the guise of her husband, Amphitryon

Alcock (ˈɔːlkɒk)   n   Sir John William. 1892–1919, English aviator who with A.W. Brown made the first nonstop flight across the Atlantic (1919)

alcohol (ˈælkəˌhɒl)   n   1 Also called: ethanol, ethyl alcohol a colourless flammable liquid, the active principle of intoxicating drinks, produced by the fermentation of sugars, esp glucose, and used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C_2H_5OH   2 a drink or drinks containing this substance   3 chem any one of a class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound to carbon atoms. The simplest alcohols have the formula ROH, where R is an alkyl group. Compare phenol (sense 2). See also diol, triol [C16: via New Latin from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-kuhl powdered antimony; see KOHL]

■ alcohol-free   adj   1 (of beer or wine) containing only a trace of alcohol. Compare low-alcohol   2 (of a period of time) during which no alcoholic drink is consumed: there should be one or two alcohol-free days a week

■ alcoholic (ˌælkəˈhɒlIk)   n   1 a person affected by alcoholism   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, containing, or resulting from alcohol

■ alcoholically (ˌælkəˈhɒlIkəlI)   adv   in an alcoholic manner

■ alcoholicity (ˌælkəhɒˈlIsItI)   n   the strength of an alcoholic liquor

■ Alcoholics Anonymous   n   an association of alcoholics who try, esp by mutual assistance, to overcome alcoholism

■ alcoholism (ˈælkəhɒˌlIzəm)   n   a condition in which dependence on alcohol harms a person's health, social functioning, or family life

■ alcoholize or alcoholise (ˈælkəhɒˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to turn into alcoholic drink, as by fermenting or mixing with alcohol   > ˌalcoˌholiˈzation or ˌalcoˌholiˈsation n

■ alcoholometer (ˌælkəhɒˈlɒmItə)   n   an instrument, such as a specially calibrated hydrometer, for determining the percentage of alcohol in a liquid. See also oenometer

■ alcoholometry (ˌælkəhɒˈlɒmətrI)   n   the process of measuring the concentration of alcohol in a liquid, such as in blood or a liquor

■ alcohol poisoning   n   the ingestion of a lethal or potentially lethal amount of alcohol

Alcolock (ˈælkəʊˌlɒk)   n   trademark a breath-alcohol ignition-interlock device fitted to the ignition in certain motor vehicles. The driver must blow into a tube and, if his or her breath contains too much alcohol, a lock is activated to prevent the vehicle starting [C21: from ALCO(HOL) + LOCK^1 (sense 2)]

alcool (ˈælkuːl)   n   a form of pure grain spirit distilled in Quebec [from French: alcohol]

alcopop (ˈælkəʊˌpɒp)   n   informal an alcoholic drink that tastes like a soft drink [C20: from ALCO(HOL) + POP^1 (sense 12)]

Alcoran or Alkoran (ˌælkɒˈrɑːn)   n   another name for the Koran   > ˌAlcoˈranic or ˌAlkoˈranic adj

alcorza Spanish (alˈkorθa)   n   a Spanish sweet

Alcott (ˈɔːlkət)   n   Louisa May. 1832–88, US novelist, noted for her children's books, esp Little Women (1869)

alcove (ˈælkəʊv)   n   1 a recess or niche in the wall of a room, as for a bed, books, etc   2 any recessed usually vaulted area, as in a garden wall   3 any covered or secluded spot, such as a summerhouse [C17: from French alcôve, from Spanish alcoba, from Arabic al-qubbah the vault, arch]

■ alcoved (ˈælkəʊvd)   adj   having or made as an alcove

Alcuin (ˈælkwIn) or Albinus   n   735–804 AD, English scholar and theologian; friend and adviser of Charlemagne

alcyonarian (ˌælsIəˈnɛərIən)   n   any of various colonial anthozoans of the subclass Alcyonaria with eight tentacles and other body parts in branches or segments of eight

Alcyone^1 (ælˈsaIənI)   n Greek myth   Also called: Halcyone the daughter of Aeolus and wife of Ceyx, who drowned herself in grief for her husband's death. She was transformed into a kingfisher. See also Ceyx

Alcyone^2 (ælˈsaIənI)   n   the brightest star system in the Pleiades, located in the constellation Taurus

Ald. or Aldm.   abbreviation for   Alderman

Aldabra (ælˈdæbrə)   n   an island group in the Indian Ocean: part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (1965–76); now administratively part of the Seychelles

Aldan (Russian alˈdan)   n   a river in E Russia in the SE Sakha Republic, rising in the Aldan Mountains and flowing north and west to the Lena River. Length: about 2700 km (1700 miles)

aldea (ælˈdeIə)   n   obsolete a village or a villa in Portugal or a Portuguese colony

Aldebaran (ælˈdɛbərən)   n   a binary star, one component of which is a red giant, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus. It appears in the sky close to the star cluster Hyades. Visual magnitude: 0.85; spectral type: K5III; distance: 65 light years [C14: via Medieval Latin from Arabic al-dabarān the follower (of the Pleiades)]

Aldeburgh (ˈɔːlbərə)   n   a small resort in SE England, in Suffolk: site of an annual music festival established in 1948 by Benjamin Britten. Pop: 2654 (2001)

aldehyde (ˈældIˌhaId)   n   1 any organic compound containing the group -CHO. Aldehydes are oxidized to carboxylic acids and take part in many addition reactions   2 (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CHO: aldehyde group or radical [C19: from New Latin al(cohol) dehyd(rogenātum) dehydrogenated alcohol]   > aldehydic (ˌældəˈhIdIk) adj

al dente Italian (al ˈdɛnte)   adj   (of a pasta dish) cooked so as to be firm when eaten [literally: to the tooth]

alder (ˈɔːldə)   n   1 any N temperate betulaceous shrub or tree of the genus Alnus, having toothed leaves and conelike fruits. The bark is used in dyeing and tanning and the wood for bridges, etc because it resists underwater rot   2 any of several similar trees or shrubs [Old English alor; related to Old High German elira, Latin alnus]

■ alder buckthorn   n   a Eurasian rhamnaceous shrub, Frangula alnus, with small greenish flowers and black berry-like fruits

■ alderfly (ˈɔːldəˌflaI)   n   any of various neuropterous insects of the widely distributed group Sialoidea, such as Sialis lutaria, that have large broad-based hind wings, produce aquatic larvae, and occur near water

alderman (ˈɔːldəmən)   n, pl -men   1 (in England and Wales until 1974) one of the senior members of a local council, elected by other councillors   2 (in the US, Canada, Australia, etc) a member of the governing body of a municipality   3 history a variant spelling of ealdorman   ▶ Abbreviations (for senses 1, 2): Ald, Aldm [Old English aldormann, from ealdor chief (comparative of eald OLD) + mann MAN]   > aldermanic (ˌɔːldəˈmænIk) adj   > ˈaldermanry n   > ˈaldermanˌship n

■ aldermanity (ˌɔːldəˈmænItI)   n   1 the body of aldermen   2 the state of being an alderman   3 the office of an alderman

■ aldermanlike (ˈɔːldəmənˌlaIk) or aldermanly (ˈɔːldəmənlI)   adj   resembling an alderman, esp in being pompous

Aldermaston (ˈɔːldəˌmɑːstən)   n   a village in S England, in West Berkshire unitary authority, Berkshire, SW of Reading: site of the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment and starting point of the Aldermaston marches (1958–63), organized by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Pop: 927 (2001)

aldern (ˈɔːldən)   adj   made of alder wood

Alderney (ˈɔːldənI)   n   1 one of the Channel Islands, in the English Channel: separated from the French coast by a dangerous tidal channel (the Race of Alderney). Pop: 2294 (2001). Area: 8 sq km (3 sq miles). French name: Aurigny   2 an early, but now extinct, breed of dairy cattle originating from the island of Alderney

Aldershot (ˈɔːldəˌʃɒt)   n   a town in S England, in Hampshire: site of a large military camp. Pop: 58 170 (2001)

alderwoman (ˈɔːldəˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   1 (in England and Wales until 1974) one of the senior female members of a local council, elected by other councillors   2 (in the US, Canada, Australia, etc) a female member of the governing body of a municipality

al desko (æl ˈdɛskəʊ)   adj, adv   facetious (of a meal, esp lunch) at one's desk at one's place of work [C21: on the model of ALFRESCO]

aldicarb (ˈældIˌkɑːb)   n   a crystalline compound, C_7H_14N_2O_2S, used as a pesticide against insects, mites and nematodes

Aldine (ˈɔːldaIn, -diːn)   adj   1 relating to Aldus Manutius (1450–1515), Italian printer, or to his editions of the classics   ▷ n   2 a book printed by the Aldine press   3 any of the several typefaces designed by Aldus Manutius

Aldington (ˈɔːldIŋtən)   n   Richard. 1892–1962, English poet, novelist, and biographer. His novels include Death of a Hero (1929) and The Colonel's Daughter (1931), which reflect postwar disillusion following World War I

Aldis lamp (ˈɔːldIs)   n   a portable lamp used to transmit Morse code [C20: originally a trademark, after A. C. W. Aldis, its inventor]

Aldiss (ˈɔːldIs)   n   Brian W(ilson). 1925–2017, British novelist, best known for his science fiction. His works include Non-Stop (1958), Enemies of the System (1978), The Helliconia Trilogy (1983–86), Forgotten Life (1988), and The Detached Retina (1995)

aldohexose (ˌældəʊˈhɛksəʊs, -əʊz)   n   any aldose containing six carbon atoms, such as glucose or mannose

aldol (ˈældɒl)   n   1 a colourless or yellowish oily liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of rubber accelerators, as an organic solvent, in perfume, and as a hypnotic and sedative. Formula: CH_3CHOHCH_2CHO. Systematic name: 3-hydroxybutanal   2 any organic compound containing the functional group -CHOHCH_2CHO   3 (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CHOHCH_2CHO: aldol group or radical; aldol reaction [C19: from ALD(EHYDE) + -OL^1]

■ aldolization or aldolisation (ˌældəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   chem the conversion of an aldehyde to aldol

aldolase (ˈældəʊˌleIz)   n   biochem an enzyme present in the body that breaks down fructose into triose sugars

aldopentose (ˌældəʊˈpɛntəʊs, ˌældəʊˈpɛntəʊz)   n   biochem a monosaccharide with five carbon atoms

aldose (ˈældəʊs, -dəʊz)   n   a sugar that contains the aldehyde group or is a hemiacetal [C20: from ALD(EHYDE) + -OSE^2]

aldosterone (ælˈdɒstəˌrəʊn)   n   the principal mineralocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. A synthesized form is used in the treatment of Addison's disease. Formula: C_21H_27O_5 [C20: from ALD(EHYDE) + -O- + STER(OL) + -ONE]

■ aldosteronism (ˌældəʊˈstɛrənIzəm)   n   med high blood pressure caused by excess aldosterone in the blood and urine

aldoxime (ælˈdɒksiːm)   n   an oxime formed by reaction between hydroxylamine and an aldehyde

Aldridge-Brownhills (ˈɔːldrIdʒˈbraʊnˌhIlz)   n   a town in central England, in Walsall unitary authority, West Midlands: formed by the amalgamation of neighbouring towns in 1966. Pop: 35 525 (2001)

aldrin (ˈɔːldrIn)   n   a brown to white poisonous crystalline solid, more than 95 per cent of which consists of the compound C_12H_8Cl_6, which is used as an insecticide. Melting pt: 105°C [C20: named after K. Alder (1902–58) German chemist]

Aldrin (ˈɔːldrIn)   n   Edwin Eugene Jr, known as Buzz. born 1930, US astronaut; the second person to set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, during the Apollo 11 flight

Aldus Manutius (ˈɔːldəs məˈnjuːʃIəs)   n   1450–1515, Italian printer, noted for his fine editions of the classics. He introduced italic type

ale (eIl)   n   1 a beer fermented in an open vessel using yeasts that rise to the top of the brew. Compare beer, lager^1   2 (formerly) an alcoholic drink made by fermenting a cereal, esp barley, but differing from beer by being unflavoured by hops   3 chiefly Brit another word for beer [Old English alu, ealu; related to Old Norse öl, Old Saxon alofat]

■ alebench (ˈeIlˌbɛntʃ)   n   a bench inside or in front of an alehouse

■ ale conner   n   English history a local official appointed to examine the measure and quality of ale, beer, and bread [C14: from ALE + conner, from Old English cunnere one who tests]

■ alehouse (ˈeIlˌhaʊs)   n   1 archaic a place where ale was sold; tavern   2 informal another name for pub

■ alewashed (ˈeIlˌwɒʃd)   adj   showing the effects of drinking beer

aleatory (ˈeIlIətərI, -trI) or aleatoric (ˌeIlIəˈtɒrIk)   adj   1 dependent on chance   2 (esp of a musical composition) involving elements chosen at random by the performer [C17: from Latin āleātōrius, from āleātor gambler, from ālea game of chance, dice, of uncertain origin]

alec (ˈælIk)   n   See smart alec

alecithal (eIˈlɛsIθəl)   adj   zoology (of an ovum) having little or no yolk [from A-1 + Greek lekithos egg yolk]

aleck (ˈælIk)   n   See smart aleck

alecost (ˈeIlˌkɒst)   n   another name for costmary

Alecto (əˈlɛktəʊ)   n   Greek myth one of the three Furies; the others are Megaera and Tisiphone

alectryon (əˈlɛktrIɒn)   n   any sapindaceous tree of the genus Alectryon of Australasia, Southeast Asia, and Micronesia

alee (əˈliː)   adv, adj (postpositive)   nautical on or towards the lee: with the helm alee. Compare aweather

alef (ˈælɛf)   n   a variant spelling of aleph

aleft (əˈlɛft)   adv   on or to the left

alegar (ˈeIlIɡə, ˈæ-)   n   malt vinegar [C14: from ALE + VINEGAR]

alegge (əˈlɛdʒ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to alleviate or lighten (a grief or burden)

■ aleggeaunce (əˈlɛdʒIɑːns)   n   obsolete the alleviation of grief or a burden

Aleichem (ɑːˈleIçɛm)   n   Sholom, real name Solomon Rabinowitz. 1859–1916, US Jewish writer, born in Russia. His works include Tevye the Milkman, which was adapted for the stage musical Fiddler on the Roof

Aleixandre (Spanish ɑleˈsɑndre)   n   Vicente (viˈθɛnte). 1898–1984, Spanish poet, whose collections include La destrucción o el amor (1935; Destruction or Love): Nobel prize for literature 1977

Alekhine (ˈælIˌkiːn; Russian aˈljɔxin)   n   Alexander. 1892–1946, Russian-born chess player who lived in France; world champion (1927–35, 1937–46)

Aleksandropol (Russian alIksanˈdrɔpəlj)   n   the former name (from 1837 until after the Revolution) of Kumayri

Aleksandrovsk (Russian alIkˈsandrəfsk)   n   the former name (until 1921) of Zaporozhye

Alemán (Spanish aleˈman)   n   Mateo (maˈteo). 1547–?1614, Spanish novelist, author of the picaresque novel Guzmán de Alfarache (1599)

Alemanni (ˌæləˈmɑːnI)   n   a West Germanic people who settled in the 4th century AD between the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube [C18: from Latin, of Germanic origin; related to Gothic alamans a totality of people]

■ Alemannic (ˌæləˈmænIk)   n   1    a the group of High German dialects spoken in Alsace, Switzerland, and SW Germany   b the language of the ancient Alemanni, from which these modern dialects have developed. See also Old High German   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Alemanni, their speech, or the High German dialects descended from it [C18: from Late Latin Alamannicus, of Germanic origin]

Alembert (French alɑ̃bɛr)   n   See d'Alembert

alembic (əˈlɛmbIk)   n   1 an obsolete type of retort used for distillation   2 anything that distils or purifies [C14: from Medieval Latin alembicum, from Arabic al-anbīq the still, from Greek ambix cup]

■ alembicated (əˈlɛmbIˌkeItId)   adj   (of a literary style) excessively refined; precious   > aˌlembiˈcation n

alembroth (əˈlɛmbrɒθ)   n   alchemy a double salt composed of the chlorides of ammonium and mercury, formerly believed to be a universal solvent

Alençon (French alɑ̃sɔ̃)   n   a town in NW France: early lace-manufacturing centre. Pop: 28 935 (1999)

■ Alençon lace   n   an elaborate lace worked on a hexagonal mesh and used as a border, or a machine-made copy of this. Also called: alencon

alength (əˈlɛŋθ)   adv   lengthwise or at length

aleph (ˈɑːlIf; Hebrew ˈaːlɛf)   n   the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet (א) articulated as a glottal stop and transliterated with a superior comma (') [Hebrew: ox]

■ aleph-bet (ˈɑlefˈbet) or aleph-beis (ˈɑlefˈbeis)   n   the Hebrew alphabet [from the first two letters]

■ aleph-null or aleph-zero   n   the smallest infinite cardinal number; the cardinal number of the set of positive integers. Symbol: א_0

alepine (ˈælIˌpiːn)   n   obsolete a cloth made either of wool and silk or mohair and cotton

Aleppo (əˈlɛpəʊ)   n   an ancient city in NW Syria: industrial and commercial centre; scene of heavy fighting from 2012 between various rebel forces and army units loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Pop: 2 505 000 (2005 est). French name: Alep (alɛp). Arabic name: Haleb (ˈhalɛp)

■ Aleppo gall   n   a type of nutgall occurring in oaks in W Asia and E Europe

alerce (əˈlɜːs, æˈlɜːsI)   n   1 the wood of the sandarac tree   2 a cupressus-like Chilean pine, Fitzroya cupressoides, cut for timber [Spanish: larch, from Latin larix, influenced by Arabic al-arz]

alerion or allerion (əˈlIərIən)   n   heraldry an eagle, usually without a beak or feet

alert (əˈlɜːt)   adj (usually postpositive)   1 vigilantly attentive: alert to the problems   2 brisk, nimble, or lively   ▷ n   3 an alarm or warning, esp a siren warning of an air raid   4 the period during which such a warning remains in effect   5 on the alert   a on guard against danger, attack, etc   b watchful; ready: on the alert for any errors   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to warn or signal (troops, police, etc) to prepare for action   7 to warn of danger, an attack, etc [C17: from Italian all'erta on the watch, from erta lookout post, from ergere to build up, from Latin ērigere; see ERECT]   > aˈlertly adv   > aˈlertness n

-ales   suffix forming plural proper nouns   denoting plants belonging to an order: Rosales; Filicales [New Latin, from Latin, plural of -ālis -AL^1]

Alessandria (Italian alesˈsandrja)   n   a town in NW Italy, in Piedmont. Pop: 85 438 (2001)

Ålesund or Aalesund (Norwegian ˈoːləsun)   n   a port and market town in W Norway, on an island between Bergen and Trondheim: fishing and sealing fleets. Pop: 40 001 (2004 est)

alethic (əˈliːθIk)   adj   logic   a of or relating to such philosophical concepts as truth, necessity, possibility, contingency, etc   b designating the branch of modal logic that deals with the formalization of these concepts [C20: from Greek alētheia truth]

aleurone layer (əˈlʊərən, -rəʊn) or aleuron (əˈlʊərɒn, -rən)   n   the outer protein-rich layer of certain seeds, esp of cereal grains [C19: from Greek aleuron flour]

■ aleuronic (ˌælʊəˈrɒnIk)   adj   botany related to the aleurone layer

Aleut (æˈluːt, ˈæliːˌʊt)   n   1 a member of a people inhabiting the Aleutian Islands and SW Alaska, related to the Inuit   2 the language of this people, related to Inuktitut [from Russian aleút, probably of Chukchi origin]

■ Aleutian (əˈluːʃən)   adj   1 of, denoting, or relating to the Aleutian Islands, the Aleuts, or their language   ▷ n   2 another word for Aleut

■ Aleutian Islands   pl n   a chain of over 150 volcanic islands, extending southwestwards from the Alaska Peninsula between the N Pacific and the Bering Sea

A level   n (in Britain)   1    a a public examination in a subject taken for the General Certificate of Education (GCE), usually at the age of 17–18   b the course leading to this examination   c (as modifier): A-level maths   2 a pass in a particular subject at A level: she has three A levels

alevin (ˈælIvIn)   n   a young fish, esp a young salmon or trout [C19: from French, from Old French alever to rear (young), from Latin levāre to raise]

alew (əˈluː)   n   obsolete a cry used to call hounds at a hunt

alewife (ˈeIlˌwaIf)   n, pl -wives   a North American fish, Pomolobus pseudoharengus, similar to the herring Clupea harengus: family Clupeidae (herrings) [C19: perhaps an alteration (through influence of alewife, that is, a large rotund woman, alluding to the fish's shape) of French alose shad]

Alexander (ˌælIɡˈzɑːndə)   n   Harold (Rupert Leofric George), Earl Alexander of Tunis. 1891–1969, British field marshal in World War II, who organized the retreat from Dunkirk and commanded in North Africa (1943) and Sicily and Italy (1944–45); governor general of Canada (1946–52); British minister of defence (1952–54)

Alexander I   n   1  c. 1080–1124, king of Scotland (1107–24), son of Malcolm III   2  1777–1825, tsar of Russia (1801–25), who helped defeat Napoleon and formed the Holy Alliance (1815)

Alexander II   n   1  1198–1249, king of Scotland (1214–49), son of William (the Lion)   2  1818–81, tsar of Russia (1855–81), son of Nicholas I, who emancipated the serfs (1861). He was assassinated by the Nihilists

Alexander III   n   1  1241–86, king of Scotland (1249–86), son of Alexander II   2  original name Orlando Bandinelli. died 1181, pope (1159–81), who excommunicated Barbarossa   3  1845–94, tsar of Russia (1881–94), son of Alexander II

Alexander VI   n   original name Rodrigo Borgia. 1431–1503, pope (1492–1503): noted for his extravagance and immorality as well as for his patronage of the arts; father of Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia, with whom he is said to have committed incest

Alexander Archipelago (ˌælIɡˈzɑːndə)   n   a group of over 1000 islands along the coast of SE Alaska

Alexander I Island   n   an island of Antarctica, west of Palmer Land, in the Bellingshausen Sea. Length: about 378 km (235 miles)

Alexander Nevski (ˈnɛvskI, ˈnɛf-; Russian ˈnjɛfskij)   n   Saint. ?1220–63, Russian prince and military leader, who defeated the Swedes at the River Neva (1240) and the Teutonic knights at Lake Peipus (1242)

alexanders (ˌælIɡˈzɑːndəz)   n   1 a biennial umbelliferous plant, Smyrnium olusatrum, native to S Europe, with dense umbels of yellow-green flowers and black fruits   2 golden alexanders an umbelliferous plant, Zizia aurea, of North America, having yellow flowers in compound umbels [Old English, from Medieval Latin alexandrum, probably (through association in folk etymology with Alexander the Great) changed from Latin holus atrum black vegetable]

Alexander technique   n   a technique for developing awareness of one's posture and movement in order to improve it [C20: named after Frederick Matthias Alexander (died 1955), Australian actor who originated it]

Alexander the Great   n   356–323 BC, king of Macedon, who conquered Greece (336), Egypt (331), and the Persian Empire (328), and founded Alexandria

Alexandra (ˌælIɡˈzɑːndrə)   n   1  1844–1925, queen consort of Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland   2  1872–1918, the wife of Nicholas II of Russia; her misrule while Nicholas was supreme commander of the Russian forces during World War I precipitated the Russian Revolution

Alexandretta (ˌælIɡzɑːnˈdrɛtə)   n   the former name of Iskenderun

Alexandria (ˌælIɡˈzændrIə, -ˈzɑːn-)   n   the chief port of Egypt, on the Nile Delta: cultural centre of ancient times, founded by Alexander the Great (332 BC). Pop: 3 760 000 (2005 est). Arabic name: El Iskandariyah

■ Alexandrian (ˌælIɡˈzændrIən, -ˈzɑːn-)   adj   1 of or relating to Alexander the Great   2 of or relating to Alexandria in Egypt   3 relating to the Hellenistic philosophical, literary, and scientific ideas that flourished in Alexandria in the last three centuries BC   4 (of writers, literary works, etc) erudite and imitative rather than original or creative   ▷ n   5 a native or inhabitant of Alexandria

Alexandrine (ˌælIɡˈzændraIn, -drIn, -ˈzɑːn-) prosody   n   1 a line of verse having six iambic feet, usually with a caesura after the third foot   ▷ adj   2 of, characterized by, or written in Alexandrines [C16: from French alexandrin, from Alexandre, title of 15th-century poem written in this metre]

alexandrite (ˌælIɡˈzændraIt)   n   a green variety of chrysoberyl used as a gemstone [C19: named after Alexander I (1777–1825), tsar of Russia (1801–25); see -ITE^1]

Alexandroúpolis (Greek alɛksanˈðrupɔlis)   n   a port in NE Greece, in W Thrace. Pop: 52 720 (2001 est). Former name (until the end of World War I): Dedéagach

alexia (əˈlɛksIə)   n   a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by impaired ability to read. Nontechnical name: word blindness. Compare aphasia [C19: from New Latin, from A-1 + Greek lexis speech; influenced in meaning by Latin legere to read]

■ alexic (əˈlɛksIk)   adj   relating to or of the neurological condition alexia

alexin (əˈlɛksIn)   n   immunol a former word for complement (sense 9) [C19: from German, from Greek alexein to ward off]   > alexinic (ˌælIkˈsInIk) adj

alexipharmakon (əˌlɛksIˈfɑːməkɒn)   n   an antidote to poison

alexipharmic (əˌlɛksIˈfɑːmIk) med   adj   1 acting as an antidote   ▷ n   2 an antidote [C17: from Greek alexipharmakon antidote, from alexein to avert + pharmakon drug]

Alexis Mikhailovich (əˈlɛksIs mIˈkaIləˌvItʃ)   n   1629–76, tsar of Russia (1645–76); father of Peter the Great

alexithymia (ˌeIlɛksIˈθaImIə)   n   an inability to recognize, understand, and describe emotions [C20: A-1 + Greek lexis word + -THYMIA]

Alexius I Comnenus (əˈlɛksIəs, kɒmˈniːnəs)   n   1048–1118, ruler of the Byzantine Empire (1081–1118)

aleye (əˈleI)   vb (tr)   a variant spelling of allay

alf (ælf)   n   Austral derogatory an uncultivated Australian [from shortening of the name Alfred]

ALF   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Animal Liberation Front

Alfa (ˈælfə)   n   a variant spelling of Alpha (sense 2)

alfalfa (ælˈfælfə)   n   a leguminous plant, Medicago sativa, of Europe and Asia, having compound leaves with three leaflets and clusters of small purplish flowers. It is widely cultivated for forage and as a nitrogen fixer and used as a commercial source of chlorophyll. Also called: lucerne [C19: from Spanish, from Arabic al-fasfasah, from al the + fasfasah the best sort of fodder]

alfaqui, alfaki (ˌælfəˈkiː) or alfaquin (ˌælfəˈkiːn)   n   an expert or teacher in Muslim law

al-Farabi (ˈælfəˈrɑːbI)   n   Mohammed ibn Tarkhan. died 950, Muslim philosopher, physician, and mathematician, of central Asian origin

Al Fatah (æl ˈfætə)   n   See Fatah

al Fayed (æl ˈfaIjəd)   n   Mohamed. born 1933, Egyptian-born businessman; owner of the Harrods department store (1985–2010) and of the Ritz Hotel, Paris, from 1979: his son Dodi Fayed (1956–97) died in the same Paris car crash as Diana, Princess of Wales

alferez Spanish (alˈfereθ)   n   (in Spain) a military officer who carries the flag during ceremonies

Alfieri (Italian alˈfjɛri)   n   Count Vittorio (vitˈtɔːrjo). 1749–1803, Italian dramatist and poet, noted for his classical tragedies and political satires

alfilaria or alfileria (ˌælfIˈlɛərIə)   n   a geraniaceous plant, Erodium cicutarium, native to Europe, with finely divided leaves and small pink or purplish flowers. It is widely naturalized in North America and is used as fodder. Also called: pin clover [via American Spanish from Spanish alfilerillo, from alfiler pin, from Arabic al-khilāl the thorn]

Alfonso VI (Spanish alˈfonso)   n   died 1109, king of Léon (1065–1109) and of Castile (1072–1109). He appointed his vassal, the Spanish hero El Cid, ruler of Valencia

Alfonso XIII (Spanish alˈfonso)   n   1886–1941, king of Spain (1886–1931), who was forced to abdicate on the establishment of the republic in 1931

alforja (ælˈfɔːdʒə)   n Southwestern US   a saddlebag made of leather or canvas [C17: from Spanish, from Arabic al-khurj the saddlebag]

alfredo (ælˈfreIdəʊ)   adj   (of food) cooked with a sauce made of cheese, cream, and eggs

Alfred the Great (ˈælfrId)   n   849–99, king of Wessex (871–99) and overlord of England, who defeated the Danes and encouraged learning and writing in English

alfresco (ælˈfrɛskəʊ)   adj, adv   in the open air [C18: from Italian: in the cool]

Alfvén (alˈven)   n   Hannes Olaf Gösta (ˈhannɛs ˈuːlaf ˈjøsta). 1908–95, Swedish physicist, noted for his research on magnetohydrodynamics; shared the Nobel prize for physics in 1970

■ Alfvén wave   n   a generally transverse magnetohydrodynamic wave that is propagated in a magnetized plasma

Alg.   abbreviation for   Algeria(n)

algae (ˈældʒiː)   pl n, sing alga (ˈælɡə)   unicellular or multicellular organisms formerly classified as plants, occurring in fresh or salt water or moist ground, that have chlorophyll and other pigments but lack true stems, roots, and leaves. Algae, which are now regarded as protoctists, include the seaweeds, diatoms, and spirogyra [C16: from Latin, plural of alga seaweed, of uncertain origin]   > algal (ˈælɡəl) adj

■ algaecide (ˈældʒiːˌsaId)   n   a chemical substance for killing and preventing the growth of algae

■ algoid (ˈælɡɔId)   adj   resembling or relating to algae

algarroba or algaroba (ˌælɡəˈrəʊbə)   n   1 another name for mesquite, carob   2 the edible pod of these trees   ▶ Also: algarrobo [C19: from Spanish, from Arabic al the + kharrūbah CAROB]

Algarve (ælˈɡɑːv)   n   the Algarve an area in the south of Portugal, on the Atlantic; it approximately corresponds to the administrative district of Faro: fishing and tourism important

algate (ˈɔːlˌɡeIt) or algates (ˈɔːlˌɡeIts)   adv Northern English dialect   1 by any means; anyway   2 in all times and circumstances

algebra (ˈældʒIbrə)   n   1 a branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and relationships are generalized by using alphabetic symbols to represent unknown numbers or members of specified sets of numbers   2 the branch of mathematics dealing with more abstract formal structures, such as sets, groups, etc [C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr the bone-setting, reunification, mathematical reduction]   > algebraist (ˌældʒIˈbreIIst) n

■ algebraic (ˌældʒIˈbreIIk) or algebraical   adj   1 of or relating to algebra: an algebraic expression   2 using or relating to finite numbers, operations, or relationships   > ˌalgeˈbraically adv

■ algebraic function   n   maths any function which can be constructed in a finite number of steps from the elementary operations and the inverses of any function already constructed. Compare transcendental function

■ algebraic notation   n   chess the standard method of denoting the squares on the chessboard, by allotting a letter, a, b, c, up to h, to each of the files running up the board from White's side, starting from the left, and a number to each of the ranks across the board, starting with White's first rank

■ algebraic number   n   any number that is a root of a polynomial equation having rational coefficients such as √2 but not π. Compare transcendental number

Algeciras (ˌældʒIˈsIrəs; Spanish alxeˈθiras)   n   a port and resort in SW Spain, on the Strait of Gibraltar: scene of a conference of the Great Powers in 1906. Pop: 108 779 (2003 est)

Alger (ˈældʒə)   n   Horatio. 1834–99, US author of adventure stories for boys, including Ragged Dick (1867)

Algeria (ælˈdʒIərIə)   n   a republic in NW Africa, on the Mediterranean: became independent in 1962, after more than a century of French rule; one-party constitution adopted in 1976; religious extremists led a campaign of violence from 1988 until 2000; consists chiefly of the N Sahara, with the Atlas Mountains in the north, and contains rich deposits of oil and natural gas. Official languages: Arabic and Berber; French also widely spoken. Religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Algiers. Pop: 41 318 142 (2017 est). Area: about 2 382 800 sq km (920 000 sq miles). French name: Algérie (alʒeri)

■ Algerian (ælˈdʒIərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Algeria or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Algeria

■ Algerine (ˌældʒəˈriːn)   adj   1 of or relating to Algeria or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Algeria

algerine (ˌældʒəˈriːn)   n   a soft striped woollen cloth [C19: from French, from algérien Algerian: because the cloth was originally made in Algeria]

algesia (ælˈdʒiːzIə, -sIə)   n   physiol the capacity to feel pain [New Latin from Greek algēsis sense of pain]   > alˈgesic or alˈgetic adj

■ algesis (ælˈdʒiːsIs)   n   a feeling or sense of pain

-algia   n combining form   denoting pain or a painful condition of the part specified: neuralgia; odontalgia [from Greek algos pain]   > -algic adj combining form

algicide (ˈældʒIˌsaId)   n   any substance that kills algae

■ algicidal (ˌældʒIˈsaIdəl)   adj   killing or preventing the growth of algae

algid (ˈældʒId)   adj   med chilly or cold [C17: from Latin algidus, from algēre to be cold]   > alˈgidity n

■ algidness (ˈældʒIdnəs)   n   the state or quality of being algid

Algiers (ælˈdʒIəz)   n   the capital of Algeria, an ancient port on the Mediterranean; until 1830 a centre of piracy. Pop: 2 594 112 (2015 est). Arabic name: Al-Jezair (ˌældʒɛˈzɑːIə). French name: Alger (alʒe)

algin (ˈældʒIn)   n   alginic acid or one of its esters or salts, esp the gelatinous solution obtained as a by-product in the extraction of iodine from seaweed, used in mucilages and for thickening jellies

■ alginate (ˈældʒIˌneIt)   n   a salt or ester of alginic acid

■ alginic acid (ælˈdʒInIk)   n   a white or yellowish powdery polysaccharide having marked hydrophilic properties. Extracted from kelp, it is used mainly in the food and textile industries and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Formula: (C_6H_8O_6)n; molecular wt: 32 000–250 000

algo-   combining form   denoting pain: algometer; algophobia [from Greek algos pain]

Algol^1 (ˈælɡɒl)   n   the second brightest star in Perseus, the first known eclipsing binary. Visual magnitude: 2.2–3.5; period: 68.8 hours; spectral type (brighter component): B8V [C14: from Arabic al ghūl the GHOUL]

Algol^2 (ˈælɡɒl)   n   a computer programming language designed for mathematical and scientific purposes; a high-level language [C20 alg(orithmic) o(riented) l(anguage)]

algolagnia (ˌælɡəˈlæɡnIə)   n   a perversion in which sexual pleasure is gained from the experience or infliction of pain. See also sadism, masochism [from German Algolagnie, from Greek algos pain + lagneiā lust]   > ˌalgoˈlagnic adj   > ˌalgoˈlagnist n

■ algolagniac (ˌælɡəˈlæɡnIæk)   n   another word for algolagnist

algology^1 (ælˈɡɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of biology concerned with the study of algae   > algological (ˌælɡəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌalgoˈlogically adv   > alˈgologist n

algology^2 (ælˈɡɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medicine concerned with the study of pain [from Greek algos pain]

algometer (ælˈɡɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring sensitivity to pressure (pressure algometer) or to pain   > alˈgometry n

Algonkian (ælˈɡɒŋkIən)   n, adj   1 an obsolete term for Proterozoic   2 a variant of Algonquian

Algonquian (ælˈɡɒŋkIən, -kwI-) or Algonkian   n   1 a family of North American languages whose speakers ranged over an area stretching from the Atlantic between Newfoundland and Delaware to the Rocky Mountains, including Micmac, Mahican, Ojibwa, Fox, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, and Shawnee. Some linguists relate it to Muskogean in a Macro-Algonquian phylum   2 (pl -ans or -an) a member of any of the indigenous North American peoples that speak one of these languages   ▷ adj   3 denoting, belonging to, or relating to this linguistic family or its speakers

Algonquin (ælˈɡɒŋkIn, -kwIn) or Algonkin (ælˈɡɒŋkIn)   n   1 (pl -quins, -quin or -kins, -kin) a member of an indigenous North American people formerly living along the St Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers in Canada   2 the language of this people, a dialect of Ojibwa   ▷ n, adj   3 a variant of Algonquian [C17: from Canadian French, earlier written as Algoumequin; perhaps related to Micmac algoomaking at the fish-spearing place]

■ Algonquin Park   n   a provincial park in S Canada, in E Ontario, containing over 1200 lakes. Area: 7100 sq km (2741 sq miles)

algophobia (ˌælɡəˈfəʊbIə)   n   psychiatry an acute fear of experiencing or witnessing bodily pain

algor (ˈælɡɔː)   n   med obsolete chill [C15: from Latin]

algorism (ˈælɡəˌrIzəm)   n   1 the Arabic or decimal system of counting   2 the skill of computation using any system of numerals   3 another name for algorithm [C13: from Old French algorisme, from Medieval Latin algorismus, from Arabic al-khuwārizmi, from the name of abu-Ja`far Mohammed ibn-Mūsa al-Khuwārizmi, ninth-century Persian mathematician]   > ˌalgoˈrismic adj

algorithm (ˈælɡəˌrIðəm)   n   1 a logical arithmetical or computational procedure that if correctly applied ensures the solution of a problem. Compare heuristic   2 logic, maths a recursive procedure whereby an infinite sequence of terms can be generated   ▶ French name: algorism [C17: changed from ALGORISM, through influence of Greek arithmos number]   > ˌalgoˈrithmic adj   > ˌalgoˈrithmically adv

■ algorithmic trading   n   trading on international stock exchanges using computers that have been programmed to buy and sell shares according to fixed rules

Algren (ˈɔːlɡrən)   n   Nelson. 1909–81, US novelist. His novels, mostly set in Chicago, include Never Come Morning (1942) and The Man with the Golden Arm (1949)

alguacil or alguazil Spanish (alɣwaˈθil)   n   a Spanish law officer similar to a sheriff or chief constable

algum (ˈælɡəm)   n   a type of wood, mentioned in the Bible

Alhambra (ælˈhæmbrə)   n   a citadel and palace in Granada, Spain, built for the Moorish kings during the 13th and 14th centuries: noted for its rich ornamentation   > Alhambresque (ˌælhæmˈbrɛsk) adj

Al Hijrah or Al Hijra (æl ˈhIdʒrə)   n   an annual Muslim festival marking the beginning of the Muslim year. It commemorates Mohammed's move from Mecca to Medina and involves the exchange of gifts and the telling of stories about Mohammed. See also Hegira [from Arabic, hijrah emigration or flight]

Al Hufuf or Al Hofuf (æl hʊˈfuːf)   n   a town in E Saudi Arabia: a trading centre with nearby oilfields and oases. Pop: 331 000 (2005 est)

Ali (ˈɑːliː)   n   1  ?600–661 AD, fourth caliph of Islam (656–61 AD), considered the first caliph by the Shiites: cousin and son-in-law of Mohammed   2  See Mehemet Ali   3  See Muhammad Ali

alias (ˈeIlIəs)   adv   1 at another time or place known as or named: Katy Perry, alias Hudson   ▷ n, pl -ases   2 an assumed name [C16: from Latin aliās (adv) otherwise, at another time, from alius other]

aliasing (ˈeIlIəsIŋ)   n   radio, television the error in a vision or sound signal arising from limitations in the system that generates or processes the signal

Ali Baba (ˈælI ˈbɑːbə)   n   (in The Arabian Nights' Entertainments) a poor woodcutter who discovers that the magic words "open sesame" will open the doors of the cave containing the treasure of the Forty Thieves

alibi (ˈælIˌbaI)   n, pl -bis   1 law   a a defence by an accused person that he or she was elsewhere at the time the crime in question was committed   b the evidence given to prove this   2 informal an excuse   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to provide with an alibi [C18: from Latin alibī elsewhere, from alius other + -bī as in ubī where]

alible (ˈælIbəl)   adj   nourishing; nutritious

alicant (ˌælIˈkænt)   n   a wine produced near or in Alicante in Spain

Alicante (ˌælIˈkæntI)   n   a port in SE Spain: commercial centre. Pop: 305 911 (2003 est). Catalan name: Alacant

Alice (ˈælIs) or the Alice   n   Austral slang short for Alice Springs

Alice band   n   an ornamental band worn across the front of the hair to hold it back from the face

Alice-in-Wonderland   adj   fantastic; irrational [C20: alluding to the absurdities of Wonderland in Lewis Carroll's book]

Alice Springs   n   a town in central Australia, in the Northern Territory, in the Macdonnell Ranges. Pop: 23 640 (2001). Former name (until 1931): Stuart

alicyclic (ˌælIˈsaIklIk, -ˈsIk-)   adj   (of an organic compound) having aliphatic properties, in spite of the presence of a ring of carbon atoms [C19: from German alicyclisch, from ALI(PHATIC) + CYCLIC]

alidade (ˈælIˌdeId) or alidad (ˈælIˌdæd)   n   1 a surveying instrument used in plane-tabling for drawing lines of sight on a distant object and taking angular measurements   2 the upper rotatable part of a theodolite, including the telescope and its attachments [C15: from French, from Medieval Latin allidada, from Arabic al-'idāda the revolving radius of a circle]

alien (ˈeIljən, ˈeIlIən)   n   1 a person owing allegiance to a country other than that in which he or she lives; foreigner   2 any being or thing foreign to the environment in which it now exists   3 (in science fiction) a being from another world, sometimes specifically an extraterrestrial   ▷ adj   4 unnaturalized; foreign   5 having foreign allegiance: alien territory   6 unfamiliar; strange: an alien quality in a work of art   7 (postpositive; and foll by to) repugnant or opposed (to): war is alien to his philosophy   8 (in science fiction) of or from another world   ▷ vb   9 (tr) rare to transfer (property, etc) to another [C14: from Latin aliēnus foreign, from alius other]   > alienage (ˈeIljənIdʒ, ˈeIlIə-) n

■ alienable (ˈeIljənəbəl, ˈeIlIə-)   adj   law (of property) transferable to another owner   > ˌalienaˈbility n

■ alienee (ˌeIljəˈniː, ˌeIlIə-)   n   law a person to whom a transfer of property is made

■ alienly (ˈeIlIənlI)   adv   in an alien, foreign, or unfamiliar manner

■ alienness (ˈeIlIənnəs)   n   the state or quality or being alien, foreign, or unfamiliar

■ alienor (ˈeIljənə, ˈeIlIə-)   n   law a person who transfers property to another

alienate (ˈeIljəˌneIt, ˈeIlIə-)   vb (tr)   1 to cause (a friend, sympathizer, etc) to become indifferent, unfriendly, or hostile; estrange   2 to turn away; divert: to alienate the affections of a person   3 law to transfer the ownership of (property, title, etc) to another person   > ˈalienˌator n

■ alienated (ˈeIlIəˌneItId)   adj   indifferent, unfriendly, or hostile

■ alienation (ˌeIljəˈneIʃən, ˌeIlIə-)   n   1 a turning away; estrangement   2 the state of being an outsider or the feeling of being isolated, as from society   3 psychiatry a state in which a person's feelings are inhibited so that eventually both the self and the external world seem unreal   4 law   a the transfer of property, as by conveyance or will, into the ownership of another   b the right of an owner to dispose of his or her property

alienism (ˈeIljəˌnIzəm, ˈeIlIə-)   n   obsolete the study and treatment of mental illness

■ alienist (ˈeIljənIst, ˈeIlIə-)   n   1 US a psychiatrist who specializes in the legal aspects of mental illness   2 obsolete a person who practises alienism

alif (ˈælIf)   n   the first letter of the Arabic alphabet

aliform (ˈælIˌfɔːm, ˈeIlI-)   adj   wing-shaped; alar [C19: from New Latin āliformis, from Latin āla a wing]

Aligarh (ˌɑːlIˈɡɜː, ˌælI-)   n   a city in N India, in W Uttar Pradesh, with a famous Muslim university (1920). Pop: 667 732 (2001)

aligarta (ˌælIˈɡɑːtə)   n   another name for alligator

alight^1 (əˈlaIt)   vb alights, alighting, alighted or alit (intr)   1 (usually foll by from) to step out (of) or get down (from): to alight from a taxi   2 to come to rest; settle; land: a thrush alighted on the wall [Old English ālīhtan, from A-2 + līhtan to make less heavy, from līht LIGHT^2]

■ alighting gear   n   another name for undercarriage (sense 1)

■ alightment (əˈlaItmənt)   n   a descent or dismount, normally from a mode of transport

alight^2 (əˈlaIt)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 burning; on fire   2 illuminated; lit up [Old English ālīht lit up, from ālīhtan to light up; see LIGHT^1]

align (əˈlaIn)   vb   1 to place or become placed in a line   2 to bring (components or parts, such as the wheels of a car) into proper or desirable coordination or relation   3 (tr; usually foll by with) to bring (a person, country, etc) into agreement or cooperation with the policy, etc of another person or group   4 (tr) psychol to integrate or harmonize the aims, practices, etc of a group   5 (usually foll by with) psychol to identify with or match the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person [C17: from Old French aligner, from à ligne into line]

■ aligner (əˈlaInə)   n   an official who ensures boats are aligned correctly before the start of a race

■ alignment (əˈlaInmənt)   n   1 arrangement in a straight line   2 the line or lines formed in this manner   3 alliance or union with a party, cause, etc   4 proper or desirable coordination or relation of components   5 a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc   6 archaeol an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance   7 psychol integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group   8 psychol identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person

alike (əˈlaIk)   adj (postpositive)   1 possessing the same or similar characteristics: the children all look very alike   ▷ adv   2 in the same or a similar manner, way, or degree: they walk alike [Old English gelīc; see LIKE^1]

■ alikeness (əˈlaIknəs)   n   the state or quality of being similar

aliment   n (ˈælImənt)   1 something that nourishes or sustains the body or mind   2 Scots law another term for alimony   ▷ vb (ˈælIˌmɛnt)   3 (tr) obsolete to support or sustain [C15: from Latin alimentum food, from alere to nourish]   > ˌaliˈmental adj

■ alimentary (ˌælIˈmɛntərI, -trI)   adj   1 of or relating to nutrition   2 providing sustenance or nourishment   3 Scots law free from the claims of creditors: an alimentary trust

■ alimentary canal or alimentary tract   n   the tubular passage extending from the mouth to the anus, through which food is passed and digested

■ alimentation (ˌælImɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 nourishment   2 sustenance; support   > ˌaliˈmentative adj

■ alimentiveness (ˌælIˈmɛntIvnəs)   n   the desire to eat, or the instinct to find, food

alimony (ˈælImənI)   n   law (formerly) an allowance paid under a court order by one spouse to another when they are separated but not divorced. See also maintenance [C17: from Latin alimōnia sustenance, from alere to nourish]

■ alimonied (ˈælImənId)   adj   provided or supplied with alimony

aline (əˈlaIn)   vb   a rare spelling of align   > aˈlinement n   > aˈliner n

A-line   adj   (of a garment, esp a skirt or dress) flaring slightly from the waist or shoulders

alineation (əˌlInIˈeIʃən)   n   the aligning or positioning of objects in a straight line

Ali Pasha (ˈɑːliː ˈpɑːʃə)   n   known as the Lion of Janina. 1741–1822, Turkish pasha and ruler of Albania (1787–1820), who was deposed and assassinated after intriguing against Turkey

aliped (ˈælIˌpɛd)   adj   1 (of bats and similar animals) having the digits connected by a winglike membrane   ▷ n   2 an aliped animal [C19: from Latin ālipēs having winged feet, from āla wing + -PED]

aliphatic (ˌælIˈfætIk)   adj   (of an organic compound) not aromatic, esp having an open chain structure, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes [C19: from Greek aleiphat-, aleiphar oil]

aliquant (ˈælIkwənt)   adj   maths of, signifying, or relating to a quantity or number that is not an exact divisor of a given quantity or number: 5 is an aliquant part of 12. Compare aliquot (sense 2) [C17: from New Latin, from Latin aliquantus somewhat, a certain quantity of]

aliquot (ˈælIˌkwɒt)   adj   1 maths of, signifying, or relating to an exact divisor of a quantity or number: 3 is an aliquot part of 12. Compare aliquant   2 consisting of equal quantities: the sample was divided into five aliquot parts   ▷ n   3 an aliquot part [C16: from Latin: several, a few]

alisma (əˈlIzmə)   n   a flowering marsh plant of the genus Alsima, with round leaves

■ alismaceous (ˌælIzˈmeIʃəs)   adj   of or relating to the genus Alisma

alison (ˈælIsən)   n   1 sweet alison another name for sweet alyssum   2 small alison a rare compact annual, Alyssum alyssoides, having small yellow flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers) [altered from ALYSSUM]

A list   n     a the most socially desirable category   b (as modifier): an A-list event. Compare B list

alit (əˈlIt)   vb   a rare past tense and past participle of alight^1

aliterate (eIˈlItərIt)   n   1 a person who is able to read but disinclined to do so   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to aliterates

■ aliteracy (eIˈlItərəsI)   n   the state or quality of being able but disinclined to read

aliunde (ˌeIlIˈʌndI)   adv, adj   from a source extrinsic to the matter, document, or instrument under consideration: evidence aliunde [Latin: from elsewhere]

alive (əˈlaIv)   adj (postpositive)   1 (of people, animals, plants, etc) living; having life   2 in existence; active: they kept hope alive; the tradition was still alive   3 (immediately postpositive and usually used with a superlative) of those living; now living: the happiest woman alive   4 full of life; lively: she was wonderfully alive for her age   5 (usually foll by with) animated: a face alive with emotion   6 (foll by to) aware (of); sensitive (to)   7 (foll by with) teeming (with): the mattress was alive with fleas   8 electronics another word for live^2 (sense 11)   9 alive and kicking (of a person) active and in good health   10 look alive! hurry up! get busy! [Old English on līfe in LIFE]   > aˈliveness n

aliyah or aliya   n Judaism   1 (aliˈja) (pl -yoth (-ˈjɒt)) immigration to the Holy Land   2 (əˈliːə) the honour of being called to read from the Torah [from Hebrew, literally: act of going up, ascent]

aliyos (aliˈjos)   n   another name for aliyah

alizari (ˌælIˈzɑːrI)   n   the madder plant found in the Middle East

alizarin (əˈlIzərIn)   n   a brownish-yellow powder or orange-red crystalline solid used as a dye and in the manufacture of other dyes. Formula: C_6H_4(CO)2C_6H_2(OH)2 [C19: probably from French alizarine, probably from Arabic al-’asārah the juice, from ’asara to squeeze]

alk.   abbreviation for   alkali

alkahest or alcahest (ˈælkəˌhɛst)   n   the hypothetical universal solvent sought by alchemists [C17: apparently coined by Paracelsus on the model of Arabic words]

■ alkahestic (ˌælkəˈhɛstIk)   adj   alchemy of or relating to the alkahest

alkalescent (ˌælkəˈlɛsənt)   adj   chem developing alkaline qualities

■ alkalescence (ˌælkəˈlɛsəns)   n   chem the process of developing alkaline qualities

■ alkalescency (ˌælkəˈlɛsənsI)   n   chem the tendency to develop alkaline qualities

alkali (ˈælkəˌlaI)   n, pl -lis or -lies   1 chem a soluble base or a solution of a base   2 a soluble mineral salt that occurs in arid soils and some natural waters [C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-qili the ashes (of the plant saltwort)]

■ alkalic (ælˈkælIk)   adj   1 (of igneous rocks) containing large amounts of alkalis, esp sodium and potassium   2 another word for alkaline

■ alkali flat   n   an arid plain encrusted with alkaline salts derived from the streams draining into it

■ alkali metal   n   any of the monovalent metals lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and francium, belonging to group 1A of the periodic table. They are all very reactive and electropositive

■ alkalimeter (ˌælkəˈlImItə)   n   1 an apparatus for determining the concentration of alkalis in solution   2 an apparatus for determining the quantity of carbon dioxide in carbonates   > alkalimetric (ˌælkəlIˈmɛtrIk) adj

■ alkalimetry (ˌælkəˈlImItrI)   n   determination of the amount of alkali or base in a solution, measured by an alkalimeter or by volumetric analysis

■ alkali soil   n   a soil that gives a pH reaction of 8.5 or above, found esp in dry areas where the soluble salts, esp of sodium, have not been leached away but have accumulated in the B horizon of the soil profile

alkalify (ˈælkəlIˌfaI, ælˈkæl-)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to make or become alkaline

alkaline (ˈælkəˌlaIn) or alkalin (ˈælkəlIn)   adj   having the properties of or containing an alkali

■ alkaline earth   n   1 Also called: alkaline earth metal, alkaline earth element any of the divalent electropositive metals beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium, belonging to group 2A of the periodic table   2 an oxide of one of the alkaline earth metals

■ alkaline soil   n   a soil that gives a pH reaction of 8.5 or above, found esp in dry areas where the soluble salts, esp of sodium, have not been leached away but have accumulated in the B horizon of the soil profile

■ alkalinity (ˌælkəˈlInItI)   n   1 the quality or state of being alkaline   2 the amount of alkali or base in a solution, often expressed in terms of pH

■ alkalinization or alkalinisation (ˌælkəlInaIˈzeIʃən)   n   chem the process of becoming alkaline, or making alkaline

■ alkalinize or alkalinise (ˈælkəlIˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to make alkaline

alkalize or alkalise (ˈælkəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to make alkaline   > ˈalkaˌlizable or ˈalkaˌlisable adj

■ alkalizer or alkaliser (ˈælkəˌlaIzə)   n   a substance that makes something alkaline or less acidic

alkaloid (ˈælkəˌlɔId)   n   any of a group of nitrogenous basic compounds found in plants, typically insoluble in water and physiologically active. Common examples are morphine, strychnine, quinine, nicotine, and caffeine

■ alkaloidal (ˌælkəˈlɔIdəl)   adj   chem relating to alkaloids

alkalosis (ˌælkəˈləʊsIs)   n   an abnormal increase in the alkalinity of the blood and extracellular fluids

■ alkalotic (ˌælkəˈləʊtIk)   adj   pathol characterized by alkalosis

alkane (ˈælkeIn)   n     a any saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n+2   b (as modifier): alkane series. Also called: paraffin

alkanet (ˈælkəˌnɛt)   n   1 a European boraginaceous plant, Alkanna tinctoria, the roots of which yield a red dye   2 Also called: anchusin, alkannin the dye obtained from this plant   3 any of certain hairy blue-flowered Old World plants of the boraginaceous genus Anchusa (or Pentaglottis), such as A. sempervirens of Europe. See also bugloss   4 another name for puccoon (sense 1) [C14: from Spanish alcaneta, diminutive of alcana henna, from Medieval Latin alchanna, from Arabic al the + hinnā' henna]

alkannin (ælˈkænIn)   n   dyeing another name for alkanet (sense 2)

alkene (ˈælkiːn)   n     a Also called: olefine, olefin any unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n   b Also called: olefine (as modifier): alkene series

Alkmaar (Dutch ˈɑlkmaːr)   n   a city in the W Netherlands, in North Holland. Pop: 93 000 (2003 est)

alko or alco (ˈælkəʊ)   n, pl alkos, alcos   Austral slang a heavy drinker or alcoholic

Alkoran or Alcoran (ˌælkɒˈrɑːn)   n   a less common name for the Koran

alkoxide (ælˈkɒksaId)   n   chem a compound formed by the removal of a proton from an alcohol

alkoxy (ælˈkɒksI)   n   (modifier) denoting an alkyl group bonded to an oxygen atom

alky or alkie (ˈælkI)   n, pl -kies   slang a heavy drinker or alcoholic

alkyd (ˈælkId)   adj   containing an alkyd resin

■ alkyd resin (ˈælkId)   n   any synthetic resin made from a dicarboxylic acid, such as phthalic acid, and diols or triols: used in paints and adhesives

alkyl (ˈælkIl)   n   1 (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CnH2n+1: alkyl group or radical   2 an organometallic compound, such as tetraethyl lead, containing an alkyl group bound to a metal atom [C19: from German, from Alk(ohol) ALCOHOL + -YL]

■ alkylate (ˈælkIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   chem to bring (an alkyl group) into a compound

■ alkylating agent (ˈælkIˌleItIŋ)   n   any cytotoxic drug containing alkyl groups, such as chlorambucil, that acts by damaging DNA; widely used in chemotherapy

■ alkylation (ˌælkIˈleIʃən)   n   1 the attachment of an alkyl group to an organic compound, usually by the addition or substitution of a hydrogen atom or halide group   2 the addition of an alkane hydrocarbon to an alkene in producing high-octane fuels

■ alkylic (ˈælkIlIk)   adj   chem relating to an alkyl

■ alkyne or alkine (ˈælkaIn)   n     a any unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with a carbon–carbon triple bond   b (as modifier): alkyne series. Also called: acetylene

all (ɔːl)   determiner   1    a the whole quantity or amount of; totality of; every one of a class: all the rice; all of us are mortal   b (as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural): all of it is nice; all are welcome   c (in combination with a noun used as a modifier): an all-ticket match; an all-amateur tournament; an all-night sitting   2 the greatest possible: in all earnestness   3 any whatever: to lose all hope of recovery; beyond all doubt   4 above all most of all; especially   5 after all See after (sense 11)   6 all along all the time   7 all but almost; nearly: all but dead   8 all of no less or smaller than: she's all of thirteen years   9 all over   a finished; at an end: the affair is all over between us   b over the whole area (of something); everywhere (in, on, etc): all over England   c typically; representatively (in the phrase that's me (you, us, them, etc) all over). Also (Irish): all out   d unduly effusive towards   e sport in a dominant position over   10 See all in   11 all in all   a everything considered: all in all, it was a great success   b the object of one's attention or interest: you are my all in all   12 all that or that (usually used with a negative) informal (intensifier): it's not all that difficult   13 all the (foll by a comparative adjective or adverb) so much (more or less) than otherwise: we must work all the faster now   14 all too definitely but regrettably: it's all too true   15 and all   a Brit informal as well; too: and you can take that smile off your face and all   b South African a parenthetical filler phrase used at the end of a statement to make a slight pause in speaking   16 and all that informal   a and similar or associated things; et cetera: coffee, tea, and all that will be served in the garden   b used as a filler or to make what precedes more vague: in this sense, it often occurs with concessive force: it's exciting to watch and all that, but it's a dangerous sport   c See that (sense 4)   17 as all that as one might expect or hope: the show was not as great as all that   18 at all   a (used with a negative or in a question) in any way whatsoever or to any extent or degree: I didn't know that at all   b even so; anyway: I'm surprised you came at all   19 be all for informal to be strongly in favour of   20 be all that informal, chiefly US to be exceptionally good, talented, or attractive   21 for all   a in so far as; to the extent that: for all anyone knows, he was a baron   b notwithstanding: for all my pushing, I still couldn't move it   22 for all that in spite of that: he was a nice man for all that   23 in all altogether: there were five of them in all   ▷ adv   24 (in scores of games) apiece; each: the score at half time was three all   25 completely: all alone   26 be all … informal used for emphasis when introducing direct speech or nonverbal communication: she was all, 'I'm not doing that'   ▷ n   27 (preceded by my, your, his, etc) (one's) complete effort or interest: to give your all; you are my all   28 totality or whole ▶ Related prefixes: pan-, panto- [Old English eall; related to Old High German al, Old Norse allr, Gothic alls all]

■ all-American   adj US   1 representative of the whole of the United States   2 composed exclusively of American members   3 (of a person) typically American: the company looks for all-American clean-cut college students

■ all-around   adj   (prenominal) the US equivalent of all-round

■ All Blacks   pl n   the All Blacks the international Rugby Union football team of New Zealand [so named because of the players' black playing strip]

■ all clear   n   1 a signal, usually a siren, indicating that some danger, such as an air raid, is over   2 an indication that obstacles are no longer present; permission to proceed: she received the all clear on the plan

■ allcomers (ˈɔːlˌkʌməz)   pl n   sport   a all people who want to compete, join or take part, esp in a sporting event, as opposed to members of a specific group   b (as modifier): the previous Australian allcomers record

■ all-conquering   adj   literary having defeated all opponents over a long period of time

■ all-consuming   adj   taking up all of someone's time and attention

■ all-dancing   adj   See all-singing all-dancing

■ all-day   adj (prenominal)   1 available throughout the day   2 happening or lasting all day

■ all-dayer (ˌɔːlˈdeIə)   n   an entertainment, such as a pop concert or film screening, that lasts all day

■ all-dressed   adj   Canadian (of a hot dog, hamburger, etc) served with all available garnishes

■ all-embracing   adj   including everyone or everything

■ all-expenses-paid   adj   (of a holiday, trip, etc) free, with everything paid for

■ all-fired slang, chiefly US   adj   1 (prenominal) excessive; extreme   ▷ adv   2 (intensifier): don't be so all-fired sure of yourself! [altered from hell-fired]

■ all-flying tail   n   a type of aircraft tailplane in which the whole of the tailplane is moved for control purposes

■ All Fools' Day   n   April Fools' Day. See April fool

■ all fours   n   1 both the arms and legs of a person or all the legs of a quadruped (esp in the phrase on all fours)   2 another name for seven-up

■ all hail   interj   an archaic greeting or salutation [C14, literally: all health (to someone)]

■ all-important   adj   crucial; vital

■ all in   adj   1 (postpositive) informal completely exhausted; tired out   ▷ adv, adj (all-in when prenominal)   2    a with all expenses or costs included in the price: the flat is four hundred pounds a week all in   b (prenominal): the all-in price is eighty pounds

■ all-inclusive   adj   including everything; comprehensive

■ all-in-one   adj   denoting a single object or system that consists of or functions as several different items

■ all-in wrestling   n   another name for freestyle (sense 2b)

■ allness (ˈɔːlnəs)   n   the state of being comprehensive or all-embracing

■ all-night   adj   1 open, available or operating throughout the night   2 lasting all night

■ all-nighter (ˌɔːlˈnaItə)   n   an entertainment, such as a pop concert or film screening, that lasts all night

■ All-Ordinaries Index   n   an index of share prices on the Australian Stock Exchange giving a weighted arithmetic average of 245 ordinary shares

■ all-out informal   adj   1 using one's maximum powers: an all-out effort   ▷ adv all out   2 to one's maximum effort or capacity: he went all out on the home stretch

■ all-over   adj   covering the entire surface

■ all-party   adj (prenominal)   politics composed of or involving members of all of the political parties of a country

■ all-pervading or all-pervasive   adj   spreading through or into everything

■ all-points bulletin   n   (in the US) an alert broadcast to all police officers within an area, instructing the arrest of a suspect

■ all-powerful   adj   possessing supreme power; omnipotent

■ all-purpose   adj   useful for many things

■ all right   adj (postpositive except in slang use)   1 adequate; satisfactory   2 unharmed; safe   3 all-right US slang   a acceptable: an all-right book   b reliable: an all-right guy   ▷ sentence substitute   4 very well: used to express assent   ▷ adv   5 satisfactorily; adequately: the car goes all right   6 without doubt: he's a bad one, all right   ▶ Also: alright

USAGE

See at alright

■ all-right   adj (prenominal)   US informal reliable, acceptable

■ all-round   adj   1 efficient in all respects, esp in sport; versatile: an all-round player   2 comprehensive; many-sided; not narrow: an all-round education

■ all-rounder   n   a versatile person, esp in a sport

■ All Saints' Day   n   a Christian festival celebrated on Nov 1 to honour all the saints

■ all-seater   adj   Brit (of a sports stadium) having seats for all the spectators, so that none stand to watch the game

■ allseed (ˈɔːlˌsiːd)   n   any of several plants that produce many seeds, such as knotgrass

■ all-singing all-dancing   adj   having every desirable feature possible: he said an all-singing all-dancing website would be launched next year

■ all-sorts   pl n   a mixture, esp a mixture of liquorice sweets

■ All Souls' Day   n   RC Church a day of prayer (Nov 2) for the dead in purgatory

■ all square   adj (postpositive)   1 mutually clear of all debts or obligations   2 (of contestants or teams in sports) having equal scores

■ all-star   adj   (prenominal) consisting of star performers

■ all-terrain   adj (prenominal)   designed to travel on all types of ground, including rough ground

■ all-time   adj   (prenominal) informal unsurpassed in some respect at a particular time: an all-time record at the Olympics

■ all told   adv   (sentence modifier) taking every one into account; in all: we were seven all told

■ all-weather   adj   1 denoting a track, course, or pitch for athletic events or horse racing, made from material which is suitable for use in all weather conditions   ▷ n   2 Also: allweather an all-weather track or pitch

■ all-wheel drive   n   a system used in motor vehicles in which all four (or more) wheels are permanently connected to the source of power, in such a way that each wheel is able to rotate at a different speed. See also four-wheel drive

■ All Whites   pl n   the All Whites the former name for the international soccer team of New Zealand [so named because of the players' white strip and also an allusion to ALL BLACKS]

■ all-year-round   adj (prenominal)   happening, operating, available, etc throughout the year, rather than in one season only

■ allyou (ˈɔːlˌjuː, ˈɔːˌjʊ)   pron   (used in addressing more than one person) Caribbean informal all of you

all-   combining form   a variant of allo-

alla breve (ˈælə ˈbreIvI; Italian ˈalla ˈbrɛːve)   n   1 a musical time signature indicating two or four minims to a bar   ▷ adj, adv   2 twice as fast as normal   ▶ Usual symbol: [C19: Italian, literally: (according) to the breve]

Allah (ˈælə)   n   Islam the Muslim name for God; the one Supreme Being [C16: from Arabic, from al the + Ilāh god; compare Hebrew elōah]

Allahabad (ˌæləhəˈbæd, -ˈbɑːd)   n   a city in N India, in SE Uttar Pradesh at the confluence of the Ganges and Jumna Rivers: Hindu pilgrimage centre. Pop: 990 298 (2001)

Allahu Akbar (ˈæləˌhu ˈakˌbaː)   interj   Islam an exclamation used in the call to prayer and also used as a call to the defence of Muslims, an expression of approval, and a funeral litany [from Arabic, literally: God is most great]

Allan-a-Dale (ˌælənəˈdeIl)   n   (in English balladry) a member of Robin Hood's band who saved his sweetheart from an enforced marriage and married her himself

allanite (ˈæləˌnaIt)   n   a rare black or brown mineral consisting of the hydrated silicate of calcium, aluminium, iron, cerium, lanthanum, and other rare earth minerals. It occurs in granites and other igneous rocks. Formula: (Ca,Ce,La,Y)2(Al,Fe,Be,Mn,Mg)3(SiO_4)3(OH) [C19: named after T. Allan (1777–1833), English mineralogist]

allantois (ˌælənˈtəʊIs, əˈlæntɔIs)   n   a membranous sac growing out of the ventral surface of the hind gut of embryonic reptiles, birds, and mammals. It combines with the chorion to form the mammalian placenta [C17: New Latin, irregularly from Greek allantoeidēs sausage-shaped, ALLANTOID]   > allantoic (ˌælənˈtəʊIk) adj

■ allantoid (əˈlæntɔId)   adj   1 relating to or resembling the allantois   2 botany shaped like a sausage   ▷ n   3 another name for allantois [C17: from Greek allantoeidēs sausage-shaped, from allas sausage + -OID]   > allantoidal (ˌælənˈtɔIdəl) adj

■ allantoin (ˌælənˈtəʊIn)   n   a substance derived from the secretions of snails and contained in some plants, used in skin care products and valued for its soothing properties [C19: from ALLANTOIS]

alla prima (ˈɑːlɑː ˈpriːmə)   adj   (of a painting) painted with a single layer of paint, in contrast to paintings built up layer by layer [C19: from Italian: at once]

allargando (ˌɑːlɑːˈɡændəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) with increasing slowness [Italian, from allargare to make slow or broad]

allative (ˈælətIv) grammar   n   1 the grammatical case, or a word used in the case, that in certain languages denotes movement towards something   ▷ adj   2 relating to the grammatical case that in certain languages denotes movement towards something

allay (əˈleI)   vb   1 to relieve (pain, grief, etc) or be relieved   2 (tr) to reduce (fear, anger, etc) [Old English ālecgan to put down, from lecgan to LAY^1]

■ allayer (əˈleIə)   n   a person who or that which reduces, moderates or subdues

■ allayment (əˈleImənt)   n   an abatement, moderation or alleviation

alledge (əˈlɛdʒ)   vb (tr)   an obsolete spelling of allege

allee (ˈæleI)   n   a path or a walkway in a landscaped area that is bordered by trees, tall plants, hedges, or fencing

allege (əˈlɛdʒ)   vb (tr; may take a clause as object)   1 to declare in or as if in a court of law; state without or before proof: he alleged malpractice   2 to put forward (an argument or plea) for or against an accusation, claim, etc   3 archaic to cite or quote, as to confirm [C14 aleggen, ultimately from Latin allēgāre to dispatch on a mission, from lēx law]

■ allegation (ˌælIˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 the act of alleging   2 an unproved statement or assertion, esp one in an accusation

■ alleged (əˈlɛdʒd)   adj (prenominal)   1 stated or described to be such; presumed: the alleged murderer   2 dubious: an alleged miracle

■ allegedly (əˈlɛdʒIdlI)   adv   1 reportedly; supposedly: payments allegedly made to a former colleague   2 (sentence modifier) it is alleged that   ▷ interj   3 an exclamation expressing disbelief or scepticism

USAGE

In recent years it has become common for speakers to include allegedly in statements that are controversial or possibly even defamatory. The implication is that, by saying allegedly, the speaker is distancing himself or herself from the controversy and even protecting himself or herself from possible prosecution. However, the effect created may be deliberate. The use of allegedly can be a signal that, although the statement may seem outrageous, it is in fact true: He was drunk at work. Allegedly. Conversely, it is also possible to use allegedly as an expression of ironic scepticism: He's a hard worker. Allegedly.

■ alleger (əˈlɛdʒə)   n   a person who alleges

allegge (əˈlɛdʒ)   vb (tr)   to ease, moderate or allay

Allegheny Mountains (ˌælIˈɡeInI) or Alleghenies   pl n   a mountain range in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia: part of the Appalachian system; rising from 600 m (2000 ft) to over 1440 m (4800 ft)

allegiance (əˈliːdʒəns)   n   1 loyalty, as of a subject to his or her sovereign or of a citizen to his or her country   2 (in feudal society) the obligations of a vassal to his liege lord. See also fealty, homage (sense 2) [C14: from Old French ligeance, from lige LIEGE]

■ allegeance (əˈlɛdʒəns)   n   an obsolete spelling of allegiance

■ allegiant (əˈliːdʒənt)   n   1 a person who displays constancy, duty, and faithfulness, esp to a ruling body   ▷ adj   2 having or displaying constancy, duty, and faithfulness, esp to a ruling body

allegory (ˈælIɡərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a poem, play, picture, etc, in which the apparent meaning of the characters and events is used to symbolize a deeper moral or spiritual meaning   2 the technique or genre that this represents   3 use of such symbolism to illustrate truth or a moral   4 anything used as a symbol or emblem [C14: from Old French allegorie, from Latin allēgoria, from Greek, from allēgorein to speak figuratively, from allos other + agoreuein to make a speech in public, from agora a public gathering]   > ˈallegorist n

■ allegorical (ˌælIˈɡɒrIkəl) or allegoric   adj   used in, containing, or characteristic of allegory   > ˌalleˈgorically adv

■ allegoricalness (ˌælIˈɡɒrIkəlnəs)   n   the quality of being allegorical

■ allegorize or allegorise (ˈælIɡəˌraIz)   vb   1 to transform (a story, narrative, fable, etc) into or compose in the form of allegory   2 (tr) to interpret allegorically   > ˌallegoriˈzation or ˌallegoriˈsation n

■ allegorizer or allegoriser (ˈælIɡəˌraIzə)   n   a person who talks in or explains by means of allegories

allegretto (ˌælIˈɡrɛtəʊ) music   adj, adv   1 (to be performed) fairly quickly or briskly   ▷ n, pl -tos   2 a piece or passage to be performed in this manner [C19: diminutive of ALLEGRO]

Allegri (Italian alˈleɡrI)   n   Gregorio. 1582–1652, Italian composer and singer. His compositions include a Miserere for nine voices

allegro (əˈleIɡrəʊ, -ˈlɛɡ-) music   adj, adv   1 (to be performed) quickly, in a brisk lively manner   ▷ n, pl -gros   2 a piece or passage to be performed in this manner [C17: from Italian: cheerful, from Latin alacer brisk, lively]

allele (əˈliːl) or allel (ˈælɛl)   n   any of two or more variants of a gene that have the same relative position on homologous chromosomes and are responsible for alternative characteristics, such as smooth or wrinkled seeds in peas. Also called: allelomorph (əˈliːləˌmɔːf). See also multiple alleles [C20: from German Allel, shortened from allelomorph, from Greek allēl- one another + morphē form]   > alˈlelic adj   > alˈlelism n

allelomorph (əˈliːləˌmɔːf)   n   genetics another term for allele

■ allelomorphic (əˌliːləˈmɔːfIk)   adj   biology relating to alleles

■ allelomorphism (əˈliːləˌmɔːfIzəm)   n   biology the state of being or the passing on of allelomorphs

allelopathy (ˌælIˈlɒpəθI)   n   the inhibitory effect of one living plant upon another by the release of toxic substances [from French allélopathie, from Greek allēl- one another + pathos suffering]

■ allelopathic (əˌliːləˈpæθIk)   adj   botany relating to or characterized by allelopathy

alleluia or alleluiah (ˌælIˈluːjə)   interj   1 praise the Lord! Used more commonly in liturgical contexts in place of hallelujah   ▷ n   2 a song of praise to God [C14: via Medieval Latin from Hebrew hallelūyāh]

allemande (ˈælImænd; French almɑ̃d)   n   1 the first movement of the classical suite, composed in a moderate tempo in a time signature of four-four   2 any of several German dances   3 a figure in country dancing or square dancing by means of which couples change position in the set [C17: from French danse allemande German dance]

Allen^1 (ˈælən)   n   1 Bog of Allen a region of peat bogs in central Ireland, west of Dublin. Area: over 10 sq km (3.75 sq miles)   2 Lough Allen a lake in Ireland, in county Leitrim

Allen^2 (ˈælən)   n   1  Ethan. 1738–89, American soldier during the War of Independence who led the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont   2  Sir Thomas. born 1944, British operatic baritone   3  Woody. real name Allen Stewart Konigsberg. born 1935, US film comedian, screenwriter, and director. His films as an actor and director include Annie Hall (1977), Manhattan (1979), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), Bullets over Broadway (1994), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), and Blue Jasmine (2013)

allenarly (əˈlɛnəlI)   adv   Scots law in a solitary manner

Allenby (ˈælənbI)   n   Edmund Henry Hynman, 1st Viscount. 1861–1936, British field marshal who captured Palestine and Syria from the Turks in 1918; high commissioner in Egypt (1919–25)

Allende (Spanish aˈʎende)   n   1  Isabel. born 1942, Chilean writer, born in Peru; her works include Eva Luna (1989), Paula (1995), and Daughter of Fortune (1999)   2  Salvador (salβaˈðor). 1908–73, Chilean Marxist politician; president of Chile from 1970 until 1973, when the army seized power and he was killed

Allen key or Allen wrench   n   an L-shaped tool consisting of a rod having a hexagonal cross section, used to turn a screw (Allen screw) with a hexagonal recess in the head. A different size of key is required for each size of screw

Allentown (ˈælənˌtaʊn)   n   a city in E Pennsylvania, on the Lehigh River. Pop: 105 958 (2003 est)

Alleppey (ˈʌləpI)   n   a port in S India, in Kerala on the Malabar Coast. Pop: 177 079 (2001)

allergy (ˈælədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 a hypersensitivity to a substance that causes the body to react to any contact with that substance. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen   2 informal aversion: he has an allergy to studying [C20: from German Allergie (indicating a changed reaction), from Greek allos other + ergon activity]

■ allergen (ˈæləˌdʒɛn) or allergin (ˈæləˌdʒIn)   n   any substance capable of inducing an allergy   > ˌallerˈgenic adj   > ˌallergeˈnicity n

■ allergic (əˈlɜːdʒIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, having, or caused by an allergy   2 (postpositive; foll by to) informal having an aversion (to): they appear to be allergic to work

■ allergic rhinitis   n   pathol a technical name for hay fever

■ allergist (ˈælədʒIst)   n   a physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or conditions caused by allergy

allerion (əˈlIərIən)   n   a variant spelling of alerion

allethrin (æˈlɛθrIn)   n   a clear viscous amber-coloured liquid used as an insecticide and synergist. Formula: C_19H_26O_3; relative density: 1.005 [C20: from ALL(YL) + (PYR)ETHRIN]

alleviate (əˈliːvIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to make (pain, sorrow, etc) easier to bear; lessen; relieve [C15: from Late Latin alleviāre to mitigate, from Latin levis light]   > alˌleviˈation n   > alˈleviative adj   > alˈleviˌator n

USAGE

See at ameliorate

■ alleviant (əˈliːvIənt)   n   a medical treatment that reduces pain but does not cure the underlying problem

■ alleviatory (əˌliːvIˈeItərI)   adj   having the ability to reduce or moderate the severity of something

alley^1 (ˈælI)   n   1 a narrow lane or passage, esp one between or behind buildings   2 See bowling alley   3 tennis, chiefly US the space between the singles and doubles sidelines   4 a walk in a park or garden, esp one lined with trees or bushes   5 up one's alley or down one's alley See street (sense 10) [C14: from Old French alee, from aler to go, ultimately from Latin ambulāre to walk]

■ alleycat (ˈælIˌkæt)   n   a homeless cat that roams in back streets

■ alleyed (ˈælId)   adj   having an alley or alleys

■ alley gate   n   a metal spiked gate erected behind a terrace of houses to deter burglars

■ alleyway (ˈælIˌweI)   n   a narrow passage; alley

alley^2 (ˈælI)   n   a large playing marble [C18: shortened and changed from ALABASTER]

allhallond (ˌɔːlˈhælənd), allhallowen (ˌɔːlˈhæləʊən), allhallown or allhollown (ˌɔːlˈhæləʊn)   adj   relating to the period of time around Allhallows

Allhallows (ˌɔːlˈhæləʊz)   n   1 a less common term for All Saints' Day   2 Allhallows Eve a less common name for Halloween

■ Allhallowtide (ˌɔːlˈhæləʊˌtaId)   n   the season of All Saints' Day (Allhallows)

allheal (ˈɔːlˌhiːl)   n   any of several plants reputed to have healing powers, such as selfheal and valerian

alliable (əˈlaIəbəl)   adj   having the ability to form a compact or association

alliaceous (ˌælIˈeIʃəs)   adj   1 of or relating to Allium, a genus of plants that have a strong onion or garlic smell and often have bulbs: family Alliaceae. The genus occurs in the N hemisphere and includes onion, garlic, leek, chive, and shallot   2 tasting or smelling like garlic or onions   3 of, relating to, or belonging to the Alliaceae, a family of flowering plants that includes the genus Allium [C18: from Latin allium garlic; see -ACEOUS]

alliance (əˈlaIəns)   n   1 the act of allying or state of being allied; union; confederation   2 a formal agreement or pact, esp a military one, between two or more countries to achieve a particular aim   3 the countries involved in such an agreement   4 a union between families through marriage   5 affinity or correspondence in qualities or characteristics   6 botany a taxonomic category consisting of a group of related families; subclass [C13: from Old French aliance, from alier to ALLY]

■ Alliance (əˈlaIəns)   n (in Britain)   the Alliance   a the Social Democratic Party and the Liberal Party acting or regarded as a political entity from 1981 to 1988   b (as modifier): an Alliance candidate

■ Alliance Party   n   a non-sectarian Northern Irish political party founded in 1970

allice (ˈælIs)   n   another name for allis shad

allicholy (ˈælIkəlI)   n   a feeling of sadness and despondency

allicin (ˈælIsIn)   n   biochem a substance found in garlic that has anti-bacterial qualities and the distinct smell redolent of garlic

allied (əˈlaId, ˈælaId)   adj   1 joined, as by treaty, agreement, or marriage; united   2 of the same type or class; related

Allied (ˈælaId)   adj   of or relating to the Allies

Allier (French alje)   n   1 a department of central France, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Moulins. Pop: 342 307 (2003 est). Area: 7382 sq km (2879 sq miles)   2 a river in S central France, rising in the Cévennes and flowing north to the Loire. Length: over 403 km (250 miles)

allies (ˈælaIz)   n   the plural of ally

Allies (ˈælaIz)   pl n   1 (in World War I) the powers of the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) together with the nations allied with them   2 (in World War II) the countries that fought against the Axis. The main Allied powers were Britain and the Commonwealth countries, the US, the Soviet Union, France, China, and Poland. See also Axis

alligarta (ˌælIˈɡɑːtə)   n   an obsolete name for alligator

alligate (ˈælIˌɡeIt)   vb (tr)   to connect or join (a thing) to something else

■ alligation (ˌælIˈɡeIʃən)   n   the act of joining or the condition of being joined to something

alligator (ˈælIˌɡeItə)   n   1 a large crocodilian, Alligator mississipiensis, of the southern US, having powerful jaws and sharp teeth and differing from the crocodiles in having a shorter and broader snout: family Alligatoridae (alligators and caymans)   2 a similar but smaller species, A. sinensis, occurring in China near the Yangtse River   3 any crocodilian belonging to the family Alligatoridae   4 any of various tools or machines having adjustable toothed jaws, used for gripping, crushing, or compacting [C17: from Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from Latin lacerta]

■ alligator pear   n   another name for avocado

■ alligator pepper   n chiefly W African   1 a tropical African zingiberaceous plant, Amomum melegueta, having red or orange spicy seed capsules   2 the capsules or seeds of this plant, used as a spice

allineation (əˌlInIˈeIʃən)   n   1 the state of being organized in a line or lines   2 the delineation of a line in order that it goes through a specific spot   3 the orientation of two or more objects in a straight line with another object or reference point

Allingham (ˈælIŋəm)   n   Margery. 1904–66, British author of detective stories, featuring Albert Campion. Her works include Tiger in the Smoke (1952) and The Mind Readers (1965)

allis shad   n   a now rare migratory species of fish (Alosa alosa) of European coastal waters that travels up rivers to spawn: family Clupeiformes. Also called: allis, allice

alliteration (əˌlItəˈreIʃən)   n   the use of the same consonant (consonantal alliteration) or of a vowel, not necessarily the same vowel (vocalic alliteration), at the beginning of each word or each stressed syllable in a line of verse, as in around the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran [C17: from Medieval Latin alliterātiō (from Latin al- (see AD-) + litera letter), on the model of obliterātiō OBLITERATION]   > alˈliterative adj

■ alliterate (əˈlItəˌreIt)   vb   1 to contain or cause to contain alliteration   2 (intr) to speak or write using alliteration

■ alliteratively (əˈlItərətIvlI)   adv   in an alliterative manner

allium (ˈælIəm)   n   any plant of the genus Allium, such as the onion, garlic, shallot, leek, or chive: family Alliaceae [C19: from Latin: garlic]

allo- or before a vowel all-   combining form   indicating difference, variation, or opposition: allopathy; allomorph; allophone; allonym [from Greek allos other, different]

Alloa (ˈæləʊə)   n   a town in E central Scotland, the administrative centre of Clackmannanshire. Pop: 18 989 (2001)

alloantibody (ˈæləʊˌæntIˌbɒdI)   n, pl -bodies   another name for isoantibody

alloantigen (ˌæləʊˈæntIdʒən)   n   another name for isoantigen

allobar (ˈæləʊˌbɑː)   n   nuclear physics any form of an element with a different isotopic composition than that of the naturally occurring form of the element

allocarpy (ˈæləˌkɑːpI)   n   the production of fruit through cross-fertilization

allocate (ˈæləˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to assign or allot for a particular purpose   2 a less common word for locate (sense 2) [C17: from Medieval Latin allocāre, from Latin locāre to place, from locus a place]   > ˈalloˌcatable adj

■ allocable (ˈæləkəbəl)   adj   able to be allocated

■ allocation (ˌæləˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of allocating or the state of being allocated   2 a part that is allocated; share   3 accounting, Brit a system of dividing overhead expenses between the various departments of a business   4 social welfare (in a Social Services Department) the process of assigning referrals to individual workers, thus changing their status to cases

■ allocator (ˈæləˌkeItə)   n   anyone or anything that allocates something

allocheiria or allochiria (ˌæaləʊˈkaIrIə)   n   a medical condition in which sensation is felt at a different point on the body from that stimulated

allochthonous (əˈlɒkθənəs)   adj   (of rocks, deposits, etc) found in a place other than where they or their constituents were formed. Compare autochthonous (sense 1) [C20: from Greek allokhthon, from ALLO- + khthōn (genitive khthonos) earth]

allocution (ˌæləˈkjuːʃən)   n   rhetoric a formal or authoritative speech or address, esp one that advises, informs, or exhorts [C17: from Late Latin allocūtiō, from Latin alloquī to address, from loquī to speak]

allodium (əˈləʊdIəm) or allod (ˈælɒd)   n, pl -lodia (-ˈləʊdIə) or -lods   history lands held in absolute ownership, free from such obligations as rent or services due to an overlord. Also: alodium [C17: from Medieval Latin, from Old German allōd (unattested) entire property, from al- ALL + -ōd property; compare Old High German ōt, Old English eād property]

■ allodial (əˈləʊdIəl)   adj   1 (of land) held as an allodium   2 (of tenure) characterized by or relating to the system of holding land in absolute ownership: the allodial system   3 (of people) holding an allodium

allodynia (ˌæləʊˈdInIə)   n   pain caused by a normally painless stimulus

allogamy (əˈlɒɡəmI)   n   cross-fertilization in flowering plants   > alˈlogamous adj

allogeneic (ˈælədʒəˌneIIk) or allogenic (ˈæləʊˌdʒɛnIk)   adj   being genetically different, while belonging to the same species

allograft (ˈæləʊˌɡrɑːft)   n   a tissue graft from a donor genetically unrelated to the recipient

allograph (ˈæləˌɡrɑːf)   n   1 a document written by a person who is not a party to it   2 a signature made by one person on behalf of another. Compare autograph   3 linguistics any of the written symbols that constitute a single grapheme: m and M are allographs in the Roman alphabet   > allographic (ˌæləˈɡræfIk) adj

alloiostrophos (ˌælɔIˈɒstrəˌfɒs)   adj   Greek prosody irregularly divided, not in a regular pattern of strophe and antistrophe

allomerism (əˈlɒməˌrIzəm)   n   similarity of crystalline structure in substances of different chemical composition   > allomeric (ˌæləˈmɛrIk) or alˈlomerous adj

■ allometry (əˈlɒmItrI)   n   1 the study of the growth of part of an organism in relation to the growth of the entire organism   2 a change in proportion of any of the parts of an organism that occurs during growth   > allometric (ˌæləˈmɛtrIk) adj

allomone (ˈæləˌməʊn)   n   a chemical substance secreted externally by certain animals, such as insects, affecting the behaviour or physiology of another species detrimentally. Compare pheromone

allomorph (ˈæləˌmɔːf)   n   1 linguistics any of the phonological representations of a single morpheme. For example, the final (s) and (z) sounds of bets and beds are allomorphs of the English noun-plural morpheme   2 any of two or more different crystalline forms of a chemical compound, such as a mineral   > ˌalloˈmorphic adj

■ allomorphism (ˌæləˈmɔːfIzəm)   n   variation in the crystalline form of a chemical compound

allonge^1 (əˈlɒnʒ)   n   1 fencing a lunging or thrusting move in fencing   2 archaic a lunge, thrust   ▷ vb (intr)   3 archaic to lunge

allonge^2 (əˈlɒnʒ)   n   finance a piece of paper attached to the end of a document such as a bill of exchange or cheque in order to make room for writing endorsements when there is no more room on the document itself

allons French (alɔ̃)   interj   let's go!

allonym (ˈælənIm)   n   a name, often one of historical significance or that of another person, assumed by a person, esp an author

allopath (ˈæləˌpæθ) or allopathist (əˈlɒpəθIst)   n   a person who practises or is skilled in allopathy

■ allopathic (ˌæləˈpæθIk)   adj   of, relating to, or used in allopathy   > ˌalloˈpathically adv

■ allopathy (əˈlɒpəθI)   n   the orthodox medical method of treating disease, by inducing a condition different from or opposed to the cause of the disease. Compare homeopathy   > allopathic (ˌæləˈpæθIk) adj   > ˌalloˈpathically adv

allopatry (əˈlɒpətrI)   n   ecology the condition of existing in areas that are geographically separated from one another; esp the condition of genetically similar species which cannot interbreed because of this geographical separation

■ allopatric (ˌæləˈpætrIk)   adj   (of biological speciation or species) taking place or existing in areas that are geographically separated from one another. Compare sympatric [C20: from ALLO- + -patric, from Greek patris native land]   > ˌalloˈpatrically adv

allophane (ˈæləˌfeIn)   n   a variously coloured amorphous mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium silicate and occurring in cracks in some sedimentary rocks [C19: from Greek allophanēs appearing differently, from ALLO- + phainesthai to appear]

allophone (ˈæləˌfəʊn)   n   1 any of several speech sounds that are regarded as contextual or environmental variants of the same phoneme. In English the aspirated initial (p) in pot and the unaspirated (p) in spot are allophones of the phoneme /p/   2 Canadian a Canadian whose native language is neither French nor English   > allophonic (ˌæləˈfɒnIk) adj

alloplasm (ˈæləˌplæzəm)   n   biology part of the cytoplasm that is specialized to form cilia, flagella, and similar structures   > ˌalloˈplasmic adj

alloplastic (ˌæləʊˈplæstIk)   adj   1 psychol of or relating to alterations made to a patient's external circumstances for the purpose of affecting his or her mental condition   2 surgery relating to the implantation of inorganic material into living tissue

allopolyploid (ˌæləˈpɒlIˌplɔId)   adj   1 (of cells, organisms, etc) having more than two sets of haploid chromosomes inherited from different species   ▷ n   2 an interspecific hybrid of this type that is therefore fertile   ▶ See also autopolyploid, polyploid   > ˌalloˈpolyˌploidy n

allopurinol (ˌæləʊˈpjʊərIˌnɒl)   n   a synthetic drug that reduces blood concentrations of uric acid and is administered orally in the treatment of gout. Formula: C_5H_4N_4O [C20: from ALLO- + PURINE + -OL^1]

allosaur (ˈæləˌsɔː) or allosaurus (ˌæləˈsɔːrəs)   n   any large carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of the genus Antrodemus (formerly Allosaurus), common in North America in late Jurassic times: suborder Theropoda (theropods) [C19: from ALLO- + -SAUR]

allostery (əˈlɒstərI)   n   the condition of a protein (such as an enzyme) in which the structure and activity of the enzyme are modified by the binding of a metabolic molecule at a site other than the chemically active one

■ allosteric (ˌæləʊˈstIərIk)   adj   biochem of, relating to, or designating a function of an enzyme in which the structure and activity of the enzyme are modified by the binding of a metabolic molecule

allot (əˈlɒt)   vb -lots, -lotting, -lotted (tr)   1 to assign or distribute (shares, etc)   2 to designate for a particular purpose: money was allotted to cover expenses   3 (foll by to) apportion: we allotted two hours to the case [C16: from Old French aloter, from lot portion, LOT]

■ allotment (əˈlɒtmənt)   n   1 the act of allotting; apportionment   2 a portion or amount allotted   3 Brit a small piece of usually public land rented by an individual for cultivation

■ allottee (əlɒtˈiː)   n   a person to whom something is allotted

■ allotter (əˈlɒtə)   n   a person who allots

■ allottery (əˈlɒtərI)   n   archaic an allotment or allocation

allotetraploid (ˌæləʊˈtɛtrəˌplɔId) genetics   n   1 a hybrid cell or individual possessing four times the chromosomes in a haploid organism   ▷ adj   2 possessing four times the chromosomes in a haploid organism

■ allotetraploidy (ˌæləʊˈtɛtrəˌplɔIdI)   n   genetics the condition of being an allotetraploid

allotheism (ˈæləʊˌθiːIzəm)   n   the worship of gods foreign to one's own land or culture

allotriomorphic (əˌlɒtrIəʊˈmɔːfIk)   adj   (of minerals) not having their own regular shape (as determined by their internal structure) but being shaped instead by adjacent minerals

allotrope (ˈæləˌtrəʊp)   n   any of two or more physical forms in which an element can exist: diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon

■ allotropous (əˈlɒtrəpəs)   adj   (of flowers) having the nectar accessible to any species of insect

■ allotropy (əˈlɒtrəpI) or allotropism   n   the existence of an element in two or more physical forms. The most common elements having this property are carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus   > allotropic (ˌæləˈtrɒpIk) adj   > ˌalloˈtropically adv

all'ottava (æləˈtɑːvə)   adj, adv   music to be played an octave higher or lower than written. Symbol: 8va [Italian: at the octave]

allotype (ˈæləˌtaIp)   n   1 biology an additional type specimen selected because of differences from the original type specimen, such as opposite sex or morphological details   2 immunol any of the variant forms of a particular immunoglobulin found among members of the same species

■ allotypic (ˌæləˈtIpIk)   adj   biology relating to an allotype

■ allotypically (ˌæləʊˈtIpIkəlI)   adv   biology in the manner of an allotype

■ allotypy (ˈæləˌtaIpI)   n biology   1 the condition of being an allotype   2 the occurrence of allotypes

allow (əˈlaʊ)   vb   1 (tr) to permit (to do something); let   2 (tr) to set aside: five hours were allowed to do the job   3 (tr) to let enter or stay: they don't allow dogs   4 (tr) to acknowledge or concede (a point, claim, etc)   5 (tr) to let have; grant: he was allowed few visitors   6 (intr; foll by for) to take into account: allow for delays   7 (intr; often foll by of) to permit; admit: a question that allows of only one reply   8 (tr; may take a clause as object) US dialect to assert; maintain   9 (tr) archaic to approve; accept [C14: from Old French alouer, from Late Latin allaudāre to extol, influenced by Medieval Latin allocāre to assign, ALLOCATE]

■ allowability (əˌlaʊəˈbIlItI)   n   another word for allowableness

■ allowable (əˈlaʊəbəl)   adj   1 permissible; admissible   2 (of financial costs) that can be allowed or justified   > alˈlowably adv

■ allowableness (əˈlaʊəbəlnəs)   n   the quality of being allowable

■ allowance (əˈlaʊəns)   n   1 an amount of something, esp money or food, given or allotted usually at regular intervals   2 a discount, as in consideration for something given in part exchange or to increase business; rebate   3 (in Britain) an amount of a person's income that is not subject to a particular tax and is therefore deducted before his or her liability to taxation is assessed   4 a portion set aside to compensate for something or to cover special expenses   5 Brit education a salary supplement given to a teacher who is appointed to undertake extra duties and responsibilities   6 admission; concession   7 the act of allowing; sanction; toleration   8 something allowed   9 make allowances or make allowance (usually foll by for)   a to take mitigating circumstances into account in consideration (of)   b to allow (for)   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to supply (something) in limited amounts

■ allowedly (əˈlaʊIdlI)   adv   (sentence modifier) by general admission or agreement; admittedly

Alloway (ˈæləˌweI)   n   a village in Scotland, in South Ayrshire, S of Ayr: birthplace of Robert Burns

alloxan (əˈlɒksən)   n   chem a reddish organic compound C_4H_2N_2O_4 produced by oxidation of uric acid

alloy   n (ˈælɔI, əˈlɔI)   1 a metallic material, such as steel, brass, or bronze, consisting of a mixture of two or more metals or of metallic elements with nonmetallic elements. Alloys often have physical properties markedly different from those of the pure metals   2 something that impairs the quality or reduces the value of the thing to which it is added   ▷ vb (əˈlɔI) (tr)   3 to add (one metal or element to another metal or element) to obtain a substance with a desired property   4 to debase (a pure substance) by mixing with an inferior element   5 to diminish or impair [C16: from Old French aloi a mixture, from aloier to combine, from Latin alligāre, from ligāre to bind]

■ alloyed junction   n   a semiconductor junction used in some junction transistors and formed by alloying metal contacts, functioning as emitter and collector regions, to a wafer of semiconductor that acts as the base region. Compare diffused junction

■ alloying (əˈlɔIIŋ)   adj (prenominal)   relating to, or used in, alloying

allozyme (ˈæləʊˌzaIm)   n   any one of a number of different structural forms of the same enzyme coded for by a different allele [C20: from ALLO- + (EN)ZYME]

allspice (ˈɔːlˌspaIs)   n   1 a tropical American myrtaceous tree, Pimenta officinalis, having small white flowers and aromatic berries   2 the whole or powdered seeds of this berry used as a spice, having a flavour said to resemble a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg   ▶ Also called: pimento, Jamaica pepper

Allston (ˈɔːlstən)   n   Washington. 1779–1843, US painter and author, regarded as the earliest US Romantic painter. His paintings include Elijah in the Desert (1818) and Moonlit Landscape (1819)

allude (əˈluːd)   vb (intr; foll by to)   1 to refer indirectly, briefly, or implicitly   2 (loosely) to mention [C16: from Latin allūdere, from lūdere to sport, from lūdus a game]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with elude

■ allusion (əˈluːʒən)   n   1 the act of alluding   2 a passing reference; oblique or obscure mention [C16: from Late Latin allūsiō, from Latin allūdere to sport with, ALLUDE]

■ allusive (əˈluːsIv)   adj   containing or full of allusions   > alˈlusively adv   > alˈlusiveness n

allure (əˈljʊə, əˈlʊə)   vb   1 (tr) to entice or tempt (someone) to a person or place or to a course of action; attract   ▷ n   2 attractiveness; appeal: the cottage's allure was its isolation [C15: from Old French alurer, from lure bait, LURE]   > alˈlurement n   > alˈlurer n

■ alluring (əˈljʊərIŋ, əˈlʊə-)   adj   enticing; fascinating; attractive   > alˈluringly adv

alluvial (əˈluːvIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to alluvium   ▷ n   2 another name for alluvium   3 Austral and NZ alluvium containing any heavy mineral, esp gold

■ alluvial fan or alluvial cone   n   a fan-shaped accumulation of silt, sand, gravel, and boulders deposited by fast-flowing mountain rivers when they reach flatter land

■ alluvial mining   n   a method of extracting minerals by dredging alluvial deposits

alluvion (əˈluːvIən)   n   1    a the wash of the sea or of a river   b an overflow or flood   c matter deposited as sediment; alluvium   2 law the gradual formation of new land, as by the recession of the sea or deposit of sediment on a riverbed [C16: from Latin alluviō an overflowing, from luere to wash]

alluvium (əˈluːvIəm)   n, pl -viums or -via (-vIə)   a fine-grained fertile soil consisting of mud, silt, and sand deposited by flowing water on flood plains, in river beds, and in estuaries [C17: from Latin; see ALLUVION]

ally   vb (əˈlaI) -lies, -lying, -lied (usually foll by to or with)   1 to unite or be united, esp formally, as by treaty, confederation, or marriage   2 (tr; usually passive) to connect or be related, as through being similar or compatible   ▷ n (ˈælaI, əˈlaI) pl -lies   3 a country, person, or group allied with another   4 a person or group that supports another, esp in the face of opposition   5 a plant, animal, substance, etc, closely related to another in characteristics or form [C14: from Old French alier to join, from Latin alligāre to bind to, from ligāre to bind]

allycholly (ˈælIˌkɒlI)   n   literature melancholy

allyl (ˈælaIl, ˈælIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH_2:CHCH_2–: allyl group or radical; allyl resin [C19: from Latin allium garlic + -YL; first distinguished in a compound isolated from garlic]

■ allyl alcohol   n   a colourless pungent poisonous liquid used in the manufacture of resins, plasticizers, and other organic chemicals. Formula: CH_2:CHCH_2OH; relative density: 0.85; melting pt: –129°C; boiling pt: 96.9°C

■ allylic (ˈælIlIk)   adj   chem characteristic of or involving an allyl

■ allyl resin   n   any of several thermosetting synthetic resins made by polymerizing esters of allyl alcohol with a dibasic acid. They are used as adhesives

■ allyl sulphide   n   a colourless liquid that smells like garlic and is used as a flavouring. Formula: (CH_2:CHCH_2)2S; relative density: 0.888; boiling pt: 139°C

Alma-Ata (Russian ɑlˈmaaˈta)   n   the former name of Almaty

Almada (Portuguese ɑlˈmadə)   n   a town in S central Portugal, on the S bank of the Tagus estuary opposite Lisbon: statue of Christ 110 m (360 ft) high, erected 1959. Pop: 160 826 (2001)

Almadén (Spanish almaˈθen)   n   a town in S Spain: rich cinnabar mines, worked since Roman times. Pop: 6659 (2003 est)

Al Madinah (ˌæl mæˈdiːnə)   n   the Arabic name for Medina

Almagest (ˈælməˌdʒɛst)   n   1 a work on astronomy compiled by Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD containing a description of the geocentric system of the universe and a star catalogue   2 (sometimes not capital) any of various similar medieval treatises on astrology, astronomy, or alchemy [C14: from Old French, from Arabic al-majisti, from al the + majisti, from Greek megistē greatest (treatise)]

almah (ˈælmə), alma, alme or almeh   n   an Egyptian dancing girl or singer, who entertains or mourns professionally

almain (ˈælmeIn) archaic   n   1 a German   2 the German language   3 a German dance, the Allemande   ▷ adj   4 German

al-Maliki (ælˈmælIkI)   n   Nouri. born 1950, Iraqi politician, prime minister of Iraq (2006–14)

alma mater (ˈælmə ˈmɑːtə, ˈmeItə)   n   (often capitals) one's school, college, or university [C17: from Latin: bountiful mother]

almanac (ˈɔːlməˌnæk)   n   a yearly calendar giving statistical information on events and phenomena, such as the phases of the moon, times of sunrise and sunset, tides, anniversaries, etc. Also (archaic): almanack [C14: from Medieval Latin almanachus, perhaps from Late Greek almenikhiaka]

almandine (ˈælməndIn, -ˌdaIn)   n   a deep violet-red garnet that consists of iron aluminium silicate and is used as a gemstone. Formula: Fe_3Al_2(SiO_4)3. Also called: almondite [C17: from French, from Medieval Latin alabandīna, from Alabanda, ancient city of Asia Minor where these stones were cut]

Al Mansûrah (ˌæl mænˈsʊərə)   n   a variant of El Mansûra

Al Marj (æl ˈmɑːdʒ)   n   an ancient town in N Libya: founded in about 550 BC Pop: 121 000 (2005 est). Italian name: Barce

Alma-Tadema (ˈælməˈtædImə)   n   Sir Lawrence. 1836–1912, Dutch-English painter of studies of Greek and Roman life

Almaty (ælˈmɑːtI)   n   a city in SE Kazakhstan; capital of Kazakhstan (1991–97): an important trading centre. Pop: 1 103 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1927): Verny. Also called: Alma-Ata

Almelo (Dutch ˈɑlməloː)   n   a city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province. Pop: 72 000 (2003 est)

almemar (ælˈmiːmɑː)   n   Judaism (in Ashkenazic usage) the raised platform in a synagogue on which the reading desk stands. Also called: bema, bimah, bima [from Hebrew, from Arabic al-minbar the pulpit, platform]

Almería (Spanish almeˈria)   n   a port in S Spain. Pop: 176 727 (2003 est)

almery (ˈɔːmərI, ˈɔːlmərI)   n, pl -ries   architect a cupboard built into a church wall used for storing sacred oils, church vessels, and other similar items

almighty (ɔːlˈmaItI)   adj   1 all-powerful; omnipotent   2 informal (intensifier): an almighty row   ▷ adv   3 informal (intensifier): an almighty loud bang   > alˈmightily adv   > alˈmightiness n

Almighty (ɔːlˈmaItI)   n   the Almighty another name for God

almirah (ælˈmaIrə)   n   a large Indian cupboard or cabinet, often of carved wood

almner (ˈɑːmnə, ˈælmnə)   n   an archaic word for almoner

Almodóvar (Spanish ɑlmɔˈdovɑ)   n   Pedro. born 1949, Spanish film director. His provocative black comedies include Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988), The Flower of My Secret (1995), Talk to Her (2002), Volver (2006), and The Skin I Live In (2011)

Almohade (ˈælməˌheId, -ˌheIdiː) or Almohad (ˈælməˌhæd)   n, pl -hades or -hads   a member of a group of puritanical Muslims, originally Berbers, who arose in S Morocco in the 12th century as a reaction against the corrupt Almoravides and who ruled Spain and all Maghrib from about 1147 to after 1213 [from Arabic al-muwahhid]

almond (ˈɑːmənd)   n   1 a small widely cultivated rosaceous tree, Prunus amygdalus, that is native to W Asia and has pink flowers and a green fruit containing an edible nutlike seed   2 the oval-shaped nutlike edible seed of this plant, which has a yellowish-brown shell   3 (modifier) made of or containing almonds: almond cake. Related adjectives: amygdaline, amygdaloid   4    a a pale yellowish-brown colour   b (as adjective): almond wallpaper   5 Also called: almond green   a yellowish-green colour   b (as adjective): an almond skirt   6 anything shaped like an almond nut [C13: from Old French almande, from Medieval Latin amandula, from Latin amygdala, from Greek amugdalē]

■ almond-eyed   adj   having narrow oval eyes

■ almond-shaped   adj   oval

■ almondy (ˈɑːməndI)   adj -dier, -diest   containing or resembling almond

almoner (ˈɑːmənə)   n   1 Brit obsolete a trained hospital social worker responsible for the welfare of patients   2 (formerly) a person who distributes alms or charity on behalf of a household or institution [C13: from Old French almosnier, from almosne alms, from Vulgar Latin alemosina (unattested), from Late Latin eleēmosyna; see ALMS]

■ almonry (ˈɑːmənrI)   n, pl -ries   history the house of an almoner, usually the place where alms were given [C15: from Old French almosnerie; see ALMONER, ALMS]

Almoravide (ælˈmɔːrəˌvaId) or Almoravid (ælˈmɔːrəvId)   n   a member of a fanatical people of Berber origin and Islamic faith, who founded an empire in N Africa that spread over much of Spain in the 11th century AD [from Arabic al-murābitūn the holy ones]

almost (ˈɔːlməʊst)   adv   little short of being; very nearly

alms (ɑːmz)   pl n   charitable donations of money or goods to poor or needy people [Old English ælmysse, from Late Latin eleēmosyna, from Greek eleēmosunē pity; see ELEEMOSYNARY]

■ almsgiver (ˈɑːmzˌɡIvə)   n   a person who gives alms

■ almsgiving (ˈɑːmzˌɡIvIŋ)   n   the making of charitable donations, giving alms

■ almshouse (ˈɑːmzˌhaʊs)   n   1 Brit history a privately supported house offering accommodation to elderly or needy people   2 chiefly Brit another name for poorhouse

■ almsman (ˈɑːmzmən)   n, pl -men   archaic a person who gives or receives alms

■ almswoman (ˈɑːmzwʊmən)   n, pl -women   archaic a woman who gives or receives alms

almucantar or almacantar (ˌælməˈkæntə)   n   1 a circle on the celestial sphere parallel to the horizontal plane   2 an instrument for measuring altitudes [C14: from French, from Arabic almukantarāt sundial]

almuce (ˈælmjuːs)   n   a fur-lined hood or cape formerly worn by members of certain religious orders, more recently by canons of France [C15: from Old French aumusse, from Medieval Latin almucia, of unknown origin]

almud (ˈælmuːd)   n   a unit of volume in various countries, most notably Spain, where it is roughly equivalent to 4.63 litres

■ almude (ˈælmuːd)   n   another name, esp in Portugal, for almud

almug (ˈælˌmʌɡ)   n   a type of tree or wood mentioned in the Bible, thought to be a variety of sandalwood

alnage (ˈɔːlnIdʒ)   n   archaic the inspection and measurement of woollen cloth in ells

■ alnager (ˈɔːlnIdʒə)   n   an inspector of the quality and measurement of woollen cloth

Alnico (ˈælnIˌkəʊ)   n   trademark an alloy of aluminium, nickel, cobalt, iron, and copper, used to make permanent magnets

alocasia (ˌæləˈkeIʃə)   n   any of various tropical plants of the genus Alocasia. See aroid [New Latin from Greek kolokāsiā lotus root]

alod (ˈælɒd)   n   a feudal estate with no superior

alodium (əˈləʊdIəm)   n, pl -dia (-dIə)   a variant spelling of allodium   > aˈlodial adj

aloe (ˈæləʊ)   n, pl -oes   1 any plant of the liliaceous genus Aloe, chiefly native to southern Africa, with fleshy spiny-toothed leaves and red or yellow flowers   2 American aloe another name for century plant [C14: from Latin aloē, from Greek]   > aloetic (ˌæləʊˈɛtIk) adj

■ aloed (ˈæləʊd)   adj   containing, or shaded by, aloes

■ aloes (ˈæləʊz)   n (functioning as singular)   1 Also called: aloes wood. another name for eaglewood   2 bitter aloes a bitter purgative drug made from the leaves of several species of aloe

■ aloe vera (ˈæləʊ ˈvIərə)   n   1 a juice obtained from the leaves of a liliaceous plant, Aloe vera, used as an emollient in skin and hair preparations   2 the juice of this plant, used in skin and hair preparations

aloft (əˈlɒft)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 in or into a high or higher place; up above   2 nautical in or into the rigging of a vessel [C12: from Old Norse ā lopt in the air; see LIFT^1, LOFT]

alogia (əˈlɒdʒIə)   n   the inability to speak

alogical (əˈlɒdʒIkəl, eIˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   without logic

■ alogically (əˈlɒdʒIkəlI, eIˈlɒdʒIkəlI)   adv   in an alogical manner

aloha (əˈləʊə, ɑːˈləʊhɑː)   n, sentence substitute   a Hawaiian word for hello, goodbye

aloin (ˈæləʊIn)   n   a bitter crystalline compound derived from various species of aloe: used as a laxative and flavouring agent [C19: from ALOE + -IN]

alone (əˈləʊn)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 apart from another or others; solitary   2 without anyone or anything else: one person alone could lift it   3 without equal; unique: he stands alone in the field of microbiology   4 to the exclusion of others; only: she alone believed him   5 leave alone, leave be, let alone or let be to refrain from annoying or interfering with   6 leave well alone, leave well enough alone, let well alone or let well enough alone to refrain from interfering with something that is satisfactory   7 let alone much less; not to mention: they can't afford a meal out, let alone a holiday [Old English al one, literally: all (entirely) one]

■ alonely (əˈləʊnlI) archaic   adv   1 in a solitary, or lonely, manner   ▷ adj   2 only

■ aloneness (əˈləʊnnəs)   n   the state of being alone

along (əˈlɒŋ)   prep   1 over or for the length of, esp in a more or less horizontal plane: along the road   ▷ adv   2 continuing over the length of some specified thing   3 in accompaniment; together with some specified person or people: he says he'd like to come along   4 forward: the horse trotted along at a steady pace   5 to a more advanced state: he got the work moving along   6 along with accompanying; together with: consider the advantages along with the disadvantages [Old English andlang, from and- against + lang LONG^1; compare Old Frisian andlinga, Old Saxon antlang]

USAGE

See at plus

■ alongshore (əˌlɒŋˈʃɔː)   adv, adj   (postpositive) close to, by, or along a shore

■ alongshoreman (əˈlɒŋʃɔːˌmæn)   n, pl -men   a person employed to load and unload ships

■ alongside (əˈlɒŋˌsaId)   prep   1 (often foll by of) along the side of; along beside: alongside the quay   ▷ adv   2 along the side of some specified thing: come alongside

■ alongst (əˈlɒŋst) archaic   adv   1 along   ▷ prep   2 along

aloo (ɑːˈluː)   n   (in Indian cookery) a potato dish: Bombay aloo [C20: from Hindi]

aloof (əˈluːf)   adj   distant, unsympathetic, or supercilious in manner, attitude, or feeling [C16: from A-1 + loof, a variant of LUFF]   > aˈloofly adv   > aˈloofness n

alopecia (ˌæləˈpiːʃIə)   n   loss of hair, esp on the head; baldness [C14: from Latin, from Greek alōpekia, originally: mange in foxes, from alōpēx fox]

■ alopecic (ˌæləˈpiːsIk)   adj   bald

alopecoid (ˌæləˈpiːkɔId)   adj   1 resembling a fox   ▷ n   2 a fox-like animal

Alost (alɔst)   n   the French name for Aalst

aloud (əˈlaʊd)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 in a normal voice; not in a whisper   2 in a spoken voice; not silently   3 archaic in a loud voice

alow (əˈləʊ)   adv, adj   (postpositive) nautical in or into the lower rigging of a vessel, near the deck

Aloysius (ˌæləʊˈIʃəs)   n   Saint. full name Aloysius Luigi Gonzaga. 1568–91, Italian Jesuit who died nursing plague victims; the patron saint of youth. Feast day: June 21

alp (ælp)   n   1 (in the European Alps) an area of pasture above the valley bottom but below the mountain peaks   2 a high mountain   ▶ See also Alps, Australian Alps [C14: back formation from Alps, from French Alpes (pl), from Latin Alpēs, from Greek Alpeis]

■ alphorn (ˈælpˌhɔːn) or alpenhorn   n   music a wind instrument used in the Swiss Alps, consisting of a very long tube of wood or bark with a cornet-like mouthpiece [C19: from German Alpenhorn Alps horn]

ALP   abbreviation for   Australian Labor Party

alpaca^1 (ælˈpækə)   n   1 a domesticated cud-chewing artiodactyl mammal, Lama pacos, closely related to the llama and native to South America: family Camelidae. Its dark shaggy hair is a source of wool   2 the cloth made from the wool of this animal   3 a glossy fabric simulating this, used for linings, etc [C18: via Spanish from Aymara allpaca]

alpaca^2 or sometimes alpacca (ælˈpækə)   n   a type of nickel silver used in jewellery [of uncertain origin]

alpargata Spanish (ˌalparˈɡata)   n   a sandal

alpeen (ˈælpiːn)   n   Irish a cudgel

alpenglow (ˈælpənˌɡləʊ)   n   a reddish light on the summits of snow-covered mountain peaks at sunset or sunrise [partial translation of German Alpenglühen, from Alpen ALPS + glühen to GLOW]

alpenhorn (ˈælpənˌhɔːn)   n   another name for alphorn

alpenstock (ˈælpənˌstɒk)   n   an early form of ice axe, consisting of a stout stick with an iron tip and sometimes having a pick and adze at the head, formerly used by mountain climbers [C19: from German, from Alpen ALPS + Stock STICK^1]

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (French alpdəotprɔvɑ̃s)   n   a department of SE France in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Capital: Digne. Pop: 144 508 (2003 est). Area: 6988 sq km (2725 sq miles). Former name: Basses-Alpes

Alpes-Maritimes (French alp maritim)   n   a department of the SE corner of France in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Capital: Nice. Pop: 1 045 973 (2003 est). Area: 4298 sq km (1676 sq miles)

alpestrine (ælˈpɛstrIn)   adj   (of plants) growing at high altitudes; subalpine [C19: from Medieval Latin alpestris, from Latin Alpēs the Alps]

alpha (ˈælfə)   n   1 the first letter in the Greek alphabet (Α, α), a vowel transliterated as a   2 Brit the highest grade or mark, as in an examination   3 (modifier)   a involving or relating to helium-4 nuclei: an alpha particle   b relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid: alpha iron   c relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound, esp one in which a group is attached to the carbon atom to which the principal group is attached   4 (modifier) denoting the dominant person or animal in a group: the alpha male [via Latin from Greek, of Phoenician origin; related to Hebrew āleph, literally: ox]

■ alpha and omega   n   1 the first and last, a phrase used in Revelation 1:8 to signify God's eternity   2 the basic reason or meaning; most important part

■ alpha-blocker   n   any of a class of drugs that prevent the stimulation of alpha adrenoceptors, a type of receptor in the sympathetic nervous system, by adrenaline and noradrenaline and that therefore cause widening of blood vessels: used in the treatment of high blood pressure and prostatic hyperplasia

■ alpha-carotene   n   a common form of carotene found in certain vegetables and fruit. See also betacarotene

■ alpha-cellulose   n   a refined, insoluble form of cellulose derived from cotton or wood pulp, and used in manufacturing

■ alpha decay   n   the radioactive decay process resulting in emission of alpha particles

■ alpha emitter   n   a radioactive isotope that emits alpha particles

■ alpha-fetoprotein (ˌælfəˌfiːtəʊˈprəʊtiːn)   n   a protein that forms in the liver of the human fetus. Excessive quantities in the amniotic fluid and maternal blood may indicate spina bifida in the fetus; low levels may point to Down's syndrome. Abbreviation: afp

■ alpha geek   n   slang the person in a group or office who has the most knowledge about computer technology

■ alpha helix   n   biochem a helical conformation of a polypeptide chain, found abundantly in the structure of proteins

■ alpha-hydroxy acid   n   a type of organic acid, commonly used in skin-care preparations, that has a hydroxyl group attached to the carbon atom next to the carbon atom carrying the carboxyl group

■ alpha iron   n   a magnetic allotrope of iron that is stable below 910°C; ferrite

■ alpha-linolenic acid   n   another name for linolenic acid

■ alpha male   n   the dominant male animal or person in a group

■ alpha particle   n   a helium-4 nucleus, containing two neutrons and two protons, emitted during some radioactive transformations

■ alpha privative   n   (in Greek grammar) the letter alpha (or an- before vowels) used as a negative or privative prefix. It appears in English words derived from Greek, as in atheist, anaesthetic

■ alpha radiation   n   alpha particles emitted from a radioactive isotope

■ alpha ray   n   ionizing radiation consisting of a stream of alpha particles

■ alpha rhythm or alpha wave   n   physiol the normal bursts of electrical activity from the cerebral cortex of a drowsy or inactive person, occurring at a frequency of 8 to 12 hertz and detectable with an electroencephalograph. See also brain wave

■ alphasort (ˈælfəˌsɔːt)   vb (tr)   to arrange in alphabetical order

■ alpha stock   n   any of the most active securities on the Stock Exchange of which there are between 100 and 200; at least ten market makers must continuously display the prices of an alpha stock and all transactions in them must be published immediately

■ alpha-test   n   1 an in-house test of a new or modified piece of computer software   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to test (software) in this way. Compare beta-test

Alpha (ˈælfə)   n   1 (foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) usually the brightest star in a constellation: Alpha Centauri   2 communications a code word for the letter a

■ Alpha Centauri system (sɛnˈtɔːrI)   n   a star system comprising the binary star Alpha Centauri A and B and Proxima Centauri (also called Alpha Centauri C), which is 0.1 light years closer to the sun. Visual magnitude: 0.01 (A), 1.33 (B); spectral type: G2V (A); distance from earth: 4.3 light years. Also called: Rigil Kent. See also Proxima

alphabet (ˈælfəˌbɛt)   n   1 a set of letters or other signs used in a writing system, usually arranged in a fixed order, each letter or sign being used to represent one or sometimes more than one phoneme in the language being transcribed   2 any set of symbols or characters, esp one representing sounds of speech   3 basic principles or rudiments, as of a subject [C15: from Late Latin alphabētum, from Greek alphabētos, from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet; see ALPHA, BETA]

■ alphabetarian (ˌælfəbəˈtɛərIən)   n   1 a person learning, or studying, the alphabet   2 a beginner

■ alphabetical (ˌælfəˈbɛtIkəl) or alphabetic   adj   1 in the conventional order of the letters or symbols of an alphabet   2 of, characterized by, or expressed by an alphabet   > ˌalphaˈbetically adv

■ alphabetiform (ˌælfəˈbɛtIˌfɔːm)   adj   having similarities to letters of the alphabet

■ alphabetize or alphabetise (ˈælfəbəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to arrange in conventional alphabetical order   2 to express by an alphabet   > ˌalphabetiˈzation or ˌalphabetiˈsation n   > ˈalphabetˌizer or ˈalphabetˌiser n

alphametic (ˌælfəˈmɛtIk)   n   1 a mathematical puzzle using letters to express numbers that must be deciphered   ▷ adj   2 relating to such a mathematical puzzle

alphanumeric (ˌælfənjuːˈmɛrIk), alphanumerical (ˌælfənjuːˈmɛrIkəl), alphameric (ˌælfəˈmɛrIk) or alphamerical (ˌælfəˈmɛrIkəl)   adj   (of a character set, code, or file of data) consisting of alphabetical and numerical symbols   > ˌalphanuˈmerically or ˌalphaˈmerically adv

Alpheus (ælˈfiːəs)   n   Greek myth a river god, lover of the nymph Arethusa. She changed into a spring to evade him, but he changed into a river and mingled with her

Alphonsus (ælˈfɒnsəs)   n   a crater in the SE quadrant of the moon, about 112 km in diameter, in which volcanic activity may have occurred

alphosis (ælˈfəʊsIs)   n   pathol absence of skin pigmentation, as in albinism [C19: from New Latin, from Greek alphos leprosy]

alphyl (ˈælfIl)   n   obsolete a univalent aromatic radical

alpine (ˈælpaIn)   adj   1 of or relating to high mountains   2 (of plants) growing on mountains, esp above the limit for tree growth   3 connected with or used in mountaineering in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps   4 skiing of or relating to racing events on steep prepared slopes, such as the slalom and downhill. Compare nordic   ▷ n   5 a plant that is native or suited to alpine conditions

■ alpine-style   adj, adv   mountaineering of or in an ascent (esp in high mountains like the Himalayas) in which the climbers carry all their equipment with them in a single ascent from base to summit

■ alpinist (ˈælpInIst)   n   a mountaineer who climbs in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps   > ˈalpinism n

Alpine (ˈælpaIn)   adj   1 of or relating to the Alps or their inhabitants   2 geology   a of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the Tertiary period during which the Alps were formed   b of or relating to a high mountainous environment heavily modified by glacial erosion

Alps (ælps)   pl n   1 a mountain range in S central Europe, extending over 1000 km (650 miles) from the Mediterranean coast of France and NW Italy through Switzerland, N Italy, and Austria to Slovenia. Highest peak: Mont Blanc, 4807 m (15 771 ft)   2 a range of mountains in the NW quadrant of the moon, which is cut in two by a straight fracture, the Alpine Valley

al-Qaeda or al-Qaida (ælˈkaIdə, ælkɑːˈiːdə)   n   a loosely-knit militant Islamic organization led and funded by Osama bin Laden, by whom it was established in the late 1980s from Arab volunteers who had fought the Soviet troops previously based in Afghanistan; known or believed to be behind a number of operations against Western, esp US, interests, including bomb attacks on two US embassies in Africa in 1998 and the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York in 2001 [C20: from Arabic al-qā`ida the base]

already (ɔːlˈrɛdI)   adv   1 by or before a stated or implied time: he is already here   2 at a time earlier than expected: is it ten o'clock already?

alright (ɔːlˈraIt)   adv, sentence substitute, adj   a variant spelling of all right

USAGE

The form alright, though very common, is still considered by many people to be wrong or less acceptable than all right

ALS   abbreviation for   1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis   2 autograph letter signed

Alsace (ælˈsæs; French alzas)   n   a former region and province of NE France, between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine: famous for its wines. Area: 8280 sq km (3196 sq miles). Ancient name: Alsatia. German name: Elsass

■ Alsace-Lorraine   n   an area of NE France, now part of the Grand Est region: under German rule 1871–1919 and 1940–44. Area: 14 522 sq km (5607 sq miles). German name: Elsass-Lothringen

Alsatia (ælˈseIʃə)   n   1 the ancient name for Alsace   2 an area around Whitefriars, London, in the 17th century, which was a sanctuary for criminals and debtors

■ Alsatian (ælˈseIʃən)   n   1 Officially called: German shepherd, German shepherd dog a large wolflike breed of dog often used as a guard or guide dog and by the police   2 a native or inhabitant of Alsace   3 (in the 17th century) a criminal or debtor who took refuge in the Whitefriars area of London   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to Alsace or its inhabitants

alsike (ˈælsaIk, -sIk, ˈɔːl-)   n   a clover, Trifolium hybridum, native to Europe and Asia but widely cultivated as a forage crop. It has trifoliate leaves and pink or whitish flowers. Also called: alsike clover [C19: named after Alsike, Sweden]

Al Sirat (ˌæl sIˈræt)   n Islam   1 the correct path of religion   2 the razor-edged bridge by which all who enter paradise must pass [from Arabic: the road, from Latin via strāta paved way]

also (ˈɔːlsəʊ)   adv   1 (sentence modifier) in addition; as well; too   ▷ sentence connector   2 besides; moreover [Old English alswā; related to Old High German alsō, Old Frisian alsa; see ALL, SO^1]

■ also-ran   n   1 a contestant, horse, etc, failing to finish among the first three in a race   2 an unsuccessful person; loser or nonentity

alsoone (ælˈsuːn)   adv   as soon

alstroemeria (ˌælstrəˈmiːrIə)   n   any plant of the tuberous perennial liliaceous genus Alstroemeria, originally S American, grown for their brightly coloured orchid-like flowers. Also called: Peruvian lily [named by Linnaeus for his friend Baron Klas von Alstroemer]

alt (ælt) music   adj   1 (esp of vocal music) high in pitch   2 of or relating to the octave commencing with the G above the top line of the treble staff   ▷ n   3 in alt in the octave directly above the treble staff [C16: from Provençal, from Latin altus high, deep]

Alta.   abbreviation for   Alberta

Alt-A   n   a type of US mortgage with interest rates determined by credit risk [From Alternative A-paper]

Altaic (ælˈteIIk)   n   1 a postulated family of languages of Asia and SE Europe, consisting of the Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic branches, and perhaps also Japanese, Korean, and Ainu. See also Ural-Altaic   ▷ adj   2 denoting, belonging to, or relating to this linguistic family or its speakers

Altai Mountains (ɑːlˈtaI)   pl n   a mountain system of central Asia, in W Mongolia, W China, and S Russia. Highest peak: Belukha, 4506 m (14 783 ft)

Altair (ˈæltɛə)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Aquila. Visual magnitude: 0.77; spectral type: A7V; distance: 16.8 light years [Arabic, from al the + tā'ir bird]

Altai Republic   n   another name for Gorno-Altai Republic

altaltissimo (ˌæltælˈtIsIˌməʊ)   n   the apex of something

Altamira (Spanish altaˈmira)   n   a cave in N Spain, SW of Santander, noted for Old Stone Age wall drawings

altar (ˈɔːltə)   n   1 a raised place or structure where sacrifices are offered and religious rites performed   2 (in Christian churches) the communion table   3 a step in the wall of a dry dock upon which structures supporting a vessel can stand   4 lead to the altar informal to marry [Old English, from Latin altāria (plural) altar, from altus high]

■ altarage (ˈɔːltərIdʒ)   n   the donations made at an altar

■ altar boy   n   RC Church, Church of England a boy serving as an acolyte

■ altar cloth   n   Christianity the cloth used for covering an altar: often applied also to the frontal

■ altarpiece (ˈɔːltəˌpiːs)   n   a work of art set above and behind an altar; a reredos

■ altarwise (ˈɔːltəˌwaIz)   adv   in the position of an altar

altazimuth (ælˈtæzIməθ)   n   an instrument for measuring the altitude and azimuth of a celestial body by the horizontal and vertical rotation of a telescope [C19: from ALT(ITUDE) + AZIMUTH]

■ altazimuth mounting   n   a telescope mounting that allows motion of the telescope about a vertical axis (in azimuth) and a horizontal axis (in altitude)

alt.country (ɔːlt)   n   a genre of country music originating in the 1990s and influenced by both early country music and contemporary rock music [C20: from ALT(ERNATIVE) + COUNTRY]

Altdorf (German ˈaltdɔrf)   n   a town in central Switzerland, capital of Uri canton: setting of the William Tell legend. Pop: 8541 (2000)

Altdorfer (German ˈaltdɔrfər)   n   Albrecht (ˈalbrɛçt). ?1480–?1538, German painter and engraver: one of the earliest landscape painters

Alte Pinakothek (German ˈaltə pinakoˈteːk)   n   a museum in Munich housing a collection of paintings dating from the Middle Ages to the late 18th century

alter (ˈɔːltə)   vb   1 to make or become different in some respect; change   2 (tr) informal, chiefly US a euphemistic word for castrate, spay [C14: from Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterāre to change, from Latin alter other]   > ˈalterable adj   > ˈalterably adv   > ˌalteraˈbility n

■ alterant (ˈɔːltərənt)   n   1 that which alters the state of something   ▷ adj   2 tending to produce alteration

■ alteration (ˌɔːltəˈreIʃən)   n   1 an adjustment, change, or modification   2 the act of altering or state of being altered

■ alterative (ˈɔːltərətIv)   adj   1 likely or able to produce alteration   2 obsolete (of a drug) able to restore normal health   ▷ n   3 obsolete a drug that restores normal health

■ altered chord   n   music a chord in which one or more notes are chromatically changed by the introduction of accidentals

■ alter ego (ˈæltər ˈiːɡəʊ, ˈɛɡəʊ)   n   1 a second self   2 a very close and intimate friend [Latin: other self]

■ alterer (ˈɔːltərə)   n   someone or something that alters

■ -altering   adj   (in combination) causing change to the thing specified: life-altering

■ alterity (ɔːlˈtɛrItI)   n   the quality of being different

altercate (ˈɔːltəˌkeIt)   vb   (intr) to argue, esp heatedly; dispute [C16: from Latin altercārī to quarrel with another, from alter other]

■ altercation (ˌɔːltəˈkeIʃən)   n   an angry or heated discussion or quarrel; argument

■ altercative (ˈɔːltəˌkeItIv)   adj   relating to altercation

altern (ɔːˈtɜːn, ælˈtɜːn)   adj   archaic alternate

alternant (ɔːlˈtɜːnənt)   adj   alternating [C17: from French, from Latin alternāre to ALTERNATE]

■ alternance (ˈɔːltɜːnəns)   n   alternation; regular change

alternat French (altɛrna)   n   the practice of deciding precedence by lot

alternate   vb (ˈɔːltəˌneIt)   1 (often foll by with) to occur or cause to occur successively or by turns: day and night alternate   2 (intr; often foll by between) to swing repeatedly from one condition, action, etc, to another: he alternates between success and failure   3 (tr) to interchange regularly or in succession   4 (intr) (of an electric current, voltage, etc) to reverse direction or sign at regular intervals, usually sinusoidally, the instantaneous value varying continuously   5 (intr; often foll by for) theatre to understudy another actor or actress   ▷ adj (ɔːlˈtɜːnIt)   6 occurring by turns: alternate feelings of love and hate   7 every other or second one of a series: he came to work on alternate days   8 being a second or further choice; alternative: alternate director   9 botany   a (of leaves, flowers, etc) arranged singly at different heights on either side of the stem   b (of parts of a flower) arranged opposite the spaces between other parts. Compare opposite (sense 4)   ▷ n (ˈɔːltənIt, ɔːlˈtɜːnIt)   10 US and Canadian a person who substitutes for another in his or her absence; stand-in [C16: from Latin alternāre to do one thing and then another, from alternus one after the other, from alter other]

■ alternate angles   pl n   two angles at opposite ends and on opposite sides of a transversal cutting two lines

■ alternately (ɔːlˈtɜːnItlI)   adv   in an alternating sequence or position

■ alternate reality game   n   a type of multimedia game for multiple players that takes place in real time and evolves according to decisions taken by the players rather than by a programmer   > alternate reality gaming n

■ alternating (ˈɔːltəˌneItIŋ)   adj   happening in succession

■ alternating current   n   a continuous electric current that periodically reverses direction, usually sinusoidally. Abbreviation: AC. Compare: direct current

■ alternating-gradient focusing   n   physics a method of focusing beams of charged particles in high-energy accelerators, in which a series of magnetic or electrostatic lenses alternately converge and diverge the beam, producing a net focusing effect and thus preventing the beam from spreading

■ alternation (ˌɔːltəˈneIʃən)   n   1 successive change from one condition or action to another and back again repeatedly   2 logic another name for disjunction (sense 3)

■ alternation of generations   n   the production within the life cycle of an organism of alternating asexual and sexual reproductive forms. It occurs in many plants and lower animals. Also called: metagenesis, heterogenesis, digenesis, xenogenesis

■ alternative (ɔːlˈtɜːnətIv)   n   1 a possibility of choice, esp between two things, courses of action, etc   2 either of such choices: we took the alternative of walking   ▷ adj   3 presenting a choice, esp between two possibilities only   4 (of two things) mutually exclusive   5 denoting a lifestyle, culture, art form, etc, regarded by its adherents as preferable to that of contemporary society because it is less conventional, materialistic, or institutionalized, and, often, more in harmony with nature   6 logic another word for disjunctive (sense 3)   > alˈternatively adv   > alˈternativeness n

■ alternative curriculum   n   Brit education any course of study offered as an alternative to the National Curriculum

■ alternative energy   n   a form of energy derived from a natural source, such as the sun, wind, tides, or waves. Also called: renewable energy

■ alternative fact   n   1 a theory posited as an alternative to another, often more widely accepted, theory   2 facetious a statement intended to contradict another more verifiable, but less palatable, statement

■ alternative history or esp US alternate history   n   a genre of fiction in which the author speculates on how the course of history might have been altered if a particular historical event had had a different outcome

■ alternative hypothesis   n   statistics the hypothesis that given data do not conform with a given null hypothesis: the null hypothesis is accepted only if its probability exceeds a predetermined significance level. Compare hypothesis testing, null hypothesis

■ Alternative Investment Market   n   a market on the London Stock Exchange enabling small companies to raise capital and have their shares traded in a market without the expenses of a main-market listing. Abbreviation: AIM

■ alternative medicine   n   another name for complementary medicine. See also holism (sense 2)

■ Alternative Vote   n   (modifier) of or relating to a system of voting in which voters list the candidates in order of preference. If no candidate obtains more than 50% of first-preference votes, the votes for the bottom candidate are redistributed according to the voters' next preference. Abbreviation: AV. See proportional representation

■ alternator (ˈɔːltəˌneItə)   n   an electrical machine that generates an alternating current

alternatim (ˌɔːltəˈneItIm)   adv   (in sacred music) alternating between two modes

alterne (ɔːlˈtɜːn)   n   a neighbouring but different plant group

alteza Spanish (alˈteθa)   n   a title of respect used when addressing a person of noble rank

altezza Italian (alˈtetsa)   n   a title of respect used when addressing a person of noble rank

althaea or US althea (ælˈθiːə)   n   1 any Eurasian plant of the malvaceous genus Althaea, such as the hollyhock, having tall spikes of showy white, yellow, or red flowers   2 another name for rose of Sharon (sense 2) [C17: from Latin althaea, from Greek althaia marsh mallow (literally: healing plant), from Greek althein to heal]

Althing (ˈælθIŋ)   n   the unicameral parliament of Iceland

altho (ɔːlˈðəʊ)   conj   a short form of although

althorn (ˈæltˌhɔːn)   n   a valved brass musical instrument belonging to the saxhorn or flügelhorn families

Althorp House (ˈɔːlθɔːp, -θrʌp)   n   a mansion in Northamptonshire: seat of the Earls Spencer since 1508; originally a medieval house; altered (1787) to its present neoclassical style by Henry Holland. Diana, Princess of Wales is buried on Round Oval Island in the centre of the ornamental lake in Althorp Park

although (ɔːlˈðəʊ)   conj   (subordinating) despite the fact that; even though: although she was ill, she worked hard

Althusser (ˈɑːltuːsə; French ɑltusər)   n   Louis. 1918–90, French Marxist philosopher, author of For Marx (1965) and Reading Capital (1965): committed to a psychiatric hospital (1981) after killing his wife

alti-   combining form   indicating height or altitude: altimeter [from Latin altus high]

altigraph (ˈæltIˌɡrɑːf)   n   an instrument that measures altitude and records the measurements graphically

altimeter (ælˈtImItə, ˈæltIˌmiːtə)   n   an instrument that indicates height above sea level, esp one based on an aneroid barometer and fitted to an aircraft

■ altimetry (ælˈtImItrI)   n   the science of measuring altitudes, as with an altimeter   > altimetrical (ˌæltIˈmɛtrIkəl) adj   > ˌaltiˈmetrically adv

Altiplano (Spanish altiˈplano)   n   a plateau of the Andes, covering the western part of Bolivia and extending into S Peru: contains Lake Titicaca. Height: 3000 m (10 000 ft) to 3900 m (13 000 ft)

altisonant (ælˈtIsənənt)   adj   having an impressive sound

altissimo (ælˈtIsIˌməʊ)   adj   1 (of music) very high in pitch   2 of or relating to the octave commencing on the G lying an octave above the treble clef   ▷ n   3 in altissimo in the octave commencing an octave above the treble clef [Italian, literally: highest]

altitonant (ælˈtItənənt)   adj   sounding loudly from high above

altitude (ˈæltIˌtjuːd)   n   1 the vertical height of an object above some chosen level, esp above sea level; elevation   2 geometry the perpendicular distance from the vertex to the base of a geometrical figure or solid   3 Also called: elevation astronomy, nautical the angular distance of a celestial body from the horizon measured along the vertical circle passing through the body. Compare azimuth (sense 1)   4 surveying the angle of elevation of a point above the horizontal plane of the observer   5 (often plural) a high place or region [C14: from Latin altitūdō, from altus high, deep]   > ˌaltiˈtudinal adj

■ altitude sickness   n   another name for mountain sickness

■ altitudinarian (ˌæltIˌtjuːdIˈnɛərIən)   adj   1 relating to high ideals   ▷ n   2 a person who has lofty ideals

■ altitudinous (ˌæltIˈtjuːdInəs)   adj   pertaining to altitude or height

Altman (ˈɔːltmən)   n   Robert. US film director, 1925–2006; his films include M*A*S*H (1970), Nashville (1975), Short Cuts (1994), and Gosford Park (2001)

alto (ˈæltəʊ)   n, pl -tos   1 the highest adult male voice; countertenor   2 (in choral singing) a shortened form of contralto   3 a singer with such a voice   4 another name for viola^1 (sense 1)   5 a flute, saxophone, etc, that is the third or fourth highest instrument in its group   ▷ adj   6 denoting a flute, saxophone, etc, that is the third or fourth highest instrument in its group [C18: from Italian: high, from Latin altus]

■ alto clef   n   the clef that establishes middle C as being on the third line of the staff. Also called: viola clef. See also C clef

■ alto horn   n   another term for althorn

■ altoist (ˈæltəʊIst)   n   a person who plays the alto saxophone

alto-   combining form   high: altocumulus; altostratus [from Latin altus high]

altocumulus (ˌæltəʊˈkjuːmjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-laI)   a globular cloud at an intermediate height of about 2400 to 6000 metres (8000 to 20 000 feet)

altogether (ˌɔːltəˈɡɛðə, ˈɔːltəˌɡɛðə)   adv   1 with everything included: altogether he owed me sixty pounds   2 completely; utterly; totally: she was altogether relieved   3 on the whole: altogether it was a very good party   ▷ n   4 in the altogether informal naked

Alton Towers (ˈɒltən)   n   a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion with extensive gardens in NW central England, in Staffordshire: site of a large amusement park

alto-relievo or alto-rilievo (ˌæltəʊrIˈliːvəʊ)   n, pl -vos   another name for high relief [C18: from Italian]

altoruffled (ˌɔːltəˈrʌfəld)   adj   altogether ruffled

altostratus (ˌæltəʊˈstreItəs, -ˈstrɑː-)   n, pl -ti (-taI)   a layer cloud at an intermediate height of about 2400 to 6000 metres (8000 to 20 000 feet)

altricial (ælˈtrIʃəl)   adj   1 (of the young of some species of birds after hatching) naked, blind, and dependent on the parents for food   ▷ n   2 an altricial bird, such as a pigeon   ▶ Compare precocial [C19: from New Latin altriciālis, from Latin altrix a nurse, from alere to nourish]

■ altrices (ˈæltrIsiːz)   pl n   altricial birds

alt-right (ɔːlt)   n   (in the US) a political movement whose supporters hold extreme right-wing views and reject mainstream politics [C21: from ALT(ERNATIVE) + RIGHT]

Altrincham (ˈɔːltrIŋəm)   n   a residential town in NW England, in Trafford unitary authority, Greater Manchester. Pop: 40 695 (2001)

alt-rock or alt.rock (ɔːlt)   n   a genre of rock music regarded by its practitioners and fans as being outside the mainstream [C20: from ALT(ERNATIVE) + ROCK]

altruism (ˈæltruːˌIzəm)   n   1 the principle or practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others   2 the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which produces the greatest benefit to others   ▶ Compare egoism. See also utilitarianism [C19: from French altruisme, from Italian altrui others, from Latin alterī, plural of alter other]   > ˈaltruist n   > ˌaltruˈistic adj   > ˌaltruˈistically adv

ALU computing   abbreviation for   arithmetic and logic unit

aludel (ˈæljʊˌdɛl)   n   chem a pear-shaped vessel, open at both ends, formerly used with similar vessels for collecting condensates, esp of subliming mercury [C16: via Old French from Spanish, from Arabic al-uthāl the vessel]

alula (ˈæljʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   another name for bastard wing [C18: New Latin: a little wing, from Latin āla a wing]   > ˈalular adj

alum^1 (ˈæləm)   n   1 Also called: potash alum a colourless soluble hydrated double sulphate of aluminium and potassium used in the manufacture of mordants and pigments, in dressing leather and sizing paper, and in medicine as a styptic and astringent. Formula: K_2SO_4.Al_2(SO_4)3.24H_2O   2 any of a group of isomorphic double sulphates of a monovalent metal or group and a trivalent metal. Formula: X_2SO_4.Y_2(SO_4)3.24H_2O, where X is monovalent and Y is trivalent [C14: from Old French, from Latin alūmen]

■ alumish (ˈæləmIʃ)   adj   resembling alum

alum^2 (ˈæləm)   n   informal, chiefly US and Canadian an alumnus or alumna

alumin (ˈæluːˌmIn) or alumine (ˈæluːˌmiːn)   n   less common names for aluminium oxide

alumina (əˈluːmInə)   n   another name for aluminium oxide [C18: from New Latin, plural of Latin alūmen ALUM]

aluminate (əˈluːmIneIt)   n   a salt of the ortho or meta acid forms of aluminium hydroxide containing the ions AlO_2– or AlO_33–

aluminiferous (əˌluːmIˈnIfərəs)   adj   containing or yielding aluminium or alumina

aluminium (ˌæljʊˈmInIəm) or US and Canadian aluminum (əˈluːmInəm)   n   a light malleable ductile silvery-white metallic element that resists corrosion; the third most abundant element in the earth's crust (8.1 per cent), occurring only as a compound, principally in bauxite. It is used, esp in the form of its alloys, in aircraft parts, kitchen utensils, etc. Symbol: Al; atomic no: 13; atomic wt: 26.9815; valency: 3; relative density: 2.699; melting pt: 660.45°C; boiling pt: 2520°C

■ aluminic (ˌæljʊˈmInIk)   adj   of or relating to aluminium

■ aluminium bronze   n   any of a range of copper alloys that contain between 5 and 10 per cent aluminium

■ aluminium hydroxide   n   a white crystalline powder derived from bauxite and used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, aluminium and its salts, and in dyeing. Formula: Al(OH)3 or Al_2O_3.3H_2O

■ aluminium oxide   n   a white or colourless insoluble powder occurring naturally as corundum and used in the production of aluminium and its compounds, abrasives, glass, and ceramics. Formula: Al_2O_3. Also called: alumina. See also activated alumina

■ aluminium sulphate   n   a white crystalline salt used in the paper, textile, and dyeing industries and in the purification of water. Formula: Al_2(SO_4)3

■ aluminous (əˈluːmInəs)   adj   1 resembling aluminium   2 another word for aluminiferous   > aluminosity (əˌluːmIˈnɒsItI) n

■ aluminous cement   n   another term for Ciment Fondu

aluminize or aluminise (əˈluːmIˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to cover with aluminium or aluminium paint

aluminosilicate (əˌluːmInəʊˈsIlIkIt)   n   a silicate in which some of the silicon in the tetrahedral unit SiO_4 has been replaced by aluminium

aluminothermy (əˈluːmInəʊˌθɜːmI)   n   a process for reducing metallic oxides using finely divided aluminium powder. The mixture of aluminium and the oxide is ignited, causing the aluminium to be oxidized and the metal oxide to be reduced to the metal. Also called: thermite process

alumna (əˈlʌmnə)   n, pl -nae (-niː)   chiefly US and Canadian a female graduate of a school, college, etc [C19: feminine of ALUMNUS]

alumnus (əˈlʌmnəs)   n, pl -ni (-naI)   chiefly US and Canadian a graduate of a school, college, etc [C17: from Latin: nursling, pupil, foster son, from alere to nourish]

alumroot (ˈæləmˌruːt)   n   1 any of several North American plants of the saxifragaceous genus Heuchera, having small white, reddish, or green bell-shaped flowers and astringent roots   2 the root of such a plant

Alundum (əˈlʌndəm)   n   trademark a hard material composed of fused alumina, used as an abrasive and a refractory

alunite (ˈæljʊˌnaIt)   n   a white, grey, or reddish mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium sulphate. It occurs in volcanic igneous rocks and is a source of potassium and aluminium compounds. Formula: KAl_3(SO_4)2(OH)6 [C19: from French alun alum (from Latin alūmen) + -ITE^1]

alure (ˈæljə)   n   a flat passage often found behind parapets of churches or battlements

Alva or Alba (ˈælvə; Spanish ˈalβa)   n   Duke of, title of Fernando Alvarez de Toledo. 1508–82, Spanish general and statesman who suppressed the Protestant revolt in the Netherlands (1567–72) and conquered Portugal (1580)

Alvarez (ˈælvərɛz)   n   Luis Walter. 1911–88, US physicist. He made (with Felix Bloch) the first measurement of the neutron's magnetic moment (1939). Nobel prize for physics 1968

alveary (ˈælvIərI)   n   1 a beehive   2 anatomy the external ear canal

alveated (ˈælvIˌeItId)   adj   resembling the channels of a beehive

alveolus (ælˈvIələs) or alveole (ˈælvIˌəʊl)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   1 any small pit, cavity, or saclike dilation, such as a honeycomb cell   2 any of the sockets in which the roots of the teeth are embedded   3 any of the tiny air sacs in the lungs at the end of the bronchioles, through which oxygen is taken into the blood [C18: from Latin: a little hollow, diminutive of alveus]

■ alveolar (ælˈvIələ, ˌælvIˈəʊlə)   adj   1 anatomy of, relating to, or resembling an alveolus   2 denoting the part of the jawbone containing the roots of the teeth   3 (of a consonant) articulated with the tongue in contact with the projecting part of the jawbone immediately behind the upper teeth   ▷ n   4 an alveolar consonant, such as the speech sounds written t, d, and s in English

■ alveolarly (ælˈvIələlI)   adv   in an alveolar manner

■ alveolate (ælˈvIəlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   1 having many alveoli   2 resembling the deep pits of a honeycomb [C19: from Late Latin alveolātus forming a channel, hollowed, from Latin: ALVEOLUS]   > ˌalveoˈlation n

■ alveolitis (ˌælvIəˈlaItIs)   n   med an inflammation of the alveoli, occurring either in the lungs or in the socket of a tooth

alvine (ˈælvIn, -vaIn)   adj   obsolete of or relating to the intestines or belly [C18: from Latin alvus belly]

alway (ˈɔːlweI)   adv   an archaic word for always

always (ˈɔːlweIz, -wIz)   adv   1 without exception; on every occasion; every time: he always arrives on time   2 continually; repeatedly   3 in any case: you could always take a day off work   4 informal for ever; without end: our marriage is for always   ▶ Also (archaic): alway [C13 alles weiss, from Old English ealne weg, literally: all the way; see ALL, WAY]

■ always-on   adj   remaining available at all times

Alwyn (ˈɔːlwIn)   n   William. 1905–85, British composer. His works include the oratorio The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1936) and the Suite of Scottish Dances (1946)

alycompaine (ˌælIˈkɒmpeIn)   n   an archaic name for elecampane

alyssum (ˈælIsəm)   n   any widely cultivated herbaceous garden plant of the genus Alyssum, having clusters of small yellow or white flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers). See also sweet alyssum, alison [C16: from New Latin, from Greek alusson, from alussos (adj) curing rabies, referring to the ancient belief in the plant's healing properties]

Alzheimer's disease (ˈæltsˌhaIməz)   n   a disorder of the brain resulting in a progressive decline in intellectual and physical abilities and eventual dementia. Often shortened to: Alzheimer's [C20: named after A. Alzheimer (1864–1915), German physician who first identified it]

am^1   vb (æm, unstressed əm)   (used with I) a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of be^1 [Old English eam; related to Old Norse em, Gothic im, Old High German bim, Latin sum, Greek eimi, Sanskrit asmi]

am^2   abbreviation for   1 See AM (sense 5)   2 See a.m.

am^3   the internet domain name for   Armenia

Am   the chemical symbol for   americium

AM   abbreviation for   1 associate member   2 Assembly Member (of the National Assembly of Wales)   3 Albert Medal   4 US Master of Arts   5 Also: am amplitude modulation   6 See a.m.   7 Member of the Order of Australia   8 Armenia (international car registration)

Am.   abbreviation for   America(n)

a.m., A.M., am or AM   abbreviation for (indicating the time period from midnight to midday)   ante meridiem. Compare p.m. [Latin: before noon]

A/M   abbreviation for (in Canada)   Air Marshal

AMA   abbreviation for   1 American Medical Association   2 Australian Medical Association

amabile (æˈmɑːbIˌleI)   adj   obsolete sweet or lovely

Amabokoboko (amaˈbɒkɒbɒkɒ)   pl n   South African the official name for the Springbok rugby team [C20: from Nguni ama, a plural prefix + bokoboko, from bok a diminutive of SPRINGBOK]

amadavat (ˌæmədəˈvæt)   n   another name for avadavat

amadoda (amaˈdəʊda)   pl n   South African grown men [from Nguni ama, a plural prefix + doda men]

amadou (ˈæməˌduː)   n   a spongy substance made from certain fungi, such as Polyporus (or Fomes) fomentarius and related species, used as tinder to light fires, in medicine to stop bleeding, and, esp formerly, by anglers to dry off dry flies between casts [C18: from French, from Provençal: lover, from Latin amātor, from amāre to love; so called because it readily ignites]

Amagasaki (əˌmɑːɡəˈsɑːkI)   n   an industrial city in Japan, in W Honshu, on Osaka Bay. Pop: 463 256 (2002 est)

amah (ˈɑːmə, ˈæmə)   n   (in the East, esp formerly) a nurse or maidservant, esp one of Chinese origin. Compare ayah [C19: from Portuguese ama nurse, wet nurse]

amain (əˈmeIn)   adv   archaic or poetic with great strength, speed, or haste [C16: from A-2 + MAIN^1]

amakhosi (amaˈkəʊsI)   n   the plural of inkhosi

Amakrokokroko (amaˈkrɒkɒkrɒkɒ)   pl n   South African a nickname for the South African Paralympic team [C20: modelled on AMABOKOBOKO, with a play on CROCK^2]

amakwerekwere (ˌamaˈkwerIˈkwerI)   pl n   South African informal, offensive a term used by Black people in South Africa to refer to foreign Africans [C20: from Xhosa ama, a plural prefix, + kwerekwere imitatitive of unintelligible sound]

Amalekite (əˈmæləˌkaIt)   n   Old Testament a member of a nomadic tribe descended from Esau (Genesis 36:12), dwelling in the desert between Sinai and Canaan and hostile to the Israelites: they were defeated by Saul and destroyed by David (I Samuel 15–30)

Amalfi (əˈmælfI)   n   a town in Italy: a major Mediterranean port from the 10th to the 18th century, now a resort

amalgam (əˈmælɡəm)   n   1 an alloy of mercury with another metal, esp with silver: dental amalgam   2 a rare white metallic mineral that consists of silver and mercury and occurs in deposits of silver and cinnabar   3 a blend or combination [C15: from Medieval Latin amalgama, of obscure origin]

■ amalgamate (əˈmælɡəˌmeIt)   vb   1 to combine or cause to combine; unite   2 to alloy (a metal) with mercury

■ amalgamation (əˌmælɡəˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the action or process of amalgamating   2 the state of being amalgamated   3 a method of extracting precious metals from their ores by treatment with mercury to form an amalgam   4 commerce another word for merger (sense 1)

■ amalgamative (əˈmælɡəmətIv)   adj   of or relating to amalgamation

■ amalgamator (əˈmælɡəˌmeItə)   n   a person or object that carries out amalgamation

Amalthea^1 (ˌæmælˈθiːə)   n   Greek myth   a a nymph who brought up the infant Zeus on goats' milk   b the goat itself   ▶ Also: Amaltheia

Amalthea^2 (ˌæmælˈθiːə)   n   an inner satellite of Jupiter

amandine (ˈæmənˌdiːn)   n   1 a protein found in almonds   2 a variety of French potato, known for its pale colour   3 a cosmetic cream made of almonds   ▷ adj   4 served with a garnish of almonds

amandla (aˈmɑːndla)   n   South African a political slogan calling for power to the Black population [C20: Nguni, literally: power]

amanita (ˌæməˈnaItə)   n   any of various saprotrophic agaricaceous fungi constituting the genus Amanita, having white gills and a broken membranous ring (volva) around the stalk. The genus includes several highly poisonous species, such as death cap, destroying angel, and fly agaric [C19: from Greek amanitai (plural) a variety of fungus]

■ amanitin (ˌæməˈnaItIn, ˌæməˈniːtIn)   n   a poison secreted by mushrooms of the genus Amanita

amantadine (əˈmæntəˌdiːn)   n   an antiviral drug used in the treatment of some types of influenza and to reduce some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease [C20: a blend of AMINE + adamantane the chemical compound from which it is derived]

amanuensis (əˌmænjʊˈɛnsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a person employed to take dictation or to copy manuscripts [C17: from Latin āmanuensis, from the phrase servus ā manū slave at hand (that is, handwriting)]

Amanullah Khan (ˌæməˈnʊlə kɑːn)   n   1892–1960, emir (1919–26) and king (1926–29) of Afghanistan; he obtained Afghan independence from Britain (1919)

Amapá (Portuguese ˌəməˈpɑː)   n   a state of N Brazil, on the Amazon delta. Capital: Macapá. Pop: 516 511 (2002). Area: 143 716 sq km (55 489 sq miles)

amaracus (əˈmærəkəs)   n   a genus of herbaceous plant with fragrant flowers

amaranth (ˈæməˌrænθ)   n   1 poetic an imaginary flower that never fades   2 any of numerous tropical and temperate plants of the genus Amaranthus, having tassel-like heads of small green, red, or purple flowers: family Amaranthaceae. See also love-lies-bleeding, tumbleweed, pigweed (sense 1)   3 a synthetic red food colouring (E123), used in packet soups, cake mixes, etc [C17: from Latin amarantus, from Greek amarantos unfading, from A-1 + marainein to fade]

■ amarant (ˈæməˌrænt)   n   another name for amaranth

■ amarantaceous (ˌæmərænˈteIʃəs)   adj   amaranthine

■ amaranthaceous (ˌæmərænˈθeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Amaranthaceae (or Amarantaceae), a family of tropical and temperate herbaceous or shrubby flowering plants that includes the amaranths and cockscomb

■ amaranthine (ˌæməˈrænθaIn) or amarantine (ˌæməˈræntaIn)   adj   1 of a dark reddish-purple colour   2 of or resembling the amaranth

■ amarantin (ˌæməˈræntIn)   n   a protein contained within the amaranth seed

amarelle (ˈæməˌrɛl)   n   a variety of sour cherry that has pale red fruit and colourless juice. Compare morello [C20: from German, from Medieval Latin amārellum, from Latin amārus bitter; compare MORELLO]

amaretti (æməˈrɛtI)   pl n   Italian almond biscuits [C20: from Italian amaro bitter]

amaretto (æməˈrɛtəʊ)   n   an Italian liqueur with a flavour of almonds [C20: from Italian amaro bitter]

Amarillo (ˌæməˈrIləʊ)   n   an industrial city in NW Texas. Pop: 178 612 (2003 est)

amaryllis (ˌæməˈrIlIs)   n   1 Also called: belladonna lily an amaryllidaceous plant, Amaryllis belladonna, native to southern Africa and having large lily-like reddish or white flowers   2 any of several related plants, esp hippeastrum [C18: from New Latin, from Latin: named after AMARYLLIS]

■ amaryllid (ˌæməˈrIlId)   n   a plant of the amaryllis family

■ amaryllidaceous (ˌæməˌrIlIˈdeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Amaryllidaceae, a family of widely cultivated flowering plants having bulbs and including the amaryllis, snowdrop, narcissus, and daffodil

Amaryllis (ˌæməˈrIlIs)   n   (in pastoral poetry) a name for a shepherdess or country girl

amass (əˈmæs)   vb   1 (tr) to accumulate or collect (esp riches, etc)   2 to gather in a heap; bring together [C15: from Old French amasser, from masse MASS]   > aˈmasser n

■ amassable (əˈmæsəbəl)   adj   of a nature that can be amassed

■ amassment (əˈmæsmənt)   n   the act of amassing

amate (əˈmeIt)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to be a match to or for (someone or something)   2 to dishearten (someone or something)   ▷ adj   3 disheartened

amateur (ˈæmətə, -tʃə, -ˌtjʊə, ˌæməˈtɜː)   n   1 a person who engages in an activity, esp a sport, as a pastime rather than professionally or for gain   2 an athlete or sportsman   3 a person unskilled in or having only a superficial knowledge of a subject or activity   4 a person who is fond of or admires something   5 (modifier) consisting of or for amateurs: an amateur event   ▷ adj   6 amateurish; not professional or expert: an amateur approach [C18: from French, from Latin amātor lover, from amāre to love]   > ˈamateurism n

■ amateurish (ˈæmətərIʃ, -tʃər-, -ˌtʃʊər-, ˌæməˈtɜːrIʃ)   adj   lacking professional skill or expertise   > ˈamateurishly adv   > ˈamateurishness n

■ amateurship (ˈæmətəˌʃIp)   n   the nature of an amateur

Amati   n   1 (Italian aˈmaːti) a family of Italian violin makers, active in Cremona in the 16th and 17th centuries, esp Nicolò (nikoˈlɔ), 1596–1684, who taught Guarneri and Stradivari   2 (əˈmɑːtI) (pl Amatis) a violin or other stringed instrument made by any member of this family

amation (æˈmeIʃən)   n   obsolete lovemaking

amative (ˈæmətIv)   adj   a rare word for amorous [C17: from Medieval Latin amātīvus, from Latin amāre to love]   > ˈamatively adv   > ˈamativeness n

amatol (ˈæməˌtɒl)   n   an explosive mixture of ammonium nitrate and TNT, used in shells and bombs [C20: from AM(MONIUM) + (TRINITRO)TOL(UENE)]

amatory (ˈæmətərI) or amatorial (ˌæməˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of, relating to, or inciting sexual love or desire. Also called: amatorian, amatorious [C16: from Latin amātōrius, from amāre to love]

■ amatorially (ˌæməˈtɔːrIəlI)   adv   in an amatory manner

amaurosis (ˌæmɔːˈrəʊsIs)   n   pathol blindness, esp when occurring without observable damage to the eye [C17: via New Latin from Greek: darkening, from amauroun to dim, darken]   > amaurotic (ˌæmɔːˈrɒtIk) adj

amaut or amowt (əˈmaʊt)   n   Canadian a hood on an Inuit woman's parka for carrying a child [from Inuktitut]

amaze (əˈmeIz)   vb (tr)   1 to fill with incredulity or surprise; astonish   2 an obsolete word for bewilder   ▷ n   3 an archaic word for amazement [Old English āmasian]

■ amazed (əˈmeIzd)   adj   filled with incredulity or surprise

■ amazedly (əˈmeIzIdlI)   adv   in an amazed manner

■ amazedness (əˈmeIzIdnəs)   n   the quality of being amazed

■ amazement (əˈmeIzmənt)   n   1 incredulity or great astonishment; complete wonder or surprise   2 obsolete bewilderment or consternation

■ amazing (əˈmeIzIŋ)   adj   causing wonder or astonishment: amazing feats   > aˈmazingly adv

amazeballs (əˈmeIzˌbɔːlz)   interj   slang an expression of enthusiastic approval [C21: humorous alteration of AMAZING]

amazon (ˈæməzən)   n   any of various tropical American parrots of the genus Amazona, such as A. farinosa (green amazon), having a short tail and mainly green plumage

Amazon^1 (ˈæməzən)   n   1 Greek myth one of a race of women warriors of Scythia near the Black Sea   2 one of a legendary tribe of female warriors of South America   3 (often not capital) any tall, strong, or aggressive woman [C14: via Latin from Greek Amazōn, of uncertain origin]   > Amazonian (ˌæməˈzəʊnIən) adj

Amazon^2 (ˈæməzən)   n   a river in South America, rising in the Peruvian Andes and flowing east through N Brazil to the Atlantic: in volume, the largest river in the world; navigable for 3700 km (2300 miles). Length: over 6440 km (4000 miles). Area of basin: over 5 827 500 sq km (2 250 000 sq miles)

■ amazon ant   n   any of several small reddish ants of the genus Polyergus, esp P. rufescens, that enslave the young of other ant species

■ Amazon cherry   n   another name for acerola

■ Amazonia (æməˈzəʊnIə)   n   the land around the Amazon river

■ Amazonian (æməˈzəʊnIən)   adj   of or relating to the Amazon river, the land around it, or the inhabitants of this land

■ amazonstone (ˈæməzənˌstəʊn) or Amazon stone   n   another name for amazonite

Amazonas (ˌæməˈzəʊnəs)   n   a state of W Brazil, consisting of the central Amazon basin: vast areas of unexplored tropical rainforest. Capital: Manaus. Pop: 2 961 801 (2002). Area: 1 542 277 sq km (595 474 sq miles)

amazonite (ˈæməzəˌnaIt)   n   a green variety of microcline used as a gemstone. Formula: KAlSi_3O_8. Also called: Amazon stone

ambage (ˈæmbIdʒ)   n   ambiguity

■ ambagious (æmˈbeIdʒəs)   adj   ambiguous

■ ambagitory (æmˈbædʒItərI)   adj   obsolete ambiguous

Ambala (əmˈbɑːlə)   n   a city in N India, in Haryana: site of archaeological remains of a prehistoric Indian civilization: grain, cotton, food processing. Pop: 139 222 (2001)

Ambartsumian (Russian amˌbartsʊmˈjɑn)   n   Viktor A(mazaspovich). 1908–96, Armenian astrophysicist, renowned for his description of radio sources as explosions in the core of galaxies

ambary or ambari (æmˈbɑːrI)   n, pl -ries or -ris   1 a tropical Asian malvaceous plant, Hibiscus cannabinus, that yields a fibre similar to jute   2 the fibre derived from this plant   ▶ Also called: kenaf [C20: from Hindi ambārī]

ambassador (æmˈbæsədə)   n   1 short for ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary; a diplomatic minister of the highest rank, accredited as permanent representative to another country or sovereign   2 ambassador extraordinary a diplomatic minister of the highest rank sent on a special mission   3 ambassador plenipotentiary a diplomatic minister of the first rank with treaty-signing powers   4 ambassador-at-large US an ambassador with special duties who may be sent to more than one government   5 an authorized representative or messenger [C14: from Old French ambassadeur, from Italian ambasciator, from Old Provençal ambaisador, from ambaisa (unattested) mission, errand; see EMBASSY]   > amˈbassadress fem n   > ambassadorial (æmˌbæsəˈdɔːrIəl) adj   > amˈbassadorˌship n

USAGE

The gender-neutral form is ambassador

ambassage (ˈæmbəˌsIdʒ)   n   1 a message sent by an embassy   2 an embassy   3 a variant form of embassage

ambassy (ˈæmbəsI)   n, pl -sies   an embassy

ambatch or ambach (ˈæmˌbætʃ)   n   a tree or shrub of the Nile Valley, Aeschynomene elaphroxylon, valued for its light-coloured pithlike wood [C19: probably from the Ethiopian name]

ambeer (ˌæmˈbIə)   n   Southern US saliva containing tobacco juice

amber (ˈæmbə)   n   1    a a yellow or yellowish-brown hard translucent fossil resin derived from extinct coniferous trees that occurs in Tertiary deposits and often contains trapped insects. It is used for jewellery, ornaments, etc   b (as modifier): an amber necklace. Related adjective: succinic   2 fly in amber a strange relic or reminder of the past   3    a a medium to dark brownish-yellow colour, often somewhat orange, similar to that of the resin   b (as adjective): an amber dress   4 an amber traffic light used as a warning between red and green [C14: from Medieval Latin ambar, from Arabic `anbar ambergris]

■ Amber alert   n   US and Canadian a notification to the general public, such as by commercial radio or electronic traffic-condition signs, regarding an abduction of a child [C20: named after Amber Hagerman, a child who was abducted and murdered in 1996 in Arlington, Texas]

■ ambered (ˈæmbəd)   adj   1 fixed in amber   2 scented or flavoured with ambergris

■ amber fluid   n   Austral slang beer

■ amber gambler   n   Brit informal a driver who races through traffic lights when they are at amber

■ amberjack (ˈæmbəˌdʒæk)   n   any of several large carangid fishes of the genus Seriola, esp S. dumerili, with golden markings when young, occurring in tropical and subtropical Atlantic waters [C19: from AMBER + JACK^1]

■ amberoid (ˈæmbəˌrɔId) or ambroid   n   a synthetic amber made by compressing pieces of amber and other resins together at a high temperature

■ amberous (ˈæmbərəs) or ambery (ˈæmbərI)   adj   of, relating to or resembling amber

ambergris (ˈæmbəˌɡriːs, -ˌɡrIs)   n   a waxy substance consisting mainly of cholesterol secreted by the intestinal tract of the sperm whale and often found floating in the sea: used in the manufacture of perfumes [C15: from Old French ambre gris grey amber]

amberina (ˌæmbəˈriːnə)   adj   a characteristic of a type of glassware known for its blended colours, containing amber at the base merging into red higher up the piece

amberite (ˈæmbəˌraIt)   n   a powder made of guncotton, barium nitrate, and paraffin, which does not produce any smoke when ignited

ambi-   combining form   indicating both: ambidextrous; ambivalence; ambiversion [from Latin: round, on both sides, both, from ambo both; compare AMPHI-]

ambidentate (ˌæmbIˈdɛnteIt)   adj   chem another word for amphidentate

ambidextrous (ˌæmbIˈdɛkstrəs) or ambidexterous (ˌæmbIˈdɛkstrəs, æmbIˈdɛkstərəs)   adj   1 equally expert with each hand   2 informal highly skilled or adept   3 underhanded; deceitful   > ambidexterity (ˌæmbIdɛkˈstɛrItI) or ˌambiˈdextrousness n   > ˌambiˈdextrously adv

■ ambidexter (ˌæmbIˈdɛkstə)   n   1 someone who is ambidextrous   ▷ adj   2 ambidextrous

ambient (ˈæmbIənt)   adj   1 of or relating to the immediate surroundings: the ambient temperature was 15°C   2 creating a relaxing atmosphere: ambient music   ▷ n   3 informal ambient music [C16: from Latin ambiēns going round, from ambīre, from AMBI- + īre to go]

■ ambience or ambiance (ˈæmbIəns; French ɑ̃bjɑ̃s)   n   the atmosphere of a place [C19: from French ambiance, from ambiant surrounding; see AMBIENT]

■ ambient noise   n   the level of the total noise in an area

ambiguous (æmˈbIɡjʊəs)   adj   1 having more than one possible interpretation or meaning   2 difficult to understand or classify; obscure [C16: from Latin ambiguus going here and there, uncertain, from ambigere to go around, from AMBI- + agere to lead, act]   > amˈbiguously adv   > amˈbiguousness n

■ ambiguity (ˌæmbIˈɡjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the possibility of interpreting an expression in two or more distinct ways   2 an instance of this, as in the sentence they are cooking apples   3 vagueness or uncertainty of meaning: there are several ambiguities in the situation

ambilateral (ˌæmbIˈlætərəl)   adj   1 affecting both sides of an organ or of the body   2 relating to a system of kinship in which a person can claim membership of the lineage group of either the father or mother (or both)

ambiophony (ˌæmbIˈɒfənI)   n   the reproduction of sound to create an illusion to a listener of being in a spacious room, such as a concert hall

ambipolar (ˌæmbIˈpəʊlə)   adj   electronics (of plasmas and semiconductors) involving both positive and negative charge carriers

ambisexual (ˌæmbIˈsɛksjʊəl)   adj   1 biology relating to or affecting both the male and female sexes   2 Also: ambosexual bisexual

■ ambisexuality (ˌæmbIˌsɛkʃʊˈælətI)   n   the state of being ambisexual

ambisonics (ˌæmbIˈsɒnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the technique of reproducing and transmitting surround sound. See surround sound

ambit (ˈæmbIt)   n   1 scope or extent   2 limits, boundary, or circumference [C16: from Latin ambitus a going round, from ambīre to go round, from AMBI- + īre to go]

ambition (æmˈbIʃən)   n   1 strong desire for success, achievement, or distinction   2 something so desired; goal; aim [C14: from Old French, from Latin ambitiō a going round (of candidates), a striving to please, from ambīre to go round; see AMBIT]

■ ambitioned (æmˈbIʃənd)   adj   1 literary sought after, desired   2 possessing ambition

■ ambitionless (æmˈbIʃənlIs)   adj   without ambition, unambitious

■ ambitious (æmˈbIʃəs)   adj   1 having a strong desire for success or achievement; wanting power, money, etc   2 necessitating extraordinary effort or ability: an ambitious project   3 (often foll by of) having a great desire (for something or to do something)   > amˈbitiously adv   > amˈbitiousness n

ambitty (æmˈbItI)   adj   relating to glass which has become crystalline or brittle

ambivalence (æmˈbIvələns) or ambivalency   n   the simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes, emotions, etc   > amˈbivalent adj

■ ambivalently (æmˈbIvələntlI)   adv   in an ambivalent manner

ambivert (ˈæmbIˌvɜːt)   n   psychol a person who is intermediate between an extrovert and an introvert   > ambiversion (ˌæmbIˈvɜːʃən) n

amble (ˈæmbəl)   vb (intr)   1 to walk at a leisurely relaxed pace   2 (of a horse) to move slowly, lifting both legs on one side together   3 to ride a horse at an amble or leisurely pace   ▷ n   4 a leisurely motion in walking   5 a leisurely walk   6 the ambling gait of a horse [C14: from Old French ambler, from Latin ambulāre to walk]   > ˈambler n

■ ambling (ˈæmblIŋ)   n   the activity of walking at a leisurely pace

Ambler (ˈæmblə)   n   Eric. 1909–1998, English novelist. His thrillers include The Mask of Dimitrios (1939), Journey into Fear (1940), A Kind of Anger (1964), and Doctor Frigo (1974)

Ambleside (ˈæmbəlˌsaId)   n   a town in NW England, in Cumbria: a tourist centre for the Lake District. Pop: 3064 (2001)

amblygonite (æmˈblIɡəˌnaIt)   n   a white or greyish mineral consisting of lithium aluminium fluorophosphate in triclinic crystalline form. It is a source of lithium. Formula: (Li,Na)Al(PO_4)(F,OH) [C16: from Greek amblugōnios, from amblus blunt + gōnia angle; referring to the obtuse angles in its crystals]

amblyopia (ˌæmblIˈəʊpIə)   n   impaired vision with no discernible damage to the eye or optic nerve [C18: New Latin, from Greek ambluōpia, from amblus dull, dim + ōps eye]   > amblyopic (ˌæmblIˈɒpIk) adj

ambo^1 (ˈæmbəʊ)   n, pl ambos or ambones (æmˈbəʊniːz)   either of two raised pulpits from which the gospels and epistles were read in early Christian churches [C17: from Medieval Latin, from Greek ambōn raised rim, pulpit]

ambo^2 (ˈæmbəʊ)   n, pl ambos Austral informal   1 an ambulance driver   2 an ambulance

amboceptor (ˈæmbəʊˌsɛptə)   n   an immune body formed in the blood during infection or immunization that serves to link the complement to the antigen [C20: from Latin ambō both (see AMBI-) + (RE)CEPTOR]

Amboise (French ɑ̃bwaz)   n   a town in NW central France, on the River Loire: famous castle, a former royal residence. Pop: 11 457 (1999)

Ambon (ˈɑːmbɔːn) or Amboina (æmˈbɔInə)   n   1 an island in Indonesia, in the Moluccas. Capital: Ambon (Amboina). Area: 1000 sq km (386 sq miles)   2 a port in the Moluccas, the capital of Ambon (Amboina) island

ambosexual (ˌæmbəʊˈsɛksjʊəl)   adj   a variant of ambisexual

amboyna or amboina (æmˈbɔInə)   n   the mottled curly-grained wood of an Indonesian leguminous tree, Pterocarpus indicus, used in making furniture [C19: from the island of AMBOINA]

ambroid (ˈæmbrɔId)   n   a variant of amberoid

Ambrose (ˈæmbrəʊz)   n   1  Sir Curtly (ˈkɜːtlI). born 1963, Antiguan cricketer; a fast bowler, he took 405 wickets in 98 test matches for the West Indies (1988–2000)   2  Saint. ?340–397 AD, bishop of Milan; built up the secular power of the early Christian Church; also wrote music and Latin hymns. Feast day: Dec 7 or April 4   > Amˈbrosian adj

ambrosia (æmˈbrəʊzIə)   n   1 classical myth the food of the gods, said to bestow immortality. Compare nectar (sense 2)   2 anything particularly delightful to taste or smell   3 another name for beebread   4 any of various herbaceous plants constituting the genus Ambrosia, mostly native to America but widely naturalized: family Asteraceae (composites). The genus includes the ragweeds [C16: via Latin from Greek: immortality, from ambrotos, from A-1 + brotos mortal]   > amˈbrosial or amˈbrosian adj   > amˈbrosially adv

■ ambrosia beetle   n   any of various small beetles of the genera Anisandrus, Xyleborus, etc, that bore tunnels into solid wood, feeding on fungi growing in the tunnels: family Scolytidae (bark beetles)

ambrotype (ˈæmbrəʊˌtaIp)   n   photog an early type of glass negative that could be made to appear as a positive by backing it with black varnish or paper [C19: from Greek ambrotos immortal + -TYPE; see AMBROSIA]

ambry (ˈæmbrI) or aumbry (ˈɔːmbrI)   n, pl -bries   1 a recessed cupboard in the wall of a church near the altar, used to store sacred vessels, etc   2 obsolete a small cupboard or other storage space [C14: from Old French almarie, from Medieval Latin almārium, from Latin armārium chest for storage, from arma arms]

ambsace or amesace (ˈeImzˌeIs, ˈæmz-)   n   1 double ace, the lowest throw at dice   2 bad luck [C13: from Old French ambes as, both aces; as from Latin: unit]

ambulacrum (ˌæmbjʊˈleIkrəm)   n, pl -ra (-rə)   any of five radial bands on the ventral surface of echinoderms, such as the starfish and sea urchin, on which the tube feet are situated [C19: from Latin: avenue, from ambulāre to walk]   > ˌambuˈlacral adj

ambulance (ˈæmbjʊləns)   n   a motor vehicle designed to carry sick or injured people [C19: from French, based on (hôpital) ambulant mobile or field (hospital), from Latin ambulāre to walk]

■ ambulance chaser   n   US slang a lawyer who seeks to encourage and profit from the lawsuits of accident victims   > ambulance chasing n

■ ambulanceman (ˈæmbjʊlənsˌmæn)   n, pl -men Brit   a man who works as part of an ambulance crew

■ ambulance stocks   pl n   high-performance stocks and shares recommended by a broker to a dissatisfied client to improve their relationship

■ ambulancewoman (ˈæmbjʊlənsˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   Brit a woman who works as part of an ambulance crew

ambulate (ˈæmbjʊˌleIt)   vb   (intr) to wander about or move from one place to another [C17: from Latin ambulāre to walk, AMBLE]   > ˌambuˈlation n

■ ambulant (ˈæmbjʊlənt)   adj   1 moving about from place to place   2 med another word for ambulatory (sense 3)

■ ambulator (ˈæmbjʊˌleItə)   n   1 a person who walks   2 a device for measuring road distances; a perambulator

■ ambulatory (ˈæmbjʊlətərI)   adj   1 of, relating to, or designed for walking   2 changing position; not fixed   3 Also: ambulant able to walk   4 law (esp of a will) capable of being altered or revoked   ▷ n, pl -ries   5 architect   a an aisle running around the east end of a church, esp one that passes behind the sanctuary   b a place for walking, such as an aisle or a cloister

■ ambulatory care   n   care given at a hospital to non-resident patients, including minor surgery and outpatient treatment

ambulette (ˌæmbjʊˈlɛt)   n   US a motor vehicle designed for transporting disabled people

ambuscade (ˌæmbəˈskeId)   n   1 an ambush   ▷ vb   2 to ambush or lie in ambush [C16: from French embuscade, from Old Italian imboscata, probably of Germanic origin; compare AMBUSH]

■ ambuscader (ˈæmbəˌskeIdə)   n   a person waiting in ambush; an ambusher

■ ambuscado (ˌæmbəˈskeIdəʊ)   n, pl ambuscados   obsolete an ambush

ambush (ˈæmbʊʃ)   n   1 the act of waiting in a concealed position in order to launch a surprise attack   2 a surprise attack from such a position   3 the concealed position from which such an attack is launched   4 the person or persons waiting to launch such an attack   ▷ vb   5 to lie in wait (for)   6 (tr) to attack suddenly from a concealed position [C14: from Old French embuschier to position in ambush, from em- IM- + -buschier, from busche piece of firewood, probably of Germanic origin; see BUSH^1]   > ˈambusher n

AMD   abbreviation for   age-related macular degeneration

AMDG   abbreviation for   ad majorem Dei gloriam (the Jesuit motto) [Latin: to the greater glory of God]

am-dram Brit informal   abbreviation for   amateur dramatics

âme French (ɑm)   n   a soul

ameba (əˈmiːbə)   n, pl -bae (-biː) or -bas   the usual US spelling of amoeba   > aˈmebic adj

■ ameban (əˈmiːbən)   adj   the usual US spelling of amoeban

■ amebiasis (əmiːˈbaIəsIs)   n   the usual US spelling of amoebiasis

ameer (əˈmIə)   n   1 a variant spelling of emir   2 (formerly) the ruler of Afghanistan; amir

■ ameerate (ˈæmIəˌreIt)   n   a country ruled by an ameer; an emirate

ameiosis (ˌeImaIˈəʊsIs)   n   biology the absence of pairing of chromosomes during meiosis

amelcorn (ˈæməlˌkɔːn)   n   a variety of wheat used to produce starch. Also called: French rice

amelia (əˈmiːlIə)   n   pathol the congenital absence of arms or legs [from A-1 + Greek melos limb + -IA]

ameliorate (əˈmiːljəˌreIt)   vb   to make or become better; improve [C18: from MELIORATE, influenced by French améliorer to improve, from Old French ameillorer to make better, from meillor better, from Latin melior]   > ameliorable (əˈmiːljərəbəl) adj   > aˈmeliorant n   > aˈmeliorative adj   > aˈmelioˌrator n

USAGE

Ameliorate is often wrongly used where alleviate is meant. Ameliorate is properly used to mean 'improve', not 'make easier to bear', so one should talk about alleviating pain or hardship, not ameliorating it

■ amelioration (əˌmiːljəˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of ameliorating or the state of being ameliorated   2 something that ameliorates; an improvement   3 Also called: elevation linguistics (of the meaning of a word) a change from pejorative to neutral or positively pleasant. The word nice has achieved its modern meaning by amelioration from the earlier sense foolish, silly

■ amelioratory (əˌmiːljəˈreItərI, əˈmiːljərəˌtɔːrI)   adj   tending to ameliorate

ameloblast (əˈmiːləʊblæst, -blɑːst)   n   a type of cell involved in forming dental enamel [C19: from (EN)AMEL + -O- + -BLAST]

amelogenesis (əˌmiːləʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   the production of enamel by ameloblasts

amen (ˌeIˈmɛn, ˌɑːˈmɛn)   interj   1 so be it!: a term used at the end of a prayer or religious statement   ▷ n   2 the use of the word amen, as at the end of a prayer   3 say amen to to express strong approval of or support for (an assertion, hope, etc) [C13: via Late Latin via Greek from Hebrew āmēn certainly]

■ amen corner   n   the amen corner US the part of a church, usually to one side of the pulpit, occupied by people who lead the responsive amens during the service

Amen, Amon or Amūn (ˈɑːmən)   n   Egyptian myth a local Theban god, having a ram's head and symbolizing life and fertility, identified by the Egyptians with the national deity Amen-Ra

■ Amen-Ra (ˌɑːmənˈrɑː)   n   Egyptian myth the sun-god; the principal deity during the period of Theban hegemony

amenable (əˈmiːnəbəl)   adj   1 open or susceptible to suggestion; likely to listen, cooperate, etc   2 accountable for behaviour to some authority; answerable   3 capable of being or liable to be tested, judged, etc [C16: from Anglo-French, from Old French amener to lead up, from Latin mināre to drive (cattle), from minārī to threaten]   > aˌmenaˈbility or aˈmenableness n   > aˈmenably adv

amenage (ˈæməˌneIdʒ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to tame or domesticate

amenaunce (ˈæməˌnɔːns)   n   obsolete a person's bearing or demeanour

amend (əˈmɛnd)   vb (tr)   1 to improve; change for the better   2 to remove faults from; correct   3 to alter or revise (legislation, a constitution, etc) by formal procedure [C13: from Old French amender, from Latin ēmendāre to EMEND]   > aˈmendable adj   > aˈmender n

■ amendatory (əˈmɛndətərI, -trI)   adj   US serving to amend; corrective

■ amending formula   n   (in Canada) a specified process or procedure by which a constitution may be amended

■ amendment (əˈmɛndmənt)   n   1 the act of amending; correction   2 an addition, alteration, or improvement to a motion, document, etc

■ amends (əˈmɛndz)   n   (functioning as singular) recompense or compensation given or gained for some injury, insult, etc: to make amends [C13: from Old French amendes fines, from amende compensation, from amender to EMEND]

amende honorable French (amɑ̃d ɔnɔrablə)   n, pl amendes honorables (amɑ̃dz ɔnɔrablə)   a public apology and reparation made to satisfy the honour of the person wronged. Sometimes shortened to: amende [C18: literally: honourable compensation]

amene (əˈmiːn)   adj   literary pleasant

Amenhotep III (ˌæmɛnˈhəʊtɛp) or Amenhotpe III (ˌæmɛnˈhɒtpI)   n   Greek name Amenophis. ?1411–?1375 BC, Egyptian pharaoh who expanded Egypt's influence by peaceful diplomacy and erected many famous buildings

Amenhotep IV or Amenhotpe IV   n   the original name of Akhenaten

amenity (əˈmiːnItI)   n, pl -ties   1 (often plural) a useful or pleasant facility or service: a swimming pool was just one of the amenities   2 the fact or condition of being pleasant or agreeable   3 (usually plural) a social courtesy or pleasantry [C14: from Latin amoenitās pleasantness, from amoenus agreeable]

■ amenity bed   n   (in Britain) a hospital bed whose occupant receives free treatment but pays for nonmedical advantages, such as privacy. Also called (informal): pay bed

amenorrhoea or esp US amenorrhea (æˌmɛnəˈrIə, eI-)   n   abnormal absence of menstruation [C19: from A-1 + MENO- + -RRHOEA]

■ amenorrheic (æˌmɛnəˈriːIk, eIˌmɛnəˈriːIk)   adj   of or relating to amenorrhea

a mensa et thoro (eI ˈmɛnsə ɛt ˈθɔːrəʊ)   adj   law denoting or relating to a form of divorce in which the parties remain married but do not cohabit: abolished in England in 1857 [Latin: from table and bed]

ament^1 (ˈæmənt, ˈeImənt)   n   another name for catkin. Also called: amentum (əˈmɛntəm) [C18: from Latin āmentum strap, thong]   > ˌamenˈtaceous adj   > ˌamenˈtiferous adj

■ amental (əˈmɛntəl)   adj   botany catkin-bearing

ament^2 (æˈmɛnt, ˈeImənt)   n   psychiatry old-fashioned a person with severe learning disability [C19: from Latin āment-, āmens without mind; see AMENTIA]

■ amental (əˈmɛntəl)   adj   denying the existence of mind; non-mental

■ amentia (əˈmɛnʃə)   n   old-fashioned severe learning disability, usually congenital. Compare dementia [C14: from Latin: insanity, from āmēns mad, from mēns mind]

Amer.   abbreviation for   America(n)

Amerasian (əˌmɛrˈeIʃən, əˌmɛrˈeIʒən)   n   1 a person of mixed American and Asian parentage; used esp to refer to someone with an American father and an Asian mother   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Amerasians

amerce (əˈmɜːs)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 law to punish by a fine   2 to punish with any arbitrary penalty [C14: from Anglo-French amercier, from Old French à merci at the mercy (because the fine was arbitrarily fixed); see MERCY]   > aˈmerceable adj   > aˈmercement n   > aˈmercer n

■ amerciable (əˈmɜːsIəbəl)   adj   a variant form of amerceable

■ amerciament (əˈmɜːsIəmənt)   n   a variant form of amercement

America (əˈmɛrIkə)   n   1 short for the United States of America   2 Also called: the Americas the American continent, including North, South, and Central America [C16: from Americus, Latin form of Amerigo; after Amerigo VESPUCCI]

■ American (əˈmɛrIkən)   adj   1 of or relating to the United States of America, its inhabitants, or their form of English   2 of or relating to the American continent   ▷ n   3 a native or citizen of the US   4 a native or inhabitant of any country of North, Central, or South America   5 the English language as spoken or written in the United States

■ Americana (əˌmɛrIˈkɑːnə)   pl n   1 objects, such as books, documents, relics, etc, relating to America, esp in the form of a collection   2 all forms of traditional music indigenous to America, and their modern variants

■ American aloe   n   another name for century plant

■ American chameleon   n   another name for anole

■ American cheese   n   a type of smooth hard white or yellow cheese similar to a mild Cheddar

■ American cloth   n   a glazed or waterproofed cotton cloth

■ American Curl   n   a breed of slender cat with curled-back ears and a plumed tail

■ American Dream   n   the American Dream the notion that the American social, economic, and political system makes success possible for every individual

■ American eagle   n   the bald eagle, esp when depicted as the national emblem of the US

■ American Expeditionary Forces   pl n   the troops sent to Europe by the US during World War I

■ American Federation of Labor   n   the first permanent national labour movement in America, founded in 1886. It amalgamated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955. See also AFL-CIO

■ American football   n   1 a team game similar to rugby, with 11 players on each side. Forward passing is allowed and planned strategies and formations for play are decided during the course of the game   2 the oval-shaped inflated ball used in this game

■ American Indian   n   1 a member of any of the indigenous peoples of North, Central, or South America, esp those of North America   ▷ adj   2 Also: Amerindian of or relating to any of these peoples, their languages, or their cultures

USAGE

The term American Indian is still acceptable and is used by indigenous people themselves. However, the most widely accepted phrase in general use is Native American

■ American Indian Movement   n   a militant movement or grouping of Native Americans, organized in 1968 to combat discrimination, injustice, etc

■ Americanism (əˈmɛrIkəˌnIzəm)   n   1 a custom, linguistic usage, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of the United States, its people, or their culture   2 loyalty to the United States, its people, customs, etc

■ Americanist (əˈmɛrIkənIst)   n   a person who studies some aspect of America, such as its history or languages

■ Americanize or Americanise (əˈmɛrIkəˌnaIz)   vb   to make or become American in outlook, attitudes, etc   > Aˌmericaniˈzation or Aˌmericaniˈsation n   > Aˈmericanˌizer or Aˈmericanˌiser n

■ Americano (əˌmɛrIˈkɑːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   a drink consisting of espresso coffee diluted with hot water [C20: from Italian (caffè) Americano American (coffee)]

■ American pit bull terrier   n   another name for pit bull terrier

■ American plan   n   US a hotel rate in which the charge includes meals. Compare European plan

■ American Revolution   n   the usual US term for War of American Independence

■ American Samoa   n   the part of Samoa administered by the US. Capital: Fagatogo (in Pago Pago). Pop: 54 719 (2013 est). Area: 197 sq km (76 sq miles)

■ American sign language   n   See Ameslan

■ American Smooth   n   a style of competitive ballroom dancing which incorporates elements of Latin dance

■ American Standard Version   n   a revised version of the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible, published by a committee of American scholars in 1901

■ American trypanosomiasis   n   pathol another name for Chagas' disease

■ American Wake   n   Irish an all-night farewell party for a person about to emigrate to America

■ American wirehair (ˈwaIəˌheə)   n   a breed of medium-large cat with a coarse wiry coat

■ America's Cup   n   an international yachting trophy, first won by the schooner America in 1851 and held as a challenge trophy by the New York Yacht Club until 1983

americium (ˌæməˈrIsIəm)   n   a white metallic transuranic element artificially produced from plutonium. It is used as an alpha-particle source. Symbol: Am; atomic no: 95; half-life of most stable isotope, 243Am: 7.4 × 10^3 years; valency: 2,3,4,5, or 6; relative density: 13.67; melting pt: 1176°C; boiling pt: 2607°C (est) [C20: from AMERICA (because it was discovered at Berkeley, California) + -IUM]

Amerigo Vespucci (Italian ameˈriːɡo vesˈputtʃi)   n   See Vespucci

Amerindian (ˌæməˈrIndIən)   n, adj also Amerind (ˈæmərInd)   a specialist word, esp in linguistics and anthropology, for American Indian   > ˌAmerˈindic adj

Amersfoort (Dutch ˈaːmərsfoːrt)   n   a town in the central Netherlands, in E Utrecht province. Pop: 131 000 (2003 est)

amesace (ˈeImzˌeIs, ˈæmz-)   n   a variant spelling of ambsace

Ameslan (ˈæməsˌlæn)   n   American sign language: a language in which meaning is conveyed by hand gestures and their position in relation to the upper part of the body. Abbreviation: ASL [C20: from Ame(rican) s(ign) lan(guage)]

Ames test (eImz)   n   a method of preliminary screening for carcinogens, based on their ability to cause mutations in bacteria [named after Bruce Ames (born 1928), US biochemist who invented the test]

ametabolic (əˌmɛtəˈbɒlIk)   adj   (of certain insects) having no obvious metamorphosis

■ ametabolism (eImIˈtæbəlIzəm)   n   zoology a form of growth or life cycle with little or no metamorphosis

■ ametabolous (ˌæmIˈtæbələs, ˌeIməˈtæbələs)   adj   zoology without metamorphosis

amethyst (ˈæmIθIst)   n   1 a purple or violet transparent variety of quartz used as a gemstone. Formula: SiO_2   2 a purple variety of sapphire; oriental amethyst   3 the purple colour of amethyst [C13: from Old French amatiste, from Latin amethystus, from Greek amethustos, literally: not drunken, from A-1 + methuein to make drunk; referring to the belief that the stone could prevent intoxication]   > amethystine (ˌæmIˈθIstaIn) adj

ametropia (ˌæmIˈtrəʊpIə)   n   loss of ability to focus images on the retina, caused by an imperfection in the refractive function of the eye [C19: New Latin, from Greek ametros unmeasured (from A-1 + metron measure) + ōps eye]

■ ametropic (ˌæmIˈtrɒpIk)   adj   pathol relating to ametropia

Amex (ˈæmɛks)   n acronym for   1 trademark American Express   2 American Stock Exchange

AMF   abbreviation for   Australian Military Forces

Amfortas (æmˈfɔːtəs)   n   (in medieval legend) the leader of the knights of the Holy Grail

Amhara (æmˈhɑːrə)   n   1 a region of NW Ethiopia: formerly a kingdom   2 an inhabitant of the former kingdom of Amhara

Amharic (æmˈhærIk)   n   1 the official language of Ethiopia, belonging to the SE Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family   ▷ adj   2 denoting or relating to this language

Amherst (ˈæmhɜːst)   n   Jeffrey, 1st Baron Amherst. 1717–97, British general who defeated the French in Canada (1758–60): governor general of British North America (1761–63)

ami French (ami)   n   a male friend

amia (ˈæmIə)   n   a primitive North American freshwater bony fish, Amia calva, with an elongated body and a very long dorsal fin: family Amiidae

amiable (ˈeImIəbəl)   adj   having or displaying a pleasant or agreeable nature; friendly [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin amīcābilis AMICABLE]   > ˌamiaˈbility or ˈamiableness n   > ˈamiably adv

amianthus (ˌæmIˈænθəs) or amiantus (ˌæmIˈæntəs)   n   any of the fine silky varieties of asbestos [C17: from Latin amiantus, from Greek amiantos unsullied, from A-1 + miainein to pollute]   > ˌamiˈanthine, ˌamiˈanthoid or ˌamianˈthoidal adj

amicable (ˈæmIkəbəl)   adj   characterized by friendliness: an amicable agreement [C15: from Late Latin amīcābilis, from Latin amīcus friend; related to amāre to love]   > ˌamicaˈbility or ˈamicableness n   > ˈamicably adv

amice^1 (ˈæmIs)   n   Christianity a rectangular piece of white linen worn by priests around the neck and shoulders under the alb or, formerly, on the head [C15: from Old French amis, plural of amit, or from Medieval Latin amicia, both from Latin amictus cloak, from amicīre to clothe, from am- AMBI- + iacere to throw]

amice^2 (ˈæmIs)   n   another word for almuce

AMICE   abbreviation for   Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers

AMIChemE   abbreviation for   Associate Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers

Amicus (ˈæmIkəs)   n   (in Britain) a trade union representing workers in manufacturing industries, now part of Unite

amicus curiae (æˈmiːkʊs ˈkjʊərIˌiː)   n, pl amici curiae (æˈmiːkaI)   law a person not directly engaged in a case who advises the court [Latin, literally: friend of the court]

amid (əˈmId) or amidst   prep   in the middle of; among [Old English on middan in the middle; see MID^1]

■ amidmost (əˈmIdməʊst)   adv   1 poetic in the middle or centre   ▷ prep   2 poetic in the centre of

■ amidships (əˈmIdʃIps) or amidship (əˈmIdʃIp)   adv, adj (postpositive)   nautical at, near, or towards the centre of a vessel

Amida (amidə)   n   the Japanese name for Amitabha

Amidah (amiˈdaː, aˈmidə)   n   Judaism the central prayer in each of the daily services, recited silently and standing. Also called: Shemona Esrei

amidase (ˈæmIˌdeIz)   n   chem an enzyme acting as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of an amide

amide (ˈæmaId)   n   1 any organic compound containing the functional group -CONH_2   2 (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CONH_2: amide group or radical   3 an inorganic compound having the general formula M(NH_2)x, where M is a metal atom [C19: from AM(MONIA) + -IDE]   > amidic (əˈmIdIk) adj

amidin (ˈæmIdIn)   n chem   1 the soluble matter found in starch   2 starch in the form of a solution

amidine (ˈæmIdaIn)   n   chem one of a class of organic compounds derived from oxyacids

amido-   combining form   (in chemistry) indicating the presence of an amide group [from AMIDE]

amidogen (əˈmiːdəʊˌdʒən)   n   chem a compound radical, NH_2, derived from ammonia

Amidol (ˈæmIdɒl)   n   trademark a grey to colourless soluble crystalline solid that is used as a photographic developer; 2,4-diaminophenol dihydrochloride. Formula: C_6H_3(NH_2)2(OH).2HCl

amidone (ˈæmIdəʊn)   n   med a synthetic pain-relieving drug similar to morphine

amie French (ami)   n   a female friend

AMIEE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Associate Member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers

Amiens (ˈæmIənz; French amjɛ̃)   n   a city in N France: its Gothic cathedral is the largest church in France. Pop: 139 271 (2006)

amiga (æˈmiːɡə, əˈmiːɡə)   n   the female form of amigo

amigo (æˈmiːɡəʊ, ə-)   n, pl -gos   a friend; comrade [Spanish, from Latin amicus]

amildar (ˈæmIlˌdɑː)   n   a factor or manager in India, particularly one who collects revenue

AMIMechE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Associate Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Amin^1 (æˈmiːn, ɑː-)   n   Lake Amin or Lake Idi Amin a former official name for (Lake) Edward^1

Amin^2 (æˈmiːn, ɑː-)   n   Idi (ˈiːdiː). 1925–2003, Ugandan soldier; dictator and head of state (1971–79). Notorious for his brutality, he was overthrown and exiled

amine (əˈmiːn, ˈæmIn)   n   an organic base formed by replacing one or more of the hydrogen atoms of ammonia by organic groups [C19: from AM(MONIUM) + -INE^2]

■ aminic (əˈmiːnIk)   adj   chem relating to or containing an amine

■ aminity (əˈmInItI)   n   chem the state of being an amine

-amine   n combining form   indicating an amine: histamine; methylamine

amino (əˈmaInəʊ, -ˈmiː-)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the group of atoms -NH_2: amino group or radical; amino acid

■ amino acid   n   any of a group of organic compounds containing one or more amino groups, -NH_2, and one or more carboxyl groups, -COOH. The alpha-amino acids RCH(NH_2)COOH (where R is either hydrogen or an organic group) are the component molecules of proteins; some can be synthesized in the body (nonessential amino acids) and others cannot and are thus essential components of the diet (essential amino acids)

■ amino acid sequence   n   the unique sequence of amino acids that characterizes a given protein

■ aminoaciduria (əˌmiːnəʊˌæsIdˈjʊərIə)   n   med the presence of amino acids in urine

■ aminobenzoic acid (əˌmaInəʊbɛnˈzəʊIk, -ˌmiː-)   n   a derivative of benzoic acid existing in three isomeric forms, the para- form being used in the manufacture of dyes and sunburn preventatives. Formula: NH_2C_6H_4COOH

■ aminobutene (əˌmiːnəʊˈbjuːtiːn)   n   med a synthetic pain-relieving drug

■ aminopeptidase (əˌmiːnəʊˈpɛptIˌdeIz)   n   biochem an enzyme produced by the glands of the small intestine

■ aminophenazone (əˌmaInəʊˈfiːnəˌzəʊn, -ˌmiː-)   n   a crystalline compound used to reduce pain and fever. Formula: C_13H_17N_3O. Also called: aminopyrine

■ aminophenol (əˌmaInəʊˈfiːnɒl, -ˌmiː-)   n   chem any of three isomeric forms that are soluble crystalline solids, used as a dye intermediate (meta- and ortho-), in dyeing hair, fur, and textiles (ortho- and para-), and as a photographic developer (para-). Formula: C_6H_4NH_2OH

■ aminophylline (æmIˈnɒfIliːn)   n   a derivative of theophylline that relaxes smooth muscle and is used mainly to dilate the airways in the treatment of asthma and emphysema [C20: from AMINO- + PHYLLO- + -INE^2]

■ aminopterin (ˌæmIˈnɒptərIn)   n   med a derivative of pterin used in chemotherapy

■ aminopyrine (əˌmaInəʊˈpaIriːn, -ˌmiː-)   n   another name for aminophenazone

■ amino resin   n   any thermosetting synthetic resin formed by copolymerization of amines or amides with aldehydes. Amino resins are used as adhesives and as coatings for paper and textiles. See also urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine

amino-   combining form   indicating the presence of an amino group: aminobenzoic acid [from AMINE]

amir (əˈmIə)   n   1 a variant spelling of emir   2 (formerly) the ruler of Afghanistan; ameer [C19: from Arabic, variant of EMIR]   > aˈmirate n

Amis (ˈeImIs)   n   1  Sir Kingsley. 1922–95, British novelist and poet, noted for his novels Lucky Jim (1954), Jake's Thing (1978), Stanley and the Women (1984), The Old Devils (1986), and The Folks that Live on the Hill (1990)   2  his son, Martin. born 1949, British novelist. His works include The Rachel Papers (1974), Money (1984), London Fields (1989), The Information (1994),Yellow Dog (2003), and Lionel Asbo: State of England (2012)

Amish (ˈɑːmIʃ, ˈæ-)   adj   1 of or relating to a US and Canadian Mennonite sect that traces its origin to Jakob Amman   ▷ n   2 the Amish the Amish people [C19: from German Amisch, after Jakob Amman, 17th-century Swiss Mennonite bishop]

amiss (əˈmIs)   adv   1 in an incorrect, inappropriate, or defective manner   2 take something amiss to be annoyed or offended by something   ▷ adj   3 (postpositive) wrong, incorrect, or faulty [C13 a mis, from mis wrong; see MISS^1]

■ amissibility (əˌmIsəˈbIlItI)   n   old-fashioned the quality of being amissible

■ amissible (əˈmIsəbəl)   adj   old-fashioned likely to be lost

■ amissing (əˈmIsIŋ)   adj   old-fashioned missing

Amitabha (ˌamiˈtɑbə)   n   Buddhism (in Pure Land sects) a Bodhisattva who presides over a Pure Land in the west of the universe. Japanese name: Amida [Sanskrit, literally: immeasurable light, from amita infinite + ābhā light]

amitosis (ˌæmIˈtəʊsIs)   n   an unusual form of cell division in which the nucleus and cytoplasm divide by constriction without the formation of chromosomes; direct cell division [C19: A-1 + MITOSIS]   > amitotic (ˌæmIˈtɒtIk) adj   > ˌamiˈtotically adv

amitriptyline (ˌæmIˈtrIptIˌliːn, -lIn)   n   a tricyclic antidepressant drug. Formula: C_20H_23N [C20: from AMINO + TRYPTAMINE + METHYL + -INE^2]

amitrole (ˈæmIˌtrəʊl)   n   agriculture a non-selective systemic herbicide used on non-food crops to control grasses and weeds

amitryptyline (ˌæmIˈtrIptəˌliːn)   n   pharmacol a drug with several uses, most commonly prescribed to treat depression

amity (ˈæmItI)   n, pl -ties   friendship; cordiality [C15: from Old French amité, from Medieval Latin amīcitās friendship, from Latin amīcus friend]

amla (ˈæmˌlɑː)   n   1 the edible fruit of a species of small leafy Indian tree, amlica embilicus, valued both for its vitamin C content and for the oil extracted from it, which is used as a hair conditioner   2 a member of staff, or the body of staff in a courthouse in S Asia

Amla (ˈæmlə)   n   Hashim (ˈhɑːʃiːm). born 1983, South African cricketer; first South African (2012) to score a triple century in a test match

AMM   abbreviation for   antimissile (missile)

Amman (əˈmɑːn)   n   the capital of Jordan, northeast of the Dead Sea: ancient capital of the Ammonites, rebuilt by Ptolemy in the 3rd century BC. Pop: 1 154 670 (2015 est)). Ancient names: Rabbath Ammon, Philadelphia

ammeter (ˈæmˌmiːtə)   n   an instrument for measuring an electric current in amperes [C19: AM(PERE) + -METER]

ammine (ˈæmiːn, əˈmiːn)   n   a compound that has molecules containing one or more ammonia molecules bound to another molecule, group, or atom by coordinate bonds. Also called: ammoniate, ammonate [C19: from AMM(ONIA) + -INE^2]

ammino (ˈæmIˌnəʊ, əˈmiːnəʊ)   adj   chem relating to or characteristic of an ammine

ammo (ˈæməʊ)   n   informal short for ammunition

ammocoete or ammocete (ˈæməˌsiːt)   n   the larva of primitive jawless vertebrates, such as the lamprey, that lives buried in mud and feeds on microorganisms [C19: from New Latin ammocoeteēs, literally: that lie in sand, from Greek ammos sand + koitē bed, from keisthai to lie]

Ammon^1 (ˈæmən)   n   Old Testament the ancestor of the Ammonites

Ammon^2 (ˈæmən)   n   myth the classical name of the Egyptian god Amen, identified by the Greeks with Zeus and by the Romans with Jupiter

ammonal (ˈæmənəl)   n   an explosive made by mixing TNT, ammonium nitrate, and aluminium powder [C20: from AMMON(IUM) + AL(UMINIUM)]

ammonate (ˈæməˌneIt)   n   another name for ammine

ammonia (əˈməʊnIə, -njə)   n   1 a colourless pungent highly soluble gas mainly used in the manufacture of fertilizers, nitric acid, and other nitrogenous compounds, and as a refrigerant and solvent. Formula: NH_3   2 a solution of ammonia in water, containing the compound ammonium hydroxide [C18: from New Latin, from Latin (sal) ammōniacus (sal) AMMONIAC^1]

■ ammoniac (əˈməʊnIˌæk) or ammoniacum (əˌməʊnIˈækəm)   n   a strong-smelling gum resin obtained from the stems of the N Asian umbelliferous plant Dorema ammoniacum and formerly used as an expectorant, stimulant, perfume, and in porcelain cement. Also called: gum ammoniac [C14: from Latin ammōniacum, from Greek ammōniakos belonging to Ammon (apparently the gum resin was extracted from plants found in Libya near the temple of Ammon)]

■ ammoniacal (ˌæməˈnaIəkəl)   adj   of, containing, using, or resembling ammonia. Also: ammoniac

■ ammonia clock   n   an atomic clock based on the frequency of inversion of the ammonia molecule

■ ammoniate (əˈməʊnIˌeIt)   vb   1 to unite or treat with ammonia   ▷ n   2 another name for ammine   > amˌmoniˈation n

■ ammonic (əˈmɒnIk, əˈməʊnIk)   adj   of or concerned with ammonia or ammonium compounds   > amˈmonical adj

ammonify (əˈmɒnIˌfaI, əˈməʊnI-)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to treat or impregnate with ammonia or a compound of ammonia   > amˌmonifiˈcation n

ammonite^1 (ˈæməˌnaIt)   n   1 any extinct marine cephalopod mollusc of the order Ammonoidea, which were common in Mesozoic times and generally had a coiled partitioned shell. Their closest modern relative is the pearly nautilus   2 the shell of any of these animals, commonly occurring as a fossil [C18: from New Latin Ammōnītēs, from Medieval Latin cornū Ammōnis, literally: horn of Ammon]   > ammonitic (ˌæməˈnItIk) adj

ammonite^2 (ˈæməˌnaIt)   n   1 an explosive consisting mainly of ammonium nitrate with smaller amounts of other substances, such as TNT   2 a nitrogenous fertilizer made from animal wastes [C20: from AMMO(NIUM) + NI(TRA)TE]

Ammonites (ˈæməˌnaIts)   pl n   Old Testament a nomadic tribe living east of the Jordan: a persistent enemy of the Israelites

ammonium (əˈməʊnIəm, -njəm)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group NH_4– or the ion NH_4+: ammonium compounds

■ ammonium carbamate   n   a white soluble crystalline compound produced by reaction between dry ammonia and carbon dioxide and used as a nitrogen fertilizer. Formula: (NH_4)CO_2NH_2

■ ammonium carbonate   n   1 an unstable pungent soluble white powder that is a double salt of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate: used in the manufacture of baking powder, smelling salts, and ammonium compounds. Formula: (NH_4)HCO_3.(NH_4)CO_2NH_2   2 an unstable substance that is produced by treating this compound with ammonia. Formula: (NH_4)2CO_3

■ ammonium chloride   n   a white soluble crystalline solid used chiefly as an electrolyte in dry batteries and as a mordant and soldering flux. Formula: NH_4Cl. Also called: sal ammoniac

■ ammonium hydroxide   n   a compound existing only in aqueous solution, formed when ammonia dissolves in water to form ammonium ions and hydroxide ions. Formula: NH_4OH. Also called: aqueous ammonia

■ ammonium ion   n   the ion NH_4+, formed from ammonia and present in aqueous solutions of ammonia and in many salts

■ ammonium nitrate   n   a colourless highly soluble crystalline solid used mainly as a fertilizer and in explosives and pyrotechnics. Formula: NH_4NO_3

■ ammonium sulphate   n   a white soluble crystalline solid used mainly as a fertilizer and in water purification. Formula: (NH_4)2SO_4

ammono (əˈməʊnəʊ)   adj   chem of, or containing, ammonia

ammonoid (ˈæməˌnɔId)   n   palaeontol any of the extinct group of sea-dwelling cephalopod molluscs with coiled and chambered shells

ammonolysis (ˌæməˈnɒlIsIs)   n   chem solvolysis in liquid ammonia

ammophilous (æˈmɒfIləs)   adj   biology (of organisms) living or growing in sand

ammunition (ˌæmjʊˈnIʃən)   n   1 any projectiles, such as bullets, rockets, etc, that can be discharged from a weapon   2 bombs, missiles, chemicals, biological agents, nuclear materials, etc, capable of use as weapons   3 any means of defence or attack, as in an argument [C17: from obsolete French amunition, by mistaken division from earlier la munition; see MUNITION]

amnesia (æmˈniːzjə, -ʒjə, -zIə)   n   a defect in memory, esp one resulting from a pathological cause, such as brain damage [C19: via New Latin from Greek: forgetfulness, probably from amnēstia oblivion; see AMNESTY]   > amnesiac (æmˈniːzIˌæk) or amnesic (æmˈniːsIk, -zIk) adj, n

■ amnestic (æmˈnɛstIk)   adj   1 another word for amnesiac   2 causing amnesia

amnesty (ˈæmnIstI)   n, pl -ties   1 a general pardon, esp for offences against a government   2 a period during which a law is suspended to allow offenders to admit their crime without fear of prosecution   3 law a pardon granted by the Crown or Executive and effected by statute   ▷ vb -ties, -tying, -tied   4 (tr) to overlook or forget (an offence) [C16: from Latin amnēstia, from Greek: oblivion, from amnēstos forgetting, from A-1 + -mnēstos, from mnasthai to remember]

■ Amnesty International   n   an international organization founded in Britain in 1961 that works to secure the release of people imprisoned for their beliefs, to ban the use of torture, and to abolish the death penalty. Abbreviation: AI

amnio (ˈæmnIəʊ)   n   short for amniocentesis

amniocentesis (ˌæmnIəʊsɛnˈtiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   removal of some amniotic fluid by the insertion into the womb of a hollow needle, for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes [C20: from AMNION + centesis, from Greek kentēsis a puncture, from kentein to prick]

amnion (ˈæmnIən)   n, pl -nions or -nia (-nIə)   the innermost of two membranes enclosing an embryonic reptile, bird, or mammal. See also chorion [C17: via New Latin from Greek: a little lamb, from amnos a lamb]

■ amnic (ˈæmnIk)   adj   another word for amniotic

■ amnionic (ˌæmnIˈɒnIk)   adj   another word for amniotic

■ amniote (ˈæmnIəʊt)   n   any vertebrate animal, such as a reptile, bird, or mammal, that possesses an amnion, chorion, and allantois during embryonic development. Compare anamniote

■ amniotic (ˌæmnIˈɒtIk)   adj   of or relating to the amnion

■ amniotic fluid   n   the fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb

amniotomy (ˌæmnIˈɒtəmI)   n   obstetrics the artificial rupturing of the fetal membranes by a doctor or midwife to induce or expedite labour

amobarbital (ˌæməʊˈbɑːbItəl, ˌeIməʊ-)   n   pharmacol a drug with sedative, hypnotic, and analgesic properties used to relieve insomnia and control convulsions

amoeba or US ameba (əˈmiːbə)   n, pl -bae (-biː) or -bas   any protozoan of the phylum Rhizopoda, esp any of the genus Amoeba, able to change shape because of the movements of cell processes (pseudopodia). They live in fresh water or soil or as parasites in humans and animals [C19: from New Latin, from Greek amoibē change, from ameibein to change, exchange]   > aˈmoebic or US aˈmebic adj

■ amoebaean or amoebean (ˌæmIˈbiːən)   adj   prosody of or relating to lines of verse dialogue that answer each other alternately

■ amoeban (əˈmiːbən)   n   another word for amoebic

■ amoebic dysentery   n   inflammation of the intestines caused by the parasitic amoeba Endamoeba histolytica

■ amoebiform (əˈmiːbIˌfɔːm)   adj   biology resembling, shaped, or changing in shape like an amoeba

■ amoeboid or US ameboid (əˈmiːbɔId)   adj   of, related to, or resembling amoebae

amoebiasis (ˌæmIˈbaIəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   infection, esp of the intestines, caused by the parasitic amoeba Endamoeba histolytica

amoebocyte or US amebocyte (əˈmiːbəˌsaIt)   n   any cell having properties similar to an amoeba, such as shape, mobility, and ability to engulf particles

amok (əˈmʌk, əˈmɒk) or amuck (əˈmʌk)   n   1 a state of murderous frenzy, originally observed among Malays   ▷ adv   2 run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill [C17: from Malay amoq furious assault]

amokura (ˈɑːˌməʊkuːrə)   n, pl amokura   a white pelagian bird, Paethon rubricauda, of tropical latitudes in the Indian and Pacific oceans, with a red beak and long red tail feathers [Māori]

amole (ˈæməʊl)   n   1 the root, bulb or other part of several mainly western North American plants, such as the agave and yucca, used as a substitute for soap   2 any plant, or part of a plant, used as a detergent or soap   3 archaic an apple

AMOLED (ˈæməʊˌlɛd) electronics   acronym for   active-matrix organic light-emitting diode

amomum (əˈməʊməm)   n   any of a genus of plants belonging to the ginger family, notable for their pungency and aromatic properties

Amon (ˈɑːmən)   n   Egyptian myth a variant spelling of Amen

among (əˈmʌŋ) or amongst   prep   1 in the midst of: they lived among the local community   2 to each of: divide the reward among yourselves   3 in the group, class, or number of: ranked among the greatest writers   4 taken out of (a group): he is only one among many   5 with one another within a group; by the joint action of: a lot of gossip among the employees; decide it among yourselves [Old English amang, contracted from on gemang in the group of, from ON + gemang crowd; see MINGLE, MONGREL]

USAGE

See at between

amontillado (əˌmɒntIˈlɑːdəʊ)   n   a medium dry Spanish sherry, not as pale in colour as a fino [C19: from Spanish vino amontillado wine of Montilla, town in Spain]

amoove (əˈmuːv)   vb (tr)   a variant spelling of amove

amoral (eIˈmɒrəl)   adj   1 having no moral quality; nonmoral   2 without moral standards or principles   > amorality (ˌeImɒˈrælItI) n   > aˈmorally adv

USAGE

Amoral is often wrongly used where immoral is meant. Immoral is properly used to talk about the breaking of moral rules, amoral about people who have no moral code or about places or situations where moral considerations do not apply

■ amoralism (ˌeIˈmɒrəlIzəm)   n   the doctrine or attitude that ignores or rejects moral values, or deems them to be irrelevant

■ amoralist (ˌeIˈmɒrəlIst)   n   a person who adheres to the doctrine of amoralism

amorance (ˈæmərəns)   n   the state of being in love

■ amorant (ˈæmərənt)   adj   loving, romantic

amorce (əˈmɔːs)   n   a percussion cap for a toy pistol

amoret (ˌæməˈrɛt)   n archaic   1 an amorous girl or woman   2 a love token   3 a love sonnet or love song   4 an amorous glance   5 a trifling love affair

amoretto (ˌæməˈrɛtəʊ) or amorino (ˌæmɔːˈriːnəʊ)   n, pl -retti (-ˈrɛtI) or -rini (-ˈriːnI)   (esp in painting) a small chubby naked boy representing a cupid. Also called: putto [C16: from Italian, diminutive of Amore Cupid, from Latin Amor Love]

amorism (ˈæməˌrIzəm)   n   the state of someone who is preoccupied with love and lovemaking or with writing about love

■ amorist (ˈæmərIst)   n   a lover or a writer about love

■ amoristic (ˌæməˈrIstIk)   adj   relating to, or characteristic of, romantic love

amornings (əˈmɔːnIŋz)   adv   archaic or dialect of a morning

amorosa (ˌæməˈrəʊsə)   n   1 a female lover   2 a wanton woman or courtesan

amorosity (ˌæməˈrɒsItI)   n   a loving feeling

amoroso (ˌæməˈrəʊsəʊ)   adj, adv   1 music (to be played) lovingly   ▷ n   2 a rich sweetened sherry of a dark colour [from Italian and Spanish: AMOROUS]

amorous (ˈæmərəs)   adj   1 inclined towards or displaying love or desire   2 in love   3 of or relating to love [C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin amōrōsus, from Latin amor love]   > ˈamorously adv   > ˈamorousness n

amor patriae Latin (ˈæmɔː ˈpætrIˌiː)   n   love of one's country; patriotism

amorphous (əˈmɔːfəs)   adj   1 lacking a definite shape; formless   2 of no recognizable character or type   3 (of chemicals, rocks, etc) not having a crystalline structure [C18: from New Latin, from Greek amorphos shapeless, from A-1 + morphē shape]   > aˈmorphism n   > aˈmorphously adv   > aˈmorphousness n

amort (əˈmɔːt)   adj   archaic utterly dejected, depressed, lifeless or listless

amortize or amortise (əˈmɔːtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 finance to liquidate (a debt, mortgage, etc) by instalment payments or by periodic transfers to a sinking fund   2 to write off (a wasting asset) by annual transfers to a sinking fund   3 property law (formerly) to transfer (lands, etc) in mortmain [C14: from Medieval Latin admortizāre, from Old French amortir to reduce to the point of death, ultimately from Latin ad to + mors death]   > aˈmortizable or aˈmortisable adj

■ amortization or amortisation (əˌmɔːtaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1    a the process of amortizing a debt   b the money devoted to amortizing a debt   2 (in computing the redemption yield on a bond purchased at a premium) the amount that is subtracted from the annual yield. Compare accumulation (sense 3b)   > amortizement or amortisement (əˈmɔːtIzmənt) n

Amos (ˈeImɒs)   n Old Testament   1 a Hebrew prophet of the 8th century BC   2 the book containing his oracles

amosite (ˈæməˌsaIt)   n   a fibrous mineral used in the manufacture of heat and acid-proof asbestos

amotion (əˈməʊʃən)   n law   1 the deprivation of a possession   2 the premature ousting of an officer from his or her post in a corporation

amount (əˈmaʊnt)   n   1 extent; quantity; supply   2 the total of two or more quantities; sum   3 the full value, effect, or significance of something   4 a principal sum plus the interest on it, as in a loan   ▷ vb   5 (intr; usually foll by to) to be equal or add up in effect, meaning, or quantity [C13: from Old French amonter to go up, from amont upwards, from a to + mont mountain (from Latin mōns)]

USAGE

The use of a plural noun after amount of (an amount of bananas; the amount of refugees) should be avoided: a quantity of bananas; the number of refugees

■ amount of substance   n   a measure of the number of entities (atoms, molecules, ions, electrons, etc) present in a substance, expressed in moles

amour French (amur)   n   a love affair, esp a secret or illicit one [C13: from Old French, from Latin amor love]

■ amour-propre French (amurprɔprə)   n   self-respect

amourette (ˌæmʊəˈrɛt)   n   1 a brief affair or an affair that is insignificant to oneself   2 a female partner in a trifling affair

amove (əˈmuːv)   vb   1 (tr) law to dismiss from an office or station   2 (tr) archaic to remove (a person or thing) from a position   3 archaic to stir someone's emotions; to affect; to move; to rouse

amowt (əˈmaʊt)   n   a variant spelling of amaut

amoxicillin (əˈmɒksIˌsIlIn) or amoxycillin (əˈmɒksIˌsIlIn)   n   pharmacol a penicillin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections

Amoy (əˈmɔI)   n   1 a port in SE China, in Fujian province on Amoy Island, at the mouth of the Jiulong River opposite Taiwan: one of the first treaty ports opened to European trade (1842). Pop: 746 000 (2005 est). Modern Chinese name: Xiamen   2 the dialect of Chinese spoken in Amoy, Taiwan, and elsewhere: a Min dialect

amp (æmp)   n   1 an ampere   2 informal an amplifier   ▷ vb   3 Austral informal to excite or become excited

■ amp up   vb (tr, adverb) informal   1 to increase   2 to increase the power or force of (something)   3 to excite, arouse, or work up (a person, emotions, etc)

AMP   abbreviation for   1 adenosine monophosphate   2 Australian Mutual Provident Society

amp.   abbreviation for   ampere

ampassy (ˈæmpəsI)   n   another word for ampersand

ampelography (ˌæmpəˈlɒɡrəfI)   n   1 botany the science concerned with the identification and classification of grapevines   2 an encyclopaedia or reference book of grape varieties

ampelopsis (ˌæmpIˈlɒpsIs)   n   any woody vine of the vitaceous genus Ampelopsis, of tropical and subtropical Asia and America [C19: from New Latin, from Greek ampelos grapevine]

Ampère (ˈæmpɛə; French ɑ̃pɛr)   n   André Marie (ɑ̃dre mari). 1775–1836, French physicist and mathematician, who made major discoveries in the fields of magnetism and electricity

■ amperage (ˈæmpərIdʒ)   n   the magnitude of an electric current measured in amperes, esp the rated current of an electrical component or device

■ ampere (ˈæmpɛə)   n   1 the basic SI unit of electric current; the constant current that, when maintained in two parallel conductors of infinite length and negligible cross section placed 1 metre apart in free space, produces a force of 2 × 10–7 newton per metre between them. 1 ampere is equivalent to 1 coulomb per second   2 a former unit of electric current (international ampere); the current that, when passed through a solution of silver nitrate, deposits silver at the rate of 0.001118 gram per second. 1 international ampere equals 0.999835 ampere   ▶ Abbreviation: amp. Symbol: A [C19: named after André Marie AMPÈRE]

■ ampere-hour   n   a practical unit of quantity of electricity; the quantity that flows in one hour through a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere. 1 ampere-hour is equivalent to 3600 coulombs. Abbreviation: a.h.

■ ampere-turn   n   a unit of magnetomotive force; the magnetomotive force produced by a current of 1 ampere passing through one complete turn of a coil. 1 ampere-turn is equivalent to 4π/10 or 1.257 gilberts. Abbreviation: At, A

amperometric (ˌæmpərəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   relating to or involving the measurement of an electric current

ampersand (ˈæmpəˌsænd) or amperzand (ˈæmpəˌzænd)   n   the character (&), meaning and: John Brown & Co [C19: shortened from and per se and, that is, the symbol & by itself (represents) and]

amphetamine (æmˈfɛtəˌmiːn, -mIn)   n   a synthetic colourless volatile liquid used medicinally as the white crystalline sulphate, mainly for its stimulant action on the central nervous system, although it also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It can have unpleasant or dangerous side effects and drug dependence can occur; 1-phenyl-2-aminopropane. Formula: C_6H_5CH_2CH(NH_2)CH_3 [C20: from A(LPHA) + M(ETHYL) + PH(ENYL) + ET(HYL) + -AMINE]

amphi-   prefix   1 on both sides; at both ends; of both kinds: amphipod; amphitrichous; amphibious   2 around: amphibole [from Greek]

amphiarthrosis (ˌæmfIɑːˈθrəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   anatomy a type of articulation permitting only slight movement, as between the vertebrae of the backbone [C19: from AMPHI- + Greek arthrōsis articulation, from arthron a joint]

amphiaster (ˈæmfIˌæstə)   n   cytology the structure that occurs in a cell undergoing mitosis, consisting of a spindle with an aster at each end [C19: from AMPHI- + New Latin aster; see ASTER]

amphibian (æmˈfIbIən)   n   1 any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Amphibia, typically living on land but breeding in water. Their aquatic larvae (tadpoles) undergo metamorphosis into the adult form. The class includes the newts and salamanders, frogs and toads, and caecilians   2 a type of aircraft able to land and take off from both water and land   3 any vehicle able to travel on both water and land   ▷ adj   4 another word for amphibious   5 of, relating to, or belonging to the class Amphibia

■ amphibia (æmˈfIbIə)   n   the amphibians considered collectively

amphibiotic (ˌæmfIbaIˈɒtIk)   adj   having an aquatic larval form and a terrestrial adult form, as amphibians

amphibious (æmˈfIbIəs)   adj   1 able to live both on land and in the water, as frogs, toads, etc   2 designed for operation on or from both water and land   3 relating to military forces and equipment organized for operations launched from the sea against an enemy shore   4 having a dual or mixed nature [C17: from Greek amphibios, literally: having a double life, from AMPHI- + bios life]   > amˈphibiously adv   > amˈphibiousness n

amphiblastic (ˌæmfIˈblæstIk)   adj   (of animal ova) showing complete but unequal cleavage after fertilization

amphiblastula (ˌæmfIˈblæstjʊlə)   n   the free-swimming larva of certain sponges, which consists of a hollow spherical mass of cells some of which have flagella

amphibole (ˈæmfIˌbəʊl)   n   any of a large group of minerals consisting of the silicates of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and aluminium, usually in the form of long slender dark-coloured crystals. Members of the group, including hornblende, actinolite, and tremolite, are common constituents of igneous rocks [C17: from French, from Greek amphibolos uncertain; so called from the large number of varieties in the group]

■ amphibolite (æmˈfIbəˌlaIt)   n   a metamorphic rock consisting mainly of amphibole and plagioclase

amphibology (ˌæmfIˈbɒlədʒI) or amphiboly (æmˈfIbəlI)   n, pl -gies or -lies   ambiguity of expression, esp when due to a grammatical construction, as in save rags and waste paper [C14: from Late Latin amphibologia, ultimately from Greek amphibolos ambiguous; see AMPHIBOLE, -LOGY]   > ˌamphiˈbolic or amphibolous (æmˈfIbələs) adj   > amphibological (æmˌfIbəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > amˌphiboˈlogically adv

amphibrach (ˈæmfIˌbræk)   n   prosody a metrical foot consisting of a long syllable between two short syllables (◡ – ◡). Compare cretic [C16: from Latin, from Greek amphibrakhus, literally: both ends being short, from AMPHI- + brakhus short]   > ˌamphiˈbrachic adj

amphichroic (ˌæmfIˈkrəʊIk) or amphichromatic (ˌæmfIkrəʊˈmætIk)   adj   producing two colours, one on reacting with an acid, the other on reacting with a base

amphicoelous (ˌæmfIˈsiːləs)   adj   (of the vertebrae of most fishes and some amphibians) concave at the anterior and posterior ends [C19: from AMPHI- + Greek koilos hollow]

amphictyon (æmˈfIktIən)   n   a delegate to an amphictyonic council [C16: back formation from amphictyons, from Greek amphiktiones neighbours, from AMPHI- + ktizein to found]

■ amphictyony (æmˈfIktIənI)   n, pl -nies   (in ancient Greece) a religious association of states for the maintenance of temples and the cults connected with them   > amphictyonic (æmˌfIktIˈɒnIk) adj

amphidentate (ˌæmfIˈdɛnteIt)   adj   (of a ligand) able to coordinate through either of two different atoms, as in CN–. Also: ambidentate

amphidiploid (ˌæmfIˈdIplɔId)   n   a plant originating from hybridization between two species in which the chromosome number is the sum of the chromosome numbers of both parental species. It behaves as an independent species

■ amphidiploidy (ˌæmfIˈdIplɔIdI)   n   genetics (of an organism or cell) the condition of being amphidiploid

amphigastrium (ˌæmfIˈɡæstrIəm)   n   botany any of the small leaves or appendages on the under surface of the stem of some liverworts

amphigory (ˈæmfIɡərI) or amphigouri (ˈæmfIˌɡʊərI)   n, pl -ries or -ris   a piece of nonsensical writing in verse or, less commonly, prose [C19: from French amphigouri, of unknown origin]   > amphigoric (ˌæmfIˈɡɒrIk) adj

amphimacer (æmˈfIməsə)   n   prosody another word for cretic [C16: from Latin amphimacrus, from Greek amphimakros both ends being long, from AMPHI- + makros long]

amphimixis (ˌæmfIˈmIksIs)   n, pl -mixes (-ˈmIksiːz)   true sexual reproduction by the fusion of gametes from two organisms. Compare apomixis [C19: from AMPHI- + Greek mixis a blending, from mignunai to mingle]   > ˌamphiˈmictic adj

amphioxus (ˌæmfIˈɒksəs)   n, pl -oxi (-ˈɒksaI) or -oxuses   another name for the lancelet [C19: from New Latin: both ends being sharp, from AMPHI- + Greek oxus sharp]

amphipathic (ˌæmfIˈpæθIk) or amphipath (ˈæmfIˌpæθ)   adj   chem, biochem of or relating to a molecule that possesses both hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements, such as are found in detergents, or phospholipids of biological membranes

amphiphile (ˈæmfIˌfaIl)   n   chem any of many organic compounds such as detergents combining both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties

■ amphiphilic (ˌæmfIˈfIlIk)   adj   relating to or characterizing an amphiphile

amphiploid (ˈæmfIˌplɔId)   n   a variant form of amphidiploid

■ amphiploidy (ˈæmfIˌplɔIdI)   n   a variant form of amphidiploidy

amphipod (ˈæmfIˌpɒd)   n   1 any marine or freshwater crustacean of the order Amphipoda, such as the sand hoppers, in which the body is laterally compressed: subclass Malacostraca   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Amphipoda

■ amphipodous (æmˈfIpədəs)   adj   (of certain invertebrates, such as sand hoppers) having both swimming and jumping appendages

amphiprostyle (æmˈfIprəˌstaIl, ˌæmfIˈprəʊstaIl)   adj   1 (esp of a classical temple) having a set of columns at both ends but not at the sides   ▷ n   2 a temple of this kind   > amˌphiproˈstylar adj

amphiprotic (ˌæmfIˈprəʊtIk)   adj   another word for amphoteric

amphisbaena (ˌæmfIsˈbiːnə)   n, pl -nae (-niː) or -nas   1 any worm lizard of the genus Amphisbaena   2 classical myth a poisonous serpent having a head at each end and able to move forwards or backwards [C16: via Latin from Greek amphisbaina, from amphis both ways + bainein to go]   > ˌamphisˈbaenic adj

amphiscian (æmˈfIʃIən)   n   1 an inhabitant of the tropics   ▷ adj   2 relating to or characteristic of an inhabitant of the tropics

amphistomatal (ˌæmfIˈstəʊmətəl) or amphistomatic (ˌæmfIstəˈmætIk)   adj   (of a leaf) having stomata on both surfaces

amphistomous (ˌæmfIˈstəʊməs)   adj   (of certain animals, such as leeches) having a sucker at either end of the body

amphistylar (ˌæmfIˈstaIlə)   adj   1 (esp of a classical temple) having a set of columns at both ends or at both sides   ▷ n   2 a temple of this kind

amphitheatre or US amphitheater (ˈæmfIˌθIətə)   n   1 a building, usually circular or oval, in which tiers of seats rise from a central open arena, as in those of ancient Rome   2 a place where contests are held; arena   3 any level circular area of ground surrounded by higher ground   4    a the first tier of seats in the gallery of a theatre   b any similarly designated seating area in a theatre   5 a lecture room in which seats are tiered away from a central area   > amphitheatric (ˌæmfIθIˈætrIk) or ˌamphitheˈatrical adj   > ˌamphitheˈatrically adv

■ amphitheatral (ˌæmfIˈθiːətrəl)   adj   1 relating to an amphitheatre, taking place in an amphitheatre   2 resembling the shape of an amphitheatre

amphithecium (ˌæmfIˈθiːsIəm)   n, pl -cia (-sIə)   the outer layer of cells of the sporophyte of mosses and liverworts that develops into the outer parts of the spore-bearing capsule [C19: from New Latin, from AMPHI- + Greek thēkion a little case, from thēkē case]

amphitricha (æmˈfItrIkə)   pl n   bacteria that have flagella at both ends [C20: from AMPHI- + -tricha, from Greek thrix hair]   > amˈphitrichous adj

Amphitrite (ˌæmfIˈtraItI)   n   Greek myth a sea goddess, wife of Poseidon and mother of Triton

amphitropous (æmˈfItrəpəs)   adj   (of a plant ovule) partially inverted so that the base and the micropyle at the apex are the same distance from the funicle

Amphitryon (æmˈfItrIən)   n   Greek myth the grandson of Perseus and husband of Alcmene

ampholyte (ˈæmfəˌlaIt)   n   chem an amphoteric electrolyte

amphora (ˈæmfərə)   n, pl -phorae (-fəˌriː) or -phoras   an ancient Greek or Roman two-handled narrow-necked jar for oil, wine, etc [C17: from Latin, from Greek amphoreus, from AMPHI- + phoreus bearer, from pherein to bear]

■ amphoral (æmˈfɔːrəl)   adj   relating to or resembling an amphora

■ amphoric (æmˈfɒrIk)   adj   resembling the sound produced by blowing into a bottle. Amphoric breath sounds are heard through a stethoscope placed over a cavity in the lung

amphoteric (ˌæmfəˈtɛrIk)   adj   chem able to function as either a base or an acid. Also: amphiprotic [C19: from Greek amphoteros each of two (from amphō both) + -IC]

ampicillin (ˌæmpIˈsIlIn)   n   a semisynthetic penicillin used to treat various infections

ample (ˈæmpəl)   adj   1 more than sufficient; abundant: an ample helping   2 large in size, extent, or amount: of ample proportions [C15: from Old French, from Latin amplus spacious]   > ˈampleness n

amplexicaul (æmˈplɛksIˌkɔːl)   adj   (of some sessile leaves, stipules, etc) having an enlarged base that encircles the stem [C18: from New Latin amplexicaulis, from Latin amplectī to embrace + caulis stalk]

amplexus (æmˈplɛksəs)   n   zoology the mating embrace of amphibians, particularly frogs and toads

ampliation (ˌæmplIˈeIʃən)   n   1 logic an extension or addition to what is already known   2 law the postponement of a judgment until further evidence is obtained

■ ampliative (ˈæmplIətIv)   adj   logic serving to extend or add to what is already known

amplidyne (ˈæmplIˌdaIn)   n   electronics an electrodynamic amplifier which uses a small electrical signal to control the position of a large motor

amplify (ˈæmplIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 (tr) to increase in size, extent, effect, etc, as by the addition of extra material; augment; enlarge; expand   2 electronics to produce amplification of (electrical signals); increase the amplitude of (signals)   3 (tr) US to exaggerate   4 (intr) to expand or enlarge a speech, narrative, etc [C15: from Old French amplifier, ultimately from Latin amplificāre to enlarge, from amplus spacious + facere to make]   > ˈampliˌfiable adj

■ amplification (ˌæmplIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act or result of amplifying   2 material added to a statement, story, etc, in order to expand or clarify it   3 a statement, story, etc, with such additional material   4 electronics   a the increase in strength of an electrical signal by means of an amplifier   b another word for gain^1 (sense 13)   5 Also called: gene amplification genetics the production of multiple copies of a particular gene or DNA sequence. It can occur naturally or artificially, by genetic engineering techniques

■ amplifier (ˈæmplIˌfaIə)   n   1 an electronic device used to increase the strength of the signal fed into it   2 such a device used for the amplification of audio frequency signals in a radio, etc   3 photog an additional lens for altering the focal length of a camera lens   4 a person or thing that amplifies

amplitude (ˈæmplIˌtjuːd)   n   1 greatness of extent; magnitude   2 abundance or copiousness   3 breadth or scope, as of the mind   4 astronomy the angular distance along the horizon measured from true east or west to the point of intersection of the vertical circle passing through a celestial body   5 Also called: argument maths (of a complex number) the angle that the vector representing the complex number makes with the positive real axis. If the point (x, y) has polar coordinates (r, θ), the amplitude of x + iy is θ, that is, arctan y/x. Compare modulus (sense 2). See also Argand diagram   6 physics the maximum variation from the zero or mean value of a periodically varying quantity [C16: from Latin amplitūdō breadth, from amplus spacious]

■ amplitude modulation   n   1 one of the principal methods of transmitting audio, visual, or other types of information using radio waves, the relevant signal being superimposed onto a radio-frequency carrier wave. The frequency of the carrier wave remains unchanged but its amplitude is varied in accordance with the amplitude of the input signal. Abbreviation: AM, am. Compare frequency modulation   2 a wave that has undergone this process

amplosome (ˈæmpləˌsəʊm)   n   the short or stocky type of human body shape

amply (ˈæmplI)   adv   more than sufficiently; fully; generously: he was amply rewarded

ampoule (ˈæmpuːl, -pjuːl) or esp US ampule   n   med a small glass vessel in which liquids for injection are hermetically sealed

ampul (ˈæmpuːl)   n   a variant spelling of ampoule

ampulla (æmˈpʊlə)   n, pl -pullae (-ˈpʊliː)   1 anatomy the dilated end part of certain ducts or canals, such as the end of a uterine tube   2 Christianity   a a vessel for containing the wine and water used at the Eucharist   b a small flask for containing consecrated oil   3 a Roman two-handled bottle for oil, wine, or perfume [C16: from Latin, diminutive of AMPHORA]   > ampullaceous (ˌæmpʊˈleIʃəs) or ˌampulˈlaceal adj   > ampullar (æmˈpʊlə) or ampullary (æmˈpʊlərI) adj

ampullosity (ˌæmpʊˈlɒsItI)   n   literary pretentious, turgid, or bombastic use of language

amputate (ˈæmpjʊˌteIt)   vb   surgery to remove (all or part of a limb, esp an arm or leg) [C17: from Latin amputāre, from am- around + putāre to trim, prune]   > ˌampuˈtation n   > ˈampuˌtator n

■ amputee (ˌæmpjʊˈtiː)   n   a person who has had a limb amputated

Amravati (æmˈrɑːvətI)   n   a town in central India, in NE Maharashtra: cotton centre. Pop: 549 370 (2001). Former name: Amraoti (ˈæmˌrɑːətI, ˈʌm-)

amrit (ˈæmrit)   n   Sikhism a sanctified solution of sugar and water used in the Amrit Ceremony [from Punjabi: nectar]

■ Amrit Ceremony   n   Sikhism the ceremony of initiation into the Khalsa, at which amrit is drunk by and sprinkled on the heads of candidates for initiation

amrita or amreeta (æmˈriːtə)   n Hindu myth   1 the ambrosia of the gods that bestows immortality   2 the immortality it confers [from Sanskrit amrta immortal, from a- without + mrta death]

amritattva (ˌæmriːˈtɑːtvɑː)   n   Hinduism a state of immortality or deathlessness

Amritsar (æmˈrItsə)   n   a city in India, in NW Punjab: centre of the Sikh religion; site of a massacre in 1919 of unarmed supporters of Indian self-government by British troops; in 1984 the Golden Temple, fortified by Sikhs, was attacked by Indian troops with the loss of many Sikh lives. Pop: 975 695 (2001)

AMS   abbreviation for   Additional Member System: a voting system in which some candidates are elected for geographic constituencies and others are elected by proportional representation using party lists. The voter has two votes: one for a party and the other for a candidate in a constituency

amsinckia (æmˈsIŋkIə)   n   botany a genus of flowering herb found in Europe and the Americas. Also called: fiddleneck

Amsterdam (ˌæmstəˈdæm; Dutch ɑmstərˈdɑm)   n   the commercial capital of the Netherlands, a major industrial centre and port on the IJsselmeer, connected with the North Sea by canal: built on about 100 islands within a network of canals. Pop: 1 090 772 (2015 est)

amt   abbreviation for   amount

amtman (ˈɑːmtˌmɑːn)   n   obsolete a magistrate or bailiff in parts of Europe

amtrac (ˈæmˌtræk) or amtrack (ˈæmtræk)   n   US an amphibious tracked vehicle used primarily by the military for shore landings

amu   abbreviation for   atomic mass unit

AMU   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Associated Metalworkers Union

amuck (əˈmʌk)   n, adv   a variant of amok

Amu Darya (Russian aˈmu darˈja)   n   a river in central Asia, rising in the Pamirs and flowing northwest through the Hindu Kush and across Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to its delta in the Aral Sea: forms much of the N border of Afghanistan and is important for irrigation. Length: 2400 km (1500 miles). Ancient name: Oxus

amulet (ˈæmjʊlIt)   n   a trinket or piece of jewellery worn as a protection against evil; charm [C17: from Latin amulētum, of unknown origin]

■ amuletic (ˌæmjʊˈlɛtIk)   adj   having the qualities of a charm

Amūn (ˈɑːmən)   n   Egyptian myth a variant spelling of Amen

Amundsen (Norwegian ˈaːmunsən)   n   Roald (ˈrɔald). 1872–1928, Norwegian explorer and navigator, who was the first person to reach the South Pole (1911)

■ Amundsen Sea (ˈɑːmʊndsən)   n   a part of the South Pacific Ocean, in Antarctica off Byrd Land

Amur (əˈmʊə)   n   a river in NE Asia, rising in N Mongolia as the Argun and flowing southeast, then northeast to the Sea of Okhotsk: forms the boundary between Manchuria and Russia. Length: about 4350 km (2700 miles). Modern Chinese name: Heilong Jiang

amuse (əˈmjuːz)   vb (tr)   1 to keep pleasantly occupied; entertain; divert   2 to cause to laugh or smile [C15: from Old French amuser to cause to be idle, from muser to MUSE^1]

■ amusable or amuseable (əˈmjuːzəbəl)   adj   capable of being amused

■ amused (əˈmjuːzd)   adj   1 believing something to have a humorous quality   2 pleasantly occupied: Niko kept us amused with his stories

■ amusedly (əˈmjuːzIdlI)   adv   in a way that shows one is amused

■ amusement (əˈmjuːzmənt)   n   1 something that amuses, such as a game or other pastime   2 a mechanical device used for entertainment, as at a fair   3 the act of amusing or the state or quality of being amused

■ amusement arcade   n   Brit a covered area having coin-operated game machines

■ amusement park   n   an open-air entertainment area consisting of stalls, side shows, etc

■ amuser (əmˈjuːzə)   n   a person who amuses or entertains

■ amusing (əˈmjuːzIŋ)   adj   mildly entertaining; pleasantly diverting; causing a smile or laugh   > aˈmusingly adv

■ amusingness (əˈmjuːzIŋnəs)   n   the quality or state of being amusing

amuse-bouche French (amyzbuʃ)   n   an appetizer before a meal [from French amuser amuse, gratify + bouche mouth]

amusette (ˌæmjuːˈzɛt)   n   military obsolete a type of light field cannon

amusia (eIˈmjuːzIə)   n   the inability to distinguish differences in musical pitch; tone deafness [C21: from A-1 + MUSIC]   > aˈmusic adj

amusive (əˈmjuːzIv)   adj   1 obsolete deceptive, illusive   2 entertaining, engaging or interesting

■ amusiveness (əˈmjuːzIvnəs)   n   the quality of being amusive

amygdal (əˈmIɡdəl)   n   obsolete an almond

■ amygdalaceous (əˌmIɡdəˈleIʃəs)   adj   botany similar to or derived from the almond

■ amygdalate (əˈmIɡdəlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   relating to, having, or bearing almonds

■ amygdalin (əˈmIɡdəlIn)   n   a white soluble bitter-tasting crystalline glycoside extracted from bitter almonds and stone fruits such as peaches and apricots. Formula: C_6H_5CHCNOC_12H_21O_10

■ amygdaline (əˈmIɡdəlIn, -ˌlaIn)   adj   1 anatomy of or relating to a tonsil   2 of or resembling almonds

amygdala (əˈmIɡdələ)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   anatomy an almond-shaped part, such as a tonsil or a lobe of the cerebellum [C16: from Medieval Latin: ALMOND]

amygdale (əˈmIɡdeIl) or amygdule (əˈmIɡdjuːl)   n   a vesicle in a volcanic rock, formed from a bubble of escaping gas, that has become filled with light-coloured minerals, such as quartz and calcite [C19: from Greek: ALMOND]

■ amygdaloid (əˈmIɡdəˌlɔId)   n   1 a volcanic igneous rock containing amygdales   ▷ adj   2 having the shape of an almond   3 a less common form of amygdaloidal (sense 1)

■ amygdaloidal (əˌmIɡdəˈlɔIdəl)   adj   1 (of a volcanic rock) containing amygdales   2 a less common form of amygdaloid (sense 2)

amyl (ˈæmIl)   n   (modifier, no longer in technical usage) of, consisting of, or containing any of eight isomeric forms of the monovalent group C_5H_11-: amyl group or radical. See also pentyl [C19: from Latin: AMYLUM]

■ amylaceous (ˌæmIˈleIʃəs)   adj   of or resembling starch

■ amyl acetate   n   another name (no longer in technical usage) for pentyl acetate

■ amyl alcohol   n   a colourless flammable liquid existing in eight isomeric forms that is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic compounds and pharmaceuticals. Formula: C_5H_11OH

■ amylase (ˈæmIˌleIz)   n   any of several enzymes that hydrolyse starch and glycogen to simple sugars, such as glucose. They are present in saliva

■ amylene (ˈæmIˌliːn)   n   another name (no longer in technical usage) for pentene

■ amylic (ˈæmIlIk)   adj   chem relating to or derived from amyl

■ amyl nitrite   n   a yellowish unstable volatile fragrant liquid used in medicine as a vasodilator and in perfumes. Formula: (CH_3)2CHCH_2CH_2NO_2

amylo- or before a vowel amyl-   combining form   indicating starch: amylolysis; amylase [from Latin: AMYLUM]

amylobarbitone (ˌæmIləʊˈbɑːbItəʊn)   n   another name for amobarbital

amylogen (ˈæmIləʊˌdʒən)   n   the water-soluble part of the starch granule. Also called: amylose

amyloid (ˈæmIˌlɔId)   n   1 pathol a complex protein resembling starch, deposited in tissues in some degenerative diseases   2 any substance resembling starch   ▷ adj   3 starchlike

■ amyloidal (ˌæmIˈlɔIdəl)   adj   resembling an amyloid; starch-like

■ amyloidosis (ˌæmIlɔIˈdəʊsIs)   n   pathol the deposition of amyloid in various tissues of the body, as occurs in certain chronic infections

amylolysis (ˌæmIˈlɒlIsIs)   n   the conversion of starch into sugar   > amylolytic (əˌmaIləʊˈlItIk) adj

amylopectin (ˌæmIləʊˈpɛktIn)   n   the major component of starch (about 80 per cent), consisting of branched chains of glucose units. It is insoluble and gives a red-brown colour with iodine. Compare amylose

amyloplast (ˈæmIləʊˌplæst)   n   botany a non-pigmented granule in a plant cell which stores amylopectin

amylopsin (ˌæmIˈlɒpsIn)   n   an enzyme of the pancreatic juice that converts starch into sugar; pancreatic amylase [C19: from AMYLO(LYSIS) + (PE)PSIN]

amylose (ˈæmIˌləʊz, -ləʊs)   n   the minor component (about 20 per cent) of starch, consisting of long unbranched chains of glucose units. It is soluble in water and gives an intense blue colour with iodine. Compare amylopectin

amylum (ˈæmIləm)   n   another name for starch (sense 2) [Latin, from Greek amulon fine meal, starch, from amulos not ground at the mill, from A-1 + mulē mill]

amyotonia (ˌeImaIəˈtəʊnIə)   n   another name for myotonia

amyotrophy (ˌæmIˈɒtrəfI)   n   pathol wasting of muscles, caused by disease of the nerves supplying them

■ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ˌæmIəʊˈtrəʊfIk)   n   a form of motor neurone disease in which degeneration of motor tracts in the spinal cord causes progressive muscular paralysis starting in the limbs. Also called: Lou Gehrig's disease

Amytal (ˈæmIˌtæl)   n   trademark a barbiturate, a brand of amobarbital, used as a sedative and hypnotic

an^1 (æn, unstressed ən)   determiner   a form of the indefinite article used before an initial vowel sound: an old car; an elf; an honour [Old English ān ONE]

USAGE

An was formerly often used before words that begin with h and are unstressed on the first syllable: an hotel; an historic meeting. Sometimes the initial h was not pronounced. This usage is now becoming obsolete

an^2 or an' (æn, unstressed ən)   conj   (subordinating) an obsolete or dialect word for if. See and (sense 9)

■ ans (ænz)   pl n   ifs and ans things that might have happened, but which did not

An^1 (ɑːn)   n   myth the Sumerian sky god. Babylonian counterpart: Anu

An^2   the chemical symbol for   actinon

AN   abbreviation for   Anglo-Norman

an- or before a consonant a-   prefix   not; without: anaphrodisiac [from Greek]

-an, -ean or -ian   suffix   1 (forming adjectives and nouns) belonging to or relating to; a person belonging to or coming from: European   2 (forming adjectives and nouns) typical of or resembling; a person typical of: Elizabethan   3 (forming adjectives and nouns) adhering to or following; an adherent of: Christian   4 (forming nouns) a person who specializes or is expert in: dietitian; phonetician [from Latin -ānus, suffix of adjectives]

ana^1 (ˈeInə, ˈɑːnə)   adv   pharmacol obsolete (of ingredients in a prescription) in equal quantities. Abbreviation: aa [C16: via Medieval Latin from Greek: of every one similarly]

ana^2 (ˈɑːnə)   n   1 a collection of reminiscences, sketches, etc, of or about a person or place   2 an item of or for such a collection [C18: independent use of -ANA]

Ana (ˈænə) slang   n   1    a name for anorexia, esp when used as a personification of the condition by people who have it   ▷ adj   2 anorexic [C21: a play on the word ANOREXIA and the girl's name Anna]

ANA commerce   abbreviation for   Article Number Association: (in Britain) an organization of manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers that provides a system (article numbering) by which a product is identified by a unique machine-readable number compatible with article-numbering systems used in other countries

ana- or before a vowel an-   prefix   1 up; upwards: anadromous   2 again: anagram   3 back; backwards: anatropous [from Greek ana]

-ana or -iana   suffix forming nouns   denoting a collection of objects or information relating to a particular individual, subject, or place: Shakespeareana; Victoriana; Americana [New Latin, from Latin -āna, literally: matters relating to, neuter plural of -ānus; see -AN]

anabaena (ˌænəˈbiːnə)   n, pl -nas   any freshwater alga of the genus Anabaena, sometimes occurring in drinking water, giving it a fishy taste and smell [New Latin, from Greek anabainein to shoot up, go up, from ANA- + bainein to go; so called because they rise to the surface at intervals]

anabantid (ˌænəˈbæntId)   n   1 any of various spiny-finned fishes constituting the family Anabantidae and including the fighting fish, climbing perch, and gourami. See also labyrinth fish   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the family Anabantidae

Anabaptist (ˌænəˈbæptIst)   n   1 a member of any of various 16th-century Protestant movements that rejected infant baptism, insisted that adults be rebaptized, and sought to establish Christian communism   2 a member of a later Protestant sect holding the same doctrines, esp with regard to baptism   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to these movements or sects or their doctrines [C16: from Ecclesiastical Latin anabaptista, from anabaptīzāre to baptize again, from Late Greek anabaptizein; see ANA-, BAPTIZE]   > ˌAnaˈbaptism n

■ anabaptistic (ˌænəbæpˈtIstIk)   adj   relating to Anabaptists

■ anabaptize or anabaptise (ˌænəbæpˈtaIz)   vb (tr)   theol to baptize again

anabas (ˈænəˌbæs)   n   any of several labyrinth fishes of the genus Anabas, esp the climbing fish [C19: from New Latin, from Greek anabainein to go up; see ANABAENA]

anabasis (əˈnæbəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 the march of Cyrus the Younger and his Greek mercenaries from Sardis to Cunaxa in Babylonia in 401 BC, described by Xenophon in his Anabasis. Compare katabasis   2 any military expedition, esp one from the coast to the interior [C18: from Greek: a going up, ascent, from anabainein to go up; see ANABAENA]

anabatic (ˌænəˈbætIk)   adj   meteorol (of air currents) rising upwards, esp up slopes. Compare katabatic [C19: from Greek anabatikos relating to ascents, from anabainein to go up; see ANABASIS]

anabiosis (ˌænəbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   the ability to return to life after apparent death; suspended animation [C19: via New Latin from Greek, from anabioein to come back to life, from ANA- + bios life]   > anabiotic (ˌænəbaIˈɒtIk) adj

anableps (ˈænəˌblɛps)   n, pl -bleps   any of various cyprinodont fishes constituting the genus Anableps, which includes the four-eyed fishes [New Latin, literally: one who looks up, from Greek, from anablepein to look up]

anabolism (əˈnæbəˌlIzəm)   n   a metabolic process in which complex molecules are synthesized from simpler ones with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism. Compare catabolism [C19: from ANA- + (META)BOLISM]

■ anabolic (ˌænəˈbɒlIk)   adj   of or relating to anabolism

■ anabolic steroid   n   any of a group of synthetic steroid hormones (androgens) used to stimulate muscle and bone growth for therapeutic or athletic purposes

■ anabolite (əˈnæbəˌlaIt)   n   a product of anabolism   > anabolitic (əˌnæbəˈlItIk) adj

anabranch (ˈɑːnəˌbrɑːntʃ)   n   a stream that leaves a river and enters it again further downstream [C19: from ana(stomosing) branch]

anacardiaceous (ˌænəˌkɑːdIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Anacardiaceae, a chiefly tropical family of trees and shrubs many of which have edible drupes. The family includes the cashew, mango, pistachio, and sumach [C19: from New Latin Anacardiāceae, from ANA- + Greek kardia heart; so called from the shape of the top of the fruit stem]

anacardium (ˌænəˈkɑːdIəm)   n   botany a genus of plants in the Anacardiaceae family found chiefly in tropical areas

anacatharsis (ˌænəkəˈθɑːsIs)   n   med severe vomiting

■ anacathartic (ˌænəkəˈθɑːtIk)   adj   med causing anacatharsis

anacharis (əˈnækərIs)   n   botany a genus of water plant native to North America and commonly used in aquariums. Also called: water weed

anachorism (əˈnækəˌrIzəm)   n   a geographical misplacement; something located in an incongruous position. Compare anachronism [C19: from ANA- + khōros place]

anachronism (əˈnækrəˌnIzəm)   n   1 the representation of an event, person, or thing in a historical context in which it could not have occurred or existed   2 a person or thing that belongs or seems to belong to another time: she regards the Church as an anachronism [C17: from Latin anachronismus, from Greek anakhronismos a mistake in chronology, from anakhronizein to err in a time reference, from ANA- + khronos time]   > aˌnachroˈnistic adj   > aˌnachroˈnistically adv

■ anachronic (ˌænəˈkrɒnIk) or anachronical   adj   out of chronological order or out of date [C19: see ANACHRONISM]   > ˌanaˈchronically adv

■ anachronous (əˈnækrənəs)   adj   relating to anachronism; misplaced chronologically

■ anachronously (əˈnækrənəslI)   adv   in an anachronous manner

anaclastic (ˌænəˈklæstIk)   adj   optics relating to refraction

anaclinal (ˌænəˈklaInəl)   adj   (of valleys and similar formations) progressing in a direction opposite to the dip of the surrounding rock strata [C19: see ANA-, -CLINE]

anaclitic (ˌænəˈklItIk)   adj   psychoanal of or relating to relationships that are characterized by the strong dependence of one person on others or another [C20: from Greek anaklitos for leaning upon; see ANA-, -CLINE]   > anaclisis (ˌænəˈklaIsIs) n

anacoluthia (ˌænəkəˈluːθIə)   n   rhetoric lack of grammatical sequence, esp within a single sentence   > ˌanacoˈluthic adj

■ anacoluthically (ˌænəkəˈluːθIkəlI)   adv   grammar in an anacoluthic manner

■ anacoluthon (ˌænəkəˈluːθɒn)   n, pl -tha (-θə)   rhetoric a construction that involves the change from one grammatical sequence to another within a single sentence; an example of anacoluthia [C18: from Late Latin, from Greek anakolouthon, from anakolouthos not consistent, from AN- + akolouthos following]

anaconda (ˌænəˈkɒndə)   n   a very large nonvenomous arboreal and semiaquatic snake, Eunectes murinus, of tropical South America, which kills its prey by constriction: family Boidae (boas) [C18: probably changed from Sinhalese henakandayā whip snake, from hena lightning + kanda stem; originally referring to a snake of Sri Lanka]

anacoustic (ˌænəˈkuːstIk)   adj   unable to support the propagation of sound; soundless

Anacreon (əˈnækrIˌɒn, -ən)   n   ?572–?488 BC, Greek lyric poet, noted for his short songs celebrating love and wine

■ Anacreontic (əˌnækrIˈɒntIk) sometimes not capital   adj   1 in the manner of the Greek lyric poet Anacreon (?572–?488 BC), noted for his short songs celebrating love and wine   2 (of verse) in praise of love or wine; amatory or convivial   ▷ n   3 an Anacreontic poem   > Aˌnacreˈontically adv

anacrusis (ˌænəˈkruːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 prosody one or more unstressed syllables at the beginning of a line of verse   2 music   a an unstressed note or group of notes immediately preceding the strong first beat of the first bar   b another word for upbeat [C19: from Greek anakrousis prelude, from anakrouein to strike up, from ANA- + krouein to strike]   > anacrustic (ˌænəˈkrʌstIk) adj

anadem (ˈænəˌdɛm)   n   poetic a garland for the head [C17: from Latin anadēma wreath, from Greek anadēma, from anadein to wreathe, from ANA- + dein to bind]

anadiplosis (ˌænədIˈpləʊsIs)   n   rhetoric repetition of the words or phrase at the end of one sentence, line, or clause at the beginning of the next [C16: via Latin from Greek: repetition, from anadiploun to double back, from ANA- + diploun to double]

anadromous (əˈnædrəməs)   adj   (of fishes such as the salmon) migrating up rivers from the sea in order to breed. Compare catadromous [C18: from Greek anadromos running upwards, from ANA- + dromos a running]

anadyomene (ˌænədaIˈɒmənI)   adj   (describing Venus or Aphrodite) rising from the sea

Anadyr (Russian aˈnadirj)   n   1 a town in Russia, in NE Siberia at the mouth of the Anadyr River; the capital of Chukot Autonomous Okrug. Pop: 11 038 (2002)   2 a mountain range in Russia, in NE Siberia, rising over 1500 m (5000 ft)   3 a river in Russia, rising in mountains on the Arctic Circle, south of the Anadyr Range, and flowing east to the Gulf of Anadyr. Length: 725 km (450 miles)   4 Gulf of Anadyr an inlet of the Bering Sea, off the coast of NE Russia

anaemia or US anemia (əˈniːmIə)   n   1 a deficiency in the number of red blood cells or in their haemoglobin content, resulting in pallor, shortness of breath, and lack of energy   2 lack of vitality or vigour   3 pallid complexion [C19: from New Latin, from Greek anaimia lack of blood, from AN- + haima blood]

■ anaemic or US anemic (əˈniːmIk)   adj   1 relating to or having anaemia   2 pale and sickly looking; lacking vitality   > aˈnaemically adv

anaerobe (æˈnɛərəʊb, ˈænərəʊb) or anaerobium (ˌænɛəˈrəʊbIəm)   n, pl -obes or -obia (-ˈəʊbIə)   an organism that does not require oxygen for respiration. Compare aerobe

■ anaerobic (ˌænɛəˈrəʊbIk)   adj   1 (of an organism or process) requiring the absence of or not dependent on the presence of oxygen   2 of or relating to anaerobes   ▶ Compare aerobic   > ˌanaerˈobically adv

■ anaerobic digestion   n   the conversion of biodegradable waste matter into compost in the absence of oxygen   > anaerobic digester n

anaerobiont (ˌænɛəˈrəʊbaIˌɒnt)   n   biology an organism that can live anaerobically

anaerobiosis (ˌænɛərəʊbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   life in the absence of oxygen

■ anaerobiotic (ænˌɛərəʊbaIˈɒtIk)   adj   obsolete anaerobic

anaesthesia or US anesthesia (ˌænIsˈθiːzIə)   n   1 local or general loss of bodily sensation, esp of touch, as the result of nerve damage or other abnormality   2 loss of sensation, esp of pain, induced by drugs: called general anaesthesia when consciousness is lost and local anaesthesia when only a specific area of the body is involved   3 a general dullness or lack of feeling   ▶ Also called: anaesthesis [C19: from New Latin, from Greek anaisthēsia absence of sensation, from AN- + aisthēsis feeling]

■ anaesthesiology or US anesthesiology (ˌænIsˌθiːzIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the US name for anaesthetics

anaesthetic or US anesthetic (ˌænIsˈθɛtIk)   n   1 a substance that causes anaesthesia   ▷ adj   2 causing or characterized by anaesthesia

■ anaesthetically (ˌænIsˈθɛtIkəlI)   adv   by means of an anaesthetic

■ anaesthetic awareness   n   the gaining of consciousness by an anaesthetized patient during a surgical operation

■ anaesthetics (ˌænIsˈθɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the science, study, and practice of anaesthesia and its application. US name: anesthesiology

■ anaesthetist (əˈniːsθətIst)   n   1 Brit a qualified doctor specializing in the administration of anaesthetics. US name: anesthesiologist   2 US a person qualified to administer anaesthesia, often a nurse or someone other than a physician. Compare anesthesiologist

anaesthetize, anaesthetise or US anesthetize (əˈniːsθəˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to render insensible to pain by administering an anaesthetic   > aˌnaesthetiˈzation, aˌnaesthetiˈsation or US aˌnesthetiˈzation n

anagenesis (ˌænəˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   biology the progressive evolutionary changes that take place over time in a single genetic lineage

anaglyph (ˈænəˌɡlIf)   n   1 photog a stereoscopic picture consisting of two images of the same object, taken from slightly different angles, in two complementary colours, usually red and cyan (green-blue). When viewed through spectacles having one red and one cyan lens, the images merge to produce a stereoscopic sensation   2 anything cut to stand in low relief, such as a cameo [C17: from Greek anagluphē carved in low relief, from ANA- + gluphē carving, from gluphein to carve]   > ˌanaˈglyphic, ˌanaˈglyphical, anaglyptic (ˌænəˈɡlIptIk) or ˌanaˈglyptical adj   > anaglyphy (əˈnæɡləfI, ˈænəˌɡlIfI) n

Anaglypta (ˌænəˈɡlIptə)   n   trademark a type of thick embossed wallpaper [C19: from Greek anagluptos; see ANAGLYPH]

anagnorisis (ˌænəɡˈnɒrIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   (in Greek tragedy) the recognition or discovery by the protagonist of the identity of some character or the nature of his or her own predicament, which leads to the resolution of the plot; denouement [from Greek: recognition]

anagoge or anagogy (ˈænəˌɡɒdʒI)   n   1 allegorical or spiritual interpretation, esp of sacred works such as the Bible   2 Christianity allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament as typifying or foreshadowing subjects in the New Testament [C18: via Late Latin from Greek anagōgē a lifting up, from anagein, from ANA- + agein to lead]   > anagogic (ˌænəˈɡɒdʒIk) or ˌanaˈgogical adj   > ˌanaˈgogically adv

anagram (ˈænəˌɡræm)   n   a word or phrase the letters of which can be rearranged into another word or phrase [C16: from New Latin anagramma, shortened from Greek anagrammatismos, from anagrammatizein to transpose letters, from ANA- + gramma a letter]   > anagrammatic (ˌænəɡrəˈmætIk) or ˌanagramˈmatical adj   > ˌanagramˈmatically adv

■ anagrammatize or anagrammatise (ˌænəˈɡræməˌtaIz)   vb   to arrange into an anagram   > ˌanaˈgrammaˌtism n   > ˌanaˈgrammatist n

■ anagrammer (ˈænəˌɡræmə)   n   a person who enjoys solving anagrams

Anaheim (ˈænəˌhaIm)   n   a city in SW California: site of Disneyland. Pop: 332 361 (2003 est)

anal (ˈeInəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or near the anus   2 psychoanal   a relating to a stage of psychosexual development during which the child's interest is concentrated on the anal region and excremental functions   b designating personality traits in the adult, such as orderliness, meanness, stubbornness, etc, due to fixation at the anal stage of development. Compare genital (sense 2), oral (sense 7), phallic (sense 2) [C18: from New Latin ānālis; see ANUS]   > ˈanally adv

■ anal canal   n   the terminal part of the rectum forming the passage to the anus

■ anal erotic   n   a person who experiences sexual gratification of the anal area

■ anal fin   n   a median ventral unpaired fin, situated between the anus and the tail fin in fishes, that helps to maintain stable equilibrium

■ anal intercourse   n   a form of sexual intercourse in which the penis is inserted into the anus

■ anality (eIˈnælItI)   n   psychoanal the characteristic or psychological state of being anal

■ anal retentive psychoanal   n   1 a person who exhibits anal personality traits   ▷ adj anal-retentive   2 exhibiting anal personality traits

analcite (æˈnælsaIt, ˈænəlˌsaIt, -sIt) or analcime (æˈnælsIm, -saIm, -siːm)   n   a white, grey, or colourless zeolite mineral consisting of hydrated sodium aluminium silicate in cubic crystalline form. Formula: NaAlSi_2O_6.H_2O [C19: from Greek analkimos weak (from AN- + alkimos strong, from alkē strength) + -ITE^1]

■ analcimic (ˌænælˈsImIk)   adj   mineralogy characterized by the presence of analcite

analects (ˈænəˌlɛkts) or analecta (ˌænəˈlɛktə)   pl n   selected literary passages from one or more works [C17: via Latin from Greek analekta, from analegein to collect up, from legein to gather]   > ˌanaˈlectic adj

analemma (ˌænəˈlɛmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   a graduated scale shaped like a figure eight that indicates the daily declination of the sun [C17: from Latin: sundial, pedestal of sundial, from Greek analēmma pedestal, from analambanein to support]   > analemmatic (ˌænəlɛˈmætIk) adj

analeptic (ˌænəˈlɛptIk)   adj   1 (of a drug, etc) stimulating the central nervous system   ▷ n   2 any drug, such as doxapram, that stimulates the central nervous system   3 (formerly) a restorative remedy or drug [C17: from New Latin analēpticus, from Greek analēptikos stimulating, from analambanein to take up; see ANALEMMA]

analgesia (ˌænəlˈdʒiːzIə, -sIə) or analgia (ænˈældʒIə)   n   1 inability to feel pain   2 the relief of pain [C18: via New Latin from Greek: insensibility, from AN- + algēsis sense of pain]

■ analgesic (ˌænəlˈdʒiːzIk, -sIk)   adj   1 of or causing analgesia   ▷ n   2 a substance that produces analgesia

■ analgetic (ˌænəlˈdʒɛtIk)   n   a painkilling drug

analog (ˈænəˌlɒɡ)   n   a variant spelling of analogue

USAGE

The spelling analog is a US variant of analogue in all its senses, and is also the generally preferred spelling in the computer industry

■ analog computer   n   a mechanical, electrical, or electronic computer that performs arithmetical operations by using some variable physical quantity, such as mechanical movement or voltage, to represent numbers

analogize or analogise (əˈnæləˌdʒaIz)   vb   1 (intr) to make use of analogy, as in argument; draw comparisons   2 (tr) to make analogous or reveal analogy in

analogue, sometimes US analog (ˈænəˌlɒɡ) or analogon (əˈnæləɡɒn)   n   1    a a physical object or quantity, such as a pointer on a dial or a voltage, used to measure or represent another quantity   b (as modifier): analogue watch; analogue recording   2 something analogous to something else   3 biology an analogous part or organ   4 chem   a an organic chemical compound related to another by substitution of hydrogen atoms with alkyl groups: toluene is an analogue of benzene   b an organic compound that is similar in structure to another organic compound: thiols are sulphur analogues of alcohols   5 informal a person who is afraid of using new technological devices. Compare digital native, digital immigrant

USAGE

See at analog

■ analogue clock   n   a clock in which the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds are indicated by hands on a dial. Compare digital clock

■ analogue-digital converter   n   a device converting an analogue electrical signal into a digital representation so that it can be processed by a digital system. Abbreviation: ADC

■ analogue recording   n   a sound recording process in which an audio input is converted into an analogous electrical waveform

■ analogue watch   n   a watch in which the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds are indicated by hands on a dial. Compare digital watch

analogy (əˈnælədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 agreement or similarity, esp in a certain limited number of features or details   2 a comparison made to show such a similarity: to draw an analogy between an atom and the solar system   3 biology the relationship between analogous organs or parts   4 logic, maths a form of reasoning in which a similarity between two or more things is inferred from a known similarity between them in other respects   5 linguistics imitation of existing models or regular patterns in the formation of words, inflections, etc: a child may use "sheeps" as the plural of "sheep" by analogy with "dog", "dogs", "cat", "cats", etc [C16: from Greek analogia ratio, correspondence, from analogos ANALOGOUS]   > analogical (ˌænəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌanaˈlogic adj   > ˌanaˈlogically adv   > aˈnalogist n

■ analogism (əˈnæləˌdʒIzəm)   n   logic an argument or reason based on analogy

■ analogous (əˈnæləɡəs)   adj   1 similar or corresponding in some respect   2 biology (of organs and parts) having the same function but different evolutionary origin: the paddle of a whale and the fin of a fish are analogous. Compare homologous (sense 4)   3 linguistics formed by analogy: an analogous plural [C17: from Latin analogus, from Greek analogos proportionate, from ANA- + logos speech, ratio]   > aˈnalogously adv   > aˈnalogousness n

USAGE

The use of with after analogous should be avoided: swimming has no event that is analogous to (not with) the 100 metres in athletics

analphabet (ænˈælfəbɛt) or analphabete (ænˈælfəˌbiːt)   n   formal an illiterate person unfamiliar with the letters of the alphabet

■ analphabetic (ˌænælfəˈbɛtIk, ænˌæl-)   adj   1 not in alphabetical order   ▷ n, adj   2 a less common word for illiterate [C20: from Greek analphabētos; see AN-, ALPHABET]   > ˌanalphaˈbetically adv

■ analphabetism (ænˈælfəˌbɛtIzəm)   n   formal the inability to read and write, illiteracy

analysand (əˈnælIˌsænd)   n   any person who is undergoing psychoanalysis [C20: from ANALYSE + -and, on the model of multiplicand]

analyse or US analyze (ˈænəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to examine in detail in order to discover meaning, essential features, etc   2 to break down into components or essential features: to analyse a financial structure   3 to make a mathematical, chemical, grammatical, etc, analysis of   4 another word for psychoanalyse [C17: back formation from ANALYSIS]   > ˌanaˈlysable or US ˌanaˈlyzable adj   > ˌanalyˈsation or US ˌanalyˈzation n   > ˈanaˌlyser or US ˈanaˌlyzer n

■ analysability (ˌænəˌlaIzəˈbIlItI)   n   the capacity of something or someone to be analysed

■ analysis (əˈnælIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 the division of a physical or abstract whole into its constituent parts to examine or determine their relationship or value. Compare synthesis (sense 1)   2 a statement of the results of this   3 short for psychoanalysis   4 chem   a the decomposition of a substance into its elements, radicals, or other constituents in order to determine the kinds of constituents present (qualitative analysis) or the amount of each constituent (quantitative analysis)   b the result obtained by such a determination   5 linguistics the use of word order together with word function to express syntactic relations in a language, as opposed to the use of inflections. Compare synthesis (sense 4)   6 maths the branch of mathematics principally concerned with the properties of functions, largely arising out of calculus   7 philosophy (in the writings of Kant) the separation of a concept from another that contains it. Compare synthesis (sense 6a)   8 in the last analysis, in the final analysis or in the ultimate analysis after everything has been given due consideration [C16: from New Latin, from Greek analusis, literally: a dissolving, from analuein, from ANA- + luein to loosen]

■ analysis of variance   n   statistics any of a number of techniques for resolving the observed variance between sets of data into components, esp to determine whether the difference between two samples is explicable as random sampling variation with the same underlying population. Abbreviation: ANOVA

■ analysis situs   n   a former name for topology (sense 2)

■ analyst (ˈænəlIst)   n   1 a person who analyses or is skilled in analysis   2 short for psychoanalyst. See psychoanalyst

■ analyte (ˈænəˌlaIt)   n   chem a substance or sample being analysed

■ analytic (ˌænəˈlItIk) or analytical (ˌænəˈlItIkəl)   adj   1 relating to analysis   2 capable of or given to analysing: an analytic mind   3 Also: isolating linguistics denoting languages, such as Chinese, whose morphology is characterized by analysis. Compare synthetic (sense 3), agglutinative (sense 2), polysynthetic   4 logic (of a proposition)   a true by virtue of the meanings of the words alone without reference to the facts, as all spinsters are unmarried   b true or false by virtue of meaning alone; so all spinsters are married is analytically false. Compare synthetic (sense 4), a priori   5 Also: regular, holomorphic maths (of a function of a complex variable) having a derivative at each point of its domain [C16: via Late Latin from Greek analutikos from analuein to dissolve, break down; see ANALYSIS]   > ˌanaˈlytically adv

■ analytical geometry   n   the branch of geometry that uses algebraic notation and analysis to locate a geometric point in terms of a coordinate system; coordinate geometry

■ analytical philosophy   n   a school of philosophy which flourished in the first half of the 20th century and which sought to resolve philosophical problems by analysing the language in which they are expressed, esp in terms of formal logic as in Russell's theory of descriptions. Compare linguistic philosophy

■ analytical psychology   n   a school of psychoanalysis founded by Jung as a result of disagreements with Freud. See also archetype, collective unconscious

■ analytical reagent   n   a chemical compound of a known high standard of purity

■ analyticity (ˌænəlIˈtIsItI)   n   the property of being analytic

■ analytic phonics   n   (functioning as singular) same as phonics (sense 2). Compare synthetic phonics

Anam (æˈnæm, ˈænæm)   n   a variant spelling of Annam

Anambra (əˈnæmbrə)   n   a state of S Nigeria. Capital: Awka. Pop: 4 182 031 (2006). Area: 4844 sq km (1870 sq miles)

anamnesis (ˌænæmˈniːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 the ability to recall past events; recollection   2 the case history of a patient [C17: via New Latin from Greek, from anamimnēskein to recall, from mimnēskein to call to mind]

anamnestic (ˌænæmˈnɛstIk)   adj   1 of or relating to anamnesis   2 immunol denoting a response to antigenic stimulation characterized by the production of large amounts of antibody specific to a different antigen from that which elicited the response   > ˌanamˈnestically adv

anamniote (ænˈæmnIəʊt)   n   any vertebrate animal, such as a fish or amphibian, that lacks an amnion, chorion, and allantois during embryonic development. Compare amniote   > anamniotic (ænˌæmnIˈɒtIk) adj

anamorphosis (ˌænəˈmɔːfəsIs, -mɔːˈfəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 optics   a an image or drawing distorted in such a way that it becomes recognizable only when viewed in a specified manner or through a special device   b the process by which such images or drawings are produced   2 the evolution of one type of organism from another by a series of gradual changes [C18: from Greek, from anamorphoun to transform, from morphē form, shape]

■ anamorphic (ˌænəˈmɔːfIk)   adj   of, relating to, or caused by anamorphosis or anamorphism

■ anamorphic lens   n   a component in the optical system of a film projector for converting standard 35mm film images into wide-screen format

■ anamorphism (ˌænəˈmɔːˌfIzəm)   n   intense metamorphism of a rock in which high-density complex minerals are formed from simpler minerals of lower density

■ anamorphoscope (ˌænəˈmɔːfəˌskəʊp)   n   an optical device, such as a cylindrical lens, for correcting an image that has been distorted by anamorphosis

■ anamorphous (ˌænəˈmɔːfəs)   adj   1 formal lacking a clear or definite form   2 mineralogy lacking a definite crystal structure

anan (əˈnæn)   interj archaic   1 what did you say?   2 in a moment; coming!

ananas (əˈnænəs)   n   the pineapple or a related tropical American bromeliaceous plant, the pinguin, that has an edible plum-shaped fruit. Also called: anana (əˈnænə) [C17: from the native name in Peru]

Anancy or Anansi (əˈnænsI)   n   a character in Caribbean folklore, a cunning trickster generally depicted as a spider with a human head; the subject of many Anancy stories, the character has its origins among the Ashanti of W Africa

Ananda (əˈnændə)   n   5th century BC, the first cousin, favourite disciple, and personal attendant of the Buddha

anandamide (əˈnændəˌmaId)   n   a naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter found in the brains of mammals and in small quantities in the cocoa bean [C20: from Sanskrit ananda bliss]

anandrous (ænˈændrəs)   adj   (of flowers) having no stamens [C19: from Greek anandros lacking males, from AN- + anēr man]

Ananias (ˌænəˈnaIəs)   n   1 New Testament a Jewish Christian of Jerusalem who was struck dead for lying (Acts 5)   2 a liar

Ananke (əˈnæŋkI)   n   a small outer satellite of Jupiter

ananthous (ænˈænθəs)   adj   (of higher plants) having no flowers [C19: from Greek ananthēs, from AN- + anthos flower]

anapaest or anapest (ˈænəpɛst, -piːst)   n   prosody a metrical foot of three syllables, the first two short, the last long (◡ ◡ –) [C17: via Latin from Greek anapaistos reversed (that is, a dactyl reversed), from anapaiein, from ana- back + paiein to strike]   > ˌanaˈpaestic, ˌanaˈpestic or ˌanaˈpaestical adj

anaphase (ˈænəˌfeIz)   n   1 the third stage of mitosis, during which the chromatids separate and migrate towards opposite ends of the spindle. See also prophase, metaphase, telophase   2 the corresponding stage of the first division of meiosis [C19: from ANA- + PHASE]

■ anaphasic (ˌænəˈfeIzIk)   adj   biology relating to the third stage in cell division

anaphora (əˈnæfərə) or anaphor (ˈænəˌfɔː)   n   1 grammar the use of a word such as a pronoun that has the same reference as a word previously used in the same discourse. In the sentence John wrote the essay in the library but Peter did it at home, both did and it are examples of anaphora. Compare cataphora, exophoric   2 rhetoric the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses [C16: via Latin from Greek: repetition, from anapherein, from ANA- + pherein to bear]

■ anaphoral (əˈnæfərəl)   adj   relating to the prayer of oblation and consecration performed during Holy Communion

■ anaphoric (ˌænəˈfɒrIk) or anaphorical (ˌænəˈfɒrIkəl)   adj   of or relating to anaphora   > ˌanaˈphorically adv

anaphoresis (ˌænəfəˈriːsIs)   n   chem the movement of suspended charged particles towards the anode in an electric field

anaphrodisiac (ˌænæfrəˈdIzIˌæk)   adj   1 tending to lessen sexual desire   ▷ n   2 an anaphrodisiac drug   > ˌanaphroˈdisia n

anaphylaxis (ˌænəfIˈlæksIs) or anaphylaxy (ˌænəfIˈlæksI)   n   extreme sensitivity to an injected antigen, esp a protein, following a previous injection [C20: from ANA- + (PRO)PHYLAXIS]   > ˌanaphyˈlactic or ˌanaphyˈlactoid adj   > ˌanaphyˈlactically adv

■ anaphylactic shock   n   a severe, sometimes fatal, reaction to a substance to which a person has an extreme sensitivity, often involving respiratory difficulty and circulation failure

anaplasia (ˌænəˈpleIsIə)   n   reversion of plant or animal cells to a simpler less differentiated form

■ anaplastic (ˌænəˈplæstIk)   adj   of or relating to anaplasia

■ anaplastic (ˌænəˈplæstIk)   adj   relating to plastic surgery

anaplasmosis (ˌænəplæzˈməʊsIs)   n   another name for gallsickness

anaplasty (ˈænəˌplæstI)   n   surgery another name for plastic surgery

anaplerosis (ˌænəpliːˈrəʊsIs)   n   surgery the filling up of a scar, wound, etc which has decayed or been destroyed

■ anaplerotic (ˌænəpliːˈrəʊtIk)   adj   of or relating to anaplerosis

anaptyxis (ˌænæpˈtIksIs)   n, pl -tyxes (-ˈtIksiːz)   the insertion of a short vowel between consonants in order to make a word more easily pronounceable [C19: via New Latin from Greek anaptuxis, from anaptussein to unfold, from ANA- + ptussein to fold]   > anaptyctic (ˌænæpˈtIktIk) or ˌanapˈtyctical adj

Anapurna (ˌænəˈpʊənə)   n   a variant spelling of Annapurna

anarcho-   prefix   involving or associated with anarchism: anarcho-syndicalism

anarchy (ˈænəkI)   n   1 general lawlessness and disorder, esp when thought to result from an absence or failure of government   2 the absence or lack of government   3 the absence of any guiding or uniting principle; disorder; chaos   4 the theory or practice of political anarchism [C16: from Medieval Latin anarchia, from Greek anarkhia, from anarkhos without a ruler, from AN- + arkh- leader, from arkhein to rule]   > anarchic (ænˈɑːkIk) or anˈarchical adj   > anˈarchically adv

■ anarch (ˈænɑːk)   n   archaic an instigator or personification of anarchy

■ anarchal (ænˈɑːkəl) or anarchial (ænˈɑːkIəl)   adj archaic   1 having no government; anarchic   2 relating to or involving anarchy

■ anarchism (ˈænəˌkIzəm)   n   1 political theory a doctrine advocating the abolition of government   2 the principles or practice of anarchists

■ anarchist (ˈænəkIst)   n   1 a person who advocates the abolition of government and a social system based on voluntary cooperation   2 a person who causes disorder or upheaval   > ˌanarˈchistic adj

■ anarchize or anarchise (ˈænɑːˌkaIz)   vb (tr)   to make anarchic, to destroy the order of things

anarthria (ænˈɑːθrIə)   n   pathol loss of the ability to speak coherently [C19: New Latin, from Greek anarthros lacking vigour, from AN- + arthros joint]

■ anarthric (æˈnɑːθrIk)   adj   pathol relating to anarthria

anarthrous (ænˈɑːθrəs)   adj   1 (of a noun) used without an article   2 having no joints or articulated limbs [C19: from Greek anarthros, from AN- + arthros joint, definite article]   > anˈarthrously adv   > anˈarthrousness n

anasarca (ˌænəˈsɑːkə)   n   pathol a generalized accumulation of serous fluid within the subcutaneous connective tissue, resulting in oedema [C14: from New Latin, from ANA- (puffed up) + Greek sarx flesh]   > ˌanaˈsarcous adj

Anastasia (ˌænəˈstɑːzIə, -ˈsteI-)   n   Grand Duchess. 1901–?18, daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, believed to have been executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, although several women subsequently claimed to be her

anastasis (ˌænəˈsteIsIs)   n   the episode in Christian theology in which Jesus is believed to have descended into Hell, often referred to as the 'harrowing of Hell'

anastigmat (æˈnæstIɡˌmæt, ˌænəˈstIɡmæt)   n   a lens or system of lenses designed to be free of astigmatism [C19 from AN- + ASTIGMATIC]

■ anastigmatic (ˌænəstIɡˈmætIk)   adj   (of a lens or optical device) not astigmatic. Also: stigmatic

■ anastigmatism (ˌænəˈstIɡmæˌtIzəm)   n   the condition of being free from astigmatism

anastomose (əˈnæstəˌməʊz)   vb   to join (two parts of a blood vessel, etc) by anastomosis

■ anastomosis (əˌnæstəˈməʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 a natural connection between two tubular structures, such as blood vessels   2 the surgical union of two hollow organs or parts that are normally separate   3 the separation and rejoining in a reticulate pattern of the veins of a leaf or of branches [C16: via New Latin from Greek: opening, from anastomoun to equip with a mouth, from stoma mouth]   > anastomotic (əˌnæstəˈmɒtIk) adj

anastrophe (əˈnæstrəfI)   n   rhetoric another term for inversion (sense 3) [C16: from Greek, from anastrephein to invert]

anastrozole (əˈnæstrəˌzəʊl)   n   an anti-oestrogen drug used in the treatment of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Also called: Arimidex

anat.   abbreviation for   1 anatomical   2 anatomy

anata (ˈænətə) or anatman (ænˈaːtmən)   n   (in Theravada Buddhism) the belief that since all things are constantly changing, there can be no such thing as a permanent, unchanging self: one of the three basic characteristics of existence. Sanskrit word: anatman. Compare anicca, dukkha [Pali, literally: no self]

anatase (ˈænəˌteIz)   n   a rare blue or black mineral that consists of titanium oxide in tetragonal crystalline form and occurs in veins in igneous rocks. Formula: TiO_2. Also called: octahedrite [C19: from French, from Greek anatasis an extending (referring to the length of the crystals), from anateinein to stretch out]

anatexis (ˈænəˌtɛksIs)   n   geology the partial melting of rocks, esp in the formation of metamorphic rocks [C20: from Greek: rebirth]

anathema (əˈnæθəmə)   n, pl -mas   1 a detested person or thing: such views were anathema to them   2 a formal ecclesiastical curse of excommunication or a formal denunciation of a doctrine   3 the person or thing so cursed   4 a strong curse; imprecation [C16: via Church Latin from Greek: something accursed, dedicated (to evil), from anatithenai to dedicate, from ANA- + tithenai to set]

■ anathematical (ˌænəθəˈmætIkəl) theol   adj   1 of or relating to an anathema   ▷ n   2 anathema

■ anathematize or anathematise (əˈnæθIməˌtaIz)   vb   to pronounce an anathema (upon a person, etc); curse   > aˌnathematiˈzation or aˌnathematiˈsation n

anathemata (ˌænəθəˈmɑːtə)   pl n   theol dedicatory gifts offered to gods

Anatolia (ˌænəˈtəʊlIə)   n   the Asian part of Turkey, occupying the peninsula between the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Aegean: consists of a plateau, largely mountainous, with salt lakes in the interior. Historical name: Asia Minor

■ Anatolian (ˌænəˈtəʊlIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Anatolia or its inhabitants   2 denoting, belonging to, or relating to an ancient family of languages related to the Indo-European family and including Hittite   ▷ n   3 this family of languages, sometimes regarded as a branch of Indo-European   4 a native or inhabitant of Anatolia

■ Anatolian shepherd dog   n   a large powerfully-built dog of a breed with a large head and a short dense cream or fawn coat, originally used for guarding sheep

anatomy (əˈnætəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 the science concerned with the physical structure of animals and plants   2 the physical structure of an animal or plant or any of its parts   3 a book or treatise on this subject   4 dissection of an animal or plant   5 any detailed analysis: the anatomy of a crime   6 informal the human body [C14: from Latin anatomia, from Greek anatomē, from anatemnein to cut up, from ANA- + temnein to cut]

■ anatomical (ˌænəˈtɒmIkəl) or anatomic (ˌænəˈtɒmIk)   adj   of or relating to anatomy   > ˌanaˈtomically adv

■ anatomical snuffbox   n   the triangular depression on the back of the hand between the thumb and the index finger

■ anatomist (əˈnætəmIst)   n   an expert in anatomy

■ anatomize or anatomise (əˈnætəˌmaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to dissect (an animal or plant)   2 to examine in minute detail   > aˌnatomiˈzation or aˌnatomiˈsation n   > aˈnatoˌmizer or aˈnatoˌmiser n

anatoxin (ˌænəˈtɒksIn)   n chem   1 a bacterial toxin that has been weakened for use in inoculations   2 a deadly neurotoxin produced by a species of cyanobacteria and found in both marine and freshwater environments

anatropy (əˈnætrəpI)   n   botany (of a plant ovule) the condition of being inverted during development by a bending of the stalk causing the nucleus to point toward the base

■ anatropous (əˈnætrəpəs)   adj   (of a plant ovule) inverted during development by a bending of the stalk (funicle) attaching it to the carpel wall. Compare orthotropous [C19: from ANA- (inverted) + -TROPOUS]

anatto (əˈnætəʊ) or anatta (əˈnætə)   n, pl -tos   a variant spelling of annatto

Anaxagoras (ˌænækˈsæɡərəs)   n   ?500–428 BC, Greek philosopher who maintained that all things were composed of minute particles arranged by an eternal intelligence

anaxial (ænˈæksIəl)   adj   biology asymmetrical

Anaximander (əˌnæksIˈmændə)   n   611–547 BC, Greek philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician who believed the first principle of the world to be the Infinite

Anaximenes (ˌænækˈsIməˌniːz)   n   6th century BC, Greek philosopher who believed air to be the primary substance

anbury (ˈænbərI)   n, pl -buries   1 a soft spongy tumour occurring in horses and oxen   2 Brit dialect another name for clubroot [C16: of uncertain origin]

ANC   abbreviation for   African National Congress

-ance or -ancy   suffix forming nouns   indicating an action, state or condition, or quality: hindrance; tenancy; resemblance. Compare -ence [via Old French from Latin -antia; see -ANCY]

ancestor (ˈænsɛstə)   n   1 (often plural) a person from whom another is directly descended, esp someone more distant than a grandparent; forefather   2 an early type of animal or plant from which a later, usually dissimilar, type has evolved   3 a person or thing regarded as a forerunner of a later person or thing: the ancestor of the modern camera [C13: from Old French ancestre, from Late Latin antecēssor one who goes before, from Latin antecēdere; see ANTECEDE]   > ˈancestress fem n

■ ancestorial (ˌænsɛsˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of, belonging to, or relating to ancestors

■ ancestral (ænˈsɛstrəl)   adj   1 of, inherited from, or derived from ancestors: his ancestral home   ▷ n   2 logic a relation that holds between x and y if there is a chain of instances of a given relation leading from x to y. Thus the ancestral of parent of is ancestor of, since x is the ancestor of y if and only if x is a parent of…a parent of…a parent of y   > anˈcestrally adv

■ ancestry (ˈænsɛstrI)   n, pl -tries   1 lineage or descent, esp when ancient, noble, or distinguished   2 ancestors collectively

Anchises (ˌænˈkaIsiːz)   n   classical myth a Trojan prince and father of Aeneas. In the Aeneid, he is rescued by his son at the fall of Troy and dies in Sicily

ancho (ˈæntʃəʊ, ˈɑːntʃəʊ)   n, pl anchos   a Poblano chilli pepper that has been dried and turned a dark-red or black colour

anchor (ˈæŋkə)   n   1 any of several devices, usually of steel, attached to a vessel by a cable and dropped overboard so as to grip the bottom and restrict the vessel's movement   2 an object used to hold something else firmly in place: the rock provided an anchor for the rope   3 a source of stability or security: religion was his anchor   4    a a metal cramp, bolt, or similar fitting, esp one used to make a connection to masonry   b (as modifier): anchor bolt; anchor plate   5    a the rear person in a tug-of-war team   b short for anchorman, anchorwoman   6 at anchor (of a vessel) anchored   7 cast anchor, come to anchor or drop anchor to anchor a vessel   8 drag anchor See drag (sense 13)   9 ride at anchor to be anchored   10 weigh anchor to raise a vessel's anchor or (of a vessel) to have its anchor raised in preparation for departure   ▷ vb   11 to use an anchor to hold (a vessel) in one place   12 to fasten or be fastened securely; fix or become fixed firmly   13 (tr) radio, television to act as an anchorman on [Old English ancor, from Latin ancora, from Greek ankura; related to Greek ankos bend; compare Latin uncus bent, hooked]

■ anchorage (ˈæŋkərIdʒ)   n   1 the act of anchoring   2 any place where a vessel is anchored   3 a place designated for vessels to anchor   4 a fee imposed for anchoring   5 anything used as an anchor   6 a source of security or strength   7 something that supplies a secure hold for something else

anchorage (ˈæŋkərIdʒ)   n   the cell or retreat of an anchorite

■ anchor ice   n   Canadian ice that forms at the bottom of a lake or river

■ anchorless (ˈæŋkəlIs)   adj   1 without an anchor   2 devoid of a hold on something, drifting

■ anchorman (ˈæŋkəmæn)   n, pl -men   1 sport the last person in a team to compete, esp in a relay race   2 Also called: anchor, presenter (in broadcasting) a person in a central studio who links up and maintains contact with various outside camera units, reporters, etc

■ anchorperson (ˈæŋkəˌpɜːsən)   n   the primary reporter on a news television broadcast

■ anchor ring   n   a ring made from an iron bar of circular cross-section

■ anchors (ˈæŋkəz)   pl n   slang the brakes of a motor vehicle: he rammed on the anchors

■ anchorwoman (ˈæŋkəˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   1 sport the last woman in a team to compete, esp in a relay race   2 Also called: anchor, presenter (in broadcasting) a woman in a central studio who links up and maintains contact with various outside camera units, reporters, etc

Anchorage (ˈæŋkərIdʒ)   n   the largest city in Alaska, a port in the south, at the head of Cook Inlet. Pop: 270 951 (2003 est)

anchoret (ˈæŋkərɛt)   n   another name for anchorite

anchorette (ˌæŋkəˈrɛt)   n   informal (in broadcasting) a young and inexperienced anchorwoman [C20: from ANCHOR (sense 5b) + -ETTE (sense 2)]

anchorite (ˈæŋkəˌraIt)   n   a person who lives in seclusion, esp a religious recluse; hermit [C15: from Medieval Latin anchorīta, from Late Latin anachōrēta, from Greek anakhōrētēs, from anakhōrein to retire, withdraw, from khōra a space]   > ˈanchoress fem n

■ anchoritic (ˌæŋkəˈrItIk) or anchoritical (ˌæŋkəˈrItIkəl)   adj   of or relating to an anchorite. Also: anchoretic, anchoretical

■ anchoritically (ˌæŋkəˈrItIkəlI)   adj   in the manner of or resembling an anchorite

anchoveta or anchovetta (ˌæntʃəˈvɛtə)   n   a small anchovy, Cetengraulis mysticetus, of the American Pacific, used as bait by tuna fishermen [C20: Spanish, diminutive of anchova ANCHOVY]

anchovy (ˈæntʃəvI)   n, pl -vies or -vy   any of various small marine food fishes of the genus Engraulis and related genera, esp E. encrasicolus of S Europe: family Clupeidae (herrings). They have a salty taste and are often tinned or made into a paste or essence [C16: from Spanish anchoa, perhaps ultimately from Greek aphuē small fish]

■ anchovy pear   n   a Jamaican tree, Grias cauliflora, bearing edible fruits that taste like the mango: family Lecythidaceae [C18: so called from the use of the fruit as an hors d'oeuvre]

anchusa (æŋˈkjuːsə)   n   any Eurasian plant of the boraginaceous genus Anchusa, having rough hairy stems and leaves and blue flowers. See also alkanet (sense 3), bugloss [C18: from Latin]

anchusin (æŋˈkjuːsIn)   n   another name for alkanet (sense 2)

anchylose (ˈæŋkIˌləʊz)   vb   a former spelling of ankylose   > ˌanchyˈlosis n   > anchylotic (ˌæŋkIˈlɒtIk) adj

anchylostomiasis (ˌæŋkIˌlɒstəˈmaIəsIs)   n   a variant of ancylostomiasis

ancien régime French (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim)   n, pl anciens régimes (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim)   1 the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789   2 a former or outdated regime [literally: old regime]

ancient^1 (ˈeInʃənt)   adj   1 dating from very long ago: ancient ruins   2 very old; aged   3 of the far past, esp before the collapse of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD). Compare medieval, modern   4 law having existed since before the time of legal memory   ▷ n   5 (often plural) a member of a civilized nation in the ancient world, esp a Greek, Roman, or Hebrew   6 (often plural) one of the classical authors of Greek or Roman antiquity   7 archaic an old man [C14: from Old French ancien, from Vulgar Latin anteanus (unattested), from Latin ante before]   > ˈancientness n

■ Ancient Greek   n   the Greek language from the earliest records to about 300 BC, the chief dialect areas of which were Aeolic, Arcadic, Doric, and Ionic (including Attic). Compare Koine, Late Greek, Medieval Greek

■ ancient history   n   1 the history of the ancient world from the earliest known civilizations to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD   2 informal a recent event or fact sufficiently familiar to have lost its pertinence

■ ancient lights   n   (usually functioning as singular) the legal right to receive, by a particular window or windows, adequate and unobstructed daylight

■ anciently (ˈeInʃəntlI)   adv   in ancient times

■ ancient monument   n   Brit a historical building or the remains of one, usually dating from no later than the medieval period, that has been designated as worthy of preservation and is often in the care of a government department

■ Ancient of Days   n   a name for God, originating in the Authorized Version of the Old Testament (Daniel 7:9)

■ ancientry (ˈeInʃəntrI)   n archaic   1 the quality of being ancient, or old-fashioned style   2 the olden days   3 ancient lineage

■ ancient wisdom   n   pre-Christian knowledge, philosophy, and beliefs

ancient^2 (ˈeInʃənt)   n archaic   1 a flag or other banner; standard   2 a standard-bearer; ensign [C16: changed from ENSIGN through the influence of ANCIENT^1]

ancile (ænˈsaIliː; Latin ænˈkiːleI)   n   Roman myth a shield that was said to have fallen from heaven, on whose preservation the fortune of Rome was thought to depend

ancilla (ænˈsIlə)   n   archaic a female servant or slave

ancillary (ænˈsIlərI)   adj   1 subsidiary   2 auxiliary; supplementary: ancillary services   ▷ n, pl -laries   3 a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person: the company has an ancillary abroad [C17: from Latin ancillāris concerning maidservants, from ancilla, diminutive of ancūla female servant]

ancipital (ænˈsIpItəl) or ancipitous (ænˈsIpItəs)   adj   biology flattened and having two edges: ancipital stems [C18: from Latin anceps two-headed]

Ancohuma (ˌæŋkəʊˈuːmə)   n   one of the two peaks of Mount Sorata

ancome (ˈænkəm)   n   obsolete an inflammation or boil

ancon (ˈæŋkɒn) or ancone (ˈæŋkəʊn)   n, pl ancones (æŋˈkəʊniːz)   1 architect a projecting bracket or console supporting a cornice   2 a former technical name for elbow [C18: from Greek ankōn a bend]   > anconal (æŋˈkəʊnəl) or anconeal (æŋˈkəʊnIəl) adj

■ anconoid (ˈæŋkənɔId)   adj   physiol resembling the ancon or elbow

Ancona (Italian aŋˈkoːna)   n   a port in central Italy, on the Adriatic, capital of the Marches: founded by Greeks from Syracuse in about 390 BC. Pop: 100 507 (2001)

ancora (æŋˈkɔːrɑː)   adv   obsolete encore

ancress (ˈænˌkrɛs)   n   a female anchorite

-ancy   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -ance, used to indicate condition or quality: expectancy; poignancy; malignancy

ancylostomiasis (ˌænsIˌlɒstəˈmaIəsIs), ankylostomiasis or anchylostomiasis   n   infestation of the human intestine with blood-sucking hookworms, causing progressive anaemia. Also called: hookworm disease [from New Latin, from Ancylostoma genus of hookworms, from Greek ankulos hooked, crooked + stoma mouth]

and (ænd, unstressed ənd, ən)   conj (coordinating)   1 along with; in addition to: boys and girls   2 as a consequence: he fell down and cut his knee   3 afterwards: we pay the man and go through that door   4 (preceded by good or nice) (intensifier): the sauce is good and thick   5 plus: two and two equals four   6 used to join identical words or phrases to give emphasis or indicate repetition or continuity: better and better; we ran and ran; it rained and rained   7 used to join two identical words or phrases to express a contrast between instances of what is named: there are jobs and jobs   8 informal used in place of to in infinitives after verbs such as try, go, and come: try and see it my way   9 an obsolete word for if: and it please you. Informal spellings: an, an', 'n   ▷ n   10 (usually plural) an additional matter or problem: ifs, ands, or buts [Old English and; related to Old Frisian anda, Old Saxon ande, Old High German anti, Sanskrit atha]

USAGE

The use of and instead of to after try and wait is typical of spoken language, but should be avoided in any writing which is not informal: We must try to prevent (not try and prevent) this happening

AND   abbreviation for   Andorra (international car registration)

-and or -end   suffix forming nouns   indicating a person or thing that is to be dealt with in a specified way: analysand; dividend; multiplicand [from Latin gerundives ending in -andus, -endus]

Andalusia (ˌændəˈluːzIə)   n   a region of S Spain, on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, with the Sierra Morena in the north, the Sierra Nevada in the southeast, and the Guadalquivir River flowing over fertile lands between them; a centre of Moorish civilization; it became an autonomous region in 1981. Area: about 87 280 sq km (33 700 sq miles). Spanish name: Andalucía (andaluˈθia)

andalusite (ˌændəˈluːsaIt)   n   a grey, pink, or brown hard mineral consisting of aluminium silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. It occurs in metamorphic rocks and is used as a refractory and as a gemstone. Formula: Al_2SiO_5

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ˈændəmən, ˈnIkəˌbɑː)   pl n   a territory of India, in the E Bay of Bengal, consisting of two groups of over 200 islands; suffered badly in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Capital: Port Blair. Pop: 356 265 (2001). Area: 8140 sq km (3143 sq miles)

Andaman Islands   pl n   a group of islands in the E Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Area: 6408 sq km (2474 sq miles). Pop: 314 804 (2001)

Andaman Sea   n   part of the Bay of Bengal, between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Malay Peninsula

andante (ænˈdænteI) music   adj, adv   1 (to be performed) at a moderately slow tempo   ▷ n   2 a passage or piece to be performed in this manner [C18: Italian: going, from andare to go, from Latin ambulāre to walk]

andantino (ˌændænˈtiːnəʊ) music   adj, adv   1 (to be performed) slightly faster, or slightly more slowly, than andante   ▷ n, pl -nos   2 a passage or piece to be performed in this manner [C19: diminutive of ANDANTE]

AND circuit or AND gate (ænd)   n   computing a logic circuit having two or more input wires and one output wire that has a high-voltage output signal if and only if all input signals are at a high voltage simultaneously: used extensively as a basic circuit in computers. Compare NAND circuit, NOR circuit, OR circuit [C20: so named because the action performed on electrical signals is similar to the operation of the conjunction and in logical constructions]

Andean (ænˈdiːən, ˈændIən)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling the Andes

■ Andean Community of Nations   n   a trading block composed of Bolivia, Ecuador, Columbia, and Peru, with associate members Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay

Anderlecht (Flemish ˈɑndərlɛxt)   n   a town in central Belgium, a suburb of Brussels. Pop: 92 755 (2004 est)

Andersen (ˈændəsən)   n   Hans Christian. 1805–75, Danish author of fairy tales, including The Ugly Duckling, The Tin Soldier, and The Snow Queen

Andersen Nexø (ˈanərsen)   n   See Nexø

Anderson^1 (ˈændəsən)   n   a river in N Canada, in the Northwest Territories, rising in lakes north of Great Bear Lake and flowing west and north to the Beaufort Sea. Length: about 580 km (360 miles)

Anderson^2 (ˈændəsən)   n   1  Carl David. 1905–91, US physicist, who discovered the positron in cosmic rays (1932): Nobel prize for physics 1936   2  Elizabeth Garrett. 1836–1917, English physician and feminist: a campaigner for the admission of women to the professions   3  James (Michael), known as Jimmy. born 1982, English cricketer; first Engish bowler to take 500 test match wickets   4  John. 1893–1962, Australian philosopher, born in Scotland, whose theories are expounded in Studies in Empirical Philosophy (1962)   5  Dame Judith, real name Frances Margaret Anderson. 1898–1992, Australian stage and film actress   6  Lindsay (Gordon) 1923–94, British film and theatre director: his films include This Sporting Life (1963), If (1968), O Lucky Man! (1973), and The Whales of August (1987)   7  Marian. 1902–93, US contralto, the first Black permanent member of the Metropolitan Opera Company, New York   8  Philip Warren. born 1923, US physicist, noted for his work on solid-state physics. Nobel prize for physics 1977   9  Sherwood. 1874–1941, US novelist and short-story writer, best known for Winesburg Ohio (1919), a collection of short stories illustrating small-town life

Anderson shelter   n   Brit a small prefabricated air-raid shelter of World War II consisting of an arch of corrugated metal and designed to be partly buried in people's gardens and covered with earth for protection [C20: so named because its use was adopted while Sir John Anderson was Home Secretary (1939–40)]

Anderssen (ˈændəsən)   n   Adolf (ˈaːdɔlf). 1818–79, German chess player: noted for the incisiveness of his combination play

Andes (ˈændiːz)   pl n   a major mountain system of South America, extending for about 7250 km (4500 miles) along the entire W coast, with several parallel ranges or cordilleras and many volcanic peaks: rich in minerals, including gold, silver, copper, iron ore, and nitrates. Average height: 3900 m (13 000 ft). Highest peak: Aconcagua, 6961 m (22 838 ft)

andesine (ˈændIˌziːn, -zIn)   n   a feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series consisting of an aluminium silicate of sodium and calcium. Formula: NaAlSi_3O_8.CaAl_2Si_2O_8 [C19: from the ANDES (where it is found) + -INE^1]

andesite or andesyte (ˈændIˌzaIt)   n   a fine-grained tan or grey volcanic rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar, esp andesine, amphibole, and pyroxene [C19: from ANDES + -ITE^1]

■ andesitic (ˌændIˈzItIk)   adj   mineralogy relating to, or containing, andesite

Andhra Pradesh (ˈændrə prɑːˈdɛʃ)   n   a state of SE India, on the Bay of Bengal. Capital: Hyderabad. Pop: 49 386 799 (2011). Area: 162 970 sq km (62 920 sq miles)

andiron (ˈændˌaIən)   n   another name for firedog [C14: from Old French andier, of unknown origin; influenced by IRON]

Andizhan (Russian andiˈʒan)   n   a city in E Uzbekistan. Pop: 413 000 (2005 est)

Andong (ˈænˈdʊŋ)   n   a former name for Dandong

and/or   conj   (coordinating) used to join terms when either one or the other or both is indicated: passports and/or other means of identification

USAGE

Many people think that and/or is only acceptable in legal and commercial contexts. In other contexts, it is better to use or both: some alcoholics lose their jobs or their driving licences or both (not their jobs and/or their driving licences)

Andorra (ænˈdɔːrə)   n   a mountainous principality in SW Europe, between France and Spain: according to tradition, given independence by Charlemagne in the 9th century for helping to fight the Moors; placed under the joint sovereignty of the Comte de Foix and the Spanish bishop of Urgel in 1278; under the joint overlordship of the French head of state and the bishop of Urgel from the 16th century; adopted a constitution reducing the powers of the overlords in 1993. Official language: Catalan. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: euro. Capital: Andorra la Vella. Pop: 76 965 (2017 est). Area: 464 sq km (179 sq miles). Official name: Principat d'Andorra

■ Andorra la Vella (Catalan anˈdɔrra la ˈveʎa) or Andorre la Vieille   n   the capital of Andorra, situated in the west of the principality. Pop: 22 035 (2003 est). Spanish name: Andorra la Vieja (anˈdɔrra la ˈbjexa). French name: Andorre la Vieille (ɑ̃dɔr la vjɛj)

■ Andorran (ænˈdɔːrən)   adj   1 of or relating to Andorra or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Andorra

andouille French (ɑ̃duj)   n   a spicy smoked pork sausage with a blackish skin

■ andouillette French (ɑ̃dujet)   n   a French sausage made from pig intestines, smaller than an andouille

andradite (ˈændrəˌdaIt)   n   a yellow, green, or brownish-black garnet that consists of calcium iron silicate and is used as a gemstone. Formula: Ca_3Fe_2(SiO_4)3 [C19: named after J. B. d'Andrada e Silva (1763–1838), Brazilian mineralogist; see -ITE^1]

Andrássy (ænˈdræsI; Hungarian ˈɔndraːʃi)   n   Count Gyula (ˈdjulɔ). 1823–90, Hungarian statesman; the first prime minister of Hungary under the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary (1867)

André (ˈɑːndreI, ˈændrI)   n   John. 1751–80, British major who was hanged as a spy for conspiring with Benedict Arnold during the War of American Independence

Andrea del Sarto (Italian anˈdrea del ˈsarto)   n   See Sarto

Andreanof Islands (ˌændrIˈɑːnɒf)   pl n   a group of islands in the central Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Area: 3710 sq km (1432 sq miles)

Andretti (ænˈdrɛtI)   n   Mario. born 1940, US racing driver: Formula One world champion (1978)

Andrew (ˈændruː)   n   New Testament Saint. one of the twelve apostles of Jesus; the brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland. Feast day: Nov 30

Andrewes (ˈændruːz)   n   Lancelot. 1555–1626, English bishop and theologian

Andrews (ˈændruːz)   n   Thomas. 1813–85, Irish physical chemist, noted for his work on the liquefaction of gases

Andrić (Serbo-Croatian ˈandritʃ)   n   Ivo (ˈiːvɔ). 1892–1975, Serbian novelist; author of The Bridge on the Drina (1945): Nobel prize for literature 1961

andro- or before a vowel andr-   combining form   1 male; masculine: androsterone   2 (in botany) stamen or anther: androecium [from Greek anēr (genitive andros) man]

androcentric (ˌændrəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   having or regarding man or the male sex as central or primary   > ˌandroˈcentrism n

androcephalous (ˌændrəʊˈsɛfələs)   adj   having a human head

Androcles (ˈændrəˌkliːz) or Androclus (ˈændrəkləs)   n   (in Roman legend) a slave whose life was spared in the arena by a lion from whose paw he had once extracted a thorn

androclinium (ˌændrəˈklInIəm)   n, pl -clinia (-ˈklInIə)   another name for clinandrium [C19: New Latin, from ANDRO- + -clinium, from Greek klinē slope; see CLINO-]

androdioecious (ˌændrəʊdaIˈiːʃəs)   adj   (of a plant species) having hermaphrodite and male flowers on separate plants

androdioecism (ˌændrəʊˈiːsIzəm)   n   botany the state of being androdioecious

androecium (ænˈdriːsIəm)   n, pl -cia (-sIə)   the stamens of a flowering plant collectively [C19: from New Latin, from ANDRO- + Greek oikion a little house]   > anˈdroecial adj

androgen (ˈændrədʒən)   n   any of several steroids, produced as hormones by the testes or made synthetically, that promote development of male sexual organs and male secondary sexual characteristics   > androgenic (ˌændrəˈdʒɛnIk) adj

androgenesis (ˌændrəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   biology a type of reproduction in insects and plants involving the development of an embryo that contains only paternal chromosomes

■ androgenetic (ˌændrəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk)   adj   biology related to androgenesis

androgenous (ænˈdrɒdʒInəs)   adj   biology producing only male offspring

androgyne (ˈændrəˌdʒaIn)   n   another word for hermaphrodite [C17: from Old French, via Latin from Greek androgunos, from anēr man + gunē woman]

androgynophore (ˌændrəʊˈɡaInəʊfɔː)   n   another name for androphore

androgynous (ænˈdrɒdʒInəs)   adj   1 botany having male and female flowers in the same inflorescence, as cuckoo pint   2 having male and female characteristics; hermaphrodite   > anˈdrogyny n

android (ˈændrɔId)   n   1 (in science fiction) a robot resembling a human being   ▷ adj   2 resembling a human being [C18: from Late Greek androeidēs manlike; see ANDRO-, -OID]

Android (ˈændrɔId)   n   1 trademark a software package for smartphones, including many application programs   2 a smartphone that uses this software

andrology (ænˈdrɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medicine concerned with diseases in men, esp of the reproductive organs [C20: from ANDRO- + -LOGY]   > anˈdrologist n

Andromache (ænˈdrɒməkI)   n   Greek myth the wife of Hector

Andromeda^1 (ænˈdrɒmIdə)   n   Greek myth the daughter of Cassiopeia and wife of Perseus, who saved her from a sea monster

Andromeda^2 (ænˈdrɒmIdə)   n, Latin genitive Andromedae (ænˈdrɒmIˌdiː)   a constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Cassiopeia and Pegasus, the three brightest stars being of the second magnitude. It contains the Andromeda Galaxy a spiral galaxy 2.2 million light years away

andromedotoxin (ænˌdrɒmIdəʊˈtɒksIn)   n   a poisonous substance found in various plants of the family Ericaceae, and in particular in plants of the genus Andromeda

andromonoecious (ˌændrəʊmɒˈniːʃəs)   adj   (of a plant species) having hermaphrodite and male flowers on the same plant

■ andromonoecism (ˌændrəʊməˈniːsIzəm)   n   botany the condition of being andromonoecious

andropause (ˈændrəʊˌpɔːz)   n   the period, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, during which a man's testosterone levels may fall, leading to a reduction in vigour and sexual drive. Also called: male menopause [C20: from ANDRO- + (MENO)PAUSE]

androphore (ˈændrəʊfɔː)   n   botany an extension of the receptacle carrying the androecium and the gynoecium, typical of the caper family (Capparidaceae). Also called: androgynophore

Andropov^1 (ænˈdrɒpɒv; Russian ənˈdrɔːpəf)   n   a former name (1984–91) for Rybinsk

Andropov^2 (ænˈdrɒpɒv; Russian ənˈdrɔːpəf)   n   Yuri Vladimirovich. 1914–84, Soviet statesman; president of the Soviet Union (1983–84)

Andros (ˈændrəs)   n   1 an island in the Aegean Sea, the northernmost of the Cyclades: long famous for wine. Capital: Andros. Pop: 10 009 (2001). Area: about 311 sq km (120 sq miles)   2 an island in the N Caribbean, the largest of the Bahamas. Pop: 7686 (2000). Area: 4144 sq km (1600 sq miles)

androsphinx (ˈændrəˌsfIŋks)   n, pl -sphinxes or -sphinges (-ˌsfIndʒiːz)   a sphinx having the head of a man

androsterone (ænˈdrɒstəˌrəʊn)   n   an androgenic steroid hormone produced in the testes. Formula: C_19H_30O_2

-androus   adj combining form   (in botany) indicating number or type of stamens: diandrous [from New Latin -andrus, from Greek -andros, from anēr man]

-andry   n combining form   indicating number of husbands: polyandry [from Greek -andria, from anēr man]

Andvari (ænˈdwɑːrI)   n   Norse myth a dwarf who possessed a treasure hoard, which was robbed by Loki

ane (eIn)   determiner, pron, n   a Scottish word for one

-ane   suffix forming nouns   indicating an alkane hydrocarbon: hexane [coined to replace -ene, -ine, and -one]

anear (əˈnIə) archaic   prep   1 near   ▷ adv   2 nearly

anecdote (ˈænIkˌdəʊt)   n   a short usually amusing account of an incident, esp a personal or biographical one [C17: from Medieval Latin anecdota unpublished items, from Greek anekdotos unpublished, from AN- + ekdotos published, from ekdidonai, from ek- out + didonai to give]   > ˌanecˈdotic adj   > ˌanecˈdotalist or ˈanecˌdotist n

■ anecdota (ˌænɛkˈdəʊtə)   pl n   unpublished writings

■ anecdotage (ˈænIkˌdəʊtIdʒ)   n   1 anecdotes collectively   2 jocular talkative or garrulous old age [from ANECDOTE + -AGE, with play on dotage]

■ anecdotal (ˌænɛkˈdəʊtəl)   adj   containing or consisting exclusively of anecdotes rather than connected discourse or research conducted under controlled conditions

■ anecdotalism (ˌænIkˈdəʊtəlIzəm)   n   formal an inclination to relate anecdotes

■ anecdotally (ˌænIkˈdəʊtəlI)   adv   in an anecdotal manner

■ anecdotical (ˌænIkˈdəʊtIkəl)   adj   1 characterized by, or skilled in, telling anecdotes   2 relating to anecdotes

■ anecdotically (ˌænIkˈdəʊtIkəlI)   adv   in an anecdotical manner

anecdysis (ˌænɛkˈdaIsIs)   n   the period between moults in arthropods [C20: New Latin, from Greek; see AN-, ECDYSIS]

anechoic (ˌænIˈkəʊIk)   adj   having a low degree of reverberation of sound: an anechoic recording studio

Aneirin (əˈnaIərIn)   n   6th century AD, Welsh poet. His Y Gododdin, preserved in The Book of Aneirin (?1250), is one of the earliest surviving Welsh poems

anelace (ˈænəˌleIs)   n   a variant spelling of anlace

anelasticity (ˌænIlæsˈtIsətI)   n   physics the property of a substance which has a disproportionate relationship between stress and strain

■ anelastic (ˌænIˈlæstIk)   adj   physics relating to anelasticity

anele (əˈniːl)   vb   (tr) archaic to anoint, esp to give extreme unction to [C14 anelen, from an- (from Old English an- ON) + elen to anoint (from ele oil, from Latin oleum)]

anelli (ɑːˈnɛlI)   pl n   pasta shaped like small rings

anemia (əˈniːmIə)   n   the usual US spelling of anaemia [C19: from New Latin, from Greek anaimia lack of blood]

■ anemic (əˈniːmIk)   adj   the usual US spelling of anaemic

■ anemically (əˈniːmIkəlI)   adv   the usual US spelling of anaemically

anemo-   combining form   indicating wind: anemometer; anemophilous [from Greek anemos wind]

anemochore (əˈniːməʊˌkɔː)   n   a plant in which the fruits or seeds are dispersed by wind   > aˌnemoˈchorous adj

anemogram (əˈnɛməʊˌɡræm)   n   a record produced by an anemograph

anemograph (əˈnɛməʊˌɡrɑːf)   n   a self-recording anemometer   > anemographic (əˌnɛməʊˈɡræfIk) adj   > aˌnemoˈgraphically adv

■ anemography (ˌænIˈmɒɡrəfI)   n   meteorol the technique of recording wind measurements

anemology (ˌænIˈmɒlədʒI)   n   archaic the study of winds

anemometer (ˌænIˈmɒmItə)   n   1 Also called: wind gauge an instrument for recording the speed and often the direction of winds   2 any instrument that measures the rate of movement of a fluid   > anemometric (ˌænIməʊˈmɛtrIk) or ˌanemoˈmetrical adj

■ anemometry (ˌænIˈmɒmItrI)   n   meteorol the technique of measuring wind speed and direction

anemone (əˈnɛmənI)   n   any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the genus Anemone of N temperate regions, such as the white-flowered A. nemorosa (wood anemone or windflower). Some cultivated anemones have lilac, pale blue, pink, purple, or red flowers. See also pasqueflower. Compare sea anemone [C16: via Latin from Greek: windflower, from anemos wind]

■ anemone fish   n   any of various damselfishes of the genus Amphiprion, such as A. percula (clown anemone fish), that usually live closely associated with sea anemones

anemophilous (ˌænIˈmɒfIləs)   adj   (of flowering plants such as grasses) pollinated by the wind. Compare entomophilous   > ˌaneˈmophily n

anemophobia (əˌnɛməʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   psychol an abnormal fear of draughts or windy weather

anemoscope (əˈnɛməˌskəʊp)   n   meteorol any device that shows the presence and direction of a wind

anemosis (ˌænIˈməʊsIs)   n   spacing between the annual rings in wood that is caused by strong winds bending the tree trunk

anencephalic (ˌænɛnsəˈfælIk)   adj   born with no or only a partial brain [AN- + ENCEPHALIC]   > anencephaly (ˌænɛnˈsɛfəlI) n

■ anencephalia (ˌænənsəˈfeIljə)   n   another word for anencephaly

anent (əˈnɛnt)   prep Scot   1 lying against; alongside   2 concerning; about [Old English on efen, literally: on even (ground)]

anergia (ænˈɜːdʒIə, ænˈɜːdʒə)   n   a lack of energy

anergy (ˈænədʒI)   n   1 lack of energy   2 immunol diminution or lack of immunity to an antigen [from New Latin anergia, from AN- + Greek ergon work]   > anergic (æˈnɜːdʒIk) adj

aneroid (ˈænəˌrɔId)   adj   not containing a liquid [C19: from French, from AN- + Greek nēros wet + -OID]

■ aneroid barometer   n   a device for measuring atmospheric pressure without the use of fluids. It consists of a partially evacuated metal chamber, the thin corrugated lid of which is displaced by variations in the external air pressure. This displacement is magnified by levers and made to operate a pointer

anesthesia (ˌænIsˈθiːzIə)   n   the usual US spelling of anaesthesia

■ anesthetic (ˌænIsˈθɛtIk)   n, adj   the usual US spelling of anaesthetic

■ anesthetically (ˌænIsˈθɛtIkəlI)   adv   the usual US spelling of anaesthetically

■ anesthetist (əˈnɛsθətIst)   n   (in the US) a person qualified to administer anaesthesia, often a nurse or someone other than a physician. Compare anesthesiologist

anesthesiology (ˌænIsˌθiːzIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the US name for anaesthetics

■ anesthesiologist or anaesthesiologist (ˌænIsˌθiːzIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   the US name for anaesthetist. Compare anesthetist

anestrum (ænˈiːstrəm)   n   a variant (esp US) of anoestrus

anestrus (ænˈiːstrəs)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of anoestrus   > anˈestrous adj

anethole (ˈænIˌθəʊl) or anethol (ˈænIˌθɒl)   n   a white water-soluble crystalline substance with a liquorice-like odour, used as a flavouring and a sensitizer in the processing of colour photographs. Formula: CH_3CH:CHC_6H_4OCH_3 [C19: from Latin anēthum dill, anise, from Greek anēthon]

anetic (əˈniːtIk)   adj   med soothing

Aneto (Spanish aˈneto)   n   Pico de Aneto (ˈpiko de) a mountain in N Spain, near the French border: the highest in the Pyrenees. Height: 3404 m (11 168 ft)

aneuploid (ˈænjʊˌplɔId)   adj   1 (of polyploid cells or organisms) having a chromosome number that is not an exact multiple of the haploid number, caused by one chromosome set being incomplete   ▷ n   2 a cell or individual of this type   ▶ Compare euploid   > ˈaneuˌploidy n

aneurin (əˈnjʊərIn)   n   a less common name for thiamine [C20: from A(NTI-) + (POLY)NEUR(ITIS) + (VITAM)IN]

aneurysm or aneurism (ˈænjəˌrIzəm)   n   a sac formed by abnormal dilation of the weakened wall of a blood vessel [C15: from Greek aneurusma, from aneurunein to dilate, from eurunein to widen]   > ˌaneuˈrysmal, ˌaneuˈrismal, ˌaneurysˈmatic or ˌaneurisˈmatic adj   > ˌaneuˈrysmally, ˌaneuˈrismally, ˌaneurysˈmatically or ˌaneurisˈmatically adv

anew (əˈnjuː)   adv   1 over again; once more   2 in a different way; afresh [Old English of nīwe; see OF, NEW]

Anfinsen (ˈænfInsən)   n   Christian Boehmer. 1916–95, US biochemist, noted for his research on the structure of enzymes. Nobel prize for chemistry 1972

anfractuous (ænˈfræktʃʊəs)   adj   characterized by twists and turns; convoluted [C17: from Late Latin anfractuōsus, from Latin anfractus a digression, literally: a bending]

■ anfractuosity (ˌænfræktʃʊˈɒsItI)   n   1 the condition or quality of being anfractuous   2 a winding, circuitous, or intricate passage, surface, process, etc

anga (ˈʌŋɡə)   n   music one of the two parts, or tetrachords, of the octave in Indian music

angakok (ˈæŋɡəˌkɒk)   n   theol an Inuit shaman

Angara (Russian anɡaˈra)   n   a river in S Russia, in Siberia, flowing from Lake Baikal north and west to the Yenisey River: important for hydroelectric power. Length: 1840 km (1150 miles)

angaria (æŋˈɡɑːrIə)   n   any of various shellfish of the genus Angaria

Angarsk (Russian anˈɡarsk)   n   an industrial city in SE central Russia, northwest of Irkutsk. Pop: 244 000 (2005 est)

angary (ˈæŋɡərI)   n   international law the right of a belligerent state to use the property of a neutral state or to destroy it if necessary, subject to payment of full compensation to the owners [C19: from French angarie, from Late Latin angaria enforced service, from Greek angareia office of a courier, from angaros courier, of Persian origin]

angashore (ˈæŋiʃoːr)   n   Irish a miserable person given to complaining [from Irish Gaelic ainniseoir]

angekok or angekkok (ˈæŋɡəˌkɒk)   n   another name for angakok

angel (ˈeIndʒəl)   n   1 theol one of a class of spiritual beings attendant upon God. In medieval angelology they are divided by rank into nine orders: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations (or dominions), virtues, powers, principalities (or princedoms), archangels, and angels   2 a divine messenger from God   3 a guardian spirit   4 a conventional representation of any of these beings, depicted in human form with wings   5 informal a person, esp a woman, who is kind, pure, or beautiful   6 informal an investor in a venture, esp a backer of a theatrical production   7 Also called: angel-noble a former English gold coin with a representation of the archangel Michael on it, first minted in Edward IV's reign   8 informal an unexplained signal on a radar screen [Old English, from Late Latin angelus, from Greek angelos messenger]

■ angel cake or esp US angel food cake   n   a very light sponge cake made without egg yolks

■ angel dust   n   a slang name for PCP

■ Angel Falls   n   a waterfall in SE Venezuela, on the Caroní River; regarded as the highest in the world. Height: 979 m (3212 ft)

■ angelfish (ˈeIndʒəlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 any of various small tropical marine percoid fishes of the genus Pomacanthus and related genera, which have a deep flattened brightly coloured body and brushlike teeth: family Chaetodontidae. See also butterflyfish   2 Also called: scalare a South American cichlid, Pterophyllum scalare, of the Amazon region, having a compressed body and large dorsal and anal fins: a popular aquarium fish   3 another name for angel shark

■ angel gear   n   Austral informal the neutral gear in a motor vehicle, esp when used to coast downhill

■ angel hair or angel's hair   n   a kind of pasta in the shape of very fine long strands

■ angelhood (ˈeIndʒəlhʊd)   n   the state of being an angel

■ angelic (ænˈdʒɛlIk)   adj   1 of or relating to angels   2 Also: angelical resembling an angel in beauty, purity, etc   > anˈgelically adv

■ Angelic Doctor   n   an epithet of Saint Thomas Aquinas

■ angel investor   n   same as business angel

■ angel-noble   n   another name for angel (sense 7)

■ Angel of the North   n   a steel sculpture of an angel with outstretched wings, created in 1998 by British sculptor Antony Gormley, which stands on a hilltop outside Gateshead, NE England. It stands 20 m (85 ft) high and has a wingspan of 54 m (175 ft)

■ angel shark or angelfish   n   any of several sharks constituting the family Squatinidae, such as Squatina squatina, that have very large flattened pectoral fins and occur in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Also called: monkfish

■ angels-on-horseback   n   Brit a savoury of oysters wrapped in bacon slices and served on toast

■ angel's tears   n   (functioning as singular) another name for moonflower (sense 2)

Angeleno (ˌændʒəˈliːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   a native or inhabitant of Los Angeles

angelica (ænˈdʒɛlIkə)   n   1 Also called: archangel any tall umbelliferous plant of the genus Angelica, having compound leaves and clusters of small white or greenish flowers, esp A. archangelica, the aromatic seeds, leaves, and stems of which are used in medicine and cookery   2 the candied stems of this plant, used for decorating and flavouring sweet dishes [C16: from Medieval Latin (herba) angelica angelic (herb)]

Angelico (Italian anˈdʒɛːliko)   n   Fra (fra), original name Guido di Pietro; monastic name Fra Giovanni da Fiesole. ?1400–55, Italian fresco painter and Dominican friar

Angell (ˈeIndʒəl)   n   Sir Norman, real name Ralph Norman Angell Lane. 1874–1967, English writer, pacifist, and economist, noted for his work on the economic futility of war, The Great Illusion (1910): Nobel peace prize 1933

angelolatry (ˌeIndʒəˈlɒlətrI)   n   theol the worship of angels

angelology (ˌeIndʒəˈlɒlədʒI)   n   a doctrine or theory treating of angels

■ angelologist (ˌeIndʒəˈlɒlədʒIst)   n   theol a person who studies angelology

angelophany (ˌeIndʒəˈlɒfənI)   n   theol the appearance of an angel before a human

Angelou (ˈændʒəluː)   n   Maya, real name Marguerite Johnson. 1928–2014, US Black novelist, poet, and dramatist. Her works include the autobiographical novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970) and its sequels

Angelus (ˈændʒIləs)   n RC Church   1 a series of prayers recited in the morning, at midday, and in the evening, commemorating the Annunciation and Incarnation   2 the bell (Angelus bell) signalling these prayers [C17: Latin, from the phrase Angelus domini nuntiavit Mariae the angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary]

anger (ˈæŋɡə)   n   1 a feeling of great annoyance or antagonism as the result of some real or supposed grievance; rage; wrath   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make angry; enrage [C12: from Old Norse angr grief; related to Old English enge, Old High German engi narrow, Latin angere to strangle]

■ angerless (ˈæŋɡəlIs)   adj   showing no sign of anger

■ angerly (ˈæŋɡəlI)   adv   archaic angrily

Angers (French ɑ̃ʒe)   n   a city in W France, on the River Maine. Pop: 156 965 (2006)

Angevin (ˈændʒIvIn)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Anjou   2 history a member of the Plantagenet royal line descended from Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, esp one of the kings of England from Henry II to John (1154–1216)   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Anjou or its inhabitants   4 of or relating to the Plantagenet kings of England between 1154 and 1216 [from French, from medieval Latin Andegavinus, from Andegavum, ANGERS capital of ANJOU]

angico (ˈændʒIˌkəʊ)   n   the South American tree, Parapiptadenia rigida

angina (ænˈdʒaInə)   n   1 any disease marked by painful attacks of spasmodic choking, such as Vincent's angina and quinsy   2 Also called: angina pectoris (ˈpɛktərIs) a sudden intense pain in the chest, often accompanied by feelings of suffocation, caused by momentary lack of adequate blood supply to the heart muscle [C16: from Latin: quinsy, from Greek ankhonē a strangling]   > anˈginal adj   > anginose (ænˈdʒaInəʊs, -nəʊz) or anˈginous adj

angio- or before a vowel angi-   combining form   indicating a blood or lymph vessel; seed vessel: angiology; angiosperm; angioma [from Greek angeion vessel]

angiocarpous (ˌændʒIəʊˈkɑːpəs)   adj   being or having fruit contained in a vessel such as a shell

angiogenesis (ˌændʒIəˈɡɛnIsIs)   n   the induction of blood-vessel growth, often in association with a particular organ or tissue, or with a tumour

■ angiogenic (ˌændʒIəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   biology promoting or relating to blood vessel growth

angiogram (ˈændʒIəʊˌɡræm)   n   an X-ray picture obtained by angiography

angiography (ˌændʒIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   a method of obtaining an X-ray of blood vessels by injecting into them a substance, such as one containing iodine, that shows up as opaque on an X-ray picture

■ angiographic (ˌændʒIəʊˈɡræfIk)   adj   med relating to or using angiography

angiology (ˌændʒIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the blood vessels and the lymphatic system

angioma (ˌændʒIˈəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   a tumour consisting of a mass of blood vessels (haemangioma) or a mass of lymphatic vessels (lymphangioma)   > ˌangiˈomatous adj

angioplasty (ˈændʒIəˌplæstI)   n   a surgical technique for restoring normal blood flow through an artery narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis, either by inserting a balloon into the narrowed section and inflating it or by using a laser beam

angiosarcoma (ˌændʒIəʊsɑːˈkəʊmə)   n   med a rare, malignant tumour which grows rapidly in the blood vessels

angiosperm (ˈændʒIəˌspɜːm)   n   any seed-bearing plant of the phylum Angiospermophyta (division Angiospermae in traditional systems), in which the ovules are enclosed in an ovary, which develops into the fruit after fertilization; any flowering plant. Compare gymnosperm   > ˌangioˈspermous adj

■ angiospermal (ˌændʒIəʊˈspɜːməl)   adj   another word for angiospermous

angiostomous (ˌændʒIˈɒstəməs) or angiostomatous (ˌændʒIəʊˈstɒmətəs)   adj   zoology having a narrow opening

angiotensin (ˌændʒIəˈtɛnsIn)   n   a peptide of physiological importance that is capable of causing constriction of blood vessels, which raises blood pressure [from ANGIO- + TENSE^1 + -IN]

■ angiotensin receptor blocker   n   any of a class of drugs that block the uptake of angiotensin: used in the treatment of high blood pressure

angklung (ˈæŋkləŋ)   n   an Asian musical instrument made from bamboo

Angkor (ˈæŋkɔː)   n   a large area of ruins in NW Cambodia, containing Angkor Thom (tɔːm), the capital of the former Khmer Empire, and Angkor Wat (wɒt), a three-storey temple, which were overgrown with dense jungle from the 14th to 19th centuries

angle^1 (ˈæŋɡəl)   n   1 the space between two straight lines that diverge from a common point or between two planes that extend from a common line   2 the shape formed by two such lines or planes   3 the extent to which one such line or plane diverges from another, measured in degrees or radians   4 an angular projection or recess; corner   5 standpoint; point of view: look at the question from another angle; the angle of a newspaper article   6 informal a selfish or devious motive or purpose   7 See angle iron   ▷ vb   8 to move in or bend into angles or an angle   9 (tr) to produce (an article, statement, etc) with a particular point of view   10 (tr) to present, direct, or place at an angle   11 (intr) to turn or bend in a different direction: the path angled sharply to the left [C14: from French, from Old Latin angulus corner]

■ angleberry (ˈæŋɡəlbərI)   n, pl -ries   a wart-like growth on the skin of cattle and horses

■ angle bracket   n   either of a pair of brackets having the shapes < and >

■ angledozer (ˈæŋɡəlˌdəʊzə)   n   a bulldozer with an angled blade which allows earth to be pushed aside

■ angledug (ˈæŋɡəlˌdʌɡ)   n   Southwest English dialect an earthworm. Also: angletwitch

■ angle iron   n   1 Also called: angle, angle bar an iron or a steel structural bar that has an L-shaped cross section   2 any piece of iron or steel forming an angle, esp a right angle

■ angle of advance   n engineering   1 the angle in excess of 90° that a steam-engine valve gear is in advance of the crank   2 the angle between the point of ignition and bottom dead-centre in a spark-ignition engine

■ angle of attack   n   the acute angle between the chord line of an aerofoil and the undisturbed relative airflow. Also called: angle of incidence

■ angle of bank   n   the angle between the lateral axis of an aircraft in flight and the horizontal

■ angle of deviation   n   the angle between the direction of the refracted ray and the direction of the incident ray when a ray of light passes from one medium to another

■ angle of dip   n   the full name for dip (sense 27)

■ angle of friction   n   physics the angle of a plane to the horizontal when a body placed on the plane will just start to slide. The tangent of the angle of friction is the coefficient of static friction

■ angle of incidence   n   1 the angle that a line or beam of radiation makes with the normal to the surface at the point of incidence   2 another name for angle of attack   3 Also called: rigging angle of incidence the angle between the chord line of an aircraft wing or tailplane and the aircraft's longitudinal axis

■ angle of reflection   n   the angle that a beam of reflected radiation makes with the normal to a surface at the point of reflection

■ angle of refraction   n   the angle that a refracted beam of radiation makes with the normal to the surface between two media at the point of refraction

■ angle of repose   n   the maximum angle to the horizontal at which rocks, soil, etc, will remain without sliding

■ angle plate   n   a steel structural plate, esp one in the shape of a right-angled triangle, used to connect structural members and stiffen frameworks

■ anglepod (ˈæŋɡəlˌpɒd)   n   an American wild flowering plant with angular pods, belonging to the milkweed family

■ angletwitch (ˈæŋɡəlˌtwItʃ)   n   another word for angledug

■ anglewise (ˈæŋɡəlˌwaIz)   adv   at an angle, in an angular manner

■ angleworm (ˈæŋɡəlˌwɜːm)   n   an earthworm used as bait by anglers

angle^2 (ˈæŋɡəl)   vb (intr)   1 to fish with a hook and line   2 (often foll by for) to attempt to get: he angled for a compliment   ▷ n   3 obsolete any piece of fishing tackle, esp a hook [Old English angul fish-hook; related to Old High German ango, Latin uncus, Greek onkos]

■ angler (ˈæŋɡlə)   n   1 a person who fishes with a rod and line   2 informal a person who schemes or uses devious methods to secure an advantage   3 Also called: anglerfish any spiny-finned fish of the order Pediculati (or Lophiiformes). They live at the bottom of the sea and typically have a long spiny movable dorsal fin with which they lure their prey

■ angling (ˈæŋɡlIŋ)   n     a the art or sport of catching fish with a rod and line and a baited hook or other lure, such as a fly; fishing   b (as modifier): an angling contest

Angle (ˈæŋɡəl)   n   a member of a West Germanic people from N Germany who invaded and settled large parts of E and N England in the 5th and 6th centuries AD [from Latin Anglus, from Germanic (compare ENGLISH), an inhabitant of Angul, a district in Schleswig (now Angeln), a name identical with Old English angul hook, ANGLE^2, referring to its shape]

Anglesey (ˈæŋɡəlsI)   n   an island and county of N Wales, formerly part of Gwynedd (1974–96), separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait. Administrative centre: Llangefni. Pop: 59 500 (2003 est). Area: 720 sq km (278 sq miles). Welsh name: Ynys Môn

anglesite (ˈæŋɡəlˌsaIt)   n   a white or grey secondary mineral consisting of lead sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form. It occurs in lead-ore deposits and is a source of lead. Formula: PbSO_4 [C19: from ANGLESEY, where it was first found]

Anglia (ˈæŋɡlIə)   n   a Latin name for England

■ Anglian (ˈæŋɡlIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Angles or to the Anglian dialects of Old English   ▷ n   2 the group of Old and Middle English dialects spoken in the Midlands and the north of England, divided into Mercian and Northumbrian. See also Kentish, West Saxon   ▶ See also East Anglia

Anglican (ˈæŋɡlIkən)   adj   1 denoting or relating to the Anglican communion   ▷ n   2 a member of the Church of England or one of the Churches in full communion with it [C17: from Medieval Latin Anglicānus, from Anglicus English, from Latin Anglī the Angles]

■ Anglican Church   n   any Church of the Anglican Communion or the Anglican Communion itself

■ Anglican Communion   n   a group of Christian Churches including the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, the Episcopal Church in Scotland, the Church in Wales, and the Episcopal Church in the US, all of which are in full communion with each other

■ Anglicanism (ˈæŋɡlIkəˌnIzəm)   n   the doctrine and practice of the Church of England and other Anglican Churches

Anglice (ˈæŋɡlIsI)   adv   in English: Roma, Anglice Rome [from Medieval Latin]

Anglicism (ˈæŋɡlIˌsIzəm)   n   1 a word, phrase, or idiom peculiar to the English language, esp as spoken in England   2 an English attitude, custom, etc   3 the fact or quality of being English

■ Anglicist (ˈæŋɡlIsIst) or Anglist   n   rare an expert in or student of English literature or language

anglicize, anglicise (ˈæŋɡlIˌsaIz) or anglify (ˈæŋɡlIˌfaI)   vb -cizes, -cizing, -cized, -cises, -cising, -cised or -fies, -fying, -fied   (sometimes capital) to make or become English in outlook, attitude, form, etc   > ˌangliciˈzation or ˌangliciˈsation n

■ anglicized or anglicised (ˈæŋɡlIsaIzd)   adj   (often capital) having become or been made English in outlook, attitude, form, etc

anglistics (æŋˈɡlIstIks)   n   the study of English language and literature

Anglo (ˈæŋɡləʊ)   n, pl -glos   1 US a White inhabitant of the United States who is not of Latin extraction   2 Austral an Australian of Anglo-Celtic descent   3 Canadian an English-speaking Canadian, esp one of Anglo-Celtic origin; an Anglo-Canadian

Anglo- (ˈæŋɡləʊ-)   combining form   denoting English or England: Anglo-Saxon [from Medieval Latin Angliī]

Anglo-American   adj   1 of or relating to relations between England and the United States or their peoples   ▷ n   2 chiefly US an inhabitant or citizen of the United States who was or whose ancestors were born in England

Anglo-Catholic   adj   1 of or relating to a group within the Church of England or the Anglican Communion that emphasizes the Catholic elements in its teaching and practice   ▷ n   2 a member of this group   > ˌAnglo-Caˈtholiˌcism n

Anglo-Celtic   n, adj   Austral of or relating to an inhabitant of Australia who was or whose ancestors were born in the British Isles

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan   n   the former name (1899–1956) of Sudan

Anglo-French   adj   1 of or relating to England and France   2 of or relating to Anglo-French   ▷ n   3 the Norman-French language of medieval England

Anglo-Indian   adj   1 of or relating to England and India   2 denoting or relating to Anglo-Indians   3 (of a word) introduced into English from an Indian language   ▷ n   4 a person of mixed English and Indian descent   5 an English person who lives or has lived for a long time in India

Anglo-Irish   n   1 the Anglo-Irish (functioning as plural) the inhabitants of Ireland of English birth or descent   2 the English language as spoken in Ireland   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to the Anglo-Irish   4 of or relating to English and Irish   5 of or relating to the English language as spoken in Ireland

Anglomania (ˌæŋɡləʊˈmeInIə)   n   excessive respect for English customs, etc   > ˌAngloˈmaniˌac n, adj

Anglo-Norman history   adj   1 relating to the Norman conquerors of England, their society, or their language   ▷ n   2 a Norman inhabitant of England after 1066   3 the Anglo-French language

Anglophile (ˈæŋɡləʊfIl, -ˌfaIl) or Anglophil   n   1 a person having admiration for England or the English   ▷ adj   2 marked by or possessing such admiration   > Anglophilia (ˌæŋɡləʊˈfIlIə) n   > Anglophiliac (ˌæŋɡləʊˈfIlIˌæk) or Anglophilic (ˌæŋɡləʊˈfIlIk) adj

Anglophobe (ˈæŋɡləʊˌfəʊb)   n   1 a person who hates or fears England or its people   2 Canadian a person who hates or fears Canadian Anglophones   > ˌAngloˈphobia n   > ˌAngloˈphobic adj

■ anglophobiac (ˌæŋɡləʊˈfəʊbIæk)   n   a person with a fear or dread of England or the English

Anglophone (ˈæŋɡləˌfəʊn) often not capital   n   1 a person who speaks English, esp a native speaker   ▷ adj   2 speaking English

■ anglophonic (ˌæŋɡləˈfɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to English speakers

Anglo-Saxon   n   1 a member of any of the West Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) that settled in Britain from the 5th century AD and were dominant until the Norman conquest   2 the language of these tribes. See Old English   3 any White person whose native language is English and whose cultural affiliations are those common to Britain and the US   4 informal plain blunt English, esp English containing taboo words   ▷ adj   5 forming part of the Germanic element in Modern English: 'forget' is an Anglo-Saxon word   6 of or relating to the Anglo-Saxons or the Old English language   7 of or relating to the White Protestant culture of Britain, Australia, and the US   8 informal (of English speech or writing) plain and blunt   9 of or relating to Britain and the US, esp their common legal, political, and commercial cultures, as compared to continental Europe

Anglosphere (ˈæŋɡləʊˌsfIə)   n   a group of English-speaking countries that share common roots in British culture and history, usually the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada

Angola (æŋˈɡəʊlə)   n   a republic in SW Africa, on the Atlantic: includes the enclave of Cabinda, north of the River Congo; a Portuguese possession from 1575 until its independence in 1975; multiparty constitution adopted in 1991; factional violence. It consists of a narrow coastal plain with a large fertile plateau in the east. Official language: Portuguese. Currency: kwanza. Religion: Christian majority. Capital: Luanda. Pop: 29 784 193 (2017 est). Area: 1 246 693 sq km (481 351 sq miles)

■ Angolan (æŋˈɡəʊlən)   adj   1 of or relating to Angola or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Angola

angophora (æŋˈɡɒfərə)   n   any tree of the genus Angophora, related to the eucalyptus and native to E Australia [New Latin, from Greek angeion vessel + phoreus bearer]

angora (æŋˈɡɔːrə)   n (sometimes capital)     a the long soft hair of the outer coat of the Angora goat or the fur of the Angora rabbit   b yarn, cloth, or clothing made from this hair   c a material made to resemble this yarn or cloth   d (as modifier): an angora sweater. See also mohair [from angora, former name of Ankara, in Turkey]

Angora   n   1 (æŋˈɡɔːrə, ˈæŋɡərə) the former name (until 1930) of Ankara   2 (æŋˈɡɔːrə) short for Angora cat, Angora goat, Angora rabbit

■ Angora cat   n   1 a long-haired variety of cat, originating in Britain from crosses between Abyssinian and Siamese breeds in the 1960s   2 a former Turkish breed of cats popular in the 19th century

■ Angora goat   n   a breed of domestic goat with long soft hair

■ Angora rabbit   n   a breed of rabbit with long usually white silky hair

Angostura (Spanish aŋɡɔsˈtura)   n   the former name (1764–1846) for Ciudad Bolívar

■ angostura bark (ˌæŋɡəˈstjʊərə)   n   the bitter aromatic bark of certain South American rutaceous trees of the genus Cusparia or Galipea, formerly used medicinally to reduce fever [C18: from ANGOSTURA]

■ Angostura bitters (ˌæŋɡəˈstjʊərə)   pl n   trademark a bitter aromatic tonic made from gentian and various spices and vegetable colourings, used as a flavouring in alcoholic drinks

Angra do Heroísmo (Portuguese ˈə̃ɡrə duː irˈwiʒmu)   n   a port in the Azores, on Terceira Island. Pop: 35 581 (2001)

angry (ˈæŋɡrI)   adj -grier, -griest   1 feeling or expressing annoyance, animosity, or resentment; enraged   2 suggestive of anger: angry clouds   3 severely inflamed: an angry sore   > ˈangrily adv

USAGE

It was formerly considered incorrect to talk about being angry at a person, but this use is now acceptable

■ angriness (ˈæŋɡrInəs)   n   the state or quality of being angry

■ angry young man   n   1 (often capitals) one of several British novelists and playwrights of the 1950s who shared a hostility towards the established traditions and ruling elements of their country   2 any similarly rebellious person

angst (æŋst; German aŋst)   n   1 an acute but nonspecific sense of anxiety or remorse   2 (in Existentialist philosophy) the dread caused by a person's awareness that his or her future is not determined but must be freely chosen [German]

■ angst-ridden   adj   characterized by a feeling of dread or anxiety

■ angsty (ˈæŋstI)   adj angstier, angstiest   informal displaying or feeling angst, esp in a self-conscious manner: two angsty teenagers

angstrom (ˈæŋstrʌm, -strəm)   n   Also called: angstrom unit a unit of length equal to 10–10 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre. Symbol: Å, A [C20: named after Anders J. ÅNGSTRÖM]

Ångström (ˈæŋstrəm; Swedish ˈɔŋstrœm)   n   Anders Jonas (ˈandərs ˈjuːnas). 1814–74, Swedish physicist, noted for his work on spectroscopy and solar physics

anguifauna (ˈæŋwIˌfɔːnə)   n   the snakes inhabiting a particular region

anguiform (ˈæŋwIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a snake

Anguilla (æŋˈɡwIlə)   n   an island in the Caribbean, in the Leeward Islands: part of the British associated state of St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla from 1967 until 1980, when it reverted to the status of a British dependency and is now a UK Overseas Territory. Pop: 15 754 (2013 est). Area: 90 sq km (35 sq miles)

anguilliform (æŋˈɡwIlIˌfɔːm)   adj   having the shape or form of an eel [C17: from Latin anguilla eel, diminutive of anguis snake]

anguine (ˈæŋɡwIn)   adj   of, relating to, or similar to a snake [C17: from Latin anguīnus, from anguis snake]

anguiped (ˈæŋɡwIˈˌpɛd) myth   adj   1 having snakes for feet or legs   ▷ n   2 Also: anguipede a mythological creature of Persian origin with a rooster's head and snakes for legs

anguish (ˈæŋɡwIʃ)   n   1 extreme pain or misery; mental or physical torture; agony   ▷ vb   2 to afflict or be afflicted with anguish [C13: from Old French angoisse a strangling, from Latin angustia narrowness, from angustus narrow]

■ anguished (ˈæŋɡwIʃt)   adj   feeling or expressing anguish

angular (ˈæŋɡjʊlə)   adj   1 lean or bony   2 awkward or stiff in manner or movement   3 having an angle or angles   4 placed at an angle   5 measured by an angle or by the rate at which an angle changes [C15: from Latin angulāris, from angulus ANGLE^1]   > ˈangularly adv   > ˈangularness n

■ angular acceleration   n   1 the rate of change of angular velocity   2 astronautics the acceleration of a space vehicle around an axis

■ angular displacement   n   physics the angle through which a point, line, or body is rotated about a specific axis in a given direction

■ angular frequency   n   physics the frequency of a periodic process, wave system, etc, expressed in radians per second

■ angularity (ˌæŋɡjʊˈlærItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the condition of being angular   2 an angular form or shape

■ angular magnification   n   physics the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by an image formed by an optical instrument to the angle subtended at the unaided eye by the object

■ angular momentum   n   a property of a mass or system of masses turning about some fixed point; it is conserved in the absence of the action of external forces

■ angular velocity   n   the velocity of a body rotating about a specified axis measured as the rate of change of the angle subtended at that axis by the path of the body. Symbol: ω

■ angulate   adj (ˈæŋɡjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   1 having angles or an angular shape   ▷ vb (ˈæŋɡjʊˌleIt)   2 to make or become angular [C18: from Late Latin angulāre to make angled, from Latin angulus ANGLE^1]   > ˈanguˌlated adj

■ angulation (ˌæŋɡjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 an angular formation   2 the precise measurement of angles

angulous (ˈæŋjʊləs) or angulose (ˈæŋjʊˌləʊs)   adj   angular or having angles

Angus (ˈæŋɡəs)   n   a council area of E Scotland on the North Sea: the historical county of Angus became part of Tayside region in 1975; reinstated as a unitary authority (excluding City of Dundee) in 1996. Administrative centre: Forfar. Pop: 107 520 (2003 est). Area: 2181 sq km (842 sq miles)

Angus Og (əʊɡ)   n   Irish myth the god of love and beauty

angustifoliate (æŋˌɡʌstIˈfəʊlIət)   adj   botany having thin or narrow leaves

angustirostrate (æŋˌɡʌstIˈrɒstreIt)   adj   biology having a narrow, beak-like part

angwantibo (æŋˈɡwæntIˌbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   a rare gold-coloured prosimian primate of tropical Africa, Arctocebus calabarensis, having digits that are specialized as a pair of pincers for climbing: family Lorisidae (lorises). Also called: golden potto [C19: from Efik]

Anhalt (German ˈanhalt)   n   a former duchy and state of central E Germany, now part of the state of Saxony-Anhalt: part of East Germany until 1990

anharmonic (ˌænhɑːˈmɒnIk)   adj   physics of or concerned with an oscillation whose frequency is not an integral factor or multiple of the base frequency

anhedonia (ˌænhIˈdəʊnIə)   n   med the inability to feel or experience pleasure

■ anhedonic (ˌænhIˈdɒnIk)   adj   unable to feel or experience pleasure

anhedral (ænˈhiːdrəl)   n   the downward inclination of an aircraft wing in relation to the lateral axis. Compare dihedral (sense 4)

anhelation (ˌænhIˈleIʃən)   n   a panting or shortness of breath causing breathing difficulty

anhidrosis (ˌænhIˈdrəʊsIs) or anidrosis   n   pathol the absence of sweating [from AN- + Greek hidrōs sweat + -OSIS]

■ anhidrotic (ˌænhIˈdrɒtIk) med   adj   1 curbing the secretion of sweat   ▷ n   2 a substance that suppresses sweating

anhinga (ænˈhIŋɡə)   n   another name for darter (sense 1) [C18: via Portuguese from Tupi]

Anhui or Anhwei (ˈænˈweI)   n   a province of E China, crossed by the Yangtze River. Capital: Hefei. Pop: 64 100 000 (2003 est). Area: 139 860 sq km (54 000 sq miles)

anhungered or anhungred (ænˈhʌŋɡəd)   adj   archaic overcome or oppressed with hunger

anhydrase (ænˈhaIdreIz)   n   an enzyme that catalyses the removal of water

anhydride (ænˈhaIdraId, -drId)   n   1 a compound that has been formed from another compound by dehydration   2 a compound that forms an acid or base when added to water   3 Also called: acid anhydride, acyl anhydride any organic compound containing the group -CO.O.CO- formed by removal of one water molecule from two carboxyl groups [C19: from ANHYDR(OUS) + -IDE]

■ anhydrite (ænˈhaIdraIt)   n   a colourless or greyish-white mineral, found in sedimentary rocks. It is used in the manufacture of cement, fertilizers, and chemicals. Composition: anhydrous calcium sulphate. Formula: CaSO_4. Crystal structure: orthorhombic [C19: from ANHYDR(OUS) + -ITE^1]

■ anhydrous (ænˈhaIdrəs)   adj   containing no water, esp no water of crystallization [C19: from Greek anudros; see AN-, HYDRO-]

ani (ˈɑːnI)   n, pl anis   any of several gregarious tropical American birds of the genus Crotophaga: family Cuculidae (cuckoos). They have a black plumage, long square-tipped tail, and heavily hooked bill [Spanish aní, from Tupi]

Aniakchak (ˌænIˈæktʃæk)   n   an active volcanic crater in SW Alaska, on the Alaska Peninsula: the largest explosion crater in the world. Height: 1347 m (4420 ft). Diameter: 9 km (6 miles)

anicca (ˈænikə)   n   (in Theravada Buddhism) the belief that all things, including the self, are impermanent and constantly changing: the first of the three basic characteristics of existence. Compare anata, dukkha [Pali, literally: impermanence]

aniconic (ˌænaIˈkɒnIk)   adj   (of images of deities, symbols, etc) not portrayed in a human or animal form [C19: from AN- + ICONIC]

■ aniconism (ænˈaIkənIzəm)   n   the belief in not using or worshipping images of deities

■ aniconist (ænˈaIkənIst)   n   a believer or follower of aniconism

anicut (ˈænIkʌt)   n   a dam, found in streams in India, which serves to control the flow of an irrigation system

anigh (əˈnaI)   adv   archaic near, close

anight (əˈnaIt)   adv archaic   at or by night

anil (ˈænIl)   n   a leguminous West Indian shrub, Indigofera suffruticosa: a source of indigo. Also called: indigo [C16: from Portuguese, from Arabic an-nīl, the indigo, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue]

anile (ˈænaIl, ˈeInaIl)   adj   of or like a feeble old woman [C17: from Latin anīlis, from anus old woman]   > anility (əˈnIlItI) n

anilinctus (ˌeInIˈlIŋktəs)   n   a less common word for anilingus

aniline or anilin (ˈænIlIn, -ˌliːn)   n   a colourless oily pungent poisonous liquid used in the manufacture of dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. Formula: C_6H_5NH_2. Also called: phenylamine

■ aniline dye   n   any synthetic dye originally made from raw materials, such as aniline, obtained from coal tar

anilingus (ˌeInIˈlIŋɡəs)   n   sexual stimulation involving oral contact with the anus [C20: from ani- ANUS + -lingus, as in CUNNILINGUS]

anim.   abbreviation for   animato

anima (ˈænImə)   n (in Jungian psychology)     a the feminine principle as present in the male unconscious   b the inner personality, which is in communication with the unconscious. See also animus [Latin: air, breath, spirit, feminine of ANIMUS]

animacy (ˈænIməsI)   n   the state of being alive and animate

animadvert (ˌænImædˈvɜːt)   vb (intr)   1 (usually foll by on or upon) to comment with strong criticism (upon); make censorious remarks (about)   2 to make an observation or comment [C16: from Latin animadvertere to notice, pay attention, from animus mind + advertere to turn to, from vertere to turn]

■ animadversion (ˌænImædˈvɜːʃən)   n   1 criticism or censure   2 a carefully considered observation

■ animadverter (ˌænImædˈvɜːtə)   n   a person who expresses his or her opinion without fear of criticism or rebuke

animal (ˈænIməl)   n   1 zoology any living organism characterized by voluntary movement, the possession of cells with noncellulose cell walls and specialized sense organs enabling rapid response to stimuli, and the ingestion of complex organic substances such as plants and other animals. Related prefix: zoo-   2 any mammal, esp any mammal other than a human   3 a brutish person   4 facetious a person or thing (esp in the phrase no such animal)   5 Austral informal a very dirty car   ▷ adj   6 of, relating to, or derived from animals: animal products; an animal characteristic   7 of or relating to the physical needs or desires; carnal; sensual [C14: from Latin animal (n), from animālis (adj) living, breathing; see ANIMA]

■ animal husbandry   n   the science of breeding, rearing, and caring for farm animals

■ animalic (ˌænIˈmælIk)   adj   relating to animals

■ animalism (ˈænIməˌlIzəm)   n   1 satisfaction of or preoccupation with physical matters; sensuality   2 the doctrine or belief that humans lack a spiritual nature   3 a trait or mode of behaviour typical of animals   > ˈanimalist n

■ animalistic (ˈænIməˌlIstIk)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling an animal or animals; brutish

■ animality (ˌænIˈmælItI)   n   1 the animal side of humans, as opposed to the intellectual or spiritual   2 the fact of being or having the characteristics of an animal

■ animalize or animalise (ˈænIməˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to rouse to brutality or sensuality or make brutal or sensual   > ˌanimaliˈzation or ˌanimaliˈsation n

■ animal kingdom   n   a category of living organisms comprising all animals. Compare plant kingdom, mineral kingdom

■ Animal Liberation Front   n   an animal-rights movement founded in Britain, often using direct action. Abbreviation: ALF

■ animally (ˈænIməlI)   adv   1 obsolete in a physical manner or from the point of view of the anima   2 in a physical or animal rather than cerebral manner

■ animal magnetism   n   1 sometimes facetious the quality of being sexually attractive   2 obsolete hypnotism

■ animal rights   pl n     a the rights of animals to be protected from exploitation and abuse by humans   b (as modifier): the animal-rights lobby

■ animal spirits   pl n   cheerful and exuberant boisterousness [originally, referring to a vital force believed to be dispatched throughout the body by the brain]

■ animal starch   n   a less common name for glycogen

animalcule (ˌænIˈmælkjuːl) or animalculum (ˌænIˈmælkjʊləm)   n, pl -cules or -cula (-kjʊlə)   a microscopic animal such as an amoeba or rotifer [C16: from New Latin animalculum a small ANIMAL]   > ˌaniˈmalcular adj

■ animalculism (ˌænIˈmælkjuːˌlIzəm)   n   biology the theory explaining psychological and pathological phenomena through animalcules

■ animalculist (ˌænIˈmælkjʊˌlIst)   n   1 a person who subscribes to the theory of animalculism   2 a person who investigates and analyses animalcules

animalier (ˈænIməˌlIə, ˌænIˈmælIeI)   n     a a painter or sculptor of animal subjects, esp a member of a group of early 19th-century French sculptors who specialized in realistic figures of animals, usually in bronze   b (as modifier): an animalier bronze [from French]

animate   vb (ˈænIˌmeIt) (tr)   1 to give life to or cause to come alive   2 to make lively; enliven   3 to encourage or inspire   4 to impart motion to; move to action or work   5 to record on film or video tape so as to give movement to: an animated cartoon   ▷ adj (ˈænImIt)   6 being alive or having life   7 gay, spirited, or lively [C16: from Latin animāre to fill with breath, make alive, from anima breath, spirit]

■ animated (ˈænIˌmeItId)   adj   1 full of vivacity and spirit; lively   2 characterized by movement and activity: an animated scene met her eye   3 possessing life; animate   4 moving or appearing to move as if alive: an animated display   5 pertaining to cinematographic animation   > ˈaniˌmatedly adv

■ animated cartoon   n   a film produced by photographing a series of gradually changing drawings, etc, which give the illusion of movement when the series is projected rapidly

■ animateness (ˈænImətnəs)   n   the condition of being alive or living

■ animatic (ˌænIˈmætIk)   n   an initial edition or forerunner of a film, often a commercial, which contains a sequence of storyboard shots accompanied by a soundtrack

■ animatingly (ˈænIˌmeItIŋlI)   adv   in a quickening, stirring or energizing manner

■ animation (ˌænIˈmeIʃən)   n   1 liveliness; vivacity   2 the condition of being alive   3    a the techniques used in the production of animated cartoons   b a variant of animated cartoon

■ animatism (ˈænIməˌtIzəm)   n   the belief that inanimate objects have consciousness

■ animator or animater (ˈænIˌmeItə)   n   1 an artist who produces animated cartoons   2 Canadian a person who coordinates or facilitates something, esp a television or radio presenter

animato (ˌænIˈmɑːtəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in a lively manner [Italian]

animatronics (ˌænIməˈtrɒnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) a branch of film and theatre technology that combines traditional puppetry techniques with electronics to create lifelike animated effects [C20: from ANIMA(TION) + (ELEC)TRONICS]

■ animatronic (ˌænIməˈtrɒnIk)   adj   of, concerned with, or operated by animatronics: animatronic dinosaurs

anime (ˈænIˌmeI)   n   a type of Japanese animated film with themes and styles similar to manga comics [C20: from Japanese]

animé^1 (ˈænIˌmeI, -mI)   n   any of various resins, esp that obtained from the tropical American leguminous tree Hymenaea courbaril [French: of uncertain origin]

animé^2 (ˈænIˌmeI)   adj, adv   music the French word for animato

animism (ˈænIˌmIzəm)   n   1 the belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself have desires and intentions   2 (in the philosophies of Plato and Pythagoras) the hypothesis that there is an immaterial force that animates the universe [C19: from Latin anima vital breath, spirit]   > ˈanimist n   > animistic (ˌænIˈmIstIk) adj

animosity (ˌænIˈmɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   a powerful and active dislike or hostility; enmity [C15: from Late Latin animōsitās, from Latin animōsus spirited, from ANIMUS]

animus (ˈænIməs)   n   1 intense dislike; hatred; animosity   2 motive, intention, or purpose   3 (in Jungian psychology) the masculine principle present in the female unconscious. See also anima [C19: from Latin: mind, spirit]

anion (ˈænˌaIən)   n   a negatively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the anode during electrolysis. Compare cation [C19: from ANA- + ION]   > anionic (ˌænaIˈɒnIk) adj

aniridia (ˌænIˈrIdIə)   n   the absence of an iris, due to a congenital condition or an injury

anise (ˈænIs)   n   a Mediterranean umbelliferous plant, Pimpinella anisum, having clusters of small yellowish-white flowers and liquorice-flavoured seeds. See aniseed [C13: from Old French anis, via Latin from Greek anison]

■ aniseed (ˈænIˌsiːd)   n   the liquorice-flavoured aromatic seeds of the anise plant, used medicinally for expelling intestinal gas and in cookery as a flavouring, esp in cakes and confections. Also called: anise

■ anisette (ˌænIˈzɛt, -ˈsɛt)   n   a liquorice-flavoured liqueur made from aniseed [C19: from French; see ANISE, -ETTE]

■ anisic (əˈniːsIk)   adj   chem relating to or resulting from anise

aniseikonia (ˌænaIsaIˈkəʊnIə)   n   a condition caused by a defect in the lens of the eye in which the images produced in the two eyes differ in size or shape [C20: New Latin, from ANISO- + Greek eikon image]   > ˌaniseiˈkonic adj

aniso- or before a vowel anis-   combining form   not equal: anisogamy [New Latin, from Greek anisos; see AN-, ISO-]

anisocercal (ænˌaIsəʊˈsɜːkəl)   adj   (of fish) having unequal tail-fin lobes [C19: from ANISO- + Greek kerkos tail]

anisodactyl (ænˌaIsəʊˈdæktIl, ˌænaI-)   adj also anisodactylous   1 (of the feet of passerine birds) having the first toe directed backwards and the other three toes directed forwards   ▷ n   2 a bird having this type of feet

anisogamy (ˌænaIˈsɒɡəmI)   n   a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes are dissimilar, either in size alone or in size and form   > ˌaniˈsogamous adj

anisole (ˈænIˌsəʊl)   n   a colourless pleasant-smelling liquid used as a solvent and vermicide and in perfume and flavouring. Formula: C_6H_5OCH_3; relative density: 0.996; melting pt: –37.5°C; boiling pt: 155°C. Also called: methoxybenzene [C19: from ANISE + -OLE^1]

anisomeric (ænˌaIsəʊˈmɛrIk)   adj   (of a chemical compound) lacking isomers

anisomerous (ˌænIˈsɒmərəs)   adj   (of flowers) having floral whorls that differ in the number of their parts. Compare isomerous (sense 2)

anisometric (ænˌaIsəʊˈmɛtrIk)   adj   1 not isometric; having unsymmetrical parts or unequal measurements   2 (of a crystal) having unequal axes

anisometropia (ænˌaIsəʊməˈtrəʊpIə, ˌænaI-)   n   an imbalance in the power of the two eyes to refract light

■ anisometropic (ænˌaIsəʊməˈtrɒpIk)   adj   pathol relating to anisometropia

anisomorphic (ænˌaIsəʊˈmɔːfIk)   adj   linguistics differing in the semantic scope of terms referring to the real world: for instance, English and Russian are anisomorphic with regard to colour terms, English treating light blue and navy blue as shades of one colour but Russian treating these two shades as unrelated

anisophyllous (æˌnaIsəʊˈfIləs)   adj   another word for heterophyllous   > anˈisoˌphylly n

anisotropic (ænˌaIsəʊˈtrɒpIk, ˌænaI-)   adj   1 not isotropic; having different physical properties in different directions: anisotropic crystals   2 (of a plant) responding unequally to an external stimulus in different parts of the plant   > anˌisoˈtropically adv   > anisotropy (ˌænaIˈsɒtrəpI) n

■ anisotropism (ænˌaIsəʊˈtrɒpIzəm)   n   the state of being anisotropic

Anjou (French ɑ̃ʒu)   n   a former province of W France, in the Loire valley: a medieval countship from the 10th century, belonging to the English crown from 1154 until 1204; annexed by France in 1480. Related adjective: Angevin

Ankara (ˈæŋkərə)   n   the capital of Turkey: an ancient city in the Anatolian highlands: first a capital in the 3rd century BC, in the Celtic kingdom of Galatia. Pop: 4 749 968 (2015 est). Ancient name: Ancyra. Former name (until 1930): Angora

anker (ˈæŋkə)   n   1 a unit of measurement of spirits or wine, used in various countries and formerly in England, where it was equivalent to gallons   2 a drum or barrel that contains or can contain the amount of an anker

ankerite (ˈæŋkəˌraIt)   n   a greyish to brown mineral that resembles dolomite and consists of a carbonate of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Formula: (Ca,Mg,Fe)CO_3 [C19: named after M. J. Anker (died 1843), Austrian mineralogist]

ankh (æŋk)   n   a tau cross with a loop on the top, symbolizing eternal life: often appearing in Egyptian personal names, such as Tutankhamen. Also called: ansate cross, crux ansata [from Egyptian `nh life, soul]

Anking (ˈɑːnˈkIŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Anqing

ankle (ˈæŋkəl)   n   1 the joint connecting the leg and the foot. See talus^1   2 the part of the leg just above the foot [C14: from Old Norse; related to German, Dutch enkel, Latin angulus ANGLE^1]

■ ankle biter   n   Austral slang a child

■ anklebone (ˈæŋkəlˌbəʊn)   n   the nontechnical name for talus^1

■ ankle-deep   adj   1 tall or deep enough to cover the ankles   2 standing in water, mud, etc that is tall or deep enough to cover the ankles

■ ankle sock   n   (often plural) Brit a short sock coming up to the ankle. US term: anklet

■ anklet (ˈæŋklIt)   n   1 an ornamental chain worn around the ankle   2 the US word for ankle sock

anklung (ˈæŋkləŋ) or anklong (ˈæŋklɒŋ)   n   a bamboo musical instrument commonly played in Asia

ankus (ˈæŋkəs) or ankush (ˈæŋkəʃ)   n, pl -kus, -kuses or -kush, -kushes   a stick used, esp in India, for goading elephants [from Hindi]

ankylosaur (ˈæŋkIləʊˌsɔː) or ankylosaurus (ˌæŋkIləʊˈsɔːrəs)   n   any of various quadrupedal herbivorous ornithischian dinosaurs constituting the suborder Ankylosauria, which were most abundant in upper Cretaceous times and had a very heavily armoured tanklike body [C20: from New Latin, from Greek ankulos crooked + -SAUR]

ankylose or anchylose (ˈæŋkIˌləʊs, -ˌləʊz)   vb   (of bones in a joint, etc) to fuse or stiffen by ankylosis

■ ankylosing spondylitis   n   med inflammation of the spine causing two or more vertebrae to become fused

■ ankylosis or anchylosis (ˌæŋkIˈləʊsIs)   n   abnormal adhesion or immobility of the bones in a joint, as by a direct joining of the bones, a fibrous growth of tissues within the joint, or surgery [C18: from New Latin, from Greek ankuloun to crook]   > ankylotic or anchylotic (ˌæŋkIˈlɒtIk) adj

ankylostomiasis (ˌæŋkIˌlɒstəˈmaIəsIs)   n   a variant of ancylostomiasis

anlace (ˈænlIs) or anelace   n   a medieval short dagger with a broad tapering blade [C13: of unknown origin]

anlage (ˈænˌlɑːɡə)   n, pl -gen (-ɡən) or -ges   another word for primordium [German: predisposition, layout]

An Lu Shan (æn luː ʃæn)   n   703–57 AD, Chinese military governor. He declared himself emperor (756) and seized the capital Chang An; murdered by a eunuch slave

anna (ˈænə)   n   a former Indian copper coin, worth one sixteenth of a rupee [C18: from Hindi ānā]

Annaba (ˈænəbə)   n   a port in NE Algeria: site of the Roman city of Hippo Regius. Pop: 382 000 (2005 est). Former name: Bône

annabergite (ˈænəˌbɜːɡaIt)   n   a rare green secondary mineral consisting of hydrated nickel arsenate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: Ni_3(AsO_4)2.8H_2O. Also called: nickel bloom [C19: named after Annaberg in Saxony, where it was discovered; see -ITE^1]

annal (ˈænəl)   n   the recorded events of one year

■ annalize or annalise (ˈænəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   obsolete to document in annals or historical records

■ annals (ˈænəlz)   pl n   1 yearly records of events, generally in chronological order   2 history or records of history in general   3 regular reports of the work of a society, learned body, etc [C16: from Latin (librī) annālēs yearly (books), from annus year]   > ˈannalist n   > ˌannalˈistic adj

Annam or Anam (æˈnæm, ˈænæm)   n   a former kingdom (3rd century–1428), empire (1428–1884), and French protectorate (1884–1945) of E Indochina: now part of Vietnam

■ Annamese (ˌænəˈmiːz)   adj   1 of or relating to Annam   ▷ adj, n   2 a former word for Vietnamese

Annan (ˈænæn)   n   Kofi (ˈkəʊfI). 1938–2018, Ghanaian international civil servant; secretary-general of the United Nations (1997–2007): Nobel peace prize 2001 with the UN

Annapolis (əˈnæpəlIs)   n   the capital of Maryland, near the mouth of the Severn River on Chesapeake Bay: site of the US Naval Academy. Pop: 36 178 (2003 est)

Annapolis Royal   n   a town in SE Canada in W Nova Scotia on an arm of the Bay of Fundy: the first European settlement in Canada (1605). Pop: 550 (2001). Former name (until 1710): Port Royal

Annapurna or Anapurna (ˌænəˈpʊənə)   n   a massif of the Himalayas, in Nepal. Highest peak: 8078 m (26 502 ft)

Ann Arbor (æn ˈɑːbə)   n   a city in SE Michigan: seat of the University of Michigan. Pop: 114 498 (2003 est)

annat (ˈænət)   n   (formerly in Scotland) a pension paid to the widow of a church minister

annates (ˈæneIts, -əts)   pl n   RC Church the first year's revenue of a see, an abbacy, or a minor benefice, paid to the pope [C16: plural of French annate, from Medieval Latin annāta, from Latin annus year]

annatto or anatto (əˈnætəʊ)   n, pl -tos   1 a small tropical American tree, Bixa orellana, having red or pinkish flowers and pulpy seeds that yield a dye: family Bixaceae   2 the yellowish-red dye obtained from the pulpy outer layer of the coat of the seeds of this tree, used for colouring fabrics, butter, varnish, etc   ▶ Also called: annatta [from Carib]

Anne (æn)   n   1  Princess, the Princess Royal. born 1950, daughter of Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; a noted horsewoman and president of the Save the Children Fund   2  Queen. 1665–1714, queen of Great Britain and Ireland (1702–14), daughter of James II, and the last of the Stuart monarchs   3  Saint. (in Christian tradition) the mother of the Virgin Mary. Feast day: July 26 or 25

anneal (əˈniːl)   vb   1 to temper or toughen (something) by heat treatment   2 to subject to or undergo some physical treatment, esp heating, that removes internal stress, crystal defects, and dislocations   3 (tr) to toughen or strengthen (the will, determination, etc)   4 (often foll by out) physics to disappear or cause to disappear by a rearrangement of atoms: defects anneal out at different temperatures   ▷ n   5 an act of annealing [Old English onǣlan, from ON + ǣlan to burn, from āl fire]   > anˈnealer n

Anne Boleyn   n   See Boleyn

annectent (əˈnɛktənt)   adj   linking or connecting

Annecy (French ansi)   n   1 a city and resort in E France, on Lake Annecy. Pop: 52 890 (2006)   2 Lake Annecy a lake in E France, in the Alps

annelid (ˈænəlId)   n   1 any worms of the phylum Annelida, in which the body is divided into segments both externally and internally. The group includes the earthworms, lugworm, ragworm, and leeches   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Annelida [C19: from New Latin Annelida, from French annelés, literally: the ringed ones, from Old French annel ring, from Latin ānellus, from ānulus ring]   > annelidan (əˈnɛlIdən) n, adj

Anne of Austria   n   1601–66, wife of Louis XIII of France and daughter of Philip III of Spain: regent of France (1643–61) for her son Louis XIV

Anne of Bohemia   n   1366–94, queen consort of Richard II of England

Anne of Cleves (kliːvz)   n   1515–57, the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England: their marriage (1540) was annulled after six months

Anne of Denmark   n   1574–1619, wife (from 1589) of James I of England and VI of Scotland

annex   vb (æˈnɛks) (tr)   1 to join or add, esp to something larger; attach   2 to add (territory) by conquest or occupation   3 to add or append as a condition, warranty, etc   4 to appropriate without permission   ▷ n (ˈænɛks)   5 a variant spelling (esp US) of annexe [C14: from Medieval Latin annexāre, from Latin annectere to attach to, from nectere to join]   > anˈnexable adj

■ annexation (ˌænIkˈseIʃən, -ɛk-)   n   1 the act of annexing, esp territory, or the condition of being annexed   2 something annexed   > ˌannexˈational adj   > ˌannexˈationism n   > ˌannexˈationist n

■ annexe or esp US annex (ˈænɛks)   n   1    a an extension to a main building   b a building used as an addition to a main building nearby   2 something added or annexed, esp a supplement to a document

■ annexion (əˈnɛkʃən)   n   an obsolete word for annexation

■ annexment (ˈænɛksmənt) or annexure (ˈænɛksjʊə)   n   a thing that is adjoined or added on

annicut (ˈænIˌkʌt)   n   a dam in India constructed in order to supply waterways leading from it

Annigoni (Italian anniˈɡoːni)   n   Pietro (ˈpjɛːtro). 1910–88, Italian painter; noted esp for his portraits of President Kennedy (1961) and Queen Elizabeth II (1955 and 1970)

annihilate (əˈnaIəˌleIt)   vb   1 (tr) to destroy completely; extinguish   2 (tr) informal to defeat totally, as in debate or argument   3 (intr) physics to undergo annihilation [C16: from Late Latin annihilāre to bring to nothing, from Latin nihil nothing]   > annihilable (əˈnaIələbəl) adj   > anˈnihilative adj   > anˈnihiˌlator n

■ annihilation (əˌnaIəˈleIʃən)   n   1 total destruction   2 the act of annihilating   3 physics the destruction of a particle and its antiparticle when they collide. The annihilation of an electron with a positron generates two or, very rarely, three photons of annihilation radiation. The annihilation of a nucleon with its antiparticle generates several pions

■ annihilationism (əˌnaIIˈleIʃənIzəm)   n   theol the teaching or principle that trespassers and evildoers are completely destroyed rather than made to suffer in hell after death

anniversary (ˌænIˈvɜːsərI)   n, pl -ries   1 the date on which an event occurred in some previous year: a wedding anniversary   2 the celebration of this   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to an anniversary   4 recurring every year, esp on the same date [C13: from Latin anniversārius returning every year, from annus year + vertere to turn]

■ anniversary day   n   NZ a day for celebrating the foundation date of one of the former Provinces

anno Latin (ˈænəʊ)   adv   in the year

■ anno Domini (ˈænəʊ ˈdɒmIˌnaI, -ˌniː)   adv   1 the full form of AD   ▷ n   2 informal advancing old age [Latin: in the year of our Lord]

■ anno regni Latin (ˈænəʊ ˈrɛɡnaI)     in the year of the reign

■ anno urbis conditae Latin (ˈænəʊ ˈɜːbIs ˈkɒndIˌtiː)     the full form of AUC [literally: in the year of the founding of the city]

annona (əˈnəʊnə)   n   a tropical shrub or tree, of the family Annonaceae, native to America

annotate (ˈænəʊˌteIt, ˈænə-)   vb   to supply (a written work, such as an ancient text) with critical or explanatory notes [C18: from Latin annotāre, from nota mark]   > ˈannoˌtatable adj   > ˈannoˌtative adj   > ˈannoˌtator n

■ annotated (ˈænəˌteItId)   adj   supplied with critical or explanatory notes

■ annotation (ˌænəʊˈteIʃən, ˌænə-)   n   1 the act of annotating   2 a note added in explanation, etc, esp of some literary work

announce (əˈnaʊns)   vb   1 (tr; may take a clause as object) to make known publicly; proclaim   2 (tr) to declare the arrival of: to announce a guest   3 (tr; may take a clause as object) to reveal to the mind or senses; presage: the dark clouds announced rain   4 (intr) to work as an announcer, as on radio or television   5 US to make known (one's intention to run as a candidate): to announce for the presidency [C15: from Old French anoncer, from Latin annuntiāre, from nuntius messenger]

■ announcement (əˈnaʊnsmənt)   n   1 a public statement   2 a brief item or advertisement, as in a newspaper   3 a formal printed or written invitation   4 the act of announcing

■ announcer (əˈnaʊnsə)   n   a person who announces, esp one who reads the news, introduces programmes, etc, on radio or television

annoy (əˈnɔI)   vb   1 to irritate or displease   2 to harass with repeated attacks [C13: from Old French anoier, from Late Latin inodiāre to make hateful, from Latin in odiō (esse) (to be) hated, from odium hatred]   > anˈnoyer n

■ annoyance (əˈnɔIəns)   n   1 the feeling of being annoyed   2 the act of annoying   3 a person or thing that annoys

■ annoyed (əˈnɔId)   adj   irritated or displeased

■ annoying (əˈnɔIIŋ)   adj   causing irritation or displeasure   > anˈnoyingly adv

annual (ˈænjʊəl)   adj   1 occurring, done, etc, once a year or every year; yearly: an annual income   2 lasting for a year: an annual subscription   ▷ n   3 a plant that completes its life cycle in less than one year. Compare perennial (sense 3), biennial (sense 3)   4 a book, magazine, etc, published once every year [C14: from Late Latin annuālis, from Latin annuus yearly, from annus year]   > ˈannually adv

■ annual general meeting   n   Brit the statutory meeting of the directors and shareholders of a company or of the members of a society, held once every financial year, at which the annual report is presented. Abbreviation: AGM

■ annualize or annualise (ˈænjʊəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to convert (a rate of interest) to an annual rate when it is quoted for a period of less than a year: credit card companies are obliged to quote an annualized percentage rate to borrowers

■ annual parallax   n   See parallax (sense 2)

■ annual percentage rate   n   the annual equivalent of a rate of interest when the rate is quoted more frequently than annually, usually monthly. Abbreviation: APR

■ annual report   n   a report presented by the directors of a company to its shareholders each year, containing the profit-and-loss account, the balance sheet, and details of the past year's activity

■ annual ring   n   a ring of wood indicating one year's growth, seen in the transverse section of stems and roots of woody plants growing in temperate climates. Also called: tree ring

annuity (əˈnjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a fixed sum payable at specified intervals, esp annually, over a period, such as the recipient's life, or in perpetuity, in return for a premium paid either in instalments or in a single payment   2 the right to receive or the duty to pay such a sum [C15: from French annuité, from Medieval Latin annuitās, from Latin annuus ANNUAL]

■ annuitant (əˈnjuːItənt)   n   a person in receipt of or entitled to an annuity

annul (əˈnʌl)   vb -nuls, -nulling, -nulled   (tr) to make (something, esp a law or marriage) void; cancel the validity of; abolish [C14: from Old French annuller, from Late Latin annullāre to bring to nothing, from Latin nullus not any; see NULL]   > anˈnullable adj

■ annulment (əˈnʌlmənt)   n   1 a formal invalidation, as of a marriage, judicial proceeding, etc   2 the act of annulling

annular (ˈænjʊlə)   adj   ring-shaped; of or forming a ring [C16: from Latin annulāris, from annulus, ānulus ring]   > annularity (ˌænjʊˈlærItI) n   > ˈannularly adv

■ annular eclipse   n   an eclipse of the sun in which the moon does not cover the entire disc of the sun, so that a ring of sunlight surrounds the shadow of the moon. Compare total eclipse, partial eclipse

■ annular ligament   n   anatomy any of various ligaments that encircle a part, such as the wrist, ankle, or trachea

■ annulate (ˈænjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   having, composed of, or marked with rings [C19: from Latin ānulātus, from ānulus a ring]   > ˈannuˌlated adj

■ annulation (ˌænjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the formation of rings   2 a ringlike formation or part

annulet (ˈænjʊlIt)   n   1 architect a moulding in the form of a ring, as at the top of a column adjoining the capital   2 heraldry a ring-shaped device on a shield; hollow roundel   3 a little ring [C16: from Latin ānulus ring + -ET]

annulose (ˈænjʊˌləʊs, -ˌləʊz)   adj   (of earthworms, crustaceans, and similar animals) having a body formed of a series of rings; segmented [C19: from New Latin annulōsus; see ANNULUS]

annulus (ˈænjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI) or -luses   1 the area between two concentric circles   2 a ring-shaped part, figure, or space [C16: from Latin, variant of ānulus ring]

annum (ˈænəm)   n   See per annum

annunciate (əˈnʌnsIˌeIt, -ʃI-)   vb   (tr) a less common word for announce [C16: from annunciātus, Medieval Latin misspelling of annuntiātus, past participle of Latin annuntiāre; see ANNOUNCE]   > anˌnunciˈation n   > annunciative (əˈnʌnsIətIv, -ʃətIv) or annunciatory (əˈnʌnsIətərI, -ʃə-) adj

Annunciation (əˌnʌnsIˈeIʃən)   n   1 the Annunciation New Testament the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26–38)   2 Also called: Annunciation Day the festival commemorating this, held on March 25 (Lady Day)

annunciator (əˈnʌnsIˌeItə)   n   1 a device that gives a visual indication as to which of a number of electric circuits has operated, such as an indicator in a hotel showing in which room a bell has been rung   2 a device giving an audible signal indicating the position of a train   3 a less common word for announcer

annuntiate (əˈnʌnʃIˌeIt)   vb   a less common word for announce

annus horribilis (ˈænʊs hɒˈriːbIlIs)   n   a terrible year [C20: from Latin, modelled on ANNUS MIRABILIS, first used by Elizabeth II of the year 1992]

annus mirabilis Latin (ˈænʊs mIˈræbIlIs)   n, pl anni mirabiles (ˈænaI mIˈræbIliːz)   a year of wonders, catastrophes, or other notable events

anoa (əˈnəʊə)   n   the smallest of the cattle tribe Anoa depressicornis, having small straight horns and inhabiting the island of Celebes in Indonesia. Compare tamarau [from a native name in Celebes]

anobiid (əˈnəʊbIId)   n   any coleopterous beetle of the family Anobiidae, in which the pronotum characteristically forms a hood that more or less covers the head. The family includes such notorious pests as the furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) and the deathwatch beetle, the larvae of which attack furniture and beams. See also deathwatch

anode (ˈænəʊd)   n   1 the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell   2 Also called (esp US): plate the positively charged electrode in an electronic valve   3 the negative terminal of a primary cell. Compare cathode [C19: from Greek anodos a way up, from hodos a way; alluding to the movement of the current to or from the positive pole]   > anodal (eIˈnəʊdəl) or anodic (əˈnɒdIk) adj

■ anodally (eIˈnəʊdəlI) or anodically (əˈnɒdIkəlI)   adv   electrical in an anodal manner

anodize or anodise (ˈænəˌdaIz)   vb   to coat (a metal, such as aluminium or magnesium) with a protective oxide film by electrolysis

■ anodization or anodisation (ˌænədaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the action of electroplating a metal with an ornamental or protecting layer of oxide

■ anodized or anodised (ˈænəˌdaIzd)   adj   metallurgy coated with a protective oxide film by electrolysis

anodontia (ˌænəʊˈdɒnʃIə)   n   the congenital absence of teeth [from AN- + Greek odōn tooth + -IA]

anodyne (ˈænəˌdaIn)   n   1 a drug that relieves pain; analgesic   2 anything that alleviates mental distress   ▷ adj   3 capable of relieving pain or distress [C16: from Latin anōdynus, from Greek anōdunos painless, from AN- + odunē pain]

■ anodynic (ˌænəˈdInIk)   adj   relating to the soothing or alleviating of pain

anoesis (ænəʊˈiːsIs)   n   psychol a theoretical condition in which there is feeling without understanding

■ anoetic (ænəʊˈiːtIk)   adj   psychol relating to anoesis

anoestrus, US anestrus (ænˈiːstrəs) or anoestrum (ænˈiːstrəm)   n   a period of sexual inactivity between two periods of oestrus in many mammals [C20: New Latin; see AN-, OESTRUS]   > anˈoestrous or US anˈestrous adj

anoint (əˈnɔInt)   vb (tr)   1 to smear or rub over with oil or an oily liquid   2 to apply oil to as a sign of consecration or sanctification in a sacred rite [C14: from Old French enoint, from enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from IN-2 + unguere to smear with oil]   > aˈnointer n   > aˈnointment n

■ anointed (əˈnɔIntId)   adj   formal chosen officially to do an important job

■ anointing (əˈnɔIntIŋ)   n   1 theol the application of oil as a sign of consecration or sanctification in a sacred rite   2 formal the official choice of a person to do an important job   3 formal the smearing or rubbing over with oil or an oily liquid

■ anointing of the sick   n   RC Church a sacrament in which a person who is seriously ill or dying is anointed by a priest with consecrated oil. Former name: extreme unction

anole (əˈnəʊl)   n   any small arboreal tropical American insectivorous lizards of the genus Anolis, such as A. carolinensis (green anole): family Iguanidae (iguanas). They are able to change the colour of their skin. Also called: American chameleon [C18 annolis, from French anolis, from Carib anoli]

anolyte (ˈænəˌlaIt)   n   the section of an electrolyte that is around or attached to the anode

anomalistic month   n   the interval between two successive passages of the moon through perigee; 27.55455 days

anomalistic year   n   the interval between two successive passages of the earth through perihelion; 365.25964 mean solar days

anomalous (əˈnɒmələs)   adj   deviating from the normal or usual order, type, etc; irregular, abnormal, or incongruous [C17: from Late Latin anōmalus, from Greek anōmalos uneven, inconsistent, from AN- + homalos even, from homos one and the same]   > aˈnomalously adv   > aˈnomalousness n

■ anomalous monism   n   the philosophical doctrine that although all mental states consist merely in states of the brain, there exist no regular correspondences between classes of mental and physical states, and so no psychophysical laws. See also identity theory

■ anomaly (əˈnɒməlI)   n, pl -lies   1 something anomalous   2 deviation from the normal or usual order, type, etc; irregularity   3 astronomy   a Also called: true anomaly the angle between a planet, the sun, and the previous perihelion of the planet   b Also called: eccentric anomaly the angle between the periapsis of a particular point on a circle round the orbit as seen from the centre of the orbit. This point is obtained by producing a perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipse through the orbiting body until it reaches the circumference of the circle   c Also called: mean anomaly the angle between the periapsis of an orbit and the position of an imaginary body orbiting at a constant angular speed and in the same period as the real orbiting body   4 geology   a Also called: gravity anomaly a deviation from the normal value of gravity at the earth's surface, caused by density differences at depth, for example those caused by a buried mineral body   b Also called: magnetic anomaly a magnetic field, for example one produced by a buried mineral body, that deviates from an expected or standard value, usually that of the earth's magnetic field   > aˌnomaˈlistic or aˌnomaˈlistical adj   > aˌnomaˈlistically adv

anomie or anomy (ˈænəʊmI)   n   sociol lack of social or moral standards in an individual or society [from Greek anomia lawlessness, from A-1 + nomos law]   > anomic (əˈnɒmIk) adj

anon (əˈnɒn)   adv archaic or literary   1 in a short time; soon   2 ever and anon now and then [Old English on āne, literally: in one, that is, immediately]

anon.   abbreviation for   anonymous

anonaceous (ˌænəˈneIʃəs)   adj   relating to the plant family Anonaceae and its members

anonym (ˈænənIm)   n   1 a less common word for pseudonym   2 an anonymous person or publication

anonyma (əˈnɒnImə)   n   1 obsolete a woman of ill repute and low social stature   2 anatomy a main artery coming off the aorta before the left-hand carotid artery

anonymize or anonymise (əˈnɒnIˌmaIz)   vb   (tr) to perform, organize, or record in such a way as to preserve anonymity: anonymized customer data

anonymous (əˈnɒnIməs)   adj   1 from or by a person, author, etc, whose name is unknown or withheld: an anonymous e-mail   2 having no known name   3 lacking individual characteristics; unexceptional   4 (often capital) denoting an organization which provides help to applicants who remain anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous [C17: via Late Latin from Greek anōnumos, from AN- + onoma name]   > anonymity (ˌænəˈnImItI) n   > aˈnonymously adv   > aˈnonymousness n

anoopsia (ˌænəʊˈɒpsIə)   n   a form of squint in which the eye turns upwards

anopheles (əˈnɒfIˌliːz)   n, pl -les   any of various mosquitoes constituting the genus Anopheles, some species of which transmit the malaria parasite to humans [C19: via New Latin from Greek anōphelēs useless, from AN- + ōphelein to help, from ophelos help]

■ anopheline (əˈnɒfəˌlaIn)   adj   (of mosquitoes) belonging to the genus Anopheles

anopia (ænˈəʊpIə)   n   med the inability to see; sightlessness

anopsia (ænˈɒpsIə)   n   med a defect in vision, whether partial or total

anorak (ˈænəˌræk)   n   1 a warm waterproof hip-length jacket usually with a hood, originally worn in polar regions, but now worn for any outdoor activity   2 informal, derogatory a socially inept person with a hobby considered by most people to be boring [from Inuktitut ánorâq]

anorectal (ˌeInəʊˈrɛktəl)   adj   med relating to the anus and rectum

anoretic (ˌænəˈrɛtIk)   n   another word for anorectic

anorexia (ˌænɒˈrɛksIə)   n   1 med loss of appetite   2 Also called: anorexia nervosa (nɜːˈvəʊsə) a mental health condition characterized by fear of gaining weight, often leading to refusal of food and an excessive desire to exercise [C17: via New Latin from Greek, from AN- + orexis appetite]   > ˌanoˈrectic or ˌanoˈrexic adj, n

anorexigenic (ˌænəˌrɛksIˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   med causing loss of appetite

anorthic (ænˈɔːθIk)   adj   another word for triclinic [C19: from AN- + ORTHO- + -IC]

anorthite (ænˈɔːθaIt)   n   a white to greyish-white or reddish-white mineral of the feldspar group and plagioclase series, found chiefly in igneous rocks and more rarely in metamorphic rocks. It is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Composition: calcium aluminium silicate. Formula: CaAl_2Si_2O_8. Crystal structure: triclinic [C19: from AN- + ORTHO- + -ITE^1]   > anorthitic (ˌænɔːˈθItIk) adj

anorthosite (ænˈɔːθəˌsaIt)   n   a coarse-grained plutonic igneous rock consisting almost entirely of plagioclase feldspar [C19: from French anorthose (see AN-, ORTHO-) + -ITE^1]

■ anorthositic (ænˌɔːθəˈsItIk)   adj   resembling or consisting of anorthosite

anosmia (ænˈɒzmIə, -ˈɒs-)   n   pathol loss of the sense of smell, usually as the result of a lesion of the olfactory nerve, disease in another organ or part, or obstruction of the nasal passages [C19: from New Latin, from AN- + Greek osmē smell, from ozein to smell]   > anosmatic (ˌænɒzˈmætIk) or anˈosmic adj

another (əˈnʌðə)   determiner   1    a one more; an added: another chance   b (as pronoun): help yourself to another   2    a a different; alternative: another era from ours   b (as pronoun): to try one path, then another   3    a a different example of the same sort: another Beethoven   b (as pronoun): we got rid of one loafer, but I think this new man's another   4 another place the other House of Parliament (used in the House of Commons to refer to the House of Lords and vice versa) [C14: originally an other]

■ anotherguess (əˈnʌðəˌɡɛs)   adj   archaic of a different type or kind; different

A.N. Other   n   Brit an unnamed person: used in team lists, etc, to indicate a place that remains to be filled

anough (əˈnʌf)   adj   archaic enough

Anouilh (French anuj)   n   Jean (ʒɑ̃). 1910–87, French dramatist, noted for his reinterpretations of Greek myths: his works include Eurydice (1942), Antigone (1944), and Becket (1959)

anourous (ænˈɔːrəs)   adj   zoology a variant of anurous

ANOVA (ˈænəʊvə)   n acronym for   analysis of variance

anovular (ænˈɒvjʊlə)   adj   med not associated with or accompanied by ovulation

■ anovulant (ænˈɒvjʊlənt) med   n   1 any drug preventing ovulation   ▷ adj   2 preventing ovulation

■ anovulation (ˌænɒvjʊˈleIʃən)   n   failure to produce eggs or to discharge them from an ovary [C20: from AN- + OVULATE]   > ˌanovuˈlatory adj

anow (əˈnaʊ)   adj   archaic enough

anoxaemia or US anoxemia (ˌænɒkˈsiːmIə)   n   a deficiency in the amount of oxygen in the arterial blood [C19: from New Latin, from AN- + OX(YGEN) + -AEMIA]   > ˌanoxˈaemic or US ˌanoxˈemic adj

anoxia (ænˈɒksIə)   n   1 lack or absence of oxygen   2 a deficiency of oxygen in tissues and organs. Compare hypoxia [C20: from AN- + OX(YGEN) + -IA]   > anˈoxic adj

ANPR   abbreviation for   Automatic Number Plate Recognition: a surveillance technology which uses optical character recognition on camera images to read a vehicle's numberplate

Anqing (ˈɑːnˈtʃIŋ) or Anking   n   a city in E China, in SW Anhui province on the Yangtze River: famous seven-storeyed pagoda. Pop: 686 000 (2005 est)

ansa (ˈænsə)   n   1 astronomy the apparent extremities of planetary rings, esp those of Saturn, when viewed from such a perspective that they look like handles   2 anatomy any of several features of the nervous system shaped in a loop

Ansaphone (ˈɑːnsəˌfəʊn)   n trademark   a brand of answering machine

ansate (ˈænseIt) or ansated (ˈænseItId)   adj   having a handle or handle-like part [C19: from Latin ansātus, from ansa handle]

Anschluss (ˈænʃlʊs)   n   a political or economic union, esp the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany (1938) [German: from anschliessen to join]

Anselm (ˈænsɛlm)   n   Saint. 1033–1109, Italian Benedictine monk; archbishop of Canterbury (1093–1109): one of the founders of scholasticism; author of Cur Deus Homo? (Why did God become Man?). Feast day: Aug 21

anserine (ˈænsəˌraIn, -rIn) or anserous (ˈænsərəs)   adj   1 of or resembling a goose   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily Anserinae, which includes geese, swans, and certain ducks: family Anatidae, order Anseriformes   3 silly; foolish [C19: from Latin anserīnus, from anser goose]

Ansermet (French ɑ̃sɛrmɛ)   n   Ernest (ɛrnɛst). 1883–1969, Swiss orchestral conductor; principal conductor of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes

Anshan (ˌænˈʃæn)   n   1 a city in NE China, in Liaoning province. Pop: 1 459 000 (2005 est)   2 an ancient city and region in Persia, associated with Elam

ANSI   abbreviation for   American National Standards Institution

answer (ˈɑːnsə)   n   1 a reply, either spoken or written, as to a question, request, letter, or article   2 a reaction or response in the form of an action: drunkenness was his answer to disappointment   3 a solution, esp of a mathematical problem   4 law   a a party's written reply to his or her opponent's interrogatories   b (in divorce law) the respondent's written reply to the petition   5 a musical phrase that follows the subject of a fugue, reproducing it a fifth higher or a fourth lower   ▷ vb   6 (when tr, may take a clause as object) to reply or respond (to) by word or act: to answer a question; he answered; to answer the door; she answered that she would come   7 (tr) to reply correctly to; solve or attempt to solve: I could answer only three questions   8 (intr; usually foll by to) to respond or react (to a stimulus, command, etc): the steering answers to the slightest touch   9 (tr) to pay off (a debt, obligation, etc); discharge   10 (when intr, often foll by for) to meet the requirements (of); be satisfactory (for); serve the purpose (of): this will answer her needs; this will answer for a chisel   11 (when intr, often foll by to) to match or correspond (esp in the phrase answer (or answer to) the description)   12 (tr) to give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument) [Old English andswaru an answer; related to Old Frisian ondser, Old Norse andsvar; see SWEAR]

■ answerable (ˈɑːnsərəbəl)   adj   1 (postpositive; foll by for or to) responsible or accountable: answerable for someone's safety; answerable to one's boss   2 able to be answered   > ˌansweraˈbility or ˈanswerableness n   > ˈanswerably adv

■ answer back   vb   (adverb) to reply rudely to (a person, esp someone in authority) when one is expected to remain silent

■ answerer (ˈɑːnsərə)   n   informal someone who answers

■ answer for   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to be liable or responsible for (a person's actions, behaviour, etc)   2 to vouch for or speak on behalf of (a person)   3 to suffer or atone for (one's wrongdoing)

■ answering machine or answer machine   n   a device by means of which a telephone call is answered automatically and the caller enabled to leave a recorded message

■ answerless (ˈɑːnsəlIs)   adj   not having or offering an answer

■ answerphone (ˈɑːnsəˌfəʊn)   n   chiefly telecomm, Brit another name for answering machine

ant (ænt)   n   1 any small social insect of the widely distributed hymenopterous family Formicidae, typically living in highly organized colonies of winged males, wingless sterile females (workers), and fertile females (queens), which are winged until after mating. See also army ant, fire ant, slave ant, wood ant. Related adjective: formic   2 white ant another name for a termite   3 have ants in one's pants slang to be restless or impatient [Old English ǣmette; related to Old High German āmeiza, Old Norse meita; see EMMET]

■ antbear   n   another name for aardvark

■ antbird or ant thrush   n   any of various dull-coloured South American passerine birds of the family Formicariidae, such as Hylophylax naevioides (spotted ant bird), that typically feed on ants. Also called: bush shrike

■ ant cow   n   an insect, esp an aphid, that excretes a sweet honey-like substance that is collected and eaten by ants

■ anteater (ˈæntˌiːtə)   n   1 any toothless edentate mammal of the family Myrmecophagidae of Central and South America, esp Myrmecophaga tridactyla (or jubata) (giant anteater), having a long tubular snout used for eating termites. See also tamandua   2 scaly anteater another name for pangolin   3 spiny anteater another name for echidna   4 banded anteater another name for numbat

■ ant hill   n   1 Also called: ant heap a mound of soil, leaves, etc, near the entrance of an ants' nest, carried and deposited there by the ants while constructing the nest   2 a mound of earth, usually about 2 metres high, built up by termites in forming a nest

■ antlike (ˈæntˌlaIk)   adj   1 of or like an ant or ants   2 characterized by scurrying activity or teeming restlessness

■ ant tribe   n informal   (in China) a generation of young people who have migrated from rural areas to cities in large numbers

ant-   prefix   a variant of anti-: antacid

an't   contraction of chiefly Brit   1 (ɑːnt) a rare variant spelling of aren't   2 (eInt) dialect a variant spelling of ain't

-ant   suffix forming adjectives, suffix forming nouns   causing or performing an action or existing in a certain condition; the agent that performs an action: pleasant; claimant; deodorant; protestant; servant [from Latin -ant-, ending of present participles of the first conjugation]

anta (ˈæntə)   n, pl antae (ˈæntiː)   architect a pilaster attached to the end of a side wall or sometimes to the side of a doorway

Antabuse (ˈæntəˌbjuːs)   n   trademark a drug, a brand of disulfiram, used in the treatment of alcoholism, that acts by inducing nausea and other unpleasant symptoms following ingestion of alcohol; tetraethylthiuram disulphide

antacid (æntˈæsId)   n   1 a substance used to neutralize acidity, esp in the stomach   ▷ adj   2 having the properties of this substance: antacid tablets

Antaeus (ænˈtiːəs)   n   Greek myth an African giant who was invincible as long as he touched the ground, but was lifted into the air by Hercules and crushed to death

antagonize or antagonise (ænˈtæɡəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make hostile; annoy or irritate   2 to act in opposition to or counteract [C17: from Greek antagōnizesthai, from ANTI- + agōnizesthai to strive, from agōn contest]   > anˈtagoˌnizable or anˈtagoˌnisable adj   > anˌtagoniˈzation or anˌtagoniˈsation n

■ antagonism (ænˈtæɡəˌnIzəm)   n   1 openly expressed and usually mutual opposition   2 the inhibiting or nullifying action of one substance or organism on another   3 physiol the normal opposition between certain muscles   4 biology the inhibition or interference of growth of one kind of organism by another

■ antagonist (ænˈtæɡənIst)   n   1 an opponent or adversary, as in a contest, drama, sporting event, etc   2 any muscle that opposes the action of another. Compare agonist (sense 1)   3 a drug that counteracts the effects of another drug. Compare synergist (sense 1)

■ antagonistic (ænˌtæɡəˈnIstIk)   adj   1 in active opposition   2 mutually opposed   > anˌtagoˈnistically adv

Antakiya (ˌæntɑːˈkiːjə)   n   the Arabic name for Antioch

Antakya (ɑnˈtɑkjɑ)   n   the Turkish name for Antioch

antalgic (ˌænˈtældʒIk) med   adj   1 relieving or reducing pain   ▷ n   2 a pain-relieving drug

antalkali (æntˈælkəˌlaI)   n, pl -lis or -lies   a substance that neutralizes alkalis, esp one used to treat alkalosis   > antalkaline (æntˈælkəˌlaIn, -lIn) adj, n

Antalya (Turkish ɑnˈtɑljɑ)   n   a port in SW Turkey, on the Gulf of Antalya. Pop: 751 000 (2005 est)

Antananarivo (ˌæntəˌnænəˈriːvəʊ)   n   the capital of Madagascar, on the central plateau: founded in the 17th century by a Hova chief; university (1961). Pop: 2 609 744 (2015 est). Former name: Tananarive

antaphrodisiac (ˌæntæfrəˈdIzIæk)   n   another name for anaphrodisiac

antara (ænˈtɑːrə)   pl n   a type of panpipes native to the Andes, made of clay and tuned in the pentatonic scale

Antarctic (æntˈɑːktIk)   n   1 the Antarctic or Antarctic Zone Antarctica and the surrounding waters   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the south polar regions [C14: via Latin from Greek antarktikos; see ANTI-, ARCTIC]

■ Antarctic Archipelago   n   the former name of the Palmer Archipelago

■ Antarctic beech   n   any tree of the genus Nothofagus, related to the beech and native to temperate Australasia and South America, esp Nothofagus cunninghamii of SE Australia or Nothofagus moorei of NE Australia

■ Antarctic Circle   n   the imaginary circle around the earth, parallel to the equator, at latitude 66° 32′ S; it marks the southernmost point at which the sun appears above the level of the horizon at the winter solstice

■ Antarctic Ocean   n   the sea surrounding Antarctica, consisting of the most southerly parts of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Also called: Southern Ocean

■ Antarctic Peninsula   n   the largest peninsula of Antarctica, between the Weddell Sea and the Pacific: consists of Graham Land in the north and the Palmer Peninsula in the south. Former name (until 1964): Palmer Peninsula

■ Antarctic prion   n   another name for dove prion

Antarctica (æntˈɑːktIkə)   n   a continent around the South Pole: consists of an ice-covered plateau, 1800–3000 m (6000 ft to 10 000 ft) above sea level, and mountain ranges rising to 4500 m (15 000 ft) with some volcanic peaks; average temperatures all below freezing and human settlement is confined to research stations. All political claims to the mainland are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959

Antares (ænˈtɛəriːz)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius. It is a variable binary star whose main component, a red supergiant, is associated with a fainter green component. Visual magnitude: 1.2 (red), 6.8 (green); spectral type: M1.5Ib (red); distance: 600 light years [from Greek Antarēs, literally: simulating Mars (in colour), from ANTI- + Arēs Mars]

antarthritic (ˌæntɑːˈθrItIk) med   adj   1 relieving joint inflammation caused by gout   ▷ n   2 a drug which relieves joint inflammation caused by gout

antasthmatic (ˌæntæsˈmætIk) med   adj   1 relieving the symptoms of asthma   ▷ n   2 a drug which relieves the symptoms of asthma

ante (ˈæntI)   n   1 the gaming stake put up before the deal in poker by the players   2 informal a sum of money representing a person's share, as in a syndicate   3 up the ante informal to increase the costs, risks, or considerations involved in taking an action or reaching a conclusion: whenever they reached their goal, they upped the ante by setting more complex challenges for themselves   ▷ vb -tes, -teing, -ted or -teed   4 to place (one's stake) in poker   5 (usually foll by up) informal, chiefly US to pay

ante-   prefix   before in time or position; previous to; in front of: antedate; antechamber [from Latin]

antebellum (ˌæntIˈbɛləm)   adj   of or during the period before a war, esp the American Civil War: the antebellum South [Latin ante bellum, literally: before the war]

antecede (ˌæntIˈsiːd)   vb   (tr) to go before, as in time, order, etc; precede [C17: from Latin antecēdere, from cēdere to go]

■ antecedence (ˌæntIˈsiːdəns)   n   1 precedence; priority   2 astronomy retrograde motion

■ antecedent (ˌæntIˈsiːdənt)   n   1 an event, circumstance, etc, that happens before another   2 grammar a word or phrase to which a pronoun refers. In the sentence "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones," people is the antecedent of who   3 logic the hypothetical clause, usually introduced by "if", in a conditional statement: that which implies the other   4 maths an obsolescent name for numerator (sense 1)   5 denying the antecedent logic the fallacy of inferring the falsehood of the consequent of a conditional statement, given the truth of the conditional and the falsehood of its antecedent, as if there are five of them, there are more than four: there are not five, so there are not more than four   ▷ adj   6 preceding in time or order; prior

■ antecedently (ˌæntIˈsiːdəntlI)   adv   formal in an antecedent manner

■ antecedents (ˌæntIˈsiːdənts)   pl n   1 ancestry   2 a person's past history

antecessor (ˈæntIˌsɛsə)   n   formal a predecessor; someone who goes or has gone before

antechamber (ˈæntIˌtʃeImbə)   n   another name for anteroom [C17: from Old French, from Italian anticamera; see ANTE-, CHAMBER]

antechapel (ˈæntIˌtʃæpəl)   n   architect the outer part of a chapel at the west end

antechoir (ˈæntIˌkwaIə)   n   the part of a church in front of the choir, usually enclosed by screens, tombs, etc

antedate   vb (ˈæntIˌdeIt, ˌæntIˈdeIt) (tr)   1 to be or occur at an earlier date than   2 to affix a date to (a document, etc) that is earlier than the actual date   3 to assign a date to (an event, etc) that is earlier than its previously assigned date   4 to cause to occur sooner   ▷ n (ˈæntIˌdeIt)   5 an earlier date

antediluvian (ˌæntIdIˈluːvIən, -daI-)   adj   1 belonging to the ages before the biblical Flood (Genesis 7, 8)   2 old-fashioned or antiquated   ▷ n   3 an antediluvian person or thing [C17: from ANTE- + Latin dīluvium flood]

■ antediluvial (ˌæntIdIˈluːvIəl)   adj   another word for antediluvian

■ antediluvially (ˌæntIdIˈluːvIəlI)   adv   in times before the biblical Flood

antefix (ˈæntIˌfIks)   n, pl -fixes or -fixa (-ˌfIksə)   a carved ornament at the eaves of a roof to hide the joint between the tiles [C19: from Latin antefixa (things) fastened in front, from fīgere to FIX]   > antefixal (ˌæntIˈfIksəl) adj

antelope (ˈæntIˌləʊp)   n, pl -lopes or -lope   1 any bovid mammal of the subfamily Antilopinae, of Africa and Asia. They are typically graceful, having long legs and horns, and include the gazelles, springbok, impala, gerenuk, blackbuck, and dik-diks   2 any of various similar bovids of Africa and Asia   3 American antelope another name for pronghorn [C15: from Old French antelop, from Medieval Latin antalopus, from Late Greek antholops a legendary beast]

antelucan (ˌæntIˈluːkən, ˌæntIˈljuːkən)   adj   formal occurring before the arrival of daylight, relating to the hours before dawn

antemeridian (ˌæntIməˈrIdIən)   adj   before noon; in the morning [C17: from Latin antemerīdiānus; see ANTE-, MERIDIAN]

ante meridiem (ˈæntI məˈrIdIəm)     the full form of a.m. [Latin, from ANTE- + merīdiēs midday]

ante-mortem   adj, adv   (esp in legal or medical contexts) before death [Latin]

antemundane (ˌæntIˈmʌndeIn)   adj   formal pertaining to that which existed or occurred before the creation of world

antenatal (ˌæntIˈneItəl)   adj   1 occurring or present before birth; during pregnancy   ▷ n   2 Also called: prenatal informal an examination during pregnancy   > ˌanteˈnatally adv

antenati (ˌæntIˈneItaI, ˌæntIˈnɑːtiː)   pl n   law the people born before a certain date or event

antenna (ænˈtɛnə)   n   1 (pl -nae (-naI)) one of a pair of mobile appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, etc, that are often whiplike and respond to touch and taste but may be specialized for swimming or attachment   2 (pl -nas) another name for aerial (sense 7) [C17: from Latin: sail yard, of obscure origin]   > anˈtennal or anˈtennary adj

antenniferous (ˌæntɛˈnIfərəs)   adj   zoology having antennae

antenniform (ænˈtɛnIˌfɔːm)   adj   zoology shaped like an antenna

antennule (ænˈtɛnjuːl)   n   one of a pair of small mobile appendages on the heads of crustaceans in front of the antennae, usually having a sensory function [C19: from French, diminutive of ANTENNA]

■ antennular (ænˈtɛnjʊlə)   adj   zoology having antennules or similar appendages

antenuptial marriage contract (ˌæntIˈnʌpʃəl, -tʃəl)   n   a contract made between two people before they marry, agreeing on the distribution of their assets in the event of divorce. Sometimes shortened to: antenuptial

anteorbital (ˌæntIˈɔːbItəl)   adj   anatomy in front of the orbit of the eye

antepast (ˈæntIˌpɑːst)   n   1 an appetizer   2 poetic any foretaste of what is to come

antependium (ˌæntIˈpɛndIəm)   n, pl -dia (-dIə)   a covering hung over the front of an altar [C17: from Medieval Latin, from Latin ANTE- + pendēre to hang]

antepenult (ˌæntIpIˈnʌlt) or antepenultima (ˌæntIpIˈnʌltImə)   n   the third last syllable in a word [C16: shortened from Latin (syllaba) antepaenultima; see ANTE-, PENULT]

■ antepenultimate (ˌæntIpIˈnʌltImIt)   adj   1 third from last   ▷ n   2 anything that is third from last

anteposition (ˈæntIpəˌzIʃən)   n   botany the position opposite a given part of a plant

ante-post   adj   Brit (of a bet) placed before the runners in a race are confirmed

anteprandial (ˌæntIˈprændIəl)   adj   formal before dinner

anterior (ænˈtIərIə)   adj   1 situated at or towards the front   2 earlier in time   3 zoology of or near the head end   4 botany (of part of a flower or leaf) situated farthest away from the main stem   ▶ Compare posterior [C17: from Latin, comparative of ante before]   > anteriority (ænˌtIərIˈɒrItI) n

■ anteriorly (ænˈtIərIəlI)   adv   1 in an anterior position   2 at a previous time, previously, beforehand

anterograde (ˈæntərəʊˌɡreId)   adj   1 anatomy moving forwards, in the normal direction of flow   2 med belonging to the period subsequent to a trauma

■ anterograde amnesia (ˈæntərəʊˌɡreId)   n   amnesia caused by brain damage in which the memory loss relates to events occurring after the damage. Compare retrograde amnesia [from Latin anterior previous and -GRADE]

anteroom (ˈæntIˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a room giving entrance to a larger room, often used as a waiting room

antetype (ˈæntIˌtaIp)   n   an earlier form; prototype

anteversion (ˌæntIˈvɜːʃən)   n   abnormal forward tilting of a bodily organ, esp the uterus

antevert (ˌæntIˈvɜːt)   vb   (tr) to displace (an organ or part) by tilting it forward [C17: from Latin antevertere to go in front, from vertere to turn]

Antheil (ˈæntaIl)   n   George. 1900–59, US composer. His best known work is the controversial Le Ballet Méchanique (1924) for motor horns, bells, and aeroplane propellers

anthelion (æntˈhiːlIən, ænˈθiː-)   n, pl -lia (-lIə)   1 a faint halo sometimes seen in polar or high altitude regions around the shadow of an object cast onto a thick cloud bank or fog   2 a white spot occasionally appearing on the parhelic circle at the same height as and opposite to the sun [C17: from Late Greek, from anthēlios opposite the sun, from ANTE- + hēlios sun]

anthelix (æntˈhiːlIks, ænˈθiː-) or antihelix   n, pl -helices (-ˈhiːlIsiːz) or -helixes   anatomy a prominent curved fold of cartilage just inside the outer rim of the external ear

anthelmintic (ˌænθɛlˈmIntIk), anthelminthic (ˌænθɛlˈmInθIk) or antihelminthic (ˌæntIhelˈmInθIk)   n   med another name for vermifuge

anthem (ˈænθəm)   n   1 a song of loyalty or devotion, as to a nation or college: a national anthem   2 a musical composition for a choir, usually set to words from the Bible, sung as part of a church service   3 a religious chant sung antiphonally   4 a popular rock or pop song [Old English antemne, from Late Latin antiphōna ANTIPHON]   > anthemic (ænˈθɛmIk) adj

anthemion (ænˈθiːmIən)   n, pl -mia (-mIə)   a floral design, used esp in ancient Greek and Roman architecture and decoration, usually consisting of honeysuckle, lotus, or palmette leaf motifs [from Greek: a little flower, from anthos flower]

anthemis (ænˈθiːmIs)   n   botany a genus of aromatic herbs of the family Asteraceae, closely related to Chamaemelum and native to the Mediterranean region and SW Asia

anthemwise (ˈænθəmˌwaIz)   adv   archaic alternately

anther (ˈænθə)   n   the terminal part of a stamen consisting usually of two lobes each containing two sacs in which the pollen matures [C18: from New Latin anthēra, from Latin: a remedy prepared from flowers, from Greek, from anthēros flowery, from anthos flower]   > ˈantheral adj

antheridium (ˌænθəˈrIdIəm) or antherid (ˈænθərId)   n, pl -ridia (-ˈrIdIə) or -rids   the male sex organ of algae, fungi, bryophytes, and spore-bearing vascular plants, such as ferns, which produces antherozoids [C19: from New Latin, diminutive of anthēra ANTHER]   > ˌantherˈidial adj

antherozoid or antherozooid (ˌænθərəˈzəʊId, -ˈzɔId)   n   one of many small male gametes produced in an antheridium [C19: see ANTHER, ZO(O)ID]

anthersmut (ˈænθərˌsmʌt)   n   plant pathol a species of parasitic fungus, Ustilago violacea

anthesis (ænˈθiːsIs)   n   the time when a flower becomes sexually functional [C19: via New Latin from Greek: full bloom, from anthein to bloom, from anthos flower]

antho-   combining form   denoting a flower: anthophore; anthotaxy; anthozoan [from Greek anthos]

anthocarp (ˈænθəʊˌkɑːp)   n   botany a composite false fruit, consisting of the actual fruit and the perianth

■ anthocarpous (ˌænθəʊˈkɑːpəs)   adj   botany resembling or pertaining to an anthocarp

anthochlore (ˈænθəʊˌklɔː)   n   a yellow pigment found in flowers

anthocyanin (ˌænθəʊˈsaIənIn) or anthocyan (ˌænθəʊˈsaIən)   n   any of a class of water-soluble glycosidic pigments, esp those responsible for the red and blue colours in flowers. They are closely related to vitamins E and P [C19: from ANTHO- + -cyanin, from Greek kuanos dark blue]

anthodium (ænˈθəʊdIəm)   n, pl -dia (-dIə)   botany another name for capitulum (sense 1) [C19: from New Latin, from Greek anthōdēs flower-like, from anthos flower + -ōdēs -OID]

anthoid (ˈænθɔId)   adj   resembling a flower

anthology (ænˈθɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 a collection of literary passages or works, esp poems, by various authors   2 any printed collection of literary pieces, songs, works of art, etc [C17: from Medieval Latin anthologia, from Greek, literally: a flower gathering, from anthos flower + legein to collect]   > anthological (ˌænθəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > anˈthologist n

■ anthologize or anthologise (ænˈθɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb   to compile or put into an anthology

■ anthologizer or anthologiser (ænˈθɒləˌdʒaIzə)   n   an anthologist; a creator of an anthology

anthomania (ˌænθəʊˈmeInIə)   n   an intense fondness for flowers

■ anthomaniac (ˌænθəʊˈmeInIæk)   n   someone with an extreme fondness for flowers

Anthony (ˈæntənI)   n   Saint. ?251–?356 AD, Egyptian hermit, commonly regarded as the founder of Christian monasticism. Feast day: Jan 17

Anthony of Padua   n   Saint. 1195–1231, Franciscan friar, who preached in France and Italy. Feast day: June 13

anthophilous (ænˈθɒfIləs)   adj   1 (esp of insects) frequenting flowers   2 feeding on flowers

anthophore (ˈænθəʊˌfɔː, -θə-)   n   an elongation of the receptacle of a flower between the calyx and corolla

anthophyllite (ˌænθəʊˈfIlaIt, ænˈθɒfIˌlaIt)   n   a black or greenish-black mineral from the hornblende group, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks

anthotaxy (ˈænθəˌtæksI)   n   the arrangement of flowers on a stem or parts on a flower

anthoxanthin (ˌænθəʊˈzænθIn)   n   a yellow pigment found in plants

anthozoan (ˌænθəˈzəʊən)   n   1 any of the solitary or colonial sessile marine coelenterates of the class Anthozoa, including the corals, sea anemones, and sea pens, in which the body is in the form of a polyp   ▷ adj   2 Also: actinozoan of or relating to the class Anthozoa

■ anthozoic (ˌænθəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   relating to anthozoans

anthracene (ˈænθrəˌsiːn)   n   a colourless tricyclic crystalline solid having a slight blue fluorescence, used in the manufacture of chemicals, esp diphenylamine and alizarin, and as crystals in scintillation counters. Formula: C_6H_4(CH)2C_6H_4 [C19: from ANTHRAX + -ENE]

anthracic (ænˈθræsIk)   adj   relating to anthrax

anthracite (ˈænθrəˌsaIt)   n   a hard jet-black coal that burns slowly with a nonluminous flame giving out intense heat. Fixed carbon content: 86–98 per cent; calorific value: 3.14 × 10^7–3.63 × 10^7 J/kg. Also called: hard coal [C19: from Latin anthracītes type of bloodstone, from Greek anthrakitēs coal-like, from anthrax coal, ANTHRAX]   > anthracitic (ˌænθrəˈsItIk) adj

anthracnose (ænˈθræknəʊs)   n   any of several fungus diseases of plants and trees, such as vines and beans, characterized by oval dark depressed spots on the fruit and elsewhere [C19: from French, from Greek anthrax coal, carbuncle + nosos disease]

anthracoid (ˈænθrəˌkɔId)   adj   1 resembling anthrax   2 resembling carbon, coal, or charcoal

anthracosis (ˌænθrəˈkəʊsIs)   n   a lung disease due to inhalation of coal dust. Informal name: coal miner's lung

anthranilate (ænˈθrænIˌleIt, ˌænθrəˈnIleIt)   n   a salt present in anthranilic acid

anthranilic acid (ˌænθrəˈnIlIk)   n   an aromatic acid, C_6H_4

anthraquinone (ˌænθrəkwIˈnəʊn, -ˈkwInəʊn)   n   a yellow crystalline solid used in the manufacture of dyes, esp anthraquinone dyes, which have excellent colour properties. Formula: C_6H_4(CO)2C_6H_4 [C19: ANTHRA(CENE) + QUINONE]

anthrax (ˈænθræks)   n, pl -thraces (-θrəˌsiːz)   1 a highly infectious and often fatal disease of herbivores, esp cattle and sheep, characterized by fever, enlarged spleen, and swelling of the throat. Carnivores are relatively resistant. It is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis and can be transmitted to humans   2 a pustule or other lesion caused by this disease [C19: from Late Latin, from Greek: carbuncle]

anthrop.   abbreviation for   1 anthropological   2 anthropology

anthropic (ænˈθrɒpIk) or anthropical (ænˈθrɒpIkəl)   adj   of or relating to human beings

■ anthropic principle   n   astronomy the cosmological theory that the presence of life in the universe limits the ways in which the very early universe could have evolved

anthropo-   combining form   indicating human: anthropology; anthropomorphism [from Greek anthrōpos]

anthropobiology (ˌænθrəpəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the biological study of the human species

Anthropocene (ænˈθrɒpəˌsiːn)   n   the Anthropocene a proposed term for the present geological epoch (from the time of the Industrial Revolution onwards), during which humanity has begun to have a significant impact on the environment [C21: from ANTHROPO- and -CENE, coined by Paul Crutzen (born 1933), Nobel-winning Dutch chemist]

anthropocentric (ˌænθrəpəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   regarding humans as the most important and central factor in the universe   > ˌanthropoˈcentrism n

anthropogenesis (ˌænθrəpəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs) or anthropogeny (ˌænθrəˈpɒdʒInI)   n   the study of the origins of humans   > anthropogenetic (ˌænθrəpəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj

■ anthropogenic (ˌænθrəpəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 relating to anthropogenesis   2 created by people or caused by human activity: anthropogenic pollution

anthropogony (ˌænθrəˈpɒɡənI)   n   the origin of the human species

anthropography (ˌænθrəˈpɒɡrəfI)   n   the study of human geography and variation; ethnography

anthropoid (ˈænθrəˌpɔId)   adj   1 resembling humans   2 resembling an ape; apelike   3 of or relating to the suborder Anthropoidea   ▷ n   4 any primate of the suborder Anthropoidea, including monkeys, apes, and humans. Compare prosimian   > ˌanthroˈpoidal adj

■ anthropoid ape   n   any primate of the family Pongidae, having no tail, elongated arms, and a highly developed brain. The group includes gibbons, orang-utans, chimpanzees, and gorillas

anthropolatry (ˌænθrəˈpɒlətrI)   n   the worship of a human as a god

anthropology (ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒI)   n   the study of humans, their origins, physical characteristics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relationships, etc. See also cultural anthropology, ethnology, physical anthropology, social anthropology   > anthropological (ˌænθrəpəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌanthropoˈlogically adv   > ˌanthroˈpologist n

anthropometry (ˌænθrəˈpɒmItrI)   n   the comparative study of sizes and proportions of the human body   > anthropometric (ˌænθrəpəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌanthropoˈmetrical adj   > ˌanthropoˈmetrically adv   > ˌanthroˈpometrist n

anthropomorphism (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfIzəm)   n   the attribution of human form or behaviour to a deity, animal, etc   > ˌanthropoˈmorphist n

■ anthropomorphic (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfIk)   adj   1 of or relating to anthropomorphism   2 resembling the human form   > ˈanthropoˌmorph n   > ˌanthropoˈmorphically adv

■ anthropomorphize or anthropomorphise (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfaIz)   vb   to attribute or ascribe human form or behaviour to (a god, animal, object, etc)

■ anthropomorphosis (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfəsIs)   n   transformation into human form

anthropomorphous (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfəs)   adj   1 shaped like a human being   2 another word for anthropomorphic   > ˌanthropoˈmorphously adv

anthropopathy (ˌænθrəˈpɒpəθI) or anthropopathism   n   the attribution of human passions, etc, to a deity, object, etc   > anthropopathic (ˌænθrəpəˈpæθIk) adj

anthropophagi (ˌænθrəˈpɒfəˌɡaI)   pl n, sing -gus (-ɡəs)   cannibals [C16: from Latin, from Greek anthrōpophagos; see ANTHROPO-, -PHAGY]

■ anthropophagite (ˌænθrəˈpɒfəˌɡaIt)   n   a rare word for cannibal   > anthropophagy (ˌænθrəˈpɒfədʒI) n   > anthropophagic (ˌænθrəpəˈfædʒIk) adj   > ˌanthroˈpophagous adj

anthropophobia (ˌænθrəpəˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of people and human companionship

■ anthropophobic (ˌænθrəpəˈfəʊbIk)   adj   relating to the fear of people and human companionship

anthropophuism (ˌænθrəʊˈpɒfjuːˌIzəm)   n   the attribution of human qualities to gods

anthropophyte (ænˈθrɒpəˌfaIt)   n   a plant species accidentally introduced during the cultivation of another

anthropopsychic (ˌænθrəpəˈsaIkIk)   n   the attribution of consciousness to divine beings and nature

anthroposophy (ˌænθrəˈpɒsəfI)   n   the spiritual and mystical teachings of Rudolph Steiner, based on the belief that creative activities such as myth making, which formed a part of life in earlier times, are psychologically valuable, esp for educational and therapeutic purposes   > anthroposophic (ˌænθrəpəʊˈsɒfIk) adj   > ˌanthroˈposophist n

■ anthroposophical (ˌænθrəpəʊˈsɒfIkəl)   adj   of or relating to anthroposophy

anthropotomy (ˌænθrəˈpɒtəmI)   n   the structure of the human body

anthurium (ænˈθjʊərIəm)   n   any of various tropical American aroid plants constituting the genus Anthurium, many of which are cultivated as house plants for their showy foliage and their flowers, which are borne in a long-stalked spike surrounded by a flaring heart-shaped white or red bract [C19: New Latin, from ANTHO- + Greek oura a tail]

anti (ˈæntI) informal   adj   1 opposed to a party, policy, attitude, etc: he won't join because he is rather anti   ▷ n   2 an opponent of a party, policy, etc

anti-   prefix   1 against; opposing: anticlerical; antisocial   2 opposite to: anticlimax; antimere   3 rival; false: antipope   4 counteracting, inhibiting, or neutralizing: antifreeze; antihistamine   5 designating the antiparticle of the particle specified: antineutron [from Greek anti]

anti-abortion   adj   opposed to abortion: anti-abortion activists   > ˌanti-aˈbortionist n, adj

antiabuse (ˌæntIəˈbjuːs)   adj   designed to prevent abuse

antiacademic (ˌæntIˌækəˈdɛmIk)   adj   opposed to education

antiacne (ˌæntIˈæknI)   adj   inhibiting the development of acne

antiaditis (ˌæntIəˈdaItIs)   n   tonsillitis

anti-ageing or antiaging (ˌæntIˈeIdʒIŋ)   adj   of or relating to any product or procedure claiming to reverse or slow down the effects of ageing

antiaggression (ˌæntIəˈɡrɛʃən)   adj   opposing aggressive behaviour

antiair (ˌæntIˈɛə)   adj   countering attack by aircraft or missile

anti-aircraft (ˌæntIˈɛəkrɑːft)   n   (modifier) of or relating to defence against aircraft attack: anti-aircraft batteries

antialcohol (ˌæntIˈælkəhɒl)   adj   relating to an opposition to alcoholic drink

■ antialcoholism (ˌæntIˈælkəhɒlIzəm)   n   the doctrine of being opposed to alcoholic drink

anti-alias   vb (tr)   to process (a digital graphic image) so that it has a smooth, rather than a jagged, edge

antialien (ˌæntIˈeIlIən)   adj   relating to the prevention of foreign animal or plant species from becoming established

antiallergenic (ˌæntIˈæləˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   not causing an allergic reaction

anti-American   adj   opposed to anything of or relating to the United States of America

anti-androgen (ˌæntIˈændrədʒən)   n   any of a class of drugs that oppose the action of androgens; used in the treatment of prostate cancer and various male sexual disorders

antianemia (ˌæntIəˈniːmIə)   adj   acting against anemia

antianxiety (ˌæntIæŋˈzaIItI)   adj   acting against anxiety

anti-apartheid   adj   opposed to apartheid: the anti-apartheid movement

antiaphrodisiac (ˌæntIˌæfrəˈdIzIæk)   n   something that represses sexual desire

antiar (ˈæntIˌɑː)   n   another name for upas (sense 1), upas (sense 2) [from Javanese]

■ antiarin (ˌæntIˈɑːrIn)   n   a poison derived from antiar

antiarmour or US antiarmor (ˌæntIˈɑːmə)   adj   designed or equipped to combat armoured vehicles

antiarrhythmic (ˌæntIeIˈrIðmIk)   n   1 a drug that corrects irregular heartbeat   ▷ adj   2 pertaining to drugs that correct irregular heartbeat

antiarthritic (ˌæntIɑːˈθrItIk)   n   1 a drug that acts against arthritis   ▷ adj   2 Also: antiarthritis relating to treatments or remedies for arthritis

antiasthma (ˌæntIˈæsmə) or antiasthmatic (ˌæntIæsˈmætIk)   adj   relating to drugs that act against asthma

anti-atom   n   an atom composed of antiparticles, in which the nucleus contains antiprotons with orbiting positrons

anti-authority   adj   demonstrating a rejection of authority

antiauxin (ˌæntIˈɔːksIn)   n   a substance acting against auxin

antibacchius (ˌæntIbæˈkaIəs)   n   prosody a metrical foot consisting of three syllables, of which the first two are long and the third is short

antibacklash (ˌæntIˈbæklæʃ)   adj   relating to the prevention of a violent backward reaction or movement

antibacterial (ˌæntIbækˈtIərIəl)   adj   effective against bacteria

antiballistic (ˌæntIbəˈlIstIk)   adj   of or relating to defence against ballistic weapons

■ antiballistic missile   n   a missile designed to destroy an incoming ballistic missile before it reaches its target. Abbreviation: ABM

antibarbarus (ˌæntIˈbɑːbərəs)   n   a list of words and sayings to be avoided in the classical usage of a language

antibaryon (ˌæntIˈbærIən)   n   physics the antiparticle of any of the baryons

Antibes (French ɑ̃tib)   n   a port and resort in SE France, on the Mediterranean: an important Roman town. Pop: 76 925 (2006)

antibias (ˈæntIˌbaIəs)   adj   countering bias

antibilious (ˌæntIˈbIlIəs)   adj   of a nature that can be used to counter biliousness

antibillboard (ˌæntIˈbIlˌbɔːd)   adj   indicating an opposition to the erection of billboards

antibiosis (ˌæntIbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   an association between two organisms, esp microorganisms, that is harmful to one of them

antibiotic (ˌæntIbaIˈɒtIk)   n   1 any of various chemical substances, such as penicillin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, produced by various microorganisms, esp fungi, or made synthetically and capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, esp bacteria   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to antibiotics

■ antibiotically (ˌæntIbaIˈɒtIkəlI)   adv   in an antibiotic manner

antiblack (ˈæntIˌblæk)   adj   discriminating against Black people

■ antiblackism (ˌæntIˈblækIzəm)   n   belief or behaviour which exhibits hostility towards Black people

antibody (ˈæntIˌbɒdI)   n, pl -bodies   any of various proteins produced in the blood in response to the presence of an antigen. By becoming attached to antigens on infectious organisms antibodies can render them harmless or cause them to be destroyed. See also immunoglobulin

anti-Bolshevik   n   1 a person who is opposed to Bolshevism   ▷ adj   2 opposed to Bolshevism: anti-Bolshevik propaganda

antiboss (ˌæntIˈbɒs)   adj   acting against a boss or bosses

anti-bourgeois   adj   sociol opposed to anyone or anything considered bourgeois

antiboycott (ˌæntIˈbɔIkɒt)   adj   opposed to boycotts

anti-British   adj   opposed to anything characteristic of or relating to Britain

antibug (ˌæntIˈbʌɡ)   adj   acting against computer bugs

antiburglar (ˌæntIˈbɜːɡlə) or antiburglary (ˌæntIˈbɜːɡlərI)   adj   intended to prevent burglary

antibusiness (ˌæntIˈbIznIs)   adj   opposed to business interests, particularly those of large-scale corporations

antibusing (ˌæntIˈbʌsIŋ)   adj   US opposed to busing, the policy of transporting students to faraway schools in order to achieve racial balance within the public education system

■ antibuser (ˌæntIˈbʌsə)   n   US someone who opposes busing

antic (ˈæntIk)   n   1 archaic an actor in a ludicrous or grotesque part; clown; buffoon   ▷ adj   2 archaic fantastic; grotesque [C16: from Italian antico something ancient, or grotesque (from its application to fantastic carvings found in ruins of ancient Rome); see ANTIQUE]

■ antically (ˈæntIkəlI) or anticly (ˈæntIklI)   adv   in a ludicrous or grotesque manner

anticaking (ˌæntIˈkeIkIŋ)   adj   denoting an agent used to prevent substances from going hard or forming lumps

antical (ˈæntIkəl)   adj   (of the position of plant parts) in front of or above another part; anterior [from ANTE- + -ICAL]

anticancer (ˌæntIˈkænsə)   adj   acting against cancer

anticapitalist (ˌæntIˈkæpItəlIst)   adj   1 opposed to or against the principles or practice of capitalism: anticapitalist riots   ▷ n   2 someone opposed to or against capitalism: a group of anticapitalists

■ anticapitalism (ˌæntIˈkæpItəˌlIzəm)   n   opposition to capitalism

anticar (ˌæntIˈkɑː)   adj   opposing cars

anticarcinogen (ˌæntIkɑːˈsInədʒən)   n   a chemical that acts against cancer

anticaries (ˌæntIˈkɛəriːz)   adj   characterized by an ability to prevent caries

anticatalyst (ˌæntIˈkætəlIst)   n   1 a substance that destroys or diminishes the activity of a catalyst   2 another name for inhibitor (sense 2)

anticathode (ˌæntIˈkæθəʊd)   n   the target electrode for the stream of electrons in a vacuum tube, esp an X-ray tube

anti-Catholic   adj   1 opposed to the beliefs, practices, and adherents of the Roman Catholic Church   ▷ n   2 someone opposed to the Roman Catholic Church and its adherents: she called him an anti-Catholic   > ˌanti-Caˈtholiˌcism n

anticellulite (ˌæntIˈsɛljʊˌlaIt)   adj   acting against cellulite

anticensorship (ˌæntIˈsɛnsəʃIp)   adj   opposed to a policy or programme of censoring

antichlor (ˈæntIˌklɔː)   n   a substance used to remove chlorine from a material after bleaching or to neutralize the chlorine present [C19: from ANTI- + CHLOR(INE)]   > ˌantichloˈristic adj

antichoice (ˌæntIˈtʃɔIs)   adj   1 derogatory opposed to granting pregnant women the choice to have an abortion   2 social psychol tending to restrict an individual's choice or perception of available choices

■ antichoicer (ˌæntIˈtʃɔIsə)   n derogatory   someone who opposes the granting of pregnant women the choice to have an abortion

anticholesterol (ˌæntIkəˈlɛstəˌrɒl)   n   1 an agent which acts against cholesterol, either as an antibody produced naturally by many mammals or in the form of a drug   ▷ adj   2 countering cholesterol

anticholinergic (ˌæntIˌkɒlIˈnɜːdʒIk)   adj   1 physiol blocking nerve impulses through the parasympathetic nerves   ▷ n   2 med a drug or agent that blocks these nerve impulses, used to control intestinal spasm, increase the heart rate, dilate the pupils for examination of the eyes, dry secretions in anaesthesia, and in some forms to treat Alzheimer's disease

anticholinesterase (ˌæntIˌkɒləˈnɛstəˌreIz)   n   any of a group of substances that inhibit the action of cholinesterase

Antichrist (ˈæntIˌkraIst)   n   1 New Testament the antagonist of Christ, expected by early Christians to appear and reign over the world until overthrown at Christ's Second Coming   2 (sometimes not capital) an enemy of Christ or Christianity   > ˌAntiˈchristian adj

■ Antichristianly (ˌæntIˈkrIstʃənlI)   adv   in an Antichristian manner

antichthones (ænˈtIkθəˌniːz)   pl n   obsolete the antipodes

antichurch (ˌæntIˈtʃɜːtʃ)   adj   opposed to the beliefs, practices, and adherents of the Christian church

anticigarette (ˌæntIˌsIɡəˈrɛt)   adj   opposing cigarette smoking

anticipate (ænˈtIsIˌpeIt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to foresee and act in advance of: they anticipated the fall in value by selling early   2 to thwart by acting in advance of; forestall: I anticipated his punch by moving out of reach   3 (also intr) to mention (something) before its proper time: don't anticipate the climax of the story   4 (may take a clause as object) to regard as likely; expect; foresee: he anticipated that it would happen   5 to make use of in advance of possession: she anticipated her salary in buying a house   6 to pay (a bill, etc) before it falls due   7 to cause to happen sooner: the spread of nationalism anticipated the decline of the Empire [C16: from Latin anticipāre to take before, realize beforehand, from anti- ANTE- + capere to take]   > anˈticiˌpator n   > anˈticipatory or anˈticipative adj   > anˈticipatorily or anˈticipatively adv

USAGE

The use of anticipate to mean expect should be avoided

■ anticipant (ænˈtIsIpənt)   adj   1 operating in advance; expectant; anticipating   ▷ n   2 a person who anticipates; anticipator

■ anticipatable (ænˈtIsIˌpeItəbəl)   adj   capable of being anticipated

■ anticipated (ænˈtIsIˌpeItId)   adj   awaited, usually with excitement and impatience

■ anticipation (ænˌtIsIˈpeIʃən)   n   1 the act of anticipating; expectation, premonition, or foresight   2 the act of taking or dealing with funds before they are legally available or due   3 music an unstressed, usually short note introduced before a downbeat and harmonically related to the chord immediately following it. Compare suspension (sense 11)

anticity (ˌæntIˈsItI)   adj   opposed to cities

anticivic (ˌæntIˈsIvIk)   adj   opposed to citizenship

■ anticivism (ˌæntIˈsIvIzəm)   n   opposition to citizenship

anticize or anticise (ˈæntIˌsaIz)   vb (intr)   to play absurdly, or perform antics

antick or anticke (ˈæntIk)   n   old-fashioned antic

anticlassical (ˌæntIˈklæsIkəl)   adj   against the trend of the classical period

anticlastic (ˌæntIˈklæstIk)   adj   maths (of a surface) having a curvature, at a given point and in a particular direction, that is of the opposite sign to the curvature at that point in a perpendicular direction. Compare synclastic

anticlerical (ˌæntIˈklɛrIkəl)   adj   1 opposed to the power and influence of the clergy, esp in politics   ▷ n   2 a supporter of an anticlerical party   > ˌantiˈclericalism n

anticlimax (ˌæntIˈklaImæks)   n   1 a disappointing or ineffective conclusion to a series of events, etc   2 a sudden change from a serious subject to one that is disappointing or ludicrous   3 rhetoric a descent in discourse from the significant or important to the trivial, inconsequential, etc   > anticlimactic (ˌæntIklaIˈmæktIk) or anticlimactical (ˌæntIklaIˈmæktIkəl) adj   > ˌanticliˈmactically adv

anticline (ˈæntIˌklaIn)   n   a formation of stratified rock raised up, by folding, into a broad arch so that the strata slope down on both sides from a common crest. Compare syncline

■ anticlinal (ˌæntIˈklaInəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling an anticline   2 botany of or relating to the plane at right angles to the surface of an organ

anticling (ˌæntIˈklIŋ)   adj   of a nature that prevents clothes from clinging

anticlinorium (ˌæntIklaIˈnɔːrIəm)   n, pl -noria (-ˈnɔːrIə)   a vast elongated anticline with its strata further folded into anticlines and synclines

anticlockwise (ˌæntIˈklɒkˌwaIz)   adv, adj   in the opposite direction to the rotation of the hands of a clock. US equivalent: counterclockwise

anticlotting (ˌæntIˈklɒtIŋ)   adj   of a nature that prevents blood clotting

anticoagulant (ˌæntIkəʊˈæɡjʊlənt)   adj   1 acting to prevent or impair coagulation, esp of blood   ▷ n   2 an agent that prevents or impairs coagulation

anticodon (ˌæntIˈkəʊdɒn)   n   biology a three-base unit of genetic code contained in transfer RNA that corresponds to a codon region on messenger RNA, involved in genetic translation

anticoincidence (ˌæntIkəʊˈInsIdəns)   n   (modifier) of or relating to an electronic circuit that produces an output pulse if one but not both of its input terminals receives a pulse within a specified interval of time. Compare coincidence (sense 3)

anticold (ˌæntIˈkəʊld)   adj   preventing or treating the common cold

anticollision (ˌæntIkəˈlIʒən)   adj   intended to avoid collisions

anticolonial (ˌæntIkəˈləʊnIəl)   adj   opposed to colonialism

■ anticolonialism (ˌæntIkəˈləʊnIəˌlIzəm)   n   the opposition to colonialism

■ anticolonialist (ˌæntIkəˈləʊnIəlIst)   n   1 a person who is opposed to colonialism   ▷ adj   2 opposed to colonialism

anticommercial (ˌæntIkəˈmɜːʃəl)   adj   commerce opposed to profit-seeking or commercialism

anticommunism (ˌæntIˈkɒmjʊnIzəm)   n   the opposition to communism

anti-Communist   n   1 a person who is opposed to Communism: a staunch anti-Communist   ▷ adj   2 opposed to Communism: a big anti-Communist demonstration

anticompetitive (ˌæntIkəmˈpɛtItIv)   adj   commerce (in business) discouraging competition

anticonsumer (ˌæntIkənˈsjuːmə)   adj   opposed to consumerism

anticonvulsant (ˌæntIkənˈvʌlsənt)   n   1 any of a class of drugs used to prevent or abolish convulsions   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this class of drugs

■ anticonvulsive (ˌæntIkənˈvʌlsIv)   adj   med preventing or alleviating convulsions

Anti-Corn Law League   n   an organization founded in 1839 by Richard Cobden and John Bright to oppose the Corn Laws, which were repealed in 1846

anticorporate (ˌæntIˈkɔːpərIt)   adj   opposed to the activities or practices of big business

anticorrosion (ˌæntIkəˈrəʊʒən)   n   1 the prevention or counteracting of corrosion   ▷ adj   2 relating to anticorrosion

■ anticorrosive (ˌæntIkəˈrəʊsIv)   adj   1 preventing corrosion   ▷ n   2 a substance or material that prevents corrosion

anticorruption (ˌæntIkəˈrʌpʃən)   adj   the opposition to or prevention of corruption

Anticosti (ˌæntIˈkɒstI)   n   an island of E Canada, in the Gulf of St Lawrence; part of Quebec. Area: 7881 sq km (3043 sq miles)

anticous (ˈæntIkəs)   adj   botany (in plants) facing the axis of the flower

anticrack (ˌæntIˈkræk)   adj   computing protecting a computer against unauthorized access

anticreative (ˌæntIkrIˈeItIv)   adj   opposed to originality of thought or the display of imagination

anticrime (ˌæntIˈkraIm)   adj   preventing or fighting crime

anticruelty (ˌæntIˈkruːəltI)   adj   the prevention of or opposition to cruelty

antics (ˈæntIks)   pl n   absurd or grotesque acts or postures

anticult (ˌæntIˈkʌlt)   adj   opposed to religious cults

anticultural (ˌæntIˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   against culture or civilization

anticyclone (ˌæntIˈsaIkləʊn)   n   meteorol a body of moving air of higher pressure than the surrounding air, in which the pressure decreases away from the centre. Winds circulate around the centre in a clockwise direction in the N hemisphere and anticlockwise in the S hemisphere. Also called: high   > anticyclonic (ˌæntIsaIˈklɒnIk) adj

antidandruff (ˌæntIˈdændrʌf)   adj   preventing or treating dandruff

antidazzle (ˈæntIˌdæzəl)   adj   automobiles preventing dazzle

■ antidazzle mirror (ˈæntIˌdæzəl)   n   a rear-view mirror for road vehicles that only partially reflects headlights behind

antidefamation (ˌæntIˌdɛfəˈmeIʃən)   adj   (of a group or organization) against defamation

antidemocratic (ˌæntIˌdɛməˈkrætIk)   adj   opposed to the principles or practice of democracy: anti-democratic forces

antidepressant (ˌæntIdIˈprɛsənt)   n   1 any of a class of drugs used to alleviate depression   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this class of drugs

■ antidepression (ˌæntIdIˈprɛʃən)   adj   med alleviating or preventing depression

antiderivative (ˌæntIdIˈrIvətIv)   n   maths an indefinite integral

antidesiccant (ˌæntIˈdɛsIkənt)   n   a substance applied to plants to prevent moisture loss during transplantation

antidevelopment (ˌæntIdIˈvɛləpmənt)   adj   (of a group) opposed to development

antidiabetic (ˌæntIˌdaIəˈbɛtIk) pharmacol   n   1 a drug which acts against diabetes   ▷ adj   2 acting against or preventing diabetes

antidiarrhoeal or US antidiarrheal (ˌæntIˌdaIəˈrIəl) pharmacol   n   1 a drug used to prevent or treat diarrhoea   ▷ adj   2 acting against or preventing diarrhoea

antidilution (ˌæntIdaIˈluːʃən)   adj   commerce (of a provision or protection) acting to prevent a company from issuing equity at a low valuation

antidiuretic (ˌæntIˌdaIjʊˈrɛtIk)   adj   (of a hormone, treatment, etc) acting on the kidneys to control water excretion

■ antidiuretic hormone   n   another name for vasopressin. Abbreviation: ADH

antidogmatic (ˌæntIdɒɡˈmætIk)   adj   opposed to dogma

antidoron (ˌæntIˈdɔːrɒn)   n, pl -ra (-rə)   consecrated bread

antidote (ˈæntIˌdəʊt)   n   1 med a drug or agent that counteracts or neutralizes the effects of a poison   2 anything that counteracts or relieves a harmful or unwanted condition; remedy [C15: from Latin antidotum, from Greek antidoton something given as a countermeasure, from ANTI- + didonai to give]   > ˌantiˈdotal adj

■ antidotally (ˌæntIˈdəʊtəlI)   adv   med obsolete in the manner of an antidote

antidraft (ˌæntIˈdrɑːft)   adj   US opposed to compulsory military service or conscription

antidromic (ˌæntIˈdrɒmIk)   adj   (of nerve fibres) conducting nerve impulses in a direction opposite to normal [from ANTI- + Greek dromos course]

■ antidromically (ˌæntIˈdrɒmIkəlI)   adv   physiol in an antidromic manner

antidrug (ˌæntIˈdrʌɡ)   adj   (of a person, group or initiative) discouraging illegal drug use

antidumping (ˌæntIˈdʌmpIŋ)   n   commerce   a a method of trade protection intended to stop other countries dumping goods cheaply on a domestic market   b (as modifier): an antidumping agreement

antidune (ˈæntIˌdjuːn)   n   a sand hill or inclined bedding plane that forms a steep slope against the direction of a fast-flowing current

antieconomic (ˌæntIˌɛkəˈnɒmIk)   adj   against economic growth or wellbeing

antieducational (ˌæntIˌɛdʒʊˈkeIʃənəl)   adj   opposing the provision of knowledge

antiegalitarian (ˌæntIIˌɡælIˈtɛərIən)   adj   opposing equality

antielectron (ˈæntIIˌlɛktrɒn)   n   physics an elementary particle with a positive charge, a positron

antielite (ˌæntIIˈliːt)   adj   1 opposed to elitism   ▷ n   2 a person or group opposed to or outside of the elite

■ antielitism (ˌæntIIˈliːtIzəm)   n   the state of being opposed to elitism

■ antielitist (ˌæntIIˈliːtIst)   adj   1 against elitism, populist   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to elitism

antiemetic (ˌæntIIˈmɛtIk)   adj   1 preventing vomiting   ▷ n   2 any antiemetic drug, such as promethazine or metoclopramide

antientropic (ˌæntiːɛnˈtrəʊpIk, ˌæntiːɛnˈtrɒpIk)   adj   showing a tendency towards order

antiepilepsy (ˌæntIˈɛpIlɛpsI)   adj   med (of a drug or treatment) acting against epilepsy

■ antiepileptic (ˌæntIˌɛpIˈlɛptIk)   n   pharmacol a drug used to treat epileptic seizures, an anticonvulsant

antierotic (ˌæntIIˈrɒtIk)   adj   discouraging sexual desire

anti-Establishment   adj   opposed to established authority

antiestrogen (ˌæntIˈɛstrədʒən, ˌæntIˈiːstrədʒən)   n   the usual US spelling of antioestrogen

Antietam (ænˈtiːtəm)   n   a creek in NW Maryland, flowing into the Potomac: scene of a Civil War battle (1862), in which the Confederate forces of General Robert E. Lee were defeated

anti-European   adj   1 opposed to the European Union or to political union of the countries of Europe   ▷ n   2 a person who is opposed to the European Union or to political union of the countries of Europe   > anti-Europeanism n

antievolution (ˌæntIˌiːvəˈluːʃən)   n   1 a system of thought which argues against the biological theory of evolution   ▷ adj   2 relating to the argument against the biological theory of evolution

antifa (ˈæntIˌfɑː)   n   1 an antifascist organization   2 a member of an antifascist organization   ▷ adj   3 involving, belonging to, or relating to an antifascist organization [C20: from German, short for Antifaschistische Aktion, name of a group formed in 1932 to oppose fascism]

antifamily (ˌæntIˈfæmIlI)   adj   opposed to the family unit

antifascist (ˌæntIˈfæʃIst)   adj   opposed to fascism: an antifascist demonstration

■ antifascism   n   opposition to fascism

antifashion (ˌæntIˈfæʃən)   adj   opposing mainstream fashion

■ antifashionable (ˌæntIˈfæʃənəbəl)   adj   not conforming to mainstream fashion

antifat (ˌæntIˈfæt)   adj   counteracting the formation of fat; fat-reducing

antifatigue (ˌæntIfəˈtiːɡ)   adj   reducing or preventing fatigue

antifebrile (ˌæntIˈfiːbraIl)   adj   1 reducing fever; antipyretic   ▷ n   2 obsolete an antifebrile agent or drug

Antifederalist (ˌæntIˈfɛdərəlIst, -ˈfɛdrə-)   n   1 US history a person who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1789 and thereafter allied with Thomas Jefferson's Antifederal Party, which opposed extension of the powers of the federal Government   2 (often not capital) any person who opposes federalism

antifemale (ˌæntIˈfiːmeIl)   adj   opposed to or discriminating against women

antifeminine (ˌæntIˈfɛmInIn)   adj   opposed to or discriminating against women or feminine characteristics or behaviour

■ antifeminism (ˌæntIˈfɛmInIzəm)   n   the opposition to feminism

■ antifeminist (ˌæntIˈfɛmInIst)   n   1 a person, movement or action opposed to feminism   ▷ adj   2 relating to antifeminism

antiferromagnetism (ˌæntIˌfɛrəʊˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   physics the phenomenon exhibited by substances that resemble paramagnetic substances in the value of their relative permeability but that behave like ferromagnetic substances when their temperature is varied. See also ferrimagnetism

■ antiferromagnet (ˌæntIˌfɛrəʊˈmæɡnIt)   adj   physics a material which exhibits antiferromagnetism

antifertility (ˌæntIfɜːˈtIlItI)   adj   med acting to suppress fertility or as a contraceptive

antifilibuster (ˌæntIˈfIlIˌbʌstə)   n   politics a person or method in opposition to filibustering

antiflu (ˌæntIˈfluː)   adj   med acting against influenza

antifoaming (ˌæntIˈfəʊmIŋ) or antifoam (ˌæntIˈfəʊm)   adj   acting to prevent the formation of foam

antifog (ˌæntIˈfɒɡ) or antifogging (ˌæntIˈfɒɡIŋ)   adj   acting to prevent the condensation of moisture, esp on transparent surfaces

antiforeclosure (ˌæntIfɔːˈkləʊʒə)   adj   law opposed to the process of foreclosure

antiforeign (ˌæntIˈfɒrIn)   adj   opposed to or discriminating against foreigners or foreign countries

■ antiforeigner (ˌæntIˈfɒrInə)   adj   opposed to foreigners or foreign countries

antiformalist (ˌæntIˈfɔːməlIst)   adj   opposed to formalism

antifouling (ˌæntIˈfaʊlIŋ)   adj   1 (of a paint or other coating) inhibiting the growth of barnacles and other marine organisms on a ship's bottom   ▷ n   2 an antifouling paint or other coating

antifraud (ˌæntIˈfrɔːd)   adj   acting against fraud

antifreeze (ˈæntIˌfriːz)   n   a liquid, usually ethylene glycol (ethanediol), added to cooling water to lower its freezing point, esp for use in an internal-combustion engine

antifriction (ˌæntIˈfrIkʃən)   adj   intended to reduce friction

■ antifriction metal (ˌæntIˈfrIkʃən)   n   another name for white metal

antifungal (ˌæntIˈfʌŋɡəl)   adj   1 inhibiting the growth of fungi   2 (of a drug) possessing antifungal properties and therefore used to treat fungal infections   ▶ Also: antimycotic

antifur (ˌæntIˈfɜː)   adj   opposed to the wearing of fur garments

antigambling (ˌæntIˈɡæmblIŋ)   adj   opposed to gambling

antigang (ˌæntIˈɡæŋ)   adj   opposed to the formation, growth and activities of gangs

antigay (ˌæntIˈɡeI)   adj   opposed to homosexual people and behaviour

antigen (ˈæntIdʒən, -ˌdʒɛn) or antigene (ˈæntIˌdʒiːn)   n   a substance that stimulates the production of antibodies [C20: from ANTI(BODY) + -GEN]   > ˌantiˈgenic adj   > ˌantiˈgenically adv

■ antigenic determinant   n   the specific part of an antigen molecule to which an antibody becomes attached

■ antigenicity (ˌæntIdʒəˈnIsItI)   n   med the quality or extent of being antigenic

antiglare (ˌæntIˈɡlɛə)   adj   another word for antidazzle

anti-globalization or anti-globalisation   n   a political belief opposed to the emergence of a single world market dominated by multinational companies

■ anti-globalizer or anti-globaliser   n   a political activist who challenges the concept of globalization and promotes practices that do not cause environmental damage

antiglobulin (ˌæntIˈɡlɒbjʊlIn)   n   a serum containing an antibody specific to an immunoglobulin

Antigone (ænˈtIɡənI)   n   Greek myth daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, who was condemned to death for cremating the body of her brother Polynices in defiance of an edict of her uncle, King Creon of Thebes

Antigonus I (ænˈtIɡənəs)   n   known as Cyclops. 382–301 BC, Macedonian general under Alexander the Great; king of Macedon (306–301)

antigovernment (ˌæntIˈɡʌvəmənt, ˌæntIˈɡʌvənmənt)   adj   opposed to government

antigraft (ˌæntIˈɡrɑːft, ˌæntIˈɡræft)   adj   opposed to or designed to reduce corruption

antigravity (ˌæntIˈɡrævItI)   adj   1 acting against the force of gravity   ▷ n   2 the concept of negating the force of gravity

antigropelos or antigropeloes (ˌæntIˈɡrɒpəˌləʊz)   pl n   clothing obsolete waterproof leggings used to protect against mud

antigrowth (ˌæntIˈɡrəʊθ)   adj   acting to restrict or prevent growth

anti-G suit   n   another name for G-suit

Antigua (ænˈtiːɡə)   n   an island in the Caribbean, one of the Leeward Islands: a British colony, with its dependency Barbuda, until 1967, when it became a British associated state; it became independent in 1981 as part of the state of Antigua and Barbuda. Area: 279 sq km (108 sq miles)

■ Antigua and Barbuda   n   a state in the Caribbean, comprising the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda: gained independence in 1981: a member of the Commonwealth. Official language: English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: East Caribbean dollar. Capital: St John's. Pop: 102 012 (2017 est). Area: 442 sq km (171 sq miles)

■ Antiguan (ænˈtiːɡən)   adj   1 of or relating to Antigua or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Antigua

antiguerrilla (ˌæntIɡəˈrIlə)   adj   military acting against guerrilla activity

antigun (ˌæntIˈɡʌn)   adj   opposed to the possession and proliferation of guns

antihalation (ˌæntIhəˈleIʃən)   n   photog   a a process by which light, passing through the emulsion on a film or plate, is not reflected back into it but is absorbed by a layer of dye or pigment, usually on the back of the film, thus preventing halation   b (as modifier): antihalation backing

antihelix (ˌæntIˈhiːlIks)   n, pl -helices (-ˈhiːlIsiːz) or -helixes   a variant spelling of anthelix

antihero (ˈæntIˌhIərəʊ)   n, pl -roes   a central character in a novel, play, etc, who lacks the traditional heroic virtues

■ antiheroic (ˌæntIhIˈrəʊIk)   adj   relating to or in the manner of an antihero

■ antiheroine (ˈæntIˌhɛrəʊIn)   n   a central female character in a novel, play, film, etc, who lacks the traditional heroic virtues

antiherpes (ˌæntIˈhɜːpiːz)   adj   med acting against the herpes simplex virus

antihijack (ˌæntIˈhaIdʒæk)   adj   acting to prevent or resolve hijack situations

antihistamine (ˌæntIˈhIstəˌmiːn, -mIn)   n   any drug that neutralizes the effects of histamine, used esp in the treatment of allergies

■ antihistaminic (ˌæntIˌhIstəˈmInIk)   adj   relating to antihistamines

antihistorical (ˌæntIhIˈstɒrIkəl)   adj   opposed to history or to methods which emphasize or require historical study

antihomosexual (ˌæntIˌhəʊməʊˈsɛkʃʊəl, ˌæntIˌhɒməʊˈsɛkʃʊəl)   adj   opposed to homosexual people and behaviour

antihuman (ˌæntIˈhjuːmən)   adj   opposed to or hostile to humanity, inhuman

antihumanism (ˌæntIˈhjuːmənIzəm)   n   philosophy opposition to humanism

■ antihumanistic (ˌæntIˌhjuːməˈnIstIk)   adj   philosophy being opposed to humanism

antihunting (ˌæntIˈhʌntIŋ)   adj   opposed to hunters or hunting practices

■ antihunter (ˌæntIˈhʌntə)   n   a person opposed to hunters or hunting practices

antihydrogen (ˈæntIˌhaIdrədʒən)   n   hydrogen in which the nucleus is an antiproton with an orbiting positron

antihysteric (ˌæntIhIsˈtɛrIk)   adj   acting to counter hysteria

anti-icer   n   a device fitted to an aircraft to prevent the formation of ice. Compare de-icer

anti-imperialist   adj   1 opposed to imperialism: anti-imperialist movements   ▷ n   2 a person who is opposed to imperialism   > ˌanti-imˈperialism n

anti-inflammatory   adj   1 reducing inflammation   ▷ n   2 any anti-inflammatory drug, such as cortisone, aspirin, or ibuprofen

anti-inflationary or anti-inflation   adj   of or relating to measures to counteract or combat inflation

anti-intellectualism   n   a feeling of hostility and dislike towards intellectuals and intellectual activities

anti-interference   adj   electronics intended to reduce electronic interference during radio transmissions

antijacobin (ˌæntIˈdʒækəbIn)   adj   history opposed to the political activities of the Jacobins

antijam (ˌæntIˈdʒæm) or antijamming (ˌæntIˈdʒæmIŋ)   adj   electronics acting to prevent jamming in mechanical systems or communications devices

antikickback (ˌæntIˈkIkbæk)   adj   acting against or opposed to bribery

antiking (ˌæntIˈkIŋ)   n   a man who declares himself king in opposition to an established monarch

antiknock (ˌæntIˈnɒk)   n   a compound, such as lead tetraethyl, added to petrol to reduce knocking in the engine

antilabor (ˌæntIˈleIbə)   adj   a variant (US) of antiunion

antileak (ˌæntIˈliːk)   adj   serving to prevent leaks

Anti-Lebanon   n   a mountain range running north and south between Syria and Lebanon, east of the Lebanon Mountains. Highest peak: Mount Hermon, 2814 m (9232 ft)

antileft (ˌæntIˈlɛft)   adj   opposed to the left wing in politics

antilegomena (ˌæntIlɛˈɡɒmInə)   pl n   Christianity the books of the New Testament which have been excluded from the canon of Scripture

antileprosy (ˌæntIˈlɛprəsI)   adj   acting against leprosy

antilepton (ˌæntIˈlɛptən)   n   physics the antiparticle of any of the leptons

antileukemic (ˌæntIluːˈkiːmIk)   adj   acting against leukemia

antiliberalism (ˌæntIˈlIbərəlIzəm)   n   a political ideology opposed to liberalism

■ antiliberal (ˌæntIˈlIbərəl)   adj   1 acting against liberalism   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to liberalism

antilibertarian (ˌæntIˌlIbəˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 opposed to libertarianism   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to libertarianism

antilife (ˌæntIˈlaIf)   adj   1 opposed to living in harmony with the natural order   2 US derogatory supporting the right of a woman to have an abortion

■ antilifer (ˌæntIˈlaIfə)   n   US derogatory a person who supports the right of a woman to have an abortion

antiliterate (ˌæntIˈlItərət)   adj   opposed to literacy, acting against literacy

antilittering (ˌæntIˈlItərIŋ) or antilitter (ˌæntIˈlItə)   adj   (of a campaign) intended to discourage litter dropping

Antilles (ænˈtIliːz)   pl n   the Antilles a group of islands in the Caribbean. See also Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles

antilock brake (ˈæntIˌlɒk)   n   a brake fitted to some road vehicles that prevents skidding and improves control by sensing and compensating for overbraking. Also called: ABS brake

antilog (ˈæntIˌlɒɡ)   n   short for antilogarithm

antilogarithm (ˌæntIˈlɒɡəˌrIðəm)   n   a number whose logarithm to a given base is a given number: 100 is the antilogarithm of 2 to base 10. Often shortened to: antilog   > ˌantiˌlogaˈrithmic adj

antilogical (ˌæntIˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   opposed to the logical

antilogy (ænˈtIlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   a contradiction in terms [C17: from Greek antilogia]

■ antilogous (ænˈtIləɡəs)   adj   1 having the opposite name or character   2 physics designating the pole of a crystal that has a negative electric charge when heated

antilopine (ænˈtIləˌpaIn)   adj   zoology of or relating to the antelope

antilynching (ˌæntIˈlIntʃIŋ)   adj   opposed to lynching, acting against lynching

antimacassar (ˌæntIməˈkæsə)   n   a cloth covering the back and arms of chairs, etc, to prevent soiling or as decoration [C19: from ANTI- + MACASSAR (OIL)]

antimacho (ˌæntIˈmætʃəʊ)   adj   opposed to macho attitudes

antimagnetic (ˌæntImæɡˈnɛtIk)   adj   of or constructed of a material that does not acquire permanent magnetism when exposed to a magnetic field: an antimagnetic watch

antimalaria (ˌæntIməˈlɛərIə)   adj   acting against or preventing malaria

■ antimalarial (ˌæntIməˈlɛərIəl)   adj   1 effective in the treatment of malaria   ▷ n   2 an antimalarial drug or agent

antimale (ˌæntIˈmeIl)   adj   opposed to men

antiman (ˌæntIˈmæn)   adj   1 opposed to men   ▷ n, pl -men   2 Caribbean offensive, slang an effeminate or homosexual man

antimanagement (ˌæntIˈmænIdʒmənt)   adj   commerce relating to a theory of organization opposed to management

antimarijuana (ˌæntIˌmærIˈwɑːnə)   adj   opposed to or acting against the use of marijuana

antimarket (ˌæntIˈmɑːkIt)   adj   economics opposed to or working against commerce

■ antimarketeer (ˌæntImɑːkəˈtIə)   n   politics, Brit a person who was opposed to the United Kingdom joining the European Union

antimasque or antimask (ˈæntIˌmɑːsk)   n   a comic or grotesque dance, presented between the acts of a masque

antimaterialism (ˌæntIməˈtIərIəlIzəm)   n   1 an attitude opposed to materialism   2 philosophy any of a number of systems of metaphysical or religious belief that oppose materialism

■ antimaterialist (ˌæntIməˈtIərIəlIst)   adj   1 opposed to materialism   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to materialism

antimatter (ˈæntIˌmætə)   n   a form of matter composed of antiparticles, such as antihydrogen, consisting of antiprotons and positrons

antimechanist (ˌæntIˈmɛkənIst) philosophy   adj   1 opposed to mechanistic philosophy   ▷ n   2 a person who is opposed to mechanistic philosophy

antimere (ˈæntIˌmIə)   n   a part or organ of a bilaterally or radially symmetrical organism that corresponds to a similar structure on the other side of the axis, such as the right or left limb of a four-legged animal. Also called: actinomere   > antimeric (ˌæntIˈmɛrIk) adj   > antimerism (ænˈtIməˌrIzəm) n

antimerger (ˌæntIˈmɜːdʒə)   adj   commerce opposed to corporate mergers

antimetabole (ˌæntIməˈtæbəlI)   n   rhetoric the repetition of words in reverse order for emphasis

antimetabolic (ˌæntIˌmɛtəˈbɒlIk)   adj   biology inhibiting metabolism

antimetabolite (ˌæntImIˈtæbəˌlaIt)   n   any drug that acts by disrupting the normal growth of a cell. Sulfonamide drugs are antimetabolites and some antimetabolites are used in cancer treatment

antimetathesis (ˌæntImɛˈtæθəsIs)   n   rhetoric an inversion of the parts (or members) of an antithesis

antimicrobial (ˌæntImaIˈkrəʊbIəl)   adj   capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microbes

antimilitary (ˌæntIˈmIlItərI)   adj   opposed to the military

■ antimilitarism (ˌæntIˈmIlItərIzəm)   n   the opposition to militarism or to war between states

■ antimilitarist (ˌæntIˈmIlItərIst)   adj   1 opposed to militarism   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to militarism

antimine (ˌæntIˈmaIn)   adj   1 designed to counteract landmines   2 opposed to the use of landmines

antimissile (ˌæntIˈmIsaIl)   adj   1 relating to defensive measures against missile attack: an antimissile system   ▷ n   2 Also called: antimissile missile a defensive missile used to intercept and destroy attacking missiles. Abbreviation: AMM

antimitotic (ˌæntImaIˈtɒtIk)   adj   1 physiol acting against mitosis   ▷ n   2 pharmacol a drug which acts against mitosis

antimnemonic (ˌæntInIˈmɒnIk)   adj   difficult to remember (often deliberately so)

antimodern (ˌæntIˈmɒdən)   adj   opposed to modern attitudes

antimodernist (ˌæntIˈmɒdənIst)   adj   1 opposed to modernism   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to modernism

antimonarchist (ˌæntIˈmɒnəkIst)   adj   1 opposed to a monarchy   ▷ n   2 a person who is opposed to a monarchy

■ antimonarchical (ˌæntIməˈnɑːkIkəl)   adj   1 opposed to the monarchy   2 opposed to the concept of monarchy

antimonopoly (ˌæntIməˈnɒpəlI) or antimonopolist (ˌæntIməˈnɒpəlIst)   adj   opposed to monopoly

antimony (ˈæntImənI)   n   a toxic metallic element that exists in two allotropic forms and occurs principally in stibnite. The stable form is a brittle silvery-white crystalline metal that is added to alloys to increase their strength and hardness and is used in semiconductors. Symbol: Sb; atomic no: 51; atomic wt: 121.757; valency: 0, –3, +3, or +5; relative density: 6.691; melting pt: 630.76°C; boiling pt: 1587°C [C15: from Medieval Latin antimōnium, of uncertain origin]

■ antimonate (ˈæntIməˌneIt) or antimoniate (ˌæntIˈməʊnIeIt)   n   chem a salt or ester of antimonic acid

■ antimonial (ˌæntIˈməʊnIəl)   adj   1 of or containing antimony   ▷ n   2 a drug or agent containing antimony

■ antimonic (ˌæntIˈmɒnIk)   adj   of or containing antimony in the pentavalent state

■ antimonide (ˈæntIməˌnaId)   n   chem a compound of antimony

■ antimonious (ˌæntIˈməʊnIəs)   adj   chem relating to or containing antimony

■ antimonite (ˈæntIməˌnaIt)   n   1 chem an oxyanion of antimony or a salt containing an oxyanion of antimony   2 mineralogy obsolete a mineral from which antimony is obtained. Also called: antimony sulphide, stibnite

■ antimonous (ˈæntImənəs)   adj   of or containing antimony in the trivalent state

■ antimony potassium tartrate   n   a colourless odourless poisonous crystalline salt used as a mordant for textiles and leather, as an insecticide, and as an anthelmintic. Formula: K(SbO)C_4H_4O_6. Also called: tartar emetic

antimonyl (ˈæntImənIl, ænˈtIm-)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group SbO-: an antimonyl group or radical

antimosquito (ˌæntImɒˈskiːtəʊ)   adj   acting against mosquitoes

anti-motion-sickness   adj   pharmacol combatting the effects of motion sickness

antimuon (ˌæntIˈmjuːɒn)   n   the antiparticle of a muon

antimusic (ˈæntIˌmjuːzIk)   n   any form of music intended to overthrow traditional conventions and expectations

■ antimusical (ˌæntIˈmjuːzIkəl)   adj   opposed to musical conventions

antimutagen (ˌæntIˈmjuːtədʒən)   n   any substance that acts against a mutagen

antimycin (ˌæntIˈmaIsIn)   n   pharmacol an antibiotic drug active against various fungi

antimycotic (ˌæntImaIˈkɒtIk)   adj   another word for antifungal

antinarrative (ˈæntIˌnærətIv)   n   a narrative which does not adhere to the usual conventions of narrative

antinational (ˌæntIˈnæʃənəl)   adj   opposed to one's nation; unpatriotic

■ antinationalist (ˌæntIˈnæʃənəlIst)   n   1 a person who is opposed to nationalism   ▷ adj   2 opposed to nationalism

antinatural (ˌæntIˈnætʃərəl)   adj   opposed to or against nature

antinausea (ˌæntIˈnɔːzIə)   adj   med preventing or alleviating nausea

anti-Nazi   adj   1 opposing any individual or group that espouses Nazi ideologies   ▷ n   2 a person who is opposed to Nazism

antineoplastic (ˌæntIˌniːəʊˈplæstIk)   adj   1 med acting against tumours   ▷ n   2 pharmacol a drug that acts against tumours

antinephritic (ˌæntInɛˈfrItIk)   adj   med acting against kidney disease

antinepotism (ˌæntIˈnɛpətIzm)   adj   opposed to or acting against nepotism

antineutrino (ˌæntInjuːˈtriːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   the antiparticle of a neutrino; a particle having oppositely directed spin to a neutrino, that is, spin in the direction of its momentum

antineutron (ˌæntIˈnjuːtrɒn)   n   the antiparticle of a neutron; a particle having the same mass as the neutron but a magnetic moment of opposite sign

anting (ˈæntIŋ)   n   the placing or rubbing of ants by birds on their feathers. The body fluids of the ants are thought to repel parasites

antinode (ˈæntIˌnəʊd)   n   physics a point at which the amplitude of one of the two kinds of displacement in a standing wave has maximum value. Generally the other kind of displacement has its minimum value at this point. See also standing wave. Compare node   > ˌantiˈnodal adj

antinoise (ˈæntIˌnɔIz)   n   sound generated so that it is out of phase with a noise, such as that made by an engine, in order to reduce the noise level by interference

antinomy (ænˈtInəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 opposition of one law, principle, or rule to another; contradiction within a law   2 philosophy contradiction existing between two apparently indubitable propositions; paradox [C16: from Latin antinomia, from Greek: conflict between laws, from ANTI- + nomos law]   > antinomic (ˌæntIˈnɒmIk) adj   > ˌantiˈnomically adv

■ antinome (ˈæntIˌnəʊm)   n   formal a thing that contradicts or is contrary to another, an opposite

■ antinomian (ˌæntIˈnəʊmIən)   adj   1 relating to the doctrine that by faith and the dispensation of grace a Christian is released from the obligation of adhering to any moral law   ▷ n   2 a member of a Christian sect holding such a doctrine   > ˌantiˈnomianism n

■ antinomical (ˌæntIˈnɒmIkəl)   adj   characterized by or prone to antinomy

antinovel (ˈæntIˌnɒvəl)   n   Also: anti-roman, nouveau roman a type of prose fiction in which conventional or traditional novelistic elements are rejected

■ antinovelist (ˈæntIˌnɒvəlIst)   n   a writer of antinovels

antinuclear (ˌæntIˈnjuːklIə)   adj   opposed to nuclear weapons   > ˌantiˈnuclearist n

antinucleon (ˌæntIˈnjuːklIˌɒn)   n   an antiproton or an antineutron

antinuke (ˌæntIˈnjuːk)   adj   informal opposed to nuclear weapons or energy

■ antinuker (ˌæntIˈnjuːkə)   n   informal a person who is opposed to nuclear weapons or energy

antiobesity (ˌæntIəʊˈbiːsItI)   adj   1 reducing or controlling obesity   2 acting against obesity

antiobscenity (ˌæntIəbˈsɛnətI)   adj   opposed to or working to combat obscenity

Antioch (ˈæntIˌɒk)   n   a city in S Turkey, on the Orontes River: ancient commercial centre and capital of Syria (300–64 BC); early centre of Christianity. Pop: 155 000 (2005 est). Turkish name: Antakya

Antiochus III (ænˈtaIəkəs)   n   known as Antiochus the Great. 242–187 BC, king of Syria (223–187), who greatly extended the Seleucid empire but was forced (190) to surrender most of Asia Minor to the Romans

Antiochus IV   n   ?215–164 BC, Seleucid king of Syria (175–164), who attacked the Jews and provoked the revolt of the Maccabees

antiodontalgic (ˌæntIˌəʊdɒnˈtældʒIk) dentistry   adj   1 of use in the treatment of toothache   ▷ n   2 an agent used in the treatment of toothache

antioestrogen (ˌæntIˈiːstrədʒən, ˌæntIˈɛstrədʒən)   n   a drug that inhibits the activity of oestrogens

antioxidant (ˌæntIˈɒksIdənt)   n   1 any substance that retards deterioration by oxidation, esp of fats, oils, foods, petroleum products, or rubber   2 biology a substance, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta carotene, that counteracts the damaging effects of oxidation in a living organism

antiozonant (ˌæntIˈəʊzəʊnənt)   n   chem any of a number of substances that protect against or reverse oxidation by ozone

antipapal (ˌæntIˈpeIpəl)   adj   opposed to the pope

antiparallel (ˌæntIˈpærəˌlɛl)   adj   1 physics parallel but pointing in the opposite direction   2 maths (of vectors) parallel but having opposite directions

antiparasitic (ˌæntIˌpærəˈsItIk)   adj   1 acting against infection by parasites   ▷ n   2 pharmacol a drug that prevents infection by parasites

antiparticle (ˈæntIˌpɑːtIkəl)   n   any of a group of elementary particles that have the same mass and spin as their corresponding particle but have opposite values for all other nonzero quantum numbers. When a particle collides with its antiparticle, mutual annihilation occurs

antiparty (ˌæntIˈpɑːtI)   adj   politics opposed to a political party or to political parties

antipasto (ˌæntIˈpɑːstəʊ, -ˈpæs-)   n, pl -tos   a course of hors d'oeuvres in an Italian meal [Italian: before food]

Antipater (ænˈtIpətə)   n   ?398–319 BC, Macedonian general under Alexander the Great: regent of Macedon (334–323)

antipathetic (ænˌtIpəˈθɛtIk, ˌæntIpə-) or antipathetical   adj   (often foll by to) having or arousing a strong aversion   > ˌantipaˈthetically adv

antipathy (ænˈtIpəθI)   n, pl -thies   1 a feeling of intense aversion, dislike, or hostility   2 the object of such a feeling [C17: from Latin antipathia, from Greek antipatheia, from ANTI- + patheia feeling]

■ antipathic (ˌæntIˈpæθIk)   adj   1 characterized by antipathy   2 med displaying the contrary symptoms

■ antipathist (ænˈtIpəθIst)   n   obsolete a person feeling antipathy

antiperiodic (ˌæntIˌpIərIˈɒdIk) med   adj   1 obsolete efficacious against recurring attacks of a disease   ▷ n   2 obsolete an antiperiodic drug or agent

antiperistalsis (ˌæntIˌpɛrIˈstælsIs)   n physiol   contractions of the intestine that force the contents in the opposite direction to the normal   > ˌantiˌperiˈstaltic adj

antiperistasis (ˌæntIˌpɛrIˈstælsIs)   n   philosophy a real or imagined process in which one part increases the force of an opposing part

antipersonnel (ˌæntIˌpɜːsəˈnɛl)   adj   (of weapons, etc) designed to cause casualties to personnel rather than to destroy equipment or defences. Abbreviation: AP

antiperspirant (ˌæntIˈpɜːspərənt)   n   1 an astringent substance applied to the skin to reduce or prevent perspiration   ▷ adj   2 reducing or preventing perspiration

antipesticide (ˌæntIˈpɛstIˌsaId)   adj   opposed to the use of pesticides

antipetalous (ˌæntIˈpɛtələs)   adj   botany standing before the petals of a plant

antiphlogistic (ˌæntIfləˈdʒIstIk)   adj   1 obsolete of or relating to the prevention or alleviation of inflammation   ▷ n   2 an antiphlogistic agent or drug

antiphon (ˈæntIfən)   n   1 a short passage, usually from the Bible, recited or sung as a response after certain parts of a liturgical service   2 a psalm, hymn, etc, chanted or sung in alternate parts   3 any response or answer [C15: from Late Latin antiphōna sung responses, from Late Greek, plural of antiphōnon (something) responsive, from antiphōnos, from ANTI- + phōnē sound]

■ antiphonal (ænˈtIfənəl)   adj   1 sung or recited in alternation   ▷ n   2 another word for antiphonary   > anˈtiphonally adv

■ antiphonary (ænˈtIfənərI)   n, pl -naries   1 Also called: antiphoner a bound collection of antiphons, esp for use in the divine office   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to such a book

■ antiphonic (ˌæntIˈfɒnIk) or antiphonical (ˌæntIˈfɒnIkəl)   adj   relating to or resembling an antiphon

■ antiphonically (ˌæntIˈfɒnIkəlI)   adv   in an antiphonal or antiphonic manner

■ antiphony (ænˈtIfənI)   n, pl -nies   1 the antiphonal singing of a musical composition by two choirs   2 any musical or other sound effect that answers or echoes another

antiphrasis (ænˈtIfrəsIs)   n   rhetoric the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal one, esp for ironic effect [C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from ANTI- + phrasis, from phrazein to speak]

■ antiphrastic (ˌæntIˈfræstIk) or antiphrastical (ˌæntIˈfræstIkəl)   adj   rhetoric relating to antiphrasis

anti-pill   adj   denoting a material that does not form pills or that resists pilling

antipiracy (ˌæntIˈpaIrəsI)   adj   acting against the piracy of copyrighted material

antiplague (ˌæntIˈpleIɡ)   adj   med acting against plague

antiplaque (ˌæntIˈplɑːk)   adj   dentistry acting against or preventing plaque

antipleasure (ˌæntIˈplɛʒə)   adj   opposed to pleasure

antipoaching (ˌæntIˈpəʊtʃIŋ)   adj   acting against or opposed to poaching

antipode (ˈæntIpəʊd)   n   the exact or direct opposite

■ antipodal (ænˈtIpədəl)   adj   1 of or relating to diametrically opposite points on the earth's surface   2 exactly or diametrically opposite

antipodes (ænˈtIpəˌdiːz)   pl n   1 either or both of two points, places, or regions that are situated diametrically opposite to one another on the earth's surface, esp the country or region opposite one's own   2 the people who live there   3 the antipodes (often capital) Australia and New Zealand   4 (sometimes functioning as singular) the exact or direct opposite [C16: via Late Latin from Greek, plural of antipous having the feet opposite, from ANTI- + pous foot]   > antipodean (ænˌtIpəˈdiːən) adj, n

■ Antipodes Islands   pl n   the Antipodes Islands a group of small uninhabited islands in the South Pacific, southeast of and belonging to New Zealand. Area: 62 sq km (24 sq miles)

antipoetic (ˌæntIpəʊˈɛtIk)   adj   relating to poetry which does not conform to poetic conventions

antipole (ˈæntIˌpəʊl)   n   1 the opposite pole   2 the opposite

antipolice (ˌæntIpəˈliːs)   adj   opposed to or against the police

antipolitics (ˈæntIˌpɒlItIks)   n   the rejection of party and electoral politics

■ antipolitical (ˌæntIpəˈlItIkəl)   adj   opposed to politics or political principles

antipollution (ˌæntIpəˈluːʃən)   adj   1 (of measures, policies, etc) designed to combat pollution and its causes   2 opposed to pollution and its causes: antipollution banners

antipope (ˈæntIˌpəʊp)   n   a rival pope elected in opposition to one who has been canonically chosen

antipopular (ˌæntIˈpɒpjʊlə)   adj   opposed to the people or to popular cause

antipornography (ˌæntIpɔːˈnɒɡrəfI) or antiporn (ˌæntIˈpɔːn)   adj   opposed to or acting against pornography

antiporter (ˈæntIˌpɔːtə)   n   biology a membrane protein that transports substances across cell membranes

antipot (ˌæntIˈpɒt)   adj   slang opposed to the illegal use of marijuana

antipoverty (ˌæntIˈpɒvətI)   adj   acting against poverty

antipredator (ˌæntIˈprɛdətə)   adj   discouraging or protecting against predators

antipress (ˌæntIˈprɛs)   adj   opposed to or acting against the press

antiprogressive (ˌæntIprəˈɡrɛsIv)   adj   1 opposed to or acting against progression in society   2 acting against the progress of a disease

antiproton (ˈæntIˌprəʊtɒn)   n   the antiparticle of the proton; a particle having the same mass as the proton but an equal and opposite charge

antipruritic (ˌæntIprʊəˈrItIk)   adj   1 med acting against or preventing itching   ▷ n   2 pharmacol a substance that relieves or prevents itching

antipsychiatry (ˌæntIsaIˈkaIətrI)   n   an approach to psychiatric disorders that makes use of concepts derived from existentialism, psychoanalysis, and sociological theory

antipsychotic (ˌæntIsaIˈkɒtIk)   adj   1 preventing or treating psychosis   ▷ n   2 any antipsychotic drug, such as chlorpromazine: used to treat such conditions as schizophrenia

antipyic (ˌæntIˈpaIIk)   adj   1 med acting against or preventing suppuration   ▷ n   2 pharmacol a drug which acts against or prevents suppuration

antipyrine (ˌæntIˈpaIrIn, -riːn)   n   a drug formerly used to reduce pain and fever. Formula: C_11H_12N_2O. Also called: phenazine

■ antipyretic (ˌæntIpaIˈrɛtIk)   adj   1 preventing or alleviating fever   ▷ n   2 an antipyretic remedy or drug   > antipyresis (ˌæntIpaIˈriːsIs) n

antiquark (ˈæntIkwɑːk)   n   the antiparticle of a quark

antiquary (ˈæntIkwərI)   n, pl -quaries   a person who collects, deals in, or studies antiques, ancient works of art, or ancient times. Also called: antiquarian

■ antiquarian (ˌæntIˈkwɛərIən)   adj   1 concerned with the study of antiquities or antiques   ▷ n   2 the largest size of handmade drawing paper, 53 × 31 inches   3 a less common name for antiquary   > ˌantiˈquarianism n

antiquate (ˈæntIˌkweIt)   vb (tr)   1 to make obsolete or old-fashioned   2 to give an old or antique appearance to [C15: from Latin antīquāre to make old, from antīquus ancient]

■ antiquated (ˈæntIˌkweItId)   adj   1 outmoded; obsolete   2 aged; ancient   > ˈantiˌquatedness n

■ antiquation (ˌæntIˈkweIʃən)   n   1 the process of becoming antiquated   2 the state of being antiquated

antique (ænˈtiːk)   n   1    a a decorative object, piece of furniture, or other work of art created in an earlier period, that is collected and valued for its beauty, workmanship, and age   b (as modifier): an antique shop   2 any object made in an earlier period   3 the antique the style of ancient art, esp Greek or Roman art, or an example of it   ▷ adj   4 made in or in the style of an earlier period   5 of or belonging to the distant past, esp of or in the style of ancient Greece or Rome   6 informal old-fashioned; out-of-date   7 archaic aged or venerable   8 (of paper) not calendered or coated; having a rough surface   ▷ vb   9 (tr) to give an antique appearance to [C16: from Latin antīquus ancient, from ante before]

■ antiqued (ænˈtiːkt)   adj   made to appear antique

■ antiquely (ænˈtiːklI)   adv   in an antique manner

■ antiqueness (ænˈtiːknəs)   n   the quality of being antique

■ antiquer (ænˈtiːkə)   n   1 a person who alters the appearance of objects to give an antique quality   2 a collector of antiques

■ antiques (ænˈtiːks)   pl n   (functioning as singular)   a the business of selling antique objects   b (as modifier): an antiques fair

■ antiquey (ænˈtiːkI)   adj   informal having the appearance of an antique

antiquity (ænˈtIkwItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality of being ancient or very old: a vase of great antiquity   2 the far distant past, esp the time preceding the Middle Ages in Europe   3 the people of ancient times collectively; the ancients

■ antiquitarian (ænˌtIkwIˈtɛərIən)   n   an admirer of the practices of antiquity

■ antiquities (ænˈtIkwItIz)   pl n   remains or relics, such as statues, buildings, or coins, that date from ancient times

antirabies (ˌæntIˈreIbiːz)   adj   med acting against or preventing rabies

antirachitic (ˌæntIrəˈkItIk)   adj   1 preventing or curing rickets   ▷ n   2 an antirachitic remedy or agent

antiracism (ˌæntIˈreIsIzəm)   n   the policy of challenging racism and promoting racial tolerance   > ˌantiˈracist n, adj

antiradar (ˌæntIˈreIdɑː)   adj   1 military (of a missile or other weapon) designed to destroy radar detection equipment   2 preventing detection by radar   3 opposed to the construction or use of military radar bases

antiradical (ˌæntIˈrædIkəl)   adj   1 opposed to radicalism   2 med acting against free radicals

■ antiradicalism (ˌæntIˈrædIkəlIzəm)   n   the opposition to radicalism

antirape (ˌæntIˈreIp)   adj   opposed to or acting against rape

antirational (ˌæntIˈræʃənəl)   adj   opposed to rationalism

■ antirationalism (ˌæntIˈræʃənəlIzəm)   n   the opposition to rationalism

■ antirationalist (ˌæntIˈræʃənəlIst)   adj   1 opposed to rationalism   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to rationalism

■ antirationality (ˌæntIˌræʃəˈnælItI)   n   the opposition to rationality

antirealism (ˌæntIˈrIəlIzəm)   n   philosophy the denial of an objective reality

■ antirealist (ˌæntIˈrIəlIst) philosophy   adj   1 relating to antirealism   ▷ n   2 a person who denies the existence of an objective reality

antirecession (ˌæntIrIˈsɛʃən)   adj   acting against recession

antired (ˌæntIˈrɛd)   adj   1 nuclear physics the opposite of red as applied to an antiquark   2 opposed to communism

antireflective (ˌæntIrIˈflɛktIv) or antireflection (ˌæntIrIˈflɛkʃən)   adj   treated in some way to prevent reflection

antireform (ˌæntIrIˈfɔːm)   adj   opposed to reform

antiregulatory (ˌæntIˌrɛɡjʊˈleItərI)   adj   opposed to regulation

antirejection (ˌæntIrIˈdʒɛkʃən)   adj   med acting to prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ

antireligion (ˌæntIrIˈlIdʒən)   adj   1 opposed to religion   ▷ n   2 the opposition to religion

■ antireligious (ˌæntIrIˈlIdʒəs)   adj   opposed to religious ideas, beliefs, and organizations: antireligious propaganda

Antiremonstrant (ˌæntIrIˈmɒnstrənt)   n   Dutch Reformed Church the party that opposed the Remonstrants

antirepublican (ˌæntIrIˈpʌblIkən)   adj   1 opposed to the principles or practice of republicanism   ▷ n   2 a person who is opposed to the principles or practice of republicanism

antiretroviral (ˈæntIˈrɛtrəʊˌvaIrəl)   adj   1 inhibiting the process by which a retrovirus replicates   ▷ n   2 any retroviral drug: used to treat diseases caused by retroviruses, such as HIV

antirevolutionary (ˌæntIˌrɛvəˈluːʃnərI) politics   adj   1 opposed to revolution, esp opposed to a particular revolution and the people who are carrying it out   ▷ n   2 a person with antirevolutionary views

antirheumatic (ˌæntIruːˈmætIk)   adj   1 med acting against rheumatism   ▷ n   2 pharmacol a drug or treatment that acts against rheumatism

antiriot (ˌæntIˈraIət)   adj   (of police officers, equipment, measures, etc) designed for or engaged in the control of crowds

antiritualism (ˌæntIˈrItjʊəlIzəm)   adj   1 opposed to ritualism   ▷ n   2 the opposition to ritualism

antirock (ˌæntIˈrɒk)   adj   opposed to rock music

antiroll (ˌæntIˈrəʊl)   adj   designed to prevent a vehicle from tilting

■ anti-roll bar   n   a crosswise rubber-mounted bar in the suspension of a motor vehicle, which counteracts the movement downward on one side when cornering

anti-roman French (ɑ̃tirɔmɑ̃)   n, pl anti-romans (ɑ̃tirɔmɑ̃)   another term for antinovel [literally: anti-novel]

antiromantic (ˌæntIrəʊˈmæntIk)   adj   1 opposed to romanticism   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to romanticism

■ antiromanticism (ˌæntIrəʊˈmæntIsIzəm)   n   the opposition to romanticism

antiroyal (ˌæntIˈrɔIəl)   adj   opposed to the monarchy

■ antiroyalist (ˌæntIˈrɔIəlIst)   adj   1 opposed to the monarchy   ▷ n   2 a person opposed to the monarchy

antirrhinum (ˌæntIˈraInəm)   n   any scrophulariaceous plant of the genus Antirrhinum, esp the snapdragon, which have two-lipped flowers of various colours [C16: via Latin from Greek antirrhinon, from ANTI- (imitating) + rhis nose; so called from a fancied likeness to an animal's snout]

antirust (ˌæntIˈrʌst)   adj   (of a product or procedure) effective against rust

antisag (ˌæntIˈsæɡ)   adj   designed to prevent sagging

Antisana (Spanish antiˈsana)   n   a volcano in N central Ecuador, in the Andes. Height: 5704 m (18 714 ft)

antisatellite (ˌæntIˈsætəlaIt)   adj   (of a weapon) designed to destroy satellites

antiscian (ænˈtIʃIən)   adj   1 relating to a person living on the other side of the equator at the same meridian   ▷ n   2 a person living on the other side of the equator at the same meridian

antiscience (ˌæntIˈsaIəns)   adj   1 opposed to science or scientific method   ▷ n   2 the opposition to science or scientific method

■ antiscientific (ˌæntIˌsaIənˈtIfIk)   adj   opposed to the principles, methods, or aims of science

antiscorbutic (ˌæntIskɔːˈbjuːtIk)   adj   1 preventing or curing scurvy: antiscorbutic foods   ▷ n   2 an antiscorbutic remedy or agent

antiscriptural (ˌæntIˈskrIptʃərəl)   adj   opposed to or contradicting scripture

antisecrecy (ˌæntIˈsiːkrəsI)   adj   opposed to secrecy, particularly in government

antisegregation (ˌæntIˌsɛɡrIˈɡeIʃən)   adj   opposed to or acting against segregation

■ antisegregationist (ˈæntIsɛɡrəˈɡeIʃənIst)   adj   1 opposed to the segregation of different races in any human activity   ▷ n   2 a person who is opposed to racial or other segregation

antiseizure (ˌæntIˈsiːʒə)   adj   med acting against or preventing seizures

anti-Semite   n   a person who persecutes or discriminates against Jews   > ˌanti-ˈSemitism n

■ anti-Semitic   adj   prejudiced against or hostile to Jews   > ˌanti-Seˈmitically adv

antisense RNA (ˈæntIsɛns)   n   molecules transcribed, not from DNA in the usual way, but from DNA strands complementary to those that produce normal messenger RNA. Antisense RNA occurs in nature and is inhibitory on gene action. It can be produced synthetically and offers such therapeutic possibilities as turning off viral genes

antisentimental (ˌæntIˌsɛntIˈmɛntəl)   adj   (of a piece of art or literature) deliberately unsentimental

antisepalous (ˌæntIˈsɛpələs)   adj   botany facing the sepals or calyx leaf

antiseparatist (ˌæntIˈsɛpərətIst)   n   1 a person who opposes separatism   ▷ adj   2 opposed to separatism

antiseptic (ˌæntIˈsɛptIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or effecting antisepsis   2 entirely free from contamination   3 informal lacking spirit or excitement; clinical   ▷ n   4 an antiseptic agent or substance   > ˌantiˈseptically adv

■ antisepsis (ˌæntIˈsɛpsIs)   n   1 destruction of undesirable microorganisms, such as those that cause disease or putrefaction. Compare asepsis   2 the state or condition of being free from such microorganisms

■ antisepticism (ˌæntIˈsɛptIsIzəm)   n   med obsolete the treatment of sepsis using antiseptics

■ antisepticize or antisepticise (ˌæntIˈsɛptIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   med to treat with an antiseptic

antiserum (ˌæntIˈsIərəm)   n, pl -rums or -ra (-rə)   blood serum containing antibodies against a specific antigen, used to treat or provide immunity to a disease

antisex (ˌæntIˈsɛks)   adj   opposed to human sexual activity

■ antisexual (ˌæntIˈsɛkʃʊəl)   n   1 a person opposed to sexuality or sexual activity   ▷ adj   2 opposed to sexuality or sexual activity

■ antisexuality (ˌæntIˌsɛkʃʊˈælətI)   n   the opposition to sexuality or sexual activity

antisexist (ˌæntIˈsɛksIst)   n   1 a person opposed to sexism   ▷ adj   2 opposed to sexism

antishake (ˌæntIˈʃeIk)   adj   1 denoting a technology that reduces the blurring caused by movement of the person taking a photograph   ▷ n   2 a system that uses antishake technology

antishark (ˌæntIˈʃɑːk)   adj   designed to protect against shark attacks

antiship (ˌæntIˈʃIp)   adj   (of a weapon) designed for attacking ships

antishock (ˌæntIˈʃɒk)   adj   1 Also: antishocks designed to reduce the force of impact   2 military (of trousers) used to treat blood loss or fractures in wounded military personnel

antishoplifting (ˌæntIˈʃɒplIftIŋ)   adj   designed to prevent shoplifting

anti-site   n   a website through which people can express their contempt for a particular person, organization, etc

anti-skid   adj   intended to prevent vehicles from skidding

antislavery (ˌæntIˈsleIvərI)   adj   opposed to slavery, esp slavery of Black people

antisleep (ˌæntIˈsliːp)   adj   acting to prevent sleep

antislip (ˌæntIˈslIp)   adj   designed to prevent slipping or to remain stationary

antismog (ˌæntIˈsmɒɡ)   adj   acting to reduce smog, aimed at preventing smog

antismoke (ˌæntIˈsməʊk)   adj   preventing smoke

antismoking   adj   intended to prevent people from smoking tobacco

■ antismoker (ˌæntIˈsməʊkə)   n   a person opposed to tobacco smoking

antismuggling (ˌæntIˈsmʌɡəlIŋ)   adj   acting to prevent or reduce smuggling

antismut (ˌæntIˈsmʌt)   adj   opposed to or acting to prevent the circulation of obscene material

antisnob (ˌæntIˈsnɒb)   n   a person opposed to snobbery

antisocial (ˌæntIˈsəʊʃəl)   adj   1 avoiding the company of other people; unsociable   2 contrary or injurious to the interests of society in general   > ˌantiˈsocially adv

■ antisocialism (ˌæntIˈsəʊʃəlIzəm)   n   1 the quality of being antisocial   2 politics the opposition to socialism

■ antisocialist (ˌæntIˈsəʊʃəlIst)   n   1 politics a person opposed to socialism   2 a person averse to sociality   ▷ adj   3 politics opposed to socialism

■ antisociality (ˌæntIˌsəʊʃIˈælItI)   n   the quality of being antisocial

■ anti-social networking site   n   informal a website that allows users to, among other things, list the people they dislike and do not want any contact with

antisolar (ˌæntIˈsəʊlə)   adj   facing in the opposite direction to the sun

anti-Soviet   adj   1 opposed to anything characteristic of or relating to the former Soviet Union and its government: anti-Soviet propaganda   2 opposed to the government and policies of the former Soviet Union

antispam (ˌæntIˈspæm)   adj   computing intended to block unsolicited e-mails

antispasmodic (ˌæntIspæzˈmɒdIk)   adj   1 preventing or arresting spasms, esp in smooth muscle   ▷ n   2 an antispasmodic drug

antispast (ˈæntIˌspæst)   n   prosody a group of four syllables, two short and two long, in a metric foot

antispastic (ˌæntIˈspæstIk)   adj   1 med preventing or reducing spasms   2 poetry comprising or containing antispasts   ▷ n   3 med a substance that prevents or reduces spasms

antispeculation (ˌæntIˌspɛkjʊˈleIʃən) or antispeculative (æntIˈspɛkjʊlətIv)   adj   opposed to or acting against excessive oil speculation

antispending (æntIˈspɛndIŋ)   adj   opposed to excessive governmental spending

antistat (ˌæntIˈstæt)   n   a substance that prevents or reduces the accumulation of static electricity

antistate (ˌæntIˈsteIt)   adj   opposed to or acting against state authority

antistatic (ˌæntIˈstætIk)   adj   (of a substance, textile, etc) retaining sufficient moisture to provide a conducting path, thus avoiding the effects of static electricity

Antisthenes (ænˈtIsθəˌniːz)   n   ?445–365 BC, Greek philosopher, founder of the Cynic school, who taught that the only good was virtue, won by self-control and independence from worldly needs

antistick (ˌæntIˈstIk)   adj   acting to prevent adhesion

antistory (æntIˈstɔːrI)   n, pl -ries   literature a story which does not conform to the established conventions of storytelling

antistress (ˌæntIˈstrɛs)   adj   acting to prevent or reduce stress

antistrike (ˈæntIˈstraIk)   adj   intended to ban, prevent, or discourage strike action by trade unions

antistrophe (ænˈtIstrəfI)   n   1 (in ancient Greek drama)   a the second of two movements made by a chorus during the performance of a choral ode   b the second part of a choral ode sung during this movement   2 (in classical prosody) the second of two metrical systems used alternately within a poem   ▶ See also strophe [C17: via Late Latin from Greek antistrophē an answering turn, from ANTI- + strophē a turning]   > antistrophic (ˌæntIˈstrɒfIk) adj   > ˌantiˈstrophically adv

antistrophon (ænˈtIstrəfɒn)   n   rhetoric an argument that is retorted against an opponent

antistudent (ˌæntIˈstuːdənt)   adj   opposed to or acting against students

antistyle (ˌæntIˈstaIl)   n   a style that rejects or subverts conventional style

antisubmarine (ˌæntIˌsʌbməˈriːn)   adj   1 (of weapons, missiles, etc) designed to combat or destroy submarines   2 (of warfare, tactics, etc) against submarines

antisubsidy (æntIˈsʌbsIdI)   adj   opposed to or acting against subsidization

antisubversion (æntIsəbˈvɜːʃən) or antisubversive (ˌæntIsəbˈvɜːsIv)   adj   opposed to or acting against subversion

antisuicide (ˌæntIˈsuːIsaId)   adj   acting to prevent suicide

antisymmetric (ˌæntIsIˈmɛtrIk)   adj   1 logic (of a relation) never holding between a pair of arguments x and y when it holds between y and x except when x = y, as "…is no younger than…". See nonsymmetric   2 maths symmetric except for a change of sign. Compare asymmetric, symmetric (sense 1)

antisyphilitic (ˌæntIˌsIfIˈlItIk)   adj   1 med acting against syphilis   ▷ n   2 pharmacol a drug used in the treatment of syphilis

antisyzygy (ˌæntIˈsIzIdʒI)   n   the joining together of opposites

antitakeover (ˌæntIˈteIkəʊvə)   adj   opposed to or acting against a takeover

antitank (ˌæntIˈtæŋk)   adj   designed to immobilize or destroy armoured vehicles: antitank weapons. Abbreviation: ATK

antitarnish (ˌæntIˈtɑːnIʃ)   adj   resistant to or protecting against tarnishing

antitax (ˌæntIˈtæks)   adj   opposed to taxation

antitechnology (ˌæntItɛkˈnɒlədʒI)   adj   opposed to technology or the use of technological devices

antiterrorism (ˌæntIˈtɛrərIzəm) or antiterrorist (ˌæntIˈtɛrərIst)   adj   opposed to or acting against terrorism; counterterrorist

antithalian (ˌæntIˈθeIlIən)   adj   disapproving of fun or festivity

antitheft (ˌæntIˈθɛft)   adj   (of a device, campaign, system, etc) designed to prevent theft

antitheism (ˌæntIˈθiːIzəm)   n   the opposition to belief in god or gods

■ antitheist (ˌæntIˈθiːIst)   n   a person opposed to belief in god or gods

■ antitheistic (ˌæntIˈθiːIstIk)   adj   opposed to belief in god or gods

antitheoretical (ˌæntIˌθiːəˈrɛtIkəl)   adj   opposed to or contradicting a theory

antithesis (ænˈtIθIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 the exact opposite   2 contrast or opposition   3 rhetoric the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, phrases, or words so as to produce an effect of balance, such as my words fly up, my thoughts remain below   4 philosophy the second stage in the Hegelian dialectic contradicting the thesis before resolution by the synthesis [C15: via Latin from Greek: a setting against, from ANTI- + tithenai to place]

■ antithet (ˈæntIˌθɛt)   n   an example of antithesis; an antithetic statement

■ antithetical (ˌæntIˈθɛtIkəl) or antithetic   adj   1 of the nature of antithesis   2 directly contrasted

■ antithetically (ˌæntIˈθɛtIkəlI)   adv   in an antithetical way

antithrombin (ˌæntIˈθrɒmbIn)   n   biochem a substance that counteracts the action of thrombin, preventing the formation of blood clots

antithrombotic (ˌæntIθrɒmˈbɒtIk)   adj   1 preventing the formation of blood clots   ▷ n   2 an antithrombotic drug

antithyroid (ˌæntIˈθaIrɔId)   adj   med acting against excessive thyroid activity

antitobacco (ˌæntItəˈbækəʊ)   adj   opposed to or acting against tobacco smoking

antitoxin (ˌæntIˈtɒksIn)   n   1 an antibody that neutralizes a toxin   2 blood serum that contains a specific antibody   > ˌantiˈtoxic adj

antitrade (ˈæntIˌtreId)   pl n   (usually plural) a wind in the upper atmosphere blowing in the opposite direction from and above the trade winds

antitraditional (ˌæntItrəˈdIʃənəl)   adj   opposed to or acting with disregard for tradition

antitragus (ænˈtItrəɡəs)   n, pl -gi (-ˌdʒaI)   a cartilaginous projection of the external ear opposite the tragus [C19: from New Latin, from Greek antitragos; see ANTI-, TRAGUS]

antitranspirant (ˌæntIˈtrænspIrənt)   n   any substance that decreases transpiration and, usually, photosynthesis

antitrinitarian (ˌæntIˌtrInIˈtɛərIən) theol   adj   1 rejecting or opposed to the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity   ▷ n   2 a person who rejects the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity

antitrust (ˌæntIˈtrʌst)   n   (modifier) chiefly US regulating or opposing trusts, monopolies, cartels, or similar organizations, esp in order to prevent unfair competition

■ antitruster (ˌæntIˈtrʌstə)   n   chiefly US a person opposed to trusts, monopolies, or similar organizations

antitubercular (ˌæntItjuːˈbɜːkjʊlə) or antituberculous (ˌæntItjʊˈbɜːkjʊləs)   adj   med acting against tuberculosis

antitumour or US antitumor (ˌæntIˈtjuːmə)   adj   med preventing or acting against tumours. Also: antitumoural, US antitumoral

antitussive (ˌæntIˈtʌsIv)   adj   1 alleviating or suppressing coughing   ▷ n   2 an antitussive drug [from ANTI- + Latin tussis a cough]

antitype (ˈæntIˌtaIp)   n   1 a person or thing that is foreshadowed or represented by a type or symbol, esp a character or event in the New Testament prefigured in the Old Testament   2 an opposite type   > antitypic (ˌæntIˈtIpIk) or ˌantiˈtypical adj   > ˌantiˈtypically adv

■ antitypal (ˌæntIˈtaIpəl)   adj   another word for antitypic

■ antiviral (ˌæntIˈvaIrəl)   adj   1 inhibiting the growth of viruses   ▷ n   2 any antiviral drug: used to treat diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes infections and AIDS

antityphoid (ˌæntIˈtaIfɔId)   adj   pathol preventing or acting against typhoid

antiulcer (ˌæntIˈʌlsə)   adj   med acting against ulcers

antiunion (ˌæntIˈjuːnjən)   adj   opposed to trade unions

antiuniversity (ˌæntIˌjuːnIˈvɜːsətI)   n, pl -ties   1 a group or institution which disregards the established traditions or practices of university education   ▷ adj   2 opposed to universities or university education

antiurban (ˌæntIˈɜːbən)   adj   opposed to the urban environment or urban life

antivax (ˌæntIˈvæks)   adj   informal opposed to vaccination   > ˌantiˈvaxer or ˌantiˈvaxxer n

antivenin (ˌæntIˈvɛnIn) or antivenene (ˌæntIvIˈniːn)   n   an antitoxin that counteracts a specific venom, esp snake venom [C19: from ANTI- + VEN(OM) + -IN]

antivenom (ˌæntIˈvɛnəm)   n   pharmacol a serum which acts against the effects of venom

antiviolence (ˌæntIˈvaIələns)   adj   opposed to or acting against violence in society

antivirus (ˈæntIˌvaIrəs)   n   1 (modifier) a piece of software designed to prevent viruses entering a computer system or network: antivirus software   2 (modifier) of or relating to such a piece of software

antivitamin (ˌæntIˈvItəmIn)   n   pharmacol a substance that inhibits the effects of a vitamin

antivivisection (ˌæntIˌvIvIˈsɛkʃən)   adj   opposed to the act or practice or performing experiments on living animals, involving cutting into or dissecting the body

■ antivivisectionist (ˈæntIˌvIvIˈsɛkʃənIst)   n   a person who is opposed to vivisection

antiwar (ˌæntIˈwɔː)   adj   opposed to war: the antiwar movement

antiwear (ˌæntIˈwɛə)   adj   preventing deterioration as a result of use

antiweed (ˌæntIˈwiːd)   adj   1 slang opposed to marijuana use   2 killing or preventing weeds

antiwelfare (ˌæntIˈwɛlfɛə)   adj   opposed to the provision of welfare payments

antiwhaling (ˌæntIˈweIlIŋ)   adj   opposed to whale fishing

antiwhite (ˌæntIˈwaIt)   adj   hostile to White people

antiwoman (ˌæntIˈwʊmən)   adj   hostile to women

antiworld (ˈæntIˌwɜːld)   n   a hypothetical or supposed world or universe composed of antimatter

antiwrinkle (ˈæntIˈrIŋkəl)   adj   (of cosmetics) intended to reduce or remove wrinkles from the skin

anti-Zionist   n   1 a person who is opposed to Zionism   ▷ adj   2 opposed to Zionism

antler (ˈæntlə)   n   one of a pair of bony outgrowths on the heads of male deer and some related species of either sex. The antlers are shed each year and those of some species grow more branches as the animal ages [C14: from Old French antoillier, from Vulgar Latin anteoculare (unattested) (something) in front of the eye]

■ antlered (ˈæntləd)   adj   zoology having antlers

■ antler moth   n   a European noctuid moth, Cerapteryx (or Charaeas) graminis, that has white antler-like markings on the forewings and produces larvae that periodically cause great damage to pastures and grasslands

antlia (ˈæntlIə)   n   entomol a proboscis designed for sucking [C19: from Latin: water-pump, from Greek: bilgewater]

■ Antlia (ˈæntlIə)   n, Latin genitive Antliae (ˈæntlIˌiː)   a faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Hydra and Vela

■ antliate (ˈæntlIˌeIt)   adj   entomol having an antlia

antlion (ˈæntˌlaIən)   n   1 Also called: antlion fly any of various neuropterous insects of the family Myrmeleontidae, which typically resemble dragonflies and are most common in tropical regions   2 Also called (US): doodlebug the larva of this insect, which has very large jaws and buries itself in the sand to await its prey

Antofagasta (ˌæntəfəˈɡæstə; Spanish antofaˈɣasta)   n   a port in N Chile. Pop: 323 000 (2005 est)

Antoinette (French ɑ̃twanɛt)   n   See Marie Antoinette

Antonello da Messina (ˌæntəˈnɛləʊ)   n   ?1430–?79, Italian painter, born in Sicily. His paintings include St Jerome in His Study and Portrait of a Man

Antonescu (ˌæntɒˈnɛskjuː)   n   Ion. 1882–1946, Romanian general and statesman; appointed prime minister (1940) by King Carol II. He was executed for war crimes

Antonine Wall (ˈæntənaIn)   n   a Roman frontier defence work across S Scotland, extending between the River Clyde and the Firth of Forth. It was built in 142 AD on the orders of Antoninus Pius (86–161 AD), emperor of Rome (138–161)

antoninianus (ˌæntəˌnInIˈeInəs)   n   Roman history an ancient Roman coin made either of silver or bronze and equal in value to two denarii

Antoninus (ˌæntəˈnaInəs)   n   See Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Antoninus Pius   n   86–161 AD, emperor of Rome (138–161); adopted son and successor of Hadrian

Antonioni (ˌæntəʊnIˈəʊnI)   n   Michelangelo (mikeˈlandʒelo). 1912–2007, Italian film director; his films include L'Avventura (1959), La Notte (1961), Blow-Up (1966), Zabriskie Point (1970), Beyond the Clouds (1995), and Just To Be Together (2002)

Antonius (ænˈtəʊnIəs)   n   Marcus (ˈmɑːkəs). Latin name of (Mark) Antony

antonomasia (ˌæntənəˈmeIzIə)   n rhetoric   1 the substitution of a title or epithet for a proper name, such as his highness   2 the use of a proper name for an idea: he is a Daniel come to judgment [C16: via Latin from Greek, from antonomazein to name differently, from onoma name]   > antonomastic (ˌæntənəˈmæstIk) adj   > ˌantonoˈmastically adv

Anton Piller order (ˈæntɒn ˈpIlə)   n   law the former name for search order [C20: named after the plaintiff in a case (1976) in which such an order was made]

Antony (ˈæntənI)   n   Mark. Latin name Marcus Antonius. ?83–30 BC, Roman general who served under Julius Caesar in the Gallic wars and became a member of the second triumvirate (43). He defeated Brutus and Cassius at Philippi (42) but having repudiated his wife for Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, he was defeated by his brother-in-law Octavian (Augustus) at Actium (31)

antonym (ˈæntənIm)   n   a word that means the opposite of another word: "empty" is an antonym of "full" [C19: from Greek antōnumia, from ANTI- + onoma name]   > antonymous (ænˈtɒnIməs) adj

■ antonymic (ˌæntəˈnImIk)   adj   having the opposite meaning, relating to antonyms

■ antonymy (ænˈtɒnImI)   n   grammar the semantic relationship between words that have opposite meanings

antpitta (ˈæntˌpItə)   n   a South American bird that feeds on ants

antre (ˈæntə)   n   archaic a cavern or cave [C17: from French, from Latin antrum, from Greek antron]

Antrim (ˈæntrIm)   n   1 a historical county of NE Northern Ireland, famous for the Giant's Causeway on the N coast: in 1973 it was replaced for administrative purposes by the districts of Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Larne, Moyle, Newtownabbey, and parts of Belfast and Lisburn. Area: 3100 sq km (1200 sq miles)   2 a district of Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim. Pop: 49 260 (2003 est). Area: 415 sq km (160 sq miles)

antrorse (ænˈtrɔːs)   adj   biology directed or pointing upwards or forwards [C19: from New Latin antrorsus, from antero- front + -orsus, as in Latin introrsus; see INTRORSE]   > anˈtrorsely adv

antrum (ˈæntrəm)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   anatomy a natural cavity, hollow, or sinus, esp in a bone [C14: from Latin: cave, from Greek antron]   > ˈantral adj

Antseranana or Antsiranana (ˌæntsIˈrænənə)   n   a port in N Madagascar: former French naval base. Pop: 73 491 (2001). Former name: Diégo-Suarez

antsy (ˈæntsI)   adj antsier, antsiest   informal restless, nervous, and impatient

■ antsiness (ˈæntsInIs)   n   informal the quality of being antsy

Antung (ˈænˈtʊŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Andong

antwackie (ˈæntwækI)   adj   Northern English dialect old-fashioned

Antwerp (ˈæntwɜːp)   n   1 a province of N Belgium. Pop: 1 668 812 (2004 est). Area: 2859 sq km (1104 sq miles)   2 a port in N Belgium, capital of Antwerp province, on the River Scheldt: a major European port. Pop: 455 148 (2004 est)   ▶ Flemish name: Antwerpen (ˈɑntwɛrpə). French name: Anvers

Anu (ˈɑːnuː)   n   Babylonian myth the sky god

ANU   abbreviation for   Australian National University

Anubis (əˈnjuːbIs)   n   Egyptian myth a deity, a son of Osiris, who conducted the dead to judgment. He is represented as having a jackal's head and was identified by the Greeks with Hermes

anucleate (eIˈnjuːklIIt) or anucleated (eIˈnjuːklIeItId)   adj   biology (of a cell) having no nucleus

Anuradhapura (əˈnʊərədəˌpʊərə, ˌʌnʊˈrɑːdə-)   n   a town in Sri Lanka: ancient capital of Ceylon; site of the sacred bo tree and place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Pop: 53 151 (2001)

anural (ænˈjʊərəl)   adj   zoology having no tail

■ anuran (əˈnjʊərən)   n   1 any of the vertebrates of the order Anura (or Salientia), characterized by absence of a tail and very long hind legs specialized for hopping: class Amphibia (amphibians). The group includes the frogs and toads   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the order Anura   ▶ French name: salientian [C20: from New Latin Anura, from AN- + Greek oura tail]

■ anurous (æˈnjʊərəs)   adj   zoology lacking a tail; tailless; acaudate [C19: from AN- + Greek oura tail]

anuresis (ˌænjʊˈriːsIs)   n   pathol inability to urinate even though urine is formed by the kidneys and retained in the urinary bladder. Compare anuria [C20: New Latin, from AN- + Greek ouresis urination, from ouron urine]

■ anuretic (ˌænjʊˈrɛtIk)   adj   pathol relating to an inability to urinate

anuria (əˈnjʊərIə)   n   pathol complete suppression of urine formation, often as the result of a kidney disorder. Compare anuresis, oliguria [C19: from New Latin, from AN- + Greek ouron urine]

■ anuric (ænˈjʊərIk)   adj   pathol having anuria

anus (ˈeInəs)   n   the excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. Related adjective: anal [C16: from Latin]

Anvers (ɑ̃vɛr)   n   the French name for Antwerp

anvil (ˈænvIl)   n   1 a heavy iron or steel block on which metals are hammered during forging   2 any part having a similar shape or function, such as the lower part of a telegraph key   3 the fixed jaw of a measurement device against which the piece to be measured is held   4 anatomy the nontechnical name for incus [Old English anfealt; related to Old High German anafalz, Middle Dutch anvilte; see ON, FELT^2]

■ anvil cloud or anviltop (ˈænvIlˌtɒp)   n   meteorol another name for a cumulonimbus cloud, which tends to be anvil-shaped

anxiety (æŋˈzaIItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a state of uneasiness or tension caused by apprehension of possible future misfortune, danger, etc; worry   2 intense desire; eagerness   3 psychol a state of intense apprehension or worry often accompanied by physical symptoms such as shaking, intense feelings in the gut, etc, common in mental illness or after a very distressing experience. See also angst [C16: from Latin anxietas; see ANXIOUS]

■ anxiety disorder   n   any of various disorders characterized by extreme anxiety and including panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder

■ anxiety neurosis   n   (not in technical use) a psychological disorder characterized by extreme distress and agitation, often occurring without any obvious cause

anxiolytic (ˌæŋksIəʊˈlItIk)   n   1 any of a class of drugs that reduce anxiety   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this class of drugs

anxious (ˈæŋkʃəs, ˈæŋʃəs)   adj   1 worried and tense because of possible misfortune, danger, etc; uneasy   2 fraught with or causing anxiety; worrying; distressing: an anxious time   3 intensely desirous; eager: anxious for promotion [C17: from Latin anxius; related to Latin angere to torment; see ANGER, ANGUISH]   > ˈanxiously adv   > ˈanxiousness n

any (ˈɛnI)   determiner   1    a one, some, or several, as specified, no matter how much or many, what kind or quality, etc: any cheese in the fridge is yours; you may take any clothes you like   b (as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural): take any you like   2 (usually used with a negative)   a even the smallest amount or even one: I can't stand any noise   b (as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural): don't give her any   3 whatever or whichever; no matter what or which: any dictionary will do; any time of day   4 an indefinite or unlimited amount or number (esp in the phrases any amount or number): any number of friends   ▷ adv   5 (usually used with a negative)   a (foll by a comparative adjective) to even the smallest extent: it isn't any worse now   b not standard at all: he doesn't care any [Old English ǣnig; related to Old Frisian ēnig, Old High German einag, Old Norse einigr anyone, Latin ūnicus unique; see AN^1, ONE]

■ anybody (ˈɛnIˌbɒdI, -bədI)   pron   1 any person; anyone   2 (usually used with a negative or a question) a person of any importance: he isn't anybody in this town   ▷ n, pl -bodies   3 (often preceded by just) any person at random; no matter who

■ anyhow (ˈɛnIˌhaʊ)   adv   1 in any case; at any rate   2 in any manner or by any means whatever   3 in a haphazard manner; carelessly

■ any more or esp US anymore (ˌɛnIˈmɔː)   adv   any longer; still; now or from now on; nowadays: she does not work here any more

■ anyone (ˈɛnIˌwʌn, -wən)   pron   1 any person; anybody   2 (used with a negative or a question) a person of any importance: is he anyone in this town?   3 (often preceded by just) any person at random; no matter who

■ anyplace (ˈɛnIˌpleIs)   adv   US and Canadian informal in, at, or to any unspecified place

■ anyroad (ˈɛnIˌrəʊd)   adv   a northern English dialect word for anyway

■ anything (ˈɛnIˌθIŋ)   pron   1 any object, event, action, etc, whatever: anything might happen   ▷ n   2 a thing of any kind: have you anything to declare?   ▷ adv   3 in any way: she wasn't anything like her parents   4 anything but by no means; not in the least: she was anything but happy   5 like anything (intensifier; usually euphemistic): he ran like anything

■ anythingarian (ˈɛnIθIŋˌɛərIən)   n   derogatory, informal a person who adheres to no particular creed

■ anytime (ˌɛnIˈtaIm)   adv   at a point in time which is not set or fixed

■ anyway (ˈɛnIˌweI)   adv   1 in any case; at any rate; nevertheless; anyhow   2 in a careless or haphazard manner   3 Usually any way. in any manner; by any means

■ anyways (ˈɛnIˌweIz)   adv   US and Canadian a nonstandard word for anyway

■ anywhen (ˈɛnIˌwɛn)   adv   Southwest English dialect at any time

■ anywhere (ˈɛnIˌwɛə)   adv   1 in, at, or to any place   2 get anywhere to be successful: it took three years before they got anywhere   3 anywhere from any quantity, time, degree, etc, above a specified limit: he could be anywhere from 40 to 50 years old

■ anywheres (ˈɛnIˌwɛəz)   adv   US a nonstandard word for anywhere

■ anywhither (ˈɛnIˌwIðə)   adv   old-fashioned towards any place; in any direction

■ anywise (ˈɛnIˌwaIz)   adv   chiefly US in any way or manner; at all

Anyang (ˈɑːnˈjɑːŋ)   n   a town in E China, in Henan province: archaeological site and capital of the Shang dynasty. Pop: 808 000 (2005 est)

anyon (ˈɛnIˌɒn)   n   physics a particle that occurs in two-dimensional space having characteristics of both fermions and bosons

ANZ   abbreviation for   Australian and New Zealand Banking Group

ANZAAS (ˈænzəs, -zæs)   n acronym for   Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science

Anzac (ˈænzæk)   n   1 (in World War I) a soldier serving with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps   2 (now) any Australian or New Zealand soldier   3 the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915

■ Anzac biscuit   n Austral and NZ   a sweet biscuit containing oats, coconut, and syrup

■ Anzac Day   n   25 April, a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand commemorating the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915

anziani Italian (ˌæntsIˈɑːnI)   pl n   councillors or senators

Anzio (ˈænzIˌəʊ; Italian ˈantsjo)   n   a port and resort on the W coast of Italy: site of Allied landings in World War II. Pop: 36 952 (2001)

ANZUS (ˈænzəs)   n acronym for   Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, with reference to the security alliance between them

ao   the internet domain name for   Angola

AO   abbreviation for   Officer of the Order of Australia

A/O or a/o accounting, banking   abbreviation for   account of

AOB or a.o.b.   abbreviation for   any other business

AOC   abbreviation for   appellation d'origine contrôlée. See AC (sense 7)

AOCB   abbreviation for   any other competent business

AOH   abbreviation for   Ancient Order of Hibernians: an Irish Catholic nationalist association founded in the 19th century; an important political force up to the founding of the Irish Free State (1922)

A-OK or A-okay   adj   informal, chiefly US in perfect working order; excellent [C20: from a(ll systems) OK]

AONB   abbreviation for (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)   Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: an area designated by the appropriate government bodies as requiring protection to conserve and enhance its natural beauty

AOR music   abbreviation for   1 album-oriented rock   2 adult-oriented rock   3 US album-oriented radio

Aoraki-Mount Cook (ˌeIəʊˈrækI) or Aorangi-Mount Cook   n   a mountain in New Zealand, in the South Island, in the Southern Alps: the highest peak in New Zealand. Height: reduced in 1991 by a rockfall from 3764 m (12 349 ft) to 3754 m (12 316 ft); further erosion has reduced the height to 3724 m (12 217 ft)

aorist (ˈeIərIst, ˈɛərIst)   n   grammar a tense of the verb in classical Greek and in certain other inflected languages, indicating past action without reference to whether the action involved was momentary or continuous. Compare perfect (sense 8), imperfect (sense 4) [C16: from Greek aoristos not limited, from A-1 + horistos restricted, from horizein to define]   > ˌaoˈristic adj   > ˌaoˈristically adv

aorta (eIˈɔːtə)   n, pl -tas or -tae (-tiː)   the main vessel in the arterial network, which conveys oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body except the lungs [C16: from New Latin, from Greek aortē, literally: something lifted, from aeirein to raise]   > aˈortic or aˈortal adj

aortitis (ˌeIɔːˈtaItIs)   n   inflammation of the aorta

aortography (ˌeIɔːˈtɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   med an X-ray examination of the aorta

■ aortographic (eIˌɔːtəˈɡræfIk)   adj   med relating to an aortography or aortography

Aosta (Italian aˈɔsta)   n   a town in NW Italy, capital of Valle d'Aosta region: Roman remains. Pop: 34 062 (2001)

Aotearoa (ˈæɒˌtIəˌroːə)   n   the Māori name for New Zealand [from Māori ao tea roa Land of the Long White Cloud]

aoudad (ˈɑːʊˌdæd)   n   a wild mountain sheep, Ammotragus lervia, of N Africa, having horns curved in a semicircle and long hair covering the neck and forelegs. Also called: Barbary sheep [from French, from Berber audad]

Aouita (aʊˈiːtə)   n   Saïd (saIˈiːd). born 1959, Moroccan middle-distance runner: set new world records for the 1500 metres (1987–93), 2000 metres (1987–95), and 5000 metres (1987–94)

ap (æp)   prefix   son of: occurring as part of some surnames of Welsh origin: ap Thomas [from Welsh mab son]

AP   abbreviation for   1 Air Police   2 Associated Press

ap-   prefix   a variant of apo-: aphelion

a.p. obsolete   abbreviation for   (in prescriptions, etc) ante prandium [Latin: before a meal]

apace (əˈpeIs)   adv   quickly; rapidly [C14: probably from Old French à pas, at a (good) pace]

Apache (əˈpætʃI)   n   1 (pl Apaches or Apache) a member of a Native American people, formerly nomadic and warlike, inhabiting the southwestern US and N Mexico   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Athapascan group of the Na-Dene phylum [from Mexican Spanish, probably from Zuñi Apachu, literally: enemy]

■ apache (əˈpɑːʃ, -ˈpæʃ; French apaʃ)   n   a Parisian gangster or ruffian [from French: APACHE]

■ apache dance   n   a fast violent dance in French vaudeville, supposedly between a Parisian gangster and his girlfriend

apadana (ˌæpəˈdɑːnə)   n   the great hall in an ancient Persian palace

apage (ˈæpəˌdʒiː)   interj   go away!

apagoge (ˌæpəˈɡəʊdʒI)   n   logic an indirect argument which serves to prove something by showing the contrary to be absurd or impossible

■ apagogic (ˌæpəˈɡɒdʒIk) or apagogical (ˌæpəˈɡɒdʒIkəl)   adj   logic obsolete relating to apagoge

■ apagogically (ˌæpəˈɡɒdʒIkəlI)   adv   logic in an apagogical manner

apanage (ˈæpənIdʒ)   n   a variant spelling of appanage

■ apanaged (ˈæpənIdʒd)   adj   a variant spelling of appanaged

aparejo Spanish (apaˈrexo)   n, pl -jos (-xos)   Southwestern US a kind of packsaddle made of stuffed leather cushions [American Spanish: equipment, from aparejar to make ready; see APPAREL]

apart (əˈpɑːt)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 to pieces or in pieces: he had the laptop apart on the floor   2 placed or kept separately or to one side for a particular purpose, reason, etc; aside (esp in the phrases set or put apart)   3 separate in time, place, or position; at a distance: she stood apart from the group; two points three feet apart   4 not being taken into account; aside: these difficulties apart, the project ran smoothly   5 individual; distinct; separate: a race apart   6 separately or independently in use, thought, or function: considered apart, his reasoning was faulty   7 apart from (preposition) besides; other than   ▶ See also take apart, tell apart [C14: from Old French a part at (the) side]

■ apartness (əˈpɑːtnəs)   n   the quality of being apart

apartheid (əˈpɑːthaIt, -heIt)   n   (formerly in South Africa) the official government policy of racial segregation; officially renounced in 1992 [C20: Afrikaans, from apart APART + -heid -HOOD]

aparthotel (əˈpɑːthəʊˌtɛl)   n   a hotel in which self-catering service apartments are available for rent [C20: from APART(MENT) + HOTEL]

apartment (əˈpɑːtmənt)   n   1 (often plural) any room in a building, usually one of several forming a suite, esp one that is spacious and well furnished and used as living accommodation, offices, etc   2    a another name (esp US and Canadian) for flat^2 (sense 1)   b (as modifier): apartment building; apartment house [C17: from French appartement, from Italian appartamento, from appartare to set on one side, separate]

■ apartmental (əpɑːtˈməntəl)   adj   relating to an apartment

■ apartments (əˈpɑːtmənts)   pl n   a suite of rooms in a grand residence such as a palace distinguished from any public rooms and designated for the use of a particular person or group

apatetic (ˌæpəˈtɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to coloration that disguises and protects an animal [C19: from Greek apatētikos deceitful, from apateuein to deceive]

apathy (ˈæpəθI)   n   1 absence of interest in or enthusiasm for things generally considered interesting or moving   2 absence of emotion [C17: from Latin, from Greek apatheia, from apathēs without feeling, from A-1 + pathos feeling]

■ apathetic (ˌæpəˈθɛtIk) or apathetical (ˌæpəˈθɛtIkəl)   adj   having or showing little or no emotion; indifferent [C18: from APATHY + PATHETIC]   > ˌapaˈthetically adv

apatite (ˈæpəˌtaIt)   n   a pale green to purple mineral, found in igneous rocks and metamorphosed limestones. It is used in the manufacture of phosphorus, phosphates, and fertilizers. Composition: calcium fluorophosphate or calcium chlorophosphate. General formula: Ca_5(PO_4,CO_3)3(F,OH,Cl). Crystal structure: hexagonal [C19: from German Apatit, from Greek apatē deceit; from its misleading similarity to other minerals]

apatosaurus (əˌpætəˈsɔːrəs)   n   any very large herbivorous quadrupedal dinosaur of the genus Apatosaurus, common in North America during Jurassic times, having a long neck and long tail: suborder Sauropoda (sauropods). Formerly called: brontosaurus [C19: from New Latin, from Greek apatē deceit + sauros lizard]

apay (əˈpeI)   vb (intr)   archaic to satisfy

APB   abbreviation for (in the US)   all-points bulletin

APC   n   1 acetylsalicylic acid, phenacetin, and caffeine; the mixture formerly used in headache and cold tablets   2 Austral old-fashioned, slang a quick wash [for sense 2: abbreviation for armpits and crotch]

ape (eIp)   n   1 any of various primates, esp those of the family Pongidae, in which the tail is very short or absent. See anthropoid ape. See also great ape   2 (not in technical use) any monkey   3 an imitator; mimic   4 US informal a coarse, clumsy, or rude person   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to imitate [Old English apa; related to Old Saxon ape, Old Norse api, Old High German affo]   > ˈapeˌlike adj

■ apedom (ˈeIpdəm)   n   1 the state of being an ape   2 apes collectively

■ apehood (ˈeIphʊd)   n   the state of being an ape

■ apeman (ˈeIpˌmæn)   n, pl -men   any of various extinct apelike primates thought to have been the forerunners, or closely related to the forerunners, of modern humans

■ aper (ˈeIpə)   n   a person who apes, a mimic

■ apery (ˈeIpərI)   n, pl -eries   imitative behaviour; mimicry

■ apeshit (ˈeIpˌʃIt)   adj   to go apeshit vulgar, slang, esp US to become crazy, enraged, or out of control

■ apish (ˈeIpIʃ)   adj   1 stupid; foolish   2 resembling an ape   3 slavishly imitative   > ˈapishly adv   > ˈapishness n

■ apism (ˈeIpIzəm)   n   the act of aping

apeak (əˈpiːk)   adv, adj   nautical in a vertical or almost vertical position: with the oars apeak

APEC (ˈeIpɛk)   n acronym for   1 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation   2 (in Canada) Atlantic Provinces Economic Council

apeek (əˈpiːk)   adv   nautical (of a ship) directly over the anchor

Apeldoorn (ˈæpəlˌdɔːn; Dutch ˈaːpəldoːrn)   n   a town in the Netherlands, in central Gelderland province: nearby is the summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Pop: 156 000 (2003 est)

Apelles (əˈpɛliːz)   n   4th century BC, Greek painter of mythological subjects, none of whose work survives, his fame resting on the testimony of Pliny and other writers

Apennines (ˈæpəˌnaInz)   pl n   1 a mountain range in Italy, extending over 1250 km (800 miles) from the northwest to the southernmost tip of the peninsula. Highest peak: Monte Corno, 2912 m (9554 ft)   2 a mountain range lying in the N quadrants of the moon, extending over 950 km along the SE border of the Mare Imbrium and rising to 6200 m

apepsia (eIˈpɛpsIə, əˈpɛpsIə) or apepsy (əˈpɛpsI)   n   med a medical condition characterized by ineffective digestion or indigestion

aperient (əˈpIərIənt) med   adj   1 laxative   ▷ n   2 Also called: aperitive a mild laxative [C17: from Latin aperīre to open]

aperiodic (ˌeIpIərIˈɒdIk)   adj   1 not periodic; not occurring at regular intervals   2 physics   a (of a system or instrument) being damped sufficiently to reach equilibrium without oscillation   b (of an oscillation or vibration) not having a regular period   c (of an electrical circuit) not having a measurable resonant frequency   > ˌaperiˈodically adv   > aperiodicity (ˌeIpIərIəˈdIsItI) n

aperitif or apéritif (əˌpɛrIˈtiːf)   n   an alcoholic drink, esp a wine, drunk before a meal to whet the appetite

apert (əˈpɜːt)   adj   archaic open, unconcealed

■ apertness (əˈpɜːtnəs)   n   archaic the quality of being apert

aperture (ˈæpətʃə)   n   1 a hole, gap, crack, slit, or other opening   2 physics   a a usually circular and often variable opening in an optical instrument or device that controls the quantity of radiation entering or leaving it   b the diameter of such an opening. See also relative aperture [C15: from Late Latin apertūra opening, from Latin aperīre to open]

■ apertural (ˈæpəˌtjʊərəl, əˈpɜːtjərəl)   adj   relating to aperture or an aperture

■ apertured (ˈæpətʃəd, ˈæpəˌtʃʊəd)   adj   having an aperture

■ aperture priority   n   photog an automatic exposure system in which the photographer selects the aperture and the camera then automatically sets the correct shutter speed. Compare shutter priority

■ aperture synthesis   n   an array of radio telescopes used in radio astronomy to simulate a single large-aperture telescope. Some such instruments use movable dishes while others use fixed dishes

apetalous (eIˈpɛtələs)   adj   (of flowering plants) having no petals [C18: from New Latin apetalus, see A-1, PETAL]   > aˈpetaly n

apex (ˈeIpɛks)   n, pl apexes or apices (ˈæpIˌsiːz, ˈeI-)   1 the highest point; vertex   2 the pointed end or tip of something   3 a pinnacle or high point, as of a career, etc   4 Also called: solar apex astronomy the point on the celestial sphere, lying in the constellation Hercules, towards which the sun appears to move at a velocity of 20 kilometres per second relative to the nearest stars [C17: from Latin: point]

APEX (ˈeIpɛks)   n acronym for   1 Advance Purchase Excursion: a reduced airline or long-distance rail fare that must be paid a specified number of days in advance   2 (in Britain) Association of Professional, Executive, Clerical, and Computer Staff

Apex Club   n   (in Australia) an association of business and professional men founded to promote community welfare   > Apexian (eIˈpɛksIən) adj, n

apfelstrudel (ˈæpfəlˌstruːdəl; German ˈapfəlˌʃtruːdəl)   n   apple strudel

apgar score or apgar rating (ˈæpɡɑː)   n   a system for determining the condition of an infant at birth by allotting a maximum of 2 points to each of the following: heart rate, breathing effort, muscle tone, response to stimulation, and colour [C20: named after V. Apgar (1909–74), US anaesthetist]

aphaeresis (əˈfIərIsIs)   n   a variant spelling of apheresis   > aphaeretic (ˌæfəˈrɛtIk) adj

aphagia (əˈfeIdʒIə)   n   pathol refusal or inability to swallow [C20: from A-1 + Greek aphagein to consume]

aphakia (əˈfeIkIə)   n   absence of the lens of an eye, congenital or otherwise [from A-1 + Greek phakos lentil + -IA]

aphanipterous (ˌæfəˈnIptərəs)   adj   entomol of or relating to the wingless insects of the order Aphaniptera

aphanite (ˈæfəˌnaIt)   n   any fine-grained rock, such as a basalt, containing minerals that cannot be distinguished with the naked eye [C19: from Greek aphanēs invisible]

■ aphanitic (ˌæfəˈnItIk)   adj   geology of or resembling aphanite

aphasia (əˈfeIzIə)   n   a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by partial or total loss of the ability to communicate, esp in speech or writing. Compare alexia [C19: via New Latin from Greek, from A-1 + -phasia, from phanai to speak]   > aˈphasiˌac or aˈphasic adj, n

aphelandra (ˌæfəˈlændrə)   n   any shrub of the evergreen genus Aphelandra, originally from tropical America, widely grown as a house plant for its variegated shiny leaves and brightly coloured flowers: family Acanthaceae [from Greek aphelēs simple + andros, genitive of anēr man, male, because the anthers are single celled]

aphelion (æpˈhiːlIən, əˈfiː-)   n, pl -lia (-lIə)   the point in its orbit when a planet or comet is at its greatest distance from the sun. Compare perihelion [C17: from New Latin aphēlium (with pseudo-Greek ending -ion) from AP- + Greek hēlios sun]   > apˈhelian adj

apheliotropic (æpˌhiːlIəˈtrɒpIk, əˌfiː-)   adj   biology growing in a direction away from the sunlight [C19: see APO-, HELIOTROPIC]   > apheliotropism (æpˌhiːlIˈɒtrəˌpIzəm, əˌfiː-) n

apheresis or aphaeresis (əˈfIərIsIs)   n   1 the omission of a letter or syllable at the beginning of a word   2 a method of collecting blood from donors that enables its different components, such as the platelets or plasma, to be separated out   ▶ Also informally called: pheresis [C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from aphairein to remove]   > apheretic or aphaeretic (ˌæfəˈrɛtIk) adj

aphesis (ˈæfIsIs)   n   the gradual disappearance of an unstressed vowel at the beginning of a word, as in squire from esquire [C19: from Greek, from aphienai to set free, send away]   > aphetic (əˈfɛtIk) adj   > aˈphetically adv

aphetize or aphetise (ˈæfIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to shorten by aphesis

aphid (ˈeIfId)   n   any of the small homopterous insects of the family Aphididae, which feed by sucking the juices from plants. Also called: plant louse. See also greenfly, blackfly [C19: back formation from aphides, plural of APHIS]   > aphidian (əˈfIdIən) adj, n   > aˈphidious adj

■ aphicide (ˈeIfIˌsaId, ˈæfIˌsaId) or aphidicide (eIˈfIdIˌsaId)   n   any substance used to kill aphids

aphis (ˈeIfIs)   n, pl aphides (ˈeIfIˌdiːz)   1 any of various aphids constituting the genus Aphis, such as the blackfly   2 any other aphid [C18: from New Latin (coined by Linnaeus for obscure reasons)]

apholate (ˈæfəˌleIt)   n   a chemical used in pesticides which inhibits an organism's reproduction

aphonia (əˈfəʊnIə) or aphony (ˈæfənI)   n   loss of the voice caused by damage to the vocal tract [C18: via New Latin from Greek, from A-1 + phōnē sound, voice]

■ aphonic (əˈfɒnIk)   adj   1 affected with aphonia   2 phonetics   a not representing a spoken sound, as k in know   b voiceless or devoiced

■ aphonous (ˈæfənəs)   adj   without voice; voiceless

aphorism (ˈæfəˌrIzəm)   n   a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim [C16: from Late Latin aphorismus, from Greek aphorismos definition, from aphorizein to define, set limits to, from horos boundary]   > ˈaphorist n

■ aphoristic (ˌæfəˈrIstIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling an aphorism   2 tending to write or speak in aphorisms

■ aphoristically (ˌæfəˈrIstIkəlI)   adv   in an aphoristic manner

■ aphorize or aphorise (ˈæfəˌraIz)   vb   (intr) to write or speak in aphorisms

■ aphorizer or aphoriser (ˈæfəˌraIzə)   n   a person who aphorizes

aphotic (əˈfɒtIk)   adj   1 characterized by or growing in the absence of light: an aphotic plant   2 of or relating to the zone of an ocean below that to which sunlight can penetrate, usually about 90m (300 ft). This is the lowest level at which photosynthesis can take place [C20: from A-1 + -photic, from Greek phōs light]

aphrodisiac (ˌæfrəˈdIzIæk)   n   1 a drug, food, etc, that excites sexual desire   ▷ adj   2 exciting or heightening sexual desire [C18: from Greek aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisios belonging to APHRODITE]

■ aphrodisia (ˌæfrəˈdIzIə)   n   the desire for sexual intimacy

■ aphrodisiacal (ˌæfrəˈdIzIækəl)   adj   having an aphrodisiac quality

Aphrodite (ˌæfrəˈdaItI)   n   Greek myth the goddess of love and beauty, daughter of Zeus. Roman counterpart: Venus. Also called: Cytherea

aphtha (ˈæfθə)   n, pl -thae (-θiː)   1 a small ulceration on a mucous membrane, as in thrush, caused by a fungal infection   2 vet science another name for foot-and-mouth disease [C17: via Latin from Greek: mouth-sore, thrush]   > ˈaphthous adj

aphyllous (əˈfIləs)   adj   (of plants) having no leaves [C19: from New Latin aphyllus, from Greek aphullos, from A-1 + phullon leaf]   > aˈphylly n

API   abbreviation for   application programming interface

Apia (æˈpIə, ˈæpIə)   n   the capital of (Western) Samoa: a port on the N coast of Upolu. Pop: 41 000 (2005 est)

apiaceous (ˌeIpIˈeIʃəs)   adj   botany of the family Apiaceae; umbelliferous

apian (ˈeIpIən)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling bees [C19: from Latin apiānus, from apis bee]

apiary (ˈeIpIərI)   n, pl -aries   a place where bees are kept, usually in beehives [C17: from Latin apiārium from apis bee]

■ apiarian (ˌeIpIˈɛərIən)   adj   of or relating to the breeding and care of bees

■ apiarist (ˈeIpIərIst)   n   a person who studies or keeps bees

apical (ˈæpIkəl, ˈeI-)   adj   1 of, at, or being the apex   2 of or denoting a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue, such as (t) or (d) [C19: from New Latin apicālis, from Latin: APEX]   > ˈapically adv

apices (ˈæpIˌsiːz, ˈeI-)   n   a plural of apex

apician (əˈpIʃən)   adj   of or relating to an epicure

apiculture (ˈeIpIˌkʌltʃə)   n   the breeding and care of bees [C19: from Latin apis bee + CULTURE]   > ˌapiˈcultural adj   > ˌapiˈculturist n

apiculus (əˈpIkjʊləs)   n   1 a small point or tip   2 botany the short, pointed bud of a spore

■ apiculate (əˈpIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   (of leaves) ending in a short sharp point [C19: from New Latin apiculātus, from apiculus a short point, from APEX]

apiece (əˈpiːs)   adv   (postpositive) for, to, or from each one: they were given two apples apiece

à pied French (a pje)   adv, adj   (postpositive) on foot

Apiezon (ˌæpIˈeIzɒn)   adj   trademark designating any of a number of hydrocarbon oils, greases, or waxes, characterized by a low vapour pressure and used in vacuum equipment

API gravity scale   n   the American Petroleum Institute gravity scale: a universally accepted scale of the relative density of fluids that is used in fuel technology and is measured in degrees API. One degree API is equal to (141.5/d)–131.5, where d = relative density at 288.7K. See also Baumé scale

apimania (ˌeIpIˈmeInIə)   n   an extreme enthusiasm for bees

apiol (ˈeIpIɒl, ˈæpIɒl)   n   an aromatic compound derived from parsley seeds or oil, formerly used to treat menstrual disorders. Also called: parsley camphor

apiology (ˌeIpIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of bees

Apis (ˈɑːpIs)   n   (in ancient Egypt) a sacred bull worshipped at Memphis

apitherapy (ˌeIpIˈθɛrəpI)   n   the medicinal use of honey or other bee products

apivorous (eIˈpIvərəs)   adj   eating bees: apivorous birds [C19: from Latin apis bee + -VOROUS]

aplacental (ˌeIpləˈsɛntəl, ˌæplə-)   adj   (of monotremes and marsupials) having no placenta

aplanatism (əˈplænəˌtIzəm)   n   the state of being free from spherical aberration

■ aplanat (ˈæpləˌnæt)   n   optics an aplanatic lens

■ aplanatic (ˌæpləˈnætIk)   adj   (of a lens or mirror) free from spherical aberration [C18: from Greek aplanētos prevented from wandering, from A-1 + planētos, from planaein to wander]   > ˌaplaˈnatically adv

aplanetic (ˌæpləˈnɛtIk)   adj   (esp of some algal and fungal spores) nonmotile or lacking a motile stage [variant of APLANATIC]

aplanogamete (æˈplænəʊˌɡæmiːt)   n   biology a nonmotile gamete or conjugating cell found in lower algae

aplanospore (əˈpleInəʊˌspɔː)   n   a nonmotile asexual spore produced by certain algae and fungi [C20: from A-1 + Greek planos wandering + SPORE]

aplasia (əˈpleIzIə)   n   pathol congenital absence or abnormal development of an organ or part [C19: New Latin, from A-1 + -plasia, from Greek plassein to form]

■ aplastic (eIˈplæstIk)   adj   1 relating to or characterized by aplasia   2 failing to develop into new tissue; defective in the regeneration of tissue, as of blood cells: aplastic anaemia

aplenty (əˈplɛntI)   adj, adv (postpositive)   in plenty

aplite (ˈæplaIt) or haplite   n   a light-coloured fine-grained acid igneous rock with a sugary texture, consisting of quartz and feldspars [C19: from German Aplit, from Greek haploos simple + -ITE^1]   > aplitic (æpˈlItIk) or hapˈlitic adj

aplomb (əˈplɒm)   n   equanimity, self-confidence, or self-possession [C18: from French: rectitude, uprightness, from à plomb according to the plumb line, vertically]

aplustre (æpˈlʌstə)   n   the ornamental stern on an ancient Greek or Roman ship

apneusis (æpˈnuːsIs)   n   pathol protracted gasping inhalation followed by short inefficient exhalation, which can cause asphyxia [from A-1 + Greek pnein to breathe]

■ apneustic (æpˈnuːstIk)   adj   1 of or relating to apneusis   2 (of certain animals) having no specialized organs for respiration

apnoea or US apnea (æpˈnIə)   n   a temporary inability to breathe [C18: from New Latin, from Greek apnoia, from A-1 + pnein to breathe]

■ apnoeic (æpˈniːIk) or apnoeal (ˈæpnIəl)   adj   pathol of or relating to apnoea

Apo (ˈɑːpəʊ)   n   the highest mountain in the Philippines, on SE Mindanao: active volcano with three peaks. Height: 2954 m (9690 ft)

apo- or ap-   prefix   1 away from; off: apogee   2 indicating separation of: apocarpous   3 indicating a lack or absence of: apogamy   4 indicating derivation from or relationship to: apomorphine [from Greek apo away, off]

apoapsis (ˌæpəʊˈæpsIs)   n   astronomy the point in an elliptical orbit which is farthest from the object being orbited

Apoc.   abbreviation for   1 Apocalypse   2 Apocrypha or Apocryphal

apocalypse (əˈpɒkəlIps)   n   1 a prophetic disclosure or revelation   2 an event of great importance, violence, etc, like the events described in the Apocalypse [C13: from Late Latin apocalypsis, from Greek apokalupsis, from apokaluptein to disclose, from APO- + kaluptein to hide]

■ apocalyptic (əˌpɒkəˈlIptIk)   adj   1 outstanding in revelation, prophecy, or significance   2 of or like an apocalypse   > aˌpocaˈlyptically adv

■ apocalyptical (əˌpɒkəˈlIptIkəl)   adj   another word for apocalyptic

■ apocalypticism (əˌpɒkəˈlIptIsIzəm) or apocalyptism (əˈpɒkəlIpˌtIzəm)   n   the belief in apocalyptic prophecy

■ apocalyptist (əˌpɒkəˈlIptIst)   n   the writer of the Apocalypse or a related work

Apocalypse (əˈpɒkəlIps)   n   Bible (in the Vulgate and Douay versions of the Bible) the Book of Revelation

apocarp (ˈæpəˌkɑːp)   n   an apocarpous gynoecium or fruit [C13: from Late Latin apocalypsis, from Greek apokalupsis, from apokaluptein to disclose, from APO- + kaluptein to hide]

■ apocarpous (ˌæpəˈkɑːpəs)   adj   (of the ovaries of flowering plants such as the buttercup) consisting of separate carpels. Compare syncarpous [C19 from NL, from Gk APO- + karpos fruit]

■ apocarpy (ˈæpəˌkɑːpI)   n   botany the quality of being apocarpous

apocatastasis (ˌæpəʊkəˈtæstəsIs)   n   1 RC theol the belief that all free creatures shall experience salvation   2 a restitution or reestablishment   3 pathol the return to a previous state or condition   4 astronomy a return to the same position, esp on completion of a period of revolution

apochromat (ˌæpəˈkrəʊmæt) or apochromatic lens   n   a lens, consisting of three or more elements of different types of glass, that is designed to bring light of three colours to the same focal point, thus reducing its chromatic aberration. Compare achromat

■ apochromatic (ˌæpəkrəˈmætIk)   adj   (of a lens) almost free from spherical and chromatic aberration   > apochromatism (ˌæpəˈkrəʊməˌtIzəm) n

apocope (əˈpɒkəpI)   n   omission of the final sound or sounds of a word [C16: via Late Latin from Greek apokopē, from apokoptein to cut off]

■ apocopate (əˈpɒkəˌpeIt)   vb   (tr) to omit the final sound or sounds of (a word)   > aˌpocoˈpation n

■ apocopic (ˌæpəˈkɒpIk)   adj   linguistics of or relating to apocope

apocrine (ˈæpəkraIn, -krIn)   adj   denoting a type of glandular secretion in which part of the secreting cell is lost with the secretion, as in mammary glands. Compare merocrine, holocrine [C20: from APO- + -crine, from Greek krinein to separate]

Apocrypha (əˈpɒkrIfə)   n the Apocrypha (functioning as singular or plural)   1 the 14 books included as an appendix to the Old Testament in the Septuagint and the Vulgate but not included in the Hebrew canon. They are not printed in Protestant versions of the Bible   2 RC Church another name for the Pseudepigrapha [C14: via Late Latin apocrypha (scripta) hidden (writings), from Greek, from apokruptein to hide away]

apocryphal (əˈpɒkrIfəl)   adj   1 of questionable authenticity   2 (sometimes capital) of or like the Apocrypha   3 untrue; counterfeit   > aˈpocryphally adv

■ Apocryphal Gospels   pl n   accounts of Christ's life that are not recognized as part of the New Testament

■ apocryphalness (əˈpɒkrIfəlnəs)   n   the quality of being apocryphal

■ apocryphon (əˈpɒkrIˌfɒn)   n, pl -pha (-fə)   something that is regarded as probably untrue

apocynaceous (əˌpɒsIˈneIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Apocynaceae, a family of mostly tropical flowering plants with latex in their stems, including the dogbane, periwinkle, oleander, and some lianas [C19: from New Latin Apocynum type genus, from Latin: dogbane, from Greek apokunon, from kuōn dog]

apocynthion (ˌæpəˈsInθIən)   n   the point at which a spacecraft in lunar orbit is farthest from the moon. Compare apolune, pericynthion [C20: from APO- (away) + cynthion, from Latin Cynthia goddess of the moon]

apod (ˈæpɒd) or apode (ˈæpəʊd)   n   zoology an animal with no feet or whose feet are rudimentary

■ apodal (ˈæpədəl) or apodous   adj   (of snakes, eels, etc) without feet; having no obvious hind limbs or pelvic fins [C18: from Greek apous from A-1 + pous foot]

apodeictic (ˌæpəˈdaIktIk) or apodictic (ˌæpəˈdIktIk)   adj   1 unquestionably true by virtue of demonstration   2 logic archaic   a necessarily true   b asserting that a property holds necessarily   ▶ Compare problematic (sense 2), assertoric [C17: from Latin apodīcticus, from Greek apodeiktikos clearly demonstrating, from apodeiknunai to demonstrate]   > ˌapoˈdeictically or ˌapoˈdictically adv

■ apodeictical (ˌæpəˈdaIktIkəl) or apodictical (ˌæpəˈdIktIkəl)   adj   archaic variants of apodeictic

apodosis (əˈpɒdəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   logic, grammar the consequent of a conditional statement, as the game will be cancelled in if it rains the game will be cancelled. Compare protasis [C17: via Late Latin from Greek: a returning or answering (clause), from apodidonai to give back]

apodyterium (ˌæpəʊdIˈtIərIəm)   n   the changing room in an ancient Roman bathhouse

apoenzyme (ˌæpəʊˈɛnzaIm)   n   a protein component that together with a coenzyme forms an enzyme

apogaeic (ˌæpəˈdʒiːIk)   adj   another word for apogean

apogamy (əˈpɒɡəmI)   n   1 a type of reproduction, occurring in some ferns, in which the sporophyte develops from the gametophyte without fusion of gametes   2 the development of a diploid cell in the embryo sac of flowering plants into an embryo without being fertilized   > apogamic (ˌæpəˈɡæmIk) adj   > aˈpogamous adj

■ apogamously (əˈpɒɡəməslI)   adv   botany in an apogamous manner

apogeal (ˌæpəˈdʒiːəl)   adj   another word for apogean

apogee (ˈæpəˌdʒiː)   n   1 the point in its orbit around the earth when the moon or an artificial satellite is at its greatest distance from the earth. Compare perigee   2 the highest point [C17: from New Latin apogaeum (influenced by French apogée), from Greek apogaion, from apogaios away from the earth, from APO- + gaia earth]   > ˌapoˈgean adj

■ apogeic (ˌæpəˈdʒiːIk)   adj   astronomy of or relating to an apogee

apogeotropism (ˌæpədʒIˈɒtrəˌpIzəm)   n   negative geotropism, as shown by plant stems [C19: from Greek apogaios away from the earth + tropos a turn]   > apogeotropic (ˌæpəˌdʒIəˈtrɒpIk) adj

apograph (ˈæpəˌɡrɑːf, ˈæpəˌɡræf)   n   a perfect copy or transcript

apolaustic (ˌæpəˈlɔːstIk)   adj   concerned with or dedicated to enjoyment

apolipoprotein (ˌæpəˌlIpəʊˈprəʊtiːn, -ˌlaI-)   n   any of a group of glycoproteins that form part of the structure of lipoproteins, some of which have been associated with Alzheimer's disease

apolitical (ˌeIpəˈlItIkəl)   adj   politically neutral; without political attitudes, content, or bias

■ apolitically (ˌeIpəˈlItIkəlI)   adv   in an apolitical manner

■ apoliticism (ˌeIpəˈlItIsIzəm) or apoliticality (ˌeIpəˌlItIˈkælItI)   n   the quality of being apolitical

Apollinaire (French apɔlinɛr)   n   Guillaume (ɡijom), real name Wilhelm Apollinaris de Kostrowitzki. 1880–1918, French poet, novelist, and dramatist, regarded as a precursor of surrealism; author of Alcoöls (1913) and Calligrammes (1918)

Apollinaris (əˌpɒlIˈnɛərIs)   n   an effervescent mineral water [C19: named after Apollinarisburg, near Bonn, Germany]

apollo^1 (əˈpɒləʊ)   n, pl -los   a strikingly handsome youth

apollo^2 (əˈpɒləʊ)   n, pl -los   a handsome Eurasian mountain butterfly, Parnassius apollo, with palish wings and prominent red ocelli

Apollo^1 (əˈpɒləʊ)   n   classical myth the god of light, poetry, music, healing, and prophecy: son of Zeus and Leto

■ Apollonian (ˌæpəˈləʊnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Apollo or the cult of Apollo   2 (sometimes not capital) (in the philosophy of Nietzsche) denoting or relating to the set of static qualities that encompass form, reason, harmony, sobriety, etc   3 (often not capital) harmonious; serene; ordered   ▶ Compare Dionysian

Apollo^2 (əˈpɒləʊ)   n   any of a series of manned US spacecraft designed to explore the moon and surrounding space. Apollo 11 made the first moon landing in July 1969

apollonicon (ˌæpəˈlɒnIkən)   n   a large chamber organ with keyboards and barrels

Apollonius of Perga (ˌæpəˈləʊnIəs, ˈpɜːɡə)   n   ?261–?190 BC, Greek mathematician, remembered for his treatise on conic sections

Apollonius of Rhodes (ˌæpəˈləʊnIəs)   n   3rd century BC, Greek epic poet and head of the Library of Alexandria. His principal work is the four-volume Argonautica

Apollyon (əˈpɒljən)   n   New Testament the destroyer, a name given to the Devil (Revelation 9:11) [C14: via Late Latin from Greek, from apollunai to destroy totally]

apologia (ˌæpəˈləʊdʒIə)   n   a formal written defence of a cause or one's beliefs or conduct

apologize or apologise (əˈpɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb (intr)   1 to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults   2 to make a formal defence in speech or writing   > aˈpoloˌgizer or aˈpoloˌgiser n

apologue (ˈæpəˌlɒɡ)   n   an allegory or moral fable [C17: from Latin, from Greek apologos]

■ apologal (əˈpɒləɡəl)   adj   obsolete resembling or related to an apologue

apology (əˈpɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing   2 a poor substitute or offering   3 another word for apologia [C16: from Old French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek: a verbal defence, from APO- + logos speech]

■ apologetic (əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtIk) or apologetical (əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtIkəl)   adj   1 expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite   2 protecting or defending in speech or writing   > aˌpoloˈgetically adv

■ apologetics (əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the branch of theology concerned with the defence and rational justification of Christianity   2 a defensive method of argument

■ apologist (əˈpɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who offers a defence by argument

apolune (ˈæpəˌluːn)   n   the point in a lunar orbit when a spacecraft is at its greatest distance from the moon. Compare apocynthion, perilune [C20: from APO- + -lune, from Latin lūna moon]

apomixis (ˌæpəˈmIksIs)   n, pl -mixes (-ˈmIksiːz)   (esp in plants) any of several types of asexual reproduction, such as parthenogenesis and apogamy, in which fertilization does not take place. Compare amphimixis [C20: New Latin, from Greek APO- + mixis a mixing]

■ apomict (ˈæpəˌmIkt)   n   an organism, esp a plant, produced by apomixis

■ apomictic (ˌæpəˈmIktIk) or apomictical (ˌæpəˈmIktIkəl)   adj   produced by, or relating to, apomixis

■ apomictically (ˌæpəˈmIktIkəlI)   adv   in an apomictic manner

apomorphine (ˌæpəˈmɔːfiːn, -fIn) or apomorphia (ˌæpəˈmɔːfIə)   n   a white crystalline alkaloid, derived from morphine, that is used medicinally as an emetic, as an expectorant, and in Parkinson's disease. Formula: C_17H_17NO_2

aponeurosis (ˌæpənjʊəˈrəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   anatomy a white fibrous sheet of tissue by which certain muscles are attached to bones [C17: via New Latin from Greek, from aponeurousthai to change into a tendon, from neuron tendon]   > aponeurotic (ˌæpənjʊəˈrɒtIk) adj

apoop (əˈpuːp)   adv   nautical on the poop deck, astern

apopemptic (ˌæpəˈpɛmptIk)   adj   1 relating to departure, valedictory   ▷ n   2 a parting address or farewell hymn

apophasis (əˈpɒfəsIs)   n   rhetoric the device of mentioning a subject by stating that it will not be mentioned: I shall not discuss his cowardice or his treachery [C17: via Latin from Greek: denial, from APO- + phanai to say]

apophatic (ˌæpəˈfætIk)   adj   Christian theol of or relating to the belief that God can only be described by a process of negation

apophlegmatic (ˌæpəflɛɡˈmætIk) med obsolete   adj   1 having the ability to remove phlegm   ▷ n   2 any agent used to remove phlegm

apophony (əˈpɒfənI)   n   phonetics a change in the quality of a vowel sound to indicate grammatical change

apophthegm or apothegm (ˈæpəˌθɛm)   n   a short cryptic remark containing some general or generally accepted truth; maxim [C16: from Greek apophthegma, from apophthengesthai to speak one's opinion frankly, from phthengesthai to speak]   > apophthegmatic or apothegmatic (ˌæpəθɛɡˈmætIk) adj

■ apophthegmatist or apothegmatist (ˌæpəˈθɛɡmətIst)   n   a person who creates apophthegms

■ apophthegmatize or apophthegmatise (ˌæpəˈθɛɡməˌtaIz)   vb (intr)   to use apophthegms

apophyge (əˈpɒfIdʒI)   n   architect the outward curve at each end of the shaft of a column, adjoining the base or capital. Also called: hypophyge [C16: from Greek apophugē, literally: escape, from apopheugein to escape from]

apophyllite (əˈpɒfIˌlaIt, ˌæpəˈfIlaIt)   n   a white, colourless, pink, or green mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate of calcium, potassium, and fluorine in tetragonal crystalline form. It occurs in cracks in volcanic rocks. Formula: KCa_4(Si_4O_10)2(OH_1F).8H_2O [C19: from French, from APO- + Greek phullon leaf + -ITE^1; referring to its tendency to exfoliate]

apophysis (əˈpɒfIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 a process, outgrowth, or swelling from part of an animal or plant   2 geology a tapering offshoot from a larger igneous intrusive mass [C17: via New Latin from Greek apophusis a sideshoot, from APO- + phusis growth]   > apophysate (əˈpɒfIsIt, -seIt) adj   > apophysial or apophyseal (ˌæpəˈfIzIəl) adj

apoplast (ˈæpəˌplæst)   n   botany the nonprotoplasmic component of a plant, including the cell walls and intercellular material

apoplexy (ˈæpəˌplɛksI)   n   sudden loss of consciousness, often followed by paralysis, caused by rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel in the brain [C14: from Old French apoplexie, from Late Latin apoplēxia, from Greek: from apoplēssein to cripple by a stroke, from plēssein to strike]

■ apoplectic (ˌæpəˈplɛktIk) or apoplectical (ˌæpəˈplɛktIkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to apoplexy   2 informal furious   ▷ n   3 a person having apoplexy   > ˌapoˈplectically adv

■ apoplex (ˈæpəˌplɛks) obsolete   vb (intr)   1 to afflict with apoplexy   ▷ n   2 apoplexy

apoprotein (ˈæpəˌprəʊtiːn)   n   biochem any conjugated protein from which the prosthetic group has been removed, such as apohaemoglobin (the protein of haemoglobin without its haem group)

apoptosis (ˌæpəpˈtəʊsIs)   n   biology the programmed death of some of an organism's cells as part of its natural growth and development. Also called: programmed cell death [C20: from Greek: a falling away, from APO- + ptōsis a falling]

■ apoptotic (ˌæpəpˈtɒtIk)   adj   biology of or relating to apoptosis

aporia (əˈpɔːrIə)   n   1 rhetoric a doubt, real or professed, about what to do or say   2 philosophy puzzlement occasioned by the raising of philosophical objections without any proffered solutions, esp in the works of Socrates [C16: from Greek, literally: a state of being at a loss]   > aporetic (ˌæpəˈrɛtIk) adj

aport (əˈpɔːt)   adv, adj (postpositive)   nautical on or towards the port side: with the helm aport

aposematic (ˌæpəsIˈmætIk)   adj   (of the coloration of certain distasteful or poisonous animals) characterized by bright conspicuous markings, which predators recognize and learn to avoid; warning [C19: from APO- + Greek sēma sign]

■ aposematically (ˌæpəsIˈmætIkəlI)   adv   zoology in an aposematic manner

aposiopesis (ˌæpəʊˌsaIəˈpiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   rhetoric the device of suddenly breaking off in the middle of a sentence as if unwilling to continue [C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from aposiōpaein to be totally silent, from siōpaein to be silent]   > aposiopetic (ˌæpəʊˌsaIəˈpɛtIk) adj

apositia (ˌæpəˈsIʃIə)   n   med a lack of appetite

■ apositic (ˌæpəˈsItIk)   adj   med causing apositia

apospory (ˈæpəˌspɔːrI)   n   1 botany development of the gametophyte from the sporophyte without the formation of spores   2 the development of an embryo of a flowering plant outside the embryo sac, from a cell of the nucellus or chalaza [C19: from APO- + SPORE + -Y^1]

■ aposporous (ˌæpəˈspɔːrəs) or aposporic (ˌæpəˈspɔːrIk)   adj   botany characterized by apospory

apostasy (əˈpɒstəsI)   n, pl -sies   abandonment of one's religious faith, party, a cause, etc [C14: from Church Latin apostasia, from Greek apostasis desertion, from apostanai to stand apart from, desert]

■ apostate (əˈpɒsteIt, -tIt)   n   1 a person who abandons his or her religion, party, cause, etc   ▷ adj   2 guilty of apostasy   > apostatical (ˌæpəˈstætIkəl) or apostatic (ˌæpəˈstætIk) adj

■ apostatize or apostatise (əˈpɒstəˌtaIz)   vb   (intr) to forsake or abandon one's belief, faith, or allegiance

a posteriori (eI pɒsˌtɛrIˈɔːraI, -rI, ɑː)   adj logic   1 relating to or involving inductive reasoning from particular facts or effects to a general principle   2 derived from or requiring evidence for its validation or support; empirical; open to revision   3 statistics See posterior probability   ▶ Compare a priori, synthetic (sense 4) [C18: from Latin, literally: from the latter (that is, from effect to cause)]

apostil (əˈpɒstIl) or apostille   n   a marginal note [C16: from French apostille, from Old French apostiller to make marginal notes, from Medieval Latin postilla, probably from Latin post illa (verba) after those (words)]

apostle (əˈpɒsəl)   n   1 (often capital) one of the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel   2 any prominent Christian missionary, esp one who first converts a nation or people   3 an ardent early supporter of a cause, reform movement, etc   4 Mormon Church a member of a council of twelve officials appointed to administer and preside over the Church [Old English apostol, from Church Latin apostolus, from Greek apostolos a messenger, from apostellein to send forth]

■ apostle bird   n   a gregarious grey-and-brown Australian nest-building bird, Struthidea cinerea [C20: so called for its apparent habit of congregating in groups of twelve]

■ Apostles' Creed   n   a concise statement of Christian beliefs dating from about 500 AD, traditionally ascribed to the Apostles

■ apostleship (əˈpɒsəlʃIp)   n   theol the position or duty of an apostle

■ apostle spoon   n   a silver spoon with a figure of one of the Apostles on the handle

■ apostolate (əˈpɒstəlIt, -ˌleIt)   n   the office, authority, or mission of an apostle

■ apostolic (ˌæpəˈstɒlIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, deriving from, or contemporary with the Apostles   2 of or relating to the teachings or practice of the Apostles   3 of or relating to the pope regarded as chief successor of the Apostles   > ˌaposˈtolical adj   > ˌaposˈtolically adv

■ apostolic delegate   n   RC Church a representative of the pope sent to countries that do not have full or regular diplomatic relations with the Holy See

■ Apostolic Fathers   pl n   the Fathers of the early Church who immediately followed the Apostles

■ apostolicity (əˌpɒstəˈlIsItI) or apostolicism (ˌæpəsˈtɒlIsIzəm)   n   theol the quality of being apostolic

■ Apostolic See   n   1 RC Church the see of the pope regarded as the successor to Saint Peter   2 (often not capitals) a see established by one of the Apostles

■ Apostolic succession   n   the doctrine that the authority of Christian bishops derives from the Apostles through an unbroken line of consecration

■ apostolize or apostolise (əˈpɒstəˌlaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to proclaim   2 (intr) to behave in the manner of an apostle

apostrophe^1 (əˈpɒstrəfI)   n   the punctuation mark ' used to indicate the omission of a letter or number, such as he's for he has or he is, also used in English to form the possessive, as in John's father and twenty pounds' worth [C17: from Late Latin, from Greek apostrophos mark of elision, from apostrephein to turn away]

apostrophe^2 (əˈpɒstrəfI)   n   rhetoric a digression from a discourse, esp an address to an imaginary or absent person or a personification [C16: from Latin apostrophē, from Greek: a turning away, digression]   > apostrophic (ˌæpəˈstrɒfIk) adj

■ apostrophize or apostrophise (əˈpɒstrəˌfaIz)   vb   (tr) rhetoric to address an apostrophe to

apostrophus (əˈpɒstrəfəs)   n   a symbol resembling a reversed letter C used in Roman numerals to denote large numbers

apothecary (əˈpɒθIkərI)   n, pl -caries   1 an archaic word for pharmacist   2 law a chemist licensed by the Society of Apothecaries of London to prescribe, prepare, and sell drugs [C14: from Old French apotecaire, from Late Latin apothēcārius warehouseman, from apothēca, from Greek apothēkē storehouse]

■ apothecaries' measure   n   a system of liquid volume measure used in pharmacy in which 60 minims equal 1 fluid drachm, 8 fluid drachms equal 1 fluid ounce, and 20 fluid ounces equal 1 pint

■ apothecaries' weight   n   a system of weights, formerly used in pharmacy, based on the Troy ounce, which contains 480 grains. 1 grain is equal to 0.065 gram

apothece (ˌæpəˈθiːkeI)   n   Roman history a shop or storehouse

apothecium (ˌæpəˈθiːsIəm)   n, pl -cia (-sIə)   botany a cup-shaped structure that contains the asci, esp in lichens; a type of ascocarp [C19: from New Latin, from APO- + Greek thēkion a little case]   > apothecial (ˌæpəˈθiːsIəl) adj

apothegm (ˈæpəˌθɛm)   n   a variant spelling of apophthegm

■ apothegmatical (ˌæpəθɛɡˈmætIkəl)   adj   another word for apophthegmatic

■ apothegmatist (ˌæpəˈθɛɡmətIst)   n   another name for apophthegmatist

■ apothegmatize or apothegmatise (ˌæpəˈθɛɡməˌtaIz)   vb   another word for apophthegmatize

apothem (ˈæpəˌθɛm)   n   the perpendicular line or distance from the centre of a regular polygon to any of its sides [C20: from APO- + Greek thema, from tithenai to place]

apotheosis (əˌpɒθIˈəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 the elevation of a person to the rank of a god; deification   2 glorification of a person or thing   3 a glorified ideal   4 the best or greatest time or event: the apotheosis of Messi's career [C17: via Late Latin from Greek: deification, from theos god]

■ apotheosize or apotheosise (əˈpɒθIəˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to deify   2 to glorify or idealize

apotropaic (ˌæpəʊtrəˈpeIIk)   adj   preventing or intended to prevent evil [C19: from Greek apotropaios turning away (evil), from apotrepein; see APO-, TROPE]

■ apotropaically (ˌæpəʊtrəˈpeIIkəlI)   adv   in an apotropaic manner

■ apotropaism (ˌæpəʊtrəˈpeIIzəm)   n   anthropol the use of ritual or magic to ward off evil or bad luck

apotropous (əˈpɒtrəpəs)   adj   (of a plant ovule) anatropous with a ventral raphe

apozem (ˈæpəˌzɛm)   n   med obsolete an infusion or decoction

app (æp)   n   computing (esp downloaded to a mobile device) short for application program

appair (əˈpɛə)   vb   obsolete to make or become worse

appal or US appall (əˈpɔːl)   vb -pals, -palling, -palled or US -palls, -palling, -palled   (tr) to fill with horror; shock or dismay [C14: from Old French appalir to turn pale]

■ appalled (əˈpɔːld)   adj   1 shocked or dismayed   2 filled with horror

■ appalling (əˈpɔːlIŋ)   adj   1 causing extreme dismay, horror, or revulsion   2 very bad   > apˈpallingly adv

Appalachia (ˌæpəˈleItʃIə)   n   a highland region of the eastern US, containing the Appalachian Mountains, extending from Pennsylvania to Alabama

■ Appalachian (ˌæpəˈleItʃIən)   adj   1 of, from, or relating to the Appalachian Mountains   2 geology of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the late Palaeozoic era during which the Appalachian Mountains were formed

■ Appalachian Mountains or Appalachians   pl n   a mountain system of E North America, extending from Quebec province in Canada to central Alabama in the US: contains rich deposits of anthracite, bitumen, and iron ore. Highest peak: Mount Mitchell, 2037 m (6683 ft)

Appaloosa (ˌæpəˈluːsə)   n   a breed of horse, originally from America, typically having a spotted rump [C19: perhaps from Palouse, river in Idaho]

appalto (æpˈæltəʊ)   n   a monopoly or contract [Italian]

appanage or apanage (ˈæpənIdʒ)   n   1 land or other provision granted by a king for the support of a member of the royal family, esp a younger son   2 a natural or customary accompaniment or perquisite, as to a job or position [C17: from Old French, from Medieval Latin appānāgium, from appānāre to provide for, from Latin pānis bread]

■ appanaged (ˈæpənIdʒd) or apanaged   adj   having appanage

apparat (ˌæpəˈrɑːt)   n   the Communist Party organization in the former Soviet Union and other states [Russian, literally: APPARATUS]

apparatchik (ˌæpəˈrɑːtʃIk)   n   1 a member of a Communist apparat   2 an official or bureaucrat in any organization [C20 from Russian, from apparat apparatus, instrument + -ckik, suffix denoting agent]

apparatus (ˌæpəˈreItəs, -ˈrɑːtəs, ˈæpəˌreItəs)   n, pl -ratus or -ratuses   1 a collection of instruments, machines, tools, parts, or other equipment used for a particular purpose   2 a machine having a specific function: breathing apparatus   3 the means by which something operates; organization: the apparatus of government   4 anatomy any group of organs having a specific function [C17: from Latin, from apparāre to make ready]

■ apparatus criticus (ˈkrItIkəs)   n   textual notes, list of variant readings, etc, relating to a document, esp in a scholarly edition of a text [Latin: critical apparatus]

apparel (əˈpærəl)   n   1 something that covers or adorns, esp outer garments or clothing   2 nautical a vessel's gear and equipment   ▷ vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   3 archaic (tr) to clothe, adorn, etc [C13: from Old French apareillier to make ready, from Vulgar Latin appariculāre (unattested), from Latin apparāre, from parāre to prepare]

■ apparelment (əˈpærəlmənt)   n obsolete   1 the action of preparing or making ready   2 apparel, equipment

apparent (əˈpærənt, əˈpɛər-)   adj   1 readily seen or understood; evident; obvious   2 (usually prenominal) seeming, as opposed to real: his apparent innocence belied his complicity in the crime   3 physics as observed but ignoring such factors as the motion of the observer, changes in the environment, etc. Compare true (sense 9) [C14: from Latin appārēns, from appārēre to APPEAR]   > apˈparentness n

■ apparently (əˈpærəntlI, əˈpɛər-)   adv   (sentence modifier) it appears that; as far as one knows; seemingly

■ apparent magnitude   n   another name for magnitude (sense 4)

■ apparent movement   n   psychol the sensation of seeing movement when nothing actually moves in the environment, as when two neighbouring lights are switched on and off in rapid succession

apparition (ˌæpəˈrIʃən)   n   1 an appearance, esp of a ghost or ghostlike figure   2 the figure so appearing; phantom; spectre   3 the act of appearing or being visible [C15: from Late Latin appāritiō, from Latin: attendance, from appārēre to APPEAR]

■ apparitional (ˌæpəˈrIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to an apparition or apparitions; ghostly, spectral

apparitor (əˈpærItə)   n   an officer who summons witnesses and executes the orders of an ecclesiastical and (formerly) a civil court [C15: from Latin: public servant, from appārēre to APPEAR]

appartement French (apartəmɑ̃)   n   an apartment

appassionato (əˌpæsjəˈnɑːtəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in an impassioned manner

appeachment (əˈpiːtʃmənt)   n   obsolete an accusation or criminal charge

appeal (əˈpiːl)   n   1 a request for relief, aid, etc   2 the power to attract, please, stimulate, or interest: a dress with appeal   3 an application or resort to another person or authority, esp a higher one, as for a decision or confirmation of a decision   4 law   a the judicial review by a superior court of the decision of a lower tribunal   b a request for such review   c the right to such review   5 cricket a verbal request to the umpire from one or more members of the fielding side to declare a batsman out   6 English law (formerly) a formal charge or accusation: appeal of felony   ▷ vb   7 (intr) to make an earnest request for relief, support, etc   8 (intr) to attract, please, stimulate, or interest   9 law to apply to a superior court to review (a case or particular issue decided by a lower tribunal)   10 (intr) to resort (to), as for a decision or confirmation of a decision   11 (intr) cricket to ask the umpire to declare a batsman out   12 (intr) to challenge the umpire's or referee's decision [C14: from Old French appeler, from Latin appellāre to entreat (literally: to approach), from pellere to push, drive]   > apˈpealable adj   > apˈpealer n

■ appealing (əˈpiːlIŋ)   adj   attractive or pleasing   > apˈpealingly adv

■ appealingness (əˈpiːlIŋnəs)   n   the quality of being appealing

appear (əˈpIə)   vb (intr)   1 to come into sight or view   2 (copula; may take an infinitive) to seem or look: the evidence appears to support you   3 to be plain or clear, as after further evidence, etc: it appears you were correct after all   4 to develop or come into being; occur: faults appeared during testing   5 to become publicly available; be published: his biography appeared last month   6 to perform or act: she has appeared in many London productions   7 to be present in court before a magistrate or judge: he appeared on two charges of theft [C13: from Old French aparoir, from Latin appārēre to become visible, attend upon, from pārēre to appear]

■ appearance (əˈpIərəns)   n   1 the act or an instance of appearing, as to the eye, before the public, etc   2 the outward or visible aspect of a person or thing: try to work on your appearance; it has the appearance of powdered graphite   3 an outward show; pretence: he gave an appearance of working hard   4 (often plural) one of the outward signs or indications by which a person or thing is assessed: first appearances are deceptive   5 law   a the formal attendance in court of a party in an action   b formal notice that a party or his or her legal representative intends to maintain or contest the issue: to enter an appearance   6 philosophy   a the outward or phenomenal manifestation of things   b the world as revealed by the senses, as opposed to its real nature. Compare reality (sense 4)   7 keep up appearances to maintain the public impression of wellbeing or normality   8 put in an appearance or make an appearance to come or attend briefly, as out of politeness   9 to all appearances to the extent that can easily be judged; apparently

■ appearance money   n   money paid by a promoter of an event to a particular celebrity in order to ensure that the celebrity takes part in the event

■ appearer (əˈpIərə)   n   a person who appears

appease (əˈpiːz)   vb (tr)   1 to calm, pacify, or soothe, esp by acceding to the demands of   2 to satisfy or quell (an appetite or thirst, etc) [C16: from Old French apaisier, from pais peace, from Latin pax]   > apˈpeasable adj   > apˈpeaser n

■ appeasement (əˈpiːzmənt)   n   1 the policy of acceding to the demands of a potentially hostile nation in the hope of maintaining peace   2 the act of appeasing

■ appeasingly (əˈpiːzIŋlI)   adv   in an appeasing manner

appel (əˈpɛl; French apɛl)   n fencing   1 a stamp of the foot, used to warn of one's intent to attack   2 a sharp blow with the blade made to procure an opening [from French: challenge]

Appel (Dutch ˈɑpəl)   n   Karel (ˈkaːrəl). 1921–2006, Dutch abstract expressionist painter

appellate (əˈpɛlIt)   adj law   1 of or relating to appeals   2 (of a tribunal) having jurisdiction to review cases on appeal and to reverse decisions of inferior courts [C18: from Latin appellātus summoned, from appellāre to APPEAL]

■ appellant (əˈpɛlənt)   n   1 a person who appeals   2 law the party who appeals to a higher court from the decision of a lower tribunal   ▷ adj   3 law another word for appellate [C14: from Old French; see APPEAL]

appellative (əˈpɛlətIv)   n   1 an identifying name or title; appellation   2 grammar another word for common noun   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to a name or title   4 (of a proper noun) used as a common noun   > apˈpellatively adv

■ appellation (ˌæpIˈleIʃən)   n   1 an identifying name or title   2 the act of naming or giving a title to

■ appellational (ˌæpəˈleIʃənəl)   adj   another term for appellative

appellee (ˌæpɛˈliː)   n   law a person who is accused or appealed against [C16: from Old French apele summoned; see APPEAL]

appellor (əˈpɛlɔː)   n   law the accuser or prosecutor

'appen (ˈæpən)   adv, sentence substitute   Northern English dialect See happen (sense 5)

append (əˈpɛnd)   vb (tr)   1 to add as a supplement: to append a footnote   2 to attach; hang on [C15: from Late Latin appendere to hang (something) from, from Latin pendere to hang]

■ appendage (əˈpɛndIdʒ)   n   1 an ancillary or secondary part attached to a main part; adjunct   2 zoology any organ that projects from the trunk of animals such as arthropods   3 botany any subsidiary part of a plant, such as a branch or leaf

■ appendant (əˈpɛndənt)   adj   1 attached, affixed, or added   2 attendant or associated as an accompaniment or result   3 a less common word for pendent   4 law relating to another right   ▷ n   5 a person or thing attached or added   6 property law a subordinate right or interest, esp in or over land, attached to a greater interest and automatically passing with the sale of the latter

appendicectomy (əˌpɛndIˈsɛktəmI) or esp US and Canadian appendectomy (ˌæpənˈdɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of any appendage, esp the vermiform appendix

appendicitis (əˌpɛndIˈsaItIs)   n   inflammation of the vermiform appendix

appendicle (əˈpɛndIkəl)   n   a small appendage [C17: from Latin appendicula; see APPENDIX]

■ appendicular (ˌæpənˈdIkjʊlə)   adj   1 relating to an appendage or appendicle   2 anatomy of or relating to the vermiform appendix

■ appendiculate (ˌæpənˈdIkjʊlət, ˌæpənˈdIkjələt)   adj   biology having appendicles

appendicularian (ˌæpənˌdIkjʊˈlɛərIən) zoology   adj   1 of or relating to a family of molluscs (Appendicularia) characterized by their long tail appendages   ▷ n   2 a member of this family of molluscs

appendix (əˈpɛndIks)   n, pl -dices (-dIˌsiːz) or -dixes   1 a body of separate additional material at the end of a book, magazine, etc, esp one that is documentary or explanatory   2 any part that is dependent or supplementary in nature or function; appendage   3 anatomy See vermiform appendix [C16: from Latin: an appendage, from appendere to APPEND]

Appenzell (German apənˈtsɛl, ˈapəntsɛl)   n   1 an area of NE Switzerland, divided in 1597 into the Protestant canton of Appenzell Outer Rhodes and the Catholic canton of Appenzell Inner Rhodes. Capitals: Herisau and Appenzell, respectively. Pops: 53 200 and 15 000 (2002 est) respectively. Areas: 243 sq km (94 sq miles) and 171 sq km (66 sq miles) respectively   2 a town in NE Switzerland, capital of Appenzell Inner Rhodes canton. Pop: 5447 (2000)

apperceive (ˌæpəˈsiːv)   vb (tr)   1 to be aware of perceiving   2 psychol to comprehend by assimilating (a perception) to ideas already in the mind [C19: from Old French aperceveir, from Latin percipere to PERCEIVE]

■ apperception (ˌæpəˈsɛpʃən)   n psychol   1 the attainment of full awareness of a sensation or idea   2 the act or process of apperceiving   > ˌapperˈceptive adj

■ appercipient (ˌæpəˈsIpIənt)   adj   having or using apperception

appertain (ˌæpəˈteIn)   vb   (intr; usually foll by to) to belong (to) as a part, function, right, etc; relate (to) or be connected (with) [C14: from Old French apertenir to belong, from Late Latin appertinēre, from Latin AD- + pertinēre to PERTAIN]

■ appertainance (ˌæpəˈteInəns)   n   another name for appurtenance

■ appertainment (ˌæpəˈteInmənt)   n   another name for appurtenance

appertinent (æˈpɜːtInənt)   n   another word for appurtenant

appestat (ˈæpIstæt)   n   a neural control centre within the hypothalamus of the brain that regulates the sense of hunger and satiety [C20: from APPE(TITE) + -STAT]

appeteezement (ˌæpəˈtiːzmənt)   n   an obsolete word for appetisement

appetence (ˈæpItəns) or appetency   n, pl -tences or -tencies rare   1 a natural craving or desire   2 a natural or instinctive inclination   3 an attraction or affinity [C17: from Latin appetentia, from appetere to crave]

■ appetent (ˈæpItənt)   adj   having an eager longing or desire

appetible (ˈæpətIbəl)   adj   obsolete desirable or capable of arousing desire

appetite (ˈæpIˌtaIt)   n   1 a desire for food or drink   2 a desire to satisfy a bodily craving, as for sexual pleasure   3 (usually foll by for) a desire, liking, or willingness: a great appetite for work [C14: from Old French apetit, from Latin appetītus a craving, from appetere to desire ardently]   > appetitive (əˈpɛtItIv, ˈæpIˌtaItIv) adj

■ appetisement (ˌæpəˈtaIzmənt)   n   appetite or hunger

■ appetition (ˌæpəˈtIʃən)   n   a desire or craving directed towards a specific object, goal, or purpose

■ appetize or appetise (ˈæpIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to stimulate the appetite

■ appetizer or appetiser (ˈæpIˌtaIzə)   n   1 a small amount of food or drink taken to stimulate the appetite   2 any stimulating foretaste

■ appetizing or appetising (ˈæpIˌtaIzIŋ)   adj   pleasing or stimulating to the appetite; delicious; tasty

■ appetizingly or appetisingly (ˈæpItaIzIŋlI)   adv   in an appetizing way

Appian Way (ˈæpIən)   n   a Roman road in Italy, extending from Rome to Brindisi: begun in 312 BC by Appius Claudius Caecus. Length: about 560 km (350 miles)

applaud (əˈplɔːd)   vb   1 to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc) by clapping the hands   2 (usually tr) to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing): I applaud your decision [C15: from Latin applaudere to clap, from plaudere to beat, applaud]   > apˈplauder n   > apˈplauding adj   > apˈplaudingly adv

■ applaudable (əˈplɔːdəbəl)   adj   worthy of being applauded

■ applaudably (əˈplɔːdəblI)   adv   in an applaudable manner

applause (əˈplɔːz)   n   appreciation or praise, esp as shown by clapping the hands

■ applausive (əˈplɔːsIv)   adj   characterized by applause

■ applausively (əˈplɔːsIvlI)   adv   in an applausive manner

apple (ˈæpəl)   n   1 a rosaceous tree, Malus sieversii, native to Central Asia but widely cultivated in temperate regions in many varieties, having pink or white fragrant flowers and firm rounded edible fruits. See also crab apple   2 the fruit of this tree, having red, yellow, or green skin and crisp whitish flesh   3 the wood of this tree   4 any of several unrelated trees that have fruits similar to the apple, such as the custard apple, sugar apple, and May apple. See also love apple, oak apple, thorn apple   5 apple of one's eye a person or thing that is very precious or much loved   6 bad apple or rotten apple a person with a corrupting influence [Old English æppel; related to Old Saxon appel, Old Norse apall, Old High German apful]

■ apple blight   n   an aphid, Eriosoma lanigera, that is covered with a powdery waxy secretion and infests apple trees. Also called: American blight

■ apple box   n   an ornamental Australian tree, Eucalyptus bridgesiana, having heart-shaped juvenile leaves, large lanceolate adult leaves, and conical fruits. Also called: apple gum

■ apple butter   n   a jam made from stewed spiced apples

■ applecart (ˈæpəlˌkɑːt)   n   1 a cart or barrow from which apples and other fruit are sold in the street   2 upset the applecart to spoil plans or arrangements

■ appledrain (ˈæpəlˌdreIn)   n   Southwest English dialect a wasp

■ apple green   n     a a bright light green or moderate yellowish-green   b (as adjective): an apple-green carpet

■ Apple Islander   n   Austral informal a native or inhabitant of Tasmania

■ Apple Isle   n   the Apple Isle Austral informal Tasmania

■ applejack (ˈæpəlˌdʒæk)   n   a brandy made from apples; distilled cider. Also called: applejack brandy, apple brandy

■ apple maggot   n   a fruit fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, the larvae of which bore into and feed on the fruit of apple trees: family Trypetidae

■ apple of discord   n   Greek myth a golden apple inscribed "For the fairest". It was claimed by Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, to whom Paris awarded it, thus beginning a chain of events that led to the Trojan War

■ apple-pie bed   n   Brit a way of making a bed so as to prevent the person from entering it. US equivalent: short-sheeting

■ apple-pie order   n   informal perfect order or condition

■ apple polisher   n   informal a sycophant; toady

■ apples (ˈæpəlz)   pl n   1 See apples and pears   2 she's apples Austral and NZ informal all is going well

■ apples and pears   pl n   Cockney rhyming slang stairs. Often shortened to: apples

■ apple sauce or applesauce (ˈæpəlˌsɔːs)   n   1 a purée of stewed apples often served with pork   2 US and Canadian old-fashioned, slang nonsense; rubbish

■ appley (ˈæplI)   adj   resembling or tasting like an apple: an excellent, appley wine

Appleby (ˈæpəlbI)   n   a town in NW England, in Cumbria: famous for its annual horse fair. Pop: 2862 (2001). Official name: Appleby-in-Westmoreland

appleringie (ˌæpəlˈrIŋɡI)   n   Scot an aromatic shrubby wormwood, Artemisia abrotanum, of South Europe, having finely dissected leaves and small drooping heads of yellowish flowers

applet (ˈæplIt)   n   computing a computer program that runs within a page on the internet [C20: from APP(LICATION PROGRAM) + -LET]

appletini (ˌæpəlˈtiːni)   n   a cocktail consisting of vodka and apple juice with apple cider, apple brandy, or apple liqueur, and sometimes vermouth [from APPLE + MARTINI^1 (sense 2)]

Appleton (ˈæpəltən)   n   Sir Edward (Victor). 1892–1965, English physicist, noted particularly for his research on the ionosphere: Nobel prize for physics 1947

■ Appleton layer   n   the F region of the ionosphere [C20: named after Sir Edward APPLETON]

appliable (əˈplaIəbəl)   adj   another word for applicable

appliance (əˈplaIəns)   n   1 a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically   2 any piece of equipment having a specific function   3 a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose   4 another name for a fire engine

applicable (ˈæplIkəbəl, əˈplIkə-)   adj   being appropriate or relevant; able to be applied; fitting   > ˌapplicaˈbility or ˈapplicableness n   > ˈapplicably adv

applicant (ˈæplIkənt)   n   a person who applies, as for a job, grant, support, etc; candidate [C15: from Latin applicāns, from applicāre to APPLY]

applicate (ˈæplIkət)   adj   applied practicably

application (ˌæplIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of applying to a particular purpose or use   2 relevance or value: the practical applications of space technology   3 the act of asking for something: an application for leave   4 a verbal or written request, as for a job, etc: he filed his application   5 diligent effort or concentration: a job requiring application   6 something, such as a healing agent or lotion, that is applied, esp to the skin   7 logic, maths the process of determining the value of a function for a given argument   8 short for application program, applications package

■ application program   n   a computer program that is written and designed for a specific need or purpose

■ applications package   n   computing a specialized program or set of specialized programs and associated documentation designed to carry out a particular task

applicative (əˈplIkətIv)   adj   relevant or applicable   > apˈplicatively adv

applicator (ˈæplIˌkeItə)   n   a device, such as a spatula or rod, for applying a medicine, glue, etc

■ applicatory (ˈæplIkətərI)   adj   suitable for application

appliqué or applique (æˈpliːkeI)   n   1 a decoration or trimming of one material sewn or otherwise fixed onto another   2 the practice of decorating in this way   ▷ vb -qués, -quéing, -quéd   3 (tr) to sew or fix (a decoration) on as an appliqué [C18: from French, literally: applied]

■ appliquéd or appliqued (əˈpliːkeId)   adj   made or decorated using appliqué

apply (əˈplaI)   vb -plies, -plying, -plied   1 (tr) to put to practical use; utilize; employ   2 (intr) to be relevant, useful, or appropriate   3 (tr) to cause to come into contact with; put onto   4 (intr; often foll by for) to put in an application or request   5 (tr; often foll by to) to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence   6 (tr) to bring into operation or use: the police only applied the law to aliens   7 (tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing [C14: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicāre to attach to]   > apˈplier n

■ applied (əˈplaId)   adj   related to or put to practical use: applied mathematics. Compare pure (sense 5)

appoggiatura (əˌpɒdʒəˈtʊərə)   n, pl -ras or -re (-rɛ)   music an ornament consisting of a nonharmonic note (short or long) preceding a harmonic one either before or on the stress. See also acciaccatura (sense 2) [C18: from Italian, literally: a propping, from appoggiare to prop, support]

appoint (əˈpɔInt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to assign officially, as for a position, responsibility, etc: she was appointed manager   2 to establish by agreement or decree; fix: a time was appointed for the duel   3 to prescribe or ordain: laws appointed by tribunal   4 property law to nominate (a person), under a power granted in a deed or will, to take an interest in property   5 to equip with necessary or usual features; furnish: a well-appointed hotel [C14: from Old French apointer to put into a good state, from a point in good condition, literally: to a POINT]   > apˈpointer n

■ appointed (əˈpɔIntId)   adj   formal decided beforehand

■ appointee (əpɔInˈtiː, ˌæp-)   n   1 a person who is appointed   2 property law a person to whom property is granted under a power of appointment

■ appointive (əˈpɔIntIv)   adj   chiefly US relating to or filled by appointment: an appointive position

■ appointment (əˈpɔIntmənt)   n   1 an arrangement to meet a person or be at a place at a certain time   2 the act of placing in a job or position   3 the person who receives such a job or position   4 the job or position to which such a person is appointed   5 (usually plural) a fixture or fitting   6 property law nomination to an interest in property under a deed or will

■ appointment television   n   television programmes that people set aside time to watch

■ appointment viewing   n   the practice of setting time aside to watch particular television programmes

■ appointor (əˈpɔIntə, əpɔInˈtɔː)   n   property law a person to whom a power to nominate persons to take property is given by deed or will. See also power of appointment

Appomattox (ˌæpəˈmætəks)   n   a village in central Virginia where the Confederate army under Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War

apport (əˈpɔːt)   n   1    a the production of objects by apparently supernatural means at a spiritualists' seance   b the objects produced   2 obsolete bearing; demeanour   3 (plural) obsolete things brought as offerings; revenues [C15: from Old French aport, from aporter (vb), from Latin AD- + portāre to carry]

■ apports (əˈpɔːts)   pl n   obsolete things brought as offerings; revenues

apportion (əˈpɔːʃən)   vb   (tr) to divide, distribute, or assign appropriate shares of; allot proportionally: to apportion the blame   > apˈportionable adj   > apˈportioner n

■ apportionment (əˈpɔːʃənmənt)   n   1 the act of apportioning   2 US government the proportional distribution of the seats in a legislative body, esp the House of Representatives, on the basis of population

appose (əˈpəʊz)   vb (tr)   1 to place side by side or near to each other   2 (usually foll by to) to place (something) near or against another thing [C16: from Old French apposer, from poser to put, from Latin pōnere]

■ apposable (əˈpəʊzəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being apposed or brought into apposition   2 anatomy another word for opposable (sense 2)

■ apposer (əˈpəʊzə)   n obsolete   1 a person who asks questions   2 an officer in the English Court of Exchequer who examined or audited the sheriffs' accounts

apposite (ˈæpəzIt)   adj   well suited for the purpose; appropriate; apt [C17: from Latin appositus placed near, from appōnere, from pōnere to put, place]   > ˈappositely adv   > ˈappositeness n

apposition (ˌæpəˈzIʃən)   n   1 a putting into juxtaposition   2 a grammatical construction in which a word, esp a noun phrase, is placed after another to modify its meaning   3 biology growth in the thickness of a cell wall by the deposition of successive layers of material. Compare intussusception (sense 2)   > ˌappoˈsitional adj

■ appositive (əˈpɒzItIv)   adj   1 grammar   a standing in apposition   b another word for nonrestrictive   2 of or relating to apposition   ▷ n   3 an appositive word or phrase   > apˈpositively adv

appraise (əˈpreIz)   vb (tr)   1 to assess the worth, value, or quality of   2 to make a valuation of, as for taxation purposes [C15: from Old French aprisier, from prisier to PRIZE^2]   > apˈpraisable adj   > apˈpraiser n   > apˈpraisingly adv   > apˈpraisive adj   > apˈpraisively adv

USAGE

Appraise is sometimes wrongly used where apprise is meant: they had been apprised (not appraised) of my arrival

■ appraisal (əˈpreIzəl) or appraisement   n   1 an assessment or estimation of the worth, value, or quality of a person or thing. See also performance appraisal   2 a valuation of property or goods

■ appraisal drilling   n   (in the oil industry) drilling carried out once oil or gas has been discovered in order to assess the extent of the field, the reserves, the possible rate of production, and the properties of the oil or gas

■ appraisee (əˌpreIˈziː)   n   formal a person who is being appraised

■ appraising (əˈpreIzIŋ)   adj   critical, considering

appreciable (əˈpriːʃIəbəl, -ʃəbəl)   adj   sufficient to be easily seen, measured, or noticed   > apˈpreciably adv

appreciate (əˈpriːʃIˌeIt, -sI-)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to feel thankful or grateful for: to appreciate a favour   2 (may take a clause as object) to take full or sufficient account of: to appreciate a problem   3 to value highly: to appreciate Shakespeare   4 (usually intr) to raise or increase in value [C17: from Medieval Latin appretiāre to value, prize, from Latin pretium PRICE]   > apˈpreciˌator n

■ appreciation (əˌpriːʃIˈeIʃən, -sI-)   n   1 thanks or gratitude   2 assessment of the true worth or value of persons or things   3 perceptive recognition of qualities, as in art   4 an increase in value, as of goods or property   5 a written review of a book, etc, esp when favourable

■ appreciative (əˈpriːʃIətIv, -ʃə-) or appreciatory   adj   feeling, expressing, or capable of appreciation   > apˈpreciatively or apˈpreciatorily adv   > apˈpreciativeness n

apprehend (ˌæprIˈhɛnd)   vb   1 (tr) to arrest and escort into custody; seize   2 to perceive or grasp mentally; understand   3 (tr) to await with fear or anxiety; dread [C14: from Latin apprehendere to lay hold of]

■ apprehensible (ˌæprIˈhɛnsIbəl)   adj   capable of being comprehended or grasped mentally   > ˌappreˌhensiˈbility n   > ˌappreˈhensibly adv

■ apprehension (ˌæprIˈhɛnʃən)   n   1 fear or anxiety over what may happen   2 the act of capturing or arresting   3 the faculty of comprehending; understanding   4 a notion or conception

■ apprehensive (ˌæprIˈhɛnsIv)   adj   fearful or anxious   > ˌappreˈhensively adv   > ˌappreˈhensiveness n

apprentice (əˈprɛntIs)   n   1 someone who works for a skilled or qualified person in order to learn a trade or profession, esp for a recognized period   2 any beginner or novice   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to take, place, or bind as an apprentice [C14: from Old French aprentis, from Old French aprendre to learn, from Latin apprehendere to APPREHEND]   > apˈprenticeˌship n

■ apprenticement (əˈprɛntIsmənt)   n   apprenticeship

appress (əˈprɛs)   vb (tr)   to press together or towards a surface

■ appressed (əˈprɛst)   adj   pressed closely against, but not joined to, a surface: leaves appressed to a stem [C18: from Latin appressus, from apprimere, from premere to press]

■ appressorium (ˌæprɛˈsɔːrIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   botany a flattened hypha of a parasitic fungus that penetrates the host tissues [from New Latin, from Latin appressus; see APPRESSED]

apprise or apprize (əˈpraIz)   vb   (tr; often foll by of) to make aware; inform [C17: from French appris, from apprendre to teach; learn; see APPREHEND]

USAGE

See at appraise

■ appriser or apprizer (əˈpraIzə)   n   1 archaic a person who appraises   2 Scots law a creditor for whose benefit an appraisal is made

appro (ˈæprəʊ)   n   an informal shortening of approval: on appro

approach (əˈprəʊtʃ)   vb   1 to come nearer in position, time, quality, character, etc, to (someone or something)   2 (tr) to make advances to, as with a proposal, suggestion, etc   3 (tr) to begin to deal with: to approach a problem   4 (tr) rare to cause to come near   ▷ n   5 the act of coming towards or drawing close or closer   6 a close approximation   7 the way or means of entering or leaving; access   8 (often plural) an advance or overture to a person   9 a means adopted in tackling a problem, job of work, etc   10 Also called: approach path the course followed by an aircraft preparing for landing [C14: from Old French aprochier, from Late Latin appropiāre to draw near, from Latin prope near]

■ approachable (əˈprəʊtʃəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being approached; accessible   2 (of a person) friendly   > apˌproachaˈbility or apˈproachableness n

■ approaching (əˈprəʊtʃIŋ)   adj   coming closer in time

■ approach shot   n   1 Also called: approach golf a shot made to or towards the green after a tee shot   2 tennis a deep drive, usually hit with slice to keep the ball low, designed to enable the player to make an approach to the net

approbate (ˈæprəˌbeIt)   vb (tr)   1 Scots law to accept as valid   2 approbate and reprobate Scots law to accept part of a document and reject those parts unfavourable to one's interests   3 chiefly US to sanction officially [C15: from Latin approbāre to approve, from probāre to test]

■ approbation (ˌæprəˈbeIʃən)   n   1 commendation; praise   2 official recognition or approval   3 an obsolete word for proof   > ˈapproˌbative or ˈapproˌbatory adj

appropinquate (ˌæprəˈpIŋkweIt)   vb (intr)   literary to approach

■ appropinquation (ˌæprəpIŋˈkweIʃən)   n   literary the action of approaching

appropinque (ˌæprəʊˈpIŋk)   vb (intr)   obsolete to approach

■ appropinquity (ˌæprəˈpIŋkwItI)   n   literary nearness

appropriate   adj (əˈprəʊprIIt)   1 right or suitable; fitting   2 rare particular; own: they had their appropriate methods   ▷ vb (əˈprəʊprIˌeIt) (tr)   3 to take for one's own use, esp illegally or without permission   4 to put aside (funds, etc) for a particular purpose or person [C15: from Late Latin appropriāre to make one's own, from Latin proprius one's own; see PROPER]   > apˈpropriable adj   > apˈpropriately adv   > apˈpropriateness n   > apˈpropriative adj   > apˈpropriˌator n

■ appropriacy (əˈprəʊprIəsI)   n   the condition of delicate and precise fittingness of a word or expression to its context, even when it is chosen from a number of close synonyms

■ appropriation (əˌprəʊprIˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act of setting apart or taking for one's own use   2 a sum of money set apart for a specific purpose, esp by a legislature

approve^1 (əˈpruːv)   vb   1 (when intr, often foll by of) to consider fair, good, or right; commend (a person or thing)   2 (tr) to authorize or sanction   3 (tr) obsolete to demonstrate or prove by trial [C14: from Old French aprover, from Latin approbāre to approve, from probāre to test, PROVE]   > apˈprovingly adv

■ approvable (əˈpruːvəbəl)   adj   able to be approved

■ approvably (əˈpruːvəblI)   adv   in an approvable manner

■ approval (əˈpruːvəl)   n   1 the act of approving   2 formal agreement; sanction   3 a favourable opinion; commendation   4 on approval (of articles for sale) for examination with an option to buy or return

■ approvance (əˈpruːvəns)   n   archaic approval

■ approved (əˈpruːvd)   adj   officially sanctioned or accepted

■ approved school   n   (in Britain) a former name for community home

■ approved social worker   n   social welfare (in England) a qualified social worker specially trained in mental-health work, who is approved by his or her employing local authority to apply for a person with mental health problems to be admitted to hospital and detained there, or to apply for the person to be received into the guardianship of the local authority

■ approver (əˈpruːvə)   n   1 a person who approves   2 a person who proves, or offers to prove, another person's guilt   3 English law a person who confesses to committing a crime and gives evidence against his or her accomplices

■ approving (əˈpruːvIŋ)   adj   showing approval

approve^2 (əˈpruːv)   vb   (tr) law to improve or increase the value of (waste or common land), as by enclosure [C15: from Old French approuer to turn to advantage, from prou advantage]

approx.   abbreviation for   approximate(ly)

approximal (əˈprɒksIməl)   adj   anatomy situated side by side; close together: approximal teeth or fillings

approximate   adj (əˈprɒksImIt)   1 almost accurate or exact   2 inexact; rough; loose: only an approximate fit   3 much alike; almost the same   4 near; close together   ▷ vb (əˈprɒksIˌmeIt)   5 (usually foll by to) to come or bring near or close; be almost the same (as)   6 maths to find an expression for (some quantity) accurate to a specified degree. See accurate (sense 4) [C15: from Late Latin approximāre, from Latin proximus nearest, from prope near]   > apˈproximative adj

■ approximately (əˈprɒksImItlI)   adv   close to; around; roughly or in the region of

■ approximation (əˌprɒksIˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the process or result of making a rough calculation, estimate, or guess: he based his conclusion on his own approximation of the fuel consumption   2 an imprecise or unreliable record or version: an approximation of what really happened   3 maths an inexact number, relationship, or theory that is sufficiently accurate for a specific purpose   4 maths   a an estimate of the value of some quantity to a desired degree of accuracy   b an expression in simpler terms than a given expression which approximates to it

approximeeting (əˈprɒksIˌmiːtIŋ)   n   informal the practice of a group of people making indefinite plans to meet and then altering those plans regularly via mobile phones according to changing circumstances [C21: a blend of APPROXIMATE + MEETING]

appui (əˈpwiː)   n   1 obsolete a support or supporter   2 military defensive support   3 showjumping the reciprocal movement between the horse's mouth and the rider's hand through the bit and bridle   ▷ vb also appuy (tr)   4 military to support, or to post troops to a position which provides defensive support

appulse (əˈpʌls)   n   a very close approach of two celestial bodies so that they are in conjunction but no eclipse or occultation occurs [C17: from Latin appulsus brought near, from appellere to drive towards, from pellere to drive]   > apˈpulsive adj   > apˈpulsively adv

appurtenance (əˈpɜːtInəns)   n   1 a secondary or less significant thing or part   2 (plural) accessories or equipment   3 property law a minor right, interest, or privilege which passes when the title to the principal property is transferred [C14: from Anglo-French apurtenance, from Old French apartenance, from apartenir to APPERTAIN]

■ appurtenant (əˈpɜːtInənt)   adj   1 relating, belonging, or accessory   ▷ n   2 another word for appurtenance

Apr   abbreviation for   April

APR   abbreviation for   annual percentage rate

APRA (æˈpræ)   n acronym for   1 Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority   2 Australasian Performing Right Association

apraxia (əˈpræksIə)   n   a disorder of the central nervous system caused by brain damage and characterized by impaired ability to carry out purposeful muscular movements [C19: via New Latin from Greek: inactivity, from A-1 + praxis action]   > aˈpraxic or aˈpractic adj

après (ˈæpreI)   prep   after [French]

après-ski (ˌæpreIˈskiː)   n     a social activity following a day's skiing   b (as modifier): an après-ski outfit [French, literally: after ski]

apricate (ˈæprIˌkeIt)   vb   1 (intr) to sunbathe or bask in the sun   2 (tr) to expose to sunlight

■ aprication (ˌæprIˈkeIʃən)   n   the act of sunbathing or basking in the sun

apricot (ˈeIprIˌkɒt)   n   1 a rosaceous tree, Prunus armeniaca, native to Africa and W Asia, but widely cultivated for its edible fruit   2 the downy yellow juicy edible fruit of this tree, which resembles a small peach [C16: earlier apricock, from Portuguese (albricoque) or Spanish, from Arabic al-birqūq the apricot, from Late Greek praikokion, from Latin praecox early-ripening; see PRECOCIOUS]

April (ˈeIprəl)   n   the fourth month of the year, consisting of 30 days [C14: from Latin Aprīlis, probably of Etruscan origin]

■ April fool   n   an unsuspecting victim of a practical joke or trick traditionally performed on the first of April (April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day)

a priori (eI praIˈɔːraI, ɑː prIˈɔːrI)   adj   1 logic relating to or involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to the expected facts or effects   2 logic known to be true independently of or in advance of experience of the subject matter; requiring no evidence for its validation or support   3 statistics See prior probability, mathematical probability   ▶ Compare a posteriori, analytic (sense 4) [C18: from Latin, literally: from the previous (that is, from cause to effect)]   > apriority (ˌeIpraIˈɒrItI) n

■ apriorism (eIˈpraIəˌrIzəm)   n   the philosophical doctrine that there may be genuine knowledge independent of experience. Compare rationalism (sense 2), sensationalism (sense 3)

■ apriorist (ˌæprIˈɔːrIst)   n   a person who believes in apriorism

apron (ˈeIprən)   n   1 a protective or sometimes decorative or ceremonial garment worn over the front of the body and tied around the waist   2 the part of a stage extending in front of the curtain line; forestage   3 a hard-surfaced area in front of or around an aircraft hangar, terminal building, etc, upon which aircraft can stand   4 a continuous conveyor belt composed usually of slats linked together   5 a protective plate screening the operator of a machine, artillery piece, etc   6 a ground covering of concrete or other material used to protect the underlying earth from water erosion   7 a panel or board between a window and a skirting in a room   8 geology a sheet of sand, gravel, etc, deposited at the front of a moraine   9 golf the part of the fairway leading onto the green   10 machinery the housing for the lead screw gears of a lathe   11 another name for skirt (sense 3)   12 tied to someone's apron strings dependent on or dominated by someone, esp a mother or wife   ▷ vb   13 (tr) to protect or provide with an apron [C16: mistaken division (as if an apron) of earlier a napron, from Old French naperon a little cloth, from nape cloth, from Latin mappa napkin]

■ apronful (ˈeIprənfʊl)   n   the quantity that can be held in an apron

■ apronlike (ˈeIprənˌlaIk)   adj   resembling an apron

■ apron stage   n   a stage that projects into the auditorium so that the audience sit on three sides of it

apropos (ˌæprəˈpəʊ)   adj   1 appropriate; pertinent   ▷ adv   2 appropriately or pertinently   3 by the way; incidentally   4 apropos of (preposition) with regard to; in respect of [C17: from French à propos to the purpose]

aprotic (eIˈprəʊtIk)   adj   chem (of solvents) neither accepting nor donating hydrogen ions

APS   abbreviation for   Advanced Photo System

apsaras (ˈʌpsərəs)   n   Indian myth a female spirit of water and air

apse (æps)   n   1 Also called: apsis a domed or vaulted semicircular or polygonal recess, esp at the east end of a church   2 astronomy another name for apsis (sense 1) [C19: from Latin apsis, from Greek: a fitting together, arch, from haptein to fasten]   > apsidal (æpˈsaIdəl, ˈæpsIdəl) adj

apsidiole (æpˈsIdIəʊl)   n   architect a secondary, or small, apse

apsis (ˈæpsIs)   n, pl apsides (æpˈsaIdiːz, ˈæpsIˌdiːz)   1 Also called: apse either of two points lying at the extremities of an eccentric orbit of a planet, satellite, etc, such as the aphelion and perihelion of a planet or the apogee and perigee of the moon. The line of apsides connects two such points and is the principal axis of the orbit   2 another name for apse (sense 1) [C17: via Latin from Greek; see APSE]   > apsidal (æpˈsaIdəl, ˈæpsIdəl) adj

apso (ˈæpsəʊ)   n, pl apsos   a Tibetan terrier

apt (æpt)   adj   1 suitable for the circumstance or purpose; appropriate   2 (postpositive; foll by an infinitive) having a tendency (to behave as specified)   3 having the ability to learn and understand easily; clever (esp in the phrase an apt pupil) [C14: from Latin aptus fitting, suitable, from apere to fasten]   > ˈaptly adv   > ˈaptness n

apt.   pl apts.abbreviation for   apartment

aptamer (ˈæptəmə)   n   an artificially created molecule of DNA or RNA

apteral (ˈæptərəl)   adj   1 (esp of a classical temple) not having columns at the sides   2 (of a church) having no aisles [C19: from Greek apteros wingless; see APTEROUS]

apterium (æpˈtIərIəm)   n   ornithol a bare patch on the skin of a bird between the feathered pterylae

apterous (ˈæptərəs)   adj   1 (of insects) without wings, as silverfish and springtails   2 without winglike expansions, as some plant stems, seeds, and fruits [C18: from Greek apteros wingless, from A-1 + pteron wing]   > ˈapterˌism n

apterygial (ˌæptəˈrIdʒIəl)   adj   (of eels, certain insects, etc) lacking such paired limbs as wings or fins [C20: from New Latin apteryx wingless creature; see APTEROUS]

apteryx (ˈæptərIks)   n   another name for kiwi (sense 1) [C19: from New Latin: wingless creature; see APTEROUS]

aptitude (ˈæptIˌtjuːd)   n   1 inherent or acquired ability   2 ease in learning or understanding; intelligence   3 the condition or quality of being apt [C15: via Old French from Late Latin aptitūdō, from Latin aptus APT]

■ aptitude test   n   a test designed to assess a person's ability to do a particular type of work

■ aptitudinally (ˌæptIˈtjuːdInəlI)   adv   obsolete in a manner that indicates aptitude

aptote (ˈæptəʊt)   n   grammar an indeclinable noun

■ aptotic (æpˈtɒtIk)   adj   grammar uninflected

Apuleius (ˌæpjʊˈliːəs)   n   Lucius (ˈluːsIəs). 2nd century AD, Roman writer, noted for his romance The Golden Ass

Apulia (əˈpjuːljə)   n   a region of SE Italy, on the Adriatic. Capital: Bari. Pop: 4 023 957 (2003 est). Area: 19 223 sq km (7422 sq miles). Italian name: Puglia

Apure (Spanish aˈpure)   n   a river in W Venezuela, rising in the Andes and flowing east to the Orinoco. Length: 1038 km (645 miles)

Apurímac (ˌæpuːˈriːmæk)   n   a river in S Peru, rising in the Andes and flowing northwest into the Urubamba River. Length: about 885 km (550 miles)

Apus (ˈeIpəs)   n, Latin genitive Apodis (ˈæpədIs)   a constellation in the S hemisphere situated near Musca and Octans [New Latin, from Greek apous, literally: footless, from A-1 + pous foot]

apyrase (ˈæpəˌreIz)   n   biochem any of various enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate, yielding a phosphate and energy

apyrexia (ˌæpaIˈrɛksIə)   n   absence of fever [C19: from A-1 + Greek puretos fever]   > ˌapyˈretic adj

aq   the internet domain name for   Antarctica

AQ   abbreviation for   1 achievement quotient   2 al-Qaeda

aq. or Aq.   abbreviation for   1 aqua   2 aqueous [(for sense 1) Latin: water]

Aqaba or Akaba (ˈækəbə)   n   the only port in Jordan, in the southwest, on the Gulf of Aqaba. Pop: 80 790 (2004)

AQAP   abbreviation for   al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

Aqmola (ækˈməʊlə; Kazakh ɑkmɔˈlɑ)   n   a variant spelling of Akmola

Aqtöbe (ækˈtjuːbI; Kazakh aktøbe)   n   the Kazakh name for Aktobe

aqua (ˈækwə)   n, pl aquae (ˈækwiː) or aquas   1 water: used in compound names of certain liquid substances (as in aqua regia) or solutions of substances in water (as in aqua ammoniae), esp in the names of pharmacological solutions   ▷ adj   2 short for aquamarine (sense 2) [Latin: water]

■ aquaboard (ˈækwəˌbɔːd)   n   a board that can be used to ride on water

■ aquacultural (ˌækwəˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   related to aquaculture

■ aquaculture (ˈækwəˌkʌltʃə) or aquiculture   n   the cultivation of freshwater and marine resources, both plant and animal, for human consumption or use

■ aquaculturist (ˌækwəˈkʌltʃərIst)   n   a person who practises aquaculture

■ aquafarm (ˈækwəˌfɑːm)   vb (intr)   to cultivate fish or shellfish under controlled conditions

■ aquafarming (ˈækwəfɑːmIŋ)   n   another name for aquaculture

■ aquafitness (ˈækwəˌfItnIs) or aquafit (ˈækwəfIt)   n   a keep-fit regime in which exercises are performed standing up in a swimming pool

■ aqua fortis (ˈfɔːtIs) or aquafortis (ˌækwəˈfɔːtIs)   n   an obsolete name for nitric acid [C17: from Latin, literally: strong water]

■ aquafortist (ˌækwəˈfɔːtIst)   n   a person who makes engravings or etchings through the use of aqua fortis

■ aqualeather (ˈækwəˌlɛðə)   n   a very strong type of leather made from the skin of the Nile perch (Lates niloticus)

■ aqualung (ˈækwəˌlʌŋ)   n   breathing apparatus used by divers, etc, consisting of a mouthpiece attached to air cylinders strapped to the back

■ aqua regia (ˈriːdʒIə)   n   a yellow fuming corrosive mixture of one part nitric acid and three to four parts hydrochloric acid, used in metallurgy for dissolving metals, including gold. Also called: nitrohydrochloric acid [C17: from New Latin: royal water; referring to its use in dissolving gold, the royal metal]

■ aquashow (ˈækwəˌʃəʊ) or US aquacade (ˈækwəˌkeId)   n   an exhibition of swimming and diving, often accompanied by music

■ aqua vitae (ˈviːtaI, ˈvaItiː)   n   an archaic name for brandy [Medieval Latin: water of life]

aquabatics (ˌækwəˈbætIks)   n   (functioning as singular or plural) gymnastic feats performed in water

■ aquabatic (ˌækwəˈbætIk)   adj   of or relating to gymnastic feats that are performed in water [C20: from Latin aqua water + ACROBATICS]

aquaceutical (ˌækwəˈsjuːtIkəl)   n   another name for functional water

aquadrome (ˈækwəˌdrəʊm)   n   a venue for water sports

aquaerobics or aquarobics (ˌækwəˈrəʊbIks)   n   (functioning as singular) same as aquafitness [C20: from Latin aqua water + AEROBICS]

aquafaba (ˌækwəˈfɑːbə)   n   water in which pulses, esp chickpeas, have been cooked, used in vegan cookery as a substitute for egg whites [C21: from Latin aqua water + faba bean]

aquafer (ˈækwəfə)   n   a variant spelling of aquifer

aquamanile (ˌækwəməˈnaIliː, ˌækwəməˈniːliː) or aquamanale (ˌækwəməˈneIliː)   n   1 medieval history a medieval water vessel   2 RC Church a basin used by a Roman Catholic priest to wash his hands during Mass

aquamarine (ˌækwəməˈriːn)   n   1 a pale greenish-blue transparent variety of beryl used as a gemstone   2    a a pale blue to greenish-blue colour   b (as adjective): an aquamarine dress [C19: from New Latin aqua marīna, from Latin: sea water (referring to the gem's colour)]

aquanaut (ˈækwənɔːt)   n   1 a person who lives and works underwater   2 a person who swims or dives underwater. Also called: oceanaut [C20: from AQUA + -naut, as in ASTRONAUT]

■ aquanautics (ˈækwəˌnɔːtIks)   n   the study or practice of undersea travel

aquaphobe (ˈækwəˌfəʊb)   n   a person who is abnormally afraid of water

■ aquaphobia (ˌækwəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an abnormal fear of water, esp because of the possibility of drowning. Compare hydrophobia (sense 2)

■ aquaphobic (ˌækwəˈfəʊbIk)   adj   abnormally afraid of water

aquaplane (ˈækwəˌpleIn)   n   1 a single board on which a person stands and is towed by a motorboat at high speed, as in water skiing   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to ride on an aquaplane   3 (of a motor vehicle travelling at high speeds in wet road conditions) to rise up onto a thin film of water between the tyres and road surface so that actual contact with the road is lost

■ aquaplaner (ˈækwəˌpleInə)   n   the rider of an aquaplane

aquaporin (ˌækwəˈpɔːrIn)   n   any one of a group of proteins in cell membranes that allow the passage of water across the membrane

aquarelle (ˌækwəˈrɛl)   n   1 a method of watercolour painting in transparent washes   2 a painting done in this way [C19: from French]   > ˌaquaˈrellist n

aquarium (əˈkwɛərIəm)   n, pl -riums or -ria (-rIə)   1 a tank, bowl, or pool in which aquatic animals and plants are kept for pleasure, study, or exhibition   2 a building housing a collection of aquatic life, as for exhibition [C19: from Latin aquārius relating to water, on the model of VIVARIUM]

■ aquarial (əˈkwɛərIəl)   adj   related to an aquarium

■ aquarian (əˈkwɛərIən)   n   a person who keeps an aquarium

■ aquarist (ˈækwərIst)   n   1 the curator of an aquarium   2 a person who studies aquatic life

Aquarius (əˈkwɛərIəs)   n, Latin genitive Aquarii (əˈkwɛərIˌaI)   1 astronomy a zodiacal constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Pisces and Capricorn on the ecliptic   2 astrology   a Also called: the Water Carrier the eleventh sign of the zodiac, symbol ♒, having a fixed air classification and ruled by the planets Saturn and Uranus. The sun is in this sign between about Jan 20 and Feb 18   b a person born during a period when the sun is in this sign   ▷ adj   3 astrology born under or characteristic of Aquarius   ▶ Also (for senses 2b, 3): Aquarian (əˈkwɛərIən) [Latin]

aquarobic (ˌækwəˈrəʊbIk)   adj   pertaining to exercises performed standing up in a swimming pool

aquatic (əˈkwætIk, əˈkwɒt-)   adj   1 growing, living, or found in water   2 sport performed in or on water   ▷ n   3 a marine or freshwater animal or plant [C15: from Latin aquāticus, from aqua water]

■ aquatically (əˈkwætIkəlI)   adv   in an aquatic manner

■ aquatics (əˈkwætIks, əˈkwɒt-)   pl n   sports or pastimes performed in or on the water

aquatint (ˈækwəˌtInt) or aquatinta (ˌækwəˈtIntə)   n   1 a technique of etching copper with acid to produce an effect resembling the flat tones of wash or watercolour. The tone or tint is obtained by acid (aqua) biting through the pores of a ground that only partially protects the copper   2 an etching made in this way   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to etch (a block, etc) in aquatint [C18: from Italian acqua tinta: dyed water]

■ aquatinter (ˈækwəˌtIntə) or aquatintist (ˈækwəˌtIntIst)   n   a person who creates aquatints

aquatone (ˈækwəˌtəʊn)   n   a keep-fit regime in which exercises, both aerobic and strength building, are performed in a swimming pool

aquavit (ˈækwəˌvIt)   n   a grain- or potato-based spirit from the Scandinavian countries, flavoured with aromatic seeds and spices, esp caraway. Also called: akvavit [from Scandinavian; see AQUA VITAE]

aqueduct (ˈækwIˌdʌkt)   n   1 a conduit used to convey water over a long distance, either by a tunnel or more usually by a bridge   2 a structure, usually a bridge, that carries such a conduit or a canal across a valley or river   3 a channel in an organ or part of the body, esp one that conveys a natural body fluid [C16: from Latin aquaeductus, from aqua water + dūcere to convey]

aqueous (ˈeIkwIəs, ˈækwI-)   adj   1 of, like, or containing water   2 dissolved in water: aqueous ammonia   3 (of rocks, deposits, etc) formed from material laid down in water [C17: from Medieval Latin aqueus, from Latin aqua water]

■ aqueous humour   n   physiol the watery fluid within the eyeball between the cornea and the lens

■ aqueously (ˈeIkwIəslI)   adv   in water, or by means of water

aquiculture (ˈeIkwIˌkʌltʃə, ˈækwI-)   n   1 another name for hydroponics   2 a variant of aquaculture   > ˈaquiˌcultural adj   > ˈaquiˌculturist n

aquifer (ˈækwIfə)   n   a porous deposit of rock, such as a sandstone, containing water that can be used to supply wells

■ aquiferous (æˈkwIfərəs)   adj   conveying, containing or yielding water

aquifoliaceous (ˌækwIˌfəʊlIˈeIʃəs)   adj   related to the Aquifoliaceae family of plants, the only living genus of which is the holly (Ilex) genus

Aquila^1 (ˈækwIlə, əˈkwIlə)   n, Latin genitive Aquilae (ˈækwIˌliː)   a constellation lying in the Milky Way close to Cygnus and situated on the celestial equator. The brightest star is Altair [from Latin: eagle]

Aquila^2 (ˈækwIlə; Italian ˈaːkwila)   n   another name for L'Aquila

aquilegia (ˌækwIˈliːdʒIə)   n   another name for columbine^1 [C19: from Medieval Latin, of uncertain origin]

Aquileia (ˌækwIˈliːə)   n   a town in NE Italy, at the head of the Adriatic: important Roman centre, founded in 181 BC. Pop: 3329 (2001)

aquiline (ˈækwIˌlaIn)   adj   1 (of a nose) having the curved or hooked shape of an eagle's beak   2 of or resembling an eagle [C17: from Latin aquilīnus, from aquila eagle]

■ aquilinity (ˌækwIˈlInItI)   n   the state of being aquiline

aquilon (ˈækwIˌlɒn)   n   obsolete the north wind

Aquinas (əˈkwaInəs)   n   Saint Thomas. 1225–74, Italian theologian, scholastic philosopher, and Dominican friar, whose works include Summa contra Gentiles (1259–64) and Summa Theologiae (1267–73), the first attempt at a comprehensive theological system. Feast day: Jan 28. See also Thomism

Aquino (əˈkiːnəʊ)   n   Corazón, known as Cory. 1933–2009, Philippine stateswoman: president (1986–92)

Aquitaine (ˌækwIˈteIn; French akitɛn)   n   a former region of SW France, on the Bay of Biscay: previously a Roman province and medieval duchy. It is generally flat in the west, rising to the slopes of the Massif Central in the northeast and the Pyrenees in the south; mainly agricultural. Ancient name: Aquitania (ˌækwIˈteInIə)

aquiver (əˈkwIvə)   adv   quivering

ar   the internet domain name for   Argentina

Ar   the chemical symbol for   argon

AR   abbreviation for   1 Arkansas   2 Autonomous Region   3 Also: A/R (in the US and Canada) accounts receivable

Ar.   abbreviation for   1 Arabia(n)   2 Also: Ar Arabic

a.r.   abbreviation for   anno regni [Latin: in the year of the reign]

-ar   suffix forming adjectives   of; belonging to; like: linear; polar; minuscular [via Old French -er from Latin -āris, replacing -ālis (-AL^1) after stems ending in l]

Ara (ˈɑːrə)   n, Latin genitive Arae (ˈɑːriː)   a constellation in the S hemisphere near Scorpius [from Latin: altar]

ARA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Associate of the Royal Academy

araara (ˈɑːrɑːrə)   n   NZ another name for trevally [Māori]

Arab (ˈærəb)   n   1 a member of a Semitic people originally inhabiting Arabia, who spread throughout the Middle East, N Africa, and Spain during the seventh and eighth centuries AD   2 a lively intelligent breed of horse, mainly used for riding   3 (modifier) of or relating to the Arabs: the Arab nations [C14: from Latin Arabs, from Greek Araps, from Arabic `Arab]

■ Arabic (ˈærəbIk)   n   1 the language of the Arabs, spoken in a variety of dialects; the official language of many countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen. It is estimated to be the native language of some 295 million people throughout the world. It belongs to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages and has its own alphabet, which has been borrowed by certain other languages such as Urdu   ▷ adj   2 denoting or relating to this language, any of the peoples that speak it, or the countries in which it is spoken

■ Arabic numeral   n   one of the symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (opposed to Roman numerals)

■ Arabist (ˈærəbIst)   n   a student or expert in Arabic culture, language, history, etc

■ arabization or arabisation (ˌærəbaIˈzeIʃən)   n   transfer to Arab control

■ arabize or arabise (ˈærəbaIz)   vb (tr)   to transfer to Arab control

■ Arab League   n   the league of independent Arab states formed in 1945 to further cultural, economic, military, political, and social cooperation

■ Arab Spring   n   a period starting in December 2010 in which Arab people sought democratic reforms, esp. in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya [Modelled on the Prague Spring, a movement in favour of democracy in Czechoslovakia in 1968]

■ Arab street   n the Arab street   informal public opinion in Arab nations

■ Araby (ˈærəbI)   n   an archaic or poetic name for Arabia

araba (əˈrɑːbə)   n   an Asian carriage, wagon or cart that is drawn by horses or oxen

arabesque (ˌærəˈbɛsk)   n   1 ballet a classical position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and both arms stretched out in one of several conventional poses   2 music a piece or movement with a highly ornamented or decorated melody   3 arts   a a type of curvilinear decoration in painting, metalwork, etc, with intricate intertwining leaf, flower, animal, or geometrical designs   b a design of flowing lines   ▷ adj   4 designating, of, or decorated in this style [C18: from French, from Italian arabesco in the Arabic style]

■ arabesqued (ˌærəˈbɛskt)   adj   decorated with arabesques

Arabia (əˈreIbIə)   n   a great peninsula of SW Asia, between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf: consists chiefly of a desert plateau, with mountains rising over 3000 m (10 000 ft) in the west and scattered oases; includes the present-day countries of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Area: about 2 600 000 sq km (1 000 000 sq miles)

■ Arabian (əˈreIbIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Arabia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 another word for Arab (sense 2)

■ Arabian camel   n   a domesticated camel, Camelus dromedarius, having one hump on its back and used as a beast of burden in the hot deserts of N Africa and SW Asia. See also dromedary. Compare Bactrian camel

■ Arabian Desert   n   1 a desert in E Egypt, between the Nile, the Gulf of Suez, and the Red Sea: mountainous parts rise over 1800 m (6000 ft). Area: about 220 000 sq km (85 000 sq miles)   2 a desert, mainly in Saudi Arabia, forming the desert area of the Arabian Peninsula, esp in the north. Area: about 2 330 000 sq km (900 000 sq miles)

■ Arabian Sea   n   the NW part of the Indian Ocean, between Arabia and India

arabica (əˈræbIkə)   n   1 a high-quality coffee bean, obtained from the tree Coffea arabica   2 coffee made from the bean of the Coffea arabica tree   3 the Coffea arabica tree

arabicize or arabicise (ˈærəbIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   to make or become Arab

■ arabicization or arabicisation (ˌærəbIsaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the gradual change of a culture into one that incorporates Arab culture and/or speaks Arabic

arabin (ˈærəˌbIn)   n   chem archaic the essence of gum arabic, being a carbohydrate gum composed of hexoses and D-arabinose

■ arabinose (əˈræbIˌnəʊz, -ˌnəʊs)   n   a pentose sugar in plant gums, esp of cedars and pines. It is used as a culture medium in bacteriology. Formula: C_5H_10O_5 [C19: from arabin (from (GUM) ARAB(IC) + -IN) + -OSE^2]

■ arabinoside (ˌærəˈbInəˌsaId)   n   biochem a glycoside yielding arabinose when hydrolysed

arabis (ˈærəbIs)   n   any plant of the annual or perennial genus Arabis, some of which form low-growing mats with downy grey foliage and white flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers). Also called: rock cress [New Latin, from Greek arabis (fem) of Arabia]

arable (ˈærəbəl)   adj   1 (of land) being or capable of being tilled for the production of crops   2 of, relating to, or using such land: arable farming   ▷ n   3 arable land or farming [C15: from Latin arābilis that can be ploughed, from arāre to plough]

■ arability (ˌærəˈbIlətI)   n   the suitability of land for growing crops

Aracaju (Portuguese ərəkəˈʒu)   n   a port in E Brazil, capital of Sergipe state. Pop: 701 000 (2005 est)

araceous (əˈreIʃəs)   adj   another word for aroid (sense 1) [C19: from New Latin Arāceae; see ARUM]

arachidonic (ˌærəkIˈdɒnIk)   adj   chem related to arachidonic acid or the derivatives of arachidonic acid

■ arachidonic acid (ˌærəkəˈdɒnIk)   n   a fatty acid occurring in animal cells: the metabolic precursor of several groups of biologically active substances, including prostaglandins

arachis (ˈærəkIs)   n   any of various plants native to South America and belonging to the genus Arachis of the family Fabaceae, the most famous of which is the peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

Arachne (əˈræknI)   n   Greek myth a maiden changed into a spider for having presumptuously challenged Athena to a weaving contest [from Greek arakhnē spider]

arachnid (əˈræknId)   n   any terrestrial chelicerate arthropod of the class Arachnida, characterized by simple eyes and four pairs of legs. The group includes the spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites, and harvestmen [C19: from New Latin Arachnida, from Greek arakhnē spider]   > aˈrachnidan adj, n

■ arachnoid (əˈræknɔId)   n   1 the middle of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. See meninges   2 another name for arachnid   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to the middle of the three meninges   4 botany consisting of or covered with soft fine hairs or fibres   5 of or relating to the arachnids

■ arachnoidal (ˌærəkˈnɔIdəl)   adj   relating to the arachnoid

arachnoiditis (əˌræknɔIˈdaItIs)   n   pathol an inflammation of the arachnoid membrane

arachnology (ˌærækˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the study of arachnids   > ˌarachˈnologist n

■ arachnological (əˌræknəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   relating to arachnology

arachnophobe (əˈræknəˌfəʊb)   n   a person who is afraid of spiders

■ arachnophobia (əˌræknəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an abnormal fear of spiders [C20: from Greek arakhnē spider + -PHOBIA]   > aˌrachnoˈphobic adj, n

Arad (ˈæræd)   n   a city in W Romania, on the Mureş River: became part of Romania after World War I, after belonging successively to Turkey, Austria, and Hungary. Pop: 155 000 (2005 est)

araeometry or areometry (ˌærIˈɒmətrI)   n   physics the science of estimating the specific gravity of fluids through the use of an araeometer

■ araeometer or areometer (ˌærIˈɒmətə)   n   physics a hydrometer

■ araeometric (ˌærIəˈmɛtrIk) or araeometrical (ˌærIəˈmɛtrIkəl)   adj   physics relating to araeometry

araeostyle (əˈriːəʊˌstaIl, ˈæriːəʊˌstaIl)   adj, n   a variant of areostyle

araeosystyle or areosystile (ˌærIəʊˈsIstaIl)   adj   architect (of columned buildings) having an alternately very wide and very narrow intercolumniation

Arafat^1 (ˈærəfæt)   n   a hill in W Saudi Arabia, near Mecca: a sacred site of Islam, visited by pilgrims performing the hajj. Also called: Jabal ar Rahmah

Arafat^2   n   Yasser (ˈjæsə). 1929–2004, Palestinian leader; cofounder of Al Fatah (1956), leader (1968–2004) of the Palestine Liberation Organization, president of the Palestinian National Authority (1996–2004): signed a peace agreement with Israel (1993); Nobel peace prize 1994 with Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin

Arafura Sea (ˌærəˈfʊərə)   n   a part of the W Pacific Ocean, between N Australia and SW New Guinea

Aragats (Russian ˌaraˈɡats)   n   Mount Aragats a volcanic mountain in NW Armenia. Height: 4090 m (13 419 ft). Turkish name: Alagez

Aragon^1 (ˈærəɡən)   n   an autonomous region of NE Spain: independent kingdom from the 11th century until 1479, when it was united with Castile to form modern Spain. Pop: 1 059 600 (2003 est). Area: 47 609 sq km (18 382 sq miles)

■ Aragonese (ˌærəɡəˈniːz)   n, pl -nese   1 a native or inhabitant of Aragon   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Aragon or its inhabitants

Aragon^2 (French araɡɔ̃)   n   Louis (lwi). 1897–1982, French poet, essayist, and novelist; an early surrealist, later a committed Communist. His works include the verse collections Le Crève-Cœur (1941) and Les Yeux d'Elsa (1942) and the series of novels Le Monde réel (1933–51)

aragonite or arragonite (əˈræɡəˌnaIt)   n   a generally white or grey mineral, found in sedimentary rocks and as deposits from hot springs. Composition: calcium carbonate. Formula: CaCO_3. Crystal structure: orthorhombic [C19: from ARAGON + -ITE^1]

■ aragonitic or arragonitic (ˌærəɡəˈnItIk)   adj   mineralogy relating to aragonite

Araguaia or Araguaya (ˌɑːrəˈɡwaIə)   n   a river in central Brazil, rising in S central Mato Grosso state and flowing north to the Tocantins River. Length: over 1771 km (1100 miles)

araise (əˈreIz)   vb (tr)   obsolete to raise

Arakan Yoma (ˌɑːrɑːˈkɑːn ˈjəʊmɑː)   n   a mountain range in Myanmar, between the Irrawaddy River and the W coast: forms a barrier between Myanmar and India; teak forests

Araks (aˈraks)   n   the Russian name for the Aras

Araldite (ˈærəlˌdaIt)   n   trademark a strong epoxy resin best known as a glue

aralia (əˈreIlIə)   n   any plant of the genus Aralia of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The greenhouse and house plant generally known as aralia is Schefflera elegantissima of a related genus, grown for its decorative evergreen foliage: family Araliaceae [New Latin, of uncertain origin]

■ araliaceous (əˌreIlIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Araliaceae, a chiefly tropical family of trees, shrubs, or woody climbers having small clusters of whitish or greenish flowers. The family includes the ivy and ginseng

Aral Sea (ˈærəl)   n   a lake in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, east of the Caspian Sea, formerly the fourth largest lake in the world: shallow and saline, now badly polluted; use of its source waters for irrigation led to a loss of over 50% of its area between 1967 and 1997, after which the reduction began to be slowed. Area originally (to 1960) about 68 000 sq km (26 400 sq miles); water area reduced by 2004 to about 17 158 sq km (6625 sq miles) and the lake divided into sections. Also called: Lake Aral

Aram (ˈɛəræm, -rəm)   n   the biblical name for ancient Syria

■ Aramaean or Aramean (ˌærəˈmiːən)   adj   1 of or relating to Aram (the biblical name for ancient Syria)   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Aram

■ Aramaic (ˌærəˈmeIIk)   n   1 an ancient language of the Middle East, still spoken in parts of Syria and the Lebanon, belonging to the NW Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family. Originally the speech of Aram, in the 5th century BC it spread to become the lingua franca of the Persian empire. See also Biblical Aramaic   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or using this language

arame (əˈrɑːmiː)   n   a dark brown or black seaweed, Eisenia bicyclis (or Ecklonia bicyclis), that is used in Japanese cuisine

aramid (ˈærəmId)   n   any of various flame-resistant and strong synthetic fibres used in, for example, firefighters' clothing and body armour

Aran (ˈærən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Aran Islands   2 made of thick undyed wool with its natural oils retained: an Aran sweater

■ Aran Islands   pl n   a group of three islands in the Atlantic, off the W coast of the Republic of Ireland: Aranmore or Inishmore (the largest), Inishmaan, and Inisheer. Pop: 1280 (2002). Area: 46 sq km (18 sq miles)

arancini (ˌærənˈtʃiːnI)   pl n   (in Italian cookery) a dish consisting of balls of rice stuffed with a savoury filling, coated in breadcrumbs and fried [Italian, literally: little oranges]

Aranda (ˈærəndə)   n   1 an Aboriginal people of S central Australia   2 the language of this people

araneid (əˈreInIId)   n   any of numerous arachnids constituting the order Araneae (or Araneida), which comprises the spiders [C19: from New Latin Araneida, from Latin arānea spider]

■ araneidan (ˌærəˈniːIdən)   adj   related to or belonging to the order Araneae

araneous (əˈreInIəs)   adj   resembling a spider's web

Arany (Hungarian ˈɔrɔnj)   n   János (ˈjaːnoʃ). 1817–82, Hungarian epic poet, ballad writer, and scholar

Arapaho (əˈræpəˌhəʊ)   n   1 (pl -hos or -ho) a member of a Native American people of the Plains, now living chiefly in Oklahoma and Wyoming   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family

arapaima (ˌærəˈpaImə)   n   a very large primitive freshwater teleost fish, Arapaima gigas, that occurs in tropical South America and can attain a length of 4.5 m (15 ft) and a weight of 200 kg (440 lbs): family Osteoglossidae [via Portuguese from Tupi]

araponga (ˌærəˈpɒŋɡə) or arapunga (ˌærəˈpʌŋɡə)   n   any of four species of South American birds of the genus Procnias, each having a bell-like call

arar (ˈɑːrɑː)   n   an African tree, Tetraclinis articulata, belonging to the family Cupressaceae, having hard fragrant dark wood, and found in N Africa and Spain

Ararat (ˈærəˌræt)   n   an extinct volcanic mountain massif in E Turkey: two main peaks; Great Ararat 5165 m (16 946 ft), said to be the resting place of Noah's Ark after the Flood (Genesis 8:4), and Little Ararat 3896 m (12 782 ft)

araroba (ˌærəˈrəʊbə)   n   1 a Brazilian leguminous tree, Andira araroba   2 Also called: Goa powder a bitter yellow powder obtained from cavities in the wood of this tree, formerly used in medicine to treat skin ailments. See also chrysarobin [from Portuguese, probably from Tupi, from arara parrot + yba tree]

Aras (æˈræs)   n   a river rising in mountains in E Turkey and flowing east to the Caspian Sea: forms part of the E border of Turkey and the N border of Iran. Length: about 1100 km (660 miles). Ancient name: Araxes. Russian name: Araks

Araucania (ˌærɔːˈkeInIə; Spanish arauˈkanja)   n   a region of central Chile: mainly forested

■ Araucanian (ˌærɔːˈkeInIən)   n   1 a South American language; thought to be an isolated branch of the Penutian phylum, spoken in Chile and W Argentina   2 a member of the people who speak this language   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this people or their language

araucaria (ˌærɔːˈkɛərIə)   n   any tree of the coniferous genus Araucaria of South America, Australia, and Polynesia, such as the monkey puzzle and bunya-bunya [C19: from New Latin (arbor) Araucaria (tree) from Arauco, a province in Chile]

■ araucarian (ˌærɔːˈkɛərIən)   adj   related to or belonging to the genus Araucaria

Arawakan (ˌærəˈwækən)   n   1 a family of languages spoken by indigenous peoples throughout NE South America   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the peoples speaking these languages

Araxes (əˈræksiːz)   n   the ancient name for the Aras

arayse (əˈreIz)   vb (tr)   obsolete a variant form of araise

ARB   abbreviation for   angiotensin receptor blocker

arba (ˈɑːbə)   n   another name for araba

arbalest, arbalist or arbelest (ˈɑːbəlIst)   n   a large medieval crossbow, usually cocked by mechanical means [C11: from Old French arbaleste, from Late Latin arcuballista, from Latin arcus bow + BALLISTA]

■ arbalester (ˈɑːbəˌlɛstə) or arbalister (ˈɑːbəˌlIstə)   n   a soldier carrying an arbalest

Arbela (ɑːˈbiːlə)   n   an ancient city in Assyria, near which the Battle of Arbela took place (331 BC), in which Alexander the Great defeated the Persians. Modern name: Erbil

Arber (ˈɑːbə)   n   Werner. born 1929, Swiss microbiologist, noted for his work on restriction enzymes. Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1978

Arbil (ˈɑːbIl)   n   a variant spelling of Erbil

arbiter (ˈɑːbItə)   n   1 a person empowered to judge in a dispute; referee; arbitrator   2 a person having complete control of something [C15: from Latin, of obscure origin]

arbitrage (ˈɑːbIˌtrɑːʒ, ˈɑːbItrIdʒ)   n   finance   a the purchase of currencies, securities, or commodities in one market for immediate resale in others in order to profit from unequal prices   b (as modifier): arbitrage operations [C15: from French, from arbitrer to ARBITRATE]   > arbitrageur n

■ arbitrager (ˈɑːbIˌtrɑːʒə) or arbitrageur (ˌɑːbItræˈʒɜː)   n   finance someone who purchases currencies, securities, or commodities in one market for immediate resale in others in order to profit from unequal prices

arbitral (ˈɑːbItrəl)   adj   of or relating to arbitration

arbitrament (ɑːˈbItrəmənt)   n   1 the decision or award made by an arbitrator upon a disputed matter   2 the power or authority to pronounce such a decision   3 another word for arbitration

arbitrary (ˈɑːbItrərI)   adj   1 founded on or subject to personal whims, prejudices, etc; capricious   2 having only relative application or relevance; not absolute   3 (of a government, ruler, etc) despotic or dictatorial   4 maths not representing any specific value: an arbitrary constant   5 law (esp of a penalty or punishment) not laid down by statute; within the court's discretion [C15: from Latin arbitrārius arranged through arbitration, uncertain]   > ˈarbitrarily adv   > ˈarbitrariness n

arbitrate (ˈɑːbIˌtreIt)   vb   1 to settle or decide (a dispute); achieve a settlement between parties   2 to submit to or settle by arbitration [C16: from Latin arbitrāri to give judgment; see ARBITER]   > ˈarbitrable adj   > ˈarbiˌtrator n   > ˈarbiˌtratrix fem n

■ arbitration (ˌɑːbIˈtreIʃən)   n   1 law the hearing and determination of a dispute, esp an industrial dispute, by an impartial referee selected or agreed upon by the parties concerned   2 international law the procedure laid down for the settlement of international disputes

■ arbitrational (ˌɑːbIˈtreIʃənəl)   adj   relating to, involving, or resulting from arbitration

■ arbitrative (ˈɑːbItrətIv)   adj   having the power to arbitrate

■ arbitress (ˈɑːbItrIs)   n   a female arbitrator

arbitrement (ɑːˈbItrəmənt)   n   another spelling of arbitrament (sense 1)

arbitrium (ɑːˈbItrIəm)   n   the power to decide

arblast (ˈɑːˌblɑːst)   n   a variant form of arbalest

■ arblaster (ˈɑːˌblɑːstə)   n   a variant form of arbalester

Arblay (ˈɑːbleI; French arblɛ)   n   See d'Arblay

arbor^1 (ˈɑːbə)   n   the US spelling of arbour

■ arbored (ˈɑːbəd)   adj   the US spelling of arboured

arbor^2 (ˈɑːbə)   n   1 a rotating shaft in a machine or power tool on which a milling cutter or grinding wheel is fitted   2 a rotating shaft or mandrel on which a workpiece is fitted for machining   3 metallurgy a part, piece, or structure used to reinforce the core of a mould [C17: from Latin: tree, mast]

arboraceous (ˌɑːbəˈreIʃəs)   adj literary   1 resembling a tree   2 wooded

arboreal (ɑːˈbɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling a tree   2 living in or among trees: arboreal monkeys

■ arboreally (ɑːˈbɔːrIəlI)   adv   in trees or by trees

arboreous (ɑːˈbɔːrIəs)   adj   1 thickly wooded; having many trees   2 another word for arborescent

arborescent (ˌɑːbəˈrɛsənt)   adj   having the shape or characteristics of a tree   > ˌarboˈrescence n

arboret (ˈɑːbəˌrɛt)   n   archaic an area planted with shrubs

arboretum (ˌɑːbəˈriːtəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə) or -tums   a place where trees or shrubs are cultivated for their scientific or educational interest [C19: from Latin, from arbor tree]

arboriculture (ˈɑːbərIˌkʌltʃə)   n   the cultivation of trees or shrubs, esp for the production of timber   > ˌarboriˈcultural adj   > ˌarboriˈculturist n

arborio rice (ɑːˈbɔːrIəʊ)   n   a variety of round-grain rice used for making risotto [C20: after Arborio, a town in N Italy]

arborist (ˈɑːbərIst)   n   a specialist in the cultivation of trees

Arborite (ˈaːbɔːˌraIt)   n   Canadian trademark a brand of laminated plastic sheets containing melamine, used esp for heat-resistant surfaces that can be easily cleaned

arborize or arborise (ˈɑːbəˌraIz)   vb   1 (tr) to give, or take on, a treelike branched appearance   2 (intr) to produce treelike branched formations

■ arborization or arborisation (ˌɑːbəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   a branching treelike appearance in certain fossils and minerals

arborous (ˈɑːbərəs)   adj   relating to, or formed by, trees

arbor vitae or arborvitae (ˈɑːbɔː ˈviːtaI, ˈvaItiː)   n   any of several Asian and North American evergreen coniferous trees of the genera Thuja and Thujopsis, esp Thuja occidentalis, having tiny scalelike leaves and egglike cones. See also red cedar [C17: from New Latin, literally: tree of life]

arbour (ˈɑːbə)   n   1 a leafy glade or bower shaded by trees, vines, shrubs, etc, esp when trained about a trellis   2 obsolete an orchard, garden, or lawn [C14 erber, from Old French herbier, from Latin herba grass]

■ arboured (ˈɑːbəd)   adj Brit   1 situated in, or as if in, an arbour   2 having arbours

arbovirus (ˈɑːbəʊˌvaIrəs)   n   any one of a group of viruses that cause such diseases as encephalitis and dengue and are transmitted to humans by arthropods, esp insects and ticks [C20: from ar(thropod-)bo(rne) virus]

■ arboviral (ˈɑːbəʊˌvaIrəl)   adj   caused by an arbovirus

Arbroath (ɑːˈbrəʊθ)   n   a port and resort in E Scotland, in Angus: scene of the barons of Scotland's declaration of independence to Pope John XXII in 1320. Pop: 22 785 (2001)

Arbus (ˈɑːbəs)   n   Diane, original name Diane Nemerov. 1923–71, US photographer, noted esp for her portraits of vagrants, dwarfs, transvestites, etc

arbuscle (ˈɑːbəsəl, ɑːˈbʌsəl)   n   botany a small tree, or a plant halfway between a shrub and a tree

■ arbuscular (ɑːˈbʌskjʊlə)   adj   botany relating to, or similar to, arbuscles

■ arbuscular mycorrhiza (ɑːˈbʌskjʊlə)   n   another name for endotrophic mycorrhiza

arbutean (ɑːˈbjuːtIən)   adj   relating to arbutus, or made from arbutus wood

Arbuthnot (ɑːˈbʌθnɒt)   n   John. 1667–1735, Scottish physician and satirist: author of The History of John Bull (1712) and, with others, of the Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus (1741)

arbutus (ɑːˈbjuːtəs)   n, pl -tuses   1 any of several temperate ericaceous shrubs of the genus Arbutus, esp the strawberry tree of S Europe. They have clusters of white or pinkish flowers, broad evergreen leaves, and strawberry-like berries   2 See trailing arbutus [C16: from Latin; related to arbor tree]

arc (ɑːk)   n   1 something curved in shape   2 part of an unbroken curved line   3 a luminous discharge that occurs when an electric current flows between two electrodes or any other two surfaces separated by a small gap and a high potential difference   4 astronomy a circular section of the apparent path of a celestial body   5 maths a section of a curve, graph, or geometric figure   ▷ vb arcs, arcing, arced or arcs, arcking, arcked   6 (intr) to form an arc   ▷ prefix   7 maths specifying an inverse trigonometric function: usually written arcsin, arctan, arcsec, etc, or sometimes sin–1, tan–1, sec–1, etc [C14: from Old French, from Latin arcus bow, arch]

■ Arc de Triomphe (ˈɑːk də ˈtriːəʊmf; French ark də trijɔ̃f)   n   the triumphal arch in Paris begun by Napoleon I to commemorate his victories of 1805–6 and completed in 1836

■ arc furnace   n   a furnace in which the charge is heated by an electric arc

■ arc light   n   a light source in which an arc between two electrodes, usually carbon, produces intense white illumination. Also called: arc lamp

■ arc welding   n   a technique in which metal is welded by heat generated by an electric arc struck between two electrodes or between one electrode and the metal workpiece   > arc welder n

ARC   abbreviation for   AIDS-related complex: an early condition in which a person infected with the AIDS virus may suffer from such mild symptoms as loss of weight, fever, etc

arcade (ɑːˈkeId)   n   1 a set of arches and their supporting columns   2 a covered and sometimes arched passageway, usually with shops on one or both sides   3 a building, or part of a building, with an arched roof [C18: from French, from Italian arcata, from arco, from Latin arcus bow, arch]

Arcadia (ɑːˈkeIdIə)   n   1 a department of Greece, in the central Peloponnese. Capital: Tripolis. Pop: 91 326 (2001). Area: 4367 sq km (1686 sq miles)   2 Also called (poetic): Arcady (ˈɑːkədI) the traditional idealized rural setting of Greek and Roman bucolic poetry and later in the literature of the Renaissance

■ Arcadian (ɑːˈkeIdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Arcadia or its inhabitants, esp the idealized Arcadia of pastoral poetry   2 rustic or bucolic: a life of Arcadian simplicity   ▷ n   3 an inhabitant of Arcadia   4 a person who leads or prefers a quiet simple rural life   > Arˈcadianism n

■ Arcadic (ɑːˈkeIdIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the Arcadians or to their dialect of Ancient Greek   ▷ n   2 one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek; the dialect spoken by the Arcadians. See also Attic (sense 3)   ▶ Compare Aeolic, Doric, Ionic

arcana (ɑːˈkeInə, -ˈkɑː-)   n   either of the two divisions (the minor arcana and the major arcana) of a pack of tarot cards

arcane (ɑːˈkeIn)   adj   requiring secret knowledge to be understood; mysterious; esoteric [C16: from Latin arcānus secret, hidden, from arcēre to shut up, keep safe]   > arˈcanely adv   > arˈcaneness n

■ arcanist (ɑːˈkeInIst)   n   a person with secret knowledge of a manufacturing technique

arcanum (ɑːˈkeInəm)   n, pl -na (-nə)   1 (sometimes plural) a profound secret or mystery known only to initiates   2 a secret of nature sought by alchemists [C16: from Latin; see ARCANE]

arcature (ˈɑːkətʃə)   n   1 a small-scale arcade   2 a set of blind arches attached to the wall of a building as decoration

arc-boutant French (arkbutɑ̃)   n, pl arcs-boutants (arkbutɑ̃)   another name for flying buttress

arccos (ˈɑːkˌkɒs) maths   abbreviation for   arccosine

arccosine (ˌɑːkˈkəʊsaIn)   n maths   the function the value of which for a given argument between –1 and 1 is the angle in radians (between 0 and π), the cosine of which is that argument: the inverse of the cosine function

arch^1 (ɑːtʃ)   n   1 a curved structure, normally in the vertical plane, that spans an opening   2 Also called: archway a structure in the form of an arch that serves as a gateway   3 something curved like an arch   4    a any of various parts or structures of the body having a curved or archlike outline, such as the transverse portion of the aorta (arch of the aorta) or the raised bony vault formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones (arch of the foot)   b one of the basic patterns of the human fingerprint, formed by several curved ridges one above the other. Compare loop^1 (sense 10a), whorl (sense 3)   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to span (an opening) with an arch   6 to form or cause to form an arch or a curve resembling that of an arch: the cat arched its back   7 (tr) to span or extend over: the bridge arched the flooded stream [C14: from Old French arche, from Vulgar Latin arca (unattested), from Latin arcus bow, ARC]

■ arch dam   n   a dam that is curved in the horizontal plane and usually built of concrete, in which the horizontal thrust is taken by abutments in the sides of a valley. Arch dams must be built on solid rock, as a yielding material would cause a failure

■ archstone (ˈɑːtʃˌstəʊn)   n   a wedge-shaped stone forming the curved part of an arch

■ archway (ˈɑːtʃˌweI)   n   a passageway or entrance under an arch or arches

■ archwise (ˈɑːtʃwaIz)   adv   like an arch

arch^2 (ɑːtʃ)   adj   1 (prenominal) chief; principal; leading: his arch rival   2 (prenominal) very experienced; expert: an arch criminal   3 knowing or superior   4 playfully or affectedly roguish or mischievous [C16: independent use of ARCH-]   > ˈarchly adv   > ˈarchness n

■ archenemy (ˈɑːtʃˈɛnImI)   n, pl -mies   1 a chief enemy   2 the archenemy (often capital) the devil

■ arch-foe   n   another word for archenemy (sense 1)

■ archrival (ˌɑːtʃˈraIvəl)   n   a chief rival

arch.   abbreviation for   1 archaic   2 archaism

arch- or archi-   combining form   1 chief; principal; of highest rank: archangel; archbishop; archduke   2 eminent above all others of the same kind; extreme: archenemy; archfiend; archfool [ultimately from Greek arkhi-, from arkhein to rule]

-arch   n combining form   leader; ruler; chief: patriarch; monarch; heresiarch [from Greek -arkhēs, from arkhein to rule; compare ARCH-]

archaea (ɑːˈkiːə)   n   biology an order of prokaryotic microorganisms

■ archaeal (ɑːˈkiːəl)   adj   biology relating to or involving the order Archaea

■ archaean (ɑːˈkIən)   n   any member of the Archaea, a domain of prokaryotic microorganisms, distinguished from bacteria on molecular phylogenetic grounds and often found in hostile environments, such as volcanic vents and hot springs

Archaean or esp US Archean (ɑːˈkiːən)   adj   1 of or relating to the highly metamorphosed rocks formed in the early Precambrian era   ▷ n   2 the earlier of two divisions of the Precambrian era, during which the earliest forms of life are assumed to have appeared   ▶ Compare Proterozoic

archaebacteria (ˌɑːkIbækˈtIərIə)   pl n, sing -rium (-rIəm)   (formerly) a group of microorganisms now regarded as members of the Archaea. See archaean [from ARCHAEO- + BACTERIA]

archaeo- or archeo-   combining form   1 indicating ancient or primitive time or condition: archaeology; archaeopteryx   2 of, involving, or denoting the study of remains from archaeological sites: archaeozoology [from Greek arkhaio-, from arkhaios, from arkhein to begin]

archaeoastronomy or archeoastronomy (ˌɑːkIəʊəˈstrɒnəmI)   n   the scientific study of the beliefs and practices concerning astronomy that existed in ancient and prehistoric civilizations   > ˌarchaeoasˈtronomer or ˌarcheoasˈtronomer n

archaeobotany or archeobotany (ˌɑːkIəʊˈbɒtənI)   n   the analysis and interpretation of plant remains found at archaeological sites   > ˌarchaeoˈbotanist or ˌarcheoˈbotanist n

archaeol.   abbreviation for   archaeology

archaeology or archeology (ˌɑːkIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of ancient cultures by scientific analysis of their material remains. See also prehistory, protohistory [C17: from Late Latin archaeologia, from Greek arkhaiologia study of what is ancient, from arkhaios ancient (from arkhē beginning)]   > archaeological or archeological (ˌɑːkIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌarchaeoˈlogically or ˌarcheoˈlogically adv   > ˌarchaeˈologist or ˌarcheˈologist n

archaeomagnetism or archeomagnetism (ˌɑːkIəʊˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   an archaeological technique for dating certain clay objects by measuring the extent to which they have been magnetized by the earth's magnetic field

archaeometry or archeometry (ˌɑːkIˈɒmətrI)   n   archaeol the use of science and modern technology in archaeology to examine and interpret archaeological remains

■ archaeometric (ˌɑːkIəʊˈmɛtrIk)   adj   archaeol relating to archaeometry

■ archaeometrist (ˌɑːkIˈɒmətrIst)   n   archaeol a person who uses archaeometry

archaeopteryx (ˌɑːkIˈɒptərIks)   n   any of several extinct primitive birds constituting the genus Archaeopteryx, esp A. lithographica, which occurred in Jurassic times and had teeth, a long tail, well-developed wings, and a body covering of feathers [C19: from ARCHAEO- + Greek pterux winged creature]

archaeornis (ˌɑːkIˈɔːnIs)   n   an extinct primitive Jurassic bird, formerly placed in the genus Archaeornis but now thought to be a species of archaeopteryx [C19: New Latin, from ARCHAEO- + Greek ornis bird]

Archaeozoic or esp US Archeozoic (ˌɑːkIəˈzəʊIk)   adj   a former word for Archaean

archaeozoology or archeozoology (ˌɑːkIəʊzəʊˈɒlədʒI, ˌɑːkIəʊzuːˈɒlədʒI)   n   the analysis and interpretation of animal remains found at archaeological sites   > ˌarchaeozoˈologist or ˌarcheozoˈologist n

archaeus (ɑːˈkiːəs)   n   another name for archeus

archaezoology or archeozoology (ˌɑːkIəʊzəʊˈɒlədʒI, -zuː-)   n   the analysis and interpretation of animal remains found at archaeological sites   > ˌarchaeozoˈologist or ˌarcheozoˈologist n

archaic (ɑːˈkeIIk)   adj   1 belonging to or characteristic of a much earlier period; ancient   2 out of date; antiquated: an archaic prison system   3 (of an idiom, vocabulary, etc) characteristic of an earlier period of a language and not in ordinary use [C19: from French archaïque, from Greek arkhaïkos, from arkhaios ancient, from arkhē beginning, from arkhein to begin]   > arˈchaically adv

■ archaicism (ɑːˈkeIIsIzəm)   n   an archaism

■ archaism (ˈɑːkIˌIzəm, -keI-)   n   1 the adoption or imitation of something archaic, such as a word or an artistic or literary style   2 an archaic word, expression, style, etc [C17: from New Latin archaismus, from Greek arkhaïsmos, from arkhaizein to model one's style upon that of ancient writers; see ARCHAIC]   > ˈarchaist n   > ˌarchaˈistic adj

■ archaize or archaise (ˈɑːkIˌaIz, -keI-)   vb   (tr) to give an archaic appearance or character to, as by the use of archaisms   > ˈarchaˌizer or ˈarchaˌiser n

archangel (ˈɑːkˌeIndʒəl)   n   1 a principal angel, a member of the order ranking immediately above the angels in medieval angelology   2 another name for angelica (sense 1)   3 yellow archangel a Eurasian herbaceous plant (Lamiastrum luteum) that has yellow helmet-shaped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   4 a bronze-coloured breed of domestic pigeon with black markings   > archangelic (ˌɑːkænˈdʒɛlIk) adj

Archangel (ˈɑːkˌeIndʒəl)   n   a port in NW Russia, on the Dvina River: major centre for the timber trade and White Sea fisheries. Pop: 345 000 (2005 est). Russian name: Arkhangelsk

archbishop (ˈɑːtʃˈbIʃəp)   n   a bishop of the highest rank. Abbreviation: abp, Abp, Arch, Archbp

■ archbishopric (ˈɑːtʃˈbIʃəprIk)   n   1 the rank, office, or jurisdiction of an archbishop   2 the area governed by an archbishop

Archbp   abbreviation for   archbishop

Archd.   abbreviation for   1 archdeacon   2 archduke

archdeacon (ˈɑːtʃˈdiːkən)   n   1 an Anglican clergyman ranking just below a bishop and having supervisory duties under the bishop   2 a clergyman of similar rank in other Churches

■ archdeaconry (ˈɑːtʃˈdiːkənrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the office, rank, or duties of an archdeacon   2 the residence of an archdeacon

archdiocese (ˌɑːtʃˈdaIəˌsiːs, -sIs)   n   the diocese of an archbishop   > archdiocesan (ˌɑːtʃdaIˈɒsIsən) adj

archdruid (ˌɑːtʃˈdruːId)   n   a chief or principal druid

archduke (ˈɑːtʃˈdjuːk)   n   a chief duke, esp (since 1453) a prince of the Austrian imperial dynasty

■ archducal (ˈɑːtʃˈdjuːkəl)   adj   of or relating to an archduke, archduchess, or archduchy

■ archduchess (ˈɑːtʃˈdʌtʃIs)   n   1 the wife or widow of an archduke   2 (since 1453) a princess of the Austrian imperial family, esp a daughter of the Austrian emperor

■ archduchy (ˈɑːtʃˈdʌtʃI)   n, pl -duchies   the territory ruled by an archduke or archduchess

■ archdukedom (ɑːtʃˈdjuːkdəm)   n   1 the territory ruled by an archduke or archduchess   2 the position or rank of an archduke

Archean (ɑːˈkiːən)   adj   a variant spelling (esp US) of Archaean

arched (ɑːtʃt)   adj   1 provided with or spanned by an arch or arches   2 shaped like an arch; curved

archegonium (ˌɑːkIˈɡəʊnIəm)   n, pl -nia (-nIə)   a female sex organ, occurring in mosses, spore-bearing vascular plants, and gymnosperms, that produces a single egg cell in its swollen base [C19: from New Latin, from Greek arkhegonos original parent, from arkhe- chief, first + gonos seed, race]   > ˌarcheˈgoniate adj

■ archegonial (ˌɑːkIˈɡəʊnIəl)   adj   botany relating to an archegonium

archenteron (ɑːˈkɛntəˌrɒn)   n   the cavity within an embryo at the gastrula stage of development that eventually becomes the digestive cavity [C19: from Greek arkhē beginning + enteron intestine]   > archenteric (ˌɑːkənˈtɛrIk) adj

archeology (ˌɑːkIˈɒlədʒI)   n   a variant spelling of archaeology

Archeozoic (ˌɑːkIəˈzəʊIk)   adj   a variant spelling (esp US) of Archaeozoic

archer (ˈɑːtʃə)   n   a person skilled in the use of a bow and arrow [C13: from Old French archier, from Late Latin arcārius, from Latin arcus bow]

■ archeress (ˈɑːtʃəˌrɛs)   n   a female archer

■ archerfish (ˈɑːtʃəˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any freshwater percoid fish of the family Toxotidae of S and SE Asia and Australia, esp Toxotes jaculatrix, that catch insects by spitting water at them

■ archery (ˈɑːtʃərI)   n   1 the art or sport of shooting with bows and arrows   2 archers or their weapons collectively

Archer^1 (ˈɑːtʃə)   n   the Archer the constellation Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac

Archer^2 (ˈɑːtʃə)   n   1  Frederick Scott. 1813–57, British inventor and sculptor. He developed (1851) the wet collodion photographic process, enabling multiple copies of pictures to be made   2  Jeffrey (Howard), Baron Archer of Weston-Super-Mare. born 1940, British novelist and Conservative politician. He was an MP from 1969 until 1974. His novels include Kane and Abel (1979), Honour Among Thieves (1993), and The Fourth Estate (1996): from 2001 to 2003 he was imprisoned for perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice   3  William. 1856–1924, Scottish critic and dramatist: made the first English translations of Ibsen

Arches (ˈɑːtʃIz)   pl n   Court of Arches Church of England the court of appeal of the Province of Canterbury, formerly held under the arches of Bow Church

archespore (ˈɑːkIˌspɔː) or archesporium (ˌɑːkIˈspɔːrIəm)   n, pl -spores or -sporia (-ˈspɔːrIə)   botany the cell or group of cells in a sporangium that gives rise to spores   > ˌarcheˈsporial adj

archetype or architype (ˈɑːkIˌtaIp)   n   1 a perfect or typical specimen   2 an original model or pattern; prototype   3 psychoanal one of the inherited mental images postulated by Jung as the content of the collective unconscious   4 a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting, etc [C17: from Latin archetypum an original, from Greek arkhetupon, from arkhetupos first-moulded; see ARCH-, TYPE]

■ archetypal (ˌɑːkIˈtaIpəl) or archetypical (ˌɑːkIˈtIpIkəl)   adj   1 perfect or typical as a specimen of something   2 being an original model or pattern or a prototype   3 psychoanal of or relating to Jungian archetypes   4 constantly recurring as a symbol or motif in literature, painting, etc   > ˌarcheˈtypally or ˌarcheˈtypically adv

archeus (ɑːˈkiːəs)   n   history the spirit or force which Paracelsians believed dwelt in, and presided over, all living things

archfiend (ˌɑːtʃˈfiːnd)   n   the archfiend (often capital) the chief of fiends or devils; Satan

archgenethliac (ˌɑːtʃdʒəˈnɛθlIˌæk)   n   obsolete the person most proficient at casting horoscopes

archi-   combining form   a variant of arch-

Archibald prize (ˈɑːtʃIbɔːld)   n   Austral an annual prize awarded by the Trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales since 1921, for outstanding contributions to art, letters, science, and politics [named after Jules François Archibald (1856–1919), Australian journalist]

archicarp (ˈɑːkIˌkɑːp)   n   a female reproductive structure in ascomycetous fungi that consists of a cell or hypha and develops into the ascogonium

archidiaconal (ˌɑːkIdaIˈækənəl)   adj   of or relating to an archdeacon or his or her office

■ archidiaconate (ˌɑːkIdaIˈækənIt)   n   the office, term of office, or area of jurisdiction of an archdeacon

archiepiscopal (ˌɑːkIIˈpIskəpəl)   adj   of or associated with an archbishop

■ archiepiscopate (ˌɑːkIIˈpIskəpIt, -ˌpeIt) or archiepiscopacy (ˌɑːkIIˈpIskəpəsI)   n   the rank, office, or term of office of an archbishop

archil (ˈɑːtʃIl)   n   a variant spelling of orchil

Archilochus (ɑːˈkIləkəs)   n   7th century BC, Greek poet of Paros, notable for using his own experience as subject matter

■ Archilochian (ˌɑːkIˈləʊkIən)   adj   denoting or relating to the 7th century BC Greek poet Archilochus or his verse, esp the iambic trimeters or trochaic tetrameters used by him

archilowe (ˈɑːxIləʊ)   n Scot obsolete   1 a treat, such as a drink, given in return for something   2 a peace offering

archimage (ˈɑːkIˌmeIdʒ)   n   a great magician or wizard [C16: from ARCHI- + mage, from Latin magus magician]

archimandrite (ˌɑːkIˈmændraIt)   n   Greek Orthodox Church the head of a monastery or a group of monasteries [C16: from Late Latin archimandrīta, from Late Greek arkhimandritēs, from ARCHI- + mandra monastery]

Archimedes^1 (ˌɑːkIˈmiːdiːz)   n   ?287–212 BC, Greek mathematician and physicist of Syracuse, noted for his work in geometry, hydrostatics, and mechanics   > Archimedean (ˌɑːkIˈmiːdIən, -mIˈdiːən) adj

■ Archimedes' principle   n   a law of physics stating that the apparent upward force (buoyancy) of a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid

■ Archimedes' screw or Archimedean screw (ˌɑːkIˈmiːdIən, -mIˈdiːən)   n   an ancient type of water-lifting device making use of a spiral passage in an inclined cylinder. The water is raised when the spiral is rotated

Archimedes^2 (ˌɑːkIˈmiːdiːz)   n   a walled plain in the NE quadrant of the moon, about 80 km in diameter

archine (ɑːˈʃiːn)   n   a Russian unit of length equal to about 71 cm [from Russian arshin, of Turkic origin]

archipelago (ˌɑːkIˈpɛlIˌɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos or -goes   1 a group of islands   2 a sea studded with islands [C16 (meaning: the Aegean Sea): from Italian arcipelago, literally: the chief sea (perhaps originally a mistranslation of Greek Aigaion pelagos the Aegean Sea), from ARCHI- + pelago sea, from Latin pelagus, from Greek pelagos]   > archipelagic (ˌɑːkIpəˈlædʒIk) or archipelagian (ˌɑːkIpəˈleIdʒIən) adj

Archipenko (Russian arˈxipInkə)   n   Aleksandr Porfiryevich (alIkˈsandr parˈfirjIvitʃ). 1887– 1964, Russian sculptor and painter, in the US after 1923, whose work is characterized by economy of form

archiphoneme (ˈɑːkIˌfəʊniːm, ˌɑːkIˈfəʊniːm)   n   phonetics an abstract linguistic unit representing two or more phonemes when the distinction between these has been neutralized: conventionally shown by a capital letter within slashes, as /T/ for /t/ and /d/ in German Rat and Rad

archiplasm (ˈɑːkIˌplæzəm)   n   a variant spelling of archoplasm   > ˌarchiˈplasmic adj

archit.   abbreviation for   architecture

architect (ˈɑːkIˌtɛkt)   n   1 a person qualified to design buildings and to superintend their erection   2 a person similarly qualified in another form of construction: a naval architect   3 any planner or creator: the architect of the expedition   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to plan or create (something, esp a computer system) [C16: from French architecte, from Latin architectus, from Greek arkhitektōn director of works, from ARCHI- + tektōn workman; related to tekhnē art, skill]

■ architecture (ˈɑːkIˌtɛktʃə)   n   1 the art and science of designing and superintending the erection of buildings and similar structures   2 a style of building or structure: Gothic architecture   3 buildings or structures collectively   4 the structure or design of anything: the architecture of the universe   5 the internal organization of a computer's components with particular reference to the way in which data is transmitted   6 the arrangement of the various devices in a complete computer system or network   > ˌarchiˈtectural adj   > ˌarchiˈtecturally adv

architectonics (ˌɑːkItɛkˈtɒnIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the science of architecture   2 metaphysics the scientific classification of knowledge

■ architectonic (ˌɑːkItɛkˈtɒnIk)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or having architectural qualities   2 metaphysics of or relating to the systematic classification of knowledge [C16: from Late Latin architectonicus concerning architecture; see ARCHITECT]   > ˌarchitecˈtonically adv

architrave (ˈɑːkIˌtreIv)   n architect   1 the lowest part of an entablature that bears on the columns   2 a moulding around a doorway, window opening, etc [C16: via French from Italian, from ARCHI- + trave beam, from Latin trabs]

■ architraved (ˈɑːkIˌtreIvd)   adj   architect having an architrave or architraves

archive (ˈɑːkaIv)   n (often plural)   1 a collection of records of or about an institution, family, etc   2 a place where such records are kept   3 computing data transferred to a tape, disk, or directory for long-term storage rather than frequent use   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to store (documents, data, etc) in an archive or other repository [C17: from Late Latin archīvum, from Greek arkheion repository of official records, from arkhē government]   > arˈchival adj

■ archival storage   n   a method of retaining information outside of the internal memory of a computer

■ archives (ˈɑːkaIvz)   pl n   another term for archive (sense 1), archive (sense 2)

■ archivist (ˈɑːkIvIst)   n   a person in charge of archives, their collection, and cataloguing

archivolt (ˈɑːkIˌvəʊlt)   n architect   1 a moulding around an arch, sometimes decorated   2 the under surface of an arch [C18: from Italian archivolto; see ARC, VAULT^1]

archlet (ˈɑːtʃlət)   n   a small arch

archlute (ˌɑːtʃˈluːt)   n   a long, large bass lute

archology (ɑːkˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of the origins of things   2 government the science of government

archon (ˈɑːkɒn, -kən)   n   (in ancient Athens) one of the nine chief magistrates [C17: from Greek arkhōn ruler, from arkhein to rule]   > ˈarchonˌship n

■ archontate (ˈɑːkɒnˌteIt)   n   Greek history an archon's period in office

■ archontic (ɑːˈkɒntIk)   adj   Greek history relating to an archon

archoplasm (ˈɑːkəˌplæzəm) or archiplasm   n   the protoplasmic material surrounding the centrosome, formerly thought to be involved in the formation of the asters and spindle during mitosis   > ˌarchoˈplasmic adj

archosaur (ˈɑːkəˌsɔː)   n   any of a group of reptiles consisting of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, modern birds, modern crocodiles and extinct relatives of crocodiles, all having a diapsid skull

■ archosaurian (ˌɑːkəˈsɔːrIən)   adj   belonging to or characteristic of the archosaurs

archpriest (ˈɑːtʃˈpriːst)   n Christianity   1 (formerly) a chief assistant to a bishop, performing many of his or her sacerdotal functions during his or her absence   2 a senior priest   > ˈarchˈpriestˌhood or ˈarchˈpriestˌship n

-archy   n combining form   government; rule: anarchy; monarchy [from Greek -arkhia; see -ARCH]   > -archic adj combining form   > -archist n combining form

arciform (ˈɑːkIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like an arch

Arcimboldo (Italian artʃimˈbɔldo)   n   Giuseppe. 1527–93, Italian painter, best remembered for painting grotesque figures composed of fruit, vegetables, and meat

ARCM   abbreviation for   Associate of the Royal College of Music

arcmin (ˈɑːkmIn) or arcminute (ˈɑːkˌmInIt)   n   1⁄60 of a degree of an angle

arco (ˈɑːkəʊ)   adv   a musical direction for instruments of the violin family indicating that the bow should be used (as opposed to plucking)

arcograph (ˈɑːkəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   geometry an instrument used for drawing arcs without using a central point. Also called: cyclograph

arcology (ɑːˈkɒlədʒI)   n   1 a type of architecture concerned with the design of enormous vertical cities that maximize population density and so preserve the surrounding countryside   2 (pl -gies) a city in this architectural system

ARCS   abbreviation for   Associate of the Royal College of Science

arcsec (ˈɑːksɛk) or arcsecond (ˈɑːkˌsɛkənd)   n   1⁄3600 of a degree of an angle

arcsine (ˈɑːkˌsaIn)   n   maths the function the value of which for a given argument between –1 and 1 is the angle in radians (between –π/2 and π/2), the sine of which is that argument: the inverse of the sine function. Abbreviation: arcsin

arctangent (ˈɑːkˌtændʒɛnt)   n   maths the function the value of which for a given argument is the angle in radians (between –π/2 and π/2) the tangent of which is that argument: the inverse of the tangent function. Abbreviation: arctan

arctic (ˈɑːktIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the Arctic: arctic temperatures   2 informal cold; freezing: the weather at Christmas was arctic   ▷ n   3 US a high waterproof overshoe with buckles   4 (modifier) designed or suitable for conditions of extreme cold: arctic clothing [C14: from Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikos northern, literally: pertaining to (the constellation of) the Bear, from arktos bear]

■ arctically (ˈɑːktIkəlI)   adv   in an arctic manner

■ arctic char or arctic charr   n   a char, Salvelinus alpinus, that occurs in northern and arctic seas

■ arctic fox   n   a fox, Alopex lagopus, of arctic regions, whose fur is dark grey in the summer and white in the winter. See also blue fox

■ arctic hare   n   a large hare, Lepus arcticus, of the Canadian Arctic whose fur is white in winter

■ arctic tern   n   a black-capped tern, Sterna paradisea, that breeds in the Arctic and then migrates as far south as the Antarctic

■ arctic willow   n   a low-growing shrub, Salix arctica, of the tundra

Arctic (ˈɑːktIk)   n   1 the Arctic or Arctic Zone the regions north of the Arctic Circle   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the regions north of the Arctic Circle

■ Arctic Circle   n   the imaginary circle round the earth, parallel to the equator, at latitude 66° 32′ N; it marks the northernmost point at which the sun appears above the level of the horizon on the winter solstice

■ Arctic Ocean   n   the ocean surrounding the North Pole, north of the Arctic Circle. Area: about 14 100 000 sq km (5 440 000 sq miles)

arctiid (ˈɑːktIId)   n   any moth of the family Arctiidae, which includes the footman, ermine, and tiger moths

Arctogaea (ˌɑːktəˈdʒiːə)   n   a zoogeographical area comprising the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, and Ethiopian regions. Compare Neogaea, Notogaea

■ Arctogaean (ˌɑːktəˈdʒiːən)   adj   of or relating to Arctogaea

arctoid (ˈɑːktɔId)   adj   zoology similar to a bear

arctophile (ˈɑːktəʊˌfaIl) or arctophil (ˈɑːktəˌfIl)   n   a person who collects teddy bears or is fond of them [C20: from Greek arktos bear + -PHILE]

■ arctophilia (ˌɑːktəˈfIlIə)   n   1 the practice of collecting teddy bears   2 the love of teddy bears

■ arctophilist (ɑːkˈtɒfIlIst)   n   a collector of teddy bears

■ arctophily (ɑːkˈtɒfIlI)   n   the practice of collecting teddy bears

Arcturus (ɑːkˈtjʊərəs)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Boötes: a red giant. Visual magnitude: –0.4; spectral type: K2III; distance: 37 light years [C14: from Latin, from Greek Arktouros, from arktos bear + ouros guard, keeper]   > Arcˈturian adj

arcuate (ˈɑːkjuːIt, -ˌeIt) or arcuated (ˈɑːkjuːˌeItId)   adj   shaped or bent like an arc or bow: arcuate leaves; arcuate fibres of the cerebrum [C17: from Latin arcuāre, from arcus ARC]   > ˈarcuately adv

■ arcuation (ˌɑːkjʊˈeIʃən)   n   1 the use of arches or vaults in buildings   2 an arrangement of arches [C17: from Late Latin arcuātiō arch, from Latin arcuāre to curve]

arcubalist (ˈɑːkjʊbəlIst)   n   history an arbalest

arcus senilis (ˈɑːkəs sIˈnaIlIs) or arcus   n   an opaque circle around the cornea of the eye, often seen in elderly people [Latin: senile bow]

-ard or -art   suffix forming nouns   indicating a person who does something, esp to excess, or is characterized by a certain quality: braggart; drunkard; dullard [via Old French from Germanic -hard (literally: hardy, bold), the final element in many Germanic masculine names, such as Bernhard Bernard, Gerhart Gerard, etc]

ardeb (ˈɑːdɛb)   n   a unit of dry measure used in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. In Egypt it is approximately equal to 0.195 cubic metres [C19: from Arabic ardabb, from Greek artabē a Persian measure]

Ardèche (French ardɛʃ)   n   a department of S France, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Privas. Pop: 294 933 (2003 est). Area: 5556 sq km (2167 sq miles)

Arden^1 (ˈɑːdən)   n   Forest of Arden a region of N Warwickshire, part of a former forest: scene of Shakespeare's As You Like It

Arden^2 (ˈɑːdən)   n   John. (1930–2012) British dramatist and novelist. His plays include Serjeant Musgrave's Dance (1959) and The Workhouse Donkey (1963); novels include Silence Among the Weapons (1982): he often worked in collaboration with his wife Margaretta D'Arcy

Ardennes (ɑːˈdɛn; French ardɛn)   n   1 a department of NE France, in Grand Est region. Capital: Charleville-Mézières. Pop: 288 806 (2003 est). Area: 5253 sq km (2049 sq miles)   2 the Ardennes a wooded plateau in SE Belgium, Luxembourg, and NE France: scene of heavy fighting in both World Wars

ardent (ˈɑːdənt)   adj   1 expressive of or characterized by intense desire or emotion; passionate: ardent love   2 intensely enthusiastic; eager: an ardent longing   3 glowing, flashing, or shining: ardent eyes   4 rare burning: an ardent fever [C14: from Latin ārdēre to burn]   > ˈardency n   > ˈardently adv

■ ardent spirits   pl n   spirits, such as rum, whisky, etc

Ardern (ˈɑːrdɜːrn)   n   Jacinda (dʒəˈsIndə) born 1980, New Zealand Labour politician; prime minister from 2017

ardour or US ardor (ˈɑːdə)   n   1 feelings of great intensity and warmth; fervour   2 eagerness; zeal [C14: from Old French ardour, from Latin ārdor, from ārdēre to burn]

ardri or ardrigh (ˈɔːdˌriː, ˌɔːdˈriː)   n   an Irish high king

Ards (ɑːdz)   n   a district of Northern Ireland, in Co Down. Pop: 74 369 (2003 est). Area: 368 sq km (142 sq miles)

arduous (ˈɑːdjʊəs)   adj   1 requiring great physical or mental effort; difficult to accomplish; strenuous   2 hard to endure; harsh: arduous conditions   3 hard to overcome or surmount; steep or difficult: an arduous track [C16: from Latin arduus steep, difficult]   > ˈarduously adv   > ˈarduousness n

are^1 (ɑː, unstressed ə)   vb   the plural form of the present tense (indicative mood) of the verb 'be' and the singular form used with you [Old English aron, second person plural of bēon to BE]

are^2 (ɑː)   n   a unit of area equal to 100 sq metres or 119.599 sq yards; one hundredth of a hectare. Symbol: a [C19: from French, from Latin ārea piece of level ground; see AREA]

area (ˈɛərIə)   n   1 any flat, curved, or irregular expanse of a surface   2    a the extent of a two-dimensional surface enclosed within a specified boundary or geometric figure: the area of Ireland; the area of a triangle   b the two-dimensional extent of the surface of a solid, or of some part thereof, esp one bounded by a closed curve: the area of a sphere   3 a section, portion, or part: an area of the body; an area of the sky   4 region; district; locality: a mountainous area   5    a a geographical division of administrative responsibility   b (as modifier): area manager   6 a part or section, as of a building, town, etc, having some specified function or characteristic: reception area; commercial area; slum area   7 Also called: areaway a sunken area, usually enclosed, giving light, air, and sometimes access to a cellar or basement   8 the range, extent, or scope of anything   9 a subject field or field of study   10 any unoccupied or unused flat open piece of ground   11 the ground on which a building stands, or the ground surrounding a building   12 anatomy any of the various regions of the cerebral cortex   13 computing any part of a computer memory assigned to store data of a specified type [C16: from Latin: level ground, open space, threshing-floor; related to ārēre to be dry]   > ˈareal adj

■ area code   n   a number prefixed to an individual telephone number: used in making long-distance calls

■ areally (ˈɛərIəlI)   adv   from an areal point of view

■ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty   n   See AONB

■ areaway (ˈɛərIəˌweI)   n   1 a passageway between parts of a building or between different buildings   2 See area (sense 7)

areach (əˈriːtʃ)   vb   obsolete to reach

aread, arede or arreede (əˈriːd)   vb (tr)   1 obsolete to declare   2 archaic to guess or divine   3 archaic to interpret   4 literary to advise   5 obsolete to make a decision

arear (əˈrIə)   n   obsolete another name for arrear

areca (ˈærIkə, əˈriːkə)   n   any of various tall palms of the genus Areca, which are native to SE Asia and have white flowers and orange or red egg-shaped nuts [C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam adekka]

Arecibo Observatory (Spanish ɑreˈθiβo)   n   an observatory in Puerto Rico at which the world's largest dish radio telescope (diameter 305 m) is situated. It is operated by the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center

arecoline (əˈrɛkəʊˌlaIn)   n   med a drug derived from betel nuts and producing a range of effects, including increased salivation, body temperature, and heart rate

arefy (ˈærIfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   obsolete to dry

■ arefaction (ˌærIˈfækʃən)   n   the act of drying, or a dried condition

areg (əˈrɛɡ)   n   a plural of erg^2

areic (ˈɛərIIk)   adj   relating to division by area

arena (əˈriːnə)   n   1    a an enclosure or platform, usually surrounded by seats on all sides, in which sports events, contests, entertainments, etc, take place: a boxing arena   b (as modifier): arena stage   2 the central area of an ancient Roman amphitheatre, in which gladiatorial contests and other spectacles were held   3 a sphere or scene of conflict or intense activity: the political arena [C17: from Latin harēna sand, place where sand was strewn for the combats]

■ arena theatre   n   another term for theatre-in-the-round

arenaceous (ˌærIˈneIʃəs)   adj   1 (of sedimentary rocks and deposits) composed of sand or sandstone. Compare argillaceous, rudaceous   2 (of plants) growing best in a sandy soil [C17: from Latin harēnāceus sandy, from harēna sand]

arenation (ˌærIˈneIʃən)   n   med obsolete the use of hot sand as a medical poultice

Arendt (ˈɛərənt)   n   Hannah. 1906–75, US political philosopher, born in Germany. Her publications include The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951) and Eichmann in Jerusalem (1961)

arene (ˈæriːn)   n   an aromatic hydrocarbon [C20: from AR(OMATIC) + -ENE]

arenicolous (ˌærIˈnIkələs)   adj   growing or living in sand or sandy places: arenicolous plants [C19: from Latin harēna sand + colere to inhabit]

arenite (ˈærəˌnaIt, əˈriː-)   n   any arenaceous rock; a sandstone [C20: from Latin harēna sand + -ITE^1]   > arenitic (ˌærəˈnItIk) adj

arenose (ˈærInəʊs) or arenous (ˈærInəs)   adj   sandy

aren't (ɑːnt)   contraction of   1 are not   2 informal, chiefly Brit (used in interrogative sentences) am not

areocentric (ˌɛərIəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   astronomy relating to a reference system which has Mars as its centre

areography (ˌɛərIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   the description of the physical features, such as the surface, atmosphere, etc, of the planet Mars [C19: from Greek Areos Mars + -GRAPHY]

■ areographic (ˌɛərIəʊˈɡræfIk)   adj   astronomy relating to areography

areola (əˈrIələ)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː) or -las   anatomy any small circular area, such as the pigmented ring around the human nipple or the inflamed area surrounding a pimple [C17: from Latin: diminutive of AREA]   > aˈreolar or areolate (əˈrIəlIt, -ˌleIt) adj   > areolation (əˌrIəˈleIʃən) n

■ areolated (əˈrIəˌleItId)   adj   anatomy marked by areolae

areole (ˈærIəʊl)   n   1 biology a space outlined on a surface, such as an area between veins on a leaf or on an insect's wing   2 a sunken area on a cactus from which spines, hairs, etc, arise   > ˈareoˌlate adj

areology (ˌærIˈɒlədʒI)   n   astronomy the study of the planet Mars

areometer (ˌærIˈɒmItə)   n   a variant spelling of araeometer

Areopagite (ˌærIˈɒpədʒaIt)   n   a member of the Areopagus, a judicial council of ancient Athens that met on the hill of that name

Areopagus (ˌærIˈɒpəɡəs)   n   1    a the hill to the northwest of the Acropolis in Athens   b (in ancient Athens) the judicial council whose members (Areopagites) met on this hill   2 literary any high court [via Latin from Greek Areiopagus, contracted from Areios pagos, hill of Ares]

areostyle (əˈriːəʊˌstaIl) architect   adj   1 (of columned buildings) having a wide intercolumniation equal to four or more diameters of one of the columns   ▷ n   2 a columned building having a wide intercolumniation equal to four or more diameters of one of the columns

areosystile (əˌriːəʊˈsIstaIl)   adj   a variant spelling of araeosystyle

arepa (əˈriːpə)   n   a Colombian cornmeal cake

Arequipa (ˌærIˈkiːpə; Spanish areˈkipa)   n   a city in S Peru, at an altitude of 2250 m (7500 ft): founded in 1540 on the site of an Inca city. Pop: 791 000 (2005 est)

arere (əˈrIə)   adv   obsolete backwards

Ares (ˈɛəriːz)   n   Greek myth the god of war, born of Zeus and Hera. Roman counterpart: Mars

aret or arett (əˈrɛt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to entrust

arethusa (ˌærIˈθjuːzə)   n   a North American orchid, Arethusa bulbosa, having one long narrow leaf and one rose-purple flower fringed with yellow

Arethusa (ˌærIˈθjuːzə)   n   Greek myth a nymph who was changed into a spring on the island of Ortygia to escape the amorous advances of the river god Alpheus

Aretino (Italian areˈtiːno)   n   Pietro (ˈpjɛːtro). 1492–1556, Italian satirist, poet, and dramatist, noted for his satirical attacks on leading political figures

arew (əˈruː)   adv   an obsolete word for arow

Arezzo (əˈrɛtsəʊ; Italian aˈrettso)   n   a city in central Italy, in E Tuscany. Pop: 91 589 (2001). Ancient Latin name: Arretium

arf (ɑːf)   n   informal a barking sound

arfvedsonite (ˈɑːvɛdsəˌnaIt)   n   mineralogy a type of hornblende with the composition Na_3(Fe,Mg)4FeSi_8O_22(OH)2

Arg.   abbreviation for   Argentina

argal (ˈɑːɡəl)   n   another name for argol

argala (ˈɑːɡələ)   n   the adjutant bird

argali (ˈɑːɡəlI) or argal   n, pl -gali or -gals   a wild sheep, Ovis ammon, inhabiting semidesert regions in central Asia: family Bovidae, order Artiodactyla. It is the largest of the sheep, having massive horns in the male, which may almost form a circle [C18: from Mongolian]

argan (ˈɑːɡən)   n   a thorny evergreen tree, Argania spinosa, native to SW Morocco, the plum-sized fruit of which contains a nut that yields an oil valued for cooking

■ argan oil   n   a yellow nutty-flavoured oil extracted from the ripe green olive-like fruits of the argan tree, Argania spinosa of SW Morocco, and used in cooking, medicines, and cosmetics [C21: probably from Argana, a village northeast of Agadir, Morocco, where it is believed to have originated]

argand (ˈɑːɡænd)   n   a lamp with a hollow circular wick

Argand diagram (ˈɑːɡænd)   n   maths a diagram in which complex numbers are represented by the points in the plane the coordinates of which are respectively the real and imaginary parts of the number, so that the number x + iy is represented by the point (x, y), or by the corresponding vector <x, y>. If the polar coordinates of (x, y) are (r, θ), r is the modulus and θ the argument of x + iy. See also amplitude (sense 5) [C19: named after Jean-Robert Argand (1768–1822), French mathematician]

argemone (ˌɑːdʒəˈməʊnI)   n   any of various plants of the genus Argemone of the family Papaveraceae, which are native to the Americas, have large white or yellow flowers and are covered in prickles

argent (ˈɑːdʒənt)   n     a an archaic or poetic word for silver   b (as adjective; often postpositive, esp in heraldry): a bend argent [C15: from Old French, from Latin]

■ argental (ɑːˈdʒɛntəl)   adj   relating to or containing silver

■ argentic (ɑːˈdʒɛntIk)   adj   chem of or containing silver in the divalent or trivalent state

■ argentite (ˈɑːdʒənˌtaIt)   n   a dark grey mineral that consists of silver sulphide, usually in cubic crystalline forms, and occurs in veins, often with native silver. It is found esp in Mexico, Nevada, and Saxony and is an important source of silver. Formula: Ag_2S

■ argentous (ɑːˈdʒɛntəs)   adj   chem of or containing silver in the monovalent state

■ argentum (ɑːˈdʒɛntəm)   n   an obsolete name for silver [Latin]

Argenteuil (French arʒɑ̃tœj)   n   a suburb of Paris, France, with a convent (656) that became famous when Héloïse was abbess (12th century). Pop: 103 250 (2008)

argentiferous (ˌɑːdʒənˈtIfərəs)   adj   containing or bearing silver

Argentina (ˌɑːdʒənˈtiːnə)   n   a republic in southern South America: colonized by the Spanish from 1516 onwards; gained independence in 1816 and became a republic in 1852; ruled by military dictatorships for much of the 20th century; civilian rule restored in 1983; consists chiefly of subtropical plains and forests (the Chaco) in the north, temperate plains (the pampas) in the central parts, the Andes in the west, and an infertile plain extending to Tierra del Fuego in the south (Patagonia); an important meat producer. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: peso. Capital: Buenos Aires. Pop: 44 271 041 (2017 est). Area: 2 776 653 sq km (1 072 067 sq miles). Also called: the Argentine

■ Argentine (ˈɑːdʒənˌtiːn, -ˌtaIn)   n   1 the Argentine another name for Argentina   2 a native or inhabitant of Argentina   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Argentina   ▶ Also (for senses 2, 3): Argentinian (ˌɑːdʒənˈtInIən)

argentine (ˈɑːdʒənˌtaIn)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling silver   ▷ n   2 any of various small marine salmonoid fishes, such as Argentina sphyraena, that constitute the family Argentinidae and are characterized by a long silvery body

Argerich (ˈɑːɡəritʃ)   n   Martha. born 1941, Argentinian concert pianist

argh (ɑːx, æx)   interj   an exclamation expressing pain

arghan (ˈɑːɡæn)   n   1 any of various plants of the genus Agave and of the family Agavaceae, which are native to tropical America and have tall flower stalks rising from a massive, often armed, rosette of thick fleshy leaves   2 the fibre of an agave plant

argie-bargie (ˈɑːdʒIˈbɑːdʒI)   n   a variant spelling of argy-bargy

argil (ˈɑːdʒIl)   n   clay, esp potters' clay [C16: from Latin argilla white clay, from Greek argillos]

argillaceous (ˌɑːdʒIˈleIʃəs)   adj   (of sedimentary rocks and deposits) composed of very fine-grained material, such as clay, shale, etc. Compare arenaceous (sense 1), rudaceous

argilliferous (ˌɑːdʒIˈlIfərəs)   adj   containing or yielding clay: argilliferous rocks

argillite (ˈɑːdʒIˌlaIt)   n   any argillaceous rock, esp a hardened mudstone [C18: from Latin argilla clay (from Greek argillos) + -ITE^1]   > argillitic (ˌɑːdʒIˈlItIk) adj

arginase (ˈɑːdʒIˌneIz)   n   chem an enzyme which hydrolyses arginine into ornithine and urea

arginine (ˈɑːdʒIˌnaIn)   n   an essential amino acid of plant and animal proteins, necessary for nutrition and for the production of excretory urea [C19: from German Arginin, of uncertain origin]

Argive (ˈɑːdʒaIv, -ɡaIv)   adj   1 (in Homer, Virgil, etc) of or relating to the Greeks besieging Troy, esp those from Argos   2 of or relating to Argos or Argolis   3 a literary word for Greek   ▷ n   4 an ancient Greek, esp one from Argos or Argolis

argle (ˈɑːɡəl)   vb   Brit obsolete to argue or dispute (about)

■ argle-bargle (ˌɑːɡəlˈbɑːɡəl)   n   another word for argy-bargy

Argo^1 (ˈɑːɡəʊ)   n   Greek myth the ship in which Jason sailed in search of the Golden Fleece

Argo^2 (ˈɑːɡəʊ)   n, Latin genitive Argus (ˈɑːɡəs)   an extensive constellation in the S hemisphere now subdivided into the smaller constellations of Puppis, Vela, Carina, and Pyxis. Also called: Argo Navis (ˈneIvIs)

argol (ˈɑːɡɒl) or argal   n   crude potassium hydrogentartrate, deposited as a crust on the sides of wine vats [C14: from Anglo-French argoil, of unknown origin]

Argolis (ˈɑːɡəlIs)   n   1 a department and ancient region of Greece, in the NE Peloponnese. Capital: Nauplion. Pop: 102 392 (2001). Area: 2261 sq km (873 sq miles)   2 Gulf of Argolis an inlet of the Aegean Sea, in the E Peloponnese

argon (ˈɑːɡɒn)   n   an extremely unreactive colourless odourless element of the rare gas series that forms almost 1 per cent (by volume) of the atmosphere. It is used in electric lights. Symbol: Ar; atomic no: 18; atomic wt: 39.948; density: 1.7837 kg/m^3; freezing pt: –189.3°C; boiling pt: –185.9°C [C19: from Greek, from argos idle, inactive, from A-1 + ergon work]

Argonaut (ˈɑːɡəˌnɔːt)   n   1 Greek myth one of the heroes who sailed with Jason in quest of the Golden Fleece   2 a person who took part in the Californian gold rush of 1849   3 another name for the paper nautilus [C16: from Greek Argonautēs, from Argō the name of Jason's ship + nautēs sailor]   > ˌArgoˈnautic adj

Argonne (ˈɑːɡɒn; French arɡɔn)   n   the Argonne a wooded region of NE France: scene of major battles in both World Wars

argonon (ˈɑːɡəˌnɒn)   n   another name for inert gas (sense 1) [C20: from ARGON + -ON (indicating an inert gas)]

Argos (ˈɑːɡɒs, -ɡəs)   n   an ancient city in SE Greece, in the NE Peloponnese: one of the oldest Greek cities, it dominated the Peloponnese in the 7th century BC. Pop (municipality): 29 505 (2001)

argosy (ˈɑːɡəsI)   n, pl -sies   archaic or poetic a large abundantly laden merchant ship, or a fleet of such ships [C16: from Italian Ragusea (nave) (ship) of Ragusa]

argot (ˈɑːɡəʊ)   n   slang or jargon peculiar to a particular group, esp (formerly) a group of thieves [C19: from French, of unknown origin]   > argotic (ɑːˈɡɒtIk) adj

Argovie (arɡɔvi)   n   the French name for Aargau

argue (ˈɑːɡjuː)   vb -gues, -guing, -gued   1 (intr) to quarrel; wrangle: they were always arguing until I arrived   2 (intr; often foll by for or against) to present supporting or opposing reasons or cases in a dispute; reason   3 (tr; may take a clause as object) to try to prove by presenting reasons; maintain   4 (tr; often passive) to debate or discuss: the case was fully argued before agreement was reached   5 (tr) to persuade: he argued me into going   6 (tr) to give evidence of; suggest: her looks argue despair [C14: from Old French arguer to assert, charge with, from Latin arguere to make clear, accuse; related to Latin argūtus clear, argentum silver]   > ˈarguer n

■ arguable (ˈɑːɡjʊəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being disputed; doubtful   2 capable of being supported by argument; plausible

■ arguably (ˈɑːɡjʊəblI)   adv   (sentence modifier) it can be argued that

■ argument (ˈɑːɡjʊmənt)   n   1 a quarrel; altercation   2 a discussion in which reasons are put forward in support of and against a proposition, proposal, or case; debate: the argument on public sector pay will continue   3 (sometimes plural) a point or series of reasons presented to support or oppose a proposition   4 a summary of the plot or subject of a book, etc   5 logic   a a process of deductive or inductive reasoning that purports to show its conclusion to be true   b formally, a sequence of statements one of which is the conclusion and the remainder the premises   6 logic an obsolete name for the middle term of a syllogism   7 maths   a an element to which an operation, function, predicate, etc, applies, esp the independent variable of a function   b the amplitude of a complex number

■ argumentation (ˌɑːɡjʊmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 the process of reasoning methodically   2 a less common word for argument (sense 2), argument (sense 3)

■ argumentative (ˌɑːɡjʊˈmɛntətIv)   adj   1 given to arguing; contentious   2 characterized by argument; controversial   > ˌarguˈmentatively adv   > ˌarguˈmentativeness n

■ argument from design   n   another name for teleological argument

■ argumentive (ˈɑːɡjʊməntIv)   adj   obsolete argumentative

argufy (ˈɑːɡjʊˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   facetious or dialect to argue or quarrel, esp over something trivial

■ argufier (ˈɑːɡjʊˌfaIə)   n   dialect a person who argufies

argulus (ˈɑːɡjələs)   n   any of various parasites of the genus Argulus of the family Argulidae which affect fish and are a major threat to their health.

argumentum (ˌɑːɡjʊˈmɛntəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   rhetoric an argument

■ argumentum ad hominem Latin (ˌɑːɡjʊˈmɛntʊm æd ˈhɒmIˌnɛm)   n logic   1 fallacious argument that attacks not an opponent's beliefs but his or her motives or character   2 argument that shows an opponent's statement to be inconsistent with his or her other beliefs   3 an instance of either of these [literally: argument to the person]

argus (ˈɑːɡəs)   n   any of various brown butterflies, esp the Scotch argus (Erebia aethiops) found on moorland and in forests up to a height of 2000 m

■ argus pheasant   n   either of two pheasants, Argusianus argus (great argus) or Rheinardia ocellata (crested argus), occurring in SE Asia and Indonesia. The males have very long tails marked with eyelike spots

Argus (ˈɑːɡəs)   n   1 Greek myth a giant with a hundred eyes who was made guardian of the heifer Io. After he was killed by Hermes his eyes were transferred to the peacock's tail   2 a vigilant person; guardian

■ Argus-eyed   adj   keen-sighted; observant; vigilant

argute (ɑːˈɡjuːt)   adj   1 (of sounds) shrill   2 sharp, keen or acute

■ argutely (ɑːˈɡjuːtlI)   adv   in an argute manner

■ arguteness (ɑːˈɡjuːtnəs)   n   1 acuteness of mind   2 shrillness

argy-bargy or argie-bargie (ˈɑːdʒIˈbɑːdʒI)   n, pl -bargies   Brit informal a wrangling argument or verbal dispute. Also called: argle-bargle [C19: from Scottish, compound based on dialect argle, probably from ARGUE]

argyle or argyll (ɑːˈɡaIl)   adj   1 made of knitted or woven material with a diamond-shaped pattern of two or more colours   ▷ n   2 (often plural) a sock made of this [C20: after Campbell of Argyle (Argyll), the pattern being an adaptation of the tartan of this clan]

Argyll and Bute (ɑːˈɡaIl)   n   a council area in W Scotland on the Atlantic Ocean: in 1975 the historical counties of Argyllshire and Bute became part of Strathclyde region; in 1996 they were reinstated as a single unitary authority. Argyll and Bute is mountainous and includes the islands of Bute, Mull, Islay, and Jura. Administrative centre: Lochgilphead. Pop: 91 300 (2003 est). Area: 6930 sq km (2676 sq miles)

Argyllshire (ɑːˈɡaIlˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1975) a county of W Scotland, part of Strathclyde region (1975–96), now part of Argyll and Bute

argyria (ɑːˈdʒIrIə)   n   med discoloration of the skin caused by exposure to silver

argyrite (ˈɑːdʒIˌraIt)   n   mineralogy another name for argentite

argyrodite (ˈɑːdʒIrəˌdaIt)   n   mineralogy a rare mineral, Ag_8GeS_6, that contains silver, germanium, and sulphur

Argyrol (ˈɑːdʒIˌrɒl, ɑːˈdʒIərɒl)   n   trademark a dark brown compound of silver and a protein, used medicinally as a local antiseptic

arhat (ˈɑːhət)   n   a Buddhist, esp a monk who has achieved enlightenment and at death passes to nirvana. Compare Bodhisattva [from Sanskrit: worthy of respect, from arhati he deserves]

■ arhatship (ˈɑːhətʃIp)   n   Buddhism the state of having achieved enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of Theravada Buddhists

Århus (Danish ˈʌhuːs)   n   a variant spelling of Aarhus

arhythmia (əˈrIðmIə, eIˈrIðmIə)   n   a variant spelling of arrhythmia

■ arhythmic (əˈrIðmIk)   adj   a variant spelling of arrhythmic

aria (ˈɑːrIə)   n   an elaborate accompanied song for solo voice from a cantata, opera, or oratorio. See also da capo [C18: from Italian: tune, AIR]

Ariadne (ˌærIˈædnI)   n   Greek myth daughter of Minos and Pasiphaë: she gave Theseus the thread with which he found his way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth

Arian (ˈɛərIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characterizing Arius or Arianism   ▷ n   2 an adherent of Arianism   ▷ adj, n   3 a variant spelling of Aryan

■ Arianism (ˈɛərIəˌnIzəm)   n   the doctrine of Arius, pronounced heretical at the Council of Nicaea, which asserted that Christ was not of one substance with the Father, but a creature raised by the Father to the dignity of Son of God

-arian   suffix forming nouns   indicating a person or thing that advocates, believes, or is associated with something: vegetarian; millenarian; librarian [from Latin -ārius -ARY + -AN]

ariary (ˈærIˌærI)   n   the standard unit of currency of Madagascar

Arias Sánchez (ˈærIæs ˈsæntʃɛz)   n   Oscar. born 1940, Costa Rican statesman; president (1986–90, 2006–2010); Nobel peace prize 1987

ARIBA (əˈriːbə)   n acronym for   Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects

ariboflavinosis (eIˌraIbəʊˌfleIvIˈnəʊsIs)   n   pathol a condition resulting from a dietary deficiency of riboflavin

Arica (əˈriːkə; Spanish aˈrika)   n   a port in extreme N Chile: awarded to Chile in 1929 after the lengthy Tacna-Arica dispute with Peru; outlet for Bolivian and Peruvian trade. Pop: 180 000 (2005 est). See also Tacna-Arica

arid (ˈærId)   adj   1 having little or no rain; dry; parched with heat   2 devoid of interest [C17: from Latin āridus, from ārēre to be dry]   > aridity (əˈrIdItI) or ˈaridness n   > ˈaridly adv

■ arid zone   n   either of the zones of latitude 15–30° N and S characterized by very low rainfall and desert or semidesert terrain

Ariège (French arjɛʒ)   n   a department of SW France, in Occitanie region. Capital: Foix. Pop: 139 612 (2003 est). Area: 4903 sq km (1912 sq miles)

ariel (ˈɛərIəl)   n   an Arabian gazelle, Gazella arabica (or dama) [C19: from Arabic aryal]

Ariel (ˈɛərIəl)   n   the smallest of the four large satellites of Uranus

Aries (ˈɛəriːz)   n, Latin genitive Arietis (əˈraIItIs)   1 astronomy a small zodiacal constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Taurus and Pisces on the ecliptic and having a second-magnitude star   2 astrology   a Also called: the Ram the first sign of the zodiac, symbol ♈, having a cardinal fire classification, ruled by the planet Mars. The sun is in this sign between about March 21 and April 19   b a person born during the period when the sun is in this sign   ▷ adj   3 astrology born under or characteristic of Aries   ▶ Also (for senses 2b, 3): Arien (ˈɛərIən) [C14: from Latin: ram]

arietta (ˌærIˈɛtə; Italian ariˈetta) or ariette (ˌærIˈɛt)   n, pl -ettas or -ette (-ˈette) or -ettes   a short relatively uncomplicated aria [C18: from Italian, diminutive of ARIA]

aright (əˈraIt)   adv   correctly; rightly; properly

ariki (ˈɑːrIkI)   n, pl ariki   NZ the first-born male or female in a notable family; chief [Māori]

aril (ˈærIl) or arillus (æˈrIləs)   n   an appendage on certain seeds, such as those of the yew and nutmeg, developed from or near the funicle of the ovule and often brightly coloured and fleshy [C18: from New Latin arillus, from Medieval Latin arilli raisins, pips of grapes]   > ˈarilˌlate adj

■ ariled (ˈærIld), arillary (ˈærIlərI) or arillated (ˈærIˌleItId)   adj   botany (of seeds) having an aril

■ arilloid (ˈærIlɔId)   adj   botany relating to or resembling an aril

arillode (ˈærIˌləʊd)   n   a structure in certain seeds that resembles an aril but is developed from the micropyle of the ovule [C19: from ARIL + -ODE^1]

Arimathea or Arimathaea (ˌærIməˈθiːə)   n   a town in ancient Palestine: location unknown

Arimidex (ˌærImIˈdɛks)   n   a trade name for anastrozole

Ariminum (əˈrImInəm)   n   the ancient name for Rimini

ariose (ˌɑːrIˈəʊs, ˌærIˈəʊs)   adj   music characterized by melody

arioso (ˌɑːrIˈəʊzəʊ, ˌæ-)   n, pl -sos or -si (-siː)   music a recitative with the lyrical quality of an aria [C18: from Italian, from ARIA]

Ariosto (Italian aˈrjɔsto)   n   Ludovico (ludoˈviːko). 1474–1533, Italian poet, famous for his romantic epic Orlando Furioso (1516)

ariot (əˈraIət)   adv   riotously

aripple (əˈrIpəl)   adv   in ripples

aris (ˈærIs)   n   Cockney vulgar, slang buttocks

arise (əˈraIz)   vb arises, arising, arose, arisen (intr)   1 to come into being; originate   2 (foll by from) to spring or proceed as a consequence; result: guilt arising from my actions   3 to get or stand up, as from a sitting, kneeling, or lying position   4 to come into notice   5 to move upwards; ascend [Old English ārīsan; related to Old Saxon arīsan, Old High German irrīsan; see RISE]

arish (ˈɑːrIʃ)   n   a variant spelling of arrish

arista (əˈrIstə)   n, pl -tae (-tiː)   1 a stiff bristle such as the awn of some grasses and cereals   2 a bristle-like appendage on the antennae of some insects [C17: from Latin: ear of corn, fishbone]   > aˈristate adj

Aristaeus (ˌærIˈstiːəs)   n   Greek myth a son of Apollo and Cyrene: protector of herds and fields

Aristarchus (ˌærIˈstɑːkəs)   n   a crater in the NE quadrant of the moon, having a diameter of about 37 kilometres, which is the brightest formation on the moon

Aristarchus of Samos   n   3rd century BC, Greek astronomer who anticipated Copernicus in advancing the theory that the earth revolves around the sun

Aristarchus of Samothrace   n   ?220–?150 BC, Greek scholar: librarian at Alexandria, noted for his edition of Homer

Aristides (ˌærIˈstaIdiːz)   n   known as Aristides the Just. ?530–?468 BC, Athenian general and statesman, who played a prominent part in the Greek victories over the Persians at Marathon (490), Salamis (480), and Plataea (479)

Aristippus (ˌærIˈstIpəs)   n   ?435–?356 BC, Greek philosopher, who believed pleasure to be the highest good and founded the Cyrenaic school

aristo (ˈærIstəʊ, əˈrIstəʊ)   n, pl -tos   informal short for aristocrat

aristocracy (ˌærIˈstɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a privileged class of people usually of high birth; the nobility   2 such a class as the ruling body of a state   3 government by such a class   4 a state governed by such a class   5 a class of people considered to be outstanding in a sphere of activity [C16: from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia rule by the best-born, from aristos best; see -CRACY]

■ aristocrat (ˈærIstəˌkræt)   n   1 a member of the aristocracy; a noble   2 a person who has the manners or qualities of a member of a privileged or superior class   3 a person who advocates aristocracy as a form of government

■ aristocratic (ˌærIstəˈkrætIk) or aristocratical (ˌærIstəˈkrætIkəl)   adj   1 relating to or characteristic of aristocracy or an aristocrat   2 elegant or stylish in appearance and behaviour   > ˌaristoˈcratically adv

■ aristocratism (ˌærIsˈtɒkrətIzəm)   n   1 the principles of aristocrats   2 the belief in aristocracy

aristolochia (ˌærIstəʊˈləʊkIə)   n   any of various plants of the genus Aristolochia of the family Aristolochiaceae

aristology (ˌærIsˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the art of eating

Aristophanes (ˌærIˈstɒfəˌniːz)   n   ?448–?380 BC, Greek comic dramatist, who satirized leading contemporary figures such as Socrates and Euripides. Eleven of his plays are extant, including The Clouds, The Frogs, The Birds, and Lysistrata

Aristotelian (ˌærIstəˈtiːlIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Aristotle or his philosophy   2 (of a philosophical position) derived from that of Aristotle, or incorporating such of his major doctrines as the distinctions between matter and form, and substance and accident, or the primacy of individuals over universals   ▷ n   3 a follower of Aristotle

■ Aristotelian logic (ˌærIstəˈtiːlIən)   n   the logical theories of Aristotle as developed in the Middle Ages, concerned mainly with syllogistic reasoning: traditional as opposed to modern or symbolic logic

aristotle (ˈærIˌstɒtəl)   n Austral slang   1 a bottle   2 old-fashioned the buttocks or anus [rhyming slang; in sense 2, shortened from bottle and glass arse]

Aristotle^1 (ˈærIˌstɒtəl)   n   384–322 BC, Greek philosopher; pupil of Plato, tutor of Alexander the Great, and founder of the Peripatetic school at Athens; author of works on logic, ethics, politics, poetics, rhetoric, biology, zoology, and metaphysics. His works influenced Muslim philosophy and science and medieval scholastic philosophy

Aristotle^2 (ˈærIˌstɒtəl)   n   a prominent crater in the NW quadrant of the moon about 83 kilometres in diameter

arithmetic (əˈrIθmətIk)   n   1 the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division   2 one or more calculations involving numerical operations   3 knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic: his arithmetic is good   ▷ adj (ˌærIθˈmɛtIk) also arithmetical (ˌærIθˈmɛtIkəl)   4 of, relating to, or using arithmetic [C13: from Latin arithmētica, from Greek arithmētikē, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number]   > ˌarithˈmetically adv   > aˌrithmeˈtician n

■ arithmetic mean   n   an average value of a set of integers, terms, or quantities, expressed as their sum divided by their number: the arithmetic mean of 3, 4, and 8 is 5. Often shortened to: mean. Also called: average. Compare geometric mean

■ arithmetic progression   n   a sequence of numbers or quantities, each term of which differs from the succeeding term by a constant amount, such as 3,6,9,12. Compare geometric progression

arithmomania (əˌrIθməˈmeInIə)   n   psychiatry an obsessive desire to count objects, or a fixation with numbers and calculations

arithmophobia (əˌrIθməˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of numbers

-arium   suffix forming nouns   indicating a place for or associated with something: aquarium; planetarium; solarium [from Latin -ārium, neuter of -ārius -ARY]

Arius (ˈɛərIəs)   n   ?250–336 AD, Greek Christian theologian, originator of the doctrine of Arianism

Ariz.   abbreviation for   Arizona

Arizona (ˌærIˈzəʊnə)   n   a state of the southwestern US: consists of the Colorado plateau in the northeast, including the Grand Canyon, divided from desert in the southwest by mountains rising over 3750 m (12 500 ft). Capital: Phoenix. Pop: 5 580 811 (2003 est). Area: 293 750 sq km (113 417 sq miles). Abbreviation: Ariz., (with zip code) AZ

Arjuna (ˈɑːdʒʊnə)   n Hindu myth   the most important of the five princes in the Mahabharata. Krishna served as his charioteer in the battle with the Kauravas

ark (ɑːk)   n   1 the vessel that Noah built and in which he saved himself, his family, and a number of animals and birds during the Flood (Genesis 6–9)   2 out of the ark informal very old; out of date   3 a place or thing offering shelter or protection   4 dialect a chest, box, or coffer [Old English arc, from Latin arca box, chest]

■ arkite (ˈɑːkaIt)   n   a passenger in Noah's ark

Ark (ɑːk)   n Judaism   1 Also called: Holy Ark the cupboard at the front of a synagogue, usually in the eastern wall, in which the Torah scrolls are kept   2 Also called: Ark of the Covenant the most sacred symbol of God's presence among the Hebrew people, carried in their journey from Sinai to the Promised Land (Canaan) and eventually enshrined in the holy of holies of the Temple in Jerusalem

Ark.   abbreviation for   Arkansas

Arkansas   n   1 (ˈɑːkənˌsɔː) a state of the southern US: mountainous in the north and west, with the alluvial plain of the Mississippi in the east; has the only diamond mine in the US; agriculture, food processing, and aerospace industries. Capital: Little Rock. Pop: 2 725 714 (2003 est). Area: 134 537 sq km (51 945 sq miles). Abbreviation: Ark., (with zip code) AR   2 (ɑːˈkænzəs) a river in the S central US, rising in central Colorado and flowing east and southeast to join the Mississippi in Arkansas. Length: 2335 km (1450 miles)

■ Arkansan (ɑːˈkænzən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Arkansas   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Arkansas

Arkhangelsk (arˈxanɡIljsk)   n   the Russian name for Archangel

arkose (ˈɑːkəʊs)   n   a sandstone consisting of grains of feldspar and quartz cemented by a mixture of quartz and clay minerals [C19: from French]

■ arkosic (ɑːˈkəʊsIk, ɑːˈkəʊzIk)   adj   related to arkose

Arkwright (ˈɑːkraIt)   n   Sir Richard. 1732–92, English cotton manufacturer: inventor of the spinning frame (1769) which produced cotton thread strong enough to be used as a warp

Arlberg (German ˈarlˌbɛrk)   n   a mountain pass in W Austria: a winter sports region. Height: 1793 m (5883 ft)

arle Scottish (ɑːrl)   vb (tr)   to make a down payment for (something)

Arles (ɑːlz; French arl)   n   1 a city in SE France, on the Rhône: Roman amphitheatre. Pop: 53 058 (2006)   2 Kingdom of Arles a kingdom in SE France which had dissolved by 1378: known as the Kingdom of Burgundy until about 1200

Arlington (ˈɑːlIŋtən)   n   a county of N Virginia: site of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlon (French arlɔ̃)   n   a town in SE Belgium, capital of Luxembourg province. Pop: 25 766 (2004 est)

arm^1 (ɑːm)   n   1 (in humans) either of the upper limbs from the shoulder to the wrist. Related adjective: brachial   2 the part of either of the upper limbs from the elbow to the wrist; forearm   3    a the corresponding limb of any other vertebrate   b an armlike appendage of some invertebrates   4 an object that covers or supports the human arm, esp the sleeve of a garment or the side of a chair, sofa, etc   5 anything considered to resemble an arm in appearance, position, or function, esp something that branches out from a central support or larger mass: an arm of the sea; the arm of a record player   6 an administrative subdivision of an organization: an arm of the government   7 power; authority: the arm of the law   8 any of the specialist combatant sections of a military force, such as cavalry, infantry, etc   9 nautical See yardarm   10 sport, esp ball games ability to throw or pitch: he has a good arm   11 an arm and a leg informal a large amount of money   12 arm in arm with arms linked   13 at arm's length at a distance; away from familiarity with or subjection to another   14 give one's right arm informal to be prepared to make any sacrifice   15 in the arms of Morpheus sleeping   16 with open arms with great warmth and hospitality: to welcome someone with open arms   ▷ vb   17 (tr) archaic to walk arm in arm with [Old English; related to German Arm, Old Norse armr arm, Latin armus shoulder, Greek harmos joint]   > ˈarmless adj   > ˈarmˌlike adj

■ armband (ˈɑːmˌbænd)   n   1 a band of material worn round the arm, such as one bearing an identifying mark, etc, or a black one indicating mourning   2 an inflatable buoyancy aid, worn on the upper arm of a person learning to swim   3 an elasticated band worn round the upper arm to keep the shirtsleeve in place

■ armed (ɑːmd)   adj     a having an arm or arms   b (in combination): long-armed; one-armed

■ armful (ˈɑːmfʊl)   n, pl -fuls   the amount that can be held by one or both arms

■ armhole (ˈɑːmˌhəʊl)   n   the opening in an article of clothing through which the arm passes and to which a sleeve is often fitted

■ armload (ˈɑːmləʊd)   n   another term for armful

■ armlock (ˈɑːmˌlɒk) wrestling   n   1 a hold in which an opponent's arm is gripped in such a manner that it cannot be moved. This is often used with the intention of forcing the opponent into submission.   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to grip a person's arm in such a manner that it cannot be moved

■ armpit (ˈɑːmˌpIt)   n   1 the small depression beneath the arm where it joins the shoulder. Technical name: axilla. Related adjective: axillary   2 slang an extremely unpleasant place: the armpit of the Mediterranean

■ armrest (ˈɑːmˌrɛst)   n   the part of a chair, sofa, etc, that supports the arm. Sometimes shortened to: arm

■ arm's-length   adj   1 lacking intimacy or friendliness, esp when possessing some special connection, such as previous closeness: we now have an arm's-length relationship   2 (of commercial transactions) in accordance with market values, disregarding any connection such as common ownership of the companies involved

■ arm-twisting   n   informal persuasion

■ arm-wrestle   vb   1 (intr) (of two people) to sit facing each other with the elbows resting on a table and clasping hands with each other, each trying to force the other's arm flat onto the table while keeping his or her own elbow touching the table   2 (tr) (of one person) to engage in such a contest with someone   ▷ n   3 (of two people) an instance of two people arm-wrestling   4 a contest or sporting match that is difficult to win

■ arm wrestling   n   a contest in which two people sit facing each other each with one elbow resting on a table, clasp hands, and each tries to force the other's arm flat onto the table while keeping his or her own elbow touching the table

arm^2 (ɑːm)   vb (tr)   1 to equip with weapons as a preparation for war   2 to provide (a person or thing) with something that strengthens, protects, or increases efficiency: he armed himself against the cold   3    a to activate (a fuse) so that it will explode at the required time   b to prepare (an explosive device) for use by introducing a fuse or detonator   4 nautical to pack arming into (a sounding lead)   ▷ n   5 (usually plural) a weapon, esp a firearm [C14: (n) back formation from arms, from Old French armes, from Latin arma; (vb) from Old French armer to equip with arms, from Latin armāre, from arma arms, equipment]

■ armed (ɑːmd)   adj   1 equipped with or supported by arms, armour, etc   2 prepared for conflict or any difficulty   3 (of an explosive device) prepared for use; having a fuse or detonator installed   4 (of plants) having the protection of thorns, spines, etc

■ armed forces   pl n   the military forces of a nation or nations, including the army, navy, air force, marines, etc

■ armed response unit   n   (in Britain) a unit of police officers who are trained to use firearms in situations where unarmed police officers would be in danger

■ armed response vehicle   n   (in Britain) a police vehicle carrying armed officers who are trained to respond to incidents involving firearms

■ armer (ˈɑːmə)   n   a person who arms

■ arming (ˈɑːmIŋ)   n   1 the act of taking arms or providing with arms   2 nautical a greasy substance, such as tallow, packed into the recess at the bottom of a sounding lead to pick up samples of sand, gravel, etc, from the bottom

■ arms (ɑːmz)   pl n   1 weapons collectively. See also small arms   2 military exploits: prowess in arms   3 the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc, including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia   4 bear arms   a to carry weapons   b to serve in the armed forces   c to have a coat of arms   5 in arms or under arms armed and prepared for war   6 lay down one's arms to stop fighting; surrender   7 present arms military   a a position of salute in which the rifle is brought up to a position vertically in line with the body, muzzle uppermost and trigger guard to the fore   b the command for this drill   8 take arms or take up arms to prepare to fight   9 to arms! arm yourselves!   10 up in arms indignant; prepared to protest strongly [C13: from Old French armes, from Latin arma; see ARM^2]

■ arms race   n   the continuing competitive attempt by two or more nations each to have available to it more and more powerful weapons than the other(s)

ARM   abbreviation for   adjustable rate mortgage

Arm.   abbreviation for   Armenia(n)

armada (ɑːˈmɑːdə)   n   a large number of ships or aircraft [C16: from Spanish, from Medieval Latin armāta fleet, armed forces, from Latin armāre to provide with arms]

■ Armada (ɑːˈmɑːdə)   n   the Armada See Spanish Armada

armadillo (ˌɑːməˈdIləʊ)   n, pl -los   1 any edentate mammal of the family Dasypodidae of Central and South America and S North America, such as Priodontes giganteus (giant armadillo). They are burrowing animals, with peglike rootless teeth and a covering of strong horny plates over most of the body   2 fairy armadillo another name for pichiciego [C16: from Spanish, diminutive of armado armed (man), from Latin armātus armed; compare ARMADA]

Armageddon (ˌɑːməˈɡɛdən)   n   1 New Testament the final battle at the end of the world between the forces of good and evil, God against the kings of the earth (Revelation 16:16)   2 a catastrophic and extremely destructive conflict, esp World War I viewed as this [C19: from Late Latin Armagedōn, from Greek, from Hebrew har megiddōn, mountain district of Megiddo, in N Palestine, site of various battles in the Old Testament]

Armagh (ɑːˈmɑː)   n   1 a historical county of S Northern Ireland: in 1973 it was replaced for administrative purposes by the districts of Armagh and Craigavon. Area: 1326 sq km (512 sq miles)   2 a district in Northern Ireland, in Co Armagh. Pop: 55 449 (2003 est). Area: 667 sq km (258 sq miles)   3 a town in S Northern Ireland, in Armagh district, Co Armagh: seat of Roman Catholic and Protestant archbishops. Pop: 14 590 (2001)

Armagnac (ˈɑːmənˌjæk)   n   a dry brown brandy distilled in the French district of Gers [from Armagnac, the former name of this region]

Armalite (ˈɑːməlaIt)   n   trademark a lightweight high-velocity rifle of various calibres, capable of automatic and semiautomatic operation [C20: from Armalite Division, Fairchild Engine and Airplane Company, manufacturers]

armament (ˈɑːməmənt)   n   1 (often plural) the weapon equipment of a military vehicle, ship, or aircraft   2 a military force raised and armed ready for war   3 preparation for war involving the production of equipment and arms [C17: from Latin armāmenta utensils, from armāre to equip]

armamentarium (ˌɑːməmɛnˈtɛərIəm)   n, pl -iums or -ia (-Iə)   the items that comprise the material and equipment used by a physician in his or her professional practice

Armani (ɑːˈmɑːnI; Italian arˈmaːni)   n   Giorgio. born 1936, Italian fashion designer, noted for his restrained classical style

armature (ˈɑːmətjʊə)   n   1 a revolving structure in an electric motor or generator, wound with the coils that carry the current   2 any part of an electric machine or device that moves under the influence of a magnetic field or within which an electromotive force is induced   3 Also called: keeper a soft iron or steel bar placed across the poles of a permanent magnet to close the magnetic circuit   4 such a bar placed across the poles of an electromagnet to transmit mechanical force   5 sculpture a framework to support the clay or other material used in modelling   6 the protective outer covering of an animal or plant   7 archaic armour [C15: from Latin armātūra armour, equipment, from armāre to furnish with equipment; see ARM^2]

armchair (ˈɑːmˌtʃɛə)   n   1 a chair, esp an upholstered one, that has side supports for the arms or elbows   2 (modifier) taking no active part; lacking practical experience; theoretical: an armchair strategist   3 (modifier) participated in away from the place of action or in the home: armchair theatre

Armco (ˈɑːmkəʊ)   n   trademark a metal safety barrier erected at the side of motor-racing circuits, esp on corners

Armenia (ɑːˈmiːnIə)   n   1 a republic in NW Asia: originally part of the historic Armenian kingdom; acquired by Russia in 1828; became the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936; gained independence in 1991. It is mountainous, rising over 4000 m (13 000 ft). Language: Armenian. Religion: Christian (Armenian Apostolic) majority. Currency: dram. Capital: Yerevan. Pop: 2 930 450 (2017 est). Area: 29 800 sq km (11 490 sq miles)   2 a former kingdom in W Asia, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, south of Georgia   3 a town in central Colombia: centre of a coffee-growing district. Pop: 349 000 (2005 est)

■ Armenian (ɑːˈmiːnIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Armenia or an Armenian-speaking person elsewhere   2 the language of the Armenians: an Indo-European language probably belonging to the Thraco-Phrygian branch, but containing many non-Indo-European elements   3 an adherent of the Armenian Church or its doctrines   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to Armenia, its inhabitants, their language, or the Armenian Church

■ Armenian Church   n   the national Church of Armenia, founded in the early fourth century AD, the dogmas and liturgy of which are similar to those of the Orthodox Church

Armentières (ˈɑːmənˌtIəz; French armɑ̃tjɛr)   n   a town in N France: site of battles in both World Wars. Pop: 25 273 (1999)

armeria (ɑːˈmiːrIə)   n   the generic name for thrift (sense 2) [New Latin, from flos armeriae, a species of dianthus]

armes parlantes (French arm parlɑ̃t)   pl n   heraldry arms using devices to illustrate the name of the bearers, such as a rose and a wall to illustrate the name Rosewall [literally: speaking arms]

armet (ˈɑːmɛt)   n   a close-fitting medieval visored helmet with a neck guard [C16: from Old French, from Old Spanish almete, from Old French HELMET]

armgaunt (ˈɑːmˌɡɔːnt)   adj   obsolete (of limbs) slender

Armidale (ˈɑːmIˌdeIl)   n   a town in Australia, in NE New South Wales: a centre for tourism. Pop: 20 271 (2001)

armiger (ˈɑːmIdʒə)   n   1 a person entitled to bear heraldic arms, such as a sovereign or nobleman   2 a squire carrying the armour of a medieval knight [C16: from Medieval Latin: squire, from Latin: armour-bearer, from arma arms + gerere to carry, bear]   > armigerous (ɑːˈmIdʒərəs) adj

armigero (ɑːˈmIdʒərəʊ)   n   an obsolete word for armiger

armil (ˈɑːmIl) or armilla (ɑːˈmIlə)   n   1 archaeol a bracelet   2 history an astronomical instrument indicating the recurrence of the equinoxes and solstices

armillaria (ˌɑːmIˈlɛərIə)   n   any of various fungi of the genus Armillaria, which are white-spored and cause wood rot. Many species are parasitic.

armillary (ˈɑːmIlərI, ɑːˈmIlərI)   adj   of or relating to bracelets [C17: from New Latin armillaris, from Latin armilla bracelet]

■ armillary sphere   n   a model of the celestial sphere consisting of rings representing the relative positions of the celestial equator, ecliptic, etc, used by early astronomers for determining the positions of stars

Arminian (ɑːˈmInIən)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or believing in the Christian Protestant doctrines of Jacobus Arminius, published in 1610, which rejected absolute predestination and insisted that the sovereignty of God is compatible with free will in humans. These doctrines deeply influenced Wesleyan and Methodist theology   ▷ n   2 a follower of such doctrines   > Arˈminianˌism n

Arminius (ɑːˈmInIəs)   n   1 Also: Hermann ?17 BC–?21 AD, Germanic chieftain: organized a revolt against the Romans in 9 AD   2  Jacobus (dʒəˈkəʊbəs), real name Jacob Harmensen. 1560–1609, Dutch Protestant theologian

armipotent (ɑːˈmIpətənt)   adj   literary strong in arms or war [C14: from Latin armipotēns, from arma arms + potēns powerful, from posse to be able]   > arˈmipotence n

armistice (ˈɑːmIstIs)   n   an agreement between opposing armies to suspend hostilities in order to discuss peace terms; truce [C18: from New Latin armistitium, from Latin arma arms + sistere to stop, stand still]

■ Armistice Day   n   the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, on Nov 11, 1918, now kept on Remembrance Sunday. US name: Veterans Day. See also Remembrance Sunday

Armitage (ˈɑːmətIdʒ)   n   Simon (Robert). born 1963, British poet and writer, whose collections include Zoom! (1989), Killing Time (1999), and Universal Home Doctor (2002)

armlet (ˈɑːmlIt)   n   1 a small arm, as of a lake, the sea, etc   2 a band or bracelet worn round the arm for ornament, identification, etc   3 a very short sleeve on a garment

armoire (ɑːmˈwɑː)   n   a large cabinet, originally used for storing weapons [C16: from French, from Old French armaire, from Latin armārium chest, closet; see AMBRY]

armonica (ɑːˈmɒnIkə)   n   a glass harmonica, being a musical instrument of the 18th century consisting of a set of glass bowls of graduated pitches, played by rubbing the fingers over the moistened rims or by a keyboard mechanism

armor (ˈɑːmə)   n   the US spelling of armour

■ armorless (ˈɑːməlIs)   adj   the US spelling of armourless

■ armory (ˈɑːmərI)   n, pl -mories   the US spelling of armoury

armorial (ɑːˈmɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to heraldry or heraldic arms   ▷ n   2 a book of coats of arms

■ armorially (ɑːˈmɔːrIəlI)   adv   heraldry in an armorial manner

Armorica (ɑːˈmɒrIkə)   n   an ancient name for Brittany

■ Armorican (ɑːˈmɒrIkən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Armorica   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Armorica

armorist (ˈɑːmərIst)   n   heraldry a heraldry expert

armour or US armor (ˈɑːmə)   n   1 any defensive covering, esp that of metal, chain mail, etc, worn by medieval warriors to prevent injury to the body in battle   2 the protective metal plates on a tank, warship, etc   3 military armoured fighting vehicles in general; military units equipped with these   4 any protective covering, such as the shell of certain animals   5 nautical the watertight suit of a diver   6 engineering permanent protection for an underwater structure   7 heraldic insignia; arms   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to equip or cover with armour [C13: from Old French armure, from Latin armātūra armour, equipment]

■ armour-bearer   n   history a retainer who carried the arms or armour of a warrior

■ armour-clad   adj   1 military wearing armour   2 military covered in armour plate   3 wearing a protective covering

■ armoured or US armored (ˈɑːməd)   adj   1 having a protective covering, such as armour or bone   2 comprising units making use of armoured vehicles: an armoured brigade   3 (of glass) toughened

■ armoured car   n   1 military a fast lightly armed and armoured vehicle, mainly used for reconnaissance   2 any vehicle strengthened by armoured plate, esp a security van for transporting cash and valuables

■ armourer or US armorer (ˈɑːmərə)   n   1 a person who makes or mends arms and armour   2 a person employed in the maintenance of small arms and weapons in a military unit

■ armourless (ˈɑːməlIs) or US armorless   adj   having no armour

■ armour-piercing   adj   military capable of penetrating armour plate

■ armour plate or armour-plating   n   a tough heavy steel, usually containing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum and often hardened on the surface, used for protecting warships, tanks, etc

■ armour-plated   adj   military protected by armour plate

■ armoury or US armory (ˈɑːmərI)   n, pl -mouries or -mories   1 a secure place for the storage of weapons   2 armour generally   3    a US a National Guard base   b US a building in which training in the use of arms and drill takes place; drill hall   c (plural) Canadian such a building used for training and as headquarters by a reserve unit of the armed forces   4 resources, as of arguments or objections, on which to draw: they thought they had proved him wrong, but he still had a few weapons in his armoury   5 US a place where arms are made

armozeen or armozine (ˌɑːməˈziːn)   n   a plain silk, often black, used for clerical gowns and mourning purposes, as well as for women's dresses during and before the 18th century

Armstrong (ˈɑːmˌstrɒŋ)   n   1  Edwin Howard. 1890–1954, US electrical engineer; invented the superheterodyne radio receiver and the FM radio   2  Gillian. born 1950, Australian film director; her films include My Brilliant Career (1978), Little Women (1994), and Charlotte Gray (2001)   3  Lance. born 1971, US cyclist, winner of 7 Tour de France titles, 1999–2005; stripped of the titles in 2012 and banned for life, having been found to have used banned substances   4  (Daniel) Louis, known as Satchmo. 1900–71, US jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and singer   5  Neil (Alden). 1930–2012, US astronaut; commanded Apollo 11 on the first manned lunar landing during which he became the first person to set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969

armure (ˈɑːmjʊə)   n   a silk or wool fabric with a small cobbled pattern [C19: from French: ARMOUR]

army (ˈɑːmI)   n, pl -mies   1 the military land forces of a nation   2 a military unit usually consisting of two or more corps with supporting arms and services   3 (modifier) of, relating to, or characteristic of an army: army rations   4 any large body of people united for some specific purpose   5 a large number of people, animals, etc; multitude [C14: from Old French armee, from Medieval Latin armāta armed forces; see ARMADA]

■ army ant   n   any of various mainly tropical American predatory ants of the subfamily Dorylinae, which live in temporary nests and travel in vast hordes preying on other animals. Also called: legionary ant. See also driver ant

■ army-issue   adj   given to soldiers in order to help them carry out their duties

■ Army List   n   Brit an official list of all serving commissioned officers of the army and reserve officers liable for recall

■ armyworm (ˈɑːmIˌwɜːm)   n   1 the caterpillar of a widely distributed noctuid moth, Leucania unipuncta, which travels in vast hordes and is a serious pest of cereal crops in North America   2 any of various similar caterpillars

arna (ˈɑːnɑː)   n   the wild water buffalo of India, which is larger than the domestic buffalo, has very large horns and is an endangered species

arnatto (ɑːˈnætəʊ)   n   another name for annatto

Arnaud (ˈɑːnəʊ; French arno)   n   Yvonne. 1892–1958, French actress, who was well-known on the London stage and in British films. A theatre in Guildford is named after her

Arne (ɑːn)   n   Thomas (Augustine). 1710–78, English composer, noted for his setting of Shakespearean songs and for his song Rule Britannia

Arnhem (ˈɑːnəm)   n   a city in the E Netherlands, capital of Gelderland province, on the Rhine: site of a World War II battle. Pop: 142 000 (2003 est)

■ Arnhem Land   n   a region of N Australia in the N Northern Territory, large areas of which are reserved for native Australians

arnica (ˈɑːnIkə)   n   1 any N temperate or arctic plant of the genus Arnica, typically having yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 the tincture of the dried flower heads of any of these plants, esp A. montana, used in treating bruises [C18: from New Latin, of unknown origin]

Arnim (German ˈarnIm)   n   Achim von (ˈaxIm fɔn). 1781–1831, German romantic poet. He published, with Clemens Brentano, the collection of folk songs, Des Knaben Wunderhorn (1805–08)

Arno (ˈɑːnəʊ)   n   a river in central Italy, rising in the Apennines and flowing through Florence to the Ligurian Sea. Length: about 240 km (150 miles)

Arnold^1 (ˈɑːnəld)   n   a town in N central England, in S Nottinghamshire. Pop: 37 402 (2001)

Arnold^2 (ˈɑːnəld)   n   1  Sir Malcolm. 1921–2006, English composer, esp of orchestral works in a traditional idiom   2  Matthew. 1822–88, English poet, essayist, and literary critic, noted particularly for his poems Sohrab and Rustum (1853) and Dover Beach (1867), and for his Essays in Criticism (1865) and Culture and Anarchy (1869)   3  his father, Thomas. 1795–1842, English historian and educationalist, headmaster of Rugby School, noted for his reforms in public-school education

arnotto (ɑːˈnɒtəʊ)   n   another name for annatto

arnut (ˈɑːnət)   n   a small herb, Conopodium majus, which is common throughout Europe and North Africa and which has edible tubers

aroba (əˈrəʊbə)   n   another name for araba

aroha (ˈɑːrɒhə)   n   NZ love, compassion, or affectionate regard [Māori]

aroid (ˈærɔId, ˈɛər-)   adj   1 Also: araceous of, relating to, or belonging to the Araceae, a family of plants having small flowers massed on a spadix surrounded by a large petaloid spathe. The family includes arum, calla, and anthurium   ▷ n   2 any plant of the Araceae [C19: from New Latin Arum type genus + -OID; see ARUM]

aroint or aroynt (əˈrɔInt)   vb (tr)   to drive away

aroint thee or aroint ye   sentence substitute   archaic away! begone! [C17: of unknown origin]

Arolla pine or arolla   n   a five-needled pine tree, Pinus cembra, found esp in mountain regions of Central Europe and yielding edible seeds. Also called: Swiss stone pine, Swiss pine, cembra nut tree

aroma (əˈrəʊmə)   n   1 a distinctive, usually pleasant smell, esp of spices, wines, and plants   2 a subtle pervasive quality or atmosphere [C18: via Latin from Greek: spice]

■ aromatherapy (əˌrəʊməˈθɛrəpI)   n   the use of fragrant essential oils extracted from plants as a treatment in complementary medicine to relieve tension and cure certain minor ailments   > aˌromaˈtherapist n

■ aromatic (ˌærəˈmætIk)   adj   1 having a distinctive, usually fragrant smell   2 (of an organic compound) having an unsaturated ring containing alternating double and single bonds, esp containing a benzene ring; exhibiting aromaticity. Compare aliphatic   ▷ n   3 something, such as a plant or drug, giving off a fragrant smell   > ˌaroˈmatically adv

■ aromaticity (əˌrəʊməˈtIsItI)   n   1 the property of certain planar cyclic conjugated molecules, esp benzene, of behaving like unsaturated molecules and undergoing substitution reactions rather than addition as a result of delocalization of electrons in the ring   2 the quality or state of having an aroma

■ aromatize or aromatise (əˈrəʊməˌtaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to make aromatic   2 to convert (an aliphatic compound) to an aromatic compound   > aˌromatiˈzation or aˌromatiˈsation n

aromatase (əˈrəʊməˌteIz)   n   an enzyme that converts testosterone into an oestrogen

■ aromatase inhibitor   n   any of a class of drugs that inhibit the action of aromatase: used in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer

arose (əˈrəʊz)   vb   the past tense of arise

around (əˈraʊnd)   prep   1 situated at various points in: a lot of shelves around the house   2 from place to place in: driving around Ireland   3 somewhere in or near: to stay around the house   4 approximately in: it happened around 1957, I think   ▷ adv   5 surrounding, encircling, or enclosing: a band around her head   6 in all directions from a point of reference: they own the land for ten miles around   7 in the vicinity, esp restlessly but idly: to wait around; stand around   8 here and there; in no particular place or direction: dotted around   9 informal (of people) active and prominent in a particular area or profession: some pop stars are around for only a few years   10 informal present in some place (the exact location being inexact): he's around here somewhere   11 informal in circulation; available: these laptops has been around for some years now   12 informal to many places, so as to have gained considerable experience, often of a worldly or social nature: he gets around; I've been around [C17 (rare earlier): from A-2 + ROUND]

USAGE

In American English, around is usually used instead of round in adverbial and prepositional senses, except in a few fixed phrases such as all year round. The use of around in adverbial senses is less common in British English

arouse (əˈraʊz)   vb   1 (tr) to evoke or elicit (a reaction, emotion, or response); stimulate   2 to awaken from sleep   > aˈrousal n   > aˈrouser n

■ arousable (əˈraʊzəbəl)   adj   able to be aroused

■ aroused (əˈraʊzd)   adj   in a state of sexual arousal

■ arousing (əˈraʊzIŋ)   adj   causing sexual excitement

arow (əˈrəʊ)   adv   in a row

Arp (French arp)   n   Jean (ʒɑ̃) or Hans (hans). 1887– 1966, Alsatian sculptor, painter, and poet, cofounder of the Dada movement in Zürich, noted particularly for his abstract organic sculptures based on natural forms

arpa (ˈɑːpə)   n   a site concerned with internet infrastructure [C20: acronym of A(ddress and) R(outing) P(arameter) A(rea)]

Arpád (ˈɑːpɑːd)   n   died 907 AD, Magyar chieftain who conquered Hungary in the late 9th century

arpeggio (ɑːˈpɛdʒIəʊ)   n, pl -gios   1 a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously   2 an ascending and descending figuration used in practising the piano, voice, etc [C18: from Italian, from arpeggiare to perform on the harp, from arpa HARP]

■ arpeggiate (ɑːˈpɛdʒIˌeIt)   vb (tr) music   1 to play an arpeggio   2 to represent (a chord) as separate notes on a score

■ arpeggiated (ɑːˈpɛdʒIˌeItId)   adj music   1 having arpeggios   2 played as an arpeggio

■ arpeggiation (ɑːˌpɛdʒIˈeIʃən)   n   music the writing, playing or singing of arpeggios

arpeggione (ɑːˌpɛdʒIˈəʊneI)   n   a stringed musical instrument of the early 19th century which was played with a bow

arpent (ˈɑːpənt; French arpɑ̃) or arpen (ˈɑːpən; French arpɑ̃)   n   1 a former French unit of length equal to 190 feet (approximately 58 metres)   2 an old French unit of land area equal to about one acre: still used in Quebec and Louisiana [C16: from Old French, probably from Late Latin arepennis half an acre, of Gaulish origin; related to Middle Irish airchenn unit of land measure]

arpillera (ˌɑːpIˈjɛərə)   n   a Peruvian hand-sewn wall-hanging, typically of exquisite detail

arquebus (ˈɑːkwIbəs) or harquebus   n   a portable long-barrelled gun dating from the 15th century: fired by a wheel-lock or matchlock. Also called: hackbut, hagbut [C16: via Old French harquebuse from Middle Dutch hakebusse, literally: hook gun, from the shape of the butt, from hake hook + busse box, gun, from Late Latin busis box]

■ arquebusade (ˈɑːkwIbəˌseId)   n   1 the shot of an arquebus   2 med a distilled water produced from a range of aromatic plants which was originally used to heal gunshot wounds

■ arquebusier (ˌɑːkwIbʌsˈIə)   n   another name for harquebusier

arr.   abbreviation for   1 arranged (by)   2 arrival

arracacha (ˌærəˈkɑːtʃə)   n   a South American plant, Arracacia xanthorrhiza, the root of which is edible and is a popular food in South America

arrack or arak (ˈærək)   n   a coarse spirit distilled in various Eastern countries from grain, rice, sugar cane, etc [C17: from Arabic `araq sweat, sweet juice, liquor]

arragonite (ˈærəɡəˌnaIt, əˈræɡəˌnaIt)   n   a variant spelling of aragonite

arrah (ˈærə)   interj   Irish an exclamation expressing emotion or excitement

arraign (əˈreIn)   vb (tr)   1 to bring (a prisoner) before a court to answer an indictment   2 to call to account; complain about; accuse [C14: from Old French araisnier to speak, accuse, from A-2 + raisnier, from Vulgar Latin ratiōnāre (unattested) to talk, argue, from Latin ratiō a reasoning]   > arˈraigner n   > arˈraignment n

Arran (ˈærən)   n   an island off the SW coast of Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde. Pop: 5045 (2001). Area: 427 sq km (165 sq miles)

arrange (əˈreIndʒ)   vb   1 (tr) to put into a proper, systematic, or decorative order   2 (tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to arrive at an agreement or understanding about; settle   3 (when intr, often foll by for; when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to make plans or preparations in advance (for something): we arranged for her to be met   4 (tr) to adapt (a musical composition) for performance in a different way, esp on different instruments   5 (tr) to adapt (a play, etc) for broadcasting   6 (intr; often foll by with) to come to an agreement [C14: from Old French arangier, from A-2 + rangier to put in a row, RANGE]   > arˈrangeable adj   > arˈranger n

■ arrangement (əˈreIndʒmənt)   n   1 the act of arranging or being arranged   2 the form in which things are arranged: he altered the arrangement of furniture in the room   3 a thing composed of various ordered parts; the result of arranging: a flower arrangement   4 (often plural) a preparatory measure taken or plan made; preparation   5 an agreement or settlement; understanding   6 an adaptation of a piece of music for performance in a different way, esp on different instruments from those for which it was originally composed   7 an adaptation (of a play, etc) for broadcasting

arrant (ˈærənt)   adj   utter; out-and-out: an arrant fool [C14: a variant of ERRANT (wandering, vagabond); sense developed from its frequent use in phrases like arrant thief (hence: notorious)]   > ˈarrantly adv

arras (ˈærəs)   n   a wall hanging, esp of tapestry

■ arrased (ˈærəst)   adj   having an arras

Arras (ˈærəs; French arɑs)   n   a town in N France: formerly famous for tapestry; severely damaged in both World Wars. Pop: 43 663 (2006)

arrasene (ˈærəˌsiːn)   n   a material of wool and silk that is used in embroidery

Arrau (əˈraʊ)   n   Claudio. 1903–91, Chilean pianist

array (əˈreI)   n   1 an impressive display or collection   2 an orderly or regular arrangement, esp of troops in battle order   3 poetic rich clothing; apparel   4 maths a sequence of numbers or symbols in a specified order   5 maths a set of numbers or symbols arranged in rows and columns, as in a determinant or matrix   6 electronics an arrangement of aerials spaced to give desired directional characteristics, used esp in radar   7 law a panel of jurors   8 the arming of military forces   9 computing a regular data structure in which individual elements may be located by reference to one or more integer index variables, the number of such indices being the number of dimensions in the array   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to dress in rich attire; adorn   11 to arrange in order (esp troops for battle); marshal   12 law to draw up (a panel of jurors) [C13: from Old French aroi arrangement, from arayer to arrange, of Germanic origin; compare Old English arǣdan to make ready]   > arˈrayal n

■ arrayed (əˈreId)   adj   1 set out on display   2 arranged in order   3 military formal drawn up; marshalled   4 literary dressed, clad   5 be arrayed against formal to be opposed to

■ arrayer (əˈreIə)   n   a person who arrays

■ arrayment (əˈreImənt)   n   1 the act of arraying   2 obsolete clothing

arrears (əˈrIəz)   n   1 Also called: arrearage (əˈrIərIdʒ) (sometimes singular) something outstanding or owed   2 in arrears or in arrear late in paying a debt or meeting an obligation [C18: from obsolete arrear (adv) behindhand, from Old French arere, from Medieval Latin adretrō, from Latin ad to + retrō backwards]

■ arrear (əˈrIə)   n   be in arrear to be late in payment

arrect (æˈrɛkt)   adj   1 (of animals' ears) pricked up   2 attentive

arreede (əˈriːd)   vb (tr)   a variant spelling of aread

arrest (əˈrɛst)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive (a person) of liberty by taking him or her into custody, esp under lawful authority   2 to seize (a ship) under lawful authority   3 to slow or stop the development or progress of (a disease, growth, etc)   4 to catch and hold (one's attention, sight, etc)   5 arrest judgment law to stay proceedings after a verdict, on the grounds of error or possible error   6 can't get arrested informal (of a performer) is unrecognized and unsuccessful: he can't get arrested here but is a megastar in the States   ▷ n   7 the act of taking a person into custody, esp under lawful authority   8 the act of seizing and holding a ship under lawful authority   9 the state of being held, esp under lawful authority: under arrest   10 Also called: arrestation (ˌærɛsˈteIʃən) the slowing or stopping of the development or progress of something   11 the stopping or sudden cessation of motion of something: a cardiac arrest [C14: from Old French arester, from Vulgar Latin arrestāre (unattested), from Latin ad at, to + restāre to stand firm, stop]

■ arrestable (əˈrɛstəbəl)   adj   1 liable to be arrested   2 (of an offence) such that an offender may be arrested without a warrant

■ arrestant (əˈrɛstənt)   n   1 chem a substance that stops a chemical reaction   2 entomol a chemical that causes insects to aggregate or slows the movement of insects

■ arrestee (ˌærɛsˈtiː)   n   1 formal a person who is under arrest   2 Scots law a person whose money or property is seized by arrestment

■ arrester or arrestor (əˈrɛstə)   n   1 a person who arrests   2 a thing that stops or checks motion, esp a mechanism of wires for slowing aeroplanes as they land on an aircraft carrier

■ arresting (əˈrɛstIŋ)   adj   attracting attention; striking   > arˈrestingly adv

■ arrestive (əˈrɛstIv)   adj   tending to arrest

■ arrestment (əˈrɛstmənt)   n   Scots law the seizure of money or property to prevent a debtor paying one creditor in advance of another

■ arrest of judgment   n   law a stay of proceedings after a verdict, on the grounds of error or possible error

arret (əˈrɛt; French arɛ)   n   French law a judicial decision

Arretium (æˈriːtIəm, -ˈrɛt-)   n   the ancient Latin name of Arezzo   > Arretine (ˈærIˌtaIn) adj

■ Arretine ware   n   another term for Samian ware (sense 2)

Arrhenius (Swedish aˈreːniʊs)   n   Svante August (ˈsvantə ˈauɡʊst). 1859–1927, Swedish chemist and physicist, noted for his work on the theory of electrolytic dissociation: Nobel prize for chemistry 1903

arrhenotoky (ˌærəˈnɒtəkI)   n   biology a form of parthenogenesis which produces only male offspring

arrhizal (əˈraIzəl)   adj   botany having no roots

arrhythmia, arhythmia or arythmia (əˈrIðmIə)   n   any variation from the normal rhythm in the heartbeat. Also called: dysrhythmia [C19: New Latin, from Greek arrhuthmia, from A-1 + rhuthmos RHYTHM]

■ arrhythmic, arhythmic or arythmic (əˈrIðmIk, eIˈrIðmIk)   adj   having irregular rhythm

arriage (ˈærIdʒ)   n   law an office or duty carried out by tenants for their feudal lord or superior

arriba (æˈriːbə)   interj   an exclamation of pleasure or approval

arride (əˈraId)   vb (tr)   to gladden or give pleasure or satisfaction to (a person)

arriere (ˌærIˈɛə)   adj   having a position that is in the rear

arrière-ban French (arjɛrbɑ̃)   n   1 (in medieval France) a summons to the king's vassals to do military service   2 the vassals so assembled for military service [C16: changed from Old French herban call to arms, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heriban, from heri army + ban summons, BAN^2]

arrière-pensée French (arjɛrpɑ̃se)   n   an unrevealed thought or intention [C19: literally: behind thought]

arriero Spanish (aˈrrjero)   n   a mule driver

Ar Rimal (ɑːr rIˈmɑːl)   n   another name for Rub‘ al Khali

arris (ˈærIs)   n, pl -ris or -rises   a sharp edge at the meeting of two surfaces at an angle with one another, as at two adjacent sides of a stone block [C17: apparently from Old French areste beard of grain, sharp ridge; see ARÊTE]

arrish or arish (ˈærIʃ)   n   Southwest English dialect corn stubble [Old English ersc]

arrive (əˈraIv)   vb (intr)   1 to come to a certain place during or after a journey; reach a destination   2 (foll by at) to agree upon; reach: to arrive at a decision   3 to occur eventually: the moment arrived when pretence was useless   4 informal (of a baby) to be born   5 informal to attain success or gain recognition [C13: from Old French ariver, from Vulgar Latin arrīpāre (unattested) to land, reach the bank, from Latin ad to + rīpa river bank]   > arˈriver n

■ arrival (əˈraIvəl)   n   1 the act or time of arriving   2 a person or thing that arrives or has arrived   3 the reaching of a condition or objective

■ arrivance (əˈraIvəns) or arrivancy (əˈraIvənsI)   n   1 the action or state of arriving   2 a number of people who are arriving or have arrived

arrivederci Italian (arriveˈdertʃi)   sentence substitute   goodbye

arrivisme (ˌæriːˈviːzmə; French arivism)   n   unscrupulous ambition

arriviste (ˌæriːˈviːst; French arivist)   n   a person who is unscrupulously ambitious [French: see ARRIVE, -IST]

arroba (əˈrəʊbə)   n, pl -bas   1 a unit of weight, approximately equal to 11 kilograms, used in some Spanish-speaking countries   2 a unit of weight, approximately equal to 15 kilograms, used in some Portuguese-speaking countries   3 a liquid measure used in some Spanish-speaking countries with different values, but in Spain used as a wine-measure, approximately equal to 16 litres [C16: from Spanish, from Arabic ar-rub` the quarter (of a quintal)]

arrogant (ˈærəɡənt)   adj   having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance, merit, ability, etc; conceited; overbearingly proud: an arrogant teacher; an arrogant assumption [C14: from Latin arrogāre to claim as one's own; see ARROGATE]   > ˈarrogance n   > ˈarrogantly adv

■ arrogancy (ˈærəɡənsI)   n   same as arrogance

arrogate (ˈærəˌɡeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to claim or appropriate for oneself presumptuously or without justification   2 (tr) to attribute or assign to another without justification [C16: from Latin arrogāre, from rogāre to ask]   > ˌarroˈgation n   > arrogative (əˈrɒɡətIv) adj   > ˈarroˌgator n

arrondissement (French arɔ̃dismɑ̃)   n (in France)   1 the largest administrative subdivision of a department   2 a municipal district of certain cities, esp Paris [C19: from arrondir to make round, from AB-1 + -rondir from rond ROUND]

arrow (ˈærəʊ)   n   1 a long slender pointed weapon, usually having feathers fastened at the end as a balance, that is shot from a bow. Related adjective: sagittal   2 any of various things that resemble an arrow in shape, function, or speed, such as a sign indicating direction or position [Old English arwe; related to Old Norse ör, Gothic arhvazna, Latin arcus bow, ARCH^1]

■ arrowed (ˈærəʊd)   adj   1 having an arrow pattern or wearing clothing with an arrow pattern   2 having arrows   3 stabbed or punctured with arrows   4 resembling an arrow or depicted like an arrow

■ arrowgrass (ˈærəʊˌɡrɑːs)   n   either of two species, sea arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) or marsh arrowgrass (T. palustris), of monocotyledonous perennials having long thin fleshy leaves and spikes of inconspicuous flowers [C18: named from the shape of the fruits when open]

■ arrowhead (ˈærəʊˌhɛd)   n   1 the pointed tip of an arrow, often removable from the shaft   2 something that resembles the head of an arrow in shape, such as a triangular decoration on garments used to reinforce joins   3 any aquatic herbaceous plant of the genus Sagittaria, esp S. sagittifolia, having arrow-shaped aerial leaves and linear submerged leaves: family Alismataceae

■ arrowless (ˈærəʊlIs)   adj   having no arrows

■ arrowlike (ˈærəʊˌlaIk)   adj   1 resembling an arrow   ▷ adv   2 in a manner that resembles an arrow

■ arrowroot (ˈærəʊˌruːt)   n   1 a white-flowered West Indian plant, Maranta arundinacea, whose rhizomes yield an easily digestible starch: family Marantaceae   2 the starch obtained from this plant   3 any of several other plants whose rhizomes or roots yield starch

■ arrows (ˈærəʊz)   n   (functioning as singular) Brit an informal name for darts

■ arrowwood (ˈærəʊˌwʊd)   n   any of various trees or shrubs, esp certain viburnums, having long straight tough stems formerly used by Native Americans to make arrows

■ arrowworm (ˈærəʊˌwɜːm)   n   any small marine invertebrate of the genus Sagitta, having an elongated transparent body with fins and prehensile oral bristles: phylum Chaetognatha (chaetognaths)

■ arrowy (ˈærəʊI)   adj   1 having or comprising arrows   2 resembling an arrow

arroyo (əˈrɔIəʊ)   n, pl -os chiefly Southwestern US   a steep-sided stream bed that is usually dry except after heavy rain [C19: from Spanish]

Arroyo (əˈrɔIjəʊ)   n   Gloria Macapagal. born 1947, Filipino stateswoman; vice-president of the Philippines (1998–2001); president (2001–10)

Arru Islands (ˈɑːruː)   pl n   a variant spelling of Aru Islands

arse (ɑːs) or US and Canadian ass   n vulgar, slang   1 the buttocks   2 the anus   3 a stupid person; fool   4 sexual intercourse   5 Austral effrontery; cheek   6 get one's arse into gear to start to do something seriously and quickly   ▶ Also called (for senses 2, 3): arsehole (ˈɑːsˌhəʊl), (US and Canadian) asshole [OE]

USAGE

Dating back at least a thousand years, and taboo till around the middle of the 20th century, this venerable "Anglo-Saxon" word now seems unlikely to cause offence in all but the most formal contexts. Its acceptability has possibly been helped by such useful verb formations as "to arse about" and "I can't be arsed"

■ arse about or arse around   vb   (intr, adverb) Brit vulgar, slang to play the fool; act stupidly, esp in an irritating manner

■ arsed (ɑːst)   adj   be arsed vulgar, slang to be willing, inclined, or prepared (esp in the phrase can't be arsed)

■ arseholed (ˈɑːsˌhəʊld)   adj   vulgar, slang very drunk

■ arse licker or US and Canadian ass licker   n   vulgar, slang a person who curries favour   > ˈarse-ˌlicking or US and Canadian ˈass-ˌlicking adj, n

■ arsey or arsy (ˈɑːsI)   adj arsier, arsiest Brit slang   aggressive, irritable, or argumentative

■ arsy-versy (ˈɑːsIˈvɜːsI)   adv slang   1 backwards or upside down   2 in reverse [C16: from ARSE + Latin versus turned, modelled on compounds like hurly-burly]

arsenal (ˈɑːsənəl)   n   1 a store for arms, ammunition, and other military items   2 a workshop or factory that produces munitions   3 a store of anything regarded as weapons: an arsenal of destructive arguments [C16: from Italian arsenale dockyard, from the original Venetian arsenal dockyard and naval store, from Arabic dār sī n`ah, from dār house + sī n`ah manufacture]

arsenic   n (ˈɑːsnIk)   1 a toxic metalloid element, existing in several allotropic forms, that occurs principally in realgar and orpiment and as the free element. It is used in transistors, lead-based alloys, and high-temperature brasses. Symbol: As; atomic no: 33; atomic wt: 74.92159; valency: –3, 0, +3, or +5; relative density: 5.73 (grey); melting pt: 817°C at a pressure of 3MN/m^2 (grey); sublimes at 613°C (grey)   2 a nontechnical name for arsenic trioxide   ▷ adj (ɑːˈsɛnIk)   3 of or containing arsenic, esp in the pentavalent state [C14: from Latin arsenicum, from Greek arsenikon yellow orpiment, from Syriac zarnīg (influenced in form by Greek arsenikos virile)]

■ arsenate (ˈɑːsəˌneIt, -nIt) or arseniate (ɑːˈsiːnIˌeIt)   n   a salt or ester of arsenic acid, esp a salt containing the ion A_5O_43–

■ arsenic acid   n   a white poisonous soluble crystalline solid used in the manufacture of arsenates and insecticides. Formula: H_3AsO_4

■ arsenical (ɑːˈsɛnIkəl)   adj   1 of or containing arsenic   ▷ n   2 a drug or insecticide containing arsenic

■ arsenic trioxide   n   a white poisonous powder used in the manufacture of glass and as an insecticide, rat poison, and weedkiller. Formula: As_2O_3. Also called: arsenic

■ arsenious (ɑːˈsiːnIəs) or arsenous (ˈɑːsInəs)   adj   of or containing arsenic in the trivalent state

■ arsenite (ˈɑːsIˌnaIt)   n   a salt or ester of arsenous acid, esp a salt containing the ion A_5O_33–

arsenide (ˈɑːsəˌnaId)   n   a compound in which arsenic is the most electronegative element

arseno (ɑːˈsiːnəʊ)   adj   chem having or containing arsenic

arsenopyrite (ˌɑːsInəʊˈpaIraIt, ɑːˌsɛnə-)   n   a white or grey metallic mineral consisting of a sulphide of iron and arsenic that forms monoclinic crystals with an orthorhombic shape: an ore of arsenic. Formula: FeAsS. Also called: mispickel

arsheen, arshin or arshine (ɑːˈʃiːn)   n   a measurement of extent in Turkey and Russia

arsine (ˈɑːsiːn)   n   a colourless poisonous gas used in the manufacture of organic compounds, to dope transistors, and as a military poisonous gas. Formula: AsH_3

arsino (ɑːˈsiːnəʊ)   adj   chem having or comprising the radical AsH_2

arsis (ˈɑːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   (in classical prosody) the long syllable or part on which the ictus falls in a metrical foot. Compare thesis (sense 6) [C18: via Late Latin from Greek, from airein to raise]

ARSM   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Associate of the Royal School of Mines

ars nova (ˈɑːz ˈnəʊvə)   n   a style of music of the 14th century, characterized by great freedom and variety of rhythm and melody contrasted with the strictness of the music of the 13th century [Latin, literally: new art]

arson (ˈɑːsən)   n   criminal law the act of intentionally or recklessly setting fire to another's property or to one's own property for some improper reason [C17: from Old French, from Medieval Latin ārsiō, from Latin ārdēre to burn; see ARDENT]   > ˈarsonist n

■ arsonite (ˈɑːsəˌnaIt)   n   another name for arsonist

■ arsonous (ˈɑːsənəs)   adj   relating to arson

arsphenamine (ɑːsˈfɛnəmIn, -ˌmiːn)   n   a drug containing arsenic, formerly used in the treatment of syphilis and related infections

ars poetica (ˈɑːz pəʊˈɛtIkə)   n   the art of poetry

art^1 (ɑːt)   n   1    a the creation of works of beauty or other special significance   b (as modifier): an art movement   2 the exercise of human skill (as distinguished from nature)   3 imaginative skill as applied to representations of the natural world or figments of the imagination   4    a the products of humankind's creative activities; works of art collectively, esp of the visual arts, sometimes also music, drama, dance, and literature   b (as modifier): an art gallery. See also arts, fine art   5 excellence or aesthetic merit of conception or execution as exemplified by such works   6 any branch of the visual arts, esp painting   7 (modifier) intended to be artistic or decorative: art needlework   8    a any field using the techniques of art to display artistic qualities: advertising art   b (as modifier): an art film   9 journalism photographs or other illustrations in a newspaper, etc   10 method, facility, or knack: the art of threading a needle; the art of writing letters   11 the system of rules or principles governing a particular human activity: the art of government   12 artfulness; cunning   13 get something down to a fine art to become highly proficient at something through practice [C13: from Old French, from Latin ars craftsmanship]

■ Art Deco (ˈdɛkəʊ)   n   (also without capitals)   a a style of interior decoration, jewellery, architecture, etc, at its height in the 1930s and characterized by geometrical shapes, stylized natural forms, and symmetrical utilitarian designs adapted to mass production   b (as modifier): an Art-Deco carpet [C20: shortened from art décoratif, after the Exposition des arts décoratifs held in Paris in 1925]

■ art director   n   a person responsible for the sets and costumes in a film

■ art form   n   1 a conventionally established form of artistic composition, such as the symphony or the sonnet   2 a recognized medium of artistic expression

■ artful (ˈɑːtfʊl)   adj   1 cunning or tricky   2 skilful in achieving a desired end   3 archaic characterized by skill or art   4 archaic artificial   > ˈartfully adv   > ˈartfulness n

■ arthouse (ˈɑːtˌhaʊs)   n     a a cinema which specializes in showing films which are not part of the commercial mainstream   b (as modifier): the surprise arthouse hit of the season

■ artily (ˈɑːrtIlI)   adv   in an affectedly creative or aesthetic manner

■ artless (ˈɑːtlIs)   adj   1 free from deceit, guile, or artfulness; ingenuous: an artless remark   2 natural, without artifice; unpretentious: artless elegance   3 without art or skill   > ˈartlessly adv   > ˈartlessness n

■ art music   n   music written by a composer rather than passed on by oral tradition. Compare folk music

■ Art Nouveau (ɑː nuːˈvəʊ; French ar nuvo)   n     a a style of art and architecture of the 1890s, characterized by swelling sinuous outlines and stylized natural forms, such as flowers and leaves   b (as modifier): an Art-Nouveau mirror [French, literally: new art]

■ art paper   n   a high-quality type of paper having a smooth coating of china clay or similar substance on it

■ arts (ɑːts)   pl n   1 the arts   a imaginative, creative, and nonscientific branches of knowledge considered collectively, esp as studied academically   b (as modifier): an arts degree   2 See fine art   3 cunning or crafty actions or plots; schemes

■ Arts and Crafts   pl n   decorative handicraft and design, esp that of the Arts and Crafts movement, in late nineteenth-century Britain, which sought to revive medieval craftsmanship

■ art union   n   Austral and NZ a lottery, often with prizes other than cash

■ artwork (ˈɑːtˌwɜːk)   n   all the original nontextual matter in a publication, esp the illustrations

■ arty or US artsy (ˈɑːtI)   adj artier, artiest   informal having an ostentatious or affected interest in or desire to imitate artists or artistic standards   > ˈartiness or US ˈartsiness (ˈɑːtsInəs) n

■ arty-crafty or US artsy-craftsy   adj   informal affectedly artistic, esp in a homespun or rural style

■ arty-farty or US artsy-fartsy   adj   informal artistic in a pretentious way

art^2 (ɑːt)   vb   archaic (used with the pronoun thou) a singular form of the present tense (indicative mood) of be^1 [Old English eart, part of bēon to BE]

ART   abbreviation for   assisted reproductive technology

-art   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -ard

artal (ˈɑːtɑːl)   n   a plural of rotl

Artaud (French arto)   n   Antonin (ɑ̃tɔnɛ̃). 1896–1948, French stage director and dramatist, whose concept of the theatre of cruelty is expounded in Manifeste du théâtre de la cruauté (1932) and Le Théâtre et son double (1938)

Artaxerxes I (ˌɑːtəˈzɜːksiːz)   n   died 425 BC, king of Persia (465–425): son of Xerxes I

Artaxerxes II   n   died ?358 BC, king of Persia (?404–?358). He defeated his brother Cyrus the Younger at Cunaxa (401)

artefact or artifact (ˈɑːtIˌfækt)   n   1 something made or given shape by humankind, such as a tool or a work of art, esp an object of archaeological interest   2 anything man-made, such as a spurious experimental result   3 cytology a structure seen in tissue after death, fixation, staining, etc, that is not normally present in the living tissue [C19: from Latin phrase arte factum, from ars skill + facere to make]

■ artefactual (ˌɑːrtIˈfæktjʊəl)   adj   relating to an artefact

artel (ɑːˈtɛl)   n   1 (in the former Soviet Union) a cooperative union or organization, esp of producers, such as peasants   2 (in prerevolutionary Russia) a quasi-cooperative association of people engaged in the same activity [from Russian artel', from Italian artieri artisans, from arte work, from Latin ars ART^1]

Artemis (ˈɑːtImIs)   n   Greek myth the virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon: the twin sister of Apollo. Roman counterpart: Diana. Also called: Cynthia

artemisia (ˌɑːtIˈmiːzIə)   n   any herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Artemisia, of the N hemisphere, such as mugwort, sagebrush, and wormwood: family Asteraceae (composites) [C14: via Latin from Greek, probably from ARTEMIS]

artemisinin (ˌɑːtIˈmIzInIn) pharmacol   n     a a drug obtained from the plant genus Artemisia and used to treat malaria   b (as modifier): artemisinin derivatives

Arte Povera (Italian ˌarte poˈvera)   n   a style of minimal art originating in Italy in the late 1960s, making use of cheap and commonly available materials such as stones, newspapers, etc [C20: Italian, literally: poor art]

arterio-   combining form   artery or arteries: arteriosclerosis [from Greek; see ARTERY]

arteriogram (ɑːˈtIərIəˌɡræm)   n   med   a an X-ray of a vein or artery which has been injected with dye in order to diagnose obstruction or damage   b (as modifier): an arteriogram picture

arteriography (ɑːˌtIərIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   the X-ray examination of an artery or arterial system after injection of a contrast medium into the bloodstream

■ arteriographic (ɑːˌtIərIəˈɡræfIk)   adj   med relating to arteriography

arteriole (ɑːˈtIərIˌəʊl)   n   anatomy any of the small subdivisions of an artery that form thin-walled vessels ending in capillaries [C19: from New Latin arteriola, from Latin artēria ARTERY]

■ arteriolar (ɑːˌtIərIˈəʊlə)   adj   anatomy relating to arterioles or minuscule arteries

arteriosclerosis (ɑːˌtIərIəʊsklIəˈrəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a pathological condition of the circulatory system characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls. Nontechnical name: hardening of the arteries   > arteriosclerotic (ɑːˌtIərIəʊsklIəˈrɒtIk) adj

arteriotomy (ɑːˌtIərIˈɒtəmI)   n   med the surgical cutting of an artery or a cut made in an artery

arteriovenous (ɑːˌtIərIəʊˈviːnəs)   adj   of, relating to, or affecting an artery and a vein

arteritis (ˌɑːtəˈraItIs)   n   pathol inflammation of an artery

artery (ˈɑːtərI)   n, pl -teries   1 any of the tubular thick-walled muscular vessels that convey oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body. Compare pulmonary artery, vein   2 a major road or means of communication in any complex system [C14: from Latin artēria, related to Greek aortē the great artery, AORTA]

■ arterial (ɑːˈtIərIəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or affecting an artery or arteries: arterial disease   2 denoting or relating to the usually bright red reoxygenated blood returning from the lungs or gills that circulates in the arteries   3 being a major route, esp one with many minor branches: an arterial road   > arˈterially adv

■ arterialize or arterialise (ɑːˈtIərIəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to change (venous blood) into arterial blood by replenishing the depleted oxygen   2 to vascularize (tissues)   3 to provide with arteries   > arˌterialiˈzation or arˌterialiˈsation n

artesian well (ɑːˈtiːzIən, -ʒən)   n   a well sunk through impermeable strata into strata receiving water from an area at a higher altitude than that of the well, so that there is sufficient pressure to force water to flow upwards [C19: from French artésien, from Old French Arteis Artois, old province, where such wells were common]

Artex (ˈɑːtɛks)   n   trademark a brand of coating for walls and ceilings that gives a textured finish

arthralgia (ɑːˈθrældʒə)   n   pathol pain in a joint   > arˈthralgic adj

arthrectomy (ɑːˈθrɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical excision of a joint

arthritis (ɑːˈθraItIs)   n   inflammation of a joint or joints characterized by pain and stiffness of the affected parts, caused by gout, rheumatic fever, etc. See also rheumatoid arthritis [C16: via Latin from Greek: see ARTHRO-, -ITIS]   > arthritic (ɑːˈθrItIk) adj, n

USAGE

Rather than talking about an arthritic or arthritics, it is better to talk about a person with arthritis and people with arthritis

■ arthritically (ɑːˈθrItIkəlI)   adv   in an arthritic manner

arthro- or before a vowel arthr-   combining form   indicating a joint: arthritis; arthropod [from Greek arthron]

arthrodesis (ˌɑːθrəʊˈdiːsIs)   n   surgery the fusion of bones in a joint through surgery which causes immobility of the joint

arthrodia (ɑːˈθrəʊdIə)   n   anatomy, zoology a joint   > arˈthrodial adj

arthrography (ɑːˈθrɒɡrəfI)   n   the X-ray examination of a joint after injection of a contrast medium into the joint space

arthromere (ˈɑːθrəˌmIə)   n   any of the segments of the body of an arthropod   > arthromeric (ˌɑːθrəˈmɛrIk) adj

arthropathy (ɑːˈθrɒpəθI)   n, pl -thies   med a disease of a joint

arthroplasty (ˈɑːθrəˌplæstI)   n   surgical repair of a diseased joint

arthropod (ˈɑːθrəˌpɒd)   n   any invertebrate of the phylum Arthropoda, having jointed limbs, a segmented body, and an exoskeleton made of chitin. The group includes the crustaceans, insects, arachnids, and centipedes [C19 from NL, from Gk arthron joint + podus footed, from pous foot]   > arthropodous (ɑːˈθrɒpədəs) or arˈthropodal adj

■ arthropodan (ɑːˈθrɒpədən)   adj   zoology relating to arthropods

arthroscope (ˈɑːθrəˌskəʊp)   n   a tubular instrument that is inserted into the capsule of a joint to examine the joint, extract tissue, etc   > ˌarthroˈscopic adj   > arthroscopy (ɑːˈθrɒskəpI) n

arthrosis (ɑːˈθrəʊsIs)   n   1 anatomy a bone joint which enables movement   2 med a disease of joints

arthrospore (ˈɑːθrəˌspɔː)   n   1 a sporelike cell of ascomycetous fungi and some algae produced by a breaking of the hyphae   2 a resting sporelike cell produced by some bacteria   > ˌarthroˈsporic or ˌarthroˈsporous adj

Arthur (ˈɑːθə)   n   1 a legendary king of the Britons in the sixth century AD, who led Celtic resistance against the Saxons: possibly based on a historical figure; represented as leader of the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot   2  Chester Alan. 1830–86, 21st president of the US (1881–85)   3 not know whether one is Arthur or Martha Austral and NZ informal to be in a state of confusion

■ Arthurian (ɑːˈθjʊərIən)   adj   of or relating to King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table

arti (ˈʌrtI)   n   Hinduism a ritual performed in homes and temples in which incense and light is offered to a deity [Hindi]

artic (ɑːˈtIk)   n   informal short for articulated vehicle

artichoke (ˈɑːtIˌtʃəʊk)   n   1 Also called: globe artichoke a thistle-like Eurasian plant, Cynara scolymus, cultivated for its large edible flower head containing many fleshy scalelike bracts: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 the unopened flower head of this plant, which can be cooked and eaten   3 See Jerusalem artichoke [C16: from Italian articiocco, from Old Spanish alcarchofa, from Arabic al-kharshūf]

article (ˈɑːtIkəl)   n   1 one of a class of objects; item: an article of clothing   2 an unspecified or previously named thing, esp a small object: he put the article on the table   3 a distinct part of a subject or action   4 a written composition on a subject, often being one of several found in a magazine, newspaper, etc   5 grammar a kind of determiner, occurring in many languages including English, that lacks independent meaning but may serve to indicate the specificity of reference of the noun phrase with which it occurs. See also definite article, indefinite article   6 a clause or section in a written document such as a treaty, contract, statute, etc   7 in articles formerly, undergoing training, according to the terms of a written contract, in the legal profession   8 (often capital) Christianity See article of faith, Thirty-nine Articles   9 archaic a topic or subject   ▷ vb (tr)   10 archaic to accuse [C13: from Old French, from Latin articulus small joint, from artus joint]

■ articled (ˈɑːtIkəld)   adj   bound by a written contract, such as one that governs a period of training: an articled clerk

■ article numbering   n   commerce See ANA

■ article of faith   n   1 Christianity any of the clauses or propositions into which a creed or other statement of doctrine is divided   2 a deeply held belief

■ articles (ˈɑːtIkəlz)   pl n law, Brit   1 legal training   2 in articles obsolete formerly, undergoing training, according to the terms of a written contract, in the legal profession

■ articles of association   pl n   1 the constitution and regulations of a registered company as required by the British Companies Acts   2 the document containing these

■ Articles of Confederation   pl n   the agreement made by the original 13 states in 1777 establishing a confederacy to be known as the United States of America; replaced by the Constitution of 1788

■ Articles of War   pl n   1 the disciplinary and legal procedures by which the naval and military forces of Great Britain were bound before the 19th century   2 the regulations of the US army, navy, and air force until the Uniform Code of Military Justice replaced them in 1951

articular (ɑːˈtIkjʊlə)   adj   of or relating to joints or to the structural components in a joint [C15: from Latin articulāris concerning the joints, from articulus small joint; see ARTICLE]

articulate   adj (ɑːˈtIkjʊlIt)   1 able to express oneself fluently and coherently: an articulate lecturer   2 having the power of speech   3 distinct, clear, or definite; well-constructed: an articulate voice; an articulate document   4 zoology (of arthropods and higher vertebrates) possessing joints or jointed segments   ▷ vb (ɑːˈtIkjʊˌleIt)   5 to speak or enunciate (words, syllables, etc) clearly and distinctly   6 (tr) to express coherently in words   7 (intr) zoology to be jointed or form a joint   8 (tr) to separate into jointed segments [C16: from Latin articulāre to divide into joints; see ARTICLE]   > arˈticulately adv   > arˈticulateness or arˈticulacy n

■ articulable (ɑːˈtIkjʊləbəl)   adj   having the ability to be articulated

■ articulated (ɑːˈtIkjʊˌleItId)   adj   engineering, Brit made in two sections

■ articulated vehicle   n   a large vehicle (esp a lorry) made in two separate sections, a tractor and a trailer, connected by a pivoted bar

■ articulation (ɑːˌtIkjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of speaking or expressing in words   2    a the process of articulating a speech sound   b the sound so produced, esp a consonant   3 the act or the state of being jointed together   4 the form or manner in which something is jointed   5 zoology   a a joint such as that between bones or arthropod segments   b the way in which jointed parts are connected   6 botany the part of a plant at which natural separation occurs, such as the joint between leaf and stem   7 a joint or jointing   > arˈticulatory adj

■ articulative (ɑːˈtIkjʊlətIv)   adj   relating to articulation

■ articulator (ɑːˈtIkjʊˌleItə)   n   1 a person or thing that articulates   2 phonetics any vocal organ that takes part in the production of a speech sound. Such organs are of two types: those that can move, such as the tongue, lips, etc (active articulators), and those that remain fixed, such as the teeth, the hard palate, etc (passive articulators)

■ articulatory loop   n   psychol a short-term memory system that enables a person to remember short strings of words by rehearsing them repeatedly in his or her head

■ articulatory phonetics   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of phonetics concerned with the production of speech sounds. Compare acoustic phonetics, auditory phonetics

artifact (ˈɑːtIˌfækt)   n   a variant spelling of artefact

■ artifactual (ˌɑːtIˈfæktʃʊəl)   adj   a variant spelling of artefactual

artifice (ˈɑːtIfIs)   n   1 a clever expedient; ingenious stratagem   2 crafty or subtle deception   3 skill; cleverness   4 a skilfully contrived device   5 obsolete craftsmanship [C16: from Old French, from Latin artificium skill, from artifex one possessed of a specific skill, from ars skill + -fex, from facere to make]

■ artificer (ɑːˈtIfIsə)   n   1 a skilled craftsman   2 a clever or inventive designer   3 a serviceman trained in mechanics

artificial (ˌɑːtIˈfIʃəl)   adj   1 produced by humankind; not occurring naturally: artificial materials of great strength   2 made in imitation of a natural product, esp as a substitute; not genuine: artificial cream   3 pretended; assumed; insincere: an artificial manner   4 lacking in spontaneity; affected: an artificial laugh   5 biology relating to superficial characteristics not based on the interrelationships of organisms: an artificial classification [C14: from Latin artificiālis belonging to art, from artificium skill, ARTIFICE]   > artificiality (ˌɑːtIˌfIʃIˈælItI) n   > ˌartiˈficially adv

■ artificial aid   n   mountaineering another name for aid (sense 5)

■ artificial climbing   n   another name for aid climbing

■ artificial daylight   n   physics artificial light having approximately the same spectral characteristics as natural daylight

■ artificial disintegration   n   physics radioactive transformation of a substance by bombardment with high-energy particles, such as alpha particles or neutrons

■ artificial feel   n   a system, used in aircraft that have fully powered control surfaces, providing the pilot with simulated aerodynamic forces on the controls

■ artificial horizon   n   1 Also called: gyro horizon an aircraft instrument, using a gyroscope, that indicates the aircraft's attitude in relation to the horizontal   2 astronomy a level reflecting surface, such as one of mercury, that measures the altitude of a celestial body as half the angle between the body and its reflection

■ artificial insemination   n   introduction of spermatozoa into the vagina or uterus by means other than sexual union. See AI, AIH, DI

■ artificial intelligence   n   the study of the modelling of human mental functions by computer programs. Abbreviation: AI

■ artificialize or artificialise (ˌɑːtIˈfIʃəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to render artificial

■ artificial kidney   n   med a mechanical apparatus for performing haemodialysis

■ artificial language   n   an invented language, esp one intended as an international medium of communication or for use with computers. Compare natural language

■ artificialness (ˌɑːtIˈfIʃəlnəs)   n   the condition of being non-natural, unnatural or spurious

■ artificial respiration   n   1 any of various methods of restarting breathing after it has stopped, by manual rhythmic pressure on the chest, mouth-to-mouth breathing, etc   2 any method of maintaining respiration artificially, as by use of an iron lung

Artigas (ɑːˈtiːɡɑːs)   n   José Gervasio. 1764–1850, the national hero of Uruguay. He fought for Uruguayan independence from Argentina, but was driven into exile in 1820

artillery (ɑːˈtIlərI)   n   1 guns, cannon, howitzers, mortars, etc, of calibre greater than 20 mm   2 troops or military units specializing in using such guns   3 the science dealing with the use of guns   4 devices for discharging heavy missiles, such as catapults or slings [C14: from Old French artillerie, from artillier to equip with weapons, of uncertain origin]

■ artillerist (ɑːˈtIlərIst)   n   1 a person who uses or is a member of the artillery   2 a person who supports or is skilled in the use of artillery

■ artilleryman (ɑːˈtIlərImən)   n, pl -men   a serviceman who serves in an artillery unit

■ artillery plant   n   any of various tropical urticaceous plants of the genus Pilea, such as P. microphylla, all having stamens that discharge their pollen explosively

artiodactyl (ˌɑːtIəʊˈdæktIl)   n   1 any placental mammal of the order Artiodactyla, having hooves with an even number of toes; an even-toed ungulate. The order includes pigs, hippopotamuses, camels, deer, cattle, and antelopes   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the order Artiodactyla [C19: from New Latin artiodactylus, from Greek ártios even + daktulos digit]   > ˌartioˈdactylous adj

artisan (ˈɑːtIˌzæn, ˌɑːtIˈzæn)   n   1 a skilled workman; craftsman   2 obsolete an artist   3 (modifier) denoting or relating to goods produced on a small scale using traditional methods: artisan cheese; an artisan bakery [C16: from French, from Old Italian artigiano, from arte ART^1]   > artisanal (ɑːˈtIzənəl, ˈɑːtIzənəl) adj

■ artisanship (ˌɑːtIˈzænʃIp)   n   the occupation or product of a craftsperson or artisan

artist (ˈɑːtIst)   n   1 a person who practises or is skilled in an art, esp painting, drawing, or sculpture   2 a person who displays in his or her work qualities required in art, such as sensibility and imagination   3 a person whose profession requires artistic expertise, esp a designer: a commercial artist   4 a person skilled in some task or occupation: an artist at bricklaying   5 obsolete an artisan   6 slang a person devoted to or proficient in something: a con artist

■ artistic (ɑːˈtIstIk)   adj   1 of or characteristic of art or artists   2 performed, made, or arranged decoratively and tastefully; aesthetically pleasing   3 appreciative of and sensitive to beauty in art   4 naturally gifted with creative skill   > arˈtistically adv

■ artistical (ɑːˈtIstIkəl)   adj   another term for artistic

■ artistry (ˈɑːtIstrI)   n   1 artistic workmanship, ability, or quality   2 artistic pursuits   3 great skill

artiste (ɑːˈtiːst; French artist)   n   1 an entertainer, such as a singer or dancer   2 a person who is highly skilled in some occupation: a hair artiste

artocarpus (ˌɑːtəʊˈkɑːpəs)   n   a genus of the mulberry family, originating in Asia, species of which include the jackfruit and the breadfruit

Artois (French artwa)   n   a former province of N France

Aruba (əˈruːbə; Dutch ɑˈryːbaː)   n   an island in the Caribbean, off the NW coast of Venezuela, formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles until their dissolution in 2010, now a constituent country of the Netherlands. Chief town: Oranjestad. Pop: 109 153 (2013 est). Area: about 181 sq km (70 sq miles)

arugula (əˈruːɡjʊlə) or arugola (əˈruːɡələ)   n   another name for rocket^2 (sense 2) [C20: from N Italian dialect]

aruhe (ˈɑːˌruːheI)   n, pl aruhe   NZ the edible root of a fern. Also called: fern root [Māori]

Aru Islands or Arru Islands (ˈɑːruː)   pl n   a group of islands in Indonesia, in the SW Moluccas. Area: about 8500 sq km (3300 sq miles)

arum (ˈɛərəm)   n   1 any plant of the aroid genus Arum, of Europe and the Mediterranean region, having arrow-shaped leaves and a typically white spathe. See also cuckoopint   2 arum lily another name for calla (sense 1) [C16: from Latin, a variant of aros wake-robin, from Greek aron]

Arunachal Pradesh (ˌɑːrəˈnɑːkəl prəˈdɛʃ)   n   a state in NE India, formed in 1986 from the former Union Territory. Capital: Itanagar. Pop: 1 091 117 (2001). Area: 83 743 sq km (32 648 sq miles). Former name (until 1972): North East Frontier Agency

Arundel (ˈærəndəl)   n   a town in S England, in West Sussex: 11th-century castle. Pop: 3297 (2001)

arundinaceous (əˌrʌndIˈneIʃəs)   adj   botany resembling a reed [C17: from Latin harundināceus, from harundō a reed]

aruspex (əˈrʌspɛks)   n, pl -pices (-pIˌsiːz)   a variant spelling of haruspex

Aruwimi (ˌɑːruːˈwiːmI)   n   a river in NE Democratic Republic of the Congo, rising near Lake Albert as the Ituri and flowing west into the River Congo. Length: about 1288 km (800 miles)

ARV   abbreviation for   armed response vehicle

arval (ˈɑːvəl)   adj   relating to land that is ploughed

arvee (ɑːˈviː)   n   US informal recreational vehicle [C20: from the initials RV]

arvicole (ˈɑːvIˌkəʊl)   n   a mouse or water vole that belongs to the genus Arvicola

arvicoline (ɑːˈvIkəˌliːn)   adj   inhabiting meadows or rural areas

arvo (ˈɑːvəʊ)   n   Austral informal afternoon

-ary   suffix   1 (forming adjectives) of; related to; belonging to: cautionary; rudimentary   2 (forming nouns)   a a person connected with or engaged in: missionary   b a thing relating to; a place for: commentary; aviary [from Latin -ārius, -āria, -ārium]

Aryan or Arian (ˈɛərIən)   n   1 (in Nazi ideology) a Caucasian of non-Jewish descent, esp of the Nordic type   2 a member of any of the peoples supposedly descended from the Indo-Europeans, esp a speaker of an Iranian or Indic language in ancient times   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or characteristic of an Aryan or Aryans   ▷ adj, n   4 archaic Indo-European [C19: from Sanskrit ārya of noble birth]

■ Aryanize or Aryanise (ˈɛərIəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) (in Nazi ideology) to purge (politics and society) of all non-Aryan elements or people; make characteristically Aryan

aryballos (ˌærIˈbælɒs)   n   a small narrow-necked vessel or bottle shaped like a sphere, used in ancient Greece to store oil or perfume

■ aryballoid (ˌærIˈbælɔId)   adj   relating to an aryballos

aryl (ˈærIl)   n   1 (modifier) chem of, consisting of, or containing an aromatic group: aryl group or radical   2 an organometallic compound in which a metal atom is bound to an aryl group [C20: from AR(OMATIC) + -YL]

arytenoid or arytaenoid (ˌærIˈtiːnɔId)   adj also arytenoidal   1 denoting either of two small cartilages of the larynx that are attached to the vocal cords   2 denoting any of three small muscles of the larynx that narrow the space between the vocal cords   ▷ n   3 an arytenoid cartilage or muscle [C18: from New Latin arytaenoīdes, from Greek arutainoeidēs shaped like a ladle, from arutaina ladle]

■ arytenoidal (ˌærIˈtiːnɔIdəl)   adj   relating to the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx and also to other parts relating to them

arythmia (əˈrIðmIə, eIˈrIðmIə)   n   pathol a variant spelling of arrhythmia

■ arythmic (əˈrIðmIk, eIˈrIðmIk)   adj   pathol a variant spelling of arrhythmic

as^1 (æz, unstressed əz)   conj (subordinating)   1 (often preceded by just) while; when; at the time that: he caught me as I was leaving   2 in the way that: dancing as only she can   3 that which; what: I did as I was told   4 (of) which fact, event, etc (referring to the previous statement): to become wise, as we all know, is not easy   5 as it were in a way; so to speak; as if it were really so   6 as you were   a a military command to withdraw an order, return to the previous position, etc   b a statement to withdraw something just said   7 since; seeing that: as you're in charge here, you'd better tell me where to wait   8 in the same way that: he died of cancer, as his father had done   9 in spite of the extent to which: intelligent as you are, I suspect you will fail   10 for instance: capital cities, as London   ▷ adv, conj   11    a used correlatively before an adjective or adverb and before a noun phrase or a clause to indicate identity of extent, amount, etc: she is as heavy as her sister; she is as heavy now as she used to be   b used with this sense after a noun phrase introduced by the same: she is the same height as her sister   ▷ prep   12 in the role of; being: as his friend, I am probably biased   13 as for or as to with reference to: as for my past, I'm not telling you anything   14 as from or as of formal (in expressions of time) from: fares on all routes will rise as from January 11   15 as if or as though as it would be if: he talked as if he knew all about it   16 as is or as it is in the existing state of affairs: as it is, I shall have difficulty finishing all this work, without any more   17 as per See per (sense 3)   18 as regards See regard (sense 6)   19 as such See such (sense 3)   20 such as See such (sense 5)   21 as was in a previous state   22 as well See well^1 (sense 13)   23 as yet up to now; so far: I have received no compensation as yet [Old English alswā likewise; see ALSO]

USAGE

See at like^1

■ as-live   adj, adv   (of a performance for a television programme) performed as though live but broadcast after a short delay to allow for the editing of mistakes, bad language, etc

as^2 (æs)   n   1 an ancient Roman unit of weight approximately equal to 1 pound troy (373 grams)   2 the standard monetary unit and copper coin of ancient Rome [C17: from Latin ās unity, probably of Etruscan origin]

as^3   the internet domain name for   American Samoa

As   symbol for   1 chem arsenic   2 altostratus

AS   abbreviation for   1 Also: A.S. Anglo-Saxon   2 antisubmarine   3 Australian Standards: a non-government, not-for-profit standards organization

ASA   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Amateur Swimming Association   2 (in Britain) Advertising Standards Authority   3 (in the US) American Standards Association

ASA/BS   abbreviation for   an obsolete expression of the speed of a photographic film, replaced by the ISO rating [C20: from American Standards Association/British Standard]

asafoetida or asafetida (ˌæsəˈfɛtIdə)   n   a bitter resin with an unpleasant onion-like smell, obtained from the roots of some umbelliferous plants of the genus Ferula: formerly used as a carminative, antispasmodic, and expectorant [C14: from Medieval Latin, from asa gum (compare Persian azā mastic) + Latin foetidus evil-smelling, FETID]

asalam-wa-leikum (ˈʌsəˈlɑːmwɑːˈleIkəm)   interj   a salutation used in India [Urdu]

asana (ˈɑːsənə)   n   any of various postures in yoga. See also hatha yoga [Sanskrit]

Asantehene (æˈʃæntIˌhɛnI)   n   the ruler of the Ashanti people of Ghana

a.s.a.p.   abbreviation for   as soon as possible

asarabacca (ˌæsərəˈbækə)   n   a perennial evergreen Eurasian plant, Asarum europaeum, having kidney-shaped leaves and a single brownish flower: family Aristolochiaceae

asarum (ˈæsərəm)   n   the dried strong-scented root of the wild ginger plant: a flavouring agent and source of an aromatic oil used in perfumery, formerly used in medicine [C19: via New Latin from Latin: hazelwort, from Greek asaron]

ASB   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Accounting Standards Board   2 Alternative Service Book (of the Church of England)

Asben (æsˈbɛn)   n   another name for Aïr

asbestiform (æsˈbɛstIˌfɔːm)   adj   having the look or structure of asbestos

asbestos (æsˈbɛstɒs, -təs) or asbestus (æsˈbɛstəs)   n     a any of the fibrous amphibole and serpentine minerals, esp chrysotile and tremolite, that are incombustible and resistant to chemicals. It was formerly widely used in the form of fabric or board as a heat-resistant structural material   b (as modifier): asbestos matting [C14 (originally applied to a mythical stone the heat of which could not be extinguished): via Latin from Greek: from asbestos inextinguishable, from A-1 + sbennunai to extinguish]   > asˈbestine adj

■ asbestic (æsˈbɛstIk)   adj   relating to asbestos

■ asbestosis (ˌæsbɛsˈtəʊsIs)   n   inflammation of the lungs resulting from chronic inhalation of asbestos particles

■ asbestous (æsˈbɛstəs)   adj   having the look, structure or qualities of asbestos

ASBO (ˈæzˌbəʊ) Brit   n acronym for   (from 1998–2015) anti-social behaviour order: a civil order made against a persistently anti-social individual which restricts his or her activities or movements, a breach of which results in criminal charges

Ascanius (æˈskeInIəs)   n   Roman myth the son of Aeneas and Creusa; founder of Alba Longa, mother city of Rome. Also called: Iulus

ASCAP (ˈæskæp)   n acronym for   American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers

ascared (əˈskɛəd)   adj   Southern US frightened

ascarid (ˈæskərId) or ascaris (ˈæskəˌrIs)   n   any parasitic nematode worm of the family Ascaridae, such as the common roundworm of humans and pigs [C14: from New Latin ascaridae, from Greek askarides, plural of askaris]

■ ascariasis (ˌæskəˈraIəsIs)   n   infestation of the intestines with the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides, causing abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, etc

ascaunt (əˈskɔːnt)   adv   in a slantwise manner

ascend (əˈsɛnd)   vb   1 to go or move up (a ladder, hill, slope, etc); mount; climb   2 (intr) to slope or incline upwards   3 (intr) to rise to a higher point, level, degree, etc   4 to follow (a river) upstream towards its source   5 to trace (a genealogy, etc) back in time   6 to sing or play (a scale, arpeggio, etc) from the lower to higher notes   7 ascend the throne to become king or queen [C14: from Latin ascendere, from scandere]

■ ascendable or ascendible (əˈsɛndəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be ascended

■ ascendancy, ascendency (əˈsɛndənsI) or ascendance, ascendence (əˈsɛndəns)   n   the condition of being dominant, esp through superior economic or political power

■ ascendant or ascendent (əˈsɛndənt)   adj   1 proceeding upwards; rising   2 dominant, superior, or influential   3 botany another term for ascending   ▷ n   4 rare an ancestor   5 a position or condition of dominance, superiority or control   6 astrology (sometimes capital)   a a point on the ecliptic that rises on the eastern horizon at a particular moment and changes as the earth rotates on its axis   b the sign of the zodiac containing this point   7 in the ascendant increasing in influence, prosperity, etc

■ ascendantly (əˈsɛndəntlI)   adv   in an ascendant manner

■ ascender (əˈsɛndə)   n   1 printing   a the part of certain lower-case letters, such as b or h, that extends above the body of the letter   b any letter having such a part   2 a person or thing that ascends   3 another word for ascendeur

■ ascending (əˈsɛndIŋ)   adj   1 moving upwards; rising   2 botany sloping or curving upwards: the ascending stem of a vine

■ ascension (əˈsɛnʃən)   n   1 the act of ascending   2 astronomy the rising of a star above the horizon   > asˈcensional adj

■ ascensionist (əˈsɛnʃənIst)   n   mountaineering a person who has completed a mountain ascent, esp a notable one

■ ascent (əˈsɛnt)   n   1 the act of ascending; climb or upward movement: the ascent of hot gases   2 an upward slope; incline or gradient   3 movement back through time, as in tracing of earlier generations (esp in the phrase line of ascent)

ascendeur (French asɑ̃dœr)   n   mountaineering a metal grip that is threaded on a rope and can be alternately tightened and slackened as an aid to climbing the rope: used attached to slings for the feet and waist. Also called: ascender [C20]

Ascension^1 (əˈsɛnʃən)   n   New Testament the passing of Jesus Christ from earth into heaven (Acts 1:9)

■ Ascension Day   n   Christianity the 40th day after Easter, when the Ascension of Christ into heaven is celebrated

Ascension^2 (əˈsɛnʃən)   n   an island in the S Atlantic, northwest of St Helena: uninhabited until claimed by Britain in 1815. Pop: 884 (2010 est). Area: 88 sq km (34 sq miles)

Ascensiontide (əˈsɛnʃənˌtaId)   n   the ten days from Ascension Day to the day before Whit Sunday

ascensive (əˈsɛnsIv)   adj   1 having the propensity to move in an upwards direction   2 grammar having the power of adding to or making stronger

ascertain (ˌæsəˈteIn)   vb (tr)   1 to determine or discover definitely   2 archaic to make certain [C15: from Old French acertener to make certain]   > ˌascerˈtainable adj   > ˌascerˈtainably adv   > ˌascerˈtainment n

ascesis (əˈsiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   the exercise of self-discipline [C19: from Greek, from askein to exercise]

ascetic (əˈsɛtIk)   n   1 a person who practises great self-denial and austerities and abstains from worldly comforts and pleasures, esp for religious reasons   2 (in the early Christian Church) a monk   ▷ adj also ascetical (əˈsɛtIkəl)   3 rigidly abstinent or abstemious; austere   4 of or relating to ascetics or asceticism   5 intensely rigorous in religious austerities [C17: from Greek askētikos, from askētēs, from askein to exercise]   > asˈcetically adv

■ asceticism (əˈsɛtIˌsIzəm)   n   1 the behaviour, discipline, or outlook of an ascetic, esp of a religious ascetic   2 the principles of ascetic practices, esp in the early Christian Church   3 the theory and system of ascetic practices

Asch (æʃ)   n   Sholem (ˈʃəʊləm). 1880–1957, US writer, born in Poland, who wrote in Yiddish. His works include biblical novels

Aschaffenburg (German aˈʃafənbʊrk)   n   a city in Germany, on the River Main in Bavaria: seat of the Imperial Diet (1447); ceded to Bavaria in 1814. Pop: 68 607 (2003 est)

Ascham (ˈæskəm)   n   Roger. ?1515–68, English humanist writer and classical scholar: tutor to Queen Elizabeth I

asci (ˈæsaI, ˈæskaI)   n   the plural of ascus

ascian (ˈæʃIən)   n   a person who lives in the area between the tropics

ascidian (əˈsIdIən)   n   1 any minute marine invertebrate animal of the class Ascidiacea, such as the sea squirt, the adults of which are degenerate and sedentary: subphylum Tunicata (tunicates)   2 ascidian tadpole the free-swimming larva of an ascidian, having a tadpole-like tail containing the notochord and nerve cord   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or belonging to the Ascidiacea

ascidium (əˈsIdIəm)   n, pl -cidia (-ˈsIdIə)   part of a plant that is shaped like a pitcher, such as the modified leaf of the pitcher plant [C18: from New Latin, from Greek askidion a little bag, from askos bag]

■ ascidiate (əˈsIdIˌeIt)   adj   1 zoology of or relating to the tunicate molluscs of the genus Ascidium   2 botany having the form of an ascidium

ASCII (ˈæskiː)   n acronym for   American standard code for information interchange: a computer code for representing alphanumeric characters

ascites (əˈsaItiːz)   n, pl ascites   accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity [C14: from Latin: a kind of dropsy, from Greek askitēs, from askos wineskin]   > ascitic (əˈsItIk) adj

■ ascitical (æˈsItIkəl)   adj   another term for ascitic

ascititious (ˌæsIˈtIʃəs)   adj   having been added to from something inessential or separate

asclepiad (əˈskliːpIæd)   n   botany a plant that belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae

asclepiadaceous (æˌskliːpIəˈdeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Asclepiadaceae, a family of mostly tropical and subtropical flowering plants, including the milkweed and swallowwort, having pollen in the form of a waxy mass (pollinium): now usually regarded as a subfamily of the Apocynaceae [C19: from New Latin Asclēpias genus name, from Latin, from Greek asklēpias, named after ASCLEPIUS]

Asclepiadean (æˌskliːpIəˈdiːən) prosody   adj   1 of or relating to a type of classical verse line consisting of a spondee, two or three choriambs, and an iamb   ▷ n   2 Also called: Asclepiad an Asclepiadean verse [C17: via Latin from Greek Asklēpiadēs (about 270 BC), who invented the verse form]

asclepias (əˈskliːpIəs)   n   any plant of the perennial mostly tuberous genus Asclepias; some are grown as garden or greenhouse plants for their showy orange-scarlet or purple flowers: family Asclepiadaceae. Sometimes called: milkweed [Greek asklēpias swallowwort]

Asclepius (əˈskliːpIəs)   n   Greek myth a god of healing; son of Apollo. Roman counterpart: Aesculapius (ˌiːskjʊˈleIpIəs)

asco-   combining form   indicating a bladder or ascus: ascomycete [from Greek askos bladder]

ascocarp (ˈæskəˌkɑːp)   n   (in some ascomycetous fungi) a globular structure containing the asci. See apothecium, perithecium

■ ascocarpic (ˌæskəˈkɑːpIk)   adj   relating to an ascocarp

ascogonium (ˌæskəˈɡəʊnIəm)   n, pl -nia (-nIə)   a female reproductive body in some ascomycetous fungi in which, after fertilization, the asci develop

Ascoli Piceno (Italian ˈaskoli piˈtʃɛːno)   n   a town in E central Italy, in the Marches: capital of the Roman province of Picenum; site of the massacre of all its Roman citizens in the Social War in 90 BC. Pop: 51 375 (2001). Latin name: Asculum Picenum (ˈæskjʊləm paIˈsiːnəm)

ascomycete (ˌæskəmaIˈsiːt)   n   any fungus of the phylum Ascomycota (formerly class Ascomycetes) in which the spores (ascospores) are formed inside a club-shaped cell (ascus). The group includes yeast, penicillium, aspergillus, truffles, and certain mildews   > ˌascomyˈcetous adj

asconce (əˈskɒns)   adv   another term for askance

ascorbic acid (əˈskɔːbIk)   n   a white crystalline vitamin present in plants, esp citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables. A deficiency in the diet of humans leads to scurvy. Formula: C_6H_8O_6. Also called: vitamin C [C20 ascorbic from A-1 + SCORB(UT)IC]

■ ascorbate (əˈskɔːbeIt)   n   a salt of ascorbic acid

ascospore (ˈæskəˌspɔː)   n   one of the spores (usually eight in number) that are produced in an ascus

■ ascosporic (ˌæskəˈspɔːrIk, ˌæskəˈspɒrIk)   adj   relating to an ascospore

ascot (ˈæskət)   n   a cravat with wide square ends, usually secured with an ornamental stud [C20: named after ASCOT, where it was probably first worn]

Ascot (ˈæskət)   n   a town in S England, in Bracknell Forest unitary authority, Berkshire: noted for its horse-race meetings, esp Royal Ascot, a four-day meeting held in June. Pop: 8755 (2001)

ascribe (əˈskraIb)   vb (tr)   1 to credit or assign, as to a particular origin or period: to ascribe parts of a play to Shakespeare   2 to attribute as a quality; consider as belonging to: to ascribe beauty to youth [C15: from Latin ascrībere to enrol, from ad in addition + scrībere to write]   > asˈcribable adj

USAGE

Ascribe is sometimes wrongly used where subscribe is meant: I do not subscribe (not ascribe) to this view

■ ascription (əˈskrIpʃən) or adscription (ədˈskrIpʃən)   n   1 the act of ascribing   2 a statement ascribing something to someone, esp praise to God [C16: from Latin ascrīptiō, from ascrībere to ASCRIBE]

■ ascriptive (əˈskrIptIv)   adj   having the ability to be attributable to

ascus (ˈæskəs)   n, pl asci (ˈæsaI, ˈæskaI)   a saclike structure that produces (usually) eight ascospores during sexual reproduction in ascomycetous fungi such as yeasts and mildews [C19: from New Latin, from Greek askos bag]

ASD   abbreviation for   psychiatry autistic-spectrum disorder

ASDE   abbreviation for   Airport Surface Detection Equipment: a radar system that is used by aircraft controllers to assist in the safe manoeuvring of aircraft on the ground

asdic (ˈæzdIk)   n   an early form of sonar [C20: from A(nti-)S(ubmarine) D(etection) I(nvestigation) C(ommittee)]

-ase   suffix forming nouns   indicating an enzyme: oxidase [abstracted from DIASTASE]

asea (əˈsiː)   adv   1 in a seaward manner   2 at or on the sea

ASEAN (ˈæsIˌæn)   n acronym for   Association of Southeast Asian Nations

aseismic (eIˈsaIzmIk)   adj   1 denoting a region free of earthquakes   2 (not in technical use) denoting a region free of all but a few small earthquakes   3 (of buildings, etc) designed to withstand earthquakes

aseity (eIˈsiːItI)   n   philosophy existence derived from itself, having no other source [C17: from Medieval Latin aseitas, from Latin ā from + sē oneself]

asemantic (eIsIˈmæntIk)   adj   rare not semantic

asepalous (æˈsɛpələs)   adj   (of a plant or flower) having no sepals

asepsis (əˈsɛpsIs, eI-)   n   1 the state of being free from living pathogenic organisms   2 the methods of achieving a germ-free condition

■ aseptic (əˈsɛptIk, eI-)   adj   1 free from living pathogenic organisms; sterile   2 aiming to achieve a germ-free condition

■ aseptically (eIˈsɛptIkəlI)   adv   in a non-putrefying manner

■ asepticism (eIˈsɛptIsIzəm)   n   a form of care or treatment which prevents putrification

■ asepticize or asepticise (eIˈsɛptIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   to cause (something) to be aseptic or non-putrefying

aseptate (eIˈsɛpteIt)   adj   biology not divided into cells or sections by septa

asexual (eIˈsɛksjʊəl)   adj   1 having no apparent sex or sex organs   2 (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of male and female gametes, as in vegetative reproduction, fission, or budding   3 (of a person) not sexually attracted to other people   > asexuality (eIˌsɛksjʊˈælItI) n   > aˈsexually adv

Asgard (ˈæsɡɑːd) or Asgarth (ˈæsɡɑːθ)   n   Norse myth the dwelling place of the principal gods, the Aesir

ash^1 (æʃ)   n   1 the nonvolatile products and residue formed when matter is burnt   2 any of certain compounds formed by burning. See soda ash   3 fine particles of lava thrown out by an erupting volcano   4 a light silvery grey colour, often with a brownish tinge ▶ Related adjective: cinereous [Old English æsce; related to Old Norse, Old High German aska, Gothic azgō, Latin aridus dry]

■ ash blond   n   1    a a very light blond colour   b (as adjective): ash-blond hair   2 Also called: ash blonde a person whose hair is this colour

■ ashcake (ˈæʃˌkeIk)   n   a cake or bread that contains cornmeal and is cooked in the embers of a fire

■ ashcan (ˈæʃˌkæn)   n   a US word for dustbin. Also called: garbage can, ash bin, trash can

■ Ash Can School   n   a group of US painters including Robert Henri and later George Bellows, founded in 1907, noted for their depiction of the sordid aspects of city life

■ ash-coloured   adj   silver-grey in colour

■ ashes (ˈæʃIz)   pl n   1 ruins or remains, as after destruction or burning: the city was left in ashes   2 the remains of a human body after cremation

■ Ashes (ˈæʃIz)   pl n   the Ashes a cremated cricket stump in a pottery urn now preserved at Lord's. Victory or defeat in test matches between England and Australia is referred to as winning, losing, or retaining the Ashes [from the mock obituary of English cricket in The Times in 1882 after a great Australian victory at the Oval, in which it was said that the body would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia]

■ ashfall (ˈæʃˌfɔːl)   n   the ash that falls as a deposit from the eruption of a volcano

■ ashiness (ˈæʃInəs)   n   the condition of being like ash in colour or texture or of containing or being coated with ash

■ ashless (ˈæʃlIs)   adj   1 containing no ash   2 not metallized

■ ashman (ˈæʃmən)   n, pl -men   US dustman

■ ashtray (ˈæʃˌtreI)   n   a receptacle for tobacco ash, cigarette butts, etc

■ Ash Wednesday   n   the first day of Lent, named from the practice of Christians of placing ashes on their heads as a sign of penitence

■ ashy (ˈæʃI)   adj ashier, ashiest   1 of a pale greyish colour; ashen   2 consisting of, covered with, or resembling ash

ash^2 (æʃ)   n   1 any oleaceous tree of the genus Fraxinus, esp F. excelsior of Europe and Asia, having compound leaves, clusters of small greenish flowers, and winged seeds   2 the close-grained durable wood of any of these trees, used for tool handles, etc   3 any of several trees resembling the ash, such as the mountain ash   4 Austral any of several Australian trees resembling the ash, esp of the eucalyptus genus [Old English æsc; related to Old Norse askr, Old Saxon, Old High German ask, Lithuanian uosis]

■ ashkey (ˈæʃkiː)   n   the winged fruit of the ash

■ ashplant (ˈæʃˌplɑːnt)   n   a walking stick made from an ash sapling

ash^3 (æʃ)   n   the digraph æ, as in Old English, representing a front vowel approximately like that of the a in Modern English hat. The character is also used to represent this sound in the International Phonetic Alphabet

ASH (æʃ)   n acronym for (in Britain)   Action on Smoking and Health

ashake (əˈʃeIk)   adv   in a shaking manner

ashamed (əˈʃeImd)   adj (usually postpositive)   1 overcome with shame, guilt, or remorse   2 (foll by of) suffering from feelings of inferiority or shame in relation to (a person, thing, or deed)   3 (foll by to) unwilling through fear of humiliation, shame, etc [Old English āscamod, past participle of āscamian to shame, from scamu SHAME]   > ashamedly (əˈʃeImIdlI) adv

■ ashame (əˈʃeIm)   vb (tr)   to cause to feel ashamed

■ ashamedness (əˈʃeImIdnəs)   n   the condition of feeling ashamed

Ashanti (əˈʃæntI)   n   1 an administrative region of central Ghana: former native kingdom, suppressed by the British in 1900 after four wars. Capital: Kumasi. Pop: 3 187 607 (2000). Area: 24 390 sq km (9417 sq miles)   2 (pl -ti or -tis) a native or inhabitant of Ashanti

A shares   pl n   Brit those ordinary shares in a company which carry restricted voting rights or other restrictions

Ashby-de-la-Zouch (ˌæʃbIˌdələˈzuːʃ)   n   a town in central England, in Leicestershire: Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned (1569) in the castle. Pop: 11 409 (2001)

Ashcroft (ˈæʃkrɒft)   n   Dame Peggy. 1907–91, English stage and film actress

Ashdod (ˈæʃdɒd)   n   a town in central Israel, on the Mediterranean coast: an important city in the Philistine Empire, with its artificial harbour (1961) it is now a major port. Pop: 192 000 (2003 est)

Ashdown (ˈæʃdaʊn)   n   Paddy, Baron. real name Jeremy John Durham Ashdown. born 1941, British politician; leader of the Liberal Democrats (formerly the Social and Liberal Democrats) (1988–99); UN high representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2002–06)

Ashe (æʃ)   n   Arthur (Robert). 1943–93, US tennis player: US champion 1968; Wimbledon champion 1975

ashen^1 (ˈæʃən)   adj   1 drained of colour; pallid   2 consisting of or resembling ashes   3 of a pale greyish colour

■ ashen-faced   adj   very pale

ashen^2 (ˈæʃən)   adj   of, relating to, or made from the ash tree or its timber

Asher (ˈæʃə)   n   the son of Jacob and ancestor of one of the 12 tribes of Israel

ashery (ˈæʃərI)   n, pl -ries   a manufacturing place where pearlash and potash are produced from ashes

ashet (ˈæʃIt)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a shallow oval dish or large plate [C16: from French assiette]

Ashford (ˈæʃfəd)   n   a market town in SE England, in central Kent. Pop: 58 936 (2001)

ashine (əˈʃaIn)   adv   in a shining manner

ashiver (əˈʃIvə)   adv   in a shivering manner

Ashkenazi (ˌæʃkəˈnɑːzI)   n, pl -zim (-zIm)   1 (modifier) of or relating to the Jews of Germany and E Europe   2 a Jew of German or E European descent   3 the pronunciation of Hebrew used by these Jews   ▶ Compare Sephardi [C19: Late Hebrew, from Hebrew Ashkenaz, the son of Gomer (Genesis 10:3; I Chronicles 1:6), a descendant of Noah through Japheth, and hence taken to be identified with the ancient Ascanians of Phrygia and, in the medieval period, the Germans]

Ashkenazy (ˌæʃkəˈnɑːzI)   n   Vladimir. born 1937, Soviet-born Icelandic pianist and conductor

Ashkhabad (Russian aʃxaˈbat) or Ashgabat (ˈɑːʃɡəbæt; Turkmen ɑʃɡɑˈbɑt)   n   the capital of Turkmenistan. Pop: 745 961 (2015 est)

ashlar or ashler (ˈæʃlə)   n   1 a block of hewn stone with straight edges for use in building   2 Also called: ashlar veneer a thin dressed stone with straight edges, used to face a wall   3 masonry made of ashlar [C14: from Old French aisselier crossbeam, from ais board, from Latin axis axletree; see AXIS^1]

■ ashlaring (ˈæʃlərIŋ)   n   1 ashlars collectively   2 a number of short upright boards forming the wall of a garret, cutting off the acute angle between the rafters and the floor

Ashley (ˈæʃlI)   n   1  Jack, Baron. 1922–2012, British Labour politician and campaigner for deaf and disabled people   2  Laura. 1925–85, British designer, who built up a successful chain of retail stores selling dresses and fabrics based on traditional English patterns

Ashmolean Museum (æʃˈməʊlIən, ˌæʃməˈlIən)   n   a museum, attached to Oxford University and founded in 1683, noted for its paintings and archaeological collections [C19: named after Elias Ashmole (1617–92), English antiquary who donated the first collection]

ashore (əˈʃɔː)   adv   1 towards or onto land from the water: we swam ashore   ▷ adj, adv (postpositive)   2 on land, having come from the water: a day ashore before sailing

ashram (ˈæʃrəm, ˈɑːʃ-)   n   1 a religious retreat or community where a Hindu holy man lives   2 a house that provides accommodation for destitute people [from Sanskrit āśrama, from ā- near + śrama religious exertion]

■ ashramite (ˈæʃrəˌmaIt)   n   a person who lives in an ashram or place of rest or contemplation

ashrama (ˈɑːʃrəmə)   n   1 Hinduism one of the four stages in Hindu spiritual life   2 another name for ashram

ashtanga yoga (æʃˈtæŋɡə)   n   (sometimes capitals) a vigorous form of yoga involving a sequence of poses

Ashton (ˈæʃtən)   n   1  Catherine. Baroness. born 1956, British Labour politician; High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union (2009–2014)   2  Sir Frederick. 1906–88, British ballet dancer and choreographer. His ballets include Façade (1931), to music by Walton, La Fille mal gardée (1960), The Dream (1964), and A Month in the Country (1976)

Ashton-under-Lyne (laIn)   n   a town in NW England, in Tameside unitary authority, Greater Manchester. Pop: 43 236 (2001)

Ashtoreth (ˈæʃtəˌrɛθ)   n Old Testament   an ancient Semitic fertility goddess, identified with Astarte and Ishtar

Ashur (ˈæʃʊə)   n   a variant spelling of Assur

Ashura (ˈæʃʊˌrɑː)   n   Islam a Shia festival observed on the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar to commemorate the death of the martyr Imam Hussein bin Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 AD) [C21: from Arabic `Ashūrā]

Ashurbanipal (ˌæʃʊəˈbɑːnIˌpæl) or Assurbanipal   n   died ?626 BC, king of Assyria (?668–?626): son of Esarhaddon. He built the magnificent palace and library at Nineveh. Greek name: Sardanapalus

`Asi (ˈæsI)   n   the Arabic name for the Orontes

Asia (ˈeIʃə, ˈeIʒə)   n   the largest of the continents, bordering on the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean and Red Seas in the west. It includes the large peninsulas of Asia Minor, India, Arabia, and Indochina and the island groups of Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka; contains the mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, Pamirs, Tian Shan, Urals, and Caucasus, the great plateaus of India, Iran, and Tibet, vast plains and deserts, and the valleys of many large rivers including the Mekong, Irrawaddy, Indus, Ganges, Tigris, and Euphrates. Pop: 4 164 252 000 (2011 est). Area: 44 391 162 sq km (17 139 445 sq miles)

■ Asia Minor   n   the historical name for Anatolia

■ Asian (ˈeIʃən, ˈeIʒən)   adj   1 of or relating to Asia or to any of its peoples or languages   2 Brit of or relating to natives of the Indian subcontinent or any of their descendants, esp when living in Britain   ▷ n   3 a native or inhabitant of Asia or a descendant of one   4 Brit sometimes offensive a native of the Indian subcontinent or a descendant of one

USAGE

To refer to someone from the Indian subcontinent as an Asian is potentially offensive and should be avoided. If you are talking about one specific group, it is better to say so, for instance people of Indian descent

■ Asian flu   n   a type of influenza recurring in worldwide epidemics, caused by a virus (A2 strain or subsequent antigenic variants), which apparently originated in China in 1957

■ Asian pear   n   1 a tropical pear tree, esp any of several varieties of Japanese pear Pyrus serotina   2 Also called: nashi the fruit of the Japanese pear, which resembles a large yellow apple, has crisp juicy flesh, and is cultivated in Japan, Korea, the US, and New Zealand

■ Asian semi-longhair (-ˈlɒŋˌheə)   n   another name for Tiffanie

■ Asian shorthair (ˈʃɔːtˌheə)   n   a generic term for a group of breeds of short-haired cat of Burmese type, including the Bombay

■ Asiatic (ˌeIʃIˈætIk, -zI-)   n, adj   sometimes offensive a word formerly used for Asian

USAGE

Asiatic is the correct word to use in scientific language when talking about flora, fauna and anthropology, for instance Asiatic lion. Using it as a noun is offensive and old-fashioned

■ Asiatic beetle   n   a Japanese scarabaeid beetle, Anomala orientalis, introduced into Hawaii and the northeastern US: a serious pest of sugar cane and cereal crops because it destroys the roots

■ Asiatic buffalo   n   another name for water buffalo

■ Asiatic cholera   n   another name for cholera

asiago (ˌæzIˈɑːɡəʊ)   n   either of two varieties (ripened or fresh) of a cow's-milk cheese produced in NE Italy [Italian]

aside (əˈsaId)   adv   1 on or to one side: they stood aside to let him pass   2 out of hearing; in or into seclusion: he took her aside to tell her of his plan   3 away from oneself: he threw the book aside   4 out of mind or consideration: she put aside all fears   5 in or into reserve: to put aside money for old age   6 aside from (preposition) chiefly US and Canadian   a besides: she has money aside from her possessions   b except for: he has nothing aside from the clothes he stands in. Compare apart (sense 7)   ▷ n   7 something spoken by an actor, intended to be heard by the audience, but not by the others on stage   8 any confidential statement spoken in undertones   9 a digression

Asimov (ˈæzImɒf)   n   Isaac. 1920–92, US writer and biochemist, born in Russia. His science-fiction works include Foundation Trilogy (1951–53; sequel 1982) and the collection of stories I, Robot (1950)

asinico (ˌæsIˈniːkəʊ)   n   an idiot or a fool [C17: Spanish, diminutive of asno ass]

asinine (ˈæsIˌnaIn)   adj   1 obstinate or stupid   2 resembling an ass [C16: from Latin asinīnus, from asinus ASS^1]   > ˈasiˌninely adv   > asininity (ˌæsIˈnInItI) n

ASIO   abbreviation for   Australian Security Intelligence Organization

Asir (æˈsIə)   n   a region of SW Saudi Arabia, in the Southern Province on the Red Sea: under Turkish rule until 1933. Area: 81 000 sq km (31 000 sq miles)

-asis   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -iasis

A sizes or A series   n   a series of paper sizes approved by the International Standards Organization, running from 2AO to A7, each size (defined in mm) being half as large as the one preceding it, as follows: 2AO,1189 × 1682; AO, 841 × 1189; A1, 594 × 841; A2, 420 × 594; A3, 297 × 420; A4, 210 × 297; A5, 148 × 210; A6, 105 × 148; A7, 74 × 105

ask (ɑːsk)   vb   1 (often foll by about) to put a question (to); request an answer (from): she asked (him) about God   2 (tr) to inquire about: she asked him the time of the train; she asked the way   3 (tr) to direct or put (a question)   4 (may take a clause as object or an infinitive; often foll by for) to make a request or demand: she asked (him) for information; they asked for a deposit   5 (tr) to demand or expect (esp in the phrases ask a lot of, ask too much of)   6 Also: ask out, ask over (tr) to request (a person) politely to come or go to a place; invite: he asked her to the party   7 (tr) to need; require: the job asks both time and patience   8 (tr) archaic to proclaim (marriage banns)   ▷ n   9 a big ask or a tough ask Brit, Austral and NZ informal a task which is difficult to fulfil [Old English āscian; related to Old Frisian āskia, Old Saxon ēscon, Old High German eiscōn]   > ˈasker n

■ ask after or Scot ask for   vb   (preposition) to make inquiries about the health of (someone): he asked after her mother

■ ask for   vb (preposition)   1 to try to obtain by requesting: he asked for help   2 (intr) informal to behave in a provocative manner that is regarded as inviting (trouble): she's asking for trouble; you're asking for it

■ asking price   n   the price suggested by a seller but usually considered to be subject to bargaining

Ask (ɑːsk)   n   Norse myth the first human, created by the gods from an ash tree

askance (əˈskæns) or askant (əˈskænt)   adv   1 with an oblique glance   2 with doubt or mistrust [C16: of unknown origin]

askari (asˈkaːri)   n, pl askari   1 (in East Africa) a soldier or policeman   2 South African history a former resistance fighter who collaborated with the authorities during the apartheid regime [C19: from Arabic: soldier]

askesis (əˈskiːsIs)   n   the procedure of demonstrating self-control and determination of action and purpose

askew (əˈskjuː)   adv, adj   at an oblique angle; towards one side; awry

■ askewness (əˈskjuːnəs)   n   the state of being askew

Askey (ˈæskI)   n   Arthur. 1900–82, British comedian

Askja (ˈɑːskjə)   n   a volcano in E central Iceland: active in 1961; largest crater in Iceland. Height: 1510 m (4954 ft). Area of crater: 88 sq km (34 sq miles)

askos (ˈæskɒs)   n   a small, flat receptacle used in Ancient Greece for storing and pouring liquids, esp oil

asl   abbreviation for   1 above sea level   2 age, sex, and location

ASL   abbreviation for   American Sign Language. See Ameslan

aslake (əˈsleIk)   vb (tr)   archaic to weaken or make (a thing) less intense

aslant (əˈslɑːnt)   adv   1 at a slant   ▷ prep   2 at a slant across or athwart

asleep (əˈsliːp)   adj (postpositive)   1 in or into a state of sleep   2 in or into a dormant or inactive state   3 (of limbs, esp when the blood supply to them has been restricted) numb; lacking sensation   4 euphemistic dead

ASLEF (ˈæzlɛf)   n acronym for (in Britain)   Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

AS level   n Brit   1    a a public examination taken for the General Certificate of Education, with a smaller course content than an A level: since 2000 taken either as the first part of a full A level or as a qualification in its own right   b the course leading to this examination   c (as modifier): AS-level English   2 a pass in a subject at AS level: I've got three AS levels

ASLIB (ˈæzlIb)   n acronym for   Association for Information Management

aslope (əˈsləʊp)   adv, adj   (postpositive) sloping

aslosh (əˈslɒʃ)   adj   1 submerged or deluged with or as with water   ▷ adv   2 in a submerged or deluged manner

ASM   abbreviation for   1 air-to-surface missile   2 theatre assistant stage manager

Asmara (æsˈmɑːrə)   n   the capital of Eritrea; cathedral (1922); Grand Mosque (1937); university (1958). Pop: 803 791 (2015 est)

asmear (əˈsmIə)   adv   in a smeared or soiled manner

Asmodeus (æsˈməʊdIəs, ˌæsməʊˈdiːəs)   n   (in Jewish demonology) prince of the demons [via Latin Asmodaeus, from Avestan Aēsma-daēva, spirit of anger]

asmoulder (əˈsməʊldə)   adv   in a smouldering or slowly burning manner

Asnières-sur-Seine (French anjɛrsyrsɛn)   n   a suburb of Paris, France, on the Seine. Pop: 82 720 (2006)

Aso (ˈɑːsəʊ)   n   a group of five volcanic cones in Japan on central Kyushu, one of which, Naka-dake, has the largest crater in the world, between 16 km (10 miles) and 24 km (15 miles) in diameter. Highest cone: 1592 m (5223 ft). Also called: Asosan (ˌɑːsəʊˈsɑːn)

asocial (eIˈsəʊʃəl)   adj   1 avoiding contact; not gregarious   2 unconcerned about the welfare of others   3 hostile to society or social practices

Asoka (əˈsəʊkə, əˈʃəʊ-)   n   died 232 BC, Indian emperor (?273–232 BC), who elevated Buddhism to the official state religion

asp^1 (æsp)   n   1 the venomous snake, probably Naja haje (Egyptian cobra), that caused the death of Cleopatra and was formerly used by the Pharaohs as a symbol of their power over life and death. See also uraeus   2 Also called: asp viper a viper, Vipera aspis, that occurs in S Europe and is very similar to but smaller than the adder   3 horned asp another name for horned viper [C15: from Latin aspis, from Greek]

■ aspish (ˈæspIʃ)   adj   relating to asps

asp^2 (æsp)   n   an archaic name for the aspen [Old English æspe; related to Old Norse ösp, Old High German aspa]

asparaginase (əˈspærədʒIˌneIz, əˈspærədʒIˌneIs)   n   an enzyme used in treating leukaemia

asparagine (əˈspærəˌdʒiːn, -dʒIn)   n   a nonessential amino acid, a component of proteins [C19: from French, from Latin asparagus ASPARAGUS + -INE^2]

asparagus (əˈspærəɡəs)   n   1 any Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus Asparagus, esp the widely cultivated A. officinalis, having small scaly or needle-like leaves   2 the succulent young shoots of A. officinalis, which may be cooked and eaten   3 asparagus fern a fernlike species of asparagus, A. plumosus, native to southern Africa [C15: from Latin, from Greek asparagos, of obscure origin]

asparkle (əˈspɑːkəl)   adv   in a glittering or glinting manner

aspartame (əˈspɑːˌteIm)   n   an artificial sweetener produced from aspartic acid. Formula: C_14H_18N_2O_5 [C20: from ASPART(IC ACID) + (phenyl)a(lanine) m(ethyl) e(ster)]

aspartic acid (əˈspɑːtIk)   n   a nonessential amino acid that is a component of proteins and acts as a neurotransmitter [C19: from ASPAR(AGUS) + -IC]

■ aspartate (əˈspɑːteIt)   n   chem a salt formed from the amalgamation of a base and aspartic acid

Aspasia (əˈspeIzIə)   n   5th century BC, Greek courtesan; mistress of Pericles

aspect (ˈæspɛkt)   n   1 appearance to the eye; visual effect: the physical aspect of the landscape   2 a distinct feature or element in a problem, situation, etc; facet: to consider every aspect of a problem   3 the way in which a problem, idea, etc, may be considered: to consider a problem from every aspect   4 a facial expression; manner of appearing: a severe aspect   5 a position facing a particular direction; outlook: the southern aspect of a house   6 a view in a certain direction: a good aspect of the village from the tower   7 a surface that faces in a given direction: the ventral aspect of a fish   8 astrology any of several specific angular distances between two planets or a planet and the Ascendant or Midheaven measured, from the earth, in degrees along the ecliptic   9 grammar a category of verbs or verbal inflections that expresses such features as the continuity, repetition, or completedness of the action described. Compare perfective (sense 2), progressive (sense 8), progressive (sense 10)   10 botany   a the compass direction to which a plant habitat is exposed, or the degree of exposure   b the effect of the seasons on the appearance of plants   11 archaic glance or gaze [C14: from Latin aspectus a sight, from aspicere, from ad- to, at + specere to look]

■ aspectable (æsˈpɛktəbəl)   adj   1 having the ability to be seen   2 having a pleasing and seemly appearance worthy of being looked at

■ aspect ratio   n   1 the ratio of width to height of the picture on a television or cinema screen   2 aeronautics the ratio of the span of a wing to its mean chord

■ aspectual (æˈspɛktjʊəl)   adj   of or relating to grammatical aspect

aspen (ˈæspən)   n   1 any of several trees of the salicaceous genus Populus, such as P. tremula of Europe, in which the leaves are attached to the stem by long flattened stalks so that they quiver in the wind. Archaic name: asp   ▷ adj   2 archaic, chiefly literary trembling [Old English æspe; see ASP^2]

asper (ˈæspə)   n   a former Turkish monetary unit, a silver coin, worth 1⁄120 of a piastre [from Turkish, ultimately from Latin: rough, harsh]

asperate (ˈæspəˌreIt) or asperous (ˈæspərəs)   adj   (of plant parts) having a rough surface due to a covering of short stiff hairs

aspergation (ˌæspəˈɡeIʃən)   n   the action of sprinkling, suffusing or irrigating with water

asperge (əˈspɜːdʒ)   n   1 Also called: asperger an implement used for scattering holy water   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to shower or scatter with a liquid, esp holy water

Asperger syndrome (ˈæspɜːɡə) or Asperger's syndrome (ˈæspɜːɡəz)   n   a form of autism in which the person affected has limited but obsessive interests, and has difficulty relating to other people [C20: after Hans Asperger (20th century), Austrian physician who first described it]

Asperges (æˈspɜːdʒiːz)   n RC Church   1 a short rite preceding Mass, in which the celebrant sprinkles those present with holy water to the accompaniment of the chant Asperges me, Domine   2 the chant opening with these words [C16: from Latin Asperges (me hyssopo) Thou shalt purge (me with hyssop)]

aspergillosis (æˌspɜːdʒIˈləʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a rare fungal infection, esp of the mucous membranes or lungs, caused by various species of Aspergillus [C19: from New Latin, from ASPERGILLUS]

aspergillum (ˌæspəˈdʒIləm) or aspergill (ˈæspədʒIl)   n, pl -gilla (-ˈdʒIlə) or -gillums or -gills   a perforated instrument used to sprinkle holy water. Also called: aspersoir [C17: from New Latin aspergillum, from Latin aspergere, from spargere to sprinkle]

aspergillus (ˌæspəˈdʒIləs)   n, pl -gilli (-ˈdʒIlaI)   any ascomycetous fungus of the genus Aspergillus, having chains of conidia attached like bristles to a club-shaped stalk: family Aspergillaceae [C19: from New Latin aspergillum (from its similar appearance)]

asperity (æˈspɛrItI)   n, pl -ties   1 roughness or sharpness of temper   2 roughness or harshness of a surface, sound, taste, etc   3 a condition hard to endure; affliction   4 physics the elastically compressed region of contact between two surfaces caused by the normal force [C16: from Latin asperitās, from asper rough]

aspermia (əˈspɜːmIə)   n   pathol the failure to form or emit semen

asperse (əˈspɜːs)   vb (tr)   1 to spread false rumours about; defame   2 rare to sprinkle, as with water in baptism [C15: from Latin aspersus, from aspergere to sprinkle]   > asˈperser n   > asˈpersive adj   > asˈpersively adv

■ aspersion (əˈspɜːʃən)   n   1 a disparaging or malicious remark; slanderous accusation (esp in the phrase cast aspersions (on))   2 the act of defaming   3 rare the act of sprinkling, esp of water in baptism

aspersoir French (asperswar)   n   another name for aspergillum

aspersorium (ˌæspəˈsɔːrIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə) or -riums RC Church   a basin containing holy water with which worshippers sprinkle themselves. Also called: aspersory

asphalt (ˈæsfælt, ˈæʃ-, -fɔːlt)   n   1 any of several black semisolid substances composed of bitumen and inert mineral matter. They occur naturally in parts of America and as a residue from petroleum distillation: used as a waterproofing material and in paints, dielectrics, and fungicides   2 a mixture of this substance with gravel, used in road-surfacing and roofing materials   3 (modifier) containing or surfaced with asphalt   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to cover with asphalt [C14: from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos, probably from A-1 + sphallein to cause to fall; referring to its use as a binding agent]   > asˈphaltic adj

■ asphalter (ˈæsfæltə)   n   a person who spreads a layer of asphalt

■ asphaltite (æsˈfæltaIt)   n   any of various naturally occurring hydrocarbons that resemble asphalt but have a higher melting point

asphaltum (ˈæsfæltəm)   n   1 a substance used to protect surface areas of metal that do not require to be etched   2 an oil colour, usually dark brown, used for metal surfaces and obtained by mixing asphaltum with oil   3 another name for asphalt

aspheric (əˈsfɛrIk, eIˈsfɛrIk)   n   1 a lens that has a shape that is not completely round   2 a contact lens with changing lens strength   ▷ adj   3 Also: aspherical having a shape that is not completely round

■ aspherical surface   n   photog a lens or mirror surface that does not form part of a sphere and is used to reduce aberrations

aspheterism (æsˈfɛtəˌrIzəm)   n   the teaching that all property should be in common ownership and no individual should benefit from personal possession

■ aspheterize or aspheterise (æsˈfɛtəˌraIz)   vb (intr)   to observe or engage in aspheterism

asphodel (ˈæsfəˌdɛl)   n   1 any of various S European liliaceous plants of the genera Asphodelus and Asphodeline, having clusters of white or yellow flowers. Compare bog asphodel   2 any of various other plants, such as the daffodil   3 an unidentified flower of Greek legend, probably a narcissus, said to cover the Elysian fields [C16: from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos, of obscure origin]

asphyxia (æsˈfIksIə)   n   lack of oxygen in the blood due to restricted respiration; suffocation. If severe enough and prolonged, it causes death [C18: from New Latin, from Greek asphuxia a stopping of the pulse, from A-1 + sphuxis pulse, from sphuzein to throb]   > asˈphyxial adj

■ asphyxiant (æsˈfIksIənt)   adj   1 causing asphyxia   ▷ n   2 anything that causes asphyxia: carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant

■ asphyxiate (æsˈfIksIˌeIt)   vb   to cause asphyxia in or undergo asphyxia; smother; suffocate   > asˌphyxiˈation n   > asˈphyxiˌator n

■ asphyxy (æsˈfIksI)   n, vb   a rare word for asphyxia, asphyxiate

aspic^1 (ˈæspIk)   n   a savoury jelly based on meat or fish stock, used as a relish or as a mould for meat, vegetables, etc [C18: from French: aspic (jelly), ASP^1; variously explained as referring to its colour or coldness as compared to that of the snake]

aspic^2 (ˈæspIk)   n   an archaic word for asp^1 [C17: from French, from Old Provençal espic spike, from Latin spīca, head (of flower); compare SPIKENARD]

aspic^3 (ˈæspIk)   n   either of two species of lavender, Lavandula spica or L. latifolia, that yield an oil used in perfumery: family Lamiaceae (labiates) [C16: from Old French, a variant of aspe ASP^2]

aspidistra (ˌæspIˈdIstrə)   n   any Asian plant of the liliaceous genus Aspidistra, esp A. lurida, a popular house plant with long tough evergreen leaves and purplish flowers borne on the ground [C19: from New Latin, from Greek aspis shield, on the model of Tupistra genus of liliaceous plants]

aspidium (æsˈpIdIəm)   n   a variety of fern that is used in the treatment of various ailments

■ aspidioid (æsˈpIdIɔId)   adj   relating to an aspidium

aspie (ˈæspI)   n   informal, sometimes offensive a person who has Asperger's syndrome

Aspinwall (ˈæspInˌwɔːl)   n   the former name of Colón

aspirata (ˌæspIˈrɑːtə)   n   Greek grammar a heavily aspirated stop that is made without vibration of the vocal cords

aspirate   vb (ˈæspIˌreIt) (tr)   1 phonetics   a to articulate (a stop) with some force, so that breath escapes with audible friction as the stop is released   b to pronounce (a word or syllable) with an initial h   2 to draw in or remove by inhalation or suction, esp to suck (air or fluid) from a body cavity or to inhale (fluid) into the lungs after vomiting   3 to supply air to (an internal-combustion engine)   ▷ n (ˈæspIrIt)   4 phonetics   a a stop pronounced with an audible release of breath   b the glottal fricative represented in English and several other languages as h   ▷ adj (ˈæspIrIt)   5 phonetics (of a stop) pronounced with a forceful and audible expulsion of breath

■ aspirated (ˈæspIˌreItId)   adj   1 phonetics (of a stop) articulated with some force, so that breath escapes with audible friction as the stop is released   2 mechanical engineering (of an internal-combustion engine) supplied with air in the stated way

■ aspiration (ˌæspIˈreIʃən)   n   1 strong desire to achieve something, such as success   2 the aim of such desire   3    a the act of breathing   b a breath   4 phonetics   a the pronunciation of a stop with an audible and forceful release of breath   b the friction of the released breath   c an aspirated consonant   5 removal of air or fluid from a body cavity by suction   6 med   a the sucking of fluid or foreign matter into the air passages of the body   b the removal of air or fluid from the body by suction   > ˌaspiˈrational adj   > aspiratory (əˈspaIrətərI, -trI, ˈæspIrətərI, -trI) adj

■ aspirator (ˈæspIˌreItə)   n   a device employing suction, such as a jet pump or one for removing fluids from a body cavity

aspire (əˈspaIə)   vb (intr)   1 (usually foll by to or after) to yearn (for) or have a powerful or ambitious plan, desire, or hope (to do or be something): to aspire to be a great leader   2 to rise to a great height [C15: from Latin aspīrāre to breathe upon, from spīrāre to breathe]   > asˈpirer n   > asˈpiring adj

■ aspirant (ˈæspIrənt, əˈspaIərənt)   n   1 a person who aspires, as to a high position   ▷ adj   2 aspiring or striving

■ aspiringly (əˈspaIərIŋlI)   adv   in an aspiring manner

■ aspiringness (əˈspaIərIŋnəs)   n   the condition of being aspiring

aspirin (ˈæsprIn)   n, pl -rin or -rins   1 a white crystalline compound widely used in the form of tablets to relieve pain and fever, to reduce inflammation, and to prevent strokes. Formula: CH_3COOC_6H_4COOH. Chemical name: acetylsalicylic acid   2 a tablet of aspirin [C19: from German, from A(cetyl) + Spir(säure) spiraeic acid (modern salicylic acid) + -IN; see also SPIRAEA]

aspis (ˈæspIs)   n   1 Also called: horned viper an African poisonous snake of the genus Cerastes with a thick scale over each eye   2 a shield used in Ancient Greece

asplanchnic (eIˈsplæŋknIk)   adj   zoology having no gut

asplenium (æˈspliːnIəm)   n   any fern of the very large genus Asplenium, of worldwide distribution. Some, esp the bird's nest fern (A. nidus), are grown as greenhouse or house plants for their decorative evergreen fronds: family Polypodiaceae. See also spleenwort [New Latin, from Latin asplēnum, from Greek asplēnon spleenwort, from a- not + splēn spleen (from its reputed medicinal properties)]

asport (əˈspɔːt)   n   1 the phenomena of the vanishing or removal of objects (by a spirit) and the subsequent reappearance in another location   2 an object that a spirit moves or causes to vanish and which subsequently reappears in another location   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to remove or take (something) away in a criminal manner

■ asportation (ˌæspɔːˈteIʃən)   n   1 the removal or taking away of something   2 law the criminal removal or taking away of something

aspout (əˈspaʊt)   adv   in a spurting or spouting manner

asprawl (əˈsprɔːl)   adv   in a lolling or sprawling manner

aspread (əˈsprɛd)   adv   in an extended or stretched out manner

aspro (ˈæsprəʊ)   n, pl -pros   Austral informal an associate professor at an academic institution [C20: from AS(SOCIATE) + PRO(FESSOR)]

asprout (əˈspraʊt)   adv   in a springing or sprouting manner

asquat (əˈskwɒt)   adv   in a crouched down manner

asquint (əˈskwInt)   adv, adj   (postpositive) with a glance from the corner of the eye, esp a furtive one [C13: perhaps from Dutch schuinte slant, of obscure origin]

Asquith (ˈæskwIθ)   n   Herbert Henry, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith. 1852–1928, British statesman; prime minister (1908–16); leader of the Liberal Party (1908–26)

asrama (ˈɑːʃrəmə)   n   1 another name for ashrama   2 another name for ashram

ass^1 (æs)   n   1 either of two perissodactyl mammals of the horse family (Equidae), Equus asinus (African wild ass) or E. hemionus (Asiatic wild ass). They are hardy and sure-footed, having longer ears than the horse. Related adjective: asinine   2 (not in technical use) the domesticated variety of the African wild ass; donkey   3 a foolish or ridiculously pompous person   4 not within an ass's roar of Irish informal not close to obtaining, winning, etc: she wasn't within an ass's roar of it [Old English assa, probably from Old Irish asan, from Latin asinus; related to Greek onos ass]

■ asslike (ˈæslaIk)   adj   having a similarity to an ass

ass^2 (æs) vulgar, slang, chiefly US and Canadian   n   1 the buttocks   2 the anus   3 sexual intercourse   4 offensive a woman considered sexually (esp in the phrase piece of ass)   5 cover one's ass to take such action as one considers necessary to avoid censure, ridicule, etc at a later time [Old English ærs; see ARSE]

■ ass-backward or ass-backwards US slang   adj   1 the wrong way round; back to front; in the opposite order to what is considered normal   2 confused and disorganized   ▷ adv   3 in a confused and disorganized way

■ asshole (ˈæsˌhəʊl)   n   US and Canadian vulgar, slang, derogatory See arse

Assad (ˈasat)   n   1 Bashar al (bæʃə æl). born 1965, Syrian statesman; president of Syria from 2000   2  his father, Hafiz al (ˈhafIz æl). 1928–2000, Syrian statesman and general; president of Syria (1971–2000)

assafetida or assafoetida (ˌæsəˈfɛtIdə)   n   variant spellings of asafoetida

assagai (ˈæsəˌɡaI)   n, pl -gais   a variant spelling of assegai

assai^1 (æˈsaI)   adv   music (usually preceded by a musical direction) very: allegro assai [Italian: enough]

assai^2 (æˈsaI)   n   1 any of several Brazilian palm trees of the genus Euterpe, esp E. edulis, that have small dark purple fleshy edible fruit   2 a beverage made from the fruit of this tree [via Brazilian Portuguese from Tupi]

assail (əˈseIl)   vb (tr)   1 to attack violently; assault   2 to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument   3 to beset or disturb: his mind was assailed by doubts   4 to encounter with the intention of mastering: to assail a problem; to assail a difficult mountain ridge [C13: from Old French asalir, from Vulgar Latin assalīre (unattested) to leap upon, from Latin assilīre, from salīre to leap]   > asˈsailable adj   > asˈsailer n   > asˈsailment n

■ assailant (əˈseIlənt)   n   a person who attacks another, either physically or verbally: he was unable to recognize his assailants

assam (ˈæsæm; Malay ˈasam)   n   (in Malaysia) tamarind as used in cooking. Assam ikan is a dish of fish cooked with tamarind [from Malay asam sour]

Assam (æˈsæm)   n   1 a state of NE India, situated in the central Brahmaputra valley: tropical forest, with the heaviest rainfall in the world; produces large quantities of tea. Capital: Dispur. Pop: 26 638 407 (2001 est). Area: 78 438 sq km (30 673 sq miles)   2 a high-quality black tea grown in the state of Assam

■ Assamese (ˌæsəˈmiːz)   n   1 the state language of Assam, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family and closely related to Bengali   2 (pl -mese) a native or inhabitant of Assam   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Assam, its people, or their language

Assange (əˈsændʒ)   n   Julian (Paul). born 1971, Australian editor of WikiLeaks, a website that published (2010) thousands of leaked US diplomatic and military documents

assart (əˈsɑːt) law   n   1 an area of land that has had trees and undergrowth removed and the ground broken up in preparation for cultivation   2 the process of preparing land for cultivation by removing trees and undergrowth and breaking up the ground   ▷ vb   3 to remove trees and undergrowth and break up (the ground) to prepare land for cultivation

assassin (əˈsæsIn)   n   a murderer, esp one who kills a prominent political figure [C16: from Medieval Latin assassīnus, from Arabic hashshāshīn, plural of hashshāsh one who eats HASHISH]

■ Assassin (əˈsæsIn)   n   a member of a secret sect of Muslim fanatics operating in Persia and Syria from about 1090 to 1256, murdering their victims, usually Crusaders

■ assassinate (əˈsæsIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   1 to murder (a person, esp a public or political figure), usually by a surprise attack   2 to ruin or harm (a person's reputation, etc) by slander   > asˌsassiˈnation n

■ assassinator (əˈsæsIˌneItə)   n   a person who assassinates

■ assassin bug   n   any long-legged predatory, often blood-sucking, insect of the heteropterous family Reduviidae

■ assassin fly   n   another name for robber fly

assault (əˈsɔːlt)   n   1 a violent attack, either physical or verbal   2 law an intentional or reckless act that causes another person to expect to be subjected to immediate and unlawful violence. Compare battery (sense 4), assault and battery   3    a the culmination of a military attack, in which fighting takes place at close quarters   b (as modifier): assault troops   4 rape or attempted rape   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to make an assault upon   6 to rape or attempt to rape [C13: from Old French asaut, from Vulgar Latin assaltus (unattested), from assalīre (unattested) to leap upon; see ASSAIL]   > asˈsaulter n   > asˈsaultive adj

■ assault and battery   n   criminal law a threat of attack to another person followed by actual attack, which need amount only to touching with hostile intent

■ assault course   n   an obstacle course designed to give soldiers practice in negotiating hazards in making an assault

■ assaultively (əˈsɔːltIvlI)   adv   in an assaultive manner

■ assaultiveness (əˈsɔːltIvnəs)   n   the condition of being assaultive

■ assault rifle or assault weapon   n   chiefly US a firearm that is capable of firing multiple rounds in a very short period

assay   vb (əˈseI)   1 to subject (a substance, such as silver or gold) to chemical analysis, as in the determination of the amount of impurity   2 (tr) to attempt (something or to do something)   3 (tr; may take a clause as object) to test, analyse, or evaluate: to assay the significance of early childhood experience   ▷ n (əˈseI, ˈæseI)   4    a an analysis, esp a determination of the amount of metal in an ore or the amounts of impurities in a precious metal   b (as modifier): an assay office   5 a substance undergoing an analysis   6 a written report on the results of an analysis   7 a test   8 archaic an attempt [C14: from Old Northern French assai; see ESSAY]   > asˈsayable adj   > asˈsayer n

assegai or assagai (ˈæsəˌɡaI)   n, pl -gais   1 a southern African cornaceous tree, Curtisia faginea, the wood of which is used for making spears   2 a sharp light spear, esp one made of this wood [C17: from Portuguese azagaia, from Arabic az zaghāyah, from al the + zaghāyah assegai, from Berber]

assemblance^1 (əˈsɛmbləns)   n   obsolete the action or process of gathering or congregating

assemblance^2 (əˈsɛmbləns)   n   the look or impression of something

assemblaunce (əˈsɛmbləns)   n   an archaic form of assemblance^1

assemble (əˈsɛmbəl)   vb   1 to come or bring together; collect or congregate   2 to fit or join together (the parts of something, such as a machine): to assemble the parts of a kit   3 to run (a computer program) that converts a set of symbolic data, usually in the form of specific single-step instructions, into machine language [C13: from Old French assembler, from Vulgar Latin assimulāre (unattested) to bring together, from Latin simul together]

■ assemblage (əˈsɛmblIdʒ)   n   1 a number of things or persons assembled together; collection; assembly   2 a list of dishes served at a meal or the dishes themselves   3 the act or process of assembling or the state of being assembled   4 (ˌæsəmˈblɑːʒ) a three-dimensional work of art that combines various objects into an integrated whole

■ assemblagist (əˈsɛmblədʒIst)   n   a creative person or artist who is skilled in putting together works of art based on assemblage

■ assembler (əˈsɛmblə)   n   1 a person or thing that assembles. See compiler (sense 2)   2 a type of computer program that converts a program written in assembly language into machine code. Compare compiler (sense 2)   3 another name for assembly language

■ assembly (əˈsɛmblI)   n, pl -blies   1 a number of people gathered together, esp for a formal meeting held at regular intervals   2 the act of assembling or the state of being assembled   3 the process of putting together a number of parts to make a machine or other product   4 machinery a group of mating components before or after fitting together   5 military   a a signal for personnel to assemble, as by drum, bugle, etc   b (as modifier): an assembly area

■ Assembly (əˈsɛmblI)   n, pl -blies   1 the lower chamber in various American state legislatures. See also House of Assembly, legislative assembly, National Assembly   2 NZ short for General Assembly

■ assembly language   n   computing a low-level programming language that allows a programmer complete control of the machine code to be generated

■ assembly line   n   a sequence of machines, tools, operations, workers, etc, in a factory, arranged so that at each stage a further process is carried out

■ assemblyman (əˈsɛmblImən)   n, pl -men   (sometimes capital) a member of an assembly, esp a legislature

■ Assembly of First Nations   n   the national organization which represents the First Nations in Canada. Abbreviation: AFN

■ assemblywoman (əˈsɛmblIwʊmən)   n, pl assemblywomen   US politics a female member of an assembly, esp a legislature

assemblé French (asɑ̃ble)   n   ballet a sideways leap in which the feet come together in the air in preparation for landing [literally: brought together]

Assen (Dutch ˈɑsə)   n   a city in the N Netherlands, capital of Drenthe province. Pop: 62 000 (2003 est)

assent (əˈsɛnt)   n   1 agreement, as to a statement, proposal, etc; acceptance   2 hesitant agreement; compliance   3 sanction   ▷ vb   4 (intr; usually foll by to) to agree or express agreement [C13: from Old French assenter, from Latin assentīrī, from sentīre to think]

■ assentaneous (ˌæsənˈteInIəs)   adj   having a tendency to agree, comply or acquiesce

■ assentation (ˌæsɛnˈteIʃən)   n   servile or hypocritical agreement

■ assentator (ˈæsənˌteItə)   n   a person who agrees or acquiesces in a compliant or fawning manner

■ assenter (əˈsɛntə)   n   a person who agrees or complies

■ assentient (əˈsɛnʃIənt)   adj   1 approving or agreeing   ▷ n   2 a person who assents

■ assentingly (əˈsɛntIŋlI)   adv   in a concurring or complying manner

■ assentive (əˈsɛntIv)   adj   having the tendency to concur or comply

■ assentiveness (əˈsɛntIvnəs)   n   the tendency to concur or comply

■ assentor (əˈsɛntə)   n   Brit government any of the eight voters legally required to endorse the nomination of a candidate in a parliamentary or local election in addition to the nominator and seconder

assert (əˈsɜːt)   vb (tr)   1 to insist upon (rights, claims, etc)   2 (may take a clause as object) to state to be true; declare categorically   3 to put (oneself) forward in an insistent manner [C17: from Latin asserere to join to oneself, from serere to join]   > asˈserter or asˈsertor n   > asˈsertible adj

■ assertable (əˈsɜːtəbəl)   adj   having the ability to be affirmed or professed or deserving of affirmation

■ assertedly (əˈsɜːtIdlI)   adv   in a maintained but uncorroborated manner

■ assertion (əˈsɜːʃən)   n   1 a positive statement, usually made without an attempt at furnishing evidence   2 the act of asserting

■ assertive (əˈsɜːtIv)   adj   1 confident and direct in claiming one's rights or putting forward one's views   2 given to making assertions or bold demands; dogmatic or aggressive   > asˈsertively adv   > asˈsertiveness n

■ assertoric (ˌæsɜːˈtɒrIk)   adj logic   1 (of a statement) stating a fact, as opposed to expressing an evaluative judgment   2 obsolete judging what is rather than what may or must be   ▶ Compare apodeictic (sense 2), problematic (sense 2)

■ assertory (əˈsɜːtərI)   adj   1 characterized by or relating to declaration or affirmation   2 logic another word for assertoric

assess (əˈsɛs)   vb (tr)   1 to judge the worth, importance, etc, of; evaluate   2 (foll by at) to estimate the value of (income, property, etc) for taxation purposes: the estate was assessed at three thousand pounds   3 to determine the amount of (a fine, tax, damages, etc)   4 to impose a tax, fine, etc, on (a person or property) [C15: from Old French assesser, from Latin assidēre to sit beside, from sedēre to sit]   > asˈsessable adj

■ assessment (əˈsɛsmənt)   n   1 the act of assessing, esp (in Britain) the evaluation of a student's achievement on a course   2 an amount determined as payable   3 a valuation set on taxable property, income, etc   4 evaluation; estimation

■ assessment arrangements   pl n   Brit education nationally standardized plans for pupil assessment in different subjects based on attainment targets at the end of each key stage in the National Curriculum

■ assessor (əˈsɛsə)   n   1 a person who evaluates the merits, importance, etc, of something, esp (in Britain) work prepared as part of a course of study   2 a person who values property for taxation   3 a person who estimates the value of damage to property for insurance purposes   4 a person with technical expertise called in to advise a court on specialist matters   5 a person who shares another's position or rank, esp in an advisory capacity   > assessorial (ˌæsɛˈsɔːrIəl) adj

■ assessorship (əˈsɛsəʃIp)   n   the occupation, post or duties of a person who assesses, advises, or estimates

asset (ˈæsɛt)   n   anything valuable or useful: experience is their main asset [C19: back formation from ASSETS]

■ asset-backed fund   n   a fund in which the money is invested in property, shares, etc, rather than being deposited with a bank or building society

■ assetless (ˈæsɛtlIs)   adj   having no assets or property that can be used to pay off debts

■ assets (ˈæsɛts)   pl n   1 accounting the property and claims against debtors that a business enterprise may apply to discharge its liabilities. Assets may be fixed, current, liquid, or intangible and are shown balanced against liabilities. Compare liabilities   2 law the property available to an executor or administrator for settlement of the debts and payment of legacies of the estate of a deceased or insolvent person   3 any property owned by a person or firm [C16 (in the sense: enough to discharge one's liabilities): via Anglo-French from Old French asez enough, from Vulgar Latin ad satis (unattested), from Latin ad up to + satis enough]

■ asset-stripping   n   commerce the practice of taking over a failing company at a low price and then selling the assets piecemeal before closing the company down   > ˈasset-ˌstripper n

■ asset value   n   the value of a share in a company calculated by dividing the difference between the total of its assets and its liabilities by the number of ordinary shares issued

asseverate (əˈsɛvəˌreIt) or assever (əˈsɛvə)   vb   (tr) to assert or declare emphatically or solemnly [C18: from Latin assevērāre to do (something) earnestly, from sevērus SEVERE]   > asˌseverˈation n

■ asseveratingly (əˈsɛvəˌreItIŋlI)   adv   in an asseverating or affirming manner

■ asseverative (əˈsɛvərətIv)   adj   characterized by or relating to solemn declaration or affirmation

assez (ˈæseI)   adv   music (as part of a musical direction) fairly; rather [C19: French: enough]

Asshur (ˈæʃʊə)   n   a variant spelling of Assur

assibilate (əˈsIbIˌleIt)   vb phonetics   1 (intr) (of a speech sound) to be changed into a sibilant   2 (tr) to pronounce (a speech sound) with or as a sibilant [C19: from Late Latin assībilāre to hiss at, from sībilāre to hiss; see SIBILANT]   > asˌsibiˈlation n

assiduity (ˌæsIˈdjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 constant and close application   2 (often plural) devoted attention

assiduous (əˈsIdjʊəs)   adj   1 hard-working; persevering: an assiduous researcher   2 undertaken with perseverance and care: assiduous editing [C16: from Latin assiduus sitting down to (something), from assidēre to sit beside, from sedēre to sit]   > asˈsiduously adv   > asˈsiduousness n

assiege (əˈsiːdʒ)   n   1 obsolete a besiegement   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to besiege, surround or close in on

assiento (ˌæsIˈɛntəʊ)   n   a slave trade treaty between other countries and Spain which allowed other countries to supply slaves to Spanish dependencies or colonies

assign (əˈsaIn)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to select for and appoint to a post, etc: to assign an expert to the job   2 to give out or allot (a task, problem, etc): to assign advertising to an expert   3 to set apart (a place, person, time, etc) for a particular function or event: to assign a day for the meeting   4 to attribute to a specified cause, origin, or source; ascribe: to assign a stone cross to the Vikings   5 to transfer (one's right, interest, or title to property) to someone else   6 (also intr) law (formerly) to transfer (property) to trustees so that it may be used for the benefit of creditors   7 military to allocate (men or materials) on a permanent basis. Compare attach (sense 6)   8 computing to place (a value corresponding to a variable) in a memory location   ▷ n   9 law a person to whom property is assigned; assignee [C14: from Old French assigner, from Latin assignāre, from signāre to mark out]   > asˈsignable adj   > asˌsignaˈbility n   > asˈsignably adv   > asˈsigner n

■ assignee (ˌæsaIˈniː)   n   1 law a person to whom some right, interest, or property is transferred   2 Austral history a convict who had undergone assignment

■ assignment (əˈsaInmənt)   n   1 something that has been assigned, such as a mission or task   2 a position or post to which a person is assigned   3 the act of assigning or state of being assigned   4 law   a the transfer to another of a right, interest, or title to property, esp personal property: assignment of a lease   b the document effecting such a transfer   c the right, interest, or property transferred   5 law (formerly) the transfer, esp by an insolvent debtor, of property in trust for the benefit of his or her creditors   6 logic a function that associates specific values with each variable in a formal expression   7 Austral history a system (1789–1841) whereby a convict could become the unpaid servant of a freeman

■ assignor (ˌæsIˈnɔː)   n   law a person who transfers or assigns property

assignat (ˈæsIɡˌnæt, ˌæsIˈnjɑː; French asiɲa)   n   French history the paper money issued by the Constituent Assembly in 1789, backed by the confiscated land of the Church and the émigrés [C18: from French, from Latin assignātum something appointed; see ASSIGN]

assignation (ˌæsIɡˈneIʃən)   n   1 a secret or forbidden arrangement to meet, esp one between lovers   2 the act of assigning; assignment   3 law, chiefly Scot another word for assignment [C14: from Old French, from Latin assignātiō a marking out; see ASSIGN]

assimilate (əˈsImIˌleIt)   vb   1 (tr) to learn (information, a procedure, etc) and understand it thoroughly   2 (tr) to absorb (food) and incorporate it into the body tissues   3 (intr) to become absorbed, incorporated, or learned and understood   4 (usually foll by into or with) to bring or come into harmony; adjust or become adjusted: the new immigrants assimilated easily   5 (usually foll by to or with) to become or cause to become similar   6 (usually foll by to) phonetics to change (a consonant) or (of a consonant) to be changed into another under the influence of one adjacent to it: (n) often assimilates to ŋ before (k), as in "include" [C15: from Latin assimilāre to make one thing like another, from similis like, SIMILAR]   > asˈsimilable adj   > asˈsimilably adv   > asˌsimiˈlation n   > asˈsimilative or asˈsimilatory adj   > asˈsimiˌlator n   > asˈsimilatively adv

■ assimilability (əˌsImIləˈbIlItI)   n   the capacity to be assimilated or made similar

■ assimilationism (əˌsImIˈleIʃənIzəm)   n   the theory of promoting the incorporation and mixing of different groups in society

■ assimilationist (əˌsImIˈleIʃənIst)   n   1 a person who favours and promotes the incorporation and mixing of different groups in society   ▷ adj   2 relating to the favouring and promotion of the incorporation and mixing of different groups in society

Assiniboine^1 (əˈsInIˌbɔIn)   n   a river in W Canada, rising in E Saskatchewan and flowing southeast and east to the Red River at Winnipeg. Length: over 860 km (500 miles)

Assiniboine^2 (əˈsInəˌbɔIn)   n   1 (pl -boine or -boines) a member of an indigenous North American people living in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana; one of the Sioux peoples   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Siouan family

Assisi (Italian asˈsiːzi)   n   a town in central Italy, in Umbria: birthplace of St Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order here in 1208. Pop: 25 304 (2001)

assist (əˈsIst)   vb   1 to give help or support to (a person, cause, etc); aid   2 to work or act as an assistant or subordinate to (another)   3 ice hockey to help (a team-mate) to score, as by passing the puck   4 (intr; foll by at) archaic to be present; attend   ▷ n   5 US and Canadian the act of helping; aid; assistance   6 baseball the act of a player who throws or deflects a batted ball in such a way that a team is enabled to put out an opponent   7 sport   a a pass or other action by a player which enables another player to score a goal   b a credit given for such an action [C15: from French assister to be present, from Latin assistere to stand by, from sistere to cause to stand, from stāre to stand]   > asˈsister n

■ assistance (əˈsIstəns)   n   1 help; support   2 the act of assisting   3 Brit informal See national assistance

■ assistance dog   n   a dog that has been specially trained to live with and accompany a disabled person, carrying out such tasks as prompting them to take medication or assisting them to cross a road

■ assistant (əˈsIstənt)   n   1    a a person who assists, esp in a subordinate position   b (as modifier): assistant manager   2 See shop assistant   ▷ adj   3 archaic helpful or useful as an aid

■ assistant professor   n   US and Canadian a university teacher lower in rank than an associate professor

■ assistant referee   n   soccer the official name for linesman (sense 1)

■ assistantship (əˈsIstəntʃIp)   n   US education a graduate post which requires the student to carry out some teaching duties in return for financial assistance

■ assisted dying   n   the suicide of a person with an incurable disease, using a lethal dose of drugs provided by a physician for this purpose

■ assisted living (əˈsIstId)   n     a a living environment for elderly people, in which personal and medical care are supplied   b (as modifier): private assisted-living apartments

■ assistive (əˈsIstIv)   adj   providing a means of reducing a physical disability: an assistive device such as a hearing aid

■ assistor (əˈsIstə)   n   a variant spelling of assister

Assiut (æˈsjuːt)   n   a variant spelling of Asyut

assize (əˈsaIz)   n   1 (in the US)   a a sitting of a legislative assembly or administrative body   b an enactment or order of such an assembly   2 English history a trial or judicial inquest, the writ instituting such inquest, or the verdict   3 Scots law   a trial by jury   b another name for jury^1 [C13: from Old French assise session, from asseoir to seat, from Latin assidēre to sit beside; see ASSESS]

■ assizer (əˈsaIzə)   n   1 an official in charge of rules regarding weights and measures and setting prices for certain consumables   2 English history a person who was a member of an assize or group of witnesses at a legal inquiry

■ assizes (əˈsaIzIz)   pl n   (formerly in England and Wales) the sessions, usually held four times a year, of the principal court in each county, exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction, attended by itinerant judges: replaced in 1971 by crown courts

assn   abbreviation for   association

assoc.   abbreviation for   1 associate(d)   2 association

associate   vb (əˈsəʊʃIˌeIt, -sI-) (usually foll by with)   1 (tr) to link or connect in the mind or imagination: to associate Christmas with fun   2 (intr) to keep company; mix socially: to associate with writers   3 (intr) to form or join an association, group, etc   4 (tr; usually passive) to consider in conjunction; connect: rainfall is associated with humidity   5 (tr) to bring (a person, esp oneself) into friendship, partnership, etc   6 (tr; often passive) to express agreement or allow oneself to be connected (with): Bertrand Russell was associated with the peace movement   ▷ n (əˈsəʊʃIIt, -ˌeIt, -sI-)   7 a person joined with another or others in an enterprise, business, etc; partner; colleague   8 a companion or friend   9 something that usually accompanies another thing; concomitant: hope is an associate to happiness   10 a person having a subordinate position in or admitted to only partial membership of an institution, association, etc   ▷ adj (əˈsəʊʃIIt, -ˌeIt, -sI-) (prenominal)   11 joined with another or others in an enterprise, business, etc; having equal or nearly equal status: an associate director   12 having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status: an associate member   13 accompanying; concomitant [C14: from Latin associāre to ally with, from sociāre to join, from socius an ally]   > asˈsociable adj   > asˈsociˌator n   > asˈsociatory adj   > asˈsociateˌship n

■ associability (əˌsəʊʃəˈbIlItI)   n   the condition of or the capacity to be associable or linked or related in thinking

■ associated statehood   n   the semi-independent political status of various former British colonies in the Caribbean from 1967 until each became an independent state in the British Commonwealth, by which Britain retained responsibility for defence and some aspects of foreign affairs. The associated states were Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines

■ associate professor   n   1 (in the US and Canada) a university teacher lower in rank than a full professor but higher than an assistant professor   2 (in New Zealand) a senior lecturer holding the rank below professor

■ association (əˌsəʊsIˈeIʃən, -ʃI-)   n   1 a group of people having a common purpose or interest; a society or club   2 the act of associating or the state of being associated   3 friendship or companionship: their association will not last   4 a mental connection of ideas, feelings, or sensations: association of revolution with bloodshed   5 psychol the mental process of linking ideas so that the recurrence of one idea automatically recalls the other. See also free association   6 chem the formation of groups of molecules and ions, esp in liquids, held together by weak chemical bonds   7 ecology a group of similar plants that grow in a uniform environment and contain one or more dominant species

■ associational (əˌsəʊsIˈeIʃənəl)   adj   relating to association or alliance or an association, alliance or affiliation

■ association football   n   a more formal name for soccer

■ associationism (əˌsəʊsIˈeIʃəˌnIzəm)   n   psychol a theory that all mental activity is based on connections between basic mental events, such as sensations and feelings

■ associationist (əˌsəʊsIˈeIʃənIst)   n   1 a person who is a member of a group or organization   2 a person who believes in and promotes the principle of associationism whereby an association of thoughts leads to intellectual progressions or processes   ▷ adj   3 relating to the principle of associationism whereby an association of thoughts leads to intellectual progressions or processes

■ association law   n   psychol any law governing the association of ideas

■ associative (əˈsəʊʃIətIv)   adj   1 of, relating to, or causing association or union   2 maths, logic   a being independent of the grouping of numbers, symbols, or terms within a given set, as in conjunction or in an expression such as (2 × 3) × 4 = 2 × (3 × 4)   b referring to this property: the associative laws of arithmetic

■ associative cortex   n   anatomy the part of the cortex that does not have direct connections to the senses or motor system and is thought to be involved in higher mental processes

■ associatively (əˈsəʊʃIətIvlI)   adv   in an associative or connective manner

■ associative storage   n   computing a storage device in which the information is identified by content rather than by an address. Also called: content-addressable storage

■ associativity (əˌsəʊsIəˈtIvItI)   n   maths the quality of being associative

assoil (əˈsɔIl)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to absolve; set free   2 to atone for [C13: from Old French assoldre, from Latin absolvere to ABSOLVE]

■ assoilment (əˈsɔIlmənt)   n   1 the state or act of forgiveness or deliverance from transgression or denunciation   2 contamination or degradation caused by transgression or evil-doing

assoilzie (əˈsɔIlI, əˈsɔIljI)   vb (tr)   Scot another term for assoil

assonance (ˈæsənəns)   n   1 the use of the same vowel sound with different consonants or the same consonant with different vowels in successive words or stressed syllables, as in a line of verse. Examples are time and light or mystery and mastery   2 partial correspondence; rough similarity [C18: from French, from Latin assonāre to sound, from sonāre to sound]   > ˈassonant adj, n   > assonantal (ˌæsəˈnæntəl) adj

■ assonate (ˈæsəˌneIt)   vb   to display assonance or match in sound

assort (əˈsɔːt)   vb   1 (tr) to arrange or distribute into groups of the same type; classify   2 (intr; usually foll by with) to fit or fall into a class or group; match   3 (tr) to supply with an assortment of merchandise   4 (tr) to put in the same category as others; group   5 (intr; usually foll by with) rare to keep company; consort [C15: from Old French assorter, from sorte SORT]   > asˈsortative or asˈsortive adj   > asˈsortatively adv   > asˈsorter n

■ assorted (əˈsɔːtId)   adj   1 consisting of various kinds mixed together; miscellaneous: assorted sweets   2 arranged in sorts; classified: assorted categories   3 matched; suited (esp in the combinations well-assorted, ill-assorted)

■ assortedness (əˈsɔːtIdnəs)   n   the position of being sorted, grouped or harmonized with, well or badly, or provided with a good or bad assortment or mixture

■ assortment (əˈsɔːtmənt)   n   1 a collection or group of various things or sorts   2 the act of assorting

assot (əˈsɒt)   vb   to (cause to) be or become obsessed or captivated

■ assott (əˈsɒt)   adj   besotted

ASSR   abbreviation for   (formerly) Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic

asst   abbreviation for   assistant

assuage (əˈsweIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to soothe, moderate, or relieve (grief, pain, etc)   2 to give relief to (thirst, appetite, etc); satisfy   3 to pacify; calm [C14: from Old French assouagier, from Vulgar Latin assuāviāre (unattested) to sweeten, from Latin suāvis pleasant; see SUAVE]   > asˈsuagement n   > asˈsuager n   > assuasive (əˈsweIsIv) adj

Assuan or Assouan (ɑːsˈwɑːn)   n   variant spellings of Aswan

assubjugate (əˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeIt)   vb (tr)   to cause to be oppressed or overpowered

assuefaction (ˌæswIˈfækʃən)   n   the condition of being or becoming familiar with or used to something

assuetude (ˈæswIˌtjuːd)   n   the state of being familiar with or used to something

assume (əˈsjuːm)   vb (tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to take for granted; accept without proof; suppose: to assume that someone is sane   2 to take upon oneself; undertake or take on or over (a position, responsibility, etc): to assume office   3 to pretend to; feign: he assumed indifference, although the news affected him deeply   4 to take or put on; adopt: the problem assumed gigantic proportions   5 to appropriate or usurp (power, control, etc); arrogate: the revolutionaries assumed control of the city   6 Christianity (of God) to take up (the soul of a believer) into heaven [C15: from Latin assūmere to take up, from sūmere to take up, from SUB- + emere to take]   > asˈsumable adj   > asˈsumer n

■ assumability (əˌsjuːməˈbIlItI)   n, pl -ties   a mortgage loan or a feature of such that allows the buyer of a property to assume or take on the existing mortgage from the property seller

■ assumably (əˈsjuːməblI)   adv   in a presumable manner

■ assumed (əˈsjuːmd)   adj   1 false; fictitious: an assumed name   2 taken for granted: an assumed result   3 usurped; arrogated: an assumed authority

■ assumedly (əˈsjuːmIdlI)   adv   in a presumed manner

■ assuming (əˈsjuːmIŋ)   adj   1 expecting too much; presumptuous; arrogant   ▷ conj   2 (often foll by that) if it is assumed or taken for granted (that): even assuming he understands the problem, he will never take any action

■ assumingly (əˈsjuːmIŋlI)   adv   in a presuming manner

■ assumption (əˈsʌmpʃən)   n   1 the act of taking something for granted or something that is taken for granted   2 an assuming of power or possession of something   3 arrogance; presumption   4 logic a statement that is used as the premise of a particular argument but may not be otherwise accepted. Compare axiom (sense 4) [C13: from Latin assūmptiō a taking up, from assūmere to ASSUME]   > asˈsumptive adj   > asˈsumptively adv

assumpsit (əˈsʌmpsIt)   n   law (before 1875) an action to recover damages for breach of an express or implied contract or agreement that was not under seal [C17: from Latin, literally: he has undertaken, from assūmere to ASSUME]

Assumption (əˈsʌmpʃən)   n Christianity   1 the taking up of the Virgin Mary (body and soul) into heaven when her earthly life was ended   2 the feast commemorating this, celebrated by Roman Catholics on Aug 15

Assur, Asur (ˈæsə) or Asshur, Ashur (ˈæʃʊə)   n   1 the supreme national god of the ancient Assyrians, chiefly a war god, whose symbol was an archer within a winged disc   2 one of the chief cities of ancient Assyria, on the River Tigris about 100 km (60 miles) downstream from the present-day city of Mosul

Assurbanipal (ˌæsʊəˈbɑːnIˌpæl)   n   a variant spelling of Ashurbanipal

assure (əˈʃʊə)   vb (tr; may take a clause as object)   1 to cause to feel sure or certain; convince: to assure a person of one's love   2 to promise; guarantee: he assured us that he would come   3 to state positively or with assurance   4 to make (an event) certain; ensure   5 chiefly Brit to insure against loss, esp of life   6 property law another word for convey [C14: from Old French aseürer to assure, from Medieval Latin assēcūrāre to secure or make sure, from sēcūrus SECURE]   > asˈsurable adj   > asˈsurer n

■ assurance (əˈʃʊərəns)   n   1 a statement, assertion, etc, intended to inspire confidence or give encouragement: she was helped by his assurance that she would cope   2 a promise or pledge of support: he gave an assurance of help when needed   3 freedom from doubt; certainty: his assurance about his own superiority infuriated her   4 forwardness; impudence   5 chiefly Brit insurance providing for certainties such as death as contrasted with fire or theft

■ assured (əˈʃʊəd)   adj   1 made certain; sure; guaranteed   2 self-assured   3 chiefly Brit insured, esp by a life assurance policy   ▷ n   4 chiefly Brit   a the beneficiary under a life assurance policy   b the person whose life is insured   > assuredly (əˈʃʊərIdlI) adv   > asˈsuredness n

■ assured tenancy   n   Brit an agreement between a government-approved body such as a housing association and a tenant for occupation of a newly-built house or flat at an agreed market rent, under which the tenant has security of tenure. Compare regulated tenancy

■ assuror (əˈʃʊərə)   n   a person who provides security for loss of life or property

assurgent (əˈsɜːdʒənt)   adj   (of leaves, stems, etc) curving or growing upwards; rising [C16: from Latin assurgere to rise up, from surgere to rise]   > asˈsurgency n

asswipe (ˈæswaIp)   n   US vulgar, slang another term for arse (sense 3)

Assyria (əˈsIrIə)   n   an ancient kingdom of N Mesopotamia: it established an empire that stretched from Egypt to the Persian Gulf, reaching its greatest extent between 721 and 633 BC. Its chief cities were Assur and Nineveh

■ Assyrian (əˈsIrIən)   n   1 an inhabitant of ancient Assyria   2 a modern-day descendant of the ancient Assyrians   3    a the language of the ancient Assyrians, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family and regarded as a dialect of Akkadian   b a dialect of Aramaic, spoken by modern Assyrians   ▷ adj   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient or modern Assyrians, their language, or their culture

Assyriology (əˌsIrIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the culture, history, and archaeological remains of ancient Assyria   > Asˌsyriˈologist n

assythment (əˈsaIθmənt, əˈsaIðmənt)   n   the recompense or redress made for wrongs or damage committed

AST   abbreviation for   1 Atlantic Standard Time   2 automated screen trading (in securities)   3 Brit education advanced skills teacher

astable (eIˈsteIbəl)   adj   1 not stable   2 electronics capable of oscillating between two states

astacology (ˌæstəˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the investigation and analysis of crayfish

■ astacological (ˌæstəkəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   relating to astacology

■ astacologist (ˌæstəˈkɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who investigates and analyses crayfish

Astaire (əˈstɛə)   n   Fred, real name Frederick Austerlitz. 1899–1987, US dancer, singer, and actor, whose films include Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936), and The Band Wagon (1953)

Astana (æˈstænə)   n   the capital of Kazakhstan, in the N of the country; replaced Almaty as capital in 1997; an important railway junction. Pop: 758 961 (2015 est). Former names: (until 1961) Akmolinsk, (1961–94) Tselinograd, (1994–98) Akmola

Astanga yoga or Ashtanga yoga (æˈʃtæŋɡə)   n   (sometimes without capital) a revived ancient form of yoga that involves a fast and powerful series of movements

astarboard (əˈstɑːbɔːd)   adv   nautical to or from the starboard side

astare (əˈstɛə)   adv   in an obvious or pronounced manner

Astarte (æˈstɑːtI)   n   a fertility goddess worshipped by the Phoenicians: identified with Ashtoreth of the Hebrews and Ishtar of the Babylonians and Assyrians

astasia (əˈsteIʒə, əˈsteIzIə)   n   the incapability of being able to stand which is caused by impairment of the coordination of muscles

astatic (æˈstætIk, eI-)   adj   1 not static; unstable   2 physics   a having no tendency to assume any particular position or orientation   b (of a galvanometer) having two mutually compensating magnets arranged so that the instrument is independent of the earth's magnetic field [C19: from Greek astatos unsteady; see A-1, STATIC]   > aˈstatically adv   > aˈstatiˌcism n

astatine (ˈæstəˌtiːn, -tIn)   n   a radioactive element of the halogen series: a decay product of uranium and thorium that occurs naturally in minute amounts and is artificially produced by bombarding bismuth with alpha particles. Symbol: At; atomic no: 85; half-life of most stable isotope, 210At: 8.1 hours; probable valency: 1,3,5, or 7; melting pt: 302°C; boiling pt: 337°C (est) [C20: from Greek astatos unstable (see ASTATIC) + -INE^2]

■ astatide (ˈæstəˌtaId)   n   chem a binary compound of astatine with a more electropositive element

astatki (əˈstætkI)   n   the fuel derived from leftover constituents of refined Russian petroleum which is turned into liquid by treating with steam

Astbury (ˈæstbərI)   n   John. 1688–1743, English potter; earliest of the great Staffordshire potters

asteism (ˈæstIˌIzəm)   n   use of creative, courteous, and well-mannered sarcasm or ridicule

astely (æˈstiːlI)   n   botany the lack of a central cylinder or stele

aster (ˈæstə)   n   1 any plant of the genus Aster, having white, blue, purple, or pink daisy-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites). Compare golden aster   2 China aster a related Chinese plant, Callistephus chinensis, widely cultivated for its showy brightly coloured flowers   3 cytology a group of radiating microtubules that surrounds the centrosome before and during mitosis [C18: from New Latin, from Latin aster star, from Greek]

-aster   suffix forming nouns   a person or thing that is inferior or bears only a poor resemblance to what is specified: poetaster [from Latin: suffix indicating imperfect resemblance]

astereognosis (əˌstɛrIəʊˈɡnəʊsIs)   n   inability to recognize objects by touch [A-1 + STEREO- + -GNOSIS]

asteria (æsˈtIərIə)   n   a gemstone with a bright star-like effect in the middle

■ asteriated (æˈstIərIˌeItId)   adj   (of a crystal, esp a gemstone) exhibiting a star-shaped figure in transmitted or reflected light

asterid (ˈæstərId)   n   1 botany a clade or variety of flowering plant   2 zoology a member of the starfish family Asteridae   ▷ adj   3 botany relating to a clade or variety of flowering plant

■ asteridian (ˌæstəˈrIdIən)   n   zoology a member of the starfish family Asteridae

asterisk (ˈæstərIsk)   n   1 a star-shaped character (*) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc   2    a (in historical linguistics) this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form   b (in descriptive linguistics) this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to mark with an asterisk [C17: from Late Latin asteriscus a small star, from Greek asteriskos, from astēr star]

■ asteriskless (ˈæstərIsklIs)   adj   having no asterisk

asterism (ˈæstəˌrIzəm)   n   1 three asterisks arranged in a triangle (⁂ or ), to draw attention to the text that follows   2 a starlike effect seen in some minerals and gemstones when viewed by reflected or transmitted light   3 a cluster of stars, which may be a subset or a superset of a constellation [C16: from Greek asterismos arrangement of constellations, from astēr star]

astern (əˈstɜːn)   adv, adj (postpositive) nautical   1 at or towards the stern   2 with the stern first: full speed astern!   3 aft of the stern of a vessel

asternal (æˈstɜːnəl, eI-)   adj anatomy   1 not connected or joined to the sternum   2 lacking a sternum

asteroid (ˈæstəˌrɔId)   n   1 Also called: minor planet, planetoid any of numerous small celestial bodies that move around the sun mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Their diameters range from 930 kilometres (Ceres) to less than one kilometre   2 Also called: asteroidean (ˌæstəˈrɔIdIən) any echinoderm of the class Asteroidea; a starfish   ▷ adj also asteroidal (ˌæstəˈrɔIdəl)   3 of, relating to, or belonging to the class Asteroidea   4 shaped like a star [C19: from Greek asteroeidēs starlike, from astēr a star]

■ asteroidal (ˌæstəˈrɔIdəl)   adj   relating to asteroids

■ asteroidean (ˌæstəˈrɔIdIən)   n   another name for asteroid (sense 2)

astert (əˈstɜːt)   vb   1 (intr) to jump up or move quickly; come abruptly into reality or being; flee   2 (tr) to elude or circumvent (something)

asthenia (æsˈθiːnIə) or astheny (ˈæsθənI)   n   pathol an abnormal loss of strength; debility [C19: via New Latin from Greek astheneia weakness, from A-1 + sthenos strength]

■ asthenic (æsˈθɛnIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or having asthenia; weak   2 (in constitutional psychology) referring to a physique characterized by long limbs and a small trunk: claimed to be associated with a schizoid personality. See also somatotype   ▷ n   3 a person having long limbs and a small trunk

asthenopia (ˌæsθIˈnəʊpIə)   n   a technical name for eyestrain [C19: from New Latin, from Greek asthenēs weak (from A-1 + sthenos strength) + ōps eye]   > asthenopic (ˌæsθIˈnɒpIk) adj

asthenosphere (əsˈθiːnəˌsfIə, -ˈθɛn-)   n   a thin semifluid layer of the earth (100–200 km thick), below the outer rigid lithosphere, forming part of the mantle and thought to be able to flow vertically and horizontally, enabling sections of lithosphere to subside, rise, and undergo lateral movement. See also isostasy [C20: from astheno-, from Greek asthenēs weak + SPHERE]

■ asthenospheric (əˌsθɛnəˈsfɛrIk)   adj   relating to the asthenosphere

asthma (ˈæsmə)   n   a respiratory disorder, often of allergic origin, characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and a sense of constriction in the chest [C14: from Greek: laborious breathing, from azein to breathe hard]

■ asthmatic (æsˈmætIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or having asthma. Also: asthmatical   ▷ n   2 a person who has asthma   > asthˈmatically adv

USAGE

Rather than talking about an asthmatic or asthmatics, it is better to talk about a person with asthma, people with asthma

asthore (æsˈθɔː)   n   Irish my treasure: a term of endearment

Asti (ˈæstI)   n   a town in NW Italy: famous for its sparkling wine (Asti Spumante (spuːˈmæntI)). Pop: 71 276 (2001)

astichous (ˈæstIkəs)   adj   botany having a structure or layout that is not in rows

astigmatic (ˌæstIɡˈmætIk)   adj   1 relating to or affected with astigmatism   ▷ n   2 a person who has astigmatism [C19: from A-1 + Greek stigmat-, stigma spot, focus; see STIGMA]   > ˌastigˈmatically adv

■ astigmatism (əˈstIɡməˌtIzəm) or astigmia (əˈstIɡmIə)   n   1 a defect of a lens resulting in the formation of distorted images; caused by the curvature of the lens being different in different planes   2 faulty vision resulting from defective curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye

astilbe (əˈstIlbI)   n   any perennial saxifragaceous plant of the genus Astilbe of E Asia and North America: cultivated for their ornamental spikes or panicles of pink or white flowers [C19: New Latin, from Greek: not glittering, from A-1 + stilbē, from stilbein to glitter; referring to its inconspicuous individual flowers]

astir (əˈstɜː)   adj (postpositive)   1 awake and out of bed   2 in motion; on the move

ASTM   abbreviation for   American Society for Testing and Materials

Astolat (ˈæstəʊˌlæt)   n   a town in Arthurian legend: location unknown

astomatous (æˈstɒmətəs, -ˈstəʊ-), astomous (ˈæstəməs) or astomatal (əˈstɒmətəl, -ˈstəʊ-)   adj   1 (of animals) having no mouth   2 (of plants) having no stomata

Aston (ˈæstən)   n   Francis William. 1877–1945, English physicist and chemist, who developed the first mass spectrograph, using it to investigate the isotopic structures of elements: Nobel prize for chemistry 1922

astonied (əˈstɒnId)   adj   archaic stunned; dazed [C14: from astonyen to ASTONISH]

astonish (əˈstɒnIʃ)   vb   (tr) to fill with amazement; surprise greatly [C15: from earlier astonyen (see ASTONIED), from Old French estoner, from Vulgar Latin extonāre (unattested) to strike with thunder, from Latin tonāre to thunder]

■ astonished (əˈstɒnIʃt)   adj   filled with amazement; greatly surprised

■ astonishing (əˈstɒnIʃIŋ)   adj   causing great surprise or amazement; astounding   > aˈstonishingly adv

■ astonishment (əˈstɒnIʃmənt)   n   1 extreme surprise; amazement   2 a cause of amazement

astoop (əˈstuːp)   adv   in a sloping or slanting manner

Astor (ˈæstə)   n   1  John Jacob, 1st Baron Astor of Hever. 1886–1971, British proprietor of The Times (1922–66)   2  Nancy (Witcher), Viscountess, original name Nancy Langhorne. 1879–1964, British Conservative politician, born in the US; the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons

Astoria (əˈstɔːrIə)   n   a port in NW Oregon, near the mouth of the Columbia River: founded as a fur-trading post in 1811 by John Jacob Astor. Pop: 9660 (2003 est)

astound (əˈstaʊnd)   vb   (tr) to overwhelm with amazement and wonder; bewilder [C17: from astoned amazed, from Old French estoné, from estoner to ASTONISH]

■ astounded (əˈstaʊndId)   adj   overwhelmed with amazement and wonder; bewildered

■ astounding (əˈstaʊndIŋ)   adj   causing amazement and wonder; bewildering   > aˈstoundingly adv

■ astoundment (əˈstaʊndmənt)   n   the state of being astounded

astr. or astron.   abbreviation for   1 astronomical   2 astronomy

astraddle (əˈstrædəl)   adj   1 (postpositive) with a leg on either side of something   ▷ prep   2 astride

astragal (ˈæstrəɡəl)   n   1 architect   a Also called: bead a small convex moulding, usually with a semicircular cross section   b a moulding having the form of a string of beads   2 carpentry a glazing bar, esp in a bookcase   3 anatomy the ankle or anklebone [C17: from Latin astragalus, from Greek astragalos anklebone, hence, small round moulding]

astragalus (æˈstræɡələs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   anatomy another name for talus^1 [C16: via New Latin from Latin: ASTRAGAL]

astrakhan (ˌæstrəˈkæn, -ˈkɑːn)   n   1 a fur, usually black or grey, made of the closely curled wool of lambs from Astrakhan   2 a cloth with curled pile resembling this   3 (modifier) made of such fur or cloth: an astrakhan collar

Astrakhan (ˌæstrəˈkæn, -ˈkɑːn; Russian ˈastrəxənj)   n   a city in SE Russia, on the delta of the Volga River, 21 m (70 ft) below sea level. Pop: 507 000 (2005 est)

astral (ˈæstrəl)   adj   1 relating to, proceeding from, consisting of, or resembling the stars: an astral body   2 biology of or relating to the aster occurring in dividing cells   3 theosophy denoting or relating to a supposed supersensible substance believed to form the material of a second body for each person, taking the form of an aura discernible to certain gifted individuals [C17: from Late Latin astrālis, from Latin astrum star, from Greek astron]   > ˈastrally adv

astrand (əˈstrænd)   adv   in a stranded manner or from the point of view of being run aground

astrantia (əˈtrænʃIə, əˈtræntIə)   n   a hardy flowering plant from the genus Astrantia and family Apiaceae. It produces tiny flowers in the mid-summer months and dies back after flowering every year. Also called: masterwort

astraphobia or astrophobia (ˌæstrəˈfəʊbIə)   n   a fear of thunder and lightning [C20: see ASTRO-, -PHOBIA]   > ˌastraˈphobic or ˌastroˈphobic adj

astrapophobia (ˌæstrəpəˈfəʊbIə)   n   another name for astraphobia

astray (əˈstreI)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 out of the correct path or direction   2 out of the right, good, or expected way; into error [C13: from Old French estraie roaming, from estraier to STRAY]

astrict (əˈstrIkt)   vb   (tr) archaic to bind, confine, or constrict [C16: from Latin astrictus drawn closely together, from astringere to lighten, from stringere to bind]   > asˈtriction n   > asˈtrictive adj   > asˈtrictively adv

astride (əˈstraId)   adj (postpositive)   1 with a leg on either side   2 with the legs far apart   ▷ prep   3 with a leg on either side of   4 with a part on both sides of

astringent (əˈstrIndʒənt)   adj   1 severe; harsh   2 sharp or invigorating   3 causing contraction of body tissues, checking blood flow, or restricting secretions of fluids; styptic   ▷ n   4 an astringent drug or lotion [C16: from Latin astringēns drawing together; see ASTRICT]   > asˈtringency or asˈtringence n   > asˈtringently adv

■ astringe (əˈstrIndʒ)   vb   to contract or become contracted

■ astringer (əˈstrIndʒə)   n   a styptic or constrictive substance

astro-   combining form   1 indicating a heavenly body, star, or star-shaped structure: astrology; astrocyte   2 indicating outer space: astronautics [from Greek, from astron star]

astrobiology (ˌæstrəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of biology that investigates the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe

■ astrobiologist (ˌæstrəʊbaIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies astrobiology

astrobleme (ˈæstrəˌbliːm)   n   a mark on the earth's surface, usually circular, formed by a large ancient meteorite impact [C20: from ASTRO- + Greek blēma shot, wound]

astrobotany (ˌæstrəʊˈbɒtənI)   n   the branch of botany that investigates the possibility that plants grow on other planets

astrochemistry (ˌæstrəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the study of the chemistry of celestial bodies and space, esp by means of spectroscopy

astrocompass (ˌæstrəʊˈkʌmpəs)   n   a navigational instrument for giving directional bearings from the centre of the earth to a particular star. It is carried in long-range aircraft, ships, spacecraft, etc

astrocyte (ˈæstrəʊˌsaIt)   n   any of the star-shaped cells in the tissue supporting the brain and spinal cord (neuroglia)

■ astrocytic (ˌæstrəˈsItIk)   adj   relating to astrocytes or star-shaped neuroglial cells

astrocytoma (ˌæstrəʊsaIˈtəʊmə)   n   pathol   a a tumour of the nervous system which originates in and consists mainly of astrocytes   b (as modifier): an astrocytoma tumour

astrodome (ˈæstrəˌdəʊm)   n   1 Also called: astrohatch a transparent dome on the top of an aircraft, through which observations can be made, esp of the stars   2 a large domed sports stadium

astrodynamics (ˌæstrəʊdaIˈnæmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the motion of natural and artificial bodies in space

■ astrodynamicist (ˌæstrəʊdaIˈnæmIsIst)   n   a person who studies astrodynamics

astrofell or astrophel (ˈæstrəʊˌfɛl)   n   (in the works of Spenser) an unidentified plant, commonly believed to be akin to an aster

astrogeology (ˌæstrəʊdʒIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the structure, composition, and history of other planets and other bodies in the solar system

■ astrogeologist (ˌæstrəʊdʒIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies astrogeology

astrohatch (ˈæstrəʊˌhætʃ)   n   aviation another name for astrodome (sense 1)

astroid (ˈæstrɔId)   n   maths a hypocycloid having four cusps [C19: from ASTRO- + -OID]

astrol.   abbreviation for   1 astrological   2 astrology

astrolabe (ˈæstrəˌleIb)   n   an instrument used by early astronomers to measure the altitude of stars and planets and also as a navigational aid. It consists of a graduated circular disc with a movable sighting device. Compare sextant [C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek, from astrolabos (adj), literally: star-taking, from astron star + lambanein to take]

astrolatry (æsˈtrɒlətrI)   n   a reverence for, devotion to, or deification of celestial objects

astrology (əˈstrɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of the motions and relative positions of the planets, sun, and moon, interpreted in terms of human characteristics and activities   2 the primitive study of celestial bodies, which formed the basis of astronomy [C14: from Old French astrologie, from Latin astrologia, from Greek, from astrologos (originally: astronomer); see ASTRO-, -LOGY]   > asˈtrologer or asˈtrologist n   > astrological (ˌæstrəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌastroˈlogically adv

■ astrologic (ˌæstrəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   a variant form of astrological

astrometry (əˈstrɒmItrI)   n   the branch of astronomy concerned with the measurement of the position and motion of celestial bodies   > astrometric (ˌæstrəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌastroˈmetrical adj

astronaut (ˈæstrəˌnɔːt)   n   a person trained for travelling in space. See also cosmonaut [C20: from ASTRO- + -naut from Greek nautēs sailor, on the model of aeronaut]

■ astronautics (ˌæstrəˈnɔːtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the science and technology of space flight   > ˌastroˈnautic or ˌastroˈnautical adj   > ˌastroˈnautically adv

astronavigation (ˌæstrəʊˌnævIˈɡeIʃən)   n   another term for celestial navigation   > ˌastroˈnaviˌgator n

astronomy (əˈstrɒnəmI)   n   the scientific study of the individual celestial bodies (excluding the earth) and of the universe as a whole. Its various branches include astrometry, astrodynamics, cosmology, and astrophysics [C13: from Old French astronomie, from Latin astronomia, from Greek; see ASTRO-, -NOMY]

■ astronomer (əˈstrɒnəmə)   n   a scientist who studies astronomy

■ Astronomer Royal   n   an honorary title awarded to an eminent British astronomer: until 1972, the Astronomer Royal was also director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory

■ astronomical (ˌæstrəˈnɒmIkəl) or astronomic   adj   1 enormously large; immense   2 of or relating to astronomy   > ˌastroˈnomically adv

■ astronomical clock   n   1 a complex clock showing astronomical phenomena, such as the phases of the moon   2 any clock showing sidereal time used in observatories

■ astronomical telescope   n   any telescope designed and mounted for use in astronomy. Such telescopes usually form inverted images. See Cassegrain telescope, Newtonian telescope, equatorial mounting

■ astronomical unit   n   a unit of distance used in astronomy equal to the mean distance between the earth and the sun. 1 astronomical unit is equivalent to 1.495 × 10^11 metres or about 9.3 × 10^7 miles

■ astronomical year   n   another name for year (sense 4)

■ astronomize or astronomise (əˈstrɒnəˌmaIz)   vb (intr)   1 to practise or study astronomy or engage in astronomical matters   2 to behave or talk in an astronomical manner

astrophotograph (ˌæstrəʊˈfəʊtəˌɡrɑːf)   n   a photograph of the heavenly bodies

■ astrophotography (ˌæstrəʊfəˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the photography of celestial bodies used in astronomy   > astrophotographic (ˌæstrəʊˌfəʊtəˈɡræfIk) adj

astrophysics (ˌæstrəʊˈfIzIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the physical and chemical properties, origin, and evolution of the celestial bodies   > ˌastroˈphysical adj   > ˌastroˈphysicist n

■ astrophysically (ˌæstrəʊˈfIzIkəlI)   adv   from an astrophysical point of view

astrosphere (ˈæstrəˌsfIə)   n cytology   1 another name for centrosome   2 Also called: attraction sphere the part of the aster excluding the centrosome

astrotourist (ˈæstrəʊˌtʊərIst)   n   a person who pays to travel into space as a form of recreation   > ˌastroˈtourism n

Astroturf (ˈæstrəʊˌtɜːf)   n trademark   a type of grasslike artificial surface used for playing fields and lawns [C20: from Astro(dome), the baseball stadium in Texas where it was first used + TURF]

astroturfing (ˈæstrəʊˌtɜːfIŋ)   n   a PR tactic used in politics and advertising in which actors are paid to display overt and apparently spontaneous grassroots support for a particular product, policy, or event [C21: from ASTROTURF, the artificial grass, as this is artifical grassroots support]   > ˈastroˌturfer n

astrut (əˈstrʌt)   adv   1 in a distended or projecting manner   2 in a parading or swaggering manner

astucious (əˈstuːʃəs)   adj   an old or literary form of astute

■ astuciously (əˈstuːʃəslI)   adv   another term for astutely

■ astucity (əˈstuːsItI)   n   another name for astuteness

astun (əˈstʌn)   vb (tr)   to amaze, bewilder or stupefy

Asturias^1 (æˈstʊərIˌæs)   n   a region and former kingdom of NW Spain, consisting of a coastal plain and the Cantabrian Mountains: a Christian stronghold against the Moors (8th to 13th centuries); rich mineral resources

■ Asturian (æˈstʊərIən)   adj   of or relating to Asturias

Asturias^2 (æˈstʊərIˌæs)   n   Miguel Ángel. 1899–1974, Guatemalan novelist and poet. His novels include El Señor Presidente (1946). Nobel prize for literature 1967

astute (əˈstjuːt)   adj   having insight or acumen; perceptive; shrewd [C17: from Latin astūtus cunning, from astus (n) cleverness]   > asˈtutely adv   > asˈtuteness n

Astyanax (æˈstaIəˌnæks)   n   Greek myth the young son of Hector and Andromache, who was hurled from the walls of Troy by the Greeks

astylar (æˈstaIlə, eI-)   adj   architect without columns or pilasters [C19: from A-1 + Greek stulos pillar]

asudden (əˈsʌdən)   adv   in an abrupt manner

Asunción (Spanish asunˈsjon)   n   the capital and chief port of Paraguay, on the Paraguay River, 1530 km (950 miles) from the Atlantic. Pop: 2 356 174 (2015 est)

asunder (əˈsʌndə)   adv, adj   (postpositive) in or into parts or pieces; apart: to tear asunder [Old English on sundran apart; see SUNDER]

Asur (ˈæsə)   n   a variant spelling of Assur

ASV   abbreviation for   American Standard Version (of the Bible)

ASW   abbreviation for   antisubmarine warfare

Aswan, Assuan or Assouan (ɑːsˈwɑːn)   n   an ancient town in SE Egypt, on the Nile, just below the First Cataract. Pop: 249 000 (2005 est). Ancient name: Syene

■ Aswan High Dam   n   a dam on the Nile forming a reservoir (Lake Nasser) extending 480 km (300 miles) from the First to the Third Cataracts: opened in 1971, it was built 6 km (4 miles) upstream from the old Aswan Dam (built in 1902 and twice raised). Height of dam: 109 m (365 ft)

aswarm (əˈswɔːm)   adj   (postpositive) filled, esp with moving things; swarming: flower beds aswarm with bees

asway (əˈsweI)   adv   in a rocking or oscillating manner

aswim (əˈswIm)   adv   in a drifting or bobbing manner

aswing (əˈswIŋ)   adv   in an oscillating or swinging manner

aswirl (əˈswɜːl)   adj   1 whirling   ▷ adv   2 in a whirling manner

aswoon (əˈswuːn)   adj   1 swooning   ▷ adv   2 in a swooning manner

asylee (əˌsaIˈliː)   n   a person who is granted asylum

asyllabic (ˌæsIˈlæbIk, ˌeI-)   adj   not functioning in the manner of a syllable

asylum (əˈsaIləm)   n   1 a safe or inviolable place of refuge, esp as formerly offered by the Christian Church to criminals, outlaws, etc; sanctuary (often in the phrase give asylum to)   2 shelter; refuge   3 international law refuge afforded to a person whose extradition is sought by a foreign government: political asylum   4 obsolete an institution for the shelter, treatment, or confinement of individuals, esp a psychiatric hospital (previously termed lunatic asylum) [C15: via Latin from Greek asulon refuge, from asulos that may not be seized, from A-1 + sulon right of seizure]

■ asylum seeker   n   a person who, from fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, social group, or political opinion, has crossed an international frontier into a country in which he or she hopes to be granted refugee status

asymmetric (ˌæsIˈmɛtrIk, ˌeI-) or asymmetrical   adj   1 not symmetrical; lacking symmetry; misproportioned   2 chem   a (of a molecule) having its atoms and radicals arranged unsymmetrically   b (of a carbon atom) attached to four different atoms or radicals so that stereoisomerism results   c involving chiral molecules: asymmetric synthesis   3 electrical engineering (of conductors) having different conductivities depending on the direction of current flow, as of diodes   4 aeronautics having unequal thrust, as caused by an inoperative engine in a twin-engined aircraft   5 logic, maths (of a relation) never holding between a pair of values x and y when it holds between y and x, as "…is the father of…". Compare symmetric (sense 1), antisymmetric, nonsymmetric   > ˌasymˈmetrically adv

■ asymmetrical warfare or asymmetric warfare   n   warfare involving attacks by small, lightly armed groups with low-tech weapons on larger forces armed with modern weapons

■ asymmetric bars or asymmetrical bars   adv, pl n   gymnastics   a (functioning as plural) a pair of wooden or fibreglass bars placed parallel to each other but set at different heights, for various exercises   b (functioning as singular) an event in a gymnastic competition in which competitors exercise on such bars

■ asymmetric time   n   musical time consisting of an odd number of beats in each bar divided into uneven combinations, such as 3 + 2, 4 + 3, 2 + 3 + 2, etc

■ asymmetry (æˈsImItrI, eI-)   n   lack or absence of symmetry in spatial arrangements or in mathematical or logical relations

asymptomatic (æˌsImptəˈmætIk, eI-)   adj   (of a disease or suspected disease) without symptoms; providing no subjective evidence of existence   > aˌsymptoˈmatically adv

asymptote (ˈæsImˌtəʊt)   n   a straight line that is closely approached by a plane curve so that the perpendicular distance between them decreases to zero as the distance from the origin increases to infinity [C17: from Greek asumptōtos not falling together, from A-1 + SYN- + ptōtos inclined to fall, from piptein to fall]

■ asymptotic (ˌæsImˈtɒtIk) or asymptotical   adj   1 of or referring to an asymptote   2 (of a function, series, formula, etc) approaching a given value or condition, as a variable or an expression containing a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity   > ˌasympˈtotically adv

asynapsis (ˌeIsInˈæpsIs)   n   biology failure of pairing of chromosomes at meiosis

asynartete (əˈsInɑːˌtiːt)   n   prosody a poem or stanza that contains two different types of metre

■ asynartetic (əˌsInɑːˈtɛtIk)   adj   prosody having or containing two different types of metre

asynchronism (æˈsIŋkrəˌnIzəm, eI-) or asynchrony (eIˈsIŋkrənI)   n   a lack of synchronism; occurrence at different times   > aˈsynchronous adj   > aˈsynchronously adv

asyndeton (æˈsIndItən)   n, pl -deta (-dItə)   1 the omission of a conjunction between the parts of a sentence   2 an asyndetic construction. Compare syndeton [C16: from New Latin, from Greek asundeton, from asundetos unconnected, from A-1 + sundein to bind together]

■ asyndetic (ˌæsInˈdɛtIk)   adj   1 (of a catalogue or index) without cross references   2 (of a linguistic construction) having no conjunction, as in I came, I saw, I conquered   > ˌasynˈdetically adv

asynergia (ˌæsIˈnɜːdʒIə) or asynergy (əˈsInədʒI)   n   pathol lack of coordination between muscles or parts, as occurs in cerebellar disease

asyntactic (ˌeIsInˈtæktIk)   adj   showing no syntactical rules or regularity

asystole (əˈsIstəlI)   n   pathol the absence of heartbeat; cardiac arrest   > asystolic (ˌæsIsˈtɒlIk) adj

■ asystolism (əˈsIstəˌlIzəm)   n   pathol the indications or symptoms which are representative of asystole

Asyut or Assiut (æˈsjuːt)   n   an ancient city in central Egypt, on the Nile. Pop: 417 000 (2005 est). Ancient Greek name: Lycopolis

at^1 (æt)   prep   1 used to indicate location or position: are they at the table?; staying at a small hotel   2 towards; in the direction of: looking at television; throwing stones at windows   3 used to indicate position in time: come at three o'clock   4 engaged in; in a state of (being): children at play; stand at ease; he is at his most charming today   5 (in expressions concerned with habitual activity) during the passing of (esp in the phrase at night): he used to work at night   6 for; in exchange for: it's selling at four pounds   7 used to indicate the object of an emotion: angry at the driver; shocked at his behaviour   8 where it's at slang the real place of action [Old English æt; related to Old Norse at to, Latin ad to]

■ at-desk   adj   carried out at a person's desk at his or her place of work: an at-desk massage

■ at-home   n   1 another name for open day   2 a social gathering in a person's home

at^2 (ɑːt, æt)   n, pl at   a Laotian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a kip [from Thai]

at^3   the internet domain name for   Austria

At   the chemical symbol for   1 astatine   ▷ symbol for   2 Also: A ampere-turn

AT   abbreviation for   attainment target

at.   abbreviation for   1 Also: atm atmosphere (unit of pressure)   2 atomic

ataata (ˈɑːˌtəɑːtə)   n   NZ another name for cat's-eye (sense 2) [Māori]

atabal (ˌætəˈbæl)   n   a drum played by the Moorish people of N Africa

atabeg (ˌɑːtɑːˈbɛɡ) or atabek (ˌɑːtɑːˈbɛk)   n history   1 a Turkish leader who had a lower status than the ruler of the country and who acted as teacher and guardian to the male heir apparent   2 a high-ranking official in the Turkish government

atabrin (ˈætəbrIn)   n   another name for Atebrin

Atacama Desert (Spanish ataˈkama)   n   a desert region along the W coast of South America, mainly in N Chile: a major source of nitrates. Area: about 80 000 sq km (31 000 sq miles)

atacamite (əˈtækəˌmaIt)   n   mineralogy a mineral, green in colour, containing copper and present in Australia, Chile, and Cornwall

atactic (eIˈtæktIk)   adj   1 chem (of a polymer) having random sequence of the stereochemical arrangement of groups on carbon atoms in the chain; not stereospecific   2 pathol relating to or displaying ataxia

ataghan (ˈætəˌɡæn)   n   a variant of yataghan

Atahualpa (ˌætəˈwɑːlpə) or Atabalipa (ˌætəˈbɑːlIpə)   n   ?1500–33, the last Inca emperor of Peru (1525–33), who was put to death by the Spanish under Pizarro

Atalanta (ˌætəˈlæntə)   n   Greek myth a maiden who agreed to marry any man who could defeat her in a running race. She lost to Hippomenes when she paused to pick up three golden apples that he had deliberately dropped

atalaya (ˌɑːtəˈlaIə)   n   (in Spain) a watchtower

ataman (ˈætəmən)   n, pl -mans   an elected leader of the Cossacks; hetman [from Russian, from Polish hetman, from German Hauptmann (literally: head man)]

atamasco (ˌætəˈmæskəʊ)   adj   relating to an American lily of the genus Zephyranthes

atap (əˈtæp)   n   1 the fronds of palm trees, particularly those of Nipa fruticans, used in South East Asia to thatch houses   2 the thatch constructed from palm tree fronds   3 a house with a thatched roof made from palm tree fronds

ataraxia (ˌætəˈræksIə) or ataraxy (ˈætəˌræksI)   n   calmness or peace of mind; emotional tranquillity [C17: from Greek: serenity, from ataraktos undisturbed, from A-1^1 + tarassein to trouble]

■ ataractic (ˌætəˈræktIk) or ataraxic (ˌætəˈræksIk)   adj   1 able to calm or tranquillize   ▷ n   2 obsolete an ataractic drug

Atatürk (ˈætəˌtɜːk)   n   Kemal (kɛˈmɑːl), real name Mustafa Kemal. 1881– 1938, Turkish general and statesman; founder of the Turkish republic and president of Turkey (1923–38), who westernized and secularized the country

atavism (ˈætəˌvIzəm)   n   1 the recurrence in a plant or animal of certain primitive characteristics that were present in an ancestor but have not occurred in intermediate generations   2 reversion to a former or more primitive type [C19: from French atavisme, from Latin atavus strictly: great-grandfather's grandfather, probably from atta daddy + avus grandfather]   > ˈatavist n   > atavic (əˈtævIk) adj

■ atavistic (ˌætəˈvIstIk)   adj   of or relating to atavism   > ˌataˈvistically adv

ataxia (əˈtæksIə) or ataxy (əˈtæksI)   n   pathol lack of muscular coordination [C17: via New Latin from Greek: lack of coordination, from A-1 + -taxia, from tassein to put in order]   > aˈtaxic or aˈtactic adj

ATB   abbreviation for   text messaging all the best

Atbara (ˈætbərə, ætˈbɑː-)   n   1 a town in NE Sudan. Pop: 110 000 (2005 est)   2 a river in NE Africa, rising in N Ethiopia and flowing through E Sudan to the Nile at Atbara. Length: over 800 km (500 miles)

ATC   abbreviation for   1 air-traffic control   2 (in Britain) Air Training Corps

ate (ɛt, eIt)   vb   the past tense of eat

Ate (ˈeItI, ˈɑːtI)   n   Greek myth a goddess who makes people blind so that they will blunder into guilty acts [C16: via Latin from Greek atē a rash impulse]

-ate^1   suffix   1 (forming adjectives) possessing; having the appearance or characteristics of: fortunate; palmate; Latinate   2 (forming nouns) a chemical compound, esp a salt or ester of an acid: carbonate; stearate   3 (forming nouns) the product of a process: condensate   4 forming verbs from nouns and adjectives: hyphenate; rusticate [from Latin -ātus, past participial ending of verbs ending in -āre]

-ate^2   suffix forming nouns   denoting office, rank, or a group having a certain function: episcopate; electorate [from Latin -ātus, suffix (fourth declension) of collective nouns]

Atebrin (ˈætəbrIn) or US Atabrine (ˈætəˌbriːn, -brIn)   n   trademark proprietary names for mepacrine

atechnic (eIˈtɛknIk)   n   1 a person who has no technical or scientific ability or understanding   ▷ adj   2 having no technical or scientific ability or understanding

atelectasis (ˌætəˈlɛktəsIs)   n   1 failure of the lungs to expand fully at birth   2 collapse of the lung or a part of the lung, usually caused by bronchial obstruction [C19: New Latin, from Greek atelēs imperfect + ektasis extension]

■ atelectatic (ˌætəlɛkˈtætIk)   adj   pathol relating to or characterized by atelectasis

ateleiosis (əˌtɛlIˈəʊsIs, əˌtiːlIˈəʊsIs)   n   the condition of having restricted or impaired growth

atelic (eIˈtɛlIk)   adj   1 linguistics showing an action or happening as being unfinished   2 dreadful, revolting or repulsive

atelier (ˈætəlˌjeI; French atəlje)   n   an artist's studio or workshop [C17: from Old French astelier workshop, from astele chip of wood, from Latin astula splinter, from assis board]

atemoya (ˌɑːtəˈmɔIə)   n   a globe-shaped tropical fruit, a hybrid of the cherimoya (Annona cherimola) and the sweetsop (A. squamosa), which has a rough green skin and juicy white flesh.. Also called: pineapple sweetsop

a tempo (ɑː ˈtɛmpəʊ) music   adj, adv   1 to the original tempo   ▷ n   2 a passage thus marked   ▶ Also: tempo primo [Italian: in (the original) time]

atemporal (eIˈtɛmpərəl)   adj   having the quality of being uninfluenced, ungoverned or unchanged by time

Aten or Aton (ˈɑːtən)   n   (in ancient Egypt) the solar disc worshipped as the sole god in the reign of Akhenaten

atenolol (əˈtɛnəˌlɒl)   n   pharmacol a type of beta-blocker that is taken by mouth and is used to treat angina and high blood pressure

ates (eIts)   n   a shop that sells confectionery

Atget (French adʒe)   n   (Jean) Eugène Auguste. 1856–1927, French photographer, noted for his pictures of Parisian life

Athabaska or Athabasca (ˌæθəˈbæskə)   n   1 Lake Athabaska a lake in W Canada, in NW Saskatchewan and NE Alberta. Area: about 7770 sq km (3000 sq miles)   2 a river in W Canada, rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing northeast to Lake Athabaska. Length: 1230 km (765 miles)

Athamas (ˈæθəˌmæs)   n   Greek myth a king of Orchomenus in Boeotia; the father of Phrixus and Helle by his first wife Nephele, whom he deserted for Ino

athame (ˈɑːθæmeI)   n   (in Wicca) a witch's ceremonial knife, usually with a black handle, used in rituals rather than for cutting or carving

Athanasian Creed   n   Christianity a profession of faith widely used in the Western Church which, although formerly attributed to Athanasius, probably originated in Gaul between 381 and 428 AD

Athanasius (ˌæθəˈneIʃəs)   n   Saint. ?296–373 AD, patriarch of Alexandria who championed Christian orthodoxy against Arianism. Feast day: May 2   > ˌAthaˈnasian adj

athanasy (əˈθænəsI)   n   an absence of death or the condition of everlasting life

athanor (ˈæθəˌnɔː)   n   alchemy an alchemist's oven or furnace that continuously supplies its own fuel and thereby sustains an unchanging temperature

Athapascan, Athapaskan (ˌæθəˈpæskən) or Athabascan, Athabaskan (ˌæθəˈbæskən)   n   1 a group of North American languages belonging to the Na-Dene phylum, including Apache and Navaho   2 a speaker of one of these languages [from Cree athapaskaaw scattered grass or reeds]

Atharva-Veda (əˈtɑːvəˈveIdə)   n   Hinduism the fourth and latest Veda, largely consisting of priestly spells and incantations

atheism (ˈeIθIˌIzəm)   n   rejection of belief in God or gods [C16: from French athéisme, from Greek atheos godless, from A-1 + theos god]

■ atheist (ˈeIθIˌIst)   n   1 a person who does not believe in God or gods   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to atheists or atheism   > ˌatheˈistic or ˌatheˈistical adj   > ˌatheˈistically adv

■ atheize or atheise (ˈeIθIˌaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to make or cause (a person) to be atheistic or to have no belief in God   2 (intr) to behave or speak in an atheistic or godless manner

atheling (ˈæθIlIŋ)   n   (in Anglo-Saxon England) a prince of any of the royal dynasties [Old English ætheling, from æthelu noble family + -ING^3; related to Old High German adaling, Old Norse öthlingr]

Athelstan (ˈæθəlstən)   n   ?895–939 AD, king of Wessex and Mercia (924–939 AD), who extended his kingdom to include most of England

athematic (ˌæθIˈmætIk)   adj   1 music not based on themes   2 linguistics (of verbs) having a suffix attached immediately to the stem, without an intervening vowel

■ athematically (ˌeIθIˈmætIkəlI)   adv   1 music in an athematic manner   2 linguistics in an athematic manner

Athena (əˈθiːnə) or Athene (əˈθiːnI)   n   Greek myth a virgin goddess of wisdom, practical skills, and prudent warfare. She was born, fully armed, from the head of Zeus. Also called: Pallas Athena, Pallas. Roman counterpart: Minerva

athenaeum or US atheneum (ˌæθIˈniːəm)   n   1 an institution for the promotion of learning   2 a building containing a reading room or library, esp one used by such an institution [C18: from Late Latin, from Greek Athēnaion temple of Athene, frequented by poets and teachers]

Athenaeum or sometimes US Atheneum (ˌæθIˈniːəm)   n   1 (in ancient Greece) a building sacred to the goddess Athena, esp the Athenian temple that served as a gathering place for the learned   2 (in imperial Rome) the academy of learning established near the Forum in about 135 AD by Hadrian

Athens (ˈæθInz)   n   the capital of Greece, in the southeast near the Saronic Gulf: became capital after independence in 1834; ancient city-state, most powerful in the 5th century BC; contains the hill citadel of the Acropolis. Pop: 3 051 899 (2015 est). Greek name: Athinai (aˈθinɛ), Athina (aˈθina)

■ Athenian (əˈθiːnIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Athens   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Athens

atheology (ˌeIθIˈɒlədʒI)   n   a resistance or aversion to theology

■ atheological (eIˌθIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   having an aversion or resistance to theology

atheoretical (eIˌθIəˈrɛtIkəl)   adj   having no connection with and not founded on theory

atheous (ˈeIθIəs)   adj   having no concern or regard for the matters surrounding the actuality of a God or gods

atherine (ˈæθəˌraIn)   n   any of several small fish of the genus Atherina

athermancy (æˈθɜːmənsI)   n   an inability to transmit radiant heat or infrared radiation. Also called: adiathermancy [C19: from Greek athermantos not heated, from A-1 + thermainein to heat, from thermē heat; compare DIATHERMANCY]

■ athermanous (æˈθɜːmənəs)   adj   capable of stopping radiant heat or infrared radiation

atherogenic (ˌæθərəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   causing atheroma   > ˌatheroˈgenesis n

atheroma (ˌæθəˈrəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   pathol a fatty deposit on or within the inner lining of an artery, often causing an obstruction to the blood flow [C18: via Latin from Greek athērōma tumour full of matter resembling gruel, from athēra gruel]   > atheromatous (ˌæθəˈrɒmətəs, -ˈrəʊ-) adj

atherosclerosis (ˌæθərəʊsklIəˈrəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a degenerative disease of the arteries characterized by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material; a form of arteriosclerosis. See atheroma [C20: from New Latin, from Greek athēra gruel (see ATHEROMA) + SCLEROSIS]   > atherosclerotic (ˌæθərəʊsklIəˈrɒtIk) adj

Atherton (ˈæθətən)   n   Mike, full name Michael Andrew Atherton. born 1968, English cricketer: played for Lancashire (1987–2001) and England (1989–2001); captain of England (1993–1998)

athetesis (ˌæθəˈtiːsIs)   n   the dismissal of a text as not genuine

■ athetize or athetise (ˈæθəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to reject as not genuine

athetosis (ˌæθəˈtəʊsIs)   n   pathol a condition characterized by uncontrolled rhythmic writhing movement, esp of fingers, hands, head, and tongue, caused by cerebral lesion [C19: from Greek athetos not in place, from A-1 + tithenai to place]   > ˈatheˌtoid adj

■ athetosic (ˌæθəˈtəʊsIk) or athetotic (ˌæθəˈtɒtIk)   adj   pathol relating to or characterized by athetosis

athirst (əˈθɜːst)   adj (postpositive)   1 (often foll by for) having an eager desire; longing   2 archaic thirsty

athleisure (æθˈlɛʒə)   n   the wearing of sports clothes as leisurewear [C21: blend of ATHLETIC + LEISURE]

athlete (ˈæθliːt)   n   1 a person trained to compete in sports or exercises involving physical strength, speed, or endurance   2 a person who has a natural aptitude for physical activities   3 chiefly Brit a competitor in track and field events [C18: from Latin via Greek athlētēs, from athlein to compete for a prize, from athlos a contest]

■ athlete's foot   n   a fungal infection of the skin of the foot, esp between the toes and on the soles. Technical name: tinea pedis

■ athletic (æθˈlɛtIk)   adj   1 physically fit or strong; muscular or active   2 of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics   3 of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned body. See also somatotype   > athˈletically adv   > athˈleticism n

■ athletics (æθˈlɛtIks)   n (functioning as plural or singular)   1    a track and field events   b (as modifier): an athletics meeting   2 sports or exercises engaged in by athletes   3 the theory or practice of athletic activities and training

■ athletic support or athletic supporter   n   a more formal term for jockstrap

athodyd (ˈæθəʊˌdaId)   n   another name for ramjet [C20: from a(ero)-th(erm)ody(namic) d(uct)]

Atholl brose (ˈæθəl)   n   Scot a mixture of whisky and honey left to ferment before consumption [C19: after Atholl, a district of central Scotland]

Athos (ˈæθɒs, ˈeI-)   n   Mount Athos a mountainous peninsula in NE Greece: location of the Monastic Republic of Mount Athos, an autonomous administrative division of Greece since 1927; inhabited by Eastern Orthodox monks in about 20 monasteries, some founded in the 10th century; prohibited to women and children. Pop: 1942 (2001)

athrill (əˈθrIl)   adj   1 excited or thrilled   ▷ adv   2 in a thrilling or exciting manner

athrob (əˈθrɒb)   adj   1 pulsing or throbbing   ▷ adv   2 in a pulsing or throbbing manner

athrocyte (ˈæθrəˌsaIt)   n   cytology a cell that is able to receive and store matter

■ athrocytosis (ˌæθrəsaIˈtəʊsIs)   n   cytology the capability of a cell to receive and store matter

athwart (əˈθwɔːt)   adv   1 transversely; from one side to another   ▷ prep   2 across the path or line of (esp a ship)   3 in opposition to; against [C15: from A-2 + THWART]

athwartships (əˈθwɔːtˌʃIps)   adv   nautical from one side to the other of a vessel at right angles to the keel

■ athwartship (əˈθwɔːtʃIp)   adj   having a position across a vessel from side to side at right angles to the keel

-atic   suffix forming adjectives   of the nature of the thing specified: problematic [from French -atique, from Greek -atikos]

atigi (ˈætəɡI, əˈtiːɡI)   n   a type of parka worn by the Inuit in Canada

atilt (əˈtIlt)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 in a tilted or inclined position   2 archaic in or as if in a joust

atimy (ˈætImI)   n   a public loss of honour or withdrawal of civil liberties

atingle (əˈtIŋɡəl)   adj   1 quivering with delight or elation   ▷ adv   2 in a thrilling or tingling manner

-ation   suffix forming nouns   indicating an action, process, state, condition, or result: arbitration; cogitation; hibernation; moderation. Compare -ion, -tion [from Latin -ātiōn-, suffix of abstract nouns, from -ātus -ATE^1 + -iōn -ION]

atishoo (əˈtIʃuː)   interj   a representation of the sound of a sneeze [C19: of imitative origin]

-ative   suffix forming adjectives   of, relating to, or tending to: authoritative; decorative; informative [from Latin -ātīvus, from ātus -ATE^1 + īvus -IVE]

ATK   abbreviation for   1 antitank   2 email, text messaging at the keyboard

Atkins (ˈætkInz)   n   Robert C. 1930–2003, US physician, cardiologist, and nutritionist. An advocate of complementary medicine, he devised a widely-used diet (the Atkins diet) based on controlled intake of carbohydrates for weight management and disease prevention

Atkinson (ˈætkInsən)   n   Sir Harry Albert. 1831–92, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1876–77; 1883–84; 1887–91)

Atlanta (ætˈlæntə)   n   a city in N Georgia: the state capital. Pop: 423 019 (2003 est)

atlantes (ətˈlæntiːz)   n   the plural of atlas (sense 4)

Atlantic (ətˈlæntIk)   n   1 the Atlantic short for Atlantic Ocean   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to or bordering the Atlantic Ocean   3 of or relating to Atlas or the Atlas Mountains [C15: from Latin Atlanticus, from Greek (pelagos) Atlantikos (the sea) of Atlas (so called because it lay beyond the Atlas Mountains)]

■ Atlantic Charter   n   the joint declaration issued by F. D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill on Aug 14, 1941, consisting of eight principles to guide a postwar settlement

■ Atlantic City   n   a resort in SE New Jersey on Absecon Beach, an island on the Atlantic coast. Pop: 40 385 (2003 est)

■ Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway   n   a system of inland and coastal waterways along the Atlantic coast of the US from Cape Cod to Florida Bay. Length: 2495 km (1550 miles)

■ Atlanticism (ətˈlæntIˌsIzəm)   n   advocacy of close cooperation in military, political, and economic matters between Western Europe, esp the UK, and the US   > Atˈlanticist n

■ Atlantic Ocean   n   the world's second largest ocean, bounded in the north by the Arctic, in the south by the Antarctic, in the west by North and South America, and in the east by Europe and Africa. Greatest depth: 9220 m (30 246 ft). Area: about 81 585 000 sq km (31 500 000 sq miles)

■ Atlantic Provinces   pl n   the Atlantic Provinces certain of the Canadian provinces with coasts facing the Gulf of St Lawrence or the Atlantic: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador

■ Atlantic Standard Time   n   the local time used in eastern Canada, four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Abbreviation: AST

Atlantis (ətˈlæntIs)   n   (in ancient legend) a continent said to have sunk beneath the Atlantic Ocean west of the Straits of Gibraltar

■ Atlantean (ˌætlænˈtiːən, ætˈlæntIən)   adj   1 literary of, relating to, or like Atlas; extremely strong   2 of or connected with Atlantis

atlas (ˈætləs)   n   1 a collection of maps, usually in book form   2 a book of charts, graphs, etc, illustrating aspects of a subject: an anatomical atlas   3 anatomy the first cervical vertebra, attached to and supporting the skull in humans. Compare axis^1   4 (pl atlantes) architect another name for telamon   5 a standard size of drawing paper, 26 × 17 inches [C16: via Latin from Greek; first applied to maps, from depictions of Atlas supporting the heavens in 16th-century collections of maps]

Atlas (ˈætləs)   n   1 Greek myth a Titan compelled to support the sky on his shoulders as punishment for rebelling against Zeus   2 a US intercontinental ballistic missile, also used in launching spacecraft   3 astronomy a small satellite of Saturn, discovered in 1980

Atlas Mountains   pl n   a mountain system of N Africa, between the Mediterranean and the Sahara. Highest peak: Mount Toubkal, 4167 m (13 671 ft)

atlatl (ˈætəˌlætəl)   n   a wooden implement used to throw a spear or similar weapon at a greater speed or distance as used by Native Americans

Atli (ˈɑːtlI)   n   Norse myth a king of the Huns who married Gudrun for her inheritance and was slain by her after he killed her brothers

ATM   abbreviation for   1 automated teller machine   2 asynchronous transfer mode: used in digital communications, etc   3 text messaging at the moment

atm.   abbreviation for   atmosphere (unit of pressure). Also: at.

atman (ˈaːtmən)   n Hinduism   1 the personal soul or self; the thinking principle as manifested in consciousness   2 Brahman considered as the Universal Soul, the great Self or Person that dwells in the entire created order [from Sanskrit ātman breath; compare Old High German ātum breath]

atmo-   combining form   air or vapour: atmometer; atmosphere [via New Latin from Greek atmos vapour]

atmology (ætˈmɒlədʒI)   n   physics the study of or the scientific discipline of aqueous vapour

■ atmologist (ætˈmɒləˌdʒIst)   n   physics a person who studies or is expert in atmology or the study of aqueous vapour

■ atmolysis (ætˈmɒlIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   a method of separating gases that depends on their differential rates of diffusion through a porous substance

atmolyze or atmolyse (ˈætməˌlaIz)   vb (intr)   physics to separate gases, which have differing degrees of diffusibility, by filtering

atmometer (ætˈmɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere. Also called: evaporimeter, evaporometer   > atˈmometry n

atmos (ˈætməs)   n informal   short for atmosphere (sense 3)

atmosphere (ˈætməsˌfIə)   n   1 the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth or any other celestial body. See also troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, ionosphere   2 the air or climate in a particular place: the atmosphere was thick with smoke   3 a general pervasive feeling or mood: an atmosphere of elation   4 the prevailing tone or mood of a novel, symphony, painting, or other work of art   5 a special mood or character associated with a place   6 any local gaseous environment or medium: an inert atmosphere   7 a unit of pressure; the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at 0°C at sea level. 1 atmosphere is equivalent to 101 325 newtons per square metre or 14.72 pounds per square inch. Abbreviation: at, atm   > ˌatmosˈpheric or ˌatmosˈpherical adj   > ˌatmosˈpherically adv

■ atmosphered (ˈætməˌsfIəd)   adj   having an intellectual or psychological climate or feeling

■ atmospheric perspective   n   another term for aerial perspective

■ atmospheric pressure   n   the pressure exerted by the atmosphere at the earth's surface. It has an average value of 1 atmosphere

■ atmospherics (ˌætməsˈfɛrIks)   pl n   1 electrical disturbances produced in the atmosphere by natural causes such as lightning   2 radio interference, heard as crackling or hissing in receivers, caused by electrical disturbance

■ atmospheric window   n   wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be transmitted through the earth's atmosphere. Atmospheric windows occur in the visible, infrared, and radio regions of the spectrum

ATN   abbreviation for   1 arc tangent   2 augmented transition network

at. no.   abbreviation for   atomic number

ATO   abbreviation for   Australian Tax Office

atoc or atok (æˈtɒk)   n   a variety of skunk

atocia (əˈtəʊʃIə)   n   the incapability of a woman to conceive and give birth to children

A to J   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Appendices to Journals (of the House of Representatives or Parliament)

atok (æˈtɒk)   n   another name for atoc

atokal (ˈætəkəl) or atokous (ˈætəkəs)   adj   characterized by being non-sexual or creating offspring that are not sexual

atoke (ˈætəʊk)   n   a part of a worm, of the class Polychaeta, which has no sexual characteristics or is incapable of sexual procreation

atokous (ˈætəkəs)   adj   another word for atokal

atoll (ˈætɒl, əˈtɒl)   n   a circular coral reef or string of coral islands surrounding a lagoon [C17: from atollon, native name in the Maldive Islands]

atom (ˈætəm)   n   1    a the smallest quantity of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction   b this entity as a source of nuclear energy: the power of the atom. See also atomic structure   2 any entity regarded as the indivisible building block of a theory   3 the hypothetical indivisible particle of matter postulated by certain ancient philosophers as the fundamental constituent of matter. See also atomism   4 a very small amount or quantity; minute fragment: to smash something to atoms; there is not an atom of truth in his allegations [C16: via Old French and Latin, from Greek atomos (n), from atomos (adj) that cannot be divided, from A-1 + temnein to cut]

■ atomic (əˈtɒmIk)   adj   1 of, using, or characterized by atomic bombs or atomic energy: atomic warfare   2 of, related to, or comprising atoms: atomic hydrogen   3 extremely small; minute   4 logic (of a sentence, formula, etc) having no internal structure at the appropriate level of analysis. In predicate calculus, Fa is an atomic sentence and Fx an atomic predicate   > aˈtomically adv

■ atomic age   n   the atomic age the current historical period, initiated by the development of the first atomic bomb towards the end of World War II and now marked by a balance of power between nations possessing the hydrogen bomb and the use of nuclear power as a source of energy

■ atomical (əˈtɒmIkəl)   adj   a variant form of atomic (sense 2)

■ atomic bomb or atom bomb   n   a type of bomb in which the energy is provided by nuclear fission. Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are the isotopes most commonly used in atomic bombs. Also called: A-bomb, fission bomb. Compare fusion bomb

■ atomic clock   n   an extremely accurate clock in which an electrical oscillator is controlled by the natural vibrations of an atomic or molecular system such as caesium or ammonia

■ atomic cocktail   n   an aqueous solution of radioactive substance administered orally as part of the treatment for cancer

■ atomic energy   n   another name for nuclear energy

■ Atomic Energy Authority   n   (in Britain) a government body established in 1954 to control research and development in atomic energy. Abbreviation: AEA

■ Atomic Energy Commission   n   (in the US) a federal board established in 1946 to administer and develop domestic atomic energy programmes. Abbreviation: AEC

■ atomic heat   n   the product of an element's atomic weight and its specific heat (capacity)

■ atomicity (ˌætəˈmIsItI)   n   1 the state of being made up of atoms   2 the number of atoms in the molecules of an element   3 a less common name for valency

■ atomic mass   n chem   1 the mass of an isotope of an element in atomic mass units   2 short for relative atomic mass. See atomic weight

■ atomic mass unit   n   a unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights that is equal to one twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12. It is equivalent to 1.66 × 10–27 kg. Abbreviation: amu. Also called: unified atomic mass unit, dalton

■ atomic number   n   the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of an element. Abbreviation: at. no.. Symbol: Z. Also called: proton number

■ atomic pile   n   the original name for a nuclear reactor

■ atomic power   n   another name for nuclear power

■ atomic-powered   adj   powered by atomic energy

■ atomics (əˈtɒmIks)   n   the scientific study of atoms

■ atomic structure   n   the concept of an atom as a central positively charged nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons surrounded by a number of electrons. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons: the whole entity is thus electrically neutral

■ atomic theory   n   1 any theory in which matter is regarded as consisting of atoms, esp that proposed by John Dalton postulating that elements are composed of atoms that can combine in definite proportions to form compounds   2 the current concept of the atom as an entity with a definite structure. See atomic structure

■ atomic volume   n   the atomic weight (relative atomic mass) of an element divided by its density

■ atomic weight   n   the former name for relative atomic mass. Abbreviation: at wt

■ atomism (ˈætəˌmIzəm)   n   1 an ancient philosophical theory, developed by Democritus and expounded by Lucretius, that the ultimate constituents of the universe are atoms. See atom (sense 3)   2    a any of a number of theories that hold that some objects or phenomena can be explained as constructed out of a small number of distinct types of simple indivisible entities   b any theory that holds that an understanding of the parts is logically prior to an understanding of the whole. Compare holism (sense 3)   3 psychol the theory that experiences and mental states are composed of elementary units   > ˈatomist n, adj   > ˌatomˈistic or ˌatomˈistical adj   > ˌatomˈistically adv

■ atomize or atomise (ˈætəˌmaIz)   vb   1 to separate or be separated into free atoms   2 to reduce (a liquid or solid) to fine particles or spray or (of a liquid or solid) to be reduced in this way   3 (tr) to destroy by weapons, esp nuclear weapons   > ˌatomiˈzation or ˌatomiˈsation n

■ atomizer or atomiser (ˈætəˌmaIzə)   n   a device for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, such as the nozzle used to feed oil into a furnace or an enclosed bottle with a fine outlet used to spray perfumes or medicines

■ atom smasher   n   physics the nontechnical name for accelerator (sense 2)

■ atomy (ˈætəmI)   n, pl -mies archaic   1 an atom or minute particle   2 a minute creature [C16: from Latin atomī atoms, but used as if singular; see ATOM]

atomy (ˈætəmI)   n, pl -mies   an obsolete word for skeleton [C16: from mistaken division of ANATOMY (as if an atomy)]

Aton (ˈɑːtən)   n   a variant spelling of Aten

atonal (eIˈtəʊnəl, æ-)   adj   music having no established key. Compare tonal (sense 2)   > aˈtonalism n   > aˈtonally adv

■ atonalist (eIˈtəʊnəlIst)   n   music a composer who composes without knowingly or being aware of alluding to a particular tone or scale

■ atonality (ˌeItəʊˈnælItI, ˌæ-)   n   1 absence of or disregard for an established musical key in a composition   2 the principles of composition embodying this and providing a radical alternative to the diatonic system   ▶ Compare tonality

atone (əˈtəʊn)   vb   1 (intr; foll by for) to make amends or reparation (for a crime, sin, etc)   2 (tr) to expiate: to atone a guilt with repentance   3 obsolete to be in or bring into agreement [C16: back formation from ATONEMENT]   > aˈtonable or aˈtoneable adj   > aˈtoner n

■ atonement (əˈtəʊnmənt)   n   1 satisfaction, reparation, or expiation given for an injury or wrong   2 (often capital) Christian theol   a the reconciliation of humankind with God through the life, sufferings, and sacrificial death of Christ   b the sufferings and death of Christ   3 Christian Science the state in which the attributes of God are exemplified in humankind   4 obsolete reconciliation or agreement [C16: from Middle English phrase at onement in harmony]

■ atoningly (əˈtəʊnIŋlI)   adv   in an expiating manner

atonia (əˈtəʊnIə, eIˈtəʊnIə)   n   a deficiency of usual or expected tone in the muscles

atonic (eIˈtɒnIk, æ-)   adj   1 (of a syllable, word, etc) carrying no stress; unaccented   2 pathol lacking body or muscle tone   ▷ n   3 an unaccented or unstressed syllable, word, etc, such as for in food for thought [C18: from Latin atonicus, from Greek atonos lacking tone; see ATONY]   > atonicity (ˌætəˈnIsItI, ˌeItəʊ-) n

atony (ˈætənI)   n   1 pathol lack of normal tone or tension, as in muscles; abnormal relaxation of a muscle   2 phonetics lack of stress or accent on a syllable or word [C17: from Latin atonia, from Greek: tonelessness, from atonos slack, from A-1 + tonos TONE]

atop (əˈtɒp)   adv   1 on top; at the top   ▷ prep   2 on top of; at the top of

atopic (əˈtɒpIk)   adj   immunol of or relating to hereditary hypersensitivity to certain allergens

atopy (ˈætəʊpI)   n   immunol a hereditary tendency to be hypersensitive to certain allergens

-ator   suffix forming nouns   a person or thing that performs a certain action: agitator; escalator; radiator [from Latin -ātor; see -ATE^1 -OR^1]

-atory   suffix forming adjectives   of, relating to, characterized by, or serving to: circulatory; exploratory; migratory; explanatory [from Latin -ātōrius; see -ATE^1, -ORY^2]

ATP^1   n   adenosine triphosphate; a nucleotide found in the mitochondria of all plant and animal cells. It is the major source of energy for cellular reactions, this energy being released during its conversion to ADP. Formula: C_10H_16N_5O_13P_3. Also called: ATPase (ˌeItiːˈpiːˌeIz)

ATP^2   abbreviation for   1 advanced turboprop   2 Association of Tennis Professionals   3 automatic train protection: a safety system which automatically prevents a train from passing through a stop signal

atrabilious (ˌætrəˈbIljəs) or atrabiliar   adj   rare irritable [C17: from Latin ātra bīlis black bile, from āter black + bīlis BILE^1]   > ˌatraˈbiliousness n

atracurium (ˌætrəˈkjʊərIəm)   n   a drug used to relax muscles

atrament (ˈætrəmənt)   n   a liquid substance that is black in colour

■ atramental (ˌætrəˈmɛntəl)   adj   of or relating to ink

■ atramentous (ˌætrəˈmɛntəs)   adj   similar to or as black as ink

atrazine (ˈætrəziːn)   n   a white crystalline compound widely used as a weedkiller. Formula: C_8H_14N_5Cl [C20: from A(MINO) TR(I)AZINE]

atremble (əˈtrɛmbəl)   adv   in a shaking or trembling state

atresia (əˈtriːʒIə, -ʒə)   n   absence of or unnatural narrowing of a body channel [C19: New Latin, from Greek atrētos not perforated]

■ atresic (əˈtriːzIk) or atretic (əˈtriːtIk)   adj   marked by atresia

Atreus (ˈeItrIˌuːs, ˈeItrIəs)   n   Greek myth a king of Mycenae, son of Pelops, father of Agamemnon and Menelaus, and member of the family known as the Atreids (ˈeItrIIdz)

atrioventricular (ˌeItrIəʊvɛnˈtrIkjʊlə)   adj anatomy   of, relating to, or affecting both the atria and the ventricles of the heart: atrioventricular disease [C19: from atrio-, from New Latin atrium heart chamber (see ATRIUM) + VENTRICULAR]

atrip (əˈtrIp)   adj   (postpositive) nautical (of an anchor) no longer caught on the bottom; tripped; aweigh

atrium (ˈeItrIəm, ˈɑː-)   n, pl atria (ˈeItrIə, ˈɑː-)   1 the open main court of a Roman house   2 a central often glass-roofed hall that extends through several storeys in a building, such as a shopping centre or hotel   3 a court in front of an early Christian or medieval church, esp one flanked by colonnades   4 anatomy a cavity or chamber in the body, esp the upper chamber of each half of the heart [C17: from Latin; related to āter black, perhaps originally referring to the part of the house that was blackened by smoke from the hearth]   > ˈatrial adj

atrocious (əˈtrəʊʃəs)   adj   1 extremely cruel or wicked; ruthless: atrocious deeds   2 horrifying or shocking: an atrocious road accident   3 informal very bad; detestable: atrocious writing [C17: from Latin ātrōx dreadful, from āter black]   > aˈtrociously adv   > aˈtrociousness n

atrocity (əˈtrɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 behaviour or an action that is wicked or ruthless   2 the fact or quality of being atrocious   3 (usually plural) acts of extreme cruelty, esp against prisoners or civilians in wartime

atrophia (əˈtrəʊfIə)   n   another name for atrophy

atrophic rhinitis   n   another name for bull nose

atrophy (ˈætrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1 a wasting away of an organ or part, or a failure to grow to normal size as the result of disease, faulty nutrition, etc   2 any degeneration or diminution, esp through lack of use   ▷ vb -phies, -phying, -phied   3 to waste away or cause to waste away [C17: from Late Latin atrophia, from Greek, from atrophos ill-fed, from A-1 + -trophos from trephein to feed]   > atrophic (əˈtrɒfIk) adj

atropine (ˈætrəˌpiːn, -pIn), atropin (ˈætrəpIn) or atropia (əˈtrəʊpIə)   n   a poisonous alkaloid obtained from deadly nightshade, having an inhibitory action on the autonomic nervous system. It is used medicinally in pre-anaesthetic medication, to speed a slow heart rate, and as an emergency first-aid counter to exposure to chemical warfare nerve agents. Formula: C_17H_23NO_3 [C19: from New Latin atropa deadly nightshade, from Greek atropos unchangeable, inflexible; see ATROPOS]

■ atropism (ˈætrəpIzəm)   n   a condition caused by using atropine over a period of time

Atropos (ˈætrəˌpɒs)   n   Greek myth the one of the three Fates who severs the thread of life [Greek, from atropos that may not be turned, from A-1 + -tropos from trepein to turn]

atropous (ˈætrəʊpəs)   adj   growing straight, without inversion

att (æt)   n   currency an ancient Siamese coin

attaboy (ˈætəˌbɔI)   sentence substitute   slang, chiefly US an expression of approval or exhortation

attach (əˈtætʃ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to join, fasten, or connect   2 (reflexive or passive) to become associated with or join, as in a business or other venture: he attached himself to the expedition   3 (intr; foll by to) to be inherent (in) or connected (with): responsibility attaches to the job   4 to attribute or ascribe: to attach importance to an event   5 to include or append, esp as a condition: a proviso is attached to the contract   6 (usually passive) military to place on temporary duty with another unit   7 (usually passive) to put (a member of an organization) to work in a different unit or agency, either with an expectation of reverting to, or while retaining some part of, the original working arrangement   8 to appoint officially   9 law to arrest or take (a person, property, etc) with lawful authority   10 obsolete to seize [C14: from Old French atachier to fasten, changed from estachier to fasten with a stake, from estache STAKE^1]   > atˈtachable adj   > atˈtacher n

■ attached (əˈtætʃt)   adj   1 (foll by to) fond (of); full of regard (for): he was very attached to his dog   2 married, engaged, or associated in an exclusive sexual relationship: she's already attached

■ attachment (əˈtætʃmənt)   n   1 a means of securing; a fastening   2 (often foll by to) affection or regard (for); devotion (to): attachment to a person or to a cause   3 an object to be attached, esp a supplementary part: an attachment for an electric drill   4 the act of attaching or the state of being attached   5    a the arrest of a person for disobedience to a court order   b the lawful seizure of property and placing of it under control of a court   c a writ authorizing such arrest or seizure   6 law the binding of a debt in the hands of a garnishee until its disposition has been decided by the court

■ attachment of earnings   n   (in Britain) a court order requiring an employer to deduct amounts from an employee's wages to pay debts or honour financial obligations

attaché (əˈtæʃeI; French ataʃe)   n   1 a specialist attached to a diplomatic mission: military attaché   2 Brit a junior member of the staff of an embassy or legation [C19: from French: someone attached (to a mission), from attacher to ATTACH]

■ attaché case   n   a small flat rectangular briefcase used for carrying documents, papers, etc

attack (əˈtæk)   vb   1 to launch a physical assault (against) with or without weapons; begin hostilities (with)   2 (intr) to take the initiative in a game, sport, etc: after a few minutes, the team began to attack   3 (tr) to direct hostile words or writings at; criticize or abuse vehemently   4 (tr) to turn one's mind or energies vigorously to (a job, problem, etc)   5 (tr) to begin to injure or affect adversely; corrode, corrupt, or infect: rust attacked the metal   6 (tr) to attempt to rape   ▷ n   7 the act or an instance of attacking   8 strong criticism or abuse: an unjustified attack on someone's reputation   9 an offensive move in a game, sport, etc   10 commencement of a task, etc   11 any sudden and usually severe manifestation of a disease or disorder: a heart attack; an attack of indigestion   12 the attack ball games the players in a team whose main role is to attack the opponents' goal or territory   13 music decisiveness in beginning a passage, movement, or piece   14 music the speed with which a note reaches its maximum volume   15 an attempted rape [C16: from French attaquer, from Old Italian attaccare to attack, attach, from estaccare to attach, from stacca STAKE^1; compare ATTACH]   > atˈtackable adj   > atˈtacker n   > atˈtacking adj

■ attack ad   n   a public notice, such as a printed display or a short film on television, in which a political party criticizes or abuses an opponent

■ attackman (əˈtækmæn)   n, pl -men   sport a player whose primary role is to attack

attagirl (ˈætəɡɜːl)   sentence substitute slang, chiefly US   an expression of approval or exhortation

attain (əˈteIn)   vb   1 (tr) to achieve or accomplish (a task, goal, aim, etc)   2 (tr) to reach or arrive at in space or time: to attain old age   3 (intr; often foll by to) to arrive (at) with effort or exertion: to attain to glory [C14: from Old French ateindre, from Latin attingere to reach, from tangere to touch]   > atˈtainable adj   > atˌtainaˈbility or atˈtainableness n

■ attainer (əˈteInə)   n   a person who attains or achieves something

■ attainment (əˈteInmənt)   n   an achievement or the act of achieving; accomplishment

■ attainment target   n   Brit education a general defined level of ability that a pupil is expected to achieve in every subject at each key stage in the National Curriculum. Abbreviation: AT

attainder (əˈteIndə)   n   1 (formerly) the extinction of a person's civil rights resulting from a sentence of death or outlawry on conviction for treason or felony. See also bill of attainder   2 obsolete dishonour   ▶ Archaic equivalent: attainture (əˈteIntʃə) [C15: from Anglo-French attaindre to convict, from Old French ateindre to ATTAIN]

attaint (əˈteInt)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to pass judgment of death or outlawry upon (a person); condemn by bill of attainder   2 to dishonour or disgrace   3 to accuse or prove to be guilty   4 (of sickness) to affect or strike (somebody)   ▷ n   5 a less common word for attainder   6 a dishonour; taint [C14: from Old French ateint convicted, from ateindre to ATTAIN]

■ attaintment (əˈteIntmənt)   n   criminal law conviction of a crime

attainture (əˈteIntʃə)   n   archaic another name for attainder (sense 2)

attap (ˈætæp)   n   a flowering palm tree of South Asia found in saline coastal habitats

attar (ˈætə), otto (ˈɒtəʊ) or ottar (ˈɒtə)   n   an essential oil from flowers, esp the damask rose, used pure or as a base for perfume: attar of roses [C18: from Persian `atir perfumed, from `itr perfume, from Arabic]

attemper (əˈtɛmpə)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to modify by blending; temper   2 to moderate or soothe   3 to accommodate or bring into harmony   > atˈtemperment n

attempt (əˈtɛmpt)   vb (tr)   1 to make an effort (to do something) or to achieve (something); try   2 to try to surmount (an obstacle)   3 to try to climb: they will attempt the north wall of the Eiger   4 archaic to attack   5 archaic to tempt   ▷ n   6 an endeavour to achieve something; effort   7 a result of an attempt or endeavour   8 an attack, esp with the intention to kill: an attempt on his life [C14: from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptāre to strive after, from tentāre to try]   > atˈtemptable adj   > atˈtempter n

USAGE

Attempt should not be used in the passive when followed by an infinitive: attempts were made to find a solution (not a solution was attempted to be found)

■ attemptability (əˌtɛmptəˈbIlItI)   n   the capability of being attempted or condition of being attemptable

■ attempted (əˈtɛmptId)   adj   used to describe an action that someone has unsuccessfully tried to carry out

Attenborough (ˈætənbərə)   n   1  Sir David. born 1926, British naturalist and broadcaster; noted esp for his TV series Life on Earth (1978), The Living Planet (1983), The Life of Birds (1998), The Life of Mammals (2002), and First Life (2010)   2  his brother, Richard, Baron Attenborough. 1923–2014, British film actor, director, and producer; his films include Gandhi (1982), Cry Freedom (1987), and Shadowlands (1993)

attend (əˈtɛnd)   vb   1 to be present at (an event, meeting, etc)   2 (when intr, foll by to) to give care; minister   3 (when intr, foll by to) to pay attention; listen   4 (tr; often passive) to accompany or follow: a high temperature attended by a severe cough   5 (intr; foll by on or upon) to follow as a consequence (of)   6 (intr; foll by to) to devote one's time; apply oneself: to attend to the garden   7 (tr) to escort or accompany   8 (intr; foll by on or upon) to wait (on); serve; provide for the needs (of): to attend on a guest   9 (tr) archaic to wait for; expect   10 (intr) obsolete to delay [C13: from Old French atendre, from Latin attendere to stretch towards, from tendere to extend]   > atˈtender n

■ attendance (əˈtɛndəns)   n   1 the act or state of attending   2 the number of persons present: an attendance of 5000 at the festival   3 obsolete attendants collectively; retinue

■ attendance allowance   n   (in Britain) a tax-free noncontributory welfare benefit for people over 65 years old who are so severely disabled that they need frequent attention or continual supervision for a period of six months or more

■ attendance centre   n   (in Britain) a place at which young offenders are required to attend regularly instead of going to prison

■ attendancy (əˈtɛndənsI)   n   the condition or quality of accompanying or attending

■ attendant (əˈtɛndənt)   n   1 a person who accompanies or waits upon another   2 a person employed to assist, guide, or provide a service for others, esp for the general public: a lavatory attendant   3 a person who is present   4 a logical consequence or natural accompaniment: hatred is often an attendant of jealousy   ▷ adj   5 being in attendance   6 associated; accompanying; related: attendant problems

■ attendee (əˌtɛnˈdiː)   n   a person who is present at a specified event

■ attendings (əˈtɛndIŋz)   pl n   physicians who attend to patients in a hospital

■ attendment (əˈtɛndmənt)   n   a circumstance or situation resulting as a consequence of something else

attendement (əˈtɛndmənt)   n   archaic the state or act of intending or purposing

attentat French (atɑ̃ta)   n   any attempt at a violent, political act

attention (əˈtɛnʃən)   n   1 concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task   2 consideration, notice, or observation: a new matter has come to our attention   3 detailed care or special treatment: to pay attention to one's appearance   4 (usually plural) an act of consideration, courtesy, or gallantry indicating affection or love: attentions given to a lover   5 the motionless position of formal military alertness, esp in drill when an upright position is assumed with legs and heels together, arms to the sides, head and eyes facing to the front   6 psychol the act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughts. See also selective attention   ▷ sentence substitute   7 the order to be alert or to adopt a position of formal military alertness [C14: from Latin attentiō, from attendere to apply the mind to; see ATTEND]

■ attentional (əˈtɛnʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to attention

■ attention deficit disorder   n   a disorder, particularly of children, characterized by excessive activity and inability to concentrate on one task for any length of time. Abbreviation: ADD

■ attention deficit hyperactivity disorder   n   a form of attention deficit disorder in which hyperactivity is a prominent symptom. Abbreviation: ADHD

■ attention-grabbing   adj   making people notice

■ attention-seeking   adj   intended to make people take notice

■ attentive (əˈtɛntIv)   adj   1 paying attention; listening carefully; observant   2 (postpositive; often foll by to) careful to fulfil the needs or wants (of); considerate (about): she was always attentive to his needs   > atˈtentively adv   > atˈtentiveness n

attenuate   vb (əˈtɛnjʊˌeIt)   1 to weaken or become weak; reduce in size, strength, density, or value   2 to make or become thin or fine; extend   3 (tr) to make (a pathogenic bacterium, virus, etc) less virulent, as by culture in special media or exposure to heat   ▷ adj (əˈtɛnjʊIt, -ˌeIt)   4 diluted, weakened, slender, or reduced   5 botany tapering gradually to a point [C16: from Latin attenuāre to weaken, from tenuis thin]

■ attenuant (əˈtɛnjʊənt)   adj   1 causing dilution or thinness, esp of the blood   ▷ n   2 obsolete an attenuant drug or agent

■ attenuation (əˌtɛnjʊˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act of attenuating or the state of being attenuated   2 the loss of energy suffered by radiation as it passes through matter, esp as a result of absorption or scattering

■ attenuator (əˈtɛnjʊˌeItə)   n   1 physics any device designed to reduce the power of a wave or electrical signal without distorting it   2 a person or thing that attenuates

attercop (ˈætəkɒp)   n archaic or dialect   1 a spider   2 an ill-natured person [Old English attorcoppa, from ātor poison and possibly cop head]

attest (əˈtɛst)   vb   1 (tr) to affirm the correctness or truth of   2 (when intr, usually foll by to) to witness (an act, event, etc) or bear witness to (an act, event, etc) as by signature or oath   3 (tr) to make evident; demonstrate: his life of luxury attests his wealth   4 (tr) to provide evidence for: the marks in the ground attested the presence of a fossil [C16: from Latin attestārī to prove, from testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness]   > atˈtestable adj   > atˈtestant, atˈtester, esp law atˈtestor or atˈtestator n   > attestation (ˌætɛˈsteIʃən) n

■ attestative (əˈtɛstətIv)   adj   relating to or of the nature of attestation

■ attested (əˈtɛstId)   adj   Brit (of cattle, etc) certified to be free from a disease, esp from tuberculosis

Att. Gen. or Atty. Gen.   abbreviation for   Attorney General

attic (ˈætIk)   n   1 a space or room within the roof of a house   2 architect a storey or low wall above the cornice of a classical façade [C18: special use of ATTIC from the use of Attic-style pilasters to adorn the façade of the top storey]

Attic (ˈætIk)   adj   1 of or relating to Attica, its inhabitants, or the dialect of Greek spoken there, esp in classical times   2 (often not capital) classically elegant, simple, or pure: an Attic style   ▷ n   3 the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Athens: the chief literary dialect of classical Greek. See also Aeolic, Arcadic, Doric, Ionic

■ Atticism (ˈætIˌsIzəm)   n   1 the idiom or character of the Attic dialect of Ancient Greek, esp in the Hellenistic period   2 an elegant, simple, and clear expression   > ˈAtticist n

■ atticize or atticise (ˈætIˌsaIz)   vb (intr)   to conform or adapt to the Attic Greek style of expression, habits, and beliefs

■ Attic order   n   a low pilaster of any order set into the cornice of a building

■ Attic salt or Attic wit   n   refined incisive wit

Attica (ˈætIkə)   n   a region and department of E central Greece: in ancient times the territory of Athens. Capital: Athens. Pop: 3 336 700 (2001). Area: 14 157 sq km (5466 sq miles)

Attila (əˈtIlə)   n   ?406–453 AD, king of the Huns, who devastated much of the Roman Empire, invaded Gaul in 451 AD, but was defeated by the Romans and Visigoths at Châlons-sur-Marne

attire (əˈtaIə)   vb   1 (tr) to dress, esp in fine elegant clothes; array   ▷ n   2 clothes or garments, esp if fine or decorative   3 the antlers of a mature male deer [C13: from Old French atirier to put in order, from tire row; see TIER^1]

■ attired (əˈtaIəd)   adj   formal wearing clothes or garments, esp if fine or decorative; dressed: faultlessly attired in black coat and striped trousers

■ attirement (əˈtaIəmənt)   n   another name for attire

Attis (ˈætIs)   n   classical myth a youth of Phrygia, loved by the goddess Cybele. In a jealous passion she caused him to go mad, whereupon he castrated himself and died

attitude (ˈætIˌtjuːd)   n   1 the way a person views something or tends to behave towards it, often in an evaluative way   2 a theatrical pose created for effect (esp in the phrase strike an attitude)   3 a position of the body indicating mood or emotion   4 informal a hostile manner: don't give me attitude   5 the orientation of an aircraft's axes in relation to some plane, esp the horizontal. See also axis^1 (sense 1)   6 the orientation of a spacecraft in relation to its direction of motion   7 ballet a classical position in which the body is upright and one leg raised and bent behind [C17: from French, from Italian attitudine disposition, from Late Latin aptitūdō fitness, from Latin aptus APT]   > ˌattiˈtudinal adj

■ attitudinally (ˌætIˈtjuːdInəlI)   adv   in a manner expressive of personal attitudes or emotions

■ attitudinarian (ˌætIˌtjuːdIˈnɛərIən)   n   a person who assumes an affected attitude

■ attitudinize or attitudinise (ˌætIˈtjuːdIˌnaIz)   vb   (intr) to adopt a pose or opinion for effect; strike an attitude   > ˌattiˈtudiˌnizer or ˌattiˈtudiˌniser n

■ attitudinizing or attitudinising (ˌætIˈtjuːdInaIzIŋ)   n   the assumption of an affected attitude

Attlee (ˈætlI)   n   Clement Richard, 1st Earl Attlee. 1883–1967, British statesman; prime minister (1945–51); leader of the Labour party (1935–55). His government instituted the welfare state, with extensive nationalization

attn   abbreviation for   attention

atto-   prefix   denoting 10–18: attotesla. Symbol: a [from Norwegian, Danish atten eighteen]

attolaser (ˈætəʊˌleIzə)   n   a high-power laser capable of producing pulses with a duration measured in attoseconds

attollent (əˈtɒlənt) or attollens (əˈtɒlɛnz)   adj   biology (of muscle action) lifting up or raising

attonce (əˈtɒns)   adv   archaic at once, together

attone (əˈtəʊn)   vb (tr)   archaic to appease or pacify

attophysics (ˈætəʊˌfIzIks)   n   the physics of structures and artefacts with dimensions in the attometre range or of devices, such as lasers, capable of producing pulses with a duration measured in attoseconds

attorn (əˈtɜːn)   vb (intr)   1 law to acknowledge a new owner of land as one's landlord   2 feudal history to transfer allegiance or do homage to a new lord [C15: from Old French atourner to direct to, from tourner to TURN]   > atˈtornment n

attorney (əˈtɜːnI)   n   1 a person legally appointed or empowered to act for another   2 US a lawyer qualified to represent clients in legal proceedings   3 South African a solicitor [C14: from Old French atourné, from atourner to direct to; see ATTORN]   > atˈtorneyˌship n

■ attorney-at-law   n, pl attorneys-at-law law   1 chiefly US a lawyer qualified to represent in court a party to a legal action   2 Brit obsolete a solicitor

■ attorneydom (əˈtɜːnIdəm)   n   the state or power of being an attorney

■ attorney general   n, pl attorneys general or attorney generals   1 a country's chief law officer and senior legal adviser to its government   2 (in the US) the chief law officer and legal adviser of a state government   3 (in some states of the US) a public prosecutor

■ Attorney General   n   1 (in the United Kingdom except Scotland) the senior law officer and chief legal counsel of the Crown: a member of the government and of the House of Commons   2 (in the US) the chief law officer and legal adviser to the Administration: head of the Department of Justice and member of the cabinet   3 (in Australia and New Zealand) the chief government law officer: a member of Parliament and usually a cabinet minister

■ attorneyism (əˈtɜːnIIzəm)   n   the slyness and cleverness associated with attorneys

attract (əˈtrækt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention)   2 (also intr) to exert a force on (a body) that tends to cause an approach or oppose a separation: the gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it   3 to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself: jam attracts wasps   4 (also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to) [C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull]   > atˈtractable adj   > atˈtractor or atˈtracter n

■ attractancy (əˈtræktənsI) or attractance (əˈtræktəns)   n   the capacity of a pheromone to attract

■ attractant (əˈtræktənt)   n   a substance that attracts, esp a chemical (sex attractant) produced by an insect and attracting insects of the same species. See also pheromone

■ attracted (əˈtræktId)   adj   feeling a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence from someone or something

■ attractingly (əˈtræktIŋlI)   adv   in a manner that attracts

■ attraction (əˈtrækʃən)   n   1 the act, power, or quality of attracting   2 a person or thing that attracts or is intended to attract   3 a force by which one object attracts another, such as the gravitational or electrostatic force   4 a change in the form of one linguistic element caused by the proximity of another element

■ attraction sphere   n   another name for astrosphere (sense 2)

■ attractive (əˈtræktIv)   adj   1 appealing to the senses or mind through beauty, form, character, etc   2 arousing interest: an attractive opportunity   3 possessing the ability to draw or pull: an attractive force   > atˈtractively adv   > atˈtractiveness n

attrahens (ˈætrəˌhɛnz, əˈtreIənz)   adj   biology (of muscle) drawing or pulling towards

attrahent (ˈætrəˌhənt, əˈtreIənt)   adj   attracting or drawing in

attrap (əˈtræp)   vb (tr)   to catch or ensnare

attrib.   abbreviation for   1 attribute   2 attributive

attribute   vb (əˈtrIbjuːt)   1 (tr; usually foll by to) to regard as belonging (to), produced (by), or resulting (from); ascribe (to): to attribute a painting to Picasso   ▷ n (ˈætrIˌbjuːt)   2 a property, quality, or feature belonging to or representative of a person or thing   3 an object accepted as belonging to a particular office or position   4 grammar   a an adjective or adjectival phrase   b an attributive adjective   5 logic the property, quality, or feature that is affirmed or denied concerning the subject of a proposition [C15: from Latin attribuere to associate with, from tribuere to give]   > atˈtributable adj   > atˈtributer or atˈtributor n   > attribution (ˌætrIˈbjuːʃən) n

■ attributional (ˌætrIˈbjuːʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to the act of attributing

■ attribution theory   n   psychol the theory that tries to explain how people link actions and emotions to particular causes, both internal and external

■ attributive (əˈtrIbjʊtIv)   adj   1 relating to an attribute   2 grammar (of an adjective or adjectival phrase) modifying a noun and constituting part of the same noun phrase, in English normally preceding the noun, as black in Fido is a black dog (as opposed to Fido is black). Compare predicative   3 philosophy relative to an understood domain, as small in that elephant is small   ▷ n   4 an attributive adjective   > atˈtributively adv   > atˈtributiveness n

attrist (əˈtrIst)   vb (tr)   archaic to sadden or make sad

attrition (əˈtrIʃən)   n   1 the act of wearing away or the state of being worn away, as by friction   2 constant wearing down to weaken or destroy (often in the phrase war of attrition)   3 Also called: natural wastage a decrease in the size of the workforce of an organization achieved by not replacing employees who retire or resign   4 geography the grinding down of rock particles by friction during transportation by water, wind, or ice. Compare abrasion (sense 3), corrasion   5 theol sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation, esp as contrasted with contrition, which arises purely from love of God [C14: from Late Latin attrītiō a rubbing against something, from Latin atterere to weaken, from terere to rub]   > atˈtritional adj   > attritive (əˈtraItIv) adj

■ attrit (əˈtrIt)   vb -trits, -tritting, -tritted US slang (tr)   1 to wear down or dispose of gradually   2 to kill   ▶ Also: attrite [C18: back formation from ATTRITION]

Attu (ˈætuː)   n   the westernmost of the Aleutian Islands, off the coast of SW Alaska: largest of the Near Islands

attuite (æˈtjuːIt)   vb (tr)   to perceive or become aware of by attuition

■ attuent (ˈætjuːənt)   adj   characterized by or having the function of attuition

■ attuition (ˌætjʊˈIʃən)   n   a way of mentally perceiving which is between human perception and animal sensation

■ attuitional (ˌætjʊˈIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to attuition

■ attuitive (əˈtjuːItIv)   adj   characterized by attuition

■ attuitively (əˈtjuːItIvlI)   adv   in an attuitive manner

attune (əˈtjuːn)   vb (tr)   1 to adjust or accustom (a person or thing); acclimatize   2 to tune (a musical instrument)

■ attuned (əˈtjuːnd)   adj   1 able to perceive; sensitive (to)   2 accustomed (to)

■ attunement (əˈtjuːnmənt)   n   an attuning or act of making harmonious

atty   abbreviation for   attorney

atua (ˈɑːtuːə)   n   NZ a spirit or demon [Māori]

ATV   abbreviation for   all-terrain vehicle: a vehicle with treads or wheels designed to travel on rough uneven ground

atwain (əˈtweIn)   adv   archaic into two parts

atween (əˈtwiːn)   prep   an archaic or Scot word for between

atwitter (əˈtwItə)   adv   twittering, nervously excited

Atwood (ˈætwʊd)   n   Margaret (Eleanor) born 1939, Canadian poet and novelist. Her novels include Lady Oracle (1976), The Handmaid's Tale (1986), Alias Grace (1996), the Booker Prize-winning The Blind Assassin (2000), and Oryx and Crake (2003)

at wt   abbreviation for   atomic weight

atypical (eIˈtIpIkəl) or atypic (əˈtIpIk, eIˈtIpIk)   adj   not typical; deviating from or not conforming to type   > aˈtypically adv

■ atypicality (eIˌtIpIˈkælItI)   n   the quality or condition of being atypical

au   the internet domain name for   Australia

Au   the chemical symbol for   gold [from New Latin aurum]

AU   abbreviation for   1 African Union   2 Also: a.u. angstrom unit   3 Also: a.u. astronomical unit

aua (ˈɑːuːɑː)   n, pl aua   NZ another name for yellow-eye mullet [Māori]

aubade (French obad)   n   1 a song or poem appropriate to or greeting the dawn   2 a romantic or idyllic prelude or overture   ▶ Compare serenade [C19: from French, from Old Provençal aubada (unattested), from auba dawn, ultimately from Latin albus white]

Aube (French ob)   n   1 a department of N central France, in Grand Est region. Capital: Troyes. Pop: 293 925 (2003 est). Area: 6026 sq km (2350 sq miles)   2 a river in N central France, flowing northwest to the Seine. Length: about 225 km (140 miles)

Auber (French obɛr)   n   Daniel François Esprit (danjɛl frɑ̃swa ɛspri). 1782–1871, French composer, who was prominent in development of opéra comique. His works include 48 operas

auberge (French obɛrʒ)   n   an inn or tavern [C17: from French, from Old Provençal alberga, of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon heriberga army shelter]

■ aubergiste French (obɛrˈʒist)   n   an innkeeper or hotelier

aubergine (ˈəʊbəˌʒiːn)   n   1 a tropical Old World solanaceous plant, Solanum melongena, widely cultivated for its egg-shaped typically dark purple fruit. US, Canadian, and Australian name: eggplant   2 the fruit of this plant, which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable   3    a a dark purple colour   b (as adjective): an aubergine dress [C18: from French, from Catalan alberginia, from Arabic al-bādindjān, ultimately from Sanskrit vatin-ganah, of obscure origin]

Aubervilliers (French obɛrvilje)   n   an industrial suburb of Paris, on the Seine. Pop: 63 136 (1999). Former name: French Notre-Dame-des-Vertus (nɔtrədamdevɛrty)

Aubrey (ˈɔːbrI)   n   John. 1626–97, English antiquary and author, noted for his vivid biographies of his contemporaries, Brief Lives (edited 1898)

aubrietia, aubrieta or aubretia (ɔːˈbriːʃə)   n   any trailing purple-flowered plant of the genus Aubrieta, native to European mountains but widely planted in rock gardens: family Brassicaceae (crucifers) [C19: from New Latin, named after Claude Aubriet, 18th-century French painter of flowers and animals]

auburn (ˈɔːbən)   n     a a moderate reddish-brown colour   b (as adjective): auburn hair [C15 (originally meaning: blond): from Old French alborne blond, from Medieval Latin alburnus whitish, from Latin albus white]

Aubusson (French obysɔ̃)   n   1 a town in central France, in the Creuse department: a centre for flat-woven carpets and for tapestries since the 16th century. Pop: 4662 (1999)   ▷ adj   2 denoting or relating to these carpets or tapestries

AUC   abbreviation for   (indicating years numbered from the founding of Rome, taken as 753 BC) ab urbe condita or anno urbis conditae

auceps (ˈɔːsɛps)   n   a person who catches hawks

Auckland (ˈɔːklənd)   n   the chief port of New Zealand, in the northern part of North Island: former capital of New Zealand (1840–65). Pop: 450 300 (2010 est)

■ Auckland Islands   pl n   a group of six uninhabited islands, south of New Zealand. Area: 611 sq km (234 sq miles)

au contraire French (o kɔ̃trɛr)   adv   on the contrary

au courant French (o kurɑ̃)   adj   up-to-date, esp in knowledge of current affairs [literally: in the current]

auction (ˈɔːkʃən)   n   1 a public sale of goods or property, esp one in which prospective purchasers bid against each other until the highest price is reached. Compare Dutch auction   2 the competitive calls made in bridge and other games before play begins, undertaking to win a given number of tricks if a certain suit is trumps   3 See auction bridge   ▷ vb   4 (tr; often foll by off) to sell by auction [C16: from Latin auctiō an increasing, from augēre to increase]

■ auctionary (ˈɔːkʃənərI)   adj   of or relating to auctions or auctioneers

■ auction bridge   n   a variety of bridge, now generally superseded by contract bridge, in which all the tricks made score towards the game

■ auctioneer (ˌɔːkʃəˈnIə)   n   1 a person who conducts an auction by announcing the lots and controlling the bidding   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to sell by auction

auctorial (ɔːkˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of or relating to an author [C19: from Latin auctor AUTHOR]

aucuba (ˈɔːkjəbə, ɔːˈkjuːbə)   n   an ornamental evergreen Japanese laurel

audacious (ɔːˈdeIʃəs) or outdacious (aʊtˈdeIʃəs)   adj   1 recklessly bold or daring; fearless   2 impudent or presumptuous [C16: from Latin audāx bold, from audēre to dare]   > auˈdaciously adv   > auˈdaciousness or audacity (ɔːˈdæsItI) n

audad (ˈɑːuːˌdæd)   n   another name for aoudad

Aude (French od)   n   a department of S France on the Gulf of Lions, in Occitanie region. Capital: Carcassonne. Pop: 321 734 (2003 est). Area: 6342 sq km (2473 sq miles)

Auden (ˈɔːdən)   n   W(ystan) H(ugh). 1907–73, US poet, dramatist, critic, and librettist, born in Britain; noted for his lyric and satirical poems and for plays written in collaboration with Christopher Isherwood

audial (ˈɔːdIəl)   adj   of or relating to sound and the sense of hearing

audible (ˈɔːdIbəl)   adj   1 perceptible to the hearing; loud enough to be heard   ▷ n   2 American football a change of playing tactics called by the quarterback when the offense is lined up at the line of scrimmage [C16: from Late Latin audibilis, from Latin audīre to hear]   > ˌaudiˈbility or ˈaudibleness n   > ˈaudibly adv

audience (ˈɔːdIəns)   n   1 a group of spectators or listeners, esp at a public event such as a concert or play   2 the people reached by a book, film, or radio or television programme   3 the devotees or followers of a public entertainer, lecturer, etc; regular public   4 an opportunity to put one's point of view, such as a formal interview with a monarch or head of state [C14: from Old French, from Latin audientia a hearing, from audīre to hear]

audiencia Spanish (ˌaʊdIɛnˈθIə, ˌaʊdIɛnˈsIə)   n   a high court, found in South America during the colonial period

audient (ˈɔːdIənt)   n   a person who hears or listens

audile (ˈɔːdIl, ˈɔːdaIl) psychol   n   1 a person who possesses a faculty for auditory imagery that is more distinct than his or her visual or other imagery   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to such a person [C19: from AUD(ITORY) + -ILE]

auding (ˈɔːdIŋ)   n   the practice of listening to and processing spoken language in order to understand

audio (ˈɔːdIˌəʊ)   n (modifier)   1 of or relating to sound or hearing: audio frequency   2 relating to or employed in the transmission, reception, or reproduction of sound   3 of, concerned with, or operating at audio frequencies   ▶ Compare video [C20: independent use of AUDIO-]

■ audiobook or audio book (ˈɔːdIəʊˌbʊk)   n   a recorded reading of a book recorded on tape, CD, or digital formats

■ audio-cassette   n   a cassette of tape on which sound only is recorded

■ audio conference   n   a meeting that is conducted by the use of audio telecommunications

■ audio description   n   a facility provided for visually impaired people in which a film, television programme, or play is described through audio technology

■ audio frequency   n   a frequency in the range 20 hertz to 20 000 hertz. A sound wave of this frequency would be audible to the human ear

■ audiometer (ˌɔːdIˈɒmItə)   n   an instrument for testing the intensity and frequency range of sound that is capable of detection by the human ear   > audiometric (ˌɔːdIəʊˈmɛtrIk) adj   > ˌaudioˈmetrically adv   > ˌaudiˈometrist n   > ˌaudiˈometry n

■ audiometrician (ˌɔːdIəʊməˈtrIʃən)   n   another name for audiometrist

■ audio response   n   a computer response that is audible rather than textual or graphical

■ audiotape or audio tape (ˈɔːdIəʊteIp) US   n   1 magnetic tape used to record sound   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to make a sound recording of something

■ audiotypist (ˈɔːdIəʊˌtaIpIst)   n   a typist trained to type from a dictating machine   > ˈaudioˌtyping n

■ audiovisual (ˌɔːdIəʊˈvIzjʊəl, -ʒʊəl)   adj   (esp of teaching aids) involving or directed at both hearing and sight: the language class had new audiovisual equipment   > ˌaudioˈvisually adv

audio-   combining form   indicating hearing or sound: audiometer; audiovisual [from Latin audīre to hear]

audiogenic (ˌɔːdIəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   caused or produced by sound or an audio frequency: an audiogenic epileptic fit

audiogram (ˈɔːdIəʊˌɡræm)   n   a graphic record of the acuity of hearing of a person obtained by means of an audiometer

audiograph (ˈɔːdIəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   a machine used to test a patient's hearing by transmitting sound waves directly to the inner ear

audiology (ˌɔːdIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of hearing, often including the treatment of hearing defects   > audiological (ˌɔːdIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌaudioˈlogically adv   > ˌaudiˈologist n

■ audiologic (ˌɔːdIəʊˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   of or relating to audiology

audiophile (ˈɔːdIəʊˌfaIl)   n   a person who has a great interest in high-fidelity sound reproduction

audiphone (ˈɔːdIˌfəʊn)   n   a type of hearing aid consisting of a diaphragm that, when placed against the upper teeth, conveys sound vibrations to the inner ear

audit (ˈɔːdIt)   n   1    a an inspection, correction, and verification of business accounts, conducted by an independent qualified accountant   b (as modifier): audit report   2 US an audited account   3 any thoroughgoing check or examination   4 archaic a hearing   ▷ vb   5 to inspect, correct, and certify (accounts, etc)   6 US and Canadian to attend (classes, etc) as an auditor [C15: from Latin audītus a hearing, from audīre to hear]

■ auditable (ˈɔːdItəbəl)   adj   able to be audited

■ Audit Bureau of Circulation   n   an organization that collects, audits, and publishes monthly circulation figures for newspapers and magazines. Abbreviation: ABC

■ auditee (ˌɔːdIˈtiː)   n   a person or organization that is audited

■ auditing (ˈɔːdItIŋ)   n   finance the act of inspecting, correcting, and certifying (accounts, etc)

■ auditor (ˈɔːdItə)   n   1 a person qualified to audit accounts   2 a person who hears or listens   3 Austral, US and Canadian a registered student who attends a class that is not an official part of his or her course of study, without actively participating it [C14: from Old French auditeur, from Latin audītor a hearer]   > ˌaudiˈtorial adj

■ Auditor General   n   (in Canada) a federal official responsible for auditing government departments and making an annual report

■ auditorship (ˈɔːdItəʃIp)   n   the position or function of auditor

■ auditress (ˈɔːdItrəs)   n   a female auditor

■ audit trail   n   a record of all the transactions or data entries that a person or firm has carried out over a specific period

audition (ɔːˈdIʃən)   n   1 a test at which a performer or musician is asked to demonstrate his or her ability for a particular role, etc   2 the act, sense, or power of hearing   ▷ vb   3 to judge by means of or be tested in an audition [C16: from Latin audītiō a hearing, from audīre to hear]

■ auditioner (ɔːˈdIʃənə)   n   a person who attends an audition

auditive (ˈɔːdItIv)   n   audio a person who learns primarily by listening

auditorium (ˌɔːdIˈtɔːrIəm)   n, pl -toriums or -toria (-ˈtɔːrIə)   1 the area of a concert hall, theatre, school, etc, in which the audience sits   2 US and Canadian a building for public gatherings or meetings [C17: from Latin: a judicial examination, from audītōrius concerning a hearing; see AUDITORY]

auditory (ˈɔːdItərI, -trI)   adj also auditive (ˈɔːdItIv)   1 of or relating to hearing, the sense of hearing, or the organs of hearing   ▷ n   2 an archaic word for audience, auditorium [C14: from Latin audītōrius relating to hearing, from audīre to hear]

■ auditorily (ˈɔːdItərIlI, ˌɔːdIˈtɔːrIlI)   adv   audio in an auditory manner; by hearing

■ auditory phonetics   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of phonetics concerned with the perception of speech sounds by humans. Compare acoustic phonetics, articulatory phonetics

Audubon (ˈɔːdəˌbɒn)   n   John James. 1785–1851, US naturalist and artist, noted particularly for his paintings of birds in Birds of America (1827–38)

aue (ˈɑːuːə)   interj   NZ an exclamation of pain, distress, or astonishment [Māori]

Auer (German ˈauər)   n   Karl (karl), Baron von Welsbach. 1858–1929, Austrian chemist who discovered the alloy of cerium and iron used for flints in cigarette lighters and invented the incandescent gas mantle

Auerbach (ˈaʊəˌbɑːk)   n   Frank (Helmuth). born 1931, British painter, born in Germany, noted esp for his use of impasto

AUEW   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers

au fait French (o fɛ; English əʊ ˈfeI)   adj   fully informed; in touch or expert [C18: literally: to the point]

aufgabe (ˈaʊfˌɡɑːbə)   n   psychol a task or an assignment

Aufklärung German (ˈaufklɛːruŋ)   n   the Enlightenment, esp in Germany

au fond French (o fɔ̃)   adv   fundamentally; essentially [literally: at the bottom]

auf Wiedersehen German (auf ˈviːdərzeːən)   sentence substitute   goodbye, until we see each other again

Aug   abbreviation for   August

AugCog   acronym for   augmented cognition

Augean (ɔːˈdʒiːən)   adj   extremely dirty or corrupt [C16: after Augeas; see AUGEAN STABLES]

■ Augean stables   pl n   Greek myth the stables, not cleaned for 30 years, where King Augeas kept 3000 oxen. Hercules diverted the River Alpheus through them and cleaned them in a day

augend (ˈɔːdʒɛnd, ɔːˈdʒɛnd)   n   a number to which another number, the addend, is added [from Latin augendum that is to be increased, from augēre to increase]

auger (ˈɔːɡə)   n   1 a hand tool with a bit shaped like a corkscrew, for boring holes in wood   2 a larger tool of the same kind for boring holes in the ground [C15 an augur, resulting from mistaken division of earlier a nauger, from Old English nafugār nave (of a wheel) spear (that is, tool for boring hubs of wheels), from nafu NAVE^2 + gār spear; see GORE^2]

Auger effect (ˈaʊɡə)   n   the spontaneous emission of an electron instead of a photon by an excited ion as a result of a vacancy being filled in an inner electron shell [C20: named after Pierre Auger (1899–1993), French physicist]

aught^1 or ought (ɔːt) archaic or literary   pron (used with a negative or in conditional or interrogative sentences or clauses)   1 anything at all; anything whatever (esp in the phrase for aught I know)   ▷ adv   2 dialect in any least part; to any degree [Old English āwiht, from ā ever, AY^1 + wiht thing; see WIGHT^1]

aught^2 or ought (ɔːt)   n   a less common word for nought

augite (ˈɔːɡaIt)   n   a black or greenish-black mineral of the pyroxene group, found in igneous rocks. Composition: calcium magnesium iron aluminium silicate. General formula: (Ca,Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)2O_6. Crystal structure: monoclinic [C19: from Latin augītēs, from Greek, from augē brightness]   > augitic (ɔːˈɡItIk) adj

augment   vb (ɔːɡˈmɛnt)   1 to make or become greater in number, amount, strength, etc; increase   2 (tr) music to increase (a major or perfect interval) by a semitone. Compare diminish (sense 3)   3 (tr) (in Greek and Sanskrit grammar) to prefix a vowel or diphthong to (a verb) to form a past tense   ▷ n (ˈɔːɡmɛnt)   4 (in Greek and Sanskrit grammar) a vowel or diphthong prefixed to a verb to form a past tense [C15: from Late Latin augmentāre to increase, from augmentum growth, from Latin augēre to increase]   > augˈmentable adj   > augˈmentor or augˈmenter n

■ augmentation (ˌɔːɡmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of augmenting or the state of being augmented   2 the amount by which something is increased   3 music the presentation of a subject of a fugue, in which the note values are uniformly increased. Compare diminution (sense 2)

■ augmentative (ɔːɡˈmɛntətIv)   adj   1 tending or able to augment   2 grammar   a denoting an affix that may be added to a word to convey the meaning large or great; for example, the suffix -ote in Spanish, where hombre means man and hombrote big man   b denoting a word formed by the addition of an augmentative affix   ▷ n   3 grammar an augmentative word or affix   ▶ Compare (for senses 2, 3): diminutive   > augˈmentatively adv

■ augmented (ɔːɡˈmɛntId)   adj   1 music (of an interval) increased or expanded from the state of being perfect or major by the raising of the higher note or the dropping of the lower note by one semitone: C to G is a perfect fifth, but C to G sharp is an augmented fifth. Compare diminished (sense 2)   2 music   a denoting a chord based upon an augmented triad: an augmented seventh chord   b denoting a triad consisting of the root plus a major third and an augmented fifth   c (postpositive) (esp in jazz) denoting a chord having as its root the note specified: D augmented   3 having been increased, esp in number: an augmented orchestra

■ augmented cognition   n   the study of the augmenting of human mental functions by computer programs. Acronym: AugCog

■ augmented reality   n   an artificial environment created through the combination of real-world and computer-generated data [C20: based on VIRTUAL REALITY]

■ augmented transition network   n   (in certain schools of linguistics) a formalism, usually expressed as a diagram, having the power of a Turing machine, used as the basis of processes transforming sentences into their syntactic representations. Abbreviation: ATN

au gratin (French o ɡratɛ̃)   adj   covered and cooked with browned breadcrumbs and sometimes cheese. Also: gratinated [French, literally: with the grating]

Augsburg (German ˈauksbʊrk)   n   a city in S Germany, in Bavaria: founded by the Romans in 14 BC; site of the diet that produced the Peace of Augsburg (1555), which ended the struggles between Lutherans and Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire and established the principle that rulers should determine the form of worship in their own lands. Pop: 259 217 (2003 est). Roman name: Augusta Vindelicorum (aʊˈɡuːstə vInˈdɛlIˌkəʊrəm)

augur (ˈɔːɡə)   n   1 Also called: auspex (in ancient Rome) a religious official who observed and interpreted omens and signs to help guide the making of public decisions   2 any prophet or soothsayer   ▷ vb   3 to predict (some future event), as from signs or omens   4 (tr; may take a clause as object) to be an omen (of); presage   5 (intr) to foreshadow future events to be as specified; bode: this augurs well for us [C14: from Latin: a diviner, perhaps from augēre to increase]   > augural (ˈɔːɡjʊrəl) adj   > ˈaugurship n

■ augury (ˈɔːɡjʊrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the art of or a rite conducted by an augur   2 a sign or portent; omen

august (ɔːˈɡʌst)   adj   1 dignified or imposing: an august presence   2 of noble birth or high rank: an august lineage [C17: from Latin augustus; related to augēre to increase]   > auˈgustly adv   > auˈgustness n

August (ˈɔːɡəst)   n   the eighth month of the year, consisting of 31 days [Old English, from Latin, named after the emperor AUGUSTUS]

Augusta (ɔːˈɡʌstə)   n   1 a city in the US, in Georgia. Pop: 193 316 (2003 est) (including Richmond)   2 a port in S Italy, in E Sicily. Pop: 33 820 (2001)   3 a town in the US, in Maine: the state capital; founded (1628) as a trading post; timber industry. Pop: 18 618 (2003 est)

auguste or august (aʊˈɡuːst, ˈaʊˌɡʊst)   n   (often capital) a type of circus clown who usually wears battered ordinary clothes and is habitually maladroit or unlucky [C20: French, from German]

Augustine (ɔːˈɡʌstIn)   n   1  Saint. 354–430 AD, one of the Fathers of the Christian Church; bishop of Hippo in North Africa (396–430), who profoundly influenced both Catholic and Protestant theology. His most famous works are Confessions, a spiritual autobiography, and De Civitate Dei, a vindication of the Christian Church. Feast day: Aug 28   2  Saint. died 604 AD, Roman monk, sent to Britain (597 AD) to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity and to establish the authority of the Roman See over the native Celtic Church; became the first archbishop of Canterbury (601–604). Feast day: May 26 or 27   3 a member of an Augustinian order

■ Augustinian (ˌɔːɡəˈstInIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Saint Augustine of Hippo, his doctrines, or any of the Christian religious orders that were founded on his doctrines   ▷ n   2 a member of any of several religious orders, such as the Augustinian Canons, Augustinian Hermits, and Austin Friars which are governed by the rule of Saint Augustine   3 a person who follows the doctrines of Saint Augustine

Augustus (ɔːˈɡʌstəs)   n   original name Gaius Octavianus; after his adoption by Julius Caesar (44 BC) known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. 63 BC–14 AD, Roman statesman, a member of the second triumvirate (43 BC). After defeating Mark Antony at Actium (31 BC), he became first emperor of Rome, adopting the title Augustus (27 BC)

■ Augustan (ɔːˈɡʌstən)   adj   1 characteristic of, denoting, or relating to the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar (63 BC–14 AD), his period, or the poets, notably Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, writing during his reign   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of any literary period noted for refinement and classicism, esp the late 17th century in France (the period of the dramatists Corneille, Racine, and Molière) or the 18th century in England (the period of Swift, Pope, and Johnson, much influenced by Dryden)   ▷ n   3 an author in an Augustan Age   4 a student of or specialist in Augustan literature

au jus French (o ʒy)   adj   (of meat) served in its own gravy [literally: with the juice]

auk (ɔːk)   n   1 any of various diving birds of the family Alcidae of northern oceans having a heavy body, short tail, narrow wings, and a black-and-white plumage: order Charadriiformes. See also great auk, razorbill   2 little auk or dovekie a small short-billed auk, Plautus alle, abundant in Arctic regions [C17: from Old Norse ālka; related to Swedish alka, Danish alke]

■ auklet (ˈɔːklIt)   n   any of various small auks of the genera Aethia and Ptychoramphus

aula (ˈɔːlə)   n   a large place where people can congregate, such as a hall

■ aularian (ɔːˈlɛərIən)   n   a student at an English university who belongs to a hall as opposed to a college

au lait (əʊ ˈleI; French o lɛ)   adj   prepared or served with milk [French, literally: with milk]

auld (ɔːld)   adj   a Scot word for old [Old English āld]

■ auld lang syne (ˈɔːld læŋ ˈsəIn, ˈsaIn, ˈzaIn)   n   old times; times past, esp those remembered with affection or nostalgia [Scottish, literally: old long since]

■ Auld Reekie (ˈriːkI)   n   Scot a nickname for Edinburgh^1 [literally: Old Smoky]

aulic (ˈɔːlIk)   adj   rare relating to a royal court [C18: from Latin aulicus, from Greek aulikos belonging to a prince's court, from aulē court]

■ Aulic Council   n   a council, founded in 1498, of the Holy Roman Emperor. It functioned mainly as a judicial body

Aulis (ˈɔːlIs)   n   an ancient town in E central Greece, in Boeotia: traditionally the harbour from which the Greeks sailed at the beginning of the Trojan war

Auliye-Ata   n   a former name of Taraz

aulnage (ˈɔːlnIdʒ)   n   another name for alnage

■ aulnager (ˈɔːlnIdʒə)   n   another name for alnager

aulos (ˈɔːlɒs, ˈaʊlɒs)   n   an ancient Greek woodwind instrument with a double reed, similar to an oboe

aumbry (ˈɔːmbrI)   n, pl -bries   a variant of ambry

aumil (ˈɔːmIl, ˈɑːmIl)   n   a native manager or revenue collector in India

Aum Shinrikyo (ˈəʊm ˌʃInrIˈkjəʊ)   n   a syncretistic Japanese cult combining elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, founded by Shoko Asahara in 1986; responsible for a number of murders and in particular a nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo underground in 1995. Also called: Supreme Truth Cult [C20: from Sanskrit aum OM + Japanese shinri kyo supreme truth]

au naturel French (o natyrɛl)   adj, adv   1 naked; nude   2 uncooked or plainly cooked [literally: in (a) natural (condition)]

aune (əʊn)   n   an old French measure of length, usually for measuring cloth

Aung San Suu Kyi (ˈaʊŋ ˈsæn ˈsuː ˈtʃiː)   n   born 1945, Burmese politician; cofounder (1988) and general secretary (1988–91 and from 1995) of the National League for Democracy: Nobel peace prize 1991; released (2010) from a lengthy house arrest; elected to the Burmese House of Representatives in 2012

aunt (ɑːnt)   n (often capital, esp as a term of address)   1 a sister of one's father or mother   2 the wife of one's uncle   3 a term of address used by children for any woman, esp for a friend of the parents   4 my aunt! or my sainted aunt! an exclamation of surprise or amazement [C13: from Old French ante, from Latin amita a father's sister]

■ aunthood (ˈɑːnthʊd)   n   the state of being, or relationship of, aunt

■ auntie or aunty (ˈɑːntI)   n, pl -ies   1 a familiar or diminutive word for aunt   2 Austral offensive, slang an older homosexual man

■ Auntie or Aunty (ˈɑːntI)   n   1 Brit an informal name for the BBC   2 Austral an informal name for ABC^2 (sense 2)

■ auntie-ji   n   Hinglish informal a respectful name and form of address given to a woman from the generation older than oneself [C20: from auntie + -JI]

■ auntie man   n   Caribbean offensive, slang an effeminate or homosexual man

■ auntlike (ˈɑːntlaIk)   adj   similar to or like an aunt

■ auntly (ˈɑːntlI)   adj -lier, -liest   of or like an aunt

■ Aunt Sally (ˈsælI)   n, pl -lies Brit   1 a figure of an old woman's head, typically with a clay pipe, used in fairgrounds and fêtes as a target for balls or other objects   2 any person who is a target for insults or criticism   3 something set up as a target for disagreement or attack

au pair (əʊ ˈpɛə; French o pɛr)   n   1    a a young foreign person, usually a woman, who undertakes housework in exchange for board and lodging   b (as modifier): an au pair girl   2 a young person who lives temporarily with a family abroad in exchange for a reciprocal arrangement with his or her own family   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to work as an au pair   ▷ adv   4 as an au pair: she worked au pair in Greece [C20: from French: on an equal footing]

aura (ˈɔːrə)   n, pl auras or aurae (ˈɔːriː)   1 a distinctive air or quality considered to be characteristic of a person or thing   2 any invisible emanation, such as a scent or odour   3 pathol strange sensations, such as noises in the ears or flashes of light, that immediately precede an attack, esp of epilepsy   4 (in parapsychology) an invisible emanation produced by and surrounding a person or object: alleged to be discernible by individuals of supernormal sensibility [C18: via Latin from Greek: breeze]

aural^1 (ˈɔːrəl)   adj   of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing; auricular [C19: from Latin auris ear]   > ˈaurally adv

■ aurality (ɔːˈrælItI)   n   the quality, condition, or degree of being aural

aural^2 (ˈɔːrəl)   adj   of or relating to an aura

Aurangzeb or Aurungzeb (ˈɔːrəŋˌzɛb)   n   1618–1707, Mogul emperor of Hindustan (1658–1707), whose reign marked both the height of Mogul prosperity and the decline of its power through the revolts of the Marathas

aurar (ˈɔːrɑː)   n   the plural of eyrir

aurate (ˈɔːreIt)   n   chem any salt of auric acid

■ aurated (ˈɔːreItId)   adj   chem combined with auric acid

aureate (ˈɔːrIIt, -ˌeIt)   adj   1 covered with gold; gilded   2 of a golden colour   3 (of a style of writing or speaking) excessively elaborate or ornate; florid [C15: from Late Latin aureātus gilded, from Latin aureus golden, from aurum gold]   > ˈaureately adv   > ˈaureateness n

aureity (ɔːˈreIItI)   n   the attributes or properties of gold

aurelia (ɔːˈriːlIə)   n zoology   1 any large jellyfish of the order Acalephae   2 the chrysalis of an insect

Aurelian (ɔːˈriːlIən)   n   Latin name Lucius Domitius Aurelianus. ?212–275 AD, Roman emperor (270–275), who conquered Palmyra (273) and restored political unity to the Roman Empire

Aurelius (ɔːˈriːlIəs)   n   See Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

aureole (ˈɔːrIˌəʊl) or aureola (ɔːˈriːələ)   n   1 (esp in paintings of Christian saints and the deity) a border of light or radiance enveloping the head or sometimes the whole of a figure represented as holy   2 a less common word for halo   3 another name for corona (sense 2) [C13: from Old French auréole, from Medieval Latin (corōna) aureola golden (crown), from Latin aureolus golden, from aurum gold]

Aureomycin (ˌɔːrIəʊˈmaIsIn)   n   trademark a brand of chlortetracycline

aureus (ˈɔːrIəs)   n, pl aurei (ˈɔːrIˌaI)   a gold coin of the Roman Empire [Latin: golden; see AUREATE]

au revoir French (o rəvwar)   sentence substitute   goodbye [literally: to the seeing again]

auric (ˈɔːrIk)   adj   of or containing gold in the trivalent state [C19: from Latin aurum gold]

Auric (French ɔrik)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ). 1899–1983, French composer; one of Les Six. His works include ballet and film music

auricle (ˈɔːrIkəl)   n   1    a the upper chamber of the heart; atrium   b a small sac in the atrium of the heart   2 Also called: pinna anatomy the external part of the ear   3 Also called: auricula biology an ear-shaped part or appendage, such as that occurring at the join of the leaf blade and the leaf sheath in some grasses [C17: from Latin auricula the external ear, from auris ear]   > ˈauricled adj

auricula (ɔːˈrIkjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː) or -las   1 Also called: bear's-ear a widely cultivated alpine primrose, Primula auricula, with leaves shaped like a bear's ear   2 another word for auricle (sense 3) [C17: from New Latin, from Latin: external ear; see AURICLE]

auricular (ɔːˈrIkjʊlə)   adj   1 of, relating to, or received by the sense or organs of hearing; aural   2 shaped like an ear   3 of or relating to an auricle of the heart   4 (of feathers) occurring in tufts surrounding the ears of owls and similar birds   ▷ n   5 (usually plural) an auricular feather   > auˈricularly adv

■ auriculate (ɔːˈrIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or auriculated   adj   1 having ears   2 botany having ear-shaped parts or appendages   3 Also: auriform (ˈɔːrIˌfɔːm) shaped like an ear; auricular   > auˈriculately adv

auriferous (ɔːˈrIfərəs)   adj   (of rock) containing gold; gold-bearing [C18: from Latin aurifer gold-bearing, from aurum gold + ferre to bear]

aurify (ˈɔːrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to turn into gold

Auriga (ɔːˈraIɡə)   n, Latin genitive Aurigae (ɔːˈraIdʒiː)   a conspicuous constellation in the N hemisphere between the Great Bear and Orion, at the edge of the Milky Way. It contains the first magnitude star Capella and the supergiant eclipsing binary star Epsilon Aurigae [Latin: charioteer]

Aurignacian (ˌɔːrIɡˈneIʃən)   adj   of, relating to, or produced during a flint culture of the Upper Palaeolithic type characterized by the use of bone and antler tools, pins, awls, etc, and also by cave art and evidence of the beginnings of religion [C20: from French Aurignacien, after Aurignac, France, in the Pyrenees, near which is the cave where remains were discovered]

Auriol (French ɔrjɔl)   n   Vincent (vɛ̃sɑ̃). 1884–1966, French statesman; president of the Fourth Republic (1947–54)

auris (ˈɔːrIs)   n   the technical name for the ear^1

■ aurist (ˈɔːrIst)   n   a former name for audiologist. See audiologist

auriscope (ˈɔːrIˌskəʊp)   n   a medical instrument for examining the external ear. Also called: otoscope   > auriscopic (ˌɔːrIˈskɒpIk) adj

aurochs (ˈɔːrɒks)   n, pl -rochs   a recently extinct member of the cattle tribe, Bos primigenius, that inhabited forests in N Africa, Europe, and SW Asia. It had long horns and is thought to be one of the ancestors of modern cattle. Also called: urus [C18: from German, from Old High German ūrohso, from ūro bison + ohso OX]

aurora (ɔːˈrɔːrə)   n, pl -ras or -rae (-riː)   1 an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands, curtains, or streamers of light, usually green, red, or yellow, that move across the sky in polar regions. It is caused by collisions between air molecules and charged particles from the sun that are trapped in the earth's magnetic field   2 poetic the dawn [C14: from Latin: dawn; see EAST]   > auˈroral adj   > auˈrorally adv

■ aurora australis (ɒˈstreIlIs)   n   (sometimes capital) the aurora seen around the South Pole. Also called: southern lights [New Latin: southern aurora]

■ aurora borealis (ˌbɔːrIˈeIlIs)   n   (sometimes capital) the aurora seen around the North Pole. Also called: northern lights [C17: New Latin: northern aurora]

■ aurorean (ɔːˈrɔːrIən)   adj   of or resembling dawn

Aurora^1 (ɔːˈrɔːrə)   n   1 the Roman goddess of the dawn. Greek counterpart: Eos   2 the dawn or rise of something

Aurora^2 (ɔːˈrɔːrə)   n   another name for Maewo

aurous (ˈɔːrəs)   adj   of or containing gold, esp in the monovalent state [C19: apparently from French aureux, from Late Latin aurōsus gold-coloured, from Latin aurum gold]

aurum (ˈɔːrəm)   n   obsolete gold [C16: Latin]

AUS   abbreviation for   1 Australia (international car registration)   2 Australian Union of Students

Aus.   abbreviation for   1 Australia(n)   2 Austria(n)

Auschwitz (German ˈauʃvIts)   n   an industrial town in S Poland; site of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Pop: 40 686 (2007 est). Polish name: Oświęcim

auscultation (ˌɔːskəlˈteIʃən)   n   1 the diagnostic technique in medicine of listening to the various internal sounds made by the body, usually with the aid of a stethoscope   2 the act of listening [C19: from Latin auscultātiō a listening, from auscultāre to listen attentively; related to Latin auris ear]   > auscultatory (ɔːˈskʌltətərI) or auscultative (ɔːˈskʌltətIv, ˈɔːskəlˌteItIv) adj

■ auscultate (ˈɔːskəlˌteIt)   vb   to examine (a patient) by means of auscultation   > ˈausculˌtator n

ausform (ˈɔːsˌfɔːm)   vb (tr)   to temper or deform steel in order to make it stronger and more durable

■ ausforming (ˈaʊsˌfɔːmIŋ)   n   a treatment to strengthen hard steels, prior to quenching, in which the specimen is plastically deformed while it is in the austenite temperature range [C20: from AUS(TENITIC) + (DE)FORM]

Ausgleich German (ˈausɡlaiç)   n   the agreement (1867) that established the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary [German: levelling out, from aus OUT + gleichen to be similar]

Ausländer (ˈaʊsˌlændə; German ˈauslɛndə)   n   (in a German-speaking country) a foreigner

Auslese (ˈausˌleIsə)   n   a white wine, usually sweet, produced in Germany from individually selected bunches of very ripe grapes [C20: from German, literally: selection]

Ausonius (ɔːˈsəʊnIəs)   n   Decimus Magnus (ˈdɛsIməs ˈmæɡnəs). ?310–?395 AD, Latin poet, born in Gaul

auspex (ˈɔːspɛks)   n, pl auspices (ˈɔːspIˌsiːz)   Roman history another word for augur (sense 1) [C16: from Latin: observer of birds, from avis bird + specere to look]

auspicate (ˈɔːspIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   to begin or inaugurate with a ceremony intended to bring good fortune

auspice (ˈɔːspIs)   n, pl -pices (-pIsIz)   1 (usually plural) patronage or guidance (esp in the phrase under the auspices of)   2 (often plural) a sign or omen, esp one that is favourable [C16: from Latin auspicium augury from birds; see AUSPEX]

auspicious (ɔːˈspIʃəs)   adj   1 favourable or propitious   2 archaic prosperous or fortunate   > ausˈpiciously adv   > ausˈpiciousness n

USAGE

The use of auspicious to mean 'very special' (as in this auspicious occasion) should be avoided

Aussat (ˈɒsæt, ˈɒzæt)   n   the Australian-owned communications satellite launched in 1985

Aussie (ˈɒzI)   adj, n   an informal word for Australian, (rare) Australia

■ Aussie battler   n   Austral informal an Australian working-class person. Also called: little Aussie battler

Aust.   abbreviation for   1 Australia(n)   2 Austria(n)

Austen (ˈɒstIn, ˈɔː-)   n   Jane. 1775–1817, English novelist, noted particularly for the insight and delicate irony of her portrayal of middle-class families. Her completed novels are Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1816), Northanger Abbey (1818), and Persuasion (1818)

austenite (ˈɔːstəˌnaIt)   n   1 a solid solution of carbon in face-centred-cubic gamma iron, usually existing above 723°C   2 the gamma phase of iron, stabilized at low temperatures by the addition of such elements as nickel [C20: named after Sir William C. Roberts-Austen (1843–1902), English metallurgist]   > austenitic (ˌɔːstəˈnItIk) adj

■ austenitic stainless steel   n   an alloy of iron, usually containing at least 8 per cent of nickel and 18 per cent of chromium, used where corrosion resistance, heat resistance, creep resistance, or nonmagnetic properties are required

Auster (ˈɔːstə)   n   poetic the south wind [C14: Latin]

austere (ɒˈstIə)   adj   1 stern or severe in attitude or manner: an austere schoolmaster   2 grave, sober, or serious: an austere expression   3 self-disciplined, abstemious, or ascetic: an austere life   4 severely simple or plain: an austere design [C14: from Old French austère, from Latin austērus sour, from Greek austēros astringent; related to Greek hauein to dry]   > ausˈterely adv   > ausˈtereness n

■ austerity (ɒˈstɛrItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being austere   2 (often plural) an austere habit, practice, or act   3    a reduced availability of luxuries and consumer goods, esp when brought about by government policy   b (as modifier): an austerity budget

Austerlitz (ˈɔːstəlIts)   n   a town in the Czech Republic, in Moravia: site of Napoleon's victory over the Russian and Austrian armies in 1805. Pop: 1795 (2007 est). Czech name: Slavkov

Austin^1 (ˈɒstIn)   n   a city in central Texas, on the Colorado River: state capital since 1845. Pop: 672 011 (2003 est)

Austin^2 (ˈɒstIn, ˈɔː-)   n   1  Herbert, 1st Baron. 1866–1941, British automobile engineer, who founded the Austin Motor Company   2  John. 1790–1859, British jurist, whose book The Province of Jurisprudence Determined (1832) greatly influenced legal theory and the English legal system   3  J(ohn) L(angshaw) (ˈlæŋʃɔː). 1911–60, English philosopher, whose lectures Sense and Sensibilia and How to do Things with Words were published posthumously in 1962

Austin^3 (ˈɒstIn)   adj, n   another word for Augustinian [C14: shortened form of AUGUSTINE]

austral^1 (ˈɔːstrəl)   adj   of or coming from the south: austral winds [C14: from Latin austrālis, from auster the south wind]

austral^2 (aʊˈstrɑːl)   n, pl -trales (-trɑːlɛs)   a former monetary unit of Argentina equal to 100 centavos, replaced by the peso [from Spanish; see AUSTRAL^1]

Austral.   abbreviation for   1 Australasia   2 Australia(n)

Australasia (ˌɒstrəˈleIzIə)   n   1 Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands in the S Pacific Ocean   2 (loosely) the whole of Oceania

■ Australasian (ˌɒstrəˈleIzIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Australasia   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Australia, New Zealand, and the neighbouring islands   3 (of organizations) having members in Australia and New Zealand

Australia (ɒˈstreIlIə)   n   a large island country, situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific: a former British colony, now an independent member of the Commonwealth, constitutional links with the United Kingdom formally abolished in 1986; consists chiefly of a low plateau, mostly arid in the west, with the basin of the Murray River and the Great Dividing Range in the east and the Great Barrier Reef off the NE coast. Language: English; Aboriginal languages also spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Australian dollar. Capital: Canberra. Pop: 24 446 341 (2017 est). Area: 7 682 300 sq km (2 966 150 sq miles)

■ Australia Day   n   a public holiday in Australia, commemorating the landing of the British in 1788: observed on January 26

■ Australian (ɒˈstreIlIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Australia   2 the form of English spoken in Australia   3 a linguistic phylum consisting of the languages spoken by the native Australians   ▷ adj   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of Australia, the Australians, or their form of English   5 of, relating to, or belonging to the phylum of languages spoken by the native Australians   6 of or denoting a zoogeographical region consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, New Guinea, and the Moluccas

■ Australiana (ɒˌstreIlIˈɑːnə)   pl n   objects or documents relating to Australia and its history or culture, esp in the form of a collection

■ Australian Alps   pl n   a mountain range in SE Australia, in E Victoria and SE New South Wales. Highest peak: Mount Kosciuszko, 2228 m (7310 ft)

■ Australian Antarctic Territory   n   the area of Antarctica, other than Adélie Land, that is claimed by Australia (claims are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty), lying south of latitude 60°S and between longitudes 45°E and 160°E

■ Australian Capital Territory   n   a territory of SE Australia, within New South Wales: consists of two exclaves, one containing Canberra, the capital of Australia, and one at Jervis Bay (the latter sometimes regarded as a separate entity). Pop: 373 100 (2012 est). Former name: Federal Capital Territory

■ Australian cattle dog   n   a compact strongly-built dog of a breed with pricked ears and a smooth bluish-grey coat, often used for controlling and moving cattle

■ Australianism (ɒˈstreIlIəˌnIzəm)   n   1 the Australian national character or spirit   2 loyalty to Australia, its political independence, culture, etc   3 a linguistic usage, custom, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of Australia, its people, or their culture

■ Australianize or Australianise (ɒˈstreIlIəˌnaIz)   vb   (esp of a new immigrant) to adopt or cause to adopt Australian habits and attitudes; integrate into Australian society

■ Australian Mist   n   a breed of medium-sized cat with a short spotted or marbled coat. Former name: Spotted Mist

■ Australian Rules   n   (functioning as singular) a game resembling rugby football, played in Australia between teams of 18 players each on an oval pitch, with a ball resembling a large rugby ball. Players attempt to kick the ball between posts (without crossbars) at either end of the pitch, scoring six points for a goal (between the two main posts) and one point for a behind (between either of two outer posts and the main posts). They may punch or kick the ball and run with it provided that they bounce it every ten yards. Also called: national code

■ Australian salmon   n   another name for kahawai

■ Australian salute   n   Austral informal a movement of the hand and arm made to brush flies away from one's face

■ Australian silky terrier   n   a small compact variety of terrier with pricked ears and a long straight silky coat

■ Australian snubfin dolphin or snubfin dolphin (ˈsnʌbˌfIn)   n   a species of dolphin, Orcaella heinsohni, with a small stubby dorsal fin, a dark dorsal area, lighter brown body and white underbelly, found mainly in Australian waters

■ Australian terrier   n   a small wire-haired breed of terrier similar to the cairn

■ Australian Tiffanie   n   another name for Tiffanie

australis (ɔːˈstrɑːlIs)   adj   another term for Australian (sense 2)

Austral Islands (ˈɔːstrəl)   pl n   another name for the Tubuai Islands

australite (ˈɔːstrəˌlaIt)   n   geology a glassy object made of molten rock found in the earth of Southern Australia

Australoid (ˈɒstrəˌlɔId)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or belonging to a supposed racial group that includes the native Australians and certain other peoples of southern Asia and the Pacific islands.   ▷ n   2 any member of this racial group

USAGE

The word Australoid and other words ending in -oid and relating to racial groups, such as Mongoloid, are controversial scientifically and best avoided. If you need to mention the ethnicity of indigenous peoples from this region it is preferable to use a specific name, or a widely accepted term such as indigenous Australians or Aboriginal peoples

australopithecine (ˌɒstrələʊˈpIθIˌsiːn)   n   1 any of various extinct apelike primates of the genus Australopithecus and related genera, remains of which have been discovered in southern and E Africa. Some species are estimated to be over 4.5 million years old. See also zinjanthropus   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to any of these primates [C20: from New Latin Australopithecus, from Latin austrālis southern, AUSTRAL^1 + Greek pithēkos ape]

Australorp (ˈɒstrəˌlɔːp)   n   a heavy black breed of domestic fowl [shortened from Austral(ian Black) Orp(ington)]

Austrasia (ɒˈstreIʒə, -ʃə)   n   the eastern region of the kingdom of the Merovingian Franks that had its capital at Metz and lasted from 511 AD until 814 AD. It covered the area now comprising NE France, Belgium, and western Germany

Austria (ˈɒstrIə)   n   a republic in central Europe: ruled by the Hapsburgs from 1282 to 1918; formed a dual monarchy with Hungary in 1867 and became a republic in 1919; a member of the European Union; contains part of the Alps, the Danube basin in the east, and extensive forests. Official language: German. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: euro. Capital: Vienna. Pop: 8 735 453 (2017 est). Area: 83 849 sq km (32 374 sq miles). German name: Österreich

■ Austria-Hungary   n   the Dual Monarchy established in 1867, consisting of what are now Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and parts of Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and Italy. The empire was broken up after World War I

■ Austrian (ˈɒstrIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Austria or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Austria

■ Austrian blind   n   a window blind consisting of rows of vertically gathered fabric that may be drawn up to form a series of ruches

austringer (ˈɒstrIndʒə)   n   a person who keeps goshawks

Austro-1 (ˈɒstrəʊ-)   combining form   southern: Austro-Asiatic [from Latin auster the south wind]

Austro-2 (ˈɒstrəʊ-)   combining form   Austrian: Austro-Hungarian

Austro-Asiatic   n   a hypothetical phylum or superfamily of languages consisting of Mon-Khmer and certain other languages of India and South-East Asia. Links with Malayo-Polynesian have also been suggested

Austro-Hungarian   adj   of or relating to the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary (1867–1918)

Austronesia (ˌɒstrəʊˈniːʒə, -ʃə)   n   the islands of the central and S Pacific, including Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia

■ Austronesian (ˌɒstrəʊˈniːʒən, -ʃən)   adj   1 of or relating to Austronesia, its peoples, or their languages   ▷ n   2 another name for Malayo-Polynesian

ausubo (ɔːˈsuːbəʊ)   n   a tropical American tree, Manilkara bidentata, with hard, red wood

AUT   abbreviation for   Association of University Teachers

aut-   combining form   a variant of auto-

autacoid (ˈɔːtəˌkɔId)   n   physiol any natural internal secretion, esp one that exerts an effect similar to a drug [C20: from AUTO- + Greek akos cure + -OID]

autarchy^1 (ˈɔːtɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   1 unlimited rule; autocracy   2 self-government; self-rule [C17: from Greek autarkhia, from autarkhos autocratic; see AUTO-, -ARCHY]   > auˈtarchic or auˈtarchical adj

■ autarch (ˈɔːtɑːk)   n   an absolute ruler

■ autarchist (ˈɔːtɑːkIst)   adj   of or relating to autarchy

autarchy^2 (ˈɔːtɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   a variant spelling (now rare) of autarky

autarky (ˈɔːtɑːkI)   n, pl -kies   1 (esp of a political unit) a system or policy of economic self-sufficiency aimed at removing the need for imports   2 an economically self-sufficient country [C17: from Greek autarkeia, from autarkēs self-sufficient, from AUTO- + arkein to suffice]   > auˈtarkic adj   > ˈautarkist n

■ autarkical (ɔːˈtɑːkIkəl)   adj   of or relating to autarky

autecious (ɔːˈtiːʃəs)   adj   a variant spelling of autoecious

autecology (ˌɔːtIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the ecological study of an individual organism or species. Compare synecology   > ˌautecoˈlogical adj

■ autecologic (ɔːtˌiːkəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   a variant form of autecological

auteur (ɔːˈtɜː)   n   a director whose creative influence on a film is so great as to be considered its author [French: author]   > auˈteurism n   > auˈteurist adj

authentic (ɔːˈθɛntIk) or authentical (ɔːˈθɛntIkəl)   adj   1 of undisputed origin or authorship; genuine: an authentic signature   2 accurate in representation of the facts; trustworthy; reliable: an authentic account   3 (of a deed or other document) duly executed, any necessary legal formalities having been complied with   4 music   a using period instruments and historically researched scores and playing techniques in an attempt to perform a piece as it would have been played at the time it was written   b (in combination): an authentic-instrument performance   5 music   a (of a mode as used in Gregorian chant) commencing on the final and ending an octave higher   b (of a cadence) progressing from a dominant to a tonic chord. Compare plagal [C14: from Late Latin authenticus coming from the author, from Greek authentikos, from authentēs one who acts independently, from AUTO- + hentēs a doer]   > auˈthentically adv   > authenticity (ˌɔːθɛnˈtIsItI) n

■ authenticate (ɔːˈθɛntIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to establish as genuine or valid   2 to give authority or legal validity to   > auˌthentiˈcation n   > auˈthentiˌcator n

authigenic (ˌɔːθIˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   (of minerals) having crystallized in a sediment during or after deposition [C19: from German authigene from Greek authigenēs native + -IC]

author (ˈɔːθə)   n   1 a person who composes a book, article, or other written work. Related adjective: auctorial   2 a person who writes books as a profession; writer   3 the writings of such a person: reviewing a postwar author   4 an originator or creator: the author of this plan   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to write or originate [C14: from Old French autor, from Latin auctor author, from augēre to increase]   > authorial (ɔːˈθɔːrIəl) adj

■ authorcraft (ˈɔːθərˌkrɑːft)   n   the skilled ability of an author

■ authoress (ˈɔːθəˌrɛs)   n   old-fashioned or derogatory a female author

USAGE

The gender-neutral form of authoress is author

■ authoring (ˈɔːθərIŋ)   n   computing   a the creation of documents, esp multimedia documents   b (as modifier): an authoring tool

■ authorish (ˈɔːθərIʃ)   adj   like or similar to an author

■ authorism (ˈɔːθərIzəm)   n   the state or condition of being author

■ authorless (ˈɔːθəlIs)   adj   having no author; anonymous

■ authorship (ˈɔːθəˌʃIp)   n   1 the origin or originator of a written work, plan, etc: a book of unknown authorship   2 the profession of writing books

authority (ɔːˈθɒrItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the power or right to control, judge, or prohibit the actions of others   2 (often plural) a person or group of people having this power, such as a government, police force, etc   3 a position that commands such a power or right (often in the phrase in authority)   4 such a power or right delegated, esp from one person to another; authorization: she has his authority   5 the ability to influence or control others: a man of authority   6 an expert or an authoritative written work in a particular field: he is an authority on Ming china   7 evidence or testimony: we have it on his authority that she is dead   8 confidence resulting from great expertise: the violinist lacked authority in his cadenza   9 (capital when part of a name) a public board or corporation exercising governmental authority in administering some enterprise: Independent Broadcasting Authority   10 law   a a judicial decision, statute, or rule of law that establishes a principle; precedent   b legal permission granted to a person to perform a specified act [C14: from French autorité, from Latin auctōritas, from auctor AUTHOR]

■ authoritarian (ɔːˌθɒrIˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 favouring, denoting, or characterized by strict obedience to authority   2 favouring, denoting, or relating to government by a small elite with wide powers   3 despotic; dictatorial; domineering   ▷ n   4 a person who favours or practises authoritarian policies   > auˌthoriˈtarianism n

■ authoritative (ɔːˈθɒrItətIv)   adj   1 recognized or accepted as being true or reliable: an authoritative article on climate change   2 exercising or asserting authority; commanding: an authoritative manner   3 possessing or supported by authority; official: an authoritative communiqué   > auˈthoritatively adv   > auˈthoritativeness n

authorize or authorise (ˈɔːθəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to confer authority upon (someone to do something); empower   2 to permit (someone to do or be something) with official sanction: a dealer authorized by a manufacturer to retail his products   > ˌauthoriˈzation or ˌauthoriˈsation n   > ˈauthorˌizer or ˈauthorˌiser n

■ authorizable (ˈɔːθəˌraIzəbəl) or authorisable (ˈɔːθəˌraIzəbəl)   adj   able to be authorized

■ authorized or authorised (ˈɔːθəˌraIzd)   adj   officially permitted or empowered

■ Authorized Version   n   the Authorized Version an English translation of the Bible published in 1611 under James I. Also known as: the King James Version, the King James Bible

Auth. Ver.   abbreviation for   Authorized Version (of the Bible)

autism (ˈɔːtIzəm)   n   psychiatry a developmental condition characterized by difficulties with social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests [C20: from Greek autos self + -ISM]   > auˈtistic adj

USAGE

Rather than talking about an autistic or autistics, it is better to use phrases such as a person with autism and people with autism

■ autist (ˈɔːtIst)   n   an autistic person

■ autistically (ɔːˈtIstIkəlI)   adv   in an autistic manner or the manner of a person who has autism

■ autistic-spectrum disorder   n   psychiatry any developmental condition within the spectrum of autism, such as Asperger syndrome. Abbreviation: ASD

auto (ˈɔːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos US and Canadian informal   1    a short for automobile   b (as modifier): auto parts   2 Indian informal short for autorickshaw

■ automaker (ˈɔːtəʊˌmeIkə)   n   US a motor-car manufacturer

■ autoworker (ˈɔːtəʊˌwɜːkə)   n   a person who works for a car manufacturer

auto- or sometimes before a vowel aut-   combining form   1 self; same; of or by the same one: autobiography   2 acting from or occurring within; self-caused: autohypnosis   3 self-propelling; automatic: automobile [from Greek autos self]

autoallogamy (ˌɔːtəʊəˈlɒɡəmI)   n   the ability of some plants of a species to cross-pollinate and others to self-pollinate

autoantibody (ˌɔːtəʊˈæntIˌbɒdI)   n, pl -bodies   an antibody reacting with an antigen that is a part of the organism in which the antibody is formed

autobahn (ˈɔːtəˌbɑːn)   n   a motorway in German-speaking countries [from German, from Auto car + Bahn road]

autobank (ˈɔːtəʊbænk)   n   a machine offering cash and other banking services

autobiography (ˌɔːtəʊbaIˈɒɡrəfI, ˌɔːtəbaI-)   n, pl -phies   an account of a person's life written or otherwise recorded by that person   > ˌautobiˈographer n

■ autobiographical (ˌɔːtəˌbaIəˈɡræfIkəl) or autobiographic (ˈɔːtəʊˌbaIəʊˈɡræfIk)   adj   1 of or concerned with one's own life   2 of or relating to an autobiography   > ˌautoˌbioˈgraphically adv

autobus (ˈɔːtəʊˌbʌs)   n   a motor vehicle which can carry a large group of passengers

autocade (ˈɔːtəʊˌkeId)   n   US another name for motorcade

autocar (ˈɔːtəʊˌkɑː)   n   old-fashioned any kind of motor car

autocarp (ˈɔːtəʊˌkɑːp)   n   any fruit that is produced through self-fertilization

autocatalyse or US autocatalyze (ˌɔːtəʊˈkætəˌlaIz)   vb (intr)   to cause an internal, self-produced, chemical reaction

autocatalysis (ˌɔːtəʊkəˈtælIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   the catalysis of a reaction in which the catalyst is one of the products of the reaction

■ autocatalytic (ˌɔːtəʊˌkætəˈlItIk)   adj   causing its own chemical reaction

autocephalous (ˌɔːtəʊˈsɛfələs)   adj   1 (of an Eastern Christian Church) governed by its own national synods and appointing its own patriarchs or prelates   2 (of a bishop) independent of any higher governing body   > autocephalic (ˌɔːtəʊsIˈfælIk) adj   > ˌautoˈcephaly n

autochanger (ˈɔːtəʊˌtʃeIndʒə)   n   1 a device in a record player or CD player that enables a small stack of records or CDs to be dropped automatically onto the turntable or player tray one at a time and played separately   2 a record player or CD player with such a device

autochthon (ɔːˈtɒkθən, -θɒn)   n, pl -thons or -thones (-θəˌniːz)   1 (often plural) one of the earliest known inhabitants of any country; aboriginal   2 an animal or plant that is native to a particular region [C17: from Greek autokhthōn from the earth itself, from AUTO- + khthōn the earth]

■ autochthonous (ɔːˈtɒkθənəs), autochthonic (ˌɔːtɒkˈθɒnIk) or autochthonal   adj   1 (of rocks, deposits, etc) found where they and their constituents were formed. Compare allochthonous   2 inhabiting a place or region from earliest known times; aboriginal   3 physiol (of some functions, such as heartbeat) originating within an organ rather than from external stimulation   > auˈtochthonism or auˈtochthony n   > auˈtochthonously adv

autocidal (ˌɔːtəʊˈsaIdəl)   adj   (of insect pest control) effected by the introduction of sterile or genetically altered individuals into the wild population

autoclave (ˈɔːtəˌkleIv)   n   1 a strong sealed vessel used for chemical reactions at high pressure   2 an apparatus for sterilizing objects (esp surgical instruments) or for cooking by means of steam under pressure   3 civil engineering a vessel in which freshly cast concrete or sand-lime bricks are cured very rapidly in high-pressure steam   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to put in or subject to the action of an autoclave [C19: from French AUTO- + -clave, from Latin clāvis key]

autocoid (ˈɔːtəˌkɔId)   n   a variant spelling of autacoid

autocomplete (ˈɔːtəʊkəmˌpliːt)   n   computing a software feature that predicts which words the user is typing and completes them automatically

autocoprophagy (ˌɔːtəʊkəˈprɒfədʒI)   n   the consumption of one's own faeces

autocorrect (ˈɔːtəʊkəˌrɛkt)   n   computing a function that attempts to correct errors made by the user when entering text into an electronic device

autocorrelation (ˌɔːtəʊˌkɒrIˈleIʃən)   n statistics   the condition occurring when successive items in a series are correlated so that their covariance is not zero and they are not independent. Also called: serial correlation

autocracy (ɔːˈtɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 government by an individual with unrestricted authority   2 the unrestricted authority of such an individual   3 a country, society, etc, ruled by an autocrat

■ autocrat (ˈɔːtəˌkræt)   n   1 a ruler who possesses absolute and unrestricted authority   2 a domineering or dictatorial person

■ autocratic (ˌɔːtəˈkrætIk)   adj   1 of or relating to an absolute and unrestricted ruler   2 domineering or dictatorial   > ˌautoˈcratically adv

autocratical (ˌɔːtəˈkrætIkəl)   adj   a variant form of autocratic

autocrime (ˈɔːtəʊˌkraIm)   n   a crime involving a motor vehicle, esp the theft of a car

autocrine (ˈɔːtəˌkrIn)   adj   biology relating to self-stimulation, through the production of a factor and a specific receptor for it

autocritique (ˌɔːtəʊkrIˈtiːk)   n   the examination of factors guiding one's thoughts, beliefs and actions; self-criticism

autocross (ˈɔːtəʊˌkrɒs)   n   a form of motor sport in which cars race over a half-mile circuit of rough grass. See also motocross, rallycross

Autocue (ˈɔːtəʊˌkjuː)   n   trademark an electronic television prompting device whereby a prepared script, unseen by the audience, is enlarged line by line for the speaker. US and Canadian name (trademark): Teleprompter

autocutie (ˈɔːtəʊˌkjuːtI)   n   informal a young and attractive but inexperienced television presenter [C20: from AUTOCUE + CUTIE]

autocycle (ˈɔːtəʊˌsaIkəl)   n   obsolete a bicycle powered or assisted by a small engine

auto-da-fé (ˌɔːtəʊdəˈfeI)   n, pl autos-da-fé   1 history a ceremony of the Spanish Inquisition including the pronouncement and execution of sentences passed on sinners or heretics   2 the burning to death of people condemned as heretics by the Inquisition [C18: from Portuguese, literally: act of the faith]

autodestruct (ˌɔːtəʊdIˈstrʌkt)   adj also autodestructive   1 likely to or possessing the power to destroy or obliterate itself or its possessor: autodestruct mechanism   ▷ vb (intr)   2 (of a missile, machine, etc) to destroy itself

autodidact (ˈɔːtəʊˌdaIdækt)   n   a person who is self-taught [C16: from Greek autodidaktos self-taught, from autos self + didaskein to teach]   > ˌautodiˈdactic adj

■ autodidacticism (ˌɔːtəʊdIˈdæktIsIzəm)   n   any self-directed learning or self-education

autodrome (ˈɔːtəʊdrəʊm)   n   a track or circuit for racing cars, go-karts, etc

autodyne (ˈɔːtəʊˌdaIn)   adj   electronics denoting or relating to an electrical circuit in which the same elements and valves are used as oscillator and detector

autoecious or sometimes US autecious (ɔːˈtiːʃəs)   adj   1 (of parasites, esp the rust fungi) completing the entire life cycle on a single species of host. Compare heteroecious   2 (of plants, esp mosses) having male and female reproductive organs on the same plant [C19: from AUTO- + -oecious, from Greek oikia house]   > auˈtoecism or sometimes US auˈtecism n

■ autoeciously (ɔːˈtiːʃəslI)   adv   biology in an autoecious manner

autoeroticism (ˌɔːtəʊIˈrɒtIˌsIzəm) or autoerotism (ˌɔːtəʊˈɛrəˌtIzəm)   n   psychol the arousal and use of one's own body as a sexual object, as through masturbation   > ˌautoeˈrotic adj

autoexposure (ˌɔːtəIkˈspəʊʒə)   n   another name for automatic exposure

autoflare (ˈɔːtəʊˌflɛə)   n   aviation a computer-operated, automatic landing system in an aircraft

autofocus (ˈɔːtəʊˌfəʊkəs)   n   another name for automatic focus

autogamy (ɔːˈtɒɡəmI)   n   1 self-fertilization in flowering plants   2 a type of sexual reproduction, occurring in some protozoans, in which the uniting gametes are derived from the same cell   > auˈtogamous or autogamic (ˌɔːtəˈɡæmIk) adj

autogenesis (ˌɔːtəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs) or autogeny (ɔːˈtɒdʒInI)   n   another word for abiogenesis (sense 1)   > autogenetic (ˌɔːtəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj

autogenic (ˌɔːtəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   another word for autogenous

■ autogenic training (ˌɔːtəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   n   a technique for reducing stress through mental exercises to produce physical relaxation. Also called: autogenics

autogenous (ɔːˈtɒdʒInəs)   adj   1    a originating within the body. Compare heterogenous   b denoting a vaccine made from bacteria obtained from the patient's own body   2 self-generated; self-produced   3 denoting a weld in which the filler metal and the parent metal are of similar composition   > auˈtogenously adv

autogiro or autogyro (ˌɔːtəʊˈdʒaIrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a self-propelled aircraft supported in flight mainly by unpowered rotating horizontal blades. Also called: gyroplane. Compare helicopter [C20: originally a trademark]

autograft (ˈɔːtəˌɡrɑːft)   n   surgery a tissue graft obtained from one part of a patient's body for use on another part

autograph (ˈɔːtəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1    a a handwritten signature, esp that of a famous person   b (as modifier): an autograph album   2 a person's handwriting   3    a a book, document, etc, handwritten by its author; original manuscript; holograph   b (as modifier): an autograph letter   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to write one's signature on or in; sign   5 to write with one's own hand [C17: from Late Latin, from Greek autographos, from autos self + graphein to write]   > autographic (ˌɔːtəˈɡræfIk) or ˌautoˈgraphical adj   > ˌautoˈgraphically adv

■ autography (ɔːˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   1 the writing of something in one's own handwriting; something handwritten   2 the precise reproduction of an illustration or of writing

autogravure (ˌɔːtəʊɡrəˈvjʊə)   n   a particular process of photographic engraving in which images are projected directly onto a plate

autoguide (ˈɔːtəʊˌɡaId)   n   a traffic information transmission system designed to stop congestion

Autoharp (ˈɔːtəʊˌhɑːp)   n   trademark a zither-like musical instrument used in country-and-western music, equipped with button-controlled dampers that can prevent selected strings from sounding, thus allowing chords to be played. It is plucked with the fingers or a plectrum

autohypnosis (ˌɔːtəʊhIpˈnəʊsIs)   n   psychol the process or result of self-induced hypnosis   > autohypnotic (ˌɔːtəʊhIpˈnɒtIk) adj   > ˌautohypˈnotically adv

autoicous (ɔːˈtɔIkəs)   adj   (of plants, esp mosses) having male and female reproductive organs on the same plant [C19: from AUTO- + Greek oikos dwelling]

autoimmune (ˌɔːtəʊIˈmjuːn)   adj   (of a disease) caused by the action of antibodies produced against substances normally present in the body   > ˌautoimˈmunity n

autoinfection (ˌɔːtəʊInˈfɛkʃən)   n   infection by a pathogenic agent already within the body or infection transferred from one part of the body to another

autoinoculation (ˌɔːtəʊIˌnɒkjʊˈleIʃən)   n   the inoculation of microorganisms (esp viruses) from one part of the body into another, usually in the form of a vaccine

autointoxication (ˌɔːtəʊInˌtɒksIˈkeIʃən)   n   self-poisoning caused by absorption of toxic products originating within the body. Also called: autotoxaemia

autoionization or autoionisation (ˌɔːtəʊˌaIənaIˈzeIʃən)   n   physics the process in which spontaneous decay of excited atoms or molecules results in emission of electrons, rather than photons

autojumble (ˈɔːtəʊˌdʒʌmbəl)   n   a sale of second-hand car parts, esp for car enthusiasts

autokinesis (ˌɔːtəʊkIˈniːsIs)   n   a visual illusion occurring in low light, in which a stationary bright spot appears to be moving

■ autokinetic (ˌɔːtəʊkIˈnɛtIk, -kaI-)   adj   automatically self-moving

■ autokinetic phenomenon   n   psychol the apparent movement of a fixed point of light when observed in a darkened room. The effect is produced by small eye movements for which the brain is unable to compensate, having no other reference points

autolatry (ɔːˈtɒlətrI)   n   the worship of oneself

autoload (ˈɔːtəʊləʊd)   vb (intr)   computing to load automatically

■ autoloading (ˈɔːtəʊˌləʊdIŋ)   adj   self-loading

autologous (ɔːˈtɒləɡəs)   adj   (of a tissue graft, blood transfusion, etc) originating from the recipient rather than from a donor

autology (ɔːˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of oneself

Autolycus^1 (ɔːˈtɒlIkəs)   n   a crater in the NW quadrant of the moon about 38 km in diameter and 3000 m deep

Autolycus^2 (ɔːˈtɒlIkəs)   n   Greek myth a thief who stole cattle from his neighbour Sisyphus and prevented him from recognizing them by making them invisible

autolysis (ɔːˈtɒlIsIs)   n   the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves [C20: via German from Greek autos self + lusis loosening, release]   > autolytic (ˌɔːtəˈlItIk) adj

■ autolysate or US autolyzate (ɔːˈtɒlIˌzeIt)   n   the substances resulting as the end product of autolysis

■ autolyse or US autolyze (ˈɔːtəˌlaIz)   vb   biochem to undergo or cause to undergo autolysis

■ autolysin (ˌɔːtəˈlaIsIn, ɔːˈtɒlI-)   n   any agent that produces autolysis

automagic (ˌɔːtəʊˈmædʒIk)   adj   done with such ease and speed as to seem like magic

automan (ˈɔːtəʊˌmæn)   n, pl -men   someone who manufactures motor cars

automat (ˈɔːtəˌmæt)   n   1 Also called: vending machine a machine that automatically dispenses goods, such as cigarettes, when money is inserted   2 chiefly US an area or room, sometimes having restaurant facilities, where food and other goods are supplied from vending machines

automata (ɔːˈtɒmətə)   n   a plural of automaton

automate (ˈɔːtəˌmeIt)   vb   to make (a manufacturing process, factory, etc) automatic, or (of a manufacturing process, etc) to be made automatic

■ automatable (ˈɔːtəmətəbəl)   adj   able to be done by machines without human action

■ automated (ˈɔːtəˌmeItId)   adj   using machinery and electronics to perform most tasks

■ automated teller machine   n   a computerized cash dispenser. Abbreviation: ATM

■ automatic (ˌɔːtəˈmætIk)   adj   1 performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical: an automatic smile   2    a (of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself   b (of an act or process) performed by such automatic equipment   3 (of the action of a muscle, gland, etc) involuntary or reflex   4 occurring as a necessary consequence: promotion is automatic after a year   5 (of a firearm)   a utilizing some of the force of or gas from each explosion to eject the empty shell case, replace it with a new one, and fire continuously until release of the trigger. Compare semiautomatic (sense 2)   b short for semiautomatic (sense 2). See also machine (sense 5)   ▷ n   6 an automatic firearm   7 a motor vehicle having automatic transmission   8 a machine that operates automatically [C18: from Greek automatos acting independently]   > ˌautoˈmatically adv   > automaticity (ˌɔːtəʊməˈtIsItI) n

■ automatical (ˌɔːtəˈmætIkəl)   adj   another word for automatic

■ automatic camera   n   a camera in which the lens aperture or the shutter speed or both are automatically adjusted to the prevailing conditions

■ automatic door   n   a self-opening door

■ automatic exposure   n   the automatic adjustment of the lens aperture and shutter speed of a camera by a control mechanism. Also called: autoexposure

■ automatic focus   n     a a system in a camera which automatically adjusts the lens so that the object being photographed is in focus, often one using infrared light to estimate the distance of the object from the camera   b (as modifier): automatic-focus lens. Abbreviation: AF. Also called: autofocus

■ automatic frequency control   n   a system in a radio or television receiver by which the tuning of an incoming signal is accurately maintained. Abbreviation: AFC

■ automatic gain control   n   control of a radio receiver in which the gain varies inversely with the magnitude of the input, thus maintaining the output at an approximately constant level. Abbreviation: AGC

■ automatic pilot   n   1 Also called: autopilot a device that automatically maintains an aircraft on a preset course   2 on automatic pilot informal acting without conscious thought because of tiredness, shock, or familiarity with the task being performed

■ automatic repeat   n   a key on the keyboard of a typewriter, computer, etc, which, when depressed continuously, produces the character repeatedly until the key is released

■ automatic transmission   n   a transmission system in a motor vehicle, usually incorporating a fluid clutch, in which the gears change automatically

■ automatic vending   n   selling goods by vending machines

■ automation (ˌɔːtəˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the use of methods for controlling industrial processes automatically, esp by electronically controlled systems, often reducing manpower   2 the extent to which a process is so controlled

■ automatism (ɔːˈtɒməˌtIzəm)   n   1 the state or quality of being automatic; mechanical or involuntary action   2 law, philosophy the explanation of an action, or of action in general, as determined by the physiological states of the individual, admissible in law as a defence when the physiological state is involuntary, as in sleepwalking   3 psychol the performance of actions, such as sleepwalking, without conscious knowledge or control   4 the suspension of consciousness sought or achieved by certain artists and writers to allow free flow of uncensored thoughts   > auˈtomatist n

■ automatize or automatise (ɔːˈtɒməˌtaIz)   vb   to make (a process, etc) automatic or (of a process, etc) to be made automatic   > auˌtomatiˈzation or auˌtomatiˈsation n

automaton (ɔːˈtɒməˌtɒn, -tən)   n, pl -tons or -ta (-tə)   1 a mechanical device operating under its own hidden power; robot   2 a person who acts mechanically or leads a routine monotonous life [C17: from Latin, from Greek, from automatos spontaneous, self-moving]   > auˈtomatous adj

■ automata theory   n   the formal study of the power of computation of abstract machines

autometer (ˈɔːtəʊˌmiːtə)   n   a small device inserted in a photocopier to enable the process of copying to begin and to record the number of copies made

automobile (ˈɔːtəməˌbiːl)   n   another word (esp US) for car (sense 1)   > automobilist (ˌɔːtəməˈbiːlIst, -ˈməʊbIlIst) n

■ automobilia (ˌɔːtəməˈbiːlIə)   pl n   items connected with cars and motoring of interest to the collector

■ automobilism (ˌɔːtəʊˈməʊbIˌlIzəm) or automobility (ˌɔːtəʊməʊˈbIlItI)   n   the use of automobiles, or the practices associated with them

automorphism (ˌɔːtəʊˈmɔːfIzəm)   n   the practice of seeing others as having the same characteristics as oneself

■ automorphic (ˌɔːtəʊˈmɔːfIk)   adj   shaped and designed after oneself

■ automorphically (ˌɔːtəˈmɔːfIkəlI)   adv   in an automorphic manner

automotive (ˌɔːtəˈməʊtIv)   adj   1 relating to motor vehicles   2 self-propelling

autonomic (ˌɔːtəˈnɒmIk) or autonomical (ˌɔːtəˈnɒmIkəl)   adj   1 occurring involuntarily or spontaneously   2 of or relating to the autonomic nervous system   3 Also: autonomous (of plant movements) occurring as a result of internal stimuli   > ˌautoˈnomically adv

■ autonomic nervous system   n   the section of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls the involuntary actions of the smooth muscles, heart, and glands. It has two divisions: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. Compare somatic nervous system

■ autonomics (ˌɔːtəˈnɒmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) electronics the study of self-regulating systems for process control

autonomy (ɔːˈtɒnəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 the right or state of self-government, esp when limited   2 a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy   3 freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviour, etc   4 philosophy   a the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles and laws. See also categorical imperative   b the state in which one's actions are autonomous [C17: from Greek autonomia freedom to live by one's own laws; see AUTONOMOUS]   > auˈtonomist n

■ autonomous (ɔːˈtɒnəməs)   adj   1 (of a community, country, etc) possessing a large degree of self-government   2 of or relating to an autonomous community   3 independent of others   4 philosophy   a acting or able to act in accordance with rules and principles of one's own choosing   b (in the moral philosophy of Kant, of an individual's will) directed to duty rather than to some other end. Compare heteronomous (sense 3). See also categorical imperative   5 biology existing as an organism independent of other organisms or parts   6 a variant form of autonomic (sense 3) [C19: from Greek autonomos living under one's own laws, from AUTO- + nomos law]   > auˈtonomously adv

autonym (ˈɔːtəˌnIm)   n   a piece of literature published under the real name of an author

■ autonymous (ɔːˈtɒnIməs)   adj   (of a word or words) appearing in its own form or directly quoted

autopen (ˈɔːtəʊˌpɛn)   n   a mechanical device used to produce imitation signatures

autophagy (ɔːˈtɒfədʒI) or autophagia (ˌɔːtəʊˈfeIdʒIə)   n   sustenance by self-absorption of the tissues of the body

■ autophagous (ɔːˈtɒfəɡəs)   adj   self-consuming or devouring of itself

autophanous (ɔːˈtɒfənəs)   adj   illuminated by a self-contained power source

autophobia (ˌɔːtəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of solitude or being alone

autophoby (ɔːˈtɒfəbI)   n   the reluctance to refer to oneself or be egotistical

autophony (ɔːˈtɒfənI)   n, pl -nies   med a diagnosis made by listening to vibration of one's own voice on the patient's chest

autophyte (ˈɔːtəˌfaIt)   n   an autotrophic plant, such as any green plant   > autophytic (ˌɔːtəˈfItIk) adj   > ˌautoˈphytically adv

autopilot (ˌɔːtəˈpaIlət, -təʊ-)   n   short for automatic pilot

autopista (ˌɔːtəˈpiːstə)   n   a Spanish motorway [from Spanish: auto(mobile) track]

autoplasty (ˈɔːtəˌplæstI)   n   surgery involving the grafting or transplanting tissue from the patient's own body   > ˌautoˈplastic adj

autopoint (ˈɔːtəʊˌpɔInt)   n   a point-to-point race in motor cars

autopolyploid (ˌɔːtəʊˈpɒlIˌplɔId)   adj   1 (of cells, organisms, etc) having more than two sets of haploid chromosomes inherited from a single species   ▷ n   2 an organism or cell of this type   ▶ See also allopolyploid, polyploid   > ˌautoˈpolyˌploidy n

autopsy (ˈɔːtəpsI, ɔːˈtɒp-)   n, pl -sies   1 Also called: necropsy, postmortem examination dissection and examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death   2 an eyewitness observation   3 any critical analysis [C17: from New Latin autopsia, from Greek: seeing with one's own eyes, from AUTO- + opsis sight]

■ autopsia (ɔːˈtɒpsIə)   n   another name for autopsy

■ autopsic (ɔːˈtɒpsIk)   adj   relating to autopsy

■ autopsist (ˈɔːtɒpˌsIst)   n   a surgeon who specializes in conducting autopsies

autoptic (ɔːˈtɒptIk) or autoptical (ɔːˈtɒptIkəl)   adj   relating to or belonging to personal observation

■ autoptically (ɔːˈtɒptIkəlI)   adv   in an autoptical manner

autoput (ˈɔːtəʊˌpʊt)   n   a motorway in the former Yugoslavia [from Serbo-Croat: auto(mobile) road]

autoradiograph (ˌɔːtəʊˈreIdIəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf) or autoradiogram (ˌɔːtəʊˈreIdIəʊˌɡræm)   n   a photograph showing the distribution of a radioactive substance in a specimen. The photographic plate is exposed by radiation from the specimen. Also called: radioautograph   > autoradiographic (ˌɔːtəʊˌreIdIəˈɡræfIk) adj   > autoradiography (ˌɔːtəʊˌreIdIˈɒɡrəfI) n

auto-repeat   n   1 computing a feature of computer keys whereby a character is generated repeatedly as long as the user holds down the key in question   ▷ vb (intr)   2 computing (of a computer key) to go on automatically regenerating a character

autoreply (ˈɔːtəʊrIˌplaI)   n   a facility for sending automated replies to email messages

autoreverse (ˌɔːtəʊrIˈvɜːs)   n   a system in a tape player that automatically reverses the tape and plays another track when one track has finished

autorickshaw (ˈɔːtəʊˈrIkʃɔː)   n   (in India) a light three-wheeled vehicle driven by a motorcycle engine

autorotate (ˌɔːtəʊrəʊˈteIt)   vb (intr)   (of a rotor) to rotate around a central axis powered by aerodynamic forces

■ autorotation (ˌɔːtəʊrəʊˈteIʃən)   n   the continuous rotation of a body in an airflow, such as that of the rotor blades of a helicopter in an unpowered descent

autoroute (ˈɔːtəʊˌruːt)   n   a French motorway [from French, from auto car + route road]

autosave (ˈɔːtəʊˌseIv)   n   computing a function on a computer that automatically saves data at regular intervals

autoschediaze (ˌɔːtəʊˈskɛdIeIz, ˌɔːtəʊˈskiːdIeIz)   vb (intr)   to do or act with little forethought or preparation

■ autoschediasm (ˌɔːtəʊˈskɛdIˌæzəm, ˌɔːtəʊˈskiːdIˌæzəm)   n   anything done with little forethought or preparation

■ autoschediastic (ˌɔːtəʊˌskɛdIˈæstIk, ˌɔːtəʊˌskiːdIˈæstIk)   adj   offhand, with little forethought or preparation

autoscopy (ɔːˈtɒskəpI)   n   the experience of hallucination in which one sees oneself from outside one's own body

■ autoscopic (ˌɔːtəˈskɒpIk)   adj   of or relating to an out-of-body experience

autosexing (ˈɔːtəʊˌsɛksIŋ)   n   the breeding of birds to reveal specific sexual characteristics

autosome (ˈɔːtəˌsəʊm)   n   any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome   > ˌautoˈsomal adj

■ autosomally (ˌɔːtəʊˈsəʊməlI)   adv   in the manner of an autosome

autospore (ˈɔːtəʊˌspɔː)   n   a nonmotile algal spore that develops adult characteristics before being released

autostability (ˌɔːtəʊstəˈbIlItI)   n   the property of being stable either as a result of inherent characteristics or of built-in devices

autostrada (ˈɔːtəʊˌstrɑːdə)   n   an Italian motorway [from Italian, from auto car + strada road]

autosuggest (ˌɔːtəʊsəˈdʒɛst)   vb (intr)   psychol to influence one's own thoughts or behaviour through methods other than conscious thought

■ autosuggestion (ˌɔːtəʊsəˈdʒɛstʃən)   n   a process of suggestion in which the person unconsciously supplies or consciously attempts to supply the means of influencing his or her own behaviour or beliefs   > ˌautosugˈgestive adj

autotelic (ˌɔːtəʊˈtɛlIk)   adj   having a purpose in and justifying itself

autoteller (ˈɔːtəʊtɛlə)   n   a US name for an automated teller machine

autotest (ˈɔːtəʊˌtɛst)   n   a motor race in which standard cars are driven around a racing circuit

autotetraploid (ˌɔːtəʊˈtɛtrəˌplɔId)   n   an individual or strain whose chromosome complement consists of four copies of a single genome due to doubling of an ancestral chromosome complement

■ autotetraploidy (ˌɔːtəʊˈtɛtrəˌplɔIdI)   n   the generation of the tetraploid state, created by the fusing of two nuclei from the same species

autotheism (ˌɔːtəʊˈθiːIzəm)   n   1 the doctrine of God's self-existence and subsistence   2 the worship of oneself or the belief that one is a god

■ autotheist (ˌɔːtəʊˈθiːIst)   n   a person who worships himself or herself

autotimer (ˈɔːtəʊˌtaImə)   n   a device for turning a system on and off automatically at times predetermined by advance setting

autotomy (ɔːˈtɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   the casting off by an animal of a part of its body, to facilitate escape when attacked   > autotomic (ˌɔːtəˈtɒmIk) or autotomous (ɔːˈtɒtəməs) adj

■ autotomize or autotomise (ɔːˈtɒtəˌmaIz)   vb   to cause (a part of the body) to undergo autotomy

autotoxaemia or US autotoxemia (ˌɔːtəʊtɒkˈsiːmIə)   n   another name for autointoxication

autotoxin (ˌɔːtəˈtɒksIn)   n   any poison or toxin formed in the organism upon which it acts. See autointoxication   > ˌautoˈtoxic adj

autotransformer (ˌɔːtəʊtrænsˈfɔːmə)   n   a transformer in which part of the winding is common to both primary and secondary circuits

autotransfusion (ˌɔːtəʊtrænsˈfjuːʒən)   n   med a process in which a patient receives some of his or her own blood in a transfusion rather than a donor's blood

autotrophy (ˈɔːtəʊˌtrɒfI)   n   (in certain plants and bacteria) the process of making food from inorganic substances, using photosynthesis

■ autotrophic (ˌɔːtəˈtrɒfIk)   adj   (of organisms such as green plants) capable of manufacturing complex organic nutritive compounds from simple inorganic sources such as carbon dioxide, water, and nitrates, using energy from the sun. Compare heterotrophic   > autotroph (ˈɔːtətrəʊf) n

■ autotrophically (ˌɔːtəʊˈtrɒfIkəlI)   adv   through an autotrophic process

autotune (ˈɔːtəʊˌtjuːn)   n   a software package that automatically manipulates a recording of a vocal track until it is in tune regardless of whether or not the original performance was in tune

autotype (ˈɔːtəˌtaIp)   n   1 a photographic process for producing prints in black and white, using a carbon pigment   2 an exact copy of a manuscript, etc; facsimile   > autotypic (ˌɔːtəˈtIpIk) adj   > ˈautoˌtypy n

autotypography (ˌɔːtəʊtaIˈpɒɡrəfI)   n   a process in which drawings are executed on gelatin before being impressed on a soft metal plate to allow for printing

autovac (ˈɔːtəʊˌvæk)   n   a vacuum pump found in the petrol tank of a car

autowinder (ˈɔːtəʊˌwaIndə)   n   photog a battery-operated device for advancing the film in a camera automatically after each exposure. Compare motor drive

autoxidation (ɔːˌtɒksIˈdeIʃən)   n   chem   a oxidation by exposure to atmospheric oxygen   b oxidation that will only occur when another oxidation reaction is taking place in the same system

autumn (ˈɔːtəm)   n   1 (sometimes capital)   a Also called (esp US): fall the season of the year between summer and winter, astronomically from the September equinox to the December solstice in the N hemisphere and from the March equinox to the June solstice in the S hemisphere   b (as modifier): autumn leaves   2 a period of late maturity, esp one followed by a decline [C14: from Latin autumnus, perhaps of Etruscan origin]

■ autumnal (ɔːˈtʌmnəl)   adj   of, occurring in, or characteristic of autumn   > auˈtumnally adv

■ autumnal equinox   n   1 the time at which the sun crosses the plane of the equator away from the relevant hemisphere, making day and night of equal length. It occurs about Sept 23 in the N hemisphere (March 21 in the S hemisphere)   2 astronomy   a the point, lying in the constellation Virgo, at which the sun's ecliptic intersects the celestial equator   b the time at which this occurs as the sun travels north to south (23 September)

■ autumn crocus   n   a liliaceous plant, Colchicum autumnale, of Europe and N Africa having pink or purplish autumn flowers. Also called: meadow saffron. Compare saffron

■ autumny (ˈɔːtəmI)   adj   characteristic of autumn

autunite (ˈɔːtəˌnaIt)   n   a yellowish fluorescent radioactive mineral consisting of a hydrated calcium uranium phosphate in tetragonal crystalline form. It is found in uranium ores. Formula: Ca(UO_2)2(PO_4)2.10–12H_2O [C19: named after Autun in France, one of the places where it was found, + -ITE^1]

Auvergne (əʊˈvɛən, əʊˈvɜːn; French ovɛrɲ)   n   a former region of S central France: largely mountainous, rising over 1800 m (6000 ft)

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (French ovɛrɲəronalp)   n   a region of S France formed in 2016 from the former regions of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes

auxanometer (ˌɔːksəˈnɒmItə)   n   an instrument that measures the linear growth of plant shoots [C19: from Greek auxanein to increase + -METER]

Aux Cayes (əʊ ˈkeI; French o kɑj)   n   the former name of Les Cayes

Auxerre (French ozɛr)   n   a town in central France, capital of Yonne department; Gothic cathedral. Pop: 38 800 (2006)

auxesis (ɔːɡˈziːsIs, ɔːkˈsiː-)   n   growth in animal or plant tissues resulting from an increase in cell size without cell division [C16: via Latin from Greek: increase, from auxein to increase, grow]

■ auxetic (ɔːkˈsɛtIk)   n   something that promotes auxesis

auxiliary (ɔːɡˈzIljərI, -ˈzIlə-)   adj   1 secondary or supplementary   2 supporting   3 nautical (of a sailing vessel) having an engine: an auxiliary sloop   ▷ n, pl -ries   4 a person or thing that supports or supplements; subordinate or assistant   5 nautical   a a sailing vessel with an engine   b the engine of such a vessel   6 navy a vessel such as a tug, hospital ship, etc, not used for combat [C17: from Latin auxiliārius bringing aid, from auxilium help, from augēre to increase, enlarge, strengthen]

■ auxiliaries (ɔːɡˈzIljərIz, -ˈzIlə-)   pl n   foreign or allied troops serving another nation; mercenaries

■ auxiliary note   n   music a nonharmonic note occurring between two harmonic notes

■ auxiliary power unit   n   an additional engine fitted to an aircraft to operate when the main engines are not in use

■ auxiliary rotor   n   the tail rotor of a helicopter, used for directional and rotary control

■ auxiliary verb   n   a verb used to indicate the tense, voice, mood, etc, of another verb where this is not indicated by inflection, such as English will in he will go, was in he was eating and he was eaten, do in I do like you, etc

auxin (ˈɔːksIn)   n   any of various plant hormones, such as indoleacetic acid, that promote growth and control fruit and flower development. Synthetic auxins are widely used in agriculture and horticulture [C20: from Greek auxein to grow]

■ auxinic (ɔːkˈsInIk)   adj   containing or relating to auxins

auxochrome (ˈɔːksəˌkrəʊm)   n   a group of atoms that can be attached to a chromogen to convert it into a dye

auxocyte (ˈɔːksəˌsaIt)   n   any cell undergoing meiosis, esp an oocyte or spermatocyte

auxometer (ɔːkˈsɒmItə)   n   an instrument measuring the magnifying power of lenses

auxospore (ˈɔːksəˌspɔː)   n   a diatom cell before its silicaceous cell wall is formed

auxotonic (ˌɔːksəˈtɒnIk)   adj   (of muscle contraction) occurring against increasing force

auxotroph (ˈɔːksətrəʊf)   n   a mutant strain of microorganism having nutritional requirements additional to those of the normal organism   > ˌauxoˈtrophic adj

■ auxotrophy (ˈɔːksəʊˌtrɒfI)   n   the inability to synthesize particular growth factors, due to mutational changes

Av (æv) or Ab   n   (in the Jewish calendar) the fifth month of the year according to biblical reckoning and the eleventh month in the civil year, usually falling within July and August [from Hebrew]

AV   abbreviation for   1 Alternative Vote   2 Authorized Version (of the Bible)

av.   abbreviation for   average

Av. or av.   abbreviation for   avenue

a.v. or A/V   abbreviation for   ad valorem

a-v, A-V or AV   abbreviation for   audiovisual

ava (əˈvɔː)   adv   Scot at all [Scot form of of all]

avadavat (ˌævədəˈvæt) or amadavat (ˌæmədəˈvæt)   n   either of two Asian weaverbirds of the genus Estrilda, esp E. amandava, having a red plumage: often kept as cagebirds [C18: from Ahmadabad, Indian city from which these birds were brought to Europe]

avail (əˈveIl)   vb   1 to be of use, advantage, profit, or assistance (to)   2 avail oneself of to make use of to one's advantage   ▷ n   3 use or advantage (esp in the phrases of no avail, to little avail) [C13 availen, from vailen, from Old French valoir, from Latin valēre to be strong, prevail]   > aˈvailingly adv

■ available (əˈveIləbəl)   adj   1 obtainable or accessible; capable of being made use of; at hand   2 US politics derogatory suitable for public office, usually as a result of having an inoffensive character: Smith was a particularly available candidate   > aˌvailaˈbility or aˈvailableness n   > aˈvailably adv

aval (ˈeIvəl)   adj   of, like, or relating to a grandparent

avalanche (ˈævəˌlɑːntʃ)   n   1    a a fall of large masses of snow and ice down a mountain   b a fall of rocks, sand, etc   2 a sudden or overwhelming appearance of a large quantity of things: an avalanche of letters   3 physics a group of ions or electrons produced by a single ion or electron as a result of a collision with some other form of matter   ▷ vb   4 to come down overwhelmingly (upon) [C18: from French, by mistaken division from la valanche, from valanche, from (northwestern Alps) dialect lavantse; related to Old Provençal lavanca, of obscure origin]

avalement French (ɑvɑlmɑ̃)   n   skiing a skiing technique that involves keeping the knees flexible so as to absorb bumps and remain in contact with the snow

Avalon (ˈævəˌlɒn)   n   Celtic myth an island paradise in the western seas: in Arthurian legend it is where King Arthur was taken after he was mortally wounded [from Medieval Latin insula avallonis island of Avalon, from Old Welsh aballon apple]

Avalon Peninsula   n   a large peninsula of Newfoundland, between Trinity and Placentia Bays. Area: about 10 000 sq km (4000 sq miles)

avant-   prefix   of or belonging to the avant-garde of a specified field

■ avant-garde (ˌævɒŋˈɡɑːd; French avɑ̃ɡard)   n   1 those artists, writers, musicians, etc, whose techniques and ideas are markedly experimental or in advance of those generally accepted   ▷ adj   2 of such artists, etc, their ideas, or their techniques   3 radical; daring [from French: VANGUARD]   > ˌavant-ˈgardism n   > ˌavant-ˈgardist n

avanti Italian (æˈvæntI)   interj   forward! let's go!

avantist (æˈvɒntIst)   n   short for avant-gardist

Avar (ˈeIvɑː, ˈævɑː)   n   1 a member of a people of unknown origin in E Europe from the 6th to the early 9th century AD: crushed by Charlemagne around 800   2 a member of a people of the Caucasus   3 the language of this people, belonging to the North-East Caucasian family

avarice (ˈævərIs)   n   extreme greed for riches; cupidity [C13: from Old French, from Latin avaritia, from avārus covetous, from avēre to crave]   > ˌavaˈricious adj   > ˌavaˈriciously adv   > ˌavaˈriciousness n

avascular (əˈvæskjʊlə)   adj   (of certain tissues, such as cartilage) lacking blood vessels

■ avascularity (əˌvæskjʊˈlærItI)   n   the condition of having few blood vessels or of being without blood vessels

avast (əˈvɑːst)   sentence substitute   nautical stop! cease! [C17: perhaps from Dutch hou'vast hold fast]

avatar (ˈævəˌtɑː)   n   1 Hinduism the manifestation of a deity, notably Vishnu, in human, superhuman, or animal form   2 a visible manifestation or embodiment of an abstract concept; archetype   3 a movable image that represents a person in a virtual reality environment or in cyberspace [C18: from Sanskrit avatāra a going down, from avatarati he descends, from ava down + tarati he passes over]

avaunt (əˈvɔːnt)   sentence substitute   archaic go away! depart! [C15: from Old French avant! forward!, from Late Latin ab ante forward, from Latin ab from + ante before]

AVC   abbreviation for   additional voluntary contribution: one of a series of supplementary payments made to a pension fund

avdp.   abbreviation for   avoirdupois

ave (ˈɑːvI, ˈɑːveI)   sentence substitute   welcome or farewell [Latin]

Ave^1 (ˈɑːvI)   n RC Church   1 short for Ave Maria. See Hail Mary   2 the time for the Angelus to be recited, so called because of the threefold repetition of the Ave Maria in this devotion   3 the beads of the rosary used to count the number of Ave Marias said [C13: from Latin: hail!]

Ave^2 or ave   abbreviation for   avenue

Avebury (ˈeIvbərI)   n   a village in Wiltshire, site of an extensive Neolithic stone circle

Aveiro (Portuguese əˈvejru)   n   a port in N central Portugal, on the Aveiro lagoon: ancient Roman town; linked by canal with the Atlantic Ocean. Pop: 73 335 (2001). Ancient name: Talabriga (ˌtæləˈbriːɡə)

avel (ˈavɛl)   n   Judaism a variant of ovel

avellan (əˈvɛlən) or avellane (əˈvɛleIn)   adj   of or relating to hazelnuts

Avellaneda (Spanish aβeʎaˈneða)   n   a city in E Argentina, an industrial suburb of Buenos Aires. Pop: 328 980 (2001)

Ave Maria (məˈriːə)   n   another name for Hail Mary [C14: from Medieval Latin: hail, Mary!]

avenaceous (ˌævəˈneIʃəs)   adj   belonging to or of the nature of oats or oat grasses

avenge (əˈvɛndʒ)   vb   (usually tr) to inflict a punishment in retaliation for (harm, injury, etc) done to (a person or persons); take revenge for or on behalf of: to avenge a crime; to avenge a murdered friend [C14: from Old French avengier, from vengier, from Latin vindicāre; see VENGEANCE, VINDICATE]   > aˈvenger n   > aˈvengeress fem n

USAGE

The use of avenge with a reflexive pronoun was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable: she avenged herself on the man who killed her daughter

■ avengeful (əˈvɛndʒfʊl)   adj   vengeful; full of vengeance

■ avenging (əˈvɛndʒIŋ)   adj   taking vengeance on someone or something for a wrong done

avenir French (avnir)   n   the future or time to come

avens (ˈævInz)   n, pl -ens (functioning as singular)   1 any of several temperate or arctic rosaceous plants of the genus Geum, such as G. rivale (water avens), which has a purple calyx and orange-pink flowers. See also herb bennet   2 mountain avens either of two trailing evergreen white-flowered rosaceous shrubs of the genus Dryas that grow on mountains in N temperate regions and in the Arctic [C15: from Old French avence, from Medieval Latin avencia variety of clover]

aventail or aventaile (ˈævənˌteIl)   n   the movable front flap on a helmet

Aventine (ˈævInˌtaIn, -tIn)   n   one of the seven hills on which Rome was built

aventurine, aventurin (əˈvɛntjʊrIn) or avanturine (əˈvæntjʊrIn)   n   1 a dark-coloured glass, usually green or brown, spangled with fine particles of gold, copper, or some other metal   2 Also called: sunstone a light-coloured translucent variety of orthoclase feldspar containing reddish-gold particles of iron compounds   3 a variety of quartz containing red or greenish particles of iron oxide or mica: a gemstone [C19: from French, from Italian avventurina, from avventura chance; so named because usually found by accident; see ADVENTURE]

avenue (ˈævIˌnjuː)   n   1    a a broad street, often lined with trees   b (capital as part of a street name) a road, esp in a built-up area: Shaftesbury Avenue   2 a main approach road, as to a country house   3 a way bordered by two rows of trees: an avenue of oaks   4 a line of approach: explore every avenue [C17: from French, from avenir to come to, from Latin advenīre, from venīre to come]

aver (əˈvɜː)   vb avers, averring, averred (tr)   1 to state positively; assert   2 law to allege as a fact or prove to be true [C14: from Old French averer, from Medieval Latin advērāre, from Latin vērus true]   > aˈverment n

■ averrable (əˈvɜːrəbəl)   adj   able to be proved or verified

average (ˈævərIdʒ, ˈævrIdʒ)   n   1 the typical or normal amount, quality, degree, etc: above average in intelligence   2 Also called: arithmetic mean the result obtained by adding the numbers or quantities in a set and dividing the total by the number of members in the set: the average of 3, 4, and 8 is 5   3 (of a continuously variable ratio, such as speed) the quotient of the differences between the initial and final values of the two quantities that make up the ratio: his average over the journey was 30 miles per hour   4 maritime law   a a loss incurred or damage suffered by a ship or its cargo at sea   b the equitable apportionment of such loss among the interested parties   5 (often plural) stock exchange a simple or weighted average of the prices of a selected group of securities computed in order to facilitate market comparisons   6 on average, on the average or on an average usually; typically: on average, he goes twice a week   ▷ adj   7 usual or typical   8 mediocre or inferior: his performance was only average   9 constituting a numerical average: the average age; an average speed   10 approximately typical of a range of values: the average contents of a matchbox   ▷ vb   11 (tr) to obtain or estimate a numerical average of   12 (tr) to assess the general quality of   13 (tr) to perform or receive a typical number of: to average eight hours' work a day   14 (tr) to divide up proportionately: they averaged the profits among the staff   15 (tr) to amount to or be on average: the children averaged 15 years of age   16 (intr) stock exchange to purchase additional securities in a holding whose price has fallen (average down) or risen (average up) in anticipation of a speculative profit after further increases in price [C15 averay loss arising from damage to ships or cargoes (shared equitably among all concerned; hence the modern sense), from Old Italian avaria, ultimately from Arabic awār damage, blemish]   > ˈaveragely adv   > ˈaverageness n

■ average adjuster   n   a person who calculates average claims, esp for marine insurance. See average (sense 4)

■ average deviation   n   statistics another name for mean deviation

■ averager (ˈævərIdʒə)   n   maritime law person who calculates average claims

■ averagings (ˈævərədʒIŋz)   pl n   average values

Averno (Italian aˈvɛrno)   n   a crater lake in Italy, near Naples: in ancient times regarded as an entrance to hell. Latin name: Avernus (əˈvɜːnəs) [from Latin, from Greek aornos without birds, from A-1 + ornis bird; referring to the legend that the lake's sulphurous exhalations killed birds]

Averroës (əˈvɛrəʊˌiːz)   n   Arabic name ibn-Rushd. 1126–88, Arab philosopher and physician in Spain, noted particularly for his attempts to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Islamic religion, which profoundly influenced Christian scholasticism

■ Averroism (ˌævəˈrəʊIzəm, əˈvɛrəʊ-)   n   the teachings of Averroës   > ˌAverˈroist n   > ˌAverroˈistic adj

averruncate (ˈævəˌrʌŋkeIt)   vb (tr)   rare to avert or turn away

■ averruncation (ˌævərʌŋˈkeIʃən)   n   the act of averting or turning away

■ averruncator (ˌævərʌŋˈkeItə)   n   a long pair of shears used for pruning the higher branches of trees

averse (əˈvɜːs)   adj   1 (postpositive; usually foll by to) opposed, disinclined, or loath   2 (of leaves, flowers, etc) turned away from the main stem. Compare adverse (sense 4) [C16: from Latin āversus, from āvertere to turn from, from vertere to turn]   > aˈversely adv   > aˈverseness n

■ aversion (əˈvɜːʃən)   n   1 (usually foll by to or for) extreme dislike or disinclination; repugnance   2 a person or thing that arouses this: he is my pet aversion

■ aversion therapy   n   psychiatry a method of suppressing an undesirable habit, such as excessive smoking, by causing the subject to associate an unpleasant effect, such as an electric shock or nausea, with the habit

■ aversive (əˈvɜːsIv)   adj   tending to dissuade or repel   > aˈversively adv

■ aversiveness (əˈvɜːsIvnəs)   n   the condition of being characterized by aversion

avert (əˈvɜːt)   vb (tr)   1 to turn away or aside: to avert one's gaze   2 to ward off; prevent from occurring: to avert danger [C15: from Old French avertir, from Latin āvertere; see AVERSE]   > aˈvertible or aˈvertable adj

■ avertedly (əˈvɜːtIdlI)   adv   in an averted or offended manner

■ averter (əˈvɜːtə)   n   a person who averts or turns aside

avertiment (əˈvɜːtImənt)   n   archaic an advertisement

Aves (ˈeIviːz)   pl n   the class of vertebrates comprising the birds. See bird (sense 1) [pl of Latin avis bird]

Avesta (əˈvɛstə)   n   a collection of sacred writings of Zoroastrianism, including the Songs of Zoroaster

■ Avestan (əˈvɛstən) or Avestic (əˈvɛstIk)   n   1 the oldest recorded language of the Iranian branch of the Indo-European family; the language of the Avesta. Formerly called: Zend   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Avesta or its language

Aveyron (French avɛrɔ̃)   n   a department of S France in Occitanie region. Capital: Rodez. Pop: 266 940 (2003 est). Area: 8771 sq km (3421 sq miles)

avgas (ˈævˌɡæs)   n   a type of aviation fuel, high in octane, used for aeroplanes and racing cars

avgolemono (ˌævɡəˈlɛmənəʊ)   n   a Greek soup made with eggs, lemon juice, and rice [C20: from Modern Greek]

avian (ˈeIvIən)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a bird [C19: from Latin avis bird]

■ avian flu (ˈeIvIən)   n   another name for bird flu

■ avianize or avianise (ˈeIvIəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   biochem to modify microorganisms by repeated culturing in chicken embryos

aviary (ˈeIvjərI)   n, pl aviaries   a large enclosure in which birds are kept [C16: from Latin aviārium, from aviārius concerning birds, from avis bird]

■ aviarist (ˈeIvjərIst)   n   a person who keeps an aviary

aviate (ˈeIvIˌeIt)   vb   to pilot or fly in an aircraft

aviation (ˌeIvIˈeIʃən)   n   1    a the art or science of flying aircraft   b the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft   2 US military aircraft collectively [C19: from French, from Latin avis bird]

■ aviatic (ˌeIvIˈætIk)   adj   of or relating to aviation

■ aviation medicine   n   the branch of medicine concerned with the effects on the human body of flight in the earth's atmosphere. Compare space medicine

■ aviator (ˈeIvIˌeItə)   n   old-fashioned the pilot of an aeroplane or airship; flyer   > ˈaviˌatrix, ˈaviˌatress or ˈaviˌatrice fem n

Avicenna (ˌævIˈsɛnə)   n   Arabic name ibn-Sina. 980–1037, Persian philosopher and physician whose philosophical writings, which combined Aristotelianism with neo-Platonist ideas, greatly influenced scholasticism, and whose medical work Qanun was the greatest single influence on medieval medicine

avicular (əˈvIkjʊlə)   adj   zoology of or relating to small birds

aviculture (ˈeIvIˌkʌltʃə)   n   the keeping and rearing of birds   > ˌaviˈculturist n

avid (ˈævId)   adj   1 very keen; enthusiastic: an avid reader   2 (postpositive; often foll by for or of) eager (for); desirous (of); greedy (for): avid for revenge [C18: from Latin avidus, from avēre to long for]   > ˈavidly adv

■ avidity (əˈvIdItI)   n   1 the quality or state of being avid   2    a eagerness   b greed; avarice   3 chem   a the strength of an acid or base in proportion to its degree of dissociation   b another term for affinity (sense 6b)   4 immunol a measure of antigen-to-antibody binding, based on the rate of formation of the complex

■ avidness (ˈævIdnəs)   n   a desire to advance; eagerness

avidin (ˈævIdIn, əˈvIdIn)   n   a protein, found in egg-white, that combines with biotin to form a stable compound that cannot be absorbed, leading to a biotin deficiency in the consumer [C20: from AVID + (BIO)IN; from its characteristic avidity for biotin]

Aviemore (ˌævIˈmɔː)   n   a winter sports resort in Scotland, in Moray between the Monadhliath and Cairngorm Mountains. Pop: 2397 (2001)

aviette (ˌeIvIˈɛt)   n   an aeroplane driven solely by the strength of the aviator

avifauna (ˌeIvIˈfɔːnə)   n   all the birds in a particular region   > ˌaviˈfaunal adj

aviform (ˈeIvIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a bird

Avignon (French aviɲɔ̃)   n   a city in SE France, on the Rhône: seat of the papacy (1309–77); famous 12th-century bridge, now partly destroyed. Pop: 94 787 (2006)

Ávila (Spanish ˈaβila)   n   a city in central Spain: 11th-century granite walls and Romanesque cathedral. Pop: 52 078 (2003 est)

avine (ˈeIvaIn)   adj   a variant form of avian

avion French (avjɔ̃)   n   any machine that flies, such as an aeroplane

avionics (ˌeIvIˈɒnIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the science and technology of electronics applied to aeronautics and astronautics   2 (functioning as plural) the electronic circuits and devices of an aerospace vehicle [C20: from avi(ation electr)onics]   > ˌaviˈonic adj

avirulent (æˈvIrʊlənt)   adj   (esp of bacteria) not virulent

avisandum (ˌævIˈzændəm)   n   a variant spelling of avizandum

avisement (əˈvaIzmənt)   n   the careful consideration or observation of something

aviso (əˈvaIzəʊ)   n, pl avisos   a boat carrying messages; a dispatch-boat

avital (əˈvItəl)   adj   relating to a grandfather or ancestor

avitaminosis (æˌvItəmInˈəʊsIs, ˌævIˌtæmIˈnəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   any disease caused by a vitamin deficiency in the diet

■ avitaminotic (æˌvItəmInˈɒtIk)   adj   of or relating to avitaminosis

avizandum (ˌævIˈzændəm)   n   Scots law   a a judge's or court's decision to consider a case privately before giving judgment   b a judge's or court's private consideration of a case before giving judgment   c the period during which judgment is delayed in these circumstances. A judge or court makes avizandum when time is needed to consider arguments or submissions made. Compare CAV [from Medieval Latin, from avizare to consider; see ADVISE]

Avlona (ævˈləʊnə)   n   the ancient name for Vlorë

AVM   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Air Vice-Marshal

avn   abbreviation for   aviation

avo^1 (ˈɑːvəʊ)   n, pl avos   a unit of currency in Macao, worth one-hundredth of a pataca

avo^2 (ˈɑːvəʊ)   n, pl avos informal   avocado

avocado (ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -dos   1 a pear-shaped fruit having a leathery green or blackish skin, a large stony seed, and a greenish-yellow edible pulp   2 the tropical American lauraceous tree, Persea americana, that bears this fruit   3    a a dull greenish colour resembling that of the fruit   b (as modifier): an avocado bathroom suite   ▶ Also called (for senses 1, 2): avocado pear, alligator pear [C17: from Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl ahuacatl testicle, alluding to the shape of the fruit]

avocation (ˌævəˈkeIʃən)   n   1 formal a minor occupation undertaken as a diversion   2 not standard a person's regular job or vocation [C17: from Latin āvocātiō a calling away, diversion from, from āvocāre to distract, from vocāre to call]

■ avocational (ˌævəˈkeIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to avocation

■ avocationally (ˌævəˈkeIʃənəlI)   adv   in one's leisure time

avocet (ˈævəˌsɛt)   n   any of several long-legged shore birds of the genus Recurvirostra, such as the European R. avosetta, having black-and-white plumage and a long upward-curving bill: family Recurvirostridae, order Charadriiformes [C18: from French avocette, from Italian avocetta, of uncertain origin]

avodire (ˌævəʊˈdIəreI)   n   a yellow hardwood from an African tree

Avogadro (ˌævəˈɡɑːdrəʊ; Italian avoˈɡaːdro)   n   Amedeo (ameˈdɛːo), Conte di Quaregna. 1776–1856, Italian physicist, noted for his work on gases

■ Avogadro's constant, Avogadro constant or Avogadro's number   n   the number of atoms or molecules in a mole of a substance, equal to 6.022 52 × 10^23. Symbol: L, NA

■ Avogadro's law or Avogadro's hypothesis   n   the principle that equal volumes of all gases contain the same number of molecules at the same temperature and pressure

avoid (əˈvɔId)   vb (tr)   1 to keep out of the way of   2 to refrain from doing   3 to prevent from happening: to avoid damage to machinery   4 law to make (a plea, contract, etc) void; invalidate; quash   5 obsolete to expel   6 obsolete to depart from [C14: from Anglo-French avoider, from Old French esvuidier, from vuidier to empty, VOID]   > aˈvoidable adj   > aˈvoidably adv   > aˈvoider n

■ avoidance (əˈvɔIdəns)   n   1 the act of keeping away from or preventing from happening   2 law   a the act of annulling or making void   b the countering of an opponent's plea with fresh evidence   3 ecclesiastical law the state of a benefice having no incumbent

■ avoidant (əˈvɔIdənt)   adj   (of behaviour) demonstrating a tendency to avoid intimacy or interaction with others

avoirdupois or avoirdupois weight (ˌævədəˈpɔIz, ˌævwɑːdjuːˈpwɑː)   n   a system of weights used in many English-speaking countries. It is based on the pound, which contains 16 ounces or 7000 grains. 100 pounds (US) or 112 pounds (Brit) is equal to 1 hundredweight and 20 hundredweights equals 1 ton. Abbreviation: avdp, avoir [C14: from Old French aver de peis goods of weight]

avoision (əˈvɔIʒən)   n   the non-payment of tax which cannot be classified as either avoidance or evasion

Avon^1 (ˈeIvən)   n   1 a former county of SW England, created in 1974 from areas of N Somerset and S Gloucestershire: replaced in 1996 by the unitary authorities of Bath and North East Somerset (Somerset), North Somerset (Somerset), South Gloucestershire (Gloucestershire), and Bristol   2 a river in central England, rising in Northamptonshire and flowing southwest through Stratford-on-Avon to the River Severn at Tewkesbury. Length: 154 km (96 miles)   3 a river in SW England, rising in Gloucestershire and flowing south and west through Bristol to the Severn estuary at Avonmouth. Length: 120 km (75 miles)   4 a river in S England, rising in Wiltshire and flowing south to the English Channel. Length: about 96 km (60 miles)

Avon^2 (ˈeIvən)   n   Earl of. title of (Anthony) Eden^1

avoparcin (ˌeIvəʊˈpɑːsIn)   n   an antibiotic, now banned in the EU, formerly used to treat farm animals

avoset (ˈævəˌsɛt)   n   a variant spelling of avocet

avouch (əˈvaʊtʃ)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to vouch for; guarantee   2 to acknowledge   3 to assert [C16: from Old French avochier to summon, call on, from Latin advocāre; see ADVOCATE]   > aˈvouchment n

■ avouchable (əˈvaʊtʃəbəl)   adj   able to be avouched

■ avoucher (əˈvaʊtʃə)   n   a person who avouches

avow (əˈvaʊ)   vb (tr)   1 to state or affirm   2 to admit openly   3 law rare to justify or maintain (some action taken) [C13: from Old French avouer to confess, from Latin advocāre to appeal to, call upon; see AVOUCH, ADVOCATE]   > aˈvowable adj   > aˈvowal n   > avowed (əˈvaʊd) adj   > avowedly (əˈvaʊIdlI) adv   > aˈvower n

■ avowableness (əˈvaʊəbəlnIs)   n   the quality or condition of being avowable

■ avowably (əˈvaʊəblI)   adv   in an avowable manner; not secret or hidden

avoyer (əˈvɔIə; French avwaje)   n   a former chief Swiss magistrate of an imperial city

avruga (əˈvruːɡə)   n   herring roe with a smoky flavour, sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to caviar [Spanish]

avulsion (əˈvʌlʃən)   n   1 a forcible tearing away or separation of a bodily structure or part, either as the result of injury or as an intentional surgical procedure   2 law the sudden removal of soil from one person's land to that of another, as by flooding [C17: from Latin āvulsiō, from āvellere to pluck away, from vellere to pull, pluck]

■ avulse (əˈvʌls)   vb (tr)   to remove or take away by force

avuncular (əˈvʌŋkjʊlə)   adj   1 of or concerned with an uncle   2 resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful [C19: from Latin avunculus (maternal) uncle, diminutive of avus grandfather]

■ avuncularity (əˌvʌŋkjʊˈlærItI)   n   the condition of being an uncle

■ avuncularly (əˈvʌŋkjʊləlI)   adv   in the manner of an uncle

■ avunculate (əˈvʌŋkjʊlIt)   n   1 the custom in some societies of assigning rights and duties to a maternal uncle concerning his sister's son   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or governed by this custom

avvogadore (əˈvəʊɡəˌdɔːreI; Italian aˈvoɡaˌdɔːre)   n   an official Venetian criminal prosecutor

aw^1 (ɔː)   determiner   Scot a variant spelling of a'

aw^2 (ɔː)   interj   informal, chiefly US an expression of disapproval, commiseration, or appeal

■ aw-shucks (ˌɔːˈʃʌks)   adj (prenominal)   seeming to be modest, self-deprecating, or shy: don't be fooled by his aw-shucks attitude [C20: from the US interjection aw shucks, an expression of modesty or diffidence]

aw^3   the internet domain name for   Aruba

AWA   abbreviation for   Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd

awa' (əˈwɔː)   adv   Scot away; departed; onward

AWACS or Awacs (ˈeIwæks)   n acronym for   airborne warning and control system

await (əˈweIt)   vb   1 (tr) to wait for; expect   2 (tr) to be in store for   3 (intr) to wait, esp with expectation   4 (tr) obsolete to wait for in order to ambush

■ awaiter (əˈweItə)   n   a person who awaits something or someone

■ awaiting (əˈweItIŋ)   adj formal   waiting

awake (əˈweIk)   vb awakes, awaking, awoke or awaked, awoken or awaked Also: awaken   1 to emerge or rouse from sleep; wake   2 to become or cause to become alert   3 (usually foll by to) to become or make aware (of): to awake to reality   4 (tr) to arouse (feelings, etc) or cause to remember (memories, etc)   ▷ adj (postpositive)   5 not sleeping   6 (sometimes foll by to) lively or alert [Old English awacian, awacan; see WAKE^1]

USAGE

See at wake^1

■ awakener (əˈweIkənə)   n   a person or thing that awakens

■ awakening (əˈweIkənIŋ, əˈweIknIŋ)   n   the start of a feeling or awareness in a person: a picture of an emotional awakening

awanting (əˈwɒntIŋ)   adj   missing or in want of

award (əˈwɔːd)   vb (tr)   1 to give (something due), esp as a reward for merit: to award prizes   2 law to declare to be entitled, as by decision of a court of law or an arbitrator   ▷ n   3 something awarded, such as a prize or medal: an award for bravery   4 (in Australia and New Zealand) the amount of an award wage (esp in the phrase above award)   5 law   a the decision of an arbitrator   b a grant made by a court of law, esp of damages in a civil action [C14: from Anglo-Norman awarder, from Old Northern French eswarder to decide after investigation, from es- EX-1 + warder to observe; see WARD]   > aˈwardable adj   > aˌwardˈee n   > aˈwarder n

■ award wage   n   (in Australia and New Zealand) statutory minimum pay for a particular group of workers. Sometimes shortened to: award

■ award-winner   n   person or thing that wins an award

■ award-winning   adj   having won an award or awards

aware (əˈwɛə)   adj   1 (postpositive; foll by of) having knowledge; cognizant: aware of his error   2 informed of current developments: politically aware [Old English gewær; related to Old Saxon, Old High German giwar Latin verērī to be fearful; see BEWARE, WARY]   > aˈwareness n

awarn (əˈwɔːn)   vb (tr)   archaic to warn or put on one's guard

awash (əˈwɒʃ)   adj (postpositive)   1 covered by water   2 (foll by with) having a plentiful supply (of): awash with cash   ▷ adv, adj (postpositive) nautical   3 at a level even with the surface of the sea   4 washed over by the sea

awatch (əˈwɒtʃ)   adv   watching or looking out for

awato (ˈɑːˌfɑːtɔː)   n   a variant spelling of awhato

awave (əˈweIv)   adv   1 in waves   2 waving

away (əˈweI)   adv   1 from a particular place; off: to swim away   2 in or to another, the usual, or the proper place: to put toys away   3 apart; at a distance: to keep away from strangers   4 out of existence: the music faded away   5 indicating motion, displacement, transfer, etc, from a normal or proper place, from a person's own possession, etc: to turn one's head away; to give away money   6 indicating activity that is wasteful or designed to get rid of something: to sleep away the hours   7 continuously: laughing away; fire away   8 away with a command for a person to go or be removed: away with you; away with him to prison!   9 far and away by a very great margin: far and away the biggest meal he'd ever eaten   10 from away Canadian from a part of Canada other than Newfoundland   ▷ adj (usually postpositive)   11 not present: away from school   12 distant: he is a good way away   13 having started; released: he was away before sunrise; bombs away!   14 (also prenominal) sport played on an opponent's ground: an away game   15 golf (of a ball or player) farthest from the hole   16 baseball (of a player) having been put out   17 horse racing relating to the outward portion or first half of a race   ▷ n   18 sport a game played or won at an opponent's ground   ▷ interj   19 an expression of dismissal [Old English on weg on way]

■ awayday (əˈweIˌdeI)   n   a trip taken for pleasure, relaxation, etc; day excursion [C20: from awayday ticket, name applied to some special-rate railway day returns]

■ away goal   n   a goal scored by a team playing away from its home ground. Away goals count for more than home goals in certain competitions

■ awayness (əˈweInəs)   n   the state of not being in a specific place

AWD   abbreviation for   all-wheel drive

awdl (ˈaʊdəl)   n   a very long traditional Welsh poem following strict conventions

awe (ɔː)   n   1 overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread   2 archaic power to inspire fear or reverence   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to inspire with reverence or dread [C13: from Old Norse agi; related to Gothic agis fear, Greek akhesthai to be grieved]   > ˈaweless or US ˈawless adj

■ awed (ɔːd)   adj   wondering and respectful

■ awe-inspiring   adj   causing or worthy of admiration or respect; amazing or magnificent

■ awelessness (ˈɔːləsnəs)   n   the state or quality of lacking awe

■ awesome (ˈɔːsəm)   adj   1 inspiring or displaying awe   2 slang excellent or outstanding   > ˈawesomely adv   > ˈawesomeness n

■ awestrike (ˈɔːˌstraIk)   vb (tr)   to inspire great awe in

■ awestruck (ˈɔːˌstrʌk) or awe-stricken   adj   overcome or filled with awe

aweather (əˈwɛðə)   adv, adj (postpositive)   nautical towards the weather: with the helm aweather. Compare alee

awee (əˈwiː)   adv   Scot for a short duration of time

aweel (æˈwiːl)   interj   Scot oh, well then!

aweigh (əˈweI)   adj   (postpositive) nautical (of an anchor) no longer hooked into the bottom; hanging by its rode

aweto (ˈɑːˌfɑːtɔː)   n   a variant spelling of awhato

awful (ˈɔːfʊl)   adj   1 very bad; unpleasant   2 archaic inspiring reverence or dread   3 archaic overcome with awe; reverential   ▷ adv   4 not standard (intensifier): an awful cold day [C13: see AWE, -FUL]   > ˈawfulness n

■ awfully (ˈɔːfəlI, ˈɔːflI)   adv   1 in an unpleasant, bad, or reprehensible manner   2 informal (intensifier): I'm awfully keen to come   3 archaic so as to express or inspire awe

awfy (ˈɔːfI)   adv   Scot awfully; extremely

awhato, awato, aweto or awheto (ˈɑːˌfɑːtɔː)   n, pl awhato   NZ the mummified body of a caterpillar killed by the fungus Cordyceps robertsii, sometimes used as a dye [Māori]

awheel (əˈwiːl)   adv   on wheels

awhile (əˈwaIl)   adv   for a brief period

awhirl (əˈwɜːl)   adv   in a whirling, confused state

awk (ɔːk)   n   a computer programming language

awkward (ˈɔːkwəd)   adj   1 lacking dexterity, proficiency, or skill; clumsy; inept: the new recruits were awkward in their exercises   2 ungainly or inelegant in movements or posture: despite a great deal of practice she remained an awkward dancer   3 unwieldy; difficult to use: an awkward implement   4 embarrassing: an awkward moment   5 embarrassed: he felt awkward about leaving   6 difficult to deal with; requiring tact: an awkward situation; an awkward customer   7 deliberately uncooperative or unhelpful: he could help but he is being awkward   8 dangerous or difficult: an awkward ascent of the ridge   9 obsolete perverse [C14 awk, from Old Norse öfugr turned the wrong way round + -WARD]   > ˈawkwardly adv   > ˈawkwardness n

■ awkwardish (ˈɔːkwədIʃ)   adj   slightly awkward

awl (ɔːl)   n   a pointed hand tool with a fluted blade used for piercing wood, leather, etc. See also bradawl [Old English ǣl; related to Old Norse alr, Old High German āla, Dutch aal, Sanskrit ārā]

■ awlbird (ˈɔːlˌbɜːd)   n   dialect the green woodpecker

awlwort (ˈɔːlˌwɜːt)   n   a small stemless aquatic plant, Subularia aquatica, of the N hemisphere, having slender sharp-pointed leaves and minute, often submerged, white flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

awmrie or awmry (ˈɔːmrI)   n   variant forms of almery

awn (ɔːn)   n   any of the bristles growing from the spikelets of certain grasses, including cereals [Old English agen ear of grain; related to Old Norse ögn chaff, Gothic ahana, Old High German agana, Greek akōn javelin]   > awned adj   > ˈawnless adj

■ awner (ˈɔːnə)   n   a machine for removing awns from grain

■ awny (ˈɔːnI)   adj   having awns

awning (ˈɔːnIŋ)   n   a roof of canvas or other material supported by a frame to provide protection from the weather, esp one placed over a doorway or part of a deck of a ship [C17: of uncertain origin]

■ awninged (ˈɔːnIŋd)   adj   sheltered by or covered with an awning

awoke (əˈwəʊk)   vb   a past tense or (now rare or dialectal) past participle of awake

AWOL (ˈeIwɒl) or A.W.O.L.   adj   military absent without leave; absent from one's post or duty without official permission but without intending to desert

awork (əˈwɜːk)   adv   archaic at work; busy

awrack (əˈræk)   adv   in a wrecked or ruined condition

AWRE   abbreviation for   Atomic Weapons Research Establishment

awrong (əˈrɒŋ)   adv   archaic in a wrong way; wrongly

awry (əˈraI)   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 with a slant or twist to one side; askew   2 away from the appropriate or right course; amiss [C14 on wry; see A-2, WRY]

AWS   abbreviation for   automatic warning system: a train safety system which gives audible warnings about the signals being passed, and can apply the brakes automatically if necessary

awsome (ˈɔːsəm)   adj   a less common spelling of awesome

AWU   abbreviation for   Australian Workers' Union

axal (ˈæksəl)   adj   another word for axial

axe or US ax (æks)   n, pl axes   1 a hand tool with one side of its head forged and sharpened to a cutting edge, used for felling trees, splitting timber, etc. See also hatchet   2 an axe to grind   a an ulterior motive   b a grievance   c a pet subject   3 the axe informal   a dismissal, esp from employment; the sack (esp in the phrase get the axe)   b Brit severe cutting down of expenditure, esp the removal of unprofitable sections of a public service   4 US slang any musical instrument, esp a guitar or horn   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to chop or trim with an axe   6 informal to dismiss (employees), restrict (expenditure or services), or terminate (a project) [Old English æx; related to Old Frisian axa, Old High German acchus, Old Norse öx, Latin ascia, Greek axinē]

■ axebird (ˈæksbɜːd)   n   Austral a nightjar of northern Queensland and New Guinea with a cry that sounds like a chopping axe

■ axe-breaker   n   Austral an Australian oleaceous tree, Notelaea longifolia, yielding very hard timber

■ axelike or US axlike (ˈæksˌlaIk)   adj   resembling an axe

■ axeman or US axman (ˈæksmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man who wields an axe, esp to cut down trees   2 a person who makes cuts in expenditure or services, esp on behalf of another: the chancellor's axeman   3 US slang a man who plays a musical instrument, esp a guitar

axel (ˈæksəl)   n   skating a jump in which the skater takes off from the forward outside edge of one skate, makes one and a half, two and a half, or three and a half turns in the air, and lands on the backward outside edge of the other skate [C20: named after Axel Paulsen (1855–1938), Norwegian skater]

Axelrod (ˈæksəlrɒd)   n   Julius. 1912–2004, US neuropharmacologist, renowned for his work on catecholamines. Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (with Ulf von Euler and Bernard Katz) 1970

axenic (eIˈziːnIk)   adj   (of a biological culture or culture medium) free from other microorganisms; uncontaminated [C20: see A-1, XENO-, -IC]

■ axenically (eIˈziːnIkəlI)   adv   in a manner not associated with any other living organism

axerophthol (ˌæksəˈrɒfθɒl)   n   any form of vitamin A

axes^1 (ˈæksiːz)   n   the plural of axis^1

axes^2 (ˈæksIz)   n   the plural of axe

axial (ˈæksIəl)   adj   1 relating to, forming, or characteristic of an axis   2 situated in, on, or along an axis   > ˌaxiˈality n   > ˈaxially adv

■ axial-flow compressor   n   a device for compressing a gas by accelerating it tangentially by means of bladed rotors, to increase its kinetic energy, and then diffusing it through static vanes (stators), to increase its pressure

■ axial skeleton   n   the bones that together comprise the skull and the vertebral column

■ axial vector   n   another name for pseudovector

axil (ˈæksIl)   n   the angle between the upper surface of a branch or leafstalk and the stem from which it grows [C18: from Latin axilla armpit]

■ axillary (ækˈsIlərI)   adj   botany growing in or related to the axil: an axillary bud

■ axillary (ækˈsIlərI)   adj   1 of, relating to, or near the armpit   ▷ n, pl -laries   2 Also called: axillar (ækˈsIlə, ˈæksIlə) (usually plural) one of the feathers growing from the axilla of a bird's wing

axile (ˈæksIl, -saIl)   adj   botany of, relating to, or attached to the axis

axilemma (ˌæksIˈlɛmə)   n   a variant spelling of axolemma

axilla (ækˈsIlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   1 the technical name for the armpit   2 the area on the undersurface of a bird's wing corresponding to the armpit [C17: from Latin: armpit]

axinite (ˈæksIˌnaIt)   n   a precious mineral, found in a range of colours, which forms glassy crystals

axinomancy (ækˈsInəʊˌmænsI)   n   prediction of the future using the head of an axe or hatchet

axiology (ˌæksIˈɒlədʒI)   n   philosophy the theory of values, moral or aesthetic [C20: from Greek axios worthy]   > axiological (ˌæksIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌaxioˈlogically adv   > ˌaxiˈologist n

axiom (ˈæksIəm)   n   1 a generally accepted proposition or principle, sanctioned by experience; maxim   2 a universally established principle or law that is not a necessary truth: the axioms of politics   3 a self-evident statement   4 logic, maths a statement or formula that is stipulated to be true for the purpose of a chain of reasoning: the foundation of a formal deductive system. Compare assumption (sense 4) [C15: from Latin axiōma a principle, from Greek, from axioun to consider worthy, from axios worthy]

■ axiomatic (ˌæksIəˈmætIk) or axiomatical   adj   1 relating to or resembling an axiom; self-evident   2 containing maxims; aphoristic   3 (of a logical system) consisting of a set of axioms from which theorems are derived by transformation rules. Compare natural deduction   > ˌaxioˈmatically adv

■ axiomatics (ˌæksIəˈmætIks)   n   the study of axioms

■ axiomatization or axiomatisation (ˌæksIˌɒmətaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of reducing down to a system of basic truths or axioms

■ axiomatize or axiomatise (ˌæksIˈɒməˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to reduce to a system of basic truths or axioms

axion (ˈæksIˌon)   n   physics a hypothetical neutral elementary particle postulated to account for certain conservation laws in the strong interaction [C20: from AXI(OM) + -ON]

axis^1 (ˈæksIs)   n, pl axes (ˈæksiːz)   1 a real or imaginary line about which a body, such as an aircraft, can rotate or about which an object, form, composition, or geometrical construction is symmetrical   2 one of two or three reference lines used in coordinate geometry to locate a point in a plane or in space   3 anatomy the second cervical vertebra. Compare atlas (sense 3)   4 botany the main central part of a plant, typically consisting of the stem and root, from which secondary branches and other parts develop   5 an alliance between a number of states to coordinate their foreign policy   6 Also called: principal axis optics the line of symmetry of an optical system, such as the line passing through the centre of a lens   7 geology an imaginary line along the crest of an anticline or the trough of a syncline   8 crystallog one of three lines passing through the centre of a crystal and used to characterize its symmetry [C14: from Latin: axletree, earth's axis; related to Greek axōn axis]

■ axised (ˈæksIst)   adj   having an axis

axis^2 (ˈæksIs)   n, pl axises   any of several S Asian deer of the genus Axis, esp A. axis. They typically have a reddish-brown white-spotted coat and slender antlers [C18: from Latin: Indian wild animal, of uncertain identity]

Axis (ˈæksIs)   n   the Axis   a the alliance of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Japan, established in 1936 and lasting until their defeat in World War II   b (as modifier): the Axis powers

axisymmetry (ˌæksIˈsImətrI)   n, pl -tries   any symmetry formed around an axis

■ axisymmetric (ˌæksIsIˈmɛtrIk) or axisymmetrical (ˌæksIsIˈmɛtrIkəl)   adj   being symmetrical around an axis

axite (ˈæksaIt)   n   a type of smokeless gunpowder

axle (ˈæksəl)   n   a bar or shaft on which a wheel, pair of wheels, or other rotating member revolves [C17: from Old Norse öxull; related to German Achse; see AXIS^1]

■ axle-box   n   railways the journal box of a rotating axle

■ axled (ˈæksəld)   adj   having an axle

■ axle-pin   n   a pin that holds an axle in place

■ axletree (ˈæksəlˌtriː)   n   a bar fixed across the underpart of a wagon or carriage that has rounded ends on which the wheels revolve

Axminster carpet (ˈæksˌmInstə)   n   a type of patterned carpet with a cut pile. Often shortened to: Axminster [after Axminster, in Devon, where such carpets are made]

axoid (ˈæksɔId)   n   a curve formed by a point revolving around an advancing axis

axolemma (ˌæksəˈlɛmə) or axilemma   n   the membrane that encloses the axon of a nerve cell

axolotl (ˈæksəˌlɒtəl)   n   1 any of several aquatic salamanders of the North American genus Ambystoma, esp A. mexicanum (Mexican axolotl), in which the larval form (including external gills) is retained throughout life under natural conditions (see neoteny): family Ambystomidae   2 any of various other North American salamanders in which neoteny occurs or is induced [C18: from Nahuatl, from atl water + xolotl servant, doll]

axon (ˈæksɒn) or axone (ˈæksəʊn)   n   the long threadlike extension of a nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses from the cell body. Compare dendrite [C19: via New Latin from Greek: axis, axle, vertebra]   > ˈaxonal or axˈonic adj

axoneme (ˈæksəˌniːm)   n   biology the part of a cell, consisting of proteins and microtubes, which forms the core

■ axonemal (ˌæksəˈniːməl)   adj   of or relating to the axoneme

axonometric projection (ˌæksənəˈmɛtrIk)   n   a geometric drawing of an object, such as a building, in three dimensions showing the verticals and horizontals projected to scale but with diagonals and curves distorted, so that the whole appears inclined

axonometry (ˌæksəˈnɒmItrI)   n   the branch of crystallography concerned with measurement of the axes of crystals

axoplasm (ˈæksəʊˌplæzəm)   n   biology the fluid substance found in the axon of a neuron which surrounds the fibrils

■ axoplasmic (ˌæksəˈplæzmIk)   adj   of or relating to the axoplasm

axseed (ˈæksˌsiːd)   n   another name for crown vetch

Axum (ˈɑːksʊm)   n   a variant spelling of Aksum

ay^1 (eI)   adv   archaic, poetic ever; always [C12 ai, from Old Norse ei; related to Old English ā always, Latin aevum an age, Greek aiōn]

ay^2 or aye (eI)   interj   archaic, poetic an expression of misery or surprise [C14 ey: from an involuntary cry of surprise]

ay^3 (aI)   sentence substitute, n   a variant spelling of aye^1

Ayacucho (Spanish ajaˈkutʃo)   n   a city in SE Peru: nearby is the site of the battle (1824) that won independence for Peru. Pop: 150 000 (2005 est)

ayah (ˈaIə)   n   (in the East, Africa, and other parts of the former British Empire) a maidservant, nursemaid, or governess, esp one of Indian or Malay origin. Compare amah [C18: from Hindi āyā, from Portuguese aia, from Latin avia grandmother]

ayahuasca (ˌaIəˈwɑːskə) or ayahuasco (ˌaIəˈwɑːskəʊ)   n   a Brazilian plant, Banisteriopsis caapi, that has winged fruits and yields a powerful hallucinogenic alkaloid sometimes used to treat certain disorders of the central nervous system: family Malpighiaceae [C20: from Quechua]

ayatollah (ˌaIəˈtɒlə)   n   one of a class of Iranian Shiite religious leaders [via Persian from Arabic, from aya sign + Allah god]

Ayckbourn (ˈeIkbɔːn)   n   Sir Alan. born 1939, English dramatist. His plays include Absurd Person Singular (1973), the trilogy The Norman Conquests (1974), A Chorus of Disapproval (1985), House and Garden (2000), and Private Fears in Public Places (2004)

Aydin or Aidin (ˈaIdIn)   n   a town in SW Turkey: an ancient city of Lydia. Pop: 160 000 (2005 est). Ancient name: Tralles

aye^1 or ay (aI)   sentence substitute   1 yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice   2 aye aye   a an expression of compliance, esp used by seamen   b Brit an expression of amused surprise, esp at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc   ▷ n   3    a a person who votes in the affirmative   b an affirmative vote   ▶ Compare nay [C16: probably from pronoun I, expressing assent]

aye^2 (əI)   adv   Scot always; still [Old Norse ei ever; Old English ā; compare Latin aevum an age, Greek aiōn aeon, aiei ever, always]

aye-aye (ˈaIˌaI)   n   a rare nocturnal arboreal prosimian primate of Madagascar, Daubentonia madagascariensis, related to the lemurs: family Daubentoniidae. It has long bony fingers and rodent-like incisor teeth adapted for feeding on insect larvae and bamboo pith [C18: from French, from Malagasy aiay, probably of imitative origin]

ayelp (əˈjɛlp)   adv   literary in a state of yelping

Ayer (ɛə)   n   Sir Alfred Jules. 1910–89, English positivist philosopher, noted particularly for his antimetaphysical work Language, Truth, and Logic (1936)

Ayers Rock (ɛəz)   n   see Uluru/Ayers Rock

Ayesha (ˈɑːiːˌʃɑː)   n   a variant spelling of Aisha

Ayia Napa (ˌaIjə ˈnæpə)   n   a coastal resort in SE Cyprus. Pop: 9500 (2004 est)

ayin (ˈɑːjIn; Hebrew ˈajiːn)   n   the 16th letter in the Hebrew alphabet (ע), originally a pharyngeal fricative, that is now silent and transliterated by a raised inverted comma (`) [Hebrew]

aykhona wena (aIˈkɔːnə ˈwɛnə)   interj   South African an exclamation expressive of surprise, pain, pleasure, etc [from Zulu]

Aykroyd (ˈeIkˌrɔId)   n   Dan. born 1952, Canadian film actor and screenwriter, best known for the television show Saturday Night Live (1975–80) and the films The Blues Brothers (1980), Ghostbusters (1984), and Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

Aylesbury (ˈeIlzbərI, -brI)   n   a town in SE central England, administrative centre of Buckinghamshire. Pop: 69 021 (2001)

Aylward (ˈeIlwəd)   n   Gladys. 1903–70, English missionary in China

Aymara (ˌaIməˈrɑː)   n   1 (pl -ras or -ra) a member of an indigenous people of Bolivia and Peru   2 the language of this people, probably related to Quechua [from Spanish aimará, from a local name]   > ˌAymaˈran adj

Aymé (French ɛme)   n   Marcel (marsɛl). 1902–67, French writer: noted for his light and witty narratives

Ayodhya (ɑːIˈjəʊdjɑː)   n   an ancient town in N India, in Uttar Pradesh state: as the birthplace of Rama it is sacred to Hindus; also a Buddhist centre. Also called: Ayodha, Awadh (əˈwɒd), Oudh (aʊd)

ayont (əˈjɒnt)   adv, prep   Scot beyond [a, from Old English an on + yont YON]

Ayr (ɛə)   n   a port in SW Scotland, in South Ayrshire. Pop: 46 431 (2001)

Ayrshire (ˈɛəʃIə, -ʃə)   n   1 a historical county of SW Scotland, formerly part of Strathclyde region (1975–96), now divided into the council areas of North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, and East Ayrshire   2 any one of a hardy breed of brown-and-white dairy cattle

ayu (ˈɑːjuː, ˈaIuː)   n   a small fish, Plecoglossus altivelis, native to Japan and the surrounding areas, known for the sweetness of its flesh

Ayub Khan (aIˈjuːb ˈkɑːn)   n   Mohammed. 1907–74, Pakistani field marshal; president of Pakistan (1958–69)

ayuntamiento (aIˌjʌntəˈmɛntəʊ)   n   (in Spain) a municipal council

Ayurveda (ˈɑːjʊˌveIdə, -ˌviːdə)   n   Hinduism an ancient medical treatise on the art of healing and prolonging life, sometimes regarded as a fifth Veda [from Sanskrit, from āyur life + veda knowledge]   > ˌAyurˈvedic adj

■ ayurvedics (ˈɑːjʊˌveIdIks, -ˌviːd-)   n   a therapeutic system based on the Ayurveda

Ayutthaya (ɑːˈjuːtəjə)   n   a city in S Thailand, on the Chao Phraya River: capital of the country until 1767; noted for its canals and ruins. Pop (province): 727 300 (2000). Also called: Ayudhya (ɑːˈjuːdjə), Ayuthia (ɑːˈjuːθIə)

ayword (ˈaIˌwɜːd)   n archaic   1 a password or watchword   2 a byword

az   the internet domain name for   Azerbaijan

AZ   abbreviation for   1 Arizona   2 Azerbaijan (international car registration)

az.   abbreviation for   azimuth

aza- or before a vowel az-   combining form   denoting the presence of nitrogen, esp a nitrogen atom in place of a -CH group or an -NH group in place of a -CH_2 group: azathioprine [C20: from AZ(O)- + -a-]

azalea (əˈzeIljə)   n   any ericaceous plant of the group Azalea, formerly a separate genus but now included in the genus Rhododendron: cultivated for their showy pink or purple flowers [C18: via New Latin from Greek, from azaleos dry; from its supposed preference for a dry situation]

azan (ɑːˈzɑːn)   n   Islam the call to prayer five times a day, usually by a muezzin from a minaret [from Arabic adhān, from adhina to proclaim, invite; see MUEZZIN]

Azaña (Spanish aˈθaɲa)   n   Manuel (maˈnwel). 1880–1940, Spanish statesman; president of the Spanish Republic (1936–39) until overthrown by Franco

Azania (əˈzɑːnIə, əˈzɑːnjə)   n   another name (used esp by Black political activists) for South Africa [perhaps from Arabic Adzan East Africa]

■ Azanian (əˈzɑːnIən, əˈzɑːnjən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Azania   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Azania

AZAPO (aˈzapəʊ)   n acronym for   Azanian People's Organization

azathioprine (ˌæzəˈθaIəˌpriːn)   n   a synthetic drug that suppresses the normal immune responses of the body and is administered orally during and after organ transplantation and also in certain types of autoimmune disease. Formula: C_9H_7N_7O_2S [C20: from AZA- + THIO- + P(U)RINE]

Azazel (əˈzeIzəl, ˈæzəˌzɛl)   n   1 Old Testament a desert demon to whom the scapegoat bearing the sins of Israel was sent out once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1–28)   2 (in later Jewish and Gnostic writings and in Muslim tradition) a prince of demons

Azbine (æzˈbiːn)   n   another name for Aïr

azedarach (əˈzɛdəˌræk)   n   1 the astringent bark of the chinaberry tree, formerly used as an emetic and cathartic   2 another name for chinaberry (sense 1) [C18: from French azédarac, from Persian āzād dirakht, from āzād free, noble + dirakht tree]

azeotrope (əˈziːəˌtrəʊp)   n   a mixture of liquids that boils at a constant temperature, at a given pressure, without change of composition [C20: from A-1 + zeo-, from Greek zein to boil + -TROPE]   > azeotropic (ˌeIzIəˈtrɒpIk) adj

■ azeotropy (ˌeIzIˈɒtrəpI)   n chem   1 the existence of azeotropes   2 the state of having or being an azeotrope

Azerbaijan (ˌæzəbaIˈdʒɑːn)   n   1 a republic in NW Asia: the region was acquired by Russia from Persia in the early 19th century; became the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936 and gained independence in 1991; consists of dry subtropical steppes around the Aras and Kura rivers, surrounded by the Caucasus; contains the extensive Baku oilfields. Language: Azerbaijani (or Azeri). Religion: Shiite Muslim. Currency: manat. Capital: Baku. Pop: 9 827 589 (2017 est). Area: 86 600 sq km (33 430 sq miles)   2 a mountainous region of NW Iran, separated from the republic of Azerbaijan by the River Aras: divided administratively into Eastern Azerbaijan and Western Azerbaijan. Capitals: Tabriz and Orumiyeh. Pop: 2 119 524 (2002 est)

■ Azerbaijani (ˌæzəbaIˈdʒɑːnI)   n   1 (pl -ni or -nis) a native or inhabitant of Azerbaijan. Sometimes shortened to: Azeri   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family

Azeri (əˈzɛərI)   n   short for Azerbaijani (sense 1)

azerty keyboard or AZERTY keyboard (əˈzɜːtI)   n   a common European version of typewriter keyboard layout with the characters a, z, e, r, t, and y positioned on the top row of alphabetic characters at the left side of the keyboard

azide (ˈeIzaId)   n   1 any compound containing the monovalent group –N_3 or the monovalent ion N_3–   2 (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group –N_3 or the ion N_3–: azide group or radical

■ azido (ˈæzIdəʊ)   adj   chem pertaining to or containing an azide

azidothymidine (əˌzaIdəʊˈθaImIˌdiːn)   n   an antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV/AIDS

Azikiwe (ˌɑːziːˈkiːweI)   n   Nnamdi (ənˈnæmdI) 1904–96, Nigerian statesman; first president of Nigeria (1963–66)

Azilian (əˈzIlIən)   n   1 a Palaeolithic culture of Spain and SW France that can be dated to the 10th millennium BC, characterized by flat bone harpoons and schematically painted pebbles   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this culture [C19: named after Mas d'Azil, France, where artefacts were found]

azimuth (ˈæzIməθ)   n   1 astronomy, nautical the angular distance usually measured clockwise from the north point of the horizon to the intersection with the horizon of the vertical circle passing through a celestial body. Compare altitude (sense 3)   2 surveying the horizontal angle of a bearing clockwise from a standard direction, such as north [C14: from Old French azimut, from Arabic as-sumūt, plural of as-samt the path, from Latin semita path]   > azimuthal (ˌæzIˈmʌθəl) adj   > ˌaziˈmuthally adv

■ azimuthal projection   n   another term for zenithal projection

azine (ˈeIziːn, -zIn)   n   any organic compound having a six-membered ring containing at least one nitrogen atom. See also diazine, triazine

azione (ˌætsIˈəʊneI)   n   theatre a term used for certain genres of musical drama of the 17th–18th century, particularly the azione teatrale (a short musical play or opera) and the azione sacra (sacred drama)

azlon (ˈæzlɒn)   n   textiles a textile fibre made from protein

azo (ˈeIzəʊ, ˈæ-)   adj   of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group -N:N-: an azo group or radical. See also diazo [independent use of AZO-]

■ azo dye   n   any of a class of artificial dyes that contain the azo group. They are usually red, brown, or yellow and are obtained from aromatic amines

azo- or before a vowel az-   combining form   indicating the presence of an azo group: azobenzene [from AZOTE]

azobenzene (ˌeIzəʊˈbɛnziːn, -bɛnˈziːn)   n   1 a yellow or orange crystalline solid used mainly in the manufacture of dyes. Formula: C_6H_5N:NC_6H_5   2 any organic compound that is a substituted derivative of azobenzene

azoic (əˈzəʊIk, eI-)   adj   without life; characteristic of the ages that have left no evidence of life in the form of organic remains [C19: from Greek azōos lifeless; see AZO-]

azole (ˈeIzəʊl, əˈzəʊl)   n   1 an organic five-membered ring compound containing one or more atoms in the ring, the number usually being specified by a prefix: diazole; triazole   2 a less common name for pyrrole [from AZO- + -OLE^1, on the model of diazole]

azolla (æˈzɒlə)   n   a genus of fern growing in tropical waters

azonal (eIˈzəʊnəl)   adj   formal not divided into zones

■ azonal soil (eIˈzəʊnəl)   n   soil that has a profile determined predominantly by factors other than local climate and vegetation. Azonal soils include some mountain, alluvial, marine, glacial, windblown, and volcanic soils. Compare intrazonal soil, zonal soil

■ azonic (əˈzɒnIk)   adj   formal not confined to any particular region or zone

azoospermia (eIˌzəʊəˈspɜːmIə)   n   pathol absence of spermatozoa in the semen   > aˌzooˈspermic adj

Azores (əˈzɔːz)   pl n   the Azores three groups of volcanic islands in the N Atlantic, since 1976 an autonomous region of Portugal. Capital: Ponta Delgada (on São Miguel). Pop: 241 762 (2001). Area: 2335 sq km (901 sq miles). Portuguese name: Açores

Azorín (Spanish aθoˈrin)   n   real name José Martínez Ruiz. 1874–1967, Spanish writer: noted for his stories of the Spanish countryside

azotaemia or esp US azotemia (ˌæzəˈtiːmIə)   n   pathol a less common name for uraemia [C20: see AZOTE, -AEMIA]   > azotaemic or esp US azotemic (ˌæzəˈtiːmIk) adj

azote (ˈeIzəʊt, əˈzəʊt)   n   an obsolete name for nitrogen [C18: from French, from Greek azōtos ungirded, intended for Greek azōos lifeless]

■ azotic (eIˈzɒtIk)   adj   of, containing, or concerned with nitrogen

■ azotous (eIˈzəʊtəs, əˈzəʊtəs)   adj   chem nitrous; containing nitrogen

azoth (ˈæzɒθ)   n   1 the alchemical name for mercury, esp when regarded as the first principle of all metals   2 the panacea postulated by Paracelsus [from Arabic az-zā'ūq the mercury]

azotize or azotise (ˈeIzəˌtaIz)   vb   a less common word for nitrogenize

azotobacter (əˈzəʊtəʊˌbæktə)   n   any bacterium of the family Azotobacteriaceae, important in nitrogen fixation in the soil [New Latin; see AZOTE, BACTERIA]

azoturia (ˌæzəʊˈtjʊərIə, -ˈtʊərIə, ˌeIzə-)   n   med the condition of having excess nitrogen in the urine

Azov (ˈɑːzɒv)   n   Sea of Azov a shallow arm of the Black Sea, to which it is connected by the Kerch Strait: almost entirely landlocked; fed chiefly by the River Don. Area: about 37 500 sq km (14 500 sq miles)

Azrael (ˈæzreIl, -rIəl)   n   (in Jewish and Islamic angelology) the angel who separates the soul from the body at death

AZT   abbreviation for   azidothymidine. Also called: zidovudine

Aztec (ˈæztɛk)   n   1 a member of an indigenous Mexican people who established a great empire, centred on the valley of Mexico, that was overthrown by Cortés and his followers in the early 16th century   2 the language of the Aztecs. See also Nahuatl   ▷ adj also Aztecan   3 of, relating to, or characteristic of the Aztecs, their civilization, or their language [C18: from Spanish Azteca, from Nahuatl Aztecatl, from Aztlan, their traditional place of origin, literally: near the cranes, from azta cranes + tlan near]

azulejo (ˌæθuːˈleIhəʊ; Spanish aθuˈlexo)   n, pl azulejos   a Portuguese or Spanish painted ceramic tile

azure (ˈæʒə, -ʒʊə, ˈeI-)   n   1 a deep blue, occasionally somewhat purple, similar to the colour of a clear blue sky   2 poetic a clear blue sky   ▷ adj   3 of the colour azure; serene   4 (usually postpositive) heraldry of the colour blue [C14: from Old French azur, from Old Spanish, from Arabic lāzaward lapis lazuli, from Persian lāzhuward]

■ azurean (æzˈjʊərIən)   adj   another word for azure

■ azurine (ˈæzjʊəˌraIn)   n   1 a roach found in Europe, bluish in colour   2 biochem a blue dye commonly used in biochemistry   ▷ adj   3 another word for azure

■ azurite (ˈæʒʊˌraIt)   n   an azure-blue mineral associated with copper deposits. It is a source of copper. Composition: copper carbonate. Formula: Cu_3(CO_3)2(OH)2. Crystal structure: monoclinic

■ azury (ˈæʒərI, ˈæʒʊərI, ˈeI-)   n   1 a bluish colour   ▷ adj   2 azure, bluish

azygospore (əˈzaIɡəʊˌspɔː)   n   a thick-walled spore produced by parthenogenesis in certain algae and fungi. Also called: parthenospore

azygous (ˈæzIɡəs)   adj   biology developing or occurring singly [C17: via New Latin from Greek azugos, from A-1 + zugon YOKE]

■ azygos (ˈæzIɡəs)   n   a biological structure not in a pair

■ azygy (ˈæzIdʒI)   n   the state of not being joined in a pair

azym (ˈæzIm) or azyme (ˈæzaIm)   n   unleavened bread

■ azymite (ˈæzIˌmaIt)   n   Christian Church someone who uses unleavened bread to celebrate the Eucharist

■ azymous (ˈæzIməs)   adj   unleavened

Bb

b or B (biː)   n, pl b's, B's or Bs   1 the second letter and first consonant of the modern English alphabet   2 a speech sound represented by this letter, usually a voiced bilabial stop, as in bell   3 Also: beta the second in a series, esp the second highest grade in an examination

b   symbol for   chess See algebraic notation

B   symbol for   1 music   a a note having a frequency of 493.88 hertz (B above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the seventh note of the scale of C major   b a key, string, or pipe producing this note   c the major or minor key having this note as its tonic   2 the supporting or less important of two things: the B side of an old single   3 a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the B antigen   4 (in Britain) a secondary road   5 the number 11 in hexadecimal notation   6 chem boron   7 magnetic flux density   8 chess bishop   9 (on Brit pencils, signifying degree of softness of lead) black: B; 2B; 3B. Compare H (sense 5)   10 Also: b physics bel   11 physics baryon number   12 balboa   13 belga   14 bolívar   15 photog B-setting   16    a a person whose job is in middle management, or who holds an intermediate administrative or professional position   b (as modifier): a B worker. See also occupation groupings   ▷ abbreviation for   17 Belgium (international car registration)

■ B horizon   n   the layer of a soil profile immediately below the A horizon, containing deposits of leached material

■ B-sample   n   a urine or blood sample used in doping tests in professional sports to confirm or invalidate the presence of banned substances in the first sample, the A-sample. See also A-sample

■ B-setting   n   photog a shutter setting in which the shutter remains open until the shutter control is released

■ B-side   n   the less important side of a gramophone record. Also called: flip side

■ B Special   n   a member of a part-time largely Protestant police force formerly functioning in Northern Ireland

b.   abbreviation for   1 born   2 cricket bowled

B.   abbreviation for   1 (on maps, etc) bay   2 British

B-   abbreviation for (of US military aircraft)   bomber: B-52

B2B   abbreviation for   business to business: denoting trade between commercial organizations rather than between businesses and private customers. Compare B2C, B2E

B2C   abbreviation for   business to consumer: denoting trade between a business and consumers. Compare B2B, B2E

B2E   abbreviation for   business to employee: denoting trade between a company and its employees. Compare B2B, B2C

B2G   abbreviation for   business to government: referring to a business dealing with government rather than individuals or companies

B4 text messaging   abbreviation for   before

B4N text messaging   abbreviation for   bye for now

ba   the internet domain name for   Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ba^1 (bɑː)   n   Egyptian myth the soul, represented as a bird with a human head

Ba^2   the chemical symbol for   barium

BA   abbreviation for   1 Bachelor of Arts   2 British Academy   3 British Airways   4 British Association (for the Advancement of Science)   5 British Association screw thread

ba' or Ba' (bɔː, bɑː)   n Scot   1 the ba' a game somewhat like rugby played in Orkney at Christmas and New Year between two very large teams of players   2 the ba' or handba' a similar game played at Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders in mid-February   3 the stuffed leather ball used in these games [Scots form of BALL^1]

baa (bɑː)   vb baas, baaing, baaed   1 (intr) to make the cry of a sheep; bleat   ▷ n   2 the cry made by sheep

■ baa-lamb   n   a child's word for lamb (sense 1)

BAA   n   the main airports operator in the United Kingdom; until privatization in 1987, an abbreviation for British Airports Authority

Baader-Meinhof Gang (German ˈbaːdər ˈmainhoːf)   n   a group of left-wing West German terrorists, active in the 1970s, who were dedicated to the violent overthrow of capitalist society. Also known as: Red Army Faction [C20: named after its leading members, Andreas Baader (1943–77) and Ulrike Meinhof (1934–76)]

Baal (bɑːl)   n   1 any of several ancient Semitic fertility gods   2 Phoenician myth the sun god and supreme national deity   3 (sometimes not capital) any false god or idol [from Hebrew bá'al lord, master]

Baalbek (ˈbɑːlbɛk)   n   a town in E Lebanon: an important city in Phoenician and Roman times; extensive ruins. Pop: 150 000 (1998 est). Ancient name: Heliopolis

baalebos Yiddish (ˈbaləbɔs)   n, pl baalebatim (baləˈbatəm)   1 the master of the house   2 the proprietor of a business, etc   3 slang an officious person [from Hebrew ba'al La-bayis master of the house]

baalism (ˈbɑːlIzəm)   n   the worship of false gods or idols

Baal Shem Tov or Baal Shem Tob (bɑːl ˈʃɛm tɒv, ˈʃɑːm)   n   original name Israel ben Eliezer ?1700–60, Jewish religious leader, teacher, and healer in Poland: founder of modern Hasidism

baas (bɑːs)   n   offensive a South African word for a boss: often used by Black or Coloured people addressing a White manager or overseer [C17: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch baes master; see BOSS^1]

■ baaskap or baasskap (ˈbɑːsˌkap)   n   (sometimes capital) (formerly in South Africa) control by White people of people from other ethnic groups [from BAAS + -skap -SHIP]

Ba'ath (bɑːˈɑːθ)   n   a variant of Ba'th

Bab (bɑːb)   n   the Bab title of Mirza Ali Mohammed. 1819–50, Persian religious leader: founded Babism; executed as a heretic of Islam [from Persian bāb gate, from Arabic]

■ Babi (ˈbɑːbI)   n   1 a disciple of the Bab   2 another word for Babism

■ Babism (ˈbɑːbIzəm)   n   a pantheistic Persian religious sect, founded in 1844 by the Bab, forbidding polygamy, concubinage, begging, trading in slaves, and indulgence in alcohol and drugs. Compare Baha'í Faith

baba (ˈbɑːbɑː; French baba)   n   a small cake of leavened dough, sometimes mixed with currants and usually soaked in rum (rum baba) [C19: from French, from Polish, literally: old woman]

babaco (ˈbæbəˌkəʊ, bəˈbɑːkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   1 a subtropical parthenocarpic tree, Carica pentagona, originating in South America, cultivated for its fruit: family Caricaceae   2 the greenish-yellow egg-shaped fruit of this tree, having a delicate fragrance and no pips

babacoote (ˈbæbəˌkuːt)   n   a species of large lemur, Lichanotus brevicaudatus, native to Madagascar

baba ghanoush or baba gannoujh (baba ɡaˈnuːʃ)   n   a thick purée of aubergines, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, originating in North Africa and the Mediterranean [from Arabic]

babalas (ˈbabalas) or babbelas   adj   South African drunk; hungover [C20: Afrikaans, from Zulu I-babalazi drunk]

Babar (ˈbɑːbə)   n   a variant spelling of Baber

babassu (ˌbɑːbəˈsuː)   n   a Brazilian palm tree, Orbignya martiana (or O. speciosa), having hard edible nuts that yield an oil used in making soap, margarine, etc [from Portuguese babaçú, from a native Amerindian word]

Babbage (ˈbæbIdʒ)   n   Charles 1792–1871, English mathematician and inventor, who built a calculating machine that anticipated the modern electronic computer

babbitry (ˈbæbItrI)   n   another name for Babbittry

Babbitt (ˈbæbIt)   n   US derogatory a narrow-minded and complacent member of the middle class [C20: after George Babbitt, central character in the novel Babbitt (1922) by Sinclair Lewis]   > ˈBabbittry or ˈbabbitry n

Babbitt metal   n   any of a number of alloys originally based on tin, antimony, and copper but now often including lead: used esp in bearings. Sometimes shortened to: Babbitt [C19: named after Isaac Babbitt (1799–1862), American inventor]

■ babbitt (ˈbæbIt)   vb   (tr) to line (a bearing) or face (a surface) with Babbitt metal or a similar soft alloy

babble (ˈbæbəl)   vb   1 to utter (words, sounds, etc) in an incoherent or indistinct jumble   2 (intr) to talk foolishly, incessantly, or irrelevantly   3 (tr) to disclose (secrets, confidences, etc) carelessly or impulsively   4 (intr) (of streams, birds, etc) to make a low murmuring or bubbling sound   ▷ n   5 incoherent or foolish speech; chatter   6 a murmuring or bubbling sound [C13: compare Dutch babbelen, Swedish babbla, French babiller to prattle, Latin babulus fool; probably all of imitative origin]   > ˈbabblement n   > ˈbabbling n, adj

■ babblative (ˈbæblətIv)   adj   literary having a tendency to babble; loquacious

■ babbler (ˈbæblə)   n   1 a person who babbles   2 any of various insect-eating birds of the Old World tropics and subtropics that have a loud incessant song: family Muscicapidae (warblers, thrushes, etc)

■ babbling brook   n   Austral slang a cook [rhyming slang]

■ babbly (ˈbæbəlI)   adj -lier, -liest   literary babbling; chatty; talkative

babe (beIb)   n   1 a baby   2 informal a naive, gullible, or unsuspecting person (often in the phrase a babe in arms)   3 informal a young person, esp a woman, perceived as being sexually attractive

■ babe-in-a-cradle   n   a tall orchid, Epiblema grandiflorum, of SW Australia with lilac to mauve flowers [named from a fancied resemblance of its column to a baby in a cradle]

■ babe-in-arms   n   1 a young baby that has to be carried   2 a naive, gullible, or unsuspecting person

Babel^1 (ˈbeIbəl)   n   1 Old Testament   a Also called: Tower of Babel a tower presumptuously intended to reach from earth to heaven, the building of which was frustrated when Jehovah confused the language of the builders (Genesis 11:1–9)   b the city, probably Babylon, in which this tower was supposedly built   2 (often not capital)   a a confusion of noises or voices   b a scene of noise and confusion [from Hebrew Bābhél, from Akkadian Bāb-ilu, literally: gate of God]

■ babeldom (ˈbeIbəldəm)   n   literary a state of noisy confusion resembling that at Babel

■ babelesque (ˌbeIbəlˈɛsk) or babelish (ˈbeIbəlIʃ)   adj   not standard resembling the situation at Babel; confused, impeding communication

■ babelism (ˈbeIbəˌlIzəm)   n   formal a confusion, particularly a noisy confusion, of speech or ideas

Babel^2 (Russian ˈbabIl)   n   Issak Emmanuilovich (iˈsak imənuˈiləvitʃ) 1894–1941, Russian short-story writer, whose works include Stories from Odessa (1924) and Red Cavalry (1926)

Bab el Mandeb (ˈbæb ɛl ˈmændɛb)   n   a strait between SW Arabia and E Africa, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden

Baber, Babar or Babur (ˈbɑːbə)   n   original name Zahir ud-Din Mohammed 1483–1530, founder of the Mogul Empire: conquered India in 1526

Babesia (bəˈbiːzIə)   n   pathol any of several species of parasite that affect humans and animals, esp Babesia bigemina, which causes fever in cattle

■ babesiosis (bəˌbiːzIˈəʊsIs) or babesiasis (ˌbæbIˈzaIəsIs)   n   vet science a tick-borne disease of domesticated and wild mammals as well as humans, caused by a protozoan of the genera Babesia and characterized by fever, anaemia, jaundice, and in severe cases leading to death

Babeuf (French babœf)   n   François Noël (frɑ̃swa nɔɛl) 1760–97, French political agitator: plotted unsuccessfully to destroy the Directory and establish a communistic system

babiche (bɑːˈbiːʃ)   n   Canadian thongs or lacings of rawhide [C19: from Canadian French, of Algonquian origin]

babies'-breath   n   a variant of baby's-breath

Babinet (French babInɛ)   n   Jacques (ʒɑk) 1794–1872, French physicist, noted for his work on the diffraction of light

Babington (ˈbæbIŋtən)   n   Anthony 1561–86, English conspirator, executed for organizing an unsuccessful plot (1586) to assassinate Elizabeth I and place Mary, Queen of Scots, on the English throne

babingtonite (ˈbæbIŋtəˌnaIt)   n   mineralogy a rare, slightly magnetic, black or dark green silicate mineral, Ca_2Fe_2Si_5O_14OH, found in cavities in volcanic rock

Babinski effect or Babinski reflex (bəˈbInskI)   n   physiol the reflex curling upwards of the toes (instead of inwards) when the sole of the foot is stroked, normal in infants below the age of two but a pathological condition in adults [after Joseph Babinski (1857–1932), French neuropathologist]

babirusa (ˌbɑːbIˈruːsə)   n   a wild pig, Babyrousa babyrussa, inhabiting marshy forests in Indonesia. It has an almost hairless wrinkled skin and enormous curved canine teeth [C17: from Malay, from bābī hog + rūsa deer]

babka (ˈbɑːbkə)   n   a type of sweet Polish cake traditionally containing rum, raisins, orange-peel and almonds

bablah (ˈbæblə)   n   the rind of the fruit of several varieties of acacia, containing tannin and therefore used as a dye [from BABUL ]

babool (ˈbɑːbuːl, bəˈbuːl)   n   another name for babul

baboon (bəˈbuːn)   n   any of several medium-sized omnivorous Old World monkeys of the genus Papio (or Chaeropithecus) and related genera, inhabiting open rocky ground or wooded regions of Africa. They have an elongated muzzle, large teeth, and a fairly long tail. See also hamadryas, gelada [C14: babewyn gargoyle, later, baboon, from Old French babouin, from baboue grimace; related to Old French babine a thick lip]

■ baboonery (bəˈbuːnərI)   n   1 uncouth or brutish behaviour   2 (pl -ries) a collection of baboons

■ baboonish (bəˈbuːnIʃ)   adj   1 resembling a baboon   2 uncouth or brutish

Babo's law (ˈbæbəʊz)   n   chem the law stating that the vapour pressure of a solution is reduced in proportion to the amount of solute added [C19: named after Lambert von Babo (1818–99), German chemist who formulated it]

babouche (bəˈbuːʃ)   n   a Middle-Eastern, particularly Turkish, heelless slipper

babu (ˈbɑːbuː)   n   (in India) a title or form of address more or less equivalent to Mr, placed before a man's full name or after his first name [Hindi, literally: father]

■ babudom (ˈbɑːbuːdəm) or babuism (ˈbɑːbuːIzəm)   n   the rule of babus

babul or babool (bɑːˈbuːl, bəˈbuːl, ˈbɑːbuːl)   n   any of several leguminous trees of the genus Acacia, esp A. arabica of N Africa and India, which bear small yellow flowers and are a source of gum arabic, tannin, and hardwood [from Persian babūl; related to Sanskrit babbūla]

Babur (ˈbɑːbə)   n   a variant spelling of Baber

babushka (bəˈbuːʃkə)   n   1 a headscarf tied under the chin, worn by Russian peasant women   2 (in Russia) an old woman [Russian: grandmother, from baba old woman]

baby (ˈbeIbI)   n, pl -bies   1    a a newborn or recently born child; infant   b (as modifier): baby food   2 an unborn child; fetus   3 the youngest or smallest of a family or group   4    a a newborn or recently born animal   b (as modifier): baby rabbits   5 usually derogatory an immature person   6 slang a young woman or sweetheart: often used as a term of address expressing affection   7 a project of personal concern   8 be left holding the baby to be left with the responsibility   9 throw the baby out with the bath water to lose the essential element by indiscriminate rejection   ▷ adj   10 (prenominal) comparatively small of its type: a baby car   ▷ vb -bies, -bying, -bied (tr)   11 to treat with love and attention   12 to treat (someone) like a baby; pamper or overprotect [C14: probably childish reduplication; compare MAMA, PAPA^1]   > ˈbabyhood n   > ˈbabyish adj

■ baby-batterer   n   informal a person who physically abuses a baby or young child

■ baby-battering   n   informal the physical abuse of a baby or young child

■ baby-blue   adj   1 informal in a pastel shade of blue   ▷ n   2 informal a pastel shade of blue

■ baby bond   n   Brit a sum of money invested shortly after the birth of a child, the returns of which may not be collected until the child reaches adulthood

■ baby bonus   n   Canadian informal family allowance

■ baby boom   n   a sharp increase in the birth rate of a population, esp the one that occurred after World War II. Also called (esp Brit): the bulge

■ baby-boomer   n   a person born during a baby boom, esp (in Britain and the US) one born during the years 1945–55

■ Baby-bouncer   n   trademark a seat on springs suspended from a door frame, etc, in which a baby may be placed for exercise

■ baby broccoli   n   (sometimes capital) another name for Broccolini

■ baby broker   n   an adoption service, esp on the internet

■ Baby Buggy   n   1 trademark Brit a kind of child's light pushchair   2 US and Canadian informal a small pram

■ baby carriage   n   Also: baby buggy US and Canadian a cot-like four-wheeled carriage for a baby. British term: pram

■ baby-daddy or babydaddy (ˈbeIbIˌdædI)   n   chiefly US slang the father of a child, esp a man who is not the current partner of the child's mother [C20: from African-American slang my baby daddy "my baby's daddy"]

■ babydoll (ˈbeIbIˌdɒl)   n     a a short sleeveless nightgown or dress with a loose skirt   b (as modifier): a babydoll dress

■ baby-face   n   1 a smooth round face like a baby's   2 a person with such a face

■ baby-faced   adj   having a smooth round face like a baby's

■ babyfood (ˈbeIbIˌfuːd)   n   1 food for babies, often puréed   2 a food product for babies sold in tins and jars

■ baby grand   n   a small grand piano, approximately 5 feet long. Compare boudoir grand, concert grand

■ babyishly (ˈbeIbIIʃlI)   adv   in a baby-like fashion; childishly

■ baby-minder   n   a person who is paid to look after other people's babies or very young children   > ˈbaby-ˌminding n

■ babymoon (ˈbeIbIˌmuːn)   n   the early period of new parenthood during which parents and a newborn baby form a relationship [C20: from BABY + (HONEY)MOON]

■ baby-mother   n   a young mother who has been abandoned by the baby's father just before or after the birth

■ babyproof (ˈbeIbIˌpruːf)   adj   1 made safe for babies to come into contact with   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to make (something) babyproof

■ baby's-breath or babies'-breath   n   1 a tall Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Gypsophila paniculata, bearing small white or pink fragrant flowers   2 any of several other plants, such as the grape hyacinth and certain bedstraws, that have small scented flowers

■ baby-scales   pl n   scales used for weighing babies

■ baby-sit   vb -sits, -sitting, -sat   (intr) to act or work as a baby-sitter   > ˈbaby-ˌsitting n, adj

■ baby-sitter   n   a person who takes care of a child or children while the parents are out

■ baby snatcher   n informal   1 a person who steals a baby from its pram   2 another name for cradle snatcher

■ baby talk   n   1 the speech of very young children learning to talk   2 an adult's imitation of this

■ baby tooth   n   another term for milk tooth

■ baby-walker   n   a light frame on casters or wheels to help a baby learn to walk. US equivalent: go-cart

■ baby wipe   n   a disposable moistened medicated paper towel, usually supplied in a plastic drum or packet, used for cleaning babies

babycino or babyccino (ˌbeIbIˈtʃiːnəʊ)   n   a drink of frothy milk with a chocolate topping, designed as an alternative to coffee for young children [from BABY + CAPPUCCINO]

Babylon (ˈbæbIlən)   n   1 the chief city of ancient Mesopotamia: first settled around 3000 BC. See also Hanging Gardens of Babylon   2 derogatory (in Protestant polemic) the Roman Catholic Church, regarded as the seat of luxury and corruption   3 derogatory any society or group in a society considered as corrupt or as a place of exile by another society or group, esp White Britain as viewed by some West Indians [via Latin and Greek from Hebrew Bābhél; see BABEL]

■ Babylonia (ˌbæbIˈləʊnIə)   n   the southern kingdom of ancient Mesopotamia: a great empire from about 2200–538 BC, when it was conquered by the Persians

■ Babylonian (ˌbæbIˈləʊnIən)   n   1 an inhabitant of ancient Babylon or Babylonia   2 the extinct language of Babylonia, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family: a dialect of Akkadian   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Babylon or Babylonia, its people, or their language   4 decadent or depraved

■ Babylonian captivity   n   1 the exile of the Jews in Babylonia from about 586 to about 538 BC   2 the exile of the seven popes in Avignon (1309–77)

bac (bæk)   abbreviation for   1 baccalaureate   2 baccarat

bacalao (ˌbækəˈlaʊ, ˌbækəˈlɑːəʊ)   n   dried salt cod

Bacău (ˈbækaʊ)   n   a city in E Romania on the River Bistrila: oil refining, textiles, paper. Pop: 128 000 (2005 est)

bacca (ˈbækə)   n   1 botany a simple, fleshy, indehiscent fruit developing from a single ovary, such as the grape or cranberry   2 informal tobacco

Baccalauréat (ˌbækəˈlɔːrIˌɑː)   n   (esp in France) a school-leaving examination that qualifies the successful candidates for entrance to university [C20: from French, from Medieval Latin baccalaureus bachelor]

baccalaureate (ˌbækəˈlɔːrIIt)   n   1 the university degree of Bachelor or Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc   2 an internationally recognized programme of study, comprising different subjects, offered as an alternative to a course of A levels in Britain   3 US a farewell sermon delivered at the commencement ceremonies in many colleges and universities [C17: from Medieval Latin baccalaureātus, from baccalaureus advanced student, alteration of baccalārius BACHELOR; influenced in folk etymology by Latin bāca berry + laureus laurel]

■ baccalaurean (ˌbækəˈlɔːrIən)   adj   1 of a baccalaureate   2 archaic belonging to or appropriate for a bachelor

baccarat (ˈbækəˌrɑː, ˌbækəˈrɑː; French bakara)   n   a card game in which two or more punters gamble against the banker [C19: from French baccara, of unknown origin]

baccate (ˈbækeIt)   adj botany   1 like a berry in form, texture, etc   2 bearing berries [C19: from Latin bāca berry]

bacchanal (ˈbækənəl)   n   1 a follower of Bacchus   2 a drunken and riotous celebration   3 a participant in such a celebration; reveller   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to Bacchus [C16: from Latin Bacchānālis; see BACCHUS]

■ bacchanalia (ˌbækəˈneIlIə)   pl n   1 (often capital) orgiastic rites associated with Bacchus   2 any drunken revelry

■ bacchanalian (ˌbækəˈneIlIən)   adj   1 characterized by or involving drunken revelry   2 (often capital) of or relating to the orgiastic rites associated with Bacchus

■ bacchanalianism (ˌbækəˈneIlIənIzəm)   n   formal the practice of bacchanalian behaviour; drunken revelry

bacchant (ˈbækənt)   n, pl bacchants, bacchantes (bəˈkæntIz)   1 a priest or votary of Bacchus   2 a drunken reveller [C17: from Latin bacchāns, from bacchārī to celebrate the BACCHANALIA]

■ bacchante (bəˈkæntI)   n, pl bacchantes (bəˈkæntIz)   1 a priestess or female votary of Bacchus   2 a drunken female reveller

bacchius (bæˈkaIəs)   n, pl -chii (-ˈkaIaI)   prosody a metrical foot of one short syllable followed by two long ones (◡ – –). Compare dactyl [C16: from Latin, from Greek Bakkheios (pous) a Bacchic (foot)]

■ bacchiac (bəˈkaIæk)   adj   prosody of, containing, or consisting of bacchii

Bacchus (ˈbækəs)   n   (in ancient Greece and Rome) a god of wine and giver of ecstasy, identified with Dionysus [C15: from Latin, from Greek Bakkhos; related to Latin bāca small round fruit, berry]

■ Bacchae (ˈbækiː)   pl n   the priestesses or female devotees of Bacchus [Latin, from Greek Bakkhai, plural of Bakkhē priestess of BACCHUS]

■ Bacchic (ˈbækIk)   adj   1 of or relating to Bacchus   2 (often not capital) riotously drunk

bacciferous (bækˈsIfərəs)   adj   bearing berries [C17: from Latin bācifer, from bāca berry + ferre to bear]

bacciform (ˈbæksIˌfɔːm)   adj   botany shaped like a berry

baccivorous (bækˈsIvərəs)   adj   feeding on berries

baccy (ˈbækI) or bacco (ˈbækəʊ)   n   Brit an informal name for tobacco

bach^1 (bax, bɑːk)   n   Welsh a term of friendly address: used esp after a person's name [Welsh, literally: little one]

bach^2 (bætʃ) Austral and NZ   vb   1 a variant spelling of batch^1   ▷ n   2 a simple cottage, esp at the seaside

Bach (German bax)   n   1  Johann Christian (joˈhan ˈkrIstjan), 11th son of J. S. Bach. 1735–82, German composer, called the English Bach, resident in London from 1762   2  Johann Christoph (ˈkrIstɔf). 1642–1703, German composer: wrote oratorios, cantatas, and motets, some of which were falsely attributed to J. S. Bach, of whom he was a distant relative   3  Johann Sebastian (joˈhan zeˈbastjan). 1685–1750, German composer: church organist at Arnstadt (1703–07) and Mühlhausen (1707–08); court organist at Weimar (1708–17); musical director for Prince Leopold of Köthen (1717–28); musical director for the city of Leipzig (1728–50). His output was enormous and displays great vigour and invention within the northern European polyphonic tradition. His works include nearly 200 cantatas and oratorios, settings of the Passion according to St John (1723) and St Matthew (1729), the six Brandenburg Concertos (1720–21), the 48 preludes and fugues of the Well-tempered Clavier (completed 1744), and the Mass in B Minor (1733–38)   4  Karl (or Carl) Philipp Emanuel (karl ˈfiːlIp eˈmaːnuɛl), 3rd son of J. S. Bach. 1714–88, German composer, chiefly of symphonies, keyboard sonatas, and church music   5  Wilhelm Friedemann (ˈvIlhɛlm ˈfriːdəman), eldest son of J. S. Bach. 1710–84, German composer: wrote nine symphonies and much keyboard and religious music

■ Bach trumpet (bɑːx)   n   a modern small three-valved trumpet for playing clarino passages in Bach's music

bacha (ˈbʌtʃə) or bachcha (ˈbʌtʃˌtʃə)   n   Hinglish informal a child or a young person [C21: from Hindi baccā a child]

Bacharach (ˈbækəræk)   n   Burt. born 1928, US composer of popular songs, usually with lyricist Hal David (1921–2012)

bachata (bəˈtʃɑːtə)   n   1 a type of dance music originating in the Dominican Republic   2 a dance performed to such music [C20: American Spanish: party]

bachelor (ˈbætʃələ, ˈbætʃlə)   n   1    a an unmarried man   b (as modifier): a bachelor flat   2    a a person who holds the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science, etc   b the degree itself   3 Also called: bachelor-at-arms (in the Middle Ages) a young knight serving a great noble [C13: from Old French bacheler youth, squire, from Vulgar Latin baccalāris (unattested) farm worker, of Celtic origin; compare Irish Gaelic bachlach peasant]   > ˈbachelorhood n

USAGE

Gender-neutral form: single person

■ bachelor apartment   n   US and Canadian a flat consisting of one room that is used as a sitting room and bedroom, as well as a kitchenette and a bathroom

■ bachelordom (ˈbætʃələdəm)   n   1 the state of being a bachelor; bachelorhood   2 the whole collection of bachelors

■ bachelorette (ˌbætʃələˈrɛt)   n   1 jocular a young unmarried professional woman   2 Canadian another word for bachelor apartment [C20: BACHELOR + -ETTE]

■ bachelor girl   n   a young unmarried woman, esp one who is self-supporting

■ bachelorism (ˈbætʃələrIzəm)   n   1 bachelorhood   2 a trait or manner specific to bachelors

■ Bachelor of Arts   n   1 a degree conferred on a person who has successfully completed his or her undergraduate studies, usually in a branch of the liberal arts or humanities   2 a person who holds this degree

■ Bachelor of Science   n   1 a degree conferred on a person who has successfully completed his or her undergraduate studies in a branch of the sciences   2 a person who holds this degree

■ bachelor's-buttons   n   (functioning as singular or plural) any of various plants of the daisy family with button-like flower heads

■ bachelor seal   n   a young male seal, esp a fur seal, that has not yet mated

■ bachelorship (ˈbætʃələˌʃIp)   n   1 the state of being a bachelor; bachelorhood   2 the state of undertaking a Bachelor degree

Bach flower remedy   n   trademark an alternative medicine consisting of a distillation from various flowers, designed to counteract negative states of mind and restore emotional balance [C20: after Dr E. Bach (1886–1936), homeopath who developed this system]

bacillus (bəˈsIləs)   n, pl -cilli (-ˈsIlaI)   1 any rod-shaped bacterium, such as a clostridium bacterium. Compare coccus (sense 2), spirillum (sense 1)   2 any of various rodlike spore-producing bacteria constituting the family Bacillaceae, esp of the genus Bacillus [C19: from Latin: a small staff, from baculum walking stick]

■ bacillaemia or US bacillemia (ˌbæsIˈliːmIə)   n   pathol the presence of bacilli in the blood

■ bacillary (bəˈsIlərI) or bacillar (bəˈsIlə)   adj   1 of, relating to, or caused by bacilli   2 Also: bacilliform (bəˈsIlIˌfɔːm) shaped like a short rod

■ bacillicide (bəˈsIlIˌsaId)   n   biochem obsolete anything that kills a bacillus; a bactericide

■ bacilluria (ˌbæsIˈljʊərIə)   n   pathol the presence of bacilli in the urine

bacitracin (ˌbæsIˈtreIsIn)   n   an antibiotic used mainly in treating bacterial skin infections: obtained from the bacterium Bacillus subtilis [C20: BACI(LLUS) + -trac- from Margaret Tracy (born 1936), American girl in whose blood Bacillus subtilis was found; see -IN]

back^1 (bæk)   n   1 the posterior part of the human body, extending from the neck to the pelvis. Related adjective: dorsal   2 the corresponding or upper part of an animal   3 the spinal column   4 the part or side of an object opposite the front   5 the part or side of anything less often seen or used: the back of a carpet; the back of a knife   6 the part or side of anything that is furthest from the front or from a spectator: the back of the stage   7 the convex part of something: the back of a hill; the back of a ship   8 something that supports, covers, or strengthens the rear of an object   9 ball games   a a mainly defensive player behind a forward   b the position of such a player   10 the part of a book to which the pages are glued or that joins the covers   11 mining   a the side of a passage or layer nearest the surface   b the earth between that level and the next   12 the upper surface of a joist, rafter, slate, tile, etc, when in position. Compare bed (sense 13)   13 at one's back behind, esp in support or pursuit   14 at the back of one's mind not in one's conscious thoughts   15 behind one's back without one's knowledge; secretly or deceitfully   16 break one's back to overwork or work very hard   17 break the back of to complete the greatest or hardest part of (a task)   18 on one's back or flat on one's back incapacitated, esp through illness   19 get off someone's back informal to stop criticizing or pestering someone   20 have on one's back to be burdened with   21 on someone's back informal criticizing or pestering someone   22 put one's back into to devote all one's strength to (a task)   23 put someone's back up or get someone's back up to annoy someone   24 see the back of to be rid of   25 back of beyond   a the back of beyond a very remote place   b Austral in such a place (esp in the phrase out back of beyond)   26 turn one's back on   a to turn away from in anger or contempt   b to refuse to help; abandon   27 with one's back to the wall in a difficult or desperate situation   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   28 (also intr) to move or cause to move backwards   29 to provide support, money, or encouragement for (a person, enterprise, etc)   30 to bet on the success of: to back a horse   31 to provide with a back, backing, or lining   32 to provide with a music accompaniment: a soloist backed by an orchestra   33 to provide a background for; be at the back of: mountains back the town   34 to countersign or endorse   35 archaic to mount the back of   36 (intr; foll by on or onto) to have the back facing (towards): the house backs onto a river   37 (intr) (of the wind) to change direction in an anticlockwise direction in the northern hemisphere and a clockwise direction in the southern. See veer^1 (sense 3a)   38 nautical to position (a sail) so that the wind presses on its opposite side   39 back and fill   a nautical to manoeuvre the sails by alternately filling and emptying them of wind to navigate in a narrow place   b to vacillate in one's opinion   ▷ adj (prenominal)   40 situated behind: a back lane   41 of the past: back issues of a magazine   42 owing from an earlier date: back rent   43 chiefly US, Austral and NZ remote: back country   44 (of a road) not direct   45 moving in a backward direction: back current   46 phonetics of, relating to, or denoting a vowel articulated with the tongue retracted towards the soft palate, as for the vowels in English hard, fall, hot, full, fool   ▷ adv   47 at, to, or towards the rear; away from something considered to be the front; backwards; behind   48 in, to, or towards the original starting point, place, or condition: to go back home; put the book back; my headache has come back   49 in or into the past: to look back on one's childhood   50 in reply, repayment, or retaliation: to hit someone back; pay back a debt; to answer back   51 in check: the dam holds back the water   52 in concealment; in reserve: to keep something back; to hold back information   53 back and forth to and fro   54 back to front   a in reverse   b in disorder [Old English bæc; related to Old Norse bak, Old Frisian bek, Old High German bah]

■ backache (ˈbækˌeIk)   n   an ache or pain in one's back

■ backacter (ˈbækˌæktə)   n   another name for backhoe (sense 1)

■ backare (ˈbækˌɛə)   interj   archaic an instruction to keep one's distance; back off!

■ back bacon   n   lean bacon from the back of a pig's loin

■ backband (ˈbækˌbænd)   n   1 building trades a moulding used at the edges of a window casing   2 an iron or leather strap which passes over a horse's back and attaches to the shafts of a cart   3 (in kayaking) a band fitted to the kayak to provide back support

■ back bay   n   Canadian a small bay or inlet of a lake

■ backbeat (ˈbækˌbiːt)   n   music the second and fourth beats of a bar written in even time or, in more complex time signatures, the last beat of the bar. Compare downbeat (sense 1), upbeat (sense 1)

■ backbench (ˈbækbɛntʃ)   adj   Brit, Austral and NZ involving backbenchers: a backbench MP

■ backbencher (ˈbækˈbɛntʃə)   n   Brit, Austral and NZ a Member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government or opposition

■ backbenches (ˌbækˈbɛntʃIz)   pl n Brit   1 seats in the British and some other Parliaments where MPs who are not office-holders in the governing or opposition parties sit   2 the MPs collectively who are not office-holders and therefore sit on the backbenches

■ backbend (ˈbækˌbɛnd)   n   a gymnastic exercise in which the trunk is bent backwards until the hands touch the floor

■ backbite (ˈbækˌbaIt)   vb -bites, -biting, -bit, -bitten or -bit   to talk spitefully about (an absent person)   > ˈbackˌbiter n

■ backbiting (ˈbækbaItIŋ)   n   spiteful talk about an absent person

■ backblocks (ˈbækˌblɒks)   pl n   Austral and NZ bush or remote farming area far distant from city amenities   > ˈbackˌblock adj   > ˈbackˌblocker n

■ backboard (ˈbækˌbɔːd)   n   1 a board that is placed behind something to form or support its back   2 a board worn to straighten or support the back, as after surgery   3 (in basketball) a flat upright surface supported on a high frame, under which the basket is attached

■ back boiler   n   a tank or series of pipes at the back of a fireplace for heating water. US name: water back

■ backbond (ˈbækˌbɒnd)   n   Scots law a legal document qualifying the terms of a bond or explaining the purpose for which a bond has been granted

■ backbone (ˈbækˌbəʊn)   n   1 a nontechnical name for spinal column   2 something that resembles the spinal column in function, position, or appearance   3 strength of character; courage   4 the main or central mountain range of a country or region   5 nautical the main longitudinal members of a vessel, giving structural strength   6 computing (in computer networks) a large-capacity, high-speed central section by which other network segments are connected

■ backboneless (ˈbækbəʊnlIs)   adj   lacking backbone; cowardly

■ backbreaker (ˈbækˌbreIkə)   n   1 a wrestling hold in which a wrestler uses his or her knee or shoulder as a fulcrum to bend an opponent's body backwards   2 informal an extremely arduous task

■ backbreaking (ˈbækˌbreIkIŋ)   adj   demanding great effort; exhausting

■ backburn (ˈbækˌbɜːn) Austral and NZ   vb (tr)   1 to clear (an area of scrub, bush, etc) by creating a new fire that burns in the opposite direction to the line of advancing fire   ▷ n   2 the act or result of backburning

■ back burner   n   on the back burner put aside for the time being, as a subject that is not of immediate concern but that may be activated later; postponed

■ backcast (ˈbækˌkɑːst)   n   1 fishing a backward casting of a fishing rod   2 Northern English a setback; relapse   ▷ adj   3 thrown backwards

■ back catalogue   n   the recordings that a musician has made in the past, as distinct from his or her current recording

■ backchannel (ˈbækˌtʃænəl)   n   an unofficial or covert means of conveying information, originally or esp in political or diplomatic circles

■ backchat (ˈbækˌtʃæt) or back talk   n   informal the act of answering back, esp impudently

■ backcheck (ˈbækˌtʃɛk)   n   1 building trades a valve system in hydraulic doors that controls the door's opening   ▷ vb   2 ice hockey to block (an attacking player from the opposite team) while skating towards one's own goal

■ backcloth (ˈbækˌklɒθ)   n   a large painted curtain hanging at the back of a stage set. Also called: backdrop

■ backcomb (ˈbækˌkəʊm)   vb   to comb the under layers of (the hair) towards the roots to give more bulk to a hairstyle. Also: tease

■ back country   n   Austral and NZ land remote from a town or settled area

■ back-country or backland (ˈbækˌlænd)   adj   US from or relating to sparsely inhabited rural areas

■ backcourt (ˈbækˌkɔːt)   n   1 tennis, chiefly US the part of the court between the service line and the baseline   2 (in various court games) the area nearest the back boundary line

■ backcourtman (ˈbækˌkɔːtmæn)   n, pl -men   basketball any of the players stationed in the backcourt; a guard

■ backcross (ˈbækˌkrɒs)   vb   1 to mate (a hybrid of the first generation) with one of its parents   ▷ n   2 the offspring so produced   3 the act or process of backcrossing

■ backdate (ˌbækˈdeIt)   vb   (tr) to make effective from an earlier date: the pay rise was backdated to August

■ back door   n   1 a door at the rear or side of a building   2    a a means of entry to a job, position, etc, that is secret, underhand, or obtained through influence   b (as modifier): a backdoor way of making firms pay more

■ back down   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to withdraw an earlier claim   2 (tr) rowing to cause (a boat) to move backwards by pushing rather than pulling on the oars   ▷ n backdown   3 abandonment of an earlier claim

■ backdraught or US and Canadian backdraft (ˈbækˌdrɑːft)   n   1 a reverse movement of air, gas, or liquid   2 an explosion that occurs when air reaches a fire that has used up all the available oxygen, often occurring when a door is opened to the room containing the fire

■ backdrop (ˈbækˌdrɒp)   n   1 another name for backcloth   2 the background to any scene or situation

■ backed (bækt)   adj     a having a back or backing   b (in combination): high-backed; black-backed

■ back emf   n   electrical engineering an electromagnetic force appearing in an inductive circuit in such a direction as to oppose any change of current in the circuit

■ back emission   n   electronics the secondary emission of electrons from an anode

■ back end   n   1 Northern English dialect autumn   ▷ adj back-end   2 (of money, costs, etc) required or incurred after a project has been completed [from the phrase the back end of the year]

■ back-end load   n   the final charges of commission and expenses made by an investment trust, insurance policy, etc, when the investor is paid out   > back-end loading n

■ backer (ˈbækə)   n   1 a person who gives financial or other support   2 a person who bets on a competitor or contestant

■ backfall (ˈbækˌfɔːl)   n   1 wrestling a fall or throw onto the back   2 music a horizontal bar forming part of the internal mechanism of an organ

■ backfield (ˈbækˌfiːld)   n American football   1 the backfield (sometimes functioning as plural) the quarterback and running backs in a team   2 the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play

■ backfile (ˈbækˌfaIl)   n   the archives of a newspaper or magazine

■ backfill (ˈbækˌfIl)   vb   1 (tr) to refill an excavated trench, esp (in archaeology) at the end of an investigation   ▷ n   2 the soil used to do this

■ backfire (ˌbækˈfaIə)   vb (intr)   1 (of an internal-combustion engine) to emit a loud noise as a result of an explosion in the inlet manifold or exhaust system   2 (of an endeavour, plan, etc) to have an unwanted effect on its perpetrator: his plans backfired on him   3 to start a controlled fire in order to halt an advancing forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area   ▷ n   4 (in an internal-combustion engine)   a an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system   b a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold   5 a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire

■ backfit (ˈbækˌfIt)   vb (tr)   to retrofit or overhaul, esp an industrial plant

■ backflip (ˈbækˌflIp)   n   a backwards somersault in mid air with arms and legs extended

■ backflipping (ˈbækˌflIpIŋ)   n   the process of reversing one's position: backflipping on a previous decision

■ backflow (ˈbækˌfləʊ)   n   a reverse flow; the movement (of a liquid) in the opposite direction to its previous, natural or intended direction

■ back foot   n   on the back foot at a disadvantage; outmanoeuvred or outclassed by an opponent

■ back formation   n   1 the invention of a new word on the assumption that a familiar word is derived from it. The verbs edit and burgle were so created from editor and burglar   2 a word formed by this process

■ back four   n   soccer the defensive players in many modern team formations: usually two fullbacks and two centre backs

■ backgammon (ˈbækˌɡæmən, bækˈɡæmən)   n   1 a game for two people played on a board with pieces moved according to throws of the dice   2 the most complete form of win in this game [C17: BACK^1 + gammon, variant of GAME^1]

■ back green   n   Central Scot dialect grass or a garden at the back of a house, esp a tenement

■ background (ˈbækˌɡraʊnd)   n   1 the part of a scene or view furthest from the viewer   2    a an inconspicuous or unobtrusive position (esp in the phrase in the background)   b (as modifier): a background influence   3 art   a the plane or ground in a picture upon which all other planes or forms appear superimposed   b the parts of a picture that appear most distant. Compare foreground (sense 2), middle-distance (sense 2)   4 a person's social class, education, training, or experience   5    a the social, historical, or technical circumstances that lead up to or help to explain something: the background to the French Revolution   b (as modifier): background information   6    a a low level of sound, lighting, etc, whose purpose is to be an unobtrusive or appropriate accompaniment to something else, such as a social activity, conversation, or the action of a film   b (as modifier): background music   7 Also called: background radiation physics low-intensity radiation as, for example, from small amounts of radioisotopes in soil, air, building materials, etc   8 electronics   a unwanted effects, such as noise, occurring in a measuring instrument, electronic device, etc   b (as modifier): background interference

■ backgrounder (ˈbækˌɡraʊndə)   n US   1 any document containing background information about something   2 a press conference or interview in which a government official, directly or indirectly, gives background information on a policy or issue

■ background processing   n   computing the ability of a system to perform a low-priority task while, at the same time, dealing with a main application

■ backhand (ˈbækˌhænd)   n   1 sport   a a stroke made across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke   b (as modifier): a backhand return   2 the side on which backhand strokes are made   3 handwriting slanting to the left   ▷ adv   4 with a backhand stroke   ▷ vb (tr)   5 sport to play (a shot) backhand

■ backhanded (ˌbækˈhændId)   adj   1 (of a blow, shot, stroke, etc) performed with the arm moving across the body   2 double-edged; equivocal: a backhanded compliment   3 (of handwriting) slanting to the left   4 (of a rope) twisted in the opposite way to the normal right-handed direction   ▷ adv   5 in a backhanded manner   > ˌbackˈhandedly adv   > ˌbackˈhandedness n

■ backhander (ˈbækˌhændə)   n   1 a backhanded stroke or blow   2 informal an indirect attack   3 slang a bribe

■ backhaul (ˈbækˌhɔːl)   n   1 a return load of cargo; cargo which is carried by a vehicle on its return journey   2 the return trip made by a cargo vehicle after delivering its cargo   3 telecomm the concentration of data to a central site   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to haul (cargo) back over a route it has already travelled   5 telecomm to transmit data to a central site, often for later distribution

■ back-heel   vb (tr)   1 to strike the ball with one's heel and make it go behind one   ▷ n   2 an act of striking the ball behind one with one's heel

■ backhoe (ˈbækˌhəʊ)   n   1 a mechanical excavator with an extension consisting of a bucket on an extending arm, which can be used to scoop up earth as it is drawn back towards the machine   2 the extending arm and bucket of this type of excavator   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to dig with a backhoe

■ backhouse (ˈbækˌhaʊs)   n   Canadian another word for outhouse

■ backie (ˈbækI)   n   Brit informal a ride on the back of someone's bicycle

■ backing (ˈbækIŋ)   n   1 support given to a person, cause, or enterprise   2 a body of supporters   3 something that forms, protects, supports, or strengthens the back of something   4 theatre a scenic cloth or flat placed behind a window, door, etc, in a set to mask the offstage space   5 Brit musical accompaniment, esp for a pop singer   6 the support in gold or precious metals for a country's issue of money in notes   7 meteorol an anticlockwise change in wind direction   8 Northern English a passageway running behind a row of terraced houses

■ backing dog   n   NZ and Austral a dog that moves a flock of sheep by jumping on their backs

■ backing store   n   a computer storage device, usually a disk, that provides additional storage space for information so that it can be accessed and referred to when required and may be copied into the processor if needed

■ back-kitchen   n   a room off a main kitchen, usually further towards the back of the house where washing-up or preparatory cooking work might be done; a scullery

■ backland (ˈbækˌlænd)   n   1 another name for back country   2 undeveloped land behind a developed property

■ backlash (ˈbækˌlæʃ)   n   1 a reaction or recoil between interacting worn or badly fitting parts in a mechanism   2 the play between parts   3 a sudden and adverse reaction, esp to a political or social development: a public backlash against the government is inevitable

■ backlasher (ˈbækˌlæʃə)   n   something or someone that produces a backlash

■ backless (ˈbæklIs)   adj   (of a dress) low-cut at the back

■ backlift (ˈbækˌlIft)   n   1 cricket the backward movement of a cricket bat in preparation for a swing   2 machinery a mechanical device designed to lift a person from a bed   3 weightlifting the lifting of weights using one's back   4 a form of cosmetic surgery intended to reduce rolls of skin and bulges of fat on the back

■ backlight (ˈbæklaIt)   n also back light   1 photog light falling on a photographic or television subject from the rear   2 electronics a light source at the back of an LCD screen   ▷ vb (tr)   3 photog to light (the subject) from a source positioned behind it

■ backline or back line (ˈbækˌlaIn)   n   (in some team sports) the defensive players considered as a unit

■ backlist (ˈbækˌlIst)   n   a publisher's previously published books that are still available. See also frontlist, mid-list

■ backlit (bækˈlIt)   adj   illuminated from behind: a backlit screen

■ backload (ˈbækˌləʊd)   n   1 a load carried by a lorry on a return journey   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to load (a lorry) for a return journey

■ backlog (ˈbækˌlɒɡ)   n   1 an accumulation of uncompleted work, unsold stock, etc, to be dealt with   2 chiefly US and Canadian a large log at the back of a fireplace

■ backlot (ˈbækˌlɒt)   n   an area outside a film or television studio used for outdoor filming

■ backmarker (ˌbækˈmɑːkə)   n   a competitor who is at the back of a field in a race

■ back matter   n   the parts of a book, such as the index and appendices, that follow the main text. Also called: end matter

■ backmost (ˈbækˌməʊst)   adj   furthest back

■ back mutation   n   genetics the reversion of a mutant to the original phenotype

■ back number or back issue   n   1 an issue of a newspaper, magazine, etc, that appeared on a previous date   2 informal a person or thing considered to be old-fashioned

■ back o' Bourke (bɜːk)   adv   Austral in a remote or backward place [from Bourke, a town in New South Wales]

■ back off   vb (adverb) informal   1 (intr) to retreat   2 (tr) to abandon (an intention, objective, etc)

■ back office   n     a the administrative and support staff of a financial institution or other business   b (as modifier): back-office operations

■ back-of-the-envelope   adj   informal (of a plan, calculation, etc) composed or performed quickly and without detailed analysis or research [C20: from the notion of something being hastily written on the back of an envelope in the absence of other writing materials ]

■ back out   vb   1 (intr, adverb; often foll by of) to withdraw (from an agreement, etc)   ▷ n backout   2 US informal an instance of withdrawing from an agreement, etc

■ backpack (ˈbækˌpæk)   n   1 a rucksack or knapsack   2 a pack carried on the back of an astronaut, containing oxygen cylinders, essential supplies, etc   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to travel about or go hiking with a backpack   4 (tr) to transport (food or equipment) by backpack   > ˈbackˌpacker n   > ˈbackˌpacking n

■ back pass   n   soccer a deliberate pass backwards to the goalkeeper

■ back passage   n   1 the rectum   2 an interior passageway towards the back of a building

■ back pay   n   pay received by an employee from an increase awarded retrospectively

■ back-pedal   vb -pedals, -pedalling, -pedalled or US -pedals, -pedaling, -pedaled (intr)   1 to turn the pedals of a bicycle backwards   2 to retract or modify a previous opinion, principle, etc   3 boxing to take backward steps

■ back-pedalling or US back-pedaling   n   a retreat from or a retraction of a previously held view

■ backpiece (ˈbækˌpiːs)   n   1 a tattoo on the back   2 the piece constituting the back of anything   3 the piece of a suit of armour protecting the back

■ backplate (ˈbækˌpleIt)   n   a plate of armour which guards the back

■ back pressure   n   1 engineering   a the pressure that opposes the motion of a piston on its exhaust stroke in an internal-combustion engine   b the exhaust pressure in external combustion engines   2 med the local pressure that builds up when fluid flow is obstructed in the cardiovascular or urinary systems

■ back projection   n   a method of projecting pictures onto a translucent screen so that they are viewed from the opposite side, used esp in films to create the illusion that the actors in the foreground are moving. Also called: background projection

■ back rest or backrest (ˈbækrɛst)   n   a support for the back of something

■ Back River   n   a river in N Canada, flowing northeast through Nunavut to the Arctic Ocean. Length: about 966 km (600 miles)

■ back room   n     a a place where research or planning is done, esp secret research in wartime   b (as modifier): back-room boys

■ back row   n (functioning as singular or plural)   rugby Union   a the forwards at the rear of a scrum   b (as modifier): an Australian back-row forward

■ backrush (ˈbækˌrʌʃ)   n   another name for backwash (sense 1)

■ Backs (bæks)   pl n   the Backs the grounds between the River Cam and certain Cambridge colleges

■ back, sack, and crack   n informal   (cosmetic depilation of) the back, scrotum, and the area between the buttocks

■ backsaw (ˈbækˌsɔː)   n   a small handsaw stiffened along its upper edge by a metal section

■ backscatter (ˈbækˌskætə)   n physics   1 the scattering of particles or radiation, such as sound waves, X-rays, or alpha-particles, by the atoms of the medium through which they pass, in the backward direction   2 the radiation or particles so scattered   3 a technique whereby very long-range radars locate targets hidden by the curvature of the earth. Radar beams are reflected off the underside of the troposphere onto the target and the return beams, similarly reflected, are measured   ▷ vb   4 to scatter in this way

■ backscratch (ˈbækˌskrætʃ) informal   n   1 a favour done for someone in return for another   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to do a favour for someone in return for another   > ˈbackˌscratching n

■ backscratcher (ˈbækˌskrætʃə)   n   1 an implement with a long handle, used for scratching one's back   2 informal a person who provides a service, corporate or public money etc, for another, in order to receive a similar service or reward in return

■ back seat   n   1 a seat at the back, esp of a vehicle   2 informal a subordinate or inconspicuous position (esp in the phrase take a back seat)   ▷ adj backseat   3 relating to or taking place on the back seat of a vehicle   4 of a subordinate nature

■ back-seat driver   n informal   1 a passenger in a car who offers unwanted advice to the driver   2 a person who offers advice on or tries to direct matters that are not his or her concern

■ backset (ˈbækˌsɛt)   n   1 a setback; a reversal   2 carpentry the distance between the edge of a door and the point at which the door handle is attached   ▷ vb (tr)   3 military to attack from the rear   4 US agriculture to plough, in the autumn, for the second time, prairie land which was newly ploughed the previous spring

■ back shift   n Brit   1 a group of workers who work a shift from late afternoon to midnight in an industry or occupation where a day shift or a night shift is also worked   2 the period worked   ▶ US and Canadian name: swing shift

■ backshore (ˈbækˌʃɔː)   n   the area of a beach above the usual high tide mark

■ backside (ˌbækˈsaId)   n   1 the back of something   2 (ˈbækˌsaId) informal the buttocks

■ backsight (ˈbækˌsaIt)   n   1 the sight of a rifle nearer the stock   2 surveying a reading taken looking backwards to a previously occupied station. Compare foresight (sense 4)

■ back slang   n   a type of slang in which words are spelled and, as far as possible, pronounced backwards

■ backslap (ˈbækˌslæp)   n   1 a slap on the back indicating joviality or congratulation   ▷ vb   2 (tr) informal to slap (someone) on the back in congratulation   3 to display joviality (towards)

■ backslapper (ˈbækˌslæpə)   n   a person who backslaps; a hearty jovial person

■ back-slapping   adj   energetically jovial; hearty

■ backslash (ˈbækˌslæʃ)   n   a slash which slopes to the left \

■ backslide (ˈbækˌslaId)   vb -slides, -sliding, -slid, -slid or -slidden   (intr) to lapse into bad habits or vices from a state of virtue, religious faith, etc   > ˈbackˌslider n

■ backsliding (ˈbækslaIdIŋ)   n   a return to former bad habits or vices from a state of virtue

■ backspace (ˈbækˌspeIs)   vb   1 to move a (typewriter carriage or computer cursor) backwards   ▷ n   2 a typewriter or computer key that effects such a movement

■ backspace key or backspacer (ˌbækˈspeIsə)   n   a key on a typewriter or computer keyboard that makes the carriage or cursor move backwards one space

■ backspeir (ˈbækˌspiːr)   vb (tr)   Scot to cross-examine, interrogate

■ backspin (ˈbækˌspIn)   n   sport a backward spinning motion imparted to a ball to reduce its speed at impact, as by hitting it with a downward or undercutting motion. Compare topspin

■ backsplash (ˈbækˌsplæʃ)   n   1 any tiled area by, for example, a sink, cooker or bath to prevent damage to a wall by food or water splashes   2 rowing the water that splashes towards the bow of a rowing boat when an oar hits the water

■ backstab (ˈbækˌstæb)   vb (tr)   to attack in a deceitful manner

■ backstabber (ˈbækˌstæbə)   n   someone who attacks another deceitfully, behind his or her back

■ back-stabbing   n   actions or remarks that are treacherous and likely to cause harm to a person, esp a friend or colleague

■ backstage (ˌbækˈsteIdʒ)   adv   1 behind the part of the theatre in view of the audience; in the dressing rooms, wings, etc   2 towards the rear of the stage   ▷ adj   3 situated backstage   4 informal away from public view

■ backstairs (ˈbækˈstɛəz)   pl n   1 a secondary staircase in a house, esp one originally for the use of servants   ▷ adj also backstair   2 underhand: backstairs gossip

■ backstall (ˈbækˌstɔːl)   n   1 the loss of power and tendency to drop of a kite in low winds   ▷ vb (intr)   2 (of a kite) to lose power and begin to drop in low winds

■ backstamp (ˈbækˌstæmp)   n   1 a mark stamped on the back of an envelope by a post office to indicate the date and place of its arrival   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to mark with a backstamp

■ backstarting (ˈbækˌstɑːtIŋ)   n   1 marketing a marketing technique in publishing, whereby new customers are sent back issues of magazines or journals as part of their subscription   ▷ adj   2 poetic starting back; stepping backwards

■ backstay (ˈbækˌsteI)   n   1 nautical a stay leading aft from the upper part of a mast to the deck or stern   2 machinery a supporting piece or arresting part   3 anything that supports or strengthens the back of something, such as leather covering the back seam of a shoe

■ backstitch (ˈbækˌstItʃ)   n   1 a strong sewing stitch made by starting the next stitch at the middle or beginning of the preceding one   ▷ vb   2 to sew using this stitch

■ backstop (ˈbækˌstɒp)   n   1 sport a screen or fence to prevent balls leaving the playing area   2 a block or catch to prevent excessive backward movement, such as one on the sliding seat of a rowing boat   ▷ vb -stops, -stopping, -stopped (tr)   3 US to provide with backing or support

■ backstory (ˈbækˌstɔːrI)   n, pl -ries   the events which take place before, and which help to bring about, the events portrayed in a film

■ back straight   n   a straight part of a circuit, esp of an athletics track or a racecourse, furthest from the finishing point

■ backstreet (ˈbækˌstriːt) or back-alley   n   1 a street in a town remote from the main roads   2 (modifier) denoting illicit activities regarded as likely to take place in such a street: a backstreet abortion

■ backstretch (ˌbækˈstrɛtʃ)   n   a horse-racing term for back straight

■ backstroke (ˈbækˌstrəʊk)   n   1 Also called: back crawl swimming   a a stroke performed on the back, using backward circular strokes of each arm alternately and flipper movements of the feet   b (as modifier): the backstroke champion   2 a return stroke or blow   3 chiefly US a backhanded stroke   4 bell-ringing the upward movement of the bell rope as the bell swings back and forth. Compare handstroke   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to swim the backstroke

■ backswept (ˈbækˌswɛpt)   adj   1 slanting backwards   2 another word for sweptback

■ backswimmer (ˈbækˌswImə)   n   an aquatic bug belonging to the family Notonectidae that swims on its back using its back legs as oars

■ backswing (ˈbækswIŋ)   n   sport the movement of a club, bat, or racket backwards, away from the intended point of contact, in preparation for making a stroke

■ backsword (ˈbækˌsɔːd)   n   1 another name for broadsword   2 Also called: backswordsman a person who uses the backsword   3 a fencing stick with a basket-like protective hilt

■ back-to-back   adj (usually postpositive)   1 facing in opposite directions, often with the backs touching   2 chiefly Brit (of urban houses) built so that their backs are joined or separated only by a narrow alley   3 informal consecutive   4 commerce   a denoting a credit arrangement in which a finance house acts as an intermediary to conceal the identity of the seller from the buyer   b denoting a loan from one company to another in a different country using a finance house to provide the loan but not the funding   ▷ n   5 a house or terrace built in back-to-back style

■ backtrack (ˈbækˌtræk)   vb (intr)   1 to return by the same route by which one has come   2 to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc   > ˈbackˌtracking n

■ back up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to support or assist   2 (intr) cricket (of a nonstriking batsman) to move down the wicket in readiness for a run as a ball is bowled   3 (of water) to accumulate   4 (of traffic) to become jammed behind an accident or other obstruction   5 computing to make a copy of (a data file), esp for storage in another place as a security copy   6 printing to print the second side of (a sheet)   7 (intr,; usually foll by on) Austral to repeat an action immediately   ▷ n backup   8 a support or reinforcement   9    a a reserve or substitute   b (as modifier): backup troops   10 US and Canadian   a musical accompaniment, esp for a pop singer   b (as modifier): backup singer   11 the overflow from a blocked drain or pipe   12 computing a file or set of files copied for security purposes

■ back-up light   n   US and Canadian a light on the rear of a motor vehicle to warn others that the vehicle is being reversed. Also called: reversing light

■ backveld (ˈbækˌvɛlt, ˈbækˌfɛlt)   n   (in South Africa) a remote, sparsely populated, and often unsophisticated area

■ backvelder (ˈbækˌfɛltə, ˈbækˌvɛltə)   n   a person who lives in a backveld

■ backward (ˈbækwəd)   adj   1 (usually prenominal) directed towards the rear: a backward glance   2 sometimes offensive slow in physical or material development: backward countries   3 old-fashioned, offensive having difficulty learning: a backward child   4    a of or relating to the past; conservative or reactionary   b (in combination): backward-looking   5 reluctant or bashful: a backward lover   6 chess (of a pawn) behind neighbouring pawns and unable to be supported by them   ▷ adv   7 a variant of backwards   > ˈbackwardly adv   > ˈbackwardness n

■ backwardation (ˌbækwəˈdeIʃən)   n commerce   1 the difference between the spot price for a commodity, including rent and interest, and the forward price   2 (formerly, on the Stock Exchange) postponement of delivery by a seller of securities until the next settlement period

■ backward-looking or backward looking   adj   concerned with the past rather the present and future

■ backwards (ˈbækwədz) or backward   adv   1 towards the rear   2 with the back foremost   3 in the reverse of usual order or direction   4 to or towards the past   5 into a worse state: the patient was slipping backwards   6 towards the point of origin   7 bend over backwards, lean over backwards or fall over backwards informal to make a special effort, esp in order to please   8 know backwards informal to understand completely

■ backwash (ˈbækˌwɒʃ)   n   1 a sucking movement of water, such as that of retreating waves. Compare swash (sense 4)   2 water washed backwards by the motion of oars or other propelling devices   3 the backward flow of air set up by an aircraft's engines   4 a condition resulting from a previous event; repercussion   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to remove oil from (combed wool)

■ backwater (ˈbækˌwɔːtə)   n   1 a body of stagnant water connected to a river   2 water held or driven back, as by a dam, flood, or tide   3 an isolated, backward, or intellectually stagnant place or condition   ▷ vb back water   4 (intr) to reverse the direction of a boat, esp to push the oars of a rowing boat

■ backwoods (ˈbækwʊdz)   pl n   1 chiefly US and Canadian partially cleared, sparsely populated forests   2 any remote sparsely populated place   3 (modifier) of, from, or like the backwoods   4 (modifier) uncouth; rustic

■ backwoodsman (ˈbækˌwʊdzmən)   n, pl -men   1 a person from the backwoods   2 US informal an uncouth or rustic person   3 Brit informal a peer who rarely attends the House of Lords

■ backwoodsy (ˈbækwʊdzI)   adj   like or of the nature of backwoods

■ backword (ˈbækˌwɜːd)   n   Brit dialect the act or an instance of failing to keep a promise or commitment (esp in the phrase give (someone) backword)

■ backwork (ˈbækˌwɜːk)   n   work carried out under the ground

■ backwrap (ˈbækˌræp)   n   anything that can be wrapped around the back to provide back support or relieve back pain

■ back yard or backyard (ˌbækˈjɑːd)   n   1 an area, usually paved, at the rear of a building   2 the immediate surroundings or locality of a person, organization, country, etc: a problem with poverty in our own backyard   3 in one's own back yard   a close at hand   b involving or implicating one. See NIMBY

back^2 (bæk)   n   a large tub or vat, esp one used by brewers [C17: from Dutch bak tub, cistern, from Old French bac, from Vulgar Latin bacca (unattested) vessel for liquids]

backet (ˈbækIt)   n   Scot a shallow box, typically one used for carrying substances such as ashes, coal or salt

backfisch (ˈbækfIʃ)   n   a teenage girl; a girl who has not yet reached maturity

backra (ˈbækrə, ˈbʌkrə) Jamaican   n   1 a White person   2 someone who lives like a White person

backsey (ˌbækˈsaI)   n   Scot a sirloin

backsheesh (ˈbækʃiːʃ)   n   a variant spelling of baksheesh

baclava (ˈbɑːkləˌvɑː)   n   a variant spelling of baklava

baclofen (ˈbækləʊˌfɛn)   n   pharmacol a muscle-relaxing drug used to treat muscle spasms

Bacolod (bəˈkɒləd)   n   a town in the Philippines, on the NW coast of Negros Island. Pop: 468 000 (2005 est)

bacon (ˈbeIkən)   n   1 meat from the back and sides of a pig, dried, salted, and usually smoked   2 bring home the bacon informal   a to achieve success   b to provide material support   3 save someone's bacon Brit informal to help someone to escape from danger [C12: from Old French bacon, from Old High German bahho; related to Old Saxon baco; see BACK^1]

■ bacon-and-eggs   n   another name for bird's-foot trefoil

■ bacon beetle   n   See dermestid

■ baconer (ˈbeIkənə)   n   a pig that weighs between 83 and 101 kg, from which bacon is cut

■ bacon-slicer   n   a machine for cutting bacon into slices

Bacon (ˈbeIkən)   n   1  Francis, Baron Verulam, Viscount St Albans. 1561–1626, English philosopher, statesman, and essayist; described the inductive method of reasoning: his works include Essays (1625), The Advancement of Learning (1605), and Novum Organum (1620)   2  Francis. 1909–92, British painter, born in Dublin, noted for his distorted, richly coloured human figures, dogs, and carcasses   3  Roger. ?1214–92, English Franciscan monk, scholar, and scientist: stressed the importance of experiment, demonstrated that air is required for combustion, and first used lenses to correct vision. His Opus Majus (1266) is a compendium of all the sciences of his age

■ Baconian (beIˈkəʊnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Francis Bacon, the philosopher, or to his inductive method of reasoning   ▷ n   2 a follower of Bacon's philosophy   3 someone who believes that plays attributed to Shakespeare were written by Bacon

BACS (bæks)   n acronym for   Bankers' Automated Clearing System; a method of making payments direct to a creditor's bank without using a cheque

bacteraemia or US bacteremia (ˌbæktəˈriːmIə)   n   pathol the presence of bacteria in the blood

bacteraemic (ˌbæktIəˈriːmIk)   adj   containing, caused by, or pertaining to bacteraemia

bacteria (bækˈtIərIə)   pl n, sing -rium (-rIəm)   a very large group of microorganisms comprising one of the three domains of living organisms. They are prokaryotic, unicellular, and either free-living in soil or water or parasites of plants or animals. See also prokaryote [C19: plural of New Latin bacterium, from Greek baktērion, literally: a little stick, from baktron rod, staff]   > bacˈterial adj   > bacˈterially adv

■ bacteria bed   n   a layer of sand or gravel used to expose sewage effluent, in its final stages, to air and the action of microorganisms. Compare filter bed (sense 1)

■ bacterial ghost   n   a bacterial cell that is emptied and filled artificially with another substance

■ bacterial plaque   n   another term for dental plaque

■ bacterian (bækˈtIərIən)   adj   a variant form of bacterial

■ bacteric (bækˈtɛrIk)   adj   a variant form of bacterial

■ bacteriostasis (bækˌtIərIəʊˈsteIsIs, -ˈstæsIs)   n, pl -stases (-ˈsteIsiːz, -ˈstæsiːz)   inhibition of the growth and reproduction of bacteria, esp by the action of a chemical agent   > bacteriostatic (bækˌtIərIəʊˈstætIk) adj   > bacˌterioˈstatically adv

■ bacteriostat (bækˈtIərIəʊˌstæt)   n   any substance that arrests the growth or reproduction of bacteria but does not kill them

■ bacterization or bacterisation (ˌbæktIəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   subjection to bacterial action

■ bacterize or bacterise (ˈbæktəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to subject to bacterial action

■ bacteroid (ˈbæktəˌrɔId) or bacterioid (bækˈtIərIˌɔId)   adj   1 resembling a bacterium   ▷ n   2 any rodlike bacterium of the genus Bacteroides, occurring in the gut of humans and animals

bactericide (bækˈtIərIˌsaId)   n   a substance able to destroy bacteria   > bacˌteriˈcidal adj   > bacˌteriˈcidally adv

bacterin (ˈbæktərIn)   n   obsolete a vaccine prepared from bacteria

bacterio-, bacteri- or sometimes before a vowel bacter-   combining form   indicating bacteria or an action or condition relating to or characteristic of bacteria: bacteriology; bactericide; bacteroid [New Latin, from BACTERIA]

bacteriocin (bækˈtIərIəˌsIn)   n   any protein-based toxin given off by bacteria to prevent the growth of related bacteria nearby

bacterioid (bækˈtIərIˌɔId)   n, adj   another word for bacteroid

bacteriol.   abbreviation for   1 bacteriological   2 bacteriology

bacteriology (bækˌtIərIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of science concerned with the study of bacteria   > bacteriological (bækˌtIərIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or bacteriologic adj   > bacˌterioˈlogically adv   > bacˌteriˈologist n

■ bacteriological warfare   n   another term for germ warfare

bacteriolysin (bækˌtIərIəʊˈlaIsIn)   n   bacteriol an antibody which, when it combines with bacterial cells, causes lysis of those cells, thus destroying them

■ bacteriolysis (bækˌtIərIˈɒlIsIs)   n   the destruction or disintegration of bacteria   > bacteriolytic (bækˌtIərIəˈlItIk) adj

bacteriophage (bækˈtIərIəˌfeIdʒ)   n   a virus that is parasitic in a bacterium and multiplies within its host, which is destroyed when the new viruses are released. Often shortened to: phage   > bacteriophagic (bækˌtIərIəˈfædʒIk) adj   > bacteriophagous (bækˌtIərIˈɒfəɡəs) adj

■ bacteriophagy (bækˌtIərIˈɒfədʒI)   n   the action of a bacteriophage

bacteriosis (bækˌtIərIˈəʊsIs)   n   pathol any bacterial disease

bacteriotoxin (bækˌtIərIəʊˈtɒksIn)   n   1 any toxin that kills bacteria   2 a toxin produced by bacteria

bacterium (bækˈtIərIəm)   n   the singular of bacteria

bacteriuria (bækˌtIərIˈjʊərIə) or bacteruria (ˌbæktəˈrjʊərIə)   n   the presence of bacteria in the urine

Bactria (ˈbæktrIə)   n   an ancient country of SW Asia, between the Hindu Kush mountains and the Oxus River: forms the present Balkh region in N Afghanistan

■ Bactrian (ˈbæktrIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Bactria   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Bactria

■ Bactrian camel   n   a two-humped camel, Camelus bactrianus, used as a beast of burden in the cold deserts of central Asia. Compare Arabian camel

baculiform (bəˈkjuːlIˌfɔːm, ˈbækjuː-)   adj   biology shaped like a rod: baculiform fungal spores [C19: from baculi-, from Latin baculum walking stick + - FORM]

baculine (ˈbækjəˌlaIn)   adj   relating to flogging with a rod

baculite (ˈbækjʊˌlaIt)   n   palaeontol an extinct species of mollusc from the Late Cretaceous period, fossils of which have been found ranging from 7cm to 2m in length

baculovirus (ˈbækjʊləʊˌvaIrəs)   n   pathol any of a family of viruses that attack insects and other arthropods, used as biological pesticides

baculum (ˈbækjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə) or -lums   a bony support in the penis of certain mammals, esp the carnivores [C20: New Latin, from Latin: stick, staff]

bad^1 (bæd)   adj worse, worst   1 not good; of poor quality; inadequate; inferior: bad workmanship; bad soil; bad light for reading   2 (often foll by at) lacking skill or talent; incompetent: a bad painter; bad at sports   3 (often foll by for) harmful: bad air; smoking is bad for you   4 immoral; evil: a bad life   5 naughty; mischievous; disobedient: a bad child   6 rotten; decayed; spoiled: a bad egg   7 severe; intense: a bad headache   8 incorrect; wrong; faulty: bad pronunciation   9 ill or in pain (esp in the phrase feel bad)   10 regretful, sorry, or upset (esp in the phrase feel bad about)   11 unfavourable; distressing: bad news; a bad business   12 offensive; unpleasant; disagreeable: bad language; bad temper   13 not valid or sound; void: a bad cheque   14 not recoverable: a bad debt   15 (badder, baddest) slang good; excellent   16 go bad to putrefy; spoil   17 go from bad to worse to deteriorate even more   18 in a bad way informal   a seriously ill, through sickness or injury   b in trouble of any kind   19 in someone's bad books See book (sense 21)   20 make the best of a bad job to manage as well as possible in unfavourable circumstances   21 not bad or not so bad informal passable; fair; fairly good   22 not half bad informal very good   23 too bad informal (often used dismissively) regrettable   ▷ n   24 unfortunate or unpleasant events collectively (often in the phrase take the bad with the good)   25 an immoral or degenerate state (often in the phrase go to the bad)   26 the debit side of an account: £200 to the bad   27 my bad US and Canadian informal my fault or mistake   ▷ adv   28 not standard badly: to want something bad [C13: probably from bæd-, as the first element of Old English bǣddel hermaphrodite]   > ˈbaddish adj   > ˈbadness n

■ badass (ˈbædˌæs) slang, chiefly US   n   1 a tough or aggressive person: the meanest badass in town   ▷ adj   2 tough or aggressive: a badass rock band   3 excellent: a real badass watch

■ bad bank   n   a financial institution set up to hold and manage underperforming assets owned by other banks

■ bad blood   n   a feeling of intense hatred or hostility; enmity

■ bad cholesterol   n   a nontechnical name for low-density lipoprotein

■ baddie or baddy (ˈbædI)   n, pl -dies   a bad character in a story, film, etc, esp an opponent of the hero

■ bad faith   n   1 intention to deceive; treachery or dishonesty (esp in the phrase in bad faith)   2 Also called: mauvaise foi (in the philosophy of the 20th-century French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre) self-deception, as when an agent regards his or her actions as conditioned by circumstances or conventions in order to evade the responsibility for choosing them freely

■ bad hair day   n informal   1 a day on which one's hair is untidy and unmanageable   2 a day of mishaps and general irritation

■ badlands (ˈbædˌlændz)   pl n   any deeply eroded barren area

■ Bad Lands   pl n   a deeply eroded barren region of SW South Dakota and NW Nebraska

■ badly (ˈbædlI)   adv worse, worst   1 poorly; defectively; inadequately: the chair is badly made   2 unfavourably; unsuccessfully; unfortunately: our scheme worked out badly   3 severely; gravely: he was badly hurt   4 incorrectly or inaccurately: to speak German badly   5 improperly; naughtily; wickedly: to behave badly   6 without humanity; cruelly: to treat someone badly   7 very much (esp in the phrases need badly, badly in need of, want badly)   8 regretfully: he felt badly about it   9 badly off poor; impoverished   ▷ adj   10 (postpositive) Northern English dialect ill; poorly

■ badman (ˈbædˌmæn)   n, pl -men   chiefly US a hired gunman, outlaw, or criminal

■ bad-mannered   adj   having bad manners; impolite

■ bad-mouth   vb   (tr) slang to speak unfavourably about

■ bad news   n   slang someone or something regarded as undesirable: he's bad news around here

■ bad seed   n   US, Canadian and Austral informal a person who is seen as being congenitally disposed to wrongdoing and likely to be a bad influence on others

■ bad-tempered   adj   angry, irritable, or ungracious

■ bad trot   n   Austral slang a period of ill fortune

bad^2 (bæd)   vb   a variant of bade

bada-bing (ˌbædəˈbIŋ) or bada-bing bada-boom (ˌbædəˈbuːm)   sentence substitute   US slang an expression used to suggest that something can be done with no difficulty or delay [C20: perhaps imitative of the sound of something clicking into place]

Badajoz (ˈbædəˌhɒz; Spanish baˈðaxoθ)   n   a city in SW Spain: strategically positioned near the frontier with Portugal. Pop: 138 415 (2003 est)

Badalona (Spanish baðaˈlona)   n   a port in NE Spain: an industrial suburb of Barcelona. Pop: 214 440 (2003 est)

baddeleyite (ˈbædlIˌaIt)   n   a mineral consisting largely of zirconium dioxide: a source of zirconium. Formula: ZrO_2 [C19: named after J. Baddeley, British geologist]

badderlocks (ˈbædəˌlɒks) or balderlocks (ˈbældəˌlɒks)   n   a seaweed, Alaria esculenta, that has long brownish-green fronds and is eaten in parts of N Europe [C18: of unknown origin]

bade (bæd, beId) or bad   vb   past tense of bid

Bad Ems (German baːt ˈɛmz)   n   a town in W Germany, in the Rhineland-Palatinate: famous for the Ems Telegram (1870), Bismarck's dispatch that led to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. Pop: 9666 (2003 est). Also called: Ems

Baden (ˈbaːdən)   n   a former state of West Germany, now part of Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Baden   n   a spa in SW Germany, in Baden-Württemberg. Pop: 53 938 (2003 est)

Baden-Powell (ˈbeIdənˈpəʊəl, -ˈpaʊəl)   n   Robert Stephenson Smyth (smIθ, smaIθ), 1st Baron Baden-Powell. 1857–1941, British general, noted for his defence of Mafeking (1899–1900) in the Boer War; founder of the Boy Scouts (1908) and (with his sister Agnes) the Girl Guides (1910)

Baden-Württemberg (German ˈbaːdənˈvyrtəmbɛrk)   n   a state of SW Germany. Capital: Stuttgart. Pop: 10 831 000 (2015). Area: 35 751 sq km (13 804 sq miles)

Bader (ˈbɑːdə)   n   Sir Douglas. 1910–82, British fighter pilot. Despite losing both legs after a flying accident (1931), he became a national hero as a pilot in World War II

badge (bædʒ)   n   1 a distinguishing emblem or mark worn to signify membership, employment, achievement, etc   2 any revealing feature or mark [C14: from Norman French bage; related to Anglo-Latin bagia]

■ badgeless (ˈbædʒlIs)   adj   without a badge

badger (ˈbædʒə)   n   1 any of various stocky omnivorous musteline mammals of the subfamily Melinae, such as Meles meles (Eurasian badger), occurring in Europe, Asia, and North America: order Carnivora (carnivores). They are typically large burrowing animals, with strong claws and a thick coat striped black and white on the head. Compare ferret badger, hog badger   2 honey badger another name for ratel   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to pester or harass [C16: variant of badgeard, probably from BADGE (from the white mark on its forehead) + -ARD]

■ badgerly (ˈbædʒəlI)   adj   resembling a badger

Bad Godesberg (German baːt ˈɡoːdəsbɛrk)   n   the official name for Godesberg

badinage (ˈbædIˌnɑːʒ)   n   playful or frivolous repartee or banter [C17: from French, from badiner to jest, banter, from Old Provençal badar to gape]

badinerie (bəˌdInəˈriː)   n   music a name given in the 18th century to a type of quick, light movement in a suite [French: a pleasantry]

badious (ˈbeIdIəs)   adj   chestnut coloured; brownish-red

badmash (bʌðˈmɑːʃ) or budmash (ˈbʌdˌmæʃ) Hinglish   adj   1 naughty or bad   ▷ n   2 a hooligan [C21: from Urdu, from Persian bad evil + Arabic ma'āš livelihood]

badminton (ˈbædmIntən)   n   1 a game played with rackets and a shuttlecock, which is hit back and forth across a high net   2 Also called: badminton cup a long refreshing drink of claret with soda water and sugar [C19: named after BADMINTON House, where the game was first played]

Badminton (ˈbædmIntən)   n   a village in SW England, in South Gloucestershire unitary authority, Gloucestershire: site of Badminton House, seat of the Duke of Beaufort; annual horse trials

Badoglio (Italian baˈdɔʎʎo)   n   Pietro (ˈpjetro). 1871–1956, Italian marshal; premier (1943–44) following Mussolini's downfall: arranged an armistice with the Allies (1943)

bae (beI)   n   US informal a person's sweetheart or lover: often used as an affectionate term of address [C21: short for BABY (sense 6)]

Baeck (German bɛk)   n   Leo. 1873–1956, German Jewish theologian: a leader of the German Jews during the Nazi period; major work The Essence of Judaism (1905)

Baeda (ˈbiːdə)   n   the Latin name for (Saint) Bede

Baedeker (ˈbeIdIkə)   n   1 any of a series of travel guidebooks issued by the German publisher Karl Baedeker (1801–59) or his firm   2 any guidebook

■ Baedeker raid   n   informal one of the German air raids in 1942 on places of cultural and historical importance in England

bael (ˈbeIəl)   n   1 a spiny Indian rutaceous tree, Aegle marmelos   2 the edible thick-shelled fruit of this tree [C17: from Hindi bel]

baetyl (ˈbiːtIl)   n   myth a meteoric stone thought in antiquity to be of divine origin, and sometimes worshipped

Baeyer (German ˈbaIər)   n   Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Adolf von (joˈhan ˈfriːdrIç ˈvIlhɛlm ˈaːdɔlf fɔn). 1835–1917, German chemist, noted for the synthesis of indigo: Nobel prize for chemistry 1905

Baez (ˈbaIɛz)   n   Joan. born 1941, US rock and folk singer and songwriter, noted for the pure quality of her voice and for her committed pacifist and protest songs

BAF   abbreviation for   British Athletic Federation

Bafana Bafana (baˈfɑːna)   pl n   South African the official name for the South African national soccer team [C20: from Nguni bafana the boys]

baff (bæf)   n   1 Scot a blow or stroke using a soft or flat object   ▷ vb (tr)   2 golf to strike (ground) with the head of a golf club when making a stroke

baffies (ˈbæfIz)   pl n   Scot dialect slippers

Baffin (ˈbæfIn)   n   William. c.1584–1622, English navigator and explorer who led several expeditions to find the North West Passage

■ Baffin Bay   n   part of the Northwest Passage, situated between Baffin Island and Greenland [named after William Baffin]

■ Baffin Island   n   the largest island of the Canadian Arctic, between Greenland and Hudson Bay. Area: 476 560 sq km (184 000 sq miles)

baffle (ˈbæfəl)   vb (tr)   1 to perplex; bewilder; puzzle   2 to frustrate (plans, efforts, etc)   3 to check, restrain, or regulate (the flow of a fluid or the emission of sound or light)   4 to provide with a baffle   5 obsolete to cheat or trick   ▷ n   6 Also called: baffle board, baffle plate a plate or mechanical device designed to restrain or regulate the flow of a fluid, the emission of light or sound, or the distribution of sound, esp in a loudspeaker or microphone [C16: perhaps from Scottish dialect bachlen to condemn publicly; perhaps related to French bafouer to disgrace]   > ˈbafflement n   > ˈbaffler n

■ baffled (ˈbæfəld)   adj   lacking in understanding: police are baffled by the murder

■ bafflegab (ˈbæfəlˌɡæb)   n   informal deliberately obscure language employed in official documents

■ baffling (ˈbæflIŋ)   adj   impossible to understand; perplexing; bewildering; puzzling   > ˈbafflingly adv

baffy (ˈbæfI)   n, pl -fies   golf an obsolete short wooden golf club used to add lift to the ball [C19: from BAFF]

baft (bɑːft)   n   a coarse fabric, usually cotton-based, made in India

BAFTA (ˈbæftə)   n acronym for   British Academy of Film and Television Arts

bag (bæɡ)   n   1 a flexible container with an opening at one end   2 Also called: bagful the contents of or amount contained in such a container   3 any of various measures of quantity, such as a bag containing 1 hundredweight of coal   4 a piece of portable luggage   5 short for handbag   6 anything that hangs loosely, sags, or is shaped like a bag, such as a loose fold of skin under the eyes or the bulging part of a sail   7 any pouch or sac forming part of the body of an animal, esp the udder of a cow   8 hunting the quantity of quarry taken in a single hunting trip or by a single hunter   9 derogatory, slang an ugly or bad-tempered woman (often in the phrase old bag)   10 slang a measure of marijuana, heroin, etc, in folded paper   11 slang a person's particular taste, field of skill, interest, activity, etc: blues is his bag   12 bag and baggage informal   a with all one's belongings   b entirely   13 a bag of bones a lean creature   14 the bag of tricks or the whole bag of tricks informal every device; everything   15 in the bag slang almost assured of succeeding or being obtained   ▷ vb bags, bagging, bagged   16 (tr) to put into a bag   17 to bulge or cause to bulge; swell   18 (tr) to capture or kill, as in hunting   19 (tr) to catch, seize, or steal   20 (intr) to hang loosely; sag   21 (tr) to achieve or accomplish: she bagged seven birdies   22 (tr) Brit informal to reserve or secure the right to do or to have something: he bagged the best chair   23 (tr) Austral slang to criticize; disparage   ▶ See also bags [C13: probably from Old Norse baggi; related to Old French bague bundle, pack, Medieval Latin baga chest, sack, Flemish bagge]

■ bagful (ˈbæɡfʊl)   n   an amount that is or can be contained in a bag: three bagfuls of clothes

■ bagger (ˈbæɡə)   n   informal a person or machine who packs things, usually groceries, into bags

■ baghouse (ˈbæɡˌhaʊs)   n   a dust-filtering chamber consisting of fabric filter bags

■ bag lady   n   informal a woman who is homeless and wanders city streets with all her possessions in shopping bags. Also called (in full): shopping bag lady

■ bagless (ˈbæɡlIs)   adj   (esp of a vacuum cleaner) not containing a bag

■ baglike (ˈbæɡlaIk)   adj   resembling a bag

■ bagman (ˈbæɡmən)   n, pl -men   1 Brit informal a travelling salesman   2 slang, chiefly US a person who collects or distributes money for racketeers   3 informal, chiefly Canadian a person who solicits money or subscriptions for a political party   4 Austral history a tramp or swagman, esp one on horseback   5 Also called: bagswinger Austral slang someone who takes money for a bookmaker

■ bag moth   n   NZ a moth, the larvae of which develop in bags or cases

■ bag-snatching   n   Brit theft that involves snatching women's handbags

■ bagswinger (ˈbæɡˌswIŋə)   n   Austral slang another term for bagman

■ bagwash (ˈbæɡˌwɒʃ)   n old-fashioned   1 a laundry that washes clothes without drying or pressing them   2 the clothes so washed

■ bagwig (ˈbæɡˌwIɡ)   n   an 18th-century wig with hair pushed back into a bag

■ bagworm (ˈbæɡˌwɜːm)   n   1 the larva of moths of the family Psychidae, which forms a protective case of silk covered with grass, leaves, etc   2 bagworm moth any moth of the family Psychidae

Baganda (bəˈɡændə, -ˈɡɑːn-)   n   (functioning as plural) a people of E Africa living chiefly in Uganda. See also Ganda (sense 1), Luganda

bagarre French (baˈɡɑːr)   n   a brawl, fight, or scuffle

bagasse (bəˈɡæs)   n   1 the pulp remaining after the extraction of juice from sugar cane or similar plants: used as fuel and for making paper, etc   2 Also called: megass, megasse a type of paper made from bagasse fibres [C19: from French, from Spanish bagazo dregs, refuse, from baga husk, from Latin bāca berry]

■ bagassosis (ˌbæɡəˈsəʊsIs)   n   an allergic response to the dust of bagasse, causing breathlessness and fever

bagatelle (ˌbæɡəˈtɛl)   n   1 something of little value or significance; trifle   2 a board game in which balls are struck into holes, with pins as obstacles; pinball   3 another name for bar billiards   4 a short light piece of music, esp for piano [C17: from French, from Italian bagattella, from (dialect) bagatta a little possession, from baga a possession, probably from Latin bāca berry]

Bagdad (bæɡˈdæd)   n   a variant spelling of Baghdad

Bagehot (ˈbædʒət)   n   Walter. 1826–77, English economist and journalist: editor of The Economist; author of The English Constitution (1867), Physics and Politics (1872), and Lombard Street (1873)

bagel or beigel (ˈbeIɡəl)   n   a hard ring-shaped bread roll, characteristic of Jewish baking [C20: from Yiddish beygel, ultimately from Old High German boug ring]

baggage (ˈbæɡIdʒ)   n   1    a suitcases, bags, etc, packed for a journey; luggage   b (as modifier): baggage handler   2 an army's portable equipment   3 informal, old-fashioned   a a pert young woman   b an immoral woman or prostitute   4 Irish informal a cantankerous old woman   5 informal previous knowledge and experience that a person may use or be influenced by in new circumstances: cultural baggage [C15: from Old French bagage, from bague a bundle, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse baggi BAG]

baggie (ˈbæɡI)   n   a variety of thin, strong, sealable plastic bag, used primarily for storing food

bagging (ˈbæɡIŋ)   n   coarse woven cloth; sacking

baggit (ˈbæɡIt)   n   zoology a female salmon which has not spawned by the end of the spawning season

baggy^1 (ˈbæɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   (of clothes) hanging loosely; puffed out   > ˈbaggily adv   > ˈbagginess n

■ baggy green   n Austral informal   1 the Australian Test cricket cap   2 don the baggy green or wear the baggy green to represent Australia at Test cricket

baggy^2 (ˈbæɡI)   n, pl -gies   a variant spelling of bagie

bagh (bɑːɡ)   n   (in India and Pakistan) a garden [Urdu]

Baghdad or Bagdad (bæɡˈdæd)   n   the capital of Iraq, on the River Tigris: capital of the Abbasid Caliphate (762–1258). Pop: 6 642 848 (2015 est)

bagie (ˈbeIɡI) or baggy   n, pl -gies   Northumbrian dialect a turnip [perhaps from RUTABAGA]

bagna cauda (ˌbɑːnjə ˈkaʊdə)   n   a dip made from garlic, anchovies, butter, and olive oil, usually served hot over a spirit burner, with raw vegetables [from Italian bagno caldo, literally: hot bath]

bagnette (ˈbæɡnɛt)   n   a variant of baguette (sense 3)

bagnio (ˈbɑːnjəʊ)   n, pl -ios   1 a brothel   2 obsolete an oriental prison for slaves   3 obsolete an Italian or Turkish bathhouse [C16: from Italian bagno, from Latin balneum bath, from Greek balaneion]

Bagnold (ˈbæɡnəʊld)   n   Enid (Algerine). 1889–1981, British novelist and playwright; her works include the novel National Velvet (1935) and the play The Chalk Garden (1955)

bagpipes (ˈbæɡˌpaIps)   pl n   any of a family of musical wind instruments in which sounds are produced in reed pipes supplied with air from a bag inflated either by the player's mouth, as in the Irish bagpipes or Highland bagpipes of Scotland, or by arm-operated bellows, as in the Northumbrian bagpipes

■ bagpipe (ˈbæɡˌpaIp)   n   (modifier) of or relating to the bagpipes: a bagpipe maker

■ bagpiper (ˈbæɡpaIpə)   n   a person who plays the bagpipes

Bagram (ˈbæɡrəm)   n   an air base in NE Afghanistan, near Kabul; now under the control of US forces

bags (bæɡz)   pl n   1 informal a lot; a great deal   2 short for Oxford bags   3 Brit informal any pair of trousers   ▷ interj   4 Also: bags I children's slang, Brit and Austral an indication of the desire to do, be, or have something   5 rough as bags or rough as sacks Austral and NZ uncouth

baguette or baguet (bæˈɡɛt)   n   1 a narrow French stick loaf   2 a small gem cut as a long rectangle   3 the shape of such a gem   4 architect a small moulding having a semicircular cross section [C18: from French, from Italian bacchetta a little stick, from bacchio rod, from Latin baculum walking stick]

Baguio (ˈbæɡIˌəʊ)   n   a city in the N Philippines, on N Luzon: summer capital of the Republic. Pop: 287 000 (2005 est)

bah (bɑː, bæ)   interj   an expression of contempt or disgust

bahadur (bəˈhɑːdə)   n   (often in combination) a title formerly conferred by the British on distinguished Indians [C18: from Hindi bahādur hero, from Persian: valiant]

Baha'í Faith or Baha'í   n   a religious system founded in 1863 by Baha'ullah, based on Babism and emphasizing the value of all religions and the spiritual unity of all humankind. See Babism   > Baˈha'ist or Baˈha'ite adj, n

■ Baha'í (bəˈhɑːI)   n   1 Also called: Baha'íst (bəˈhɑːIst) an adherent of the Baha'í Faith   ▷ adj   2 Also called: Baha'íte (bəˈhɑːaIt) of or relating to the Baha'í Faith [from Persian bahā'ī, literally: of glory, from bahā' u'llāh glory of God, from Arabic]

■ Baha'ísm (baˈhɑːˌIzəm)   n   another name, not in Baha'í use, for the Baha'í Faith

Bahamas (bəˈhɑːməz) or Bahama Islands   pl n   the Bahamas a group of over 700 coral islands (about 20 of which are inhabited) in the Caribbean: a British colony from 1783 until 1964; an independent nation within the Commonwealth from 1973. Language: English. Currency: Bahamian dollar. Capital: Nassau. Pop: 395 361 (2017 est). Area: 13 939 sq km (5381 sq miles). Official name: Commonwealth of the Bahamas

■ Bahamian (bəˈheImIən, -ˈhɑː-)   adj   1 of or relating to the Bahamas   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the Bahamas

Bahasa Indonesia (bɑːˈhɑːsə)   n   another name for Indonesian (sense 3)

Baha'ullah (ˌbɑːhɑːˈʊlə)   n   title of Mirza Hosein Ali. 1817–92, Persian religious leader: originally a Shiite Muslim, later a disciple of the Bab; founder of the Baha'í Faith

Bahawalpur (ˌbæhəˈwɒlpə)   n   an industrial city in Pakistan: cotton, soap. Pop: 563 000 (2005 est)

Bahia (bəˈhiːə; Portuguese bəˈiːə)   n   1 a state of E Brazil, on the Atlantic coast. Capital: Salvador. Pop: 13 323 212 (2002). Area: about 562 000 sq km (217 000 sq miles)   2 the former name of San Salvador

■ Bahía Blanca (Spanish baˈia ˈblanka)   n   a port in E Argentina. Pop: 276 000 (2005 est)

■ Bahía de Cochinos (baˈia de los koˈtʃinos)   n   the Spanish name for the Bay of Pigs

bahookie (bəˈhukI; Scottish bəˈhuːki)   n   Scot informal the buttocks [Perhaps from BEHIND (sense 10) + HOCK + -Y^2, but compare ho(o)key, Heriot's School slang for a caning on the buttocks (a former punishment)]

Bahrain (bɑːˈreIn)   n   an independent sheikhdom on the Persian Gulf, consisting of several islands: under British protection until the declaration of independence in 1971. It has large oil reserves. Language: Arabic. Religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Manama. Pop: 1 492 584 (2017 est). Area: 678 sq km (262 sq miles). Former spelling: Bahrein

■ Bahraini (bɑːˈreInI)   adj   1 of or relating to Bahrain   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Bahrain   ▶ Former spelling: Bahreini

baht (bɑːt)   n, pl bahts or baht   the standard monetary unit of Thailand, divided into 100 satang [from Thai bāt]

bahu (bɑːˈhuː)   n   (in India) a daughter-in-law [Hindi]

bahut (bæˈhʊt)   n   a portable, decorative chest, often with a round lid, primarily used for transporting clothing

bahuvrihi (ˌbɑːhuːˈvriːhiː)   n linguistics   1 a class of compound words consisting of two elements the first of which is a specific feature of the second   2 a compound word of this type, such as hunchback, bluebell, highbrow [C19: from Sanskrit bahuvrīhi, itself this type of compound, from bahu much + vrīh rice]

baidarka (baIˈdɑːkə)   n   nautical a type of narrow hunting boat, similar to a kayak, made of sealskin and used by inhabitants of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands

baignoire (ˈbɛnwɑː)   n   a theatre box on the lowest level

Baikal^1 (baIˈkɑːl, -ˈkæl)   n   Lake Baikal a lake in Russia, in SE Siberia: the largest freshwater lake in Eurasia and the deepest in the world. Greatest depth: over 1500 m (5000 ft). Area: about 33 670 sq km (13 000 sq miles). Russian name: Ozero Baykal

Baikal^2 (baIˈkɑːl, -ˈkæl)   n   trademark a type of Russian-made handgun, designed to fire tear-gas cylinders but often modified to fire bullets

Baikonur (baIˈkəʊnə)   n   a launching site for spacecraft in central Kazakhstan; formerly the centre for the Soviet space programme, now leased from Kazakhstan by Russia

bail^1 (beIl) law   n   1 a sum of money by which a person is bound to take responsibility for the appearance in court of another person or himself or herself, forfeited if the person fails to appear   2 the person or persons so binding themselves; surety   3 the system permitting release of a person from custody where such security has been taken: he was released on bail   4 jump bail or formal forfeit bail to fail to appear in court to answer to a charge   5 stand bail or go bail to act as surety (for someone)   ▷ vb (tr)   6 (often foll by out) to release or obtain the release of (a person) from custody, security having been made [C14: from Old French: custody, from baillier to hand over, from Latin bāiulāre to carry burdens, from bāiulus carrier, of obscure origin]

■ bailable (ˈbeIləbəl)   adj law   1 eligible for release on bail   2 admitting of bail: a bailable offence

■ bailbond (ˈbeIlˌbɒnd)   n   a document in which a prisoner and one or more sureties guarantee that the prisoner will attend a court hearing to answer a charge if he or she is released on bail

■ bail bondsman (ˈbɒndzmən)   n   law an individual or firm that lends bail money to defendants awaiting trial

■ bailment (ˈbeIlmənt)   n   1 contract law a contractual delivery of goods in trust to a person for a specific purpose   2 criminal law the act of granting bail

■ bailor (ˈbeIlə, beIˈlɔː)   n   contract law a person who retains ownership of goods but entrusts possession of them to another under a bailment

■ bail out or bale out   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to make an emergency parachute jump from an aircraft   2 (tr) informal to help (a person, organization, etc) out of a predicament: the government bailed the company out   3 (intr) informal to escape from a predicament   ▷ n bailout (ˈbeIlaʊt)   4 an act of bailing out, usually by the government, of a failing institution or business

■ bailsman (ˈbeIlzmən)   n, pl -men   someone who stands bail for another

bail^2 or bale (beIl)   vb   (often foll by out) to remove (water) from (a boat) [C13: from Old French baille bucket, from Latin bāiulus carrier]   > ˈbailer or ˈbaler n

bail^3 (beIl)   n   1 cricket either of two small wooden bars placed across the tops of the stumps to form the wicket   2 agriculture   a a partition between stalls in a stable or barn, for horses   b a portable dairy house built on wheels or skids   3 Austral and NZ a framework in a cowshed used to secure the head of a cow during milking [C18: from Old French baile stake, fortification, probably from Latin baculum stick]

■ bail up   vb (adverb)   1 Austral and NZ informal to confine (a cow) or (of a cow) to be confined by the head in a bail. See bail^3 (sense 3)   2 (tr) Austral history (of a bushranger) to hold under guard in order to rob   3 (intr) Austral to submit to robbery without offering resistance   4 (tr) Austral informal to accost or detain, esp in conversation; buttonhole

bail^4 or bale (beIl)   n   1 the semicircular handle of a kettle, bucket, etc   2 a semicircular support for a canopy   3 a movable bar on a typewriter that holds the paper against the platen [C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse beygja to bend]

Baile Átha Cliath (blɑːˈklIə)   n   the Irish Gaelic name for Dublin

bailee (beIˈliː)   n   contract law a person to whom the possession of goods is transferred under a bailment

bailey (ˈbeIlI)   n   the outermost wall or court of a castle [C13: from Old French baille enclosed court, from bailler to enclose; see BAIL^3]

Bailey (ˈbeIlI)   n   1  David. born 1938, English photographer   2  Nathan or Nathaniel. died 1742, English lexicographer: compiler of An Universal Etymological English Dictionary (1721–27)

Bailey bridge   n   a temporary bridge made of prefabricated steel panels that can be rapidly assembled [C20: named after Sir Donald Coleman Bailey (1901–85), its English designer]

bailie (ˈbeIlI)   n   1 (in Scotland) a municipal magistrate   2 an obsolete or dialect spelling of bailiff [C13: from Old French bailli, from earlier baillif BAILIFF]

■ bailieship or baillieship (ˈbeIlIˌʃIp)   n   1 the office or district of a bailie   2 obsolete stewardship; the duties and responsibilities of a bailie

bailiff (ˈbeIlIf)   n   1 Brit the agent or steward of a landlord or landowner   2 a sheriff's officer who serves writs and summonses, makes arrests, and ensures that the sentences of the court are carried out   3 chiefly Brit (formerly) a high official having judicial powers   4 chiefly US an official having custody of prisoners appearing in court [C13: from Old French baillif, from bail custody; see BAIL^1]

■ bailiffship (ˈbeIlIfʃIp)   n   the office of a bailiff

bailiwick (ˈbeIlIwIk)   n   1 law the area over which a bailiff has jurisdiction   2 a person's special field of interest, authority, or skill [C15: from BAILI(E) + WICK^2]

bailli (ˈbeIlI)   n   a variant of bailie

■ bailliage (ˈbeIlIIdʒ)   n   1 obsolete the office or district of a bailiff   2 the office or district of a foreign bailli or prefect

Baillie (ˈbeIlI)   n   Dame Isobel. 1895–1983, British soprano

Baily (ˈbeIlI)   n   one of the largest craters on the moon, about 293 kilometres in diameter, lying in the SE quadrant

■ Baily's beads (ˈbeIlIz)   pl n   the brilliant points of sunlight that appear briefly around the moon, just before and after a total eclipse [C19: named after Francis Baily (died 1844), English astronomer who described them]

Bainbridge (ˈbeInˌbrIdʒ)   n   Beryl.1934–2010, British novelist and playwright. Novels include The Dressmaker (1973), Injury Time (1977), Master Georgie (1998), and According to Queeney (2001)

báinín or bawneen (ˈbɑːniːn)   n Irish   1 a collarless reverseless unlined man's jacket made of white close-woven wool   2 the material for such a jacket   3 báinín skirt a skirt made of this material   4 báinín wool white woollen thread [C20: from Irish Gaelic báinín, diminutive of bán white]

bainite (ˈbeInaIt)   n   a mixture of iron and iron carbide found in incompletely hardened steels, produced when austenite is transformed at temperatures between the pearlite and martensite ranges [C20: named after Edgar C. Bain (1891–1971), American physicist; see -ITE^1]

bain-marie French (bɛ̃mari)   n, pl bains-marie (bɛ̃mari)   a vessel for holding hot water, in which sauces and other dishes are gently cooked or kept warm [C19: from French, from Medieval Latin balneum Mariae, literally: bath of Mary, inaccurate translation of Medieval Greek kaminos Marios, literally: furnace of Miriam, alleged author of a treatise on alchemy]

Bairam (baIˈræm, ˈbaIræm)   n   either of two Muslim festivals, one (Lesser Bairam) falling at the end of Ramadan, the other (Greater Bairam) 70 days later at the end of the Islamic year [from Turkish bayrām]

Baird (bɛəd)   n   John Logie (ˈləʊɡI). 1888–1946, Scottish engineer: inventor of a 240-line mechanically scanned system of television, replaced in 1935 by a 405-line electrically scanned system

bairn (bɛən; Scottish bern)   n   Scot and Northern English a child [Old English bearn; related to bearm lap, Old Norse, Old High German barn child]

■ bairnish (ˈbɛənIʃ), bairnlike (ˈbɛənˌlaIk) or bairnly (ˈbɛənlI)   adj   Scot and Northern English childish

Bairnsfather (ˈbɛənzˌfɑːðə)   n   Bruce. 1888–1959, British cartoonist, born in India: best known for his cartoons of the war in the trenches during World War I

baisa or baiza (ˈbaIzɑː)   n   a unit of currency in Oman, worth one-thousandth of a rial

Baisakhi (baIˈsækiː)   n   another name for Vaisakhi

baisemain (beIzˈmæn)   n   archaic a kissing of the hand; thus, a sign of respect

bait^1 (beIt)   n   1 something edible, such as soft bread paste, worms, or pieces of meat, fixed to a hook or in a trap to attract fish or animals   2 an enticement; temptation   3 a variant spelling of bate^4   4 Northern English dialect food, esp a packed lunch   5 archaic a short stop for refreshment during a journey   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to put a piece of food on or in (a hook or trap)   7 (tr) to persecute or tease   8 (tr) to entice; tempt   9 (tr) to set dogs upon (a bear, etc)   10 (tr) archaic to feed (a horse), esp during a break in a journey   11 (intr) archaic to stop for rest and refreshment during a journey [C13: from Old Norse beita to hunt, persecute; related to Old English bǣtan to restrain, hunt, Old High German beizen]

USAGE

The phrase with bated breath is sometimes wrongly spelled with baited breath

■ baiter (ˈbeItə)   n   someone who baits or teases

■ baitfish (ˈbeItˌfIʃ)   n   any small fish used as bait for larger fish

bait^2 (beIt)   vb   a variant spelling of bate^2

baith (beIθ)   adj   Scot both

baize (beIz)   n   1 a woollen fabric resembling felt, usually green, used mainly for the tops of billiard tables   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to line or cover with such fabric [C16: from Old French baies, plural of baie baize, from bai reddish brown, BAY^5, perhaps the original colour of the fabric]

Baja California (ˈbaehɑ)   n   1 the Spanish name for Lower California   2 a state of NW Mexico, in the N part of the Lower California peninsula. Capital: Mexicali. Pop: 2 487 700 (2000). Area: about 71 500 sq km (27 600 sq miles)

Baja California Norte (ˈnɔːteI)   n   an informal name for Baja California (sense 2)

Baja California Sur   n   a state of NW Mexico, in the S part of the Lower California peninsula. Capital: La Paz. Pop: 423 516 (2000). Area: 73 475 sq km (28 363 sq miles)

bajada Spanish (baˈxada)   n   rugby Union a scrummaging technique, developed in Argentina, in which all eight forwards in a pack drive forward low and hard [C20: from Spanish bajar to go down]

Bajan (ˈbeIdʒən) Caribbean informal   n   1 a native of Barbados   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Barbados or its inhabitants [C20: variant of Badian, a shortened form of Barbadian]

bajillion informal, chiefly US (bəˈdʒIljən)   n   1 an extremely large but unspecified number, quantity, or amount: they'll sell a bajillion of these   ▷ determiner   2 amounting to a bajillion: a bajillion dollars [C20: on the model of MILLION, BILLION, etc]

bajra (ˈbɑːdʒrə)   n   a type of millet grown in India

baju (ˈbɑːdʒuː)   n   a traditional Malay long-sleeved and high-collared shirt worn by men

BAK text messaging   abbreviation for   back at keyboard

bake (beIk)   vb   1 (tr) to cook by dry heat in or as if in an oven   2 (intr) to cook bread, pastry, etc, in an oven   3 to make or become hardened by heat   4 (intr) informal to be extremely hot, as in the heat of the sun   ▷ n   5 US a party at which the main dish is baked   6 a batch of things baked at one time   7 Scot a kind of biscuit   8 Caribbean a small flat fried cake [Old English bacan; related to Old Norse baka, Old High German bahhan to bake, Greek phōgein to parch, roast]

■ bakeapple (ˈbeIkˌæpəl)   n   Canadian the fruit of the cloudberry

■ bakeboard (ˈbeIkˌbɔːd)   n   a board on which bread dough is rolled and kneaded

■ baked Alaska   n   a dessert consisting of cake and ice cream covered with meringue and cooked very quickly in a hot oven

■ baked beans   pl n   haricot beans, baked and tinned in tomato sauce

■ bakehouse (ˈbeIkˌhaʊs)   n   another word for bakery

■ bake in   vb   (tr, adverb) informal to include (a feature) as an integral part of a computer's operating system

■ bakemeat (ˈbeIkˌmiːt)   n   archaic a pie

■ bakeoff (ˈbeIkˌɒf)   n   a baking competition

■ baker (ˈbeIkə)   n   1 a person whose business or employment is to make or sell bread, cakes, etc   2 a portable oven   3 on the baker's list Irish informal in good health

■ baker's (ˈbeIkəz)   n   a bakery or shop run by a baker selling bread and usually cakes, buns, etc

■ baker's dozen   n   thirteen [C16: from the bakers' former practice of giving thirteen rolls where twelve were requested, to protect themselves against accusations of giving light weight]

■ bakery (ˈbeIkərI)   n, pl -eries   1 Also called: bakehouse a room or building equipped for baking   2 Also called: bakeshop a shop in which bread, cakes, etc, are sold

■ bakestone (ˈbeIkˌstəʊn)   n   a flat stone placed in or near an oven or fire, for baking cakes on

■ bakeware (ˈbeIkwɛə)   n   dishes and other cooking utensils used for baking

■ baking (ˈbeIkIŋ)   n   1    a the process of cooking bread, cakes, etc   b (as modifier): a baking dish   2 the bread, cakes, etc, cooked at one time   ▷ adj   3 (esp of weather) very hot and dry

■ baking powder   n   any of various powdered mixtures that contain sodium bicarbonate, starch (usually flour), and one or more slightly acidic compounds, such as cream of tartar: used in baking as a substitute for yeast

Bakelite (ˈbeIkəˌlaIt)   n   trademark any one of a class of thermosetting resins used as electric insulators and for making plastic ware, telephone receivers, etc [C20: named after L. H. Baekeland (1863–1944), Belgian-born US inventor; see -ITE^1]

Baker (ˈbeIkə)   n   1  Sir Benjamin. 1840–1907, British engineer who, with Sir John Fowler, designed and constructed much of the London underground railway, the Forth Railway Bridge, and the first Aswan Dam   2  Chet, full name Chesney H. Baker. 1929–88, US jazz trumpeter and singer   3  Dame Janet. born 1933, British mezzo-soprano   4  Sir Samuel White. 1821–93, British explorer: discovered Lake Albert (1864)

Bakewell (ˈbeIkwɛl)   n   Robert. 1725–95, English agriculturist; radically improved livestock breeding, esp of cattle and sheep

Bakewell tart (ˈbeIkwɛl)   n   Brit an open tart having a pastry base and a layer of jam and filled with almond-flavoured sponge cake [C19: named after Bakewell, Derbyshire]

bakgat (bʌkˈxʊt)   adj South African   fine, excellent, marvellous [C20: from Afrikaans]

Bakhtaran (ˌbæktəˈrɑːn, -ˈræn)   n   the former name (1987–1995) of Kermanshah

bakkie (ˈbʌkiː)   n   South African a small truck with an open body and low sides [C20: from Afrikaans bak container]

baklava or baclava (ˈbɑːkləˌvɑː)   n   a rich cake of Middle Eastern origin consisting of thin layers of pastry filled with nuts and honey [from Turkish]

bakra (ˈbækrə) Caribbean   n, pl -ra or -ras   1 a White person, esp one from Britain   ▷ adj   2 (of people) White, esp British [of African origin]

baksheesh or backsheesh (ˈbækʃiːʃ) (in some Eastern countries, esp formerly)   n   1 money given as a tip, a present, or alms   ▷ vb   2 to give such money to (a person) [C17: from Persian bakhshīsh, from bakhshīdan to give; related to Sanskrit bhaksati he enjoys]

Bakst (Russian bakst)   n   Leon Nikolayevich (lIˈɔn nikaˈlajIvitʃ). 1866–1924, Russian painter and stage designer, noted particularly for his richly coloured sets for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes (1909–21)

Baku (Russian baˈku)   n   the capital of Azerbaijan, a port on the Caspian Sea: important for its extensive oilfields. Pop: 2 373 633 (2015 est). Azerbaijani name: Bakı

Bakunin (Russian baˈkunin)   n   Mikhail (mixaˈil). 1814–76, Russian anarchist and writer: a prominent member of the First International, expelled from it after conflicts with Marx

BAL   abbreviation for   British anti-lewisite. See dimercaprol

Bala (ˈbælə)   n   a narrow lake in Gwynedd: the largest natural lake in Wales. Length: 6 km (4 miles)

Balaam (ˈbeIlæm)   n   Old Testament a Mesopotamian diviner who, when summoned to curse the Israelites, prophesied future glories for them instead, after being reproached by his ass (Numbers 22–23)

baladine French (baladin) or baladin (baladɛ̃)   n   a theatrical dancer or stage buffoon

Balaguer (ˌbæləˈɡwɛə)   n   Joaquin (ˈjoːakIn). 1907–2002, Dominican statesman; president of the Dominican Republic (1960–62, 1966–78, 1986–96)

Balakirev (Russian baˈlakirIf)   n   Mily Alexeyevich (ˈmilij alIkˈsjejIvitʃ). 1837–1910, Russian composer, whose works include two symphonic poems, two symphonies, and many arrangements of Russian folk songs

Balaklava or Balaclava (ˌbæləˈklɑːvə; Russian bəlaˈklavə)   n   a small port in S Crimea: scene of an inconclusive battle (1854), which included the charge of the Light Brigade, during the Crimean War

■ Balaclava or Balaclava helmet (ˌbæləˈklɑːvə)   n   (often not capitals) a close-fitting woollen hood that covers the ears and neck, as originally worn by soldiers in the Crimean War [C19: named after BALAKLAVA]

balalaika (ˌbæləˈlaIkə)   n   a plucked musical instrument, usually having a triangular body and three strings: used chiefly for Russian folk music [C18: from Russian]

balance (ˈbæləns)   n   1 a weighing device, generally consisting of a horizontal beam pivoted at its centre, from the ends of which two pans are suspended. The substance to be weighed is placed in one pan and known weights are placed in the other until the beam returns to the horizontal. See also microbalance   2 an imagined device for assessing events, actions, motives, etc, in relation to each other (esp in the phrases weigh in the balance, hang in the balance)   3 a state of equilibrium   4 something that brings about such a state   5 equilibrium of the body; steadiness: to lose one's balance   6 emotional stability; calmness of mind   7 harmony in the parts of a whole: balance in an artistic composition   8 the act of weighing factors, quantities, etc, against each other   9 the power to influence or control: he held the balance of power   10 something that remains or is left: let me have the balance of what you owe me   11 accounting   a equality of debit and credit totals in an account   b a difference between such totals   12 chem the state of a chemical equation in which the number, kind, electrical charges, etc, of the atoms on opposite sides are equal   13 a balancing movement   14 short for spring balance   15 in the balance in an uncertain or undecided condition   16 on balance after weighing up all the factors   17 strike a balance to make a compromise   ▷ vb   18 (tr) to weigh in or as if in a balance   19 (intr) to be or come into equilibrium   20 (tr) to bring into or hold in equilibrium   21 (tr) to assess or compare the relative weight, importance, etc, of   22 (tr) to act so as to equalize; be equal to   23 (tr) to compose or arrange so as to create a state of harmony   24 (tr) to bring (a chemical or mathematical equation) into balance   25 (tr) accounting   a to compute the credit and debit totals of (an account) in order to determine the difference   b to equalize the credit and debit totals of (an account) by making certain entries   c to settle or adjust (an account) by paying any money due   26 (intr) (of a business account, balance sheet, etc) to have the debit and credit totals equal   27 to match or counter (one's dancing partner or his or her steps) by moving towards and away from him or her [C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin bilancia (unattested), from Late Latin bilanx having two scalepans, from BI-1 + lanx scale]   > ˈbalanceable adj

■ balance bridge   n   a bascule bridge. See bascule (sense 1)

■ balanced (ˈbælənst)   adj   1 having weight evenly distributed; being in a state of equilibrium   2 (of a person) mentally and emotionally stable   3 (of a discussion, programme, etc) presenting opposing points of view fairly and without bias   4 (of a diet) consisting of all essential nutrients in suitable form and amounts to maintain health   5 (of a budget) having expenditure no greater than income   6 electronics (of signals or circuitry) symmetrically disposed about earth or other reference potential   7 (of a chemical equation) having the correct relative number of moles of reactants and products

■ balance of nature   n   the stable state in which natural communities of animals and plants exist, maintained by adaptation, competition, and other interactions between members of the communities and their nonliving environment

■ balance of payments   n   the difference over a given time between total payments to foreign nations, arising from imports of goods and services and transfers abroad of capital, interest, grants, etc, and total receipts from foreign nations, arising from exports of goods and services and transfers from abroad of capital, interest, grants, etc

■ balance of power   n   1 the distribution of power among countries so that no one nation can seriously threaten the fundamental interests of another   2 any similar distribution of power or influence

■ balance of trade   n   economics the difference in value between total exports and total imports of goods. Also called: visible balance. Compare invisible balance

■ balance pipe   n   engineering a pipe between two points used to equalize pressure

■ balancer (ˈbælənsə)   n   1 a person or thing that balances   2 entomol another name for haltere

■ balance sheet   n   a statement that shows the financial position of a business enterprise at a specified date by listing the asset balances and the claims on such assets

■ balance weight   n   engineering a weight used in machines to counterbalance a part, as of a crankshaft. Also called: bobweight

■ balance wheel   n   a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece, thereby regulating its beat

■ balancing (ˈbælənsIŋ)   n   1 the process of achieving or maintaining equilibrium   2 accounting, finance achieving equality of debit and credit totals in an account

■ balancing act (ˈbælənsIŋ)   n   1 a circus act in which a performer displays his or her balancing ability   2 a situation requiring careful balancing of opposing groups, views, or activities: a delicate balancing act between Greek and Turkish interests

Balance (ˈbæləns)   n   the Balance the constellation Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac

Balanchine (ˈbælənˌtʃiːn, ˌbælənˈtʃiːn)   n   George. 1904–83, US choreographer, born in Russia

balanitis (ˌbæləˈnaItIs)   n   med inflammation of the glans penis, usually due to infection [from New Latin balanus, from Greek balanos acorn + -ITIS]

balas (ˈbæləs, ˈbeI-) or balas ruby   n   a red variety of spinel, used as a gemstone [C15: from Old French balais, from Arabic bālakhsh, from Badhakhshān, region in Afghanistan where the gem is found]

balata (ˈbælətə)   n   1 a tropical American sapotaceous tree, Manilkara bidentata, yielding a latex-like sap   2 a rubber-like gum obtained from this sap: used as a substitute for gutta-percha [from American Spanish, of Carib origin]

Balaton (Hungarian ˈbɔlɔton)   n   Lake Balaton a large shallow lake in W Hungary. Area: 689 sq km (266 sq miles)

balayage (ˈbælIjɑːʒ, ˈbalIjɑːʒ; French balɛjaʒ)   n   1    a a technique for highlighting hair in which bleach or dye is painted onto sections of the hair with a brush   b (as modifier): the balayage technique; the balayage look   ▷ vb   2 to highlight hair by painting bleach or dye onto sections with a brush [C20: from French, from balayer to sweep]

Balbo (Italian ˈbalbo)   n   Italo (ˈitalo). 1896–1940, Italian Fascist politician and airman: minister of aviation (1929–33)

Balboa^1 (bælˈbəʊə; Spanish balˈβoa)   n   Vasco Núñez de (ˈbasko ˈnuɲeθ de). ?1475–1519, Spanish explorer, who discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513

■ balboa (bælˈbəʊə)   n   the standard currency unit of Panama, divided into 100 centesimos [named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa]

Balboa^2 (bælˈbəʊə; Spanish balˈβoa)   n   a port in Panama at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal: the administrative centre of the former Canal Zone. Pop: 2750 (1990)

balbriggan (bælˈbrIɡən)   n   1 a knitted unbleached cotton fabric   2 (often plural) underwear made of this [C19: from Balbriggan, Ireland, where it was originally made]

balbutient (bælˈbjuːʃənt)   adj   literary stuttering, stammering

Balcon (ˈbɔːlkən)   n   Sir Michael. 1896–1977, British film producer; his films made at Ealing Studios include the comedies Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) and The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)

balconet (ˌbælkəˈnɛt)   n   architect a small ornamental balcony which does not extend far beyond the window, essentially a guardrail

balconette (ˌbælkəˈnɛt)   n   a lightly padded bra that is designed to lift and enhance the appearance of a woman's bust

balcony (ˈbælkənI)   n, pl -nies   1 a platform projecting from the wall of a building with a balustrade or railing along its outer edge, often with access from a door or window   2 a gallery in a theatre or auditorium, above the dress circle   3 US and Canadian any circle or gallery in a theatre or auditorium including the dress circle [C17: from Italian balcone, probably from Old High German balko beam; see BALK]   > ˈbalconied adj

bald (bɔːld)   adj   1 having no hair or fur, esp having no hair on all or most of the scalp   2 lacking natural growth or covering   3 plain or blunt: a bald statement   4 bare or simple; unadorned   5 Also: baldfaced (of certain birds and other animals) having white markings on the head and face   6 (of a tyre) having a worn tread [C14 ballede (literally: having a white spot); related to Danish bǣldet, Greek phalaros having a white spot]   > ˈbaldish adj   > ˈbaldly adv   > ˈbaldness n

■ bald cypress   n   another name for swamp cypress

■ bald eagle   n   a large eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, of North America, having a white head and tail, a yellow bill, and dark wings and body. It is the US national bird

■ baldfaced (ˈbɔːldˌfeIst)   adj   1 a variant form of bald (sense 5)   2 esp US blatant or undisguised

■ baldhead (ˈbɔːldˌhɛd)   n   a person with a bald head

■ baldheaded (ˌbɔːldˈhɛdId)   adj   having a bald head

■ balding (ˈbɔːldIŋ)   adj   somewhat bald or becoming bald

■ baldpate (ˈbɔːldˌpeIt)   n   1 a person with a bald head   2 the American wigeon. See wigeon (sense 2)

■ baldy (ˈbɔːldI) informal   adj   1 bald   ▷ n, pl baldies   2 a bald person

baldachin, baldaquin (ˈbɔːldəkIn) or baldachino (ˌbɔːldəˈkiːnəʊ)   n   1 a richly ornamented silk and gold brocade   2 a canopy of fabric or stone over an altar, shrine, or throne in a Christian church or carried in Christian religious processions over an object of veneration [Old English baldekin, from Italian baldacchino, literally: stuff from Baghdad, from Baldacco Baghdad, noted for its brocades]

Balder (ˈbɔːldə)   n   Norse myth a god, son of Odin and Frigg, noted for his beauty and sweet nature. He was killed by a bough of mistletoe thrown by the blind god Höd, misled by the malicious Loki

balderdash (ˈbɔːldəˌdæʃ)   n   stupid or illogical talk; senseless rubbish [C16: of unknown origin]

balderlocks (ˈbældəˌlɒks)   n   another name for badderlocks

baldmoney (ˈbɔːldˌmʌnI)   n   another name for spignel

baldric (ˈbɔːldrIk) or bawdric (ˈbɔːdrIk)   n   a wide silk sash or leather belt worn over the right shoulder to the left hip for carrying a sword, etc [C13: from Old French baudrei, of Frankish origin]

Baldwin (ˈbɔːldwIn)   n   1  James Arthur. 1924–87, US Black writer, whose works include the novel Go Tell it on the Mountain (1954)   2  Stanley, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley. 1867–1947, British Conservative statesman: prime minister (1923–24, 1924–29, 1935–37)

Baldwin I   n   1058–1118, crusader and first king of Jerusalem (1100–18), who captured Acre (1104), Beirut (1109), and Sidon (1110)

bale^1 (beIl)   n   1 a large bundle, esp of a raw or partially processed material, bound by ropes, wires, etc, for storage or transportation: bale of hay   2 a large package or carton of goods   3 US 500 pounds of cotton   4 a group of turtles   5 Austral and NZ See wool bale   ▷ vb   6 to make (hay, etc) into a bale or bales   7 to put (goods) into packages or cartons   8 Austral and NZ to pack and compress (wool) into wool bales [C14: probably from Old French bale, from Old High German balla BALL^1]

■ baler (ˈbeIlə) or baling machine   n   an agricultural machine for making bales of hay, etc

bale^2 (beIl)   n archaic   1 evil; injury   2 woe; suffering; pain [Old English bealu; related to Old Norse böl evil, Gothic balwa, Old High German balo]

■ baleful (ˈbeIlfʊl)   adj   1 harmful, menacing, or vindictive   2 archaic dejected   > ˈbalefully adv   > ˈbalefulness n

bale^3 (beIl)   vb   a variant spelling of bail^2

bale^4 (beIl)   n   a variant spelling of bail^4

Bâle (bɑl)   n   the French name for Basle

Balearic Islands (ˌbælIˈærIk) or Balearics (ˌbælIˈærIks)   pl n   a group of islands in the W Mediterranean, consisting of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Cabrera, and 11 islets: a province of Spain. Capital: Palma, on Majorca. Pop: 1 071 500 (2003 est). Area: 5012 sq km (1935 sq miles). Spanish name: (Islas) Baleares (baleˈares). Catalan name: Illes Balears (ˈiʎəz bələˈas)

■ Balearic (ˌbælIˈærIk)   adj   of or relating to the Balearic Islands

baleen (bəˈliːn)   n   whalebone [C14: from Latin bālaena whale; related to Greek phalaina whale]

■ baleen whale   n   another name for whalebone whale

balefire (ˈbeIlˌfaIə)   n archaic   1 a bonfire   2 a beacon fire   3 a funeral pyre [C14 bale, from Old English bǣl pyre; related to Old Norse bāl flame, pyre, Sanskrit bhāla brightness]

Balenciaga (Spanish balenˈθjaɣa)   n   Cristobal (krisˈtoβal). 1895–1972, Spanish couturier

Balfour (ˈbælfɔː, -fə, -fʊə)   n   Arthur James, 1st Earl of Balfour. 1848–1930, British Conservative statesman: prime minister (1902–05); foreign secretary (1916–19)

■ Balfour Declaration   n   the statement made by Arthur Balfour in 1917 of British support for the setting up of a national home for the Jews in Palestine, provided that the rights of "existing non-Jewish communities" in Palestine could be safeguarded

Bali (ˈbɑːlI)   n   an island in Indonesia, east of Java: mountainous, rising over 3000 m (10 000 ft). Capital: Denpasar. Pop: 3 151 162 (2000). Area: 5558 sq km (2146 sq miles)

■ Balinese (ˌbɑːlIˈniːz)   adj   1 of or relating to Bali, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 (pl -nese) a native or inhabitant of Bali   3 the language of the people of Bali, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family

■ Balinese cat   n   a breed of cat with medium-length silky hair, a plumed tail, blue eyes, large ears, and a dark mask, tail, and paws

balibuntal (ˌbælIˈbʌntəl)   n   1 closely woven fine straw, used for making hats in the Philippines   2 a hat of this straw [C20: changed from Baliuag buntal, from Baliuag in the Philippines, where such hats were made]

Balikpapan (ˌbɑːlIkˈpɑːpɑːn)   n   a city in Indonesia, on the SE coast of Borneo. Pop: 409 023 (2000)

Baliol or Balliol (ˈbeIlIəl)   n   1  Edward. ?1283–1364, king of Scotland (1332, 1333–56)   2  his father, John. 1249–1315, king of Scotland (1292–96): defeated and imprisoned by Edward I of England (1296)

balisaur (ˈbælIˌsɔː)   n   an Indian animal, Arctonyx collaris, resembling a badger

balise (bəˈliːz)   n   an electronic beacon used on a railway

balk or baulk (bɔːk, bɔːlk)   vb   1 (intr; usually foll by at) to stop short, esp suddenly or unexpectedly; jib: the horse balked at the jump   2 (intr; foll by at) to turn away abruptly; recoil: he balked at the idea of murder   3 (tr) to thwart, check, disappoint, or foil: he was balked in his plans   4 (tr) to avoid deliberately: he balked the question   5 (tr) to miss unintentionally   ▷ n   6 a roughly squared heavy timber beam   7 a timber tie beam of a roof   8 an unploughed ridge to prevent soil erosion or mark a division on common land   9 an obstacle; hindrance; disappointment   10 baseball an illegal motion by a pitcher towards the plate or towards the base when there are runners on base, esp without delivering the ball   ▶ See also baulk [Old English balca; related to Old Norse bálkr partition, Old High German balco beam]   > ˈbalker or ˈbaulker n

■ balkingly or baulkingly (ˈbɔːlkIŋlI)   adv   in a balking manner

■ balky or baulky (ˈbɔːkI, ˈbɔːlkI)   adj balkier, balkiest or baulkier, baulkiest   inclined to stop abruptly and unexpectedly: a balky horse   > ˈbalkily or ˈbaulkily adv   > ˈbalkiness or ˈbaulkiness n

Balkan (ˈbɔːlkən)   adj   of, denoting, or relating to the Balkan States or their inhabitants, the Balkan Peninsula, or the Balkan Mountains

■ Balkanize or Balkanise (ˈbɔːlkəˌnaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to divide (a territory) into small warring states   2 to divide (a group or organization) into small factions   > ˌBalkaniˈzation or ˌBalkaniˈsation n   > ˈBalkaˌnized or ˈBalkaˌnised adj

■ Balkan Mountains   pl n   a mountain range extending across Bulgaria from the Black Sea to the eastern border. Highest peak: Mount Botev, 2376 m (7793 ft)

■ Balkan Peninsula   n   a large peninsula in SE Europe, between the Adriatic and Aegean Seas

■ Balkan States   pl n   the countries of the Balkan Peninsula: the former Yugoslavian Republics, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, and the European part of Turkey. Also called: the Balkans

Balkh (bɑːlk)   n   a region of N Afghanistan, corresponding to ancient Bactria. Chief town: Mazar-i-Sharif

Balkhash (Russian balˈxaʃ)   n   Lake Balkhash a salt lake in SE Kazakhstan: fed by the Ili River. Area: about 18 000 sq km (7000 sq miles)

Balkis (ˈbælkIs)   n   the name in the Koran of the queen of Sheba^2

ball^1 (bɔːl)   n   1 a spherical or nearly spherical body or mass: a ball of wool   2 a round or roundish body, either solid or hollow, of a size and composition suitable for any of various games: football, golf, billiards, etc   3 a ball propelled in a particular way in a sport: a high ball   4 any of various rudimentary games with a ball: to play ball   5 cricket a single delivery of the ball by the bowler to the batsman   6 baseball a single delivery of the ball by a pitcher outside certain limits and not swung at by the batter   7    a a solid nonexplosive projectile for a firearm. Compare shell (sense 6)   b such projectiles collectively   8 any more or less rounded part or protuberance: the ball of the foot   9 vulgar, slang a testicle. See balls   10 vet science another word for bolus   11 horticulture the hard mass of roots and earth removed with the rest of the plant during transplanting   12 ball of muscle Austral a very strong, fit, or forceful person   13 have the ball at one's feet to have the chance of doing something   14 keep the ball rolling to maintain the progress of a project, plan, etc   15 on the ball informal alert; informed   16 play ball informal to cooperate   17 set the ball rolling or start the ball rolling to open or initiate (an action, discussion, movement, etc)   18 the ball is in your court you are obliged to make the next move   ▷ vb   19 (tr) to make, form, wind, etc, into a ball or balls: to ball wool   20 (intr) to gather into a ball or balls   21 vulgar, slang, chiefly US to copulate (with) [C13: from Old Norse böllr; related to Old High German balla, Italian palla French balle]

USAGE

Sense 9 of this word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in older editions of Collins English Dictionary. However, it has become acceptable in speech, although more conservative people may object to its use

■ ball ammunition   n   live small-arms ammunition

■ ball and chain   n   1 (formerly) a heavy iron ball attached to a chain and fastened to a prisoner   2 a heavy restraint   3 derogatory or jocular, slang a wife

■ ball-and-socket joint or ball joint   n   1 a coupling between two rods, tubes, etc, that consists of a spherical part fitting into a spherical socket, allowing free movement within a specific conical volume   2 Also called: multiaxial joint anatomy a bony joint, such as the hip joint, in which a rounded head fits into a rounded cavity, allowing a wide range of movement

■ ball bearing   n   1 a bearing consisting of a number of hard steel balls rolling between a metal sleeve fitted over the rotating shaft and an outer sleeve held in the bearing housing, so reducing friction between moving parts while providing support for the shaft   2 a metal ball, esp one used in such a bearing

■ ball boy or ball girl   n   (in sport, esp tennis) a person who retrieves balls that go out of play

■ ballbreaker (ˈbɔːlˌbreIkə)   n   slang a person, esp a woman, whose character and behaviour may be regarded as threatening a man's sense of power [C20: from BALL^1 (in the sense: testicle) + BREAKER^1]

■ ballcarrier (ˈbɔːlˌkærIə)   n   American football the player in possession of the ball

■ ballclay (ˈbɔːlˌkleI)   n   a type of fine-grained clay suitable for making ceramics

■ ball cock or ballcock (ˈbɔːlkɒk)   n   a device for regulating the flow of a liquid into a tank, cistern, etc, consisting of a floating ball mounted at one end of an arm and a valve on the other end that opens and closes as the ball falls and rises with the water level in the cistern

■ baller (ˈbɔːlə)   n   1 slang a ball-game player, esp in basketball   2 slang someone, usually a man, who lives in an extravagant and materialistic manner, tending to be something of a socialite   3 informal an instrument used to make balls of something: a melon baller   4 carpentry a tool used to shape the end of a dowel

■ ballflower (ˈbɔːlˌflaʊə)   n   architect a carved ornament in the form of a ball enclosed by the three petals of a circular flower

■ ballgame (ˈbɔːlˌɡeIm)   n   1 any game played with a ball   2 US and Canadian a game of baseball   3 informal a situation; state of affairs (esp in the phrase a whole new ballgame)

■ ballhandling (ˈbɔːlˌhændlIŋ)   n   basketball skill in handling the ball

■ ballhawk (ˈbɔːlˌhɔːk) US informal   n   1 a sportsman who is skilled at winning possession of the ball, esp in basketball   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to act as a ballhawk   3 (tr) to take possession of (the ball)

■ ball hockey   n   Canadian a game similar to ice hockey, but played on foot on a hard surface without ice, using a hard plastic ball instead of a puck

■ ball joint   n   another name for ball-and-socket joint

■ ball lightning   n   meteorol a luminous electrically charged ball occasionally seen during electrical storms

■ ball mill   n   engineering a horizontal cylinder or cone in which a substance, such as a mineral, is ground by rotation with steel or ceramic balls

■ ball of fire   n   informal a very lively person

■ ballpark (ˈbɔːlˌpɑːk)   n   1 US and Canadian a stadium used for baseball games   2 informal   a approximate range: in the right ballpark   b (as modifier): a ballpark figure   3 informal a situation; state of affairs: it's a whole new ballpark for him

■ ballpeen hammer (ˈbɔːlˌpiːn)   n   a hammer that has one end of its head shaped in a hemisphere for beating metal, etc

■ ballplayer (ˈbɔːlˌpleIə)   n   1 a player, esp in soccer, with outstanding ability to control the ball   2 US and Canadian a baseball player, esp a professional

■ ballpoint, ballpoint pen (ˈbɔːlˌpɔInt) or ball pen   n   a pen having a small ball bearing as a writing point. Also called (Brit): Biro

■ ball race   n engineering   1 a ball bearing   2 one of the metal rings having a circular track within which the balls of the bearing roll

■ ball tearer   n   Austral slang something exceptional in its class, for good or bad qualities

■ ball valve   n   a one-way valve consisting of a metal ball with a cylindrical hole fitting into a concave seat over an opening

■ ballyard (ˈbɔːlˌjɑːd)   n   a baseball ground

ball^2 (bɔːl)   n   1 a social function for dancing, esp one that is lavish or formal   2 informal a very enjoyable time (esp in the phrase have a ball) [C17: from French bal (n), from Old French baller (vb), from Late Latin ballāre to dance, from Greek ballizein]

■ ballgown (ˈbɔːlɡaʊn) or ball gown   n   a long formal dress worn to a formal dance or other social occasion

■ ballroom (ˈbɔːlˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a large hall for dancing

■ ballroom dancing   n   social dancing, popular since the beginning of the 20th century, to dances in conventional rhythms (ballroom dances) such as the foxtrot and the quickstep

Ball (bɔːl)   n   John. died 1381, English priest: executed as one of the leaders of the Peasants' Revolt (1381)

ballabile (bæˈlɑːbIˌleI)   n   a dance within a ballet where the chorus perform, with or without the principal dancers

ballad (ˈbæləd)   n   1 a narrative song with a recurrent refrain   2 a narrative poem in short stanzas of popular origin, originally sung to a repeated tune   3 a slow sentimental song, esp a pop song [C15: from Old French balade, from Old Provençal balada song accompanying a dance, from balar to dance, from Late Latin ballāre; see BALL^2]

■ balladeer (ˌbæləˈdIə)   n   a singer of ballads

■ balladic (bəˈlædIk)   adj   relating to ballads

■ balladist (ˈbælədIst)   n   someone who composes or performs ballads

■ ballad metre   n   the metre of a ballad stanza

■ balladmonger (ˈbælədˌmʌŋɡə)   n   1 (formerly) a seller of ballads, esp on broadsheets   2 derogatory a writer of mediocre poetry

■ ballad opera   n   an opera consisting of popular tunes to which appropriate words have been set, interspersed with spoken dialogue

■ balladry (ˈbælədrI)   n   1 ballad poetry or songs   2 the art of writing, composing, or performing ballads

■ ballad stanza   n   a four-line stanza, often used in ballads, in which the second and fourth lines rhyme and have three stresses each and the first and third lines are unrhymed and have four stresses each

ballade (bæˈlɑːd; French balad)   n   1 prosody a verse form consisting of three stanzas and an envoy, all ending with the same line. The first three stanzas commonly have eight or ten lines each and the same rhyme scheme   2 music an instrumental composition, esp for piano, based on or intended to evoke a narrative

Ballance (ˈbæləns)   n   John. 1839–93, New Zealand statesman, born in Northern Ireland: prime minister of New Zealand (1891–93)

ballant (ˈbælənt)   n Scot   1 a ballad   ▷ vb (tr)   2 archaic to write a ballad about

Ballantyne (ˈbælənˌtaIn)   n   R(obert) M(ichael). 1825–94, British author, noted for such adventure stories as The Coral Island (1857)

ballanwrasse (ˈbælənˌræs) or ballan (ˈbælən)   n   a slow-growing fish (Labrus bergylta) found in rocky waters

Ballarat (ˈbæləˌræt, ˌbæləˈræt)   n   a town in SE Australia, in S central Victoria: originally the centre of a gold-mining region. Pop: 72 999 (2001). See also Eureka Stockade

Ballard (ˈbælɑːd)   n   J(ames) G(raham). 1930–2009, British novelist, born in China; his books include Crash (1973), The Unlimited Dream Company (1979), Empire of the Sun (1984), Cocaine Nights (1996), and Super-Cannes (2000)

■ Ballardian (ˌbælˈɑːdIən)   adj   1 of James Graham Ballard (1930–2009), the British novelist, or his works   2 resembling or suggestive of the conditions described in Ballard's novels and stories, esp dystopian modernity, bleak man-made landscapes, and the psychological effects of technological, social or environmental developments

ballast (ˈbæləst)   n   1 any dense heavy material, such as lead or iron pigs, used to stabilize a vessel, esp one that is not carrying cargo   2 crushed rock, broken stone, etc, used for the foundation of a road or railway track   3 coarse aggregate of sandy gravel, used in making concrete   4 anything that provides stability or weight   5 electronics a device for maintaining the current in a circuit   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to give stability or weight to [C16: probably from Low German; related to Old Danish, Old Swedish barlast, literally: bare load (without commercial value), from bar bare, mere + last load, burden]

■ ballaster (ˈbæləstə)   n   someone who supplies ballast for a ship; someone who ballasts

ballat (ˈbælət)   n   Scot a ballad

ballerina (ˌbæləˈriːnə)   n   1 a female ballet dancer   2 US the principal female dancer of a ballet company [C18: from Italian, feminine of ballerino dancing master, from ballare to dance, from Late Latin ballāre: see BALL^2]

Ballesteros (ˌbælɛˈstɛrɒs; Spanish baʎesˈterɔs)   n   Severiano (sevɛˈrjano). 1957–2011, Spanish professional golfer: won the British Open Championship (1979, 1984, 1988) and the US Masters (1980, 1983)

ballet (ˈbæleI, bæˈleI)   n   1    a a classical style of expressive dancing based on precise conventional steps with gestures and movements of grace and fluidity   b (as modifier): ballet dancer   2 a theatrical representation of a story or theme performed to music by ballet dancers   3 a troupe of ballet dancers   4 a piece of music written for a ballet [C17: from French, from Italian balletto literally: a little dance, from ballare to dance; see BALL^2]   > balletic (bæˈlɛtIk) adj

■ balletically (bəˈlɛtIkəlI)   adv   in a balletic fashion; gracefully

■ balletomania (ˌbælItəʊˈmeInIə)   n   passionate enthusiasm for ballet [C20: from BALLET + -O- + -MANIA]   > balletomane (ˈbælItəʊˌmeIn) n

■ ballet-wrap cardigan   n   a cardigan with wrapover fronts which are fastened with wraparound ties

ballicatter (ˌbælIˈkætə)   n   (in Newfoundland) ice that forms along a shore from waves and spray

Balliol (ˈbeIlIəl)   n   See Baliol

ballista (bəˈlIstə)   n, pl -tae (-tiː)   1 an ancient catapult for hurling stones, etc   2 an ancient form of large crossbow used to propel a spear [C16: from Latin, ultimately from Greek ballein to throw]

ballistic (bəˈlIstIk)   adj   1 of or relating to ballistics   2 denoting or relating to the flight of projectiles after power has been cut off, moving under their own momentum and the external forces of gravity and air resistance   3 (of a measurement or measuring instrument) depending on a brief impulse or current that causes a movement related to the quantity to be measured: a ballistic pendulum   4 go ballistic informal to become enraged or frenziedly violent   5 (of materials) strong enough to resist damage by projectile weapons: ballistic nylon   > balˈlistically adv

■ ballistic galvanometer   n   physics a type of galvanometer for measuring surges of current. After deflection the instrument returns slowly to its original reading

■ ballistic missile   n   a missile that has no wings or fins and that follows a ballistic trajectory when its propulsive power is discontinued

■ ballistics (bəˈlIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the flight dynamics of projectiles, either through the interaction of the forces of propulsion, the aerodynamics of the projectile, atmospheric resistance, and gravity (exterior ballistics), or through these forces along with the means of propulsion, and the design of the propelling weapon and projectile (interior ballistics)

■ ballistite (bəˈlIstaIt)   n   chem a smokeless rocket propellant composed of roughly equal proportions of the explosives nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine

■ ballistospore (bəˈlIstəˌspɔː)   n   botany a spore, esp a fungal spore, that is forcefully ejected from its source

ballocks (ˈbɒləks, ˈbæl-)   pl n, interj, vb   a variant spelling of bollocks

ballon French (balɔ̃)   n   1 dancing a quality of gracefulness, poise and buoyancy as found in good dancers   2 a small bale or bundle

ballon d'essai (bæˈlɔ̃ dɛˈseI)   n, pl ballons d'essai (bæˈlɔ̃ dɛˈseI)   a project or policy put forward experimentally to gauge reactions to it. Compare trial balloon [C19: from French, literally: trial balloon]

ballonet (ˌbæləˈnɛt)   n   an air or gas compartment in a balloon or nonrigid airship, used to control buoyancy and shape [C20: from French ballonnet a little BALLOON]

ballonné (bæləˈneI; French balɔne)   n   a bouncing step in dancing, esp in ballet

balloon (bəˈluːn)   n   1 an inflatable rubber bag of various sizes, shapes, and colours: usually used as a plaything or party decoration   2 a large impermeable bag inflated with a lighter-than-air gas, designed to rise and float in the atmosphere. It may have a basket or gondola for carrying passengers, etc. See also barrage balloon, hot-air balloon   3 a circular or elliptical figure containing the words or thoughts of a character in a cartoon   4 Brit   a a kick or stroke that propels a ball high into the air   b (as modifier): a balloon shot   5 chem a round-bottomed flask   6 a large rounded brandy glass   7 commerce   a a large sum paid as an irregular instalment of a loan repayment   b (as modifier): a balloon loan   8 surgery   a an inflatable plastic tube used for dilating obstructed blood vessels or parts of the alimentary canal   b (as modifier): balloon angioplasty   9 go down like a lead balloon informal to be completely unsuccessful or unpopular   10 when the balloon goes up informal when the trouble or action begins   ▷ vb   11 (intr) to go up or fly in a balloon   12 (intr) to increase or expand significantly and rapidly: losses ballooned to £278 million   13 to inflate or be inflated; distend; swell: the wind ballooned the sails   14 (tr) Brit to propel (a ball) high into the air [C16 (in the sense: ball, ball game): from Italian dialect ballone, from balla, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German balla BALL^1]   > balˈlooning n   > balˈloonist n   > balˈloon-ˌlike adj

■ balloon loan   n   a loan in respect of which interest and capital are paid off in instalments at irregular intervals

■ balloon payment   n   a large payment that concludes a series of smaller payments, for example in order to repay a loan

■ balloon sail   n   nautical a large light bellying sail used in light winds. Compare spinnaker

■ balloon sleeve   n   a sleeve fitting tightly from wrist to elbow and becoming fully rounded from elbow to shoulder

■ balloon tyre   n   a pneumatic tyre containing air at a relatively low pressure and having a wide tread

■ balloon vine   n   a tropical tendril-climbing sapindaceous plant, Cardiospermum halicacabum, cultivated for its ornamental balloon-like seed capsules

ballot (ˈbælət)   n   1 the democratic practice of selecting a representative, a course of action, or deciding some other choice by submitting the options to a vote of all qualified persons   2 an instance of voting, usually in secret using ballot papers or a voting machine   3 the paper on which a vote is recorded   4 a list of candidates standing for office   5 the number of votes cast in an election   6 a random selection of successful applicants for something in which the demand exceeds the supply, esp for shares in an oversubscribed new issue   7 NZ the allocation by ballot of farming land among eligible candidates, such as ex-servicemen   8 NZ a low-interest housing loan allocated by building societies by drawing lots among its eligible members   ▷ vb -lots, -loting, -loted   9 to vote or elicit a vote from: we balloted the members on this issue   10 (tr; usually foll by for) to select (officials, etc) by lot or ballot or to select (successful applicants) at random   11 (tr; often foll by for) to vote or decide (on an issue, etc) [C16: from Italian ballotta, literally: a little ball, from balla BALL^1]

■ ballot box   n   a box into which ballot papers are dropped after voting

■ ballotee (ˌbæləˈtiː)   n   a person who has been balloted or conscripted, esp into military service or into the mines

■ balloter (ˈbælətə)   n   a person who votes by ballot

■ balloting (ˈbælətIŋ)   n   voting in an election

■ ballot paper   n   a paper used for voting in a ballot, esp (in a parliamentary or local government election) one having the names of the candidates printed on it

ballotini (ˌbæləˈtiːnI)   pl n   small glass beads used in reflective paints [C20: from Italian ballottini small balls]

ballottement (bəˈlɒtmənt)   n   med a technique of feeling for a movable object in the body, esp confirmation of pregnancy by feeling the rebound of the fetus following a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus [C19: from French, literally: a tossing, shaking, from ballotter to toss, from ballotte a little ball, from Italian ballotta; see BALLOT]

ballow (ˈbælaʊ)   n   1 a heavy club; a cudgel   2 a sandbank

balls (bɔːlz) slang   pl n   1 the testicles   2 by the balls so as to be rendered powerless   3 nonsense; rubbish   4 courage; forcefulness   ▷ interj   5 an exclamation of strong disagreement, contempt, annoyance, etc

USAGE

Both its anatomical senses and its various extended senses nowadays have far less impact than they used to, and seem unlikely to cause offence, though some older or more conservative people may object. Interestingly, its use in the sense of courage is exactly paralleled in the Spanish term 'cojones'

■ ballsiness (ˈbɔːlzInəs)   n   slang daring; courage

■ balls-up or US ballup (ˈbɔːlʌp) slang   n   1 something botched or muddled   ▷ vb balls up, US ball up   2 (tr, adverb) to muddle or botch

■ ballsy (ˈbɔːlzI)   adj   slang courageous and spirited [C20: from BALLS (sense 4)]

ballute (ˈbæljuːt)   n   parachuting a type of inflatable device resembling a cross between a parachute and a balloon, designed to slow descent rapidly

bally^1 (ˈbælI)   adj, adv   Brit slang a euphemism for bloody (sense 6)

bally^2 (ˈbælI)   n   Northern English dialect a thumb

ballyhoo (ˌbælIˈhuː)   n informal   1 a noisy, confused, or nonsensical situation or uproar   2 sensational or blatant advertising or publicity   ▷ vb -hoos, -hooing, -hooed   3 (tr) chiefly US to advertise or publicize by sensational or blatant methods [C19: of uncertain origin]

Ballymena (ˌbælIˈmiːnə)   n   a district in central Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim. Pop: 59 516 (2003 est). Area: 634 sq km (247 sq miles)

Ballymoney (ˌbælIˈmʌnI)   n   a district in N Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim. Pop: 27 809 (2003 est). Area: 417 sq km (161 sq miles)

ballyrag (ˈbælIˌræɡ)   vb -rags, -ragging, -ragged   a variant of bullyrag

balm (bɑːm)   n   1 any of various oily aromatic resinous substances obtained from certain tropical trees and used for healing and soothing. See also balsam (sense 1)   2 any plant yielding such a substance, esp the balm of Gilead   3 something comforting or soothing: soft music is a balm   4 any aromatic or oily substance used for healing or soothing   5 Also called: lemon balm an aromatic Eurasian herbaceous plant, Melissa officinalis, having clusters of small fragrant white two-lipped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   6 a pleasant odour [C13: from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum BALSAM]   > ˈbalmˌlike adj

■ balm of Gilead   n   1 any of several trees of the burseraceous genus Commiphora, esp C. opobalsamum of Africa and W Asia, that yield a fragrant oily resin. Compare myrrh (sense 1)   2 the resin exuded by these trees   3 a North American hybrid female poplar tree, Populus gileadensis (or P. candicans), with broad heart-shaped leaves   4 a fragrant resin obtained from the balsam fir. See also Canada balsam

■ balmy (ˈbɑːmI)   adj balmier, balmiest   1 (of weather) mild and pleasant   2 having the qualities of balm; fragrant or soothing   3 a variant spelling of barmy   > ˈbalmily adv   > ˈbalminess n

balmacaan (ˌbælməˈkɑːn)   n   a man's knee-length loose flaring overcoat with raglan sleeves [C19: after Balmacaan, near Inverness, Scotland]

Balmain (French balmɛ̃)   n   Pierre Alexandre (pjɛr alɛksɑ̃drə). 1914–82, French couturier

Balmain bug (ˈbælmeIn)   n   a flattish edible Australian shellfish, Ibacus peronii, similar to the Moreton Bay bug [named after Balmain, a suburb of Sydney, Australia]

Balmer (German ˈbalmər)   n   Johann Jakob. 1825–98, Swiss mathematician; discovered a formula giving the wavelengths of a series of lines in the hydrogen spectrum (the Balmer series)

Balmoral^1 (bælˈmɒrəl)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 a laced walking shoe   2 a 19th-century woollen petticoat, worn showing below the skirt   3 Also called: bluebonnet a Scottish brimless hat traditionally of dark blue wool with a cockade and plume on one side [C19: named after BALMORAL Castle]

Balmoral^2 (bælˈmɒrəl)   n   a castle in NE Scotland, in SW Aberdeenshire: a private residence of the British sovereign

■ balmorality (ˌbælməˈrælItI)   n   an idealization of Scottish traditions and culture

Balmung (ˈbælmʊŋ) or Balmunc (ˈbælmʊŋk)   n   (in the Nibelungenlied) Siegfried's sword

balneal (ˈbælnIəl) or balneary (ˈbælnIərI)   adj   rare of or relating to baths or bathing [C17: from Latin balneum bath, from Greek balaneion]

■ balneation (ˌbælnIˈeIʃən)   n   formal the act of bathing

■ balneology (ˌbælnIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the therapeutic value of baths, esp those taken with natural mineral waters [C19]   > balneological (ˌbælnIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌbalneˈologist n

■ balneotherapy (ˌbælnIəˈθɛrəpI)   n   the treatment of disease by bathing, esp to improve limb mobility in arthritic and neuromuscular disorders

Balochistan (bəˈlɒtʃIˌstɑːn, -ˌstæn) or Baluchistan (bəˈluːtʃIˌstɑːn, -ˌstæn)   n   1 a mountainous region of SW Asia, in SW Pakistan and SE Iran   2 a province of SW Pakistan: a former territory of British India (until 1947). Capital: Quetta. Pop: 7 450 000 (2003 est)

baloney or boloney (bəˈləʊnI)   n   1 informal foolish talk; nonsense   2 chiefly US another name for bologna sausage [C20: changed from Bologna (sausage)]

baloo (bəˈluː)   n, pl baloos   archaic a lullaby

BALPA (ˈbælpə)   n acronym for   British Airline Pilots' Association

balsa (ˈbɔːlsə)   n   1 a bombacaceous tree, Ochroma lagopus, of tropical America   2 Also called: balsawood the very light wood of this tree, used for making rafts, etc   3 a light raft [C18: from Spanish: raft]

■ balsawood (ˈbɔːlsəˌwʊd)   n   another name for balsa (sense 2)

balsam (ˈbɔːlsəm)   n   1 any of various fragrant oleoresins, such as balm or tolu, obtained from any of several trees and shrubs and used as a base for medicines and perfumes   2 any of various similar substances used as medicinal or ceremonial ointments   3 any of certain aromatic resinous turpentines. See also Canada balsam   4 any plant yielding balsam   5 Also called: busy Lizzie any of several balsaminaceous plants of the genus Impatiens, esp I. balsamina, cultivated for its brightly coloured flowers   6 anything healing or soothing [C15: from Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, from Hebrew bāśām spice]   > balsamic (bɔːlˈsæmIk) adj   > ˈbalsamy adj

■ balsam apple   n   an ornamental cucurbitaceous vine, Momordica balsamina, of the Old World tropics, with yellow flowers and orange egg-shaped fruits

■ balsam fir   n   a fir tree, Abies balsamea, of NE North America, that yields Canada balsam. Also called: balsam, Canada balsam. See also balm of Gilead

■ balsamic vinegar   n   a type of dark-coloured sweet Italian vinegar made from white grapes and aged in wooden barrels over a number of years

■ balsamiferous (ˌbɔːlsəˈmIfərəs)   adj   yielding or producing balsam

■ balsaminaceous (ˌbɔːlsəmIˈneIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Balsaminaceae, a family of flowering plants, including balsam and touch-me-not, that have irregular flowers and explosive capsules

■ balsam of Peru   n   an aromatic balsam that is obtained from the tropical South American leguminous tree Myroxylon pereirae and is similar to balsam of Tolu. Also called: Peru balsam

■ balsam of Tolu   n   the full name of tolu

■ balsam poplar   n   a poplar tree, Populus balsamifera, of NE North America, having resinous buds and broad heart-shaped leaves. See also tacamahac

■ balsam spruce   n   either of two North American coniferous trees of the genus Picea, P. pungens (the blue spruce) or P. engelmanni

Balt (bɔːlt)   n   a member of any of the Baltic-speaking peoples of the Baltic States

Balthazar^1 (ˈbælθəˌzɑː, bælˈθæzə)   n   a wine bottle holding the equivalent of sixteen normal bottles (approximately 12 litres) [C20: named after Balthazar (BELSHAZZAR) from his drinking wine at a great feast (Daniel 5:1)]

Balthazar^2 (ˈbælθəˌzɑː, bælˈθæzə)   n   (in Christian tradition) one of the Magi, the others being Caspar and Melchior

Balthus (French baltys)   n   real name Balthasar Klossowski de Rola. 1908–2001, French painter of Polish descent, noted esp for his paintings of adolescent girls

balti (ˈbɔːltI, ˈbæltI)   n     a a spicy Indian dish, stewed until most of the liquid has evaporated, and served in a woklike pot   b (as modifier): a balti house [from Urdu bāltī pail]

Baltic (ˈbɔːltIk)   adj   1 denoting or relating to the Baltic Sea or the Baltic States   2 of, denoting, or characteristic of Baltic as a group of languages   3 Brit informal extremely cold   ▷ n   4 a branch of the Indo-European family of languages consisting of Lithuanian, Latvian, and Old Prussian   5 short for Baltic Sea   6 Also called: Baltic Exchange an international market for shipbrokers in the City of London: formerly housed in the Baltic Exchange building which was demolished after terrorist bomb damage in 1992

■ Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art   n   an arts centre in Gateshead, NE England: formerly a 1950s grain warehouse: used for its present purpose since 2002. It has no permanent collection, but rather hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions and events

■ Baltics (ˈbɔːltIks)   pl n   the Baltics another name for the Baltic States

■ Baltic Sea   n   a sea in N Europe, connected with the North Sea by the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Öresund; shallow, with low salinity and small tides

■ Baltic Shield   n   Also called: Scandinavian Shield the wide area of ancient rock in Scandinavia. See shield (sense 7)

■ Baltic States   pl n   the republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which became constituent republics of the former Soviet Union in 1940, regaining their independence in 1991. Sometimes shortened to: the Baltics

Baltimore^1 (ˈbɔːltIˌmɔː)   n   a port in N Maryland, on Chesapeake Bay. Pop: 628 670 (2003 est)

■ Baltimore oriole   n   a North American oriole, Icterus galbula, the male of which has orange and black plumage

Baltimore^2 (ˈbɔːltIˌmɔː)   n   1  David. born 1938, US molecular biologist: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1975) for his discovery of reverse transcriptase   2  Lord. See Calvert (sense 1)

Balto-Slavonic or Balto-Slavic   n   a hypothetical subfamily of Indo-European languages consisting of Baltic and Slavonic. It is now generally believed that similarities between them result from geographical proximity rather than any special relationship

Baluchi (bəˈluːtʃI) or Balochi (bəˈləʊtʃI)   n   1 (pl -chis or -chi) a member of a Muslim people living chiefly in coastal Pakistan and Iran   2 the language of this people, belonging to the West Iranian branch of the Indo-European family   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Baluchistan, its inhabitants, or their language

balun (ˈbælən)   n   electronics a device for coupling two electrical circuit elements, such as an aerial and its feeder cable, where one is balanced and the other is unbalanced [C20: shortened from bal(anced to) un(balanced transformer)]

baluster (ˈbæləstə)   n   1 any of a set of posts supporting a rail or coping   ▷ adj   2 (of a shape) swelling at the base and rising in a concave curve to a narrow stem or neck: a baluster goblet stem [C17: from French balustre, from Italian balaustro pillar resembling a pomegranate flower, ultimately from Greek balaustion]

balustrade (ˈbæləˌstreId)   n   an ornamental rail or coping with its supporting set of balusters [C17: from French, from balustre BALUSTER]

Balzac (ˈbælzæk; French balzak)   n   Honoré de (ɔnɔre də). 1799–1850, French novelist: author of a collection of novels under the general title La Comédie humaine, including Eugénie Grandet (1833), Le Père Goriot (1834), and La Cousine Bette (1846)

balzarine (ˈbælzəˌriːn)   n   a light cotton and wool fabric used for dress-making

bam (bæm)   n   1 informal a hoax; deception; cheating   ▷ vb   2 informal to hoax, trick, or cheat   ▷ interj   3 an interjection imitating the noise made by an impact

Bamako (ˌbæməˈkəʊ)   n   the capital of Mali, in the south, on the River Niger. Pop: 2 515 000 (2015 est)

Bambara (bɑːmˈbɑːrə)   n   1 (pl -ra or -ras) a member of a people of W Africa living chiefly in Mali and by the headwaters of the River Niger in Guinea   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Mande branch of the Niger-Congo family

Bamberg (ˈbæmbɜːɡ; German ˈbambɛrk)   n   a town in S Germany, in N Bavaria: seat of independent prince-bishops of the Holy Roman Empire (1007–1802). Pop: 69 899 (2003 est)

bambi (ˈbæmbI)   n acronym for   born-again middle-aged biker: an affluent middle-aged man who rides a powerful motorbike

bambino (bæmˈbiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos or -ni (-niː)   1 informal a young child, esp an Italian one   2 a representation of the infant Jesus [C18: from Italian]

bamboo (bæmˈbuː)   n   1 any tall treelike tropical or semitropical fast-growing grass of the genus Bambusa, having hollow woody-walled stems with ringed joints and edible young shoots (bamboo shoots)   2 the stem of any of these plants, used for building, poles, and furniture   3 any of various bamboo-like grasses of the genera Arundinaria, Phyllostachys or Dendrocalamus   4 (modifier) made of bamboo: a bamboo fence [C16: probably from Malay bambu]

■ bamboo curtain   n   (esp in the 1950s and 1960s) the political and military barrier to communications around the People's Republic of China

■ bamboo network   n   a network of close-knit Chinese entrepreneurs with large corporate empires in southeast Asia

bamboozle (bæmˈbuːzəl)   vb (tr) informal   1 to cheat; mislead   2 to confuse [C18: of unknown origin]   > bamˈboozler n   > bamˈboozlement n

BAME   abbreviation for   Black, Asian, and minority ethnic

bammer (ˈbæmə)   adj   drugs slang (of marijuana) of poor quality

bampot (ˈbæmˌpɒt)   n   Scot slang an idiot; a fool

ban^1 (bæn)   vb bans, banning, banned   1 (tr) to prohibit, esp officially, from action, display, entrance, sale, etc; forbid: to ban a book; to ban smoking   2 (tr) (formerly in South Africa) to place (a person suspected of illegal political activity) under a government order restricting his or her movement and contact with other people   3 archaic to curse   ▷ n   4 an official prohibition or interdiction   5 law an official proclamation or public notice, esp of prohibition   6 a public proclamation or edict, esp of outlawry   7 archaic public censure or condemnation   8 archaic a curse; imprecation [Old English bannan to proclaim; compare Old Norse banna to forbid, Old High German bannan to command]

■ bannable (ˈbænəbəl)   adj   1 able to be banned   2 (of an offence) for which one can be banned

ban^2 (bæn)   n   (in feudal England) the summoning of vassals to perform their military obligations [C13: from Old French ban, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German ban command, Old Norse bann BAN^1]

ban^3 (bæn)   n, pl bani (ˈbɑːnI)   a monetary unit of Romania and Moldova worth one hundredth of a leu [from Romanian, from Serbo-Croat bān lord]

Banaba (bəˈnɑːbə)   n   an island in the SW Pacific, in the Republic of Kiribati. Phosphates were mined by the British (1900–79). Area: about 5 sq km (2 sq miles). Pop: 301 (2005). Also called: Ocean Island

■ Banaban (bəˈnɑːbən)   adj   1 of or relating to the SW Pacific island of Banaba   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Banaba

banak (ˈbænək)   n   1 a tree of the genus Virola, of Central America: family Myristicaceae   2 the timber of this tree, used esp in Honduras for turning and construction [C20: Honduran name]

banal (bəˈnɑːl)   adj   lacking force or originality; trite; commonplace [C18: from Old French: relating to compulsory feudal service, hence common to all, commonplace; from ban BAN^2]   > banality (bəˈnælItI) n   > baˈnally adv

■ banalization or banalisation (bəˌnɑːlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   formal the process of becoming or making something banal

■ banalize or banalise (bəˈnɑːlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make banal

banana (bəˈnɑːnə)   n   1 any of several tropical and subtropical herbaceous treelike plants of the musaceous genus Musa, esp M. sapientum, a widely cultivated species propagated from suckers and having hanging clusters of edible fruit   2 the crescent-shaped fruit of any of these plants. Compare plantain^2 [C16: from Spanish or Portuguese, of African origin]

■ banana belt   n   Canadian informal a region with a warm climate, esp one in Canada

■ Banana bender   n   Austral slang a native or inhabitant of Queensland. Also called: Bananalander (bəˈnɑːnəˌlændə)

■ banana oil   n   1 a solution of cellulose nitrate in pentyl acetate or a similar solvent, which has a banana-like smell   2 a nontechnical name for pentyl acetate

■ banana plug   n   electrical engineering a small single-conductor electrical plug having a curved metal spring along its shank forming a clip to hold it in its socket

■ banana prawn   n   Austral a prawn of the genus Penaeus, fished commercially in tropical waters of N Australia

■ banana republic   n   derogatory a small country, esp in Central America, that is politically unstable and has an economy dominated by foreign interest, usually dependent on one export, such as bananas

■ bananas (bəˈnɑːnəz)   adj   slang crazy (esp in the phrase go bananas)

■ banana skin   n   1 Also called: banana peel the soft outer covering of a banana   2 informal something unforeseen that causes an obvious and embarrassing mistake [sense 2 from the common slapstick joke of a person slipping after treading on a banana skin]

■ banana split   n   a dish of ice cream and banana cut in half lengthwise, usually topped with syrup, nuts, whipped cream, etc

Banaras (bəˈnɑːrəz)   n   a variant spelling of Benares

Banat (ˈbænIt, ˈbɑːnIt)   n   a fertile plain extending through Hungary, Romania, and Serbia

banausic (bəˈnɔːsIk) or banausian (bəˈnɔːsIən)   adj   merely mechanical; materialistic; utilitarian [C19: from Greek banausikos for mechanics, from baunos forge]

Banbridge (ˈbænbrIdʒ)   n   a district in S Northern Ireland, in Co Down. Pop: 43 083 (2003 est). Area: 442 sq km (170 sq miles)

Banbury (ˈbænbərI)   n   a town in central England, in N Oxfordshire: telecommunications, financial services. Pop: 43 867 (2001)

■ Banbury cake   n   Brit a cake consisting of a pastry base filled with currants, raisins, candied peel, and sugar, with a crisscross pattern on the top

banc (bæŋk)   n   in banc law sitting as a full court [C18: from Anglo-French: bench]

bancassurance (ˈbæŋkəˌʃʊərəns)   n   the selling of insurance products by a bank to its customers [from French banc bank + assurance assurance]

■ bancassurer (ˈbæŋkəˌʃʊərə)   n   a bank that sells insurance products

banco (ˈbæŋkəʊ)   interj   a call in gambling games such as chemin de fer and baccarat by a player or bystander who wishes to bet against the entire bank [C18: from French from Italian: bank]

band^1 (bænd)   n   1 a company of people having a common purpose; group: a band of outlaws   2 a group of musicians playing either brass and percussion instruments only (brass band) or brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments (concert band or military band)   3 a group of musicians who play popular music, jazz, etc, often for dancing   4 a group of instrumentalists generally; orchestra   5 Canadian a formally recognized group of Native Canadians on a reserve   6 anthropol a division of a tribe; a family group or camp group   7 US and Canadian a flock or herd   ▷ vb   8 (usually foll by together) to unite; assemble [C15: from French bande probably from Old Provençal banda of Germanic origin; compare Gothic bandwa sign, BANNER]

■ bander (ˈbændə)   n   someone who joins a band or league

■ band leader or bandleader   n   the leader of a group of musicians, esp those playing popular music

■ band list   n   Canadian a list of Native Canadians formally recognized as belonging to a band. See band^1 (sense 5)

■ bandmaster (ˈbændˌmɑːstə)   n   the conductor of a band

■ bandmate (ˈbændˌmeIt)   n   a fellow member of a band

■ Band of Hope   n   a society promoting lifelong abstention from alcohol among young people: founded in Britain in 1847

■ bandshell (ˈbændˌʃɛl)   n   a type of bandstand enclosed at the back

■ bandsman (ˈbændzmən)   n, pl -men   a player in a musical band, esp a brass or military band

■ bandstand (ˈbændˌstænd)   n   a platform for a band, usually out of doors and roofed

■ bandwagon (ˈbændˌwæɡən)   n   1 US a wagon, usually high and brightly coloured, for carrying the band in a parade   2 jump on the bandwagon, climb on the bandwagon or get on the bandwagon to join or give support to a party or movement that seems to be assured of success

band^2 (bænd)   n   1 a thin flat strip of some material, used esp to encircle objects and hold them together: a rubber band   2    a a strip of fabric or other material used as an ornament or distinguishing mark, or to reinforce clothing   b (in combination): waistband; hairband; hatband   3 a stripe of contrasting colour or texture. See also chromosome band   4 a driving belt in machinery   5 a range of values that are close or related in number, degree, or quality   6    a physics a range of frequencies or wavelengths between two limits   b radio such a range allocated to a particular broadcasting station or service   7 short for energy band   8 computing one or more tracks on a magnetic disk or drum   9 anatomy any structure resembling a ribbon or cord that connects, encircles, or binds different parts   10 the cords to which the folded sheets of a book are sewn   11 a thin layer or seam of ore   12 architect a strip of flat panelling, such as a fascia or plinth, usually attached to a wall   13 a large white collar, sometimes edged with lace, worn in the 17th century   14 either of a pair of hanging extensions of the collar, forming part of academic, legal, or (formerly) clerical dress   15 a ring for the finger (esp in phrases such as wedding band, band of gold, etc)   ▷ vb (tr)   16 to fasten or mark with a band   17 US and Canadian to ring (a bird). See ring^1 (sense 22) [C15: from Old French bende, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German binda fillet; see BAND^3]

■ bandbox (ˈbændˌbɒks)   n   a lightweight usually cylindrical box used for holding small articles, esp hats

■ bandbrake (ˈbændˌbreIk)   n   a device used to measure the power of brakes

■ -banded   adj   (in combination) marked with bands or stripes of a different colour: gold-banded

■ bandfish (ˈbændˌfIʃ)   n   a Mediterranean fish with an elongated body

■ banding (ˈbændIŋ)   n   Brit the practice of grouping schoolchildren according to ability to ensure a balanced intake at different levels of ability to secondary school

■ band-pass filter   n   1 electronics a filter that transmits only those currents having a frequency lying within specified limits. Compare high-pass filter, low-pass filter   2 an optical device, consisting of absorbing filters, for transmitting electromagnetic waves of predetermined wavelengths

■ band saw or band-saw   n   a power-operated saw consisting of an endless toothed metal band running over and driven by two wheels

■ band spectrum   n   a spectrum consisting of a number of bands of closely spaced lines that are associated with emission or absorption of radiation by molecules

■ bandspreading (ˈbændˌsprɛdIŋ)   n   an additional tuning control in some radio receivers whereby a selected narrow band of frequencies can be spread over a wider frequency band, in order to give finer control of tuning

■ bandster (ˈbændstə)   n   agriculture a person who goes behind a reaper and binds sheaves of wheat

■ band theory   n   physics a theory of the electrical properties of metals, semiconductors, and insulators based on energy bands

■ bandwidth (ˈbændˌwIdθ)   n   1 the range of frequencies within a given waveband used for a particular transmission   2 the range of frequencies over which a receiver or amplifier should not differ by more than a specified amount   3 the range of frequencies used in a specific telecommunications signal

band^3 (bænd)   n   an archaic word for bond (sense 1), bond (sense 3), bond (sense 4) [C13: from Old Norse band; related to Old High German bant fetter; see BEND^1, BOND]

Banda (ˈbændə)   n   Hastings Kamuzu (kæˈmuːzuː). 1906–97, Malawi statesman. As first prime minister of Nyasaland (from 1963), he led his country to independence (1964) as Malawi: president (1966–94)

Banda Aceh (ˈbændə ˈaːtʃeI)   n   a city in N Indonesia, in N Sumatra; the capital of Aceh region; suffered badly in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Pop: 154 767 (2000)

bandage (ˈbændIdʒ)   n   1 a piece of material used to dress a wound, bind a broken limb, etc   2 a strip of any soft material used for binding, etc   ▷ vb   3 to cover or bind with a bandage [C16: from French, from band strip, BAND^2]

■ bandager (ˈbændIdʒə)   n   someone who bandages

Band-Aid (ˈbændˌeId)   n   1 trademark a gauze surgical dressing backed by adhesive tape   2 (sometimes not capitals) informal something that provides a temporary solution to a problem

■ Band-Aid baby   n   informal a child conceived to strengthen a faltering relationship

bandalore (ˈbændəˌlɔː)   n   an old-fashioned type of yo-yo

bandanna or bandana (bænˈdænə)   n   a large silk or cotton handkerchief or neckerchief [C18: from Hindi bāndhnū tie-dyeing, from bāndhnā to tie, from Sanskrit bandhnāti he ties]

bandar (ˈbændɑːr)   n Hinglish   1 a male monkey   2 informal an impudent or mischievous man or boy [C21: Hindi]

■ bandari (ˈbændɑːˌriː)   n Hinglish   1 a female monkey   2 informal an impudent or mischievous girl or woman [C21: Hindi]

Bandaranaike (ˌbændərəˈnaIIkə)   n   1  Chandrika. See Kumaratunga   2  Sirimavo (ˌsIrIˈmɑːvəʊ). 1916–2000, prime minister of Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon (1960–65; 1970–77; 1994–2000); the world's first woman prime minister   3  her husband, Solomon. 1899–1959, prime minister of Ceylon (1956–59); assassinated

Bandar Lampung (ˈbɑːndɑː ˈlæmpʌŋ)   n   a port in Indonesia, in S Sumatra on the Sunda Strait; formed by merging the cities of Tanjungkarang and Telukbetung, and sometimes still referred to as Tanjungkarang-Telukbetung. Pop: 742 749 (2000)

Bandar Seri Begawan (ˈbɑːndɑː ˈsɛrI bəˈɡɑːwən)   n   the capital of Brunei. Pop: 64 000 (2005 est). Former name: Brunei

Banda Sea   n   a part of the Pacific in Indonesia, between Sulawesi and New Guinea

B & B   abbreviation for   bed and breakfast

bandeau (ˈbændəʊ)   n, pl -deaux (-dəʊz)   1 a narrow band of ribbon, velvet, etc, worn round the head   2 a bikini top in the form of narrow band of material [C18: from French, from Old French bandel a little BAND^2]

bandeira Portuguese (bə̃ˈdeIiːrə)   n   history an expedition in search of gold or slaves

bandeirante Portuguese (bə̃deIiːˈrə̃̃t)   n   a 16th–18th-century Portuguese explorer in South America motivated by profit, known for hunting down natives for slaves as well as for locating mines of precious stones and metals

bandelet (ˈbændəˌlɛt)   n   1 a small band of any kind, particularly one worn around the head   2 architect a small band- or ring-like moulding around a column, usually at the top

banderilla (ˌbændəˈriːə, -ˈriːljə)   n   bullfighting a decorated barbed dart, thrust into the bull's neck or shoulder [Spanish, literally: a little banner, from bandera BANNER]

■ banderillero (ˌbændəriːˈɛərəʊ, -riːˈljɛərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a bullfighter's assistant who sticks banderillas into the bull

banderole, banderol (ˈbændəˌrəʊl) or bannerol   n   1 a long narrow flag, usually with forked ends, esp one attached to the masthead of a ship; pennant   2 a square flag draped over a tomb or carried at a funeral   3 a ribbon-like scroll or sculptured band bearing an inscription, found esp in Renaissance architecture   4 a streamer on a knight's lance [C16: from Old French, from Italian banderuola, literally: a little banner, from bandiera BANNER]

bandersnatch (ˈbændəˌsnætʃ)   n   a fictional creature created by Lewis Carroll in his poem Jabberwocky, and appearing also in The Hunting of the Snark and Through the Looking-Glass

band-gala (ˈbʌndɡəlɑː)   adj   (in India) (of a coat) closed at the neck [from Hindi]

bandh or bundh (bʌnd)   n   (in India) a general strike [Hindi, literally: a tying up]

bandicoot (ˈbændIˌkuːt)   n   1 any agile terrestrial marsupial of the family Peramelidae of Australia and New Guinea. They have a long pointed muzzle and a long tail and feed mainly on small invertebrates   2 bandicoot rat or mole rat any of three burrowing rats of the genera Bandicota and Nesokia, of S and SE Asia: family Muridae [C18: from Telugu pandikokku, from pandi pig + kokku bandicoot]

bandit (ˈbændIt)   n, pl -dits or -ditti (-ˈdItI)   a robber, esp a member of an armed gang; brigand [C16: from Italian bandito, literally: banished man, from bandire to proscribe, from bando edict, BAN^1]   > ˈbanditry n

bandito (bænˈdiːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a Mexican bandit

Bandjarmasin or Bandjermasin (ˌbændʒəˈmɑːsIn)   n   former spellings of Banjarmasin

bandobust or bundobust (ˈbʌndəʊbəst)   n   (in India and Pakistan) an arrangement [Hindi band-o-bast tying and binding, from Persian]

bandog (ˈbænˌdɒɡ)   n   a ferocious dog, whether by nature or trained as a guard dog

bandolero (ˌbændəˈlɛərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a highwayman; a robber

bandolier or bandoleer (ˌbændəˈlIə)   n   a soldier's broad shoulder belt having small pockets or loops for cartridges [C16: from Old French bandouliere, from Old Spanish bandolera, bandolero guerrilla, from Catalan bandoler, from bandol band, from Spanish bando; see BAND^1]

bandoline (ˈbændəˌliːn)   n   a glutinous hair dressing, used (esp formerly) to keep the hair in place [C19: bando-, from French BANDEAU + -line, from Latin linere to smear]

bandoneon (bænˈdəʊnIən)   n   a type of square concertina, esp used in Argentina [C20: from Spanish, from German Bandonion, from Heinrich Band, its inventor]

bandore (bænˈdɔː, ˈbændɔː)   n   a 16th-century plucked musical instrument resembling a lute but larger and fitted with seven pairs of metal strings. Also called: pandore, pandora [C16: from Spanish bandurria, from Late Latin pandūra three-stringed instrument, from Greek pandoura]

B and S   n   Austral informal a dance held for young people in country areas, usually in a field or barn [abbreviation for BACHELOR AND SPINSTER]

Bandung (ˈbændʊŋ)   n   a city in Indonesia, in SW Java. Pop: 2 136 260 (2000)

bandura (bænˈduːrə)   n   a Ukrainian stringed instrument, resembling a lute

B & W   abbreviation for   black and white

bandy^1 (ˈbændI)   adj -dier, -diest   1 Also: bandy-legged having legs curved outwards at the knees   2 (of legs) curved outwards at the knees   3 knock someone bandy Austral informal to amaze or astound   ▷ vb -dies, -dying, -died (tr)   4 to exchange (words) in a heated or hostile manner   5 to give and receive (blows)   6 (often foll by about) to circulate (a name, rumour, etc)   7 to throw or strike to and fro; toss about   ▷ n, pl -dies   8 an early form of hockey, often played on ice   9 a stick, curved at one end, used in the game of bandy   10 an old form of tennis [C16: probably from Old French bander to hit the ball back and forth at tennis]

■ bandiness (ˈbændInəs)   n   the quality of being bandy

■ bandy-legged   adj   bow-legged

■ bandy legs   pl n   another term for bow legs

bandy^2 (ˈbændI)   n   (in India) a carriage or cart

■ bandyman (ˈbændIˌmæn)   n, pl -men   the driver of a bandy; a cart driver

bandy-bandy (ˈbændIˈbændI)   n, pl -bandies   a small Australian elapid snake, Vermicella annulata, ringed with black and yellow

Bandywallop (ˈbændIˌwɒləp)   n   Austral informal an imaginary town, far from civilization

bane^1 (beIn)   n   1 a person or thing that causes misery or distress (esp in the phrase bane of one's life)   2 something that causes death or destruction   3    a a fatal poison   b (in combination): ratsbane   4 archaic ruin or distress [Old English bana; related to Old Norse bani death, Old High German bano destruction, death]

■ baneberry (ˈbeInbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 Also called: (Brit) herb Christopher, (US) cohosh any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Actaea, esp A. spicata, which has small white flowers and red or white poisonous berries   2 a berry of any of these plants

■ baneful (ˈbeInfʊl)   adj   archaic destructive, poisonous, or fatal   > ˈbanefully adv   > ˈbanefulness n

bane^2 (ben, beIn)   n   a Scot word for bone

Banff (bæmf)   n   1 a town in NE Scotland, in Aberdeenshire. Pop: 3991 (2001)   2 a town in Canada, in SW Alberta, in the Rocky Mountains: surrounded by Banff National Park. Pop: 7135 (2001)

■ Banffshire (ˈbæmfˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1975) a county of NE Scotland: formerly (1975–96) part of Grampian region, now part of Aberdeenshire

bang^1 (bæŋ)   n   1 a short loud explosive noise, as of the bursting of a balloon or the report of a gun   2 a hard blow or knock, esp a noisy one; thump: he gave the ball a bang   3 informal a startling or sudden effect: he realized with a bang that he was late   4 slang an injection of heroin or other narcotic   5 vulgar, slang an act of sexual intercourse   6 bang for one's buck informal value for money: this option offers more bang for your buck   7 get a bang out of US and Canadian slang to experience a thrill or excitement from   8 with a bang successfully: the party went with a bang   ▷ vb   9 to hit or knock, esp with a loud noise; bump: to bang one's head   10 to move noisily or clumsily: to bang about the house   11 to close (a door, window, etc) or (of a door, etc) be closed noisily; slam   12 (tr) to cause to move by hitting vigorously: he banged the ball over the fence   13 to make or cause to make a loud noise, as of an explosion   14 (tr) Brit   a to cause (stock prices) to fall by rapid selling   b to sell rapidly in (a stock market), thus causing prices to fall   15 vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse with   16 (intr) slang to inject heroin, etc   17 bang one's head against a brick wall to try to achieve something impossible   ▷ adv   18 with a sudden impact or effect: bang went his hopes of winning; the car drove bang into a lamp-post   19 precisely: bang in the middle of the road   20 bang goes informal that is the end of: bang goes my job in Wapping   21 bang to rights slang caught red-handed   22 go bang to burst, shut, etc, with a loud noise [C16: from Old Norse bang, banga hammer; related to Low German bangen to beat; all of imitative origin]

■ bang-bang   n   informal war and fighting, esp involving ammunition

■ banger (ˈbæŋə)   n Brit   1 slang a sausage   2 informal   a an old decrepit car   b (as modifier): banger racing   3 a type of firework that explodes loudly   4 slang a highly popular song or record

■ bangin' (ˈbæŋIn) or banging (ˈbæŋIŋ)   adj   slang excellent: the island boasts a bangin' selection of clubs

■ bang on   adj, adv Brit informal   1 with absolute accuracy   2 Also (US): bang up excellent or excellently   ▷ vb   3 (intr) Brit informal to talk at unnecessary length

■ bang up   vb   1 (tr, adverb) prison slang to lock up (a prisoner) in his or her cell, esp for the night   ▷ adj bang-up   2 US informal very good; excellent

bang^2 (bæŋ)   n   1 a fringe or section of hair cut straight across the forehead   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to cut (the hair) in such a style   3 to dock (the tail of a horse, etc) [C19: probably short for bangtail short tail]

bang^3 (bæŋ)   n   a variant spelling of bhang

bangalay (ˈbæŋɡəleI, bæŋˈɡælI)   n   a myrtaceous Australian tree, Eucalyptus botryoides, valued for its hard red wood [from a native Australian language]

Bangalore (ˌbæŋɡəˈlɔː)   n   a city in S India, capital of Karnataka state: electronics, aerospace, biotechnology. Pop: 8 443 675 (2011). Official name: Bengaluru (ˌbeŋɡəˈluːru)

■ bangalore torpedo   n   an explosive device in a long metal tube, used to blow gaps in barbed-wire barriers [C20: named after BANGALORE, where it was developed]

bangalow (ˈbæŋɡələʊ)   n   an Australian palm, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, native to New South Wales and Queensland. Also called: bangalow palm [from a native Australian language]

Bangka or Banka (ˈbæŋkə)   n   an island in Indonesia, separated from Sumatra by the Bangka Strait. Chief town: Pangkalpinang. Area: about 11 914 sq km (4600 sq miles)

Bangkok (ˈbæŋkɒk, bæŋˈkɒk)   n   the capital and chief port of Thailand, on the Chao Phraya River: became a royal city and the capital in 1782. Pop: 9 269 823 (2015 est). Thai name: Krung Thep (ˈkrʊŋ ˈteIp)

Bangla (ˈbæŋlə)   n   another name for Bengali (sense 2)

Bangladesh (ˌbɑːŋɡləˈdɛʃ, ˌbæŋ-)   n   a republic in S Asia: formerly the Eastern Province of Pakistan; became independent in 1971 after civil war and the defeat of Pakistan by India; consists of the plains and vast deltas of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers; prone to flooding: economy based on jute and jute products (over 70 per cent of world production); a member of the Commonwealth. Language: Bengali. Religion: Muslim. Currency: taka. Capital: Dhaka. Pop: 164 669 751 (2017 est). Area: 142 797 sq km (55 126 sq miles)

■ Bangladeshi (ˌbɑːŋɡləˈdɛʃI, ˌbæŋ-)   adj   1 of or relating to Bangladesh   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Bangladesh

bangle (ˈbæŋɡəl)   n   1 a bracelet, usually without a clasp, often worn high up round the arm or sometimes round the ankle   2 a disc or charm hanging from a bracelet, necklace, etc [C19: from Hindi bangrī]

Bangor (ˈbæŋɡɔː, -ɡə)   n   1 a university town in NW Wales, in Gwynedd, on the Menai Strait. Pop: 15 280 (2001)   2 a town in SE Northern Ireland, in Ards and North Down district, Co Down, on Belfast Lough. Pop: 58 388 (2001)

bangster (ˈbæŋstə)   n   archaic a ruffian; thug

bangtail (ˈbæŋˌteIl)   n   1 a horse's tail cut straight across but not through the bone   2 a horse with a tail cut in this way   3 marketing a type of envelope used in direct marketing in which a perforated tail can be used as an order form or response note [C19: from bangtail short tail]

■ bangtail muster   n   Austral history a roundup of cattle to be counted, each one having the hairs on its tail docked as it is counted

Bangui (French bɑ̃ɡi)   n   the capital of the Central African Republic, in the south part, on the Ubangi River. Pop: 794 022 (2015 est)

Bangweulu (ˌbæŋwIˈuːlʊ)   n   Lake Bangweulu a shallow lake in NE Zambia, discovered by David Livingstone, who died there in 1873. Area: about 9850 sq km (3800 sq miles), including swamps

banh mi (ˈbæn ˈmiː)   n   a Vietnamese sandwich made using a baguette or long roll [C21: Vietnamese bánh mì wheat bread]

bani (ˈbɑːnI)   n   the plural of ban^3

banian (ˈbænjən)   n   a variant spelling of banyan

banish (ˈbænIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to expel from a place, esp by an official decree as a punishment   2 to drive away: to banish gloom [C14: from Old French banir, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German ban]   > ˈbanishment n

■ banisher (ˈbænIʃə)   n   someone who or something which banishes

banisters or bannisters (ˈbænIstəz)   pl n   the railing and supporting balusters on a staircase; balustrade. Also called: banister, bannister (ˈbænIstə) [C17: altered from BALUSTER]

Banja Luka (Bosnian ˈbaːnjaː ˌluːka)   n   a city in NW Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the Vrbas River: scene of battles between the Austrians and Turks in 1527, 1688, and 1737; besieged by Serb forces (1992–95). Pop: 182 000 (2005 est)

Banjarmasin or Banjermasin (ˌbændʒəˈmɑːsIn)   n   a port in Indonesia, in SW Borneo. Pop: 527 415 (2000). Former spelling: Bandjarmasin, Bandjermasin

banjax (ˈbændʒæks)   vb (tr)   informal to ruin or destroy, often as a result of incompetence

■ banjaxed (ˈbændʒækst)   adj   informal destroyed or ruined

banjo (ˈbændʒəʊ)   n, pl -jos or -joes   1 a stringed musical instrument with a long neck (usually fretted) and a circular drumlike body overlaid with parchment, plucked with the fingers or a plectrum   2 slang any banjo-shaped object, esp a frying pan   3 Austral and NZ slang a long-handled shovel with a wide blade   4 (modifier) banjo-shaped: a banjo clock [C18: variant (US Southern pronunciation) of BANDORE]   > ˈbanjoist n

banjolele or banjulele (ˈbændʒəˌleIlI)   n   a four-stringed musical instrument with a neck like a ukulele and a body like a banjo. Also called: banjo-ukulele

Banjul (bænˈdʒuːl)   n   the capital of The Gambia, a port at the mouth of the Gambia River. Pop: 503 648 (2015 est). Former name (until 1973): Bathurst

bank^1 (bæŋk)   n   1 an institution offering certain financial services, such as the safekeeping of money, conversion of domestic into and from foreign currencies, lending of money at interest, and acceptance of bills of exchange   2 the building used by such an institution   3 a small container used at home for keeping money   4 the funds held by a gaming house or a banker or dealer in some gambling games   5 (in various games)   a the stock, as of money, pieces, tokens, etc, on which players may draw   b the player holding this stock   6 any supply, store, or reserve, for future use: a data bank; a blood bank   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to deposit (cash, cheques, etc) in a bank   8 (intr) to transact business with a bank   9 (intr) to engage in the business of banking   10 (intr) to hold the bank in some gambling games [C15: probably from Italian banca bench, moneychanger's table, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German banc BENCH]

■ bankable (ˈbæŋkəbəl)   adj   1 appropriate for receipt by a bank   2 dependable or reliable: a bankable promise   3 (esp of a star) likely to ensure the financial success of a film   > ˌbankaˈbility n

■ bank acceptance   n   a bill of exchange or draft drawn on and endorsed by a bank. Also called: banker's acceptance

■ bank account   n   1 an account created by the deposit of money at a bank by a customer   2 the amount of moneys credited or debited to a depositor at a bank

■ bank annuity   n   another term for consol

■ bank bill   n   1 Also called: bank draft a bill of exchange drawn by one bank on another   2 Also called: banker's bill US a banknote

■ bankbook (ˈbæŋkˌbʊk)   n   a book held by depositors at certain banks, in which the bank enters a record of deposits, withdrawals, and earned interest. Also called: passbook

■ bankcard (ˈbæŋkˌkɑːd) or banker's card   n   any plastic card issued by a bank, such as a cash card or cheque card

■ bank clerk   n   Brit an employee of a bank

■ bank discount   n   interest on a loan deducted from the principal amount when the loan is made and based on the loan's face value

■ bank draft   n   a cheque drawn by a bank on itself, which is bought by a person to pay a supplier unwilling to accept a normal cheque. Also called: banker's cheque

■ banker^1 (ˈbæŋkə)   n   1 a person who owns or is an executive in a bank   2 an official or player in charge of the bank in any of various games, esp gambling games   3 a result that has been forecast identically in a series of entries on a football pool coupon   4 a person or thing that appears certain to win or be successful

■ bankerly (ˈbæŋkəlI)   adj   US relating to or resembling a banker

■ banker's order   n   another name for standing order (sense 1)

■ Bank Giro or Bank Giro Credit   n   a British giro system operated by clearing banks to enable customers to pay sums of money to others by credit transfer

■ bank holiday   n   (in Britain) any of several weekdays on which banks are traditionally closed and which are observed as national holidays

■ banking^2 (ˈbæŋkIŋ)   n   the business engaged in by a bank

■ banking 2.0   n   a name given to several radical departures from the traditional model of banking, esp the use of communications technology to facilitate lending between individuals

■ bank machine   n chiefly Canadian   another name for cash dispenser

■ bank manager   n   a person who directs the business of a local branch of a bank

■ banknote (ˈbæŋkˌnəʊt)   n   a promissory note issued by a central bank, serving as money

■ Bank of England   n   the central bank of the United Kingdom, which acts as banker to the government and the commercial banks. It is responsible for managing the government's debt and implementing its policy on other monetary matters: established in 1694, nationalized in 1946; in 1997 the government restored the authority to set interest rates to the Bank

■ bank on   vb   (intr, preposition) to expect or rely with confidence on: you can bank on him always arriving on time

■ bank rate   n   another name for base rate (sense 2)

■ bankroll (ˈbæŋkˌrəʊl) chiefly US and Canadian   n   1 a roll of currency notes   2 the financial resources of a person, organization, etc   ▷ vb   3 (tr) slang to provide the capital for; finance

■ bankroller (ˈbæŋkˌrəʊlə)   n   the person or organization that provides the finance for a project, business, etc

■ bank statement   n   a statement of transactions in a bank account, esp one of a series sent at regular intervals to the depositor

bank^2 (bæŋk)   n   1 a long raised mass, esp of earth; mound; ridge   2 a slope, as of a hill   3 the sloping side of any hollow in the ground, esp when bordering a river: the left bank of a river is on a spectator's left looking downstream   4    a an elevated section, rising to near the surface, of the bed of a sea, lake, or river   b (in combination): sandbank; mudbank   5    a the area around the mouth of the shaft of a mine   b the face of a body of ore   6 the lateral inclination of an aircraft about its longitudinal axis during a turn   7 Also called: banking, camber, cant, superelevation a bend on a road or on a railway, athletics, cycling, or other track having the outside built higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force on vehicles, runners, etc, rounding it at speed and in some cases to facilitate drainage   8 the cushion of a billiard table   ▷ vb   9 (when tr, often foll by up) to form into a bank or mound   10 (tr) to border or enclose (a road, etc) with a bank   11 (tr; sometimes foll by up) to cover (a fire) with ashes, fresh fuel, etc, so that it will burn slowly   12 to cause (an aircraft) to tip laterally about its longitudinal axis or (of an aircraft) to tip in this way, esp while turning   13 to travel round a bank, esp at high speed   14 (tr) billiards to drive (a ball) into the cushion [C12: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Icelandic bakki hill, Old Danish banke, Swedish backe]

■ banked (bæŋkt)   adj   1 at an angle rather than horizontal; used, for example, of cycle tracks in velodromes, race tracks for racing cars etc   2 piled up, often with earth or snow: roadsides banked with snow

■ banker^1 (ˈbæŋkə)   n   1 a fishing vessel of Newfoundland   2 a fisherman in such a vessel   3 Austral and NZ informal a stream almost overflowing its banks (esp in the phrase run a banker)   4 Also called: bank engine Brit a locomotive that is used to help a heavy train up a steep gradient

■ banking^2 (ˈbæŋkIŋ)   n   1 an embankment of a river   2 another word for bank^2 (sense 7)   3 fishing on a sea bank, esp off the coast of Newfoundland   4 the manoeuvre causing an aircraft to bank

■ bankside (ˈbæŋkˌsaId)   n   1 the sloping side of any bank   2 the side, or bank, of a body of water; the riverside, lakeside, or seaside   ▷ adj   3 growing, being, or occurring on the bankside

■ banksman (ˈbæŋksmən)   n   a crane driver's helper, who signals instructions to the driver for the movement of the crane and its jib

bank^3 (bæŋk)   n   1 an arrangement of objects, esp similar objects, in a row or in tiers: a bank of dials   2    a a tier of oars in a galley   b a bench for the rowers in a galley   3 a grade of lightweight writing and printing paper used for airmail letters, etc   4 telephony (in automatic switching) an assembly of fixed electrical contacts forming a rigid unit in a selector or similar device   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to arrange in a bank [C17: from Old French banc bench, of Germanic origin; see BANK^1]

■ banker (ˈbæŋkə)   n   1 a craftsman's workbench   2 a timber board used as a base for mixing building materials

Banka (ˈbæŋkə)   n   a variant spelling of Bangka

banket (ˈbæŋkIt)   n   a gold-bearing conglomerate found in South Africa [C19: from Dutch: a kind of almond hardbake, alluding to its appearance]

Bankhead (ˈbæŋkˌhɛd)   n   Tallulah (Brockman). 1902–68, US stage and film actress; her successes included the plays The Little Foxes (1939) and The Skin of Our Teeth (1942)

Ban Ki-moon (ˌbæn kiː ˈmuːn)   n   born 1944, South Korean international civil servant; secretary-general of the United Nations (2007–2016)

bankrupt (ˈbæŋkrʌpt, -rəpt)   n   1 a person adjudged insolvent by a court, his or her property being transferred to a trustee and administered for the benefit of his creditors   2 any person unable to discharge all his or her debts   3 a person whose resources in a certain field are exhausted or nonexistent: a spiritual bankrupt   ▷ adj   4 adjudged insolvent   5 financially ruined   6 depleted in resources or having completely failed: spiritually bankrupt   7 (foll by of) Brit lacking: bankrupt of intelligence   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to make bankrupt [C16: from Old French banqueroute, from Old Italian bancarotta, from banca BANK^1 + rotta broken, from Latin ruptus, from rumpere to break]

■ bankruptcy (ˈbæŋkrʌptsI, -rəptsI)   n, pl -cies   the state, condition, or quality of being or becoming bankrupt

■ bankruptcy order   n law   a court order appointing a receiver to manage the property of a debtor or bankrupt. Former name: receiving order

Banks (bæŋks)   n   1  Iain (Menzies). 1954–2013, Scottish novelist and science fiction writer. His novels include The Wasp Factory (1984), The Crow Road (1992), and The Steep Approach to Garbadale (2007); science-fiction (under the name Iain M. Banks) includes Look to Windward (2000)   2  Sir Joseph. 1743–1820, British botanist and explorer: circumnavigated the world with James Cook (1768–71)

banksia (ˈbæŋksIə)   n   any shrub or tree of the Australian genus Banksia, having long leathery evergreen leaves and dense cylindrical heads of flowers that are often red or yellowish: family Proteaceae. See also honeysuckle (sense 3) [C19: New Latin, named after Sir Joseph BANKS]

Banks Island   n   1 an island of N Canada, in the Northwest Territories: the westernmost island of the Arctic Archipelago. Area: about 67 340 sq km (26 000 sq miles)   2 an island of W Canada, off British Columbia. Length: about 72 km (45 miles)

bankster (ˈbæŋkstə)   n   informal a banker or investor whose financial practices have been exposed as illegal [C20: blend of BANKER + GANGSTER]

banlieue French (bɑ̃ljø)   n   a suburb of a city

banner (ˈbænə)   n   1 a long strip of flexible material displaying a slogan, advertisement, etc, esp one suspended between two points   2 a placard or sign carried in a procession or demonstration   3 something that represents a belief or principle: a commitment to nationalization was the banner of British socialism   4 the flag of a nation, army, etc, used as a standard or ensign   5 (formerly) the standard of an emperor, knight, etc   6 Also called: banner headline a large headline in a newspaper, etc, extending across the page, esp the front page   7 an advertisement, often animated, that extends across the width of a web page   8 a square flag, often charged with the arms of its bearer   ▷ vb   9 (tr) (of a newspaper headline) to display (a story) prominently   ▷ adj   10 US outstandingly successful: a banner year for orders [C13: from Old French baniere, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic bandwa sign; influenced by Medieval Latin bannum BAN^1, bannīre to BANISH]   > ˈbannered adj

■ banner ad   n   1 a banner advertising a product   2 an advert along the top of a page of a website

banneret (ˈbænərIt, -əˌrɛt)   n (in the Middle Ages)   1 Also called: knight banneret a knight who was entitled to command other knights and men-at-arms under his own banner   2 a title of knighthood conferred by the king for valour on the battlefield [C14: from Old French banerete a small BANNER]

bannerette or banneret (ˌbænəˈrɛt)   n   a small banner [C13: from Old French baneret, from banere BANNER]

bannerol (ˈbænəˌrəʊl)   n   a variant of banderole

bannet (ˈbænIt)   n   Scot a bonnet

banning (ˈbænIŋ)   n   the act or an instance of prohibiting or forbidding

Bannister (ˈbænIstə)   n   Sir Roger (Gilbert). 1929–2018, British athlete and doctor: first person to run a mile in under four minutes (1954)

bannisters (ˈbænIstəz)   pl n   a variant spelling of banisters

bannock (ˈbænək)   n   a round flat unsweetened cake originating in Scotland, made from oatmeal or barley and baked on a griddle [Old English bannuc; of Celtic origin; compare Gaelic bannach, Cornish banna a drop, bit; perhaps related to Latin pānicium, from pānis bread]

Bannockburn (ˈbænəkˌbɜːn)   n   a village in central Scotland, south of Stirling: nearby is the site of a victory (1314) of the Scots, led by Robert the Bruce, over the English. Pop: 7396 (2001)

banns or bans (bænz)   pl n   1 the public declaration of an intended marriage, usually formally announced on three successive Sundays in the parish churches of both the betrothed   2 forbid the banns to raise an objection to a marriage announced in this way [C14: plural of bann proclamation; see BAN^1]

banoffee or banoffi (bəˈnɒfI)   n   a filling for a pie, consisting of toffee and banana [C20: from BAN(ANA) + (T)OFFEE]

banquet (ˈbæŋkwIt)   n   1 a lavish and sumptuous meal; feast   2 a ceremonial meal for many people, often followed by speeches   ▷ vb -quets, -queting, -queted   3 (intr) to hold or take part in a banquet   4 (tr) to entertain or honour (a person) with a banquet [C15: from Old French, from Italian banchetto, from banco a table, of Germanic origin; see BANK^1]   > ˈbanqueter n

■ banqueteer (ˌbæŋkwIˈtIə)   n   a variant of banqueter

banquette (bæŋˈkɛt)   n   1 an upholstered bench   2 (formerly) a raised part behind a parapet   3 a footbridge [C17: from French, from Provençal banqueta, literally: a little bench, from banc bench; see BANK^3]

bans (bænz)   pl n   a variant spelling of banns

bansela (banˈsɛlə)   n   a variant of bonsela

banshee (ˈbænʃiː, bænˈʃiː)   n   (in Irish folklore) a female spirit whose wailing warns of impending death [C18: from Irish Gaelic bean sídhe, literally: woman of the fairy mound]

Banstead (ˈbænˌstɛd)   n   a town in S England, in NE Surrey. Pop: 19 332 (2001)

bant (bænt)   n Lancashire dialect   1 string   2 strength or springiness of material [probably a dialect pronunciation of BAND^2]

bantam (ˈbæntəm)   n   1 Also called: banty (ˈbæntI) any of various very small breeds of domestic fowl   2 Also called: banty (ˈbæntI) a small but aggressive person   3 boxing short for bantamweight   4 Canadian   a an age level of between 13 and 15 in amateur sport, esp ice hockey   b (as modifier): bantam hockey [C18: after Bantam village in Java, said to be the original home of this fowl]

■ bantamweight (ˈbæntəmˌweIt)   n   1    a a professional boxer weighing 112–118 pounds (51–53.5 kg)   b an amateur boxer weighing 51–54 kg (112–119 pounds)   c (as modifier): the bantamweight champion   2 a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 115–126 pounds (52–57 kg))

banteng (ˈbænˌtɛŋ) or banting (ˈbæntIŋ)   n   a species of wild ox found in SE Asia

banter (ˈbæntə)   vb   1 to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly   ▷ n   2 light, teasing, or joking language or repartee [C17: of unknown origin]   > ˈbanterer n

■ bantering (ˈbæntərIŋ)   adj   teasing or facetious, or characterized by facetiousness

■ banteringly (ˈbæntərIŋlI)   adv   in a bantering fashion

banting (ˈbæntIŋ) or bantingism (ˈbæntIŋIzəm)   n   obsolete slimming by avoiding eating sugar, starch, and fat [C19: named after William Banting (1797–1878), London undertaker who popularized this diet]

Banting (ˈbæntIŋ)   n   Sir Frederick Grant. 1891–1941, Canadian physiologist: discovered the insulin treatment for diabetes with Best and Macleod (1922) and shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine with Macleod (1923)

bantling (ˈbæntlIŋ)   n   archaic, derogatory a young child; brat [C16: perhaps from German Bänkling illegitimate child, from Bank bench + -LING^1]

Bantock (ˈbæntɒk)   n   Sir Granville. 1868–1946, British composer. His works include the Hebridean Symphony (1915), five ballets, and three operas

Bantoid (ˈbɑːntɔId, ˈbæn-)   adj   denoting or relating to languages, esp in Cameroon and Nigeria, that possess certain Bantu characteristics. See also Semi-Bantu

Bantu (ˈbɑːntʊ, ˈbæntuː, bænˈtuː)   n   1 a group of languages of Africa, including most of the principal languages spoken from the equator to the Cape of Good Hope, but excluding the Khoisan family: now generally regarded as part of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo family   2 (pl -tu or -tus) South African offensive a Black speaker of a Bantu language   ▷ adj   3 denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages [C19: from Bantu Ba-ntu people]

USAGE

Use of the term Bantu is only acceptable outside South Africa and when talking about this group of languages and their speakers. To refer to African people or peoples, the terms Black and African are acceptable within South Africa

■ Bantu beer   n   South African a malted drink made from partly fermented and germinated millet

■ Bantustan (ˈbɑːntʊˌstɑːn, ˌbæntʊˈstɑːn)   n   (formerly, in South Africa) an area reserved for occupation by a Black African people, with limited self-government; abolished in 1993. Official name: homeland

banty (ˈbæntI)   n, pl -ties   1 another name for bantam   2 jocular a person resembling such a bird, namely short and often aggressive

Banville (French bɑ̃vil)   n   Théodore de (teɔdɔr də). 1823–91, French poet, who anticipated the Parnassian school in his perfection of form and command of rhythm

banxring (ˈbæŋksˌrIŋ)   n   a small tree-dwelling and insectivorous animal, Tupaia, resembling a squirrel, native to Java and Sumatra

banya (ˈbænjə)   n   a traditional Russian steam bath

banyan or banian (ˈbænjən)   n   1 a moraceous tree, Ficus benghalensis, of tropical India and the East Indies, having aerial roots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks   2 a member of the Hindu merchant caste of N and W India   3 a loose-fitting shirt, jacket, or robe, worn originally in India [C16: from Hindi baniyā, from Sanskrit vānija merchant]

Banyana Banyana (bəˈnjɑːnə bəˈnjɑːnə)   pl n   the South Africa women's national soccer team [C20: from Nguni banyana the girls]

banzai (ˈbɑːnzaI, bɑːnˈzaI)   interj   a patriotic cheer, battle cry, or salutation [Japanese, literally: (may you live for) ten thousand years]

■ banzai attack   n   a mass attack of troops, without concern for casualties, as practised by the Japanese in World War II

bao (baʊ)   n   Chinese cookery a steamed dumpling, usually eaten with a filling [Chinese]

baobab (ˈbeIəʊˌbæb)   n   a bombacaceous tree, Adansonia digitata, native to Africa, that has a very thick trunk, large white flowers, and a gourdlike fruit with an edible pulp called monkey bread. Also called: bottle tree, monkey bread tree [C17: probably from a native African word]

Baoding (ˈbaʊˈdIŋ), Paoting or Pao-ting   n   a city in NE China, in N Hebei province. Pop: 810 000 (2005 est). Former name: Ch'ing-yüan, Tsingyuan

BAOR   abbreviation for   British Army of the Rhine

Baotou (ˈbaʊˈtuː) or Paotow   n   an industrial city in N China, in the central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on the Yellow River. Pop: 1 367 000 (2005 est)

bap (bæp)   n   Brit a large soft bread roll [C16: of unknown origin]

baphometic (ˌbæfəʊˈmɛtIk)   adj   relating to the worship of the idol Baphomet, whom the Knights Templar were accused of worshipping during the Crusades

baps (bæps)   pl n   Brit vulgar, slang a woman's breasts

bapt.   abbreviation for   1 baptism   2 baptized

baptisia (bæpˈtIʒIə, bæpˈtIzjə)   n   a genus of wild flower native to North America

baptize or baptise (bæpˈtaIz)   vb   1 Christianity to immerse (a person) in water or sprinkle water on (a person) as part of the rite of baptism   2 (tr) to give a name to; christen   3 (tr) to cleanse; purify [C13: from Late Latin baptīzāre, from Greek baptizein, from baptein to bathe, dip]

■ baptism (ˈbæpˌtIzəm)   n   1 a Christian religious rite consisting of immersion in or sprinkling with water as a sign that the subject is cleansed from sin and constituted as a member of the Church   2 the act of baptizing or of undergoing baptism   3 any similar experience of initiation, regeneration, or dedication   > bapˈtismal adj   > bapˈtismally adv

■ baptism of fire   n   1 a soldier's first experience of battle   2 any initiating ordeal or experience   3 Christianity the penetration of the Holy Ghost into the human spirit to purify, consecrate, and strengthen it, as was believed to have occurred initially at Pentecost

■ Baptist (ˈbæptIst)   n   1 a member of any of various Christian sects that affirm the necessity of baptism (usually of adults and by immersion) following a personal profession of the Christian faith   2 the Baptist See John the Baptist   ▷ adj   3 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of any Christian sect that affirms the necessity of baptism following a personal profession of the Christian faith

■ baptistry or baptistery (ˈbæptIstrI)   n, pl -ries or -eries   1 a part of a Christian church in which baptisms are carried out   2 a tank in a Baptist church in which baptisms are carried out

■ baptizer or baptiser (bæpˈtaIzə)   n   someone who baptises

bapu (ˈbɑːpuː)   n   Hinduism a spiritual father

bar^1 (bɑː)   n   1 a rigid usually straight length of metal, wood, etc, that is longer than it is wide or thick, used esp as a barrier or as a structural or mechanical part: a bar of a gate   2 a solid usually rectangular block of any material: a bar of soap   3 anything that obstructs or prevents   4    a an offshore ridge of sand, mud, or shingle lying near the shore and parallel to it, across the mouth of a river, bay, or harbour, or linking an island to the mainland   b US and Canadian an alluvial deposit in a stream, river, or lake   5 a counter or room where alcoholic drinks are served   6 a counter, room, or establishment where a particular range of goods, food, services, etc, are sold: a coffee bar; a heel bar   7 a narrow band or stripe, as of colour or light   8 a heating element in an electric fire   9 (in England) the area in a court of law separating the part reserved for the bench and Queen's Counsel from the area occupied by junior barristers, solicitors, and the general public. See also Bar   10 the place in a court of law where the accused stands during his or her trial: the prisoner at the bar   11 a particular court of law   12 Brit (in the House of Lords and House of Commons) the boundary where nonmembers wishing to address either House appear and where persons are arraigned   13 a plea showing that a plaintiff has no cause of action, as when the case has already been adjudicated upon or the time allowed for bringing the action has passed   14 anything referred to as an authority or tribunal: the bar of decency   15 Also called: measure music   a a group of beats that is repeated with a consistent rhythm throughout a piece or passage of music. The number of beats in the bar is indicated by the time signature   b another word for bar line   16    a Brit insignia added to a decoration indicating a second award   b US a strip of metal worn with uniform, esp to signify rank or as an award for service   17 a variant spelling of barre   18 sport See crossbar   19 gymnastics See horizontal bar   20    a part of the metal mouthpiece of a horse's bridle   b the space between the horse's teeth in which such a part fits   21 either of two horny extensions that project forwards and inwards from the rear of the outer layer of a horse's hoof   22 See crowbar, glazing-bar   23 lacemaking, needlework another name for bride^2   24 heraldry an ordinary consisting of a horizontal line across a shield, typically narrower than a fesse, and usually appearing in twos or threes   25 maths a superscript line ⁻ placed over a letter symbol to indicate, for example, a mean value or the complex conjugate of a complex number   26 behind bars in prison   27 won't have a bar of or wouldn't have a bar of Austral and NZ informal cannot tolerate; dislike   ▷ vb bars, barring, barred (tr)   28 to fasten or secure with a bar: to bar the door   29 to shut in or out with or as if with barriers: to bar the entrances   30 to obstruct; hinder: the fallen tree barred the road   31 (usually foll by from) to prohibit; forbid: to bar a couple from meeting   32 (usually foll by from) to keep out; exclude: to bar a person from membership   33 to mark with a bar or bars   34 law to prevent or halt (an action) by showing that the claimant has no cause   35 to mark off (music) into bars with bar lines   ▷ prep   36 except for: the best recital bar last night's   37 bar none without exception [C12: from Old French barre, from Vulgar Latin barra (unattested) bar, rod, of unknown origin]

■ barbell (ˈbɑːˌbɛl)   n   a metal rod to which heavy discs are attached at each end for weightlifting exercises

■ bar billiards   n   (functioning as singular) Brit a table game in pubs, etc, in which short cues are used to pocket balls into holes scoring various points and guarded by wooden pegs that incur penalties if they are knocked over

■ bar chart   n   another name for bar graph

■ barcode (ˈbɑːˌkəʊd)   n   commerce a machine-readable arrangement of numbers and parallel lines of different widths printed on a package, which can be electronically scanned at a checkout to register the price of the goods and to activate computer stock-checking and reordering. Also called: Universal Product Code, UPC

■ barcoded   adj   having a barcode

■ bar diagram   n   another name for bar graph

■ barfly (ˈbɑːflaI)   n, pl -flies   informal a person who frequents bars

■ barful (ˈbɑːfʊl)   adj   presenting difficulties or obstacles

■ bar girl   n   chiefly US an attractive girl employed by the management of a bar to befriend male customers and encourage them to buy drinks

■ bar graph   n   a graph consisting of vertical or horizontal bars whose lengths are proportional to amounts or quantities. Also called: bar chart, bar diagram

■ barhop (ˈbɑːˌhɒp)   vb (intr)   to visit several bars in succession

■ barkeep (ˈbɑːˌkiːp)   n   informal a barkeeper

■ barkeeper (ˈbɑːˌkiːpə)   n   another name (esp US) for barman

■ barless (ˈbɑːlIs)   adj   without a bar or bars

■ bar line or bar   n   music the vertical line marking the boundary between one bar and the next

■ barmaid (ˈbɑːˌmeId)   n   a woman who serves in a pub

■ barman (ˈbɑːmən)   n, pl -men   a man who serves in a pub

USAGE

The gender-neutral form of barman and barmaid is bartender

■ barperson (ˈbɑːˌpɜːsən)   n, pl -persons   a person who serves in a pub: used esp in advertisements

■ barrable (ˈbɑːrəbəl)   adj   able to be barred

■ -barred   adj   (in combination) having rigid usually straight lengths of metal, wood, etc: a five-barred gate

■ barring (ˈbɑːrIŋ)   prep   unless (something) occurs; except for: barring rain, the match will be held tomorrow

■ barroom (ˈbɑːˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   US a room or building where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

■ bar sinister   n   1 (not in heraldic usage) another name for bend sinister   2 the condition, implication, or stigma of being of illegitimate birth

■ bar-stool   n   a high backless seat found chiefly in bars, at the serving counter

■ bartend (ˈbɑːˌtɛnd)   vb (intr)   to work as a bartender

■ bartender (ˈbɑːˌtɛndə)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a person who serves in a bar

■ barware (ˈbɑːˌwɛə)   n   the glasses and other equipment used in a bar

bar^2 (bɑː)   n   a cgs unit of pressure equal to 10^6 dynes per square centimetre. 1 bar is equivalent to 10^5 newtons per square metre [C20: from Greek baros weight]

bar^3 (bɑː) Southwest English dialect   n   1 immunity from being caught or otherwise penalized in a game   ▷ interj   2 a cry for such immunity [variant of BARLEY^2]

Bar (bɑː)   n the Bar   1 (in England and elsewhere) barristers collectively   2 US the legal profession collectively   3 be called to the Bar Brit to become a barrister   4 be called within the Bar Brit to be appointed as a Queen's Counsel

BAR   abbreviation for   Browning Automatic Rifle

bar.   abbreviation for   1 barometer   2 barometric   3 barrel (container or unit of measure)   4 barrister

Bar- (bar, bɑː)   prefix   (before Jewish patronymic names) son of: Bar-Kochba

Barabbas (bəˈræbəs)   n   New Testament a condemned robber who was released at the Passover instead of Jesus (Matthew 27:16)

barachois (ˌbærəˈʃwɑː)   n   (in the Atlantic Provinces of Canada) a shallow lagoon formed by a sand bar [French]

baraesthesia or US baresthesia (ˌbærIsˈθiːzIə)   n   physiol the ability to sense pressure [C20: from Greek baros weight + AESTHESIA]

baragouin (ˌbærəˈɡwIn, ˌbærəˈɡwɛ̃)   n   formal incomprehensible language; gibberish

Barak (ˈbærək)   n   Ehud (ɛˈhʊd). born 1942, Israeli politician, prime minister (1999–2001); left the Labour Party (2011) to form the breakaway party Independence

Baranof Island (ˈbærənəf)   n   an island off SE Alaska, in the western part of the Alexander Archipelago. Area: 4162 sq km (1607 sq miles)

Bárány (German ˈbɑːranI)   n   Robert. 1876–1936, Austrian physician; devised the Bárány test, which detects diseases of the semicircular canals of the inner ear: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1914

barasinga or barasingha (ˌbærəˈsIŋɡə)   n   a species of deer, Cervus duvaucelii, native to India and Nepal, known for the many-pointed nature of its antlers

barathea (ˌbærəˈθIə)   n   a fabric made of silk and wool or cotton and rayon, used esp for coats [C19: of unknown origin]

barathrum (bəˈræθrəm)   n   1 any deep abyss   2 archaic Hell   3 literary an insatiable person; a glutton

baraza (baˈraza)   n E African   1 a place where public meetings are held   2 a palaver or meeting [C19: from Swahili]

barb^1 (bɑːb)   n   1 a subsidiary point facing in the opposite direction to the main point of a fish-hook, harpoon, arrow, etc, intended to make extraction difficult   2 any of various pointed parts, as on barbed wire   3 a cutting remark; gibe   4 any of the numerous hairlike filaments that form the vane of a feather   5 a beardlike growth in certain animals   6 a hooked hair or projection on certain fruits   7 any small cyprinid fish of the genus Barbus (or Puntius) and related genera, such as B. conchonius (rosy barb)   8 (usually plural) any of the small fleshy protuberances beneath the tongue in horses and cattle   9 a white linen cloth forming part of a headdress extending from the chin to the upper chest, originally worn by women in the Middle Ages, now worn by nuns of some orders   10 obsolete a beard   ▷ vb   11 (tr) to provide with a barb or barbs [C14: from Old French barbe beard, point, from Latin barba beard]   > barbed adj

■ barbed wire   n   strong wire with sharply pointed barbs at close intervals. Also called (US): barbwire

■ barbed-wire grass   n   Austral an aromatic grass, Cymbopogon refractus, with groups of seed heads resembling barbed wire

■ barbless (ˈbɑːblIs)   adj   without a barb

■ barbwire (ˌbɑːbˈwaIə)   n   US Another name for barbed wire

barb^2 (bɑːb)   n   (often capital) a breed of horse of North African origin, similar to the Arab but less spirited [C17: from French barbe, from Italian barbero a Barbary (horse)]

barb^3 (bɑːb)   n   Austral a black kelpie. See kelpie^1 [C19: named after one that was named Barb after a winning racehorse]

BARB (bɑːb)   n acronym for (in Britain)   Broadcasters' Audience Research Board

Barbados (bɑːˈbeIdəʊs, -dəʊz, -dɒs)   n   an island in the Caribbean, in the E Lesser Antilles: a British colony from 1628 to 1966, now an independent state within the Commonwealth. Language: English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Barbados dollar. Capital: Bridgetown. Pop: 285 719 (2017 est). Area: 430 sq km (166 sq miles)

■ Barbadian (bɑːˈbeIdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Barbados or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Barbados

■ Barbados earth   n   a diatomaceous marl found in Barbados

barbal (ˈbɑːbəl)   adj   formal relating to a beard

barbaresque (ˌbɑːbəˈrɛsk)   adj   1 (particularly of art) stylistically barbaric   2 pertaining to the Barbary region of N Africa

Barbarossa (ˌbɑːbəˈrɒsə)   n   1 the nickname of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I. See Frederick Barbarossa   2  real name Khair ed-Din. c. 1465–1546, Turkish pirate and admiral: conquered Tunis for the Ottomans (1534)

barbarous (ˈbɑːbərəs)   adj   1 uncivilized; primitive   2 brutal or cruel   3 lacking refinement [C15: via Latin from Greek barbaros barbarian, non-Greek, in origin imitative of incomprehensible speech; compare Sanskrit barbara stammering, non-Aryan]   > ˈbarbarously adv   > ˈbarbarousness n

■ barbarian (bɑːˈbɛərIən)   n   1 a member of a primitive or uncivilized people   2 a coarse, insensitive, or uncultured person   3 a vicious person   ▷ adj   4 of an uncivilized culture   5 insensitive, uncultured, or brutal [C16: see BARBAROUS]   > barˈbarianism n

■ barbaric (bɑːˈbærIk)   adj   1 of or characteristic of barbarians   2 primitive or unsophisticated; unrestrained   3 brutal [C15: from Latin barbaricus foreign, outlandish; see BARBAROUS]   > barˈbarically adv

■ barbarism (ˈbɑːbəˌrIzəm)   n   1 a brutal, coarse, or ignorant act   2 the condition of being backward, coarse, or ignorant   3 a substandard or erroneously constructed or derived word or expression; solecism   4 any act or object that offends against accepted taste [C16: from Latin barbarismus error of speech, from Greek barbarismos, from barbaros BARBAROUS]

■ barbarity (bɑːˈbærItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or condition of being barbaric or barbarous   2 a brutal or vicious act   3 a crude or unsophisticated quality, style, expression, etc

■ barbarize or barbarise (ˈbɑːbəˌraIz)   vb   1 to make or become barbarous   2 to use barbarisms in (language)   > ˌbarbariˈzation or ˌbarbariˈsation n

Barbary (ˈbɑːbərI)   n   a historic name for a region of N Africa extending from W Egypt to the Atlantic and including the former Barbary States of Tripolitania, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco

■ Barbary ape   n   a tailless macaque, Macaca sylvana, that inhabits rocky cliffs and forests in NW Africa and Gibraltar: family Cercopithecidae, order Primates

■ Barbary Coast   n   the Barbary Coast a historic name for the Mediterranean coast of North Africa: a centre of piracy against European shipping from the 16th to the 19th centuries

barbasco (bɑːˈbæskəʊ)   n   1 an evergreen South American plant, Jacquinia barbasco, which produces a poison harmless to humans but useful for stunning fish to make them easy to catch   2 any of a variety of South American plants producing similar poisons   3 the poison produced by barbasco plants

barbastel (ˌbɑːbəˈstɛl, ˈbɑːbəˌstɛl)   n   a type of insectivorous forest bat, Barbastellus communis, native to Europe and known for its hairy lips

barbastelle (ˌbɑːbəˈstɛl)   n   an insectivorous forest bat, Barbastella barbastellus, widely distributed across Eurasia, having a wrinkled face and prominent ears: roosts in trees or caves [French: from Italian barbastello, from Latin vespertilio bat; see PIPISTRELLE]

barbate (ˈbɑːbeIt)   adj   chiefly biology having tufts of long hairs; bearded [C19: from Latin barba a beard]

barbe (bɑːb)   n   1 Christianity a Waldensian missionary   2 a type of high, pleated collar worn by widows and nuns in Medieval times

barbecue (ˈbɑːbIˌkjuː)   n   1 a meal cooked out of doors over an open fire   2 an outdoor party or picnic at which barbecued food is served   3 a grill or fireplace used in barbecuing   4 the food so cooked   ▷ vb -cues, -cuing, -cued (tr)   5 to cook (meat, fish, etc) on a grill, usually over charcoal and often with a highly seasoned sauce   6 to cook (meat, fish, etc) in a highly seasoned sauce [C17: from American Spanish barbacoa, probably from Taino: frame made of sticks]

■ barbecuer (ˈbɑːbIˌkjuːə)   n   someone who cooks using a barbecue

■ barbecue stopper   n Austral informal   1 a controversial current-affairs issue   2 a social gaffe [C21: coined by John HOWARD; from the notion that such a discussion is likely to interrupt a barbecue with loud debate]

barbel (ˈbɑːbəl)   n   1 any of several slender tactile spines or bristles that hang from the jaws of certain fishes, such as the catfish and carp   2 any of several European cyprinid fishes of the genus Barbus, esp B. barbus, that resemble the carp but have a longer body and pointed snout [C14: from Old French, from Latin barbus, from barba beard]

■ barbellate (ˈbɑːbIˌleIt, bɑːˈbɛlIt, -eIt)   adj   1 (of plants or plant organs) covered with barbs, hooks, or bristles   2 (of animals) possessing bristles or barbels [C19: from New Latin barbellātus, from barbella short stiff hair, from Latin barbula a little beard, from barba beard]

barber (ˈbɑːbə)   n   1 a person whose business is cutting men's hair and shaving or trimming beards   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to cut the hair of   3 to shave or trim the beard of [C13: from Old French barbeor, from barbe beard, from Latin barba]

■ barbershop (ˈbɑːbəˌʃɒp)   n   1 chiefly US the premises of a barber   2 (modifier) denoting or characterized by a type of close four-part harmony for male voices, popular in romantic and sentimental songs of the 1920s and 1930s: a barbershop quartet

■ barber's itch or barber's rash   n   any of various fungal infections of the bearded portion of the neck and face. Technical name: tinea barbae

■ barber's pole   n   a sign outside a barber's shop consisting of a pole painted with red and white spiral stripes

Barber (ˈbɑːbə)   n   Samuel. 1910–81, US composer: his works include an Adagio for Strings, adapted from the second movement of his string quartet No. 1 (1936) and the opera Vanessa (1958)

Barbera (baːˈbeIrə)   n   Joseph. See Hanna

barberry (ˈbɑːbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 any spiny berberidaceous shrub of the widely distributed genus Berberis, esp B. vulgaris, having clusters of yellow flowers and orange or red berries: widely cultivated as hedge plants   2 the fruit of any of these plants [C15: from Old French berberis, from Arabic barbāris]

Barberton daisy (ˈbɑːbətən)   n   See gerbera [from Barberton, a town in Mpumulanga Province, South Africa]

barbet (ˈbɑːbIt)   n   any small tropical brightly coloured bird of the family Capitonidae, having short weak wings and a sharp stout bill with tuftlike feathers at its base: order Piciformes (woodpeckers, etc) [C18: from French, ultimately from Latin barbātus bearded, BARBATE]

barbette (bɑːˈbɛt)   n   1 (formerly) an earthen platform inside a parapet, from which heavy guns could fire over the top   2 an armoured cylinder below a turret on a warship that protects the revolving structure and foundation of the turret [C18: from French, diminutive of barbe a nun's BARB^1, from a fancied similarity between the earthwork around a cannon and this part of a nun's habit]

barbican (ˈbɑːbIkən)   n   1 a walled outwork or tower to protect a gate or drawbridge of a fortification   2 a watchtower projecting from a fortification [C13: from Old French barbacane, from Medieval Latin barbacana, of unknown origin]

■ Barbican (ˈbɑːbIkən)   n   the Barbican a building complex in the City of London: includes residential developments and the Barbican Arts Centre (completed 1982) housing concert and exhibition halls, theatres, cinemas, etc

barbicel (ˈbɑːbIˌsɛl)   n   ornithol any of the minute hooks on the barbules of feathers that interlock with those of adjacent barbules [C19: from New Latin barbicella, literally: a small beard, from Latin barba beard]

barbie or barby (ˈbɑːbI)   n   informal, chiefly Austral short for barbecue

Barbie doll or Barbie (ˈbɑːbI)   n   1 trademark a teenage doll with numerous sets of clothes and accessories   2 derogatory, slang a superficially attractive but insipid young woman

Barbirolli (ˌbɑːbəˈrɒlI)   n   Sir John. 1899–1970, English conductor of the Hallé Orchestra (1943–68)

barbitone (ˈbɑːbIˌtəʊn) or US barbital (ˈbɑːbIˌtæl)   n   a long-acting barbiturate used medicinally, usually in the form of the sodium salt, as a sedative or hypnotic [C20: from BARBIT(URIC ACID) + -ONE]

barbiturate (bɑːˈbItjʊrIt, -ˌreIt)   n   a derivative of barbituric acid, such as phenobarbital, used in medicine as a sedative, hypnotic, or anticonvulsant

barbituric acid (ˌbɑːbIˈtjʊərIk)   n   a white crystalline solid used in the preparation of barbiturate drugs. Formula: C_4H_4N_2O_3. Systematic name: 2,4,6-trioxypyrimidine. Also called: malonylurea [C19: partial translation of German Barbitursäure, perhaps from the name Barbara + URIC + Säure acid]

■ barbituric (ˌbɑːbIˈtjʊərIk)   adj   chem of or derived from barbituric acid

Barbizon School (ˈbɑːbIˌzɒn)   n   a group of French painters of landscapes of the 1840s, including Théodore Rousseau, Daubigny, Diaz, Corot, and Millet [C19: from Barbizon a village near Paris and a favourite haunt of the painters]

barbola (bɑːˈbəʊlə)   n   decorative work consisting of small models of flowers and fruit made from plastic paste

barbotine (ˈbɑːbəˌtiːn)   n pottery   1 a type of clay paste used in making decorated pottery   2 the technique of using barbotine clay to ornament pottery

Barbour (ˈbɑːbə)   n   John. c. 1320–95, Scottish poet: author of The Bruce (1376), a patriotic epic poem

Barbour jacket or Barbour (ˈbɑːbə)   n   trademark a hard-wearing waterproof waxed jacket

barbs (bɑːbz)   pl n   US informal barbiturates

Barbuda (bɑːˈbuːdə)   n   a coral island in the E Caribbean, in the Leeward Islands: part of the independent state of Antigua and Barbuda. Area: 160 sq km (62 sq miles)

barbule (ˈbɑːbjuːl)   n   1 a very small barb   2 ornithol any of the minute hairs that project from a barb and in some feathers interlock by hooks and grooves, forming a flat vane [C19: from Latin barbula a little beard, from barba beard]

Barbusse (French barbys)   n   Henri (ɑ̃ri). 1873–1935, French novelist and poet. His novels include L'Enfer (1908) and Le Feu (1916), reflecting the horror of World War I

barbut (ˈbɑːbət)   n   armour an open-faced Italian helmet made from one piece of metal and reaching the shoulders

Barca (ˈbɑːkə)   n   the surname of several noted Carthaginian generals, including Hamilcar, Hasdrubal, and Hannibal   > ˈBarcan adj

Barcalounger (ˈbɑːkəˌlaʊndʒə)   n trademark   US a type of reclinable armchair with an extendable footrest

barcarole or barcarolle (ˈbɑːkəˌrəʊl, -ˌrɒl, ˌbɑːkəˈrəʊl)   n   1 a Venetian boat song in a time of six or twelve quaver beats to the bar   2 an instrumental composition resembling this [C18: from French, from Italian barcarola, from barcaruolo boatman, from barca boat; see BARQUE]

Barce (ˈbartʃe) or Barca (ˈbarka)   n   the Italian name for Al Marj

Barcelona (ˌbɑːsIˈləʊnə)   n   the chief port of Spain, on the NE Mediterranean coast: seat of the Republican government during the Civil War (1936–39); the commercial capital of Spain. Pop: 1 582 738 (2003 est). Ancient name: Barcino (bɑːˈsiːnəʊ)

BArch   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Architecture

barchan, barkhan, barchane or barkan (bɑːˈkɑːn)   n   a crescent-shaped shifting sand dune, convex on the windward side and steeper and concave on the leeward

Barclay (ˈbɑːklI)   n   Alexander. c. 1475–1552, English poet. His works include The Ship of Fools (1509) and Eclogues (c. 1513–14)

Barclay de Tolly (ˈbɑːklI də ˈtɒlI; Russian barˈklai də ˈtɔlj)   n   Prince Mikhail (mixaˈil). 1761–1818, Russian field marshal: commander in chief against Napoleon in 1812

Barcoo Creek (bɑːˈkuː)   n   a river in E central Australia, in SW Queensland: joins with the Thomson River to form Cooper Creek

Barcoo salute   n   Austral informal a movement of the hand to brush flies away from the face

bard^1 (bɑːd)   n   1    a (formerly) one of an ancient Celtic order of poets who recited verses about the exploits, often legendary, of their tribes   b (in modern times) a poet who wins a verse competition at a Welsh eisteddfod   2 archaic or literary any poet, esp one who writes lyric or heroic verse or is of national importance [C14: from Scottish Gaelic; related to Welsh bardd]   > ˈbardic adj   > ˈbardism n

■ Bard (bɑːd)   n   the Bard an epithet of William Shakespeare

■ bardling (ˈbɑːdlIŋ)   n   an inexperienced, and thus usually inferior, poet

■ bardolater (bɑːˈdɒlətə)   n   someone who practises bardolatry

■ bardolatrous (ˌbɑːˈdɒlətrəs)   adj   relating to or characterized by bardolatry

■ bardolatry (bɑːˈdɒlətrI)   n   facetious idolatry or excessive admiration of William Shakespeare

■ bardship (ˈbɑːdʃIp)   n   the office or state of being a bard

bard^2 or barde (bɑːd)   n   1 a piece of larding bacon or pork fat placed on game or lean meat during roasting to prevent drying out   2 an ornamental caparison for a horse   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to place a bard on [C15: from Old French barde, from Old Italian barda, from Arabic barda`ah packsaddle]

bardash (ˈbɑːdæʃ)   n   a kept boy in a homosexual relationship; catamite

Bardeen (ˌbɑːˈdiːn)   n   John. 1908–91, US physicist and electrical engineer, noted for his research on electrical conduction in solids; shared Nobel prize for physics 1956 for research on semiconductors leading to the invention of the transistor; shared Nobel prize for physics 1972 for contributions to the theory of superconductivity

bardie (ˈbɑːdiː)   n   1 Also called: bardy an edible white wood-boring grub of Australia   2 starve the bardies! Austral slang an exclamation of surprise or protest [from a native Australian language]

bardo (ˈbɑːdəʊ)   n (often capital)   (in Tibetan Buddhism) the state of the soul between its death and its rebirth [Tibetan bardo between two]

Bardolino (ˌbɑːdəˈliːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   a light dry red wine produced around Verona in NE Italy

Bardot (French bardo)   n   Brigitte (briʒit). born 1934, French film actress and animal rights activist

bardy^1 (ˈbɑːdI)   n, pl -dies   a variant spelling of bardie

bardy^2 (ˈbɑːdI)   adj bardier, bardiest   Scot defiant; bold; daring

bare^1 (bɛə)   adj   1 unclothed; exposed: used esp of a part of the body   2 without the natural, conventional, or usual covering or clothing: a bare tree   3 lacking appropriate furnishings, etc: a bare room   4 unembellished; simple: the bare facts   5 (prenomial) just sufficient; mere: he earned the bare minimum   6 with one's bare hands without a weapon or tool   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to make bare; uncover; reveal [Old English bær; compare Old Norse berr, Old High German bar naked, Old Slavonic bosǔ barefoot]   > ˈbareness n

■ bare-ass or bare-assed   adj   slang naked; undressed

■ bareback (ˈbɛəˌbæk) or barebacked   adj, adv   1 (of horse riding) without a saddle   2 slang (of sex) without a condom   ▷ vb slang   3 (intr) to practise unprotected sex

■ barebacking (ˈbɛəbækIŋ)   n   slang sexual intercourse performed without the use of a condom

■ bareboat (ˈbɛəˌbəʊt)   n   a boat that can be chartered without crew, provisions, etc

■ barebone (ˈbɛəˌbəʊn)   n   1 informal a very thin person whose bones show through the skin   2 a computer casing containing the bare essentials

■ bareboned (ˌbɛəˈbəʊnd)   adj   1 short of resources   2 not detailed

■ bare-bones   adj   basic or simple; no-frills

■ barefaced (ˈbɛəˌfeIst)   adj   1 unconcealed or shameless: a barefaced lie   2 with the face uncovered or shaven   > barefacedly (ˈbɛəˌfeIsIdlI) adv   > ˈbareˌfacedness n

■ barefit (ˈbɛəfIt)   adj   Scot barefooted

■ barefoot (ˈbɛəˌfʊt) or barefooted   adj, adv   with the feet uncovered

■ barefoot doctor   n   (esp in developing countries) a worker trained as a medical auxiliary in a rural area who dispenses medicine, gives first aid, assists at childbirth, etc [C20: translation of Chinese chijiao yisheng, officially translated as primary health worker]

■ barehand (ˈbɛəˌhænd)   vb (tr)   baseball to field (the ball) with one's bare hands rather than one's glove

■ barehanded (ˌbɛəˈhændId)   adv, adj   1 without weapons, tools, etc   2 with hands uncovered

■ bareheaded (ˌbɛəˈhɛdId)   adj   1 with head uncovered   ▷ adv   2 Also: barehead archaic with head uncovered

■ bare-knuckle   adj   1 without boxing gloves: a bare-knuckle fight   2 aggressive and without reservations: a bare-knuckle confrontation

■ bareland (ˈbɛəˌlænd)   adj   (of a croft) having no house attached

■ barelegged (ˌbɛəˈlɛɡd)   adj   1 having uncovered legs   ▷ adv   2 with uncovered legs

■ barely (ˈbɛəlI)   adv   1 only just; scarcely: barely enough for their needs   2 informal not quite; nearly: barely old enough   3 scantily; poorly: barely furnished   4 archaic openly

USAGE

Since barely, hardly, and scarcely already have negative force, it is redundant to use another negative in the same clause: he had barely had (not he hadn't barely had) time to think; there was scarcely any (not scarcely no) bread left

■ barish (ˈbɛərIʃ)   adj   quite thinly covered or bare

bare^2 (bɛə)   vb   archaic a past tense of bear^1

barège French (barɛʒ)   n   1 a light silky gauze fabric made of wool   ▷ adj   2 made of such a fabric [C19: named after Barèges, France, where it was originally made]

baregine (ˈbærIdʒiːn)   n   a whitish, mucilaginous substance found in the thermal waters of Barèges in France, considered to have healing properties

Bareilly (bəˈreIlI)   n   a city in N India, in N central Uttar Pradesh. Pop: 699 839 (2001)

Barenboim (ˈbærənˌbɔIm)   n   Daniel. born 1942, Israeli concert pianist and conductor, born in Argentina

Barents Sea (ˈbærənts)   n   a part of the Arctic Ocean, bounded by Norway, Russia, and the islands of Novaya Zemlya, Spitsbergen, and Franz Josef Land [named after Willem Barents (1550–97), Dutch navigator and explorer]

baresark (ˈbɛəˌsɑːk)   n   another word for berserk (sense 2) [C19: literally: bare shirt]

barf (bɑːf) slang   vb (tr)   1 to vomit   ▷ n   2 the act of vomiting   3 the matter ejected in vomiting [C20: probably of imitative origin]

bargain (ˈbɑːɡIn)   n   1 an agreement or contract establishing what each party will give, receive, or perform in a transaction between them   2 something acquired or received in such an agreement   3    a something bought or offered at a low price: a bargain at an auction   b (as modifier): a bargain price   4 into the bargain or US in the bargain in excess of what has been stipulated; besides   5 make a bargain or strike a bargain to agree on terms   ▷ vb   6 (intr) to negotiate the terms of an agreement, transaction, etc   7 (tr) to exchange, as in a bargain   8 to arrive at (an agreement or settlement) [C14: from Old French bargaigne, from bargaignier to trade, of Germanic origin; compare Medieval Latin barcāniāre to trade, Old English borgian to borrow]   > ˈbargainer n   > ˈbargaining n, adj

■ bargain away   vb   (tr, adverb) to lose or renounce (freedom, rights, etc) in return for something valueless or of little value

■ bargain basement   n   part of a shop where goods are sold at reduced prices

■ bargain bin   n   a container in a shop from which customers can buy goods that may be old or imperfect at greatly reduced prices

■ bargain for   vb   (intr, preposition) to expect; anticipate (a style of behaviour, change in fortune, etc): he got more than he bargained for

■ bargain-hunting   n   the act of shopping for items sold at cheap, esp discounted, prices

■ bargaining agent   n   an organization, usually a trade union, that acts or bargains on behalf of a group of employees in collective bargaining

■ bargaining level   n   the level within an organizational hierarchy, such as company level, national level, etc, at which collective bargaining takes place

■ bargaining scope   n   the range of topics within the scope of a particular set of negotiations leading to a collective agreement

■ bargaining unit   n   a specific group of employees who are covered by the same collective agreement or set of agreements and represented by the same bargaining agent or agents

■ bargain on   vb   (intr, preposition) to rely or depend on (something): he bargained on her support

barge (bɑːdʒ)   n   1 a vessel, usually flat-bottomed and with or without its own power, used for transporting freight, esp on canals   2 a vessel, often decorated, used in pageants, for state occasions, etc   3 navy a boat allocated to a flag officer, used esp for ceremonial occasions and often carried on board his or her flagship   4 jocular, derogatory any vessel, esp an old or clumsy one   5 Austral informal a heavy or cumbersome surfboard   ▷ vb   6 (intr; foll by into) informal to bump (into)   7 (tr) informal to push (someone or one's way) violently   8 (intr; foll by into or in) informal to interrupt rudely or clumsily: to barge into a conversation   9 (tr) sailing to bear down on (another boat or boats) at the start of a race   10 (tr) to transport by barge   11 (intr) informal to move slowly or clumsily [C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin barga, probably from Late Latin barca a small boat; see BARQUE]

■ bargeboard (ˈbɑːdʒˌbɔːd)   n   a board, often decorated with carved ornaments, placed along the gable end of a roof. Also called: vergeboard

■ barge couple   n   either of a pair of outside rafters along the gable end of a roof

■ barge course   n   1 the overhang of the gable end of a roof   2 a course of bricks laid on edge to form the coping of a wall

■ bargee (bɑːˈdʒiː) or US and Canadian bargeman (ˈbɑːdʒmən)   n, pl bargees or bargemen   a person employed on or in charge of a barge

■ bargemaster (ˈbɑːdʒˌmɑːstə)   n   the owner of a barge

■ bargepole (ˈbɑːdʒˌpəʊl)   n   1 a long pole used to propel a barge   2 not touch with a bargepole informal to refuse to have anything to do with

bargello (ˈbɑːdʒɛləʊ)   n   embroidery a needlepoint embroidery stitch producing a zigzag pattern

barghest (ˈbɑːɡɛst)   n   myth (in the North of England, esp Yorkshire) a goblin that appears in the shape of a dog as an omen of death or other misfortune

bargoon (ˌbɑːˈɡuːn)   n   Canadian slang a bargain [C20: humorous alteration of BARGAIN]

bargoose (ˈbɑːˌɡuːs)   n   an obsolete name for barnacle goose

Bari (ˈbɑːrI)   n   a port in SE Italy, capital of Apulia, on the Adriatic coast. Pop: 316 532 (2001)

bariatric (ˌbærIˈætrIk)   adj   of or relating to the treatment of obesity: bariatric surgery [C20: from BARO + IATRIC]   > ˌbariˈatrics pl n

baric^1 (ˈbɛərIk, ˈbærIk)   adj   of or containing barium

baric^2 (ˈbærIk)   adj   of or concerned with weight, esp that of the atmosphere as indicated by barometric pressure

barilla (bəˈrIlə)   n   1 an impure mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate obtained from the ashes of certain plants, such as the saltworts   2 either of two chenopodiaceous plants, Salsola kali (or soda) or Halogeton soda, formerly burned to obtain a form of sodium carbonate. See also saltwort [C17: from Spanish barrilla, literally: a little bar, from barra BAR^1]

Baring (ˈbɛərIŋ)   n   Evelyn, 1st Earl of Cromer. 1841–1917, English administrator. As consul general in Egypt with plenipotentiary powers, he controlled the Egyptian government from 1883 to 1907

barista (bəˈrIstə)   n   a person who makes and serves coffee in a coffee bar [C20: Italian, literally: bartender]

barit.   abbreviation for   baritone

barite (ˈbɛəraIt)   n   US and Canadian a colourless or white mineral consisting of barium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form, occurring in sedimentary rocks and with sulphide ores: a source of barium. Formula: BaSO_4. Also called: barytes, heavy spar [C18: from BAR(IUM) + -ITE^1]

baritone (ˈbærIˌtəʊn)   n   1 the second lowest adult male voice, having a range approximately from G an eleventh below middle C to F a fourth above it   2 a singer with such a voice   3 the second lowest instrument in the families of the saxophone, horn, oboe, etc   ▷ adj   4 relating to or denoting a baritone: a baritone part   5 denoting the second lowest instrument in a family: the baritone horn [C17: from Italian baritono a deep voice, from Greek barutonos deep-sounding, from barus heavy, low + tonos TONE]

■ baritonal (ˌbærIˈtəʊnəl)   adj   music of or relating to a baritone

barium (ˈbɛərIəm)   n   a soft silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth group. It is used in bearing alloys and compounds used as pigments. Symbol: Ba; atomic no: 56; atomic wt: 137.327; valency: 2; relative density: 3.5; melting pt: 729°C; boiling pt: 1805°C [C19: from BAR(YTA) + -IUM]

■ barium enema   n   an injection into the rectum of a preparation of barium sulphate, which is opaque to X-rays, before X-raying the lower alimentary canal

■ barium hydroxide   n   a white poisonous crystalline solid, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and in the preparation of beet sugar. Formula: Ba(OH)2. Also called: baryta

■ barium meal   n   a preparation of barium sulphate, which is opaque to X-rays, swallowed by a patient before X-ray examination of the upper part of the alimentary canal

■ barium oxide   n   a white or yellowish-white poisonous heavy powder used esp as a dehydrating agent. Formula: BaO. Also called: baryta

■ barium sulphate   n   a white insoluble fine dense powder, used as a pigment, as a filler for paper, rubber, etc, and in barium meals. Formula: BaSO_4. Also called: blanc fixe

■ barium titanate   n   a crystalline ceramic used in capacitors and piezoelectric devices. Formula: BaTiO_3

bark^1 (bɑːk)   n   1 the loud abrupt usually harsh or gruff cry of a dog or any of certain other animals   2 a similar sound, such as one made by a person, gun, etc   3 his or her bark is worse than his or her bite he or she is bad-tempered but harmless   ▷ vb   4 (intr) (of a dog or any of certain other animals) to make its typical loud abrupt cry   5 (intr) (of a person, gun, etc) to make a similar loud harsh sound   6 to say or shout in a brusque, peremptory, or angry tone: he barked an order   7 US informal to advertise (a show, merchandise, etc) by loudly addressing passers-by   8 bark up the wrong tree informal to misdirect one's attention, efforts, etc; be mistaken [Old English beorcan; related to Lithuanian burgěti to quarrel, growl]

■ barker^1 (ˈbɑːkə)   n   1 an animal or person that barks   2 a person who stands at a show, fair booth, etc, and loudly addresses passers-by to attract customers

■ barking (ˈbɑːkIŋ) slang   adj   1 mad; crazy   ▷ adv   2 (intensifier): barking mad

■ barking deer   n   another name for muntjac

■ barkless^2 (ˈbɑːklIs)   adj   (of a dog) not tending to bark

bark^2 (bɑːk)   n   1 a protective layer of dead corky cells on the outside of the stems of woody plants   2 any of several varieties of this substance that can be used in tanning, dyeing, or in medicine   3 an informal name for cinchona   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to scrape or rub off skin, as in an injury   5 to remove the bark or a circle of bark from (a tree or log)   6 to cover or enclose with bark   7 to tan (leather), principally by the tannins in barks [C13: from Old Norse börkr; related to Swedish, Danish bark, German Borke; compare Old Norse björkr BIRCH]

■ bark beetle   n   any small beetle of the family Scolytidae, which bore tunnels in the bark and wood of trees, causing great damage. They are closely related to the weevils

■ bark cloth   n   a papery fabric made from the fibrous inner bark of various trees, esp of the moraceous genus Ficus and the leguminous genus Brachystegia

■ barken (ˈbɑːkən)   adj   1 poetic consisting of bark   ▷ vb   2 Scot to dry out or become dry with a bark-like outer layer

■ barker^1 (ˈbɑːkə)   n   a person or machine that removes bark from trees or logs or prepares it for tanning

■ barkless^2 (ˈbɑːklIs)   adj   (of a tree) not having any bark; stripped of its bark

■ barky (ˈbɑːkI)   adj -kier, -kiest   1 consisting of or being covered in bark   2 resembling bark in texture or appearance

bark^3 (bɑːk)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of barque

barkentine or barkantine (ˈbɑːkənˌtiːn)   n   US and Canadian a sailing ship of three or more masts rigged square on the foremast and fore-and-aft on the others. British spellings: barquentine, barquantine [C17: from BARQUE + (BRIG)ANTINE]

Barker (ˈbɑːkə)   n   1  Billy, full name William George Barker. 1894–1930, Canadian fighter pilot during World War I; the most decorated military serviceman in British Empire history   2  George (Granville). 1913–91, British poet: author of Calamiterror (1937) and The True Confession of George Barker (1950)   3  Howard. born 1946, British playwright: his plays include Claw (1975), The Castle (1985), A Hard Heart (1992), and 13 Objects (2003)   4  Ronnie, full name Ronald William George Barker. 1929–2005, British comedian: known esp for his partnership with Ronnie Corbett (1930–2016) in the TV series The Two Ronnies (1971–85)

barkhan or barkan (bɑːˈkɑːn)   n   variant spellings of barchan

Barkhausen (German ˈbarkhaʊzən)   n   Heinrich Georg. 1881–1956, German physicist; discovered that ferromagnetic material in an increasing magnetic field becomes magnetized in discrete jumps (the Barkhausen effect)

Barking and Dagenham (ˈbɑːkIŋ)   n   a borough of E Greater London. Pop: 165 900 (2003 est). Area: 34 sq km (13 sq miles)

Barkla (ˈbɑːklə)   n   Charles Glover. 1877–1944, British physicist, noted for his work on X-rays: Nobel prize for physics 1917

Bar Kochba, Bar Kokhba or Bar Kosba (bɑː ˈkɒxbə, ˈkɒs-)   n   Simeon. died 135 AD, Jewish leader who led an unsuccessful revolt against the Romans in Palestine

barleduc (ˌbɑːləˈduːk)   n   a French preserve made of whitecurrants, redcurrants, or gooseberries

Barletta (Italian barˈletta)   n   a port in SE Italy, in Apulia. Pop: 92 094 (2001)

barley^1 (ˈbɑːlI)   n   1 any of various erect annual temperate grasses of the genus Hordeum, esp H. vulgare, that have short leaves and dense bristly flower spikes and are widely cultivated for grain and forage   2 the grain of any of these grasses, used in making beer and whisky and for soups, puddings, etc. See also pearl barley [Old English bærlīc (adj); related to bere barley, Old Norse barr barley, Gothic barizeins of barley, Latin farīna flour]

■ barleycorn (ˈbɑːlIˌkɔːn)   n   1 a grain of barley, or barley itself   2 an obsolete unit of length equal to one third of an inch

■ barley sandwich   n   US and Canadian informal a drink of beer, esp at lunch time

■ barley sugar   n   a brittle clear amber-coloured sweet made by boiling sugar, originally with a barley extract

■ barley water   n   a drink made from an infusion of barley, usually flavoured with lemon or orange

■ barley wine   n   Brit an exceptionally strong beer

barley^2 (ˈbɑːlI)   sentence substitute   dialect a cry for truce or respite from the rules of a game [C18: probably changed from PARLEY]

barlow (ˈbɑːləʊ)   n   Southern US a large strong pocket-knife with a single blade

barm (bɑːm)   n   1 the yeasty froth on fermenting malt liquors   2 an archaic or dialect word for yeast [Old English bearm; related to beran to BEAR, Old Norse barmr barm, Gothic barms, Old High German barm see FERMENT]

■ barm cake   n   Lancashire dialect a round flat soft bread roll

barmbrack (ˈbɑːmˌbræk)   n   Irish a loaf of bread with currants in it. Also: barnbrack. Often shortened to: brack [from Irish Gaelic bairín breac speckled loaf]

Barmecide (ˈbɑːmIˌsaId) or Barmecidal   adj   lavish or plentiful in imagination only; illusory; sham: a Barmecide feast [C18: from the name of a prince in The Arabian Nights who served empty plates to beggars, alleging that they held sumptuous food]

Bar Mitzvah or Barmitzvah (bɑːˈmItsvə) sometimes not capitals Judaism   adj   1 (of a Jewish boy) having assumed full religious obligations, being at least thirteen years of age   ▷ n   2 the occasion, ceremony, or celebration of that event   3 the boy himself on that day [Hebrew: son of the law]

barmkin (ˈbɑːmkIn)   n   Northern English the outer fortification of a castle, or the battlement thereof

barmpot (ˈbɑːmˌpɒt)   n   Northern English slang a foolish or deranged person

barmy (ˈbɑːmI)   adj -mier, -miest   slang eccentric or foolish. Also: balmy [C16: originally, full of BARM, hence frothing, excited, flighty, etc]

■ barminess (ˈbɑːmInəs)   n   the quality of being barmy; craziness

barn^1 (bɑːn)   n   1 a large farm outbuilding, used chiefly for storing hay, grain, etc, but also for housing livestock   2 US and Canadian a large shed for sheltering railroad cars, trucks, etc   3 any large building, esp an unattractive one   4 (modifier) relating to a system of poultry farming in which birds are allowed to move freely within a barn: barn eggs [Old English beren, from bere barley + ærn room; see BARLEY^1]

■ barn dance   n   1 Brit a progressive round country dance   2 US and Canadian a party with hoedown music and square-dancing   3 a party featuring country dancing   4 a disco or party held in a barn

■ barn door   n   1 the door of a barn   2 informal a target so large that it cannot be missed   3 photog, television, theatre an adjustable flap over the front of a studio or theatre lamp

■ barnlike (ˈbɑːnˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a barn

■ barn owl   n   any owl of the genus Tyto, esp T. alba, having a pale brown and white plumage, long slender legs, and a heart-shaped face: family Tytonidae

■ barnstorm (ˈbɑːnˌstɔːm)   vb (intr)   1 to tour rural districts putting on shows, esp theatrical, athletic, or acrobatic shows   2 chiefly US and Canadian to tour rural districts making speeches in a political campaign [C19: from BARN^1 + STORM (vb); from the performances often being in barns]   > ˈbarnˌstormer n   > ˈbarnˌstorming n, adj

■ barn swallow   n   the US and Canadian name for the common swallow, Hirundo rustica. See swallow^2

■ barny (ˈbɑːnI)   adj -nier, -niest   reminiscent of a barn

■ barnyard (ˈbɑːnˌjɑːd)   n   1 a yard adjoining a barn, in which farm animals are kept   2 (modifier) belonging to or characteristic of a barnyard   3 (modifier) crude or earthy: barnyard humour

barn^2 (bɑːn)   n   a unit of nuclear cross section equal to 10–28 square metre. Symbol: b [C20: from BARN^1; so called because of the relatively large cross section]

Barnabas (ˈbɑːnəbəs)   n Saint Barnabas New Testament   original name Joseph. a Cypriot Levite who supported Saint Paul in his apostolic work (Acts 4:36, 37). Feast day: June 11

barnacle (ˈbɑːnəkəl)   n   1 any of various marine crustaceans of the subclass Cirripedia that, as adults, live attached to rocks, ship bottoms, etc. They have feathery food-catching cirri protruding from a hard shell. See acorn barnacle, goose barnacle   2 a person or thing that is difficult to get rid of [C16: related to Late Latin bernicla, of obscure origin]   > ˈbarnacled adj

■ barnacle goose   n   1 a N European goose, Branta leucopsis, that has a black-and-white head and body and grey wings   2 a former name for brent goose [C13 bernekke, related to Late Latin bernaca, from the belief that the goose developed from a shellfish; ultimate origin obscure]

Barnard (ˈbɑːnɑːd)   n   1  Christiaan (Neethling). 1923–2001, South African surgeon, who performed the first human heart transplant (1967)   2  Edward Emerson. 1857–1923, US astronomer: noted for his discovery of the fifth satellite of Jupiter and his discovery of comets, nebulae, and a red dwarf (1916)

Barnardo (bəˈnɑːdəʊ, bɑː-)   n   Dr Thomas John. 1845–1905, British philanthropist, who founded homes for destitute children

Barnard's star   n   a red dwarf star in the constellation Ophiuchus having the largest proper motion known [C20: named after Edward Emerson BARNARD]

Barnaul (Russian bərnaˈul)   n   a city in S Russia, on the River Ob. Pop: 605 000 (2005 est)

Barnave (French barnav)   n   Antoine Pierre. 1761–93, French revolutionary. A prominent member of the National Assembly, he was executed for his royalist sympathies

barnbrack (ˈbɑːnˌbræk)   n   an Irish name for barmbrack

Barnes (bɑːnz)   n   1  Djuna. 1892–1982, US novelist, noted for Nightwood (1936)   2  William. 1801–86, British poet, best known for Poems of Rural Life in the Dorset Dialect (1879)

Barnet (ˈbɑːnIt)   n   a borough of N Greater London: scene of a Yorkist victory (1471) in the Wars of the Roses. Pop: 324 400 (2003 est). Area: 89 sq km (34 sq miles)

■ barnet or barnet fair (ˈbɑːnIt)   n   Brit slang hair [C19: from rhyming slang Barnet Fair hair]

barney (ˈbɑːnI) informal   n   1 a noisy argument   ▷ vb (intr)   2 chiefly Austral and NZ to argue or quarrel [C19: of unknown origin]

barnsbreaking (ˈbɑːnzˌbreIkIŋ)   n   Scot noisy and exuberant activity; boisterous mischief-making

Barnsley (ˈbɑːnzlI)   n   1 an industrial town in N England, in Barnsley unitary authority, South Yorkshire. Pop: 71 599 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in N England, in South Yorkshire. Pop: 220 200 (2003 est). Area: 329 sq km (127 sq miles)

Barnstaple (ˈbɑːnstəpəl)   n   a town in SW England, in Devon, on the estuary of the River Taw: tourism, agriculture. Pop: 30 765 (2001)

Barnum (ˈbɑːnəm)   n   P(hineas) T(aylor). 1810–91, US showman, who created The Greatest Show on Earth (1871) and, with J. A. Bailey, founded the Barnum and Bailey Circus (1881)

baro-   combining form   indicating weight or pressure: barometer [from Greek baros weight; related to Latin gravis heavy]

Barocchio (Italian baˈrɔkkjo)   n   Giacomo (ˈdʒakomo). See Vignola

Baroda (bəˈrəʊdə)   n   1 a former state of W India, part of Gujarat since 1960   2 the former name (until 1976) of Vadodara

barodynamics (ˌbærəʊdaIˈnæmIks)   n   obsolete the branch of mechanics concerned with heavy structures

barognosis (ˌbærəɡˈnəʊsIs)   n   physiol the ability to judge weight [C20: from Greek baros weight + gnosis knowledge]

barogram (ˈbærəˌɡræm)   n   meteorol the record of atmospheric pressure traced by a barograph or similar instrument

barograph (ˈbærəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   meteorol a self-recording aneroid barometer   > barographic (ˌbærəˈɡræfIk) adj

Baroja (Spanish baˈroxa)   n   Pio (ˈpio). 1872–1956, Spanish Basque novelist, who wrote nearly 100 novels, including a series of twenty-two under the general title Memorias de un Hombre de Acción (1944–49)

Barolo (bəˈrəʊləʊ)   n   (sometimes not capital) a dry red wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy

barometer (bəˈrɒmItə)   n   1 an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, usually to determine altitude or weather changes   2 anything that shows change or impending change: the barometer of social change   > barometric (ˌbærəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌbaroˈmetrical adj   > ˌbaroˈmetrically adv   > baˈrometry n

■ barometric pressure   n   atmospheric pressure as indicated by a barometer

barometz (ˈbærəʊˌmɛtz)   n   a type of Asian fern, Cibotium barometz, the woolly rhizome of which is thought to resemble a lamb. Also called: Scythian Lamb

baron (ˈbærən)   n   1 a member of a specific rank of nobility, esp the lowest rank in the British Isles   2 (in Europe from the Middle Ages) originally any tenant-in-chief of a king or other overlord, who held land from his superior by honourable service; a land-holding nobleman   3 a powerful businessman or financier: a press baron   4 English law (formerly) the title held by judges of the Court of Exchequer   5 short for baron of beef [C12: from Old French, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German baro freeman, Old Norse berjask to fight]

■ baronage (ˈbærənIdʒ)   n   1 barons collectively   2 the rank or dignity of a baron

■ baroness (ˈbærənIs) or baronne French (barɔn)   n   1 the wife or widow of a baron   2 a woman holding the rank of baron in her own right

■ baronial (bəˈrəʊnIəl)   adj   of, relating to, or befitting a baron or barons

■ baronne French (barɔn)   n   another name for baroness

■ baron of beef   n   a cut of beef consisting of a double sirloin joined at the backbone

■ Barons' War   n   either of two civil wars in 13th-century England. The First Barons' War (1215–17) was precipitated by King John's failure to observe the terms of Magna Carta: many of the Barons' grievances were removed by his death (1216) and peace was concluded in 1217. The Second Barons' War (1264–67) was caused by Henry III's refusal to accept limitations on his authority: the rebel Barons (led (1264–65) by Simon de Montfort), initially successful, were defeated at the battle of Evesham (1265); sporadic resistance continued until 1267

■ barony (ˈbærənI)   n, pl -nies   1    a the domain of a baron   b (in Ireland) a division of a county   c (in Scotland) a large estate or manor   2 the rank or dignity of a baron   3 a sphere of influence dominated by an industrial magnate or other powerful individual

Baron-Cohen (ˌbærənˈkəʊən)   n   Sacha. born 1970, British television and film comedian, best known for his creation of the characters Ali G and Borat

baronet (ˈbærənIt, -ˌnɛt)   n   (in Britain) a commoner who holds the lowest hereditary title of honour, ranking below a baron. Abbreviation: Bart., Bt [C15: order instituted 1611, from BARON + -ET]

■ baronetage (ˈbærənItIdʒ)   n   1 the order of baronets; baronets collectively   2 the rank of a baronet; baronetcy

■ baronetcy (ˈbærənItsI, -ˌnɛt-)   n, pl -cies   the rank, position, or patent of a baronet

■ baronetess (ˌbærəˈnɛtɛs)   n   the wife of a baronet

■ baronetical (ˌbærəˈnɛtIkəl)   adj   pertaining to baronets

barong (bæˈrɒŋ)   n   a broad-bladed cleaver-like knife used in the Philippines [from Moro; see PARANG]

barophilic (ˌbærəˈfIlIk)   adj   (of living organisms) growing best in conditions of high atmospheric pressure   > barophile (ˈbærəˌfaIl) n

barophoresis (ˌbærəfəˈriːsIs)   n   chem the diffusion of suspended particles at a rate dependent on external forces

baroque (bəˈrɒk, bəˈrəʊk)   n (often capital)   1 a style of architecture and decorative art that flourished throughout Europe from the late 16th to the early 18th century, characterized by extensive ornamentation   2 a 17th-century style of music characterized by extensive use of the thorough bass and of ornamentation   3 any ornate or heavily ornamented style   ▷ adj   4 denoting, being in, or relating to the baroque   5 (of pearls) irregularly shaped [C18: from French, from Portuguese barroco a rough or imperfectly shaped pearl]

■ baroquely (bəˈrɒklI)   adv   in a baroque fashion

baroreceptor (ˈbærəʊrIˌsɛptə) or baroceptor   n   a collection of sensory nerve endings, principally in the carotid sinuses and the aortic arch, that monitor blood pressure changes in the body

barosaur (ˈbærəˌsɔː)   n   palaeontol a large herbivorous dinosaur with a long neck and tail, similar to the diplodocus

baroscope (ˈbærəˌskəʊp)   n   any instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, esp a manometer with one side open to the atmosphere   > baroscopic (ˌbærəˈskɒpIk) adj

barostat (ˈbærəʊˌstæt)   n   a device for maintaining constant pressure, such as one used in an aircraft cabin

barotitis (ˌbærəˈtaItIs)   n   med inflammation of the ear caused by a change in air pressure

barotrauma (ˈbærəʊˌtrɔːmə)   n   an injury caused by changes in atmospheric pressure, esp to the eardrums or lungs

Barotse (bəˈrɒtsI)   n   1 (pl -se or -ses) a member of a people of central Africa living chiefly in SW Zambia   2 the language spoken by this people; Lozi

barouche (bəˈruːʃ)   n   a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, popular in the 19th century, having a retractable hood over the rear half, seats inside for two couples facing each other, and a driver's seat outside at the front [C19: from German (dialect) Barutsche, from Italian baroccio, from Vulgar Latin birotium (unattested) vehicle with two wheels, from Late Latin birotus two-wheeled, from BI-1 + rota wheel]

Barozzi (Italian baˈrottsi)   n   See (Giacomo Barozzi da) Vignola

barp (bɑːp)   n   Northeast Scot a mound or cairn of stones

barque or esp US bark (bɑːk)   n   1 a sailing ship of three or more masts having the foremasts rigged square and the aftermast rigged fore-and-aft   2 poetic any boat, esp a small sailing vessel [C15: from Old French, from Old Provençal barca, from Late Latin, of unknown origin]

■ barquette (bɑːˈkɛt)   n   a boat-shaped pastry shell

barquentine or barquantine (ˈbɑːkənˌtiːn)   n   a sailing ship of three or more masts rigged square on the foremast and fore-and-aft on the others. Usual US and Canadian spelling: barkentine [C17: from BARQUE + (BRIG)ANTINE]

Barquisimeto (Spanish barkisiˈmeto)   n   a city in NW Venezuela. Pop: 1 009 000 (2005 est)

barra (ˈbærə)   n   Austral informal a barramundi

Barra (ˈbærə)   n   an island in NW Scotland, in the Outer Hebrides: fishing, crofting, tourism. Pop: 1078 (2001)

barracan (ˈbærəˌkæn)   n   any of various thick, strong fabrics

barrace (ˈbɑːˌreIs)   n   Scot archaic a barricade or barrier, particularly one in front of a castle or enclosing the grounds of a tournament

barrack^1 (ˈbærək)   vb   to house (people, esp soldiers) in barracks

barrack^2 (ˈbærək)   vb Brit, Austral and NZ informal   1 to criticize loudly or shout against (a player, team, speaker, etc); jeer   2 (intr; foll by for) to shout support (for) [C19: from northern Irish: to boast]   > ˈbarracker n   > ˈbarracking n, adj

barracks (ˈbærəks)   pl n (sometimes singular; when plural, sometimes functions as singular)   1 a building or group of buildings used to accommodate military personnel   2 any large building used for housing people, esp temporarily   3 a large and bleak building [C17: from French baraque, from Old Catalan barraca hut, of uncertain origin]

■ barrack-room lawyer   n   a person who freely offers opinions, esp in legal matters, that he or she is unqualified to give

barracoon (ˌbærəˈkuːn)   n   (formerly) a temporary place of confinement for slaves or convicts, esp those awaiting transportation [C19: from Spanish barracón, from barraca hut, from Catalan]

barracouta (ˌbærəˈkuːtə)   n   a large predatory Pacific fish, Thyrsites atun, with a protruding lower jaw and strong teeth: family Gempylidae [C17: variant of BARRACUDA]

barracuda (ˌbærəˈkjuːdə)   n, pl -da or -das   any predatory marine teleost fish of the mostly tropical family Sphyraenidae, esp Sphyraena barracuda. They have an elongated body, strong teeth, and a protruding lower jaw [C17: from American Spanish, of unknown origin]

barrage (ˈbærɑːʒ)   n   1 military the firing of artillery to saturate an area, either to protect against an attack or to support an advance   2 an overwhelming and continuous delivery of something, as words, questions, or punches   3 a usually gated construction, similar to a low dam, across a watercourse, esp one to increase the depth of water to assist navigation or irrigation   4 fencing a heat or series of bouts in a competition   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to attack or confront with a barrage: the speaker was barraged with abuse [C19: from French, from barrer to obstruct; see BAR^1]

■ barrage balloon   n   one of a number of tethered balloons with cables or net suspended from them, used to deter low-flying air attack

barramunda (ˌbærəˈmʌndə)   n, pl -das or -da   the edible Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, having paddle-like fins and a long body covered with large scales [from a native Australian language]

barramundi (ˌbærəˈmʌndI)   n, pl -dis, -dies or -di   any of several large edible Australian fishes esp the percoid species Lates calcarifer (family Centropomidae) of NE coastal waters or the freshwater species Scleropages leichardti (family Osteoglossidae) of Queensland

barranca (bəˈræŋkə) or barranco (bəˈræŋkəʊ)   n, pl -cas or -cos   Southwestern US a ravine or precipice [C19: from Spanish, of uncertain origin]

Barranquilla (Spanish barranˈkiʎa)   n   a port in N Colombia, on the Magdalena River. Pop: 1 918 000 (2005 est)

Barras (French baras)   n   Paul François Jean Nicolas, Vicomte de Barras. 1755–1829, French revolutionary: member of the Directory (1795–99)

barrat (ˈbærət)   n archaic   1 fraudulent dealings   2 distress; grief   3 strife; quarrelling   ▷ vb (intr)   4 archaic to quarrel

barratry or barretry (ˈbærətrI)   n   1 criminal law (formerly) the vexatious stirring up of quarrels or bringing of lawsuits   2 maritime law a fraudulent practice committed by the master or crew of a ship to the prejudice of the owner or charterer   3 Scots law the crime committed by a judge in accepting a bribe   4 the purchase or sale of public or Church offices [C15: from Old French baraterie deception, from barater to BARTER]   > ˈbarratrous or ˈbarretrous adj   > ˈbarratrously or ˈbarretrously adv

■ barrator (ˈbærətə)   n   a person guilty of barratry [C14: from Old French barateor, from barater to BARTER]

Barrault (French baro)   n   Jean-Louis (ʒɑ̃lwi). 1910–94, French actor and director, noted particularly as a mime

barre French (bar)   n   a rail at hip height used for ballet practice and leg exercises [literally: bar]

barré (ˈbæreI)   n   1 the act of laying the index finger over some or all of the strings of a guitar, lute, or similar instrument, so that the pitch of each stopped string is simultaneously raised. Compare capo^1   2 the playing of chords in this manner   ▷ vb   3 to execute (chords) in this manner   ▷ adv   4 by using the barré [C19: from French, from barrer BAR^1]

barrel (ˈbærəl)   n   1 a cylindrical container usually bulging outwards in the middle and held together by metal hoops; cask   2 Also called: barrelful the amount that a barrel can hold   3 a unit of capacity used in brewing, equal to 36 Imperial gallons   4 a unit of capacity used in the oil and other industries, normally equal to 42 US gallons or 35 Imperial gallons   5 a thing or part shaped like a barrel, esp a tubular part of a machine   6 the tube through which the projectile of a firearm is discharged   7 horology the cylindrical drum in a watch or clock that is rotated by the mainspring   8 the trunk of a four-legged animal: the barrel of a horse   9 the quill of a feather   10 informal a large measure; a great deal (esp in the phrases barrel of fun, barrel of laughs)   11 Austral informal the hollow inner side of a wave   12 over a barrel informal powerless   13 scrape the barrel informal to be forced to use one's last and weakest resource   ▷ vb -rels, -relling, -relled or US -rels, -reling, -reled   14 (tr) to put into a barrel or barrels   15 (intr; foll by along, in, etc) informal (intr) to travel or move very fast   16 Austral informal to ride on the inside of a wave [C14: from Old French baril perhaps from barre BAR^1]

■ barrelage (ˈbærəlIdʒ)   n   an amount, esp of beer, as measured in barrels

■ barrel bomb   n   an improvised explosive device consisting of a barrel filled with explosives or chemicals that is dropped onto its target from an aircraft

■ barrel-chested   adj   having a large rounded chest

■ barrel distortion   n   photog distortion of an image produced by an optical system that causes straight lines at image margins to bulge outwards

■ barrelful (ˈbærəlfʊl)   n   another name for barrel (sense 2)

■ barrelhead (ˈbærəlhɛd)   n   1 the round and flat end of a barrel   2 to pay cash on the barrelhead US to pay at the time of purchase

■ barrelhouse (ˈbærəlˌhaʊs)   n   1 US a cheap and disreputable drinking establishment   2    a a vigorous and unpolished style of jazz for piano, originating in the barrelhouses of New Orleans   b (as modifier): barrelhouse blues

■ barrel organ   n   1 an instrument consisting of a cylinder turned by a handle and having pins on it that interrupt the air flow to certain pipes, thereby playing any of a number of tunes. See also hurdy-gurdy   2 a similar instrument in which the projections on a rotating barrel pluck a set of strings

■ barrel roll   n   1 a flight manoeuvre in which an aircraft rolls about its longitudinal axis while following a spiral course in line with the direction of flight   ▷ vb barrel-roll   2 (intr) (of an aircraft) to perform a barrel roll

■ barrel-shaped   adj   having the shape of a barrel

■ barrel vault   n   architect a vault in the form of a half cylinder. Also called: wagon vault, tunnel vault

barren (ˈbærən)   adj   1 incapable of producing offspring, seed, or fruit; sterile: a barren tree   2 unable to support the growth of crops, etc; unproductive; bare: barren land   3 lacking in stimulation or ideas; dull: a rather barren play   4 not producing worthwhile results; unprofitable: a barren period in a writer's life   5 (foll by of) totally lacking (in); devoid (of): his speech was barren of wit   6 (of rock strata) having no fossils [C13: from Old French brahain, of uncertain origin]   > ˈbarrenly adv   > ˈbarrenness n

■ Barren Lands   pl n   the Barren Lands a region of tundra in N Canada, extending westwards from Hudson Bay: sparsely inhabited, chiefly by Inuit. Also known as: the Barren Grounds

■ barrens (ˈbærənz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) (in North America) a stretch of usually level land that is sparsely vegetated or barren

■ barrenwort (ˈbærənˌwɜːt)   n   a herbaceous European berberidaceous plant, Epimedium alpinum, having red-and-yellow star-shaped flowers

Barrès (French barɛs)   n   Maurice (mɔris). 1862–1923, French novelist, essayist, and politician: a fervent nationalist and individualist

barret (ˈbærIt)   n   a small flat cap resembling a biretta [C19: from French barrette, from Italian berretta BIRETTA; compare BERET]

barretor (ˈbærətə)   n   1 someone who deals fraudulently   2 quarrelsome person   3 another name for barrator

barrette (bəˈrɛt)   n   a clasp or pin for holding women's hair in place [C20: from French: a little bar, from barre BAR^1]

barricade (ˌbærIˈkeId, ˈbærIˌkeId)   n   1 a barrier for defence, esp one erected hastily, as during street fighting   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to erect a barricade across (an entrance, passageway, etc) or at points of access to (a room, district of a town, etc): they barricaded the door   3 (usually passive) to obstruct; block: his mind was barricaded against new ideas [C17: from Old French, from barriquer to barricade, from barrique a barrel, from Spanish barrica, from barril BARREL]   > ˈbarriˌcader n

barrico (bæˈriːkəʊ)   n, pl -coes   a small barrel or similar container for liquids

barrie (ˈbærI)   adj   Scot dialect very good; attractive [from Romany]

Barrie (ˈbærI)   n   Sir James Matthew. 1860–1937, Scottish dramatist and novelist, noted particularly for his popular children's play Peter Pan (1904)

barrier (ˈbærIə)   n   1 anything serving to obstruct passage or to maintain separation, such as a fence or gate   2 anything that prevents or obstructs passage, access, or progress: a barrier of distrust   3 anything that separates or hinders union: a language barrier   4    a an exposed offshore sand bar separated from the shore by a lagoon   b (as modifier): a barrier beach   5 (sometimes capital) that part of the Antarctic icecap extending over the sea [C14: from Old French barriere, from barre BAR^1]

■ barrier cream   n   a cream used to protect the skin, esp the hands, from dirt and from the action of oils or solvents

■ barrier-nurse   vb   (tr) to tend (infectious patients) in isolation, to prevent the spread of infection   > barrier nursing n

■ barrier of ideas   n   philosophy the representations of objects which certain accounts of perception interpose between the objects themselves and our awareness of them, so that, as critics argue, we can never know whether there is in reality anything which resembles our perceptions. See representationalism (sense 1)

■ barrier reef   n   a long narrow coral reef near and lying parallel to the shore, separated from it by deep water. See Great Barrier Reef

Barrington (ˈbærIŋtən)   n   Jonah. born 1940, British squash player; winner of the Open Championship 1966–67, 1969–72

barrio (ˈbærIəʊ; Spanish ˈbarrjo)   n, pl -rios   1 a Spanish-speaking quarter in a town or city, esp in the US   2 a Spanish-speaking community [from Spanish, from Arabic barrī of open country, from barr open country]

barrister (ˈbærIstə)   n   1 Also called: barrister-at-law (in England) a lawyer who has been called to the bar and is qualified to plead in the higher courts. Compare solicitor. See also advocate, counsel   2 (in Canada) a lawyer who pleads in court   3 US a less common word for lawyer [C16: from BAR^1]

■ barrister-at-law   n   another name for barrister (sense 1)

■ barristerial (ˌbærIsˈtIərIəl)   adj   pertaining to a barrister

■ barristership (ˈbærIstəʃIp)   n   the office of a barrister

barro (ˈbærəʊ)   adj   Austral slang embarrassing

Barros (Portuguese ˈbarruʃ)   n   João de (ˈʒuə̃u də). 1496–1570, Portuguese historian: noted for his history of the Portuguese in the East Indies, Décadas da Ásia (1552–1615)

Barroso (bəˈrəʊsəʊ)   n   José Manuel (ʒoˈse maˈnwɛl) born 1956, Portuguese politician; prime minister of Portugal (2002–04); president of the European Commission (2004–2014)

barrow^1 (ˈbærəʊ)   n   1 See wheelbarrow, handbarrow   2 Also called: barrowful the amount contained in or on a barrow   3 chiefly Brit a handcart, typically having two wheels and a canvas roof, used esp by street vendors   4 Northern English dialect concern or business (esp in the phrases that's not my barrow, that's just my barrow)   5 into one's barrow Irish and Scot dialect suited to one's interests or desires [Old English bearwe; related to Old Norse barar BIER, Old High German bāra]

■ barrow boy   n   Brit a man who sells his wares from a barrow; street vendor

■ barrowful (ˈbærəʊfʊl)   n   another name for barrow^1 (sense 2)

barrow^2 (ˈbærəʊ)   n   a heap of earth placed over one or more prehistoric tombs, often surrounded by ditches. Long barrows are elongated Neolithic mounds usually covering stone burial chambers; round barrows are Bronze Age, covering burials or cremations [Old English beorg; related to Old Norse bjarg, Gothic bairgahei hill, Old High German berg mountain]

barrow^3 (ˈbærəʊ)   n   a castrated pig [Old English bearg; related to Old Norse börgr, Old High German barug]

Barrow (ˈbærəʊ)   n   1 a river in SE Ireland, rising in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and flowing south to Waterford Harbour. Length: about 193 km (120 miles)   2 See Barrow-in-Furness, Barrow Point

Barrow-in-Furness   n   an industrial town and port in NW England, in S Cumbria; site of a large naval shipyard. Pop: 57 000 (2011 est)

Barrow Point   n   the northernmost tip of Alaska, on the Arctic Ocean

barrulet (ˈbærjuːlIt)   n   a narrow band across a heraldic shield, taking up one twentieth of the shield's height

barry or Barry Crocker (ˈbærI)   n   Austral slang a mistake or blunder; a disappointing performance [rhyming slang for SHOCKER]

Barry^1 (ˈbærI)   n   a port in SE Wales, in Vale of Glamorgan county borough on the Bristol Channel. Pop: 50 661 (2001)

Barry^2   n   1 (ˈbærI) Sir Charles. 1795–1860, English architect: designer of the Houses of Parliament in London   2 (French bari) Comtesse du. See du Barry   3 (ˈbærI) John, real name John Barry Prendergast. 1933–2011, British composer of film scores, including several for films in the James Bond series

Barrymore (ˈbærIˌmɔː)   n   a US family of actors, esp Ethel (1879–1959), John (1882–1942), Lionel (1878–1954), and Drew (born 1975)

Barry Mountains   pl n   a mountain range in SE Australia, in E Victoria: part of the Australian Alps

Barsac (ˈbɑːsæk; French barsak)   n   a sweet French white wine produced around the town of Barsac in the Gironde

Bart (bɑːt)   n   Lionel. 1930–99, British composer and playwright. His musicals include Oliver! (1960)

Bart.   abbreviation for   Baronet

barter (ˈbɑːtə)   vb   1 to trade (goods, services, etc) in exchange for other goods, services, etc, rather than for money: the refugees bartered for food   2 (intr) to haggle over the terms of such an exchange; bargain   ▷ n   3 trade by the exchange of goods [C15: from Old French barater to cheat; perhaps related to Greek prattein to do]   > ˈbarterer n

Barth   n   1 (German bart) Heinrich. 1821–65, German explorer: author of Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa (1857–58)   2 (bɑːθ) John (Simmons). born 1930, US novelist; his novels include The Sot-Weed Factor (1960), Giles Goat-Boy (1966), and Once Upon a Time (1994)   3 (German bart) Karl. 1886–1968, Swiss Protestant theologian. He stressed humankind's dependence on divine grace in such works as Commentary on Romans (1919)

■ Barthian (ˈbɑːtIən, -θIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Karl Barth, or his ideas   ▷ n   2 a person who supports or believes in the ideas of Karl Barth

Barthes (French bart)   n   Roland. 1915–80, French writer and critic, who applied structuralist theory to literature and popular culture: his books include Mythologies (1957) and Elements of Semiology (1964)

Bartholdi (French bartɔldI)   n   Frédéric August. 1834–1904, French sculptor and architect, who designed (1884) the Statue of Liberty

Bartholin's glands (ˈbɑːθəlInz)   pl n   anatomy two small reddish-yellow glands, one on each side of the vaginal orifice, that secrete a mucous lubricating substance during sexual stimulation. Compare Cowper's glands [named by Caspar Bartholin (1655–1738), Danish anatomist, in honour of his father, Thomas]

Bartholomew (bɑːˈθɒləˌmjuː)   n Saint Bartholomew   New Testament one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3). Feast day: Aug 24 or June 11

bartizan (ˈbɑːtIzən, ˌbɑːtIˈzæn)   n   a small turret projecting from a wall, parapet, or tower [C19: variant of bertisene, erroneously for bretising, from bretasce parapet; see BRATTICE]   > bartizaned (ˈbɑːtIzənd, ˌbɑːtIˈzænd) adj

Bartlett or Bartlett pear (ˈbɑːtlIt)   n   the Williams pear, used esp in the US and generally of tinned pears [named after Enoch Bartlett (1779–1860), of Dorchester, Mass., who marketed it in the US]

Bartók (ˈbɑːtɒk; Hungarian ˈbɔrtoːk)   n   Béla (ˈbeːlɔ). 1881–1945, Hungarian composer, pianist, and collector of folk songs, by which his music was deeply influenced. His works include six string quartets, three piano concertos, several piano pieces including Mikrokosmos (1926–37), ballets (including The Miraculous Mandarin, 1919), and the opera Bluebeard's Castle (produced 1918)

Bartoli (Italian bɑˈtolI)   n   Cecilia. born 1966, Italian mezzo-soprano, noted for her performances in Mozart and Rossini operas

Bartolommeo (Italian bartolomˈmeo)   n   Fra. original name Baccio della Porta. 1472–1517, Italian painter of the Florentine school, noted for his austere religious works

barton (ˈbɑːtən)   n   archaic a farmyard [Old English beretūn, from bere barley + tūn stockade; see TOWN]

Barton (ˈbɑːtən)   n   1  Sir Derek (Harold Richard). 1918–98, British organic chemist: shared the Nobel prize for chemistry (1969) for his work on conformational analysis   2  Sir Edmund. 1849–1920, Australian statesman; first prime minister of Australia (1901–03)   3  Elizabeth, known as the Maid of Kent. ?1506–34, English nun, who claimed the gift of prophecy. Her criticism of Henry VIII's attempt to annul his first marriage led to her execution   4  John (Bernard Adie). 1928–2018, British theatre director, noted esp for his productions of Shakespeare

bartsia (ˈbɑːtsIə)   n   any of several species of semiparasitic scrophulariaceous plants, including red bartsia (Odontites verna), a pink-flowered weed of cornfields [C18: New Latin, named after Johann Bartsch (died 1738), German botanist]

Baruch (ˈbɛərʊk, ˈbɑː-)   n   Bible   a a disciple of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32–36)   b the book of the Apocrypha said to have been written by him

barwood (ˈbɑːˌwʊd)   n   a red wood from a small African tree, Baphia nitida, primarily used to produce dye and in the construction of violin bows

barycentre (ˈbærIˌsɛntə)   n   a centre of mass, esp of the earth-moon system or the solar system [C20: from Greek barus heavy + CENTRE]   > ˌbaryˈcentric adj

barye (ˈbærI)   n   a unit of pressure in the cgs system equal to 1 dyne per square centimetre. 1 barye is equivalent to 1 microbar [C19: from French, from Greek barus heavy]

baryon (ˈbærIˌɒn)   n   any of a class of elementary particles that have a mass greater than or equal to that of the proton, participate in strong interactions, and have a spin of 1⁄2. Baryons are either nucleons or hyperons. The baryon number is the number of baryons in a system minus the number of antibaryons [C20: bary-, from Greek barus heavy + -ON]

■ baryonic (ˌbærIˈɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to a baryon

Baryshnikov (bəˈrIʃnIkɒf)   n   Mikhail. born 1948, Soviet-born ballet dancer, who defected (1974) to the West while on tour with the Kirov Ballet: director (1980–90) of the American Ballet Theatre

barysphere (ˈbærIˌsfIə)   n   a former name for core (sense 4) [C20: from Greek barus heavy + SPHERE]

baryta (bəˈraItə)   n   another name for barium oxide, barium hydroxide [C19: New Latin, from Greek barutēs weight, from barus heavy]   > barytic (bəˈrItIk) adj

barytes (bəˈraItiːz)   n   a colourless or white mineral consisting of barium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form, occurring in sedimentary rocks and with sulphide ores: a source of barium. Formula: BaSO_4. Also called: (esp US and Canadian) barite, heavy spar [C18: from Greek barus heavy + -itēs -ITE^1]

baryton (ˈbærIˌtəʊn)   n   a bass viol with sympathetic strings as well as its six main strings [C18: from French: BARITONE]

barytone^1 (ˈbærIˌtəʊn)   n   a less common spelling of baritone

barytone^2 (ˈbærIˌtəʊn) in ancient Greek   adj   1 having the last syllable unaccented   ▷ n   2 a word in which the last syllable is unaccented. Compare oxytone [C19: from Greek barutonos heavy-sounding, from barus heavy + tonos TONE]

basal (ˈbeIsəl)   adj   1 at, of, or constituting a base   2 of or constituting a foundation or basis; fundamental; essential   > ˈbasally adv

■ basal anaesthesia   n   preliminary and incomplete anaesthesia induced to prepare a surgical patient for total anaesthesia with another agent

■ basal ganglia   pl n   the thalamus together with other closely related masses of grey matter, situated near the base of the brain

■ basal metabolic rate   n   the rate at which heat is produced by the body at rest, 12 to 14 hours after eating, measured in kilocalories per square metre of body surface per hour. Abbreviation: BMR

■ basal metabolism   n   the amount of energy required by an individual in the resting state, for such functions as breathing and circulation of the blood. See basal metabolic rate

basalt (ˈbæsɔːlt)   n   1 a fine-grained dark basic igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar, a pyroxene, and olivine: the most common volcanic rock and usually extrusive. See flood basalt   2 a form of black unglazed pottery resembling basalt [C18: from Late Latin basaltēs, variant of basanītēs, from Greek basanitēs touchstone, from basanos, of Egyptian origin]   > baˈsaltic adj

■ basaltes (ˈbæsɔːlts)   n   unglazed black stoneware

■ basaltine (ˈbæsɔːlˌtaIn) mineralogy   n   1 a black or brown-green mineral (Ca, Mg, Fe)SiO_3   ▷ adj   2 obsolete resembling basalt, basaltic

■ basaltware (ˈbæsɔːltˌwɛə, ˈbeIsɔːlt-)   n   hard fine-grained black stoneware, made in Europe, esp in England, in the late 18th century

basan (ˈbæzən)   n   sheepskin tanned in the bark of either oak or larch trees

basanite (ˈbæsəˌnaIt)   n   a black basaltic rock containing plagioclase, augite, olivine, and nepheline, leucite, or analcite, formerly used as a touchstone [C18: see BASALT]

basant (ˈbæsænt)   n   a spring festival celebrated in Pakistan

bas bleu French (bɑ blø)   n, pl bas bleus (bɑ blø)   a bluestocking; intellectual woman [C18: from French translation of English BLUESTOCKING]

bascinet (ˌbæsIˈnɛt, ˈbæsIˌnɛt)   n   armour a variant spelling of basinet

bascule (ˈbæskjuːl)   n   1 Also called: balance bridge, counterpoise bridge a bridge with a movable section hinged about a horizontal axis and counterbalanced by a weight. Compare drawbridge   2 a movable roadway forming part of such a bridge: Tower Bridge has two bascules [C17: from French: seesaw, from bas low + cul rump; see BASE^2, CULET]

base^1 (beIs)   n   1 the bottom or supporting part of anything   2 the fundamental or underlying principle or part, as of an idea, system, or organization; basis   3    a a centre of operations, organization, or supply: the climbers made a base at 8000 feet   b (as modifier): base camp   4 a centre from which military activities are coordinated   5 anything from which a process, as of measurement, action, or thought, is or may be begun; starting point: the new discovery became the base for further research   6 the main ingredient of a mixture: to use rice as a base in cookery   7 a chemical compound that combines with an acid to form a salt and water. A solution of a base in water turns litmus paper blue, produces hydroxyl ions, and has a pH greater than 7. Bases are metal oxides or hydroxides or amines. See also Lewis base   8 biochem any of the nitrogen-containing constituents of nucleic acids: adenine, thymine (in DNA), uracil (in RNA), guanine, or cytosine   9 a medium such as oil or water in which the pigment is dispersed in paints, inks, etc; vehicle   10 the inorganic material on which the dye is absorbed in lake pigments; carrier   11 biology   a the part of an organ nearest to its point of attachment   b the point of attachment of an organ or part   12 the bottommost layer or part of anything   13 architect   a the lowest division of a building or structure   b the lower part of a column or pier   14 another word for baseline (sense 2)   15 the lower side or face of a geometric construction   16 maths   a the number of distinct single-digit numbers in a counting system, and so the number represented as 10 in a place-value system: the binary system has two digits, 0 and 1, and 10 to base 2 represents 2. See place-value   b (of a logarithm or exponential) the number whose powers are expressed: since 1000 = 10^3, the logarithm of 1000 to base 10 is 3   c (of a mathematical structure) a substructure from which the given system can be generated   d the initial instance from which a generalization is proven by mathematical induction   17 Also called: base clause logic, maths the initial element of a recursive definition, that defines the first element of the infinite sequence generated thereby   18 linguistics   a a root or stem   b See base component   19 electronics the region in a transistor between the emitter and collector   20 photog the glass, paper, or cellulose-ester film that supports the sensitized emulsion with which it is coated   21 heraldry the lower part of the shield   22 jewellery the quality factor used in pricing natural pearls   23 a starting or finishing point in any of various games   24 baseball any of the four corners of the diamond, which runners have to reach in order to score   25 the main source of a certain commodity or element: a customer base; their fan base   26 off base US and Canadian informal wrong or badly mistaken   27 touch base to make contact   ▷ vb   28 (tr foll by on or upon) to use as a basis (for); found (on): your criticisms are based on ignorance   29 (often foll by at or in) to station, post, or place (a person or oneself) [C14: from Old French, from Latin basis pedestal; see BASIS]

■ baseball (ˈbeIsˌbɔːl)   n   1 a team game with nine players on each side, played on a field with four bases connected to form a diamond. The object is to score runs by batting the ball and running round the bases   2 the hard rawhide-covered ball used in this game

■ baseball cap   n   a close-fitting thin cap with a deep peak

■ baseballer (ˈbeIsˌbɔːlə)   n   US a person who plays baseball

■ baseband (ˈbeIsˌbænd)   n   a transmission technique using a narrow range of frequencies that allows only one message to be telecommunicated at a time. See also broadband

■ baseboard (ˈbeIsˌbɔːd)   n   1 a board functioning as the base of anything   2 Also called: skirting board US and Canadian a skirting made of wood

■ baseburner (ˈbeIsˌbɜːnə)   n   US a stove into which coal is automatically fed from a hopper above the fire chamber

■ base component   n   the system of rules in a transformational grammar that specify the deep structure of the language

■ -based   adj (in combination)   1 located in the place specified: American-based   2 having the specified basis or main ingredient: coffee-based   3 founded on or organized around the thing specified: computer-based

■ base head   n   slang a person who is addicted to cocaine

■ base hospital   n   Austral a hospital serving a large rural area

■ base jumping   n   a sport in which a participant parachutes from any of a variety of fixed objects such as high buildings, cliffs, etc [C20: b(uilding), a(ntennae), s(pan, and) e(arthbound object)]

■ baseless (ˈbeIslIs)   adj   not based on fact; unfounded: a baseless supposition   > ˈbaselessly adv   > ˈbaselessness n

■ base level   n   the lowest level to which a land surface can be eroded by streams, which is, ultimately, sea level

■ baseline (ˈbeIsˌlaIn) or base line   n   1 surveying a measured line through a survey area from which triangulations are made   2 an imaginary line, standard of value, etc, by which things are measured or compared   3 a line at each end of a tennis court that marks the limit of play

■ baseliner (ˈbeIsˌlaInə)   n   tennis a player who plays most of his or her shots from the back of court

■ base load   n   the more or less constant part of the total load on an electrical power-supply system. Compare peak load

■ baseman (ˈbeIsmən)   n, pl -men   baseball a fielder positioned near a base

■ basement (ˈbeIsmənt)   n   1    a a partly or wholly underground storey of a building, esp the one immediately below the main floor. Compare cellar   b (as modifier): a basement flat   2 the foundation or substructure of a wall or building   3 geology a part of the earth's crust formed of hard igneous or metamorphic rock that lies beneath the cover of soft sedimentary rock, sediment, and soil

■ basementless (ˈbeIsməntlIs)   adj   without a basement

■ base metal   n   any of certain common metals such as copper, lead, zinc, and tin, as distinct from the precious metals, gold, silver, and platinum

■ base pairing   n   biochem the hydrogen bonding that occurs between complementary nitrogenous bases in the two polynucleotide chains of a DNA molecule

■ base period   n   statistics a neutral period used as a standard for comparison in constructing an index to express a variable factor: 100 is usually taken as the index number for the variable in the base period

■ baseplate (ˈbeIsˌpleIt)   n   building trades a flat supporting plate or frame at the base of a column, designed to distribute the column's weight over a greater area and provide increased stability

■ base rate   n   1 Brit the rate of interest used by individual commercial banks as a basis for their lending rates   2 Brit informal the rate at which the Bank of England lends to the discount houses, which effectively controls the interest rates charged throughout the banking system   3 statistics the average number of times an event occurs divided by the average number of times on which it might occur

■ base rate fallacy   n   statistics the tendency, when making judgments of the probability with which an event will occur, to ignore the base rate and to concentrate on other information

■ baserunner (ˈbeIsˌrʌnə)   n   a baseball player in the act of running around bases

■ baserunning (ˈbeIsˌrʌnIŋ)   n   the act of running around bases

■ base speed   n   slang a pure pinkish-grey form of the drug amphetamine with a putty-like consistency

■ base station   n   a fixed transmitter that forms part of an otherwise mobile radio network

■ base unit   n   physics any of the fundamental units in a system of measurement. The base SI units are the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, candela, and mole

base^2 (beIs)   adj   1 devoid of honour or morality; ignoble; contemptible   2 of inferior quality or value   3 debased; alloyed; counterfeit: base currency   4 English history   a (of land tenure) held by villein or other ignoble service   b holding land by villein or other ignoble service   5 archaic born of humble parents; plebeian   6 archaic illegitimate   ▷ adj, n   7 music an obsolete spelling of bass^1 [C14: from Old French bas, from Late Latin bassus of low height, perhaps from Greek bassōn deeper]   > ˈbasely adv   > ˈbaseness n

■ baseborn (ˈbeIsˌbɔːn)   adj archaic   1 born of humble parents   2 illegitimate   3 mean; contemptible

baseej (bæˈsiːdʒ)   pl n   Iranian volunteer militia

Basel (ˈbɑːzəl)   n   the German spelling of Basle

■ Basel Accords   n   the three sets of rules, Basel I, Basel II, and Basel III, for regulating the banking industry, drawn up by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision

baselard (ˈbæsəˌlɑːd)   n   a historical (predominantly 13th–17th century) short Swiss sword with a distinctive crescent-shaped pommel and crossguard

basenji (bəˈsɛndʒI)   n   a small smooth-haired breed of dog of African origin having a tightly curled tail and an inability to bark [C20: from a Bantu language]

bases^1 (ˈbeIsiːz)   n   the plural of basis

bases^2 (ˈbeIsIz)   n   the plural of base^1

Basescu (bæˈsɛskuː)   n   Traian. born 1951, Romanian politician, president of Romania (2004–14)

bash (bæʃ) informal   vb   1 (tr) to strike violently or crushingly   2 (tr; often foll by in, down, etc) to smash, break, etc, with a crashing blow: to bash a door down   3 (intr; foll by into) to crash (into); collide (with): to bash into a lamppost   4 to dent or be dented: this tin is bashed; this cover won't bash easily   ▷ n   5 a heavy blow, as from a fist   6 a dent; indentation   7 a party   8 have a bash informal to make an attempt [C17: of uncertain origin]

■ -bashing   adj combining form, n combining form   informal   a indicating a malicious attack on members of a particular group: gay-bashing; union-bashing   b indicating any of various other activities: Bible-bashing; spud-bashing; square-bashing   > -basher n combining form

■ bashment (ˈbæʃmənt)   n   another name for dancehall [C20: from BASH, a party + -MENT]

■ bash up   vb   (tr, adverb) Brit slang to thrash; beat violently

Bashan (ˈbeIʃæn)   n   Old Testament a region to the east of the Jordan, renowned for its rich pasture (Deuteronomy 32:14)

bashaw (bəˈʃɔː)   n   1 a rare spelling of pasha   2 an important or pompous person [C16: from Turkish başa, from bas head, chief]

■ bashawism (bəˈʃɔːIzəm)   n   literary the combined characteristics of a bashaw, esp haughtiness, imperiousness

■ bashawship (bəˈʃɔːʃIp)   n   obsolete the position or jurisdiction of a bashaw

bashful (ˈbæʃfʊl)   adj   1 disposed to attempt to avoid notice through shyness or modesty; diffident; timid   2 indicating or characterized by shyness or modesty [C16: from bash, short for ABASH + -FUL]   > ˈbashfully adv   > ˈbashfulness n

bashibazouk (ˌbæʃIbəˈzuːk)   n   (in the 19th century) one of a group of irregular Turkish soldiers notorious for their brutality [C19: from Turkish başibozuk irregular soldier, from baş head + bozuk corrupt]

Bashir (bæˈʃIə)   n   Dame Marie (Roslyn). born 1930, Australian health administrator and campaigner: governor of New South Wales (2001–14)

Bashkir (bæʃˈkIə)   n   1 (pl -kir or -kirs) a member of a people of E central Russia, living chiefly in the Bashkir Republic   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family

■ Bashkir Republic   n   a constituent republic of E central Russia, in the S Urals: established as the first Soviet autonomous republic in 1919; rich mineral resources. Capital: Ufa. Pop: 4 012 900 (2002). Area: 143 600 sq km (55 430 sq miles). Also called: Bashkiria (bæʃˈkIərIə), Russian Bashkortostan (bæʃˈkɔːtɔˌstɑːn, baʃkɔrtɔˈstɑːn)

Bashkirtseff or Bashkirtsev (bəʃˈkjirtsəf)   n   Marie, original name Marya Konstantinovna Bashkirtseva. 1858–84, Russian painter and diarist who wrote in French, noted esp for her Journal (1887)

bashless (ˈbæʃlIs)   adj   archaic not ashamed; unabashed

bashlik or bashlyk (ˈbæʃlIk)   n   a type of cone-shaped hood extending over the neck, worn primarily in Russia and Turkey as protection against bad weather [Turkish başlik, from baş head]

basho (ˈbæʃəʊ)   n, pl basho   a grand tournament in sumo wrestling [C20: from Japanese]

Basho (bɑːˈʃɔː)   n   full name Matsuo Basho, originally Matsuo Munefusa. 1644–94, Japanese poet and travel writer, noted esp for his haiku

bashtag (ˈbæʃˌtæɡ)   n   informal (on the Twitter website) a hashtag that is used for critical and abusive comments [C21: blend of BASH and HASHTAG ]

basic (ˈbeIsIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or forming a base or basis; fundamental; underlying   2 elementary or simple: a few basic facts   3 excluding additions or extras: basic pay   4 chem   a of, denoting, or containing a base; alkaline   b (of a salt) containing hydroxyl or oxide groups not all of which have been replaced by an acid radical: basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO_3.Pb(OH)2   5 metallurgy of, concerned with, or made by a process in which the furnace or converter is made of a basic material, such as magnesium oxide   6 (of such igneous rocks as basalt) containing between 52 and 45 per cent silica   7 military primary or initial: basic training   ▷ n   8 (usually plural) a fundamental principle, fact, etc

■ basically (ˈbeIsIklI)   adv   1 in a fundamental or elementary manner; essentially: strident and basically unpleasant   2 (sentence modifier) in essence; in summary; put simply: basically we had underestimated mother nature

■ basic education   n   (in India) education in which all teaching is correlated with the learning of a craft

■ basic English   n   a simplified form of English, proposed by C. K. Ogden and I. A. Richards, containing a vocabulary of approximately 850 of the commonest English words, intended as an international language

■ basic industry   n   an industry which is highly important in a nation's economy

■ basic rate   n   the standard or lowest level on a scale of money payable, esp in taxation

■ basic slag   n   a furnace slag produced in steel-making, containing large amounts of calcium phosphate: used as a fertilizer

■ basic wage   n   1 a person's wage excluding overtime, bonuses, etc   2 Austral the statutory minimum wage for any worker

BASIC or Basic (ˈbeIsIk)   n   a computer programming language that uses common English terms [C20: acronym of b(eginner's) a(ll-purpose) s(ymbolic) i(nstruction) c(ode)]

Basic Curriculum   n   Brit education in England and Wales, the National Curriculum plus religious education

basicity (beIˈsIsItI)   n   chem   a the state of being a base   b the extent to which a substance is basic

basicranial (ˌbæsIˈkreInIəl)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the base of the skull

basidiocarp (bæˈsIdIəʊˌkɑːp)   n   the fruiting body of basidiomycetous fungi; the mushroom of agarics

basidiomycete (bæˌsIdIəʊmaIˈsiːt)   n   any fungus of the phylum Basidiomycota (formerly class Basidiomycetes), in which the spores are produced in basidia. The group includes boletes, puffballs, smuts, and rusts [C19: from BASIDI(UM) + -MYCETE]   > baˌsidiomyˈcetous adj

basidiospore (bæˈsIdIəʊˌspɔː)   n   one of the spores, usually four in number, produced in a basidium   > baˌsidioˈsporous adj

basidium (bæˈsIdIəm)   n, pl -ia (-Iə)   the structure, produced by basidiomycetous fungi after sexual reproduction, in which spores are formed at the tips of projecting slender stalks [C19: from New Latin, from Greek basidion; see BASIS, -IUM]   > baˈsidial adj

Basie (ˈbeIsI)   n   William, known as Count Basie. 1904–84, US jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer: associated particularly with the polished phrasing and style of big-band jazz

basifixed (ˈbeIsIˌfIkst)   adj   botany (of an anther) attached to the filament by its base

basifugal (beIˈsIfjʊɡəl)   adj   botany a less common word for acropetal

basify (ˈbeIsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to make basic

■ basification (ˌbeIsIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   chem the process of making something alkaline

■ basifier (ˈbeIsIˌfaIə)   n   chem anything that makes something alkaline

basil (ˈbæzəl)   n   1 Also called: sweet basil a Eurasian plant, Ocimum basilicum, having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves used as herbs for seasoning: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   2 Also called: wild basil a European plant, Satureja vulgaris (or Clinopodium vulgare), with dense clusters of small pink or whitish flowers: family Lamiaceae [C15: from Old French basile, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from basilikos royal, from basileus king]

■ basil-thyme   n   a European plant, Acinos arvensis, having clusters of small violet-and-white flowers: family Lamiaceae

Basil (ˈbæzəl)   n   Saint, called the Great. ?329–379 AD, Greek patriarch: an opponent of Arianism and one of the founders of monasticism. Feast day: Jan 2, June 14, or Jan 1

■ Basilian (bəˈzIlIən)   n   a monk of the Eastern Christian order of St Basil, founded in Cappadocia in the 4th century AD

Basil I   n   known as the Macedonian. died 886 AD, Byzantine emperor (876–86): founder of the Macedonian dynasty

Basilan (bəˈsiːlɑːn, bæˈsiːlæn)   n   1 a group of islands in the Philippines, SW of Mindanao   2 the main island of this group, separated from Mindanao by the Basilan Strait. Area: 1282 sq km (495 sq miles)   3 a city on Basilan Island. Pop: 381 000 (2005 est)

basilar (ˈbæsIlə)   adj   chiefly anatomy of or situated at a base: basilar artery. Also: basilary (ˈbæsIlərI, -sIlrI) [C16: from New Latin basilaris, from Latin basis BASE^1; compare Medieval Latin bassile pelvis]

Basildon (ˈbæzIldən)   n   a town in SE England, in S Essex: designated a new town in 1955. Pop: 99 876 (2001)

basilect (ˈbeIsIˌlɛkt)   n   linguistics (in a region where creole is or has been spoken) the dialect closest to that creole and furthest removed from the most prestigious dialect (the acrolect) of the region

basilica (bəˈzIlIkə)   n   1 a Roman building, used for public administration, having a large rectangular central nave with an aisle on each side and an apse at the end   2 a rectangular early Christian or medieval church, usually having a nave with clerestories, two or four aisles, one or more vaulted apses, and a timber roof   3 a Roman Catholic church having special ceremonial rights [C16: from Latin, from Greek basilikē hall, from basilikē oikia the king's house, from basileus king; see BASIL]   > baˈsilican or baˈsilic adj

■ basilical (bəˈsIlIkəl)   adj   1 a variant form of basilican   2 formal royal, regal

Basilicata (Italian baziliˈkata)   n   a region of S Italy, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. Capital: Potenza. Pop: 596 821 (2003 est). Area: 9985 sq km (3855 sq miles)

basilicon (bəˈsIlIˌkɒn)   n   any of a variety of healing ointments applied to wounds in early medicine, commonly using lard or oil, resin, and wax

basilic vein (bəˈzIlIk)   n   a large vein situated on the inner side of the arm [C18: from Latin basilicus kingly; see BASIL]

basilisk (ˈbæzIˌlIsk)   n   1 (in classical legend) a serpent that could kill by its breath or glance   2 any small arboreal semiaquatic lizard of the genus Basiliscus of tropical America: family Iguanidae (iguanas). The males have an inflatable head crest, used in display   3 a 16th-century medium cannon, usually made of brass [C14: from Latin basiliscus, from Greek basiliskos royal child, from basileus king]

basin (ˈbeIsən)   n   1 a round container open and wide at the top with sides sloping inwards towards the bottom or base, esp one in which liquids are mixed or stored   2 Also called: basinful the amount a basin will hold   3 a washbasin or sink   4 any partially enclosed or sheltered area where vessels may be moored or docked   5 the catchment area of a particular river and its tributaries or of a lake or sea   6 a depression in the earth's surface   7 geology a part of the earth's surface consisting of rock strata that slope down to a common centre [C13: from Old French bacin, from Late Latin bacchīnon, from Vulgar Latin bacca (unattested) container for water; related to Latin bāca berry]

■ basinal (ˈbeIsInəl)   adj   pertaining to a basin

■ basinful (ˈbeIsnfʊl)   n   another word for basin (sense 2)

■ basinlike (ˈbeIsənˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a basin

basinet or bascinet (ˈbæsInIt, -ˌnɛt)   n   a close-fitting medieval helmet of light steel usually with a visor [C14: from Old French bacinet, a little basin, from bacin BASIN]

Basingstoke (ˈbeIzIŋˌstəʊk)   n   a town in S England, in N Hampshire. Pop: 90 171 (2001)

basion (ˈbeIsIən)   n   anatomy the midpoint on the forward border of the foramen magnum [C19: from New Latin, from Latin basis BASE^1]

basipetal (beIˈsIpItəl)   adj   (of leaves and flowers) produced in order from the apex downwards so that the youngest are at the base. Compare acropetal

■ basipetally (beIˈsIpItəlI)   adv   botany in the manner of a basipetal

basis (ˈbeIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 something that underlies, supports, or is essential to something else, esp an abstract idea   2 a principle on which something depends or from which something has issued   3 maths (of a vector space) a maximal set of linearly independent vectors, in terms of which all the elements of the space are uniquely expressible, and the number of which is the dimension of the space: the vectors x, y, and z form a basis of the 3-dimensional space all members of which can be written as ax + by + cz [C14: via Latin from Greek: step, from bainein to step, go]

■ basis point   n   a measure used for describing interest rates, equal to one hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%)

bask (bɑːsk)   vb (intr; usually foll by in)   1 to lie in or be exposed to pleasant warmth, esp that of the sun   2 to flourish or feel secure under some benevolent influence or favourable condition [C14: from Old Norse bathask to BATHE]

■ basking shark   n   a very large plankton-eating shark, Cetorhinus maximus, often floating at the sea surface: family Cetorhinidae. Also called: sailfish

Baskerville (ˈbæskəˌvIl)   n   a style of type [C18: named after John Baskerville (1706–1775), English printer]

basket (ˈbɑːskIt)   n   1 a container made of interwoven strips of pliable materials, such as cane, straw, thin wood, or plastic, and often carried by means of a handle or handles   2 Also called: basketful the amount a basket will hold   3 something resembling such a container in appearance or function, such as the structure suspended from a balloon   4 basketball   a an open horizontal metal hoop fixed to the backboard, through which a player must throw the ball to score points   b a point or points scored in this way   5 a group or collection of similar or related things: a basket of currencies   6 informal a euphemism for bastard (sense 1), bastard (sense 2)   7 the list of items an internet shopper chooses to buy at one time from a website: add these items to your basket [C13: probably from Old Northern French baskot (unattested), from Latin bascauda basketwork holder, of Celtic origin]

■ basketball (ˈbɑːskItˌbɔːl)   n   1 a game played by two opposing teams of five players each, usually on an indoor court. Points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal metal hoop   2 the inflated ball used in this game

■ basket case   n slang   1 a person who is suffering from extreme nervous strain   2 offensive, chiefly US and Canadian a person who has had both arms and both legs amputated   3    a someone or something that is incapable of functioning normally   b (as modifier): a basket-case economy

■ basket chair   n   a chair made of wickerwork; a wicker chair

■ basket clause   n   an all-inclusive or comprehensive clause in a contract

■ basketful (ˈbɑːskItfʊl)   n   another name for basket (sense 2)

■ basket hilt   n   a hilt fitted to a broadsword, with a generally padded basket-shaped guard to protect the hand   > ˈbasket-ˌhilted adj

■ basketlike (ˈbɑːskItˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a basket

■ Basket Maker   n   a member of an early Native American people of the southwestern US, preceding the Pueblo people, known for skill in basket-making

■ basketry (ˈbɑːskItrI)   n   1 the art or practice of making baskets   2 baskets collectively

■ basket-star   n   any of several echinoderms of the genus Gorgonocephalus, in which long slender arms radiate from a central disc: order Ophiuroidea (brittle-stars)

■ basketweave (ˈbɑːskItwiːv)   n   textiles a weave of two or more yarns together, resembling that of a basket, esp in wool or linen fabric

■ basketweaver (ˈbɑːskItˌwiːvə)   n   Austral derogatory, slang a person who advocates simple, natural, and unsophisticated living

■ basketwork (ˈbɑːskItˌwɜːk)   n   another word for wickerwork

Basle (bɑːl) or Basel (ˈbɑːzəl)   n   1 an area of NW Switzerland consisting of the cantons of Basle-Landschaft and Basle-Stadt. Pops.: 263 200 and 186 900 (2002 est) respectively. Areas: 427 sq km (165 sq miles) and 36 sq km (14 sq miles) respectively   2 a city in NW Switzerland, capital of Basle-Stadt canton, on the Rhine: oldest university in Switzerland. Pop: 165 000 (2002 est)   ▶ French name: Bâle

basmati rice or basmati (bəzˈmætI)   n   a variety of long-grain rice with slender aromatic grains, used for savoury dishes [from Hindi, literally: aromatic]

Bas Mitzvah or Basmitzvah (bɑːsˈmItsvə)   n   (sometimes not capitals) a variant form of Bat Mitzvah

basoche (bəˈsɒʃ)   n   a guild of medieval Parisian lawyers, granted the privilege of performing religious plays and known for abusing this privilege by performing comic plays instead

basophil (ˈbeIsəfIl) or basophile   adj also basophilic (ˌbeIsəˈfIlIk)   1 (of cells or cell contents) easily stained by basic dyes   ▷ n   2 a basophil cell, esp a leucocyte [C19: from Greek; see BASE^1 + -PHILE]

■ basophilia (ˌbeIsəˈfIlIə)   n   1 an abnormal increase of basophil leucocytes in the blood   2 the affinity of a biological specimen for basic dyes

Basotho (bəˈsuːtuː, -ˈsəʊtəʊ)   n, pl -tho or -thos   a member of the subgroup of the Sotho people who chiefly inhabit Lesotho. Former name: Basuto

■ Basotho-Qwaqwa (bəˈsuːtuːˈkwɑːkwə, -ˈsəʊtəʊ-)   n   (formerly) a Bantustan in South Africa, in the Orange Free State; the only Bantustan without exclaves: abolished in 1993. Also called: Qwaqwa. Former name (until 1972): Basotho-Ba-Borwa

Basov (Russian ˈbasəf)   n   Nikolai Gennediyevich (nikaˈlaj ɡjiˈnadjejivitʃ). 1922–2001, Russian physicist: shared the Nobel prize for physics (1964) for his pioneering work on the maser

basque (bæsk, bɑːsk)   n   1 a short extension below the waist to the bodice of a woman's jacket, etc   2 a tight-fitting bodice for women [C19: perhaps from BASQUE]

Basque (bæsk, bɑːsk)   n   1 a member of a people of unknown origin living around the W Pyrenees in France and Spain   2 the language of this people, of no known relationship with any other language   ▷ adj   3 relating to, denoting, or characteristic of this people or their language [C19: from French, from Latin Vascō a Basque]

■ Basque Country or Basque Provinces   n   an autonomous region of N Spain, comprising the provinces of Álava (Araba), Guipúzcoa (Gipuzkoa), and Vizcaya (Bizkaia): inhabited mainly by Basques, who retained virtual autonomy from the 9th to the 19th century. Pop: 1 840 700 (2003 est). Area: about 7250 sq km (2800 sq miles)

basquine (bæsˈkiːn)   n   1 a tight-fitting bodice worn by women in the Basque region and in Spain   2 rare a type of petticoat

Basra, Basrah (ˈbæzrə) or Busra, Busrah (ˈbʌsrə)   n   a port in SE Iraq, on the Shatt al Arab. Pop: 1 187 000 (2005 est)

bas-relief (ˌbɑːrIˈliːf, ˌbæs-, ˈbɑːrIˌliːf, ˈbæs-) or bass-relief   n   sculpture in low relief, in which the forms project slightly from the background but no part is completely detached from it. Also called (Italian): basso rilievo [C17: from French, from Italian basso rilievo low relief; see BASE^2, RELIEF]

Bas-Rhin (French bɑrɛ̃)   n   a department of NE France in Grand Est region. Capital: Strasbourg. Pop: 1 052 698 (2003 est). Area: 4793 sq km (1869 sq miles)

bass^1 (beIs)   n   1 the lowest adult male voice, usually having a range from E a 13th below middle C to D a tone above it   2 a singer with such a voice   3 the bass the lowest part in a piece of harmony. See also thorough bass   4 informal short for bass guitar, double bass   5    a the low-frequency component of an electrical audio signal, esp in a record player or tape recorder   b the knob controlling this on such an instrument   ▷ adj   6 relating to or denoting the bass: bass pitch; the bass part   7 denoting the lowest and largest instrument in a family: a bass trombone [C15 bas BASE^1; modern spelling influenced by BASSO]

■ bass-baritone   n   music a singer or voice in the bass range with baritone qualities

■ bass clef (beIs)   n   the clef that establishes F a fifth below middle C on the fourth line of the staff. Symbol: . Also called: F clef

■ bass drum (beIs)   n   a large shallow drum of low and indefinite pitch. Also called: gran cassa

■ bass guitar (beIs)   n   a guitar that has the same pitch and tuning as a double bass, usually electrically amplified

■ bassist (ˈbeIsIst)   n   a player of a double bass, esp in a jazz band

■ bassline (ˈbeIsˌlaIn)   n   (in jazz, rock, and pop music) the part played by the bass guitar

■ bassness (ˈbeIsnəs)   n   informal the quality of being low-pitched

■ bass response (beIs)   n   the response of an audio reproduction system or component to low frequencies

■ bass viol (beIs)   n   1 another name for viola da gamba   2 US a less common name for double bass (sense 1)

■ bassy (ˈbeIsI)   adj bassier, bassiest   manifesting strong bass tones

bass^2 (bæs)   n   1 any of various sea perches, esp Morone labrax, a popular game fish with one large spiny dorsal fin separate from a second smaller one. See also sea bass, stone bass   2 the European perch. See perch^2 (sense 1)   3 any of various predatory North American freshwater percoid fishes, such as Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass): family Centrarchidae (sunfishes, etc)   ▶ See also black bass, rock bass [C15: changed from BASE^2, influenced by Italian basso low]

bass^3 (bæs)   n   1 another name for bast (sense 1)   2 short for basswood   3 Also called: fish bass a bast fibre bag for holding an angler's catch [C17: changed from BAST]

■ basswood (ˈbæsˌwʊd)   n   1 any of several North American linden trees, esp Tilia americana   2 the soft light-coloured wood of any of these trees, used for furniture [C19: from BASS^3; see BAST]

Bassein (bɑːˈseIn)   n   a city in Myanmar, on the Irrawaddy delta: a port on the Bassein River (the westernmost distributary of the Irrawaddy). Pop: 231 000 (2005 est)

Basse-Normandie (French bɑsnɔrmɑ̃di)   n   a former region of NW France, on the English Channel: consists of the Cherbourg peninsula in the west rising to the Normandy hills in the east; mainly agricultural

Bassenthwaite (ˈbæsənˌθweIt)   n   a lake in NW England, in Cumbria near Keswick. Length: 6 km (4 miles)

basser^1 (ˈbæsə)   n   archaic someone who kisses

basser^2 (ˈbeIsə)   n   informal someone who plays the bass guitar or double bass

Basses-Alpes (French bɑsalp)   n   the former name for Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Basses-Pyrénées (French bɑspirene)   pl n   the former name for Pyrénées-Atlantiques

basset^1 (ˈbæsIt)   n   a long low smooth-haired breed of hound with short strong legs and long ears. Also called: basset hound [C17: from French, from basset short, from bas low; see BASE^2]

basset^2 (ˈbæsIt)   vb, n -sets, -seting, -seted   a rare word for outcrop [C17: perhaps from French: low stool, see BASSET^1]

Basseterre (bæsˈtɛə; French bɑstɛr)   n   a port in the Caribbean, on St Kitts in the Leeward Islands: the capital of St Kitts and Nevis. Pop: 13 000 (2003 est)

Basse-Terre (ˈbæsˈtɛə; French bɑstɛr)   n   1 a mountainous island in the Caribbean, in the Leeward Islands, comprising part of Guadeloupe. Area: 848 sq km (327 sq miles)   2 a port in W Guadeloupe, on Basse-Terre Island: the capital of the French Overseas Department of Guadeloupe. Pop: 11 894 (2009)

basset horn   n   an obsolete woodwind instrument of the clarinet family [C19: probably from German Bassetthorn, from Italian bassetto, diminutive of BASSO + HORN]

bassinet (ˌbæsIˈnɛt)   n   a wickerwork or wooden cradle or pram, usually hooded [C19: from French: little basin, from bassin BASIN; associated in folk etymology with French barcelonnette a little cradle, from berceau cradle]

basso (ˈbæsəʊ)   n, pl -sos or -si (-sI)   (esp in operatic or solo singing) a singer with a bass voice [C19: from Italian, from Late Latin bassus low; see BASE^2]

■ basso continuo   n   another term for thorough bass. Often shortened to: continuo [Italian, literally: continuous bass]

■ basso profundo (prəʊˈfʌndəʊ; Italian proˈfundo)   n, pl -dos   (esp in operatic solo singing) a singer with a very deep bass voice [Italian, literally: deep bass]

bassoon (bəˈsuːn)   n   1 a woodwind instrument, the tenor of the oboe family. Range: about three and a half octaves upwards from the B flat below the bass staff   2 an orchestral musician who plays the bassoon [C18: from French basson, from Italian bassone, from basso deep; see BASE^2]   > basˈsoonist n

basso rilievo Italian (ˈbasso riˈljevo)   n, pl -vos   Italian name for bas-relief

bass-relief   adj   a variant of bas-relief

Bass Strait (bæs)   n   a channel between mainland Australia and Tasmania, linking the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea

bast (bæst)   n   1 Also called: bass fibrous material obtained from the phloem of jute, hemp, flax, lime, etc, used for making rope, matting, etc   2 botany another name for phloem [Old English bæst; related to Old Norse, Middle High German bast]

basta (ˈbæstə)   interj   archaic enough! stop!

bastard (ˈbɑːstəd, ˈbæs-)   n   1 informal, derogatory an obnoxious or despicable person   2 informal, often jocular a person: lucky bastard   3 informal something extremely difficult or unpleasant: that job is a real bastard   4 old-fashioned or offensive a person born of unmarried parents; an illegitimate baby, child, or adult   5 something irregular, abnormal, or inferior   6 a hybrid, esp an accidental or inferior one   ▷ adj (prenominal)   7 old-fashioned or offensive illegitimate by birth   8 irregular, abnormal, or inferior in shape, size, or appearance   9 resembling a specified thing, but not actually being such: a bastard cedar   10 counterfeit; spurious [C13: from Old French bastart, perhaps from bast in the phrase fils de bast son of the packsaddle (that is, of an unlawful union and not the marriage bed), from Medieval Latin bastum packsaddle, of uncertain origin]   > ˈbastardly adj

■ bastard cut   adj   mechanical engineering (of a file) having medium teeth; intermediate between a coarse cut and a fine cut

■ bastardism (ˈbɑːstədIzəm)   n   obsolete the condition of being illegitimate

■ bastardization or bastardisation (ˌbɑːstədaIˈzeIʃən, ˌbæs-)   n   1 the act of bastardizing   2 Austral   a an initiation ceremony in a school or military unit, esp one involving brutality   b brutality or bullying

■ bastardize or bastardise (ˈbɑːstəˌdaIz, ˈbæs-)   vb (tr)   1 to debase; corrupt   2 archaic to declare illegitimate

■ bastardized or bastardised (ˈbɑːstəˌdaIzd)   adj   debased; corrupted

■ bastard measles   n   pathol an informal name for rubella

■ bastard pop   n   informal a type of popular music in which two records, usually from different genres or eras, are blended together into a whole, often using the vocal performance from one and the instrumental from the other

■ bastardry (ˈbɑːstədrI, ˈbæs-)   n   slang, chiefly Austral malicious or cruel behaviour

■ bastard title   n   another term for half-title

■ bastard wing   n   a tuft of feathers attached to the first digit of a bird, distinct from the wing feathers attached to the other digits and the ulna. Also called: alula

■ bastardy (ˈbɑːstədI, ˈbæs-)   n   archaic the condition of being a bastard; illegitimacy

baste^1 (beIst)   vb   (tr) to sew with loose temporary stitches [C14: from Old French bastir to build, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German besten to sew with BAST]

■ basting (ˈbeIstIŋ)   n   1 loose temporary stitches; tacking   2 sewing with such stitches

baste^2 (beIst)   vb   to moisten (meat) during cooking with hot fat and the juices produced [C15: of uncertain origin]

■ baster (ˈbeIstə)   n   someone who bastes

baste^3 (beIst)   vb   (tr) to beat thoroughly; thrash [C16: probably from Old Norse beysta]

basti, bustee or busti (ˈbʌstI)   n   (in India) a slum inhabited by poor people [Urdu: settlement]

Bastia (ˈbɑːstjə)   n   a port in NE Corsica: the main commercial and industrial town of the island: capital of Haute-Corse department. Pop: 43 315 (2007)

bastide (bæsˈtiːd)   n   1 architect a large manor house in the south of France   2 a small fortified town built in the south of France in the medieval period

Bastille (bæˈstiːl; French bastij)   n   a fortress in Paris, built in the 14th century: a prison until its destruction in 1789, at the beginning of the French Revolution [C14: from Old French bastile fortress, from Old Provençal bastida, from bastir to build, of Germanic origin; see BASTE^1]

■ Bastille Day   n   (in France) an annual holiday on July 14, commemorating the fall of the Bastille

bastinado (ˌbæstIˈneIdəʊ)   n, pl -does   1 punishment or torture in which the soles of the feet are beaten with a stick   2 a blow or beating with a stick   3 a stick; cudgel   ▷ vb -does, -doing, -doed (tr)   4 to beat (a person) on the soles of the feet [C16: from Spanish bastonada, from baston stick, from Late Latin bastum see BATON]

bastion (ˈbæstIən)   n   1 a projecting work in a fortification designed to permit fire to the flanks along the face of the wall   2 any fortified place   3 a thing or person regarded as upholding or defending an attitude, principle, etc: the last bastion of opposition [C16: from French, from earlier bastillon bastion, from bastille BASTILLE]

bastle (ˈbæstəl)   n   a fortified farmhouse built near to the Scottish–English border, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries

bastnaesite or bastnasite (ˈbæstnəˌsaIt)   n   a rare yellow to reddish-brown mineral consisting of a carbonate of fluorine and several lanthanide metals. It occurs in association with zinc and is a source of the lanthanides. Formula: LaFCO_3 [C19: from Swedish bastnäsit, after Bastnäs, Sweden, where it was found]

basto (ˈbæstəʊ)   n   cards the ace of clubs in certain card games, esp quadrille and ombre

Bastogne (bæˈstəʊn; French bastɔɲ)   n   a town in SE Belgium: of strategic importance to Allied defences during the Battle of the Bulge; besieged by the Germans during the winter of 1944–45. Pop: 14 070 (2004 est)

basuco (bəˈsuːkəʊ)   n   a highly addictive drug consisting of low-grade cocaine mixed with coca paste and other substances, often cannabis

Basuto (bəˈsuːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos or -to   a former name for Sotho (sense 3), Sotho (sense 4)

Basutoland (bəˈsuːtəʊˌlænd)   n   the former name (until 1966) of Lesotho

BASW (ˈbæzwə)   n acronym for (in Britain)   British Association of Social Workers

bat^1 (bæt)   n   1 any of various types of club with a handle, used to hit the ball in certain sports, such as cricket, baseball, or table tennis   2 a flat round club with a short handle, resembling a table-tennis bat, used by a person on the ground to guide the pilot of an aircraft when taxiing   3 cricket short for batsman   4 any stout stick, esp a wooden one   5 informal a blow from such a stick   6 Austral a small board used for tossing the coins in the game of two-up   7 US and Canadian slang a drinking spree; binge   8 slang speed; rate; pace: they went at a fair bat   9 another word for batting (sense 1)   10 carry one's bat cricket (of an opening batsman) to reach the end of an innings without being dismissed   11 off one's own bat   a of one's own accord; without being prompted by someone else   b by one's own unaided efforts   12 off the bat or right off the bat US and Canadian informal immediately; without hesitation   ▷ vb bats, batting, batted   13 (tr) to strike with or as if with a bat   14 (intr) sport (of a player or a team) to take a turn at batting [Old English batt club, probably of Celtic origin; compare Gaelic bat, Russian bat]

■ bat around   vb   1 (tr, adverb) US and Canadian slang to discuss (an idea, proposition, etc) informally   2 Also: bat along (intr) dialect, US and Canadian slang to wander or move about

■ batboy (ˈbætˌbɔI) or batgirl (ˈbætˌɡɜːl)   n   a young person who assists at baseball games, carrying bats to players and moving other equipment

■ batfowl (ˈbætˌfaʊl)   vb   (intr) to catch birds by temporarily blinding them with light   > ˈbatˌfowler n

■ batsman (ˈbætsmən)   n, pl -men   1 cricket   a a person who bats or whose turn it is to bat   b a player who specializes in batting   2 a person on the ground who uses bats to guide the pilot of an aircraft when taxiing   > ˈbatsmanˌship n

■ batswoman (ˈbætsˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female batsman

■ batting (ˈbætIŋ)   n   1 Also called: batt cotton or woollen wadding used in quilts, mattresses, etc   2 the action of a person or team that hits with a bat, esp in cricket or baseball

bat^2 (bæt)   n   1 any placental mammal of the order Chiroptera, being a nocturnal mouselike animal flying with a pair of membranous wings (patagia). The group is divided into the Megachiroptera (fruit bats) and Microchiroptera (insectivorous bats). Related adjective: chiropteran   2 derogatory, slang an irritating or eccentric woman (esp in the phrase old bat)   3 blind as a bat having extremely poor eyesight   4 have bats in the belfry or have bats in one's belfry informal to be mad or eccentric; have strange ideas   5 like a bat out of hell slang very quickly [C14 bakke, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse ledhrblaka leather-flapper, Swedish dialect natt-batta night bat]   > ˈbatlike adj

■ batfish (ˈbætˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any angler of the family Ogcocephalidae, having a flattened scaleless body and moving on the sea floor by means of fleshy pectoral and pelvic fins

■ bats (bæts)   adj   informal crazy; very eccentric [from BATS-IN-THE-BELFRY (sense 2)]

■ batshit (ˈbætˌʃIt)   adj   slang insane; crazy

■ bats-in-the-belfry   n (functioning as singular)   1 a hairy Eurasian campanulaceous plant, Campanula trachelium, with bell-shaped blue-purple flowers   ▷ adj   2 slang mad; demented

■ batswing (ˈbætswIŋ)   adj   in the form of the wing of a bat

■ bats-wing coral-tree   n   a small tree, Erythrina verspertilio, of tropical and subtropical Australia with red flowers and leaves shaped like the wings of a bat

■ batwing (ˈbætˌwIŋ)   adj   shaped like the wings of a bat, as a black tie, collar, etc

■ batwing sleeve   n   a sleeve of a garment with a deep armhole and a tight wrist

bat^3 (bæt)   vb bats, batting, batted (tr)   1 to wink or flutter (one's eyelids)   2 not bat an eye or not bat an eyelid informal to show no surprise or concern [C17: probably a variant of BATE^2]

Bataan (bəˈtæn, -ˈtɑːn)   n   a peninsula in the Philippines, in W Luzon: scene of the surrender of US and Philippine forces to the Japanese during World War II, later retaken by American forces

batable (ˈbeItəbəl)   adj   archaic debatable; disputable

Batangas (bəˈtæŋɡæs)   n   a port in the Philippines, in SW Luzon. Pop: 293 000 (2005 est)

Batan Islands (bəˈtɑːn)   pl n   a group of islands in the Philippines, north of Luzon. Capital: Basco. Pop: 16 467 (2000). Area: 197 sq km (76 sq miles)

batata (bəˈtɑːtə)   n   another name for sweet potato [C16: from Spanish, from Taino]

Batavia (bəˈteIvIə)   n   1 an ancient district of the Netherlands, on an island at the mouth of the Rhine   2 an archaic or literary name for Holland^1   3 a former name for Jakarta

■ batavia (bəˈteIvIə)   n   a variety of lettuce with smooth pale green leaves. Also called: Batavian endive, Batavian lettuce

■ Batavian (bəˈteIvIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Batavia (a former name for Holland or Jakarta) or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Batavia

batch^1 (bætʃ)   n   1 a group or set of usually similar objects or people, esp if sent off, handled, or arriving at the same time   2 the bread, cakes, etc, produced at one baking   3 the amount of a material needed for an operation   4 Also called: batch loaf a tall loaf having a close texture and a thick crust on the top and bottom, baked as part of a batch: the sides of each loaf are greased so that they will pull apart after baking to have pale crumby sides; made esp in Scotland and Ireland. Compare pan loaf   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to group (items) for efficient processing   6 to handle by batch processing [C15 bache; related to Old English bacan to BAKE; compare Old English gebæc batch, German Gebäck]

■ batcher (ˈbætʃə)   n   1 anything that makes something into batches   2 mechanical engineering a machine which measures out and combines in batches the ingredients of concrete   3 computing any system in computing which sorts data into batches

■ batch-process   vb (tr)   computing to perform batch processing on (files)

■ batch processing   n   1 manufacturing products or treating materials in batches, by passing the output of one process to subsequent processes. Compare continuous processing   2 a system by which the computer programs of a number of individual users are submitted to the computer as a single batch. Compare time sharing (sense 2)

batch^2 or bach (bætʃ)   vb Austral and NZ informal   1 (intr) (of a man) to do his own cooking and housekeeping   2 to live alone

Bat Chayil (bɑːt ˈxajil)   n (sometimes not capitals) Judaism   1 (in some congregations) a ceremony of confirmation for a girl of at least Bat Mitzvah age   2 the girl herself   ▶ Also called: Bat Hayil [from Hebrew, literally: daughter of valour]

bate^1 (beIt)   vb   1 another word for abate   2 with bated breath holding one's breath in suspense or fear

■ bateless (ˈbeItlIs)   adj   archaic not abating or not able to be abated

■ batement (ˈbeItmənt)   n   archaic reduction; abatement

bate^2 (beIt)   vb   (intr) (of hawks) to jump violently from a perch or the falconer's fist, often hanging from the leash while struggling to escape [C13: from Old French batre to beat, from Latin battuere; related to BAT^1]

bate^3 (beIt)   vb (tr)   1 to soak (skin or hides) in a special solution to soften them and remove chemicals used in previous treatments   ▷ n   2 the solution used [Old English bǣtan to BAIT^1]

bate^4 (beIt)   n   Brit slang a bad temper or rage [C19: from BAIT^1, alluding to the mood of a person who is being baited]

bateau (bæˈtəʊ; French bato)   n, pl -teaux (-təʊz; French -to)   a light flat-bottomed boat used on rivers in Canada and the northern US [C18: from French: boat, from Old French batel, from Old English bāt; see BOAT]

bateleur eagle or bateleur (ˈbætəlɜː)   n   an African crested bird of prey, Terathopius ecaudatus, with a short tail and long wings: subfamily Circaetinae, family Accipitridae (hawks, etc) [C19: from French bateleur juggler]

Bates (beIts)   n   1  Sir Alan (Arthur). 1934–2003, British film and stage actor. His films include A Kind of Loving (1962), Women in Love (1969), The Go-Between (1971), and The Cherry Orchard (1999)   2  H(erbert) E(rnest). 1905–74, English writer of short stories and novels, which include The Darling Buds of May (1958), A Moment in Time (1964), and The Triple Echo (1970)

Batesian mimicry (ˈbeItsIən)   n   zoology mimicry in which a harmless species is protected from predators by means of its resemblance to a harmful or inedible species [C19: named after H. W. Bates (1825–92), British naturalist and explorer]

bath^1 (bɑːθ)   n, pl baths (bɑːðz)   1 a large container, esp one made of enamelled iron or plastic, used for washing or medically treating the body. Related adjective: balneal   2 the act or an instance of washing in such a container   3 the amount of liquid contained in a bath   4 run a bath to turn on the taps to fill a bath with water for bathing oneself   5 (usually plural) a place that provides baths or a swimming pool for public use   6    a a vessel in which something is immersed to maintain it at a constant temperature, to process it photographically, electrolytically, etc, or to lubricate it   b the liquid used in such a vessel   ▷ vb   7 Brit to wash in a bath [Old English bæth; compare Old High German bad, Old Norse bath; related to Swedish basa to clean with warm water, Old High German bāen to warm]

■ bathcube (ˈbɑːθˌkjuːb)   n   a cube of soluble scented material for use in a bath

■ bathhouse (ˈbɑːθˌhaʊs)   n   a building containing baths, esp for public use

■ bathless (ˈbɑːθlIs)   adj   1 without a bath   2 not having bathed

■ bathmat (ˈbɑːθmæt)   n   an absorbent mat for standing on when entering and leaving a bath

■ bathrobe (ˈbɑːθˌrəʊb)   n   1 a loose-fitting garment of towelling, for wear before or after a bath or swimming   2 US and Canadian a dressing gown

■ bathroom (ˈbɑːθˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   1 a room containing a bath or shower and usually a washbasin and lavatory   2 US and Canadian another name for lavatory

■ bath salts   pl n   soluble scented salts for use in a bath

■ bathtub (ˈbɑːθˌtʌb)   n   a bath, esp one not permanently fixed

■ bathtub race   n   Canadian a sailing race between bathtubs fitted with outboard motors

■ bathwater   n   water in which a person bathes

bath^2 (bæθ)   n   an ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure equal to about 8.3 Imperial gallons or 10 US gallons [Hebrew]

Bath (bɑːθ)   n   a city in SW England, in Bath and North East Somerset unitary authority, Somerset, on the River Avon: famous for its hot springs; a fashionable spa in the 18th century; Roman remains, notably the baths; university (1966). Pop: 90 144 (2001). Latin name: Aquae Sulis (ˈækwiː ˈsuːlIs)

■ Bath and North East Somerset (ˈsʌməsɛt)   n   a unitary authority in SW England, in Somerset; formerly (1974–96) part of the county of Avon. Pop: 170 900 (2003 est). Area: 351 sq km (136 sq miles)

■ bath bun   n   Brit a sweet bun containing spices and dried fruit [C19: from BATH, where it was originally made]

■ Bath chair   n   a wheelchair for invalids, often with a hood

■ Bath chap   n   the lower part of the cheek of a pig, cooked and eaten, usually cold

■ Bath Oliver   n   Brit a kind of unsweetened biscuit [C19: named after William Oliver (1695–1764), a physician at Bath]

■ Bath stone   n   Brit a kind of limestone used as a building material, esp at Bath in England

Ba'th (bɑːθ) or Ba'ath   n   an Arab Socialist party, esp in Syria and formerly in Iraq, founded by Michel Aflaq in 1941. It attempts to combine Marxism with pan-Islamic nationalism [C20: from Arabic: resurgence]   > ˈBa'thi adj   > ˈBa'thism n   > ˈBa'thist n

Bat Hayil (bɑːt ˈxajil)   n   a variant spelling of Bat Chayil

bathe (beIð)   vb   1 (intr) to swim or paddle in a body of open water or a river, esp for pleasure   2 (tr) to apply liquid to (skin, a wound, etc) in order to cleanse or soothe   3 to immerse or be immersed in a liquid: to bathe machine parts in oil   4 chiefly US and Canadian to wash in a bath   5 (tr; often passive) to suffuse: her face was bathed with radiance   6 (tr) (of water, the sea, etc) to lap; wash: waves bathed the shore   ▷ n   7 Brit a swim or paddle in a body of open water or a river [Old English bathian; related to Old Norse batha, Old High German badōn]   > ˈbather n

■ bathed (beIðd)   adj   1 covered, esp with a liquid: bathed in sweat   2 suffused (with some quality)

■ bathers (ˈbeIðəz)   pl n   Austral a swimming costume

■ bathing (ˈbeIðIŋ)   n   swimming

■ bathing beauty (ˈbeIðIŋ)   n   an attractive girl in a swimming costume. Also called (old-fashioned): bathing belle

■ bathing cap (ˈbeIðIŋ)   n   a tight rubber cap worn by a swimmer to keep the hair dry

■ bathing costume (ˈbeIðIŋ)   n   another name for swimming costume

■ bathing machine (ˈbeIðIŋ)   n   a small hut, on wheels so that it could be pulled to the sea, used in the 18th and 19th centuries for bathers to change their clothes

■ bathing suit (ˈbeIðIŋ)   n   1 a garment worn for bathing, esp an old-fashioned one that covers much of the body   2 another name for swimming costume

bathetic (bəˈθɛtIk)   adj   containing or displaying bathos

■ bathetically (bəˈθɛtIkəlI)   adv   formal in a bathetic fashion

bathmism (ˈbɑːθmIzəm)   n   biology obsolete a hypothetical growth-force, once thought to animate living beings

■ bathmic (ˈbæθmIk)   adj   biology obsolete relating to bathmism

bathmitsvah, bathmitzvah or bathmizvah (ˌbɑːtˈmItsvə)   n   variants of Bat Mitzvah

batho-   combining form   a variant form of bathy-

bathochromic (ˌbæθəˈkrəʊmIk)   adj   chem denoting or relating to a shift to a longer wavelength in the absorption spectrum of a compound   > ˈbathoˌchrome n

batholith (ˈbæθəlIθ) or batholite (ˈbæθəˌlaIt)   n   a very large irregular-shaped mass of igneous rock, esp granite, formed from an intrusion of magma at great depth, esp one exposed after erosion of less resistant overlying rocks   > ˌbathoˈlithic or ˌbathoˈlitic adj

bathometer (bəˈθɒmItə) or bathymeter (bəˈθImItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the depth of water   > bathometric (ˌbæθəˈmɛtrIk) adj   > ˌbathoˈmetrically adv   > bathometry (bəˈθɒmItrI) n

Bathonian (bəˈθəʊnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Bath   2 geology of or denoting a stage of the Jurassic system in NW Europe   ▷ n   3 a native or resident of Bath   4 the Bathonian period or rock system

bathophilous (bæˈθɒfIləs)   adj   (of an organism) living in very deep water

bathophobia (ˌbæθəˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of depths of any kind, whether a fear of deep water or of falling from a great height

bathorse (ˈbætˌhɔːs)   n   a horse which carries a military officer's baggage; a military packhorse

bathos (ˈbeIθɒs)   n   1 a sudden ludicrous descent from exalted to ordinary matters or style in speech or writing   2 insincere or excessive pathos   3 triteness; flatness   4 the lowest point; nadir [C18: from Greek: depth, from bathus deep]

Bathsheba (bæθˈʃiːbə, ˈbæθʃIbə)   n   Old Testament the wife of Uriah, who committed adultery with David and later married him and became the mother of his son Solomon (II Samuel 11–12)

Bathurst (ˈbæθəst)   n   1 a town in SE Australia, in E New South Wales: scene of a gold rush in 1851. Pop: 27 036 (2001)   2 a port in E Canada, in NE New Brunswick: rich mineral resources. Pop: 16 427 (2001)   3 the former name (until 1973) of Banjul

■ Bathurst burr   n   an Australian plant, Xanthium spinosum, having numerous hooked burrs that become entangled in sheep's wool [C19: from Bathurst region of New South Wales]

bathy- or batho-   combining form   indicating depth: bathysphere; bathometer [from Greek bathus deep]

bathyal (ˈbæθIəl)   adj   denoting or relating to an ocean depth of between 200 and 2000 metres (about 100 and 1000 fathoms), corresponding to the continental slope

bathybius (bəˈθIbIəs)   n   zoology a gelatinous substance discovered on the Atlantic seabed, originally thought to be protoplasm, but later discovered to be inorganic

bathygraphic (ˌbæθIˈɡræfIk) or bathygraphical (ˌbæθIˈɡræfIkəl)   adj   nautical of or relating to the depths of the ocean

bathylimnetic (ˌbæθIlImˈnɛtIk)   adj   (of an organism) living in the depths of lakes and marshes

bathylithic (ˌbæθIˈlIθIk)   adj   a variant form of batholithic

bathylitic (ˌbæθIˈlItIk)   adj   a variant form of batholithic

bathymetry (bəˈθImItrI)   n   measurement of the depth of an ocean or other large body of water   > bathymetric (ˌbæθIˈmɛtrIk) adj   > ˌbathyˈmetrically adv

■ bathymeter (bəˈθImItə)   n   another name for bathometer

■ bathymetrical (ˌbæθIˈmɛtrIkəl)   adj   a variant form of bathometric

bathypelagic (ˌbæθIpəˈlædʒIk)   adj   of, relating to, or inhabiting the lower depths of the ocean between approximately 1000 and 4000 metres

bathyscaph (ˈbæθIˌskæf), bathyscaphe (ˈbæθIˌskeIf, -ˌskæf) or bathyscape (ˈbæθIˌskæp)   n   a submersible vessel having a flotation compartment with an observation capsule underneath, capable of reaching ocean depths of over 10 000 metres (about 5000 fathoms) [C20: from BATHY- + -scaph, from Greek skaphē light boat]

bathysphere (ˈbæθIˌsfIə)   n   a strong steel deep-sea diving sphere, lowered by cable

batik or battik (ˈbætIk)   n   1 a process of printing fabric in which parts not to be dyed are covered by wax   2 fabric printed in this way   3 (as modifier): a batik shirt [C19: via Malay from Javanese: painted]

Batista (Spanish baˈtista)   n   Fulgencio (fulˈxenθjo), full name Batista y Zaldívar. 1901–73, Cuban military leader and dictator: president of Cuba (1940–44, 1952–59); overthrown by Fidel Castro

batiste (bæˈtiːst)   n   a fine plain-weave cotton fabric: used esp for shirts and dresses [C17: from French, from Old French toile de baptiste, probably after Baptiste of Cambrai, 13th-century French weaver, its reputed inventor]

batler (ˈbætlə)   n   a flat piece of wood once used for beating clothes during washing or to smooth them when dry

Batley (ˈbætlI)   n   a town in N England, in Kirklees unitary authority, West Yorkshire. Pop: 49 448 (2001)

batman (ˈbætmən)   n, pl -men   an officer's personal servant in any of the armed forces [C18: from Old French bat, bast, from Medieval Latin bastum packsaddle]

Batman^1 (ˈbætˌmæn)   n   a character in an American comic strip and several films who secretly assumes a batlike costume in order to fight crime

Batman^2 (ˈbætmən)   n   John. 1801–39, a pioneer who selected the site of the city of Melbourne

Bat Mitzvah sometimes not capitals, bathmitzvah, bathmitsvah or bathmizvah (bɑːtˈmItsvə)   adj Judaism   1 (of a Jewish girl) having attained religious majority at the age of twelve   ▷ n   2 the date of, or, in some congregations, a ceremony marking, this event   3 the girl herself on that day   ▶ Also called (old-fashioned): Bas Mitzvah [from Hebrew, literally: daughter of the commandment]

batology (bæˈtɒlədʒI)   n   botany the study of members of the species Rubus (brambles)

■ batological (ˌbætəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   botany relating to the study of brambles

■ batologist (bæˈtɒlədʒIst)   n   botany someone who practises batology

baton (ˈbætən, -tɒn)   n   1 a thin stick used by the conductor of an orchestra, choir, etc, to indicate rhythm or expression   2    a a short stick carried for use as a weapon, as by a policeman; truncheon   b (as modifier): a baton charge   3 athletics a short bar carried by a competitor in a relay race and transferred to the next runner at the end of each stage   4 a long stick with a knob on one end, carried, twirled, and thrown up and down by a drum major or drum majorette, esp at the head of a parade   5 a staff or club carried by an official as a symbol of authority   6 heraldry a single narrow diagonal line superimposed on all other charges, esp one curtailed at each end, signifying a bastard line [C16: from French bâton, from Late Latin bastum rod, probably ultimately from Greek bastazein to lift up, carry]

■ baton round   n   the official name for plastic bullet

bâton de commandement French (bɑtɔ̃ də kɔmɑ̃dmɑ̃)   n   an antler object found in Upper Palaeolithic sites from the Aurignacian period onwards, consisting of a rod, often ornately decorated, with a hole through the thicker end [literally: baton of command, although the object was probably actually used in making shafts for arrows and spears]

Baton Rouge (ˈbætən ˈruːʒ)   n   the capital of Louisiana, in the SE part on the Mississippi River. Pop: 225 090 (2003 est)

batrachia (bəˈtreIkIə)   pl n   zoology amphibians, including frogs and toads, which have gills and a tail in their larval state, which are discarded later in life

■ batrachian (bəˈtreIkIən)   n   1 any amphibian, esp a frog or toad   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the frogs and toads [C19: from New Latin Batrachia, from Greek batrakhos frog]

■ batrachophobia (bəˌtreIkəˈfəʊbIə)   n   psychol fear of amphibians

■ batrachophobic (bəˌtreIkəˈfəʊbIk)   adj   psychol relating to the fear of toads and frogs

batt (bæt)   n   1 textiles another word for batting (sense 1)   2 Austral and NZ a slab-shaped piece of insulating material used in building houses

batta (ˈbætə)   n   Indian money given to soldiers, esp in British India, as or in addition to their regular pay

battailous (ˈbæteIləs)   adj   archaic ready for battle; pugnacious

battalia (bəˈtɑːljə)   n military   1 the arrangement of military troops prepared for battle   2 a body of military troops prepared for battle

battalion (bəˈtæljən)   n   1 a military unit comprising three or more companies or formations of similar size   2 (usually plural) any large array [C16: from French bataillon, from Old Italian battaglione, from battaglia company of soldiers, BATTLE]

batteilant (ˈbæteIlənt)   adj   fighting; combatant

battels (ˈbætəlz)   pl n   (at some universities) the account of a member of a college for board, provisions, and other college expenses [C16: perhaps from obsolete battle to feed, fatten, of uncertain origin]

■ battel (ˈbætəl)   adj   1 fertile; nourishing   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make fertile   3 (intr) obsolete (at Oxford University) to charge food and other costs to battels

■ batteler (ˈbætələ)   n   obsolete (at Oxford University) a student who charges food and other costs to a battel account

battement (French batmɑ̃)   n   ballet extension of one leg forwards, sideways, or backwards, either once or repeatedly [C19: French, literally: beating]

batten^1 (ˈbætən)   n   1 a sawn strip of wood used in building to cover joints, provide a fixing for tiles or slates, support lathing, etc   2 a long narrow board used for flooring   3 a narrow flat length of wood or plastic inserted in pockets of a sail to give it proper shape   4 a lath used for holding a tarpaulin along the side of a raised hatch on a ship   5 theatre   a a row of lights   b the strip or bar supporting them   6 Also called: dropper NZ an upright part of a fence made of wood or other material, designed to keep wires at equal distances apart   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to furnish or strengthen with battens   8 batten down the hatches   a to use battens in nailing a tarpaulin over a hatch on a ship to make it secure   b to prepare for action, a crisis, etc [C15: from French bâton stick; see BATON]   > ˈbattening n

■ batten plate   n   (in structural design) a horizontal rectangular plate that is used to connect pairs of steel sections by being riveted or welded across them to form a composite section

batten^2 (ˈbætən)   vb   (intr; usually foll by on) to thrive, esp at the expense of someone else: to batten on poor people [C16: probably from Old Norse batna to improve; related to Old Norse betr BETTER^1, Old High German bazzen to get better]

Batten (ˈbætən)   n   Jean. 1909–82, New Zealand aviator: the first woman to fly single-handed from Australia to Britain (1935)

Battenburg (ˈbætənˌbɜːɡ)   n   an oblong sponge cake divided longitudinally into four square sections, two coloured pink and two yellow, with an outer coating of marzipan [perhaps named after Battenberg, a village in Prussia]

Batten disease (ˈbætən)   n   a rare hereditary disease in which lipids accumulate in the nervous system, leading to mental deterioration, loss of mobility, and blindness that start in early childhood [C20: named after F. E. Batten (1865–1918), British neurologist]

battener (ˈbætənə)   n   1 archaic someone who flourishes, grows fat, is strengthened   2 nautical someone who fastens (a hatch) with battens

batter^1 (ˈbætə)   vb   1 to hit (someone or something) repeatedly using heavy blows, as with a club or other heavy instrument; beat heavily   2 (tr; often passive) to damage or injure, as by blows, heavy wear, etc   3 (tr) social welfare to subject (a person, esp a partner or close relative living in the same house) to repeated physical violence   4 (tr) to subject (a person, opinion, or theory) to harsh criticism; attack [C14 bateren, probably from batten to BAT^1]

■ battered (ˈbætəd)   adj   subjected to persistent physical violence, esp by a partner or close relative living in the same house: a battered child

■ batterer (ˈbætərə)   n     a a person who batters someone   b (in combination): wife-batterer

■ battering (ˈbætərIŋ)   n     a the act or practice of battering someone   b (in combination): husband-battering

■ battering ram   n   (esp formerly) a large beam used to break down the walls or doors of fortifications

batter^2 (ˈbætə)   n   a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, used to make cakes, pancakes, etc, and to coat certain foods before frying [C15 bater, probably from bateren to BATTER^1]

■ battered (ˈbætəd)   adj   coated in batter: a battered cod

batter^3 (ˈbætə)   n   sport a player who bats

batter^4 (ˈbætə)   n   1 the slope of the face of a wall that recedes gradually backwards and upwards   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to have such a slope [C16 (vb: to incline): of uncertain origin]

batter^5 (ˈbætə)   n   a spree or debauch [C19: of unknown origin]

batterie (ˈbætərI)   n   ballet a movement in ballet involving the legs beating together

batterie de cuisine (French batri də kɥizin)   n   cooking utensils collectively; pots and pans, etc [C18: literally: battery of kitchen]

battero (ˈbætərəʊ)   n   archaic a heavy club

Battersea (ˈbætəsI)   n   a district in London, in Wandsworth: noted for its dogs' home, power station (now decommissioned), and park

battery (ˈbætərI)   n, pl -teries   1    a two or more primary cells connected together, usually in series, to provide a source of electric current   b short for dry battery   2 another name for accumulator (sense 1)   3 a number of similar things occurring together: a battery of questions   4 criminal law unlawful beating or wounding of a person or mere touching in a hostile or offensive manner. See also assault and battery   5 a fortified structure on which artillery is mounted   6 a group of guns, missile launchers, searchlights, or torpedo tubes of similar type or size operated as a single entity   7 a small tactical unit of artillery usually consisting of two or more troops, each of two, three, or four guns   8 chiefly Brit   a a large group of cages for intensive rearing of poultry   b (as modifier): battery hens   9 psychol a series of tests   10 chess two pieces of the same colour placed so that moving one can unmask an attack by the other   11 the percussion section in an orchestra   12 baseball the pitcher and the catcher considered together [C16: from Old French batterie beating, from battre to beat, from Latin battuere]

■ battery-operated, battery-powered or battery-driven   adj   powered, driven, or operated with batteries

battik (ˈbætIk)   n   a variant spelling of batik

battle (ˈbætəl)   n   1 a fight between large armed forces; military or naval engagement; combat   2 conflict; contention; struggle: his battle for recognition   3 do battle, give battle or join battle to start fighting   ▷ vb   4 (when intr, often foll by against, for, or with) to fight in or as if in military combat; contend (with): she battled against cancer   5 to struggle in order to achieve something or arrive somewhere: he battled through the crowd   6 (intr) Austral to scrape a living, esp by doing odd jobs [C13: from Old French bataile, from Late Latin battālia exercises performed by soldiers, from battuere to beat]   > ˈbattler n

■ battle-axe   n   1 (formerly) a large broad-headed axe   2 informal, derogatory an argumentative domineering woman

■ battle-axe block   n   Austral a block of land behind another, with access from the street through a narrow drive

■ battlebus (ˈbætəlˌbʌs)   n   the coach that transports politicians and their advisers round the country during an election campaign

■ battle cruiser   n   a warship of battleship size but with lighter armour and fewer guns and capable of high speed

■ battle cry   n   1 a shout uttered by soldiers going into battle   2 a slogan used to rally the supporters of a campaign, movement, etc

■ battledress or battle dress (ˈbætəlˌdrɛs)   n   the ordinary uniform of a soldier, consisting of tunic and trousers

■ battle fatigue   n   psychol a type of psychological disorder, characterized by anxiety, depression, and loss of motivation, caused by the stress of active warfare. Also called: combat fatigue. See also shellshock

■ battlefield (ˈbætəlˌfiːld) or battleground (ˈbætəlˌɡraʊnd)   n   the place where a battle is fought; an area of conflict

■ battlefront (ˈbætəlˌfrʌnt)   n   1 military the front line of a battle, where the action takes place   2 any area where opponents meet

■ battle group   n   a group of warships usually consisting of at least one aircraft carrier, other surface ships, submarines, landing craft, etc

■ battle line   n   1 the line along which troops are positioned for battle   2 the battle lines are drawn conflict or argument is about to occur between opposing people or groups

■ Battle of Britain   n   the Battle of Britain from August to October 1940, the prolonged bombing of S England by the German Luftwaffe and the successful resistance by the RAF Fighter Command, which put an end to the German plan of invading Britain

■ Battle of the Atlantic   n   the struggle for control of the sea routes around the United Kingdom during World War II, esp 1940–43

■ battlepiece (ˈbætəlˌpiːs)   n   a painting, relief, mosaic, etc, depicting a battle, usually commemorating an actual event

■ battleplane   n   another name for warplane

■ battle royal   n   1 a fight, esp with fists or cudgels, involving more than two combatants; melee   2 a long violent argument

■ battle-scarred   adj   adversely affected from the experience of battle, or some other traumatic experience

■ battleship (ˈbætəlˌʃIp) or battlewagon (ˈbætəlˌwæɡən)   n   1 a heavily armoured warship of the largest type having many large-calibre guns   2 (formerly) a warship of sufficient size and armament to take her place in the line of battle; ship of the line

■ battlespace (ˈbætəlˌspeIs)   n military     a the area of air, sea, and land that is directly involved in war, often taken to include any technological, environmental, infrastructural, or temporal factors which may be relevant to the success of a mission   b (as modifier): battlespace awareness

Battle^1 (ˈbætəl)   n   a town in SE England, in East Sussex: site of the Battle of Hastings (1066); medieval abbey. Pop: 5190 (2001)

Battle^2 (ˈbætəl)   n   Kathleen. born 1948, US opera singer: a coloratura soprano, she made her professional debut in 1972 and sang with New York City's Metropolitan Opera (1977–94)

battledore or battledoor (ˈbætəlˌdɔː)   n   1 Also called: battledore and shuttlecock an ancient racket game   2 a light racket, smaller than a tennis racket, used for striking the shuttlecock in this game   3 (formerly) a wooden utensil used for beating clothes, in baking, etc [C15 batyldoure, perhaps from Old Provençal batedor a beater, from Old French battre to beat, BATTER^1]

battlement (ˈbætəlmənt)   n   a parapet or wall with indentations or embrasures, originally for shooting through [C14: from Old French batailles, plural of bataille BATTLE]   > ˈbattlemented adj

battology (bæˈtɒlədʒI)   n   formal the unnecessary repetition of words

■ battological (ˌbætəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   formal tending to repeat words unnecessarily

battu (bæˈtuː)   adj   ballet (of a step) involving a beating movement

battue (bæˈtuː, -ˈtjuː; French baty)   n   1 the beating of woodland or cover to force game to flee in the direction of hunters   2    a an organized shooting party using this method   b the game disturbed or shot by this method   3 indiscriminate slaughter, as of a defenceless crowd [C19: from French, feminine of battu beaten, from battre to beat, from Latin battuere]

battuta Italian (baˈtuːta)   n   1 music a beat used to measure time   2 fencing a hitting of the opponent's blade for the purpose of distraction or to provoke a response

battuto (bəˈtuːtəʊ)   n   a selection of chopped herbs, used in Italian cookery [Italian, past participle of battere to beat]

batty (ˈbætI)   adj -tier, -tiest slang   1 insane; crazy   2 odd; eccentric [C20: from BAT^2; compare the phrase have bats in the belfry]

■ battiness (ˈbætInəs)   n   the characteristic of being batty; craziness; insanity; eccentricity

batty boy or batty man   n   offensive, slang, chiefly Caribbean a homosexual man [C20: from Caribbean slang batty bottom, buttocks]

Batum (bɑːˈtuːm) or Batumi (bɑːˈtuːmI)   n   a city in Georgia: capital of the Adzhar Autonomous Republic; a major Black Sea port. Pop: 118 000 (2005 est)

batwoman (ˈbætwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female servant in any of the armed forces

bauble (ˈbɔːbəl)   n   1 a showy toy or trinket of little value; trifle   2 a small, usually spherical ornament made of coloured or decorated material which is hung from the branches of a Christmas tree. Usual US name: Christmas ornament   3 (formerly) a mock staff of office carried by a court jester [C14: from Old French baubel plaything, of obscure origin]

Bauchi (ˈbaʊtʃI)   n   1 a state of N Nigeria; tin mining. Capital: Bauchi. Pop: 4 676 465 (2006). Area: 45 837 sq km (17 698 sq miles)   2 a town in N central Nigeria, capital of Bauchi state. Pop: 76 070 (1991 est)

bauchle (ˈbɒxəl)   n Scot   1 an old worn shoe   2 a worthless or clumsy person   3 a useless object   4 a trout-fisher's term for a perch^2 [C18: of unknown origin]

Baucis (ˈbɔːsIs)   n   Greek myth a poor peasant woman who, with her husband Philemon, was rewarded for hospitality to the disguised gods Zeus and Hermes

baud (bɔːd)   n   a unit used to measure the speed of electronic code transmissions, equal to one unit interval per second [C20: named after J. M. E. Baudot (1845–1903), French inventor]

Baudelaire (French bodlɛr)   n   Charles Pierre (ʃarl pjɛr). 1821–67, French poet, noted for his macabre imagery; author of Les fleurs du mal (1857)

Baudouin I (French bodwɛ̃)   n   1930–93, king of Belgium (1951–93)

Baudrillard (French bodrijɑr)   n   Jean. 1929–2007, French sociologist and theorist of postmodernism; his books include Seduction (1979), America (1986), and The Spirit of Terrorism (2002)

baudrons (ˈbɔːdrənz)   n   Scot literary a cat

bauera (ˈbaʊərə)   n   any small evergreen Australian shrub of the genus Bauera, having pink or purple flowers [C19: named after Franz (1758–1840) and Ferdinand (1760–1826) Bauer, Australian botanical artists]

Bauhaus (ˈbaʊˌhaʊs)   n     a a German school of architecture and applied arts founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius on experimental principles of functionalism and truth to materials. After being closed by the Nazis in 1933, its ideas were widely disseminated by its students and staff, including Kandinsky, Klee, Feininger, Moholy-Nagy, and Mies van der Rohe   b (as modifier): Bauhaus wallpaper [C20: German, literally: building house]

bauhinia (bɔːˈhInIə, bəʊ-)   n   any climbing or shrubby leguminous plant of the genus Bauhinia, of tropical and warm regions, widely cultivated for ornament [C18: New Latin, named after Jean and Gaspard Bauhin, 16th-century French herbalists]

baulk (bɔːk, usually for sense 1 bɔːlk)   n   1 Also (US): balk billiards   a the space, usually 29 inches deep, between the baulk line and the bottom cushion   b (in baulk-line games) one of the spaces between the cushions and the baulk lines   c in baulk inside one of these spaces   2 archaeol a strip of earth left between excavation trenches for the study of the complete stratigraphy of a site   3 croquet either of two lines (A baulk and B baulk) at diagonally opposite ends of the court, from which the ball is struck into play   ▷ vb, n   4 a variant spelling of balk

■ baulkline or US balkline (ˈbɔːkˌlaIn)   n billiards   1 Also called: string line a straight line across a billiard table behind which the cue balls are placed at the start of a game   2    a one of four lines parallel to the cushions dividing the table into a central panel and eight smaller ones (the baulks)   b a type of game using these lines as restrictions

Baum (bɔːm, bɑːm)   n   L(yman) Frank. 1856–1919, US novelist, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and its sequels

Baumé scale (bəʊˈmeI, ˈbəʊmeI)   n   a scale for calibrating hydrometers used for measuring the specific gravity of liquids. 1 degree Baumé is equal to 144.3((s–1)/s), where s is specific gravity [C19: named after Antoine Baumé (1728–1804), French chemist]

Baumgarten (German ˈbaʊmɡartən)   n   Alexander Gottlieb. 1714–62, German philosopher, noted for his pioneering work on aesthetics, a term that he originated

baur (bɔː)   n   Scot a humorous anecdote

bausond (ˈbɔːsənd) or bawsunt (ˈbɔːsənt)   adj   archaic (of animals) dappled with white spots on a black or bay background; esp having a white patch on the face

Bautzen (ˈbaʊtsən)   n   a town in E Germany, in Saxony: site of an indecisive battle in 1813 between Napoleon's army and an allied army of Russians and Prussians. Pop: 42 160 (2003 est)

bauxite (ˈbɔːksaIt)   n   a white, red, yellow, or brown amorphous claylike substance comprising aluminium oxides and hydroxides, often with such impurities as iron oxides. It is the chief ore of aluminium. General formula: Al_2O_3.nH_2O [C19: from French, from (Les) Baux in southern France, where it was originally found]

■ bauxitic (bɔːkˈsItIk)   adj   mineralogy consisting of, containing or resembling bauxite

bavardage French (bavarˈdaʒ)   n   literary idle chattering

Bavaria (bəˈvɛərIə)   n   a state of S Germany: a former duchy and kingdom; mainly wooded highland, with the Alps in the south. Capital: Munich. Pop: 12 155 000 (2000 est). Area: 70 531 sq km (27 232 sq miles). German name: Bayern

■ Bavarian (bəˈvɛərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Bavaria or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Bavaria

■ Bavarian cream   n   a cold dessert consisting of a rich custard set with gelatine and flavoured in various ways. Also called: French bavarois (bavarwa)

bavin (ˈbævIn)   n   1 archaic a bundle of brushwood or firewood   2 mineralogy impure limestone   ▷ vb (tr)   3 archaic to bind (brushwood or firewood) into bavins

bawbee (bɔːˈbiː)   n   1 a former Scottish silver coin   2 Scot an informal word for halfpenny (sense 2) [C16: named after Alexander Orok of Sillebawby, master of the mint]

bawcock (ˈbɔːˌkɒk)   n   archaic a fine fellow [C16: from French beau coq, from beau handsome + coq COCK^1]

bawd (bɔːd)   n archaic   1 a person who runs a brothel, esp a woman   2 a prostitute [C14: shortened from Old French baudetrot, from baude feminine of baud merry + trot one who runs errands; compare Old High German bald BOLD]

■ bawdry (ˈbɔːdrI)   n   archaic obscene talk or language

■ bawdy (ˈbɔːdI)   adj bawdier, bawdiest   1 (of language, plays, etc) containing references to sex, esp to be humorous   ▷ n   2 obscenity or eroticism, esp in writing or drama   > ˈbawdily adv   > ˈbawdiness n

■ bawdyhouse (ˈbɔːdIˌhaʊs)   n   an archaic word for brothel

bawdric (ˈbɔːdrIk)   n   another name for baldric

bawl (bɔːl)   vb   1 (intr) to utter long loud cries, as from pain or frustration; wail   2 to shout loudly, as in anger   ▷ n   3 a loud shout or cry [C15: probably from Icelandic baula to low; related to Medieval Latin baulāre to bark, Swedish böla to low; all of imitative origin]   > ˈbawler n   > ˈbawling n

■ bawl out   vb   (tr, adverb) informal to scold loudly

bawley (ˈbɔːlI)   n   a small fishing boat used off the coast of Essex and Kent

bawn (bɔːn)   n   a fortified enclosure, either for defensive purposes or for keeping cattle

bawneen (ˈbɑːniːn)   n   Irish a variant spelling of báinín

bawsunt (ˈbɔːsənt)   adj   another word for bausond

bawtie (ˈbɔːtI)   n   Scot a dog

Bax (bæks)   n   Sir Arnold (Edward Trevor). 1883–1953, English composer of romantic works, often based on Celtic legends, including the tone poem Tintagel (1917)

Baxter (ˈbækstə)   n   1  James (Keir). 1926–72, New Zealand lyric poet. His works include The Fallen House (1953) and In Fires of No Return (1958)   2  Richard. 1615–91, English Puritan divine and devotional writer: prominent in church affairs during the Restoration

bay^1 (beI)   n   1 a wide semicircular indentation of a shoreline, esp between two headlands or peninsulas   2 an extension of lowland into hills that partly surround it   3 US an extension of prairie into woodland [C14: from Old French baie, perhaps from Old French baer to gape, from Medieval Latin batāre to yawn]

■ bayman (ˈbeImən)   n, pl -men   1 a person who lives by a bay, esp one who is skilled in navigating it   2 a fisherman

■ Bay of Pigs   n   a bay on the SW coast of Cuba: scene of an unsuccessful invasion of Cuba by US-backed troops (April 17, 1961). Spanish name: Bahía de Cochinos

■ Bay Street   n (in Canada)   1 the financial centre of Toronto, in which Canada's largest stock exchange is situated   2 the financial interests and powers of Toronto

■ baywood (ˈbeIˌwʊd)   n   the light soft wood of a tropical American mahogany tree, Swietenia macrophylla, of the bay region of SE Mexico

bay^2 (beI)   n   1 an alcove or recess in a wall   2 any partly enclosed compartment, as one in which hay is stored in a barn   3 See bay window   4 an area off a road in which vehicles may park or unload, esp one adjacent to a shop, factory, etc   5 a compartment in an aircraft, esp one used for a specified purpose: the bomb bay   6 nautical a compartment in the forward part of a ship between decks, often used as the ship's hospital   7 Brit a tracked recess in the platform of a railway station, esp one forming the terminus of a branch line [C14: from Old French baee gap or recess in a wall, from baer to gape; see BAY^1]

■ bayman (ˈbeImən)   n, pl -men   US a nurse who works in a sick-bay, esp aboard ship

■ bay window   n   a window projecting from the wall of a building and forming an alcove of a room. Sometimes shortened to: bay. See also bow window, oriel window

bay^3 (beI)   n   1 a deep howl or growl, esp of a hound on the scent   2 at bay   a (of a person or animal) forced to turn and face attackers: the dogs held the deer at bay   b at a distance: to keep a disease at bay   3 bring to bay to force into a position from which retreat is impossible   ▷ vb   4 (intr) to howl (at) in deep prolonged tones   5 (tr) to utter in a loud prolonged tone   6 (tr) to drive to or hold at bay [C13: from Old French abaiier to bark, of imitative origin]

bay^4 (beI)   n   1 Also called: bay laurel, sweet bay a small evergreen Mediterranean laurel, Laurus nobilis, with glossy aromatic leaves, used for flavouring in cooking, and small blackish berries. See laurel (sense 1)   2 any of various other trees with strongly aromatic leaves used in cooking, esp a member of the genera Myrica or Pimenta   3 any of several magnolias. See sweet bay   4 any of certain other trees or shrubs, esp bayberry   5 (plural) a wreath of bay leaves. See laurel (sense 6) [C14: from Old French baie laurel berry, from Latin bāca berry]

■ bayberry (ˈbeIbərI) or bay   n, pl -ries   1 any of several North American aromatic shrubs or small trees of the genus Myrica, that bear grey waxy berries: family Myricaceae. See also wax myrtle   2 Also called: bay rum tree a tropical American myrtaceous tree, Pimenta racemosa, that yields an oil used in making bay rum   3 the fruit of any of these plants

■ bay leaf   n   a leaf, usually dried, of the Mediterranean laurel, Laurus nobilis, used in cooking to flavour soups and stews

■ bay rum   n   1 an aromatic liquid, used in medicines and cosmetics, originally obtained by distilling the leaves of the bayberry tree (Pimenta racemosa) with rum: now also synthesized from alcohol, water, and various oils   2 bay rum tree another name for bayberry (sense 2)

■ bay tree   n   another name for bay^4 (sense 1)

bay^5 (beI)   n   1    a a moderate reddish-brown colour   b (as adjective): a bay horse   2 an animal of this colour, esp a horse [C14: from Old French bai, from Latin badius]

■ bay lynx   n   another name for bobcat

bayadere (ˌbaIəˈdIə, -ˈdɛə)   n   1 a dancing girl, esp one serving in a Hindu temple   2 a fabric or design with horizontal stripes, esp of a bright colour   ▷ adj   3 (of fabric, etc) having horizontal stripes [C18: via French from Portuguese bailadeira dancing girl, from bailar to dance, from Latin ballāre; see BALL^2]

bayamo Spanish (baˈjamɔ)   n   meteorol a strong wind blowing from land on the southern coast of Cuba, particularly near the city of Bayamo

Bayamón (Spanish bajaˈmon)   n   a city in NE central Puerto Rico, south of San Juan. Pop: 224 915 (2003 est)

Bayard^1 (ˈbeIəd)   n   a legendary horse that figures prominently in medieval romance

Bayard^2 (ˈbeIəd; French bajar)   n   Chevalier de (ʃəvalje də), original name Pierre de Terrail. ?1473–1524, French soldier, known as le chevalier sans peur et sans reproche (the fearless and irreproachable knight)

Baybars I (baIˈbɑːs)   n   1223–77, sultan of Egypt and Syria (1260–77), of the Mameluke dynasty

baye (beI)   vb (intr)   poetic to bathe

Bayelsa (bəˈyɛlsə)   n   a state of Nigeria, on the Niger river delta on the Gulf of Guinea. Capital: Yenagoa. Pop: 1 703 358 (2006). Area: 10 773 sq km (4159 sq miles)

Bayern (ˈbaiərn)   n   the German name for Bavaria

Bayesian (ˈbeIzIən)   adj   (of a theory) presupposing known a priori probabilities which may be subjectively assessed and which can be revised in the light of experience in accordance with Bayes' theorem. A hypothesis is thus confirmed by an experimental observation which is likely given the hypothesis and unlikely without it. Compare maximum likelihood

Bayes' theorem (beIz)   n   statistics the fundamental result which expresses the conditional probability P(E/A) of an event E given an event A as P(A/E).P(E)/P(A); more generally, where En is one of a set of values Ei which partition the sample space, P(En/A) = P(A/En)P(En)/Σ P(A/Ei)P(Ei). This enables prior estimates of probability to be continually revised in the light of observations [C20: named after Thomas Bayes (1702–61), English mathematician and Presbyterian minister]

Bayeux (French bajø)   n   a town in NW France, on the River Aure: its museum houses the Bayeux tapestry and there is a 13th-century cathedral: dairy foods, plastic. Pop: 13 478 (2008)

■ Bayeux tapestry   n   an 11th- or 12th-century embroidery in Bayeux, nearly 70.5 m (231 ft) long by 50 cm (20 inches) high, depicting the Norman conquest of England

Bayezid II (ˌbaIjəˈziːd)   n   ?1447–1512, sultan of Turkey; he greatly extended Turkish dominions in Greece and the Balkans

Bayle (French bɛl)   n   Pierre (pjɛr). 1647–1706, French philosopher and critic, noted for his Dictionnaire historique et critique (1697), which profoundly influenced Voltaire and the French Encyclopedists

Baylis (ˈbeIlIs)   n   1  Lillian Mary. 1874–1937, British theatre manager: founded the Old Vic (1912) and the Sadler's Wells company for opera and ballet (1931)   2  Trevor (Graham). 1937–2018, British inventor of the clockwork radio (1992)

bayonet (ˈbeIənIt)   n   1 a blade that can be attached to the muzzle of a rifle for stabbing in close combat   2 a type of fastening in which a cylindrical member is inserted into a socket against spring pressure and turned so that pins on its side engage in slots in the socket   ▷ vb -nets, -neting, -neted or -nets, -netting, -netted   3 (tr) to stab or kill with a bayonet [C17: from French baïonnette, from BAYONNE where it originated]

Bayonne (French bajɔn)   n   a port in SW France: a commercial centre for the Basque region. Pop: 45 636 (2006)

bayou (ˈbaIjuː)   n   (in the southern US) a sluggish marshy tributary of a lake or river [C18: from Louisiana French, from Choctaw bayuk]

Bayreuth (German baiˈrɔyt)   n   a city in E Germany, in NE Bavaria: home and burial place of Richard Wagner; annual festivals of his music. Pop: 74 818 (2003 est)

bayyan (baIˈjɑːn)   n   Islam an official declaration [C21: from Arabic]

bazaar or bazar (bəˈzɑː)   n   1 (esp in the Orient) a market area, esp a street of small stalls   2 a sale in aid of charity, esp of miscellaneous secondhand or handmade articles   3 a shop where a large variety of goods is sold [C16: from Persian bāzār, from Old Persian abēcharish]

bazoo (bəˈzuː)   n   a US slang word for mouth [C19: of unknown origin]

bazooka (bəˈzuːkə)   n   a portable tubular rocket-launcher that fires a projectile capable of piercing armour: used by infantrymen as a short-range antitank weapon [C20: named after a pipe instrument invented by Bob Burns (1896–1956), American comedian]

bazooms (bəˈzuːmz)   pl n   US vulgar, slang a woman's breasts

bb   the internet domain name for   Barbados

BB   abbreviation for   1 Boys' Brigade   ▷ symbol for   2 (on Brit pencils) double black: denoting a very soft lead

b-ball (ˈbiːˌbɔːl)   n   US informal basketball

BBBC   abbreviation for   British Boxing Board of Control

BBC   abbreviation for   British Broadcasting Corporation

BBFC   abbreviation for   British Board of Film Classification

BBL text messaging   abbreviation for   be back later

BBM trademark   abbreviation for   1 BlackBerry Messenger: an instant messaging application for BlackBerry devices   ▷ n   2 a message sent or received using BlackBerry Messenger   ▷ vb   3 to send a message using BlackBerry Messenger

B-boy (ˈbiːˌbɔI)   n   a male rap-music fan [C20: from Bronx boy]

BBQ   abbreviation for   barbecue

BBS text messaging   abbreviation for   be back soon

BBSRC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

B bursary   n   NZ the lower of two bursaries available for students entering university, polytechnic, etc. Compare A bursary

BC   abbreviation for   1 Also: B.C. (indicating years numbered back from the supposed year of the birth of Christ) before Christ: in 54 BC Caesar came. Compare AD   2 British Columbia

BCA   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Bachelor of Commerce and Administration

BCAR   abbreviation for   British Civil Airworthiness Requirements

BCC   abbreviation for   British Coal Corporation (formerly the National Coal Board)

BCD   abbreviation for   binary-coded decimal

BCE   abbreviation for   Before Common Era (used, esp by non-Christians, in numbering years BC)

B-cell   n   another name for B-lymphocyte

BCF   abbreviation for   1 British Chess Federation   2 British Cycling Federation

BCG trademark   abbreviation for   bacille Calmette-Guérin (antituberculosis vaccine)

BCh   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Surgery [from Latin Baccalaureus Chirurgiae]

BCL   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Civil Law

BCNU text messaging   abbreviation for   be seeing you

BCNZ   abbreviation for   (the former) Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand

BCom   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Commerce

B complex   n   short for vitamin B complex

BCS   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Bachelor of Computer Science

bd^1   abbreviation for   1 board   2 insurance, finance bond

bd^2   the internet domain name for   Bangladesh

BD   abbreviation for   1 Bachelor of Divinity   2 commerce bills discounted   3 Bangladesh (international car registration)

B/D   abbreviation for   1 bank draft   2 commerce bills discounted   3 Also: b/d accounting brought down

BDA   abbreviation for   British Dental Association

BDD   abbreviation for   body dysmorphic disorder

Bde or bde   abbreviation for   brigade

bdellium (ˈdɛlIəm)   n   1 any of several African or W Asian trees of the burseraceous genus Commiphora that yield a gum resin   2 the aromatic gum resin, similar to myrrh, produced by any of these trees [C16: from Latin, from Greek bdellion, perhaps from Hebrew bědhōlah]

bdl   abbreviation for   bundle

bds   abbreviation for   bundles

BDS   abbreviation for   1 Bachelor of Dental Surgery   2 Barbados (international car registration)

be^1 (biː, unstressed bI)   vb, pres. sing 1st pers am, 2nd pers are, 3rd pers is, pres. pl are, past sing 1st pers was, 2nd pers were, 3rd pers was, past pl were, pres. part being, past part been (intr)   1 to have presence in the realm of perceived reality; exist; live: I think, therefore I am; not all that is can be understood   2 (used in the perfect or past perfect tenses only) to pay a visit; go: have you been to Spain?   3 to take place; occur: my birthday was last Thursday   4 (copula) used as a linking verb between the subject of a sentence and its noun or adjective complement or complementing phrase. In this case be expresses the relationship of either essential or incidental equivalence or identity (John is a man; John is a musician) or specifies an essential or incidental attribute (honey is sweet; Susan is angry). It is also used with an adverbial complement to indicate a relationship of location in space or time (Bill is at the office; the dance is on Saturday)   5 (takes a present participle) forms the progressive present tense: the man is running   6 (takes a past participle) forms the passive voice of all transitive verbs and (archaically) certain intransitive ones: the film is being shown in many schools; I am done   7 (takes an infinitive) expresses intention, expectation, supposition, or obligation: the president is to arrive at 9.30; you are not to leave before I say so   8 (takes a past participle) forms the perfect or past perfect tense of certain intransitive verbs of motion, such as go or come: the last train is gone   9 be that as it may the facts concerning (something) are of no importance [Old English bēon; related to Old High German bim am, Latin fui I have been, Greek phuein to bring forth, Sanskrit bhavati he is]

be^2   the internet domain name for   Belgium

Be   the chemical symbol for   beryllium

BE   abbreviation for   1 bill of exchange   2 (in the US) Board of Education   3 Bachelor of Education   4 Bachelor of Engineering

Bé   abbreviation for   Baumé

be-   prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives   1 (from nouns) to surround completely; cover on all sides: befog   2 (from nouns) to affect completely or excessively: bedazzle   3 (from nouns) to consider as or cause to be: befool; befriend   4 (from nouns) to provide or cover with: bejewel   5 (from verbs) at, for, against, on, or over: bewail; berate [Old English be-, bi-, unstressed variant of bī BY]

B/E, BE or b.e.   abbreviation for   bill of exchange

BEA   abbreviation for (formerly)   British European Airways

beach (biːtʃ)   n   1 an extensive area of sand or shingle sloping down to a sea or lake, esp the area between the high- and low-water marks on a seacoast. Related adjective: littoral   ▷ vb   2 to run or haul (a boat) onto a beach [C16: perhaps related to Old English bæce river, BECK^2]

■ beachball (ˈbiːtʃˌbɔːl)   n   a large light brightly coloured ball for playing with on a beach

■ beachboy (ˈbiːtʃˌbɔI)   n   a male lifeguard on a beach

■ beach buggy   n   a low car, often open and with balloon tyres, for driving on sand. Also called: dune buggy

■ beachcomb (ˈbiːtʃˌkəʊm)   vb (intr)   to search for and collect objects such as seashells and driftwood along the seashore   > ˈbeachˌcombing n

■ beachcomber (ˈbiːtʃˌkəʊmə)   n   1 a person who searches shore debris for anything of worth, esp a vagrant living on a beach   2 Canadian (in British Columbia) a person who is paid for salvaging loose logs and returning them to logging companies   3 a long high wave rolling onto a beach

■ beach flea   n   another name for the sand hopper

■ beachfront (ˈbiːtʃfrʌnt)   adj   situated overlooking the beach: a beachfront villa

■ beachgoer (ˈbiːtʃˌɡəʊə)   n   a person who goes to the beach, esp frequently

■ beachhead (ˈbiːtʃˌhɛd)   n military   1 an area on a beach that has been captured from the enemy and on which troops and equipment are landed   2 the object of an amphibious operation [C20: modelled on BRIDGEHEAD]

■ beach plum   n   1 a rosaceous shrub, Prunus maritima, of coastal regions of E North America   2 its edible plumlike fruit

■ beachside (ˈbiːtʃˌsaId)   adj   situated near a beach

■ beachwear (ˈbiːtʃwɛə)   n   swimsuits, etc, worn at the beach

■ beachy (ˈbiːtʃI)   adj beachier, beachiest   1 covered with gentle sandy slopes   2 characterized by beaches

Beach-la-Mar (ˌbiːtʃləˈmɑː)   n   an English-based creole language spoken in Vanuatu and Fiji, and formerly much more widespread. Also called: Biche-la-mar [C19: quasi-French, from BÊCHE-DE-MER (trepang, this being a major trading commodity in the SW Pacific; hence the name was applied to the trading language)]

Beachy Head (ˈbiːtʃI)   n   a headland in East Sussex, on the English Channel, consisting of chalk cliffs 171 m (570 ft) high

beacon (ˈbiːkən)   n   1 a signal fire or light on a hill, tower, etc, esp one used formerly as a warning of invasion   2 a hill on which such fires were lit   3 a lighthouse, signalling buoy, etc, used to warn or guide ships in dangerous waters   4 short for radio beacon   5 a radio or other signal marking a flight course in air navigation   6 short for Belisha beacon   7 a person or thing that serves as a guide, inspiration, or warning   8 a stone set by a surveyor to mark a corner or line of a site boundary, etc   ▷ vb   9 to guide or warn   10 (intr) to shine [Old English beacen sign; related to Old Frisian bāken, Old Saxon bōcan, Old High German bouhhan]

■ beacon school   n Brit   a notably successful school whose methods and practices are brought to the attention of the education service as a whole in order that they may be adopted by other schools

■ beacon status   n   Brit a ranking awarded by the government to an organization, rendering it eligible for extra funding, and aimed at encouraging organizations to share good practice with each other

Beaconsfield^1 (ˈbɛkənzˌfiːld, ˈbiːk-)   n   a town in SE England, in Buckinghamshire. Pop: 12 292 (2001)

Beaconsfield^2 (ˈbɛkənzˌfiːld, ˈbiːk-)   n   1st Earl of. title of (Benjamin) Disraeli

bead (biːd)   n   1 a small usually spherical piece of glass, wood, plastic, etc, with a hole through it by means of which it may be strung with others to form a necklace, etc   2 a small drop of moisture: a bead of sweat   3 a small bubble in or on a liquid   4 a small metallic knob acting as the sight of a firearm   5 draw a bead on to aim a rifle or pistol at   6 Also called: astragal architect, carpentry a small convex moulding having a semicircular cross section   7 chem a small solid globule made by fusing a powdered sample with borax or a similar flux on a platinum wire. The colour of the globule serves as a test for the presence of certain metals (bead test)   8 metallurgy a deposit of welding metal on the surface of a metal workpiece, often used to examine the structure of the weld zone   9 RC Church one of the beads of a rosary   10 count one's beads, say one's beads or tell one's beads to pray with a rosary   ▷ vb   11 (tr) to decorate with beads   12 to form into beads or drops [Old English bed prayer; related to Old High German gibet prayer]   > ˈbeaded adj

■ beadblast (ˈbiːdˌblɑːst)   n   1 a jet of small glass beads blown from a nozzle under air or steam pressure   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to clean or treat (a surface) with a beadblast   > ˈbeadˌblaster n

■ beader (ˈbiːdə)   n   1 an implement used in crafts such as woodwork or silverwork to make a decorative pattern resembling beads   2 someone who makes things with beads

■ beadhouse (ˈbiːdˌhaʊs)   n   RC Church an almshouse in which inhabitants were expected to pray for the soul of the founder

■ beading (ˈbiːdIŋ)   n   1 another name for bead (sense 6)   2 Also called: beadwork (ˈbiːdˌwɜːk) a narrow strip of some material used for edging or ornamentation

■ beadlike (ˈbiːdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bead

■ beadroll (ˈbiːdˌrəʊl)   n   archaic a list of persons for whom prayers are to be offered

■ bead-ruby   n, pl -bies   a N temperate liliaceous plant with small white bell-shaped flowers and small red berries

■ beads (biːdz)   pl n   a necklace

■ beadsman or bedesman (ˈbiːdzmən)   n, pl -men   1 a person who prays for another's soul, esp one paid or fed for doing so   2 a person kept in an almshouse

■ beadswoman (ˈbiːdzˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female inhabitant of a beadhouse

■ beady (ˈbiːdI)   adj beadier, beadiest   1 small, round, and glittering: used esp of eyes   2 resembling or covered with beads   > ˈbeadily adv   > ˈbeadiness n

■ beady eye   n   informal keen watchfulness that may be somewhat hostile: he's got his beady eye on you   > ˌbeady-ˈeyed adj

beadle (ˈbiːdəl)   n   1 (formerly, in the Church of England) a minor parish official who acted as an usher and kept order   2 (in Scotland) a church official attending on the minister   3 Judaism a synagogue attendant. See also shammes   4 an official in certain British universities and other institutions [Old English bydel; related to Old High German butil bailiff]   > ˈbeadleship n

■ beadledom (ˈbiːdəldəm)   n   petty officialdom

Beadle (ˈbiːdəl)   n   George Wells. 1903–89, US biologist, who shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1958 for his work in genetics

beagle (ˈbiːɡəl)   n   1 a small sturdy breed of hound, having a smooth dense coat usually of white, tan, and black; often used (esp formerly) for hunting hares   2 archaic a person who spies on others   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to hunt with beagles, normally on foot [C15: of uncertain origin]

■ beagler (ˈbiːɡlə)   n   a person who hunts with beagles

Beaglehole (ˈbiːɡəlˌhəʊl)   n   John. 1901–71, New Zealand historian and author. His works include Exploration of the Pacific (1934) and The Journals of James Cook (1955)

beak^1 (biːk)   n   1 the projecting jaws of a bird, covered with a horny sheath; bill   2 any beaklike mouthpart in other animals, such as turtles   3 slang a person's nose, esp one that is large, pointed, or hooked   4 any projecting part, such as the pouring lip of a bucket   5 architect the upper surface of a cornice, which slopes out to throw off water   6 chem the part of a still or retort through which vapour passes to the condenser   7 nautical another word for ram (sense 5) [C13: from Old French bec, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin]   > beaked (biːkt) adj   > ˈbeakless adj   > ˈbeakˌlike adj   > ˈbeaky adj

■ beaky-nosed   adj   having a nose that is large, pointed, or hooked

beak^2 (biːk)   n   a Brit slang word for judge, magistrate, headmaster, schoolmaster [C19: originally thieves' jargon]

beaker (ˈbiːkə)   n   1 a cup usually having a wide mouth: a plastic beaker   2 a cylindrical flat-bottomed container used in laboratories, usually made of glass and having a pouring lip   3 the amount a beaker holds [C14: from Old Norse bikarr; related to Old High German behhāri, Middle Dutch bēker beaker, Greek bikos earthenware jug]

■ Beaker folk   n   a prehistoric people thought to have originated in the Iberian peninsula and spread to central Europe and Britain during the second millennium BC [C20: named after the beakers found among their remains]

■ beakerful (ˈbiːkəfʊl)   n   the amount of liquid a beaker will hold

Beale (biːl)   n   1  Dorothea. 1831–1906, British schoolmistress, a champion of women's education and suffrage. As principal of Cheltenham Ladies' College (1858–1906) she introduced important reforms   2  Simon Russell. born 1961, English actor born in Malaya, noted for his work for the Royal Shakespeare Company

be-all and end-all   n informal   1 the ultimate aim or justification: to provide help for others is the be-all and end-all of this group   2 often jocular a person or thing considered to be beyond improvement

beam (biːm)   n   1 a long thick straight-sided piece of wood, metal, concrete, etc, esp one used as a horizontal structural member   2 any rigid member or structure that is loaded transversely   3 the breadth of a ship or boat taken at its widest part, usually amidships   4 a ray or column of light, as from a beacon   5 a broad smile   6 one of the two cylindrical rollers on a loom, one of which holds the warp threads before weaving, the other the finished work   7 the main stem of a deer's antler from which the smaller branches grow   8 the central shaft of a plough to which all the main parts are attached   9 a narrow unidirectional flow of electromagnetic radiation or particles: a beam of light; an electron beam   10 the horizontal centrally pivoted bar in a balance   11 informal the width of the hips (esp in the phrase broad in the beam)   12 a beam in one's eye a fault or grave error greater in oneself than in another person   13 off beam or off the beam   a not following a radio beam to maintain a course   b informal wrong, mistaken, or irrelevant   14 on the beam   a following a radio beam to maintain a course   b nautical opposite the beam of a vessel; abeam   c informal correct, relevant, or appropriate   ▷ vb   15 to send out or radiate (rays of light)   16 (tr) to divert or aim (a radio signal or broadcast, light, etc) in a certain direction: the event will be beamed live from Tokyo   17 to pass (data, esp business card details, etc) from one handheld computer to another by means of infrared beams   18 (intr) to smile broadly with pleasure or satisfaction [Old English beam; related to Gothic bagms tree, Old High German boum tree]   > beamed adj   > ˈbeaming adj, n   > ˈbeamless adj   > ˈbeamˌlike adj   > ˈbeamy adj

■ beam aerial   n   an aerial system, such as a Yagi aerial, having directional properties. Also called (esp US): beam antenna

■ beam compass   n   an instrument for drawing large circles or arcs, consisting of a horizontal beam along which two vertical legs slide. Also called: trammel

■ beam-ends   pl n   1 the ends of a vessel's beams   2 on her beam-ends (of a vessel) heeled over through an angle of 90°   3 on one's beam-ends   a out of resources; destitute   b desperate

■ beam engine   n   an early type of steam engine, in which a pivoted beam is vibrated by a vertical steam cylinder at one end, so that it transmits motion to the workload, such as a pump, at the other end

■ beamer (ˈbiːmə)   n   cricket a full-pitched ball bowled at the batsman's head

■ beam hole   n   a hole in the shield of a nuclear reactor through which a beam of radiation, esp of neutrons, is allowed to escape for experimental purposes

■ beamily (ˈbiːmIlI)   adv   literary in a beaming manner

■ beaminess (ˈbiːmInIs)   n   the quality of beaming

■ beamingly (ˈbiːmIŋlI)   adv   in a beaming manner

■ beamish (ˈbiːmIʃ)   adj   archaic smiling; radiant

■ beamishly (ˈbiːmIʃlI)   adv   archaic in a beamish manner; smilingly; radiantly

■ beamlet (ˈbiːmlət)   n   poetic a small beam of light

■ beam riding   n   a method of missile guidance in which the missile steers itself along the axis of a conically scanned microwave beam   > beam rider n

■ beam splitter   n   a system that divides a beam of light, electrons, etc, into two or more paths

bean (biːn)   n   1 any of various leguminous plants of the widely cultivated genus Phaseolus producing edible seeds in pods. See French bean, lima bean, scarlet runner, string bean   2 any of several other leguminous plants that bear edible pods or seeds, such as the broad bean and soya bean   3 any of various other plants whose seeds are produced in pods or podlike fruits   4 the seed or pod of any of these plants   5 any of various beanlike seeds, such as coffee   6 US and Canadian slang another word for head   7 cool beans slang excellent; impressive   8 not have a bean slang to be without money: I haven't got a bean   9 full of beans informal   a full of energy and vitality   b US mistaken; erroneous   10 spill the beans informal to disclose something confidential   ▷ vb   11 chiefly US and Canadian slang (tr) to hit (a person) on the head [Old English bēan; related to Old Norse baun, Old Frisian bāne, Old High German bōna bean]

■ beanbag (ˈbiːnˌbæɡ)   n   1 a small cloth bag filled with dried beans and thrown in games   2 Also called: sag bag a very large cushion loosely filled with foam rubber or polystyrene granules so that it moulds into a comfortable shape: used as an informal low seat

■ beanbag gun   n   a gun that fires a fabric bag containing lead shot, designed to stun or knock the target to the ground

■ beanball (ˈbiːnˌbɔːl)   n   baseball informal a ball pitched with the intention of hitting the batsman

■ bean caper   n   a shrub, Zygophyllum fabago, of E Mediterranean regions, whose flower buds are eaten as a substitute for capers: family Zygophyllaceae

■ bean-counter   n   informal an accountant

■ bean curd   n   another name for tofu

■ beanery (ˈbiːnərI)   n, pl -eries   US informal a cheap restaurant

■ beanfeast (ˈbiːnˌfiːst)   n Brit informal   1 an annual dinner given by employers to employees   2 any festive or merry occasion

■ beanie or beany (ˈbiːnI)   n, pl beanies   a round close-fitting hat resembling a skullcap

■ beanlike (ˈbiːnˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bean

■ beano (ˈbiːnəʊ)   n, pl beanos   Brit slang a celebration, party, or other enjoyable time

■ beanpole (ˈbiːnˌpəʊl)   n   1 a tall stick or pole used to support bean plants   2 slang a tall thin person

■ bean sprout or beansprout   n   the sprout of a newly germinated mung bean, eaten as a vegetable, esp in Chinese dishes

■ beanstalk (ˈbiːnˌstɔːk)   n   the stem of a bean plant

■ bean tree   n   any of various trees having beanlike pods, such as the catalpa and carob

bear^1 (bɛə)   vb bears, bearing, bore, borne (mainly tr)   1 to support or hold up; sustain   2 to bring or convey: to bear gifts   3 to take, accept, or assume the responsibility of: to bear an expense   4 (past participle born; in passive use except when foll by by) to give birth to: to bear children   5 (also intr) to produce by or as if by natural growth: to bear fruit   6 to tolerate or endure: she couldn't bear him   7 to admit of; sustain: his story does not bear scrutiny   8 to hold in the conscious mind or in one's feelings: to bear a grudge; I'll bear that idea in mind   9 to show or be marked with: he still bears the scars   10 to transmit or spread: to bear gossip   11 to render or supply (esp in the phrase bear witness)   12 to conduct or manage (oneself, the body, etc): she bore her head high   13 to have, be, or stand in (relation or comparison): his account bears no relation to the facts   14 (intr) to move, be located, or lie in a specified direction: the way bears east   15 to have by right; be entitled to (esp in the phrase bear title)   16 bear a hand to give assistance   17 bring to bear to bring into operation or effect: he brought his knowledge to bear on the situation   ▶ See also born [Old English beran; related to Old Norse bera, Old High German beran to carry, Latin ferre, Greek pherein to bear, Sanskrit bharati he carries]

■ bearability (ˌbɛərəˈbIlItI) or bearableness (ˈbɛərəbəlnəs)   n   1 the quality of being able to be borne   2 the quality of being bearable

■ bearable (ˈbɛərəbəl)   adj   endurable; tolerable   > ˈbearably adv

■ bear down   vb (intr, adverb; often foll by on or upon)   1 to press or weigh down   2 to approach in a determined or threatening manner   3 (of a vessel) to make an approach (to another vessel, obstacle, etc) from windward   4 (of a woman during childbirth) to exert a voluntary muscular pressure to assist delivery

■ bearer (ˈbɛərə)   n   1 a person or thing that bears, presents, or upholds   2 a person who presents a note or bill for payment   3 (formerly, in Africa, India, etc)   a a native carrier, esp on an expedition   b a native servant   4 See pallbearer   5 the holder of a rank, position, office, etc   6 (modifier) finance payable to the person in possession: bearer bonds

■ bear off   vb   (adverb) nautical (of a vessel) to avoid hitting an obstacle, another vessel, etc, by swerving onto a different course

■ bear on   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to be relevant to; relate to   2 to be burdensome to or afflict: his misdeeds bore heavily on his conscience

■ bear out   vb   (tr, adverb) to show to be true or truthful; confirm: the witness will bear me out

■ bear up   vb   (intr, adverb) to endure cheerfully

■ bear with   vb   (intr, preposition) to be patient with: bear with me while I tell you my story

bear^2 (bɛə)   n, pl bears or bear   1 any plantigrade mammal of the family Ursidae: order Carnivora (carnivores). Bears are typically massive omnivorous animals with a large head, a long shaggy coat, and strong claws. See also black bear, brown bear, polar bear. Related adjective: ursine   2 any of various bearlike animals, such as the koala and the ant bear   3 a clumsy, churlish, or ill-mannered person   4 a teddy bear   5 stock exchange   a a speculator who sells in anticipation of falling prices to make a profit on repurchase   b (as modifier): a bear market. Compare bull^1 (sense 5)   ▷ vb bears, bearing, beared   6 (tr) to lower or attempt to lower the price or prices of (a stock market or a security) by speculative selling [Old English bera; related to Old Norse bjorn, Old High German bero]

■ Bear (bɛə)   n the Bear   1 the English name for Ursa Major, Ursa Minor   2 an informal name for Russia

■ bear-baiting   n   (formerly) an entertainment in which dogs attacked and enraged a chained bear

■ bearberry (ˈbɛəbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a trailing evergreen ericaceous shrub, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, with small pinkish-white flowers, red berries, and astringent leaves   2 alpine bearberry or black bearberry a related species, A. alpina of European mountains, having black berries

■ bearbine (ˈbɛəˌbaIn)   n   a type of bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis

■ bearcat (ˈbɛəˌkæt)   n   another name for lesser panda. See panda (sense 2)

■ bear garden   n   1 (formerly) a place where bears were exhibited and where bear-baiting took place   2 a place or scene of tumult and disorder

■ beargrass (ˈbɛəˌɡrɑːs)   n   a North-West American plant, Xerophyllum tenax, belonging to the lily family but resembling tall grass

■ bear hug   n   1 a wrestling hold in which the arms are locked tightly round an opponent's chest and arms   2 any similar tight embrace   3 commerce an approach to the board of one company by another to indicate that an offer is to be made for their shares   ▷ vb bearhug (tr)   4 to give someone a bear hug

■ bearish (ˈbɛərIʃ)   adj   1 like a bear; rough; clumsy; churlish   2 stock exchange causing, expecting, or characterized by a fall in prices: a bearish market   > ˈbearishly adv   > ˈbearishness n

■ bearlike (ˈbɛəˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bear

■ bear paw   n   Canadian a type of small round snowshoe

■ bear raid   n   an attempt to force down the price of a security or commodity by sustained selling

■ bear's-breech or bear's-breeches   n   a widely cultivated S European acanthus plant, Acanthus mollis, having whitish purple-veined flowers

■ bear's-ear   n   another name for auricula (sense 1)

■ bear's-foot   n   either of two Eurasian hellebore plants, Helleborus foetidus or H. viridis, having leaves shaped like the foot and claws of a bear

■ bearskin (ˈbɛəˌskIn)   n   1 the pelt of a bear, esp when used as a rug   2 a tall helmet of black fur worn by certain regiments in the British Army   3 a rough shaggy woollen cloth, used for overcoats

■ bearward (ˈbɛəˌwɔːd)   n   1 a bear keeper   2 astronomy the constellation Bootes, so called because of its position in the sky relative to Ursa Major, the Great Bear

■ bearwood (ˈbɛəˌwʊd)   n   another name for cascara (sense 2)

beard (bIəd)   n   1 the hair growing on the lower parts of a man's face   2 any similar growth in animals   3 a tuft of long hairs in plants such as barley and wheat; awn   4 the gills of an oyster   5 a barb, as on an arrow or fish-hook   6 slang a woman who accompanies a homosexual man to give the impression that he is heterosexual   7 printing the part of a piece of type that connects the face with the shoulder   ▷ vb (tr)   8 to oppose boldly or impertinently   9 to pull or grasp the beard of [Old English beard; related to Old Norse barth, Old High German bart, Latin barba]   > ˈbearded adj

■ bearded collie   n   a medium-sized breed of dog having a profuse long straight coat, usually grey or fawn and often with white on the head, legs, and chest, a long tail, and a distinctive beard

■ bearded dragon   n   1 Also called: bearded lizard, jew lizard a large Australian lizard, Amphibolurus barbatus, with an erectile frill around the neck   2 another name for frill-necked lizard

■ beardedness (ˈbIədIdnəs)   n   the quality of having a beard, the quality of being bearded

■ bearded tit   n   another name for reedling

■ bearded vulture   n   another name for lammergeier

■ beardie (ˈbIədI)   n informal   1 a bearded collie   2 a bearded man

■ beardless (ˈbIədlIs)   adj   1 without a beard   2 too young to grow a beard; immature   > ˈbeardlessness n

■ beard-stroking   n   1 deep thought: the response involved much beard-stroking   ▷ adj   2 boringly intellectual: a beard-stroking bore

■ beardtongue (ˈbIədˌtʌŋ)   n   a plant of the genus Penstemon

■ beardy (ˈbIədI)   adj -dier, -diest   1 wearing a beard   ▷ n, pl -dies   2 a person who has a beard

Beardsley (ˈbIədzlI)   n   Aubrey (Vincent). 1872–98, English illustrator: noted for his stylized black-and-white illustrations, esp those for Oscar Wilde's Salome and Pope's Rape of the Lock

bearing (ˈbɛərIŋ)   n   1 a support, guide, or locating piece for a rotating or reciprocating mechanical part   2 (foll by on or upon) relevance (to): it has no bearing on this problem   3 a person's general social conduct, esp in manners, dress, and behaviour   4    a the act, period, or capability of producing fruit or young   b an amount produced; yield   5 the part of a beam or lintel that rests on a support   6 anything that carries weight or acts as a support   7 the angular direction of a line, point, or course measured from true north or south (true bearing), magnetic north or south (magnetic bearing), or one's own position   8 (usually plural) the position or direction, as of a ship, fixed with reference to two or more known points   9 (usually plural) a sense of one's relative position or situation; orientation (esp in the phrases lose, get, or take one's bearings)   10 heraldry   a a device or emblem on a heraldic shield; charge   b another name for coat of arms

■ bearing pedestal   n   an independent support for a bearing, usually incorporating a bearing housing

■ bearing pile   n   a foundation pile that supports weight vertically. Compare sheet pile

■ bearing rein   n   chiefly Brit a rein from the bit to the saddle, designed to keep the horse's head in the desired position. Usual US word: checkrein

Béarnaise (ˌbeIəˈneIz)   n   (sometimes without capital) a rich sauce made from egg yolks, lemon juice or wine vinegar, butter, shallots, herbs, and seasoning [C19: French, from Béarn in SW France]

beast (biːst)   n   1 any animal other than a human, esp a large wild quadruped   2 savage nature or characteristics: the beast in us all   3 a brutal, uncivilized, or filthy person   ▷ vb   4 (tr) military slang, chiefly Brit to punish or torture (someone) in a manner that involves excessive physical exercise [C13: from Old French beste, from Latin bestia, of obscure origin]

■ beasthood (ˈbiːsthʊd)   n   the state of beasts, the condition of being a beast

■ beastie (ˈbiːstI)   n   1 Scot a small animal   2 informal an insect

■ beastily (ˈbiːstIlI)   adv   1 in the manner of a beast   2 another term for bestially

■ beastlike (ˈbiːstˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a beast

■ beastly (ˈbiːstlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 informal unpleasant; disagreeable; nasty: beastly weather   2 obsolete of or like a beast; bestial   ▷ adv   3 informal (intensifier): the weather is so beastly hot   > ˈbeastliness n

■ beast of burden   n   an animal, such as a donkey or ox, used for carrying loads

■ beast of prey   n   any animal that hunts other animals for food

beastings (ˈbiːstIŋz)   n   a US spelling of beestings

beat (biːt)   vb beats, beating, beat, beaten or beat   1 (when intr, often foll by against, on, etc) to strike with or as if with a series of violent blows; dash or pound repeatedly (against)   2 (tr) to punish by striking; flog   3 to move or cause to move up and down; flap: the bird beat its wings heavily   4 (intr) to throb rhythmically; pulsate: her heart beat fast   5 (tr) to make (one's way) by or as if by blows: she beat her way out of the crowd   6 (tr; sometimes foll by up) cookery to stir or whisk (an ingredient or mixture) vigorously   7 (tr; sometimes foll by out) to shape, make thin, or flatten (a piece of metal) by repeated blows   8 (tr) music to indicate (time) by the motion of one's hand, baton, etc, or by the action of a metronome   9 (when tr, sometimes foll by out) to produce (a sound or signal) by or as if by striking a drum   10 to sound or cause to sound, by or as if by beating: beat the drums!   11 to overcome (an opponent) in a contest, battle, etc   12 (tr; often foll by back, down, off etc) to drive, push, or thrust   13 (tr) to arrive or finish before (someone or something); anticipate or forestall: they set off early to beat the rush hour   14 (tr) to form (a path or track) by repeatedly walking or riding over it   15 to scour (woodlands, coverts, or undergrowth) so as to rouse game for shooting   16 (tr) slang to puzzle or baffle: it beats me how he can do that   17 (intr) physics (of sounds or electrical signals) to combine and produce a pulsating sound or signal   18 (intr) nautical to steer a sailing vessel as close as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing   19 (tr) slang, chiefly US to cheat or defraud: he beat his brother out of the inheritance   20 beat about the bush to avoid the point at issue; prevaricate   21 beat a retreat to withdraw or depart in haste   22 beat it slang (often imperative) to go away   23 beat one's breast See breast (sense 10)   24 beat someone's brains out slang to kill by knocking severely about the head   25 beat someone to it informal to reach a place or achieve an objective before someone else   26 beat the bounds Brit (formerly) to define the boundaries of a parish by making a procession around them and hitting the ground with rods   27 can you beat it? or can you beat that? slang an expression of utter amazement or surprise   ▷ n   28 a stroke or blow   29 the sound made by a stroke or blow   30 a regular sound or stroke; throb   31    a an assigned or habitual round or route, as of a policeman or sentry   b (as modifier): beat police officers   32 the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music, usually grouped in twos, threes, or fours   33    a pop or rock music characterized by a heavy rhythmic beat   b (as modifier): a beat group   34 physics the low regular frequency produced by combining two sounds or electrical signals that have similar frequencies   35 horology the impulse given to the balance wheel by the action of the escapement   36 prosody the accent, stress, or ictus in a metrical foot   37 nautical a course that steers a sailing vessel as close as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing   38    a the act of scouring for game by beating   b the organized scouring of a particular woodland so as to rouse the game in it   c the woodland where game is so roused   39 short for beatnik   40 fencing a sharp tap with one's blade on an opponent's blade to deflect it   41 (modifier, often capital) of, characterized by, or relating to the Beat Generation: a beat poet; beat philosophy   ▷ adj   42 (postpositive) slang totally exhausted [Old English bēatan; related to Old Norse bauta, Old High German bōzan]   > ˈbeatable adj

■ beatbox (ˈbiːtˌbɒks)   n   informal a drum machine

■ beatboxing (ˈbiːtˌbɒksIŋ)   n   a form of hip-hop music in which the voice is used to simulate percussion instruments   > ˈbeatˌboxer n

■ beat down   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) informal to force or persuade (a seller) to accept a lower price: I beat him down fifty pounds   2 (intr) (of the sun) to shine intensely; be very hot

■ beaten (ˈbiːtən)   adj   1 defeated or baffled   2 shaped or made thin by hammering: a bowl of beaten gold   3 much travelled; well trodden (esp in the phrase the beaten track)   4 off the beaten track   a in or into unfamiliar territory   b out of the ordinary; unusual   5 (of food) mixed by beating; whipped   6 tired out; exhausted   7 hunting (of woods, undergrowth, etc) scoured so as to rouse game

■ beaten-up   adj   informal in bad condition; worn out

■ beater (ˈbiːtə)   n   1 a person who beats or hammers: a panel beater   2 an instrument or device used for beating: a carpet beater   3 a person who rouses wild game from woodland, undergrowth, etc

■ Beat Generation   n (functioning as singular or plural)   1 members of the generation that came to maturity in the 1950s, whose rejection of the social and political systems of the West was expressed through contempt for regular work, possessions, traditional dress, etc, and espousal of anarchism, communal living, drugs, etc   2 a group of US writers, notably Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs, who emerged in the 1950s

■ beating (ˈbiːtIŋ)   n   1 a whipping or thrashing, as in punishment   2 a defeat or setback   3 take some beating or take a lot of beating to be difficult to improve upon

■ beating-up   n   a physical assault

■ beatless (ˈbiːtlIs)   adj   without a beat, not beating

■ beatnik (ˈbiːtnIk)   n   1 a member of the Beat Generation (sense 1)   2 informal any person with long hair and shabby clothes [C20: from BEAT (n) + -NIK, by analogy with SPUTNIK]

■ beat up informal   vb   1 (tr, adverb) to strike or kick (a person), usually repeatedly, so as to inflict severe physical damage   2 beat oneself up to reproach oneself   ▷ adj beat-up   3 worn-out; dilapidated   4 in bad condition

■ beaty (ˈbiːtI)   adj   informal (of music) having a strong rhythm: funky, beaty rock tracks

beath (biːð)   vb (tr)   archaic, dialect to heat, esp unseasoned wood in order to straighten it

beatific (ˌbiːəˈtIfIk) or beatifical (ˌbiːəˈtIfIkəl)   adj   1 displaying great happiness, calmness, etc: a beatific smile   2 of, conferring, or relating to a state of celestial happiness [C17: from Late Latin beātificus, from Latin beātus, from beāre to bless + facere to make]   > ˌbeaˈtifically adv

beatify (bIˈætIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 (tr) RC Church (of the pope) to declare formally that (a deceased person) showed a heroic degree of holiness in his or her life and therefore is worthy of public veneration: the first step towards canonization   2 (tr) to make extremely happy [C16: from Old French beatifier, from Late Latin beātificāre to make blessed; see BEATIFIC]   > beatification (bIˌætIfIˈkeIʃən) n

beatitude (bIˈætIˌtjuːd)   n   1 supreme blessedness or happiness   2 an honorific title of the Eastern Christian Church, applied to those of patriarchal rank [C15: from Latin beātitūdō, from beātus blessed; see BEATIFIC]

■ Beatitude (bIˈætIˌtjuːd)   n   New Testament any of eight distinctive sayings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3–11) in which he declares that the poor, the meek, those that mourn, the merciful, the peacemakers, the pure of heart, those that thirst for justice, and those that are persecuted will, in various ways, receive the blessings of heaven

Beaton (ˈbiːtən)   n   Sir Cecil (Walter Hardy). 1904–80, British photographer, noted esp for his society portraits

Beatrix (ˈbiːətrIks)   n   full name Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard. born 1938, queen of the Netherlands (1980–2013); abdicated in favour of her eldest son Willem-Alexander

Beatty (ˈbiːtI)   n   1  David, 1st Earl Beatty. 1871–1936, British admiral of the fleet in World War I   2  Warren, full name Henry Warren Beatty. born 1937, US film actor and director: his films include Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Heaven Can Wait (1978), Reds (1981, also directed), Bugsy (1991), and Bulworth (1998, also wrote and directed)

beau (bəʊ)   n, pl beaux (bəʊ, bəʊz) or beaus (bəʊz)   1 a male lover, sweetheart, or escort   2 a man who is greatly concerned with his clothes and appearance; dandy [C17: from French, from Old French biau, from Latin bellus handsome, charming]

■ beauish (ˈbəʊIʃ)   adj   literary vain and showy

beaucoup (bəʊˈkuː) Southern US informal   n   1 a large amount, an abundance   ▷ adj   2 much   ▷ adv   3 greatly, in abundance

Beaufort (ˈbəʊfət)   n   1  Henry. ?1374–1447, English cardinal, half-brother of Henry IV; chancellor (1403–04, 1413–17, 1424–26)   2  Lady Margaret, Countess of Richmond and Derby. ?1443–1509, mother of Henry VII. She helped to found two Cambridge colleges and was a patron of Caxton

■ Beaufort scale   n   meteorol an international scale of wind velocities ranging for practical purposes from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane force). In the US an extension of the scale, from 13 to 17 for winds over 64 knots, is used [C19: after Sir Francis Beaufort (1774–1857), British admiral and hydrographer who devised it]

■ Beaufort Sea   n   part of the Arctic Ocean off the N coast of North America

beau geste French (bo ʒɛst)   n, pl beaux gestes (bo ʒɛst)   a noble or gracious gesture or act, esp one that is meaningless [literally: beautiful gesture]

Beauharnais (French boarnɛ)   n   1  Alexandre (alɛksãdr), Vicomte de. 1760–94, French general, who served in the War of American Independence and the French Revolutionary wars; first husband of Empress Joséphine: guillotined   2  his son, Eugène de (øʒɛn də). 1781–1824, viceroy of Italy (1805–14) for his stepfather Napoleon I   3  (Eugénie) (øʒeni) Hortense de (ɔrtɑ̃s də). 1783–1837, queen of Holland (1806–10) as wife of Louis Bonaparte; daughter of Alexandre Beauharnais and sister of Eugène: mother of Napoleon III   4  Joséphine de (ʒozefin də), previous name of the Empress Josephine. See Josephine

beau idéal French (bo ideal)   n, pl beaux idéals (boz ideal)   perfect beauty or excellence [literally: ideal beauty]

beaujolais (ˈbəʊʒəˌleI)   n   (sometimes capital) a popular fresh-tasting red or white wine from southern Burgundy in France

Beaulieu (ˈbjuːlI)   n   a village in S England, in Hampshire: site of Palace House, seat of Lord Montagu and once the gatehouse of the ruined 13th-century abbey; the National Motor Museum is in its grounds. Pop: 809 (2001)

Beaumarchais (French bomarʃɛ)   n   Pierre Augustin Caron de (pjɛr oɡystɛ̃ karɔ̃ də). 1732–99, French dramatist, noted for his comedies The Barber of Seville (1775) and The Marriage of Figaro (1784)

Beaumaris (bəʊˈmærIs)   n   a resort in N Wales, on the island of Anglesey: 13th-century castle. Pop: 1513 (2001)

beau monde (ˈbəʊ ˈmɒnd; French bo mɔ̃d)   n   the world of fashion and society [C18: French, literally: fine world]

Beaumont^1 (ˈbəʊmɒnt)   n   a city in SE Texas. Pop: 112 434 (2003 est)

Beaumont^2 (ˈbəʊmɒnt)   n   Francis. 1584–1616, English dramatist, who collaborated with John Fletcher on plays including The Knight of the Burning Pestle (1607) and The Maid's Tragedy (1611)

beaumontague (ˌbəʊmɒnˈteIɡ)   n   1 carpentry a cement-like substance used to fill in and hide cracks and holes in woodwork and metalwork   2 the creation of poor quality work of any kind

Beaune (bəʊn)   n   1 a town in E France, near Dijon: an important trading centre for Burgundy wines. Pop: 22 218 (2008)   2 a wine produced in this district

beaut (bjuːt) slang, chiefly Austral and NZ   n   1 a person or thing that is outstanding or distinctive   2 a kind, friendly, or trustworthy person   ▷ adj   3 good or excellent   ▷ interj   4 Also: you beaut! an exclamation of joy or pleasure

beauteous (ˈbjuːtIəs)   adj   a poetic word for beautiful   > ˈbeauteously adv   > ˈbeauteousness n

beautician (bjuːˈtIʃən)   n   a person who works in or manages a beauty salon

beautiful (ˈbjuːtIfʊl)   adj   1 possessing beauty; aesthetically pleasing   2 highly enjoyable; very pleasant: the party was beautiful   > ˈbeautifulness n

■ beautifully (ˈbjuːtIflI)   adv   1 in a beautiful manner   2 very well: the plan came together beautifully

■ beautiful people   pl n   the beautiful people (sometimes capitals) rich, fashionable people in international high society

beautify (ˈbjuːtIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to make or become beautiful   > beautification (ˌbjuːtIfIˈkeIʃən) n   > ˈbeautiˌfier n

beauty (ˈbjuːtI)   n, pl -ties   1 the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delight the senses and please the mind   2 a very attractive and well-formed girl or woman   3 informal an outstanding example of its kind: the horse is a beauty   4 informal an advantageous feature: one beauty of the job is the short hours   5 informal, old-fashioned a light-hearted and affectionate term of address: hello, my old beauty!   ▷ interj   6 (NZ ˈbjuːdI) an expression of approval or agreement. Also (Scot, Austral, and NZ): you beauty [C13: from Old French biauté, from biau beautiful; see BEAU]

■ beauty contest   n   1 a competition in which the participants, usually women, are judged on their attractiveness, with a prize, and often a title, awarded to the winner   2 informal any contest decided on the basis of superficial attractiveness, popularity, etc: the referendum might turn into a party political beauty contest

■ beauty queen   n   an attractive young woman, esp one who has won a beauty contest

■ beauty salon or beauty parlour   n   an establishment providing services designed to enhance appearance, such as hairdressing, manicuring, facial treatment, and massage

■ beauty sleep   n   informal sleep, esp sleep before midnight

■ beauty spot   n   1 a place of outstanding beauty   2 a small dark-coloured patch or spot worn on a lady's face as an adornment or as a foil to her complexion   3 a mole or other similar natural mark on the skin

■ beauty therapist   n   a person whose job is to carry out treatments to improve a person's appearance, such as facials, manicures, removal of unwanted hair, etc

Beauvais (French bovɛ)   n   a market town in N France, 64 km (40 miles) northwest of Paris. Pop: 55 392 (1999)

Beauvoir (French bovwar)   n   See de Beauvoir

beaux (bəʊ, bəʊz)   n   a plural of beau

beaux-arts (bəʊˈzɑː)   pl n   1 another word for fine art   2 (modifier) relating to the classical decorative style, esp that of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris: beaux-arts influences [C19: French, literally: fine arts]

beaver^1 (ˈbiːvə)   n   1 a large amphibious rodent, Castor fiber, of Europe, Asia, and North America: family Castoridae. It has soft brown fur, a broad flat hairless tail, and webbed hind feet, and constructs complex dams and houses (lodges) in rivers   2 the fur of this animal   3 mountain beaver a burrowing rodent, Aplodontia rufa, of W North America: family Aplodontidae   4 a tall hat of beaver fur or a fabric resembling it, worn, esp by men, during the 19th century   5 a woollen napped cloth resembling beaver fur, formerly much used for overcoats, etc   6 a greyish- or yellowish-brown colour   7 obsolete a full beard   8 a bearded man   9 (modifier) having the colour of beaver or made of beaver fur or some similar material: a beaver lamb coat; a beaver stole   ▷ vb   10 (intr; usually foll by away) to work industriously or steadily [Old English beofor; compare Old Norse biōrr, Old High German bibar, Latin fiber, Sanskrit babhrú red-brown]

■ beaverboard (ˈbiːvəˌbɔːd)   n   a stiff light board of compressed wood fibre, used esp to surface partitions

■ beaver fever   n   Canadian an infectious disease caused by drinking water that has been contaminated by wildlife

■ Beaver Tail   n   trademark a flat oval doughnut served fried and sugared

■ beavery (ˈbiːvərI)   n, pl -ries   a place in which beavers may be kept

beaver^2 (ˈbiːvə)   n   a movable piece on a medieval helmet used to protect the lower part of the face [C15: from Old French baviere, from baver to dribble]

beaver^3 (ˈbiːvə)   n US vulgar, slang   1 the female genitals   2 offensive a woman considered sexually [C20: origin unknown]

Beaver (ˈbiːvə)   n   a member of a Beaver Colony, the youngest group of boys (aged 6–8 years) in the Scout Association

Beaverbrook (ˈbiːvəˌbrʊk)   n   1st Baron, title of William Maxwell Aitken. 1879–1964, British newspaper proprietor and Conservative politician, born in Canada, whose newspapers included the Daily Express; minister of information (1918); minister of aircraft production (1940–41)

bebeerine (bəˈbIəriːn, -rIn)   n   an alkaloid, resembling quinine, obtained from the bark of the greenheart and other plants [C19: from German Bebeerin; see BEBEERU, -INE^2]

bebeeru (bəˈbIəruː)   n   another name for greenheart (sense 1) [C19: from Spanish bibirú, of Carib origin]

Bebel (German ˈbeːbəl)   n   August (ˈauɡʊst). 1840–1913, German socialist leader: one of the founders of the Social Democratic Party (1869)

Bebington (ˈbɛbIŋtən)   n   a town in NW England, in Wirral unitary authority, Merseyside: docks and chemical works. Pop: 57 066 (2001)

beblood (bIˈblʌd)   vb (tr)   literary to stain with blood

beblubbered (bIˈblʌbəd)   adj   literary tearstained, covered in tears from weeping

bebop (ˈbiːbɒp)   n   the full name for bop^1 (sense 1) [C20: imitative of the rhythm of the music]   > ˈbebopper n

bebung (ˈbeIbʌŋ)   n   music a vibrato effect given to any sustained note, esp to one produced by a clavichord

becall (bIˈkɔːl)   vb (tr)   1 literary to use insulting words about someone   2 archaic to summon, call   3 archaic to call upon or challenge (to a fight)   4 archaic to accuse someone of an offence

becalm (bIˈkɑːm)   vb (tr)   rare to calm down

■ becalmed (bIˈkɑːmd)   adj   (of a sailing boat or ship) motionless through lack of wind

became (bIˈkeIm)   vb   the past tense of become

becap (bIˈkæp)   vb (tr)   literary to put a cap on someone's head

becarpet (bIˈkɑːpIt)   vb (tr)   literary to lay carpet on

bécasse French (bekas)   n   a woodcock

because (bIˈkɒz, -ˈkəz)   conj   1 (subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; since: because it's so cold we'll go home   2 because of (preposition) on account of: I lost my job because of her [C14 bi cause, from bi BY + CAUSE]

USAGE

See at reason

beccaccia Italian (beIˈkɑːtʃɑː)   n   a woodcock

beccafico (ˌbɛkəˈfiːkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   any of various European songbirds, esp warblers of the genus Sylvia, eaten as a delicacy in Italy and other countries [C17: from Italian, from beccare to peck + fico fig, from Latin fīcus]

Beccaria (Italian bɛkaˈria)   n   Cesare Bonesana (ˈtʃɛzare bɔnɛˈzɑːna), Marchese de. 1738–94, Italian legal theorist and political economist; author of the influential treatise Crimes and Punishments (1764), which attacked corruption, torture, and capital punishment

bechalk (bIˈtʃɔːk)   vb (tr) literary   1 to mark with chalk   2 to cover in chalk

béchamel sauce or béchamel (ˌbeIʃəˈmɛl)   n   a thick white sauce flavoured with onion and seasonings [C18: named after the Marquis of Béchamel, steward of Louis XIV of France and its creator]

bechance (bIˈtʃɑːns)   vb   (intr) archaic to happen (to)

Béchar (French beʃar)   n   a city in NW Algeria: an oasis. Pop: 149 000 (2005 est). Former name: Colomb-Béchar

becharm (bIˈtʃɑːm)   vb (tr)   literary to charm, delight

bêche-de-mer (ˌbɛʃdəˈmɛə)   n, pl bêches-de-mer (ˌbɛʃdəˈmɛə) or bêche-de-mer   1 another name for trepang   2 See Beach-la-Mar [C19: quasi-French, from earlier English biche de mer, from Portuguese bicho do mar worm of the sea]

Bechet (ˈbɛʃeI)   n   Sidney (Joseph). 1897–1959, US jazz soprano saxophonist and clarinettist

Bechstein (German ˈbeçʃtaIn)   n   Karl. 1826–1900, German piano maker; founder (1853) of the Bechstein company of piano manufacturers in Berlin

Bechuana (bɛˈtʃwɑːnə, ˌbɛtʃʊˈɑːnə, ˌbɛkjʊ-)   n, pl -na or -nas   1 a former name for Tswana   2 a former name for a member of the Bantu people of Botswana

■ Bechuanaland (bɛˈtʃwɑːnəˌlænd, ˌbɛtʃʊˈɑːnəˌlænd, ˌbɛkjʊ-)   n   the former name (until 1966) of Botswana

beck^1 (bɛk)   n   1 a nod, wave, or other gesture or signal   2 at someone's beck and call ready to obey someone's orders instantly; subject to someone's slightest whim [C14: short for becnen to BECKON]

beck^2 (bɛk)   n   (in N England) a stream, esp a swiftly flowing one [Old English becc, from Old Norse bekkr; related to Old English bece, Old Saxon beki, Old High German bah brook, Sanskrit bhanga wave]

Beckenbauer (ˈbɛkənˌbaʊə)   n   Franz. born 1945, German footballer: team captain when West Germany won the World Cup (1974): manager of West Germany (1984–90), coaching the team to success in the 1990 World Cup

Becker (ˈbɛkə)   n   Boris (ˈbɒrIs). born 1967, German tennis player: Wimbledon champion 1985, 1986, and 1989: the youngest man ever to win Wimbledon

becket (ˈbɛkIt)   n nautical   1 a clevis forming part of one end of a sheave, used for securing standing lines by means of a thimble   2 a short line with a grommet or eye at one end and a knot at the other, used for securing spars or other gear in place [C18: of unknown origin]

■ becket bend   n   another name for sheet bend

Becket (ˈbɛkIt)   n   Saint Thomas à. 1118–70, English prelate; chancellor (1155–62) to Henry II; archbishop of Canterbury (1162–70): murdered following his opposition to Henry's attempts to control the clergy. Feast day: Dec 29 or July 7

Beckett (ˈbɛkIt)   n   1  Dame Margaret Mary. born 1943, British Labour politician; leader of the House of Commons (1998–2001); secretary of state for environment, food, and rural affairs (2001–06); foreign secretary (2006–07)   2  Samuel (Barclay). 1906–89, Irish dramatist and novelist writing in French and English, whose works portray the human condition as insignificant or absurd in a bleak universe. They include the plays En attendant Godot (Waiting for Godot, 1952), Fin de partie (Endgame, 1957), and Not I (1973) and the novel Malone meurt (Malone Dies, 1951): Nobel prize for literature 1969

Beckford (ˈbɛkfəd)   n   William. 1759–1844, English writer and dilettante; author of the oriental romance Vathek (1787)

Beckham (ˈbɛkəm)   n   1  David. born 1975, English footballer; played for Manchester United (1993–2003), Real Madrid (2003–07), Los Angeles Galaxy (2007–12), and England (1996–2009) for whom he won 115 caps   2  his wife, Victoria Caroline, née Adams, known as Posh Spice. born 1974, English pop singer and fashion designer, member of the Spice Girls

Beckmann (German ˈbɛkman)   n   1  Ernst Otto (ɛrnst ˈɔːto). 1853–1923, German chemist: devised the Beckmann thermometer, used for measuring small temperature changes in liquids   2  Max (maks). 1884–1950, German expressionist painter

beckon (ˈbɛkən)   vb   1 to summon with a gesture of the hand or head   2 to entice or lure   ▷ n   3 a summoning gesture [Old English bīecnan, from bēacen sign; related to Old Saxon bōknian; see BEACON]   > ˈbeckoner n   > ˈbeckoning adj, n

beclamour or US beclamor (bIˈklæmə)   vb (intr)   archaic to clamour excessively

beclasp (bIˈklɑːsp)   vb (tr)   archaic to embrace

becloak (bIˈkləʊk)   vb (tr)   literary to dress (someone) in a cloak

beclog (bIˈklɒɡ)   vb (tr)   literary to clog (something) up, to block thoroughly

beclothe (bIˈkləʊð)   vb (tr)   literary to put clothes on (someone)

becloud (bIˈklaʊd)   vb (tr)   1 to cover or obscure with a cloud   2 to confuse or muddle: to becloud the issues

beclown (bIˈklaʊn)   vb (tr)   1 archaic to make a fool of (another), to make into a clown   2 to clown around, make a fool of oneself

become (bIˈkʌm)   vb -comes, -coming, -came, -come (mainly intr)   1 (copula) to come to be; develop or grow into: he became a monster   2 (foll by of; usually used in a question) to fall to or be the lot (of); happen (to): what became of him?   3 (tr) (of clothes, etc) to enhance the appearance of (someone); suit: that dress becomes you   4 (tr) to be appropriate; befit: it ill becomes you to complain [Old English becuman to happen; related to Old High German biqueman to come to, Gothic biquiman to appear suddenly]

■ becoming (bIˈkʌmIŋ)   adj   1 suitable; appropriate   ▷ n   2 any process of change   3 (in the philosophy of Aristotle) any change from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality   > beˈcomingly adv   > beˈcomingness n

becoward (bIˈkaʊəd)   vb (tr)   archaic to make cowardly, to make into a coward

Becquerel (French bɛkrɛl)   n   Antoine Henri (ɑ̃twan ɑ̃ri). 1852–1908, French physicist, who discovered the photographic action of the rays emitted by uranium salts and so instigated the study of radioactivity: Nobel prize for physics 1903

■ becquerel (ˌbɛkəˈrɛl)   n   the derived SI unit of radioactivity equal to one disintegration per second. Symbol: Bq [C20: named after Antoine Henri BECQUEREL]

becrawl (bIˈkrɔːl)   vb (tr)   archaic to crawl all over

becrime (bIˈkraIm)   vb (tr)   archaic to make (someone) guilty of a crime

becrowd (bIˈkraʊd)   vb (tr)   archaic to crowd greatly with something

becrust (bIˈkrʌst)   vb (tr)   archaic to cover with crust

BECTU (ˈbɜktuː)   n acronym for (in Britain)   Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union

becudgel (bIˈkʌdʒəl)   vb (tr)   archaic to arm with a cudgel

becurl (bIˈkɜːl)   vb (tr)   archaic to cover with curls

becurse (bIˈkɜːs)   vb (tr)   archaic to curse (someone)

bed (bɛd)   n   1 a piece of furniture on which to sleep   2 the mattress and bedclothes on such a piece of furniture: an unmade bed   3 sleep or rest: time for bed   4 any place in which a person or animal sleeps or rests   5 med a unit of potential occupancy in a hospital or residential institution   6 informal a place for sexual intercourse   7 informal sexual intercourse   8 a plot of ground in which plants are grown, esp when considered together with the plants in it: a flower bed   9 the bottom of a river, lake, or sea   10 a part of this used for cultivation of a plant or animal: oyster beds   11 a layer of crushed rock, gravel, etc, used as a foundation for a road, railway, etc   12 a layer of mortar in a masonry wall   13 the underside of a brick, tile, slate, etc, when in position. Compare back^1 (sense 12)   14 any underlying structure or part   15 a layer of rock, esp sedimentary rock   16 the flat part of a letterpress printing press onto or against which the type forme is placed   17 a layer of solid particles of an absorbent, catalyst, or reagent through which a fluid is passed during the course of a chemical reaction or other process   18 a machine base on which a moving part carrying a tool or workpiece slides: lathe bed   19 a bed of roses a situation of comfort or ease   20 to be brought to bed archaic to give birth (to)   21 bed of nails   a a situation or position of extreme difficulty   b a bed studded with nails on which a fakir lies   22 get out of bed on the wrong side informal to be ill-tempered from the start of the day   23 go to bed informal   a (often foll by with) to have sexual intercourse (with)   b journalism, printing (of a newspaper, magazine, etc) to go to press; start printing   24 in bed with informal cooperating closely with (another person, organization, government, etc.) esp covertly   25 put to bed informal   a journalism to finalize work on (a newspaper, magazine, etc) so that it is ready to go to press   b printing to lock up the type forme of (a publication) in the press before printing   26 take to one's bed to remain in bed, esp because of illness   ▷ vb beds, bedding, bedded   27 (usually foll by down) to go to or put into a place to sleep or rest   28 (tr) informal to have sexual intercourse with   29 (tr) to place, fix, or sink firmly into position; embed   30 geology to form or be arranged in a distinct layer; stratify   31 (tr; often foll by out) to plant in a bed of soil [Old English bedd; related to Old Norse bethr, Old High German betti, Gothic badi]

■ bed and board   n   1 sleeping accommodation and meals   2 divorce from bed and board US law a form of divorce whereby the parties are prohibited from living together but the marriage is not dissolved

■ bed and breakfast chiefly Brit   n   1 (in a hotel, boarding house, etc) overnight accommodation and breakfast   ▷ adj   2 (of a stock-exchange transaction) establishing a loss for tax purposes, shares being sold after hours one evening and bought back the next morning when the market opens

■ bed and PEP   adj   Brit (of a stock-exchange transaction) complying with regulations for self-select PEPs, a shareholding being sold in the evening and bought back the next morning for the shareholder's own PEP

■ bedbath (ˈbɛdˌbɑːθ)   n   another name for blanket bath

■ bed-blocking   n   Brit the use of hospital beds by elderly patients who cannot leave hospital because they have no place in a residential care home   > ˈbed-ˌblocker n

■ bedboard (ˈbɛdˌbɔːd)   n   1 a piece of wood placed under a mattress to make a bed firmer   2 architect a thin piece of wood nailed to the underside of any projection from the face of a building

■ bedbug (ˈbɛdˌbʌɡ)   n   any of several bloodsucking insects of the heteropterous genus Cimex, esp C. lectularius of temperate regions, having an oval flattened wingless body and infesting dirty houses: family Cimicidae

■ bedchair (ˈbɛdˌtʃɛə)   n   med an adjustable chair to support an invalid sitting up in bed

■ bedchamber (ˈbɛdˌtʃeImbə)   n   an archaic word for bedroom

■ bedclothes (ˈbɛdˌkləʊðz)   pl n   sheets, blankets, and other coverings of a bed

■ bedcover or bed-cover (ˈbɛdkʌvə)   n   a bedspread

■ beddable (ˈbɛdəbəl)   adj   sexually attractive

■ -bedded   adj   (in combination) containing the number or type of beds specified: twin-bedded

■ bedder (ˈbɛdə)   n   1 Brit (at some universities) someone employed by a college to clean students' rooms   2 a plant that may be grown in a garden bed

■ bedding (ˈbɛdIŋ)   n   1 bedclothes, sometimes considered together with a mattress   2 litter, such as straw, for animals   3 something acting as a foundation, such as mortar under a brick   4 the arrangement of a mass of rocks into distinct layers; stratification

■ bedding plant   n   a plant that may be grown in a garden bed

■ bedfast (ˈbɛdˌfɑːst)   adj   an archaic word for bedridden

■ bedfellow (ˈbɛdˌfɛləʊ)   n   1 a person with whom one shares a bed   2 a temporary ally or associate

■ bedframe (ˈbɛdˌfreIm)   n   the framework of a bed

■ bedgown (ˈbɛdˌɡaʊn)   n   old-fashioned a nightdress

■ bedhead or bed-head (ˈbɛdhɛd)   n   Brit a board fixed to the end of the bed behind one's head

■ bed in   vb   1 (preposition) engineering to fit (parts) together accurately or (of parts) to be fitted together, either through machining or use, as in fitting a bearing to its shaft   2 (preposition) to make or become settled and able to work efficiently in harmony

■ bed jacket   n   a woman's short upper garment worn over a nightgown when sitting up in bed

■ bedlamp (ˈbɛdˌlæmp)   n   a bedside light

■ bedless (ˈbɛdlIs)   adj   without a bed

■ bedlike (ˈbɛdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bed

■ bed linen   n   sheets and pillowcases for a bed

■ bedmaker (ˈbɛdˌmeIkə)   n   1 a person who constructs beds   2 a person who makes a bed tidy after it has been slept in

■ bedmate (ˈbɛdmeIt)   n   informal another name for bedfellow

■ bed moulding   n architect   1 a moulding in an entablature between the corona and the frieze   2 any moulding below a projection

■ bedpan (ˈbɛdˌpæn)   n   1 a shallow vessel placed under a bedridden patient to collect faeces and urine   2 another name for warming pan

■ bedplate (ˈbɛdˌpleIt)   n   a heavy metal platform or frame to which an engine or machine is attached

■ bedpost (ˈbɛdˌpəʊst)   n   1 any of the four vertical supports at the corners of a bedstead   2 between you and me and the bedpost informal confidentially; in secret

■ bedpresser (ˈbɛdˌprɛsə)   n   literary an overweight, idle person, who exerts a great deal of pressure on their bed

■ bedquilt (ˈbɛdˌkwIlt)   n   archaic a padded bedcover

■ bedrail (ˈbɛdˌreIl)   n   a rail or board along the side of a bed that connects the headboard with the footboard

■ bedridden (ˈbɛdˌrIdən)   adj   confined to bed because of illness, esp for a long or indefinite period [Old English bedreda, from bedd BED + -rida rider, from rīdan to RIDE]

■ bedright (ˈbɛdˌraIt)   n   formal a right expected in the marital bed

■ bedrock (ˈbɛdˌrɒk)   n   1 the solid unweathered rock that lies beneath the loose surface deposits of soil, alluvium, etc   2 basic principles or facts (esp in the phrase get down to bedrock)   3 the lowest point, level, or layer

■ bedroll (ˈbɛdˌrəʊl)   n   a portable roll of bedding, such as a sleeping bag, used esp for sleeping in the open

■ bedroom (ˈbɛdˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   1 a room furnished with beds or used for sleeping   2 (modifier) containing references to sex: a bedroom comedy

■ -bedroomed   adj   (in combination) having the number of bedrooms specified: two-bedroomed

■ bedroom tax   n   Brit informal a reduction in housing benefit for occupants of council housing who have more rooms than they are deemed to require [C21: on the model of POLL TAX, COUNCIL TAX, from the perception that the government is taxing spare bedrooms]

■ bedsheet (ˈbɛdˌʃiːt)   n   a sheet for a bed

■ bedside (ˈbɛdˌsaId)   n     a the space by the side of a bed, esp of a sick person   b (as modifier): a bedside lamp; a doctor's bedside manner

■ bedsit (ˈbɛdˌsIt)   n   a furnished sitting room containing sleeping accommodation and sometimes cooking and washing facilities. Also called: bedsitter, bedsitting room, bed-sitting room

■ bedsocks (ˈbɛdsɒks)   pl n   clothing the type of socks worn in bed

■ bedsore (ˈbɛdˌsɔː)   n   the nontechnical name for decubitus ulcer

■ bedspread (ˈbɛdˌsprɛd)   n   a top cover on a bed over other bedclothes

■ bedspring (ˈbɛdsprIŋ)   n   a spring that supports a mattress

■ bedstand (ˈbɛdˌstænd)   n   a bedside table

■ bedstead (ˈbɛdˌstɛd)   n   the framework of a bed, usually including a headboard and springs but excluding the mattress and other coverings

■ bedstraw (ˈbɛdˌstrɔː)   n   any of numerous rubiaceous plants of the genus Galium, which have small white or yellow flowers and prickly or hairy fruits: some species formerly used as straw for beds as they are aromatic when dry. See also lady's bedstraw

■ bed tea   n   (in some Asian countries) tea served to a guest in bed in the morning

■ bedtick (ˈbɛdˌtIk)   n   a bag with the dimensions of a mattress, which is filled with stuffing such as feathers or straw for sleeping on

■ bedtime (ˈbɛdˌtaIm)   n     a the time when one usually goes to bed   b (as modifier): a bedtime story

■ bedward (ˈbɛdwəd) or bedwards (ˈbɛdwədz)   adv   towards bed

■ bedwarmer (ˈbɛdˌwɔːmə)   n   a metal pan containing hot coals, formerly used to warm a bed

■ bed-wetting   n   the act or habit of involuntarily urinating in bed. Technical name: enuresis   > ˈbed-ˌwetter n

BEd   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Education

bedabble (bIˈdæbəl)   vb (tr)   literary to make wet or damp in such a way as to make dirty or untidy

bedad (bIˈdæd)   interj   an exclamation of affirmation

bedaggle (bIˈdæɡəl)   vb (tr)   archaic to soil the bottom of (garments) by trailing through dirt

bedamn (bIˈdæm)   vb (tr)   archaic to damn, to curse thoroughly

bedarken (bIˈdɑːkən)   vb (tr)   literary to make dark, to cover in darkness

bedash (bIˈdæʃ)   vb (tr)   1 archaic to dash against (something), as for example waves dash against rocks   2 literary to cover in dashes or specks of something, such as colour

bedaub (bIˈdɔːb)   vb (tr)   1 to smear all over with something thick, sticky, or dirty   2 to ornament in a gaudy or vulgar fashion

bedaze (bIˈdeIz)   vb (tr)   archaic to daze, to make dazed

bedazzle (bIˈdæzəl)   vb   (tr) to dazzle or confuse, as with brilliance   > beˈdazzlement n

■ bedazzled (bIˈdæzəld)   adj   dazzled or confused

Beddoes (ˈbɛdəʊz)   n   Thomas Lovell. 1803–49, British poet, noted for his macabre imagery, esp in Death's Jest-Book (1850)

Bede (biːd)   n   Saint, known as the Venerable Bede. ?673–735 AD, English monk, scholar, historian, and theologian, noted for his Latin Ecclesiastical History of the English People (731). Feast day: May 27 or 25. Latin name: Baeda

bedeafen (bIˈdɛfən)   vb (tr)   archaic to deafen

bedeck (bIˈdɛk)   vb   (tr) to cover with decorations; adorn

■ bedecked (bIˈdɛkt)   adj   literary decorated

bedeguar (ˈbɛdIˌɡɑː)   n   botany a moss-like growth found on rosebushes, caused by a reaction by the bush to the egg-laying process of the gall wasp or gallfly

bedel or bedell (ˈbiːdəl)   n   archaic spellings of beadle (sense 4)

■ bedellship or bedelship (ˈbiːdəlˌʃIp)   n   archaic spellings of beadleship

bedesman (ˈbiːdzmən)   n, pl -men   a variant spelling of beadsman

bedevil (bIˈdɛvəl)   vb -ils, -illing, -illed or US -ils, -iling, -iled (tr)   1 to harass or torment   2 to throw into confusion   3 to possess, as with a devil   > beˈdevilment n

bedew (bIˈdjuː)   vb   (tr) to wet or cover with or as if with drops of dew

Bedford^1 (ˈbɛdfəd)   n   1 a town in SE central England, in Bedfordshire, on the River Ouse; administrative centre of Bedford unitary authority. Pop: 82 488 (2001)   2 a unitary authority of SE central England. Pop: 154 900 (2007 est). Area: 480 sq km (185 sq miles)   3 short for Bedfordshire

■ Bedford cord   n   a heavy corded cloth, similar to corduroy [C19 ]

■ Bedfordshire (ˈbɛdfədˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of S central England, administered since 2009 by the unitary authorities of Bedford and Central Bedfordshire: mainly low-lying, with the Chiltern Hills in the south: the geographical county includes Luton, which became a separate unitary authority in 1997. Area (excluding Luton): 1192 sq km (460 sq miles). Abbreviation: Beds

Bedford^2 (ˈbɛdfəd)   n   1  David. 1937–2011, British composer, influenced by rock music   2  Duke of, title of John of Lancaster. 1389–1435, son of Henry IV of England: protector of England and regent of France (1422–35)

bediaper (bIˈdaIpə)   vb   (tr) to put a nappy on

bedight (bIˈdaIt) archaic   vb -dights, -dighting, -dight or -dighted   1 (tr) to array or adorn   ▷ adj   2 (past participle of the verb) adorned or bedecked [C14: from DIGHT]

bedim (bIˈdIm)   vb -dims, -dimming, -dimmed   (tr) to make dim or obscure

bedimple (bIˈdImpəl)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to form dimples in   2 to cover with dimples

bedirty (bIˈdɜːtI)   vb -dirties, -dirtying, -dirtied (tr)   archaic to make (thoroughly) dirty

Bedivere (ˈbɛdIˌvIə)   n   Sir Bedivere (in Arthurian legend) a knight who took the dying King Arthur to the barge in which he was carried to Avalon

bedizen (bIˈdaIzən, -ˈdIzən)   vb   (tr) archaic to dress or decorate gaudily or tastelessly [C17: from BE- + obsolete dizen to dress up, of uncertain origin]   > beˈdizenment n

bedlam (ˈbɛdləm)   n   1 a noisy confused place or situation; state of uproar: his speech caused bedlam   2 archaic an institution for the care of mentally ill people [C13 bedlem, bethlem, after the Hospital of St Mary of Bethlehem in London]

■ bedlamism (ˈbɛdləmIzəm)   n   formal anything characteristic of bedlam

■ bedlamite (ˈbɛdləˌmaIt)   n   archaic a lunatic; insane person

Bedlington terrier (ˈbɛdlIŋtən)   n   a lithe, graceful breed of terrier having a long tapering head with no stop and a thick fleecy coat. Often shortened to: Bedlington [C19: named after the town Bedlington in Northumberland, where they were first bred]

Bedloe's Island (ˈbɛdləʊz) or Bedloe Island   n   the former name (until 1956) of Liberty Island

bedotted (bIˈdɒtId)   adj   archaic covered with dots; speckled

Bedouin or Beduin (ˈbɛdʊIn)   n   1 (pl -ins or -in) a member of any of the nomadic tribes of Arabs inhabiting the deserts of Arabia, Jordan, and Syria, as well as parts of the Sahara   2 a wanderer or rover   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to the Bedouins   4 wandering or roving [C14: from Old French beduin, from Arabic badāwi, plural of badwi, from badw desert]

bedraggle (bIˈdræɡəl)   vb   (tr) to make (hair, clothing, etc) limp, untidy, or dirty, as with rain or mud

■ bedraggled (bIˈdræɡəld)   adj   (of hair, clothing, etc) limp, untidy, or dirty, as with rain or mud

bedral (ˈbɛdrəl)   n   a minor official in the Scottish Episcopal Church, similar but not identical to the English beadle

bedrape (bIˈdreIp)   vb (tr)   archaic to drape, adorn

bedrench (bIˈdrɛntʃ)   vb (tr)   archaic to drench thoroughly; soak

bedrivel (bIˈdrIvəl)   vb (tr)   archaic to drivel upon or cover in dribble

bedrop (bIˈdrɒp)   vb (tr)   archaic to drop upon or cover with drops

bedrug (bIˈdrʌɡ)   vb (tr)   archaic to drug excessively

Beds   abbreviation for   Bedfordshire

bedsonia (bɛdˈsəʊnIə)   n   bacteriol obsolete a former name for the genus of bacteria now called Chlamydia

bedu (ˈbɛduː)   adj   relating to Beduins

beduck (bIˈdʌk)   vb (tr)   archaic to duck under water

bedumb (bIˈdʌm)   vb (tr)   archaic to make dumb

bedunce (bIˈdʌns)   vb (tr)   archaic to cause to look or feel foolish

bedung (bIˈdʌŋ)   vb (tr)   archaic to cover or make dirty with dung

bedust (bIˈdʌst)   vb (tr)   archaic to cover with dust

bedwarf (bIˈdwɔːf)   vb (tr)   archaic to greatly hamper the growth of

Bedworth (ˈbɛdwəθ)   n   a town in central England, in N Warwickshire. Pop: 30 001 (2001)

bedye (bIˈdaI)   vb (tr)   archaic to dye

bee^1 (biː)   n   1 any hymenopterous insect of the superfamily Apoidea, which includes social forms such as the honeybee and solitary forms such as the carpenter bee. See also bumblebee, mason bee. Related adjective: apian   2 busy bee a person who is industrious or has many things to do   3 have a bee in one's bonnet to be preoccupied or obsessed with an idea [Old English bīo; related to Old Norse bӯ, Old High German bīa, Dutch bij, Swedish bi]

■ bee beetle   n   a European beetle, Trichodes apiarius, that is often parasitic in beehives: family Cleridae

■ beebread (ˈbiːˌbrɛd)   n   a mixture of pollen and nectar prepared by worker bees and fed to the larvae. Also called: ambrosia

■ bee-eater   n   any insectivorous bird of the family Meropidae of tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, having a long downward-curving bill and long pointed wings and tail: order Coraciiformes (kingfishers, etc)

■ bee fly   n   any hairy beelike nectar-eating dipterous fly of the family Bombyliidae, whose larvae are parasitic on those of bees and related insects

■ bee glue   n   another name for propolis

■ beehive (ˈbiːˌhaIv)   n   1 a man-made receptacle used to house a swarm of bees   2 a dome-shaped hair style in which the hair is piled high on the head   3 a place where busy people are assembled

■ Beehive (ˈbiːˌhaIv)   n the Beehive informal   1 the dome-shaped building that houses sections of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand   2 the New Zealand government

■ beehive house   n   a prehistoric circular building found in various parts of Europe, usually of stone and having a dome-shaped roof

■ beekeeper (ˈbiːˌkiːpə)   n   a person who keeps bees for their honey; apiarist   > ˈbeeˌkeeping n

■ bee killer   n   another name for robber fly

■ beelike (ˈbiːˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bee

■ beeline (ˈbiːˌlaIn)   n   the most direct route between two places (esp in the phrase make a beeline for)

■ bee moth   n   any of various pyralid moths, such as the wax moth, whose larvae live in the nests of bees or wasps, feeding on nest materials and host larvae

■ bee orchid   n   1 a European orchid, Ophrys apifera, whose flower resembles a bumble bee in shape and colour   2 any of several other orchids with beelike flowers

■ bee plant   n   any of various plants much visited by bees for nectar and pollen

■ bee's knees   n the bee's knees   (functioning as singular) informal an excellent or ideally suitable person or thing

■ bee-sting   n   1 a sting from a bee   ▷ adj   2 (of lips) pouting

■ bee-stung   adj   (of the lips) pouting and sensuous

■ beeswax (ˈbiːzˌwæks)   n   1    a a yellowish or dark brown wax secreted by honeybees for constructing honeycombs   b this wax after refining, purifying, etc, used in polishes, ointments, and for modelling   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to polish with such wax

■ beeswing (ˈbiːzˌwIŋ)   n   1 a light filmy crust of tartar that forms in port and some other wines after long keeping in the bottle   2 a port or other wine containing beeswing

■ beeyard (ˈbiːˌjɑːd)   n   another name for apiary

bee^2 (biː)   n   1 a social gathering for a specific purpose, as to carry out a communal task or hold competitions: quilting bee   2 See spelling bee [C18: perhaps from dialect bean neighbourly help, from Old English bēn boon]

bee^3 (biː)   n   nautical a small sheave with one cheek removed and the pulley and other cheek fastened flat to a boom or another spar, used for reeving outhauls or stays [Old English bēag; related to Old High German boug ring, Old Norse bogi a bow]

BEE   abbreviation for (in South Africa)   Black Economic Empowerment: a government policy aimed at encouraging and supporting shareholding by Black people

Beeb (biːb)   n   the Beeb an informal name for BBC

beebee (ˈbiːbiː)   n Indian   1 old-fashioned a White mistress   2 a woman of lower rank

beech (biːtʃ)   n   1 any N temperate tree of the genus Fagus, esp F. sylvatica of Europe, having smooth greyish bark: family Fagaceae   2 any tree of the related genus Nothofagus, of temperate Australasia and South America   3 the hard wood of any of these trees, used in making furniture, etc   4 See copper beech [Old English bēce; related to Old Norse bók, Old High German buohha, Middle Dutch boeke, Latin fāgus beech, Greek phēgos edible oak]   > ˈbeechen or ˈbeechy adj

■ beechdrops (ˈbiːtʃˌdrɒps)   pl n   a North American flowering plant, Epifagus virginiana, which is parasitic on beech trees

■ beech fern   n   a fern, Thelypteris phegopteris, that grows in damp N temperate woods and hills: family Polypodiaceae

■ beech marten   n   another name for stone marten

■ beechmast (ˈbiːtʃmɑːst)   n   botany collective term for beech nuts, esp when lying on the ground

■ beechnut (ˈbiːtʃˌnʌt)   n   the small brown triangular edible nut of the beech tree. See also beechmast

■ beechwood (ˈbiːtʃwʊd)   n   1 cabinetmaking wood from a beech tree   2 a group of beech trees

Beecham (ˈbiːtʃəm)   n   Sir Thomas. 1879–1961, English conductor who did much to promote the works of Delius, Sibelius, and Richard Strauss

Beecher (ˈbiːtʃə)   n   Henry Ward. 1813–87, US clergyman: a leader in the movement for the abolition of slavery

Beecher Stowe   n   See Stowe^1

beedi (ˈbiːdI)   n   Indian a type of Indian cigarette

beef (biːf)   n   1 the flesh of various bovine animals, esp the cow, when killed for eating   2 (pl beeves (biːvz)) an adult ox, bull, cow, etc, reared for its meat   3 informal human flesh, esp when muscular   4 (pl beefs) a complaint   ▷ vb   5 (intr) slang to complain, esp repeatedly: he was beefing about his tax   6 (tr; often foll by up) informal to strengthen; reinforce [C13: from Old French boef, from Latin bōs ox; see COW^1]

■ beefburger (ˈbiːfˌbɜːɡə)   n   a flat fried cake of minced beef; hamburger

■ beefcake (ˈbiːfˌkeIk)   n   slang men displayed for their muscular bodies, esp in photographs. Compare cheesecake (sense 2)

■ beefeater (ˈbiːfˌiːtə)   n   a nickname often applied to the Yeomen of the Guard and the Yeomen Warders at the Tower of London

■ beefless (ˈbiːflIs)   adj   1 not containing beef, without beef   2 informal weak, without strength, whether physical strength or courage

■ beef road   n   Austral a road used for transporting cattle

■ beefsteak (ˈbiːfˌsteIk)   n   a piece of beef that can be grilled, fried, etc, cut from any lean part of the animal

■ beefsteak fungus   n   an edible reddish bracket fungus, Fistulina hepatica, that grows esp on oak trees and oozes a bloodlike juice

■ beefsteak plant   n   an Asian plant, Perilla frutescens crispa, with aromatic red or green leaves which are used in cooking: family Lamiaceae. Also called: shiso, Japanese basil

■ beef stroganoff   n   a dish of thin strips of beef cooked with onions, mushrooms, and seasonings, served in a sour-cream sauce [C19: named after Count Paul Stroganoff, 19th-century Russian diplomat]

■ beef tea   n   a drink made by boiling pieces of lean beef: often given to invalids to stimulate the appetite

■ beef tomato   n   a very large fleshy variety of tomato. Also called: beefsteak tomato

■ beefwood (ˈbiːfˌwʊd)   n   1 any of various trees that produce very hard wood, esp the Australian tree Casuarina equisetifolia, widely planted in warm regions. See casuarina   2 the wood of any of these trees [from the red colour and grain]

■ beefy (ˈbiːfI)   adj beefier, beefiest   1 like beef   2 informal muscular; brawny   3 informal fleshy; obese   > ˈbeefily adv   > ˈbeefiness n

beefalo (ˈbiːfələʊ)   n, pl -loes or -lo   US a cross between a domestic cow and a buffalo, technically one that is three-eighths buffalo and five-eighths cow, intended for beef production

Beelzebub (bIˈɛlzIˌbʌb)   n   1 Old Testament a god of the Philistines (2 Kings 1:2)   2 Satan or any devil or demon [Old English Belzebub, ultimately from Hebrew bá`al zebūb, literally: lord of flies]

been (biːn, bIn)   vb   the past participle of be^1

beenah (ˈbiːnɑː)   n   understanding; insight [Hebrew]

been-there done-that   interj   an exclamation expressing familiarity and boredom with a situation, experience, etc

beento (ˈbiːntuː, ˈbIntʊ) W African informal   n, pl -tos   1 a person who has resided in Britain, esp during part of his or her education   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of such a person [C20: from BEEN + TO]

beep (biːp)   n   1 a short high-pitched sound, esp one made by the horn of a car, bicycle, etc, or by electronic apparatus   ▷ vb   2 to make or cause to make such a noise [C20: of imitative origin]   > ˈbeeper n

beer (bIə)   n   1 an alcoholic drink brewed from malt, sugar, hops, and water and fermented with yeast. Compare ale   2 a slightly fermented drink made from the roots or leaves of certain plants: ginger beer; nettle beer   3 (modifier) relating to or used in the drinking of beer: beer glass; beer mat   4 (modifier) in which beer is drunk, esp (of licensed premises) having a licence to sell beer: beer house; beer cellar; beer garden [Old English beor; related to Old Norse bjōrr, Old Frisian biār, Old High German bior]

■ beerage (ˈbIərIdʒ)   n   1 brewing the beer brewing industry   2 jocular the members of the peerage heavily involved in the brewing industry   3 US jocular a collective term for wealthy brewers in the US

■ beer and skittles   n   (functioning as singular) informal enjoyment or pleasure

■ beer belly   n   informal a protruding belly caused by excessive beer drinking. Also called: beer gut

■ beerfest (ˈbIəfɛst)   n   US a beer festival

■ beer goggles   pl n   with one's beer goggles on informal seeing people and things as increasingly attractive as one's alcohol intake rises

■ beerhall (ˈbIəˌhɔːl)   n   a large pub specializing in beer

■ beermat or beer mat (ˈbIəmæt)   n   a cardboard mat to put under a glass of beer

■ beer money   n   a small amount of money to be used for incidental expenses

■ beer o’clock   n   facetious the time of day when it is acceptable or customary to start drinking alcohol

■ beer parlour or beer parlor   n   Canadian a room in a tavern, hotel, etc in which beer is served

■ beer pong   n   a drinking game in which players attempt to throw Ping-Pong balls into cups of beer, which must then be drunk by their opponents [C20: from BEER + (PING-)PONG ]

■ beersies (ˈbIəzIz)   pl n   NZ informal beers

■ beer-swilling   adj   derogatory, informal in the habit of drinking a lot of beer

■ beer-up   n   Austral old-fashioned, slang a drinking bout

■ beery (ˈbIərI)   adj beerier, beeriest   1 smelling or tasting of beer   2 given to drinking beer   > ˈbeerily adv   > ˈbeeriness n

Beerbohm (ˈbIəbəʊm)   n   Sir (Henry) Max(imilian). 1872–1956, English critic, wit, and caricaturist, whose works include Zuleika Dobson (1911), a satire on Oxford undergraduates

Beersheba (bIəˈʃiːbə)   n   a town in S Israel: commercial centre of the Negev. In biblical times it marked the southern limit of Palestine. Pop: 183 000 (2003 est)

beestings, biestings or US beastings (ˈbiːstIŋz)   n   (functioning as singular) the first milk secreted by the mammary glands of a cow or similar animal immediately after giving birth; colostrum [Old English bӯsting, from bēost beestings; related to Middle Dutch biest]

beet (biːt)   n   1 any chenopodiaceous plant of the genus Beta, esp the Eurasian species B. vulgaris, widely cultivated in such varieties as the sugar beet, mangelwurzel, beetroot, and spinach beet. See also chard   2 the leaves of any of several varieties of this plant, which are cooked and eaten as a vegetable   3 red beet the US name for beetroot [Old English bēte, from Latin bēta]

■ beetfly (ˈbiːtˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a muscid fly, Pegomyia hyoscyami: a common pest of beets and mangel-wurzels. Also called: mangold fly

■ beet sugar   n   the sucrose obtained from sugar beet, identical in composition to cane sugar

Beethoven (ˈbeItˌhəʊvən)   n   Ludwig van (ˈluːtvIç fan). 1770–1827, German composer, who greatly extended the form and scope of symphonic and chamber music, bridging the classical and romantic traditions. His works include nine symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, five piano concertos, a violin concerto, two masses, the opera Fidelio (1805), and choral music

beetle^1 (ˈbiːtəl)   n   1 any insect of the order Coleoptera, having biting mouthparts and forewings modified to form shell-like protective elytra. Related adjective: coleopteran   2 a game played with dice in which the players draw or assemble a beetle-shaped form   ▷ vb (intr; foll by along, off, etc)   3 informal to scuttle or scurry; hurry [Old English bitela; related to bitol teeth, BIT, bītan to BITE]

■ beetlebrain (ˈbiːtəlˌbreIn)   n   derogatory a person of severely limited intelligence

■ beetlebrained (ˈbiːtəlˌbreInd)   adj   stupid

■ beetle-browed   adj   1 having bushy or overhanging eyebrows   2 sullen in appearance; scowling

■ beetle drive   n   a social occasion at which a progressive series of games of beetle is played. See beetle^1 (sense 2)

■ beetlehead (ˈbiːtəlˌhɛd)   n   1 derogatory a person of low intelligence   2 the black-bellied plover

■ beetleheaded (ˈbiːtəlˌhɛdId)   adj   like a beetlehead; stupid

beetle^2 (ˈbiːtəl)   n   1 a heavy hand tool, usually made of wood, used for ramming, pounding, or beating   2 a machine used to finish cloth by stamping it with wooden hammers   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to beat or pound with a beetle   4 to finish (cloth) by means of a beetle [Old English bīetel, from bēatan to BEAT; related to Middle Low German bētel chisel, Old Norse beytill penis]

■ beetler (ˈbiːtlə)   n   1 a person who operates a beetling machine,   2 a person who beats cloth with a beetle

beetle^3 (ˈbiːtəl)   vb   1 (intr) to overhang; jut   ▷ adj   2 overhanging; prominent [C14: perhaps related to BEETLE^1]   > ˈbeetling adj

beetmaster (ˈbiːtˌmɑːstə) or beetmister (ˈbiːtˌmIstə)   n   a help in need

Beeton (ˈbiːtən)   n   Isabella Mary, known as Mrs Beeton. 1836–65, British cookery writer, author of The Book of Household Management (1861)

beetroot (ˈbiːtˌruːt)   n   1 a variety of the beet plant, Beta vulgaris, that has a bulbous dark red root that may be eaten as a vegetable, in salads, or pickled   2 the root of this plant   ▶ US name: red beet

beeves (biːvz)   n   archaic the plural of beef (sense 2)

beezer (ˈbiːzə) slang   n   1 Brit old-fashioned a person or chap   2 Brit old-fashioned the nose   3 Scot an extreme example of its kind   ▷ adj   4 Brit old-fashioned excellent; most attractive [C20: of uncertain origin]

BEF   abbreviation for   British Expeditionary Force, the British armies that served in France and Belgium 1914–18 and in France 1939–40

befall (bIˈfɔːl)   vb -falls, -falling, -fell, -fallen archaic or literary   1 (intr) to take place; come to pass   2 (tr) to happen to   3 (intr; usually foll by to) to be due, as by right [Old English befeallan; related to Old High German bifallan, Dutch bevallen; see BE-, FALL]

befana (bəˈfɑːnə)   n   (in Italian folklore) an ugly good fairy who brings gifts to good children on Epiphany eve

befinger (bIˈfIŋɡə)   vb (tr)   archaic to finger all over

befinned (bIˈfInd)   adj   literary having fins

befit (bIˈfIt)   vb -fits, -fitting, -fitted   (tr) to be appropriate to or suitable for [C15: from BE- + FIT^1]   > beˈfitting adj   > beˈfittingly adv

beflag (bIˈflæɡ)   vb (tr)   archaic to decorate with flags

beflea (bIˈfliː)   vb (tr)   archaic to infest with fleas

befleck (bIˈflɛk)   vb (tr)   archaic to fleck all over

beflower (bIˈflaʊə)   vb archaic (tr)   1 to decorate with flowers   2 to cover with flowers or flower-like things

beflum (bIˈflʌm) Scot   n   1 idle, deceptive, or cajoling speech   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to deceive with cajoling speech

befoam (bIˈfəʊm)   vb (tr)   archaic to cover with foam

befog (bIˈfɒɡ)   vb -fogs, -fogging, -fogged (tr)   1 to surround with fog   2 to make confused, vague, or less clear

befool (bIˈfuːl)   vb   (tr) to make a fool of

before (bIˈfɔː)   conj (subordinating)   1 earlier than the time when   2 rather than: he'll resign before he agrees to it   ▷ prep   3 preceding in space or time; in front of; ahead of: standing before the altar   4 when confronted by: to withdraw before one's enemies   5 in the presence of: to be brought before a judge   6 in preference to: to put friendship before money   ▷ adv   7 at an earlier time; previously; beforehand; in front [Old English beforan; related to Old Frisian befara, Old High German bifora]

■ beforehand (bIˈfɔːˌhænd)   adj, adv (postpositive)   early; in advance; in anticipation: she came an hour beforehand

■ before-tax   adj   accounting before tax has been deducted; gross

■ beforetime (bIˈfɔːˌtaIm)   adv   archaic formerly

befortune (bIˈfɔːtʃuːn)   vb (intr)   archaic to happen, befall, come about

befoul (bIˈfaʊl)   vb   (tr) to make dirty or foul; soil; defile   > beˈfouler n   > beˈfoulment n

befret (bIˈfrɛt)   vb (tr)   archaic to fret greatly about

befriend (bIˈfrɛnd)   vb   (tr) to be a friend to; assist; favour

■ befriender (bIˈfrɛndə)   n   a person who befriends

befringe (bIˈfrIndʒ)   vb (tr)   archaic to decorate with a fringe

befuddle (bIˈfʌdəl)   vb (tr)   1 to confuse, muddle, or perplex   2 to make stupid with drink   > beˈfuddlement n

■ befuddled (bIˈfʌdəld)   adj   1 confused, muddled, perplexed   2 stupefied with drink

beg^1 (bɛɡ)   vb begs, begging, begged   1 (when intr, often foll by for) to solicit (for money, food, etc), esp in the street   2 to ask (someone) for (something or leave to do something) formally, humbly, or earnestly: I beg forgiveness; I beg to differ   3 (intr) (of a dog) to sit up with forepaws raised expectantly   4 to leave unanswered or unresolved: to beg a point   5 beg the question   a to evade the issue   b to assume the thing under examination as proved   c to suggest that a question needs to be asked: the firm's success begs the question: why aren't more companies doing the same?   6 go begging or go a-begging to be unwanted or unused [C13: probably from Old English bedecian; related to Gothic bidagwa BEGGAR]

USAGE

The use of beg the question to mean that a question needs to be asked is considered by some people to be incorrect

■ begging bowl   n   a bowl carried by a beggar, esp a Franciscan or other friar or a Buddhist monk, to receive food or alms

■ begging letter   n   a letter asking for money sent esp by a stranger to someone known to be rich

■ beggingly (ˈbɛɡIŋlI)   adv   in a begging manner

■ beg off   vb   (intr, adverb) to ask to be released from an engagement, obligation, etc

beg^2 (bɛɡ)   n   a variant of bey

begad (bIˈɡæd)   interj   archaic, slang an emphatic exclamation [C18: euphemistic alteration of by God!]

begall^1 (bIˈɡɔːl)   vb   (tr) archaic to make sore by rubbing

begall^2 (bIˈɡɔːl)   vb   (tr) archaic to add gall to; make bitter

began (bIˈɡæn)   vb   the past tense of begin

begar^1 (bIˈɡɑː)   interj   a variant form of begad

begar^2 (bIˈɡɑː)   n   Indian compulsory labour, usually without payment; slave labour

begat (bIˈɡæt)   vb   archaic a past tense of beget

begaze (bIˈɡeIz)   vb (tr)   archaic to gaze at

begem (bIˈdʒɛm)   vb (tr)   archaic to decorate with gems

beget (bIˈɡɛt)   vb -gets, -getting, -got or -gat, -gotten or -got (tr)   1 to father   2 to cause or create [Old English begietan; related to Old Saxon bigetan, Old High German pigezzan, Gothic bigitan to find; see BE-, GET]   > beˈgetter n

beggar (ˈbɛɡə)   n   1 a person who begs, esp one who lives by begging   2 a person who has no money or resources; pauper   3 ironic, jocular, chiefly Brit fellow: lucky beggar!   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to be beyond the resources of (esp in the phrase to beggar description)   5 to impoverish; reduce to begging   > ˈbeggarˌhood or ˈbeggardom n

■ beggarly (ˈbɛɡəlI)   adj   meanly inadequate; very poor: beggarly living conditions   > ˈbeggarliness n

■ beggar-my-neighbour   n   1 a card game in which one player tries to win all the cards of the other player   2 (modifier) relating to or denoting an advantage gained by one side at the expense of the other: beggar-my-neighbour policies

■ beggar's-lice   n (functioning as singular)   1 any of several plants, esp the stickseed, having small prickly fruits that adhere to clothing, fur, etc   2 the seed or fruit of any of these plants

■ beggar-ticks or beggar's-ticks   n (functioning as singular)   1 any of various plants, such as the bur marigold and tick trefoil, having fruits or seeds that cling to clothing, fur, etc   2 the seed or fruit of any of these plants

■ beggarweed (ˈbɛɡəˌwiːd)   n   any of various leguminous plants of the genus Desmodium, esp D. purpureum of the Caribbean, grown in the southern US as forage plants and to improve the soil. See also tick trefoil

■ beggary (ˈbɛɡərI)   n   1 extreme poverty or need   2 the condition of being a beggar

Beghard (ˈbɛɡəd, bIˈɡɑːd)   n   a member of a Christian brotherhood that was founded in Flanders in the 13th century and followed a life based on that of the Beguines. Also called: Beguin [C17: from Medieval Latin beghardus, from BEG(UINE) + -ARD; compare Old French bégard, Middle Dutch beggaert, Middle High German beghart]

begift (bIˈɡIft)   vb (tr)   to give a gift or gifts to

begild (bIˈɡIld)   vb (tr)   to decorate or cover with gold

begin (bIˈɡIn)   vb -gins, -ginning, -gan, -gun   1 to start or cause to start (something or to do something)   2 to bring or come into being for the first time; arise or originate   3 to start to say or speak   4 (used with a negative) to have the least capacity (to do something): he couldn't begin to compete with her   5 to begin with in the first place [Old English beginnan; related to Old High German biginnan, Gothic duginnan]

■ beginner (bIˈɡInə)   n   a person who has just started to do or learn something; novice

■ beginning (bIˈɡInIŋ)   n   1 a start; commencement   2 (often plural) a first or early part or stage   3 the place where or time when something starts   4 an origin; source

■ beginningless (bIˈɡInIŋlIs)   adj   having no beginning

Begin (ˈbɛɡIn)   n   Menachem (məˈnɑːkIm). 1913–92, Israeli statesman, born in Poland. In Palestine after 1942, he became a leader of the militant Zionists; prime minister of Israel (1977–83); Nobel peace prize jointly with Anwar Sadat of Egypt (1979) after they concluded the Camp David treaty

begird (bIˈɡɜːd)   vb -girds, -girding, -girt or -girded (tr) poetic   1 to surround; gird around   2 to bind [Old English begierdan; see BE-, GIRD^1]

begirdle (bIˈɡɜːdəl)   vb (tr)   to surround with a girdle

beglad (bIˈɡlæd)   vb (tr)   to make glad

beglamour (bIˈɡlæmə)   vb (tr)   to endow with glamour

beglerbeg (ˈbɛɡləˌbɛɡ)   n   a provincial governor in the Ottoman empire

begloom (bIˈɡluːm)   vb (tr)   to make gloomy

begnaw (bIˈnɔː)   vb (tr)   to gnaw at

bego (bIˈɡəʊ)   vb (tr)   archaic to beset, to harass

begoggled (bIˈɡɒɡəld)   adj   wearing goggles

begone (bIˈɡɒn)   sentence substitute   go away! [C14: from BE (imperative) + GONE]

begonia (bIˈɡəʊnjə)   n   any plant of the genus Begonia, of warm and tropical regions, widely cultivated for their ornamental leaves and waxy flowers: family Begoniaceae [C18: New Latin, named after Michel Bégon (1638–1710), French patron of science]

begored (bIˈɡɔːd)   adj   archaic smeared with a sticky substance

begorra (bIˈɡɒrə)   interj   an emphatic exclamation, regarded as a characteristic utterance of Irish people [C19: euphemistic alteration of by God!]

begot (bIˈɡɒt)   vb   a past tense and past participle of beget

begotten (bIˈɡɒtən)   vb   a past participle of beget

begrime (bIˈɡraIm)   vb   (tr) to make dirty; soil

■ begrimed (bIˈɡraImd)   adj   literary dirty

begroan (bIˈɡrəʊn)   vb (tr)   to groan at or about

begrudge (bIˈɡrʌdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to give, admit, or allow unwillingly or with a bad grace   2 to envy (someone) the possession of (something)   > beˈgrudgingly adv

■ begrudger (bIˈɡrʌdʒə)   n   a dissatisfied person

■ begrudgery (bIˈɡrʌdʒərI)   n   Irish informal resentment of any person who has achieved success or wealth

beguile (bIˈɡaIl)   vb -guiles, -guiling, -guiled (tr)   1 to charm; fascinate   2 to delude; influence by slyness   3 (often foll by of or out of) to deprive (someone) of something by trickery; cheat (someone) of   4 to pass pleasantly; while away   > beˈguilement n   > beˈguiler n

■ beguiling (bIˈɡaIlIŋ)   adj   1 charming or fascinating   2 using slyness to delude someone   > beˈguilingly adv

Beguin (ˈbɛɡIn; French beɡɛ̃)   n   another word for Beghard

beguine (bIˈɡiːn)   n   1 a dance of South American origin in bolero rhythm   2 a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance   3 a variant of biggin^1 [C20: from Louisiana French, from French béguin flirtation]

Beguine (ˈbɛɡiːn)   n   a member of a Christian sisterhood that was founded in Liège in the 12th century, and, though not taking religious vows, followed an austere life [C15: from Old French, perhaps after Lambert le Bègue (the Stammerer), 12th-century priest of Liège, who founded the sisterhood]

■ beguinage (ˈbɛɡiːˌnɑːʒ, ˈbɛɡIˌnIdʒ)   n   a convent for members of the Beguine sisterhood

begulf (bIˈɡʌlf)   vb (tr)   to engulf or overwhelm

begum (ˈbeIɡəm)   n   (in Pakistan and certain other Muslim countries) a woman of high rank, esp the widow of a prince [C18: from Urdu begam, from Turkish begim; see BEY]

begun (bIˈɡʌn)   vb   the past participle of begin

begunk (bIˈɡʌŋk)   n   1 a deceiving trick   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to delude; to trick by deception

behalf (bIˈhɑːf)   n   interest, part, benefit, or respect (only in the phrases on (someone's) behalf, on or US and Canadian in behalf of, in this (or that) behalf) [Old English be halfe from be by + halfe side; compare Old Norse af halfu]

USAGE

On behalf of is sometimes wrongly used where on the part of is intended. The distinction is that on behalf of someone means 'for someone's benefit' or 'representing someone', while on the part of someone can be roughly paraphrased as 'by someone'. So, the following example is incorrect: another act of apparent negligence, this time not on behalf of the company itself, but on behalf of its banker, when what was meant was there was negligence by the company's banker

Behan (ˈbiːən)   n   Brendan. 1923–64, Irish writer, noted esp for his plays The Quare Fellow (1954) and The Hostage (1958) and for an account of his detention as a member of the Irish Republican Army, Borstal Boy (1958)

behappen (bIˈhæpən)   vb (tr)   archaic to befall

behatted (bIˈhætId)   adj   wearing a hat

behave (bIˈheIv)   vb   1 (intr) to act or function in a specified or usual way   2 to conduct (oneself) in a specified way: I admit I behaved badly   3 to conduct (oneself) properly or as desired: the children behaved themselves all day [C15: see BE-, HAVE]

■ behaver (bIˈheIvə)   n   something or someone who behaves

behaviour or US behavior (bIˈheIvjə)   n   1 manner of behaving or conducting oneself   2 on one's best behaviour behaving with careful good manners   3 psychol   a the aggregate of all the responses made by an organism in any situation   b a specific response of a certain organism to a specific stimulus or group of stimuli   4 the action, reaction, or functioning of a system, under normal or specified circumstances [C15: from BEHAVE; influenced in form by Middle English havior, from Old French havoir, from Latin habēre to have]   > beˈhavioural or US beˈhavioral adj

■ behaviorally (bIˈheIvjərəlI)   adv   a US spelling of behaviourally

■ behavioural contagion   n   the spread of a particular type of behaviour, such as crying, through a crowd or group of people

■ behaviourally (bIˈheIvjərəlI)   adv   from a behavioural point of view

■ behavioural science   n   the application of scientific methods to the study of the behaviour of organisms

■ behavioural sink   n   psychol a small area in which people or animals live in overcrowded conditions

■ behaviourism or US behaviorism (bIˈheIvjəˌrIzəm)   n   1 a school of psychology that regards the objective observation of the behaviour of organisms (usually by means of automatic recording devices) as the only proper subject for study and that often refuses to postulate any intervening mechanisms between the stimulus and the response   2 the doctrine that the mind has no separate existence but that statements about the mind and mental states can be analysed into statements about actual and potential behaviour. Compare materialism (sense 2). See also mind-body problem   > beˈhaviourist or US beˈhaviorist adj, n   > beˌhaviourˈistic or US beˌhaviorˈistic adj

■ behaviour therapy   n   any of various means of treating psychological disorders, such as desensitization, aversion therapy, and instrumental conditioning, that depend on the patient systematically learning new modes of behaviour

behead (bIˈhɛd)   vb   (tr) to remove the head from; decapitate [Old English behēafdian, from BE- + heafod HEAD; related to Middle High German behoubeten]

■ beheadal (bIˈhɛdəl)   n   a beheading

■ beheader (bIˈhɛdə)   n   a person who beheads another

■ beheading (bIˈhɛdIŋ)   n   the action of decapitating someone

beheld (bIˈhɛld)   vb   the past tense and past participle of behold

behemoth (bIˈhiːmɒθ)   n   1 Old Testament a gigantic beast, probably a hippopotamus, described in Job 40:15   2 a huge or monstrous person or thing [C14: from Hebrew běhēmōth, plural of běhēmāh beast]

behest (bIˈhɛst)   n   an authoritative order or earnest request [Old English behǣs, from behātan; see BE-, HEST]

behight (bIˈhaIt)   n   1 a vow or promise   ▷ vb (tr)   2 archaic to promise; vow

behind (bIˈhaInd)   prep   1 in or to a position further back than; at the rear of; at the back of   2 in the past in relation to: I've got the exams behind me now   3 late according to; not keeping up with: running behind schedule   4 concerning the circumstances surrounding: the reasons behind his departure   5 backing or supporting: I'm right behind you in your application   ▷ adv   6 in or to a position further back; following   7 remaining after someone's departure: she left it behind   8 in debt; in arrears: to fall behind with payments   ▷ adj   9 (postpositive) in a position further back; retarded: the car behind started to overtake   ▷ n   10 informal the buttocks   11 Australian rules football a score of one point made by kicking the ball over the behind line between a goalpost and one of the smaller outer posts (behind posts) [Old English behindan]

■ behindhand (bIˈhaIndˌhænd)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 remiss in fulfilling an obligation   2 in debt; in arrears   3 delayed in development; backward   4 late; behind time

Behistun (ˌbeIhIˈstuːn), Bisitun or Bisutun   n   a village in W Iran by the ancient road from Ecbatana to Babylon. On a nearby cliff is an inscription by Darius I in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian describing his enthronement

Behn (bɛn)   n   Aphra (ˈæfrə). 1640–89, English dramatist and novelist, best known for her play The Rover (1678) and her novel Oroonoko (1688)

behold (bIˈhəʊld)   vb -holds, -holding, -held (often used in the imperative to draw attention to something) archaic or literary   to look (at); observe [Old English bihealdan; related to Old High German bihaltan, Dutch behouden; see BE-, HOLD]   > beˈholder n

■ beholden (bIˈhəʊldən)   adj   indebted; obliged; under a moral obligation [Old English behealden, past participle of behealdan to BEHOLD]

behoof (bIˈhuːf)   n, pl -hooves   rare advantage or profit [Old English behōf; related to Middle High German behuof something useful; see BEHOVE]

behove (bIˈhəʊv) or US behoove (bIˈhuːv)   vb   (tr; impersonal) archaic to be necessary or fitting for: it behoves me to arrest you [Old English behōfian; related to Middle Low German behōven]

■ behoveful (bIˈhəʊvfʊl)   adj   archaic useful; of benefit

■ behovely (bIˈhəʊvlI)   adj   1 useful   ▷ adv   2 archaic in a useful manner

behowl (bIˈhaʊl)   vb (tr)   to howl at

Behrens (ˈbɛərənz; German ˈbeːrəns)   n   Peter. 1868–1940, German architect

Behring   n   1 (German ˈbeːrIŋ) Emil (Adolf) von (ˈeːmiːl fɔn). 1854–1917, German bacteriologist, who discovered diphtheria and tetanus antitoxins: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1901   2 (ˈbɛrIŋ, ˈbɛər-) a variant spelling of Bering

Beiderbecke (ˈbaIdəˌbɛk)   n   Leon Bismarcke, known as Bix. 1903–31, US jazz cornettist, composer, and pianist

beige (beIʒ)   n   1    a a very light brown, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, similar to the colour of undyed wool   b (as adjective): beige gloves   2 a fabric made of undyed or unbleached wool [C19: from Old French, of obscure origin]

■ beigy (ˈbeIʒI)   adj beigier, beigiest   informal resembling the colour beige

beigel (ˈbeIɡəl)   n   a variant spelling of bagel

beignet (ˈbɛnjeI)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a square deep-fried pastry served hot and sprinkled with icing sugar [C19: French bignet filled pastry, from buyne, literally: bump or lump]

Beijing (ˈbeIˈdʒIŋ)   n   the capital of the People's Republic of China, in the northeast in Beijing municipality (traditionally in Hebei province); the country's second largest city: dates back to the 12th century BC; consists of two central walled cities, the Outer City (containing the commercial quarter) and the Inner City, which contains the Imperial City, within which is the Purple or Forbidden City; many universities. Pop: 20 383 994 (2015 est). Former English name: Peking

bein (biːn)   adj   1 chiefly dialect comfortable; well-off   ▷ vb (intr)   2 Scot to fill   ▷ adv   3 archaic kindly

■ beinness (ˈbiːnnəs)   n   Scot the state of being comfortable

being (ˈbiːIŋ)   n   1 the state or fact of existing; existence   2 essential nature; self: she put her whole being into the part   3 something that exists or is thought to exist, esp something that cannot be assigned to any category: a being from outer space   4 a person; human being   5 (in the philosophy of Aristotle) actuality. Compare becoming (sense 3)

■ beingless (ˈbiːIŋlIs)   adj   having no existence

■ beingness (ˈbiːIŋnəs)   n   the state of being or existing

beinked (biːˈInkd)   adj   being daubed with ink

Beira (ˈbaIərə)   n   a port in E Mozambique: terminus of a transcontinental railway from Lobito, Angola, through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Pop: 566 000 (2005 est)

Beirut or Beyrouth (ˌbeIˈruːt)   n   the capital of Lebanon, a port on the Mediterranean: part of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until 1918; many universities (including Lebanese, American, French, and Arab). Pop: 2 226 478 (2015 est)

Beit Knesset or Beth Knesseth (bɛt ˈknɛsɛt)   n   a synagogue: often used in the names of congregations [from Hebrew, literally: house of assembly]

bejabers (bIˈdʒeIbəz)   interj   Irish informal by Jesus!

bejade (bIˈdʒeId)   vb (tr)   archaic to jade; tire

Béjart (French beʒar)   n   Maurice (mɔris). 1927–2007 French dancer and choreographer. His choreography is characterized by a combination of classic and modern dance and acrobatics

bejesuit (bIˈdʒɛzjʊIt)   vb (tr)   to convert to Jesuitism

bejesus (bIˈdʒeIzəz) informal   interj   1 an exclamation of surprise, emphasis, etc, regarded as a characteristic utterance of Irish people   ▷ n   2 the bejesus (intensifier) used in such phrases as beat the bejesus out of, scare the bejesus out of, etc [C20: alteration of by Jesus!]

bejewel (bIˈdʒuːəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   (tr) to decorate with or as if with jewels

■ bejewelled or US bejeweled (bIˈdʒuːəld)   adj   decorated with or as if with jewels

bejumble (bIˈdʒʌmbəl)   vb (tr)   to jumble up

Bekaa or Beqaa (bIˈkɑː)   n   a broad valley in central Lebanon, between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains. Ancient name: Coelesyria (ˌsiːliːˈsIrIə)

bekah (ˈbiːkɑː)   n   a half shekel

Békésy (Hungarian ˈbeːkeʃI)   n   Georg von (ˈɡeːɔrk fɔn). 1899–1972, US physicist, born in Hungary; noted for his work on the mechanism of hearing: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1961

bekiss (bIˈkIs)   vb (tr)   to smother with kisses

beknave (bIˈneIv)   vb (tr)   to treat as a knave

beknight (bIˈnaIt)   vb (tr)   to esteem

beknot (bIˈnɒt)   vb   (tr) to tie a knot or knots in

beknown (bIˈnəʊn)   adj   archaic known about

bel (bɛl)   n   a unit for comparing two power levels, equal to the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the two powers. Symbols: B, b. See also decibel [C20: named after Alexander Graham BELL]

Bel (beIl)   n   (in Babylonian and Assyrian mythology) the god of the earth

belabour or US belabor (bIˈleIbə)   vb (tr)   1 to beat severely; thrash   2 to attack verbally; criticize harshly   3 an obsolete word for labour

belace (bIˈleIs)   vb (tr)   1 to decorate with lace   2 nautical to fasten

belady (bIˈleIdI)   vb   (tr) to call (someone) a lady

Belagavi (ˌbɛləˈɡɑːvI)   n   a city in India, in Karnataka: cotton, furniture, leather. Pop: 399 600 (2001). Former name: Belgaum (bɛlˈɡaʊm)

belah or belar (ˈbiːlɑː)   n   an Australian casuarina tree, Casuarina cristata, yielding a useful timber

belamour, belamoure or bellamoure (ˈbɛləˌmɔː)   n   obsolete a beloved person

belamy (ˈbɛləmI)   n   archaic a close friend

Belarus (ˈbɛləˌrʌs, -ˌrʊs), Byelorussia or Belorussia (ˌbjɛləʊˈrʌʃə, ˌbɛl-)   n   a republic in E Europe; populated by Slavic tribes from the 6th century; part of the Kievan Rus’ from 9th to 13th century; then part of the medieval Lithuanian and Polish empires before being acquired by Russia; a Soviet republic (1919–91); in 1997 formed a close political and economic union with Russia: mainly low-lying and forested. Official Languages: Belarussian and Russian. Religion: believers are mostly Orthodox Christian. Currency: rouble. Capital: Minsk. Pop: 9 468 338 (2017 est). Area: 207 600 sq km (80 134 sq miles). Also called: Byelorussian Republic, Bielorussia, White Russia

■ Belarussian, Belarusian, Byelorussian or Belorussian (ˌbɛləʊˈrʌʃən, ˌbjɛl-)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Belarus, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 the official language of Belarus: an East Slavonic language closely related to Russian   3 a native or inhabitant of Belarus   ▶ Also called: White Russian

belate (bIˈleIt)   vb (tr)   to cause to be late

■ belated (bIˈleItId)   adj   late or too late: belated greetings   > beˈlatedly adv   > beˈlatedness n

Belau (bəˈlaʊ)   n   an alternative name for the (Republic of) Palau

belaud (bIˈlɔːd)   vb (tr)   to praise highly

belay (bIˈleI)   vb -lays, -laying, -layed   1 nautical to make fast (a line) by securing to a pin, cleat, or bitt   2 (usually imperative) nautical to stop; cease   3 (ˈbiːˌleI) mountaineering to secure (a climber) to a mountain by tying the rope off round a rock spike, piton, nut, etc   ▷ n   4 (ˈbiːˌleI) mountaineering the attachment (of a climber) to a mountain by tying the rope off round a rock spike, piton, nut, etc, to safeguard the party in the event of a fall. See also running belay [Old English belecgan; related to Old High German bileggen, Dutch beleggen]

■ belayer (bIˈleIə)   n   1 mountaineering a person who controls the safety rope for a climber   2 nautical a person who turns a rope around a cleat, or belaying pin, to make it hold tight

■ belaying pin   n   nautical a cylindrical, sometimes tapered pin, usually of metal or wood, that fits into a hole in a pin or fife rail: used for belaying

bel canto (ˈbɛl ˈkæntəʊ)   n   music   a a style of singing characterized by beauty of tone rather than dramatic power   b (as modifier): a bel canto aria [C19: Italian, literally: beautiful singing]

belch (bɛltʃ)   vb   1 (usually intr) to expel wind from the stomach noisily through the mouth; eructate   2 to expel or be expelled forcefully from inside: smoke belching from factory chimneys   3 to say (curses, insults, etc) violently or bitterly   ▷ n   4 an act of belching; eructation [Old English bialcan; related to Middle Low German belken to shout, Dutch balken to bray]

■ belcher (ˈbɛltʃə)   n   1 a person who belches   2 a handkerchief worn around the neck

beldam or beldame (ˈbɛldəm)   n   1 archaic an old woman, esp an ugly or malicious one; hag   2 an obsolete word for grandmother [C15: from bel- grand (as in grandmother), from Old French bel beautiful, from Latin bellus + dam mother, variant of DAME]

beleaguer (bIˈliːɡə)   vb (tr)   1 to trouble persistently; harass   2 to lay siege to [C16: from BE- + LEAGUER^1]

■ beleaguered (bIˈliːɡəd)   adj   1 experiencing difficulties, opposition or criticism   2 surrounded by enemies

■ beleaguerment (bIˈliːɡərmənt)   n   a blockade or siege

beleap (bIˈliːp)   vb -leaps, -leaping, -leapt or -leaped (tr)   archaic to leap over

belee (bIˈliː)   vb (tr)   archaic to position on the sheltered side

Belém (Portuguese bəˈlẽi)   n   a port in N Brazil, the capital of Pará state, on the Pará River: major trading centre for the Amazon basin. Pop: 2 097 000 (2005 est)

belemnite (ˈbɛləmˌnaIt)   n   1 any extinct marine cephalopod mollusc of the order Belemnoidea, related to the cuttlefish   2 the long pointed conical internal shell of any of these animals: a common Mesozoic fossil [C17: from Greek belemnon dart]

belemnoid (ˈbɛləmˌnɔId)   adj   anatomy, zoology shaped like a dart

bel esprit French (bɛl ɛspri)   n, pl beaux esprits (boz ɛspri)   a witty or clever person [literally: fine wit]

Belfast (ˈbɛlfɑːst, bɛlˈfɑːst)   n   1 the capital of Northern Ireland, a port on Belfast Lough in Belfast district, Co Antrim and Co Down: became the centre of Irish Protestantism and of the linen industry in the 17th century; seat of the Northern Ireland assembly and executive. Pop: 281 000 (2011 est)   2 a district of W Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim and Co Down. Pop: 268 700 (2010 est). Area: 115 sq km (44 sq miles)

Belfort (French bɛlfɔr)   n   1 Territoire de Belfort (tɛritwar də) a department of E France, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region: the only part of Alsace remaining to France after 1871. Capital: Belfort. Pop: 139 383 (2003 est). Area: 608 sq km (237 sq miles)   2 a fortress town in E France: strategically situated in the Belfort Gap between the Vosges and the Jura mountains. Pop: 50 417 (1999)

belfried (ˈbɛlfrId)   adj   with a belfry

belfry (ˈbɛlfrI)   n, pl -fries   1 the part of a tower or steeple in which bells are hung   2 a tower or steeple. Compare campanile   3 the timber framework inside a tower or steeple on which bells are hung   4 (formerly) a movable tower for attacking fortifications [C13: from Old French berfrei, of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German bercfrit fortified tower, Medieval Latin berfredus tower]

Belg. or Bel.   abbreviation for   1 Belgian   2 Belgium

belga (ˈbɛlɡə)   n   a former Belgian monetary unit worth five francs

Belgae (ˈbɛldʒiː, ˈbɛlɡaI)   n   an ancient Celtic people who in Roman times inhabited present-day Belgium and N France   > ˈBelgic adj

belgard (ˈbɛlˌɡɑːd)   n   archaic a loving gaze

Belgaum (bɛlˈɡaʊm)   n   the former name of Belagavi

Belgian (ˈbɛldʒən)   n   1 a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Belgium. See also Fleming^1, Walloon   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of Belgium or the Belgians   3 of or relating to the Walloon French or the Flemish languages

■ Belgian Congo   n   a former name (1908–60) of Congo (sense 1)

■ Belgian hare   n   a large red breed of domestic rabbit

■ Belgian shepherd dog   n   a medium-sized well-proportioned dog of a breed that resembles an Alsatian in appearance and is often used as a sheepdog or a guard dog

belgicism (ˈbɛldʒIsIzəm)   n   a word or expression used by Belgians when speaking French or Dutch

Belgium (ˈbɛldʒəm)   n   a federal kingdom in NW Europe: at various times under the rulers of Burgundy, Spain, Austria, France, and the Netherlands before becoming an independent kingdom in 1830. It formed the Benelux customs union with the Netherlands and Luxembourg in 1948 and was a founder member of the Common Market, now the European Union. It consists chiefly of a low-lying region of sand, woods, and heath (the Campine) in the north and west, and a fertile undulating central plain rising to the Ardennes Mountains in the southeast. Languages: French, Flemish (Dutch), German. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: euro. Capital: Brussels. Pop: 11 429 336 (2017 est). Area: 30 513 sq km (11 778 sq miles)

Belgorod-Dnestrovski or Byelgorod-Dnestrovski (Russian ˈbjɛlɡərət-dnjIˈstrɔfskij)   n   a port in SW Ukraine, on the Dniester estuary: belonged to Romania from 1918 until 1940; under Soviet rule (1944–91). Pop: 48 100 (2004 est). Romanian name: Cetatea Albă. Former name (until 1946): Akkerman

Belgrade (bɛlˈɡreId, ˈbɛlɡreId)   n   the capital of Serbia, in the E part at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers: became the capital of Serbia in 1878, of Yugoslavia in 1929, and later of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (2003–2006). Pop: 1 181 810 (2015 est). Serbian name: Beograd

Belgravia (bɛlˈɡreIvIə)   n   a fashionable residential district of W central London, around Belgrave Square

Belial (ˈbiːlIəl)   n   1 a demon mentioned frequently in apocalyptic literature: identified in the Christian tradition with the devil or Satan   2 (in the Old Testament and rabbinical literature) worthlessness or wickedness [C13: from Hebrew bəlīyya`al, from bəlīy without + ya`al worth]

belie (bIˈlaI)   vb -lies, -lying, -lied (tr)   1 to show to be untrue; contradict   2 to misrepresent; disguise the nature of: the report belied the real extent of the damage   3 to fail to justify; disappoint [Old English belēogan; related to Old Frisian biliuga, Old High German biliugan; see BE-, LIE^1]   > beˈlier n

belief (bIˈliːf)   n   1 a principle, proposition, idea, etc, accepted as true   2 opinion; conviction   3 religious faith   4 trust or confidence, as in a person or a person's abilities, probity, etc

■ beliefless (bIˈliːflIs)   adj   having no faith or belief

believe (bIˈliːv)   vb   1 (tr; may take a clause as object) to accept (a statement, supposition, or opinion) as true: I believe God exists   2 (tr) to accept the statement or opinion of (a person) as true   3 (intr; foll by in) to be convinced of the truth or existence (of): to believe in fairies   4 (intr) to have religious faith   5 (when tr, takes a clause as object) to think, assume, or suppose: I believe that he has left already   6 (tr; foll by of; used with can, could, would, etc) to think that someone is able to do (a particular action): I wouldn't have believed it of him [Old English beliefan]   > beˈlievaˌbility n   > beˈlievable adj   > beˈlievably adv   > beˈliever n   > beˈlieving n, adj

■ believingly (bIˈliːvIŋlI)   adv   with belief; in a believing manner

belike (bIˈlaIk)   adv   archaic or dialect perhaps; maybe

beliquor (bIˈlIkə)   vb (tr)   to cause to be drunk

Belisarius (ˌbɛlIˈsɑːrIəs)   n   ?505–565 AD, Byzantine general under Justinian I. He recovered North Africa from the Vandals and Italy from the Ostrogoths and led forces against the Persians

Belisha beacon (bəˈliːʃə)   n   a flashing light in an orange globe mounted on a post, indicating a pedestrian crossing on a road [C20: named after Leslie Hore-Belisha (1893–1957), British politician]

belittle (bIˈlItəl)   vb (tr)   1 to consider or speak of (something) as less valuable or important than it really is; disparage   2 to cause to make small; dwarf   > beˈlittlement n   > beˈlittler n   > beˈlittlingly adv

Belitung (bIˈliːtʊŋ)   n   another name for Billiton

belive (bIˈlaIv)   adv   speedily

Belize (bəˈliːz)   n   a state in Central America, on the Caribbean Sea: site of a Mayan civilization until the 9th century AD; colonized by the British from 1638; granted internal self-government in 1964; became an independent state within the Commonwealth in 1981. Official language: English; Carib and Spanish are also spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: Belize dollar. Capital: Belmopan. Pop: 374 681 (2017 est). Area: 22 965 sq km (8867 sq miles). Former name (until 1973): British Honduras

■ Belizean (bəˈliːzən)   adj   1 of or relating to Belize or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Belize

■ Belize City   n   a port and the largest city in Belize, on the Caribbean coast: capital until 1973, when that function was transferred inland to Belmopan owing to hurricane risk. Pop: 53 000 (2005 est)

bell^1 (bɛl)   n   1 a hollow, usually metal, cup-shaped instrument that emits a musical ringing sound when struck, often by a clapper hanging inside it   2 the sound made by such an instrument or device, as for showing the hours or marking the beginning or end of a period of time   3 an electrical device that rings or buzzes as a signal   4 the bowl-shaped termination of the tube of certain musical wind instruments, such as the trumpet or oboe   5 any musical percussion instrument emitting a ringing tone, such as a glockenspiel, one of a set of hand bells, etc. Compare chime^1 (sense 3)   6 nautical a signal rung on a ship's bell to count the number of half-hour intervals during each of six four-hour watches reckoned from midnight. Thus, one bell may signify 12.30, 4.30, or 8.30 a.m. or p.m   7 See diving bell   8 biology a structure resembling a bell in shape, such as the corolla of certain flowers or the body of a jellyfish   9 Brit slang a telephone call (esp in the phrase give someone a bell)   10 beat seven bells out of or knock seven bells out of Brit informal to give a severe beating to   11 bell, book, and candle   a instruments used formerly in excommunications and other ecclesiastical acts   b informal the solemn ritual ratification of such acts   12 ring a bell to sound familiar; recall to the mind something previously experienced, esp indistinctly   13 sound as a bell in perfect condition   14 the bells the ringing of bells, in a church or other public building, at midnight on December 31st, symbolizing the beginning of a new year   ▷ vb   15 to be or cause to be shaped like a bell   16 (tr) to attach a bell or bells to   17 bell the cat to undertake a very dangerous mission [Old English belle; related to Old Norse bjalla, Middle Low German bell; see BELL^2]

■ bell-bottoms or bell-bottomed trousers   pl n   trousers that flare from the knee and have wide bottoms   > ˈbell-ˌbottomed adj

■ bellboy (ˈbɛlˌbɔI)   n   a man or boy employed in a hotel, club, etc, to carry luggage and answer calls for service; page; porter. Also called (US and Canadian): bellhop

■ bell bronze   n   an alloy of copper and tin that contains a high proportion (at least 20 per cent) of tin: used for bell founding

■ bell buoy   n   a navigational buoy fitted with a bell, the clapper of which strikes when the waves move the buoy

■ bell captain   n   US and Canadian another name for captain (sense 9)

■ bellcote (ˈbɛlˌkəʊt)   n   a small roofed structure for bells

■ bell crank   n   engineering a lever with two arms having a common fulcrum at their junction

■ belleter (ˈbɛlətə)   n   a person who makes bells

■ bellflower (ˈbɛlˌflaʊə)   n   another name for campanula

■ bellfounder (ˈbɛlˌfaʊndə)   n   a foundry worker who casts bells   > ˈbellˌfoundry n

■ bell glass   n   another name for bell jar

■ bellhanger (ˈbɛlˌhæŋə)   n   a person who mounts bells

■ bell heather   n   an ericaceous shrub, Erica cinerea. See heath (sense 2)

■ bellhop (ˈbɛlˌhɒp)   n   US and Canadian another name for bellboy

■ bell jar   n   a bell-shaped glass cover used to protect flower arrangements or fragile ornaments or to cover apparatus in experiments, esp to prevent gases escaping

■ bell magpie   n   another name for currawong

■ bellman (ˈbɛlmən)   n, pl -men   a man who rings a bell, esp (formerly) a town crier

■ bell metal   n   an alloy of copper and tin, with some zinc and lead, used in casting bells

■ bell moth   n   any moth of the family Tortricidae, which when at rest resemble the shape of a bell

■ bell pull   n   a handle, rope, or cord that is pulled to ring a doorbell or servant's bell

■ bell punch   n   a machine that issues or stamps a ticket, etc, ringing a bell as it does so

■ bell push   n   a button that is pressed to operate an electric bell

■ bell-ringer   n   1 a person who rings church bells   2 a person who plays musical handbells   > ˈbell-ˌringing n

■ bells and whistles   pl n   1 additional features or accessories which are nonessential but very attractive: my car has all the latest bells and whistles   2 additions, such as options or warranties, made to a financial product to increase its market appeal [C20: from the bells and whistles which used to decorate fairground organs]

■ bell-shaped   adj   shaped like a bell

■ bell sheep   n   Austral a sheep that a shearer is just starting to shear (and is allowed to finish) as the bell rings for the end of a work period

■ bells of Ireland   n   (functioning as singular) an annual garden plant, Moluccella laevis, whose flowers have a green cup-shaped calyx: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

■ bell tent   n   a cone-shaped tent having a single central supporting pole

■ bell-topper   n   NZ obsolete, informal a tall silk hat

■ bellwether (ˈbɛlˌwɛðə)   n   1 a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell   2 a leader, esp one followed unquestioningly

■ bellwort (ˈbɛlˌwɜːt)   n US   1 any plant of the North American liliaceous genus Uvularia, having slender bell-shaped yellow flowers   2 another name for campanula

bell^2 (bɛl)   n   1 a bellowing or baying cry, esp that of a hound or a male deer in rut   ▷ vb   2 to utter (such a cry) [Old English bellan; related to Old Norse belja to bellow, Old High German bellan to roar, Sanskrit bhāsate he talks; see BELLOW]

Bell (bɛl)   n   1  Acton, Currer (ˈkʌrə), and Ellis. pen names of the sisters Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Brontë. See Brontë   2  Alexander Graham. 1847–1922, US scientist, born in Scotland, who invented the telephone (1876)   3  Sir Francis Henry Dillon. 1851–1936, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1925)   4  Gertrude (Margaret Lowthian). 1868–1926, British traveller, writer, and diplomat; secretary to the British High Commissioner in Baghdad (1917–26)   5  Dame (Susan) Jocelyn, married name Jocelyn Burnell. born 1943, British radio astronomer, who discovered the first pulsar   6  Joshua. born 1967, US violinist   7  Vanessa, original name Vanessa Stephen. 1879–1961, British painter; a member of the Bloomsbury group, sister of Virginia Woolf and wife of the art critic Clive Bell (1881–1964)

belladonna (ˌbɛləˈdɒnə)   n   1 either of two alkaloid drugs, atropine or hyoscyamine, obtained from the leaves and roots of the deadly nightshade   2 another name for deadly nightshade [C16: from Italian, literally: beautiful lady; supposed to refer to its use by women as a cosmetic]

■ belladonna lily   n   another name for amaryllis

Bellamy (ˈbɛləmI)   n   David (James). born 1933, British botanist, writer, and broadcaster

Bellarmine (ˈbɛlɑːˌmiːn)   n   Saint Robert. 1542–1621, Italian Jesuit theologian and cardinal; an important influence during the Counter-Reformation

■ bellarmine (ˈbɛlɑːˌmiːn)   n   a large stoneware or earthenware jug for ale or spirits, bearing a bearded mask [C18: named after Saint Robert Bellarmine, whom these jugs were intended to caricature]

Bellatrix (ˈbɛlətrIks)   n   the third brightest star in the constellation Orion

Bellay (French bɛlɛ)   n   Joachim du (ʒɔaʃɛ̃ dy). 1522–60, French poet, a member of the Pléiade

bellbind (ˈbɛlˌbaInd)   n   a twining, bindweed-type climber with fleshy roots

bellbird (ˈbɛlˌbɜːd)   n   1 any of several tropical American passerine birds of the genus Procnias having a bell-like call: family Cotingidae (cotingas)   2 either of two other birds with a bell-like call: an Australian flycatcher, Oreoica gutturalis (crested bellbird), or a New Zealand honeyeater, Anthornis melanura

belle (bɛl)   n   1 a beautiful girl or woman   2 the most attractive or admired girl or woman at a place, function, etc (esp in the phrase the belle of the ball) [C17: from French, feminine of BEAU]

Belleau Wood (ˈbɛləʊ; French bɛlo)   n   a forest in N France: site of a battle (1918) in which the US Marines halted a German advance on Paris

Belleek (bəˈliːk)   n   trademark   a a kind of thin fragile porcelain with a lustrous glaze   b (as modifier): a Belleek vase [named after Belleek, a town in Northern Ireland where such porcelain is made]

belle époque French (bɛl epɔk)   n   the period of comfortable well-established life in Europe before World War I [literally: fine period]

Belle Isle   n   an island in the Atlantic, at the N entrance to the Strait of Belle Isle, between Labrador and Newfoundland. Area: about 39 sq km (15 sq miles)

Bellerophon (bəˈlɛrəˌfɒn)   n   Greek myth a hero of Corinth who performed many deeds with the help of the winged horse Pegasus, notably the killing of the monster Chimera

belles-lettres (French bɛllɛtrə)   n   (functioning as singular) literary works, esp essays and poetry, valued for their aesthetic rather than their informative or moral content [C17: from French: fine letters]

■ belletrist (bɛlˈlɛtrIst)   n   a writer of belles-lettres   > belˈletrism n   > belletristic (ˌbɛlIˈtrIstIk) adj

■ belletristical (ˌbɛlIˈtrIstIkəl)   adj   relating to the fine arts

bellibone (ˈbɛlIˌbəʊn)   n   archaic a beautiful and good woman

bellicose (ˈbɛlIˌkəʊs, -ˌkəʊz)   adj   warlike; aggressive; ready to fight [C15: from Latin bellicōsus, from bellum war]   > ˈbelliˌcosely adv   > bellicosity (ˌbɛlIˈkɒsItI) n

belligerati (bIˌlIdʒəˈrɑːtI)   pl n   intellectuals, such as writers, who advocate war or imperialism [C20: from bellig(erent) + -ati as in LITERATI]

belligerent (bIˈlIdʒərənt)   adj   1 marked by readiness to fight or argue; aggressive: a belligerent tone   2 relating to or engaged in a legally recognized war or warfare   ▷ n   3 a person or country engaged in fighting or war [C16: from Latin belliger, from bellum war + gerere to wage]

■ belligerence (bIˈlIdʒərəns)   n   the act or quality of being belligerent or warlike; aggressiveness

■ belligerency (bIˈlIdʒərənsI)   n   the state of being at war

■ belligerently (bIˈlIdʒərəntlI)   adv   aggressively

Bellingshausen Sea (ˈbɛlIŋzˌhaʊzən)   n   an area of the S Pacific Ocean off the coast of Antarctica [named after Fabian Gottlieb Bellingshausen (1778–1852), Russian explorer]

Bellini (Italian belˈlini)   n   1  Giovanni (dʒoˈvanni). ?1430–1516, Italian painter of the Venetian school, noted for his altarpieces, landscapes, and Madonnas. His father Jacopo (?1400–70) and his brother Gentile (?1429–1507) were also painters   2  Vincenzo (vinˈtʃɛntso). 1801–35, Italian composer of operas, esp La Sonnambula (1831) and Norma (1831)

■ bellini   n   a cocktail consisting of Prosecco and peach purée [C20: named after Giovanni Bellini, because the drink's pink colour resembles one used in one of the artist's paintings]

Bellinzona (Italian bellinˈtsona)   n   a town in SE central Switzerland, capital of Ticino canton. Pop: 16 463 (2000)

Belloc (ˈbɛlɒk)   n   Hilaire (ˈhIlɛə, hIˈlɛə). 1870–1953, British poet, essayist, and historian, born in France, noted particularly for his verse for children in The Bad Child's Book of Beasts (1896) and Cautionary Tales (1907)

bellock (ˈbɛlək)   vb   Midland English dialect to shout

Bellona (bəˈləʊnə)   n   the Roman goddess of war

bellow (ˈbɛləʊ)   vb   1 (intr) to make a loud deep raucous cry like that of a bull; roar   2 to shout (something) unrestrainedly, as in anger or pain; bawl   ▷ n   3 the characteristic noise of a bull   4 a loud deep sound, as of pain or anger [C14: probably from Old English bylgan; related to bellan to BELL^2]   > ˈbellower n

Bellow (ˈbɛləʊ)   n   Saul. 1915–2005, US novelist, born in Canada. His works include Dangling Man (1944), The Adventures of Angie March (1954), Herzog (1964), Humboldt's Gift (1975), The Dean's December (1981), and Ravelstein (2000): Nobel prize for literature 1976

bellows (ˈbɛləʊz)   n (functioning as singular or plural)   1 Also called: pair of bellows an instrument consisting of an air chamber with flexible sides or end, a means of compressing it, an inlet valve, and a constricted outlet that is used to create a stream of air, as for producing a draught for a fire or for sounding organ pipes   2 photog a telescopic light-tight sleeve, connecting the lens system of some cameras to the body of the instrument   3 a flexible corrugated element used as an expansion joint, pump, or means of transmitting axial motion [C16: from plural of Old English belig BELLY]

■ bellows fish   n   another name for snipefish

Bell's palsy   n   a usually temporary paralysis of the muscles of the face, normally on one side [C19: named after Sir Charles Bell (1774–1842), British anatomist]

belly (ˈbɛlI)   n, pl -lies   1 the lower or front part of the body of a vertebrate, containing the intestines and other abdominal organs; abdomen. Related adjective: ventral   2 the stomach, esp when regarded as the seat of gluttony   3 a part, line, or structure that bulges deeply: the belly of a sail   4 the inside or interior cavity of something: the belly of a ship   5 the front or inner part or underside of something   6 the surface of a stringed musical instrument over which the strings are stretched   7 the thick central part of certain muscles   8 Austral and NZ the wool from a sheep's belly   9 tanning the portion of a hide or skin on the underpart of an animal   10 archery the surface of the bow next to the bowstring   11 archaic the womb   12 go belly up informal to die, fail, or come to an end   ▷ vb -lies, -lying, -lied   13 to swell out or cause to swell out; bulge [Old English belig; related to Old High German balg, Old Irish bolg sack, Sanskrit barhi chaff]

■ bellyache (ˈbɛlIˌeIk)   n   1 an informal term for stomachache   ▷ vb   2 (intr) slang to complain repeatedly   > ˈbellyˌacher n

■ bellyaching (ˈbɛlIeIkIŋ)   n   informal constant complaining

■ bellyband (ˈbɛlIˌbænd)   n   a strap around the belly of a draught animal, holding the shafts of a vehicle

■ bellybutton (ˈbɛlIˌbʌtən)   n   an informal name for the navel

■ belly dance   n   1 a sensuous and provocative dance of Middle Eastern origin, performed by women, with undulating movements of the hips and abdomen   ▷ vb belly-dance   2 (intr) to perform such a dance   > belly dancer n

■ belly flop   n   1 a dive into water in which the body lands horizontally   2 another name for belly landing   ▷ vb belly-flop (-flops, -flopping, -flopped)   3 (intr) to perform a belly flop

■ bellyful (ˈbɛlIˌfʊl)   n   1 as much as one wants or can eat   2 slang more than one can tolerate

■ belly landing   n   the landing of an aircraft on its fuselage without use of its landing gear

■ belly laugh   n   a loud deep hearty laugh

■ belly-like   adj   resembling a belly

Belmondo (bɛlˈmɒndəʊ; French bɛlmɔ̃do)   n   Jean-Paul (ʒɑ̃pol). born 1933, French film actor

Belmopan (ˌbɛlməˈpæn)   n   (since 1973) the capital of Belize, about 50 miles inland: founded in 1970. Pop: 13 500 (2005)

Belo Horizonte (Portuguese ˈbɛloriˈzõtʃi)   n   a city in SE Brazil, the capital of Minas Gerais state. Pop: 5 304 000 (2005 est)

belomancy (ˈbɛləˌmænsI)   n   the art of divination using arrows

belon (ˈbɛlən)   n   a type of European oyster

belong (bIˈlɒŋ)   vb (intr)   1 (foll by to) to be the property or possession (of)   2 (foll by to) to be bound to (a person, place, or club) by ties of affection, dependence, allegiance, or membership   3 (foll by to, under, with, etc) to be classified (with): this plant belongs to the daisy family   4 (foll by to) to be a part or adjunct (of): this top belongs to the smaller box   5 to have a proper or usual place: that plate belongs in the cupboard   6 informal to be suitable or acceptable, esp socially: although they were rich, they just didn't belong [C14 belongen, from BE- (intensive) + longen; related to Old High German bilangēn to reach; see LONG^3]

■ belonger (bIˈlɒŋə)   n   a native-born Caribbean person

■ belonging (bIˈlɒŋIŋ)   n   secure relationship; affinity (esp in the phrase a sense of belonging)

■ belongingness (bIˈlɒŋIŋnəs)   n   the human state of being an essential part of something

■ belongings (bIˈlɒŋIŋz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) the things that a person owns or has with him or her; possessions; effects

Belorussia (ˌbjɛləʊˈrʌʃə, ˌbɛl-)   n   a variant spelling of Belarus

■ Belorussian   n, adj   a variant spelling of Belarussian

Belostok (bjIlaˈstɔk)   n   transliteration of the Russian name for Białystok

belove (bIˈlʌv)   vb (tr)   to love

■ beloved (bIˈlʌvId, -ˈlʌvd)   adj   1 dearly loved   ▷ n   2 a person who is dearly loved, such as a wife or husband

Belovo (Russian ˈbjɛləvə)   n   a variant spelling of Byelovo

below (bIˈləʊ)   prep   1 at or to a position lower than; under   2 less than in quantity or degree   3 south of   4 downstream of   5 unworthy of; beneath   ▷ adv   6 at or to a lower position or place   7 at a later place (in something written): see below   8 archaic beneath heaven; on earth or in hell [C14: bilooghe, from bi BY + looghe LOW^1]

■ belowdecks (bIˈləʊˌdɛks)   adv   nautical below a ship's deck

■ belowground (bIˈləʊˌɡraʊnd)   adj   underground

■ belowstairs (bIˈləʊˌstɛəz)   adv   (formerly) at or in the basement of a large house, considered as the place where the servants live and work

■ below-the-line   adj   1 denoting the entries printed below the horizontal line on a company's profit-and-loss account that show how any profit is to be distributed   2 (of an advertising campaign) employing sales promotions, direct marketing, in-store exhibitions and displays, trade shows, sponsorship, and merchandising that do not involve an advertising agency   3 (in national accounts) below the horizontal line separating revenue from capital transactions. Compare above-the-line

Bel Paese (ˈbɛl pɑːˈeIzI)   n   a mild creamy Italian cheese [C20: from Italian, literally: beautiful country]

Belsen (ˈbɛlsən; German ˈbɛlzən)   n   a village in NE Germany: with Bergen, the site of a Nazi concentration camp (1943–45)

Belshazzar (bɛlˈʃæzə)   n   6th century BC, the son of Nabonidus, coregent of Babylon with his father for eight years: referred to as king and son of Nebuchadnezzar in the Old Testament (Daniel 5:1, 17; 8:1); described as having received a divine message of doom written on a wall at a banquet (Belshazzar's Feast)

belt (bɛlt)   n   1 a band of cloth, leather, etc, worn, usually around the waist, to support clothing, carry tools, weapons, or ammunition, or as decoration   2 a narrow band, circle, or stripe, as of colour   3 an area, esp an elongated one, where a specific thing or specific conditions are found; zone: the town belt; a belt of high pressure   4 a belt worn as a symbol of rank (as by a knight or an earl), or awarded as a prize (as in boxing or wrestling), or to mark particular expertise (as in judo or karate)   5 See seatbelt   6 a band of flexible material between rotating shafts or pulleys to transfer motion or transmit goods: a fan belt; a conveyer belt   7 a beltcourse. See cordon (sense 4)   8 informal a sharp blow, as with a bat or the fist   9 below the belt   a boxing below the waist, esp in the groin   b informal in an unscrupulous or cowardly way   10 tighten one's belt to take measures to reduce expenditure   11 under one's belt   a (of food or drink) in one's stomach   b in one's possession   c as part of one's experience: he had a linguistics degree under his belt   ▷ vb   12 (tr) to fasten or attach with or as if with a belt   13 (tr) to hit with a belt   14 (tr) slang to give a sharp blow; punch   15 (intr; often foll by along) slang to move very fast, esp in a car: belting down the motorway   16 (tr) rare to mark with belts, as of colour   17 (tr) rare to encircle; surround [Old English, from Latin balteus]   > ˈbelted adj

■ belt-and-braces   adj   providing double security, in case one security measure should fail: a belt-and-braces policy

■ beltcourse (ˈbɛltˌkɔːs)   n   another name for cordon (sense 4)

■ belt drive   n   engineering a transmission system using a flexible belt to transfer power

■ belter (ˈbɛltə)   n informal   1 an event, person, quality, etc, that is admirable, outstanding, or thrilling: a real belter of a match   2    a a rousing or spirited popular song that is sung loudly and enthusiastically   b a person who sings popular songs in a loud and spirited manner

■ belting (ˈbɛltIŋ)   n   1 the material used to make a belt or belts   2 belts collectively   3 informal a beating   ▷ adj   4 Brit informal excellent; first-class

■ beltless (ˈbɛltlIs)   adj   lacking a belt

■ beltline (ˈbɛltˌlaIn)   n   1 a line separating a car's windows from the main body   2 a road or railway that circles a metropolitan area

■ beltman (ˈbɛltˌmæn)   n   Austral and NZ (formerly) the member of a beach life-saving team who swam out with a line attached to his belt

■ belt out   vb   (tr, adverb) informal to sing loudly or emit (sound, esp pop music) loudly

■ belt up   vb (adverb)   1 slang to become or cause to become silent; stop talking: often used in the imperative   2 to fasten with or by a belt, esp a seat belt

■ beltway (ˈbɛltˌweI)   n   1 the usual US name for a ring road   2 (usually capital)   a the people and institutions located in the area bounded by the Washington Beltway, taken to be politically and socially out of touch with the rest of America and much given to political intrigue   b (as modifier): Beltway Cassandras

Beltane (ˈbɛlteIn, -tən)   n   an ancient Celtic festival with a sacrificial bonfire on May Day. It is also celebrated by modern pagans [C15: from Scottish Gaelic bealltainn]

beluga (bIˈluːɡə)   n   1 a large white sturgeon, Acipenser (or Huso) huso, of the Black and Caspian Seas: a source of caviar and isinglass. Also called: hausen   2 another name for white whale [C18: from Russian byeluga, from byely white]

belvedere (ˈbɛlvIˌdIə, ˌbɛlvIˈdIə)   n   a building, such as a summerhouse or roofed gallery, sited to command a fine view. See also gazebo [C16: from Italian: beautiful sight]

Belvoir Castle (ˈbiːvə)   n   a castle in Leicestershire, near Grantham (in Lincolnshire): seat of the Dukes of Rutland; rebuilt by James Wyatt in 1816

Belyi or Bely (ˈbjɛlI)   n   Andrei (ʌnˈdreI), real name Boris Nikolayevich Bugaev. 1880–1934, Russian poet, novelist, and critic: a leading exponent of symbolism. His novels include Petersburg (1913)

BEM   abbreviation for   British Empire Medal

bema, bimah or bima (ˈbiːmə)   n   1 the speaker's platform in the assembly in ancient Athens   2 Eastern Orthodox Church a raised area surrounding the altar in a church; the sanctuary   3 Judaism another word for almemar [C17: via Late Latin, from Greek bēma, from bainein to go]

bemad (bIˈmæd)   vb (tr)   to cause to become mad

bemadam (bIˈmædəm)   vb (tr)   to call a person madam

bemadden (bIˈmædən)   vb   (tr) to cause to become mad

bemaul (bIˈmɔːl)   vb (tr)   to maul

bemazed (biːˈmeIzd)   adj   amazed, bewildered

Bemba (ˈbɛmbə)   n   1 (pl -ba or -bas) a member of a people of Africa, living chiefly in Zambia on a high infertile plateau   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family

bembex (ˈbɛmbɛks)   n   any wasp of the genus Bembex

Bembo^1 (Italian ˈbɛmbo)   n   Pietro (ˈpjɛːtro). 1470–1547, Italian scholar, poet, and cardinal (1539). His treatise Prose della volgar lingua (1525) helped to establish a standard form of literary Italian

Bembo^2 (ˈbɛmbəʊ)   n   a style of type [C20: named after Pietro BEMBO, because the design of the typeface was based on one used for an edition of his tract De ætna by the printer Aldus Manutius]

bemean (bIˈmiːn)   vb   a less common word for demean^1

bemedal (bIˈmɛdəl)   vb (tr)   to decorate with medals

bemete (bIˈmiːt)   vb (tr)   archaic to measure

bemingle (bIˈmIŋɡəl)   vb (tr)   to mingle

bemire (bIˈmaIə)   vb (tr)   1 to soil with or as if with mire   2 (usually passive) to stick fast in mud or mire

bemist (bIˈmIst)   vb (tr)   to cloud with mist

bemix (bIˈmIks)   vb   (tr) to mix thoroughly

bemoan (bIˈməʊn)   vb   to grieve over (a loss, etc); mourn; lament (esp in the phrase bemoan one's fate) [Old English bemǣnan; see BE-, MOAN]

■ bemoaner (bIˈməʊnə)   n   a person who bemoans

bemock (bIˈmɒk)   vb (tr)   to mock

bemoil (bIˈmɔIl)   vb (tr)   archaic to soil with mud

bemonster (bIˈmɒnstə)   vb (tr)   1 to treat as a monster   2 to disfigure, make monstrous

bemouth (bIˈmaʊθ)   vb (tr)   to praise a person dramatically

bemud (bIˈmʌd)   vb (tr)   to cover with mud

bemuddle (bIˈmʌdəl)   vb (tr)   to confuse

bemuffle (bIˈmʌfəl)   vb (tr)   to muffle, wrap up warmly

bemurmur (bIˈmɜːmə)   vb (tr)   to murmur at

bemuse (bIˈmjuːz)   vb   (tr) to confuse; bewilder   > beˈmusement n   > beˈmusing adj

■ bemused (bIˈmjuːzd)   adj   preoccupied; lost in thought   > bemusedly (bIˈmjuːzIdlI) adv

bemuzzle (bIˈmʌzəl)   vb   (tr) to put a muzzle on

ben^1 (bɛn) Scot   n   1 an inner room in a house or cottage   ▷ prep, adv   2 in; within; inside; into the inner part (of a house)   ▷ adj   3 inner   ▶ Compare but^2 [Old English binnan, from BE- + innan inside]

ben^2 (bɛn)   n   1 any of several Asiatic trees of the genus Moringa, esp M. oleifera of Arabia and India, whose seeds yield oil of ben, used in manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics, lubricating delicate machinery, etc: family Moringaceae   2 the seed of such a tree [C15: from Arabic bān]

ben^3 (bɛn)   n   Scot and Irish a mountain peak (esp in place names): Ben Lomond [C18: from Gaelic beinn, from beann]

Benacerraf (ˌbɛnəˈsɛrɑːf)   n   Baruj. 1920–2011, Venezuelan-born US immunologist: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1980) for his work on histocompatibility antigens

Benadryl (ˈbɛnədrIl)   n   trademark an antihistamine drug used in sleeping tablets; diphenhydramine. Formula: C_17H_21NO

bename (bIˈneIm)   vb -names, -naming, -named, -named or -nempt   an archaic word for name (sense 12) [Old English benemnan; see BE-, NAME]

Benares (bIˈnɑːrIz) or Banaras   n   the former name of Varanasi

Benaud (ˈbəːnəʊ)   n   Richard, known as Richie. 1930–2015, Australian cricketer; played in 63 test matches, 28 as captain; an all-rounder, he was the first to score 2000 runs and take 200 wickets in tests; TV commentator on the sport for many decades

Benavente y Martínez (Spanish benɑˈvɛnte i marˈtineθ)   n   Jacinto. 1866–1954, Spanish dramatist and critic, who wrote over 150 plays. Nobel prize for literature 1922

Ben Bella (bɛn ˈbɛlə)   n   Mohammed Ahmed (ˈɑːmId). 1916–2012, Algerian statesman: first prime minister (1962–65) and president (1963–65) of independent Algeria: overthrown and imprisoned (1965–80)

Benbow (ˈbɛnbəʊ)   n   John. 1653–1702, English admiral, noted esp for his heroic death during the War of the Spanish Succession

bench (bɛntʃ)   n   1 a long seat for more than one person, usually lacking a back or arms   2 a plain stout worktable   3 the bench (sometimes capital)   a a judge or magistrate sitting in court in a judicial capacity   b judges or magistrates collectively   4 sport the seat on which reserve players and officials sit during a game   5 geology a flat narrow platform of land, esp one marking a former shoreline   6 a ledge in a mine or quarry from which work is carried out   7 (in a gymnasium) a low table, which may be inclined, used for various exercises   8 a platform on which dogs or other domestic animals are exhibited at shows   9 NZ a hollow on a hillside formed by sheep   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to provide with benches   11 to exhibit (a dog, etc) at a show   12 NZ to form (a track) up a hill by excavating a flattened area   13 US and Canadian sport to take or keep (a player) out of a game, often for disciplinary reasons   14 informal to lift (a weight) by performing a bench press [Old English benc; related to Old Norse bekkr, Old High German bank, Danish, Swedish bänk; see BANK^3]

■ bencher (ˈbɛntʃə)   n (often plural) Brit   1 a member of the governing body of one of the Inns of Court, usually a judge or a Queen's Counsel   2 See backbencher

■ benchership (ˈbɛntʃəˌʃIp)   n   the position of a bencher at the Inns of Court

■ benchland (ˈbɛntʃˌlænd)   n   a stretch of level ground at the foot of mountains

■ benchless (ˈbɛntʃlIs)   adj   without a bench or benches

■ benchmark (ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːk)   n   1 a mark on a stone post or other permanent feature, at a point whose exact elevation and position is known: used as a reference point in surveying. Abbreviation: BM   2    a a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point   b (as modifier): a benchmark test   ▷ vb   3 to measure or test against a benchmark: the firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

■ benchmarking (ˈbɛntʃmɑːkIŋ)   n   commerce comparison of practices within different companies, to decide what is most effficient

■ benchmark position   n   NZ a public service job used for comparison with a similar position, such as a position in commerce, for wage settlements

■ bench press   n   1 a weight-training exercise in which a person lies on a bench and pushes a barbell upwards with both hands from chest level until the arms are straight, then lowers it again   ▷ vb bench-press   2 (intr) to carry out one or more bench presses   3 (tr) to lift (a weight) by performing a bench press

■ bench test or bench study   n   the critical evaluation of a new or repaired component, device, apparatus, etc, prior to installation to ensure that it is in perfect condition

■ benchtop (ˈbɛntʃˌtɒp)   n   1 a flat surface area   ▷ adj   2 for use at a bench

■ benchwarmer (ˈbɛntʃwɔːmə)   n   sport, US informal a player who is usually on the bench; reserve

■ bench warrant   n   a warrant issued by a judge or court directing that an offender be apprehended

■ benchy (ˈbɛntʃI)   adj   NZ (of a hillside) hollowed out in benches

bend^1 (bɛnd)   vb bends, bending, bent   1 to form or cause to form a curve, as by pushing or pulling   2 to turn or cause to turn from a particular direction: the road bends left past the church   3 (intr; often foll by down, etc) to incline the body; stoop; bow   4 to submit or cause to submit: to bend before superior force   5 (tr) to turn or direct (one's eyes, steps, attention, etc)   6 (tr) to concentrate (the mind); apply oneself closely   7 (tr) nautical to attach or fasten, as a sail to a boom or a line to a cleat   8 bend over backwards informal to make a special effort, esp in order to please: he bends over backwards to accommodate his customers   9 bend someone's ear informal to speak at length to an unwilling listener, esp to voice one's troubles   10 bend the rules informal to ignore rules or change them to suit one's own convenience   ▷ n   11 a curved part, as in a road or river   12 nautical a knot or eye in a line for joining it to another or to an object   13 the act or state of bending   14 round the bend Brit slang mad; crazy; eccentric [Old English bendan; related to Old Norse benda, Middle High German benden; see BIND, BAND^3]   > ˈbendable adj

■ bended (ˈbɛndId)   adj   beg on bended knee to ask someone for something very seriously

■ bender (ˈbɛndə)   n   1 informal a drinking bout   2 Brit offensive, slang a homosexual man   3 informal a makeshift shelter constructed by placing tarpaulin or plastic sheeting over bent saplings or woven branches

■ bendingly (ˈbɛndIŋlI)   adv   in a curving direction or manner

■ bending moment   n   the algebraic sum of all the moments to one side of a cross-section of a beam or other structural support

■ bendwise (ˈbɛndˌwaIz)   adv   diagonally

■ bendy (ˈbɛndI)   adj bendier, bendiest   1 flexible or pliable   2 having many bends: a bendy road

bend^2 (bɛnd)   n   heraldry an ordinary consisting of a diagonal line traversing a shield [Old English bend BAND^2; see BEND^1]

■ bendlet (ˈbɛndlət)   n   a narrow diagonal stripe on a heraldic shield

■ bend sinister   n   heraldry a diagonal line bisecting a shield from the top right to the bottom left, typically indicating a bastard line

■ bendy or bendee (ˈbɛndI)   adj   (usually postpositive) heraldry striped diagonally

Benda (French bɛ̃da)   n   Julien (ʒyljɑ̃). 1867–1956, French philosopher and novelist, who defended reason and intellect and attacked the influence of Bergson: author of La Trahison des clercs (1927)

benday (ˌbɛnˈdeI)   vb (tr)   to produce using the Ben Day process

Ben Day process   n   printing a method of adding texture, shading, or detail to line drawings by overlaying a transparent sheet of dots or any other pattern during platemaking [C20: named after Benjamin Day (1838–1916), American printer]

Bendigo (ˈbɛndIˌɡəʊ)   n   a city in SE Australia, in central Victoria: founded in 1851 after the discovery of gold. Pop: 68 715 (2001)

bends (bɛndz)   pl n the bends   (functioning as singular or plural) a nontechnical name for decompression sickness

bene (biːn)   n   archaic a blessing or prayer

beneath (bIˈniːθ)   prep   1 below, esp if covered, protected, or obscured by   2 not as great or good as would be demanded by: beneath his dignity   ▷ adv   3 below; underneath [Old English beneothan, from BE- + neothan low; see NETHER]

benedicite (ˌbɛnIˈdaIsItI)   n   1 (esp in Christian religious orders) a blessing or grace   ▷ interj   2 obsolete an expression of surprise [C13: from Latin, from benedīcere, from bene well + dīcere to speak]

Benedicite (ˌbɛnIˈdaIsItI)   n   Christianity a canticle that originated as part of the Song of the Three Holy Children in the secondary addition to the Book of Daniel, beginning Benedicite omnia opera Domini Domino in Latin, and O all ye Works of the Lord in English

benedick (ˈbɛnIdIk)   n   a newly married man

Benedict (ˈbɛnIˌdIkt)   n   Saint. ?480–?547 AD, Italian monk: founded the Benedictine order at Monte Cassino in Italy in about 540 AD. His Regula Monachorum became the basis of the rule of all Western Christian monastic orders. Feast day: July 11 or March 14

■ Benedictine   n   1 (ˌbɛnIˈdIktIn, -taIn) a monk or nun who is a member of a Christian religious community founded by or following the rule of Saint Benedict   2 (ˌbɛnIˈdIktiːn) a greenish-yellow liqueur made from a secret formula developed at the Benedictine monastery at Fécamp in France in about 1510   ▷ adj   3 (ˌbɛnIˈdIktIn, -taIn) of or relating to Saint Benedict, his order, or his rule

Benedict XV   n   original name Giacomo della Chiesa. 1854–1922, pope (1914–22); noted for his repeated attempts to end World War I and for his organization of war relief

Benedict XVI   n   original name Joseph Alois Ratzinger. born 1927 in Germany, pope (2005–2013): the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415: on retirement he was accorded the title pope emeritus

benediction (ˌbɛnIˈdIkʃən)   n   1 an invocation of divine blessing, esp at the end of a Christian religious ceremony   2 a Roman Catholic service in which the congregation is blessed with the sacrament   3 the state of being blessed [C15: from Latin benedictio, from benedīcere to bless; see BENEDICITE]   > ˌbeneˈdictory adj

■ benedictional (ˌbɛnIˈdIkʃənəl)   n   1 a book of benedictions or blessings   ▷ adj   2 relating to the pronouncement of a benediction

■ benedictive (ˌbɛnIˈdIktIv)   adj   relating to a benediction or blessing

Benedict's solution or Benedict's reagent   n   a chemical solution used to detect the presence of glucose and other reducing sugars. Medically, it is used to test the urine of diabetics [named after S. R. Benedict (1884–1936), US chemist]

Benedictus (ˌbɛnIˈdIktəs)   n (sometimes not capital) Christianity   1 a short canticle beginning Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini in Latin and Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord in English   2 a canticle beginning Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel in Latin and Blessed be the Lord God of Israel in English

benedight (ˌbɛnIˈdaIt)   adj   archaic blessed

benefaction (ˌbɛnIˈfækʃən)   n   1 the act of doing good, esp by giving a donation to charity   2 the donation or help given [C17: from Late Latin benefactiō, from Latin bene well + facere to do]

■ benefact (ˈbɛnIˌfækt)   vb (tr)   to be a benefactor to

■ benefactor (ˈbɛnIˌfæktə, ˌbɛnIˈfæk-)   n   a person who supports or helps a person, institution, etc, esp by giving money; patron   > ˈbeneˌfactress fem n

■ benefactory (ˌbɛnIˈfæktərI)   adj   relating to a benefactor; beneficial

benefic (bIˈnɛfIk)   adj   a rare word for beneficent

benefice (ˈbɛnIfIs)   n   1 Christianity an endowed Church office yielding an income to its holder; a Church living   2 the property or revenue attached to such an office   3 (in feudal society) a tenement (piece of land) held by a vassal from a landowner on easy terms or free, esp in return for military support. See also vassalage   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to provide with a benefice [C14: from Old French, from Latin beneficium benefit, from beneficus, from bene well + facere to do]

beneficent (bIˈnɛfIsənt)   adj   charitable; generous [C17: from Latin beneficent-, from beneficus; see BENEFICE]   > beˈneficently adv

■ beneficence (bIˈnɛfIsəns)   n   1 the act of doing good; kindness   2 a charitable act or gift

■ beneficential (bIˌnɛfIˈsɛnʃəl)   adj   relating to beneficence

beneficial (ˌbɛnIˈfIʃəl)   adj   1 (sometimes foll by to) causing a good result; advantageous   2 law entitling a person to receive the profits or proceeds of property: a beneficial interest in land [C15: from Late Latin beneficiālis, from Latin beneficium kindness]   > ˌbeneˈficially adv

■ beneficialness (ˌbɛnIˈfIʃəlnəs)   n   the state of being beneficial

beneficiary (ˌbɛnIˈfIʃərI)   n, pl -ciaries   1 a person who gains or benefits in some way from something   2 law a person entitled to receive funds or other property under a trust, will, or insurance policy   3 the holder of an ecclesiastical or other benefice   4 NZ a person who receives government assistance: social security beneficiary   ▷ adj   5 of or relating to a benefice or the holder of a benefice

beneficiate (ˌbɛnIˈfIʃIeIt)   vb (tr)   to process (ores) through reduction

■ beneficiation (ˌbɛnIˌfIʃIˈeIʃən)   n   the procedure of reducing ores

benefit (ˈbɛnIfIt)   n   1 something that improves or promotes   2 advantage or sake: this is for your benefit   3 Brit   a an allowance paid by the government as for sickness, unemployment, etc, to which a person is entitled under social security or the national insurance scheme   b any similar allowance in various other countries   4 (sometimes plural) a payment or series of payments made by an institution, such as an insurance company or trade union, to a person who is ill, unemployed, etc   5 a theatrical performance, sports event, etc, to raise money for a charity   6 friends with benefits slang friends who have a casual sexual relationship with no expectation of commitment   ▷ vb -fits, -fiting, -fited or esp US -fits, -fitting, -fitted   7 to do or receive good; profit [C14: from Anglo-French benfet, from Latin benefactum, from bene facere to do well]

■ benefiter (ˈbɛnIfItə)   n   a person who derives benefit

■ benefit in kind   n   a nonpecuniary benefit, such as a company car or medical insurance, given to an employee

■ benefit of clergy   n Christianity   1 sanction by the church: marriage without benefit of clergy   2 (in the Middle Ages) a privilege that placed the clergy outside the jurisdiction of secular courts and entitled them to trial in ecclesiastical courts

■ benefit society   n   a US term for friendly society

Benelux (ˈbɛnIˌlʌks)   n   1 the customs union formed by Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg in 1948; became an economic union in 1960   2 these countries collectively

benempt (bIˈnɛmpt)   vb   archaic a past participle of bename

beneplacito Italian (ˌbeneˈplɑtʃIto)   interj   an indication of approval

Beneš (Czech ˈbɛnɛʃ)   n   Eduard (ˈeːduart). 1884–1948, Czech statesman; president of Czechoslovakia (1935–38; 1946–48) and of its government in exile (1939–45)

benet (bIˈnɛt)   vb -nets, -netting, -netted (tr)   to trap (something) in a net

Benét (bəˈneI)   n   Stephen Vincent. 1898–1943, US poet and novelist, best known for his poem on the American Civil War John Brown's Body (1928)

Benevento (ˌbɛnəˈvɛntəʊ)   n   a city in S Italy, in N Campania: at various times under Samnite, Roman, Lombard, Saracen, Norman, and papal rule. Pop: 61 791 (2001). Ancient name: Beneventum (ˌbɛnəˈvɛntʊm)

benevolent (bIˈnɛvələnt)   adj   1 intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly: a benevolent smile; a benevolent old man   2 doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable: a benevolent organization [C15: from Latin benevolēns, from bene well + velle to wish]   > beˈnevolently adv

■ benevolence (bIˈnɛvələns)   n   1 Also: benevolentness inclination or tendency to help or do good to others; charity   2 an act of kindness   3 (in the Middle Ages) a forced loan or contribution exacted by English kings from their nobility and subjects

Benfleet (ˈbɛnˌfliːt)   n   a town in SE England, in S Essex on an inlet of the Thames estuary. Pop: 48 539 (2001)

BEng   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Engineering

benga (ˈbɛŋɡə)   n   a Kenyan popular music featuring guitars

Bengal (bɛnˈɡɔːl, bɛŋ-)   n   1 a former province of NE India, in the great deltas of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers: in 1947 divided into West Bengal (belonging to India) and East Bengal (Bangladesh)   2 Bay of Bengal a wide arm of the Indian Ocean, between India and Myanmar   3 a breed of medium-large cat with a spotted or marbled coat

■ Bengali (bɛnˈɡɔːlI, bɛŋ-)   n   1 a member of a people living chiefly in Bangladesh and in West Bengal. The West Bengalis are mainly Hindus; the East Bengalis of Bangladesh are mainly Muslims   2 Also called: Bangla the language of this people: the official language of Bangladesh and the chief language of West Bengal; it belongs to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Bengal, the Bengalis, or their language

■ bengaline (ˈbɛŋɡəˌliːn, ˌbɛŋɡəˈliːn)   n   a heavy corded fabric, esp silk with woollen or cotton cord [C19: from French; see BENGAL, -INE^1; first produced in Bengal]

■ Bengal light   n   a firework or flare that burns with a steady bright blue light, formerly used as a signal

Bengaluru (ˌbeŋɡəˈluːru)   n   the official name for Bangalore

Bengbu (ˈbɛŋˈbuː), Pengpu or Pang-fou   n   a city in E China, in Anhui province. Pop: 779 000 (2005 est)

Benghazi or Bengasi (bɛnˈɡɑːzI)   n   a port in N Libya, on the Gulf of Sidra: centre of Italian colonization (1911–42); scene of much fighting in World War II. Pop: 1 080 500 (2002 est). Ancient names: Hesperides, Berenice (bɛrəˈnaIsI)

Benguela (bɛŋˈɡwɛlə)   n   a port in W Angola: founded in 1617; a terminus (with Lobito) of the railway that runs from Beira in Mozambique through the Copper Belt of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Pop: about 200 000 (1990 est)

Ben-Gurion (bɛnˈɡʊərIən)   n   David, original name David Gruen. 1886–1973, Israeli socialist statesman, born in Poland; first prime minister of Israel (1948–53, 1955–63)

Beni (Spanish ˈbeni)   n   a river in N Bolivia, rising in the E Cordillera of the Andes and flowing north to the Mamoré River. Length: over 1600 km (1000 miles)

Benidorm (ˈbɛnIdɔːm)   n   a coastal resort town in W Spain, on the Costa Blanca

benight (bIˈnaIt)   vb (tr)   1 to shroud in physical, moral, or intellectual darkness   2 to dazzle or deprive sight of

■ benighted (bIˈnaItId)   adj   1 lacking cultural, moral, or intellectual enlightenment; ignorant   2 archaic overtaken by night   > beˈnightedly adv   > beˈnightedness n

■ benighter (bIˈnaItə)   n   a person who keeps others in darkness

■ benightment (bIˈnaItmənt)   n   the state of being in physical, moral, or intellectual darkness

benign (bIˈnaIn)   adj   1 showing kindliness; genial   2 (of soil, climate, etc) mild; gentle   3 favourable; propitious   4 pathol (of a tumour, etc) not threatening to life or health; not malignant [C14: from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus, from bene well + gignere to produce]   > beˈnignly adv

■ benignant (bIˈnIɡnənt)   adj   1 kind; gracious   2 a less common word for benign (sense 3), benign (sense 4)   > beˈnignancy n   > beˈnignantly adv

■ benignity (bIˈnIɡnItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality of being benign; favourable attitude   2 a kind or gracious act

Beni Hasan (ˈbɛnI hæˈsɑːn)   n   a village in central Egypt, on the Nile, with cliff-cut tombs dating from 2000 BC

Benin (bɛˈniːn)   n   1 a republic in W Africa, on the Bight of Benin, a section of the Gulf of Guinea: in the early 19th century a powerful kingdom, famed for its women warriors; became a French colony in 1893, gaining independence in 1960. It consists chiefly of coastal lagoons and swamps in the south, a fertile plain and marshes in the centre, and the Atakora Mountains in the northwest. Official language: French. Religion: Christianity, Islam, and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Porto-Novo (the government is based in Cotonou). Pop: 11 175 692 (2017 est). Area: 112 622 sq km (43 474 sq miles). Former name (until 1975): Dahomey   2 a former kingdom of W Africa, powerful from the 14th to the 17th centuries: now a province of S Nigeria: noted for its bronzes

■ Benin City   n   a city in S Nigeria, capital of Edo state: former capital of the kingdom of Benin. Pop: 1 022 000 (2005 est)

■ Beninese (ˌbɛniːˈniːz)   adj   1 of or relating to Benin or its people   ▷ n   2 Also: Beninois (ˌbɛniːˈnwɑː) a native or inhabitant of Benin

Benioff zone (ˈbɛnIəf)   n   a long narrow region, usually adjacent to a continent, along which earthquake foci lie on a plane which dips downwards at about 45° and along which the oceanic lithosphere is thought to be descending into the earth's interior. Compare subduction zone [C20: named after Hugo Benioff (1899–1968), American seismologist, who first discovered the phenomenon]

beniseed (ˈbɛnIˌsiːd)   n   the sesame seed

benison (ˈbɛnIzən, -sən)   n   archaic a blessing, esp a spoken one [C13: from Old French beneison, from Latin benedictiō BENEDICTION]

benitier (bɛˈnItIeI)   n   a basin to hold holy water

benjamin (ˈbɛndʒəmIn)   n   1 another name for benzoin (sense 1)   2 benjamin bush another name for spicebush [C16: variant of benzoin; influenced in form by the name Benjamin]

Benjamin^1 (ˈbɛndʒəmIn)   n   1 Old Testament   a the youngest and best-loved son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 35:16–18; 42:4)   b the tribe descended from this patriarch   c the territory of this tribe, northwest of the Dead Sea   2 archaic a youngest and favourite son

Benjamin^2 (ˈbɛndʒəmIn)   n   1  Arthur. 1893–1960, Australian composer. In addition to Jamaican Rumba (1938), he wrote five operas and a harmonica concerto (1953)   2 (German ˈbɛnIamin) Walter (ˈvaltər). 1892–1940, German critic and cultural theorist

Benjamins (ˈbɛndʒəˌmInz)   pl n US slang   1 hundred-dollar bills   2 money [C21: after Benjamin FRANKLIN, whose image appears on this denomination of bill]

Ben Lomond (bɛn ˈləʊmənd)   n   1 a mountain in W central Scotland, on the E side of Loch Lomond. Height: 974 m (3196 ft)   2 a mountain in NE Tasmania. Height: 1572 m (5157 ft)   3 a mountain in SE Australia, in NE New South Wales. Height: 1520 m (4986 ft)

Benn (bɛn)   n   Antony (Neil) Wedgwood, known as Tony Benn. 1925–2014, British Labour politician, a leading figure on the party's left wing. He renounced (1963) the title of Viscount Stansgate

benne (ˈbɛnI)   n   1 another name for sesame   2 benne oil the edible oil obtained from sesame seeds [C18: from Malay bene; compare Bambara bene]

bennet (ˈbɛnIt)   n   short for herb bennet

Bennett (ˈbɛnIt)   n   1  Alan. born 1934, British actor and playwright. His plays include Forty Years On (1968), The Old Country (1977), The Madness of George III (1991), The History Boys (2004), and the monologues for television Talking Heads (1987, 1998)   2  (Enoch) Arnold. 1867–1931, British novelist, noted for The Old Wives' Tale (1908), Clayhanger (1910), and other works set in the Staffordshire Potteries   3  James Gordon. 1837–1931, US newspaper editor, born in Scotland. He founded (1835) the New York Herald and introduced techniques of modern news reporting   4  Jill. 1931–90, British actress   5  Richard Bedford, 1st Viscount. 1870–1947, Canadian Conservative statesman; prime minister (1930–35)   6  Sir Richard Rodney. 1936–2012, British composer, noted for film music and his operas The Mines of Sulphur (1965) and Victory (1970)

Ben Nevis (bɛn ˈnɛvIs)   n   a mountain in W Scotland, in the Grampian mountains: highest peak in Great Britain. Height: 1345 m (4413 ft)

benni (ˈbɛniː)   n   another name for sesame

Bennington (ˈbɛnIŋtən)   n   a town in SW Vermont: the site of a British defeat (1777) in the War of American Independence. Pop: 15 637 (2003 est)

benny^1 (ˈbɛnI)   n, pl -nies   old-fashioned, slang an amphetamine tablet, esp Benzedrine: a stimulant [C20: shortened from BENZEDRINE]

benny^2 (ˈbɛnI)   n, pl -nies   US slang a man's overcoat [C19: from Benjamin, perhaps from a tailor's name]

Benny (ˈbɛnI)   n   Jack, real name Benjamin Kubelsky. 1894–1974, US comedian

Benoît de Sainte-Maure (French bənwa də sɛ̃t mɔr)   n   12th-century French trouvère: author of the Roman de Troie, which contains the episode of Troilus and Cressida

benomyl (ˈbɛnəmIl)   n   a fungicide, derived from imidazole, used on cereal and fruit crops: suspected of being carcinogenic

Benoni (bIˈnəʊnI)   n   a city in NE South Africa: gold mines. Pop: 94 341 (2001)

Benson (ˈbɛnsən)   n   E(dward) F(rederic). 1867–1940, British writer, noted esp for a series of comic novels featuring the characters Mapp and Lucia

bent^1 (bɛnt)   adj   1 not straight; curved   2 (foll by on) fixed (on a course of action); resolved (to); determined (to)   3 slang   a dishonest; corrupt   b (of goods) stolen   c crazy; mad   d Brit offensive homosexual   ▷ n   4 personal inclination, propensity, or aptitude   5 capacity of endurance (esp in the phrase to the top of one's bent)   6 civil engineering a framework placed across a structure to stiffen it

■ bentwood (ˈbɛntˌwʊd)   n     a wood bent in moulds after being heated by steaming, used mainly for furniture   b (as modifier): a bentwood chair

bent^2 (bɛnt)   n   1 short for bentgrass   2 a stalk of bent grass   3 archaic any stiff grass or sedge   4 Scot and Northern English dialect heath or moorland [Old English bionot; related to Old Saxon binet, Old High German binuz rush]

■ benty (ˈbɛntI)   adj   relating to bentgrass

bentgrass (ˈbɛntˌɡrɑːs)   n   any perennial grass of the genus Agrostis, esp A. tenuis, which has a spreading panicle of tiny flowers. Some species are planted for hay or in lawns. Sometimes shortened to: bent

Bentham (ˈbɛnθəm)   n   Jeremy. 1748–1832, British philosopher and jurist: a founder of utilitarianism. His works include A Fragment on Government (1776) and Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (1789)

■ Benthamism (ˈbɛnθəˌmIzəm)   n   the philosophy of utilitarianism as first expounded by Jeremy Bentham in terms of an action being good that has a greater tendency to augment the happiness of the community than to diminish it   > ˈBenthaˌmite n, adj

benthoal (bɛnˈθəʊəl)   adj   relating to deep-sea plants and animals

benthopelagic (ˌbɛnθəʊpIˈlædʒIk)   adj   relating to species living at the bottom of the sea

benthos (ˈbɛnθɒs) or benthon   n   1 the animals and plants living at the bottom of a sea or lake   2 the bottom of a sea or lake [C19: from Greek: depth; related to bathus deep]   > ˈbenthic, ˈbenthal or benˈthonic adj

benthoscope (ˈbɛnθəˌskəʊp)   n   a deep-sea diving vessel

Bentinck (ˈbɛntIŋk)   n   Lord William Cavendish. 1774–1839, British statesman, governor general of Bengal (1828–35)

Bentley (ˈbɛntlI)   n   Edmund Clerihew. 1875–1956, English journalist, noted for his invention of the clerihew

bento or bento box (ˈbɛntəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a thin box, made of plastic or lacquered wood, divided into compartments which contain small separate dishes comprising a Japanese meal, esp lunch. Also called: obento [Japanese bentō box lunch]

Benton (ˈbɛntən)   n   Thomas Hart. 1889–1975, US painter of rural life; a leader of the American Regionalist painters in the 1930s

bentonite (ˈbɛntəˌnaIt)   n   a valuable clay, formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, that swells as it absorbs water: used as a filler in the building, paper, and pharmaceutical industries [C19: from Fort Benton, Montana, USA, where found, + -ITE^1]

■ bentonitic (ˌbɛntəˈnItIk)   adj   relating to bentonite

Benue (ˈbɛnʊˌeI)   n   1 a state of SE Nigeria. Capital: Makurdi. Pop: 4 219 244 (2006). Area: 34 059 sq km (13 150 sq miles)   2 a river in W Africa, rising in N Cameroon and flowing west across Nigeria: chief tributary of the River Niger. Length: 1400 km (870 miles)

■ Benue-Congo   n   1 a branch of the Niger-Congo family of African languages, consisting of the Bantu languages together with certain other languages of W Africa   ▷ adj   2 relating or belonging to this group of languages

benumb (bIˈnʌm)   vb (tr)   1 to make numb or powerless; deaden physical feeling in, as by cold   2 (usually passive) to make inactive; stupefy (the mind, senses, will, etc)   > beˈnumbingly adv

■ benumbed (bIˈnʌmd)   adj   1 made numb; very cold   2 literary showing no feeling; stupefied

■ benumbedness (bIˈnʌmdnəs)   n   the condition of being benumbed

■ benumbment (bIˈnʌmmənt)   n   the act of benumbing

Benxi (ˈbɛnˈʃiː), Penchi or Penki   n   an industrial city in SE China, in S Liaoning province. Pop: 967 000 (2005 est)

Benz (bɛnz; German bɛnts)   n   Karl (Friedrich) (karl). 1844–1929, German engineer; designed and built the first car to be driven by an internal-combustion engine (1885)

benzal (ˈbɛnˌzæl)   n   a transparent crystalline substance

benzaldehyde (bɛnˈzældIˌhaId)   n   a yellowish fragrant volatile oil occurring in almond kernels and used in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, and flavourings and as a solvent for oils and resins. Formula: C_6H_5CHO. Systematic name: benzenecarbaldehyde

benzanthracene (bɛnˈzænθrəˌsiːn)   n   a carcinogenic hydrocarbon

Benzedrine (ˈbɛnzIˌdriːn, -drIn)   n   a trademark for amphetamine

benzene (ˈbɛnziːn, bɛnˈziːn)   n   a colourless flammable toxic aromatic liquid used in the manufacture of styrene, phenol, etc, as a solvent for fats, resins, etc, and as an insecticide. Formula: C_6H_6. See also benzene ring

■ benzenecarbaldehyde (ˌbɛnziːnkɑːˈbældIˌhaId)   n   the systematic name for benzaldehyde

■ benzenecarbonyl (ˌbɛnziːnˈkɑːbɒnaIl)   n   (modifier) the systematic name for benzoyl

■ benzenecarboxylate (ˌbɛnziːnkɑːˈbɒksIˌleIt)   n   the systematic name for benzoate

■ benzenecarboxylic acid (ˌbɛnziːnˌkɑːbɒkˈsIlIk)   n   the systematic name for benzoic acid

■ benzene hexachloride   n   another name for hexachlorocyclohexane

■ benzene ring   n   the hexagonal ring of bonded carbon atoms in the benzene molecule or its derivatives. Also called: benzene nucleus. See also Kekulé formula

■ benzenoid (ˈbɛnzIˌnɔId)   adj   similar to benzene

benzidine (ˈbɛnzIˌdiːn, -dIn)   n   a grey or reddish poisonous crystalline powder that is used mainly in the manufacture of dyes, esp Congo red. Formula: NH_2(C_6H_4)2NH_2

benzil (ˈbɛnzIl)   n   a yellowish organic compound

benzimidazole (ˌbɛnzIˈmaIdəˌzəʊl)   n   a crystalline growth-inhibiting compound

benzine (ˈbɛnziːn, bɛnˈziːn) or benzin (ˈbɛnzIn)   n   a volatile mixture of the lighter aliphatic hydrocarbon constituents of petroleum. See ligroin, petroleum ether

benzo- or sometimes before a vowel benz-   combining form   1 indicating a benzene ring fused to another ring in a polycyclic compound: benzofuran   2 indicating derivation from benzene or benzoic acid or the presence of phenyl groups: benzophenone [from BENZOIN]

benzoapyrene (ˌbɛnzəʊeIˈpaIəriːn)   n   a carcinogenic chemical in tobacco smoke

benzoate (ˈbɛnzəʊˌeIt, -It)   n   any salt or ester of benzoic acid, containing the group C_6H_5COO– or the ion C_6H_5COO–. Systematic name: benzenecarboxylate

■ benzoate of soda   n   another name for sodium benzoate

benzocaine (ˈbɛnzəʊˌkeIn)   n   a white crystalline ester used as a local anaesthetic; ethyl para-aminobenzoate. Formula: C_9H_11NO_2

benzodiazepine (ˌbɛnzəʊdaIˈeIzəˌpiːn)   n   any of a group of chemical compounds that are used as minor tranquillizers, such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) [C20: from BENZO- + DI-1 + AZA- + EP- + -INE^2]

benzofuran (ˌbɛnzəʊˈfjʊəræn)   n   a colourless insoluble aromatic liquid obtained from coal tar and used in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: C_8H_6O. Also called: coumarone, cumarone

benzoic (bɛnˈzəʊIk)   adj   of, containing, or derived from benzoic acid or benzoin

■ benzoic acid   n   a white crystalline solid occurring in many natural resins, used in the manufacture of benzoates, plasticizers, and dyes and as a food preservative (E210). Formula: C_6H_5COOH. Systematic name: benzenecarboxylic acid

benzoin (ˈbɛnzɔIn, -zəʊIn, bɛnˈzəʊIn)   n   1 Also called: benjamin a gum resin containing benzoic acid, obtained from various trees of the genus Styrax, esp S. benzoin of Java and Sumatra, and used in ointments, perfume, etc   2 a white or yellowish crystalline compound with a camphor-like odour used as an antiseptic and flavouring; 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone. Formula: C_6H_5CHOHCOC_6H_5   3 any lauraceous aromatic shrub or tree of the genus Lindera, esp L. benzoin (spicebush) [C16: from French benjoin, from Old Catalan benjui, from Arabic lubān jāwī, literally: frankincense of Java]

benzol or benzole (ˈbɛnzɒl)   n   1 Also: benzoline a crude form of benzene, containing toluene, xylene, and other hydrocarbons, obtained from coal tar or coal gas and used as a fuel   2 an obsolete name for benzene

benzophenone (ˌbɛnzəʊfIˈnəʊn)   n   a white sweet-smelling crystalline solid used mainly in the manufacture of organic compounds and in perfume. Formula: C_6H_5COC_6H_5. Also called: diphenylketone

benzoquinone (ˌbɛnzəʊkwIˈnəʊn, -ˈkwInəʊn)   n   a yellow crystalline water-soluble unsaturated ketone manufactured from aniline and used in the production of dyestuffs. Formula: C_6H_4O_2. Also called: quinone. Systematic name: cyclohexadiene-1,4-quinone

benzoyl (ˈbɛnzəʊIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C_6H_5CO-: benzoyl group or radical. Systematic name: benzenecarbonyl

Ben-Zvi (bɛnˈzviː; Hebrew bɛnˈtsviː)   n   Itzhak (ˈjItsxak). 1884–1963, Israeli statesman; president (1952–63)

benzyl (ˈbɛnzaIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C_6H_5CH_2–: benzyl alcohol. Systematic name: phenylmethyl

■ benzylic (bɛnˈzaIlIk)   adj   relating to benzyl

Beograd (bɛˈɔɡrad)   n   the Serbian name for Belgrade

Beothuk (bIˈɒθʊk)   n   a member of an extinct Native Canadian people formerly living in Newfoundland

Beowulf (ˈbeIəˌwʊlf)   n   an anonymous Old English epic poem in alliterative verse, believed to have been composed in the 8th century AD

bepaint (bIˈpeInt)   vb (tr)   to dye; paint over

bepat (bIˈpæt)   vb (tr)   to pat

bepatched (bIˈpætʃt)   adj   mended with or covered in patches

bepearl (bIˈpɜːl)   vb (tr)   to decorate with pearls

bepelt (bIˈpɛlt)   vb (tr)   to pelt energetically

bepepper (bIˈpɛpə)   vb (tr)   to pelt with small missiles or sand

bepester (bIˈpɛstə)   vb (tr)   to pester persistently

bepimple (bIˈpImpəl)   vb   (tr) form pimples on

bepity (bIˈpItI)   vb -pities, -pitying, -pitied (tr)   to feel great pity for

beplaster (bIˈplɑːstə)   vb (tr)   to cover in thick plaster

beplumed (bIˈpluːmd)   adj   decorated with feathers

bepommel (bIˈpʌməl)   vb (tr)   to beat vigorously

bepowder (bIˈpaʊdə)   vb (tr)   to cover with powder

bepraise (bIˈpreIz)   vb (tr)   to praise highly

beprose (bIˈprəʊz)   vb (tr)   to reduce to prose

bepuff (bIˈpʌf)   vb (tr)   to puff up

bequeath (bIˈkwiːð, -ˈkwiːθ)   vb (tr)   1 law to dispose of (property, esp personal property) by will. Compare devise (sense 2)   2 to hand down; pass on, as to following generations [Old English becwethan; related to Old Norse kvetha to speak, Gothic qithan, Old High German quethan]   > beˈqueather n   > beˈqueathal n

■ bequeathable (bIˈkwiːðəbəl)   adj   capable of being given to or bequeathed

■ bequeathment (bIˈkwiːðmənt)   n   another name for bequeathal

bequest (bIˈkwɛst)   n   1    a the act of bequeathing   b something that is bequeathed   2 law a gift of property by will, esp personal property. Compare devise (sense 4), devise (sense 5) [C14: BE- + Old English -cwiss degree; see BEQUEATH]

berake (bIˈreIk)   vb (tr)   to rake thoroughly

Béranger (French berɑ̃ʒe)   n   Pierre-Jean de (pjɛr ʒɑ̃ də). 1780–1857, French lyric and satirical poet

Berar (bɛˈrɑː)   n   a region of W central India: part of Maharashtra state since 1956; important for cotton growing

berascal (bIˈrɑːskəl)   vb (tr)   to accuse someone of being a rascal

berate (bIˈreIt)   vb   (tr) to scold harshly

beray (bIˈreI)   vb (tr)   to soil, dirty, defile

Berber (ˈbɜːbə)   n   1 a member of a Muslim people of N Africa   2 the language of this people, forming a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. There are extensive differences between dialects   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this people or their language

■ berber carpet   n   textiles (often capital) a type of plain coloured carpeting, usually cream, oatmeal or light brown

Berbera (ˈbɜːbərə)   n   a port in N Somalia, (in the separatist area called Somaliland), on the Gulf of Aden. Pop: about 200 000 (2000 est)

berbere (beəˈbeə)   n   a hot-tasting Ethiopian paste made from garlic, cayenne pepper, coriander, and other spices, often used in stews [French]

berberidaceous (ˌbɜːbərIˈdeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Berberidaceae, a mainly N temperate family of flowering plants (mostly shrubs), including barberry and barrenwort [C19: from Medieval Latin berberis, from Arabic barbārīs BARBERRY]

berberine (ˈbɜːbəˌriːn)   n   a yellow bitter-tasting alkaloid obtained from barberry and other plants and used medicinally, esp in tonics. Formula: C_20H_19NO_5 [C19: from German Berberin, from New Latin berberis BARBERRY]

berberis (ˈbɜːbərIs)   n   any shrub of the berberidaceous genus Berberis. See barberry [C19: from Medieval Latin, of unknown origin]

berbice chair (ˈbɜːbiːs)   n   a large armchair with long arms that can be folded inwards to act as leg rests [C20: named after Berbice, a river and former county in Guyana]

berceau French (berso)   n   1 an arched trellis for climbing plants   2 a shaded walkway

berceuse (French bɛrsøz)   n   1 a cradlesong or lullaby   2 an instrumental piece suggestive of this, in six-eight time [C19: from French: lullaby, from bercer to rock]

Berchtesgaden (German ˈbɛrçtəsɡaːdən)   n   a town in Germany, in SE Bavaria: site of the fortified mountain retreat of Adolf Hitler. Pop: 7667 (2003 est)

Bercow (ˈbɜːkəʊ)   n   John (Simon). born 1963, British Conservative politician; speaker of the House of Commons from 2009

berdache (bəˈdæʃ)   n   a Native American transvestite

Berdyayev (Russian bIrˈdjajIf)   n   Nikolai Aleksandrovich (nikaˈlaj alIkˈsandrəvitʃ). 1874–1948, Russian philosopher. Although he was a Marxist, his Christian views led him to criticize Soviet communism and he was forced into exile (1922)

bere (biːr)   n   Scot barley

bereave (bIˈriːv)   vb (tr)   1 (usually foll by of) to deprive (of) something or someone valued, esp through death   2 obsolete to remove by force   ▶ See also bereft [Old English bereafian; see REAVE^1]

■ bereaved (bIˈriːvd)   adj   having been deprived of something or someone valued, esp through death

■ bereavement (bIˈriːvmənt)   n   1 the condition of having been deprived of something or someone valued, esp through death   2 a death

■ bereaver (bIˈriːvə)   n   a person who bereaves

bereft (bIˈrɛft)   adj   (usually foll by of) deprived; parted (from): bereft of hope

Berenson (ˈbɛrənsən)   n   Bernard. 1865–1959, US art historian, born in Lithuania: an authority on art of the Italian Renaissance

Beresford (ˈbɛrIsˌfəd)   n   Bruce. born 1940, Australian film director. His films include The Adventures of Barry McKenzie (1972), Breaker Morant (1980), Driving Miss Daisy (1989) and Evelyn (2002)

beret (ˈbɛreI)   n   a round close-fitting brimless cap of soft wool material or felt [C19: from French béret, from Old Provençal berret, from Medieval Latin birrettum cap; see BIRETTA]

beretta (bIˈrɛtə)   n   a variant spelling of biretta

Berezina (Russian bIrIziˈna)   n   a river in Belarus, rising in the north and flowing south to the River Dnieper: linked with the River Dvina and the Baltic Sea by the Berezina Canal. Length: 563 km (350 miles)

Berezniki (Russian bIrIzniˈki)   n   a city in E Russia: chemical industries. Pop: 169 000 (2005 est)

berg^1 (bɜːɡ)   n   short for iceberg

berg^2 (bɜːɡ)   n   a South African word for mountain

Berg (bɜːɡ; German bɛrk)   n   1  Alban (Maria Johannes) (ˈalbaːn). 1885–1935, Austrian composer: a pupil of Schoenberg. His works include the operas Wozzeck (1921) and Lulu (1935), a violin concerto (1935), chamber works, and songs   2  Paul. born 1926, US molecular biologist, the first to identify transfer RNA (1956). Nobel prize for chemistry 1980

bergama (ˈbɜːɡəmə)   n   a type of Turkish rug

Bergamo (Italian ˈbɛrɡamo)   n   a walled city in N Italy, in Lombardy. Pop: 113 143 (2001)

■ bergamasko (ˌbɜːɡəˈmæskəʊ) or bergamask (ˈbɜːɡəˌmæsk)   n   1 an inhabitant of Bergamo   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Bergamo

bergamot (ˈbɜːɡəˌmɒt)   n   1 Also called: bergamot orange a small Asian spiny rutaceous tree, Citrus bergamia, having sour pear-shaped fruit   2 essence of bergamot a fragrant essential oil from the fruit rind of this plant, used in perfumery and some teas (including Earl Grey)   3 a Mediterranean mint, Mentha citrata, that yields an oil similar to essence of bergamot   4 wild bergamot   a a North American plant, Monarda fistulosa, with clusters of purple flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   b a garden plant of the same genus, usually M. didyma (bee balm), grown for its scarlet or pink flowers   5 a variety of pear [C17: from French bergamote, from Italian bergamotta, of Turkic origin; related to Turkish bey-armudu prince's pear; see BEY]

bergander (bəˈɡændə)   n   a species of European duck; sheldrake

Bergdama (ˌbɜːɡˈdɑːmə)   n   another name for a Damara

bergen (ˈbɜːɡən)   n   a large rucksack with a capacity of over 50 litres

Bergen   n   1 (Norwegian ˈbærɡən) a port in SW Norway: chief city in medieval times. Pop: 237 430 (2004 est)   2 (ˈbɛrxən) the Flemish name for Mons

bergenia (bɜːˈɡiːnIə)   n   an evergreen ground-covering plant

Bergerac (French bɛrʒərak)   n   See Cyrano de Bergerac

bergère (bɜːˈʒɛə)   n   1 a type of French armchair made from about 1725 having a wide deep seat and upholstered sides and back. In later examples, woven cane is often used instead of upholstery   2 a sofa of a similar design [French, literally: shepherdess]

bergfall (ˈbɜːɡˌfɔːl)   n   an avalanche

Bergie (ˈbɜːɡI)   n   South African slang a vagabond, esp one living on the slopes of Table Mountain in the Western Cape province of South Africa [from Afrikaans berg mountain]

Bergius (German ˈbɛrɡjʊs)   n   Friedrich (Karl Rudolph) (ˈfriːdrIç). 1884– 1949, German chemist, who invented a process for producing oil by high-pressure hydrogenation of coal: Nobel prize for chemistry 1931

Bergman (ˈbɜːɡmən)   n   1  (Ernst) Ingmar (ˈiŋmar). 1918–2007, Swedish film and stage director, whose films include The Seventh Seal (1956), Wild Strawberries (1957), Persona (1966), Scenes from a Marriage (1974), Autumn Sonata (1978), and Fanny and Alexander (1982)   2  Ingrid. 1915–82, Swedish film and stage actress, working in Hollywood 1938–48; noted for her leading roles in many films, including Casablanca (1942), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), Anastasia (1956), and The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)

bergmehl (ˈbɜːɡˌmeIl)   n   a light powdery variety of calcite

bergschrund (ˈbɛrkʃrʊnt, ˈbɜːɡʃruːnd)   n   a crevasse at the head of a glacier. Also called: rimaye [C19: German: mountain crack]

Bergson (ˈbɜːɡsən; French bɛrksɔn)   n   Henri Louis (ɑ̃ri lwi). 1859–1941, French philosopher, who sought to bridge the gap between metaphysics and science. His main works are Memory and Matter (1896, trans. 1911) and Creative Evolution (1907, trans. 1911): Nobel prize for literature 1927   > Bergsonian (bɜːɡˈsəʊnIən) adj, n

■ Bergsonism (ˈbɜːɡsəˌnIzəm)   n   the philosophy of Henri Bergson, which emphasizes duration as the basic element of experience and asserts the existence of a life-giving force that permeates the entire natural order. Compare élan vital

Bergström (Swedish ˈbærjstrøm)   n   Sune (ˈsʊnə). 1916–2004, Swedish biochemist; shared the Nobel prize for medicine and physiology (1982) for work on prostaglandin

berg wind   n   a hot dry wind in South Africa blowing from the plateau down to the coast

bergylt (ˈbɜːɡIlt)   n   a large northern marine food fish

berhyme (bIˈraIm)   vb (tr)   to mention in poetry

Beria (ˈbɛrIə; Russian ˈbjerijə)   n   Lavrenti Pavlovich (laˈvrjentij ˈpavləvitʃ). 1899–1953, Soviet chief of secret police; killed by his associates shortly after Stalin's death

beribboned (bIˈrIbənd)   adj   adorned with ribbons

beriberi (ˌbɛrIˈbɛrI)   n   a disease, endemic in E and S Asia, caused by dietary deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B_1). It affects the nerves to the limbs, producing pain, paralysis, and swelling [C19: from Sinhalese, by reduplication from beri weakness]

berimbau (Portuguese berĨˈbau)   n   a Brazilian single-stringed bowed instrument, used to accompany capoeira [from the quimbundo (an Angolan language) word mbirimbau]

Bering or Behring (ˈbɛrIŋ, ˈbɛər-; Danish ˈbeːreŋ)   n   Vitus (ˈviːtʊs). 1681–1741, Danish navigator, who explored the N Pacific for the Russians and discovered Bering Island and the Bering Strait

■ Bering Sea (ˈbɛrIŋ)   n   a part of the N Pacific Ocean, between NE Siberia and Alaska. Area: about 2 275 000 sq km (878 000 sq miles)

■ Bering Strait   n   a strait between Alaska and Russia, connecting the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean

beringed (bIˈrIŋd)   adj   wearing a ring or rings

Berio (Italian ˈberjo)   n   Luciano (luˈtʃano). 1925–2003, Italian composer, living in the US, noted esp for works that exploit instrumental and vocal timbre and technique

Beriosova (bɛrIˈəʊsəvə)   n   Svetlana (svItˈlanə). 1932–98, British ballet dancer, born in Lithuania

berk or burk (bɜːk)   n   Brit slang a stupid person; fool [C20: shortened from Berkeley or Berkshire Hunt rhyming slang for the taboo word cunt]

Berkeley^1 (ˈbɜːklI)   n   a city in W California, on San Francisco Bay: seat of the University of California. Pop: 102 049 (2003 est)

■ berkelium (bɜːˈkiːlIəm, ˈbɜːklIəm)   n   a metallic transuranic element produced by bombardment of americium. Symbol: Bk; atomic no: 97; half-life of most stable isotope, 247Bk: 1400 years; valency: 3 or 4; relative density: 14 (est) [C20: named after BERKELEY^1, where it was discovered]

Berkeley^2   n   1 (ˈbɜːklI) Busby. real name William Berkeley Enos. 1895–1976, US dance director, noted esp for his elaborate choreography in film musicals   2 (ˈbɑːklI) George. 1685–1753, Irish philosopher and Anglican bishop, whose system of subjective idealism was expounded in his works A Treatise concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710) and Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous (1713). He also wrote Essay towards a New Theory of Vision (1709)   3 (ˈbɑːklI) Sir Lennox (Randal Francis). 1903–89, British composer; his works include four symphonies, four operas, and the Serenade for Strings (1939)

■ Berkeleian (bɑːˈklIən)   adj   1 denoting or relating to the philosophy of George Berkeley   ▷ n   2 a follower of his teachings

■ Berkeleianism (bɑːˈklIəˌnIzəm)   n   the philosophical system of George Berkeley, holding that objects exist only when perceived, that God's perception sustains the universe, and that there is no independent substratum or substance in which these perceptions inhere

Berkeley Castle (ˈbɑːklI)   n   a castle in Gloucestershire: scene of the murder of Edward II in 1327

berko (ˈbɜːkəʊ)   adj   Austral slang berserk

Berks (bɑːks)   abbreviation for   Berkshire

Berkshire (ˈbɑːkʃIə, -ʃə)   n   1 a historic county of S England: since reorganization in 1974 the River Thames has marked the N boundary while the Berkshire Downs occupy central parts; the county council was replaced by six unitary authorities in 1998. Area: 1259 sq km (486 sq miles). Abbreviation: Berks   2 a rare breed of pork and bacon pig having a black body and white points

berley or burley (ˈbɜlI) Austral   n   1 bait scattered on water to attract fish   2 slang rubbish; nonsense   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to scatter (bait) on water   4 to hurry (someone); urge on [origin unknown]

Berlichingen (German ˈbɛrlIçIŋən)   n   Götz von (ɡœts fɔn), called the Iron Hand. 1480–1562, German warrior knight, who robbed merchants and kidnapped nobles for ransom

Berlin^1 (bɜːˈlIn; German bɛrˈliːn)   n   the capital of Germany (1871–1945 and from 1990), formerly divided (1945–90) into the eastern sector, capital of East Germany, and the western sectors, which formed an exclave in East German territory closely affiliated with West Germany: a wall dividing the sectors was built in 1961 by the East German authorities to stop the flow of refugees from east to west; demolition of the wall began in 1989 and the city was formally reunited in 1990: formerly (1618–1871) the capital of Brandenburg and Prussia. Pop: 3 563 194 (2015 est)

■ berlin (bəˈlIn, ˈbɜːlIn)   n   1 Also called: berlin wool (sometimes capital) a fine wool yarn used for tapestry work, etc   2 a four-wheeled two-seated covered carriage, popular in the 18th century   3 a limousine with a glass partition between the front and rear seats   ▶ Also called (for senses 2, 3): berline (bəˈliːn, ˈbɜːliːn) [C18: named after BERLIN]

■ Berliner (bɜːˈlInə)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Berlin   2 a newspaper having a format between that of a broadsheet and a tabloid, approximately 18.5 inches by 12.4 inches (47 x 31.5 centimetres) [C20: (for sense 2) this format was first adopted by Berlin newspapers]

Berlin^2 (bɜːˈlIn)   n   1  Irving. original name Israel Baline, 1888–1989, US composer and writer of lyrics, born in Russia. His musical comedies include Annie Get Your Gun (1946); his most popular song is White Christmas   2  Sir Isaiah. 1909–97, British philosopher, born in Latvia, historian, and diplomat. His books include Historical Inevitability (1954) and The Magus of the North (1993)

Berlioz (ˈbɛəlIˌəʊz; French bɛrljoz)   n   Hector (Louis) (ɛktɔr). 1803–69, French composer, regarded as a pioneer of modern orchestration. His works include the cantata La Damnation de Faust (1846), the operas Les Troyens (1856–59) and Béatrice et Bénédict (1860–62), the Symphonie fantastique (1830), and the oratorio L'Enfance du Christ (1854)

Berlusconi (Italian ˌberlʊsˈkonI)   n   Silvio (ˈsilvjo). born 1936, Italian politician and media tycoon: prime minister of Italy (1994–95, 2001–06, 2008–11); convicted of tax fraud and expelled from the Italian Senate in 2013

berm or berme (bɜːm)   n   1 a narrow path or ledge at the edge of a slope, road, or canal   2 NZ the grass verge of a suburban street, usually kept mown   3 fortifications a narrow path or ledge between a moat and a rampart   4 military a man-made ridge of sand, designed as an obstacle to tanks, which, in crossing it, have to expose their vulnerable underparts [C18: from French berme, from Dutch berm, probably from Old Norse barmr BRIM]

Bermejo (Spanish berˈmexo)   n   a river in Argentina, rising in the northwest and flowing southeast to the Paraguay River. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles)

Bermuda (bəˈmjuːdə)   n   a UK Overseas Territory consisting of a group of over 150 coral islands (the Bermudas) in the NW Atlantic: discovered in about 1503, colonized by the British by 1612, although not acquired by the British crown until 1684. Capital: Hamilton. Pop: 69 467 (2013 est). Area: 53 sq km (20 sq miles)

■ Bermuda grass   n   a widely distributed grass, Cynodon dactylon, with wiry creeping rootstocks and several purplish spikes of flowers arising from a single point: used for lawns, pasturage, binding sand dunes, etc. Also called: scutch grass, wire grass

■ Bermuda rig   n   a fore-and-aft sailing boat rig characterized by a tall mainsail (Bermudian mainsail) that tapers to a point   > Berˈmuda-ˈrigged adj

■ Bermuda shorts   pl n   close-fitting shorts that come down to the knees. Also called: Bermudas

■ Bermuda Triangle   n   an area in the Atlantic Ocean bounded by Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and Florida where ships and aeroplanes are alleged to have disappeared mysteriously

■ Bermudian (bəˈmjuːdIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Bermuda   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Bermuda or its inhabitants

Bern (bɜːn; German bɛrn)   n   1 the capital of Switzerland, in the W part, on the Aar River: entered the Swiss confederation in 1353 and became the capital in 1848. Pop: 358 481 (2015 est)   2 a canton of Switzerland, between the French frontier and the Bernese Alps. Capital: Bern. Pop: 950 200 (2002 est). Area: 6884 sq km (2658 sq miles)   ▶ French name: Berne (bɛrn)

■ Bernese Alps or Bernese Oberland (ˈbɜːniːz)   n   a mountain range in SW Switzerland, the N central part of the Alps. Highest peak: Finsteraarhorn, 4274 m (14 022 ft)

■ Bernese mountain dog   n   a strong sturdy dog of a breed with a bushy tail and a long silky black coat with reddish-brown and white markings, often used as a working farm dog

Bernadette of Lourdes (ˌbɜːnəˈdɛt)   n   Saint. original name Marie Bernarde Soubirous. 1844–79, French peasant girl born in Lourdes, whose visions of the Virgin Mary led to the establishment of Lourdes as a centre of pilgrimage, esp for sick or disabled people. Feast day: Feb 18

Bernadotte   n   1 (Swedish ˈbɛrnədɔt) Folke (ˈfɔlke), Count. 1895–1948, Swedish diplomat, noted for his work with the Red Cross during World War II and as United Nations mediator in Palestine (1948). He was assassinated by Jewish terrorists   2 (ˈbɜːnəˌdɒt; French bɛrnadɔt) Jean Baptiste Jules (ʒɑ̃ batist ʒyl). 1764–1844, French marshal under Napoleon; king of Norway and Sweden (1818–44) as Charles XIV

Bernanos (French bɛrnanos)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ). 1888–1948, French novelist and Roman Catholic pamphleteer, best known for The Diary of a Country Priest (1936)

Bernard (ˈbɜːnəd)   n   1 (French bɛrnar) Claude (klod). 1813–78, French physiologist, noted for his research on the action of secretions of the alimentary canal and the glycogenic function of the liver   2 (ˈbɜːnəd) Saint, known as Bernard of Menthon and the Apostle of the Alps. 923–1008, French monk who founded hospices in the Alpine passes. Feast day: Aug 20

Bernardine (ˈbɜːnədIn, -ˌdiːn)   n   1 a monk of one of the reformed and stricter branches of the Cistercian order   ▷ adj   2    a of or relating to this branch of the Cistercians   b of or relating to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clairvaux   n   Saint. ?1090–1153, French abbot and theologian, who founded the stricter branch of the Cistercians in 1115

Berners-Lee (ˈbɜːnəz ˈliː)   n   Sir Tim. born 1955, British computer scientist who in 1990 created the World Wide Web

Bernhardt (ˈbɜːnhɑːt; French bɛrnar)   n   Sarah. original name Rosine Bernard. 1844–1923, French actress, regarded as one of the greatest tragic actresses of all time

bernicle goose (ˈbɜːnIkəl)   n   a former name for the brent goose, barnacle goose

Bernina (bəˈniːnə; Italian berˈnina)   n   Piz Bernina a mountain in SE Switzerland, the highest peak of the Bernina Alps in the S Rhaetian Alps. Height: 4049 m (13 284 ft)

■ Bernina Pass   n   a pass in the Alps between SE Switzerland and N Italy, east of Piz Bernina. Height: 2328 m (7638 ft)

Bernini (Italian berˈnini)   n   Gian Lorenzo (dʒan loˈrɛntso). 1598–1680, Italian painter, architect, and sculptor: the greatest exponent of the Italian baroque

Bernoulli or Bernouilli (French bɛrnuji; German bɛrˈnʊli)   n   1  Daniel (danjɛl), son of Jean Bernoulli. 1700–82, Swiss mathematician and physicist, who developed an early form of the kinetic theory of gases and stated the principle of conservation of energy in fluid dynamics   2  Jacques (ʒɑk) or Jakob (ˈjaːkɔp). 1654–1705, Swiss mathematician, noted for his work on calculus and the theory of probability   3  his brother, Jean (ʒɑ̃) or Johann (joˈhan). 1667–1748, Swiss mathematician who developed the calculus of variations

■ Bernoulli's principle or Bernoulli's law   n   physics the principle that in a liquid flowing through a pipe the pressure difference that accelerates the flow when the bore changes is equal to the product of half the density times the change of the square of the speed, provided friction is negligible [C19: named after Daniel BERNOULLI]

■ Bernoulli trial   n   statistics one of a sequence of independent experiments each of which has the same probability of success, such as successive throws of a die, the outcome of which is described by a binomial distribution. See also binomial experiment, geometric distribution [named after Jacques BERNOULLI]

Bernstein (ˈbɜːnstaIn, -stiːn)   n   Leonard. 1918–90, US conductor and composer, whose works include The Age of Anxiety (1949), the score of the musical West Side Story (1957), and Mass (1971)

berob (bIˈrɒb)   vb (tr)   to rob

berobed (bIˈrəʊbd)   adj   wearing a robe

berouged (bIˈruːʒd)   adj   wearing rouge

berretta (bIˈrɛtə)   n   a variant spelling of biretta

berrigan (ˈbɛrIɡən)   n   an Australian tree, Pittosporum phylliraeoides, with hanging branches

berry (ˈbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any of various small edible fruits such as the blackberry and strawberry   2 botany an indehiscent fruit with two or more seeds and a fleshy pericarp, such as the grape or gooseberry   3 any of various seeds or dried kernels, such as a coffee bean   4 the egg of a lobster, crayfish, or similar animal   ▷ vb -ries, -rying, -ried (intr)   5 to bear or produce berries   6 to gather or look for berries [Old English berie; related to Old High German beri, Dutch bezie]   > ˈberried adj

■ berryfruit (ˈbɛrIˌfruːt)   n   Austral and NZ any edible berry such as a raspberry, boysenberry, blackcurrant, or strawberry

■ berryless (ˈbɛrIlIs)   adj   without berries

■ berrylike (ˈbɛrIˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a berry or berries

Berry   n   1 (ˈbɛrI) Chuck, full name Charles Edward Berry. 1926–2017, US rock-and-roll guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His frequently covered songs include "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), "Memphis, Tennessee" (1959), and "Promised Land" (1964)   2 (French bɛri) Jean de France (ʒɑ̃ də frɑ̃s), Duc de. 1340–1416, French prince, son of King John II; coregent (1380–88) for Charles VI and a famous patron of the arts

Berryman (ˈbɛrImən)   n   John. 1914–72, US poet and critic, author of Homage to Mistress Bradstreet (1956) and Dream Songs (1964–68)

bersagliere (ˌbɛəsɑːˈljɛərI)   n, pl -ri (-riː)   a member of a rifle regiment in the Italian Army [C19: from Italian, from bersaglio target, from Old French bersail, from berser to fire at]

berseem (bɜːˈsiːm)   n   a Mediterranean clover, Trifolium alexandrinum, grown as a forage crop and to improve the soil in the southwestern US and the Nile valley. Also called: Egyptian clover [C20: from Arabic barsīm, from Coptic bersīm]

berserk (bəˈzɜːk, -ˈsɜːk)   adj   1 frenziedly violent or destructive (esp in the phrase go berserk)   ▷ n   2 Also called: berserker a member of a class of ancient Norse warriors who worked themselves into a frenzy before battle and fought with insane fury and courage [C19: Icelandic berserkr, from björn bear + serkr shirt]

■ berserkly (bəˈzɜːklI)   adv   in a berserk or crazy manner

berth (bɜːθ)   n   1 a bed or bunk in a vessel or train, usually narrow and fixed to a wall   2 nautical a place assigned to a ship at a mooring   3 nautical sufficient distance from the shore or from other ships or objects for a ship to manoeuvre   4 give a wide berth to to keep clear of; avoid   5 nautical accommodation on a ship   6 informal a job, esp as a member of a ship's crew   ▷ vb   7 (tr) nautical to assign a berth to (a vessel)   8 nautical to dock (a vessel)   9 (tr) to provide with a sleeping place, as on a vessel or train   10 (intr) nautical to pick up a mooring in an anchorage [C17: probably from BEAR^1 + -TH^1]

■ berthage (ˈbɜːθIdʒ)   n   1 a place for mooring boats   2 the fees payable for mooring boats

■ berthed (bɜːθt)   adj   nautical in a berth

bertha or berthe (ˈbɜːθə)   n   a wide deep capelike collar, often of lace, usually to cover up a low neckline [C19: from French berthe, from Berthe, 8th-century Frankish queen, mother of Charlemagne]

Bertillon system (ˈbɜːtIˌlɒn; French bɛrtijɔ̃)   n   a system formerly in use for identifying persons, esp criminals, by means of a detailed record of physical characteristics. Also called: bertillonage [C19: named after Alphonse Bertillon (1853–1914), French criminal investigator]

Bertolucci (Italian bertoˈluttʃi)   n   Bernardo (berˈnardo). born 1940, Italian film director: his films include The Spider's Stratagem (1970), The Conformist (1970), 1900 (1976), The Last Emperor (1987), The Sheltering Sky (1990), and The Dreamers (2003)

Berwick (ˈbɛrIk)   n   James Fitzjames, Duke of Berwick. 1670–1734, marshal of France and illegitimate son of James II of England. He led French forces during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–14)

Berwickshire (ˈbɛrIkˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1975) a county of SE Scotland: part of the Borders region from 1975 to 1996, now part of Scottish Borders council area

Berwick-upon-Tweed (twiːd)   n   a town in N England, in N Northumberland at the mouth of the Tweed: much involved in border disputes between England and Scotland between the 12th and 16th centuries; neutral territory 1551–1885. Pop: 12 870 (2001). Also called: Berwick

beryl (ˈbɛrIl)   n   a white, blue, yellow, green, or pink mineral, found in coarse granites and igneous rocks. It is a source of beryllium and is sometimes used as a gemstone; the green variety is emerald, the blue is aquamarine. Composition: beryllium aluminium silicate. Formula: Be_3Al_2Si_6O_18. Crystal structure: hexagonal [C13: from Old French, from Latin bēryllus, from Greek bērullos, of Indic origin]   > ˈberyline adj

beryllia (bəˈrIlIə)   n   beryllium oxide

berylliosis (bəˌrIlIˈəʊsIs)   n   a lung disease caused by inhaling beryllium

beryllium (bɛˈrIlIəm)   n   a corrosion-resistant toxic silvery-white metallic element that occurs chiefly in beryl and is used mainly in X-ray windows and in the manufacture of alloys. Symbol: Be; atomic no: 4; atomic wt: 9.012; valency: 2; relative density: 1.848; melting pt: 1289°C; boiling pt: 2472°C. Former names: glucinum, glucinium [C19: from Latin bēryllus, from Greek bērullos, BERYL]

Berzelius (bəˈziːlIəs; Swedish bærˈseːliʊs)   n   Baron Jöns Jakob (ˈjœns ˈjɑːkɔp). 1779–1848, Swedish chemist, who invented the present system of chemical symbols and formulas, discovered several elements, and determined the atomic and molecular weight of many substances

Bes (bɛs)   n   an ancient Egyptian god represented as a grotesque hairy dwarf: the patron of music and pleasure

besaint (bIˈseInt)   vb (tr)   to give the status of a saint to

Besançon (French bəzɑ̃sɔ̃)   n   a city in E France, on the Doubs River: university (1422). Pop: 121 012 (2006)

Besant (ˈbɛzənt, bIˈzænt)   n   Annie, née Wood. 1847–1933, British theosophist, writer, and political reformer in England and India

bescatter (bIˈskætə)   vb (tr)   to scatter or strew about

bescorch (bIˈskɔːtʃ)   vb (tr)   to scorch badly

bescour (bIˈskaʊə)   vb (tr)   to scour thoroughly

bescrawl (bIˈskrɔːl)   vb (tr)   to cover with scrawls

bescreen (bIˈskriːn)   vb (tr)   to conceal or overshadow

bescribble (bIˈskrIbəl)   vb (tr)   to cover with scribbles

besee (bIˈsiː)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to see   2 to provide for   3 to mind

beseech (bIˈsiːtʃ)   vb -seeches, -seeching, -sought or -seeched   (tr) to ask (someone) earnestly (to do something or for something); beg [C12: see BE-, SEEK; related to Old Frisian besēka]   > beˈseecher n   > beˈseeching adj   > beˈseechingly adv

■ beseechingness (bIˈsiːtʃIŋnəs)   n   the quality or state of being beseeching

beseem (bIˈsiːm)   vb   archaic to be suitable for; befit

■ beseemingly (bIˈsiːmIŋlI)   adv   in a manner that is beseeming

■ beseemingness (bIˈsiːmIŋnəs)   n   a quality or state that is beseeming

■ beseemly (bIˈsiːmlI)   adj -lier, -liest   becoming; suitable

beset (bIˈsɛt)   vb -sets, -setting, -set (tr)   1 (esp of dangers, temptations, or difficulties) to trouble or harass constantly   2 to surround or attack from all sides   3 archaic to cover with, esp with jewels   > beˈsetter n

■ besetment (bIˈsɛtmənt)   n   the state or condition of being beset

■ besetting (bIˈsɛtIŋ)   adj   tempting, harassing, or assailing (esp in the phrase besetting sin)

beshadow (bIˈʃædəʊ)   vb (tr)   to darken with shadow

beshame (bIˈʃeIm)   vb (tr)   to cause to feel shame

beshine (bIˈʃaIn)   vb (tr)   to illuminate or shine on

beshiver (bIˈʃIvə)   vb   (tr) to shatter

beshout (bIˈʃaʊt)   vb (tr)   to shout at or about

beshrew (bIˈʃruː)   vb   (tr) archaic to wish evil on; curse (used in mild oaths such as beshrew me) [C14: see BE-, SHREW]

beshroud (bIˈʃraʊd)   vb (tr)   to cover with a shroud

beside (bIˈsaId)   prep   1 next to; at, by, or to the side of   2 as compared with   3 away from; wide of: beside the point   4 archaic besides   5 beside oneself (postpositive; often foll by with) overwhelmed; overwrought: beside oneself with grief   ▷ adv   6 at, by, to, or along the side of something or someone [Old English be sīdan; see BY, SIDE]

■ besides (bIˈsaIdz)   prep   1 apart from; even considering: besides costing too much, the scheme is impractical   ▷ sentence connector   2 anyway; moreover   ▷ adv   3 as well

besiege (bIˈsiːdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to surround (a fortified area, esp a city) with military forces to bring about its surrender   2 to crowd round; hem in   3 to overwhelm, as with requests or queries   > beˈsieger n

■ besiegement (bIˈsiːdʒmənt)   n   1 the state of being besieged   2 the act of besieging

■ besiegingly (bIˈsiːdʒIŋlI)   adv   in an urgent or important manner

besigh (bIˈsaI)   vb (tr)   to sigh for or over

besing (bIˈsIŋ)   vb   (tr) to sing about joyfully

besit (bIˈsIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to suit; fit

Beslan (ˈbɛzlɑːn)   n   a town in the North Ossetian Republic in Russia: scene of a massacre in 2004 when Chechen extremists held a school hostage, leading to a siege in which 344 people were killed. Pop: 35 550 (2002)

beslave (bIˈsleIv)   vb (tr)   to treat as a slave

beslaver (bIˈslævə)   vb (tr)   to fawn, or to slobber, over

beslime (bIˈslaIm)   vb (tr)   to cover with slime

beslobber (bIˈslɒbə)   vb (tr)   to slobber over

besmear (bIˈsmIə)   vb (tr)   1 to smear over; daub   2 to sully; defile (often in the phrase besmear (a person's) reputation)

■ besmearer (bIˈsmIərə)   n   someone who besmears

besmile (bIˈsmaIl)   vb (tr)   to smile on

besmirch (bIˈsmɜːtʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to make dirty; soil   2 to reduce the brightness or lustre of   3 to sully (often in the phrase besmirch (a person's) name)

besmoke (bIˈsməʊk)   vb (tr)   to blacken, or fumigate, with smoke

besmooth (bIˈsmuːð)   vb   (tr) to smooth

besmudge (bIˈsmʌdʒ)   vb (tr)   to blacken

besmut (bIˈsmʌt)   vb (tr)   to blacken with smut

besnow (bIˈsnəʊ)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to whiten   2 to cover with snow

besognio (bIˈzəʊnjəʊ) obsolete   n, pl -os   1 a young soldier   2 a worthless person

besoin French (bəzwɛ̃)   n   need

besom^1 (ˈbiːzəm)   n   1 a broom, esp one made of a bundle of twigs tied to a handle   2 curling a broom or brush used to sweep the ice in front of the stone to make it slide farther   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to sweep with a besom [Old English besma; related to Old High German besmo broom]

besom^2 (ˈbIzəm, ˈbizəm)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a derogatory term for a woman [perhaps from Old English bysen example; related to Old Norse bysn wonder]

besoothe (bIˈsuːð)   vb   (tr) to soothe

besort (bIˈsɔːt)   n   1 the type of company that is befitting   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to fit, match

besot (bIˈsɒt)   vb (tr)   to stupefy or muddle by narcotics or infatuation

■ besotted (bIˈsɒtId)   adj   1 stupefied with drink; intoxicated   2 infatuated; doting   3 foolish; muddled

■ besottedly (bIˈsɒtIdlI)   adv   in a besotted manner

■ besottedness (bIˈsɒtIdnəs)   n   the state of being besotted

besought (bIˈsɔːt)   vb   the past tense and past participle of beseech

besouled (bIˈsəʊld)   adj   having a soul

bespangle (bIˈspæŋɡəl)   vb   (tr) to cover or adorn with or as if with spangles

■ bespangled (bIˈspæŋɡəld)   adj   literary covered or adorned with or as if with spangles or jewels

bespatter (bIˈspætə)   vb (tr)   1 to splash all over, as with dirty water   2 to defile; slander; besmirch

bespeak (bIˈspiːk)   vb -speaks, -speaking, -spoke, -spoken or -spoke (tr)   1 to engage, request, or ask for in advance   2 to indicate or suggest: this act bespeaks kindness   3 poetic to speak to; address   4 archaic to foretell

bespeckle (bIˈspɛkəl)   vb (tr)   to mark with speckles

bespectacled (bIˈspɛktəkəld)   adj   wearing spectacles

bespeed (bIˈspiːd)   vb   (tr) to get on with (doing something)

bespice (bIˈspaIs)   vb (tr)   to flavour with spices

bespit (bIˈspIt)   vb (tr)   to cover with spittle

bespoke (bIˈspəʊk)   adj chiefly Brit   1 (esp of clothing or a website, computer program, etc) made to the customer's specifications   2 making or selling such clothing, websites, etc: a bespoke tailor; a bespoke web designer

besport (bIˈspɔːt)   vb (tr)   to amuse (oneself)

bespot (bIˈspɒt)   vb (tr)   to mark with spots or blemishes

■ bespottedness (bIˈspɒtIdnəs)   n   the state of being covered with spots or blemishes

bespouse (bIˈspaʊz)   vb (tr)   to marry

bespout (bIˈspaʊt)   vb (tr)   to utter (something) pretentiously

bespread (bIˈsprɛd)   vb -spreads, -spreading, -spread   (tr) to cover (a surface) with something

besprent (bIˈsprɛnt)   adj   poetic sprinkled over [C14: past participle of Old English besprengan to BESPRINKLE]

besprinkle (bIˈsprIŋkəl)   vb   (tr) to sprinkle all over with liquid, powder, etc

Bessarabia (ˌbɛsəˈreIbIə)   n   a region in E Europe, mostly in Moldova and Ukraine: long disputed by the Turks and Russians; a province of Romania from 1918 until 1940. Area: about 44 300 sq km (17 100 sq miles)

Bessel (ˈbɛsəl)   n   Friedrich Wilhelm (ˈfriːdrIç ˈvIlhɛlm). 1784–1846, German astronomer and mathematician. He made the first authenticated measurement of a star's distance (1841) and systematized a series of mathematical functions used in physics

Bessemer converter (ˈbɛsImə)   n   a refractory-lined furnace used to convert pig iron into steel by the Bessemer process

Bessemer process   n   1 (formerly) a process for producing steel by blowing air through molten pig iron at about 1250°C in a Bessemer converter: silicon, manganese, and phosphorus impurities are removed and the carbon content is controlled   2 a similar process for removing sulphur and iron from copper matte [C19: named after Sir Henry Bessemer (1813–98), English engineer]

best (bɛst)   adj   1 the superlative of good   2 most excellent of a particular group, category, etc   3 most suitable, advantageous, desirable, attractive, etc   4 the best part of most of: the best part of an hour   5 put one's best foot forward   a to do one's utmost to make progress   b to hurry   ▷ adv   6 the superlative of well^1   7 in a manner surpassing all others; most excellently, advantageously, attractively, etc   8 (in combination) in or to the greatest degree or extent; most: the best-loved hero   9 as best one can or as best one may as effectively as possible within one's limitations   10 had best would be wise, sensible, etc, to: you had best go now   ▷ n   11 the best the most outstanding or excellent person, thing, or group in a category   12 (often preceded by at) the most excellent, pleasing, or skilled quality or condition: journalism at its best   13 the most effective effort of which a person or group is capable: even their best was inadequate   14 a winning majority: the best of three games   15 Also: all the best best wishes: she sent him her best   16 a person's smartest outfit of clothing   17 at best   a in the most favourable interpretation   b under the most favourable conditions   18 for the best   a for an ultimately good outcome   b with good intentions: he meant it for the best   19 get the best of or have the best of to surpass, defeat, or outwit; better   20 give someone the best to concede someone's superiority   21 make the best of to cope as well as possible in the unfavourable circumstances of (often in the phrases make the best of a bad job, make the best of it)   22 six of the best informal six strokes with a cane on the buttocks or hand   ▷ vb   23 (tr) to gain the advantage over or defeat [Old English betst; related to Gothic batista, Old High German bezzist]

■ best-ball   adj   golf of, relating to, or denoting a match in which one player competes against the best individual totals of two or more other players at each hole

■ best boy   n   chiefly US the assistant to the senior electrician or to the key grip in a film crew

■ best end   n   the end of the neck of lamb, pork, etc, nearest to the ribs

■ bestest (ˈbɛstIst)   adj   not standard indisputably best

■ best girl   n   archaic one's sweetheart

■ best man   n   the (male) attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding

■ best of breed   n   1 the winning animal of its breed at a dog show   ▷ adj best-of-breed   2 (esp of technology) of the best available quality

■ best practice   n   the recognized methods of correctly running businesses or providing services

■ bestseller (ˌbɛstˈsɛlə)   n   1 a book, record, CD, or other product that has sold in great numbers, esp over a short period   2 the author of one or more such books, etc   > ˌbestˈselling adj

■ bestsellerdom (ˌbɛstˈsɛlərdəm)   n   the state or accomplishment of being a bestseller

Best (bɛst)   n   1  Charles Herbert. 1899–1978, Canadian physiologist: associated with Banting and Macleod in their discovery of insulin in 1922   2  George. 1946–2005, Northern Ireland footballer

bestain (bIˈsteIn)   vb (tr)   to stain

bestar (bIˈstɑː)   vb (tr)   to decorate with stars

bestead (bIˈstɛd)   vb (tr)   to serve; assist

besti (ˈbeIstiː)   n   Hinglish shame; embarrassment [C21: Hindi be-izzat dishonour]

bestial (ˈbɛstIəl)   adj   1 brutal or savage   2 sexually depraved; carnal   3 lacking in refinement; brutish   4 of or relating to a beast [C14: from Late Latin bestiālis, from Latin bestia BEAST]   > ˈbestially adv

■ bestialism (ˈbɛstIəlIzəm)   n   1 the state of beasts   2 the state of lacking reason

■ bestiality (ˌbɛstIˈælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 bestial behaviour, character, or action   2 sexual activity between a person and an animal

■ bestialize or bestialise (ˈbɛstIəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to make bestial or brutal

bestiary (ˈbɛstIərI)   n, pl -aries   a moralizing medieval collection of descriptions (and often illustrations) of real and mythical animals

bestick (bIˈstIk)   vb (tr)   to cover with sharp points; to pierce

bestie (ˈbɛstI)   n   slang one's best friend

bestill (bIˈstIl)   vb (tr)   to cause to be still

bestir (bIˈstɜː)   vb -stirs, -stirring, -stirred   (tr) to cause (oneself, or, rarely, another person) to become active; rouse

bestorm (bIˈstɔːm)   vb (tr)   to assault

bestow (bIˈstəʊ)   vb (tr)   1 to present (a gift) or confer (an award or honour)   2 archaic to apply (energy, resources, etc)   3 archaic to house (a person) or store (goods)   > beˈstowal or beˈstowment n   > beˈstower n

bestraddle (bIˈstrædəl)   vb (tr)   to sit with one's legs either side of something

bestraught (bIˈstrɔːt)   adj   distraught; distracted

bestreak (bIˈstriːk)   vb (tr)   to streak

bestrew (bIˈstruː)   vb -strews, -strewing, -strewed, -strewn or -strewed   (tr) to scatter or lie scattered over (a surface)

bestride (bIˈstraId)   vb -strides, -striding, -strode or archaic -strid, -stridden or archaic -strid (tr)   1 to have or put a leg on either side of   2 to extend across; span   3 to stride over or across

■ bestridable (bIˈstaIdəbəl)   adj   capable of being bestridden

bestud (bIˈstʌd)   vb (tr)   to set with studs

besuited (bIˈsuːtId)   adj   wearing a suit

beswarm (bIˈswɔːm)   vb (tr)   to swarm over

bet (bɛt)   n   1 an agreement between two parties that a sum of money or other stake will be paid by the loser to the party who correctly predicts the outcome of an event   2 the money or stake risked   3 the predicted result in such an agreement: his bet was that the horse would win   4 a person, event, etc, considered as likely to succeed or occur: it's a good bet that they will succeed   5 a course of action (esp in the phrase one's best bet)   6 informal an opinion; view: my bet is that you've been up to no good   ▷ vb bets, betting, bet or betted   7 (when intr foll by on or against) to make or place a bet with (a person or persons)   8 (tr) to stake (money, etc) in a bet   9 (tr; may take a clause as object) informal to predict (a certain outcome): I bet she fails   10 you bet informal of course; naturally [C16: probably short for ABET]

beta (ˈbiːtə)   n   1 the second letter in the Greek alphabet (Β, β), a consonant, transliterated as b   2 the second highest grade or mark, as in an examination   3 (modifier)   a involving or relating to electrons: beta emitter   b relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid: beta iron   c relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound [from Greek bēta, from Hebrew; see BETH]

■ beta-blocker   n   any of a class of drugs, such as propranolol, that inhibit the activity of the nerves that are stimulated by adrenaline; they therefore decrease the contraction and speed of the heart: used in the treatment of high blood pressure and angina pectoris

■ beta-blocking   adj   pharmacol acting to inhibit the activity of the nerves that are stimulated by adrenaline

■ Betacam (ˈbiːtəˌkæm)   n   trademark a high-quality professional video system

■ betacarotene (ˌbiːtəˈkærəˌtiːn)   n   the most important form of the plant pigment carotene, which occurs in milk, vegetables, and other foods and, when eaten by humans and animals, is converted in the body to vitamin A

■ betacism (ˈbiːtəˌsIzəm)   n   a type of speech impediment where the b sound is excessive

■ beta coefficient   n   stock exchange a measure of the extent to which a particular security rises or falls in value in response to market movements

■ beta decay   n   the radioactive transformation of an atomic nucleus accompanying the emission of an electron. It involves unit change of atomic number but none in mass number. Also called: beta transformation, beta process

■ beta globulin   n   another name for transferrin

■ beta-hypophamine   n   another name for vasopressin

■ beta iron   n   a nonmagnetic allotrope of pure iron stable between 770°C and 910°C

■ beta particle   n   a high-speed electron or positron emitted by a nucleus during radioactive decay or nuclear fission

■ beta ray   n   a stream of beta particles

■ beta rhythm or beta wave   n   physiol the normal electrical activity of the cerebral cortex, occurring at a frequency of 13 to 30 hertz and detectable with an electroencephalograph. See also brain wave

■ beta stock   n   any of the second rank of active securities on the Stock Exchange, of which there are about 500. Continuous display of prices by market makers is required but not immediate publication of transactions

■ beta-test   n   1 a test of a new or modified piece of computer software by customers who volunteer to do so   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to test (software) in this way. Compare alpha-test

■ betatopic (ˌbiːtəˈtɒpIk)   adj   (of atoms) differing in proton number by one, theoretically as a result of emission of a beta particle

■ betatron (ˈbiːtəˌtrɒn)   n   a type of particle accelerator for producing high-energy beams of electrons, having an alternating magnetic field to keep the electrons in a circular orbit of fixed radius and accelerate them by magnetic induction. It produces energies of up to about 300 MeV

Beta (ˈbiːtə)   n   (foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) a star in a constellation, usually the second brightest: Beta Persei

betacyanin (ˌbiːtəˈsaIənIn)   n   any one of a group of red nitrogenous pigments found in certain plants, such as beetroot

betaine (ˈbiːtəˌiːn, -In, bIˈteIiːn, -In)   n   1 a sweet-tasting alkaloid that occurs in the sugar beet and other plants and in animals. Formula: C_5H_11NO_2   2 (plural) a group of chemical compounds that resemble betaine and are slightly basic zwitterions [C19: from New Latin Bēta beet + -INE^2]

betake (bIˈteIk)   vb -takes, -taking, -took, -taken (tr)   1 betake oneself to go; move   2 archaic to apply (oneself) to

betatter (bIˈtætə)   vb   (tr) to make ragged

betaxed (bIˈtækst)   adj   burdened with taxes

betcha (ˈbɛtʃə)   interj   you betcha! informal absolutely, certainly

beteem (bIˈtiːm)   vb (tr)   obsolete to accord or allow

betel (ˈbiːtəl)   n   an Asian piperaceous climbing plant, Piper betle, the leaves of which are chewed, with the betel nut, by the peoples of SE Asia [C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam vettila]

■ betelnut (ˈbiːtəlˌnʌt)   n   the seed of the betel palm, chewed with betel leaves and lime by people in S and SE Asia as a digestive stimulant and narcotic

■ betel palm   n   a tropical Asian feather palm, Areca catechu, with scarlet or orange fruits. See betelnut

Betelgeuse or Betelgeux (ˌbiːtəlˈdʒɜːz, ˈbiːtəlˌdʒɜːz)   n   a very remote luminous red supergiant, Alpha Orionis: the second brightest star in the constellation Orion. It is a variable star [C18: from French, from Arabic bīt al-jauzā' literally: shoulder of the giant, that is, of Orion]

bête noire French (bɛt nwar)   n, pl bêtes noires (bɛt nwar)   a person or thing that one particularly dislikes or dreads [literally: black beast]

beth (bɛt)   n   the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ב) transliterated as b [from Hebrew bēth-, bayith house]

bethank (bIˈθæŋk)   vb (tr)   archaic to thank

■ bethankit (bIˈθæŋkIt)   interj   (used as part of a grace spoken before a meal) God be thanked!

Bethany (ˈbɛθənI)   n   a village in the West Bank, near Jerusalem at the foot of the Mount of Olives: in the New Testament, the home of Lazarus and the lodging place of Jesus during Holy Week

Beth Din or Bet Din (bɛθ dIn; Hebrew bet din)   n   Judaism a rabbinical court, consisting of at least three dayanim, and having authority over such matters as divorce and conversion and other communal ecclesiastical matters such as Kashruth. It may also try civil disputes with the consent of both parties [from Hebrew, literally: house of judgment]

Bethe (ˈbeItə)   n   Hans Albrecht (hans ˈalbrɛçt). 1906–2005, US physicist, born in Germany; noted for his research on astrophysics and nuclear physics: Nobel prize for physics 1967

Bethel (ˈbɛθəl)   n   1 an ancient town in the West Bank, near Jerusalem: in the Old Testament, the place where the dream of Jacob occurred (Genesis 28:19)   2 a chapel of any of certain Nonconformist Christian sects   3 a seamen's chapel [C17: from Hebrew bēth 'Ēl house of God]

Bethesda (bəˈθɛzdə)   n   1 New Testament a pool in Jerusalem reputed to have healing powers, where a paralysed man was healed by Jesus (John 5:2)   2 a chapel of any of certain Nonconformist Christian sects

bethink (bIˈθIŋk)   vb -thinks, -thinking, -thought archaic or dialect   1 to cause (oneself) to consider or meditate   2 (tr; often foll by of) to remind (oneself)

Bethlehem (ˈbɛθlIˌhɛm, -lIəm)   n   a town in the West Bank, near Jerusalem: birthplace of Jesus and early home of King David

Bethmann Hollweg (German ˈbeːtman ˈhɔlveːk)   n   Theobald von (ˈteːobalt fɔn). 1856–1921, chancellor of Germany (1909–17)

bethorn (bIˈθɔːn)   vb (tr)   to cover with thorns

bethought (bIˈθɔːt)   vb   the past tense and past participle of bethink

bethrall (bIˈθrɔːl)   vb (tr)   1 to make a slave of   2 to hold the attention of

Bethsaida (bɛθˈseIdə)   n   a ruined town in N Israel, near the N shore of the Sea of Galilee

bethumb (bIˈθʌm)   vb (tr)   to cause wear to (books) by handling

bethump (bIˈθʌmp)   vb (tr)   to thump hard

Bethune (ˈbɛθˌjuːn)   n   Norman. 1890–1939, Canadian physician and campaigner for socialized medicine; pioneered the use of mobile medical units during the Spanish Civil War and in China during the second Sino-Japanese War

bethwack (bIˈθwæk)   vb (tr)   to strike hard with a flat object

betide (bIˈtaId)   vb   to happen or happen to; befall (often in the phrase woe betide (someone)) [C13: see BE-, TIDE^2]

betime (bIˈtaIm)   vb (intr)   1 to befall, happen   ▷ adv   2 in good time

■ betimes (bIˈtaImz)   adv archaic   1 in good time; early   2 in a short time; soon [C14 bitimes; see BY, TIME]

bêtise (bɛˈtiːz)   n   rare folly or lack of perception [French, from bête foolish, from bête (n) stupid person, BEAST]

betitle (bIˈtaItəl)   vb (tr)   to give a title to

Betjeman (ˈbɛtʃəmən)   n   Sir John. 1906–84, English poet, noted for his nostalgic and humorous verse and essays and for his concern for the preservation of historic buildings, esp of the Victorian era. Poet laureate (1972–84)

betoil (bIˈtɔIl)   vb (tr)   1 to worry   2 to tire through hard work

betoken (bIˈtəʊkən)   vb (tr)   1 to indicate; signify: black clothes betoken mourning   2 to portend; augur

béton (ˈbeItɒn)   n   a type of concrete prepared in France

betony (ˈbɛtənI)   n, pl -nies   1 a Eurasian plant, Stachys (or Betonica) officinalis, with a spike of reddish-purple flowers, formerly used in medicine and dyeing: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   2 any of several related plants of the genus Stachys   3 wood betony a North American scrophulariaceous plant, Pedicularis canadensis. See also lousewort [C14: from Old French betoine, from Latin betonica, variant of vettonica, probably named after the Vettones, an ancient Iberian tribe]

betook (bIˈtʊk)   vb   the past tense of betake

betoss (bIˈtɒs)   vb (tr)   to toss about

betray (bIˈtreI)   vb (tr)   1 to aid an enemy of (one's nation, friend, etc); be a traitor to: to betray one's country   2 to hand over or expose (one's nation, friend, etc) treacherously to an enemy   3 to disclose (a secret, confidence, etc) treacherously   4 to break (a promise) or be disloyal to (a person's trust)   5 to disappoint the expectations of; fail: his tired legs betrayed him   6 to show signs of; indicate: if one taps china, the sound betrays any faults   7 to reveal unintentionally: his grin betrayed his satisfaction   8 betray oneself to reveal one's true character, intentions, etc   9 to lead astray; deceive   10 euphemistic to seduce and then forsake (a woman) [C13: from BE- + trayen from Old French trair, from Latin trādere]   > beˈtrayal n   > beˈtrayer n

betread (bIˈtrɛd)   vb (tr)   to tread upon

betrim (bIˈtrIm)   vb (tr)   to decorate or adorn

betroth (bIˈtrəʊð)   vb   (tr) archaic to promise to marry or to give in marriage [C14 betreuthen, from BE- + treuthe TROTH, TRUTH]

■ betrothal (bIˈtrəʊðəl)   n   1 engagement to be married   2 a mutual promise to marry

■ betrothed (bIˈtrəʊðd)   adj   1 engaged to be married: he was betrothed to her   ▷ n   2 the person to whom one is engaged; fiancé or fiancée

betta (ˈbɛtə)   n   another name for fighting fish [C19: from New Latin, of unknown origin]

better^1 (ˈbɛtə)   adj   1 the comparative of good   2 more excellent than other members of a particular group, category, etc   3 more suitable, advantageous, attractive, etc   4 improved in health   5 fully recovered in health   6 in more favourable circumstances, esp financially   7 better off in more favourable circumstances, esp financially   8 the better part of a large part of: the better part of a day   ▷ adv   9 the comparative of well^1   10 in a more excellent manner; more advantageously, attractively, etc   11 in or to a greater degree or extent; more: she is better loved than her sister   12 go one better (Brit intr; US tr) to outdo (a person) or improve upon (someone else's effort)   13 had better would be wise, sensible, etc to: I had better be off   14 know better than to not to be so stupid as to   15 think better of   a to change one's course of action after reconsideration   b to rate (a person) more highly   ▷ n   16 the better something that is the more excellent, useful, etc, of two such things   17 (usually plural) a person who is superior, esp in social standing or ability   18 all the better for improved as a result of   19 all the better to more suitable to   20 for better for worse whatever the subsequent events or changes may be   21 for the better by way of improvement: a change for the better   22 get the better of to defeat, outwit, or surpass   23 the better of Irish having recovered from: I'm not the better of it yet   ▷ vb   24 to make or become better   25 (tr) to improve upon; surpass [Old English betera; related to Old Norse betri, Gothic batiza, Old High German beziro]

■ better half   n   jocular one's spouse

■ betterment (ˈbɛtəmənt)   n   1 a change for the better; improvement   2 property law an improvement effected on real property that enhances the value of the property

■ bettermost (ˈbɛtəˌməʊst)   adj   best

■ betterness (ˈbɛtənəs)   n   1 the quality of being superior   2 the fineness (beyond standard) of precious metals

better^2 or esp US bettor (ˈbɛtə)   n   a person who bets

Betti (Italian ˈbetti)   n   Ugo (ˈuɡo). 1892–1953, Italian writer, noted esp for his plays, including La Padrona (1927), Corruzione al palazzo di giustizia (1949), and La Regina e gli insorte (1951)

betting (ˈbɛtIŋ)   n   1 the laying of wagers   2 likelihood; probability (esp in the phrases the betting is and what's the betting that)

■ betting shop   n   (in Britain) a licensed bookmaker's premises not on a racecourse

bettong (bɛˈtɒŋ)   n   a species of rat kangaroo of Australia having a short nose [C19: from a native Australian language]

betty (ˈbɛtI)   n, pl -ties   a type of short crowbar

betulaceous (ˌbɛtjʊˈleIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Betulaceae, a family of mostly N temperate catkin-bearing trees and shrubs such as birch and alder, some species of which reach the northern limits of tree growth [C19: from Latin betula birch]

betumbled (bIˈtʌmbəld)   adj   thrown into disorder

between (bIˈtwiːn)   prep   1 at a point or in a region intermediate to two other points in space, times, degrees, etc   2 in combination; together: between them, they saved enough money to buy a car   3 confined or restricted to: between you and me   4 indicating a reciprocal relation or comparison: an argument between a man and his wife   5 indicating two or more alternatives: a choice between going now and staying all night   ▷ adv also in between   6 between one specified thing and another: two houses with a garage between [Old English betwēonum; related to Gothic tweihnai two together; see TWO, TWAIN]

USAGE

After distribute and words with a similar meaning, among should be used rather than between: this enterprise issued shares which were distributed among its workers

■ betweenbrain (bIˈtwiːnˌbreIn)   n   the posterior part of the forebrain

■ betweenity (bIˈtwiːnItI)   n   the state of lying between two extremes

■ betweenness (bIˈtwiːnnəs)   n   the condition of being between

■ between-subjects design   n   (modifier) statistics (of an experiment) concerned with measuring the value of the dependent variable for distinct and unrelated groups subjected to each of the experimental conditions. Compare within-subjects design, matched-pairs design

■ betweentime (bIˈtwiːnˌtaIm)   n   the time between events; interval

■ betweentimes (bIˈtwiːnˌtaImz) or betweenwhiles (bIˈtwiːnˌwaIlz)   adv   between other activities; during intervals

betwixt (bIˈtwIkst)   prep, adv   1 archaic another word for between   2 betwixt and between in an intermediate, indecisive, or middle position [Old English betwix; related to Old High German zwiski two each]

Betws-y-Coed (ˌbɛtsIˈkɔId)   n   a village in N Wales, in Conwy county borough, on the River Conwy: noted for its scenery. Pop: 534 (2001)

Beulah (ˈbjuːlə)   n   Old Testament the land of Israel (Isaiah 62:4) [Hebrew, literally: married woman]

beuncled (bIˈʌŋkəld)   adj   having many uncles

Beur French (bœr)   n   a person born in France of North African descent [C20: derived from backslang of the syllables of French arabe Arab]

beurre French (bɜː, bœr)   n   butter

beurre blanc (French bœr blɑ̃)   n   French cookery an emulsion of cold butter in a white wine or vinegar and shallot reduction [French, literally: white butter]

Beuthen (ˈbɔytən)   n   the German name for Bytom

Beuys (German bɔis)   n   Joseph (ˈjoːzɛf). 1921–86, German artist, a celebrated figure of the avant-garde, noted esp for his sculptures made of felt and animal fat

BeV   abbreviation for (in the US)   gigaelectronvolts (GeV) [C20: from b(illion) e(lectron) v(olts)]

Bevan^1 (ˈbɛvən) or Bev (bɛv)   n Austral informal, derogatory   1 a stupid or unsophisticated person   2 an aggressive and surly youth [from the boy's name Bevan]

Bevan^2 (ˈbɛvən)   n   Aneurin (əˈnaIərIn), known as Nye. (1897–1960), British Labour statesman, born in Wales: noted for his oratory. As minister of health (1945–51) he introduced the National Health Service (1948)   > ˈBevanˌite n, adj

bevatron (ˈbɛvəˌtrɒn)   n   a proton synchrotron at the University of California [C20: from BEV + -TRON]

Bev curls (bɛv)   pl n   Austral slang long locks of hair, considered to be typical of a certain kind of unsophisticated man [C20: see BEVAN^1]

bevel (ˈbɛvəl)   n   1    a Also called: cant a surface that meets another at an angle other than a right angle. Compare chamfer (sense 1)   b (as modifier): a bevel edge; bevel square   ▷ vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   2 (intr) to be inclined; slope   3 (tr) to cut a bevel on (a piece of timber, etc) [C16: from Old French bevel (unattested), from baïf, from baer to gape; see BAY^1]   > ˈbevelled or US ˈbeveled adj   > ˈbeveller or US ˈbeveler n

■ bevel gear   n   a gear having teeth cut into a conical surface known as the pitch zone. Two such gears mesh together to transmit power between two shafts at an angle to each other

■ bevelment (ˈbɛvəlmənt)   n   the process of bevelling

■ bevel square   n   a woodworker's square with an adjustable arm that can be set to mark out an angle or to check the slope of a surface

bever^1 (ˈbiːvə)   n   1 a snack   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to have a snack

bever^2 (ˈbɛvə)   vb (intr)   to shake or tremble

beverage (ˈbɛvərIdʒ, ˈbɛvrIdʒ)   n   any drink, usually other than water [C13: from Old French bevrage, from beivre to drink, from Latin bibere]

■ beverage room   n   Canadian a room in a tavern, hotel, etc, in which alcoholic drinks are served

Beveridge (ˈbɛvərIdʒ)   n   William Henry, 1st Baron Beveridge. 1879–1963, British economist, whose Report on Social Insurance and Allied Services (1942) formed the basis of social-security legislation in Britain

Beverley (ˈbɛvəlI)   n   a market town in NE England, the administrative centre of the East Riding of Yorkshire. Pop: 29 110 (2001)

Beverly Hills (ˈbɛvəlI)   n   a town in SW California, near Los Angeles: famous as the home of film stars. Pop: 34 941 (2003 est)

Bevin (ˈbɛvIn)   n   Ernest. 1881–1951, British Labour statesman and trade unionist, who was largely responsible for the creation of the Transport and General Workers' Union (1922): minister of labour (1940–45); foreign secretary (1945–51)

■ Bevin boy   n   (in Britain during World War II) a young man selected by ballot to work in a coal mine instead of doing conventional military service [C20: named after Ernest BEVIN, who originated the scheme]

bevomit (bIˈvɒmIt)   vb (tr)   to vomit over

bevor (ˈbiːvə)   n   the armour that protects the lower part of the face

bevue (beIˈvuː)   n   a careless error

bevvy (ˈbɛvI) informal   n, pl -vies   1 a drink, esp an alcoholic one: we had a few bevvies last night   2 a session of drinking   ▷ vb -vies, -vying, -vied (intr)   3 to drink alcohol [probably from Old French bevee, buvee drinking]

■ bevvied (ˈbɛvId)   adj   informal drunk

bevy (ˈbɛvI)   n, pl bevies   1 a flock of quails   2 a group, esp of girls   3 a group of roe deer [C15: of uncertain origin]

bewail (bIˈweIl)   vb   to express great sorrow over (a person or thing); lament   > beˈwailed adj   > beˈwailer n   > beˈwailing n, adj   > beˈwailingly adv

beware (bIˈwɛə)   vb   (usually used in the imperative or infinitive; often foll by of) to be cautious or wary (of); be on one's guard (against) [C13 be war, from BE (imperative) + war WARY]

beweary (bIˈwIərI)   vb -wearies, -wearying, -wearied (tr)   to cause to be weary

beweep (bIˈwiːp)   vb (tr)   to grieve for by weeping

beweltered (bIˈwɛltəd)   adj   soaked with blood

bewet (bIˈwɛt)   vb (tr)   to make wet

bewhiskered (bIˈwIskəd)   adj   having whiskers on the cheeks

bewhore (bIˈhɔː)   vb (tr)   archaic to treat as a whore

Bewick (ˈbjuːIk)   n   Thomas. 1753–1828, English wood engraver; his best-known works are Chillingham Bull (1789), a large woodcut, Aesop's Fables (1818), and his History of British Birds (1797–1804)

■ Bewick's swan (ˈbjuːIks)   n   a white Old World swan, Cygnus bewickii, having a black bill with a small yellow base [named after Thomas BEWICK]

bewig (bIˈwIɡ)   vb (tr)   to cover with a wig

bewilder (bIˈwIldə)   vb (tr)   1 to confuse utterly; puzzle   2 archaic to cause to become lost [C17: see BE-, WILDER]   > beˈwilderˌment n

■ bewildered (bIˈwIldəd)   adj   puzzled; confused

■ bewilderedly (bIˈwIldədlI)   adv   in a bewildered manner

■ bewilderedness (bIˈwIldədnəs)   n   the state of being bewildered

■ bewildering (bIˈwIldərIŋ)   adj   causing utter confusion; puzzling   > beˈwilderingly adv

bewinged (bIˈwIŋd)   adj   having wings

bewitch (bIˈwItʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to attract and fascinate; enchant   2 to cast a spell over [C13 bewicchen; see BE-, WITCH]   > beˈwitching adj   > beˈwitchingly adv

■ bewitcher (bIˈwItʃə)   n   a person who enchants or bewitches

■ bewitchery (bIˈwItʃərI)   n   a bewitching power; charm

■ bewitchment (bIˈwItʃmənt)   n   1 the state of being bewitched   2 the power of bewitching

beworm (bIˈwɜːm)   vb (tr)   to fill or infest with worms

beworry (bIˈwʌrI)   vb   (tr) to beset with worry

bewrap (bIˈræp)   vb (tr)   to wrap up; to conceal

bewray (bIˈreI)   vb   (tr) an obsolete word for betray [C13: from BE- + Old English wrēgan to accuse; related to Gothic wrōhjan]   > beˈwrayer n

Bexhill or Bexhill-on-Sea (ˌbɛksˈhIl)   n   a resort in S England, in East Sussex on the English Channel. Pop: 39 451 (2001)

Bexley (ˈbɛkslI)   n   a borough of SE Greater London. Pop: 219 100 (2003 est). Area: 61 sq km (23 sq miles)

bey (beI)   n   1 (in the Ottoman Empire) a title given to senior officers, provincial governors, certain other officials or nobles, and (sometimes) Europeans   2 (in modern Turkey) a title of address, corresponding to Mr   ▶ Also called: beg [C16: Turkish: lord]

beylic (ˈbeIlIk)   n   a province ruled over by a bey

Beyoğlu (ˈbeIɔːluː)   n   a district of Istanbul, north of the Golden Horn: the European quarter. Former name: Pera

beyond (bIˈjɒnd)   prep   1 at or to a point on the other side of; at or to the further side of: beyond those hills there is a river   2 outside the limits or scope of: beyond this country's jurisdiction   ▷ adv   3 at or to the other or far side of something   4 outside the limits of something   ▷ n   5 the beyond the unknown; the world outside the range of human perception, esp life after death in certain religious beliefs [Old English begeondan; see BY, YONDER]

Beyrouth (beIˈruːt, ˈbeIruːt)   n   a variant spelling of Beirut

bez (beIz)   n   the branch of a deer's horn above the brow-antler

Beza (French bəza)   n   See de Bèze

bezant or bezzant (ˈbɛzənt, bIˈzænt)   n   1 a medieval Byzantine gold coin   2 architect an ornament in the form of a flat disc   3 heraldry a small gold circle [C13: from Old French besant, from Medieval Latin Bӯzantius Byzantine (coin)]

bezel (ˈbɛzəl)   n   1 the sloping face adjacent to the working edge of a cutting tool   2 the upper oblique faces of a cut gem   3 a grooved ring or part holding a gem, watch crystal, etc   4 a retaining outer rim used in vehicle instruments, e.g. in tachometers and speedometers   5 a small indicator light used in vehicle instrument panels   6 the outer frame of a computer screen, mobile phone, or other electronic device [C17: probably from French biseau, perhaps from Latin bis twice]   > ˈbezelless adj

Béziers (French bezje)   n   a city in S France: scene of a massacre (1209) during the Albigensian Crusade. It is a centre of the wine trade. Pop: 71 672 (2008)

bezique (bIˈziːk)   n   1 a card game for two or more players with tricks similar to whist but with additional points scored for honours and sequences: played with two packs with nothing below a seven   2 (in this game) the queen of spades and jack of diamonds declared together [C19: from French bésigue, of unknown origin]

bezoar (ˈbiːzɔː)   n   a hard mass, such as a stone or hairball, in the stomach and intestines of animals, esp ruminants, and humans: formerly thought to be an antidote to poisons [C15: from Old French bézoard, from Arabic bāzahr, from Persian bādzahr, from bād against + zahr poison]

■ bezoardic (ˌbɛzəʊˈɑːdIk)   adj   relating to bezoar

bezonian (bIˈzəʊnIən)   n   archaic a knave or rascal [C16: from Italian bisogno ill-equipped raw recruit; literally: need]

Bezos (ˈbeIzəʊs)   n   Jeff. real name Jeffrey Preston Jorgensen. born 1964, US entrepreneur: founder (1994) and CEO of the online retailer Amazon

Bezwada (ˈbeIzˌwɑːdə)   n   the former name of Vijayawada

bezzie or bezzy (ˈbɛzI) Brit slang   adj   1 best (esp in the phrase bezzie mate)   ▷ n   2 one's best friend

bezzle^1 (ˈbɛzəl)   vb   (tr) to waste (money)

bezzle^2 (ˈbɛzəl)   vb   to consume (alcohol) to excess

bf   the internet domain name for   Burkina Faso

BF or bf informal   abbreviation for   1 best friend   2 boyfriend

B/F or b/f accounting   abbreviation for   brought forward

B.F.A.   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Bachelor of Fine Arts

BFF   abbreviation for   best friend forever

BFI   abbreviation for   British Film Institute

BFN text messaging   abbreviation for   bye for now

BFPO   abbreviation for   British Forces Post Office

bg   the internet domain name for   Bulgaria

BG   abbreviation for   Bulgaria (international car registration)

bh   the internet domain name for   Bahrain

BH   abbreviation for   Belize (international car registration) [from BRITISH HONDURAS ]

Bhagalpur (ˈbɑːɡəlˌpʊə)   n   a city in India, in Bihar: agriculture, textiles, university (1960). Pop: 340 349 (2001)

Bhagavad-Gita (ˈbʌɡəvədˈɡiːtə)   n   a sacred Hindu text composed about 200 BC and incorporated into the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic [from Sanskrit: song of the Blessed One, from bhaga blessing + gītā a song]

Bhai (baI)   n   a title or form of address prefixed to the names of distinguished Sikhs [from Hindi bhāī, from Sanskrit bhrātr BROTHER]

bhajan (ˈbʌdʒən)   n   Hinduism, Sikhism the singing of devotional songs and hymns [from Sanskrit, literally: adoration, worship]

bhaji (ˈbɑːdʒI)   n, pl -ji, -jis, -jia   an Indian savoury made of chopped vegetables mixed in a spiced batter and deep-fried [C19: from Hindi bhājī fried vegetables]

bhakti (ˈbʌktI)   n   Hinduism loving devotion to God leading to nirvana [from Sanskrit: portion, from bhajati he allocates]

■ bhakta (ˈbʌktə)   n   Hinduism a devotee of God

bhang or bang (bæŋ)   n   a preparation of the leaves and flower tops of Indian hemp, which has psychoactive properties: much used in India. See also cannabis [C16: from Hindi bhāng]

bhangra (ˈbæŋɡrə)   n   a type of Asian pop music that combines elements of traditional Punjabi music with Western pop [C20: from Hindi]

bharal or burhel (ˈbʌrəl)   n   a wild Himalayan sheep, Pseudois nayaur, with a bluish-grey coat and round backward-curving horns [Hindi]

Bharat (ˈbʌrʌt)   n   transliteration of the Hindi name for India

■ Bharatiya (ˈbɑːrəˌtiːjə)   adj   of or relating to India

Bharatiya Janata Party   n   an Indian political party that promotes Hindu nationalism. Abbreviation: BJP

Bharat Natyam (ˈbʌrət ˈnɑːtjəm)   n   a form of Indian classical ballet [from Sanskrit bharatanātya Bharata's dancing, from Bharata the sage supposed to have written of dramatic art and dancing + nātya dancing]

Bhaskar (ˈbʌsˌkɑː)   n   Sanjeev (ˈsændʒiːv). born 1964, British actor and writer of Indian origin, known for the TV comedy series Goodness Gracious Me (1998–2001) and The Kumars at No. 42 (2001–06)

bhat (baːt)   n, pl bhat   the standard monetary unit of Thailand

Bhatpara (bɑːtˈpɑːrə)   n   a city in NE India, in West Bengal on the Hooghly River: jute and cotton mills. Pop: 441 956 (2001)

bhavan (ˈbʌvən) or bhawan   n   (in India) a large house or building

Bhavnagar (ˈbɑːvnəɡə)   n   a port in W India, in S Gujarat. Pop: 510 958 (2001)

bhelpuri (bɛlˈpuːrI)   n   an Indian dish of puffed rice and vegetables

bhikhu (ˈbiːˌku)   n   a fully ordained Buddhist monk [Pali, literally: beggar]

bhikkhuni (ˈbiːkuˌni)   n   a fully ordained Buddhist nun [Pali, literally: beggar]

bhindi (ˈbIndI)   n   the okra as used in Indian cooking: its green pods are eaten as vegetables. Also called: lady's finger [Hindi]

Bhisho (ˈbIʃəʊ)   n   a town in S South Africa, on the Buffalo River adjacent to King Williams Town; the capital of Eastern Cape, it was formerly the capital of the Ciskei Bantu homeland: it is the centre of a sheep and cattle ranching area with various industries

bhishti or bheesty (ˈbiːstI)   n, pl -ties   (formerly in India) a water-carrier [C18: from Hindi bhīstī, from Persian bihishtī heavenly one, from bihisht paradise]

Bhopal (bəʊˈpɑːl)   n   a city in central India, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state and of the former state of Bhopal: site of a poisonous gas leak from a US-owned factory, which killed over 7000 people in 1984 and was implicated in a further 15 000 deaths afterwards. Pop: 1 433 875 (2001)

bhp   abbreviation for   brake horsepower

BHP   abbreviation for (in Australia)   Broken Hill Proprietary

BHS   abbreviation for   (in Britain) British Horse Society

Bhubaneswar (ˌbʊbəˈneIʃwə)   n   an ancient city in E India, the capital of Odisha (formerly Orissa) state: many temples built between the 7th and 16th centuries. Pop: 647 302 (2001)

bhuna (ˈbuːnə)   n   an Indian dish or sauce in which spices are dry-roasted in a pan and then combined with a moistening agent such as yogurt or water [from Urdu]

bhut (buːt)   n   Hinduism a type of ghost or spirit

Bhutan (buːˈtɑːn)   n   a kingdom in central Asia: disputed by Tibet, China, India, and Britain since the 18th century but most closely connected with India; contains inaccessible stretches of the E Himalayas in the north. Official language: Dzongka; Nepali is also spoken. Official religion: Mahayana Buddhist. Currencies: ngultrum and Indian rupee. Capital: Thimphu. Pop: 807 610 (2017 est). Area: about 46 600 sq km (18 000 sq miles)

■ Bhutanese (ˌbuːtɑːnˈiːz)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Bhutan   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Bhutan or its inhabitants

Bhutto (ˈbuːtəʊ)   n   1  Benazir (ˈbɛnəzIə). (1953–2007), Pakistani stateswoman; prime minister of Pakistan (1988–90; 1993–96); deposed and subsequently defeated in elections in 1997; assassinated during the 2007 election campaign   2  her father, Zulfikar Ali (ˈzʊlfIkɑː ˈɑːlI). 1928–79, Pakistani statesman; president (1971–73) and prime minister (1973–77) of Pakistan: executed for the murder of a political rival

bi^1 (baI)   adj, n   slang short for bisexual (sense 1)

bi^2   the internet domain name for   Burundi

Bi   the chemical symbol for   bismuth

bi-1 or sometimes before a vowel bin-   combining form   1 two; having two: bifocal   2 occurring every two; lasting for two: biennial   3 on both sides, surfaces, directions, etc: bilateral   4 occurring twice during: biweekly   5    a denoting an organic compound containing two identical cyclic hydrocarbon systems: biphenyl   b (rare in technical usage) indicating an acid salt of a dibasic acid: sodium bicarbonate   c (not in technical usage) equivalent of di-1 (sense 2a) [from Latin, from bis TWICE]

bi-2   combining form   a variant of bio-

biacetyl (ˌbaIəˈsiːtaIl)   n   a liquid with a strong, butter-like odour

biach or biatch (biːˈɑːtʃ, ˈbiːɑːtʃ)   n   a slang word for bitch (sense 2), bitch (sense 4), bitch (sense 5), bitch (sense 6)

Biafra (bIˈæfrə)   n   1 a region of E Nigeria, formerly a local government region: seceded as an independent republic (1967–70) during the Civil War, but defeated by Nigerian government forces   2 Bight of Biafra former name (until 1975) of (the Bight of) Bonny

■ Biafran (bIˈæfrən)   adj   1 of or relating to Biafra or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Biafra

Biak (biːˈjɑːk)   n   an island in Indonesia, north of New Guinea: the largest of the Schouten Islands. Area: 2455 sq km (948 sq miles)

Bialik (ˈbjɑːlIk)   n   Hayyim Nahman (ˈhaIm ˈnɑxman) or Chaim Nachman. 1873–1934, Russian Jewish poet and writer. His long poems The Talmud Student (1894) and In the City of Slaughter (1903) established him as the major Hebrew poet of modern times

bialy (biːˈɑːlI)   n, pl bialys   (in Polish Ashkenazi cuisine) a type of bagel

Białystok (Polish bjaˈwIstɔk)   n   a city in E Poland: belonged to Prussia (1795–1807) and to Russia (1807–1919). Pop: 315 000 (2005 est). Russian name: Belostok

biannual (baIˈænjʊəl)   adj   occurring twice a year. Compare biennial   > biˈannually adv

biannulate (baIˈænjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   zoology having two bands, esp of colour

Biarritz (ˈbIərIts, bIəˈrIts; French bjarits)   n   a town in SW France, on the Bay of Biscay: famous resort, patronized by Napoleon III and by Queen Victoria and Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland. Pop: 27 398 (2006)

bias (ˈbaIəs)   n   1 mental tendency or inclination, esp an irrational preference or prejudice   2 a diagonal line or cut across the weave of a fabric   3 electronics the voltage applied to an electronic device or system to establish suitable working conditions   4 bowls   a a bulge or weight inside one side of a bowl   b the curved course of such a bowl on the green   5 statistics   a an extraneous latent influence on, unrecognized conflated variable in, or selectivity in a sample which influences its distribution and so renders it unable to reflect the desired population parameters   b if T is an estimator of the parameter θ, the expected value of (T–θ)   6 an inaudible high-frequency signal used to improve the quality of a tape recording   ▷ adj   7 slanting obliquely; diagonal: a bias fold   ▷ adv   8 obliquely; diagonally   ▷ vb -ases, -asing, -ased or -asses, -assing, -assed (tr)   9 (usually passive) to cause to have a bias; prejudice; influence [C16: from Old French biais, from Old Provençal, perhaps ultimately from Greek epikarsios oblique]   > ˈbiased or ˈbiassed adj

■ bias binding   n   a strip of material cut on the bias for extra stretch and often doubled, used for binding hems, interfacings, etc, or for decoration

■ biasedly or biassedly (ˈbaIəstlI)   adv   in a biased manner

■ biasness (ˈbaIəsnəs)   n   an indirectness in speech or conduct

biathlon (baIˈæθlən, -lɒn)   n   sport a contest in which skiers with rifles shoot at four targets along a 20-kilometre (12.5-mile) cross-country course

■ biathlete (baIˈæθliːt)   n   an athlete taking part in a biathlon

biauriculate (ˌbaIɔːˈrIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or biauricular   adj   having two auricles or earlike parts

biaxial (baIˈæksIəl)   adj   (esp of a crystal) having two axes

■ biaxially (baIˈæksIəlI)   adv   in a biaxial way

bib (bIb)   n   1 a piece of cloth or plastic worn, esp by babies, to protect their clothes while eating   2 the upper part of some aprons, dungarees, etc, that covers the upper front part of the body   3 Also called: pout, whiting pout a light-brown European marine gadoid food fish, Gadus (or Trisopterus) luscus, with a barbel on its lower jaw   4 short for bibcock   5 stick one's bib in Austral informal to interfere   ▷ vb bibs, bibbing, bibbed   6 archaic to drink (something); tipple [C14 bibben to drink, probably from Latin bibere]

■ bib and brace   n   a work garment consisting of trousers and an upper front part supported by straps over the shoulders

■ bib and tucker   n   informal an outfit of clothes (esp in the phrase best bib and tucker)

■ bibber (ˈbIbə)   n   a drinker; tippler (esp in the expression wine-bibber)

■ bibbery (ˈbIbərI)   n archaic   1 drinking   2 (pl -ries) a drinking house

■ bibcock (ˈbIbˌkɒk) or bib   n   a tap having a nozzle bent downwards and supplied from a horizontal pipe

■ bibful (ˈbIbfʊl)   n   secret information (esp in the phrase spill a bibful)

■ bibless (ˈbIblIs)   adj   1 (of an apron) with no bib   2 angling (of a lure) with no bib

■ biblike (ˈbIbˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bib

bibacious (bIˈbeIʃəs)   adj   tending to drink in excess

bibasic (baIˈbeIsIk)   adj   with two bases

bibation (bIˈbeIʃən)   n   the activity of drinking to excess

bibb (bIb)   n   nautical a wooden support on a mast for the trestletrees [C18: variant of BIB]

bibble (ˈbIbəl)   n   Midland English dialect a pebble

bibelot (ˈbIbləʊ; French biblo)   n   1 an attractive or curious trinket   2 a miniature book [C19: from French, from Old French beubelet, perhaps from a reduplication of bel beautiful]

bibimbap (ˈbiːbImbɑːp)   n   a Korean dish of rice, sautéed and seasoned vegetables, and hot pepper paste [Korean: mixed rice]

Bible (ˈbaIbəl)   n   1 the Bible   a the sacred writings of the Christian religion, comprising the Old and New Testaments and, in the Roman Catholic Church, the Apocrypha   b (as modifier): a Bible reading   2 the English name for Tanach   3 (often not capital) any book containing the sacred writings of a religion   4 (usually not capital) a book regarded as authoritative: the angler's bible [C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin biblia books, from Greek, plural of biblion book, diminutive of biblos papyrus, from Bublos Phoenician port from which Greece obtained Egyptian papyrus]

■ Bible Belt   n   the Bible Belt those states of the S US where Protestant fundamentalism is dominant

■ Bible paper   n   1 a thin tough opaque paper used for Bibles, prayer books, and reference books   2 (not in technical usage) another name for India paper

■ Bible-thumper   n   slang an enthusiastic or aggressive exponent of the Bible. Also called: Bible-basher, Bible-pounder, Bible-puncher   > ˈBible-ˌthumping n, adj

■ biblical (ˈbIblIkəl)   adj (often capital)   1 of, occurring in, or referring to the Bible   2 resembling the Bible in written style   > ˈbiblically adv

■ Biblical Aramaic   n   the form of Aramaic that was the common language of Palestine in New Testament times. It was widespread throughout the Persian Empire from the 5th century and is found in the later books of the Old Testament (esp Daniel 2:4–7:28)

■ Biblical Latin   n   the form of Latin used in versions of the Bible, esp the form used in the Vulgate. See also Late Latin

■ biblicism (ˈbIblIˌsIzəm)   n   an adherence to the literal sense of the Bible

■ Biblicist (ˈbIblIsIst) or Biblist   n   1 a biblical scholar   2 a person who takes the Bible literally

biblio-   combining form   indicating book or books: bibliography; bibliomania [from Greek biblion book]

bibliog.   abbreviation for   1 bibliographer   2 bibliography

bibliography (ˌbIblIˈɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1 a list of books or other material on a subject   2 a list of sources used in the preparation of a book, thesis, etc   3 a list of the works of a particular author or publisher   4    a the study of the history, classification, etc, of literary material   b a work on this subject   > ˌbibliˈographer n   > bibliographic (ˌbIblIəʊˈɡræfIk) or ˌbiblioˈgraphical adj   > ˌbiblioˈgraphically adv

bibliolatry (ˌbIblIˈɒlətrI)   n   1 excessive devotion to or reliance on the Bible   2 extreme fondness for books

■ bibliolater (ˌbIblIˈɒlətə)   n   1 someone who reveres the Bible   2 a person who shows excessive admiration for a book

■ bibliolatrous (ˌbIblIˈɒlətrəs)   adj   characterized by bibliolatry

bibliology (ˌbIblIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of Biblical literature   2 the scientific description of books

■ bibliological (ˌbIblIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   relating to bibliology

■ bibliologist (ˌbIblIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   a student of bibliology

bibliomancy (ˈbIblIəʊˌmænsI)   n   prediction of the future by interpreting a passage chosen at random from a book, esp the Bible

bibliomania (ˌbIblIəʊˈmeInIə)   n   extreme fondness for books   > ˌbiblioˈmaniˌac n, adj

■ bibliomane (ˈbIblIəʊˌmeIn)   n   a variant of bibliomaniac

■ bibliomaniacal (ˌbIblIəʊməˈnaIəkəl)   adj   relating to a bibliomaniac

bibliopegy (ˌbIblIˈɒpədʒI)   n   the art of binding books

■ bibliopegic (ˌbIblIəˈpɛdʒIk)   adj   relating to bookbinding as a fine art

■ bibliopegist (ˌbIblIˈɒpədʒIst)   n   a bookbinder

bibliophagist (ˌbIblIˈɒfədʒIst)   n   a person who devours books

bibliophile (ˈbIblIəˌfaIl), bibliophil (ˈbIblIəfIl) or bibliophilist (ˌbIblIˈɒfIlIst)   n   a person who collects or is fond of books   > bibliophilism (ˌbIblIˈɒfəˌlIzəm) n   > ˌbibliˌophiˈlistic adj

■ bibliophilic (ˌbIblIəʊˈfIlIk)   adj   pertaining to a bibliophile

■ bibliophily (ˌbIblIˈɒfIlI)   n   the love of books

bibliophobia (ˌbIblIəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   an aversion to books

bibliopole (ˈbIblIəʊˌpəʊl) or bibliopolist (ˌbIblIˈɒpəlIst)   n   a dealer in books, esp rare or decorative ones [C18: from Latin bibliopōla, from Greek bibliopōlēs bookseller, from BIBLIO- + pōlein to sell]   > ˌbibliˈopoly n

■ bibliopolic (ˌbIblIəˈpɒlIk) or bibliopolical (ˌbIblIəˈpɒlIkəl)   adj   relating to bibliopoles

bibliotheca (ˌbIblIəʊˈθiːkə)   n, pl -cas or -cae (-kiː)   1 a library or collection of books   2 a printed catalogue compiled by a bibliographer [Latin: library, from Greek bibliothēkē, from BIBLIO- + thēkē receptacle]

■ bibliothecal (ˌbIblIəˈθiːkəl)   adj   relating to a bibliotheca

■ bibliothecary (ˌbIblIˈɒθIkərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a librarian   ▷ adj   2 pertaining to a librarian or library

bibliotherapy (ˌbIblIəʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   the use of reading as therapy

bibliotics (ˌbIblIˈɒtIks)   n   the scientific study of handwriting, or written documents, for investigative purposes

■ bibliotic (ˈbIblIəˌtIk)   adj   relating to bibliotics

■ bibliotist (ˈbIblIətIst)   n   a person who engages in bibliotics

bibulous (ˈbIbjʊləs)   adj   addicted to alcohol [C17: from Latin bibulus, from bibere to drink]   > ˈbibulously adv   > ˈbibulousness n

bicameral (baIˈkæmərəl)   adj   (of a legislature) consisting of two chambers [C19: from BI-1 + Latin camera CHAMBER]   > biˈcameralˌism n   > biˈcameralist n

bicapsular (baIˈkæpsjʊlə)   adj   (of plants) having two capsules or one capsule with two chambers

bicarb (ˈbaIkɑːb)   n   short for bicarbonate of soda. See sodium bicarbonate

bicarbonate (baIˈkɑːbənIt, -ˌneIt)   n   1 a salt of carbonic acid containing the ion HCO_3–; an acid carbonate   2 (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the ion HCO_3–: a bicarbonate compound. Systematic name: hydrogen carbonate   3 short for bicarbonate of soda

■ bicarbonate of soda   n   sodium bicarbonate, esp when used as a medicine or as a raising agent in baking

bicarpellary (ˌbaIkɑːˈpɛlərI)   adj   botany (of an ovary) having two carpels

bicaudal (baIˈkɔːdəl)   adj   having two tails

biccy (ˈbIkI)   n, pl -cies   baby talk a biscuit

bice (baIs)   n   1 Also called: bice blue a medium blue colour; azurite   2 Also called: bice green a yellowish-green colour; malachite [C14: from Old French bis dark grey, of uncertain origin]

bicentenary (ˌbaIsɛnˈtiːnərI) or US bicentennial (ˌbaIsɛnˈtɛnIəl)   adj   1 marking a 200th anniversary   2 occurring every 200 years   3 lasting 200 years   ▷ n, pl -naries   4 a 200th anniversary

bicentric (baIˈsɛntrIk)   adj   having two centres

bicephalous (baIˈsɛfələs)   adj   1 biology having two heads   2 crescent-shaped

biceps (ˈbaIsɛps)   n, pl -ceps   anatomy any muscle having two heads or origins, esp the muscle that flexes the forearm. Related adjective: bicipital [C17: from Latin: having two heads, from BI-1 + caput head]

Biche-la-mar (ˌbiːtʃləˈmɑː)   n   another name for Beach-la-Mar

bichir (ˈbItʃɜː)   n   an African freshwater fish with an elongated body

bichloride (baIˈklɔːraId)   n   another name for dichloride

■ bichloride of mercury   n   another name for mercuric chloride

bichon frise (ˈbiːʃɒn ˈfriːzeI)   n, pl bichon frises   a small white poodle-like dog of European origin, with a silky, loosely curling coat [C20: French, literally: curly toy dog]

bichord (ˈbaIˌkɔːd)   adj   (of a musical instrument) having two strings for one note

bichromate (baIˈkrəʊˌmeIt, -mIt)   n   another name for dichromate

bichrome (ˈbaIˌkrəʊm)   adj   having two colours

bicipital (baIˈsIpItəl)   adj   1 having two heads   2 of or relating to a biceps muscle [C17: see BICEPS, -AL^1]

bicker (ˈbIkə)   vb (intr)   1 to argue over petty matters; squabble   2 poetic   a (esp of a stream) to run quickly   b to flicker; glitter   ▷ n   3 a petty squabble [C13: of unknown origin]   > ˈbickerer n   > ˈbickering n, adj

bickie or bikkie (ˈbIkI)   n informal   1 short for biscuit (sense 1)   2 big bickies Austral slang a large sum of money

bicoastal (baIˈkəʊstəl)   adj   relating to both the east and west coasts of the US: she had a bicoastal upbringing

bicollateral (ˌbaIkɒˈlætərəl)   adj   botany (of a vascular bundle) having two phloem groups to the inside and outside, respectively, of the xylem

bicolour (ˈbaIˌkʌlə), bicoloured or US bicolor, bicolored   adj   two-coloured

bicomponent (ˌbaIkəmˈpəʊnənt)   n   a fibre composed of two compounds

biconcave (baIˈkɒnkeIv, ˌbaIkɒnˈkeIv)   adj   (of a lens) having concave faces on both sides; concavo-concave   > biconcavity (ˌbaIkɒnˈkævItI) n

biconditional (ˌbaIkənˈdIʃənəl)   n   another name for equivalence (sense 2)

biconvex (baIˈkɒnvɛks, ˌbaIkɒnˈvɛks)   adj   (of a lens) having convex faces on both sides; convexo-convex

■ biconvexity (ˌbaIkənˈvɛksItI)   n   the characteristic of having two convex surfaces

bicorn (ˈbaIkɔːn), bicornate (baIˈkɔːnIt, -ˌneIt) or bicornuate (baIˈkɔːnjʊIt, -ˌeIt)   adj   having two horns or hornlike parts [C19: from Latin bicornis, from BI-1 + cornu horn]

bicorporate (baIˈkɔːpərIt)   adj   having two bodies

bicron (ˈbaIkrɒn)   n   a billionth part of a metre

bicultural (baIˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   having two cultures

■ biculturalism (baIˈkʌltʃərəlIzəm)   n   the characteristics, or policy, of a two-cultured society

bi-curious   adj   (of someone who identifies as heterosexual) curious about engaging in same-sex relations

bicuspid (baIˈkʌspId) or bicuspidate (baIˈkʌspIˌdeIt)   adj   1 having or terminating in two cusps or points   ▷ n   2 a bicuspid tooth; premolar

■ bicuspid valve   n   another name for mitral valve

bicycle (ˈbaIsIkəl)   n   1 a vehicle with a tubular metal frame mounted on two spoked wheels, one behind the other. The rider sits on a saddle, propels the vehicle by means of pedals that drive the rear wheel through a chain, and steers with handlebars on the front wheel. Often shortened to: cycle, informal bike   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to ride a bicycle; cycle [C19: from BI-1 + Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kuklos wheel]   > ˈbicyclist or ˈbicycler n

■ bicycle chain   n   a chain that transmits power from the pedals to the driving wheel of a bicycle

■ bicycle clip   n   one of a pair of clips worn around the ankles by cyclists to keep the trousers tight and out of the chain

■ bicycle path   n   chiefly US a path designed for bicyclists

■ bicycle pump   n   a hand pump for pumping air into the tyres of a bicycle

bicyclic (baIˈsaIklIk, -ˈsIklIk) or bicyclical   adj   1 of, forming, or formed by two circles, cycles, etc   2 (of stamens, petals, etc) arranged in two whorls   3 (of a chemical compound) having atoms arranged in two rings fused together with at least two atoms common to each ring: naphthalene is bicyclic

bid (bId)   vb bids, bidding, bad, bade or esp for senses 1, 2, 5, 7 bid, bidden or esp for senses 1, 2, 5, 7 bid   1 (often foll by for or against) to offer (an amount) in attempting to buy something, esp in competition with others as at an auction   2 commerce to respond to an offer by a seller by stating (the more favourable terms) on which one is willing to make a purchase   3 (tr) to say (a greeting, blessing, etc): to bid farewell   4 to order; command: do as you are bid!   5 (intr; usually foll by for) to attempt to attain power, etc   6 (tr) to invite; ask kindly: she bade him sit down   7 bridge to declare in the auction before play how many tricks one expects to make   8 bid defiance to resist boldly   9 bid fair to seem probable   ▷ n   10    a an offer of a specified amount, as at an auction   b the price offered   11 commerce   a a statement by a buyer, in response to an offer by a seller, of the more favourable terms that would be acceptable   b the price or other terms so stated   12 an attempt, esp an attempt to attain power   13 bridge   a the number of tricks a player undertakes to make   b a player's turn to make a bid   14 short for bid price [Old English biddan; related to German bitten]   > ˈbidder n

■ biddability (ˌbIdəˈbIlətI)   n   the condition or quality of being biddable

■ biddable (ˈbIdəbəl)   adj   1 having sufficient value to be bid on, as a hand or suit at bridge   2 docile; obedient   > ˈbiddableness n   > ˈbiddably adv

■ bidding (ˈbIdIŋ)   n   1 an order; command (often in the phrases do or follow the bidding of, at someone's bidding)   2 an invitation; summons   3 the act of making bids, as at an auction or in bridge   4 bridge a group of bids considered collectively, esp those made on a particular deal

■ bid in   vb   (adverb) (in an auction) to outbid all previous offers for (one's own property) to retain ownership or increase the final selling price

■ bid price   n   stock exchange the price at which a stockjobber is prepared to purchase a specific security. Compare offer price

■ bid up   vb   (adverb) to increase the market price of (a commodity) by making artificial bids

b.i.d.   abbreviation for (in prescriptions)   bis in die [Latin: twice a day]

Bida (ˈbaIdɑː) or El Beda (ɛl ˈbeIdɑː)   n   the former name of Doha

bidarka (baIˈdɑːkə) or bidarkee (baIˈdɑːkiː)   n   a canoe covered in animal skins, esp sealskin, used by the Inuit of Alaska [C19: from Russian baidarka, diminutive of baidara umiak]

Bidault (French bido)   n   Georges (ʒɔːrʒ). 1899–1983, French statesman; prime minister (1946, 1949–50). His opposition to Algerian independence led him to support the OAS: he was charged with treason (1963) and fled abroad

bidden (ˈbIdən)   vb   a past participle of bid

Biddle (ˈbIdəl)   n   John. 1615–62, English theologian; founder of Unitarianism in England

biddy^1 (ˈbIdI)   n, pl -dies   a dialect word for chicken, hen [C17: perhaps imitative of calling chickens]

biddy^2 (ˈbIdI)   n, pl -dies   informal, derogatory a woman, esp an old gossipy or interfering one [C18: from pet form of Bridget]

biddy-biddy or biddi-biddi (ˈbIdIˌbIdI)   n, pl -biddies   1 a low-growing rosaceous plant, Acaena viridior of New Zealand, having prickly burs   2 the burs of this plant   ▶ Also: (NZ) biddy-bid, (Austral.) bidgee-widgee (ˈbIdʒIˌwIdʒI) [from Māori piri piri]

bide (baId)   vb bides, biding, bided or bode, bided   1 (intr) archaic or dialect to continue in a certain place or state; stay   2 (intr) archaic or dialect to live; dwell   3 (tr) archaic or dialect to tolerate; endure   4 bide a wee Scot to stay a little   5 bide by Scot to abide by   6 bide one's time to wait patiently for an opportunity   ▶ Also spelt: (Scot) byde [Old English bīdan; related to Old Norse bītha to wait, Gothic beidan, Old High German bītan]

■ bider (ˈbaIdə)   n   a person who remains behind

Biden (ˈbaIdən)   n   Joseph Robinette Jr, known as Joe. born 1942, US Democrat politician; vice president from 2009 to 2017

bidentate (baIˈdɛnˌteIt)   adj   1 having two teeth or toothlike parts or processes   2 chem (of a ligand) having two atoms from which electrons can be donated to the central coordinated atom

■ bident (ˈbIdənt)   n   an instrument with two prongs

■ bidental (baIˈdɛntəl)   n   1 a sacred place where lightning has struck   ▷ adj   2 relating to an instrument with two prongs

bidet (ˈbiːdeI)   n   a small low basin for washing the genitals and anal area [C17: from French: small horse, probably from Old French bider to trot]

bidgee-widgee   n   Austral another name for biddy-biddy (sense 1)

bidialectal (ˌbaIdaIəˈlɛktəl)   adj   fluent in two dialects of a language

■ bidialectalism (ˌbaIdaIəˈlɛktəlIzəm)   n   the state of being bidialectal

bidie-in (ˌbaIdIˈIn)   n   Scot a live-in sexual partner

bidirectional (ˌbaIdIˈrɛkʃənəl)   adj   computing (of a printhead) capable of printing from left to right and from right to left

■ bidirectionally (ˌbaIdIˈrɛkʃənəlI)   adv   in a bidirectional manner

bidon French (bidɔ̃)   n   a vessel (of tin, wood, or glass) for containing liquids

bidonville French (bidɔ̃vil)   n   a shanty town

Biedermeier (ˈbiːdəˌmaIə)   adj   1 of or relating to a decorative and furnishing style in mid-19th-century Germany, characterized by solidity and conventionality   2 boringly conventional in outlook; bourgeois [C19: after Gottlieb Biedermeier, a fictitious character portrayed as a conventional unimaginative bourgeois and the author of poems actually written by several satirical poets]

Biel (biːl)   n   1 a town in NW Switzerland, on Lake Biel. Pop: 48 655 (2000). French name: Bienne   2 Lake Biel a lake in NW Switzerland: remains of lake dwellings were discovered here in the 19th century. Area: 39 sq km (15 sq miles). German name: Bielersee (ˈbiːləzeː)

bield (biːld) Scot and Northern English dialect   n   1 a shelter; house   ▷ vb   2 to shelter or take shelter [Old English bieldo, byldo boldness (hence: refuge); related to Gothic balthei, Old English beald BOLD]

■ bieldy (ˈbiːldI)   adj bieldier, bieldiest   sheltered

Bielefeld (German ˈbiːləfɛlt)   n   a city in Germany, in NE North Rhine-Westphalia: food, textiles. Pop: 328 452 (2003 est)

Bielsko-Biała (Polish ˈbjɛlskɔˈbjawa)   n   a town in S Poland: created in 1951 by the union of Bielsko and Biała Krakowska; a leading textile centre since the 16th century. Pop: 356 000 (2005 est)

bien French (bjɛ̃)   adv   well

Bien Hoa (ˈbjɛn ˈhəʊə)   n   a town in S Vietnam: a former capital of Cambodia. Pop: 520 000 (2005 est)

biennale (ˌbiːəˈnɑːleI)   n   an event occurring every two years

Bienne (bjɛn)   n   the French name for Biel

biennial (baIˈɛnIəl)   adj   1 occurring every two years   2 lasting two years. Compare biannual   ▷ n   3 a plant, such as the carrot, that completes its life cycle within two years, developing vegetative storage parts during the first year and flowering and fruiting in its second year. Compare annual (sense 3), perennial (sense 3)   4 an event that takes place every two years   > biˈennially adv

biennium (baIˈɛnIəm)   n   a period of two years

bien-pensant French (bjɛ̃pɑ̃sɑ̃)   adj   1 right-thinking; orthodox   ▷ n bien pensant (pl bien pensants (bjɛ̃pɑ̃sɑ̃))   2 a right-thinking person [literally: well-thinking]

bienseance (ˌbjænˈseIɑːns)   n   good breeding; decorum

bier (bIə)   n   a platform or stand on which a corpse or a coffin containing a corpse rests before burial [Old English bǣr; related to beran to BEAR^1, Old High German bāra bier, Sanskrit bhārá a burden]

Bierce (bIəs)   n   Ambrose (Gwinett). 1842–?1914, US journalist and author of humorous sketches, horror stories, and tales of the supernatural: he disappeared during a mission in Mexico (1913)

bierkeller (ˈbIəˌkɛlə)   n   Brit a public house decorated in German style, selling German beers [C20: German, literally: beer cellar]

biestings (ˈbiːstIŋz)   n   a variant spelling of beestings

biface (ˈbaIˌfeIs)   n   a prehistoric stone tool with two faces

■ bifacial (baIˈfeIʃəl)   adj   1 having two faces or surfaces   2 botany (of leaves, etc) having upper and lower surfaces differing from each other   3 archaeol (of flints) flaked by percussion from two sides along the chopping edge

■ bifacially (baIˈfeIʃəlI)   adv   from a bifacial point of view

bifarious (baIˈfɛərIəs)   adj   botany having parts arranged in two rows on either side of a central axis [C17: from Latin bifārius double]   > biˈfariously adv

biff (bIf) slang   n   1 a blow with the fist   2 Irish school slang a blow to the palm of the hand with a strap or cane as a punishment   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to give (someone) such a blow [C20: probably of imitative origin]

■ biffer (ˈbIfə)   n informal   1 someone, such as a sportsperson, who has a reputation for hitting hard   2 an implement used to serve blows

BIFFEX (ˈbIfɛks)   acronym for   Baltic International Freight Futures Exchange, inaugurated in London in 1985

biffin (ˈbIfIn)   n   Brit a variety of red cooking apple [C18: from beefin ox for slaughter, from BEEF; referring to the apple's colour]

biffo (ˈbIfəʊ) Austral slang   n   1 fighting or aggressive behaviour: he enjoys a bit of biffo now and then   ▷ adj   2 aggressive; pugnacious

biffy (ˈbIfI)   n, pl -fies   US a toilet or outhouse

bifid (ˈbaIfId)   adj   divided into two lobes by a median cleft: bifid leaves [C17: from Latin bifidus from BI-1 + -fidus, from findere to split]   > biˈfidity n   > ˈbifidly adv

bifidus (ˈbIfIdəs)   n   biology a genus of anaerobic bacteria, many of which are present natively in the human digestive system

bifilar (baIˈfaIlə)   adj   1 having two parallel threads, as in the suspension of certain measuring instruments   2 of or relating to a resistor in which the wire is wound in a loop around a coil, the two leads being parallel, to reduce the inductance   > biˈfilarly adv

biflagellate (baIˈflædʒIˌleIt, -lIt)   adj   biology having two flagella: biflagellate protozoans

biflex (ˈbaIflɛks)   adj   bent or flexed in two places

bifocal (baIˈfəʊkəl)   adj   1 optics having two different focuses   2 relating to a compound lens permitting near and distant vision

■ bifocaled (baIˈfəʊkəld)   adj   wearing bifocals

■ bifocals (baIˈfəʊkəlz)   pl n   a pair of spectacles with bifocal lenses

bifold (ˈbaIˌfəʊld)   adj   foldable in two places

bifoliate (baIˈfəʊlIˌeIt, -It)   adj   having only two leaves

bifoliolate (baIˈfəʊlIəʊˌleIt, -lIt)   adj   (of compound leaves) consisting of two leaflets

biforate (ˈbaIfəˌreIt)   adj   biology having two openings, pores, or perforations [C19: from New Latin biforātus, from BI-1 + forāre to pierce]

biforked (ˈbaIˌfɔːkt)   adj   two-pronged

biform (ˈbaIˌfɔːm) or biformed   adj   having or combining the characteristics of two forms, as a centaur

Bifrost (ˈbIvrɒst, ˈbiːfrɒst)   n   Norse myth the rainbow bridge of the gods from their realm Asgard to earth [from Icelandic, from bifa to shake + rost path]

bifter (ˈbIftə)   n   slang a cannabis cigarette

bifunctional (baIˈfʌŋkʃənəl)   adj   1 having two functions   2 relating to two functional groups

bifurcate   vb (ˈbaIfəˌkeIt)   1 to fork or divide into two parts or branches   ▷ adj (IbaIˈfəˌkeIt, -kIt)   2 forked or divided into two sections or branches [C17: from Medieval Latin bifurcātus, from Latin bifurcus, from BI-1 + furca fork]   > ˌbifurˈcation n

big^1 (bIɡ)   adj bigger, biggest   1 of great or considerable size, height, weight, number, power, or capacity   2 having great significance; important: a big decision   3 important through having power, influence, wealth, authority, etc: the big four banks   4 (intensifier usually qualifying something undesirable): a big fool   5 informal considerable in extent or intensity (esp in the phrase in a big way)   6    a elder: my big brother   b grown-up: when you're big, you can stay up later   7    a generous; magnanimous: that's very big of you   b (in combination): big-hearted   8 (often foll by with) brimming; full: my heart is big with sadness   9 extravagant; boastful: he's full of big talk   10 (of wine) full-bodied, with a strong aroma and flavour   11 too big for one's boots or too big for one's breeches conceited; unduly self-confident   12 in an advanced stage of pregnancy (esp in the phrase big with child)   13 big on informal enthusiastic about: that company is big on research   ▷ adv informal   14 boastfully; pretentiously (esp in the phrase talk big)   15 in an exceptional way; well: his talk went over big with the audience   16 on a grand scale (esp in the phrase think big) [C13: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect bugge big man]   > ˈbiggish adj   > ˈbigness n

■ Big Apple   n   the Big Apple informal New York City [C20: probably from US jazzmen's earlier use to mean any big, esp northern, city; of obscure origin]

■ big band   n   a large jazz or dance band, popular esp in the 1930s to the 1950s

■ big bang   n   1 any sudden forceful beginning or radical change   2 (modifier) of or relating to the big-bang theory   3 (sometimes capitals) the major modernization that took place on the London Stock Exchange on Oct 27 1986, after which the distinction between jobbers and brokers was abolished and operations became fully computerized

■ big-bang theory   n   a cosmological theory postulating that approximately 12 billion years ago all the matter of the universe, packed into a small superdense mass, was hurled in all directions by a cataclysmic explosion. As the fragments slowed down, the galaxies and stars evolved but the universe is still expanding. Compare steady-state theory

■ big beast   n   informal an important or powerful person

■ big beat   n     a an eclectic type of dance music in which heavy beats and samples are layered over the songs or instrumental tracks of other performers or bands   b (as modifier): a big-beat compilation

■ Big Ben   n   1 the bell in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, London   2 the clock in this tower   3 the tower [C19: named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Chief Commissioner of Works in 1856 when it was cast]

■ Big Bertha   n   any of three large German guns of World War I used to bombard Paris [C20: approximate translation of German dicke Bertha: fat Bertha; named after Bertha Krupp, at whose works in Essen a very effective 42 cm mortar was made]

■ big bickies   pl n   Austral slang a large sum of money

■ Big Board   n US informal   1 the quotation board in the New York Stock Exchange   2 the New York Stock Exchange

■ big-boned   adj   having bones that are unusually massive

■ big box   n   informal, chiefly US a large open-plan retail outlet, usually located at the edge of a town or city

■ Big Brother   n   1 a person, organization, etc, that exercises total dictatorial control   2 a television gameshow format in which a small number of people living in accommodation sealed off from the outside world are constantly monitored by TV cameras. Viewers vote each week to expel a person from the group until there is only one person left, who wins a cash prize [C20: after a character in George Orwell's novel 1984 (1949)]

■ big bucks   pl n informal, chiefly US   1 large quantities of money   2 the power and influence of people or organizations that control large quantities of money

■ big bud   n   a serious disease of plants, esp of blackcurrants, in which the buds swell up as a result of attack by the gall mite Cecidophyopsis ribis

■ big business   n   large commercial organizations collectively, esp when considered as exploitative or socially harmful

■ big C   n   the big C a euphemism for cancer

■ big cheese   n   slang an important person

■ big Chief or big Daddy   n   informal other terms for big White Chief

■ big data   pl n   computing data held in such large amounts that it can be difficult to process

■ big deal   interj   slang an exclamation of scorn, derision, etc, used esp to belittle a claim or offer

■ big dipper   n   (in amusement parks) a narrow railway with open carriages that run swiftly over a route of sharp curves and steep inclines. Also called: roller coaster

■ Big Dipper   n   the US and Canadian name for Plough

■ big end   n Brit   1 Also called (in vertical engines): bottom end the larger end of a connecting rod in an internal-combustion engine. Compare little end   2 the bearing surface between the larger end of a connecting rod and the crankpin of the crankshaft

■ big fish   n informal   1 an important or powerful person   2 a big fish in a small pond the most important or powerful person in a small group

■ Big Five   n the Big Five   1 the five countries considered to be the major world powers. In the period immediately following World War II, the US, Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and France were regarded as the Big Five   2 the lion, the elephant, the rhinoceros, the buffalo, and the leopard: considered to be the five principal African wild animals, esp as sought by those on safari   3 Also: Big Four, Big Three a small powerful group, as of banks, companies, etc

■ bigfoot (ˈbIɡˌfʊt)   n   1 a yeti   2 a person with large feet   3 US and Canadian a well-known reporter

■ big game   n   1 large animals that are hunted or fished for sport   2 informal the objective of an important or dangerous undertaking

■ big government   n   derogatory, chiefly US a form of government characterized by high taxation and public spending and centralization of political power

■ big gun   n   informal an important or influential person

■ big hair   n   a hairstyle with volume created by hair products or styling techniques such as backcombing, etc

■ bighead (ˈbIɡˌhɛd)   n   1 informal a conceited person   2 US and Canadian informal conceit; egotism   3 vet science   a an abnormal bulging or increase in the size of an animal's skull, as from osteomalacia   b any of various diseases of sheep characterized by swelling of the head, esp any caused by infection with Clostridium bacteria   > ˌbigˈheaded adj   > ˌbigˈheadedly adv   > ˌbigˈheadedness n

■ big-hearted   adj   warmly generous   > ˌbig-ˈheartedness n   > ˌbig-ˈheartedly adv

■ big hitter   n   1 a sportsperson who is capable of hitting the ball long or hard   2 informal an influential and important person: one of the government's big hitters

■ bighorn (ˈbIɡˌhɔːn)   n, pl -horns or -horn   a large wild sheep, Ovis canadensis, inhabiting mountainous regions in North America and NE Asia: family Bovidae, order Artiodactyla. The male has massive curved horns, and the species is well adapted for climbing and leaping

■ big league   n (often plural) chiefly US and Canadian   1 a major sports league   2 informal any place where the most successful people compete

■ big money   n   large sums of money: there's big money in professional golf

■ bigmouth (ˈbIɡˌmaʊθ)   n   slang a noisy, indiscreet, or boastful person   > ˈbig-ˌmouthed adj

■ big name   n   informal   a a famous person   b (as modifier): a big-name performer

■ big noise   n   informal an important person

■ big-note   vb   Austral informal to boast about (oneself)

■ big-room   adj   denoting a style of electronic music featuring regular beats and simple melodies, designed to be played in large venues

■ big science   n   scientific research that requires a large investment of capital

■ big screen   n   an informal name for the cinema

■ big shot   n   informal an important or influential person

■ Big Smoke   n   the Big Smoke informal a large city, esp London

■ big society   n   politics the devolution of political power and social responsibility to local communities as opposed to centralized political power and state control [modelled on BIG GOVERNMENT, a form of government characterized by the centralization of political power]

■ big-sounding   adj   meant to be impressive in scale

■ big stick   n   1 informal force or the threat of using force   ▷ adj bigstick   2 of, or relating to, irresistible military strength

■ big style   adv   slang to a great degree or extent: I fell out with her big style

■ big tent   n     a a political approach in which a party claims to be open to a wide spectrum of constituents and groups   b (as modifier): big-tent politics

■ big-ticket   adj   (prenominal) (of retail goods) belonging to the most expensive and prestigious class

■ big time   n   1 the big time informal   a the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business   b (as modifier): a big-time comedian   ▷ adv   2 slang to a great degree or extent   > ˈbig-ˈtimer n

■ big top   n informal   1 the main tent of a circus   2 the circus itself

■ big tree   n   a giant Californian coniferous tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum, with a wide tapering trunk and thick spongy bark: family Taxodiaceae. It often reaches a height of 90 metres. Also called: giant sequoia, wellingtonia. See also sequoia

■ big up   vb bigs, bigging, bigged   (tr, adverb) slang to make important, prominent, or famous: we'll do our best to big you up

■ big wheel   n   1 another name for a Ferris wheel   2 informal an important person

■ big White Chief   n   informal an important person, boss, or leader. Also called: big Chief, big Daddy

■ bigwig (ˈbIɡˌwIɡ)   n   informal an important person

big^2 (bIɡ)   vb bigs, bigging, bigged or bug (bʌɡ) Scot   1 to build   2 to excavate (earth) into a pile [from Old Norse byggja; related to Old English būian to inhabit]

biga (ˈbiːɡə, ˈbaIɡə)   n   Roman history a chariot drawn by two horses

bigamy (ˈbIɡəmI)   n, pl -mies   the crime of marrying a person while one is still legally married to someone else [C13: via French from Medieval Latin bigamus; see BI-1, -GAMY]   > ˈbigamist n   > ˈbigamous adj   > ˈbigamously adv

bigarade French (biːɡarɑːd)   n   1 a Seville orange   2 a sauce made with Seville oranges

bigarreau (ˈbIɡəˌrəʊ, ˌbIɡəˈrəʊ)   n   any of several heart-shaped varieties of sweet cherry that have firm flesh [C17: from French, from bigarré mottled]

bigeminal (baIˈdʒɛmInəl)   adj   happening in pairs: a bigeminal pulse

bigeminy (baIˈdʒɛmInI)   n   a heart complaint in which beats occur in pairs

bigener (ˈbaIdʒInə)   n   biology a hybrid between individuals of different genera [C20: back formation from bigeneric; see BI-1, GENUS]

bigeneric (ˌbaIdʒəˈnɛrIk)   adj   (of a hybrid plant) derived from parents of two different genera

bigeye (ˈbIɡˌaI)   n, pl -eye or -eyes   any tropical or subtropical red marine percoid fish of the family Priacanthidae, having very large eyes and rough scales

bigg (bIɡ)   n   a type of barley

biggie (ˈbIɡI)   n   1 informal something important   2 no biggie not important; no big deal

biggin^1 or biggon (ˈbIɡIn)   n   a plain close-fitting cap, often tying under the chin, worn in the Middle Ages and by children in the 17th century [C16: from French béguin; see BEGUINE]

biggin^2 (ˈbIɡən)   n   Scot a construction, esp a house or cottage [see BIG^2]

biggity (ˈbIɡItI)   adj -tier, -tiest   informal conceited

bigha (ˈbiːɡə)   n   (in India) a unit for measuring land

bight (baIt)   n   1 a wide indentation of a shoreline, or the body of water bounded by such a curve   2 the slack middle part of an extended rope   3 a curve or loop in a rope   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to fasten or bind with a bight [Old English byht; see BOW^2]

■ Bight   n   the Bight Austral informal the major indentation of the S coast of Australia, from Cape Pasley in W Australia to the Eyre Peninsula in S Australia. In full: the Great Australian Bight

bigly (ˈbIɡlI)   adj   archaic comfortably habitable

bignonia (bIɡˈnəʊnIə)   n   any tropical American bignoniaceous climbing shrub of the genus Bignonia (or Doxantha), cultivated for their trumpet-shaped yellow or reddish flowers. See also cross vine [C19: from New Latin, named after the Abbé Jean-Paul Bignon (1662–1743)]

■ bignoniaceous (bIɡˌnəʊnIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Bignoniaceae, a chiefly tropical family of trees, shrubs, and lianas, including jacaranda, bignonia, and catalpa

bigos (ˈbiːɡɒs)   n   a traditional Polish stew of meat and cabbage

bigot (ˈbIɡət)   n   a person who is intolerant of any ideas other than his or her own, esp on religion, politics, or race [C16: from Old French: name applied contemptuously to the Normans by the French, of obscure origin]   > ˈbigoted adj

■ bigotedly (ˈbIɡətIdlI)   adv   in a bigoted manner

■ bigotry (ˈbIɡətrI)   n, pl -ries   the attitudes, behaviour, or way of thinking of a bigot; prejudice; intolerance

biguanide (baIˈɡwɑːnaId)   n   any of a class of compounds some of which are used in the treatment of certain forms of diabetes. See also phenformin [C19: from BI-1 + GUANIDINE + -IDE]

Bihar (bIˈhɑː)   n   a state of NE India: consists of part of the Ganges plain; important for rice: lost the S to the new state of Jharkhand in 2000. Capital: Patna. Pop: 82 878 796 (2001). Area: 99 225 sq km (38 301 sq miles)

■ Bihari (bIˈhɑːrI)   n   1 (pl Bihari or Biharis) a member of an Indian people living chiefly in Bihar but also in other parts of NW India and Bangladesh   2 the language of this people, comprising a number of highly differentiated dialects, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this people, their language, or Bihar

bihourly (ˌbaIˈaʊəlI)   adj   occurring every two hours

Biisk (Russian bijsk)   n   a variant spelling of Biysk

Bijapur (bIˈdʒɑːpʊə)   n   the former name of Vijayapura

bijection (baIˈdʒɛkʃən)   n   a mathematical function or mapping that is both an injection and a surjection and therefore has an inverse. See also injection (sense 5), surjection

bijective (baIˈdʒɛktIv)   adj   maths (of a function, relation, etc) associating two sets in such a way that every member of each set is uniquely paired with a member of the other

bijou (ˈbiːʒuː)   n, pl -joux (-ʒuːz)   1 something small and delicately worked, such as a trinket   2 (modifier) often ironic small but elegant and tasteful: a bijou residence [C19: from French, from Breton bizou finger ring, from biz finger; compare Welsh bys finger, Cornish bis]

■ bijouterie (biːˈʒuːtərI)   n   1 jewellery esteemed for the delicacy of the work rather than the value of the materials   2 a collection of such jewellery

bijugate (ˈbaIdʒʊˌɡeIt, baIˈdʒuːɡeIt) or bijugous   adj   (of compound leaves) having two pairs of leaflets

Bikaner (ˈbiːkəˌnIə)   n   a walled city in NW India, in Rajasthan: capital of the former state of Bikaner, on the edge of the Thar Desert. Pop: 529 007 (2001)

bike^1 (baIk)   n, vb   1 informal short for bicycle, motorcycle   2 on your bike Brit slang away you go   3 get off one's bike Austral and NZ slang to lose one's self-control   ▷ n   4 offensive, derogatory, slang a promiscuous woman

■ biker (ˈbaIkə)   n   informal a member of a motorcycle gang

■ biker jacket   n   a short, close-fitting leather jacket with zips and studs, often worn by motorcyclists

■ bikeway (ˈbaIkweI)   n   Austral another name for bicycle path

bike^2 or byke (bəIk, baIk) Scot   n   1 a wasps' or bees' nest   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to swarm [C14: of uncertain origin]

bikie (ˈbaIkI)   n   Austral and NZ slang a member of a motorcycle gang

Bikila (bIˈkiːlə)   n   Abebe (əˈbeIbeI). 1932–73, Ethiopian long-distance runner: winner of the marathon at the Olympic Games in Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964)

bikini (bIˈkiːnI)   n, pl -nis   a woman's very brief two-piece swimming costume [C20: after Bikini atoll, from a comparison between the devastating effect of the atomic-bomb test and the effect caused by women wearing bikinis]

■ Bikini (bIˈkiːnI)   n   an atoll in the N Pacific; one of the Marshall Islands: site of a US atomic-bomb test in 1946

bikkie (ˈbIkI)   n   a variant spelling of bickie

Biko (ˈbiːkəʊ)   n   Steven Bantu, known as Steve. 1946–77, Black South African civil rights leader: founder of the South African Students Organization. His death in police custody caused worldwide concern

Bikram yoga (ˈbIkrɑːm)   n   a form of yoga in which traditional exercises are performed at high temperature and humidity. Also called: hot yoga [C20: named after Bikram Choudhury (born 1946), Indian-born US yoga instructor]

bilabial (baIˈleIbIəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or denoting a speech sound articulated using both lips: (p) is a bilabial stop, (w) a bilabial semivowel   ▷ n   2 a bilabial speech sound

bilabiate (baIˈleIbIˌeIt, -It)   adj   botany divided into two lips: the snapdragon has a bilabiate corolla

bilander (ˈbIləndə)   n   a small two-masted cargo ship [C17: from Dutch, literally: by-lander, because used on canals]

bilateral (baIˈlætərəl)   adj   1 having or involving two sides   2 affecting or undertaken by two parties; mutual: a bilateral treaty   3 denoting or relating to bilateral symmetry   4 having identical sides or parts on each side of an axis; symmetrical   5 sociol relating to descent through both maternal and paternal lineage. Compare unilateral (sense 5)   6 Brit relating to an education that combines academic and technical courses   7 a bilateral meeting   > biˈlaterally adv

■ bilateralism (ˌbaIˈlætərəlIzəm)   n   the practice of being bilateral

■ bilateral symmetry   n   the property of an organism or part of an organism such that, if cut in only one plane, the two cut halves are mirror images of each other. See also radial symmetry

■ bilateral trade   n   a system of trading between two countries in which each country attempts to balance its trade with that of the other

bilayer (ˈbaIˌleIə)   n   a cell membrane consisting of two layers

Bilbao (bIlˈbɑːəʊ; Spanish bilˈβau)   n   a port in N Spain, on the Bay of Biscay: the largest city in the Basque Country: famous since medieval times for the production of iron and steel goods: modern buildings include the Guggenheim Art Museum (1997). Pop: 353 567 (2003 est). Basque name: Bilbo

bilberry (ˈbIlbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 any of several ericaceous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium, having edible blue or blackish berries. See also blueberry   2    a the fruit of any of these plants   b (as modifier): bilberry pie [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish böllebær, from bölle bilberry + bær BERRY]

bilbo (ˈbIlbəʊ)   n, pl -bos or -boes   (formerly) a sword with a marked temper and elasticity [C16: from Bilboa, variant (in English) of Bilbao, Spain, noted for its blades]

bilboes (ˈbIlbəʊz)   pl n   a long iron bar with two sliding shackles, formerly used to confine the ankles of a prisoner [C16: perhaps changed from BILBAO]

bilby (ˈbIlbI)   n, pl -bies   a burrowing marsupial of the genus Macrotis of Australia having long pointed ears and grey fur. Also called: rabbit bandicoot, dalgyte

Bildungsroman German (ˈbIldʊŋsromaːn)   n   a novel concerned with a person's formative years and development [literally: education novel]

bile^1 (baIl)   n   1 a bitter greenish to golden brown alkaline fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is discharged during digestion into the duodenum, where it aids the emulsification and absorption of fats   2 irritability or peevishness   3 archaic either of two bodily humours, one of which (black bile) was thought to cause melancholy and the other (yellow bile) anger [C17: from French, from Latin bīlis, probably of Celtic origin; compare Welsh bustl bile]

■ bilestone (ˈbaIlˌstəʊn)   n   another name for gallstone

bile^2 (bəIl)   vb   a Scot word for boil^1

bilection (baIˈlɛkʃən)   n   another word for bolection

bilevel (ˈbaIˌlɛvəl)   adj   1 having two levels   2 computing (of an image) converted to show only two colours, black and white

bilge (bIldʒ)   n   1 nautical the parts of a vessel's hull where the vertical sides curve inwards to form the bottom   2 (often plural) the parts of a vessel between the lowermost floorboards and the bottom   3 Also called: bilgewater the dirty water that collects in a vessel's bilge   4 informal silly rubbish; nonsense   5 the widest part of the belly of a barrel or cask   ▷ vb   6 (intr) nautical (of a vessel) to take in water at the bilge   7 (tr) nautical to damage (a vessel) in the bilge, causing it to leak [C16: probably a variant of BULGE]   > ˈbilgy adj

■ bilge keel   n   one of two keel-like projections along the bilges of some vessels to improve sideways stability

■ bilgewater   n   nautical another name for bilge (sense 3)

bilharzia (bIlˈhɑːtsIə)   n   1 another name for a schistosome   2 another name for schistosomiasis [C19: New Latin, named after Theodor Bilharz (1825–62), German parasitologist who discovered schistosomes]

■ bilharzial (bIlˈhɑːzIəl)   adj   relating to bilharzia

■ bilharziasis (ˌbIlhɑːˈtsaIəsIs) or bilharziosis (bIlˌhɑːtsIˈəʊsIs)   n   another name for schistosomiasis

bilian (ˈbIlIən)   n   a type of ironwood from Borneo

biliary (ˈbIlIərI)   adj   of or relating to bile, to the ducts that convey bile, or to the gall bladder

bilimbi (bIˈlImbI)   n   1 a fruit-bearing tree growing in India and Sri Lanka   2 the fruit of the bilimbi tree

bilinear (baIˈlInIə)   adj   1 of or referring to two lines   2 of or relating to a function of two variables that is linear in each independently, as f(x, y) = xy

bilingual (baIˈlIŋɡwəl)   adj   1 able to speak two languages, esp with fluency   2 written or expressed in two languages   ▷ n   3 a bilingual person   > biˈlingualˌism n   > biˈlingually adv

■ bilinguist (ˌbaIˈlIŋɡwIst)   n   a speaker of two languages

bilious (ˈbIlIəs)   adj   1 of or relating to bile   2 affected with or denoting any disorder related to excess secretion of bile   3 informal (esp of colours) extremely distasteful; nauseating: a bilious green   4 informal bad-tempered; irritable [C16: from Latin bīliōsus full of BILE^1]   > ˈbiliousness n

■ biliously (ˈbIlIəslI)   adv   in a bilious or bad manner

bilirubin (ˌbIlIˈruːbIn, ˌbaI-)   n   an orange-yellow pigment in the bile formed as a breakdown product of haemoglobin. Excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance associated with jaundice. Formula: C_32H_36O_6N_4 [C19: from BILE^1 + Latin ruber red + -IN]

biliteral (ˌbaIˈlItərəl)   adj   consisting of two letters

biliverdin (ˌbIlIˈvɜːdIn)   n   a dark green pigment in the bile formed by the oxidation of bilirubin. Formula: C_33H_34O_6N_4 [C19: coined in Swedish, from Latin bīlis bile + Old French verd green + -IN]

bilk (bIlk)   vb (tr)   1 to balk; thwart   2 (often foll by of) to cheat or deceive, esp to avoid making payment to   3 to escape from; elude   4 cribbage to play a card that hinders (one's opponent) from scoring in his or her crib   ▷ n   5 a swindle or cheat   6 a person who swindles or cheats [C17: perhaps variant of BALK]   > ˈbilker n

bill^1 (bIl)   n   1 money owed for goods or services supplied: an electricity bill   2 a written or printed account or statement of money owed   3 chiefly Brit such an account for food and drink in a restaurant, hotel, etc. Usual US and Canadian word: check   4 any printed or written list of items, events, etc, such as a theatre programme: who's on the bill tonight?   5 fit the bill or fill the bill informal to serve or perform adequately   6 a statute in draft, before it becomes law   7 a printed notice or advertisement; poster   8 US and Canadian a piece of paper money; note   9 an obsolete name for promissory note   10 law See bill of indictment   11 See bill of exchange   12 See bill of fare   13 archaic any document   ▷ vb (tr)   14 to send or present an account for payment to (a person)   15 to enter (items, goods, etc) on an account or statement   16 to advertise by posters   17 to schedule as a future programme: the play is billed for next week [C14: from Anglo-Latin billa, alteration of Late Latin bulla document, BULL^3]

■ billable (ˈbIləbəl)   adj   referring to time worked, esp by a lawyer, on behalf of a particular client and for which that client will be expected to pay: a timesheet of my billable hours

■ billboard (ˈbIlˌbɔːd)   n   another name for hoarding [C19: from BILL^1 + BOARD]

■ billbook (ˈbIlˌbʊk)   n   US a pocketbook record of bills received, paid, etc

■ bill broker   n   a person whose business is the purchase and sale of bills of exchange

■ billfold (ˈbIlˌfəʊld)   n   US and Canadian a small folding case, usually of leather, for holding paper money, documents, etc. Also called (in Britain and other countries): wallet

■ billhead (ˈbIlˌhɛd)   n   a printed form for making out bills

■ billing (ˈbIlIŋ)   n   1 theatre the relative importance of a performer or act as reflected in the prominence given in programmes, advertisements, etc   2 chiefly US and Canadian public notice or advertising (esp in the phrase advance billing)

■ bill of adventure   n   a certificate made out by merchants to show that goods handled by them and their agents are the property of another party at whose risk the dealing is done

■ bill of attainder   n   (formerly) a legislative act finding a person guilty without trial of treason or felony and declaring him or her attainted. See also attainder (sense 1)

■ bill of exchange   n   (now chiefly in foreign transactions) a document, usually negotiable, containing an instruction to a third party to pay a stated sum of money at a designated future date or on demand

■ bill of fare   n   another name for menu

■ bill of health   n   1 a certificate, issued by a port officer, that attests to the health of a ship's company   2 clean bill of health informal   a a good report of one's physical condition   b a favourable account of a person's or a company's financial position

■ bill of indictment   n   criminal law a formal document accusing a person or persons of crime, formerly presented to a grand jury for certification as a true bill but now signed by a court official

■ bill of lading   n   (in foreign trade) a document containing full particulars of goods shipped or for shipment. Usual US and Canadian name: waybill

■ bill of quantities   n   a document drawn up by a quantity surveyor providing details of the prices, dimensions, etc, of the materials required to build a large structure, such as a factory

■ Bill of Rights   n   1 an English statute of 1689 guaranteeing the rights and liberty of the individual subject   2 the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, added in 1791, which guarantee the liberty of the individual   3 (in Canada) a statement of basic human rights and freedoms enacted by Parliament in 1960   4 (usually not capitals) any charter or summary of basic human rights

■ bill of sale   n   law a deed transferring personal property, either outright or as security for a loan or debt

■ billposter (ˈbIlˌpəʊstə) or billsticker   n   a person who is employed to stick advertising posters to walls, fences, etc   > ˈbillˌposting or ˈbillˌsticking n

bill^2 (bIl)   n   1 the mouthpart of a bird, consisting of projecting jaws covered with a horny sheath; beak. It varies in shape and size according to the type of food eaten and may also be used as a weapon   2 any beaklike mouthpart in other animals   3 a narrow promontory: Portland Bill   4 nautical the pointed tip of the fluke of an anchor   ▷ vb (intr)   5 (of birds, esp doves) to touch bills together   6 (of lovers) to kiss and whisper amorously [Old English bile; related to bill BILL^3]

■ billboard (ˈbIlˌbɔːd)   n   a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing an anchor [C19: from BILL^2 + BOARD]

■ billbug (ˈbIlˌbʌɡ)   n   a type of weevil

■ billfish (ˈbIlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish, -fishes   US any of various fishes having elongated jaws, esp any fish of the family Istiophoridae, such as the spearfish and marlin

bill^3 (bIl)   n   1 a pike or halberd with a narrow hooked blade   2 short for billhook [Old English bill sword, related to Old Norse bīldr instrument used in blood-letting, Old High German bil pickaxe]

■ billhook (ˈbIlˌhʊk)   n   a cutting tool with a wooden handle and a curved blade terminating in a hook at its tip, used for pruning, chopping, etc. Also called: bill

■ billman (ˈbIlmən)   n, pl -men   a person armed with a bill or billhook

bill^4 (bIl)   n   ornithol another word for boom^1 (sense 4) [C18: from dialect beel BELL^2 (vb)]

billabong (ˈbIləˌbɒŋ)   n Austral   1 a backwater channel that forms a lagoon or pool   2 a branch of a river running to a dead end [C19: from a native Australian language, from billa river + bong dead]

biller (ˈbIlə)   n   Southwest English dialect the stem of a plant

billet^1 (ˈbIlIt)   n   1 accommodation, esp for a soldier, in civilian lodgings   2 the official requisition for such lodgings   3 a space or berth allocated, esp for slinging a hammock, in a ship   4 informal a job   5 archaic a brief letter or document   ▷ vb -lets, -leting, -leted   6 (tr) to assign a lodging to (a soldier)   7 (tr) informal to assign to a post or job   8 to lodge or be lodged [C15: from Old French billette, from bulle a document; see BULL^3]   > ˌbilletˈee n   > ˈbilleter n

■ billeting (ˈbIlItIŋ)   n   military the activity of assigning soldiers or others to accommodation that is not normally used by them

billet^2 (ˈbIlIt)   n   1 a chunk of wood, esp for fuel   2 metallurgy   a a metal bar of square or circular cross section   b an ingot cast into the shape of a prism   3 architect a carved ornament in a moulding, with short cylinders or blocks evenly spaced [C15: from Old French billette a little log, from bille log, probably of Celtic origin]

billet-doux (ˌbIlIˈduː; French bijɛdu)   n, pl billets-doux (ˌbIlIˈduːz; French bijɛdu)   old-fashioned or jocular a love letter [C17: from French, literally: a sweet letter, from billet (see BILLET^1) + doux sweet, from Latin dulcis]

billiards (ˈbIljədz)   n (functioning as singular)   1 any of various games in which long cues are used to drive balls now made of composition or plastic. It is played on a rectangular table covered with a smooth tight-fitting cloth and having raised cushioned edges   2 a version of this, played on a rectangular table having six pockets let into the corners and the two longer sides. Points are scored by striking one of three balls with the cue to contact the other two or one of the two. Compare pool^2 (sense 5), snooker [C16: from Old French billard curved stick, from Old French bille log; see BILLET^2]

■ billiard (ˈbIljəd)   n   (modifier) of or relating to billiards: a billiard ball

Billingsgate (ˈbIlIŋɡzˌɡeIt)   n   the largest fish market in London, on the N bank of the River Thames; moved to new site at Canary Wharf in 1982 and the former building converted into offices

■ billingsgate (ˈbIlIŋzˌɡeIt)   n   obscene or abusive language [C17: after BILLINGSGATE, which was notorious for such language]

Billings method   n   a natural method of birth control that involves examining the colour and viscosity of the cervical mucus to discover when ovulation is occurring. Also called: ovulation method, mucus method [C20: devised by Drs John and Evelyn Billings in the 1960s]

billion (ˈbIljən)   n, pl -lions or -lion   1 one thousand million: it is written as 1 000 000 000 or 10^9   2 (formerly, in Britain) one million million: it is written as 1 000 000 000 000 or 10^12   3 (often plural) any exceptionally large number   ▷ determiner   4 (preceded by a or a cardinal number)   a amounting to a billion: it seems like a billion years ago   b (as pronoun): we have a billion here [C17: from French, from BI-1 + -llion as in million]   > ˈbillionth adj, n

■ billionaire (ˌbIljəˈnɛə)   n   a person whose assets are worth over a billion of the monetary units of his or her country

Billiton (ˈbIlItɒn, bIˈliːtɒn)   n   an island of Indonesia, in the Java Sea between Borneo and Sumatra. Chief town: Tanjungpandan. Area: 4833 sq km (1866 sq miles). Also called: Belitung

billon (ˈbIlən)   n   1 an alloy consisting of gold or silver and a base metal, usually copper, used esp for coinage   2 any coin made of such an alloy [C18: from Old French: ingot, from bille log; see BILLET^2]

billow (ˈbIləʊ)   n   1 a large sea wave   2 a swelling or surging mass, as of smoke or sound   3 a large atmospheric wave, usually in the lee of a hill   4 (plural) poetic the sea itself   ▷ vb   5 to rise up, swell out, or cause to rise up or swell out [C16: from Old Norse bylgja; related to Swedish bōlja, Danish bölg, Middle High German bulge; see BELLOW, BELLY]   > ˈbillowing adj, n

■ billowy (ˈbIləʊI)   adj   full of or forming billows: a billowy sea   > ˈbillowiness n

billy^1 (ˈbIlI)   n, pl -lies   US and Canadian a wooden club esp a police officer's truncheon [C19: special use of the name Billy, pet form of William]

billy^2 (ˈbIlI) or billycan (ˈbIlIˌkæn)   n, pl -lies or -lycans   1 a metal can or pot for boiling water, etc, over a campfire   2 Austral and NZ (as modifier): billy-tea   3 Austral and NZ informal to make tea [C19: from Scot billypot cooking vessel]

■ billy-bread   n   NZ bread baked in a billy over a camp fire

billyboy (ˈbIlIˌbɔI)   n   a type of river barge

billycock (ˈbIlIkɒk)   n   rare, chiefly Brit any of several round-crowned brimmed hats of felt, such as the bowler [C19: named after William Coke, Englishman for whom it was first made]

billy goat   n   a male goat. Compare nanny goat

Billy No-Mates   n   slang a person with no friends

billyo, billy-o, billyoh or billy-oh (ˈbIlIˌəʊ)   n   like billyo informal (intensifier): snowing like billyo. Also called: billy-ho [C19: of unknown origin]

Billy the Kid   n   nickname of William H. Bonney. 1859–81, US outlaw

bilobate (baIˈləʊˌbeIt) or bilobed (ˈbaIˌləʊbd)   adj   divided into or having two lobes: a bilobate leaf

bilobular (ˌbaIˈlɒbjʊlə)   adj   having two lobules

bilocation (ˌbaIləʊˈkeIʃən)   n   the existence of something in two places at the same time

bilocular (baIˈlɒkjʊlə) or biloculate   adj   biology divided into two chambers or cavities: some flowering plants have bilocular ovaries

bilsted (ˈbIlstɛd)   n   the American gum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua

biltong (ˈbIlˌtɒŋ)   n   South African strips of meat dried and cured in the sun [C19: Afrikaans, from Dutch bil buttock + tong TONGUE]

Bim (bIm)   n   Caribbean informal a native or inhabitant of Barbados [C19: of unknown origin]

BIM   abbreviation for   British Institute of Management

bimah or bima (ˈbiːmə)   n   variant spellings of bema

bimanous (ˈbImənəs, baIˈmeI-)   adj   (of humans and the higher primates) having two hands distinct in form and function from the feet [C19: from New Latin bimana two handed, from BI-1 + Latin manus hand]

bimanual (baIˈmænjʊəl)   adj   using or requiring both hands   > biˈmanually adv

bimaternal   adj   having the genetic material of two mothers but no father [from BI-1 + MATERNAL]

bimbashi (bImˈbɑːʃI, bImˈbæʃI)   n   a Turkish military official

bimbette (bImˈbɛt)   n   informal, offensive a young woman who is considered attractive but unintelligent

bimble box (ˈbImbəl)   n   a dense Australian tree, Eucalyptus populnea, with shiny green leaves, valued for its hard wood [bimble from a native Australian language + BOX^3]

bimbo (ˈbImbəʊ)   n, pl -bos or -boes informal   1 offensive an attractive but empty-headed young woman   2 a person, esp a foolish one [C20: from Italian: little child, perhaps via Polari]

bimensal (ˌbaIˈmɛnsəl)   adj   occurring every two months

bimester (ˈbaIˌmɛstə)   n   a period of two months

■ bimestrial (baIˈmɛstrIəl)   adj   1 lasting for two months   2 a less common word for bimonthly (sense 1) [C19: from Latin bimēstris, from BI-1 + mēnsis month]   > biˈmestrially adv

bimetal (ˈbaIˌmɛtəl)   n   an object or material made from sheets of two types of metal

■ bimetallic (ˌbaImIˈtælIk)   adj   1 consisting of two metals   2 of, relating to, or based on bimetallism

■ bimetallic strip   n   a strip consisting of two metals of different coefficients of expansion welded together so that it buckles on heating: used in thermostats, etc

■ bimetallism (baIˈmɛtəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the use of two metals, esp gold and silver, in fixed relative values as the standard of value and currency   2 the economic policies or doctrine supporting a bimetallic standard   > biˈmetallist n

■ bimetallistic (ˌbaImɛtəlˈIstIk)   adj   relating to bimetallism

bimillenary (ˌbaImIˈliːnərI, baIˈmIlInərI)   adj   1 marking a two-thousandth anniversary   ▷ n, pl -naries   2 a two-thousandth anniversary

bimillennium (ˌbaImIˈlɛnIəm)   n   a period of two thousand years

■ bimillennial (ˌbaImIˈlɛnIəl)   adj   relating to a bimillennium

bimodal (ˌbaIˈməʊdəl)   adj   characterized by two modes

■ bimodal distribution (baIˈməʊdəl)   n   statistics a frequency distribution with two modes

■ bimodality (ˌbaIməʊˈdælItI)   n   the state of being bimodal

bimolecular (ˌbaIməˈlɛkjʊlə)   adj   (of a chemical complex, collision, etc) having or involving two molecules

■ bimolecularly (ˌbaIməˈlɛkjʊləlI)   adv   in a bimolecular fashion

bimonthly (baIˈmʌnθlI)   adj, adv   1 every two months   2 (often avoided because of confusion with sense 1) twice a month; semimonthly. See bi-1   ▷ n, pl -lies   3 a periodical published every two months

bimorph (ˈbaImɔːf) or bimorph cell   n   electronics an assembly of two piezoelectric crystals cemented together so that an applied voltage causes one to expand and the other to contract, converting electrical signals into mechanical energy. Conversely, bending can generate a voltage: used in loudspeakers, gramophone pick-ups, etc

bimorphemic (ˌbaImɔːˈfiːmIk)   adj   pertaining to two morphemes

bin (bIn)   n   1 a large container or enclosed space for storing something in bulk, such as coal, grain, or wool   2 Also called: bread bin a small container for bread   3 Also called: dustbin, rubbish bin a container for litter, rubbish, etc   4 Brit   a a storage place for bottled wine   b one particular bottling of wine   ▷ vb bins, binning, binned   5 (tr) to store in a bin   6 (tr) to put in a wastepaper bin [Old English binne basket, probably of Celtic origin; related to bindan to BIND]

■ binman (ˈbInˌmæn, ˈbInmən)   n, pl -men   another name for dustman

bin-   prefix   a variant, esp before a vowel, of bi-1: binocular

binal (ˈbaInəl)   adj   twofold; double [C17: from New Latin bīnālis; see BIN-]

binary (ˈbaInərI)   adj   1 composed of, relating to, or involving two; dual   2 maths, computing of, relating to, or expressed in binary notation or binary code   3 (of a compound or molecule) containing atoms of two different elements   4 metallurgy (of an alloy) consisting of two components or phases   5 (of an educational system) consisting of two parallel forms of education such as the grammar school and the secondary modern in Britain   6 maths, logic (of a relation, expression, or operation) applying to two elements of its domain; having two argument places; dyadic   ▷ n, pl -ries   7 something composed of two parts or things   8 astronomy See binary star   9 short for binary weapon [C16: from Late Latin bīnārius; see BIN-]

■ binarism (ˈbaInərIzəm)   n   the state of being binary

■ binary code   n   computing the representation of each one of a set of numbers, letters, etc, as a unique sequence of bits, as in ASCII

■ binary-coded decimal   n   a number in binary code written in groups of four bits, each group representing one digit of the corresponding decimal number. Abbreviation: BCD

■ binary digit   n   either of the two digits 0 or 1, used in binary notation. See also bit^4

■ binary fission   n   asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms by division into two daughter cells

■ binary form   n   music a structure consisting of two sections, each being played twice

■ binary notation or binary system   n   a number system having a base of two, numbers being expressed by sequences of the digits 0 and 1: used in computing, as 0 and 1 can be represented electrically as off and on

■ binary number   n   a number expressed in binary notation, as 1101.101 = 1 × 2^3 + 1 × 2^2 + 0 × 2^1 + 1 × 2^0 + 1 × 2–1 + 0 × 2–2 + 1 × 2–3 = 13 5⁄8

■ binary star   n   a double star system comprising two stars orbiting around their common centre of mass. A visual binary can be seen through a telescope. A spectroscopic binary can only be observed by the spectroscopic Doppler shift as each star moves towards or away from the earth. Sometimes shortened to: binary. See also optical double star, eclipsing binary

■ binary weapon   n   a chemical weapon consisting of a projectile containing two substances separately that mix to produce a lethal agent when the projectile is fired

binate (ˈbaIˌneIt)   adj   botany occurring in two parts or in pairs: binate leaves [C19: from New Latin bīnātus, probably from Latin combīnātus united]   > ˈbiˌnately adv

binational (ˌbaIˈnæʃənəl)   adj   involving two nations

binaural (baIˈnɔːrəl, bIn-)   adj   1 relating to, having, or hearing with both ears   2 employing two separate channels for recording or transmitting sound; so creating an impression of depth: a binaural recording   > binˈaurally adv

Binchy (ˈbIntʃI)   n   Maeve (meIˈIv). 1940–2012, Irish novelist and journalist; her bestselling novels include Circle of Friends (1990) and Quentins (2002)

bind (baInd)   vb binds, binding, bound   1 to make or become fast or secure with or as if with a tie or band   2 (tr; often foll by up) to encircle or enclose with a band: to bind the hair   3 (tr) to place (someone) under obligation; oblige   4 (tr) to impose legal obligations or duties upon (a person or party to an agreement)   5 (tr) to make (a bargain, agreement, etc) irrevocable; seal   6 (tr) to restrain or confine with or as if with ties, as of responsibility or loyalty   7 (tr) to place under certain constraints; govern   8 (tr; often foll by up) to bandage or swathe: to bind a wound   9 to cohere or stick or cause to cohere or stick: egg binds fat and flour   10 to make or become compact, stiff, or hard: frost binds the earth   11    a (tr) to enclose and fasten (the pages of a book) between covers   b (intr) (of a book) to undergo this process   12 (tr) to provide (a garment, hem, etc) with a border or edging, as for decoration or to prevent fraying   13 (tr; sometimes foll by out or over) to employ as an apprentice; indenture   14 (intr) slang to complain   15 (tr) logic to bring (a variable) into the scope of an appropriate quantifier. See also bound^1 (sense 9)   ▷ n   16 something that binds   17 the act of binding or state of being bound   18 informal a difficult or annoying situation   19 another word for bine   20 music another word for tie (sense 17)   21 mining clay between layers of coal   22 fencing a pushing movement with the blade made to force one's opponent's sword from one line into another   23 chess a position in which one player's pawns have a hold on the centre that makes it difficult for the opponent to advance there [Old English bindan; related to Old Norse binda, Old High German bintan, Latin offendix BAND^2, Sanskrit badhnāti he binds]

■ bindable (ˈbaIndəbəl)   adj   capable of being tied by a rope

■ binder (ˈbaIndə)   n   1 a firm cover or folder with rings or clasps for holding loose sheets of paper together   2 a material used to bind separate particles together, give an appropriate consistency, or facilitate adhesion to a surface   3    a a person who binds books; bookbinder   b a machine that is used to bind books   4 something used to fasten or tie, such as rope or twine   5 NZ informal a square meal   6 Also called: reaper binder obsolete a machine for cutting grain and binding it into bundles or sheaves. Compare combine harvester   7 an informal agreement giving insurance coverage pending formal issue of a policy   8 a tie, beam, or girder, used to support floor joists   9 a stone for binding masonry; bondstone   10 the nonvolatile component of the organic media in which pigments are dispersed in paint   11 (in systemic grammar) a word that introduces a bound clause; a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. Compare linker (sense 2)

■ bindery (ˈbaIndərI)   n, pl -eries   a place in which books are bound

■ binding (ˈbaIndIŋ)   n   1 anything that binds or fastens   2 the covering within which the pages of a book are bound   3 the material or tape used for binding hems, etc   ▷ adj   4 imposing an obligation or duty: a binding promise   5 causing hindrance; restrictive

■ binding energy   n physics   1 the energy that must be supplied to a stable nucleus before it can undergo fission. It is equal to the mass defect   2 the energy required to remove a particle from a system, esp an electron from an atom

■ bindingly (ˈbaIndIŋlI)   adv   in a binding manner

■ bindingness (ˈbaIndIŋnəs)   n   the quality of being binding

■ bind over   vb   (tr, adverb) to place (a person) under a legal obligation, such as one to keep the peace

■ bindweed (ˈbaIndˌwiːd)   n   1 any convolvulaceous plant of the genera Convolvulus and Calystegia that twines around a support. See also convolvulus   2 any of various other trailing or twining plants, such as black bindweed

bindi or bindhi (ˈbIndI)   n   a decorative dot worn in the middle of the forehead, esp by Hindu women [Hindi]

bindi-eye (ˈbIndIˌaI)   n Austral   1 any of various small weedy Australian herbaceous plants of the genus Calotis, with burlike fruits: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any bur or prickle [C20: perhaps from a native Australian language]

bindle (ˈbIndəl)   n   1 US and Canadian slang a small bundle of possessions carried by a homeless person   2 a small paper packet containing drugs

bine (baIn)   n   1 the climbing or twining stem of any of various plants, such as the woodbine or bindweed   2 any plant with such a stem [C19: variant of BIND]

biner (ˈbiːnə)   n   climbing informal a karabiner

binervate (ˌbaIˈnɜːveIt)   adj   1 (of leaves) having two longitudinal ribs   2 (of insect wings) having only two nerves

Binet-Simon scale (ˈbiːneIˈsaImən)   n   psychol a test comprising questions and tasks, used to determine the mental age of subjects, usually children. Also called: Binet scale, Binet test. See also Stanford-Binet test [C20: named after Alfred Binet (1857–1911) + Théodore Simon (1873–1961), French psychologists]

bing (bIŋ)   n   dialect a heap or pile, esp of spoil from a mine [C16: from Old Norse bingr heap]

Bing (bIŋ)   n   1 a popular search engine on the internet   ▷ vb   2 to search for (something on the internet) using Bing

binge (bIndʒ)   n informal   1 a bout of excessive eating or drinking   2 excessive indulgence in anything: a shopping binge   ▷ vb binges, bingeing or binging, binged (intr)   3 to indulge in a binge (esp of eating or drinking) [C19: probably Lincolnshire dialect binge to soak]   > ˈbinger n

■ binge drinking   n   the practice of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly   > binge drinker n

■ binge eating   n   the practice of eating excessive amounts of food over a short period of time, often in an uncontrolled manner   > binge eater n

■ binge eating disorder   n   a mental health condition characterized by periods of uncontrolled binge eating

■ binge-watch   vb   to watch a large number of television programmes (esp all the shows from one series) in succession   > ˈbinge-ˌwatching n

Bingen (ˈbIŋən)   n   a town in W Germany on the Rhine: wine trade and tourist centre. Pop: 24 716 (2003 est). Official name: Bingen am Rhein

binghi (ˈbIŋɡI)   n   Austral offensive, slang an Aboriginal person

bingle (ˈbIŋɡəl)   n   Austral old-fashioned, informal a minor crash or upset, as in a car or on a surfboard [C20: of uncertain origin]

bingo (ˈbIŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   1 a gambling game, usually played with several people, in which numbers selected at random are called out and the players cover the numbers on their individual cards. The first to cover a given arrangement of numbers is the winner. Compare lotto   2 (in Scrabble) the playing of all seven of a player's tiles in a single turn   ▷ sentence substitute   3 a cry by the winner of a game of bingo   4 an expression of surprise at a sudden occurrence or the successful completion of something: and bingo! the lights went out   ▷ vb -gos, -going, -goed   5 (intr) (in Scrabble) to play all seven of one's tiles in a single turn [C19: perhaps from bing, imitative of a bell ringing to mark the win]

■ bingo wings   pl n   informal areas of loose or flabby skin on the upper arm, esp in women, which hang down when the arm is extended

Bini or Beni (bəˈniː)   n, pl -ni or -nis   other names for Edo^2

biniou (binju)   n   a small high-pitched Breton bagpipe [from Breton beniou]

binit (ˈbaInIt)   n   computing obsolete a binary digit

bink (bIŋk)   n   Scot a bench or ledge to sit on

bin Laden (ˌbInˈlɑːdən)   n   Osama (əʊˈsɑːmə). 1957–2011, Saudi-born leader of the al-Qaida terrorist network: presumed architect of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington of September 11 2001. Killed by US Special Forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan

bin liner   n   a plastic bag used to line the inside of a rubbish bin

binnacle (ˈbInəkəl)   n   a housing for a ship's compass [C17: changed from C15 bitakle, from Portuguese bitácula, from Late Latin habitāculum dwelling-place, from Latin habitāre to inhabit; spelling influenced by BIN]

Binnig (German ˈbiniɡ)   n   Gerd (Karl). born 1947, German physicist: shared the Nobel prize for physics (1986) for work on the superconductivity of semiconductors and development of the scanning tunnelling microscope

binocle (ˈbInəkəl)   n   an opera- or field-glass employing telescopic tubes for both eyes

binocs (bIˈnɒks)   pl n   informal binoculars

binocular (bIˈnɒkjʊlə, baI-)   adj   involving, relating to, seeing with or intended for both eyes: binocular vision [C18: from BI-1 + Latin oculus eye]

■ binocular disparity   n   physiol the small differences in the positions of the parts of the images falling on each eye that results when each eye views the scene from a slightly different position; these differences make stereoscopic vision possible

■ binocularity (bIˌnɒkjʊˈlærItI)   n   1 binocular characteristics   2 the use of two eyes at once

■ binocularly (bIˈnɒkjʊləlI)   adv   relating to the use of two eyes at once

■ binocular rivalry   n   psychol the phenomenon whereby one is unable to see simultaneously different images presented one to each eye; usually in some areas of the eye the image presented to the left eye is seen, in others that presented to the right eye. Also called: retinal rivalry

■ binoculars (bIˈnɒkjʊləz, baI-)   pl n   an optical instrument for use with both eyes, consisting of two small telescopes joined together. Also called: field glasses

binomial (baIˈnəʊmIəl)   n   1 a mathematical expression consisting of two terms, such as 3x + 2y   2 a two-part taxonomic name for an animal or plant. See binomial nomenclature   ▷ adj   3 referring to two names or terms [C16: from Medieval Latin binōmius from BI-1 + Latin nōmen NAME]   > biˈnomially adv

■ binomial coefficient   n   maths any of the numerical factors which multiply the successive terms in a binomial expansion; any term of the form n!/(n–k)!k!: written (nk), nCk, or Cnk. See also combination (sense 6)

■ binomial distribution   n   a statistical distribution giving the probability of obtaining a specified number of successes in a specified number of independent trials of an experiment with a constant probability of success in each. Symbol: Bi (n, p), where n is the number of trials and p the probability of success in each

■ binomial experiment   n   statistics an experiment consisting of a fixed number of independent trials each with two possible outcomes, success and failure, and the same probability of success. The probability of a given number of successes is described by a binominal distribution. See also Bernoulli trial

■ binomial nomenclature or binominal nomenclature   n   a system for naming plants and animals by means of two Latin names: the first indicating the genus and the second the species to which the organism belongs, as in Panthera leo (the lion)

■ binomial theorem   n   a mathematical theorem that gives the expansion of any binomial raised to a positive integral power, n. It contains n + 1 terms: (x + a)n = xn + nxn–1a + [n(n–1)/2] xn–2a^2 +…+ (nk) xn–kak + … + an, where (nk) = n!/(n–k)!k!, the number of combinations of k items selected from n

binominal (baIˈnɒmInəl) biology   adj   1 of or denoting the binomial nomenclature   ▷ n   2 a two-part taxonomic name; binomial

binovular (bIˈnɒvjʊlə)   adj   relating to or derived from two different ova: binovular fertilization; binovular twins

bins (bInz)   pl n   Northern English dialect a pair of glasses

bint (bInt)   n   offensive, derogatory, slang   a girl or woman [C19: from Arabic, literally: daughter]

binturong (ˈbIntjʊˌrɒŋ, bInˈtjʊərɒŋ)   n   an arboreal SE Asian viverrine mammal, Arctictis binturong, closely related to the palm civets but larger and having long shaggy black hair [from Malay]

binucleate (baIˈnjuːklIˌeIt, -It)   adj   biology having two nuclei: a binucleate cell. Also: binuclear, binucleated

Binyon (ˈbInjən)   n   (Robert) Laurence. 1869–1943, British poet and art historian, best known for his elegiac war poems "For the Fallen" (1914) and "The Burning of the Leaves" (1944)

bio (ˈbaIəʊ)   n, pl bios   short for biography

bio- or before a vowel bi-   combining form   1 indicating or involving life or living organisms: biogenesis; biolysis   2 indicating a human life or career: biography; biopic [from Greek bios life]

bioaccumulate (ˌbaIəʊəˈkjuːmʊˌleIt)   vb (intr)   (of substances, esp toxins) to build up within the tissues of organisms   > ˌbioacˌcumuˈlation n

bioacoustics (ˌbaIəʊəˈkuːstIks)   n   the study of animals' use of sound

bioactive (ˌbaIəʊˈæktIv)   adj   (of a substance) having or producing an effect on living tissue   > ˌbioacˈtivity n

bioaeration (ˌbaIəʊɛəˈreIʃən)   n   the oxidative treatment of raw sewage by aeration

bioaeronautics (ˌbaIəʊˌɛərəˈnɔːtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the use of aircraft in the discovery, development, and protection of natural and biological resources

bioarchaeology (ˌbaIəʊˌɑːkIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of archaeology that deals with the remains of living things

bioassay   n (ˌbaIəʊəˈseI, -ˈæseI)   1 a method of determining the concentration, activity, or effect of a change to substance by testing its effect on a living organism and comparing this with the activity of an agreed standard   ▷ vb (ˌbaIəʊəˈseI)   2 (tr) to subject to a bioassay

bioastronautics (ˌbaIəʊˌæstrəˈnɔːtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the effects of space flight on living organisms. See space medicine

bioastronomy (ˌbaIəʊəˈstrɒnəmI)   n   the branch of biology which deals with the study or the discovery of life forms on other planets or in space

bioavailability (ˌbaIəʊəˌveIləˈbIlItI)   n   the extent to which a drug or other substance is taken up by a specific tissue or organ after administration; the proportion of the dose of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation intact after administration by a route other than intravenous. Also called: systemic availability   > ˌbioaˈvailable adj

biobank (ˈbaIəʊˌbæŋk)   n   any large store of human biological samples for research into the genetic and environmental causes of disease [C20: from BIO- + BANK^1]

■ biobanking (ˈbaIəʊˌbæŋkIŋ)   n   the practice of creating large-scale repositories of human biological material (eg blood, urine, tissue samples, DNA, etc) designed to further medical research

Bío-Bío (Spanish ˈbiːoˈbiːo)   n   a river in central Chile, rising in the Andes and flowing northwest to the Pacific. Length: about 390 km (240 miles)

biocatalyst (ˌbaIəʊˈkætəlIst)   n   a chemical, esp an enzyme, that initiates or increases the rate of a biochemical reaction   > biocatalytic (ˌbaIəʊˌkætəˈlItIk) adj

biocellate (baIˈɒsIˌleIt, ˌbaIəʊˈsɛlIt)   adj   (of animals and plants) marked with two eyelike spots or ocelli [C19: from BI-1 + ocellate, from Latin ocellus, diminutive of oculus eye]

biocenose (ˌbaIəʊˈsiːnəʊs)   n   a situation in which organisms live together in mutual dependence

biochemistry (ˌbaIəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the study of the chemical compounds, reactions, etc, occurring in living organisms   > ˌbioˈchemical or biochemic adj   > ˌbioˈchemically adv   > ˌbioˈchemist n

■ biochemical oxygen demand   n   a measure of the organic pollution of water: the amount of oxygen, in mg per litre of water, absorbed by a sample kept at 20°C for five days. Abbreviation: BOD

biochip (ˈbaIəˌtʃIp)   n   a small glass or silicon plate containing an array of biochemical molecules or structures, used as a biosensor or in gene sequencing. Also called: microarray

biocide (ˈbaIəˌsaId)   n   a chemical, such as a pesticide, capable of killing living organisms   > ˌbioˈcidal adj

bioclastic (ˌbaIəʊˈklæstIk)   adj   (of deposits, esp limestones) derived from shell fragments or similar organic remains

bioclean (ˈbaIəʊˌkliːn)   adj   free from harmful bacteria

bioclimatic (ˌbaIəʊklaIˈmætIk)   adj   concerning the relations between climate and living organisms

bioclimatology (ˌbaIəʊˌklaIməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the effects of climatic conditions on living organisms   > ˌbioˌclimaˈtologist n

biocoenology or biocenology (ˌbaIəʊsIˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of ecology concerned with the relationships and interactions between the members of a natural community [C20: from BIO- + ceno-, from Greek koinos common + -LOGY]

biocoenosis or biocenosis (ˌbaIəʊsIˈnəʊsIs)   n   a diverse community inhabiting a single biotope   > ˌbiocoeˈnotic or ˌbioceˈnotic adj

biocompatible (ˌbaIəʊkəmˈpætIbəl)   adj   not rejected by the body

biocomputing (ˌbaIəʊˌkəmˈpjuːtIŋ)   n   the application of computing to problems in biology, biochemistry, and genetics

biocontrol (ˈbaIəʊkənˌtrəʊl)   n   the use of one living thing to control another

bioconversion (ˌbaIəʊkənˈvɜːʃən)   n   the use of biological processes or materials to change organic substances into a new form, such as the conversion of waste into methane by fermentation

biocycle (ˈbaIəʊˌsaIkəl)   n   ecology the cycling of chemicals through the biosphere

biodata (ˈbaIəʊˌdeItə, -ˌdɑːtə)   n   information regarding an individual's education and work history, esp in the context of a selection process [C20: from BIO(GRAPHICAL) + DATA]

biodegrade (ˌbaIəʊdIˈɡreId)   vb   to decompose (something)

■ biodegradable (ˌbaIəʊdIˈɡreIdəbəl)   adj   (of sewage constituents, packaging material, etc) capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other biological means   > biodegradation (ˌbaIəʊˌdɛɡrəˈdeIʃən) n   > biodegradability (ˌbaIəʊˌdɛɡreIdIˈbIlItI) n

biodestructible (ˌbaIəʊdIˈstrʌktəbəl)   adj   biodegradable

biodiesel (ˈbaIəʊˌdiːzəl)   n   a biofuel intended for use in diesel engines

biodiversity (ˌbaIəʊdaIˈvɜːsItI)   n   the existence of a wide variety of plant and animal species in their natural environments, which is the aim of conservationists concerned about the destruction of rainforests and other habitats

■ biodiverse (ˌbaIəʊdaIˈvɜːs)   adj   containing a wide variety of plant and animal species

biodot (ˈbaIəʊˌdɒt)   n   a temperature-sensitive device stuck to the skin in order to monitor stress

biodynamics (ˌbaIəʊdaIˈnæmIks, -dI-)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of biology that deals with the energy production and activities of organisms   > ˌbiodyˈnamic or ˌbiodyˈnamical adj

bioecology (ˌbaIəʊIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   another word for ecology (sense 1)   > bioecological (ˌbaIəʊˌiːkəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌbioˌecoˈlogically adv   > ˌbioeˈcologist n

bioelectricity (ˌbaIəʊˌIlɛkˈtrIsItI)   n   electricity generated by a living organism   > ˌbioeˈlectric adj

■ bioelectrical (ˌbaIəʊIˈlɛktrIkəl)   adj   relating to electrical current generated by biological activity

bioenergetics (ˌbaIəʊˌɛnəˈdʒɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of energy transformations in living organisms and systems   > ˌbioˌenerˈgetic adj

bioenergy (ˌbaIəʊˈɛnədʒI)   n   1 ecology the renewable energy derived from biological sources   2 psychol the idea that all living things contain energy

bioengineering (ˌbaIəʊˌɛndʒIˈnIərIŋ)   n   1 the design and manufacture of aids, such as artificial limbs, to rectify defective body functions   2 the design, manufacture, and maintenance of engineering equipment used in biosynthetic processes, such as fermentation   > ˌbioˌengiˈneer n

bioethanol (ˌbaIəʊˈɛθənɒl)   n   a biofuel based on alcohol which may be combined with petrol for use in vehicles

bioethics (ˌbaIəʊˈɛθIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of ethical problems arising from biological research and its applications in such fields as organ transplantation, genetic engineering, or artificial insemination   > ˌbioˈethical adj   > bioethicist (ˌbaIəʊˈɛθIsIst) n

biofact (ˈbaIəʊfækt)   n   1 an item of biological information   2 an item of biographical information

biofeedback (ˌbaIəʊˈfiːdbæk)   n   physiol, psychol a technique for teaching the control of autonomic functions, such as the rate of heartbeat or breathing, by recording the activity and presenting it (usually visually) so that the person can know the state of the autonomic function he or she is learning to control. Compare neurofeedback

biofibres or US biofibers (ˈbaIəʊˌfaIbəz)   pl n   vegetable, animal, or mineral fibres existing in nature which are used by humans

biofilm (ˈbaIəʊˌfIlm)   n   a thin layer of living organisms

bioflavonoid (ˌbaIəʊˈfleIvəˌnɔId)   n   another name for vitamin P

biofouler (ˈbaIəʊˌfaʊlə)   n   an animal that obstructs or pollutes the environment

■ biofouling (ˈbaIəʊˌfaʊlIŋ)   n   the degradation of an artificial surface by biological growth

biofuel (ˈbaIəʊˌfjʊəl)   n   a gaseous, liquid, or solid substance of biological origin that is used as a fuel

■ biofuelled or biofueled (ˈbaIəʊˌfjʊəld)   adj   running on biofuel

biog.   abbreviation for   1 biographical   2 biography

biogas (ˈbaIəʊˌɡæs)   n   a gas that is produced by the action of bacteria on organic waste matter: used as a fuel

biogen (ˈbaIədʒən)   n   a hypothetical protein assumed to be the basis of the formation and functioning of body cells and tissues

biogenesis (ˌbaIəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   the principle that a living organism must originate from a parent organism similar to itself. Compare abiogenesis   > ˌbiogeˈnetic, ˌbiogeˈnetical or biogenous (baIˈɒdʒənəs) adj   > ˌbiogeˈnetically adv

biogenetics (ˌbaIəʊdʒIˈnɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of biology concerned with altering the genomes of living organisms

biogenic (ˌbaIəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   produced or originating from a living organism

biogeny (baIˈɒdʒInI)   n   the evolutionary history of living organisms

biogeochemistry (ˌbaIəʊˌdʒiːəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the science of biological, chemical, and geological aspects of the environment

■ biogeochemical (ˌbaIəʊˌdʒiːəʊˈkɛmIkəl)   adj   of or relating to biogeochemistry

biogeography (ˌbaIəʊdʒIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   the branch of biology concerned with the geographical distribution of plants and animals   > biogeographical (ˌbaIəʊˌdʒIəˈɡræfIkəl) or biogeographic adj   > ˌbioˌgeoˈgraphically adv

■ biogeographer (ˌbaIəʊdʒIˈɒɡrəfə)   n   a person who is knowledgeable about biogeography

■ biogeographic (ˌbaIəʊˌdʒIəˈɡræfIk)   adj   another term for biogeographical

biograph (ˈbaIəˌɡrɑːf, ˈbaIəˌɡræf)   n   1 a biographical summary   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to write a biography of

biographee (ˌbaIɒɡræˈfiː)   n   a person whose biography has been written

biography (baIˈɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1 an account of a person's life by another   2 such accounts collectively   > biˈographer n   > biographical (ˌbaIəˈɡræfIkəl) or archaic ˌbioˈgraphic adj   > ˌbioˈgraphically adv

■ biographize or biographise (baIˈɒɡrəˌfaIz)   vb   (tr) to write a biography of (someone): the maverick duo were not easy to biographize

biohazard (ˌbaIəʊˈhæzəd)   n   material of biological origin that is hazardous to humans   > ˌbioˈhazardous adj

bioherm (ˈbaIəʊˌhɜːm)   n   1 a mound of material laid down by sedentary marine organisms, esp a coral reef   2 the fossilized remains of such a mound [C20: from BIO- + Greek herma submerged rock]

bioindustry (ˈbaIəʊˌIndəstrI)   n, pl -tries   an industry that makes use of biotechnology and other advanced life science methodologies in the creation or alteration of life forms or processes

bioinformatics (ˌbaIəʊˌInfəˈmætIks)   n (functioning as singular)   the branch of information science concerned with large databases of biochemical or pharmaceutical information

Bioko (baIˈəʊkəʊ)   n   an island in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Cameroon: part of Equatorial Guinea. Capital: Malabo. Area: 2017 sq km (786 sq miles). Former names: (until 1973) Fernando Po, (1973–79) Macías Nguema

biol.   abbreviation for   1 biological   2 biology

biological (ˌbaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or archaic biologic   adj   1 of or relating to biology   2 (of a detergent) containing enzymes said to be capable of removing stains of organic origin from items to be washed   ▷ n   3 (usually plural) a drug, such as a vaccine, that is derived from a living organism   > ˌbioˈlogically adv

■ biological clock   n   1 an inherent periodicity in the physiological processes of living organisms that is not dependent on the periodicity of external factors   2 the hypothetical mechanism responsible for this periodicity   ▶ See also circadian

■ biological control   n   the control of destructive organisms by the use of other organisms, such as the natural predators of the pests

■ biological marker   n   a substance, physiological characteristic, gene, etc that indicates, or may indicate, the presence of disease, a physiological abnormality or a psychological condition. Also called: biomarker

■ biological shield   n   a protective shield impervious to radiation, esp the thick concrete wall surrounding the core of a nuclear reactor

■ biological warfare   n   the use of living organisms or their toxic products to induce death or incapacity in humans and animals and damage to plant crops, etc. Abbreviation: BW

biologics (ˌbaIəʊˈlɒdʒIks)   pl n   biological products such as vaccines and therapeutic sera, used to induce immunity to infectious diseases or harmful substances of biological origin

biologism (baIˈɒləˌdʒIzəm)   n   the explanation of human behaviour through biology

■ biologistic (baIˌɒləˈdʒIstIk)   adj   relating to biologism

biology (baIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of living organisms, including their structure, functioning, evolution, distribution, and interrelationships   2 the structure, functioning, etc, of a particular organism or group of organisms   3 the animal and plant life of a particular region   > biˈologist n

bioluminescence (ˌbaIəʊˌluːmIˈnɛsəns)   n   the production of light by living organisms as a result of the oxidation of a light-producing substance (luciferin) by the enzyme luciferase: occurs in many marine organisms, insects such as the firefly, etc   > ˌbioˌlumiˈnescent adj

biolysis (baIˈɒlIsIs)   n   1 the death and dissolution of a living organism   2 the disintegration of organic matter by the action of bacteria etc   > biolytic (ˌbaIəˈlItIk) adj

biomagnetics (ˌbaIəʊmæɡˈnɛtIks)   n   the study of magnetic fields as a form of therapy

biomarker (ˈbaIəʊˌmɑːkə)   n   another name for biological marker

biomass (ˈbaIəʊˌmæs)   n   1 the total number of living organisms in a given area, expressed in terms of living or dry weight per unit area   2 vegetable matter used as a source of energy

biomaterial (ˌbaIəʊməˈtIərIəl)   n   a synthetic material used in prostheses or the replacement of natural body tissues

biomathematics (ˌbaIəʊˌmæθəˈmætIks, -ˌmæθˈmæt-)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the application of mathematics to biology

■ biomathematical (ˌbaIəʊˌmæθəˈmætIkəl)   adj   relating to biomathematics

biome (ˈbaIˌəʊm)   n   a major ecological community, extending over a large area and usually characterized by a dominant vegetation. See formation (sense 6) [C20: from BIO- + -OME]

biomechanics (ˌbaIəʊmIˈkænIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the mechanics of the movement of living organisms

■ biomechanical (ˌbaIəʊmIˈkænIkəl)   adj   relating to biomechanics

■ biomechanically (ˌbaIəʊmIˈkænIkəlI)   adv   from a biomechanical point of view

biomedicine (ˌbaIəʊˈmɛdIsIn, -ˈmɛdsIn)   n   1 the medical study of the effects of unusual environmental stress on human beings, esp in connection with space travel   2 the study of herbal remedies

■ biomedical (ˌbaIəʊˈmɛdIkəl)   adj   of or relating to biology and medicine or biomedicine

biometeorology (ˌbaIəʊˌmiːtIəˈrɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the effect of weather conditions on living organisms

biometer (baIˈɒmItə)   n   a device for measuring the production of carbon dioxide in functioning tissue

biometry (baIˈɒmItrI) or biometrics (ˌbaIəˈmɛtrIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1    a the analysis of biological data using mathematical and statistical methods   b the practice of digitally scanning the physiological or behavioural characteristics of individuals as a means of identification   2 the statistical calculation of the probable duration of human life   > ˌbioˈmetrically adv

■ biometric (ˌbaIəʊˈmɛtrIk)   adj   1    a relating to the analysis of biological data using mathematical and statistical methods   b relating to digital scanning of the physiological or behavioural characteristics of individuals as a means of identification: biometric fingerprinting   2 relating to the statistical calculation of the probable duration of human life

■ biometrical (ˌbaIəˈmɛtrIkəl)   adj   pertaining to biometry

■ biometrician (ˌbaIəməˈtrIʃən)   n   a person who is knowledgeable about biometry

biomimetic (ˌbaIəʊmIˈmɛtIk)   adj   (of a human-made product) imitating nature or a natural process

■ biomimicry (ˌbaIəʊˈmImIkrI)   n   the mimicking of life using imitation biological systems

biomining (ˌbaIəʊˈmaInIŋ)   n   the use of microorganisms to collect precious metals for extraction

biomolecule (ˈbaIəʊˌmɒlIkjuːl)   n   a molecule occurring naturally in living organisms

■ biomolecular (ˌbaIəʊməˈlɛkjʊlə)   adj   relating to a biomolecule

biomorph (ˈbaIəʊˌmɔːf)   n   a set of two-dimensional branching biomorphic images that can be used to illustrate evolutionary concepts

■ biomorphic (ˌbaIəʊˈmɔːfIk)   adj   having the form of a living organism

bionics (baIˈɒnIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the study of certain biological functions, esp those relating to the brain, that are applicable to the development of electronic equipment, such as computer hardware, designed to operate in a similar manner   2 the technique of replacing a limb or body part by an artificial limb or part that is electronically or mechanically powered [C20: from BIO- + (ELECTR)ONICS]

■ bionic (baIˈɒnIk)   adj   1 of or relating to bionics   2 (in science fiction) having certain physiological functions augmented or replaced by electronic equipment: the bionic man

bionomics (ˌbaIəˈnɒmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) a less common name for ecology (sense 1), ecology (sense 2). Also (rare): bionomy [C19: from BIO- + nomics on pattern of ECONOMICS]   > ˌbioˈnomic adj   > ˌbioˈnomically adv   > bionomist (baIˈɒnəmIst) n

bionomy (baIˈɒnəmI)   n   the branch of science concerned with the laws of life

biont (ˈbaIɒnt)   n   a living thing

bio-organism   n   a dangerous fast-proliferating organism that could be used as the basis of a biological weapon

bioparent (ˈbaIəʊˌpɛərənt)   n   a biological parent

biopesticide (ˌbaIəʊˈpɛstIˌsaId)   n   a naturally occurring or derived substance or an organism that controls pests by nontoxic means   > ˌbioˌpestiˈcidal adj

biopharmaceutical (ˌbaIəʊˌfɑːməˈsjuːtIkəl)   adj   of or relating to drugs produced using biotechnology

biophilia (ˌbaIəʊˈfIlIə)   n   an innate love for the natural world, supposed to be felt universally by humankind [C20: BIO + -PHILIA]

biophor (ˈbaIəˌfɔː)   n   (in Weismann's theory of heredity) a hypothetical particle of the ultimate form of matter

biophysics (ˌbaIəʊˈfIzIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the physics of biological processes and the application of methods used in physics to biology   > ˌbioˈphysical adj   > ˌbioˈphysically adv   > biophysicist (ˌbaIəʊˈfIzIsIst) n

biopic (ˈbaIəʊˌpIk)   n   informal a film based on the life of a famous person, esp one giving a popular treatment [C20: from BIO- (sense 2) + pic(ture)]

biopiracy (ˈbaIəʊˌpaIrəsI)   n   the use of wild plants by international companies to develop medicines, without recompensing the countries from which they are taken

■ biopirate (ˈbaIəʊˌpaIrət)   n   a person who is responsible for biopiracy

bioplasm (ˈbaIəʊˌplæzəm)   n   rare living matter; protoplasm   > ˌbioˈplasmic adj

bioplast (ˈbaIəʊˌplæst)   n   a very small unit of bioplasm

bioplastic (ˈbaIəʊˌplæstIk)   n   a plastic that is made from organic matter rather than oil

bioplay (ˈbaIəʊˌpleI)   n   informal a play based on the life of a famous person, esp one giving a popular treatment [from BIO- (sense 2) + PLAY (sense 28)]

biopoiesis (ˌbaIəʊpɔIˈiːsIs)   n   the development of living matter from nonliving matter, esp considered as an evolutionary process

biopolymer (ˈbaIəʊˌpɒlImə)   n   a large molecule in a living organism

bioprinting   n   the construction of replacement body parts using techniques developed for three-dimensional printing

bioprivacy (ˌbaIəʊˈprIvəsI)   n   the state of freedom from others having unauthorized access to biometric data about oneself [C21: from BIO- + PRIVACY]

bioprospecting (ˌbaIəʊˈprɒspɛktIŋ)   n   searching for plant or animal species for use as a source of commercially exploitable products, such as medicinal drugs

biopsy (ˈbaIɒpsI)   n, pl -sies   1 examination, esp under a microscope, of tissue from a living body to determine the cause or extent of a disease   2 the sample taken for such an examination [C20: from BIO- + Greek opsis sight]   > bioptic (baIˈɒptIk) or biopsic (baIˈɒpsIk) adj

biopsychology (ˌbaIəʊsaIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   another name for psychobiology

bioreactor (ˈbaIəʊrIˌæktə)   n   a machine for growing organisms

bioreagent (ˈbaIəʊriːˌeIdʒənt)   n   a reagent of biological origin, such as an enzyme

bioregion (ˈbaIəʊˌriːdʒən)   n   a natural ecological community in which the biodiversity and ecosystem are distinct

■ bioregional (ˈbaIəʊˌriːdʒənəl)   adj   relating to a bioregion

■ bioregionalism (ˈbaIəʊˌriːdʒənəlIzəm)   n   the conviction that environmental and social policies should be determined by the bioregion rather than economics or politics

■ bioregionalist (ˈbaIəʊˌriːdʒənəlIst)   n   someone who believes in bioregionalism

bioremediation (ˌbaIəorIˌmiːdIˈeIʃən)   n   the use of plants to extract heavy metals from contaminated soils and water. Also called: phytoremediation

biorhythm (ˈbaIəʊˌrIðəm)   n   a cyclically recurring pattern of physiological states in an organism or organ, such as alpha rhythm or circadian rhythm; believed by some to affect physical and mental states and behaviour   > ˌbioˈrhythmic adj   > ˌbioˈrhythmically adv

■ biorhythmics (ˌbaIəʊˈrIðmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of biorhythms

BIOS (ˈbaIɒs)   acronym for   Basic Input Output System: the built-in software which controls the primary functions of a PC

biosafety (ˌbaIəʊˈseIftI)   n   the precautions taken to control the cultivation and distribution of genetically modified crops and products

biosatellite (ˌbaIəʊˈsætəlaIt)   n   an artificial satellite for carrying living organisms

bioscience (ˈbaIəʊˌsaIəns)   n   1 another name for a life science   2 the life sciences collectively   > ˌbioscienˈtific adj   > ˌbioˈscientist n

bioscope (ˈbaIəˌskəʊp)   n   1 a kind of early film projector   2 a South African word for cinema

bioscopy (baIˈɒskəpI)   n, pl -pies   examination of a body to determine whether it is alive

bio-security   n   the precautions taken to protect against the spread of lethal or harmful organisms and diseases   > ˌbio-seˈcure adj

biosensor (ˈbaIəʊˌsɛnsə)   n   a biological device used to detect specific chemical presence

-biosis   n combining form   indicating a specified mode of life: symbiosis [New Latin, from Greek biōsis; see BIO-, -OSIS]   > -biotic adj combining form

biosocial (ˌbaIəʊˈsəʊʃəl)   adj   relating to the interaction of biological and social elements

■ biosocially (ˌbaIəʊˈsəʊʃəlI)   adv   from a biosocial point of view

biosolids (ˈbaIəʊˌsɒlIdz)   pl n   semisolid or solid organic material obtained from the recycling of sewage, used esp as a fertilizer

■ biosolid (ˈbaIəʊˌsɒlId)   adj   relating to residue from treated sewage

biosphere (ˈbaIəˌsfIə)   n   the part of the earth's surface and atmosphere inhabited by living things

■ biospheric (ˌbaIəˈsfɛrIk)   adj   relating to the biosphere

biostable (ˈbaIəʊˌsteIbəl)   adj   resistant to the effects of microorganisms

biostatics (ˌbaIəʊˈstætIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of biology that deals with the structure of organisms in relation to their function   > ˌbioˈstatic adj   > ˌbioˈstatically adv

biostatistics (ˌbaIəʊstəˈtIstIks)   n   the use of statistics to analyse biological data

■ biostatistical (ˌbaIəʊstəˈtIstIkəl)   adj   relating to biostatistics

■ biostatistician (ˌbaIəʊˌstætIˈstIʃən)   n   someone who studies or works professionally in the field of biostatistics

biostratigraphy (ˌbaIəʊstrəˈtIɡrəfI)   n   the examination of the ages of rock strata by using fossils

biostrome (ˈbaIəˌstrəʊm)   n   a rock layer consisting of a deposit of organic material, such as fossils [C20: from BIO- + Greek strōma covering]

biosurgery (ˈbaIəʊˌsɜːdʒərI)   n   the use of live sterile maggots to treat patients with infected wounds

biosynthesis (ˌbaIəʊˈsInθIsIs)   n   the formation of complex compounds from simple substances by living organisms   > biosynthetic (ˌbaIəʊsInˈθɛtIk) adj   > ˌbiosynˈthetically adv

biosystematics (ˌbaIəʊˌsIstIˈmætIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the variation and evolution of a population of organisms in relation to their taxonomic classification

■ biosystematic (ˌbaIəʊˌsIstəˈmætIk)   adj   relating to biosystematics

■ biosystematist (ˌbaIəʊˈsIstIməˌtIst)   n   someone who studies or works professionally in the field of biosystematics

biota (baIˈəʊtə)   n   the plant and animal life of a particular region or period [C20: from New Latin, from Greek biotē way of life, from bios life]

biotech (ˈbaIəʊˌtɛk)   n     a short for biotechnology   b (as modifier): a biotech company

biotechnical (ˌbaIəʊˈtɛknIkəl)   adj   relating to biotechnology

biotechnology (ˌbaIəʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒI)   n   1 (in industry) the technique of using microorganisms, such as bacteria, to perform chemical processing, such as waste recycling, or to produce other materials, such as beer and wine, cheese, antibiotics, and (using genetic engineering) hormones, vaccines, etc   2 another name for ergonomics   > biotechnological (ˌbaIəʊˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌbioˌtechnoˈlogically adv   > ˌbiotechˈnologist n

biotelemetry (ˌbaIəʊtIˈlɛmItrI)   n   the monitoring of biological functions in humans or animals by means of a miniature transmitter that sends data to a distant point to be read by electronic instruments   > biotelemetric (ˌbaIəʊtɛlIˈmɛtrIk) adj

bio-terrorism or bio-terror   n   the use of living organisms and their toxic products to kill or incapacitate, esp as a political weapon   > ˈbio-ˌterrorist adj, n

biotic (baIˈɒtIk)   adj   1 of or relating to living organisms   2 (of a factor in an ecosystem) produced by the action of living organisms. Compare edaphic [C17: from Greek biotikos, from bios life]

■ biotically (baIˈɒtIkəlI)   adv   from a biotic point of view

biotin (ˈbaIətIn)   n   a vitamin of the B complex, abundant in egg yolk and liver, deficiency of which causes dermatitis and loss of hair. Formula: C_10H_16N_2O_3S. See also avidin [C20: biot- from Greek biotē life, way of life + -IN]

biotite (ˈbaIəˌtaIt)   n   a black or dark green mineral of the mica group, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Composition: hydrous magnesium iron potassium aluminium silicate. Formula: K(Mg,Fe)3(Al,Fe)Si_3O_10(OH)2. Crystal structure: monoclinic   > biotitic (ˌbaIəˈtItIk) adj

biotope (ˈbaIəˌtəʊp)   n   ecology a small area, such as the bark of a tree, that supports its own distinctive community [C20: from BIO- + Greek topos place]

biotoxin (ˈbaIəʊˌtɒksIn)   n   a toxic substance produced by a living organism

biotron (ˈbaIəʊˌtrɒn)   n   a climate-control chamber used to examine how living organisms respond to specific climatic conditions

biotroph (ˈbaIəʊˌtrəʊf)   n   a parasitic organism, esp a fungus

bioturbation (ˌbaIəʊˌtɜːˈbeIʃən)   n   the stirring of sediment by organisms

■ bioturbed (ˈbaIəʊˌtɜːbd)   adj   stirred by organisms

biotype (ˈbaIəˌtaIp)   n   a group of genetically identical plants within a species, produced by apomixis. Also called: microspecies   > biotypic (ˌbaIəˈtIpIk) adj

biovular (ˌbaIˈɒvjʊlə)   adj   (of twins) from two separate eggs

bio-warfare   n   another name for biological warfare

bioweapon (ˈbaIəʊˌwɛpən)   n   a living organism or a toxic product manufactured from it, used to kill or incapacitate

bipack (ˈbaIˌpæk)   n   an obsolete filming process

biparental (ˌbaIpəˈrɛntəl)   adj   from two parents

■ biparentally (ˌbaIpəˈrɛntəlI)   adv   from a biparental point of view

biparietal (ˌbaIpəˈraIItəl)   adj   anatomy relating to or connected to both parietal bones

biparous (ˈbIpərəs)   adj   1 zoology producing offspring in pairs   2 botany (esp of an inflorescence) producing two branches from one stem

biparted (ˌbaIˈpɑːtId)   adj   another word for bipartite

bipartisan (ˌbaIpɑːtIˈzæn, baIˈpɑːtIˌzæn)   adj   consisting of or supported by two political parties   > ˌbipartiˈsanship n

■ bipartisanism (ˌbaIˈpɑːtIzənIzəm)   n   the quality of being bipartisan

bipartite (baIˈpɑːtaIt)   adj   1 consisting of or having two parts   2 affecting or made by two parties; bilateral: a bipartite agreement   3 botany (esp of some leaves) divided into two parts almost to the base   > biˈpartitely adv   > bipartition (ˌbaIpɑːˈtIʃən) n

biparty (ˈbaIˌpɑːtI)   adj   involving two parties

biped (ˈbaIpɛd)   n   1 any animal with two feet   ▷ adj also bipedal (baIˈpiːdəl, -ˈpɛdəl)   2 having two feet

■ bipedalism (baIˈpɛdəˌlIzəm, baIˈpiːdəˌlIzəm)   n   the condition or state of having two feet

■ bipedality (ˌbaIpIˈdælItI)   n   the quality of having two feet

■ bipedally (ˌbaIˈpiːdəlI)   adv   in a bipedal manner

bipetalous (baIˈpɛtələs)   adj   having two petals

biphasic (baIˈfeIzIk)   adj   1 having two phases   2 See two-phase

biphenyl (baIˈfɛnəl, -ˈfiː-)   n   1 a white or colourless crystalline solid used as a heat-transfer agent, as a fungicide, as an antifungal food preservative (E230) on the skins of citrus fruit, and in the manufacture of dyes, etc. Formula: C_6H_5C_6H_5   2 any substituted derivative of biphenyl   ▶ Also called: diphenyl

bipinnaria (ˌbaIpIˈnɛərIə)   n   a free-swimming starfish larva

bipinnate (baIˈpInˌeIt)   adj   (of pinnate leaves) having the leaflets themselves divided into smaller leaflets   > biˈpinˌnately adv

biplane (ˈbaIˌpleIn)   n   a type of aeroplane having two sets of wings, one above the other. Compare monoplane

bipod (ˈbaIpɒd)   n   a two-legged support or stand

bipolar (baIˈpəʊlə)   adj   1 having two poles: a bipolar dynamo; a bipolar neuron   2 relating to or found at the North and South Poles   3 having or characterized by two opposed opinions, natures, etc   4 (of a transistor) utilizing both majority and minority charge carriers   5 (of a person) having bipolar disorder   > bipoˈlarity n

■ bipolar disorder, bipolar affective disorder or bipolar syndrome   n   a disorder characterized by an alternation between extreme euphoria and deep depression

■ bipolarization or bipolarisation (baIˌpəʊləraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the action of rendering something bipolar

■ bipolarize or bipolarise (baIˈpəʊləraIz)   vb (tr)   to make bipolar

biprism (ˈbaIˌprIzəm)   n   a prism having a highly obtuse angle to facilitate beam splitting

bipropellant (ˌbaIprəˈpɛlənt)   n   a rocket propellant consisting of two substances, usually a fuel and an oxidizer. Also called: dipropellant. Compare monopropellant

bipyramid (ˌbaIˈpIrəmId)   n   a geometrical form consisting of two pyramids with a common polygonal base

■ bipyramidal (ˌbaIˈpIrəmIdəl)   adj   relating to a symmetrical structure consisting of two pyramids

biquadrate (baIˈkwɒdreIt, -rIt)   n   maths the fourth power

■ biquadratic (ˌbaIkwɒˈdrætIk) maths   adj also quartic   1 of or relating to the fourth power   ▷ n   2 a biquadratic equation, such as x^4 + x + 6 = 0

biquarterly (baIˈkwɔːtəlI)   adj   occurring twice every three months

biquintile (ˌbaIˈkwIntaIl)   n   the aspect of planets when they are at an angle of 144° to one another

biracial (baIˈreIʃəl)   adj   for, representing, or including members of two races, esp White and Black   > biˈracialism n   > biˈracially adv

biradial (baIˈreIdIəl)   adj   showing both bilateral and radial symmetry, as certain sea anemones

biradical (ˌbaIˈrædIkəl)   n   a molecule with two centres

biramous (ˈbIrəməs)   adj   divided into two parts, as the appendages of crustaceans

birch (bɜːtʃ)   n   1 any betulaceous tree or shrub of the genus Betula, having thin peeling bark. See also silver birch   2 the hard close-grained wood of any of these trees   3 the birch a bundle of birch twigs or a birch rod used, esp formerly, for flogging offenders   ▷ adj   4 of, relating to, or belonging to the birch   5 consisting or made of birch   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to flog with a birch [Old English bierce; related to Old High German birihha, Sanskrit bhūrja]   > ˈbirchen adj

■ birchbark biting (ˈbɜːtʃˌbɑːk)   n   a Native Canadian craft in which designs are bitten onto bark from birch trees

■ birching (ˈbɜːtʃIŋ)   n   old-fashioned the action of beating someone, esp a naughty schoolchild, with a birch

Bircher (ˈbɜːtʃə), Birchist or Birchite   n   a member or supporter of the John Birch Society   > ˈBirchˌism n

Bircher muesli (ˈbɜːkə)   n   a type of muesli containing softened oats, dried fruit, and apple [C20: named after Maximilian Bircher-Benner (1867–1939), Swiss doctor who developed it ]

bird (bɜːd)   n   1 any warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate of the class Aves, characterized by a body covering of feathers and forelimbs modified as wings. Birds vary in size between the ostrich and the humming bird. Related adjectives: avian, ornithic   2 informal a person (usually preceded by a qualifying adjective, as in the phrases rare bird, odd bird, clever bird)   3 Brit slang, sometimes offensive a girl or young woman, esp one's girlfriend   4 slang prison or a term in prison (esp in the phrase do bird; shortened from birdlime, rhyming slang for time)   5 a bird in the hand something definite or certain   6 the bird has flown informal the person in question has fled or escaped   7 the birds and the bees euphemistic or jocular sex and sexual reproduction   8 birds of a feather people with the same characteristics, ideas, interests, etc   9 get the bird informal   a to be fired or dismissed   b (esp of a public performer) to be hissed at, booed, or derided   10 give someone the bird informal to tell someone rudely to depart; scoff at; hiss   11 kill two birds with one stone to accomplish two things with one action   12 like a bird without resistance or difficulty   13 a little bird a (supposedly) unknown informant: a little bird told me it was your birthday   14 for the birds or strictly for the birds informal deserving of disdain or contempt; not important [Old English bridd, of unknown origin]   > ˈbirdlike adj

■ birdbath (ˈbɜːdˌbɑːθ)   n   a small basin or trough for birds to bathe in, usually in a garden

■ birdbrain   n   informal a foolish or unintelligent person

■ bird-brained   adj   informal silly; stupid

■ birdcage (ˈbɜːdˌkeIdʒ)   n   1 a wire or wicker cage in which captive birds are kept   2 any object of a similar shape, construction, or purpose   3 Austral and NZ an area on a racecourse where horses parade before a race   4 NZ informal a second-hand car dealer's yard

■ birdcall   n   1 the characteristic call or song of a bird   2 an imitation of this   3 an instrument imitating the call of a bird, used esp by hunters or bird-catchers

■ bird-catcher tree   n   another name for parapara

■ bird cherry   n   a small Eurasian rosaceous tree, Prunus padus, with clusters of white flowers and small black fruits. See also cherry (sense 1)

■ bird colonel   n   US military slang a full colonel in the US Army [from the eagle insignia of rank]

■ bird dog US and Canadian   n   1 hunting a dog used or trained to retrieve game birds after they are shot   ▷ vb bird-dog (-dogs, -dogging, -dogged)   2 informal to control closely with unceasing vigilance

■ birddogged (ˈbɜːdˌdɒɡd)   adj   characterized by being pursued with determination

■ birddogging (ˈbɜːdˌdɒɡIŋ)   n   the act of pursuing with determination

■ birder (ˈbɜːdə)   n   another name for a bird-watcher

■ birdfarm (ˈbɜːdˌfɑːm)   n   a place where birds are kept

■ birdfeed (ˈbɜːdˌfiːd)   n   food for birds

■ bird flu   n   a form of influenza occurring in poultry mainly in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, caused by a virus capable of spreading to humans. Also called: avian flu

■ birdhouse (ˈbɜːdˌhaʊs)   n   1 US a small shelter or box for birds to nest in. Usual Brit name: nest box   2 an enclosure or large cage for captive birds; aviary

■ birdie (ˈbɜːdI)   n   1 golf a score of one stroke under par for a hole   2 informal a bird, esp a small bird   ▷ vb   3 (tr) golf to play (a hole) in one stroke under par

■ birding (ˈbɜːdIŋ)   n   another name for bird-watching

■ birdlife (ˈbɜːdlaIf)   n   birds collectively

■ birdlime (ˈbɜːdˌlaIm)   n   1 a sticky substance, prepared from holly, mistletoe, or other plants, smeared on twigs to catch small birds   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to smear (twigs) with birdlime to catch (small birds)

■ birdman (ˈbɜːdˌmæn, -mən)   n, pl -men   1 a man concerned with birds, such as a fowler or ornithologist   2 a man who attempts to fly using his own muscle power   3 an obsolete informal name for airman

■ bird-nesting or birds'-nesting   n   searching for birds' nests as a hobby, often to steal the eggs

■ bird of paradise   n   1 any songbird of the family Paradisaeidae of New Guinea and neighbouring regions, the males of which have brilliantly coloured ornate plumage   2 bird-of-paradise flower any of various banana-like plants of the genus Strelitzia, esp S. reginae, that are native to tropical southern Africa and South America and have purple bracts and large orange or yellow flowers resembling birds' heads: family Strelitziaceae

■ bird of passage   n   1 a bird that migrates seasonally   2 a transient person or one who roams about

■ bird of peace   n   a figurative name for dove^1 (sense 1)

■ bird of prey   n   a bird, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl, that hunts and kills other animals, esp vertebrates, for food. It has strong talons and a sharp hooked bill. Related adjective: raptorial

■ bird pepper   n   1 a tropical solanaceous plant, Capsicum frutescens, thought to be the ancestor of the sweet pepper and many hot peppers   2 the narrow podlike hot-tasting fruit of this plant

■ birdseed (ˈbɜːdˌsiːd)   n   a mixture of various kinds of seeds for feeding cagebirds. Also called: canary seed

■ bird's-eye   adj   1    a seen or photographed from high above   b summarizing the main points of a topic; summary (esp in the phrase bird's-eye view)   2 having markings resembling birds' eyes   ▷ n   3 bird's-eye primrose a Eurasian primrose, Primula farinosa, having clusters of purplish flowers with yellow centres   4 bird's-eye speedwell the usual US name for germander speedwell   5 any of several other plants having flowers of two contrasting colours   6 a pattern in linen and cotton fabrics, made up of small diamond shapes with a dot in the centre of each   7 a linen or cotton fabric with such a pattern

■ bird's-eye chilli   n   a small red hot-tasting chilli

■ bird's-foot or bird-foot   n, pl -foots   1 a European leguminous plant, Ornithopus perpusillus, with small red-veined white flowers and curved pods resembling a bird's claws   2 any of various other plants whose flowers, leaves, or pods resemble a bird's foot or claw

■ bird's-foot trefoil   n   any of various creeping leguminous Eurasian plants of the genus Lotus, esp L. corniculatus, with red-tipped yellow flowers and seed pods resembling the claws of a bird. Also called: bacon-and-eggs

■ birdshot (ˈbɜːdˌʃɒt)   n   small pellets designed for shooting birds

■ bird's-nest   vb   (intr) to search for the nests of birds in order to collect the eggs

■ bird's-nest fungus   n   any fungus of the family Nidulariaceae, having a nestlike spore-producing body containing egglike spore-filled structures

■ bird's-nest orchid   n   1 a brown parasitic Eurasian orchid, Neottia nidus-avis, whose thick fleshy roots resemble a bird's nest and contain a fungus on which the orchid feeds   2 a parasitic Eurasian plant, Monotropa hypopitys, whose thick fleshy roots resemble a bird's nest and contain a fungus on which the plant feeds: family Monotropaeceae

■ bird's-nest soup   n   a rich spicy Chinese soup made from the outer part of the nests of SE Asian swifts of the genus Collocalia

■ birdsong (ˈbɜːdˌsɒŋ)   n   the musical call of a bird or birds

■ bird spider   n   any large hairy predatory bird-eating spider of the family Aviculariidae, of tropical America

■ bird-spotter   n   a bird-watcher

■ bird strike   n   a collision of an aircraft with a bird

■ bird table   n   a table or platform in the open on which food for birds may be placed

■ birdwatch (ˈbɜːdˌwɒtʃ)   vb (intr)   to watch birds

■ bird-watcher   n   a person who studies wild birds in their natural surroundings   > ˈbird-ˌwatching n

■ birdwing (ˈbɜːdˌwIŋ)   n   a type of large, tropical butterfly

Bird (bɜːd)   n   nickname of (Charlie) Parker

birefringence (ˌbaIrIˈfrIndʒəns)   n   another name for double refraction   > ˌbireˈfringent adj

bireme (ˈbaIriːm)   n   an ancient galley having two banks of oars [C17: from Latin birēmus, from BI-1 + -rēmus oar]

Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev (bIˈrɛndrɑː bIə ˈbIkræm ʃɑː dɛv)   n   1945–2001, king of Nepal (1972–2001): he, his queen, and six other members of the royal family were shot dead by his son, Crown Prince Dipendra, who then committed suicide

biretta or berretta (bIˈrɛtə)   n   RC Church a stiff clerical cap having either three or four upright pieces projecting outwards from the centre to the edge: coloured black for priests, purple for bishops, red for cardinals, and white for certain members of religious orders [C16: from Italian berretta, from Old Provençal berret, from Late Latin birrus hooded cape]

Birgitta (bIəˈɡItə)   n   Saint Birgitta See Bridget (sense 2)

biriani (ˌbIrIˈɑːnI)   n   a variant spelling of biryani

birk (bIrk, bɜːk) chiefly Scot   n   1 a birch tree   2 (plural) a birch wood   ▷ adj   3 consisting or made of birch [C14: from Old Norse; compare BIRCH]

Birkbeck (ˈbɜːkˌbɛk)   n   George. 1776–1841, British educationalist, who helped to establish vocational training for working men: founder and first president of the London Mechanics Institute (1824), which later became Birkbeck College

birken (ˈbɜːkən)   adj   relating to the birch tree

Birkenhead^1 (ˌbɜːkənˈhɛd)   n   a port in NW England, in Wirral unitary authority, Merseyside: former shipbuilding centre. Pop: 83 729 (2001)

Birkenhead^2 (ˈbɜːkənˌhɛd)   n   Frederick Edwin Smith, 1st Earl of, known as F. E. Smith. 1872–1930, British Conservative statesman, lawyer, and orator

birkie (ˈbIrkI)   n Scot   1 a spirited or lively person   2 a foolish posturer [C18: perhaps related to Old English beorcan to bark; compare Old Norse berkia]

birl^1 (bɜːl; Scottish bIrl)   vb   1 Scot to spin; twirl   2 US and Canadian to cause (a floating log) to spin using the feet while standing on it, esp as a sport among lumberjacks   ▷ n   3 a variant spelling of burl^2 [C18: probably imitative and influenced by WHIRL and HURL]   > ˈbirling n

■ birler (ˈbɜːlə)   n   someone who participates in spinning or twirling

birl^2 (bɜːl; Scottish bIrl)   vb   archaic, Scot to ply (one's guests, etc) with drink [Old English byrelian; related to byrele cup-bearer]

■ birler (ˈbɜːlə)   n   archaic someone who pours alcoholic drink

birlieman (ˈbɜːrlImən)   n   a judge dealing with local law

birlinn (ˈbIrlIn)   n   Scot a sea-going vessel used in the Middle Ages in Scotland's western highlands and islands

Birman (ˈbɜːmən)   n   a breed of large long-haired cat having a light-coloured coat with dark face, tail, and legs, and white feet [variant of Burman, a Burmese cat]

Birmingham (ˈbɜːmIŋəm)   n   1 an industrial city in central England, in Birmingham unitary authority, in the West Midlands: the second largest city in the United Kingdom; two cathedrals; three universities (1900, 1966, 1992). Pop: 970 892 (2001). Informal name: Brum   2 a unitary authority in central England, in the West Midlands. Pop: 992 100 (2003 est). Area: 283 sq km (109 sq miles)   3 (ˈbɜːmIŋˌhæm) an industrial city in N central Alabama: rich local deposits of coal, iron ore, and other minerals. Pop: 236 620 (2003 est)

Biro (ˈbaIrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   trademark Brit a kind of ballpoint [C20: named after Laszlo Bíró (1900–85), Hungarian inventor]

Birobidzhan or Birobijan (Russian birəbidˈʒan)   n   1 a city in SE Russia: capital of the Jewish Autonomous Region. Pop: 77 250 (2002)   2 another name for the Jewish Autonomous Region

birostrate (ˌbaIˈrɒsˌtreIt)   adj   having two beaks or beak-like projections

birr^1 (bɜː) chiefly US and Scot   vb   1 to make or cause to make a whirring sound   ▷ n   2 a whirring sound   3 force, as of wind   4 vigour; energy [Old English byre storm, related to Old Norse byrr favourable wind]

birr^2 (bɜː)   n   the standard monetary unit of Ethiopia, divided into 100 cents [C20: from Amharic]

birrotch (ˈbIrɒtʃ)   n   a plural of birr^2

birse (bɜːs) Scot   n   1 a bristle   2 a bruise   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to bruise

birsle (ˈbɜːsəl, Scot ˈbirsəl) Scot   n   1 (of food) the roasted surface   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to roast or scorch

birsy (ˈbɜːsI, Scot ˈbirsI)   adj birsier, birsiest   Scot bristly

birth (bɜːθ)   n   1 the process of bearing young; parturition; childbirth. Related adjective: natal   2 the act or fact of being born; nativity   3 the coming into existence of something; origin   4 ancestry; lineage: of high birth   5 noble ancestry: a man of birth   6 natural or inherited talent: an artist by birth   7 archaic the offspring or young born at a particular time or of a particular mother   8 give birth   a to bear (offspring)   b to produce, originate, or create (an idea, plan, etc)   ▷ vb (tr) rare   9 to bear or bring forth (a child) [C12: from Old Norse byrth; related to Gothic gabaurths, Old Swedish byrdh, Old High German berd child; see BEAR^1, BAIRN]

■ birth certificate   n   an official form giving details of the time and place of a person's birth, and his or her name, sex, mother's name and (usually) father's name

■ birth control   n   limitation of child-bearing by means of contraception. See also family planning

■ birthdate or birth date (ˈbɜːθdeIt)   n   the date on which a person was born

■ birthday (ˈbɜːθˌdeI)   n   1    a an anniversary of the day of one's birth   b (as modifier): birthday present   2 the day on which a person was born   3 any anniversary

■ Birthday honours   pl n   (in Britain) honorary titles conferred on the official birthday of the sovereign

■ birthday suit   n   informal, jocular a state of total nakedness, as at birth

■ birthdom (ˈbɜːθdəm)   n   an obsolete word for birthright

■ birther   n   informal a person who believes that Barack Obama, US President 2009–2017, was not born in the USA and was therefore not eligible to be President

■ birthing (ˈbɜːθIŋ)   adj   used in the process of giving birth: birthing pools

■ birthing ball   n   a large soft rubber ball used by women during childbirth to give support and to aid pain relief

■ birthing centre (ˈbɜːθIŋ)   n   NZ a private maternity hospital

■ birthing chair   n   a chair constructed to allow a woman in labour to give birth in a sitting position

■ birthing pool   n   a large bath in which a woman can give birth

■ birthmark (ˈbɜːθˌmɑːk)   n   a blemish or new growth on skin formed before birth, usually brown or dark red; naevus

■ birth mother   n   the woman who gives birth to a child, regardless of whether she is the genetic mother or subsequently brings up the child

■ birthname (ˈbɜːθˌneIm)   n   a name given at birth

■ birthnight (ˈbɜːθˌnaIt)   n   the night on which a person was born

■ birthplace (ˈbɜːθˌpleIs)   n   the place where someone was born or where something originated

■ birth rate   n   the ratio of live births in a specified area, group, etc, to the population of that area, etc, usually expressed per 1000 population per year

■ birthright (ˈbɜːθˌraIt)   n   1 privileges or possessions that a person has or is believed to be entitled to as soon as he or she is born   2 the privileges or possessions of a first-born son   3 inheritance; patrimony

■ birthroot (ˈbɜːθˌruːt)   n   any of several North American plants of the genus Trillium, esp T. erectum, whose tuber-like roots were formerly used by the Native Americans as an aid in childbirth: family Trilliaceae

■ births, marriages, and deaths   n   1 a section of a newspaper carrying announcements of recent births, marriages, and deaths   2 an official, government-run list of all the births, marriages, and deaths in a particular area

■ birthstone (ˈbɜːθˌstəʊn)   n   a precious or semiprecious stone associated with a month or sign of the zodiac and thought to bring luck if worn by a person born in that month or under that sign

■ birthwort (ˈbɜːθˌwɜːt)   n   any of several climbing plants of the genus Aristolochia, esp A. clematitis of Europe, once believed to ease childbirth: family Aristolochiaceae

Birtwistle (ˈbɜːtˌwIsəl)   n   Sir Harrison. born 1934, English composer, whose works include the operas Punch and Judy (1967), The Mask of Orpheus (1984), Gawain (1991), Exody (1998), and The Minotaur (2008)

biryani or biriani (ˌbIrIˈɑːnI)   n   any of a variety of Indian dishes made with rice, highly flavoured and coloured with saffron or turmeric, mixed with meat or fish [from Urdu]

bis (bIs)   adv   1 twice; for a second time (used in musical scores to indicate a part to be repeated)   ▷ sentence substitute   2 encore! again! [C19: via Italian from Latin, from Old Latin duis]

BIS   abbreviation for   1 Bank for International Settlements: an institution, based in Basel, Switzerland, that accepts deposits, makes loans for national central banks, and assists in offsetting speculative movements of funds between the major currencies; set up in 1930   2 Bosnia and Herzegovina (international car registration)

Bisayan (bIˈsɑːjən)   n   a variant of Visayan

Bisayas (biˈsajas)   pl n   the Spanish name for the Visayan Islands

Biscay (ˈbIskeI, -kI)   n   Bay of Biscay a large bay of the Atlantic Ocean between W France and N Spain: notorious for storms

biscotto (bIˈskɒtəʊ)   n, pl -ti (-tI)   a thin Italian biscuit

biscuit (ˈbIskIt)   n   1 Brit a small flat dry sweet or plain cake of many varieties, baked from a dough. US and Canadian word: cookie   2 US and Canadian a kind of small roll similar to a muffin   3    a a pale brown or yellowish-grey colour   b (as adjective): biscuit gloves   4 Also called: bisque earthenware or porcelain that has been fired but not glazed   5 take the biscuit slang to be regarded (by the speaker) as the most surprising thing that could have occurred [C14: from Old French, from (pain) bescuit twice-cooked (bread), from bes BIS + cuire to cook, from Latin coquere]

■ biscuit-firing   n   the first firing given to pottery, before it is glazed

■ biscuity (ˈbIskItI)   adj   tasting or smelling of biscuit

bise (biːz)   n   a cold dry northerly wind in Switzerland and the neighbouring parts of France and Italy, usually in the spring [C14: from Old French, of Germanic origin; compare Old Swedish bīsa whirlwind]

bisect (baIˈsɛkt)   vb   1 (tr) maths to divide into two equal parts   2 to cut or split into two [C17: BI-1 + -sect from Latin secāre to cut]   > bisection (baIˈsɛkʃən) n

■ bisectional (ˌbaIˈsɛkʃənəl)   adj   relating to division into two equal parts

■ bisectionally (ˌbaIˈsɛkʃənəlI)   adv   from a bisectional point of view

■ bisector (baIˈsɛktə)   n maths   1 a straight line or plane that bisects an angle   2 a line or plane that bisects another line

■ bisectrix (baIˈsɛktrIks)   n, pl bisectrices (baIˈsɛktrIˌsiːz)   1 another name for bisector   2 the bisector of the angle between the optic axes of a crystal

biserial (ˌbaIˈsIərIəl)   adj   in two rows

biseriate (ˌbaIˈsIərIIt)   adj   (of plant parts, such as petals) arranged in two whorls, cycles, rows, or series

biserrate (baIˈsɛreIt, -It)   adj   1 botany (of leaf margins, etc) having serrations that are themselves serrate   2 zoology serrated on both sides, as the antennae of some insects

bi sex   n   informal sex with both male and female partners

bisexual (baIˈsɛksjʊəl)   adj   1 sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted by both men and women   2 showing characteristics of both sexes   3 (of some plants and animals) having both male and female reproductive organs   4 of or relating to both sexes   ▷ n   5 a bisexual organism; a hermaphrodite   6 a bisexual person   > bisexuality (baIˌsɛksjʊˈælItI) or esp US biˈsexualism n   > biˈsexually adv

bish (bIʃ)   n   Brit slang a mistake [C20: of unknown origin]

Bishkek (bIʃˈkɛk)   n   the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Pop: 865 193 (2015 est). Also called: Pishpek. Former name (1926–91): Frunze

bishop (ˈbIʃəp)   n   1 (in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Greek Orthodox Churches) a clergyman having spiritual and administrative powers over a diocese or province of the Church. See also suffragan. Related adjective: episcopal   2 (in some Protestant Churches) a spiritual overseer of a local church or a number of churches   3 a chesspiece, capable of moving diagonally over any number of unoccupied squares of the same colour   4 mulled wine, usually port, spiced with oranges, cloves, etc [Old English biscop, from Late Latin epīscopus, from Greek episkopos, from EPI- + skopos watcher]

■ bishopbird (ˈbIʃəpˌbɜːd)   n   any African weaverbird of the genus Euplectes (or Pyromelana), the males of which have black plumage marked with red or yellow

■ bishopdom (ˈbIʃəpdəm)   n   the jurisdiction of a bishop

■ bishopess (ˈbIʃəpˌɛs)   n   1 a bishop's wife   2 informal a female bishop

■ bishopric (ˈbIʃəprIk)   n   the see, diocese, or office of a bishop

■ bishop's-cap   n   another name for mitrewort

■ bishop sleeve   n   a full sleeve gathered at the wrist

■ bishop's mitre   n   a European heteropterous bug, Aelia acuminata, whose larvae are a pest of cereal grasses: family Pentatomidae

■ bishop's weed or bishopweed (ˈbIʃəpˌwiːd)   n   another name for goutweed

Bishop (ˈbIʃəp)   n   1  Billy, full name William Avery Bishop. 1894–1956, Canadian fighter pilot during World War I; played an important role in the training of Commonwealth pilots during World War II   2  Elizabeth. 1911–79, US poet, who lived in Brazil. Her poetry reflects her travelling experience, esp in the tropics

Bishop Auckland   n   a town in N England, in central Durham: seat of the bishops of Durham since the 12th century: light industries. Pop: 24 764 (2001)

Bisitun (ˌbiːsIˈtuːn)   n   another name for Behistun

bisk (bIsk)   n   a less common spelling of bisque^1

Bisk (Russian bijsk)   n   a variant spelling of Biysk

Biskra (ˈbIskrɑː)   n   a town and oasis in NE Algeria, in the Sahara. Pop: 204 000 (2005 est)

Bisley (ˈbIzlI)   n   a village in SE England, in Surrey: annual meetings of the National Rifle Association

bismar (ˈbIsˌmɑː)   n   Scot a type of weighing scale

Bismarck^1 (ˈbIzmɑːk)   n   a city in North Dakota, on the Missouri River: the state capital. Pop: 56 344 (2003 est)

Bismarck^2 (German ˈbIsmark)   n   Prince Otto (Eduard Leopold) von (ˈɔto fɔn), called the Iron Chancellor. 1815–98, German statesman; prime minister of Prussia (1862–90). Under his leadership Prussia defeated Austria and France, and Germany was united. In 1871 he became the first chancellor of the German Reich

■ Bismarck herring   n   marinaded herring, served cold

Bismarck Archipelago   n   a group of over 200 islands in the SW Pacific, northeast of New Guinea: part of Papua New Guinea. Main islands: New Britain, New Ireland, Lavongai, and the Admiralty Islands. Chief town: Rabaul, on New Britain. Pop: 566 610 (2000). Area: 49 658 sq km (19 173 sq miles)

Bismarck Sea   n   an arm of the Pacific Ocean north of New Britain and north-east of New Guinea

Bismillah (ˌbIsmIˈlaː)   interj   the words which preface all except one of the surahs of the Koran, used by Muslims as a blessing before eating or some other action [shortened from Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim, from Arabic, literally: in the name of God, the merciful and compassionate]

bismuth (ˈbIzməθ)   n   a brittle pinkish-white crystalline metallic element having low thermal and electrical conductivity, which expands on cooling. It is widely used in alloys, esp low-melting alloys in fire safety devices; its compounds are used in medicines. Symbol: Bi; atomic no: 83; atomic wt: 208.98037; valency: 3 or 5; relative density: 9.747; melting pt: 271.4°C; boiling pt: 1564±5°C [C17: from New Latin bisemūtum, from German Wismut, of unknown origin]   > bismuthal (ˈbIzməθəl) adj

■ bismuthic (bIzˈmjuːθIk, -ˈmʌθIk)   adj   of or containing bismuth in the pentavalent state

■ bismuthinite (bIzˈmʌθIˌnaIt) or bismuth glance   n   a grey mineral consisting of bismuth sulphide in orthorhombic crystalline form. It occurs in veins associated with tin, copper, silver, lead, etc, and is a source of bismuth. Formula: Bi_2S_3

■ bismuthous (ˈbIzməθəs)   adj   of or containing bismuth in the trivalent state

bisnaga (bIsˈnɑːɡə)   n   a large barrel-shaped cactus found in SW USA and NW Mexico

bisociation (ˌbaIˌsəʊsIˈeIʃən)   n   the association of one idea with two different contexts

■ bisociative (baIˈsəʊsIətIv)   adj   relating to bisociation

bison (ˈbaIsən)   n, pl -son   1 Also called: American bison, buffalo a member of the cattle tribe, Bison bison, formerly widely distributed over the prairies of W North America but now confined to reserves and parks, with a massive head, shaggy forequarters, and a humped back   2 Also called: wisent, European bison a closely related and similar animal, Bison bonasus, formerly widespread in Europe [C14: from Latin bisōn, of Germanic origin; related to Old English wesand, Old Norse vīsundr]

■ bisontine (bIˈsɒntaIn)   adj   relating to bison

bisphenol (ˈbIsfənɒl)   n   a synthetic organic compound used to make plastics and resins

bisphosphonate (ˌbIsˈfɒsfəneIt)   n   any drug of a class that inhibits the resorption of bone; used in treating certain bone disorders, esp osteoporosis

bisque^1 (bIsk)   n   a thick rich soup made from shellfish [C17: from French]

bisque^2 (bIsk)   n   1    a a pink to yellowish tan colour   b (as modifier): a bisque tablecloth   2 ceramics another name for biscuit (sense 4) [C20: shortened from BISCUIT]

bisque^3 (bIsk)   n   tennis, golf, croquet an extra point, stroke, or turn allowed to an inferior player, usually taken when desired [C17: from French, of obscure origin]

Bissau (bIˈsaʊ) or Bissão (Portuguese biˈsə̃u)   n   a port on the Atlantic, the capital of Guinea-Bissau (until 1974 Portuguese Guinea). Pop: 492 069 (2015 est)

bissextile (bIˈsɛkstaIl)   adj   1 (of a month or year) containing the extra day of a leap year   ▷ n   2 a rare name for leap year [C16: from Late Latin bissextilis annus leap year, from Latin bissextus, from BI-1 + sextus sixth; referring to February 24, the 6th day before the Calends of March]

bisson (ˈbIsən) obsolete   adj   1 blind   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to cause to be blind

bist (bIst)   vb   archaic or dialect a form of the second person singular of be^1

bistable (baIˈsteIbəl)   adj   1 having two stable states: bistable circuit   ▷ n   2 computing another name for flip-flop (sense 2)

bistate (ˈbaIˌsteIt)   adj   involving two states

Bisto (ˈbIstəʊ)   n   trademark a preparation for thickening, flavouring, and browning gravy

bistort (ˈbIstɔːt)   n   1 Also called: snakeroot, snakeweed, Easter-ledges a Eurasian polygonaceous plant, Polygonum bistorta, having leaf stipules fused to form a tube around the stem and a spike of small pink flowers   2 Also called: snakeroot a related plant, Polygonum bistortoides, of W North America, with oval clusters of pink or white flowers   3 any of several other plants of the genus Polygonum [C16: from French bistorte, from Latin bis twice + tortus from torquēre to twist]

bistoury (ˈbIstərI)   n, pl -ries   a long surgical knife with a narrow blade [C15: from Old French bistorie dagger, of unknown origin]

bistre or US bister (ˈbIstə)   n   1 a transparent water-soluble brownish-yellow pigment made by boiling the soot of wood, used for pen and wash drawings   2    a a yellowish-brown to dark brown colour   b (as modifier): bistre paint [C18: from French, of unknown origin]

bistro (ˈbiːstrəʊ)   n, pl -tros   a small restaurant [French: of obscure origin; perhaps from Russian bistro fast]

bisulcate (baIˈsʌlˌkeIt)   adj   1 marked by two grooves   2 zoology   a cleft or cloven, as a hoof   b having cloven hoofs

bisulphate (baIˈsʌlfeIt) or bisulfate (baIˈsʌlfeIt)   n   1 a salt or ester of sulphuric acid containing the monovalent group -HSO_4 or the ion HSO_4–   2 (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -HSO_4 or the ion HSO_4–: bisulphate ion   ▶ Systematic name: hydrogen sulphate

bisulphide (baIˈsʌlfaId) or bisulfide (baIˈsʌlfaId)   n   another name for disulphide

bisulphite (baIˈsʌlfaIt) or bisulfite (ˌbaIˈsʌlfaIt)   n   1 a salt or ester of sulphurous acid containing the monovalent group -HSO_3 or the ion HSO_3–   2 (modifier) consisting of or containing the group -HSO_3 or the ion HSO_3–: bisulphite ion   ▶ Systematic name: hydrogen sulphite

Bisutun (ˌbiːsʊˈtuːn)   n   another name for Behistun

bisymmetric (ˌbaIsIˈmɛtrIk) or bisymmetrical   adj   1 botany showing symmetry in two planes at right angles to each other   2 (of plants and animals) showing bilateral symmetry   > ˌbisymˈmetrically adv   > bisymmetry (baIˈsImItrI) n

bit^1 (bIt)   n   1 a small piece, portion, or quantity   2 a short time or distance   3 US and Canadian informal the value of an eighth of a dollar: spoken of only in units of two: two bits   4 any small coin   5 short for bit part   6 informal way of behaving, esp one intended to create a particular impression: she's doing the prima donna bit   7 a bit rather; somewhat: a bit dreary   8 a bit of   a rather: a bit of a dope   b a considerable amount: that must take quite a bit of courage   9 a bit of all right, a bit of crumpet, a bit of stuff or a bit of tail Brit slang, often offensive a sexually attractive woman   10 bit by bit gradually   11 bit on the side informal an extramarital affair   12 do one's bit to make one's expected contribution   13 every bit (foll by as) to the same degree: she was every bit as clever as her brother   14 not a bit or not a bit of it not in the slightest; not at all   15 to bits completely apart: to fall to bits [Old English bite action of biting; see BITE]

■ bit part   n   a very small acting role with few lines to speak

■ bitsy (ˈbItsI)   adj bitsier, bitsiest   informal very small

bit^2 (bIt)   n   1 a metal mouthpiece, for controlling a horse on a bridle   2 anything that restrains or curbs   3 take the bit in one's teeth, take the bit between one's teeth, have the bit in one's teeth or have the bit between one's teeth   a to undertake a task with determination   b to rebel against control   4 a cutting or drilling tool, part, or head in a brace, drill, etc   5 the blade of a woodworking plane   6 the part of a pair of pincers designed to grasp an object   7 the copper end of a soldering iron   8 the part of a key that engages the levers of a lock   ▷ vb bits, bitting, bitted (tr)   9 to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse)   10 to restrain; curb [Old English bita; related to Old English bītan to BITE]

■ bitless (ˈbItlIs)   adj   without a (horse's) bit

■ bitstock (ˈbItˌstɒk)   n   the handle or stock of a tool into which a drilling bit is fixed

bit^3 (bIt)   vb   the past tense and (archaic) past participle of bite

bit^4 (bIt)   n maths, computing   1 a single digit of binary notation, represented either by 0 or by 1   2 the smallest unit of information, indicating the presence or absence of a single feature   3 a unit of capacity of a computer, consisting of an element of its physical structure capable of being in either of two states, such as a switch with on and off positions, or a microscopic magnet capable of alignment in two directions [C20: from abbreviation of BINARY DIGIT]

■ bitcoin   n   1 (usually capital) a system of open source peer-to-peer software for the creation and exchange of (payment in) a certain type of cryptocurrency; the first such system to be fully functional   2 (sometimes capital) the cryptocurrency created and exchanged using this software [C21]

■ bitmap (ˈbItˌmæp)   n computing   1 a picture created on a visual display unit where each pixel corresponds to one or more bits in memory, the number of bits per pixel determining the number of available colours   ▷ vb -maps, -mapping, -mapped   2 (tr) to create a bitmap of

■ bitmap font   n   computing a font format in which letters and symbols are stored as a pattern of dots. Compare outline font

■ bit rate   n   computing the rate of flow of binary digits in a digital data-processing system, usually expressed as the number of bits per second

■ bit slice   adj   computing (of central processing units) able to be built up in sections to form complete central processing units with various word lengths

■ bitstream (ˈbItˌstriːm)   n   computing a sequence of digital data transmitted electronically

■ BitTorrent (ˈbItˌtɒrənt)   n   trademark a file transfer protocol which enables users to upload and download large files on the internet in the form of software, games, film, video, music, etc, from other users rather than from a central server [C21: from BIT^3 (sense 1) + TORRENT, the name used in this system for a file that allows the data to be downloaded]

bitartrate (baIˈtɑːˌtreIt)   n   (not in technical usage) a salt or ester of tartaric acid containing the monovalent group -HC_4H_4O_6 or the ion HC_4H_4O_6–. Also called: hydrogen tartrate

bitch (bItʃ)   n   1 a female dog or other female canine animal, such as a wolf   2 derogatory, slang a malicious, spiteful, or coarse woman   3 offensive, slang a woman   4 slang a complaint   5 slang a difficult situation or problem   6 slang a person who acts as a subordinate or slave to another person   ▷ vb informal   7 (intr) to complain; grumble   8 to behave (towards) in a spiteful or malicious manner   9 (tr; often foll by up) to botch; bungle [Old English bicce]

■ bitchery (ˈbItʃərI)   n   spiteful talk

■ bitchfest (ˈbItʃˌfɛst)   n   slang a malicious and spiteful discussion of people, events, etc

■ bitching (ˈbItʃIŋ) or bitchin' (ˈbItʃIn) US slang   adj   1 wonderful or excellent   ▷ adv   2 extremely: bitchin' good

■ bitch-slap   vb -slaps, -slapped, -slapping   (tr) slang to strike (someone) with one's open hand

■ bitchy (ˈbItʃI)   adj bitchier, bitchiest   informal characteristic of or behaving like a bitch; malicious; snide: a bitchy put-down   > ˈbitchily adv   > ˈbitchiness n

bite (baIt)   vb bites, biting, bit, bitten   1 to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws   2 (of animals, insects, etc) to injure by puncturing or tearing (the skin or flesh) with the teeth, fangs, etc, esp as a natural characteristic   3 (tr) to cut or penetrate, as with a knife   4 (of corrosive material such as acid) to eat away or into   5 to smart or cause to smart; sting: mustard bites the tongue   6 (intr) angling (of a fish) to take or attempt to take the bait or lure   7 to take firm hold of or act effectively upon   8 to grip or hold (a workpiece) with a tool or chuck   9 (of a screw, thread, etc) to cut into or grip (an object, material, etc)   10 (tr) informal to annoy or worry: what's biting her?   11 (often passive) slang to cheat   12 (tr; often foll by for) Austral and NZ slang to ask (for); scrounge from   13 bite off more than one can chew informal to attempt a task beyond one's capability   14 bite the bullet to face up to (pain, trouble, etc) with fortitude; be stoical   15 bite the dust See dust (sense 11)   16 bite the hand that feeds one to repay kindness with injury or ingratitude   17 bite someone's head off to respond harshly and rudely (to)   18 once bitten, twice shy after an unpleasant experience one is cautious in similar situations   ▷ n   19 the act of biting   20 a thing or amount bitten off   21 a wound, bruise, or sting inflicted by biting   22 angling an attempt by a fish to take the bait or lure   23 informal an incisive or penetrating effect or quality: that's a question with a bite   24 a light meal; snack   25 a cutting, stinging, or smarting sensation   26 the depth of cut of a machine tool   27 the grip or hold applied by a tool or chuck to a workpiece   28 dentistry the angle or manner of contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed naturally   29 the surface of a file or rasp with cutting teeth   30 the corrosive action of acid, as on a metal etching plate   31 put the bite on someone Austral slang to ask someone for money [Old English bītan; related to Latin findere to split, Sanskrit bhedati he splits]   > ˈbiter n

■ biteable (ˈbaItəbəl) or bitable (ˈbaItəbəl)   adj   denoting something which can be bitten

■ bite back   vb   (tr, adverb) to restrain (a hurtful, embarrassing, or indiscreet remark); avoid saying

■ biteplate (ˈbaItˌpleIt)   n   a device used by dentists to correct dental problems

■ bite-sized or bite-size   adj   1 informal small enough to be eaten as a single mouthful   2 small enough to be easily understood or enjoyed

■ bitewing (ˈbaItˌwIŋ)   n   a dental X-ray film

■ biting (ˈbaItIŋ)   adj   1 piercing; keen: a biting wind   2 sarcastic; incisive: a biting comment   > ˈbitingly adv

■ biting louse or bird louse   n   See louse (sense 2)

■ biting midge   n   any small fragile dipterous fly of the family Ceratopogonidae, most of which suck the blood of mammals, birds, or other insects

■ biting point   n   1 (in driving) the point at which the plates of the clutch connect as the clutch pedal is released   2 a point at which success is achieved

Bithynia (bIˈθInIə)   n   an ancient country on the Black Sea in NW Asia Minor

bito (ˈbiːtəʊ)   n   a small tree found growing in Africa and Asia

Bitolj (Macedonian ˈbitolj) or Bitola (ˈbiːtəʊlə)   n   a city in SW Macedonia: under Turkish rule from 1382 until 1913 when it was taken by the Serbs. Pop: 77 000 (2005 est)

bitonal (ˌbaIˈtəʊnəl)   adj   1 consisting of black and white tones   2 consisting of two musical keys played simultaneously

■ bitonality (ˌbaItəʊˈnælItI)   n   the quality of two musical keys being played simultaneously

bitou bush (ˈbiːtəʊ)   n   a sprawling woody shrub, Chrysanthemoides monilifera rotundata, with oval green leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers. It is native to South Africa and considered an invasive species in Australia [from the Bitou river in South Africa]

bitser (ˈbItsə)   n   Austral informal a mongrel dog [C20: from bits o' bits of, as in his dog is bits o' this and bits o' that]

bitt (bIt) nautical   n   1 one of a pair of strong posts on the deck of a ship for securing mooring and other lines   2 another word for bollard (sense 1)   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to secure (a line) by means of a bitt [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse biti cross beam, Middle High German bizze wooden peg]

bitte German (ˈbItə)   interj   you're welcome!

bitten (ˈbItən)   vb   the past participle of bite

bitter (ˈbItə)   adj   1 having or denoting an unpalatable harsh taste, as the peel of an orange or coffee dregs. Compare sour (sense 1)   2 showing or caused by strong unrelenting hostility or resentment: he was still bitter about the divorce   3 difficult or unpleasant to accept or admit: a bitter blow   4 cutting; sarcastic: bitter words   5 bitingly cold: a bitter night   ▷ adv   6 very; extremely (esp in the phrase bitter cold)   ▷ n   7 a thing that is bitter   8 Brit beer with a high hop content, with a slightly bitter taste   ▷ vb   9 to make or become bitter [Old English biter; related to bītan to BITE]   > ˈbitterly adv   > ˈbitterness n

■ bitter apple   n   another name for colocynth

■ bitterbark (ˈbItəˌbɑːk)   n   an Australian tree, Alstonia constricta, with bitter-tasting bark that is used in preparing tonic medicines

■ bitterbrush (ˈbItəˌbrʌʃ)   n   a flowering plant of the genus Purshia, native to North America

■ bittercress (ˈbItəˌkrɛs)   n   one of several perennial or annual plants of the genus Cardamine, that are related to lady's-smock, including hairy bittercress (C. hirsuta), a common weed resembling shepherd's purse, with which it is often confused: family: Brassicaceae (crucifers)

■ bitterish (ˈbItərIʃ)   adj   (of taste) quite bitter

■ Bitter Lakes   pl n   two lakes, the Great Bitter Lake and Little Bitter Lake in NE Egypt: part of the Suez Canal

■ bitternut (ˈbItəˌnʌt)   n   1 an E North American hickory tree, Carya cordiformis, with thin-shelled nuts and bitter kernels   2 the nut of this plant

■ bitter orange   n   another name for Seville orange

■ bitter principle   n   any of various bitter-tasting substances, such as aloin, usually extracted from plants

■ bitterroot (ˈbItəˌruːt)   n   a pink flower with an edible root found growing in America

■ bitters (ˈbItəz)   pl n   1 bitter-tasting spirits of varying alcoholic content flavoured with plant extracts   2 a similar liquid containing a bitter-tasting substance, used as a tonic to stimulate the appetite or improve digestion

■ bittersweet (ˈbItəˌswiːt)   n   1 any of several North American woody climbing plants of the genus Celastrus, esp C. scandens, having orange capsules that open to expose scarlet-coated seeds: family Celastraceae   2 another name for woody nightshade   ▷ adj   3 tasting of or being a mixture of bitterness and sweetness   4 pleasant but tinged with sadness

■ bittersweetly (ˌbItəˈswiːtlI)   adv   in a bittersweet manner

■ bittersweetness (ˌbItəˈswiːtnəs)   n   the quality of being bittersweet

■ bitterweed (ˈbItəˌwiːd)   n   any of various plants that contain a bitter-tasting substance

■ bitterwood (ˈbItəˌwʊd)   n   any of several simaroubaceous trees of the genus Picrasma of S and SE Asia and the Caribbean, whose bitter bark and wood are used in medicine as a substitute for quassia

bitter end   n   1 nautical the end of a line, chain, or cable, esp the end secured in the chain locker of a vessel   2 to the bitter end   a until the finish of a task, job, or undertaking, however unpleasant or difficult   b until final defeat or death [C19: in both senses perhaps from BITT]

bitterling (ˈbItəlIŋ)   n   a small brightly coloured European freshwater cyprinid fish, Rhodeus sericeus: a popular aquarium fish [C19: from German; see BITTER + -LING^1]

bittern^1 (ˈbItən)   n   any wading bird of the genera Ixobrychus and Botaurus, related and similar to the herons but with shorter legs and neck, a stouter body, and a booming call: family Ardeidae, order Ciconiiformes [C14: from Old French butor, perhaps from Latin būtiō bittern + taurus bull; referring to its cry]

bittern^2 (ˈbItən)   n   the bitter liquid remaining after common salt has been crystallized out of sea water: a source of magnesium, bromine, and iodine compounds [C17: variant of bittering]

bittie (ˈbItI)   n   Scot informal a little bit

bittock (ˈbItək)   n   Scot dialect a bit

bittor (ˈbItə)   n   a bittern

bitty (ˈbItI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 lacking unity; disjointed   2 containing bits, sediment, etc   > ˈbittiness n

bitumen (ˈbItjʊmIn)   n   1 any of various viscous or solid impure mixtures of hydrocarbons that occur naturally in asphalt, tar, mineral waxes, etc: used as a road surfacing and roofing material   2 the constituents of coal that can be extracted by an organic solvent   3 any liquid suitable for coating aggregates   4 the bitumen   a Austral and NZ informal any road with a bitumen surface   b (capital) Austral informal the road in the Northern Territory between Darwin and Alice Springs   5 a transparent brown pigment or glaze made from asphalt [C15: from Latin bitūmen, perhaps of Celtic origin]   > bituminous (bIˈtjuːmInəs) adj

■ bitumed (bIˈtjuːmd, ˈbItjuːmd)   adj   covered with bitumen

■ bituminize or bituminise (bIˈtjuːmIˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to treat with or convert into bitumen   > biˌtuminiˈzation or biˌtuminiˈsation n

■ bituminous coal   n   a soft black coal, rich in volatile hydrocarbons, that burns with a smoky yellow flame. Fixed carbon content: 46–86 per cent; calorific value: 1.93 × 10^7 – 3.63 × 10^7 J/kg. Also called: soft coal

biunique (ˌbaIjuːˈniːk)   adj   linguistics relating to a one-to-one correspondence

■ biuniqueness (ˌbaIjuːˈniːknIs)   n   linguistics the quality of a one-to-one correspondence

bivalence (baIˈveIləns, ˈbIvə-)   n   logic, philosophy the semantic principle that there are exactly two truth values, so that every meaningful statement is either true or false. Compare many-valued logic

bivalent (baIˈveIlənt, ˈbIvə-)   adj   1 chem another word for divalent   2 (of homologous chromosomes) associated together in pairs   ▷ n   3 a structure formed during meiosis consisting of two homologous chromosomes associated together   > biˈvalency n

bivalve (ˈbaIˌvælv)   n   1 Also: pelecypod, lamellibranch any marine or freshwater mollusc of the class Pelecypoda (formerly Bivalvia or Lamellibranchia), having a laterally compressed body, a shell consisting of two hinged valves, and gills for respiration. The group includes clams, cockles, oysters, and mussels   ▷ adj   2 Also: pelecypod, lamellibranch of, relating to, or belonging to the Pelecypoda   3 Also: bivalvate (baIˈvælveIt) biology having or consisting of two valves or similar parts: a bivalve seed capsule   > biˈvalvular adj

bivariate (baIˈvɛərIIt)   adj   statistics (of a distribution) involving two random variables, not necessarily independent of one another

bivious (ˈbIvIəs)   adj   with a choice of two different ways

bivium (ˈbIvIəm)   n   a part of an echinoderm, made up of a pair of ambulacra

bivouac (ˈbIvʊˌæk, ˈbIvwæk)   n   1 a temporary encampment with few facilities, as used by soldiers, mountaineers, etc   ▷ vb -acs, -acking, -acked   2 (intr) to make such an encampment [C18: from French bivuac, probably from Swiss German Beiwacht, literally: BY + WATCH]

bivvy (ˈbIvI)   n, pl -vies   slang a small tent or shelter [C20: shortened from BIVOUAC]

biweekly (baIˈwiːklI)   adj, adv   1 every two weeks   2 (often avoided because of confusion with sense 1) twice a week; semiweekly. See bi-1   ▷ n, pl -lies   3 a periodical published every two weeks

biyearly (baIˈjIəlI)   adj, adv   1 every two years; biennial or biennially   2 (often avoided because of confusion with sense 1) twice a year; biannual or biannually. See bi-1

Biysk, Biisk or Bisk (Russian bijsk)   n   a city in SW Russia, at the foot of the Altai Mountains. Pop: 216 000 (2005 est)

biz^1 (bIz)   n   informal short for business

biz^2   the internet domain name for   a business

bizarre (bIˈzɑː)   adj   odd or unusual, esp in an interesting or amusing way [C17: from French: from Italian bizzarro capricious, of uncertain origin]   > biˈzarrely adv   > biˈzarreness n

bizarrerie (bIˈzɑːrərI)   n   1 the quality of being bizarre   2 a bizarre act

bizarro (bIˈzɑːrəʊ)   adj   slang bizarre

bize (biːz)   n   a dry, cold wind in France

Bizerte (bIˈzɜːtə; French bizɛrt) or Bizerta   n   a port in N Tunisia, on the Mediterranean at the canalized outlet of Lake Bizerte. Pop: 118 000 (2005 est)

Bizet (ˈbiːzeI; French bizɛ)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ). 1838–75, French composer, whose works include the opera Carmen (1875) and incidental music to Daudet's L'Arlésienne (1872)

bizone (ˈbaIˌzəʊn)   n   1 an area comprising two administrative zones   2 a moth genus in the Arctiidae family

■ bizonal (ˌbaIˈzəʊnəl)   adj   of or relating to two administrative zones

bizzo (ˈbIzəʊ)   n Austral informal   1 empty and irrelevant talk or ideas; nonsense: all that bizzo   2 a businessman's club

bizzy (ˈbIzI)   n, pl -zies   Brit slang, chiefly Liverpool a policeman [C20: from BUSY]

bj   the internet domain name for   Benin

B.J.   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Bachelor of Journalism

Björneborg (bjœrnəˈbɔrj)   n   the Swedish name for Pori

Bjørnson (ˈbjɜːnsən; Norwegian ˈbjørnsən)   n   Bjørnstjerne (ˈbjɜːnstjɛənə; Norwegian ˈbjørnstjernə). 1832–1910, Norwegian poet, dramatist, novelist, theatre director, and newspaper editor; mainly remembered for social dramas, such as The Bankrupt (1875): Nobel prize for literature 1903

BJP   abbreviation for (in India)   Bharatiya Janata Party

bk   abbreviation for   1 bank   2 book

Bk   the chemical symbol for   berkelium

bkcy   abbreviation for   bankruptcy

bkg   abbreviation for   banking

bkpt   abbreviation for   bankrupt

bks   abbreviation for   1 barracks   2 books

bl   abbreviation for   barrel

BL   abbreviation for   1 Bachelor of Law   2 Bachelor of Letters   3 Barrister-at-Law   4 British Library

B/L, b/l or b.l.   pl Bs/L, bs/l or bs.labbreviation for   bill of lading

blab (blæb)   vb blabs, blabbing, blabbed   1 to divulge (secrets) indiscreetly   2 (intr) to chatter thoughtlessly; prattle   ▷ n   3 a less common word for blabber (sense 1), blabber (sense 2) [C14: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German blabbizōn, Icelandic blabbra]   > ˈblabbing n, adj

■ blabber (ˈblæbə)   n   1 a person who blabs   2 idle chatter   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to talk without thinking; chatter [C15 blabberen, probably of imitative origin]

■ blabbermouth (ˈblæbəˌmaʊθ)   n   informal a person who talks too much or indiscreetly

■ blabby (ˈblæbI)   adj blabbier, blabbiest   informal overly talkative

black (blæk)   adj   1 of the colour of jet or carbon black, having no hue due to the absorption of all or nearly all incident light. Compare white (sense 1)   2 without light; completely dark   3 without hope or alleviation; gloomy: the future looked black   4 very dirty or soiled: black factory chimneys   5 angry or resentful: she gave him black looks   6 (of a play or other work) dealing with the unpleasant realities of life, esp in a pessimistic or macabre manner: black comedy   7 (of coffee or tea) without milk or cream   8 causing, resulting from, or showing great misfortune: black areas of unemployment   9    a wicked or harmful: a black lie   b (in combination): black-hearted   10 causing or deserving dishonour or censure: a black crime   11 (of the face) purple, as from suffocation   12 Brit (of goods, jobs, works, etc) being subject to boycott by trade unionists, esp in support of industrial action elsewhere   ▷ n   13 a black colour   14 a dye or pigment of or producing this colour   15 black clothing, worn esp as a sign of mourning   16 chess, draughts   a a black or dark-coloured piece or square   b (usually capital) the player playing with such pieces   17 complete darkness: the black of the night   18 a black ball in snooker, etc   19 (in roulette and other gambling games) one of two colours on which players may place even bets, the other being red   20 in the black in credit or without debt   21 archery a black ring on a target, between the outer and the blue, scoring three points   ▷ vb   22 another word for blacken   23 (tr) to polish (shoes, etc) with blacking   24 (tr) to bruise so as to make black: he blacked her eye   25 (tr) Brit, Austral and NZ (of trade unionists) to organize a boycott of (specified goods, jobs, work, etc), esp in support of industrial action elsewhere [Old English blæc; related to Old Saxon blak ink, Old High German blakra to blink]   > ˈblackish adj   > ˈblackishly adv   > ˈblackly adv   > ˈblackness n

■ Black (blæk)   adj   1 (of a person) belonging to a population having dark pigmentation of the skin   2 of or relating to a Black person or Black people: a Black neighbourhood   ▷ n offensive   3 a member of a human population having dark pigmentation of the skin

USAGE

Talking about a Black or Blacks is considered offensive and it is better to talk about a Black person, Black people

Black (blæk)   n   1  Sir James (Whyte). 1924–2010, British biochemist. He discovered beta-blockers and drugs for peptic ulcers: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1988   2  Joseph. 1728–99, Scottish physician and chemist, noted for his pioneering work on carbon dioxide and heat

■ blackamoor (ˈblækəˌmʊə, -ˌmɔː)   n   archaic, offensive a Black African or other person with dark skin [C16: see BLACK, MOOR]

■ black-and-blue   adj   1 (of the skin) discoloured, as from a bruise   2 feeling pain or soreness, as from a beating

■ black and tan   n   a mixture of stout or porter and ale

■ Black and Tans   pl n   the Black and Tans a specially recruited armed auxiliary police force sent to Ireland in 1921 by the British Government to combat Sinn Féin [name suggested by the colour of their uniforms and the Black and Tans hunt in Munster]

■ black-and-tan terrier   n   a less common name for Manchester terrier

■ black-and-white   n   1    a a photograph, picture, sketch, etc, in black, white, and shades of grey rather than in colour   b (as modifier): black-and-white film   2 the neutral tones of black, white, and intermediate shades of grey. Compare colour (sense 2)   3 in black and white   a in print or writing   b in extremes: he always saw things in black and white

■ black art   n   the black art another name for black magic

■ black-backed gull   n   1 either of two common black-and-white European coastal gulls, Larus fuscus (lesser black-backed gull) and L. marinus (great black-backed gull)   2 Also called: karoro a southern gull, larus dominicanus, with black feathers on its back

■ blackball (ˈblækˌbɔːl)   n   1 a negative vote or veto   2 a black wooden ball used to indicate disapproval or to veto in a vote   3 NZ a hard boiled sweet with black-and-white stripes   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to vote against in a ballot   5 to exclude (someone) from a group, profession, etc; ostracize [C18: see sense 2]

■ blackband (ˈblækˌbænd)   n   a type of iron carbonate

■ black bass (bæs)   n   any of several predatory North American percoid freshwater game fishes of the genus Micropterus: family Centrarchidae (sunfishes, etc)

■ black bean   n   an Australian leguminous tree, Castanospermum australe, having thin smooth bark and yellow or reddish flowers: used in furniture manufacture. Also called: Moreton Bay chestnut

■ black bear   n   1 American black bear a bear, Euarctos (or Ursus) americanus, inhabiting forests of North America. It is smaller and less ferocious than the brown bear   2 Asiatic black bear a bear, Selenarctos thibetanus, of central and E Asia, whose coat is black with a pale V-shaped mark on the chest

■ Blackbeard (ˈblækˌbIəd)   n   nickname of (Edward) Teach. See Teach

■ black beetle   n   1 another name for the oriental cockroach. See cockroach   2 NZ another name for Māori bug

■ black belt   n   1 martial arts   a a black belt worn by an instructor or expert competitor in the dan grades, usually from first to fifth dan   b a person entitled to wear this   2 the Black Belt a region of the southern US extending from Georgia across central Alabama and Mississippi, in which the population contains a large number of Black people: also noted for its fertile black soil

■ blackberry (ˈblækbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 Also called: bramble any of several woody plants of the rosaceous genus Rubus, esp R. fruticosus, that have thorny stems and black or purple glossy edible berry-like fruits (drupelets)   2    a the fruit of any of these plants   b (as modifier): blackberry jam   3 blackberry lily an ornamental Chinese iridaceous plant, Belamcanda chinensis, that has red-spotted orange flowers and clusters of black seeds that resemble blackberries   ▷ vb -ries, -rying, -ried   4 (intr) to gather blackberries

■ BlackBerry or Blackberry   n   trademark a brand of smartphone

■ blackberrying (ˈblækbərIIŋ)   n   to go blackberrying to go on an outing to collect blackberries

■ black bile   n   archaic one of the four bodily humours; melancholy. See humour (sense 8)

■ black bindweed   n   a twining polygonaceous European plant, Polygonum convolvulus, with heart-shaped leaves and triangular black seed pods

■ blackbird (ˈblækˌbɜːd)   n   1 a common European thrush, Turdus merula, in which the male has a black plumage and yellow bill and the female is brown   2 any of various American orioles having a dark plumage, esp any of the genus Agelaius   3 history a person, esp a South Sea Islander, who was kidnapped and sold as a slave, esp in Australia   ▷ vb   4 (tr) (formerly) to kidnap and sell into slavery

■ blackbirder (ˈblækˌbɜːdə)   n   a person or vessel involved in the capture and transportation of slaves

■ Black Bloc or Black Block   n   an informal grouping of militant, mainly anarchist, protesters who act together during anti-capitalism, anti-war, etc, protests, often wearing black hoods and black clothing

■ blackboard (ˈblækˌbɔːd)   n   a hard or rigid surface made of a smooth usually dark substance, used for writing or drawing on with chalk, esp in teaching

■ black body or blackbody (ˈblækˌbɒdI)   n   physics a hypothetical body that would be capable of absorbing all the electromagnetic radiation falling on it. Also called: full radiator

■ black book   n   1 a book containing the names of people to be punished, blacklisted, etc   2 in someone's black books informal out of favour with someone

■ black bottom   n   a dance of the late 1920s that originated in America, involving a sinuous rotation of the hips

■ black box   n   1 a self-contained unit in an electronic or computer system whose circuitry need not be known to understand its function   2 an informal name for flight recorder   3 informal an electronic device fitted to a motor vehicle for recording information relating to how it has been driven

■ black boy or blackboy (ˈblækˌbɔI)   n   another name for grass tree (sense 1)

■ black bread   n   a kind of very dark coarse rye bread

■ black bream   n   1 another name for luderick   2 a dark-coloured food and game fish, Acanthopagrus australis, of E Australian seas

■ black bryony   n   a climbing herbaceous Eurasian plant, Tamus communis, having small greenish flowers and poisonous red berries: family Dioscoreaceae

■ blackbuck (ˈblækˌbʌk)   n   an Indian antelope, Antilope cervicapra, the male of which has spiral horns, a dark back, and a white belly

■ black bun   n   Scot a very rich dark fruitcake, usually in a pastry case. Also called: currant bun

■ blackbutt (ˈblækˌbʌt)   n   any of various Australian eucalyptus trees having rough fibrous bark and hard wood used as timber

■ blackcap (ˈblækˌkæp)   n   1 a brownish-grey Old World warbler, Sylvia atricapilla, the male of which has a black crown   2 any of various similar birds, such as the black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus)   3 US a popular name for raspberry (sense 3)   4 Brit (formerly) the cap worn by a judge when passing a death sentence

■ black cap   n   another name for white-fronted tern

■ Black Caps   pl n   the Black Caps the international cricket team of New Zealand [C20: so named because of the players' black caps]

■ black-coated   adj   Brit (esp formerly) (of a worker) clerical or professional, as distinguished from commercial or industrial

■ blackcock (ˈblækˌkɒk)   n   the male of the black grouse. Also called: heath cock. Compare greyhen

■ black cohosh   n   a plant of the ranunculaceous family, Cimicifuga racemosa, which is used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy

■ Black Country   n   the Black Country the formerly heavily industrialized region of central England, northwest of Birmingham

■ black cuckoo   n   Austral another name for koel

■ blackcurrant (ˌblækˈkʌrənt)   n   1 a N temperate shrub, Ribes nigrum, having red or white flowers and small edible black berries: family Grossulariaceae   2    a the fruit of this shrub   b (as modifier): blackcurrant jelly

■ blackdamp (ˈblækˌdæmp)   n   air that is low in oxygen content and high in carbon dioxide as a result of an explosion in a mine. Also called: chokedamp

■ Black Death   n   the Black Death a form of bubonic plague pandemic in Europe and Asia during the 14th century, when it killed over 50 million people. See bubonic plague

■ black diamond   n   1 another name for carbonado^2   2 (usually plural) a figurative expression for coal

■ black disc   n   a conventional black vinyl gramophone record as opposed to a compact disc

■ black disease   n   vet science an infectious necrotic hepatitis in sheep and occasionally cattle caused by toxins produced by infection with species of Clostridial. Secondary to liver fluke infestation, the disease is characterized by sudden death. So-called because of the black discolouration of subcutaneous tissues due to congestion and haemorrhage seen at post-mortem

■ black dog   n   informal depression or melancholy

■ black earth   n   another name for chernozem

■ black economy   n   that portion of the income of a nation that remains illegally undeclared either as a result of payment in kind or as a means of tax avoidance

■ Black Elk Peak   n   a mountain in SW South Dakota: the highest peak in the Black Hills. Height: 2207 m (7242 ft)

■ blacken (ˈblækən)   vb   1 to make or become black or dirty   2 (tr) to defame; slander (esp in the phrase blacken someone's name)

■ blackened (ˈblækənd)   adj   US having been cooked until a very dark or black colour

■ blackener (ˈblækənə)   n   someone who blackens

■ black eye   n   bruising round the eye

■ black-eyed pea   n   another name for cowpea (sense 2)

■ black-eyed Susan   n   1 any of several North American plants of the genus Rudbeckia, esp R. hirta, having flower heads of orange-yellow rays and brown-black centres: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 a climbing plant, Thunbergia alata, native to tropical Africa but widely naturalized elsewhere, having yellow flowers with purple centres, grown as a greenhouse annual

■ blackface (ˈblækˌfeIs)   n   1    a a non-Black performer made up to imitate a Black person   b the make-up used by such a performer   2 a breed of sheep having a dark face

■ blackfella (ˈblækˌfɛlə)   n   Austral sometimes offensive an Aborigine or Black person: offensive when used by non-Black people

■ Black Ferns   pl n   the Black Ferns the women's international Rugby Union football team of New Zealand

■ blackfin (ˈblækˌfIn)   n   a type of tuna, Thunnus atlanticus

■ blackfish (ˈblækˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish, -fishes   1 a minnow-like Alaskan freshwater fish, Dallia pectoralis, related to the pikes and thought to be able to survive prolonged freezing   2 a female salmon that has recently spawned. Compare redfish (sense 1)   3 any of various other dark fishes, esp the luderick, a common edible Australian estuary fish   4 another name for pilot whale

■ black flag   n   another name for the Jolly Roger

■ blackfly (ˈblækˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a black aphid, Aphis fabae, that infests beans, sugar beet, and other plants. Also called: bean aphid

■ black fly   n   any small blackish stout-bodied dipterous fly of the family Simuliidae, which sucks the blood of humans, mammals, and birds. See also buffalo gnat

■ Blackfoot (ˈblækˌfʊt)   n   1 (pl -feet or -foot) a member of a group of Native American peoples formerly living in the northwestern Plains   2 any of the languages of these peoples, belonging to the Algonquian family [C19: translation of Blackfoot Siksika]

■ Black Forest   n   the Black Forest a hilly wooded region of SW Germany, in Baden-Württemberg: a popular resort area. German name: der Schwarzwald

■ Black Friar   n   a Dominican friar

■ Black Friday   n informal   the day after the US Thanksgiving Day in late November, regarded as the start of the Christmas shopping season [C20: so called because it was associated with an increase in accidents and criminal activity ]

■ black frost   n   a frost without snow or rime that is severe enough to blacken vegetation

■ blackgame (ˈblækˌɡeIm)   n   a large grouse found in northern Europe and Asia

■ black game   n   another name for black grouse (sense 1)

■ black grouse   n   1 Also called: black game a large N European grouse, Lyrurus tetrix, the male of which has a bluish-black plumage and lyre-shaped tail   2 a related and similar species, Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi, of W Asia

■ blackguard (ˈblæɡɑːd, -ɡəd)   n   1    a an unprincipled contemptible person; scoundrel   b (as modifier): blackguard language   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to ridicule or denounce with abusive language   3 (intr) to behave like a blackguard [C16: originally a collective noun referring to the lowest menials in court, camp followers, vagabonds; see BLACK, GUARD]   > ˈblackguardism n   > ˈblackguardly adj

■ black guillemot   n   a common guillemot, Cepphus grylle: its summer plumage is black with white wing patches and its winter plumage white with greyish wings

■ Black Hand   n   1 a group of Sicilian blackmailers and terrorists formed in the 1870s and operating in the US in the early 20th century   2 (in 19th-century Spain) an organization of anarchists

■ blackhander (ˈblækˌhændə)   n   a member of a Black Hand group

■ black hat   n   informal   a a computer hacker who carries out illegal malicious hacking work   b (as modifier): black-hat hackers. Compare white hat

■ blackhead (ˈblækˌhɛd)   n   1 a black-tipped plug of fatty matter clogging a pore of the skin, esp the duct of a sebaceous gland. Technical name: comedo   2 an infectious and often fatal disease of turkeys and some other fowl caused by the parasitic protozoa Histomonas meleagridis. Technical name: infectious enterohepatitis   3 any of various birds, esp gulls or ducks, with black plumage on the head

■ blackheart (ˈblækˌhɑːt)   n   1 an abnormal darkening of the woody stems of some plants, thought to be caused by extreme cold   2 any of various diseases of plants, such as the potato, in which the central tissues are blackened   3 a variety of cherry that has large sweet fruit with purplish flesh and an almost black skin

■ black-hearted   adj   evil, malicious, or wicked

■ black heat   n   heat emitted by an electric element made from low-resistance thick wire that does not glow red

■ Blackheath (ˈblækhiːθ)   n   a residential district in SE London, mainly in the boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich: a large heath formerly notorious for highwaymen

■ Black Hills   pl n   a group of mountains in W South Dakota and NE Wyoming: famous for the gigantic sculptures of US presidents on the side of Mount Rushmore. Highest peak: Black Elk Peak, 2207 m (7242 ft)

■ black hole astronomy   n   1 an object in space so dense that its escape velocity exceeds the speed of light   2 any place regarded as resembling a black hole in that items or information entering it cannot be retrieved

■ Black Hole of Calcutta   n   1 a small dungeon in which in 1756 the Nawab of Bengal reputedly confined 146 English prisoners, of whom only 23 survived   2 informal, chiefly Brit any uncomfortable or overcrowded place

■ black horehound   n   a hairy unpleasant-smelling chiefly Mediterranean plant, Ballota nigra, having clusters of purple flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

■ black house   n   a type of thatched house, usually made of turf, formerly found in the highlands and islands of Scotland

■ black ice   n   a thin transparent layer of new ice on a road or similar surface

■ blacking (ˈblækIŋ)   n   any preparation, esp one containing lampblack, for giving a black finish to shoes, metals, etc

■ Black Isle   n   the Black Isle a peninsula in NE Scotland, in Highland council area, between the Cromarty and Moray Firths [so called because until the late 18th century much of it was uncultivated black moor]

■ blackjack^1 (ˈblækˌdʒæk) chiefly US and Canadian   n   1 a truncheon of leather-covered lead with a flexible shaft   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to hit with or as if with a blackjack   3 (tr) to compel (a person) by threats [C19: from BLACK + JACK^1 (implement)]

■ blackjack^2 (ˈblækˌdʒæk)   n cards   1 pontoon or any of various similar card games   2 a hand in blackjack comprising an ace and a face card [C20: from BLACK + JACK^1 (the knave)]

■ blackjack^3 (ˈblækˌdʒæk)   n   a dark iron-rich variety of the mineral sphalerite [C18: from BLACK + JACK^1 (originally a miner's name for this useless ore)]

■ blackjack^4 (ˈblækˌdʒæk)   n   a small oak tree, Quercus marilandica, of the southeastern US, with blackish bark and fan-shaped leaves. Also called: blackjack oak [C19: from BLACK + JACK^1 (from the proper name, popularly used in many plant names)]

■ blackjack^5 (ˈblækˌdʒæk)   n   a tarred leather tankard or jug [C16: from BLACK + JACK^3]

■ black japan   n   a black bituminous varnish

■ black knight   n   commerce a person or firm that makes an unwelcome takeover bid for a company. Compare grey knight, white knight

■ black knot   n   a fungal disease of plums and cherries caused by Dibotryon morbosum, characterized by rough black knotlike swellings on the twigs and branches

■ blackland (ˈblækˌlænd)   n   an area of dark peaty soil

■ blacklands (ˈblækˌlændz)   pl n   an area of fertile soil in Texas

■ black lead (lɛd)   n   1 another name for graphite   ▷ vb blacklead   2 (tr) archaic to colour or rub with black lead

■ blackleg (ˈblæklɛɡ)   n   1 Also called: scab Brit   a a person who acts against the interests of a trade union, as by continuing to work during a strike or taking over a striker's job   b (as modifier): blackleg labour   2 Also called: black quarter an acute infectious disease of cattle, sheep, and pigs, characterized by gas-filled swellings, esp on the legs, caused by Clostridium bacteria   3 plant pathol   a a fungal disease of cabbages and related plants caused by Phoma lingam, characterized by blackening and decay of the lower stems   b a similar disease of potatoes, caused by bacteria   4 a person who cheats in gambling, esp at cards or in racing   ▷ vb -legs, -legging, -legged   5 Brit to act against the interests of a trade union, esp by refusing to join a strike

■ black letter   n   printing another name for Gothic (sense 10)

■ black light   n   the invisible electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared regions of the spectrum

■ blacklist (ˈblækˌlIst)   n   1 a list of persons or organizations under suspicion, or considered untrustworthy, disloyal, etc, esp one compiled by a government or an organization   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to put on a blacklist   > ˈblackˌlisting n

■ blacklister (ˈblækˌlIstə)   n   someone who blacklists

■ black lung   n   another name for pneumoconiosis

■ black magic   n   magic used for evil purposes by invoking the power of the devil

■ blackmail (ˈblækˌmeIl)   n   1 the act of attempting to obtain money by intimidation, as by threats to disclose discreditable information   2 the exertion of pressure or threats, esp unfairly, in an attempt to influence someone's actions   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to exact or attempt to exact (money or anything of value) from (a person) by threats or intimidation; extort   4 to attempt to influence the actions of (a person), esp by unfair pressure or threats [C16: see BLACK, MAIL^3]   > ˈblackmailer n

■ black maire   n   another name for maire

■ Black Maria (məˈraIə)   n   a police van for transporting prisoners

■ black mark   n   an indication of disapproval, failure, etc

■ black market   n   1    a any system in which goods or currencies are sold and bought illegally, esp in violation of controls or rationing   b (as modifier): black market lamb   2 the place where such a system operates   ▷ vb black-market   3 to sell (goods) on the black market   > black marketeer n

■ black mass   n   (sometimes capitals) a blasphemous travesty of the Christian Mass, performed by practitioners of black magic

■ black matipo (ˈmɑːtiːpɒ)   n   another name for tawhiri [Māori]

■ black measles   pl n   (often functioning as singular) a severe form of measles characterized by dark eruptions caused by bleeding under the skin

■ black medick   n   a small European leguminous plant, Medicago lupulina, with trifoliate leaves, small yellow flowers, and black pods. Also called: nonesuch

■ black metal   n     a a type of heavy-metal music characterized by extremely nihilistic and satanic lyrics, a repetitive drum beat rapidly alternating between the snare and bass drum (a blast beat), and the ghoulish make-up worn by performers (corpse paint)   b (as modifier): a black-metal band [C20: from the title of an LP by British rock group Venom]

■ black money   n   1 that part of a nation's income that relates to its black economy   2 any money that a person or organization acquires illegally, as by a means that involves tax evasion   3 US money to fund a government project that is concealed in the cost of some other project

■ Black Monk   n   a Benedictine monk

■ black mould   n   another name for bread mould

■ Black Mountain   n   the Black Mountain a mountain range in S Wales, in E Carmarthenshire and W Powys. Highest peak: Carmarthen Van, 802 m (2632 ft)

■ Black Mountains   pl n   a mountain range running from N Monmouthshire and SE Powys (Wales) to SW Herefordshire (England). Highest peak: Waun Fach, 811 m (2660 ft)

■ Black Muslims   n   (esp in the US) a political and religious movement of Black people who adopt the religious practices of Islam and seek to establish a new Black nation. Official name: Nation of Islam

■ black mustard   n   a Eurasian plant, Brassica (or Sinapsis) nigra, with clusters of yellow flowers and pungent seeds from which the condiment mustard is made: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

■ black nightshade   n   a poisonous solanaceous plant, Solanum nigrum, a common weed in cultivated land, having small white flowers with backward-curved petals and black berry-like fruits

■ black-on-black   adj   concerning Black people exclusively: black-on-black discrimination

■ black opal   n   any opal of a dark coloration, not necessarily black

■ black operation   n   a covert and undocumented military operation. Sometimes shortened to: black op

■ blackout (ˈblækaʊt)   n   1 the extinguishing or hiding of all artificial light, esp in a city visible to an enemy attack from the air   2 a momentary loss of consciousness, vision, or memory   3 a temporary electrical power failure or cut   4 electronics a temporary loss of sensitivity in a valve following a short strong pulse   5 a temporary loss of radio communications between a spacecraft and earth, esp on re-entry into the earth's atmosphere   6 the suspension of radio or television broadcasting, as by a strike or for political reasons   ▷ vb black out (adverb)   7 (tr) to obliterate or extinguish (lights)   8 (tr) to create a blackout in (a city etc)   9 (intr) to lose vision, consciousness, or memory temporarily   10 (tr) to stop (news, a television programme) from being released or broadcast

■ black pad   n   Midland English dialect a rough road or track

■ Black Panther   n   (in the US) a member of a militant Black political party (1965–82) founded to end the political dominance of White people

■ black pepper   n   a pungent condiment made by grinding the dried unripe berries, together with their black husks, of the pepper plant Piper nigrum

■ black pine   n   See matai

■ blackpoll (ˈblækˌpəʊl)   n   a North American warbler, Dendroica striata, the male of which has a black-and-white head

■ black powder   n   another name for gunpowder

■ Black Power or Black Power movement   n   a social, economic, and political movement of Black people, esp in the US, to obtain equality with White people

■ Black Prince   n   the Black Prince See Edward^2 (sense 1)

■ black propaganda   n   propaganda that does not come from the source it claims to come from. Compare grey propaganda, white propaganda

■ black pudding   n   a kind of black sausage made from minced pork fat, pig's blood, and other ingredients. Also called: blood pudding. Usual US and Canadian name: blood sausage

■ black quarter   n   another name for blackleg (sense 2)

■ black rat   n   a common rat, Rattus rattus: a household pest that has spread from its native Asia to all countries

■ Black Rod   n   1 (in Britain) an officer of the House of Lords and of the Order of the Garter, whose main duty is summoning the Commons at the opening and proroguing of Parliament   2 a similar officer in any of certain other legislatures

■ black rot   n   any of various plant diseases of fruits and vegetables, producing blackening, rotting, and shrivelling and caused by bacteria (including Xanthomonas campestris) and fungi (such as Physalospora malorum)

■ black run   n   skiing an extremely difficult run, suitable for expert skiers

■ black rust   n   a stage in any of several diseases of cereals and grasses caused by rust fungi in which black masses of spores appear on the stems or leaves

■ Black Sash   n   (formerly, in South Africa) an organization of women opposed to apartheid

■ Black Sea   n   an inland sea between SE Europe and Asia: connected to the Aegean Sea by the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles, and to the Sea of Azov by the Kerch Strait. Area: about 415 000 sq km (160 000 sq miles). Ancient names: Pontus Euxinus, Euxine Sea

■ black section   n   (in Britain in the 1980s) an unofficial group within the Labour Party in any constituency that represented the interests of local Black people

■ black shag   n   a large dark-coloured shag, Phalacrocorax carbo novaehollandis, of Australasian waters. Also called: (NZ) kawau

■ black sheep   n   a person who is regarded as a disgrace or failure by his or her family or peer group

■ Blackshirt (ˈblækˌʃɜːt)   n   (in Europe) a member of a fascist organization, esp a member of the Italian Fascist party before and during World War II

■ black site   n   a secret facility used by a country's military as a prison and interrogation centre, whose existence is denied by the government

■ blacksmith (ˈblækˌsmIθ)   n   an artisan who works iron with a furnace, anvil, hammer, etc [C14: see BLACK, SMITH]

■ blacksnake (ˈblækˌsneIk)   n   1 any of several Old World black venomous elapid snakes, esp Pseudechis porphyriacus (Australian blacksnake)   2 any of various dark nonvenomous snakes, such as Coluber constrictor (black racer)   3 US and Canadian a long heavy pliant whip of braided leather or rawhide

■ black spot   n   1 a place on a road where accidents frequently occur   2 any dangerous or difficult place   3 a disease of roses, Diplocarpon rosae, that causes circular black blotches on the leaves

■ black spruce   n   a coniferous tree, Picea mariana, of the northern regions of North America, growing mostly in cold bogs and having dark green needles. Also called: spruce pine

■ blackstrap (ˈblækˌstræp)   n   1 a kind of port wine   2 a drink made of a mixture of rum and treacle

■ blackstrap molasses (ˈblækˌstræp)   pl n   (functioning as singular) the molasses remaining after the maximum quantity of sugar has been extracted from the raw material

■ black stump   n   1 the black stump Austral an imaginary marker of the extent of civilization (esp in the phrase beyond the black stump)   2 NZ a long way off

■ black swan   n   1 a large Australian swan, Cygnus atratus, that has a black plumage and red bill   2 a phenomenon that occurs even though it had been thought to be impossible [sense 2 from the fact all swans were thought to be white until black swans were discovered in Australia]

■ blacktail (ˈblækˌteIl)   n   a variety of mule deer having a black tail

■ black taxi   n South African   a minibus used to transport workers from the townships to the city centres

■ blackthorn (ˈblækˌθɔːn)   n   1 Also called: sloe a thorny Eurasian rosaceous shrub, Prunus spinosa, with black twigs, white flowers, and small sour plumlike fruits   2 a walking stick made from its wood

■ black tie   n   1 a black bow tie worn with a dinner jacket   2 (modifier) denoting an occasion when a dinner jacket should be worn   ▶ Compare white tie

■ black-tie   adj   1 involving formal evening dress for men, including a dinner jacket or tuxedo and a bow tie   ▷ n black tie   2 formal evening dress for men, including a dinner jacket or tuxedo and a bow tie

■ blacktop (ˈblækˌtɒp)   n chiefly US and Canadian   1 a bituminous mixture used for paving   2 a road paved with this mixture

■ black tracker   n   Austral an Aboriginal tracker working for the police

■ black treacle   n   Brit another term for treacle (sense 1)

■ black tree fern   n   another name for mamaku

■ black velvet   n   1 a mixture of stout and champagne in equal proportions   2 Austral offensive, slang Aboriginal women regarded as sexual partners

■ Black Volta   n   a river in W Africa, rising in SW Burkina Faso and flowing northeast, then south into Lake Volta: forms part of the border of Ghana with Burkina Faso and with Côte d'Ivoire. Length: about 800 km (500 miles)

■ black vomit   n   1 vomit containing blood, often a manifestation of disease, such as yellow fever   2 informal yellow fever

■ black walnut   n   1 a North American walnut tree, Juglans nigra, with hard dark wood and edible oily nuts   2 the valuable wood of this tree, used for cabinet work   3 the nut of this tree   ▶ Compare butternut (sense 1), butternut (sense 2), butternut (sense 3), butternut (sense 4)

■ blackwash (ˈblækˌwɒʃ)   vb (tr)   informal to present (someone or something) in the worst possible light [C21: coined as an opposite to WHITEWASH]

■ Black Watch   n   the Black Watch (formerly) the Royal Highland Regiment in the British Army; (since 2006) an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland [so called for their dark tartan]

■ blackwater (ˈblækˌwɔːtə)   n   1 a stream stained dark with peat   2 a disease of cows and sheep   3 Indian the sea

■ black water   n   household waste water that cannot be reused without purification. Compare grey water

■ blackwater fever   n   med a rare and serious complication of malaria, characterized by massive destruction of red blood cells, producing dark red or blackish urine

■ black-water fever   n   vet science a form of babesiosis seen in cattle, deer, bison, water buffalo, African buffalo, and reindeer; characterized by fever, depression, jaundice, dark red-black discolouration of the urine, anaemia, and death. Also called: Texas fever

■ blackwater rafting   n   NZ the sport of riding through underground caves on a large rubber tube. Also called: cave tubing

■ black wattle   n   1 a small Australian acacia tree, A. mearnsii, with yellow flowers   2 a tall Australian shrub, Callicoma serratifolia

■ black whale   n   another name for pilot whale

■ black widow or black widow spider   n   an American spider, Latrodectus mactans, the female of which is black with red markings, highly venomous, and commonly eats its mate

■ blackwood (ˈblækˌwʊd)   n   1 Also called: Sally Wattle a tall Australian acacia tree, A. melanoxylon, having small clusters of flowers and curved pods and yielding highly valued black timber   2 any of various trees or shrubs of the leguminous genus Dalbergia, esp D. melanoxylon (of Africa) or D. latifolia (of India), yielding black wood used for carving and musical instruments   3 the wood of any of these trees

Blackburn^1 (ˈblækbɜːn)   n   1 a town in NW England, in Blackburn with Darwen unitary authority, Lancashire: formerly important for textiles, now has mixed industries. Pop: 105 085 (2001)   2 Mount Blackburn a mountain in SE Alaska, the highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains. Height: 4996 m (16 391 ft)

■ Blackburn with Darwen (ˈdɑːwɛn)   n   a unitary authority in NW England, in Lancashire. Pop: 139 800 (2003 est). Area: 137 sq km (53 sq miles)

Blackburn^2 (ˈblækbɜːn)   n   Elizabeth (Helen). born 1948, Australian biologist who, with Carol W Greider and Jack W Szostak, discovered the enzyme telomerase, for which they won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2009)

Blackett (ˈblækIt)   n   Patrick Maynard Stuart, Baron. 1897–1974, English physicist, noted for his work on cosmic radiation and his discovery of the positron. Nobel prize for physics 1948

Blackmore (ˈblækˌmɔː)   n   R(ichard) D(oddridge). 1825–1900, English novelist; author of Lorna Doone (1869)

Blackpool (ˈblækˌpuːl)   n   1 a town and resort in NW England, in Blackpool unitary authority, Lancashire on the Irish Sea: famous for its tower, 158 m (518 ft) high, and its illuminations. Pop: 142 283 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in NW England, in Lancashire. Pop: 142 400 (2003 est). Area: 35 sq km (13 sq miles)

Black-Scholes equation (ˌblækˈʃəʊlz)   n   finance a partial differential equation used to estimate the changing value of an option over time [C20: named after Fischer Black and Myren Scholes, who published it in 1973]

Blackstone (ˈblækˌstəʊn, -stən)   n   Sir William. 1723–80, English jurist noted particularly for his Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765–69), which had a profound influence on jurisprudence in the US

Blackwall hitch (ˈblækˌwɔːl)   n   a knot for hooking tackle to the end of a rope, holding fast when pulled but otherwise loose [C19: named after Blackwall, former docks in London]

Blackwood^1 (ˈblækˌwʊd)   n   bridge a conventional bidding sequence of four and five no-trumps, which are requests to the partner to show aces and kings respectively [C20: named after Easeley F. Blackwood, its American inventor]

Blackwood^2 (ˈblækˌwʊd)   n   Algernon (Henry). 1869–1951, British novelist and short-story writer; noted for his supernatural tales

bladder (ˈblædə)   n   1 anatomy a distensible membranous sac, usually containing liquid or gas, esp the urinary bladder. Related adjective: vesical   2 an inflatable part of something   3 a blister, cyst, vesicle, etc, usually filled with fluid   4 a hollow vesicular or saclike part or organ in certain plants, such as the bladderwort or bladderwrack [Old English blǣdre]   > ˈbladdery adj

■ bladder campion   n   a European caryophyllaceous plant, Silene vulgaris, having white flowers with an inflated calyx

■ bladdered (ˈbladəd)   adj   slang intoxicated; drunk

■ bladder fern   n   a small fern, Cystoperis fragilis, with graceful lanceolate leaves, typically growing on limestone rocks and walls [C19: named from the bladder-shaped indusium]

■ bladder ketmia (ˈkɛtmIə)   n   another name for flower-of-an-hour

■ bladderlike (ˈblædəˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bladder

■ bladdernose (ˈblædəˌnəʊz)   n   another name for hooded seal

■ bladdernut (ˈblædəˌnʌt)   n   1 any temperate shrub or small tree of the genus Staphylea, esp S. pinnata of S Europe, that has bladder-like seed pods: family Staphyleaceae   2 the pod of any such tree

■ bladder senna   n   a Eurasian leguminous plant, Colutea arborescens, with yellow and red flowers and membranous inflated pods

■ bladder worm   n   an encysted saclike larva of the tapeworm. The main types are cysticercus, hydatid, and coenurus

■ bladderwort (ˈblædəˌwɜːt)   n   any aquatic plant of the genus Utricularia, some of whose leaves are modified as small bladders to trap minute aquatic animals: family Lentibulariaceae

■ bladderwrack (ˈblædəˌræk)   n   any of several seaweeds of the genera Fucus and Ascophyllum, esp F. vesiculosus, that grow in the intertidal regions of rocky shores and have branched brown fronds with air bladders

blade (bleId)   n   1 the part of a sharp weapon, tool, etc, that forms the cutting edge   2 (plural) Austral and NZ hand shears used for shearing sheep   3 the thin flattish part of various tools, implements, etc, as of a propeller, turbine, etc   4 the flattened expanded part of a leaf, sepal, or petal   5 the long narrow leaf of a grass or related plant   6 the striking surface of a bat, club, stick, or oar   7 the metal runner on an ice skate   8 archaeol a long thin flake of flint, possibly used as a tool   9 the upper part of the tongue lying directly behind the tip   10 archaic a dashing or swaggering young man   11 short for shoulder blade   12 a poetic word for a sword, swordsman [Old English blæd; related to Old Norse blath leaf, Old High German blat, Latin folium leaf]   > ˈbladed adj

■ blade grader   n   another name for grader (sense 2)

■ bladeless (ˈbleIdlIs)   adj   without a blade

■ bladelike (ˈbleIdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a blade

■ blader (ˈbleIdə)   n   1 US a person who skates with in-line skates   2 obsolete a maker or user of blades

■ blade-shearing   n   NZ the shearing of sheep using hand shears   > ˈblade-ˌshearer n

■ blade slap   n   the regular noise beat generated by the rotor blades of a helicopter

■ bladework (ˈbleIdˌwɜːk)   n   skilful use of a blade, esp with reference to rowing

■ blading   n   the act or an instance of skating with in-line skates

■ blady grass (ˈbleIdI)   n   a coarse leafy Australasian grass, Imperata cylindrica

blae (ble, bleI)   adj   Scot bluish-grey; slate-coloured [from Old Norse blár]

■ blaeberry (ˈbleIbərI)   n, pl -ries   Brit another name for bilberry (sense 1), bilberry (sense 2) [C15: from BLAE + BERRY]

Blaenau Gwent (ˈblaIˌnaʊ ˈɡwɛnt)   n   a county borough of SE Wales, created in 1996 from NW Gwent. Administrative centre: Ebbw Vale. Pop: 68 900 (2003 est). Area: 109 sq km (42 sq miles)

blaes (blez, bleIz)   n   Scot   a hardened clay or shale, esp when crushed and used to form the top layer of a sports pitch: bluish-grey or reddish in colour   b (as modifier): a blaes pitch [C18: from BLAE]

blaff^1 (blæf)   n   a West Indian seafood stew

blaff^2 (blæf)   vb (intr)   obsolete to bark

blag (blæɡ) slang   n   1 a robbery, esp with violence   ▷ vb blags, blagging, blagged (tr)   2 to obtain by wheedling or cadging: she blagged free tickets from her mate   3 to snatch (wages, someone's handbag, etc); steal   4 to rob (esp a bank or post office) [C19: of unknown origin]   > ˈblagger n

Blagoveshchensk (Russian bləɡaˈvjeʃtʃInsk)   n   a city and port in E Russia, in Siberia on the Amur River. Pop: 222 000 (2005 est)

blague (blɑːɡ)   n   pretentious but empty talk; nonsense [C19: from French]   > ˈblaguer n

■ blagueur French (blaɡœr)   n   rare a person who engages in blague

blah or blah blah (blɑː) slang   n   1 worthless or silly talk; claptrap   ▷ adj   2 uninteresting; insipid   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to talk nonsense or boringly [C20 imit]

blain (bleIn)   n   a blister, blotch, or sore on the skin [Old English blegen; related to Middle Low German bleine]

Blair (blɛə)   n   Tony, full name Anthony Charles Lynton Blair. born 1953, British politician; leader of the Labour Party (1994–2007); prime minister (1997–2007); Middle East peace envoy (2007–2015)

■ Blairite (ˈblɛəraIt)   adj   1 of or relating to the modernizing policies of Tony Blair   ▷ n   2 a supporter of the modernizing policies of Tony Blair

■ Blair's babes   pl n   informal (in Britain) the female Members of Parliament elected as part of Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour government in 1997

Blake (bleIk)   n   1  Sir Peter. born 1932, British painter, a leading exponent of pop art in the 1960s: co-founder of the Brotherhood of Ruralists (1969)   2  Sir Quentin (Saxby). born 1932, British artist, illustrator, and children's writer; noted esp for his illustrations to books by Roald Dahl   3  Robert. 1599–1657, English admiral, who commanded Cromwell's fleet against the Royalists, the Dutch, and the Spanish   4  William. 1757–1827, English poet, painter, engraver, and mystic. His literary works include Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794), The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1793), and Jerusalem (1820). His chief works in the visual arts include engravings of a visionary nature, such as the illustrations for The Book of Job (1826), for Dante's poems, and for his own Prophetic Books (1783–1804)

Blakey (ˈbleIkI)   n   Art, full name Arthur Blakey. (1919–90), US jazz drummer and leader of the Jazz Messengers band

blam (blæm)   n   a representation of the sound of a bullet being fired

blame (bleIm)   n   1 responsibility for something that is wrong or deserving censure; culpability   2 an expression of condemnation; reproof   3 be to blame to be at fault or culpable   ▷ vb (tr)   4 (usually foll by for) to attribute responsibility to; accuse: I blame him for the failure   5 (usually foll by on) to ascribe responsibility for (something) to: I blame the failure on him   6 to find fault with [C12: from Old French blasmer, ultimately from Late Latin blasphēmāre to BLASPHEME]   > ˈblamable or ˈblameable adj   > ˈblamably or ˈblameably adv

■ blameableness or blamableness (ˈbleIməbəlnəs)   n   the quality of being blameable

■ blame culture   n   the tendency to look for one person or organization that can be held responsible for a bad state of affairs, an accident, etc

■ blamed (bleImd)   adj, adv   chiefly US a euphemistic word for damned (sense 2), damned (sense 3)

■ blameful (ˈbleImfʊl)   adj   deserving blame; guilty   > ˈblamefully adv   > ˈblamefulness n

■ blameless (ˈbleImlIs)   adj   free from blame; innocent   > ˈblamelessly adv   > ˈblamelessness n

■ blamer (ˈbleImə)   n   someone who blames

■ blamestorm (ˈbleImˌstɔːm) informal   vb   1 (of colleagues in a business, government, etc) to meet in order to apportion blame for an error or failure   ▷ n also blamestorming   2 a meeting to discuss who is to blame for an error or failure

■ blameworthy (ˈbleImˌwɜːðI)   adj   deserving disapproval or censure   > ˈblameˌworthiness n

Blanc^1 (French blɑ̃)   n   1 Mont Blanc See Mont Blanc   2 Cape Blanc a headland in N Tunisia: the northernmost point of Africa   3 Cape Blanc or Cape Blanco (ˈblæŋkəʊ) a peninsula in Mauritania, on the Atlantic coast

Blanc^2 (French blɑ̃)   n   (Jean Joseph Charles) Louis (lwi). 1811–82, French socialist and historian: author of L'Organisation du travail (1840), in which he advocated the establishment of cooperative workshops subsidized by the state

blanc fixe French (blɑ̃ fiks)   n   another name for barium sulphate [literally: fixed white]

blanch (blɑːntʃ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to remove colour from, or (of colour) to be removed; whiten; fade: the sun blanched the carpet; over the years the painting blanched   2 (usually intr) to become or cause to become pale, as with sickness or fear   3 to plunge tomatoes, nuts, etc, into boiling water to loosen the skin   4 to plunge (meat, green vegetables, etc) in boiling water or bring to the boil in water in order to whiten, preserve the natural colour, or reduce or remove a bitter or salty taste   5 to cause (celery, chicory, etc) to grow free of chlorophyll by the exclusion of sunlight   6 metallurgy to whiten (a metal), usually by treating it with an acid or by coating it with tin   7 (tr; usually foll by over) to attempt to conceal something [C14: from Old French blanchir from blanc white; see BLANK]

■ blancher (ˈblɑːntʃə)   n   someone who blanches

Blanche of Castile (blaːntʃ)   n   ?1188–1252, queen consort (1223–26) of Louis VIII of France, born in Spain. The mother of Louis IX, she acted as regent during his minority (1226–36) and his absence on a crusade (1248–52)

Blanchett (ˈblɑːntʃət)   n   Cate (keIt), full name Catherine Elise Blanchett. born 1969, Australian actress; her films include Elizabeth (1998), the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–03), Notes on a Scandal (2006), and Blue Jasmine (2013) for which she won an Academy Award

blanchisseuse French (blãʃisøz)   n   a washerwoman

blancmange (bləˈmɒnʒ)   n   a jelly-like dessert, stiffened usually with cornflour and set in a mould [C14: from Old French blanc manger, literally: white food]

Blanco (French blanko)   n   Serge (sɛrʒ). born 1958, French Rugby Union footballer; won 93 caps (1980–91) and scored 38 tries in internationals (a French record)

bland (blænd)   adj   1 devoid of any distinctive or stimulating characteristics; uninteresting; dull: bland food   2 gentle and agreeable; suave   3 (of the weather) mild and soothing   4 unemotional or unmoved: a bland account of atrocities [C15: from Latin blandus flattering]   > ˈblandly adv   > ˈblandness n

■ bland out   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to become bland

blandish (ˈblændIʃ)   vb   (tr) to seek to persuade or influence by mild flattery; coax [C14: from Old French blandir from Latin blandīrī]

■ blandisher (ˈblændIʃə)   n   someone who blandishes

■ blandishments (ˈblændIʃmənts)   pl n   (rarely singular) flattery intended to coax or cajole

blank (blæŋk)   adj   1 (of a writing surface) bearing no marks; not written on   2 (of a form, etc) with spaces left for details to be filled in   3 without ornament or break; unrelieved: a blank wall   4 not filled in; empty; void: a blank space   5 exhibiting no interest or expression: a blank look   6 lacking understanding; confused: he looked blank even after the explanations   7 absolute; complete: blank rejection   8 devoid of ideas or inspiration: his mind went blank in the exam   9 unproductive; barren   ▷ n   10 an emptiness; void; blank space   11 an empty space for writing in, as on a printed form   12 a printed form containing such empty spaces   13 something characterized by incomprehension or mental confusion: my mind went a complete blank   14 a mark, often a dash, in place of a word, esp a taboo word   15 short for blank cartridge   16 a plate or plug used to seal an aperture   17 a piece of material prepared for stamping, punching, forging, etc   18 archery the white spot in the centre of a target   19 draw a blank   a to choose a lottery ticket that fails to win   b to get no results from something   ▷ vb (tr)   20 (usually foll by out) to cross out, blot, or obscure   21 slang to ignore or be unresponsive towards (someone): the crowd blanked her for the first four numbers   22 to forge, stamp, punch, or cut (a piece of material) in preparation for forging, die-stamping, or drawing operations   23 (often foll by off) to seal (an aperture) with a plate or plug   24 US and Canadian informal to prevent (an opponent) from scoring in a game [C15: from Old French blanc white, of Germanic origin; related to Old English blanca a white horse]   > ˈblankly adv   > ˈblankness n

■ blank cartridge   n   a cartridge containing powder but no bullet: used in battle practice or as a signal

■ blank cheque   n   1 a signed cheque on which the amount payable has not been specified   2 complete freedom of action

■ blank endorsement   n   an endorsement on a bill of exchange, cheque, etc, naming no payee and thus making the endorsed sum payable to the bearer. Also called: endorsement in blank

■ blankety (ˈblæŋkItI)   adj, adv   a euphemism for any taboo word [C20: from BLANK]

■ blankety-blank   adj   euphemistic, informal a variant form of blinking

■ blank verse   n   prosody unrhymed verse, esp in iambic pentameters

blanket (ˈblæŋkIt)   n   1 a large piece of thick cloth for use as a bed covering, animal covering, etc, enabling a person or animal to retain natural body heat   2 a concealing cover or layer, as of smoke, leaves, or snow   3 a rubber or plastic sheet wrapped round a cylinder, used in offset printing to transfer the image from the plate, stone, or forme to the paper   4 physics a layer of a fertile substance placed round the core of a nuclear reactor as a reflector or absorber and often to breed new fissionable fuel   5 (modifier) applying to or covering a wide group or variety of people, conditions, situations, etc: blanket insurance against loss, injury, and theft   6 born on the wrong side of the blanket informal illegitimate   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to cover with or as if with a blanket; overlie   8 to cover a very wide area, as in a publicity campaign; give blanket coverage   9 (usually foll by out) to obscure or suppress: the storm blanketed out the TV picture   10 nautical to prevent wind from reaching the sails of (another sailing vessel) by passing to windward of it [C13: from Old French blancquete, from blanc; see BLANK]

■ blanket bath   n   an all-over wash given to a person confined to bed

■ blanket bog   n   a very acid peat bog, low in nutrients, extending widely over a flat terrain, found in cold wet climates

■ blanket finish   n   athletics, horse racing a finish so close that a blanket would cover all the contestants involved

■ blanketflower (ˈblæŋkItˌflaʊə)   n   a hardy flowering plant, Gaillardia aristata, that grows in the US

■ blanketlike (ˈblæŋkətˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a blanket

■ blanket stitch   n   1 a strong reinforcing stitch for the edges of blankets and other thick material   ▷ vb blanket-stitch   2 to use blanket stitch to reinforce (the edges of blankets and other thick material)

■ blanketweed (ˈblæŋkItˌwiːd)   n   a type of filamentous pond algae

blanky (ˈblæŋkI)   n, pl -kies   baby talk a comfort blanket

blanquet (blɒŋˈkeI; French blãke)   n   1 a variety of French pear   2 a variant spelling of blanquette

blanquette (blɒŋˈkɛt; French blɑ̃ket)   n   a French stew made of meat, usually veal, and white sauce

■ blanquette de veau (blæŋˈkɛt də ˈvəʊ)   n   a ragout or stew of veal in a white sauce [French]

Blanqui (French blɑ̃kI)   n   Louis Auguste (French lwi oɡyst). 1805–81, French revolutionary, who organized secret socialist societies and preached violent insurrection; he spent over 30 years in prison

Blantyre-Limbe (blænˈtaIəˈlImbeI)   n   a city in S Malawi: largest city in the country; formed in 1956 from the adjoining towns of Blantyre and Limbe. Pop: 647 000 (2005 est)

blare (blɛə)   vb   1 to sound loudly and harshly   2 to proclaim loudly and sensationally   ▷ n   3 a loud and usually harsh or grating noise [C14: from Middle Dutch bleren; of imitative origin]

Blarney Stone   n   a stone in Blarney Castle, in the SW Republic of Ireland, said to endow whoever kisses it with the gift of the gab and skill in flattery

■ blarney (ˈblɑːnI)   n   1 flattering talk   ▷ vb   2 to cajole with flattery; wheedle [C19: after the BLARNEY STONE]

blart (blæt)   vb (intr)   English dialect to sound loudly and harshly

Blasco Ibáñez (Spanish ˈblasko iˈβaɲeθ)   n   Vicente (biˈθente). 1867–1928, Spanish novelist, whose books include Blood and Sand (1909) and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1916)

blasé (ˈblɑːzeI)   adj   1 indifferent to something because of familiarity or surfeit   2 lacking enthusiasm; bored [C19: from French, past participle of blaser to cloy]

blash (blæʃ)   n dialect   1 a heavy splash   2 a watery liquid   3 the damage due to a blow   4 a blazing flash   ▷ vb (tr)   5 dialect to splash (something) with liquid

■ blashy (ˈblæʃI)   adj blashier, blashiest   1 very rainy   2 very watery

blaspheme (blæsˈfiːm)   vb   1 (tr) to show contempt or disrespect for (God, a divine being, or sacred things), esp in speech   2 (intr) to utter profanities, curses, or impious expressions [C14: from Late Latin blasphēmāre, from Greek blasphēmein from blasphēmos BLASPHEMOUS]   > blasˈphemer n

blasphemy (ˈblæsfImI)   n, pl -mies   1 blasphemous behaviour or language   2 Also called (in some countries): blasphemous libel law the crime committed if a person insults, offends, or vilifies God or something sacred

■ blasphemous (ˈblæsfIməs)   adj   expressing or involving impiousness or gross irreverence towards God, a divine being, or something sacred [C15: via Late Latin, from Greek blasphēmos evil-speaking, from blapsis evil + phēmē speech]   > ˈblasphemously adv

■ blasphemousness (ˈblæsfəməsnəs)   n   the quality of being blasphemous

blast (blɑːst)   n   1 an explosion, as of dynamite   2    a the rapid movement of air away from the centre of an explosion, combustion of rocket fuel, etc   b a wave of overpressure caused by an explosion; shock wave   3 the charge of explosive used in a single explosion   4 a sudden strong gust of wind or air   5 a sudden loud sound, as of a trumpet   6 a violent verbal outburst, as of criticism   7 a forcible jet or stream of air, esp one used to intensify the heating effect of a furnace, increase the draught in a steam engine, or break up coal at a coalface   8 any of several diseases of plants and animals, esp one producing withering in plants   9 US slang a very enjoyable or thrilling experience: the party was a blast   10 full blast or at full blast at maximum speed, volume, etc   ▷ interj   11 slang an exclamation of annoyance (esp in phrases such as blast it! and blast him!)   ▷ vb   12 to destroy or blow up with explosives, shells, etc   13 to make or cause to make a loud harsh noise   14 (tr) to remove, open, etc, by an explosion: to blast a hole in a wall   15 (tr) to ruin; shatter: the rain blasted our plans for a picnic   16 to wither or cause to wither; blight or be blighted   17 to criticize severely   18 to shoot or shoot at: he blasted the hat off her head; he blasted away at the trees [Old English blǣst, related to Old Norse blāstr]   > ˈblaster n

■ blasted (ˈblɑːstId)   adj   1 blighted or withered   ▷ adj, adv (prenominal)   2 slang (intensifier): a blasted idiot

■ blast furnace   n   a vertical cylindrical furnace for smelting iron, copper, lead, and tin ores. The ore, scrap, solid fuel, and slag-forming materials are fed through the top and a blast of preheated air is forced through the charge from the bottom. Metal and slag are run off from the base

■ blast-furnace cement   n   a type of cement made from a blend of ordinary Portland cement and crushed slag from a blast furnace. It has lower setting properties than ordinary Portland cement

■ blasting (ˈblɑːstIŋ)   n   a distortion of sound caused by overloading certain components of a radio system

■ blast injection   n   the injection of liquid fuel directly into the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine using a blast of high-pressure air to atomize the spray of fuel. Compare solid injection

■ blastment (ˈblɑːstmənt)   n   shrivelling up due to something in the air

■ blastoff (ˈblɑːstˌɒf)   n   1 the launching of a rocket under its own power   2 the time at which this occurs   ▷ vb blast off   3 (adverb; when tr, usually passive) (of a rocket, spacemen, etc) to be launched

■ blasty (ˈblɑːstI)   adj blastier, blastiest   1 blustery   2 obsolete inducing blight

-blast   n combining form   (in biology) indicating an embryonic cell or formative layer: mesoblast [from Greek blastos bud]

blastema (blæˈstiːmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   a mass of undifferentiated animal cells that will develop into an organ or tissue: present at the site of regeneration of a lost part [C19: from New Latin, from Greek: offspring, from blastos bud]   > blastemic (blæˈstiːmIk, -ˈstɛm-) adj

■ blastemal (blæˈstiːməl) or blastematic (ˌblæstIˈmætIk)   adj   of or relating to blastema

blastie (ˈblɑːstI)   n   Scot a wretched, ugly little creature

blasto-   combining form   (in biology) indicating an embryo or bud or the process of budding: blastoderm [from Greek blastos; see -BLAST]

blastochyle (ˈblæstəʊˌkaIl)   n   embryol the fluid in a blastocoel

blastocoel or blastocoele (ˈblæstəʊˌsiːl)   n   embryol the cavity within a blastula. Also called: segmentation cavity

■ blastocoelic (ˌblæstəʊˈsiːlIk)   adj   of or relating to the blastocoel

blastocyst (ˈblæstəʊˌsIst)   n embryol   1 Also called: blastosphere the blastula of mammals: a sphere of cells (trophoblast) enclosing an inner mass of cells and a fluid-filled cavity (blastocoel)   2 another name for germinal vesicle

blastoderm (ˈblæstəʊˌdɜːm)   n embryol   1 the layer of cells that surrounds the blastocoel of a blastula   2 a flat disc of cells formed after cleavage in a heavily yolked egg, such as a bird's egg   ▶ Also called: blastodisc   > ˌblastoˈdermic adj

blastodisc (ˈblæstəʊˌdIsk)   n   another name for blastoderm

blastogenesis (ˌblæstəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   1 the theory that inherited characteristics are transmitted only by germ plasm. See also pangenesis   2 asexual reproduction, esp budding   > ˌblastoˈgenic or ˌblastogeˈnetic adj

blastoid (ˈblɑːstɔId) palaeontol   n   1 a type of extinct echinoderm, which can be found in fossil form in regions of North America   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to blastoids

blastoma (ˌblæsˈtəʊmə)   n, pl -mata or -mas   pathol   a a tumour composed of embryonic tissue that has not yet developed a specialized function   b (in combination): neuroblastoma [C20: New Latin, from BLASTO- + -OMA]

blastomere (ˈblæstəʊˌmIə)   n   embryol any of the cells formed by cleavage of a fertilized egg   > blastomeric (ˌblæstəʊˈmɛrIk) adj

blastomycosis (ˌblæstəʊmaIˈkəʊsIs)   n   a fungal infection particularly affecting the lungs

blastopore (ˈblæstəʊˌpɔː)   n   embryol the opening of the archenteron in the gastrula that develops into the anus of some animals   > ˌblastoˈporic or ˌblastoˈporal adj

blastosphere (ˈblæstəʊˌsfIə)   n   1 another name for blastula   2 another name for blastocyst (sense 1)

blastospore (ˈblæstəʊˌspɔː)   n   botany a spore formed by budding, as in certain fungi

blastula (ˈblæstjʊlə)   n, pl -las or -lae (-liː)   an early form of an animal embryo that develops from a morula, consisting of a sphere of cells with a central cavity. Also called: blastosphere [C19: New Latin; see BLASTO-]   > ˈblastular adj

■ blastulation (ˌblæstjʊˈleIʃən)   n   embryol the process of blastula formation

blat (blæt)   vb blats, blatting, blatted US and Canadian   1 (intr) to cry out or bleat like a sheep   2 (tr) to utter indiscreetly in a loud voice [C19: of imitative origin]

blatant (ˈbleItənt)   adj   1 glaringly conspicuous or obvious: a blatant lie   2 offensively noticeable: blatant disregard for a person's feelings   3 offensively noisy [C16: coined by Edmund Spenser; probably influenced by Latin blatīre to babble; compare Middle Low German pladderen]   > ˈblatancy n   > ˈblatantly adv

blate^1 (bleIt)   adj   1 obsolete exhibiting corpselike qualities, for example a pallid tone, insensibility, or lack of spirits   2 undiscerning   3 obsolete brusque   4 shy and ill at ease

blate^2 (bleIt)   vb   to babble (something)

blather (ˈblæðə) or Scot blether   vb   1 (intr) to speak foolishly   ▷ n   2 foolish talk; nonsense   3 a person who blathers [C15: from Old Norse blathra, from blathr nonsense]

■ blatherer (ˈblæðərə)   n   dialect someone who blathers

■ blatherskite (ˈblæðəˌskaIt)   n   1 a talkative silly person   2 foolish talk; nonsense [C17: see BLATHER, SKATE^3]

blatt (blæt)   n   1 a newspaper   2 Austral a high-speed car journey

blatted (ˈblætId)   adj   slang drunk [C20: of uncertain origin]

blatter (ˈblætə)   n   1 a prattle   ▷ vb   2 to prattle (something)

Blatter (ˈblætə)   n   Joseph, known as Sepp. born 1936, Swiss football administrator; President of FIFA 1998–2015

blaubok (ˈblaʊˌbɒk)   n, pl -boks or -bok   a large blue-haired antelope, Hippotragus leucophaeus, of southern Africa: extinct since 1800. Also called: blue buck [C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch blauwbok]

blaud (blɔːd) Scot   n   1 a large amount   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to slap

Blaue Reiter German (ˈblauə ˈraitər)   n   der Blaue Reiter. a group of German expressionist painters formed in Munich in 1911, including Kandinsky and Klee, who sought to express the spiritual side of humankind and nature, which they felt had been neglected by impressionism [C20: literally: blue rider, name adopted by Kandinsky and Marc because they liked the colour blue, horses, and riders]

Blavatsky (bləˈvætskI)   n   Elena Petrovna (jIˈljɛnə pIˈtrɔvnə), called Madame Blavatsky. 1831–91, Russian theosophist; author of Isis Unveiled (1877)

blaw (blɔː)   vb (intr)   Scot to blow

blawort (ˈblɑːˌwɜːt, ˈbleIˌwɜːt)   n   the plant Campanula rotundifolia. Also called: harebell

blaxploitation (ˌblæksplɔIˈteIʃən)   n   a genre of films featuring Black stereotypes [C20: from BLA(CK) + (E)XPLOITATION]

blay^1 (bleI)   n   a small European river fish, Leuciscus alburnus. Also called: bleak

blay^2 (bleI)   adj   Irish unbleached

Blaydon (ˈbleIdən)   n   an industrial town in NE England, in Gateshead unitary authority, Tyne and Wear. Pop: 14 648 (2001)

blazar (ˈbleIzɑː)   n   a type of galaxy supplying more radiation than a quasar

blaze^1 (bleIz)   n   1 a strong fire or flame   2 a very bright light or glare   3 an outburst (of passion, acclaim, patriotism, etc)   4 brilliance; brightness   ▷ vb (intr)   5 to burn fiercely   6 to shine brightly   7 (often foll by up) to become stirred, as with anger or excitement   8 (usually foll by away) to shoot continuously [Old English blæse]

■ blazing (ˈbleIzIŋ)   adj   1 burning or shining very brightly   2 Brit (of a row or argument) very intense and acrimonious   3 displaying a lot of emotion, esp anger   ▷ adv   4 involving fire or great heat

■ blazingly (ˈbleIzIŋlI)   adv   in a blazing manner

■ blazing star   n US   1 a North American liliaceous plant, Chamaelirium luteum, with a long spike of small white flowers   2 any plant of the North American genus Liatris, having clusters of small red or purple flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

blaze^2 (bleIz)   n   1 a mark, usually indicating a path, made on a tree, esp by chipping off the bark   2 a light-coloured marking on the face of a domestic animal, esp a horse   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to indicate or mark (a tree, path, etc) with a blaze   4 blaze a trail to explore new territories, areas of knowledge, etc, in such a way that others can follow [C17: probably from Middle Low German bles white marking; compare BLEMISH]

blaze^3 (bleIz)   vb   (tr; often foll by abroad) to make widely known; proclaim [C14: from Middle Dutch blāsen, from Old High German blāsan; related to Old Norse blāsa]

blazer (ˈbleIzə)   n   a fairly lightweight jacket, often striped or in the colours of a sports club, school, etc

blazes (ˈbleIzIz)   pl n   1 slang a euphemistic word for hell   2 informal (intensifier): to run like blazes; what the blazes are you doing?   3 go to blazes! slang go to hell!

blazon (ˈbleIzən)   vb (tr)   1 (often foll by abroad) to proclaim loudly and publicly   2 heraldry to describe (heraldic arms) in proper terms   3 to draw and colour (heraldic arms) conventionally   ▷ n   4 heraldry a conventional description or depiction of heraldic arms   5 any description or recording, esp of good qualities [C13: from Old French blason coat of arms]   > ˈblazoner n

■ blazonings (ˈbleIzənIŋz)   pl n   heraldic adornments

■ blazonry (ˈbleIzənrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the art or process of describing heraldic arms in proper form   2 heraldic arms collectively   3 colourful or ostentatious display

bldg   abbreviation for   building

bleach (bliːtʃ)   vb   1 to make or become white or colourless, as by exposure to sunlight, by the action of chemical agents, etc   ▷ n   2 a bleaching agent   3 the degree of whiteness resulting from bleaching   4 the act of bleaching [Old English blǣcan; related to Old Norse bleikja, Old High German bleih pale]   > ˈbleachable adj   > ˈbleacher n

■ bleached (bliːtʃt)   adj   made lighter in colour

■ bleacherite (ˈbliːtʃəˌraIt)   n   US someone who sits in the bleachers at a sports stadium

■ bleachers (ˈbliːtʃəz)   pl n   1 (sometimes singular) a tier of seats in a sports stadium, etc, that are unroofed and inexpensive   2 the people occupying such seats

■ bleachery (ˈbliːtʃərI)   n, pl -ries   a place where bleaching is carried out

■ bleaching powder   n   a white powder with the odour of chlorine, consisting of chlorinated calcium hydroxide with an approximate formula CaCl(OCl).4H_2O. It is used in solution as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. Also called: chloride of lime, chlorinated lime

bleak^1 (bliːk)   adj   1 exposed and barren; desolate   2 cold and raw   3 offering little hope or excitement; dismal: a bleak future [Old English blāc bright, pale; related to Old Norse bleikr white, Old High German bleih pale]   > ˈbleakly adv   > ˈbleakness n

■ bleakish (ˈbliːkIʃ)   adj   1 obsolete quite pale   2 quite bleak

bleak^2 (bliːk)   n   any slender silvery European cyprinid fish of the genus Alburnus, esp A. lucidus, occurring in slow-flowing rivers [C15: probably from Old Norse bleikja white colour; related to Old High German bleiche BLEACH]

blear (blIə) archaic   vb   1 (tr) to make (eyes or sight) dim with or as if with tears; blur   ▷ adj   2 a less common word for bleary [C13: blere to make dim; related to Middle High German blerre blurred vision]

■ bleary (ˈblIərI)   adj blearier, bleariest   1 Also: bleared (of eyes or vision) dimmed or blurred, as by tears or tiredness   2 indistinct or unclear   3 exhausted; tired   > ˈblearily adv   > ˈbleariness n

■ bleary-eyed or blear-eyed   adj   1 with eyes blurred, as with old age or after waking   2 physically or mentally unperceptive

Bleasdale (ˈbliːzdeIl)   n   Alan. born 1946, British playwright, best known for his television series The Boys From the Blackstuff (1983) and GBH (1991)

bleat (bliːt)   vb   1 (intr) (of a sheep, goat, or calf) to utter its characteristic plaintive cry   2 (intr) to speak with any similar sound   3 to whine; whimper   ▷ n   4 the characteristic cry of sheep, goats, and young calves   5 any sound similar to this   6 a weak complaint or whine [Old English blǣtan; related to Old High German blāzen, Dutch blaten, Latin flēre to weep; see BLARE]   > ˈbleater n   > ˈbleating n, adj

bleb (blɛb)   n   1 a fluid-filled blister on the skin   2 a small air bubble [C17: variant of BLOB]   > ˈblebby adj

■ blebbing (ˈblɛbIŋ)   n   the formation of a bleb

Bledisloe Cup (ˈblɛdIsləʊ)   n   rugby Union a trophy competed for, usually annually, by New Zealand and Australia since 1932 [C20: after Charles Bathurst, 1st Viscount Bledisloe (1867–1958), Governor General of New Zealand who donated the trophy]

blee (bliː)   n   archaic a complexion or hue

bleed (bliːd)   vb bleeds, bleeding, bled   1 (intr) to lose or emit blood   2 (tr) to remove or draw blood from (a person or animal)   3 (intr) to be injured or die, as for a cause or one's country   4 (of plants) to exude (sap or resin), esp from a cut   5 (tr) informal to obtain relatively large amounts of money, goods, etc, esp by extortion   6 (tr) to draw liquid or gas from (a container or enclosed system): to bleed the hydraulic brakes   7 (intr) (of dye or paint) to run or become mixed, as when wet   8 to print or be printed so that text, illustrations, etc, run off the trimmed page   9 (tr) to trim (the edges of a printed sheet) so closely as to cut off some of the printed matter   10 (intr) civil engineering, building trades (of a mixture) to exude (a liquid) during compaction, such as water from cement   11 bleed someone or something dry to extort gradually all the resources of a person or thing   12 one's heart bleeds used to express sympathetic grief, but often used ironically   ▷ n   13 printing   a an illustration or sheet trimmed so that some matter is bled   b (as modifier): a bleed page   14 printing the trimmings of a sheet that has been bled [Old English blēdan; see BLOOD]

■ bleeder (ˈbliːdə)   n   1 slang   a derogatory a despicable person: a rotten bleeder   b any person; fellow: where's the bleeder gone?   2 pathol a nontechnical name for a haemophiliac

■ bleeder resistor   n   a resistor connected across the output terminals of a power supply in order to improve voltage regulation and to discharge filter capacitors

■ bleeder's disease   n   a nontechnical name for haemophilia

■ bleeding (ˈbliːdIŋ)   adj, adv Brit slang   (intensifier): a bleeding fool; it's bleeding beautiful

■ bleeding edge   n     a the very forefront of technological development   b (as modifier): bleeding-edge communications systems

■ bleeding heart   n   1 any of several plants of the genus Dicentra, esp the widely cultivated Japanese species D. spectabilis, which has finely divided leaves and heart-shaped nodding pink flowers: family Fumariaceae   2 informal   a a person who is excessively softhearted   b (as modifier): a bleeding-heart liberal

■ bleed out   vb   (intr, adverb) to die as a result of losing blood through an unattended wound

■ bleed valve or bleed nipple   n   a valve for running off a liquid from a tank, tube, etc, or for allowing accumulations of gas in a liquid to blow off

bleep (bliːp)   n   1 a short high-pitched signal made by an electronic apparatus; beep   2 another word for bleeper   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to make such a noise   4 (tr) to call (someone) by triggering the bleeper he or she is wearing [C20: of imitative origin]

■ bleeper (ˈbliːpə)   n   a small portable radio receiver, carried esp by doctors, that sounds a coded bleeping signal to call the carrier. Also called: bleep

blellum (ˈblɛləm)   n   Scot a babbler

blemish (ˈblɛmIʃ)   n   1 a defect; flaw; stain   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to flaw the perfection of; spoil; tarnish [C14: from Old French blemir to make pale, probably of Germanic origin]

■ blemished (ˈblɛmIʃt)   adj   spoilt by physical or moral blemishes

■ blemisher (ˈblɛmIʃə)   n   a person or thing that blemishes

■ blemishment (ˈblɛmIʃmənt)   n   a flaw or blemish

blench^1 (blɛntʃ)   vb   (intr) to shy away, as in fear; quail [Old English blencan to deceive]

■ blencher (ˈblɛntʃə)   n   1 obsolete someone employed to scare or obstruct   2 someone who flinches

blench^2 (blɛntʃ)   vb   to make or become pale or white [C19: variant of BLANCH]

blend (blɛnd)   vb   1 to mix or mingle (components) together thoroughly   2 (tr) to mix (different grades or varieties of tea, whisky, tobacco, etc) to produce a particular flavour, consistency, etc   3 (intr) to look good together; harmonize   4 (intr) (esp of colours) to shade imperceptibly into each other   ▷ n   5 a mixture or type produced by blending   6 the act of blending   7 Also called: portmanteau word a word formed by joining together the beginning and the end of two other words: "brunch" is a blend of "breakfast" and "lunch" [Old English blandan; related to blendan to deceive, Old Norse blanda, Old High German blantan]

■ blended (ˈblɛndId)   adj   made by commercially blending different varieties of the same thing

■ blended family   n   chiefly US a family consisting of parents and the offspring they have had together, and their offspring from previous relationships

■ blended learning   n   education the use of both classroom teaching and on-line learning

■ blender (ˈblɛndə)   n   1 a person or thing that blends   2 Also called: liquidizer a kitchen appliance with blades used for puréeing vegetables, blending liquids, etc

blende (blɛnd)   n   1 another name for sphalerite   2 any of several sulphide ores, such as antimony sulphide [C17: German Blende, from blenden to deceive, BLIND; so called because it is easily mistaken for galena]

Blenheim^1 (ˈblɛnIm)   n   a village in SW Germany, site of a victory of Anglo-Austrian forces under the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugène of Savoy that saved Vienna from the French and Bavarians (1704) during the War of the Spanish Succession. Modern name: Blindheim

■ Blenheim Palace   n   a palace in Woodstock in Oxfordshire: built (1705–22) by Sir John Vanbrugh for the 1st Duke of Marlborough as a reward from the nation for his victory at Blenheim; gardens laid out by Henry Wise and Capability Brown; birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill (1874)

Blenheim^2 (ˈblɛnIm)   n   1 a type of King Charles spaniel having red-and-white markings   2 Also called: Blenheim orange   a a type of apple tree bearing gold-coloured apples   b the fruit of this tree [C19: named after BLENHEIM PALACE]

blennioid (ˈblɛnIˌɔId)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Blennioidea, a large suborder of small mainly marine spiny-finned fishes having an elongated body with reduced pelvic fins. The group includes the blennies, butterfish, and gunnel   ▷ n   2 any fish belonging to the Blennioidea

blennorrhoea or US blennorrhea (ˌblɛnəˈrIə)   n   pathol an excessive discharge of watery mucus, esp from the urethra or the vagina

blenny (ˈblɛnI)   n, pl -nies   1 any blennioid fish of the family Blenniidae of coastal waters, esp of the genus Blennius, having a tapering scaleless body, a long dorsal fin, and long raylike pelvic fins   2 any of various related fishes [C18: from Latin blennius, from Greek blennos slime; from the mucus that coats its body]

blent (blɛnt)   vb   archaic or literary a past participle of blend

bleomycin (ˌbliːəʊˈmaIsIn)   n   a glycopeptide antibiotic drug used in the treatment of cancer and Hodgkin's Disease [C20: from bleo- unknown + -MYCIN]

blepharism (ˈblɛfərIzəm)   n   spasm of the eyelids, causing rapid involuntary blinking

blepharitis (ˌblɛfəˈraItIs)   n   inflammation of the eyelids [C19: from Greek blephar(on) eyelid + -ITIS]   > blepharitic (ˌblɛfəˈrItIk) adj

blepharoplast (ˈblɛfərəʊˌplæst)   n   a cylindrical cytoplasmic body in protozoa

blepharoplasty (ˈblɛfərəʊˌplæstI)   n   cosmetic surgery performed on the eyelid [C20: from Greek blepharo(n) eyelid + -PLASTY]

blepharospasm (ˈblɛfərəʊˌspæzəm)   n   spasm of the muscle of the eyelids, causing the eyes to shut tightly, either as a response to painful stimuli or occurring as a form of dystonia [C19: from Greek blepharo(n) eyelid + SPASM]

Blériot (French blerjo)   n   Louis (lwi). 1872–1936, French aviator and aeronautical engineer: made the first flight across the English Channel (1909)

blert (blɜːt)   n   Northern English dialect a fool

blesbok or blesbuck (ˈblɛsˌbʌk)   n, pl -boks, -bok or -bucks, -buck   an antelope, Damaliscus dorcas (or albifrons), of southern Africa. The coat is a deep reddish-brown with a white blaze between the eyes; the horns are lyre-shaped [C19: Afrikaans, from Dutch bles BLAZE^2 + bok goat, BUCK^1]

bless (blɛs)   vb blesses, blessing, blessed or blest (tr)   1 to consecrate or render holy, beneficial, or prosperous by means of a religious rite   2 to give honour or glory to (a person or thing) as divine or holy   3 to call upon God to protect; give a benediction to   4 to worship or adore (God); call or hold holy   5 (often passive) to grant happiness, health, or prosperity to: they were blessed with perfect peace   6 (usually passive) to endow with a talent, beauty, etc: she was blessed with an even temper   7 rare to protect against evil or harm   8 bless! (interjection) an exclamation of well-wishing   9 bless you! (interjection)   a a traditional phrase said to a person who has just sneezed   b an exclamation of well-wishing or surprise   10 bless me!, bless my soul! or God bless my soul! (interjection) an exclamation of surprise   11 not have a penny to bless oneself with to be desperately poor [Old English blǣdsian to sprinkle with sacrificial blood; related to blōd BLOOD]

■ blessed (ˈblɛsId, blɛst)   adj   1 made holy by religious ceremony; consecrated   2 worthy of deep reverence or respect   3 RC Church (of a person) beatified by the pope   4 characterized by happiness or good fortune: a blessed time   5 bringing great happiness or good fortune   6 a euphemistic word for damned: I'm blessed if I know   ▷ n   7 the blessed Christianity the dead who are already enjoying heavenly bliss   > ˈblessedly adv   > ˈblessedness n

■ Blessed Sacrament   n   chiefly RC Church the consecrated elements of the Eucharist

■ Blessed Virgin   n   chiefly RC Church another name for Mary (sense 1a)

■ blesser (ˈblɛsə)   n   someone who blesses

■ blessing (ˈblɛsIŋ)   n   1 the act of invoking divine protection or aid   2 the words or ceremony used for this   3 a short prayer of thanksgiving before or after a meal; grace   4 Also called: brachah, brocho Judaism   a a short prayer prescribed for a specific occasion and beginning "Blessed art thou, O Lord…"   b a section of the liturgy including a similar formula   5 approval; good wishes: her father gave his blessing to the marriage   6 the bestowal of a divine gift or favour   7 a happy event or state of affairs: a blessing in disguise

blet (blɛt)   n   a state of softness or decay in certain fruits, such as the medlar, brought about by overripening [C19: from French blettir to become overripe]

Bletchley Park (ˈblɛtʃlI)   n   the Buckinghamshire estate which was the centre of British code-breaking operations during World War II

blether (ˈblɛðə)   vb, n   Scot a variant spelling of blather [C16: from Old Norse blathra, from blathr nonsense]

■ bletheranskate (ˈblɛðərənˌskeIt)   n   Scot a blatherer

■ bletheration (ˌblɛðəˈreIʃən)   interj   Scot nonsense!

■ blethered (ˈblɛðəd)   adj   Northern English dialect weary

■ bletherer (ˈblɛðərə)   n   Scot someone who blathers

■ bletherskate (ˈblɛðəˌskeIt)   n   Scot a blatherer

bleuatre French (bløɑtr)   adj   blueish

blew (bluː)   vb   the past tense of blow^1

blewits (ˈbluːIts)   n   (functioning as singular) an edible saprotroph agaricaceous fungus, Tricholoma saevum, having a pale brown cap and bluish stalk [C19: probably based on BLUE]

Blida (ˈbliːdə)   n   a city in N Algeria, on the edge of the Mitidja Plain. Pop: 269 000 (2005 est)

Bligh (blaI)   n   William. 1754–1817, British admiral; Governor of New South Wales (1806–9), deposed by the New South Wales Corps: as a captain, commander of H.M.S. Bounty when the crew mutinied in 1789

blight (blaIt)   n   1 any plant disease characterized by withering and shrivelling without rotting. See also potato blight   2 any factor, such as bacterial attack or air pollution, that causes the symptoms of blight in plants   3 a person or thing that mars or prevents growth, improvement, or prosperity   4 an ugly urban district   5 the state or condition of being blighted or spoilt   ▷ vb   6 to cause or suffer a blight   7 (tr) to frustrate or disappoint   8 (tr) to spoil; destroy [C17: perhaps related to Old English blǣce rash; compare BLEACH]

■ blighter (ˈblaItə)   n Brit informal   1 a fellow: where's the blighter gone?   2 a despicable or irritating person or thing

■ blightingly (ˈblaItIŋlI)   adv   in a blighting manner

blighty or blighty bird (ˈblaItI)   n   NZ another name for white-eye

Blighty (ˈblaItI)   n (sometimes not capital) Brit slang (used esp by troops serving abroad)   1 England; home   2 (esp in World War I)   a Also called: a blighty one a slight wound that causes the recipient to be sent home to England   b leave in England [C20: from Hindi bilāyatī foreign land, England, from Arabic wilāyat country, from waliya he rules]

bliksem (ˈblIksəm)   interj   South African an exclamation expressive of surprise, shock, displeasure, etc [from Afrikaans: lightning]

blimey (ˈblaImI)   interj   Brit slang an exclamation of surprise or annoyance [C19: short for gorblimey God blind me]

blimp^1 (blImp)   n   1 a small nonrigid airship, esp one used for observation or as a barrage balloon   2 films a soundproof cover fixed over a camera during shooting [C20: probably from (type) B-limp]

■ blimp out   vb   (intr, adverb) slang to become greatly overweight

blimp^2 (blImp)   n   (often capital) chiefly Brit a person, esp a military officer, who is stupidly complacent and reactionary. Also called: Colonel Blimp [C20: after a character created by Sir David Low (1891–1963), New Zealand-born British political cartoonist]

■ blimpish (ˈblImpIʃ)   adj   highly conservative and nationalistic

■ blimpishly (ˈblImpIʃlI)   adv   in a blimpish manner

■ blimpishness (ˈblImpIʃnəs)   n   actions or behaviour akin to those of the fictional character of Colonel Blimp, or the quality of resembling this character

blin (blIn)   adj   a Scot word for blind

blind (blaInd)   adj   1    a unable to see; sightless   b often offensive (as collective noun; preceded by the): the blind   2 (usually foll by to) unable or unwilling to understand or discern   3 not based on evidence or determined by reason: blind hatred   4 acting or performed without control or preparation   5 done without being able to see, relying on instruments for information   6 hidden from sight: a blind corner; a blind stitch   7 closed at one end: a blind alley   8 completely lacking awareness or consciousness: a blind stupor   9 informal very drunk   10 having no openings or outlets: a blind wall   11 without having been seen beforehand: a blind purchase   12 (of cultivated plants) having failed to produce flowers or fruits   13 (intensifier): not a blind bit of notice   14 turn a blind eye to disregard deliberately or pretend not to notice (something, esp an action of which one disapproves)   ▷ adv   15 without being able to see ahead or using only instruments: to drive blind; flying blind   16 without adequate knowledge or information; carelessly: to buy a house blind   17 (intensifier) (in the phrase blind drunk)   18 bake blind to bake (the empty crust of a pie, pastry, etc) by half filling with dried peas, crusts of bread, etc, to keep it in shape   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   19 to deprive of sight permanently or temporarily   20 to deprive of good sense, reason, or judgment   21 to darken; conceal   22 (foll by with) to overwhelm by showing detailed knowledge: to blind somebody with science   23 (intr) Brit slang to drive very fast   24 (intr) Brit slang to curse (esp in the phrase effing and blinding)   ▷ n   25 (modifier) for or intended to help blind and partially sighted people: a blind school   26 a shade for a window, usually on a roller   27 any obstruction or hindrance to sight, light, or air   28 a person, action, or thing that serves to deceive or conceal the truth   29 a person who acts on behalf of someone who does not wish his or her identity or actions to be known   30 Also called: blinder Brit old-fashioned, slang a drunken orgy; binge   31 poker a stake put up by a player before examining his or her cards   32 hunting, chiefly US and Canadian a screen of brush or undergrowth, in which hunters hide to shoot their quarry. Brit name: hide   33 military a round or demolition charge that fails to explode [Old English blind; related to Old Norse blindr, Old High German blint; Lettish blendu to see dimly; see BLUNDER]   > ˈblindly adv   > ˈblindness n

USAGE

It is preferable to avoid using phrases such as the blind. Instead you should talk about blind and partially sighted people

■ blindage (ˈblaIndIdʒ)   n   military (esp formerly) a protective screen or structure, as over a trench

■ blind alley   n   1 an alley open at one end only; cul-de-sac   2 informal a situation in which no further progress can be made

■ blind blocking   n   bookbinding another name for blind stamping

■ blind date   n informal   1 a social meeting between two people who have not met before   2 either of the persons involved

■ blinder (ˈblaIndə)   n   1 an outstanding performance in sport   2 Brit slang another name for blind (sense 30)

■ blinders (ˈblaIndəz)   pl n   US and Canadian leather sidepieces attached to a horse's bridle to prevent sideways vision. Also called (in Britain and other countries): blinkers

■ blindfish (ˈblaIndˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any of various small fishes, esp the cavefish, that have rudimentary or functionless eyes and occur in subterranean streams

■ blindfold (ˈblaIndˌfəʊld)   vb (tr)   1 to prevent (a person or animal) from seeing by covering (the eyes)   2 to prevent from perceiving or understanding   ▷ n   3 a piece of cloth, bandage, etc, used to cover the eyes   4 any interference to sight   ▷ adj, adv   5 having the eyes covered with a cloth or bandage   6 chess not seeing the board and pieces   7 rash; inconsiderate [changed (C16) through association with FOLD^1 from Old English blindfellian to strike blind; see BLIND, FELL^2]

■ blindfolded (ˈblaIndfəʊldId)   adj   1 wearing a blindfold   2 able to do something blindfolded able to do something very easily, for example because of having done it many times before

■ Blind Freddie   n   Austral informal an imaginary person representing the highest degree of incompetence (esp in the phrase Blind Freddie could see that!)

■ blind gut   n   informal another name for the caecum

■ blinding (ˈblaIndIŋ)   n   1 sand or grit spread over a road surface to fill up cracks   2 the process of laying blinding   3 Also called: mattress a layer of concrete made with little cement spread over soft ground to seal it so that reinforcement can be laid on it   ▷ adj   4 making one blind or as if blind: blinding snow   5 most noticeable; brilliant or dazzling: a blinding display of skill   > ˈblindingly adv

■ blindless (ˈblaIndlIs)   adj   (of a window) not being fitted with a blind

■ blind man's buff   n   a game in which a blindfolded person tries to catch and identify the other players [C16: buff, perhaps from Old French buffe a blow; see BUFFET^2]

■ blind register   n   (in the United Kingdom) a list of those who are blind and are therefore entitled to financial and other benefits

■ blind side   n   1 rugby the side of the field between the scrum and the nearer touchline   2 the side on which a person's vision is obscured   ▷ vb blindside, blind-side   3 (tr) US to take (someone) by surprise

■ blindsight (ˈblaIndˌsaIt)   n   the ability to respond to visual stimuli without having any conscious visual experience; it can occur after some forms of brain damage

■ blind snake   n   any burrowing snake of the family Typhlopidae and related families of warm and tropical regions, having very small or vestigial eyes

■ blind spot   n   1 a small oval-shaped area of the retina in which vision is not experienced. It marks the nonphotosensitive site of entrance into the eyeball of the optic nerve. See optic disc   2 a place or area, as in an auditorium or part of a road, where vision is completely or partially obscured or hearing is difficult or impossible   3 a subject about which a person is ignorant or prejudiced, or an occupation in which he or she is inefficient   4 a location within the normal range of a radio transmitter with weak reception

■ blind staggers   n   (functioning as singular) vet science another name for staggers

■ blind stamping   n   bookbinding an impression on a book cover without using colour or gold leaf. Also called: blind blocking

■ blindstorey or blindstory (ˈblaIndˌstɔːrI)   n, pl -reys or -ries   a storey without windows, such as a gallery in a Gothic church. Compare clerestory

■ blind trust   n   a trust fund that manages the financial affairs of a person without informing him or her of any investments made, usually so that the beneficiary cannot be accused of using public office for private gain

■ blindworm (ˈblaIndˌwɜːm)   n   another name for slowworm

Blindheim (ˈblIntˌhaIm)   n   the German name for Blenheim^1

bling-bling (ˈblIŋˌblIŋ) or bling   adj informal   1 flashy; ostentatious; glitzy   ▷ n   2 ostentatious jewellery [C20: imitative of jewellery clashing together or of light reflecting off jewellery]

■ blinging (ˈblIŋIŋ)   adj informal   1 flashy and expensive   2 very good

blinglish (ˈblIŋɡlIʃ)   n   informal a form of spoken English that blends British English with Black youth slang [C21: from BLING(-BLING) + (ENG)LISH, a reference to the jewellery favoured by some Black rappers and singers]

blini (ˈblInI), bliny or blinis (ˈblInIz)   pl n   Russian pancakes made of buckwheat flour and yeast [C19: from Russian: plural of blin, from Old Russian mlinǔ, related to Russian molot' to grind]

blink (blIŋk)   vb   1 to close and immediately reopen (the eyes or an eye), usually involuntarily   2 (intr) to look with the eyes partially closed, as in strong sunlight   3 to shine intermittently, as in signalling, or unsteadily   4 (tr; foll by away, from, etc) to clear the eyes of (dust, tears, etc)   5 (when tr, usually foll by at) to be surprised or amazed: he blinked at the splendour of the ceremony   6 (when intr, foll by at) to pretend not to know or see (a fault, injustice, etc)   ▷ n   7 the act or an instance of blinking   8 a glance; glimpse   9 short for iceblink (sense 1)   10 on the blink slang not working properly [C14: variant of BLENCH^1; related to Middle Dutch blinken to glitter, Danish blinke to wink, Swedish blinka]

■ blinkard (ˈblIŋkɑːd)   n obsolete   1 an idiot or stupid person   2 a person with bad eyesight   3 someone who blinks excessively

■ blinker (ˈblIŋkə)   n   1 a flashing light for sending messages, as a warning device, etc, such as a direction indicator on a road vehicle   2 (often plural) a slang word for eye^1   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to provide (a horse) with blinkers   4 to obscure with or as if with blinkers

■ blinkered (ˈblIŋkəd)   adj   1 considering only a narrow point of view   2 (of a horse) wearing blinkers

■ blinkers (ˈblIŋkəz)   pl n   1 (sometimes singular) chiefly Brit leather sidepieces attached to a horse's bridle to prevent sideways vision. Usual US and Canadian word: blinders   2 a slang word for goggle (sense 4)

■ blinking (ˈblIŋkIŋ)   adj, adv   informal (intensifier): a blinking fool; a blinking good film

■ blinks (blIŋks)   n   (functioning as singular) a small temperate portulacaceous plant, Montia fontana with small white flowers [C19: from BLINK, because the flowers do not fully open and thus seem to blink at the light]

blintz or blintze (blInts)   n   a thin pancake folded over a filling usually of apple, cream cheese, or meat [C20: from Yiddish blintse, from Russian blinyets little pancakes; see BLINI]

blip (blIp)   n   1 a repetitive sound, such as that produced by an electronic device, by dripping water, etc   2 Also called: pip the spot of light or a sharply peaked pulse on a radar screen indicating the position of an object   3 a temporary irregularity recorded in performance of something   ▷ vb blips, blipping, blipped   4 (intr) to produce such a noise [C20: of imitative origin]

blipvert (ˈblIpˌvɜːt)   n   a very short television advertisement [C20: from BLIP + (AD)VERT]

bliss (blIs)   n   1 perfect happiness; serene joy   2 the ecstatic joy of heaven [Old English blīths; related to blīthe BLITHE, Old Saxon blīdsea bliss]   > ˈblissless adj

■ blissful (ˈblIsfʊl)   adj   1 serenely joyful or glad   2 blissful ignorance unawareness or inexperience of something unpleasant   > ˈblissfully adv   > ˈblissfulness n

Bliss (blIs)   n   Sir Arthur. 1891–1975, British composer; Master of the Queen's Musick (1953–75). His works include the Colour Symphony (1922), film and ballet music, and a cello concerto (1970)

B list   n     a a category considered to be slightly below the most socially desirable   b (as modifier): B-list celebrities. Compare A list

blister (ˈblIstə)   n   1 a small bubble-like elevation of the skin filled with serum, produced as a reaction to a burn, mechanical irritation, etc   2 a swelling containing air or liquid, as on a painted surface   3 a transparent dome or any bulge on the fuselage of an aircraft, such as one used for observation   4 slang an irritating person   5 NZ slang a rebuke   ▷ vb   6 to have or cause to have blisters   7 (tr) to attack verbally with great scorn or sarcasm [C13: from Old French blestre, probably from Middle Dutch bluyster blister; see BLAST]   > ˈblistered adj   > ˈblistery adj

■ blister beetle   n   any beetle of the family Meloidae, many of which produce a secretion that blisters the skin. See also Spanish fly

■ blister copper   n   an impure form of copper having a blister-like surface due to the release of gas during cooling

■ blistering (ˈblIstərIŋ, -trIŋ)   adj   1 (of weather) extremely hot   2 (of criticism) extremely harsh   > ˈblisteringly adv

■ blister pack   n   a type of packet in which small items are displayed and sold, consisting of a transparent dome of plastic or similar material mounted on a firm backing such as cardboard. Also called: bubble pack

■ blister-packed   adj   presented in a blister pack

■ blister rust   n   a disease of certain pines caused by rust fungi of the genus Cronartium, causing swellings on the bark from which orange masses of spores are released

BLit   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Literature

blite (blaIt)   n   any of a variety of plants in the family Chenopodiaceae, esp Amaranthus blitum. Also called: purple amaranth

blithe (blaIð)   adj   1 very happy or cheerful   2 heedless; casual and indifferent [Old English blīthe]   > ˈblithely adv   > ˈblitheness n

■ blithesome (ˈblaIðsəm)   adj   literary cheery; merry   > ˈblithesomely adv   > ˈblithesomeness n

blither (ˈblIðə)   vb (intr)   to talk nonsense

■ blithering (ˈblIðərInɡ)   adj   1 talking foolishly; jabbering   2 informal stupid; foolish: you blithering idiot [C19: variant of BLATHER + -ING^2]

BLitt   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Letters [Latin Baccalaureus Litterarum]

blitter (ˈblItə)   n   a circuit that transfers large amounts of data within a computer's memory

blitz (blIts)   n   1 a violent and sustained attack, esp with intensive aerial bombardment   2 any sudden intensive attack or concerted effort: an advertising blitz; a drink-driving blitz   3 American football a defensive charge on the quarterback   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to attack suddenly and intensively   5 (tr) informal to chop or blend (food) with an electric food processor [C20: shortened from German Blitzkrieg lightning war]

■ Blitz (blIts)   n   the Blitz the systematic night-time bombing of Britain in 1940–41 by the German Luftwaffe

■ blitzed (blItst)   adj   slang inebriated; drunk

■ blitzer (ˈblItsə)   n   a person or thing that blitzes

blitzkrieg (ˈblItsˌkriːɡ)   n   a swift intensive military attack, esp using tanks supported by aircraft, designed to defeat the opposition quickly [C20: from German: lightning war]

Blixen (ˈblIksən)   n   Karen. See Dinesen

blizzard (ˈblIzəd)   n   a strong bitterly cold wind accompanied by a widespread heavy snowfall [C19: of uncertain origin]

■ blizzardy (ˈblIzədI) or blizzardly (ˈblIzədlI)   adj   characterized by blizzards, or resembling a blizzard

BLL   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Laws

BL Lac object   n   an extremely compact violently variable form of active galaxy [C20: named after BL Lacertae, first identified example found in the constellation Lacerta and originally thought to be a variable star]

bloat (bləʊt)   vb   1 to swell or cause to swell, as with a liquid, air, or wind   2 to become or cause to be puffed up, as with conceit   3 (tr) to cure (fish, esp herring) by half-drying in smoke   ▷ n   4 vet science an abnormal distention of the abdomen in cattle, sheep, etc, caused by accumulation of gas in the stomach [C17: probably related to Old Norse blautr soaked, Old English blāt pale]

■ bloated (ˈbləʊtId)   adj   1 swollen, as with a liquid, air, or wind   2 puffed up, as with conceit

■ bloatedness (ˈbləʊtIdnəs)   n   the state of being swollen, as with a liquid, air, or wind

■ bloater (ˈbləʊtə)   n   1 a herring, or sometimes a mackerel, that has been salted in brine, smoked, and cured   2 Brit slang a fat or greedy person

■ bloating (ˈbləʊtIŋ)   n   a swollen state caused espy by gas retention inside the body

■ bloatware (ˈbləʊtˌwɛə)   n   computing computer software with an excessive number of unnecessary features and, often, unnecessarily high memory and disc space requirements

blob (blɒb)   n   1 a soft mass or drop, as of some viscous liquid   2 a spot, dab, or blotch of colour, ink, etc   3 an indistinct or shapeless form or object   4 a slang word for condom   ▷ vb blobs, blobbing, blobbed   5 (tr) to put blobs, as of ink or paint, on [C15: perhaps of imitative origin; compare BUBBLE]   > ˈblobby adj

bloc (blɒk)   n   a group of people or countries combined by a common interest or aim: the Soviet bloc [C20: from French: BLOCK]

Bloch (blɒk)   n   1  Ernest. 1880–1959, US composer, born in Switzerland, who found inspiration in Jewish liturgical and folk music: his works include the symphonies Israel (1916) and America (1926)   2  Felix. 1905–83, US physicist, born in Switzerland: Nobel prize for physics (1952) for his work on the magnetic moments of atomic particles   3  Konrad Emil. 1912–2000, US biochemist, born in Germany: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1964 for his work on fatty-acid metabolism   4 (French blɔk) Marc. 1886–1944, French historian and Resistance fighter; author of Feudal Society (1935) and Strange Defeat (1940), an essay on the fall of France: killed by the Nazis

block (blɒk)   n   1 a large solid piece of wood, stone, or other material with flat rectangular sides, as for use in building   2 any large solid piece of wood, stone, etc, usually having at least one face fairly flat   3 such a piece on which particular tasks may be done, as chopping, cutting, or beheading   4 Also called: building block one of a set of wooden or plastic cubes as a child's toy   5 a form on which things are shaped or displayed: a wig block   6 slang a person's head (esp in the phrase knock someone's block off)   7 do one's block Austral and NZ slang to become angry   8 a dull, unemotional, or hardhearted person   9 a large building of offices, flats, etc   10    a a group of buildings in a city bounded by intersecting streets on each side   b the area or distance between such intersecting streets   11 Austral and NZ an area of land for a house, farm, etc   12 Austral and NZ a log, usually a willow, fastened to a timber base and used in a wood-chopping competition   13 an area of land, esp one to be divided for building or settling   14 See cylinder block   15    a a piece of wood, metal, or other material having an engraved, cast, or carved design in relief, used either for printing or for stamping book covers, etc   b Brit a letterpress printing plate, esp one mounted type-high on wood or metal   16 a casing housing one or more freely rotating pulleys. See also block and tackle   17 on the block chiefly US and Canadian up for auction   18 the act of obstructing or condition of being obstructed, as in sports   19 an obstruction or hindrance   20 pathol   a interference in the normal physiological functioning of an organ or part   b See heart block   c See nerve block   21 psychol a short interruption of perceptual or thought processes   22 obstruction of an opponent in a sport   23    a a section or quantity, as of tickets or shares, handled or considered as a single unit   b (as modifier): a block booking; block voting   24    a a stretch of railway in which only one train may travel at a time   b (as modifier): a block signal   25 an unseparated group of four or more postage stamps. Compare strip^1 (sense 3)   26 a pad of paper   27 computing a group of words treated as a unit of data on a tape, disk, etc   28 athletics short for starting block   29 cricket a mark made near the popping crease by a batsman to indicate his or her position in relation to the wicket   30 a chip off the old block informal a person who resembles one of his or her parents in behaviour   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   31 to shape or form (something) into a block   32 to fit with or mount on a block   33 to shape by use of a block: to block a hat   34 (often foll by up) to obstruct (a passage, channel, etc) or prevent or impede the motion or flow of (something or someone) by introducing an obstacle: to block the traffic; to block up a pipe   35 to impede, retard, or prevent (an action, procedure, etc)   36 to stamp (a title, design, etc) on (a book cover, etc) by means of a block (see sense 12), esp using gold leaf or other foil   37 (esp of a government or central bank) to limit the use or conversion of assets or currency   38 (also intr) sport to obstruct or impede movement by (an opponent)   39 (intr) to suffer a psychological block   40 to interrupt a physiological function, as by use of an anaesthetic   41 (also intr) cricket to play (a ball) defensively [C14: from Old French bloc, from Dutch blok; related to Old High German bloh]   > ˈblocker n

■ blockable (ˈblɒkəbəl)   adj   able to be blocked or prevented

■ blockade (blɒˈkeId)   n   1 military the interdiction of a nation's sea lines of communications, esp of an individual port by the use of sea power   2 something that prevents access or progress   3 med the inhibition of the effect of a hormone or a drug, a transport system, or the action of a nerve by a drug   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to impose a blockade on   5 to obstruct the way to [C17: from BLOCK + -ade, as in AMBUSCADE]   > blockˈader n

■ blockage (ˈblɒkIdʒ)   n   1 the act of blocking or state of being blocked   2 an object causing an obstruction

■ block and tackle   n   a hoisting device in which a rope or chain is passed around a pair of blocks containing one or more pulleys. The upper block is secured overhead and the lower block supports the load, the effort being applied to the free end of the rope or chain

■ blockboard (ˈblɒkˌbɔːd)   n   a type of plywood in which soft wood strips are bonded together and sandwiched between two layers of veneer

■ blockbust (ˈblɒkˌbʌst)   vb (intr)   to encourage the sale of property by means of blockbusting

■ blockbuster (ˈblɒkˌbʌstə)   n informal   1 a large bomb used to demolish extensive areas or strengthened targets   2 a very successful, effective, or forceful person, thing, etc   3 a lavish film, show, novel, etc, that proves to be an outstanding popular success

■ blockbusting (ˈblɒkˌbʌstIŋ)   n   US informal the act or practice of inducing the sale of property cheaply by exploiting the owners' fears of lower prices if racial minorities live in the area

■ block capital   n   another term for block letter

■ blockchain (ˈblɒkˌtʃeIn)   n   a system in which records of transactions using digital currencies are stored and may be accessed by linked computers

■ block diagram   n   1 a diagram showing the interconnections between the parts of an industrial process   2 a three-dimensional drawing representing a block of the earth's crust, showing geological structure   3 computing a diagram showing the interconnections between electronic components or parts of a program

■ blocked (blɒkt)   adj   slang functionally impeded by amphetamine

■ blocked shoe   n   a dancing shoe with a stiffened toe that enables a ballet dancer to dance on the tips of the toes

■ blocker (ˈblɒkə)   n   1 a person or thing that acts as a block   2 physiol an agent that blocks a physiological function, such as the transport of an ion across an ion channel

■ block grant   n   (in Britain) an annual grant made by the government to a local authority to help to pay for the public services it provides, such as health, education, and housing

■ blockhead (ˈblɒkˌhɛd)   n   derogatory a stupid person   > ˈblockˌheaded adj   > ˈblockˌheadedly adv   > ˈblockˌheadedness n

■ blockhole (ˈblɒkˌhəʊl)   n   a mark or marks on a cricket pitch around the area where the batsman stands, caused by batsmen tapping their bats on the ground

■ blockhouse (ˈblɒkˌhaʊs)   n   1 (formerly) a wooden fortification with ports or loopholes for defensive fire, observation, etc   2 a concrete structure strengthened to give protection against enemy fire, with apertures to allow defensive gunfire   3 a building constructed of logs or squared timber   4 a reinforced concrete building close to a rocket-launching site for protecting personnel and equipment during launching

■ blockie (ˈblɒkI)   n   Austral informal an owner of a small property, esp a farm

■ block in   vb   (tr, adverb) to sketch in outline, with little detail

■ blocking (ˈblɒkIŋ)   n   1 electronics the interruption of anode current in a valve because of the application of a high negative voltage to the grid   2 internal congestion in a communication system that prevents the transmission of information

■ blockish (ˈblɒkIʃ)   adj   lacking vivacity or imagination; stupid   > ˈblockishly adv   > ˈblockishness n

■ block lava   n   volcanic lava occurring as rough-surfaced jagged blocks

■ block letter   n   Also called: block capital a plain capital letter

■ block out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to plan or describe (something) in a general fashion   2 to prevent the entry or consideration of (something)   3 photog, printing to mask part of (a negative), in order that light may not pass through it

■ Block Parent Program of Canada   n   the Block Parent Program of Canada (in Canada) a registered charity and child-safety organization

■ block party   n   chiefly US and Canadian an outdoor party held for the residents of an urban neighbourhood

■ block plane   n   a carpenter's small plane used to cut across the end grain of wood

■ block printing   n   printing from hand engraved or carved blocks of wood or linoleum

■ block release   n   Brit the release of industrial trainees from work for study at a college for several weeks

■ block sampling   n   the selection of a corpus for statistical literary analysis by random selection of a starting point and consideration of the continuous passage following it. Compare spread sampling

■ blockship (ˈblɒkˌʃIp)   n   a ship used to block a river or channel

■ block tin   n   pure tin, esp when cast into ingots

■ block vote   n   Brit (at a conference, esp of trade unionists) the system whereby each delegate's vote has a value in proportion to the number of people he or she represents. Compare OMOV

■ blockwork (ˈblɒkˌwɜːk)   n   a wall or structure made of bricks or blocks, or the act of building such a structure

■ blocky   adj   like a block, esp in shape and solidity   > ˈblockiness n

Bloc Québécois (blɒk keIbɛˈkwɑː)   n   (in Canada) a political party that advocates autonomy for Quebec

Bloemfontein (ˈbluːmfɒnˌteIn)   n   a city in central South Africa: capital of Free State province and judicial capital of the country. Pop: 503 013 (2015 est)

blog (blɒɡ)   n   1 informal an online journal. Full name: weblog   ▷ vb   2 to write an online journal   > ˈblogger n   > ˈblogging n

■ bloggable (ˈblɒɡəbəl)   adj   interesting, enjoyable, or entertaining enough to be a topic for a blog or blog post

■ bloggerati (ˌblɒɡəˈrɑːtI)   n   informal those considered to be important or influential in the world of blogging [C21: from BLOGGER + -ati as in LITERATI]

■ blogjacking (ˈblɒɡˌdʒækIŋ)   n   computing the use of another person’s blog without his or her consent, esp for malicious or satirical purposes [C21: from BLOG + (HI)JACK]

■ blogosphere (ˈblɒɡəˌsfIə)   n   informal a collective term for the weblogs on the internet [C21: from BLOG + -O- + -SPHERE]

■ blogpost (ˈblɒɡˌpəʊst)   n   a single posting made as part of a blog

■ blogring (ˈblɒɡˌrIŋ)   n   a group of blogs joined in a ring

■ blogroll (ˈblɒɡˌrəʊl)   n   facetious a list of blogs

■ blogstream (ˈblɒɡˌstriːm)   n   informal the publication on the internet of content from weblogs rather than from mainstream media sources [C21: from BLOG + STREAM]

Blois (French blwa)   n   a town in N central France, on the Loire: 13th-century castle. Pop: 46 013 (2009)

Blok (blɒk)   n   Aleksandr Aleksandrovich (alIkˈsandr alIkˈsandrəvitʃ). 1880–1921, Russian poet whose poems, which include Verses about the Beautiful Lady (1901–2) and Rasput'ya (1902–4), contain a mixture of symbolism, romanticism, tragedy, and irony

blokart (ˈbləʊˌkɑːt)   n   a single-seat three-wheeled vehicle with a sail, built to be propelled over land by the wind [C20: from BLO(W) + (GO-)KART]   > ˈbloˌkarting n

bloke (bləʊk)   n   Brit and Austral an informal word for man [C19: from Shelta]

■ blokedom (ˈbləʊkdəm)   n   jocular the state of being a bloke

■ blokeish or blokish (ˈbləʊkIʃ)   adj   informal, sometimes derogatory denoting or exhibiting the characteristics believed typical of an ordinary man: blokeish nudges and winks. Also: blokey (ˈbləʊkI)   > ˈblokeishness or ˈblokishness n

bloncket (ˈblɒŋkɛt)   adj   obsolete of a blue-grey colour

blond (blɒnd)   adj   1 (of men's hair) of a light colour; fair   2 (of a person, people or a race) having fair hair, a light complexion, and, typically, blue or grey eyes   3 (of soft furnishings, wood, etc) light in colour   ▷ n   4 a person, esp a man, having light-coloured hair and skin [C15: from Old French blond, probably of Germanic origin; related to Late Latin blundus yellow, Italian biondo, Spanish blondo]   > ˈblondness n

USAGE

Although blond and blonde correspond to masculine and feminine forms in French, this distinction is not consistently made in English. Blonde is the commoner form both as a noun and an adjective, and is more frequently used to refer to women than men. The less common variant blond occurs usually as an adjective, occasionally as a noun, and is the preferred form when referring to men with fair hair

blonde (blɒnd)   adj   1 (of women's hair) of a light colour; fair   2 (of a person, people or a race) having fair hair, a light complexion, and, typically, blue or grey eyes   3 (of soft furnishings, wood, etc) light in colour   ▷ n   4 a person, esp a woman, having light-coloured hair and skin   5 Also called: blonde lace a French pillow lace, originally of unbleached cream-coloured Chinese silk, later of bleached or black-dyed silk [C15: from Old French blond (fem blonde), probably of Germanic origin; related to Late Latin blundus yellow, Italian biondo, Spanish blondo]   > ˈblondeness n

■ blondine (ˈblɒndiːn) US   vb (tr)   1 (of a woman) to dye (one's hair) blonde   ▷ n   2 a woman who has dyed her hair blonde   3 a bleach used to make hair blonde

■ blonding (ˈblɒndIŋ)   n     a the act or an instance of dyeing hair blonde   b (as modifier): blonding sprays

Blondin (French blɔ̃dɛ̃)   n   Charles, real name Jean-François Gravelet. 1824–97, French acrobat and tightrope walker; best known for walking a tightrope across Niagara Falls (1859)

blood (blʌd)   n   1 a reddish fluid in vertebrates that is pumped by the heart through the arteries and veins, supplies tissues with nutrients, oxygen, etc, and removes waste products. It consists of a fluid (see blood plasma) containing cells (erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets). Related adjectives: haemal, haematic, sanguineous   2 a similar fluid in such invertebrates as annelids and arthropods   3 bloodshed, esp when resulting in murder   4 the guilt or responsibility for killing or injuring (esp in the phrase have blood on one's hands or head)   5 life itself; lifeblood   6 relationship through being of the same family, race, or kind; kinship   7 blood, sweat, and tears informal hard work and concentrated effort   8 flesh and blood   a near kindred or kinship, esp that between a parent and child   b human nature (esp in the phrase more than flesh and blood can stand)   9 ethnic or national descent: of Spanish blood   10 Brit slang a close friend   11 in one's blood as a natural or inherited characteristic or talent   12 the blood royal or noble descent: a prince of the blood   13 temperament; disposition; temper   14    a good or pure breeding; pedigree   b (as modifier): blood horses   15 people viewed as members of a group, esp as an invigorating force (in the phrases new blood, young blood)   16 chiefly Brit rare a dashing young man; dandy; rake   17 the sensual or carnal nature of humankind   18 obsolete one of the four bodily humours. See humour (sense 8)   19 bad blood hatred; ill feeling   20 blood is thicker than water family duties and loyalty outweigh other ties   21 have one's blood up or get one's blood up to be or cause to be angry or inflamed   22 in cold blood showing no passion; deliberately; ruthlessly   23 make one's blood boil to cause to be angry or indignant   24 make one's blood run cold to fill with horror   ▷ vb (tr)   25 hunting to cause (young hounds) to taste the blood of a freshly killed quarry and so become keen to hunt   26 hunting to smear the cheeks or forehead of (a person) with the blood of the kill as an initiation in hunting   27 to initiate (a person) to an activity or organization, esp by real-life experience [Old English blōd; related to Old Norse blōth, Old High German bluot]

■ blood-and-thunder   adj   denoting or relating to a melodramatic adventure story

■ blood bank   n   a place where whole blood, blood plasma, or other blood products are stored until required in transfusion

■ bloodbath (ˈblʌdˌbɑːθ)   n   indiscriminate slaughter; a massacre

■ blood brother   n   1 a brother by birth   2 a man or boy who has sworn to treat another as his brother, often in a ceremony in which their blood is mingled

■ blood-caked   adj   literary caked with blood

■ blood cell   n   any of the cells that circulate in the blood. See erythrocyte, leucocyte

■ blood count   n   the number of red and white blood corpuscles and platelets in a specific sample of blood. See haemocytometer

■ bloodcurdling (ˈblʌdˌkɜːdlIŋ)   adj   terrifying; horrifying   > ˈbloodˌcurdlingly adv

■ blood diamond   n   a diamond sold to help finance a military campaign. Also called: conflict diamond

■ blood donor   n   a person who gives his or her blood to be used for transfusion

■ blood doping   n   the illegal practice of removing a quantity of blood from an athlete long before a race and reinjecting it shortly before a race, so boosting oxygenation of the blood

■ blood-drop emlets (ˈɛmlIts)   n   (functioning as singular) a Chilean scrophulariaceous plant, Mimulus luteus, naturalized in Europe, having red-spotted yellow flowers. See also monkey flower, musk (sense 3)

■ blooded (ˈblʌdId)   adj   1 (of horses, cattle, etc) of good breeding   2 (in combination) having blood or temperament as specified: hot-blooded, cold-blooded, warm-blooded, red-blooded, blue-blooded

■ blood feud   n   a feud in which the members of hostile families or clans murder each other

■ bloodfin (ˈblʌdˌfIn)   n   a silvery red-finned South American freshwater fish, Aphyocharax rubripinnis: a popular aquarium fish: family Characidae (characins)

■ blood fluke   n   any parasitic flatworm, such as a schistosome, that lives in the blood vessels of humans and other vertebrates: class Digenea. See also trematode

■ blood group   n   any one of the various groups into which human blood is classified on the basis of its agglutinogens. Also called: blood type

■ bloodguilt (ˈblʌdˌɡIlt)   n   guilt of murder or shedding blood   > ˈblood-ˌguilty adj   > ˈblood-ˌguiltiness n

■ blood heat   n   the normal temperature of the human body, 98.4°F or 37°C

■ bloodhound (ˈblʌdˌhaʊnd)   n   1 a large breed of hound having a smooth glossy coat of red, tan, or black and loose wrinkled skin on its head: formerly much used in tracking and police work   2 informal a detective

■ bloodied (ˈblʌdId)   adj   1 stained with or covered in blood   2 bloodied but unbowed wounded but not defeated

■ bloodless (ˈblʌdlIs)   adj   1 without blood   2 conducted without violence (esp in the phrase bloodless revolution)   3 anaemic-looking; pale   4 lacking vitality; lifeless   5 lacking in emotion; cold; unfeeling   > ˈbloodlessly adv   > ˈbloodlessness n

■ Bloodless Revolution   n   the Bloodless Revolution another name for Glorious Revolution

■ bloodletter (ˈblʌdˌlɛtə)   n   someone or something which lets blood

■ blood-letting (ˈblʌdˌlɛtIŋ)   n   1 the therapeutic removal of blood, as in relieving congestive heart failure. See also phlebotomy   2 bloodshed, esp in a blood feud

■ blood libel   n   1 medieval history the malicious accusation that Jews used the blood of non-Jews in religious rituals   2 any false accusation of violence, murder, or blood lust

■ bloodlike (ˈblʌdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling blood

■ bloodline (ˈblʌdˌlaIn)   n   all the members of a family group over generations, esp regarding characteristics common to that group; pedigree

■ bloodlust   n   a desire to cause bloodshed

■ bloodmobile (ˈblʌdməˌbiːl)   n   US a motor vehicle equipped for collecting blood from donors

■ blood money   n   1 compensation paid to the relatives of a murdered person   2 money paid to a hired murderer   3 a reward for information about a criminal, esp a murderer

■ blood orange   n   a variety of orange all or part of the pulp of which is dark red when ripe

■ blood plasma   n   1 the pale yellow fluid portion of the blood; blood from which red and white blood cells and platelets have been removed   2 a sterilized preparation of this fluid for use in transfusions

■ blood poisoning   n   a nontechnical term for septicaemia

■ blood pressure   n   the pressure exerted by the blood on the inner walls of the arteries, being relative to the elasticity and diameter of the vessels and the force of the heartbeat

■ blood pudding   n   another name for black pudding

■ blood red   n     a a deep red colour   b (as adjective): blood-red roses

■ blood relation or blood relative   n   a person related to another by birth, as distinct from one related by marriage

■ bloodroot (ˈblʌdˌruːt)   n   1 Also called: red puccoon a North American papaveraceous plant, Sanguinaria canadensis, having a single whitish flower and a fleshy red root that yields a red dye   2 another name for tormentil

■ blood sausage   n   US and Canadian a kind of black sausage made from minced pork fat, pig's blood, and other ingredients. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): black pudding

■ blood serum   n   blood plasma from which the clotting factors have been removed

■ bloodshed (ˈblʌdˌʃɛd)   n   slaughter; killing

■ bloodshot (ˈblʌdˌʃɒt)   adj   (of an eye) inflamed

■ blood sister   n   1 a sister by birth   2 a woman or girl who has sworn to treat another as her sister

■ blood spinning   n   a medical treatment, a use for which is the healing of sports-related injuries, that involves removing the platelet cells from the patient’s blood sample then injecting them into the injured area in order to speed recovery

■ blood sport   n   any sport involving the killing of an animal, esp hunting

■ bloodsprent (ˈblʌdˌsprɛnt)   adj   obsolete spattered or stained with blood

■ bloodstain (ˈblʌdˌsteIn)   n   a dark discoloration caused by blood, esp dried blood

■ bloodstained (ˈblʌdˌsteInd)   adj   stained by or covered in blood

■ bloodstock (ˈblʌdˌstɒk)   n   thoroughbred horses, esp those bred for racing

■ bloodstock industry   n   the breeding and training of racehorses

■ bloodstone (ˈblʌdˌstəʊn)   n   a dark-green variety of chalcedony with red spots: used as a gemstone. Also called: heliotrope

■ bloodstream (ˈblʌdˌstriːm)   n   the flow of blood through the vessels of a living body

■ blood substitute   n   a substance such as plasma, albumin, or dextran, used to replace lost blood or increase the blood volume

■ bloodsucker (ˈblʌdˌsʌkə)   n   1 an animal that sucks blood, esp a leech or mosquito   2 a person or thing that preys upon another person, esp by extorting money   > ˈbloodˌsucking adj

■ blood sugar   n   med the glucose concentration in the blood: the normal fasting value is between 3.9 and 5.6 mmol/l

■ blood test   n   1 analysis of a blood sample to determine blood group, alcohol concentration, etc   ▷ vb blood-test (tr)   2 to analyse a blood sample from someone to determine blood group, alcohol concentration, etc

■ bloodthirsty (ˈblʌdˌθɜːstI)   adj -thirstier, -thirstiest   1 murderous; cruel   2 taking pleasure in bloodshed or violence   3 describing or depicting killing and violence; gruesome: a bloodthirsty film   > ˈbloodˌthirstily adv   > ˈbloodˌthirstiness n

■ blood type   n   another name for blood group

■ blood vessel   n   an artery, capillary, or vein

■ blood volume   n   med the total quantity of blood in the body

■ bloodwood (ˈblʌdˌwʊd)   n   any of several species of Australian eucalyptus that exude a red sap

■ bloodworm (ˈblʌdˌwɜːm)   n   1 the red wormlike aquatic larva of the midge, Chironomus plumosus, which lives at the bottom of stagnant pools and ditches   2 a freshwater oligochaete tubifex worm   3 any of several small reddish worms used as angling bait

■ bloodwort (ˈblʌdˌwɜːt)   n   a name given to a number of plants which have red leaves or roots, or which are popularly considered either to draw blood or to reduce bleeding

■ bloody (ˈblʌdI)   adj bloodier, bloodiest   1 covered or stained with blood   2 resembling or composed of blood   3 marked by much killing and bloodshed: a bloody war   4 cruel or murderous: a bloody tyrant   5 of a deep red colour; blood-red   ▷ adv, adj   6 slang, chiefly Brit (intensifier): a bloody fool; bloody fine food   ▷ vb bloodies, bloodying, bloodied   7 (tr) to stain with blood   > ˈbloodily adv   > ˈbloodiness n

■ Bloody Caesar   n   a drink consisting of vodka, juice made from clams and tomatoes, and usually Worcester sauce and hot pepper sauce

■ Bloody Mary   n   a drink consisting of vodka, tomato juice, and usually Worcester sauce and hot pepper sauce

■ bloody-minded   adj   Brit informal deliberately obstructive and unhelpful   > ˌbloody-ˈmindedness n   > ˌbloody-ˈmindedly adv

■ bloody-nosed beetle   n   a beetle, Timarcha tenebricosa, that exudes bright red blood when alarmed: family Chrysomelidae

■ Bloody Sunday   n   (in Northern Ireland) 30th January 1972, when British soldiers shot dead thirteen marchers in Londonderry who were protesting against the UK government's policy of internment

Blood (blʌd)   n   Thomas, known as Colonel Blood. ?1618–80, Irish adventurer, who tried to steal the crown jewels (1671)

blooey (ˈbluːI)   adj   US slang faulty; wrong; awry

blook (blʊk)   n   1 a book published on a weblog in a series of instalments   2 a printed book derived from a weblog [C21: from BL(OG) + (B)OOK]

bloom^1 (bluːm)   n   1 a blossom on a flowering plant; a flower   2 the state, time, or period when flowers open (esp in the phrases in bloom, in full bloom)   3 open flowers collectively: a tree covered with bloom   4 a healthy, vigorous, or flourishing condition; prime (esp in the phrase the bloom of youth)   5 youthful or healthy rosiness in the cheeks or face; glow   6 a fine whitish coating on the surface of fruits, leaves, etc, consisting of minute grains of a waxy substance   7 any coating similar in appearance, such as that on new coins   8 ecology a visible increase in the algal constituent of plankton, which may be seasonal or due to excessive organic pollution   9 Also called: chill a dull area formed on the surface of gloss paint, lacquer, or varnish   ▷ vb (mainly intr)   10 (of flowers) to open; come into flower   11 to bear flowers; blossom   12 to flourish or grow   13 to be in a healthy, glowing, or flourishing condition   14 (tr) physics to coat (a lens) with a thin layer of a substance, often magnesium fluoride, to eliminate surface reflection [C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse blōm flower, Old High German bluomo, Middle Dutch bloeme; see BLOW^3]

■ bloomed (bluːmd)   adj   photog, optics (of a lens) coated with a thin film of magnesium fluoride or some other substance to reduce the amount of light lost by reflection. Also called: coated

■ bloomer (ˈbluːmə)   n   a plant that flowers, esp in a specified way: a night bloomer

■ bloomless (ˈbluːmlIs)   adj   without flowers or blossom

■ bloomy (ˈbluːmI)   adj bloomier, bloomiest   having a fine whitish coating on the surface, such as on the rind of a cheese

bloom^2 (bluːm)   n   1 a rectangular mass of metal obtained by rolling or forging a cast ingot. See also billet^1 (sense 2)   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to convert (an ingot) into a bloom by rolling or forging [Old English blōma lump of metal]

■ bloomery (ˈbluːmərI)   n, pl -eries   a place in which malleable iron is produced directly from iron ore

bloomer^1 (ˈbluːmə)   n   Brit informal a stupid mistake; blunder [C20: from BLOOMING]

bloomer^2 (ˈbluːmə)   n   Brit a medium-sized loaf, baked on the sole of the oven, glazed and notched on top [C20: of uncertain origin]

bloomers (ˈbluːməz)   pl n   1 informal women's or girls' baggy knickers   2 (formerly) loose trousers gathered at the knee worn by women for cycling and athletics   3 Also called: rational dress history long loose trousers gathered at the ankle and worn under a shorter skirt [from bloomer, a garment introduced in about 1850 and publicized by Mrs A. Bloomer (1818–94), US social reformer]

Bloomfield (ˈbluːmˌfiːld)   n   Leonard. 1887–1949, US linguist, influential for his strictly scientific and descriptive approach to comparative linguistics; author of Language (1933)

blooming (ˈbluːmIŋ)   adv, adj   Brit informal (intensifier): a blooming genius; blooming painful [C19: euphemistic for BLOODY]

Bloomington (ˈbluːmIŋtən)   n   a city in central Indiana: seat of the University of Indiana (1820). Pop: 70 642 (2003 est)

Bloomsbury (ˈbluːmzbərI, -brI)   n   1 a district of central London in the borough of Camden: contains the British Museum, part of the University of London, and many publishers' offices   ▷ adj   2 relating to or characteristic of the Bloomsbury Group

■ Bloomsbury Group   n   a group of writers, artists, and intellectuals living and working in and around Bloomsbury in London from about 1907 to 1930. Influenced by the philosophy of G. E. Moore, they included Leonard and Virginia Woolf, Clive and Vanessa Bell, Roger Fry, E. M. Forster, Lytton Strachey, Duncan Grant, and John Maynard Keynes

Bloomsday (ˈbluːmzdeI)   n   an annual celebration in Dublin on 16 June of the life of James Joyce and, in particular, his novel Ulysses, which is entirely set in Dublin on 16 June 1904 [C20: after Leopold Bloom, the central character in Ulysses]

bloop (bluːp) baseball   vb (tr)   1 to hit a ball softly in the air just beyond the infield   ▷ n   2 a ball hit softly just beyond the infield

blooper (ˈbluːpə)   n   informal, chiefly US and Canadian a blunder; bloomer; stupid mistake [C20: from bloop (imitative of an embarrassing sound) + -ER^1]

blootered (ˈbluːtəd)   adj   Scot slang intoxicated; drunk

bloquiste (blɒkˈiːst)   n   (in Canada) a member or supporter of the Bloc Québécois

blore (blɔː)   n   archaic a strong blast of wind

blossom (ˈblɒsəm)   n   1 the flower or flowers of a plant, esp conspicuous flowers producing edible fruit   2 the time or period of flowering (esp in the phrases in blossom, in full blossom)   ▷ vb (intr)   3 (of plants) to come into flower   4 to develop or come to a promising stage: youth had blossomed into maturity [Old English blōstm; related to Middle Low German blōsem, Latin flōs flower]   > ˈblossoming n, adj   > ˈblossomless adj   > ˈblossomy adj

blot^1 (blɒt)   n   1 a stain or spot of ink, paint, dirt, etc   2 something that spoils or detracts from the beauty or worth of something   3 a blemish or stain on one's character or reputation   ▷ vb blots, blotting, blotted   4 (of ink, dye, etc) to form spots or blobs on (a material) or (of a person) to cause such spots or blobs to form on (a material)   5 blot one's copybook informal to spoil one's reputation by making a mistake, offending against social customs, etc   6 (intr) to stain or become stained or spotted   7 (tr) to cause a blemish in or on; disgrace   8 to soak up (excess ink, etc) by using blotting paper or some other absorbent material   9 (of blotting paper or some other absorbent material) to absorb (excess ink, etc)   10 (tr; often foll by out)   a to darken or hide completely; obscure; obliterate   b to destroy; annihilate [C14: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch bluyster BLISTER]

■ blot analysis   n   biochem a technique for analysing biological molecules, such as proteins (Western blot analysis), DNA (Southern blot analysis), and RNA (Northern blot analysis), involving their separation by gel electrophoresis, transfer to a nitrocellulose sheet, and subsequent analysis by autoradiography. Also called: blotting

■ blotless (ˈblɒtlIs)   adj   without blots or blemishes, pure, faultless

■ blotter (ˈblɒtə)   n   1 something used to absorb excess ink or other liquid, esp a sheet of blotting paper with a firm backing   2 US a daily record of events, such as arrests, in a police station (esp in the phrase police blotter)

■ blottesque (blɒˈtɛsk)   adj   (of a painting) crudely executed, often characterized by blots and smears

■ blotting (ˈblɒtIŋ)   n   biochem another name for blot analysis

■ blotting-pad   n   an object to one side of which a piece of blotting paper is attached for blotting text handwritten in ink

■ blotting paper   n   a soft absorbent unsized paper, used esp for soaking up surplus ink

■ blotto (ˈblɒtəʊ)   adj   slang unconscious, esp through drunkenness [C20]

■ blotty (ˈblɒtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   covered in or characterized by blots

blot^2 (blɒt)   n   1 backgammon a piece exposed by being placed alone on a point and therefore able to be taken by the other player   2 archaic a weak spot [C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch bloot poor]

blotch (blɒtʃ)   n   1 an irregular spot or discoloration, esp a dark and relatively large one such as an ink stain   ▷ vb   2 to become or cause to become marked by such discoloration   3 (intr) (of a pen or ink) to write or flow unevenly in blotches [C17: probably from BOTCH, influenced by BLOT^1]

■ blotched (blɒtʃt)   adj   marked with blotches

■ blotchy (ˈblɒtʃI)   adj   covered in or marked by blotches   > ˈblotchily adv   > ˈblotchiness n

blouse (blaʊz)   n   1 a woman's shirtlike garment made of cotton, nylon, etc   2 a loose-fitting smocklike garment, often knee length and belted, worn esp by E European peasants   3 a loose-fitting waist-length belted jacket worn by soldiers   ▷ vb   4 to hang or make so as to hang in full loose folds [C19: from French, of unknown origin]

■ blousily (ˈblaʊzIlI)   adv   in the manner of a blouse

■ blousy (ˈblaʊzI)   adj blousier, blousiest   like a blouse

blouson (ˈbluːzɒn)   n   a short jacket or top having the shape of a blouse [C20: French]

bloviate (ˈbləʊvIˌeIt)   vb (intr)   US to talk at length, esp in an insubstantial but inflated manner

■ bloviation (ˌbləʊvIˈeIʃən)   n   US a lengthy but insubstantial speech

blow^1 (bləʊ)   vb blows, blowing, blew, blown   1 (of a current of air, the wind, etc) to be or cause to be in motion   2 (intr) to move or be carried by or as if by wind or air: a feather blew in through the window   3 to expel (air, cigarette smoke, etc) through the mouth or nose   4 to force or cause (air, dust, etc) to move (into, in, over, etc) by using an instrument or by expelling breath   5 (intr) to breathe hard; pant   6 (sometimes foll by up) to inflate with air or the breath   7 (intr) (of wind, a storm, etc) to make a roaring or whistling sound   8 to cause (a whistle, siren, etc) to sound by forcing air into it, as a signal, or (of a whistle, etc) to sound thus   9 (tr) to force air from the lungs through (the nose) to clear out mucus or obstructing matter   10 (often foll by up, down, in, etc) to explode, break, or disintegrate completely: the bridge blew down in the gale   11 electronics to burn out (a fuse, valve, etc) because of excessive current or (of a fuse, valve, etc) to burn out   12 blow a fuse slang to lose one's temper   13 (intr) (of a whale) to spout water or air from the lungs   14 (tr) to wind (a horse) by making it run excessively   15 to cause (a wind instrument) to sound by forcing one's breath into the mouthpiece, or (of such an instrument) to sound in this way   16 (intr) jazz slang to play in a jam session   17 (intr) (of flies) to lay eggs (in)   18 to shape (glass, ornaments, etc) by forcing air or gas through the material when molten   19 (intr) chiefly Scot, Austral and NZ to boast or brag   20 (tr) slang   a to spend (money) freely   b US to treat or entertain   21 (tr) slang to use (an opportunity) ineffectively   22 slang to go suddenly away (from)   23 (tr) slang to expose or betray (a person or thing meant to be kept secret)   24 (tr) US slang to inhale (a drug)   25 (tr) vulgar, slang to perform fellatio on (someone)   26 (past part blowed) informal another word for damn: I'll be blowed; blow it!   27 draughts another word for huff (sense 4)   28 blow hot and cold to vacillate   29 blow a kiss or blow kisses to kiss one's hand, then blow across it as if to carry the kiss through the air to another person   30 blow one's own trumpet to boast of one's own skills or good qualities   31 blow someone's mind slang   a (of a drug, esp LSD) to alter someone's mental state   b esp US and Canadian to astound or surprise someone   32 blow one's top, esp US and Canadian blow one's stack or blow one's lid informal to lose one's temper   ▷ n   33 the act or an instance of blowing   34 the sound produced by blowing   35 a blast of air or wind   36 metallurgy   a a stage in the Bessemer process in which air is blasted upwards through molten pig iron   b the quantity of metal treated in a Bessemer converter   37 mining   a a rush of air into a mine   b the collapse of a mine roof   38 jazz slang a jam session   39    a Brit a slang name for cannabis (sense 2)   b US a slang name for cocaine [Old English blāwan, related to Old Norse blǣr gust of wind, Old High German blāen, Latin flāre]

■ blow away   vb (tr, adverb) slang, chiefly US   1 to kill (someone) by shooting   2 to defeat decisively

■ blowback (ˈbləʊˌbæk)   n   1 the escape to the rear of gases formed during the firing of a weapon or in a boiler, internal-combustion engine, etc   2 the action of a light automatic weapon in which the expanding gases of the propellant force back the bolt, thus reloading the weapon

■ blowball (ˈbləʊˌbɔːl)   n   the seed head of a dandelion

■ blow-by   n   the leakage of gas past the piston of an engine at maximum pressure

■ blowdown (ˈbləʊˌdaʊn)   n   an accident in a nuclear reactor in which a cooling pipe bursts causing the loss of essential coolant

■ blow down   vb   to open a valve in a steam boiler to eject any sediment that has collected

■ blow-dry   vb -dries, -drying, -dried (tr)   1 to style (hair) while drying it with a handheld hairdryer   ▷ n   2 this method of styling the hair

■ blower (ˈbləʊə)   n   1 a mechanical device, such as a fan, that blows   2 a low-pressure rotary compressor, esp in a furnace or internal-combustion engine. See also supercharger   3 an informal name for telephone   4 an informal name for speaking tube   5 an informal name for a whale^1   6 mining a discharge of firedamp from a crevice

■ blowfish (ˈbləʊˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a popular name for puffer (sense 2)

■ blowfly (ˈbləʊˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   any of various dipterous flies of the genus Calliphora and related genera that lay their eggs in rotting meat, dung, carrion, and open wounds: family Calliphoridae. Also called: bluebottle

■ blowgun (ˈbləʊˌɡʌn)   n   the US word for blowpipe (sense 1)

■ blowhard (ˈbləʊˌhɑːd) informal   n   1 a boastful person   ▷ adj   2 blustering or boastful

■ blowhole (ˈbləʊˌhəʊl)   n   1 the nostril, paired or single, of whales, situated far back on the skull   2 a hole in ice through which whales, seals, etc, breathe   3    a a vent for air or gas, esp to release fumes from a tunnel, passage, etc   b NZ a hole emitting gas or steam in a volcanic region   4 a bubble-like defect in an ingot resulting from gas being trapped during solidification   5 geology a hole in a cliff top leading to a sea cave through which air is forced by the action of the sea

■ blowie (ˈbləʊI)   n   Austral informal a blowfly

■ blow in   vb   1 (intr, adverb) informal to arrive or enter suddenly   ▷ n blow-in   2 Austral and Irish informal an unwelcome newcomer or stranger

■ blowiness (ˈbləʊInəs)   n   not standard the quality or extent of being blowy

■ blow into   vb   (intr, preposition) informal to arrive in or enter (a room, etc) suddenly

■ blow job   n   a vulgar slang term for fellatio

■ blowkart (ˈbləʊˌkɑːt)   n   a simple wheeled vehicle such as a go-kart which has been fitted with a sail and is powered by the wind

■ blowlamp (ˈbləʊˌlæmp)   n   another name for blowtorch

■ blow moulding   n   a process for moulding single-piece plastic objects in which a thermoplastic is extruded into a split mould and blown against its sides

■ blown (bləʊn)   vb   the past participle of blow^1, blow^3

■ blow off   vb (adverb)   1 to permit (a gas under pressure, esp steam) to be released   2 (intr) Brit slang to emit wind noisily from the anus   3 (tr) informal to reject or jilt (someone)   4 blow off steam See steam (sense 6)   ▷ n blowoff   5 a discharge of a surplus fluid, such as steam, under pressure   6 a device through which such a discharge is made

■ blow on   vb   (intr, preposition) to defame or discredit (a person)

■ blow out   vb (adverb)   1 to extinguish (a flame, candle, etc) or (of a flame, candle, etc) to become extinguished   2 (intr) (of a tyre) to puncture suddenly, esp at high speed   3 (intr) (of a fuse) to melt suddenly   4 (tr; often reflexive) to diminish or use up the energy of: the storm blew itself out   5 (intr) (of an oil or gas well) to lose oil or gas in an uncontrolled manner   6 (tr) slang to cancel: the band had to blow out the gig   7 blow one's brains out to kill oneself by shooting oneself in the head   ▷ n blowout   8 the sudden melting of an electrical fuse   9 a sudden burst in a tyre   10 the uncontrolled escape of oil or gas from an oil or gas well   11 the failure of a jet engine, esp when in flight   12 slang a large filling meal or lavish entertainment

■ blow over   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to cease or be finished: the storm blew over   2 to be forgotten: the scandal will blow over

■ blowpipe (ˈbləʊˌpaIp)   n   1 a long tube from which pellets, poisoned darts, etc, are shot by blowing. US word: blowgun   2 Also called: blow tube a tube for blowing air or oxygen into a flame to intensify its heat and direct it onto a small area   3 a long narrow iron pipe used to gather molten glass and blow it into shape

■ blow through   vb   (intr, adverb) Austral informal to leave; make off

■ blowtorch (ˈbləʊˌtɔːtʃ)   n   a small burner that produces a very hot flame, used to remove old paint, melt soft metal, etc

■ blowtube (ˈbləʊˌtjuːb)   n   a tube used for blowing air or oxygen into a flame to intensify its heat

■ blow up   vb (adverb)   1 to explode or cause to explode   2 (tr) to increase the importance of (something): they blew the whole affair up   3 (intr) to come into consideration: we lived well enough before this thing blew up   4 (intr) to come into existence with sudden force: a storm had blown up   5 informal to lose one's temper (with a person)   6 (tr) informal to reprimand (someone)   7 (tr) informal to enlarge the size or detail of (a photograph)   ▷ n blow-up   8 an explosion   9 informal an enlarged photograph or part of a photograph   10 informal a fit of temper or argument   11 Also called: blowing up informal a reprimand   ▷ adj blow-up   12 designed to be inflated by air or breath: a blow-up mattress

■ blowy (ˈbləʊI)   adj blowier, blowiest   another word for windy (sense 1)

blow^2 (bləʊ)   n   1 a powerful or heavy stroke with the fist, a weapon, etc   2 at one blow or at a blow by or with only one action; all at one time   3 a sudden setback; unfortunate event: to come as a blow   4 come to blows   a to fight   b to result in a fight   5 an attacking action: a blow for freedom   6 Austral and NZ a stroke of the shears in sheep-shearing [C15: probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German bliuwan to beat]

■ blow-by-blow   adj   (prenominal) explained in great detail: a blow-by-blow account of the argument

blow^3 (bləʊ)   vb blows, blowing, blew, blown   1 (intr) (of a plant or flower) to blossom or open out   2 (tr) to produce (flowers)   ▷ n   3 a mass of blossoms   4 the state or period of blossoming (esp in the phrase in full blow) [Old English blōwan; related to Old Frisian blōia to bloom, Old High German bluoen, Latin flōs flower; see BLOOM^1]

blowse (blaʊz)   n   obsolete a brash, red-faced woman

blowsy or blowzy (ˈblaʊzI)   adj blowsier, blowsiest or blowzier, blowziest   1 (esp of a woman) untidy in appearance; slovenly or sluttish   2 (of a woman) ruddy in complexion; red-faced [C18: from dialect blowze beggar girl, of unknown origin]   > ˈblowsily or ˈblowzily adv   > ˈblowsiness or ˈblowziness n

BLT   n abbreviation for   bacon, lettuce, and tomato: a sandwich filled with these ingredients

blub (blʌb)   vb blubs, blubbing, blubbed   Brit a slang word for blubber (sense 1), blubber (sense 2), blubber (sense 3)

blubber (ˈblʌbə)   vb   1 to sob without restraint   2 to utter while sobbing   3 (tr) to make (the face) wet and swollen or disfigured by crying   ▷ n   4 a thick insulating layer of fatty tissue below the skin of aquatic mammals such as the whale: used by humans as a source of oil   5 informal excessive and flabby body fat   6 the act or an instance of weeping without restraint   7 Austral an informal name for jellyfish   ▷ adj   8 (often in combination) swollen or fleshy: blubber-faced; blubber-lips [C12: perhaps from Low German blubbern to BUBBLE, of imitative origin]   > ˈblubberer n

■ blubbery (ˈblʌbərI)   adj -ier, -iest   1 of, containing, or like blubber; fat   2 weeping or with the face disfigured by weeping

blucher (ˈbluːkə, -tʃə)   n   obsolete a high shoe with laces over the tongue [C19: named after Field Marshal BLÜCHER]

Blücher (German ˈblyçər)   n   Gebhard Leberecht von (ˈɡɛphart ˈleːbərɛçt fɔn). 1742–1819, Prussian field marshal, who commanded the Prussian army against Napoleon at Waterloo (1815)

blud (blʌd)   n   a variant spelling of blood (sense 10)

bludge (blʌdʒ) Austral and NZ informal   vb   1 (when intr, often foll by on) to scrounge from (someone)   2 (intr) to evade work   3 (intr) archaic to act as a pimp   ▷ n   4 a very easy task; undemanding employment [C19: back formation from slang bludger pimp, from BLUDGEON]

■ bludger (ˈblʌdʒə)   n Austral and NZ informal   1 a person who scrounges   2 a person who avoids work   3 a person in authority regarded as ineffectual by those working under him or her

bludgeon (ˈblʌdʒən)   n   1 a stout heavy club, typically thicker at one end   2 a person, line of argument, etc, that is effective but unsubtle   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to hit or knock down with or as with a bludgeon   4 (often foll by into) to force; bully; coerce: they bludgeoned him into accepting the job [C18: of uncertain origin]   > ˈbludgeoner n

blue (bluː)   n   1 any of a group of colours, such as that of a clear unclouded sky, that have wavelengths in the range 490–445 nanometres. Blue is the complementary colour of yellow and with red and green forms a set of primary colours. Related adjective: cyanic   2 a dye or pigment of any of these colours   3 blue cloth or clothing: dressed in blue   4    a a sportsperson who represents or has represented Oxford or Cambridge University and has the right to wear the university colour (dark blue for Oxford, light blue for Cambridge): an Oxford blue   b the honour of so representing one's university   5 Brit an informal name for Tory   6 any of numerous small blue-winged butterflies of the genera Lampides, Polyommatus, etc: family Lycaenidae   7 archaic short for bluestocking   8 slang a policeman   9 archery a blue ring on a target, between the red and the black, scoring five points   10 a blue ball in snooker, etc   11 another name for blueing   12 Austral and NZ slang an argument or fight: he had a blue with a taxi driver   13 Also: bluey Austral and NZ slang a court summons, esp for a traffic offence   14 Austral and NZ informal a mistake; error   15 out of the blue apparently from nowhere; unexpectedly: the opportunity came out of the blue   16 into the blue into the unknown or the far distance   ▷ adj bluer, bluest   17 of the colour blue   18 (of the flesh) having a purple tinge, as from cold or contusion   19 depressed, moody, or unhappy   20 dismal or depressing: a blue day   21 indecent, titillating, or pornographic: blue films   22 bluish in colour or having parts or marks that are bluish: a blue fox; a blue whale   23 rare aristocratic; noble; patrician: a blue family. See blue blood   24 US relating to, supporting, or representing the Democratic Party. Compare red^1 (sense 18)   ▷ vb blues, blueing or bluing, blued   25 to make, dye, or become blue   26 (tr) to treat (laundry) with blueing   27 (tr) slang to spend extravagantly or wastefully; squander [C13: from Old French bleu, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse blār, Old High German blāo, Middle Dutch blā; related to Latin flāvus yellow]   > ˈbluely adv   > ˈblueness n

■ Blue (bluː) or Bluey   n   Austral informal a nickname for a person with red hair

■ blue-arsed fly   n   1 informal a blowfly; bluebottle   2 like a blue-arsed fly informal in a state of frenzied activity

■ blue baby   n   a baby born with a bluish tinge to the skin because of lack of oxygen in the blood, esp caused by a congenital defect of the heart

■ blueback (ˈbluːˌbæk)   n   any of several species of fish with a blue colouring

■ blue badge   n Brit   a blue-coloured badge issued to disabled drivers for display on their windscreens, indicating entitlement to specific parking privileges

■ blue bag   n (in Britain)   1 a fabric bag for a barrister's robes   2 a small bag containing blueing for laundering

■ blueball (ˈbluːˌbɔːl)   n   a European herb

■ Bluebeard (ˈbluːˌbIəd)   n   1 a villain in European folk tales who marries several wives and murders them in turn. In many versions the seventh and last wife escapes the fate of the others   2 a man who has had several wives

■ bluebeat (ˈbluːˌbiːt)   n   a type of West Indian pop music of the 1960s; a precursor of reggae

■ bluebell (ˈbluːˌbɛl)   n   1 Also called: wild hyacinth, wood hyacinth a European liliaceous woodland plant, Hyacinthoides (or Endymion) non-scripta, having a one-sided cluster of blue bell-shaped flowers   2 Also called: Spanish bluebell a similar and related plant, hispanica, widely grown in gardens and becoming naturalized   3 a Scot name for harebell   4 any of various other plants with blue bell-shaped flowers

■ blue beret   n   an informal name for a soldier of a United Nations peacekeeping force

■ blueberry (ˈbluːbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 Also called: huckleberry any of several North American ericaceous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium, such as V. pennsylvanicum, that have blue-black edible berries with tiny seeds. See also bilberry   2    a the fruit of any of these plants   b (as modifier): blueberry pie

■ bluebill (ˈbluːˌbIl)   n   US another name for scaup

■ blue billy   n   NZ an informal name for dove prion [probably from the name Billy]

■ bluebird (ˈbluːˌbɜːd)   n   1 any North American songbird of the genus Sialia, having a blue or partly blue plumage: subfamily Turdinae (thrushes)   2 fairy bluebird any songbird of the genus Irena, of S and SE Asia, having a blue-and-black plumage: family Irenidae   3 any of various other birds having a blue plumage

■ blue-black   adj   of a colour between blue and black

■ blueblood (ˈbluːˌblʌd)   n   an aristocratic person

■ blue blood   n   royal or aristocratic descent [C19: translation of Spanish sangre azul]   > ˈblue-ˈblooded adj

■ bluebonnet (ˈbluːˌbɒnIt) or bluecap (ˈbluːˌkæp)   n   other names for Balmoral^1 (sense 3)

■ bluebook   n   1 (in Britain) a government publication bound in a stiff blue paper cover: usually the report of a royal commission or a committee   2 informal, chiefly US a register of well-known people   3 (in Canada) an annual statement of government accounts

■ bluebottle (ˈbluːˌbɒtəl)   n   1 another name for the blowfly   2 any of various blue-flowered plants, esp the cornflower   3 Brit an informal word for a policeman   4 Austral and NZ an informal name for Portuguese man-of-war

■ blue box   n   Canadian a blue plastic container for domestic refuse that is to be collected and recycled

■ bluebreast (ˈbluːˌbrɛst)   n   any of several birds with blue plumage around the throat

■ blue buck   n   another name for the blaubok

■ bluebush (ˈbluːˌbʊʃ)   n   any of various blue-grey herbaceous Australian shrubs of the genus Maireana

■ blue cattle dog   n   an Australian breed of dog with a bluish coat, developed for herding cattle. Also called: Australian cattle dog, blue heeler

■ blue cheese   n   cheese containing a blue mould, esp Stilton, Roquefort, or Danish blue. Also called (Austral and NZ): blue vein

■ blue chip   n   1 a gambling chip with the highest value   2 finance   a a stock considered reliable with respect to both dividend income and capital value   b (as modifier): a blue-chip company   3 (modifier) denoting something considered to be a valuable asset

■ bluecoat (ˈbluːˌkəʊt)   n   1 a person who wears a blue coat, such as a sailor or policeman   2 a style of dress formerly used as a uniform in some British private schools, featuring a long dark blue (or sometimes black) coat

■ blue cod   n   a common marine spiny-finned food fish, Parapercis colias, of the sub-Antarctic waters of New Zealand, esp at the Chatham Islands, which is greenish blue with brown marbling and inhabits rocky bottoms. Its smoked flesh is considered a delicacy. Also called: rock cod, pakirikiri, patutuki, rawaru

■ blue-collar   adj   of, relating to, or designating manual industrial workers: a blue-collar union. Compare white-collar, pink-collar

■ bluecurls (ˈbluːˌkɜːlz)   n   botany a name for the plant Trichostema dichotomum

■ blue devils   pl n   1 a fit of depression or melancholy   2 an attack of delirium tremens

■ Blue Dog Democrat   n   US politics a fiscally conservative member of the Democratic Party [perhaps influenced by Yellow Dog Democrat, a term formerly used to describe Southern supporters of the Democratic Party]

■ blue duck   n   a mountain duck, Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos, of New Zealand having a mostly lead-blue plumage. Also called: (NZ) whio

■ Blue Ensign   n   an ensign having the Union Jack on a blue background at the upper corner of the vertical edge alongside the hoist: flown by Royal Navy auxiliary vessels, and, with some extra distinguishing mark or insignia, by certain yacht clubs. Compare Red Ensign, White Ensign

■ blue-eyed   adj   having blue eyes

■ blue-eyed boy   n   informal, chiefly Brit the favourite or darling of a person or group. Usual US equivalent: fair-haired boy

■ blue-eyed grass   n   any of various mainly North American iridaceous marsh plants of the genus Sisyrinchium that have grasslike leaves and small flat starlike blue flowers

■ blue-eyed Mary   n   a blue-flowered boraginaceous plant, Omphalodes verna, native to S Europe and cultivated in Britain

■ blue-eyed soul   n   informal soul music written and performed by White singers in a style derived from the blues

■ bluefin (ˈbluːˌfIn) or bluefin tuna   n   another name for tunny

■ bluefish (ˈbluːˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 Also called: snapper a predatory bluish marine percoid food and game fish, Pomatomus saltatrix, related to the horse mackerel: family Pomatomidae   2 any of various other bluish fishes

■ Blue Flag   n   an award given to a seaside resort that meets EU standards of cleanliness of beaches and purity of water in bathing areas

■ blue fox   n   1 a variety of the arctic fox that has a pale grey winter coat and is bred for its fur   2 the fur of this animal

■ blue funk   n   slang a state of great terror or loss of nerve

■ bluegill (ˈbluːˌɡIl)   n   a common North American freshwater sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus: an important food and game fish

■ blue goose   n   a variety of the snow goose that has a bluish-grey body and white head and neck

■ bluegown (ˈbluːˌɡaʊn)   n   obsolete a bedesman of the king or, in Scotland, a licensed beggar, who traditionally wore a blue gown

■ bluegrass (ˈbluːˌɡrɑːs)   n   1 any of several North American bluish-green grasses of the genus Poa, esp P. pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), grown for forage   2 a type of folk music originating in Kentucky, characterized by a simple harmonized accompaniment

■ blue-green algae   pl n   the former name for cyanobacteria

■ blue ground   n   mineralogy another name for kimberlite

■ blue grouse   n   a grouse, Dendragapus obscurus, of W North America, having a bluish-grey plumage with a black tail

■ blue gum or bluegum (ˈbluːˌɡʌm)   n   1 a tall fast-growing widely cultivated Australian myrtaceous tree, Eucalyptus globulus, having aromatic leaves containing a medicinal oil, bark that peels off in shreds, and hard timber. The juvenile leaves are bluish in colour   2 any of several other eucalyptus trees   ▶ See also red gum (sense 1)

■ bluehead (ˈbluːˌhɛd)   n   either of two fish of the wrasse family, Thalassoma amblycephalum or Thalassoma bifasciatum

■ blue heeler   n   Austral and NZ a cattle dog that controls cattle by biting their heels. Also called: heeler

■ blueing or bluing (ˈbluːIŋ)   n   1 a blue material, such as indigo, used in laundering to counteract yellowing   2 the formation of a film of blue oxide on a steel surface

■ bluejack (ˈbluːˌdʒæk)   n   a species of oak, Quercus incana, the leaves of which have a blue tinge

■ bluejacket (ˈbluːˌdʒækIt)   n   a sailor in the Navy

■ bluejay (ˈbluːˌdʒeI)   n   a common North American jay, Cyanocitta cristata, having bright blue plumage with greyish-white underparts

■ blue john   n   a blue or purple fibrous variety of fluorspar occurring only in Derbyshire: used for vases, etc

■ blue laws   pl n   US history a number of repressive puritanical laws of the colonial period, forbidding any secular activity on Sundays

■ blue lias   n   a type of rock composed of alternating layers of bluish shale or clay and grey argillaceous limestone. See also Lias

■ blueline (ˈbluːˌlaIn)   n   a blue-toned photographic print used as a proof for platemaking

■ blueliner (ˈbluːˌlaInə)   n   a machine for making blueprints

■ Blue Mantle   n   one of the four pursuivants of the British College of Arms

■ blue merle   n   See merle^2

■ blue moon   n   1 the second full moon occurring within a calendar month   2 once in a blue moon informal very rarely; almost never

■ blue mould   n   1 Also called: green mould any fungus of the genus Penicillium that forms a bluish mass on decaying food, leather, etc   2 any fungal disease of fruit trees characterized by necrosis and a bluish growth on the affected tissue: mostly caused by Penicillium species

■ Blue Mountains   pl n   1 a mountain range in the US, in NE Oregon and SE Washington. Highest peak: Rock Creek Butte, 2776 m (9108 ft)   2 a mountain range in the Caribbean, in E Jamaica: Blue Mountain coffee is grown on its slopes. Highest peak: Blue Mountain Peak, 2256 m (7402 ft)   3 a plateau in SE Australia, in E New South Wales: part of the Great Dividing Range. Highest part: about 1134 m (3871 ft)

■ bluemouth (ˈbluːmaʊθ)   n   a deep water fish, Helicolenus dactylopterus

■ blue murder   n   informal a great outcry, noise; horrible din (esp in such phrases as cry, howl, scream, etc, blue murder)

■ Blue Nile   n   a river in E Africa, rising in central Ethiopia as the Abbai and flowing southeast, then northwest to join the White Nile. Length: about 1530 km (950 miles)

■ bluenose (ˈbluːˌnəʊz)   n   1 US slang a puritanical or prudish person   2 (often capital) informal a native or inhabitant of Nova Scotia

■ blue note   n   jazz a flattened third or seventh, used frequently in the blues

■ blue-on-blue   adj   military of or relating to friendly fire: blue-on-blue contacts [C20: from the colour used to mark a country's own troops and allies on a military map]

■ blue pencil   n   1 deletion, alteration, or censorship of the contents of a book or other work   ▷ vb blue-pencil (-cils, -cilling, -cilled) or US -cils, -ciling, -ciled   2 (tr) to alter or delete parts of (a book, film, etc), esp to censor

■ blue peter   n   a signal flag of blue with a white square at the centre, displayed by a vessel about to leave port [C19: from the name Peter]

■ bluepoint (ˈbluːˌpɔInt)   n   a type of small oyster named after Blue Point, New York

■ blue pointer   n   a large shark, Isuropsis mako, of Australian coastal waters, having a blue back and pointed snout

■ blueprint (ˈbluːˌprInt)   n   1 Also called: cyanotype a photographic print of plans, technical drawings, etc, consisting of white lines on a blue background   2 an original plan or prototype that influences subsequent design or practice: the Montessori method was the blueprint for education in the 1940s   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make a blueprint of (a plan)

■ blue racer   n   a long slender blackish-blue fast-moving colubrid snake, Coluber constrictor flaviventris, of the US

■ blue riband or blue ribband   n   1 Also called (esp US): blue ribbon (sometimes capitals) the record for the fastest sea journey between two places, esp (in the 1920s and 30s) for a passenger liner between New York and Southampton   2    a the most distinguished achievement in any field   b (as modifier): the blue-riband event of the meeting

■ blue ribbon   n   1 (in Britain) a badge of blue silk worn by members of the Order of the Garter   2 a badge awarded as the first prize in a competition   3 US a badge worn by a member of a temperance society

■ blue-ribbon jury   n   a US name for a special jury

■ Blue Ridge Mountains   pl n   a mountain range in the eastern US, extending from West Virginia into Georgia: part of the Appalachian mountains. Highest peak: Mount Mitchell, 2037 m (6683 ft)

■ blue-ringed octopus   n   a highly venomous octopus, Octopus maculosus, of E Australia which exhibits blue bands on its tentacles when disturbed

■ blue rinse   n   1 a rinse for tinting grey hair a silvery-blue colour   ▷ adj blue-rinse   2 denoting or typifying an elderly, well-groomed, socially active, and comparatively wealthy woman, esp one with conservative views

■ blue-rinsed   adj   1 (of hair) tinted silver-blue   2 another word for blue rinse (sense 2)

■ Blue Rod   n   Brit officer of the Order of St Michael and St George. Full title: Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod

■ blue run   n   skiing an easy run, suitable for beginners

■ blues (bluːz)   pl n the blues (sometimes functioning as singular)   1 a feeling of depression or deep unhappiness   2 a type of folk song devised by Black Americans at the beginning of the 20th century, usually employing a basic 12-bar chorus, the tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords, frequent minor intervals, and blue notes   > ˈbluesy adj

■ Blues (bluːz)   pl n   the Blues Brit the Royal Horse Guards

■ blue schist   n   a metamorphic rock formed under conditions of high pressure and relatively low temperature

■ blue screen   n   a special effects film technique involving filming actors against a blue screen on which effects such as computerized graphics can be added later and integrated into a single sequence

■ blueshift (ˈbluːˌʃIft)   n   a shift in the spectral lines of a stellar spectrum towards the blue end of the visible region relative to the wavelengths of these lines in the terrestrial spectrum: a result of the Doppler effect caused by stars approaching the solar system. Compare redshift

■ blue-singlet   adj   Austral working-class

■ blue-sky or blue-skies   n   1 (modifier) of or denoting theoretical research without regard to any future application of its result: a blue-sky project   ▷ vb -skies, -skying, -skied   2 to theorize (about something that may not lead to any practical application)

■ blue-sky law   n   US a state law regulating the trading of securities: intended to protect investors from fraud

■ blue-sky thinking   n   creative ideas that are not limited by current thinking or beliefs

■ bluesman (ˈbluːzmən)   n, pl -men   a musician who plays the blues

■ blue spruce   n   a spruce tree, Picea pungens glauca, native to the Rocky Mountains of North America, having blue-green needle-like leaves. Also called: balsam spruce

■ blue stain   n   forestry a bluish discoloration of sapwood caused by growth of fungi

■ bluestem (ˈbluːˌstɛm)   n   a name applied to a number of North American prairie grasses

■ bluestocking (ˈbluːˌstɒkIŋ)   n   usually derogatory a scholarly or intellectual woman [from the blue worsted stockings worn by members of a C18 literary society]

■ bluestone (ˈbluːˌstəʊn)   n   1 a blue-grey sandstone containing much clay, used for building and paving   2 the blue crystalline form of copper sulphate   3 a blue variety of basalt found in Australia and used as a building stone

■ blue swimmer   n   1 an edible bluish Australian swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus   2 Austral informal an Australian ten-dollar note

■ bluet (ˈbluːIt)   n   a North American rubiaceous plant, Houstonia caerulea, with small four-petalled blue flowers

■ bluethroat (ˈbluːˌθrəʊt)   n   a small brownish European songbird, Cyanosylvia svecica, related to the thrushes, the male of which has a blue throat: family Muscicapidae

■ bluetick (ˈbluːˌtIk)   n   a type of coonhound commonly bred in the southern United States

■ bluetit (ˈbluːˌtIt)   n   a common European tit, Parus caeruleus, having a blue crown, wings, and tail, yellow underparts, and a black and grey head

■ bluetongue^1 (ˌbluːˈtʌŋ)   n   an Australian lizard, Tiliqua scincoides, having a cobalt-blue tongue

■ bluetongue^2 (ˌbluːˈtʌŋ)   n   vet science a viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants transmitted by arthropods and characterized by reproductive problems or vasculitis. Sheep, which are most frequently affected, develop swelling of the face and a cyanotic tongue

■ Bluetooth (ˈbluːˌtuːθ)   n   trademark a short-range radio technology that allows wireless communication between a computer and a keyboard, between mobile phones, etc [C20: after the 10th-century Danish King Harald Blatand (Harold Bluetooth), instrumental in uniting warring factions in Scandinavia]

■ bluette (bluːˈɛt)   n   a short, brilliant piece of music

■ blue vein   n   Austral and NZ another name for blue cheese

■ blue vitriol   n   the fully hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulphate

■ blueweed (ˈbluːˌwiːd)   n   US another name for viper's bugloss

■ blue whale   n   the largest mammal: a widely distributed bluish-grey whalebone whale, Sibbaldus (or Balaenoptera) musculus, closely related and similar to the rorquals: family Balaenopteridae. Also called: sulphur-bottom

■ bluewing (ˈbluːˌwIŋ)   n   a variety of teal, Anas discors, native to the Americas

■ bluewood (ˈbluːˌwʊd)   n   a kind of shrub of the buckthorn family, Condalia obovata, found in Texas and northern Mexico

■ bluey (ˈbluːI)   n Austral informal   1 a blanket   2 a swagman's bundle   3 hump bluey or hump one's bluey to carry one's bundle; tramp   4 slang a variant of blue (sense 13)   5 a cattle dog   6 a red-headed person [(for senses 1, 2, 4) C19: from BLUE (on account of their colour) + -Y^2]

■ Bluey (ˈbluːI)   n   a variant of Blue

■ bluish or blueish (ˈbluːIʃ)   adj   somewhat blue   > ˈbluishness or ˈblueishness n

bluejacking (ˈbluːˌdʒækIŋ)   n   the practice of using one Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone to gain access to another, esp in order to send anonymous text messages [C21: from BLUE(TOOTH) + (HI)JACKING]

bluesnarfing (ˈbluːˌsnɑːfIŋ)   n   the practice of using one Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone to steal contact details, ring tones, images, etc from another [C21: from BLUE(TOOTH) + SNARF]

bluff^1 (blʌf)   vb   1 to pretend to be confident about an uncertain issue or to have undisclosed resources, in order to influence or deter (someone)   ▷ n   2 deliberate deception intended to create the impression of a stronger position or greater resources than one actually has   3 call someone's bluff to challenge someone to give proof of his or her claims [C19: originally US poker-playing term, from Dutch bluffen to boast]   > ˈbluffer n

■ bluffable (ˈblʌfəbəl)   adj   able to be achieved through or influenced by bluffing

bluff^2 (blʌf)   n   1 a steep promontory, bank, or cliff, esp one formed by river erosion on the outside bend of a meander   2 Canadian a clump of trees on the prairie; copse   ▷ adj   3 good-naturedly frank and hearty   4 (of a bank, cliff, etc) presenting a steep broad face [C17 (in the sense: nearly perpendicular): perhaps from Middle Dutch blaf broad]   > ˈbluffly adv   > ˈbluffness n

bluidy (ˈbludI)   adj bluidier, bluidiest   Scot dialect bloody

Blum (bluːm)   n   Léon (leɔ̃). 1872–1950, French socialist statesman; premier of France (1936–37; 1938; 1946–47)

Blumberg (ˈblʊmbɜːɡ)   n   Baruch Samuel.1925–2011, US physician, noted for work on antigens: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1976

Blunden (ˈblʌndən)   n   Edmund (Charles). 1896–1974, British poet and scholar, noted esp for Undertones of War (1928), a memoir of World War I in verse and prose

blunder (ˈblʌndə)   n   1 a stupid or clumsy mistake   2 a foolish tactless remark   ▷ vb (mainly intr)   3 to make stupid or clumsy mistakes   4 to make foolish tactless remarks   5 (often foll by about, into, etc) to act clumsily; stumble: he blundered into a situation he knew nothing about   6 (tr) to mismanage; botch [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse blunda to close one's eyes, Norwegian dialect blundra; see BLIND]   > ˈblunderer n   > ˈblundering n, adj   > ˈblunderingly adv

blunderbuss (ˈblʌndəˌbʌs)   n   1 an obsolete short musket with large bore and flared muzzle, used to scatter shot at short range   2 informal a clumsy unsubtle person [C17: changed (through the influence of BLUNDER) from Dutch donderbus; from donder THUNDER + obsolete bus gun]

blunge (blʌndʒ)   vb   (tr) to mix (clay or a similar substance) with water in order to form a suspension for use in ceramics [C19: probably from BLEND + PLUNGE]

■ blunger (ˈblʌndʒə)   n   a large vat in which the contents, esp clay and water, are mixed by rotating arms

blunk (blʌŋk)   vb (tr)   Scot dialect to ruin, mismanage, or spoil

blunker (ˈblʌŋkə)   n   Scot dialect a person who prints cloths

Blunkett (ˈblʌnkIt)   n   David, Baron. born 1947, British Labour politician: home secretary (2001–04)

blunt (blʌnt)   adj   1 (esp of a knife or blade) lacking sharpness or keenness; dull   2 not having a sharp edge or point: a blunt instrument   3 (of people, manner of speaking, etc) lacking refinement or subtlety; straightforward and uncomplicated   4 outspoken; direct and to the point: a blunt Yorkshireman   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to make less sharp   6 to diminish the sensitivity or perception of; make dull   ▷ n   7 slang a cannabis cigarette [C12: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse blundr dozing, blunda to close one's eyes; see BLUNDER, BLIND]   > ˈbluntly adv   > ˈbluntness n

■ blunthead (ˈblʌntˌhɛd)   n   slang a frequent recreational user of marijuana [C20: from BLUNT (sense 7) + -HEAD]

■ bluntish (ˈblʌntIʃ)   adj   somewhat blunt

Blunt (blʌnt)   n   1  Anthony. 1907–83, British art historian and Soviet spy   2  Wilfred Scawen. 1840–1922, British poet, traveller, and anti-imperialist

blur (blɜː)   vb blurs, blurring, blurred   1 to make or become vague or less distinct: heat haze blurs the hills; education blurs class distinctions   2 to smear or smudge   3 (tr) to make (the judgment, memory, or perception) less clear; dim   ▷ n   4 something vague, hazy, or indistinct   5 a smear or smudge [C16: perhaps variant of BLEAR]   > ˈblurred adj   > blurredly (ˈblɜːrIdlI, ˈblɜːd-) adv   > ˈblurredness n   > ˈblurriness n   > ˈblurry adj

■ blurrily (ˈblɜːrIlI)   adv   in a blurry manner

■ blurringly (ˈblɜːrIŋlI)   adv   in a manner which causes blurring

Blu-ray   n   trademark an optical disk used to store digital information such as high-definition video, and able to store more information than a standard DVD [C21: from the colour of the laser used to read and write this type of disc]

blurb (blɜːb)   n   a promotional description, as found on the jackets of books [C20: coined by Gelett Burgess (1866–1951), US humorist and illustrator]

■ blurbist (ˈblɜːbIst)   n   a person who writes blurbs

blurt (blɜːt)   vb   (tr; often foll by out) to utter suddenly and involuntarily [C16: probably of imitative origin]

■ blurter (ˈblɜːtə)   n   a person who blurts

blush (blʌʃ)   vb   1 (intr) to become suddenly red in the face from embarrassment, shame, modesty, or guilt; redden   2 to make or become reddish or rosy   ▷ n   3 a sudden reddening of the face from embarrassment, shame, modesty, or guilt   4 a rosy glow: the blush of a peach   5 a reddish or pinkish tinge   6 a cloudy area on the surface of freshly applied gloss paint   7 at first blush when first seen; as a first impression [Old English blӯscan; related to blӯsian to burn, Middle Low German blüsen to light a fire]   > ˈblushful adj   > ˈblushing n, adj   > ˈblushingly adv

■ blusher (ˈblʌʃə)   n   a cosmetic applied to the face to imbue it with a rosy colour

■ blushet (ˈblʌʃIt)   n   obsolete a modest young woman, perceived as prone to blushing

■ blushless (ˈblʌʃlIs)   adj   without blushes, shameless

■ blushlessly (ˈblʌʃlIslI)   adv   in a manner without blushing, shamelessly

bluster (ˈblʌstə)   vb   1 to speak or say loudly or boastfully   2 to act in a bullying way   3 (tr,; foll by into) to force or attempt to force (a person) into doing something by behaving thus   4 (intr) (of the wind) to be noisy or gusty   ▷ n   5 boisterous talk or action; swagger   6 empty threats or protests   7 a strong wind; gale [C15: probably from Middle Low German blüsteren to storm, blow violently]   > ˈblusterer n   > ˈblustering n, adj   > ˈblusteringly or ˈblusterously adv   > ˈblustery or ˈblusterous adj

blustrous (ˈblʌstrəs)   adj   an obsolete variant of blustery

Blu-tack (ˈbluːtæk)   n   1 trademark a type of blue, malleable, sticky material used to attach paper, card, etc to walls and other surfaces   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to attach (paper, card, etc) to a wall or other surface by means of this material

blutwurst (ˈbluːtˌvʊrst, ˈbluːtˌwɜːst)   n   a German blood sausage

Blvd   abbreviation for   Boulevard

B-lymphocyte   n   a type of lymphocyte, originating in bone marrow, that produces antibodies. Also called: B-cell. See also T-lymphocyte

blype (blaIp)   n   Scot dialect a small piece of skin, particularly one which has peeled off following sunburn

Blyth^1 (blaIð)   n   a port in N England, in SE Northumberland, on the North Sea. Pop: 35 691 (2001)

Blyth^2 (blaIð)   n   Sir Chay (tʃeI). born 1940, British yachtsman. He sailed round the world alone (1970–71) and won many races

Blyton (ˈblaItən)   n   Enid (Mary). 1897–1968, British writer of children's books; creator of Noddy and the Famous Five series of adventure stories

bm^1   abbreviation for   1 board measure   2 bowel movement

bm^2   the internet domain name for   Bermuda

BM   abbreviation for   1 Bachelor of Medicine   2 surveying benchmark   3 British Museum

BMA   abbreviation for   British Medical Association

BME   abbreviation for   Black and Minority Ethnic

BMI   abbreviation for   1 body mass index   2 Broadcast Music Incorporated

BMJ   abbreviation for   British Medical Journal

B-movie   n   a film originally made (esp in Hollywood in the 1940s and 50s) as a supporting film, now often considered as a genre in its own right

BMR   abbreviation for   basal metabolic rate

BMus   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Music

BMX   abbreviation for   1 bicycle motocross; stunt riding on rough ground or over an obstacle course on a bicycle   2 a bicycle designed for bicycle motocross

bn^1   abbreviation for   billion

bn^2   the internet domain name for   Brunei Darussalam

Bn   abbreviation for   1 Baron   2 Also: bn Battalion

BNA   abbreviation for (in Canada)   British North America

B'nai B'rith (bəˈneI bəˈriːθ, brIθ)   n   a Jewish fraternal organization founded in New York in 1843, having moral, philanthropic, social, educational, and political aims [from Hebrew benē brīth sons of the covenant]

BNFL   abbreviation for   British Nuclear Fuels Limited

BNP   abbreviation for   British National Party

bo^1 or boh (bəʊ)   interj   1 an exclamation uttered to startle or surprise someone, esp a child in a game   2 slang an exclamation of encouragement or an expression of enthusiasm

bo^2   the internet domain name for   Bolivia

BO   abbreviation for   1 informal body odour   2 box office

b.o.   abbreviation for   1 back order   2 branch office   3 broker's order   4 buyer's option

B/O   abbreviation for   1 accounting brought over   2 buyer's option

boa (ˈbəʊə)   n   1 any large nonvenomous snake of the family Boidae, most of which occur in Central and South America and the Caribbean. They have vestigial hind limbs and kill their prey by constriction   2 a woman's long thin scarf, usually of feathers or fur [C19: from New Latin, from Latin: a large Italian snake, water snake]

boab (ˈbəʊæb)   n   Austral short for baobab

Boabdil (Spanish boaβˈðil)   n   original name Abu-Abdullah, called El Chico, ruled as Mohammed XI. died ?1538, last Moorish king of Granada (1482–83; 1486–92)

BOAC   abbreviation for (formerly)   British Overseas Airways Corporation

boa constrictor   n   a very large snake, Constrictor constrictor, of tropical America and the Caribbean, that kills its prey by constriction: family Boidae (boas)

Boadicea (ˌbəʊədIˈsiːə)   n   another name for Boudicca

boak (bok, bəʊk)   vb, n   a variant spelling of boke

Boanerges (ˌbəʊəˈnɜːdʒiːz)   n   1 New Testament a nickname applied by Jesus to James and John in Mark 3:17   2 a fiery preacher, esp one with a powerful voice [C17: from Hebrew benē reghesh sons of thunder]

boar (bɔː)   n   1 an uncastrated male pig   2 See wild boar [Old English bār; related to Old High German bēr]

■ boarfish (ˈbɔːˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any of various spiny-finned marine teleost fishes of the genera Capros, Antigonia, etc, related to the dories, having a deep compressed body, a long snout, and large eyes

■ boarhound (ˈbɔːˌhaʊnd)   n   a hound used to chase boar

■ boar-hunting   n   the practice of hunting wild boars

■ boarish (ˈbɔːrIʃ)   adj   coarse, cruel, or sensual   > ˈboarishly adv   > ˈboarishness n

board (bɔːd)   n   1 a long wide flat relatively thin piece of sawn timber   2    a a smaller flat piece of rigid material for a specific purpose: ironing board   b (in combination): breadboard; cheeseboard   3 a person's food or meals, provided regularly for money or sometimes as payment for work done (esp in the phrases full board, board and lodging)   4 archaic a table, esp one used for eating at, and esp when laden with food   5    a (sometimes functioning as plural) a group of people who officially administer a company, trust, etc: a board of directors   b (as modifier): a board meeting   6 any other committee or council: a board of interviewers   7 the boards (plural) the acting profession; the stage   8 short for blackboard, chessboard, notice board, printed circuit board, springboard, surfboard   9 stiff cardboard or similar material covered with paper, cloth, etc, used for the outside covers of a book   10 a flat thin rectangular sheet of composite material, such as plasterboard or chipboard   11 chiefly US   a a list on which stock-exchange securities and their prices are posted   b informal the stock exchange itself   12 nautical   a the side of a ship   b the leg that a sailing vessel makes on a beat to windward   13 Austral and NZ the part of the floor of a sheep-shearing shed, esp a raised part, where the shearers work   14 NZ the killing floor of an abattoir or freezing works   15    a any of various portable surfaces specially designed for indoor games such as chess, backgammon, etc   b (as modifier): board games   16    a a set of hands in duplicate bridge   b a wooden or metal board containing four slots, or often nowadays, a plastic wallet, in which the four hands are placed so that the deal may be replayed with identical hands   17 the hull of a sailboard, usually made of plastic, to which the mast is jointed and on which a windsurfer stands   18 See above board   19 go by the board to be in disuse, neglected, or lost: in these days courtesy goes by the board   20 on board on or in a ship, boat, aeroplane, or other vehicle   21 sweep the board   a (in gambling) to win all the cards or money   b to win every event or prize in a contest   22 take on board to accept (new ideas, situations, theories, etc)   ▷ vb   23 to go aboard (a vessel, train, aircraft, or other vehicle)   24 nautical to come alongside (a vessel) before attacking or going aboard   25 to attack (a ship) by forcing one's way aboard   26 (tr; often foll by up, in, etc) to cover or shut with boards   27 (intr) to give or receive meals or meals and lodging in return for money or work   28 (sometimes foll by out) to receive or arrange for (someone, esp a child) to receive food and lodging away from home, usually in return for payment [Old English bord; related to Old Norse borth ship's side, table, Old High German bort ship's side, Sanskrit bardhaka a cutting off]   > ˈboardable adj

■ board-and-shingle   n   Caribbean a small dwelling with wooden walls and a shingle roof

■ board bridge   n   another name for duplicate bridge

■ boarded-up   adj   with windows and doors covered with boards for security

■ boarder (ˈbɔːdə)   n   1 Brit a pupil who lives at school during term time   2 US a child who lives away from his or her parents and is cared for by a person or organization receiving payment   3 another word for lodger   4 a person who boards a ship, esp one who forces his or her way aboard in an attack: stand by to repel boarders   5 informal a person who takes part in sailboarding or snowboarding

■ board foot   n   a unit of board measure: the cubic content of a piece of wood one foot square and one inch thick

■ boardies (ˈbɔːdIz)   pl n   Austral informal a pair of board shorts

■ boarding (ˈbɔːdIŋ)   n   1 a structure of boards, such as a floor or fence   2 timber boards collectively   3    a the act of embarking on an aircraft, train, ship, etc   b (as modifier): a boarding pass   4 a process used in tanning to accentuate the natural grain of hides, in which the surface of a softened leather is lightly creased by folding grain to grain and the fold is worked to and fro across the leather

■ boardinghouse (ˈbɔːdIŋˌhaʊs)   n   1 a private house in which accommodation and meals are provided for paying guests   2 Austral a house for boarders at a school. See also house (sense 10)

■ boarding out   n   social welfare, Brit   a the local-authority practice of placing a client in a foster family or voluntary establishment and paying for it   b (as modifier): boarding-out allowances

■ boarding school   n   a school providing living accommodation for some or all of its pupils

■ boardlike (ˈbɔːdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a board

■ boardman (ˈbɔːdˌmæn)   n, pl -men   1 commerce a member of a board   2 advertising a person wearing a sandwich board for advertising

■ board measure   n   a system of units for measuring wood based on the board foot. 1980 board feet equal one standard

■ board of trade   n   US and Canadian another name for a chamber of commerce

■ Board of Trade   n   (in the United Kingdom) a now nominal department within the Department of Trade: responsible for the supervision of commerce and the promotion of export trade

■ Board of Trade Unit   n   a unit of electrical energy equal to 1 kilowatt-hour. Abbreviation: BTU

■ boardroom (ˈbɔːdˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n     a a room where the board of directors of a company meets   b (as modifier): a boardroom power struggle

■ board rule   n   a measuring device for estimating the number of board feet in a quantity of wood

■ boardsailing (ˈbɔːdˌseIlIŋ)   n   another name for windsurfing   > ˈboardˌsailor n

■ board school   n   Brit (formerly) a school managed by a board elected by local ratepayers

■ board shorts   pl n   shorts with longer legs, originally meant to protect a surfer's legs against the surfboard

■ boardwalk (ˈbɔːdˌwɔːk)   n   US and Canadian a promenade, esp along a beach, usually made of planks

boart (bɔːt)   n   a variant spelling of bort

Boas (ˈbəʊæz; German ˈboːas)   n   Franz (frants). 1858–1942, US anthropologist, born in Germany. He made major contributions to cultural and linguistic anthropology in studies of Native American peoples, including The Mind of Primitive Man (1911; 1938)

boast^1 (bəʊst)   vb   1 (intr; sometimes foll by of or about) to speak in exaggerated or excessively proud terms of one's possessions, skills, or superior qualities; brag   2 (tr) to possess (something to be proud of): the city boasts a fine cathedral   ▷ n   3 a bragging statement   4 a possession, attribute, attainment, etc, that is or may be bragged about [C13: of uncertain origin]   > ˈboaster n   > ˈboasting n, adj   > ˈboastingly adv

■ boastful (ˈbəʊstfʊl)   adj   tending to boast; characterized by boasting   > ˈboastfully adv   > ˈboastfulness n

■ boastless (ˈbəʊstlIs)   adj   without boasting

boast^2 (bəʊst)   vb   (tr) to shape or dress (stone) roughly with a broad chisel [C19: of unknown origin]

boast^3 (bəʊst) squash   n   1 a stroke in which the ball is hit on to one of the side walls before hitting the front wall   ▷ vb   2 to hit (the ball) in this way or make such a stroke [C19: perhaps from French bosse the place where the ball hits the wall]   > ˈboasted adj

boat (bəʊt)   n   1 a small vessel propelled by oars, paddle, sails, or motor for travelling, transporting goods, etc, esp one that can be carried aboard a larger vessel   2 (not in technical use) another word for ship   3 navy a submarine   4 a container for gravy, sauce, etc   5 a small boat-shaped container for incense, used in some Christian churches   6 in the same boat sharing the same problems   7 burn one's boats See burn^1 (sense 19)   8 miss the boat to lose an opportunity   9 push the boat out Brit informal to celebrate, esp lavishly and expensively   10 rock the boat informal to cause a disturbance in the existing situation   ▷ vb   11 (intr) to travel or go in a boat, esp as a form of recreation   12 (tr) to transport or carry in a boat [Old English bāt; related to Old Norse beit boat]

■ boatable (ˈbəʊtəbəl)   adj   1 able to be carried by boat   2  (of waters) navigable by boat

■ boatbill (ˈbəʊtˌbIl) or boat-billed heron   n   a nocturnal tropical American wading bird, Cochlearius cochlearius, similar to the night herons but with a broad flattened bill: family Ardeidae, order Ciconiiformes

■ boatbuilder or boat builder (ˈbəʊtbIldə)   n   a person or company that builds boats

■ boatbuilding or boat-building (ˈbəʊtbIldIŋ)   n   the industry or activity of making boats

■ boat deck   n   the deck of a ship on which the lifeboats are kept

■ boat drill   n   practice in launching the lifeboats and taking off the passengers and crew of a ship

■ boatel or botel (bəʊˈtɛl)   n   1 a waterside hotel catering for boating people   2 a ship that functions as a hotel [C20: from BOAT + (HOT)EL]

■ boater (ˈbəʊtə)   n   a stiff straw hat with a straight brim and flat crown

■ boatful (ˈbəʊtfʊl)   n   an amount or number that could be carried by a boat

■ boathook (ˈbəʊtˌhʊk)   n   a pole with a hook at one end, used aboard a vessel for fending off other vessels or obstacles or for catching a line or mooring buoy

■ boathouse (ˈbəʊtˌhaʊs)   n   a shelter by the edge of a river, lake, etc, for housing boats

■ boatie (ˈbəʊtI)   n   Austral and NZ informal a boating enthusiast

■ boating (ˈbəʊtIŋ)   n   the practice of rowing, sailing, or cruising in boats as a form of recreation

■ boatlift (ˈbəʊtˌlIft)   n   an evacuation or rescue by boat

■ boatlike (ˈbəʊtˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a boat

■ boatload (ˈbəʊtˌləʊd)   n   the amount of cargo or number of people held by a boat or ship

■ boatman (ˈbəʊtmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man who works on, hires out, repairs, or operates a boat or boats   2 short for water boatman

■ boat neck (ˈbəʊtˌnɛk)   n   a high slitlike neckline of a garment that extends onto the shoulders. Also called: bateau neckline

■ boat people   pl n   refugees, esp from Vietnam in the late 1970s, who leave by boat hoping to be picked up by ships of another country

■ boat race   n   the boat race Brit a rowing event held annually in the spring, in which an eight representing Oxford University rows against one representing Cambridge University on the Thames between Putney and Mortlake

■ boat-shaped   adj   1 shaped like a boat   2 oval

■ boatswain, bosun or bo's'n (ˈbəʊsən)   n   a petty officer on a merchant ship or a warrant officer on a warship who is responsible for the maintenance of the ship and its equipment [Old English bātswegen; see BOAT, SWAIN]

■ boatswain's chair   n   nautical a seat consisting of a short flat board slung from ropes, used to support a person working on the side of a vessel or in its rigging

■ boattail (ˈbəʊtˌteIl)   n   a large species of blackbird, Quiscalus major, found in coastal areas of the southeastern US

■ boat train   n   a train scheduled to take passengers to or from a particular ship

■ boatyard (ˈbəʊtjɑːd)   n   a place where boats are sold, built, repaired, or moored

Boa Vista (Portuguese ˈboə ˈviʃtə)   n   a town in N Brazil, capital of the state of Roraima, on the Rio Branco. Pop: 275 000 (2005 est)

Boaz (ˈbəʊæz)   n   Old Testament a kinsman of Naomi, who married her daughter-in-law Ruth (Ruth 2–4); one of David's ancestors

bob^1 (bɒb)   vb bobs, bobbing, bobbed   1 to move or cause to move up and down repeatedly, as while floating in water   2 to move or cause to move with a short abrupt movement, as of the head   3 to make (a bow or curtsy): the little girl bobbed before the visitor   4 (intr; usually foll by up) to appear or emerge suddenly   5 (intr; foll by under, below, etc) to disappear suddenly, as beneath a surface   6 (intr; usually foll by for) to attempt to get hold (of a floating or hanging object, esp an apple) in the teeth as a game   ▷ n   7 a short abrupt movement, as of the head   8 a quick curtsy or bow   9 bell-ringing a particular set of changes   10 angling   a short for bobfloat   b the topmost fly on a cast of three, often fished bobbing at the surface   c this position on a wet-fly cast [C14: of uncertain origin]

■ bobber (ˈbɒbə)   n   a small float, traditionally made of cork, used in angling

■ bobfloat (ˈbɒbˌfləʊt)   n   angling a small buoyant float, usually consisting of a quill stuck through a piece of cork

■ bobstay (ˈbɒbˌsteI)   n   a strong stay between a bowsprit and the stem of a vessel for holding down the bowsprit [C18: perhaps from BOB^1 + STAY^3]

■ bobweight (ˈbɒbˌweIt)   n   another name for balance weight

bob^2 (bɒb)   n   1 a hairstyle for women and children in which the hair is cut short evenly all round the head   2 a dangling or hanging object, such as the weight on a pendulum or on a plumb line   3 a polishing disc on a rotating spindle. It is usually made of felt, leather, etc, impregnated with an abrasive material   4 short for bob skate, bobsleigh   5 a runner or pair of runners on a bobsled   6 angling a small knot of worms, maggots, etc, used as bait   7 a very short line of verse at the end of a stanza or preceding a rhyming quatrain (the wheel) at the end of a stanza   8 a refrain or burden with such a short line or lines   9 a docked tail, esp of a horse   10 Brit dialect a hanging cluster, as of flowers or ribbons   ▷ vb bobs, bobbing, bobbed   11 (tr) to cut (the hair) in a bob   12 (tr) to cut short (something, esp the tail of an animal); dock or crop   13 (intr) to ride on a bobsled [C14 bobbe bunch of flowers, perhaps of Celtic origin]

■ bobbed (bɒbd)   adj   hairdressing cut short

■ bobcat (ˈbɒbˌkæt)   n   a North American feline mammal, Lynx rufus, closely related to but smaller than the lynx, having reddish-brown fur with dark spots or stripes, tufted ears, and a short tail. Also called: bay lynx [C19: from BOB^2 (referring to its short tail) + CAT^1]

■ boblet (ˈbɒblIt)   n   a two-person bobsleigh

■ bob skate   n   chiefly US and Canadian an ice skate with two parallel blades

■ bobsledder (ˈbɒbˌslɛdə)   n   a person who bobsleds

■ bobsleigh (ˈbɒbˌsleI)   n   1 a racing sledge for two or more people, with a steering mechanism enabling the driver to direct it down a steeply banked ice-covered run   2 (esp formerly)   a a sleigh made of two short sledges joined one behind the other   b one of these two short sledges   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to ride on a bobsleigh   ▶ Also called (esp US and Canadian): bobsled (ˈbɒbˌslɛd)

■ bobtail (ˈbɒbˌteIl)   n   1 a docked or diminutive tail   2 an animal with such a tail   ▷ adj also bobtailed   3 having the tail cut short   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to dock the tail of   5 to cut short; curtail

■ bob-wheel   n   poetry a metrical device found in Middle English and Middle Scots poetry, where a very short line (the 'bob') is followed by longer lines with an internal rhyme scheme (the 'wheel')

■ bobwig (ˈbɒbˌwIɡ)   n   a type of wig with the hair styled in a bob

bob^3 (bɒb)   vb bobs, bobbing, bobbed   1 to tap or cause to tap or knock lightly (against)   ▷ n   2 a light knock; tap [C13 bobben to rap, beat; see BOP^2]

bob^4 (bɒb)   n, pl bob   Brit (formerly) an informal word for a shilling (sense 1) [C19: of unknown origin]

■ bob-a-job   n   Brit old-fashioned a fundraising activity that involved boy scouts knocking on doors and offering to do jobs for one shilling

Bob (bɒb)   n   Bob's your uncle slang everything is or will turn out all right [C19: perhaps from pet form of Robert]

boba (ˈbəʊbə)   n   a variety of tea containing balls of pearl tapioca, originating in Taiwan in the 1980s

bobak (ˈbəʊbæk)   n   a species of marmot found in the steppes of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Also called: steppe marmot

bobbejaan (ˈbɒbəˌjɑːn)   n South African   1 a baboon   2 a large black spider   3 a monkey wrench [Afrikaans]

bobbery (ˈbɒbərI)   n, pl -beries   1 Also called: bobbery pack a mixed pack of hunting dogs, often not belonging to any of the hound breeds   2 informal a noisy commotion   ▷ adj   3 informal noisy or excitable [C19: from Hindi bāp re, literally: oh father!]

bobbin (ˈbɒbIn)   n   1 a spool or reel on which thread or yarn is wound, being unwound as required; spool; reel   2 narrow braid or cord used as binding or for trimming   3 a device consisting of a short bar and a length of string, used to control a wooden door latch   4    a a spool on which insulated wire is wound to form the coil of a small electromagnetic device, such as a bell or buzzer   b the coil of such a spool   5 (plural) Brit slang matter that is worthless or of inferior quality; rubbish [C16: from Old French bobine, of unknown origin]

■ bobbinet (ˌbɒbIˈnɛt)   n   a netted fabric of hexagonal mesh, made on a lace machine [C19: see BOBBIN, NET^1]

■ bobbin lace   n   lace made with bobbins rather than with needle and thread (needlepoint lace); pillow lace

bobbish (ˈbɒbIʃ)   adj   slang cheerful, in good health and mood

bobbitt (ˈbɒbIt)   vb (tr)   slang to cut off the penis of

bobble (ˈbɒbəl)   n   1 a short jerky motion, as of a cork floating on disturbed water; bobbing movement   2 a tufted ball, usually for ornament, as on a knitted hat   3 any small dangling ball or bundle   4 a loop of elastic used to hold the hair in a ponytail, etc   ▷ vb   5 (intr) sport (of a ball) to bounce with a rapid erratic motion due to an uneven playing surface   6 US informal to handle (something) ineptly; muff; bungle: he bobbled the ball and lost the game [C19: from BOB^1 (vb)]

■ bobble hat   n   a knitted hat with a tufted woollen ball on top

■ bobblehead (ˈbɒbəlˌhɛd)   n   a collectable doll with a bobbing oversized head representing a celebrity or a cartoon character

■ bobbly (ˈbɒbəlI)   adj -blier, -bliest   (of fabric) covered in small balls of fabric, as a result of washing and wear

bobby (ˈbɒbI)   n, pl -bies   informal a British policeman [C19: from Bobby after Sir Robert PEEL, who, as Home Secretary, set up the Metropolitan Police Force in 1828]

bobby calf   n   an unweaned calf culled for slaughter

bobby-dazzler   n   dialect anything outstanding, striking, or showy, esp an attractive young woman [C19: expanded form of dazzler something striking or attractive]

bobby pin   n   US, Canadian, Austral and NZ a metal hairpin bent in order to hold the hair in place. Brit terms: hairgrip, kirby grip

bobbysocks or bobbysox (ˈbɒbIˌsɒks)   pl n, sing bobbysock   ankle-length socks worn by teenage girls, esp in the US in the 1940s

■ bobbysoxer (ˈbɒbIˌsɒksə)   n   informal, chiefly US an adolescent girl wearing bobbysocks, esp in the 1940s

bobeche (bəʊˈbɛʃ, bəʊˈbeIʃ)   n   a cup or ring around the socket of a candlestick, intended to catch dripping wax

Bobo-Dioulasso (ˈbəʊbəʊdjuːˈlæsəʊ)   n   a city in W Burkina Faso. Pop: 396 000 (2005 est)

bobol (ˈbʌbɔːl) E Caribbean   n   1 a fraud carried out by one or more persons with access to public funds in collusion with someone in a position of authority   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to commit a bobol [C20: of uncertain origin]

bobolink (ˈbɒbəˌlIŋk)   n   an American songbird, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, the male of which has a white back and black underparts in the breeding season: family Icteridae (American orioles). Also called (US): reedbird, ricebird [C18: of imitative origin]

bobotie (bʊˈbʊtI)   n   a South African dish consisting of curried mincemeat with a topping of beaten egg baked to a crust [C19: from Afrikaans, probably from Malay]

bobowler (ˈbɒbˌaʊlə)   n   Midland English dialect a large moth [of uncertain origin]

Bobruisk or Bobruysk (bɔˈbruːIsk)   n   a port in Belarus, on the River Berezina: engineering, timber, tyre manufacturing. Pop: 219 000 (2005 est)

bobsy-die (ˈbɒbzIˌdaI)   n   NZ informal fuss; confusion; pandemonium (esp in the phrases kick up bobsy-die, play bobsy-die) [from C19 bob's a-dying]

bobwhite (ˈbɒbˌwaIt)   n   a brown North American quail, Colinus virginianus, the male of which has white markings on the head: a popular game bird [C19: of imitative origin]

bocaccio (bəˈkætʃəʊ, bəˈkætʃIəʊ)   n   a species of rockfish, Sebastes paucispinis, commonly found along the west coast of North America

bocage (bɒˈkɑːʒ)   n   1 the wooded countryside characteristic of northern France, with small irregular-shaped fields and many hedges and copses   2 woodland scenery represented in ceramics [C17: from French, from Old French bosc; see BOSCAGE]

bocca (ˈbɒkə)   n   the round opening of a glass-furnace from which the fused glass is taken [C18: Italian, literally: mouth]

Boccaccio (Italian bokˈkattʃo)   n   Giovanni (dʒoˈvani). 1313–75, Italian poet and writer, noted particularly for his Decameron (1353), a collection of 100 short stories. His other works include Filostrato (?1338) and Teseida (1341)

Boccherini (Italian bokkeˈrini)   n   Luigi (luˈidʒi). 1743–1805, Italian composer and cellist

boccie, bocci, bocce (ˈbɒtʃiː) or boccia (ˈbɒtʃə)   n   an Italian version of bowls played on a lawn smaller than a bowling green [from Italian bocce bowls, plural of boccia ball; see BOSS^2]

Boccioni (Italian botˈtʃoni)   n   Umberto (umˈberto). 1882–1916, Italian painter and sculptor: principal theorist of the futurist movement

bocconcini or boconcini (Italian bokonˈtʃini)   pl n   small bite-sized pieces of mozzarella cheese [C21: Italian, literally: mouthfuls]

Boche (bɒʃ)   n derogatory, slang (esp in World Wars I and II)   1 a German, esp a German soldier   2 the Boche (usually functioning as plural) Germans collectively, esp German soldiers regarded as the enemy [C20: from French, probably shortened from alboche German, from allemand German + caboche pate]

Bochum (German ˈboːxum)   n   an industrial city in NW Germany, in W North Rhine-Westphalia: university (1965). Pop: 387 283 (2003 est)

bock (bok, bəʊk)   vb, n   a variant spelling of boke

bock beer or bock (bɒk)   n   1 US and Canadian heavy dark strong beer   2 (in France) a light beer [C19: from German Bock bier, literally: buck beer, name given through folk etymology to beer brewed in Einbeck, near Hanover]

bockedy (ˈbɒkədI)   adj   Irish (of a structure, piece of furniture, etc) unsteady [from Irish Gaelic bacaideach limping]

bod (bɒd)   n informal   1 a fellow; chap: he's a queer bod   2 another word for body (sense 1) [C18: short for BODY]

BOD   abbreviation for   biochemical oxygen demand

boda-boda (ˌbəʊdəˈbəʊdə)   n (in East Africa)   1 a bicycle taxi   2 the bicycle rider in charge of a boda-boda [from English border border]

bodach (ˈbəʊdəx)   n dialect   1 Scot an old man   2 Irish a mysterious and malevolent spirit, often appearing as a premonition of death or disaster

bodacious (bəʊˈdeIʃəs)   adj   slang, chiefly US impressive or remarkable; excellent [C19: from English dialect; blend of BOLD + AUDACIOUS]

■ bodaciously (bəʊˈdeIʃəslI)   adv   slang in a bodacious manner

bode^1 (bəʊd)   vb   1 to be an omen of (good or ill, esp of ill); portend; presage   2 (tr) archaic to predict; foretell [Old English bodian; related to Old Norse botha to proclaim, Old Frisian bodia to invite]   > ˈboding n, adj   > ˈbodement n

■ bodeful (ˈbəʊdfʊl)   adj   portentous, foreboding, ominous

■ bodingly (ˈbəʊdIŋlI)   adv   in a boding manner

bode^2 (bəʊd)   vb   the past tense of bide

bodega (bəʊˈdiːɡə; Spanish boˈðeɣa)   n   a shop selling wine and sometimes groceries, esp in a Spanish-speaking country [C19: from Spanish, ultimately from Greek apothēkē storehouse, from apotithenai to store, put away]

bodeguero (ˌbɒdəˈɡɛərəʊ)   n   a wine-seller or grocer

Bodensee (ˈboːdənzeː)   n   the German name for (Lake) Constance

Bode's law (bəʊdz)   n   astronomy an empirical rule relating the distances of the planets from the sun, based on the numerical sequence 0, 3, 6, 12, 24,…. Adding 4 to each number and dividing by 10 gives the sequence 0.4, 0.7, 1, 1.6, 2.8,…, which is a reasonable representation of distances in astronomical units for most planets if the minor planets are counted as a single entity at 2.8 [named after Johann Elert Bode (1747–1826), who in 1772 published the law, formulated by Johann Titius in 1766]

bodge (bɒdʒ)   vb   1 informal to make a mess of; botch   2 Austral informal to make or adjust in a false or clumsy way: I bodged the figures [C16: changed from BOTCH]

■ bodger (ˈbɒdʒə)   adj   1 Austral informal worthless or second-rate   ▷ n   2 a labourer who traditionally lived and worked in the forest, making chairs from felling trees [C20]

bodgie (ˈbɒdʒI) Austral and NZ   n   1 an unruly or uncouth young man, esp in the 1950s; teddy boy   ▷ adj   2 inferior; worthless [C20: from BODGE]

Bodh Gaya (ˈbɒd ɡəˈjɑː)   n   a variant spelling of Buddh Gaya

bodhi (ˈbəʊdI)   n   Buddhism enlightenment [Sanskrit]

■ Bodhi Tree   n   the sacred peepul at Buddh Gaya under which Gautama Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha

Bodhidharma (ˌbəʊdIˈdɑːmə, ˌbɒd-)   n   6th century AD, Indian Buddhist monk, who taught in China (from 520): considered to be the founder of Zen Buddhism

Bodhisattva (ˌbəʊdIˈsætvə, -wə, ˌbɒd-, ˌbəʊdiːˈsʌtvə)   n   (in Mahayana Buddhism) a divine being worthy of nirvana who remains on the human plane to help people to salvation. Compare arhat [Sanskrit, literally: one whose essence is enlightenment, from bodhi enlightenment + sattva essence]

bodhrán (baʊˈrɑːn, ˈboːrɑːn)   n   a shallow one-sided drum popular in Irish and Scottish folk music [Irish Gaelic]

bodice (ˈbɒdIs)   n   1 the upper part of a woman's dress, from the shoulder to the waist   2 a tight-fitting corset worn laced over a blouse, as in certain national costumes, or (formerly) as a woman's undergarment [C16: originally Scottish bodies, plural of BODY]

■ bodice ripper   n   informal a romantic novel, usually on a historical theme, that involves some sex and violence

■ bodice-ripping   adj   informal (of literature and films) historical, melodramatic, with sex and violence

Bo Diddley beat (ˌbəʊ ˈdIdlI ˈbiːt)   n   a type of syncopated rhythm, frequently used in rock music [C20: named after Bo Diddley (1929–2008), US rhythm-and-blues performer and songwriter]

bodikin (ˈbɒdIkIn) obsolete   n   1 a small body   2 a tiny particle or atom

bodkin (ˈbɒdkIn)   n   1 a blunt large-eyed needle used esp for drawing tape through openwork   2 archaic a dagger   3 printing a pointed steel tool used for extracting characters when correcting metal type   4 archaic a long ornamental hairpin [C14: probably of Celtic origin; compare Gaelic biodag dagger]

bodle (ˈbɒdəl, ˈbəʊdəl)   n   a Scottish coin issued under Charles II, worth two Scots pennies or approximately one sixth of an English penny

Bodleian (bɒdˈliːən, ˈbɒdlI-)   n   the principal library of Oxford University: a copyright deposit library [C17: named after Sir Thomas Bodley (1545–1613), English scholar who founded it in 1602]

Bodmin (ˈbɒdmIn)   n   a market town in SW England, in Cornwall, near Bodmin Moor, a granite upland rising to 420 m (1375 ft). Pop: 12 778 (2001)

Bodoni (bəˈdəʊnI)   n   a style of type designed by the Italian printer Giambattista Bodoni (1740–1813)

bodrag (ˈbɒdræɡ)   n   obsolete an enemy attack or raid

body (ˈbɒdI)   n, pl bodies   1    a the entire physical structure of an animal or human being. Related adjectives: corporeal, physical   b (as modifier): body odour   2 the flesh, as opposed to the spirit: while we are still in the body   3 the trunk or torso, not including the limbs, head, or tail   4 a dead human or animal; corpse   5 the largest or main part of anything: the body of a vehicle; the body of a plant   6 a separate or distinct mass of water or land   7 the main part; majority: the body of public opinion   8 the central part of a written work: the body of a thesis as opposed to the footnotes   9 a number of individuals regarded as a single entity; group: the student body; they marched in a body   10 maths a three-dimensional region with an interior   11 physics an object or substance that has three dimensions, a mass, and is distinguishable from surrounding objects   12 fullness in the appearance of the hair   13 the characteristic full quality of certain wines, determined by the density and the content of alcohol or tannin: a Burgundy has a heavy body   14 substance or firmness, esp of cloth   15 the sound box of a guitar, violin, or similar stringed instrument   16 a woman's close-fitting one-piece garment for the torso   17 the part of a dress covering the body from the shoulders to the waist   18 another name for shank (sense 11)   19    a the pigment contained in or added to paint, dye, etc   b the opacity of a paint in covering a surface   c the apparent viscosity of a paint   20 (in watercolour painting)   a a white filler mixed with pigments to make them opaque   b (as modifier): body colour. See also gouache   21 printing the measurement from top to bottom of a piece of type, usually ascender to descender   22 an informal or dialect word for a person   23 keep body and soul together to manage to keep alive; survive   24 (modifier) of or relating to the main reading matter of a book as distinct from headings, illustrations, appendices, etc: the body text   ▷ vb bodies, bodying, bodied (tr)   25 (usually foll by forth) to give a body or shape to [Old English bodig; related to Old Norse buthkr box, Old High German botah body]

■ -bodied   adj   (in combination) having a body or bodies as specified: long-bodied; many-bodied

■ bodiless (ˈbɒdIlIs)   adj   having no body or substance; incorporeal or insubstantial

■ bodily (ˈbɒdIlI)   adj   1 relating to or being a part of the human body   ▷ adv   2 by taking hold of the body: he threw him bodily from the platform   3 in person; in the flesh

■ body armour   n   protective covering used to prevent injury to the body

■ body bag   n   military a large heavy-duty plastic bag used to contain and transport human remains, esp those of battle casualties

■ body beautiful   n   (usually with the)   a a beautiful body   b idealized physical beauty

■ body blow   n   1 Also called: body punch boxing a blow to the body of an opponent   2 a severe disappointment or setback: unavailability of funds was a body blow to the project

■ bodyboard (ˈbɒdIˌbɔːd)   n   a surfboard that is shorter and blunter than the standard board and on which the surfer lies rather than stands. Also called: boogie board

■ bodyboarding (ˈbɒdIˌbɔːdIŋ)   n   the sport of surfing using a bodyboard

■ bodybuilder or body builder (ˈbɒdIbIldə)   n   a person who performs regular exercises designed to make the muscles of the body conspicuous

■ bodybuilding (ˈbɒdIˌbIldIŋ)   n   the practice of performing regular exercises designed to make the muscles of the body conspicuous

■ body cavity   n   the internal cavity of any multicellular animal that contains the digestive tract, heart, kidneys, etc. In vertebrates it develops from the coelom

■ body-centred   adj   (of a crystal) having a lattice point at the centre of each unit cell as well as at the corners. Compare face-centred

■ bodycheck (ˈbɒdIˌtʃɛk)   n   1 sport obstruction of another player   2 wrestling the act of blocking a charging opponent with the body   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to deliver a bodycheck to (an opponent)

■ body combat   n   a type of fitness programme in which individuals perform non-contact martial arts moves to music

■ body-con   n     a a style of skintight clothing that emphasizes the contours of the body   b (as modifier): a body-con skirt [C21: shortened from body-conscious]

■ body corporate   n   law a group of persons incorporated to carry out a specific enterprise. See corporation (sense 1)

■ body double   n   films a person who substitutes for a star for the filming of a scene that involves shots of the body rather than the face

■ body dysmorphic disorder   n   a psychological disorder characterized by fear that one's body, or any part of it, is repulsive or may become so. Abbreviation: BDD

■ bodyguard (ˈbɒdIˌɡɑːd)   n   a person or group of people who escort and protect someone, esp a political figure

■ body horror   n   a horror film genre in which the main feature is the graphically depicted destruction or degeneration of a human body or bodies

■ body image   n   psychol an individual's concept of his or her own body

■ body language   n   the nonverbal imparting of information by means of conscious or subconscious bodily gestures, posture, etc

■ body-line   adj   cricket denoting or relating to fast bowling aimed at the batsman's body

■ body mass index   n   an index used to indicate whether a person is over- or underweight. It is obtained by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres. An index of 20–25 is normal. Abbreviation: BMI

■ body modification   n   any method of permanently adorning the body, including tattooing and piercing

■ Body of Christ   n   the Christian Church

■ body-packer   n   a person who smuggles illicit drugs in balloons, condoms, or similar plastic bags which have either been swallowed or inserted in the rectum or vagina

■ body politic   n   the body politic the people of a nation or the nation itself considered as a political entity; the state

■ body search   n   1 a form of search by police, customs officials, etc, that involves examination of a prisoner's or suspect's bodily orifices   ▷ vb body-search   2 (tr) to search (a prisoner or suspect) in this manner

■ bodyshaper (ˈbɒdIˌʃeIpə)   n   an undergarment which flattens the stomach, bottom etc

■ bodyshell (ˈbɒdIˌʃɛl)   n   the external shell of a motor vehicle

■ body shop   n   a place where the bodywork of motor vehicles is built or repaired

■ body shopping   n   informal the purchasing of manpower from another country, usually one where wages are cheap

■ body snatcher   n   (formerly) a person who robbed graves and sold the corpses for dissection   > body snatching n

■ body stocking   n   a one-piece undergarment for women, usually of nylon, covering the torso

■ bodysuit (ˈbɒdIˌsuːt, -ˌsjuːt)   n   1 another name for body (sense 16)   2 a one-piece undergarment for a baby

■ body-surf   vb (intr)   1 to ride a wave by lying on it without a surfboard   2 informal to fling oneself prone onto a crowd of people, for example on a dance floor or at a rock concert, and move or be carried over their heads   > ˈbodyˌsurfer n   > ˈbodyˌsurfing n

■ body swerve   n   1 sport (esp in football games) the act or an instance of swerving past an opponent   2 Scot the act or an instance of avoiding (a situation considered unpleasant): I think I'll give the meeting a body swerve   ▷ vb body-swerve   3 sport (esp in football games) to pass (an opponent) using a body swerve   4 Scot to avoid (a situation or person considered unpleasant)

■ body warmer   n   a sleeveless type of jerkin, usually quilted, worn as an outer garment for extra warmth

■ bodywork (ˈbɒdIˌwɜːk)   n   1 the external shell of a motor vehicle   2 any form of therapy in which parts of the body are manipulated, such as massage

■ bodyworker (ˈbɒdIˌwɜːkə)   n   a person involved in the building or repair of bodywork

■ body wrap   n   a beauty treatment in which the body is covered in lotion and wrapped tightly in strips of cloth in order to promote weight loss or improve skin tone

Boehmite (ˈbɜːmaIt)   n   a grey, red, or brown mineral that consists of alumina in rhombic crystalline form and occurs in bauxite. Formula: AlO(OH) [C20: from German Böhmit, after J. Böhm, 20th-century German scientist]

Boeotia (bIˈəʊʃIə)   n   a region of ancient Greece, northwest of Athens. It consisted of ten city-states, which formed the Boeotian League, led by Thebes: at its height in the 4th century BC. Modern Greek name: Voiotia

■ Boeotian (bIˈəʊʃIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Boeotia, a region of ancient Greece   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Boeotia or its inhabitants

boep (bʊp)   n   South African a protruding or distended belly: beer boep [Afrikaans]

Boer (bʊə, ˈbəʊə, bɔː)   n, adj     a a descendant of any of the Dutch or Huguenot colonists who settled in South Africa, mainly in Cape Colony, the Orange Free State, and the Transvaal   b (as modifier): a Boer farm [C19: from Dutch Boer; see BOOR]

■ Boer War   n   either of two conflicts between Britain and the South African Boers, the first (1880–1881) when the Boers sought to regain the independence given up for British aid against the Zulus, the second (1899–1902) when the Orange Free State and Transvaal declared war on Britain. Also called: Anglo-Boer War, South African War

boerbul (ˈbʊəˌbʊl)   n   South African a crossbred mastiff used esp as a watchdog [from Afrikaans boerboel a breed of mastiff]

boere- (bʊə, ˈbəʊə, bɔː)   combining form   South African rustic or country-style: boeremusiek [Afrikaans]

boeremusiek (ˈbʊərəˌmjuːzIk)   n   South African a variety of light music associated with the culture of the Afrikaners [Afrikaans]

boerewors (ˈbʊərəˌvɔs)   n   South African a highly seasoned traditional sausage made from minced or pounded meat [Afrikaans]

boertjie (ˈbʊətʃI)   n   South African a person, esp a friend, often used as a term of address [Afrikaans: little farmer]

boet (bʊt)   n   South African brother; mate, chum [Afrikaans]

Boethius (bəʊˈiːθIəs)   n   Anicius Manlius Severinus (əˈnIsIəs ˈmænlIəs ˌsɛvəˈraInəs). ?480–?524 AD, Roman philosopher and statesman, noted particularly for his work De Consolatione Philosophiae. He was accused of treason and executed by Theodoric

boeuf bourguignon (French bœf burɡiɲɔ̃)   n   a casserole of beef, vegetables, herbs, etc, cooked in red wine. Also called: boeuf à la bourguignonne [French: Burgundy beef]

boff (bɒf)   n   informal short for boffin

boffin (ˈbɒfIn)   n   1 Brit informal a scientist, esp one carrying out military research   2 a person who has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field: a Treasury boffin   3 informal someone who is considered to be very clever, often to the exclusion of all non-academic interests [C20: of uncertain origin]

boffo (ˈbɒfəʊ)   adj   1 slang very good; highly successful   ▷ n   2 a person who has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field [C20: of uncertain origin]

boffola (bɒˈfəʊlə)   n   US slang a particularly funny joke

Bofors gun (ˈbəʊfəz)   n   an automatic single- or double-barrelled anti-aircraft gun with a 40 millimetre bore [C20: named after Bofors, Sweden, where it was first made]

bog (bɒɡ)   n   1 wet spongy ground consisting of decomposing vegetation, which ultimately forms peat   2 an area of such ground   3 a place or thing that prevents or slows progress or improvement   4 a slang word for lavatory (sense 1)   5 Austral slang the act or an instance of defecating [C13: from Gaelic bogach swamp, from bog soft]   > ˈboggy adj   > ˈbogginess n

■ bog asphodel   n   either of two liliaceous plants, Narthecium ossifragum of Europe or N. americanum of North America, that grow in boggy places and have small yellow flowers and grasslike leaves

■ bog cotton   n   another name for cotton grass

■ bog deal   n   pine wood found preserved in peat bogs

■ bog down   vb bogs, bogging, bogged   (adverb; when tr, often passive) to impede or be impeded physically or mentally

■ bogger (ˈbɒɡə)   n   Austral slang a lavatory

■ boggish (ˈbɒɡIʃ)   adj   like a bog

■ bog in   vb bogs, bogging, bogged (intr, adverb) Austral and NZ informal   1 to start energetically on a task   2 to start eating; tuck in   ▶ Also (preposition): bog into

■ bogland (ˈbɒɡˌlænd)   n   an area of wetland, usually extensive

■ bogman (ˈbɒɡˌmæn)   n, pl -men   archaeol the body of a person found preserved in a peat bog

■ bog moss   n   another name for peat moss

■ bog myrtle   n   another name for sweet gale

■ bogoak (ˈbɒɡˌəʊk)   n   oak or other wood found preserved in peat bogs; bogwood

■ bog off Brit slang   interj   1 go away!   ▷ vb bogs, bogging, bogged   2 (intr, adverb) to go away

■ bog orchid   n   an orchid, Hammarbya (or Malaxis) paludosa, growing in sphagnum bogs in the N hemisphere. It has greenish-yellow flowers and its leaves bear a fringe of tiny bulbils

■ bog rosemary   n   another name for marsh andromeda

■ bog rush   n   a blackish tufted cyperaceous plant, Schoenus nigricans, growing on boggy ground

■ bog-standard   adj   informal completely ordinary; run-of-the-mill

■ bogtrotter (ˈbɒɡˌtrɒtə)   n   a highly offensive term for an Irish person

■ bogtrotting (ˈbɒɡˌtrɒtIŋ)   n   the act of roaming over boggy areas, or living in boggy areas

■ bogwood (ˈbɒɡˌwʊd)   n   another name for bogoak

bogan^1 (ˈbəʊɡən)   n   Canadian (esp in the Maritime Provinces) a sluggish side stream. Also called: logan, pokelogan [of Algonquian origin]

bogan^2 (ˈbəʊɡən)   n Austral informal   1 an unfashionable, unpopular person   2 an unsophisticated, uneducated person [C20: of unknown origin]

Bogarde (ˈbəʊɡɑːd)   n   Sir Dirk, real name Derek Jules Gaspard Ulric Niven van den Bogaerde. 1920–99, British film actor and writer: his films include The Servant (1963) and Death in Venice (1970). His writings include the autobiographical A Postillion Struck by Lightning (1977) and the novel A Period of Adjustment (1994)

bogart (ˈbəʊɡɑːt)   vb   (tr) slang to monopolize or keep (something, esp a marijuana cigarette) to oneself selfishly [C20: after Humphrey BOGART, on account of his alleged greed for marijuana]

Bogart (ˈbəʊɡɑːt)   n   Humphrey (DeForest). nicknamed Bogie. 1899–1957, US film actor: his films include High Sierra (1941), Casablanca (1942), The Big Sleep (1946), The African Queen (1951), and The Caine Mutiny (1954)

Boğazköy (Turkish bɔːˈɑzkœi)   n   a village in central Asia Minor: site of the ancient Hittite capital

bogbean (ˈbɒɡˌbiːn)   n   another name for buckbean

bogey^1 or bogy (ˈbəʊɡI)   n   1 an evil or mischievous spirit   2 something that worries or annoys   3 golf   a a score of one stroke over par on a hole. Compare par (sense 5)   b obsolete a standard score for a hole or course, regarded as one that a good player should make   4 slang a piece of dried mucus discharged from the nose   5 air force slang an unidentified or hostile aircraft   6 slang a detective; policeman   ▷ vb   7 (tr) golf to play (a hole) in one stroke over par [C19: probably related to BUG^2 and BOGLE^1; compare BUGABOO]

■ bogeyism (ˈbəʊɡIIzəm)   n   the recognition of or belief in the existence of ghosts or demons

■ bogeyman (ˈbəʊɡIˌmæn)   n, pl -men   a person, real or imaginary, used as a threat, esp to children

bogey^2 or bogie (ˈbəʊɡI) Austral   vb   1 to bathe or swim   ▷ n   2 a bathe or swim [C19: from a native Australian language]

■ bogey hole   n   Austral a natural pool used for swimming

boggart (ˈbɒɡət)   n   Northern English dialect a ghost or poltergeist [perhaps from bog, variant of BUG^2 + -ARD]

bogging (ˈbɒɡIŋ)   adj   Scot informal filthy; covered in dirt and grime

boggle (ˈbɒɡəl)   vb (intr; often foll by at)   1 to be surprised, confused, or alarmed (esp in the phrase the mind boggles)   2 to hesitate or be evasive when confronted with a problem   3 (tr) to baffle; bewilder; puzzle [C16: probably variant of BOGLE^1]

■ boggler (ˈbɒɡələ)   n   a person who boggles, or a thing which causes one to boggle

bogie^1 or bogy (ˈbəʊɡI)   n   1 an assembly of four or six wheels forming a pivoted support at either end of a railway coach. It provides flexibility on curves   2 chiefly Brit a small railway truck of short wheelbase, used for conveying coal, ores, etc   3 a Scot word for soapbox (sense 3) [C19: of unknown origin]

bogie^2 (ˈbəʊɡI)   n   a variant spelling of bogey^2

bogle^1 (ˈbəʊɡəl, ˈbɒɡ-)   n   1 a dialect or archaic word for bogey^1 (sense 1)   2 Scot a scarecrow [C16: from Scottish bogill, perhaps from Gaelic; compare Welsh bygel; see BUG^2]

bogle^2 (ˈbəʊɡəl)   n   1 a rhythmic dance, originating in the early 1990s, performed to ragga music   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to perform such a dance

Bognor Regis (ˈbɒɡnə ˈriːdʒIs)   n   a resort in S England, in West Sussex on the English Channel: electronics industries. Regis was added to the name after King George V's convalescence there in 1929. Pop: 62 141 (2001)

BOGOF (ˈbɒɡɒf)   acronym for   buy one, get one free

bogong (ˈbəʊˌɡɒŋ) or bugong (ˈbuːˌɡɒŋ)   n   an edible dark-coloured Australian noctuid moth, Agrotis infusa

Bogor (ˈbəʊɡɔː)   n   a city in Indonesia, in W Java: botanical gardens and research institutions. Pop: 750 819 (2000). Former name: Buitenzorg

Bogotá (ˌbəʊɡəˈtɑː; Spanish boɣoˈta)   n   the capital of Colombia, on a central plateau of the E Andes: originally the centre of Chibcha civilization; founded as a city in 1538 by the Spanish. Pop: 9 764 769 (2015 est)

bogue (bəʊɡ)   n   a Mediterranean fish, Boops boops

bogus (ˈbəʊɡəs)   adj   spurious or counterfeit; not genuine: a bogus note [C19: from bogus apparatus for making counterfeit money; perhaps related to BOGEY^1]   > ˈbogusly adv   > ˈbogusness n

bogy (ˈbəʊɡI)   n, pl -gies   a variant spelling of bogey^1, bogie^1

boh (bəʊ)   interj   a variant spelling of bo^2

Bohai (ˈbɔːˈhaI) or Pohai   n   a large inlet of the Yellow Sea on the coast of NE China. Also called: Gulf of Chihli

bohea (bəʊˈhiː)   n   a black Chinese tea, once regarded as the choicest, but now as an inferior grade [C18: from Chinese (Fukien dialect) bu-i, from Mandarin Chinese Wu-i Shan range of hills on which this tea was grown]

Bohemia (bəʊˈhiːmIə)   n   1 a former kingdom of central Europe, surrounded by mountains: independent from the 9th to the 13th century; belonged to the Hapsburgs from 1526 until 1918   2 an area of the W Czech Republic, formerly a province of Czechoslovakia (1918–1949). From 1939 until 1945 it formed part of the German protectorate of Bohemia-Moravia. Czech name: Čechy. German name: Böhmen (ˈbøːmən)   3 a district frequented by unconventional people, esp artists or writers

■ Bohemian (bəʊˈhiːmIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Bohemia, esp of the old kingdom of Bohemia; a Czech   2 (often not capital) a person, esp an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional life   3 the Czech language   ▷ adj   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of Bohemia, its people, or their language   5 unconventional in appearance, behaviour, etc

■ Bohemian Brethren   pl n   a Protestant Christian sect formed in the 15th century from various Hussite groups, which rejected oaths and military service and advocated a pure and disciplined spiritual life. It was reorganized in 1722 as the Moravian Church. Also called: Unitas Fratrem (ˈjuːnItæs ˈfrætrɛm)

■ Bohemian Forest   n   a mountain range between the SW Czech Republic and SE Germany. Highest peak: Arber, 1457 m (4780 ft). Czech name: Český Les (ˈtʃɛskiː ˈlɛs). German name: Böhmerwald (ˈbøːmərˌvalt)

■ Bohemianism (bəʊˈhiːmIəˌnIzəm)   n   unconventional behaviour or appearance, esp of an artist

Bohemond I (ˈbəʊəmənd)   n   ?1056–?1111, prince of Antioch (1099–1111); a leader of the first crusade, he helped to capture Antioch (1098)

Böhm (German bøːm)   n   Karl (karl). 1894–1981, Austrian orchestral conductor

Böhme, Boehme (German ˈbøːmə) or Böhm   n   Jakob (ˈjaːkɔp). 1575–1624, German mystic

Böhm flute (bøːm)   n   a type of flute in which the holes are covered with keys; the standard type of modern flute [C19: named after Theobald Böhm (1793–1881), German flautist who invented it]

boho (ˈbəʊhəʊ)   n, pl -hosadj   informal short for Bohemian (sense 2), Bohemian (sense 5)

Bohol (bəʊˈhɔːl)   n   an island of the central Philippines. Chief town: Tagbilaran. Pop: 1 139 130 (2000). Area: about 3900 sq km (1500 sq miles)

Bohr (bɔː; Danish boːr)   n   1  Aage Niels (ˈɔɡə neːls). 1922–2009, Danish physicist, noted for his work on nuclear structure. He shared the Nobel prize for physics 1975   2  his father, Niels (Henrik David). 1885–1962, Danish physicist, who applied the quantum theory to Rutherford's model of the atom to explain spectral lines: Nobel prize for physics 1922

■ bohrium (ˈbɔːrIəm)   n   a transuranic element artificially produced in minute quantities by bombarding 204Bi atoms with 54Cr nuclei. Symbol: Bh; atomic no: 107. Former provisional name: unnilseptium [C20: after Neils BOHR]

■ Bohr theory   n   a theory of atomic structure that explains the spectrum of hydrogen atoms. It assumes that the electron orbiting around the nucleus can exist only in certain energy states, a jump from one state to another being accompanied by the emission or absorption of a quantum of radiation [C20: after Niels BOHR]

bohunk (ˈbəʊˌhʌŋk)   n   US and Canadian offensive, slang a labourer from east or central Europe [C20: blend of Bo(hemian) + Hung(arian), with alteration of g to k]

boi (bɔI)   n   informal a lesbian who adopts a boyish appearance or manner [C20: modified spelling of BOY]

Boiardo (Italian boˈjardo)   n   Matteo Maria (matˈtɛːo maˈria), conte de Scandiano. 1434–94, Italian poet; author of the historical epic Orlando Innamorato (1487)

boil^1 (bɔIl)   vb   1 to change or cause to change from a liquid to a vapour so rapidly that bubbles of vapour are formed copiously in the liquid. Compare evaporate   2 to reach or cause to reach boiling point   3 to cook or be cooked by the process of boiling   4 (intr) to bubble and be agitated like something boiling; seethe: the ocean was boiling   5 (intr) to be extremely angry or indignant (esp in the phrase make one's blood boil): she was boiling at his dishonesty   6 (intr) to contain a boiling liquid: the pot is boiling   ▷ n   7 the state or action of boiling (esp in the phrases on the boil, off the boil) [C13: from Old French boillir, from Latin bullīre to bubble, from bulla a bubble]   > ˈboilable adj

■ boil away   vb   (adverb) to cause (liquid) to evaporate completely by boiling or (of liquid) to evaporate completely

■ boil down   vb (adverb)   1 to reduce or be reduced in quantity and usually altered in consistency by boiling: to boil a liquid down to a thick glue   2 boil down to   a (intr) to be the essential element in something   b (tr) to summarize; reduce to essentials

■ boiled (bɔIld)   adj   1 that has been brought to boiling point   2 cooked by boiling in water

■ boiled shirt   n   informal a dress shirt with a stiff front

■ boiled sweet   n   Brit a hard sticky sweet of boiled sugar with any of various flavourings

■ boiler (ˈbɔIlə)   n   1 a closed vessel or arrangement of enclosed tubes in which water is heated to supply steam to drive an engine or turbine or provide heat   2 a domestic device burning solid fuel, gas, or oil, to provide hot water, esp for central heating   3 a large tub for boiling laundry   4 a tough old chicken for cooking by boiling

■ boilermaker (ˈbɔIləˌmeIkə)   n   1 a person who works with metal in heavy industry; plater or welder   2 Brit slang a beer drink consisting of half of draught mild and half of bottled brown ale   3 US slang a drink of whisky followed by a beer chaser

■ boilermaking (ˈbɔIləˌmeIkIŋ)   n   engineering metal-working in heavy industry; plating or welding

■ boilerman (ˈbɔIləˌmæn)   n, pl -men   a man who looks after boilers

■ boilerplate (ˈbɔIləˌpleIt)   n   1 a form of mild-steel plate used in the production of boiler shells   2 a copy made with the intention of making other copies from it   3 a set of instructions incorporated in several places in a computer program or a standard form of words used repeatedly in drafting contracts, guarantees, etc   4 a draft contract that can easily be modified to cover various types of transaction   ▷ vb   5 to incorporate standard material automatically in a text

■ boiler room   n   1 any room in a building (often in the basement) that contains a boiler for central heating, etc   2 the part of a steam ship that houses the boilers and furnaces   3 the room or department in which the real work of an organization goes on unseen   4 chiefly US an office used by a team of telephone salespeople, esp of stocks and shares, operating under high pressure   5    a a fraudulent scheme in which investors are encouraged to buy non-existent, worthless, or overpriced shares   b (as modifier): a boiler-room scam

■ boilersuit (ˈbɔIləˌsuːt)   n   Brit a one-piece work garment consisting of overalls and a shirt top usually worn over ordinary clothes to protect them

■ boilery (ˈbɔIlərI)   n, pl -ries   a place where water is boiled in order to extract salt

■ boiling (ˈbɔIlIŋ)   adj, adv   1 very warm: a boiling hot day   ▷ n   2 the whole boiling slang the whole lot

■ boilingly (ˈbɔIlIŋlI)   adv   in a boiling manner

■ boiling point   n   1 the temperature at which a liquid boils at a given pressure, usually atmospheric pressure at sea level; the temperature at which the vapour pressure of a liquid equals the external pressure   2 informal the condition of being angered or highly excited

■ boiling-water reactor   n   a nuclear reactor using water as coolant and moderator, steam being produced in the reactor itself: enriched uranium oxide cased in zirconium is the fuel. Abbreviation: BWR

■ boil-in-the-bag or boil-in-a-bag   adj   (of food) able to be boiled in a sealed bag until ready to eat

■ boil off   vb   1 to remove or be removed (from) by boiling: to boil off impurities   ▷ n boiloff   2 liquified gases removed from a substance through evaporation

■ boilover (ˈbɔIlˌəʊvə)   n Austral   1 a surprising result in a sporting event, esp in a horse race   2 a sudden conflict

■ boil over   vb (adverb)   1 to overflow or cause to overflow while boiling   2 (intr) to burst out in anger or excitement: she boiled over at the mention of his name

■ boil up   vb   (intr, adverb) Austral and NZ to make tea

boil^2 (bɔIl)   n   a red painful swelling with a hard pus-filled core caused by bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, esp at a hair follicle. Technical name: furuncle [Old English bӯle; related to Old Norse beyla swelling, Old High German būlla bladder, Gothic ufbauljan to inflate]

Boileau (French bwalo)   n   Nicolas (nikɔlɑ). full name Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux. 1636–1711, French poet and critic; author of satires, epistles, and L'Art poétique (1674), in which he laid down the basic principles of French classical literature

boing (bɔIŋ)   vb   (intr) to rebound making a noise

bois-brûlé (ˌbwɑːbruːˈleI)   n   (sometimes capital) Canadian old-fashioned a person of Native Canadian and White (usually French Canadian) ancestry; Métis. Also called: Brule [French, literally: burnt wood]

Bois de Boulogne (French bwa də bulɔɲ)   n   a large park in W Paris, formerly a forest: includes the racecourses of Auteuil and Longchamp

Boise or Boise City (ˈbɔIzI, -sI)   n   a city in SW Idaho: the state capital. Pop: 190 117 (2003 est)

boiserie (ˈbwɑːzərI)   n   finely-sculptured wood panelling or wainscoting, particularly in 18th-century French architecture

Bois-le-Duc (bwa lə dyk)   n   the French name for 's Hertogenbosch

boisterous (ˈbɔIstərəs, -strəs)   adj   1 noisy and lively; unrestrained or unruly   2 (of the wind, sea, etc) turbulent or stormy [from C13 boistuous, of unknown origin]   > ˈboisterously adv   > ˈboisterousness n

boîte (bwæt)   n   a small nightclub, cabaret, or restaurant [French, literally: box]

Boito (Italian ˈbɔːito)   n   Arrigo (arˈriɡo). 1842–1918, Italian operatic composer and librettist, whose works include the opera Mefistofele (1868) and the librettos for Verdi's Otello and Falstaff

Bok (bɒk)   n, pl Boks or Bokke   South African short for Springbok

Bokassa I (bəˈkæsə)   n   original name Jean Bedel Bokassa. 1921–96, president of the Central African Republic (1972–76); emperor of the renamed Central African Empire from 1976 until overthrown in 1979

bok choy (ˈbɒk ˈtʃɔI)   n   a Chinese plant, Brassica chinensis, that is related to the cabbage and has edible stalks and leaves. Also called: Chinese cabbage, Chinese leaf, pak-choi cabbage [from Chinese dialect, literally: white vegetable]

boke, boak or bock (bok, bəʊk) Scot   vb   1 to retch or vomit   ▷ n   2 a retch; vomiting fit [Middle English bolken; related to BELCH, German bölken to roar]

Bokhara (bʊˈxɑːrə)   n   a variant spelling of Bukhara

bokmakierie (ˌbɒkməˈkIərI)   n   South African a large yellow shrike, Telephorus zeylonus, of southern Africa, known for its melodious song [C19: from Afrikaans, imitative of its call]

Bokmål (Norwegian ˈbuːkmoːl)   n   one of the two official forms of written Norwegian, closely related to Danish. Also called: Dano-Norwegian. Formerly called: Riksmål. Compare Nynorsk [Norwegian, literally: book language]

Boko Haram (ˈbəʊkəʊ hɑːˈræm)   n   a militant and violent Islamic organization established in NE Nigeria in 2002 and also active in Niger, Chad, and Cameroon [C21: from Hausa and Arabic: translated as 'western education is forbidden' ]

BOL   abbreviation for   Bolivia (international car registration)

Bol.   abbreviation for   Bolivia(n)

bola (ˈbəʊlə) or bolas (ˈbəʊləs)   n, pl -las or -lases   a missile used by gauchos and indigenous people of South America, consisting of two or more heavy balls on a cord. It is hurled at a running quarry, such as an ox or rhea, so as to entangle its legs [Spanish: ball, from Latin bulla knob]

Boland (ˈbʊəlant)   n   an area of high altitude in S South Africa

Bolan Pass (bəʊˈlɑːn)   n   a mountain pass in W central Pakistan through the Brahui Range, between Sibi and Quetta, rising to 1793 m (5883 ft)

bold (bəʊld)   adj   1 courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks   2 showing or requiring courage: a bold plan   3 immodest or impudent: she gave him a bold look   4 standing out distinctly; conspicuous: a figure carved in bold relief   5 very steep: the bold face of the cliff   6 imaginative in thought or expression: the novel's bold plot   7 printing set in bold face   ▷ n   8 printing short for bold face   ▷ vb   9 to render (text) in bold face [Old English beald; related to Old Norse ballr dangerous, terrible, baldinn defiant, Old High German bald bold]   > ˈboldly adv   > ˈboldness n

■ bold face or bold type   n   1 printing a weight of type characterized by thick heavy lines, as the entry words in this dictionary. Compare light face   ▷ adj boldface   2 (of type) having this weight

■ bold-faced   adj   confident or impudent

Bolden (ˈbəʊldən)   n   Buddy, real name Charles Bolden. 1868–1931, US jazz cornet player; a pioneer of the New Orleans style

Boldrewood (ˈbəʊldəˌwʊd)   n   Rolf, real name Thomas Alexander Browne. 1826–1915, Australian writer, born in the UK, noted for his novels of the Australian outback, esp Robbery Under Arms (1882–3)

bole^1 (bəʊl)   n   the trunk of a tree [C14: from Old Norse bolr; related to Middle High German bole plank]

bole^2 (bəʊl) or bolus   n   1 a reddish soft variety of clay used as a pigment   2 a moderate reddish-brown colour [C13: from Late Latin bōlus lump, from Greek bōlos]

■ bolar (ˈbəʊlə)   adj   of or relating to clay

bolection (bəʊˈlɛkʃən)   n   architect a stepped moulding covering and projecting beyond the joint between two members having surfaces at different levels. Also called: bilection [C18: of unknown origin]

bolero (bəˈlɛərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   1 a Spanish dance, often accompanied by the guitar and castanets, usually in triple time   2 a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance   3 (also ˈbɒlərəʊ) a kind of short jacket not reaching the waist, with or without sleeves and open at the front: worn by men in Spain and by women elsewhere [C18: from Spanish; perhaps related to bola ball]

boletus (bəʊˈliːtəs) or bolete (bɒˈliːt)   n, pl -tuses or -ti (-ˌtaI)   any saprotroph basidiomycetous fungus of the genus Boletus, having a brownish umbrella-shaped cap with spore-bearing tubes in the underside: family Boletaceae. Many species are edible [C17: from Latin: variety of mushroom, from Greek bōlitēs; perhaps related to Greek bōlos lump]

Boleyn (bʊˈlIn, ˈbʊlIn)   n   Anne. 1507–36, second wife of Henry VIII of England; mother of Elizabeth I. She was executed on a charge of adultery

Bolger (ˈbəʊldʒə)   n   James. born 1935, New Zealand politician; prime minister (1990–97)

bolide (ˈbəʊlaId, -lId)   n   a large exceptionally bright meteor that often explodes. Also called: fireball [C19: from French, from bolis missile; see BALLISTA]

boline (ˈbəʊliːn)   n   (in Wicca) a knife, usually sickle-shaped and with a white handle, used for gathering herbs and carving symbols

Bolingbroke (ˈbɒlIŋˌbrʊk)   n   1 the surname of Henry IV of England. See Henry IV   2  Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke. 1678–1751, English politician; fled to France in 1714 and acted as secretary of state to the Old Pretender; returned to England in 1723. His writings include A Dissertation on Parties (1733–34) and Idea of a Patriot King (1738)

bolívar (ˈbɒlIˌvɑː; Spanish boˈliβar)   n, pl -vars or -vares (-βares)   the standard monetary unit of Venezuela, equal to 100 céntimos [named after Simon BOLIVAR]

Bolívar (ˈbɒlIˌvɑː; Spanish boˈliβar)   n   Simon (siˈmon). 1783–1830, South American soldier and liberator. He drove the Spanish from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru and hoped to set up a republican confederation, but was prevented by separatist movements in Venezuela and Colombia (1829–30). Upper Peru became a separate state and was called Bolivia in his honour

Bolivia (bəˈlIvIə)   n   an inland republic in central S America: original Aymara population conquered by the Incas in the 13th century; colonized by Spain from 1538; became a republic in 1825; consists of low plains in the east, with ranges of the Andes rising to over 6400 m (21 000 ft) and the Altiplano, a plateau averaging 3900 m (13 000 ft) in the west; contains some of the world's highest inhabited regions; important producer of tin and other minerals. Official languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and other indigenous languages. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: boliviano. Capital: La Paz (administrative); Sucre (judicial). Pop: 11 051 600 (2017 est). Area: 1 098 580 sq km (424 260 sq miles)

■ Bolivian (bəˈlIvIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Bolivia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Bolivia

boliviano (bəˌlIvIˈɑːnəʊ; Spanish boliˈvjɑno)   n, pl -nos (-nəʊz; Spanish -nos)   (until 1963 and from 1987) the standard monetary unit of Bolivia, equal to 100 centavos

boll (bəʊl)   n   the fruit of such plants as flax and cotton, consisting of a rounded capsule containing the seeds [C13: from Dutch bolle; related to Old English bolla BOWL^1]

■ boll weevil   n   a greyish weevil, Anthonomus grandis, of the southern US and Mexico, whose larvae live in and destroy cotton bolls. See also weevil (sense 1)

Böll (German bœl)   n   Heinrich (ˈhaInrIç) (Theodor). 1917–85, German novelist and short-story writer; his novels include Group Portrait with Lady (1971): Nobel prize for literature 1972

bollard (ˈbɒlɑːd, ˈbɒləd)   n   1 a strong wooden or metal post mounted on a wharf, quay, etc, used for securing mooring lines   2 Brit a small post or marker placed on a kerb or traffic island to make it conspicuous to motorists   3 mountaineering an outcrop of rock or pillar of ice that may be used to belay a rope [C14: perhaps from BOLE^1 + -ARD]

bolletrie (ˈbɒlIˌtriː)   n   another name for balata

bollock (ˈbɒlək)   vb (tr)   vulgar, slang to rebuke severely, upbraid, reprimand

■ bollocking (ˈbɒləkIŋ)   n   slang a severe telling-off; dressing-down

bollocks (ˈbɒləks), ballocks or US bollix (ˈbɒlIks) vulgar, slang   pl n   1 another word for testicles. See testicle   2 nonsense; rubbish   3 the bollocks or the dog's bollocks something excellent   ▷ interj   4 an exclamation of annoyance, disbelief, etc   ▷ vb (usually foll by up)   5 to muddle or botch [Old English beallucas, diminutive (pl) of beallu (unattested); see BALL^1]

USAGE

Both its anatomical senses and its various extended senses nowadays have far less impact than they used to, and seem unlikely to cause offence, though some older or more conservative people may object

bollworm (ˈbəʊlˌwɜːm)   n   any of various moth caterpillars, such as Pectinophora (or Platyedra) gossypiella (pink bollworm), that feed on and destroy cotton bolls

Bollywood (ˈbɒlIˌwʊd)   n   informal   a the Indian film industry   b (as modifier): a Bollywood star [C20: from BO(MBAY) + (HO)LLYWOOD]

bolo (ˈbəʊləʊ)   n, pl -los   a large single-edged knife, originating in the Philippines [Philippine Spanish, probably from a native word]

Bologna^1 (bəˈləʊnjə; Italian boˈloɲɲa)   n   a city in N Italy, at the foot of the Apennines: became a free city in the Middle Ages; university (1088). Pop: 371 217 (2001). Ancient name: Bononia (bəˈnəʊnIə)

■ Bolognese (ˌbɒləˈniːz, -ˈneIz)   adj   1 of or relating to Bologna or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Bologna

Bologna^2 (bəˈləʊnjə; Italian boˈloɲɲa)   n   Giovanni da Bologna See Giambologna

bologna sausage   n   chiefly US and Canadian a large smoked sausage made of seasoned mixed meats. Also called: baloney, boloney, (esp Brit) polony

bolograph (ˈbəʊləˌɡrɑːf, ˈbəʊləˌɡræf)   n   physics a record made by a bolometer

bolometer (bəʊˈlɒmItə)   n   a sensitive instrument for measuring radiant energy by the increase in the resistance of an electrical conductor [C19: from bol-, from Greek bolē ray of light, stroke, from ballein to throw + -METER]   > bolometric (ˌbəʊləˈmɛtrIk) adj   > ˌboloˈmetrically adv   > boˈlometry n

boloney (bəˈləʊnI)   n   1 a variant spelling of baloney   2 chiefly US another name for bologna sausage

Bolshevik (ˈbɒlʃIvIk)   n, pl -viks or -viki (-ˈviːkI)   1 (formerly) a Russian Communist. Compare Menshevik   2 any Communist   3 (often not capital) derogatory any political radical, esp a revolutionary [C20: from Russian Bol'shevik majority, from bol'shoi great; from the fact that this group formed a majority of the Russian Social Democratic Party in 1903]   > ˈBolsheˌvism n   > ˈBolshevist adj, n   > ˌBolsheˈvistic adj

■ bolshevize or bolshevise (ˈbɒlʃəˌvaIz)   vb (tr)   to bring into line with Communist ideology

bolshie or bolshy sometimes capital (ˈbɒlʃI) Brit informal   adj   1 difficult to manage; rebellious   2 politically radical or left-wing   ▷ n, pl -shies   3 derogatory any political radical [C20: shortened from BOLSHEVIK]

bolson (bəʊlˈsəʊn)   n   Southwestern US a desert valley surrounded by mountains, with a shallow lake at the centre [C19: from American Spanish bolsón, from Spanish bolsa purse, from Late Latin bursa bag; see PURSE]

bolster (ˈbəʊlstə)   vb (tr)   1 (often foll by up) to support or reinforce; strengthen: to bolster morale   2 to prop up with a pillow or cushion   3 to add padding to: to bolster a dress   ▷ n   4 a long narrow pillow or cushion   5 any pad or padded support   6 architect a short horizontal length of timber fixed to the top of a post to increase the bearing area and reduce the span of the supported beam   7 a cold chisel having a broad blade splayed towards the cutting edge, used for cutting stone slabs, etc [Old English bolster; related to Old Norse bolstr, Old High German bolstar, Dutch bulster]   > ˈbolsterer n   > ˈbolstering n, adj

bolt^1 (bəʊlt)   n   1 a bar that can be slid into a socket to lock a door, gate, etc   2 a bar or rod that forms part of a locking mechanism and is moved by a key or a knob   3 a metal rod or pin that has a head at one end and a screw thread at the other to take a nut   4 a sliding bar in a breech-loading firearm that ejects the empty cartridge, replaces it with a new one, and closes the breech   5 a flash of lightning   6 a sudden start or movement, esp in order to escape: they made a bolt for the door   7 US a sudden desertion, esp from a political party   8 a roll of something, such as cloth, wallpaper, etc   9 an arrow, esp for a crossbow   10 printing a folded edge on a sheet of paper that is removed when cutting to size   11 mechanical engineering short for expansion bolt   12 a bolt from the blue a sudden, unexpected, and usually unwelcome event   13 shoot one's bolt to exhaust one's effort: the runner had shot his bolt   ▷ vb   14 (tr) to secure or lock with or as with a bolt or bolts: bolt your doors   15 (tr) to eat hurriedly: don't bolt your food   16 (intr; usually foll by from or out) to move or jump suddenly: he bolted from the chair   17 (intr) (esp of a horse) to start hurriedly and run away without warning   18 (tr) to roll or make (cloth, wallpaper, etc) into bolts   19 US to desert (a political party, etc)   20 (intr) (of cultivated plants) to produce flowers and seeds prematurely   21 (tr) to cause (a wild animal) to leave its lair; start: terriers were used for bolting rats   ▷ adv   22 stiffly, firmly, or rigidly (archaic except in the phrase bolt upright) [Old English bolt arrow; related to Old High German bolz bolt for a crossbow]

■ bolted (ˈbɒltId)   adj   equipped with a bolt or bolts

■ bolter (ˈbəʊltə)   n Austral informal   1 an outsider in a contest or race   2 history an escaped convict; bushranger

■ bolthead (ˈbəʊltˌhɛd)   n   1 the head of a bolt   2 a spherical flask with a cylindrical neck, used in chemistry

■ bolt hole or bolthole (ˈbəʊltˌhəʊl)   n   a place of escape from danger

■ boltless (ˈbəʊltlIs)   adj   without any bolts

■ boltlike (ˈbəʊltˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bolt

■ bolt-on   adj   supplementary or additional: a bolt-on prologue

■ boltrope (ˈbəʊltˌrəʊp)   n   nautical a rope sewn to the foot or luff of a sail to strengthen it [C17: from BOLT^1 + ROPE]

bolt^2 or boult (bəʊlt)   vb (tr)   1 to pass (flour, a powder, etc) through a sieve   2 to examine and separate [C13: from Old French bulter, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German būtil bag]   > ˈbolter or ˈboulter n

■ boltings (ˈbɒltIŋz)   pl n   (of flour) the coarse particles separated by sifting

Bolt (bəʊlt)   n   1  Robert (Oxton). 1924–95, British playwright. His plays include A Man for All Seasons (1960) and he also wrote a number of screenplays   2  Usain (juːˈseIn) (St Leo). born 1986, Jamaican athlete: gold medallist in the 100 metres and 200 metres at the 2008 Olympic Games; successfully defended both titles in 2012 and 2016

Bolton (ˈbəʊltən)   n   1 a town in NW England, in Bolton unitary authority, Greater Manchester: centre of the woollen trade since the 14th century; later important for cotton. Pop: 139 403 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in NW England, in Greater Manchester. Pop: 263 800 (2003 est). Area: 140 sq km (54 sq miles)

boltonia (bəʊlˈtəʊnIə)   n   any North American plant of the genus Boltonia, having daisy-like flowers with white, violet, or pinkish rays: family Compositae (composites) [C18: New Latin, named after James Bolton, C18 English botanist]

Boltzmann (German ˈbɔltsman)   n   Ludwig (ˈluːtvIç). 1844–1906, Austrian physicist. He established the principle of the equipartition of energy and developed the kinetic theory of gases with J. C. Maxwell

■ Boltzmann constant   n   physics the ratio of the gas constant to the Avogadro constant, equal to 1.380 650 × 10–23 joule per kelvin. Symbol: k

bolus (ˈbəʊləs)   n, pl -luses   1 a small round soft mass, esp of chewed food   2 an intravenous injection of a single dose of a drug over a short period   3 obsolete a large pill or tablet used in veterinary and clinical medicine   4 another word for bole^2 [C17: from New Latin, from Greek bōlos clod, lump]

Bolzano (Italian bolˈtsano)   n   a city in NE Italy, in Trentino-Alto Adige: belonged to Austria until 1919. Pop: 94 989 (2001). German name: Bozen

boma (ˈboːma)   n (in central and E Africa)   1 an enclosure, esp a palisade or fence of thorn bush, set up to protect a camp, herd of animals, etc   2    a a police post   b a magistrate's office [C19: from Swahili]

Boma (ˈbəʊmə)   n   a port in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the Congo River, capital of the Belgian Congo until 1926: forest products. Pop: 607 000 (2005 est)

bomb (bɒm)   n   1    a a hollow projectile containing an explosive, incendiary, or other destructive substance, esp one carried by aircraft   b (as modifier): bomb disposal; a bomb bay   c (in combination): a bombload; bombproof   2 any container filled with explosive: a car bomb; a letter bomb   3 the bomb   a a hydrogen or atomic bomb considered as the ultimate destructive weapon   b slang something excellent: it's the bomb   4 a round or pear-shaped mass of volcanic rock, solidified from molten lava that has been thrown into the air   5 med a container for radioactive material, applied therapeutically to any part of the body: a cobalt bomb   6 Brit slang a large sum of money (esp in the phrase make a bomb)   7 US and Canadian slang a disastrous failure: the new play was a total bomb   8 Austral and NZ slang an old or dilapidated motorcar   9 American football a very long high pass   10 (in rugby union) another term for up-and-under   11 like a bomb Brit and NZ informal with great speed or success; very well (esp in the phrase go like a bomb)   ▷ vb   12 to attack with or as if with a bomb or bombs; drop bombs (on)   13 (intr; often foll by off, along, etc) informal to move or drive very quickly   14 (intr) slang to fail disastrously; be a flop: the new play bombed [C17: from French bombe, from Italian bomba, probably from Latin bombus a booming sound, from Greek bombos, of imitative origin; compare Old Norse bumba drum]

■ bombable (ˈbɒməbəl)   adj   able to be bombed, undefended against bombing; targetable

■ bomb belt   n   a belt carrying explosives which is worn around the waist by a suicide bomber

■ bomb calorimeter   n   chem a device for determining heats of combustion by igniting a sample in a high pressure of oxygen in a sealed vessel and measuring the resulting rise in temperature: used for measuring the calorific value of foods

■ bombed (bɒmd)   adj   slang under the influence of alcohol or drugs (esp in the phrase bombed out of one's mind or skull)

■ bombed-out   adj   1 having been destroyed by bombs   2 homeless through bombing

■ bomber (ˈbɒmə)   n   1 a military aircraft designed to carry out bombing missions   2 a person who plants bombs   3 navy slang a Polaris submarine

■ bomber jacket   n   a short jacket finishing at the waist with an elasticated band, usually having a zip front and cuffed sleeves

■ bombing (ˈbɒmIŋ)   n   1 a concerted and persistent use of bombs against a target   2 the act of causing a single bomb to explode, esp by a terrorist

■ bombing run   n   the part of a flight of a bomber aircraft that brings it to the point over a target at which its bombs are released

■ bomblet (ˈbɒmlIt)   n   one of a number of small bombs contained in a larger bomb

■ bombload (ˈbɒmˌləʊd)   n   (of a vehicle of war) the quantity of bombs being carried or able to be carried

■ bomb out   vb   (adverb; tr, usually passive) to make homeless by bombing: 24 families in this street have been bombed out

■ bombproof (ˈbɒmpruːf)   adj   1 capable of withstanding the impact of bombs   2 informal incapable of being undermined

■ bombshell (ˈbɒmˌʃɛl)   n   1 (esp formerly) a bomb or artillery shell   2 a shocking or unwelcome surprise: the news of his death was a bombshell   3 informal an attractive woman (esp in the phrase blonde bombshell)

■ bombsight (ˈbɒmˌsaIt)   n   a mechanical or electronic device in an aircraft for aiming bombs

■ bombsite (ˈbɒmˌsaIt)   n   an area where the buildings have been destroyed by bombs

bombacaceous (ˌbɒmbəˈkeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Bombacaceae, a family of tropical trees, including the kapok tree and baobab, that have very thick stems, often with water-storing tissue [C19: from New Latin Bombācāceae, from Medieval Latin bombāx cotton, from Latin bombyx silkworm, silk, from Greek bombux]

bombard   vb (bɒmˈbɑːd) (tr)   1 to attack with concentrated artillery fire or bombs   2 to attack with vigour and persistence: the boxer bombarded his opponent with blows to the body   3 to attack verbally, esp with questions: the journalists bombarded her with questions   4 physics to direct high-energy particles or photons against (atoms, nuclei, etc) esp to produce ions or nuclear transformations   ▷ n (ˈbɒmbɑːd)   5 an ancient type of cannon that threw stone balls [C15: from Old French bombarder to pelt, from bombarde stone-throwing cannon, probably from Latin bombus booming sound; see BOMB]   > bomˈbardment n

■ bombarder (bɒmˈbɑːdə)   n   a person or thing which bombards

bombarde (ˈbɒmˌbɑːd)   n   an alto wind instrument similar to the oboe or medieval shawm, used mainly in Breton traditional music [French, from BOMBARD, in the sense of booming sound]

bombardier (ˌbɒmbəˈdIə)   n   1 the member of a bomber aircrew responsible for aiming and releasing the bombs   2 Brit a noncommissioned rank below the rank of sergeant in the Royal Artillery   3 Also called: bombardier beetle any of various small carabid beetles of the genus Brachinus, esp B. crepitans of Europe, which defend themselves by ejecting a jet of volatile fluid [C16: from Old French: one directing a bombard; see BOMBARD]

Bombardier (ˌbɒmbəˈdIə)   n   trademark Canadian a snow tractor, typically having caterpillar tracks at the rear and skis at the front [C20: named after J. A. Bombardier, Canadian inventor and manufacturer]

bombardon (ˈbɒmbədən, bɒmˈbɑːdən)   n   1 a brass instrument of the tuba type, similar to a sousaphone   2 a 16-foot bass reed stop on an organ [C19: from Italian bombardone; see BOMBARD]

bombast (ˈbɒmbæst)   n   1 pompous and grandiloquent language   2 obsolete material used for padding [C16: from Old French bombace, from Medieval Latin bombāx cotton; see BOMBACACEOUS]   > bomˈbastic adj   > bomˈbastically adv

■ bombaster (ˈbɒmˌbæstə)   n   obsolete a person who stuffs or pads

bombax (ˈbɒmbæks)   n   a genus of trees (family Malvaceae), the most well-known species of which is the cotton tree

Bombay (bɒmˈbeI)   n   1 the former English name of Mumbai   2 a breed of black short-haired medium-sized cat

■ Bombay duck   n   a teleost fish, Harpodon nehereus, that resembles and is related to the lizard fishes: family Harpodontidae. It is eaten dried with curry dishes as a savoury. Also called: bummalo [C19: changed from bombil (see BUMMALO) through association with Bombay (now Mumbai), from which it was exported]

Bombay Hills   pl n   a row of hills marking the southern boundary of greater Auckland on the North Island, New Zealand

bombazine or bombasine (ˌbɒmbəˈziːn, ˈbɒmbəˌziːn)   n   a twilled fabric, esp one with a silk warp and worsted weft, formerly worn dyed black for mourning [C16: from Old French bombasin, from Latin bombӯcinus silken, from bombyx silkworm, silk; see BOMBACACEOUS]

bombe (bɒmb)   n   1 Also called: bombe glacée a dessert of ice cream lined or filled with custard, cake crumbs, etc   2 a mould shaped like a bomb in which this dessert is made [C19: from French, literally: BOMB; from its rounded shape]

bombé (bɒmˈbeI; French bɔ̃be)   adj   (of furniture) having a projecting swollen shape [French, literally: bomb-shaped, from bombe BOMB]

Bomberg (ˈbɒmbɜːɡ)   n   David. 1890–1957, British painter, noted esp for his landscapes

bombesin (bɒmˈbiːsIn)   n   biology a hormone partly responsible for regulating appetite

bombinate (ˈbɒmbIˌneIt)   vb   (intr) literary to make a buzzing noise. Also (rare): bombilate (ˈbɒmbIˌleIt) [C19: from Latin bombināre, variant of bombilāre to buzz]   > ˌbombiˈnation or ˌbombiˈlation n

bombo (ˈbɒməʊ)   n   a cheap or inferior wine

bombora (bɒmˈbɔːrə)   n Austral   1 a submerged reef   2 a turbulent area of sea over such a reef [from a native Australian language]

bombycid (ˈbɒmbIsId)   n   1 any moth, including the silkworm moth, of the family Bombycidae, most of which occur in Africa and SE Asia   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Bombycidae [C19: from Latin bombyx silkworm]

■ bombycoid (ˈbɒmbIˌkɔId)   adj   relating to moths of the family Bombycidae

bombyx (ˈbɒmbIks)   n   a Chinese silkworm moth

bommie (ˈbɒmI)   n   Austral an outcrop of coral reef, often resembling a column, that is higher than the surrounding platform of reef and which may be partially exposed at low tide [from BOMBORA]

Bomu (ˈbəʊmuː) or Mbomu (əmˈbəʊmuː)   n   a river in central Africa, rising in the SE Central African Republic and flowing west into the Uele River, forming the Ubangi River. Length: about 800 km (500 miles)

Bon^1 (bɔːn)   n   1 Also called: Feast of Lanterns, Festival of Lanterns an annual festival celebrated by Japanese Buddhists   2    a the pre-Buddhist priests of Tibet or one such priest   b their religion [from Japanese bon, originally Urabon, from Sanskrit ullambana hanging upside down]

Bon^2 (bɒn)   n   Cape Bon a peninsula of NE Tunisia

Bona (ˈbəʊnə)   n   Mount Bona a mountain in S Alaska, in the Wrangell Mountains. Height: 5005 m (16 420 ft)

bonaci (bəˈneIsI)   n   a name for the black grouper fish (Mycteroperca bonaci), also used for various similar species

bona fide   adj (ˈbəʊnə ˈfaIdI)   1 real or genuine: a bona fide manuscript   2 undertaken in good faith: a bona fide agreement   ▷ n (ˈbɔːnə fɑId)   3 Irish informal a public house licensed to remain open after normal hours to serve bona fide travellers [C16: from Latin]

■ bona fides (ˈbəʊnə ˈfaIdiːz)   n   law good faith; honest intention [Latin]

Bonaire (bɒnˈɛə)   n   an island in the S Caribbean, part of the Netherlands Antilles until their dissolution in 2010, now a special municipality of the Netherlands: one of the Leeward Islands. Chief town: Kralendijk. Pop: 11 537 (2007 est). Area: about 288 sq km (111 sq miles)

bonamano Italian (ˈbonaˈmɑːno)   n   a tip or gratuity

bonamia (bɒˈneImIə)   n   1 a parasite (Bonamia ostreae) which causes the disease bonamiasis in oysters   2 a genus of plants of the family Convolvulaceae

■ bonamiasis (ˌbɒnəˈmaIəsIs)   n   a disease affecting oysters, caused by the parasite Bonamia ostreae

bonanza (bəˈnænzə)   n   1 a source, usually sudden and unexpected, of luck or wealth   2 US and Canadian a mine or vein rich in ore [C19: from Spanish, literally: calm sea, hence, good luck, from Medieval Latin bonacia, from Latin bonus good + malacia dead calm, from Greek malakia softness]

Bonaparte (ˈbəʊnəˌpɑːt; French bɔnapart)   n   1 See Napoleon I   2  Jérôme (ʒerom), brother of Napoleon I. 1784–1860, king of Westphalia (1807–13)   3  Joseph (ʒozɛf), brother of Napoleon I. 1768–1844, king of Naples (1806–08) and of Spain (1808–13)   4  Louis (lwi), brother of Napoleon I. 1778–1846, king of Holland (1806–10)   5  Lucien (lysjɛ̃), brother of Napoleon I. 1775–1840, prince of Canino

■ Bonapartism (ˈbəʊnəpɑːˌtIzəm)   n   1 a political system resembling the rules of the Bonapartes, esp Napoleon I and Napoleon III: centralized government by a military dictator, who enjoys popular support given expression in plebiscites   2 (esp in France) support for the government or dynasty of Napoleon Bonaparte   > ˈBonaˌpartist n

Bonar Law (ˈbɒnə lɔː)   n   See Law (sense 1)

bonasus (bəˈneIsəs)   n   a name for the wisent or European bison (Bison bonasus)

bona vacantia (ˈbəʊnə vəˈkæntIə)   pl n   law unclaimed goods

Bonaventura (ˌbɒnəvɛnˈtjʊərə) or Bonaventure (ˈbɒnəˌvɛntʃə)   n   Saint, called the Seraphic Doctor. 1221–74, Italian Franciscan monk, mystic, theologian, and philosopher; author of a Life of St Francis and Journey of the Soul to God. Feast day: July 14

bonbon (ˈbɒnbɒn)   n   a sweet [C19: from French, originally a children's word from bon good]

■ bonbonniere (ˌbɒnbɒnˈjɛə)   n   1 a small decorative box used to contain sweets   2 confectionery used as a table decoration at formal events or celebrations, such as wedding parties

bonce (bɒns)   n   Brit slang the head [C19 (originally: a type of large playing marble): of unknown origin]

bond (bɒnd)   n   1 something that binds, fastens, or holds together, such as a chain or rope   2 (often plural) something that brings or holds people together; tie: a bond of friendship   3 (plural) something that restrains or imprisons; captivity or imprisonment   4 something that governs behaviour; obligation; duty   5 a written or spoken agreement, esp a promise: marriage bond   6 adhesive quality or strength   7 finance a certificate of debt issued in order to raise funds. It carries a fixed rate of interest and is repayable with or without security at a specified future date   8 law a written acknowledgment of an obligation to pay a sum or to perform a contract   9 insurance, US and Canadian a policy guaranteeing payment of a stated sum to an employer in compensation for financial losses incurred through illegal or unauthorized acts of an employee   10 any of various arrangements of bricks or stones in a wall in which they overlap so as to provide strength   11 See chemical bond   12 See bond paper   13 in bond commerce deposited in a bonded warehouse   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   14 (also intr) to hold or be held together, as by a rope or an adhesive; bind; connect   15 aeronautics to join (metallic parts of an aircraft) together such that they are electrically interconnected   16 to put or hold (goods) in bond   17 law to place under bond   18 finance to issue bonds on; mortgage   19 to arrange (bricks, etc) in a bond [C13: from Old Norse band; see BAND^2]

■ bondable (ˈbɒndəbəl)   adj   able to be bonded, fastened, or secured

■ bondage (ˈbɒndIdʒ)   n   1 slavery or serfdom; servitude   2 Also called: villeinage (in medieval Europe) the condition and status of unfree peasants who provided labour and other services for their lord in return for holdings of land   3 a sexual practice in which one partner is physically bound

■ bondager (ˈbɒndIdʒə)   n   feudal history someone who performs bondservice; a bondman

■ bonded (ˈbɒndId)   adj   1 finance consisting of, secured by, or operating under a bond or bonds   2 commerce deposited in a bonded warehouse; placed or stored in bond

■ bonded warehouse   n   a warehouse in which dutiable goods are deposited until duty is paid or the goods are cleared for export

■ bonder (ˈbɒndə)   n   a long stone or brick laid in a wall as a header. Also called: bondstone

■ bondholder (ˈbɒndˌhəʊldə)   n   an owner of one or more bonds issued by a company or other institution

■ bonding (ˈbɒndIŋ)   n   the process by which individuals become emotionally attached to one another. See also pair bond

■ bondless (ˈbɒndlIs)   adj   without bonds, unrestrained

■ bondmaid (ˈbɒndˌmeId)   n   an unmarried female serf or slave

■ bondmanship (ˈbɒndmənˌʃIp)   n   feudal history the state of being a bondman; serfdom

■ bond paper   n   a superior quality of strong white paper, used esp for writing and typing

■ bondservant (ˈbɒndˌsɜːvənt)   n   a serf or slave

■ bondsman (ˈbɒndzmən)   n, pl -men   1 law a person bound by bond to act as surety for another   2 another word for bondservant

■ bondstone (ˈbɒndˌstəʊn)   n   a long stone or brick laid in a wall as a header. Also called: bonder

■ bond washing   n   a series of deals in bonds made with the intention of avoiding taxation

■ bondwoman (ˈbɒndˌwʊmən) or bondswoman (ˈbɒndzˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female serf or slave

Bond (bɒnd)   n   Edward. born 1934, British dramatist: his plays, including Saved (1965), Lear (1971), Restoration (1981), and In the Company of Men (1990), are noted for their violent imagery and socialist commitment

Bondi (ˈbɒndI)   n   Sir Hermann. 1919–2005, British mathematician and cosmologist, born in Austria; joint originator (with Sir Fred Hoyle and Thomas Gold) of the steady-state theory of the universe

Bondi Beach (ˈbɒndaI)   n   a beach in Sydney, Australia, popular with surfers

Bonds (bɒndz)   n   Barry (Lamar). born 1964, US baseball player: holder of records for most home runs in a season (73) and a career (762)

bonduc (ˈbɒnˌdʌk)   n   either of two species of leguminous shrub (Caesalpinia bonduc and Caesalpinia major) which produce hard, shiny seeds commonly known as nickernuts

bone (bəʊn)   n   1 any of the various structures that make up the skeleton in most vertebrates   2 the porous rigid tissue of which these parts are made, consisting of a matrix of collagen and inorganic salts, esp calcium phosphate, interspersed with canals and small holes. Related adjectives: osseous, osteal   3 something consisting of bone or a bonelike substance   4 (plural) the human skeleton or body: they laid his bones to rest; come and rest your bones   5 a thin strip of whalebone, light metal, plastic, etc, used to stiffen corsets and brassieres   6 (plural) the essentials (esp in the phrase the bare bones): to explain the bones of a situation   7 (plural) dice   8 (plural) an informal nickname for a doctor   9 close to the bone or near the bone   a risqué or indecent: his jokes are rather close to the bone   b in poverty; destitute   10 feel in one's bones to have an intuition of   11 have a bone to pick to have grounds for a quarrel   12 make no bones about   a to be direct and candid about   b to have no scruples about   13 point the bone (often foll by at) Austral   a to wish bad luck (on)   b to threaten to bring about the downfall (of)   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   14 to remove the bones from (meat for cooking, etc)   15 to stiffen (a corset, etc) by inserting bones   16 to fertilize with bone meal   17 vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse with   18 Brit a slang word for steal [Old English bān; related to Old Norse béin, Old Frisian bēn, Old High German bein]   > ˈboneless adj

■ bone ash   n   the residue obtained when bones are burned in air, consisting mainly of calcium phosphate. It is used as a fertilizer and in the manufacture of bone china

■ bone bed   n   geology a sediment containing large quantities of fossilized animal remains, such as bones, teeth, scales, etc

■ boneblack (ˈbəʊnˌblæk)   n   a black residue from the destructive distillation of bones, containing about 10 per cent carbon and 80 per cent calcium phosphate, used as a decolorizing agent and pigment

■ bone-chilling   adj   1 extremely cold   2 extremely frightening or upsetting

■ bone china   n   porcelain containing bone ash

■ boned (bəʊnd)   adj   1 having had the bones removed from it   2 stiffened with bone

■ bone-dry   adj   informal   a completely dry: a bone-dry well   b (postpositive): the well was bone dry

■ bonefish (ˈbəʊnˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 a silvery marine clupeoid game fish, Albula vulpes, occurring in warm shallow waters: family Albulidae   2 a similar related fish, Dixonina nemoptera, of the Pacific Ocean

■ bonefishing (ˈbəʊnˌfIʃIŋ)   n   the activity of fishing for bonefish

■ bonehead (ˈbəʊnˌhɛd)   n   slang a stupid or obstinate person   > ˌboneˈheaded adj

■ bone idle   adj   very idle; extremely lazy

■ bone marrow   n   See marrow^1 (sense 1)

■ bonemeal (ˈbəʊnˌmiːl)   n   the product of dried and ground animal bones, used as a fertilizer or in stock feeds

■ bone of contention   n   the grounds or subject of a dispute

■ bone oil   n   a dark brown pungent oil, containing pyridine and hydrocarbons, obtained by the destructive distillation of bones

■ boner (ˈbəʊnə)   n   1 slang a blunder   2 slang an erection of the penis   3 NZ a low-grade slaughtered animal suitable for use in pies, sausages, etc

■ boneset (ˈbəʊnˌsɛt)   n   any of various North American plants of the genus Eupatorium, esp E. perfoliatum, which has flat clusters of small white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: agueweed, feverwort, thoroughwort

■ bonesetter (ˈbəʊnˌsɛtə)   n   a person who sets broken or dislocated bones, esp one who has no formal medical qualifications

■ boneshaker (ˈbəʊnˌʃeIkə)   n   1 an early type of bicycle having solid tyres and no springs   2 slang any decrepit or rickety vehicle

■ bonetired (ˈbəʊnˌtaIəd)   adj   completely exhausted

■ bone turquoise   n   fossilized bone or tooth stained blue with iron phosphate and used as a gemstone. Also called: odontolite

■ bone up   vb   (adverb; when intr, usually foll by on) informal to study intensively

■ boneyard (ˈbəʊnˌjɑːd)   n   an informal name for a cemetery

Bône (French bon)   n   a former name of Annaba

bonfire (ˈbɒnˌfaIə)   n   a large outdoor fire [C15: alteration (through influence of French bon good) of bone-fire; from the use of bones as fuel]

bong^1 (bɒŋ)   n   1 a deep reverberating sound, as of a large bell   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to make a deep reverberating sound [C20: of imitative origin]

bong^2 (bɒŋ)   n   a type of water pipe for smoking marijuana, crack, etc [C20: of unknown origin]

bongo^1 (ˈbɒŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -go or -gos   a rare spiral-horned antelope, Boocercus (or Taurotragus) eurycerus, inhabiting forests of central Africa. The coat is bright red-brown with narrow cream stripes [of African origin]

bongo^2 (ˈbɒŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos or -goes   a small bucket-shaped drum, usually one of a pair, played by beating with the fingers [American Spanish, probably of imitative origin]

■ bongoist (ˈbɒŋɡəʊIst)   n   a player of the bongos

Bongo (ˈbɒŋɡəʊ)   n   Omar. original name Albert Bernard Bongo. 1935–2009, Gabonese statesman; president of Gabon (1967–2009)

bongrace (ˈbɒŋˌɡreIs)   n   obsolete a brim or shade on the front of women's bonnets or hats, intended to protect the face from the sun

bonham (ˈbɒnəv)   n   Irish a piglet [C19: from Irish Gaelic banbh]

Bonheur (French bɔnœr)   n   Rosa (roza). 1822–99, French painter of animals

Bonhoeffer (German ˈboːnhœfər)   n   Dietrich (ˈdiːtrIç). 1906–45, German Lutheran theologian: executed by the Nazis

bonhomie (ˈbɒnəmiː; French bɔnɔmi)   n   exuberant friendliness [C18: from French, from bonhomme good-humoured fellow, from bon good + homme man]

■ bonhomous (ˈbɒnəməs)   adj   exhibiting bonhomie

boniato (ˌbəʊnIˈɑːtəʊ, bɒnˈjɑːtəʊ)   n   a variety of sweet potato grown in the Caribbean

Boniface (ˈbɒnIˌfeIs)   n   Saint, original name Wynfrith. ?680–?755 AD, Anglo-Saxon missionary: archbishop of Mainz (746–755). Feast day: June 5

■ Boniface VIII   n   original name Benedict Caetano. ?1234–1303, pope (1294–1303)

bonilasse (ˈbɒnIˌlæs)   n   archaic an attractive young woman

Bonington (ˈbɒnIŋtən)   n   1  Sir Chris(tian John Storey). born 1934, British mountaineer and writer; led 1970 Annapurna I and 1975 Everest expeditions; reached Everest summit in 1985   2  Richard Parkes. 1801–28, British painter of landscapes and historical scenes

Bonin Islands (ˈbəʊnIn)   pl n   a group of 27 volcanic islands in the W Pacific: occupied by the US after World War II; returned to Japan in 1968. Largest island: Chichijima. Area: 103 sq km (40 sq miles). Japanese name: Ogasawara Gunto

bonism (ˈbəʊˌnIzəm)   n   the doctrine that the world is good, although not the best of all possible worlds [C19: from Latin bonus good + -ISM]   > ˈbonist n, adj

bonito (bəˈniːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   1 any of various small tunny-like marine food fishes of the genus Sarda, of warm Atlantic and Pacific waters: family Scombridae (tunnies and mackerels)   2 any of various similar or related fishes, such as Katsuwonus pelamis (oceanic bonito), the flesh of which is dried and flaked and used in Japanese cookery [C16: from Spanish bonito, from Latin bonus good]

bonjour (ˌbɒnˈzʊə)   sentence substitute   hello [French]

bonk (bɒŋk)   vb   1 (tr) informal to hit   2 slang to have sexual intercourse (with) [C20: probably of imitative origin]   > ˈbonking n

■ bonkbuster   n (ˈbɒŋkˌbʌstə)   slang a novel characterized by graphic descriptions of frequent sexual encounters [C20: from BONK (sense 2) + (BLOCK)BUSTER]

bonkers (ˈbɒŋkəz)   adj   slang, chiefly Brit mad; crazy [C20 (originally in the sense: slightly drunk, tipsy): of unknown origin]

bon mot (French bɔ̃ mo)   n, pl bons mots (bɔ̃ mo)   a clever and fitting remark [French, literally: good word]

Bonn (bɒn; German bɔn)   n   a city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia on the Rhine: the former capital (1949–90) of West Germany; university (1786). Pop: 311 052 (2003 est)

Bonnard (French bɔnar)   n   Pierre (pjɛr). 1867–1947, French painter and lithographer, noted for the effects of light and colour in his landscapes and sunlit interiors

bonne French (bɔn)   n   a housemaid or female servant [C18: from feminine of bon good]

bonne bouche French (bɔn buʃ)   n, pl bonnes bouches (bɔn buʃ)   a tasty titbit or morsel [literally: good mouth(ful)]

bonnet (ˈbɒnIt)   n   1 any of various hats worn, esp formerly, by women and girls, usually framing the face and tied with ribbons under the chin   2 Also called: (in Scotland) bunnet (ˈbʌnIt)   a a soft cloth cap   b formerly, a flat brimless cap worn by men   3 the hinged metal part of a motor vehicle body that provides access to the engine, or to the luggage space in a rear-engined vehicle   4 a cowl on a chimney   5 nautical a piece of sail laced to the foot of a foresail to give it greater area in light winds   6 (in the US and Canada) a headdress of feathers worn by some indigenous American tribes, esp formerly as a sign of war [C14: from Old French bonet, from Medieval Latin abonnis, of unknown origin]

■ bonnet monkey   n   an Indian macaque, Macaca radiata, with a bonnet-like tuft of hair

bonnet rouge French (bɔnɛ ruʒ)   n   1 a red cap worn by ardent supporters of the French Revolution   2 an extremist or revolutionary [literally: red cap]

bonnibell (ˌbɒnIˈbɛl)   n   obsolete a pretty young woman

Bonnie Prince Charlie (ˈbɒnI)   n   See Stuart (sense 2)

bonnilasse (ˈbɒnIˌlæs)   n   obsolete a pretty young woman

bonnock (ˈbɒnək)   n   Scot a thick oatmeal cake; bannock

bonny (ˈbɒnI)   adj -nier, -niest   1 Scot and Northern English dialect beautiful or handsome: a bonny lass   2 merry or lively: a bonny family   3 good or fine: a bonny house   4 (esp of babies) plump   5 Scot and Northern English dialect considerable; to be reckoned with: cost a bonny penny   ▷ adv   6 informal agreeably or well: to speak bonny [C15: of uncertain origin; perhaps from Old French bon good, from Latin bonus]   > ˈbonnily adv

■ bonniness (ˈbɒnInəs)   n   Scot the quality of being bonny

Bonny (ˈbɒnI)   n   Bight of Bonny a wide bay at the E end of the Gulf of Guinea off the coasts of Nigeria and Cameroon. Former name (until 1975): Bight of Biafra

bonnyclabber (ˈbɒnIˌklæbə)   n   clotted or curdled milk

bonobo (ˈbɒnəbəʊ)   n   an anthropoid ape, Pan paniscus, of central W Africa: similar to the chimpanzee but much smaller and having a black face. Also called: pygmy chimpanzee [C20: from W African language]

Bonporti (Italian bonˈpɔrti)   n   Francesco Antonio. 1672–1749, Italian composer and violinist, noted esp for his Invenzioni (1712), a series of short instrumental suites

bonsai (ˈbɒnsaI)   n, pl -sai   1 the art of growing dwarfed ornamental varieties of trees or shrubs in small shallow pots or trays by selective pruning, etc   2 a tree or shrub grown by this method [C20: Japanese: plant grown in a pot, from bon basin, bowl + sai to plant]

bonsela (bɒnˈsɛlə)   n   South African informal a present or gratuity. Also called: bansela, pasela (pəˈsɛlə) [from Zulu Ibanselo a gift]

bonsoir (ˌbɒnˈswɑː)   sentence substitute   good evening [French]

bonspiel (ˈbɒnˌspiːl, -spəl)   n   a curling match [C16: probably from Low German; compare Flemish bonespel children's game; see SPIEL]

bontebok (ˈbɒntIˌbʌk)   n, pl -boks or -bok   an antelope, Damaliscus pygargus (or dorcas), of southern Africa, having a deep reddish-brown coat with a white blaze, tail, and rump patch [C18: Afrikaans, from bont pied + bok BUCK^1]

Bontempelli (Italian bontemˈpɛlli)   n   Massimo. 1878–1960, Italian dramatist, poet, novelist, and critic. His works include the play Nostra Dea (1925) and the novel The Faithful Lover (1953)

bon ton French (bɔ̃ tɔ̃)   n literary   1 sophisticated manners or breeding   2 fashionable society [literally: good tone]

bonus (ˈbəʊnəs)   n   1 something given, paid, or received above what is due or expected: a Christmas bonus for all employees   2 chiefly Brit an extra dividend allotted to shareholders out of profits   3 insurance, Brit a dividend, esp a percentage of net profits, distributed to policyholders either annually or when the policy matures   4 Brit a slang word for a bribe   5 (in Scrabble) the playing of all seven of a player's tiles in a single turn   ▷ vb -nuses, -nusing, -nused or -nusses, -nussing, -nussed   6 (intr) (in Scrabble) to play all seven of one's tiles in a single turn [C18: from Latin bonus (adj) good]

■ bonus issue   n   Brit an issue of shares made by a company without charge and distributed pro rata among existing shareholders. Also called: scrip issue

bon vivant French (bɔ̃ vivɑ̃)   n, pl bons vivants (bɔ̃ vivɑ̃)   a person who enjoys luxuries, esp good food and drink. Also called (but not in French): bon viveur (ˌbɒn viːˈvɜː) [literally: good living (man)]

bon voyage (French bɔ̃ vwajaʒ)   sentence substitute   a phrase used to wish a traveller a pleasant journey [French, literally: good journey]

bonxie (ˈbɒŋksI)   n   (originally in Shetland) the great skua. See skua [C19: probably of Scandinavian origin: compare Norwegian bunke heap, something dumpy]

bony (ˈbəʊnI)   adj bonier, boniest   1 resembling or consisting of bone or bones   2 having many bones   3 having prominent bones: bony cheeks   4 thin or emaciated: a bony stray dog   > ˈboniness n

■ bony bream   n   an Australian freshwater clupeid fish, Fluvialosa richardsonii

■ bony fish   n   any fish of the class Osteichthyes, including most of the extant species, having a skeleton of bone rather than cartilage

Bonynge (ˈbɒnIŋ)   n   Richard. born 1930, Australian conductor, esp of opera

bonze (bɒnz)   n   a Chinese or Japanese Buddhist priest or monk [C16: from French, from Portuguese bonzo, from Japanese bonsō, from Sanskrit bon + sō priest or monk]

bonzer (ˈbɒnzə)   adj   Austral and NZ slang, archaic excellent; very good [C20: of uncertain origin; perhaps from BONANZA]

boo (buː)   interj   1 an exclamation uttered to startle or surprise someone, esp a child   2 a shout uttered to express disgust, dissatisfaction, or contempt, esp at a theatrical production, political meeting, etc   3 would not say boo to a goose is extremely timid or diffident   ▷ vb boos, booing, booed   4 to shout "boo" at (someone or something), esp as an expression of disgust, dissatisfaction, or disapproval: to boo the actors

■ boobird (ˈbuːˌbɜːd)   n   US a person who habitually criticizes or jeers

■ boo-hurrah theory   n   philosophy an informal term for emotivism

■ booing (ˈbuːIŋ)   n   the action or an instance of booing

■ boo-word (ˈbuːˌwɜːd)   n   any word that seems to cause irrational fear: "communism" became a boo-word in the McCarthy era

boob^1 (buːb) slang   n   1 an ignorant or foolish person; booby   2 Brit an embarrassing mistake; blunder   3 a female breast   ▷ vb   4 (intr) Brit to make a blunder [C20: back formation from BOOBY]

■ boobish (ˈbuːbIʃ)   adj   ignorant or foolish

■ boob job   n   slang a surgical remodelling of the breasts for cosmetic reasons

■ booboisie (ˌbuːbwɑːˈziː)   n   US slang a group or social class considered to be ignorant or uncultured

■ boob tube   n slang   1 a close-fitting strapless top, worn by women   2 Austral a strapless, boneless, shapeless brassiere made of a stretch fabric   3 chiefly US and Canadian a television receiver

boob^2 (buːb)   n Austral slang   1 a prison   ▷ adj   2 of poor quality, similar to that provided in prison: boob coffee [from the US colloquial sense of booby hatch meaning jail]

■ boob happy   adj   Austral slang suffering from the mental strain caused by the difficulties of prison life

■ boobhead (ˈbuːbˌhɛd)   n   Austral slang a repeat offender in a prison

boobialla (ˌbuːbIˈælə)   n Austral   1 another name for golden wattle (sense 2)   2 any of various trees or shrubs of the genus Myoporum, esp M. insulare [from a native Australian language]

boo-boo   n, pl -boos   informal an embarrassing mistake; blunder [C20: perhaps from nursery talk; compare BOOHOO]

boobook (ˈbuːbʊk)   n   a small spotted brown Australian owl, Ninox boobook

booby (ˈbuːbI)   n, pl -bies   1 an ignorant or foolish person   2 Brit the losing player in a game   3 any of several tropical marine birds of the genus Sula: family Sulidae, order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc). They have a straight stout bill and the plumage is white with darker markings. Compare gannet [C17: from Spanish bobo, from Latin balbus stammering]

■ booby hatch   n   1 a hoodlike covering for a hatchway on a ship   2 US offensive, slang a psychiatric hospital

■ boobyish (ˈbuːbIIʃ)   adj   stupid or silly

■ boobyism (ˈbuːbIIzəm)   n   the quality of being boobyish

■ booby prize   n   a mock prize given to the person having the lowest score or giving the worst performance in a competition

■ booby trap   n   1 a hidden explosive device primed in such a way as to be set off by an unsuspecting victim   2 a trap for an unsuspecting person, esp one intended as a practical joke, such as an object balanced above a door to fall on the person who opens it   ▷ vb booby-trap, -traps, -trapping, -trapped   3 (tr) to set a booby trap in or on (a building or object) or for (a person)

■ booby-trapped   adj   (of a building, vehicle, etc) planted with a booby trap

boodie (ˈbuːdI)   n   a burrowing rat kangaroo, Bettongia lesueur, found on islands off Western Australia [from Nyungar (an extinct native language of SW Australia) burdi]

boodle (ˈbuːdəl) slang   n   1 money or valuables, esp when stolen, counterfeit, or used as a bribe   2 chiefly US another word for caboodle   ▷ vb   3 to give or receive money corruptly or illegally [C19: from Dutch boedel all one's possessions, from Old Frisian bōdel movable goods, inheritance; see CABOODLE]

■ boodler (ˈbuːdələ)   n   US slang a person involved in bribery or corruption

boody (ˈbuːdI)   vb boodies, boodying, boodied (intr)   to sulk

boofhead (ˈbʊfhɛd)   n slang, chiefly Austral   1 a stupid person   2 a person or animal with a large head

boofy (ˈbʊfI)   adj Austral informal   1 muscular and strong but stupid   2 (of the hair) voluminous   3 puffed out: boofy sleeves

boogaloo (ˈbuːɡəˌluː)   n   1 a type of dance performed to rock and roll music   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to dance a boogaloo

booger (ˈbuːɡə)   n   US another name for bogey^1 (sense 2), bogey^1 (sense 4)

boogeyman (ˈbuːɡImæn)   n, pl -men   a US name for bogeyman

boogie (ˈbuːɡI) slang   vb -gies, -gieing, -gied (intr)   1 to dance to pop music   2 to make love   ▷ n   3 a session of dancing to pop music [C20: originally African-American slang, perhaps from Kongo mbugi devilishly good]

■ boogie board   n   another name for bodyboard

■ boogie-woogie (ˈbʊɡIˈwʊɡI, ˈbuːɡIˈwuːɡI)   n   a style of piano jazz using a dotted bass pattern, usually with eight notes in a bar and the harmonies of the 12-bar blues

boohai (buːˈhaI)   n   up the boohai NZ informal thoroughly lost [from the remote township of Puhoi]

boohoo (ˌbuːˈhuː)   vb -hoos, -hooing, -hooed   1 to sob or pretend to sob noisily   ▷ n, pl -hoos   2 (sometimes plural) distressed or pretended sobbing [C20: nursery talk]

boojum (ˈbuːdzəm)   n   1 a geometric pattern found on the surface of helium-3   2 a species of tree native to Mexico [C20: sense 1 named after a word in Lewis Carroll’s ‘The Hunting of the Snark’ (1876)]

book (bʊk)   n   1 a number of printed or written pages bound together along one edge and usually protected by thick paper or stiff pasteboard covers. See also hardback, paperback   2    a a written work or composition, such as a novel, technical manual, or dictionary   b (as modifier): the book trade; book reviews   c (in combination): bookseller; bookshop; bookshelf; bookrack   3 a number of blank or ruled sheets of paper bound together, used to record lessons, keep accounts, etc   4 (plural) a record of the transactions of a business or society   5 the script of a play or the libretto of an opera, musical, etc   6 a major division of a written composition, as of a long novel or of the Bible   7 a number of tickets, sheets, stamps, etc, fastened together along one edge   8 bookmaking a record of the bets made on a horse race or other event   9 (in card games) the number of tricks that must be taken by a side or player before any trick has a scoring value: in bridge, six of the 13 tricks form the book   10 strict or rigid regulations, rules, or standards (esp in the phrases according to the book, by the book)   11 a source of knowledge or authority: the book of life   12 a telephone directory (in the phrase in the book)   13 the book (sometimes capital) the Bible   14 an open book a person or subject that is thoroughly understood   15 a closed book a person or subject that is unknown or beyond comprehension: chemistry is a closed book to him   16 bring to book to reprimand or require (someone) to give an explanation of his conduct   17 close the book on to bring to a definite end: we have closed the book on this feud   18 close the books accounting to balance accounts in order to prepare a statement or report   19 cook the books informal to make fraudulent alterations to business or other accounts   20 in my book according to my view of things   21 in someone's bad books regarded by someone with disfavour   22 in someone's good books regarded by someone with favour   23 keep the books to keep written records of the finances of a business or other enterprise   24 on the books   a enrolled as a member   b registered or recorded   25 read someone like a book to understand a person, or his motives, character, etc, thoroughly and clearly   26 throw the book at   a to charge with every relevant offence   b to inflict the most severe punishment on   ▷ vb   27 to reserve (a place, passage, etc) or engage the services of (a performer, driver, etc) in advance: to book a flight; to book a band   28 (tr) to take the name and address of (a person guilty of a minor offence) with a view to bringing a prosecution: he was booked for ignoring a traffic signal   29 (tr) (of a football referee) to take the name of (a player) who grossly infringes the rules while playing, two such acts resulting in the player's dismissal from the field   30 (tr) archaic to record in a book [Old English bōc; related to Old Norse bōk, Old High German buoh book, Gothic bōka letter; see BEECH (the bark of which was used as a writing surface)]

■ bookable (ˈbʊkəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being reserved in advance: bookable seats   2 meriting the punishment of a booking: a bookable offence

■ bookbinder (ˈbʊkˌbaIndə)   n   a person whose business or craft is binding books   > ˈbookˌbinding n

■ bookbindery (ˈbʊkˌbaIndərI)   n, pl -eries   a place in which books are bound. Often shortened to: bindery

■ bookcase (ˈbʊkˌkeIs)   n   a piece of furniture containing shelves for books, often fitted with glass doors

■ book club   n   a club that sells books at low prices to members, usually by mail order, esp on condition that they buy a minimum number

■ bookcrossing (ˈbʊkˌkrɒsIŋ)   n   the practice of deliberately leaving books in places where they will be found and read by other people

■ booked up   adj   unable to offer any appointments or accept any reservations, etc; fully booked; full up

■ bookend or book end (ˈbʊkˌɛnd)   n   1 one of a pair of usually ornamental supports for holding a row of books upright   ▷ vb   2 (tr; usually passive) to occur or be located on either side (of something): the ghetto is bookended by two affluent neighbourhoods; a four-course banquet bookended by aperitifs and liqueurs

■ booker (ˈbʊkə)   n   1 a person who hires performers or performance companies   2 a bookkeeper

■ bookful (ˈbʊkfʊl)   n   an amount that would fill a book

■ book group   n   another name for reading group

■ bookie (ˈbʊkI)   n   informal short for bookmaker

■ book in   vb (adverb)   1 to reserve a room for (oneself or someone else) at a hotel   2 chiefly Brit to record something in a book or register, esp one's arrival at a hotel

■ booking (ˈbʊkIŋ)   n   1 chiefly Brit   a a reservation, as of a table or room in a hotel, seat in a theatre, or seat on a train, aircraft, etc   b (as modifier): the booking office at a railway station   2 theatre an engagement for the services of an actor or acting company

■ book into   vb   (preposition) to reserve a room for (oneself or someone else) at (a hotel)

■ bookish (ˈbʊkIʃ)   adj   1 fond of reading; studious   2 consisting of or forming opinions or attitudes through reading rather than direct personal experience; academic: a bookish view of life   3 of or relating to books: a bookish career in publishing   > ˈbookishly adv   > ˈbookishness n

■ book-keeping   n   the skill or occupation of maintaining accurate records of business transactions   > ˈbook-ˌkeeper n

■ bookland (ˈbʊkˌlænd)   n   British history an area of common land given to a private owner

■ book-learning   n   1 knowledge gained from books rather than from direct personal experience   2 formal education

■ bookless (ˈbʊklIs)   adj   1 having no books   2 uneducated, unaware of books

■ booklet (ˈbʊklIt)   n   a thin book, esp one having paper covers; pamphlet

■ booklight (ˈbʊkˌlaIt)   n   a small light that can be clipped onto a book for reading by

■ booklore (ˈbʊkˌlɔː)   n   any knowledge or belief gained from books

■ booklouse (ˈbʊkˌlaʊs)   n, pl -lice   any small insect of the order Psocoptera, esp Trogium pulsatorium (common booklouse), a wingless species that feeds on bookbinding paste, etc

■ bookmaker (ˈbʊkˌmeIkə)   n   a person who as an occupation accepts bets, esp on horseraces, and pays out to winning betters   > ˈbookˌmaking n

■ bookman (ˈbʊkˌmæn)   n, pl -men   1 a student or scholar   2 a bookseller

■ bookmark (ˈbʊkˌmɑːk)   n   1 Also called: bookmarker a strip or band of some material, such as leather or ribbon, put between the pages of a book to mark a place   2 computing   a an address for a website stored on a computer so that the user can easily return to the site   b an identifier placed in a document so that part of the document can be accessed easily   ▷ vb   3 (tr) computing   a to identify and store (a website) so that one can return to it easily   b to place a bookmark in (a document)

■ bookmobile (ˈbʊkməˌbiːl)   n   US and Canadian a vehicle providing lending library facilities. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): mobile library

■ book of account   n   another name for journal (sense 4a)

■ Book of Changes   n   another name for the I Ching

■ Book of Common Prayer   n   the official book of church services of the Church of England, until 1980, when the Alternative Service Book was sanctioned

■ book off   vb   Canadian to take a period of absence from work due to illness

■ book of hours   n   (often capitals) a book used esp in monasteries during the Middle Ages that contained the prayers and offices of the canonical hours

■ Book of Kells   n   See Kells

■ Book of Mormon   n   a sacred book of the Mormon Church, believed by Mormons to be a history of certain ancient peoples in America, written on golden tablets (now lost) and revealed by the prophet Mormon to Joseph Smith

■ book of original entry   n   another name for journal (sense 4a)

■ bookplate (ˈbʊkˌpleIt)   n   a label bearing the owner's name and an individual design or coat of arms, pasted into a book

■ bookrack (ˈbʊkˌræk)   n   a rack for holding books

■ bookrest (ˈbʊkˌrɛst)   n   a cradle for holding an open book so that it may be read comfortably

■ book scorpion   n   any of various small arachnids of the order Pseudoscorpionida (false scorpions), esp Chelifer cancroides, which are sometimes found in old books, etc

■ bookseller (ˈbʊksɛlə)   n   a person whose business consists of selling books

■ bookselling (ˈbʊkˌsɛlIŋ)   n   the activity of selling books

■ bookshelf (ˈbʊkʃɛlf)   n   a piece of furniture consisting of a shelf or shelves for books

■ bookshop (ˈbʊkʃɒp)   n   a shop in which books are sold

■ bookstall (ˈbʊkˌstɔːl)   n   a stall or stand where periodicals, newspapers, or books are sold. US word: newsstand

■ bookstand (ˈbʊkstænd)   n US   1 a cradle for holding an open book so that it may be read comfortably   2 a stall or stand at a station, airport, etc where periodicals, newspapers, or books are sold   3 to hit the bookstands informal (of a book) to be published

■ bookstore (ˈbʊkstɔː)   n   another name for bookshop

■ booksy (ˈbʊksI)   adj   inclined to be bookish or literary

■ book token   n   Brit a gift token to be exchanged for books

■ book up   vb (adverb)   1 to make a reservation (for); book   2 See booked up

■ book value   n   1 the value of an asset of a business according to its books   2    a the net capital value of an enterprise as shown by the excess of book assets over book liabilities   b the value of a share computed by dividing the net capital value of an enterprise by its issued shares. Compare par value, market value

■ bookwork (ˈbʊkˌwɜːk)   n   1 the keeping of accounts   2 learning through the study of books rather than from practical experience

■ bookworm (ˈbʊkˌwɜːm)   n   1 a person excessively devoted to studying or reading   2 any of various small insects that feed on the binding paste of books, esp the book louse

■ booky (ˈbʊkI)   adj bookier, bookiest   informal bookish

Booker Prize (ˈbʊkə)   n   the former name for Man Booker Prize

bool (bʊl) Scot   n   1 a bowling bowl   2 a playing marble   3 (plural) the game of bowls or marbles   ▷ vb (intr)   4 to play bowls [Scot variant of BOWL^2]

Boole (buːl)   n   George. 1815–64, English mathematician. In Mathematical Analysis of Logic (1847) and An Investigation of the Laws of Thought (1854), he applied mathematical formulae to logic, creating Boolean algebra

■ Boolean algebra (ˈbuːlIən)   n   a system of symbolic logic devised by George Boole to codify logical operations. It is used in computers

boom^1 (buːm)   vb   1 to make a deep prolonged resonant sound, as of thunder or artillery fire   2 to prosper or cause to prosper vigorously and rapidly: business boomed   ▷ n   3 a deep prolonged resonant sound: the boom of the sea   4 the cry of certain animals, esp the bittern   5 a period of high economic growth characterized by rising wages, profits, and prices, full employment, and high levels of investment, trade, and other economic activity. Compare depression (sense 5)   6 any similar period of high activity   7 the activity itself: a baby boom [C15: perhaps from Dutch bommen, of imitative origin]

■ boombox (ˈbuːmˌbɒks)   n   esp US informal a large portable radio and CD player

■ boom-bust or boom and bust   adj   economics relating to a supposed cycle in which periods of prosperity and growth alternate with periods of recession

■ booming (ˈbuːmIŋ)   adj   perceived as too loud

■ boomingly (ˈbuːmIŋlI)   adv   in a booming manner

■ boomlet (ˈbuːmlIt)   n   a small, short-lived, economic boom

■ boom town (ˈbuːmˌtaʊn)   n   a town that is enjoying sudden prosperity or has grown rapidly

■ boomy (ˈbuːmI)   adj boomier, boomiest   1 music characterized by an exaggerated or excessive bass sound   2 informal of or relating to an economic boom

boom^2 (buːm)   n   1 nautical a spar to which a sail is fastened to control its position relative to the wind   2 a beam or spar pivoting at the foot of the mast of a derrick, controlling the distance from the mast at which a load is lifted or lowered   3 a pole, usually extensible, carrying an overhead microphone and projected over a film or television set   4    a a barrier across a waterway, usually consisting of a chain of connected floating logs, to confine free-floating logs, protect a harbour from attack, etc   b the area so barred off [C16: from Dutch boom tree, BEAM]

boomburb (ˈbuːmbɜːb)   n   a large suburb experiencing rapid population growth [blend of BOOM^1 + SUBURB]

boomer (ˈbuːmə)   n   1 Austral a large male kangaroo   2 Austral and NZ informal anything exceptionally large [from English dialect]

boomerang (ˈbuːməˌræŋ)   n   1 a curved flat wooden missile of native Australians, which can be made to return to the thrower   2 an action or statement that recoils on its originator   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to recoil or return unexpectedly, causing harm to its originator; backfire [C19: from a native Australian language]

■ boomerang kid   n   a young adult who, after having lived on his or her own for a time, returns to live in the parental home, usually due to financial problems caused by unemployment or the high cost of living independently

boomkin (ˈbuːmkIn)   n   nautical a short boom projecting from the deck of a ship, used to secure the main-brace blocks or to extend the lower edge of the foresail [C17: from Dutch boomken, from boom tree; see BEAM, -KIN]

boomslang (ˈbuːmˌslæŋ)   n   a large greenish venomous arboreal colubrid snake, Dispholidus typus, of southern Africa [C18: from Afrikaans, from boom tree + slang snake]

boon^1 (buːn)   n   1 something extremely useful, helpful, or beneficial; a blessing or benefit: online check-in is a boon for many travellers   2 archaic a favour; request: he asked a boon of the king [C12: from Old Norse bōn request; related to Old English bēn prayer]

■ boonless (ˈbuːnlIs)   adj   useless or unhelpful

boon^2 (buːn)   adj   1 close, special, or intimate (in the phrase boon companion)   2 archaic jolly or convivial [C14: from Old French bon from Latin bonus good]

boondocks (ˈbuːnˌdɒks)   pl n the boondocks US and Canadian slang   1 wild, desolate, or uninhabitable country   2 a remote rural or provincial area   ▶ Sometimes shortened to: the Boonies [C20: from Tagalog bundok mountain]

boondoggle (ˈbuːnˌdɒɡəl) informal, chiefly US and Canadian   vb   1 (intr) to do futile and unnecessary work   ▷ n   2 a futile and unnecessary project or work [C20: said to have been coined by R. H. Link, American scoutmaster]   > ˈboonˌdoggler n

Boone (buːn)   n   Daniel. 1734–1820, American pioneer, explorer, and guide, esp in Kentucky

booner (ˈbuːnə) or boon   n   Austral derogatory a young working-class person from Canberra [C20: of unknown origin]

boong (buːŋ)   n   Austral offensive an Aborigine or Black person [C20: perhaps of native Australian origin]

boonga (ˈbuːŋə)   n   NZ offensive a Pacific Islander [perhaps of native Australian origin, from BOONG]

boongary (ˈbuːŋɡærI)   n   a tree kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi, of northeastern Queensland [from a native Australian language]

boor (bʊə)   n   an ill-mannered, clumsy, or insensitive person [Old English gebūr; related to Old High German gibūr farmer, dweller, Albanian būr man; see NEIGHBOUR]

■ boorish (ˈbʊərIʃ)   adj   ill-mannered, clumsy, or insensitive; rude   > ˈboorishly adv   > ˈboorishness n

booshit (ˈbuːʃIt)   adj   Austral slang very good; excellent

boost (buːst)   n   1 encouragement, improvement, or help: a boost to morale   2 an upward thrust or push: give me a boost over this wall   3 an increase or rise: a boost in salary   4 a publicity campaign; promotion   5 the amount by which the induction pressure of a supercharged internal-combustion engine exceeds that of the ambient pressure   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to encourage, assist, or improve: to boost morale   7 to lift by giving a push from below or behind   8 to increase or raise: to boost the voltage in an electrical circuit   9 to cause to rise; increase: to boost sales   10 to advertise on a big scale   11 to increase the induction pressure of (an internal-combustion engine) above that of the ambient pressure; supercharge [C19: of unknown origin]

■ booster (ˈbuːstə)   n   1 a person or thing that supports, assists, or increases power or effectiveness   2 Also called: launch vehicle the first stage of a multistage rocket   3 radio, television   a a radio-frequency amplifier connected between an aerial and a receiver to amplify weak incoming signals   b a radio-frequency amplifier that amplifies incoming signals, retransmitting them at higher power   4 another name for supercharger   5 short for booster dose   6 slang, chiefly US a shoplifter

■ booster dose   n   a supplementary injection of a vaccine given to maintain the immunization provided by an earlier dose

■ boosterish (ˈbuːstərIʃ)   adj   designed to boost business; optimistic

■ boosterism (ˈbuːstəˌrIzəm)   n   the practice of actively promoting a city, region, etc, and its local businesses

boot^1 (buːt)   n   1 a strong outer covering for the foot; shoe that extends above the ankle, often to the knee. See also chukka boot, top boot, Wellington boots, surgical boot   2 an enclosed compartment of a car for holding luggage, etc, usually at the rear. US and Canadian name: trunk   3 a protective covering over a mechanical device, such as a rubber sheath protecting a coupling joining two shafts   4 US and Canadian a rubber patch used to repair a puncture in a tyre   5 an instrument of torture used to crush the foot and lower leg   6 a protective covering for the lower leg of a horse   7 a kick: he gave the door a boot   8 Brit slang an ugly person (esp in the phrase old boot)   9 US slang a navy or marine recruit, esp one in training   10 computing short for bootstrap (sense 4a)   11 bet one's boots to be certain: you can bet your boots he'll come   12 See boots and all   13 die with one's boots on   a to die while still active   b to die in battle   14 fill one's boots informal to take or do as much of something as one wants   15 lick the boots of to be servile, obsequious, or flattering towards   16 put the boot in slang   a to kick a person, esp when he or she is already down   b to harass someone or aggravate a problem   c to finish off (something) with unnecessary brutality   17 the boot slang dismissal from employment; the sack   18 the boot is on the other foot or the boot is on the other leg the situation is or has now reversed   19 too big for one's boots self-important or conceited   ▷ vb   20 (tr) (esp in football) to kick   21 (tr) to equip with boots   22 (tr) informal   a (often foll by out) to eject forcibly   b to dismiss from employment   23 Also: boot up to start up the operating system of (a computer) or (of a computer) to begin operating [C14 bote, from Old French, of uncertain origin]

■ bootable (ˈbuːtəbəl)   adj   containing software used to boot a computer

■ bootblack (ˈbuːtˌblæk)   n   chiefly US another word for shoeblack

■ boot boy   n   a member of a gang of hooligans who usually wear heavy boots

■ boot camp   n   1 US slang a basic training camp for new recruits to the US Navy or Marine Corps   2 a centre for juvenile offenders, with a strict disciplinary regime, hard physical exercise, and community labour programmes

■ boot-cut   adj   (of trousers) slightly flared at the bottom of the legs

■ booted (ˈbuːtId)   adj   1 wearing boots   2 ornithol   a (of birds) having an undivided tarsus covered with a horny sheath   b (of poultry) having a feathered tarsus

■ bootee (ˈbuːtiː, buːˈtiː) or bootie   n   1 a soft shoe for a baby, esp a knitted one   2 a boot for women and children, esp an ankle-length one

■ bootery (ˈbuːtərI)   n, pl -ries   US a shop selling boots and shoes

■ boot-faced   adj   informal wearing a stern, disapproving expression

■ boothose (ˈbuːtˌhəʊz)   n   a protective stocking or boot liner fashionable in the 17th century

■ bootjack (ˈbuːtˌdʒæk)   n   a device that grips the heel of a boot to enable the foot to be withdrawn easily

■ bootlace (ˈbuːtˌleIs)   n   a strong lace for fastening a boot

■ bootlace fungus   n   another name for honey fungus

■ bootlace worm   n   a nemertean worm, Lineus longissimus, that inhabits shingly shores and attains lengths of over 6 m (20 ft)

■ bootlast (ˈbuːtˌlɑːst)   n   a foot-shaped piece of wood or metal inserted into a boot or shoe to help it keep its shape

■ bootleg (ˈbuːtˌlɛɡ)   vb -legs, -legging, -legged   1 to make, carry, or sell (illicit goods, esp alcohol)   ▷ n   2 something made or sold illicitly, such as alcohol during Prohibition in the US   3 an illegally made copy of a CD, tape, etc   ▷ adj   4 produced, distributed, or sold illicitly: bootleg whisky; bootleg tapes [C17: see BOOT^1, LEG; from the practice of smugglers of carrying bottles of liquor concealed in their boots]   > ˈbootˌlegger n

■ bootlick (ˈbuːtˌlIk)   vb   informal to seek favour by servile or ingratiating behaviour towards (someone, esp someone in authority); toady   > ˈbootˌlicker n

■ bootloader (ˈbuːtˌləʊdə)   n   computing a bootstrap loader. See bootstrap (sense 4)

■ bootmaker (ˈbʊtmeIkə)   n   a person who makes boots and shoes for a living

■ bootmaking (ˈbuːtˌmeIkIŋ)   n   the activity of making boots and shoes

■ boot money   n   informal unofficial bonuses in the form of illegal cash payments made by a professional sports club to its players

■ boots (buːts)   n, pl boots   Brit (formerly) a shoeblack who cleans the guests' shoes in a hotel

■ boots and all Austral and NZ informal   adv   1 making every effort; with no holds barred   ▷ adj (boots-and-all when prenominal)   2 behaving or conducted in such a manner

■ boots and saddles   n   a bugle call formerly used in the US Cavalry to summon soldiers to mount

■ boot-scraper   n   a contraption consisting of an upright metal shape formerly placed outside some houses to enable people to scrape the mud from their boots before going in

■ bootstrap (ˈbuːtˌstræp)   n   1 a leather or fabric loop on the back or side of a boot for pulling it on   2 by one's bootstraps or by one's own bootstraps by one's own efforts; unaided   3 (modifier) self-acting or self-sufficient, as an electronic amplifier that uses its output voltage to bias its input   4    a Also: boot a technique for loading the first few program instructions into a computer main store to enable the rest of the program to be introduced from an input device   b (as modifier): a bootstrap loader   5 commerce an offer to purchase a controlling interest in a company, esp with the intention of purchasing the remainder of the equity at a lower price   ▷ vb -straps, -strapping, -strapped (tr)   6 to set up or achieve (something) using minimal resources   7 (foll by to) to attach (something) to a larger or more important thing

■ boot topping   n nautical   1 the part of a ship's hull that is between the load line and the water line when the ship is not loaded   2 a coating applied to this part of a ship to remove marine growth

■ boot tree   n   1 a shoetree for a boot, often having supports to stretch the leg of the boot   2 a last for making boots

boot^2 (buːt)   vb (usually impersonal)   1 archaic to be of advantage or use to (a person): what boots it to complain?   ▷ n   2 obsolete an advantage   3 dialect something given in addition, esp to equalize an exchange: a ten pound boot to settle the bargain   4 to boot as well; in addition: it's cold and musty, and damp to boot [Old English bōt compensation; related to Old Norse bōt remedy, Gothic bōta, Old High German buoza improvement]

■ bootless (ˈbuːtlIs)   adj   of little or no use; vain; fruitless: a bootless search [Old English bōtlēas, from bōt compensation; Old Norse bótalauss]   > ˈbootlessly adv

■ bootlessness (ˈbuːtlIsnəs)   n   the quality of being useless or ineffective

Boötes (bəʊˈəʊtiːz)   n, Latin genitive Boötis (bəʊˈəʊtIs)   a constellation in the N hemisphere lying near Ursa Major and containing the first magnitude star Arcturus [C17: via Latin from Greek: ploughman, from boōtein to plough, from bous ox]

booth (buːð, buːθ)   n, pl booths (buːðz)   1 a stall for the display or sale of goods, esp a temporary one at a fair or market   2 a small enclosed or partially enclosed room or cubicle, such as one containing a telephone (telephone booth) or one in which a person casts his or her vote at an election (polling booth)   3 two long high-backed benches with a long table between, used esp in bars and inexpensive restaurants   4 (formerly) a temporary structure for shelter, dwelling, storage, etc [C12: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse buth, Swedish, Danish bod shop, stall; see BOWER^1]

■ booth-babe   n   slang an attractive woman hired to draw attendees of commercial exhibitions into promotional booths

Booth (buːð)   n   1  Edwin Thomas, son of Junius Brutus Booth. 1833–93, US actor   2  John Wilkes, son of Junius Brutus Booth. 1838–65, US actor; assassin of Abraham Lincoln   3  Junius Brutus (ˈdʒuːnIəs ˈbruːtəs). 1796–1852, US actor, born in England   4  William. 1829–1912, British religious leader; founder and first general of the Salvation Army (1878)

Boothia Peninsula (ˈbuːθIə)   n   a peninsula of N Canada: the northernmost part of the mainland of North America, lying west of the Gulf of Boothia, an arm of the Arctic Ocean

Boothroyd (ˈbuːθrɔId)   n   Betty. Baroness. born 1929, British politician; speaker of the House of Commons (1992–2000)

bootie^1 (ˈbuːtI)   n   a variant of bootee

bootie^2 (ˈbuːtI)   n   Brit slang a Royal Marine [C20: from bootneck, so called from the leather tab used to close their tunic collars]

bootikin (ˈbuːtIkIn)   n   1 a small boot or gaiter worn by infants   2 another word for boot^1 (sense 5)

Bootle (ˈbuːtəl)   n   a port in NW England, in Sefton unitary authority, Merseyside; on the River Mersey adjoining Liverpool. Pop: 59 123 (2001)

booty^1 (ˈbuːtI)   n, pl -ties   any valuable article or articles, esp when obtained as plunder [C15: from Old French butin, from Middle Low German buite exchange; related to Old Norse býta to exchange, býti barter]

booty^2 (ˈbuːtI)   n   slang the buttocks [C20: from BUTT^1 buttocks]

■ booty bump   n   slang a method of administering the recreational drug methamphetamine, in which the drug is mixed with water then injected into the rectum with a needleless syringe [C21: from booty, slang word for the buttocks]

■ booty call   n   slang a meeting arranged for the purpose of having sex

bootylicious (ˌbuːtIˈlIʃəs)   adj   slang sexually attractive, esp with curvaceous buttocks [C20 from BOOTY^2 + (DE)LICIOUS]

booze (buːz) informal   n   1 alcoholic drink   2 a drinking bout or party   ▷ vb   3 (usually intr) to drink (alcohol), esp in excess [C13: from Middle Dutch būsen]   > boozed adj   > ˈboozing n

■ booze bus   n Austral and NZ informal   a mobile police unit used to conduct drug and alcohol tests on drivers

■ booze cruise   n   1 chiefly Brit informal a day trip to a foreign country, esp from England across the English Channel to France, for the purposes of buying cheap alcohol, cigarettes, etc   2 Austral and NZ informal a party held aboard a moving boat

■ boozed-up   adj   slang intoxicated; drunk

■ booze hag   n   NZ derogatory, slang a girl or woman who drinks to excess

■ boozehound (ˈbuːzhaʊnd)   n   slang a person who drinks excessive amounts of alcohol regularly

■ boozer (ˈbuːzə)   n informal   1 a person who is fond of drinking   2 Brit, Austral and NZ a bar or pub

■ booze-up   n   Brit, Austral and NZ slang a drinking spree

■ boozily (ˈbuːzIlI)   adv   in a boozy manner

■ boozy (ˈbuːzI)   adj boozier, booziest   informal inclined to or involving excessive drinking of alcohol; drunken: a boozy lecturer; a boozy party   > ˈbooziness n

bop^1 (bɒp)   n   1 a form of jazz originating in the 1940s, characterized by rhythmic and harmonic complexity and instrumental virtuosity. Originally called: bebop   2 informal a session of dancing to pop music   ▷ vb bops, bopping, bopped   3 (intr) informal to dance to pop music [C20: shortened from BEBOP]   > ˈbopper n

bop^2 (bɒp) informal   vb bops, bopping, bopped   1 (tr) to strike; hit   ▷ n   2 a blow [C19: of imitative origin]

bo-peep (ˌbəʊˈpiːp)   n   1 a game for very young children, in which one hides (esp hiding one's face in one's hands) and reappears suddenly   2 Austral and NZ informal a quick look (esp in the phrase have a bo-peep)

Bophuthatswana (ˌbəʊpuːtɑːtˈswɑːnə)   n   (formerly) a Bantu homeland in N South Africa: consisted of six separate areas; declared independent by South Africa in 1977 although this was not internationally recognized; abolished in 1993. Capital: Mmabatho

bor (bɔː)   n   East Anglian dialect a neighbour

bora^1 (ˈbɔːrə)   n   (sometimes capital) a violent cold north wind blowing from the mountains to the E coast of the Adriatic, usually in winter [C19: from Italian (Venetian dialect), from Latin borēas the north wind]

bora^2 (ˈbɔːrə)   n   an initiation ceremony of native Australians, introducing youths to manhood [from a native Australian language]

Bora Bora (ˈbɔːrə ˈbɔːrə)   n   an island in the S Pacific, in French Polynesia, in the Society Islands: one of the Leeward Islands. Area: 39 sq km (15 sq miles)

borachio (bəˈrætʃIəʊ, bəˈrætʃəʊ) obsolete   n   1 a wine carrier made from animal skin, used in Spain   2 obsolete a drunkard

boracic (bəˈræsIk)   adj   another word for boric

boracite (ˈbɔːrəˌsaIt)   n   a white mineral that forms salt deposits of magnesium borate and chloride in orthorhombic crystalline form. Formula: Mg_3ClB_7O_13

borage (ˈbɒrIdʒ, ˈbʌrIdʒ)   n   1 a European boraginaceous plant, Borago officinalis, with star-shaped blue flowers. The young leaves have a cucumber-like flavour and are sometimes used in salads or as seasoning   2 any of several related plants [C13: from Old French bourage, perhaps from Arabic abū `āraq literally: father of sweat, from its use as a diaphoretic]

boraginaceous (bəˌrædʒIˈneIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Boraginaceae, a family of temperate and tropical typically hairy-leaved flowering plants that includes forget-me-not, lungwort, borage, comfrey, and heliotrope [C19: from New Latin Borāgināceae, from Borāgō genus name; see BORAGE]

borak (ˈbɔːrək) or borax (ˈbɔːræks)   n Austral and NZ slang, archaic   1 rubbish; nonsense   2 poke borak at someone to jeer at someone [from a native Australian language]

boral (ˈbɔːrəl, ˈbɒˌræl)   n   the powdered mixture of boron carbide and aluminium

borane (ˈbɔːreIn)   n   any compound of boron and hydrogen, used in the synthesis of other boron compounds and as high-energy fuels [C20: from BOR(ON) + -ANE]

Borås (Swedish buˈroːs)   n   a city in SW Sweden, chiefly producing textiles. Pop: 98 831 (2004 est)

borate   n (ˈbɔːreIt, -It)   1 a salt or ester of boric acid. Salts of boric acid consist of BO_3 and BO_4 units linked together   ▷ vb (ˈbɔːreIt)   2 (tr) to treat with borax, boric acid, or borate

borax (ˈbɔːræks)   n, pl -raxes, -races (-rəˌsiːz)   1 Also called: tincal a soluble readily fusible white mineral consisting of impure hydrated disodium tetraborate in monoclinic crystalline form, occurring in alkaline soils and salt deposits. Formula: Na_2B_4O_7.10H_2O   2 pure disodium tetraborate [C14: from Old French boras, from Medieval Latin borax, from Arabic būraq, from Persian būrah]

borazon (ˈbɔːrəˌzɒn, -zən)   n   an extremely hard form of boron nitride [C20: from BOR(ON) + AZO- + -ON]

borborygmus (ˌbɔːbəˈrIɡməs)   n, pl -mi (-maI)   rumbling of the stomach [C18: from Greek]   > ˌborboˈrygmal or ˌborboˈrygmic adj

bordar (ˈbɔːdə)   n   English history a smallholder of low social rank who held a cottage in return for menial work

Bordeaux (bɔːˈdəʊ; French bɔrdo)   n   1 a port in SW France, on the River Garonne: a major centre of the wine trade. Pop: 235 878 (2006)   2 any of several red, white, or rosé wines produced around Bordeaux ▶ Related adjective: Bordelais

■ Bordeaux mixture   n   horticulture a fungicide consisting of a solution of equal quantities of copper sulphate and quicklime [C19: loose translation of French bouillie bordelaise, from bouillir to boil + bordelais of BORDEAUX]

bordel (ˈbɔːdəl)   n   another name for bordello

Bordelaise (ˌbɔːdəˈleIz; French bɔrdəlɛz)   adj   cookery denoting a brown sauce flavoured with red wine and sometimes mushrooms [French: of BORDEAUX]

bordello (bɔːˈdɛləʊ)   n, pl -los   a brothel. Also called (archaic): bordel (ˈbɔːdəl) [C16: from Italian, from Old French borde hut, cabin]

border (ˈbɔːdə)   n   1 a band or margin around or along the edge of something   2 the dividing line or frontier between political or geographic regions   3    a a region straddling such a boundary   b (as modifier): border country   4    a a design or ornamental strip around the edge or rim of something, such as a printed page or dinner plate   b (as modifier): a border illustration   5 a long narrow strip of ground planted with flowers, shrubs, trees, etc, that skirts a path or wall or surrounds a lawn or other area: a herbaceous border   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to decorate or provide with a border   7 (when intr, foll by on or upon)   a to be adjacent (to); lie along the boundary (of): his land borders on mine   b to be nearly the same (as); verge (on): his stupidity borders on madness [C14: from Old French bordure, from border to border, from bort side of a ship, of Germanic origin; see BOARD]

■ border disease   n   vet science a congenital infectious disease of sheep and goats caused by a Togavirus and characterized by abortion, infertility, and deformity of lambs

■ borderer (ˈbɔːdərə)   n   a person who lives in a border area, esp the border between England and Scotland

■ borderland (ˈbɔːdəˌlænd)   n   1 land located on or near a frontier or boundary   2 an indeterminate region: the borderland between intellect and intelligence

■ borderless (ˈbɔːdəˌlIs)   adj   1 without a band or margin around or along the edge: borderless prints   2 (of an island) not divided by a national border   3 without limits: an intellectual curiosity that seems borderless   4 (of trade, travel, etc) not constrained by the presence of international borders: a borderless business world

■ borderline (ˈbɔːdəˌlaIn)   n   1 a border; dividing line; line of demarcation   2 an indeterminate position between two conditions or qualities: the borderline between friendship and love   ▷ adj   3 on the edge of one category and verging on another: a borderline failure in the exam

■ borderline personality disorder   n   psychiatry a personality disorder characterized by impulsiveness, extreme mood swings, and often anger

Border^1 (ˈbɔːdə)   n the Border   1 (often plural) the area straddling the border between England and Scotland   2 the area straddling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland   3 the region in S South Africa around East London

■ Border collie   n   a medium-sized breed of collie with a silky usually black-and-white coat: used mainly as sheepdogs

■ Border Leicester   n   a breed of sheep originally developed in the border country between Scotland and England by crossing English Leicesters with Cheviots: large numbers in Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand. It has a long white fleece with no wool on the head

■ Border terrier   n   a small rough-coated breed of terrier that originated in the Borders

Border^2 (ˈbɔːdə)   n   Allan (Robert). born 1955, Australian cricketer; played in 156 test matches (1978–1994), 93 as captain; first Australian batsman to score 10,000 test runs

bordereau (ˌbɔːdəˈrəʊ; French bɔrdəro)   n, pl -reaux (-ˈrəʊ, -ˈrəʊz; French -ro)   a memorandum or invoice prepared for a company by an underwriter, containing a list of reinsured risks [C20: from French]

Borders Region   n   a former local government region in S Scotland, formed in 1975 from Berwick, Peebles, Roxburgh, Selkirk, and part of Midlothian; replaced in 1996 by Scottish Borders council area

Bordet (French bɔrdɛ)   n   Jules (Jean Baptiste Vincent) (ʒyl). 1870–1961, Belgian bacteriologist and immunologist, who discovered complement. Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1919

bordraging (ˌbɔːdˈræɡIŋ)   n   obsolete an attack or raid on a border region

bordure (ˈbɔːdjʊə)   n   heraldry the outer edge of a shield, esp when decorated distinctively [C15: from Old French; see BORDER]

bore^1 (bɔː)   vb   1 to produce (a hole) in (a material) by use of a drill, auger, or other cutting tool   2 to increase the diameter of (a hole), as by an internal turning operation on a lathe or similar machine   3 (tr) to produce (a hole in the ground, tunnel, mine shaft, etc) by digging, drilling, cutting, etc   4 (intr) informal (of a horse or athlete in a race) to push other competitors, esp in order to try to get them out of the way   ▷ n   5 a hole or tunnel in the ground, esp one drilled in search of minerals, oil, etc   6    a a circular hole in a material produced by drilling, turning, or drawing   b the diameter of such a hole   7    a the hollow part of a tube or cylinder, esp of a gun barrel   b the diameter of such a hollow part; calibre   8 Austral an artesian well [Old English borian; related to Old Norse bora, Old High German borōn to bore, Latin forāre to pierce, Greek pharos ploughing, phárunx PHARYNX]

■ borehole (ˈbɔːˌhəʊl)   n   a hole driven into the ground to obtain geological information, release water, etc

■ borer (ˈbɔːrə)   n   1 a machine or hand tool for boring holes   2 any of various insects, insect larvae, molluscs, or crustaceans that bore into rock or plant material, esp wood. See also woodborer, cornborer, marine borer, rock borer

■ borer bomb   n   NZ a device that emits pesticide fumes

■ borescope (ˈbɔːˌskəʊp)   n   a long narrow optical device used to inspect the interior of a tight space

■ boring (ˈbɔːrIŋ)   n   1    a the act or process of making or enlarging a hole   b the hole made in this way   2 (often plural) a fragment, particle, chip, etc, produced during boring

■ boring mill   n   engineering a large vertical lathe having a rotating table on which work is secured. Tools are held on a fixed post and the work is rotated around it. Also called (informal): roundabout

bore^2 (bɔː)   vb   1 (tr) to tire or make weary by being dull, repetitious, or uninteresting   ▷ n   2 a dull, repetitious, or uninteresting person, activity, or state [C18: of unknown origin]   > bored adj

■ boredom (ˈbɔːdəm)   n   the state of being bored; tedium

■ boresome (ˈbɔːsəm)   adj   boring or uninteresting

■ boring (ˈbɔːrIŋ)   adj   dull; repetitious; uninteresting   > ˈboringly adv

■ boringness (ˈbɔːrIŋnəs)   n   the quality of being boring

bore^3 (bɔː)   n   a high steep-fronted wave moving up a narrow estuary, caused by the tide [C17: from Old Norse bāra wave, billow]

bore^4 (bɔː)   vb   the past tense of bear^1

boreal (ˈbɔːrIəl)   adj   of or relating to the north or the north wind [C15: from Latin boreās the north wind]

Boreal (ˈbɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of or denoting the coniferous forests in the north of the N hemisphere   2 designating a climatic zone having snowy winters and short summers   3 designating a dry climatic period from about 7500 to 5500 BC, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and a flora dominated by pines and hazels

Boreas (ˈbɔːrIəs)   n   Greek myth the god personifying the north wind [C14: via Latin from Greek]

borecole (ˈbɔːkəʊl)   n   another name for kale^1

boree (ˈbɔːriː)   n   Austral another name for myall [from a native Australian language]

boreen (ˈboːriːn)   n   Irish a country lane or narrow road [C19: from Irish Gaelic bóithrín, diminutive of bóthar road]

borel (ˈbɒrəl) obsolete   adj   1 rustic, rude   ▷ n   2 a boring tool

Borg (bɔːɡ; Swedish bɔrj)   n   Björn (bjœrn). born 1956, Swedish tennis player: Wimbledon champion 1976–80; French Open champion 1974–75, 1978–81

Borgerhout (Flemish bɔrxərˈhɔut)   n   a town in N Belgium, near Antwerp. Pop: 40 142 (2002 est)

Borges (Spanish ˈborxes)   n   Jorge Luis (ˈxorxe lwis). 1899–1986, Argentinian poet, short-story writer, and literary scholar. The short stories collected in Ficciones (1944) he described as "games with infinity"

■ Borgesian (ˌbɔːˈhɛsIən)   adj   1 of Jorge Luis Borges or his works   2 reminiscent of elements of Borges' stories and essays, esp labyrinths, mirrors, reality, identity, the nature of time, and infinity

Borghese (Italian borˈɡeze)   n   a noble Italian family whose members were influential in Italian art and politics from the 16th to the 19th century

borghetto (bɔːˈɡɛtəʊ) or borgo (ˈbɔːɡəʊ)   n   (in Italy) a settlement outside a city's walls

Borgia (Italian ˈbordʒa)   n   1  Cesare (ˈtʃezare), son of Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI). 1475–1507, Italian cardinal, politician, and military leader; model for Machiavelli's The Prince   2  his sister, Lucrezia (luˈkrɛttsja), daughter of Rodrigo Borgia. 1480–1519, Italian noblewoman. After her third marriage (1501), to the Duke of Ferrara, she became a patron of the arts and science   3  Rodrigo (rodˈriɡo). See Alexander VI

Borglum (ˈbɔːɡləm)   n   (John) Gutzon (ˈɡʌtsən). 1867–1941, US sculptor, noted for his monumental busts of US presidents carved in the mountainside of Mount Rushmore

boric (ˈbɔːrIk)   adj   of or containing boron. Also: boracic

■ boric acid   n   1 Also called: orthoboric acid a white soluble weakly acid crystalline solid used in the manufacture of heat-resistant glass and porcelain enamels, as a fireproofing material, and as a mild antiseptic. Formula: H_3BO_3. Systematic name: trioxoboric(III) acid   2 any other acid containing boron

boride (ˈbɔːraId)   n   a compound in which boron is the most electronegative element, esp a compound of boron and a metal [C19: from BOR(ON) + -IDE]

Boris I (ˈbɒrIs)   n   known as Boris of Bulgaria. died 907 AD, khan of Bulgaria. His reign saw the conversion of Bulgaria to Christianity and the birth of a national literature

bork (bɔːk)   vb (tr)   1 to incorrectly configure a device, esp a computer   2 to cause damage to   3 US jocular to disrespect or vilify, esp in order to obstruct a person's appointment to public office

Borlaug (ˈbɔːlɔːɡ)   n   Norman (Ernest). 1914–2009, US agronomist, who bred new strains of high-yielding cereal crops for use in developing countries. Nobel peace prize 1970

borlotti bean (bɔːˈlɒtI)   n   a variety of kidney bean with a pinkish-brown speckled skin that turns brown when cooked: grown in southern Europe, East Africa, and Taiwan [from Italian, plural of borlotto kidney bean]

borm (bɔːm)   vb (tr)   Midland English dialect to smear with paint, oil, etc

Bormann (German ˈbɔrman)   n   Martin. 1900–45, German Nazi politician; Hitler's adviser and private secretary (1942–45): committed suicide

born (bɔːn)   vb   1 the past participle (in most passive uses) of bear^1 (sense 4)   2 was not born yesterday is not gullible or foolish   ▷ adj   3 possessing or appearing to have possessed certain qualities from birth: a born musician   4    a being at birth in a particular social status or other condition as specified: ignobly born   b (in combination): lowborn   5 in all one's born days informal so far in one's life

USAGE

Care should be taken not to use born where borne is intended: he had borne (not born) his ordeal with great courage; the following points should be borne in mind

■ born-again (ˈbɔːnəˌɡɛn)   adj   1 having experienced conversion, esp to evangelical Christianity   2 showing the enthusiasm of one newly converted to any cause: a born-again monetarist   ▷ n   3 a person who shows fervent enthusiasm for a new-found cause, belief, etc

■ born-free   n   1 (in South Africa) a person who was born or grew up after the end of the Apartheid era   2 (in Zimbabwe) a person who was born or grew up after the end of White minority rule

Born (bɔːn)   n   Max. 1882–1970, British nuclear physicist, born in Germany, noted for his fundamental contribution to quantum mechanics: Nobel prize for physics 1954

borna disease (ˈbɔːnə)   n   vet science a viral disease of mammals, esp horses, caused by a member of the Flaviviridae and characterized by the development of encephalitis

borne (bɔːn)   vb   1 for all active uses of the verb, the past participle of bear^1   2 for all passive uses of the verb except sense 4 unless followed by by, the past participle of bear^1   3 be borne in on or be borne in upon (of a fact) to be realized by (someone): it was borne in on us how close we had been to disaster

Borneo (ˈbɔːnIˌəʊ)   n   an island in the W Pacific, between the Sulu and Java Seas, part of the Malay Archipelago: divided into Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, and the sultanate of Brunei; mountainous and densely forested. Area: about 750 000 sq km (290 000 sq miles)

■ Bornean (ˈbɔːnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Borneo or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Borneo

borneol (ˈbɔːnIˌɒl)   n   a white solid terpene alcohol extracted from the Malaysian tree Dryobalanops aromatica, used in perfume and in the manufacture of organic esters. Formula: C_10H_17OH. Also called: bornyl alcohol [C19: from BORNE(O) + -OL^1]

Bornholm (Danish bɔrnˈhɔlm)   n   an island in the Baltic Sea, south of Sweden: administratively part of Denmark. Chief town: Rønne. Pop: 43 956 (2003 est). Area: 588 sq km (227 sq miles)

■ Bornholm disease (ˈbɔːnˌhɒlm)   n   an epidemic virus infection characterized by pain round the base of the chest [C20: named after BORNHOLM, where it was first described]

bornite (ˈbɔːnaIt)   n   a mineral consisting of a sulphide of copper and iron that tarnishes to purple or dark red. It occurs in copper deposits. Formula: Cu_5FeS_4. Also called: peacock ore [C19: named after I. von Born (1742–91), Austrian mineralogist; see -ITE^1]

■ bornitic (bɔːˈnItIk)   adj   mineralogy of or relating to bornite

Borno (ˈbɔːnəʊ)   n   a state of NE Nigeria, on Lake Chad. Capital: Maiduguri. Pop: 4 151 193 (2006). Area: 70 898 sq km (27 374 sq miles)

bornyl alcohol   n   another name for borneol

Borodin (ˈbɒrədIn; Russian bəraˈdin)   n   Aleksandr Porfirevich (alIkˈsandr pərfiˈrjevitʃ). 1834–87, Russian composer, whose works include the unfinished opera Prince Igor, symphonies, songs, and chamber music

Borodino (ˌbɒrəˈdiːnəʊ; Russian bərədiˈnɔ)   n   a village in W Russia, about 110 km (70 miles) west of Moscow: scene of a battle (1812) in which Napoleon defeated the Russians but irreparably weakened his army

borohydride (ˌbɔːrəʊˈhaIdraId)   n   chem any compound, such as sodium borohydride, which contains the radical BH_4

boron (ˈbɔːrɒn)   n   a very hard almost colourless crystalline metalloid element that in impure form exists as a brown amorphous powder. It occurs principally in borax and is used in hardening steel. The naturally occurring isotope boron-10 is used in nuclear control rods and neutron detection instruments. Symbol: B; atomic no: 5; atomic wt: 10.81; valency: 3; relative density: 2.34 (crystalline), 2.37 (amorphous); melting pt: 2092°C; boiling pt: 4002°C [C19: from BOR(AX) + (CARB)ON]

■ boron carbide   n   a black extremely hard inert substance having a high capture cross section for thermal neutrons. It is used as an abrasive, refractory, and in control rods in nuclear reactors. Formula: B_4C

■ boronic (bɔːˈrɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to boron

■ boron nitride   n   a white inert crystalline solid existing both in a graphite-like form and in an extremely hard diamond-like form (borazon). It is used as a refractory, high-temperature lubricant and insulator, and heat shield. Formula: BN

boronia (bəˈrəʊnIə)   n   any aromatic rutaceous shrub of the Australian genus Boronia

borosilicate (ˌbɔːrəʊˈsIlIkIt, -ˌkeIt)   n   a salt of boric and silicic acids

■ borosilicate glass   n   any of a range of heat- and chemical-resistant glasses, such as Pyrex, prepared by fusing together boron(III) oxide, silicon dioxide, and, usually, a metal oxide

Borotra (bɔrɔtra)   n   Jean (Robert) (ʒɑ̃). 1898–1994, French tennis player: secretary general of physical education under the Vichy government (1940)

borough (ˈbʌrə)   n   1 a town, esp (in Britain) one that forms the constituency of an MP or that was originally incorporated by royal charter. See also burgh   2 any of the 32 constituent divisions that together with the City of London make up Greater London   3 any of the five constituent divisions of New York City   4 (in the US) a self-governing incorporated municipality   5 (in medieval England) a fortified town or village or a fort   6 (in New Zealand) a small municipality with a governing body [Old English burg; related to beorgan to shelter, Old Norse borg wall, Gothic baurgs city, Old High German burg fortified castle]

■ borough-English   n   English law (until 1925) a custom in certain English boroughs whereby the youngest son inherited land to the exclusion of his older brothers. Compare primogeniture, gavelkind [C14: from Anglo-French tenure en burgh Engloys tenure in an English borough; so called because the custom was unknown in France]

borrel (ˈbɒrəl)   adj   archaic ignorant or unlearned

borrelia (bəˈrɛlIə, bəˈrɛljə)   n   a genus of helical spirochete bacteria, some causing relapsing fever

Borromini (Italian borroˈmiːni)   n   Francesco, original name Francesco Castelli. 1599–1667, Italian baroque architect, working in Rome: his buildings include the churches of San Carlo (1641) and Sant' Ivo (1660)

borrow (ˈbɒrəʊ)   vb   1 to obtain or receive (something, such as money) on loan for temporary use, intending to give it, or something equivalent or identical, back to the lender   2 to adopt (ideas, words, etc) from another source; appropriate   3 not standard to lend   4 golf to putt the ball uphill of the direct path to the hole   5 (intr) golf (of a ball) to deviate from a straight path because of the slope of the ground   ▷ n   6 golf a deviation of a ball from a straight path because of the slope of the ground: a left borrow   7 material dug from a borrow pit to provide fill at another   8 living on borrowed time   a living an unexpected extension of life   b close to death [Old English borgian; related to Old High German borgēn to take heed, give security]   > ˈborrower n

USAGE

The use of off after borrow was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable in informal contexts

■ borrowing (ˈbɒrəʊIŋ)   n   1 the taking of loans from banks   2 the adoption of words from other languages   3 a word or expression borrowed from another language

■ borrowings (ˈbɒrəʊIŋz)   pl n   1 a company's liabilities or indebtedness   2 a group of things which have been borrowed

■ borrow pit   n   civil engineering an excavation dug to provide fill to make up ground elsewhere

Borrow (ˈbɒrəʊ)   n   George (Henry). 1803–81, English traveller and writer. His best-known works are the semiautobiographical novels of Gypsy life and language, Lavengro (1851) and its sequel The Romany Rye (1857)

Bors (bɔːs)   n Sir Bors (in Arthurian legend)   1 one the knights of the Round Table, nephew of Lancelot   2 an illegitimate son of King Arthur

borscht (bɔːʃt), borsch (bɔːʃ) or borshch (bɔːʃtʃ)   n   a Russian and Polish soup based on beetroot [C19: from Russian borshch]

borsic (ˈbɔːsIk)   n   aeronautics a strong light composite material of boron fibre and silicon carbide used in aviation

borstal (ˈbɔːstəl)   n   1 (formerly in Britain) an informal name for an establishment in which offenders aged 15 to 21 could be detained for corrective training. Since the Criminal Justice Act 1982, they have been replaced by youth custody centres (now known as young offender institutions)   2 (formerly) a similar establishment in Australia and New Zealand [C20: named after Borstal, village in Kent where the first institution was founded]

bort, boart (bɔːt) or bortz (bɔːts)   n   an inferior grade of diamond used for cutting and drilling or, in powdered form, as an industrial abrasive [Old English gebrot fragment; related to Old Norse brot piece, Old High German broz bud]   > ˈborty adj

borzoi (ˈbɔːzɔI)   n, pl -zois   a tall graceful fast-moving breed of dog with a long silky coat, originally used in Russia for hunting wolves. Also called: Russian wolfhound [C19: from Russian borzoi, literally: swift; related to Old Slavonic brǔzǔ swift]

bosberaad (ˈbɒsbəˌrɑːd)   n   South African a meeting in an isolated venue to break a political deadlock [C20: Afrikaans, from bos bush + beraad council]

boscage or boskage (ˈbɒskIdʒ)   n   literary a mass of trees and shrubs; thicket [C14: from Old French bosc, probably of Germanic origin; see BUSH^1, -AGE]

Bosch (bɒʃ)   n   1  Carl. 1874–1940, German chemist, who adapted the Haber process to produce ammonia for industrial use. He shared the Nobel prize for chemistry 1931   2  Hieronymus (hIˈrɒnIməs), original name probably Jerome van Aken (or Aeken). ?1450–1516, Dutch painter, noted for his macabre allegorical representations of biblical subjects in brilliant transparent colours, esp the triptych The Garden of Earthly Delights

Bosch process   n   obsolete an industrial process for manufacturing hydrogen by the catalytic reduction of steam with carbon monoxide [C20: named after Carl Bosch (1874–1940), German chemist]

boschvark (ˈbɒʃˌvɑːk)   n   South African another name for bushpig [Afrikaans]

Bose (bəʊs)   n   1  Sir Jagadis Chandra (dʒəɡəˈdiːs ˈtʃʌndrə). 1858–1937, Indian physicist and plant physiologist   2  Satyendra Nath (səˈtjɛndrə ˈnɑːθ). 1894–1974, Indian physicist, who collaborated with Einstein in devising Bose-Einstein statistics   3  Subhas Chandra (sʊbˈhɑːʃ ˈtʃʌndrə), known as Netaji. 1897–1945, Indian nationalist leader; president of the Indian National Congress (1938–39); organized the Indian National Army, with Japanese support, in Singapore to free India from British Rule

■ Bose-Einstein statistics   pl n   (functioning as singular) physics the branch of quantum statistics applied to systems of particles of zero or integral spin that do not obey the exclusion principle. Compare Fermi-Dirac statistics

bosh^1 (bɒʃ)   n   informal empty or meaningless talk or opinions; nonsense [C19: from Turkish boş empty]

bosh^2 (bɒʃ)   n   1 the lower tapering portion of a blast furnace, situated immediately above the air-inlet tuyères   2 the deposit of siliceous material that occurs on the surfaces of vessels in which copper is refined   3 a water tank for cooling glass-making tools, etc   4 South Wales dialect a kitchen sink or wash basin [C17: probably from German; compare böschen to slope, Böschung slope]

bosie (ˈbəʊzI)   n   cricket informal a googly

bosk (bɒsk)   n   literary a small wood of bushes and small trees [C13: variant of busk BUSH^1]

bosker (ˈbɒskə) or boshter (ˈbɒʃtə)   adj   Austral slang excellent, good

bosket or bosquet (ˈbɒskIt)   n   a clump of small trees or bushes; thicket [C18: from French bosquet, from Italian boschetto, from bosco wood, forest; see BUSH^1]

Boskop (ˈbɒskɒp)   n     a a prehistoric race of the late Pleistocene period in sub-Saharan Africa   b (as modifier): Boskop man [C20: named after Boskop, in the Transvaal, where remains of this race were first discovered]

bosky (ˈbɒskI)   adj boskier, boskiest   literary containing or consisting of bushes or thickets: a bosky wood

■ boskiness (ˈbɒskInəs)   n   the quality of being bosky

Bosman (ˈbɒzmən)   n   Herman Charles. (1905–1951), South African short-story writer and journalist; his experiences in prison are recounted in the semi-autobiographical Cold Stone Jug (1949)

Bosman ruling (ˈbɒzmən)   n   soccer an EU ruling that allows out-of-contract footballers to leave their clubs without the clubs receiving a transfer fee [C20: named after Jean-Marc Bosman (born 1964), Belgian footballer whose court case brought about the ruling]

bo's'n (ˈbəʊsən)   n   nautical a variant spelling of boatswain

Bosnia (ˈbɒznIə)   n   a region of central Bosnia and Herzegovina: belonged to Turkey (1463–1878), to Austria-Hungary (1879–1918), then to Yugoslavia (1918–91)

■ Bosnia and Herzegovina or Bosnia-Herzegovina   n   a country in SE Europe; a constituent republic of Yugoslavia until 1991; in a state of civil war (1992–95); Serbian and Croatian forces were also involved: mostly barren and mountainous, with forests in the east. Languages: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian (formerly all regarded together as Serbo-Croat). Religion: Muslim, Serbian Orthodox, and Roman Catholic. Currency: marka (pegged to the euro). Capital: Sarajevo. Pop: 3 507 017 (2017 est). Area: 51 129 sq km (19 737 sq miles)

■ Bosnian (ˈbɒznIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Bosnia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Bosnia   3 the language spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina, formerly regarded as a dialect of Serbo-Croat

USAGE

The Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian languages were regarded as dialects of Serbo-Croat before the three countries emerged as independent states in the 1990s. Some linguists still refer to a single Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BHS) language; however, the more common practice is to treat Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian as separate languages, even though they are mutually intelligible. Many Montenegrins refer to their language as 'Serbian', though there is also a movement to rename it 'Montenegrin'. The terms Serbo-Croat and Serbo-Croatian are no longer commonly used, though they are preserved in this dictionary when historically correct, such as the derivation of a word from Serbo-Croat before Bosnia separated from Yugoslavia.

bosom (ˈbʊzəm)   n   1 the chest or breast of a person, esp the female breasts   2 the part of a woman's dress, coat, etc, that covers the chest   3 a protective centre or part: the bosom of the family   4 the breast considered as the seat of emotions   5 (modifier) very dear; intimate: a bosom friend   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to embrace   7 to conceal or carry in the bosom [Old English bōsm; related to Old High German buosam]

■ bosomy (ˈbʊzəmI)   adj   (of a woman) having large breasts

boson (ˈbəʊzɒn)   n   any of a group of elementary particles, such as a photon or pion, that has zero or integral spin and obeys the rules of Bose-Einstein statistics. Compare fermion [C20: named after Satyendra Nath BOSE; see -ON]

■ bosonic (bəʊˈzɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to a boson

Bosporus (ˈbɒspərəs) or Bosphorus (ˈbɒsfərəs)   n   the Bosporus a strait between European and Asian Turkey, linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara

bosquet (ˈbɒskIt)   n   a variant spelling of bosket

boss^1 (bɒs) informal   n   1 a person in charge of or employing others   2 chiefly US a professional politician who controls a party machine or political organization, often using devious or illegal methods   ▷ vb   3 to employ, supervise, or be in charge of   4 (usually foll by around or about) to be domineering or overbearing towards (others)   ▷ adj   5 slang excellent; fine: a boss hand at carpentry; that's boss! [C19: from Dutch baas master; probably related to Old High German basa aunt, Frisian baes master]

■ bossboy (ˈbɒsˌbɔI)   n   South African a Black African foreman of a gang of workers

■ boss cocky   n   Austral informal a boss or person in power

■ bossdom (ˈbɒsdəm)   n   1 the quality of being a boss   2 the area of influence of a boss, esp a political boss

■ bossism (ˈbɒsˌIzəm)   n   US the domination or the system of domination of political organizations by bosses

■ boss screen   n   a screen image within a computer game that can be activated instantly, designed to hide the evidence of game-playing, esp at work

■ bossy (ˈbɒsI)   adj bossier, bossiest   informal domineering, overbearing, or authoritarian   > ˈbossily adv   > ˈbossiness n

■ bossyboots (ˈbɒsIˌbuːts)   n   jocular a bossy or domineering person

boss^2 (bɒs)   n   1 a knob, stud, or other circular rounded protuberance, esp an ornamental one on a vault, a ceiling, or a shield   2 biology any of various protuberances or swellings in plants and animals   3    a an area of increased thickness, usually cylindrical, that strengthens or provides room for a locating device on a shaft, hub of a wheel, etc   b a similar projection around a hole in a casting or fabricated component   4 an exposed rounded mass of igneous or metamorphic rock, esp the uppermost part of an underlying batholith   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to ornament with bosses; emboss [C13: from Old French boce, from Vulgar Latin bottia (unattested); related to Italian bozza metal knob, swelling]

■ bossing (ˈbɒsIŋ)   n   civil engineering the act of shaping malleable metal, such as lead cladding, with mallets to fit a surface

■ bossy (ˈbɒsI)   adj   (of furniture) ornamented with bosses

boss^3 (bɒs) or bossy   n, pl bosses or bossies   a calf or cow [C19: from dialect buss calf, perhaps ultimately from Latin bōs cow, ox]

BOSS (bɒs)   n acronym for (formerly)   Bureau of State Security; a branch of the South African security police

bossa nova (ˈbɒsə ˈnəʊvə)   n   1 a dance similar to the samba, originating in Brazil   2 a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance [C20: Portuguese, literally: new voice]

bosset (ˈbɒsIt)   n   either of the rudimentary antlers found in young deer [C19: from French bossette a small protuberance, from bosse BOSS^2]

boss-eyed   adj   informal having a squint [C19: from boss to miss or bungle a shot at a target (dialect)]

bossnapping (ˈbɒsˌnæpIŋ)   n   kidnapping a company executive as part of industrial action [C21: from BOSS + (KID)NAPPING]

Bossuet (French bɔsɥɛ)   n   Jacques Bénigne (ʒɑk beniɲ). 1627–1704, French bishop: noted for his funeral orations

bostangi (bɒˈstændʒI)   n   history a Turkish imperial guard

bosthoon (ˈbɒsduːn)   n   Irish a boor [C19: from Irish Gaelic bastún, from Old French baston penis]

boston (ˈbɒstən)   n   1 a card game for four, played with two packs   2 chiefly US a slow gliding dance, a variation of the waltz

Boston (ˈbɒstən)   n   1 a port in E Massachusetts, the state capital. Pop: 581 616 (2003 est)   2 a port in E England, in SE Lincolnshire. Pop: 35 124 (2001)

■ Boston bluefish   n   Canadian another name for pollack

■ Boston crab   n   a wrestling hold in which a wrestler seizes both or one of their opponent's legs, turns them face downwards, and exerts pressure over their back

■ Boston ivy   n   the US name for Virginia creeper (sense 2)

■ Boston matrix   n   a two-dimensional matrix, used in planning the business strategy of a large organization, that identifies those business units in the organization that generate cash and those that use it [C20: from the Boston Consultancy Group, a leading firm of strategic consultants, who developed it]

■ Boston Tea Party   n   US history a raid in 1773 made by citizens of Boston (disguised as Native Americans) on three British ships in the harbour as a protest against taxes on tea and the monopoly given to the East India Company. The contents of several hundred chests of tea were dumped into the harbour

■ Boston terrier or Boston bull terrier   n   a short stocky smooth-haired breed of terrier with a short nose, originally developed by crossing the French and English bulldogs with the English bull terrier

bostryx (ˈbɒstrIks)   n   botany a type of cymose inflorescence normally affecting all flowers on one side of the rachis

bosun (ˈbəʊsən)   n   nautical a variant spelling of boatswain

Boswell (ˈbɒzwəl)   n   James. 1740–95, Scottish author and lawyer, noted particularly for his Life of Samuel Johnson (1791)   > Boswellian (bɒzˈwɛlIən) adj

Bosworth Field (ˈbɒzwɜːθ, -wəθ)   n   English history the site, two miles south of Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, of the battle that ended the Wars of the Roses (August 1485). Richard III was killed and Henry Tudor was crowned king as Henry VII

bot^1 or bott (bɒt)   n   1 the larva of a botfly, which typically develops inside the body of a horse, sheep, or human   2 any similar larva   3 NZ informal a mild illness in humans [C15: probably from Low German; related to Dutch bot, of obscure origin]

■ bothole (ˈbɑtˌhəʊl)   n   a hole in an animal's hide made by the larva of the botfly

bot^2 (bɒt) Austral informal   vb   1 to scrounge or borrow   2 (intr; often foll by on) to scrounge (from); impose (on)   ▷ n   3 a scrounger   4 on the bot wanting to scrounge: he's on the bot for a cigarette [C20: perhaps from BOTFLY, alluding to the creature's bite; see BITE (sense 12)]

bot^3 (bɒt)   n   computing an autonomous computer program that performs time-consuming tasks, esp on the internet [C20: from (RO)BOT]

■ bot army   n   computing a group of computers, infected with malign programs via the internet, that can be controlled remotely to, for example, mount denial-of-service attacks

■ botnet (ˈbɒtˌnɛt)   n   (sometimes capital) a network of computers infected by a program that communicates with its creator in order to send unsolicited emails, attack websites, etc [C20: from (RO)BOT + NET(WORK)]

bot^4 (bɒt)   n   slang the buttocks

BOT   abbreviation for   Board of Trade

bot.   abbreviation for   1 botanical   2 botany

bota (ˈbəʊtə)   n   a small leather wine container

botanomancy (ˈbɒtənəʊˌmænsI)   n   a form of divination in which tree branches or leaves are burnt

botany (ˈbɒtənI)   n, pl -nies   1 the study of plants, including their classification, structure, physiology, ecology, and economic importance   2 the plant life of a particular region or time   3 the biological characteristics of a particular group of plants [C17: from BOTANICAL; compare ASTRONOMY, ASTRONOMICAL]   > ˈbotanist n

■ botanica (bəˈtænIkə)   n   a shop that sells herbs, charms, and other items associated with alternative medicine or magic

■ botanical (ˌbəˈtænIkəl) or botanic   adj   1 of or relating to botany or plants   ▷ n   2 any substance derived from parts of a plant and used in making drugs or pesticides or in flavouring foodstuffs [C17: from Medieval Latin botanicus, from Greek botanikos relating to plants, from botanē plant, pasture, from boskein to feed; perhaps related to Latin bōs ox, cow]   > boˈtanically adv

■ botanic garden   n   a place in which plants are grown, studied, and exhibited

■ botanize or botanise (ˈbɒtəˌnaIz)   vb   1 (intr) to collect or study plants   2 (tr) to explore and study the plants in (an area or region)

■ botanizer or botaniser (ˈbɒtəˌnaIzə)   n   a person who botanizes

Botany Bay   n   1 an inlet of the Tasman Sea, on the SE coast of Australia: surrounded by the suburbs of Sydney   2 (in the 19th century) a British penal settlement that was in fact at Port Jackson, New South Wales

Botany wool   n   a fine wool from the merino sheep [C19: from BOTANY BAY, where the wool came from originally]

botargo (bəˈtɑːɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos or -goes   a relish consisting of the roe of mullet or tunny, salted and pressed into rolls [C15: from obsolete Italian, from Arabic butarkhah]

botch (bɒtʃ)   vb (tr; often foll by up)   1 to spoil through clumsiness or ineptitude   2 to repair badly or clumsily   ▷ n   3 Also called: botch-up a badly done piece of work or repair (esp in the phrase make a botch of (something)) [C14: of unknown origin]   > ˈbotcher n

■ botched (bɒtʃt)   adj   bungled or mishandled

■ botchedly (ˈbɒtʃIdlI)   adv   in a botched or clumsy manner

■ botchery (ˈbɒtʃərI)   n   1 (pl -ries) an instance of botched workmanship   2 the work of a botcher

■ botch-up   n   informal a piece of bungling

■ botchy (ˈbɒtʃI)   adj botchier, botchiest   clumsily done or made   > ˈbotchily adv   > ˈbotchiness n

bote (bəʊt)   n   history compensation given for injury or damage to property

botel (bəʊˈtɛl)   n   a variant spelling of boatel

botfly (ˈbɒtˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   any of various stout-bodied hairy dipterous flies of the families Oestridae and Gasterophilidae, the larvae of which are parasites of humans, sheep, and horses

both (bəʊθ)   determiner   1    a the two; two considered together: both dogs were dirty   b (as pronoun): both are to blame   ▷ conj   2 (coordinating) used preceding words, phrases, or clauses joined by and, used to emphasize that not just one, but also the other of the joined elements is included: both she and her sister enjoyed the play; both new and exciting [C12: from Old Norse bāthir; related to Old High German bēde, Latin ambō, Greek amphō]

■ both ways   adj, adv   1 another term for each way   2 have it both ways (usually with a negative) to try to get the best of a situation, argument, etc, by chopping and changing between alternatives or opposites

Botha (ˈbəʊtə)   n   1  Louis. 1862–1919, South African statesman and general; first prime minister of the Union of South Africa (1910–19)   2  P(ieter) W(illem). 1916–2006, South African politician; defence minister (1965–78); prime minister (1978–84); state president (1984–89)

Botham (ˈbəʊθəm)   n   Sir Ian (Terence). born 1955, English cricketer: an all-rounder, he played in 102 test matches (1977–1992) taking 383 wickets

bothan (ˈbɑθæn)   n   Scot a hut or booth, esp one used as an illegal drinking house

Bothe (German ˈboːte)   n   Walther (Wilhelm Georg Franz) (ˈvaltər). 1891–1957, German physicist, who developed new methods of detecting subatomic particles. He shared the Nobel prize for physics 1954

bother (ˈbɒðə)   vb   1 (tr) to give annoyance, pain, or trouble to; irritate: his bad leg is bothering him again   2 (tr) to trouble (a person) by repeatedly disturbing; pester: stop bothering your father!   3 (intr) to take the time or trouble; concern oneself: don't bother to come with me   4 (tr) to make (a person) alarmed or confused: the thought of her husband's return clearly bothered her   ▷ n   5 a state of worry, trouble, or confusion   6 a person or thing that causes fuss, trouble, or annoyance   7 informal a disturbance or fight; trouble (esp in the phrase a spot of bother)   ▷ interj   8 chiefly Brit an exclamation of slight annoyance [C18: perhaps from Irish Gaelic bodhar deaf, vexed; compare Irish Gaelic buairim I vex]

■ botheration (ˌbɒðəˈreIʃən)   n, interj informal   another word for bother (sense 5), bother (sense 8)

■ bothered (ˈbɒðəd)   adj   worried or concerned

■ bothersome (ˈbɒðəsəm)   adj   causing bother; troublesome

Bothnia (ˈbɒθnIə)   n   Gulf of Bothnia an arm of the Baltic Sea, extending north between Sweden and Finland

bothrium (ˈbɒθrIəm)   n, pl -ria   one of two groove-shaped suckers on the scolex of a tapeworm

Bothwell (ˈbɒθwəl, ˈbɒð-)   n   Earl of, title of James Hepburn. 1535–78, Scottish nobleman; third husband of Mary Queen of Scots. He is generally considered to have instigated the murder of Darnley (1567)

bothy (ˈbɒθI)   n, pl bothies chiefly Scot   1 a cottage or hut   2 (esp in NE Scotland) a farmworker's summer quarters   3 a mountain shelter [C18: perhaps related to BOOTH]

■ bothy ballad   n   Scot a folk song, esp one from the farming community of NE Scotland

■ bothyman (ˈbɒθIˌmæn)   n, pl -men   Scot a person who lives in a bothy

botoné (ˈbɒtənI)   adj   heraldry terminating in three ornamental budlike lobes

Botox (ˈbəʊtɒks)   n   trademark a preparation of botulinum toxin used to treat muscle spasm and to remove wrinkles [C20: from BOT(ULINUM) (T)OX(IN)]

bo tree (bəʊ)   n   another name for the peepul [C19: from Sinhalese, from Pali bodhitaru tree of wisdom, from Sanskrit bodhi wisdom, awakening; see BODHISATTVA]

botryoidal (ˌbɒtrIˈɔIdəl), botryoid (ˈbɒtrIɔId) or botryose (ˈbɒtrIˌəʊs, -ˌəʊz)   adj   (of minerals, parts of plants, etc) shaped like a bunch of grapes [C18: from Greek botruoeidēs, from botrus cluster of grapes; see -OID]

botrytis (bɒtˈraItIs)   n   1 any of a group of fungi of the genus Botrytis, several of which cause plant diseases   2 winemaking a fungus of this genus, Botrytis cinerea, which causes noble rot

bots (bɒts)   n   (functioning as singular) a digestive disease of horses and some other animals caused by the presence of botfly larvae in the stomach

Botswana (bʊˈtʃwɑːnə, bʊtˈswɑːnə, bɒt-)   n   a republic in southern Africa: established as the British protectorate of Bechuanaland in 1885 as a defence against the Boers; became an independent state within the Commonwealth in 1966; consists mostly of a plateau averaging 1000 m (3300 ft), with the extensive Okavango swamps in the northwest and the Kalahari Desert in the southwest. Languages: English and Tswana. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: pula. Capital: Gaborone. Pop: 2 291 661 (2017 est). Area: about 570 000 sq km (220 000 sq miles)

bott (bɒt)   n   a variant spelling of bot^1

botte French (bɔt)   n   fencing a thrust or hit

bottega (bəˈteIɡə)   n   a workshop or studio, particularly that part used by a master artist's assistants or pupils [Italian]

Botticelli (Italian bottiˈtʃɛlli)   n   Sandro (ˈsandro), original name Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi. 1444–1510, Italian (Florentine) painter, illustrator, and engraver, noted for the graceful outlines and delicate details of his mythological and religious paintings

bottine (bɒˈtiːn)   n   a light boot for women or children; half-boot [C19: from French: little boot, from botte boot]

bottle^1 (ˈbɒtəl)   n   1    a a vessel, often of glass and typically cylindrical with a narrow neck that can be closed with a cap or cork, for containing liquids   b (as modifier): a bottle rack   2 Also called: bottleful the amount such a vessel will hold   3    a a container equipped with a teat that holds a baby's milk or other liquid; nursing bottle   b the contents of such a container: the baby drank his bottle   4 short for magnetic bottle   5 Brit slang nerve; courage (esp in the phrase lose one's bottle)   6 Brit slang money collected by street entertainers or buskers   7 full bottle Austral slang well-informed and enthusiastic about something   8 the bottle informal drinking of alcohol, esp to excess   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to put or place (wine, beer, jam, etc) in a bottle or bottles   10 to store (gas) in a portable container under pressure   11 slang to injure by thrusting a broken bottle into (a person)   12 Brit slang (of a busker) to collect money from the bystanders [C14: from Old French botaille, from Medieval Latin butticula literally: a little cask, from Late Latin buttis cask, BUTT^4]

■ bottle bank   n   a large container into which the public may throw glass bottles for recycling

■ bottlebrush (ˈbɒtəlˌbrʌʃ)   n   1 a cylindrical brush on a thin shaft, used for cleaning bottles   2 Also called: callistemon any of various Australian myrtaceous shrubs or trees of the genera Callistemon and Melaleuca, having dense spikes of large red flowers with protruding brushlike stamens   3 any of various similar trees or shrubs

■ bottled gas or bottle gas   n   butane or propane gas liquefied under pressure in portable containers and used in camping stoves, blowtorches, etc

■ bottle-feed   vb -feeds, -feeding, -fed   to feed (a baby) with milk from a bottle instead of breast-feeding

■ bottle glass   n   glass used for making bottles, consisting of a silicate of sodium, calcium, and aluminium

■ bottle gourd   n   1 an Old World cucurbitaceous climbing plant, Lagenaria siceraria, having large hard-shelled gourds as fruits   2 the fruit of this plant   ▶ Also called: calabash

■ bottle green   n, adj     a a dark green colour   b (as adjective): a bottle-green car

■ bottle-jack   n   NZ a large jack used for heavy lifts

■ bottleneck (ˈbɒtəlˌnɛk)   n   1    a a narrow stretch of road or a junction at which traffic is or may be held up   b the hold-up   2 something that holds up progress, esp of a manufacturing process   3 music   a the broken-off neck of a bottle placed over a finger and used to produce a buzzing effect in a style of guitar-playing originally part of the American blues tradition   b the style of guitar-playing using a bottleneck   ▷ vb   4 (tr) US to be or cause an obstruction in

■ bottlenose dolphin (ˈbɒtəlˌnəʊz)   n   any dolphin of the genus Tursiops, esp T. truncatus, some of which have been kept in captivity and trained to perform tricks

■ bottle-o or bottle-oh   n Austral and NZ informal   1 history a dealer in empty bottles   2 another term for bottle shop

■ bottle-opener   n   a device for opening bottles with crown caps, such as beer bottles

■ bottle out   vb   (intr, adverb) Brit slang to lose one's nerve

■ bottle party   n   a party to which guests bring drink

■ bottler (ˈbɒtələ)   n   Austral and NZ informal an excellent or outstanding person or thing

■ bottle shop   n   Austral, NZ and South African a shop or part of a hotel where alcohol is sold in unopened containers for consumption elsewhere. Also called: bottle store

■ bottle-top   n   a cap on the top of a bottle

■ bottle tree   n   1 any of several Australian sterculiaceous trees of the genus Sterculia (or Brachychiton) that have a bottle-shaped swollen trunk   2 another name for baobab

■ bottle up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to restrain (powerful emotion)   2 to keep (an army or other force) contained or trapped: the French fleet was bottled up in Le Havre

■ bottle-washer   n   informal a menial or factotum

bottle^2 (ˈbɒtəl)   n   dialect a bundle, esp of hay [C14: from Old French botel, from botte bundle, of Germanic origin]

bottom (ˈbɒtəm)   n   1 the lowest, deepest, or farthest removed part of a thing: the bottom of a hill   2 the least important or successful position: the bottom of a class   3 the ground underneath a sea, lake, or river   4 touch bottom to run aground   5 the inner depths of a person's true feelings (esp in the phrase from the bottom of one's heart)   6 the underneath part of a thing   7 nautical the parts of a vessel's hull that are under water   8 (in literary or commercial contexts) a boat or ship   9 billiards, snooker a strike in the centre of the cue ball   10 a dry valley or hollow   11 (often plural) US and Canadian the low land bordering a river   12 the lowest level worked in a mine   13 (esp of horses) staying power; stamina   14 importance, seriousness, or influence: his views all have weight and bottom   15 informal the buttocks   16 at bottom in reality; basically or despite appearances to the contrary: he's a kind man at bottom   17 be at the bottom of to be the ultimate cause of   18 get to the bottom of to discover the real truth about   19 knock the bottom out of to destroy or eliminate   ▷ adj (prenominal)   20 lowest or last: the bottom price   21 bet one's bottom dollar on or put one's bottom dollar on to be absolutely sure of (one's opinion, a person, project, etc)   22 of, relating to, or situated at the bottom or a bottom: the bottom shelf   23 fundamental; basic   ▷ vb   24 (tr) to provide (a chair, etc) with a bottom or seat   25 (tr) to discover the full facts or truth of; fathom   26 (usually foll by on or upon) to base or be founded (on an idea, etc)   27 (intr) nautical to strike the ground beneath the water with a vessel's bottom   28 Austral mining   a to mine (a hole, claim, etc) deep enough to reach any gold there is   b (intr; foll by on) to reach (gold, mud, etc) on bottoming   29 electronics to saturate a transistor so that further increase of input produces no change in output [Old English botm; related to Old Norse botn, Old High German bodam, Latin fundus, Greek puthmēn]

■ bottom dead centre   n   engineering the position of the crank of a reciprocating engine when the piston is at its nearest point to the crankshaft. Also called: outer dead centre

■ bottom drawer   n   Brit a young woman's collection of clothes, linen, cutlery, etc, in anticipation of marriage. US and Canadian equivalent: hope chest

■ -bottomed   adj   (in combination) having a bottom of the type specified: loose-bottomed; glass-bottomed

■ bottom end   n   (in vertical engines) another name for big end (sense 1)

■ bottomer (ˈbɒtəmə)   n   1 a person who makes the seat part of a chair   2 a person who works at the lowest part, particularly of a mine

■ bottom feeder   n   1 a fish that feeds on material at the bottom of a river, lake, sea, etc   2 an objectionable and unimpressive person or thing   3 Also called: bottom fisher a speculator who buys shares in companies that are performing poorly in anticipation of improved performance

■ bottom fishing   n   investing in low-priced shares that show prospects of recovery or in shares that are low-priced because of a general market decline in the hope of making a profit   > bottom fisher n

■ bottom house   n Caribbean   1 the open space beneath a house built upon high pillars   2 such a space partially enclosed and floored for use as servants' quarters

■ bottoming (ˈbɒtəmIŋ)   n   the lowest level of foundation material for a road or other structure

■ bottomland (ˈbɒtəmˌlænd)   n   a lowland alluvial area near a river

■ bottomless (ˈbɒtəmlIs)   adj   1 having no bottom   2 unlimited; inexhaustible   3 very deep

■ bottomlessly (ˈbɒtəmləslI)   adv   from a bottomless point of view

■ bottomlessness (ˈbɒtəmləsnəs)   n   the quality of being very deep or bottomless

■ bottom line   n   1 the last line of a financial statement that shows the net profit or loss of a company or organization   2 the final outcome of a process, discussion, etc   3 the most important or fundamental aspect of a situation

■ bottommost (ˈbɒtəmˌməʊst)   adj   lowest or most fundamental

■ bottomness (ˈbɒtəmnəs)   n   physics the number of bottom antiquarks minus the number of bottom quarks in a particle

■ bottom out   vb   (intr, adverb) to reach the lowest point and level out: the recession shows no sign of bottoming out

■ bottomset bed (ˈbɒtəmˌsɛt)   n   the fine sediment deposited at the front of a growing delta

■ bottoms up   interj   an informal drinking toast

■ bottom-up   adj   from the lowest level of a hierarchy or process to the top: a bottom-up approach to corporate decision-making

■ bottom-up processing   n   a processing technique, either in the brain or in a computer, in which incoming information is analysed in successive steps and later-stage processing does not affect processing in earlier stages

bottomry (ˈbɒtəmrI)   n, pl -ries   maritime law a contract whereby the owner of a ship borrows money to enable the vessel to complete the voyage and pledges the ship as security for the loan [C16: from Dutch bodemerij, from bodem BOTTOM (hull of a ship) + -erij -RY]

Bottrop (German ˈbɔtrɔp)   n   an industrial city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia in the Ruhr. Pop: 120 324 (2003 est)

botty (ˈbɒtI)   n, pl -ties   slang the buttocks

botulin (ˈbɒtjʊlIn)   n   a potent toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum in imperfectly preserved food, etc, causing botulism [C19: from BOTULINUS]

■ botulinal (ˌbɒtjʊˈlaInəl)   adj   bacteriol of or relating to the bacterium Clostridium botulinum

botulinum toxin (ˌbɒtjʊˈlaInəm)   n   a pharmaceutical formulation of botulin used in minute doses to treat various forms of muscle spasm and for the cosmetic removal of wrinkles. See Botox

botulinus (ˌbɒtjʊˈlaInəs)   n, pl -nuses   an anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, whose toxins (botulins) cause botulism: family Bacillaceae [C19: from New Latin, from Latin botulus sausage]

botulism (ˈbɒtjʊˌlIzəm)   n   severe poisoning from ingestion of botulin, which affects the central nervous system producing difficulty in swallowing, visual disturbances, and respiratory paralysis: often fatal [C19: first formed as German Botulismus literally: sausage poisoning, from Latin botulus sausage]

Botvinnik (ˈbɒtvInIk)   n   Mikhail Moiseivich (mixaˈil məiˈsjejIvitʃ). 1911–95, Soviet chess player; world champion (1948–57, 1958–60, 1961–63)

Bouaké (French bwake)   n   a market town in S central Côte d'Ivoire. Pop: 521 000 (2005 est)

boubou or bubu (ˈbuːbuː)   n   a long flowing garment worn by men and women in Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and some other parts of Africa [a native name in Mali]

bouche (buːʃ)   n   the notch cut in the top corner of a shield to support a lance

bouchée (buːˈʃeI)   n   a small pastry case filled with a savoury mixture, served hot with cocktails or as an hors d'oeuvre [C19: from French: mouthful]

Boucher (French buʃe)   n   François (frɑ̃swa). 1703–70, French rococo artist, noted for his delicate ornamental paintings of pastoral scenes and mythological subjects

Bouches-du-Rhône (French buʃdyron)   n   a department of S central France, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Capital: Marseille. Pop: 1 883 645 (2003 est). Area: 5284 sq km (2047 sq miles)

Boucicault (ˈbuːsIˌkəʊ)   n   Dion (ˈdaIɒn), real name Dionysius Lardner Boursiquot. 1822–90, Irish dramatist and actor. His plays include London Assurance (1841), The Octoroon (1859), and The Shaughran (1874)

bouclé (ˈbuːkleI)   n   1 a curled or looped yarn or fabric giving a thick knobbly effect   ▷ adj   2 of or designating such a yarn or fabric: a bouclé wool coat [C19: from French bouclé curly, from boucle a curl, BUCKLE]

bouclée (ˈbuːkleI)   n   a support for a cue in billiards formed by doubling the first finger so that its tip is aligned with the thumb at its second joint, to form a loop through which the cue may slide [from French, literally: curled]

bouderie (ˈbuːdəˌriː)   n   literary sulkiness, pouting

Boudicca (bəʊˈdIkə)   n   died 62 AD, a queen of the Iceni, who led a revolt against Roman rule in Britain; after being defeated she poisoned herself. Also called: Boadicea

boudin (French budɛ̃)   n   a French version of a black pudding [C20: French]

Boudin (French budɛ̃)   n   Eugène (øʒɛn). 1824–98, French painter: one of the first French landscape painters to paint in the open air; a forerunner of impressionism

boudoir (ˈbuːdwɑː, -dwɔː)   n   a woman's bedroom or private sitting room [C18: from French, literally: room for sulking in, from bouder to sulk]

■ boudoir grand   n   a domestic grand piano between 5 and 6 feet in length. Compare baby grand, concert grand

bouffant (ˈbuːfɒŋ)   adj   1 (of a hair style) having extra height and width through back-combing; puffed out   2 (of sleeves, skirts, etc) puffed out   ▷ n   3 a bouffant hair style [C20: from French, from bouffer to puff up]

bouffe (buːf)   n   See opéra bouffe

Bougainville^1 (ˈbuːɡənˌvIl)   n   an island in the W Pacific, in Papua New Guinea: the largest of the Solomon Islands: unilaterally declared independence in 1990; occupied by government troops in 1992, and granted autonomy in 2001. Chief town: Kieta. Area: 10 049 sq km (3880 sq miles)

Bougainville^2 (French buɡɛ̃vil)   n   Louis Antoine de (lwi ɑ̃twan də). 1729–1811, French navigator

bougainvillea or bougainvillaea (ˌbuːɡənˈvIlIə)   n   any tropical woody nyctaginaceous widely cultivated climbing plant of the genus Bougainvillea, having inconspicuous flowers surrounded by showy red or purple bracts [C19: New Latin, named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729–1811), French navigator]

bouge (bʌdʒ)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to swell or bulge   2 to scoop or gouge out   ▷ n   3 (in metalwork) a hollow running around any object

bouget (ˈbuːdʒIt, ˈbuːɡɛt)   n   heraldry a representation of a water-carrying vessel consisting of a yoke with a bucket at either end

bough (baʊ)   n   any of the main branches of a tree [Old English bōg arm, twig; related to Old Norse bōgr shoulder, ship's bow, Old High German buog shoulder, Greek pēkhus forearm, Sanskrit bāhu; see BOW^3, ELBOW]

■ boughless (ˈbaʊlIs)   adj   (of trees) having no boughs

■ boughpot (ˈbaʊˌpɒt)   n archaic   1 a bouquet of flowers or boughs   2 a container for displaying boughs

bought (bɔːt)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of buy   ▷ adj   2 purchased from a shop; not homemade

boughten (ˈbɔːtən)   adj   a dialect word for bought (sense 2)

bougie (ˈbuːʒiː, buːˈʒiː)   n   med a long slender semiflexible cylindrical instrument for inserting into body passages, such as the rectum or urethra, to dilate structures, introduce medication, etc [C18: from French, originally a wax candle from Bougie (Bujiya), Algeria]

bouillabaisse (ˌbuːjəˈbɛs)   n   a rich stew or soup of fish and vegetables flavoured with spices, esp saffron [C19: from French, from Provençal bouiabaisso, literally: boil down]

bouilli (ˈbuːjiː)   n   a meat stew

bouillon (ˈbuːjɒn)   n   a plain unclarified broth or stock [C18: from French, from bouillir to BOIL^1]

bouillotte (buːˈjɒt)   n   a French card game similar to poker

bouk (buːk)   n   1 the main part of the body (of a person or animal)   2 Scot dialect the bulk or volume

Boulanger (French bulɑ̃ʒe)   n   1  Georges (ʒɔrʒ). 1837–91, French general and minister of war (1886–87). Accused of attempting a coup d'état, he fled to Belgium, where he committed suicide   2  Nadia (Juliette) (nadja). 1887–1979, French teacher of musical composition: her pupils included Elliott Carter, Aaron Copland, Darius Milhaud, and Virgil Thomson. She is noted also for her work in reviving the works of Monteverdi

boulder (ˈbəʊldə)   n   1 a smooth rounded mass of rock that has a diameter greater than 25cm and that has been shaped by erosion and transported by ice or water from its original position   2 geology a rock fragment with a diameter greater than 256 mm and thus bigger than a cobble [C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dialect bullersten, from Old Swedish bulder rumbling + sten STONE]   > ˈbouldery adj

■ boulder clay   n   an unstratified glacial deposit consisting of fine clay, boulders, and pebbles. See also till^4

■ Boulder Dam   n   the former name (1933–47) of Hoover Dam

■ boulderer (ˈbəʊldərə)   n   a rock climber

■ bouldering (ˈbəʊldərIŋ)   n   rock climbing on large boulders or small outcrops either as practice or as a sport in its own right

boule^1 (ˈbuːliː)   n   1 the parliament in modern Greece   2 the senate of an ancient Greek city-state [C19: from Greek boulē senate]

boule^2 (buːl)   n   a pear-shaped imitation ruby, sapphire, etc, made from synthetic corundum [C19: from French: ball]

boule^3 (buːl)   n   a round loaf of white bread [C20: from French: a ball]

boules French (bul)   pl n   (functioning as singular) a game, popular in France, in which metal bowls are thrown to land as near as possible to a target ball. It is played on rough surfaces [plural of boule BALL^1; see BOWL^2]

boulevard (ˈbuːlvɑː, -vɑːd)   n   1    a a wide usually tree-lined road in a city, often used as a promenade   b (capital as part of a street name): Sunset Boulevard   2 chiefly Canadian   a a grass strip between the pavement and road   b the strip of ground between the edge of a private property and the road   c the centre strip of a road dividing traffic travelling in different directions [C18: from French, from Middle Dutch bolwerc BULWARK; so called because originally often built on the ruins of an old rampart]

■ boulevardier (buːlˈvɑːdIˌeI)   n   (originally in Paris) a fashionable man, esp one who frequents public places

bouleversement French (bulversmã)   n   an overthrow or reversal; violent turmoil

Boulez (ˈbuːlɛz)   n   Pierre (pjɛr). 1925–2016, French composer of modernist music; also a noted conductor

boulle, boule or buhl (buːl)   adj   1 denoting or relating to a type of marquetry of patterned inlays of brass and tortoiseshell, occasionally with other metals such as pewter, much used on French furniture from the 17th century   ▷ n   2 Also called: boullework something ornamented with such marquetry [C18: named after André Charles Boulle (1642–1732), French cabinet-maker]

Boulogne (bʊˈlɔIn; French bulɔɲ)   n   a port in N France, on the English Channel. Pop: 45 036 (2006). Official name: French Boulogne-sur-Mer (bulɔɲsyrmɛr)

Boulogne-Billancourt (French bulɔɲbijɑ̃kur)   n   an industrial suburb of SW Paris. Pop: 106 367 (1999). Also called: French Boulogne-sur-Seine (bulɔɲsyrsɛn)

boult (bəʊlt)   vb   a variant spelling of bolt^2

Boult (bəʊlt)   n   Sir Adrian (Cedric). 1889–1983, English conductor

Boulton (ˈbəʊltən)   n   Matthew. 1728–1809, British engineer and manufacturer, who financed Watt's steam engine and applied it to various industrial purposes

Boumédienne (buːˌmeIdIˈɛn)   n   Houari (ˈhaʊərI). 1927–78, Algerian statesman and soldier: president of Algeria (1965–78) after overthrowing Ben Bella in a coup

boun (buːn, baʊn)   adj   1 prepared, ready   ▷ vb (intr)   2 Scot dialect to prepare, to dress

bounce (baʊns)   vb   1 (intr) (of an elastic object, such as a ball) to rebound from an impact   2 (tr) to cause (such an object) to hit a solid surface and spring back   3 to rebound or cause to rebound repeatedly   4 to move or cause to move suddenly, excitedly, or violently; spring: she bounced up from her chair   5 slang (of a bank) to send (a cheque) back or (of a cheque) to be sent back unredeemed because of lack of funds in the drawer's account   6 (of an internet service provider) to send (an email message) back or (of an email message) to be sent back to the sender, for example because the recipient's email account is full   7 (tr) slang to force (a person) to leave (a place or job); throw out; eject   8 (tr) Brit to hustle (a person) into believing or doing something   ▷ n   9 the action of rebounding from an impact   10 a leap; jump; bound   11 the quality of being able to rebound; springiness   12 informal vitality; vigour; resilience   13 Brit swagger or impudence   14 informal a temporary increase or rise   15 the bounce Australian rules football the start of play at the beginning of each quarter or after a goal   16 get the bounce or give the bounce US informal to dismiss or be dismissed from a job   17 on the bounce informal in succession; one after the other: they have lost nine games on the bounce [C13: probably of imitative origin; compare Low German bunsen to beat, Dutch bonken to thump]

■ bounce back   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to recover one's health, good spirits, confidence, etc, easily after a setback   ▷ n bounce-back   2 a recovery following a setback

■ bouncebackability (ˌbaʊnsˌbækəˈbIlItI)   n   informal the ability to recover after a setback, esp in sport

■ bouncedown (ˈbaʊnsˌdaʊn)   n   Australian rules football an occasion of restarting play by the umpire bouncing the ball

■ bounce game   n   (esp in soccer) a non-competitive game played as part of training

■ bouncer (ˈbaʊnsə)   n   1 slang a person employed at a club, pub, disco, etc, to throw out drunks or troublemakers and stop those considered undesirable from entering   2 slang a dishonoured cheque   3 cricket another word for bumper^1   4 a person or thing that bounces

■ bouncing (ˈbaʊnsIŋ)   adj   (when postpositive, foll by with) vigorous and robust (esp in the phrase a bouncing baby)

■ bouncing Bet (bɛt)   n   another name for soapwort

■ bouncingly (ˈbaʊnsIŋlI)   adv   in a bouncing manner

■ bouncy (ˈbaʊnsI)   adj bouncier, bounciest   1 lively, exuberant, or self-confident   2 having the capability or quality of bouncing: a bouncy ball   3 responsive to bouncing; springy: a bouncy bed   > ˈbouncily adv   > ˈbounciness n

■ bouncy castle   n   a very large inflatable model, usually of a castle, on which children may bounce at fairs, etc

bound^1 (baʊnd)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of bind   ▷ adj   2 in bonds or chains; tied with or as if with a rope: a bound prisoner   3 (in combination) restricted; confined: housebound; fogbound   4 (postpositive; foll by an infinitive) destined; sure; certain: it's bound to happen   5 (postpositive; often foll by by) compelled or obliged to act, behave, or think in a particular way, as by duty, circumstance, or convention   6 (of a book) secured within a cover or binding: to deliver bound books. See also half-bound   7 (postpositive; foll by on) US resolved; determined: bound on winning   8 linguistics   a denoting a morpheme, such as the prefix non-, that occurs only as part of another word and not as a separate word in itself. Compare free (sense 21)   b (in systemic grammar) denoting a clause that has a nonfinite predicator or that is introduced by a binder, and that occurs only together with a freestanding clause. Compare freestanding   9 logic (of a variable) occurring within the scope of a quantifier that indicates the degree of generality of the open sentence in which the variable occurs: in (x) (Fx → bxy), x is bound and y is free. See free (sense 22)   10 bound up with closely or inextricably linked with: his irritability is bound up with his work   11 I'll be bound I am sure (something) is true

■ bounden (ˈbaʊndən)   adj   morally obligatory (archaic except in the phrase bounden duty)

■ boundness (ˈbaʊndnəs)   n   the quality of being bound or obligated

bound^2 (baʊnd)   vb   1 to move forwards or make (one's way) by leaps or jumps   2 to bounce; spring away from an impact   ▷ n   3 a jump upwards or forwards   4 by leaps and bounds with unexpectedly rapid progress: her condition improved by leaps and bounds   5 a sudden pronounced sense of excitement: his heart gave a sudden bound when he saw her   6 a bounce, as of a ball [C16: from Old French bond a leap, from bondir to jump, resound, from Vulgar Latin bombitīre (unattested) to buzz, hum, from Latin bombus booming sound]

■ bounder (ˈbaʊndə)   n   1 old-fashioned, Brit slang a morally reprehensible person; cad   2 a person or animal that bounds

■ bounderish (ˈbaʊndərIʃ)   adj   Brit slang having the qualities of a bounder

bound^3 (baʊnd)   vb   1 (tr) to place restrictions on; limit   2 (when intr, foll by on) to form a boundary of (an area of land or sea, political or administrative region, etc)   ▷ n   3 maths   a a number which is greater than all the members of a set of numbers (an upper bound), or less than all its members (a lower bound). See also bounded (sense 1)   b more generally, an element of an ordered set that has the same ordering relation to all the members of a given subset   c whence, an estimate of the extent of some set   4 See bounds [C13: from Old French bonde, from Medieval Latin bodina, of Gaulish origin]

■ boundable (ˈbaʊndəbəl)   adj   able to be bound or limited

■ boundary (ˈbaʊndərI, -drI)   n, pl -ries   1 something that indicates the farthest limit, as of an area; border   2 cricket   a the marked limit of the playing area   b a stroke that hits the ball beyond this limit   c the four runs scored with such a stroke, or the six runs if the ball crosses the boundary without touching the ground

■ boundary commission   n   (in Britain) any of the bodies established by statute to undertake periodic reviews of the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies and to recommend changes to take account of population shifts

■ boundary layer   n   the layer of fluid closest to the surface of a solid past which the fluid flows: it has a lower rate of flow than the bulk of the fluid because of its adhesion to the solid

■ boundary rider   n   Austral an employee on a sheep or cattle station whose job is to maintain fences in good repair and to prevent stock from straying

■ boundary-stone   n   a stone marking a boundary, sometimes giving information such as the initials of the local authority in whose jurisdiction the boundary is

■ bounded (ˈbaʊndId)   adj maths   1 (of a set) having a bound, esp where a measure is defined in terms of which all the elements of the set, or the differences between all pairs of members, are less than some value, or else all its members lie within some other well-defined set   2 (of an operator, function, etc) having a bounded set of values

■ boundedness (ˈbaʊndIdnəs)   n   the quality of being bounded

■ boundless (ˈbaʊndlIs)   adj   unlimited; vast: boundless energy   > ˈboundlessly adv   > ˈboundlessness n

■ bounds (baʊndz)   pl n   1 (sometimes singular) a limit; boundary (esp in the phrase know no bounds)   2 something that restrains or confines, esp the standards of a society: within the bounds of modesty   3 beat the bounds See beat (sense 26)   ▶ See also out of bounds

bound^4 (baʊnd)   adj     a (postpositive; often foll by for) going or intending to go towards; on the way to: a ship bound for Jamaica; homeward bound   b (in combination): northbound traffic [C13: from Old Norse buinn, past participle of būa to prepare]

bounty (ˈbaʊntI)   n, pl -ties   1 generosity in giving to others; liberality   2 a generous gift; something freely provided   3 a payment made by a government, as, formerly, to a sailor on enlisting or to a soldier after a campaign   4 any reward or premium: offering bounties of up to $200,000 for information [C13 (in the sense: goodness): from Old French bontet, from Latin bonitās goodness, from bonus good]

■ bounteous (ˈbaʊntIəs)   adj literary   1 giving freely; generous: the bounteous goodness of God   2 plentiful; abundant   > ˈbounteously adv   > ˈbounteousness n

■ bountiful (ˈbaʊntIfʊl)   adj   1 plentiful; ample (esp in the phrase a bountiful supply)   2 giving freely; generous   > ˈbountifully adv   > ˈbountifulness n

■ Bounty (ˈbaʊntI)   n   a British naval ship commanded by Captain William Bligh, which was on a scientific voyage in 1789 between Tahiti and the West Indies when her crew mutinied

■ bounty bag   n   a set of free samples, such as nappies and creams, given to mothers leaving hospital with a new baby

■ bountyhed (ˈbaʊntIˌhɛd)   n   poetic the quality of being bounteous

bouquet   n   1 (bəʊˈkeI, buː-) a bunch of flowers, esp a large carefully arranged one   2 Also called: nose (buːˈkeI) the characteristic aroma or fragrance of a wine or liqueur   3 a compliment or expression of praise [C18: from French: thicket, from Old French bosc forest, wood, probably of Germanic origin; see BUSH^1]

■ bouquet garni (ˈbuːkeI ɡɑːˈniː)   n, pl bouquets garnis (ˈbuːkeIz ɡɑːˈniː)   a bunch of herbs tied together and used for flavouring soups, stews, etc [C19: from French, literally: garnished bouquet]

bouquetiere French (bukətjer)   n   an assortment of fresh vegetables

bourasque (buːˈræsk)   n   a tempest

Bourbaki (ˈbɔːbəkI)   n   Nicholas Bourbaki the pseudonym of a group of mainly French mathematicians that, since 1939, has been producing a monumental work on advanced mathematics, Eléments de Mathématique

bourbon (ˈbɜːbən)   n   a whiskey distilled, chiefly in the US, from maize, esp one containing at least 51 per cent maize (the rest being malt and rye) and aged in charred white-oak barrels [C19: named after Bourbon county, Kentucky, where it was first made]

Bourbon (ˈbʊəbən; French burbɔ̃)   n     a a member of the European royal line that ruled in France from 1589 to 1793 (when Louis XVI was executed by the revolutionaries) and was restored in 1815, continuing to rule in its Orleans branch from 1830 until 1848. Bourbon dynasties also ruled in Spain (1700–1808; 1813–1931) and Naples and Sicily (1734–1806; 1815–1860)   b (as modifier): the Bourbon kings

■ Bourbon biscuit   n   a rich chocolate-flavoured biscuit with a chocolate-cream filling

■ Bourbonism (ˈbʊəbəˌnIzəm)   n   1 support for the rule of the Bourbons, the European royal line that ruled in France, Spain, and Naples and Sicily at various times in the late 16th to early 20th centuries   2 US extreme political and social conservatism

bourd (bɔːd) obsolete   n   1 a jest or joke   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to jest or joke

■ bourder (ˈbɔːdə)   n   obsolete a person who jests or jokes

bourdon (ˈbʊədən, ˈbɔːdən)   n   1 a 16-foot organ stop of the stopped diapason type   2 the drone of a bagpipe   3 a drone or pedal point in the bass of a harmonized melody [C14: from Old French: drone (of a musical instrument), of imitative origin]

Bourdon gauge   n   a type of aneroid pressure gauge consisting of a flattened curved tube attached to a pointer that moves around a dial. As the pressure in the tube increases the tube tends to straighten and the pointer indicates the applied pressure [C19: named after Eugène Bourdon (1808–84), French hydraulic engineer, who invented it]

bourg (bʊəɡ; French bur)   n   a French market town, esp one beside a castle [C15: French, from Old French borc, from Late Latin burgus castle, of Germanic origin; see BOROUGH]

bourgeois^1 (ˈbʊəʒwɑː, bʊəˈʒwɑː) often derogatory   n, pl -geois   1 a member of the middle class, esp one regarded as being conservative and materialistic or (in Marxist thought) a capitalist exploiting the working class   2 a mediocre, unimaginative, or materialistic person   ▷ adj   3 characteristic of, relating to, or comprising the middle class   4 conservative or materialistic in outlook: a bourgeois mentality   5 (in Marxist thought) dominated by capitalists or capitalist interests [C16: from Old French borjois, burgeis burgher, citizen, from bourg town; see BURGESS]   > bourgeoise (ˈbʊəʒwɑːz, bʊəˈʒwɑːz) fem n

■ bourgeoisie (ˌbʊəʒwɑːˈziː)   n the bourgeoisie   1 the middle classes   2 (in Marxist thought) the ruling class of the two basic classes of capitalist society, consisting of capitalists, manufacturers, bankers, and other employers. The bourgeoisie owns the most important of the means of production, through which it exploits the working class

■ bourgeoisify (bʊəˈʒwɑːzIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to convert to a bourgeois attitude or appearance

bourgeois^2 (bəˈdʒɔIs)   n   (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 9 point [C19: perhaps from its size, midway between long primer and brevier]

Bourgeois (French burʒwa)   n   Léon Victor Auguste (leɔ̃ viktɔr oɡyst). 1851–1925, French statesman; first chairman of the League of Nations: Nobel peace prize 1920

bourgeon (ˈbɜːdʒən)   n, vb   a variant spelling of burgeon

Bourges (French burʒ)   n   a city in central France. Pop: 72 480 (1999)

Bourgogne (burɡɔɲ)   n   the French name for Burgundy

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (French burɡɔɲfrɑ̃ʃkɔ̃te)   n   a region of E France formed in 2016 from the former regions of Burgundy and Franche-Comté

Bourguiba (bʊəˈɡiːbə)   n   Habib ben Ali (hæˈbIb bɛn ˈɑːlI). 1903–2000, Tunisian statesman: president of Tunisia (1957–87); a moderate and an advocate of gradual social change. He was deposed in a coup and kept under house arrest for the rest of his life

bourguignon (ˈbɜːɡInˌjɒn; French burɡiɲɔ̃) or bourguignonne (ˌbɜːɡInˈjɒn; French burɡiɲɔ̃n)   n   a sauce made with red wine, onions, and seasoning

Bourke-White (ˌbɜːkˈwaIt)   n   Margaret. 1906–71, US photographer, a pioneer of modern photojournalism: noted esp for her coverage of World War II

bourn^1 or bourne (bɔːn)   n archaic   1 a destination; goal   2 a boundary [C16: from Old French borne; see BOUND^3]

bourn^2 (bɔːn)   n   chiefly Southern English a stream, esp an intermittent one in chalk areas. Compare burn^2 [C16: from Old French bodne limit; see BOUND^3]

Bournemouth (ˈbɔːnməθ)   n   1 a resort in S England, in Bournemouth unitary authority, Dorset, on the English Channel. Pop: 167 527 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in SE Dorset. Pop: 163 700 (2003 est). Area: 46 sq km (17 sq miles)

bourrée (ˈbʊəreI)   n   1 a traditional French dance in fast duple time, resembling a gavotte   2 a piece of music composed in the rhythm of this dance [C18: from French bourrée a bundle of faggots (it was originally danced round a fire of faggots)]

bourride (bʊˈriːd)   n   a Mediterranean fish soup flavoured with aioli

Bourse (bʊəs)   n   a stock exchange of continental Europe, esp the one in Paris [C19: from French, literally: purse, from Medieval Latin bursa, ultimately from Greek: leather]

boursier French (bursje)   n   a foundation level scholar

bourtree (ˈbuːrˌtriː)   n   Scot dialect the elder-tree

bouse or bowse (baʊz)   vb   (tr) nautical to raise or haul with a tackle [C16: of unknown origin]

bousingken (ˈbuːzIŋˌkɛn)   n   obsolete a drinking house frequented by thieves or other disreputable characters

boustrophedon (ˌbuːstrəˈfiːdən, ˌbaʊ-)   adj   having alternate lines written from right to left and from left to right [C17: from Greek, literally: turning as in ploughing with oxen, from bous ox + -strophēdon from strephein to turn; see STROPHE]

■ boustrophedonic (buːˌstrɒfIˈdɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to lines written in opposite directions

bousy (ˈbuːzI)   adj bousier, bousiest   obsolete drunken; boozy

bout (baʊt)   n   1    a a period of time spent doing something, such as drinking   b a period of illness   2 a contest or fight, esp a boxing or wrestling match [C16: variant of obsolete bought turn; related to German Bucht BIGHT; see ABOUT]

boutade (buːˈtɑːd)   n   an outburst; sally [C17: from French, from bouter to thrust]

boutique (buːˈtiːk)   n   1 a shop, esp a small one selling fashionable clothes and other items   2    a of or denoting a small specialized producer or business   b (as modifier): a boutique winery   3 a small specialized stall or shopping area within a supermarket, esp selling fresh meat, seafood, etc [C18: from French, probably from Old Provençal botica, ultimately from Greek apothēkē storehouse; see APOTHECARY]

■ boutiquey (buːˈtiːkI)   adj   having the characteristics of a boutique

bouton (ˈbaʊtɒn)   n   the enlarged part of a nerve fibre or cell which facilitates contact between nerves

boutonné (ˌbuːtɒˈneI)   adj   reserved or reticent

boutonniere (ˌbʊtɒnIˈɛə)   n   another name for buttonhole (sense 2) [C19: from French: buttonhole, from bouton BUTTON]

bouvardia (buːˈvɑːdIə)   n   a genus of flowering herbs and shrubs of the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical parts of Central America

bouvier (ˈbuːvIeI)   n   a large powerful dog of a Belgian breed, having a rough shaggy coat: used esp for cattle herding and guarding. Also called: Bouvier des Flandres [C20: from French, literally: cowherd]

bouzouki (buːˈzuːkI)   n   a Greek long-necked stringed musical instrument related to the mandolin [C20: from Modern Greek mpouzouki, perhaps from Turkish büjük large]

bovate (ˈbəʊveIt)   n   obsolete an oxgang

Bovet (French bovɛ)   n   Daniel. 1907–92, Italian pharmacologist, born in Switzerland, noted for his pioneering work on antihistamine drugs. Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1957

bovid (ˈbəʊvId)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Bovidae, a family of ruminant artiodactyl hollow-horned mammals including sheep, goats, cattle, antelopes, and buffalo   ▷ n   2 any bovid animal [C19: from New Latin Bovidae, from Latin bōs ox]

bovine (ˈbəʊvaIn)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Bovini (cattle), a bovid tribe including domestic cattle   2 (of people) dull; sluggish; stolid   ▷ n   3 any animal belonging to the Bovini [C19: from Late Latin bovīnus concerning oxen or cows, from Latin bōs ox, cow]   > ˈbovinely adv

■ bovine somatotrophin   n   the full name for BST (sense 1)

■ bovine spongiform encephalopathy   n   the full name for BSE

■ bovinity (bəʊˈvInItI)   n   the state of being bovine

Bovril (ˈbɒvrIl)   n   trademark a concentrated beef extract, used for flavouring, as a stock, etc

bovver (ˈbɒvə)   n   Brit slang   a rowdiness, esp caused by gangs of teenage youths   b (as modifier): a bovver boy [C20: slang pronunciation of BOTHER]

■ bovver boots   pl n   Brit slang heavy boots worn by some teenage youths in Britain, used in gang fights

bow^1 (baʊ)   vb   1 to lower (one's head) or bend (one's knee or body) as a sign of respect, greeting, assent, or shame   2 to bend or cause to bend; incline downwards   3 (intr; usually foll by to or before) to comply or accept: bow to the inevitable   4 (tr; foll by in, out, to etc) to usher (someone) into or out of a place with bows and deference: the manager bowed us to our car   5 (tr; usually foll by down) to bring (a person, nation, etc) to a state of submission   6 bow and scrape to behave in an excessively deferential or obsequious way   ▷ n   7 a lowering or inclination of the head or body as a mark of respect, greeting, or assent   8 take a bow to acknowledge or receive applause or praise [Old English būgan, related to Old Norse bjūgr bent, Old High German biogan to bend, Dutch buigen]

■ bowed (baʊd)   adj   1 lowered; bent forward; curved: bowed head; bowed back   2 bowed down (foll by by or with) weighed down; troubled: bowed down by grief

■ bow out   vb   (adverb; usually tr; often foll by of) to retire or withdraw gracefully

bow^2 (bəʊ)   n   1 a weapon for shooting arrows, consisting of an arch of flexible wood, plastic, metal, etc bent by a string (bowstring) fastened at each end. See also crossbow   2    a a long slightly curved stick across which are stretched strands of horsehair, used for playing the strings of a violin, viola, cello, or related instrument   b a stroke with such a stick   3    a a decorative interlacing of ribbon or other fabrics, usually having two loops and two loose ends   b the knot forming such an interlacing; bowknot   4    a something that is curved, bent, or arched   b (in combination): rainbow; oxbow; saddlebow   5 a person who uses a bow and arrow; archer   6 US   a a frame of a pair of spectacles   b a sidepiece of the frame of a pair of spectacles that curls round behind the ear   7 a metal ring forming the handle of a pair of scissors or of a large old-fashioned key   8 architect part of a building curved in the form of a bow. See also bow window   ▷ vb   9 to form or cause to form a curve or curves   10 to make strokes of a bow across (violin strings) [Old English boga arch, bow; related to Old Norse bogi a bow, Old High German bogo, Old Irish bocc, and BOW^1]

■ bowbent (ˈbəʊˌbɛnt)   adj   bent, shaped like a bow

■ bow collector   n   a sliding current collector, consisting of a bow-shaped strip mounted on a hinged framework, used on trains, etc, to collect current from an overhead-wire. Compare skate^1 (sense 4)

■ bow compass (bəʊ)   n   a compass for drawing, in which the legs are joined by a flexible metal bow-shaped spring rather than a hinge, the angle being adjusted by a screw. Also called: bow-spring compass

■ bowfin (ˈbəʊˌfIn)   n   a primitive North American freshwater bony fish, Amia calva, with an elongated body and a very long dorsal fin: family Amiidae

■ bowfront (ˈbəʊfrʌnt)   adj   having a front that curves outwards

■ bowhead (ˈbəʊˌhɛd)   n   a large-mouthed arctic whale, Balaena mysticetus, that has become rare through overfishing but is now a protected species

■ bowhunter (ˈbəʊˌhʌntə)   n   a person who hunts with a bow

■ bowing (ˈbəʊIŋ)   n   the technique of using the bow in playing a violin, viola, cello, or related instrument

■ bowingly (ˈbəʊIŋlI)   adv   obsolete in a curved manner

■ bowknot (ˈbəʊˌnɒt)   n   a decorative knot usually having two loops and two loose ends; bow

■ bowleg (ˈbəʊˌlɛɡ) or bow leg   n   a leg that curves outwards

■ bow legs (bəʊ)   pl n   a condition in which the legs curve outwards like a bow between the ankle and the thigh. Also called: bandy legs   > bow-legged (bəʊˈlɛɡId, bəʊˈlɛɡd) adj

■ bowless (ˈbəʊlIs)   adj   without a bow or bows

■ bowlike (ˈbəʊˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bow

■ bowman (ˈbəʊmən)   n, pl -men   an archer

■ bowsaw (ˈbəʊˌsɔː)   n   a saw with a thin blade in a bow-shaped frame

■ bowshot (ˈbəʊˌʃɒt)   n   the distance an arrow travels from the bow

■ bowstring (ˈbəʊˌstrIŋ)   n   the string of an archer's bow, usually consisting of three strands of hemp

■ bowstring hemp   n   a hemplike fibre obtained from the sansevieria

■ bow tie (bəʊ)   n   a man's tie tied in a bow, now chiefly in plain black for formal evening wear

■ bow weight (bəʊ)   n   archery the poundage required to draw a bow to the full length of the arrow

■ bow window (bəʊ)   n   a bay window in the shape of a curve

■ bowyer (ˈbəʊjə)   n   a person who makes or sells archery bows

bow^3 (baʊ)   n   1 chiefly nautical   a (often plural) the forward end or part of a vessel   b (as modifier): the bow mooring line   2 rowing short for bowman   3 on the port bow nautical within 45 degrees to the port of straight ahead   4 on the starboard bow nautical within 45 degrees to the starboard of straight ahead   5 a shot across someone's bows informal a warning [C15: probably from Low German boog; related to Dutch boeg, Danish bov ship's bow, shoulder; see BOUGH]

■ bowline (ˈbəʊlIn)   n nautical   1 a line for controlling the weather leech of a square sail when a vessel is close-hauled   2 on a bowline beating close to the wind   3 a knot used for securing a loop that will not slip at the end of a piece of rope [C14: probably from Middle Low German bōlīne, equivalent to BOW^3 + LINE^1]

■ bowman (ˈbaʊmən)   n, pl -men   nautical an oarsman at the bow of a boat. Also called: bow oar

■ bowsprit (ˈbəʊsprIt)   n   nautical a spar projecting from the bow of a vessel, esp a sailing vessel, used to carry the headstay as far forward as possible [C13: from Middle Low German bōchsprēt, from bōch BOW^3 + sprēt pole]

Bow (bəʊ)   n   Clara, known as the It Girl. 1905–65, US film actress, noted for her vivacity and sex appeal

bowat (ˈbuːət)   n   Scot dialect a small lamp or lantern

bowdlerize or bowdlerise (ˈbaʊdləˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to remove passages or words regarded as indecent from (a play, novel, etc); expurgate [C19: after Thomas Bowdler (1754–1825), English editor who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare]   > ˌbowdleriˈzation or ˌbowdleriˈsation n   > ˈbowdlerˌizer or ˈbowdlerˌiser n   > ˈbowdlerism n

bowel (ˈbaʊəl)   n   1 an intestine, esp the large intestine in humans   2 (plural) innards; entrails   3 (plural) the deep or innermost part (esp in the phrase the bowels of the earth)   4 (plural) archaic the emotions, esp of pity or sympathy [C13: from Old French bouel, from Latin botellus a little sausage, from botulus sausage]

■ bowelless (ˈbaʊəllIs)   adj   ruthless, merciless

■ bowel movement   n   1 the discharge of faeces; defecation   2 the waste matter discharged; faeces

Bowen (ˈbəʊən)   n   Elizabeth (Dorothea Cole). 1899–1973, British novelist and short-story writer, born in Ireland. Her novels include The Death of the Heart (1938) and The Heat of the Day (1949)

bower^1 (ˈbaʊə)   n   1 a shady leafy shelter or recess, as in a wood or garden; arbour   2 literary a lady's bedroom or apartments, esp in a medieval castle; boudoir   3 literary a country cottage, esp one regarded as charming or picturesque [Old English būr dwelling; related to Old Norse būr pantry, Old High German būr dwelling]   > ˈbowery adj

■ bowerbird (ˈbaʊəˌbɜːd)   n   1 any of various songbirds of the family Ptilonorhynchidae, of Australia and New Guinea. The males build bower-like display grounds in the breeding season to attract the females   2 informal, chiefly Austral a person who collects miscellaneous objects

■ bowerwoman (ˈbaʊərˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   archaic a chamber-woman

bower^2 (ˈbaʊə)   n   nautical a vessel's bow anchor [C18: from BOW^3 + -ER^1]

bower^3 (ˈbaʊə)   n   a jack in euchre and similar card games [C19: from German Bauer peasant, jack (in cards)]

Bowery (ˈbaʊərI)   n   the Bowery a street in New York City, formerly noted for its cheap hotels and bars, frequented by vagrants and drunks [C17: from Dutch bouwerij, from bouwen to farm + erij -ERY; see BOOR, BOER]

Bowie   n   1 (ˈbaʊI, ˈbəʊI) David, real name David Jones. 1947–2016, British rock singer, songwriter, and film actor. His recordings include "Space Oddity" (1969), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), Young Americans (1975), Heroes (1977), Let's Dance (1983), The Next Day (2013), and Blackstar (2016)   2 (ˈbəʊI) James, known as Jim Bowie. 1796–1836, US frontiersman. A hero of the Texas Revolution against Mexico (1835–36), he died at the Battle of the Alamo

■ bowie knife (ˈbəʊI)   n   a stout hunting knife with a short hilt and a guard for the hand [C19: named after Jim BOWIE, who popularized it]

bowl^1 (bəʊl)   n   1 a round container open at the top, used for holding liquid, keeping fruit, serving food, etc   2 Also: bowlful the amount a bowl will hold   3 the rounded or hollow part of an object, esp of a spoon or tobacco pipe   4 any container shaped like a bowl, such as a sink or lavatory   5 chiefly US a bowl-shaped building or other structure, such as a football stadium or amphitheatre   6 a bowl-shaped depression of the land surface. See also dust bowl   7 literary   a a drinking cup   b intoxicating drink [Old English bolla; related to Old Norse bolli, Old Saxon bollo]

■ bowlful (ˈbəʊlfʊl)   n   amount held by a bowl

■ bowllike (ˈbəʊlˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bowl; bowl-shaped

bowl^2 (bəʊl)   n   1 a wooden ball used in the game of bowls, having flattened sides, one side usually being flatter than the other in order to make it run on a curved course   2 a large heavy ball with holes for gripping with the fingers and thumb, used in tenpin bowling   ▷ vb   3 to roll smoothly or cause to roll smoothly, esp by throwing underarm along the ground   4 (intr; usually foll by along) to move easily and rapidly, as in a car   5 cricket   a to send (a ball) down the pitch from one's hand towards the batsman, keeping the arm straight while doing so   b Also: bowl out to dismiss (a batsman) by delivering a ball that breaks his or her wicket   6 (intr) to play bowls or tenpin bowling   7 (tr) (in tenpin bowling) to score (a specified amount): he bowled 120 [C15: from French boule, ultimately from Latin bulla bubble]

■ bowler (ˈbəʊlə)   n   1 one who bowls in cricket   2 a player at the game of bowls

■ bowling (ˈbəʊlIŋ)   n   1 any of various games in which a heavy ball is rolled down a special alley, usually made of wood, at a group of wooden pins, esp the games of tenpin bowling (tenpins) and skittles (ninepins)   2 the game of bowls   3 cricket the act of delivering the ball to the batsman   4 (modifier) of or relating to bowls or bowling: a bowling team

■ bowling alley   n   1    a a long narrow wooden lane down which the ball is rolled in tenpin bowling   b a similar lane or alley, usually with raised sides, for playing skittles (ninepins)   2 a building having several lanes for tenpin bowling

■ bowling crease   n   cricket a line marked at the wicket, over which a bowler must not advance fully before delivering the ball

■ bowling green   n   an area of closely mown turf on which the game of bowls is played

■ bowl over   vb (tr, adverb)   1 informal to surprise (a person) greatly, esp in a pleasant way; astound; amaze: he was bowled over by our gift   2 to knock (a person or thing) down; cause to fall over

■ bowls (bəʊlz)   n (functioning as singular)   1    a a game played on a bowling green in which a small bowl (the jack) is pitched from a mark and two opponents or opposing teams take turns to roll biased wooden bowls towards it, the object being to finish as near the jack as possible   b (as modifier): a bowls tournament   2 skittles or tenpin bowling

bowler^1 (ˈbəʊlə) or bowler hat   n   a stiff felt hat with a rounded crown and narrow curved brim. US and Canadian name: derby [C19: named after John Bowler, 19th-century London hatter]

bowler^2 (ˈbaʊlə)   n   Dublin dialect a dog [perhaps from B(OW-WOW) + (H)OWLER]

Bowles (bəʊlz)   n   Paul. 1910–99, US novelist, short-story writer, and composer, living in Tangiers. His novels include The Sheltering Sky (1949) and The Spider's House (1955)

bowlingual (ˌbaʊˈlIŋɡwəl)   n   a device that allegedly translates a dog’s barks and grunts into a human language [C21: from BOW(WOW) + (BI)LINGUAL]

bowr (ˈbaʊə)   n   obsolete a muscle

bowse (baʊz)   vb   a variant spelling of bouse

bowser (ˈbaʊzə)   n   1 a tanker containing fuel for aircraft, military vehicles, etc   2 Austral and NZ obsolete a petrol pump [originally a US proprietary name, from S. F. Bowser, US inventor, who made the first one in 1885]

bowsie (ˈbaʊziː) or bowsey   n Irish informal   1 a low-class mean or obstreperous person   2 a drunkard [of unknown origin]

Bow Street runner (bəʊ)   n   (in Britain from 1749 to 1829) an officer at Bow Street magistrates' court, London, whose duty was to pursue and arrest criminals

bow-wow (ˈbaʊˌwaʊ, -ˈwaʊ)   n   1 a child's word for dog   2 an imitation of the bark of a dog   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to bark or imitate a dog's bark

bowyangs (ˈbəʊjæŋz)   pl n   Austral and NZ history a pair of strings or straps secured round each trouser leg below the knee, worn esp by sheep-shearers and other labourers [C19: from English dialect bowy-yanks leggings]

■ bowyang (ˈbəʊjæŋ)   n   one of a pair of bowyangs

box^1 (bɒks)   n   1 a receptacle or container made of wood, cardboard, etc, usually rectangular and having a removable or hinged lid   2 Also called: boxful the contents of such a receptacle or the amount it can contain: he ate a whole box of chocolates   3 any of various containers for a specific purpose: a money box; letter box   4 (often in combination) any of various small cubicles, kiosks, or shelters: a sentry box; a signal box on a railway   5 a separate compartment in a public place for a small group of people, as in a theatre or certain restaurants   6 an enclosure within a courtroom. See jury box, witness box   7 a compartment for a horse in a stable or a vehicle. See loosebox, horsebox   8 Brit a small country house occupied by sportsmen when following a field sport, esp shooting   9    a a protective housing for machinery or mechanical parts   b the contents of such a box   c (in combination): a gearbox   10 a shaped device of light tough material worn by sportsmen to protect the genitals, esp in cricket   11 a section of printed matter on a page, enclosed by lines, a border, or white space   12 a central agency to which mail is addressed and from which it is collected or redistributed: a post-office box; to reply to a box number in a newspaper advertisement   13 the central part of a computer or the casing enclosing it   14 short for penalty box   15 baseball either of the designated areas in which the batter may stand   16 the raised seat on which the driver sits in a horse-drawn coach   17 NZ a wheeled container for transporting coal in a mine   18 Austral and NZ an accidental mixing of herds or flocks   19 a hole cut into the base of a tree to collect the sap   20 short for Christmas box   21 a device for dividing water into two or more ditches in an irrigation system   22 an informal name for a coffin   23 vulgar, slang the female genitals   24 be a box of birds NZ to be very well indeed   25 the box Brit informal television   26 think outside the box or think out of the box to think in a different, innovative, or original manner, esp with regard to business practices, products, systems, etc   27 tick all the boxes to satisfy all of the apparent requirements for success   28 out of the box Austral informal outstanding or excellent: a day out of the box   ▷ vb   29 (tr) to put into a box   30 (tr; usually foll by in or up) to prevent from moving freely; confine   31 (tr; foll by in) printing to enclose (text) within a ruled frame   32 (tr) to make a cut in the base of (a tree) in order to collect the sap   33 (tr) Austral and NZ to mix (flocks or herds) accidentally   34 (tr; sometimes foll by up) NZ to confuse: I am all boxed up   35 nautical short for boxhaul   36 box the compass nautical to name the compass points in order [Old English box, from Latin buxus from Greek puxos BOX^3]   > ˈboxˌlike adj

■ boxball (ˈbɒksˌbɔːl)   n   US a street game played with a small ball

■ box beam   n   another name for box girder

■ boxboard (ˈbɒksˌbɔːd)   n   a tough paperboard made from wood and wastepaper pulp: used for making boxes, etc

■ box camera   n   a simple box-shaped camera having an elementary lens, shutter, and viewfinder

■ box canyon   n   Western US a canyon with vertical or almost vertical walls

■ boxcar (ˈbɒksˌkɑː)   n   US and Canadian a closed railway freight van

■ box chronometer   n   nautical a ship's chronometer, supported on gimbals in a wooden box

■ box coat   n   1 a plain short coat that hangs loosely from the shoulders   2 a heavy overcoat, worn formerly by coachmen

■ box cutter   n   a knife-like tool with a short retractable blade

■ boxed (bɒkst)   adj   packaged together for sale in a presentation box

■ boxed set   n   another name for box set

■ box file   n   a rigid file which opens like a box, usually made of strong cardboard and able to hold a large quantity of documents

■ boxfish (ˈbɒksˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   another name for trunkfish

■ box-fresh   adj   unused or unspoiled; straight from the packaging

■ boxful (ˈbɒksfʊl)   n   the contents of a box or the amount a box can contain

■ box girder   n     a a girder that is hollow and square or rectangular in shape   b (as modifier): a box-girder bridge. Also called: box beam

■ boxhaul (ˈbɒksˌhɔːl)   vb   nautical to bring (a square-rigger) onto a new tack by backwinding the foresails and steering hard round

■ boxily (ˈbɒksIlI)   adv   in a boxy manner

■ boxiness (ˈbɒksInəs)   n   the quality of being boxy

■ box jellyfish   n   any of various highly venomous jellyfishes of the order Cubomedusae, esp Chironex fleckeri, of Australian tropical waters, having a cuboidal body with tentacles hanging from each of the lower corners. Also called (Austral): sea wasp

■ box junction   n   (in Britain) a road junction having yellow cross-hatching painted on the road surface. Vehicles may only enter the hatched area when their exit is clear

■ boxkeeper (ˈbɒksˌkiːpə)   n   an attendant responsible for theatre boxes

■ box kite   n   a kite with a boxlike frame open at both ends

■ box number   n   1 the number of an individual pigeonhole at a newspaper to which replies to an advertisement may be addressed   2 the number of an individual pigeonhole at a post office from which mail may be collected

■ box office   n   1 an office at a theatre, cinema, etc, where tickets are sold   2 the receipts from a play, film, etc   3    a the public appeal of an actor or production: the musical was bad box office   b (as modifier): a box-office success

■ box pleat   n   a flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric on either side of it

■ boxplot (ˈbɒksˌplɒt)   n   statistics a graphical representation of numerical data consisting of a rectangular box with lines extending from each end

■ boxroom (ˈbɒksˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a small room or large cupboard in which boxes, cases, etc, may be stored

■ box seat   n   1 a seat in a theatre box   2 in the box seat Brit, Austral and NZ in the best position

■ box set   n   a collection of items of the same type, packaged together for sale in a presentation box

■ box spanner   n   a spanner consisting of a steel cylinder with a hexagonal end that fits over a nut: used esp to turn nuts in positions that are recessed or difficult of access

■ box spring   n   a coiled spring contained in a boxlike frame, used as a base for mattresses, chairs, etc

■ box-ticking   n   derogatory the process of satisfying bureaucratic administrative requirements rather than assessing the actual merit of something

■ boxwallah (ˈbɒksˌwɒlə)   n   derogatory an itinerant pedlar or salesman in India

■ boxy (ˈbɒksI)   adj   squarish or chunky in style or appearance: a boxy square-cut jacket

box^2 (bɒks)   vb   1 (tr) to fight (an opponent) in a boxing match   2 (intr) to engage in boxing   3 (tr) to hit (a person) with the fist; punch or cuff   4 box clever to behave in a careful and cunning way   ▷ n   5 a punch with the fist, esp on the ear [C14: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Dutch boken to shunt, push into position]

■ boxer (ˈbɒksə)   n   1 a person who boxes, either professionally or as a hobby; pugilist   2 a medium-sized smooth-haired breed of dog with a short nose and a docked tail

■ boxercise (ˈbɒksəˌsaIz)   n trademark   a system of sustained exercises combining boxing movements with aerobic activities

■ boxer shorts   pl n   men's underpants shaped like shorts but having a front opening. Also called: boxers

■ boxing (ˈbɒksIŋ)   n     a the act, art, or profession of fighting with the fists, esp the modern sport practised under Queensberry rules   b (as modifier): a boxing enthusiast

■ boxing glove   n   one of a pair of thickly padded mittens worn for boxing

box^3 (bɒks)   n   1 a dense slow-growing evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Buxus, esp B. sempervirens, which has small shiny leaves and is used for hedges, borders, and garden mazes: family Buxaceae   2 the wood of this tree. See boxwood (sense 1)   3 any of several trees the timber or foliage of which resembles this tree, esp various species of Eucalyptus with rough bark [Old English, from Latin buxus]

■ boxberry (ˈbɒksbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 the fruit of the partridgeberry or wintergreen   2 another name for partridgeberry, wintergreen (sense 1)

■ box elder   n   a medium-sized fast-growing widely cultivated North American maple, Acer negundo, which has compound leaves with lobed leaflets. Also called: ash-leaved maple

■ boxen (ˈbɒksən)   adj archaic   of or relating to the box-tree; made of box-wood

■ boxthorn (ˈbɒksˌθɔːn)   n   another name for matrimony vine

■ boxwood (ˈbɒksˌwʊd)   n   1 the hard close-grained yellow wood of the box tree, used to make tool handles, small turned or carved articles, etc   2 the box tree

box calf   n   black calfskin leather, tanned with chromium salts, having a pattern of fine creases formed by boarding [C20: named after Joseph Box, London shoemaker]

Boxer (ˈbɒksə)   n     a a member of a nationalistic Chinese secret society that led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1900 against foreign interests in China   b (as modifier): the Boxer Rebellion [C18: rough translation of Chinese I Ho Ch'üan, literally: virtuous harmonious fist, altered from I Ho T'uan virtuous harmonious society]

Boxgrove man (ˈbɒksɡrəʊv)   n   a type of primitive human, probably Homo heidelbergensis, and probably dating from the Middle Palaeolithic period some 500 000 years ago; remains were found at Boxgrove in West Sussex in 1993 and 1995. See also Heidelberg man

Boxing Day   n   Brit the first day (traditionally and strictly, the first weekday) after Christmas, observed as a holiday [C19: from the custom of giving Christmas boxes to tradesmen and staff on this day]

boxty (ˈbɒkstI)   n   Irish a potato pancake

boy (bɔI)   n   1 a male child; lad; youth   2 a man regarded as immature or inexperienced: he's just a boy when it comes to dealing with real problems   3 See old boy   4 the boys informal a group of men, esp a group of friends   5 usually derogatory (esp in former colonial territories) a Black person or native male servant of any age   6 Austral a jockey or apprentice   7 short for boyfriend   8 boys will be boys youthful indiscretion or exuberance must be expected and tolerated   9 jobs for the boys informal appointment of one's supporters to posts, without reference to their qualifications or ability   10 the boy Irish informal the right tool for a particular task: that's the boy to cut it   ▷ interj   11 an exclamation of surprise, pleasure, contempt, etc: boy, is he going to be sorry! [C13 (in the sense: male servant; C14: young male): of uncertain origin; perhaps from Anglo-French abuié fettered (unattested), from Latin boia fetter]

■ boy band   n   an all-male vocal pop group created to appeal to a young audience

■ boyf (bɔIf)   n   slang a boyfriend

■ boyfriend (ˈbɔIˌfrɛnd)   n   a male friend with whom a person is romantically or sexually involved; sweetheart or lover

■ boyhood (ˈbɔIhʊd)   n   the state or time of being a boy: his boyhood was happy

■ boyish (ˈbɔIIʃ)   adj   of or like a boy in looks, behaviour, or character, esp when regarded as attractive or endearing: a boyish smile   > ˈboyishly adv   > ˈboyishness n

■ boy-meets-girl   adj   conventionally or trivially romantic: a boy-meets-girl story

■ boy racer   n   informal   a a young man who drives his car aggressively and at inappropriately high speeds   b (as modifier): the boy-racer market

■ Boys' Brigade   n   (in Britain) an organization for boys, founded in 1883, with the aim of promoting discipline and self-respect

■ boy scout   n   1 See Scout   2 US and Canadian informal an apparently virtuous and innocent person

■ boyshorts (ˈbɔIˌʃɔːts)   pl n   women's underpants which resemble close-fitting shorts, sitting below the waist and stretching to the tops of the legs

■ boysy (ˈbɔIzI)   adj   informal suited to or typical of boys or young men: done in a matey, boysy way

boyar (ˈbəʊjɑː, ˈbɔIə)   n   a member of an old order of Russian nobility, ranking immediately below the princes: abolished by Peter the Great [C16: from Old Russian boyarin, from Old Slavonic boljarinǔ, probably from Old Turkic boila a title]

■ boyarism (ˈbɔIərIzəm, ˈbəʊjɑːrIzəm)   n   Russian history the rule of the boyars

boyau (ˈbɔIjəʊ)   n   fortifications a minor connecting trench often built in a zigzag pattern

Boyce (bɔIs)   n   William. ?1710–79, English composer, noted esp for his church music and symphonies

boychik (ˈbɔItʃIk)   n   dialect (esp in Jewish usage) a term of endearment for a boy or young man

boycott (ˈbɔIkɒt)   vb   1 (tr) to refuse to have dealings with (a person, organization, etc) or refuse to buy (a product) as a protest or means of coercion: to boycott foreign produce   ▷ n   2 an instance or the use of boycotting [C19: after Captain C. C. Boycott (1832–97), Irish land agent for the Earl of Erne, County Mayo, Ireland, who was a victim of such practices for refusing to reduce rents]

■ boycotter (ˈbɔIkɒtə)   n   a person who boycotts

Boycott (ˈbɔIkɒt)   n   Geoff(rey). born 1940, English cricketer: played for Yorkshire (1962–86); played in 108 test matches (1964–82); first England batsman to score 8,000 test runs

Boyd (bɔId)   n   1  Arthur. 1920–99, Australian painter and sculptor, noted for his large ceramic sculptures and his series of engravings   2  Martin (A'Beckett). 1893–1972, Australian novelist, author of Lucinda Brayford (1946) and of the Langton tetralogy The Cardboard Crown (1952), A Difficult Young Man (1955), Outbreak of Love (1957), and When Blackbirds Sing (1962)   3  Sir Michael. born 1955, British theatre director; artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (2003–12)

Boyd Orr (ɔː)   n   John, 1st Baron Boyd Orr of Brechin Mearns. 1880–1971, Scottish biologist; director general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization: Nobel peace prize 1949

Boyer (French bwaje)   n   Charles (ʃarl), known as the Great Lover. 1899–1978, French film actor

boyg (bɔIɡ)   n   Norse myth a troll-like creature; an ogre

boykie (ˈbɔIkiː)   n   South African informal a chap or fellow

boyla (ˈbɔIlə)   n   an Aboriginal Australian magician or medicine-man

Boyle (bɔIl)   n   1  Danny. born 1956, English film director whose work includes Trainspotting (1996) and Slumdog Millionaire (2008); artistic director of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics   2  Robert. 1627–91, Irish scientist who helped to dissociate chemistry from alchemy. He established that air has weight and studied the behaviour of gases; author of The Sceptical Chymist (1661)

■ Boyle's law   n   the principle that the pressure of a gas varies inversely with its volume at constant temperature [C18: named after Robert BOYLE]

Boyne (bɔIn)   n   a river in the E Republic of Ireland, rising in the Bog of Allen and flowing northeast to the Irish Sea: William III of England defeated the deposed James II in a battle (Battle of the Boyne) on its banks in 1690, completing the overthrow of the Stuart cause in Ireland. Length: about 112 km (70 miles)

boyo (ˈbɔIəʊ)   n   Brit informal a boy or young man: often used in direct address [from Irish and Welsh]

Boyoma Falls (bɔIˈəʊmə)   pl n   a series of seven cataracts in the NE Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the upper River Congo: forms an unnavigable stretch of 90 km (56 miles), which falls 60 m (200 ft). Former name: Stanley Falls

boysenberry (ˈbɔIzənbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a type of bramble: a hybrid of the loganberry and various blackberries and raspberries   2 the large red edible fruit of this plant [C20: named after Rudolph Boysen, American botanist who developed it]

Boz (bɒz)   n   pen name of (Charles) Dickens

Bozcaada (ˌbɔzdʒaaˈda)   n   the Turkish name for Tenedos

Bozen (ˈboːtsən)   n   the German name for Bolzano

bozo (ˈbəʊzəʊ)   n, pl -zos   US slang a man, esp a stupid one [C20: of uncertain origin; perhaps based on BEAU]

bozzetto Italian (bɒtˈzɛtəʊ)   n, pl -ti (-ti)   art a small model for a planned sculpture or a small sketch for a planned painting

bp   abbreviation for   1 (of alcoholic density) below proof   2 boiling point   3 bishop

BP   abbreviation for   1 blood pressure   2 British Pharmacopoeia

BPC   abbreviation for   British Pharmaceutical Codex

B.P.E.   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Bachelor of Physical Education

BPharm   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Pharmacy

BPhil   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Philosophy

bpi   abbreviation for   bits per inch (used of a computer tape or disk surface)

BPR   abbreviation for   business process re-engineering

bps computing   abbreviation for   bits per second (of transmitted information)

b.pt.   abbreviation for   boiling point

Bq   symbol for   becquerel(s)

br   abbreviation for   1 brother   2 Also: B/R bills receivable   ▷ the internet domain name for   3 Brazil

Br   abbreviation for   1 (in a religious order) Brother   ▷ the chemical symbol for   2 bromine

BR   abbreviation for   1 (formerly) British Rail   2 Brazil (international car registration)

Br.   abbreviation for   1 Britain   2 British

B/R or br   abbreviation for   bills receivable

bra^1 (brɑː)   n   short for brassiere

■ braless (ˈbrɑːlIs)   adj   not wearing a bra

bra^2 (brɑː)   n   South African informal another word for bro^2

braai (braI) South African   vb   1 to grill or roast (meat) over open coals   ▷ n   2 short for braaivleis [Afrikaans]

■ braaivleis (ˈbraIˌfleIs)   n South African   1 a picnic at which meat is cooked over an open fire; a barbecue   2 the meat cooked at such a barbecue [from Afrikaans braai roast + vleis meat]

braata (ˈbrɑːtə) or braatas (ˈbrɑːtəs)   n   Caribbean a small portion added to a purchase of food by a market vendor, to encourage the customer to return. Also called: broughta, broughtas [perhaps from Spanish barata a bargain]

Brabant (brəˈbænt)   n   1 a former duchy of W Europe: divided when Belgium became independent (1830), the south forming the Belgian provinces of Antwerp and Brabant and the north forming the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands   2 a former province of central Belgium; replaced in 1995 by the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant

brabble (ˈbræbəl) or brabblement (ˈbræbəlmənt)   n   a rare word for squabble [C16: from Middle Dutch brabbelen to jabber]   > ˈbrabbler n

Brabham (ˈbræbəm)   n   Sir John Arthur, known as Jack. 1926–2014, Australian motor-racing driver: Formula One world champion 1959, 1960, and 1966

braccate (ˈbrækeIt)   adj   (of birds) having feathered legs [from Latin braccātus, from brāccae breeches + -ATE^1]

braccio (ˈbrætʃIəʊ; Italian ˈbratʃo)   n, pl braccia   obsolete an Italian unit of measurement based on the length of the human arm and roughly equivalent to two feet

brace (breIs)   n   1 a hand tool for drilling holes, with a socket to hold the drill at one end and a cranked handle by which the tool can be turned. In full: hand brace. See also brace and bit   2 something that steadies, binds, or holds up another thing   3 a structural member, such as a beam or prop, used to stiffen a framework   4 a sliding loop, usually of leather, attached to the cords of a drum: used to change its tension   5 a pair; two, esp of game birds: a brace of partridges   6 either of a pair of characters, { }, used for connecting lines of printing or writing or as a third sign of aggregation in complex mathematical or logical expressions that already contain parentheses and square brackets   7 Also called: accolade a line or bracket connecting two or more staves of music   8 (often plural) an appliance of metal bands and wires that can be tightened to maintain steady pressure on the teeth for correcting uneven alignment   9 med any of various appliances for supporting the trunk, a limb, or teeth   10 another word for bracer^2   11 (in square-rigged sailing ships) a rope that controls the movement of a yard and thus the position of a sail   12 See braces   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   13 to provide, strengthen, or fit with a brace   14 to steady or prepare (oneself or something) as before an impact   15 (also intr) to stimulate; freshen; invigorate: sea air is bracing   16 to control the horizontal movement of (the yards of a square-rigged sailing ship) [C14: from Old French: the two arms, from Latin bracchia arms]

■ brace and bit   n   a hand tool for boring holes, consisting of a cranked handle into which a drilling bit is inserted

■ braces (ˈbreIsIz)   pl n   Brit a pair of straps worn over the shoulders by men for holding up the trousers. US and Canadian word: suspenders

bracelet (ˈbreIslIt)   n   1 an ornamental chain worn around the arm or wrist   2 an expanding metal band for a wristwatch ▶ Related adjective: armillary [C15: from Old French, from bracel, literally: a little arm, from Latin bracchium arm; see BRACE]

bracelets (ˈbreIslIts)   pl n   a slang name for handcuffs. See handcuff (sense 2)

bracer^1 (ˈbreIsə)   n   1 a person or thing that braces   2 informal a tonic, esp an alcoholic drink taken as a tonic

bracer^2 (ˈbreIsə)   n   archery, fencing a leather guard worn to protect the arm [C14: from Old French braciere, from braz arm, from Latin bracchium arm]

bracero (bræˈsɛərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   US history a Mexican labourer working in the USA, esp one admitted into the country to relieve labour shortages during and immediately after World War II

brach (brætʃ) or brachet (ˈbrætʃIt)   n   archaic a bitch hound [C14: back formation from brachez hunting dogs, from Old French, plural of brachet, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German braccho hound]

brachah (braˈxa) or brocho   n   Judaism Hebrew terms usually translated as "blessing". See blessing (sense 4)

brachial (ˈbreIkIəl, ˈbræk-)   adj   of or relating to the arm or to an armlike part or structure

brachiate   adj (ˈbreIkIIt, -ˌeIt, ˈbræk-)   1 botany having widely divergent paired branches   ▷ vb (ˈbreIkIˌeIt, ˈbræk-)   2 (intr) (of some arboreal apes and monkeys) to swing by the arms from one hold to the next [C19: from Latin bracchiātus with armlike branches]   > ˌbrachiˈation n

brachiator (ˈbrækIˌeItə)   n   any primate which swings by its arms from one hold to the next

brachio- or before a vowel brachi-   combining form   indicating a brachium: brachiopod

brachiocephalic (ˌbreIkIəsIˈfælIk)   adj   of, relating to, or supplying the arm and head: brachiocephalic artery

brachiopod (ˈbreIkIəˌpɒd, ˈbræk-)   n   any marine invertebrate animal of the phylum Brachiopoda, having a ciliated feeding organ (lophophore) and a shell consisting of dorsal and ventral valves. Also called: lamp shell. See also bryozoan [C19: from New Latin Brachiopoda; see BRACHIUM, -POD]

brachiosaurus (ˌbreIkIəˈsɔːrəs, ˌbræk-)   n   a dinosaur of the genus Brachiosaurus, up to 30 metres long: the largest land animal ever known. See also sauropod

brachistochrone (brəˈkIstəˌkrəʊn)   n   maths the curve between two points through which a body moves under the force of gravity in a shorter time than for any other curve; the path of quickest descent [C18: from Greek brakhistos, superlative of brakhus short + chronos time]

brachium (ˈbreIkIəm, ˈbræk-)   n, pl -chia (-kIə)   1 anatomy the arm, esp the upper part   2 a corresponding part, such as a wing, in an animal   3 biology a branching or armlike part [C18: New Latin, from Latin bracchium arm, from Greek brakhiōn]

brachy-   combining form   indicating something short: brachycephalic [from Greek brakhus short]

brachyaxis (ˌbrækIˈæksIs)   n   crystallog the shorter lateral axis of a monoclinic, orthorhombic, or triclinic crystal

brachycephal (ˌbrækIˈsɛfəl)   n   a person with a brachycephalic head

brachycephalic (ˌbrækIsIˈfælIk)   adj also brachycephalous (ˌbrækIˈsɛfələs)   1 having a head nearly as broad from side to side as from front to back, esp one with a cephalic index over 80   ▷ n   2 an individual with such a head   ▶ Compare dolichocephalic, mesocephalic   > ˌbrachyˈcephaly or ˌbrachyˈcephalism n

brachycerous (bræˈkIsərəs)   adj   (of insects) having short antennae

brachydactylic (ˌbrækIdækˈtIlIk), brachydactyl (ˌbrækIˈdæktIl) or brachydactylous (ˌbrækIˈdæktIləs)   adj   having abnormally short fingers or toes   > ˌbrachyˈdactyly or ˌbrachyˈdactylˌism n

brachydiagonal (ˌbrækIdaIˈæɡənəl) crystallog   n   1 the shorter lateral axis of a rhombic prism   ▷ adj   2 relating to the shorter lateral axis of a rhombic prism

brachydome (ˈbrækIˌdəʊm)   n   crystallog a dome whose face is parallel to the brachydiagonal axis in a crystal

brachygraphy (brəˈkIɡrəfI)   n   shorthand; stenography

brachylogy (bræˈkIlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 a concise style in speech or writing   2 a colloquial shortened form of expression that is not the result of a regular grammatical process: the omission of "good" in the expression "Afternoon" is a brachylogy   > braˈchylogous adj

brachyodont (ˈbrækIəˌdɒnt)   adj   (of mammals, such as humans) having teeth with short crowns

brachypinakoid (ˌbrækIˈpInəˌkɔId)   n   crystallog the side parallel to the shorter horizontal axis in a crystal

brachyprism (ˈbrækIˌprIzəm)   n   crystallog the four faces parallel to the brachyaxis in a crystal

brachypterous (bræˈkIptərəs)   adj   having very short or incompletely developed wings: brachypterous insects   > braˈchypterism n

brachytherapy (ˌbrækIˈθɛrəpI)   n   a form of radiotherapy in which sealed sources of radioactive material are inserted temporarily into body cavities or directly into tumours

brachyuran (ˌbrækIˈjʊərən), brachyural (ˌbrækIˈjʊərəl) or brachyurous (ˌbrækIˈjʊərəs)   n   1 any decapod crustacean of the group (formerly suborder) Brachyura, which includes the crabs   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Brachyura [C19: from New Latin Brachyura (literally: short-tailed creatures), from BRACHY- + Greek oura tail]

bracing (ˈbreIsIŋ)   adj   1 refreshing; stimulating; invigorating: the air here is bracing   ▷ n   2 a system of braces used to strengthen or support: the bracing supporting the building is perfectly adequate   > ˈbracingly adv

braciola (ˌbrɑːʃIˈəʊlə; Italian bratʃˈɔla)   n, pl -iole   (in Italian cooking) a thin slice of pan-fried beef

brack (bræk)   n   Irish another name for barmbrack

bracken (ˈbrækən)   n   1 Also called: brake any of various large coarse ferns, esp Pteridium aquilinum, having large fronds with spore cases along the undersides and extensive underground stems   2 a clump of any of these ferns [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish bräken, Danish bregne]

bracket (ˈbrækIt)   n   1 an L-shaped or other support fixed to a wall to hold a shelf, etc   2 one or more wall shelves carried on brackets   3 architect a support projecting from the side of a wall or other structure. See also corbel, ancon, console^2   4 Also called: square bracket either of a pair of characters, [ ], used to enclose a section of writing or printing to separate it from the main text   5 a general name for parenthesis, square bracket, brace (sense 6)   6 a group or category falling within or between certain defined limits: the lower income bracket   7 the distance between two preliminary shots of artillery fire in range-finding   8 a skating figure consisting of two arcs meeting at a point, tracing the shape ⋎   ▷ vb -kets, -keting, -keted (tr)   9 to fix or support by means of a bracket or brackets   10 to put (written or printed matter) in brackets, esp as being irrelevant, spurious, or bearing a separate relationship of some kind to the rest of the text   11 to couple or join (two lines of text, etc) with a brace   12 (often foll by with) to group or class together: to bracket Marx with the philosophers   13 to adjust (artillery fire) until the target is hit [C16: from Old French braguette codpiece, diminutive of bragues breeches, from Old Provençal braga, from Latin brāca breeches]

■ bracket fungus   n   any saprotroph or parasitic fungus of the basidiomycetous family Polyporaceae, growing as a shelflike mass (bracket) from tree trunks and producing spores in vertical tubes in the bracket

■ bracketing (ˈbrækItIŋ)   n   1 a set of brackets   2 photog a technique in which a series of test pictures are taken at different exposure levels in order to obtain the optimum exposure

brackish (ˈbrækIʃ)   adj   (of water) slightly briny or salty [C16: from Middle Dutch brac salty; see -ISH]   > ˈbrackishness n

Bracknell (ˈbræknəl)   n   a town in SE England, in Bracknell Forest unitary authority, Berkshire, designated a new town in 1949. Pop: 70 795 (2001)

■ Bracknell Forest   n   a unitary authority in SE England, in E Berkshire. Pop: 110 100 (2003 est). Area: 109 sq km (42 sq miles)

braconid (ˈbrækənId) entomol   n   1 any member of the Braconidae, a family of parasitoid wasps   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Braconidae

bract (brækt)   n   a specialized leaf, usually smaller than the foliage leaves, with a single flower or inflorescence growing in its axil [C18: from New Latin bractea, Latin: thin metal plate, gold leaf, variant of brattea, of obscure origin]   > ˈbracteal adj   > ˈbractless adj

■ bracteate (ˈbræktIIt, -ˌeIt)   adj   1 (of a plant) having bracts   ▷ n   2 archaeol a fine decorated dish or plate of precious metal [C19: from Latin bracteātus gold-plated; see BRACT]

bracteole (ˈbræktIˌəʊl)   n   a secondary bract subtending a flower within an inflorescence. Also called: bractlet [C19: from New Latin bracteola, from bractea thin metal plate; see BRACT]   > bracteolate (ˈbræktIəlIt, -ˌleIt) adj

brad (bræd)   n   a small tapered nail having a small head that is either symmetrical or formed on one side only [Old English brord point, prick; related to Old Norse broddr spike, sting, Old High German brort edge]

■ bradawl (ˈbrædˌɔːl)   n   an awl used to pierce wood, leather, or other materials for the insertion of brads, screws, etc

Bradbury (ˈbrædbrI)   n   1  Sir Malcolm (Stanley). 1932–2000, British novelist and critic. His novels include The History Man (1975), Rates of Exchange (1983), Cuts (1988), and Doctor Criminale (1992)   2  Ray. 1920–2012, US science-fiction writer. His novels include Fahrenheit 451 (1953), Death is a Lonely Business (1986), and A Graveyard for Lunatics (1990)

Bradford (ˈbrædfəd)   n   1 an industrial city in N England, in Bradford unitary authority, West Yorkshire: a centre of the woollen industry from the 14th century and of the worsted trade from the 18th century; university (1966). Pop: 293 717 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in West Yorkshire. Pop: 477 800 (2003 est). Area: 370 sq km (143 sq miles)

■ Bradford score   n   a measure of the amount of time during which an employee is absent from work, based on assigning a number of points according to the frequency and length of absences

Bradlaugh (ˈbrædlɔː)   n   Charles. 1833–91, British radical and freethinker: barred from taking his seat in parliament (1880–86) for refusing to take the parliamentary oath

Bradley (ˈbrædlI)   n   1  A(ndrew) C(ecil). 1851–1935, English critic; author of Shakespearian Tragedy (1904)   2  F(rancis) H(erbert). 1846–1924, English idealist philosopher and metaphysical thinker; author of Ethical Studies (1876), Principles of Logic (1883), and Appearance and Reality (1893)   3  Henry. 1845–1923, English lexicographer; one of the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary   4  James. 1693–1762, English astronomer, who discovered the aberration of light and the nutation of the earth's axis

■ Bradley effect   n   the distortion of opinion polls caused by the reluctance of respondents to admit to a preference that is regarded as socially unacceptable [C20: after the failure of polls to predict the defeat of Tom Bradley (1917–98), an African-American candidate, in the 1982 election for the governorship of California]

Bradman (ˈbrædmən)   n   Sir Don(ald George). 1908–2001, Australian cricketer; in 52 test matches (1928–48) he scored 6,996 runs at an average of 99.94, by far the game's highest

■ Bradmanesque (ˌbrædməˈnɛsk)   adj   cricket (of a batsman or innings) reminiscent of Sir Don Bradman in terms of dominance over the opposing bowlers

Bradshaw (ˈbrædˌʃɔː)   n   a British railway timetable, published annually from 1839 to 1961 [C19: named after its original publisher, George Bradshaw (1801–53)]

Bradstreet (ˈbrædˌstriːt)   n   Anne (Dudley). ?1612–72, US poet, born in England: regarded as the first significant US poet

brady-   combining form   indicating slowness: bradycardia [from Greek bradus slow]

bradycardia (ˌbrædIˈkɑːdIə)   n   pathol an abnormally low rate of heartbeat. Compare tachycardia   > bradycardiac (ˌbrædIˈkɑːdIˌæk) adj

bradykinesia (ˌbrædIkIˈniːzIə)   n   physiol abnormal slowness of physical movement, esp as an effect of Parkinson's disease [C20: from BRADY- + Greek kinēsis motion]

bradykinin (ˌbrædIˈkaInIn, ˌbreIdI-)   n   a peptide in blood plasma that dilates blood vessels and causes contraction of smooth muscles. Formula: C_50H_73N_15O_11 [C20: from BRADY- + Greek kin(ēsis) motion + -IN]

bradypeptic (ˌbrædIˈpɛptIk)   n   1 a person with slow digestion   ▷ adj   2 having slow digestion

bradyseism (ˌbrædIˈsaIzəm)   n   a gradual rise or fall in the earth's crust

brae (breI; Scottish bre)   n Scot   1 a hill or hillside; slope   2 (plural) an upland area: the Gleniffer Braes [C14 bra; related to Old Norse brā eyelash, Old High German brāwa eyelid, eyebrow; compare BROW]

■ braeheid (breˈhiːd)   n   Scot the summit of a hill or slope

Braeburn (ˈbreIˌbɜːn)   n   a variety of eating apple from New Zealand having sweet flesh and green and red skin

Braemar (ˌbreIˈmɑː)   n   a village in NE Scotland, in Aberdeenshire; Balmoral Castle is nearby: site of the Royal Braemar Gathering, an annual Highland Games meeting

brag (bræɡ)   vb brags, bragging, bragged   1 to speak of (one's own achievements, possessions, etc) arrogantly and boastfully   ▷ n   2 boastful talk or behaviour, or an instance of this   3 something boasted of: his brag was his new car   4 a braggart; boaster   5 a card game: an old form of poker [C13: of unknown origin]   > ˈbragger n   > ˈbragging n, adj   > ˈbraggingly adv

■ braggart (ˈbræɡət)   n   1 a person who boasts loudly or exaggeratedly; bragger   ▷ adj   2 boastful [C16: see BRAG]

■ braggartism (ˈbræɡətIzəm)   n   the activity of a braggart

■ braggartly (ˈbræɡətlI)   adv   in a braggart or boastful manner

■ bragging rights   pl n   notional privileges that are gained by defeating a close rival

■ braggy (ˈbræɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   boastful

Braga (Portuguese ˈbraɡə)   n   a city in N Portugal: capital of the Roman province of Lusitania; 12th-century cathedral, seat of the Primate of Portugal. Pop: 164 193 (2001). Ancient name: Bracara Augusta

Bragg (bræɡ)   n   1  Billy. born 1957, British rock singer and songwriter, noted for his political protest songs; recordings include Between the Wars (1985), Workers' Playtime (1988), Mermaid Avenue (1998), and England, Half English (2002)   2  Melvyn, Baron. born 1939, British novelist, broadcaster, and television executive; presenter of The South Bank Show since 1978   3  Sir William Henry. 1862–1942, British physicist, who shared a Nobel prize for physics (1915) with his son, for their study of crystal structures by means of X-rays   4  his son, Sir (William) Lawrence, 1890–1971, British physicist

■ Bragg's law   n   the principle that when a beam of X-rays of wavelength λ enters a crystal, the maximum intensity of the reflected ray occurs when sin θ = nλ/2d, where θ is the complement of the angle of incidence, n is a whole number, and d is the distance between layers of atoms [C20: named after William and Lawrence BRAGG]

braggadocio (ˌbræɡəˈdəʊtʃIˌəʊ)   n, pl -os   1 vain empty boasting   2 a person who boasts; braggart [C16: from Braggadocchio, name of a boastful character in Spenser's Faerie Queene; probably from BRAGGART + Italian -occhio (augmentative suffix)]

■ braggadocious (ˌbræɡəˈdəʊʃəs)   adj   US informal boastful [C20: from BRAGGADOCIO]

Bragi (ˈbrɑːɡI) or Brage (ˈbrɑːɡə)   n   Norse myth the god of poetry and music, son of Odin

bragly (ˈbræɡlI)   adv   obsolete in an ostentatious or proud manner

Brahe (brɑː, ˈbrɑːhI; Danish ˈbraːə)   n   Tycho (ˈtyːço). 1546–1601, Danish astronomer, who designed and constructed instruments that he used to plot accurately the positions of the planets, sun, moon, and stars

Brahma^1 (ˈbrɑːmə)   n   1 a Hindu god: in later Hindu tradition, the Creator who, with Vishnu, the Preserver, and Shiva, the Destroyer, constitutes the triad known as the Trimurti   2 another name for Brahman (sense 2) [from Sanskrit, from brahman praise]

Brahma^2 (ˈbrɑːmə, ˈbreI-)   n   a heavy breed of domestic fowl with profusely feathered legs and feet [C19: shortened from Brahmaputra (river); from its having been imported originally from Lakhimpur, a town on the Brahmaputra]

Brahman (ˈbrɑːmən)   n, pl -mans   1 Also called (esp formerly): Brahmin (sometimes not capital) a member of the highest or priestly caste in the Hindu caste system   2 Hinduism the ultimate and impersonal divine reality of the universe, from which all being originates and to which it returns   3 another name for Brahma^1 [C14: from Sanskrit brāhmana, from brahman prayer]   > Brahmanic (brɑːˈmænIk) or Brahˈmanical adj

■ Brahmanism (ˈbrɑːməˌnIzəm)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 also: Brahminism a religious and social system based on the writings, rituals and social pre-eminence of the priestly caste of Hindu society   2 an ancient religious system based on the Vedas and other priestly writings, regarded as a precursor of classical Hinduism   > ˈBrahmanist n

USAGE

The use of Brahmanism as a synonym for Hinduism is likely to cause offence and should be avoided

Brahmana (ˈbrɑːmənə)   n   Hinduism any of a number of sacred treatises added to each of the Vedas

Brahmani (ˈbrɑːmənI)   n, pl -nis   (sometimes not capital) a woman of the Brahman caste

Brahmaputra (ˌbrɑːməˈpuːtrə)   n   a river in S Asia, rising in SW Tibet as the Tsangpo and flowing through the Himalayas and NE India to join the Ganges at its delta in Bangladesh. Length: about 2900 km (1800 miles)

Brahmin (ˈbrɑːmIn)   n, pl -min or -mins   1 the older spelling of Brahman (sense 1)   2 (in the US) a highly intelligent or socially exclusive person, esp a member of one of the older New England families   3 an intellectual or social snob   > Brahˈminic or Brahˈminical adj

Brahms (brɑːmz)   n   Johannes (joˈhanəs). 1833–97, German composer, whose music, though classical in form, exhibits a strong lyrical romanticism. His works include four symphonies, four concertos, chamber music, and A German Requiem (1868)

Brahui (brɑːˈhuːI)   n   1 a language spoken in Pakistan, forming an isolated branch of the Dravidian family   2 (pl -hui or -huis) a member of the people that speaks this language

braid^1 (breId)   vb (tr)   1 to interweave several strands of (hair, thread, etc); plait   2 to make by such weaving: to braid a rope   3 to dress or bind (the hair) with a ribbon, etc   4 to decorate with an ornamental trim or border: to braid a skirt   ▷ n   5 a length of hair, fabric, etc, that has been braided; plait   6 narrow ornamental tape of woven silk, wool, etc [Old English bregdan to move suddenly, weave together; compare Old Norse bregtha, Old High German brettan to draw a sword]   > ˈbraider n

■ braided (ˈbreIdId)   adj   (of a river or stream) flowing in several shallow interconnected channels separated by banks of deposited material

■ braiding (ˈbreIdIŋ)   n   1 braids collectively   2 work done in braid   3 a piece of braid

braid^2 (bred, breId) Scot   adj   1 broad   ▷ adv   2 broadly; frankly [Scot variant of BROAD]

braide (breId)   adj   given to deceit

brail (breIl) nautical   n   1 one of several lines fastened to the leech of a fore-and-aft sail to aid in furling it   ▷ vb   2 (tr; sometimes foll by up) to furl (a fore-and-aft sail) using brails [C15: from Old French braiel, from Medieval Latin brācāle belt for breeches, from Latin brāca breeches]

Brăila (Romanian brəˈila)   n   a port in E Romania: belonged to Turkey (1544–1828). Pop: 192 000 (2005 est)

Braille^1 (breIl)   n   1 a system of writing for blind people consisting of raised dots that can be interpreted by touch, each dot or group of dots representing a letter, numeral, or punctuation mark   2 any writing produced by this method. Compare Moon^1   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to print or write using this method

■ brailler (ˈbreIlə)   n   1 a device for producing text in Braille   2 a person who transcribes or creates Braille. Also called: braillewriter

■ braillist (ˈbreIlIst)   n   a person who transcribes or creates Braille

Braille^2 (French braj)   n   Louis (lwi). 1809–52, French inventor, musician, and teacher of blind people, who himself was blind from the age of three and who devised the Braille system of raised writing

brain (breIn)   n   1 the soft convoluted mass of nervous tissue within the skull of vertebrates that is the controlling and coordinating centre of the nervous system and the seat of thought, memory, and emotion. It includes the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum. Technical name: encephalon. Related adjectives: cerebral, encephalic   2 the main neural bundle or ganglion of certain invertebrates   3 (often plural) informal intellectual ability: he's got brains   4 informal shrewdness or cunning   5 informal an intellectual or intelligent person   6 (usually plural; functioning as singular) informal a person who plans and organizes an undertaking or is in overall control of an organization, etc   7 an electronic device, such as a computer, that performs apparently similar functions to the human brain   8 on the brain constantly in mind: I had that song on the brain   9 pick someone's brain to obtain information or ideas from someone   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to smash the skull of   11 slang to hit hard on the head [Old English brægen; related to Old Frisian brein, Middle Low German bregen, Greek brekhmos forehead]

■ brainbox (ˈbreInˌbɒks)   n slang   1 the skull   2 a clever person

■ brain candy   n   informal something that is entertaining or enjoyable but lacks depth or significance

■ braincase (ˈbreInˌkeIs)   n   the part of the cranium that protects the brain

■ brainchild (ˈbreInˌtʃaIld)   n, pl -children   informal an idea or plan produced by creative thought; invention

■ brain coral   n   a stony coral of the genus Meandrina, in which the polyps lie in troughlike thecae resembling the convoluted surface of a human brain

■ brain-damaged   adj   having brain damage

■ braindead (ˈbreInˌdɛd)   adj   1 having suffered brain death   2 informal not using or showing intelligence; stupid

■ brain death   n   irreversible cessation of respiration due to irreparable brain damage, even though the heart may continue beating with the aid of a mechanical ventilator: widely considered as the criterion of death. Also called: cerebral death

■ brain drain   n   informal the emigration of scientists, technologists, academics, etc, for better pay, equipment, or conditions

■ -brained   adj   (in combination) having a mind of the type specified: hare-brained; scatter-brained

■ brain fever   n   inflammation of the brain or its covering membranes

■ brain-fever bird   n   an Indian cuckoo, Cuculus varius, that utters a repetitive call

■ brain fingerprinting   n   a technique in which sensors worn on the head are used to measure the involuntary brain activity of someone in response to certain images or pieces of evidence pertaining to a crime

■ brainfood (ˈbreInˌfuːd)   n   any foodstuff containing nutrients thought to promote brain function, such as oily fish which is rich in omega-3 oils

■ brain gain   n   informal the immigration into a country of scientists, technologists, academics, etc, attracted by better pay, equipment, or conditions

■ brainiac (ˈbreInIˌæk)   n   informal a highly intelligent person [C20: from a super-intelligent character in an American comic strip]

■ brainish (ˈbreInIʃ)   adj   archaic impulsive or impetuous

■ brainless (ˈbreInlIs)   adj   stupid or foolish   > ˈbrainlessly adv   > ˈbrainlessness n

■ brainpan (ˈbreInˌpæn)   n   informal the skull

■ brainpower (ˈbreInˌpaʊə)   n   intelligence; mental ability

■ brainsick (ˈbreInˌsIk)   adj   relating to or caused by insanity; crazy; mad   > ˈbrainˌsickly adv   > ˈbrainˌsickness n

■ brainstem (ˈbreInˌstɛm)   n   the stalklike part of the brain consisting of the medulla oblongata, the midbrain, and the pons Varolii

■ brainstorm (ˈbreInˌstɔːm)   n   1 a severe outburst of excitement, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity   2 Brit informal a sudden mental aberration   3 informal another word for brainwave   4 a session of intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas   ▷ vb   5 to hold a brainstorming session

■ brainstormer (ˈbreInˌstɔːmə)   n   informal a person who brainstorms

■ brainstorming (ˈbreInˌstɔːmIŋ)   n   intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas

■ brains trust   n   1 a group of knowledgeable people who discuss topics in public or on radio or television   2 Also called: brain trust US a group of experts who advise the government

■ brain-teaser or brain-twister   n   informal a difficult problem

■ brain up   vb (tr)   to make more intellectually demanding or sophisticated: we need to brain up the curriculum

■ brainwash (ˈbreInˌwɒʃ)   vb   (tr) to effect a radical change in the ideas and beliefs of (a person), esp by methods based on isolation, sleeplessness, hunger, extreme discomfort, pain, and the alternation of kindness and cruelty   > ˈbrainˌwasher n   > ˈbrainˌwashing n

■ brainwave (ˈbreInˌweIv)   n   informal a sudden inspiration or idea. Also called: brainstorm

■ brain wave   n   any of the fluctuations of electrical potential in the brain as represented on an electroencephalogram. They vary in frequency from 1 to 30 hertz. See also alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm

■ brainwork (ˈbreInwɜːk)   n   intellectual effort

■ brainy (ˈbreInI)   adj brainier, brainiest   informal clever; intelligent   > ˈbrainily adv   > ˈbraininess n

Braine (breIn)   n   John (Gerard). 1922–86, English novelist, whose works include Room at the Top (1957) and Life at the Top (1962)

braird (brɛəd) Scot dialect   n   1 the first shoots of grass or crops   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to sprout, to appear as shoots

braise (breIz)   vb   to cook (meat, vegetables, etc) by lightly browning in fat and then cooking slowly in a closed pan with a small amount of liquid [C18: from French braiser, from Old French brese live coals, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old English brædan, Old High German brātan to roast]

■ braised (breIzd)   adj   cooked by braising

brak^1 (brak)   adj   South African (of water) brackish or salty [C19: Afrikaans]

brak^2 (brak)   n   South African a mongrel dog [C20: from Afrikaans, literally: setter]

brake^1 (breIk)   n   1    a (often plural) a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle, wheel, shaft, etc, or for keeping it stationary, esp by means of friction. See also drum brake, disc brake, hydraulic brake, air brake, handbrake   b (as modifier): the brake pedal   2 a machine or tool for crushing or breaking flax or hemp to separate the fibres   3 Also called: brake harrow a heavy harrow for breaking up clods   4 short for brake van   5 short for shooting brake   6 an open four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage. Also spelt: break   7 an obsolete word for rack^1 (sense 4)   ▷ vb   8 to slow down or cause to slow down, by or as if by using a brake   9 (tr) to crush or break up using a brake [C18: from Middle Dutch braeke; related to breken to BREAK]   > ˈbrakeless adj

■ brakeage (ˈbreIkIdʒ)   n   the braking power of a vehicle, esp a train

■ brake band   n   a strip of fabric, leather, or metal tightened around a pulley or shaft to act as a brake

■ brake drum   n   the cast-iron drum attached to the hub of a wheel of a motor vehicle fitted with drum brakes. See also brake shoe

■ brake-fade   n   the decrease in efficiency of braking of a motor vehicle due to overheating of the brakes

■ brake fluid   n   an oily liquid used to transmit pressure in a hydraulic brake or clutch system

■ brake horsepower   n   the rate at which an engine does work, expressed in horsepower. It is measured by the resistance of an applied brake. Abbreviation: bhp

■ brake light   n   a red light attached to the rear of a motor vehicle that lights up when the brakes are applied, serving as a warning to following drivers. Also called: stoplight

■ brake lining   n   a curved thin strip of an asbestos composition riveted to a brake shoe to provide it with a renewable surface

■ brakeman (ˈbreIkmən)   n, pl -men   1 US and Canadian a crew member of a goods or passenger train whose duties include controlling auxiliary braking power and inspecting the train   2 the person at the back of a two- or four-person bobsleigh, who operates the brake

■ brake pad   n   the flat metal casting, together with the bound friction material, in a disc brake

■ brake parachute   n   a parachute attached to the rear of a vehicle and opened to assist braking. Also called: brake chute, parachute brake, parabrake

■ brake shoe   n   1 the curved metal casting to which the brake lining is riveted in a drum brake   2 the curved metal casting together with the attached brake lining   ▶ Sometimes shortened to: shoe

■ brakesman (ˈbreIksmən)   n, pl -men   a pithead winch operator

■ brake van   n   railways, Brit the coach or vehicle from which the guard applies the brakes; guard's van

■ braking (ˈbreIkIŋ)   n     a the act or process of slowing or stopping a vehicle, wheel, shaft, etc, or for keeping it stationary, esp by means of friction   b (as modifier): a braking system

brake^2 (breIk)   n   an area of dense undergrowth, shrubs, brushwood, etc; thicket [Old English bracu; related to Middle Low German brake, Old French bracon branch]

■ braky (ˈbreIkI)   adj brakier, brakiest   overgrown with brambles or ferns

brake^3 (breIk)   n   another name for bracken (sense 1). See also rock brake

brake^4 (breIk)   vb   archaic, chiefly biblical a past tense of break

Brakpan (ˈbrækˌpæn)   n   a city in E South Africa: gold-mining centre. Pop: 62 116 (2001)

Bramante (Italian braˈmante)   n   Donato (doˈnato). ?1444–1514, Italian architect and artist of the High Renaissance. He modelled his designs for domed centrally planned churches on classical Roman architecture

bramble (ˈbræmbəl)   n   1 any of various prickly herbaceous plants or shrubs of the rosaceous genus Rubus, esp the blackberry. See also stone bramble   2 Scot   a a blackberry   b (as modifier): bramble jelly   3 any of several similar and related shrubs   ▷ vb (intr)   4 to gather blackberries [Old English brǣmbel; related to Old Saxon brāmal, Old High German brāmo]   > ˈbrambly adj

brambling (ˈbræmblIŋ)   n   a Eurasian finch, Fringilla montifringilla, with a speckled head and back and, in the male, a reddish brown breast and darker wings and tail

brame (breIm)   n   a fierce passion or vexation

Bramley (ˈbræmlI) or Bramley's seedling   n   a variety of cooking apple having juicy firm flesh [C19: named after Matthew Bramley, 19th-century English butcher, said to have first grown it]

bran (bræn)   n   1 husks of cereal grain separated from the flour by sifting   2 food prepared from these husks ▶ Related adjective: furfuraceous [C13: from Old French, probably of Gaulish origin]

■ branfulness (ˈbrænfʊlnIs)   n   obsolete (of flour) the state of being unsifted and hence full of bran

■ branner (ˈbrænə)   n   a person or machine that cleans metal plates using bran

■ branny (ˈbrænI)   adj -nier, -niest   1 having the appearance or texture of bran   2 abounding in bran

■ bran tub   n   (in Britain) a tub containing bran in which small wrapped gifts are hidden, used at parties, fairs, etc

Branagh (ˈbrænə)   n   Sir Kenneth. born 1961, British actor and director, born in Northern Ireland. He founded the Renaissance Theatre Company in 1986. His films include Henry V (1989), Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994), Hamlet (1997), and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

brancard (ˈbrænkəd)   n   a litter hung on poles, carried between two horses, one in front and the other behind

branch (brɑːntʃ)   n   1 a secondary woody stem arising from the trunk or bough of a tree or the main stem of a shrub   2 a subdivision of the stem or root of any other plant   3 an offshoot or secondary part: a branch of a deer's antlers   4    a a subdivision or subsidiary section of something larger or more complex: branches of learning; branch of the family   b (as modifier): a branch office   5 US any small stream   6 maths a section of a curve separated from the rest of the curve by discontinuities or special points   7 Also called: jump computing a departure from the normal sequence of programmed instructions into a separate program area   8 an alternative route in an atomic or nuclear decay series   ▷ vb   9 (intr) (of a tree or other plant) to produce or possess branches   10 (intr; usually foll by from) (of stems, roots, etc) to grow and diverge (from another part)   11 to divide or be divided into subsidiaries or offshoots   12 (intr; often foll by off) to diverge from the main way, road, topic, etc [C13: from Old French branche, from Late Latin branca paw, foot]   > ˈbranchless adj   > ˈbranchˌlike adj   > ˈbranchy adj

■ branched chain   n   chem an open chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to it. Compare straight chain

■ brancher (ˈbræntʃə)   n   a young bird which has left the nest but which is not yet fully able to fly

■ branchery (ˈbræntʃərI)   pl n, pl -ries   a group or system of branches

■ branching (ˈbrɑːntʃIŋ)   n   physics the occurrence of several decay paths (branches) in the disintegration of a particular nuclide or the de-excitation of an excited atom. The branching fraction (nuclear) or branching ratio (atomic) is the proportion of the disintegrating nuclei that follow a particular branch to the total number of disintegrating nuclides

■ branch instruction   n   computing a machine-language or assembly-language instruction that causes the computer to branch to another instruction

■ branchlet (ˈbræntʃlət)   n   a small branch

■ branch line or branchline (ˈbrɑːntʃˌlaIn)   n   railways a secondary route to a place or places not served by a main line

■ branch officer   n   (in the British navy since 1949) any officer who holds warrant

■ branch out   vb   (intr, adverb; often foll by into) to expand or extend one's interests: our business has branched out into computers now

■ branch plant or branch factory   n   Canadian a plant or factory in Canada belonging to a company whose headquarters are in another country

branch-   adj combining form, n combining form   (in zoology) indicating gills: lamellibranch [from Latin: BRANCHIA]

branchia (ˈbræŋkIə)   n, pl -chiae (-kIˌiː)   a gill in aquatic animals [from Latin, from Greek brankhia, plural of brankhion fin]   > ˈbranchiˌate adj

■ branchial (ˈbræŋkIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the gills of an aquatic animal, esp a fish   2 of or relating to homologous structures in higher vertebrates: branchial cyst

branchiopod (ˈbræŋkIəˌpɒd)   n   any crustacean of the mainly freshwater subclass Branchiopoda, having flattened limblike appendages for swimming, feeding, and respiration. The group includes the water fleas

branchiostegal (ˌbræŋkIəˈstiːɡəl)   adj   zoology of or relating to the operculum covering the gill slits of fish: branchiostegal membrane; branchiostegal rays [from BRANCHIA + Greek stegos roof]

Brancusi (bræŋˈkuːzI; Romanian briŋˈkuʃj)   n   Constantin (konstanˈtin). 1876–1957, Romanian sculptor, noted for his streamlined abstractions of animal forms

brand (brænd)   n   1 a particular product or a characteristic that serves to identify a particular product   2 a trade name or trademark   3 a particular kind or variety: he had his own brand of humour   4 an identifying mark made, usually by burning, on the skin of animals or (formerly) slaves or criminals, esp as a proof of ownership   5 an iron heated and used for branding animals, etc   6 an identifying characteristic: the book bears the brand of the author's optimism   7 a burning or burnt piece of wood, as in a fire   8 archaic or poetic   a a flaming torch   b a sword   9 a fungal disease of garden plants characterized by brown spots on the leaves, caused by the rust fungus Puccinia arenariae   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to label, burn, or mark with or as with a brand   11 to place indelibly in the memory: the scene was branded in their minds   12 to denounce; stigmatize: they branded the group traitors   13 to give a product a distinctive identity by means of characteristic design, packaging, etc [Old English brand-, related to Old Norse brandr, Old High German brant; see BURN^1]   > ˈbrander n   > ˈbranding n

■ brand awareness   n   marketing the extent to which consumers are aware of a particular product or service

■ brand contamination   n   the process by which the reputation of a particular brand or product becomes tarnished by adverse publicity

■ branded (ˈbrændId)   adj   identifiable as being the product of a particular manufacturer or marketing company

■ brand extension   n   marketing the practice of using a well-known brand name to promote new products or services in unrelated fields. Also called: brand stretching

■ brand image   n   the attributes of a brand as perceived by potential and actual customers

■ branding-iron   n   an iron heated and used for branding animals, etc

■ brand leader   n   marketing a product with the highest number of total sales within its category

■ brandless (ˈbrændlIs)   adj   having or displaying no brand

■ brand name   n   another name for brand (sense 2)

■ brand Nazi   n   informal a person who insists on buying one particular brand of clothing or other commodity

■ brand-new   adj   absolutely new [C16: from BRAND (n) + NEW, likened to newly forged iron]

■ brand stretching   n   marketing another name for brand extension

brandade (French brɑ̃dad)   n   a Provençal dish of salt cod puréed with olive oil and milk [French, from Modern Provençal brandado, literally: something that has been shaken]

Brandenburg (ˈbrændənˌbɜːɡ; German ˈbrandənbʊrk)   n   1 a state in NE Germany, part of East Germany until 1990. A former electorate, it expanded under the Hohenzollerns to become the kingdom of Prussia (1701). The district east of the Oder River became Polish in 1945. Capital: Potsdam. Pop: 2 575 000 (2003 est). Area: 29 481 sq km (11 219 sq miles)   2 a city in NE Germany: former capital of the Prussian province of Brandenburg. Pop: 75 485 (2003 est)

brandise (ˈbrænˌdaIz)   n   obsolete a trivet

brandish (ˈbrændIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to wave or flourish (a weapon) in a triumphant, threatening, or ostentatious way   ▷ n   2 a threatening or defiant flourish [C14: from Old French brandir, from brand sword, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brant weapon]   > ˈbrandisher n

brandling (ˈbrændlIŋ)   n   a small red earthworm, Eisenia foetida (or Helodrilus foetidus), found in manure and used as bait by anglers [C17: from BRAND + -LING^1]

Brando (ˈbrændəʊ)   n   Marlon. 1924–2004, US actor; his films include On the Waterfront (1954) and The Godfather (1972), for both of which he won Oscars, Last Tango in Paris (1972), Apocalypse Now (1979), A Dry White Season (1989), and Don Juan de Marco (1995)

brandreth (ˈbrændrIθ)   n obsolete   1 a gridiron, iron trivet, or tripod   2 a wooden frame used to support an object or a structure

Brandt (brænt)   n   1  Bill, full name William Brandt. 1905–83, British photographer. His photographic books include The English at Home (1936) and Perspectives of Nudes (1961)   2  Georg (ˈɡeIɔːɡ). 1694–1768, Swedish chemist, who isolated cobalt (1742) and exposed fraudulent alchemists   3 (German brant) Willy (ˈvIli). 1913–92, German statesman; socialist chancellor of West Germany (1969–74); chairman of the Social Democratic party (1964–87). His policy of détente and reconciliation with E Europe brought him international acclaim. Nobel peace prize 1971

brandy (ˈbrændI)   n, pl -dies   1 an alcoholic drink consisting of spirit distilled from grape wine   2 a distillation of wines made from other fruits: plum brandy [C17: from earlier brandewine, from Dutch brandewijn burnt wine, from bernen to burn or distil + wijn WINE; compare German Branntwein]

■ brandy bottle   n   another name for a yellow water lily

■ brandy butter   n   butter and sugar creamed together with brandy and served with Christmas pudding, etc. Also called: hard sauce

■ brandy snap   n   a crisp sweet biscuit, rolled into a cylinder after baking and often filled with whipped cream

brane (breIn)   n   physics a hypothetical component of string theory

brangle (ˈbræŋɡəl) obsolete   n   1 a squabble, dispute, or wrangle   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to squabble, dispute, or wrangle

■ branglings (ˈbræŋɡəlIŋz)   pl n   obsolete a series of squabbles or disputes

brank (bræŋk)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect (esp of horses) to prance or strut

■ branky (ˈbræŋkI)   adj brankier, brankiest   Scot dialect ostentatious; showy

branks (bræŋks)   pl n   (formerly) an iron bridle used to restrain scolding women [C16: of unknown origin]

brankursine (bræŋkˈɜːsIn, ˈbræŋkəsIn)   n   a bear's-breech, a type of acanthus plant

branle (ˈbrænəl)   n   an old French country dance performed in a linked circle [C17: from Old French branler to shake, variant of brandir to BRANDISH]

brannigan (ˈbrænIɡən)   n   1 a noisy quarrel   2 US slang a drinking spree

Branson (ˈbrænsən)   n   Sir Richard. born 1950, British entrepreneur. In 1969 he founded the Virgin record company, adding other interests later, including Virgin Atlantic Airways (1984), Virgin Radio (1993), and the Virgin Rail Group (1996): made the fastest crossing of the Atlantic by boat (1986) and the first of the Pacific by hot-air balloon (1991)

brant (brænt)   n, pl brants or brant   US and Canadian a small goose, Branta bernicla, that has a dark grey plumage and short neck and occurs in most northern coastal regions. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): brent goose

brantail (ˈbrænˌteIl)   n Yorkshire dialect   a redstart

Brantford (ˈbræntfəd)   n   a city in central Canada, in SW Ontario. Pop: 86 417 (2001)

Branting (Swedish ˈbrantiŋ)   n   Karl Hjalmar (ˈjalmar). 1860–1925, Swedish politician; prime minister (1920; 1921–23; 1924–25). He founded Sweden's welfare state and shared the Nobel peace prize 1921

brantle (ˈbræntəl)   n   obsolete a French dance

brap (bræp)   interj   slang an exclamation used to imitate the sound of a burst of gunfire from an automatic weapon [C21: imitative]

Braque (French brak)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ). 1882–1963, French painter who developed cubism (1908–14) with Picasso

brasco (ˈbræskəʊ)   n   Austral slang a lavatory [from a toilet manufacturer named Brass Co]

brasero (brɑːˈsɛərəʊ)   n   1 a large metal tray for holding burning coals   2 a heater placed under the table, commonly used in Spain

brash^1 (bræʃ)   adj   1 tastelessly or offensively loud, showy, or bold   2 hasty; rash   3 impudent [C19: perhaps influenced by RASH^1]   > ˈbrashly adv   > ˈbrashness n

■ brashy (ˈbræʃI)   adj brashier, brashiest   1 loosely fragmented; rubbishy   2 (of timber) brittle   > ˈbrashiness n

brash^2 (bræʃ)   n   loose rubbish, such as broken rock, hedge clippings, etc; debris [C18: of unknown origin]

brash^3 (bræʃ)   n   pathol another name for heartburn [C16: perhaps of imitative origin]

brasier (ˈbreIzIə)   n   a less common spelling of brazier^1

brasil (brəˈzIl)   n   a variant spelling of brazil

Brasil (brəˈziːl)   n   the Portuguese spelling of Brazil

brasilein (brəˈzIlIIn)   n   a variant spelling of brazilein

Brasília (brəˈzIljə; Portuguese brəˈzilja)   n   the capital of Brazil (since 1960), on the central plateau: the former capital was Rio de Janeiro. Pop: 4 155 476 (2015 est)

brasilin (ˈbræzIlIn)   n   a variant spelling of brazilin

Braşov (Romanian braˈʃov)   n   an industrial city in central Romania: formerly a centre for expatriate Germans; ceded by Hungary to Romania in 1920. Pop: 249 000 (2005 est). Former name (1950–61): Stalin. German name: Kronstadt. Hungarian name: Brassó

brass (brɑːs)   n   1 an alloy of copper and zinc containing more than 50 per cent of copper. Alpha brass (containing less than 35 per cent of zinc) is used for most engineering materials requiring forging, pressing, etc. Alpha-beta brass (35–45 per cent zinc) is used for hot working and extrusion. Beta brass (45–50 per cent zinc) is used for castings. Small amounts of other metals, such as lead or tin, may be added. Compare bronze (sense 1)   2 an object, ornament, or utensil made of brass   3    a the large family of wind instruments including the trumpet, trombone, French horn, etc, each consisting of a brass tube blown directly by means of a cup- or funnel-shaped mouthpiece   b (sometimes functioning as plural) instruments of this family forming a section in an orchestra   c (as modifier): a brass ensemble   4 a renewable sleeve or bored semicylindrical shell made of brass or bronze, used as a liner for a bearing   5 (functioning as plural) informal important or high-ranking officials, esp military officers: the top brass. See also brass hat   6 Northern English dialect money: where there's muck, there's brass!   7 Brit an engraved brass memorial tablet or plaque, set in the wall or floor of a church   8 informal bold self-confidence; cheek; nerve: he had the brass to ask for more time   9 slang a prostitute   10 (modifier) of, consisting of, or relating to brass or brass instruments: a brass ornament; a brass band ▶ Related adjective: brazen [Old English bræs; related to Old Frisian bres copper, Middle Low German bras metal]

■ brassage (ˈbræsIdʒ)   n   obsolete a fee charged for coining money

■ brass band   n   See band^1 (sense 2)

■ brassbound (ˈbrɑːsˌbaʊnd)   adj   inflexibly entrenched: brassbound traditions

■ brassed off   adj   Brit slang fed up; disgruntled

■ brass farthing   n   Brit informal something of little or no value: his opinion isn't worth a brass farthing [C18: probably coined when farthings were first minted in bronze rather than silver]

■ brassfounder (ˈbrɑːsˌfaʊndə)   n   a person who makes things from brass

■ brassfounding (ˈbrɑːsˌfaʊndIŋ)   n   the practice of making things from brass

■ brass hat   n   Brit informal a top-ranking official, esp a military officer [C20: from the gold leaf decoration on the peaks of caps worn by officers of high rank]

■ brassie or brassy (ˈbræsI, ˈbrɑː-)   n, pl brassies   golf a former name for a club, a No. 2 wood, originally having a brass-plated sole and with a shallower face than a driver to give more loft

■ brassish (ˈbræsIʃ)   adj   like brass; brassy

■ brass neck   n   Brit informal effrontery; nerve

■ brass rubbing   n   1 the taking of an impression of an engraved brass tablet or plaque by placing a piece of paper over it and rubbing the paper with graphite, heelball, or chalk   2 an impression made in this way

■ brass tacks   pl n   informal basic realities; hard facts (esp in the phrase get down to brass tacks)

■ brassware (ˈbræswɛə)   n   (functioning as singular) articles made of brass, considered as a group

■ brassy (ˈbrɑːsI)   adj brassier, brassiest   1 insolent; brazen   2 flashy; showy   3 (of sound) harsh, strident, or resembling the sound of a brass instrument   4 like brass, esp in colour   5 decorated with or made of brass   6 a variant spelling of brassie   > ˈbrassily adv   > ˈbrassiness n

Brassaï (French brasai)   n   real name Gyula Halész. 1899–1984, French photographer, artist, and writer, born in Hungary: noted for his photographs of Paris by night

brassard (ˈbræsɑːd) or brassart (ˈbræsət)   n   1 an identifying armband or badge   2 a piece of armour for the upper arm [C19: from French, from bras arm, from Latin BRACHIUM]

brasserie (ˈbræsərI)   n   1 a bar in which drinks and often food are served   2 a small and usually cheap restaurant [C19: from French, from brasser to stir, brew]

brassica (ˈbræsIkə)   n   any plant of the genus Brassica, such as cabbage, rape, turnip, and mustard: family Brassicaceae (crucifers) [C19: from Latin: cabbage]   > brassicaceous (ˌbræsIˈkeIʃəs) adj

brassiere (ˈbræsIə, ˈbræz-)   n   a woman's undergarment for covering and supporting the breasts. Often shortened to: bra [C20: from C17 French: bodice, from Old French braciere a protector for the arm, from braz arm]

Brassó (ˈbrɔʃʃoː)   n   the Hungarian name for Braşov

brat^1 (bræt)   n   a child, esp one who is ill-mannered or unruly: used contemptuously or playfully [C16: perhaps special use of earlier brat rag, from Old English bratt cloak, of Celtic origin; related to Old Irish bratt cloth, BRAT^2]

■ bratling (ˈbrætlIŋ)   n   informal a small badly-behaved child

■ bratpack (ˈbrætˌpæk)   n   1 a group of precocious and successful young actors, writers, etc   2 a group of ill-mannered young people   > ˈbratˌpacker n

■ brattiness (ˈbrætInəs)   n   informal the quality of being bratty

■ bratty (ˈbrætI)   adj -tier, -tiest   informal behaving like a brat

brat^2 (bræt)   n   Northern English dialect an apron or overall [from Old English brat cloak; related to Old Irish bratt cloth used to cover the body]

bratchet (ˈbrætʃIt)   n   1 a brach or brachet hound   2 informal an unruly child; brat

Bratislava (ˌbrætIˈslɑːvə)   n   the capital of Slovakia since 1918, a port on the River Danube; capital of Hungary (1541–1784) and seat of the Hungarian parliament until 1848. Pop: 400 670 (2015 est). German name: Pressburg. Hungarian name: Pozsony

Brattain (ˈbrætən)   n   Walter Houser. 1902–87, US physicist, who shared the Nobel prize for physics (1956) with W. B. Shockley and John Bardeen for their invention of the transistor

brattice (ˈbrætIs)   n   1 a partition of wood or treated cloth used to control ventilation in a mine   2 medieval fortifications a fixed wooden tower or parapet   ▷ vb   3 (tr) mining to fit with a brattice [C13: from Old French bretesche wooden tower, from Medieval Latin breteschia, probably from Latin Britō a Briton]

■ bratticings (ˈbrætIsIŋz)   pl n   1 obsolete a series of temporary wooden housings erected on top of a wall, esp a castle wall   2 the brattices of a mine or pit

brattishing (ˈbrætIʃIŋ)   n   architect decorative work along the coping or on the cornice of a building [C16: variant of bratticing; see BRATTICE]

brattle (ˈbrætəl) Scot dialect   n   1 a rattling or clattering sound   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to make a rattling or clattering sound

■ brattlings (ˈbrætəlIŋz)   pl n   Scot dialect a series of rattling or clattering sounds

bratwurst (ˈbrɑːtˌwɜːst; German ˈbraːtvurst)   n   a type of small pork sausage [C20: German, from Old High German, from brāto meat + wurst sausage; related to Old Saxon brādo ham]

Braun (German braun)   n   1  Eva (ˈeːfa). 1910–45, Adolf Hitler's mistress, whom he married shortly before their suicides in 1945   2  Karl Ferdinand. 1850–1918, German physicist, who invented crystal diodes (leading to the development of crystal radio) and the oscilloscope. He shared the Nobel prize for physics (1909) with Marconi   3 See (Wernher) von Braun

braunite (ˈbraʊnaIt)   n   a brown or black mineral that consists of manganese oxide and silicate and is a source of manganese. Formula: 3Mn_2O_3.MnSiO_3 [C19: named after A. E. Braun (1809–56), German official in the treasury at Gotha]

Braunschweig (ˈbraunʃvaik)   n   the German name for Brunswick

■ braunschweiger (ˈbraʊnˌʃwaIɡə; German ˈbraunˌʃvaIɡə)   n   a smoked liver sausage, named after the city of Braunschweig

brava (ˈbrɑːvə)   interj   a shout of appreciation to a female performer

bravado (brəˈvɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -does or -dos   vaunted display of courage or self-confidence; swagger [C16: from Spanish bravada (modern bravata), from Old Italian bravare to challenge, provoke, from bravo wild, BRAVE]

Bravais lattice (ˈbræveI, brəˈveI)   n   crystallog any of 14 possible space lattices found in crystals [named after Auguste Bravais, 19th-century French physicist]

brave (breIv)   adj   1    a having or displaying courage, resolution, or daring; not cowardly or timid   b (as collective noun preceded by the): the brave   2 fine; splendid: a brave sight; a brave attempt   3 archaic excellent or admirable   ▷ n   4 a warrior of a Native American tribe   5 an obsolete word for bully^1   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to dare or defy: to brave the odds   7 to confront with resolution or courage: to brave the storm   8 obsolete to make splendid, esp in dress [C15: from French, from Italian bravo courageous, wild, perhaps ultimately from Latin barbarus BARBAROUS]   > ˈbravely adv   > ˈbraveness n   > ˈbravery n

bravissimo (brɑːˈvIsIˌməʊ)   interj   very well done! excellent! [C18: from Italian, superlative of BRAVO]

bravo   interj   1 (brɑːˈvəʊ) well done!   ▷ n   2 (brɑːˈvəʊ) (pl -vos) a cry of "bravo"   3 (ˈbrɑːvəʊ) (pl -voes or -vos) a hired killer or assassin [C18: from Italian: splendid!; see BRAVE]

Bravo (ˈbrɑːvəʊ)   n   communications a code word for the letter b

bravura (brəˈvjʊərə, -ˈvʊərə)   n   1 a display of boldness or daring   2 music   a brilliance of execution   b (as modifier): a bravura passage [C18: from Italian: spirit, courage, from bravare to show off, see BRAVADO]

braw (brɔː, brɑː) chiefly Scot   adj   1 fine or excellent, esp in appearance or dress   ▷ pl n   2 best clothes [C16: Scottish variant of BRAVE]   > ˈbrawly adv

brawl^1 (brɔːl)   n   1 a loud disagreement or fight   2 US slang an uproarious party   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to quarrel or fight noisily; squabble   4 (esp of water) to flow noisily [C14: probably related to Dutch brallen to boast, behave aggressively]   > ˈbrawler n   > ˈbrawling n, adj

brawl^2 (brɔːl)   n   a dance: the English version of the branle

brawlie (ˈbrɔːlI)   adv   Scot dialect in a fine or healthy manner

brawn (brɔːn)   n   1 strong well-developed muscles   2 physical strength, esp as opposed to intelligence   3 Brit a seasoned jellied loaf made from the head and sometimes the feet of a pig or calf [C14: from Old French braon slice of meat, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brāto, Old English brǣd flesh]

■ brawny (ˈbrɔːnI)   adj brawnier, brawniest   muscular and strong   > ˈbrawnily adv   > ˈbrawniness n

Braxton Hicks contractions (ˈbrækstən ˈhIks)   pl n   painless intermittent contractions of the womb that occur in pregnancy, becoming stronger towards full term [C19: named after J. Braxton Hicks (1823–97), British obstetrician]

braxy (ˈbræksI)   n   an acute and usually fatal bacterial disease of sheep characterized by high fever, coma, and inflammation of the fourth stomach, caused by infection with Clostridium septicum [C18: of unknown origin]

bray^1 (breI)   vb   1 (intr) (of a donkey) to utter its characteristic loud harsh sound; heehaw   2 (intr) to make a similar sound, as in laughing: he brayed at the joke   3 (tr) to utter with a loud harsh sound   ▷ n   4 the loud harsh sound uttered by a donkey   5 a similar loud cry or uproar: a bray of protest [C13: from Old French braire, probably of Celtic origin]   > ˈbrayer n

bray^2 (breI)   vb   1 (tr) to distribute (ink) over printing type or plates   2 (tr) to pound into a powder, as in a mortar   3 Northern English dialect to hit or beat (someone or something) hard; bang [C14: from Old French breier of Germanic origin; see BREAK]   > ˈbrayer n

Braz.   abbreviation for   Brazil(ian)

braza (Spanish ˈbrɑθɑ)   n   obsolete a unit of measurement used in Spain and Latin America, equal to 167 centimetres

braze^1 (breIz)   vb (tr)   1 to decorate with, make like, or make of brass   2 to make like brass, as in hardness [Old English bræsen, from bræs BRASS]

braze^2 (breIz)   vb   1 (tr) to make a joint between (two metal surfaces) by fusing a layer of brass or high-melting solder between them   ▷ n   2 the high-melting solder or alloy used in brazing [C16: from Old French: to burn, of Germanic origin; see BRAISE]   > ˈbrazer n

■ brazeless (ˈbreIzlIs)   adj   seamless

brazen (ˈbreIzən)   adj   1 shameless and bold   2 made of or resembling brass   3 having a ringing metallic sound like that of a brass trumpet   ▷ vb (tr)   4 (usually foll by out or through) to face and overcome boldly or shamelessly: the witness brazened out the prosecutor's questions   5 to make (oneself, etc) bold or brash [Old English bræsen, from bræs BRASS]   > ˈbrazenly adv   > ˈbrazenness n

■ brazen-faced   adj   shameless or impudent

■ brazenry (ˈbreIzənrI)   n   the quality of being brazen or an example of brazenness

brazier^1 or brasier (ˈbreIzIə)   n   a person engaged in brass-working or brass-founding [C14: from Old English bræsian to work in brass + -ER^1]   > ˈbraziery n

brazier^2 or brasier (ˈbreIzIə)   n   a portable metal receptacle for burning charcoal or coal, used for cooking, heating, etc [C17: from French brasier, from braise live coals; see BRAISE]

brazil or brasil (brəˈzIl)   n   1 Also called: brazil wood the red wood obtained from various tropical leguminous trees of the genus Caesalpinia, such as C. echinata of America: used for cabinetwork   2 the red or purple dye extracted from any of these woods. See also brazilin   3 short for brazil nut [C14: from Old Spanish brasil, from brasa glowing coals, of Germanic origin; referring to the redness of the wood; see BRAISE]

Brazil (brəˈzIl)   n   a republic in South America, comprising about half the area and half the population of South America: colonized by the Portuguese from 1500 onwards; became independent in 1822 and a republic in 1889; consists chiefly of the tropical Amazon basin in the north, semiarid scrub in the northeast, and a vast central tableland; an important producer of coffee and minerals, esp iron ore. Official language: Portuguese. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: real. Capital: Brasília. Pop: 209 288 278 (2017 est). Area: 8 511 957 sq km (3 286 470 sq miles)

■ Brazilian (brəˈzIljən)   adj   1 of or relating to Brazil or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Brazil

■ Brazilian bikini wax (brəˈzIlIən)   n   the act or instance of removing all or almost all of a woman's pubic hair for cosmetic reasons [C20: reference to the popularity of this treatment in Brazil]

■ brazil nut   n   1 a tropical South American tree, Bertholletia excelsa, producing large globular capsules, each containing several closely packed triangular nuts: family Lecythidaceae   2 the nut of this tree, having an edible oily kernel and a woody shell   ▶ Often shortened to: brazil

■ brazil wood   n   another name for brazil (sense 1)

brazilein or brasilein (brəˈzIlIIn)   n   a red crystalline solid obtained by the oxidation of brazilin and used as a dye. Formula: C_16H_12O_5 [C19: from German Brasilein, from BRAZILIN]

brazilin or brasilin (ˈbræzIlIn)   n   a pale yellow soluble crystalline solid, turning red in alkaline solution, extracted from brazil wood and sappanwood and used in dyeing and as an indicator. Formula: C_16H_14O_5 [C19: from French brésiline, from brésil brazil wood]

Brazzaville (French brazavil)   n   the capital of the Republic of the Congo, in the south on the River Congo. Pop: 1 887 625 (2015 est) [C19: named after Pierre de Brazza (1852–1905), French explorer]

BRB text messaging   abbreviation for   be right back

BRCS   abbreviation for   British Red Cross Society

BRE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Building Research Establishment

breach (briːtʃ)   n   1 a crack, break, or rupture   2 a breaking, infringement, or violation of a promise, obligation, etc   3 any severance or separation: there was a breach between the two factions of the party   4 a gap in an enemy's fortifications or line of defence created by bombardment or attack   5 the act of a whale in breaking clear of the water   6 the breaking of sea waves on a shore or rock   7 an obsolete word for wound^1   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to break through or make an opening, hole, or incursion in   9 (tr) to break a promise, law, etc   10 (intr) (of a whale) to break clear of the water [Old English bræc; influenced by Old French brèche, from Old High German brecha, from brechan to BREAK]

■ breacher (ˈbriːtʃə)   n   a person who breaches something

■ breach of promise   n   law (formerly) failure to carry out one's promise to marry

■ breach of the peace   n   law an offence against public order causing an unnecessary disturbance of the peace

■ breach of trust   n   law a violation of duty by a trustee or any other person in a fiduciary position

bread (brɛd)   n   1 a food made from a dough of flour or meal mixed with water or milk, usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked   2 necessary food; nourishment: give us our daily bread   3 a slang word for money   4 Christianity a small loaf, piece of bread, or wafer of unleavened bread used in the Eucharist   5 bread and circuses something offered as a means of distracting attention from a problem or grievance   6 break bread See break (sense 46)   7 cast one's bread upon the waters to do good without expectation of advantage or return   8 know which side one's bread is buttered to know what to do in order to keep one's advantages   9 take the bread out of someone's mouth to deprive someone of a livelihood   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to cover with breadcrumbs before cooking: breaded veal [Old English brēad; related to Old Norse braud, Old Frisian brād, Old High German brōt]

■ bread and butter informal   n   1 (modifier) a means of support or subsistence; livelihood: the inheritance was their bread and butter   2 bread-and-butter   a providing a basic means of subsistence: a bread-and-butter job   b solid, reliable, or practical: a bread-and-butter player   c expressing gratitude, as for hospitality (esp in the phrase bread-and-butter letter)

■ bread and honey   n   Brit slang money [C20: rhyming slang]

■ breadbasket (ˈbrɛdˌbɑːskIt)   n   1 a basket for carrying bread or rolls   2 an area or region that provides most of the food for a country   3 a slang word for stomach

■ breadberry (ˈbrɛdˌbɛrI)   n   cookery bread soaked in water or milk

■ breadbin (ˈbrɛdbIn)   n   Brit a household container for bread, usually quite small

■ breadboard (ˈbrɛdˌbɔːd)   n   1 a wooden board on which dough is kneaded or bread is sliced   2 an experimental arrangement of electronic circuits giving access to components so that modifications can be carried out easily

■ breadbox (ˈbrɛdbɒks)   n   US a household container for bread, usually quite small

■ breadcrumb (ˈbrɛdˌkrʌm)   n   1 the soft inner part of bread   2 (plural) bread crumbled into small fragments, as for use in cooking   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to coat (food) with breadcrumbs: egg and breadcrumb the escalopes

■ breaded (ˈbrɛdId)   adj   cookery coated with breadcrumbs

■ breadfruit (ˈbrɛdˌfruːt)   n, pl -fruits or -fruit   1 a moraceous tree, Artocarpus communis (or A. altilis), of the Pacific Islands, having large round edible starchy usually seedless, fruit   2 the fruit of this tree, which is eaten baked or roasted and has a texture like bread

■ breadhead (ˈbrɛdˌhɛd)   n   slang a person who is overly concerned with money

■ breadknife (ˈbrɛdnaIf)   n, pl -knives   a knife, usually with a serrated blade, used for cutting slices from a loaf of bread

■ breadless (ˈbrɛdlIs)   adj   without bread; without food

■ breadline (ˈbrɛdˌlaIn)   n   1 a queue of people waiting for free food given out by a government agency or a charity organization   2 on the breadline impoverished; living at subsistence level

■ bread mould or black mould   n   a black saprotrophic zygomycete fungus, Rhizopus nigricans, occurring on decaying bread and vegetable matter

■ breadnut (ˈbrɛdˌnʌt)   n   1 a moraceous tree, Brosimum alicastrum, of Central America and the Caribbean   2 the nutlike fruit of this tree, ground to produce a substitute for wheat flour, esp in the West Indies

■ breadroom (ˈbrɛdˌruːm)   n   a room or compartment where bread is kept, esp on a ship

■ breadroot (ˈbrɛdˌruːt)   n   a leguminous plant, Psoralea esculenta, of central North America, having an edible starchy root. Also called: prairie turnip

■ bread sauce   n   a milk sauce thickened with breadcrumbs and served with roast poultry, esp chicken

■ breadstick (ˈbrɛdstIk)   n   bread baked in a long thin crisp stick

■ breadstuff (ˈbrɛdˌstʌf)   n   1 any form of bread   2 any flour or grain used in bread making

■ breadwinner (ˈbrɛdˌwInə)   n   a person supporting a family with his or her earnings   > ˈbreadˌwinning n, adj

■ bready (ˈbrɛdI)   adj breadier, breadiest   1 having the appearance or texture of bread   2 obsolete containing bread

breadth (brɛdθ, brɛtθ)   n   1 the linear extent or measurement of something from side to side; width   2 a piece of fabric having a standard or definite width   3 distance, extent, size, or dimension   4 openness and lack of restriction, esp of viewpoint or interest; liberality [C16: from obsolete brēde (from Old English brǣdu, from brād BROAD) + -TH^1; related to Gothic braidei, Old High German breitī]

■ breadthways (ˈbrɛdθˌweIz, ˈbrɛtθ-) or esp US breadthwise (ˈbrɛdθˌwaIz, ˈbrɛtθ-)   adv   from side to side

break (breIk)   vb breaks, breaking, broke, broken   1 to separate or become separated into two or more pieces: this cup is broken   2 to damage or become damaged so as to be inoperative: my radio is broken   3 to crack or become cracked without separating   4 to burst or cut the surface of (skin, etc)   5 to discontinue or become discontinued: they broke for lunch; to break a journey   6 to disperse or become dispersed: the clouds broke   7 (tr) to fail to observe (an agreement, promise, law, etc): to break one's word   8 (foll by with) to discontinue an association (with)   9 to disclose or be disclosed: he broke the news gently   10 (tr) to fracture (a bone) in (a limb, etc)   11 (tr) to divide (something complete or perfect): to break a set of books   12 to bring or come to an end: the summer weather broke at last   13 (tr) to bring to an end by or as if by force: to break a strike   14 (when intr, often foll by out) to escape (from): they broke jail; they broke out of jail   15 to weaken or overwhelm or be weakened or overwhelmed, as in spirit   16 (tr) to cut through or penetrate: a cry broke the silence   17 (tr) to improve on or surpass: to break a record   18 (tr; often foll by in) to accustom (a horse) to the bridle and saddle, to being ridden, etc   19 (tr; often foll by of) to cause (a person) to give up (a habit): this cure will break you of smoking   20 (tr) to weaken the impact or force of: this net will break his fall   21 (tr) to decipher: to break a code   22 (tr) to lose the order of: to break ranks   23 (tr) to reduce to poverty or the state of bankruptcy   24 (when intr, foll by into) to obtain, give, or receive smaller units in exchange for; change: to break a ten-pound note   25 (tr) chiefly military to demote to a lower rank   26 (intr; often foll by from or out of) to proceed suddenly   27 (intr) to come into being: light broke over the mountains   28 (intr; foll by into or out into)   a to burst into song, laughter, etc   b to change to a faster pace   29 (tr) to open with explosives: to break a safe   30 (intr) (of waves)   a (often foll by against) to strike violently   b to collapse into foam or surf   31 (intr) (esp of fish) to appear above the surface of the water   32 (intr) (of the amniotic fluid surrounding an unborn baby) to be released when the amniotic sac ruptures in the first stage of labour: her waters have broken   33 (intr) informal, chiefly US to turn out in a specified manner: things are breaking well   34 (intr) (of prices, esp stock exchange quotations) to fall sharply   35 (intr) to make a sudden effort, as in running, horse racing, etc   36 (intr) cricket (of a ball) to change direction on bouncing   37 (tr) cricket (of a player) to knock down at least one bail from (a wicket)   38 (intr) billiards, snooker to scatter the balls at the start of a game   39 (intr) horse racing to commence running in a race: they broke even   40 (intr) boxing, wrestling (of two fighters) to separate from a clinch   41 (intr) music   a (of the male voice) to undergo a change in register, quality, and range at puberty   b (of the voice or some instruments) to undergo a change in tone, quality, etc, when changing registers   42 (intr) phonetics (of a vowel) to turn into a diphthong, esp as a development in the language   43 (tr) to open the breech of (certain firearms) by snapping the barrel away from the butt on its hinge   44 (tr) to interrupt the flow of current in (an electrical circuit). Compare make^1 (sense 27)   45 (intr) informal, chiefly US to become successful; make a breakthrough   46 break bread   a to eat a meal, esp with others   b Christianity to administer or participate in Holy Communion   47 break camp to pack up equipment and leave a camp   48 break ground or break new ground to do something that has not been done before   49 break one's back to overwork or work very hard   50 break the back of to complete the greatest or hardest part of (a task)   51 break the bank to ruin financially or deplete the resources of a bank (as in gambling)   52 break the ice   a to relieve shyness or reserve, esp between strangers   b to be the first of a group to do something   53 break the mould to make a change that breaks an established habit, pattern, etc   54 break service tennis to win a game in which an opponent is serving   55 break wind to emit wind from the anus   ▷ n   56 the act or result of breaking; fracture   57 a crack formed as the result of breaking   58 a brief respite or interval between two actions: a break from one's toil   59 a sudden rush, esp to escape: to make a break for freedom   60 a breach in a relationship: she has made a break from her family   61 any sudden interruption in a continuous action   62 Brit a short period between classes at school. US and Canadian equivalent: recess   63 informal a fortunate opportunity, esp to prove oneself   64 informal a piece of (good or bad) luck   65 (esp in a stock exchange) a sudden and substantial decline in prices   66 prosody a pause in a line of verse; caesura   67 billiards, snooker   a a series of successful shots during one turn   b the points scored in such a series   68 billiards, snooker   a the opening shot with the cue ball that scatters the placed balls   b the right to take this first shot   69 Also called: service break, break of serve tennis the act or instance of breaking an opponent's service   70 one of the intervals in a sporting contest   71 horse racing the start of a race: an even break   72 (in tenpin bowling) failure to knock down all the pins after the second attempt   73    a jazz a short usually improvised solo passage   b an instrumental passage in a pop song   74 a discontinuity in an electrical circuit   75 access to a radio channel by a citizens' band operator   76 a variant spelling of brake^1 (sense 6)   ▷ interj   77 boxing, wrestling a command by a referee for two opponents to separate [Old English brecan; related to Old Frisian breka, Gothic brikan, Old High German brehhan, Latin frangere Sanskrit bhráj bursting forth]

■ breakable (ˈbreIkəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being broken   ▷ n   2 (usually plural) a fragile easily broken article

■ breakableness (ˈbreIkəbəlnəs)   n   the quality of being breakable

■ breakage (ˈbreIkIdʒ)   n   1 the act or result of breaking   2 the quantity or amount broken: the total breakage was enormous   3 compensation or allowance for goods damaged while in use, transit, etc

■ breakaway (ˈbreIkəˌweI)   n   1    a loss or withdrawal of a group of members from an association, club, etc   b (as modifier): a breakaway faction   2 sport   a a sudden attack, esp from a defensive position, in football, hockey, etc   b an attempt to get away from the rest of the field in a race   3 Austral a stampede of cattle, esp at the smell of water   ▷ vb break away (intr, adverb)   4 (often foll by from) to leave hastily or escape   5 to withdraw or secede   6 sport to make a breakaway   7 horse racing to start prematurely

■ breakback (ˈbreIkbæk)   adj   backbreaking; extremely heavy

■ breakbeat (ˈbreIkˌbiːt)   n   a type of electronic dance music

■ breakbone fever (ˈbreIkˌbəʊn)   n   another name for dengue

■ break dance   n   1 an acrobatic dance style originating in the 1980s   ▷ vb break-dance   2 (intr) to perform a break dance   > ˈbreakˌdancer n   > ˈbreakˌdancing n

■ break down   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to cease to function; become ineffective: communications had broken down   2 to yield or cause to yield, esp to strong emotion or tears: she broke down in anguish   3 (tr) to crush or destroy   4 (intr) to have a nervous breakdown   5 to analyse or be subjected to analysis   6 to separate or cause to separate into simpler chemical elements; decompose   7 (tr) NZ to saw (a large log) into planks   8 break it down Austral and NZ informal   a stop it   b don't expect me to believe that; come off it   ▷ n breakdown   9 an act or instance of breaking down; collapse   10 short for nervous breakdown   11 an analysis or classification of something into its component parts: he prepared a breakdown of the report   12 the sudden electrical discharge through an insulator or between two electrodes in a vacuum or gas discharge tube   13 electrical engineering the sudden transition, dependent on the bias magnitude, from a high to a low dynamic resistance in a semiconductor device   14 a lively American country dance

■ breakdown van or breakdown truck   n   chiefly Brit another name for a tow truck

■ breaker (ˈbreIkə)   n   1 a person or thing that breaks something, such as a person or firm that breaks up old cars, etc   2 a large wave with a white crest on the open sea or one that breaks into foam on the shore   3 electronics short for circuit breaker   4 a machine or plant for crushing rocks or coal   5 Also called: breaking plough a plough with a long shallow mouldboard for turning virgin land or sod land   6 textiles a machine for extracting fibre preparatory to carding   7 an operator on citizens' band radio

breaker (ˈbreIkə)   n   a small water cask for use in a boat [C19: anglicized variant of Spanish barrica, from French (Gascon dialect) barrique]

■ break even   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to attain a level of activity, as in commerce, or a point of operation, as in gambling, at which there is neither profit nor loss   ▷ n breakeven   2 accounting   a the level of commercial activity at which the total cost and total revenue of a business enterprise are equal   b (as modifier): breakeven prices

■ breakeven chart (ˈbreIkˌiːvən)   n   accounting a graph measuring the value of an enterprise's revenue and costs against some index of its activity, such as percentage capacity. The intersection of the total revenue and total cost curves gives the breakeven point

■ break feeding   n   NZ the feeding of animals on paddocks where feeding space is controlled by the frequent movement of an electric fence

■ breakfront (ˈbreIkˌfrʌnt)   adj   (prenominal) (of a bookcase, bureau, etc) having a slightly projecting central section

■ break in   vb (adverb)   1 (sometimes foll by on) to interrupt   2 (intr) to enter a house, etc, illegally, esp by force   3 (tr) to accustom (a person or animal) to normal duties or practice   4 (tr) to use or wear (shoes, new equipment, etc) until comfortable or running smoothly   5 (tr) Austral and NZ to bring (new land) under cultivation   ▷ n break-in   6    a the illegal entering of a building, esp by thieves   b (as modifier): the break-in plans

■ breaking (ˈbreIkIŋ)   n   linguistics (in Old English, Old Norse, etc) the change of a vowel into a diphthong [C19: translation of German Brechung]

■ breaking and entering   n   (formerly) the gaining of unauthorized access to a building with intent to commit a crime or, having committed the crime, the breaking out of the building

■ breaking point   n   1 the point at which something or someone gives way under strain   2 the moment of crisis in a situation

■ breaking-up   n   separation, or the action of separating, into smaller parts

■ break into   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to enter (a house, etc) illegally, esp by force   2 to change abruptly from a slower to a faster speed: the horse broke into a gallop   3 to consume (supplies held in reserve): at the end of the exercise the soldiers had to break into their iron rations

■ breakneck (ˈbreIkˌnɛk)   adj   (prenominal) (of speed, pace, etc) excessive and dangerous

■ break of day   n   another term for dawn (sense 1)

■ break off   vb   1 to sever or detach or be severed or detached: it broke off in my hands; he broke a piece off the bar of chocolate   2 (adverb) to end (a relationship, association, etc) or (of a relationship, etc) to be ended   3 (intr, adverb) to stop abruptly; halt: she broke off in the middle of her speech   ▷ n breakoff   4 the act or an instance of breaking off or stopping

■ break out   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to begin or arise suddenly: panic broke out   2 (intr, adverb) to make an escape, esp from prison or confinement   3 (intr, adverb; foll by in) (of the skin) to erupt (in a rash, pimples, etc)   4 (tr, adverb) to launch or introduce (a new product)   5 (tr, adverb) to open and start using: break out the champagne   ▷ n breakout   6 an escape, esp from prison or confinement   7    a a great success, esp following relatively disappointing performance   b (as modifier): a breakout year   ▷ adj breakout   8 involving or designed for a small number of people removed from a larger working group: a breakout session; a breakout area

■ breakpoint (ˈbreIkˌpɔInt)   n   computing   a an instruction inserted by a debug program causing a return to the debug program   b the point in a program at which such an instruction operates

■ break point   n   tennis a point which allows the receiving player to break the service of the server

■ break the glass plan   n   informal a plan that is put into operation in an emergency when all other options have been exhausted

■ break through   vb   1 (intr) to penetrate   2 (intr, adverb) to achieve success, make a discovery, etc, esp after lengthy efforts   ▷ n breakthrough   3 a significant development or discovery, esp in science   4 the penetration of an enemy's defensive position or line in depth and strength

■ breaktime (ˈbreIkˌtaIm)   n   a period of rest or recreation, esp at school

■ break up   vb (adverb)   1 to separate or cause to separate   2 to put an end to (a relationship) or (of a relationship) to come to an end   3 to dissolve or cause to dissolve; disrupt or be disrupted: the meeting broke up at noon   4 (intr) Brit (of a school) to close for the holidays   5 (intr) (of a person making a telephone call) to be inaudible at times, owing to variations in the signal: you're breaking up   6 informal to lose or cause to lose control of the emotions: the news of his death broke her up   7 slang to be or cause to be overcome with laughter   ▷ n break-up   8 a separation or disintegration   9 Canadian   a in the Canadian north, the breaking up of the ice on a body of water that marks the beginning of spring   b this season

■ break-up value   n commerce   1 the value of an organization assuming that it will not continue to trade   2 the value of a share in a company based only on the value of its assets

■ breakwater (ˈbreIkˌwɔːtə) or breakwall (ˈbreIkˌwɔːl)   n   1 Also called: mole a massive wall built out into the sea to protect a shore or harbour from the force of waves   2 another name for groyne

■ break with   vb   (intr, preposition) to end a relationship or association with (someone or an organization or social group)

breakfast (ˈbrɛkfəst)   n   1    a the first meal of the day   b (as modifier): breakfast cereal; a breakfast room   2 the food at this meal   3 (in the Caribbean) a midday meal   ▷ vb   4 to eat or supply with breakfast [C15: from BREAK + FAST^2]   > ˈbreakfaster n

■ breakfast club   n   a service that provides a breakfast for children who arrive early at school

bream^1 (briːm; Austral brIm) or Austral brim (brIm)   n, pl bream or brim   1 any of several Eurasian freshwater cyprinid fishes of the genus Abramis, esp A. brama, having a deep compressed body covered with silvery scales   2 white bream or silver bream a similar cyprinid, Blicca bjoerkna   3 short for sea bream   4 Austral any of various marine fishes [C14: from Old French bresme, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brahsema; perhaps related to brehan to glitter]

bream^2 (briːm)   vb   nautical (formerly) to clean debris from (the bottom of a vessel) by heating to soften the pitch [C15: probably from Middle Dutch bremme broom; from using burning broom as a source of heat]

Bream (briːm)   n   Julian (Alexander). born 1933, English guitarist and lutenist

breast (brɛst)   n   1 the front part of the body from the neck to the abdomen; chest   2 either of the two soft fleshy milk-secreting glands on the chest in sexually mature human females. Related adjective: mammary   3 a similar organ in certain other mammals   4 anything that resembles a breast in shape or position: the breast of the hill   5 a source of nourishment: the city took the victims to its breast   6 the source of human emotions   7 the part of a garment that covers the breast   8 a projection from the side of a wall, esp that formed by a chimney   9 mining the face being worked at the end of a tunnel   10 beat one's breast to display guilt and remorse publicly or ostentatiously   11 make a clean breast of to make a confession of   ▷ vb (tr)   12 to confront boldly; face: breast the storm   13 to oppose with the breast or meet at breast level: breasting the waves   14 to come alongside of: breast the ship   15 to reach the summit of: breasting the mountain top [Old English brēost; related to Old Norse brjōst, Old High German brust, Dutch borst, Swedish bräss, Old Irish brū belly, body]

■ breast-beating   n   public or ostentatious expression of guilt, remorse, or sorrow

■ breastbone (ˈbrɛstˌbəʊn)   n   the nontechnical name for sternum

■ -breasted   adj (in combination)   1 having breasts of the size, shape, etc specified: full-breasted   2 having plumage on the breast of the colour specified: red-breasted

■ breast-feed   vb -feeds, -feeding, -fed   to feed (a baby) with milk from the breast; suckle   > ˈbreast-ˌfed adj   > ˈbreast-ˌfeeding n

■ breastpin (ˈbrɛstˌpIn)   n   a brooch worn on the breast, esp to close a garment

■ breastplate (ˈbrɛstˌpleIt)   n   1 a piece of armour covering the chest   2 the strap of a harness covering a horse's breast   3 Judaism an ornamental silver plate hung on the scrolls of the Torah   4 Old Testament a square vestment ornamented with 12 precious stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, worn by the high priest when praying before the holy of holies   5 zoology a nontechnical name for plastron

■ breastplough (ˈbrɛstˌplaʊ)   n   obsolete a plough driven by the worker's breast, often used to pare turf

■ breast pump   n   a device for extracting and collecting milk from the breast during lactation

■ breastrail (ˈbrɛstˌreIl)   n   nautical the upper rail of any parapet on a ship

■ breaststroke (ˈbrɛstˌstrəʊk)   n   a swimming stroke in which the arms are extended in front of the head and swept back on either side while the legs are drawn up beneath the body and thrust back together

■ breaststroker (ˈbrɛstˌstrəʊkə)   n   a person who swims breaststroke

■ breastsummer (ˈbrɛsəmə)   n   building trades a girder extending across a large opening in a building to support the wall above, used primarily over shop-fronts

■ breastwork (ˈbrɛstˌwɜːk)   n   fortifications a temporary defensive work, usually breast-high. Also called: parapet

breath (brɛθ)   n   1 the intake and expulsion of air during respiration   2 the air inhaled or exhaled during respiration   3 a single respiration or inhalation of air, etc   4 the vapour, heat, or odour of exhaled air: his breath on the window melted the frost   5 a slight gust of air   6 a short pause or rest: take a breath for five minutes   7 a brief time: it was done in a breath   8 a suggestion or slight evidence; suspicion: a breath of scandal   9 a whisper or soft sound   10 life, energy, or vitality: the breath of new industry   11 phonetics the passage of air through the completely open glottis without vibration of the vocal cords, as in exhaling or pronouncing fricatives such as (f) or (h) or stops such as (p) or (k). Compare voice (sense 12)   12 a breath of fresh air a refreshing change from what one is used to   13 catch one's breath to rest until breathing is normal, esp after exertion   14 hold one's breath to wait expectantly or anxiously   15 in the same breath done or said at the same time   16 out of breath gasping for air after exertion   17 save one's breath to refrain from useless talk   18 take one's breath away to overwhelm with surprise, etc   19 under one's breath or below one's breath in a quiet voice or whisper [Old English brǣth; related to brǣdan to burn, Old High German brādam heat, breath]

■ breathful (ˈbrɛθfʊl)   adj   1 full of breath; living   2 fragrant

■ breathless (ˈbrɛθlIs)   adj   1 out of breath; gasping, etc   2 holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc: a breathless confrontation   3 (esp of the atmosphere) motionless and stifling   4 rare lifeless; dead   > ˈbreathlessly adv   > ˈbreathlessness n

■ breathtaking (ˈbrɛθˌteIkIŋ)   adj   causing awe or excitement: a breathtaking view   > ˈbreathˌtakingly adv

■ breath test   n   1 Brit a chemical test of a driver's breath to determine the amount of alcohol he or she has consumed   ▷ vb breath-test (tr)   2 to carry out a breath test on (someone)

■ breathy (ˈbrɛθI)   adj breathier, breathiest   1 (of the speaking voice) accompanied by an audible emission of breath   2 (of the singing voice) lacking resonance   > ˈbreathily adv   > ˈbreathiness n

Breathalyser or Breathalyzer (ˈbrɛθəˌlaIzə)   n   trademark a device for estimating the amount of alcohol in the breath: used in testing people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol [C20: BREATH + (AN)ALYSER]

■ breathalyse or US breathalyze (ˈbrɛθəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to apply a Breathalyser test to (someone)

breatharian (ˌbrɛθˈɛərIən)   n   1 a person who believes that it is possible to subsist healthily on air alone   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a breatharian: a breatharian purification programme [C20: BREATH + -ARIAN]   > breathˈarianˌism n

breathe (briːð)   vb   1 to take in oxygen from (the surrounding medium, esp air) and give out carbon dioxide; respire   2 (intr) to exist; be alive: every animal that breathes on earth   3 (intr) to rest to regain breath, composure, etc: stop your questions, and give me a chance to breathe   4 (intr) (esp of air) to blow lightly: the wind breathed through the trees   5 (intr) machinery   a to take in air, esp for combustion: the engine breathes through this air filter   b to equalize the pressure within a container, chamber, etc, with atmospheric pressure: the crankcase breathes through this duct   6 (tr) phonetics to articulate (a speech sound) without vibration of the vocal cords. Compare voice (sense 20)   7 to exhale or emit: the dragon breathed fire   8 (tr) to impart; instil: to breathe confidence into the actors   9 (tr) to speak softly; whisper: to breathe words of love   10 (tr) to permit to rest: to breathe a horse   11 (intr) (of a material) to allow air to pass through so that perspiration can evaporate   12 breathe again, breathe freely or breathe easily to feel relief: I could breathe again after passing the exam   13 breathe down someone's neck to stay close to someone, esp to oversee what they are doing: the cops are breathing down my neck   14 breathe one's last to die or be finished or defeated [C13: from BREATH]

■ breathability (ˌbriːðəˈbIlItI)   n   1 fitness to be breathed   2 textiles ability to let air to pass through so that perspiration can evaporate

■ breathable (ˈbriːðəbəl)   adj   1 (of air) fit to be breathed   2 (of a material) allowing air to pass through so that perspiration can evaporate

■ breathed (brɛθt, briːðd)   adj   phonetics relating to or denoting a speech sound for whose articulation the vocal cords are not made to vibrate. Compare voiced

■ breather (ˈbriːðə)   n   1 informal a short pause for rest   2 a person who breathes in a specified way: a deep breather   3 a vent in a container to equalize internal and external pressure, such as the pipe in the crankcase of an internal-combustion engine   4 a small opening in a room, container, cover, etc, supplying air for ventilation

■ breathing (ˈbriːðIŋ)   n   1 the passage of air into and out of the lungs to supply the body with oxygen   2 a single breath: a breathing between words   3 an utterance: a breathing of hate   4 a soft movement, esp of air   5 a rest or pause   6 phonetics   a expulsion of breath (rough breathing) or absence of such expulsion (smooth breathing) preceding the pronunciation of an initial vowel or rho in ancient Greek   b either of two symbols indicating this

■ breathing space   n   1 enough area to permit freedom of movement: the country gives us some breathing space   2 a pause for rest, etc: a coffee break was their only breathing space

breccia (ˈbrɛtʃIə)   n   a rock consisting of angular fragments embedded in a finer matrix, formed by erosion, impact, volcanic activity, etc [C18: from Italian, from Old High German brecha a fragment; see BREACH]   > ˈbrecciˌated adj

■ breccial (ˈbrɛtʃIəl)   adj   of or relating to breccia

■ brecciate (ˈbrɛtʃIeIt)   vb (intr)   to form into breccia

■ brecciation (ˌbrɛtʃIˈeIʃən)   n   the fragmentation of rock

brecham (ˈbrɛxəm)   n   Scot dialect a straw collar for a draught-horse or ox

Brecht (German brɛçt)   n   Bertolt (ˈbɛrtɔlt). 1898–1956, German dramatist, theatrical producer, and poet, who developed a new style of "epic" theatre and a new theory of theatrical alienation, notable also for his wit and compassion. His early works include The Threepenny Opera (1928) and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (1930) (both with music by Kurt Weill). His later plays are concerned with moral and political dilemmas and include Mother Courage and her Children (1941), The Good Woman of Setzuan (1943), and The Caucasian Chalk Circle (1955)   > ˈBrechtian adj, n

Brecon (ˈbrɛkən) or Brecknock (ˈbrɛknɒk)   n   1 a town in SE Wales, in Powys: textile and leather industries. Pop: 7901 (2001)   2 short for Breconshire

■ Breconshire (ˈbrɛkənˌʃIə, -ʃə) or Brecknockshire (ˈbrɛknɒkˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1974) a county of SE Wales, now mainly in Powys: over half its area forms the Brecon Beacons National Park

bred (brɛd)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of breed   ▷ n   2 Austral derogatory, slang a person who lives in a small remote place [sense 2: diminutive form of inbred]

Breda (ˈbriːdə; Dutch breˈdaː)   n   a city in the S Netherlands, in North Brabant province: residence of Charles II of England during his exile. Pop: 164 000 (2003 est)

brede (briːd)   n, vb   an archaic spelling of braid^1

bredie (ˈbriːdI)   n   South African a meat and vegetable stew [C19: from Portuguese bredo ragout]

bredren or bredrin (ˈbrɛdrIn)   n slang   1 a friend or comrade   2 a group of friends or comrades [C20: from a Rastafarian pronunciation of BRETHREN]

bree^1 or brie (briː)   n   Scot broth, stock, or juice [Old English brīg, variant of brīw pottage; related to Old High German brīo soup, Old English brīwan to cook, Middle Irish brēo flame]

bree^2 (briː)   n   a Scot word for brunt [C19: perhaps from earlier bree brow]

breech   n (briːtʃ)   1 the lower dorsal part of the human trunk; buttocks; rump   2 the lower part or bottom of something: the breech of the bridge   3 the lower portion of a pulley block, esp the part to which the rope or chain is secured   4 the part of a firearm behind the barrel or bore   5 obstetrics short for breech delivery   ▷ vb (briːtʃ, brItʃ) (tr)   6 to fit (a gun) with a breech   7 archaic to clothe in breeches or any other clothing [Old English brēc, plural of brōc leg covering; related to Old Norse brōk, Old High German bruoh]

USAGE

Breech is sometimes wrongly used as a verb where breach is meant: the barrier/agreement was breached (not breeched)

■ breechblock (ˈbriːtʃˌblɒk)   n   a metal block in breech-loading firearms that is withdrawn to insert the cartridge and replaced to close the breech before firing

■ breechcloth (ˈbriːtʃˌklɒθ) or breechclout (ˈbriːtʃˌklaʊt)   n   other names for loincloth

■ breech delivery   n   birth of a baby with the feet or buttocks appearing first

■ breeches (ˈbrItʃIz, ˈbriː-)   pl n   1 trousers extending to the knee or just below, worn for riding, mountaineering, etc   2 informal or dialect any trousers   3 too big for one's breeches conceited; unduly self-confident

■ breeches buoy   n   a ring-shaped life buoy with a support in the form of a pair of short breeches, in which a person is suspended for safe transfer from a ship

■ breeching (ˈbrItʃIŋ, ˈbriː-)   n   1 the strap of a harness that passes behind a horse's haunches   2 navy (formerly) the rope used to check the recoil run of a ship's guns or to secure them against rough weather   3 the parts comprising the breech of a gun

■ breechless (ˈbriːtʃlIs)   adj   having no breeches or trousers; bare-bottomed

■ breech-loader (ˈbriːtʃˌləʊdə)   n   a firearm that is loaded at the breech

■ breech-loading (ˈbriːtʃˌləʊdIŋ)   adj   (of a firearm) loaded at the breech

breed (briːd)   vb breeds, breeding, bred   1 to bear (offspring)   2 (tr) to bring up; raise   3 to produce or cause to produce by mating; propagate   4 to produce and maintain new or improved strains of (domestic animals and plants)   5 to produce or be produced; generate: to breed trouble; violence breeds in densely populated areas   ▷ n   6 a group of organisms within a species, esp a group of domestic animals, originated and maintained by humans and having a clearly defined set of characteristics   7 a lineage or race: a breed of Europeans   8 a kind, sort, or group: a special breed of hatred [Old English brēdan, of Germanic origin; related to BROOD]

■ breeder (ˈbriːdə)   n   1 a person who breeds plants or animals   2 something that reproduces, esp to excess: rabbits are persistent breeders   3 an animal kept for breeding purposes   4 a source or cause: a breeder of discontent   5 short for breeder reactor

■ breeder reactor   n   a type of nuclear reactor that produces more fissionable material than it consumes. Compare converter reactor. See also fast-breeder reactor

■ breeding (ˈbriːdIŋ)   n   1 the process of bearing offspring; reproduction   2 the process of producing plants or animals by sexual reproduction   3 the result of good training, esp the knowledge of correct social behaviour; refinement: a man of breeding   4 a person's line of descent   5 physics a process occurring in a nuclear reactor as a result of which more fissionable material is produced than is used up

Breed's Hill (briːdz)   n   a hill in E Massachusetts, adjoining Bunker Hill: the true site of the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)

breeks (briːks)   pl n   Scot trousers [Scot variant of BREECHES]

breenge or breinge (briːndʒ) Scot   vb (intr)   1 to lunge forward; move violently or dash   ▷ n   2 a violent movement [of unknown origin]

breeze^1 (briːz)   n   1 a gentle or light wind   2 meteorol a wind of force two to six inclusive on the Beaufort scale   3 informal an easy task or state of ease: being happy here is a breeze   4 informal, chiefly Brit a disturbance, esp a lively quarrel   5 shoot the breeze informal to chat   ▷ vb (intr)   6 to move quickly or casually: he breezed into the room   7 (of wind) to blow: the south wind breezed over the fields [C16: probably from Old Spanish briza northeast wind]

■ breezeless (ˈbriːzlIs)   adj   without a breeze; windless

■ breezeway (ˈbriːzˌweI)   n   a roofed passageway connecting two buildings, sometimes with the sides enclosed

breeze^2 (briːz)   n   an archaic or dialect name for the gadfly [Old English briosa, of unknown origin]

breeze^3 (briːz)   n   ashes of coal, coke, or charcoal used to make breeze blocks [C18: from French braise live coals; see BRAISE]

■ breeze block   n   a light building brick made from the ashes of coal, coke, etc, bonded together by cement and used esp for walls that bear relatively small loads. Usual US names: cinder block, clinker block

breezy (ˈbriːzI)   adj breezier, breeziest   1 fresh; windy: a breezy afternoon   2 casual or carefree; lively; light-hearted: her breezy nature   3 lacking substance; light: a breezy conversation   > ˈbreezily adv   > ˈbreeziness n

Bregenz (German breːˈɡɛnts)   n   a resort in W Austria, the capital of Vorarlberg province. Pop: 26 752 (2001)

bregma (ˈbrɛɡmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   the point on the top of the skull where the coronal and sagittal sutures meet: in infants this corresponds to the anterior fontanelle [C16: New Latin from Greek: front part of the head]

■ bregmatic (brɛɡˈmætIk)   adj   physiol of or relating to the bregma

brehon (ˈbriːhən)   n   history a judge in ancient Ireland

brei (breI)   vb breis, breiing, breid   Also: brey (intr) South African informal to speak with a uvular r, esp in Afrikaans. Compare burr^2 [C20: from Afrikaans; compare BRAY^1]

breid (briːd)   n   a Scot word for bread

breist or breest (briːst)   n   a Scot word for breast

brekky (ˈbrɛkI)   n   a slang word for breakfast

Brel (brɛl)   n   Jacques (ʒak). 1929–78, Belgian-born composer and singer, based in Paris. His songs include "Ne me quitte pas" ("Don't Leave Me")

breloque (brəˈlɒk)   n   an ornament or charm attached to a watch chain

breme (briːm)   adj   obsolete fierce, strong, distinct

Bremen (ˈbreImən)   n   1 a state of NW Germany, centred on the city of Bremen and its outport Bremerhaven. Pop: 663 000 (2003 est). Area: 404 sq km (156 sq miles)   2 an industrial city and port in NW Germany, on the Weser estuary. Pop: 544 853 (2003 est)

Bremerhaven (German breːmərˈhaːfən)   n   a port in NW Germany: an outport for Bremen. Pop: 118 276 (2003 est). Former name (until 1947): Wesermünde

bremsstrahlung (ˈbrɛmzˌʃtrɑːləŋ)   n   the radiation produced when an electrically charged particle, esp an electron, is slowed down by the electric field of an atomic nucleus or an atomic ion [C20: German: braking radiation]

Brendel (German ˈbrɛndəl)   n   Alfred. born 1931, Austrian pianist and poet

Bren gun (brɛn)   n   (sometimes without capital) an air-cooled gas-operated light machine gun taking .303 calibre ammunition: used by British and Commonwealth forces in World War II [C20: after Br(no), now in the Czech Republic, where it was first made and En(field), England, where manufacture was continued]

Brennan (ˈbrɛnən)   n   Christopher John. 1870–1932, Australian poet and classical scholar, disciple of Mallarmé and exponent of French symbolism in Australian verse

brenne (brɛn)   vb (intr)   obsolete to burn

Brenner Pass (ˈbrɛnə)   n   a pass over the E Alps, between Austria and Italy. Highest point: 1372 m (4501 ft)

Brent (brɛnt)   n   a borough of NW Greater London. Pop: 267 800 (2003 est). Area: 44 sq km (17 sq miles)

Brentano (German brɛnˈtaːno)   n   Clemens (Maria) (ˈkleːmənz). 1778–1842, German romantic poet and compiler of fairy stories and folk songs esp (with Achim von Arnim) the collection Des Knaben Wunderhorn (1805–08)

brent goose (brɛnt)   n   a small goose, Branta bernicla, that has a dark grey plumage and short neck and occurs in most northern coastal regions. Also called: brent, (esp US and Canadian) brant [C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse brandgās sheldrake]

Brenton (ˈbrɛntən)   n   Howard. born 1942, British dramatist, author of such controversial plays as The Churchill Play (1974), The Romans in Britain (1980), (with David Hare) Pravda (1985), and several topical satires with Tariq Ali

Brentwood (ˈbrɛntˌwʊd)   n   a residential town in SE England, in SW Essex near London. Pop: 47 593 (2001)

br'er (brɜː, brɛə)   n   Southern US Black slang, dialect brother: usually prefixed to a name: Br'er Jones

bresaola (brəˈzəʊlə)   n   (in Italian cookery) air-dried, salted beef

Brescia (Italian ˈbrɛʃʃa)   n   a city in N Italy, in Lombardy: at its height in the 16th century. Pop: 187 567 (2001). Ancient name: Brixia (ˈbrIksIə)

Breslau (ˈbrɛzlau)   n   the German name for Wrocław

Bresson (French brɛsɔ̃)   n   Robert (rɔbɛr). 1901–99, French film director: his films include Le Journal d'un curé de campagne (1950), Une Femme douce (1969), and L'Argent (1983)

bressummer (ˈbrɛsəmə)   n   another name for breastsummer

Brest (brɛst)   n   1 a port in NW France, in Brittany: chief naval station of the country, planned by Richelieu in 1631 and fortified by Vauban. Pop: 148 316 (2006)   2 a city in SW Belarus: Polish until 1795 and from 1921 to 1945. Pop: 299 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1921): Brest Litovsk (brɛst liˈtɔfsk). Polish name: Brześć nad Bugiem

Bretagne (brətaɲ)   n   the French name for Brittany^1

brethren (ˈbrɛðrIn)   pl n   1 archaic a plural of brother   2 fellow members of a religion, sect, society, etc

Breton^1 (ˈbrɛtən; French brətɔ̃)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Brittany, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Brittany, esp one who speaks the Breton language   3 the indigenous language of Brittany, belonging to the Brythonic subgroup of the Celtic family of languages

Breton^2 (French brətɔ̃)   n   André (ɑ̃dre). 1896–1966, French poet and art critic: founder and chief theorist of surrealism, publishing the first surrealist manifesto in 1924

Bretton Woods Conference (ˈbrɛtən)   n   an international monetary conference held in 1944 at Bretton Woods in New Hampshire, which resulted in the establishment of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund

Breuer (ˈbrɔIə)   n   1  Josef (ˈjoːzɛf). 1842–1925, Austrian physician: treated people with mental illness by hypnosis   2  Marcel Lajos (mɑːˈsɛl ˈlɔjoʃ). 1902–81, US architect and furniture designer, born in Hungary. He developed bent plywood and tubular metal furniture and designed the UNESCO building in Paris (1953–58)

Breughel (ˈbrɔIɡəl)   n   a variant spelling of Brueghel

breunnerite (ˈbrɔInəˌraIt)   n   an iron-containing type of magnesite used in the manufacture of refractory bricks [C19: named after Count Breunner, Austrian nobleman, + -ITE^1]

breve (briːv)   n   1 an accent, (˘), placed over a vowel to indicate that it is of short duration or is pronounced in a specified way   2 music a note, now rarely used, equivalent in time value to two semibreves   3 RC Church a less common word for brief (sense 7) [C13: from Medieval Latin breve, from Latin brevis short; see BRIEF]

brevet (ˈbrɛvIt)   n   1 a document entitling a commissioned officer to hold temporarily a higher military rank without the appropriate pay and allowances   ▷ vb -vets, -vetting, -vetted or -vets, -veting, -veted   2 (tr) to promote by brevet [C14: from Old French brievet a little letter, from brief letter; see BRIEF]   > ˈbrevetcy n

breveté (brəvˈteI)   adj   patented

breviary (ˈbriːvjərI)   n, pl -ries   1 RC Church a book of psalms, hymns, prayers, etc, to be recited daily by clerics in major orders and certain members of religious orders as part of the divine office   2 a similar book in the Orthodox Church [C16: from Latin breviārium an abridged version, from breviāre to shorten, from brevis short]

breviate (ˈbriːvIˌeIt, ˈbriːvIət)   n   1 a short account; a summary   2 a note; a short missive   3 obsolete a lawyer's brief

brevier (brəˈvIə)   n   (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 8 point [C16: probably from Dutch, literally: BREVIARY; so called because this type size was used for breviaries]

brevipennate (ˌbrɛvIˈpɛnət)   adj   (of flightless birds) short-winged

brevity (ˈbrɛvItI)   n, pl -ties   1 conciseness of expression; lack of verbosity   2 a short duration; brief time [C16: from Latin brevitās shortness, from brevis BRIEF]

brew^1 (bruː)   vb   1 to make (beer, ale, etc) from malt and other ingredients by steeping, boiling, and fermentation   2 to prepare (a drink, such as tea) by boiling or infusing   3 (tr) to devise or plan: to brew a plot   4 (intr) to be in the process of being brewed: the tea was brewing in the pot   5 (intr) to be impending or forming: there's a storm brewing   ▷ n   6 a beverage produced by brewing, esp tea or beer: a strong brew   7 an instance or time of brewing: last year's brew   8 a mixture: an eclectic brew of mysticism and political discontent [Old English brēowan; related to Old Norse brugga, Old Saxon breuwan, Old High German briuwan]   > ˈbrewer n

■ brewage (ˈbruːIdʒ)   n   1 a product of brewing; brew   2 the process of brewing

■ brewer's grain   n   an exhausted malt occurring as a by-product of brewing and used as a feedstuff for cattle, pigs, and sheep

■ brewer's yeast   n   1 a yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, used in brewing. See yeast (sense 3)   2 yeast obtained as a by-product of brewing

■ brewery (ˈbrʊərI)   n, pl -eries   a place where beer, ale, etc, is brewed

■ brewhouse (ˈbruːˌhaʊs)   n   a brewery

■ brewing (ˈbruːIŋ)   n   a quantity of a beverage brewed at one time

■ brewmaster (ˈbruːˌmɑːstə)   n   a person who is in charge of brewing beer in a brewery

■ brewpub (ˈbruːˌpʌb)   n   a pub that incorporates a brewery on its premises

■ brew up Brit and NZ informal   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to make tea, esp out of doors or in informal circumstances   ▷ n brew-up   2 a making of tea

brew^2 (bruː)   n   Northern English dialect a hill

brewis (ˈbruːIs) or brevis (ˈbrɛvIs)   n dialect, chiefly Northern English, Canadian and US   1 bread soaked in broth, gravy, etc   2 thickened broth   3 (bruːz) Canadian a Newfoundland stew of cod or pork, hardtack, and potatoes [C16: from Old French broez, from broet, diminutive of breu BROTH]

brewski (ˈbruːskI)   n   US informal a beer

Brewster (ˈbruːstə)   n   Sir David. 1781–1868, Scottish physicist, noted for his studies of the polarization of light

Brexit (ˈbrɛksIt, ˈbrɛɡzIt)   n   the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in March 2019 [C21: BR(ITISH) + EXIT]

■ Brexiteer (ˌbrɛksIˈtIə, ˌbrɛɡzIˈtIə)   n   Brit informal a supporter or originator of Brexit

■ Brexiter (ˈbrɛksItə, ˈbrɛɡzItə)   n   Brit informal a supporter of Brexit

brey (breI)   vb   (intr) South African informal a variant spelling of brei

Brezhnev (ˈbrɛʒnɛf; Russian ˈbrjɛʒnIf)   n   Leonid Ilyich (lIaˈnit ˈilitʃ). 1906–82, Soviet statesman; president of the Soviet Union (1977–82); general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party (1964–82)

Brian (ˈbraIən)   n   Havergal (ˈhævəɡəl). 1876–1972, English composer, who wrote 32 symphonies, including the large-scale Gothic Symphony (1919–27)

Brian Boru (bəˈruː)   n   ?941–1014, king of Ireland (1002–14): killed during the defeat of the Danes at the battle of Clontarf

Briand (French briɑ̃)   n   Aristide (aristid). 1862–1932, French socialist statesman: prime minister of France 11 times. He was responsible for the separation of Church and State (1905) and he advocated a United States of Europe. Nobel peace prize 1926

briar^1 or brier (ˈbraIə)   n   1 Also called: tree heath an ericaceous shrub, Erica arborea, of S Europe, having a hard woody root (briarroot)   2 a tobacco pipe made from the root of this plant [C19: from French bruyère heath, from Late Latin brūcus, of Gaulish origin]   > ˈbriary or ˈbriery adj

■ briarroot or brierroot (ˈbraIəˌruːt)   n   1 the hard woody root of the briar, used for making tobacco pipes   2 any of several other woods used to make tobacco pipes   ▶ Also called: briarwood, brierwood

briar^2 (ˈbraIə)   n   a variant spelling of brier^1

briard (briːˈɑːd, briːˈɑː)   n   a medium-sized dog of an ancient French sheep-herding breed having a long rough coat of a single colour [French, literally: of Brie (region in N France)]

Briareus (braIˈɛərIəs)   n   Greek myth a giant with a hundred arms and fifty heads who aided Zeus and the Olympians against the Titans   > Briˈarean adj

bribe (braIb)   vb   1 to promise, offer, or give something, usually money, to (a person) to procure services or gain influence, esp illegally   ▷ n   2 a reward, such as money or favour, given or offered for this purpose   3 any persuasion or lure   4 a length of flawed or damaged cloth removed from the main piece [C14: from Old French briber to beg, of obscure origin]   > ˈbribable or ˈbribeable adj   > ˈbriber n

■ bribee (ˌbraIˈbiː)   n   a person who accepts a bribe

■ bribery (ˈbraIbərI)   n, pl -eries   the process of giving or taking bribes

bric-a-brac (ˈbrIkəˌbræk)   n   miscellaneous small objects, esp furniture and curios, kept because they are ornamental or rare [C19: from French; phrase based on bric piece]

Brice (braIs)   n   Fanny, real name Fannie Borach. 1891–1951, US actress and singer. The film Funny Girl was based on her life

bricht (brixt)   adj   a Scot word for bright

brick (brIk)   n   1    a a rectangular block of clay mixed with sand and fired in a kiln or baked by the sun, used in building construction   b (as modifier): a brick house   2 the material used to make such blocks   3 any rectangular block: a brick of ice   4 bricks collectively   5 informal a reliable, trustworthy, or helpful person   6 Brit a child's building block   7 short for brick red   8 drop a brick Brit informal to make a tactless or indiscreet remark   9 like a ton of bricks informal (used esp of the manner of punishing or reprimanding someone) with great force; severely: when he spotted my mistake he came down on me like a ton of bricks   ▷ vb (tr)   10 (usually foll by in, up, or over) to construct, line, pave, fill, or wall up with bricks: to brick up a window; brick over a patio   11 slang to attack (a person) with a brick or bricks [C15: from Old French brique, from Middle Dutch bricke; related to Middle Low German brike, Old English brecan to BREAK]

■ brickbat (ˈbrIkˌbæt)   n   1 a piece of brick or similar material, esp one used as a weapon   2 blunt criticism: the critic threw several brickbats at the singer

■ brick-built   adj   made of bricks

■ brickclay (ˈbrIkˌkleI)   n   1 any clay suitable for making bricks   2 geology a fine clay often found on boulder clay

■ brickearth (ˈbrIkˌɜːθ)   n   a clayey alluvium suitable for the making of bricks: specifically, such a deposit in southern England, yielding a fertile soil

■ bricken (ˈbrIkən)   adj   made of bricks

■ brickfield (ˈbrIkˌfiːld)   n   an area of ground where bricks are made

■ brickie or bricky (ˈbrIkI)   n   Brit informal a bricklayer

■ bricking (ˈbrIkIŋ)   n   Austral slang the falsification of evidence in order to bring a criminal charge

■ brick-kiln   n   a kiln in which blocks of clay are baked into bricks

■ bricklayer (ˈbrIkˌleIə)   n   a person trained or skilled in laying bricks

■ bricklaying (ˈbrIkˌleIIŋ)   n   the technique or practice of laying bricks

■ bricklike (ˈbrIkˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a brick

■ brickmaker (ˈbrIkˌmeIkə)   n   a person who makes bricks

■ brickmaking (ˈbrIkˌmeIkIŋ)   n   the activity of making bricks

■ brick red   n, adj     a a reddish-brown colour   b (as adjective): a brick-red carpet

■ bricks and clicks   n     a a combination of traditional business carried out on physical premises and internet trading   b (as modifier): bricks-and-clicks companies [C20: from BRICKS AND MORTAR and click, meaning an act of pressing and releasing a computer mouse button]

■ bricks and mortar   n   1    a a building or buildings: he invested in bricks and mortar rather than stocks and shares   b (as modifier): a bricks-and-mortar fortune   2    a a physical business premises rather than an internet presence   b (as modifier): bricks-and-mortar firms

■ brickshaped (ˈbrIkˌʃeIpt)   adj   resembling the shape of a brick

■ brick veneer   n   (in Australia) a timber-framed house with a brick exterior

■ brickwork (ˈbrIkˌwɜːk)   n   1 a structure, such as a wall, built of bricks   2 construction using bricks

■ brickworks (ˈbrIkwɜːks)   n   a factory or plant where bricks are made

■ bricky (ˈbrIkI)   adj   1 made of bricks, or like a brick   ▷ n   2 a variant spelling of brickie

■ brickyard (ˈbrIkˌjɑːd)   n   a place in which bricks are made, stored, or sold

brickfielder (ˈbrIkˌfiːldə)   n   Austral dialect a hot wind in parts of Australia, originally applied to a wind which blew over Sydney carrying dust from the neighbouring Brickfields sand hills

bricolage (ˈbrIkəˌlɑːʒ; French brIkɔlaʒ)   n architect   1 the jumbled effect produced by the close proximity of buildings from different periods and in different architectural styles   2 the deliberate creation of such an effect in certain modern developments: the post-modernist bricolage of the new shopping centre [French: odd jobs, do-it-yourself]

bricole (brIˈkəʊl, ˈbrIkəl)   n   1 billiards a shot in which the cue ball touches a cushion after striking the object ball and before touching another ball   2 (in ancient and medieval times) a military catapult for throwing stones, etc   3 (esp formerly) a harness worn by soldiers for dragging guns or carrying stretchers   4 an indirect or unexpected action [C16: from Old French: catapult, from Medieval Latin bricola, of uncertain origin]

BRICs (brIks)   n acronym for   Brazil, Russia, India, and China: seen collectively as the most important emerging economies with large potential markets

bride^1 (braId)   n   a woman who has just been or is about to be married [Old English brӯd; related to Old Norse brūthr, Gothic brūths daughter-in-law, Old High German brūt]

■ bridal (ˈbraIdəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a bride or a wedding; nuptial   ▷ n   2 obsolete a wedding or wedding feast [Old English brӯdealu, literally: "bride ale", that is, wedding feast]

■ bridally (ˈbraIdəlI)   adv   in a manner appropriate for a bride

■ bridal wreath   n   any of several N temperate rosaceous shrubs of the genus Spiraea, esp S. prunifolia, cultivated for their sprays of small white flowers

■ bridecake (ˈbraIdˌkeIk)   n   a wedding cake

■ bridegroom (ˈbraIdˌɡruːm, -ˌɡrʊm)   n   a man who has just been or is about to be married [C14: changed (through influence of GROOM) from Old English brӯdguma, from brӯd BRIDE^1 + guma man; related to Old Norse brūthgumi, Old High German brūtigomo]

■ bridemaid (ˈbraIdˌmeId) or bridemaiden (ˈbraIdˌmeIdən)   n   obsolete a bridesmaid

■ brideman (ˈbraIdˌmæn)   n, pl -men   obsolete a male attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding

■ bride price or bride wealth   n   (in some societies) money, property, or services given by a bridegroom to the kinsmen of his bride in order to establish his rights over the woman

■ bridesmaid (ˈbraIdzˌmeId)   n   a girl or young unmarried woman who attends a bride at her wedding. Compare matron of honour, maid of honour

■ bride-to-be   n   a woman who is soon to be married

■ bridewealth (ˈbraIdˌwɛlθ)   n   another term for bride price

bride^2 (braId)   n   lacemaking, needlework a thread or loop that joins parts of a pattern. Also called: bar [C19: from French, literally: BRIDLE, probably of Germanic origin]

Bride (braId)   n   Saint Bride See Bridget (sense 1)

bridewell (ˈbraIdˌwɛl, -wəl)   n   a house of correction; jail, esp for minor offences [C16: after Bridewell (originally, St Bride's Well), a house of correction in London]

bridezilla (ˌbraIdˈzIlə)   n   slang a woman whose behaviour in planning the details of her wedding is regarded as intolerable [C21: from BRIDE and (God)zilla, name of a monster in Japanese horror films ]

bridge^1 (brIdʒ)   n   1 a structure that spans and provides a passage over a road, railway, river, or some other obstacle   2 something that resembles this in shape or function: his letters provided a bridge across the centuries   3    a the hard ridge at the upper part of the nose, formed by the underlying nasal bones   b any anatomical ridge or connecting structure. Compare pons   4 the part of a pair of glasses that rests on the nose   5 Also called: bridgework a dental plate containing one or more artificial teeth that is secured to the surrounding natural teeth   6 a platform athwartships and above the rail, from which a ship is piloted and navigated   7 a piece of wood, usually fixed, supporting the strings of a violin, guitar, etc, and transmitting their vibrations to the sounding board   8 Also called: bridge passage a passage in a musical, literary, or dramatic work linking two or more important sections   9 Also called: bridge circuit electronics any of several networks, such as a Wheatstone bridge, consisting of two branches across which a measuring device is connected. The resistance, capacitance, etc, of one component can be determined from the known values of the others when the voltage in each branch is balanced   10 computing a device that connects networks and sends packets between them   11 billiards, snooker   a a support for a cue made by placing the fingers on the table and raising the thumb   b a cue rest with a notched end for shots beyond normal reach   12 theatre   a a platform of adjustable height above or beside the stage for the use of stagehands, light operators, etc   b chiefly Brit a part of the stage floor that can be raised or lowered   13 a partition in a furnace or boiler to keep the fuel in place   14 build bridges to promote reconciliation or cooperation between hostile groups or people   15 burn one's bridges See burn^1 (sense 19)   16 cross a bridge when one comes to it to deal with a problem only when it arises; not to anticipate difficulties   ▷ vb (tr)   17 to build or provide a bridge over something; span: to bridge a river   18 to connect or reduce the distance between: let us bridge our differences [Old English brycg; related to Old Norse bryggja gangway, Old Frisian bregge, Old High German brucka, Danish, Swedish bro]   > ˈbridgeable or ˈbridgable adj   > ˈbridgeless adj

■ bridgeboard (ˈbrIdʒˌbɔːd)   n   a board on both sides of a staircase that is cut to support the treads and risers. Also called: cut string

■ bridge-builder   n   a person who attempts to connect or reconcile opposing parties

■ bridge-building   n   efforts to establish communications and friendly contacts between people in order to make them friends or allies

■ bridgehead (ˈbrIdʒˌhɛd)   n military   1 an area of ground secured or to be taken on the enemy's side of an obstacle, esp a defended river   2 a fortified or defensive position at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy   3 an advantageous position gained for future expansion

■ Bridge of Sighs   n   a covered 16th-century bridge in Venice, between the Doge's Palace and the prisons, through which prisoners were formerly led to trial or execution

■ bridge passage   n   See bridge^1 (sense 8)

■ bridge rectifier   n   electrical engineering a full-wave rectifier consisting of a bridge with a similar rectifier in each of the four arms

■ bridgework (ˈbrIdʒˌwɜːk)   n   1    a a partial denture attached to the surrounding teeth. See bridge^1 (sense 5)   b the technique of making such appliances   2 the process or occupation of constructing bridges

■ bridging (ˈbrIdʒIŋ)   n   1 one or more timber struts fixed between floor or roof joists to stiffen the construction and distribute the loads   2 mountaineering a technique for climbing a wide chimney by pressing left hand and foot against one side of it and right hand and foot against the other side   3 rugby Union an illegal move in which a player leans down and forward onto the body of a prone player in a ruck, thereby preventing opposing players from winning the ball by fair rucking

■ bridging loan   n   a loan made to cover the period between two transactions, such as the buying of another house before the sale of the first is completed

bridge^2 (brIdʒ)   n   a card game for four players, based on whist, in which one hand (the dummy) is exposed and the trump suit decided by bidding between the players. See also contract bridge, duplicate bridge, rubber bridge, auction bridge [C19: of uncertain origin, but compare Turkish bir-üç (unattested phrase) one-three (said perhaps to refer to the one exposed hand and the three players' hands)]

■ bridge roll   n   Brit a soft bread roll in a long thin shape [C20: from BRIDGE^2 or perhaps BRIDGE^1]

Bridge (brIdʒ)   n   Frank. 1879–1941, English composer, esp of chamber music. He taught Benjamin Britten

Bridgend (ˌbrIdʒˈɛnd)   n   a county borough in S Wales, created in 1996 from S Mid Glamorgan. Administrative centre: Bridgend. Pop: 129 900 (2003 est). Area: 264 sq km (102 sq miles)

Bridgeport (ˈbrIdʒˌpɔːt)   n   a port in SW Connecticut, on Long Island Sound. Pop: 139 664 (2003 est)

Bridges (ˈbrIdʒIz)   n   Robert (Seymour). 1844–1930, English poet: poet laureate (1913–30)

Bridget (ˈbrIdʒIt)   n Saint Bridget   1 Also: Bride, Brigid 453–523 AD, Irish abbess; a patron saint of Ireland. Feast day: Feb 1   2 Also: Birgitta ?1303-73, Swedish nun and visionary; patron saint of Sweden. Feast day: July 23

Bridgetown (ˈbrIdʒˌtaʊn)   n   the capital of Barbados, a port on the SW coast. Pop: 144 000 (2005 est)

Bridgman (ˈbrIdʒmən)   n   Percy Williams. 1882–1961, US physicist: Nobel prize for physics (1946) for his work on high-pressure physics and thermodynamics

Bridgwater (ˈbrIdʒˌwɔːtə)   n   a town in SW England, in central Somerset. Pop: 36 563 (2001)

bridie (ˈbraIdI; Scottish ˈbrəIdI)   n   Scot a semicircular pie containing meat and onions [of unknown origin]

Bridie (ˈbraIdI)   n   James, real name Osborne Henry Mavor. 1888–1951, Scottish physician and dramatist, who founded the Glasgow Citizens' Theatre. His plays include The Anatomist (1930)

bridle (ˈbraIdəl)   n   1 a headgear for a horse, etc, consisting of a series of buckled straps and a metal mouthpiece (bit) by which the animal is controlled through the reins   2 something that curbs or restrains; check   3 a Y-shaped cable, rope, or chain, used for holding, towing, etc   4 machinery a device by which the motion of a component is limited, often in the form of a linkage or flange   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to put a bridle on (a horse, mule, etc)   6 (intr) (of a horse) to respond correctly to the pull of the reins   7 (tr) to restrain; curb: he bridled his rage   8 (intr; often foll by at) to show anger, scorn, or indignation [Old English brigdels; related to bregdan to BRAID^1, Old High German brittil, Middle Low German breidel]   > ˈbridler n

■ bridle path or bridleway (ˈbraIdəlˌwɛI)   n   a path suitable for riding or leading horses. Also called (NZ): bridle track

■ bridlewise (ˈbraIdəlˌwaIz)   adj   US (of a horse) obedient to the pressure of the reins on the neck rather than to the bit

bridoon (brIˈduːn)   n   a horse's bit: a small snaffle used in double bridles [C18: from French bridon, from bride bridle; compare Middle English bride]

brie (briː)   n   a variant spelling of bree^1

Brie (briː)   n   1 a soft creamy white cheese, similar to Camembert but milder   2 a mainly agricultural area in N France, between the Rivers Marne and Seine: noted esp for its cheese

brief (briːf)   adj   1 short in duration: a brief holiday   2 short in length or extent; scanty: a brief bikini   3 abrupt in manner; brusque: the professor was brief with me this morning   4 terse or concise; containing few words: he made a brief statement   ▷ n   5 a condensed or short statement or written synopsis; abstract   6 law a document containing all the facts and points of law of a case by which a solicitor instructs a barrister to represent a client   7 RC Church a letter issuing from the Roman court written in modern characters, as contrasted with a papal bull; papal brief   8 short for briefing   9 a paper outlining the arguments and information on one side of a debate   10 Brit slang a lawyer, esp a barrister   11 hold a brief for to argue for; champion   12 in brief in short; to sum up   ▷ vb (tr)   13 to prepare or instruct by giving a summary of relevant facts   14 to make a summary or synopsis of   15 English law   a to instruct (a barrister) by brief   b to retain (a barrister) as counsel   16 (intr; foll by against) to supply potentially damaging or negative information regarding someone, as to the media, a politician, etc [C14: from Old French bref, from Latin brevis; related to Greek brakhus]   > ˈbriefly adv   > ˈbriefness n

■ briefcase (ˈbriːfˌkeIs)   n   a flat portable case, often of leather, for carrying papers, books, etc

■ briefer (ˈbriːfə)   n   a person who briefs others

■ briefing (ˈbriːfIŋ)   n   1 a meeting at which detailed information or instructions are given, as for military operations, etc   2 the facts presented during such a meeting

■ briefless (ˈbriːflIs)   adj   (said of a barrister) without clients

■ briefs (briːfs)   pl n   men's underpants or women's pants without legs

brier^1 or briar (ˈbraIə)   n   any of various thorny shrubs or other plants, such as the sweetbrier and greenbrier [Old English brēr, brǣr, of obscure origin]   > ˈbriery or ˈbriary adj

brier^2 (ˈbraIə)   n   a variant spelling of briar^1

■ brierroot (ˈbraIəˌruːt)   n   a variant spelling of briarroot. Also: brierwood (ˈbraIəˌwʊd)

brig^1 (brIɡ)   n   1 nautical a two-masted square-rigger   2 chiefly US a prison, esp in a navy ship [C18: shortened from BRIGANTINE]

brig^2 (brIɡ)   n   a Scot and northern English word for a bridge^1

Brig.   abbreviation for   Brigadier

■ Brig. Gen.   abbreviation for   brigadier general

brigade (brIˈɡeId)   n   1 a formation of fighting units, together with support arms and services, smaller than a division and usually commanded by a brigadier   2 a group of people organized for a certain task: a rescue brigade   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to organize into a brigade   4 to put or group together [C17: from Old French, from Old Italian, from brigare to fight, perhaps of Celtic origin; see BRIGAND]

brigadier (ˌbrIɡəˈdIə)   n   1 an officer of the British Army or Royal Marines who holds a rank junior to a major general but senior to a colonel, usually commanding a brigade   2 an equivalent rank in other armed forces   3 US army short for brigadier general   4 history a noncommissioned rank in the armies of Napoleon I [C17: from French, from BRIGADE]

■ brigadier general   n, pl brigadier generals   1 an officer of the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps who holds a rank junior to a major general but senior to a colonel, usually commanding a brigade   2 the former name for a brigadier (sense 1)

brigalow (ˈbrIɡələʊ)   n   Austral   a any of various acacia trees   b (as modifier): brigalow country [C19: from a native Australian language]

brigand (ˈbrIɡənd)   n   a bandit or plunderer, esp a member of a gang operating in mountainous areas [C14: from Old French, from Old Italian brigante fighter, from brigare to fight, from briga strife, of Celtic origin]   > ˈbrigandage or ˈbrigandry n

■ brigandine (ˈbrIɡənˌdiːn, -ˌdaIn)   n   a coat of mail, invented in the Middle Ages to increase mobility, consisting of metal rings or sheets sewn on to cloth or leather [C15: from Old French, from BRIGAND + -INE^1]

brigantine (ˈbrIɡənˌtiːn, -ˌtaIn)   n   a two-masted sailing ship, rigged square on the foremast and fore-and-aft with square topsails on the mainmast [C16: from Old Italian brigantino pirate ship, from brigante BRIGAND]

Briggs (brIɡz)   n   Henry. 1561–1631, English mathematician: introduced common logarithms

Brighouse^1 (ˈbrIɡˌhaʊs)   n   a town in N England, in Calderdale unitary authority, West Yorkshire: machine tools, textiles, engineering. Pop: 32 360 (2001)

Brighouse^2 (ˈbrIɡˌhaʊs)   n   Harold. 1882–1958, British novelist and dramatist, best known for his play Hobson's Choice (1915)

bright (braIt)   adj   1 emitting or reflecting much light; shining   2 (of colours) intense or vivid   3 full of promise: a bright future   4 full of animation; cheerful: a bright face   5 informal quick witted or clever: a bright child   6 magnificent; glorious: a bright victory   7 polished; glistening: a bright finish   8 (of the voice) distinct and clear   9 (of a liquid) translucent and clear: a circle of bright water   10 bright and early very early in the morning   ▷ n   11 a thin flat paintbrush with a straight sharp edge used for highlighting in oil painting   12 poetic brightness or splendour: the bright of his armour   ▷ adv   13 brightly: the fire was burning bright [Old English beorht; related to Old Norse bjartr, Gothic bairhts clear, Old High German beraht, Norwegian bjerk, Swedish brokig pied]   > ˈbrightly adv

■ bright-blindness   n   vet science blindness occurring in sheep grazing pastures heavily infested with bracken

■ brighten (ˈbraItən)   vb   1 to make or become bright or brighter   2 to make or become cheerful   > ˈbrightener n

■ brightening agent   n   a compound applied to a textile to increase its brightness by the conversion of ultraviolet radiation to visible (blue) light, used in detergents

■ bright-eyed   adj   1 eager; fresh and enthusiastic   2 bright-eyed and bushy-tailed informal keen, confident, and alert

■ brightish (ˈbraItIʃ)   adj   fairly bright

■ bright lights   pl n   the bright lights places of entertainment in a city

■ brightness (ˈbraItnIs)   n   1 the condition of being bright   2 physics a former name for luminosity (sense 4)   3 psychol the experienced intensity of light

■ brights (braIts)   pl n   US the high beam of the headlights of a motor vehicle

■ brightsome (ˈbraItsəm)   adj   archaic bright or luminous

■ brightwork (ˈbraItˌwɜːk)   n   1 shiny metal trimmings or fittings on ships, cars, etc   2 varnished or plain woodwork on a vessel

Bright (braIt)   n   John. 1811–89, British liberal statesman, economist, and advocate of free trade: with Richard Cobden he led the Anti-Corn-Law League (1838–46)

Brighton (ˈbraItən)   n   a coastal resort in S England, in Brighton and Hove unitary authority, East Sussex: patronized by the Prince Regent, who had the Royal Pavilion built (1782); seat of the University of Sussex (1966) and the University of Brighton (1992). Pop: 134 293 (2001)

■ Brighton and Hove (həʊv)   n   a city and unitary authority in S England, in East Sussex. Pop: 251 500 (2003 est). Area: 72 sq km (28 sq miles)

Bright's disease (braIts)   n   chronic inflammation of the kidneys; chronic nephritis [C19: named after Richard Bright (1789–1858), British physician]

Brigid (ˈbrIdʒId)   n   Saint Brigid See Bridget (sense 1)

brigue (briːɡ) obsolete   n   1 an act of intrigue   ▷ vb (intr)   2 Scot to intrigue, to solicit by underhand means

brik (brIk)   n   a Tunisian deep-fried spicy pastry filled with fish or meat and sometimes an egg [Arabic]

briki (ˈbriki)   n   the Greek name for cezve

brill^1 (brIl)   n, pl brill or brills   a European food fish, Scophthalmus rhombus, a flatfish similar to the turbot but lacking tubercles on the body: family Bothidae [C15: probably from Cornish brӯthel mackerel, from Old Cornish brӯth speckled; related to Welsh brith spotted]

brill^2 (brIl)   adj   Brit slang excellent or wonderful [C20 shortened form of BRILLIANT]

Brillat-Savarin (French brijasavarɛ̃)   n   Anthelme (ɑ̃tɛlm). 1755–1826, French lawyer and gourmet; author of Physiologie du Goût (1825)

brilliant (ˈbrIljənt)   adj   1 shining with light; sparkling   2 (of a colour) having a high saturation and reflecting a considerable amount of light; vivid   3 outstanding; exceptional: a brilliant success   4 splendid; magnificent: a brilliant show   5 of outstanding intelligence or intellect: a brilliant mind; a brilliant idea   6 music   a (of the tone of an instrument) having a large proportion of high harmonics above the fundamental   b Also: brilliant (French brijɑ̃), brilliante (French brijɑ̃t) with spirit; lively   ▷ n   7 Also called: brilliant cut   a a popular circular cut for diamonds and other gemstones in the form of two many-faceted pyramids (the top one truncated) joined at their bases   b a diamond of this cut   8 (formerly) a size of a printer's type approximately equal to 4 point [C17: from French brillant shining, from briller to shine, from Italian brillare, from brillo BERYL]   > ˈbrilliantly adv

■ brilliance (ˈbrIljəns) or brilliancy   n   1 great brightness; radiance   2 excellence or distinction in physical or mental ability; exceptional talent   3 splendour; magnificence: the brilliance of the royal court   4 physics a former term for luminance

■ brilliantness (ˈbrIlIəntnəs)   n   another word for brilliance

brilliante (brijɑ̃t)   adj   music with spirit; lively

brilliantine (ˈbrIljənˌtiːn)   n   1 a perfumed oil used to make the hair smooth and shiny   2 chiefly US a glossy fabric made of mohair and cotton [C19: from French, from brillant shining]

■ brilliantined (ˈbrIljənˌtiːn)   adj   treated with brilliantine

Brillo pad or Brillo   n trademark   a scouring pad made of wire wool filled with soap

brim (brIm)   n   1 the upper rim of a vessel: the brim of a cup   2 a projecting rim or edge: the brim of a hat   3 the brink or edge of something   ▷ vb brims, brimming, brimmed   4 to fill or be full to the brim: eyes brimming with tears [C13: from Middle High German brem, probably from Old Norse barmr; see BERM]   > ˈbrimless adj

■ brimful or brimfull (ˌbrImˈfʊl)   adj   (postpositive; foll by of) filled up to the brim (with)

■ brimfully (ˈbrImˌfʊlI)   adv   in a brimful manner

■ brimfulness (ˌbrImˈfʊlnəs) or brimfullness (ˌbrImˈfʊlnəs)   n   obsolete the quality of being completely full or full to the brim

■ -brimmed   adj   (in combination) (of a hat) having a brim of the specified kind: wide-brimmed

■ brimmer (ˈbrImə)   n   a vessel, such as a glass or bowl, filled to the brim

■ brimming (ˈbrImIŋ)   adj   completely full with something

briming (ˈbraImIŋ)   n   Cornish dialect the phosphorescence of seawater

brimstone (ˈbrImˌstəʊn)   n   1 an obsolete name for sulphur   2 a common yellow butterfly, Gonepteryx rhamni, of N temperate regions of the Old World: family Pieridae   3 archaic a scolding nagging woman; virago [Old English brynstān; related to Old Norse brennistein; see BURN^1, STONE]

■ brimstony (ˈbrImˌstəʊnI)   adj   obsolete of, relating to or resembling brimstone; sulphurous

brin (brIn)   n   1 one of two filaments of silk combined by the silkworm to form a strand of silk   2 one of the ribs of a fan

brinded (ˈbrIndId)   adj   another word for brindled

Brindisi (Italian ˈbrindizi)   n   a port in SE Italy, in SE Apulia: important naval base in Roman times and a centre of the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Pop: 89 081 (2001). Ancient name: Brundisium

brindled (ˈbrIndəld)   adj   brown or grey streaked or patched with a darker colour: a brindled dog [C17: changed from C15 brended, literally: branded, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse bröndottr; see BRAND]

■ brindle (ˈbrIndəl)   n   1 a brindled animal   2 a brindled colouring [C17: back formation from BRINDLED]

Brindley (ˈbrIndlI)   n   James. 1716–72, British canal builder, who constructed (1759–61) the Bridgewater Canal, the first in England

brine (braIn)   n   1 a strong solution of salt and water, used for salting and pickling meats, etc   2 the sea or its water   3 chem   a a concentrated solution of sodium chloride in water   b any solution of a salt in water: a potassium chloride brine   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to soak in or treat with brine [Old English brīne; related to Middle Dutch brīne, Old Slavonic bridŭ bitter, Sanskrit bibhrāya burnt]   > ˈbrinish adj

■ brineless (ˈbraInlIs)   adj   without brine

■ briner (ˈbraInə)   n   1 a person who brines   2 a salt boiler

Brinell hardness number (brIˈnɛl)   n   a measure of the hardness of a material obtained by pressing a hard steel ball into its surface; it is expressed as the ratio of the load on the ball in kilograms to the area of the depression made by the ball in square millimetres [C19: named after Johann A. Brinell (1849–1925), Swedish engineer]

brinelling (ˈbrInɛlIŋ)   n   a localized surface corrosion; a cause of damage to bearings

bring (brIŋ)   vb brings, bringing, brought (tr)   1 to carry, convey, or take (something or someone) to a designated place or person: bring that book to me; will you bring your partner to the party?   2 to cause to happen or occur to (oneself or another): we brought trouble on ourselves   3 to cause to happen as a consequence: responsibility brings maturity   4 to cause to come to mind: it brought back memories   5 to cause to be in a certain state, position, etc: the punch brought him to his knees   6 to force, persuade, or make (oneself): I couldn't bring myself to do it   7 to sell for; fetch: the painting brought 200 pounds   8 law   a to institute (proceedings, charges, etc)   b to put (evidence, etc) before a tribunal   9 bring forth to give birth to   10 bring home to   a to convince of: his account brought home to us the gravity of the situation   b to place the blame on   11 bring to bear See bear^1 (sense 17) [Old English bringan; related to Gothic briggan, Old High German bringan]   > ˈbringer n

■ bring about   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to cause to happen: to bring about a change in the law   2 to turn (a ship) around

■ bring-and-buy sale   n   Brit and NZ an informal sale, often conducted for charity, to which people bring items for sale and buy those that others have brought

■ bring down   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to cause to fall: the fighter aircraft brought the enemy down; the ministers agreed to bring down the price of oil   2 (usually passive) slang to cause to be elated and then suddenly depressed, as from using drugs   ▷ n bringdown   3 US dialect a disappointment

■ bring forward   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to present or introduce (a subject) for discussion   2 accounting to transfer (a figure representing the sum of the figures on a page or in a column) to the top of the next page or column   3 to move to an earlier time or date: kickoff has been brought forward to 2 p.m.

■ bring in   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to yield (income, profit, or cash): the investments brought in £1000   2 to produce or return (a verdict)   3 to put forward or introduce (a legislative bill, etc)

■ bringing-up   n   another term for upbringing

■ bring off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to succeed in achieving (something), esp with difficulty or contrary to expectations: the goalkeeper brought off some excellent saves   2 vulgar, slang to cause to have an orgasm

■ bring on   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to induce or cause: these pills will bring on labour   2 slang to cause sexual excitement in; stimulate

■ bring out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to produce or publish or have published: when are you bringing out a new dictionary?   2 to expose, reveal, or cause to be seen: she brought out the best in me   3 to encourage (a shy person) to be less reserved (often in the phrase bring (someone) out of himself or herself)   4 Brit (of a trade union, provocative action by management, misunderstanding, etc) to cause (workers) to strike   5 (foll by in) to cause (a person) to become covered (with spots, a rash, etc)   6 Brit to introduce (a girl) formally into society as a debutante

■ bring over   vb   (tr, adverb) to cause (a person) to change allegiances

■ bring round or bring around   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to restore (a person) to consciousness, esp after a faint   2 to convince (another person, usually an opponent) of an opinion or point of view

■ bring to   vb (tr)   1 (adverb) to restore (a person) to consciousness   2 (adverb) to cause (a ship) to turn into the wind and reduce her headway   3 (preposition) to make (something) equal to (an amount of money): that brings your bill to £47

■ bring up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to care for and train (a child); rear: we had been brought up to go to church   2 to raise (a subject) for discussion; mention   3 to vomit (food)   4 (foll by against) to cause (a person) to face or confront   5 (foll by to) to cause (something) to be of a required standard

brinjal (ˈbrIndʒəl)   n   (in India and Africa) another name for aubergine [C17: from Portuguese berinjela, from Arabic; see AUBERGINE]

brinjarry (brInˈdʒɑːrI)   n, pl -ries   (in India) an itinerant grain and salt trader

brink (brIŋk)   n   1 the edge, border, or verge of a steep place: the brink of the precipice   2 the highest point; top: the sun fell below the brink of the hill   3 the land at the edge of a body of water   4 the verge of an event or state: the brink of disaster [C13: from Middle Dutch brinc, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse brekka slope, Middle Low German brink edge of a field]

■ brinkman (ˈbrIŋkmən)   n, pl -men   a person who practises brinkmanship

■ brinkmanship (ˈbrIŋkmənˌʃIp)   n   the art or practice of pressing a dangerous situation, esp in international affairs, to the limit of safety and peace in order to win an advantage from a threatening or tenacious foe

brinny (ˈbrInI)   n, pl -nies   Austral children's slang, old-fashioned a stone, esp when thrown

briny (ˈbraInI)   adj brinier, briniest   1 of or resembling brine; salty   ▷ n   2 the briny an informal name for the sea   > ˈbrininess n

brio (ˈbriːəʊ)   n   liveliness or vigour; spirit. See also con brio [C19: from Italian, of Celtic origin]

brioche (ˈbriːəʊʃ, -ɒʃ; French briɔʃ)   n   a soft roll or loaf made from a very light yeast dough, sometimes mixed with currants [C19: from Norman dialect, from brier to knead, of Germanic origin; compare French broyer to pound, BREAK]

briolette (ˌbriːəʊˈlɛt)   n   a pear-shaped gem cut with long triangular facets [C19: from French, alteration of brillolette, from brignolette little dried plum, after Brignoles, France, where these plums are produced]

briony (ˈbraIənI)   n, pl -nies   a variant spelling of bryony

briquette or briquet (brIˈkɛt)   n   1 a small brick made of compressed coal dust, sawdust, charcoal, etc, used for fuel   2 a small brick of any substance: an ice-cream briquette   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make into the form of a brick or bricks: to briquette clay [C19: from French: a little brick, from brique BRICK]

bris (brIs) or brith (brIt)   n   Judaism ritual circumcision of male babies, usually at eight days old, regarded as the formal entry of the child to the Jewish community [from Hebrew, literally: covenant]

brisance (ˈbriːzəns; French brizɑ̃s)   n   the shattering effect or power of an explosion or explosive [C20: from French, from briser to break, ultimately of Celtic origin; compare Old Irish brissim I break]   > ˈbrisant adj

Brisbane (ˈbrIzbən)   n   a port in E Australia, the capital of Queensland: founded in 1824 as a penal settlement; vast agricultural hinterland. Pop: 2 189 878 (2013)

brise (briːz)   n   obsolete an area of untilled land

brisé (ˈbriːzeI)   n   a movement in ballet where the legs or feet are beaten together

brise-soleil (ˌbriːzsəʊˈleI)   n   a structure used in hot climates to protect a window from the sun, usually consisting of horizontal or vertical strips of wood, concrete, etc [C20: French: break-sun, from briser to break + soleil sun]

brisk (brIsk)   adj   1 lively and quick; vigorous: a brisk walk; trade was brisk   2 invigorating or sharp: brisk weather   ▷ vb   3 (often foll by up) to enliven; make or become brisk [C16: probably variant of BRUSQUE]   > ˈbriskly adv   > ˈbriskness n

■ brisken (ˈbrIskən)   vb   to make or become more lively or brisk

■ briskish (ˈbrIskIʃ)   adj   fairly brisk

brisket (ˈbrIskIt)   n   1 the breast of a four-legged animal   2 the meat from this part, esp of beef [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse brjōsk gristle, Norwegian and Danish brusk]

brisling (ˈbrIslIŋ)   n   another name for a sprat, esp a Norwegian sprat seasoned, smoked, and canned in oil [C20: from Norwegian; related to obsolete Danish bretling, German Breitling]

Brisso (ˈbrIzəʊ)   n Austral slang   1 an abbreviation for Brisbane   2 a person who lives in Brisbane

Brissot (French briso)   n   Jacques-Pierre (ʒakpjɛr). 1754–93, French journalist and revolutionary; leader of the Girondists: executed by the Jacobins

bristle (ˈbrIsəl)   n   1 any short stiff hair of an animal or plant   2 something resembling these hairs: toothbrush bristle   ▷ vb   3 (when intr, often foll by up) to stand up or cause to stand up like bristles: the angry cat's fur bristled   4 (intr; sometimes foll by up) to show anger, indignation, etc: she bristled at the suggestion   5 (intr) to be thickly covered or set: the target bristled with arrows   6 (intr) to be in a state of agitation or movement: the office was bristling with activity   7 (tr) to provide with a bristle or bristles [C13 bristil, brustel, from earlier brust, from Old English byrst; related to Old Norse burst, Old High German borst]   > ˈbristly adj

■ bristlecone pine (ˈbrIsəlˌkəʊn)   n   a coniferous tree, Pinus aristata, of the western US, bearing cones with bristle-like prickles: one of the longest-lived trees, useful in radiocarbon dating

■ bristle-grass   n   any of various grasses of the genus Setaria, such as S. viridis, having a bristly inflorescence

■ bristlelike (ˈbrIsəlˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a bristle

■ bristletail (ˈbrIsəlˌteIl)   n   any primitive wingless insect of the orders Thysanura and Diplura, such as the silverfish and firebrat, having a flattened body and long tail appendages

■ bristle worm   n   a popular name for a polychaete

■ bristliness (ˈbrIslInəs)   n   the quality of being bristly

■ bristling (ˈbrIslIŋ)   adj   1 containing stiff hairs   2 vigorous and energetic

Bristol (ˈbrIstəl)   n   1 City of Bristol a port and industrial city in SW England, mainly in Bristol unitary authority, on the River Avon seven miles from its mouth on the Bristol Channel: a major port, trading with America, in the 17th and 18th centuries; the modern port consists chiefly of docks at Avonmouth and Portishead; noted for the Clifton Suspension Bridge (designed by I. K. Brunel, 1834) over the Avon gorge; Bristol university (1909) and University of the West of England (1992). Pop: 420 556 (2001)   2 City of Bristol a unitary authority in SW England, created in 1996 from part of Avon county. Pop: 391 500 (2003 est). Area: 110 sq km (42 sq miles)

■ Bristol board   n   a heavy smooth cardboard of fine quality, used for printing and drawing

■ Bristol Channel   n   an inlet of the Atlantic, between S Wales and SW England, merging into the Severn estuary. Length: about 137 km (85 miles)

■ Bristol fashion   adv, adj (postpositive)   1 nautical clean and neat, with newly painted and scrubbed surfaces, brass polished, etc   2 shipshape and Bristol fashion in good order; efficiently arranged

■ bristols (ˈbrIstəlz)   pl n   Brit vulgar, slang a woman's breasts [C20: short for Bristol Cities, rhyming slang for titties]

Bristow (ˈbrIstəʊ)   n   Eric. 1957–2018, British darts player: world champion five times (1980–81, 1984–86)

brisure (ˈbriːzjʊə)   n   1 a mark of cadency in heraldry   2 a jutting section of a rampart

brit (brIt)   n (functioning as singular or plural)   1 the young of a herring, sprat, or similar fish   2 minute marine crustaceans, esp copepods, forming food for many fishes and whales [C17: perhaps from Cornish brӯthel mackerel; see BRILL]

Brit^1 (brIt)   n   informal a British person

Brit^2   abbreviation for   1 Britain   2 British

Britain (ˈbrItən)   n   another name for Great Britain, United Kingdom

Britannia (brIˈtænIə)   n   1 a female warrior carrying a trident and wearing a helmet, personifying Great Britain or the British Empire   2 (in the ancient Roman Empire) the S part of Great Britain   3 short for Britannia coin

■ Britannia coin   n   any of four British gold coins introduced in 1987 for investment purposes; their denominations are £100, £50, £25, and £10

■ Britannia metal   n   an alloy of low melting point consisting of tin with 5–10 per cent antimony, 1–3 per cent copper, and sometimes small quantities of zinc, lead, or bismuth: used for decorative purposes and for bearings

Britannic (brIˈtænIk)   adj   of Britain; British (esp in the phrases His or Her Britannic Majesty)

Britart (ˈbrItˌɑːt)   n   a movement in modern British art beginning in the late 1980s, often conceptual or using controversial materials, including such artists as Damien Hirst and Rachel Whiteread [C20: Brit short for British]

britches (ˈbrItʃIz)   pl n   a variant spelling of breeches

brith (brit)   n   a variant of bris

Briticism (ˈbrItIˌsIzəm)   n   a custom, linguistic usage, or other feature peculiar to Britain or its people

British (ˈbrItIʃ)   adj   1 relating to, denoting, or characteristic of Britain or any of the natives, citizens, or inhabitants of the United Kingdom   2 relating to or denoting the English language as spoken and written in Britain, esp the S dialect generally regarded as standard. See also Southern British English, Received Pronunciation   3 relating to or denoting the ancient Britons   4 of or relating to the Commonwealth: British subjects   ▷ n   5 (functioning as plural) the natives or inhabitants of Britain   6 the extinct Celtic language of the ancient Britons. See also Brythonic   > ˈBritishness n

■ British Antarctic Territory   n   a UK Overseas Territory in the S Atlantic (claims are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty): created in 1962 and consisting of the South Shetland Islands, the South Orkney Islands, and Graham Land; formerly part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies

■ British Association screw thread   n   engineering a system of screw sizes designated from 0 to 25. Now superseded by standard metric sizes. Abbreviation: BA

■ British Cameroons   pl n   a former British trust territory of West Africa. See Cameroon

■ British Civil Airworthiness Requirements   pl n   (in Britain) documents specifying aerodynamic, engineering design, construction, and performance requirements, which must be met before an aircraft is given permission to fly

■ British Columbia   n   a province of W Canada, on the Pacific coast: largely mountainous with extensive forests, rich mineral resources, and important fisheries. Capital: Victoria. Pop: 4 400 057 (2011 est). Area: 930 532 sq km (359 279 sq miles). Abbreviation: BC

■ British Columbian   adj   1 of or relating to British Columbia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of British Columbia

■ British Commonwealth of Nations   n   the former name of the Commonwealth

■ British Council   n   an organization founded (1934) to extend the influence of British culture and education throughout the world

■ British disease   n   the British disease the pattern of strikes and industrial unrest in the 1970s and early 1980s supposed by many during this time to be endemic in Britain and to weaken the British economy

■ British East Africa   n   the former British possessions of Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, and Zanzibar, before their independence in the 1960s

■ British Empire   n   (formerly) the United Kingdom and the territories under its control, which reached its greatest extent at the end of World War I when it embraced over a quarter of the world's population and more than a quarter of the world's land surface

■ Britisher (ˈbrItIʃə)   n (not used by the British)   1 a native or inhabitant of Great Britain   2 any British subject

■ British Guiana   n   the former name (until 1966) of Guyana

■ British Honduras   n   the former name of Belize

■ British India   n   the 17 provinces of India formerly governed by the British under the British sovereign: ceased to exist in 1947 when the independent states of India and Pakistan were created

■ British Indian Ocean Territory   n   a UK Overseas Territory in the Indian Ocean: consists of the Chagos Archipelago (formerly a dependency of Mauritius) and formerly included (until 1976) Aldabra, Farquhar, and Des Roches, now administratively part of the Seychelles. Diego Garcia is an important US naval base

■ British Isles   pl n   a group of islands in W Europe, consisting of Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Orkney, Shetland, the Channel Islands belonging to Great Britain, and the islands adjacent to these

USAGE

The Irish government does not accept the term British Isles as it believes it implies political supremacy of Britain over Ireland. Many people in the Republic of Ireland (and in the Republican community in Northern Ireland) prefer to talk of Britain and Ireland or The United Kingdom and Ireland

■ Britishism (ˈbrItIˌʃIzəm)   n   a variant of Briticism

■ British Israelite   n   a member of a religious movement claiming that the British people are descended from the lost tribes of Israel

■ British Legion   n   Brit a shortened form of Royal British Legion

■ British Library   n   the British national library, formed in 1973 from the British Museum library and other national collections: housed mainly in the British Museum until 1997 when a purpose-built library in St Pancras, London, was completed

■ British List   n   a list, maintained by the British Ornithologists' Union, of birds accepted as occurring at least once in the British Isles

■ British longhair (ˈlɒŋˌheə)   n   a breed of large cat with a semi-long thick soft coat

■ British lop   n   a breed of large white pig with large drooping ears, originating from Wales, Cumberland, and Ulster. Former name: long white lop-eared

■ British Museum   n   a museum in London, founded in 1753: contains one of the world's richest collections of antiquities and (until 1997) most of the British Library

■ British National Party   n   a far-right political party. Abbreviation: BNP

■ British North America   n   (formerly) Canada or its constituent regions or provinces that formed part of the British Empire

■ British shorthair (ˈʃɔːtˌheə)   n   a breed of large cat with a short dense coat

■ British Somaliland   n   a former British protectorate (1884–1960) in E Africa, on the Gulf of Aden: united with Italian Somaliland in 1960 to form Somalia (or the Somali Republic); in 1991 the self-styled republic of Somaliland, covering the same area as the former British Somaliland, declared itself independent and continues to function largely as a separate entity, though without international recognition

■ British Standard brass thread   n   engineering a Whitworth screw thread having 26 threads per inch, used for thin-walled tubing and designated by the diameter of the tubing. Abbreviation: BSB

■ British Standard fine thread   n   engineering a screw thread having a Whitworth profile but a finer pitch for a given diameter. Abbreviation: BSF

■ British Standard pipe thread   n   engineering a screw thread of Whitworth profile used for piping and designated by the bore of the pipe. Abbreviation: BSP

■ British Standards Institution   n   an association, founded in London in 1901, that establishes and maintains standards for units of measurements, clothes sizes, technical terminology, etc, as used in Britain. Abbreviation: BSI. Compare International Organization for Standardization, National Bureau of Standards

■ British Standard Time   n   the standard time used in Britain all the year round from 1968 to 1971, set one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and equalling Central European Time

■ British Standard Whitworth thread   n   See Whitworth screw thread. Abbreviation: BSW

■ British Summer Time   n   time set one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time: used in Britain from the end of March to the end of October, providing an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Abbreviation: BST. Compare daylight-saving time

■ British Technology Group   n   an organization formed in 1981 by the merger of the National Enterprise Board and the National Research and Development Corporation to encourage and finance technological innovation: privatized in 2000. Abbreviation: BTG

■ British thermal unit   n   a unit of heat in the fps system equal to the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1°F. 1 British thermal unit is equivalent to 1055.06 joules or 251.997 calories. Abbrevs: btu, BThU

■ British Union of Fascists   n   the British fascist party founded by Sir Oswald Mosley (1932), which advocated a strong corporate state and promoted anti-Semitism

■ British Virgin Islands   pl n   a UK Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, consisting of 36 islands in the E Virgin Islands: formerly part of the Federation of the Leeward Islands (1871–1956). Capital: Road Town, on Tortola. Pop: 31 912 (2013 est). Area: 153 sq km (59 sq miles)

■ British warm   n   an army officer's short thick overcoat

■ British West Africa   n   the former British possessions of Nigeria, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and the Gold Coast (now Ghana), and the former trust territories of Togoland and Cameroons

■ British West Indies   pl n   a former name for the states in the Caribbean that are members of the Commonwealth: the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; along with the islands which remain as United Kingdom dependencies: Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the British Virgin Islands

■ British White   n   a British breed of medium-sized white cattle with black points, bred mainly for meat

Brit Lit or Britlit (ˈbrItˌlIt)   n   British literature, esp current fashionable writing

brit milah (ˈbrit miˈlɑː, ˈmilɑ)   n   Judaism a Hebrew term usually translated as circumcision

Briton (ˈbrItən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Britain   2 a citizen of the United Kingdom   3 history any of the early Celtic inhabitants of S Britain who were largely dispossessed by the Anglo-Saxon invaders after the 5th century AD [C13: from Old French Breton, from Latin Britto, of Celtic origin]

Britpack (ˈbrItˌpæk)   n     a a group of young and successful British actors, directors, artists, etc   b (as modifier): Britpack talent [C20: a play on BRATPACK]

Britpop (ˈbrItˌpɒp)   n   the characteristic pop music performed by some British bands of the mid 1990s

britschka (ˈbrItʃkə)   n   a variant of britzka

britt (brIt)   n   a variant spelling of brit

Brittany^1 (ˈbrItənI)   n   a region of NW France, the peninsula between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay: settled by Celtic refugees from Wales and Cornwall during the Anglo-Saxon invasions; disputed between England and France until 1364. Breton name: Breizh (braIs). French name: Bretagne. Related adjective: Breton

Brittany^2   n, pl -nies   a medium-sized strongly-built variety of retriever with a slightly wavy coat usually in tan and white, liver and white, or black and white

Britten (ˈbrItən)   n   (Edward) Benjamin, Baron Britten. 1913–76, English composer, pianist, and conductor. His works include the operas Peter Grimes (1945) and Billy Budd (1951), the choral works Hymn to St Cecilia (1942) and A War Requiem (1962), and numerous orchestral pieces

brittle (ˈbrItəl)   adj   1 easily cracked, snapped, or broken; fragile   2 curt or irritable: a brittle reply   3 hard or sharp in quality   ▷ n   4 a crunchy sweet made with treacle and nuts: peanut brittle [C14: from Old English brytel (unattested); related to brytsen fragment, brēotan to break]   > ˈbrittlely or ˈbrittly adv

■ brittle bone disease   n   the nontechnical name for osteogenesis imperfecta

■ brittleness (ˈbrItəlnIs)   n   1 the quality of being brittle   2 metallurgy the tendency of a metal to break without being significantly distorted or exposed to a high level of stress. Compare toughness (sense 2), softness (sense 2)

■ brittle-star   n   any echinoderm of the class Ophiuroidea, occurring on the sea bottom and having five long slender arms radiating from a small central disc. See also basket-star

Brittonic (brIˈtɒnIk)   n, adj   another word for Brythonic

britzka or britska (ˈbrItskə)   n   a long horse-drawn carriage with a folding top over the rear seat and a rear-facing front seat [C19: from German, variant of Britschka, from Polish bryczka a little cart, from bryka cart]

Brix scale (brIks)   n   a scale for calibrating hydrometers used for measuring the concentration and density of sugar solutions at a given temperature [C19: named after A. F. W. Brix, 19th-century German inventor]

BRN   abbreviation for   Bahrain (international car registration)

Brno (ˈbɜːnəʊ; Czech ˈbrnɔ)   n   a city in the Czech Republic; formerly the capital of Moravia: the country's second largest city. Pop: 375 000 (2005 est). German name: Brünn

bro^1 (brəʊ)   n   1 NZ a family member   2 a close associate

■ bro talk   n   1 NZ Māori English   2 NZ English spoken with a Māori accent [C20: BRO^1 (sense 1) + TALK]

bro^2 (bruː), bra or bru   n   South African informal a friend, often used in direct address [C20: from Afrikaans broer brother]

bro. (brəʊ)   abbreviation for   brother

broach^1 (brəʊtʃ)   vb   1 (tr) to initiate (a topic) for discussion: to broach a dangerous subject   2 (tr) to tap or pierce (a container) to draw off (a liquid): to broach a cask; to broach wine   3 (tr) to open in order to begin to use: to broach a shipment   4 (intr) to break the surface of the water: the trout broached after being hooked   5 (tr) machinery to enlarge and finish (a hole) by reaming   ▷ n   6 a long tapered toothed cutting tool for enlarging holes   7 a spit for roasting meat, etc   8 a roof covering the corner triangle on the top of a square tower having an octagonal spire   9 a pin, forming part of some types of lock, that registers in the hollow bore of a key   10 a tool used for tapping casks   11 a less common spelling of brooch [C14: from Old French broche, from Vulgar Latin brocca (unattested), from Latin brochus projecting]   > ˈbroacher n

broach^2 (brəʊtʃ)   vb   nautical (usually foll by to) to cause (a sailing vessel) to swerve sharply and dangerously or (of a sailing vessel) to swerve sharply and dangerously in a following sea, so as to be broadside to the waves [C18: perhaps from BROACH^1 in obsolete sense of turn on a spit]

broad (brɔːd)   adj   1 having relatively great breadth or width   2 of vast extent; spacious: a broad plain   3 (postpositive) from one side to the other: four miles broad   4 of great scope or potential: that invention had broad applications   5 not detailed; general: broad plans   6 clear and open; full (esp in the phrase broad daylight)   7 obvious or plain: broad hints   8 liberal; tolerant: a broad political stance   9 widely spread; extensive: broad support   10 outspoken or bold: a broad manner   11 vulgar; coarse; indecent: a broad joke   12 unrestrained; free: broad laughter   13 (of a dialect or pronunciation) consisting of a large number of speech sounds characteristic of a particular geographical area: a broad Yorkshire accent   14 finance denoting an assessment of liquidity as including notes and coin in circulation with the public, banks' till money and balances, most private-sector bank deposits, and sterling bank-deposit certificates: broad money. Compare narrow (sense 7)   15 broad a phonetics   a of or relating to a type of pronunciation transcription in which symbols correspond approximately to phonemes without taking account of allophonic variations   b the long vowel in English words such as father, half, as represented in the received pronunciation of Southern British English   16 as broad as it is long amounting to the same thing; without advantage either way   ▷ n   17 the broad part of something   18 slang, chiefly US and Canadian sometimes offensive   a a woman   b a prostitute   19 Brit dialect a river spreading over a lowland. See also Broads   20 East Anglian dialect a shallow lake   21 a wood-turning tool used for shaping the insides and bottoms of cylinders   ▷ adv   22 widely or fully: broad awake [Old English brād; related to Old Norse breithr, Old Frisian brēd, Old High German breit, Gothic braiths]   > ˈbroadly adv   > ˈbroadness n

■ broad arrow   n   1 a mark shaped like a broad arrowhead designating British government property and formerly used on prison clothing   2 an arrow with a broad head

■ broadaxe (ˈbrɔːdˌæks)   n   a type of axe with a large blade

■ broadband (ˈbrɔːdˌbænd)   n   a transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies that enables messages to be sent simultaneously, used in fast internet connections. See also baseband

■ broad-based   adj   comprehensive and inclusive

■ broad bean or broadbean (ˈbrəːdˌbiːn)   n   1 an erect annual Eurasian bean plant, Vicia faba, cultivated for its large edible flattened seeds, used as a vegetable   2 the seed of this plant   ▶ Also called: horse bean

■ broadbill (ˈbrɔːdˌbIl)   n   1 any passerine bird of the family Eurylaimidae, of tropical Africa and Asia, having bright plumage and a short wide bill   2 US any of various wide-billed birds, such as the scaup and shoveler   3 US another name for swordfish

■ broadbrim (ˈbrɔːdˌbrIm)   n   a broad-brimmed hat, esp one worn by the Quakers in the 17th century

■ broad-brimmed   adj   (of a hat) having a broad brim

■ broadbrush (ˈbrɔːdˌbrʌʃ)   adj   lacking full detail or information; incomplete or rough: anything other than a broadbrush strategy for the industry will be overloaded with detail

■ broadcast (ˈbrɔːdˌkɑːst)   vb -casts, -casting, -cast or -casted   1 to transmit (announcements or programmes) on radio or television   2 (intr) to take part in a radio or television programme   3 (tr) to make widely known throughout an area: to broadcast news   4 (tr) to scatter (seed, etc) over an area, esp by hand   ▷ n   5    a a transmission or programme on radio or television   b (as modifier): a broadcast signal   6    a the act of scattering seeds   b (as modifier): the broadcast method of sowing   ▷ adj   7 dispersed over a wide area: broadcast seeds   ▷ adv   8 far and wide: seeds to be sown broadcast   > ˈbroadˌcaster n   > ˈbroadˌcasting n

■ Broad Church   n   1 a party within the Church of England which favours a broad and liberal interpretation of Anglican formularies and rubrics and objects to positive definition in theology. Compare High Church, Low Church   2 (usually not capitals) a group or movement which embraces a wide and varied number of views, approaches, and opinions   ▷ adj Broad-Church   3 of or relating to this party in the Church of England

■ broadcloth (ˈbrɔːdˌklɒθ)   n   1 fabric woven on a wide loom   2 a closely woven fabric of wool, worsted, cotton, or rayon with lustrous finish, used for clothing

■ broaden (ˈbrɔːdən)   vb   to make or become broad or broader; widen

■ broadener (ˈbrɔːdənə)   n   a person who broadens something, a device which broadens something

■ broad gauge   n   1 a railway track with a greater distance between the lines than the standard gauge of 56^1⁄2 inches (about 1.44 metres) used now by most mainline railway systems   ▷ adj broad-gauge   2 of, relating to, or denoting a railway having this track

■ broadish (ˈbrɔːdIʃ)   adj   fairly broad

■ broad jump   n   1 US and Canadian an exercise and athletic contest in which competitors try to jump the farthest distance possible from a standing start from a fixed board or mark   2 Austral, US and Canadian a former name for the long jump

■ Broadlands (ˈbrɔːdlənds)   n   a Palladian mansion near Romsey in Hampshire: formerly the home of Lord Palmerston and Lord Mountbatten

■ broadleaf (ˈbrɔːdˌliːf)   n, pl -leaves   1 any tobacco plant having broad leaves, used esp in making cigars   2 Also called: kapuka, papauma, puka NZ an evergreen tree with large glossy leaves

■ broad-leaved   adj   denoting trees other than conifers, most of which have broad rather than needle-shaped leaves

■ broadleaved whitebeam   n   a whitebeam, Sorbus latifolia, widely found in France and England, also planted as an ornamental

■ broadline (ˈbrɔːdˌlaIn)   n   chiefly US   a a company that deals in high volume at the cheaper end of a product line   b (as modifier): broadline distributors

■ broadloom (ˈbrɔːdˌluːm)   n   (modifier) of or designating carpets or carpeting woven on a wide loom to obviate the need for seams

■ broadly based or broadly-based Brit   adj   comprehensive and inclusive. See also -based

■ broad-minded   adj   1 tolerant of opposing viewpoints; not prejudiced; liberal   2 not easily shocked by permissive sexual habits, pornography, etc   > ˌbroad-ˈmindedly adv   > ˌbroad-ˈmindedness n

■ Broadmoor (ˈbrɔːdˌmɔː)   n   an high-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire, England

■ broadpiece (ˈbrɔːdˌpiːs)   n   an English coin replaced by the guinea in 1663

■ Broads (brɔːdz)   pl n the Broads   1 a group of shallow navigable lakes, connected by a network of rivers, in E England, in Norfolk and Suffolk   2 the region around these lakes: a tourist centre; several bird sanctuaries

■ broadscale (ˈbrɔːdˌskeIl)   adj   on a broad scale; extensive; spread over a wide area

■ broad seal   n   the official seal of a nation and its government

■ broadsheet (ˈbrɔːdˌʃiːt)   n   1 a newspaper having a large format, approximately 15 by 24 inches (38 by 61 centimetres). Compare tabloid   2 another word for broadside (sense 4)

■ broad-shouldered   adj   having broad shoulders

■ broadside (ˈbrɔːdˌsaId)   n   1 nautical the entire side of a vessel, from stem to stern and from waterline to rail   2 navy   a all the armament fired from one side of a warship   b the simultaneous discharge of such armament   3 a strong or abusive verbal or written attack   4 Also called: broadside ballad a ballad or popular song printed on one side of a sheet of paper and sold by hawkers, esp in 16th-century England   5 any standard size of paper before cutting or folding: demy broadside   6 another name for broadsheet (sense 1)   7 a large flat surface: the broadside of the barn   ▷ adv   8 with a broader side facing an object; sideways: the train hit the lorry broadside

■ broad-spectrum   n   (modifier) effective against a wide variety of diseases or microorganisms: a broad-spectrum antibiotic

■ broadsword (ˈbrɔːdˌsɔːd)   n   a broad-bladed sword used for cutting rather than stabbing. Also called: backsword

■ broadtail (ˈbrɔːdˌteIl)   n   1 the highly valued black wavy fur obtained from the skins of newly born karakul lambs; caracul   2 another name for karakul

■ Broadway (ˈbrɔːdˌweI)   n   1 a thoroughfare in New York City, famous for its theatres: the centre of the commercial theatre in the US   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to or suitable for the commercial theatre, esp on Broadway

■ broadwise (ˈbrɔːdˌwaIz)   adv   rare breadthwise

Broad (brɔːd)   n   Stuart (Christopher John). born 1986, English cricketer; he has taken over 400 test match wickets

B-road   n   (in Britain) a secondary road

Brobdingnagian (ˌbrɒbdIŋˈnæɡIən)   adj   gigantic; huge; immense [C18: from Brobdingnag, an imaginary country of giants in Swift's Gulliver's Travels (1726)]

Broca (French brɔka)   n   Paul (pɔl). 1824–80, French surgeon and anthropologist who discovered the motor speech centre of the brain and did pioneering work in brain surgery

■ Broca's area or Broca's centre (ˈbrɒkəz)   n   the region of the cerebral cortex of the brain concerned with speech; the speech centre [C19: named after Paul BROCA]

brocade (brəʊˈkeId)   n   1    a a rich fabric woven with a raised design, often using gold or silver threads   b (as modifier): brocade curtains   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to weave with such a design [C17: from Spanish brocado, from Italian broccato embossed fabric, from brocco spike, from Latin brochus projecting; see BROACH^1]

brocard (ˈbrəʊkɑːd)   n   an elementary legal principle, often expressed in Latin

brocatelle or US brocatel (ˌbrɒkəˈtɛl)   n   1 a heavy brocade with the design in deep relief, used chiefly in upholstery   2 a type of variegated marble from France and Italy [C17: from French, from Italian broccatello, diminutive of broccato BROCADE]

broccoli (ˈbrɒkəlI)   n   1 a cultivated variety of cabbage, Brassica oleracea italica, having branched greenish flower heads   2 the flower head of this plant, eaten as a vegetable before the buds have opened   3 a variety of this plant that does not form a head, whose stalks are eaten as a vegetable [C17: from Italian, plural of broccolo a little sprout, from brocco sprout, spike; see BROCADE]

Broccolini (ˌbrɒkəˈliːnI)   pl n   trademark chiefly Austral (sometimes not capital) a cultivated variety of cabbage, Brassica B. oleracea, which resembles broccoli and is eaten as a green vegetable. Also called: baby broccoli

broch (brɒk, brɒx)   n   (in Scotland) a circular dry-stone tower large enough to serve as a fortified home; they date from the Iron Age and are found esp in the north and the islands [C17: from Old Norse borg; related to Old English burh settlement, burgh]

brochan (ˈbrɒkən, ˈbrɒxən)   n   Scot dialect a type of thin porridge

broché (brəʊˈʃeI; French brɔʃe)   adj   woven with a raised design, as brocade [C19: from French brocher to brocade, stitch; see BROACH^1]

brochette (brɒˈʃɛt; French brɔʃɛt)   n   a skewer or small spit, used for holding pieces of meat, etc, while roasting or grilling [C19: from Old French brochete small pointed tool; see BROACH^1]

brocho (ˈbrɔxɔ)   n   a variant of brachah

brochure (ˈbrəʊʃjʊə, -ʃə)   n   a pamphlet or booklet, esp one containing summarized or introductory information or advertising [C18: from French, from brocher to stitch (a book)]

brock (brɒk)   n   a Brit name, used esp as a form of address in stories, for badger (sense 1) [Old English broc, of Celtic origin; compare Welsh broch]

brocked (brɒkt)   adj   Scot dialect having different colours; variegated

Brocken (German ˈbrɔkən)   n   a mountain in central Germany: the highest peak of the Harz Mountains; important in German folklore. Height: 1142 m (3747 ft). The Brocken Bow or Brocken Spectre is an atmospheric phenomenon in which an observer, when the sun is low, may see his or her enlarged shadow against the clouds, often surrounded by coloured lights

brocket (ˈbrɒkIt)   n   any small deer of the genus Mazama, of tropical America, having small unbranched antlers [C15: from Anglo-French broquet, from broque horn, from Vulgar Latin brocca (unattested); see BROACH^1]

brod (brɒd)   vb (tr)   Scot dialect to prod

broddle (ˈbrɒdəl)   vb   (tr) Yorkshire dialect to poke or pierce (something) [perhaps from BRADAWL]

broderie anglaise (ˌbrəʊdəriː ɑːŋˈɡlɛz)   n   open embroidery on white cotton, fine linen, etc [C19: French: English embroidery]

Brodsky (ˈbrɒdskI)   n   Joseph, original name Iosif Aleksandrovich Brodsky. 1940–96, US poet, born in the Soviet Union. His collections include The End of a Beautiful Era (1977). Nobel prize for literature 1987

Broederbond (ˈbrʊdəˌbɔːnt, ˈbruːdəˌbɒnt)   n   (formerly in South Africa) a secret society of Afrikaner Nationalists committed to securing and maintaining Afrikaner control over important areas of government [Afrikaans: band of brothers]

broekies (ˈbrʊkiːz)   pl n   South African informal underpants [C19: Afrikaans]

brog (brɒɡ, brɔːɡ, broɡ)   n   Scot a bradawl [C19: of uncertain origin]

Broga (ˈbrəʊɡə)   n trademark   an exercise regime for men that combines fitness exercises with traditional yoga postures [C21: blend of BRO(THER) + YOGA]

brogan (ˈbrəʊɡən)   n   a heavy laced usually ankle-high work boot [C19: from Gaelic brōgan a little shoe, from brōg shoe; see BROGUE^2]

Broglie (brɔj)   n   See de Broglie (sense 1)

brogue^1 (brəʊɡ)   n   a broad gentle-sounding dialectal accent, esp that used by the Irish in speaking English [C18: probably from BROGUE^2, alluding to the footwear of the peasantry]

■ broguery (ˈbrəʊɡərI)   n   the use of a brogue or accent

■ broguish (ˈbrəʊɡIʃ) or brogueish (ˈbrəʊɡIʃ)   adj   having or tending to a brogue

brogue^2 (brəʊɡ)   n   1 a sturdy walking shoe, often with ornamental perforations   2 an untanned shoe worn formerly in Ireland and Scotland [C16: from Irish Gaelic bróg boot, shoe, probably from Old Norse brōk leg covering]

broider (ˈbrɔIdə)   vb   (tr) an archaic word for embroider [C15: from Old French brosder, of Germanic origin; see EMBROIDER]

■ broiderer (ˈbrɔIdərə)   n   archaic an embroiderer

■ broidery (ˈbrɔIdərI)   n archaic   1 (pl -ries) a piece of embroidery   2  the art of embroidery

broil^1 (brɔIl)   vb   1 chiefly US and Canadian to cook (meat, fish, etc) by direct heat, as under a grill or over a hot fire, or (of meat, fish, etc) to be cooked in this way. Usual equivalent (in Britain and other countries): grill   2 to become or cause to become extremely hot   3 (intr) to be furious   ▷ n   4 the process of broiling   5 something broiled [C14: from Old French bruillir to burn, of uncertain origin]

■ broiler (ˈbrɔIlə)   n   1 a young tender chicken suitable for roasting   2 chiefly US a pan, grate, etc for broiling food   3 a very hot day

■ broiler house   n   a building in which broiler chickens are reared in confined conditions

■ broiling (ˈbrɔIlIŋ)   adj US   informal extremely hot

broil^2 (brɔIl) archaic   n   1 a loud quarrel or disturbance; brawl   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to brawl; quarrel [C16: from Old French brouiller to mix, from breu broth; see BREWIS, BROSE]

broke (brəʊk)   vb   1 the past tense of break   ▷ adj   2 informal having no money; bankrupt   3 go for broke slang to risk everything in a gambling or other venture

broken (ˈbrəʊkən)   vb   1 the past participle of break   ▷ adj   2 fractured, smashed, or splintered: a broken vase   3 imperfect or incomplete; fragmentary: a broken set of books   4 interrupted; disturbed; disconnected: broken sleep   5 intermittent or discontinuous: broken sunshine   6 varying in direction or intensity, as of pitch: a broken note; a broken run   7 not functioning: a broken radio   8 spoilt or ruined by divorce (esp in the phrases broken home, broken marriage)   9 (of a trust, promise, contract, etc) violated; infringed   10 overcome with grief or disappointment: a broken heart   11 (of the speech of a foreigner) imperfect in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation: broken English   12 Also: broken-in made tame or disciplined by training: a broken horse; a broken recruit   13 exhausted or weakened as through ill-health or misfortune   14 confused or disorganized: broken ranks of soldiers   15 breached or opened: broken defensive lines   16 irregular or rough; uneven: broken ground   17 bankrupt or out of money: a broken industry   18 (of colour) having a multicoloured decorative effect, as by stippling paint onto a surface   19 South African informal drunk   > ˈbrokenly adv

■ broken chord   n   music a chord played as an arpeggio

■ broken consort   n   See consort (sense 4)

■ broken-down   adj   1 worn out, as by age or long use; dilapidated: a broken-down fence   2 not in working order: a broken-down tractor

■ brokenhearted (ˌbrəʊkənˈhɑːtId)   adj   overwhelmed by grief or disappointment   > ˌbrokenˈheartedly adv   > ˌbrokenˈheartedness n

■ Broken Hill   n   a town in SE Australia, in W New South Wales: mining centre for lead, silver, and zinc. Pop: 19 834 (2001)

■ brokenness (ˈbrəʊkənnəs)   n   the quality of being broken

■ broken wind (wInd)   n   vet science another name for heaves (sense 1)

broker (ˈbrəʊkə)   n   1 an agent who, acting on behalf of a principal, buys or sells goods, securities, etc, in return for a commission: insurance broker   2 (formerly) short for stockbroker   3 a dealer in second-hand goods   ▷ vb   4 to act as a broker (in) [C14: from Anglo-French brocour broacher (of casks, hence, one who sells, agent), from Old Northern French broquier to tap a cask, from broque tap of a cask; see BROACH^1]

■ brokerage (ˈbrəʊkərIdʒ)   n   1 commission charged by a broker to his or her principals   2 a broker's business or office

■ broker-dealer   n   another name for stockbroker

■ brokery (ˈbrəʊkərI)   n   1 the business of a broker   2 obsolete any work done by a broker

■ broking (ˈbrəʊkIŋ)   adj   1 acting as a broker   ▷ n   2 the business of a broker [C16: from obsolete verb broke; see BROKER]

brolga (ˈbrɒlɡə)   n   a large grey Australian crane, Grus rubicunda, having a red-and-green head and a trumpeting call. Also called: Australian crane, native companion [C19: from a native Australian language]

brolly (ˈbrɒlI)   n, pl -lies   an informal Brit name for umbrella (sense 1)

bromal (ˈbrəʊməl)   n   a yellowish oily synthetic liquid formerly used medicinally as a sedative and hypnotic; tribromoacetaldehyde. Formula: Br_3CCHO [C19: from BROM(INE) + AL(COHOL)]

bromance (ˈbrəʊmæns)   n   informal a close but non-sexual relationship between two men [C21: a blend of BRO(THER) + ROMANCE]

bromate (ˈbrəʊmeIt)   n   1 any salt or ester of bromic acid, containing the monovalent group -BrO_3 or ion BrO_3–   ▷ vb   2 to add bromate to (a product), as in the treatment of flour [C19: probably from German Bromat; see BROMO-, -ATE^1]

Bromberg (ˈbrɔmbɛrk)   n   the German name for Bydgoszcz

bromegrass (ˈbrəʊmˌɡrɑːs) or brome (brəʊm)   n   any of various grasses of the genus Bromus, having small flower spikes in loose drooping clusters. Some species are used for hay [C18: via Latin from Greek bromos oats, of obscure origin]

bromelain (ˈbrɒməˌleIn)   n   an enzyme derived from pineapple, used as an anti-inflammatory agent in homeopathy and as a meat tenderizer in the food industry

bromelia (brəˈmiːlIə, brəʊˈmiːljə)   n   any plant of the family Bromeliaceae of tropical American plants, characterized by a short stem and deeply cleft calyx

bromeliad (brəʊˈmiːlIˌæd)   n   any plant of the tropical American family Bromeliaceae, typically epiphytes with a rosette of fleshy leaves. The family includes the pineapple and Spanish moss [C19: from New Latin Bromelia type genus, after Olaf Bromelius (1639–1705), Swedish botanist]   > broˌmeliˈaceous adj

bromelin (ˈbrəʊməlIn)   n   a protein-digesting enzyme (see endopeptidase) found in pineapple and extracted for use in treating joint pain and inflammation, hay fever, and various other conditions [C19: from Bromelia type genus of pineapple family (see BROMELIAD) + -IN]

bromeosin (brəʊˈmiːəsIn)   n   chem another name for eosin [C20: from BROMO- + EOSIN]

bromic (ˈbrəʊmIk)   adj   of or containing bromine in the trivalent or pentavalent state

■ bromic acid   n   a colourless unstable water-soluble liquid used as an oxidizing agent in the manufacture of dyes and pharmaceuticals. Formula: HBrO_3

bromide (ˈbrəʊmaId)   n   1 any salt of hydrobromic acid, containing the monovalent ion Br– (bromide ion)   2 any compound containing a bromine atom, such as methyl bromide   3 a dose of sodium or potassium bromide given as a sedative   4    a a trite saying; platitude   b a dull or boring person [C19, C20 (cliché): from BROM(INE) + -IDE]

■ bromide paper   n   a type of photographic paper coated with an emulsion of silver bromide usually containing a small quantity of silver iodide

■ bromidic (brəʊˈmIdIk)   adj   ordinary; dull

bromidrosis (ˌbrəʊmIˈdrəʊsIs)   n   the production of foul-smelling perspiration. Also called: osmidrosis

bromine (ˈbrəʊmiːn, -mIn)   n   a pungent dark red volatile liquid element of the halogen series that occurs in natural brine and is used in the production of chemicals, esp ethylene dibromide. Symbol: Br; atomic no: 35; atomic wt: 79.904; valency: 1, 3, 5, or 7; relative density 3.12; density (gas): 7.59 kg/m^3; melting pt: –7.2°C; boiling pt: 58.78°C [C19: from French brome bromine, from Greek brōmos bad smell + -INE^2, of uncertain origin]

■ brominate (ˈbrəʊmIˌneIt)   vb   to treat or react with bromine. Also: bromate   > ˌbrominˈation n

bromism (ˈbrəʊˌmIzəm) or US brominism   n   poisoning caused by the excessive intake of bromine or compounds containing bromine

bromize or bromise (ˈbrəʊmaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to treat with bromine   2 (in photography) to treat a metal plate with bromine

Bromley (ˈbrɒmlI)   n   a borough of SE Greater London. Pop: 298 300 (2003 est). Area: 153 sq km (59 sq miles)

brommer (ˈbrɒmə)   n   South African dialect a bluebottle fly

bromo- or before a vowel brom-   combining form   indicating the presence of bromine: bromoform

bromocriptine (ˌbrəʊməʊˈkrIptiːn)   n   a dopamine agonist drug which blocks the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland, used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

bromoform (ˈbrəʊməˌfɔːm)   n   a heavy colourless liquid substance with a sweetish taste and an odour resembling that of chloroform. Formula: CHBr_3. Systematic name: tribromomethane

bromouracil (ˌbrəʊməʊˈjʊərəsIl)   n   biochem a brominated derivative of uracil with antimetabolite properties. Also called: 5-Bromouracil

Bromsgrove (ˈbrɒmzˌɡrəʊv)   n   a town in W central England, in N Worcestershire. Pop: 29 237 (2001)

bronchi (ˈbrɒŋkaI)   n   the plural of bronchus

■ bronchial (ˈbrɒŋkIəl)   adj   of or relating to the bronchi or the bronchial tubes   > ˈbronchially adv

■ bronchial tubes   pl n   the bronchi or their smaller divisions

■ bronchitis (brɒŋˈkaItIs)   n   inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by coughing, difficulty in breathing, etc, caused by infection or irritation of the respiratory tract   > bronchitic (brɒŋˈkItIk) adj, n

bronchia (ˈbrɒŋkIə)   pl n   another name for bronchial tubes [C17: from Late Latin, from Greek bronkhia, plural of bronkhion, diminutive of bronkhus windpipe, throat]

bronchiectasis (ˌbrɒŋkIˈɛktəsIs)   n   chronic dilation of the bronchi or bronchial tubes, which often become infected [C19: from BRONCHI- + Greek ektasis a stretching]

bronchiole (ˈbrɒŋkIˌəʊl)   n   any of the smallest bronchial tubes, usually ending in alveoli [C19: from New Latin bronchiolum, diminutive of Late Latin bronchium, singular of BRONCHIA]   > bronchiolar (ˌbrɒŋkIˈəʊlə) adj

■ bronchiolitis (ˌbroŋkiəʊˈlaItIs)   n   a condition in which the small airways in the lungs become inflamed by a virus. It is most common in infants, who become breathless in severe cases. Recurrent attacks may lead to asthma

bronchium (ˈbrɒŋkIəm)   n   a medium-sized bronchial tube

broncho- or before a vowel bronch-   combining form   indicating or relating to the bronchi: bronchitis [from Greek: BRONCHUS]

bronchodilator (ˈbrɒŋkəʊdaIˌleItə)   n   any drug or other agent that causes dilation of the bronchial tubes by relaxing bronchial muscle: used, esp in the form of aerosol sprays, for the relief of asthma

bronchogenic (ˌbrɒŋkəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   bronchial in origin

bronchography (brɒŋˈkɒɡrəfI)   n   radiography of the bronchial tubes after the introduction of a radiopaque medium into the bronchi

bronchopneumonia (ˌbrɒŋkəʊnjuːˈməʊnIə)   n   inflammation of the lungs, originating in the bronchioles

bronchoscope (ˈbrɒŋkəˌskəʊp)   n   an instrument for examining and providing access to the interior of the bronchial tubes   > bronchoscopic (ˌbrɒŋkəˈskɒpIk) adj   > bronchoscopist (brɒŋˈkɒskəpIst) n   > bronˈchoscopy n

■ bronchoscopical (ˌbrɒŋkəˈskɒpIkəl)   adj   another word for bronchoscopic

bronchospasm (ˈbrɒŋkəʊˌspæzəm)   n   an abnormal contraction of the bronchi resulting in restriction of the airway

■ bronchospastic (ˌbrɒŋkəʊˈspæstIk)   adj   of or relating to bronchospasms

bronchus (ˈbrɒŋkəs)   n, pl -chi (-kaI)   either of the two main branches of the trachea, which contain cartilage within their walls [C18: from New Latin, from Greek bronkhos windpipe]

bronco or broncho (ˈbrɒŋkəʊ)   n, pl -cos or -chos   (in the US and Canada) a wild or partially tamed pony or mustang of the western plains [C19: from Mexican Spanish, short for Spanish potro bronco unbroken colt, probably from Latin broccus projecting (as knots on wood), hence, rough, wild]

■ broncobuster (ˈbrɒŋkəʊˌbʌstə)   n   (in the western US and Canada) a cowboy who breaks in broncos or wild horses

brond (brɒnd)   n   archaic a piece of burnt or burning wood

bronde (brɒnd)   adj   1 (of women's hair) artificially coloured to achieve a shade between blonde and brunette   ▷ n   2 a woman whose hair is artificially coloured to a shade between blonde and brunette [C21: from BR(UNETTE) + (BL)ONDE]

brondyron (ˈbrɒndaIrən)   n   1 a sword   2 obsolete a brand

Brontë (ˈbrɒntI)   n   1  Anne, pen name Acton Bell. 1820–49, English novelist; author of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1847)   2  her sister, Charlotte, pen name Currer Bell. 1816–55, English novelist, author of Jane Eyre (1847), Villette (1853), and The Professor (1857)   3  her sister, Emily (Jane), pen name Ellis Bell. 1818–48, English novelist and poet; author of Wuthering Heights (1847)

brontobyte (ˈbrɒntəʊˌbaIt)   n   computing not standard 10^27 or 2^90 bytes [C21: probably from BRONTOSAURUS]

brontosaurus (ˌbrɒntəˈsɔːrəs) or brontosaur (ˈbrɒntəˌsɔː)   n   a former name for apatosaurus [C19: from New Latin, from Greek brontē thunder + sauros lizard]

Bronx (brɒŋks)   n   the Bronx a borough of New York City, on the mainland, separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River. Pop: 1 363 198 (2003 est)

■ Bronx cheer   n   chiefly US a loud noise, imitating a fart, made with the lips and tongue and expressing derision or contempt; raspberry

bronze (brɒnz)   n   1    a any hard water-resistant alloy consisting of copper and smaller proportions of tin and sometimes zinc and lead   b any similar copper alloy containing other elements in place of tin, such as aluminium bronze, beryllium bronze, etc. See also phosphor bronze, gunmetal. Compare brass (sense 1)   2 a yellowish-brown colour or pigment   3 a statue, medal, or other object made of bronze   4 short for bronze medal   ▷ adj   5 made of or resembling bronze   6 of a yellowish-brown colour: a bronze skin   ▷ vb   7 (esp of the skin) to make or become brown; tan   8 (tr) to give the appearance of bronze to [C18: from French, from Italian bronzo, perhaps ultimately from Latin Brundisium Brindisi, famed for its bronze]   > ˈbronzy adj

■ bronze age   n   classical myth a period of human existence marked by war and violence, following the golden and silver ages and preceding the iron age

■ Bronze Age   n   archaeol   a a technological stage between the Stone and Iron Ages, beginning in the Middle East about 4500 BC and lasting in Britain from about 2000 to 500 BC, during which weapons and tools were made of bronze and there was intensive trading   b (as modifier): a Bronze-Age tool

■ bronzed (brɒnzd)   adj   1 tanned   2 coated with bronze

■ bronze medal   n   a medal of bronze, awarded to a competitor who comes third in a contest or race. Compare gold medal, silver medal

■ bronzen (ˈbrɒnzən)   adj   made of or resembling bronze

■ bronzer (ˈbronzə)   n   a cosmetic applied to the skin to simulate a sun tan

■ bronze whaler   n   a shark, Carcharhinus brachyurus, of southern Australian waters, having a bronze-coloured back

■ bronzify (ˈbrɒnzIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to make into bronze   2 to make the colour of bronze

■ bronzing (ˈbrɒnzIŋ)   n building trades   1 blue pigment producing a metallic lustre when ground into paint media at fairly high concentrations   2 the application of a mixture of powdered metal or pigments of a metallic lustre, and a binding medium, such as gold size, to a surface

■ bronzite (ˈbrɒnzaIt)   n   a type of orthopyroxene often having a metallic or pearly sheen

Bronzino (bronˈdziːno)   n   Il, real name Agnolo di Cosimo. 1503–72, Florentine mannerist painter

broo (bruː)   n, pl broos   Scot dialect broth, liquor, or juice

brooch (brəʊtʃ)   n   an ornament with a hinged pin and catch, worn fastened to clothing [C13: from Old French broche; see BROACH^1]

brood (bruːd)   n   1 a number of young animals, esp birds, produced at one hatching   2 all the offspring in one family: often used jokingly or contemptuously   3 a group of a particular kind; breed   4 (as modifier) kept for breeding: a brood mare   ▷ vb   5 (of a bird)   a to sit on or hatch (eggs)   b (tr) to cover (young birds) protectively with the wings   6 (when intr, often foll by on, over or upon) to ponder morbidly or persistently [Old English brōd; related to Middle High German bruot, Dutch broed; see BREED]   > ˈbrooding n, adj   > ˈbroodingly adv

■ brooder (ˈbruːdə)   n   1 an enclosure or other structure, usually heated, used for rearing young chickens or other fowl   2 a person or thing that broods

■ broodily (ˈbruːdIlI)   adv   in a broody manner

■ broodless (ˈbruːdlIs)   adj   with no brood

■ brood pouch   n   1 a pouch or cavity in certain animals, such as frogs and fishes, in which their eggs develop and hatch   2 another name for marsupium

■ broody (ˈbruːdI)   adj broodier, broodiest   1 moody; meditative; introspective   2 (of poultry) wishing to sit on or hatch eggs   3 informal (of a woman) wishing to have a baby of her own   > ˈbroodiness n

brook^1 (brʊk)   n   a natural freshwater stream smaller than a river [Old English brōc; related to Old High German bruoh swamp, Dutch broek]

■ brookie (ˈbrʊkI)   n, pl -ies   an informal name for a brook trout

■ brooklet (ˈbrʊklIt)   n   a small brook

■ brooklike (ˈbrʊkˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a brook

■ brooklime (ˈbrʊkˌlaIm)   n   either of two blue-flowered scrophulariaceous trailing plants, Veronica americana of North America or V. beccabunga of Europe and Asia, growing in moist places. See also speedwell [C16: variant of C15 brokelemk speedwell, from BROOK^1 + -lemk, from Old English hleomoce; influenced by lime]

■ brook trout   n   a North American freshwater trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, introduced in Europe and valued as a food and game fish. Also called: speckled trout

■ brookweed (ˈbrʊkˌwiːd)   n   either of two white-flowered primulaceous plants, Samolus valerandi of Europe or S. floribundus of North America, growing in moist places. Also called: water pimpernel. See also pimpernel

brook^2 (brʊk)   vb   (tr; usually used with a negative) to bear; tolerate [Old English brūcan; related to Gothic brūkjan to use, Old High German brūhhan, Latin fruī to enjoy]   > ˈbrookable adj

Brook (brʊk)   n   Peter (Paul Stephen). born 1925, British stage and film director, noted esp for his experimental work in the theatre

Brooke (brʊk)   n   1  Alan Francis. See Alanbrooke   2  Sir James. 1803–68, British soldier; first rajah of Sarawak (1841–63)   3  Rupert (Chawner). 1887–1915, British lyric poet, noted for his idealistic war poetry, which made him a national hero

Brook Farm   n   an experimental communist community established by writers and scholars in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, from 1841 to 1847

brookite (ˈbrʊkaIt)   n   a reddish-brown to black mineral consisting of titanium oxide in orthorhombic crystalline form: occurs in silica veins. Formula: TiO_2 [C19: named after Henry J. Brooke (died 1857), English mineralogist]

Brooklyn (ˈbrʊklIn)   n   a borough of New York City, on the SW end of Long Island. Pop: 2 465 326 (2000)

Brookner (ˈbrʊknə)   n   Anita. 1928–2016, British writer and art historian. Her novels include Hotel du Lac (1984), which won the Booker Prize, Brief Lives (1990), and The Next Big Thing (2002)

Brooks (brʊks)   n   1  Geraldine. born 1955, Australian writer. Her novels include March (2005), which won the Pulitzer prize   2  Mel, real name Melvyn Kaminsky. born 1926, US comedy writer, actor, and film director. His films include The Producers (1968), Blazing Saddles (1974), High Anxiety (1977), and Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1996)

Brooks Range (brʊks)   n   a mountain range in N Alaska. Highest peak: Mount Isto, 2736 m (8976 ft)

brool (bruːl)   n   a low roaring sound, a deep murmur

broom (bruːm, brʊm)   n   1 an implement for sweeping consisting of a long handle to which is attached either a brush of straw, bristles, or twigs, bound together, or a solid head into which are set tufts of bristles or fibres   2 any of various yellow-flowered Eurasian leguminous shrubs of the genera Cytisus, Genista, and Spartium, esp C. scoparius   3 any of various similar Eurasian plants of the related genera Genista and Spartium   4 new broom a newly appointed official, etc, eager to make changes   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to sweep with a broom [Old English brōm; related to Old High German brāmo, Middle Dutch bremme]

■ broomball (ˈbruːmˌbɔːl)   n   Canadian a sport similar to ice hockey, played without skates and with a specially designed broom

■ broomballer (ˈbrʊmˌbɔːlə)   n   Canadian a person who plays broomball

■ broomcorn (ˈbruːmˌkɔːn, ˈbrʊm-)   n   a variety of sorghum, Sorghum vulgare technicum, the long stiff flower stalks of which have been used for making brooms

■ broomrape (ˈbruːmˌreIp, ˈbrʊm-)   n   any orobanchaceous plant of the genus Orobanche: brownish small-flowered leafless parasites on the roots of other plants, esp on legumes [C16: adaptation and partial translation of Medieval Latin rāpum genistae tuber (hence: root nodule) of Genista (a type of broom plant)]

■ broomstaff (ˈbruːmˌstɑːf)   n   archaic a broomstick

■ broomstick (ˈbruːmˌstIk, ˈbrʊm-)   n   the long handle of a broom

■ broomy (ˈbrʊmI)   adj broomier, broomiest   covered with broom growth

Broonzy (ˈbruːnzI)   n   William Lee Conley, called Big Bill. 1893–1958, US blues singer and guitarist

broose (bruːz)   n   Scot dialect a race, either on foot or on horseback, amongst the men at a country wedding

bros. or Bros.   abbreviation for   brothers

brose (brəʊz)   n   Scot oatmeal or pease porridge, sometimes with butter or fat added. See also Atholl brose [C13 broys, from Old French broez, from breu broth, of Germanic origin]

■ brosy (ˈbrəʊzI)   adj   Scot dialect coated with brose

broth (brɒθ)   n   1 a soup made by boiling meat, fish, vegetables, etc, in water   2 another name for stock (sense 19) [Old English broth; related to Old Norse broth, Old High German brod, German brodeln to boil; see BREW]

■ brothy (ˈbrɒθI)   adj brothier, brothiest   of or resembling broth

brotha (ˈbrʌðə)   n   African-American slang an African-American man [C20: dialect form of BROTHER]

brothel (ˈbrɒθəl)   n   1 a house or other place where men pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes   2 Austral informal any untidy or messy place [C16: short for brothel-house, from C14 brothel useless person, from Old English brēothan to deteriorate; related to briethel worthless]

■ brothel-creepers   pl n   Brit informal soft-soled men's shoes that were originally popular in the 1950s

brother (ˈbrʌðə)   n, pl brothers or archaic except when referring to fellow members of a religion, sect, society, etc brethren   1 a male person having the same parents as another person   2 short for half-brother, stepbrother   3    a a male person belonging to the same group, profession, nationality, trade union, etc, as another or others; fellow member   b (as modifier): brother workers   4 comrade; friend: used as a form of address   5 Christianity   a a member of a male religious order who undertakes work for the order without actually being in holy orders   b a lay member of a male religious order. Related adjective: fraternal   ▷ interj   6 slang an exclamation of amazement, disgust, surprise, disappointment, etc [Old English brōthor; related to Old Norse brōthir, Old High German bruoder, Latin frāter, Greek phratēr, Sanskrit bhrātar]

■ brotherhood (ˈbrʌðəˌhʊd)   n   1 the state of being related as a brother or brothers   2 an association or fellowship, such as a trade union   3 all persons engaged in a particular profession, trade, etc   4 the belief, feeling, or hope that all people should regard and treat one another as equals

■ brother-in-arms   n, pl brothers-in-arms   a fellow soldier or comrade in a shared struggle

■ brother-in-law   n, pl brothers-in-law   1 the brother of one's wife or husband   2 the husband of one's sibling   3 the husband of the sibling of one's husband or wife

■ brotherlike (ˈbrʌðəˌlaIk)   adj   1 like a brother   ▷ adv   2 in a brotherly manner

■ brotherly (ˈbrʌðəlI)   adj   1 of, resembling, or suitable to a brother, esp in showing loyalty and affection; fraternal   ▷ adv   2 in a brotherly way; fraternally   > ˈbrotherliness n

brougham (ˈbruːəm, bruːm)   n   1 a four-wheeled horse-drawn closed carriage having a raised open driver's seat in front   2 obsolete a large car with an open compartment at the front for the driver   3 obsolete an early electric car [C19: named after Henry Peter, Lord Brougham (1778–1868)]

brought (brɔːt)   vb   the past tense and past participle of bring

broughta (ˈbrɔːtə) or broughtas (ˈbrɔːtəs)   n   variants of braata

brouhaha (ˈbruːhɑːhɑː)   n   a loud confused noise; commotion; uproar [French, of imitative origin]

brow (braʊ)   n   1 the part of the face from the eyes to the hairline; forehead   2 short for eyebrow   3 the expression of the face; countenance: a troubled brow   4 the top of a mine shaft; pithead   5 the jutting top of a hill, etc   6 Northern English dialect a steep slope on a road [Old English brū; related to Old Norse brūn eyebrow, Lithuanian bruvis, Greek ophrus, Sanskrit bhrūs]

■ browband (ˈbraʊˌbænd)   n   the strap of a horse's bridle that goes across the forehead

■ browbeat (ˈbraʊˌbiːt)   vb -beats, -beating, -beat, -beaten   (tr) to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate   > ˈbrowˌbeater n

■ browbeaten (ˈbraʊbiːtən)   adj   intimidated

■ -browed   adj   (in combination) having a brow or brows as specified: dark-browed

■ browless (ˈbraʊlIs)   adj   1 without eyebrows   2 obsolete shameless; unabashed

■ browridge (ˈbraʊˌrIdʒ)   n   the ridge of bone over the eye sockets

browallia (brəˈwɑːlIə)   n   any plant of the Browallia genus of South American flowering plants

brown (braʊn)   n   1 any of various colours, such as those of wood or earth, produced by low intensity light in the wavelength range 620–585 nanometres   2 a dye or pigment producing these colours   3 brown cloth or clothing: dressed in brown   4 any of numerous mostly reddish-brown butterflies of the genera Maniola, Lasiommata, etc, such as M. jurtina (meadow brown): family Satyridae   ▷ adj   5 of the colour brown   6 (of bread) made from a flour that has not been bleached or bolted, such as wheatmeal or wholemeal flour   7 deeply tanned or sunburnt   ▷ vb   8 to make (esp food as a result of cooking) brown or (esp of food) to become brown [Old English brūn; related to Old Norse brūnn, Old High German brūn, Greek phrunos toad, Sanskrit babhru reddish-brown]   > ˈbrownish or ˈbrowny adj   > ˈbrownness n

■ brown algae   pl n   any algae of the phylum Phaeophyta, such as the wracks and kelps, which contain a brown pigment in addition to chlorophyll

■ brown bag US   n   1 a bag made of brown paper, often used for carrying a packed lunch or alcohol   ▷ vb brown-bag (-bags, -bagging, -bagged) (intr)   2 to take a packed lunch in a brown bag   3 to carry alcohol in a brown bag

■ brown bear   n   a large ferocious brownish bear, Ursus arctos, inhabiting temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. See also grizzly bear, Kodiak bear

■ brown coal   n   a low-quality coal intermediate in grade between peat and lignite

■ brown cow   n   South African a drink made by mixing cola and milk

■ brown creeper   n   a small bush bird, Finschia novaeseelandiae, of South Island, New Zealand. Also called: bush canary

■ brown dwarf   n   a type of celestial body midway in mass between a large planet and a small star

■ brown earth   n   an intrazonal soil of temperate humid regions typically developed under deciduous forest into a dark rich layer (mull): characteristic of much of southern and central England

■ browned-off   adj   informal thoroughly discouraged or disheartened; fed up

■ brown fat   n   tissue composed of a type of fat cell that dissipates as heat most of the energy released when food is oxidized; brown adipose tissue. It is present in hibernating animals and human babies and is thought to be important in adult weight control

■ brownfield (ˈbraʊnˌfiːld)   n   (modifier) denoting or located in an urban area that has previously been built on: brownfield developments

■ brown goods   pl n   marketing consumer goods such as televisions, radios, or videos. Compare white goods (sense 1)

■ brownie (ˈbraʊnI)   n   1 (in folklore) an elf said to do helpful work at night, esp household chores   2 a small square dense chocolate cake   3 Austral history a bread made with currants [C16: diminutive of BROWN (that is, a small brown man)]

■ Brownie (ˈbraʊnI)   n   1 another name for Brownie Guide   2 trademark (formerly) a popular make of simple box camera

■ Brownie Guide or Brownie (ˈbraʊnI)   n   a member of the Brownie Guides, one of the junior branches (aged 7–10 years) in The Guide Association

■ Brownie Guider   n   the adult leader of a pack of Brownie Guides. Former name: Brown Owl

■ Brownie point   n   a notional mark to one's credit earned for being seen to do the right thing [C20: from the mistaken notion that Brownie Guides earn points for good deeds]

■ browning (ˈbraʊnIŋ)   n   Brit a substance used to darken soups, gravies, etc

■ brown lung disease   n   another name for byssinosis

■ brown nose   n   vet science a form of light sensitization in cattle

■ brown-nose slang   vb   1 to be abjectly subservient (to); curry favour (with)   ▷ n   2 an abjectly subservient person; sycophant [C20: from the notion that a subservient person kisses the backside of the person with whom he or she is currying favour]

■ brownnoser (ˈbraʊnˌnəʊzə)   n   derogatory a person who brown-noses

■ brownout (ˈbraʊnˌaʊt)   n chiefly US   1 a dimming or reduction in the use of electric lights in a city, esp to conserve electric power or as a defensive precaution in wartime   2 a temporary reduction in electrical power. Compare blackout (sense 3)   3 a temporary slowing down of the workings of the internet caused when too many users attempt to access it at the same time

■ brown owl   n   another name for tawny owl

■ Brown Owl   n   a name (no longer in use) for Brownie Guider

■ brown paper   n   a coarse unbleached paper used for wrapping

■ brown pound   n   Brit the perceived purchasing power of Britain’s Black and Asian minorities as a group

■ brown rat   n   a common brownish rat, Rattus norvegicus: a serious pest in all parts of the world. Also called: Norway rat

■ brown rice   n   unpolished rice, in which the grains retain the outer yellowish-brown layer (bran)

■ brown rot   n   1 a disease of apples, peaches, etc, caused by fungi of the genus Sclerotinia and characterized by yellowish-brown masses of spores on the plant surface   2 decay of timber caused by the action of fungi on the cellulose

■ brown seaweed   n   another term for brown algae

■ Brown Shirt or brownshirt (ˈbraʊnˌʃɜːt)   n   1 (in Nazi Germany) a storm trooper   2 a member of any fascist party or group

■ brown snake   n   Austral any of various common venomous snakes of the genus Pseudonaja

■ brown-state   adj   (of linen and lace fabrics) undyed

■ brownstone (ˈbraʊnˌstəʊn)   n US   1 a reddish-brown iron-rich sandstone used for building   2 a house built of or faced with this stone

■ brown study   n   a mood of deep absorption or thoughtfulness; reverie

■ brown sugar   n   sugar that is unrefined or only partially refined

■ browntail moth (ˈbraʊnˌteIl)   n   a small brown-and-white European moth, Euproctis phaeorrhoea, naturalized in the eastern US where it causes damage to shade trees: family Lymantriidae (or Liparidae). See also tussock moth

■ brown toast   n   Canadian toasted wholemeal bread

■ brown trout   n   a common brownish variety of the trout Salmo trutta that occurs in the rivers of N Europe and has been successfully introduced in North America. Compare sea trout (sense 1)

Brown (braʊn)   n   1  Sir Arthur Whitten (ˈwItən). 1886–1948, British aviator who with J.W. Alcock made the first flight across the Atlantic (1919)   2  Ford Madox. 1821–93, British painter, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His paintings include The Last of England (1865) and Work (1865)   3  George (Alfred), Lord George-Brown. 1914–85, British Labour politician; vice-chairman and deputy leader of the Labour party (1960–70); foreign secretary 1966–68   4  George Mackay. 1921–96, Scottish poet, novelist, and short-story writer. His works, which include the novels Greenvoe (1972) and Magnus (1973), reflect the history and culture of Orkney   5  (James) Gordon. born 1951, British Labour politician; Chancellor of the Exchequer (1997–2007); prime minister (2007–10)   6  Herbert Charles. 1912–2004, US chemist, who worked on the compounds of boron. Nobel prize for chemistry 1979   7  James. 1933–2006, US soul singer and songwriter, noted for his dynamic stage performances and for his commitment to Black rights   8  John. 1800–59, US abolitionist leader, hanged after leading an unsuccessful rebellion of slaves at Harper's Ferry, Virginia   9  Lancelot, called Capability Brown. 1716–83, British landscape gardener   10  Michael (Stuart). born 1941, US physician: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1985) for work on cholesterol   11  Robert. 1773–1858, Scottish botanist who was the first to observe the Brownian movement in fluids

■ Brownian movement (ˈbraʊnIən) or Brownian motion   n   random movement of microscopic particles suspended in a fluid, caused by bombardment of the particles by molecules of the fluid. First observed in 1827, it provided strong evidence in support of the kinetic theory of molecules [C19: named after Robert BROWN]

Browne (braʊn)   n   1  Coral (Edith). 1913–91, Australian actress: married to Vincent Price   2  Hablot Knight. See Phiz   3  Sir Thomas. 1605–82, English physician and author, noted for his magniloquent prose style. His works include Religio Medici (1642) and Hydriotaphia or Urn Burial (1658)

Browning^1 (ˈbraʊnIŋ)   n   1  Elizabeth Barrett. 1806–61, English poet and critic; author of the Sonnets from the Portuguese (1850)   2  her husband, Robert. 1812–89, English poet, noted for his dramatic monologues and The Ring and the Book (1868–69)

Browning^2 (ˈbraʊnIŋ)   n   1 Also called: Browning automatic rifle a portable gas-operated air-cooled automatic rifle using .30 calibre ammunition and capable of firing between 200 and 350 rounds per minute. Abbreviation: BAR   2 Also called: Browning machine gun a water-cooled automatic machine gun using .30 or .50 calibre ammunition and capable of firing over 500 rounds per minute [C20: named after John M. Browning (1855–1926), American designer of firearms]

Brownist (ˈbraʊnIst)   n   a person who supported the principles of church government advocated by Robert Browne and adopted in modified form by the Independents or Congregationalists [C16: named after Robert Browne (?1550–1633), English Puritan]   > ˈBrownism n

browse (braʊz)   vb   1 to look through (a book, articles for sale in a shop, etc) in a casual leisurely manner   2 computing to search for and read hypertext, esp on the internet   3 (of deer, goats, etc) to feed upon (vegetation) by continual nibbling   ▷ n   4 the act or an instance of browsing   5 the young twigs, shoots, leaves, etc, on which certain animals feed [C15: from French broust, brost (modern French brout) bud, of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon brustian to bud]

■ browsable (ˈbraʊzəbəl)   adj   1 able to be browsed   2 designed for browsing

■ browser (ˈbraʊzə)   n   1 a person or animal that browses   2 computing a software package that enables a user to find and read hypertext files, esp on the internet

■ browser skin   n   computing a changeable decorative background for a browser

■ browsy (ˈbraʊzI)   adj   characterized by browsing

browst (braʊst)   n   Scot dialect a brewing (of ale, tea, etc)

Broz (Serbo-Croatian brɔːz)   n   Josip (ˈjɔsip). original name of Marshal Tito. See Tito

brrr (brr)   interj   informal an exclamation used to suggest shivering

BRT text messaging   abbreviation for   be right there

bru (bruː)   n   South African informal another word for bro^2

BRU   abbreviation for   Brunei (international car registration)

Brubeck (ˈbruːbɛk)   n   Dave. 1920–2012, US modern jazz pianist and composer; formed his own quartet in 1951

Bruce^1 (bruːs)   n   1  James. 1730–94, British explorer, who discovered the source of the Blue Nile (1770)   2  Lenny. 1925–66, US comedian, whose satirical sketches, esp of the sexual attitudes of his contemporaries, brought him prosecutions for obscenity, but are now regarded as full of insight as well as wit   3  Robert the Bruce. See Robert I   4  Stanley Melbourne, 1st Viscount Bruce of Melbourne. 1883–1967, Australian statesman; prime minister, in coalition with Sir Earle Page's Country Party, of Australia (1923–29)

Bruce^2 (bruːs)   n   Brit a jocular name for an Australian man

brucella (bruːˈsɛlə)   n   bacteriol any of a genus of nonmotile bacteria that cause brucellosis

brucellosis (ˌbruːsIˈləʊsIs)   n   an infectious disease of cattle, goats, dogs, and pigs, caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and transmittable to humans (e.g. by drinking contaminated milk): symptoms include fever, chills, and severe headache. Also called: undulant fever [C20: from New Latin Brucella, named after Sir David Bruce (1855–1931), Australian bacteriologist and physician]

Bruch (German brʊx)   n   Max (maks). 1838–1920, German composer, noted chiefly for his three violin concertos

bruchid (ˈbruːkId)   n   any of a genus of small, often parasitic, beetles

brucine (ˈbruːsiːn, -sin)   n   bitter poisonous alkaloid resembling strychnine and obtained from the tree Strychnos nuxvomica: used mainly in the denaturation of alcohol. Formula: C_23H_26N_2O_4 [C19: named after James Bruce (1730–94), Scottish explorer of Africa]

brucite (ˈbruːsaIt)   n   the mineral form of magnesium hydroxide, translucent and white or pale green in colour

Brücke (German ˈbrykə)   n   die Brücke (diː) a group of German Expressionist painters (1905–13), including Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Fritz Bleyl, Erich Heckel, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. In 1912 they exhibited with der Blaue Reiter [German, literally: the bridge]

bruckle (ˈbrʌkəl)   adj   Scot dialect brittle, fragile

Bruckner (German ˈbrʊknər)   n   Anton (ˈantoːn). 1824–96, Austrian composer and organist in the Romantic tradition. His works include nine symphonies, four masses, and a Te Deum

Brudenell (ˈbruːdənɛl)   n   James Thomas, the 7th Earl of Cardigan. See Cardigan^2

Brueghel, Bruegel or Breughel (ˈbrɔIɡəl; Flemish ˈbrøːxəl)   n   1  Jan (jɑn). 1568–1625, Flemish painter, noted for his detailed still lifes and landscapes   2  his father, Pieter (ˈpiːtər), called the Elder. ?1525–69, Flemish painter, noted for his landscapes, his satirical paintings of peasant life, and his allegorical biblical scenes   3  his son, Pieter, called the Younger. ?1564–1637, Flemish painter, noted for his gruesome pictures of hell

Bruges (bruːʒ; French bryʒ)   n   a city in NW Belgium, capital of West Flanders province: centre of the medieval European wool and cloth trade. Pop: 117 025 (2004 est). Flemish name: Brugge (ˈbryxə)

brugh (ˈbʌrə)   n   1 a mansion or large house   2 dialect a town or borough

brugmansia (brʊɡˈmænsIə)   n   any of various solanaceous plants of the genus Brugmansia, native to tropical American regions and closely related to daturas, having sweetly scented flowers

bruin (ˈbruːIn)   n   a name for a bear, used in children's tales, fables, etc [C17: from Dutch bruin brown, the name of the bear in the epic Reynard the Fox]

bruise (bruːz)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to injure (tissues) without breaking the skin, usually with discoloration, or (of tissues) to be injured in this way   2 to offend or injure (someone's feelings) by an insult, unkindness, etc   3 to damage the surface of (something), as by a blow   4 to crush (food, etc) by pounding or pressing   ▷ n   5 a bodily injury without a break in the skin, usually with discoloration; contusion [Old English brӯsan]

■ bruised (bruːzd)   adj   injured in a way that causes discoloration to the skin

■ bruiser (ˈbruːzə)   n   informal a strong tough person, esp a boxer or a bully

■ bruising (ˈbruːzIŋ)   adj   1 causing bruises, as by a blow   2 aggressively antagonistic; hurtful: four months of bruising negotiation   ▷ n   3 a bruise or bruises

bruit (bruːt)   vb   1 (tr; often passive; usually foll by about) to report; rumour: it was bruited about that the king was dead   ▷ n   2 med an abnormal sound heard within the body during auscultation, esp a heart murmur   3 archaic   a a rumour   b a loud outcry; clamour [C15: via French from Medieval Latin brūgītus, probably from Vulgar Latin bragere (unattested) to yell + Latin rugīre to roar]

■ bruiter (ˈbruːtə)   n   a person who spreads a rumour

Brule or Brûlé (bruːˈleI)   n   (sometimes not capital) short for bois-brûlé

brulot (ˈbruːləʊ)   n   Canadian dialect a biting crane fly

brulzie Scottish (ˈbryʎI)   n   dialect a noisy dispute; a disturbance

Brumaire French (brymɛr)   n   the month of mist: the second month of the French revolutionary calendar, extending from Oct 23 to Nov 21 [C19: from brume mist, from Latin brūma winter; see BRUME]

brumal (ˈbruːməl)   adj   of, characteristic of, or relating to winter; wintry

brumby (ˈbrʌmbI)   n, pl -bies Austral   1 a wild horse, esp one descended from runaway stock   2 informal a wild or unruly person [C19: of unknown origin]

brume (bruːm)   n   poetic heavy mist or fog [C19: from French: mist, winter, from Latin brūma, contracted from brevissima diēs the shortest day]   > ˈbrumous adj

Brummagem (ˈbrʌmədʒəm)   n   1 an informal name for Birmingham. Often shortened to: Brum   2 (sometimes not capital) something that is cheap and flashy, esp imitation jewellery   ▷ adj   3 (sometimes not capital) cheap and gaudy; tawdry [C17: from earlier Bromecham, local variant of BIRMINGHAM]

Brummell (ˈbrʌməl)   n   George Bryan, called Beau Brummell. 1778–1840, English dandy: leader of fashion in the Regency period

Brummie (ˈbrʌmI)   n Brit   1 informal a native or inhabitant of Birmingham, England   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Birmingham [C20: from BRUMMAGEM]

brunch (brʌntʃ)   n   a meal eaten late in the morning, combining breakfast with lunch [C20: from BR(EAKFAST) + (L)UNCH]

■ bruncher (ˈbrʌntʃə)   n   a person who eats brunch

Brundisium (brʌnˈdIzIəm)   n   the ancient name for Brindisi

Brunei (bruːˈnaI, ˈbruːnaI)   n   1 a sultanate in NW Borneo, consisting of two separate areas on the South China Sea, otherwise bounded by Sarawak: controlled all of Borneo and parts of the Philippines and the Sulu Islands in the 16th century; under British protection since 1888; internally self-governing since 1971; became fully independent in 1984 as a member of the Commonwealth. The economy depends chiefly on oil and natural gas. Official language: Malay; English is also widely spoken. Religion: Muslim. Currency: Brunei dollar. Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan. Pop: 428 697 (2017 est). Area: 5765 sq km (2226 sq miles). Full name: Brunei Darussalam (ˌdærʊˈsɑːləm)   2 the former name of Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunel (bruːˈnɛl)   n   1  Isambard Kingdom (ˈIzəmˌbɑːd). 1806–59, English engineer: designer of the Clifton Suspension Bridge (1828), many railway lines, tunnels, bridges, etc, and the steamships Great Western (1838), Great Britain (1845), and Great Eastern (1858)   2  his father, Sir Marc Isambard. 1769–1849, French engineer in England

Brunelleschi (Italian brunelˈleski)   n   Filippo (fiˈlippo). 1377–1446, Italian architect, whose works in Florence include the dome of the cathedral, the Pazzi chapel of Santa Croce, and the church of San Lorenzo

brunette (bruːˈnɛt)   n   1 a woman with dark brown hair   ▷ adj also brunet   2 dark brown: brunette hair [C17: from French, feminine of brunet dark, brownish, from brun brown, of Germanic origin; see BROWN]

Brunhild (ˈbrʊnhIld, -hIlt) or Brünnhilde (German brynˈhIldə)   n   (in the Nibelungenlied) a legendary queen won for King Gunther by the magic of Siegfried: corresponds to Brynhild in Norse mythology

Brüning (German ˈbryːnIŋ)   n   Heinrich (ˈhainrIç). 1885–1970, German statesman; chancellor (1930–32). He was forced to resign in 1932, making way for the Nazis

brunizem (ˈbruːnəˌzɛm)   n   a type of dark prairie soil

Brünn (bryn)   n   the German name for Brno

Bruno (ˈbruːnəʊ)   n   1  Franklin Roy, known as Frank. born 1961, British heavyweight boxer   2 (Italian ˈbruno) Giordano (dʒorˈdano). 1548–1600, Italian philosopher, who developed a pantheistic monistic philosophy: he was burnt at the stake for heresy

Brunswick (ˈbrʌnzwIk)   n   1 a former duchy (1635–1918) and state (1918–46) of central Germany, now part of the state of Lower Saxony; formerly (1949–90) part of West Germany   2 a city in central Germany: formerly capital of the duchy and state of Brunswick. Pop: 245 076 (2003 est)   ▶ German name: Braunschweig

brunt (brʌnt)   n   the main force or shock of a blow, attack, etc (esp in the phrase bear the brunt of) [C14: of unknown origin]

Brusa (Turkish ˈbruːsɑː)   n   the former name of Bursa

bruschetta (bruːˈskɛtə, bruˈʃɛtə)   n   an Italian open sandwich of toasted bread topped with olive oil and tomatoes, olives, etc [C20: from Italian bruscare, from abbrustolire to toast]

brush^1 (brʌʃ)   n   1 a device made of bristles, hairs, wires, etc, set into a firm back or handle: used to apply paint, clean or polish surfaces, groom the hair, etc   2 the act or an instance of brushing   3 a light stroke made in passing; graze   4 a brief encounter or contact, esp an unfriendly one; skirmish   5 the bushy tail of a fox, often kept as a trophy after a hunt, or of certain breeds of dog   6 an electric conductor, esp one made of carbon, that conveys current between stationary and rotating parts of a generator, motor, etc   7 a dark brush-shaped region observed when a biaxial crystal is viewed through a microscope, caused by interference between beams of polarized light   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to clean, polish, scrub, paint, etc, with a brush   9 (tr) to apply or remove with a brush or brushing movement: brush the crumbs off the table   10 (tr) to touch lightly and briefly   11 (intr) to move so as to graze or touch something lightly [C14: from Old French broisse, perhaps from broce BRUSH^2]   > ˈbrusher n   > ˈbrushˌlike adj

■ brushability (ˌbrʌʃəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being brushable

■ brush aside or brush away   vb   (tr, adverb) to dismiss without consideration; disregard

■ brushback (ˈbrʌʃˌbæk)   n   baseball a pitch that narrowly misses the batter

■ brush border   n   physiol a layer of tightly packed minute finger-like protuberances on cells that line absorptive surfaces, such as those of the intestine and kidney. See also microvillus

■ brush discharge   n   a slightly luminous electrical discharge between points of high charge density when the charge density is insufficient to cause a spark or around sharp points on a highly charged conductor because of ionization of air molecules in their vicinity

■ brushed (brʌʃt)   adj   textiles treated with a brushing process to raise the nap and give a softer, warmer finish: brushed cotton

■ brush flower   n   a flower or inflorescence with numerous long stamens, usually pollinated by birds or bats

■ brushless (ˈbrʌʃlIs)   adj   1 engineering (of a motor) not using physical contacts for the communicator   2 (of a shaving cream) designed to be used without a shaving brush   3 having no brush

■ brushmark (ˈbrʌʃˌmɑːk)   n   the indented lines sometimes left by the bristles of a brush on a painted surface

■ brush off slang   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to dismiss and ignore (a person), esp curtly   ▷ n brushoff   2 an abrupt dismissal or rejection

■ brushstroke or brush stroke (ˈbrʌʃstrəʊk)   n   a particular method of using a brush, esp as indicated by the mark it leaves

■ brush-tailed phalanger   n   Austral another name for tuan^2

■ brush-tailed possum or brush-tail possum   n   any of several widely-distributed Australian possums of the genus Trichosurus

■ brush up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr; often foll by on) to refresh one's knowledge, skill, or memory of (a subject)   2 to make (a person or oneself) tidy, clean, or neat as after a journey   ▷ n brush-up   3 Brit the act or an instance of tidying one's appearance (esp in the phrase wash and brush-up)

■ brushwheel (ˈbrʌʃˌwiːl)   n   1 a toothless wheel with bristles attached to its circumference, used to turn another wheel by friction   2 a circular revolving brush, used to clean or polish objects

■ brushwork (ˈbrʌʃˌwɜːk)   n   1 a characteristic manner of applying paint with a brush: that is not Rembrandt's brushwork   2 work done with a brush

■ brushy   adj brushier, brushiest   like a brush; thick and furry

brush^2 (brʌʃ)   n   1 a thick growth of shrubs and small trees; scrub   2 land covered with scrub   3 broken or cut branches or twigs; brushwood   4 wooded sparsely populated country; backwoods [C16 (dense undergrowth), C14 (cuttings of trees): from Old French broce, from Vulgar Latin bruscia (unattested) brushwood]

■ brushfire (ˈbrʌʃˌfaIə)   n   1 a fire in bushes and scrub   2 a minor local war

■ brushland (ˈbrʌʃˌlænd)   n   an area of land characterized by patchy shrubs and bushes

■ brush turkey   n   any of several gallinaceous birds, esp Alectura lathami, of New Guinea and Australia, having a black plumage: family Megapodidae (megapodes)

■ brushwood (ˈbrʌʃˌwʊd)   n   1 cut or broken-off tree branches, twigs, etc   2 another word for brush^2 (sense 1)

■ brushy (ˈbrʌʃI)   adj brushier, brushiest   covered or overgrown with brush

brusque (bruːsk, brʊsk)   adj   blunt or curt in manner or speech [C17: from French, from Italian brusco sour, rough, from Medieval Latin bruscus butcher's broom]   > ˈbrusquely adv   > ˈbrusqueness or rare brusquerie (ˈbruːskərI) n

Brussels (ˈbrʌsəlz)   n   the capital of Belgium, in the central part: became capital of Belgium in 1830; seat of the European Commission. Pop: 2 044 993 (2015 est). Flemish name: Brussel (ˈbrysəl). French name: Bruxelles

■ Brussels carpet   n   a worsted carpet with a heavy pile formed by uncut loops of wool on a linen warp

■ Brussels lace   n   a fine lace with a raised or appliqué design

■ Brussels sprout   n   1 a variety of cabbage, Brassica oleracea gemmifera, having a stout stem studded with budlike heads of tightly folded leaves, resembling tiny cabbages   2 the head of this plant, eaten as a vegetable

brussen (ˈbrʌsən)   adj   Northern English dialect bold

brut (bruːt; French bryt)   adj   (of champagne) not sweet; dry [C19: from French raw, rough, from Latin brūtus heavy; see BRUTE]

brutal (ˈbruːtəl)   adj   1 cruel; vicious; savage   2 extremely honest or coarse in speech or manner   3 harsh; severe; extreme: brutal cold   > bruˈtality n   > ˈbrutally adv

■ brutalism (ˈbruːtəˌlIzəm)   n   an austere style of architecture characterized by emphasis on such structural materials as undressed concrete and unconcealed service pipes. Also called: new brutalism   > ˈbrutalist n, adj

■ brutalize or brutalise (ˈbruːtəˌlaIz)   vb   1 to make or become brutal   2 (tr) to treat brutally   > ˌbrutaliˈzation or ˌbrutaliˈsation n

brute (bruːt)   n   1    a any animal that is not a human; beast; lower animal   b (as modifier): brute nature   2 a brutal person   ▷ adj (prenominal)   3 wholly instinctive or physical (esp in the phrases brute strength, brute force)   4 without reason or intelligence   5 coarse and grossly sensual [C15: from Latin brūtus heavy, irrational; related to gravis heavy]

■ brutelike (ˈbruːtˌlaIk)   adj   beastlike, brutish

■ brutely (ˈbruːtlI)   adv   in a brutish manner

■ bruteness (ˈbruːtnəs)   n   the quality of being brutish or savage

■ brutify (ˈbruːtIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   a less common word for brutalize (sense 1)

■ brutish (ˈbruːtIʃ)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling a brute or brutes; animal   2 coarse; cruel; stupid   > ˈbrutishly adv   > ˈbrutishness n

■ brutism (ˈbruːtIzəm)   n   1 the characteristic actions of a brute   2  the state of being a brute

bruting (ˈbruːtIŋ)   n   1 the primary step in diamond cutting in which the girdle is shaped, often with another diamond   2 the use of a harder mineral to shape a softer one

■ bruter (ˈbruːtə)   n   a person who cuts diamonds

Brutus (ˈbruːtəs)   n   1  Lucius Junius (ˈluːsIəs ˈdʒuːnIəs). late 6th century BC, Roman statesman who ousted the tyrant Tarquin (509) and helped found the Roman republic   2  Marcus Junius (ˈmɑːkəs ˈdʒuːnIəs) ?85–42 BC, Roman statesman who, with Cassius, led the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar (44): committed suicide after being defeated by Antony and Octavian (Augustus) at Philippi (42)

Bruxelles (brysɛl)   n   the French name for Brussels

bruxism (ˈbrʌksIzəm)   n   the habit of grinding the teeth, esp unconsciously [irregularly formed from Greek brykein to gnash the teeth + -ISM]

■ brux (brʌks)   vb (intr)   to grind the teeth, esp unconsciously

Bryansk (brIˈænsk; Russian brjansk)   n   a city in W Russia. Pop: 428 000 (2005 est)

Bryant (ˈbraIənt)   n   David. born 1931, British bowler; many times world champion

Brynhild (ˈbrInhIld)   n   Norse myth a Valkyrie won as the wife of Gunnar by Sigurd who wakes her from an enchanted sleep: corresponds to Brunhild in the Nibelungenlied

bryology (braIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of botany concerned with the study of bryophytes   > bryological (ˌbraIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > bryˈologist n

bryony or briony (ˈbraIənI)   n, pl -nies   any of several herbaceous climbing plants of the cucurbitaceous genus Bryonia, of Europe and N Africa. See also black bryony, white bryony [Old English bryōnia, from Latin, from Greek bruōnia]

bryophyllum (ˌbraIəˈfIləm)   n   a genus of plants of the family Crassulaceae with the ability to produce plantlets on their leaves or floral stems

bryophyte (ˈbraIəˌfaIt)   n   any plant of the phyla Bryophyta (mosses), Hepatophyta (liverworts), or Anthocerophyta (hornworts), having stems and leaves but lacking true vascular tissue and roots and reproducing by spores [C19: New Latin, from Greek bruon moss + -PHYTE]   > bryophytic (ˌbraIəˈfItIk) adj

bryozoan (ˌbraIəˈzəʊən)   n   1 any aquatic invertebrate animal of the phylum Bryozoa, forming colonies of polyps each having a ciliated feeding organ (lophophore). Also called: polyzoan, ectoproct. Popular name: sea mat   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Bryozoa [C19: from Greek bruon moss + zōion animal]

Brython (ˈbrIθən)   n   a Celt who speaks a Brythonic language. Compare Goidel [C19: from Welsh; see BRITON]

■ Brythonic (brIˈθɒnIk)   n   1 the S group of Celtic languages, consisting of Welsh, Cornish, and Breton   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of this group of languages   ▶ Popular name: Brittonic

Brześć nad Bugiem (bʒɛʃtʃ nad ˈbuɡjɛm)   n   the Polish name for Brest (sense 2)

bs   the internet domain name for   Bahamas

BS   abbreviation for   1 Bachelor of Surgery   2 British Standard(s) (indicating the catalogue or publication number of the British Standards Institution)   3 Bahamas (international car registration)

B.S.   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Bachelor of Science

B/S or b/s   abbreviation for   1 bags   2 bales   3 bill of sale

BSB   abbreviation for   1 British Sky Broadcasting (formerly for British Satellite Broadcasting)   2 British Standard brass thread

BSc   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Science

BSC   abbreviation for   1 (the former) British Steel Corporation   2 (in Britain) Broadcasting Standards Commission

BSD   n   Berkeley Software Distribution: a UNIX-based computer operating system

BSE   abbreviation for   bovine spongiform encephalopathy: a fatal slow-developing disease of cattle, affecting the nervous system. It is caused by a prion protein and is thought to be transmissible to humans, causing a variant form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Informal name: mad cow disease

BSF   abbreviation for   British Standard fine thread

BSI   abbreviation for   British Standards Institution

BSJA   abbreviation for   British Show Jumping Association

bsl   abbreviation for   below sea level

BSL   abbreviation for   British Sign Language

Bs/L   abbreviation for   bills of lading

BSP   abbreviation for   British Standard pipe thread

BSS   abbreviation for   British Standards Specification

BSSc or BSocSc   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Social Science

BST   abbreviation for   1 bovine somatotrophin: a growth hormone that can be used to increase milk production in dairy cattle   2 British Summer Time

BSW   abbreviation for   British Standard Whitworth thread

bt^1   abbreviation for   beat

bt^2   the internet domain name for   Bhutan

Bt   abbreviation for   Baronet

BT   abbreviation for   British Telecom [C20: shortened from TELECOMMUNICATIONS]

BTEC (ˈbIˌtɜk)   n acronym for (in Britain)   1 Business and Technology Council   2 a certificate or diploma in a vocational subject awarded by this body

BTG   abbreviation for   British Technology Group

B.Th.   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Bachelor of Theology

btl.   abbreviation for   bottle

btu or BThU   abbreviation for   British thermal unit. US abbreviation: BTU

BTU   abbreviation for   Board of Trade Unit

BTW   abbreviation for   by the way: used esp in e-mails, text messages, etc

bty or btry. military   abbreviation for   battery

buaze (buːˈeIz)   n   a flowering shrub commonly found in savannah woodland areas of Africa

bub (bʌb)   n   1 Also called: bubba US informal fellow; youngster: used as a form of address   2 bubs grade Austral and NZ slang   a a baby   b the first grade of schooling; nursery school [C20: perhaps from German Bube boy]

bubal (ˈbjuːbəl), bubale (ˈbjuːbəl) or bubalis (ˈbjuːbəlIs)   n   any of various antelopes, esp an extinct N African variety of hartebeest [C15: from Latin būbalus African gazelle, from Greek boubalos, from Greek bous ox]

■ bubaline (ˈbjuːbəˌlaIn, -lIn)   adj   1 (of antelopes) relating to or resembling the bubal   2 resembling or relating to the buffalo [C19: from New Latin, from Latin būbalus; see BUBAL]

bubble (ˈbʌbəl)   n   1 a thin film of liquid forming a hollow globule around air or a gas: a soap bubble   2 a small globule of air or a gas in a liquid or a solid, as in carbonated drinks, glass, etc   3 the sound made by a bubbling liquid   4 something lacking substance, stability, or seriousness   5 an unreliable scheme or enterprise   6 a dome, esp a transparent glass or plastic one   ▷ vb   7 to form or cause to form bubbles   8 (intr) to move or flow with a gurgling sound   9 (intr; often foll by over) to overflow (with excitement, anger, etc)   10 (intr) Scot to snivel; blubber [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish bubbla, Danish boble, Dutch bobbel, all of imitative origin]

■ bubble and squeak   n   (in Britain and Australia) a dish of leftover boiled cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes cooked meat fried together [C18: so called from the sounds of this dish cooking]

■ bubble bath   n   1 a powder, liquid, or crystals used to scent, soften, and foam in bath water   2 a bath to which such a substance has been added

■ bubble car   n   (in Britain, formerly) a small car, often having three wheels, with a transparent bubble-shaped top

■ bubble chamber   n   a device that enables the tracks of ionizing particles to be photographed as a row of bubbles in a superheated liquid. Immediately before the particles enter the chamber the pressure is reduced so that the ionized particles act as centres for small vapour bubbles

■ bubble float   n   angling a hollow spherical float that can be weighted with water to aid casting

■ bubble gum   n   1 a type of chewing gum that can be blown into large bubbles   2 slang   a crassly commercial pop music aimed at the very young   b (as modifier): a bubble-gum hit

■ bubblehead (ˈbʌbəlˌhɛd)   n   informal a frivolous person

■ bubble-jet printer   n   computing an ink-jet printer that heats the ink before printing

■ bubble memory   n   computing a method of storing high volumes of data by the use of minute pockets of magnetism (bubbles) in a semiconducting material. The bubbles may be caused to migrate past a read head or to a buffer area for storage

■ bubble pack   n   another term for blister pack

■ bubble point   n   chem the temperature at which bubbles just start to appear in a heated liquid mixture

■ bubbler (ˈbʌblə)   n   1 a drinking fountain in which the water is forced in a stream from a small vertical nozzle   2 chem any device for bubbling gas through a liquid

■ bubble tea   n   a cold drink, originally from Taiwan, of tea infused with fruit flavouring, shaken to produce bubbles, and served over tapioca pearls in a clear cup. It is usually drunk through a very wide straw

■ bubble under   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to remain just beneath a particular level   2 to continue in the background or under the surface

■ bubble wrap   n   a type of polythene wrapping containing many small air pockets, used as a protective covering when transporting breakable goods

■ bubbly (ˈbʌblI)   adj -blier, -bliest   1 full of or resembling bubbles   2 lively; animated; excited: a bubbly personality   ▷ n   3 an informal name for champagne

bubby (ˈbʌbI)   n, pl -bies   slang a woman's breast

Buber (ˈbuːbə)   n   Martin. 1878–1965, Jewish theologian, existentialist philosopher, and scholar of Hasidism, born in Austria, whose works include I and Thou (1923), Between Man and Man (1946), and Eclipse of God (1952)

bubinga (ˈbuːbIŋə)   n   1 the tree Guibourtia demeusui, native to tropical African regions   2 the timber of this tree, often used in furniture or musical instruments

bubkes or bubkis (ˈbʊbkəs)   pl n dialect   1 nothing   2 a very small amount

bubo (ˈbjuːbəʊ)   n, pl -boes   pathol inflammation and swelling of a lymph node, often with the formation of pus, esp in the region of the armpit or groin [C14: from Medieval Latin bubō swelling, from Greek boubōn groin, glandular swelling]   > bubonic (bjuːˈbɒnIk) adj

■ bubonic plague   n   an acute infectious febrile disease characterized by chills, prostration, delirium, and formation of buboes: caused by the bite of a rat flea infected with the bacterium Yersinia pestis. See also plague

■ bubonocele (bjuːˈbɒnəˌsiːl)   n   an incomplete hernia in the groin; partial inguinal hernia [C17: from Greek boubōn groin + kēlē tumour]

bubu (ˈbuːbuː)   n   a variant spelling of boubou

bubukle (ˈbjuːˌbʌkəl)   n   obsolete a red spot on the skin

Bucaramanga (Spanish bukaraˈmanɡa)   n   a city in N central Colombia, in the Cordillera Oriental: centre of a district growing coffee, tobacco, and cotton. Pop: 1 069 000 (2005 est)

bucardo (buːˈkɑːdəʊ)   n   a recently extinct Spanish mountain goat

bucatini (ˌbʊkəˈtiːnI)   pl n   pasta in the shape of long tubes

buccal (ˈbʌkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the cheek   2 of or relating to the mouth; oral: buccal lesion [C19: from Latin bucca cheek]

■ buccally (ˈbʌkəlI)   adv   from the point of view of the cheek or mouth

buccaneer (ˌbʌkəˈnIə)   n   1 a pirate, esp one who preyed on the Spanish colonies and shipping in America and the Caribbean in the 17th and 18th centuries   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to be or act like a buccaneer [C17: from French boucanier, from boucaner to smoke meat, from Old French boucan frame for smoking meat, of Tupian origin; originally applied to French and English hunters of wild oxen in the Caribbean]

■ buccaneering (ˌbʌkəˈnIərIŋ)   adj   inclined to take risks and be dishonest

■ buccaneerish (ˌbʌkəˈnIərIʃ)   adj   of or relating to a buccaneer

buccina (ˈbʌksInə)   n   a curved brass horn used by the ancient Roman army

buccinator (ˈbʌksIˌneItə)   n   a thin muscle that compresses the cheeks and holds them against the teeth during chewing, etc [C17: from Latin, from buccināre to sound the trumpet, from buccina trumpet]

■ buccinatory (ˌbʌksIˈneItərI)   adj   relating to a trumpeter or trumpet playing

bucellas (buːˈsɛləs, bjuːˈsɛləs)   n   a Portuguese white wine

bucentaur (bjuːˈsɛntɔː)   n   the state barge of Venice from which the doge and other officials dropped a ring into the sea on Ascension Day to symbolize the ceremonial marriage of the state with the Adriatic [C17: from Italian bucentoro, of uncertain origin]

Bucephalus (bjuːˈsɛfələs)   n   the favourite horse of Alexander the Great [C17: from Latin, from Greek Boukephalos, from bous ox + kephalē head]

Buchan (ˈbʌkən)   n   John, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir. 1875–1940, Scottish statesman, historian, and writer of adventure stories, esp The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) and Greenmantle (1916); governor general of Canada (1935–40)

Buchanan (bjuːˈkænən)   n   1  George. 1506–82, Scottish historian, who was tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI; author of History of Scotland (1582)   2  James. 1791–1868, 15th president of the US (1857–61)

Bucharest (ˌbuːkəˈrɛst, ˌbjuː-)   n   the capital of Romania, in the southeast. Pop: 1 867 724 (2015 est). Romanian name: Bucureşti

Buchenwald (German ˈbuːxənvalt)   n   a village in E central Germany, near Weimar; site of a Nazi concentration camp (1937–45)

Buchmanism (ˈbʊkməˌnIzəm)   n   another name for Moral Rearmament [C20: named after Frank Buchman (1878–1961), US evangelist who founded it]   > ˈBuchmanˌite n, adj

Buchner (German ˈbuːxnər)   n   Eduard (ˈeːduart). 1860–1917, German chemist who demonstrated that alcoholic fermentation is due to enzymes in the yeast: Nobel prize for chemistry 1907

■ Buchner funnel (ˈbʌknə)   n   a laboratory filter funnel used under reduced pressure. It consists of a shallow porcelain cylinder with a flat perforated base [named after Eduard Buchner, who invented it]

Büchner (German ˈbyːçnər)   n   Georg (ˈɡeːɔrk). 1813–37, German dramatist; regarded as a forerunner of the Expressionists: author of Danton's Death (1835) and Woyzeck (1837)

buchu (ˈbuːkuː)   n   any of several S African rutaceous shrubs of the genus Barosma, esp B. betulina, whose leaves are used as an antiseptic and diuretic [C18: from a South African Bantu name]

buck^1 (bʌk)   n   1    a the male of various animals including the goat, hare, kangaroo, rabbit, and reindeer   b (as modifier): a buck antelope   2 South African an antelope or deer of either sex   3 US informal a young man   4 archaic a robust, spirited young man   5 archaic a dandy; fop   6 the act of bucking   ▷ vb   7 (intr) (of a horse or other animal) to jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched   8 (tr) (of a horse, etc) to throw (its rider) by bucking   9 (when intr, often foll by against) informal, chiefly US and Canadian to resist or oppose obstinately: to buck against change; to buck change   10 (tr; usually passive) informal to cheer or encourage: I was very bucked at passing the exam   11 US and Canadian informal (esp of a car) to move forward jerkily; jolt   12 US and Canadian to charge against (something) with the head down; butt [Old English bucca he-goat; related to Old Norse bukkr, Old High German bock, Old Irish bocc]   > ˈbucker n

■ buck and wing   n   US a boisterous tap dance, derived from Black and Irish clog dances

■ buckaroo (ˈbʌkəˌruː, ˌbʌkəˈruː)   n, pl -roos   Southwestern US a cowboy [C19: variant of Spanish vaquero, from vaca cow, from Latin vacca]

■ buckbean (ˈbʌkˌbiːn)   n   a marsh plant, Menyanthes trifoliata, with white or pink flowers: family Menyanthaceae. Also called: bogbean

■ buckbrush (ˈbʌkˌbrʌʃ)   n   a flowering American shrub, Andrachne phyllantoides, of the family Euphorbiaceae

■ bucked (bʌkt)   adj   Brit informal cheered up

■ buckeye (ˈbʌkˌaI)   n   any of several North American trees of the genus Aesculus, esp A. glabra (Ohio buckeye), having erect clusters of white or red flowers and prickly fruits: family Hippocastanaceae. Also called: bugeye. See also horse chestnut

■ buck fever   n   nervous excitement felt by inexperienced hunters at the approach of game

■ buckhorn (ˈbʌkˌhɔːn)   n   1    a horn from a buck, used for knife handles, etc   b (as modifier): a buckhorn knife   2 Also called: buck's horn plantain a Eurasian plant, Plantago coronopus, having leaves resembling a buck's horn: family Plantaginaceae

■ buckhound (ˈbʌkˌhaʊnd)   n   a hound, smaller than a staghound, used for hunting the smaller breeds of deer, esp fallow deer

■ buckish (ˈbʌkIʃ)   adj   dandyish; foppish   > ˈbuckishly adv

■ buckjumper (ˈbʌkˌdʒʌmpə)   n   Austral an untamed horse

■ buckjumping (ˈbʌkˌdʒʌmpIŋ)   n   Austral a competitive event for buckjumpers in a rodeo

■ buck-naked   adj   US informal completely naked

■ bucko (ˈbʌkəʊ)   n, pl -oes   Irish a lively young fellow: often a term of address

■ buck rabbit or buck rarebit   n   Brit Welsh rabbit with either an egg or a piece of toast on top

■ buckrake (ˈbʌkˌreIk)   n   a large rake for agricultural use, often attached to a tractor

■ buckshot (ˈbʌkˌʃɒt)   n   lead shot of large size used in shotgun shells, esp for hunting game [C15 (original sense: the distance at which a buck can be shot)]

■ buckskin (ˈbʌkˌskIn)   n   1 the skin of a male deer   2    a a strong greyish-yellow suede leather, originally made from deerskin but now usually made from sheepskin   b (as modifier): buckskin boots   3 US (sometimes capital) a person wearing buckskin clothes, esp an American soldier of the Civil War   4 a stiffly starched cotton cloth   5 a strong satin-woven woollen fabric   ▷ adj   6 greyish-yellow

■ buckskinned (ˈbʌkˌskInd)   adj   made of buckskin

■ buckskins (ˈbʌkˌskInz)   pl n   (in the US and Canada) breeches, shoes, or a suit of buckskin

■ buck's party or buck's night   n   Austral a party for men only, esp one held for a man before he is married. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): stag night, stag party

■ bucktail (ˈbʌkˌteIl)   n   a fishing lure adorned with deer hair

■ buckthorn (ˈbʌkˌθɔːn)   n   any of several thorny small-flowered shrubs of the genus Rhamnus, esp the Eurasian species R. cathartica, whose berries were formerly used as a purgative: family Rhamnaceae. See also sea buckthorn [C16: from BUCK^1 (from the spiny branches, imagined as resembling antlers) + THORN]

■ bucktooth (ˈbʌkˌtuːθ)   n, pl -teeth   derogatory a projecting upper front tooth [C18: from BUCK^1 (deer) + TOOTH]   > ˈbuck-toothed adj

■ buck up   vb (adverb) informal   1 to make or cause to make haste   2 to make or become more cheerful, confident, etc

buck^2 (bʌk) informal   n   1 US, Canadian and Austral a dollar   2 South African a rand   3 a fast buck easily gained money   4 bang for one's buck See bang^1 (sense 16) [C19: of obscure origin]

buck^3 (bʌk)   n   1 gymnastics a type of vaulting horse   2 US and Canadian a stand for timber during sawing. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): sawhorse   ▷ vb   3 (tr) US and Canadian to cut (a felled or fallen tree) into lengths [C19: short for SAWBUCK]

■ bucksaw (ˈbʌkˌsɔː)   n   a woodcutting saw having its blade set in a frame and tensioned by a turnbuckle across the back of the frame

buck^4 (bʌk)   n   1 poker a marker in the jackpot to remind the winner of some obligation when his or her turn comes to deal   2 pass the buck informal to shift blame or responsibility onto another   3 the buck stops here informal the ultimate responsibility lies here [C19: probably from buckhorn knife, placed before a player in poker to indicate that he was the next dealer]

Buck (bʌk)   n   Pearl S(ydenstricker). 1892–1973, US novelist, noted particularly for her novel of Chinese life The Good Earth (1931): Nobel prize for literature 1938

buckboard (ˈbʌkˌbɔːd)   n   US and Canadian an open four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with the seat attached to a flexible board between the front and rear axles

buckeen (bʌˈkiːn)   n   (in Ireland) a poor young man who aspires to the habits and dress of the wealthy [C18: from Irish Gaelic boicín, diminutive of boc an important person]

bucket (ˈbʌkIt)   n   1 an open-topped roughly cylindrical container; pail   2 Also called: bucketful the amount a bucket will hold   3 any of various bucket-like parts of a machine, such as the scoop on a mechanical shovel   4 a cupped blade or bucket-like compartment on the outer circumference of a water wheel, paddle wheel, etc   5 computing a unit of storage on a direct-access device from which data can be retrieved   6 chiefly US a turbine rotor blade   7 Austral and NZ an ice cream container   8 kick the bucket slang to die   ▷ vb -kets, -keting, -keted   9 (tr) to carry in or put into a bucket   10 (intr; often foll by down) (of rain) to fall very heavily: it bucketed all day   11 (intr; often foll by along) chiefly Brit to travel or drive fast   12 (tr) chiefly Brit to ride (a horse) hard without consideration   13 (tr) Austral slang to criticize severely [C13: from Anglo-French buket, from Old English būc; compare Old High German būh belly, German Bauch belly]

■ bucket about   vb   (intr) Brit (esp of a boat in a storm) to toss or shake violently

■ bucket ladder   n     a a series of buckets that move in a continuous chain, used to dredge riverbeds, etc, or to excavate land   b (as modifier): a bucket-ladder dredger

■ bucket list   n   informal a list of experiences one wants to have before one dies

■ bucket-load   n   informal a large quantity

■ bucket out   vb   (tr) to empty out with or as if with a bucket

■ bucket seat   n   a seat in a car, aircraft, etc, having curved sides that partially enclose and support the body

■ bucket shop   n   1 an unregistered firm of stockbrokers that engages in speculation with clients' funds   2 chiefly Brit any small business that cannot be relied upon, esp one selling cheap airline tickets

Buckfast (ˈbʌkˌfɑːst)   n   trademark a fortified tonic wine. Informal name: Buckie [from Buckfast Abbey, Devon, England where it is produced]

buckie (ˈbʌkI)   n Scot   1 a whelk or its shell   2 a lively or boisterous person, esp a youngster [related to Latin buc(c)inum whelk, from buc(c)ina trumpet, horn]

Buckie (ˈbʌkI)   n   informal short for Buckfast

Buckingham^1 (ˈbʌkIŋəm)   n   a town in S central England, in Buckinghamshire; university (1975). Pop: 12 512 (2001)

■ Buckinghamshire (ˈbʌkIŋəmˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county in SE central England, containing the Vale of Aylesbury and parts of the Chiltern Hills: the geographic and ceremonial county includes Milton Keynes, which became an independent unitary authority in 1997. Administrative centre: Aylesbury. Pop (excluding Milton Keynes): 478 000 (2003 est). Area (excluding Milton Keynes): 1568 sq km (605 sq miles). Abbreviation: Bucks

Buckingham^2 (ˈbʌkIŋəm)   n   1  George Villiers, 1st Duke of. 1592–1628, English courtier and statesman; favourite of James I and Charles I: his arrogance, military incompetence, and greed increased the tensions between the King and Parliament that eventually led to the Civil War   2  his son, George Villiers, 2nd Duke of. 1628–87, English courtier and writer; chief minister of Charles II and member of the Cabal (1667–73)

Buckingham Palace   n   the London residence of the British sovereign: built in 1703, rebuilt by John Nash in 1821–36 and partially redesigned in the early 20th century

Buckland (ˈbʌklənd)   n   William. 1784–1856, English geologist; he became a proponent of the idea of catastrophic ice ages

buckle (ˈbʌkəl)   n   1 a clasp for fastening together two loose ends, esp of a belt or strap, usually consisting of a frame with an attached movable prong   2 an ornamental representation of a buckle, as on a shoe   3 a kink, bulge, or other distortion: a buckle in a railway track   ▷ vb   4 to fasten or be fastened with a buckle   5 to bend or cause to bend out of shape, esp as a result of pressure or heat [C14: from Old French bocle, from Latin buccula a little cheek, hence, cheek strap of a helmet, from bucca cheek]

■ buckled (ˈbʌkəld)   adj   having a buckle or buckles

■ buckle down   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to apply oneself with determination: to buckle down to a job

buckler (ˈbʌklə)   n   1 a small round shield worn on the forearm or held by a short handle   2 a means of protection; defence   ▷ vb   3 (tr) archaic to defend [C13: from Old French bocler, from bocle shield boss; see BUCKLE, BOSS^2]

■ buckler fern   n   any of various ferns of the genus Dryopteris, such as D. dilatata (broad buckler fern): family Polypodiaceae

Buckley's chance (ˈbʌklIz)   n   Austral and NZ slang no chance at all. Often shortened to: Buckley's [C19: of obscure origin]

buckling (ˈbʌklIŋ)   n   another name for a bloater [C20: from German Bückling]

buckminsterfullerene (ˌbʌkmInstəˈfʊləˌriːn)   n   a form of carbon that contains molecules having 60 carbon atoms arranged at the vertices of a polyhedron with hexagonal and pentagonal faces. It is produced in carbon arcs and occurs naturally in small amounts in certain minerals   ▶ See also fullerene [C20: named after Buckminster FULLER]

buckra (ˈbʌkrə)   n   offensive (used contemptuously by Black people, esp in the US) a White person [C18: probably from Efik mba-ka-ra master]

buckram (ˈbʌkrəm)   n   1    a cotton or linen cloth stiffened with size, etc, used in lining or stiffening clothes, bookbinding, etc   b (as modifier): a buckram cover   2 archaic stiffness of manner   ▷ vb -rams, -raming, -ramed   3 (tr) to stiffen with buckram [C14: from Old French boquerant, from Old Provençal bocaran, ultimately from BUKHARA, once an important source of textiles]

Bucks (bʌks)   abbreviation for   Buckinghamshire

buck's fizz   n   a cocktail made of champagne and orange juice

buckshee (ˌbʌkˈʃiː) or buckshish (ˌbʌkˈʃiːʃ)   adj   Brit slang without charge; free [C20: from BAKSHEESH]

buckwheat (ˈbʌkˌwiːt)   n   1 any of several polygonaceous plants of the genus Fagopyrum, esp F. esculentum, which has fragrant white flowers and is cultivated, esp in the US, for its seeds   2 the edible seeds of this plant, ground into flour or used as animal fodder   3 the flour obtained from these seeds [C16: from Middle Dutch boecweite, from boeke BEECH + weite WHEAT, from the resemblance of their seeds to beechnuts]

buckyball (ˈbʌkIˌbɔːl)   n   informal a ball-like polyhedral carbon molecule of the type found in buckminsterfullerene and other fullerenes [C20: from BUCK(MINSTERFULLERENE) + Y^2 + BALL^1]

buckytube (ˈbʌkIˌtjuːb)   n   informal a tube of carbon atoms structurally similar to buckminsterfullerene

bucolic (bjuːˈkɒlIk)   adj also bucolical   1 of or characteristic of the countryside or country life; rustic   2 of or relating to shepherds; pastoral   ▷ n   3 (sometimes plural) a pastoral poem, often in the form of a dialogue   4 a rustic; farmer or shepherd [C16: from Latin būcolicus, from Greek boukolikos, from boukolos cowherd, from bous ox]   > buˈcolically adv

Bucovina (ˌbuːkəˈviːnə)   n   a variant spelling of Bukovina

Bucureşti (bukuˈreʃtj)   n   the Romanian name for Bucharest

bud^1 (bʌd)   n   1 a swelling on a plant stem consisting of overlapping immature leaves or petals   2    a a partially opened flower   b (in combination): rosebud   3 any small budlike outgrowth: taste buds   4 something small or immature   5 an asexually produced outgrowth in simple organisms, such as yeasts, and the hydra that develops into a new individual   6 a slang word for marijuana   7 in bud at the stage of producing buds   8 nip in the bud to put an end to (an idea, movement, etc) in its initial stages   ▷ vb buds, budding, budded   9 (intr) (of plants and some animals) to produce buds   10 (intr) to begin to develop or grow   11 (tr) horticulture to graft (a bud) from one plant onto another, usually by insertion under the bark [C14 budde, of Germanic origin; compare Icelandic budda purse, Dutch buidel]

■ budder (ˈbʌdə)   n   1 a plant which buds   2 informal a concentrated form of the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabidinol

■ bud scale   n   one of the hard protective sometimes hairy or resinous specialized leaves surrounding the buds of certain plants, such as the rhododendron

■ bud sport   n   horticulture a shoot, inflorescence, etc, that differs from another such structure on a plant and is caused by a somatic mutation; the differences can be retained by vegetative propagation

■ budworm (ˈbʌdˌwɜːm)   n   a larval pest that feeds on buds and leaves

bud^2 (bʌd)   n   informal, chiefly US short for buddy

buda (ˈbʊdə)   n   Hinglish derogatory an old man [C21: Hindi]

Budapest (ˌbjuːdəˈpɛst; Hungarian ˈbudɔpɛʃt)   n   the capital of Hungary, on the River Danube: formed in 1873 from the towns of Buda and Pest. Traditionally Buda, the old Magyar capital, was the administrative and Pest the trade centre: suffered severely in the Russian siege of 1945 and in the unsuccessful revolt against the Communist regime (1956). Pop: 1 713 903 (2015 est)

buddha (ˈbʊdə)   n (in Buddhism)   1 (often capital) a person who has achieved a state of perfect enlightenment   2 an image or picture of the Buddha [C17: from Sanskrit: awakened, enlightened, from budh to awake, know]

■ Buddha (ˈbʊdə)   n   the Buddha ?563–483 BC, a title applied to Gautama Siddhartha, a nobleman and religious teacher working in N India, regarded by his followers as the most recent rediscoverer of the path to enlightenment: the founder of Buddhism

■ Buddhism (ˈbʊdIzəm)   n   a religious teaching propagated by the Buddha and his followers, which declares that by destroying greed, hatred, and delusion, which are the causes of all suffering, people can attain perfect enlightenment. See nirvana   > ˈBuddhist n, adj

Buddh Gaya (ˈbʊd ɡəˈjɑː), Buddha Gaya or Bodh Gaya   n   a town in NE India, in Bihar: site of the sacred bo tree under which Gautama Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha; pilgrimage centre. Pop: 30 883 (2001)

budding (ˈbʌdIŋ)   adj   at an early stage of development but showing promise or potential: a budding genius

buddle (ˈbʌdəl)   n   1 a sloping trough in which ore is washed   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to wash (ore) in a buddle [C16: of unknown origin]

buddleia (ˈbʌdlIə)   n   any ornamental shrub of the genus Buddleia, esp B. davidii, which has long spikes of mauve flowers and is frequently visited by butterflies: family Buddleiaceae. Also called: butterfly bush [C19: named after A. Buddle (died 1715), British botanist]

buddy (ˈbʌdI)   n, pl -dies   1 chiefly US and Canadian an informal word for friend. Often shortened (as a term of address) to: bud   2 a volunteer who visits and gives help and support to a person with AIDS   3 a volunteer who gives help and support to a person who has become disabled but is returning to work   ▷ vb -dying, -died   4 (intr) to act as a buddy to a person with AIDS [C19: probably a baby-talk variant (US) of BROTHER]

■ buddy-buddy   adj   informal, chiefly US on friendly or intimate terms

■ buddy movie or buddy film   n   a genre of film dealing with the relationship and adventures of two friends

budge^1 (bʌdʒ)   vb (usually used with a negative)   1 to move, however slightly: the car won't budge   2 to change or cause to change opinions, etc [C16: from Old French bouger, from Vulgar Latin bullicāre (unattested) to bubble, from Latin bullīre to boil, from bulla bubble]

■ budger (ˈbʌdʒə)   n   a person who budges or stirs

budge^2 (bʌdʒ)   n   a lambskin dressed for the fur to be worn on the outer side [C14: from Anglo-French bogee, of obscure origin]

Budge (bʌdʒ)   n   Don(ald). 1915–2000, US tennis player, the first man to win the Grand Slam of singles championships (Australia, France, Wimbledon, and the US) in one year (1938)

budgeree (ˈbʌdʒərI, ˈbʌdʒərˌiː)   adj   Austral dialect excellent; fine

budgerigar (ˈbʌdʒərIˌɡɑː)   n   a small green Australian parrot, Melopsittacus undulatus: a popular cagebird that is bred in many different coloured varieties. Often (informal) shortened to: budgie [C19: from a native Australian language]

budgerow (ˈbʌdʒəˌrəʊ)   n   Indian dialect a large slow-moving barge formerly used on the Ganges

budget (ˈbʌdʒIt)   n   1 an itemized summary of expected income and expenditure of a country, company, etc, over a specified period, usually a financial year   2 an estimate of income and a plan for domestic expenditure of an individual or a family, often over a short period, such as a month or a week   3 a restriction on expenditure (esp in the phrase on a budget)   4 (modifier) economical; inexpensive: budget meals for a family   5 the total amount of money allocated for a specific purpose during a specified period   6 archaic a stock, quantity, or supply   ▷ vb -gets, -geting, -geted   7 (tr) to enter or provide for in a budget   8 to plan the expenditure of (money, time, etc)   9 (intr) to make a budget [C15 (meaning: leather pouch, wallet): from Old French bougette, diminutive of bouge, from Latin bulga, of Gaulish origin; compare Old English bælg bag]   > ˈbudgetary adj

■ budget account   n   1 an account with a department store, etc, enabling a customer to make monthly payments to cover his or her past and future purchases   2 a bank account for paying household bills, being credited with regular or equal monthly payments from the customer's current account

■ budgetary control   n   a system of managing a business by applying a financial value to each forecast activity. Actual performance is subsequently compared with the estimates

■ budget deficit   n   the amount by which government expenditure exceeds income from taxation, customs duties, etc, in any one fiscal year

■ budgeteer (ˌbʌdʒIˈtIə)   n   a person who makes a budget, esp in politics or business

■ budgeter (ˈbʌdʒItə)   n   a person who budgets

■ budget for   vb   (tr, preposition) to allocate, save, or set aside money for (a particular purpose, period, etc): we need to budget for a fuel increase this winter

■ budgeting (ˈbʌdʒItIŋ)   n   financial planning

Budget (ˈbʌdʒIt)   n   the Budget an estimate of British government expenditures and revenues and the financial plans for the ensuing fiscal year presented annually to the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer

budgie (ˈbʌdʒI)   n   informal short for budgerigar

■ budgie smugglers   pl n   Austral slang men's close-fitting swimming trunks

budi (ˈbʊdiː)   n   Hinglish derogatory an old woman [C21: Hindi]

budmash (ˈbʌdˌmæʃ)   adj, n   another word for badmash

budo (ˈbuːdəʊ)   n   martial arts the underlying ethos of Japanese martial arts

Budokon (ˈbuːdəʊˌkɒn)   n   trademark a self-help programme based on Japanese principles that incorporates yoga, martial arts, and meditation [C21: from Japanese bu warrior + do way + kon spirit]

Budweis (ˈbʊtvais)   n   the German name for České Budějovice

Buenaventura (Spanish bwenaβenˈtura)   n   a major port in W Colombia, on the Pacific coast. Pop: 250 000 (2005 est)

Buena Vista (Spanish ˈbwena ˈvista)   n   a village in NE Mexico, near Saltillo: site of the defeat of the Mexicans by US forces (1847)

Buenos Aires (ˈbweInɒs ˈaIrIz; Spanish ˈbwenos ˈaires)   n   the capital of Argentina, a major port and industrial city on the Río de la Plata estuary: became capital in 1880; university (1821). Pop: 15 180 176 (2015 est)

BUF   abbreviation for   (formerly) British Union of Fascists

buff^1 (bʌf)   n   1    a a soft thick flexible undyed leather made chiefly from the skins of buffalo, oxen, and elk   b (as modifier): a buff coat   2    a a dull yellow or yellowish-brown colour   b (as adjective): buff paint   3 Also called: buffer   a a cloth or pad of material used for polishing an object   b a flexible disc or wheel impregnated with a fine abrasive for polishing metals, etc, with a power tool   4 informal one's bare skin (esp in the phrase in the buff)   ▷ vb   5 to clean or polish (a metal, floor, shoes, etc) with a buff   6 to remove the grain surface of (a leather)   ▷ adj   7 informal fit; attractive [C16: from Old French buffle, from Old Italian bufalo, from Late Latin būfalus BUFFALO]

■ buffable (ˈbʌfəbəl)   adj   able to be buffed

■ buffing (ˈbʌfIŋ)   n   polishing

■ buffing wheel   n   a wheel covered with a soft material, such as lamb's wool or leather, used for shining and polishing. Also called: buff wheel

■ buff-tip moth   n   a large European moth, Phalera bucephala, having violet-brown buff-tipped forewings held at rest around the body so that it resembles a snapped-off twig

■ buffy (ˈbʌfI)   adj -fier, -fiest   1 of a dull yellow or yellowish-brown colour   2 (of blood) having a light-coloured layer at the upper part of a clot

buff^2 (bʌf)   vb   1 (tr) to deaden the force of   ▷ n   2 archaic a blow or buffet (now only in the phrase blind man's buff) [C15: back formation from BUFFET^2]

buff^3 (bʌf)   n   informal an expert on or devotee of a given subject: a cheese buff [C20: originally US: an enthusiastic fire watcher, from the buff-coloured uniforms worn by volunteer firemen in New York City]

buffa (ˈbʊfə; Italian ˈbuffa)   n, pl -fe (-feI) or -fas   1 same as opera buffa   2 a comedic actress or clown in an opera

buffalo (ˈbʌfəˌləʊ)   n, pl -loes or -lo   1 Also called: Cape buffalo a member of the cattle tribe, Syncerus caffer, mostly found in game reserves in southern and eastern Africa and having upward-curving horns   2 short for water buffalo   3 Also called: bison US and Canadian a member of the cattle tribe, Bison bison, formerly widely distributed over the prairies of W North America but now confined to reserves and parks, with a massive head, shaggy forequarters, and a humped back. Related adjective: bubaline   ▷ vb (tr) US and Canadian informal   4 (often passive) to confuse   5 to intimidate [C16: from Italian bufalo, from Late Latin būfalus, alteration of Latin būbalus; see BUBAL]

■ buffaloberry (ˈbʌfələʊˌbɛrI)   n   1 any shrub of the genus Shepherdia native to North America   2 the bitter-tasting berry of such a shrub

■ Buffalo Bill   n   nickname of William Frederick Cody. 1846–1917, US showman who toured Europe and the US with his famous Wild West Show

■ buffalofish (ˈbʌfələʊˌfIʃ)   n   any of several freshwater North American hump-backed cyprinoid fishes of the genus Ictiobus: family Catostomidae (suckers)

■ buffalo gnat   n   any of various small North American blood-sucking dipterous insects of the genus Simulium and related genera: family Simuliidae. Also called: black fly

■ buffalo grass   n   1 a short grass, Buchloë dactyloides, growing on the dry plains of the central US   2 Austral a grass, Stenotaphrum americanum, introduced from North America

Buffalo (ˈbʌfəˌləʊ)   n   a port in W New York State, at the E end of Lake Erie. Pop: 285 018 (2003 est)

buffel grass (ˈbʌfəl)   n   Austral a pasture grass, Cenchrus ciliaris, native to Africa and India, introduced in N Australia

buffer^1 (ˈbʌfə)   n   1 one of a pair of spring-loaded steel pads attached at both ends of railway vehicles and at the end of a railway track to reduce shock due to contact   2 a person or thing that lessens shock or protects from damaging impact, circumstances, etc   3 chem   a an ionic compound, usually a salt of a weak acid or base, added to a solution to resist changes in its acidity or alkalinity and thus stabilize its pH   b Also called: buffer solution a solution containing such a compound   4 computing a memory device for temporarily storing data   5 electronics an isolating circuit used to minimize the reaction between a driving and a driven circuit   6 short for buffer state   7 hit the buffers informal to finish or be stopped, esp unexpectedly   ▷ vb (tr)   8 to insulate against or protect from shock; cushion   9 chem to add a buffer to (a solution) [C19: from BUFF^2]

■ buffering (ˈbʌfərIŋ)   n   computing temporary storage of data

■ buffer state   n   a small neutral state between two rival powers

■ buffer stock   n   commerce a stock of a commodity built up by a government or trade organization with the object of using it to stabilize prices

■ buffer zone   n   an area lying between two states and providing each with protection from the other

buffer^2 (ˈbʌfə)   n   1 any device used to shine, polish, etc; buff   2 a person who uses such a device

buffer^3 (ˈbʌfə)   n   Brit informal a stupid or bumbling man (esp in the phrase old buffer) [C18: perhaps from Middle English buffer stammerer]

buffet^1   n   1 (ˈbʊfeI, ˈbʌfeI) a counter where light refreshments are served   2 (ˈbʊfeI)   a a meal at which guests help themselves from a number of dishes and often eat standing up   b (as modifier): a buffet lunch   3 (ˈbʌfIt, ˈbʊfeI) a piece of furniture used from medieval times to the 18th century for displaying plates, etc, and typically comprising one or more cupboards and some open shelves   4 (ˈbʌfI) Scot and Northern English dialect a kind of low stool, pouffe, or hassock [C18: from French, of unknown origin]

■ buffet car (ˈbʊfeI)   n   Brit a railway coach where light refreshments are served

buffet^2 (ˈbʌfIt)   vb -fets, -feting, -feted   1 (tr) to knock against or about; batter: the wind buffeted the boat   2 (tr) to hit, esp with the fist; cuff   3 to force (one's way), as through a crowd   4 (intr) to struggle; battle   ▷ n   5 a blow, esp with a fist or hand   6 aerodynamic excitation of an aircraft structure by separated flows [C13: from Old French buffeter, from buffet a light blow, from buffe, of imitative origin]   > ˈbuffeter n

■ buffeting (ˈbʌfItIŋ)   n   response of an aircraft structure to buffet, esp an irregular oscillation of the tail

Buffett (ˈbʌfIt)   n   Warren (Edward). born 1930, US financier, investor, and philanthropist

bufflehead (ˈbʌfəlˌhɛd)   n   a small North American diving duck, Bucephala (or Glaucionetta) albeola: the male has black-and-white plumage and a fluffy head. Also called: butterball [C17 buffle from obsolete buffle wild ox (see BUFF^1), referring to the duck's head]

buffo (ˈbʊfəʊ; Italian ˈbuffo)   n, pl -fi (-fI) or -fos   1 (in Italian opera of the 18th century) a comic part, esp one for a bass   2 Also called: buffo bass, basso buffo (Italian ˈbasso ˈbuffo) a bass singer who performs such a part [C18: from Italian (adj): comic, from buffo (n) BUFFOON]

Buffon (French byfɔ̃)   n   Georges Louis Leclerc (ʒɔrʒ lwi ləklɛr), Comte de. 1707–88, French encyclopedist of natural history; principal author of Histoire naturelle (36 vols., 1749–89), containing the Époques de la nature (1777), which foreshadowed later theories of evolution

buffoon (bəˈfuːn)   n   1 a person who amuses others by ridiculous or odd behaviour, jokes, etc   2 a foolish person [C16: from French bouffon, from Italian buffone, from Medieval Latin būfō, from Latin: toad]   > bufˈfoonery n

■ buffoonish (bʌˈfuːnIʃ)   adj   resembling or in the manner of a buffoon

Buffs (bʌfs)   pl n   the Buffs (formerly) the Third Regiment of Foot, esp the Royal East Kent Regiment [C19: from their buff-coloured facings]

bufo (ˈbjuːfəʊ, ˈbuːfəʊ)   n   1 any of a genus of toads of the family Bufonidae   2 obsolete a type of black tincture

■ bufotalin (ˌbuːfəʊˈtælIn)   n   the principal poisonous substance in the skin and saliva of the common European toad

■ bufotenine (ˌbjuːfəʊˈtɛniːn)   n   a tryptamine alkaloid with hallucinogenic properties, found in the skin of some species of toad and in some mushrooms and tropical shrubs

buftie (ˈbʌftI)   n   offensive, slang a homosexual man

bug^1 (bʌɡ)   n   1 any insect of the order Hemiptera, esp any of the suborder Heteroptera, having piercing and sucking mouthparts specialized as a beak (rostrum). See also assassin bug, bedbug, chinch bug   2 chiefly US and Canadian any insect, such as the June bug or the Croton bug   3 informal   a a microorganism, esp a bacterium, that produces disease   b a disease, esp a stomach infection, caused by a microorganism   4 informal an obsessive idea, hobby, etc; craze (esp in the phrases get the bug, be bitten by the bug, the bug bites, etc)   5 informal a person having such a craze; enthusiast   6 (often plural) informal an error or fault, as in a machine or system, esp in a computer or computer program   7 informal a concealed microphone used for recording conversations, as in spying   8 US (in poker) a joker used as an ace or wild card to complete a straight or flush   ▷ vb bugs, bugging, bugged informal   9 (tr) to irritate; bother   10 (tr) to conceal a microphone in (a room, etc)   11 (intr) US (of eyes) to protrude [C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old English budda beetle]

■ bugbane (ˈbʌɡˌbeIn)   n   any of several ranunculaceous plants of the genus Cimicifuga, esp C. foetida of Europe, whose flowers are reputed to repel insects

■ bug-eyed   adj   with protuberant eyes

■ bugging (ˈbʌɡIŋ)   n     a surveillance using a hidden microphone   b (as modifier): an electronic bugging device

■ bughouse (ˈbʌɡˌhaʊs) offensive, slang, chiefly US   n   1 a psychiatric hospital   ▷ adj   2 insane [C20: from BUG^1 + (MAD)HOUSE]

■ bug-hunter   n informal   1 a person who is interested in insects   2 a person who looks for faults in computer programs

■ bug out slang, chiefly US   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to depart hurriedly; run away; retreat   ▷ n bugout   2 an act of running away

■ bug-ridden   adj informal   1 full of insects   2 (of a computer program) full of errors

■ bugs (bʌɡz)   adj   US slang crazy

■ bugseed (ˈbʌɡˌsiːd)   n   any tumbleweed of the genus Corispermum, native to North America and Eurasia and found in fields and areas of wasteland

■ buglet (ˈbʌɡlət)   n   informal a minor bug in a computer program

bug^2 (bʌɡ)   n   obsolete an evil spirit or spectre; hobgoblin [C14 bugge, perhaps from Middle Welsh bwg ghost. See also BUGBEAR, BUGABOO]

■ bugbear (ˈbʌɡˌbɛə)   n   1 a thing that causes obsessive fear or anxiety   2 (in English folklore) a goblin said to eat naughty children and thought to be in the form of a bear [C16: from BUG^2 + BEAR^2; compare BUGABOO]

■ buggan (ˈbʌɡən)   n English dialect   1 an evil spirit   2 a hobgoblin

bug^3 (bʌɡ)   vb   a past tense and past participle of big^2

Bug (Russian buk)   n   1 Also called: Southern Bug a river in E Europe, rising in W Ukraine and flowing southeast to the Dnieper estuary and the Black Sea. Length: 853 km (530 miles)   2 Also called: Western Bug a river in E Europe, rising in SW Ukraine and flowing northwest to the River Vistula in Poland, forming part of the border between Poland and Ukraine. Length: 724 km (450 miles)

bugaboo (ˈbʌɡəˌbuː)   n, pl -boos   an imaginary source of fear; bugbear; bogey [C18: probably of Celtic origin; compare Cornish buccaboo the devil]

Buganda (bʊˈɡændə)   n   a region of Uganda: a powerful Bantu kingdom from the 17th century

Bugatti (Italian bʊˈɡattI)   n   Ettore (Arco Isidoro) (ˈɛttore). 1881–1947, Italian car manufacturer; founder of the Bugatti car factory at Molsheim (1909)

bugeye (ˈbʌɡˌaI)   n   another name for buckeye

bugger (ˈbʌɡə)   n   1 offensive a person who practises anal intercourse   2 slang a person or thing considered to be contemptible, unpleasant, or difficult   3 slang a humorous or affectionate term for a person or child: a silly old bugger; a friendly little bugger   4 bugger all slang nothing   5 play silly buggers slang to fool around and waste time   ▷ vb   6 offensive to practise anal intercourse (with)   7 (tr) slang, chiefly Brit to ruin, complicate, or frustrate   8 (tr) slang to tire; weary   ▷ interj   9 slang an exclamation of annoyance or disappointment [C16: from Old French bougre, from Medieval Latin Bulgarus Bulgarian; from the condemnation of the dualist heresy rife in Bulgaria from the tenth century to the fifteenth]

■ bugger about or bugger around   vb (adverb) Brit slang   1 (intr) to fool about and waste time   2 (tr) to create difficulties or complications for (a person)

■ buggered (ˈbʌɡəd)   adj Brit slang   1 absolutely worn out   2 ruined   3 broken

■ bugger off   vb   (intr, adverb) Brit slang to go away; depart

■ buggery (ˈbʌɡərI)   n   1 anal intercourse   2 law anal intercourse or bestiality

Buggins' turn (ˈbʌɡInz) or Buggins's turn   n   Brit slang the principle of awarding an appointment to members of a group in turn, rather than according to merit [C20: origin unknown]

buggy^1 (ˈbʌɡI)   n, pl -gies   1 a light horse-drawn carriage having either four wheels (esp in the US and Canada) or two wheels (esp in Britain and India)   2 short for beach buggy   3 short for Baby Buggy. See baby carriage   4 a small motorized vehicle designed for a particular purpose: a golf buggy; a moon buggy [C18: of unknown origin]

buggy^2 (ˈbʌɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   1 infested with bugs   2 US slang insane   3 informal (of a system or machine, esp a computer program) containing errors or faults   > ˈbugginess n

bugle^1 (ˈbjuːɡəl)   n   1 music a brass instrument similar to the cornet but usually without valves: used for military fanfares, signal calls, etc   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to play or sound (on) a bugle [C14: short for bugle horn ox horn (musical instrument), from Old French bugle, from Latin būculus young bullock, from bōs ox]   > ˈbugler n

■ buglet (ˈbjuːɡlət)   n   a small bugle

bugle^2 (ˈbjuːɡəl)   n   any of several Eurasian plants of the genus Ajuga, esp A. reptans, having small blue or white flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates). Also called: bugleweed. See also ground pine [C13: from Late Latin bugula, of uncertain origin]

bugle^3 (ˈbjuːɡəl)   n   a tubular glass or plastic bead sewn onto clothes for decoration [C16: of unknown origin]

bugleweed (ˈbjuːɡəlˌwiːd)   n   1 Also called: water horehound US any aromatic plant of the genus Lycopus, having small whitish or pale blue flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates). See also gipsywort   2 another name for bugle^2

bugloss (ˈbjuːɡlɒs)   n   any of various hairy Eurasian boraginaceous plants of the genera Anchusa, Lycopsis, and Echium, esp L. arvensis, having clusters of blue flowers. See also viper's bugloss [C15: from Latin būglōssa, from Greek bouglōssos ox-tongued, from bōs ox + glōssa tongue]

bugong (ˈbuːɡɒŋ)   n   another name for bogong

buhl (buːl)   adj, n   the usual US spelling of boulle

■ buhlwork (ˈbuːlˌwɜːk)   n   another name for boulle (sense 2)

buhrstone, burstone or burrstone (ˈbɜːˌstəʊn)   n   1 a hard tough rock containing silica, fossils, and cavities, formerly used as a grindstone   2 a grindstone or millstone made of this rock [C18 burr, perhaps identical to BURR^1 (alluding to roughness)]

buhund (ˈbuːˌhʊnd)   n   a medium-sized Norwegian spitz dog

BUI   abbreviation for   British Virgin Islands (international car registration)

buibui (ˈbʊIˈbʊI)   n   a piece of black cloth worn as a shawl by Muslim women, esp on the E African coast [from Swahili]

build (bIld)   vb builds, building, built   1 to make, construct, or form by joining parts or materials: to build a house   2 (intr) to be a builder by profession   3 (tr) to order the building of: the government builds most of our hospitals   4 (foll by on or upon) to base; found: his theory was not built on facts   5 (tr) to establish and develop: it took ten years to build a business   6 (tr) to make in a particular way or for a particular purpose: the car was not built for speed   7 (intr; often foll by up) to increase in intensity: the wind was building   8 cards   a to add cards to each other to form (a sequence or set)   b (intr) to add to the layout of cards on the table from one's hand   ▷ n   9 physical form, figure, or proportions: a man with an athletic build [Old English byldan; related to bylda farmer, bold building, Old Norse bōl farm, dwelling; see BOWER^1]

■ buildable (ˈbIldəbəl)   adj   suitable for building on

■ builddown (ˈbIldˌdaʊn)   n   a planned numerical reduction, esp of nuclear weapons where, for every new weapon built, two or more older weapons are destroyed

■ builder (ˈbIldə)   n   1 a person who builds, esp one who contracts for and supervises the construction or repair of buildings   2 a substance added to a soap or detergent as a filler or abrasive

■ build in   vb   (tr, adverb) to incorporate or construct as an integral part: to build in safety features

■ build into   vb   (tr, preposition) to make (something) a definite part of (a contract, agreement, etc)

■ build up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages   2 to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp by degrees: the murmur built up to a roar   3 (intr) to prepare for or gradually approach a climax   4 (tr) to improve the health or physique of (a person)   5 (tr, usually passive) to cover (an area) with buildings   6 (tr) to cause (a person, enterprise, etc) to become better known; publicize: they built several actors up into stars   ▷ n build-up   7 a progressive increase in number, size, etc: the build-up of industry   8 a gradual approach to a climax or critical point   9 the training and practice that constitute the preparation for a particular event or competition: the team's Olympic build-up   10 extravagant publicity or praise, esp in the form of a campaign   11 military the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp prior to an operation

building (ˈbIldIŋ)   n   1 something built with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory   2 the act, business, occupation, or art of building houses, boats, etc

■ building and loan association   n   a US name for building society

■ building block   n   1 a block of stone or other material, larger than a brick, used in building   2 a component that fits with others to form a whole: standardized software building blocks   3 another name for (the child's toy) block

■ building line   n   the boundary line along a street beyond which buildings must not project

■ building paper   n   any of various types of heavy-duty paper that usually consist of bitumen reinforced with fibre sandwiched between two sheets of kraft paper: used in damp-proofing or as insulation between the soil and a road surface

■ building society   n   (in the UK) a cooperative organization that accepts deposits of money from savers and uses them to make loans, secured by mortgages, to house buyers. Since 1986 they have been empowered to offer banking services

built (bIlt)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of build   ▷ adj   2 informal having large, powerful muscles

■ built cane   n   angling another name for split cane

■ built-in   adj   1 made or incorporated as an integral part: a built-in cupboard; a built-in escape clause   2 essential; inherent   ▷ n   3 Austral a built-in cupboard or wardrobe

■ built-in obsolescence   n   See planned obsolescence

■ built-up   adj   1 having many buildings (esp in the phrase built-up area)   2 denoting a beam, girder, or stanchion constructed of sections welded, riveted, or bolted together, etc   3 increased by the addition of parts: built-up heels

buirdly Scottish (ˈbørdlI)   adj buirdlier, buirdliest   dialect well-built; stocky

buist Scottish (bøst) dialect   n   1 an identification mark on livestock made with paint or tar   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to paint an identification mark on (an animal)

Buitenzorg (Dutch ˈbœitənzɔrx)   n   the former name of Bogor

Bujumbura (ˌbuːdʒəmˈbʊərə)   n   the capital of Burundi, a port at the NE end of Lake Tanganyika. Pop: 750 862 (2015 est). Former name: Usumbura

Bukavu (buːˈkɑːvuː)   n   a port in E Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Lake Kivu: commercial and industrial centre. Pop: 294 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1966): Costermansville

Bukhara or Bokhara (bʊˈxɑːrə)   n   1 a city in S Uzbekistan. Pop: 299 000 (2005 est)   2 a former emirate of central Asia: a powerful kingdom and centre of Islam; became a territory of the Soviet Union (1920) and was divided between the former Uzbek, Tajik, and Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republics

■ Bukhara rug or Bokhara rug   n   a kind of rug, typically having a black-and-white geometrical pattern on a reddish ground

Bukharin (Russian buˈxarin)   n   Nikolai Ivanovich (nikaˈlaj iˈvanəvitʃ). 1888–1938, Soviet Bolshevik leader: executed in one of Stalin's purges

bukkake (ˌbuːˈkækI)   n   a sexual practice in which several men ejaculate on the face of an individual woman [C21: Japanese bukkakeru to dash (water)]

Bukovina or Bucovina (ˌbuːkəˈviːnə)   n   a region of E central Europe, part of the NE Carpathians: the north was seized by the Soviet Union (1940) and later became part of Ukraine; the south remained Romanian

bukshee (ˈbʌkˌʃiː)   n   Indian dialect a paymaster-general in the Anglo-Indian army

Bul (buːl)   n   the eighth month of the Old Hebrew calendar, corresponding to Heshvan of the Babylonian or post-exilic Jewish calendar: a period from mid-October to mid-November [from Hebrew būl, of Canaanite origin]

bul.   abbreviation for   bulletin

Bulawayo (ˌbʊləˈweIəʊ)   n   a city in SW Zimbabwe founded (1893) on the site of the kraal of Lobengula, the last Matabele king; the country's main industrial centre. Pop: 693 000 (2005 est)

bulb (bʌlb)   n   1 a rounded organ of vegetative reproduction in plants such as the tulip and onion: a flattened stem bearing a central shoot surrounded by fleshy nutritive inner leaves and thin brown outer leaves. Compare corm   2 a plant, such as a hyacinth or daffodil, that grows from a bulb   3 See light bulb   4 a rounded part of an instrument such as a syringe or thermometer   5 anatomy a rounded expansion of a cylindrical organ or part, such as the medulla oblongata   6 Also called: bulbous bow a bulbous protuberance at the forefoot of a ship to reduce turbulence [C16: from Latin bulbus, from Greek bolbos onion]

■ bulbar (ˈbʌlbə)   adj   chiefly anatomy of or relating to a bulb, esp the medulla oblongata

■ bulb fly   n   a hoverfly, the larvae of which live in bulbs and can become serious pests, esp the yellow and black narcissus bulb fly (Meridon equestris)

■ bulbiferous (bʌlˈbIfərəs)   adj   (of plants) producing bulbs

■ bulbil (ˈbʌlbIl) or bulbel (ˈbʌlbəl)   n   1 a small bulblike organ of vegetative reproduction growing in leaf axils or on flower stalks of plants such as the onion and tiger lily   2 any small bulb of a plant   3 any small bulblike structure in an animal [C19: from New Latin bulbillus, from Latin bulbus BULB]

■ bulblet (ˈbʌlblIt)   n   another name for bulbil (sense 1), bulbil (sense 2)

■ bulb mite   n   a widespread mite, Rhizaglophus eclinops, that tunnels in the bulbs of lilies and other plants

■ bulbosity (bʌlˈbɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 Also called: bulbousness the quality of being bulbous   2 a bulbous object

■ bulbous (ˈbʌlbəs)   adj   1 shaped like a bulb; swollen; bulging   2 growing from or bearing bulbs   > ˈbulbously adv

bulbul (ˈbʊlbʊl)   n   1 any songbird of the family Pycnonotidae of tropical Africa and Asia, having brown plumage and, in many species, a distinct crest   2 a songbird, taken to be the nightingale, often mentioned in Persian poetry [C18: via Persian from Arabic]

Bulg.   abbreviation for   Bulgaria(n)

Bulgakov (Russian bʊlˈɡakəf)   n   Mikhail Afanaseyev (ʌfʌˈnasjef). 1891–1940, Soviet novelist, dramatist, and short-story writer; his novels include The Master and Margerita (1966–67)

Bulganin (Russian bulˈɡanin)   n   Nikolai Aleksandrovich (nikaˈlaj alIkˈsandrəvitʃ). 1895–1975, Soviet statesman and military leader; chairman of the council of ministers (1955–58)

Bulgar (ˈbʌlɡɑː, ˈbʊl-)   n   1 a member of a group of non-Indo-European peoples that settled in SE Europe in the late 7th century AD and adopted the language and culture of their Slavonic subjects   2 a rare name for a Bulgarian

Bulgaria (bʌlˈɡɛərIə, bʊl-)   n   a republic in SE Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula on the Black Sea: under Turkish rule from 1395 until 1878; became an independent kingdom in 1908 and a republic in 1946; joined the EU in 2007; consists chiefly of the Danube valley in the north and the Balkan Mountains in the central part, separated from the Rhodope Mountains of the south by the valley of the Maritsa River. Language: Bulgarian. Religion: Christian (Bulgarian Orthodox) majority. Currency: lev. Capital: Sofia. Pop: 7 084 571 (2017 est). Area: 110 911 sq km (42 823 sq miles)

■ Bulgarian (bʌlˈɡɛərIən, bʊl-)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Bulgaria, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 the official language of Bulgaria, belonging to the S Slavonic branch of the Indo-European family   3 a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Bulgaria

bulge (bʌldʒ)   n   1 a swelling or an outward curve   2 a sudden increase in number or volume, esp of population   3 Brit another name for baby boom   4 Brit the projecting part of an army's front line; salient   ▷ vb   5 to swell outwards [C13: from Old French bouge, from Latin bulga bag, probably of Gaulish origin]   > ˈbulging adj   > ˈbulgingly adv   > ˈbulgy adj   > ˈbulginess n

■ bulger (ˈbʌldʒə)   n   1 a thing which bulges   2 obsolete a wooden golf club with a convex face

Bulge (bʌldʒ)   n   Battle of the Bulge (in World War II) the final major German counteroffensive in 1944 when the Allied forces were pushed back into NE Belgium; the Germans were repulsed by Jan 1945

bulgur (ˈbʌlɡə) or bulgur wheat   n   a kind of dried cracked wheat. Also called: burghul [C20: from Turkish, from Arabic burghul, from Persian]

bulimia (bjuːˈlImIə)   n   1 pathologically insatiable hunger, esp when caused by a brain lesion   2 Also called: bulimia nervosa a mental health condition characterized by a compulsion to purge oneself of the food one has consumed, sometimes after a period of binge eating [C17: from New Latin, from Greek boulimia, from bous ox + limos hunger]   > buˈlimic n, adj

■ bulimiac (bjuːˈlImIæk, bəˈlImIæk)   n   a rare variant of bulimic

bulimus (bjuːˈlaIməs)   n   any of a genus of terrestrial molluscs with elongated spiral shells, commonly found in tropical America

bulimy (ˈbjuːlImI)   n   an obsolete variant of bulimia (sense 1)

bulk (bʌlk)   n   1 volume, size, or magnitude, esp when great   2 the main part: the bulk of the work is repetitious   3 a large body, esp of a person: he eased his bulk out of the chair   4 the part of food which passes unabsorbed through the digestive system   5 unpackaged cargo or goods   6 a ship's cargo or hold   7 printing   a the thickness of a number of sheets of paper or cardboard   b the thickness of a book excluding its covers   8 (plural) copies of newspapers sold in bulk at a discounted price to hotels, airlines, etc, which issue them free to their customers   9 in bulk   a in large quantities   b (of a cargo, etc) unpackaged   ▷ vb   10 to cohere or cause to cohere in a mass   11 to place, hold, or transport (several cargoes of goods) in bulk   12 bulk large to be or seem important or prominent: the problem bulked large in his mind [C15: from Old Norse bulki cargo]

USAGE

The use of a plural noun after bulk was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable

■ bulkage (ˈbʌlkIdʒ)   n   any agent that aids peristalsis by increasing the bulk of material in the intestine

■ bulk-buy   vb   to buy (goods) in large quantities

■ bulk buying or bulk-buying   n   1 the purchase at one time, and often at a reduced price, of a large quantity of a particular commodity   2 the purchase of the whole or greater part of the output of a commodity of a country or state by a single buyer, usually another country or state; state trading

■ bulk carrier   n   a ship that carries unpackaged cargo, usually consisting of a single dry commodity, such as coal or grain. Also called: bulker

■ bulkhead (ˈbʌlkˌhɛd)   n   1 any upright wall-like partition in a ship, aircraft, vehicle, etc   2 a wall or partition built to hold back earth, fire, water, etc [C15: probably from bulk projecting framework, from Old Norse bálkr partition + HEAD]

■ bulking (ˈbʌlkIŋ)   n   1 the expansion of excavated material to a volume greater than that of the excavation from which it came   2 an increase in the volume of dry sand when its moisture content is increased

■ bulk modulus   n   a coefficient of elasticity of a substance equal to minus the ratio of the applied stress (p) to the resulting fractional change in volume (dV/V) in a specified reference state (dV/V is the bulk strain). Symbol: K

■ bulk up   vb   (adverb) to increase or cause to increase in size or importance

■ bulky (ˈbʌlkI)   adj bulkier, bulkiest   very large and massive, esp so as to be unwieldy   > ˈbulkily adv   > ˈbulkiness n

bull^1 (bʊl)   n   1 any male bovine animal, esp one that is sexually mature. Related adjective: taurine   2 the uncastrated adult male of any breed of domestic cattle   3 the male of various other animals including the elephant and whale   4 a very large, strong, or aggressive person   5 stock exchange   a a speculator who buys in anticipation of rising prices in order to make a profit on resale   b (as modifier): a bull market. Compare bear^2 (sense 5)   6 chiefly Brit short for bull's-eye (sense 1), bull's-eye (sense 2)   7 slang short for bullshit   8 short for bulldog, bull terrier   9 a bull in a china shop a clumsy person   10 shoot the bull US and Canadian slang   a to pass time talking lightly   b to boast or exaggerate   11 take the bull by the horns to face and tackle a difficulty without shirking   ▷ adj   12 male; masculine: a bull elephant   13 large; strong   ▷ vb   14 (tr) to raise or attempt to raise the price or prices of (a stock market or a security) by speculative buying   15 (intr) (of a cow) to be on heat   16 (intr) US slang to talk lightly or foolishly [Old English bula, from Old Norse boli; related to Middle Low German bulle, Middle Dutch bolle]

■ bull ant   n   any large Australian ant of the genus Myrmecia, having a powerful stinging bite: subfamily Ponerinae. Also called: bulldog ant

■ bullbaiting (ˈbʊlˌbeItIŋ)   n   a type of blood sport involving the baiting of a bull by dogs

■ bull bars or bullbars (ˈbʊlˌbɑːz)   pl n   a large protective metal grille on the front of some vehicles, esp four-wheel-drive vehicles

■ bullbat (ˈbʊlˌbæt)   n   another name for nighthawk (sense 1)

■ bullbrier (ˈbʊlˌbraIə)   n   a prickly vine of the genus Smilax, with small green flowers and inedible black berries

■ bulldog (ˈbʊlˌdɒɡ)   n   1 a sturdy thickset breed of dog with an undershot jaw, short nose, broad head, and a muscular body   2 (at Oxford University) an official who accompanies the proctors on ceremonial occasions   3 commerce a fixed-interest bond issued in Britain by a foreign borrower

■ bulldog ant   n   another name for bull ant

■ Bulldog Clip   n trademark   a clip for holding papers together, consisting of two T-shaped metal clamps held in place by a cylindrical spring

■ bulldogger (ˈbʊlˌdɒɡə)   n   a person who brings an animal, esp a steer, to the ground by twisting its head from the horns

■ bulldoze (ˈbʊlˌdəʊz)   vb (tr)   1 to move, demolish, flatten, etc, with a bulldozer   2 informal to force; push: he bulldozed his way through the crowd   3 informal to intimidate or coerce [C19: probably from BULL^1 + DOSE]

■ bulldozer (ˈbʊlˌdəʊzə)   n   1 a powerful tractor fitted with caterpillar tracks and a blade at the front, used for moving earth, rocks, etc   2 informal a person who bulldozes

■ bull dust or bulldust (ˈbʊlˌdʌst)   n Austral   1 fine dust   2 slang nonsense

■ bull dyke or bulldyke (ˈbʊlˌdaIk)   n   offensive, slang a lesbian who is regarded as having traditionally masculine traits

■ bullfight (ˈbʊlˌfaIt)   n   a traditional Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American spectacle in which a matador, assisted by banderilleros and mounted picadors, baits and usually kills a bull in an arena   > ˈbullˌfighter n   > ˈbullˌfighting n

■ bullfinch^1 (ˈbʊlˌfIntʃ)   n   1 a common European finch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula: the male has a bright red throat and breast, black crown, wings, and tail, and a grey-and-white back   2 any of various similar finches [C14: see BULL^1, FINCH; probably so called from its stocky shape and thick neck]

■ bullfinch^2 (ˈbʊlˌfIntʃ)   n   Brit a high thick hedge too difficult for a horse and rider to jump [C19: perhaps changed from the phrase bull fence]

■ bullfrog (ˈbʊlˌfrɒɡ)   n   any of various large frogs, such as Rana catesbeiana (American bullfrog), having a loud deep croak

■ bullgine (ˈbʊldʒaIn)   n   a steam locomotive

■ bullhead (ˈbʊlˌhɛd)   n   1 any of various small northern mainly marine scorpaenoid fishes of the family Cottidae that have a large head covered with bony plates and spines   2 any freshwater North American catfish of the genus Ameiurus (or Ictalurus), having a large head bearing several long barbels   3 a scorpion fish, Scorpaena guttata, of North American Pacific coastal waters   4 informal a stupidly stubborn or unintelligent person

■ bull-headed   adj   blindly obstinate; stubborn, headstrong, or stupid   > ˌbull-ˈheadedly adv   > ˌbull-ˈheadedness n

■ bullhead rail   n   railways a rail having a cross section with a bulbous top and bottom, the top being larger. Now largely superseded by: flat-bottomed rail

■ bullhorn (ˈbʊlˌhɔːn)   n   US and Canadian a portable loudspeaker having a built-in amplifier and microphone. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): loud-hailer

■ bullish (ˈbʊlIʃ)   adj   1 like a bull   2 stock exchange causing, expecting, or characterized by a rise in prices: a bullish market   3 informal cheerful and optimistic: the prime minister was in a bullish mood   > ˈbullishly adv   > ˈbullishness n

■ bull kelp   n   any of various large brown seaweeds of Pacific and Antarctic waters

■ bull mastiff or bullmastiff (ˌbʊlˈmæstIf)   n   a large powerful breed of dog with a short usually fawn or brindle coat, developed by crossing the bulldog with the mastiff

■ bullneck (ˈbʊlˌnɛk)   n   an enlarged neck

■ bull-necked   adj   having a short thick neck

■ bull nose   n   1 Also called: atrophic rhinitis a disease of pigs resulting in deformity of the nose, caused by infection with the bacterium Bordatella bronchiseptica   2 a rounded edge of a brick, step, etc   3 a rounded exterior angle, as where two walls meet. Also spelled: bullnose

■ bull-nosed   adj   having a rounded end

■ bullock (ˈbʊlək)   n   1 a gelded bull; steer   2 archaic a bull calf   ▷ vb   3 (intr) Austral and NZ informal to work hard and long [Old English bulluc; see BULL^1, -OCK]

■ bullock's heart   n   another name for custard apple (sense 1), custard apple (sense 2)

■ bullocky (ˈbʊləkI)   n, pl -ockies   Austral and NZ informal the driver of a team of bullocks

■ bullpen (ˈbʊlˌpɛn)   n   1 US informal a large cell where prisoners are confined together temporarily   2 a part of a baseball field where relief pitchers warm up

■ bullpout (ˈbʊlˌpaʊt)   n   a type of fish

■ bullring (ˈbʊlˌrIŋ)   n   an arena for bullfighting

■ bullroarer (ˈbʊlˌrɔːrə)   n   a wooden slat attached to a thong that makes a roaring sound when the thong is whirled: used esp by native Australians in religious rites

■ bull session   n   informal, chiefly US and Canadian an informal discussion, often among men [C20: from BULL^2]

■ bull's-eye   n   1 the small central disc of a target, usually the highest valued area   2 a shot hitting this   3 informal something that exactly achieves its aim   4 a small circular or oval window or opening   5 a thick disc of glass set into a ship's deck, etc, to admit light   6 the glass boss at the centre of a sheet of blown glass   7    a a small thick plano-convex lens used as a condenser   b a lamp or lantern containing such a lens   8 a peppermint-flavoured, usually striped, boiled sweet   9 nautical a circular or oval wooden block with a groove around it for the strop of a shroud and a hole at its centre for a line. Compare deadeye   10 meteorol the eye or centre of a cyclone

■ bullshit (ˈbʊlʃIt) slang   n   1 exaggerated or foolish talk; nonsense   2 deceitful or pretentious talk   3 (in the British Army) exaggerated zeal, esp for ceremonial drill, cleaning, polishing, etc. Usually shortened to: bull   ▷ vb -shits, -shitting, -shitted   4 (intr) to talk in an exaggerated or foolish manner   5 (tr) to talk bullshit to (a person)   > ˈbullshitter n

USAGE

Bullshit was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in older editions of Collins English Dictionary. However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although more conservative people may object to its use

■ bullshot (ˈbʊlˌʃɒt)   n   a cocktail of vodka and beef stock

■ bull snake or bullsnake (ˈbʊlˌsneIk)   n   any burrowing North American nonvenomous colubrid snake of the genus Pituophis, typically having yellow and brown markings. Also called: gopher snake

■ bull's wool   n   Austral and NZ informal nonsense

■ bull terrier or bullterrier (ˌbʊlˈtɛrIə)   n   a breed of terrier having a muscular body and thick neck, with a short smooth often white coat: developed by crossing the bulldog with various terriers. See also pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier

■ bull tongue   n chiefly US   1 a heavy plough used in growing cotton, having an almost vertical mouldboard   2 a plough or cultivator with a single shovel

■ bull trout   n   any large trout, esp the salmon trout

■ bullweed (ˈbʊlˌwiːd)   n   knapweed

■ bullwhack (ˈbʊlˌwæk)   vb (tr)   to flog with a short whip

■ bullwhip (ˈbʊlˌwIp)   n   1 a long tapering heavy whip, esp one of plaited rawhide   ▷ vb -whips, -whipping, -whipped   2 (tr) to whip with a bullwhip

bull^2 (bʊl)   n   a ludicrously self-contradictory or inconsistent statement. Also called: Irish bull [C17: of uncertain origin]

bull^3 (bʊl)   n   a formal document issued by the pope, written in antiquated characters and often sealed with a leaden bulla [C13: from Medieval Latin bulla seal attached to a bull, from Latin: round object]

Bull^1 (bʊl)   n   the Bull the constellation Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac

■ Bull Run   n   Battles of Bull Run two battles fought at Manassas Junction near a stream named Bull Run, during the American Civil War (July, 1861 and August, 1862), in both of which the Federal army was routed by the Confederates. Also known as: First and Second Manassas. See also Manassas

Bull^2 (bʊl)   n   1  John. 1563–1628, English composer and organist   2 See John Bull

bulla (ˈbʊlə, ˈbʌlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   1 a leaden seal affixed to a papal bull, having a representation of Saints Peter and Paul on one side and the name of the reigning pope on the other   2 an ancient Roman rounded metal or leather box containing an amulet, worn around the neck   3 pathol another word for blister (sense 1)   4 anatomy a rounded bony projection [C19: from Latin: round object, bubble]

bullace (ˈbʊlIs)   n   a small Eurasian rosaceous tree, Prunus domestica insititia (or P. insititia), of which the damson is the cultivated form. See also plum^1 (sense 1) [C14: from Old French beloce, from Medieval Latin bolluca, perhaps of Gaulish origin]

Bullamakanka (ˌbuːləməˈkæŋkə)   n   Austral slang an imaginary very remote and backward place

bullary^1 (ˈbʊlərI)   n, pl -ries   a place where salt is prepared or boiled

bullary^2 (ˈbʊlərI)   n, pl -ries   (in the Roman Catholic Church) a collection of papal bulls

bullate (ˈbʌleIt, -It, ˈbʊl-)   adj   botany, anatomy puckered or blistered in appearance: the bullate leaves of the primrose [C19: from Medieval Latin bullātus inflated, from Latin bulla bubble]

buller (ˈbʊlə)   vb (intr)   to make a bubbling sound

bullet (ˈbʊlIt)   n   1    a a small metallic missile enclosed in a cartridge, used as the projectile of a gun, rifle, etc   b the entire cartridge   2 something resembling a bullet, esp in shape or effect   3 stock exchange a fixed interest security with a single maturity date   4 commerce   a the final repayment of a loan that repays the whole of the sum borrowed, as interim payments have been for interest only   b (as modifier): a bullet loan   5 Brit slang dismissal, sometimes without notice (esp in the phrases get or give the bullet)   6 printing See centred dot   7 bite the bullet See bite (sense 14) [C16: from French boulette, diminutive of boule ball; see BOWL^2]   > ˈbullet-ˌlike adj

■ bullet-headed   adj   with a head shaped like a bullet

■ bullet point   n   any of a number of items printed in a list, each after a centred dot, usually the most important points in a longer piece of text

■ bulletproof (ˈbʊlItˌpruːf)   adj   1 not penetrable by bullets: bulletproof glass   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make bulletproof

■ bullet-resistant   adj   not allowing bullets to pass through

■ bullet train   n   a passenger train that travels at very high speed

■ bulletwood (ˈbʊlItˌwʊd)   n   the wood of a tropical American sapotaceous tree, Manilkara bidentata, widely used for construction due to its durability and toughness

bulletin (ˈbʊlItIn)   n   1 an official statement on a matter of public interest, such as the illness of a public figure   2 a broadcast summary of the news   3 a periodical publication of an association, etc   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to make known by bulletin [C17: from French, from Italian bullettino, from bulletta, diminutive of bulla papal edict, BULL^3]

■ bulletin board   n   1 US and Canadian a board on which notices, advertisements, bulletins, etc, are displayed. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): notice board   2 computing a facility on a computer network allowing any user to leave messages that can be read by any other user, and to download software and information to the user's own computer

bulletrie (ˈbʊlIˌtriː)   n   another name for balata

bullion (ˈbʊljən)   n   1 gold or silver in mass   2 gold or silver in the form of bars and ingots, suitable for further processing   3 Also called: bullion fringe a thick gold or silver wire or fringed cord used as a trimming, as on military uniforms [C14 (in the sense: melted gold or silver): from Anglo-French: mint, probably from Old French bouillir to boil, from Latin bullīre]

■ bullionist (ˈbʊlIənIst)   n   a purveyor of bullion

bullous (ˈbʊləs)   adj   blistered

bullwaddy, bullwaddie, bulwaddee or bulwaddy (bʊlˈwɒdI)   n   a N Australian tree, Macropteranthes kekwickii, growing in dense thickets [of uncertain origin]

bully^1 (ˈbʊlI)   n, pl -lies   1 a person who uses threats or violence in an attempt to harm or intimidate others, often repeatedly   2 a person who ruthlessly exploits a physical or technical advantage   3 archaic a hired ruffian   4 obsolete a procurer; pimp   5 obsolete a fine fellow or friend   6 obsolete a sweetheart; darling   ▷ vb -lies, -lying, -lied   7 to use threats or violence, often repeatedly, in an attempt to harm or intimidate (other people)   8 (tr; foll by into) to make someone do something by using force or repeated questioning: he bullied her into accepting his invitation to the party   9 (tr) to exploit a physical or technical advantage: the minister was regularly bullied in debate by the opposition   ▷ adj   10 archaic dashing; jolly   11 informal very good; fine   ▷ interj   12 Also: bully for you informal well done! bravo! [C16 (in the sense: sweetheart, hence fine fellow, hence swaggering coward): probably from Middle Dutch boele lover, from Middle High German buole, perhaps childish variant of bruoder BROTHER]

■ bully beef   n   tinned corned beef. Often shortened to: bully [C19 bully, anglicized version of French bouilli, from boeuf bouilli boiled beef]

■ bullyboy (ˈbʊlIˌbɔI)   n     a a ruffian or tough, esp a hired one   b (as modifier): bullyboy tactics

■ bullycide (ˈbʊlIˌsaId)   n   the act or an instance of killing oneself intentionally as a result of bullying [C21: from BULLY + (SUI)CIDE]

■ bullying (ˈbʊlIIŋ)   n   the repeated use of threats or violence in an attempt to harm or intimidate others

■ bullyism (ˈbʊlIIzəm)   n   the belief in systematic bullying

bully^2 (ˈbʊlI)   n, pl -lies   any of various small freshwater fishes of the genera Gobiomorphus and Philypnodon of New Zealand. Also called (NZ): pakoko, titarakura, toitoi [C20: short for COCKABULLY]

bully-off hockey   n   1 a method by which a game is restarted after a stoppage. Two opposing players stand with the ball between them and alternately strike their sticks together and against the ground three times before trying to hit the ball   ▷ vb bully off   2 (intr, adverb) to restart play after a stoppage with a bully-off   ▶ Often shortened to: bully. Compare face-off [C19: perhaps from bully scrum in Eton football; of unknown origin]

bullyrag (ˈbʊlIˌræɡ)   vb -rags, -ragging, -ragged   (tr) to bully, esp by means of cruel practical jokes. Also: ballyrag [C18: of unknown origin]

bulnbuln (ˈbʊlnˈbʊln)   n   Austral another name for lyrebird [C19: from a native Australian language]

Bülow (German ˈbylo)   n   Prince Bernhard von (ˈbɛrnhart fɔn). 1849–1929, chancellor of Germany (1900–09)

bulrush (ˈbʊlˌrʌʃ)   n   1 a grasslike cyperaceous marsh plant, Scirpus lacustris, used for making mats, chair seats, etc   2 a popular name for reed mace (sense 1)   3 a biblical word for papyrus (sense 1) [C15 bulrish, bul- perhaps from BULL^1 + rish RUSH^2, referring to the largeness of the plant; sense 2 derived from the famous painting by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema (1836–1912), Dutch-born English painter, of the finding of the infant Moses in the "bulrushes" — actually reed mace]

■ bulrushy (ˈbʊlrəʃI)   adj   made of or resembling bulrushes

bulse (bʊls)   n   a purse or bag for diamonds

Bultmann (German ˈbʊltman)   n   Rudolf Karl. 1884–1976, German theologian, noted for his demythologizing approach to the New Testament

bulwark (ˈbʊlwək)   n   1 a wall or similar structure used as a fortification; rampart   2 a person or thing acting as a defence against injury, annoyance, etc   3 (often plural) nautical a solid vertical fencelike structure along the outward sides of a deck   4 a breakwater or mole   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to defend or fortify with or as if with a bulwark [C15: via Dutch from Middle High German bolwerk, from bol plank, BOLE^1 + werk WORK]

Bulwer-Lytton (ˈbʊlwəˈlItən)   n   See Lytton

bum^1 (bʌm)   n   Brit slang the buttocks or anus [C14: of uncertain origin]

■ bumbag (ˈbʌmˌbæɡ)   n   a small bag worn on a belt, round the waist. Usual US name: fanny pack

■ bumbailiff (ˌbʌmˈbeIlIf)   n   Brit derogatory (formerly) an officer employed to collect debts and arrest debtors for nonpayment [C17: from BUM^1 + bailiff, so called because he follows hard behind debtors]

■ bumfluff (ˈbʌmˌflʌf)   n   informal the soft and fluffy growth of hair on the chin of an adolescent

■ bumfreezer (ˈbʌmˌfriːzə)   n   1 a slang name for an Eton jacket   2 slang any of various similar styles of short jacket worn by men

■ bumfuck (ˈbʌmˌfʌk)   n   chiefly US taboo, slang a remote or insignificant place

■ bumster (ˈbʌmstə)   adj   Brit (of trousers) cut low so as to reveal the top part of the buttocks

■ bumsters (ˈbʌmstəz)   pl n   Brit trousers cut so that the top lies just above the cleft of the buttocks

■ bumsucking (ˈbʌmˌsʌkIŋ)   n   Brit slang obsequious behaviour; toadying   > ˈbumˌsucker n

bum^2 (bʌm) informal   n   1 a disreputable loafer or idler   2 a tramp; hobo   3 an irresponsible, unpleasant, or mean person   4 a person who spends a great deal of time on a specified sport: baseball bum   5 on the bum   a living as a loafer or vagrant   b out of repair; broken   ▷ vb bums, bumming, bummed   6 (tr) to get by begging; cadge: to bum a lift   7 (intr; often foll by around) to live by begging or as a vagrant or loafer   8 (intr; usually foll by around) to spend time to no good purpose; loaf; idle   9 bum someone out US and Canadian slang to disappoint, annoy, or upset someone   ▷ adj   10 (prenominal) of poor quality; useless   11 wrong or inappropriate: a bum note [C19: probably shortened from earlier bummer a loafer, probably from German bummeln to loaf]

■ bummer (ˈbʌmə)   n slang   1 an unpleasant or disappointing experience   2 chiefly US a vagrant or idler   3 an adverse reaction to a drug, characterized by panic or fear

■ bum rap   n US slang   1 a trumped-up or false charge   2 an unjust punishment

■ bum's rush   n slang   1 forcible ejection, as from a gathering   2 rapid dismissal, as of an idea

■ bum steer   n   slang, chiefly US false or misleading information or advice

bumbaze (bʌmˈbeIz)   vb (tr)   to confuse; bewilder

bumbershoot (ˈbʌmbəʃuːt)   n   US old-fashioned, informal an umbrella

bumble^1 (ˈbʌmbəl)   vb   1 to speak or do in a clumsy, muddled, or inefficient way   2 (intr) to proceed unsteadily; stumble   ▷ n   3 a blunder or botch [C16: perhaps a blend of BUNGLE + STUMBLE]   > ˈbumbler n   > ˈbumbling n, adj   > ˈbumblingly adv

bumble^2 (ˈbʌmbəl)   vb   (intr) to make a humming sound [C14 bomblen to buzz, boom, of imitative origin]

■ bumblebee (ˈbʌmbəlˌbiː) or humblebee   n   any large hairy social bee of the genus Bombus and related genera, of temperate regions: family Apidae [C16: from BUMBLE^2 + BEE^1]

■ bumbledom (ˈbʌmbəldəm)   n   self-importance in a minor office [C19: after Bumble, name of the beadle in Dickens' Oliver Twist (1837–38)]

■ bumble-foot   n   vet science an inflammatory condition of the feet of birds, usually caused by an infection

bumbleberry (ˈbʌmbəlˌbərI)   n   Canadian a mixture of berries used in pie fillings and in preserves

bumble-puppy   n   1 a game in which a ball, attached by string to a post, is hit so that the string winds round the post   2 a game of whist or bridge that is played unskilfully

bumbo (ˈbʌmbəʊ)   n   a drink with gin or rum, nutmeg, lemon juice, etc

bumboat (ˈbʌmˌbəʊt)   n   any small boat used for ferrying supplies or goods for sale to a ship at anchor or at a mooring [C17 (in the sense: scavenger's boat) bum, from Dutch boomschip canoe (from bom tree) + BOAT]

Bumbry (ˈbʌmbrI)   n   Grace. born 1937, US soprano and mezzo-soprano

bumelia (bjuːˈmiːlIə)   n   a thorny shrub of the genus Bumelia

bumf or bumph (bʌmf)   n Brit   1 informal superfluous documents, forms, publicity material, etc   2 slang toilet paper [C19: short for earlier bumfodder; see BUM^1]

bumfuzzle (ˈbʌmˌfʌzəl)   vb (tr)   to confuse

bumkin (ˈbʌmkIn)   n   a variant spelling of boomkin

bummalo (ˈbʌməˌləʊ)   n, pl -lo   another name for Bombay duck [C17: from Marathi bombīla]

bummaree (ˌbʌməˈriː)   n Brit (formerly)   1 a dealer at Billingsgate fish market   2 a porter at Smithfield meat market [C18: of unknown origin]

bummel (ˈbʌməl)   n   a stroll

bummock (ˈbʌmək)   n   a submerged mass of ice projecting downwards

bump (bʌmp)   vb   1 (when intr, usually foll by against or into) to knock or strike with a jolt   2 (intr; often foll by along) to travel or proceed in jerks and jolts   3 (tr) to hurt by knocking: he bumped his head on the ceiling   4 (tr) to knock out of place; dislodge: the crash bumped her from her seat   5 (tr) Brit to throw (a child) into the air, one other child holding each limb, and let him or her down again to touch the ground   6 (in rowing races, esp at Oxford and Cambridge) to catch up with and touch (another boat that started a fixed distance ahead)   7 cricket to bowl (a ball) so that it bounces high on pitching or (of a ball) to bounce high when bowled   8 (intr) chiefly US and Canadian to dance erotically by thrusting the pelvis forward (esp in the phrase bump and grind)   9 (tr) poker to raise (someone)   10 (tr) informal to exclude a ticket-holding passenger from a flight as a result of overbooking   11 (tr) informal to displace (someone or something) from a previously allocated position: the story was bumped from the front page   12 bump uglies US vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse   ▷ n   13 an impact; knock; jolt; collision   14 a dull thud or other noise from an impact or collision   15 the shock of a blow or collision   16 a lump on the body caused by a blow   17 a protuberance, as on a road surface   18 any of the natural protuberances of the human skull, said by phrenologists to indicate underlying faculties and character   19 a rising current of air that gives an aircraft a severe upward jolt   20 (plural) the act of bumping a child. See sense 5   21 rowing the act of bumping. See bumping race   22 bump ball cricket a ball that bounces into the air after being hit directly into the ground by the batsman [C16: probably of imitative origin]

■ bumping race   n   (esp at Oxford and Cambridge) a race in which rowing eights start an equal distance one behind the other and each tries to bump the boat in front

■ bump into   vb   (intr, preposition) informal to meet by chance; encounter unexpectedly

■ bump off   vb   (tr, adverb) slang to murder; kill

■ bumpology (bəmˈpɒlədʒI)   n   jocular phrenology

■ bumpsadaisy (ˈbʌmpsəˌdeIzI)   interj   an exclamation said to a child who has fallen down

■ bump start Brit   n   1 a method of starting a motor vehicle by engaging a low gear with the clutch depressed and pushing it or allowing it to run down a hill until sufficient momentum has been acquired to turn the engine by releasing the clutch   ▷ vb bump-start   2 (tr) to start (a motor vehicle) using this method

■ bump stock   n   a gunstock that can be fitted to a rifle to allow it to fire like an automatic firearm

■ bump up   vb   (tr, adverb) informal to raise or increase: prices are being bumped up daily

■ bumpy (ˈbʌmpI)   adj bumpier, bumpiest   1 having an uneven surface: a bumpy road   2 full of jolts; rough: a bumpy flight   > ˈbumpily adv   > ˈbumpiness n

bumper^1 (ˈbʌmpə)   n   1 a horizontal metal bar attached to the front or rear end of a car, lorry, etc, to protect against damage from impact   2 a person or machine that bumps   3 cricket a ball bowled so that it bounces high on pitching; bouncer

■ bumper car   n   a low-powered electrically propelled vehicle driven and bumped against similar cars in a special rink at a funfair. Also called: Dodgem

■ bumper sticker   n   a label affixed to the rear windscreen or bumper of a motor vehicle displaying an advertisement or slogan

■ bumper-to-bumper   adj   (of traffic) forming long, slow-moving queues

bumper^2 (ˈbʌmpə)   n   1 a glass, tankard, etc, filled to the brim, esp as a toast   2 an unusually large or fine example of something   ▷ adj   3 unusually large, fine, or abundant: a bumper crop   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to toast with a bumper   5 (tr) to fill to the brim   6 (intr) to drink bumpers [C17 (in the sense: a brimming glass): probably from bump (obsolete vb) to bulge; see BUMP]

bumper^3 (ˈbʌmpə)   n   Austral old-fashioned, informal a cigarette end [C19: perhaps from a blend of BUTT^1 and STUMP]

bumph (bʌmf)   n   a variant spelling of bumf

bumpkin^1 (ˈbʌmpkIn)   n   an awkward simple rustic person (esp in the phrase country bumpkin) [C16 (perhaps originally applied to Dutchmen): perhaps from Dutch boomken small tree, or from Middle Dutch boomekijn small barrel, alluding to a short or squat person]

■ bumpkinish (ˈbʌmpkInIʃ) or bumpkinly (ˈbʌmpkInlI)   adj   like a bumpkin

bumpkin^2 (ˈbʌmpkIn) or bumkin   n   variant spellings of boomkin

bumptious (ˈbʌmpʃəs)   adj   offensively self-assertive or conceited [C19: perhaps a blend of BUMP + FRACTIOUS]   > ˈbumptiously adv   > ˈbumptiousness n

bun (bʌn)   n   1 a small roll, similar to bread but usually containing sweetening, currants, spices, etc   2 any of various types of small round sweet cakes   3 a hairstyle in which long hair is gathered into a bun shape at the back of the head   4 have a bun in the oven slang to be pregnant [C14: of unknown origin]

■ bunfight (ˈbʌnˌfaIt)   n Brit slang   1 a tea party   2 ironic an official function   3 a petty squabble or argument

Buna (ˈbuːnə, ˈbjuː-)   n   trademark a synthetic rubber formed by polymerizing butadiene or by copolymerizing it with such compounds as acrylonitrile or styrene

bunbury (ˈbʌnbərI)   vb -buries, -burying, -buried   to create a fictitious scenario that provides an excuse for avoiding unwanted engagements [coined by Oscar Wilde in The Importance of Being Earnest (1895)]

bunce (bʌns)   n   1 a windfall or boom   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to charge (someone) too much money

bunch (bʌntʃ)   n   1 a number of things growing, fastened, or grouped together: a bunch of grapes; a bunch of keys   2 a collection; group: a bunch of queries   3 informal a group or company: a bunch of boys   4 archaic a protuberance   ▷ vb   5 (sometimes foll by up) to group or be grouped into a bunch [C14: of obscure origin]

■ bunchberry (ˈbʌntʃˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   a dwarf variety of dogwood native to North America, Cornus canadensis, having red berries

■ bunches (ˈbʌntʃIz)   pl n   Brit a hairstyle in which hair is tied into two sections on either side of the head at the back

■ bunchgrass (ˈbʌntʃˌɡrɑːs)   n   grass that grows in tufts

■ bunchily (ˈbʌntʃIlI)   adv   in a bunchy manner

■ bunchy (ˈbʌntʃI)   adj bunchier, bunchiest   1 composed of or resembling bunches   2 bulging   > ˈbunchiness n

Bunche (bʌntʃ)   n   Ralph Johnson. 1904–71, US diplomat and United Nations official: awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1950 for his work as UN mediator in Palestine (1948–49); UN undersecretary (1954–71)

bunco or bunko (ˈbʊŋkəʊ) US informal   n, pl -cos or -kos   1 a swindle, esp one by confidence tricksters   ▷ vb -cos, -coing, -coed or -kos, -koing, -koed   2 (tr) to swindle; cheat [C19: perhaps from Spanish banca bank (in gambling), from Italian banca BANK^1]

buncombe (ˈbʌŋkəm)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of bunkum

bund (bʌnd)   n (in India and the Far East)   1 an embankment; dyke   2 an embanked road or quay [C19: from Hindi band, from Persian; related to Sanskrit bandha BAND^1]

■ bundwall (ˈbʌndˌwɔːl)   n   a concrete or earth wall surrounding a storage tank containing crude oil or its refined product, designed to hold the contents of the tank in the event of a rupture or leak [C20: from BUND + WALL]

Bund (bʊnd; German bʊnt)   n, pl Bunds or Bünde (German ˈbyndə)   1 (sometimes not capital) a federation or league   2 short for German American Bund, an organization of US Nazis and Nazi sympathizers in the 1930s and 1940s   3 an organization of socialist Jewish workers in Russia founded in 1897   4 the confederation of N German states, which existed from 1867–71 [C19: German; related to BAND^2, BIND]

■ bundist (ˈbʌndIst)   n   a member of a bund

Bundaberg (ˈbʊndəˌbɜːɡ)   n   a town in E Australia, near the E coast of Queensland: centre of a sugar-growing area, with a nearby deep-water port. Pop: 44 556 (2001)

Bundelkhand (ˌbʌndəlˈkʌnd, -ˈxʌnd)   n   a region of central India: formerly native states, now mainly part of Madhya Pradesh

Bundesrat (ˈbʊndəsˌrɑːt)   n   1 (in Germany and formerly in West Germany) the council of state ministers with certain legislative and administrative powers, representing the state governments at federal level   2 (in Austria) an assembly with some legislative power that represents state interests at the federal level   3 (in Switzerland) the executive council of the confederation   4 (in the German empire from 1871–1918) the council representing the governments of the constituent states, with administrative, judicial, and legislative powers [C19: German, from Bund federation + Rat council]

Bundestag (ˈbʊndəsˌtɑːɡ)   n   (in Germany and formerly in West Germany) the legislative assembly, which is elected by universal adult suffrage and elects the federal chancellor [C19: German, from Bund federation + -tag, from tagen to meet]

bundh (bʌnd)   n   a variant spelling of bandh

bundle (ˈbʌndəl)   n   1 a number of things or a quantity of material gathered or loosely bound together: a bundle of sticks. Related adjective: fascicular   2 something wrapped or tied for carrying; package   3 slang a large sum of money   4 go a bundle on slang to be extremely fond of   5 biology a collection of strands of specialized tissue such as nerve fibres   6 botany short for vascular bundle   7 textiles a measure of yarn or cloth; 60 000 yards of linen yarn; 5 or 10 pounds of cotton hanks   8 drop one's bundle   a Austral and NZ slang to panic or give up hope   b NZ slang to give birth   ▷ vb   9 (tr; often foll by up) to make into a bundle   10 (foll by out, off, into etc) to go or cause to go, esp roughly or unceremoniously: we bundled him out of the house   11 (tr; usually foll by into) to push or throw, esp quickly and untidily: to bundle shirts into a drawer   12 (tr) to sell (different items) as one indivisible package   13 (tr) to give away (a relatively cheap product) when selling an expensive one to attract business: several free games are bundled with the console   14 (intr) to sleep or lie in one's clothes on the same bed as one's betrothed: formerly a custom in New England, Wales, and elsewhere [C14: probably from Middle Dutch bundel; related to Old English bindele bandage; see BIND, BOND]   > ˈbundler n

■ bundle up   vb (adverb)   1 to dress (somebody) warmly and snugly   2 (tr) to make (something) into a bundle or bundles, esp by tying

bundobust (ˈbʌndəbʌst)   n   a variant spelling of bandobust

bundook (ˈbʌndʊk)   n   (in India) a rifle

bundt (bʌnt)   n   a ring-shaped cake

bundu (ˈbʊndʊ)   n   South African and Zimbabwean slang   a a largely uninhabited wild region far from towns   b (as modifier): a bundu hat [C20: from a Bantu language]

bundy (ˈbʌndI)   n, pl -dies Austral   1 a time clock   2 punch the bundy informal   a to start work   b to be in regular employment   ▷ vb   3 (intr; foll by on or off) to arrive or depart from work, esp when it involves registering the time of arrival or departure on a card [from a trademark]

bung^1 (bʌŋ)   n   1 a stopper, esp of cork or rubber, for a cask, piece of laboratory glassware, etc   2 short for bunghole   ▷ vb (tr)   3 (often foll by up) to close or seal with or as with a bung: the car's exhaust was bunged up with mud   4 Brit and Austral slang to throw; sling [C15: from Middle Dutch bonghe, from Late Latin puncta PUNCTURE]

■ bunger (ˈbʌŋə)   n   Austral slang a firework

■ bunghole (ˈbʌŋˌhəʊl)   n   a hole in a cask, barrel, etc, through which liquid can be poured or drained

bung^2 (bʌŋ) Brit slang   n   1 a gratuity; tip   2 a bribe   ▷ vb   3 bung it on (tr) to behave in a pretentious manner [C16 (originally in the sense: a purse): perhaps from Old English pung, changed over time through the influence of BUNG^1]

bung^3 (bʌŋ)   adj Austral and NZ informal   1 useless   2 go bung   a to fail or collapse   b to die [C19: from a native Australian language]

bungalow (ˈbʌŋɡəˌləʊ)   n   1 a one-storey house, sometimes with an attic   2 (in India) a one-storey house, usually surrounded by a veranda [C17: from Hindi banglā (house) of the Bengal type]

■ bungaloid (ˈbʌŋɡəlɔId)   adj   derogatory resembling a bungalow or bungalows or characterized by bungalows or structures resembling bungalows: a depressing bungaloid area

bungee (ˈbʌndʒiː) or bungee cord   n   a type of stretchy rope consisting of elastic strands often in a fabric casing. Also called: bungee rope

■ bungee jump or bungy jump   n   1 a jump made by someone from a high bridge, building, etc, secured only by a rubber cord attached to the ankles   ▷ vb bungee-jump, bungy-jump (intr)   2 to jump from a high bridge, building, etc, secured only by a rubber cord attached to the ankles

■ bungee jumping or bungy jumping (ˈbʌndʒI)   n   a sport in which a participant jumps from a high bridge, building, etc, secured only by a rubber cord attached to the ankles [C20: from bungie, slang for India rubber, of unknown origin]

bungle (ˈbʌŋɡəl)   vb   1 (tr) to spoil (an operation) through clumsiness, incompetence, etc; botch   ▷ n   2 a clumsy or unsuccessful performance or piece of work; mistake; botch [C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare dialect Swedish bangla to work without results]   > ˈbungler n   > ˈbungling adj, n   > ˈbunglingly adv

■ bunglesome (ˈbʌŋɡəlsəm)   adj   characterized by bungling

bungwall (ˈbʌŋwɔl)   n   an Australian fern, Blechnum indicum, having an edible rhizome [from a native Australian language]

bungy (ˈbʌŋI)   n   a variant spelling of bungee

Bunin (Russian ˈbunin)   n   Ivan Alekseyevich (iˈvan alIkˈsjejIvitʃ). 1870–1953, Russian novelist and poet; author of The Gentleman from San Francisco (1922)

bunion (ˈbʌnjən)   n   swelling of the first joint of the big toe, which is displaced to one side. An inflamed bursa forms over the joint [C18: perhaps from obsolete bunny a swelling, of uncertain origin]

bunk^1 (bʌŋk)   n   1 a narrow shelflike bed fixed along a wall   2 short for bunk bed   3 informal any place where one sleeps   ▷ vb   4 (intr; often foll by down) to prepare to sleep: he bunked down on the floor   5 (intr) to occupy a bunk or bed   6 (tr) to provide with a bunk or bed [C19: probably short for BUNKER]

■ bunk bed   n   one of a pair of beds constructed one above the other

■ bunkhouse (ˈbʌŋkˌhaʊs)   n   (in the US and Canada) a building containing the sleeping quarters of workers on a ranch

■ bunkmate (ˈbʌŋkˌmeIt)   n   a person who sleeps in the same quarters as another

■ bunk-up   n informal   to give someone a bunk-up to give someone a competitive advantage in order to help them get on better than they would otherwise have done

bunk^2 (bʌŋk)   n   informal short for bunkum (sense 1)

bunk^3 (bʌŋk) Brit slang   n   1 a hurried departure, usually under suspicious circumstances (esp in the phrase do a bunk)   ▷ vb   2 (intr; usually foll by off) to play truant from (school, work, etc) [C19: perhaps from BUNK^1 (in the sense: to occupy a bunk, hence a hurried departure, as on a ship)]

bunker (ˈbʌŋkə)   n   1 a large storage container or tank, as for coal   2 Also called (esp US and Canadian): sand trap an obstacle on a golf course, usually a sand-filled hollow bordered by a ridge   3 an underground shelter, often of reinforced concrete and with a bank and embrasures for guns above ground   ▷ vb   4 (tr) golf   a to drive (the ball) into a bunker   b (passive) to have one's ball trapped in a bunker   5 (tr) nautical   a to fuel (a ship)   b to transfer (cargo) from a ship to a storehouse [C16 (in the sense: chest, box): from Scottish bonkar, of unknown origin]

■ Bunker Hill   n   the first battle of the American Revolution, actually fought on Breed's Hill, next to Bunker Hill, near Boston, on June 17, 1775. Though defeated, the colonists proved that they could stand against British regular soldiers

bunko (ˈbʌŋkəʊ)   n, vb   a variant spelling of bunco

bunkum or buncombe (ˈbʌŋkəm)   n   1 empty talk; nonsense   2 chiefly US empty or insincere speechmaking by a politician to please voters or gain publicity [C19: after Buncombe, a county in North Carolina, alluded to in an inane speech by its Congressional representative Felix Walker (about 1820)]

bunnet (ˈbʌnIt)   n   a Scottish name for bonnet (sense 2)

bunnia (ˈbʌnjə, ˈbʌnIə)   n   Indian a Hindu shopkeeper

bunny (ˈbʌnI)   n, pl -nies   1 Also called: bunny rabbit. a child's word for rabbit (sense 1)   2 Also called: bunny girl a night-club hostess whose costume includes a rabbit-like tail and ears   3 Austral informal a mug; dupe   4 slang a devotee of a specified pastime or activity: a gym bunny; a disco bunny   5 Brit slang talk, esp when inconsequential; chatter   6 not a happy bunny Brit slang deeply dissatisfied or discontented [C17: from Scottish Gaelic bun scut of a rabbit]

■ bunny boiler   n   slang a person, esp a woman, who is considered to be emotionally unstable and likely to be dangerously vengeful [C20: from the 1987 film Fatal Attraction, in which a female character boils a pet rabbit to terrorize the family of the lover who spurns her]

■ bunny hop   n   1 a jump executed with the feet held tightly together and the knees bent   2 a jump over an obstacle executed by a person riding a bicycle and standing up on the pedals   3 US a dance performed by a line of people holding onto each other from behind and moving around the room tapping and stepping with each foot separately and then jumping with both feet held together   ▷ vb bunny-hop   4 (intr) to jump with the feet held tightly together and the knees bent   5 to jump a bicycle over (an obstacle) without dismounting

■ bunny hug   n   1 a ballroom dance with syncopated rhythm, popular in America in the early 20th century   2 a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance

bunny chow (ˈbʌnI)   n   South African a dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Often shortened to: bunny [C20: origin uncertain]

bunodont (ˈbjuːnəˌdɒnt)   adj   (of the teeth of certain mammals) having cusps that are separate and rounded [from Greek bounos hill + -ODONT]

bunraku (bʊnˈrɑːkuː)   n   a Japanese form of puppet theatre in which the puppets are usually about four feet high, with moving features as well as limbs and each puppet is manipulated by up to three puppeteers who remain onstage [C20: Japanese]

buns (bʌnz)   pl n   informal, chiefly US the buttocks

Bunsen (ˈbʌnsən; German ˈbʊnzən)   n   Robert Wilhelm (ˈroːbɛrt ˈvIlhɛlm). 1811–99, German chemist who with Kirchhoff developed spectrum analysis and discovered the elements caesium and rubidium. He invented the Bunsen burner and the ice calorimeter

■ Bunsen burner   n   a gas burner, widely used in scientific laboratories, consisting of a metal tube with an adjustable air valve at the base [C19: named after R. W. BUNSEN]

bunt^1 (bʌnt)   vb   1 (of an animal) to butt (something) with the head or horns   2 to cause (an aircraft) to fly in part of an inverted loop or (of an aircraft) to fly in such a loop   3 US and Canadian (in baseball) to hit (a pitched ball) very gently   ▷ n   4 the act or an instance of bunting [C19: perhaps nasalized variant of BUTT^3]

■ bunter (ˈbʌntə)   n   baseball a batter who deliberately bunts the ball

bunt^2 (bʌnt)   n   nautical the baggy centre of a fishing net or other piece of fabric, such as a square sail [C16: perhaps from Middle Low German bunt BUNDLE]

■ buntline (ˈbʌntlIn, -ˌlaIn)   n   nautical one of several lines fastened to the foot of a square sail for hauling it up to the yard when furling [C17: from BUNT^2 + LINE^1]

bunt^3 (bʌnt)   n   a disease of cereal plants caused by smut fungi (genus Tilletia) [C17: of unknown origin]

■ bunty (ˈbʌntI)   adj   infected with bunt

buntal (ˈbʌntəl)   n   straw obtained from leaves of the talipot palm [C20: from Tagalog]

bunting^1 (ˈbʌntIŋ)   n   1 a coarse, loosely woven cotton fabric used for flags, etc   2 decorative flags, pennants, and streamers   3 flags collectively, esp those of a boat [C18: of unknown origin]

bunting^2 (ˈbʌntIŋ)   n   any of numerous seed-eating songbirds of the families Fringillidae (finches, etc) or Emberizidae, esp those of the genera Emberiza of the Old World and Passerina of North America. They all have short stout bills [C13: of unknown origin]

Bunting (ˈbʌntIŋ)   n   Basil. 1900–85, British poet, author of Briggflatts (1966)

Buñuel (Spanish buˈɲwel)   n   Luis (lwis). 1900–83, Spanish film director. He collaborated with Salvador Dali on the first surrealist films, Un Chien andalou (1929) and L'Age d'or (1930). His later films include Viridiana (1961), Belle de jour (1966), and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)

bunya (ˈbʌnjə)   n   a tall dome-shaped Australian coniferous tree, Araucaria bidwillii, having edible cones (bunya nuts) and thickish flattened needles. Also called: bunya-bunya, bunya-bunya pine [C19: from a native Australian language]

Bunyan (ˈbʌnjən)   n   John. 1628–88, English preacher and writer, noted particularly for his allegory The Pilgrim's Progress (1678)

bunyip (ˈbʌnjIp)   n   Austral a legendary monster said to inhabit swamps and lagoons of the Australian interior [C19: from a native Australian language]

Buonaparte (bwonaˈparte)   n   the Italian spelling of Bonaparte

Buonarroti (Italian bwonarˈroti)   n   See Michelangelo

buoy (bɔI; US ˈbuːI)   n   1 a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water. See also life buoy   ▷ vb   2 (tr; usually foll by up) to prevent from sinking: the belt buoyed him up   3 (tr; usually foll by up) to raise the spirits of; hearten   4 (tr) nautical to mark (a channel or obstruction) with a buoy or buoys   5 (intr) to rise to the surface [C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch boeie, boeye; see BEACON]

■ buoyage (ˈbɔIIdʒ)   n   1 a system of buoys   2 the buoys used in such a system   3 the providing of buoys

buoyant (ˈbɔIənt)   adj   1 able to float in or rise to the surface of a liquid   2 (of a liquid or gas) able to keep a body afloat or cause it to rise   3 cheerful or resilient [C16: probably from Spanish boyante, from boyar to float, from boya buoy, ultimately of Germanic origin]

■ buoyancy (ˈbɔIənsI)   n   1 the ability to float in a liquid or to rise in a fluid   2 the property of a fluid to exert an upward force (upthrust) on a body that is wholly or partly submerged in it   3 the ability to recover quickly after setbacks; resilience   4 cheerfulness

■ buoyancy bags   pl n   another term for flotation bags

■ buoyantly (ˈbɔIəntlI)   adv   1 in a happy, confident manner   2 in a manner characterized by satisfactorily rising prices   3 in a manner that exhibits buoyancy

■ buoyantness (ˈbɔIəntnəs)   n   the property of being buoyant

BUPA (ˈbuːpə)   n acronym for   The British United Provident Association Limited: a company which provides private medical insurance

bupivacaine (bjuːˈpIvəkeIn)   n   a local anaesthetic of long duration, used for nerve blocks [C20: perhaps from BU(TYL) + pi(pecoloxylidide), the drug's chemical components + -vacaine, from (NO)VOCAINE]

buplever (bjuːˈplɛvə, buːˈplɛvə)   n   any of various yellow-flowered umbelliferous plants of the genus Bupleurum

buppie (ˈbʌpI)   n   informal (sometimes capital) an affluent young Black person [C20: from B(LACK) + (Y)UPPIE]

buprenorphine (bjuːˈprɛnɔːfiːn)   n   an opiate used medicinally as a powerful analgesic

buprestid (bjuːˈprɛstId)   n   1 any beetle of the mainly tropical family Buprestidae, the adults of which are brilliantly coloured and the larvae of which bore into and cause damage to trees, roots, etc   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the family Buprestidae [C19: from Latin buprestis poisonous beetle, causing the cattle who eat it to swell up, from Greek, from bous ox + prēthein to swell up]

bupropion (bjuːˈprəʊpIɒn)   n   an antidepressant drug used to help people stop smoking

buqsha (ˈbʊkʃɑː, ˈbʌkʃɑː)   n   a former Yemeni coin worth one-fortieth of a rial

bur (bɜː)   n   1 a seed vessel or flower head, as of burdock, having hooks or prickles   2 any plant that produces burs   3 a person or thing that clings like a bur   4 a small surgical or dental drill   5 a variant spelling of burr^3, burr^4   ▷ vb burs, burring, burred   6 (tr) to remove burs from   ▶ Also (for senses 1–4): burr [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish burre bur, Swedish kardborre burdock]

■ bur marigold   n   any plant of the genus Bidens that has yellow flowers and pointed fruits that cling to fur and clothing: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: beggar-ticks, sticktight

■ bur oak   n   an E North American oak, Quercus macrocarpa, having fringed acorn cups and durable timber

■ bur reed   n   a marsh plant of the genus Sparganium, having narrow leaves, round clusters of small green flowers, and round prickly fruit: family Sparganiaceae

■ burry (ˈbɜːrI)   adj -rier, -riest   1 full of or covered in burs   2 resembling burs; prickly

■ burseed (ˈbɜːˌsiːd)   n   a plant, Lapulla echinata, with adhesive seeds

■ burweed (ˈbɜːˌwiːd)   n   any of various plants that bear burs, such as the burdock

BUR   abbreviation for   Myanmar (international car registration) [from BURMA]

Bur.   abbreviation for   Myanmar (Burma)

buran (buːˈrɑːn) or bura (buːˈrɑː)   n (in central Asia)   1 a blizzard, with the wind blowing from the north and reaching gale force   2 a summer wind from the north, causing dust storms [C19: from Russian, of Turkic origin; related to Kazan Tatar buran]

Buraydah or Buraida (bʊˈraIdə)   n   a town and oasis in central Saudi Arabia. Pop: 462 000 (2005 est)

burb (bɜːb)   n   informal a suburb

Burbage (ˈbɜːbIdʒ)   n   1  James. ?1530–97, English actor and theatre manager, who built (1576) the first theatre in England   2  his son, Richard. ?1567–1619, English actor, associated with Shakespeare

Burberry (ˈbɜːbərI)   n, pl -ries   trademark a light good-quality raincoat, esp of gabardine

burble (ˈbɜːbəl)   vb   1 to make or utter with a bubbling sound; gurgle   2 (intr; often foll by away or on) to talk quickly and excitedly   3 (intr) (of the airflow around a body) to become turbulent   ▷ n   4 a bubbling or gurgling sound   5 a flow of excited speech   6 turbulence in the airflow around a body [C14: probably of imitative origin; compare Spanish borbollar to bubble, gush, Italian borbugliare]   > ˈburbler n

■ burbling (ˈbɜːblIŋ)   n   1 the bubbling or gurgling sound of water   2 a flow of excited speech   ▷ adj also burbly   3 making a bubbling or gurgling sound   4 talking in a quick excited manner

burbot (ˈbɜːbət)   n, pl -bots or -bot   a freshwater gadoid food fish, Lota lota, that has barbels around its mouth and occurs in Europe, Asia, and North America [C14: from Old French bourbotte, from bourbeter to wallow in mud, from bourbe mud, probably of Celtic origin]

'burbs or burbs (bɜːbz)   pl n   informal short for suburbs. See suburb

Burckhardt (German ˈbʊrkhart)   n   Jacob Christoph. 1818–97, Swiss art and cultural historian; author of The Civilisation of the Renaissance in Italy (1860)

burdash (ˈbɜːdæʃ)   n   a fringed sash worn over a coat

burden^1 (ˈbɜːdən)   n   1 something that is carried; load   2 something that is exacting, oppressive, or difficult to bear: the burden of responsibility. Related adjective: onerous   3 nautical   a the cargo capacity of a ship   b the weight of a ship's cargo   ▷ vb (tr)   4 (sometimes foll by up) to put or impose a burden on; load   5 to weigh down; oppress: the old woman was burdened with cares [Old English byrthen; related to beran to BEAR^1, Old Frisian berthene burden, Old High German burdin]

■ burdened (ˈbɜːdənd)   adj   1 literary oppressed: burdened by guilt and regret   2 physically encumbered: burdened with heavy camera gear

■ burdener (ˈbɜːdənə)   n   a person who burdens

■ burden of proof   n   law the obligation, in criminal cases resting initially on the prosecution, to provide evidence that will convince the court or jury of the truth of one's contention

■ burdensome (ˈbɜːdənsəm)   adj   hard to bear; onerous. Also: burdenous

burden^2 (ˈbɜːdən)   n   1 a line of words recurring at the end of each verse of a ballad or similar song; chorus or refrain   2 the principal or recurrent theme of a speech, book, etc   3 another word for bourdon [C16: from Old French bourdon bass horn, droning sound, of imitative origin]

burdizzo (bɜːˈdIzəʊ)   n   vet science a surgical instrument used to castrate animals

burdock (ˈbɜːˌdɒk)   n   a coarse weedy Eurasian plant of the genus Arctium, having large heart-shaped leaves, tiny purple flowers surrounded by hooked bristles, and burlike fruits: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: hardoke [C16: from BUR + DOCK^4]

bureau (ˈbjʊərəʊ)   n, pl -reaus or -reaux (-rəʊz)   1 chiefly Brit a writing desk with pigeonholes, drawers, etc, against which the writing surface can be closed when not in use   2 US a chest of drawers   3 an office or agency, esp one providing services for the public   4    a a government department   b a branch of a government department [C17: from French: desk, office, originally: type of cloth used for covering desks and tables, from Old French burel, from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth]

■ bureaucracy (bjʊəˈrɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a system of administration based upon organization into bureaus, division of labour, a hierarchy of authority, etc: designed to dispose of a large body of work in a routine manner   2 government by such a system   3 government or other officials collectively   4 any administration in which action is impeded by unnecessary official procedures and red tape

■ bureaucrat (ˈbjʊərəˌkræt)   n   1 an official in a bureaucracy   2 an official who adheres to bureaucracy, esp rigidly   > bureaucratism (bjʊəˈrɒkrəˌtIzəm) n

■ bureaucratese (ˌbjʊərəʊkræˈtiːz)   n   informal, derogatory wordy, jargon-filled, overcomplicated language considered typical of bureaucrats

■ bureaucratic (ˌbjʊərəˈkrætIk)   adj   of or relating to bureaucrats; characterized by bureaucracy   > ˌbureauˈcratically adv

■ bureaucratist (bjʊəˈrɒkrətIst)   n   a believer in bureaucracy

■ bureaucratize or bureaucratise (bjʊəˈrɒkrəˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to administer by or transform into a bureaucracy   > buˌreaucratiˈzation or buˌreaucratiˈsation n

■ bureau de change (ˈbjʊərəʊ də ˈʃɒnʒ)   n   a place where foreign currencies can be exchanged [C20: from French, literally: office of exchange]

burette or US buret (bjʊˈrɛt)   n   a graduated glass tube with a stopcock on one end for dispensing and transferring known volumes of fluids, esp liquids [C15: from French: cruet, oil can, from Old French buire ewer, of Germanic origin; compare Old English būc pitcher, belly]

burg (bɜːɡ)   n   1 history a fortified town   2 US informal a town or city [C18 (in the sense: fortress): from Old High German burg fortified town; see BOROUGH]

burgage (ˈbɜːɡIdʒ)   n history   1 (in England) tenure of land or tenement in a town or city, which originally involved a fixed money rent   2 (in Scotland) the tenure of land direct from the crown in Scottish royal burghs in return for watching and warding [C14: from Medieval Latin burgāgium, from burgus, from Old English burg; see BOROUGH]

Burgas (Bulgarian burˈɡas)   n   a port in SE Bulgaria on an inlet of the Black Sea. Pop: 177 000 (2005 est)

burgee (ˈbɜːdʒiː)   n   nautical a triangular or swallow-tailed flag flown from the mast of a merchant ship for identification and from the mast of a yacht to indicate its owner's membership of a particular yacht club [C18: perhaps from French (Jersey dialect) bourgeais shipowner, from Old French borgeis; see BOURGEOIS^1, BURGESS]

Burgenland (German ˈbʊrɡənˌlant)   n   a state of E Austria. Capital: Eisenstadt. Pop: 276 419 (2003 est). Area: 3965 sq km (1531 sq miles)

burgeon or bourgeon (ˈbɜːdʒən)   vb   1 (often foll by forth or out) (of a plant) to sprout (buds)   2 (intr; often foll by forth or out) to develop or grow rapidly; flourish   ▷ n   3 a bud of a plant [C13: from Old French burjon, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth; from the downiness of certain buds]

■ burgeoning (ˈbɜːdʒənIŋ)   adj   rapidly developing or growing; flourishing

burger (ˈbɜːɡə)   n   informal   a short for hamburger   b (in combination): a cheeseburger

Bürger (German ˈbyrɡər)   n   Gottfried August (ˈɡɔtfriːt ˈauɡʊst). 1747–94, German lyric poet, noted particularly for his ballad Lenore (1773)

burgess (ˈbɜːdʒIs)   n   1 (in England)   a a citizen or freeman of a borough   b any inhabitant of a borough   2 English history a Member of Parliament from a borough, corporate town, or university   3 a member of the colonial assembly of Maryland or Virginia [C13: from Old French burgeis, from borc town, from Late Latin burgus, of Germanic origin; see BOROUGH]

Burgess (ˈbɜːdʒIs)   n   1  Anthony, real name John Burgess Wilson. 1917–93, English novelist and critic: his novels include A Clockwork Orange (1962), Tremor of Intent (1966), Earthly Powers (1980), and Any Old Iron (1989)   2  Guy. 1911–63, British spy, who fled to the Soviet Union (with Donald Maclean) in 1951

Burgess Shale   n   a bed of Cambrian sedimentary rock in the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia containing many unique invertebrate fossils [named after the Burgess Pass, where the bed is exposed]

burgh (ˈbʌrə)   n   1 (in Scotland) a town, esp one incorporated by charter, that enjoyed a degree of self-government until the local-government reorganization of 1975   2 an archaic form of borough (sense 1) [C14: Scottish form of BOROUGH]   > burghal (ˈbɜːɡəl) adj

■ burgher (ˈbɜːɡə)   n   1 a member of the trading or mercantile class of a medieval city   2 a respectable citizen; bourgeois   3 archaic a citizen or inhabitant of a corporate town, esp on the Continent   4 South African history   a a citizen of the Cape Colony or of one of the Transvaal and Free State republics   b (as modifier): burgher troops [C16: from German Bürger, or Dutch burger freeman of a BOROUGH]

Burghley or Burleigh (ˈbɜːlI)   n   William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley. 1520–98, English statesman: chief adviser to Elizabeth I; secretary of state (1558–72) and Lord High Treasurer (1572–98)

■ Burghley House   n   an Elizabethan mansion near Stamford in Lincolnshire: seat of the Cecil family; site of the annual Burghley Horse Trials

burghul (bɜːˈɡuːl)   n   another name for bulgur

burglar (ˈbɜːɡlə)   n   a person who commits burglary; housebreaker [C15: from Anglo-French burgler, from Medieval Latin burglātor, probably from burgāre to thieve, from Latin burgus castle, fortress, of Germanic origin]

■ burglarize or burglarise (ˈbɜːɡləˌraIz)   vb   (tr) US and Canadian to break into (a place) and steal from (someone); burgle

■ burglar-proof   adj   designed to be secure and to frustrate any attempted burglary

■ burglary (ˈbɜːɡlərI)   n, pl -ries   English criminal law the crime of either entering a building as a trespasser with the intention of committing theft, rape, grievous bodily harm, or damage, or, having entered as a trespasser, of committing one or more of these offences   > burglarious (bɜːˈɡlɛərIəs) adj   > burˈglariously adv

■ burgle (ˈbɜːɡəl)   vb   to commit burglary upon (a house, etc)

burgomaster (ˈbɜːɡəˌmɑːstə)   n   1 the chief magistrate of a town in Austria, Belgium, Germany, or the Netherlands; mayor   2 a popular name for the glaucous gull [C16: partial translation of Dutch burgemeester; see BOROUGH, MASTER]

burgonet (ˈbɜːɡəˌnɛt)   n   a light 16th-century helmet, usually made of steel, with hinged cheekpieces [C16: from French bourguignotte, from bourguignot of Burgundy, from Bourgogne Burgundy]

burgoo (ˈbɜːɡuː, bɜːˈɡuː)   n, pl -goos   1 nautical slang porridge   2 Southern US   a a thick highly seasoned soup or stew of meat and vegetables   b a picnic or gathering at which such soup is served [C18: perhaps from Arabic burghul crushed grain]

Burgos (ˈbɜːɡɒs)   n   a city in N Spain, in Old Castile: cathedral. Pop: 169 317 (2003 est)

Burgoyne (bɜːˈɡɔIn)   n   John. 1722–92, British general in the War of American Independence who was forced to surrender at Saratoga (1777)

burgrave (ˈbɜːɡreIv)   n   1 the military governor of a German town or castle, esp in the 12th and 13th centuries   2 a nobleman ruling a German town or castle by hereditary right [C16: from German Burggraf, from Old High German burg BOROUGH + grāve count]

Burgundy (ˈbɜːɡəndI)   n, pl -dies   1 a historic region of E France famous for its wines, lying west of the Saône: formerly a semi-independent duchy; annexed to France in 1482. French name: Bourgogne   2 Free County of Burgundy another name for Franche-Comté   3 a monarchy (1384–1477) of medieval Europe, at its height including the Low Countries, the duchy of Burgundy, and Franche-Comté   4 Kingdom of Burgundy a kingdom in E France, established in the early 6th century AD, eventually including the later duchy of Burgundy, Franche-Comté, and the Kingdom of Provence: known as the Kingdom of Arles from the 13th century   5    a any red or white wine produced in the region of Burgundy, around Dijon   b any heavy red table wine   6 (often not capital) a blackish-purple to purplish-red colour

■ Burgundian (bɜːˈɡʌndIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Burgundy or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Burgundy

burhel (ˈbʌrəl)   n   a variant spelling of bharal

burial (ˈbɛrIəl)   n   the act of burying, esp the interment of a dead body [Old English byrgels burial place, tomb; see BURY, -AL^2]

■ burial ground   n   a graveyard or cemetery

Buridan's ass (ˈbjʊərIdənz)   n   philosophy an example intended to show the deficiency of reason. An ass standing equidistant from two identical heaps of oats starves to death because reason provides no grounds for choosing to eat one rather than the other [named after Jean Buridan, 14th-century French philosopher, to whom it was incorrectly attributed]

burier (ˈbɛrIə)   n   a person or thing that buries

burin (ˈbjʊərIn)   n   1 a chisel of tempered steel with a sharp lozenge-shaped point, used for engraving furrows in metal, wood, or marble   2 an engraver's individual style   3 archaeol a prehistoric flint tool with a very small transverse edge [C17: from French, perhaps from Italian burino, of Germanic origin: compare Old High German boro auger; see BORE^1]

■ burinist (ˈbjʊərInIst)   n   a person who works with a burin

buriti (ˌbuːrIˈtiː)   n   a variety of palm tree of the genus Mauritia

Burj Khalifa (ˈbʊəʒ kæˈlIfə)   n   a slender tapering skyscraper in Dubai; completed in 2009; the world's tallest man-made structure, standing at 828m (2716 ft)

burk (bɜːk)   n   Brit slang a variant spelling of berk

burka or burkha (ˈbɜːkə)   n   variant spellings of burqa [C19: from Arabic]

Burke (bɜːk)   n   1  Edmund. 1729–97, British Whig statesman, conservative political theorist, and orator, born in Ireland: defended parliamentary government and campaigned for a more liberal treatment of the American colonies; denounced the French Revolution   2  Robert O'Hara. 1820–61, Irish explorer, who led the first expedition (1860–61) across Australia from south to north. He was accompanied by W. J. Wills, George Grey, and John King; King alone survived the return journey   3  William. 1792–1829, Irish murderer and body snatcher; associate of William Hare

■ burke (bɜːk)   vb (tr)   1 to murder in such a way as to leave no marks on the body, usually by suffocation   2 to get rid of, silence, or suppress [C19: named after William BURKE, executed in Edinburgh for a murder of this type]

■ burker (ˈbɜːkə) or burkite (ˈbɜːkaIt)   n   a person who burkes

Burkinabé (ˌbɜːkInəˈbeI)   adj   1 of or relating to Burkina Faso or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso (bɜːˈkiːnəˈfæsəʊ) or Burkina   n   an inland republic in W Africa: dominated by Mossi kingdoms (10th–19th centuries); French protectorate established in 1896; became an independent republic in 1960; consists mainly of a flat savanna plateau. Official language: French; Mossi and other African languages also widely spoken. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: franc. Capital: Ouagadougou. Pop: 19 193 382 (2017 est). Area: 273 200 sq km (105 900 sq miles). Former name (until 1984): Upper Volta

burkini or burquini (bɜːˈkiːnI)   n   a swimming costume which covers the whole body with the exception of the face, hands, and feet, suitable for wear by Muslim women

Burkitt lymphoma (ˈbɜːkIt) or Burkitt's lymphoma (ˈbɜːkIts)   n   a rare type of tumour of the white blood cells, occurring mainly in Africa and associated with infection by Epstein-Barr virus [named after Dennis Burkitt (1911–93), British surgeon who first described the tumour]

burl^1 (bɜːl)   n   1 a small knot or lump in wool   2 a roundish warty outgrowth from the trunk, roots, or branches of certain trees   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to remove the burls from (cloth) [C15: from Old French burle tuft of wool, probably ultimately from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth]   > ˈburler n

burl^2 or birl (bɜːl)   n informal   1 Scot, Austral and NZ an attempt; try (esp in the phrase give it a burl)   2 Austral and NZ a ride in a car [C20: perhaps from BIRL^1 in the Scot sense: a twist or turn]

burladero (ˌbɜːləˈdɛərəʊ; Spanish burlɑˈðerɔ)   n   a safe area for the bull-fighter in a bull ring

burlap (ˈbɜːlæp)   n   a coarse fabric woven from jute, hemp, or the like [C17: from borel coarse cloth, from Old French burel (see BUREAU) + LAP^1]

Burleigh (ˈbɜːlI)   n   a variant spelling of Burghley

burlesque (bɜːˈlɛsk)   n   1 an artistic work, esp literary or dramatic, satirizing a subject by caricaturing it   2 a ludicrous imitation or caricature   3 a play of the 17th–19th centuries that parodied some contemporary dramatic fashion or event   4 Also: burlesk US and Canadian theatre a bawdy comedy show of the late 19th and early 20th centuries: the striptease eventually became one of its chief elements. Slang name: burleycue   ▷ adj   5 of, relating to, or characteristic of a burlesque   ▷ vb -lesques, -lesquing, -lesqued   6 to represent or imitate (a person or thing) in a ludicrous way; caricature [C17: from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla a jest, piece of nonsense]   > burˈlesquely adv   > burˈlesquer n

burletta (bɜːˈlɛtə)   n   a type of comic opera

burley^1 (ˈbɜːlI)   n, vb   a variant spelling of berley

burley^2 (ˈbɜːlI)   n   a light thin-leaved tobacco, grown esp in Kentucky [C19: probably from the name Burley]

burleycue (ˈbɜːlIˌkjuː)   n   a US and Canadian slang name for burlesque (sense 4)

Burlington (ˈbɜːlIŋtən)   n   1 a city in S Canada on Lake Ontario, northeast of Hamilton. Pop: 150 836 (2001)   2 a town in NW Vermont on Lake Champlain: largest in the state; University of Vermont (1791). Pop: 39 148 (2003 est)

burly (ˈbɜːlI)   adj -lier, -liest   large and thick of build; sturdy; stout [C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German burlīh lofty]   > ˈburlily adv   > ˈburliness n

Burma (ˈbɜːmə)   n   the former official name (until 1989, though still widely used) of Myanmar

■ Burma Road   n   the route extending from Lashio in Burma (now Myanmar) to Chongqing in China, which was used by the Allies during World War II to supply military equipment to Chiang Kai-shek's forces in China

■ Burmese (bɜːˈmiːz)   adj also Burman   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Burma (Myanmar), its people, or their language   ▷ n, pl -mese   2 a native or inhabitant of Burma (Myanmar)   3 the official language of Burma (Myanmar), belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family

■ Burmese cat   n   a breed of cat similar in shape to the Siamese but typically having a dark brown or blue-grey coat

burn^1 (bɜːn)   vb burns, burning, burnt or burned   1 to undergo or cause to undergo combustion   2 to destroy or be destroyed by fire   3 (tr) to damage, injure, or mark by heat: he burnt his hand; she was burnt by the sun   4 to die or put to death by fire: to burn at the stake   5 (intr) to be or feel hot: my forehead burns   6 to smart or cause to smart: brandy burns one's throat   7 (intr) to feel strong emotion, esp anger or passion   8 (tr) to use for the purposes of light, heat, or power: to burn coal   9 (tr) to form by or as if by fire: to burn a hole   10 to char or become charred: the potatoes are burning in the saucepan   11 (tr) to brand or cauterize   12 (tr) to cut (metal) with an oxygen-rich flame   13 to produce by or subject to heat as part of a process: to burn charcoal   14 (tr) to copy information onto (a CD-ROM)   15 astronomy to convert (a lighter element) to a heavier one by nuclear fusion in a star: to burn hydrogen   16 cards, chiefly Brit to discard or exchange (one or more useless cards)   17 (tr; usually passive) informal to cheat, esp financially   18 slang, chiefly US to electrocute or be electrocuted   19 (tr) Austral slang to drive (a vehicle) fast   20 burn one's bridges or burn one's boats to commit oneself to a particular course of action with no possibility of turning back   21 burn the candle at both ends See candle (sense 3)   22 burn one's fingers to suffer from having meddled or been rash   ▷ n   23 an injury caused by exposure to heat, electrical, chemical, or radioactive agents. Burns are classified according to the depth of tissue affected: first-degree burn: skin surface painful and red; second-degree burn: blisters appear on the skin; third-degree burn: destruction of both epidermis and dermis   24 a mark, e.g. on wood, caused by burning   25 a controlled use of rocket propellant, esp for a course correction   26 a hot painful sensation in a muscle, experienced during vigorous exercise: go for the burn!   27 Austral and NZ a controlled fire to clear an area of scrub   28 slang tobacco or a cigarette [Old English beornan (intr), bærnan (tr); related to Old Norse brenna (tr or intr), Gothic brinnan (intr), Latin fervēre to boil, seethe]

■ burnable (ˈbɜːnəbəl)   adj   able to be burned

■ burned (bɜːnd)   adj slang   having been cheated in a sale of drugs

■ burned-out   adj   another spelling of burnt-out

■ burner (ˈbɜːnə)   n   1 the part of a stove, lamp, etc, that produces flame or heat   2 an apparatus for burning something, as fuel or refuse: an oil burner   3 slang a mobile phone acquired for temporary use and then discarded, allowing the user to retain anonymity

■ burn in   vb   (tr, adverb) to darken (areas on a photographic print) by exposing them to light while masking other regions

■ burning bush   n   1 a rutaceous shrub, Dictamnus fraxinella, of S Europe and Asia, whose glands release a volatile inflammable oil that can burn without harming the plant: identified as the bush from which God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2–4)   2 any of several shrubs or trees, esp the wahoo, that have bright red fruits or seeds   3 another name for gas plant   4 any of several plants, esp kochia, with a bright red autumn foliage   5 Old Testament the bush that burned without being consumed, from which God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2–4)

■ burning glass   n   a convex lens for concentrating the sun's rays into a small area to produce heat or fire

■ burn off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to clear (land) of vegetation by burning   2 to get rid of (unwanted gas at an oil well, etc) by burning   ▷ n burn-off   3 an act or the process of burning off

■ burn out   vb (adverb)   1 to become or cause to become worn out or inoperative as a result of heat or friction: the clutch burnt out   2 (intr) (of a rocket, jet engine, etc) to cease functioning as a result of exhaustion of the fuel supply   3 (tr; usually passive) to destroy by fire   4 to become or cause to become exhausted through overwork or dissipation   ▷ n burnout   5 the failure of a mechanical device from excessive heating   6 a total loss of energy and interest and an inability to function effectively, experienced as a result of excessive demands upon one's resources or chronic overwork

■ burn-up   n   slang a period of fast driving

burn^2 (bɜːn; Scottish bʌrn)   n   Scot and Northern English a small stream; brook [Old English burna; related to Old Norse brunnr spring, Old High German brunno, Lithuanian briáutis to burst forth]

■ burnside (ˈbɜːnˌsaId)   n   land along the side of a burn

Burne-Jones (ˌbɜːnˈdʒəʊnz)   n   Sir Edward. 1833–98, English Pre-Raphaelite painter and designer of stained-glass windows and tapestries

burnet (ˈbɜːnIt)   n   1 a plant of the rosaceous genus Sanguisorba (or Poterium), such as S. minor (or P. sanguisorba) (salad burnet), which has purple-tinged green flowers and leaves that are sometimes used for salads   2 burnet rose or Scotch rose a very prickly Eurasian rose, Rosa pimpinellifolia, with white flowers and purplish-black fruits   3 burnet saxifrage a Eurasian umbelliferous plant of the genus Pimpinella, having umbrella-like clusters of white or pink flowers   4 a moth of the genus Zygaena, having red-spotted dark green wings and antennae with enlarged tips: family Zygaenidae [C14: from Old French burnete, variant of brunete dark brown (see BRUNETTE); so called from the colour of the flowers of some of the plants]

Burnet (bəˈnɛt, ˈbɜːnIt)   n   1  Gilbert. 1643–1715, Scottish bishop and historian, who played a prominent role in the Glorious Revolution (1688–89); author of The History of My Own Times (2 vols: 1724 and 1734)   2  Sir (Frank) Macfarlane (məkˈfɑːlən). 1899–1985, Australian physician and virologist, who shared a Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1960 with P. B. Medawar for their work in immunology   3  Thomas. 1635–1715, English theologian who tried to reconcile science and religion in his Sacred Theory of the Earth (1680–89)

Burnett (bɜːˈnɛt)   n   Frances Hodgson (ˈhɒdʒsən). 1849–1924, US novelist, born in England; author of Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886) and The Secret Garden (1911)

burnettize or burnettise (ˈbɜːnItaIz)   vb   (tr) to preserve (timber) with a solution of zinc chloride

Burney (ˈbɜːnI)   n   1  Charles. 1726–1814, English composer and music historian, whose books include A General History of Music (1776–89)   2  his daughter, Frances. known as Fanny; married name Madame D'Arblay. 1752–1840, English novelist and diarist: author of Evelina (1778). Her Diaries and Letters (1768–1840) are of historical interest

Burnham scale (ˈbɜːnəm)   n   the salary scale for teachers in English state schools, which is revised periodically [C20: named after Lord Burnham (1862–1933), chairman of the committee that originally set it up]

burnie (ˈbɜːnI)   n   informal a sideburn

burning (ˈbɜːnIŋ)   adj   1 intense; passionate   2 urgent; crucial: a burning problem   ▷ n   3 a form of heat treatment used to harden and finish ceramic materials or to prepare certain ores for further treatment by calcination   4 overheating of an alloy during heat treatment in which local fusion or excessive oxide formation and penetration occur, weakening the alloy   5 the heat treatment of particular kinds of gemstones to change their colour   > ˈburningly adv

burnish (ˈbɜːnIʃ)   vb   1 to make or become shiny or smooth by friction; polish   ▷ n   2 a shiny finish; lustre [C14 burnischen, from Old French brunir to make brown, from brun BROWN]   > ˈburnishable adj   > ˈburnisher n

■ burnished (ˈbɜːnIʃt)   adj   literary made shiny or smooth by friction; polished

■ burnishment (ˈbɜːnIʃmənt)   n   the act or process of burnishing

Burnley (ˈbɜːnlI)   n   an industrial town in NW England, in E Lancashire. Pop: 73 021 (2001)

burnous, burnouse or US burnoose (bɜːˈnuːs, -ˈnuːz)   n   a long circular cloak with a hood attached, worn esp by Arabs [C17: via French burnous from Arabic burnus, from Greek birros cloak]   > burˈnoused or US burˈnoosed adj

Burns (bɜːnz)   n   Robert. 1759–96, Scottish lyric poet. His verse, written mostly in dialect, includes love songs, nature poetry, and satires. Auld Lang Syne and Tam o' Shanter are among his best-known poems

burnsides (ˈbɜːnˌsaIdz)   pl n   US thick side whiskers worn with a moustache and clean-shaven chin [C19: named after General A. E. Burnside (1824–81), Union general in the US Civil War]

burnt (bɜːnt)   vb   1 a past tense and past participle of burn^1   ▷ adj   2 affected by or as if by burning; charred   3 (of various pigments, such as ochre and orange) calcined, with a resultant darkening of colour

■ burnt almond   n   a sweet consisting of an almond enclosed in burnt sugar

■ burnt offering   n   a sacrificial offering burnt, usually on an altar, to honour, propitiate, or supplicate a deity

■ burnt-out or burned-out   adj   1 destroyed by fire   2 informal severely exhausted through overwork or dissipation

■ burnt shale   n   carbonaceous shale formed by destructive distillation of oil shale or by spontaneous combustion of shale after it has been some years in a tip: sometimes used in road making

■ burnt sienna   n   1 a reddish-brown dye or pigment obtained by roasting raw sienna in a furnace   2 a dark reddish-orange to reddish-brown colour

■ burnt-tip orchid   n   a small orchid, Orchis ustulata, resembling the lady orchid, having dark reddish-brown hoods that give a burnt look to the tip of the flower spike

■ burnt umber   n   1 a brown pigment obtained by heating umber   2 a dark brown colour

buroo (bəˈruː, bruː)   n, pl -roos Scot and Irish dialect   1 the government office from which unemployment benefit is distributed   2 the unemployment benefit itself (esp in the phrase on the buroo) [C20: from BUREAU]

burp (bɜːp)   n   1 informal a belch   ▷ vb   2 (intr) informal to belch   3 (tr) to cause (a baby) to burp to relieve flatulence after feeding [C20: of imitative origin]

■ burp gun   n   US slang an automatic pistol or submachine gun

burpee (ˈbɜːpiː)   n   1 a squat thrust that starts and ends in a standing position   2 US a piece of absorbent material placed on the shoulder while burping a baby [C20: sense 1 from Burpee test, a measure of endurance and coordination devised by R.H. Burpee, US psychologist]

burqa, burka or burkha (ˈbɜːkə)   n   a long enveloping garment worn by Muslim women in public [C19: from Arabic]

burquini   n   a variant spelling of burkini

burr^1 (bɜː)   n   1 a small power-driven hand-operated rotary file, esp for removing burrs or for machining recesses   2 a rough edge left on a workpiece after cutting, drilling, etc   3 a rough or irregular protuberance, such as a burl on a tree   4 Brit a burl on the trunk or root of a tree, sliced across for use as decorative veneer   ▷ n, vb   5 a variant spelling of bur   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to form a rough edge on (a workpiece)   7 to remove burrs from (a workpiece) by grinding, filing, etc; deburr [C14: variant of BUR]

■ burrer (ˈbɜːrə)   n   a person who removes burrs

burr^2 (bɜː)   n   1 phonetics an articulation of (r) characteristic of certain English dialects, esp the uvular fricative trill of Northumberland or the retroflex r of the West of England   2 a whirring sound   ▷ vb   3 to pronounce (words) with a burr   4 to make a whirring sound [C18: either special use of BUR (in the sense: rough sound) or of imitative origin]

burr^3 or bur (bɜː)   n   1 a washer fitting around the end of a rivet   2 a blank punched out of sheet metal [C16 (in the sense: broad ring on a spear): variant of burrow (in obsolete sense: BOROUGH)]

burr^4, buhr or bur (bɜː)   n   1 short for buhrstone   2 a mass of hard siliceous rock surrounded by softer rock [C18: probably from BUR, from its qualities of roughness]

Burr (bɜː)   n   Aaron. 1756–1836, US vice-president (1800–04), who fled after killing a political rival in a duel and plotted to create an independent empire in the western US; acquitted (1807) of treason

Burra (ˈbʌrə)   n   Edward (John). 1905–76, British painter, noted esp for his depiction of squalid and grotesque subjects

burramundi (ˌbʌrəˈmʌndI)   n   a former name for barramundi

burramys (ˈbʌrəmIs)   n   the very rare mountain pigmy possum, Burramys parvus, of Australia. It is about the size of a rat and restricted in habitat to very high altitudes, mainly Mt Hotham, Victoria. Until 1966 it was known only as a fossil

burrawang (ˈbʌrəwæŋ)   n   any of several Australian cycads of the genus Macrozamia, having an edible nut [C19: from Mount Budawang, New South Wales]

Burrell Collection (ˈbʌrəl)   n   a gallery in Glasgow, noted for its collection of paintings, textiles, furniture, ceramics, etc [C20: named after Sir William Burrell (1861–1958), Scottish shipping magnate, and his wife Constance, who founded the collection]

Burren (ˈbʌrən)   n   the Burren a limestone area on the North Clare coast in the Irish Republic, famous for its wild flowers, caves, and dolmens

burrito (bəˈriːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   Mexican cookery a tortilla folded over a filling of minced beef, chicken, cheese, or beans [C20: from Mexican Spanish, from Spanish, literally: a young donkey]

burro (ˈbʊrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a donkey, esp one used as a pack animal [C19: Spanish, from Portuguese, from burrico donkey, ultimately from Latin burrīcus small horse]

Burroughs (ˈbʌrəʊz)   n   1  Edgar Rice. 1875–1950, US novelist, author of the Tarzan stories   2  William S(eward). 1914–97, US novelist, noted for his experimental works exploring themes of drug addiction, violence, and homosexuality. His novels include Junkie (1953), The Naked Lunch (1959), and Interzone (1989)

burrow (ˈbʌrəʊ)   n   1 a hole or tunnel dug in the ground by a rabbit, fox, or other small animal, for habitation or shelter   2 a small snug place affording shelter or retreat   ▷ vb   3 to dig (a burrow) in, through, or under (ground)   4 (intr; often foll by through) to move through by or as by digging: to burrow through the forest   5 (intr) to hide or live in a burrow   6 (intr) to delve deeply: he burrowed into his pockets   7 to hide (oneself) [C13: probably a variant of BOROUGH]   > ˈburrower n

burrowstown (ˈbʌrəzˌtaʊn)   n   a burgh town

burrstone (ˈbɜːˌstəʊn)   n   a variant spelling of buhrstone

bursa (ˈbɜːsə)   n, pl -sae (-siː) or -sas   1 a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between movable parts of the body, esp at joints   2 zoology any saclike cavity or structure [C19: from Medieval Latin: bag, pouch, from Greek: skin, hide; see PURSE]   > ˈbursal adj

■ bursate (ˈbɜːseIt)   adj   resembling or containing a bursa

■ bursiculate (bɜːˈsIkjʊleIt)   adj   resembling a pouch

Bursa (ˈbɜːsə)   n   a city in NW Turkey: founded in the 2nd century BC; seat of Bithynian kings. Pop: 1 413 000 (2005 est). Former name: Brusa

bursar (ˈbɜːsə)   n   1 an official in charge of the financial management of a school, college, or university   2 chiefly Scot and NZ a student holding a bursary [C13: from Medieval Latin bursārius keeper of the purse, from bursa purse]

■ bursarial (bɜːˈsɛərIəl)   adj   of, relating to, or paid by a bursar or bursary

■ bursary (ˈbɜːsərI)   n, pl -ries   1 Also called: bursarship a scholarship or grant awarded esp in Scottish and New Zealand schools, universities etc   2 Brit   a the treasury of a college, etc   b the bursar's room in a college

Burschenschaft German (ˈbʊrʃənʃaft)   n   a students' fraternity, originally one concerned with Christian ideals, patriotism, etc [literally: youth association]

burse (bɜːs)   n   1 chiefly RC Church a flat case used at Mass as a container for the corporal   2 Scot   a a fund providing allowances for students   b the allowance provided [C19: from Medieval Latin bursa purse]

■ bursiform (ˈbɜːsIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a pouch or sac [C19: from Latin bursa bag + -FORM]

bursera (ˈbɜːsərə)   adj   of or relating to the Bursera genus of gum trees

burseraceous (ˌbɜːsəˈreIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Burseraceae, a tropical family of trees and shrubs having compound leaves and resin or balsam in their stems. The family includes bdellium and some balsams [C19: from New Latin Bursera type genus, named after J. Burser (1593–1649), German botanist]

bursicon (ˈbɜːsIkɒn)   n   a hormone, produced by the insect brain, that regulates processes associated with ecdysis, such as darkening of the cuticle

bursitis (bɜːˈsaItIs)   n   inflammation of a bursa, esp one in the shoulder joint

burst (bɜːst)   vb bursts, bursting, burst   1 to break or cause to break open or apart suddenly and noisily, esp from internal pressure; explode   2 (intr) to come, go, etc, suddenly and forcibly: he burst into the room   3 (intr) to be full to the point of breaking open   4 (intr) to give vent (to) suddenly or loudly: to burst into song; to burst out crying   5 to cause or suffer the rupture of: to burst a blood vessel   ▷ n   6 a sudden breaking open or apart; explosion   7 a break; breach; rupture   8 a sudden display or increase of effort or action; spurt: a burst of speed   9 a sudden and violent emission, occurrence, or outbreak: a burst of heavy rain; a burst of applause   10 a volley of fire from a weapon or weapons   ▷ adj   11 broken apart; ruptured: a burst pipe [Old English berstan; related to Old Norse bresta, Old Frisian bersta, Old High German brestan; compare BREAK]   > ˈburster n

burstone (ˈbɜːˌstəʊn)   n   a variant spelling of buhrstone

burthen (ˈbɜːðən)   n, vb   an archaic word for burden^1   > ˈburthensome adj

burton (ˈbɜːtən)   n   1 nautical a kind of light hoisting tackle   2 go for a burton Brit slang   a to be broken, useless, or lost   b to die [C15: of uncertain origin]

Burton (ˈbɜːtən)   n   1  Sir Richard Francis. 1821–90, English explorer, Orientalist, and writer who discovered Lake Tanganyika with John Speke (1858); produced the first unabridged translation of The Thousand Nights and a Night (1885–88)   2  Richard, real name Richard Jenkins. 1925–84, Welsh stage and film actor: films include Becket (1964), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), and Equus (1977)   3  Robert, pen name Democritus Junior. 1577–1640, English clergyman, scholar, and writer, noted for his Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)   4  Tim. born 1958, US film director whose work includes Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Ed Wood (1994), Corpse Bride (2005), and Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Burton-upon-Trent   n   a town in W central England, in E Staffordshire: famous for brewing. Pop: 43 784 (2001)

Burundi (bəˈrʊndI)   n   a republic in E central Africa: inhabited chiefly by the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa (Pygmy); made part of German East Africa in 1899; part of the Belgian territory of Ruanda-Urundi from 1923 until it became independent in 1962; ethnic violence has erupted at times between Hutu and Tutsi, as in Rwanda; consists mainly of high plateaus along the main Nile-Congo dividing range, dropping rapidly to the Great Rift Valley in the west. Official languages: Kirundi and French; Swahili is used commercially. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Burundi franc. Capital: Bujumbura. Pop: 10 864 245 (2017 est). Area: 27 731 sq km (10 707 sq miles). Former name (until 1962): Urundi

■ Burundian (bəˈrʊndIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Burundi or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Burundi

bury (ˈbɛrI)   vb buries, burying, buried (tr)   1 to place (a corpse) in a grave, usually with funeral rites; inter   2 to place in the earth and cover with soil   3 to lose through death   4 to cover from sight; hide   5 to embed; sink: to bury a nail in plaster   6 to occupy (oneself) with deep concentration; engross: to be buried in a book   7 to dismiss from the mind; abandon: to bury old hatreds   8 bury the hatchet to cease hostilities and become reconciled   9 bury one's head in the sand to refuse to face a problem [Old English byrgan to bury, hide; related to Old Norse bjarga to save, preserve, Old English beorgan to defend]

■ burying beetle   n   a beetle of the genus Necrophorous, which buries the dead bodies of small animals by excavating beneath them, using the corpses as food for themselves and their larvae: family Silphidae. Also called: sexton

Bury (ˈbɛrI)   n   1 a town in NW England, in Bury unitary authority, Greater Manchester: an early textile centre. Pop: 60 178 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in NW England, in Greater Manchester. Pop: 181 900 (2003 est). Area: 99 sq km (38 sq miles)

Buryat or Buriat (bʊəˈjɑːt, bʊərIˈɑːt)   n   1 a member of a people living chiefly in the Buryat Republic   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Mongolic branch of the Altaic family

■ Buryat Republic or Buryatia (bʊəˈjɑːtIə; Russian buˈrjaːtija)   n   a constituent republic of SE central Russia, on Lake Baikal: mountainous, with forests covering over half the total area. Capital: Ulan-Ude. Pop: 981 000 (2002). Area: 351 300 sq km (135 608 sq miles)

Bury St Edmunds (ˈbɛrI sənt ˈɛdməndz)   n   a market town in E England, in Suffolk. Pop: 36 218 (2001)

bus (bʌs)   n, pl buses or busses   1 a large motor vehicle designed to carry passengers between stopping places along a regular route. More formal name: omnibus. Sometimes called: motorbus   2 short for trolleybus   3 (modifier) of or relating to a bus or buses: a bus driver; a bus station   4 informal a car or aircraft, esp one that is old and shaky   5 electronics, computing short for busbar   6 the part of a MIRV missile payload containing the re-entry vehicles and guidance and thrust devices   7 astronautics a platform in a space vehicle used for various experiments and processes   8 miss the bus to miss an opportunity; be too late   9 park the bus Brit informal (of a sports team) to play in a very defensive way   10 throw someone under the bus chiefly US to expose someone to an unpleasant fate, esp in order to save oneself   ▷ vb buses, busing, bused or busses, bussing, bussed   11 to travel or transport by bus   12 chiefly US and Canadian to transport (children) by bus from one area to a school in another in order to create racially integrated classes [C19: short for OMNIBUS]

■ busbar (ˈbʌzˌbɑː)   n   1 an electrical conductor, maintained at a specific voltage and capable of carrying a high current, usually used to make a common connection between several circuits in a system   2 a group of such electrical conductors at a low voltage, used for carrying data in binary form between the various parts of a computer or its peripherals   ▶ Sometimes shortened to: bus

■ bus boy or busboy (ˈbʌsˌbɔI)   n   US and Canadian a waiter's assistant

■ busgirl (ˈbʌsˌɡɜːl)   n   US and Canadian a waiter's assistant

■ busing or bussing (ˈbʌsIŋ)   n   1 the practice of transporting by bus   2 US the transporting (of children) by bus from one area to a school in another esp, in the US, to create racially integrated classes

■ bus lane   n   one track of a road marked for use by buses only

■ busload (ˈbʌsləʊd)   n   the number of passengers carried on a bus

■ busman (ˈbʌsmən)   n, pl -men   someone who works on buses, particularly as a driver or conductor

■ busman's holiday (ˈbʌsmənz)   n   informal a holiday spent doing the same sort of thing as one does at work [C20: alluding to a bus driver having a driving holiday]

■ bus shelter   n   a covered structure at a bus stop providing protection against the weather for people waiting for a bus

■ bus stop   n   a place on a bus route, usually marked by a sign, at which buses stop for passengers to alight and board

Busan (ˈpuːˈsæn)   n   a port in SE South Korea, on the Korea Strait: the second largest city and chief port of the country; industrial centre; two universities. Pop: 3 527 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 2000): Pusan

busby (ˈbʌzbI)   n, pl -bies   1 a tall fur helmet with a bag hanging from the top to the right side, worn by certain soldiers, usually hussars, as in the British Army   2 (not in official usage) another name for bearskin (sense 2) [C18 (in the sense: large bushy wig): perhaps from a proper name]

Busby (ˈbʌzbI)   n   Sir Matthew, known as Matt. 1909–94, British footballer. He managed Manchester United (1946–69)

busera (bʊˈsɛrə)   n   1 a Ugandan alcoholic drink made from millet: sometimes mixed with honey   2 a porridge made out of millet [from Rukiga, a language of SW Uganda]

bush^1 (bʊʃ)   n   1 a dense woody plant, smaller than a tree, with many branches arising from the lower part of the stem; shrub   2 a dense cluster of such shrubs; thicket   3 something resembling a bush, esp in density: a bush of hair   4 the bush   a an uncultivated or sparsely settled area, esp in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada: usually covered with trees or shrubs, varying from open shrubby country to dense rainforest   b (as modifier): bush flies   5 Canadian an area of land on a farm on which timber is grown and cut. Also called: bush lot, woodlot   6 a forested area; woodland   7 the bush informal the countryside, as opposed to the city: out in the bush   8 a fox's tail; brush   9 obsolete   a a bunch of ivy hung as a vintner's sign in front of a tavern   b any tavern sign   10 beat about the bush to avoid the point at issue; prevaricate   ▷ adj   11 Austral and NZ informal rough-and-ready   12 W African informal ignorant or stupid, esp as considered typical of unwesternized rustic life   13 US and Canadian informal unprofessional, unpolished, or second-rate   14 go bush informal, Austral and NZ   a to abandon city amenities and live rough   b to run wild   ▷ vb   15 (intr) to grow thick and bushy   16 (tr) to cover, decorate, support, etc, with bushes   17 bush it (tr) Austral to camp out in the bush [C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse buski, Old High German busc, Middle Dutch bosch; related to Old French bosc wood, Italian bosco]

■ bushbaby (ˈbʊʃˌbeIbI)   n, pl -babies   any agile nocturnal arboreal prosimian primate of the genera Galago and Euoticus, occurring in Africa south of the Sahara: family Lorisidae (lorises). They have large eyes and ears and a long tail. Also called: galago

■ bush ballad   n   an old Australian bush poem in a ballad metre dealing with aspects of life and characters in the bush

■ bush-bash   vb Austral slang (intr)   1 to clear scrubland   2 to drive through thick scrubland   ▶ Also called: scrub-bash

■ bushbashing (ˈbʊʃˌbæʃIŋ)   n   Austral and NZ slang the process of forcing a path through the bush

■ bushbuck (ˈbʊʃˌbʌk) or boschbok   n, pl -bucks, -buck or -boks, -bok   a small nocturnal spiral-horned antelope, Tragelaphus scriptus, of the bush and tropical forest of Africa. Its coat is reddish-brown with a few white markings

■ bush canary   n   NZ another name for brown creeper

■ bush carpenter   n   Austral and NZ informal a rough-and-ready unskilled workman

■ bushcraft (ˈbʊʃˌkrɑːft)   n   Austral and NZ ability and experience in matters concerned with living in the bush

■ bushed (bʊʃt)   adj informal   1 (postpositive) extremely tired; exhausted   2 Canadian mentally disturbed from living in isolation, esp in the north   3 Austral and NZ lost or bewildered, as in the bush

■ bushfighting (ˈbʊʃfaItIŋ)   n   fighting in the bush

■ bushfire (ˈbʊʃˌfaIə)   n   an uncontrolled fire in the bush; a scrub or forest fire

■ bushfly (ˈbʊʃˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   any of various small black dipterous flies of Australia, esp Musca vetustissima, that breed in faeces and dung: family Calliphoridae

■ bushgoat (ˈbʊʃˌɡəʊt)   n   a S African antelope

■ bush grass   n   a coarse reedlike grass, Calamagrostis epigejos, 1–1^1⁄2 metres (3–4^1⁄2 ft) high that grows on damp clay soils in Europe and temperate parts of Asia

■ bushhammer (ˈbʊʃˌhæmə)   n   a hammer with small pyramids projecting from its working face, used for dressing stone [C19: from German Bosshammer, from bossen to beat + HAMMER]

■ bush-hawk   n   another name for karearea

■ bush house   n   chiefly Austral a shed or hut in the bush or a garden

■ bushie (ˈbʊʃI)   n   a variant spelling of bushy

■ bush jacket or bush shirt   n   a casual jacket or shirt having four patch pockets and a belt

■ bush knife   n   Austral a large heavy knife suitable for outdoor use

■ bushland (ˈbʊʃˌlænd)   n   uncultivated land (esp in Australia) that is covered with trees, shrubs, or other natural vegetation

■ bush lawyer   n Austral and NZ   1 any of several prickly trailing plants of the genus Rubus   2 informal a person unqualified in the law who claims competence in it

■ bush-league   adj US informal   1 (in baseball) relating to one of the minor leagues   2 second-rate

■ bush-leaguer   n US   1 (in baseball) someone who plays in a minor league   2 someone second-rate or ineffectual

■ bushless (ˈbʊʃlIs)   adj   devoid of vegetation

■ bushlike (ˈbʊʃlaIk)   adj   resembling a bush

■ bush-line   n   NZ the contour at which the growth of the bush ceases

■ bush lot   n   Canadian another name for bush^1 (sense 5)

■ bushman (ˈbʊʃmən)   n, pl -men   Austral and NZ a person who lives or travels in the bush, esp one versed in bush lore

■ Bushman (ˈbʊʃmən)   n, pl -man or -men   1 a member of a hunting and gathering people of southern Africa, esp the Kalahari region, typically having leathery yellowish skin, short stature, and prominent buttocks   2 any language of this people, belonging to the Khoisan family [C18: from Afrikaans boschjesman]

■ bushmanship (ˈbʊʃmənʃIp)   n   the skills necessary for survival in the bush; bushcraft

■ bushman's singlet   n   NZ a sleeveless heavy black woollen singlet, used as working clothing by timber fellers

■ bushmaster (ˈbʊʃˌmɑːstə)   n   a large greyish-brown highly venomous snake, Lachesis muta, inhabiting wooded regions of tropical America: family Crotalidae (pit vipers)

■ bushmeat (ˈbʊʃˌmiːt)   n   meat taken from any animal native to African forests, including species that may be endangered or not usually eaten outside Africa

■ bush oyster   n   Austral euphemistic a bull's testicle when cooked and eaten

■ bushpig (ˈbʊʃˌpIɡ)   n   a wild pig, Potamochoerus porcus, inhabiting forests in tropical Africa and Madagascar. It is brown or black, with pale markings on the face. Also called: boschvark

■ bushranger (ˈbʊʃˌreIndʒə)   n   1 Austral history an escaped convict or robber living in the bush   2 US a person who lives away from civilization; backwoodsman

■ bushranging (ˈbʊʃˌreIndʒə)   n   the life of a bushranger

■ bush shrike   n   1 any shrike of the African subfamily Malaconotinae, such as Chlorophoneus nigrifrons (black-fronted bush shrike)   2 another name for antbird

■ bush sickness   n   NZ and Austral an animal disease caused by a cobalt deficiency in old bush country   > ˈbush-ˌsick adj

■ bush singlet   n   NZ a black woollen singlet often worn by farm labourers

■ bush tea   n   1 a leguminous shrub of the genus Cyclopia, of southern Africa   2 a beverage prepared from the dried leaves of any of these plants

■ bush telegraph   n   1 a means of communication between primitive peoples over large areas, as by drum beats   2 a means of spreading rumour, gossip, etc

■ bushtit (ˈbʊʃˌtIt)   n   any small grey active North American songbird of the genus Psaltriparus, such as P. minimus (common bushtit): family Paridae (titmice)

■ bush tucker   n Austral     a any wild animal, insect, plant or plant extract, etc traditionally used as food by native Australians   b cooking based around ingredients taken from the Australian wilderness

■ bushveld (ˈbʊʃˌfɛlt, -ˌvɛlt)   n   the bushveld an area of low altitude in N South Africa, having scrub vegetation. Also known as: the lowveld

■ bushwalk (ˈbʊʃˌwɔːk)   vb (intr)   to hike through bushland   > ˈbushˌwalker n   > ˈbushˌwalking n

■ bushwhack (ˈbʊʃˌwæk)   vb   1 (tr) US, Canadian and Austral to ambush   2 (intr) US, Canadian and Austral to cut or beat one's way through thick woods   3 (intr) US, Canadian and Austral to range or move around in woods or the bush   4 (intr) US and Canadian to fight as a guerrilla in wild or uncivilized regions   5 (intr) NZ to work in the bush, esp at timber felling

■ bushwhacker (ˈbʊʃˌwækə)   n   1 US, Canadian and Austral a person who travels around or lives in thinly populated woodlands   2 Austral informal an unsophisticated person; boor   3 a Confederate guerrilla during the American Civil War   4 US any guerrilla   5 NZ a person who works in the bush, esp at timber felling

■ bushwhacking (ˈbʊʃwækIŋ)   n   a US term for bushfighting

■ bushwoman (ˈbʊʃˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman who lives in the bush

■ bush wren   n   a wren, Xenicus longipes, occurring in New Zealand: family Xenicidae. See also rifleman (sense 2)

■ bushy^1 (ˈbʊʃI)   adj bushier, bushiest   1 covered or overgrown with bushes   2 thick and shaggy: bushy eyebrows   > ˈbushily adv   > ˈbushiness n

■ bushy^2 or bushie (ˈbʊʃI)   n, pl bushies Austral informal   1 a person who lives in the bush   2 an unsophisticated uncouth person   3 a member of a bush fire brigade

bush^2 (bʊʃ)   n   1 Also called (esp US and Canadian): bushing a thin metal sleeve or tubular lining serving as a bearing or guide   ▷ vb   2 to fit a bush to (a casing, bearing, etc) [C15: from Middle Dutch busse box, bush; related to German Büchse tin, Swedish hjulbōssa wheel-box, Late Latin buxis BOX^1]

Bush (bʊʃ)   n   1  George. born 1924, US Republican politician; vice president of the US (1981–89): 41st president of the US (1989–93)   2  his son, George W(alker). born 1946, US Republican politician; 43rd president of the US (2001–09)   3  Kate. born 1958, English singer and songwriter: her recordings include "Wuthering Heights" (1978), Hounds of Love (1985), and Aerial (2005)

■ Bushie (ˈbʊʃI)   n   a supporter of US President George W. Bush or a member of his administration

■ Bushism (ˈbʊʃIzəm)   n   any apparently fatuous statement attributed to George W. Bush

Bushehr (buˈʃehr)   n   a port in SW Iran, on the Persian Gulf; nuclear power station. Pop: 166 000 (2005 est). Also called: Bushire (bjuːˈʃaIə)

bushel^1 (ˈbʊʃəl)   n   1 (formerly) a Brit unit of dry or liquid measure equal to 8 Imperial gallons. 1 Imperial bushel is equivalent to 0.036 37 cubic metres   2 a US unit of dry measure equal to 64 US pints. 1 US bushel is equivalent to 0.035 24 cubic metres   3 a container with a capacity equal to either of these quantities   4 US informal a large amount; great deal   5 hide one's light under a bushel to conceal one's abilities or good qualities [C14: from Old French boissel, from boisse one sixth of a bushel, of Gaulish origin]

bushel^2 (ˈbʊʃəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or -els, -eling, -eled   (tr) US to alter or mend (a garment) [C19: probably from German bosseln to do inferior work, patch, from Middle High German bōzeln to beat, from Old High German bōzan]   > ˈbusheller, ˈbusheler or ˈbushelman n

■ bushelwoman (ˈbʊʃəlˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman who alters clothes

Bushido (ˌbuːʃIˈdəʊ)   n   (sometimes not capital) the feudal code of the Japanese samurai, stressing self-discipline, courage and loyalty [C19: from Japanese bushi warrior (from Chinese wushih) + dō way (from Chinese tao)]

bushing (ˈbʊʃIŋ)   n   1 another word for bush^2 (sense 1)   2 an adaptor having ends of unequal diameters, often with internal screw threads, used to connect pipes of different sizes   3 a layer of electrical insulation enabling a live conductor to pass through an earthed wall, etc

bushwa (ˈbʊʃwɑː)   n   US slang nonsense

business (ˈbIznIs)   n   1 a trade or profession   2 an industrial, commercial, or professional operation; purchase and sale of goods and services: the tailoring business   3 a commercial or industrial establishment, such as a firm or factory   4 commercial activity; dealings (esp in the phrase do business)   5 volume or quantity of commercial activity: business is poor today   6 commercial policy or procedure: overcharging is bad business   7 proper or rightful concern or responsibility (often in the phrase mind one's own business)   8 a special task; assignment   9 a matter or matters to be attended to: the business of the meeting   10 an affair; matter: a strange business; I'm tired of the whole business   11 serious work or activity: get down to business   12 a complicated affair; rigmarole   13 informal a vaguely defined collection or area: jets, fast cars, and all that business   14 Also called: stage business theatre an incidental action, such as lighting a pipe, performed by an actor for dramatic effect   15 a group of ferrets   16 euphemistic defecation (esp in the phrase do one's business)   17 slang prostitution   18 like nobody's business informal extremely well or fast   19 mean business to be in earnest   20 do the business informal to achieve what is required: it tastes vile, but it does the business [Old English bisignis solicitude, attentiveness, from bisig BUSY + -nis -NESS]

■ business angel   n   informal an investor in a business venture, esp one in its early stages. Also called: angel investor

■ business casual   n   informal a style of casual clothing worn by businesspeople at work instead of more formal attire

■ business class   n   1 a class of air travel which is less luxurious than first class but superior to economy class, intended for business passengers   ▷ adj business-class   2 of or relating to this class of travel

■ business college   n   a college providing courses in secretarial studies, business management, accounting, commerce, etc

■ business cycle   n   chiefly US and Canadian the recurrent fluctuation between boom and depression in the economic activity of a capitalist country. Also called: trade cycle

■ business end   n   informal the part of a tool or weapon that does the work, as contrasted with the handle

■ businesslike (ˈbIznIsˌlaIk)   adj   1 efficient and methodical   2 earnest or severe

■ businessman (ˈbIznIsˌmæn, -mən)   n, pl -men   a person, esp a man, engaged in commercial or industrial business, esp as an owner or executive

■ business park   n   an area specially designated and landscaped to accommodate business offices, warehouses, light industry, etc

■ businessperson (ˈbIznIsˌpɜrsən)   n, pl -people or -persons   a person engaged in commercial or industrial business, esp as an owner or executive

USAGE

The gender-neutral form of businessman and businesswoman is businessperson, but it does not appear to be very widely used. The plural business people is quite widely used, and if you wish to avoid being gender-specific, you could try recasting your sentence to use the plural

■ business plan   n   a detailed plan setting out the objectives of a business, the strategy and tactics planned to achieve them, and the expected profits, usually over a period of three to ten years

■ business process re-engineering   n   restructuring an organization by means of a radical reassessment of its core processes and predominant competencies. Abbreviation: BPR

■ businesswoman (ˈbIznIsˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman engaged in commercial or industrial business, esp as an owner or executive

■ businessy (ˈbIznIsI)   adj   of, relating to, typical of, or suitable for the world of commercial or industrial business: well-heeled, businessy types

busk^1 (bʌsk)   n   1 a strip of whalebone, wood, steel, etc, inserted into the front of a corset to stiffen it   2 archaic or dialect the corset itself [C16: from Old French busc, probably from Old Italian busco splinter, stick, of Germanic origin]

busk^2 (bʌsk)   vb   (intr) Brit to make money by singing, dancing, acting, etc, in public places, as in front of theatre queues [C20: perhaps from Spanish buscar to look for]   > ˈbusker n   > ˈbusking n

busk^3 (bʌsk)   vb (tr) Scot   1 to make ready; prepare   2 to dress or adorn [C14: from Old Norse būask, from būa to make ready, dwell; see BOWER^1]

busket (ˈbʌskət)   n   obsolete a bouquet

buskin (ˈbʌskIn)   n   1 (formerly) a sandal-like covering for the foot and leg, reaching the calf and usually laced   2 Also called: cothurnus a thick-soled laced half boot resembling this, worn esp by actors of ancient Greece   3 the buskin chiefly literary tragic drama [C16: perhaps from Spanish borzeguí; related to Old French bouzequin, Italian borzacchino, of obscure origin]

■ buskined (ˈbʌskInd)   adj   relating to tragic drama

Busra or Busrah (ˈbʌsrə)   n   variant spellings of Basra

buss (bʌs)   n, vb   an archaic or dialect word for kiss [C16: probably of imitative origin; compare French baiser, German dialect Bussi little kiss]

Buss (bʌs)   n   Frances Mary. 1827–94, British educationalist; a pioneer of secondary education for girls, who campaigned for women's admission to university

Bussell (ˈbʌsəl)   n   Dame Darcey (Andrea). born 1969, British ballet dancer, principal ballerina with the Royal Ballet (1989–2006)

bussing (ˈbʌsIŋ)   n   a variant spelling of busing

bussu (ˈbʊsuː)   n   a South American palm tree, Manicaria saccifera

bust^1 (bʌst)   n   1 the chest of a human being, esp a woman's bosom   2 a sculpture of the head, shoulders, and upper chest of a person [C17: from French buste, from Italian busto a sculpture, of unknown origin]

■ bustiness (ˈbʌstInəs)   n   the state of being busty

■ bustline (ˈbʌstˌlaIn)   n   the shape or size of a woman's bust

■ busty (ˈbʌstI)   adj bustier, bustiest   (of a woman) having a prominent bust

bust^2 (bʌst) informal   vb busts, busting, busted or bust   1 to burst or break   2 to make or become bankrupt   3 (tr) (of the police) to raid, search, or arrest: the girl was busted for drugs   4 (tr) US and Canadian to demote, esp in military rank   5 (tr) US and Canadian to break or tame (a horse, etc)   6 (tr) chiefly US to punch; hit   7 bust a gut See gut (sense 9)   ▷ n   8 a raid, search, or arrest by the police   9 chiefly US a punch; hit   10 US and Canadian a failure, esp a financial one; bankruptcy   11 a drunken party   ▷ adj   12 broken   13 bankrupt   14 go bust to become bankrupt [C19: from a dialect pronunciation of BURST]

■ busted (ˈbʌstəd)   adj   informal caught out doing something wrong and therefore in trouble: you are so busted

■ busted flush   n   1 a poker hand with four cards of the same suit that fails to form a flush when the final card is dealt   2 informal a person or thing that fails to live up to early promise

■ buster (ˈbʌstə)   n slang   1 (in combination) a person or thing destroying something as specified: dambuster   2 US and Canadian a term of address for a boy or man   3 US and Canadian a person who breaks horses   4 chiefly US and Canadian a spree, esp a drinking bout

■ buster collar   n   a round collar, similar to a lampshade in shape, that is fitted round the neck of an animal or bird, for example to prevent it removing or interfering with a dressing or other treatment

■ busticate (ˈbʌstIkeIt)   vb (tr)   US informal to break

■ -busting   suffix   1 (forming adjectives) signifying beating   2 (forming nouns) signifying beating

■ bust-up informal   n   1 a quarrel, esp a serious one ending a friendship, etc   2 Brit a disturbance or brawl   ▷ vb bust up (adverb)   3 (intr) to quarrel and part   4 (tr) to disrupt (a meeting), esp violently

bustard (ˈbʌstəd)   n   any terrestrial bird of the family Otididae, inhabiting open regions of the Old World: order Gruiformes (cranes, rails, etc). They have long strong legs, a heavy body, a long neck, and speckled plumage [C15: from Old French bistarde, influenced by Old French oustarde, both from Latin avis tarda slow bird]

bustee or busti (ˈbʌstiː)   n   variant spellings of basti

bustic (ˈbʌstIk)   n   a small American tree, Dipholis salicifolia

bustier (ˈbuːstIeI)   n   a type of close-fitting usually strapless top worn by women

bustle^1 (ˈbʌsəl)   vb   1 (when intr, often foll by about) to hurry or cause to hurry with a great show of energy or activity   ▷ n   2 energetic and noisy activity [C16: probably from obsolete buskle to make energetic preparation, from dialect busk from Old Norse būask to prepare]   > ˈbustler n   > ˈbustling adj   > ˈbustlingly adv

bustle^2 (ˈbʌsəl)   n   a cushion or a metal or whalebone framework worn by women in the late 19th century at the back below the waist in order to expand the skirt [C18: of unknown origin]

busulfan (bjuːˈsʌlfæn)   n   a drug used to treat cancer

busuuti (buːˈsuːtI)   n   a long garment with short sleeves and a square neckline, worn by Ugandan women, esp in S Uganda [C20: from Luganda]

busy (ˈbIzI)   adj busier, busiest   1 actively or fully engaged; occupied   2 crowded with or characterized by activity: a busy day   3 chiefly US and Canadian (of a room, telephone line, etc) in use; engaged   4 overcrowded with detail: a busy painting   5 meddlesome; inquisitive; prying   ▷ vb busies, busying, busied   6 (tr) to make or keep (someone, esp oneself) busy; occupy [Old English bisig; related to Middle Dutch besich, perhaps to Latin festīnāre to hurry]   > ˈbusyness n

■ busily (ˈbIzIlI)   adv   in a busy manner; industriously

■ busybody (ˈbIzIˌbɒdI)   n, pl -bodies   a meddlesome, prying, or officious person   > ˈbusyˌbodying n

■ busy Lizzie (ˈlIzI)   n   a balsaminaceous plant, Impatiens balsamina, that has pink, red, or white flowers and is often grown as a pot plant

■ busy signal   n   US and Canadian a repeated single note heard on a telephone when the number called is already in use. Also called (especially in Britain): engaged tone

■ busywork (ˈbIzIˌwɜːk)   n   unproductive work

but^1 (bʌt, unstressed bət)   conj (coordinating)   1 contrary to expectation: he cut his knee but didn't cry   2 in contrast; on the contrary: I like opera but my husband doesn't   3 (usually used after a negative) other than: we can't do anything but wait   ▷ conj (subordinating)   4 (usually used after a negative) without it happening or being the case that: we never go out but it rains   5 (foll by that) except that: nothing is impossible but that we live forever   6 archaic if not; unless   ▷ sentence connector   7 informal used to introduce an exclamation: my, but you're nice   ▷ prep   8 except; save: they saved all but one of the pigs   9 but for were it not for: but for you, we couldn't have managed   ▷ adv   10 just; merely; only: he was but a child; I can but try   11 Scot, Austral and NZ informal though; however: it's a rainy day: warm, but   12 all but almost; practically: he was all but dead when we found him   ▷ n   13 an objection (esp in the phrase ifs and buts) [Old English būtan without, outside, except, from be BY + ūtan OUT; related to Old Saxon biūtan, Old High German biūzan]

but^2 (bʌt) Scot   n   1 the outer room of a two-roomed cottage: usually the kitchen   ▷ prep, adv   2 in or into the outer part (of a house). Compare ben^1 [C18: from but (adv) outside, hence, outer room; see BUT^1]

butadiene (ˌbjuːtəˈdaIiːn)   n   a colourless easily liquefiable flammable gas that polymerizes readily and is used mainly in the manufacture of synthetic rubbers. Formula: CH_2:CHCH:CH_2. Systematic name: buta-1,3-diene [C20: from BUTA(NE) + DI-1 + -ENE]

but and ben   n   Scot a two-roomed cottage consisting of an outer room or kitchen (but) and an inner room (ben)

butane (ˈbjuːteIn, bjuːˈteIn)   n   a colourless flammable gaseous alkane that exists in two isomeric forms, both of which occur in natural gas. The stable isomer, n-butane, is used mainly in the manufacture of rubber and fuels (such as Calor Gas). Formula: C_4H_10 [C19: from BUT(YL) + -ANE]

■ butanoic acid   n   another name for butyric acid

■ butanol (ˈbjuːtəˌnɒl)   n   a colourless substance existing in four isomeric forms. The three liquid isomers are used as solvents for resins, lacquers, etc, and in the manufacture of organic compounds. Formula: C_4H_9OH. Also called: butyl alcohol [C19: from BUTAN(E) + -OL^1]

■ butanone (ˈbjuːtəˌnəʊn)   n   a colourless soluble flammable liquid used mainly as a solvent for resins, as a paint remover, and in lacquers, cements, and adhesives. Formula: CH_3COC_2H_5. Also called: methyl ethyl ketone [C20: from BUTAN(E) + -ONE]

butch (bʊtʃ) slang   adj   1 (of a woman or man) markedly or aggressively masculine   ▷ n   2 a lesbian who is regarded as having traditionally masculine traits   3 a strong rugged man [C18: back formation from BUTCHER]

■ butchness (ˈbʊtʃnəs)   n   the state of being butch

butcher (ˈbʊtʃə)   n   1 a retailer of meat   2 a person who slaughters or dresses meat for market   3 an indiscriminate or brutal murderer   4 a person who destroys, ruins, or bungles something   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to slaughter or dress (animals) for meat   6 to kill indiscriminately or brutally   7 to make a mess of; botch; ruin [C13: from Old French bouchier, from bouc he-goat, probably of Celtic origin; see BUCK^1; compare Welsh bwch he-goat]

■ butcherbird (ˈbʊtʃəˌbɜːd)   n   1 a shrike, esp one of the genus Lanius   2 any of several Australian magpies of the genus Cracticus that impale their prey on thorns

■ butcherer (ˈbʊtʃərə)   n   a person who butchers

■ butcherly (ˈbʊtʃəlI)   adj   of or resembling a butcher

■ butcher's (ˈbʊtʃəz) or butcher's hook   n   Brit slang a look [C19: rhyming slang]

■ butcher's-broom   n   a liliaceous evergreen shrub, Ruscus aculeatus, that has stiff prickle-tipped flattened green stems, which resemble and function as true leaves. The plant was formerly used for making brooms

■ butchery (ˈbʊtʃərI)   n, pl -eries   1 the business or work of a butcher   2 wanton and indiscriminate slaughter; carnage   3 a less common word for slaughterhouse

bute (bjuːt)   n   slang the drug phenylbutazone, esp when used in the illegal doping of racehorses

Bute^1 (bjuːt)   n   an island off the coast of SW Scotland, in Argyll and Bute council area: situated in the Firth of Clyde, separated from the Cowal peninsula by the Kyles of Bute. Chief town: Rothesay. Pop: 7228 (2001). Area: 121 sq km (47 sq miles)

■ Buteshire (ˈbjuːtˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1975) a county of SW Scotland, consisting of islands in the Firth of Clyde and Kilbrannan Sound: formerly part of Strathclyde region (1975–96), now part of Argyll and Bute council area

Bute^2 (bjuːt)   n   John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. 1713–92, British Tory statesman; prime minister (1762–63)

■ Bute House   n   1 a house in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh: official residence of the First Minister of Scotland   2 the First Minister or the Scottish Government [named after the Marquess of Bute who bequeathed the house to the National Trust for Scotland in 1966]

Butenandt (German ˈbutənant)   n   Adolf Frederick Johann. 1903–95, German organic chemist. He shared the Nobel prize for chemistry (1939) for his pioneering work on sex hormones

butene (ˈbjuːtiːn)   n   a pungent colourless gas existing in four isomeric forms, all of which are used in the manufacture of organic compounds. Formula: C_4H_8. Also called: butylene [C20: from BUT(YL) + -ENE]

butenedioic acid (ˌbjuːtiːndaIˈəʊIk)   n   either of two geometrical isomers with the formula HOOCCH:CHCOOH. See fumaric acid, maleic acid

buteo (ˈbjuːtIəʊ)   n   a type of American hawk

■ buteonine (ˈbjuːtIəʊˌnaIn)   adj   of or relating to hawks

Buteyko method (ˌbuːˈteIkəʊ)   n   a breath control technique used to prevent hyperventilation and treat asthma without drugs [C20: named after Konstantin P. Buteyko (1923–2003), Russian physician]

Buthelezi (ˌbʊtəˈleIzI)   n   Mangosouthu Gatsha (ˌmæŋɡəʊˈsuːtuː ˈɡætʃə), known as Chief Buthelezi. born 1928, Zulu leader, chief minister of the KwaZulu territory of South Africa from 1970 until its abolition in 1994; founder of the Inkatha movement and advocate of Zulu autonomy; minister of home affairs (1994–2004)

butler (ˈbʌtlə)   n   the male servant of a household in charge of the wines, table, etc: usually the head servant [C13: from Old French bouteillier, from bouteille BOTTLE^1]

■ butle (ˈbʌtəl) or buttle   vb (intr)   to act as butler

■ butlerage (ˈbʌtlərIdʒ)   n   a butler's position or rank

■ butlership (ˈbʌtləʃIp)   n   the skills of a butler

■ butlery (ˈbʌtlərI)   n, pl -leries   1 a butler's room   2 another name for buttery (sense 1)

Butler (ˈbʌtlə)   n   1  Joseph. 1692–1752, English bishop and theologian, author of Analogy of Religion (1736)   2  Josephine (Elizabeth). 1828–1906, British social reformer, noted esp for her campaigns against state regulation of prostitution   3  Reg, full name Reginald Cotterell Butler. 1913–81, British metal sculptor; his works include The Unknown Political Prisoner (1953)   4  R(ichard) A(usten), Baron Butler of Saffron Walden, known as Rab Butler. 1902–82, British Conservative politician: Chancellor of the Exchequer (1951–55); Home Secretary (1957–62); Foreign Secretary (1963–64)   5  Samuel. 1612–80, English poet and satirist; author of Hudibras (1663–78)   6  Samuel. 1835–1902, British novelist, noted for his satirical work Erewhon (1872) and his autobiographical novel The Way of All Flesh (1903)

butsudan (ˈbʊtsəˌdæn)   n, pl butsudan, -dans   1 (in Buddhism) a small household altar   2 (in Nichiren Buddhism) an ornate cabinet which holds the Gohonzon [from Japanese butsu Buddha (from Chinese fu) + dan shelf]

butt^1 (bʌt)   n   1 the thicker or blunt end of something, such as the end of the stock of a rifle   2 the unused end of something, esp of a cigarette; stub   3 tanning the portion of a hide covering the lower backside of the animal   4 US and Canadian informal the buttocks   5 US a slang word for cigarette   6 building trades short for butt joint, butt hinge [C15 (in the sense: thick end of something, buttock): related to Old English buttuc end, ridge, Middle Dutch bot stumpy]

■ butt bra   n   chiefly US and Canadian informal an undergarment for supporting the buttocks

■ butt-cheeks   pl n   informal the flesh of the buttocks

■ butthead (ˈbʌthɛd)   n   slang a stupid person

■ butt hinge   n   a hinge made of two matching leaves, one recessed into a door and the other into the jamb so that they are in contact when the door is shut. sometimes shortened to butt^1

■ butt joint   n   a joint between two plates, planks, bars, sections, etc, when the components are butted together and do not overlap or interlock. The joint may be strapped with jointing plates laid across it or welded (butt weld). Sometimes shortened to: butt

■ butt-naked   adj   informal, chiefly US completely naked

■ butt plate   n   a plate made usually of metal and attached to the butt end of a gunstock

■ butt shaft   n   a blunt-headed unbarbed arrow

■ buttstock (ˈbʌtˌstɒk)   n   the part of a gun behind the breech

■ butt-ugly   adj   informal, chiefly US and Canadian extremely unattractive

■ butt weld   n   See butt joint

■ buttyman (ˈbʌtIˌmæn)   n, pl -men   offensive, vulgar, slang a homosexual man

butt^2 (bʌt)   n   1 a person or thing that is the target of ridicule, wit, etc   2 shooting, archery   a a mound of earth behind the target on a target range that stops bullets or wide shots   b the target itself   c (plural) the target range   3 a low barrier, usually of sods or peat, behind which sportsmen shoot game birds, esp grouse   4 archaic a goal; aim   ▷ vb   5 (usually foll by on or against) to lie or be placed end on to; abut: to butt a beam against a wall [C14 (in the sense: mark for archery practice): from Old French but; related to French butte knoll, target]

butt^3 (bʌt)   vb   1 to strike or push (something) with the head or horns   2 (intr) to project; jut   3 (intr; foll by in or into) to intrude, esp into a conversation; interfere; meddle   4 butt out informal, chiefly US and Canadian to stop interfering or meddling   ▷ n   5 a blow with the head or horns [C12: from Old French boter, of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch botten to strike; see BEAT, BUTTON]   > ˈbutter n

■ buttinsky (bəˈtInskI)   n   informal a busybody

butt^4 (bʌt)   n   1 a large cask, esp one with a capacity of two hogsheads, for storing wine or beer   2 a US unit of liquid measure equal to 126 US gallons [C14: from Old French botte, from Old Provençal bota, from Late Latin buttis cask, perhaps from Greek butinē chamber pot]

Butt (bʌt)   n   Dame Clara. 1872–1936, English contralto

buttals (ˈbʌtəlz)   pl n   law the boundary lines of a piece of land

butte (bjuːt)   n   Western US and Canadian an isolated steep-sided flat-topped hill [C19: from French, from Old French bute mound behind a target, from but target; see BUTT^2]

butter (ˈbʌtə)   n   1    a an edible fatty whitish-yellow solid made from cream by churning, for cooking and table use   b (as modifier): butter icing. Related adjective: butyraceous   2 any substance with a butter-like consistency, such as peanut butter or vegetable butter   3 look as if butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth to look innocent, although probably not so   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to put butter on or in   5 to flatter [Old English butere, from Latin būtyrum, from Greek bouturon, from bous cow + turos cheese]

■ butter-and-eggs   n   (functioning as singular) any of various plants, such as toadflax, the flowers of which are of two shades of yellow

■ butterball (ˈbʌtəˌbɔːl)   n US   1 another name for bufflehead   2 informal, derogatory a chubby or fat person

■ butter bean   n   a variety of lima bean that has large pale flat edible seeds and is grown in the southern US

■ butterbur (ˈbʌtəˌbɜː)   n   a plant of the Eurasian genus Petasites with fragrant whitish or purple flowers, woolly stems, and leaves formerly used to wrap butter: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ buttercup (ˈbʌtəˌkʌp)   n   any of various yellow-flowered ranunculaceous plants of the genus Ranunculus, such as R. acris (meadow buttercup), which is native to Europe but common throughout North America. See also crowfoot, goldilocks (sense 2), spearwort, lesser celandine

■ butterdock (ˈbʌtəˌdɒk)   n   another name for butterbur

■ buttered (ˈbʌtəd)   adj   having had butter spread over or applied to it

■ butterfat (ˈbʌtəˌfæt)   n   the fatty substance of milk from which butter is made, consisting of a mixture of glycerides, mainly butyrin, olein, and palmitin

■ butterfat cheque   n   the butterfat cheque NZ the total annual cash return for operations on a dairy farm

■ butterfingers (ˈbʌtəˌfIŋɡəz)   n   (functioning as singular) informal a person who drops things inadvertently or fails to catch things   > ˈbutterˌfingered adj

■ butterfish (ˈbʌtəˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 an eel-like blennioid food fish, Pholis gunnellus, occurring in North Atlantic coastal regions: family Pholidae (gunnels). It has a slippery scaleless golden brown skin with a row of black spots along the base of the long dorsal fin   2 Also called: greenbone, (Māori) marari an edible reef fish, Coridodax pullus, of esp S New Zealand. It has a slippery purplish-grey to olive-green skin and is often found browsing on kelp

■ butterflies (ˈbʌtəˌflaIz)   pl n   informal tremors in the stomach region due to nervousness

■ butterfly (ˈbʌtəˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   1 any diurnal insect of the order Lepidoptera that has a slender body with clubbed antennae and typically rests with the wings (which are often brightly coloured) closed over the back. Compare moth. Related adjective: lepidopteran   2 a person who never settles with one group, interest, or occupation for long   3 a swimming stroke in which the arms are plunged forward together in large circular movements   4 commerce the simultaneous purchase and sale of traded call options, at different exercise prices or with different expiry dates, on a stock exchange or commodity market [Old English buttorflēoge; the name perhaps is based on a belief that butterflies stole milk and butter]

■ butterfly ballot   n   US a ballot paper in the form of two leaves extending from a central spine [C20: from its resemblance to a butterfly's wings]

■ butterfly bush   n   another name for buddleia

■ butterfly collar   n   the Irish name for wing collar

■ butterfly diagram   n   astronomy a graphical butterfly-shaped representation of the sunspot density on the solar disc in the 11-year sunspot cycle

■ butterfly effect   n   the idea, used in chaos theory, that a very small difference in the initial state of a physical system can make a significant difference to the state at some later time [C20: from the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world might ultimately cause a hurricane in another part of the world]

■ butterflyer (ˈbʌtəˌflaIə)   n   a swimmer who performs the butterfly stroke

■ butterflyfish   n   any small tropical marine percoid fish of the genera Chaetodon, Chelmon, etc, that has a deep flattened brightly coloured or strikingly marked body and brushlike teeth: family Chaetodontidae. See also angelfish (sense 1)

■ butterfly nut   n   another name for wing nut

■ butterfly valve   n   1 a disc that acts as a valve by turning about a diameter, esp one used as the throttle valve in a carburettor   2 a non-return valve consisting of two semicircular plates hinged about a common central spindle

■ butterfly weed   n   a North American asclepiadaceous plant, Asclepias tuberosa (or A. decumbens), having flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers. Also called: orange milkweed, pleurisy root

■ butterine (ˈbʌtəˌriːn, -rIn)   n   an artificial butter made partly from milk

■ butterless (ˈbʌtəlIs)   adj   without butter

■ buttermilk (ˈbʌtəˌmIlk)   n   the sourish liquid remaining after the butter has been separated from milk, often used for making scones and soda bread

■ butter muslin   n   a fine loosely woven cotton material originally used for wrapping butter

■ butternut (ˈbʌtəˌnʌt)   n   1 a walnut tree, Juglans cinerea of E North America. Compare black walnut   2 the oily edible egg-shaped nut of this tree   3 the hard brownish-grey wood of this tree   4 the bark of this tree or an extract from it, formerly used as a laxative   5 a brownish colour or dye   6 NZ short for butternut pumpkin   ▶ Also called (for senses 1–4): white walnut

■ butternut pumpkin   n   Austral a variety of pumpkin, eaten as vegetable. Also called (NZ): butternut

■ butternut squash   n   a variety of squash with brownish-yellow rind and orange flesh

■ butterscotch (ˈbʌtəˌskɒtʃ)   n   1 a kind of hard brittle toffee made with butter, brown sugar, etc   2    a a flavouring made from these ingredients   b (as modifier): butterscotch icing [C19: perhaps first made in Scotland, or perhaps from SCOTCH^1 (sense 3), 'to cut or score', because it was originally cut with a knife into small pieces]

■ butter tart   n   Canadian a kind of tart made with butter, brown sugar, and raisins

■ butter up   vb   (tr, adverb) to flatter

■ butterweed (ˈbʌtəˌwiːd)   n   a North American herbaceous plant, Senecio glabellus, with yellow flowers

■ butterwort (ˈbʌtəˌwɜːt)   n   a plant of the genus Pinguicula, esp P. vulgaris, that grows in wet places and has violet-blue spurred flowers and fleshy greasy glandular leaves on which insects are trapped and digested: family Lentibulariaceae

■ buttery (ˈbʌtərI)   adj   1 containing, like, or coated with butter   2 informal grossly or insincerely flattering; obsequious   > ˈbutteriness n

buttery (ˈbʌtərI)   n, pl -teries   1 a room for storing foods or wines   2 Brit (in some universities) a room in which food is supplied or sold to students [C14: from Anglo-French boterie, from Anglo-Latin buteria, probably from butta cask, BUTT^4]

Butterfield (ˈbʌtəˌfiːld)   n   William. 1814–1900, British architect of the Gothic Revival; his buildings include Keble College, Oxford (1870) and All Saints, Margaret Street, London (1849–59)

Buttermere (ˈbʌtəˌmIə)   n   a lake in NW England, in Cumbria, in the Lake District, southwest of Keswick. Length: 2 km (1.25 miles)

Butterworth (ˈbʌtəwəθ)   n   1  George. 1885–1916, British composer, noted for his interest in folk song and his settings of Housman's poems   2  Nick. born 1946, English writer and illustrator of children's books, many of which feature Percy, the animal-loving park keeper

buttle (ˈbʌtəl)   vb (intr)   to act as a butler

buttock (ˈbʌtək)   n   1 either of the two large fleshy masses of thick muscular tissue that form the human rump. See also gluteus. Related adjectives: gluteal, natal   2 the analogous part in some mammals [C13: perhaps from Old English buttuc round slope, diminutive of butt (unattested) strip of land; see BUTT^1, -OCK]

■ buttock-clenching   adj   informal making one tighten the buttocks through extreme fear or embarrassment: buttock-clenching embarrassment

button (ˈbʌtən)   n   1 a disc or knob of plastic, wood, etc, attached to a garment, etc, usually for fastening two surfaces together by passing it through a buttonhole or loop   2 a small round object, such as any of various sweets, decorations, or badges   3 a small disc that completes an electric circuit when pushed, as one that operates a doorbell or machine   4 a symbolic representation of a button on the screen of a computer that is notionally depressed by manipulating the mouse to initiate an action   5 biology any rounded knoblike part or organ, such as an unripe mushroom   6 fencing the protective knob fixed to the point of a foil   7 a small amount of metal, usually lead, with which gold or silver is fused, thus concentrating it during assaying   8 the piece of a weld that pulls out during the destructive testing of spot welds   9 rowing a projection around the loom of an oar that prevents it slipping through the rowlock   10 Brit an object of no value (esp in the phrase not worth a button)   11 slang intellect; mental capacity (in such phrases as a button short, to have all one's buttons, etc)   12 on the button informal exactly; precisely   ▷ vb   13 to fasten with a button or buttons   14 (tr) to provide with buttons   15 (tr) fencing to hit (an opponent) with the button of one's foil   16 button one's lip, button up one's lip, button one's mouth or button up one's mouth to stop talking: often imperative [C14: from Old French boton, from boter to thrust, butt, of Germanic origin; see BUTT^3]   > ˈbuttoner n   > ˈbuttonless adj   > ˈbuttony adj

■ buttonball (ˈbʌtənˌbɔːl)   n   US and Canadian a North American plane tree, Platanus occidentalis. See plane tree

■ buttonbush (ˈbʌtənbʊʃ)   n   a N American shrub of the genus Cephalanthus

■ button-down   adj   1 (of a collar) having points that are fastened to the garment with buttons   2 (of a shirt) having a button-down collar   3 Also: buttoned-down conventional or conservative: a button-down corporate culture

■ buttonhole (ˈbʌtənˌhəʊl)   n   1 a slit in a garment, etc, through which a button is passed to fasten two surfaces together   2 a flower or small bunch of flowers worn pinned to the lapel or in the buttonhole, esp at weddings, formal dances, etc. US name: boutonniere   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to detain (a person) in conversation. Also called: buttonhold   4 to make buttonholes in   5 to sew with buttonhole stitch

■ buttonholer (ˈbʌtənhəʊlə)   n   a person who buttonholes

■ buttonhole stitch   n   a reinforcing looped stitch for the edge of material, such as around a buttonhole

■ buttonhook (ˈbʌtənˌhʊk)   n   a thin tapering hooked instrument formerly used for pulling buttons through the buttonholes of gloves, shoes, etc

■ buttonmould (ˈbʌtənˌməʊld)   n   the small core of plastic, wood, or metal that is the base for buttons covered with fabric, leather, etc

■ button quail   n   any small quail-like terrestrial bird of the genus Turnix, such as T. sylvatica (striped button quail), occurring in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World: family Turnicidae, order Gruiformes (cranes, rails, etc). Also called: hemipode

■ buttons (ˈbʌtənz)   n   (functioning as singular) Brit informal a page boy

■ button-through   adj   (of a dress or skirt) fastened with buttons from top to hem

■ button tow   n   a kind of ski lift for one person consisting of a pole that has a circular plate at the bottom and is attached to a moving cable. The person places the pole between his or her legs so that the plate takes his or her weight

■ button up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to fasten (a garment) with a button or buttons   2 informal to conclude (business) satisfactorily   3 buttoned up slang taciturn; silent and somewhat tense

■ buttonwood (ˈbʌtənˌwʊd) or button tree   n   1 Also called: buttonball a North American plane tree, Platanus occidentalis. See plane tree   2 a small West Indian tree, Conocarpus erectus, with button-like fruits and heavy hard compact wood: family Combretaceae

buttress (ˈbʌtrIs)   n   1 Also called: pier a construction, usually of brick or stone, built to support a wall. See also flying buttress   2 any support or prop   3 something shaped like a buttress, such as a projection from a mountainside   4 either of the two pointed rear parts of a horse's hoof   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to support (a wall) with a buttress   6 to support or sustain [C13: from Old French bouterez, short for ars bouterez thrusting arch, from bouter to thrust, BUTT^3]

■ buttress root   n   a tree root that extends above ground as a platelike outgrowth of the trunk supporting the tree. Buttress roots are mainly found in trees of tropical rain forests

■ buttress thread   n   a screw thread having one flank that is vertical while the other is inclined, and a flat top and bottom: used in machine tools and designed to withstand heavy thrust in one direction

butty^1 (ˈbʌtI)   n, pl -ties   chiefly Northern English dialect a sandwich: a jam butty [C19: from buttered (bread)]

butty^2 (ˈbʌtI)   n, pl -ties   English dialect (esp in mining parlance) a friend or workmate [C19: perhaps from obsolete booty sharing, from BOOT^2, later applied to a middleman in a mine]

Butung (ˈbuːtʊŋ)   n   an island of Indonesia, southeast of Sulawesi: hilly and forested. Chief town: Baubau. Area: 4555 sq km (1759 sq miles)

butut (bʊˈtʊt)   n   a Gambian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a dalasi

butyl (ˈbjuːˌtaIl, -tIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing any of four isomeric forms of the group C_4H_9–: butyl rubber [C19: from BUT(YRIC ACID) + -YL]

■ butyl acetate   n   a colourless liquid with a fruity odour, existing in four isomeric forms. Three of the isomers are important solvents for cellulose lacquers. Formula: CH_3COOC_4H_9

■ butyl alcohol   n   another name for butanol

■ butylate (ˈbjʊtIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   chem to introduce butyl into (a compound)

■ butylation (ˈbjʊtIˌleIʃən)   n   chem the introduction of butyl into a compound

■ butylene (ˈbjuːtIˌliːn)   n   another name for butene

■ butyl rubber   n   a copolymer of isobutene and isoprene, used in tyres and as a waterproofing material

butyraceous (ˌbjuːtIˈreIʃəs)   adj   of, containing, or resembling butter [C17 butyr-, from Latin būtyrum BUTTER + -ACEOUS]

butyral (ˈbjuːtIˌræl)   n   a type of resin

butyraldehyde (ˌbjuːtIˈrældIˌhaId)   n   a colourless flammable pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins. Formula: CH_3(CH_2)2CHO [C20: from BUTYR(IC ACID) + ALDEHYDE]

butyrate (ˈbjuːtIˌreIt)   n   any salt or ester of butyric acid, containing the monovalent group C_3H_7COO- or ion C_3H_7COO–

butyric acid (bjuːˈtIrIk)   n   a carboxylic acid existing in two isomeric forms, one of which produces the smell in rancid butter. Its esters are used in flavouring. Formula: C_3(CH_2)2COOH [C19 butyric, from Latin būtyrum BUTTER]

butyrin (ˈbjuːtIrIn)   n   a colourless liquid ester or oil found in butter. It is formed from butyric acid and glycerine [C20: from BUTYR(IC ACID + GLYCER)IN(E)]

butyrophenone (bjuːˌtaIrəʊˈfiːnəʊn)   n   a drug used to treat psychiatric disorders

butyrous (ˈbjuːtIrəs)   adj   resembling butter; butyraceous

butyryl (ˈbjuːtIˌraIl)   n   a radical of butyric acid

buvette (buːˈvɛt)   n   a roadside café

buxom (ˈbʌksəm)   adj   1 (esp of a woman) healthily plump, attractive, and vigorous   2 (of a woman) full-bosomed [C12: buhsum compliant, pliant, from Old English būgan to bend, BOW^1; related to Middle Dutch būchsam pliant, German biegsam]   > ˈbuxomly adv   > ˈbuxomness n

Buxtehude (German bʊkstəˈhuːdə)   n   Dietrich (ˈdiːtrIç). 1637–1707, Danish composer and organist, resident in Germany from 1668, who influenced Bach and Handel

Buxton (ˈbʌkstən)   n   a town in N England, in NW Derbyshire in the Peak District: thermal springs. Pop: 20 836 (2001)

buy (baI)   vb buys, buying, bought (mainly tr)   1 to acquire by paying or promising to pay a sum of money or the equivalent; purchase   2 to be capable of purchasing: money can't buy love   3 to acquire by any exchange or sacrifice: to buy time by equivocation   4 (intr) to act as a buyer   5 to bribe or corrupt; hire by or as by bribery   6 slang to accept as true, practical, etc   7 (intr; foll by into) to purchase shares of (a company): we bought into General Motors   8 (tr) theol (esp of Christ) to ransom or redeem (a Christian or the soul of a Christian)   9 have bought it slang to be killed   ▷ n   10 a purchase (often in the phrases good or bad buy) [Old English bycgan; related to Old Norse byggja to let out, lend, Gothic bugjan to buy]

USAGE

The use of off after buy as in I bought this off my neighbour was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable in informal contexts

■ buyable (ˈbaIəbəl)   adj   available to be bought

■ buy-back (ˈbaIˌbæk)   n   commerce the repurchase by a company of some or all of its shares from an investor, who acquired them by putting venture capital into the company when it was formed

■ buyer (ˈbaIə)   n   1 a person who buys; purchaser; customer   2 a person employed to buy merchandise, materials, etc, as for a shop or factory

■ buyers' market   n   a market in which supply exceeds demand and buyers can influence prices

■ buy in   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to buy back for the owner (an item in an auction) at or below the reserve price   2 (intr) to purchase shares in a company   3 (intr) to buy goods or securities on the open market against a defaulting seller, charging this seller with any market differences   4 Also: buy into (tr) US informal to pay money to secure a position or place for (someone, esp oneself) in some organization, esp a business or club   5 to purchase (goods, etc) in large quantities: to buy in for the winter   ▷ n buy-in   6 the purchase of a company by a manager or group who does not work for that company

■ buying (ˈbaIIŋ)   n     a the action or an instance of purchasing something   b (as modifier): buying patterns

■ buy into   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to agree with or accept as valid (an argument, theory, etc)   2 Austral and NZ informal to get involved in (an argument, fight, etc)

■ buy off   vb   1 (tr, adverb) to pay (a person or group) to drop a charge, end opposition, relinquish a claim, etc   ▷ n buyoff   2 a purchase

■ buy out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to purchase the ownership, controlling interest, shares, etc, of (a company, etc)   2 to gain the release of (a person) from the armed forces by payment of money   3 to pay (a person) once and for all to give up (property, interest, etc)   ▷ n buyout   4 the purchase of a company, esp by its former management or staff. See also leveraged buyout, management buyout

■ buy-to-let   n   (modifier) of or relating to the practice of buying a property to let to tenants rather than to live in oneself: the buy-to-let boom

■ buy up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to purchase all, or all that is available, of (something)   2 commerce to purchase a controlling interest in (a company, etc), as by the acquisition of shares

Buys Ballot's law (baIs bəˈlɒts, bɔIs)   n   a law stating that if an observer stands with his or her back to the wind in the N hemisphere, atmospheric pressure is lower on his or her left, and vice versa in the S hemisphere [named after C. H. D. Buys Ballot (1817–90), Dutch meteorologist]

buzkashi (ˌbʊzˈkæʃI)   n   a game played in Afghanistan, in which opposing teams of horsemen strive for possession of the headless carcass of a goat

buzz (bʌz)   n   1 a rapidly vibrating humming sound, as that of a prolonged z or of a bee in flight   2 a low sound, as of many voices in conversation   3 a rumour; report; gossip   4 informal a telephone call: I'll give you a buzz   5 slang   a a pleasant sensation, as from a drug such as cannabis   b a sense of excitement; kick   ▷ vb   6 (intr) to make a vibrating sound like that of a prolonged z   7 (intr) to talk or gossip with an air of excitement or urgency: the town buzzed with the news   8 (tr) to utter or spread (a rumour)   9 (intr; often foll by about) to move around quickly and busily; bustle   10 (tr) to signal or summon with a buzzer   11 (tr) informal to call by telephone   12 (tr) informal   a to fly an aircraft very low over (an object): to buzz a ship   b to fly an aircraft very close to or across the path of (another aircraft), esp to warn or intimidate   13 (tr) (esp of insects) to make a buzzing sound with (wings, etc) [C16: of imitative origin]   > ˈbuzzing n, adj

■ buzzbait (ˈbʌzˌbeIt)   n   a fishing lure with small blades that stir the water

■ buzz bomb   n   another name for the V-1 [C20: from the sound of its engine]

■ buzzcut (ˈbʌzˌkʌt) or buzz cut   n   a very short haircut

■ buzzer (ˈbʌzə)   n   1 a person or thing that buzzes   2 a device that produces a buzzing sound, esp one similar to an electric bell without a hammer or gong   3 NZ a wood planing machine

■ buzz in   vb   (tr, adverb) informal to admit (someone) to a building by activating an electronically controlled door

■ buzzingly (ˈbʌzIŋlI)   adv   in a buzzing manner

■ buzzkill (ˈbʌzˌkIl) or buzzkiller (ˈbʌzˌkIlə)   n   slang someone or something that stops people from enjoying themselves

■ buzz off   vb   (intr, adverb; often imperative) informal, chiefly Brit to go away; leave; depart

■ buzz phrase   n   informal a phrase that comes into vogue in the same way as a buzz word

■ buzz saw or buzzsaw   n   US and Canadian a power-operated circular saw

■ buzzwig (ˈbʌzˌwIɡ)   n   a bushy wig

■ buzz word or buzzword   n   informal a word, often originating in a particular jargon, that becomes a vogue word in the community as a whole or among a particular group

■ buzzy (ˈbʌzI)   adj -zier, -ziest   1 having an atmosphere of excitement or anticipation   2 making a buzzing sound

buzzard (ˈbʌzəd)   n   1 any diurnal bird of prey of the genus Buteo, typically having broad wings and tail and a soaring flight: family Accipitridae (hawks, etc). Compare honey buzzard, turkey buzzard   2 a mean or cantankerous person [C13: from Old French buisard, variant of buison buzzard, from Latin būteō hawk, falcon]

bv   the internet domain name for   Bouvet Island

BV   abbreviation for   1 Beata Virgo   2 bene vale [(for sense 1) Latin: Blessed Virgin; (for sense 2) Latin: farewell]

BVA   abbreviation for   British Veterinary Association

BVM   abbreviation for   Beata Virgo Maria [Latin: Blessed Virgin Mary]

bw   the internet domain name for   Botswana

BW   abbreviation for   1 biological warfare   2 Botswana (international car registration)

B/W photog   abbreviation for   black and white

bwana (ˈbwɑːnə)   n   (in E Africa) a master, often used as a respectful form of address corresponding to sir [Swahili, from Arabic abūna our father]

BWD text messaging   abbreviation for   backward

BWG   abbreviation for   Birmingham Wire Gauge: a notation for the diameters of metal rods, ranging from 0 (0.340 inch) to 36 (0.004 inch)

BWR   abbreviation for   boiling-water reactor

BWV music   abbreviation for   Bach Werke-Verzeichnis: indicating the serial number in the catalogue of the works of J. S. Bach made by Wolfgang Schmieder (1901–1990), published in 1950

bx   abbreviation for   box

by^1 (baI)   prep   1 used to indicate the agent after a passive verb: seeds eaten by the birds   2 used to indicate the person responsible for a creative work: this song is by Schubert   3 via; through: enter by the back door   4 followed by a gerund to indicate a means used: he frightened her by hiding behind the door   5 beside; next to; near: a tree by the house   6 passing the position of; past: he drove by the old cottage   7 not later than; before: return the books by Tuesday   8 used to indicate extent, after a comparative: it is hotter by five degrees than it was yesterday   9 (esp in oaths) invoking the name of: I swear by all the gods   10 multiplied by: four by three equals twelve   11 (in habitual sentences) during the passing of (esp in the phrases by day, by night)   12 placed between measurements of the various dimensions of something: a plank fourteen inches by seven   ▷ adv   13 near: the house is close by   14 away; aside: he put some money by each week for savings   15 passing a point near something; past: he drove by   16 Scot past; over and done with: that's all by now   17 Scot aside; behind one: you should put that by for later   ▷ n, pl byes   18 a variant spelling of bye^1 [Old English bī; related to Gothic bi, Old High German bī, Sanskrit abhi to, towards]

■ by and by   adv   1 presently or eventually   ▷ n by-and-by   2 US and Canadian a future time or occasion

■ by and large   adv   in general; on the whole [C17: originally nautical (meaning: to the wind and off it)]

■ by-bidder   n   a bidder at an auction who bids up the price of an item for the benefit of a seller

■ by-blow   n   1 a passing or incidental blow   2 archaic an illegitimate child

■ by-catch   n   unwanted fish and other sea animals caught in a fishing net along with the desired kind of fish

■ by-election or bye-election   n   1 (in the United Kingdom and other countries of the Commonwealth) an election held during the life of a parliament to fill a vacant seat in the lower chamber   2 (in the US) a special election to fill a vacant elective position with an unexpired term

■ by-form   n   a subsidiary or variant form

■ bygone (ˈbaIˌɡɒn)   adj   1 (usually prenominal) past; former   ▷ n   2 (often plural) a past occurrence   3 (often plural) an artefact, implement, etc, of former domestic or industrial use, now often collected for interest   4 let bygones be bygones to agree to forget past quarrels

■ bylane (ˈbaIˌleIn)   n   a side lane or alley off a road

■ bylaw or bye-law (ˈbaIˌlɔː)   n   1 a rule made by a local authority for the regulation of its affairs or management of the area it governs   2 a regulation of a company, society, etc   3 a subsidiary law [C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse bӯr dwelling, town; see BOWER^1, LAW^1]

■ byline (ˈbaIˌlaIn)   n   1 journalism a line under the title of a newspaper or magazine article giving the author's name   2 soccer another word for touchline

■ byliner (ˈbaIˌlaInə)   n   a writer whose work is accompanied by a by-line

■ byname (ˈbaIˌneIm)   n   1 a name that is additional to a person's main name, such as a surname   2 a familiar, pet, or derisory name given to a person, animal, or place

■ by numbers   adj   informal done in an uninspired, simplistic, or formulaic way [C20: from painting by numbers, a method of painting a picture in which the colours to be used are indicated by numbers]

■ bypass (ˈbaIˌpɑːs)   n   1 a main road built to avoid a city or other congested area   2 any system of pipes or conduits for redirecting the flow of a liquid   3 a means of redirecting the flow of a substance around an appliance through which it would otherwise pass   4 surgery   a the redirection of blood flow, either to avoid a diseased blood vessel or in order to perform heart surgery. See coronary bypass   b (as modifier): bypass surgery   5 electronics   a an electrical circuit, esp one containing a capacitor, connected in parallel around one or more components, providing an alternative path for certain frequencies   b (as modifier): a bypass capacitor   ▷ vb -passes, -passing, -passed or -past (tr)   6 to go around or avoid (a city, obstruction, problem, etc)   7 to cause (traffic, fluid, etc) to go through a bypass   8 to proceed without reference to (regulations, a superior, etc); get round; avoid

■ bypass engine   n   a gas turbine in which a part of the compressor delivery bypasses the combustion zone, flowing directly into or around the main exhaust gas flow to provide additional thrust. Compare turbofan

■ bypass ratio   n   aeronautics the ratio of the amount of air that bypasses the combustion chambers of an aircraft gas turbine to that passing through them

■ bypath (ˈbaIˌpɑːθ)   n   a little-used path or track, esp in the country

■ byplace (ˈbaIˌpleIs)   n   a private place

■ by-play   n   secondary action or talking carried on apart while the main action proceeds, esp in a play

■ by-product   n   1 a secondary or incidental product of a manufacturing process   2 a side effect

■ byroad (ˈbaIˌrəʊd)   n   a secondary or side road

■ byroom (baIˈrʊm)   n   a private room

■ bystander (ˈbaIˌstændə)   n   a person present but not involved; onlooker; spectator

■ bystreet (ˈbaIˌstriːt)   n   an obscure or secondary street

■ bytalk (ˈbaIˌtɔːk)   n   trivial conversation

■ byway (ˈbaIˌweI)   n   1 a secondary or side road, esp in the country   2 an area, field of study, etc, that is very obscure or of secondary importance

■ bywoner (ˈbaIˌwəʊnə, ˈbaIˌvəʊnə)   n   South African a poor tenant farmer

■ byword (ˈbaIˌwɜːd)   n   1 a person, place, or thing regarded as a perfect or proverbial example of something: their name is a byword for good service   2 an object of scorn or derision   3 a common saying; proverb [Old English bīwyrde; see BY, WORD; compare Old High German pīwurti, from Latin prōverbium proverb]

■ bywork (ˈbaIˌwɜːk)   n   obsolete work done outside usual working hours

■ by-your-leave   n   a request for permission (esp in the phrase without so much as a by-your-leave)

by^2   the internet domain name for   Belarus

by- or bye-   prefix   1 near: bystander   2 secondary or incidental: by-effect; by-election; bypath; by-product [from BY]

Byam Shaw (ˈbaIəm ʃɔː)   n   Glen Alexander. 1904–81, British actor and theatre director; director of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre (1953–59)

Byatt (ˈbaIət)   n   Dame A(ntonia) S(usan). born 1936, British novelist; her books include The Virgin in the Garden (1978), Possession (1990), and A Whistling Woman (2002)

bycoket (ˈbaIkɒkIt)   n   obsolete a type of high-crowned hat

byde (bəId)   vb   Scot a variant spelling of bide

Bydgoszcz (Polish ˈbIdɡɔʃtʃ)   n   an industrial city and port in N Poland: under Prussian rule from 1772 to 1919. Pop: 579 000 (2005 est). German name: Bromberg

bye^1 (baI)   n   1 sport the situation in which a player or team in an eliminatory contest wins a preliminary round by virtue of having no opponent   2 golf one or more holes of a stipulated course that are left unplayed after the match has been decided   3 cricket a run scored off a ball not struck by the batsman: allotted to the team as an extra and not to the individual batsman. See also leg bye   4 something incidental or secondary   5 by the bye incidentally; by the way: used as a sentence connector [C16: a variant of BY]

bye^2 or bye-bye   sentence substitute   Brit informal goodbye

■ bye-byes   n   (functioning as singular) an informal word, used esp to children, for sleep: go to bye-byes

Byelgorod-Dnestrovski   n   a variant spelling of Belgorod-Dnestrovski

Byelorussia or Byelorussian Republic   n   a variant spelling of Belarus

■ Byelorussian   adj, n   a variant spelling of Belarussian

Byelostok (bjIlaˈstɔk)   n   a Russian name for Białystok

Byelovo or Belovo (Russian ˈbjɛləvə)   n   a city in W central Russia. Pop: 65 000 (2005 est)

byke (bəIk, baIk)   n   Scot a variant spelling of bike^2

Byng (bIŋ)   n   1  George, Viscount Torrington. 1663–1733, British admiral: defeated fleet of James Edward Stuart, the Old Pretender, off Scotland (1708); defeated Spanish fleet off Messina (1717)   2  his son John. 1704–57, English admiral: executed after failing to relieve Minorca   3  Julian Hedworth George, 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy. 1862–1935, British general in World War I; governor general of Canada (1921–26)

BYO   n   Austral and NZ an unlicensed restaurant at which diners may drink their own wine, etc [C20: from the phrase bring your own]

BYOB   abbreviation for   1 bring your own beer   2 bring your own booze   3 bring your own bottle

BYOD   abbreviation for   bring your own device: the practice of bringing personally owned electronic communication devices to one's workplace or educational institution to use for work or educational purposes

Byrd (bɜːd)   n   1  Richard Evelyn. 1888–1957, US rear admiral, aviator, and polar explorer   2  William. 1543–1623, English composer and organist, noted for his madrigals, masses, and music for virginals

■ Byrd Land   n   a part of Antarctica, east of the Ross Ice Shelf and the Ross Sea: claimed for the US by Admiral Richard E. Byrd in 1929, though all claims are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. Former name: Marie Byrd Land

Byrds (bɜːdz)   pl n   the. US folk-rock and country-rock group (1964–73), noted for their vocal harmonies and 12-string guitar sound. Their albums include Mr. Tambourine Man (1965), Younger Than Yesterday (1967), and Sweetheart of the Rodeo (1968)

byre (baIə)   n   Brit a shelter for cows [Old English bӯre; related to būr hut, cottage; see BOWER^1]

■ byreman (ˈbaIəmən)   n, pl -men Brit   a man who works in a byre

■ byrewoman (ˈbaIəˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   Brit a woman who works in a byre

byrlady (bəˈleIdI)   interj   dialect a mild oath

byrlakin (bəˈleIkIn)   interj   obsolete a mild oath

byrnie (ˈbɜːnI)   n   an archaic word for coat of mail [Old English byrne; related to Old Norse brynja, Gothic brunjō, Old High German brunnia coat of mail, Old Irish bruinne breast]

Byron (ˈbaIərən)   n   George Gordon, 6th Baron. 1788–1824, British Romantic poet, noted also for his passionate and disastrous love affairs. His major works include Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (1812–18), and Don Juan (1819–24). He spent much of his life abroad and died while fighting for Greek independence   > Byronic (baIˈrɒnIk) adj   > Byˈronically adv   > ˈByronˌism n

byssinosis (ˌbIsIˈnəʊsIs)   n   a lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of fibre dust in textile factories [C19: from New Latin, from Greek bussinos of linen (see BYSSUS) + -OSIS]

byssus (ˈbIsəs)   n, pl byssuses or byssi (ˈbIsaI)   a mass of strong threads secreted by a sea mussel or similar mollusc that attaches the animal to a hard fixed surface [C17: from Latin, from Greek bussos linen, flax, ultimately of Egyptian origin]

■ byssaceous (bIˈseIʃəs) or byssoid (ˈbIsɔId)   adj   botany consisting of fine threads

■ byssal (ˈbIsəl)   adj   relating to the byssus of molluscs

■ byssine (ˈbIsIn)   adj   made from fine flax

byte (baIt)   n computing   1 a group of bits, usually eight, processed as a single unit of data   2 the storage space in a memory or other storage device that is allocated to such a group of bits   3 a subdivision of a word [C20: probably a blend of BIT^4 + BITE]

Bytom (Polish ˈbItɔm)   n   an industrial city in SW Poland, in Upper Silesia: under Prussian and German rule from 1742 to 1945. Pop: 185 793 (2007 est). German name: Beuthen

bytownite (ˈbaIˌtaʊnaIt)   n   a rare plagioclase found in alkaline igneous rocks

Byzantium (bIˈzæntIəm, baI-)   n   an ancient Greek city on the Bosporus: founded about 660 BC; rebuilt by Constantine I in 330 AD and called Constantinople; present-day Istanbul

■ Byzantine (bIˈzænˌtaIn, -ˌtiːn, baI-, ˈbIzənˌtiːn, -ˌtaIn)   adj   1 of, characteristic of, or relating to Byzantium or the Byzantine Empire   2 of, relating to, or characterizing the Orthodox Church or its rites and liturgy   3 of or relating to the highly coloured stylized form of religious art developed in the Byzantine Empire   4 of or relating to the style of architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire, characterized by massive domes with square bases, rounded arches, spires and minarets, and the extensive use of mosaics   5 denoting the Medieval Greek spoken in the Byzantine Empire   6 (of attitudes, etc) inflexible or complicated   ▷ n   7 an inhabitant of Byzantium   > Byzantinism (bIˈzæntaIˌnIzəm, -tiː, baI-, ˈbIzəntiːˌnIzəm, -taI-) n

■ Byzantine Church   n   another name for the Orthodox Church

■ Byzantine Empire   n   the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, esp after the deposition of the last emperor in Rome (476 AD). It was finally extinguished by the fall of Constantinople, its capital, in 1453. See also Eastern Roman Empire

bz   the internet domain name for   Belize

Bz or Bz.   abbreviation for   benzene

Cc

c or C (siː)   n, pl c's, C's or Cs   1 the third letter and second consonant of the modern English alphabet   2 a speech sound represented by this letter, in English usually either a voiceless alveolar fricative, as in cigar, or a voiceless velar stop, as in case   3 the third in a series, esp the third highest grade in an examination   4    a something shaped like a C   b (in combination): a C-spring

c   symbol for   1 centi-   2 cubic   3 cycle   4 maths constant   5 specific heat capacity   6 the speed of light and other types of electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum   7 chess See algebraic notation

C   symbol for   1 music   a a note having a frequency of 261.63 hertz (middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the first degree of a major scale containing no sharps or flats (C major)   b a key, string, or pipe producing this note   c the major or minor key having this note as its tonic   d a time signature denoting four crotchet beats to the bar. See also alla breve (sense 2), common time   2 chem carbon   3 biochem cytosine   4 capacitance   5 heat capacity   6 cold (water)   7 physics compliance   8 Celsius   9 centigrade   10 century: C21   11 coulomb   12 (Roman numeral) 100. See Roman numerals   ▷ abbreviation for   13 Cuba (international car registration)   ▷ n   14 a computer programming language combining the advantages of a high-level language with the ability to address the computer at a level comparable with that of an assembly language

■ C1   n     a a person whose job is supervisory or clerical, or who works in junior management   b (as adjective): C1 worker. See also occupation groupings

■ C2   n     a a skilled manual worker, or a manual worker with responsibility for other people   b (as adjective): C2 worker. See also occupation groupings

■ C3 or C-3   adj   1 in poor health or having a poor physique   2 informal inferior; worthless   ▶ Compare A1

■ C4   n   US a type of plastic explosive [C20: from C(omposition) 4]

■ C clef   n   music a symbol (), placed at the beginning of the staff, establishing middle C as being on its centre line. See alto clef, soprano clef, tenor clef

■ C horizon   n   the layer of a soil profile immediately below the B horizon and above the bedrock, composed of weathered rock little affected by soil-forming processes

■ C in C or C.-in-C. military   abbreviation for   Commander in Chief

■ C of E   abbreviation for   Church of England

■ C of I   abbreviation for   Church of Ireland

■ C of S   abbreviation for   1 Chief of Staff   2 Church of Scotland

■ C rations or C-rations   pl n   tinned food formerly issued in packs to US soldiers [C20: C(ombat) rations]

■ C-spanner   n   a sickle-shaped spanner having a projection at the end of the curve, used for turning large narrow nuts that have an indentation into which the projection on the spanner fits

■ c-word   n   the c-word (sometimes capital) a euphemistic way of referring to the taboo word cunt

c.   abbreviation for   1 carat   2 cricket caught   3 cent(s)   4 century or centuries   5 (used esp preceding a date) circa: c. 1800 [(for sense 5) Latin: about]

C.   abbreviation for   1 (on maps as part of name) Cape   2 Catholic   3 Celtic   4 Conservative   5 Corps

c/- Austral   abbreviation for (in addresses)   care of

C-   abbreviation for (of US military aircraft)   cargo transport: C-5

(c)   symbol for   copyright

©   symbol for   copyright

ca   the internet domain name for   Canada

Ca   the chemical symbol for   calcium

CA   abbreviation for   1 California   2 Central America   3 chartered accountant   4 chief accountant   5 consular agent   6 (in Britain) Consumers' Association

ca.   abbreviation for   circa [Latin: about]

C/A   abbreviation for   1 capital account   2 credit account   3 current account

caa^1 or ca' (kɔː)   vb, n   a Scot word for call

caa^2 or ca' (kɔː)   vb Scot   1 to drive or propel   2 to knock   3 caa canny or ca' canny to proceed cautiously; go slow   4 caa the feet frae or ca' the feet frae to send (a person) sprawling

CAA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Civil Aviation Authority

Caaba (ˈkɑːbə)   n   a variant spelling of Kaaba

caatinga (kɑːˈtIŋɡə)   n   a Brazilian semi-arid scrub forest [C19: from Tupi ka’a tinga white forest]

cab^1 (kæb)   n   1    a a taxi   b (as modifier): a cab rank   2 the enclosed compartment of a lorry, locomotive, crane, etc, from which it is driven or operated   3 (formerly) a light horse-drawn vehicle used for public hire   4 first cab off the rank Austral informal the first person, etc, to do or take advantage of something [C19: shortened from CABRIOLET]

■ cabbie or cabby (ˈkæbI)   n, pl -bies   informal a cab driver

■ cabdriver (ˈkæbˌdraIvə)   n   a taxi driver

■ cabman (ˈkæbmən)   n, pl -men   the driver of a cab

■ cabover (ˈkæbˌəʊvə)   adj   of or denoting a truck or lorry in which the cab is over the engine

■ cab rank rule   n   Brit the rule that obliges barristers to take on any client in strict rotation [C20: from the idea of a queue of taxis, each taking the first customer who comes along]

■ cabstand (ˈkæbˌstænd)   n   a taxi rank

cab^2 or kab (kæb)   n   an ancient Hebrew measure equal to about 2.3 litres (4 pints) [C16: from Hebrew qabh container, something hollowed out]

CAB   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Citizens' Advice Bureau   2 (in the US) Civil Aeronautics Board

cabal (kəˈbæl)   n   1 a small group of intriguers, esp one formed for political purposes   2 a secret plot, esp a political one; conspiracy; intrigue   3 a secret or exclusive set of people; clique   ▷ vb -bals, -balling, -balled (intr)   4 to form a cabal; conspire; plot [C17: from French cabale, from Medieval Latin cabala; see CABBALA]

■ caballer (kəˈbælə)   n   a person who cabals

Cabal (kəˈbæl)   n   the Cabal English history a group of ministers of Charles II that governed from 1667–73: consisting of Clifford, Ashley, Buckingham, Arlington, and Lauderdale [see KABBALAH; by a coincidence, the initials of Charles II's ministers can be arranged to form this word]

cabala (kəˈbɑːlə)   n   a variant spelling of kabbalah   > cabalism (ˈkæbəˌlIzəm) n   > ˈcabalist n   > ˌcabaˈlistic or ˌcabaˈlistical adj

cabaletta (ˌkæbəˈlɛtə)   n   1 a short aria with a repetitive rhythm   2 the final section of an aria, having a fast pace and a uniform rhythm [c19: from Italian, probably from coboletta, diminutive of cobola stanza, from Latin cōpula a bond; see COPULA]

Caballé (Spanish kaβaˈʎe)   n   Montserrat (monserˈrat). born 1933, Spanish operatic soprano

caballero (ˌkæbəˈljɛərəʊ; Spanish kaβaˈʎero)   n, pl -ros (-rəʊz; Spanish -ros)   1 a Spanish gentleman   2 a southwestern US word for horseman [C19: from Spanish: gentleman, horseman, from Late Latin caballārius rider, groom, from caballus horse; compare CAVALIER]

caballine (ˈkæbəlaIn)   adj   pertaining to a horse

cabana (kəˈbɑːnə)   n   chiefly US a tent used as a dressing room by the sea [from Spanish cabaña: CABIN]

cabaret (ˈkæbəˌreI)   n   1 a floor show of dancing, singing, or other light entertainment at a nightclub or restaurant   2 chiefly US a nightclub or restaurant providing such entertainment [C17: from Norman French: tavern, probably from Late Latin camera an arched roof, CHAMBER]

cabas (ˈkæbɑː)   n   a small ladies' bag [C18: from French]

cabbage^1 (ˈkæbIdʒ)   n   1 Also called: cole any of various cultivated varieties of the plant Brassica oleracea capitata, typically having a short thick stalk and a large head of green or reddish edible leaves: family Brassicaceae (crucifers). See also brassica, savoy. Compare skunk cabbage, Chinese cabbage   2 wild cabbage a European plant, Brassica oleracea, with broad leaves and a long spike of yellow flowers: the plant from which the cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprout have been bred   3    a the head of a cabbage   b the edible leaf bud of the cabbage palm   4 informal a dull or unimaginative person   5 informal, offensive a person with severely impaired mental and physical ability who is dependent on others for his or her subsistence [C14: from Norman French caboche head; perhaps related to Old French boce hump, bump, Latin caput head]

■ cabbage bug   n   another name for the harlequin bug

■ cabbage lettuce   n   any of several varieties of lettuce that have roundish flattened heads resembling cabbages

■ cabbage moth   n   a common brownish noctuid moth, Mamestra brassicae, the larva of which is destructive of cabbages and other plants

■ cabbage palm or cabbage tree   n   1 a West Indian palm, Roystonea (or Oreodoxa) oleracea, whose leaf buds are eaten like cabbage   2 a similar Brazilian palm, Euterpe oleracea   3 an Australian palm tree, Livistona australis   4 any of several plants of the genus Cordyline, grown as ornamentals: family Agavaceae

■ cabbage palmetto   n   a tropical American fan palm, Sabal palmetto, with edible leaf buds and leaves used in thatching

■ cabbage root fly   n   a dipterous fly, Erioischia brassicae, whose larvae feed on the roots and stems of cabbages and other brassicas: family Muscidae (houseflies, etc)

■ cabbage rose   n   a rose, Rosa centifolia, with a round compact full-petalled head

■ Cabbagetown (ˈkæbIdʒˌtaʊn)   n   a former slum area of Toronto, now known for its Victorian architecture and thriving arts community

■ cabbage tree   n   1 Also called: ti a tree, Cordyline australis, of New Zealand having a tall branchless trunk and a palmlike top   2 any of several other similar trees of the genus Cordyline

■ cabbage white   n   any large white butterfly of the genus Pieris, esp the Eurasian species P. brassicae, the larvae of which feed on the leaves of cabbages and related vegetables: family Pieridae

■ cabbageworm (ˈkæbIdʒˌwɜːm)   n   US any caterpillar that feeds on cabbages, esp that of the cabbage white

■ cabbagey (ˈkæbədʒI) or cabbagy   adj   resembling a cabbage

cabbage^2 (ˈkæbIdʒ) Brit slang   n   1 snippets of cloth appropriated by a tailor from a customer's material   ▷ vb   2 to steal; pilfer [C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old French cabas theft]

cabbala (kəˈbɑːlə)   n   a variant spelling of kabbalah   > cabbalism (ˈkæbəˌlIzəm) n   > ˈcabbalist n   > ˌcabbaˈlistic or ˌcabbaˈlistical adj

CABE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

caber (ˈkeIbə; Scottish ˈkebər)   n   Scot a heavy section of trimmed tree trunk thrown in competition at Highland games (tossing the caber) [C16: from Gaelic cabar pole]

cabernet (ˈkæbəneI)   n   1 a type of grape   2 the red wine made from this grape [C19: French]

■ Cabernet Sauvignon (ˈkæbəneI ˈsəʊvInjɒn; French kabɛrnɛ soviɲɔ̃)   n (sometimes not capitals)   1 a black grape originally grown in the Bordeaux area of France, and now throughout the wine-producing world   2 any of various red wines made from this grape

cabestro (kəˈbɛstrəʊ; Spanish kaˈbestrɔ)   n   a halter made from horsehair [Spanish, from cabeza head; see CABEZON]

cabezon (ˈkæbIzɒn) or cabezone (ˈkæbIˌzəʊn)   n   a large food fish, Scorpaenichthys marmoratus, of North American Pacific coastal waters, having greenish flesh: family Cottidae (bullheads and sea scorpions) [Spanish, from cabeza head, ultimately from Latin caput]

cabildo (kəˈbIldəʊ; Spanish kaˈbIldo)   n   a municipal council, or a town hall, in Latin America [C19: from Spanish, from Latin capitulum little head, chapter, from caput head]

Cabimas (Spanish kaˈβimas)   n   a town in NW Venezuela, on the NE shore of Lake Maracaibo. Pop: 284 000 (2005 est)

cabin (ˈkæbIn)   n   1 a small simple dwelling; hut   2 a simple house providing accommodation for travellers or holiday-makers at a motel or holiday camp   3 a room used as an office or living quarters in a ship   4 a covered compartment used for shelter or living quarters in a small boat   5 (in a warship) the compartment or room reserved for the commanding officer   6 Brit another name for signal box   7    a the enclosed part of a light aircraft in which the pilot and passengers sit   b the part of an airliner in which the passengers are carried   c the section of an aircraft used for cargo   ▷ vb   8 to confine in a small space [C14: from Old French cabane, from Old Provençal cabana, from Late Latin capanna hut]

■ cabin boy   n   a boy who waits on the officers and passengers of a ship

■ cabin class   n   a class of accommodation on a passenger ship between first class and tourist class

■ cabin cruiser   n   a power boat fitted with a cabin and comforts for pleasure cruising or racing

■ cabin fever   n   chiefly Canadian acute depression resulting from being isolated or sharing cramped quarters in the wilderness, esp during the long northern winter

■ cabinmate (ˈkæbInˌmeIt)   n   a person with whom one shares a cabin

Cabinda (kəˈbiːndə)   n   an exclave of Angola, separated from the rest of the country by part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pop: about 300 000 (2002 est). Area: 7270 sq km (2807 sq miles)

cabinet (ˈkæbInIt)   n   1    a a piece of furniture containing shelves, cupboards, or drawers for storage or display   b (as modifier): cabinet teak   2 the outer case of a television, radio, etc   3    a (often capital) the executive and policy-making body of a country, consisting of all government ministers or just the senior ministers   b (sometimes capital) an advisory council to a president, sovereign, governor, etc   c (as modifier): a cabinet reshuffle; a cabinet minister   4    a a standard size of paper, 6 × 4 inches (15 × 10 cm) or 6^1⁄2 × 4^1⁄4 inches (16.5 × 10.5 cm), for mounted photographs   b (as modifier): a cabinet photograph   5 printing an enclosed rack for holding cases of type, etc   6 archaic a private room   7 (modifier) suitable in size, value, decoration, etc, for a display cabinet: a cabinet edition of Shakespeare   8 (modifier) (of a drawing or projection of a three-dimensional object) constructed with true horizontal and vertical representation of scale but with oblique distances reduced to about half scale to avoid the appearance of distortion   9 (modifier) (of a wine) specially selected and usually rare [C16: from Old French, diminutive of cabine, of uncertain origin]

■ cabinet beetle   n   See dermestid

■ cabinet-maker   n   a craftsman specializing in the making of fine furniture   > ˈcabinet-ˌmaking n

■ cabinet pudding   n   a steamed suet pudding containing dried fruit

■ cabinetry (ˈkæbInItrI)   n   cabinets collectively

■ cabinetwork (ˈkæbInItˌwɜːk)   n   1 the making of furniture, esp of fine quality   2 an article made by a cabinet-maker

cable (ˈkeIbəl)   n   1 a strong thick rope, usually of twisted hemp or steel wire   2 nautical an anchor chain or rope   3    a a unit of distance in navigation, equal to one tenth of a sea mile (about 600 feet)   b Also called: cable length, cable's length a unit of length in nautical use that has various values, including 100 fathoms (600 feet)   4 a wire or bundle of wires that conducts electricity: a submarine cable. See also coaxial cable   5 Also called: overseas telegram, international telegram, cablegram a telegram sent abroad by submarine cable, radio, communications satellite, or by telephone line   6 See cable stitch   7 short for cable television   ▷ vb   8 to send (a message) to (someone) by cable   9 (tr) to fasten or provide with a cable or cables   10 (tr) to supply (a place) with or link (a place) to cable television [C13: from Old Norman French, from Late Latin capulum halter]

■ cable car   n   1 a cabin suspended from and moved by an overhead cable in a mountain area   2 a cableway   3 a passenger car on a cable railway

■ cablecast (ˈkeIbəlˌkɑːst)   n   1 the transmission of a TV programme via a cable system   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to transmit (a TV programme) via a cable system

■ cablecasting (ˈkeIbəlˌkɑːstIŋ)   adj   relating to broadcasting by cable

■ cablegram (ˈkeIbəlˌɡræm)   n   a more formal name for cable (sense 5)

■ cable-knit   adj   knitted using the cable stitch

■ cable-laid   adj   (of a rope) made of three plain-laid ropes twisted together in a left-handed direction

■ cable-laying   adj   involved in or connected to the activity of laying cables: a cable-laying ship

■ cabler (ˈkeIbələ)   n   a cable broadcasting company

■ cable railway   n   a railway on which individual cars are drawn along by a strong cable or metal chain operated by a stationary motor

■ cable release   n   a short length of flexible cable, used to operate the shutter of a camera without shaking it

■ cable-stayed bridge   n   a type of suspension bridge in which the supporting cables are connected directly to the bridge deck without the use of suspenders

■ cable stitch   n     a a pattern or series of knitting stitches producing a design like a twisted rope   b (as modifier): a cable-stitch sweater. Sometimes shortened to: cable

■ cablet (ˈkeIblIt)   n   a small cable, esp a cable-laid rope that has a circumference of less than 25 centimetres (ten inches)

■ cable television or cablevision (ˈkeIbəlˌvIʒən)   n   a television service in which programmes are distributed to subscribers' televisions by cable rather than by broadcast transmission

■ cableway (ˈkeIbəlˌweI)   n   a system for moving people or bulk materials in which suspended cars, buckets, etc, run on cables that extend between terminal towers

■ cabling (ˈkeIblIŋ)   n   1 a group or system of electrical cables, esp for telecommunications or computing   2 the action of equipping a place with cabling

cabob (kəˈbɒb)   n   a variant of kebab

caboc (ˈkæbək)   n   a Scottish cheese made with double cream and rolled in toasted oatmeal [C15: from Gaelic cabag cheese]

caboceer (ˌkæbəʊˈsIə)   n   (formerly) an African native appointed by his leader to supply European slave traders with slaves [C17: from Portuguese cabeceiro headman, from cabeça head, from Latin caput]

caboched (kəˈbɒʃt)   adj   heraldry (of an image of the head of a beast) having an exposed face but a concealed neck [C18: from Old Norman French caboche head; see CABBAGE1]

cabochon (ˈkæbəˌʃɒn; French kabɔʃɔ̃)   n   a smooth domed gem, polished but unfaceted [C16: from Old French, from Old Norman French caboche head; see CABBAGE^1]

cabomba (kəˈbɒmbə)   n   any of several aquatic plants of the genus Cabomba of the family Cabombaceae, having both submerged and floating leaves [New Latin, from Spanish]

caboodle (kəˈbuːdəl)   n   informal a lot, bunch, or group (esp in the phrases the whole caboodle, the whole kit and caboodle) [C19: probably contraction of KIT^1 and BOODLE]

caboose (kəˈbuːs)   n   1 US informal short for calaboose   2 railways, US and Canadian a guard's van, esp one with sleeping and eating facilities for the train crew   3 nautical   a a deckhouse for a galley aboard ship or, formerly in Canada, on a lumber raft   b chiefly Brit the galley itself   4 Canadian   a a mobile bunkhouse used by lumbermen, etc   b an insulated cabin on runners, equipped with a stove [C18: from Dutch cabūse, of unknown origin]

Cabora Bassa (kəˈbɔːrə ˈbæsə)   n   the site on the Zambezi River in N Mozambique of the largest dam in southern Africa

Cabot (ˈkæbət)   n   1  John Italian name Giovanni Caboto. 1450–98, Italian explorer, who landed in North America in 1497, under patent from Henry VII of England, and explored the coast from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland   2  his son, Sebastian. ?1476–1557, Italian navigator and cartographer, who served the English and Spanish crowns: explored the La Plata region of Brazil (1526–30)

cabotage (ˈkæbəˌtɑːʒ)   n   1 nautical coastal navigation or shipping, esp within the borders of one country   2 reservation to a country's carriers of its internal traffic, esp air traffic [C19: from French, from caboter to sail near the coast, apparently from Spanish cabo CAPE^2]

Cabo Verde (ˌkɑːbəʊ ˈvɜːdeI; Portuguese ˈkabu ˈverdə)   n   the Portuguese name for Cape Verde

Cabral (Portuguese kəˈbral)   n   Pedro Álvares (ˈpɛːdru ˈɑlvərəʃ). ?1460–?1526, Portuguese navigator: discovered and took possession of Brazil for Portugal in 1500

cabré (ˈkɑːbreI)   adj   heraldry (of the image of a horse) having the front legs in the air and standing nearly upright [C20: from French, from cabrer to rear up]

cabretta (kəˈbrɛtə)   n   chiefly US a soft leather obtained from the skins of certain South American or African sheep [from Spanish cabra she-goat]

cabrie (ˈkæbriː) or cabrit   n   a ruminant mammal, Antilocapra americana, that inhabits rocky deserts of North America and has small branched horns [C19: from Spanish cabrito kid, from cabra goat]

cabrilla (kəˈbrIlə)   n   any of various serranid food fishes, esp Epinephelus analogus, occurring in warm seas around Florida and the Caribbean [Spanish, literally: little goat]

cabrio (ˈkæbriːˌəʊ)   n   short for cabriolet

cabriole (ˈkæbrIˌəʊl)   n   1 Also called: cabriole leg a type of furniture leg, popular in the first half of the 18th century, in which an upper convex curve descends tapering to a concave curve   2 ballet a leap in the air with one leg outstretched and the other beating against it [C18: from French, from cabrioler to caper; from its being based on the leg of a capering animal; see CABRIOLET]

cabriolet (ˌkæbrIəʊˈleI)   n   1 a small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with two seats and a folding hood   2 another name for a drophead coupé [C18: from French, literally: a little skip, from cabriole, from Latin capreolus wild goat, from caper goat; referring to the lightness of movement]

cab sav   n Austral informal   short for Cabernet Sauvignon

caca (ˈkækə)   n   slang heroin [C20: from Spanish, literally: excrement]

cacafuego (ˌkækəˈfjuːɡəʊ; Spanish ˌkakaˈfweɡɔ)   n   1 a person with a fiery temper   2 a vain bragger [C17: from Spanish, literally: person who shits fire; from cagar to defecate + fuego fire]

ca'canny (ˌkɔːˈkænI)   n Scot   1 moderation or wariness   2    a a policy of restricting the output of work; go-slow   b (as modifier): a ca'canny policy   ▶ See also caa^2 [C19: call canny to drive gently]

cacao (kəˈkɑːəʊ, -ˈkeIəʊ)   n   1 a small tropical American evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, having yellowish flowers and reddish-brown seed pods from which cocoa and chocolate are prepared: family Sterculiaceae   2 cacao bean another name for cocoa bean   3 cacao butter another name for cocoa butter [C16: from Spanish, from Nahuatl cacauatl cacao beans]

cacciatore (ˌkɑːtʃəˈtɔːrI, ˌkætʃ-) or cacciatora   adj   (immediately postpositive) prepared with tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs, and other seasonings [Italian, literally: hunter]

Cáceres (Spanish ˈkaθeres)   n   a city in W Spain: held by the Moors (1142–1229). Pop: 87 088 (2003 est)

cachaça (kəˈtʃæsə)   n   a white Brazilian rum made from sugar cane [c19: from Brazilian Portuguese]

cachaemia (kæˈkiːmIə)   n   archaic a poisoned condition of the blood [New Latin, from Greek kakos bad + haima blood]

■ cachaemic (kæˈkiːmIk)   adj   archaic of or relating to cachaemia

cachalot (ˈkæʃəˌlɒt)   n   another name for sperm whale [C18: from French, from Portuguese, cachalote, of unknown origin]

cache (kæʃ)   n   1 a hidden store of provisions, weapons, treasure, etc   2 the place where such a store is hidden   3 computing a small high-speed memory that improves computer performance   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to store in a cache [C19: from French, from cacher to hide]

■ cache memory   n   computing a small area of memory in a computer that can be accessed very quickly

cachepot (ˈkæʃˌpɒt, ˌkæʃˈpəʊ)   n   an ornamental container for a flowerpot [French: pot-hider]

cachet (ˈkæʃeI)   n   1 an official seal on a document, letter, etc   2 a distinguishing mark; stamp   3 prestige; distinction   4 philately   a a mark stamped by hand on mail for commemorative purposes   b a small mark made by dealers and experts on the back of postage stamps. Compare overprint (sense 3), surcharge (sense 5)   5 a hollow wafer, formerly used for enclosing an unpleasant-tasting medicine [C17: from Old French, from cacher to hide]

cachexia (kəˈkɛksIə) or cachexy (kəˈkɛksI)   n   a generally weakened condition of body or mind resulting from any debilitating chronic disease [C16: from Late Latin from Greek kakhexia, from kakos bad + hexis condition, habit]   > cachectic (kəˈkɛktIk), cachectical (kəˈkɛktIkəl) or cachexic (kæˈkɛksIk) adj

cachinnate (ˈkækIˌneIt)   vb   (intr) to laugh loudly [C19: from Latin cacchināre, probably of imitative origin]   > ˌcachinˈnatory adj

■ cachinnation (ˌkækIˈneIʃən)   n   1 raucous laughter   2 psychiatry inappropriate laughter, sometimes found in schizophrenia

cacholong (ˈkætʃəˌlɒŋ)   n   a type of opal, commonly of a milky colour [C18: from French, from a Kalmuck word]

cachou (ˈkæʃuː, kæˈʃuː)   n   1 a lozenge eaten to sweeten the breath   2 another name for catechu [C18: via French from Portuguese, from Malay kāchu]

cachucha (kəˈtʃuːtʃə)   n   1 a graceful Spanish solo dance in triple time   2 music composed for this dance [C19: from Spanish]

cacique (kəˈsiːk) or cazique (kəˈziːk)   n   1 a Native American chief in a Spanish-speaking region   2 (esp in Latin America) a local political boss   3 any of various tropical American songbirds of the genus Cacicus and related genera: family Icteridae (American orioles) [C16: from Spanish, of Arawak origin; compare Taino cacique chief]

■ caciquism (kəˈsiːkˌIzəm)   n   (esp in Latin America) government by local political bosses

cack (kæk) Brit informal   n   1 excrement   2 nonsense   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to defecate

■ cack-handed (ˌkækˈhændId)   adj informal   1 left-handed   2 clumsy [from dialect cack excrement, from the fact that clumsy people usually make a mess; via Middle Low German or Middle Dutch from Latin cacāre to defecate]

■ cacky (ˈkækI)   adj cackier, cackiest informal   1 of or like excrement   2 dirty, worthless, or contemptible [from dialect cack excrement]

cackermander (ˈkækəˌmɑːndə)   n   Southeast English dialect a friend

cackle (ˈkækəl)   vb   1 (intr) (esp of a hen) to squawk with shrill notes   2 (intr) to laugh or chatter raucously   3 (tr) to utter in a cackling manner   ▷ n   4 the noise or act of cackling   5 noisy chatter   6 cut the cackle informal to stop chattering; be quiet [C13: probably from Middle Low German kākelen, of imitative origin]   > ˈcackler n

■ cackleberry (ˈkækəlˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   a slang word for egg^1

caco-   combining form   bad, unpleasant, or incorrect: cacophony [from Greek kakos bad]

cacodemon or cacodaemon (ˌkækəˈdiːmən)   n   an evil spirit or devil [C16: from Greek kakodaimōn evil genius]

■ cacodemonic (ˌkækəˌdiːˈmɒnIk)   adj   relating to cacodemons

cacodoxy (ˈkækəʊˌdɒksI)   n, pl -doxies   an erroneous doctrine or heterodoxy [C19: from Greek kakodoxia]

cacodyl (ˈkækədaIl)   n   an oily poisonous liquid with a strong garlic smell; tetramethyldiarsine. Formula: [(CH_3)2As]2 [C19: from Greek kakōdēs evil-smelling (from kakos CACO- + ozein to smell) + -YL]   > cacodylic (ˌkækəˈdIlIk) adj

cacoepy (kəˈkəʊIpI)   n   bad or mistaken pronunciation [C19: from Greek kakoepeia]   > cacoepistic (kəˌkəʊIˈpIstIk) adj

cacoethes (ˌkækəʊˈiːθiːz)   n   an uncontrollable urge or desire, esp for something harmful; mania: a cacoethes for smoking [C16: from Latin cacoēthes malignant disease, from Greek kakoēthēs of an evil disposition, from kakos CACO- + ēthos character]   > cacoethic (ˌkækəʊˈɛθIk) adj

cacogastric (ˌkækəʊˈɡæstrIk)   adj   relating to an upset stomach

cacogenics (ˌkækəʊˈdʒɛnIks)   n   another name for dysgenics [C20: from CACO- + EUGENICS]   > ˌcacoˈgenic adj

cacography (kæˈkɒɡrəfI)   n   1 bad handwriting. Compare calligraphy   2 incorrect spelling. Compare orthography   > caˈcographer n   > cacographic (ˌkækəˈɡræfIk) or ˌcacoˈgraphical adj

cacolet (ˈkækəʊˌleI)   n   a seat or bed fitted to a mule for carrying sick or wounded people [C19: from French dialect]

cacology (kəˈkɒlədʒI)   n   a bad choice of words; faulty speech [C17 (in the sense: ill report): from Greek kakologia]

cacomistle (ˈkækəˌmIsəl), cacomixle or cacomixl (ˈkækəˌmIksəl)   n   1 a catlike omnivorous mammal, Bassariscus astutus, of S North America, related to but smaller than the raccoons: family Procyonidae, order Carnivora (carnivores). It has yellowish-grey fur and a long bushy tail banded in black and white   2 a related smaller animal, Jentinkia (or Bassariscus) sumichrasti, of Central America [C19: from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl tlacomiztli, from tlaco half + miztli cougar]

caconym (ˈkækəˌnIm)   n   an erroneous name, esp in taxonomic classification [C19: from CACO- + Greek onoma name]

■ caconymy (kəˈkɒnImI)   n   the practice of coining caconyms

cacoon (kæˈkuːn)   n   the large bean of a tropical climber, Entada scandens, that is used for making purses, spoons, snuffboxes, and other items [C19: of uncertain origin]

cacophony (kəˈkɒfənI)   n, pl -nies   1 harsh discordant sound; dissonance   2 the use of unharmonious or dissonant speech sounds in language   ▶ Compare euphony

■ cacophonous (kəˈkɒfənəs), cacophonic (ˌkækəˈfɒnIk), cacophonical (ˌkækəˈfɒnIkəl) or cacophonious (ˌkækəˈfəʊnIəs)   adj   jarring in sound; discordant; harsh   > caˈcophonously or ˌcacoˈphonically adv

cacotopia (ˌkækəˈtəʊpIə)   n   a dystopia [C19: from CACO- + UTOPIA ]

■ cacotopian (ˌkækəˈtəʊpIən)   adj   relating to cacotopia

cacotrophy (kæˈkɒtrəfI)   n   malnutrition

cactoblastis (ˌkæktəʊˈblɑːstIs)   n   a moth, Cactoblastis cactorum of South America, that was introduced into Australia to act as a biological control on the prickly pear

cactus (ˈkæktəs)   n, pl -tuses or -ti (-taI)   1 any spiny succulent plant of the family Cactaceae of the arid regions of America. Cactuses have swollen tough stems, leaves reduced to spines or scales, and often large brightly coloured flowers   2 cactus dahlia a double-flowered variety of dahlia   ▷ adj   3 (postpositive) Austral slang ruined, broken, or not functioning [C17: from Latin: prickly plant, from Greek kaktos cardoon]   > cactaceous (kækˈteIʃəs) adj

■ cactiform (ˈkæktIˌfɔːm) or cactoid (ˈkæktɔId)   adj   resembling a cactus

cacumen (kəˈkjuːmɛn)   n   an apex

■ cacuminal (kæˈkjuːmInəl) phonetics   adj   1 Also called: cerebral relating to or denoting a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue turned back towards the hard palate   ▷ n   2 a consonant articulated in this manner [C19: from Latin cacūmen point, top]

■ cacuminous (kəˈkjuːmInəs)   adj   (of a tree) having a pointed or a pyramidal top

cad (kæd)   n   Brit informal, old-fashioned a man who does not behave in a gentlemanly manner towards others [C18: shortened from CADDIE]   > ˈcaddish adj

■ caddishly (ˈkædIʃlI)   adv   Brit old-fashioned in a caddish manner

■ caddishness (ˈkædIʃnəs)   n   Brit old-fashioned the state of being caddish

CAD   n acronym for   computer-aided design

cadaga (kəˈdɑːɡə) or cadagi (kəˈdɑːdʒI)   n   a eucalyptus tree, E. torelliana, of tropical and subtropical Australia, having a smooth green trunk [of uncertain origin]

cadaster or cadastre (kəˈdæstə)   n   an official register showing details of ownership, boundaries, and value of real property in a district, made for taxation purposes [C19: from French, from Provençal cadastro, from Italian catastro, from Late Greek katastikhon register, from kata stikhon line by line, from kata (see CATA-) + stikhos line, STICH]   > caˈdastral adj

■ cadastrally (kəˈdæstrəlI)   adv   from a cadastral point of view

cadaver (kəˈdeIvə, -ˈdɑːv-)   n   med a corpse [C16: from Latin, from cadere to fall]   > caˈdaveric adj

■ cadaverine (kəˈdævəˌriːn)   n   a toxic diamine with an unpleasant smell, produced by protein hydrolysis during putrefaction of animal tissue. Formula: NH_2(CH_2)5NH_2

■ cadaverous (kəˈdævərəs)   adj   1 of or like a corpse, esp in being deathly pale; ghastly   2 thin and haggard; gaunt   > caˈdaverously adv   > caˈdaverousness n

Cadbury (ˈkædbərI)   n   George. 1839–1922, British Quaker industrialist and philanthropist. He established, with his brother Richard Cadbury (1835–99), the chocolate-making company Cadbury Brothers and the garden village Bournville, near Birmingham, for their workers

CADCAM (ˈkædˌkæm)   n acronym for   computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture

caddie or caddy (ˈkædI)   n, pl -dies   1 golf an attendant who carries clubs, etc, for a player   ▷ vb -dies, -dying, -died   2 (intr) to act as a caddie [C17 (originally: a gentleman learning the military profession by serving in the army without a commission, hence C18 (Scottish): a person looking for employment, an errand-boy): from French CADET]

■ caddie car or caddie cart   n   golf a small light two-wheeled trolley for carrying clubs

caddis or caddice (ˈkædIs)   n   a type of coarse woollen yarn, braid, or fabric

■ caddised (ˈkædIst)   adj   trimmed with caddis

caddisfly (ˈkædIsˌflaI)   n   any small mothlike insect of the order Trichoptera, having two pairs of hairy wings and aquatic larvae (caddisworms) [C17: of unknown origin]

caddisworm (ˈkædIsˌwɜːm) or caddis   n   the aquatic larva of a caddis fly, which constructs a protective case around itself made of silk, sand, stones, etc. Also called: caseworm, strawworm

Caddoan (ˈkædəʊən)   n   a family of Native American languages, including Pawnee, formerly spoken in a wide area of the Midwest, and probably distantly related to Siouan

caddy^1 (ˈkædI)   n, pl -dies   chiefly Brit a small container, esp for tea [C18: from Malay kati; see CATTY^2]

caddy^2 (ˈkædI)   n, pl -diesvb -dies, -dying, -died   a variant spelling of caddie

cade^1 (keId)   n   a juniper tree, Juniperus oxycedrus of the Mediterranean region, the wood of which yields an oily brown liquid (oil of cade) used to treat skin ailments [C16: via Old French from Old Provençal, from Medieval Latin catanus]

cade^2 (keId)   adj   (of a young animal) left by its mother and reared by humans, usually as a pet [C15: of unknown origin]

Cade (keId)   n   Jack. died 1450, English leader of the Kentish rebellion against the misgovernment of Henry VI (1450)

-cade   n combining form   indicating a procession of a specified kind: motorcade [abstracted from CAVALCADE]

cadeau French (kado)   n   a present

cadelle (kəˈdɛl)   n   a widely distributed beetle, Tenebroides mauritanicus, that feeds on flour, grain, and other stored foods, as well as on other insects: family Trogositidae [French, from Provençal cadello, from Latin catellus a little dog]

cadence (ˈkeIdəns) or cadency   n, pl -dences or -dencies   1 the beat or measure of something rhythmic   2 a fall in the pitch of the voice, as at the end of a sentence   3 modulation of the voice; intonation   4 a rhythm or rhythmic construction in verse or prose; measure   5 the close of a musical phrase or section [C14: from Old French, from Old Italian cadenza, literally: a falling, from Latin cadere to fall]

■ cadent (ˈkeIdənt)   adj   1 having cadence; rhythmic   2 archaic falling; descending [C16: from Latin cadēns falling, from cadere to fall]

cadency (ˈkeIdənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the line of descent from a younger member of a family   2 another word for cadence

cadential (kəˈdɛnʃəl)   adj   relating to or belonging to a cadence or a cadenza

cadenza (kəˈdɛnzə)   n   1 a virtuoso solo passage occurring near the end of a piece of music, formerly improvised by the soloist but now usually specially composed   2 South African informal a fit or convulsion [C19: from Italian; see CADENCE]

cadet (kəˈdɛt)   n   1 a young person undergoing preliminary training, usually before full entry to the uniformed services, police, etc, esp for officer status   2 a school pupil receiving elementary military training in a school corps   3 (in England and in France before 1789) a gentleman, usually a younger son, who entered the army to prepare for a commission   4 a younger son or brother   5 cadet branch the family or family branch of a younger son   6 (in New Zealand) a person learning sheep farming on a sheep station [C17: from French, from dialect (Gascon) capdet captain, ultimately from Latin caput head]   > caˈdetship n

cadge (kædʒ)   vb   1 to get (food, money, etc) by sponging or begging   ▷ n   2 Brit a person who cadges   3 on the cadge Brit informal engaged in cadging [C17: of unknown origin]

■ cadger   n   1 (ˈkædʒə) Brit a person who cadges   2 (ˈkædʒər) Scot a pedlar or carrier

cadgy (ˈkædʒI)   adj -ier, -iest   Scot cheerful

cadi or kadi (ˈkɑːdI, ˈkeIdI)   n, pl -dis   a judge in a Muslim community [C16: from Arabic qādī judge]

cadie (ˈkædI)   n   Scot a person in a large town or city in the 18th century who was on the lookout for chance employment, for example, as a messenger [C18: a Scot variant of CADDIE]

Cádiz (kəˈdIz; Spanish ˈkaðiθ)   n   a port in SW Spain, on a narrow peninsula that forms the Bay of Cádiz at the E end of the Gulf of Cádiz, founded about 1100 BC as a Phoenician trading colony; centre of trade with America from the 16th to 18th centuries. Pop: 134 989 (2003 est)

cadmium (ˈkædmIəm)   n   a malleable ductile toxic bluish-white metallic element that occurs in association with zinc ores. It is used in electroplating, alloys, and as a neutron absorber in the control of nuclear fission. Symbol: Cd; atomic no: 48; atomic wt: 112.411; valency: 2; relative density: 8.65; melting pt: 321.1°C; boiling pt: 767°C [C19: from New Latin, from Latin cadmīa zinc ore, CALAMINE, referring to the fact that both calamine and cadmium are found in the ore]

■ cadmic (ˈkædmIk)   adj   relating to, containing, or derived from cadmium

■ cadmium cell   n   1 a photocell with a cadmium electrode that is especially sensitive to ultraviolet radiation   2 a former name for Weston standard cell

■ cadmium sulphide   n   an orange or yellow insoluble solid used as a pigment in paints, etc (cadmium yellow). Formula: CdS

Cadmus (ˈkædməs)   n   Greek myth a Phoenician prince who killed a dragon and planted its teeth, from which sprang a multitude of warriors who fought among themselves until only five remained, who joined Cadmus to found Thebes   > ˈCadmean adj

■ Cadmean victory (ˈkædmIən)   n   another name for Pyrrhic victory

cadrans (ˈkædrənz)   n   an instrument which measures the angles of gems and is used during the cutting process [C19: from French dialect, literally: quadrant]

cadre (ˈkɑːdə)   n   1 the nucleus of trained professional servicemen forming the basis for the training of new units or other military expansion   2 a basic unit or structure, esp of specialists or experts; nucleus; core   3 a group of revolutionaries or other political activists, esp when taking part in military or terrorist activities   4 a member of a cadre [C19: from French, from Italian quadro, from Latin quadrum square]

caduac (ˈkædjuːˌæk)   n   Scot obsolete a windfall [C19: from Latin cadūcus falling; see CADUCOUS]

caduceus (kəˈdjuːsIəs)   n, pl -cei (-sIˌaI)   1 classical myth a staff entwined with two serpents and bearing a pair of wings at the top, carried by Hermes (Mercury) as messenger of the gods   2 an insignia resembling this staff used as an emblem of the medical profession. Compare staff of Aesculapius [C16: from Latin, from Doric Greek karukeion, from karux herald]

■ caducean (kəˈdjuːsIən)   adj   relating to a caduceus

caducibranchiate (kəˌdjuːsIˈbræŋkIˌeIt)   adj   (of many amphibians, such as frogs) having gills during one stage of the life cycle only [from Latin cadūcus CADUCOUS + BRANCHIA]

caducous (kəˈdjuːkəs)   adj   biology (of parts of a plant or animal) shed during the life of the organism [C17: from Latin cadūcus falling, from cadere to fall]

■ caducity (kəˈdjuːsItI)   n   1 perishableness   2 senility [C18: from French, from Latin cadūcus CADUCOUS]

Cadwalader (kædˈwɒlədə)   n   7th century AD, legendary king of the Britons, probably a confusion of several historical figures

CAE   abbreviation for   computer-aided engineering

caecilian (siːˈsIlIən)   n   any tropical limbless cylindrical amphibian of the order Apoda (or Gymnophiona), resembling earthworms and inhabiting moist soil [C19: from Latin caecilia a kind of lizard, from caecus blind]

caecum or US cecum (ˈsiːkəm)   n, pl -ca (-kə)   anatomy any structure or part that ends in a blind sac or pouch, esp the pouch that marks the beginning of the large intestine [C18: short for Latin intestinum caecum blind intestine, translation of Greek tuphlon enteron]   > ˈcaecal or US ˈcecal adj

■ caecally or US cecally (ˈsiːkəlI)   adv   anatomy with relation to the caecum

■ caecitis or US cecitis (siːˈsaItIs)   n   an inflammation of the caecum

Cædmon (ˈkædmən)   n   7th century AD, Anglo-Saxon poet and monk, the earliest English poet whose name survives

Caelian (ˈsiːlIən)   n   the southeasternmost of the Seven Hills of Rome

Caelum (ˈsiːləm)   n, Latin genitive Caeli (ˈsiːlaI)   a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Eridanus [Latin: the sky, heaven]

Caen (kɒŋ; French kɑ̃)   n   an industrial city in NW France. Pop: 112 790 (2008)

caenogenesis (ˌsiːnəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs), cainogenesis, kainogenesis or US cenogenesis, kenogenesis   n   the development of structures and organs in an embryo or larva that are adaptations to its way of life and are not retained in the adult form. Compare recapitulation (sense 2)   > caenogenetic (ˌsiːnəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk), ˌcainogeˈnetic, ˌkainogeˈnetic or US ˌcenogeˈnetic, ˌkenogeˈnetic adj   > ˌcaenogeˈnetically, ˌcainogeˈnetically, ˌkainogeˈnetically or US ˌcenogeˈnetically, ˌkenogeˈnetically adv

Caenozoic (ˌsiːnəˈzəʊIk)   adj   a variant spelling of Cenozoic

caeoma (siːˈəʊmə)   n   an aecium in some rust fungi that has no surrounding membrane [New Latin, from Greek kaiein to burn; referring to its glowing colour]

Caerleon (kɑːˈlIən)   n   a town in SE Wales, in Newport county borough on the River Usk: traditionally the seat of King Arthur's court. Pop: 9392 (2001)

Caernarfon, Caernarvon or Carnarvon (kɑːˈnɑːvən)   n   a port and resort in NW Wales, in Gwynedd on the Menai Strait: 13th-century castle. Pop: 9726 (2001)

Caernarvonshire (kɑːˈnɑːvənˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1974) a county of NW Wales, now part of Gwynedd

Caerphilly (kɛəˈfIlI)   n   1 a market town in SE Wales, in Caerphilly county borough: site of the largest castle in Wales (13th–14th centuries). Pop: 31 060 (2001)   2 a county borough in SE Wales, created in 1996 from parts of Mid Glamorgan and Gwent. Pop: 170 200 (2003 est). Area: 275 sq km (106 sq miles)   3 a creamy white mild-flavoured cheese

caesalpinoid (sɛzˈælpInˌɔId) or caesalpiniaceous (ˌsɛzælˌpInIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Caesalpinoideae, a mainly tropical subfamily of leguminous plants that have irregular flowers: includes carob, senna, brazil, cassia, and poinciana [from New Latin Caesalpinia type genus, named after Andrea Cesalpino (1519–1603), Italian botanist]

Caesar (ˈsiːzə)   n   1  Gaius Julius (ˈɡaIəs ˈdʒuːlIəs). 100–44 BC, Roman general, statesman, and historian. He formed the first triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus (60), conquered Gaul (58–50), invaded Britain (55–54), mastered Italy (49), and defeated Pompey (46). As dictator of the Roman Empire (49–44) he destroyed the power of the corrupt Roman nobility. He also introduced the Julian calendar and planned further reforms, but fear of his sovereign power led to his assassination (44) by conspirators led by Marcus Brutus and Cassius Longinus   2 any Roman emperor   3 (sometimes not capital) any emperor, autocrat, dictator, or other powerful ruler   4 a title of the Roman emperors from Augustus to Hadrian   5 (in the Roman Empire)   a a title borne by the imperial heir from the reign of Hadrian   b the heir, deputy, and subordinate ruler to either of the two emperors under Diocletian's system of government   6 short for Caesar salad

■ Caesarean, Caesarian or US Cesarean, Cesarian (sIˈzɛərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to any of the Caesars, esp Julius Caesar   ▷ n   2 (sometimes not capital) surgery   a short for Caesarean section   b (as modifier): Caesarean birth

■ Caesarean section   n   a surgical incision through the abdominal and uterine walls in order to deliver a baby [C17: from the belief that Julius Caesar was so delivered, the name allegedly being derived from caesus, past participle of caedere to cut]

■ Caesarism (ˈsiːzəˌrIzəm)   n   an autocratic system of government. See also Bonapartism   > ˈCaesarist n   > ˌCaesarˈistic adj

Caesaraugusta (ˌsiːzərɔːˈɡʌstə)   n   the Latin name for Zaragoza

Caesarea (ˌsiːzəˈrIə)   n   an ancient port in NW Israel, capital of Roman Palestine: founded by Herod the Great

■ Caesarea Mazaca (ˈmæzəkə)   n   the ancient name for Kayseri

caesaropapism (ˌsiːzərəʊˈpeIpIzəm)   n   the theory that the state should have authority over the church in ecclesiastical matters; Erastianism [C19: from CAESAR (in the sense: temporal ruler) + Ecclesiastical Latin papa POPE^1 + -ISM]

Caesar salad   n   a salad of lettuce, cheese, and croutons with a dressing of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice [C20: named after Caesar Cardini (1896–1956), Mexican restaurateur who invented it]

caese (siːz)   interj   a Shakespearean interjection of uncertain meaning

caesium or US cesium (ˈsiːzIəm)   n   a ductile silvery-white element of the alkali metal group that is the most electropositive metal. It occurs in pollucite and lepidolite and is used in photocells. The radioisotope caesium-137, with a half-life of 30.2 years, is used in radiotherapy. Symbol: Cs; atomic no: 55; atomic wt: 132.90543; valency: 1; relative density: 1.873; melting pt: 28.39±0.01°C; boiling pt: 671°C

■ caesious or US cesious (ˈsiːzIəs)   adj   botany having a waxy bluish-grey coating [C19: from Latin caesius bluish grey]

■ caesium clock   n   a type of atomic clock that uses the frequency of radiation absorbed in changing the spin of electrons in caesium atoms. See also second^2

caespitose or US cespitose (ˈsɛspIˌtəʊs)   adj   botany growing in dense tufts [C19: from New Latin caespitōsus, from caespitem turf]   > ˈcaespiˌtosely or US ˈcespiˌtosely adv

caesura (sIˈzjʊərə)   n, pl -ras or -rae (-riː)   1 (in modern prosody) a pause, esp for sense, usually near the middle of a verse line. Usual symbol: ||   2 (in classical prosody) a break between words within a metrical foot, usually in the third or fourth foot of the line [C16: from Latin, literally: a cutting, from caedere to cut]   > caeˈsural or caeˈsuric adj

Caetano (kaIˈtɑːnəʊ; Portuguese kajˈtanu)   n   Marcello (marˈselu). 1906–80, prime minister of Portugal from 1968 until he was replaced by an army coup in 1974

CAF   abbreviation for   cost and freight

cafard (French kafar)   n   a feeling of severe depression [C20: from French, literally: cockroach, hypocrite]

café (ˈkæfeI, ˈkæfI)   n   1 a small or inexpensive restaurant or coffee bar, serving light meals and refreshments   2 South African a corner shop or grocer [C19: from French: COFFEE]

■ café au lait French (kafe o lɛ)   n   1 coffee with milk   2    a a light brown colour   b (as modifier): café-au-lait brocade

■ café-au-lait spot   n   a brown patch on the skin that can occur normally in small numbers or in neurofibromatosis, when they are more numerous

■ café filtre French (filtrə)   n   a strong black filtered coffee

■ café noir French (kafe nwar)   n   black coffee

cafeteria (ˌkæfIˈtIərIə)   n   a self-service restaurant [C20: from American Spanish: coffee shop]

cafetiere (ˌkæfəˈtjɛə, ˌkæfəˈtIə)   n   a coffeepot in which boiling water is poured onto ground coffee and a plunger fitted with a metal filter is pressed down, forcing the grounds to the bottom [C20: from French cafetière coffeepot]

cafetorium (ˌkæfəˈtɔːrIəm)   n   a room, usually in a school or other educational institution, which serves both as a cafeteria and an auditorium [C20: blend of CAFÉ + AUDITORIUM]

caff (kæf)   n   a slang word for café

caffeine or caffein (ˈkæfiːn, ˈkæfIˌiːn)   n   a white crystalline bitter alkaloid responsible for the stimulant action of tea, coffee, and cocoa: a constituent of many tonics and analgesics. Formula: C_8H_10N_4O_2. See also xanthine (sense 2) [C19: from German Kaffein, from Kaffee COFFEE]

■ caffeinated (ˈkæfIˌneItəd)   adj   1    a with no natural caffeine removed   b with added caffeine   2 highly stimulated by caffeine

■ caffeinic (kæˈfiːnIk)   adj   related to or containing caffeine

caffeism (kæˈfiːIzəm) or caffeinism (ˈkæfiːˌnIzəm)   n   a morbid condition caused by excessive caffeine intake

caffila (ˈkɑːfIlə, ˈkæfIlə)   n   a caravan train [C16: from Arabic qāfilah]

caftan (ˈkæfˌtæn, -ˌtɑːn)   n   a variant spelling of kaftan

■ caftaned (ˈkæftænd)   adj   wearing a caftan

cag (kæɡ)   n   mountaineering short for cagoule

caganer (Catalan kaɡaˈner)   n   a figure of a squatting defecating person, a traditional character in Catalan Christmas crèche scenes [C20: from Catalan cagar shit]

cage (keIdʒ)   n   1    a an enclosure, usually made with bars or wire, for keeping birds, monkeys, mice, etc   b (as modifier): cage bird   2 a thing or place that confines or imprisons   3 something resembling a cage in function or structure: the rib cage   4 the enclosed platform of a lift, esp as used in a mine   5 engineering a skeleton ring device that ensures that the correct amount of space is maintained between the individual rollers or balls in a rolling bearing   6 informal the basket used in basketball   7 informal the goal in ice hockey   8 US a steel framework on which guns are supported   9 rattle someone's cage informal to upset or anger someone   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to confine in or as in a cage [C13: from Old French, from Latin cavea enclosure, from cavus hollow]

■ cage cricket   n   a form of cricket played in an enclosed space, in which six players compete as individuals

■ caged (keIdʒd)   adj   in a cage

■ cage fighting   n   a form of extreme fighting taking place in an enclosed space

■ cageful (ˈkeIdʒfʊl)   n   an amount which fills a cage to capacity

■ cagelike (ˈkeIdʒˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a cage

■ cageling (ˈkeIdʒlIŋ)   n   a bird kept in a cage

■ cager (ˈkeIdʒə)   n   informal a basketball player

■ cagework (ˈkeIdʒˌwɜːk)   n   openwork resembling the bars of a cage

Cage (keIdʒ)   n   John. 1912–92, US composer of experimental music for a variety of conventional, modified, or invented instruments. He evolved a type of music apparently undetermined by the composer, such as in Imaginary Landscape (1951) for 12 radio sets. Other works include Reunion (1968), Apartment Building 1776 (1976), and Europeras 3 and 4 (1990)

cagey or cagy (ˈkeIdʒI)   adj -ier, -iest   informal not open or frank; cautious; wary [C20: of unknown origin]   > ˈcagily adv   > ˈcaginess, ˈcageyness or ˈcagyness n

cag-handed (ˌkæɡˈhændId)   adj   dialect a variant of cack-handed

Cagliari^1 (kælˈjɑːrI; Italian kaʎˈʎari)   n   a port in Italy, the capital of Sardinia, on the S coast. Pop: 164 249 (2001)

Cagliari^2 (Italian kaʎˈʎari)   n   Paolo (ˈpaːolo). original name of (Paolo) Veronese

Cagliostro (Italian kaʎˈʎostro)   n   Count Alessandro di (alesˈsandro di), original name Giuseppe Balsamo. 1743–95, Italian adventurer and magician, who was imprisoned for life by the Inquisition for his association with freemasonry

cagmag (ˈkæɡˌmæɡ) Midland English dialect   adj   1 done shoddily; left incomplete   ▷ vb -mags, -magging, -magged (intr)   2 to chat idly; gossip [C18: of uncertain origin]

Cagney (ˈkæɡnI)   n   James. 1899–1986, US film actor, esp in gangster roles; his films include The Public Enemy (1931), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), The Roaring Twenties (1939), and Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) for which he won an Oscar

cagot (ˈkɑːɡəʊ; French kɑɡo)   n   a member of a class of French outcasts who lived in the West Pyrenees, Béarn, Brittany, and Gascony, considered to be lepers and heretics [C19: from French, of uncertain origin]

cagoule (kəˈɡuːl)   n   a lightweight usually knee-length type of anorak. Also spelt: kagoul, kagoule. Sometimes shortened to: cag [C20: from French]

cahier French (kaje)   n   1 a notebook   2 a written or printed report, esp of the proceedings of a meeting

Cahokia Mounds (kəˈhəʊkIə)   pl n   the largest group of prehistoric earthworks in the US, located northeast of East St Louis

cahoot (kəˈhuːt)   n   US and Canadian a business partnership

■ cahoots (kəˈhuːts)   pl n (sometimes singular) informal   1 US partnership; league (esp in the phrases go in cahoots with, go cahoot)   2 in cahoots in collusion [C19: of uncertain origin]

cahow (kəˈhaʊ)   n   a rare nocturnal Atlantic seabird, Pterodroma cahow, with brown and white plumage, formerly thought to be extinct [C17: imitative of its call]

CAI   abbreviation for   computer-aided instruction

Caiaphas (ˈkaIəˌfæs)   n   New Testament the high priest at the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching and during the trial of Jesus (Luke 3:2; Matthew 26)

Caicos Islands (ˈkeIkəs)   pl n   a group of islands in the Caribbean: part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands

caid (kɑːˈiːð, kaIð)   n   1 a local leader or a Muslim tribal chief   2 an alcaide   ▶ Also spelled: qaid [from Arabic qāid captain; see ALCAIDE]

caille (kaI; French kɑj)   n   (in cookery) a quail [French]

cailleach (ˈkæljəx)   n   Scot an old woman [Gaelic]

caimacam (ˌkaIməˈkɑːm)   n   a Turkish governor of a sanjak [C17: from Turkish qāimaqām, from Arabic qāim standing + maqām position]

caiman (ˈkeImən)   n, pl -mans   a variant spelling of cayman

cain or kain (keIn)   n   history (in Scotland and Ireland) payment in kind, usually farm produce paid as rent [C12: from Scottish Gaelic cāin rent, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin canōn tribute (see CANON); compare Middle Irish cāin law]

Cain (keIn)   n   1 the first son of Adam and Eve, who killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:1–16)   2 raise Cain   a to cause a commotion   b to react or protest heatedly

Caine (keIn)   n   Sir Michael. real name Maurice Micklewhite. born 1933, British film actor. His films include The Ipcress File (1965), Get Carter (1971), Educating Rita (1983), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), and The Cider House Rules (1999)

cainogenesis (ˌkaInəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   a variant spelling of caenogenesis   > cainogenetic (ˌkaInəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj   > ˌcainogeˈnetically adv

Cainozoic (ˌkaInəʊˈzəʊIk, ˌkeI-)   adj   a variant of Cenozoic

Caipiroska (ˌkaIpIˈrɒskə)   n   a cocktail drink containing vodka, lime juice, sugar, and crushed ice, based on the Caipirinha cocktail but with vodka replacing the Brazilian rum-like spirit Cachaça [C21: blend of Caipira country bumpkin + roska, a mock-Russian word for RUSSIA]

caïque (kaIˈiːk)   n   1 a long narrow light rowing skiff used on the Bosporus   2 a sailing vessel of the E Mediterranean with a sprit mainsail, square topsail, and two or more jibs or other sails [C17: from French, from Italian caicco, from Turkish kayik]

caird (kɛəd; Scottish kerd)   n   Scot obsolete a travelling tinker; vagrant [C17: from Scottish Gaelic; related to Welsh cerdd craft]

Caird Coast (kɛəd)   n   a region of Antarctica: a part of Coats Land on the SE coast of the Weddell Sea; now included in the British Antarctic Territory (claim suspended under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959)

cairn (kɛən)   n   1 a mound of stones erected as a memorial or marker   2 Also called: cairn terrier a small rough-haired breed of terrier originally from Scotland [C15: from Gaelic carn]

■ cairned (kɛənd)   adj   marked by a cairn

■ cairny (ˈkɛənI)   adj -ier, -iest   covered with cairns

Cairngorm Mountains (ˈkɛənˌɡɔːm)   pl n   a mountain range of NE Scotland: part of the Grampians. Highest peak: Ben Macdui, 1309 m (4296 ft); designated a national park in 2003. Also called: the Cairngorms

■ cairngorm (ˈkɛənˌɡɔːm, ˌkernˈɡɒrm)   n   a smoky yellow, grey, or brown variety of quartz, used as a gemstone. Also called: smoky quartz [C18: from Cairn Gorm (literally: blue cairn), mountain in Scotland where it is found]

Cairns (kænz, kɛənz)   n   a port in NE Australia, in Queensland. Pop: 98 981 (2001)

Cairo (ˈkaIrəʊ)   n   the capital of Egypt, on the Nile: the largest city in Africa and in the Middle East; industrial centre; site of the university and mosque of Al Azhar (founded in 972). Pop: 18 771 769 (2015 est). Arabic name: El Qahira (ɛl ˈkahiːrɔ)   > ˈCairene n, adj

caisson (kəˈsuːn, ˈkeIsən)   n   1 a watertight chamber open at the bottom and containing air under pressure, used to carry out construction work under water   2 a similar unpressurized chamber   3 a watertight float filled with air, used to raise sunken ships. See also camel (sense 2)   4 a watertight structure placed across the entrance of a basin, dry dock, etc, to exclude water from it   5    a a box containing explosives, formerly used as a mine   b an ammunition chest   c a two-wheeled vehicle containing an ammunition chest   6 another name for coffer (sense 3) [C18: from French, assimilated to caisse CASE^2]

■ caisson disease   n   another name for decompression sickness

Caithness (keIθˈnɛs, ˈkeIθnɛs)   n   (until 1975) a county of NE Scotland, now part of Highland

caitiff (ˈkeItIf) archaic or poetic   n   1 a cowardly or base person   ▷ adj   2 cowardly; base [C13: from Old French caitif prisoner, from Latin captīvus CAPTIVE]

caitive (ˈkeItIv)   n obsolete   a captive

Caius (ˈkaIəs)   n   a variant spelling of Gaius

Cajal (Spanish kaˈxal)   n   Santiago Ramon y. 1852–1934, Spanish histologist, a pioneer of modern neurophysiology: shared the Nobel prize for medicine 1906

cajeput (ˈkædʒəˌpʊt)   n   a variant spelling of cajuput

cajole (kəˈdʒəʊl)   vb   to persuade (someone) by flattery or pleasing talk to do what one wants; wheedle; coax [C17: from French cajoler to coax, of uncertain origin]   > caˈjolement n   > caˈjoler n   > caˈjolery n   > caˈjolingly adv

cajon (kæˈhəʊn; Spanish kaˈxon)   n   a Peruvian wooden box used as a drum and played with the hands [C20: from Spanish, literally: crate]

Cajun (ˈkeIdʒən)   n   1 a native of Louisiana descended from 18th-century Acadian immigrants   2 the dialect of French spoken by such people   3 the music of this ethnic group, combining blues and European folk music   ▷ adj   4 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of such people, their language, or their music [C19: alteration of ACADIAN; compare Injun for Indian]

cajuput, cajeput or kajeput (ˈkædʒəˌpʊt)   n   1 a small myrtaceous tree or shrub, Melaleuca leucadendron, native to the East Indies and Australia, with whitish flowers and leaves   2 a green aromatic oil derived from this tree, used to treat skin diseases   3 a lauraceous tree, Umbellularia californica, whose aromatic leaves are used in medicine [C18: from Malay kayu puteh, from kayu wood + puteh white]

cake (keIk)   n   1 a baked food, usually in loaf or layer form, typically made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs   2 a flat thin mass of bread, esp unleavened bread   3 a shaped mass of dough or other food of similar consistency: a fish cake   4 a mass, slab, or crust of a solidified or compressed substance, as of soap or ice   5 have one's cake and eat it to enjoy both of two desirable but incompatible alternatives   6 go like hot cakes or sell like hot cakes informal to be sold very quickly or in large quantities   7 a piece of cake informal something that is easily achieved or obtained   8 take the cake informal, chiefly US to surpass all others, esp in stupidity, folly, etc   9 informal the whole or total of something that is to be shared or divided: teachers are demanding a larger slice of the cake; that is a fair method of sharing the cake   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to cover with a hard layer; encrust: the hull was caked with salt   11 to form or be formed into a hardened mass [C13: from Old Norse kaka; related to Danish kage, German Kuchen]   > ˈcakey or ˈcaky adj

■ cakeage (ˈkeIkIdʒ)   n   Austral informal a charge levied in a restaurant for serving cake (such as a birthday cake) brought in from outside the premises [C21: modelled on CORKAGE]

■ -caked   adj   (in combination) caked with the substance specified: blood-caked

■ cakewalk (ˈkeIkˌwɔːk)   n   1 a dance based on a march with intricate steps, originally performed by African-Americans with the prize of a cake for the best performers   2 a piece of music composed for this dance   3 informal an easily accomplished task   ▷ vb   4 (intr) to perform the cakewalk   > ˈcakeˌwalker n

■ cakiness (ˈkeIkInəs)   n   the state of being cakey

CAL   abbreviation for   computer-aided (or -assisted) learning

cal.   abbreviation for   1 calendar   2 calibre   3 calorie (small)

Cal.   abbreviation for   1 Calorie (large)   2 California

Calabar (ˈkæləˌbɑː)   n   a port in SE Nigeria, capital of Cross River state. Pop: 418 000 (2005 est)

■ Calabar bean (ˌkæləˈbɑː, ˈkæləˌbɑː)   n   the dark brown very poisonous seed of a leguminous woody climbing plant, Physostigma venenosum, of tropical Africa, used as a source of the drug physostigmine

calabash (ˈkæləˌbæʃ)   n   1 Also called: calabash tree a tropical American evergreen tree, Crescentia cujete, that produces large round gourds: family Bignoniaceae   2 another name for the bottle gourd   3 the gourd of either of these plants   4 the dried hollow shell of a gourd used as the bowl of a tobacco pipe, a bottle, rattle, etc   5 calabash nutmeg a tropical African shrub, Monodora myristica, whose oily aromatic seeds can be used as nutmegs: family Annonaceae [C17: from obsolete French calabasse, from Spanish calabaza, perhaps from Arabic qar'ah yābisah dry gourd, from qarah gourd + yābisah dry]

calabaza (ˌkæləˈbɑːzə; Spanish ˌkalaˈβaza)   n   any of several species of gourd of the genus Cucurbita [C20: from Spanish; see CALABASH]]

calabogus (ˌkæləˈbəʊɡəs)   n   Canadian a mixed drink containing rum, spruce beer, and molasses [C18: of unknown origin]

calaboose (ˈkæləˌbuːs)   n   US informal a prison; jail [C18: from Creole French, from Spanish calabozo dungeon, of unknown origin]

calabrese (ˌkæləˈbreIzI)   n   a variety of green sprouting broccoli [C20: from Italian: Calabrian]

Calabria (kəˈlæbrIə)   n   1 a region of SW Italy: mostly mountainous and subject to earthquakes. Chief town: Reggio di Calabria. Pop: 2 007 392 (2003 est). Area: 15 080 sq km (5822 sq miles)   2 an ancient region of extreme SE Italy (3rd century BC to about 668 AD); now part of Apulia

■ Calabrian (kəˈlæbrIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Calabria or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Calabria

caladium (kəˈleIdIəm)   n   any of various tropical plants of the aroid genus Caladium, which are widely cultivated as potted plants for their colourful variegated foliage [C19: from New Latin, from Malay kěladi araceous plant]

Calais (ˈkæleI; French kalɛ)   n   a port in N France, on the Strait of Dover: the nearest French port to England; belonged to England 1347–1558. Pop: 75 790 (2006)

calalu or calaloo (ˈkæləluː)   n   Caribbean the edible leaves of various plants, used as greens or in making thick soups [probably of African origin]

calamanco (ˌkæləˈmæŋkəʊ)   n   a glossy woollen fabric woven with a checked design that shows on one side only [C16: of unknown origin]

calamander (ˈkæləˌmændə)   n   the hard black-and-brown striped wood of several trees of the genus Diospyros, esp D. quaesita of India and Sri Lanka, used in making furniture: family Ebenaceae. See also ebony (sense 2) [C19: metathetic variant of coromandel in COROMANDEL COAST]

calamari (ˌkæləˈmɑːrI)   n   squid cooked for eating, esp cut into rings and fried in batter [C20: from Italian, pl of calamaro squid, from Latin calamarium pen-case, referring to the squid's internal shell, from Greek kalamos reed]

■ calamar (ˈkæləˌmɑː)   n   a squid

calamata olive (ˌkæləˈmɑːtə)   n   a variant spelling of kalamata olive

calamine (ˈkæləˌmaIn)   n   1 a pink powder consisting of zinc oxide and ferric oxide (iron(III) oxide), used medicinally in the form of soothing lotions or ointments   2 US another name for smithsonite, hemimorphite [C17: from Old French, from Medieval Latin calamīna, from Latin cadmīa; see CADMIUM]

calamint (ˈkæləˌmInt)   n   any aromatic Eurasian plant of the genus Satureja (or Calamintha), having clusters of purple or pink flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates) [C14: from Old French calament (but influenced by English MINT^1), from Medieval Latin calamentum, from Greek kalaminthē]

calamite (ˈkæləˌmaIt)   n   any extinct treelike plant of the genus Calamites, of Carboniferous times, related to the horsetails [C19: from New Latin Calamītes type genus, from Greek kalamitēs reedlike, from kalamos reed]

calamity (kəˈlæmItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a disaster or misfortune, esp one causing extreme havoc, distress, or misery   2 a state or feeling of deep distress or misery [C15: from French calamité, from Latin calamitās; related to Latin incolumis uninjured]

■ calamitous (kəˈlæmItəs)   adj   causing, involving, or resulting in a calamity; disastrous   > caˈlamitously adv   > caˈlamitousness n

■ Calamity Jane   n   real name Martha Canary. ?1852–1903, US frontierswoman, noted for her skill at shooting and riding

calamondin (ˈkæləˌmʌndIn) or calamondin orange   n   1 a small citrus tree, Citrus mitis, of the Philippines   2 the acid-tasting fruit of this tree, resembling a small orange [from Tagalog kalamunding]

calamus (ˈkæləməs)   n, pl -mi (-ˌmaI)   1 any tropical Asian palm of the genus Calamus, some species of which are a source of rattan and canes   2 another name for sweet flag   3 the aromatic root of the sweet flag   4 ornithol the basal hollow shaft of a feather; quill [C14: from Latin, from Greek kalamos reed, cane, stem]

calando (kəˈlændəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) with gradually decreasing tone and speed [Italian: dropping, from calare to lower, to drop]

calandria (kəˈlændrIə)   n   a cylindrical vessel through which tubes pass, esp one forming part of an evaporator, heat exchanger, or nuclear reactor [C20: arbitrarily named, from Spanish, literally: lark]

calanthe (kæˈlænθI)   n   any of various orchids of the genus Calanthe of the family Orchidaceae, found in tropical areas and having long-lasting yellow, white, or pink flowers [C20: from New Latin, from Greek kalos beautiful + anthē bloom]

calash (kəˈlæʃ) or calèche   n   1 a horse-drawn carriage with low wheels and a folding top   2 the folding top of such a carriage   3 a woman's folding hooped hood worn in the 18th century [C17: from French calèche, from German Kalesche, from Czech kolesa wheels]

calathea (ˌkæləˈθIə)   n   any plant of the S American perennial genus Calathea, many species of which are grown as greenhouse or house plants for their decorative variegated leaves, esp the zebra plant (C. zebrina), the leaves of which are purplish below and dark green with lighter stripes above: family Marantaceae [New Latin, from Greek kalathos a basket]

calathus (ˈkæləθəs)   n, pl -thi (-ˌθaI)   a vase-shaped basket represented in ancient Greek art, used as a symbol of fruitfulness [C18: from Latin, from Greek kalathos]

calavance (ˈkæləˌvæns)   n   obsolete any of several varieties of pulse yielded by plants of the genus Dolichos [C17: from Spanish garbanzo chickpea]

calaverite (kəˈlævəˌraIt)   n   a metallic pale yellow mineral consisting of a telluride of gold in the form of elongated striated crystals. It is a source of gold in Australia and North America. Formula: AuTe_2 [C19: named after Calaveras, county in California where it was discovered]

calc-   combining form   a variant of calci-

calcaneus (kælˈkeInIəs) or calcaneum (kælˈkeInIəm)   n, pl -nei (-nIˌaI) or -nea (-nIə)   1 the largest tarsal bone, forming the heel in humans. Nontechnical name: heel bone   2 the corresponding bone in other vertebrates [C19: from Late Latin: heel, from Latin calx heel]   > calˈcaneal or calˈcanean adj

calcar (ˈkælˌkɑː)   n, pl calcaria (kælˈkɛərIə)   a spur or spurlike process, as on the leg of a bird or the corolla of a flower [C19: from Latin, from calx heel]

■ calcarate (ˈkælkəˌreIt)   adj   having a calcar

■ calcarine (ˈkælˌkəraIn)   adj   resembling, related to, or having a calcar

calcareous (kælˈkɛərIəs)   adj   of, containing, or resembling calcium carbonate; chalky [C17: from Latin calcārius, from calx lime]

■ calcareously (kælˈkɛərIəslI)   adv   in a calcareous manner

calcariferous (ˌkælkəˈrIfərəs)   adj   having a spur or spurs

calcariform (kælˈkærIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a calcar

calceamentum (ˌkælsIəˈmɛntəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   (in ancient Rome) a sandal, boot, shoe, or other type of footwear [Latin]

calceate (ˈkælsIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to shoe

calced (kælst)   adj   wearing shoes

calcedonio Italian (kaltʃIˈdɔːnjo)   n   a type of Venetian opaque glassware, with veins of colour, intended to imitate chalcedony

calcedony (kælˈsɛdənI)   n   a variant spelling of chalcedony

calceiform (ˈkælsIIˌfɔːm, kælˈsiː-) or calceolate (ˈkælsIəˌleIt)   adj   botany shaped like a shoe or slipper [C19: from Latin calceus shoe]

calceolaria (ˌkælsIəˈlɛərIə)   n   any tropical American scrophulariaceous plant of the genus Calceolaria: cultivated for its speckled slipper-shaped flowers. Also called: slipperwort [C18: from Latin calceolus small shoe, from calceus]

calces (ˈkælsiːz)   n   a plural of calx

Calchas (ˈkælkæs)   n   Greek myth a soothsayer who assisted the Greeks in the Trojan War

calci- or before a vowel calc-   combining form   indicating lime or calcium: calcify [from Latin calx, calc- limestone]

calcic (ˈkælsIk)   adj   of, containing, or concerned with lime or calcium [C19: from Latin calx lime]

calcicole (ˈkælsIˌkəʊl)   n   any plant that thrives in lime-rich soils [C20: from CALCI- + -cole, from Latin colere to dwell]   > calcicolous (kælˈsIkələs) adj

calciferol (kælˈsIfərɒl)   n   a fat-soluble steroid, found esp in fish-liver oils, produced by the action of ultraviolet radiation on ergosterol. It increases the absorption of calcium from the intestine and is used in the treatment of rickets. Formula: C_28H_43OH. Also: vitamin D_2 [C20: from CALCIF(EROUS + ERGOST)EROL]

calciferous (kælˈsIfərəs)   adj   forming or producing salts of calcium, esp calcium carbonate

calcific (kælˈsIfIk)   adj   forming or causing to form lime or chalk

calcifuge (ˈkælsIˌfjuːdʒ)   n   any plant that thrives in acid soils but not in lime-rich soils   > calcifugal (ˌkælsIˈfjuːɡəl) adj   > calcifugous (kælˈsIfjəɡəs) adj

calcify (ˈkælsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 to convert or be converted into lime   2 to harden or become hardened by impregnation with calcium salts

■ calcification (ˌkælsIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the process of calcifying or becoming calcified   2 pathol a tissue hardened by deposition of lime salts   3 any calcified object or formation

■ calcified (ˈkælsIfaId)   adj   hardened by deposition of calcium

calcigerous (kælˈsIdʒərəs)   adj   containing lime or other salts

calcimine (ˈkælsIˌmaIn, -mIn) or kalsomine   n   1 a white or pale tinted wash for walls   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to cover with calcimine [C19: changed from Kalsomine, a trademark]

calcine (ˈkælsaIn, -sIn)   vb   1 (tr) to heat (a substance) so that it is oxidized, reduced, or loses water   2 (intr) to oxidize as a result of heating [C14: from Medieval Latin calcināre to heat, from Latin calx lime]   > calcination (ˌkælsIˈneIʃən) n

■ calcinable (ˈkælsInəbəl)   adj   able to be calcined

calcinosis (ˌkælsIˈnəʊsIs)   n   the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in the tissues of the body

calcite (ˈkælsaIt)   n   a colourless or white mineral (occasionally tinged with impurities), found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, in veins, in limestone, and in stalagmites and stalactites. It is used in the manufacture of cement, plaster, paint, glass, and fertilizer. Composition: calcium carbonate. Formula: CaCO_3. Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral)   > calcitic (kælˈsItIk) adj

calcitonin (ˌkælsIˈtəʊnIn)   n   a hormone secreted by the thyroid that inhibits the release of calcium from the skeleton and prevents a build-up of calcium in the blood. Also called: thyrocalcitonin. Compare parathyroid hormone [C20: from CALCI- + TON(IC) + -IN]

calcium (ˈkælsIəm)   n   a malleable silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth group; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust (3.6 per cent), occurring esp as forms of calcium carbonate. It is an essential constituent of bones and teeth and is used as a deoxidizer in steel. Symbol: Ca; atomic no: 20; atomic wt: 40.078; valency: 2; relative density: 1.55; melting pt: 842±2°C; boiling pt: 1494°C [C19: from New Latin, from Latin calx lime]

■ calcium antagonist   n   another name for calcium channel blocker

■ calcium carbide   n   a grey salt of calcium used in the production of acetylene (by its reaction with water) and calcium cyanamide. Formula: CaC_2. Sometimes shortened to: carbide

■ calcium carbonate   n   a white crystalline salt occurring in limestone, chalk, marble, calcite, coral, and pearl: used in the production of lime and cement. Formula: CaCO_3

■ calcium channel blocker   n   any drug that prevents the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle: used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Also called: calcium antagonist

■ calcium chloride   n   a white deliquescent salt occurring naturally in seawater and used in the de-icing of roads and as a drying agent. Formula: CaCl_2

■ calcium cyanamide   n   a white crystalline compound formed by heating calcium carbide with nitrogen. It is important in the fixation of nitrogen and can be hydrolysed to ammonia or used as a fertilizer. Formula: CaCN_2

■ calcium hydroxide   n   a white crystalline slightly soluble alkali with many uses, esp in cement, water softening, and the neutralization of acid soils. Formula: Ca(OH)2. Also called: lime, slaked lime, hydrated lime, calcium hydrate, caustic lime, lime hydrate

■ calcium light   n   another name for limelight

■ calcium oxide   n   a white crystalline base used in the production of calcium hydroxide and bleaching powder and in the manufacture of glass, paper, and steel. Formula: CaO. Also called: lime, quicklime, calx, burnt lime, calcined lime, fluxing lime

■ calcium phosphate   n   1 the insoluble nonacid calcium salt of orthophosphoric acid (phosphoric(V) acid): it occurs in bones and is the main constituent of bone ash. Formula: Ca_3(PO_4)2   2 any calcium salt of a phosphoric acid. Calcium phosphates are found in many rocks and used esp in fertilizers

calcrete (ˈkælkriːt)   n   another name for caliche (sense 1)

calcsinter (ˈkælkˌsIntə)   n   another name for travertine [C19: from German Kalksinter, from Kalk lime + sinter dross; see CHALK, SINTER]

calcspar (ˈkælkˌspɑː)   n   another name for calcite [C19: partial translation of Swedish kalkspat, from kalk lime (ultimately from Latin calx) + spat SPAR^3]

calc-tufa (ˈkælkˌtuːfə) or calc-tuff (ˈkælkˌtʌf)   n   another name for tufa

calculable (ˈkælkjʊləbəl)   adj   1 that may be computed or estimated   2 predictable; dependable   > ˌcalculaˈbility n   > ˈcalculably adv

calculate (ˈkælkjʊˌleIt)   vb   1 to solve (one or more problems) by a mathematical procedure; compute   2 (tr; may take a clause as object) to determine beforehand by judgment, reasoning, etc; estimate   3 (tr; usually passive) to design specifically; aim: the campaign was calculated to have a political effect   4 (intr; foll by on or upon) to depend; rely   5 (tr; may take a clause as object) US dialect   a to suppose; think   b to intend (to do something) [C16: from Late Latin calculāre, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see CALCULUS]   > calculative (ˈkælkjʊlətIv) adj

■ calculated (ˈkælkjʊˌleItId)   adj (usually prenominal)   1 undertaken after considering the likelihood of success or failure: a calculated risk   2 deliberately planned; premeditated: a calculated insult

■ calculatedly (ˈkælkjʊˌleItIdlI)   adv   in a calculated manner

■ calculatedness (ˈkælkjʊˌleItIdnəs)   n   the state of being calculated

■ calculating (ˈkælkjʊˌleItIŋ)   adj   1 selfishly scheming   2 shrewd; cautious   > ˈcalcuˌlatingly adv

■ calculation (ˌkælkjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act, process, or result of calculating   2 an estimation of probability; forecast   3 careful planning or forethought, esp for selfish motives

■ calculational (ˌkælkjʊˈleIʃənəl)   adj   relating to calculation

■ calculator (ˈkælkjʊˌleItə)   n   1 a device for performing mathematical calculations, esp an electronic device that can be held in the hand   2 a person or thing that calculates   3 a set of tables used as an aid to calculations

calculus (ˈkælkjʊləs)   n, pl -luses   1 a branch of mathematics, developed independently by Newton and Leibniz. Both differential calculus and integral calculus are concerned with the effect on a function of an infinitesimal change in the independent variable as it tends to zero   2 any mathematical system of calculation involving the use of symbols   3 logic an uninterpreted formal system. Compare formal language (sense 2)   4 (pl -li (-ˌlaI)) pathol a stonelike concretion of minerals and salts found in ducts or hollow organs of the body [C17: from Latin: pebble, stone used in reckoning, from calx small stone, counter]

■ calcular (ˈkælkjʊlə)   adj   relating to calculus

■ calculous (ˈkælkjʊləs) or calculary (ˈkælkjʊlərI)   adj   of or suffering from a calculus. Obsolete form: calculose

■ calculus of variations   n   a branch of calculus concerned with maxima and minima of definite integrals

Calcutta (kælˈkʌtə)   n   the former official name (still widely used) of Kolkata

■ Calcutta Cup   n   rugby Union a trophy competed for annually by England and Scotland since 1879 [after the CALCUTTA Rugby and Cricket Club, who donated the trophy to the Rugby Football Union in 1878]

caldarium (kælˈdɛərIəm)   n, pl -daria (-ˈdɛərIə)   (in ancient Rome) a room for taking hot baths [C18: from Latin, from calidus warm, from calēre to be warm]

Calder (ˈkɔːldə)   n   Alexander. 1898–1976, US sculptor, who originated mobiles and stabiles (moving or static abstract sculptures, generally suspended from wire)

caldera (kælˈdɛərə, ˈkɔːldərə)   n   a large basin-shaped crater at the top of a volcano, formed by the collapse or explosion of the cone. See cirque [C19: from Spanish Caldera (literally: CAULDRON), name of a crater in the Canary Islands]

Calderdale (ˈkɔːldəˌdeIl)   n   a unitary authority in N England, in West Yorkshire. Pop: 193 200 (2003 est). Area: 364 sq km (140 sq miles)

Calderón de la Barca (Spanish kaldeˈron de la ˈbarka)   n   Pedro (ˈpeðro). 1600–81, Spanish dramatist, whose best-known work is La Vida es Sueño. He also wrote autos sacramentales, outdoor plays for the feast of Corpus Christi, 76 of which survive

caldron (ˈkɔːldrən)   n   a variant spelling of cauldron

Caldwell (ˈkɔːldwɛl, -wəl)   n   Erskine (ˈɜːskIn). 1903–87, US novelist whose works include Tobacco Road (1933)

calèche (French kalɛʃ)   n   a variant of calash

Caledonia (ˌkælIˈdəʊnIə)   n   the Roman name for Scotland

USAGE

Caledonia is now used poetically and, sometimes, humorously

■ Caledonian (ˌkælIˈdəʊnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Scotland   2 of or denoting a period of mountain building in NW Europe in the Palaeozoic era   ▷ n   3 literary a native or inhabitant of Scotland

■ Caledonian Canal   n   a canal in N Scotland, linking the Atlantic with the North Sea through the Great Glen: built 1803–47; now used mostly for leisure boating

calefacient (ˌkælIˈfeIʃənt)   adj   1 causing warmth   ▷ n   2 med obsolete an agent that warms, such as a mustard plaster [C17: from Latin calefaciēns, from calefacere to heat]   > calefaction (ˌkælIˈfækʃən) n

calefactive (ˌkælIˈfæktIv)   adj   producing heat

calefactor (ˌkælIˈfæktə)   n   a heater

■ calefactory (ˌkælIˈfæktərI, -trI)   adj   1 giving warmth   ▷ n, pl -ries   2 a heated sitting room in a monastery [C16: from Latin calefactōrius, from calefactus made warm; see CALEFACIENT]

calefy (ˈkælIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   obsolete to make or become warm

calembour (ˌkæləmˈbʊə; French kalɑ̃bur)   n   a pun [C19: from French]

calendar (ˈkælIndə)   n   1 a system for determining the beginning, length, and order of years and their divisions. See also Gregorian calendar, Jewish calendar, Julian calendar, Revolutionary calendar, Roman calendar   2 a table showing any such arrangement, esp as applied to one or more successive years   3 a list, register, or schedule of social events, pending court cases, appointments, etc   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to enter in a calendar; schedule; register [C13: via Norman French from Medieval Latin kalendārium account book, from Kalendae the CALENDS, when interest on debts became due]   > calendrical (kæˈlɛndrIkəl) or caˈlendric adj

■ calendar day   n   See day (sense 1)

■ calendarer (ˈkælIndərə)   n   a person who calendars

■ calendarist (ˈkælIndəˌrIst)   n   a person who calendarizes

■ calendarization or calendarisation (ˌkæləndəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of calendarizing

■ calendarize or calendarise (ˈkælIndəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to apportion (e.g. a budget) into equal units of time (usually months) within a year

■ calendar month   n   See month (sense 1)

■ calendar year   n   See year (sense 1)

calender^1 (ˈkælIndə)   n   1 a machine in which paper or cloth is glazed or smoothed by passing between rollers   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to subject (material) to such a process [C17: from French calandre, of unknown origin]

■ calenderer (ˈkælIndərə) or calendrer (ˈkælIndrə)   n   a person who operates a calender

■ calendry (ˈkælIndrI)   n, pl -ries   a place where calendering is carried out

calender^2 (ˈkælIndə)   n   a member of a mendicant order of dervishes in Turkey, Iran, and India [from Persian kalandar]

calends or kalends (ˈkælIndz)   pl n   the first day of each month in the ancient Roman calendar [C14: from Latin kalendae; related to Latin calāre to proclaim]

■ calendal (kəˈlɛndəl)   adj   relating to the calends

calendula (kæˈlɛndjʊlə)   n   1 any Eurasian plant of the genus Calendula, esp the pot marigold, having orange-and-yellow rayed flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 the dried flowers of the pot marigold, formerly used medicinally and for seasoning [C19: from Medieval Latin, from Latin kalendae CALENDS; perhaps from its supposed efficacy in curing menstrual disorders]

calenture (ˈkælənˌtjʊə)   n   a mild fever of tropical climates, similar in its symptoms to sunstroke [C16: from Spanish calentura fever, ultimately from Latin calēre to be warm]

calesa Spanish (kaˈlesa)   n   a horse-drawn buggy, once common in the Philippines but now mainly used as a tourist attraction

calescent (kəˈlɛsənt)   adj   increasing in heat

■ calescence (kəˈlɛsəns)   n   an increasing heat [C19: from Latin calēscere to grow warm, from calēre to be warm]

calf^1 (kɑːf)   n, pl calves   1 the young of cattle, esp domestic cattle. Related adjective: vituline   2 the young of certain other mammals, such as the buffalo, elephant, giraffe, and whale   3 a large piece of floating ice detached from an iceberg, etc   4 kill the fatted calf to celebrate lavishly, esp as a welcome   5 another name for calfskin [Old English cealf; related to Old Norse kālfr, Gothic kalbō, Old High German kalba]

■ calf diphtheria   n   vet science a disease of the throat in young calves caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, resulting in breathing difficulty and a painful cough

■ calfdozer (ˈkɑːfˌdəʊzə)   n   a small bulldozer

■ calfless (ˈkɑːfləs)   adj   (of a cow) having no calves

■ calflike (ˈkɑːfˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a calf

■ calf love   n   temporary infatuation or love of an adolescent for another person. Also called: puppy love

■ calf's-foot jelly   n   a jelly made from the stock of boiled calves' feet and flavourings, formerly often served to invalids

■ calfskin (ˈkɑːfˌskIn)   n   1 the skin or hide of a calf   2 Also called: calf   a fine leather made from this skin   b (as modifier): calfskin boots

calf^2 (kɑːf)   n, pl calves   the thick fleshy part of the back of the leg between the ankle and the knee. Related adjective: sural [C14: from Old Norse kalfi]

Calgary (ˈkælɡərI)   n   a city in Canada, in S Alberta: centre of a large agricultural region; oilfields. Pop: 879 277 (2001)

Calgon (ˈkælɡɒn)   n   trademark a chemical compound, sodium hexametaphosphate, with water-softening properties, used in detergents

Cali (Spanish ˈkali)   n   a city in SW Colombia: commercial centre in a rich agricultural region. Pop: 2 583 000 (2005 est)

caliatour (ˈkælIətʊə) or calliature (ˈkælIətʃə)   n   obsolete a tropical dyewood, possibly red sandalwood [C17: of uncertain origin]

Caliban (ˈkælIˌbæn)   n   a brutish or brutalized man [C19: after a character in Shakespeare's The Tempest (1611)]

calibrate (ˈkælIˌbreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to measure the calibre of (a gun, mortar, etc)   2 to mark (the scale of a measuring instrument) so that readings can be made in appropriate units   3 to determine the accuracy of (a measuring instrument, etc)   4 to determine or check the range and accuracy of (a piece of artillery)   > ˌcaliˈbration n   > ˈcaliˌbrator or ˈcaliˌbrater n

■ calibrated (ˈkælIˌbreItId)   adj   marked with units

calibre or US caliber (ˈkælIbə)   n   1 the diameter of a cylindrical body, esp the internal diameter of a tube or the bore of a firearm   2 the diameter of a shell or bullet   3 ability; distinction: a musician of high calibre   4 personal character: a man of high calibre [C16: from Old French, from Italian calibro, from Arabic qālib shoemaker's last, mould]   > ˈcalibred or US ˈcalibered adj

calices (ˈkælIˌsiːz)   n   the plural of calix

caliche (kæˈliːtʃI)   n   1 Also called: calcrete a bed of sand or clay in arid regions cemented by calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, and other soluble minerals   2 a surface layer of soil encrusted with calcium carbonate, occurring in arid regions. Also called: duricrust [C20: from American Spanish, from Latin calx lime]

calicle (ˈkælIkəl)   n   a variant spelling of calycle   > calicular (kəˈlIkjʊlə) adj

calico (ˈkælIˌkəʊ)   n, pl -coes or -cos   1 a white or unbleached cotton fabric with no printed design   2 chiefly US a coarse printed cotton fabric   3 (modifier) made of calico [C16: based on Calicut, town in India]

■ calico bush   n   another name for mountain laurel

Calicut (ˈkælIˌkʌt)   n   the former name for Kozhikode

calid (ˈkælId)   adj   archaic warm [C16: from Latin calidus]

■ calidity (kəˈlIdItI)   n   obsolete warmth

calif (ˈkeIlIf, ˈkæl-)   n   a variant spelling of caliph

■ califate (ˈkeIlIˌfeIt, -fIt, ˈkæl-)   n   a variant spelling of caliphate

Calif.   abbreviation for   California

califont (ˈkælIˌfɒnt)   n   NZ a gas water heater [from a trade name]

California (ˌkælIˈfɔːnIə)   n   1 a state on the W coast of the US: the third largest state in area and the largest in population; consists of a narrow, warm coastal plain rising to the Coast Range, deserts in the south, the fertile central valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the east; major industries include the growing of citrus fruits and grapes, fishing, oil production, electronics, information technology, and films. Capital: Sacramento. Pop: 35 484 453 (2003 est). Area: 411 015 sq km (158 693 sq miles). Abbreviation: Cal., Calif., (with zip code) CA   2 Gulf of California an arm of the Pacific Ocean, between Sonora and Lower California

■ Californian (ˌkælIˈfɔːnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to California or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of California

■ Californian spangled cat   n   a breed of short-haired cat with a spotted coat, bred in California to resemble a leopard in appearance

■ California poppy   n   a papaveraceous plant, Eschscholtzia californica, of the Pacific coast of North America, having yellow or orange flowers and finely divided bluish-green leaves. Also called: eschscholzia, eschscholtzia

californium (ˌkælIˈfɔːnIəm)   n   a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from curium. Symbol: Cf; atomic no: 98; half-life of most stable isotope, 251Cf: 800 years (approx.) [C20: New Latin; discovered at the University of California]

caliginous (kəˈlIdʒInəs)   adj   archaic dark; dim [C16: from Latin cālīginōsus, from cālīgō darkness]

■ caliginosity (kəˌlIdʒIˈnɒsItI)   n   rare darkness

caligo (kəˈlaIɡəʊ)   n   a speck on the cornea causing poor vision

Caligula (kəˈlIɡjʊlə)   n   original name Gaius Caesar, son of Germanicus. 12–41 AD, Roman emperor (37–41), noted for his cruelty and tyranny; assassinated

calima (ˈkælImə)   n   a dust storm in the Canary Islands region, originating from the Sahara desert [C19: from Spanish, literally: haze]

Calimere (ˈkælImIə)   n   Point Calimere a cape on the SE coast of India, on the Palk Strait

calimocho (ˌkælIˈməʊtʃəʊ)   n   a cocktail popular in Spanish-speaking countries, consisting of a mixture of cola and red wine [C20 from Basque]

caliology (ˌkælIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of birds' nests [C19: from Greek kalia nest + -LOGY]

calipash or callipash (ˈkælIˌpæʃ)   n   the greenish glutinous edible part of the turtle found next to the upper shell, considered a delicacy [C17: perhaps changed from Spanish carapacho CARAPACE]

calipee (ˈkælIˌpiː)   n   the yellow glutinous edible part of the turtle found next to the lower shell, considered a delicacy [C17: perhaps a variant of CALIPASH]

caliper (ˈkælIpə)   n   the usual US spelling of calliper

caliph, calif, kalif or khalif (ˈkeIlIf, ˈkæl-)   n   Islam the title of the successors of Mohammed as rulers of the Islamic world, later assumed by the Sultans of Turkey [C14: from Old French, from Arabic khalīfa successor]

■ caliphal (ˈkeIlIfəl, ˈkæIfəl)   adj   relating to a caliph

■ caliphate, califate or kalifate (ˈkeIlIˌfeIt, -fIt, ˈkæl-)   n   the office, jurisdiction, or reign of a caliph

calisaya (ˌkælIˈseIə)   n   the bark of any of several tropical trees of the rubiaceous genus Cinchona, esp C. calisaya, from which quinine is extracted. Also called: calisaya bark, yellowbark, cinchona [C19: from Spanish, from the name of a member of a Bolivian tribe who taught the uses of quinine to the Spanish]

calisthenics (ˌkælIsˈθɛnIks)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of callisthenics   > ˌcalisˈthenic adj

caliver (ˈkælIvə)   n   a light musket introduced in the early 16th century [C16: variant of CALIBRE]

calix (ˈkeIlIks, ˈkæ-)   n, pl calices (ˈkælIˌsiːz)   a cup; chalice [C18: from Latin: CHALICE]

calk^1 (kɔːk)   vb   a variant spelling of caulk

calk^2 (kɔːk) or calkin (ˈkɔːkIn, ˈkæl-)   n   1 a metal projection on a horse's shoe to prevent slipping   2 chiefly US and Canadian a set of spikes or a spiked plate attached to the sole of a boot, esp by loggers, to prevent slipping   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to provide with calks   4 to wound with a calk [C17: from Latin calx heel]

calk^3 (kɔːk)   vb   (tr) to transfer (a design) by tracing it with a blunt point from one sheet backed with loosely fixed colouring matter onto another placed underneath [C17: from French calquer to trace; see CALQUE]

call (kɔːl)   vb   1 (often foll by out) to speak or utter (words, sounds, etc) loudly so as to attract attention: he called out her name   2 (tr) to ask or order to come: to call a policeman   3 (intr; sometimes foll by on) to make a visit (to): she called on him   4 (often foll by up) to telephone (a person): he called back at nine   5 (tr) to summon to a specific office, profession, etc: he was called to the ministry   6 (of animals or birds) to utter (a characteristic sound or cry)   7 (tr) to summon (a bird or animal) by imitating its cry   8 (tr) to name or style: they called the dog Rover   9 (tr) to designate: they called him a coward   10 (tr) Brit dialect to speak ill of or scold   11 (tr) to regard in a specific way: I call it a foolish waste of time   12 (tr) to attract (attention)   13 (tr) to read (a list, register, etc) aloud to check for omissions or absentees   14 (when tr, usually foll by for) to give an order (for): to call a strike   15 (intr) to try to predict the result of tossing a coin   16 (tr) to awaken: I was called early this morning   17 (tr) to cause to assemble: to call a meeting   18 (tr) sport (of an umpire, referee, etc) to pass judgment upon (a shot, player, etc) with a call   19 (tr) Austral and NZ to broadcast a commentary on (a horse race or other sporting event)   20 (tr) to demand repayment of (a loan, redeemable bond, security, etc)   21 (tr; often foll by up) finance to demand payment of (a portion of a share issue not yet paid by subscribers)   22 (tr) Brit to award (a student at an Inn of Court) the degree of barrister (esp in the phrase call to the bar)   23 (tr) computing to transfer control to (a named subprogram)   24 (tr) poker to demand that (a player) expose their hand, after equalling their bet   25 (intr) bridge to make a bid   26 (in square-dancing) to call out (instructions) to the dancers   27 billiards to ask (a player) to say what kind of shot they will play or (of a player) to name their shot   28 (intr; foll by for)   a to require: this problem calls for attention   b to come or go (for) in order to fetch: I will call for my book later   29 (intr; foll by on or upon) to make an appeal or request (to): they called upon him to reply   30 (tr) to predict the outcome of an event: we don't know yet if the plan has succeeded because it's too soon to call   31 call into being to create   32 call into play to begin to operate   33 call in question or call into question See question (sense 12)   34 call it a day to stop work or other activity   35 too close to call (of the outcome of a competition, election, match, etc) unable to be predicted   36 call to mind to remember or cause to be remembered   ▷ n   37 a cry or shout   38 the characteristic cry of a bird or animal   39 a device, such as a whistle, intended to imitate the cry of a bird or animal   40 a summons or invitation   41 a summons or signal sounded on a horn, bugle, etc   42 hunting any of several notes or patterns of notes, blown on a hunting horn as a signal   43 hunting   a an imitation of the characteristic cry of a wild animal or bird to lure it to the hunter   b an instrument for producing such an imitation   44 a short visit: the doctor made six calls this morning   45 an inner urge to some task or profession; vocation   46 allure or fascination, esp of a place: the call of the forest   47 Brit the summons to the bar of a student member of an Inn of Court   48 need, demand, or occasion: there is no call to shout; we don't get much call for stockings these days   49 demand or claim (esp in the phrase the call of duty)   50 theatre a notice to actors informing them of times of rehearsals   51 (in square dancing) an instruction to execute new figures   52 a conversation or a request for a connection by telephone   53 commerce   a a demand for repayment of a loan   b (as modifier): call money   54 finance   a a demand for redeemable bonds or shares to be presented for repayment   b a demand for an instalment payment on the issue price of bonds or shares   55 billiards a demand to an opponent to say what kind of shot he or she will play   56 poker a demand for a hand or hands to be exposed   57 bridge a bid, or a player's turn to bid   58 a decision or judgment: it's your call   59 sport a decision of an umpire or referee regarding a shot, pitch, etc   60 Austral a broadcast commentary on a horse race or other sporting event   61 Also called: call option stock exchange an option to buy a stated amount of securities at a specified price during a specified period. Compare put (sense 20)   62 See roll call   63 call for margin stock exchange a demand made by a stockbroker for partial payment of a client's debt due to decreasing value of the collateral   64 call of nature See nature (sense 16)   65 on call   a (of a loan, etc) repayable on demand   b available to be called for work outside normal working hours   66 within call within range; accessible [Old English ceallian; related to Old Norse kalla, Old High German kallōn, Old Slavonic glasǔ voice]

■ callable (ˈkɔːləbəl)   adj   1 (of a security) subject to redemption before maturity   2 (of money loaned) repayable on demand

■ call alarm   n     a an electronic device that sends an alarm signal, usually to a distant monitoring centre   b (as modifier): a call-alarm system

■ call-and-response   n   a form of interaction between a speaker and one or more listeners, in which every utterance of the speaker elicits a verbal or non-verbal response from the listener or listeners

■ callback (ˈkɔːlˌbæk)   n   an invitation to someone who has attended an interview, audition, etc to attend a subsequent round in a selection process

■ callboard (ˈkɔːlˌbɔːd)   n   a notice board listing opportunities for performers

■ call box   n   a soundproof enclosure for a public telephone. Also called: telephone box, telephone kiosk

■ callboy (ˈkɔːlˌbɔI)   n   a person who notifies actors when it is time to go on stage

■ call centre   n   an office where staff carry out an organization's telephone transactions

■ call down   vb (tr, adverb)   to request or invoke: to call down God's anger

■ called (kɔːld)   adj   having the name

■ callee (kɔːlˈiː)   n   computing a routine that is called by another routine

■ caller (ˈkɔːlə)   n   1 a person or thing that calls, esp a person who makes a brief visit   2 Austral a racing commentator

caller (ˈkælə); Scottish ˈkælər, ˈkɒlər)   adj Scot   1 (of food, esp fish) fresh   2 cool: a caller breeze [C14: perhaps a Scottish variant of calver to prepare fresh salmon or trout in a certain way; perhaps from Old English calwer curds, from a fancied resemblance with the flaked flesh of the fish]

■ call forth   vb   (tr, adverb) to cause (something) to come into action or existence: she called forth all her courage

■ call girl   n   a prostitute with whom appointments are made by telephone

■ call in   vb (adverb)   1 (intr; often foll by on) to pay a visit, esp a brief or informal one: call in if you are in the neighbourhood   2 (tr) to demand payment of: to call in a loan   3 (tr) to take (something) out of circulation, because it is defective or no longer useful   4 (tr) to summon to one's assistance: they had to call in a specialist   ▷ n call-in   5 a radio programme which invites its listeners to telephone the presenter

■ calling (ˈkɔːlIŋ)   n   1 a strong inner urge to follow an occupation, etc; vocation   2 an occupation, profession, or trade

■ calling card   n   a small card bearing the name and usually the address of a person, esp for giving to business or social acquaintances. Also called: visiting card

■ call letters   pl n   the call sign of an American or Canadian radio station, esp that of a commercial broadcasting station

■ call loan   n   a loan that is repayable on demand. Also called: demand loan. Compare time loan

■ call money   n   money loaned by banks and recallable on demand

■ call number   n   the number given to a book in a library, indicating its shelf location. Also called: call mark

■ call off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to cancel or abandon: the game was called off because of rain   2 to order (an animal or person) to desist; summon away: the man called off his dog   3 to stop (something) or give the order to stop

■ call out   vb (adverb)   1 to utter aloud, esp loudly   2 (tr) to summon   3 (tr) to order (workers) to strike   4 (tr) to summon (an employee) to work at a time outside his or her normal working hours, usually in an emergency   5 (tr) to challenge to a duel   6 (tr) to challenge (a person) to justify an action or statement

■ call-over   n   law a preliminary hearing

■ call rate   n   the interest rate on a call loan

■ call sign or call signal   n   a group of letters and numbers identifying a radio transmitting station, esp an amateur radio station. Compare call letters

■ call slip   n   a form for requesting a library book by title and call number. Also called: call card, requisition form

■ calltime (ˈkɔːlˌtaIm)   n   time available for making calls on a mobile phone

■ call up   vb (adverb)   1 to summon to report for active military service, as in time of war   2 (tr) to recall (something); evoke: his words called up old memories   3 (tr) to bring or summon (people, etc) into action: to call up reinforcements   4 to telephone   ▷ n call-up   5    a a general order to report for military service   b the number of men so summoned

calla (ˈkælə)   n   1 Also called: calla lily, arum lily any southern African plant of the aroid genus Zantedeschia, esp Z. aethiopica, which has a white funnel-shaped spathe enclosing a yellow spadix   2 an aroid plant, Calla palustris, that grows in wet places and has a white spathe enclosing a greenish spadix, and red berries [C19: from New Latin, probably from Greek kalleia wattles on a cock, probably from kallos beauty]

Callaghan (ˈkæləˌhæn)   n   1  (Leonard) James, Baron Callaghan of Cardiff. 1912–2005, British Labour statesman; prime minister (1976–79)   2  Sir Paul (Terrence). 1947–2012, New Zealand physicist, noted for his work on magnetic resonance

callais (kəˈleIIs)   n   a green stone found as beads and ornaments in the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age of W Europe [C19: from Greek kallais]

callaloo (ˌkæləˈluː)   n   a variant spelling of calalu

Callanetics (ˌkæləˈnɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) trademark a system of exercise involving frequent repetition of small muscular movements and squeezes, designed to improve muscle tone [C20: named after Callan Pinckney (born 1939), its US inventor]

callant (ˈkælənt) or callan (ˈkælən)   n   Scot a youth; lad [C16: from Dutch or Flemish kalant customer, fellow]

Callao (Spanish kaˈʎao)   n   a port in W Peru, near Lima, on Callao Bay: chief import centre of Peru. Pop: 813 264 (2005 est)

Callas (ˈkæləs)   n   Maria, real name Maria Anna Cecilia Kalageropoulos. 1923–77, Greek operatic soprano, born in the US

callet (ˈkælIt)   n obsolete or Northern English derogatory   1 a scold   2 a prostitute or promiscuous woman   3 offensive a girl or woman [C16: of uncertain origin]

calli-   combining form   beautiful: calligraphy [from Greek kalli-, from kallos beauty]

calliature (ˈkælIətʃə)   n   a variant form of caliatour

Callicrates (kəˈlIkrəˌtiːz)   n   5th century BC, Greek architect: with Ictinus, designed the Parthenon

callid (ˈkælId)   adj   obsolete cunning or sly [C17: from Latin callidus]

■ callidity (kæˈlIdItI)   n   cunning or slyness

calligram or calligramme (ˈkælIˌɡræm)   n   a poem in which words are positioned so as to create a visual image of the subject on the page

calligraphy (kəˈlIɡrəfI)   n   handwriting, esp beautiful handwriting considered as an art. Also called: chirography   > calˈligrapher or calˈligraphist n   > calligraphic (ˌkælIˈɡræfIk) or calligraphical (ˌkælIˈɡræfIkəl) adj   > ˌcalliˈgraphically adv

Callimachus (kəˈlIməkəs)   n   1  late 5th century BC, Greek sculptor, reputed to have invented the Corinthian capital   2  ?305–?240 BC, Greek poet of the Alexandrian School; author of hymns and epigrams

calliope (kəˈlaIəpI)   n   US and Canadian a steam organ [C19: after CALLIOPE (literally: beautiful-voiced)]

Calliope (kəˈlaIəpI)   n   Greek myth the Muse of epic poetry

calliopsis (ˌkælIˈɒpsIs)   n   another name for coreopsis

callipash (ˈkælIˌpæʃ)   n   a variant spelling of calipash

calliper or US caliper (ˈkælIpə)   n   1 Also called: calliper compasses (often plural) an instrument for measuring internal or external dimensions, consisting of two steel legs hinged together   2 Also called: calliper splint med a splint consisting of two metal rods with straps attached, for supporting or exerting tension on the leg   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to measure the dimensions of (an object) with a calliper [C16: variant of CALIBRE]

■ calliper rule   n   a measuring instrument having two parallel jaws, one fixed at right angles to the end of a calibrated scale and the other sliding along it

callipygian (ˌkælIˈpIdʒIən) or callipygous (ˌkælIˈpaIɡəs)   adj   having beautifully shaped buttocks [C19: from Greek kallipugos, epithet of a statue of Aphrodite, from CALLI- + pugē buttocks]

callistemon (kəˈlIstəmən)   n   another name for bottlebrush (sense 2)

callisthenics or calisthenics (ˌkælIsˈθɛnIks)   n   1 (functioning as plural) light exercises designed to promote general fitness, develop muscle tone, etc   2 (functioning as singular) the practice of callisthenic exercises [C19: from CALLI- + Greek sthenos strength]   > ˌcallisˈthenic or ˌcalisˈthenic adj

Callisto^1 (kəˈlIstəʊ)   n   Greek myth a nymph who attracted the love of Zeus and was changed into a bear by Hera. Zeus then set her in the sky as the constellation Ursa Major

Callisto^2 (kəˈlIstəʊ)   n   the second largest (but faintest) of the four Galilean satellites of Jupiter, discovered in 1610 by Galileo. Approximate diameter: 4800 km; orbital radius: 1 883 000 km. See also Galilean satellite

callithump (ˈkælIˌθʌmp)   n   US informal a noisy band or parade [C19: a humorous coinage]

■ callithumpian (ˌkæləˈθʌmpIən)   adj   US informal relating to or resembling a callithump

callop (ˈkæləp)   n   an edible freshwater fish, Plectroplites ambiguus, of Australia, often golden or pale yellow in colour [from a native Australian language]

callose (ˈkæləʊz)   n   a carbohydrate, a polymer of glucose, found in plants, esp in the sieve tubes

callous (ˈkæləs)   adj   1 unfeeling; insensitive   2 (of skin) hardened and thickened   ▷ vb   3 pathol to make or become callous [C16: from Latin callōsus; see CALLUS]   > ˈcallously adv   > ˈcallousness n

■ callosity (kəˈlɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 hardheartedness   2 another name for callus (sense 1)

■ calloused or callused (ˈkæləst)   adj   roughened; hardened

callow (ˈkæləʊ)   adj   1 lacking experience of life; immature   2 rare (of a young bird) unfledged and usually lacking feathers [Old English calu; related to Old High German kalo, Old Slavonic golú bare, naked, Lithuanian galva head, Latin calvus bald]   > ˈcallowness n

Callow (ˈkæləʊ)   n   Simon. born 1949, British actor and theatre director

calluna (kəˈluːnə)   n   a low-growing evergreen Eurasian ericaceous shrub, Calluna vulgaris [c19: from New Latin, from Greek kallunein to make beautiful, from kallos beauty]

callus (ˈkæləs)   n, pl -luses   1 Also called: callosity an area of skin that is hard or thick, esp on the palm of the hand or sole of the foot, as from continual friction or pressure   2 an area of bony tissue formed during the healing of a fractured bone   3 botany   a a mass of hard protective tissue produced in woody plants at the site of an injury   b an accumulation of callose in the sieve tubes   4 biotechnology a mass of undifferentiated cells produced as the first stage in tissue culture   ▷ vb   5 to produce or cause to produce a callus [C16: from Latin, variant of callum hardened skin]

calm (kɑːm)   adj   1 almost without motion; still: a calm sea   2 meteorol of force 0 on the Beaufort scale; without wind   3 not disturbed, agitated, or excited; under control: he stayed calm throughout the confusion   4 tranquil; serene: a calm voice   ▷ n   5 an absence of disturbance or rough motion; stillness   6 an absence of wind   7 tranquillity   ▷ vb   8 (often foll by down) to make or become calm [C14: from Old French calme, from Old Italian calma, from Late Latin cauma heat, hence a rest during the heat of the day, from Greek kauma heat, from kaiein to burn]   > ˈcalmly adv   > ˈcalmness n

■ calmative (ˈkælmətIv, ˈkɑːmə-) or calmant (ˈkɑːmənt, ˈkælmənt)   adj   1 (of a remedy or agent) sedative   ▷ n   2 a sedative remedy or drug

■ calming (ˈkɑːmIŋ)   adj   soothing; tranquillizing

■ calmingly (ˈkɑːmIŋlI)   adv   in a calming manner

■ calmy (ˈkɑːmI)   adj calmier, calmiest   literary tranquil

calmodulin (kəlˈmɒdjʊlIn)   n   biochem a protein found in most living cells; it regulates many enzymic processes that are dependent on calcium [from CAL(CIUM) + MODUL(ATE) + -IN]

calo (ˈkæləʊ)   n   Roman history a non-combatant servant to a soldier in the Roman army [Latin]

calomel (ˈkæləˌmɛl, -məl)   n   a colourless tasteless powder consisting chiefly of mercurous chloride, used medicinally, esp as a cathartic. Formula: Hg_2Cl_2 [C17: perhaps from New Latin calomelas (unattested), literally: beautiful black (perhaps so named because it was originally sublimed from a black mixture of mercury and mercuric chloride), from Greek kalos beautiful + melas black]

calorescence (ˌkæləˈrɛsəns)   n   physics the absorption of radiation by a body, subsequently re-emitted at a higher frequency (lower wavelength)   > ˌcaloˈrescent adj

Calor Gas (ˈkælə)   n   trademark butane gas liquefied under pressure in portable containers for domestic use

caloric (kəˈlɒrIk, ˈkælərIk)   adj   1 of or concerned with heat or calories   ▷ n   2 obsolete a hypothetical elastic fluid formerly postulated as the embodiment of heat   > caloricity (ˌkæləˈrIsItI) n

■ calorically (kəˈlɒrIkəlI)   adv   in a caloric manner

calorie or calory (ˈkælərI)   n, pl -ries   a unit of heat, equal to 4.1868 joules (International Table calorie): formerly defined as the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C under standard conditions. It has now largely been replaced by the joule for scientific purposes. Abbreviation: cal. Also called: gram calorie, small calorie. Compare Calorie [C19: from French, from Latin calor heat]

■ calorie-conscious   adj   informal aware of the calorie content of one's diet

■ calorie-free   adj   containing no calories

Calorie (ˈkælərI)   n   1 Also called: kilogram calorie, kilocalorie, large calorie a unit of heat, equal to one thousand calories, often used to express the heat output of an organism or the energy value of food. Abbreviation: Cal   2 the amount of a specific food capable of producing one thousand calories of energy

calorific (ˌkæləˈrIfIk)   adj   of, concerning, or generating heat   > ˌcaloˈrifically adv

■ calorification (ˌkæləˌrIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the production of heat

■ calorific value   n   the quantity of heat produced by the complete combustion of a given mass of a fuel, usually expressed in joules per kilogram

calorifier (kəˈlɒrIˌfaIə)   n   a water tank fitted with a coil, or coils, that can be heated in order to heat the water

calorimeter (ˌkæləˈrImItə)   n   an apparatus for measuring amounts of heat, esp to find specific heat capacities, calorific values, etc   > calorimetric (ˌkælərIˈmɛtrIk) or ˌcaloriˈmetrical adj   > ˌcaloriˈmetrically adv   > ˌcaloˈrimetry n

calorist (ˈkælərIst)   n   obsolete a believer in caloric theory

calorize or calorise (ˈkæləˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to coat (a ferrous metal) by spraying with aluminium powder and then heating

calotte (kəˈlɒt)   n   1 a skullcap worn by Roman Catholic clergy   2 architect a concavity in the form of a niche or cup, serving to reduce the apparent height of an alcove or chapel [C17: from French, from Provençal calota, perhaps from Greek kaluptra hood]

calotype (ˈkæləʊˌtaIp)   n   1 an early photographic process invented by W. H. Fox Talbot, in which the image was produced on paper treated with silver iodide and developed by sodium thiosulphite   2 a photograph made by this process [C19: from Greek kalos beautiful + -TYPE]

■ calotypist (ˈkæləʊˌtaIpIst)   n   a person who produces photographs using the calotype process

caloyer (ˈkælɔIə)   n   a monk of the Greek Orthodox Church, esp of the Basilian Order [C17: from French, from Medieval Greek kalogēros venerable, from Greek kalos beautiful + gēras old age]

calp (kælp)   n   mineralogy a type of limestone, dark grey or bluish black in colour, that is found in Ireland [C18: from Irish dialect]

calpa (ˈkælpə)   n   a variant spelling of kalpa

calpac, calpack or kalpak (ˈkælpæk)   n   a large black brimless hat made of sheepskin or felt, worn by men in parts of the Near East [C16: from Turkish kalpāk]

calpain (ˈkælpeIn)   n   any of various enzymes in mammals and other organisms that are involved in the proteolysis of endogenous proteins and are regulated by the concentration of calcium ions [C20: from CAL(MODULIN) + (PA)PAIN]

Calpe (ˈkælpI)   n   the ancient name for (the Rock of) Gibraltar

calque (kælk)   n   1 another word for loan translation   ▷ vb calques, calquing, calqued   2 (tr) another word for calk^3 [C20: from French: a tracing, from calquer, from Latin calcāre to tread]

Caltanissetta (Italian kaltanisˈsɛtta)   n   a city in central Sicily: sulphur mines. Pop: 61 438 (2001)

Caltech (ˈkælˌtɛk)   n   the California Institute of Technology

caltha (ˈkælθə)   n   a yellow-flowered ranunculaceous plant, Caltha palustris, that grows in swampy places [C16: from Latin]

caltrop, caltrap (ˈkæltrəp) or calthrop (ˈkælθrəp)   n   1 any tropical or subtropical plant of the zygophyllaceous genera Tribulus and Kallstroemia that have spiny burs or bracts   2 water caltrop another name for water chestnut (sense 1)   3 another name for the star thistle   4 military a four-spiked iron ball or four joined spikes laid upon the ground as a device to lame cavalry horses, puncture tyres, etc [Old English calcatrippe (the plant), from Medieval Latin calcatrippa, probably from Latin calx heel + trippa TRAP^1]

calumba (kæˈlʌmbə)   n   the root of the Mozambiquan plant Jateorhiza columba, used as an aid to digestion and as a mild tonic [C18: perhaps named after COLOMBO]

calumet (ˈkæljʊˌmɛt)   n   a less common name for peace pipe [C18: from Canadian French, from French (Normandy dialect): straw, from Late Latin calamellus a little reed, from Latin: CALAMUS]

calumny (ˈkæləmnI)   n, pl -nies   1 the malicious utterance of false charges or misrepresentation; slander; defamation   2 such a false charge or misrepresentation [C15: from Latin calumnia deception, slander]

■ calumniate (kəˈlʌmnIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to slander   > caˈlumniable adj   > caˌlumniˈation n   > caˈlumniˌator n

■ calumnious (kəˈlʌmnIəs) or calumniatory (kəˈlʌmnIətərI, -trI)   adj   1 of or using calumny   2 (of a person) given to calumny

■ calumniously (kəˈlʌmnIəslI)   adv   in a calumnious manner

calutron (ˈkæljʊˌtrɒn)   n   a device used for the separation of isotopes [C20: from Cal(ifornia) U(niversity) + -TRON]

Calvados (ˈkælvəˌdɒs)   n   1 a department of N France in the Normandie region. Capital: Caen. Pop: 659 893 (2003 est). Area: 5693 sq km (2198 sq miles)   2 an apple brandy distilled from cider in this region

calvaria (kælˈvɛərIə)   n   the top part of the skull of vertebrates. Nontechnical name: skullcap [C14: from Late Latin: (human) skull, from Latin calvus bald]

■ calvarial (kælˈvɛərIəl) or calvarian (kælˈvɛərIən)   adj   relating to or belonging to the calvaria

calvary (ˈkælvərI)   n, pl -ries   1 (often capital) a representation of Christ's crucifixion, usually sculptured and in the open air   2 any experience involving great suffering

Calvary (ˈkælvərI)   n   the place just outside the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. Also called: Golgotha [from Late Latin Calvāria, translation of Greek kranion skull, translation of Aramaic gulgulta Golgotha]

■ Calvary cross   n   a Latin cross with a representation of three steps beneath it

calve (kɑːv)   vb   1 to give birth to (a calf)   2 (of a glacier or iceberg) to release (masses of ice) in breaking up

calver (ˈkælvə)   vb (tr)   obsolete to prepare (a fish) while it is still fresh [C17: from obsolete calver (adj) freshly caught, of unknown origin]

Calvert (ˈkælvət)   n   1  Sir George, 1st Baron Baltimore. ?1580–1632, English statesman; founder of the colony of Maryland   2  his son, Leonard. 1606–47, English statesman; first colonial governor of Maryland (1634–47)

calves (kɑːvz)   n   the plural of calf^1, calf^2

Calvin (ˈkælvIn)   n   1  John, original name Jean Cauvin, Caulvin, or Chauvin. 1509–64, French theologian: a leader of the Protestant Reformation in France and Switzerland, establishing the first Presbyterian government in Geneva. His theological system is described in his Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536)   2  Melvin. 1911–97, US chemist, noted particularly for his research on photosynthesis: Nobel prize for chemistry 1961

■ Calvin cycle   n   botany a series of reactions, occurring during photosynthesis, in which glucose is synthesized from carbon dioxide [C20: named after Melvin CALVIN, who elucidated it]

■ Calvinism (ˈkælvIˌnIzəm)   n   the theological system of John Calvin and his followers, characterized by emphasis on the doctrines of predestination, the irresistibility of grace, and justification by faith   > ˈCalvinist n, adj   > ˌCalvinˈistic or ˌCalvinˈistical adj

Calvino (kælˈviːnəʊ)   n   Italo. 1923–85, Italian novelist and short-story writer. His works include Our Ancestors (1960) and Invisible Cities (1972)

calvities (kælˈvIʃIˌiːz)   n   rare baldness [C17: from Late Latin, from Latin calvus bald]

calx (kælks)   n, pl calxes or calces (ˈkælsiːz)   1 the powdery metallic oxide formed when an ore or mineral is roasted   2 another name for calcium oxide   3 anatomy the heel [C15: from Latin: lime, from Greek khalix pebble]

calycanthemy (ˌkælIˈkænθəmI)   n   the abnormal development of the calyx of a flower into a structure resembling a corolla

calycanthus (ˌkælIˈkænθəs)   n   any of several shrubs of the genus Calycanthus, found in North America

calyces (ˈkælIˌsiːz, ˈkeIlI-)   n   a plural of calyx

calyciform (kəˈlIsIˌfɔːm)   adj   having the form of a calyx

calycine (ˈkælIˌsaIn), calycinal (kəˈlIsInəl) or calyceal (ˌkælIˈsiːəl)   adj   relating to, belonging to, or resembling a calyx

calycle, calicle (ˈkælIkəl) or calyculus (kəˈlIkjʊləs)   n   1 zoology a cup-shaped structure, as in the coral skeleton   2 botany another name for epicalyx [C18: from Latin, diminutive of CALYX]   > calycular (kəˈlIkjʊlə) adj

calycoid (ˈkælIˌkɔId) or calycoideous (ˌkælIˈkɔIdIəs)   adj   resembling a calyx

calycule (ˈkælIˌkjuːl)   n   an epicalyx

■ calyculate (kəˈlIkjələt)   adj   having a calycule

Calydonian boar (ˌkælIˈdəʊnIən)   n   Greek myth a savage boar sent by Artemis to destroy Calydon, a city in Aetolia, because its king had neglected to sacrifice to her. It was killed by Meleager, the king's son

calypso^1 (kəˈlIpsəʊ)   n, pl -sos   1 a popular type of satirical, usually topical, West Indian ballad, esp from Trinidad, usually extemporized to a percussive syncopated accompaniment   2 a dance done to the rhythm of this song [C20: probably from CALYPSO]

■ calypsonian (ˌkælIpˈsəʊnIən)   n   a performer or writer of calypsos

calypso^2 (kəˈlIpsəʊ)   n, pl -sos   a rare temperate orchid of northern regions, Calypso (or Cytherea) bulbosa, whose flower is pink or white with purple and yellow markings [C19: named after CALYPSO]

Calypso (kəˈlIpsəʊ)   n   Greek myth (in Homer's Odyssey) a sea nymph who detained Odysseus on the island of Ogygia for seven years

calypter (kəˈlIptə)   n   a bastard wing or alula

calyptra (kəˈlIptrə)   n botany   1 a membranous hood covering the spore-bearing capsule of mosses and liverworts   2 any hoodlike structure, such as a root cap [C18: from New Latin, from Greek kaluptra hood, from kaluptein to cover]   > calyptrate (kəˈlIpˌtreIt) adj

calyptrogen (kəˈlIptrədʒən)   n   a layer of rapidly dividing cells at the tip of a plant root, from which the root cap is formed. It occurs in grasses and many other plants [C19: from CALYPTRA + -GEN]

calyx (ˈkeIlIks, ˈkælIks)   n, pl calyxes or calyces (ˈkælIˌsiːz, ˈkeIlI-)   1 the sepals of a flower collectively, forming the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower bud. Compare corolla   2 any cup-shaped cavity or structure, esp any of the divisions of the human kidney (renal calyx) that form the renal pelvis [C17: from Latin, from Greek kalux shell, from kaluptein to cover, hide]   > calycate (ˈkælIˌkeIt) adj

Calzaghe (kælˈzæɡI)   n   Joe. born 1972, Welsh boxer: won all 46 of his professional fights (1993–2008); world champion in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions

calzone (kælˈtsəʊnI)   n   a dish of Italian origin consisting of pizza dough folded over a filling of cheese and tomatoes, herbs, ham, etc [C20: Italian, literally: trouser leg, from calzoni trousers]

cam (kæm)   n   a slider or roller attached to a rotating shaft to give a particular type of reciprocating motion to a part in contact with its profile [C18: from Dutch kam comb]

■ cam follower   n   engineering the slider or roller in contact with the cam that transmits the movement dictated by the cam profile

■ camshaft (ˈkæmˌʃɑːft)   n   a shaft having one or more cams attached to it, esp one used to operate the valves of an internal-combustion engine

Cam (kæm)   n   a river in E England, in Cambridgeshire, flowing through Cambridge to the River Ouse. Length: about 64 km (40 miles)

CAM   abbreviation for   1 complementary and alternative medicine   2 computer-aided manufacture   3 botany crassulacean acid metabolism: a form of photosynthesis, first described in crassulaceous plants, in which carbon dioxide is taken up only at night   4 Cameroon (international car registration)

-cam   n combining form   camera: webcam

cama (ˈkɑːmə)   n   the hybrid offspring of a camel and a llama

Camagüey (ˈkæməˌɡweI; Spanish kamaˈɣwej)   n   a city in E central Cuba. Pop: 320 000 (2005 est)

camaieu (ˌkæməˈjɜː; French kamajø)   n   1 a cameo   2 a technique of painting in a range of tones of a single colour [C16: from French]

camail (ˈkæmeIl)   n   armour a neck and shoulders covering of mail worn with and laced to the basinet

caman (ˈkæmən)   n   shinty the wooden stick used to hit the ball [C19: from Gaelic]

■ camanachd (ˈkæməˌnæx)   n   the game of shinty

camaraderie (ˌkæməˈrɑːdərI)   n   a spirit of familiarity and trust existing between friends [C19: from French, from COMRADE]

Camargue (kæˈmɑːɡ)   n   la Camargue (la) a delta region in S France, between the channels of the Grand and Petit Rhône: cattle, esp bulls for the Spanish bullrings, and horses are reared

camarilla (ˌkæməˈrIlə; Spanish kamaˈriʎa)   n   a group of confidential advisers, esp formerly, to the Spanish kings; cabal [C19: from Spanish, literally: a little room]

camaron (ˌkæməˈrəʊn, ˈkæməˌrɒn)   n   a freshwater crustacean resembling the crayfish [C19: from Spanish camarón shrimp, from Latin cammarus crayfish]

camass or camas (ˈkæmæs)   n   1 Also called: quamash any of several North American plants of the liliaceous genus Camassia, esp C. quamash, which has a cluster of blue or white flowers and a sweet edible bulb   2 death camass any liliaceous plant of the genus Zygadenus (or Zigadenus), of the western US, that is poisonous to livestock, esp sheep [C19: from Chinook Jargon kamass, from Nootka chamas sweet]

Camb.   abbreviation for   Cambridge

Cambay (kæmˈbeI)   n   Gulf of Cambay an inlet of the Arabian Sea on the W coast of India, southeast of the Kathiawar Peninsula

camber (ˈkæmbə)   n   1 a slight upward curve to the centre of the surface of a road, ship's deck, etc   2 another name for bank^2 (sense 7)   3 an outward inclination of the front wheels of a road vehicle so that they are slightly closer together at the bottom than at the top   4 Also called: hog a small arching curve of a beam or girder provided to lessen deflection and improve appearance   5 aerofoil curvature expressed by the ratio of the maximum height of the aerofoil mean line to its chord   ▷ vb   6 to form or be formed with a surface that curves upwards to its centre [C17: from Old French (northern dialect) cambre curved, from Latin camurus; related to camera CHAMBER]

Camberwell beauty (ˈkæmbəˌwɛl, -wəl)   n   a nymphalid butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa, of temperate regions, having dark purple wings with cream-yellow borders. US name: mourning cloak [C19: named after Camberwell, a district of S London]

Camberwell carrot   n   informal a large, almost conical, marijuana cigarette [C20: from the 1987 film Withnail and I]

cambiform (ˈkæmbIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a cambium

cambist (ˈkæmbIst)   n finance   1 a dealer or expert in foreign exchange   2 a manual of currency exchange rates and similar equivalents of weights and measures [C19: from French cambiste, from Italian cambista, from cambio (money) exchange]   > ˈcambistry or ˈcambism n

cambium (ˈkæmbIəm)   n, pl -biums or -bia (-bIə)   botany a meristem that increases the girth of stems and roots by producing additional xylem and phloem. See also cork cambium [C17: from Medieval Latin: exchange, from Late Latin cambiāre to exchange, barter]   > ˈcambial adj

Cambodia (kæmˈbəʊdIə)   n   a country in SE Asia: became part of French Indochina in 1887; achieved self-government in 1949 and independence in 1953; civil war (1970–74) ended in victory for the Khmer Rouge, who renamed the country Kampuchea (1975) and carried out extreme-radical political and economic reforms resulting in a considerable reduction of the population; Vietnamese forces ousted the Khmer Rouge in 1979 and set up a pro-Vietnamese government who reverted (1981) to the name Cambodia; after Vietnamese withdrawal in 1989 a peace settlement with exiled factions was followed in 1993 by the adoption of a democratic monarchist constitution restoring Prince Sihanouk to the throne. The country contains the central plains of the Mekong River and the Cardamom Mountains in the SW. Official language: Khmer. Religion: Buddhist majority. Currency: riel. Capital: Phnom Penh. Pop: 16 005 373 (2017 est). Area: 181 000 sq km (69 895 sq miles)

■ Cambodian (kæmˈbəʊdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Cambodia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Cambodia

camboge (ˌkæmˈbəʊʒ, ˌkæmˈbəʊdʒ)   n   another name for gamboge

■ cambogia (kæmˈbəʊdʒIə)   n   another name for gamboge (sense 1), gamboge (sense 2)

camboose (kæmˈbuːs)   n (formerly, in Canada)   1 a cabin built as living quarters for a gang of lumbermen   2 an open fireplace in such a cabin [C19: from Canadian French, from French cambuse hut, store, from Dutch kambuis]

Camborne-Redruth (ˈkæmbɔːnˈrɛdˌruːθ)   n   a former (until 1974) urban district in SW England, in Cornwall: formed in 1934 by the amalgamation of the neighbouring towns of Camborne and Redruth. Pop: 39 936 (2001)

Cambrai (French kɑ̃brɛ)   n   a town in NE France: textile industry: scene of a battle in which massed tanks were first used and broke through the German line (November, 1917). Pop: 33 738 (1999)

cambrel (ˈkæmbrəl)   n   a variant of gambrel

Cambria (ˈkæmbrIə)   n   the Medieval Latin name for Wales^1

■ Cambrian (ˈkæmbrIən)   adj   1 of, denoting, or formed in the first 65 million years of the Palaeozoic era, during which marine invertebrates, esp trilobites, flourished   2 of or relating to Wales   ▷ n   3 the Cambrian the Cambrian period or rock system   4 a Welsh person

■ Cambrian Mountains   pl n   a mountain range in Wales, extending from Carmarthenshire in the S to Denbighshire in the N. Highest peak: Aran Fawddwy, 905 m (2969 ft)

cambric (ˈkeImbrIk)   n   a fine white linen or cotton fabric [C16: from Flemish Kamerijk CAMBRAI]

Cambridge (ˈkeImbrIdʒ)   n   1 a city in E England, administrative centre of Cambridgeshire, on the River Cam: centred around the university, founded in the 12th century: electronics, biotechnology. Pop: 117 717 (2001). Medieval Latin name: Cantabrigia   2 short for Cambridgeshire   3 a city in the US, in E Massachusetts: educational centre, with Harvard University (1636) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Pop: 101 587 (2003 est) ▶ Related adjective: Cantabrigian

■ Cambridge blue   n   1    a a lightish blue colour   b (as adjective): a Cambridge-blue scarf   2 a person who has been awarded a blue from Cambridge University

■ Cambridgeshire (ˈkeImbrIdʒˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of E England, in East Anglia: includes the former counties of the Isle of Ely and Huntingdon and lies largely in the Fens: Peterborough became an independent unitary authority in 1998. Administrative centre: Cambridge. Pop (excluding Peterborough): 571 000 (2003 est). Area (excluding Peterborough): 3068 sq km (184 sq miles)

Cambs   abbreviation for   Cambridgeshire

Cambyses (kæmˈbaIsiːz)   n   died ?522 BC, king of Persia (529–?522 BC), who conquered Egypt (525); son of Cyrus the Great

camcorder (ˈkæmˌkɔːdə)   n   a video camera and recorder combined in a portable unit

Camden^1 (ˈkæmdən)   n   a borough of N Greater London. Pop: 210 700 (2003 est). Area: 21 sq km (8 sq miles)

Camden^2 (ˈkæmdən)   n   William. 1551–1623, English antiquary and historian; author of Britannia (1586)

came^1 (keIm)   vb   the past tense of come

came^2 (keIm)   n   a grooved strip of lead used to join pieces of glass in a stained-glass window or a leaded light [C17: of unknown origin]

camel (ˈkæməl)   n   1 either of two cud-chewing artiodactyl mammals of the genus Camelus: family Camelidae. They are adapted for surviving long periods without food or water in desert regions, esp by using humps on the back for storing fat. See Arabian camel, Bactrian camel   2 a float attached to a vessel to increase its buoyancy. See also caisson (sense 3)   3 a raft or float used as a fender between a vessel and a wharf   4    a a fawn colour   b (as adjective): a camel dress [Old English, from Latin camēlus, from Greek kamēlos, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic jamal]

■ camelback (ˈkæməlˌbæk)   n   a locomotive having its cab situated astride the boiler, halfway along it, rather than at the rear of the boiler

■ cameleer (ˌkæmIˈlIə)   n   a camel-driver

■ camelhair (ˈkæməlˌhɛə) or camel's hair   n   1 the hair of the camel or dromedary, used in clothing, rugs, etc   2    a soft cloth made of or containing this hair or a substitute, usually tan in colour   b (as modifier): a camelhair coat   3    a the hair of the squirrel's tail, used for paintbrushes   b (as modifier): a camelhair brush

■ camelid (kəˈmɛlId)   adj   1 of or relating to camels   2 belonging to the camel family, Camelidae   ▷ n   3 any animal of the camel family

■ cameline (ˈkæməlaIn)   n   1 a material made from camel hair   2 a garment made from this material

■ camelish (ˈkæməlIʃ)   adj   1 similar to a camel   2 obstinate

■ camellike (ˈkæməlˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a camel

■ cameloid (ˈkæməlɔId)   n   1 a member of the camel family   ▷ adj   2 relating to the camel family

■ camelry (ˈkæməlrI)   n   the part of an army composed of troops mounted on camels

■ camel's hair   n   See camelhair

■ camel toe   n   vulgar, slang the visual effect created when a woman's trousers cling too tightly to the crotch, emphasizing the shape of the pudenda [C20: from the alleged similarity between this effect and the shape of a camel's toes]

camellia (kəˈmiːlIə)   n   any ornamental shrub of the Asian genus Camellia, esp C. japonica, having glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers, usually white, pink, or red in colour: family Theaceae. Also called: japonica [C18: New Latin, named after Georg Josef Kamel (1661–1706), Moravian Jesuit missionary, who introduced it to Europe]

camelopard (ˈkæmIləˌpɑːd, kəˈmɛl-)   n   an obsolete word for giraffe [C14: from Medieval Latin camēlopardus, from Greek kamēlopardalis, from kamēlos CAMEL + pardalis LEOPARD, because the giraffe was thought to have a head like a camel's and spots like a leopard's]

Camelopardus (kəˌmɛləˈpɑːdəs) or Camelopardalis (kəˌmɛləˈpɑːdəlIs)   n, Latin genitive Camelopardi (kəˌmɛləˈpɑːdaI) or Camelopardalis (kəˌmɛləˈpɑːdəlIs)   a faint extensive constellation in the N hemisphere close to Ursa Major and Cassiopeia

Camelot (ˈkæmIˌlɒt)   n   1 (in Arthurian legend) the English town where King Arthur's palace and court were situated   2 (in the US) the supposedly golden age of the presidency of John F. Kennedy, 1961–63

Camembert (ˈkæməmˌbɛə; French kamɑ̃bɛr)   n   a rich soft creamy cheese [French, from Camembert, a village in Normandy where it originated]

Camenae (kəˈmiːniː)   pl n   Roman myth a group of nymphs originally associated with a sacred spring in Rome, later identified with the Greek Muses

cameo (ˈkæmIˌəʊ)   n, pl cameos   1    a a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief   b (as modifier): a cameo necklace   2 an engraving upon a gem or other stone of at least two differently coloured layers, such as sardonyx, so carved that the background is of a different colour from the raised design   3 a stone with such an engraving   4    a a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play   b (as modifier): a cameo role   5    a a short literary work or dramatic sketch   b (as modifier): a cameo sketch [C15: from Italian cammeo, of uncertain origin]

■ cameo ware   n   jasper ware with applied decoration of classical motifs, resembling a cameo

camera (ˈkæmərə, ˈkæmrə)   n   1 an optical device consisting of a lens system set in a light-proof construction inside which a light-sensitive film or plate can be positioned. See also cine camera, digital camera   2 television the equipment used to convert the optical image of a scene into the corresponding electrical signals   3 See camera obscura   4 (pl -erae (-əˌriː)) a judge's private room   5 in camera   a law relating to a hearing from which members of the public are excluded   b in private   6 off camera not within an area being filmed   7 on camera (esp of an actor) being filmed [C18: from Latin: vault, from Greek kamara]

■ camera lucida (ˈluːsIdə)   n   an instrument attached to a microscope, etc to enable an observer to view simultaneously the image and a drawing surface to facilitate the sketching of the image [New Latin: light chamber]

■ cameraman (ˈkæmərəˌmæn, ˈkæmrə-)   n, pl -men   a person who operates a film or television camera

USAGE

The gender-neutral form of cameraman is cameraperson or camera operator

■ camera obscura (ɒbˈskjʊərə)   n   a darkened chamber or small building in which images of outside objects are projected onto a flat surface by a convex lens in an aperture. Sometimes shortened to: camera [New Latin: dark chamber]

■ cameraperson (ˈkæmrəˌpɜːsən, ˈkæmərəˌpɜːsən)   n   a camera operator

■ camera phone or cameraphone   n   a mobile phone incorporating a camera

■ camera-ready copy   n   printing type matter ready to be photographed for plate-making without further alteration. Also called: mechanical

■ camera-shy   adj   having an aversion to being photographed or filmed

■ camera tube   n   the part of a television camera that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. See also image orthicon, vidicon, Plumbicon, iconoscope

■ camerawoman (ˈkæmərəˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman who operates a film or television camera

■ camerawork (ˈkæmərəˌwɜːk)   n   1 the work of a camera operator   2 the art of operating a camera

cameral (ˈkæmərəl)   adj   of or relating to a judicial or legislative chamber [C18: from Medieval Latin camerālis; see CAMERA]

caméra stylo (French kamera stilo)   n   films the use of the camera as a means of personal expression, esp as practised by some directors of the New Wave [French, literally: camera stylograph]

camerated (ˈkæməˌreItId)   adj   1 obsolete vaulted   2 (of shells) divided into chambers [C17: from Latin camera chamber; see CAMERA]

cameration (ˌkæməˈreIʃən)   n   1 obsolete vaulting   2 the division of (a shell) into chambers

camerlengo (ˌkæməˈlɛŋɡəʊ) or camerlingo (ˌkæməˈlIŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   RC Church a cardinal who acts as the pope's financial secretary and the papal treasurer [C17: from Italian camerlingo, of Germanic origin; compare CHAMBERLAIN]

Cameron (ˈkæmərən)   n   1  David (William Donald). born 1966, British politician; leader of the Conservative party 2005–16; prime minister 2010–16   2  (Mark) James (Walter). 1911–85, British journalist, author, and broadcaster. His books include Witness in Vietnam (1966) and Point of Departure (1967)   3  James. born 1954, Canadian film director and screenwriter; his films include The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), Titanic (1997), and Avatar (2009)   4  Julia Margaret. 1815–79, British photographer, born in India, renowned for her portrait photographs

Cameroon (ˌkæməˈruːn, ˈkæməˌruːn)   n   1 a republic in West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: became a German colony in 1884; divided in 1919 into the Cameroons (administered by Britain) and Cameroun (administered by France); Cameroun and the S part of the Cameroons formed a republic in 1961 (the N part joined Nigeria); became a member of the Commonwealth in 1995. Official languages: French and English. Religions: Christian, Muslim, and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Yaoundé. Pop: 24 053 727 (2017 est). Area: 475 500 sq km (183 591 sq miles). French name: Cameroun. German name: Kamerun   2 an active volcano in W Cameroon: the highest peak on the West African coast. Height: 4095 m (13 435 ft)

Cameroun (kamrun)   n   the French name for Cameroon

camiknickers (ˈkæmIˌnIkəz)   pl n   women's knickers attached to a camisole top. Often shortened to: camiknicks

camion (ˈkæmIən; French kamjɔ̃)   n   a lorry, or, esp formerly, a large dray [C19: from French, of obscure origin]

camis (ˈkæmIs)   n   obsolete a light robe [C16: from Spanish camisa shirt, from Late Latin camisia]

camisa Spanish (kaˈmisa)   n   a smock or shirt

camisado (ˌkæmIˈsɑːdəʊ) or camisade (ˌkæmIˈseId)   n, pl -sados or -sades   (formerly) an attack made under cover of darkness [C16: from obsolete Spanish camisada, literally: an attack in one's shirt (worn over the armour as identification), from camisa shirt]

camise (kəˈmiːz)   n   a loose light shirt, smock, or tunic originally worn in the Middle Ages [C19: from Arabic qamīs, from Late Latin camisia]

camisia (ˈkæmIzIə)   n   a surplice [Ecclesiastical Latin]

camisole (ˈkæmIˌsəʊl)   n   1 a woman's underbodice with shoulder straps, originally designed as a cover for a corset   2 a woman's dressing jacket or short negligée   3 (modifier) resembling a camisole (the underbodice), as in fitting snugly around the bust and having a straight neckline: a camisole slip; a camisole top [C19: from French, from Provençal camisola, from camisa shirt, from Late Latin camīsia]

camlet (ˈkæmlIt)   n   1 a tough waterproof cloth   2 a garment or garments made from such cloth   3 a soft woollen fabric used in medieval Asia [C14: from Old French camelot, perhaps from Arabic hamlat plush fabric]

cammie (ˈkæmI)   n informal   short for camouflage (sense 2): a cammie top

camo (ˈkæməʊ)   n informal   short for camouflage (sense 2): camo fatigues

Camoëns (ˈkæməʊˌɛns) or Camões (Portuguese kaˈmõjʃ)   n   Luis Vaz de (lwiʃ vɑʃ ˈdəː). 1524–80, Portuguese epic poet; author of The Lusiads (1572)

camogie (kaˈmoːɡiː)   n   Irish a form of hurling played by women [from Irish Gaelic camógaíocht, from camóg crooked stick]

camomile or chamomile (ˈkæməˌmaIl)   n   1 any aromatic plant of the Eurasian genus Anthemis, esp A. nobilis, whose finely dissected leaves and daisy-like flowers are used medicinally: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any plant of the related genus Matricaria, esp M. chamomilla (German or wild camomile)   3 camomile tea a medicinal beverage made from the fragrant leaves and flowers of any of these plants [C14: from Old French camomille, from Medieval Latin chamomilla, from Greek khamaimēlon, literally: earth-apple (referring to the apple-like scent of the flowers)]

camoodi (kæˈmuːdI)   n   a Caribbean name for anaconda [C19: from a local language in Guyana]

Camorra (kəˈmɒrə)   n   1 a secret society organized in about 1820 in Naples, which thrives on blackmail and extortion   2 any similar clandestine group [C19: from Italian, probably from Spanish: quarrel]

■ camorrista (ˌkæməˈrIstə) or camorrist (kəˈmɒrIst)   n   a member of a camorra

camote (kæˈməʊteI)   n   a sweet potato [C19: from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl camotli]

camouflage (ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ)   n   1 the exploitation of natural surroundings or artificial aids to conceal or disguise the presence of military units, equipment, etc   2 (modifier) (of fabric or clothing) having a design of irregular patches of dull colours (such as browns and greens), as used in military camouflage   3 the means by which animals escape the notice of predators, usually because of a resemblance to their surroundings: includes cryptic and apatetic coloration   4 a device or expedient designed to conceal or deceive   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to conceal by camouflage [C20: from French, from camoufler, from Italian camuffare to disguise, deceive, of uncertain origin]

■ camouflageable (ˈkæməˌflɑːʒəbəl)   adj   able to be camouflaged

■ camouflaged (ˈkæməflɑːʒd)   adj   concealed or disguised

■ camouflage passport   n   a passport from a non-existent country intended to conceal the bearer's true nationality (from hijackers, kidnappers, etc)

■ camouflagic (ˌkæməˈflɑːdʒIk)   adj   relating to camouflage

camouflet (ˌkæmuːˈfleI; French kɑmufle)   n   a type of bomb that is used during a siege to collapse an enemy's tunnel [C19: from French, literally: a snub]

camoufleur (ˌkæmuːˈflɜː; French kamuflœr)   n   a person who camouflages military equipment

camp^1 (kæmp)   n   1 a place where tents, cabins, or other temporary structures are erected for the use of military troops, for training soldiers, etc   2 the military life   3 tents, cabins, etc, used as temporary lodgings by a group of travellers, holiday-makers, Scouts, etc   4 the group of people living in such lodgings   5 South African a field or paddock fenced off as pasture   6 a group supporting a given doctrine or theory: the socialist camp   7 Austral a place where sheep or cattle gather to rest   8 (modifier) suitable for use in temporary quarters, on holiday, etc, esp by being portable and easy to set up: a camp bed; a camp chair   ▷ vb   9 (intr; often foll by down) to establish or set up a camp   10 (intr; often foll by out) to live temporarily in or as if in a tent   11 (tr) to put in a camp [C16: from Old French, ultimately from Latin campus field]   > ˈcamping n

■ campcraft (ˈkæmpˌkrɑːft)   n   the skills that are required for camping

■ camp-drafting   n   Austral a competitive test, esp at an agricultural show, of horsemen's skill in drafting cattle

■ camper (ˈkæmpə)   n   1 a person who lives or temporarily stays in a tent, cabin, etc   2 a vehicle equipped for camping out

■ camper van or camping van   n   a motor caravan

■ campfire (ˈkæmpˌfaIə)   n   an outdoor fire in a camp, esp one used for cooking or as a focal point for community events

■ camp follower   n   1 any civilian, esp a prostitute, who unofficially provides services to military personnel   2 a nonmember who is sympathetic to a particular group, theory, etc

■ campground (ˈkæmpɡraʊnd) or camp ground   n   US a campsite

■ camping ground   n   another word for campsite

■ camping stool or camp stool   n   a stool which is suitable for use in temporary quarters, on holiday, etc, esp by being portable and easy to set up

■ camp meeting   n   chiefly US a religious meeting held in a large tent or outdoors, often lasting several days

■ campout (ˈkæmpˌaʊt)   n   a camping trip

■ camp oven   n   Austral and NZ a metal pot or box with a heavy lid, used for baking over an open fire

■ camp pie   n   Austral history tinned meat

■ campshirt (ˈkæmpˌʃɜːt)   n   a loose, short-sleeved shirt or blouse with an open collar

■ campsite (ˈkæmpˌsaIt)   n   an area on which holiday-makers may pitch a tent, etc. Also called: camping site

■ campstool   n   a variant of camping stool

camp^2 (kæmp) informal   adj   1 effeminate; affected in mannerisms, dress, etc   2 consciously artificial, exaggerated, vulgar, or mannered; self-parodying, esp when in dubious taste   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to perform or invest with a camp quality   4 camp it up to seek to focus attention on oneself by making an ostentatious display, overacting, etc   ▷ n   5 a camp quality, style, etc [C20: of uncertain origin]

■ campery (ˈkæmpərI)   n   campness

■ camply (ˈkæmplI) or campily (ˈkæmpIlI)   adv   informal in a camp manner

■ campness (ˈkæmpnəs) or campiness (ˈkæmpInəs)   n   the quality of being camp

■ campy (ˈkæmpI)   adj campier, campiest informal   1 effeminate; affected in mannerisms, dress, etc   2 consciously artificial, exaggerated, vulgar, or mannered; self-parodying, esp when in dubious taste

Camp (kæmp)   n   Walter (Chauncey). 1859–1925, US sportsman and administrator; he introduced new rules to American football, which distinguished it from rugby

campagna (kæmˈpɑːnjə)   n   another word for champaign (sense 1)

Campagna (kæmˈpɑːnjə)   n   a low-lying plain surrounding Rome, Italy: once fertile, it deteriorated to malarial marshes; but has since been reclaimed. Area: about 2000 sq km (800 sq miles). Also called: Campagna di Roma (dI ˈrəʊmə)

campaign (kæmˈpeIn)   n   1 a series of coordinated activities, such as public speaking and demonstrating, designed to achieve a social, political, or commercial goal: a presidential campaign; an advertising campaign   2 military a number of complementary operations aimed at achieving a single objective, usually constrained by time or geographic area   ▷ vb   3 (intr; often foll by for) to conduct, serve in, or go on a campaign [C17: from French campagne open country, from Italian campagna, from Late Latin campānia, from Latin campus field]   > camˈpaigner n

campana (kæmˈpænə)   n   a bell or a bell shape

Campanella (Italian kampaˈnɛlla)   n   Tommaso. 1568–1639, Italian philosopher and Dominican friar. During his imprisonment by the Spanish (1599–1626) he wrote his celebrated utopian fantasy, La città del sole

campanero (ˌkæmpæˈnɛərəʊ)   n   another name for araponga

Campania (kæmˈpeInIə; Italian kamˈpaɲɲa)   n   a region of SW Italy: includes the islands of Capri and Ischia. Chief town: Naples. Pop: 5 725 098 (2003 est). Area: 13 595 sq km (5248 sq miles)

campaniform (kæmˈpænIˌfɔːm)   adj   botany shaped like a bell

campanile (ˌkæmpəˈniːlI)   n   (esp in Italy) a bell tower, not usually attached to another building. Compare belfry [C17: from Italian, from campana bell]

campanist (ˈkæmpəˌnIst)   n   an expert on bells

campanology (ˌkæmpəˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the art or skill of ringing bells musically [C19: from New Latin campānologia, from Late Latin campāna bell]   > campanological (ˌkæmpənəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌcampaˈnologist or ˌcampaˈnologer n

campanula (kæmˈpænjʊlə)   n   any N temperate plant of the campanulaceous genus Campanula, typically having blue or white bell-shaped flowers. Also called: bellflower. See also Canterbury bell, harebell [C17: from New Latin: a little bell, from Late Latin campāna bell; see CAMPANILE]

■ campanulaceous (kəmˌpænjʊˈleIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Campanulaceae, a family of temperate and subtropical plants, including the campanulas, having bell-shaped nodding flowers

■ campanular (kæmˈpænjʊlə)   adj   shaped like a bell

■ campanulate (kæmˈpænjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   (esp of flower corollas) shaped like a bell [C17: from New Latin campanulātus; see CAMPANULA]

Camp Bastion (ˈbæstIən)   n   a large British military base in Helmand province, Afghanistan, built in 2006

Campbell (ˈkæmbəl)   n   1  Sir Colin, Baron Clyde. 1792–1863, British field marshal who relieved Lucknow for the second time (1857) and commanded in Oudh, suppressing the Indian Mutiny   2  Donald. 1921–67, English water speed record-holder   3  Kim, full name Avril Phaedra Douglas Campbell. born 1947, Canadian politician; prime minister of Canada (1993)   4  Sir Malcolm, father of Donald Campbell. 1885–1948, English racing driver and land speed record-holder   5  Mrs Patrick, original name Beatrice Stella Tanner. 1865–1940, English actress   6  Roy. 1901–57, South African poet. His poetry is often satirical and includes The Flaming Terrapin (1924)   7  Thomas. 1777–1844, Scottish poet and critic, noted particularly for his war poems Hohenlinden and Ye Mariners of England

Campbell-Bannerman (ˈkæmbəlˈbænəmən)   n   Sir Henry. 1836–1908, British statesman and leader of the Liberal Party (1899–1908); prime minister (1905–08), who granted self-government to the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony

Campbell-Stokes recorder (ˌkæmbəlˈstəʊks)   n   an instrument for recording hours of sunshine per day, consisting of a solid glass sphere that focuses rays of sunlight onto a light-sensitive card on which a line is burnt

Camp David (ˈdeIvId)   n   the US president's retreat in the Appalachian Mountains, Maryland: scene of the Camp David Agreement (Sept, 1978) between Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Menachem Begin of Israel, mediated by Jimmy Carter, which outlined a framework for establishing peace in the Middle East. This agreement was the basis of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt signed in Washington (March, 1979)

campeachy wood (kæmˈpiːtʃI)   n   wood from the Central American tree Haematoxylon campechianum

campeador (ˌkæmpIəˈdɔː)   n   a champion

Campeche (Spanish kamˈpetʃe)   n   1 a state of SE Mexico, on the SW of the Yucatán peninsula: forestry and fishing. Capital: Campeche. Pop: 205 000 (2005 est). Area: 56 114 sq km (21 666 sq miles)   2 a port in SE Mexico, capital of Campeche state. Pop: 195 000 (2000 est)   3 Bay of Campeche or Gulf of Campeche the SW part of the Gulf of Mexico

Campese (kæmˈpeIzI)   n   David. born 1962, Australian rugby union player: won 101 international caps (1982–1996), scoring 64 tries

campesino (ˌkæmpəˈsiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   a Latin American rural peasant

campestral (kæmˈpɛstrəl)   adj   of or relating to open fields or country [C18: from Latin campester, from campus field]

camphane (ˈkæmfeIn)   n   a terpene hydrocarbon, C_10H_18, that is both saturated and inert

camphene (ˈkæmfiːn)   n   a colourless crystalline insoluble optically active terpene derived from pinene and present in many essential oils. Formula: C_10H_16 [C19: from CAMPH(OR) + -ENE]

camphine (ˈkæmfiːn, ˈkæmfaIn)   n   rectified oil of turpentine

camphire (ˈkæmfaIə)   n   an archaic name for henna (sense 1), henna (sense 2)

camphone (ˈkæmˌfəʊn)   n   a combined mobile phone and digital camera

camphor (ˈkæmfə)   n   a whitish crystalline aromatic terpene ketone obtained from the wood of the camphor tree or made from pinene: used in the manufacture of celluloid and in medicine as a liniment and treatment for colds. Formula: C_10H_16O [C15: from Old French camphre, from Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic kāfūr, from Malay kāpūr chalk; related to Khmer kāpōr camphor]   > camphoric (kæmˈfɒrIk) adj

■ camphoraceous (ˌkæmfəˈreIʃəs)   adj   similar to camphor

■ camphorate (ˈkæmfəˌreIt)   vb   (tr) to apply, treat with, or impregnate with camphor

■ camphorated (ˈkæmfəˌreItId)   adj   impregnated or combined with camphor

■ camphorated oil   n   a liniment consisting of camphor and peanut oil, used as a counterirritant

■ camphor ball   n   another name for mothball (sense 1)

■ camphor ice   n   an ointment consisting of camphor, white wax, spermaceti, and castor oil, used to treat skin ailments, esp chapped skin

■ camphor laurel   n   an Australian name for the camphor tree, now occurring in the wild in parts of Australia

■ camphor tree   n   1 a lauraceous evergreen E Asian tree, Cinnamomum camphora, whose aromatic wood yields camphor   2 any similar tree, such as the dipterocarpaceous tree Dryobalanops aromatica of Borneo

campimetry (kæmˈpImItrI)   n   a technique for assessing the central part of the visual field [C20: from New Latin, from Latin campus field + -metry; see -METER]

Campin (ˈkæmpIn)   n   Robert. 1379–1444, Flemish painter, noted esp for his altarpieces: usually identified with the so-called Master of Flémalle

Campina Grande (Portuguese kə̃ˈpiːnə ˈɡrə̃də)   n   a city in NE Brazil, in E Paraíba state. Pop: 366 000 (2005 est)

Campinas (kæmˈpiːnəs; Portuguese kə̃ˈpiːnəʃ)   n   a city in SE Brazil, in São Paulo state: centre of a rich agricultural region, producing esp coffee. Pop: 2 640 000 (2005 est)

campion (ˈkæmpIən)   n   any of various caryophyllaceous plants of the genera Silene and Lychnis, having red, pink, or white flowers. See also bladder campion [C16: probably from campion, obsolete variant of CHAMPION, perhaps so called because originally applied to Lychnis coronaria, the leaves of which were used to crown athletic champions]

Campion (ˈkæmpIən)   n   1  Saint Edmund. 1540–81, English Jesuit martyr. He joined the Jesuits in 1573 and returned to England (1580) as a missionary. He was charged with treason and hanged   2  Jane. born 1954, New Zealand film director and screenwriter: her films include An Angel at My Table (1990), The Piano (1993), Holy Smoke (1999), In the Cut (2003), and Bright Star (2009)   3  Thomas. 1567–1620, English poet and musician, noted particularly for his songs for the lute

CAM plant (kæm)   n   any plant that undergoes a form of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism, in which carbon dioxide is taken up only at night [C(rassulacean) A(cid) M(etabolism) plant]

cample (ˈkæmpəl)   vb (intr)   obsolete to argue

campo (ˈkæmpəʊ)   n, pl -pos   (often plural) level or undulating savanna country, esp in the uplands of Brazil [American Spanish, from Latin campus]

Campobello (ˌkæmpəˈbɛləʊ)   n   an island in the Bay of Fundy, off the coast of SE Canada: part of New Brunswick province. Pop: 1195 (2001). Area: about 52 sq km (20 sq miles)

campodeid (kæmˈpəʊdiːId)   n   any of various primitive and wingless insects of the genus Campodea

campodeiform (ˌkæmpəʊˈdiːIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling insects of the genus Campodea

Campo Formio (Italian ˈkampo ˈfɔrmjo)   n   a village in NE Italy, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: scene of the signing of a treaty in 1797 that ended the war between revolutionary France and Austria. Modern name: Campoformido (kampoˈfɔrmido)

Campo Grande (Portuguese ˈkə̃pu ˈɡrə̃dʒi)   n   a city in SW Brazil, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state on the São Paulo–Corumbá railway: market centre. Pop: 746 000 (2005 est)

campong (ˈkæmpɒŋ)   n   another spelling of kampong

camporee (ˌkæmpəˈriː)   n   a local meeting or assembly of Scouts [C20: from CAMP^1 + (JAMB)OREE]

Campos (Portuguese ˈkə̃puʃ)   n   a city in E Brazil, in E Rio de Janeiro state on the Paraíba River. Pop: 388 000 (2005 est). Official name: Campos dos Goytacazes (duʃ ˈɡɔitakazIʃ)

campus (ˈkæmpəs)   n, pl -puses   1 the grounds and buildings of a university   2 chiefly US the outside area of a college, university, etc [C18: from Latin: field]

■ campus university   n   Brit a university in which the buildings, often including shops and cafés, are all on one site. Compare redbrick

campylobacter (ˌkæmpIləʊˈbæktə)   n   a rod-shaped bacterium that causes infections in cattle and humans. Unpasteurized milk infected with campylobacter is a common cause of gastroenteritis [from Greek kampulos bent + BACTER(IUM)]

campylotropous (ˌkæmpIˈlɒtrəpəs)   adj   botany (of an ovule) curved so that the micropyle and funiculus almost touch

CAMRA (ˈkæmrə)   n acronym for   Campaign for Real Ale

Cam Ranh (ˈkæm ˈræn)   n   a port in SE Vietnam: large natural harbour, used at times as a naval base by French, Japanese, US, and Russian forces successively. Pop: 147 000 (2006 est)

camsho (ˈkæmʃəʊ)   adj   Scot crooked

camstairy (kæmˈstɛərI)   adj   Scot perverse or unruly

camstone (ˈkɑːmˌstəʊn)   n   Scot a limestone used for whitening stone doorsteps and hearths

Camus (French kamy)   n   Albert (albɛr). 1913–60, French novelist, dramatist, and essayist, noted for his pessimistic portrayal of humankind's condition of isolation in an absurd world: author of the novels L'Étranger (1942) and La Peste (1947), the plays Le Malentendu (1945) and Caligula (1946), and the essays Le Mythe de Sisyphe (1942) and L'Homme révolté (1951): Nobel prize for literature 1957

camwhore (ˈkæmˌhɔː) slang   n   1 a person who performs sexual or titillating acts in front of a webcam for the gratification of online customers who reward him or her with money or gifts   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to perform such acts in return for money or gifts [from (WEB)CAM + WHORE]

camwood (ˈkæmˌwʊd)   n   1 a W African leguminous tree, Baphia nitida, whose hard wood was formerly used in making a red dye   2 the wood of this tree [C20: perhaps from Temne]

can^1 (kæn, unstressed kən)   vb, past could (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive) (intr)   1 used as an auxiliary to indicate ability, skill, or fitness to perform a task: I can run a mile in under four minutes   2 used as an auxiliary to indicate permission or the right to something: can I have a drink?   3 used as an auxiliary to indicate knowledge of how to do something: he can speak three languages fluently   4 used as an auxiliary to indicate possibility, opportunity, or likelihood: my trainer says I can win the race if I really work hard [Old English cunnan; related to Old Norse kunna, Old High German kunnan, Latin cognōscere to know, Sanskrit jānāti he knows; see KEN, UNCOUTH]

USAGE

See at may^1

■ can-do   adj   confident and resourceful in the face of challenges: a can-do attitude

■ cannot (ˈkænɒt, kæˈnɒt)   vb   an auxiliary verb expressing incapacity, inability, withholding permission, etc; can not

can^2 (kæn)   n   1 a container, esp for liquids, usually of thin sheet metal: a petrol can; a beer can   2 another name (esp US) for tin (sense 2)   3 Also called: canful the contents of a can or the amount a can will hold   4 a slang word for prison   5 US and Canadian a slang word for toilet (sense 1)   6 US and Canadian slang the buttocks   7 US navy a slang word for destroyer   8 navy slang a depth charge   9 a shallow cylindrical metal container of varying size used for storing and handling film   10 can of worms informal a complicated problem   11 carry the can See carry (sense 37)   12 in the can   a (of a film, piece of music, etc) having been recorded, processed, edited, etc   b informal arranged or agreed: the contract is almost in the can   ▷ vb cans, canning, canned   13 to put (food, etc) into a can or cans; preserve in a can   14 (tr) US slang to dismiss from a job   15 (tr) US informal to stop (doing something annoying or making an annoying noise) (esp in the phrase can it!)   16 (tr) informal to reject or discard [Old English canne; related to Old Norse, Old High German kanna, Irish gann, Swedish kana sled]

■ canbank (ˈkænˌbæŋk)   n   a container in which cans can be deposited for recycling

■ can buoy   n   nautical a buoy with a flat-topped cylindrical shape above water, marking the left side of a channel leading into a harbour: red in British waters but green (occasionally black) in US waters. Compare nun buoy

■ can-opener   n   another name for tin-opener

■ cans (kænz)   pl n   an informal name for headphones

Can.   abbreviation for   1 Canada   2 Canadian

Cana (ˈkeInə)   n   New Testament the town in Galilee, north of Nazareth, where Jesus performed his first miracle by changing water into wine (John 2:1, 11)

Canaan (ˈkeInən)   n   an ancient region between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean, corresponding roughly to Israel: the Promised Land of the Israelites

■ Canaan dog   n   a strongly-built medium-sized dog of a breed with erect ears, a dense coat, and a bushy tail carried curled over its back

■ Canaanite (ˈkeInəˌnaIt)   n   1 a member of an ancient Semitic people who occupied the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest   2 the extinct language of this people, belonging to the Canaanitic branch of the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family   3 (in later books of the Old Testament) a merchant or trader (Job 40:30; Proverbs 31:24)

■ Canaanitic (ˌkeInəˈnItIk)   n   1 a group of ancient languages belonging to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family and including Canaanite, Phoenician, Ugaritic, and Hebrew   ▷ adj   2 denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages

Canada (ˈkænədə)   n   a country in North America: the second largest country in the world; first permanent settlements by Europeans were made by the French from 1605; ceded to Britain in 1763 after a series of colonial wars; established as the Dominion of Canada in 1867; a member of the Commonwealth. It consists generally of sparsely inhabited tundra regions, rich in natural resources, in the north, the Rocky Mountains in the west, the Canadian Shield in the east, and vast central prairies; the bulk of the population is concentrated along the US border and the Great Lakes in the south. Official languages: English and French; indigenous languages also spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Canadian dollar. Capital: Ottawa. Pop: 36 624 199 (2017 est). Area: 9 976 185 sq km (3 851 809 sq miles)

■ Canada balsam   n   1 a yellow transparent resin obtained from the balsam fir. Because its refractive index is similar to that of glass, it is used as an adhesive in optical devices and as a mounting medium for microscope specimens   2 another name for balsam fir

■ Canada Day   n   (in Canada) July 1, the anniversary of the day in 1867 when Canada became the first British colony to receive dominion status: a bank holiday. Former name: Dominion Day

■ Canada goose   n   a large common greyish-brown North American goose, Branta canadensis, with a black neck and head and a white throat patch

■ Canada jay   n   a large common jay of North America, Perisoreus canadensis, with a grey body, and a white-and-black crestless head

■ Canada lily   n   a lily, Lilium canadense, of NE North America, with small orange funnel-shaped nodding flowers. Also called: meadow lily

■ Canada thistle   n   the US and Canadian name for creeping thistle

■ Canadian (kəˈneIdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Canada or its people   ▷ n   2 a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Canada

■ Canadian Alliance   n   a Canadian right-wing federal political party, founded in 2000; merged with the Conservative Party in 2003

■ Canadian bacon   n   the US name for back bacon

■ Canadian English   n   the English language as spoken in Canada

■ Canadian football   n   a game resembling American football, played on a grass pitch between two teams of 12 players

■ Canadian Forces   pl n   the official name for the military forces of Canada

■ Canadian French   n   1 the French language as spoken in Canada, esp in Quebec   ▷ adj   2 denoting this language or a French-speaking Canadian

■ Canadianism (kəˈneIdIəˌnIzəm)   n   1 the Canadian national character or spirit   2 loyalty to Canada, its political independence, culture, etc   3 a linguistic usage, custom, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of Canada, its people, or their culture

■ Canadian pondweed   n   a North American aquatic plant, Elodea (or Anacharis) canadensis, naturalized in Europe, having crowded dark green leaves: family Hydrocharitaceae. It is used in aquariums

■ Canadian River   n   a river in the southern US, rising in NE New Mexico and flowing east to the Arkansas River in E Oklahoma. Length: 1458 km (906 miles)

■ Canadian Shield   n   Also called: Laurentian Shield, Laurentian Plateau (in Canada) the wide area of Precambrian rock extending west from the Labrador coast to the basin of the Mackenzie and north from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay and the Arctic: rich in minerals. See shield (sense 7)

■ Canadian whisky   n   a blended whisky made in Canada from rye and other grains

Canadarm (ˈkænədˌɑːm)   n   a type of robotic arm, developed in Canada, used on space vehicles

canaigre (kəˈnaIɡə)   n   a dock, Rumex hymenosepalus, of the southern US, the root of which yields a substance used in tanning [C19: from Mexican Spanish]

canaille French (kanɑj)   n   the masses; mob; rabble [C17: from French, from Italian canaglia pack of dogs]

canal (kəˈnæl)   n   1 an artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, water power, etc   2 any of various tubular passages or ducts: the alimentary canal   3 any of various elongated intercellular spaces in plants   4 astronomy any of the indistinct surface features of Mars originally thought to be a network of channels but not seen on close-range photographs. They are caused by an optical illusion in which faint geological features appear to have a geometric structure   ▷ vb -nals, -nalling, -nalled or US -nals, -naling, -naled (tr)   5 to dig a canal through   6 to provide with a canal or canals [C15 (in the sense: pipe, tube): from Latin canālis channel, water pipe, from canna reed, CANE^1]

■ canalboat (kəˈnælˌbəʊt) or canal barge   n   a long narrow boat used on canals, esp for carrying freight

■ canalize or canalise (ˈkænəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to provide with or convert into a canal or canals   2 to give a particular direction to or provide an outlet for; channel   3 to divide (a channel) into separate reaches controlled by dams and weirs to aid navigation, control water levels, generate power, etc   > ˌcanaliˈzation or ˌcanaliˈsation n

■ canaller (kəˈnælə)   n   a person who works on a canal boat

■ canal ray   n   physics a stream of positive ions produced in a discharge tube by allowing them to pass through holes in the cathode

■ Canal Zone   n   a former administrative region of the US, on the Isthmus of Panama around the Panama Canal: bordered on each side by the Republic of Panama, into which it was incorporated in 1979. Also called: Panama Canal Zone

Canaletto (Italian kanaˈlɛtto)   n   original name Giovanni Antonio Canale. 1697–1768, Italian painter and etcher, noted particularly for his highly detailed paintings of cities, esp Venice, which are marked by strong contrasts of light and shade

canaliculus (ˌkænəˈlIkjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   a small channel, furrow, or groove, as in some bones and parts of plants [C16: from Latin: a little channel, from canālis CANAL]   > ˌcanaˈlicular, canaliculate (ˌkænəˈlIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or ˌcanaˈlicuˌlated adj

canapé (ˈkænəpI, -ˌpeI; French kanape)   n   1 a small piece of bread, toast, etc, spread with a savoury topping   2 (in French cabinetwork) a sofa [C19: from French: sofa]

Canara (kəˈnɑːrə)   n   a variant spelling of Kanara

canard (kæˈnɑːd; French kanar)   n   1 a false report; rumour or hoax   2 an aircraft in which the tailplane is mounted in front of the wing [C19: from French: a duck, hoax, from Old French caner to quack, of imitative origin]

Canarese (ˌkænəˈriːz)   n, pl -rese   a variant spelling of Kanarese

canary (kəˈnɛərI)   n, pl -naries   1 a small finch, Serinus canaria, of the Canary Islands and Azores: a popular cagebird noted for its singing. Wild canaries are streaked yellow and brown, but most domestic breeds are pure yellow   2 See canary yellow   3 Austral history a convict   4 archaic a sweet wine from the Canary Islands similar to Madeira [C16: from Old Spanish canario of or from the Canary Islands]

■ canary creeper   n   a climbing plant, Tropaeolum peregrinum, similar to the nasturtium but with smaller yellow flowers and lobed leaves

■ canary grass   n   1 any of various grasses of the genus Phalaris, esp P. canariensis, that is native to Europe and N Africa and has straw-coloured seeds used as birdseed   2 reed canary grass a related plant, Phalaris arundinacea, used as fodder throughout the N hemisphere

■ Canary Islands or Canaries   pl n   a group of mountainous islands in the Atlantic off the NW coast of Africa, forming an Autonomous Community of Spain. Capital: Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Pop: 1 944 700 (2003 est)

■ canary seed   n   another name for birdseed

■ canary yellow   n     a a moderate yellow colour, sometimes with a greenish tinge   b (as adjective): a canary-yellow car. Sometimes shortened to: canary

canasta (kəˈnæstə)   n   1 a card game for two to six players who seek to amass points by declaring sets of cards   2 Also called: meld a declared set in this game, containing seven or more like cards, worth 500 points if the canasta is pure or 300 if wild (containing up to three jokers) [C20: from Spanish: basket (because two packs, or a basketful, of cards are required), variant of canastro, from Latin canistrum; see CANISTER]

canaster (ˈkænəstə)   n   coarsely broken dried tobacco leaves [C19: (meaning: rush basket in which tobacco was packed): from Spanish canastro; see CANISTER]

Canaveral (kəˈnævərəl)   n   Cape Canaveral a cape on the E coast of Florida: site of the US Air Force Missile Test Centre, from which the majority of US space missions have been launched. Former name (1963–73): Cape Kennedy

Canberra (ˈkænbərə, -brə)   n   the capital of Australia, in Australian Capital Territory: founded in 1913 as a planned capital. Pop: 422 674 (2015 est)

■ Canberran (kænˈbɛrən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Canberra   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Canberra or its inhabitants

cancan (ˈkænˌkæn)   n   a high-kicking dance performed by a female chorus, originating in the music halls of 19th-century Paris [C19: from French, of uncertain origin]

cancel (ˈkænsəl)   vb -cels, -celling, -celled or US -cels, -celing, -celed (mainly tr)   1 to order (something already arranged, such as a meeting or event) to be postponed indefinitely; call off   2 to revoke or annul: the order for the new television was cancelled   3 to delete (writing, numbers, etc); cross out: he cancelled his name and substituted hers   4 to mark (a cheque, postage stamp, ticket, etc) with an official stamp or by a perforation to prevent further use   5 (also intr; usually foll by out) to counterbalance; make up for (a deficiency, etc): his generosity cancelled out his past unkindness   6    a to close (an account) by discharging any outstanding debts   b (sometimes foll by out) accounting to eliminate (a debit or credit) by making an offsetting entry on the opposite side of the account   7 maths   a to eliminate (numbers, quantities, or terms) as common factors from both the numerator and denominator of a fraction or as equal terms from opposite sides of an equation   b (intr) to be able to be eliminated in this way   ▷ n   8 a new leaf or section of a book replacing a defective one, one containing errors, or one that has been omitted   9 a less common word for cancellation   10 music a US word for natural (sense 20) [C14: from Old French canceller, from Medieval Latin cancellāre, from Late Latin: to strike out, make like a lattice, from Latin cancellī lattice, grating]   > ˈcanceller or US ˈcanceler n

■ cancelbot (ˈkænsəlˌbɒt)   n   a computer program that deletes unwanted mailings to internet usergroups

■ cancellable or US cancelable (ˈkænsələbəl)   adj   able to be cancelled

■ cancellation or US cancelation (ˌkænsIˈleIʃən)   n   1 the fact or an instance of cancelling   2 something that has been cancelled, such as a theatre ticket, esp when it is available for another person to take: we have a cancellation in the stalls   3 the marks or perforation made by cancelling

canceleer (ˌkænsIˈlIə)   vb (intr)   (of a hawk) to turn in flight when a stoop fails, in order to re-attempt it

cancellarial (ˌkænsəˈlɛərIəl)   adj   relating to a chancellor

cancellariate (ˌkænsəˈlɛərIət)   n   the office of chancellor

cancellate (ˈkænsIˌleIt), cancellous (ˈkænsIləs) or cancellated   adj   1 anatomy having a spongy or porous internal structure: cancellate bones   2 botany forming a network; reticulate: a cancellate venation [C17: from Latin cancellāre to make like a lattice; see CANCEL]

cancelli (kænˈsɛlaI, kæŋˈkɛliː)   pl n   strips that form a latticework

cancer (ˈkænsə)   n   1 any type of malignant growth or tumour, caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division: it may spread through the lymphatic system or blood stream to other parts of the body   2 the condition resulting from this   3 an evil influence that spreads dangerously ▶ Related prefix: carcino- [C14: from Latin: crab, a creeping tumour; related to Greek karkinos crab, Sanskrit karkata]   > ˈcancerous adj   > ˈcancerously adv

■ cancerate (ˈkænsəˌreIt)   vb (intr)   to become cancerous

■ canceration (ˌkænsəˈreIʃən)   n   the process of becoming cancerous

■ cancer-causing or cancer-producing   adj   having the ability to induce the growth of a malignant tumour

■ cancered (ˈkænsəd)   adj   affected by cancer

■ cancerophobia (ˌkænsərəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   a morbid dread of having cancer

■ cancer stick   n   a slang name for cigarette

Cancer (ˈkænsə)   n, Latin genitive Cancri (ˈkæŋkriː)   1 astronomy a small faint zodiacal constellation in the N hemisphere, lying between Gemini and Leo on the ecliptic and containing the star cluster Praesepe   2 astrology   a Also called: the Crab the fourth sign of the zodiac, symbol ♋, having a cardinal water classification and ruled by the moon. The sun is in this sign between about June 21 and July 22   b Also called: Moonchild a person born during a period when the sun is in this sign   3 tropic of Cancer See tropic (sense 1)   ▷ adj   4 astrology born under or characteristic of Cancer   ▶ Also (for senses 2b, 4): Cancerian (kænˈsIərIən)

cancha (ˈkɑːntʃə)   n   toasted maize, often served as an accompaniment to Peruvian meals

cancionero Spanish (kanθjoˈnero)   n   a songbook

CanCon or Cancon (ˈkænˌkɒn)   n     a television programmes, music, literature, etc produced in Canada or by Canadians, esp as measured against Canadian broadcasting requirements   b (as modifier): CanCon quotas; Cancon cinema [from Canadian Content]

cancriform (ˈkæŋkrIˌfɔːm)   adj   1 shaped like a crab   2 resembling cancer

cancrine (ˈkæŋkraIn)   adj   resembling a crab

cancrizans (ˈkænkrIˌzæns, ˈkæŋ-)   adj   See crab canon [Medieval Latin: moving backwards, from cancrizāre to move crabwise]

cancroid (ˈkæŋkrɔId)   adj   1 resembling a cancerous growth   2 resembling a crab   ▷ n   3 a skin cancer, esp one of only moderate malignancy

Cancún (kaːnˈkuːn)   n   a coastal resort in SE Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula. Pop: 457 000 (2004 est)

c & b cricket   abbreviation for   caught and bowled (by)

candela (kænˈdiːlə, -ˈdeIlə)   n   the basic SI unit of luminous intensity; the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 10^12 hertz and that has a radiant intensity in that direction of (1⁄683) watt per steradian. Symbol: cd. Also called: candle, standard candle [C20: from Latin: CANDLE]

Candela (kænˈdiːlə)   n   Felix. 1910–97, Mexican architect, noted for his naturalistic modern style and thin prestressed concrete roofs

candelabrum (ˌkændIˈlɑːbrəm) or candelabra   n, pl -bra (-brə), -brums or -bras   a large branched candleholder or holder for overhead lights [C19: from Latin, from candēla CANDLE]

candelilla (ˌkændəˈliːjə; Spanish kandeˈliʎa)   n   either of two wax-coated Mexican shrubs, Euphorbia antisyphilitica or Pedilanthus pavonis (or bracteatus)

candent (ˈkændənt)   adj   an archaic word for incandescent [C16: from Latin candēre to shine]

candescent (kænˈdɛsənt)   adj   rare glowing or starting to glow with heat [C19: from Latin candescere, from candēre to be white, shine]   > canˈdescence n   > canˈdescently adv

c & f   abbreviation for   cost and freight

C & G   abbreviation for   City and Guilds

Candia (ˈkandja)   n   the Italian name for Iráklion

candid (ˈkændId)   adj   1 frank and outspoken: he was candid about his dislike of our friends   2 without partiality; unbiased   3 unposed or informal: a candid photograph   4 obsolete   a white   b clear or pure [C17: from Latin candidus white, from candēre to be white]   > ˈcandidly adv   > ˈcandidness n

■ candid camera   n     a a small camera that may be used to take informal photographs of people, usually without their knowledge   b (as modifier): a candid-camera photograph

candida (ˈkændIdə)   n   any yeastlike parasitic fungus of the genus Candida, esp C. albicans, which causes thrush (candidiasis) [New Latin, feminine of candidus white]

■ candidal (ˈkændIdəl)   adj   relating to candida

■ candidiasis (ˌkændIˈdaIəsIs)   n   another name for thrush^2 (sense 1a)

candidate (ˈkændIˌdeIt, -dIt)   n   1 a person seeking or nominated for election to a position of authority or honour or selection for a job, promotion, etc   2 a person taking an examination or test   3 a person or thing regarded as suitable or likely for a particular fate or position: this wine is a candidate for his cellar [C17: from Latin candidātus clothed in white (because in ancient Rome a candidate wore a white toga), from candidus white]   > candidacy (ˈkændIdəsI), candidature (ˈkændIdətʃə) or ˈcandidateˌship n

candie (ˈkændI)   n   a South Indian unit of weight, usually containing 20 maunds

Candiot (ˈkændIˌɒt) or Candiote (ˈkændIˌəʊt)   adj   1 of or relating to Candia (Iráklion) or Crete; Cretan   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Crete; a Cretan

candiru (ˌkændIˈruː)   n   a tiny parasitic freshwater catfish of the Amazon region

candle (ˈkændəl)   n   1 a cylindrical piece of wax, tallow, or other fatty substance surrounding a wick, which is burned to produce light   2 physics   a See international candle   b another name for candela   3 burn the candle at both ends to exhaust oneself, esp by being up late and getting up early to work   4 not hold a candle to informal to be inferior or contemptible in comparison with: the remake doesn't hold a candle to the original film   5 not worth the candle informal not worth the price or trouble entailed (esp in the phrase the game's not worth the candle)   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to examine (eggs) for freshness or the likelihood of being hatched by viewing them against a bright light [Old English candel, from Latin candēla, from candēre to be white, glitter]   > ˈcandler n

■ candleberry (ˈkændəlbərI)   n, pl -ries   another name for wax myrtle

■ candlefish (ˈkændəlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a salmonoid food fish, Thaleichthys pacificus, that occurs in the N Pacific and has oily flesh. Also called: eulachon

■ candlelight (ˈkændəlˌlaIt)   n   1    a the light from a candle or candles: they ate by candlelight   b (as modifier): a candlelight dinner   2 dusk; evening

■ candlelighter (ˈkændəlˌlaItə)   n   1 a person whose task it is to light candles   2 a tool or object used to light candles

■ candlelit (ˈkændəlˌlIt)   adj   illuminated by a candle or candles

■ Candlemas (ˈkændəlməs)   n   Christianity Feb 2, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the Temple: the day on which the church candles are blessed. In Scotland it is one of the four quarter days

■ candlenut (ˈkændəlˌnʌt)   n   1 a euphorbiaceous tree, Aleurites mollucana, of tropical Asia and Polynesia   2 the nut of this tree, which yields an oil used in paints and varnishes. In their native regions the nuts are strung together and burned as candles

■ candlepin (ˈkændəlˌpIn)   n   a bowling pin, as used in skittles, tenpin bowling, candlepins, etc

■ candlepins (ˈkændəlˌpInz)   n   (functioning as singular) a type of bowling game, employing a smaller ball than tenpins, in which three balls are allowed to a frame and fallen pins are not removed from the alley

■ candlepower (ˈkændəlˌpaʊə)   n   the luminous intensity of a source of light in a given direction: now expressed in candelas but formerly in terms of the international candle

■ candlesnuffer (ˈkændəlˌsnʌfə)   n   an implement, or person, that extinguishes candle flames

■ candlestick (ˈkændəlˌstIk) or candleholder (ˈkændəlˌhəʊldə)   n   a holder, usually ornamental, with a spike or socket for a candle

■ candle-tree   n   another name for wax myrtle

■ candlewick (ˈkændəlˌwIk)   n   1 unbleached cotton or muslin into which loops of yarn are hooked and then cut to give a tufted pattern. It is used for bedspreads, dressing gowns, etc   2 the wick of a candle   3 (modifier) being or made of candlewick fabric

■ candlewood (ˈkændəlˌwʊd)   n   1 the resinous wood of any of several trees, used for torches and candle substitutes   2 any tree or shrub, such as ocotillo, that produces this wood

C & M   abbreviation for   1 care and maintenance   2 clicks and mortar (company)

candock (ˈkændɒk)   n   a yellow water lily

Candolle (French kɑ̃dɔl)   n   Augustin Pyrame de. 1778–1841, Swiss botanist; his Théorie élémentaire de la botanique (1813) introduced a new system of plant classification

Candomblé (kænˈdəʊmbleI; Portuguese kə̃dõˈble)   n   any of a number of similar religious cults in Brazil that combine elements of Roman Catholicism with elements of West African, esp Yoruba, and indigenous South American religions

candour or US candor (ˈkændə)   n   1 the quality of being open and honest; frankness   2 fairness; impartiality   3 obsolete purity or brightness [C17: from Latin candor, from candēre to be white, shine]

C & W   abbreviation for   country and western

candy (ˈkændI)   n, pl -dies   1 chiefly US and Canadian confectionery in general; sweets, chocolate, etc   2 a person or thing that is regarded as being attractive but superficial: arm candy   3 like taking candy from a baby informal very easy to accomplish   ▷ vb -dies, -dying, -died   4 to cause (sugar, etc) to become crystalline, esp by boiling or (of sugar) to become crystalline through boiling   5 (tr) to preserve (fruit peel, ginger, etc) by boiling in sugar   6 (tr) to cover with any crystalline substance, such as ice or sugar [C18: from Old French sucre candi candied sugar, from Arabic qandi candied, from qand cane sugar, of Dravidian origin]

■ candied (ˈkændId)   adj   1 impregnated or encrusted with or as if with sugar or syrup: candied peel   2 (of sugar, honey, etc) crystallized

■ candy-ass   n   US derogatory a timid or cowardly person; wimp

■ candyfloss (ˈkændIˌflɒs)   n   Brit a very light fluffy confection made from coloured spun sugar, usually held on a stick. US and Canadian name: cotton candy. Austral name: fairyfloss

■ candygram (ˈkændIˌɡræm)   n   US a message accompanied by sweets

■ candyman (ˈkændIˌmæn)   n   a drug-dealer, esp one who targets young people

■ candy store   n   US and Canadian a shop solely or largely selling confectionery. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): sweet shop

■ candy-striped   adj   (esp of clothing fabric) having narrow coloured stripes on a white background   > candy stripe n

■ candytuft (ˈkændIˌtʌft)   n   either of two species of Iberis grown as annual garden plants for their umbels ("tufts") of white, red, or purplish flowers. See iberis [C17: from Candy, obsolete variant of CANDIA (Crete) + TUFT]

cane^1 (keIn)   n   1    a the long jointed pithy or hollow flexible stem of the bamboo, rattan, or any similar plant   b any plant having such a stem   2    a strips of such stems, woven or interlaced to make wickerwork, the seats and backs of chairs, etc   b (as modifier): a cane chair   3 the woody stem of a reed, young grapevine, blackberry, raspberry, or loganberry   4 any of several grasses with long stiff stems, esp Arundinaria gigantea of the southeastern US   5 a flexible rod with which to administer a beating as a punishment, as to schoolboys   6 a slender rod, usually wooden and often ornamental, used for support when walking; walking stick   7 See sugar cane   8 a slender rod or cylinder, as of glass   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to whip or beat with or as if with a cane   10 to make or repair with cane   11 informal to defeat: we got well caned in the match   12 cane it slang to do something with great power, force, or speed or consume something such as alcohol in large quantities: you can do it in ten minutes if you really cane it [C14: from Old French, from Latin canna, from Greek kanna, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic qanāh reed]   > ˈcaner n

■ canebrake (ˈkeInˌbreIk)   n   US a thicket of canes

■ canefruit (ˈkeInˌfruːt)   n   a fruit, such as the raspberry, which grows on woody-stemmed plants

■ cane grass   n   Austral any of several tall perennial hard-stemmed grasses, esp Eragrostis australasica, of inland swamps

■ canegrub (ˈkeInˌɡrʌb)   n   any of various grubs that are a pest of sugar cane, esp, in Australia, the greyback canegrub, Dermolepida albohirtum

■ cane piece   n   (in the Caribbean) a field of sugar cane, esp a peasant's isolated field

■ caner (ˈkeInə)   n   slang a person who regularly indulges in excessive drinking or drug-taking

■ cane rat   n   1 a tropical African cavy-like hystricomorph rodent, Thryonomys swinderianus, that lives in swampy regions: family Thryonomyidae. Also called (in W Africa): cutting grass   2 a similar but smaller species, T. gregorianus

■ cane sugar   n   1 the sucrose obtained from sugar cane, which is identical to that obtained from sugar beet. See also beet sugar   2 another name for sucrose

■ cane toad   n   a large toad, Rhinella marina, native to Central and South America but introduced into many countries to control insects and other pests of sugar-cane plantations. Also called: giant toad, marine toad

■ caneware (ˈkeInˌwɛə)   n   a type of unglazed, tan-coloured stoneware, developed around 1770 by Josiah Wedgwood

■ caning (ˈkeInIŋ)   n   1 a beating with a cane as a punishment   2 informal a severe defeat

■ cany (ˈkeInI)   adj canier, caniest   1 resembling or made of cane   2 full of canes

cane^2 (keIn)   n   dialect a female weasel [C18: of unknown origin]

Canea (kæˈnIə) or Chania (ˈhɑːnIə)   n   the chief port of Crete, on the NW coast. Pop: 55 838 (2001). Greek name: Khaniá

caneh (ˈkɑːnɛ)   n   a Hebrew unit of length, consisting of 6 cubits

canella (kəˈnɛlə)   n   the fragrant cinnamon-like inner bark of a West Indian tree, Canella winterana (family Canellaceae) used as a spice and in medicine [C17: from Medieval Latin: cinnamon, from Latin canna cane, reed]

canephor (ˈkænIfɔː)   n   a sculpted figure carrying a basket on his or her head

canescent (kəˈnɛsənt)   adj   1 biology white or greyish due to the presence of numerous short white hairs   2 becoming hoary, white, or greyish [C19: from Latin cānescere to grow white, become hoary, from cānēre to be white]   > caˈnescence n

Canes Venatici (ˈkɑːniːz vIˈnætIˌsaI)   n, Latin genitive Canum Venaticorum (ˈkɑːnəm vIˌnætIˈkɔːrəm)   a small faint constellation in the N hemisphere near Ursa Major that contains the globular cluster M3 and the spiral whirlpool galaxy M51 [Latin: hunting dogs]

Canetti (kəˈnɛtI)   n   Elias. 1905–94, British novelist and writer, born in Bulgaria, who usually wrote in German. His works include the novel Auto da Fé (1935). Nobel prize for literature 1981

canfield (ˈkænˌfiːld)   n   cards a gambling game adapted from a type of patience [C20: named after R. A. Canfield (1855–1914), US gambler]

cangle (ˈkæŋɡəl)   vb (intr)   Scot to wrangle

cangue or cang (kæŋ)   n   (formerly in China) a large wooden collar worn by petty criminals as a punishment [C18: from French, from Portuguese canga yoke]

Canicula (kəˈnIkjʊlə)   n   another name for Sirius [Latin, literally: little dog, from canis dog]

■ canicular (kəˈnIkjʊlə)   adj   of or relating to the star Sirius or its rising

canid (ˈkænId)   n   any animal of the dog family

canine (ˈkeInaIn, ˈkæn-)   adj   1 of or resembling a dog; doglike   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Canidae, a family of mammals, including dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes, typically having a bushy tail, erect ears, and a long muzzle: order Carnivora (carnivores)   3 of or relating to any of the four teeth, two in each jaw, situated between the incisors and the premolars   ▷ n also canid (ˈkænId)   4 any animal of the family Canidae   5 a canine tooth [C17: from Latin canīnus, from canis dog]

■ canine distemper   n   See distemper^1

■ canine parvovirus   n   vet science a highly contagious viral disease of dogs characterized by vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, depression, and, in severe cases, death

■ caninity (kəˈnInItI, keIˈnInItI)   n   the quality or state of being canine

Canis Major (ˈkeInIs)   n, Latin genitive Canis Majoris (məˈdʒɔːrIs)   a constellation in the S hemisphere close to Orion, containing Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. Also called: the Great Dog [Latin: the greater dog]

Canis Minor   n, Latin genitive Canis Minoris (maIˈnɔːrIs)   a small constellation in the N hemisphere close to Orion, containing the first magnitude star Procyon. Also called: the Little Dog [Latin: the lesser dog]

canistel (ˌkænIˈstɛl, ˈkænIˌstɛl)   n   1 an evergreen tree, Pouteria campechiana, that is native to Central America and the West Indies   2 the sweet fruit of this tree

canister (ˈkænIstə)   n   1 a container, usually made of metal, in which dry food, such as tea or coffee, is stored   2 (formerly)   a a type of shrapnel shell for firing from a cannon   b Also called: canister shot, case shot the shot or shrapnel packed inside this [C17: from Latin canistrum basket woven from reeds, from Greek kanastron, from kanna reed, CANE^1]

■ canisterization or canisterisation (ˌkænIstəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of putting (something) into a canister or canisters

■ canisterize or canisterise (ˈkænIstəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to put into canisters

canities (kəˈnIʃIiːz)   n   pathol greyness or whiteness of hair

canker (ˈkæŋkə)   n   1 an ulceration, esp of the lips or lining of the oral cavity   2 vet science   a a disease of horses in which the horn of the hoofs becomes soft and spongy   b an inflammation of the lining of the external ear, esp in dogs and cats, resulting in a discharge and sometimes ulceration   c ulceration or abscess of the mouth, eyelids, ears, or cloaca of birds   3 an open wound in the stem of a tree or shrub, caused by injury or parasites   4 something evil that spreads and corrupts   ▷ vb   5 to infect or become infected with or as if with canker [Old English cancer, from Latin cancer crab, cancerous sore]

■ cankered (ˈkæŋkəd)   adj   (esp of fruit trees) affected by canker

■ cankeredly (ˈkæŋkədlI)   adv   obsolete spitefully or crabbedly

■ cankeredness (ˈkæŋkədnəs)   n   obsolete spitefulness or crabbedness

■ cankerous (ˈkæŋkərəs)   adj   1 having cankers   2 infectious; corrupting

■ cankerworm (ˈkæŋkəˌwɜːm)   n   the larva of either of two geometrid moths, Paleacrita vernata or Alsophila pometaria, which feed on and destroy fruit and shade trees in North America

■ cankery (ˈkæŋkərI)   adj   1 having a canker or cankers   2 Scot surly or irritable

cankle (ˈkæŋkəl)   n   informal a thickened area between the calf and ankle in an overweight person, obscuring where one ends and the other begins [C21: from C(ALF)2 + ANKLE]

CanLit (ˌkænˈlIt)   n acronym for   Canadian Literature

cann (kæn)   vb (tr)   to con, or direct the steering of (a ship)

canna (ˈkænə)   n   any of various tropical plants constituting the genus Canna, having broad leaves and red or yellow showy flowers for which they are cultivated: family Cannaceae [C17: from New Latin CANE^1]

cannabin (ˈkænəbIn)   n   a greenish-black poisonous resin obtained from the Indian hemp plant. Also called: cannabis resin

■ cannabinoid (ˈkænəbIˌnɔId)   n   any of the narcotic chemical substances found in cannabin

■ cannabinol (ˈkænəbInɒl)   n   a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, C_21H_26O

cannabis (ˈkænəbIs)   n   1 the hemp plant, esp Indian hemp (Cannabis indica). See hemp   2 the drug obtained from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which is smoked or consumed for its psychoactive or medical properties. It produces euphoria and relaxation; repeated use may lead to psychological dependence. See also cannabin, hashish, marijuana, bhang [C18: from Latin, from Greek kannabis; see HEMP]   > ˈcannabic adj

cannach (ˈkænəx)   n   Scot any of various bog plants of the cyperaceous genus Eriophorum; cotton grass

Cannae (ˈkæniː)   n   an ancient city in SE Italy: scene of a victory by Hannibal over the Romans (216 BC)

canned (kænd)   adj   1 preserved and stored in airtight cans or tins: canned meat   2 informal prepared or recorded in advance; artificial; not spontaneous: canned music   3 a slang word for drunk (sense 1)

cannel coal or cannel (ˈkænəl)   n   a dull coal having a high volatile content and burning with a smoky luminous flame [C16: from northern English dialect cannel candle: so called from its bright flame]

cannellini bean (ˌkænIˈliːnI) or cannellini   n   a cream-coloured kidney-shaped bean with a mild flavour [Italian: small tubes]

cannelloni or canneloni (ˌkænIˈləʊnI)   pl n   tubular pieces of pasta filled with meat or cheese [Italian, plural of cannellone, from cannello stalk, from canna CANE^1]

cannelon (ˈkænəlɒn)   n   a dish consisting of a roll of puff pastry stuffed with minced meat or a sweet filling

cannelure (ˈkænəˌlʊə)   n   a groove or fluting, esp one around the cylindrical part of a bullet [C18: from French, ultimately from Latin canālis CANAL]

canner (ˈkænə)   n   a person or organization whose job is to can foods

■ cannery (ˈkænərI)   n, pl -neries   a place where foods are canned

Cannes (kæn, kænz; French kan)   n   a port and resort in SE France: developed in the 19th century from a fishing village; annual film festival. Pop: 72 939 (2008)

cannibal (ˈkænIbəl)   n   1    a a person who eats the flesh of other human beings   b (as modifier): cannibal tribes   2 an animal that feeds on the flesh of others of its kind [C16: from Spanish Canibales, name used by Columbus to designate the Caribs of Cuba and Haiti, from Arawak caniba, variant of CARIB]

■ cannibalism (ˈkænIbəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the act of eating human flesh or the flesh of one's own kind   2 savage and inhuman cruelty   > ˌcannibalˈistic adj   > ˌcannibalˈistically adv

■ cannibalize or cannibalise (ˈkænIbəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to use (serviceable parts from one machine or vehicle) to repair another, esp as an alternative to using new parts   > ˌcannibaliˈzation or ˌcannibaliˈsation n

■ cannibally (ˈkænIbəlI)   adv   in the manner of a cannibal

cannikin, canakin or canikin (ˈkænIkIn)   n   a small can, esp one used as a drinking vessel [C16: from Middle Dutch kanneken; see CAN^2, -KIN]

canning (ˈkænIŋ)   n   the process or business of sealing food in cans or tins to preserve it

Canning (ˈkænIŋ)   n   1  Charles John, 1st Earl Canning. 1812–62, British statesman; governor general of India (1856–58) and first viceroy (1858–62)   2  his father, George. 1770–1827, British Tory statesman; foreign secretary (1822–27) and prime minister (1827)

Canning Basin   n   an arid basin in NW Western Australia. Area: 400 000 sq km (150 000 sq miles)

Cannock (ˈkænək)   n   a town in W central England, in S Staffordshire: Cannock Chase (a public area of heathland, once a royal preserve) is just to the east. Pop: 65 022 (2001)

cannoli (kəˈnəʊlI)   pl n   a Sicilian pudding of pasta shells filled with sweetened ricotta

cannon (ˈkænən)   n, pl -nons or -non   1 an automatic aircraft gun of large calibre   2 history a heavy artillery piece consisting of a metal tube mounted on a carriage   3 a heavy tube or drum, esp one that can rotate freely on the shaft by which it is supported   4 the metal loop at the top of a bell, from which it is suspended   5 See cannon bone   6 billiards   a a shot in which the cue ball is caused to contact one object ball after another   b the points scored by this. Usual US and Canadian word: carom   7 a rebound or bouncing back, as of a ball off a wall   8 either of the two parts of a vambrace   ▷ vb   9 (intr; often foll by into) to collide (with)   10 short for cannonade   11 (intr) billiards to make a cannon [C16: from Old French canon, from Italian cannone cannon, large tube, from canna tube, CANE^1]

■ cannonade (ˌkænəˈneId)   n   1 an intense and continuous artillery bombardment   ▷ vb   2 to attack (a target) with cannon

■ cannonball (ˈkænənˌbɔːl)   n   1 a projectile fired from a cannon: usually a solid round metal shot   2 tennis   a a very fast low serve   b (as modifier): a cannonball serve   3 a jump into water by a person who has his or her arms tucked into the body to form a ball   ▷ vb (intr)   4 (often foll by along, etc) to rush along, like a cannonball   5 to execute a cannonball jump   ▷ adj   6 very fast or powerful

■ cannon bone   n   a bone in the legs of horses and other hoofed animals consisting of greatly elongated fused metatarsals or metacarpals

■ cannoneer (ˌkænəˈnIə)   n   (formerly) a soldier who served and fired a cannon; artilleryman

■ cannon fodder   n   men regarded as expendable because they are part of a huge army

■ cannonry (ˈkænənrI)   n, pl -ries rare   1 a volley of artillery fire   2 artillery in general

■ cannon-shot   n   1 another word for cannonball (sense 1)   2 the range of a cannon

cannula or canula (ˈkænjʊlə)   n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)   surgery a narrow tube for insertion into a bodily cavity, as for draining off fluid, introducing medication, etc [C17: from Latin: a small reed, from canna a reed]

■ cannulate or canulate   vb (ˈkænjʊˌleIt)   1 (tr) to insert a cannula into (a person)   ▷ adj (ˈkænjʊˌleIt, -ˌlIt) also cannular, canular   2 shaped like a cannula   > ˌcannuˈlation or ˌcanuˈlation n

canny (ˈkænI)   adj -nier, -niest   1 shrewd, esp in business; astute or wary; knowing   2 Scot and Northeast English dialect good or nice: used as a general term of approval   3 Scot lucky or fortunate   ▷ adv   4 Scot and Northeast English dialect quite; rather: a canny long while [C16: from CAN^1 (in the sense: to know how) + -Y^1]   > ˈcannily adv   > ˈcanniness n

canoe (kəˈnuː)   n   1 a light narrow open boat, propelled by one or more paddles   2 NZ another word for waka (sense 1)   3 in the same canoe NZ of the same tribe   ▷ vb -noes, -noeing, -noed   4 to go in a canoe or transport by canoe [C16: from Spanish canoa, of Carib origin]   > caˈnoeing n   > caˈnoeist n

■ canoeable (kəˈnuːəbəl)   adj   (of a river, etc) able to be navigated in a canoe

■ canoer (kəˈnuːə)   n   a person who travels in a canoe

■ canoewood (kəˈnuːˌwʊd)   n   another name for the tulip tree

canola (kəˈnəʊlə)   n   a cooking oil extracted from a variety of rapeseed developed in Canada [C20: from CAN(ADA) + -ola, from OLEUM]

canon^1 (ˈkænən)   n   1 Christianity a Church decree enacted to regulate morals or religious practices   2 (often plural) a general rule or standard, as of judgment, morals, etc   3 (often plural) a principle or accepted criterion applied in a branch of learning or art   4 RC Church the complete list of the canonized saints   5 RC Church the prayer in the Mass in which the Host is consecrated   6 a list of writings, esp sacred writings, officially recognized as genuine   7 a piece of music in which an extended melody in one part is imitated successively in one or more other parts. See also round (sense 31), catch (sense 33)   8 a list of the works of an author that are accepted as authentic   9 (formerly) a size of printer's type equal to 48 point [Old English, from Latin, from Greek kanōn rule, rod for measuring, standard; related to kanna reed, CANE^1]

■ canonical (kəˈnɒnIkəl) or canonic   adj   1 belonging to or included in a canon of sacred or other officially recognized writings   2 belonging to or in conformity with canon law   3 according to recognized law; accepted   4 music in the form of a canon   5 of or relating to a cathedral chapter   > caˈnonically adv

■ canonical hour   n   1 RC Church   a one of the seven prayer times appointed for each day by canon law   b the services prescribed for these times, namely matins, prime, terce, sext, nones, vespers, and compline   2 Church of England any time between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at which marriages may lawfully be celebrated

■ canonicity (ˌkænəˈnIsItI)   n   the fact or quality of being canonical

■ canonist (ˈkænənIst)   n   a specialist in canon law

■ canonistic (ˌkænəˈnIstIk)   adj   relating to or belonging to a canonist

■ canonize or canonise (ˈkænəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 RC Church to declare (a person) to be a saint and thus admit to the canon of saints   2 to regard as holy or as a saint   3 to sanction by canon law; pronounce valid   > ˌcanoniˈzation or ˌcanoniˈsation n

■ canonizer or canoniser (ˈkænəˌnaIzə)   n   a person who canonizes

■ canon law   n   the law governing the affairs of a Christian Church, esp the law created or recognized by papal authority in the Roman Catholic Church. See Corpus Juris Canonici, Codex Juris Canonici

canon^2 (ˈkænən)   n   1 one of several priests on the permanent staff of a cathedral, who are responsible for organizing services, maintaining the fabric, etc   2 Also called: canon regular RC Church a member of either of two religious orders, the Augustinian or Premonstratensian Canons, living communally as monks but performing clerical duties [C13: from Anglo-French canunie, from Late Latin canonicus one living under a rule, from CANON^1]   > canonical (kəˈnɒnIkəl) or canonic adj

■ canoness (ˈkænənIs)   n   RC Church a woman belonging to any one of several religious orders and living under a rule but not under a vow

■ canonicals (kəˈnɒnIkəlz)   pl n   the vestments worn by clergy when officiating

■ canonicate (kəˈnɒnIˌkeIt, -kIt)   n   the office or rank of a canon; canonry

■ canonry (ˈkænənrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the office, benefice, or status of a canon   2 canons collectively [C15]

cañon (ˈkænjən)   n   a variant spelling of canyon

canoodle (kəˈnuːdəl)   vb   (intr; often foll by with) slang to kiss and cuddle; pet; fondle [C19: of unknown origin]   > caˈnoodler n

canophilia (ˌkænəˈfIlIə)   n   the love of dogs

■ canophilist (kəˈnɒfIlIst)   n   a person who loves dogs

canophobia (ˌkænəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an abnormal fear of dogs

Canopic jar, Canopic urn or Canopic vase (kəˈnəʊpIk)   n   (in ancient Egypt) one of four containers with tops in the form of animal heads of the gods, for holding the entrails of a mummy

Canopus^1 (kəˈnəʊpəs)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Carina and the second brightest star in the sky. Visual magnitude: -0.7; spectral type: F0II; distance: 313 light years

Canopus^2 (kəˈnəʊpəs)   n   a port in ancient Egypt east of Alexandria where granite monuments have been found inscribed with the name of Rameses II and written in languages similar to those of the Rosetta stone   > Caˈnopic adj

canopy (ˈkænəpI)   n, pl -pies   1 an ornamental awning above a throne or bed or held over a person of importance on ceremonial occasions   2 a rooflike covering over an altar, niche, etc   3 a roofed structure serving as a sheltered passageway or area   4 a large or wide covering, esp one high above: the sky was a grey canopy   5 the nylon or silk hemisphere that forms the supporting surface of a parachute   6 the transparent cover of an aircraft cockpit   7 the highest level of branches and foliage in a forest, formed by the crowns of the trees   ▷ vb -pies, -pying, -pied   8 (tr) to cover with or as if with a canopy [C14: from Medieval Latin canōpeum mosquito net, from Latin cōnōpeum gauze net, from Greek kōnōpeion bed with protective net, from kōnōps mosquito]

■ canopied (ˈkænəpId)   adj   having an ornamental awning

canorous (kəˈnɔːrəs)   adj   rare tuneful; melodious [C17: from Latin canōrus, from canere to sing]   > caˈnorously adv   > caˈnorousness n

Canossa (kəˈnɒsə; Italian kaˈnossa)   n   a ruined castle in N Italy, in Emilia near Reggio nell'Emilia: scene of the penance done by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV before Pope Gregory VII

Canova (Italian kaˈnɔːva)   n   Antonio (anˈtɔːnjo). 1757–1822, Italian neoclassical sculptor

Canso (ˈkænsəʊ)   n   1 a cape in Canada, at the NE tip of Nova Scotia   2 Strait of Canso or Gut of Canso a channel in Canada, between the Nova Scotia mainland and S Cape Breton Island

canst (kænst)   vb   archaic when used with the pronoun thou or its relative form, a form of can^1

canstick (ˈkænˌstIk)   n   obsolete a candlestick

cant^1 (kænt)   n   1 insincere talk, esp concerning religion or morals; pious platitudes   2 stock phrases that have become meaningless through repetition   3 specialized vocabulary of a particular group, such as thieves, journalists, or lawyers; jargon   4 singsong whining speech, as used by beggars   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to speak in or use cant [C16: probably via Norman French canter to sing, from Latin cantāre; used disparagingly, from the 12th century, of chanting in religious services]   > ˈcanter n   > ˈcantingly adv

■ canting (ˈkæntIŋ)   adj   insincere; hypocritical

cant^2 (kænt)   n   1 inclination from a vertical or horizontal plane; slope; slant   2 a sudden movement that tilts or turns something   3 the angle or tilt thus caused   4 a corner or outer angle, esp of a building   5 an oblique or slanting surface, edge, or line   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to tip, tilt, or overturn, esp with a sudden jerk   7 to set in an oblique position   8 another word for bevel (sense 1)   ▷ adj   9 oblique; slanting   10 having flat surfaces and without curves [C14 (in the sense: edge, corner): perhaps from Latin canthus iron hoop round a wheel, of obscure origin]   > ˈcantic adj

■ canthook (ˈkæntˌhʊk) or cant dog   n   forestry a wooden pole with a blunt steel tip and an adjustable hook at one end, used for handling logs

■ canting arms   pl n   heraldry a coat of arms making visual reference to the surname of its owner

cant^3 (kɑːnt)   adj   Scot and Northern English dialect lusty; merry; hearty [C14: related to Low German kant bold, merry]

■ canty (ˈkæntI, ˈkɑːn-)   adj cantier, cantiest   Scot and Northern English dialect lively; brisk; in good spirits [C18: see CANT^3]   > ˈcantily adv   > ˈcantiness n

Cant.   abbreviation for   1 Canterbury   2 Bible Canticles

can't (kɑːnt)   contraction of   cannot

Cantab. (kænˈtæb)   abbreviation for   Cantabrigiensis [Latin: of Cambridge]

cantabank (ˈkæntəˌbæŋk)   n   rare an itinerant singer

cantabile (kænˈtɑːbIlI) music   adj, adv   1 (to be performed) in a singing style, i.e. flowingly and melodiously   ▷ n   2 a piece or passage performed in this way [Italian, from Late Latin cantābilis, from Latin cantāre to sing]

Cantabria (kænˈteIbrIə)   n   a province and autonomous community in N Spain

■ Cantabrian Mountains (kænˈteIbrIən)   pl n   a mountain chain along the N coast of Spain, consisting of a series of high ridges that rise over 2400 m (8000 ft): rich in minerals (esp coal and iron). Also called: the Cantabrians

Cantabrigia (ˌkæntəˈbrIdʒIə)   n   the Medieval Latin name for Cambridge (sense 1)

■ Cantabrigian (ˌkæntəˈbrIdʒIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Cambridge or Cambridge University, or of Cambridge, Massachusetts, or Harvard University   ▷ n   2 a member or graduate of Cambridge University or Harvard University   3 an inhabitant or native of Cambridge [C17: from Medieval Latin Cantabrigia]

Cantal (French kɑ̃tal)   n   1 a department of S central France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Aurillac. Pop: 148 359 (2003 est). Area: 5779 sq km (2254 sq miles)   2 a hard strong cheese made in this area

cantala (kænˈtɑːlə)   n   1 a tropical American plant, Agave cantala, similar to the century plant: family Agavaceae (agaves)   2 the coarse tough fibre of this plant, used in making twine [of unknown origin]

cantaloupe or cantaloup (ˈkæntəˌluːp)   n   1 a cultivated variety of muskmelon, Cucumis melo cantalupensis, with ribbed warty rind and orange flesh   2 any of several other muskmelons [C18: from French, from Cantaluppi, former papal villa near Rome, where it was first cultivated in Europe]

cantankerous (kænˈtæŋkərəs)   adj   quarrelsome; irascible [C18: perhaps from C14 (obsolete) conteckour a contentious person, from conteck strife, from Anglo-French contek, of obscure origin]   > canˈtankerously adv   > canˈtankerousness n

cantata (kænˈtɑːtə)   n   a musical setting of a text, esp a religious text, consisting of arias, duets, and choruses interspersed with recitatives [C18: from Italian, from cantare to sing, from Latin]

cantate (kænˈtɑːteI)   n   the 98th psalm sung as a non-metrical hymn

cantatrice (French kɑ̃tatris)   n   a female singer, esp a professional soloist

canteen (kænˈtiːn)   n   1 a restaurant attached to a factory, school, etc, providing meals for large numbers of people   2    a a small shop that provides a limited range of items, such as toilet requisites, to a military unit   b a recreation centre for military personnel   3 a soldier's eating and drinking utensils   4 a temporary or mobile stand at which food is provided   5    a a box in which a set of cutlery is laid out   b the cutlery itself   6 a flask or canister for carrying water or other liquids, as used by soldiers or travellers [C18: from French cantine, from Italian cantina wine cellar, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron hoop encircling chariot wheel; see CANT^2]

■ canteen culture   n   the alleged clannishness of the police force, whereby the prevalent attitudes inhibit officers from reporting or speaking out against malpractice, racism, etc

Canteloube (ˈkæntəˌluːb; French kɑ̃tlub)   n   (Marie) Joseph (French ʒozɛf). 1879–1957, French composer, best known for his Chants d'Auvergne (1923–30)

canter (ˈkæntə)   n   1 an easy three-beat gait of horses, etc, between a trot and a gallop in speed   2 at a canter easily; without effort: he won at a canter   ▷ vb   3 to move or cause to move at a canter [C18: short for Canterbury trot, the supposed pace at which pilgrims rode to Canterbury]

canterbury (ˈkæntəbərI, -brI)   n, pl -buries antiques   1 a late 18th-century low wooden stand with partitions for holding cutlery and plates: often mounted on casters   2 a similar 19th-century stand used for holding sheet music, music books, or magazines

Canterbury (ˈkæntəbərI, -brI)   n   1 a city in SE England, in E Kent: starting point for St Augustine's mission to England (597 AD); cathedral where St Thomas à Becket was martyred (1170); seat of the archbishop and primate of England; seat of the University of Kent (1965). Pop: 43 552 (2001). Latin name: Durovernum (ˌduːrəʊˈvɜːnəm, ˌdjʊə-)   2 a regional council area of New Zealand, on E central South Island on Canterbury Bight: mountainous with coastal lowlands; agricultural. Chief town: Christchurch. Pop: 520 500 (2004 est). Area: 43 371 sq km (16 742 sq miles)

■ Canterbury bell   n   a campanulaceous biennial European plant, Campanula medium, widely cultivated for its blue, violet, or white flowers

■ Canterbury lamb   n   New Zealand lamb exported chilled or frozen to the United Kingdom

■ Canterbury Pilgrims   pl n   1 the pilgrims whose stories are told in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales   2 NZ the early settlers in Christchurch, Canterbury region

cantharid (ˈkænθərId)   n   any beetle of the family Cantharidae, having a soft elongated body; though found frequenting flowers, they are carnivorous

■ cantharidal (ˌkænˈθɑːrIdəl)   adj   relating to or made of cantharides. Also: cantharidian, cantharidic

■ cantharides (kænˈθærIˌdiːz)   pl n, sing cantharis (ˈkænθərIs)   a diuretic and urogenital stimulant or irritant prepared from the dried bodies of Spanish fly (family Meloidae, not Cantharidae), once thought to be an aphrodisiac. Also called: Spanish fly [C15: from Latin, plural of cantharis, from Greek kantharis Spanish fly]

■ cantharidin (ˌkænˈθærIdIn)   n   the compound C_10H_12O_4, which is the active ingredient in cantharides and is secreted by many species of blister beetle

cantharus (ˈkænθərəs)   n   a large two-handled pottery cup

canthaxanthin (ˌkænθəˈzænθIn)   n   an orange carotenoid, C_40H_52O_2, that is put in feed for poultry and feed for farmed salmon and trout

Can Tho (ˈkʌn ˈtəʊ, ˈkæn)   n   a town in S Vietnam, on the River Mekong. Pop: 368 000 (2005 est)

canthus (ˈkænθəs)   n, pl -thi (-ˌθaI)   the inner or outer corner or angle of the eye, formed by the natural junction of the eyelids [C17: from New Latin, from Latin: iron tyre]   > ˈcanthal adj

■ canthitis (kænˈθaItIs)   n   an inflammation of the canthus

canticle (ˈkæntIkəl)   n   1 a nonmetrical hymn, derived from the Bible and used in the liturgy of certain Christian churches   2 a song, poem, or hymn, esp one that is religious in character [C13: from Latin canticulum, diminutive of canticus a song, from canere to sing]

■ Canticle of Canticles   n   another name for the Song of Solomon, used in the Douay Bible. Also called: Canticles

cantico (ˈkæntIˌkəʊ)   vb (intr)   to dance as part of an act of worship

canticum (ˈkæntIkəm)   n   a canticle

cantilena (ˌkæntIˈleInə)   n   a smooth flowing style in the writing of vocal music [C18: Italian, from Latin cantilēna a song]

cantilever (ˈkæntIˌliːvə)   n   1    a a beam, girder, or structural framework that is fixed at one end and is free at the other   b (as modifier): a cantilever wing   2 a wing or tailplane of an aircraft that has no external bracing or support   3 a part of a beam or a structure projecting outwards beyond its support   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to construct (a building member, beam, etc) so that it is fixed at one end only   5 (intr) to project like a cantilever [C17: perhaps from CANT^2 + LEVER]

■ cantilever bridge   n   a bridge having spans that are constructed as cantilevers and often a suspended span or spans, each end of which rests on one end of a cantilever span

cantillate (ˈkæntIˌleIt)   vb   1 to chant (passages of the Hebrew Scriptures) according to the traditional Jewish melody   2 to intone or chant [C19: from Late Latin cantillāre to sing softly, from Latin cantāre to sing]

■ cantillation (ˌkæntIˈleIʃən)   n   1 the traditional notation representing the various traditional Jewish melodies to which scriptural passages are chanted   2 chanting or intonation

■ cantillatory (ˈkæntIlətərI)   adj   involving chanting or incantation

cantina (kænˈtiːnə)   n   a bar or wine shop, esp in a Spanish-speaking country [from Spanish]

cantion (ˈkænʃən)   n   obsolete a song

cantle (ˈkæntəl)   n   1 the back part of a saddle that slopes upwards   2 a slice; broken-off piece [C14: from Old Northern French cantel, from cant corner; see CANT^2]

■ cantlet (ˈkæntlət)   n   a piece, fragment, or cantle

canto (ˈkæntəʊ)   n, pl -tos   1 music another word for cantus (sense 2)   2 a main division of a long poem [C16: from Italian: song, from Latin cantus, from canere to sing]

■ canto fermo (ˈkæntəʊ ˈfɜːməʊ) or cantus firmus (ˈkæntəs ˈfɜːməs)   n   1 a melody that is the basis to which other parts are added in polyphonic music   2 the traditional plainchant as prescribed by use and regulation in the Christian Church [Italian, from Medieval Latin, literally: fixed song]

canton   n (ˈkæntɒn, kænˈtɒn)   1 any of the 26 political divisions of Switzerland   2 a subdivision of a French arrondissement   3 (ˈkæntən) heraldry a small square or oblong charge on a shield, usually in the top left corner   ▷ vb   4 (kænˈtɒn) (tr) to divide into cantons   5 (kənˈtuːn) (esp formerly) to allocate accommodation to (military personnel) [C16: from Old French: corner, division, from Italian cantone, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron rim; see CANT^2]   > ˈcantonal adj

■ cantonization or cantonisation (ˌkæntənaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of dividing into cantons

■ cantonize or cantonise (ˈkæntəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to divide into cantons

■ cantonment (kənˈtuːnmənt)   n military (esp formerly)   1 a large training camp   2 living accommodation, esp the winter quarters of a campaigning army   3 history a permanent military camp in British India

Canton   n   1 (kænˈtɒn) a port in SE China, capital of Guangdong province, on the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River): the first Chinese port open to European trade. Pop: 3 881 000 (2005 est). Chinese names: Guangzhou, Kwangchow   2 (ˈkæntən) a city in the US, in NE Ohio. Pop: 80 806 (2000)

■ Canton crepe (ˈkæntɒn, -tən)   n   a fine crinkled silk or rayon crepe fabric, slightly heavier than crepe de Chine [C19: named after Canton, China, where it was originally made]

■ Cantonese (ˌkæntəˈniːz)   n   1 the Chinese language spoken in the city of Canton (Guangzhou), Guangdong and Guanxi provinces, Hong Kong, and elsewhere outside China   2 (pl -ese) a native or inhabitant of the city of Canton (Guangzhou) or Guangdong province   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to the city of Canton (Guangzhou), Guangdong province, or the Chinese language spoken there

■ Canton flannel (ˈkæntɒn, -tən)   n   another name for cotton flannel [C19: named after Canton, China]

■ Canton River (kænˈtɒn)   n   another name for the Zhu Jiang

cantor (ˈkæntɔː)   n   1 Also called: chazan Judaism a man employed to lead synagogue services, esp to traditional modes and melodies   2 Christianity the leader of the singing in a church choir [C16: from Latin: singer, from canere to sing]

■ cantorial (kænˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a precentor   2 (of part of a choir) on the same side of a cathedral, etc, as the precentor; on the N side of the choir. Compare decanal

■ cantoris (kænˈtɔːrIs)   adj   (in antiphonal music) to be sung by the cantorial side of a choir. Compare decani [Latin: genitive of cantor precentor]

Cantor's paradox (ˈkæntɔːz)   n   logic the paradox derived from the supposition of an all-inclusive universal set, since every set has more subsets than members while every subset of such a universal set would be a member of it [named after Georg Cantor (1845–1918), German mathematician, born in Russia]

cantred (ˈkæntrɛd)   n   history a district comprising a hundred villages

cantrip or cantraip Scot (ˈkæntrIp)   n   1 a magic spell   2 (often plural) a mischievous trick   ▷ adj   3 (of an effect) produced by black magic [C18: Scottish, of unknown origin]

Cantuar. (ˈkæntjʊˌɑː)   abbreviation for   Cantuariensis [Latin: (Archbishop) of Canterbury]

cantus (ˈkæntəs)   n, pl -tus   1 a medieval form of church singing; chant   2 Also called: canto the highest part in a piece of choral music   3 (in 15th- or 16th-century music) a piece of choral music, usually secular, in polyphonic style [Latin: song, from canere to sing]

Canuck (kəˈnʌk)   n US and Canadian informal     a a Canadian   b (formerly) esp a French Canadian [C19: of uncertain origin]

canula (ˈkænjʊlə)   n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)   surgery a variant spelling of cannula

■ canular (ˈkænjʊlə)   adj   see cannulate

Canute, Cnut or Knut (kəˈnjuːt)   n   died 1035, Danish king of England (1016–35), Denmark (1018–35), and Norway (1028–35). He defeated Edmund II of England (1016), but divided the kingdom with him until Edmund's death. An able ruler, he invaded Scotland (1027) and drove Olaf II from Norway (1028)

canvas (ˈkænvəs)   n   1    a a heavy durable cloth made of cotton, hemp, or jute, used for sails, tents, etc   b (as modifier): a canvas bag   2    a a piece of canvas or a similar material on which a painting is done, usually in oils   b a painting on this material, esp in oils   3 a tent or tents collectively   4 nautical any cloth of which sails are made   5 nautical the sails of a vessel collectively   6 any coarse loosely woven cloth on which embroidery, tapestry, etc, is done   7 the canvas the floor of a boxing or wrestling ring   8 rowing the tapering covered part at either end of a racing boat, sometimes referred to as a unit of length: to win by a canvas   9 under canvas   a in tents   b nautical with sails unfurled [C14: from Norman French canevas, ultimately from Latin cannabis hemp]

■ canvasback (ˈkænvəsˌbæk)   n, pl -backs or -back   a North American diving duck, Aythyra valisineria, the male of which has a white body and reddish-brown head

■ canvaslike (ˈkænvəsˌlaIk)   adj   resembling canvas

canvass (ˈkænvəs)   vb   1 to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc, from   2 to determine the feelings and opinions of (voters before an election, etc), esp by conducting a survey   3 to investigate (something) thoroughly, esp by discussion or debate   4 chiefly US to inspect (votes) officially to determine their validity   ▷ n   5 a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc   6 close inspection; scrutiny [C16: probably from obsolete sense of CANVAS (to toss someone in a canvas sheet, hence, to harass, criticize); the development of current senses is unexplained]   > ˈcanvasser n   > ˈcanvassing n

■ canvaser (ˈkænvəsə)   n US   another spelling of canvasser

canyon or cañon (ˈkænjən)   n   a gorge or ravine, esp in North America, usually formed by the down-cutting of a river in a dry area where there is insufficient rainfall to erode the sides of the valley [C19: from Spanish cañón, from caña tube, from Latin canna cane]

■ canyoneer (ˌkænjəˈnIə)   n   a person who explores canyons

■ canyoning (ˈkænjənIŋ)   n   the sport of travelling down a river situated in a canyon by a variety of means including scrambling, floating, swimming, and abseiling

canzona (kænˈzəʊnə)   n   a type of 16th- or 17th-century contrapuntal music, usually for keyboard, lute, or instrumental ensemble [C19: from Italian, from Latin cantiō song, from canere to sing]

canzone (kænˈzəʊnI)   n, pl -ni (-nI)   1 a Provençal or Italian lyric, often in praise of love or beauty   2    a a song, usually of a lyrical nature   b (in 16th-century choral music) a polyphonic song from which the madrigal developed [C16: from Italian: song, from Latin cantiō, from canere to sing]

■ canzonetta (ˌkænzəˈnɛtə) or canzonet (ˌkænzəˈnɛt)   n   a short cheerful or lively song, typically of the 16th to 18th centuries [C16: Italian canzonetta, diminutive of CANZONE]

caoutchouc (ˈkaʊtʃuːk, -tʃʊk, kaʊˈtʃuːk, -ˈtʃʊk)   n   another name for rubber^1 (sense 1) [C18: from French, from obsolete Spanish cauchuc, from Quechua]

cap^1 (kæp)   n   1 a covering for the head, esp a small close-fitting one made of cloth or knitted   2 such a covering serving to identify the wearer's rank, occupation, etc: a nurse's cap   3 something that protects or covers, esp a small lid or cover: lens cap   4 an uppermost surface or part: the cap of a wave   5    a See percussion cap   b a small amount of explosive enclosed in paper and used in a toy gun   6 sport, chiefly Brit   a an emblematic hat or beret given to someone chosen for a representative team: he has won three England caps   b a player chosen for such a team   7 the upper part of a pedestal in a classical order   8 the roof of a windmill, sometimes in the form of a dome   9 botany the pileus of a mushroom or toadstool   10 hunting   a money contributed to the funds of a hunt by a follower who is neither a subscriber nor a farmer, in return for a day's hunting   b a collection taken at a meet of hounds, esp for a charity   11 anatomy   a the natural enamel covering a tooth   b an artificial protective covering for a tooth   12 See Dutch cap (sense 2)   13 an upper financial limit   14 a mortarboard when worn with a gown at an academic ceremony (esp in the phrase cap and gown)   15 meteorol   a the cloud covering the peak of a mountain   b the transient top of detached clouds above an increasing cumulus   16 cap in hand humbly, as when asking a favour   17 if the cap fits Brit the allusion or criticism seems to be appropriate to a particular person   18 set one's cap for or set one's cap at old-fashioned (of a woman) to be determined to win as a spouse or lover   ▷ vb caps, capping, capped (tr)   19 to cover, as with a cap: snow capped the mountain tops   20 informal to outdo; excel: your story caps them all; to cap an anecdote   21 to cap it all to provide the finishing touch: we had sun, surf, cheap wine, and to cap it all a free car   22 sport, Brit to select (a player) for a representative team: he was capped 30 times by Scotland   23 to seal off (an oil or gas well)   24 to impose an upper limit on the level of increase of (a tax): rate-capping   25 hunting to ask (hunt followers) for a cap   26 chiefly Scot and NZ to award a degree to [Old English cæppe, from Late Latin cappa hood, perhaps from Latin caput head]   > ˈcapper n

■ cap and bells   n   the traditional garb of a court jester, including a cap with bells attached to it

■ cap-and-trade   adj (prenominal)   denoting a scheme which allows companies with high greenhouse gas emissions to buy an emission allowance from companies which have fewer emissions, in a bid to reduce the overall impact to the environment

■ cap-a-pie (ˌkæpəˈpiː)   adv   (dressed, armed, etc) from head to foot [C16: from Old French]

■ capful (ˈkæpfʊl)   n   the amount that a cap can hold

■ capless (ˈkæpləs)   adj   having no cap

■ capmaker (ˈkæpˌmeIkə)   n   a person who makes caps

■ cap of maintenance   n   a ceremonial cap or hat worn or carried as a symbol of office, rank, etc

■ capped-rate   adj   finance having a fixed upper limit

■ caprock (ˈkæpˌrɒk)   n   1 a layer of rock that overlies a salt dome   2 a layer of relatively impervious rock overlying an oil- or gas-bearing rock

■ cap screw   n   a screwed bolt with a cylindrical head having a hexagonal recess. The bolt is turned using a wrench of hexagonal cross section

cap^2 (kæp)   n chiefly Austral informal   short for cappuccino

CAP   abbreviation for   Common Agricultural Policy: (in the EU) the system for supporting farm incomes by maintaining agricultural prices at agreed levels

cap.   abbreviation for   1 capital   2 capitalize   3 capitalization   4 capital letter

Capa (ˈkæpə)   n   Robert, real name André Friedmann. 1913–54, Hungarian photographer, who established his reputation as a photojournalist during the Spanish Civil War

Capablanca (Spanish kapaˈβlaŋka)   n   José Raúl (xoˈse raˈul), called Capa or the Chess Machine 1888–1942, Cuban chess player; world champion 1921–27

capable (ˈkeIpəbəl)   adj   1 having ability, esp in many different fields; competent   2 (postpositive; foll by of) able or having the skill (to do something): she is capable of hard work   3 (postpositive; foll by of) having the temperament or inclination (to do something): he seemed capable of murder [C16: from French, from Late Latin capābilis able to take in, from Latin capere to take]   > ˈcapableness n   > ˈcapably adv

■ capability (ˌkeIpəˈbIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality of being capable; ability   2 the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicated: the capability of a metal to be fused   3 (usually plural) a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude

capacious (kəˈpeIʃəs)   adj   capable of holding much; roomy; spacious [C17: from Latin capāx, from Latin capere to take]   > caˈpaciously adv   > caˈpaciousness n

capacity (kəˈpæsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the ability or power to contain, absorb, or hold   2 the amount that can be contained; volume: a capacity of six gallons   3    a the maximum amount something can contain or absorb (esp in the phrase filled to capacity)   b (as modifier): a capacity crowd   4 the ability to understand or learn; aptitude; capability: he has a great capacity for languages   5 the ability to do or produce (often in the phrase at capacity): the factory's output was not at capacity   6 a specified position or function: he was employed in the capacity of manager   7 a measure of the electrical output of a piece of apparatus such as a motor, generator, or accumulator   8 electronics a former name for capacitance   9 computing   a the number of words or characters that can be stored in a particular storage device   b the range of numbers that can be processed in a register   10 the bit rate that a communication channel or other system can carry   11 legal competence: the capacity to make a will [C15: from Old French capacite, from Latin capācitās, from capāx spacious, from capere to take]

■ capacitance (kəˈpæsItəns)   n   1 the property of a system that enables it to store electric charge   2 a measure of this, equal to the charge that must be added to such a system to raise its electrical potential by one unit   ▶ Symbol: C. Former name: capacity [C20: from CAPACIT(Y) + -ANCE]   > caˈpacitive adj   > caˈpacitively adv

■ capacitate (kəˈpæsIˌteIt)   vb (tr)   1 to make legally competent   2 rare to make capable   > caˌpaciˈtation n

■ capacitor (kəˈpæsItə)   n   a device for accumulating electric charge, usually consisting of two conducting surfaces separated by a dielectric. Former name: condenser

caparison (kəˈpærIsən)   n   1 a decorated covering for a horse or other animal, esp (formerly) for a warhorse   2 rich or elaborate clothing and ornaments   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to put a caparison on [C16: via obsolete French from Old Spanish caparazón saddlecloth, probably from capa CAPE^1]

cape^1 (keIp)   n   1 a sleeveless garment like a cloak but usually shorter   2 a strip of material attached to a coat or other garment so as to fall freely, usually from the shoulders [C16: from French, from Provençal capa, from Late Latin cappa; see CAP^1]

■ caped (keIpt)   adj   wearing a cape

■ capelet (ˈkeIplət)   n   a small cape that covers the shoulders and is worn predominantly by women

■ capework (ˈkeIpˌwɜːk)   n   bullfighting the use of the cape by the matador

cape^2 (keIp)   n   a headland or promontory [C14: from Old French cap, from Old Provençal, from Latin caput head]

■ Cape (keIp)   n the Cape   1 the SW region of South Africa, in Western Cape province   2 See Cape of Good Hope

■ Cape Barren goose   n   a greyish Australian goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae, having a black bill with a greenish cere [C19: named after Cape Barren Island in the Bass Strait]

■ Cape Breton Island   n   an island off SE Canada, in NE Nova Scotia, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Canso: its easternmost point is Cape Breton. Pop: 132 298 (2006). Area: 10 280 sq km (3970 sq miles)

■ Cape buffalo   n   another name for buffalo (sense 1)

■ Cape cart   n   South African a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle sometimes with a canvas hood

■ Cape Cod   n   1 a long sandy peninsula in SE Massachusetts, between Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic   2 Also called: Cape Cod cottage a one-storey cottage of timber construction with a simple gable roof and a large central chimney: originated on Cape Cod in the 18th century

■ Cape Colony   n   the name from 1652 until 1910 of the former Cape Province of South Africa

■ Cape Coloured   n   (formerly, in South Africa) a racial classification under apartheid for people of mixed ethnic origin

■ Cape doctor   n   South African informal a strong fresh SE wind blowing in the vicinity of Cape Town, esp in the summer

■ Cape Dutch   n   1 an obsolete name for Afrikaans   2 (in South Africa) a distinctive style of furniture or architecture

■ Cape Flats   pl n   the strip of low-lying land in South Africa joining the Cape Peninsula proper to the African mainland

■ cape gooseberry   n   another name for strawberry tomato

■ Cape Horn   n   a rocky headland on an island at the extreme S tip of South America, belonging to Chile. It is notorious for gales and heavy seas; until the building of the Panama Canal it lay on the only sea route between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Also called: the Horn

■ Cape jasmine   n   a widely cultivated gardenia shrub, Gardenia jasminoides. See gardenia

■ Cape of Good Hope   n   a cape in SW South Africa south of Cape Town

■ Cape Peninsula   n   (in South Africa) the peninsula and the part of the mainland on which Cape Town and most of its suburbs are located

■ Cape pigeon   n   a species of seagoing petrel, Daption capensis, with characteristic white wing patches: a common winter visitor off the coasts of southern Africa: family Diomedeidae. Also called: pintado petrel

■ Cape primrose   n   See streptocarpus

■ Cape Province   n   a former province of S South Africa; replaced in 1994 by the new provinces of Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and part of North-West. Capital: Cape Town. Official name: Cape of Good Hope Province. Former name (1652–1910): Cape Colony

■ Cape smoke   n   South African informal South African brandy

■ Cape sparrow   n   a sparrow, Passer melanurus, very common in southern Africa: family Ploceidae. Also called (esp South African): mossie

■ Cape Town   n   the legislative capital of South Africa and capital of Western Cape province, situated in the southwest on Table Bay: founded in 1652, the first White settlement in southern Africa; important port. Pop: 3 660 447 (2015 est)

■ Cape Verde (vɜːd)   n   a republic in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa, consisting of a group of ten islands and five islets: an overseas territory of Portugal until 1975, when the islands became independent. Official language: Portuguese. Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic) majority. Currency: Cape Verdean escudo. Capital: Praia. Pop: 546 388 (2017 est). Area: 4033 sq km (1557 sq miles). Portuguese name: Cabo Verde

■ Cape Verdean (ˈvɜːdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Cape Verde or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Cape Verde

■ Cape York   n   the northernmost point of the Australian mainland, in N Queensland on the Torres Strait at the tip of Cape York Peninsula (a peninsula between the Coral Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria)

Čapek (Czech ˈtʃapɛk)   n   Karel (ˈkarɛl). 1890–1938, Czech dramatist and novelist; author of R.U.R. (1921), which introduced the word "robot", and (with his brother Josef) The Insect Play (1921)

capelin (ˈkæpəlIn) or caplin   n   a small marine food fish, Mallotus villosus, occurring in northern and Arctic seas: family Osmeridae (smelts) [C17: from French capelan, from Old Provençal, literally: CHAPLAIN]

capeline (ˈkæpəlIn)   n   1 surgery a cap-shaped bandage for covering either the head or an amputation stump   2 history an iron skullcap which was worn by archers in the Middle Ages

Capella (kəˈpɛlə)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Auriga; it is a yellow giant and a spectroscopic binary. Visual magnitude: 0.08; spectral type: G6III and G2III; distance: 42 light years [C17: New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of capra she-goat, from caper goat]

capellet (ˈkæpəlIt)   n   vet science a swelling on a horse's elbow, or on the heel of the hock, resembling a wen

capellini (ˌkæpəˈliːnI)   n   cookery a very thin and light pasta that resembles spaghetti

capellmeister or kapellmeister (kæˈpɛlˌmaIstə)   n   a person in charge of an orchestra, esp in an 18th-century princely household. See also maestro di cappella [from German, from Kapelle chapel + Meister MASTER]

Capello (kəˈpɛləʊ)   n   Fabio. born 1946. Italian football player and coach; he won four Italian league titles with Milan and two Spanish league titles with Real Madrid; managed England (2008–12)

caper^1 (ˈkeIpə)   n   1 a playful skip or leap   2 a high-spirited escapade   3 cut a caper or cut capers   a to skip or jump playfully   b to act or behave playfully; frolic   4 slang a crime, esp an organized robbery   5 Austral informal a job or occupation   6 Austral informal a person's behaviour   ▷ vb   7 (intr) to leap or dance about in a light-hearted manner [C16: probably from CAPRIOLE]   > ˈcaperer n   > ˈcaperingly adv

caper^2 (ˈkeIpə)   n   1 a spiny trailing Mediterranean capparidaceous shrub, Capparis spinosa, with edible flower buds   2 any of various similar plants or their edible parts. See also bean caper [C15: from earlier capers, capres (assumed to be plural), from Latin capparis, from Greek kapparis]

■ capers (ˈkeIpəz)   pl n   the flower buds of the caper plant, which are pickled and used as a condiment

capercaillie (ˌkæpəˈkeIljI) or capercailzie (ˌkæpəˈkeIljI, -ˈkeIlzI)   n   a large European woodland grouse, Tetrao urogallus, having a black plumage and fan-shaped tail in the male [C16: from Scottish Gaelic capull coille horse of the woods]

Capernaum (kəˈpɜːnIəm)   n   a ruined town in N Israel, on the NW shore of the Sea of Galilee: closely associated with Jesus Christ during his ministry

capernoited (ˌkæpəˈnɔItId)   adj Scot   1 capricious   2 irritable   3 tipsy

capernoitie or cappernoity (ˌkæpəˈnɔItI)   n   Scot the head

capeskin (ˈkeIpˌskIn)   n   1 a soft leather obtained from the skins of a type of lamb or sheep having hairlike wool   ▷ adj   2 made of this leather [C19: named after the Cape of Good Hope]

Capet (ˈkæpIt, kæˈpɛt; French kapɛ)   n   Hugh or Hugues (yg). ?938–996 AD, king of France (987–96); founder of the Capetian dynasty

■ Capetian (kəˈpiːʃən)   n   1 a member of the dynasty founded by Hugh Capet, which ruled France from 987–1328 AD   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Capetian kings or their rule

capex (ˈkæpˈɛks)   n   short for capital expenditure

caph (kɔːf)   n   a variant spelling of kaph

Cap-Haitien (French kapaisjɛ̃, -tjɛ̃)   n   a port in N Haiti: capital during the French colonial period. Pop: 134 000 (2005 est). Also called: le Cap (lə kap)

capias (ˈkeIpIˌæs, ˈkæp-)   n   law (formerly) a writ directing a sheriff or other officer to arrest a named person [C15: from Latin, literally: you must take, from capere]

capillaceous (ˌkæpIˈleIʃəs)   adj   1 having numerous filaments resembling hairs or threads   2 resembling a hair; capillary [C18: from Latin capillāceus hairy, from capillus hair]

capillaire (ˌkæpIˈlɛə; French kapilɛr)   n   a syrup flavoured with maidenhair fern or orange flower water

capillary (kəˈpIlərI)   adj   1 resembling a hair; slender   2 (of tubes) having a fine bore   3 anatomy of or relating to any of the delicate thin-walled blood vessels that form an interconnecting network between the arterioles and the venules   4 physics of or relating to capillarity   ▷ n, pl -laries   5 anatomy any of the capillary blood vessels   6 a fine hole or narrow passage in any substance [C17: from Latin capillāris, from capillus hair]

■ capillarity (ˌkæpIˈlærItI)   n   a phenomenon caused by surface tension and resulting in the distortion, elevation, or depression of the surface of a liquid in contact with a solid. Also called: capillary action

■ capillary tube   n   a glass tube with a fine bore and thick walls, used in thermometers, etc

capillitium (ˌkæpIˈlIʃIəm)   n   botany a mass of very fine threads interspersed among the spores of certain fungi

capita (ˈkæpItə)   n   1 See per capita   2 anatomy the plural of caput

capital^1 (ˈkæpItəl)   n   1    a the seat of government of a country or other political unit   b (as modifier): a capital city   2 material wealth owned by an individual or business enterprise   3 wealth available for or capable of use in the production of further wealth, as by industrial investment   4 make capital of or make capital out of to get advantage from   5 (sometimes capital) the capitalist class or their interests: capital versus labour   6 accounting   a the ownership interests of a business as represented by the excess of assets over liabilities   b the nominal value of the authorized or issued shares   c (as modifier): capital issues   7 any assets or resources, esp when used to gain profit or advantage   8    a a capital letter. Abbreviation: cap., cap   b (as modifier): capital B   9 with a capital letter (used to give emphasis to a statement): he is mean with a capital M   ▷ adj   10 (prenominal) law involving or punishable by death: a capital offence   11 very serious; fatal: a capital error   12 primary, chief, or principal: our capital concern is that everyone is safe   13 of, relating to, or designating the large modern majuscule letter used chiefly as the initial letter in personal names and place names and other uniquely specificatory nouns, and often for abbreviations and acronyms. Compare small (sense 9). See also upper case   14 chiefly Brit excellent; first-rate: a capital idea [C13: from Latin capitālis (adj) concerning the head, chief, from caput head; compare Medieval Latin capitāle (n) wealth, from capitālis (adj)]

■ capital account   n   1 economics that part of a balance of payments composed of movements of capital and international loans and grants. Compare current account (sense 2)   2 accounting a financial statement showing the net value of a company at a specified date. It is defined as total assets minus total liabilities and represents ownership interests   3 US an account of fixed assets

■ capital allowance   n   the practice of allowing a certain amount of money spent by a company on fixed assets to be taken off the profits of the company before tax is imposed

■ capital assets   pl n   another name for fixed assets

■ capital expenditure   n   expenditure on acquisitions of or improvements to fixed assets

■ capital gain   n   the amount by which the selling price of a financial asset exceeds its cost

■ capital gains tax   n   a tax on the profit made from the sale of an asset. Abbreviation: CGT

■ capital goods   pl n   goods that are themselves utilized in the production of other goods rather than being sold to consumers. Also called: producer goods. Compare consumer goods

■ capital-intensive   adj   requiring the investment of a lot of money

■ capitalism (ˈkæpItəˌlIzəm)   n   Also called: free enterprise, private enterprise an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, characterized by the freedom of capitalists to operate or manage their property for profit in competitive conditions. Compare socialism (sense 1)

■ capitalist (ˈkæpItəlIst)   n   1 a person who owns capital, esp capital invested in a business   2 politics a supporter of capitalism   3 informal, usually derogatory a rich person   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to capital, capitalists, or capitalism   > ˌcapitalˈistic adj

■ capitalization or capitalisation (ˌkæpItəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1    a the act of capitalizing   b the sum so derived   2 accounting the par value of the total share capital issued by a company, including the loan capital and sometimes reserves   3 the act of estimating the present value of future payments, earnings, etc   4 the act of writing or printing in capital letters

■ capitalization issue   n   another name for rights issue

■ capitalize or capitalise (ˈkæpItəˌlaIz)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (intr; foll by on) to take advantage (of); profit (by)   2 to write or print (text) in capital letters or with the first letter of (a word or words) in capital letters   3 to convert (debt or retained earnings) into capital stock   4 to authorize (a business enterprise) to issue a specified amount of capital stock   5 to provide with capital   6 accounting to treat (expenditures) as assets   7    a to estimate the present value of (a periodical income)   b to compute the present value of (a business) from actual or potential earnings

■ capital levy   n   a tax on capital or property as contrasted with a tax on income

■ capitally (ˈkæpItəlI)   adv   chiefly Brit in an excellent manner; admirably

■ capital market   n   the financial institutions collectively that deal with medium-term and long-term capital and loans. Compare money market

■ capital punishment   n   the punishment of death for a crime; death penalty

■ capital ship   n   one of the largest and most heavily armed ships in a naval fleet

■ capital stock   n   1 the par value of the total share capital that a company is authorized to issue   2 the total physical capital existing in an economy at any moment of time

■ capital surplus   n   another name (esp US) for share premium

■ capital transfer tax   n   (in Britain) a tax payable from 1974 to 1986 at progressive rates on the cumulative total of gifts of money or property made during the donor's lifetime or after his or her death. It was replaced by inheritance tax

capital^2 (ˈkæpItəl)   n   the upper part of a column or pier that supports the entablature. Also called: chapiter, cap [C14: from Old French capitel, from Late Latin capitellum, diminutive of caput head]

capitano (ˌkæpIˈtɑːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   a captain or chief

capitate (ˈkæpIˌteIt)   adj   1 botany shaped like a head, as certain flowers or inflorescences   2 zoology having an enlarged headlike end: a capitate bone [C17: from Latin capitātus having a (large) head, from caput head]

capitation (ˌkæpIˈteIʃən)   n   1 a tax levied on the basis of a fixed amount per head   2 capitation grant a grant of money given to every person who qualifies under certain conditions   3 the process of assessing or numbering by counting heads [C17: from Late Latin capitātiō, from Latin caput head]   > ˈcapitative adj

■ capitated (ˈkæpIˌteItId)   adj   having a fixed upper limit

capitayn (ˌkæpIˈteIn)   n   an obsolete word for captain

capitellum (ˌkæpIˈtɛləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   anatomy an enlarged knoblike structure at the end of a bone that forms an articulation with another bone; capitulum [C19: from Latin, diminutive of CAPITULUM]

Capitol (ˈkæpItəl)   n   1    a another name for the Capitoline   b the temple on the Capitoline   2 the Capitol the main building of the US Congress   3 Also called: statehouse (sometimes not capital) (in the US) the building housing any state legislature [C14: from Latin Capitōlium, from caput head]

■ capitolian (ˌkæpIˈtəʊlIən)   adj   Roman history of or relating to the Capitoline

■ Capitoline (ˈkæpItəˌlaIn, kəˈpItəʊ-)   n   1 the Capitoline the most important of the Seven Hills of Rome. The temple of Jupiter was on the southern summit and the ancient citadel on the northern summit   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Capitoline or the temple of Jupiter

capitulary (kəˈpItjʊlərI)   n, pl -laries   any of the collections of ordinances promulgated by the Frankish kings (8th–10th centuries AD) [C17: from Medieval Latin capitulāris; see CAPITULAR]

capitulate (kəˈpItjʊˌleIt)   vb   (intr) to surrender, esp under agreed conditions [C16 (meaning: to arrange under heads, draw up in order; hence, to make terms of surrender): from Medieval Latin capitulare to draw up under heads, from capitulum CHAPTER]   > caˈpituˌlator n

■ capitulant (kəˈpItjʊlənt)   n   a person who capitulates

■ capitulation (kəˌpItjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act of capitulating   2 a document containing terms of surrender   3 a statement summarizing the main divisions of a subject   > caˈpitulatory adj

capitulum (kəˈpItjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   1 a racemose inflorescence in the form of a disc of sessile flowers, the youngest at the centre. It occurs in the daisy and related plants   2 anatomy, zoology a headlike part, esp the enlarged knoblike terminal part of a long bone, antenna, etc [C18: from Latin, literally: a little head, from caput head]

■ capitular (kəˈpItjʊlə)   adj   1 of or associated with a cathedral chapter   2 of or relating to a capitulum [C17: from Medieval Latin capitulāris, from capitulum CHAPTER]   > caˈpitularly adv

capiz (ˈkæpIz)   n   the bivalve shell of a mollusc (Placuna placenta) found esp in the Philippines and having a smooth translucent shiny interior: used in jewellery, ornaments, lampshades, etc. Also called: jingle shell, window shell [from the native name in the Philippines]

caple (ˈkeIpəl)   n   obsolete a horse

caplet (ˈkæplIt)   n   a medicinal tablet, usually oval in shape, coated in a soluble substance [C20: CAP(SULE) + (TAB)LET]

caplin (ˈkæplIn)   n   a variant of capelin

capnomancy (ˈkæpnəʊˌmænsI)   n   divination by observing smoke patterns

capo^1 (ˈkeIpəʊ, ˈkæpəʊ)   n, pl -pos   a device fitted across all the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc, so as to raise the pitch of each string simultaneously. Also called: capo tasto (ˈkæpəʊ ˈtæstəʊ). Compare barré [from Italian capo tasto head stop]

capo^2 (ˈkæpəʊ; Italian ˈkapo)   n, pl -pos   the presumed title of a Mafia leader [Italian: head]

capocchia (kɑːˈpɒkjə)   n   obsolete a fool

capoeira (ˌkæpʊˈeIrə)   n   a movement discipline combining martial art and dance, which originated among African slaves in 19th-century Brazil [C20: from Portuguese]

capon (ˈkeIpən)   n   a castrated cock fowl fattened for eating [Old English capun, from Latin cāpō capon; related to Greek koptein to cut off]

■ caponize or caponise (ˈkeIpəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to make (a cock) into a capon

caponata (ˌkæpəˈnɑːtə)   n   (in Sicilian cookery) a dish of fried seasoned aubergine and other vegetables, served as an appetizer [Italian]

Capone (kəˈpəʊn)   n   Alphonse, called Al. 1899–1947, US gangster in Chicago during Prohibition

caponier (ˌkæpəˈnIə)   n   military a covered passageway built across a ditch as a military defence

caporal (ˌkæpəˈrɑːl)   n   a strong coarse dark tobacco [C19: from French tabac du caporal corporal's tobacco, denoting its superiority to tabac du soldat soldier's tobacco]

Caporetto (kapoˈretto)   n   the Italian name for Kobarid

capot (kəˈpɒt)   n   piquet the winning of all the tricks by one player [C17: from French]

capote (kəˈpəʊt; French kapɔt)   n   a long cloak or soldier's coat, usually with a hood [C19: from French: cloak, from cape; see CAPE^1]

Capote (kəˈpəʊtI)   n   Truman. 1924–84, US writer; his novels include Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948) and In Cold Blood (1964), based on an actual multiple murder

Capp (kæp)   n   Al, full name Alfred Caplin. 1909–79, US cartoonist, famous for his comic strip Li'l Abner

Cappadocia (ˌkæpəˈdəʊsIə)   n   an ancient region of E Asia Minor famous for its horses

■ Cappadocian (ˌkæpəˈdəʊsIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Cappadocia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Cappadocia

capparidaceous (ˌkæpərIˈdeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Capparidaceae (or (Capparaceae), a family of plants, mostly shrubs including the caper, of warm tropical regions [C19: from New Latin Capparidaceae, from Latin capparis caper]

cappelletti (ˌkæpəˈlɛtI)   n   small squares of pasta containing a savoury mixture of meat, cheese, or vegetables [C19: Italian, plural of cappelletto, literally: little hat]

cappernoity (ˌkæpəˈnɔItI)   n   Scot a variant spelling of capernoitie

cappuccino (ˌkæpʊˈtʃiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   coffee with steamed milk, sometimes served with whipped cream or sprinkled with powdered chocolate [Italian: CAPUCHIN]

Capra (ˈkæprə)   n   Frank. 1896–1992, US film director born in Italy. His films include It Happened One Night (1934), It's a Wonderful Life (1946), and several propaganda films during World War II

caprate (ˈkæpreIt)   n   chem a salt of capric acid

capreolate (ˈkæprIəˌleIt, kəˈpriː-)   adj   biology possessing or resembling tendrils [C18: from Latin capreolus tendril]

Capri (kəˈpriː; Italian ˈkapri)   n   an island off W Italy, in the Bay of Naples: resort since Roman times. Pop: 12 200 (2002 est). Area: about 13 sq km (5 sq miles)

■ Capri pants or Capris   pl n   women's tight-fitting trousers

capric acid (ˈkæprIk)   n   another name for decanoic acid [C19: from Latin caper goat, so named from its smell]

capriccio (kəˈprItʃIˌəʊ) or caprice   n, pl -priccios or -pricci (-ˈpriːtʃI) or -prices   music a lively piece composed freely and without adhering to the rules for any specific musical form [C17: from Italian: CAPRICE]

capriccioso (kəˌprItʃIˈəʊzəʊ)   adv   music to be played in a free and lively style [Italian: from capriccio CAPRICE]

caprice (kəˈpriːs)   n   1 a sudden or unpredictable change of attitude, behaviour, etc; whim   2 a tendency to such changes   3 another word for capriccio [C17: from French, from Italian capriccio a shiver, caprice, from capo head + riccio hedgehog, suggesting a convulsive shudder in which the hair stood on end like a hedgehog's spines; meaning also influenced by Italian capra goat, by folk etymology]

■ capricious (kəˈprIʃəs)   adj   characterized by or liable to sudden unpredictable changes in attitude or behaviour; impulsive; fickle   > caˈpriciously adv   > caˈpriciousness n

Capricorn (ˈkæprIˌkɔːn)   n   1 astrology   a Also called: the Goat, Capricornus the tenth sign of the zodiac, symbol ♑, having a cardinal earth classification and ruled by the planet Saturn. The sun is in this sign between about Dec 22 and Jan 19   b a person born during the period when the sun is in this sign   2 astronomy another name for Capricornus   3 tropic of Capricorn See tropic (sense 1)   ▷ adj   4 astrology born under or characteristic of Capricorn   ▶ Also (for senses 1b, 4): Capricornean (ˌkæprIˈkɔːnIən) [C14: from Latin Capricornus (translating Greek aigokerōs goat-horned), from caper goat + cornū horn]

■ Capricornia (ˌkæprIˈkɔːnIə)   n   the regions of Australia in the tropic of Capricorn

■ Capricornus (ˌkæprIˈkɔːnəs)   n, Latin genitive -ni (-naI)   a faint zodiacal constellation in the S hemisphere, lying between Sagittarius and Aquarius

caprid (ˈkæprId)   n   zoology a member of the goat family

caprifig (ˈkæprIˌfIɡ)   n   a wild variety of fig, Ficus carica sylvestris, of S Europe and SW Asia, used in the caprification of the edible fig [C15: from Latin caprifīcus literally: goat fig, from caper goat + fīcus FIG^1]

caprifole (ˈkæprIˌfəʊl)   n   obsolete honeysuckle

caprifoliaceous (ˌkæprIˌfəʊlIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Caprifoliaceae, a family of N temperate shrubs, small trees, and climbers including honeysuckle, elder, and guelder-rose [C19: from New Latin caprifoliāceae, from caprifolium type genus, from Medieval Latin: honeysuckle, from Latin caper goat + folium leaf]

capriform (ˈkæprIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a goat

caprify (ˈkæprIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   obsolete to induce (a fig) to ripen

■ caprification (ˌkæprIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   a method of pollinating the edible fig by hanging branches of caprifig flowers in edible fig trees. Parasitic wasps in the caprifig flowers transfer pollen to the edible fig flowers [C17: from Latin caprifīcātiō, from caprifīcāre to pollinate figs by this method, from caprifīcus CAPRIFIG]

caprine (ˈkæpraIn)   adj   of or resembling a goat [C17: from Latin caprīnus, from caper goat]

capriole (ˈkæprIˌəʊl)   n   1 dressage a high upward but not forward leap made by a horse with all four feet off the ground   2 dancing a leap from bent knees   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to perform a capriole [C16: from French, from Old Italian capriola, from capriolo roebuck, from Latin capreolus, caper goat]

caproate (ˈkæprəʊˌeIt)   n   chem a salt of caproic acid

caproic acid (kəˈprəʊIk)   n   another name for hexanoic acid [C19: caproic, from Latin caper goat, alluding to its smell]

caprolactam (ˌkæprəʊˈlæktæm)   n   a white crystalline cyclic imine used in the manufacture of nylon. Formula: C_5H_10NHCO [C20: from CAPRO(IC ACID) + LACTAM]

caprylate (ˈkæprIˌleIt)   n   chem a salt of caprylic acid

caps.   abbreviation for   capital letters

capsaicin (kæpˈseIIsIn)   n   a colourless crystalline bitter alkaloid found in capsicums and used as a flavouring in vinegar and pickles. Formula: C_18H_27O_3N [C19 capsicine, from CAPSICUM + -INE^2; modern form refashioned from Latin capsa box, case + -IN]

Capsian (ˈkæpsIən)   n   1 a late Palaeolithic culture, dating from about 12 000 BC, found mainly around the salt lakes of Tunisia. The culture is characterized by the presence of microliths, backed blades, and engraved limestone slabs   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this culture [C20: from French capsien, from Capsa, Latinized form of Gafsa, Tunisia]

capsicin (ˈkæpsIsIn)   n   chem a liquid or resin extracted from capsicum

capsicum (ˈkæpsIkəm)   n   1 any tropical American plant of the solanaceous genus Capsicum, such as C. frutescens, having mild or pungent seeds enclosed in a pod-shaped or bell-shaped fruit   2 the fruit of any of these plants, used as a vegetable or ground to produce a condiment   ▶ See also pepper (sense 4) [C18: from New Latin, from Latin capsa box, CASE^2]

capsid^1 (ˈkæpsId)   n   any heteropterous bug of the family Miridae (formerly Capsidae), most of which feed on plant tissues, causing damage to crops [C19: from New Latin Capsus (genus)]

■ capsidal (ˈkæpsIdəl)   adj   biology forming a capsid, or relating to capsids

capsid^2 (ˈkæpsId)   n   the outer protein coat of a mature virus [C20: from French capside, from Latin capsa box]

capsize (kæpˈsaIz)   vb   to overturn accidentally; upset [C18: of uncertain origin]   > capˈsizal n

■ capsizable (kæpˈsaIzəbəl)   adj   able to be capsized

capsomere (ˈkæpsəˌmIə) or capsomer (ˈkæpsəmə)   n   any of the protein units that together form the capsid of a virus

capstan (ˈkæpstən)   n   1 a machine with a drum that rotates round a vertical spindle and is turned by a motor or lever, used for hauling in heavy ropes, etc   2 any similar device, such as the rotating shaft in a tape recorder that pulls the tape past the head [C14: from Old Provençal cabestan, from Latin capistrum a halter, from capere to seize]

■ capstan bar   n   a lever, often wooden, for turning a capstan

■ capstan lathe   n   a lathe for repetitive work, having a rotatable turret resembling a capstan to hold tools for successive operations. Also called: turret lathe

capstone (ˈkæpˌstəʊn) or copestone (ˈkəʊpˌstəʊn)   n   1 one of a set of slabs on the top of a wall, building, etc   2 mountaineering a chockstone occurring at the top of a gully or chimney   3 a crowning achievement; peak: the capstone of his career

capsule (ˈkæpsjuːl)   n   1 a soluble case of gelatine enclosing a dose of medicine   2 a thin metal cap, seal, or cover, such as the foil covering the cork of a wine bottle   3 botany   a a dry fruit that liberates its seeds by splitting, as in the violet, or through pores, as in the poppy   b the spore-producing organ of mosses and liverworts   4 bacteriol a gelatinous layer of polysaccharide or protein surrounding the cell wall of some bacteria: thought to be responsible for the virulence in pathogens   5 anatomy   a a cartilaginous, fibrous, or membranous envelope surrounding any of certain organs or parts   b a broad band of white fibres (internal capsule) near the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere   6 See space capsule   7 an aeroplane cockpit that can be ejected in a flight emergency, complete with crew, instruments, etc   8 (modifier) in a highly concise form: a capsule summary   9 (modifier) (in the fashion industry) consisting of a few important representative items: a capsule collection [C17: from French, from Latin capsula, diminutive of capsa box]

■ capsular (ˈkæpsjʊlə)   adj   relating to or resembling a capsule

■ capsulate (ˈkæpsjʊˌleIt, -lIt) or capsulated   adj   within or formed into a capsule   > ˌcapsuˈlation n

■ capsule range   n   a small range of clothes by a particular designer, intended to be representative of the full range

■ capsule wardrobe   n   a collection of clothes and accessories that includes only items considered essential

■ capsulize or capsulise (ˈkæpsjʊˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to state (information) in a highly condensed form   2 to enclose in a capsule

Capt.   abbreviation for   Captain

captain (ˈkæptIn)   n   1 the person in charge of and responsible for a vessel   2 an officer of the navy who holds a rank junior to a rear admiral but senior to a commander   3 an officer of the army, certain air forces, and the marine corps who holds a rank junior to a major but senior to a lieutenant   4 the officer in command of a civil aircraft, usually the senior pilot   5 the leader of a team in games   6 a person in command over a group, organization, etc; leader: a captain of industry   7 US a police officer in charge of a precinct   8 US and Canadian (formerly) a head waiter   9 Also called: bell captain US and Canadian a supervisor of bellboys in a hotel   10 Austral informal a person who is buying drinks for people in a bar   ▷ vb   11 (tr) to be captain of [C14: from Old French capitaine, from Late Latin capitāneus chief, from Latin caput head]   > ˈcaptaincy or ˈcaptainˌship n

■ Captain Cooker (ˈkʊkə)   n   NZ a wild pig [from Captain James COOK^2, who first released pigs in the New Zealand bush]

■ captainry (ˈkæptInrI)   n   obsolete captainship

■ captain's biscuit   n   a type of hard fancy biscuit

■ captain's pick   n   1 sport (esp in golf) the selection by a team's captain of a player for that team, often a player who has not met criteria for automatic selection   2 Austral politics the selection of a candidate for office by a person holding a higher office, without consultation with other interested parties

captan (ˈkæptən)   n   a fungicide produced from mercaptan

captcha (ˈkæptʃə)   n   a test designed to determine whether a computer user is a person or a machine, eg by asking the user to decipher a distorted image [C21: acronym for C(ompletely) A(utomated) P(ublic Turing Test to) T(ell) C(omputers and) H(umans) A(part)]

caption (ˈkæpʃən)   n   1 a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend   2 a heading, title, or headline of a chapter, article, etc   3 graphic material, usually containing lettering, used in television presentation   4 another name for subtitle (sense 2)   5 the formal heading of a legal document stating when, where, and on what authority it was taken or made   ▷ vb   6 to provide with a caption or captions [C14 (meaning: seizure, an arrest; later, heading of a legal document): from Latin captiō a seizing, from capere to take]

■ captionless (ˈkæpʃənləs)   adj   (of a cartoon) having no caption

captious (ˈkæpʃəs)   adj   apt to make trivial criticisms; fault-finding; carping [C14 (meaning: catching in error): from Latin captiōsus, from captiō a seizing; see CAPTION]   > ˈcaptiously adv   > ˈcaptiousness n

captivance (ˈkæptIvəns) or captivaunce (ˈkæptIvɑːns)   n   obsolete captivity

captivate (ˈkæptIˌveIt)   vb (tr)   1 to hold the attention of by fascinating; enchant   2 an obsolete word for capture [C16: from Late Latin captivāre, from captīvus CAPTIVE]   > ˈcaptiˌvatingly adv   > ˌcaptiˈvation n   > ˈcaptiˌvator n

■ captivating (ˈkæptIˌveItIŋ)   adj   holding one's attention completely

captive (ˈkæptIv)   n   1 a person or animal that is confined or restrained, esp a prisoner of war   2 a person whose behaviour is dominated by some emotion: a captive of love   ▷ adj   3 held as prisoner   4 held under restriction or control; confined: captive water held behind a dam   5 captivated; enraptured   6 unable by circumstances to avoid speeches, advertisements, etc (esp in the phrase captive audience) [C14: from Latin captīvus, from capere to take]

■ captive-bred   adj   bred in captivity

■ captive market   n   a group of consumers who are obliged through lack of choice to buy a particular product, thus giving the supplier a monopoly

■ captivity (kæpˈtIvItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the condition of being captive; imprisonment   2 the period of imprisonment

captopril (ˈkæptəprIl)   n   an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure

captor (ˈkæptə)   n   a person or animal that holds another captive [C17: from Latin, from capere to take]

capture (ˈkæptʃə)   vb (tr)   1 to take prisoner or gain control over: to capture an enemy; to capture a town   2 (in a game or contest) to win control or possession of: to capture a pawn in chess   3 to succeed in representing or describing (something elusive): the artist captured her likeness   4 physics (of an atom, molecule, ion, or nucleus) to acquire (an additional particle)   5 to insert or transfer (data) into a computer   ▷ n   6 the act of taking by force; seizure   7 the person or thing captured; booty   8 physics a process by which an atom, molecule, ion, or nucleus acquires an additional particle   9 Also called: piracy geography the process by which the headwaters of one river are diverted into another through erosion caused by the second river's tributaries   10 the act or process of inserting or transferring data into a computer [C16: from Latin captūra a catching, that which is caught, from capere to take]   > ˈcapturer n

Capua (ˈkæpjʊə; Italian ˈkapua)   n   a town in S Italy, in NW Campania: strategically important in ancient times, situated on the Appian Way. Pop: 19 041 (2001)

Capuana (Italian kaˈpwaːna)   n   Luigi. 1839–1915, Italian realist novelist, dramatist, and critic. His works include the novel Giacinta (1879) and the play Malia (1895)

capuche or capouch (kəˈpuːʃ)   n   a large hood or cowl, esp that worn by Capuchin friars. Also called: capuccio [C17: from French, from Italian cappuccio hood, from Late Latin cappa cloak]

■ capuched (kəˈpuːʃt)   adj   hooded

capuchin (ˈkæpjʊtʃIn, -ʃIn)   n   1 any agile intelligent New World monkey of the genus Cebus, inhabiting forests in South America, typically having a cowl of thick hair on the top of the head   2 a woman's hooded cloak   3 (sometimes capital) a rare variety of domestic fancy pigeon [C16: from French, from Italian cappuccino, from cappuccio hood; see CAPUCHE]

Capuchin (ˈkæpjʊtʃIn, ˈkæpjʊʃIn)   n     a a friar belonging to a strict and autonomous branch of the Franciscan order founded in 1525   b (as modifier): a Capuchin friar [C16: from French; see CAPUCHE]

caput (ˈkeIpət, ˈkæp-)   n, pl capita (ˈkæpItə)   1 anatomy a technical name for the head   2 the main or most prominent part of an organ or structure [C18: from Latin]

capybara (ˌkæpIˈbɑːrə)   n   the largest rodent: a pig-sized amphibious hystricomorph, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, resembling a guinea pig and inhabiting river banks in Central and South America: family Hydrochoeridae [C18: from Portuguese capibara, from Tupi]

Caquetá (Spanish kakeˈta)   n   the Japurá River from its source in Colombia to the border with Brazil

car (kɑː)   n   1    a Also called: motorcar, automobile a self-propelled road vehicle designed to carry passengers, esp one with four wheels that is powered by an internal-combustion engine   b (as modifier): car coat   2 a conveyance for passengers, freight, etc, such as a cable car or the carrier of an airship or balloon   3 Brit a railway vehicle for passengers only, such as a sleeping car or buffet car   4 chiefly US and Canadian a railway carriage or van   5 chiefly US the enclosed platform of a lift   6 a poetic word for chariot [C14: from Anglo-French carre, ultimately related to Latin carra, carrum two-wheeled wagon, probably of Celtic origin; compare Old Irish carr]

■ carbarn (ˈkɑːˌbɑːn)   n   US a streetcar depot

■ car-boot sale   n   a sale of goods from car boots in a site hired for the occasion

■ carborne (ˈkɑːˌbɔːn)   adj   US travelling by car

■ car crash   n   1 a collision between motor vehicles   2 informal something or someone that has suffered ruin or calamity

■ car-crash TV   n   television programmes that show deliberately controversial, disturbing, or horrific material [C20: from their eliciting in the viewer a similar horrified fascination to that experienced by people watching scenes of cars crashing]

■ carfare (ˈkɑːˌfɛə)   n   US and Canadian the fare that a passenger is charged for a ride on a bus, etc

■ car-ferry   n   a vessel for transporting vehicles, in addition to passengers, across a body of water, esp as a regular service

■ carful (ˈkɑːfʊl)   n   the maximum number of people a car will hold

■ carhop (ˈkɑːˌhɒp)   n   US and Canadian informal a waiter or waitress at a drive-in restaurant

■ carhopping (ˈkɑːˌhɒpIŋ)   n   US informal the practice of serving customers at a drive-in restaurant

■ carjack (ˈkɑːˌdʒæk)   vb   (tr) to attack (a driver in a car) in order to rob the driver or to steal the car for another crime [C20: CAR + (HI)JACK]   > ˈcarˌjacker n

■ carjacking (ˈkɑːˌdʒækIŋ)   n   the act of attacking a driver in a car in order to rob the driver or to steal the car

■ carless (ˈkɑːləs)   adj   having no car

■ carload (ˈkɑːləʊd)   n   the amount borne by an automobile: a carload of French tourists

■ carmaker   n   a company that manufactures automobiles

■ carman (ˈkɑːmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man who drives a car or cart; carter   2 a man whose business is the transport of goods; haulier   3 US and Canadian a tram driver

■ car park   n   an area or building reserved for parking cars. Usual US and Canadian term: parking lot

■ carphone   n   a telephone that operates by cellular radio for use in a car

■ carpool (ˈkɑːˌpuːl)   vb, n   another term for carshare   > ˈcarˌpooling n

■ carpooler (ˈkɑːˌpuːlə)   n   a member of a carpool

■ carpool lane   n   US a lane of a major road or motorway that is reserved for vehicles with a minimum number of passengers, designed to encourage carpooling

■ carport (ˈkɑːˌpɔːt)   n   a shelter for a car usually consisting of a roof built out from the side of a building and supported by posts

■ carshare (ˈkɑːˌʃɛə) or US and Austral carpool   vb   1 (intr) to take turns in driving fellow commuters to and from work or friends' children to school and back, so as to avoid the unnecessary use of several underoccupied vehicles   ▷ n   2 a group of people who carshare together   > ˈcarˌsharing n

■ carsick (ˈkɑːˌsIk)   adj   nauseated from riding in a car or other vehicle   > ˈcarˌsickness n

■ cartop (ˈkɑːtɒp)   adj   designed to be transported on top of an automobile

■ cartopper (ˈkɑːˌtɒpə)   n   an object, esp a small boat, designed to be transported on top of a vehicle

■ carwash   n   a place, usually an area at a filling station, which has special equipment, such as rotating brushes and water jets, to wash a car

■ car-worker   n   a person who works in the car industry

CAR   abbreviation for   compound annual return

carabao (ˌkærəˈbeIəʊ)   n, pl -os   another name for water buffalo [from Visayan karabáw; compare Malay karbaw]

carabid (ˈkærəbId)   n   1 any typically dark-coloured beetle of the family Carabidae, including the bombardier and other ground beetles   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Carabidae [C19: from New Latin, from Latin cārabus a kind of crab (name applied to these beetles)]

carabin (ˈkærəbIn) or carabine (ˈkærəˌbaIn)   n   variant forms of carbine (sense 2)

carabineer or carabinier (ˌkærəbIˈnIə)   n   variant forms of carbineer

carabiner (ˌkærəˈbiːnə)   n   a variant spelling of karabiner

carabinero (ˌkærəbIˈnɛərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   1 a Chilean police officer   2 a member of the Spanish Civil Guard

carabiniere Italian (karabiˈnjɛːre)   n, pl -ri (-ri)   an Italian national policeman

caracal (ˈkærəˌkæl)   n   1 Also called: desert lynx a lynxlike feline mammal, Lynx caracal, inhabiting deserts of N Africa and S Asia, having long legs, a smooth coat of reddish fur, and black-tufted ears   2 the fur of this animal [C18: from French, from Turkish kara kūlāk, literally: black ear]

Caracalla (ˌkærəˈkælə)   n   real name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, original name Bassianus. 188–217 AD, Roman emperor (211–17): ruled with cruelty and extravagance; assassinated

caracara (ˌkɑːrəˈkɑːrə)   n   any of various large carrion-eating diurnal birds of prey of the genera Caracara, Polyborus, etc, of S North, Central, and South America, having long legs and naked faces: family Falconidae (falcons) [C19: from Spanish or Portuguese, from Tupi; of imitative origin]

Caracas (kəˈrækəs, -ˈrɑː-; Spanish kaˈrakas)   n   the capital of Venezuela, in the north: founded in 1567; major industrial and commercial centre, notably for oil companies. Pop: 2 916 183 (2015 est)

caracole (ˈkærəˌkəʊl) or caracol (ˈkærəˌkɒl)   n   1 dressage a half turn to the right or left   2 a spiral staircase   ▷ vb (intr)   3 dressage to execute a half turn to the right or left [C17: from French, from Spanish caracol snail, spiral staircase, turn]

■ caracoler (ˈkærəˌkəʊlə)   n   dressage a horse that caracoles

caract (ˈkærəkt)   n   obsolete a sign or symbol

Caractacus (kəˈræktəkəs)   n   a variant spelling of Caratacus

caracul (ˈkærəˌkʌl)   n   1 Also called: Persian lamb the black loosely curled fur obtained from the skins of newly born lambs of the karakul sheep   2 a variant spelling of karakul

carafe (kəˈræf, -ˈrɑːf)   n     a an open-topped glass container for serving water or wine at table   b (as modifier): a carafe wine [C18: from French, from Italian caraffa, from Spanish garrafa, from Arabic gharrāfah vessel]

caragana (ˌkærəˈɡɑːnə, ˌkærəˈɡeInə)   n   any of various shrubs and small trees with golden flowers of the genus Caragana and of the family Fabaceae, native to Asia and east Europe and widely planted in North America as windbreaks

carageen (ˈkærəˌɡiːn)   n   a variant spelling of carrageen

caramba (kəˈræmbə)   interj   an exclamation of surprise or amazement

carambola (ˌkærəmˈbəʊlə)   n   1 a tree, Averrhoa carambola, probably native to Brazil but cultivated in the tropics, esp SE Asia, for its edible fruit   2 Also called: star fruit the smooth-skinned yellow fruit of this tree, which is star-shaped in cross section [C18: Spanish carambola a sour greenish fruit, from Portuguese, from Marathi karambal]

caramel (ˈkærəməl, -ˌmɛl)   n   1 burnt sugar, used for colouring and flavouring food   2 a chewy sweet made from sugar, butter, milk, etc   ▶ See also crème caramel [C18: from French, from Spanish caramelo, of uncertain origin]

■ caramelization or caramelisation (ˌkærəməlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the conversion of sugar into caramel, caused by heating

■ caramelize or caramelise (ˈkærəməˌlaIz)   vb   to convert or be converted into caramel

carangid (kəˈrændʒId, -ˈræŋɡId) or carangoid (kəˈræŋɡɔId)   n   1 any marine percoid fish of the family Carangidae, having a compressed body and deeply forked tail. The group includes the jacks, horse mackerel, pompano, and pilot fish   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Carangidae [C19: from New Latin Carangidae, from Caranx type genus, from French carangue shad, from Spanish caranga, of obscure origin]

caranna (kæˈrænə)   n   a substance, resembling gum, that is obtained from various South American trees of the genus Bursera

carap (ˈkæræp, kəˈræp)   n   any of several trees of the genus Carapa, all of which yield timber and have seeds which produce oil

carapace (ˈkærəˌpeIs) or carapax (ˈkærəˌpæks)   n   the thick hard shield, made of chitin or bone, that covers part of the body of crabs, lobsters, tortoises, etc [C19: from French, from Spanish carapacho, of unknown origin]

■ carapaced (ˈkærəˌpeIst)   adj   (of an animal) having a carapace

■ carapacial (ˌkærəˈpeIʃəl)   adj   relating to a carapace

carat (ˈkærət)   n   1 a measure of the weight of precious stones, esp diamonds. It was formerly defined as 3.17 grains, but the international carat is now standardized as 0.20 grams   2 Usual US spelling: karat a measure of the proportion of gold in an alloy, expressed as the number of parts of gold in 24 parts of the alloy [C16: from Old French, from Medieval Latin carratus, from Arabic qīrāt weight of four grains, carat, from Greek keration a little horn, from keras horn]

Caratacus (kəˈrætəkəs), Caractacus or Caradoc (kəˈrædək)   n   died ?54 AD, British chieftain: led an unsuccessful resistance against the Romans (43–50)

carate (kəˈrɑːtɛ)   n   another name for pinta

Caravaggio (Italian karaˈvaddʒo)   n   Michelangelo Merisi da (mikeˈlandʒelo meˈriːzi da). 1571–1610, Italian painter, noted for his realistic depiction of religious subjects and for his dramatic use of chiaroscuro

caravan (ˈkærəˌvæn)   n   1    a a large enclosed vehicle capable of being pulled by a car or lorry and equipped to be lived in. US and Canadian name: trailer   b (as modifier): a caravan site   2 (esp in some parts of Asia and Africa) a company of traders or other travellers journeying together, often with a train of camels, through the desert   3 a group of wagons, pack mules, camels, etc, esp travelling in single file   4 a large covered vehicle, esp a gaily coloured one used by Romany Gypsies, circuses, etc   ▷ vb -vans, -vanning, -vanned   5 (intr) Brit to travel or have a holiday in a caravan [C16: from Italian caravana, from Persian kārwān]   > ˈcaraˌvanning n

■ caravaneer (ˌkærəvænˈIə)   n   the person leading a caravan of camels

■ caravanette (ˌkærəvəˈnɛt)   n   Brit a motor vehicle with an area at the back that is equipped for living in

■ caravanner (ˈkærəˌvænə) or caravaner (ˌkærəˈvænə)   n   Brit someone who uses a caravan

caravanserai, caravansarai (ˌkærəˈvænsəˌraI, -ˌreI) or caravansary (ˌkærəˈvænsərI)   n, pl -rais or -ries   (in some Eastern countries esp formerly) a large inn enclosing a courtyard providing accommodation for caravans [C16: from Persian kārwānsarāī caravan inn]

caravel (ˈkærəˌvɛl) or carvel   n   a two- or three-masted sailing ship, esp one with a broad beam, high poop deck, and lateen rig that was used by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries [C16: from Portuguese caravela, diminutive of caravo ship, ultimately from Greek karabos crab, horned beetle]

caraway (ˈkærəˌweI)   n   1 an umbelliferous Eurasian plant, Carum carvi, having finely divided leaves and clusters of small whitish flowers   2 caraway seed the pungent aromatic one-seeded fruit of this plant, used in cooking and in medicine [C14: probably from Medieval Latin carvi, from Arabic karawyā, from Greek karon]

carb (kɑːb)   n   1 short for carburettor   2 short for carbohydrate

carbachol (ˈkɑːbəˌkɒl)   n   drugs a cholinergic agent, C_6H_15ClN_2O_2, used for various ophthalmic purposes, such as the treating of glaucoma

carbamate (ˈkɑːbəˌmeIt)   n   a salt or ester of carbamic acid. The salts contain the monovalent ion NH_2COO–, and the esters contain the group NH_2COO–

carbamazepine (ˌkɑːbəˈmæzəˌpiːn)   n   an anticonvulsant drug used in the management of epilepsy

carbamic acid (kɑːˈbæmIk)   n   a hypothetical compound known only in the form of carbamate salts and esters. Formula: NH_2COOH

carbamide (ˈkɑːbəˌmaId)   n   another name for urea

carbamidine (kɑːˈbæmIˌdaIn)   n   another name for guanidine

carbamino (ˌkɑːbəˈmiːnəʊ)   adj   relating to the compound produced when carbon dioxide reacts with an amino group

carbamyl (ˈkɑːbəmIl)   n   a radical, NH_2CO, that is derived from carbamic acid

carbanion (kɑːˈbænaIən)   n   a negatively charged organic ion in which most of the negative charge is localized on a carbon atom. Compare carbonium ion

carbaryl (ˈkɑːbərIl)   n   an organic compound of the carbamate group: used as an insecticide, esp to treat head lice

carbazole (ˈkɑːbəˌzəʊl)   n   a colourless insoluble solid obtained from coal tar and used in the production of some dyes. Formula: C_12H_9N. Also called: diphenylenimine (daIˌfiːnaIˈlɛnImiːn)

carbeen (ˈkɑːbiːn)   n   an Australian eucalyptus tree, E. tessellaris, having drooping branches and grey bark. Also called: Moreton Bay ash [from a native Australian language]

carbene (ˈkɑːbiːn)   n   chem a neutral divalent free radical, such as methylene: CH_2

carbide (ˈkɑːbaId)   n   1 a binary compound of carbon with a more electropositive element. See also acetylide   2 See calcium carbide

carbimazole (kɑːˈbIməˌzəʊl)   n   a drug that inhibits the synthesis of the hormone thyroxine, used in the management of hyperthyroidism

carbine (ˈkɑːbaIn)   n   1 a light automatic or semiautomatic rifle of limited range   2 Also called: carabin, carabine a light short-barrelled shoulder rifle formerly used by cavalry [C17: from French carabine, from Old French carabin carabineer, perhaps variant of escarrabin one who prepares corpses for burial, from scarabée, from Latin scarabaeus SCARAB]

■ carbineer (ˌkɑːbIˈnIə), carabineer or carabinier (ˌkærəbIˈnIə)   n   (formerly) a soldier equipped with a carbine

carbo- or before a vowel carb-   combining form   carbon: carbohydrate; carbonate

carbocyclic (ˌkɑːbəʊˈsaIklIk)   adj   (of a chemical compound) containing a closed ring of carbon atoms

carbohydrase (ˌkɑːbəˈhaIdreIz)   n   biochem a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates through hydrolysis

carbohydrate (ˌkɑːbəʊˈhaIdreIt)   n   any of a large group of organic compounds, including sugars, such as sucrose, and polysaccharides, such as cellulose, glycogen, and starch, that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the general formula Cm(H_2O)n: an important source of food and energy for animals. Informal term: carb

■ carbohydrates (ˌkɑːbəʊˈhaIdreIts)   pl n   foods which contain carbohydrate

carbolated (ˈkɑːbəˌleItId)   adj   containing carbolic acid

carbolic acid (kɑːˈbɒlIk) or carbolic   n   another name for phenol, esp when it is used as an antiseptic or disinfectant [C19: carbolic, from CARBO- + -OL^1 + -IC]

carbolic soap or carbolic   n   a disinfectant soap containing phenol

carbolize or carbolise (ˈkɑːbəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) another word for phenolate

carbon (ˈkɑːbən)   n   1    a a nonmetallic element existing in the three crystalline forms: graphite, diamond, and buckminsterfullerene: occurring in carbon dioxide, coal, oil, and all organic compounds. The isotope carbon-12 has been adopted as the standard for atomic weight; carbon-14, a radioisotope with a half-life of 5700 years, is used in radiocarbon dating and as a tracer. Symbol: C; atomic no: 6; atomic wt: 12.011; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 1.8–2.1 (amorphous), 1.9–2.3 (graphite), 3.15–3.53 (diamond); sublimes at 3367±25°C; boiling pt: 4827°C   b (as modifier): a carbon compound   2 short for carbon paper, carbon copy   3 a carbon electrode used in a carbon-arc light or in carbon-arc welding   4 a rod or plate, made of carbon, used in some types of battery [C18: from French carbone, from Latin carbō charcoal, dead or glowing coal]   > ˈcarbonous adj

■ carbon-14 dating   n   another name for radiocarbon dating

■ carbonaceous (ˌkɑːbəˈneIʃəs)   adj   of, resembling, or containing carbon

■ carbon arc   n   1    a an electric arc produced between two carbon electrodes, formerly used as a light source   b (as modifier): carbon-arc light   2    a an electric arc produced between a carbon electrode and material to be welded   b (as modifier): carbon-arc welding

■ carbon bisulphide   n   (not in technical usage) another name for carbon disulphide

■ carbon black   n   a black finely divided form of amorphous carbon produced by incomplete combustion of natural gas or petroleum: used to reinforce rubber and in the manufacture of pigments and ink

■ carbon brush   n   a small block of carbon used to convey current between the stationary and moving parts of an electric generator, motor, etc

■ carbon capture   n   the capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide, esp as a technique to prevent climate change

■ carbon copy   n   1 a duplicate copy of writing, typewriting, or drawing obtained by using carbon paper. Often shortened to: carbon   2 informal a person or thing that is identical or very similar to another

■ carbon credit   n   a certificate showing that a government or company has paid to have a certain amount of carbon dioxide removed from the environment

■ carbon cycle   n   1 the circulation of carbon between living organisms and their surroundings. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is synthesized by plants into plant tissue, which is ingested and metabolized by animals and converted to carbon dioxide again during respiration and decay   2 four thermonuclear reactions believed to be the source of energy in many stars. Carbon nuclei function as catalysts in the fusion of protons to form helium nuclei

■ carbon-date   vb (tr)   to determine the age of an organic object by examining the relative proportions of the carbon isotopes carbon-12 and carbon-14

■ carbon dating   n   short for radiocarbon dating

■ carbon dioxide   n   a colourless odourless incombustible gas present in the atmosphere and formed during respiration, the decomposition and combustion of organic compounds, and in the reaction of acids with carbonates: used in carbonated drinks, fire extinguishers, and as dry ice for refrigeration. Formula: CO_2. Also called: carbonic-acid gas

■ carbon dioxide snow   n   solid carbon dioxide, used as a refrigerant

■ carbon disulphide   n   a colourless slightly soluble volatile flammable poisonous liquid commonly having a disagreeable odour due to the presence of impurities: used as an organic solvent and in the manufacture of rayon and carbon tetrachloride. Formula: CS_2. Also called (not in technical usage): carbon bisulphide

■ carbonette (ˌkɑːbəˈnɛt)   n   NZ a ball of compressed coal dust used as fuel

■ carbon fibre   n   a black silky thread of pure carbon made by heating and stretching textile fibres and used because of its lightness and strength at high temperatures for reinforcing resins, ceramics, and metals, esp in turbine blades and for fishing rods

■ carbon fixation   n   the process by which plants assimilate carbon from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to form metabolically active compounds

■ carbon footprint   n   a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by a single endeavour or by a company, household, or individual through day-to-day activities over a given period

■ carbonic (kɑːˈbɒnIk)   adj   (of a compound) containing carbon, esp tetravalent carbon

■ carbonic acid   n   a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide combines with water: obtained only in aqueous solutions, never in the pure state. Formula: H_2CO_3

■ carbonic-acid gas   n   another name for carbon dioxide

■ carbonic anhydrase   n   an enzyme in blood cells that catalyses the decomposition of carbonic acid into carbon dioxide and water, facilitating the transport of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs

■ carboniferous (ˌkɑːbəˈnIfərəs)   adj   yielding coal or carbon

■ Carboniferous (ˌkɑːbəˈnIfərəs)   adj   1 of, denoting, or formed in the fifth period of the Palaeozoic era, between the Devonian and Permian periods, lasting for nearly 64 million years during which coal measures were formed   ▷ n   2 the Carboniferous the Carboniferous period or rock system

■ carbonium ion (kɑːˈbəʊnIəm)   n   a positively charged organic ion in which most of the positive charge is localized on a carbon atom. Compare carbanion

■ carbonize or carbonise (ˈkɑːbəˌnaIz)   vb   1 to turn or be turned into carbon as a result of heating, fossilization, chemical treatment, etc   2 (tr) to enrich or coat (a substance) with carbon   3 (intr) to react or unite with carbon   ▶ Also (for senses 2, 3): carburize   > ˌcarboniˈzation or ˌcarboniˈsation n   > ˈcarbonˌizer or ˈcarbonˌiser n

■ carbonless (ˈkɑːbənləs)   adj   containing no carbon

■ carbonless paper   n   a sheet of paper impregnated with dye which transfers writing or typing onto the copying surface below without the necessity for carbon pigment. See carbon paper

■ carbon microphone   n   a microphone in which a diaphragm, vibrated by sound waves, applies a varying pressure to a container packed with carbon granules, altering the resistance of the carbon. A current flowing through the carbon is thus modulated at the frequency of the sound waves

■ carbon monoxide   n   a colourless odourless poisonous flammable gas formed when carbon compounds burn in insufficient air and produced by the action of steam on hot carbon: used as a reducing agent in metallurgy and as a fuel. Formula: CO

■ carbon-neutral   adj   not affecting the total amount of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere

■ carbon offset   n     a a compensatory measure made by an individual or company for carbon emissions, usually through sponsoring activities or projects which increase carbon dioxide absorption, such as tree planting   b (as modifier): a carbon-offset scheme

■ carbon paper   n   1 a thin sheet of paper coated on one side with a dark waxy pigment, often containing carbon, that is transferred by the pressure of writing or of typewriter keys onto the copying surface below. Often shortened to: carbon   2 another name for carbon tissue

■ carbon process or carbon printing   n   a photographic process for producing positive prints by exposing sensitized carbon tissue to light passing through a negative. Washing removes the unexposed gelatine leaving the pigmented image in the exposed insoluble gelatine

■ carbon sequestration   n   the prevention of greenhouse gas build-up in the earth's atmosphere by methods such as planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide or pumping carbon dioxide into underground reservoirs

■ carbon sink or carbon well   n   areas of vegetation, esp forests, and the phytoplankton-rich seas that absorb the carbon dioxide produced by the burning of fossil fuels

■ carbon steel   n   steel whose characteristics are determined by the amount of carbon it contains

■ carbon tax   n   a tax on the emissions caused by the burning of coal, gas, and oil, aimed at reducing the production of greenhouse gases

■ carbon tetrachloride   n   a colourless volatile nonflammable sparingly soluble liquid made from chlorine and carbon disulphide; tetrachloromethane. It is used as a solvent, cleaning fluid, and insecticide. Formula: CCl_4

■ carbon tissue   n   a sheet of paper coated with pigmented gelatine, used in the carbon process. Also called: carbon paper

■ carbon trading   n   the trading by a country with a relatively low level of carbon dioxide emission of part of its emission entitlement to a country that has a higher level of emission

■ carbon value   n   an empirical measurement of the tendency of a lubricant to form carbon when in use

■ carbon well   n   another name for carbon sink

carbonade (ˌkɑːbəˈneId, -ˈnɑːd)   n   a stew of beef and onions cooked in beer [C20: from French]

carbonado^1 (ˌkɑːbəˈneIdəʊ, -ˈnɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -does or -dos   1 a piece of meat, fish, etc, scored and grilled   ▷ vb -dos, -doing, -doed (tr)   2 to score and grill (meat, fish, etc)   3 archaic to hack or slash [C16: from Spanish carbonada, from carbón charcoal; see CARBON]

carbonado^2 (ˌkɑːbəˈneIdəʊ, -ˈnɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -dos or -does   an inferior dark massive variety of diamond used in industry for polishing and drilling. Also called: black diamond [Portuguese, literally: carbonated]

carbonara (ˌkɑːbəˈnɑːrə)   n   cookery a sauce, containing cream, bacon, cheese and egg, that is usually served with pasta

Carbonari (ˌkɑːbəˈnɑːrI)   pl n, sing -naro (-ˈnɑːrəʊ)   a secret political society with liberal republican aims, originating in S Italy about 1811 and particularly engaged in the struggle for Italian unification [C19: from Italian, plural of carbonaro seller or burner of charcoal, name adopted by the society]

carbonate   n (ˈkɑːbəˌneIt, -nIt)   1 a salt or ester of carbonic acid. Carbonate salts contain the divalent ion CO_32–   ▷ vb (ˈkɑːbəˌneIt)   2 to form or turn into a carbonate   3 (tr) to treat with carbon dioxide or carbonic acid, as in the manufacture of soft drinks [C18: from French, from carbone CARBON]

■ carbonated (ˈkɑːbəˌneItId)   adj   (of drinks) treated with carbon dioxide or carbonic acid to make fizzy

■ carbonation (ˌkɑːbəˈneIʃən)   n   1 absorption of or reaction with carbon dioxide   2 another word for carbonization

■ carbonatite (kɑːˈbɒnəˌtaIt)   n   geology a rare intrusive or extrusive igneous rock, mostly found in Africa, that contains a high proportion of carbonate minerals

carbonyl (ˈkɑːbəˌnaIl, -nIl)   n chem   1 (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group =CO: a carbonyl group or radical   2 any one of a class of inorganic complexes in which carbonyl groups are bound directly to metal atoms   > carbonylic (ˌkɑːbəˈnIlIk) adj

■ carbonylate (kɑːˈbɒnIleIt)   vb (tr)   chem to introduce the carbonyl group into (a compound) through chemical reaction

■ carbonylation (ˌkɑːbənIˈleIʃən)   n   chem the introduction of a carbonyl group into a compound through chemical reaction

■ carbonyl chloride   n   (not in technical usage) another name for phosgene

carbora (ˈkɑːbərə)   n   obsolete a koala

carborexic (ˌkɑːbəˈrɛksIk)   n   informal a person who is regarded as being obsessed with reducing their carbon footprint [C21: blend of CARBON + ANOREXIC]

Carborundum (ˌkɑːbəˈrʌndəm)   n   trademark   a any of various abrasive materials, esp one consisting of silicon carbide   b (as modifier): a Carborundum wheel

carboxyhaemoglobin or US carboxyhemoglobin (kɑːˌbɒksIˌhiːməʊˈɡləʊbIn, -ˌhɛm-)   n   haemoglobin coordinated with carbon monoxide, formed as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. As carbon monoxide is bound in preference to oxygen, tissues are deprived of oxygen

carboxyl group or carboxyl radical (kɑːˈbɒksaIl, -sIl)   n   the monovalent group –COOH, consisting of a carbonyl group bound to a hydroxyl group: the functional group in organic acids [C19 carboxyl, from CARBO- + OXY-2 + -YL]

■ carboxylase (kɑːˈbɒksIˌleIz)   n   any enzyme that catalyses the release of carbon dioxide from certain acids

■ carboxylate (kɑːˈbɒksIˌleIt)   n   any salt or ester of a carboxylic acid having a formula of the type M(RCOO)x, where M is a metal and R an organic group, or R^1COOR^2, where R^1 and R^2 are organic groups

■ carboxylation (kɑːˌbɒksIˈleIʃən)   n   a chemical reaction that introduces a carboxyl group into a molecule or compound, forming a carboxylic acid or a carboxylate

■ carboxylic (ˌkɑːbɒkˈsIlIk)   adj   containing or pertaining to the carboxyl group or the carboxyl radical

■ carboxylic acid (ˌkɑːbɒkˈsIlIk)   n   any of a class of organic acids containing the carboxyl group. See also fatty acid

carboy (ˈkɑːˌbɔI)   n   a large glass or plastic bottle, usually protected by a basket or box, used for containing corrosive liquids such as acids [C18: from Persian qarāba]

carbuncle (ˈkɑːˌbʌŋkəl)   n   1 an extensive skin eruption, similar to but larger than a boil, with several openings: caused by staphylococcal infection   2 a rounded gemstone, esp a garnet cut without facets   3 a dark reddish-greyish-brown colour [C13: from Latin carbunculus diminutive of carbō coal]   > ˈcarˌbuncled adj   > carbuncular (kɑːˈbʌŋkjʊlə) adj

carburation or carburetion (ˌkɑːbjʊˈreIʃən)   n   the process of mixing a hydrocarbon fuel with a correct amount of air to make an explosive mixture for an internal-combustion engine

carburet (ˈkɑːbjʊˌrɛt, ˌkɑːbjʊˈrɛt, -bə-)   vb -rets, -retting, -retted or US -rets, -reting, -reted   (tr) to combine or mix (a gas) with carbon or carbon compounds [C18: from CARB(ON) + -URET]

■ carburettor, carburetter (ˌkɑːbjʊˈrɛtə, ˈkɑːbjʊˌrɛtə, -bə-) or US carburetor (ˈkɑːbjʊˌreItə, -bə-)   n   a device used in petrol engines for atomizing the petrol, controlling its mixture with air, and regulating the intake of the air-petrol mixture into the engine. Informal term: carb. Compare fuel injection

carburize or carburise (ˈkɑːbjʊˌraIz, -bə-)   vb   1 another word for carbonize (sense 2), carbonize (sense 3)   2 (tr) to increase the carbon content of (the surface of a low-carbon steel) so that the surface can be hardened by heat treatment   > ˌcarburiˈzation or ˌcarburiˈsation n

carby (ˈkɑːbI)   n, pl -bies   Austral informal short for carburettor

carbylamine (ˌkɑːbIləˈmiːn, -ˈæmIn)   n   another name for isocyanide

carcajou (ˈkɑːkəˌdʒuː, -ˌʒuː)   n   a North American name for wolverine [C18: from Canadian French, from Algonquian karkajou]

carcake (ˈkɑːˌkeIk)   n   Scot obsolete a small cake, made with eggs and sometimes blood, traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday

carcanet (ˈkɑːkəˌnɛt, -nIt)   n   archaic a jewelled collar or necklace [C16: from French carcan, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse kverkband chin strap]

carcass or carcase (ˈkɑːkəs)   n   1 the dead body of an animal, esp one that has been slaughtered for food, with the head, limbs, and entrails removed   2 informal, usually facetious or derogatory a person's body   3 the skeleton or framework of a structure   4 the remains of anything when its life or vitality is gone; shell [C14: from Old French carcasse, of obscure origin]

Carcassonne (French karkasɔn)   n   a city in SW France: extensive remains of medieval fortifications. Pop: 48 212 (2006)

carcel (ˈkɑːsəl)   n   obsolete a former French unit of light equal to about 9.74 candelas

carceral (ˈkɑːsərəl)   adj   relating to a prison

Carchemish (ˈkɑːkəmIʃ, kɑːˈkiː-)   n   an ancient city in Syria on the Euphrates, lying on major trade routes; site of a victory of the Babylonians over the Egyptians (605 BC)

carcinogen (kɑːˈsInədʒən, ˈkɑːsInəˌdʒɛn)   n   pathol any substance that produces cancer [C20: from Greek karkinos CANCER + -GEN]   > ˌcarcinoˈgenic adj   > ˌcarcinogenˈicity n

carcinogenesis (ˌkɑːsInəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   pathol the development of cancerous cells from normal ones

carcinoid (ˈkɑːsIˌnɔId)   n   med a small serotonin-secreting tumour, usually slow-growing and occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, although it may spread to the liver

carcinology (ˌkɑːsIˈnɒlədʒI)   n   zoology the study of crustaceans

■ carcinological (ˌkɑːsInəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   zoology relating to carcinology

■ carcinologist (ˌkɑːsIˈnɒlədʒIst)   n   zoology a person who specializes in carcinology

carcinoma (ˌkɑːsIˈnəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə) pathol   1 any malignant tumour derived from epithelial tissue   2 another name for cancer (sense 1) [C18: from Latin, from Greek karkinōma, from karkinos CANCER]   > ˌcarciˈnomaˌtoid or ˌcarciˈnomatous adj

■ carcinomatosis (ˌkɑːsIˌnəʊməˈtəʊsIs)   n   pathol a condition characterized by widespread dissemination of carcinomas or by a carcinoma that affects a large area. Also called: carcinosis (ˌkɑːsIˈnəʊsIs)

carcinosarcoma (ˌkɑːsInəʊˈsɑːkəʊmə)   n   med a malignant tumour composed of carcinoma and sarcoma

card^1 (kɑːd)   n   1 a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard, usually rectangular, with varied uses, as for filing information in an index, bearing a written notice for display, entering scores in a game, etc   2 such a card used for identification, reference, proof of membership, etc: library card; identity card; visiting card   3 such a card used for sending greetings, messages, or invitations, often bearing an illustration, printed greetings, etc: Christmas card; birthday card   4 one of a set of small pieces of cardboard, variously marked with significant figures, symbols, etc, used for playing games or for fortune-telling   5    a short for playing card   b (as modifier): a card game   c (in combination): cardsharp   6 informal a witty, entertaining, or eccentric person   7 short for cheque card, credit card   8 See compass card   9 Also called: race card horse racing a daily programme of all the races at a meeting, listing the runners, riders, weights to be carried, distances to be run, and conditions of each race   10 a thing or action used in order to gain an advantage, esp one that is concealed and kept in reserve until needed (esp in the phrase a card up one's sleeve)   11 short for printed circuit card. See printed circuit board [C15: from Old French carte, from Latin charta leaf of papyrus, from Greek khartēs, probably of Egyptian origin]

■ cardboard (ˈkɑːdˌbɔːd)   n   1    a a thin stiff board made from paper pulp and used esp for making cartons   b (as modifier): cardboard boxes   ▷ adj   2 (prenominal) without substance: a cardboard smile; a cardboard general

■ cardboard city   n   informal an area of a city in which homeless people sleep rough, often in cardboard boxes

■ cardboardy (ˈkɑːdˌbɔːdI)   adj   like cardboard, esp in stiffness, texture, or taste: it becomes cardboardy if cooked too long

■ card-carrying   adj   being an official member of a specified organization: a card-carrying union member; a card-carrying Communist

■ cardcase (ˈkɑːdˌkeIs)   n   a small case for holding business cards

■ cardcastle (ˈkɑːdˌkɑːsəl)   n   a tower built with playing cards

■ card catalogue   n   a catalogue of books, papers, etc, filed on cards

■ card file   n   another term for card index

■ cardholder (ˈkɑːdˌhəʊldə)   n   a person who owns a credit or debit card

■ card index or card file   n   1 an index in which each item is separately listed on systematically arranged cards   ▷ vb card-index   2 (tr) to make such an index of (a book)

■ cardphone (ˈkɑːdfəʊn)   n   a public telephone operated by the insertion of a phonecard instead of coins

■ cardplayer   n   a person who plays cards

■ cardpunch (ˈkɑːdˌpʌntʃ)   n   1 a device, no longer widely used, controlled by a computer, for transferring information from the central processing unit onto punched cards. Compare card reader   2 another name for key punch

■ card reader   n   a device, no longer widely used, for reading information on a punched card and transferring it to a computer. Compare cardpunch

■ cards (kɑːdz)   n   1 (usually functioning as singular)   a any game or games played with cards, esp playing cards   b the playing of such a game   2 an employee's national insurance and other documents held by the employer   3 get one's cards to be told to leave one's employment   4 on the cards possible or likely. US equivalent: in the cards   5 play one's cards to carry out one's plans; take action (esp in the phrase play one's cards right)   6 put one's cards on the table, lay one's cards on the table or show one's cards to declare one's intentions, resources, etc

■ cardsharp (ˈkɑːdˌʃɑːp) or cardsharper   n   a professional card player who cheats   > ˈcardˌsharping n

■ card surfing   n   slang a form of cash-card fraud in which one person watches another using a cash dispenser, notes his or her personal identification number, and, after an accomplice has stolen the card, uses the card to withdraw cash

■ card tart   n   informal a credit-card holder who continually changes providers, transferring his or her balance to another provider whenever the agreed period of low interest on the prior loan is about to expire

■ card vote   n   Brit a vote by delegates, esp at a trade-union conference, in which each delegate's vote counts as a vote by all his or her constituents

card^2 (kɑːd)   vb   1 (tr) to comb out and clean fibres of wool or cotton before spinning   ▷ n   2 (formerly) a machine or comblike tool for carding fabrics or for raising the nap on cloth [C15: from Old French carde card, teasel, from Latin carduus thistle]   > ˈcarder n

■ carding (ˈkɑːdIŋ)   n   the process of preparing the fibres of cotton, wool, etc, for spinning

Card.   abbreviation for   Cardinal

cardamine (kɑːˈdæmIniː, ˈkɑːdəˌmaIn)   n   bittercress

cardamom, cardamum (ˈkɑːdəməm) or cardamon (ˈkɑːdəmən)   n   1 a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum, that has large hairy leaves   2 the seeds of this plant, used esp as a spice or condiment   3 a related East Indian plant, Amomum cardamomum, whose seeds are used as a substitute for cardamom seeds [C15: from Latin cardamōmum, from Greek kardamōmon, from kardamon cress + amōmon an Indian spice]

cardan joint (ˈkɑːdæn)   n   engineering a type of universal joint in a shaft that enables it to rotate when out of alignment [C20: named after Geronimo Cardan (1501–76), Italian mathematician]

cardecu (ˈkɑːdIˌkjuː)   n   an old French coin worth a quarter of an écu

Cardenal (Spanish karðɛˈnal)   n   Ernesto (ˈɜːnɛstaʊ). born 1925, Nicaraguan poet, revolutionary, and Roman Catholic priest; an influential figure in the Sandinista movement

Cárdenas (Spanish ˈkarðenas)   n   Lázaro (ˈlaθaro). 1895–1970, Mexican statesman and general; president of Mexico (1934–40)

cardia (ˈkɑːdIə)   n   anatomy a lower oesophageal sphincter

cardiac (ˈkɑːdIˌæk)   adj   1 of or relating to the heart   2 of or relating to the portion of the stomach connected to the oesophagus   ▷ n   3 a person with a heart disorder   4 obsolete a drug that stimulates the heart muscle [C17: from Latin cardiacus, from Greek, from kardia heart]

■ cardiacal (kɑːˈdaIəkəl)   adj   obsolete cardiac

■ cardiac arrest   n   failure of the pumping action of the heart, resulting in loss of consciousness and absence of pulse and breathing: a medical emergency requiring immediate resuscitative treatment

cardialgia (ˌkɑːdIˈældʒIə, -dʒə) or cardialgy (ˈkɑːdIˌældʒI)   n   1 obsolete pain in or near the heart   2 a technical name for heartburn   > ˌcardiˈalgic adj

cardie, cardi or cardy (ˈkɑːdI)   n   informal short for cardigan

Cardiff (ˈkɑːdIf)   n   1 the capital of Wales, situated in the southeast, in Cardiff county borough: formerly an important port; seat of the Welsh assembly (1999); university (1883). Pop: 346 100 (2011)   2 a county borough in SE Wales, created in 1996 from part of South Glamorgan. Pop: 345 400 (2011 est). Area: 139 sq km (54 sq miles)   ▶ Welsh name: Caerdydd

cardigan (ˈkɑːdIɡən)   n   a knitted jacket or sweater with buttons up the front [C19: named after the 7th Earl of CARDIGAN]

Cardigan^1 (ˈkɑːdIɡən)   n   the larger variety of corgi, having a long tail

Cardigan^2 (ˈkɑːdIɡən)   n   7th Earl of, title of James Thomas Brudenell. 1797–1868, British cavalry officer. He led the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava (1854) during the Crimean War

Cardigan Bay   n   an inlet of St George's Channel, on the W coast of Wales

Cardiganshire (ˈkɑːdIɡənˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a former county of W Wales: became part of Dyfed in 1974; reinstated as Ceredigion in 1996

Cardin (French kardɛ̃)   n   Pierre (pjɛr). born 1922, French couturier, noted esp for his collections for men

cardinal (ˈkɑːdInəl)   n   1 RC Church any of the members of the Sacred College, ranking next after the pope, who elect the pope and act as his chief counsellors   2 Also called: cardinal red a deep vivid red colour   3 See cardinal number   4 Also called: cardinal grosbeak, (US) redbird a crested North American bunting, Richmondena (or Pyrrhuloxia) cardinalis, the male of which has a bright red plumage and the female a brown one   5 a fritillary butterfly, Pandoriana pandora, found in meadows of southern Europe   6 a woman's hooded shoulder cape worn in the 17th and 18th centuries   ▷ adj   7 (usually prenominal) fundamentally important; principal: cardinal sin   8 of a deep vivid red colour   9 astrology of or relating to the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Compare mutable (sense 2), fixed (sense 10) [C13: from Latin cardinālis, literally: relating to a hinge, hence, that on which something depends, principal, from cardō hinge]   > ˈcardinally adv

■ cardinalate (ˈkɑːdInəˌleIt) or cardinalship   n   1 the rank, office, or term of office of a cardinal   2 the cardinals collectively

■ cardinal beetle   n   any of various large N temperate beetles of the family Pyrochroidae, such as Pyrochroa serraticornis, typically scarlet or partly scarlet in colour

■ cardinal flower   n   a campanulaceous plant, Lobelia cardinalis of E North America, that has brilliant scarlet, pink, or white flowers

■ cardinalitial (ˌkɑːdInəˈlIʃəl) or cardinalatial (ˌkɑːdInəˈleIʃəl)   adj   RC Church relating to a cardinal or cardinalship

■ cardinality (ˌkɑːdIˈnælItI)   n   1 maths the property of possessing a cardinal number   2 maths, logic (of a class) the cardinal number associated with the given class. Two classes have the same cardinality if they can be put in one-to-one correspondence

■ cardinal number or cardinal numeral   n   1 a number denoting quantity but not order in a set. Sometimes shortened to: cardinal   2 maths, logic   a a measure of the size of a set that does not take account of the order of its members. Compare natural number   b a particular number having this function   ▶ Compare ordinal number

■ cardinal points   pl n   the four main points of the compass: north, south, east, and west

■ cardinal sin   n   1 theol any of the seven deadly sins   2 informal an unforgivable error or misjudgment: lack of impartiality is considered a cardinal sin in broadcasting circles

■ cardinal spider   n   a large house spider, Tegenaria parietina

■ cardinal virtues   pl n   the most important moral qualities, traditionally justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude

■ cardinal vowels   pl n   a set of theoretical vowel sounds, based on the shape of the mouth needed to articulate them, that can be used to classify the vowel sounds of any speaker in any language

cardio- or before a vowel cardi-   combining form   heart: cardiogram [from Greek kardia heart]

cardiocentesis (ˌkɑːdIəʊsɛnˈtiːsIs)   n   med surgical puncture of the heart

cardiogenic (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   originating in the heart, or resulting from a disorder of the heart

cardiogram (ˈkɑːdIəʊˌɡræm)   n   short for electrocardiogram

cardiograph (ˈkɑːdIəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 an instrument for recording the mechanical force and form of heart movements   2 short for electrocardiograph   > cardiographer (ˌkɑːdIˈɒɡrəfə) n   > cardiographic (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈɡræfIk) or ˌcardioˈgraphical adj   > ˌcardioˈgraphically adv   > ˌcardiˈography n

cardioid (ˈkɑːdIˌɔId)   n   a heart-shaped curve generated by a fixed point on a circle as it rolls around another fixed circle of equal radius, a. Equation: r = a(1 – cos φ), where r is the radius vector and φ is the polar angle

cardiology (ˌkɑːdIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the heart and its diseases   > cardiological (ˌkɑːdIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌcardiˈologist n

cardiomegaly (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈmɛɡəlI)   n   pathol another name for megalocardia

cardiomotor (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈməʊtə)   adj   relating to the action of the heart

cardiomyopathy (ˌkɑːdIəʊmaIˈɒpəθI)   n   pathol a disease of the heart muscle usually caused by a biochemical defect or a toxin such as alcohol. Also called: myocardiopathy

cardiopathy (ˌkɑːdIˈɒpəθI)   n, pl -thies   med a heart disease or disorder

cardioplegia (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈpliːdʒIə)   n   med deliberate arrest of the action of the heart, as by hypothermia or the injection of chemicals, to enable complex heart surgery to be carried out

cardiopulmonary (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈpʌlmənərI, -mənrI, -ˈpʊl-)   adj   of, relating to, or affecting the heart and lungs

■ cardiopulmonary resuscitation   n   an emergency measure to revive a patient whose heart has stopped beating, in which compressions applied with the hands to the patient's chest are alternated with mouth-to-mouth respiration. Abbreviation: CPR

cardio striptease   n   a form of keep-fit exercise in which people move their bodies in the manner of striptease artists

cardiothoracic (ˌkɑːdIəʊθɔːˈræsIk)   adj   of or relating to the heart and the chest

cardiotonic (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈtɒnIk) med   adj   1 having a positive effect on cardiac function   ▷ n   2 an agent which has a positive effect on cardiac function

cardiovascular (ˌkɑːdIəʊˈvæskjʊlə)   adj   of or relating to the heart and the blood vessels

carditis (kɑːˈdaItIs)   n   inflammation of the heart

■ carditic (kɑːˈdItIk)   adj   relating to carditis

cardon (kɑːˈdəʊn)   n   a tall cactus, Pachycereus pringlei, native to Mexico

cardoon (kɑːˈduːn)   n   a thistle-like S European plant, Cynara cardunculus, closely related to the artichoke, with spiny leaves, purple flowers, and a leafstalk that may be blanched and eaten: family Asteraceae (composites) [C17: from French cardon, ultimately from Latin carduus thistle, artichoke]

cardophagus (kɑːˈdɒfəɡəs)   n   obsolete a donkey

Cardoso (Portuguese kɑrˈdozu)   n   Fernando Henrique. born 1931, Brazilian statesman; president (1995–2002)

carduaceous (ˌkɑːdjʊˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Carduaceae, a subfamily of composite plants that includes the thistle [C19: from New Latin Carduāceae, from Carduus type genus, from Latin: thistle]

Carducci (Italian karˈduttʃi)   n   Giosuè (dʒozuˈɛ). 1835–1907, Italian poet: Nobel prize for literature 1906

Cardus (ˈkɑːdəs)   n   Sir Neville. 1889–1975, British music critic and cricket writer

carduus (ˈkɑːdjʊəs)   n   a thistle, esp the species Carduus benedictus

cardy (ˈkɑːdI)   n, pl -dies   informal a variant spelling of cardie

care (kɛə)   vb   1 (when tr, may take a clause as object) to be troubled or concerned; be affected emotionally: I am miserable, and she doesn't care   2 (intr; foll by for or about) to have regard, affection, or consideration (for): he cares more for his hobby than his job   3 (intr; foll by for) to have a desire or taste (for): would you care for some tea?   4 (intr; foll by for) to provide physical needs, help, or comfort (for): the nurse cared for her patients   5 (tr) to agree or like (to do something): would you care to sit down, please?   6 for all I care or I couldn't care less I am completely indifferent   ▷ n   7 careful or serious attention: under her care the plant flourished; he does his work with care   8 protective or supervisory control: in the care of a doctor   9 (often plural) trouble; anxiety; worry   10 an object of or cause for concern: the baby's illness was her only care   11 caution: handle with care   12 care of at the address of: written on envelopes. Usual abbreviation: c/o   13 in care or into care social welfare made the legal responsibility of a local authority by order of a court [Old English cearu (n), cearian (vb), of Germanic origin; compare Old High German chara lament, Latin garrīre to gossip]

■ care and maintenance   n   commerce the state of a building, ship, machinery, etc, that is not in current use although it is kept in good condition to enable it to be quickly brought into service if there is demand for it. Abbreviation: C & M

■ care attendant   n   social welfare (in Britain) a person who is paid to look after one or more severely disabled people by visiting them frequently and staying when needed, but who does not live in

■ carefree (ˈkɛəˌfriː)   adj   without worry or responsibility   > ˈcareˌfreeness n

■ careful (ˈkɛəfʊl)   adj   1 cautious in attitude or action; prudent   2 painstaking in one's work; thorough: he wrote very careful script   3 (usually postpositive; foll by of, in, or about) solicitous; protective: careful of one's reputation   4 archaic full of care; anxious   5 Brit mean or miserly   > ˈcarefully adv   > ˈcarefulness n

■ caregiver (ˈkɛəˌɡIvə)   n   US and Canadian a person who has accepted responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbour or relative. Also called: carer

■ caregiving (ˈkɛəˌɡIvIŋ)   n   the practice of providing care for a vulnerable neighbour or relative

■ careless (ˈkɛəlIs)   adj   1 done with or acting with insufficient attention; negligent   2 (often foll by in, of, or about) unconcerned in attitude or action; heedless; indifferent (to): she's very careless about her clothes   3 (usually prenominal) carefree   4 (usually prenominal) unstudied; artless: an impression of careless elegance   > ˈcarelessly adv   > ˈcarelessness n

■ careline (ˈkɛəlaIn)   n   a telephone service set up by a company or other organization to provide its customers or clients with information about its products or services

■ care plan   n   a plan for the medical care of a particular patient or the welfare of a child in care

■ carer (ˈkɛərə)   n   social welfare a person who has accepted responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbour or relative. Usual US and Canadian term: caregiver. See also caretaker (sense 3)

■ caretake (ˈkɛəˌteIk)   vb   1 (intr) to work as a caretaker   2 (tr) to look after (a house, etc) in the owner's absence

■ caretaken (ˈkɛəˌteIkən)   adj   looked after

■ caretaker (ˈkɛəˌteIkə)   n   1 a person who is in charge of a place or thing, esp in the owner's absence: the caretaker of a school   2 (modifier) holding office temporarily; interim: a caretaker government   3 social welfare a person who takes care of a vulnerable person, often a close relative. See also carer   > ˈcareˌtaking n

■ careware (ˈkɛəˌwɛə)   n   computer software licensed in exchange for a donation to charity

■ care-worker   n   social welfare a person whose job involves helping people who have particular problems or special needs, for example in a care home

■ careworn (ˈkɛəˌwɔːn)   adj   showing signs of care, stress, worry, etc

■ caring (ˈkɛərIŋ)   adj   1 feeling or showing care and compassion: a caring attitude   2 of or relating to professional social or medical care: nursing is a caring job   ▷ n   3 the practice or profession of providing social or medical care

CARE (kɛə)   n acronym for   1 Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.; a federation of US charities, giving financial and technical assistance to many regions of the world   2 communicated authenticity, regard, empathy: the three qualities believed to be essential in the therapist practising client-centred therapy

careen (kəˈriːn)   vb   1 to sway or cause to sway dangerously over to one side   2 (tr) nautical to cause (a vessel) to keel over to one side, esp in order to clean or repair its bottom   3 (intr) nautical (of a vessel) to keel over to one side [C17: from French carène keel, from Italian carena, from Latin carīna keel]   > caˈreenage n   > caˈreener n

career (kəˈrIə)   n   1 a path or progress through life or history   2 a profession or occupation chosen as one's life's work   3 (modifier) having or following a career as specified: a career diplomat   4 a course or path, esp a swift or headlong one   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to move swiftly along; rush in an uncontrolled way [C16: from French carrière, from Late Latin carrāria carriage road, from Latin carrus two-wheeled wagon, CAR]

■ careerer (kəˈrIərə)   n   a person who careers

■ careerist (kəˈrIərIst)   n   a person who values success in his or her career above all else and seeks to advance it by any possible means   > caˈreerism n

■ careers adviser, careers advisor or careers counselor   n   a person trained in giving vocational advice, esp in secondary, further, or higher education

■ careers master   n   a male teacher who gives pupils advice and information about careers

■ careers mistress   n   a female teacher who gives pupils advice and information about careers

■ Careers Officer or careers teacher   n   a person trained in giving vocational advice, esp to school leavers

■ career woman or career girl   n   a woman whose priority in life is achieving success in her career or profession

careme (kæˈrɛm)   n   obsolete the forty days of Lent

Carême (karɛm)   n   Marie Antonin. 1784–1833, French chef, regarded as the founder of haute cuisine

caress (kəˈrɛs)   n   1 a gentle touch or embrace, esp one given to show affection   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to touch or stroke gently with affection or as with affection: the wind caressed her face [C17: from French caresse, from Italian carezza, from Latin cārus dear]   > caˈresser n   > caˈressingly adv

■ caressive (kəˈrɛsIv)   adj   resembling a caress or tending to caress

■ caressively (kəˈrɛsIvlI)   adv   caressingly

caret (ˈkærIt)   n   a symbol (⁁) used to indicate the place in written or printed matter at which something is to be inserted [C17: from Latin, literally: there is missing, from carēre to lack]

Carew (kəˈruː)   n   Thomas. ?1595–?1639, English Cavalier poet

carex (ˈkɛərɛks)   n   a less common name for sedge (sense 1)

Carey (ˈkɛərI)   n   1  George (Leonard). born 1935, Archbishop of Canterbury (1991–2002)   2  Peter. born 1943, Australian novelist and writer; his novels include the Booker Prize-winning Oscar and Lucinda (1988) and True History of the Kelly Gang (2001)   3  William. 1761–1834, British orientalist and pioneer Baptist missionary in India

Carey Street (ˈkɛərI)   n   1 (formerly) the street in which the London bankruptcy court was situated   2 the state of bankruptcy

carfax (ˈkɑːfæks)   n   a place where principal roads or streets intersect, esp a place in a town where four roads meet [C14: from Anglo-French carfuks, from Old French carrefures, from Latin quadrifurcus four-forked]

carfuffle (kəˈfʌfəl)   n   informal, chiefly Brit a variant spelling of kerfuffle [C20: of unknown origin]

cargo (ˈkɑːɡəʊ)   n, pl -goes or -gos   1    a goods carried by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle; freight   b (as modifier): a cargo vessel   2 any load: the train pulled in with its cargo of new arrivals [C17: from Spanish: from cargar to load, from Late Latin carricāre to load a vehicle, from carrus CAR]

■ cargo cult   n   a religious movement of the SW Pacific, characterized by expectation of the return of spirits in ships or aircraft carrying goods that will provide for the needs of the followers

■ cargo pants or cargo trousers   pl n   loose trousers with a large external pocket on the side of each leg

cargoose (ˈkɑːɡuːs)   n   another name for great crested grebe

Caria (ˈkɛərIə)   n   an ancient region of SW Asia Minor, on the Aegean Sea: chief cities were Halicarnassus and Cnidus: corresponds to the present-day Turkish districts of S Aydin and W Muğla

cariacou (ˈkærIəˌkuː)   n   any of several deer of the American subgenus Cariacus

Carib (ˈkærIb)   n   1 (pl -ibs or -ib) a member of a group of indigenous peoples of NE South America and the Lesser Antilles   2 the family of languages spoken by these peoples [C16: from Spanish Caribe, from Arawak]   > ˈCariban adj

Caribbean (ˌkærIˈbiːən; US kəˈrIbIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Caribbean Sea and its islands   2 of or relating to the Carib or any of their languages   ▷ n   3 the Caribbean the states and islands of the Caribbean Sea, including the West Indies, when considered as a geopolitical region   4 short for the Caribbean Sea   5 a member of any of the peoples inhabiting the islands of the Caribbean Sea, such as a West Indian or a Carib

■ Caribbean Sea   n   an almost landlocked sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, bounded by the Caribbean islands, Central America, and the N coast of South America. Area: 2 718 200 sq km (1 049 500 sq miles)

Caribbee bark (ˈkærIˌbiː)   n   the bark of any of various tropical American and Caribbean rubiaceous trees of the genus Exostema, used as a substitute for cinchona bark

Caribbees (ˈkærIˌbiːz)   pl n   the Caribbees a former name for the Lesser Antilles

caribe (kɑːˈriːbeI)   n   a piranha

Cariboo (ˈkærIˌbuː)   n   the Cariboo Canadian a region in the W foothills of the Cariboo Mountains, scene of a gold rush beginning in 1860

■ Cariboo Mountains   pl n   a mountain range in SW Canada, in SE British Columbia. Highest peak: Mount Sir Wilfrid Laurier, 3520 m (11 549 ft)

caribou (ˈkærIˌbuː)   n, pl -bou or -bous   a large deer, Rangifer tarandus, of Arctic regions of North America, having large branched antlers in the male and female: also occurs in Europe and Asia, where it is called a reindeer. Also called (Canadian): tuktu [C18: from Canadian French, of Algonquian origin; compare Micmac khalibu literally: scratcher]

Caribou (ˈkærIˌbuː)   n   Canadian a mixed drink containing wine and grain alcohol

■ Caribou Inuit   n   a member of any of the Inuit peoples who formerly inhabited the Barren Lands of N Canada

caricatura (ˌkærIkəˈtjʊərə)   n   obsolete a caricature

caricature (ˈkærIkəˌtjʊə)   n   1 a pictorial, written, or acted representation of a person, which exaggerates his or her characteristic traits for comic effect   2 a ludicrously inadequate or inaccurate imitation: he is a caricature of a statesman   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to represent in caricature or produce a caricature of [C18: from Italian caricatura a distortion, exaggeration, from caricare to load, exaggerate; see CARGO]   > ˈcaricaˌtural adj   > ˈcaricaˌturist n

CARICOM (ˈkærIˌkɒm)   n acronym for   Caribbean Community and Common Market

caries (ˈkɛəriːz)   n, pl -ies   progressive decay of a bone or a tooth [C17: from Latin: decay; related to Greek kēr death]

■ caried (ˈkɛəriːd)   adj   affected by caries

■ carious (ˈkɛərIəs) or cariose (ˈkɛərIˌəʊz)   adj   (of teeth or bone) affected with caries; decayed   > cariosity (ˌkærIˈɒsItI, ˌkɛərI-) or ˈcariousness n

CARIFTA (kæˈrIftə)   n acronym for   Caribbean Free Trade Area

carillon (kəˈrIljən)   n music   1 a set of bells usually hung in a tower and played either by keys and pedals or mechanically   2 a tune played on such bells   3 an organ stop giving the effect of a bell   4 a form of celesta or keyboard glockenspiel   ▷ vb -lons, -lonning, -lonned   5 (intr) to play a carillon [C18: from French: set of bells, from Old French quarregnon, ultimately from Latin quattuor four]

■ carillonneur (kəˌrIljəˈnɜː) or carillonist (kəˈrIljənIst)   n   a person who plays a carillon

carina (kəˈriːnə, -ˈraI-)   n, pl -nae (-niː) or -nas   a keel-like part or ridge, as in the breastbone of birds or the fused lower petals of a leguminous flower [C18: from Latin: keel]

■ carinal (kəˈriːnəl)   adj   biology resembling or relating to a carina

■ carinate (ˈkærIˌneIt) or carinated   adj   biology having a keel or ridge; shaped like a keel [C17: from Latin carīnāre to furnish with a keel or shell, from carīna keel]

Carina (kəˈriːnə, -ˈraI-)   n, Latin genitive Carinae (kəˈriːniː, -ˈraI-)   a large conspicuous constellation in the S hemisphere close to the Southern Cross that contains Canopus, the second brightest star in the sky. It was originally considered part of Argo

Carinthia (kəˈrInθIə)   n   a state of S Austria: an independent duchy from 976 to 1276; mainly mountainous, with many lakes and resorts. Capital: Klagenfurt. Pop: 559 440 (2003 est). Area: 9533 sq km (3681 sq miles). German name: Kärnten

carioca (ˌkærIˈəʊkə)   n   1 a Brazilian dance similar to the samba   2 a piece of music composed for this dance [C19: from Brazilian Portuguese]

Cariocan (ˌkærIˈəʊkən) or Carioca   n   a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

cariogenic (ˌkɛərIəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   (of a substance) producing caries, esp in the teeth

cariole or carriole (ˈkærIˌəʊl)   n   1 a small open two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle   2 a covered cart [C19: from French carriole, ultimately from Latin carrus; see CAR]

Carisbrooke Castle (ˈkærIzˌbrʊk)   n   a castle near Newport on the Isle of Wight: Charles I was held prisoner here from 1647 until his execution in 1649

caritas (ˈkærIˌtæs)   n   Christianity charity

cark^1 (kɑːk)   n, vb   an archaic word for worry (sense 1), worry (sense 2), worry (sense 11), worry (sense 13) [C13 carken to burden, from Old Northern French carquier, from Late Latin carricāre to load]

cark^2 (kɑːk)   vb   (intr) Austral slang to break down; die [perhaps from the cry of the crow, as a carrion feeding bird]

carl or carle (kɑːl)   n   archaic another word for churl [Old English, from Old Norse karl]

■ carlish (ˈkɑːlIʃ)   adj   archaic churlish or coarse

■ carlot (ˈkɑːlət)   n   obsolete a boor or churl

carlin (ˈkɑːlIn)   n   another name for pug^1 [C18: named after a French actor who played Harlequin, because of the resemblance of the dog's face to the black mask of the Harlequin]

carline^1 (ˈkɑːlIn)   n   a Eurasian thistle-like plant, Carlina vulgaris, having spiny leaves and flower heads surrounded by raylike whitish bracts: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: carline thistle [C16: from French, probably from Latin cardō thistle]

carline^2 or carlin (ˈkɑːlIn)   n   1 chiefly Scot an old woman, hag, or witch   2 a variant of carling [C14: from Old Norse kerling old woman, diminutive of karl man, CHURL]

carling (ˈkɑːlIŋ) or carline   n   a fore-and-aft beam in a vessel, used for supporting the deck, esp around a hatchway or other opening [C14: from Old Norse kerling old woman, CARLINE^2]

Carling (ˈkɑːlIŋ)   n   Will(iam). born 1965, English Rugby Union player; won 72 caps (1988–97); captained England to three Grand Slams (1991, 1992, 1995)

Carlisle (kɑːˈlaIl, ˈkɑːlaIl)   n   a city in NW England, administrative centre of Cumbria: railway and industrial centre. Pop: 71 773 (2001). Latin name: Luguvalium (ˌluːɡuːˈvælIəm)

Carlist (ˈkɑːlIst)   n   1 (in Spain) a supporter of Don Carlos or his descendants as the rightful kings of Spain   2 (in France) a supporter of Charles X or his descendants   > ˈCarlism n

carlock (ˈkɑːlɒk)   n   a type of Russian isinglass made from the bladder of a sturgeon

Carlos (ˈkɑːlɒs)   n   Don. full name Carlos María Isidro de Borbón. 1788–1855, second son of Charles IV: pretender to the Spanish throne and leader of the Carlists

Carlota (Spanish karˈlota)   n   original name Marie Charlotte Amélie Augustine Victoire Clémentine Léopoldine. 1840–1927, wife of Maximilian; empress of Mexico (1864–67)

Carlovingian (ˌkɑːləʊˈvIndʒIən)   adj, n   history a variant of Carolingian

Carlow (ˈkɑːləʊ)   n   1 a county of SE Republic of Ireland, in Leinster: mostly flat, with barren mountains in the southeast. County town: Carlow. Pop: 46 014 (2002). Area: 896 sq km (346 sq miles)   2 a town in SE Republic of Ireland, county town of Co Carlow. Pop: 18 487 (2002)

Carlsbad (ˈkarlsbaːt)   n   a variant spelling of the German name for Karlovy Vary

Carlton (ˈkɑːltən)   n   a town in N central England, in S Nottinghamshire. Pop: 48 493 (2001)

Carl XVI Gustaf (Swedish kɑːrl ˈɡʊstav)   n   born 1946, king of Sweden from 1973

Carlyle (kɑːˈlaIl)   n   1  Robert. born 1961, Scottish actor; his work includes the television series Cracker and Hamish Macbeth and the films Trainspotting (1996), The Full Monty (1997), The Beach (2000), and 28 Weeks Later (2007)   2  Thomas. 1795–1881, Scottish essayist and historian. His works include Sartor Resartus (1833–34),The French Revolution (1837), lectures On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History (1841), and the History of Frederick the Great (1858–65)

carmagnole (ˌkɑːmənˈjəʊl; French karmaɲɔl)   n   1 a dance and song popular during the French Revolution   2 the costume worn by many French Revolutionaries, consisting of a short jacket with wide lapels, black trousers, a red liberty cap, and a tricoloured sash [C18: from French, probably named after Carmagnola, Italy, taken by French Revolutionaries in 1792]

Carmarthen (kɑːˈmɑːðən)   n   a market town in S Wales, the administrative centre of Carmarthenshire: Norman castle. Pop: 14 648 (2001)

■ Carmarthenshire (kɑːˈmɑːðənˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of S Wales, formerly part of Dyfed (1974–96): on Carmarthen Bay, with the Cambrian Mountains in the N: generally agricultural (esp dairying). Administrative centre: Carmarthen. Pop: 176 000 (2003 est). Area: 2398 sq km (926 sq miles)

Carme^1 (ˈkɑːmI)   n   Greek myth a nymph who was one of Diana's attendants and mother of Britomaris by Jupiter

Carme^2 (ˈkɑːmI)   n   a small outer satellite of the planet Jupiter with a retrograde orbit

Carmel (ˈkɑːməl)   n   Mount Carmel a mountain ridge in NW Israel, extending from the Samarian Hills to the Mediterranean. Highest point: about 540 m (1800 ft)

■ Carmelite (ˈkɑːməˌlaIt)   n RC Church   1 a member of an order of mendicant friars founded about 1154; White Friar   2 a member of a corresponding order of nuns founded in 1452, noted for its austere rule   3 (modifier) of or relating to the Carmelite friars or nuns [C14: from French; named after Mount CARMEL, where the order was founded]

Carmichael (kɑːˈmaIkəl)   n   Hoaglund Howard (ˈhəʊɡlənd), known as Hoagy. 1899–1981, US pianist, singer, and composer of such standards as "Star Dust" (1929)

carminative (ˈkɑːmInətIv)   adj   1 able to relieve flatulence   ▷ n   2 a carminative drug [C15: from French carminatif, from Latin carmināre to card wool, remove impurities, from cārere to card]

carmine (ˈkɑːmaIn)   n   1    a a vivid red colour, sometimes with a purplish tinge   b (as adjective): carmine paint   2 a pigment of this colour obtained from cochineal [C18: from Medieval Latin carmīnus, from Arabic qirmiz KERMES]

carn (kɑːn)   n   another word for cairn (sense 1)

Carnac (ˈkɑːnæk)   n   a village in NW France: noted for its many megalithic monuments, including alignments of stone menhirs

carnage (ˈkɑːnIdʒ)   n   extensive slaughter, esp of human beings in battle [C16: from French, from Italian carnaggio, from Medieval Latin carnāticum, from Latin carō flesh]

carnal (ˈkɑːnəl)   adj   relating to the appetites and passions of the body; sensual; fleshly [C15: from Late Latin: relating to flesh, from Latin carō flesh]   > ˈcarnalist n   > carˈnality n   > ˈcarnally adv

■ carnalism (ˈkɑːnəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the quality or state of being sensual   2 the practice of carnal activities

■ carnalize or carnalise (ˈkɑːnəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to sensualise

■ carnal knowledge   n chiefly law   1 sexual intercourse   2 have carnal knowledge of to have sexual intercourse with

carnallite (ˈkɑːnəˌlaIt)   n   a white or sometimes coloured mineral consisting of a hydrated chloride of potassium and magnesium in orthorhombic crystalline form: a source of potassium and also used as a fertilizer. Formula: KCl.MgCl_2.6H_2O [C19: named after Rudolf von Carnall (1804–74), German mining engineer; see -ITE^1]

Carnap (ˈkɑːnæp)   n   Rudolf. 1891–1970, US logical positivist philosopher, born in Germany: attempted to construct a formal language for the empirical sciences that would eliminate ambiguity

carnaptious (kɑːˈnæpʃəs)   adj   Scot dialect ill-tempered or cantankerous

carnaroli (ˌkɑːnəˈrəʊlI)   n   a variety of short-grain rice used for risotto [Italian]

Carnarvon (kɑːˈnɑːvən)   n   a variant spelling of Caernarfon

carnassial (kɑːˈnæsIəl)   adj   1 zoology of, relating to, or designating the last upper premolar and first lower molar teeth of carnivores, which have sharp edges for tearing flesh   ▷ n   2 a carnassial tooth [C19: from French carnassier meat-eating, from Provençal, from carnasso abundance of meat, from carn meat, flesh, from Latin carō]

Carnatic (kɑːˈnætIk)   n   a region of S India, between the Eastern Ghats and the Coromandel Coast: originally the country of the Kanarese; historically important as a rich and powerful trading centre; now part of Tamil Nadu state

carnation (kɑːˈneIʃən)   n   1 Also called: clove pink a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Dianthus caryophyllus, cultivated in many varieties for its white, pink, or red flowers, which have a fragrant scent of cloves   2 the flower of this plant   3    a a pink or reddish-pink colour   b (as adjective): a carnation dress   4 (often plural) a flesh tint in painting [C16: from French: flesh colour, from Late Latin carnātiō fleshiness, from Latin carō flesh]

■ carnationed (kɑːˈneIʃənd)   adj   1 obsolete having the colour of flesh   2 made ruddy

carnauba (kɑːˈnaʊbə)   n   1 Also called: wax palm a Brazilian fan palm, Copernicia cerifera   2 Also called: carnauba wax the wax obtained from the young leaves of this tree, used esp as a polish [from Brazilian Portuguese, probably of Tupi origin]

Carné (karne)   n   Marcel (marsɛl). 1906–96, French film director. His films include Le Jour se lève (1939), Les Portes de la nuit (1946), and La Bible (1976)

Carnegie (ˈkɑːnəɡI, kɑːˈneI-)   n   Andrew. 1835–1919, US steel manufacturer and philanthropist, born in Scotland: endowed public libraries, education, and research trusts

■ Carnegie Hall (ˈkɑːnəɡI)   n   a famous concert hall in New York (opened 1891); endowed by Andrew Carnegie

carnelian (kɑːˈniːljən)   n   a red or reddish-yellow translucent variety of chalcedony, used as a gemstone [C17: variant of cornelian, from Old French corneline, of uncertain origin; car- spelling influenced by Latin carneus flesh-coloured]

carneous (ˈkɑːnIəs)   adj   fleshy

carnet (ˈkɑːneI)   n   1    a a customs licence authorizing the temporary importation of a motor vehicle   b an official document permitting motorists to cross certain frontiers   2 a book of tickets, travel coupons, etc [French: notebook, from Old French quernet, ultimately from Latin quaternī four at a time; see QUIRE^1]

Carney (ˈkɑːnI)   n   Mark (Joseph). born 1965, Canadian banker; governor of the Bank of Canada (2008–2013); governor of the Bank of England from 2013

carnifex (ˈkɑːnIˌfɛks)   n   an executioner

■ carnificial (ˌkɑːnIˈfIʃəl)   adj   relating to or belonging to an executioner or butcher

carnify (ˈkɑːnIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (intr) pathol (esp of lung tissue, as the result of pneumonia) to be altered so as to resemble skeletal muscle [C17: from Latin carō flesh + facere to make]   > carnification (ˌkɑːnIfIˈkeIʃən) n

Carniola (ˌkɑːnIˈəʊlə)   n   a region of N Slovenia: a former duchy and crownland of Austria (1335–1919); divided between Yugoslavia and Italy in 1919; part of Yugoslavia (1947–92). German name: Krain (krain). Slovene name: Kranj

carnitine (ˈkɑːnIˌtaIn)   n   chem a white betaine, C_7H_15NO_3, found in the liver and required for transporting fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria

carnival (ˈkɑːnIvəl)   n   1    a a festive occasion or period marked by merrymaking, processions, etc: esp in some Roman Catholic countries, the period just before Lent   b (as modifier): a carnival atmosphere   2 a travelling fair having merry-go-rounds, etc   3 a show or display arranged as an amusement   4 Austral a sports meeting [C16: from Italian carnevale, from Old Italian carnelevare a removing of meat (referring to the Lenten fast)]

■ carnivalesque (ˌkɑːnIvəˈlɛsk)   adj   characteristic of, suitable for, or like a carnival

carnivore (ˈkɑːnIˌvɔː)   n   1 any placental mammal of the order Carnivora, typically having large pointed canine teeth and sharp molars and premolars, specialized for eating flesh. The order includes cats, dogs, bears, raccoons, hyenas, civets, and weasels   2 any other animal or any plant that feeds on animals   3 informal an aggressively ambitious person [C19: probably back formation from CARNIVOROUS]

■ carnivora (kɑːˈnIvərə)   pl n   carnivorous animals collectively

■ carnivorous (kɑːˈnIvərəs)   adj   1 (esp of animals) feeding on flesh   2 (of plants such as the pitcher plant and sundew) able to trap and digest insects and other small animals   3 of or relating to the Carnivora   4 informal aggressively ambitious or reactionary [C17: from Latin carnivorus, from carō flesh + vorāre to consume]   > carˈnivorously adv   > carˈnivorousness n

■ carnivory (kɑːˈnIvərI)   n   the eating of animal flesh

carnosaur (ˈkɑːnəˌsɔː)   n   any of various large carnivorous bipedal dinosaurs of the group Carnosauria, including the allosaurs

carnose (ˈkɑːnəʊs)   adj   fleshy

■ carnosity (kɑːˈnɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   pathol an abnormal fleshy protrusion growing on any part of the body

Carnot (ˈkɑːnəʊ; French karno)   n   1  Lazare (Nicolas Marguerite) (lazar), known as the Organizer of Victory. 1753–1823, French military engineer and administrator: organized the French Revolutionary army (1793–95)   2  Nicolas Léonard Sadi (nikɔlɑ leɔnar sadi). 1796–1832, French physicist, whose work formed the basis for the second law of thermodynamics, enunciated in 1850; author of Réflexions sur la puissance motrice du feu (1824)

■ Carnot cycle   n   an idealized reversible heat-engine cycle giving maximum efficiency and consisting of an isothermal expansion, an adiabatic expansion, an isothermal compression, and an adiabatic compression back to the initial state

■ Carnot principle   n   the principle that no heat engine can be more efficient than one operating on a Carnot cycle of reversible changes

carnotite (ˈkɑːnəˌtaIt)   n   a radioactive yellow mineral consisting of hydrated uranium potassium vanadate: occurs in sedimentary rocks and is a source of uranium, radium, and vanadium. Formula: K_2(UO_2)2(VO_4)2.3H_2O [C20: named after A. Carnot (died 1920), French inspector general of mines]

carny^1 or carney (ˈkɑːnI)   vb -nies, -nying, -nied or -neys, -neying, -neyed   Brit informal to coax or cajole [C19: of unknown origin]

carny^2, carney or carnie (ˈkɑːnI)   n, pl -nies US and Canadian slang   1 short for carnival   2 a person who works in a carnival

carnyx (ˈkɑːnIks)   n   a bronze Celtic war trumpet

Caro   n   1 (ˈkærəʊ) Sir Antony. 1924–2013, British sculptor, best known for his abstract steel sculptures   2 (ˈkɑːrəʊ) Joseph (ben Ephraim) 1488–1575, Jewish legal scholar and mystic, born in Spain; compiler of the Shulhan Arukh (1564–65), the most authoritative Jewish legal code

carob (ˈkærəb)   n   1 Also called: algarroba an evergreen leguminous Mediterranean tree, Ceratonia siliqua, with compound leaves and edible pods   2 Also called: algarroba, Saint John's bread the long blackish sugary pod of this tree, used as a substitute for chocolate and for animal fodder [C16: from Old French carobe, from Medieval Latin carrūbium, from Arabic al kharrūbah]

caroche (kəˈrɒʃ)   n   a stately ceremonial carriage used in the 16th and 17th centuries [C16: from French, ultimately from Latin carrus CAR]

carol (ˈkærəl)   n   1 a joyful hymn or religious song, esp one (a Christmas carol) celebrating the birth of Christ   2 archaic an old English circular dance   ▷ vb -ols, -olling, -olled or US -ols, -oling, -oled   3 (intr) to sing carols at Christmas   4 to sing (something) in a joyful manner [C13: from Old French, of uncertain origin]   > ˈcaroler or ˈcaroller n   > ˈcaroling or ˈcarolling n

Carol II (ˈkærəl)   n   1893–1953, king of Romania (1930–40), who was deposed by the Iron Guard

Carolina (ˌkærəˈlaInə)   n   a former English colony on the E coast of North America, first established in 1663: divided in 1729 into North and South Carolina, which are often referred to as the Carolinas

Caroline (ˈkærəˌlaIn) or Carolean (ˌkærəˈliːən)   adj   1 Also called: Carolinian characteristic of or relating to Charles I or Charles II, kings of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the society over which they ruled, or their government   2 of or relating to any other king called Charles

Caroline Islands   pl n   an archipelago of over 500 islands and islets in the W Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines, all of which are now part of the Federated States of Micronesia, except for the Palau group: formerly part of the US Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; centre of a typhoon zone. Area: (land) 1183 sq km (457 sq miles)

Caroline of Ansbach (ˈænzbæk)   n   1683–1737, wife of George II of Great Britain

Caroline of Brunswick   n   1768–1821, wife of George IV of the United Kingdom: tried for adultery (1820)

Carolingian (ˌkærəˈlIndʒIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Frankish dynasty founded by Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, which ruled in France from 751–987 AD and in Germany until 911 AD   ▷ n   2 a member of the dynasty of the Carolingian Franks   ▶ Also called: Carlovingian, Carolinian

Carolinian^1 (ˌkærəˈlInIən)   adj, n   a variant of Caroline, Carolingian

Carolinian^2 (ˌkærəˈlInIən)   adj   1 of or relating to North or South Carolina   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of North or South Carolina

carolus (ˈkærələs)   n, pl -luses or -li (-ˌlaI)   any of several coins struck in the reign of a king called Charles, esp an English gold coin from the reign of Charles I

carom or carrom (ˈkærəm)   n   billiards, US and Canadian   a a shot in which the cue ball is caused to contact one object ball after another   b the points scored by this. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): cannon [C18: from earlier carambole (taken as carom ball), from Spanish CARAMBOLA]

■ carambole (ˈkærəmˌbəʊl)   vb (intr)   billiards to make a carom

caromel (ˈkærəmɛl)   vb   to convert or be converted into caramel

caron (ˈkærən)   n   printing an inverted circumflex

Caro's acid (ˈkærəʊz, ˈkɑː-)   n   another name for peroxysulphuric acid [C19: named after Heinrich Caro (died 1910), German chemist]

carotene (ˈkærəˌtiːn) or carotin (ˈkærətIn)   n   any of four orange-red isomers of an unsaturated hydrocarbon present in many plants (β-carotene is the orange pigment of carrots) and converted to vitamin A in the liver. Formula: C_40H_56 [C19 carotin, from Latin carōta CARROT; see -ENE]

■ carotenoid or carotinoid (kəˈrɒtIˌnɔId)   n   1 any of a group of red or yellow pigments, including carotenes, found in plants and certain animal tissues   ▷ adj   2 of or resembling carotene or a carotenoid

carotid (kəˈrɒtId) or carotid artery   n   1 either one of the two principal arteries that supply blood to the head and neck   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to either of these arteries [C17: from French, from Greek karōtides, from karoun to stupefy; so named by Galen, because pressure on them produced unconsciousness]   > caˈrotidal adj

carouse (kəˈraʊz)   vb   1 (intr) to have a merry drinking spree; drink freely   ▷ n   2 another word for carousal [C16: via French carrousser from German (trinken) gar aus (to drink) right out]   > caˈrouser n   > caˈrousing n

■ carousal (kəˈraʊzəl)   n   a merry drinking party

■ carousingly (kəˈraʊzIŋlI)   adv   in a carousing manner

carousel (ˌkærəˈsɛl, -ˈzɛl)   n   1 a circular magazine in which slides for a projector are held: it moves round as each slide is shown   2 a rotating conveyor belt for luggage, as at an airport   3 US and Canadian a revolving circular platform provided with wooden animals, seats, etc, on which people ride for amusement. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): merry-go-round, roundabout   4 history a tournament in which horsemen took part in races and various manoeuvres in formation [C17: from French carrousel, from Italian carosello, of uncertain origin]

■ carousel fraud   n   the practice of importing goods from a country where they are not subject to VAT, selling them with VAT added, then deliberately not paying the VAT to the government

carp^1 (kɑːp)   vb   (intr; often foll by at) to complain or find fault; nag pettily [C13: from Old Norse karpa to boast; related to Latin carpere to pluck]   > ˈcarper n

■ carping (ˈkɑːpIŋ)   adj   tending to make petty complaints; fault-finding   > ˈcarpingly adv

carp^2 (kɑːp)   n, pl carp or carps   1 a freshwater teleost food fish, Cyprinus carpio, having a body covered with cycloid scales, a naked head, one long dorsal fin, and two barbels on each side of the mouth: family Cyprinidae   2 any other fish of the family Cyprinidae; a cyprinid ▶ Related adjectives: cyprinid, cyprinoid [C14: from Old French carpe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German karpfo, Old Norse karfi]

-carp   n combining form   (in botany) fruit or a reproductive structure that develops into a particular part of the fruit: epicarp [from New Latin -carpium, from Greek -karpion, from karpos fruit]

carpaccio (ˌkɑːˈpætʃIəʊ; Italian karˈpattʃo)   n, pl -os   an Italian dish of thin slices of raw meat or fish [possibly after the Italian painter Vittore Carpaccio (?1460–?1525)]

Carpaccio (ˌkɑːˈpætʃIəʊ, -tʃəʊ; Italian karˈpattʃo)   n   Vittore (vitˈtoːre). ?1460–?1525, Italian painter of the Venetian school

carpal (ˈkɑːpəl)   n     a any bone of the wrist   b (as modifier): carpal bones. Also: carpale (kɑːˈpeIlI) [C18: from New Latin carpālis, from Greek karpos wrist]

■ carpal tunnel syndrome   n   a condition characterized by pain and tingling in the fingers, caused by pressure on a nerve as it passes under the ligament situated across the front of the wrist

Carpathian Mountains (kɑːˈpeIθIən) or Carpathians   pl n   a mountain system of central and E Europe, extending from Slovakia to central Romania: mainly forested, with rich iron ore resources. Highest peak: Gerlachovský Peak, 2655 m (8711 ft)

Carpatho-Ukraine (kɑːˈpeIθəʊjuːˈkreIn)   n   another name for Ruthenia

carpe diem Latin (ˈkɑːpI ˈdiːɛm)     enjoy the pleasures of the moment, without concern for the future [literally: seize the day!]

carpel (ˈkɑːpəl)   n   the female reproductive organ of flowering plants, consisting of an ovary, style (sometimes absent), and stigma. The carpels are separate or fused to form a single pistil [C19: from New Latin carpellum, from Greek karpos fruit]   > ˈcarpellary adj   > carpellate (ˈkɑːpIˌleIt) adj

Carpentaria (ˌkɑːpənˈtɛərIə)   n   Gulf of Carpentaria a shallow inlet of the Arafura Sea, in N Australia between Arnhem Land and Cape York Peninsula

carpenter (ˈkɑːpIntə)   n   1 a person skilled in woodwork, esp in buildings, ships, etc   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to do the work of a carpenter   3 (tr) to make or fit together by or as if by carpentry [C14: from Anglo-French, from Latin carpentārius wagon-maker, from carpentum wagon; of Celtic origin]

■ carpenter bee   n   any large solitary bee of the genus Xylocopa and related genera that lays its eggs in tunnels bored into wood or in plant stems: family Apidae

■ carpenter moth   n   any of various large moths of the family Cossidae, the larvae of which bore beneath and cause damage to tree bark

■ carpentry (ˈkɑːpIntrI)   n   1 the art or technique of working wood   2 the work produced by a carpenter; woodwork

Carpenter (ˈkɑːpIntə)   n   John Alden. 1876–1951, US composer, who used jazz rhythms in orchestral music: his works include the ballet Skyscrapers (1926) and the orchestral suite Adventures in a Perambulator (1915)

Carpentier (French karpɑ̃tje)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ), known as Gorgeous Georges. 1894–1975, French boxer: world light-heavyweight champion (1920–22)

carpet (ˈkɑːpIt)   n   1    a a heavy fabric for covering floors   b (as modifier): a carpet sale   2 a covering like a carpet: a carpet of leaves   3 on the carpet informal   a before authority to be reproved for misconduct or error   b under consideration   ▷ vb -pets, -peting, -peted (tr)   4 to cover with or as if with a carpet   5 informal to reprimand [C14: from Old French carpite, from Old Italian carpita, from Late Latin carpeta, literally: (wool) that has been carded, from Latin carpere to pluck, card]

■ carpetbag (ˈkɑːpItˌbæɡ)   n   a travelling bag originally made of carpeting

■ carpetbagger (ˈkɑːpItˌbæɡə)   n   1 a politician who seeks public office in a locality where he or she has no real connections   2 Brit a person who makes a short-term investment in a mutual savings or life-assurance organization in order to benefit from free shares issued following the organization's conversion to a public limited company   3 US a Northern White who went to the South after the Civil War to profit from Reconstruction

■ carpetbaggery (ˈkɑːpItˌbæɡərI)   n   the practice of being a carpetbagger

■ carpetbagging (ˈkɑːpItˌbæɡIŋ)   adj   1 relating to carpetbaggers or to the practice of carpetbaggers   ▷ n   2 the practice of carpetbaggers   3 any short-term involvement in a business venture for the purpose of making a quick profit, esp by nefarious means

■ carpet beetle or US carpet bug   n   any of various beetles of the genus Anthrenus, the larvae of which feed on carpets, furnishing fabrics, etc: family Dermestidae

■ carpet bombing   n   systematic intensive bombing of an area

■ carpet bowling   n   a form of bowls played indoors on a strip of carpet, at the centre of which lies an obstacle round which the bowl has to pass

■ carpeting (ˈkɑːpItIŋ)   n   carpet material or carpets in general

■ carpet knight   n   derogatory a soldier who tends to avoid battle; idler

■ carpetmonger (ˈkɑːpItˌmʌŋɡə)   n obsolete   1 a person who frequently visits women's boudoirs   2 a buyer and seller of carpets

■ carpet moth   n   any of several geometrid moths with black- (or brown-)and-white mottled wings [C19: so named from the patterns on their wings]

■ carpet plot   n   maths the graphed values of a function of more than one variable, read from an ordinate at points located by the intersection of curves of constant values of each of the variables [C20: from the shape of the graph, thought to resemble a flying carpet]

■ carpet shark   n   any of various sharks of the family Orectolobidae, having two dorsal fins and a patterned back, typically marked with white and brown

■ carpet slipper   n   one of a pair of slippers, originally one made with woollen uppers resembling carpeting

■ carpet snake or carpet python   n   a large nonvenomous Australian snake, Morelia variegata, having a carpetlike pattern on its back

■ carpet-sweeper   n   a household device with a revolving brush for sweeping carpets

■ carpet tiles   pl n   small pieces of carpeting laid as tiles to cover a floor

■ carpet-weaver   n   a person who weaves carpets

■ carpetweed (ˈkɑːpItˌwiːd)   n   an annual weed, Mollugo verticillata, native to North America, which produces small white flowers

carphology (kɑːˈfɒlədʒI)   n   med the action of grasping at imaginary objects or plucking at one's bed linen, a characteristic of people affected by delirium. Also called: floccillation

carpi (ˈkɑːpaI)   n   the plural of carpus

-carpic   adj combining form   a variant of -carpous

carpo-1   combining form   (in botany) indicating fruit or a reproductive structure that develops into part of the fruit: carpophore; carpogonium [from Greek karpos fruit]

carpo-2   combining form   carpus or carpal bones: carpometacarpus

carpogonium (ˌkɑːpəˈɡəʊnIəm)   n, pl -nia (-nIə)   the female sex organ of red algae, consisting of a swollen base containing the ovum and a long neck down which the male gametes pass   > ˌcarpoˈgonial adj

carpology (kɑːˈpɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of botany concerned with the study of fruits and seeds   > carpological (ˌkɑːpəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > carˈpologist n

carpometacarpus (ˌkɑːpəʊˌmɛtəˈkɑːpəs)   n   a bone in the wing of a bird that consists of the metacarpal bones and some of the carpal bones fused together

carpophagous (kɑːˈpɒfəɡəs)   adj   zoology feeding on fruit: carpophagous bats

carpophore (ˈkɑːpəˌfɔː)   n   1 the central column surrounded by carpels in such flowers as the geranium   2 a spore-bearing structure in some of the higher fungi

carpospore (ˈkɑːpəʊˌspɔː)   n   a sexual spore produced by red algae after fertilization of the carpogonium

-carpous or -carpic   adj combining form   (in botany) indicating a certain kind or number of fruit: apocarpous [from New Latin -carpus, from Greek karpos fruit]

carpus (ˈkɑːpəs)   n, pl -pi (-paI)   1 the technical name for wrist   2 the eight small bones of the human wrist that form the joint between the arm and the hand   3 the corresponding joint in other tetrapod vertebrates [C17: New Latin, from Greek karpos]

carr (kɑː)   n   Brit an area of bog or fen in which scrub, esp willow, has become established [C15: from Old Norse]

Carracci (kəˈrɑːtʃI; Italian karˈrattʃi)   n   a family of Italian painters, born in Bologna: Agostino (aɡosˈtiːno) (1557–1602); his brother, Annibale (anˈniːbale) (1560–1609), noted for his frescoes, esp in the Palazzo Farnese, Rome; and their cousin, Ludovico (ludoˈviːko) (1555–1619). They were influential in reviving the classical tradition of the Renaissance and founded a teaching academy (1582) in Bologna

carrack (ˈkærək)   n   a galleon sailed in the Mediterranean as a merchantman in the 15th and 16th centuries [C14: from Old French caraque, from Old Spanish carraca, from Arabic qarāqīr merchant ships]

carrageen, carragheen or carageen (ˈkærəˌɡiːn)   n   an edible red seaweed, Chondrus crispus, of North America and N Europe. Also called: Irish moss [C19: from Carragheen, near Waterford, Ireland, where it is plentiful]

■ carrageenan, carragheenan or carageenan (ˌkærəˈɡiːnən)   n   a carbohydrate extracted from carrageen, used to make a beverage, medicine, and jelly, and as an emulsifying and gelling agent (E407) in various processed desserts and drinks

Carrantuohill or Carrauntoohill (ˌkærənˈtuːl)   n   a mountain in SW Republic of Ireland, in Macgillicuddy's Reeks in Kerry: the highest peak in Ireland. Height: 1041 m (3414 ft)

Carrara (kəˈrɑːrə; Italian karˈraːra)   n   a town in NW Italy, in NW Tuscany: famous for its marble. Pop: 65 034 (2001)

carrefour (ˈkærəˌfɔː)   n   1 a rare word for crossroads   2 a public square, esp one at the intersection of several roads [C15: from Old French quarrefour, ultimately from Latin quadrifurcus having four forks]

carrel or carrell (ˈkærəl)   n   a small individual study room or private desk, often in a library, where a student or researcher can work undisturbed [C16: a variant of CAROL]

Carrel (kəˈrɛl, ˈkærəl; French karɛl)   n   Alexis (əˈlɛksIs; French alɛksi). 1873–1944, French surgeon and biologist, active in the US (1905–39): developed a method of suturing blood vessels, making the transplantation of arteries and organs possible: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1912

Carreras (kəˈrɛərəs)   n   José (həʊˈzeI). born 1947, Spanish tenor

Carrey (ˈkærI)   n   Jim. born 1962, Canadian-born Hollywood actor noted for his comedy roles; films include Ace Ventura, Pet Detective (1994), Liar Liar (1997), The Truman Show (1998), The Majestic (2001), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

carriage (ˈkærIdʒ)   n   1 Brit a railway coach for passengers   2 the manner in which a person holds and moves the head and body; bearing   3 a four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle for persons   4 the moving part of a machine that bears another part: a typewriter carriage; a lathe carriage   5 (ˈkærIdʒ, ˈkærIIdʒ)   a the act of conveying; carrying   b the charge made for conveying (esp in the phrases carriage forward, when the charge is to be paid by the receiver, and carriage paid) [C14: from Old Northern French cariage, from carier to CARRY]

■ carriageable (ˈkærIdʒəbəl)   adj   (of a road, etc) able to be travelled in a carriage

■ carriage bolt   n   chiefly US and Canadian another name for coach bolt

■ carriage clock   n   a portable clock, usually in a rectangular case with a handle on the top, of a type originally used by travellers

■ carriage dog   n   a former name for Dalmatian

■ carriage line   n   another term for coachline

■ carriage trade   n   trade from the wealthy part of society

■ carriageway (ˈkærIdʒˌweI)   n   Brit the part of a road along which traffic passes in a single line moving in one direction only: a dual carriageway

carrick bend (ˈkærIk)   n   a knot used for joining two ropes or cables together [C19: perhaps variant of CARRACK]

carrick bitt (ˈkærIk)   n   nautical either of a pair of strong posts used for supporting a windlass

Carrickfergus (ˌkærIkˈfɜːɡəs)   n   1 a town in E Northern Ireland, in Carrickfergus district, Co Antrim; historic settlement of Scottish Protestants on Belfast Lough; Norman castle. Pop: 27 201 (2001)   2 a district of E Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim. Pop: 37 659 (2001). Area: 83 sq km (32 sq miles)

Carrier (ˈkærIə)   n   a member of an Athapaskan Native North American people of British Columbia

Carrington (ˈkærIŋtən)   n   1  Dora, known as Carrington. 1893–1932, British painter, engraver, and letter writer; a member of the Bloomsbury Group   2  Peter (Alexander Rupert), 6th Baron. born 1919, British Conservative politician: secretary of state for defence (1970–74); foreign secretary (1979–82); secretary general of NATO (1984–88)

carriole (ˈkærIˌəʊl)   n   a variant spelling of cariole

carrion (ˈkærIən)   n   1 dead and rotting flesh   2 (modifier) eating carrion: carrion beetles   3 something rotten or repulsive [C13: from Anglo-French caroine, ultimately from Latin carō flesh]

■ carrion beetle   n   any beetle of the family Silphidae that track carrion by a keen sense of smell. See also burying beetle

■ carrion crow   n   a common predatory and scavenging European crow, Corvus corone, similar to the rook but having a pure black bill. See also hooded crow

■ carrion flower   n   1 a liliaceous climbing plant, Smilax herbacea of E North America, whose small green flowers smell like decaying flesh   2 any of several other plants, esp any of the genus Stapelia, whose flowers have an unpleasant odour

carritch (ˈkɑːItʃ)   n   Scot catechism

carriwitchet (ˌkærIˈwItʃIt)   n   a conundrum, nonsensical question, or pun

Carroll (ˈkærəl)   n   Lewis. real name the Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. 1832–98, English writer; an Oxford mathematics don who wrote Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1872) and the nonsense poem The Hunting of the Snark (1876)

carrom (ˈkærəm)   n   a varient spelling of carom

■ carrom ball (ˈkærəm)   n   cricket a ball with a spinning action created by keeping the middle finger bent and flicking it outwards at the moment of release [C21: from carrom, an Indian board game in which a similar flicking action is used. See also CAROM]

carronade (ˌkærəˈneId)   n   an obsolete naval gun of short barrel and large bore [C18: named after Carron, Scotland, where it was first cast; see -ADE]

carron oil (ˈkærən)   n   an ointment of limewater and linseed oil, formerly used to treat burns [C19: named after Carron, Scotland, where it was used among the ironworkers]

carrot (ˈkærət)   n   1 an umbelliferous plant, Daucus carota sativa, with finely divided leaves and flat clusters of small white flowers. See also wild carrot   2 the long tapering orange root of this plant, eaten as a vegetable   3 carrot and stick   a something offered as a lure or incentive   b reward and punishment as methods of persuasion [C16: from Old French carotte, from Late Latin carōta, from Greek karōton; perhaps related to Greek karē head]

■ carrot fly   n   a dipterous insect, Psila rosae, that is a serious pest of carrots. The larvae tunnel into the root to feed

■ carrot-top   n   1 informal, jocular a person with red hair   2 the top of a carrot

■ carrot-topped   adj   informal, jocular having red hair

■ carroty (ˈkærətI)   adj   1 of a reddish or yellowish-orange colour   2 having red hair

carrousel (ˌkærəˈsɛl, -ˈzɛl)   n   a variant spelling of carousel

carry (ˈkærI)   vb -ries, -rying, -ried (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to take or bear (something) from one place to another: to carry a baby in one's arms   2 to transfer for consideration; take: he carried his complaints to her superior   3 to have on one's person: he always carries a watch   4 (also intr) to be transmitted or serve as a medium for transmitting: sound carries best over water   5 to contain or be capable of containing: the jug carries water   6 to bear or be able to bear the weight, pressure, or responsibility of: her efforts carry the whole production   7 to have as an attribute or result: this crime carries a heavy penalty   8 to bring or communicate: to carry news   9 (also intr) to be pregnant with (young): she is carrying her third child   10 to bear (the head, body, etc) in a specified manner: she carried her head high   11 to conduct or bear (oneself) in a specified manner: she carried herself well in a difficult situation   12 to continue or extend: the war was carried into enemy territory   13 to cause to move or go: desire for riches carried him to the city   14 to influence, esp by emotional appeal: his words carried the crowd   15 to secure the passage of (a bill, motion, etc)   16 to win (an election)   17 to obtain victory for (a candidate or measure) in an election   18 chiefly US to win a plurality or majority of votes in (a district, legislative body, etc): the candidate carried 40 states   19 to capture: our troops carried the town   20 (of communications media) to include as the content: this newspaper carries no book reviews   21 accounting to transfer (an item) to another account, esp to transfer to the following year's account instead of writing off against profit and loss: to carry a loss. Also (esp US): carry over   22 maths to transfer (a number) from one column of figures to the next, as from units to tens in multiplication and addition   23 (of a shop, trader, etc) to keep in stock: to carry confectionery   24 to support (a musical part or melody) against the other parts   25 to sustain (livestock): this land will carry twelve ewes to the acre   26 to maintain (livestock) in good health but without increasing their weight or obtaining any products from them   27 (intr) (of a ball, projectile, etc) to travel through the air or reach a specified point: his first drive carried to the green   28 sport, esp golf (of a ball) to travel beyond: the drive carried the trees   29 (intr) (of a gun) to have a range as specified: this rifle carries for 1200 yards   30 to retain contact with and pursue (a line of scent)   31 (intr) (of ground) to be in such a condition that scent lies well upon it   32 ice hockey to move (the puck) forwards, keeping it against the blade of the stick   33 informal to imbibe (alcoholic drink) without showing ill effects   34 (intr) slang to have drugs on one's person   35 carry all before one to win unanimous support or approval for oneself   36 carry a tune to be able to sing in tune   37 carry the can informal to take the responsibility for some misdemeanour, etc (on behalf of)   38 carry the day to win a contest or competition; succeed   ▷ n, pl -ries   39 the act of carrying   40 US and Canadian a portion of land over which a boat must be portaged   41 the range of a firearm or its projectile   42 the distance travelled by a ball, etc, esp (in golf) the distance from where the ball is struck to where it first touches the ground [C14 carien, from Old Northern French carier to move by vehicle, from car, from Latin carrum transport wagon; see CAR]

■ carrier (ˈkærIə)   n   1 a person, thing, or organization employed to carry goods, passengers, etc   2 a mechanism by which something is carried or moved, such as a device for transmitting rotation from the faceplate of a lathe to the workpiece   3 pathol another name for vector (sense 3)   4 pathol a person or animal that, without having any symptoms of a disease, is capable of transmitting it to others   5 Also called: charge carrier physics an electron, ion, or hole that carries the charge in a conductor or semiconductor   6 short for carrier wave   7 chem   a the inert solid on which a dyestuff is adsorbed in forming a lake   b a substance, such as kieselguhr or asbestos, used to support a catalyst   c an inactive substance containing a radioisotope used in radioactive tracing   d an inert gas used to transport the sample through a gas-chromatography column   e a catalyst that effects the transfer of an atom or group from one molecule to another   8 See aircraft carrier   9 a breed of domestic fancy pigeon having a large walnut-shaped wattle over the beak; a distinct variety of pigeon from the homing or carrier pigeon. See also carrier pigeon   10 a US name for roof rack

■ carrier bag   n   Brit a large paper or plastic bag for carrying shopping

■ carrier pigeon   n   any homing pigeon, esp one used for carrying messages

■ carrier wave   n   a wave of fixed amplitude and frequency that is modulated in amplitude, frequency, or phase in order to carry a signal in radio transmission, etc. See amplitude modulation, frequency modulation

■ carryall (ˈkærIˌɔːl)   n   1 US and Canadian a large strong bag with handles. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): holdall   2 a light four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage usually designed to carry four passengers

■ carry away   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to remove forcefully   2 (usually passive) to cause (a person) to lose self-control   3 (usually passive) to delight or enrapture: he was carried away by the music

■ carry back tax accounting   vb   1 (tr, adverb) to apply (a legally permitted credit, esp an operating loss) to the taxable income of previous years in order to ease the overall tax burden   ▷ n carry-back   2 an amount carried back

■ carrycot (ˈkærIˌkɒt)   n   a light cot with handles, similar to but smaller than the body of a pram and often attachable to an unsprung wheeled frame

■ carry forward   vb (tr, adverb)   1 accounting to transfer (a balance) to the next page, column, etc   2 Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): carry over tax accounting to apply (a legally permitted credit, esp an operating loss) to the taxable income of following years to ease the overall tax burden   ▷ n carry-forward   3 Also called: carry-over tax accounting an amount carried forward

■ carry-in   adj   of or relating to a type of after-sales service in which the customer must take the product to the service provider for repair: carry-in warranty

■ carrying capacity   n   ecology the maximum number of individuals that an area of land can support, usually determined by their food requirements

■ carrying charge   n   the opportunity cost of unproductive assets, such as goods stored in a warehouse

■ carrying-on   n, pl carryings-on informal   1 unconventional or questionable behaviour   2 excited or flirtatious behaviour, esp when regarded as foolish

■ carrying place   n   Canadian another name for portage

■ carry off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to remove forcefully   2 to win: he carried off all the prizes   3 to manage or handle (a situation) successfully: he carried off the introductions well   4 to cause to die: he was carried off by pneumonia

■ carry on   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to continue or persevere: we must carry on in spite of our difficulties   2 (tr) to manage or conduct: to carry on a business   3 (intr; often foll by with) informal to have an affair   4 (intr) informal to cause a fuss or commotion   ▷ n carry-on   5 informal, chiefly Brit a fuss or commotion   ▷ adj carry-on   6 (of luggage) to be taken inside an aircraft by hand personally by a passenger

■ carry out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to perform or cause to be implemented: I wish he could afford to carry out his plan   2 to bring to completion; accomplish   ▷ n carry-out chiefly Scot   3 alcohol bought at a pub or off-licence for consumption elsewhere   4    a hot cooked food bought at a shop or restaurant for consumption elsewhere   b a shop or restaurant that sells such food: we'll get something from the Chinese carry-out   c (as modifier): a carry-out shop

■ carry over   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to postpone or defer   2 accounting, tax accounting another term for carry forward   3 (on the London Stock Exchange) to postpone (payment or settlement) until the next account day   ▷ n carry-over   4 something left over for future use, esp goods to be sold   5 accounting a sum or balance carried forward   6 another name for contango   7 tax accounting another name for carry-forward. See carry forward (sense 3)

■ carry-over   n   1 something left over for future use, esp goods to be sold   2 accounting a sum or balance carried forward   3 another name for contango (sense 2)   4 See carry forward (sense 3)

■ carrytale (ˈkærIˌteIl)   n   obsolete a gossipmonger

■ carry through   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to bring to completion   2 to enable to endure (hardship, trouble, etc); support

■ carry trade   n   finance a speculative transaction in which a trader buys the currency of a country with a high rate of interest and sells the currency of a country with a low rate of interest

carse (kɑːs; Scottish kærs)   n   Scot a riverside area of flat fertile alluvium [C14: of uncertain origin; perhaps from a plural form of CARR]

Carson (ˈkɑːsən)   n   1  Christopher, known as Kit Carson. 1809–68, US frontiersman, trapper, and scout   2  Edward Henry, Baron. 1854–1935, Anglo-Irish politician and lawyer; led northern Irish resistance to the British government's plan for home rule for Ireland   3  Rachel (Louise). 1907–64, US marine biologist and science writer; author of Silent Spring (1962)   4  Willie, full name William Hunter Fisher Carson. born 1942, Scottish jockey: rode four winners in the Derby (1979, 1980, 1989, 1994)

Carson City (ˈkɑːsən)   n   a city in W Nevada, capital of the state. Pop: 55 311 (2003 est)

Carstensz (ˈkɑːstənz)   n   Mount Carstensz a former name of (Mount) Jaya

cart^1 (kɑːt)   n   1 a heavy open vehicle, usually having two wheels and drawn by horses, used in farming and to transport goods   2 a light open horse-drawn vehicle having two wheels and springs, for business or pleasure   3 any small vehicle drawn or pushed by hand, such as a trolley   4 put the cart before the horse to reverse the usual or natural order of things   ▷ vb   5 (usually tr) to use or draw a cart to convey (goods, etc): to cart groceries   6 (tr) to carry with effort; haul: to cart wood home [C13: from Old Norse kartr; related to Old English cræt carriage, Old French carete; see CAR]   > ˈcartable adj   > ˈcarter n

■ cartage (ˈkɑːtIdʒ)   n   the process or cost of carting

■ cartful (ˈkɑːtˌfʊl)   n   the amount a cart can hold

■ carthorse (ˈkɑːtˌhɔːs)   n   a large heavily built horse kept for pulling carts or carriages

■ cartload (ˈkɑːtˌləʊd)   n   1 the amount a cart can hold   2 a quantity of rubble, ballast, etc, of between one quarter and one half of a cubic yard

■ cart off, cart away or cart out   vb   (tr, adverb) informal to carry or remove brusquely or by force

■ cartroad (ˈkɑːtˌrəʊd)   n   a rough track or road in a rural area

■ cart track   n   a rough track or road in a rural area. Also called: cart road

■ cartway (ˈkɑːtˌweI)   n   a cart track

■ cartwheel (ˈkɑːtˌwiːl)   n   1 the wheel of a cart, usually having wooden spokes and metal tyres   2 an acrobatic movement in which the body makes a sideways revolution supported on the hands with arms and legs outstretched   3 US slang a large coin, esp the silver dollar

■ cartwheeler (ˈkɑːtˌwiːlə)   n   a person who performs cartwheels

■ cartwheel flower   n   another name for giant hogweed

■ cartwright (ˈkɑːtˌraIt)   n   a person who makes carts

cart^2 (kɑːt)   n   radio, television short for cartridge (sense 4)

CART   abbreviation for   Championship Auto Racing Teams

carta (ˈkɑːtə)   n   a charter

Cartagena (ˌkɑːtəˈdʒiːnə; Spanish kartaˈxena)   n   1 a port in NW Colombia, on the Caribbean: centre for the Inquisition and the slave trade in the 16th century; chief oil port of Colombia. Pop: 1 002 000 (2005 est)   2 a port in SE Spain, on the Mediterranean: important since Carthaginian and Roman times for its minerals. Pop: 194 203 (2003 est)

carte (kɑːt)   n   a variant spelling of quarte

■ carte blanche (ˈkɑːt ˈblɑːntʃ; French kart blɑ̃ʃ)   n, pl cartes blanches (ˈkɑːts ˈblɑːntʃ; French kart blɑ̃ʃ)   1 complete discretion or authority: the government gave their negotiator carte blanche   2 cards a piquet hand containing no court cards: scoring ten points [C18: from French: blank paper]

■ carte du jour (ˈkɑːt də ˈʒʊə, duː; French kart dy ʒur)   n, pl cartes du jour (ˈkɑːts də ˈʒʊə, duː; French kart dy ʒur)   a menu listing dishes available on a particular day [French, literally: card of the day]

Carte (kɑːt)   n   See D'Oyly Carte

cartel (kɑːˈtɛl)   n   1 Also called: trust a collusive international association of independent enterprises formed to monopolize production and distribution of a product or service, control prices, etc   2 politics an alliance of parties or interests to further common aims [C20: from German Kartell, from French, from Italian cartello a written challenge, public notice, diminutive of carta CARD^1]

■ cartelism (ˈkɑːtəˌlIzəm)   n   the practice of forming cartels

■ cartelist (ˈkɑːtəlIst, kɑːˈtɛlIst)   n   a member of a cartel, or a supporter of cartelism

■ cartelize or cartelise (ˈkɑːtəlaIz)   vb   to form or be formed into a cartel   > ˌcarteliˈzation or ˌcarteliˈsation n

Carter (ˈkɑːtə)   n   1  Angela. 1940–92, British novelist and writer; her novels include The Magic Toyshop (1967) and Nights at the Circus (1984)   2  Dan(iel William). born 1982, New Zealand Rugby Union player; a fly-half, his 1,598 points in test matches is a world record   3  Elliot (Cook). 1908–2012, US composer. His works include the Piano Sonata (1945–46), four string quartets, and other orchestral pieces: Pulitzer Prize 1960, 1973   4  Howard. 1873–1939, English Egyptologist: excavated the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen   5  James Earl, known as Jimmy. born 1924, US Democratic statesman; 39th president of the US (1977–81); Nobel peace prize 2002

Carteret (ˈkɑːtərIt)   n   John, 1st Earl Granville. 1690–1763, British statesman, diplomat, and orator who led the opposition to Walpole (1730–42), after whose fall he became a leading minister as secretary of state (1742–44)

Cartesian (kɑːˈtiːzIən, -ʒjən)   adj   1 of or relating to the works of René Descartes   2 of, relating to, or used in Descartes' mathematical system: Cartesian coordinates   3 of, relating to, or derived from Descartes' philosophy, esp his contentions that personal identity consists in the continued existence of a unique mind and that the mind and body are connected causally. See also dualism (sense 2)   ▷ n   4 a follower of the teachings and methods of Descartes   > Carˈtesianˌism n

■ Cartesian coordinates   pl n   a system of representing points in space in terms of their distance from a given origin measured along a set of mutually perpendicular axes. Written (x,y,z) with reference to three axes

■ Cartesian product   n   maths, logic the set of all ordered pairs of members of two given sets. The product A × B is the set of all pairs <a, b> where a is a member of A and b is a member of B. Also called: cross product

Carthage (ˈkɑːθIdʒ)   n   an ancient city state, on the N African coast near present-day Tunis. Founded about 800 BC by Phoenician traders, it grew into an empire dominating N Africa and the Mediterranean. Destroyed and then rebuilt by Rome, it was finally razed by the Arabs in 697 AD. See also Punic Wars

■ Carthaginian (ˌkɑːθəˈdʒInIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Carthage or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Carthage

carthamine (ˈkɑːθəmIn)   n   a yellow or red dye obtained from safflower

Carthusian (kɑːˈθjuːzIən)   n   RC Church   a a member of an austere monastic order founded by Saint Bruno in 1084 near Grenoble, France   b (as modifier): a Carthusian monastery [C14: from Medieval Latin Carthusianus, from Latin Carthusia Chartreuse, near Grenoble]

Cartier (French kartje)   n   Jacques (ʒɑk). 1491–1557, French navigator and explorer in Canada, who discovered the St Lawrence River (1535)

Cartier-Bresson (French kartjebrɛsɔ̃)   n   Henri (ɑ̃ri). 1908–2004, French photographer

cartilage (ˈkɑːtIlIdʒ, ˈkɑːtlIdʒ)   n   a tough elastic tissue composing most of the embryonic skeleton of vertebrates. In the adults of higher vertebrates it is mostly converted into bone, remaining only on the articulating ends of bones, in the thorax, trachea, nose, and ears. Nontechnical name: gristle [C16: from Latin cartilāgō]   > cartilaginous (ˌkɑːtIˈlædʒInəs) adj

■ cartilage bone   n   any bone that develops within cartilage rather than in a fibrous tissue membrane. Compare membrane bone

■ cartilaginous fish   n   any fish of the class Chondrichthyes, including the sharks, skates, and rays, having a skeleton composed entirely of cartilage

Cartland (ˈkɑːtlənd)   n   Dame Barbara (Hamilton). 1901–2000, British novelist, noted for her prolific output of popular romantic fiction

cartogram (ˈkɑːtəˌɡræm)   n   a map showing statistical information in diagrammatic form [C20: from French cartogramme, from carte map, CHART; see -GRAM]

cartography or chartography (kɑːˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the art, technique, or practice of compiling or drawing maps or charts [C19: from French cartographie, from carte map, CHART]   > carˈtographer or charˈtographer n   > cartographic (ˌkɑːtəˈɡræfIk), ˌcartoˈgraphical, ˌchartoˈgraphic or ˌchartoˈgraphical adj   > ˌcartoˈgraphically or ˌchartoˈgraphically adv

cartology (kɑːtˈɒlədʒI)   n   the theory or science of mapmaking

■ cartological (ˌkɑːtəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   relating to cartology

cartomancy (ˈkɑːtəˌmænsI)   n   the telling of fortunes with playing cards [C19: from French carte card + -MANCY]

carton (ˈkɑːtən)   n   1 a cardboard box for containing goods   2 a container of waxed paper or plastic in which liquids, such as milk, are sold   3 shooting   a a white disc at the centre of a target   b a shot that hits this disc   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to enclose (goods) in a carton [C19: from French, from Italian cartone pasteboard, from carta CARD^1]

cartonage (ˈkɑːtənIdʒ)   n   archaeol the material from which many Egyptian mummy masks and coffins were made, consisting of linen or papyrus held together with glue

cartoon (kɑːˈtuːn)   n   1 a humorous or satirical drawing, esp one in a newspaper or magazine, concerning a topical event   2 Also called: comic strip a sequence of drawings in a newspaper, magazine, etc, relating a comic or adventurous situation   3 See animated cartoon   4 a full-size preparatory sketch for a fresco, tapestry, mosaic, etc, from which the final work is traced or copied [C17: from Italian cartone pasteboard, sketch on stiff paper; see CARTON]   > carˈtoonist n

■ cartoonish (ˌkɑːˈtuːnIʃ)   adj   like a cartoon, esp in being one-dimensional, brightly coloured, or exaggerated

■ cartoonishly (kɑːˈtuːnIʃlI)   adv   in a cartoonish manner

■ cartoonlike (kɑːˈtuːnˌlaIk)   adj   cartoonish

■ cartoony (kɑːˈtuːnI)   adj -ier, -iest   informal cartoonish

cartophily (kɑːˈtɒfIlI)   n   the hobby of collecting cigarette cards [C20: from French carte card + -O- + -phily from Greek philos loving]   > carˈtophilist or ˈcartophile n

■ cartophilic (ˌkɑːtəˈfIlIk)   adj   relating to cartophily

cartouche or cartouch (kɑːˈtuːʃ)   n   1 a carved or cast ornamental tablet or panel in the form of a scroll, sometimes having an inscription   2 an oblong figure enclosing characters expressing royal or divine names in Egyptian hieroglyphics   3 the paper case holding combustible materials in certain fireworks   4 rare a cartridge or a box for cartridges [C17: from French: scroll, cartridge, from Italian cartoccio, from carta paper; see CARD^1]

cartridge (ˈkɑːtrIdʒ)   n   1 a cylindrical, usually metal casing containing an explosive charge and often a bullet, for a rifle or other small arms   2 a case for an explosive, such as a blasting charge   3 an electromechanical transducer in the pick-up of a record player, usually either containing a piezoelectric crystal (crystal cartridge) or an electromagnet (magnetic cartridge)   4 a container for magnetic tape that is inserted into a tape deck in audio or video systems. It is about four times the size of a cassette   5 Also called: cassette, magazine photog a light-tight film container that enables a camera to be loaded and unloaded in normal light   6 computing a removable unit in a printer which contains black or coloured ink   7 computing a removable unit in a computer, such as an integrated circuit, containing software [C16: from earlier cartage, variant of CARTOUCHE (cartridge)]

■ cartridge belt   n   a belt with pockets for cartridge clips or loops for cartridges

■ cartridge clip   n   a metallic container holding cartridges for an automatic firearm

■ cartridge paper   n   1 an uncoated type of drawing or printing paper, usually made from bleached sulphate wood pulp with an addition of esparto grass   2 a heavy paper used in making cartridges or as drawing or printing paper

■ cartridge pen   n   a pen having a removable ink reservoir that is replaced when empty

cartulary (ˈkɑːtjʊlərI) or chartulary (ˈtʃɑːtjʊlərI)   n, pl -laries   law   a a collection of charters or records, esp relating to the title to an estate or monastery   b any place where records are kept [C16: from Medieval Latin cartulārium, from Latin chartula a little paper, from charta paper; see CARD^1]

Cartwright (ˈkɑːtˌraIt)   n   1  Edmund. 1743–1823, British clergyman, who invented the power loom   2  Dame Silvia (née Poulter). born 1943, New Zealand lawyer. She became a High Court judge in 1993; governor general of New Zealand (2001–06)

carucate (ˈkærjʊˌkeIt)   n   feudal history the area of land an oxen team could plough in a year

■ carucage (ˈkærjʊˌkeIdʒ)   n   feudal law the tax due on a carucate

caruncle (ˈkærəŋkəl, kəˈrʌŋ-)   n   1 a fleshy outgrowth on the heads of certain birds, such as a cock's comb   2 an outgrowth near the hilum on the seeds of some plants   3 any small fleshy mass in or on the body, either natural or abnormal [C17: from obsolete French caruncule, from Latin caruncula a small piece of flesh, from carō flesh]   > caruncular (kəˈrʌŋkjʊlə) or caˈrunculous adj   > carunculate (kəˈrʌŋkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or caˈruncuˌlated adj

Caruso (Italian kaˈruːso)   n   Enrico (enˈriːko). 1873–1921, an outstanding Italian operatic tenor; one of the first to make gramophone records

carvacrol (ˈkɑːvəˌkrɒl)   n   the aromatic phenol C_10H_14O, found in plants of the mint family and used as a fungicide, as an antiseptic, and as a scent in perfumes

carve (kɑːv)   vb   1 (tr) to cut or chip in order to form something: to carve wood   2 to decorate or form (something) by cutting or chipping: to carve statues   3 to slice (meat) into pieces: to carve a turkey [Old English ceorfan; related to Old Frisian kerva, Middle High German kerben to notch]

■ carven (ˈkɑːvən)   vb   an archaic or literary past participle of carve

■ carve out   vb   (tr, adverb) to make or create (a career): he carved out his own future

■ carver (ˈkɑːvə)   n   1 a carving knife   2 (plural) a large matched knife and fork for carving meat   3 Brit a chair with arms that forms part of a set of dining chairs

■ carvery (ˈkɑːvərI)   n, pl -veries   an eating establishment at which customers pay a set price and may then have unrestricted helpings of food from a variety of meats, salads, and other vegetables

■ carve up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to cut (something) into pieces   2 to divide or dismember (a country, land, etc)   ▷ n carve-up   3 informal an act or instance of dishonestly prearranging the result of a competition   4 slang the distribution of something, as of booty

■ carving (ˈkɑːvIŋ)   n   a figure or design produced by carving stone, wood, etc. Related adjective: glyptic

■ carving knife   n   a long-bladed knife for carving cooked meat for serving

carvel (ˈkɑːvəl)   n   another word for caravel

■ carvel-built   adj   (of a vessel) having a hull with planks made flush at the seams. Compare clinker-built

Carver (ˈkɑːvə)   n   George Washington. ?1864–1943, US agricultural chemist and botanist

carvy (ˈkɑːvI)   n, pl -vies Scot   1 a caraway seed, esp one that is covered in sugar   2 a caraway plant

Cary (ˈkɛərI, ˈkærI)   n   (Arthur) Joyce (Lunel). 1888–1957, British novelist; author of Mister Johnson (1939), A House of Children (1941), and The Horse's Mouth (1944)

caryatid (ˌkærIˈætId)   n, pl -ids or -ides (-Iˌdiːz)   a column, used to support an entablature, in the form of a draped female figure. Compare telamon [C16: from Latin Caryātides, from Greek Karuatides priestesses of Artemis at Karuai (Caryae), village in Laconia]   > ˌcaryˈatidal, ˌcaryˌatiˈdean, ˌcaryˈatic or caryatidic (ˌkærIəˈtIdIk) adj

caryo-   combining form   a variant of karyo-

caryophyllaceous (ˌkærIəʊfIˈleIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Caryophyllaceae, a family of flowering plants including the pink, carnation, sweet william, and chickweed [C19: from New Latin Caryophyllāceae, from Caryophyllus former type genus, from Greek karuophullon clove tree, from karuon nut + phullon leaf]

caryopsis (ˌkærIˈɒpsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz) or -sides (-sIˌdiːz)   a dry seedlike fruit having the pericarp fused to the seed coat of the single seed: produced by the grasses [C19: New Latin; see KARYO-, -OPSIS]

caryopteris (ˌkærIˈɒptərIs)   n   any of various shrubs with small blue or white flowers of the genus Caryopteris, all found in S and E Asia

CAS   abbreviation for   1 Court of Arbitration for Sport   2 (in Canada) Children's Aid Society

casa (ˈkɑːzə)   n   a house

casaba or cassaba (kəˈsɑːbə)   n   a kind of winter muskmelon having a yellow rind and sweet juicy flesh [from Kassaba, former name of Turgutlu, Turkey]

Casablanca (ˌkæsəˈblæŋkə)   n   a port in NW Morocco, on the Atlantic: largest city in the country; industrial centre. Pop: 3 523 000 (2003)

Casals (Spanish kaˈsals)   n   Pablo (ˈpaβlo). 1876–1973, Spanish cellist and composer, noted for his interpretation of J. S. Bach's cello suites

Casanova (ˌkæsəˈnəʊvə)   n   1  Giovanni Jacopo (dʒoˈvanni ˈjaːkopo). 1725–98, Italian adventurer noted for his Mémoires, a vivid account of his sexual adventures and of contemporary society   2 any man noted for his amorous adventures; rake

Casaubon (kəˈsɔːbən; French kazobɔ̃)   n   Isaac (izaak). 1559–1614, French Protestant theologian and classical scholar

casbah (ˈkæzbɑː)   n   (sometimes capital) a variant spelling of kasbah

cascabel (ˈkæskəˌbɛl)   n   1 a knoblike protrusion on the rear part of the breech of an obsolete muzzle-loading cannon   2 the rear part itself [C17: from Spanish: small bell, rattle, of uncertain origin]

cascade (kæsˈkeId)   n   1 a waterfall or series of waterfalls over rocks   2 something resembling this, such as folds of lace   3    a a consecutive sequence of chemical or physical processes   b (as modifier): cascade liquefaction   4    a a series of stages in the processing chain of an electrical signal where each operates the next in turn   b (as modifier): a cascade amplifier   5 the cumulative process responsible for the formation of an electrical discharge, cosmic-ray shower, or Geiger counter avalanche in a gas   6 the sequence of spontaneous decays by an excited atom or ion   ▷ vb   7 (intr) to flow or fall in or like a cascade [C17: from French, from Italian cascata, from cascare to fall, ultimately from Latin cadere to fall]

■ cascading style sheet   n   computing a file recording style details, such as fonts, colours, etc, that is read by browsers so that style is consistent over multiple web pages. Abbreviation: CSS

Cascade Range   n   a chain of mountains in the US and Canada: a continuation of the Sierra Nevada range from N California through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia. Highest peak: Mount Rainier, 4392 m (14 408 ft)

cascadura (ˌkæskəˈdʊərə)   n   a small Trinidadian catfish of the family Callichthyidae, with tough scaly skin

cascara (kæsˈkɑːrə)   n   1 See cascara sagrada   2 Also called: cascara buckthorn, bearwood a shrub or small tree, Rhamnus purshiana of NW North America, whose bark is a source of cascara sagrada: family Rhamnaceae [C19: from Spanish: bark, from cascar to break, from Vulgar Latin quassicāre (unattested) to shake violently, shatter, from Latin quassāre to dash to pieces]

■ cascara sagrada (səˈɡrɑːdə)   n   the dried bark of the cascara buckthorn, used as a stimulant and laxative. Often shortened to: cascara [Spanish, literally: sacred bark]

cascarilla (ˌkæskəˈrIlə)   n   1 a West Indian euphorbiaceous shrub, Croton eluteria, whose bitter aromatic bark is used as a tonic   2 the bark of this shrub [C17: from Spanish, diminutive of cáscara bark; see CASCARA]

caschrom (ˈkæsˌkrəʊm)   n   a wooden hand-plough used to till the ground in the northwest of Scotland

casco (ˈkæskəʊ)   n   an Argentinian homestead

case^1 (keIs)   n   1 a single instance, occurrence, or example of something   2 an instance of disease, injury, hardship, etc   3 a question or matter for discussion: the case before the committee   4 a specific condition or state of affairs; situation   5 a set of arguments supporting a particular action, cause, etc   6    a a person attended or served by a doctor, social worker, solicitor, etc; patient or client   b (as modifier): a case study   7    a an action or suit at law or something that forms sufficient grounds for bringing an action: he has a good case   b the evidence offered in court to support a claim   8 grammar   a a set of grammatical categories of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, marked by inflection in some languages, indicating the relation of the noun, adjective, or pronoun to other words in the sentence   b any one of these categories: the nominative case   9 informal a person in or regarded as being in a specified condition: the accident victim was a hospital case   10 informal a person of a specified character (esp in the phrase a hard case)   11 informal an odd person; eccentric   12 US informal love or infatuation   13 short for case shot. See canister (sense 2b)   14 as the case may be according to the circumstances   15 in any case (adverb) no matter what; anyhow: we will go in any case   16 in case (adverb)   a in order to allow for eventualities   b (as conjunction) in order to allow for the possibility that: take your coat in case it rains   c US if   17 in case of (preposition) in the event of   18 in no case (adverb) under no circumstances: in no case should you fight back [Old English casus (grammatical) case, associated also with Old French cas a happening; both from Latin cāsus, a befalling, occurrence, from cadere to fall]

■ casebook (ˈkeIsˌbʊk)   n   a book in which records of legal or medical cases are kept

■ case-by-case   adj   considering each case individually rather than considering several cases together as a whole

■ case grammar   n   linguistics a system of grammatical description based on the functional relations that noun groups have to the main verb of a sentence. Compare systemic grammar, transformational grammar

■ case history   n   a record of a person's background, medical history, etc, esp one used for determining medical treatment

■ case law   n   law established by following judicial decisions given in earlier cases. Compare statute law. See also precedent (sense 1)

■ caseload (ˈkeIsləʊd)   n   the number of cases constituting the work of a doctor, solicitor, social worker, etc over a specified period

■ casemix (ˈkeIsˌmIks)   n   the varied types of patients treated by a hospital or medical unit

■ case stated   n   law a statement of the facts of a case prepared by one court for the opinion or judgment of another court. Also called: stated case

■ case study   n   the act or an instance of analysing one or more particular cases or case histories with a view to making generalizations

■ casework (ˈkeIsˌwɜːk)   n   social work based on close study of the personal histories and circumstances of individuals and families   > ˈcaseˌworker n

case^2 (keIs)   n   1    a a container, such as a box or chest   b (in combination): suitcase; briefcase   2 an outer cover or sheath, esp for a watch   3 a receptacle and its contents: a case of ammunition   4 a pair or brace, esp of pistols   5 architect another word for casing (sense 3)   6 a completed cover ready to be fastened to a book to form its binding   7 printing a tray divided into many compartments in which a compositor keeps individual metal types of a particular size and style. Cases were originally used in pairs, one (the upper case) for capitals, the other (the lower case) for small letters. See also upper case, lower case   8 metallurgy the surface of a piece of steel that has been case-hardened   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to put into or cover with a case: to case the machinery   10 slang to inspect carefully (esp a place to be robbed) [C13: from Old French casse, from Latin capsa, from capere to take, hold]

■ casebound (ˈkeIsˌbaʊnd)   adj   another word for hardback

■ case-harden   vb (tr)   1 metallurgy to form a hard surface layer of high carbon content on (a steel component) by heating in a carburizing environment with subsequent quenching or heat treatment   2 to harden the spirit or disposition of; make callous: experience had case-hardened the judge

■ case knife   n   another name for sheath knife

■ casemaker (ˈkeIsˌmeIkə)   n   bookbinding a machine that produces the stiff covers for hardback books

■ caseman (ˈkeIsmən)   n, pl -men   printing a person who sets and corrects type from which books are printed

■ case-sensitive   adj   distinguishing between upper-case and lower-case letters: passwords are case-sensitive

■ case shot   n   another name for canister (sense 2b)

■ caseworm (ˈkeIsˌwɜːm)   n   another name for a caddisworm

■ casing (ˈkeIsIŋ)   n   1 a protective case or cover   2 material for a case or cover   3 Also called: case a frame containing a door, window, or staircase   4 the intestines of cattle, pigs, etc, or a synthetic substitute, used as a container for sausage meat   5 the outer cover of a pneumatic tyre   6 a pipe or tube used to line a hole or shaft   7 the outer shell of a steam or gas turbine

■ casinghead (ˈkeIsIŋˌhɛd)   n   the protruding part of a casing to which piping is attached

casease (ˈkeIsIˌeIz)   n   a proteolytic enzyme formed by certain bacteria that activates the solution of albumin and casein in milk and cheese [C20: from CASE(IN) + -ASE]

caseate (ˈkeIsIˌeIt)   vb   (intr) pathol to undergo caseation [C19: from Latin cāseus CHEESE^1]

■ caseation (ˌkeIsIˈeIʃən)   n   1 the formation of cheese from casein during the coagulation of milk   2 pathol the degeneration of dead tissue into a soft cheeselike mass

casebearer (ˈkeIsˌbɛərə)   n   any of various narrow-winged moths of the family Coleophoridae that are often a major pest of plants

casefy (ˈkeIsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to make or become similar to cheese [C20: from Latin cāseus CHEESE^1 + -FY]

caseic (keIˈsiːIk)   adj   relating to cheese

casein (ˈkeIsIIn, -siːn)   n   a phosphoprotein, precipitated from milk by the action of rennin, forming the basis of cheese: used in the manufacture of plastics and adhesives. Also called (US): paracasein [C19: from Latin cāseus cheese + -IN]

■ caseinate (ˈkeIsIˌneIt, ˈkeIsiːˌneIt)   n   chem a salt of casein

■ caseinogen (ˌkeIsIˈInədʒən, keIˈsiːnə-)   n   the principal protein of milk, converted to casein by rennin. Sometimes called (US): casein

casemate (ˈkeIsˌmeIt)   n   an armoured compartment in a ship or fortification in which guns are mounted [C16: from French, from Italian casamatta, perhaps from Greek khasmata apertures, plural of khasma CHASM]   > ˈcaseˌmated adj

casement (ˈkeIsmənt)   n   1 a window frame that is hinged on one side   2 a window containing frames hinged at the side or at the top or bottom   3 a poetic word for window [C15: probably from Old Northern French encassement frame, from encasser to frame, encase, from casse framework, crate, CASE^2]

Casement (ˈkeIsmənt)   n   Sir Roger (David). 1864–1916, British diplomat and Irish nationalist: hanged by the British for treason in attempting to gain German support for Irish independence

caseose (ˈkeIsIˌəʊz, -ˌəʊs)   n   a peptide produced by the peptic digestion of casein [C20: from Latin cāseus cheese + -OSE^2]

caseous (ˈkeIsIəs)   adj   of or like cheese [C17: from Latin cāseus CHEESE^1]

casern or caserne (kəˈzɜːn)   n   (formerly) a billet or accommodation for soldiers in a town [C17: from French caserne, from Old Provençal cazerna group of four men, ultimately from Latin quattuor four]

Caserta (Italian kaˈzɛrta)   n   a town in S Italy, in Campania: centre of Garibaldi's campaigns for the unification of Italy (1860); Allied headquarters in World War II. Pop: 75 208 (2001)

casevac (ˈkæzIˌvæk)   vb   to evacuate (a casualty) from a combat zone, usually by air

cash^1 (kæʃ)   n   1 banknotes and coins, esp in hand or readily available; money or ready money   2 immediate payment, in full or part, for goods or services (esp in the phrase cash down)   3 (modifier) of, for, or paid by cash: a cash transaction   4 the cash Canadian a checkout counter   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to obtain or pay ready money for: to cash a cheque [C16: from Old Italian cassa money box, from Latin capsa CASE^2]   > ˈcashable adj

■ cash-and-carry   adj, adv   1 sold or operated on a basis of cash payment for merchandise that is not delivered but removed by the purchaser   ▷ n   2 a wholesale store, esp for groceries, that operates on this basis   3 an operation on a commodities futures market in which spot goods are purchased and sold at a profit on a futures contract

■ cashback (ˈkæʃˌbæk)   n   1    a a discount offered in return for immediate payment   b (as modifier): cashback price £519.99 — save £30!   2    a a service provided by some supermarkets in which customers paying by debit card can draw cash   b the cash so drawn

■ cash-book   n   accounting a journal in which all cash or cheque receipts and disbursements are recorded

■ cashbox (ˈkæʃˌbɒks)   n   commerce a strongbox for holding cash, esp in a business or financial institution

■ cash card   n   an embossed plastic card bearing the name and account details of a bank or building-society customer, used with a personal identification number to obtain money from a cash dispenser: may also function as a cheque card or debit card or both. Also called: cash-point card

■ cash cow   n   a product, acquisition, etc, that produces a steady flow of cash, esp one with a well-known brand name commanding a high market share

■ cash crop   n   a crop grown for sale rather than for subsistence

■ cash desk or US cashier's desk   n   a counter or till in a shop where purchases are paid for

■ cash discount or cash reduction   n   a discount granted to a purchaser who pays before a stipulated date

■ cash dispenser, cash machine or cashpoint machine Brit   n   a computerized device outside a bank that supplies cash or account information when the user inserts a cash card and keys in an identification number. Also called: automated teller machine

■ cashed up   adj   Austral informal having plenty of money

■ cash flow   n   1 the movement of money into and out of a business   2 a prediction of such movement over a given period

■ cash-for-questions   modifier   Brit of, involved in, or relating to a political scandal of 1994 in which some MPs were accused of accepting bribes to ask particular questions in Parliament

■ cash in   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to give (something) in exchange, esp for money   2 (intr; often foll by on) informal   a to profit (from)   b to take advantage (of)   3 (intr) a slang expression for die^1

■ cashless (ˈkæʃlIs)   adj   functioning, operated, or performed without using coins or banknotes for money transactions but instead using credit cards or electronic transfer of funds: cashless shopping

■ cash limit   n   (often plural) a limit imposed as a method of curtailing overall expenditure without specifying the precise means of budgetary control

■ cash mob   n   a group of people coordinated to meet and spend money at a local, independent business at a particular time [C21: modelled on FLASH MOB]   > ˈcashˌmobbing n

■ cash on delivery   n   a service entailing cash payment to the carrier on delivery of merchandise. Abbreviation: COD

■ cashpoint (ˈkæʃˌpɔInt)   n   a cash dispenser

■ cash ratio   n   the ratio of cash on hand to total deposits that by law or custom commercial banks must maintain. Also called: liquidity ratio

■ cash register   n   a till with a keyboard that operates a mechanism for displaying and adding the amounts of cash received in individual sales

■ cash-strapped   adj   informal short of money; impoverished: cash-strapped local authorities

■ cash up   vb   (intr, adverb) Brit (of cashiers, shopkeepers, etc) to add up the money taken, esp at the end of a working day

cash^2 (kæʃ)   n, pl cash   any of various Chinese, Indonesian, or Indian coins of low value [C16: from Portuguese caixa, from Tamil kāsu, from Sanskrit karsa weight of gold or silver]

Cash (kæʃ)   n   Johnny. 1932–2003, US country-and-western singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His recordings include the hits "I Walk the Line" (1956), "Ring of Fire" (1963), "A Boy named Sue" (1969), and the American Recordings series of albums (1994–2003)

cashaw or cushaw (kəˈʃɔː)   n   a N American variety of pumpkin or squash

cashew (ˈkæʃuː, kæˈʃuː)   n   1 a tropical American anacardiaceous evergreen tree, Anacardium occidentale, bearing kidney-shaped nuts that protrude from a fleshy receptacle   2 Also called: cashew nut the edible nut of this tree [C18: from Portuguese cajú, from Tupi acajú]

cashier^1 (kæˈʃIə)   n   1 a person responsible for receiving payments for goods, services, etc, as in a shop   2 Also called: teller an employee of a bank responsible for receiving deposits, cashing cheques, and other financial transactions; bank clerk   3 any person responsible for handling cash or maintaining records of its receipt and disbursement [C16: from Dutch cassier or French caissier, from casse money chest; see CASE^2]

cashier^2 (kæˈʃIə)   vb (tr)   1 to dismiss with dishonour, esp from the armed forces   2 rare to put away or discard; reject [C16: from Middle Dutch kasseren, from Old French casser, from Latin quassāre to QUASH]

■ cashierer (kæˈʃIərə)   n   a person who rejects or dismisses from office

■ cashierment (kæˈʃIəmənt)   n   the action of rejecting or dismissing

cashmere or kashmir (ˈkæʃmIə)   n   1 a fine soft wool from goats of the Kashmir area   2    a cloth or knitted material made from this or similar wool   b (as modifier): a cashmere sweater

Cashmere (kæʃˈmIə)   n   a variant spelling of Kashmir

cashoo (kəˈʃuː)   n   another name for catechu

casimere (ˈkæsIˌmIə)   n   a variant spelling of cassimere

Casimir III (ˈkæzImIə)   n   known as the Great. 1310–70, king of Poland (1333–70)

Casimir IV   n   1427–92, grand duke of Lithuania (1440–92) and king of Poland (1447–92)

casino (kəˈsiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   1 a public building or room in which gaming takes place, esp roulette and card games such as baccarat and chemin de fer   2 a variant spelling of cassino [C18: from Italian, diminutive of casa house, from Latin]

■ casino banking   n informal   an approach to banking which risks losing investors' money in the quest for maximizing profits

casita (kəˈsiːtə)   n   a small house, esp one that functions as an inn or guest house

cask (kɑːsk)   n   1 a strong wooden barrel used mainly to hold alcoholic drink: a wine cask   2 any barrel   3 the quantity contained in a cask   4 Austral a lightweight cardboard container with plastic lining and a small tap, used to hold and serve wine   5 engineering another name for flask (sense 6) [C15: from Spanish casco helmet, perhaps from cascar to break]

■ caskstand (ˈkɑːskˌstænd)   n   a frame on which a cask rests

■ casky (ˈkɑːskI)   adj caskier, caskiest   (of wine) having a musty smell due to resting too long in the cask

casket (ˈkɑːskIt)   n   1 a small box or chest for valuables, esp jewels   2 chiefly US another name for coffin (sense 1) [C15: probably from Old French cassette little box; see CASE^2]

Caslon (ˈkæzlən)   n   a style of type designed by William Caslon, English type founder (1692–1766)

Caspar (ˈkæspə, ˈkæspɑː) or Gaspar   n   (in Christian tradition) one of the Magi, the other two being Melchior and Balthazar

Casparian strip (kæˈspɛərIən)   n   botany a band of suberized material around the radial walls of endodermal cells: impervious to gases and liquids [C20: named after Robert Caspary, 19th-century German botanist]

caspase (ˈkæspeIz)   n   a type of enzyme that is involved in apoptosis and necrosis

Caspian Sea (ˈkæspIən) or Caspian   n   a salt lake between SE Europe and Asia: the largest inland sea in the world; fed mainly by the River Volga. Area: 394 299 sq km (152 239 sq miles)

casque (kæsk)   n   zoology a helmet or a helmet-like process or structure, as on the bill of most hornbills [C17: from French, from Spanish casco; see CASK]   > casqued adj

cassaba (kəˈsɑːbə)   n   a variant spelling of casaba

Cassandra (kəˈsændrə)   n   1 Greek myth a daughter of Priam and Hecuba, endowed with the gift of prophecy but fated never to be believed   2 anyone whose prophecies of doom are unheeded

cassareep (ˈkæsəˌriːp)   n   the juice of the bitter cassava root, boiled down to a syrup and used as a flavouring, esp in West Indian cookery [C19: of Carib origin]

cassata (kəˈsɑːtə)   n   an ice cream, originating in Italy, usually containing nuts and candied fruit [from Italian]

cassation (kæˈseIʃən)   n   chiefly law (esp in France) annulment, as of a judicial decision by a higher court [C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin cassātiō, from Late Latin cassāre to cancel, from Latin quassāre to QUASH]

Cassatt (kəˈsæt)   n   Mary. 1845–1926, US impressionist painter, who lived in France

cassava (kəˈsɑːvə)   n   1 Also called: manioc any tropical euphorbiaceous plant of the genus Manihot, esp the widely cultivated American species M. esculenta (or utilissima) (bitter cassava) and M. dulcis (sweet cassava)   2 a starch derived from the root of this plant: an important food in the tropics and a source of tapioca [C16: from Spanish cazabe cassava bread, from Taino caçábi]

Cassegrain telescope (ˈkæsIˌɡreIn)   n   an astronomical reflecting telescope in which incident light is reflected from a large concave paraboloid mirror onto a smaller convex hyperboloid mirror and then back through a hole in the concave mirror to form the image [C19: named after N. Cassegrain, 17th-century French scientist who invented it]

Cassel (German ˈkasəl)   n   a variant spelling of Kassel

casserole (ˈkæsəˌrəʊl)   n   1 a covered dish of earthenware, glass, etc, in which food is cooked and served. Also called: casserole dish   2 any food cooked and served in such a dish: chicken casserole   ▷ vb   3 to cook or be cooked in a casserole [C18: from French, from Old French casse ladle, pan for dripping, from Old Provençal cassa, from Late Latin cattia dipper, from Greek kuathion, diminutive of kuathos cup]

cassette (kæˈsɛt)   n   1    a a plastic container for magnetic tape, as one inserted into a tape deck   b (as modifier): a cassette recorder   2 photog another term for cartridge (sense 5)   3 films a container for film used to facilitate the loading of a camera or projector, esp when the film is used in the form of a loop   4 the injection of genes from one species into the fertilized egg of another species [C18: from French: little box; see CASE^2]

cassia (ˈkæsIə)   n   1 any plant of the mainly tropical leguminous genus Cassia, esp C. fistula, whose pods yield cassia pulp, a mild laxative. See also senna   2 a lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum cassia, of tropical Asia   3 cassia bark the cinnamon-like bark of this tree, used as a spice [Old English, from Latin casia, from Greek kasia, of Semitic origin; related to Hebrew qesī `āh cassia]

cassimere or casimere (ˈkæsIˌmIə)   n   a woollen suiting cloth of plain or twill weave [C18: variant of cashmere, from KASHMIR]

cassina (kəˈsiːnə)   n   an evergreen shrub from the Southern US with dark leaves

cassingle (kəˈsIŋɡəl)   n   a cassette with a short recording, usually of pop music, on each side

Cassini (kæˈsiːnI)   n   Giovanni Domenico. 1625–1712, French astronomer, born in Italy. He discovered (1675) Cassini's division, the gap that divides Saturn's rings into two parts, and four of Saturn's moons

■ Cassini-Huygens   n   a NASA-ESA spacecraft launched in 1997 to study Saturn and its moons; Cassini entered orbit around the planet in 2004 and released the Huygens probe which landed on Titan in 2005; Cassini's mission ended in 2017 when the craft was allowed to burn up in Saturn's atmosphere [named after Giovanni CASSINI and Christiaan HUYGENS]

cassino or casino (kəˈsiːnəʊ)   n   a card game for two to four players in which players pair cards from their hands with others exposed on the table

Cassino (Italian kasˈsiːno)   n   a town in central Italy, in Latium at the foot of Monte Cassino: an ancient Volscian (and later Roman) town and citadel. Pop: 32 762 (2001). Latin name: Casinum

Cassiodorus (ˌkæsIəʊˈdɔːrəs)   n   Flavius Magnus Aurelius (ˈfleIvIəs ˈmæɡnəs ɔːˈriːlIəs). ?490–?585 AD, Roman statesman, writer, and monk; author of Variae, a collection of official documents written for the Ostrogoths

Cassiopeia^1 (ˌkæsIəˈpiːə)   n   Greek myth the wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda

Cassiopeia^2 (ˌkæsIəˈpiːə)   n, Latin genitive Cassiopeiae (ˌkæsIəˈpiːiː)   a very conspicuous W-shaped constellation near the Pole Star. Cassiopeia A is a very strong radio and X-ray source, identified as the remnant of a supernova thought to have occurred in the late 17th century   > ˌCassioˈpeian adj

Cassirer (German kaˈsiːrər)   n   Ernst (ɛrnst). 1874–1945, German neo-Kantian philosopher. The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms (1923–29) analyses the symbols that underlie all manifestations, including myths and language, of human culture

cassis (kɑːˈsiːs)   n   a blackcurrant cordial [C19: from French]

cassiterite (kəˈsItəˌraIt)   n   a black or brown mineral, found in igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins. It is a source of tin. Composition: tin oxide. Formula: SnO_2. Crystal structure: tetragonal. Also called: tinstone [C19: from Greek kassiteros tin]

Cassius Longinus (ˈkæsIəs lɒnˈdʒaInəs)   n   Gaius (ˈɡaIəs). died 42 BC, Roman general: led the conspiracy against Julius Caesar (44); defeated at Philippi by Antony (42)

Cassivelaunus (ˌkæsIvəˈlɔːnəs)   n   1st century BC, British chieftain, king of the Catuvellauni tribe, who organized resistance to Caesar's invasion of Britain (54 BC)

cassock (ˈkæsək)   n   Christianity an ankle-length garment, usually black, worn by priests and choristers [C16: from Old French casaque, from Italian casacca a long coat, of uncertain origin]   > ˈcassocked adj

cassolette (ˈkæsəˌlɛt)   n   1 a small casserole   2 a small dish in which a casserole is served   3 a perforated box or vase which emits perfume

Casson (ˈkæsən)   n   Sir Hugh (Maxwell). 1910–99, British architect; president of the Royal Academy of Arts (1976–84)

cassonade (ˌkæsəˈneId)   n   raw or unrefined sugar

cassone (kɑːˈsəʊneI)   n   a highly-decorated, Italian dowry chest

cassoulet (ˌkæsəˈleI)   n   a stew originating from France, made from haricot beans and goose, duck, pork, etc [French, related to casse saucepan, bowl]

cassowary (ˈkæsəˌwɛərI)   n, pl -waries   any large flightless bird of the genus Casuarius, inhabiting forests in NE Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands, having a horny head crest, black plumage, and brightly coloured neck and wattles: order Casuariiformes. See also ratite [C17: from Malay kěsuari]

casspir (ˈkæspɜː)   n   South African an armoured military vehicle [C20: coined from an anagram of CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) and SAP (South African Police)]

cassumunar (ˌkæsʊˈmjuːnə)   n   an aromatic, bitter root similar to ginger

cast (kɑːst)   vb casts, casting, cast (mainly tr)   1 to throw or expel with violence or force   2 to throw off or away: she cast her clothes to the ground   3 to reject or dismiss: he cast the idea from his mind   4 to shed or drop: the snake cast its skin; the horse cast a shoe; the ship cast anchor   5 be cast NZ (of a sheep) to have fallen and been unable to rise   6 to cause to appear: to cast a shadow   7 to express (doubts, suspicions, etc) or cause (them) to be felt   8 to direct (a glance, attention, etc): cast your eye over this   9 to place, esp in a violent manner: he was cast into prison   10 (also intr) angling to throw (a line) into the water   11 to draw or choose (lots)   12 to give or deposit (a vote)   13 to select (actors) to play parts in (a play, film, etc)   14    a to shape (molten metal, glass, etc) by pouring or pressing it into a mould   b to make (an object) by such a process   15 (also intr; often foll by up) to compute (figures or a total)   16 to predict: the old woman cast my fortune   17 astrology to draw on (a horoscope) details concerning the positions of the planets in the signs of the zodiac at a particular time for interpretation in terms of human characteristics, behaviour, etc   18 to contrive (esp in the phrase cast a spell)   19 to formulate: he cast his work in the form of a chart   20 (also intr) to twist or cause to twist   21 (also intr) nautical to turn the head of (a sailing vessel) or (of a sailing vessel) to be turned away from the wind in getting under way   22 hunting to direct (a pack of hounds) over (ground) where their quarry may recently have passed   23 (intr) (of birds of prey) to eject from the crop and bill a pellet consisting of the indigestible parts of birds or animals previously eaten   24 falconry to hold the body of a hawk between the hands so as to perform some operation upon it   25 printing to stereotype or electrotype   26 cast in one's lot with or throw in one's lot with to share in the activities or fortunes of (someone else)   ▷ n   27 the act of casting or throwing   28    a Also called: casting something that is shed, dropped, or egested, such as the coil of earth left by an earthworm   b another name for pellet (sense 4)   29 an object that is thrown   30 the distance an object is or may be thrown   31    a a throw at dice   b the resulting number shown   32 angling   a a trace with a fly or flies attached   b the act or an instance of casting   33 the wide sweep made by a sheepdog to get behind a flock of sheep or by a hunting dog in search of a scent   34    a the actors in a play collectively   b (as modifier): a cast list   35    a an object made of metal, glass, etc, that has been shaped in a molten state by being poured or pressed into a mould   b the mould used to shape such an object   36 form or appearance   37 sort, kind, or style   38 a fixed twist or defect, esp in the eye   39 a distortion of shape   40 surgery a rigid encircling casing, often made of plaster of Paris, for immobilizing broken bones while they heal   41 pathol a mass of fatty, waxy, cellular, or other material formed in a diseased body cavity, passage, etc   42 the act of casting a pack of hounds   43 falconry a pair of falcons working in combination to pursue the same quarry   44 archery the speed imparted to an arrow by a particular bow   45 a slight tinge or trace, as of colour   46 a computation or calculation   47 a forecast or conjecture   48 fortune or a stroke of fate   49 palaeontol a replica of an organic object made of nonorganic material, esp a lump of sediment that indicates the internal or external surface of a shell or skeleton   50 palaeontol a sedimentary structure representing the infilling of a mark or depression in a soft layer of sediment (or bed) [C13: from Old Norse kasta]

■ castability (ˌkɑːstəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability of materials to set in a mould when mixed with water and a bonding agent

■ castable (ˈkɑːstəbəl)   adj   1 able to be cast; suitable for casting   2 (of an actor) able or likely to be selected to play a part in a play, film, etc

■ cast about or cast around   vb   (intr, adverb) to make a mental or visual search: to cast about for an idea for a book

■ castaway (ˈkɑːstəˌweI)   n   1 a person who has been shipwrecked   2 something thrown off or away; castoff   ▷ adj (prenominal)   3 shipwrecked or put adrift   4 thrown away or rejected   ▷ vb cast away   5 (tr, adverb; often passive) to cause (a ship, person, etc) to be shipwrecked or abandoned

■ cast back   vb   (adverb) to turn (the mind) to the past

■ cast down   vb   (tr, adverb) to make (a person) discouraged or dejected

■ caster (ˈkɑːstə)   n   1 a person or thing that casts   2 Also: castor a bottle with a perforated top for sprinkling sugar, etc, or a stand containing such bottles   3 Also: castor a small wheel mounted on a swivel so that the wheel tends to turn into its plane of rotation

■ caster action   n   the tendency, caused by the design of the mounting, of a wheel to turn into its plane of rotation

■ caster sugar (ˈkɑːstə) or castor sugar Brit   n   finely ground white sugar

■ casting (ˈkɑːstIŋ)   n   1 an object or figure that has been cast, esp in metal from a mould   2 the process of transferring molten steel to a mould   3 the choosing of actors for a production   4 hunting the act of directing a pack of hounds over ground where their quarry may recently have passed so that they can quest for, discover, or recapture its scent   5 zoology another word for cast (sense 28), pellet (sense 4)

■ casting couch   n   informal a couch on which a casting director is said to seduce women seeking a part in a film or play

■ casting vote   n   the deciding vote used by the presiding officer of an assembly when votes cast on both sides are equal in number

■ cast iron   n   1 iron containing so much carbon (1.7 to 4.5 per cent) that it cannot be wrought and must be cast into shape   ▷ adj cast-iron   2 made of cast iron   3 rigid, strong, or unyielding: a cast-iron decision   4 certain to be effective; absolutely reliable

■ cast-off   adj   1 (prenominal) thrown away; abandoned: cast-off shoes   ▷ n castoff   2 a person or thing that has been discarded or abandoned   3 printing an estimate of the amount of space that a piece of copy will occupy when printed in a particular size and style of type   ▷ vb cast off (adverb)   4 to remove (mooring lines) that hold (a vessel) to a dock   5 to knot (a row of stitches, esp the final row) in finishing off knitted or woven material   6 printing to estimate the amount of space that will be taken up by (a book, piece of copy, etc) when it is printed in a particular size and style of type   7 (intr) (in Scottish country dancing) to perform a progressive movement during which each partner of a couple dances separately behind one line of the set and then reunites with the other in their original position in the set or in a new position

■ cast on   vb   (adverb) to form (the first row of stitches) in knitting and weaving

■ cast out   vb   (intr, adverb) Scot to quarrel; be no longer friends

■ cast steel   n   steel containing varying amounts of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphur that is cast into shape rather than wrought

■ cast stone   n   building trades a building component, such as a block or lintel, made from cast concrete with a facing that resembles natural stone

■ cast up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 (of the sea) to cast ashore   2 to compute (figures or a total)   3 to bring up as a reproach against a person

Castalia (kæˈsteIlIə)   n   a spring on Mount Parnassus: in ancient Greece sacred to Apollo and the Muses and believed to be a source of inspiration   > Casˈtalian adj

castanets (ˌkæstəˈnɛts)   pl n   curved pieces of hollow wood, usually held between the fingers and thumb and made to click together: used esp by Spanish dancers [C17 castanet, from Spanish castañeta, diminutive of castaña CHESTNUT]

castanospermine (ˌkæstənəʊˈspɜːmiːn)   n   a substance obtained from the Australian chestnut or black bean tree

caste (kɑːst)   n   1    a any of the four major hereditary classes, namely the Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra into which Hindu society is divided. See also Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra   b Also called: caste system the system or basis of such classes   c the social position or rank conferred by this system   2 any social class or system based on such distinctions as heredity, rank, wealth, profession, etc   3 the position conferred by such a system   4 entomol any of various types of specialized individual, such as the worker, in social insects (hive bees, ants, etc) [C16: from Portuguese casta race, breed, ancestry, from casto pure, chaste, from Latin castus]

■ casted (ˈkɑːstId)   adj   having or belonging to a caste

■ casteism (ˈkɑːstIzəm)   n   the belief in, and adherence to, the caste system

■ casteless (ˈkɑːstləs)   adj   having no caste

Castellammare di Stabia (Italian kastɛllamˈmaːre di ˈstabja)   n   a port and resort in SW Italy, in Campania on the Bay of Naples: site of the Roman resort of Stabiae, which was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Pop: 66 929 (2001)

castellan (ˈkæstIlən)   n   rare a keeper or governor of a castle. Also called: chatelain [C14: from Latin castellānus, from castellum CASTLE]

castellated (ˈkæstIˌleItId)   adj   1 having turrets and battlements, like a castle   2 having indentations similar to battlements: a castellated nut; a castellated filament [C17: from Medieval Latin castellātus, from castellāre to fortify as a CASTLE]   > ˌcastelˈlation n

Castellón de la Plana (Spanish kasteˈʎon de la ˈplana)   n   a port in E Spain. Pop: 160 714 (2003 est)

castellum (kæˈstɛləm)   n   Roman history a small fort, normally used as a watch tower

castigate (ˈkæstIˌɡeIt)   vb   (tr) to rebuke or criticize in a severe manner; chastise [C17: from Latin castīgāre to correct, punish, from castum pure + agere to compel (to be)]   > ˌcastiˈgation n   > ˈcastiˌgator n   > ˌcastiˈgatory adj

Castiglione (Italian ˌkæstIlˈjəʊnI, kastiˈʎoːne)   n   Count Baldassare (baldasˈsaːre). 1478–1529, Italian diplomat and writer, noted particularly for his dialogue on ideal courtly life, Il Libro del Cortegiano (The Courtier) (1528)

Castile (kæˈstiːl) or Castilla (Spanish kasˈtiʎa)   n   a former kingdom comprising most of modern Spain: originally part of León, it became an independent kingdom in the 10th century and united with Aragon (1469), the first step in the formation of the Spanish state

■ Castile soap   n   a hard soap made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide

■ Castilian (kæˈstIljən)   n   1 the Spanish dialect of Castile; the standard form of European Spanish   2 a native or inhabitant of Castile   ▷ adj   3 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of Castile, its inhabitants, or the standard form of European Spanish

Castilla la Vieja (kasˈtiʎa la ˈbjexa)   n   the Spanish name for Old Castile

castle (ˈkɑːsəl)   n   1 a fortified building or set of buildings, usually permanently garrisoned, as in medieval Europe   2 any fortified place or structure   3 a large magnificent house, esp when the present or former home of a nobleman or prince   4 the citadel and strongest part of the fortifications of a medieval town   5 chess another name for rook^2   ▷ vb   6 chess to move (the king) two squares laterally on the first rank and place the nearest rook on the square passed over by the king, either towards the king's side (castling short) or the queen's side (castling long) [C11: from Latin castellum, diminutive of castrum fort]

■ castled (ˈkɑːsəld)   adj   1 like a castle in construction; castellated: a castled mansion   2 (of an area) having many castles

■ castle in the air or castle in Spain   n   a hope or desire unlikely to be realized; daydream

■ castle nut   n   a hexagonal nut with six slots in the head, two of which take a locking pin to hold it firmly in position

■ castling (ˈkɑːslIŋ)   n   chess the act of moving the king two squares laterally on the first rank and placing the nearest rook on the square passed over by the king, either towards the king's side or the queen's side

Castlebar (ˌkɑːsəlˈbɑː)   n   the county town of Co Mayo, Republic of Ireland; site of the battle (1798) between the French and British known as Castlebar Races. Pop: 11 371 (2002)

Castleford (ˈkɑːsəlfəd)   n   a town in N England, in Wakefield unitary authority, West Yorkshire on the River Aire. Pop: 37 525 (2001)

Castle Howard (ˈhaʊəd)   n   a mansion near York in Yorkshire: designed in 1700 by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor; the grounds include the Temple of the Four Winds and a mausoleum

Castlereagh^1 (ˈkɑːsəlˌreI)   n   a district of E Northern Ireland, in Co Down. Pop: 66 076 (2003 est). Area: 85 sq km (33 sq miles)

Castlereagh^2 (ˈkɑːsəlˌreI)   n   Viscount. title of Robert Stewart, Marquis of Londonderry. 1769–1822, British statesman: as foreign secretary (1812–22) led the Grand Alliance against Napoleon and attended the Congress of Vienna (1815)

Castner (ˈkæstnə)   n   Hamilton Young. 1858–98, US chemist, who devised the Castner process for extracting sodium from sodium hydroxide

castock (ˈkæstək)   n   a kale or cabbage stalk

castor^1 (ˈkɑːstə)   n   1 the brownish aromatic secretion of the anal glands of a beaver, used in perfumery and medicine   2 the fur of the beaver   3 a hat made of beaver or similar fur   4 a less common name for beaver^1 (sense 1) [C14: from Latin, from Greek kastōr beaver]

■ castor bean   n US and Canadian   1 another name for castor-oil plant   2 the seed of this plant

■ castor oil   n   a colourless or yellow glutinous oil obtained from the seeds of the castor-oil plant and used as a fine lubricant and as a cathartic

■ castor-oil plant   n   a tall euphorbiaceous Indian plant, Ricinus communis, cultivated in tropical regions for ornament and for its poisonous seeds, from which castor oil is extracted. Also called (US and Canadian): castor bean

castor^2 (ˈkɑːstə)   n   a variant spelling of caster (sense 2), caster (sense 3)

Castor (ˈkɑːstə)   n   1 the second brightest star, Alpha Geminorum, in the constellation Gemini: a multiple star consisting of six components lying close to the star Pollux. Distance: 52 light years   2 classical myth See Castor and Pollux

■ Castor and Pollux   n   classical myth the twin sons of Leda: Pollux was fathered by Zeus, Castor by the mortal Tyndareus. After Castor's death, Pollux spent half his days with his half-brother in Hades and half with the gods in Olympus

castoreum (kɑːˈstɔːrIəm)   n   the oil secreted from the beaver which is used as bait by trappers

castory (ˈkɑːstərI)   n   the dye derived from beaver pelts

castral (ˈkæstrəl)   adj   of or relating to a camp, esp a military camp

castrametation (ˌkæstrəmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   the art of designing and laying out an encampment

castrate (kæˈstreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the testicles of; emasculate; geld   2 to deprive of vigour, masculinity, etc   3 to remove the ovaries of; spay   4 to expurgate or censor (a book, play, etc) [C17: from Latin castrāre to emasculate, geld]   > casˈtration n   > casˈtrator or casˈtrater n

■ castration complex   n   psychoanal an unconscious fear of having one's genitals removed, as a punishment for wishing to have sex with a parent

■ castrato (kæˈstrɑːtəʊ)   n, pl -ti (-tI) or -tos   (in 17th- and 18th-century opera) a male singer whose testicles were removed before puberty, allowing the retention of a soprano or alto voice [C18: from Italian, from Latin castrātus castrated]

■ castratory (ˈkæstrəˌtərI)   adj   of or relating to castration

Castries (kæsˈtriːs)   n   the capital and chief port of St Lucia. Pop: 14 000 (2005 est)

Castro (ˈkæstrəʊ; Spanish ˈkastro)   n   1  Fidel (fIˈdɛl; Spanish fiˈðɛl). full name Fidel Castro Ruz. ?1926–2016, Cuban revolutionary and statesman: led the communist overthrow of the Batista dictatorship in 1959; prime minister (1959–76), president (1976–2008)   2  his brother Raúl (raˈul). full name Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz. born 1931, Cuban revolutionary and statesman; president (2008–2018)

Castrop-Rauxel or Kastrop-Rauxel (German ˈkastrɔpˈrauksəl)   n   an industrial city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 78 208 (2003 est)

casual (ˈkæʒjʊəl)   adj   1 happening by accident or chance: a casual meeting   2 offhand; not premeditated: a casual remark   3 shallow or superficial: a casual affair   4 being or seeming unconcerned or apathetic: he assumed a casual attitude   5 (esp of dress) for informal wear: a casual coat   6 occasional or irregular: casual visits; a casual labourer   7 biology another term for adventive   ▷ n   8 (usually plural) an informal article of clothing or footwear   9 an occasional worker   10 biology another term for an adventive   11 (usually plural) a young man dressed in expensive casual clothes who goes to football matches in order to start fights [C14: from Late Latin cāsuālis happening by chance, from Latin cāsus event, from cadere to fall; see CASE^1]   > ˈcasually adv   > ˈcasualness n

■ casual Friday   n   another name for dress-down Friday

■ casualism (ˈkæʒjʊəˌlIzəm)   n   the doctrine that the existence and occurrence of everything is controlled by chance

■ casualization or casualisation (ˌkæʒjʊəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the altering of working practices so that regular workers are re-employed on a casual or short-term basis

■ casualize or casualise (ˈkæʒʊəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to alter working practices so that regular workers are re-employed on a casual or short-term basis

casualty (ˈkæʒjʊəltI)   n, pl -ties   1 a serviceman or servicewoman who is killed, wounded, captured, or missing as a result of enemy action   2 a person who is injured or killed in an accident   3 a hospital department in which victims of accidents, violence, etc, are treated   4 anything that is lost, damaged, or destroyed as the result of an accident, etc

casuarina (ˌkæsjʊəˈriːnə)   n   any tree of the genus Casuarina, of Australia and the East Indies, having jointed leafless branchlets: family Casuarinaceae. See also beefwood, she-oak [C19: from New Latin, from Malay kěsuari CASSOWARY, referring to the resemblance of the branches to the feathers of the cassowary]

casuist (ˈkæzjʊIst)   n   1 a person, esp a theologian, who attempts to resolve moral dilemmas by the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases   2 a person who is oversubtle in his or her analysis of fine distinctions; sophist [C17: from French casuiste, from Spanish casuista, from Latin cāsus CASE^1]   > ˌcasuˈistic or ˌcasuˈistical adj   > ˌcasuˈistically adv

■ casuistry (ˈkæzjʊIstrI)   n, pl -ries   1 philosophy the resolution of particular moral dilemmas, esp those arising from conflicting general moral rules, by careful distinction of the cases to which these rules apply   2 reasoning that is specious, misleading, or oversubtle

casus (ˈkɑːsəs)   n   an event, situation or occurrence

■ casus belli Latin (ˈkɑːsʊs ˈbɛliː)   n, pl casus belli (ˈkɑːsʊs ˈbɛliː)   1 an event or act used to justify a war   2 the immediate cause of a quarrel [literally: occasion of war]

cat^1 (kæt)   n   1 Also called: domestic cat a small domesticated feline mammal, Felis catus (or domesticus), having thick soft fur and occurring in many breeds in which the colour of the fur varies greatly: kept as a pet or to catch rats and mice   2 Also called: big cat any of the larger felines, such as a lion or tiger   3 any wild feline mammal of the genus Felis, such as the lynx or serval, resembling the domestic cat. Related adjective: feline   4 old-fashioned, derogatory a woman who gossips maliciously   5 slang a man; guy   6 nautical a heavy tackle for hoisting an anchor to the cathead   7 a short sharp-ended piece of wood used in the game of tipcat   8 short for catboat   9 informal short for Caterpillar   10 short for cat-o'-nine-tails   11 a bag of cats Irish informal a bad-tempered person: she's a real bag of cats this morning   12 fight like Kilkenny cats to fight until both parties are destroyed   13 let the cat out of the bag to disclose a secret, often by mistake   14 like a cat on a hot tin roof or like a cat on hot bricks in an uneasy or agitated state   15 like cat and dog quarrelling savagely   16 look like something the cat brought in to appear dishevelled or bedraggled   17 not a cat in hell's chance no chance at all   18 not have room to swing a cat to have very little space   19 play cat and mouse to play with a person or animal in a cruel or teasing way, esp before a final act of cruelty or unkindness   20 put the cat among the pigeons to introduce some violently disturbing new element   21 rain cats and dogs to rain very heavily   ▷ vb cats, catting, catted   22 (tr) to flog with a cat-o'-nine-tails   23 (tr) nautical to hoist (an anchor) to the cathead   24 (intr) a slang word for vomit [Old English catte, from Latin cattus; related to Old Norse köttr, Old High German kazza, Old French chat, Russian kot]   > ˈcatˌlike adj   > ˈcattish adj

■ cat-and-mouse   adj   denoting a fight or contest in which participants attempt to confuse or deceive each other in a cruel or teasing way, esp before a final act of cruelty or unkindness

■ catbird (ˈkætˌbɜːd)   n   1 any of several North American songbirds of the family Mimidae (mockingbirds), esp Dumetella carolinensis, whose call resembles the mewing of a cat   2 any of several Australian bowerbirds of the genera Ailuroedus and Scenopoeetes, having a catlike call

■ catboat (ˈkætˌbəʊt)   n   a sailing vessel with a single mast, set well forward and often unstayed, and a large sail, usually rigged with a gaff. Shortened form: cat

■ catbrier (ˈkætˌbraIə)   n   any prickly vines of the genus Smilax, such as greenbrier

■ cat burglar   n   a burglar who enters buildings by climbing through upper windows, skylights, etc

■ catcall (ˈkætˌkɔːl)   n   1 a shrill whistle or cry expressing disapproval, as at a public meeting, etc   ▷ vb   2 to utter such a call (at); deride with catcalls   > ˈcatˌcaller n

■ catclaw (ˈkætˌklɔː)   n   a variety of shrub with small spines and white or yellow flowers

■ cat door   n   a small door or flap in a larger door through which a cat can pass

■ catface (ˈkætˌfeIs)   n   the deformity of the surface of a tree trunk which has been caused by fire or disease

■ catfacing (ˈkætˌfeIsIŋ)   n   a disorder that causes scarring of tomatoes

■ catfall (ˈkætˌfɔːl)   n   nautical the line used in a cat

■ catfight (ˈkætˌfaIt)   n   informal a fight between two women

■ catfish (ˈkætˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 any of numerous mainly freshwater teleost fishes having whisker-like barbels around the mouth, esp the silurids of Europe and Asia and the horned pouts of North America   2 another name for wolffish   3 US informal a person who creates a false identity on social media in order to lure someone into establishing a relationship   ▷ vb   4 (intr) informal to create a false identity on social media in order to lure someone into establishing a relationship

■ catflap   n   flap at the bottom of a door that a cat can push to get in or out

■ cat flu   n   vet science an upper respiratory-tract infection in cats, resulting in sneezing, ocular and nasal discharges, and coughs

■ cat food or catfood   n   tinned food for cats

■ catgut (ˈkætˌɡʌt)   n   a strong cord made from the dried intestines of sheep and other animals that is used for stringing certain musical instruments and sports rackets, and, when sterilized, as surgical ligatures. Often shortened to: gut

■ cathead (ˈkætˌhɛd)   n   a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing the anchor when raised

■ cathole (ˈkætˌhəʊl)   n   one of a pair of holes in the after part of a ship through which hawsers are passed for steadying the ship or heaving astern

■ cathood (ˈkæthʊd)   n   the state of being a cat

■ cathouse (ˈkætˌhaʊs)   n   US and Canadian a slang word for brothel

■ cat-lick   n   informal a quick wash

■ cat litter   n   absorbent material, often in a granular form, that is used to line a receptacle in which a domestic cat can urinate and defecate indoors

■ catmint (ˈkætˌmInt)   n   a Eurasian plant, Nepeta cataria, having spikes of purple-spotted white flowers and scented leaves of which cats are fond: family Lamiaeae (labiates). Also called: catnip

■ catnap (ˈkætˌnæp)   n   1 a short sleep or doze   ▷ vb -naps, -napping, -napped   2 (intr) to sleep or doze for a short time or intermittently

■ catnapper or catnaper (ˈkætˌnæpə)   n   1 a person who catnaps   2 a person who steals cats

■ catnip (ˈkætˌnIp)   n   another name for catmint

■ cat-o'-mountain   n   another name for catamount

■ cat-o'-nine-tails   n, pl -tails   a rope whip consisting of nine knotted thongs, used formerly to flog prisoners. Often shortened to: cat

■ cat rig   n   the rig of a catboat   > ˈcatˌrigged adj

■ cat's cradle   n   a game played by making intricate patterns with a loop of string between the fingers

■ cat-scratch fever   n   a disease of humans caused by an organism, Bartonella henselae, usually resulting from a scratch by a cat and characterized by lymph node enlargement

■ cat's-ear   n   any of various European plants of the genus Hypochoeris, esp H. radicata, having dandelion-like heads of yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ Catseye (ˈkætsˌaI)   n   trademark Brit a glass reflector set into a small fixture, placed at intervals along roads to indicate traffic lanes at night

■ cat's-eye   n   1 any of a group of gemstones, esp a greenish-yellow variety of chrysoberyl, that reflect a streak of light when cut in a rounded unfaceted shape   2 Also called: ataata a grazing marine gastropod, Turbo smaragdus, of New Zealand waters

■ cat's-foot   n, pl -feet   a European plant, Antennaria dioica, with whitish woolly leaves and heads of typically white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: mountain everlasting

■ catskin (ˈkætˌskIn)   n   the skin or fur of a cat

■ cat's-paw   n   1 a person used by another as a tool; dupe   2 nautical a hitch in the form of two loops, or eyes, in the bight of a line, used for attaching it to a hook   3 a pattern of ripples on the surface of water caused by a light wind [(sense 1) C18: so called from the tale of the monkey who used a cat's paw to draw chestnuts out of a fire]

■ cat's-tail   n   1 another name for reed mace (sense 1)   2 another name for catkin

■ catsuit (ˈkætˌsuːt)   n   a one-piece usually close-fitting trouser suit

■ cat's whisker   n   1 a pointed wire used to make contact with the crystal in a crystal radio receiver   2 any wire used to make contact with a semiconductor

■ cat's whiskers or cat's pyjamas   n   the cat's whiskers or the cat's pyjamas slang a person or thing that is excellent or superior

■ cat-tail or cattail   n Canadian   another word for bulrush

■ cattery (ˈkætərI)   n, pl -teries   a place where cats are bred or looked after

■ cat-train or cat-swing   n   Canadian a train of sleds, cabooses, etc, pulled by a caterpillar tractor, used chiefly in the north during winter to transport freight

■ catty (ˈkætI) or cattish   adj -tier, -tiest   1 informal spiteful: a catty remark   2 of or resembling a cat   > ˈcattily or ˈcattishly adv   > ˈcattiness or ˈcattishness n

■ catwalk (ˈkætˌwɔːk)   n   1 a narrow ramp extending from the stage into the audience in a theatre, nightclub, etc, esp as used by models in a fashion show   2 a narrow pathway over the stage of a theatre, along a bridge, etc

■ catworks (ˈkætˌwɜːks)   n   mechanical engineering the machinery used on a drilling platform

■ catworm (ˈkætˌwɜːm)   n   an active carnivorous polychaete worm, Nephthys hombergii, that is about 10cm (4in) long, having a pearly sheen to its body: often dug for bait. Also called: white worm, white cat

cat^2 (kæt)   n   informal short for catamaran (sense 1)

cat^3 (kæt)   n   1    a short for catalytic converter   b (as modifier): a cat car   ▷ adj   2 short for catalytic: a cat cracker

■ catcon (ˈkætˌkɒn)   n   short for catalytic converter

■ cat cracker   n   an informal name for catalytic cracker

catty or cattie (ˈkætI)   n, pl -ties   a unit of weight, used esp in E Asia, traditionally equal to about one and a half pounds but formalized as 0.5 kg in mainland China, 0.6 kg in Taiwan and Thailand, and about 0.605 kg in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. (Mandarin) Chinese name: jin [C16: from Malay kati]

CAT   abbreviation for   1 computer-aided teaching   2 computer-assisted trading   3 computerized axial tomography

cat.   abbreviation for   1 catalogue   2 catamaran

cata-, kata-, before an aspirate cath- or before a vowel cat-   prefix   1 down; downwards; lower in position: catadromous; cataphyll   2 indicating reversal, opposition, degeneration, etc: cataplasia; catatonia [from Greek kata-, from kata. In compound words borrowed from Greek, kata- means: down (catabolism), away, off (catalectic), against (category), according to (catholic), and thoroughly (catalogue)]

catabasis (kəˈtæbəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 a descent or downward movement   2 the decline of a disease   > catabatic (ˌkætəˈbætIk) adj

catabolism or katabolism (kəˈtæbəˌlIzəm)   n   a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism. Compare anabolism [C19 katabolism, from Greek katabolē a throwing down, from kataballein, from kata- down + ballein to throw]   > catabolic or katabolic (ˌkætəˈbɒlIk) adj   > ˌcataˈbolically or ˌkataˈbolically adv

■ catabolite (kəˈtæbəˌlaIt)   n   a substance produced as a result of catabolism

■ catabolize or catabolise (kəˈtæbəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to subject to catabolism

catacaustic (ˌkætəˈkɔːstIk, -ˈkɒs-) physics   adj   1 (of a caustic curve or surface) formed by reflected light rays. Compare diacaustic   ▷ n   2 a catacaustic curve or surface

catachresis (ˌkætəˈkriːsIs)   n   the incorrect use of words, as luxuriant for luxurious [C16: from Latin, from Greek katakhrēsis a misusing, from katakhrēsthai, from khrēsthai to use]   > catachrestic (ˌkætəˈkrɛstIk) or ˌcataˈchrestical adj   > ˌcataˈchrestically adv

cataclasis (ˌkætəˈkleIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   geology the deformation of rocks by crushing and shearing [C19: New Latin, from Greek, from CATA- + klasis a breaking]   > cataclastic (ˌkætəˈklæstIk) adj

cataclasm (ˈkætəˌklæzəm)   n   a breaking down or disruption

■ cataclasmic (ˌkætəˈklæzmIk)   adj   causing upheaval; disruptive

cataclinal (ˌkætəˈklaInəl)   adj   (of streams, valleys, etc) running in the direction of the dip of the surrounding rock strata

cataclysm (ˈkætəˌklIzəm)   n   1 a violent upheaval, esp of a political, military, or social nature   2 a disastrous flood; deluge   3 geology another name for catastrophe (sense 4) [C17: via French from Latin, from Greek kataklusmos deluge, from katakluzein to flood, from kluzein to wash]   > ˌcataˈclysmic or ˌcataˈclysmal adj   > ˌcataˈclysmically adv

catacomb (ˈkætəˌkəʊm, -ˌkuːm)   n   1 (usually plural) an underground burial place, esp the galleries at Rome, consisting of tunnels with vaults or niches leading off them for tombs   2 a series of interconnected underground tunnels or caves [Old English catacumbe, from Late Latin catacumbas (singular), name of the cemetery under the Basilica of St Sebastian, near Rome; origin unknown]

catacoustics (ˌkætəˈkuːstIks)   n   the branch of acoustics dealing with echoes and reflected sounds

catacumbal (ˌkætəˈkʌmbəl)   adj   of or resembling catacombs

catadioptric (ˌkætədaIˈɒptrIk) or catadioptrical (ˌkætədaIˈɒptrIkəl)   adj   involving a combination of reflecting and refracting components: a catadioptric telescope [C18: from CATA- + DIOPTRIC]

catadromous or katadromous (kəˈtædrəməs)   adj   (of fishes such as the eel) migrating down rivers to the sea in order to breed. Compare anadromous [C19: from Greek katadromos, from kata- down + dromos, from dremein to run]

catafalque (ˈkætəˌfælk) or catafalco (ˌkætəˈfælkəʊ)   n   a temporary raised platform on which a body lies in state before or during a funeral [C17: from French, from Italian catafalco, of uncertain origin; compare SCAFFOLD]

Catalan (ˈkætəˌlæn, -lən)   n   1 a language of Catalonia, quite closely related to Spanish and Provençal, belonging to the Romance group of the Indo-European family   2 a native or inhabitant of Catalonia   ▷ adj   3 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of Catalonia, its inhabitants, or their language

catalase (ˈkætəˌleIs)   n   an enzyme that catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

■ catalatic (ˌkætəˈlætIk)   adj   of or relating to catalase

catalectic (ˌkætəˈlɛktIk)   adj   prosody (of a line of verse) having an incomplete final foot [C16: via Late Latin from Greek katalēktikos incomplete, from katalēgein, from kata- off + lēgein to stop]

catalepsy (ˈkætəˌlɛpsI)   n   a state of prolonged rigid posture, occurring for example in schizophrenia or in hypnotic trances [C16: from Medieval Latin catalēpsia, variant of Late Latin catalēpsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally: a seizing, from katalambanein to hold down, from kata- down + lambanein to grasp]   > ˌcataˈleptic adj

■ cataleptically (ˌkætəˈlɛptIkəlI)   adv   in a trancelike or cataleptic manner

catalexis (ˌkætəˈlɛksIs)   n   poetry the state of lacking a syllable in the last foot of a line of poetry

Catalina Island (ˌkætəˈliːnə)   n   another name for Santa Catalina

catallactics (ˌkætəˈlætIks)   n   political economy

■ catallactic (ˌkætəˈlæktIk)   adj   economics relating to exchange

■ catallactically (ˌkætəˈlæktIkəlI)   adv   economics by or in the manner of exchange

catalo (ˈkætəˌləʊ)   n, pl -loes or -los   a variant spelling of cattalo

catalogue or US catalog (ˈkætəˌlɒɡ)   n   1 a complete, usually alphabetical list of items, often with notes giving details   2 a book, usually illustrated, containing details of items for sale, esp as used by mail-order companies   3 a list of all the books or resources of a library   4 US and Canadian a publication issued by a university, college, etc, listing courses offered, regulations, services, etc   5 NZ a list of wool lots prepared for auction   ▷ vb -logues, -loguing, -logued or US -logs, -loging, -loged   6 to compile a catalogue of (a library)   7 to add (books, items, etc) to an existing catalogue [C15: from Late Latin catalogus, from Greek katalogos, from katalegein to list, from kata- completely + legein to collect]   > ˈcataˌloguer or US ˈcataˌloger n   > ˈcataˌloguist n

■ catalogic (ˌkætəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   of the nature of or relating to a catalogue

■ cataloguize, cataloguise, catalogize or catalogise (ˈkætəlɒɡˌaIz)   vb (tr)   to make a list of; catalogue

catalogue raisonné French (katalɔɡ rɛzɔne)   n   a descriptive catalogue, esp one covering works of art in an exhibition or collection

Catalonia (ˌkætəˈləʊnIə)   n   a region of NE Spain, with a strong separatist tradition: became an autonomous region with its own parliament in 1979; an important agricultural and industrial region, with many resorts. Pop: 7 012 600 (2003 est). Area: 31 929 sq km (12 328 sq miles). Catalan name: Catalunya (ˌkatəˈluːnIə). Spanish name: Cataluña (kataˈluɲa)

catalpa (kəˈtælpə)   n   any bignoniaceous tree of the genus Catalpa of North America and Asia, having large leaves, bell-shaped whitish flowers, and long slender pods [C18: New Latin, from Carolina Creek kutuhlpa, literally: winged head, referring to the appearance of the flowers]

catalysis (kəˈtælIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   the acceleration of a chemical reaction by the action of a catalyst [C17: from New Latin, from Greek katalusis, from kataluein to dissolve]

■ catalyse or US catalyze (ˈkætəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to influence (a chemical reaction) by catalysis   > ˈcataˌlyser or US ˈcataˌlyzer n

■ catalyst (ˈkætəlIst)   n   1 a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical change. Compare inhibitor (sense 2)   2 a person or thing that causes a change

■ catalytic (ˌkætəˈlItIk) or catalytical (ˌkætəˈlItIkəl)   adj   of or relating to catalysis; involving a catalyst   > ˌcataˈlytically adv

■ catalytic converter   n   a device using three-way catalysts to reduce the obnoxious and poisonous components of the products of combustion (mainly oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and unburnt hydrocarbons) from the exhausts of motor vehicles. Sometimes shortened to: catcon

■ catalytic cracker   n   a unit in an oil refinery in which mineral oils with high boiling points are converted to fuels with lower boiling points by a catalytic process. Often shortened to: cat cracker

catamaran (ˌkætəməˈræn)   n   1 a sailing, or sometimes motored, vessel with twin hulls held parallel by a rigid framework   2 a primitive raft made of logs lashed together   3 old-fashioned a quarrelsome woman [C17: from Tamil kattumaram tied timber]

catamenia (ˌkætəˈmiːnIə)   pl n   physiol another word for menses [C18: from New Latin, from Greek katamēnia menses]   > ˌcataˈmenial adj

catamite (ˈkætəˌmaIt)   n   a boy kept for sexual purposes [C16: from Latin Catamītus, variant of Ganymēdēs GANYMEDE^1]

catamount (ˈkætəˌmaʊnt) or catamountain   n   any of various medium-sized felines, such as the puma or lynx [C17: short for cat of the mountain]

catananche (ˌkætəˈnæŋkI)   n   any of the hardy perennial genus Catananche, from S Europe; some, esp C. caerulea, are grown for their blue-and-white flowers that can be dried as winter decoration: family Asteraceae. Also called: cupid's dart [from Greek katanangkē a spell (from their use in love potions)]

Catania (Italian kaˈtaːnja)   n   a port in E Sicily, near Mount Etna. Pop: 313 110 (2001)

Catanzaro (Italian katanˈdzaːro)   n   a city in S Italy, in Calabria. Pop: 95 251 (2001)

catapan (ˈkætəˌpæn)   n   history a provincial governor in the Byzantine Empire

cataphonics (ˌkætəˈfɒnIks)   n   catacoustics

■ cataphonic (ˌkætəˈfɒnIk)   adj   catacoustic or of or relating to cataphonics

cataphora (kəˈtæfərə)   n   grammar the use of a word such as a pronoun that has the same reference as a word used subsequently in the same discourse. Compare anaphora [from CATA- + Greek pherein to bear]   > cataphoric (ˌkætəˈfɒrIk) adj

■ cataphor (ˈkætəˌfɔː)   n   a word that refers to or stands for another word used later

cataphoresis (ˌkætəfəˈriːsIs)   n   another name for electrophoresis   > cataphoretic (ˌkætəfəˈrɛtIk) adj   > ˌcataphoˈretically adv

cataphract (ˈkætəˌfrækt)   n   a defensive armour, often made of link mail, used for the entire body

■ cataphractic (ˌkætəˈfræktIk)   adj   relating to or resembling a cataphract

cataphyll (ˈkætəˌfIl)   n   a simplified form of plant leaf, such as a scale leaf or cotyledon

■ cataphyllary (ˌkætəˈfIlərI)   n, pl -ries   botany a scale-like, simple form of a leaf, such as those which surround a bud

cataphysical (ˌkætəˈfIzIkəl)   adj   perverse; contrary to nature

cataplasia (ˌkætəˈpleIzIə)   n   the degeneration of cells and tissues to a less highly developed form   > cataplastic (ˌkætəˈplæstIk) adj

cataplasm (ˈkætəˌplæzəm)   n   med another name for poultice [C16: from Latin cataplasma, from Greek, from kataplassein to cover with a plaster, from plassein to shape]

cataplexy (ˈkætəˌplɛksI)   n   1 sudden temporary paralysis, brought on by severe shock   2 a state of complete absence of movement assumed by animals while shamming death [C19: from Greek kataplēxis amazement, from kataplēssein to strike down (with amazement), confound, from kata- down + plēssein to strike]   > ˌcataˈplectic adj

catapult (ˈkætəˌpʌlt)   n   1 a Y-shaped implement with a loop of elastic fastened to the ends of the two prongs, used mainly by children for shooting small stones, etc. US and Canadian name: slingshot   2 a heavy war engine used formerly for hurling stones, etc   3 a device installed in warships to launch aircraft   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to shoot forth from or as if from a catapult   5 (foll by over, into, etc) to move precipitately: she was catapulted to stardom overnight [C16: from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapeltēs, from kata- down + pallein to hurl]

■ catapultic (ˌkætəˈpʌltIk)   adj   of or resembling a catapult

■ catapultier (ˌkætəˌpʌlˈtIə)   n   a person who fires a catapult

■ catapult-launched   adj   (of aircraft) launched into the air by a device installed in warships

cataract (ˈkætəˌrækt)   n   1 a large waterfall or rapids   2 a deluge; downpour   3 pathol   a partial or total opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye   b the opaque area [C15: from Latin catarracta, from Greek katarrhaktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from arassein to strike]

■ cataractous (ˌkætəˈræktəs)   adj   pathol of or relating to cataracts

catarhine (ˈkætəˌraIn)   n   a variant of catarrhine (sense 2)

catarrh (kəˈtɑː)   n   1 inflammation of a mucous membrane with increased production of mucus, esp affecting the nose and throat in the common cold   2 the mucus so formed [C16: via French from Late Latin catarrhus, from Greek katarrous, from katarrhein to flow down, from kata- down + rhein to flow]   > caˈtarrhal or caˈtarrhous adj

■ catarrhally (kəˈtɑːrəlI)   adv   in a manner relating to the inflammation of a mucous membrane

■ catarrhine (ˈkætəˌraIn)   adj   1 (of apes and Old World monkeys) having the nostrils set close together and opening to the front of the face   2 Also: leptorrhine (of humans) having a thin or narrow nose   ▷ n   3 an animal or person with this characteristic   ▶ Compare platyrrhine [C19: from New Latin Catarrhina (for sense 1), all ultimately from Greek katarrhin having a hooked nose, from kata- down + rhis nose]

catasta (kəˈtæstə)   n   the platform on which slaves were formerly presented to be sold at markets

catastasis (kəˈtæstəsIs)   n   theatre the part of a drama immediately preceding the climax or action-filled scene

catastrophe (kəˈtæstrəfI)   n   1 a sudden, extensive, or notable disaster or misfortune   2 the denouement of a play, esp a classical tragedy   3 a final decisive event, usually causing a disastrous end   4 Also called: cataclysm any sudden and violent change in the earth's surface caused by flooding, earthquake, or some other rapid process [C16: from Greek katastrophē, from katastrephein to overturn, from strephein to turn]   > catastrophic (ˌkætəˈstrɒfIk) adj   > ˌcataˈstrophically adv

■ catastrophe theory   n     a a mathematical theory that classifies surfaces according to their form   b the popular application of this theory to the explanation of abruptly changing phenomena, as by the discontinuity of a line on the topmost fold of a folded surface

■ catastrophism (kəˈtæstrəˌfIzəm)   n   1 an old doctrine, now discarded, that the earth was created and has subsequently been shaped by sudden divine acts which have no logical connection with each other rather than by gradual evolutionary processes   2 Also called: neo-catastrophism a modern doctrine that the gradual evolutionary processes shaping the earth have been supplemented in the past by the effects of huge natural catastrophes. Compare uniformitarianism, gradualism (sense 2)   > caˈtastrophist n

catatonia (ˌkætəˈtəʊnIə)   n   a state of muscular rigidity and stupor, sometimes found in schizophrenia [C20: New Latin, from German Katatonie, from CATA- + -tonia, from Greek tonos tension]   > catatonic (ˌkætəˈtɒnIk) adj, n

■ catatonically (ˌkætəˈtɒnIkəlI)   adv   in a catatonic or exceedingly rigid manner

Catawba (kəˈtɔːbə)   n   1 (pl -ba or -bas) a member of a Native American people, formerly of South Carolina, now almost extinct   2 their language, belonging to the Siouan family   3 a cultivated variety of red North American grape, widely grown in the eastern US   4 the wine made from these grapes

catch (kætʃ)   vb catches, catching, caught   1 (tr) to take hold of so as to retain or restrain: he caught the ball   2 (tr) to take, seize, or capture, esp after pursuit   3 (tr) to ensnare or deceive, as by trickery   4 (tr) to surprise or detect in an act: he caught the dog rifling the larder   5 (tr) to reach with a blow: the stone caught him on the side of the head   6 (tr) to overtake or reach in time to board: if we hurry we should catch the next bus   7 (tr) to see or hear; attend: I didn't catch the Ibsen play   8 (tr) to be infected with: to catch a cold   9 to hook or entangle or become hooked or entangled: her dress caught on a nail   10 to fasten or be fastened with or as if with a latch or other device   11 (tr) to attract or arrest: she tried to catch his eye   12 (tr) to comprehend: I didn't catch his meaning   13 (tr) to hear accurately: I didn't catch what you said   14 (tr) to captivate or charm   15 (tr) to perceive and reproduce accurately: the painter managed to catch his model's beauty   16 (tr) to hold back or restrain: he caught his breath in surprise   17 (intr) to become alight: the fire won't catch   18 (tr) cricket to dismiss (a batsman) by intercepting and holding a ball struck by him or her before it touches the ground   19 (intr; often foll by at)   a to grasp or attempt to grasp   b to take advantage (of), esp eagerly: he caught at the chance   20 (used passively) informal to make pregnant   21 catch it informal to be scolded or reprimanded   22 catch oneself on slang to realize that one's actions are mistaken   ▷ n   23 the act of catching or grasping   24 a device that catches and fastens, such as a latch   25 anything that is caught, esp something worth catching   26 the amount or number caught   27 informal a person regarded as an eligible matrimonial prospect   28 a check or break in the voice   29 a break in a mechanism   30 informal   a a concealed, unexpected, or unforeseen drawback or handicap   b (as modifier): a catch question   31 a game in which a ball is thrown from one player to another   32 cricket the catching of a ball struck by a batsman before it touches the ground, resulting in him or her being out   33 music a type of round popular in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, having a humorous text that is often indecent or bawdy and hard to articulate. See round (sense 31), canon^1 (sense 7) [C13 cacchen to pursue, from Old Northern French cachier, from Latin captāre to snatch, from capere to seize]   > ˈcatchable adj

■ catch-22   n   1 a situation in which a person is frustrated by a paradoxical rule or set of circumstances that preclude any attempt to escape from them   2 a situation in which any move that a person can make will lead to trouble [C20: from the title of a novel (1961) by the US writer J. Heller (1923–99)]

■ catch-all   n     a something designed to cover a variety of situations or possibilities   b (as modifier): a catch-all clause

■ catch-as-catch-can   n   1 a style of wrestling in which trips, holds below the waist, etc, are allowed   ▷ adj, adv   2 chiefly US and Canadian using any method or opportunity that comes to hand

■ catch basin   n   US and Canadian a pit in a drainage system in which matter that might otherwise block a sewer is collected so that it may periodically be removed. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): catch pit

■ catch crop   n   a quick-growing crop planted between two regular crops grown in consecutive seasons, or between two rows of regular crops in the same season

■ catchcry (ˈkætʃˌkraI)   n, pl -cries   Austral a well-known, frequently used phrase, esp one associated with a particular group, etc

■ catcher (ˈkætʃə)   n   1 a person or thing that catches, esp in a game or sport   2 baseball a fielder who stands behind home plate and catches pitched balls not hit by the batter

■ catchfly (ˈkætʃˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   any of several caryophyllaceous plants of the genus Silene that have sticky calyxes and stems on which insects are sometimes trapped

■ catching (ˈkætʃIŋ)   adj   1 infectious   2 attractive; captivating

■ catching pen   n   Austral and NZ a pen adjacent to a shearer's stand containing the sheep ready for shearing

■ catchline (ˈkætʃˌlaIn)   n   a slogan, esp one used in a political or advertising campaign

■ catchment (ˈkætʃmənt)   n   1 the act of catching or collecting water   2 a structure in which water is collected   3 the water so collected   4 Brit the intake of a school from one catchment area

■ catchment area   n   1 Also called: catchment basin, drainage area, drainage basin the area of land bounded by watersheds draining into a river, basin, or reservoir   2 the area from which people are allocated to a particular school, hospital, etc

■ Catchment board   n   NZ a public body concerned with the conservation and organization of water supply from a catchment area

■ catch on   vb (intr, adverb) informal   1 to become popular or fashionable   2 to grasp mentally; understand

■ catch out   vb   (tr, adverb) informal, chiefly Brit to trap (a person), esp in an error or doing something reprehensible

■ catchpenny (ˈkætʃˌpɛnI)   adj   1 (prenominal) designed to have instant appeal, esp in order to sell quickly and easily without regard for quality: catchpenny ornaments   ▷ n, pl -nies   2 an item or commodity that is cheap and showy

■ catchphrase (ˈkætʃˌfreIz)   n   a well-known frequently used phrase, esp one associated with a particular group, etc

■ catch pit   n   a pit in a drainage system in which matter that might otherwise block a sewer is collected so that it may periodically be removed. US and Canadian name: catch basin

■ catch points   pl n   railway points designed to derail a train running back in the wrong direction to prevent collision with a following train

■ catch up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to seize and take up (something) quickly   2 (when intr, often foll by with) to reach or pass (someone or something), after following: he soon caught him up   3 (intr; usually foll by on or with) to make up for lost ground or deal with a backlog (in some specified task or activity)   4 (tr; often passive) to absorb or involve: she was caught up in her reading   5 (tr) to raise by or as if by fastening: the hem of the dress was caught up with pins

■ catchwater (ˈkætʃˌwɔːtə)   n   a drain or ditch which catches water

■ catchwater drain (ˈkætʃˌwɔːtə)   n   a channel cut along the edge of high ground to catch surface water from it and divert it away from low-lying ground

■ catchweed (ˈkætʃˌwiːd)   n   a weedy plant with a prickly stem

■ catchweight (ˈkætʃˌweIt)   adj   wrestling of or relating to a contest in which normal weight categories have been waived by agreement

■ catchword (ˈkætʃˌwɜːd)   n   1 a word or phrase made temporarily popular, esp by a political campaign; slogan   2 a word printed as a running head in a reference book   3 theatre an actor's cue to speak or enter   4 the first word of a printed or typewritten page repeated at the bottom of the page preceding

■ catchy (ˈkætʃI)   adj catchier, catchiest   1 (of a tune, etc) pleasant and easily remembered or imitated   2 tricky or deceptive: a catchy question   3 irregular: a catchy breeze   > ˈcatchiness n

catchpole or catchpoll (ˈkætʃˌpəʊl)   n   (in medieval England) a sheriff's officer who arrested debtors [Old English cæcepol, from Medieval Latin cacepollus tax-gatherer, literally: chicken-chaser, from cace- CATCH + pollus (from Latin pullus chick)]

catchup (ˈkætʃəp, ˈkɛtʃ-)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of ketchup

cate (keIt)   n   see cates

catechesis (ˌkætIˈkiːsIs)   n   oral religious instruction which is given to catechumens

■ catechetical (ˌkætIˈkɛtIkəl) or catechetic   adj   of or relating to teaching by question and answer   > ˌcateˈchetically adv

■ catechetics (ˌkætəˈkɛtIks)   n   the branch of theology that deals with catechesis

catechin (ˈkætəkIn)   n   a soluble yellow solid substance found in catechu and mahogany wood and used in tanning and dyeing. Formula: C_15H_14O_6 [C19: from CATECHU + -IN]

catechism (ˈkætIˌkIzəm)   n   1 instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church   2 rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview [C16: from Late Latin catēchismus, ultimately from Greek katēkhizein to CATECHIZE]   > ˌcateˈchismal adj

■ catechize or catechise (ˈkætIˌkaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to teach or examine by means of questions and answers   2 to give oral instruction in Christianity, esp by using a catechism   3 to put questions to (someone) [C15: from Late Latin catēchizāre, from Greek katēkhizein, from katēkhein to instruct orally, literally: to shout down, from kata- down + ēkhein to sound]   > ˈcatechist, ˈcateˌchizer or ˈcateˌchiser n   > ˌcateˈchistic or ˌcateˈchistical adj   > ˌcateˈchistically adv   > ˌcatechiˈzation or ˌcatechiˈsation n

catechol (ˈkætIˌtʃɒl, -ˌkɒl)   n   a colourless crystalline phenol found in resins and lignins; 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. It is used as a photographic developer. Formula: C_6H_4(OH)2. Also called: pyrocatechol [C20: from CATECHU + -OL^1]

catecholamine (ˌkætəˈkɒləˌmiːn)   n   any of a group of hormones that are catechol derivatives, esp adrenaline and noradrenaline [C20: from CATECHU + -OL^1 + AMINE]

catechu (ˈkætIˌtʃuː), cachou or cutch   n   a water-soluble astringent resinous substance obtained from any of certain tropical plants, esp the leguminous tree Acacia catechu of S Asia, and used in medicine, tanning, and dyeing. See also gambier [C17: probably from Malay kachu, of Dravidian origin]

catechumen (ˌkætIˈkjuːmɛn)   n   Christianity a person, esp in the early Church, undergoing instruction prior to baptism [C15: via Old French, from Late Latin, from Greek katēkhoumenos one being instructed verbally, from katēkhein; see CATECHIZE]   > ˌcateˈchumenal or catechumenical (ˌkætəkjʊˈmɛnIkəl) adj   > ˌcateˈchumenate n   > ˌcateˈchumenism n

■ catechumenship (ˌkætIˈkjuːmənˌʃIp)   n   the office or position of a catechumen

categorematic (ˌkætIˌɡɒrIˈmætIk)   adj   (of a word) able to stand alone as a term or subject

category (ˈkætIɡərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a class or group of things, people, etc, possessing some quality or qualities in common; a division in a system of classification   2 metaphysics any one of the most basic classes into which objects and concepts can be analysed   3    a (in the philosophy of Aristotle) any one of ten most fundamental modes of being, such as quantity, quality, and substance   b (in the philosophy of Kant) one of twelve concepts required by human beings to interpret the empirical world   c any set of objects, concepts, or expressions distinguished from others within some logical or linguistic theory by the intelligibility of a specific set of statements concerning them. See also category mistake [C15: from Late Latin catēgoria, from Greek katēgoria, from kategorein to accuse, assert]

■ categorial (ˌkætIˈɡɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a category   2 logic (of a statement) consisting of a subject, S, and a predicate, P, each of which denotes a class, and having one of the following forms: all S are P (universal affirmative); some S are P (particular affirmative); some S are not P (particular negative); no S are P (universal negative). See syllogism

■ categorial grammar   n   a theory that characterizes syntactic categories in terms of functions between classes of expressions. The basic classes are names (N) and sentences (S). Intransitive verbs are symbols for functions which take a name and yield a sentence (written S/N), adverbs form compound verbs from verbs (for example, run fast) and so are (S/N)/(S/N), etc

■ categorially (ˌkætIˈɡɔːrIəlI)   adv   in a manner relating to or involving categories

■ categorical (ˌkætIˈɡɒrIkəl) or categoric   adj   1 unqualified; positive; unconditional: a categorical statement   2 relating to or included in a category   3 logic another word for categorial   > ˌcateˈgorically adv   > ˌcateˈgoricalness n

■ categorical imperative   n   (in the ethics of Kant) the unconditional moral principle that one's behaviour should accord with universalizable maxims which respect persons as ends in themselves; the obligation to do one's duty for its own sake and not in pursuit of further ends. Compare hypothetical imperative

■ categorist (ˈkætIɡərIst)   n   a person who categorizes or inserts items in a list

■ categorize or categorise (ˈkætIɡəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to place in a category; classify   > ˌcategoriˈzation or ˌcategoriˈsation n

■ Category A   adj Brit   1 (of a prisoner) regarded as highly dangerous and therefore requiring constant observation and maximum security   2 (of a prison or prison unit) designed for such prisoners

■ Category D   adj Brit   1 (of a prisoner) regarded as sufficiently trustworthy to be kept under open prison conditions   2 (of a prison or prison unit) designed for such prisoners

■ category killer   n   a person, product, or business that dominates a particular market

■ category management   n   marketing the management of a range of related products in a way designed to increase sales of all of the products

■ category mistake   n   philosophy, logic a sentence that says of something in one category what can only intelligibly be said of something in another, as when speaking of the mind located in space

catena (kəˈtiːnə)   n, pl -nae (-niː)   a connected series, esp of patristic comments on the Bible [C17: from Latin: chain]

catenaccio Italian (kateˈnattʃo)   n   soccer an extremely defensive style of play [C20: from Latin catena chain]

catenane (ˈkætIˌneIn)   n   a type of chemical compound in which the molecules have two or more rings that are interlocked like the links of a chain [C20: from Latin catena chain + -ANE]

catenary (kəˈtiːnərI)   n, pl -ries   1 the curve assumed by a heavy uniform flexible cord hanging freely from two points. When symmetrical about the y-axis and intersecting it at y = a, the equation is y = a cosh x/a   2 the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspended   ▷ adj also catenarian (ˌkætIˈnɛərIən)   3 of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain [C18: from Latin catēnārius relating to a chain]

catenate (ˈkætIˌneIt)   vb   1 biology to arrange or be arranged in a series of chains or rings   ▷ adj   2 another word for catenulate [C17: from Latin catēnāre to bind with chains]   > ˌcateˈnation n

catenoid (ˈkætəˌnɔId)   n   the geometrical surface generated by rotating a catenary about its axis

catenulate (kəˈtɛnjʊˌleIt, -lIt)   adj   (of certain spores) formed in a row or chain [C19: from Latin catēnula, diminutive of catēna chain]

cater (ˈkeItə)   vb   1 (intr; foll by for or to) to provide what is required or desired (for): to cater for a need; to cater to your tastes   2 (when intr, foll by for) to provide food, services, etc (for): we cater for parties; to cater a banquet [C16: from earlier catour purchaser, variant of acatour, from Anglo-Norman acater to buy, ultimately related to Latin acceptāre to ACCEPT]

■ caterer (ˈkeItərə)   n   a person who caters, esp one who as a profession provides food for large social events, etc

■ cateress (ˈkeItərɛs)   n   a female caterer

■ catering (ˈkeItərIŋ)   n   1 the trade of a professional caterer   2 the food, etc, provided at a function by a caterer

cateran (ˈkætərən)   n   (formerly) a member of a band of brigands and marauders in the Scottish highlands [C14: probably from Scottish Gaelic ceathairneach robber, plunderer]

cater-cornered (ˈkætəˌkɔːnəd)   adj, adv   US and Canadian informal diagonally placed; diagonal. Also: catty-cornered, kitty-cornered, cater-corner, catty-corner [C16 cater, from dialect cater (adv) diagonally, from obsolete cater (n) four-spot of dice, from Old French quatre four, from Latin quattuor]

cater-cousin (ˈkeItəˌkʌzən)   n   archaic a close friend [C16: perhaps from obsolete cater caterer; for sense, compare FOSTER, as in foster brother, etc]

caterpillar (ˈkætəˌpIlə)   n   the wormlike larva of butterflies and moths, having numerous pairs of legs and powerful biting jaws. It may be brightly coloured, hairy, or spiny [C15 catyrpel, probably from Old Northern French catepelose, literally: hairy cat]

■ caterpillar hunter   n   any of various carabid beetles of the genus Calosoma, of Europe and North America, which prey on the larvae of moths and butterflies

Caterpillar (ˈkætəˌpIlə)   n trademark   1 an endless track, driven by sprockets or wheels, used to propel a heavy vehicle and enable it to cross soft or uneven ground   2 a vehicle, such as a tractor, tank, bulldozer, etc, driven by such tracks

caterwaul (ˈkætəˌwɔːl)   vb (intr)   1 to make a yowling noise, as a cat on heat   ▷ n   2 a shriek or yell made by or sounding like a cat on heat [C14: of imitative origin]   > ˈcaterˌwauler n

■ caterwauling (ˈkætəˌwɔːlIŋ)   n   1 the shrieking and yowling made by a cat, for example when it is on heat or fighting   2 derogatory similar unpleasant noises made by a person

cates (keIts)   pl n   (sometimes singular) archaic choice dainty food; delicacies [C15: variant of acates purchases, from Old Northern French acater to buy, from Vulgar Latin accaptāre (unattested); ultimately related to Latin acceptāre to ACCEPT]

Catesby (ˈkeItzbI)   n   Robert. 1573–1605, English conspirator, leader of the Gunpowder Plot (1605): killed while resisting arrest

cath-   prefix   a variant of cata-: cathode

Cathar (ˈkæθə) or Catharist (ˈkæθərIst)   n, pl -ars or -ari (-ərI) or -arists   a member of a Christian sect in Provence in the 12th and 13th centuries who believed the material world was evil and only the spiritual was good [from Medieval Latin Cathari, from Greek katharoi the pure]   > ˈCatharˌism n

catharize or catharise (ˈkæθəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to purify or make clean

catharsis (kəˈθɑːsIs)   n, pl -ses   1 (in Aristotelian literary criticism) the purging or purification of the emotions through the evocation of pity and fear, as in tragedy   2 psychoanal the bringing of repressed ideas or experiences into consciousness, thus relieving tensions. See also abreaction   3 purgation, esp of the bowels [C19: New Latin, from Greek katharsis, from kathairein to purge, purify]

■ cathartic (kəˈθɑːtIk)   adj   1 purgative   2 effecting catharsis. Also: cathartical   ▷ n   3 a purgative drug or agent   > caˈthartically adv

Cathay (kæˈθeI)   n   a literary or archaic name for China [C14: from Medieval Latin Cataya, of Turkic origin]

cathect (kəˈθɛkt)   vb (tr)   to invest mental or emotional energy in

■ cathectic (kəˈθɛktIk)   adj   of or relating to cathexis

cathedra (kəˈθiːdrə)   n   1 a bishop's throne   2 the office or rank of a bishop   3 See ex cathedra [from Latin: chair]

■ cathedratic (kəθiːˈdrætIk)   adj   relating to the seat of the bishop

cathedral (kəˈθiːdrəl)   n     a the principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's official throne   b (as modifier): a cathedral city; cathedral clergy [C13: from Late Latin (ecclesia) cathedrālis cathedral (church), from cathedra bishop's throne, from Greek kathedra seat]

cathepsin (kəˈθɛpsIn)   n   a proteolytic enzyme responsible for the autolysis of cells after death [C20: from Greek kathepsein to boil down, soften]

■ catheptic (kəˈθɛptIk)   adj   biochem of or relating to enzymes that catalyze autolysis in death or pathological conditions

Cather (ˈkæðə)   n   Willa (Sibert). 1873–1947, US novelist, whose works include O Pioneers! (1913) and My Ántonia (1918)

Catherine (ˈkæθrIn)   n   Saint. died 307 AD, legendary Christian martyr of Alexandria, who was tortured on a spiked wheel and beheaded

■ Catherine wheel   n   1 Also called: pinwheel a type of firework consisting of a powder-filled spiral tube, mounted with a pin through its centre. When lit it rotates quickly, producing a display of sparks and coloured flame   2 a circular window having ribs radiating from the centre [C16: named after St CATHERINE of Alexandria]

Catherine I   n   ?1684–1727, second wife of Peter the Great, whom she succeeded as empress of Russia (1725–27)

Catherine II   n   known as Catherine the Great. 1729–96, empress of Russia (1762–96), during whose reign Russia extended her boundaries at the expense of Turkey, Sweden, and Poland: she was a patron of literature and the arts

Catherine de' Medici or Catherine de Médicis   n   1519–89, queen of Henry II of France; mother of Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III of France; regent of France (1560–74). She was largely responsible for the massacre of Protestants on Saint Bartholomew's Day (1572)

Catherine of Aragon   n   1485–1536, first wife of Henry VIII of England and mother of Mary I. The annulment of Henry's marriage to her (1533) against papal authority marked an initial stage in the English Reformation

Catherine of Braganza   n   1638–1705, wife of Charles II of England, daughter of John IV of Portugal

Catherine of Siena   n   Saint. 1347–80, Italian mystic and ascetic; patron saint of the Dominican order. Feast day: April 29

catheter (ˈkæθItə)   n   med a long slender flexible tube for inserting into a natural bodily cavity or passage for introducing or withdrawing fluid, such as urine or blood [C17: from Late Latin, from Greek kathetēr, from kathienai to send down, insert]

■ catheterism (ˈkæθItəˌrIzəm)   n   another word for catheterization

■ catheterize or catheterise (ˈkæθItəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to insert a catheter into   > ˌcatheteriˈzation or ˌcatheteriˈsation n

cathetometer (ˌkæθIˈtɒmItə)   n   an instrument measuring minute height differences

cathetus (ˈkæθItəs)   n   a straight line or radius positioned perpendicular to another line or radius

cathexis (kəˈθɛksIs)   n, pl -thexes (-ˈθɛksiːz)   psychoanal concentration of psychic energy on a single goal [C20: from New Latin, from Greek kathexis, from katekhein to hold fast, intended to render German Besetzung a taking possession of]

cathiodermie (ˌkæθIəʊˈdɜːmI)   n   a beauty treatment for the skin, which involves using electrotherapy

cathisma (kəˈθIzmə)   n   a short hymn used as a response

Catho (ˈkæθəʊ)   n, pl Cathos   Austral informal a member of the Catholic Church

cathode (ˈkæθəʊd)   n   1 the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell; the electrode by which electrons enter a device from an external circuit   2 the negatively charged electron source in an electronic valve   3 the positive terminal of a primary cell   ▶ Compare anode [C19: from Greek kathodos a descent, from kata- down + hodos way]   > cathodal (kæˈθəʊdəl), cathodic (kæˈθɒdIk, -ˈθəʊ-) or caˈthodical adj

■ cathode rays   pl n   a stream of electrons emitted from the surface of a cathode in a valve

■ cathode-ray tube   n   a valve in which a beam of high-energy electrons is focused onto a fluorescent screen to give a visible spot of light. The device, with appropriate deflection equipment, is used in television receivers, visual display units, oscilloscopes, etc. Abbreviation: CRT

■ cathodically (kæˈθɒdIkəlI) or cathodally (ˈkæθəʊdəlI)   adv   in a cathodic manner, by using a cathode

■ cathodic protection   n   metallurgy a technique for protecting metal structures, such as steel ships and pipelines, from electrolytic corrosion by making the structure the cathode in a cell, either by applying an electromotive force directly or by putting it into contact with a more electropositive metal. See also sacrificial anode

■ cathodograph (kəˈθɒdəˌɡrɑːf)   n   a picture taken using cathode rays

■ cathodographer (ˌkæθəʊˈdɒɡrɑːfə)   n   a person trained in taking cathodographs

■ cathodography (ˌkæθəʊˈdɒˌɡrəfI)   n   the process or practice of taking photographs using cathode rays

■ cathodoluminescence (ˌkæθədəʊˌluːmIˈnɛsəns)   n   physics luminescence caused by irradiation with electrons (cathode rays)

catholic (ˈkæθəlIk, ˈkæθlIk)   adj   1 universal; relating to all people; all-inclusive   2 comprehensive in interests, tastes, etc; broad-minded; liberal [C14: from Latin catholicus, from Greek katholikos universal, from katholou in general, from kata- according to + holos whole]   > catholically or catholicly (kəˈθɒlIklI) adv

■ catholicity (ˌkæθəˈlIsItI)   n   1 a wide range of interests, tastes, etc; liberality   2 universality; comprehensiveness

■ catholicize or catholicise (kəˈθɒlIˌsaIz)   vb   to make or become catholic   > caˌtholiciˈzation or caˌtholiciˈsation n

Catholic (ˈkæθəlIk, ˈkæθlIk)   adj Christianity   1 denoting or relating to the entire body of Christians, esp to the Church before separation into the Greek or Eastern and Latin or Western Churches   2 denoting or relating to the Latin or Western Church after this separation   3 denoting or relating to the Roman Catholic Church   4 denoting or relating to any church, belief, etc, that claims continuity with or originates in the ancient undivided Church   ▷ n   5 a member of any of the Churches regarded as Catholic, esp the Roman Catholic Church

■ Catholic Church   n   1 short for Roman Catholic Church   2 any of several Churches claiming to have maintained continuity with the ancient and undivided Church

■ Catholic Epistles   pl n   New Testament the epistles of James, I and II Peter, I John, and Jude, which were addressed to the universal Church rather than to an individual or a particular church

■ Catholicism (kəˈθɒlIˌsIzəm)   n   1 short for Roman Catholicism   2 the beliefs, practices, etc, of any Catholic Church

■ Catholicity (ˌkæθəˈlIsItI)   n   the beliefs, etc, of the Catholic Church

■ Catholicize or Catholicise (kəˈθɒlIˌsaIz)   vb   to convert to or become converted to Catholicism   > Caˌtholiciˈzation or Caˌtholiciˈsation n

catholicon (kəˈθɒlIkən)   n   a remedy for all ills; panacea [C15: from Medieval Latin; see CATHOLIC]

Catholicos (kəˈθɒlIkɒs)   n   the patriarch of the Armenian Church [C17: from Greek katholikos; see CATHOLIC]

■ catholicate (kəˈθɒlIˌkeIt)   n   the legal power of the leader of an Armenian church

Catiline (ˈkætIˌlaIn)   n   Latin name Lucius Sergius Catilina. ?108–62 BC, Roman politician: organized an unsuccessful conspiracy against Cicero (63–62)   > Catilinarian (ˌkætIlIˈnɛərIən) adj

cation (ˈkætaIən)   n   a positively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the cathode during electrolysis. Compare anion [C19: from CATA- + ION]   > cationic (ˌkætaIˈɒnIk) adj

■ cationically (ˌkætaIˈɒnIkəlI)   adv   in a cationic manner

■ cationic detergent   n   a type of detergent in which the active part of the molecule is a positive ion (cation). Cationic detergents are usually quaternary ammonium salts and often also have bactericidal properties

catjang (kɑːˈtʃæŋ)   n   a thickly-branched tropical shrub native to Africa

catkin (ˈkætkIn)   n   an inflorescence consisting of a spike, usually hanging, of much reduced flowers of either sex: occurs in birch, hazel, etc. Also called: ament [C16: from obsolete Dutch katteken kitten, identical in meaning with French chaton, German Kätzchen]

■ catkinate (ˈkætkIˌneIt)   adj   like a catkin

catling (ˈkætlIŋ)   n   1 a long double-edged surgical knife for amputations   2 rare catgut or a string made from it   3 an archaic word for kitten [C17: from CAT^1 + -LING^1]

Cato (ˈkeItəʊ)   n   1  Marcus Porcius (ˈmɑːkəsˈpɔːʃIəs), known as Cato the Elder or the Censor. 234–149 BC, Roman statesman and writer, noted for his relentless opposition to Carthage   2  his great-grandson, Marcus Porcius, known as Cato the Younger or Uticensis. 95–46 BC, Roman statesman, general, and Stoic philosopher; opponent of Catiline and Caesar

catolyte (ˈkætəʊˌlaIt) or catholyte (ˈkæθəʊˌlaIt)   n   electronics the part of the electrolyte that surrounds the cathode in an electrolytic cell

catoptrics (kəˈtɒptrIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of optics concerned with reflection, esp the formation of images by mirrors [C18: from Greek katoptrikos, from katoptron mirror]   > caˈtoptric or caˈtoptrical adj

CATS (kæts)   n acronym for   Brit credit accumulation transfer scheme: a scheme enabling school-leavers and others to acquire transferable certificates for relevant work experience and study towards a recognized qualification

CAT scanner (kæt)   n   former name for CT scanner [C20: (C)omputerized (A)xial (T)omography]

Catskill Mountains (ˈkætskIl)   pl n   a mountain range in SE New York State: resort. Highest peak: Slide Mountain, 1261 m (4204 ft). Also called: Catskills

CAT standard   n   (in Britain) a standard accepted voluntarily by building societies relating to charges, access, etc, against which Individual Savings Accounts can be judged [C20: C(harges) A(ccess) T(erms)]

catsup (ˈkætsəp)   n   a variant (esp US) of ketchup

cattabu (ˈkætəˌbjuː)   n   a cross between common cattle and a zebu

cattalo or catalo (ˈkætəˌləʊ)   n, pl -loes or -los   a hardy breed of cattle developed by crossing the American bison with domestic cattle [C20: from CATT(LE + BUFF)ALO]

Cattegat (ˈkætIˌɡæt)   n   a former spelling of Kattegat

Catterick (ˈkætərIk)   n   a village in N England, in North Yorkshire on the River Swale: site of an important army garrison and a racecourse

cattle (ˈkætəl)   n (functioning as plural)   1 bovid mammals of the tribe Bovini (bovines), esp those of the genus Bos   2 Also called: domestic cattle any domesticated bovine mammals, esp those of the species Bos taurus (domestic ox) ▶ Related adjective: bovine [C13: from Old Northern French catel, Old French chatel CHATTEL]

■ cattle-cake   n   concentrated food for cattle in the form of cakes

■ cattle class   n   informal a jocular name for the economy-class section of an airliner, in which passengers have little space to move

■ cattle dog   n   Austral informal a catalogue [supposedly imitative of CATALOGUE]

■ cattle-grid or cattle guard   n   a grid of metal bars covering a hollow or hole dug in a roadway, intended to prevent the passage of livestock while allowing vehicles, etc, to pass unhindered

■ cattleman (ˈkætəlmən)   n, pl -men   1 a person who breeds, rears, or tends cattle   2 chiefly US and Canadian a person who owns or rears cattle on a large scale, usually for beef, esp the owner of a cattle ranch

■ cattle market   n   Brit slang a situation or place, such as a beauty contest or nightclub, in which women are felt to be, or feel themselves to be, on display and judged solely by their appearance

■ cattle plague   n   another name for rinderpest

■ cattle prod   n   a handheld electrified rod with low voltage used to control cattle

■ cattle-stop   n   NZ a grid of metal bars covering a hollow or hole dug in a roadway, intended to prevent the passage of livestock while allowing vehicles, etc, to pass unhindered. Also called (in Britain and other countries): cattle-grid

■ cattle truck   n   a railway wagon designed for carrying livestock. US and Canadian equivalent: stock car

cattleya (ˈkætlIə)   n   any tropical American orchid of the genus Cattleya, cultivated for their purplish-pink or white showy flowers [C19: New Latin, named after William Cattley (died 1832), English botanist]

Catton (ˈkætən)   n   Eleanor. born 1985, Canadian-born New Zealand writer; her books include The Rehearsal (2008) and the Booker-prizewinning The Luminaries (2013)

catty-cornered or catty-corner   adj   variant forms of cater-cornered

Catullus (kəˈtʌləs)   n   Gaius Valerius (ˈɡaIəs vəˈlIərIəs). ?84–?54 BC, Roman lyric poet, noted particularly for his love poems   > Catullan (kəˈtʌlən) adj

CATV   abbreviation for   community antenna television

Cauca (Spanish ˈkauka)   n   a river in W Colombia, rising in the northwest and flowing north to the Magdalena River. Length: about 1350 km (840 miles)

Caucasia (kɔːˈkeIzIə, -ʒə)   n   a region in SW Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea: contains the Caucasus Mountains, dividing it into Ciscaucasia in the north and Transcaucasia in the south; one of the most complex ethnic areas in the world, with over 50 different peoples. Also called: the Caucasus

■ Caucasian (kɔːˈkeIzIən, -ʒən) or Caucasic (kɔːˈkeIzIk)   adj   1 old-fashioned another word for Caucasoid   2 of or relating to the Caucasus   ▷ n   3 a White person; Caucasoid   4 a native or inhabitant of Caucasia   5 any of three possibly related families of languages spoken in the Caucasus: North-West Caucasian, including Circassian and Abkhaz, North-East Caucasian, including Avar, and South Caucasian including Georgian

USAGE

The word Caucasian is very widely used in the US to refer to people of European origin or people who are White, even though the original classification was broader than this

Caucasoid (ˈkɔːkəˌzɔId)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or belonging to the lighter-complexioned supposed racial group of humankind, which includes the peoples indigenous to Europe, N Africa, SW Asia, and the Indian subcontinent and their descendants in other parts of the world   ▷ n   2 a member of this racial group

USAGE

The word Caucasoid and other words ending in -oid and relating to racial group are controversial scientifically and best avoided

Caucasus (ˈkɔːkəsəs)   n the Caucasus   1 Also called: Caucasus Mountains a mountain range in SW Russia, running along the N borders of Georgia and Azerbaijan, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea: mostly over 2700 m (9000 ft). Highest peak: Mount Elbrus, 5642 m (18 510 ft)   2 another name for Caucasia

cauchemar (ˈkəʊʃmɑː)   n   a nightmare

Cauchy (ˈkaʊʃI; French koʃi)   n   Augustin Louis (oɡystɛ̃ lwi), Baron Cauchy. 1789–1857, French mathematician, noted for his work on the theory of functions and the wave theory of light

caucus (ˈkɔːkəs)   n, pl -cuses   1 chiefly US and Canadian   a a closed meeting of the members of one party in a legislative chamber, etc, to coordinate policy, choose candidates, etc   b such a bloc of politicians: the Democratic caucus in Congress   2 chiefly US   a a group of leading politicians of one party   b a meeting of such a group   3 chiefly US a local meeting of party members   4 Brit a group or faction within a larger group, esp a political party, who discuss tactics, choose candidates, etc   5 Austral a group of MPs from one party who meet to discuss tactics, etc   6 NZ a formal meeting of all Members of Parliament belonging to one political party   ▷ vb   7 (intr) to hold a caucus [C18: probably of Algonquian origin; related to caucauasu adviser]

■ caucussing (ˈkɔːkəsIŋ)   n   the act of holding a private, often secret meeting of members of a political party prior to an election or general party meeting

cauda (ˈkɔːdə)   n   1 zoology the area behind the anus of an animal; tail   2 anatomy   a any tail-like structure   b the posterior part of an organ [Latin: tail]

■ caudad (ˈkɔːdæd)   adv   anatomy towards the tail or posterior part. Compare cephalad [C19: from CAUDA + -AD^2]

■ caudal (ˈkɔːdəl)   adj   1 anatomy of or towards the posterior part of the body   2 zoology relating to, resembling, or in the position of the tail [C17: from New Latin caudālis, from CAUDA]   > ˈcaudally adv

■ caudal fin   n   the tail fin of fishes and some other aquatic vertebrates, used for propulsion during locomotion

■ caudate (ˈkɔːdeIt) or caudated   adj   having a tail or a tail-like appendage [C17: from New Latin caudātus, from CAUDA]   > cauˈdation n

caudex (ˈkɔːdɛks)   n, pl -dices (-dIˌsiːz) or -dexes   1 the thickened persistent stem base of some herbaceous perennial plants   2 the woody stem of palms and tree ferns [C19: from Latin]

caudicle (ˈkɔːdIkəl)   n   botany the stalk to which an orchid's pollen masses are attached

caudillo (kɔːˈdiːljəʊ; Spanish kauˈðiʎo)   n, pl -los (-jəʊz; Spanish -ʎos)   (in Spanish-speaking countries) a military or political leader [Spanish, from Late Latin capitellum, diminutive of Latin caput head]

■ caudillismo (ˌkɔːdIlˈjIzməʊ)   n   a political system organized under the rule of a caudillo

Caudine Forks (ˈkɔːdaIn)   pl n   a narrow pass in the Apennines, in S Italy, between Capua and Benevento: scene of the defeat of the Romans by the Samnites (321 BC)

caudle (ˈkɔːdəl)   n   a hot spiced wine drink made with gruel, formerly used medicinally [C13: from Old Northern French caudel, from Medieval Latin caldellum, from Latin calidus warm]

cauf (kɔːf)   n   obsolete a cage used by fishermen for holding live fish in the water

cauk (kɔːk)   n   a variant spelling of chalk

■ cauker (ˈkɔːkə)   n   a variant spelling of caulker

caul (kɔːl)   n anatomy   1 a portion of the amniotic sac sometimes covering a child's head at birth   2 a large fold of peritoneum hanging from the stomach across the intestines; the large omentum [C13: from Old French cale, back formation from calotte close-fitting cap, of Germanic origin]

cauld (kɔːld)   adj, n   a Scot word for cold

■ cauldrife (ˈkɔːldrIf)   adj Scot   1 susceptible to cold; chilly   2 lifeless [C18: from CAULD + RIFE]

cauldron or caldron (ˈkɔːldrən)   n   a large pot used for boiling, esp one with handles [C13: from earlier cauderon, from Anglo-French, from Latin caldārium hot bath, from calidus warm]

caulescent (kɔːˈlɛsənt)   adj   botany having a stem clearly visible above the ground [C18: from Latin caulis stalk]

Caulfield (ˈkɔːlfiːld)   n   Patrick (Joseph). 1936–2005, British painter and printmaker

caulicle (ˈkɔːlIkəl) or cauliculus (kɔːˈlIkjʊləs)   n, pl -icles or -iculi (-ˈIkjʊˌlaI)   botany a small stalk or stem [C17: from Latin cauliculus, from caulis stem]

■ caulicolous (kɔːˈlIkələs)   adj   living or growing on other plants' stems

■ cauliculate (kɔːˈlIkjʊlət)   adj   having a caulicle

cauliflory (ˈkɔːlIˌflɔːrI)   n   botany the production of flowers on the trunk, branches, etc, of a woody plant, as opposed to the ends of the twigs [C20: from Latin caulis stem + -flory, from flōs flower]   > ˌcauliˈflorous adj

cauliflower (ˈkɒlIˌflaʊə)   n   1 a variety of cabbage, Brassica oleracea botrytis, having a large edible head of crowded white flowers on a very short thick stem   2 the flower head of this plant, used as a vegetable [C16: from Italian caoli fiori, literally: cabbage flowers, from cavolo cabbage (from Latin caulis) + fiore flower (from Latin flōs)]

■ cauliflower cheese   n   a dish of cauliflower with a cheese sauce, eaten hot

■ cauliflower ear   n   permanent swelling and distortion of the external ear as the result of ruptures of the blood vessels: usually caused by blows received in boxing. Also called: boxer's ear. Technical name: aural haematoma

■ caulifloweret (ˌkɒlIˌflaʊəˈrɛt)   n   an individual floret from a cauliflower

cauliform (ˈkɔːlIˌfɔːm)   adj   botany resembling or similar to a caulis

cauligenous (kɔːˈlIdʒInəs)   adj   botany originating or protruding from the stem of a plant

cauline (ˈkɔːlIn, -laIn)   adj   botany relating to or growing from a plant stem [C18: from New Latin caulīnus, from Latin caulis stem]

caulis (ˈkɔːlIs)   n, pl -les (-liːz)   rare the main stem of a plant [C16: from Latin]

caulk or calk (kɔːk)   vb   1 to stop up (cracks, crevices, etc) with a filler   2 nautical to pack (the seams) between the planks of the bottom of (a vessel) with waterproof material to prevent leakage [C15: from Old Northern French cauquer to press down, from Latin calcāre to trample, from calx heel]   > ˈcaulker or ˈcalker n

caulome (ˈkɔːləʊm)   n   botany the stem structure of a plant considered as a whole

caup (kɔːp)   n   archaic a gift given to one's master in return for one's keep and protection

causa (ˈkaʊzə)   n   a reason or cause

causalgia (kɔːˈzældʒIə)   n   pathol a burning sensation along the course of a peripheral nerve together with local changes in the appearance of the skin [C19: from New Latin, from Greek kausos fever + -ALGIA]

■ causalgic (kɔːˈzældʒIk)   adj   relating to pain of the nerves

cause (kɔːz)   n   1 a person, thing, event, state, or action that produces an effect   2 grounds for action; motive; justification: she had good cause to shout like that   3 the ideals, etc, of a group or movement: the Communist cause   4 the welfare or interests of a person or group in a dispute: they fought for the miners' cause   5 a matter of widespread concern or importance: the cause of public health   6    a a ground for legal action; matter giving rise to a lawsuit   b the lawsuit itself   7 (in the philosophy of Aristotle) any of four requirements for a thing's coming to be, namely material (material cause), its nature (formal cause), an agent (efficient cause), and a purpose (final cause)   8 make common cause with to join with (a person, group, etc) for a common objective   ▷ vb   9 (tr) to be the cause of; bring about; precipitate; be the reason for [C13: from Latin causa cause, reason, motive]   > ˈcausable adj   > ˌcausaˈbility n   > ˈcauseless adj   > ˈcauser n

■ causal (ˈkɔːzəl)   adj   1 acting as or being a cause   2 stating, involving, or implying a cause: the causal part of the argument   3 philosophy (of a theory) explaining a phenomenon or analysing a concept in terms of some causal relation   > ˈcausally adv

■ causality (kɔːˈzælItI)   n, pl -ties   1    a the relationship of cause and effect   b the principle that nothing can happen without being caused   2 causal agency or quality

■ causation (kɔːˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the act or fact of causing; the production of an effect by a cause   2 the relationship of cause and effect   > cauˈsational adj

■ causationism (kɔːˈzeIʃəˌnIzəm)   n   the theory of universal causation

■ causationist (kɔːˈzeIʃənIst)   n   a person who believes in the theory of universal causation

■ causative (ˈkɔːzətIv)   adj   1 grammar relating to a form or class of verbs, such as persuade, that express causation   2 (often postpositive; and foll by of) producing an effect   ▷ n   3 the causative form or class of verbs   > ˈcausatively adv   > ˈcausativeness n

■ cause célèbre (ˈkɔːz səˈlɛbrə, -ˈlɛb; French koz selɛbrə)   n, pl causes célèbres (ˈkɔːz səˈlɛbrəz, -ˈlɛb, ˈkɔːzIz səˈlɛbrə, -ˈlɛbz; French koz selɛbrə)   a famous lawsuit, trial, or controversy [C19: from French: famous case]

■ causelessly (ˈkɔːzlIslI)   adv   in a manner without cause or reason

■ causelessness (ˈkɔːzlIsnəs)   n   the quality or state of having no cause or reason

■ cause list   n   Brit a list of cases awaiting a hearing

causerie (ˈkəʊzərI; French kozri)   n   an informal talk or conversational piece of writing [C19: from French, from causer to chat]

causeway (ˈkɔːzˌweI)   n   1 a raised path or road crossing water, marshland, sand, etc   2 a paved footpath   3 a road surfaced with setts [C15 cauciwey (from cauci + WAY); cauci paved road, from Medieval Latin (via) calciāta, calciātus paved with limestone, from Latin calx limestone]

causey (ˈkɔːzI)   n   1 an archaic or dialect word for causeway   2 Scot a cobbled street   3 Scot a cobblestone

caustic (ˈkɔːstIk)   adj   1 capable of burning or corroding by chemical action: caustic soda   2 sarcastic; cutting: a caustic reply   3 of, relating to, or denoting light that is reflected or refracted by a curved surface   ▷ n   4 Also called: caustic surface a surface that envelops the light rays reflected or refracted by a curved surface   5 Also called: caustic curve a curve formed by the intersection of a caustic surface with a plane   6 chem a caustic substance, esp an alkali [C14: from Latin causticus, from Greek kaustikos, from kaiein to burn]   > ˈcaustical adj   > ˈcaustically adv   > causticity (kɔːˈstIsItI) or ˈcausticness n

■ caustic potash   n   another name for potassium hydroxide

■ caustic soda   n   another name for sodium hydroxide

cautel (ˈkɔːtəl)   n   archaic craftiness; skilful deceit

■ cautelous (ˈkɔːtələs)   adj   crafty or cunning

cauterize or cauterise (ˈkɔːtəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) (esp in the treatment of a wound) to burn or sear (body tissue) with a hot iron or caustic agent [C14: from Old French cauteriser, from Late Latin cautērizāre, from cautērium branding iron, from Greek kautērion, from kaiein to burn]   > ˌcauteriˈzation or ˌcauteriˈsation n

■ cauter (ˈkɔːtə)   n   an ironlike instrument used for cauterizing and searing organic tissue

■ cauterant (ˈkɔːtərənt)   adj   1 caustic; cauterizing   ▷ n   2 another name for cautery (sense 2)

■ cauterism (ˈkɔːtəˌrIzəm)   n   the application of burning, searing, or cautery

■ cautery (ˈkɔːtərI)   n, pl -teries   1 the coagulation of blood or destruction of body tissue by cauterizing   2 Also called: cauterant an instrument or chemical agent for cauterizing

caution (ˈkɔːʃən)   n   1 care, forethought, or prudence, esp in the face of danger; wariness   2 something intended or serving as a warning; admonition   3 law, chiefly Brit a formal warning given to a person suspected or accused of an offence that his or her words will be taken down and may be used in evidence   4 a notice entered on the register of title to land that prevents a proprietor from disposing of his or her land without a notice to the person who entered the caution   5 informal an amusing or surprising person or thing: she's a real caution   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to urge or warn (a person) to be careful   7 (tr) law, chiefly Brit to give a caution to (a person)   8 (intr) to warn, urge, or advise: he cautioned against optimism [C13: from Old French, from Latin cautiō, from cavēre to beware]   > ˈcautioner n

■ cautionary (ˈkɔːʃənərI)   adj   serving as a warning; intended to warn: a cautionary tale

■ caution money   n   chiefly Brit a sum of money deposited as security for good conduct, against possible debts, etc

■ cautionry (ˈkɔːʃənrI)   n   Scots law the position or function of a surety, a person who protects and takes responsibility for another person

■ cautious (ˈkɔːʃəs)   adj   showing or having caution; wary; prudent   > ˈcautiously adv   > ˈcautiousness n

Cauvery (ˈkɔːvərI)   n   a variant spelling of Kaveri

CAV or Cur. adv. vult law   abbreviation for   Curia advisari vult: used in English law to indicate that a court has decided to consider a case privately before giving judgment, as when time is needed to consider arguments or submissions made to it. Compare avizandum [Medieval Latin: the court wishes to consider]

cava (ˈkɑːvə)   n   a Spanish sparkling wine produced by a method similar to that used for champagne [from Spanish]

Cavaco Silva (ˈkavaku ˈsilvə)   n   Aníbal (aˈnibal). born 1939, Portuguese statesman; prime minister (1985–95); president (2006–16)

Cavafy (kəˈvɑːfI)   n   Constantine. Greek name Kavafis.1863–1933, Greek poet of Alexandria in Egypt

cavalcade (ˌkævəlˈkeId)   n   1 a procession of people on horseback, in cars, etc   2 any procession: a cavalcade of guests [C16: from French, from Italian cavalcata, from cavalcare to ride on horseback, from Late Latin caballicāre, from caballus horse]

Cavalcanti (Italian kavalˈkanti)   n   Guido (ˈɡwiːdo). ?1255–1300, Italian poet, noted for his love poems

cavalero (ˌkævəˈljɛərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a gentleman or cavalier

cavaletti or cavalletti (ˌkævəˈlɛtI)   pl n   bars supported on low stands used in dressage and horse jumping

cavalier (ˌkævəˈlIə)   adj   1 showing haughty disregard; offhand   ▷ n   2 a gallant or courtly gentleman, esp one acting as a lady's escort   3 archaic a horseman, esp one who is armed [C16: from Italian cavaliere, from Old Provençal cavalier, from Late Latin caballārius rider, from caballus horse, of obscure origin]   > ˌcavaˈlierly adv

■ Cavalier (ˌkævəˈlIə)   n   a supporter of Charles I during the English Civil War. Compare Roundhead

■ cavalierish (ˌkævəˈlIərIʃ)   adj   like a cavalier

■ cavalierism (ˌkævəˈlIərˌIzəm)   n   the principles or practice of cavaliers

■ cavalier King Charles spaniel   n   See King Charles spaniel

■ Cavalier poets   pl n   a group of mid-17th-century English lyric poets, mostly courtiers of Charles I. Chief among them were Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew, Sir John Suckling, and Richard Lovelace

cavalla (kəˈvælə) or cavally   n, pl -la, -las or -lies   any of various tropical carangid fishes, such as Gnathanodon speciosus (golden cavalla) [C19: from Spanish caballa, from Late Latin, feminine of caballus horse]

Cavallini (Italian kavalˈliːni)   n   Pietro (ˈpjɛːtro). ?1250–?1330, Italian fresco painter and mosaicist. His works include the mosaics of the Life of the Virgin in Santa Maria, Trastevere, Rome

cavalry (ˈkævəlrI)   n, pl -ries   1 (esp formerly) the part of an army composed of mounted troops   2 the armoured element of a modern army   3 (as modifier): a cavalry unit; a cavalry charge [C16: from French cavallerie, from Italian cavalleria, from cavaliere horseman; see CAVALIER]   > ˈcavalryman n

■ cavalry twill   n   a strong woollen twill fabric used for trousers, etc

Cavan (ˈkævən)   n   1 a county of N Republic of Ireland: hilly, with many small lakes and bogs. County town: Cavan. Pop: 56 546 (2002). Area: 1890 sq km (730 sq miles)   2 a market town in N Republic of Ireland, county town of Co Cavan. Pop: 6098 (2002)

cavass (kɑːˈvɑːs)   n   a Turkish armed police officer

cavatina (ˌkævəˈtiːnə)   n, pl -ne (-nI)   1 a solo song resembling a simple aria   2 an instrumental composition reminiscent of this [C19: from Italian]

cave^1 (keIv)   n   1 an underground hollow with access from the ground surface or from the sea, often found in limestone areas and on rocky coastlines   2 Brit history a secession or a group seceding from a political party on some issue. See Adullamite   3 (modifier) living in caves   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to hollow out [C13: from Old French, from Latin cava, plural of cavum cavity, from cavus hollow]

■ cavefish (ˈkeIvˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any of various small freshwater cyprinodont fishes of the genera Amblyopsis, Chologaster, etc, living in subterranean and other waters in S North America. See also blindfish

■ cave in   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to collapse; subside   2 informal to yield completely, esp under pressure   ▷ n cave-in   3 the sudden collapse of a roof, piece of ground, etc, into a hollow beneath it; subsidence   4 the site of such a collapse, as at a mine or tunnel   5 informal an instance of yielding completely, esp under pressure

■ cavelike (ˈkeIvˌlaIk)   adj   similar to or resembling a cave

■ caveman (ˈkeIvˌmæn)   n, pl -men   1 a man of the Palaeolithic age; cave dweller   2 informal, facetious a man who is primitive or brutal in behaviour, etc

■ cave tubing   n   NZ another name for blackwater rafting

■ caving (ˈkeIvIŋ)   n   the sport of climbing in and exploring caves   > ˈcaver n

cave^2 (ˈkeIvI) Brit school slang   n   1 guard or lookout (esp in the phrase keep cave)   ▷ sentence substitute   2 watch out! [from Latin cavē! beware!]

caveat (ˈkeIvIˌæt, ˈkæv-)   n   1 law a formal notice requesting the court or officer to refrain from taking some specified action without giving prior notice to the person lodging the caveat   2 a warning; caution [C16: from Latin, literally: let him beware]

■ caveat emptor (ˈɛmptɔː)   n   the principle that the buyer must bear the risk for the quality of goods purchased unless they are covered by the seller's warranty [Latin: let the buyer beware]

■ caveator (ˈkeIvIˌeItə, ˈkæv-)   n   law a person who enters a caveat

cavel (ˈkeIvəl)   n   NZ a drawing of lots among miners for an easy and profitable place at the coalface [C19: from English dialect cavel to cast lots, apportion]

Cavell (ˈkævəl)   n   Edith Louisa. 1865–1915, English nurse: executed by the Germans in World War I for helping Allied prisoners to escape

cavendish (ˈkævəndIʃ)   n   tobacco that has been sweetened and pressed into moulds to form bars [C19: perhaps from the name of the first maker]

Cavendish (ˈkævəndIʃ)   n   Henry. 1731–1810, British physicist and chemist: recognized hydrogen, determined the composition of water, and calculated the density of the earth by an experiment named after him

cavern (ˈkævən)   n   1 a cave, esp when large and formed by underground water, or a large chamber in a cave   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to shut in or as if in a cavern   3 to hollow out [C14: from Old French caverne, from Latin caverna, from cavus hollow; see CAVE^1]

■ cavernicolous (ˌkævəˈnIkələs)   adj   inhabiting caves or cavelike places

■ cavernous (ˈkævənəs)   adj   1 suggestive of a cavern in vastness, darkness, etc: cavernous hungry eyes   2 filled with small cavities; porous   3 (of rocks) containing caverns or cavities   > ˈcavernously adv

cavernulous (kæˈvɜːnjʊləs)   adj   possessing or being full of small cavities

cavesson (ˈkævIsən)   n   a kind of hard noseband, used (esp formerly) in breaking a horse in [C16: via French from Italian cavezzone, from cavezza halter, ultimately related to Latin caput head]

cavetto (kəˈvɛtəʊ; Italian kaˈvetto)   n, pl -ti (-tI; Italian -ti)   architect a concave moulding, shaped to a quarter circle in cross section [C17: from Italian, from cavo hollow, from Latin cavus]

caviar or caviare (ˈkævIˌɑː, ˌkævIˈɑː)   n   the salted roe of sturgeon, esp the beluga, usually served as an hors d'oeuvre [C16: from earlier cavery, from Old Italian caviari, plural of caviaro caviar, from Turkish havyār]

CAVIAR (ˈkævIˌɑː)   n acronym for   Cinema and Video Industry Audience Research

cavicorn (ˈkævIˌkɔːn)   adj   (of sheep, goats, etc) having hollow horns as distinct from the solid antlers of deer [C19: from Latin cavus hollow + cornū horn]

cavie (ˈkeIvI)   n   Scot a hen coop [C18: via Dutch or Flemish kavie, from Latin cavea cavity]

cavil (ˈkævIl)   vb -ils, -illing, -illed or US -ils, -iling, -iled   1 (intr; foll by at or about) to raise annoying petty objections; quibble; carp   ▷ n   2 a captious trifling objection [C16: from Old French caviller, from Latin cavillārī to jeer, from cavilla raillery]   > ˈcaviller or ˈcaviler n   > ˈcavilling adj

■ cavillation (ˌkævIˈleIʃən)   n   any objection made to or dispute raised about trivial points or frivolities

Cavite (kəˈviːtI, -teI)   n   a port in the N Philippines, in S Luzon on Manila Bay: a former US naval base. Pop: 109 000 (2005 est)

cavity (ˈkævItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a hollow space; hole   2 dentistry a soft decayed area on a tooth. See caries   3 any empty or hollow space within the body: the oral cavity   4 electronics See cavity resonator [C16: from French cavité, from Late Latin cavitās, from Latin cavus hollow]

■ cavitary (ˈkævItərI)   adj   having or containing cavities

■ cavitate (ˈkævIteIt)   vb (intr)   to form cavities or bubbles

■ cavitation (ˌkævIˈteIʃən)   n   1 the formation of vapour- or gas-filled cavities in a flowing liquid when tensile stress is superimposed on the ambient pressure   2 the formation of cavities in a structure

■ cavity block   n   a precast concrete block that contains a cavity or cavities

■ cavity resonator   n   electronics a conducting surface enclosing a space in which an oscillating electromagnetic field can be maintained, the dimensions of the cavity determining the resonant frequency of the oscillations. It is used in microwave devices for frequencies exceeding 300 megahertz. Also called: resonant cavity, rhumbatron

■ cavity wall   n   a wall that consists of two separate walls, joined by wall-ties, with an airspace between them

cavolo nero (ˈkɑːvəˌləʊ ˈnɛrəʊ)   n   an Italian variety of cabbage with dark green leaves [from Italian, black cabbage]

cavo-relievo or cavo-rilievo (ˌkɑːvəʊrIˈliːvəʊ, ˌkeI-)   n, pl -vos or -vi (-vI)   a relief sculpture in which the highest point in the carving is below the level of the original surface [Italian, literally: hollow relief]

cavort (kəˈvɔːt)   vb   (intr) to prance; caper [C19: perhaps from CURVET]   > caˈvorter n

■ cavortings (kəˈvɔːtIŋz)   pl n   literary sexual frolics

Cavour (Italian kaˈvur)   n   Conte Camillo Benso di (kaˈmillo ˈbɛnzo di).1810–61, Italian statesman and premier of Piedmont-Sardinia (1852–59; 1860–61): a leader of the movement for the unification of Italy

cavy (ˈkeIvI)   n, pl -vies   any small South American hystricomorph rodent of the family Caviidae, esp any of the genus Cavia, having a thickset body and very small tail. See also guinea pig [C18: from New Latin Cavia, from Galibi cabiai]

caw (kɔː)   n   1 the cry of a crow, rook, or raven   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to make this cry [C16: of imitative origin]

■ cawing (ˈkɔːIŋ)   n   harsh cries

CAW   abbreviation for   Canadian Auto Workers (trade union)

Cawdrey (ˈkɔːdrI)   n   Robert. 16th–17th-century English schoolmaster and lexicographer: compiled the first English dictionary (A Table Alphabeticall) in 1604

cawker (ˈkɔːkə)   n   a metal projection on a horse's shoe which prevents slipping

Cawley (ˈkɔːlI)   n   Evonne (née Goolagong). born 1951, Australian tennis player: winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles including Wimbledon (1971,1980) and the Australian Open (1974–76, 1977 (December))

Cawnpore (ˌkɔːnˈpɔː) or Cawnpur (ˌkɔːnˈpʊə)   n   the former name of Kanpur

caxon (ˈkæksən)   n   obsolete a wig

Caxton^1 (ˈkækstən)   n   1 a book printed by William Caxton   2 a style of type, imitating the Gothic, that Caxton used in his books

Caxton^2 (ˈkækstən)   n   William. ?1422–91, English printer and translator: published, in Bruges, the first book printed in English (1475) and established the first printing press in England (1477)

cay (keI, kiː)   n   a small low island or bank composed of sand and coral fragments, esp in the Caribbean area. Also called: key [C18: from Spanish cayo, probably from Old French quai QUAY]

Cayenne (keIˈɛn)   n   the capital of French Guiana, on an island at the mouth of the Cayenne River: French penal settlement from 1854 to 1938. Pop: 57 229 (2011)

cayenne pepper (keIˈɛn)   n   a very hot condiment, bright red in colour, made from the dried seeds and pods of various capsicums. Often shortened to: cayenne. Also called: red pepper [C18: ultimately from Tupi quiynha]

■ cayenned (keIˈɛnd)   adj   sprinkled or seasoned with cayenne

Cayes (keI; French kaj)   n   short for Les Cayes

Cayley (ˈkeIlI)   n   1  Arthur. 1821–93, British mathematician, who invented matrices   2  Sir George. 1773–1857, British engineer and pioneer of aerial navigation. He constructed the first man-carrying glider (1853) and invented the caterpillar tractor

cayman or caiman (ˈkeImən)   n, pl -mans   any tropical American crocodilian of the genus Caiman and related genera, similar to alligators but with a more heavily armoured belly: family Alligatoridae (alligators, etc) [C16: from Spanish caimán, from Carib cayman, probably of African origin]

Cayman Islands (ˈkeImən)   pl n   three coral islands in the Caribbean Sea northwest of Jamaica: a dependency of Jamaica until 1962, now a UK Overseas Territory. Capital: George Town. Pop: 53 737 (2013 est). Area: about 260 sq km (100 sq miles)

Cayuga (keIˈjuːɡə, kaI-)   n   1 (pl -gas or -ga) a member of a Native American people (one of the Iroquois peoples) formerly living around Cayuga Lake   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Iroquoian family

cayuse (ˈkaIuːs)   n   Western US and Canadian a small Native American pony used by cowboys [C19: from a Chinookan language]

caz (kæʒ)   adj   slang short for casual

cb   abbreviation for   centre of buoyancy (of a boat, etc)

Cb   the chemical symbol for   columbium

CB   abbreviation for   1 Citizens' Band   2 Companion of the (Order of the) Bath (an English title)   3 County Borough   4 (in Canada) Cape Breton Island

cba or CBA text messaging   abbreviation for   can't be arsed

CBC   abbreviation for   Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CBD or cbd   abbreviation for   1 cash before delivery   2 central business district

CBE   abbreviation for   Commander of the (Order of the) British Empire

CBI   abbreviation for   Confederation of British Industry

CBR   abbreviation for (of weapons or warfare)   chemical, bacteriological, or radiological

CBRN   abbreviation for   (of weapons or warfare) chemical, bacteriological, radiological, or nuclear

CBS   abbreviation for   Columbia Broadcasting System

CBSO   abbreviation for   City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

CBT   abbreviation for   1 computer-based training   2 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBW   abbreviation for   chemical or biological weapon

cc^1 or c.c.   abbreviation for   1 carbon copy or copies   2 South African close corporation   3 cubic centimetre(s)

cc^2   the internet domain name for   Cocos Islands

CC   abbreviation for   1 City Council   2 Companion of the Order of Canada   3 (formerly in Britain) Competition Commission   4 County Council   5 Cricket Club

cc.   abbreviation for   chapters

CCANZ   abbreviation for   Council of Churches in Aotearoa/New Zealand

c.c.c.   abbreviation for   (in Wales) cwmni cyfyngedig cyhoeddus: a public limited company

CCD electronics   abbreviation for   charge-coupled device

CCEA   abbreviation for   Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment

CCF   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Combined Cadet Force

CCJ   abbreviation for (in England)   county court judgment

CCMA   abbreviation for (in South Africa)   Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration

CCRC   abbreviation for   (in England, Wales, and N Ireland) Criminal Cases Review Commission: a government body established in 1997 to investigate alleged miscarriages of justice

CCS   abbreviation for   carbon capture and storage

CCTA   abbreviation for (in Britain, formerly)   Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency

CCTV   abbreviation for   closed-circuit television

CCU   abbreviation for   coronary care unit

cd^1   abbreviation for   1 cash discount   ▷ symbol for   2 candela

cd^2   the internet domain name for   Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cd   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) command (paper)   ▷ the chemical symbol for   2 cadmium

CD   abbreviation for   1 compact disc   2 Civil Defence (Corps)   3 Corps Diplomatique (Diplomatic Corps)   4 Conference on Disarmament: a United Nations standing conference, held in Geneva, to negotiate a global ban on chemical weapons   5 (in the US and Canada) certificate of deposit. Also: C.D.

■ CDE   abbreviation for   compact disc erasable: a compact disc that can be used to record and rerecord. Compare CD-R

■ CD-I trademark   abbreviation for   Compact Disc Interactive

■ CD player   n   a device for playing compact discs. In full: compact-disc player

■ CD-R   abbreviation for   compact disc recordable: a compact disc that can be used to record only once. Compare CDE

■ CD-ROM (-ˈrɒm)   n   compact disc read-only memory; a compact disc used with a computer system as a read-only optical disk

■ CD-RW   n   compact disc rewritable; a compact disc that can be used to record and rerecord

■ CD-video   n   a compact-disc player that, when connected to a television and hi-fi, produces high-quality stereo sound and synchronized pictures from a disc resembling a large compact audio disc. In full: compact-disc video

■ CD writer   n   a device on a computer for writing CDs

c/d accounting   abbreviation for   carried down

CDC   abbreviation for   1 (in the US) Center for Disease Control   2 Commonwealth Development Corporation

cdf statistics   abbreviation for   cumulative distribution function

C.diff or C.difficile (dIˈfIsIli, ˌdIfIˈsiːl)   n   short for Clostridium difficile

CDMA   abbreviation for   code-division multiple access: a digital technology used in mobile phones

Cdn   abbreviation for   Canadian

CDN   abbreviation for   Canada (international car registration)

cDNA   abbreviation for   complementary DNA; a form of DNA artificially synthesized from a messenger RNA template and used in genetic engineering to produce gene clones

CDO   abbreviation for   collateralized debt obligation

Cdr military   abbreviation for   Commander

Cdre   abbreviation for   Commodore

CDS   abbreviation for   credit default swap

CDT   abbreviation for   1 US and Canadian Central Daylight Time   2 Craft, Design, and Technology: a subject on the GCSE syllabus, related to the National Curriculum in England, Wales, and N Ireland

CDU   abbreviation for   Christlich-Demokratische Union: a German (until 1990 West German) political party [German: Christian Democratic Union]

CDV   abbreviation for   1 CD-video   2 compact video disc

Ce   the chemical symbol for   cerium

CE   abbreviation for   1 chief engineer   2 Church of England   3 civil engineer   4 Common Entrance   5 Common Era   6 Communauté Européenne (European Union)

ceanothus (ˌsiːəˈnəʊθəs)   n   any shrub of the North American rhamnaceous genus Ceanothus: grown for their ornamental, often blue, flower clusters [C19: New Latin, from Greek keanōthos a kind of thistle]

Ceará (Portuguese siaˈra)   n   1 a state of NE Brazil: sandy coastal plain, rising to a high plateau. Capital: Fortaleza. Pop: 7 654 535 (2002). Area: 150 630 sq km (58 746 sq miles)   2 another name for Fortaleza

cease (siːs)   vb   1 (when tr, may take a gerund or an infinitive as object) to bring or come to an end; desist from; stop   ▷ n   2 without cease without stopping; incessantly [C14: from Old French cesser, from Latin cessāre, frequentative of cēdere to yield, CEDE]

■ ceasefire chiefly military   n   1 a period of truce, esp one that is temporary and a preliminary step to establishing a more permanent peace on agreed terms   ▷ interj, n   2 the order to stop firing

■ ceaseless (ˈsiːslIs)   adj   without stop or pause; incessant   > ˈceaselessly adv

■ ceaselessness (ˈsiːsləsnəs)   n   the quality of being uninterrupted or not stopping

Ceauşescu (tʃaʊˈʃɛskuː)   n   Nicolae (ˌnIkɒˈlaI). 1918–89, Romanian statesman; chairman of the state council (1967–89) and president of Romania (1974–89): deposed and executed

cebid (ˈsiːbId)   n   any member of the Cebidae, a family of New World monkeys

Cebu (sIˈbuː)   n   1 an island in the central Philippines. Pop: 2 091 602 (latest est). Area: 4422 sq km (1707 sq miles)   2 a port in the Philippines, on E Cebu island. Pop: 796 000 (2005 est)

Čechy (ˈtʃɛxi)   n   the Czech name for Bohemia

Cecil (ˈsɛsəl, ˈsIs-)   n   1  Lord David. 1902–86, English literary critic and biographer   2 Robert. See (3rd Marquess of) Salisbury^2   3 William. See (William Cecil) Burghley

Cecilia (sIˈsiːljə)   n   Saint. died ?230 AD, Roman martyr; patron saint of music. Feast day: Nov 22

cecils (ˈsɛsIlz)   pl n   fried meatballs

cecity (ˈsiːsItI)   n   a rare word for blindness. See blindness [C16: from Latin caecitās, from caecus blind]

cecropia moth (sIˈkrəʊpIə) or cecropia   n   a large North American saturniid moth, Hyalophora (or Samia) cecropia, with brightly coloured wings and feathery antennae [C19: New Latin, from Latin Cecropius belonging to CECROPS]

cecropin (səˈkrəʊpIn)   n   an antimicrobial peptide originally derived from an American moth

Cecrops (ˈsiːkrɒps)   n   (in ancient Greek tradition) the first king of Attica, represented as half-human, half-dragon

cecum (ˈsiːkəm)   n, pl -ca (-kə)   US a variant spelling of caecum   > ˈcecal adj

cecutiency (sIˈkjuːʃənsI)   n   the state of or tendency to full or partial blindness

cedar (ˈsiːdə)   n   1 any Old World coniferous tree of the genus Cedrus, having spreading branches, needle-like evergreen leaves, and erect barrel-shaped cones: family Pinaceae. See also cedar of Lebanon, deodar   2 any of various other conifers, such as the red cedars and white cedars   3 the wood of any of these trees   4 any of certain other plants, such as the Spanish cedar   ▷ adj   5 made of the wood of a cedar tree [C13: from Old French cedre, from Latin cedrus, from Greek kedros]

■ cedarbird (ˈsiːdəˌbɜːd)   n   a type of waxwing native to North America

■ cedared (ˈsiːdəd)   adj   furnished or covered with cedar trees

■ cedarn (ˈsiːdən)   adj   literary of or relating to cedar trees

■ cedar of Lebanon   n   a cedar, Cedrus libani, of SW Asia with level spreading branches and fragrant wood

■ Cedar Rapids   n   a city in the US, in E Iowa. Pop: 122 542 (2003 est)

■ Cedar Revolution   n   the popular protests in 2005 that brought down the Lebanese cabinet and prompted Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon

■ cedarwood   n   the wood of a cedar tree

■ cedary (ˈsiːdərI)   adj   resembling a cedar tree or its wood

cede (siːd)   vb   1 (when intr, often foll by to) to transfer, make over, or surrender (something, esp territory or legal rights): the lands were ceded by treaty   2 (tr) to allow or concede (a point in an argument, etc) [C17: from Latin cēdere to yield, give way]   > ˈceder n

cedi (ˈseIdI)   n, pl -di   the standard monetary unit of Ghana, divided into 100 pesewas

cedilla (sIˈdIlə)   n   a character ( ¸ ) placed underneath a c before a, o, or u, esp in French, Portuguese, or Catalan, denoting that it is to be pronounced (s), not (k). The same character is used in the scripts of other languages, as in Turkish under s [C16: from Spanish: little z, from ceda zed, from Late Latin zeta; a small z was originally written after c in Spanish, to indicate a sibilant]

cedrate (ˈsiːdreIt)   n   another name for citron

cedrelaceous (ˌsɛdrIˈleIʃəs)   adj   resembling or having the characteristics of a citron fruit

cedrine (ˈsiːdraIn)   adj   of or relating to the cedar tree or its wood

cedula (ˈsɛdjʊlə)   n   a form of identification, usually a card, in Spanish-speaking countries

cee (siː)   n   the letter C

Ceefax (ˈsiːˌfæks)   n   trademark the BBC teletext service, switched off in October 2012

CEGB Brit   abbreviation for   (the former) Central Electricity Generating Board

ceiba (ˈseIbə)   n   1 any bombacaceous tropical tree of the genus Ceiba, such as the silk-cotton tree   2 silk cotton; kapok [C19: from New Latin, from Spanish, of Arawak origin]

ceil (siːl)   vb (tr)   1 to line (a ceiling) with plaster, boarding, etc   2 to provide with a ceiling [C15 celen, perhaps back formation from CEILING]

■ ceiler (ˈsiːlə)   n   a canopy or tapestry covering a bed or wall

ceilidh (ˈkeIlI)   n   (esp in Scotland and Ireland) an informal social gathering with folk music, singing, dancing, and storytelling [C19: from Gaelic]

ceiling (ˈsiːlIŋ)   n   1 the inner upper surface of a room   2    a an upper limit, such as one set by regulation on prices or wages   b (as modifier): ceiling prices   3 the upper altitude to which an aircraft can climb measured under specified conditions. See also service ceiling, absolute ceiling   4 meteorol the highest level in the atmosphere from which the earth's surface is visible at a particular time, usually the base of a cloud layer   5 a wooden or metal surface fixed to the interior frames of a vessel for rigidity [C14: of uncertain origin]

ceilometer (siːˈlɒmItə)   n   a device for determining the cloud ceiling, esp by means of a reflected light beam [C20: from CEILING + -METER]

ceinture French (sɛ̃tyr)   n   another name for cincture

cel or cell (sɛl)   n   short for celluloid (sense 2b), celluloid (sense 2c)

Cela (Spanish ˈθela)   n   Camilo José (kaˈmilo xoˈse). 1916–2002, Spanish novelist and essayist. His works include The Family of Pascual Duarte (1942), La Colmena (1951), and La Cruz de San Andrés (1994). Nobel prize for literature 1989

celadon (ˈsɛləˌdɒn)   n   1 a type of porcelain having a greyish-green glaze: mainly Chinese   2 a pale greyish-green colour, sometimes somewhat yellow [C18: from French, from the name of the shepherd hero of L'Astrée (1610), a romance by Honoré d'Urfé]

Celaeno (sɛˈliːnəʊ)   n   Greek myth one of the Pleiades

Celan (ˈsɛlæn)   n   Paul, real name Paul Antschel. 1920–70, Romanian Jewish poet, writing in German, whose work reflects the experience of Nazi persecution

celandine (ˈsɛlənˌdaIn)   n   either of two unrelated plants, Chelidonium majus (greater celandine) or Ranunculus ficaria (lesser celandine). See greater celandine, lesser celandine [C13: earlier celydon, from Latin chelīdonia (the plant), from chelīdonius of the swallow, from Greek khelidōn swallow; the plant's season was believed to parallel the migration of swallows]

Celaya (Spanish θeˈlaja)   n   a city in central Mexico, in Guanajuato state: market town, famous for its sweetmeats; textile-manufacturing. Pop: 727 000 (2005 est)

-cele   n combining form   tumour or hernia: hydrocele [from Greek kēlē tumour]

celeb (sIˈlɛb)   n   informal a celebrity

Celebes (ˈsɛlIbiːz, sɛˈliːbIz)   n   the English name for Sulawesi

■ Celebes Sea   n   the part of the Pacific Ocean between Sulawesi, Borneo, and Mindanao

celebrate (ˈsɛlIˌbreIt)   vb   1 to rejoice in or have special festivities to mark (a happy day, event, etc)   2 (tr) to observe (a birthday, anniversary, etc): she celebrates her ninetieth birthday next month   3 (tr) to perform (a solemn or religious ceremony), esp to officiate at (Mass)   4 (tr) to praise publicly; proclaim [C15: from Latin celebrāre, from celeber numerous, thronged, renowned]   > ˌceleˈbration n   > ˈcelebrative adj   > ˈceleˌbrator n   > ˈceleˌbratory adj

■ celebrant (ˈsɛlIbrənt)   n   1 a person participating in a religious ceremony   2 Christianity an officiating priest, esp at the Eucharist

■ celebrated (ˈsɛlIˌbreItId)   adj   (usually prenominal) famous: a celebrated pianist; a celebrated trial

■ celebratedness (ˈsɛlIˌbreItIdnəs)   n   the quality or condition of being celebrated

celebreality (səˌlɛbrIˈælItI)   n   a television genre that is unscripted and involves either the day-to-day documentation of a celebrity’s life or competitive challenges that a celebrity or celebrities must perform [C21: a blend of CELEBRITY + REALITY TV]

celebrity (sIˈlɛbrItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a famous person: a show-business celebrity   2 fame or notoriety

celebutante (sIˈlɛbjʊˌtɑːnt, -ˌtænt)   n   a young woman from a wealthy background who becomes a celebrity [C20: from CELEB(RITY) + (DEB)UTANTE]

celecoxib (ˌsɛləˈkɒksIb)   n   an anti-inflammatory drug

celeriac (sIˈlɛrIˌæk)   n   a variety of celery, Apium graveolens rapaceum, with a large turnip-like root, used as a vegetable [C18: from CELERY + -ac, of unexplained origin]

celerity (sIˈlɛrItI)   n   rapidity; swiftness; speed [C15: from Old French celerite, from Latin celeritās, from celer swift]

celery (ˈsɛlərI)   n   1 an umbelliferous Eurasian plant, Apium graveolens dulce, whose blanched leafstalks are used in salads or cooked as a vegetable. See also celeriac   2 wild celery a related and similar plant, Apium graveolens [C17: from French céleri, from Italian (Lombardy) dialect selleri (plural), from Greek selinon parsley]

■ celery pine   n   a New Zealand gymnosperm tree, Phyllocladus trichomanoides, with celerylike shoots and useful wood: family Phyllocladaceae

celesta (sIˈlɛstə) or celeste (sIˈlɛst)   n   music a keyboard percussion instrument consisting of a set of steel plates of graduated length that are struck with key-operated hammers. The tone is an ethereal tinkling sound. Range: four octaves upwards from middle C [C19: from French, Latinized variant of céleste heavenly]

celestial (sIˈlɛstIəl)   adj   1 heavenly; divine; spiritual: celestial peace   2 of or relating to the sky: celestial bodies [C14: from Medieval Latin cēlestiālis, from Latin caelestis, from caelum heaven]   > ceˈlestially adv

■ Celestial Empire   n   an archaic or literary name for the Chinese Empire

■ celestial equator   n   the great circle lying on the celestial sphere, the plane of which is perpendicular to the line joining the north and south celestial poles. Also called: equinoctial, equinoctial circle

■ celestial globe   n   a spherical model of the celestial sphere showing the relative positions of stars, constellations, etc

■ celestial guidance   n   the guidance of a spacecraft or missile by reference to the position of one or more celestial bodies

■ celestial horizon   n   See horizon (sense 2b)

■ celestial latitude   n   the angular distance of a celestial body north or south from the ecliptic. Also called: ecliptic latitude

■ celestial longitude   n   the angular distance measured eastwards from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the ecliptic with the great circle passing through a celestial body and the poles of the ecliptic. Also called: ecliptic longitude

■ celestial mechanics   n   the study of the motion of celestial bodies under the influence of gravitational fields

■ celestial navigation   n   navigation by observation of the positions of the stars. Also called: astronavigation

■ celestial pole   n   either of the two points at which the earth's axis, extended to infinity, would intersect the celestial sphere. Sometimes shortened to: pole

■ celestial sphere   n   an imaginary sphere of infinitely large radius enclosing the universe so that all celestial bodies appear to be projected onto its surface

celestite (ˈsɛlIˌstaIt) or celestine (ˈsɛlIstIn, -ˌstaIn)   n   a white, red, or blue mineral consisting of strontium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form: a source of strontium compounds. Formula: SrSO_4 [C19: from German Zölestin, from Latin caelestis CELESTIAL (referring to the blue colour) + -ITE^1]

celiac (ˈsiːlIˌæk)   adj   anatomy the usual US spelling of coeliac

celibate (ˈsɛlIbIt)   n   1 a person who is unmarried, esp one who has taken a religious vow of chastity   ▷ adj   2 unmarried, esp by vow   3 abstaining from sexual intercourse [C17: from Latin caelibātus, from caelebs unmarried, of obscure origin]   > ˈcelibacy n

■ celibatarian (ˌsɛlIbəˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 inclined towards or characterized by celibacy   ▷ n   2 a person who lives in celibacy

■ celibatic (ˌsɛlIˈbætIk)   adj   of or relating to celibacy

Céline (seIˈliːn)   n   Louis-Ferdinand (lwifɛrdinɑ̃), real name Louis-Ferdinand Destouches. 1894–1961, French novelist and physician; became famous with his controversial first novel Journey to the End of the Night (1932)

cell^1 (sɛl)   n   1 a small simple room, as in a prison, convent, or monastery; cubicle   2 any small compartment: the cells of a honeycomb   3 biology the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. It consists of a nucleus, containing the genetic material, surrounded by the cytoplasm in which are mitochondria, lysosomes, ribosomes, and other organelles. All cells are bounded by a cell membrane; plant cells have an outer cell wall in addition   4 biology any small cavity or area, such as the cavity containing pollen in an anther   5 a device for converting chemical energy into electrical energy, usually consisting of a container with two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. See also primary cell, secondary cell, dry cell, wet cell, fuel cell   6 short for electrolytic cell   7 a small religious house dependent upon a larger one   8 a small group of persons operating as a nucleus of a larger political, religious, or other organization: Communist cell   9 maths a small unit of volume in a mathematical coordinate system   10 zoology one of the areas on an insect wing bounded by veins   11 the geographical area served by an individual transmitter in a cellular radio network [C12: from Medieval Latin cella monk's cell, from Latin: room, storeroom; related to Latin cēlāre to hide]   > ˈcell-ˌlike adj

■ cellblock (ˈsɛlˌblɒk)   n   a group of cells in a prison where prisoners are kept

■ cell cycle   n   the growth cycle of eukaryotic cells. It is divided into five stages, known as G_0, in which the cell is quiescent, G_1 and G_2, in which it increases in size, S, in which it duplicates its DNA, and M, in which it undergoes mitosis and divides

■ cell division   n   cytology the division of a cell into two new cells during growth or reproduction. See amitosis, meiosis, mitosis

■ celled (sɛld)   adj   containing or divided into compartments or cells

■ celliferous (sɛˈlIfərəs)   adj   making or bearing cells

■ celling (ˈsɛlIŋ)   n   the production and formation of cells

■ cell line   n   biology a clone of animal or plant cells that can be grown in a suitable nutrient culture medium in the laboratory

■ cell lineage   n   biology the developmental history of a tissue or part of an organism from particular cells in the fertilized egg or embryo through to their fully differentiated state

■ cellmate or cell-mate (ˈsɛlmeIt)   n   person with whom a prisoner shares a cell

■ cell membrane   n   a very thin membrane, composed of lipids and protein, that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. Also called: plasmalemma, plasma membrane

■ cell wall   n   the outer layer of a cell, esp the structure in plant cells that consists of cellulose, lignin, etc, and gives mechanical support to the cell

cell^2 (sɛl)   n   a variant spelling of cel

cella (ˈsɛlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   the inner room of a classical temple, esp the room housing the statue of a deity. Also called: naos [C17: from Latin: room, shrine; see CELL^1]

cellar (ˈsɛlə)   n   1 an underground room, rooms, or storey of a building, usually used for storage. Compare basement   2 a place where wine is stored   3 a stock of bottled wines   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to store in a cellar [C13: from Anglo-French, from Latin cellārium food store, from cella CELLA]

■ cellarage (ˈsɛlərIdʒ)   n   1 an area of a cellar   2 a charge for storing goods in a cellar, etc

■ cellar dwellers   pl n   Austral slang the team at the bottom of a sports league

■ cellarer (ˈsɛlərə)   n   a monastic official responsible for food, drink, etc

■ cellaret (ˌsɛləˈrɛt)   n   a case, cabinet, or sideboard with compartments for holding wine bottles

■ cellarette (ˌsɛləˈrɛt)   n   a small liquor cabinet for bottles and glasses

■ cellarman (ˈsɛləmən)   n, pl -men   a person in charge of a cellar where wine or beer is stored

■ cellarous (ˈsɛlərəs)   adj   of, relating to or resembling a cellar

■ cellarway (ˈsɛləˌweI)   n   the entrance leading into a cellar

Celle (German ˈtsɛlə)   n   a city in N Germany, on the Aller River in Lower Saxony: from 1378 to 1705 the residence of the Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg. Pop: 71 319 (2003 est)

cellentani (ˌtʃɛlənˈtɑːnI)   n   pasta in the form of corkscrews [Italian]

Cellini (tʃIˈliːnI; Italian tʃɛlˈliːni)   n   Benvenuto (benveˈnuːto). 1500–71, Italian sculptor, goldsmith, and engraver, noted also for his autobiography

cello (ˈtʃɛləʊ)   n, pl -los   music a bowed stringed instrument of the violin family. Range: more than four octaves upwards from C below the bass staff. It has four strings, is held between the knees, and has an extendible metal spike at the lower end, which acts as a support. Full name: violoncello   > ˈcellist n

cellobiose (ˌsɛləʊˈbaIəʊz) or cellose (ˈsɛləʊz)   n   a disaccharide obtained by the hydrolysis of cellulose by cellulase. Formula: C_12H_22O_11 [C20: from CELLULOSE + BI-1 + -OSE^2]

celloidin (səˈlɔIdIn)   n   a nitrocellulose compound derived from pyroxylin, used in a solution of alcohol and ether for embedding specimens before cutting sections for microscopy [C20: from CELLULOSE + -OID + -IN]

Cellophane (ˈsɛləˌfeIn)   n   trademark a flexible thin transparent sheeting made from wood pulp and used as a moisture-proof wrapping [C20: from CELLULOSE + -PHANE]

Cellosolve (ˈsɛləʊˌsɒlv)   n   trademark an organic compound used as a solvent in the plastics industry; 2-ethoxyethan-1-ol. Formula: C_2H_5OCH_2CH_2OH

cellphone (ˈsɛlˌfəʊn) or cell phone US   n   a portable telephone operated by cellular radio. In full: cellular phone, cellular telephone

cellular (ˈsɛljʊlə)   adj   1 of, relating to, resembling, or composed of a cell or cells   2 having cells or small cavities; porous   3 divided into a network of cells   4 textiles woven with an open texture: a cellular blanket   5 designed for or involving cellular radio   > cellularity (ˌsɛljʊˈlærItI) n

■ cellular radio   n   radio communication based on a network of transmitters each serving a small area known as a cell: used in personal communications systems in which the mobile receiver switches frequencies automatically as it passes from one cell to another

cellulase (ˈsɛljʊˌleIz)   n   any enzyme that converts cellulose to the disaccharide cellobiose [C20: from CELLULOSE + -ASE]

cellule (ˈsɛljuːl)   n   a very small cell [C17: from Latin cellula, diminutive of cella CELL^1]

■ cellulated (ˈsɛljʊˌleItId)   adj   of, relating to, resembling, or composed of very small cells

■ celluliferous (ˌsɛljʊˈlIfərəs)   adj   making or consisting of small cells

■ cellulous (ˈsɛljʊləs)   adj   consisting of or filled with cells

cellulite (ˈsɛljʊˌlaIt)   n   a name sometimes given to subcutaneous fat alleged to resist dieting [C20: from French, from cellule cell]

■ cellulitis (ˌsɛljʊˈlaItIs)   n   inflammation of any of the tissues of the body, characterized by fever, pain, swelling, and redness of the affected area [C19: from Latin cellula CELLULE + -ITIS]

celluloid (ˈsɛljʊˌlɔId)   n   1 a flammable thermoplastic material consisting of cellulose nitrate mixed with a plasticizer, usually camphor: used in sheets, rods, and tubes for making a wide range of articles   2    a a cellulose derivative used for coating film   b one of the transparent sheets on which the constituent drawings of an animated film are prepared   c a transparent sheet used as an overlay in artwork   d cinema film

cellulolytic (ˌsɛljʊləʊˈlItIk)   adj   relating to or causing the hydrolysis of the complex carbohydrate cellulose

cellulose (ˈsɛljʊˌləʊz, -ˌləʊs)   n   a polysaccharide consisting of long unbranched chains of linked glucose units: the main constituent of plant cell walls and used in making paper, rayon, and film [C18: from French cellule cell (see CELLULE) + -OSE^2]   > ˌcelluˈlosic adj, n

■ cellulose acetate   n   nonflammable material made by acetylating cellulose: used in the manufacture of film, dopes, lacquers, and artificial fibres

■ cellulose nitrate   n   a compound made by treating cellulose with nitric and sulphuric acids, used in plastics, lacquers, and explosives: a nitrogen-containing ester of cellulose. Also called (not in chemical usage): nitrocellulose. See also guncotton

celom (ˈsiːləm)   n   a less frequent US spelling of coelom

celosia (səˈləʊsIə)   n   See cockscomb (sense 2) [New Latin, from Greek kēlos dry, burnt (from the appearance of the flowers of some species)]

Celotex (ˈsɛləˌtɛks)   n trademark   (sometimes without capital) a type of thermal insulation board

celsitude (ˈsɛlsIˌtjuːd)   n   the position or stance of dignity or loftiness

Celsius (ˈsɛlsIəs)   adj   denoting a measurement on the Celsius scale. Symbol: C [C18: named after Anders Celsius (1701–44), Swedish astronomer who invented it]

■ Celsius scale   n   a scale of temperature in which 0° represents the melting point of ice and 100° represents the boiling point of water. See also centigrade. Compare Fahrenheit scale

celt (sɛlt)   n   archaeol a stone or metal axelike instrument with a bevelled edge [C18: from Late Latin celtes chisel, of obscure origin]

Celt (kɛlt, sɛlt) or Kelt   n   1 a person who speaks a Celtic language   2 a member of an Indo-European people who in pre-Roman times inhabited Britain, Gaul, Spain, and other parts of W and central Europe

Celtiberian (ˌkɛltIˈbIərIən, -taI-, ˌsɛl-)   n   1 a member of a Celtic people (Celtiberi) who inhabited the Iberian peninsula during classical times   2 the extinct language of this people, possibly belonging to the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family, recorded in a number of inscriptions

Celtic (ˈkɛltIk, ˈsɛl-) or Keltic   n   1 a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton, still spoken in parts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. Modern Celtic is divided into the Brythonic (southern) and Goidelic (northern) groups   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of the Celts or the Celtic languages   > ˈCeltically or ˈKeltically adv   > Celticism (ˈkɛltIˌsIzəm, ˈsɛl-) or ˈKeltiˌcism n   > ˈCelticist, ˈCeltist, ˈKelticist or ˈKeltist n

■ Celtic cross   n   a Latin cross with a broad ring surrounding the point of intersection

■ Celtic Sea   n   the relatively shallow part of the Atlantic Ocean lying between S Ireland, SW Wales, Cornwall, and W Brittany

cembalo (ˈtʃɛmbələʊ)   n, pl -li (-lI) or -los   another word for harpsichord [C19: shortened from CLAVICEMBALO]   > ˈcembalist n

cembra (ˈsɛmbrə)   n   a large Swiss pine which yields nuts (cembra nuts)

cement (sIˈmɛnt)   n   1 a fine grey powder made of a mixture of calcined limestone and clay, used with water and sand to make mortar, or with water, sand, and aggregate, to make concrete   2 a binder, glue, or adhesive   3 something that unites or joins; bond   4 dentistry any of various materials used in filling teeth   5 mineral matter, such as silica and calcite, that binds together particles of rock, bones, etc, to form a solid mass of sedimentary rock   6 another word for cementum   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to reinforce or consolidate: once a friendship is cemented it will last for life   8 to join, bind, or glue together with or as if with cement   9 to coat or cover with cement [C13: from Old French ciment, from Latin caementum stone from the quarry, from caedere to hew]   > ceˈmenter n

■ cementation (ˌsiːmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 the process of heating a solid with a powdered material to modify the properties of the solid, esp the heating of wrought iron, surrounded with charcoal, to 750–900°C to produce steel   2 the process of cementing or being cemented   3 civil engineering the injection of cement grout into fissured rocks to make them watertight

■ cementatory (sIˈmɛntətərI)   adj   possessing the quality to firmly unite or cement

■ cementite (sIˈmɛntaIt)   n   the hard brittle compound of iron and carbon that forms in carbon steels and some cast irons. Formula: Fe_3C

■ cementitious (ˌsImɛnˈtIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or characteristic of cement

■ cementum (sIˈmɛntəm)   n   a thin bonelike tissue that covers the dentine in the root of a tooth [C19: New Latin, from Latin: CEMENT]

cemetery (ˈsɛmItrI)   n, pl -teries   a place where the dead are buried, esp one not attached to a church [C14: from Late Latin coemētērium, from Greek koimētērion room for sleeping, from koiman to put to sleep]

cenacle or coenacle (ˈsɛnəkəl)   n   1 a supper room, esp one on an upper floor   2 (capital) the room in which the Last Supper took place [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin cēnāculum, from cēna supper]

cendre French (sɑ̃drə)   adj   a particular shade of ash-blond

-cene   adj combining form, n combining form   denoting a recent geological period: Miocene [from Greek kainos new]

CENELEC (ˈsɛnəˌlɛk)   n acronym for   Commission Européenne de Normalisation Électrique: the EU standards organization for electrical goods. Also called: CEN

cenesthesia (ˌsiːnIsˈθiːzIə)   n   psychol a variant spelling (esp US) of coenesthesia

CEng   abbreviation for   chartered engineer

Cenis (French səni)   n   Mont Cenis a pass over the Graian Alps in SE France, between Lanslebourg (France) and Susa (Italy): nearby tunnel, opened in 1871. Highest point: 2082 m (6831 ft). Italian name: Monte Cenisio (ˈmonte tʃeˈniːzjo)

cenobite (ˈsiːnəʊˌbaIt)   n   a variant spelling of coenobite

cenogenesis (ˌsiːnəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   a US spelling of caenogenesis

cenospecies (ˈsiːnəˌspiːʃiːz)   n, pl -species   a species related to another by the ability to interbreed: dogs and wolves are cenospecies [C20: from Greek koinos common + SPECIES]

cenotaph (ˈsɛnəˌtɑːf)   n   a monument honouring a dead person or persons buried elsewhere [C17: from Latin cenotaphium, from Greek kenotaphion, from kenos empty + taphos tomb]   > ˌcenoˈtaphic adj

■ Cenotaph (ˈsɛnəˌtɑːf)   n   the Cenotaph the monument in Whitehall, London, honouring the dead of both World Wars: designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens: erected in 1920

cenote (sIˈnəʊteI)   n   (esp in the Yucatán peninsula) a natural well formed by the collapse of an overlying limestone crust: often used as a sacrificial site by the Mayas [C19: via Mexican Spanish from Mayan conot]

Cenozoic, Caenozoic (ˌsiːnəʊˈzəʊIk) or Cainozoic   adj   1 of, denoting, or relating to the most recent geological era, which began 65 000 000 years ago: characterized by the development and increase of the mammals   ▷ n   2 the Cenozoic the Cenozoic era [C19: from Greek kainos new, recent + zōikos, from zōion animal]

cens French (sɑ̃s)   n   a type of annual property ground rent

cense (sɛns)   vb   (tr) to burn incense near or before (an altar, shrine, etc) [C14: from Old French encenser; see INCENSE^1]

■ censer (ˈsɛnsə)   n   a container for burning incense, esp one swung at religious ceremonies. Also called: thurible

censor (ˈsɛnsə)   n   1 a person authorized to examine publications, theatrical presentations, films, letters, etc, in order to suppress in whole or part those considered obscene, politically unacceptable, etc   2 any person who controls or suppresses the behaviour of others, usually on moral grounds   3 (in republican Rome) either of two senior magistrates elected to keep the list of citizens up to date, control aspects of public finance, and supervise public morals   4 psychoanal the postulated factor responsible for regulating the translation of ideas and desires from the unconscious to the conscious mind. See also superego   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to ban or cut portions of (a publication, film, letter, etc)   6 to act as a censor of (behaviour, etc) [C16: from Latin, from cēnsēre to consider, assess]   > ˈcensorable adj   > censorial (sɛnˈsɔːrIəl) adj

■ censorian (sɛnˈsɔːrIən)   adj   relating to the official supervision of public behaviour and morals

■ censorious (sɛnˈsɔːrIəs)   adj   harshly critical; fault-finding   > cenˈsoriously adv   > cenˈsoriousness n

■ censorship (ˈsɛnsəˌʃIp)   n   1 a policy or programme of censoring   2 the act or system of censoring   3 psychoanal the activity of the mind in regulating impulses, etc, from the unconscious so that they are modified before reaching the conscious mind

censure (ˈsɛnʃə)   n   1 severe disapproval; harsh criticism   ▷ vb   2 to criticize (someone or something) severely; condemn [C14: from Latin cēnsūra, from cēnsēre to consider, assess]   > ˈcensurer n

■ censurable (ˈsɛnʃərəbəl)   adj   deserving censure, condemnation, or blame   > ˈcensurableness or ˌcensuraˈbility n   > ˈcensurably adv

census (ˈsɛnsəs)   n, pl -suses   1 an official periodic count of a population including such information as sex, age, occupation, etc   2 any official count: a traffic census   3 (in ancient Rome) a registration of the population and a property evaluation for purposes of taxation [C17: from Latin, from cēnsēre to assess]   > ˈcensual adj

cent (sɛnt)   n   1 a monetary unit of American Samoa, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Brunei, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Dominica, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, eSwatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Réunion, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, the Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, the United States, the Vatican City, the Virgin Islands, and Zimbabwe. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units   2 an interval of pitch between two frequencies f_2 and f_1 equal to 3986.31 log (f_2/f_1); one twelve-hundredth of the interval between two frequencies having the ratio 1:2 (an octave) [C16: from Latin centēsimus hundredth, from centum hundred]

centage (ˈsɛntIdʒ)   n   archaic the rate per hundred of something

cental (ˈsɛntəl)   n   a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds (45.3 kilograms) [C19: from Latin centum hundred]

centas (ˈtsæntæs)   n, pl centai (ˈtsæntaI)   a former monetary unit of Lithuania, worth one hundredth of a litas

centaur (ˈsɛntɔː)   n   Greek myth one of a race of creatures with the head, arms, and torso of a man, and the lower body and legs of a horse. Also called: hippocentaur [C14: from Latin, from Greek kentauros, of unknown origin]

■ centaurea (ˌsɛntɔːˈrIə, sɛnˈtɔːrIə)   n   another name for centaury (sense 2) [C19: ultimately from Greek Kentauros the Centaur; see CENTAURY]

■ centaurian (sɛnˈtɔːrIən)   adj   1 Greek myth resembling or of the nature of a centaur   2 astronomy relating to minor planets that behave as half asteroid and half comet

■ centauric (sɛnˈtɔːrIk)   adj   1 spiritualism characterized by an integration of mind and body for consciousness above the ego-self   2 Greek myth resembling or of the nature of a centaur

■ Centaurus (sɛnˈtɔːrəs)   n, Latin genitive Centauri (sɛnˈtɔːraI)   a conspicuous extensive constellation in the S hemisphere, close to the Southern Cross, that contains two first magnitude stars, Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri, and the globular cluster Omega Centauri. Also called: The Centaur

■ centaury (ˈsɛntɔːrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any Eurasian plant of the genus Centaurium, esp C. erythraea, having purplish-pink flowers and formerly believed to have medicinal properties: family Gentianaceae   2 any plant of the genus Centaurea, which includes the cornflower and knapweed: family Compositae (composites) [C14: ultimately from Greek Kentauros the Centaur; from the legend that Chiron the Centaur divulged its healing properties]

centavo (sɛnˈtɑːvəʊ)   n, pl -vos   1 a monetary unit of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, and the Philippines. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units   2 a former monetary unit of Ecuador, El Salvador, and Portugal, worth one hundredth of their former standard units [Spanish: one hundredth part]

centenary (sɛnˈtiːnərI)   adj   1 of or relating to a period of 100 years   2 occurring once every 100 years   ▷ n, pl -naries   3 a 100th anniversary or its celebration [C17: from Latin centēnārius of a hundred, from centēnī a hundred each, from centum hundred]

■ centenarian (ˌsɛntIˈnɛərIən)   n   1 a person who is at least 100 years old   ▷ adj   2 being at least 100 years old   3 of or relating to a centenarian

■ centenarianism (ˌsɛntIˈnɛərIənIzəm)   n   the situation or condition of being a centenarian

centenier (sɛnˈtɛnIə)   n   a senior police officer of the Honorary Police of Jersey, elected for a period of three years by public vote

centennial (sɛnˈtɛnIəl)   adj   1 relating to, lasting for, or completing a period of 100 years   2 occurring every 100 years   ▷ n   3 chiefly US and Canadian another name for centenary [C18: from Latin centum hundred, on the model of BIENNIAL]   > cenˈtennially adv

center (ˈsɛntə)   n, vb   the US spelling of centre

■ centered (ˈsɛntəd)   adj   the US spelling of centred

■ centering (ˈsɛntərIŋ)   n   a US spelling of centring

centesimal (sɛnˈtɛsIməl)   n   1 hundredth   ▷ adj   2 relating to division into hundredths [C17: from Latin centēsimus, from centum hundred]   > cenˈtesimally adv

centesimo (sɛnˈtɛsIˌməʊ)   n, pl -mos, -mi   a former monetary unit of Italy, San Marino, and the Vatican City worth one hundredth of a lira [C19: from Italian, from Latin centēsimus hundredth, from centum hundred]

centésimo (sɛnˈtɛsIˌməʊ)   n, pl -mos or -mi   a monetary unit of Panama and Uruguay. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units [C19: from Spanish; see CENTESIMO]

centesis (sɛnˈtiːsIs)   n   the surgical puncturing of a part of the body with a hollow needle in order to extract fluid

centi- or before a vowel cent-   prefix   1 denoting one hundredth: centimetre. Symbol: c   2 rare denoting a hundred: centipede [from French, from Latin centum hundred]

centiare (ˈsɛntIˌɛə; French sɑ̃tjar) or centare (ˈsɛntɛə; French sɑ̃tar)   n   a unit of area equal to one square metre [French, from CENTI- + are from Latin ārea; see ARE^2, AREA]

centigrade (ˈsɛntIˌɡreId)   adj   1 a former name for Celsius   ▷ n   2 a unit of angle equal to one hundredth of a grade

USAGE

Although still used in meteorology, centigrade, when indicating the Celsius scale of temperature, is now usually avoided because of its possible confusion with the hundredth part of a grade

centigram or centigramme (ˈsɛntIˌɡræm)   n   one hundredth of a gram

centile (ˈsɛntaIl)   n   another word for percentile

centilitre or US centiliter (ˈsɛntIˌliːtə)   n   one hundredth of a litre

centillion (sɛnˈtIljən)   n, pl -lions or -lion   1 (in Britain and Germany) the number represented as one followed by 600 zeros (10^600)   2 (in the US, Canada, and France) the number represented as one followed by 303 zeros (10^303)

■ centillionth (sɛnˈtIljənθ)   n   1 (in Britain and Germany) a number equal to 10–600   2 (in the US, Canada, and France) a number equal to 10–303

centime (ˈsɒnˌtiːm; French sɑ̃tim)   n   1 a monetary unit of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, French Polynesia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Mali, Mayotte, Morocco, New Caledonia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Switzerland, and Togo. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units   2 a former monetary unit of Andorra, Belgium, France, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Luxembourg, Martinique, Monaco, and Réunion, worth one hundredth of a franc [C18: from French, from Old French centiesme from Latin centēsimus hundredth, from centum hundred]

centimetre or US centimeter (ˈsɛntIˌmiːtə)   n   one hundredth of a metre

■ centimetre-gram-second   n   See cgs units

■ centimetric (ˌsɛntIˈmɛtrIk)   adj   1 having a length of one centimetre   2 physics relating to electro-magnetic waves less than one meter in length

céntimo (ˈsɛntIˌməʊ)   n, pl -mos   1 a monetary unit of Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard currency units   2 a former monetary unit of Andorra and Spain, worth one hundredth of a peseta [from Spanish; see CENTIME]

cêntimo (ˈsɛntIˌməʊ)   n, pl -mos   a monetary unit of Sao Tomê e Principe, worth one hundredth of a dobra

centimorgan (ˈsɛntIˌmɔːɡən)   n   genetics a unit of chromosome length, used in genetic mapping, equal to the length of chromosome over which crossing over occurs with 1 per cent frequency [C20: named after Thomas Hunt Morgan (1866–1945), US biologist]

centipede (ˈsɛntIˌpiːd)   n   any carnivorous arthropod of the genera Lithobius, Scutigera, etc, having a body of between 15 and 190 segments, each bearing one pair of legs: class Chilopoda. See also myriapod

centipoise (ˈsɛntIˌpɔIz)   n   one hundredth of a poise. 1 centipoise is equal to 0.001 newton second per square metre

centner (ˈsɛntnə)   n   1 Also called (esp US): short hundredweight a unit of weight equivalent to 100 pounds (45.3 kilograms)   2 (in some European countries) a unit of weight equivalent to 50 kilograms (110.23 pounds)   3 a unit of weight equivalent to 100 kilograms [C17: from German Zentner, ultimately from Latin centēnārius of a hundred; see CENTENARY]

cento (ˈsɛntəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a piece of writing, esp a poem, composed of quotations from other authors [C17: from Latin, literally: patchwork garment]

■ centoist (ˈsɛntəʊIst)   n   literary a person who composes centos

CENTO (ˈsɛntəʊ)   n acronym for   Central Treaty Organization; an organization for military and economic cooperation formed in 1959 by the UK, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey as a successor to the Baghdad Pact: disbanded 1979

centonate (ˈsɛntənIt)   adj   1 having many pieces or patches   ▷ n   2 Early Church a Gregorian chant composed of a patchwork of texts and melodies

central (ˈsɛntrəl)   adj   1 in, at, of, from, containing, or forming the centre of something: the central street in a city; the central material of a golf ball   2 main, principal, or chief; most important: the central cause of a problem   3    a of or relating to the central nervous system   b of or relating to the centrum of a vertebra   4 of, relating to, or denoting a vowel articulated with the tongue held in an intermediate position halfway between the positions for back and front vowels, as for the a of English soda   5 (of a force) directed from or towards a point   6 informal (immediately postpositive) used to describe a place where a specified thing, quality, etc is to be found in abundance: nostalgia central   > ˈcentrally adv

■ Central America   n   an isthmus joining the continents of North and South America, extending from the S border of Mexico to the NW border of Colombia and consisting of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Area: about 518 000 sq km (200 000 sq miles)

■ Central American   adj   1 of or relating to Central America or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Central America

■ central angle   n   an angle whose vertex is at the centre of a circle

■ central bank   n   a national bank that does business mainly with a government and with other banks: it regulates the volume and cost of credit

■ Central Committee   n   (in Communist parties) the body responsible for party policy between meetings of the party congress: in practice, it is in charge of day-to-day operations of the party bureaucracy

■ Central European Time   n   the standard time adopted by Western European countries one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, corresponding to British Summer Time. Abbreviation: CET

■ central heating   n   a system for heating the rooms of a building by means of radiators or air vents connected by pipes or ducts to a central source of heat

■ Central India Agency   n   a former group of 89 states in India, under the supervision of a British political agent until 1947: most important were Indore, Bhopal, and Rewa

■ Central Intelligence Agency   n   See CIA

■ centralism (ˈsɛntrəˌlIzəm)   n   the principle or act of bringing something under central control; centralization   > ˈcentralist n, adj   > ˌcentralˈistic adj

■ centrality (sɛnˈtrælItI)   n, pl -ties   the state or condition of being central

■ centralize or centralise (ˈsɛntrəˌlaIz)   vb   1 to draw or move (something) to or towards a centre   2 to bring or come under central control, esp governmental control   > ˌcentraliˈzation or ˌcentraliˈsation n   > ˈcentralˌizer or ˈcentralˌiser n

■ central limit theorem   n   statistics the fundamental result that the sum (or mean) of independent identically distributed random variables with finite variance approaches a normally distributed random variable as their number increases, whence in particular if enough samples are repeatedly drawn from any population, the sum of the sample values can be thought of, approximately, as an outcome from a normally distributed random variable

■ central locking   n   a system by which all the doors of a motor vehicle can be locked simultaneously when the driver's door is locked

■ central nervous system   n   the mass of nerve tissue that controls and coordinates the activities of an animal. In vertebrates it consists of the brain and spinal cord. Abbreviation: CNS. Compare autonomic nervous system

■ Central Powers   pl n   European history   a (before World War I) Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary after they were linked by the Triple Alliance in 1882   b (during World War I) Germany and Austria-Hungary, together with their allies Turkey and Bulgaria

■ central processing unit   n   the part of a computer that performs logical and arithmetical operations on the data as specified in the instructions. Abbreviation: CPU

■ Central Provinces   pl n   the Central Provinces the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec

■ Central Provinces and Berar (bɛˈrɑː)   n   a former province of central India: renamed Madhya Pradesh in 1950, Berar being transferred to Maharashtra in 1956

■ Central Region   n   a former local government region in central Scotland, formed in 1975 from Clackmannanshire, most of Stirlingshire, and parts of Perthshire, West Lothian, Fife, and Kinross-shire; in 1996 it was replaced by the council areas of Stirling, Clackmannanshire, and Falkirk

■ central reserve or central reservation   n   Brit the strip, often covered with grass, that separates the two sides of a motorway or dual carriageway. US and Austral name: median strip. Canadian name: median

■ Central Standard Time   n   1 one of the standard times used in North America, based on the local time of the 90° meridian, six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time   2 one of the standard times used in Australia   ▶ Abbreviation: CST

■ central sulcus   n   a deep cleft in each hemisphere of the brain separating the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe

■ central tendency   n   statistics the tendency of the values of a random variable to cluster around the mean, median, and mode

Central African Federation   n   another name for the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

Central African Republic   n   a landlocked country of central Africa: joined with Chad as a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910; became an independent republic in 1960; a parliamentary monarchy (1976–79); consists of a huge plateau, mostly savanna, with dense forests in the south; drained chiefly by the Shari and Ubangi Rivers. Official languages: French and Sango. Religion: Christian and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Bangui. Pop: 4 659 080 (2017 est). Area: 622 577 sq km (240 376 sq miles). Former names: (until 1958) Ubangi-Shari, (1976–79) Central African Empire. French name: République Centrafricaine (repyblik sɑ̃trafrikɛn)

Central Bedfordshire   n   a unitary authority of S central England. Pop: 252 100 (2007 est). Area: 712 sq km (275 sq miles)

Central Karoo or Central Karroo (kəˈruː)   n   an arid plateau of S central South Africa, in Cape Province, separated from the Little Karoo to the southwest by the Swartberg range. Average height: 750 m (2500 ft)

centre or US center (ˈsɛntə)   n   1 geometry   a the midpoint of any line or figure, esp the point within a circle or sphere that is equidistant from any point on the circumference or surface   b the point within a body through which a specified force may be considered to act, such as the centre of gravity   2 the point, axis, or pivot about which a body rotates   3 a point, area, or part that is approximately in the middle of a larger area or volume   4 a place at which some specified activity is concentrated: a shopping centre   5 a person or thing that is a focus of interest   6 a place of activity or influence: a centre of power   7 a person, group, policy, or thing in the middle   8 (usually capital) politics   a a political party or group favouring moderation, esp the moderate members of a legislative assembly   b (as modifier): a Centre-Left alliance   9 physiol any part of the central nervous system that regulates a specific function: respiratory centre   10 a bar with a conical point upon which a workpiece or part may be turned or ground   11 a punch mark or small conical hole in a part to be drilled, which enables the point of the drill to be located accurately   12 sport   a a player who plays in the middle of the forward line   b the act or an instance of passing the ball from a wing to the middle of the field, court, etc   13 basketball   a the position of a player who jumps for the ball at the start of play   b the player in this position   14 archery   a the ring around the bull's eye   b a shot that hits this ring   ▷ vb   15 to move towards, mark, put, or be at a centre   16 (tr) to focus or bring together: to centre one's thoughts   17 (intr; often foll by on) to have as a main point of view or theme: the novel centred on crime   18 (tr) to adjust or locate (a workpiece or part) using a centre   19 (intr; foll by on or round) to have as a centre   20 (tr) sport to pass (the ball) into the middle of the field or court [C14: from Latin centrum the stationary point of a compass, from Greek kentron needle, from kentein to prick]

■ Centre   n   1 the Centre (ˈsɛntə) the sparsely inhabited central region of Australia   2 (French sɑ̃trə) the former name (until 2016) of Centre-Val de Loire

■ centre bit   n   a drilling bit with a central projecting point and two side cutters

■ centreboard or US centerboard (ˈsɛntəˌbɔːd)   n   a supplementary keel for a sailing vessel, which may be adjusted by raising and lowering. Compare daggerboard

■ centred (ˈsɛntəd) or US centered   adj   mentally and emotionally confident, focused, and well-balanced

■ centred dot   n printing   1 Also called (esp US and Canadian): bullet a heavy dot (·) used to draw attention to a particular paragraph   2 a dot placed at a central level in a line of type or writing

■ centredness or US centeredness (ˈsɛntədnəs)   n   the state or condition of being centred

■ centre-fire   adj   1 (of a cartridge) having the primer in the centre of the base   2 (of a firearm) adapted for such cartridges   ▶ Compare rim-fire

■ centrefold or US centerfold (ˈsɛntəˌfəʊld)   n   1 a large coloured illustration folded so that it forms the central spread of a magazine   2    a a photograph of a nude or nearly nude person in a magazine on such a spread   b the subject of such a photograph

■ centre forward   n   sport the central forward in the attack

■ centre half or centre back   n   soccer, hockey a defender who plays in the middle of the defence

■ centreless or US centerless (ˈsɛntəlIs)   adj   without a centre

■ centreline or US centerline (ˈsɛntəˌlaIn)   n   a line that divides something into two equal parts

■ Centrelink (ˈsɛntəˌlIŋk)   n   the Australian federal agency that distributes welfare funds

■ centre of curvature   n   the point on the normal at a given point on a curve on the concave side of the curve whose distance from the point on the curve is equal to the radius of curvature

■ centre of gravity   n   the point through which the resultant of the gravitational forces on a body always acts

■ centre of mass   n   the point at which the mass of a system could be concentrated without affecting the behaviour of the system under the action of external linear forces

■ centre of pressure   n   1 physics the point in a body at which the resultant pressure acts when the body is immersed in a fluid   2 aeronautics the point at which the resultant aerodynamic forces intersect the chord line of the aerofoil

■ centre pass   n   hockey a push or hit made in any direction to start the game or to restart the game after a goal has been scored

■ centrepiece or US centerpiece (ˈsɛntəˌpiːs)   n   an object used as the centre of something, esp for decoration

■ centre punch   n   a small steel tool with a conical tip used to punch a small indentation at the location of the centre of a hole to be drilled

■ centre spread   n   1 the pair of two facing pages in the middle of a magazine, newspaper, etc, often illustrated   2 a photograph of a nude or nearly nude person in a magazine on such pages

■ centre stage   n   1 the centre point on a stage   2 the main focus of attention

■ centre three-quarter   n   rugby either of two middle players on the three-quarter line

■ centri-   combining form   a variant of centro-

■ centric (ˈsɛntrIk) or centrical   adj   1 being central or having a centre   2 relating to or originating at a nerve centre   3 botany   a Also: concentric (of vascular bundles) having one type of tissue completely surrounding the other   b (of leaves, such as those of the onion) cylindrical   > ˈcentrically adv   > centricity (sɛnˈtrIsItI) n

■ -centric   suffix forming adjectives   having a centre as specified: heliocentric [abstracted from ECCENTRIC, CONCENTRIC, etc]

■ centricalness (ˈsɛntrIkəlnəs)   n   the situation or quality of being centrical

■ centring (ˈsɛntrIŋ) or US centering   n   a temporary structure, esp one made of timber, used to support an arch during construction

■ centrist (ˈsɛntrIst)   n   a person holding moderate political views   > ˈcentrism n

■ centro-, centri- or before a vowel centr-   combining form   denoting a centre: centroclinal; centromere; centrosome; centrosphere; centrist [from Greek kentron CENTRE]

Centre-Val de Loire (French sɑ̃trəvaldəlwar)   n   a region of central France: generally low-lying; drained chiefly by the Rivers Loire, Loir, and Cher. Former name: Centre

centrifugal (sɛnˈtrIfjʊɡəl, ˈsɛntrIˌfjuːɡəl)   adj   1 acting, moving, or tending to move away from a centre. Compare centripetal   2 of, concerned with, or operated by centrifugal force: centrifugal pump   3 botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing outwards from a centre   4 physiol another word for efferent   ▷ n   5 any device that uses centrifugal force for its action   6 the rotating perforated drum in a centrifuge [C18: from New Latin centrifugus, from CENTRI- + Latin fugere to flee]   > cenˈtrifugally adv

■ centrifugal brake   n   a safety mechanism on a hoist, crane, etc, that consists of revolving brake shoes that are driven outwards by centrifugal force into contact with a fixed brake drum when the rope drum revolves at excessive speed

■ centrifugal clutch   n   engineering an automatic clutch in which the friction surfaces are engaged by weighted levers acting under centrifugal force at a certain speed of rotation

■ centrifugal force   n   a force that appears to act outwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path and is directed away from the centre of curvature of the path or the axis of rotation

■ centrifugalize or centrifugalise (ˌsɛntrIˈfjuːɡəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   physics to subject (something) to centrifugal motion

■ centrifugal pump   n   a pump having a high-speed rotating impeller whose blades throw the water outwards

centrifuge (ˈsɛntrIˌfjuːdʒ)   n   1 any of various rotating machines that separate liquids from solids or dispersions of one liquid in another, by the action of centrifugal force   2 any of various rotating devices for subjecting human beings or animals to varying accelerations for experimental purposes   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to subject to the action of a centrifuge   > centrifugation (ˌsɛntrIfjʊˈɡeIʃən) n

■ centrifugence (ˌsɛntrIˈfjuːdʒəns)   n   physics the property of being centrifugal

centriole (ˈsɛntrIˌəʊl)   n   either of two rodlike bodies in most animal cells that form the poles of the spindle during mitosis [C19: from New Latin centriolum, diminutive of Latin centrum CENTRE]

centripetal (sɛnˈtrIpItəl, ˈsɛntrIˌpiːtəl)   adj   1 acting, moving, or tending to move towards a centre. Compare centrifugal   2 of, concerned with, or operated by centripetal force   3 botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing from the outside towards the centre   4 physiol another word for afferent [C17: from New Latin centripetus seeking the centre; see CENTRI-, -PETAL]   > cenˈtripetally adv

■ centripetal force   n   a force that acts inwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path and is directed towards the centre of curvature of the path or the axis of rotation. Compare centrifugal force

■ centripetalism (ˌsɛntrIˈpiːtəlIzəm)   n   physics the movement of things towards a centre

centrobaric (ˌsɛntrəʊˈbærIk)   adj   of or concerned with a centre of gravity [C18: from Late Greek kentrobarikos, from Greek kentron bareos centre of gravity]

centroclinal (ˌsɛntrəʊˈklaInəl)   adj   geology of, relating to, or designating a rock formation in which the strata slope down and in towards a central point or area

centrode (ˈsɛntrəʊd)   n   maths a locus produced by plotting the course of the instantaneous centre of two bodies in relative motion

centroid (ˈsɛntrɔId)   n     a the centre of mass of an object of uniform density, esp of a geometric figure   b (of a finite set) the point whose coordinates are the mean values of the coordinates of the points of the set

■ centroidal (ˈsɛntrɔIdəl)   adj   of or relating to a centroid

centrolecithal (ˌsɛntrəʊˈlɛsIθəl)   adj   zoology (of animal eggs) having a centrally located yolk

centromere (ˈsɛntrəˌmIə)   n   the dense nonstaining region of a chromosome that attaches it to the spindle during mitosis   > centromeric (ˌsɛntrəˈmɛrIk, -ˈmIərIk) adj

centrosome (ˈsɛntrəˌsəʊm)   n   a small body in a cell where microtubules are produced. In animal cells it surrounds the centriole. Also called: centrosphere   > centrosomic (ˌsɛntrəˈsɒmIk) adj

centrosphere (ˈsɛntrəˌsfIə)   n   1 a former name for core (sense 4)   2 another name for centrosome

centrosymmetric (ˌsɛntrəʊsIˈmɛtrIk)   adj   maths having symmetry with a central point

centrum (ˈsɛntrəm)   n, pl -trums or -tra (-trə)   the main part or body of a vertebra [C19: from Latin: CENTRE]

centum (ˈsɛntəm)   adj   denoting or belonging to the Indo-European languages in which original velar stops (k) were not palatalized, namely languages of the Hellenic, Italic, Celtic, Germanic, Anatolian, and Tocharian branches. Compare satem [Latin: HUNDRED, chosen because the c represents the Indo-European k]

centumvir (ˈsɛntəmˌvIə)   n, pl -virs or -viri (-vIˌriː)   Roman law one of a body of judges responsible for presiding over civil court cases

■ centumvirate (sɛnˈtʌmvIrət)   n   1 Roman law the office of the centumviri   2 obsolete a body of one hundred men

centuplicate   vb (sɛnˈtjuːplIˌkeIt)   1 (tr) to increase 100 times   ▷ adj (sɛnˈtjuːplIkIt, -ˌkeIt)   2 increased a hundredfold   ▷ n (sɛnˈtjuːplIkIt, -ˌkeIt)   3 one hundredfold   ▶ Also called: centuple (ˈsɛntjʊpəl) [C17: from Late Latin centuplicāre, from centuplex hundredfold, from Latin centum hundred + -plex -fold]   > cenˌtupliˈcation n

centurion (sɛnˈtjʊərIən)   n   the officer commanding a Roman century [C14: from Latin centuriō, from centuria CENTURY]

century (ˈsɛntʃərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a period of 100 years   2 one of the successive periods of 100 years dated before or after an epoch or event, esp the birth of Christ   3    a a score or grouping of 100: to score a century in cricket   b chiefly US (as modifier): the basketball team passed the century mark in their last game   4 (in ancient Rome) a unit of foot soldiers, originally 100 strong, later consisting of 60 to 80 men. See also maniple   5 (in ancient Rome) a division of the people for purposes of voting   6 (often capital) a style of type [C16: from Latin centuria, from centum hundred]

■ centurial (sɛnˈtjʊərIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a Roman century   2 rare involving a period of 100 years

■ centuriation (sɛnˌtjʊərIˈeIʃən)   n   the process or act of dividing land into centuries or equal areas undertaken by the Romans

■ centuriator (sɛnˈtjʊərIˌeItə)   n   history a historian who compiles work by centuries, esp one of the writers of the Magdeburg Centuries

■ centuries-old   adj   hundreds of years old

■ century plant   n   an agave, Agave americana, native to tropical America but naturalized elsewhere, having very large spiny greyish leaves and greenish flowers on a tall fleshy stalk. It blooms only once in its life, after 10 to 30 years (formerly thought to flower after a century). Also called: American aloe

CEO   abbreviation for   chief executive officer

ceorl (tʃɛəl)   n   a freeman of the lowest class in Anglo-Saxon England [Old English; see CHURL]   > ˈceorlish adj

cep (sɛp)   n   another name for porcino [C19: from French cèpe, from Gascon dialect cep, from Latin cippus stake]

cepaceous (sIˈpeIʃəs)   adj   botany having an onion-like smell or taste [from Latin caepa onion + -ACEOUS]

cépage (seIˈpɑːʒ)   n   the grape variety used to make a particular wine

cephalad (ˈsɛfəˌlæd)   adv   anatomy towards the head or anterior part. Compare caudad

cephalalgia (ˌsɛfəˈlældʒIə, -dʒə) or cephalagra (ˌsɛfəˈlæɡrə)   n   a technical name for headache

■ cephalalgic (ˌsɛfəˈlældʒIk)   adj   1 relating to or affected by headache   ▷ n   2 a headache-relieving medicine

cephalate (ˈsɛfəleIt)   adj   zoology (of living organisms) possessing a head or headlike feature

cephalexin (ˌsɛfəˈlɛksIn)   n   pharmacol a cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for mild infections of the skin, ears, throat, lungs, or urinary tract

cephalic (sIˈfælIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the head   2 situated in, on, or near the head

■ cephalically (sIˈfælIkəlI)   adv   in relation to the head or near the head

■ cephalic index   n   the ratio of the greatest width of the human head to its greatest length, multiplied by 100

■ cephalic version   n   another name for version (sense 5)

-cephalic or -cephalous   adj combining form   indicating skull or head; -headed: brachycephalic [from Greek -kephalos]   > -cephaly or -cephalism n combining form

cephalin (ˈsɛfəlIn, ˈkɛf-) or kephalin (ˈkɛfəlIn)   n   a phospholipid, similar to lecithin, that occurs in the nerve tissue and brain. Systematic name: phosphatidylethanolamine

cephalitis (ˌsɛfəˈlaItIs)   n   another name for encephalitis

cephalization or cephalisation (ˌsɛfəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   (in the evolution of animals) development of a head by the concentration of feeding and sensory organs and nervous tissue at the anterior end

cephalo- or before a vowel cephal-   combining form   indicating the head: cephalopod [via Latin from Greek kephalo-, from kephale head]

cephalocele (ˈsɛfələˌsiːl)   n   med a protrusion of the brain or cranial matter through an opening in the skull

cephalochordate (ˌsɛfələʊˈkɔːdeIt)   n   1 any chordate animal of the subphylum Cephalochordata, having a fishlike body and no vertebral column; lancelet   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cephalochordata

cephalometry (ˌsɛfəˈlɒmItrI)   n   1 measurement of the dimensions of the human head by radiography: used mainly in orthodontics   2 measurement of the dimensions of the fetal head by radiography or ultrasound   > cephalometric (ˌsɛfələʊˈmɛtrIk) adj

■ cephalometer (ˌsɛfəˈlɒmItə)   n   an instrument for positioning the human head for X-ray examination in cephalometry

Cephalonia (ˌsɛfəˈləʊnIə) or Kefallonia (ˌkɛfəˈləʊnIə)   n   a mountainous island in the Ionian Sea, the largest of the Ionian Islands, off the W coast of Greece. Pop: 36 404 (2001). Area: 935 sq km (365 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Kephallinía

cephalopod (ˈsɛfələˌpɒd)   n   1 any marine mollusc of the class Cephalopoda, characterized by well-developed head and eyes and a ring of sucker-bearing tentacles. The group also includes the octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and pearly nautilus   ▷ adj also cephalopodic, cephalopodous (ˌsɛfəˈlɒpədəs)   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cephalopoda   > ˌcephaˈlopodan adj, n

cephaloridine (ˌsɛfəˈlɔːrədiːn)   n   pharmacol a cephalosporin antibiotic often used in the treatment of bacterial infections

cephalosporin (ˌsɛfələʊˈspɔːrIn)   n   any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics obtained from fungi of the genus Cephalosporium

cephalothin (ˈsɛfələˌθIn)   n   pharmacol a cephalosporin antibiotic often used in the treatment of bacterial infections

cephalothorax (ˌsɛfələʊˈθɔːræks)   n, pl -raxes or -races (-rəˌsiːz)   the anterior part of many crustaceans and some other arthropods consisting of a united head and thorax   > cephalothoracic (ˌsɛfələʊθəˈræsIk) adj

cephalotomy (ˌsɛfəˈlɒtəmI)   n   med the dissection of the head

-cephalus   n combining form   denoting a cephalic abnormality: hydrocephalus [New Latin -cephalus; see -CEPHALIC]

cepheid (ˈsɛphiːId) astronomy   n   1 a type of variable star with a regular cycle of variations in luminosity   ▷ adj   2 relating to or resembling a variable star with a regular cycle of variations in luminosity

■ Cepheid variable (ˈsiːfIId)   n   astronomy any of a class of variable stars with regular cycles of variations in luminosity (most ranging from three to fifty days). There is a relationship between the periods of variation and the absolute magnitudes, which is used for measuring the distance of such stars

Cepheus^1 (ˈsiːfjuːs)   n, Latin genitive Cephei (ˈsiːfIˌaI)   a faint constellation in the N hemisphere near Cassiopeia and the Pole Star. See also Cepheid variable [from Latin Cēpheus named after the mythical king]

Cepheus^2 (ˈsiːfjuːs)   n   Greek myth a king of Ethiopia, father of Andromeda and husband of Cassiopeia

CER   abbreviation for   Closer Economic Relations: a trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand signed in 1983

ceraceous (sIˈreIʃəs)   adj   waxlike or waxy [C18: from Latin cēra wax]

Ceram (sIˈræm)   n   a variant spelling of Seram

ceramal (səˈreIməl)   n   another name for cermet [C20: from CERAM(IC) + AL(LOY)]

ceramic (sIˈræmIk)   n   1 a hard brittle material made by firing clay and similar substances   2 an object made from such a material   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or made from a ceramic: this vase is ceramic   4 of or relating to ceramics: ceramic arts and crafts [C19: from Greek keramikos, from keramos potter's clay, pottery]

■ ceramic hob   n   (on an electric cooker) a flat ceramic cooking surface having heating elements fitted on the underside, usually patterned to show the areas where heat is produced

■ ceramic oxide   n   a compound of oxygen with nonorganic material: recently discovered to act as a high-temperature superconductor

■ ceramics (sIˈræmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the art and techniques of producing articles of clay, porcelain, etc   > ceramist (ˈsɛrəmIst) or ceˈramicist n

ceramide (ˈsɛrəˌmaId)   n   any of a class of biologically important compounds used as moisturizers in skin-care preparations

ceramography (ˌsɛrəˈmɒɡrəfI)   n   ceramics the study, analysis, and preparation of ceramic microstructures, usually for industrial use

cerargyrite (sIˈrɑːdʒIˌraIt)   n   another name for chloroargyrite [C19: from Greek keras horn + arguros silver + -ITE^1]

cerasin (ˈsɛrəsIn)   n   chem an insoluble amorphous gum from the cherry and other trees, known also as meta-arabinic acid

cerastes (səˈræstiːz)   n, pl -tes   any venomous snake of the genus Cerastes, esp the horned viper [C16: from Latin: horned serpent, from Greek kerastēs horned, from keras horn]

cerastium (sɛˈræstIəm)   n   any of a genus of plants belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. Also called: mouse-eared chickweed

cerate (ˈsIərIt, -reIt)   n   a hard ointment or medicated paste consisting of lard or oil mixed with wax or resin [C16: from Latin cērātum, from cēra wax]

cerated (ˈsIəreItId)   adj   (of certain birds, such as the falcon) having a cere

cerato- or before a vowel cerat-   combining form   1 denoting horn or a hornlike part: ceratodus   2 anatomy denoting the cornea   ▶ Also: kerato- [from Greek kerat-, keras horn]

ceratodus (sIˈrætədəs, ˌsɛrəˈtəʊdəs)   n, pl -duses   any of various extinct lungfish constituting the genus Ceratodus, common in Cretaceous and Triassic times. Compare barramunda [C19: New Latin, from CERATO- + Greek odous tooth]

ceratoid (ˈsɛrəˌtɔId)   adj   having the shape or texture of animal horn

ceratopsian (ˌsɛrəˈtɒpsIən) or ceratopsid (ˌsɛrəˈtɒpsId)   adj   1 resembling or belonging to the Ceratopsia, a suborder of herbivorous dinosaurs characterized by their parrot-like beaks, horns, and neck frills   ▷ n   2 a dinosaur of the suborder Ceratopsia

Cerberus (ˈsɜːbərəs)   n   1 Greek myth a dog, usually represented as having three heads, that guarded the entrance to Hades   2 a sop to Cerberus a bribe or something given to propitiate a potential source of danger or problems   > Cerberean (səˈbIərIən) adj

cercal (ˈsɜːkəl)   adj zoology   1 of or relating to a tail   2 of or relating to the cerci

cercaria (səˈkɛərIə)   n, pl -iae (-Iˌiː)   one of the larval forms of trematode worms. It has a short forked tail and resembles an immature adult [C19: New Latin, literally: tailed creature, from Greek kerkos tail]   > cerˈcarial adj   > cerˈcarian adj, n

cercis (ˈsɜːsIs)   n   any tree or shrub of the leguminous genus Cercis, which includes the redbud and Judas tree [C19: New Latin, from Greek kerkis weaver's shuttle, Judas tree]

cerclage (sɜːˈklɑːʒ)   n   the treatment of an incompetent cervix by means of a suture in early pregnancy to prevent miscarriage

cercopid (ˈsɜːkəʊˌpId)   n   any small leaping herbivorous homopterous insect of the family Cercopidae; a froghopper

cercopithecoid (ˌsɜːkəʊpIˈθiːkɔId)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the primate superfamily Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys)   ▷ n also cercopithecid (ˌsɜːkəʊpIˈθiːsId)   2 an Old World monkey [C19: from Latin cercopithēcus monkey with a tail (from Greek kerkopithēkos, from kerkos tail + pithēkos ape) + -OID]

cercus (ˈsɜːkəs)   n, pl -ci (-siː)   one of a pair of sensory appendages at the tip of the abdomen of some insects and other arthropods [C19: from New Latin, from Greek kerkos tail]

cere^1 (sIə)   n   a soft waxy swelling, containing the nostrils, at the base of the upper beak in such birds as the parrot [C15: from Old French cire wax, from Latin cēra]

cere^2 (sIə)   vb   (tr) to wrap (a corpse) in a cerecloth [C15: from Latin cērāre, from cēra wax]

cereal (ˈsIərIəl)   n   1 any grass that produces an edible grain, such as oat, rye, wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, and millet   2 the grain produced by such a plant   3 any food made from this grain, esp breakfast food   4 (modifier) of or relating to any of these plants or their products: cereal farming [C19: from Latin cereālis concerning agriculture, of CERES^1]

■ cerealist (ˈsIərIəlIst)   n   a person who studies cereals and the conditions for their growth

cerebellum (ˌsɛrIˈbɛləm)   n, pl -lums or -la (-lə)   one of the major divisions of the vertebrate brain, situated in humans above the medulla oblongata and beneath the cerebrum, whose function is coordination of voluntary movements and maintenance of bodily equilibrium [C16: from Latin, diminutive of CEREBRUM]   > ˌcereˈbellar adj

■ cerebellar syndrome   n   a disease of the cerebellum characterized by unsteady movements and mispronunciation of words. Also called: Nonne's syndrome

■ cerebellic (ˌsɛrəˈbɛlIk) or cerebellous (ˌsɛrəˈbɛləs)   adj   physiol of or relating to the cerebellum

cerebral (ˈsɛrIbrəl; US səˈriːbrəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the cerebrum or to the entire brain   2 involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct   3 phonetics another word for cacuminal   ▷ n   4 phonetics a consonant articulated in the manner of a cacuminal consonant   > ˈcerebrally adv

■ cerebral dominance   n   the normal tendency for one half of the brain, usually the left cerebral hemisphere in right-handed people, to exercise more control over certain functions (e.g. handedness and language) than the other

■ cerebral haemorrhage   n   bleeding from an artery in the brain, which in severe cases causes a stroke

■ cerebral hemisphere   n   either half of the cerebrum

■ cerebralism (səˈriːbrəlIzəm, ˈsɛrIbrəlIzəm)   n   philosophy the theory that physical phenomena arise from the action of the brain

■ cerebralist (səˈriːbrəlIst, ˈsɛrIbrəlIst)   n   philosophy a person that advocates the theory of cerebralism

■ cerebral palsy   n   a nonprogressive impairment of muscular function and weakness of the limbs, caused by lack of oxygen to the brain immediately after birth, brain injury during birth, or viral infection

cerebrate (ˈsɛrIˌbreIt)   vb   (intr) usually facetious to use the mind; think; ponder; consider

■ cerebration (ˌsɛrIˈbreIʃən)   n   the act of thinking; consideration; thought [C19: from Latin cerebrum brain]

cerebriform (səˈriːbrəfɔːm)   adj   resembling the brain in texture or structure

cerebritis (ˌsɛrIˈbraItIs)   n   pathol an infection or inflammation of the brain

cerebro- or before a vowel cerebr-   combining form   indicating the brain: cerebrospinal [from CEREBRUM]

cerebroside (ˈsɛrIbrəʊˌsaId)   n   biochem any glycolipid in which N-acyl sphingosine is combined with glucose or galactose: occurs in the myelin sheaths of nerves

cerebrospinal (ˌsɛrIbrəʊˈspaInəl)   adj   of or relating to the brain and spinal cord

■ cerebrospinal fluid   n   the clear colourless fluid in the spaces inside and around the spinal cord and brain. Abbreviation: CSF

■ cerebrospinal meningitis or cerebrospinal fever   n   an acute infectious form of meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, characterized by high fever, skin rash, delirium, stupor, and sometimes coma. Also called: epidemic meningitis

cerebrotonia (ˌsɛrIbrəʊˈtəʊnIə)   n   a personality type characterized by restraint, alertness, and an intellectual approach to life: said to be correlated with an ectomorph body type. Compare somatotonia, viscerotonia

■ cerebrotonic (ˌsɛrIbrəʊˈtɒnIk) psychol   adj   1 relating to or resembling a personality type characterized by shyness, introspection, and emotional restraint, and often associated with an ectomorphic physique   ▷ n   2 a person with a personality characterized by shyness, introspection, and emotional restraint

cerebrovascular (ˌsɛrIbrəʊˈvæskjʊlə)   adj   of or relating to the blood vessels and the blood supply of the brain

■ cerebrovascular accident or cerebral vascular accident   n   a sudden interruption of the blood supply to the brain caused by rupture of an artery in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage) or the blocking of a blood vessel, as by a clot of blood (cerebral occlusion). See apoplexy, stroke (sense 4)

cerebrum (ˈsɛrIbrəm)   n, pl -brums or -bra (-brə)   1 the anterior portion of the brain of vertebrates, consisting of two lateral hemispheres joined by a thick band of fibres: the dominant part of the human brain, associated with intellectual function, emotion, and personality. See telencephalon   2 the brain considered as a whole   3 the main neural bundle or ganglion of certain invertebrates [C17: from Latin: the brain]   > ˈcereˌbroid adj   > cerebric (ˈsɛrIbrIk) adj

cerecloth (ˈsIəˌklɒθ)   n   waxed waterproof cloth of a kind formerly used as a shroud [C15: from earlier cered cloth, from Latin cērāre to wax; see CERE^2]

Ceredigion (ˌkɛrəˈdIɡjən)   n   a county of W Wales, on Cardigan Bay: created in 1996 from part of Dyfed; corresponds to the former Cardiganshire (abolished 1974): mainly agricultural, with the Cambrian Mountains in the E and N. Administrative centre: Aberaeron. Pop: 77 200 (2003 est). Area: 1793 sq km (692 sq miles)

cerement (ˈsIəmənt)   n   1 another name for cerecloth   2 any burial clothes [C17: from French cirement, from cirer to wax; see CERE^2]

ceremony (ˈsɛrImənI)   n, pl -nies   1 a formal act or ritual, often set by custom or tradition, performed in observation of an event or anniversary: a ceremony commemorating Shakespeare's birth   2 a religious rite or series of rites   3 a courteous gesture or act: the ceremony of toasting the Queen   4 ceremonial observances or gestures collectively: the ceremony of a monarchy   5 stand on ceremony to insist on or act with excessive formality   6 without ceremony in a casual or informal manner [C14: from Medieval Latin cēremōnia, from Latin caerimōnia what is sacred, a religious rite]

■ ceremonial (ˌsɛrIˈməʊnIəl)   adj   1 involving or relating to ceremony or ritual   ▷ n   2 the observance of formality, esp in etiquette   3 a plan for formal observances on a particular occasion; ritual   4 Christianity   a the prescribed order of rites and ceremonies   b a book containing this   > ˌcereˈmonialism n   > ˌcereˈmonialist n   > ˌcereˈmonially adv

■ ceremonious (ˌsɛrIˈməʊnIəs)   adj   1 especially or excessively polite or formal   2 observing ceremony; involving formalities   > ˌcereˈmoniously adv   > ˌcereˈmoniousness n

Cerenkov (Russian tʃIˈrjɛnkəf)   n   See Cherenkov

cereous (ˈsIərIəs)   adj   obsolete resembling wax; wax-like

Ceres^1 (ˈsIəriːz)   n   the Roman goddess of agriculture. Greek counterpart: Demeter

Ceres^2 (ˈsIəriːz)   n   the smallest dwarf planet in the solar system, located in the asteroid belt; discovered in 1801, it has a diameter of 946 km

ceresin (ˈsɛrIsIn)   n   a white wax extracted from ozocerite [C19: irregularly from Latin cēra wax]

cereus (ˈsIərIəs)   n   1 any tropical American cactus of the genus Cereus, esp C. jamacaru of N Brazil, which grows to a height of 13 metres (40 feet)   2 any of several similar and related cacti, such as the night-blooming cereus [C18: from New Latin, from Latin cēreus a wax taper, from cēra wax]

cerge (sɜːdʒ)   n   a large altar candle

ceria (ˈsIərIə)   n   another name (not in technical usage) for ceric oxide [New Latin, from CERIUM]

ceric (ˈsIərIk)   adj   of or containing cerium in the tetravalent state

■ ceric oxide   n   a white or yellow solid used in ceramics, enamels, and radiation shields. Formula: CeO_2. Also called: cerium dioxide, ceria

ceriferous (sIˈrIfərəs)   adj   biology producing or bearing wax

cerise (səˈriːz, -ˈriːs)   n     a a moderate to dark red colour   b (as adjective): a cerise scarf [C19: from French: CHERRY]

cerium (ˈsIərIəm)   n   a malleable ductile steel-grey element of the lanthanide series of metals, used in lighter flints and as a reducing agent in metallurgy. Symbol: Ce; atomic no: 58; atomic wt: 140.115; valency: 3 or 4; relative density: 6.770; melting pt: 798°C; boiling pt: 3443°C [C19: New Latin, from CERES (the asteroid) + -IUM]

■ cerite (ˈsiːraIt)   n   a rare mineral, the hydrous silicate of cerium

■ cerium metals   pl n   the metals lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, and samarium, forming a sub-group of the lanthanides

Cerlox (ˈsɜːlɒks)   n   trademark US and Canadian a type of plastic binding used in strips to curl through the perforations in separate sheets of paper to bind them together

cermet (ˈsɜːmIt)   n   any of several materials consisting of a metal matrix with ceramic particles disseminated through it. They are hard and resistant to high temperatures. Also called: ceramal [C20: from CER(AMIC) + MET(AL)]

CERN (sɜːn)   n acronym for   Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire; an organization of European states with a centre in Geneva for research in high-energy particle physics, now called the European Laboratory for Particle Physics

Cernăuţi (tʃernəˈutsj)   n   the Romanian name for Chernivtsi

Cernuda (Spanish θɛrˈnuða)   n   Luis (lwiʃ). 1902–63, Spanish poet. His major work is the autobiographical Reality and Desire (1936–64)

cernuous (ˈsɜːnjʊəs)   adj   botany (of some flowers or buds) drooping [C17: from Latin cernuus leaning forwards, of obscure origin]

cero (ˈsIərəʊ, ˈsIrəʊ)   n, pl -ro or -ros   1 a large spiny-finned food fish, Scomberomorus regalis, of warm American coastal regions of the Atlantic: family Scombridae (mackerels, tunnies, etc)   2 any similar or related fish [C19: from Spanish: saw, sawfish, altered spelling of SIERRA]

cero-   combining form   indicating the use of wax: ceroplastic [from Greek kēros wax]

Ceroc (səˈrɒk)   n     a trademark an international organization of dance clubs   b (sometimes not capital) a form of dance developed by this organization and combining many styles of dance, including jive and salsa [C20: from French c'est Roc It's Rock]

cerograph (ˈsIərəʊˌɡrɑːf, ˈsIərəʊˌɡræf)   n   an engraving or writing on wax

■ cerography (sIəˈrɒɡrəfI)   n   the art of engraving on a waxed plate on which a printing surface is created by electrotyping   > cerographic (ˌsIərəʊˈɡræfIk) or ˌceroˈgraphical adj   > ceˈrographist n

ceromancy (ˈsIərəʊˌmænsI)   n   divination by interpreting the significance of shapes formed when melted wax is dropped into water

ceroon (sIˈruːn)   n   obsolete a hide-covered bale or package

ceroplastic (ˌsIərəʊˈplæstIk)   adj   1 relating to wax modelling   2 modelled in wax

■ ceroplastics (ˌsIərəʊˈplæstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the art of wax modelling

cerotic acid (sIˈrɒtIk)   n   another name (not in technical usage) for hexacosanoic acid

cerotype (ˈsIərəˌtaIp)   n   a process for preparing a printing plate by engraving a wax-coated copper plate and then using this as a mould for an electrotype

cerous (ˈsIərəs)   adj   of or containing cerium in the trivalent state [C19: from CERIUM + -OUS]

cerrado (səˈrɑːdəʊ)   n   a vast area of tropical savanna in Brazil

cerris (ˈsɛrIs)   n   a species of oak tree known as the Turkey oak

■ cerrial (ˈsɛrIəl)   adj   of or relating to the cerris tree

Cerro de Pasco (Spanish ˈθɛrrɔ ðe ˈpasko)   n   a town in central Peru, in the Andes: one of the highest towns in the world, 4400 m (14 436 ft) above sea level; mining centre. Pop: 70 000 (latest est)

Cerro Gordo (Spanish ˈθɛrrɔ ˈɡorðo)   n   a mountain pass in E Mexico, between Veracruz and Jalapa: site of a battle in the Mexican War (1847) in which American forces under General Scott decisively defeated the Mexicans

cert (sɜːt)   n   informal something that is a certainty, esp a horse that is certain to win a race (esp in the phrase a dead cert)

certain (ˈsɜːtən)   adj   1 (postpositive) positive and confident about the truth of something; convinced: I am certain that he wrote a book   2 (usually postpositive) definitely known: it is certain that they were on the bus   3 (usually postpositive) sure; bound; destined: he was certain to fail   4 decided or settled upon; fixed: the date is already certain for the election   5 unfailing; reliable: his judgment is certain   6 moderate or minimum: to a certain extent   7 make certain of to ensure (that one will get something); confirm   ▷ adv   8 for certain definitely; without a doubt: he will win for certain   ▷ determiner   9    a known but not specified or named: certain people may doubt this   b (as pronoun; functioning as plural): certain of the members have not paid their subscriptions   10 named but not known: he had written to a certain Mrs Wong [C13: from Old French, from Latin certus sure, fixed, from cernere to discern, decide]

■ certainly (ˈsɜːtənlI)   adv   1 with certainty; without doubt: he certainly rides very well   ▷ sentence substitute   2 by all means; definitely: used in answer to questions

■ certainty (ˈsɜːtəntI)   n, pl -ties   1 the condition of being certain   2 something established as certain or inevitable   3 for a certainty without doubt

CertEd   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Certificate in Education

certes (ˈsɜːtIz)   adv   archaic with certainty; truly [C13: from Old French, ultimately from Latin certus CERTAIN]

certie or certy (ˈsɜːtI)   n archaic   by my certie or by my certy assuredly

certificate   n (səˈtIfIkIt)   1 an official document attesting the truth of the facts stated, as of birth, marital status, death, health, completion of an academic course, ability to practise a profession, etc   2 short for share certificate   ▷ vb (səˈtIfIˌkeIt)   3 (tr) to authorize by or present with an official document [C15: from Old French certificat, from certifier CERTIFY]   > cerˈtificatory adj

■ certificated (səˈtIfIˌkeItId)   adj   chiefly Brit properly accredited by means of a certificate

■ certificate of deposit   n   a negotiable certificate issued by a bank in return for a deposit of money for a term of up to five years. Abbreviation: CD

■ certificate of incorporation   n   company law a signed statement by the Registrar of Companies that a company is duly incorporated

■ certificate of origin   n   a document stating the name of the country that produced a specified shipment of goods: often required before importation of goods

■ Certificate of Secondary Education   n   See CSE

■ certificate of unruliness   n   (in Britain) the decision of a juvenile court that a young person on remand is too unmanageable for local-authority care and should be taken into custody

■ certification (ˌsɜːtIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of certifying or state of being certified   2 law a document attesting the truth of a fact or statement

certify (ˈsɜːtIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 to confirm or attest (to), usually in writing: the letter certified her age   2 (tr) to endorse or guarantee (that certain required standards have been met)   3 to give reliable information or assurances: he certified that it was the accused's handwriting   4 (tr) to declare legally insane   5 (tr) US and Canadian (of a bank) to state in writing on (a cheque) that payment is guaranteed [C14: from Old French certifier, from Medieval Latin certificāre to make certain, from Latin certus CERTAIN + facere to make]   > ˈcertiˌfier n

■ certifiable (ˈsɜːtIˌfaIəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being certified   2 fit to be certified as insane   > ˈcertiˌfiably adv

■ certified (ˈsɜːtIˌfaId)   adj   1 holding or guaranteed by a certificate   2 endorsed or guaranteed: a certified test facility   3 (of a person) declared legally insane

■ certified accountant   n   (in Britain) a member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, who is authorized to audit company accounts. Compare chartered accountant, certified public accountant

■ certified public accountant   n   (in the US) a public accountant certified to have met state legal requirements. Compare certified accountant

certiorari (ˌsɜːtIɔːˈrɛəraI)   n   law an order of a superior court directing that a record of proceedings in a lower court be sent up for review. See also mandamus, prohibition [C15: from legal Latin: to be informed]

certitude (ˈsɜːtIˌtjuːd)   n   confidence; certainty [C15: from Church Latin certitūdō, from Latin certus CERTAIN]

cerulean (sIˈruːlIən), cerule (ˈsiːruːl) or ceruleous (sIˈruːlIəs)   n     a a deep blue colour; azure   b (as adjective): a cerulean sea [C17: from Latin caeruleus, probably from caelum sky]

cerulein (sIˈruːliːIn)   n   1 dyeing a bright blue dyestuff obtained from indigo   2 med a drug that stimulates smooth muscle and increases digestive secretions

ceruloplasmin (sIˌruːləʊˈplæzmIn)   n   biochem a protein responsible for copper detoxification, found in the blood

cerumen (sIˈruːmɛn)   n   the soft brownish-yellow wax secreted by glands in the auditory canal of the external ear. Nontechnical name: earwax [C18: from New Latin, from Latin cēra wax + ALBUMEN]   > ceˈruminous adj

ceruse (səˈruːs)   n   another name for white lead (sense 1) [C14: from Old French céruse, from Latin cērussa, perhaps ultimately from Greek kēros wax]

cerussite or cerusite (ˈsIərəˌsaIt)   n   a usually white mineral, found in veins. It is a source of lead. Composition: lead carbonate. Formula: PbCO_3. Crystal structure: orthorhombic. Also called: white lead ore [C19: from Latin cērussa (see CERUSE) + -ITE^1]

Cervantes (səˈvæntiːz; Spanish θɛrˈβantes)   n   Miguel de (miˈɣɛl ðe), full surname Cervantes Saavedra. 1547–1616, Spanish dramatist, poet, and prose writer, most famous for Don Quixote (1605), which satirizes the chivalric romances and greatly influenced the development of the novel

cervelas (ˈsɜːvəˌlɑː)   n   cookery a French garlic sausage

cervelat (ˈsɜːvəˌlæt, -ˌlɑː)   n   a smoked sausage made from pork and beef [C17: via obsolete French from Italian cervellata]

Cervena (ˌsɜːˈvɛnə)   n   trademark NZ   a a trademarked set of quality standards for farm-produced venison   b saddle and leg cuts of venison complying with these standards (and officially accredited as such) [C20: from Latin cer(vidae) deer + VEN(ISON)]

cerveza Spanish (θerˈβeθa)   n   beer

cervicum (ˈsɜːvIkəm, səˈvaI-)   n   zoology the flexible region between the prothorax and head in insects

cervid (ˈsɜːvId)   n   1 any ruminant mammal of the family Cervidae, including the deer, characterized by the presence of antlers   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cervidae [C19: from New Latin Cervidae, from Latin cervus deer]

Cervin (sɛrvɛ̃)   n   Mont Cervin the French name for Matterhorn

cervine (ˈsɜːvaIn)   adj   1 resembling or relating to a deer   2 of a dark yellowish-brown colour [C19: from Latin cervīnus, from cervus a deer]

cervix (ˈsɜːvIks)   n, pl cervixes or cervices (səˈvaIsiːz)   1 the technical name for neck   2 any necklike part of an organ, esp the lower part of the uterus that extends into the vagina [C18: from Latin]

■ cervical (ˈsɜːvIkəl, səˈvaI-)   adj   of or relating to the neck or cervix [C17: from New Latin cervīcālis, from Latin cervīx neck]

■ cervical smear   n   med a smear of cellular material taken from the neck (cervix) of the uterus for detection of cancer. Also called: Pap test, Pap smear

■ cervicitis (ˌsɜːvIˈsaItIs)   n   inflammation of the neck of the uterus

■ cervicography (ˌsɜːvIˈkɒɡrəfI)   n   med a method of cervical screening in which the neck of the uterus is photographed to facilitate the early detection of cancer

Cesarean or Cesarian (sIˈzɛərIən)   adj   US variant spellings of Caesarean

cesarevitch, cesarevich or cesarewich (sIˈzɑːrəˌvItʃ)   n   another name for tsarevitch

cesarevna (ˌsiːzɑːˈrɛvnə)   n   another name for tsarevna

Cesena (Italian tʃeˈzɛːna)   n   a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna. Pop: 90 948 (2001)

cesium (ˈsiːzIəm)   n   the usual US spelling of caesium

České Budějovice (Czech ˈtʃɛskɛː ˈbudjɛjɔvitsɛ)   n   a city in the S Czech Republic, on the Vltava (Moldau) River. Pop: 94 747 (2007 est). German name: Budweis

Československo (ˈtʃɛskɔslɔvɛnskɔ)   n   the Czech name for Czechoslovakia

Cesky terrier (ˈtʃɛskI)   n   a sturdy long-bodied short-legged variety of terrier with a wavy grey or light brown coat

cespitose (ˈsɛspIˌtəʊs)   adj   a variant spelling (esp US) of caespitose   > ˈcespiˌtosely adv

cess^1 (sɛs)   n   1 Brit (formerly) any of several special taxes, such as a land tax in Scotland   2 (formerly, in Ireland)   a the obligation to provide the soldiers and household of the lord deputy with supplies at fixed prices   b any military exaction   ▷ vb   3 (tr) Brit to tax or assess for taxation   4 (formerly in Ireland) to impose (soldiers) upon a population, to be supported by them [C16: short for ASSESSMENT]

cess^2 (sɛs)   n   an Irish slang word for luck: bad cess to you! [C19: probably from CESS^1 (sense 2)]

cess^3 (sɛs)   n   short for cesspool

cessation (sɛˈseIʃən)   n   a ceasing or stopping; discontinuance; pause: temporary cessation of hostilities [C14: from Latin cessātiō a delaying, inactivity, from cessāre to be idle, desist from, from cēdere to yield, CEDE]

cesser (ˈsɛsə)   n   law the coming to an end of a term interest or annuity

cession (ˈsɛʃən)   n   1 the act of ceding, esp of ceding rights, property, or territory   2 something that is ceded, esp land or territory [C14: from Latin cessiō, from cēdere to yield]

cessionary (ˈsɛʃənərI)   n, pl -aries   law a person to whom something is transferred; assignee; grantee

cesspool (ˈsɛsˌpuːl) or cesspit (ˈsɛsˌpIt)   n   1 Also called: sink, sump a covered cistern, etc, for collecting and storing sewage or waste water   2 a filthy or corrupt place: a cesspool of iniquity [C17: changed (through influence of POOL^1) from earlier cesperalle, from Old French souspirail vent, air, from soupirer to sigh; see SUSPIRE]

CEST   abbreviation for   Central European Summer Time: the standard clock time observed during the period of summer daylight-saving in the European countries which observe Central European Time during the rest of the year

cesta (ˈsɛstə)   n   sport (in jai alai) the long basket used to throw and catch the ball

c'est la vie French (sɛ la vi)     that's life

cestode (ˈsɛstəʊd)   n   any parasitic flatworm of the class Cestoda, which includes the tapeworms [C19: from New Latin Cestoidea ribbon-shaped creatures, from Latin cestus belt, girdle; see CESTUS^1]

cestoid (ˈsɛstɔId)   adj   (esp of tapeworms and similar animals) ribbon-like in form

■ cestoidean (sɛsˈtɔIdIən)   n   one of the Cestoda, a class of tapeworm

cestui (sɛˈtiː, sɛsˈtwiː)   n   law the person (who)

cestus^1 (ˈsɛstəs) or cestos (ˈsɛstɒs)   n   classical myth the girdle of Aphrodite (Venus) decorated to cause amorousness [C16: from Latin, from Greek kestos belt, from kentein to stitch]

cestus^2 or caestus (ˈsɛstəs)   n, pl -tus or -tuses   (in classical Roman boxing) a pugilist's gauntlet of bull's hide loaded or studded with metal [C18: from Latin caestus, probably from caedere to strike, slay]

cesura (sIˈzjʊərə)   n, pl -ras or -rae (-riː)   prosody a variant spelling of caesura   > ceˈsural adj

CET   abbreviation for   1 Central European Time   2 Common External Tariff

cetacean (sIˈteIʃən)   adj also cetaceous   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cetacea, an order of aquatic placental mammals having no hind limbs and a blowhole for breathing: includes toothed whales (dolphins, porpoises, etc) and whalebone whales (rorquals, right whales, etc)   ▷ n   2 a whale [C19: from New Latin Cētācea, ultimately from Latin cētus whale, from Greek kētos]

cetane (ˈsiːteIn)   n   a colourless insoluble liquid alkane hydrocarbon used in the determination of the cetane number of diesel fuel. Formula: C_16H_34. Also called: hexadecane [C19: from Latin cētus whale + -ANE, so called because related compounds are found in sperm whale oil]

■ cetane number   n   a measure of the quality of a diesel fuel expressed as the percentage of cetane in a mixture of cetane and 1-methylnapthalene of the same quality as the given fuel. Also called: cetane rating. Compare octane number

Cetatea Albă (tʃeˈtatea ˈalbə)   n   the Romanian name for Belgorod-Dnestrovski

cete (siːt)   n   a group of badgers [C15: perhaps from Latin coetus assembly, from coīre to come together]

ceteosaurus (ˌsiːtIəˈsɔːrəs)   n   a large dinosaur of the Jurassic period

ceterach (ˈsɛtəˌræk)   n   botany any of a genus of ferns characterized by scales found on the underside of the fronds

ceteris paribus (ˈkɛtərIs ˈpɑːrIbʊs)     other things being equal [C17: Latin]

Cetinje (Serbian ˈtsɛtinjɛ)   n   a town in Montenegro, in the SW: former capital of Montenegro (until 1945); palace and fortified monastery, residences of Montenegrin prince-bishops. Pop: 15 137 (2003 est)

Cetnik (ˈtʃɛtnIk, tʃɛtˈniːk)   n   a variant spelling of Chetnik

cetology (siːˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of zoology concerned with the study of whales (cetaceans) [C19: from Latin cētus whale]   > cetological (ˌsiːtəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ceˈtologist n

cetrimide (ˈsɛtrIˌmaId)   n   a quaternary ammonium compound used as a detergent and, having powerful antiseptic properties, for sterilizing surgical instruments, cleaning wounds, etc

Cetshwayo or Cetewayo (Zulu kɛˈtʃwɑːjɒ)   n   ?1826–84, king of the Zulus (1873–79): defeated the British at Isandhlwana (1879) but was overwhelmed by them at Ulundi (1879); captured, he stated his case in London, and was reinstated as ruler of part of Zululand (1883)

Cetti's warbler (ˈtʃɛtIz)   n   a reddish-brown Eurasian warbler, Cettia cetti, with a distinctive song [C19: after F. Cetti, 18th-century Italian ornithologist]

Cetus (ˈsiːtəs)   n, Latin genitive Ceti (ˈsiːtaI)   a large constellation on the celestial equator near Pisces and Aquarius. It contains the variable star Mira Ceti [Latin: whale]

cetuximab (sIˈtʌksIˌmæb)   n   a monoclonal antibody used to treat cancer

cetyl (ˈsiːtIl)   n   chem the univalent hexadecyl radical found in some waxes

cetywall (ˈsɛtIˌwɔːl)   n   an archaic name for valerian

Ceuta (Spanish ˈθeuta)   n   an enclave in Morocco on the Strait of Gibraltar, consisting of a port and military station: held by Spain since 1580. Pop: 74 931 (2003 est)

cevapcici (ˌtʃɛvæpˈtʃItʃI)   n   cookery a small rolled patty of ground meat, usually beef, seasoned with paprika and garlic, popular in Eastern Europe

Cévennes (French sevɛn)   n   a mountain range in S central France, on the SE edge of the Massif Central. Highest peak, Mont Lozère: 1699 m (5574 ft)

ceviche (səˈviːtʃI)   n   cookery a South American dish consisting of seafood marinated in citrus fruit, usually served in a salad

cevitamic acid (ˈsiːvIˌtæmIk)   n   another name for ascorbic acid

Ceylon (sIˈlɒn)   n   the former name of Sri Lanka

■ Ceylonese (ˌsɛləˈniːz, ˌsiːlə-)   adj   of or relating to Ceylon or its inhabitants

■ ceylonite (ˈsIləˌnaIt)   n   mineralogy a dark blue or black form of spinel. Also called: pleonaste

■ Ceylon moss   n   a red East Indian seaweed, Gracilaria lichenoides, from which agar is made

Ceyx (ˈsiːIks)   n   Greek myth a king of Trachis in Thessaly and the husband of Alcyone. He died in a shipwreck and his wife drowned herself in grief. Compare Alcyone^1

Cézanne (French sezan)   n   Paul (pɔl). 1839–1906, French postimpressionist painter, who was a major influence on modern art, esp cubism, in stressing the structural elements latent in nature, such as the sphere and the cone

cezve Turkish (ˈdʒɛzvə)   n   a small metal pot, usually of copper, with a long metal handle, used for preparing Turkish, Arabic, or Greek style coffee. Arabic name: ibrik. Greek name: briki [from Arabic jazwa(t) burning log, which was used to heat the pot]

cf^1 or CF   abbreviation for   cost and freight. Also: c & f

cf^2   the internet domain name for   Central African Republic

Cf   the chemical symbol for   californium

CF chiefly Brit   abbreviation for   Chaplain to the Forces

cf.   abbreviation for   compare [Latin: confer]

c/f accounting   abbreviation for   carried forward

CFB   abbreviation for (in Canada)   Canadian Forces Base

CFC   abbreviation for   chlorofluorocarbon

CFD   abbreviation for   1 computational fluid dynamics   2 finance contract for difference: an agreement to pay the difference between the value of a security at the start and finish of a stated period

CFE   abbreviation for   1 College of Further Education   2 Conventional Forces in Europe: negotiations between NATO and the Warsaw Pact to reduce conventional forces located between the Atlantic and the Urals

cfi or CFI   abbreviation for   cost, freight, and insurance (included in the price quoted). Also: c.i.f.

CFL   abbreviation for   Canadian Football League

CFO   abbreviation for   chief financial officer

CFS   abbreviation for   chronic fatigue syndrome

cg^1   abbreviation for   1 centre of gravity   ▷ symbol for   2 centigram

cg^2   the internet domain name for   Republic of the Congo

CG   abbreviation for   1 captain general   2 coastguard   3 Coldstream Guards   4 computer-generated   5 consul general

CGBR   abbreviation for   Central Government Borrowing Requirement

CGI   abbreviation for   1 computer-generated image or imagery   2 common gateway interface

CGM chiefly Brit   abbreviation for   Conspicuous Gallantry Medal

CGS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Chief of General Staff

cgs units   pl n   a metric system of units based on the centimetre, gram, and second. For scientific and technical purposes these units have been replaced by SI units

CGT   abbreviation for   capital gains tax

ch   abbreviation for   1 custom house   ▷ the internet domain name for   2 Switzerland

CH   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Companion of Honour   2 Switzerland (international car registration) [(sense 2) from French Confédération Helvétique]

ch.   abbreviation for   1 chain (unit of measure)   2 chapter   3 chess check   4 chief   5 church

cha (tʃɑː)   n   slang tea

chabazite (ˈkæbəˌzaIt)   n   a pink, white, or colourless zeolite mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate of calcium, sodium, potassium, and aluminium in hexagonal crystalline form. Formula: Ca_2Al_2Si_4O_12.6H_2O [C19: from French chabazie from Late Greek khabazios, erroneous for khalazios stone similar to a hailstone, from Greek khalazios of hail, from khalaza hailstone + -ITE^1]

Chablis (ˈʃæblI; French ʃabli)   n   (sometimes not capitals) a dry white burgundy wine made around Chablis, in central France

chabouk (ˈtʃɑːbuːk)   n   archaic a long horse-whip, also used for inflicting punishment

Chabrier (ˈʃæbrIeI; French ʃabrie)   n   (Alexis) Emmanuel (emanɥɛl). 1841–94, French composer; noted esp for the orchestral rhapsody España (1883)

Chabrol (French ʃabrɔl)   n   Claude (klod). 1930–2010, French film director, whose films, such as Le Beau Serge (1958), Les Biches (1968), Le Boucher (1969), Au coeur du mensonge (1999), and La Fleur du mal (2003) explore themes of jealousy, guilt, and murder

cha-cha-cha (ˌtʃɑːtʃɑːˈtʃɑː) or cha-cha   n   1 a Latin-American ballroom dance with small steps and swaying hip movements   2 a piece of music composed for this dance   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to perform this dance [C20: from American (Cuban) Spanish]

chachka (ˈtʃɑːtʃkə)   n   US a cheap trinket

chack (tʃæk)   vb (intr)   archaic to bite or snap the teeth or beak

chacma (ˈtʃækmə)   n   a baboon, Papio (or Chaeropithecus) ursinus, having coarse greyish hair and occurring in southern and eastern Africa [C19: from Khoikhoi]

Chaco (Spanish ˈtʃako)   n   See Gran Chaco

chaconine (ˈʃækəˌniːn)   n   a toxic alkaloid substance found in potatoes

chaconne (ʃəˈkɒn; French ʃakɔn)   n   1 a musical form consisting of a set of continuous variations upon a ground bass. See also passacaglia   2 archaic a dance in slow triple time probably originating in Spain [C17: from French, from Spanish chacona, probably imitative of the castanet accompaniment]

chacun à son goût French (ʃakœ̃n a sɔ̃ ɡu)     each to his or her own taste

chad (tʃæd)   n   the small pieces of cardboard or paper removed during the punching of holes in computer printer paper, paper tape, etc [C20: perhaps based on CHAFF^1]

■ chadless (ˈtʃædlIs)   adj   (of a keypunch) not producing chads

Chad (tʃæd)   n   1 a republic in N central Africa: made a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910; became independent in 1960; contains much desert and the Tibesti Mountains, with Lake Chad in the west; produces chiefly cotton and livestock; suffered intermittent civil war from 1963 and prolonged drought. Official languages: Arabic; French. Religion: Muslim majority, also Christian and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Ndjamena. Pop: 14 899 994 (2017 est). Area: 1 284 000 sq km (495 750 sq miles). French name: Tchad   2 Lake Chad a lake in N central Africa: fed chiefly by the Shari River, it has no apparent outlet. Area: at fullest extent 10 000 to 26 000 sq km (4000 to 10 000 sq miles), varying seasonally; it has shrunk considerably in recent years

■ Chadic (ˈtʃædIk)   n   1 a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages, spoken in an area west and south of Lake Chad, the chief member of which is Hausa   ▷ adj   2 denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages

Chadderton (ˈtʃædətən)   n   a town in NW England, in Oldham unitary authority, in Greater Manchester. Pop: 33 001 (2001)

chado (ˈtʃɑːdəʊ), sado (ˈsɑːdəʊ) or chanoyu (ˌtʃɑːnɔːˈyuː)   n   the Japanese tea ceremony [from Japanese cha or sa tea (from Chinese cha) + dō way (from Chinese tao); chanoyu literally: tea's hot water]

chador (ˈtʃʌdə)   n   a variant spelling of chuddar

chadri (ˈtʃædriː)   n   a shroud which covers the body from head to foot, usually worn by some Muslim women

Chadwick (ˈtʃædwIk)   n   1  Sir Edwin. 1800–90, British social reformer, known for his Report on the Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population of Great Britain (1842)   2  Sir James. 1891–1974, British physicist: discovered the neutron (1932): Nobel prize for physics 1935   3  Lynn (Russell). 1914–2003, British sculptor in metal

chaebol (ˈtʃeIbɒl)   n   a large, usually family-owned, business group in South Korea [C20: from Korean, literally: money clan]

chaenomeles (kiːˈnɒməliːz)   n   botany any of a genus of deciduous shrubs within the family Rosaceae, native to East Asia

Chaeronea (ˌkɛrəˈniːə)   n   an ancient Greek town in W Boeotia: site of the victory of Philip of Macedon over the Athenians and Thebans (338 BC) and of Sulla over Mithridates (86 BC)

chaeta (ˈkiːtə)   n, pl -tae (-tiː)   any of the chitinous bristles on the body of such annelids as the earthworm and the lugworm: used in locomotion; a seta [C19: New Latin, from Greek khaitē long hair]

■ chaetal (ˈkiːtəl)   adj   zoology of or relating to chaeta

■ chaetiferous (kiːˈtIfərəs)   adj   zoology having bristles

chaetodon (ˈkiːtəʊˌdɒn)   n   a less common name for butterflyfish

chaetognath (ˈkiːtɒɡˌnæθ)   n   any small wormlike marine invertebrate of the phylum Chaetognatha, including the arrowworms, having a coelom and a ring of bristles around the mouth [C19: New Latin Chaetognatha, literally: hair-jaw, from CHAETA + Greek gnathos jaw]

chaetopod (ˈkiːtəˌpɒd)   n   any annelid worm of the classes Oligochaeta or Polychaeta. See oligochaete, polychaete [C19: from New Latin Chaetopoda; see CHAETA, -POD]

chafe (tʃeIf)   vb   1 to make or become sore or worn by rubbing   2 (tr) to warm (the hands, etc) by rubbing   3 to irritate or be irritated or impatient: he was chafed because he was not allowed out   4 (intr; often foll by on, against, etc) to cause friction; rub   5 chafe at the bit See champ^1 (sense 3)   ▷ n   6 a soreness or irritation caused by friction [C14: from Old French chaufer to warm, ultimately from Latin calefacere, from calēre to be warm + facere to make]

■ chafing dish (ˈtʃeIfIŋ)   n   a vessel with a heating apparatus beneath it, for cooking or keeping food warm at the table

chafer (ˈtʃeIfə)   n   any of various scarabaeid beetles, such as the cockchafer and rose chafer [Old English ceafor; related to Old Saxon kevera, Old High German chevar]

chaff^1 (tʃɑːf)   n   1 the mass of husks, etc, separated from the seeds during threshing   2 finely cut straw and hay used to feed cattle   3 something of little worth; rubbish (esp in the phrase separate the wheat from the chaff)   4 the dry membranous bracts enclosing the flowers of certain composite plants   5 thin strips of metallic foil released into the earth's atmosphere to confuse radar signals and prevent detection [Old English ceaf; related to Old High German keva husk]   > ˈchaffy adj

■ chaff-cutter   n   a machine used to chop up hay and straw to make it into chaff for feeding to cattle

chaff^2 (tʃɑːf)   n   1 light-hearted teasing or joking; banter   ▷ vb   2 to tease good-naturedly; banter [C19: probably slang variant of CHAFE, perhaps influenced by CHAFF^1]   > ˈchaffer n

■ chaffingly (ˈtʃæfIŋlI)   adv   obsolete in a rallying yet light-hearted manner

chaffer (ˈtʃæfə)   vb   1 (intr) to haggle or bargain   2 to chatter, talk, or say idly; bandy (words)   3 (tr) obsolete to deal in; barter   ▷ n   4 haggling or bargaining [C13 chaffare, from chep bargain + fare journey; see CHEAP, FARE]   > ˈchafferer n

■ chaffery (ˈtʃæfərI)   n obsolete   1 the act of bargaining   2 buying and selling

chaffinch (ˈtʃæfIntʃ)   n   a common European finch, Fringilla coelebs, with black and white wings and, in the male, a reddish body and blue-grey head [Old English ceaffinc, from ceaf CHAFF^1 + finc FINCH]

chaft (tʃæft)   n   Northern English obsolete the jaw

Chagall (French ʃaɡal)   n   Marc (mark). 1887–1985, French painter and illustrator, born in Russia, noted for his richly coloured pictures of men, animals, and objects in fantastic combinations and often suspended in space: his work includes 12 stained glass windows for a synagogue in Jerusalem (1961) and the decorations for the ceiling of the Paris Opera House (1964)

chagan (kɑːˈɡɑːn)   n   another name for khan^1

Chagas' disease (ˈʃɑːɡəs)   n   a form of trypanosomiasis found in South America, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, characterized by fever and, often, inflammation of the heart muscles. Also called: American trypanosomiasis, South American trypanosomiasis. Compare sleeping sickness [C20: named after Carlos Chagas (1879–1934), Brazilian physician who first described it]

Chagres (Spanish ˈtʃaɣres)   n   a river in Panama, flowing southwest through Gatún Lake, then northwest to the Caribbean Sea

chagrin (ˈʃæɡrIn)   n   1 a feeling of annoyance or mortification   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to embarrass and annoy; mortify [C17: from French chagrin, chagriner, of unknown origin]   > ˈchagrined or ˈchagrinned adj

chai (tʃaI)   n   tea, esp as made in India with added spices [C20: Hindi]

chain (tʃeIn)   n   1 a flexible length of metal links, used for confining, connecting, pulling, etc, or in jewellery   2 (usually plural) anything that confines, fetters, or restrains: the chains of poverty   3 Also called: snow chains (usually plural) a set of metal links that fit over the tyre of a motor vehicle to increase traction and reduce skidding on an icy surface   4    a a number of establishments such as hotels, shops, etc, having the same owner or management   b (as modifier): a chain store   5 a series of related or connected facts, events, etc   6 a series of deals in which each depends on a purchaser selling before being able to buy   7 (of reasoning) a sequence of arguments each of which takes the conclusion of the preceding as a premise. See (as an example) sorites   8 Also called: Gunter's chain a unit of length equal to 22 yards   9 Also called: engineer's chain a unit of length equal to 100 feet   10 chem two or more atoms or groups bonded together so that the configuration of the resulting molecule, ion, or radical resembles a chain. See also open chain, ring^1 (sense 18)   11 geography a series of natural features, esp approximately parallel mountain ranges   12 off the chain Austral and NZ informal free from responsibility   13 jerk someone's chain or yank someone's chain informal to tease, mislead, or harass someone   ▷ vb   14 surveying to measure with a chain or tape   15 (tr; often foll by up) to confine, tie, or make fast with or as if with a chain   16 to sew using chain stitch [C13: from Old French chaine, ultimately from Latin; see CATENA]

■ chainbrake (ˌtʃeInˈbreIk)   n   a device for cutting off the power to a chainsaw if the saw kicks back

■ chain drive   n   engineering a chain of links passing over sprockets that transmits rotation from one shaft to another

■ chainfall (ˈtʃeInˌfɔːl)   n   a hand-powered hoist consisting of chains working on the pulley principle, used to lift and manoeuvre large heavy objects

■ chain gang   n   US a group of convicted prisoners chained together, usually while doing hard labour

■ chain grate   n   a type of mechanical stoker for a furnace, in which the grate consists of an endless chain that draws the solid fuel into the furnace as it rotates

■ chainless (ˈtʃeInlIs)   adj   having no chain or chains

■ chainlet (ˈtʃeInlət)   n   obsolete a small chain of hotels, shops, etc

■ chain letter   n   a letter, often with a request for and promise of money, that is sent to many people who add to or recopy it and send it on to others: illegal in many countries

■ chain lightning   n   another name for forked lightning

■ chain mail   n   another term for mail^2 (sense 1)

■ chainman (ˈtʃeInmən)   n, pl -men   surveying a person who does the chaining in a survey

■ chainplate (ˈtʃeInˌpleIt)   n   a metal plate on the side of a vessel, to which the shrouds are attached

■ chain printer   n   a line printer in which the type is on a continuous chain, used to print computer output

■ chain-react   vb   (intr) to undergo a chain reaction

■ chain reaction   n   1 a process in which a neutron colliding with an atomic nucleus causes fission and the ejection of one or more other neutrons, which induce other nuclei to split   2 a chemical reaction in which the product of one step is a reactant in the following step   3 a series of rapidly occurring events, each of which precipitates the next

■ chain rule   n   maths a theorem that may be used in the differentiation of the function of a function. It states that du/dx = (du/dy)(dy/dx), where y is a function of x and u a function of y

■ chainsaw (ˈtʃeInˌsɔː)   n   a motor-driven saw, usually portable, in which the cutting teeth form links in a continuous chain

■ chain shot or chainshot (ˈtʃeInˌʃɒt)   n   cannon shot comprising two balls or half balls joined by a chain, much used formerly, esp in naval warfare to destroy rigging

■ chain-smoke   vb   to smoke (cigarettes, etc) continually, esp lighting one from the preceding one   > chain smoker n

■ chain stitch   n   1 an ornamental looped embroidery stitch resembling the links of a chain   ▷ vb chain-stitch   2 to sew (something) with this stitch

■ chain store   n   one of several retail enterprises under the same ownership and management. Also called: multiple store

■ chainwheel (ˈtʃeInˌwiːl)   n   engineering a toothed wheel that meshes with a roller chain to transmit motion

■ chainwork (ˈtʃeInˌwɜːk)   n   any work linked or looped in the manner of or resembling a chain or chains

Chain (tʃeIn)   n   Sir Ernst Boris. 1906–79, British biochemist, born in Germany: purified and adapted penicillin for clinical use; with Fleming and Florey shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1945

chaine (ˈʃɛneI)   adj   1 (in dancing) relating to the movement in which a full rotation is made for every two steps taken   ▷ vb (intr)   2 ballet to produce a full rotation for every two steps taken

chair (tʃɛə)   n   1 a seat with a back on which one person sits, typically having four legs and often having arms   2 an official position of authority: a chair on the board of directors   3 the person chairing a debate or meeting: the speaker addressed the chair   4 a professorship: the chair of German   5 railways an iron or steel cradle bolted to a sleeper in which the rail sits and is locked in position   6 short for sedan chair   7 in the chair chairing a debate or meeting   8 take the chair to preside as chairman for a meeting, etc   9 the chair an informal name for electric chair   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to preside over (a meeting)   11 Brit to carry aloft in a sitting position after a triumph or great achievement   12 to provide with a chair of office   13 to install in a chair [C13: from Old French chaiere, from Latin cathedra, from Greek kathedra, from kata- down + hedra seat; compare CATHEDRAL]

■ chairback (ˈtʃɛəˌbæk)   n   the part of a chair that supports the sitter's back

■ chairborne (ˈtʃɛəˌbɔːn)   adj   informal having an administrative or desk job rather than a more active one

■ chairbound (ˈtʃɛəˌbaʊnd)   adj   social welfare unable to walk; dependent on a wheelchair for mobility

■ chairdays (ˈtʃɛəˌdeIz)   n   obsolete old age, or the point in life when resting in a chair is the most comfortable way of passing time

■ chairlift (ˈtʃɛəˌlIft)   n   a series of chairs suspended from a power-driven cable for conveying people, esp skiers, up a mountain

■ chairman (ˈtʃɛəmən)   n, pl -men   1 Also called: chairperson, (fem) chairwoman a person who presides over a company's board of directors, a committee, a debate, an administrative department, etc   2 history someone who carries a sedan chair   > ˈchairmanˌship n

USAGE

Chairman can seem inappropriate when applied to a woman, while chairwoman can be offensive. Chair and chairperson can be applied to either a man or a woman; chair is generally preferred to chairperson

■ chairwarmer (ˈtʃɛəˌwɔːmə)   n US   1 an office holder, committee member, or employee who is inactive and ineffective   2 a person who lounges around in chairs for a long time

chaise (ʃeIz)   n   1 a light open horse-drawn carriage, esp one with two wheels designed for two passengers   2 short for post chaise, chaise longue   3 a gold coin first issued in France in the 14th century, depicting the king seated on a throne [C18: from French, variant of Old French chaiere CHAIR]

■ chaiseless (ˈʃeIzlis)   adj   without a chaise

■ chaise longue (ˈʃeIz ˈlɒŋ; French ʃɛz lɔ̃ɡ) or US chaise lounge   n, pl chaise longues or chaises longues (ˈʃeIz ˈlɒŋ; French ʃɛz lɔ̃ɡ)   a long low chair for reclining, with a back and single armrest [C19: from French: long chair]

Chaka (ˈʃaka)   n   a variant spelling of Shaka

chakalaka (ˌʃakaˈlaka)   n   South African a relish made from tomatoes, onions, and spices [of unknown origin]

chakra (ˈtʃækrə, ˈtʃʌkrə)   n   (in yoga) any of the seven major energy centres in the body [C19: from Sanskrit cakra wheel, circle]

chal (tʃæl)   n   dialect a person; fellow

chalan (ˈtʃʌlən) Indian   vb (tr)   1 to cause (an accused person) to appear before a magistrate   ▷ n   2 an invoice, pass, or voucher

chalaza (kəˈleIzə)   n, pl -zas or -zae (-ziː)   1 one of a pair of spiral threads of albumen holding the yolk of a bird's egg in position   2 the basal part of a plant ovule, where the integuments and nucellus are joined [C18: New Latin, from Greek: hailstone]   > chaˈlazal adj

chalazion (kəˈleIzIən)   n   a small cyst on the eyelid resulting from chronic inflammation of a meibomian gland. Also called: meibomian cyst [C18: from Greek: a small CHALAZA]

chalazogamy (ˌkælæˈzɒɡəmI)   n   botany (of plants) the process of fertilization whereby the pollen tube penetrates the embryosac through the chalaza rather than through the micropyle

■ chalazogamic (kəˌlæzəʊˈɡæmIk)   adj   botany relating to the process of chalazogamy

chalcanthite (kælˈkænθaIt)   n   a blue secondary mineral consisting of hydrated copper sulphate in triclinic crystalline form. Formula: CuSO_4.5H_2O [C19: via German from Latin chalcanthum copper sulphate solution, from Greek khalkanthon, from khalkos copper + anthos flower; see -ITE^1]

chalcedony (kælˈsɛdənI) or calcedony   n, pl -nies   a microcrystalline often greyish form of quartz with crystals arranged in parallel fibres: a gemstone. Formula: SiO_2 [C15: from Late Latin chalcēdōnius, from Greek khalkēdōn a precious stone (Revelation 21:19), perhaps named after Khalkēdōn Chalcedon, town in Asia Minor]   > chalcedonic (ˌkælsIˈdɒnIk) adj

■ chalcedonyx (kælˈsɛdəˌnIks, ˌkælsəˈdɒnIks)   n   a variety of chalcedony characterized by alternate stripes of black and white

chalcid or chalcid fly (ˈkælsId)   n   any tiny hymenopterous insect of the family Chalcididae and related families, whose larvae are parasites of other insects [C19: from New Latin Chalcis type genus, from Greek khalkos copper, referring to its metallic sheen]

Chalcidice (kælˈsIdIsI)   n   a peninsula of N central Greece, in Macedonia Central, ending in the three promontories of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Akti. Area: 2945 sq km (1149 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Khalkidíki

Chalcis (ˈkælsIs)   n   a city on the island of Euboea in SE Greece, at the narrowest point of the Euripus strait: important since the 7th century BC, founding many colonies in ancient times. Pop (municipality): 55 264 (2001). Modern Greek name: Khalkís. Medieval English name: Negropont

chalco- or before a vowel chalc-   combining form   indicating copper or a copper alloy: chalcopyrite; chalcolithic [from Greek khalkos copper]

chalcocite (ˈkælkəˌsaIt)   n   a lead-grey or black mineral, found as a copper ore or in veins. It is a source of copper. Composition: copper sulphide. Formula: Cu_2S. Crystal structure: orthorhombic [C19: changed from earlier chalcosine, from Greek khalkos copper + -ITE^1]

chalcogen (ˈkælkəˌdʒɛn)   n   any of the elements oxygen, sulphur, selenium, tellurium, or polonium, of group 6A of the periodic table [C20: from CHALCO(PYRITE) + -GEN]

■ chalcogenide (kælˈkɒdʒəˌnaId)   n   a binary compound consisting of a chalcogen and at least one other electropositive element

chalcography (kælˈkɒɡrəfI)   n   the art of engraving on copper or brass   > chalˈcographer or chalˈcographist n   > chalcographic (ˌkælkəˈɡræfIk) or ˌchalcoˈgraphical adj

chalcolithic (ˌkælkəˈlIθIk)   adj   archaeol of or relating to a period characterized by the use of both stone and bronze implements

chalcopyrite (ˌkælkəˈpaIraIt, -ˈpaIə-)   n   a widely distributed yellow mineral consisting of a sulphide of copper and iron in tetragonal crystalline form: the principal ore of copper. Formula: CuFeS_2. Also called: copper pyrites

Chaldea or Chaldaea (kælˈdiːə)   n   1 an ancient region of Babylonia; the land lying between the Euphrates delta, the Persian Gulf, and the Arabian desert   2 another name for Babylonia

■ Chaldean or Chaldaean (kælˈdiːən)   n   1 a member of an ancient Semitic people who controlled S Babylonia from the late 8th to the late 7th century BC   2 the dialect of Babylonian spoken by this people   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to the ancient Chaldeans or their language

Chaldee (kælˈdiː)   n   1 a nontechnical term for Biblical Aramaic, which was once believed to be the language of the ancient Chaldeans   2 the actual language of the ancient Chaldeans. See also Chaldean (sense 2)   3 an inhabitant of ancient Chaldea; Chaldean   ▶ Also (for senses 1, 2): Chaldaic (kælˈdeIIk)

chaldron (ˈtʃɔːldrən) or chalder (ˈtʃɔːldə)   n   a unit of capacity equal to 36 bushels. Formerly used in the US for the measurement of solids, being equivalent to 1.268 cubic metres. Used in Britain for both solids and liquids, it is equivalent to 1.309 cubic metres [C17: from Old French chauderon CAULDRON]

chalet (ˈʃæleI; French ʃalɛ)   n   1 a type of wooden house of Swiss origin, typically low, with wide projecting eaves   2 a similar house used esp as a ski lodge, garden house, etc [C19: from French (Swiss dialect)]

Chaliapin (Russian ʃaˈljapin)   n   Fyodor Ivanovich (ˈfjɔdər iˈvanəvitʃ). 1873–1938, Russian operatic bass singer

chalice (ˈtʃælIs)   n   1 poetic a drinking cup; goblet   2 Christianity a gold or silver cup containing the wine at Mass   3 the calyx of a flower, esp a cup-shaped calyx [C13: from Old French, from Latin calix cup; related to Greek kalux calyx]

■ chaliced (ˈtʃælIst)   adj   (of plants) having cup-shaped flowers

chalicothere (ˈkælIkəʊˌθIə)   n   any of various very large extinct Tertiary horselike perissodactyl mammals that had clawed feet but otherwise resembled titanotheres [C19: from New Latin Chalicotherium type genus, from Greek khalix gravel + Greek thērion a little beast, from thēr wild animal]

chalk (tʃɔːk)   n   1 a soft fine-grained white sedimentary rock consisting of nearly pure calcium carbonate, containing minute fossil fragments of marine organisms, usually without a cementing material   2 a piece of chalk or a substance like chalk, often coloured, used for writing and drawing on a blackboard   3 a line, mark, etc made with chalk   4 billiards, snooker a small cube of prepared chalk or similar substance for rubbing the tip of a cue   5 Brit a score, tally, or record   6 as alike as chalk and cheese or as different as chalk and cheese informal totally different in essentials   7 by a long chalk Brit informal by far   8 can't tell chalk from cheese or doesn't know chalk from cheese to be unable to judge or appreciate important differences   9 not by a long chalk Brit informal by no means; not possibly   10 (modifier) made of chalk   ▷ vb   11 to draw or mark (something) with chalk   12 (tr) to mark, rub, or whiten with or as if with chalk   13 (intr) (of paint) to become chalky; powder   14 (tr) to spread chalk on (land) as a fertilizer [Old English cealc, from Latin calx limestone, from Greek khalix pebble]   > ˈchalkˌlike adj   > ˈchalky adj   > ˈchalkiness n

■ chalk and talk   n   sometimes derogatory a formal method of teaching, in which the focal points are the blackboard and the teacher's voice, as contrasted with more informal child-centred activities

■ chalkboard (ˈtʃɔːkˌbɔːd)   n   US and Canadian a hard or rigid surface made of a smooth usually dark substance, used for writing or drawing on with chalk, esp in teaching. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): blackboard

■ chalkface (ˈtʃɔːkˌfeIs)   n   Brit informal   a the work or art of teaching in a school, esp classroom teaching as distinct from organizational responsibilities (esp in the phrase at the chalkface)   b (as modifier): chalkface experience

■ chalk out   vb   (tr, adverb) to outline (a plan, scheme, etc); sketch

■ chalkpit (ˈtʃɔːkˌpIt)   n   a quarry for chalk

■ chalkstone (ˈtʃɔːkˌstəʊn)   n   pathol another name for tophus

■ chalkstripe (ˈtʃɔːkˌstraIp)   n   clothing with a pattern of thin white stripes on a dark background

■ chalk talk   n   US and Canadian an informal lecture with pertinent points, explanatory diagrams, etc, shown on a blackboard

■ chalk up   vb (tr, adverb) informal   1 to score or register (something): we chalked up 100 in the game   2 to credit (money) to an account, etc, (esp in the phrase chalk it up)

challah or hallah (ˈhɑːlə; Hebrew xaˈla)   n, pl -lahs or -loth (Hebrew -ˈlɔt)   bread, usually in the form of a plaited loaf, traditionally eaten by Jews to celebrate the Sabbath [from Hebrew hallāh]

challenge (ˈtʃælIndʒ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to invite or summon (someone to do something, esp to take part in a contest)   2 (also intr) to call (something) into question; dispute   3 to make demands on; stimulate: the job challenges his ingenuity   4 to order (a person) to halt and be identified or to give a password   5 law to make formal objection to (a juror or jury)   6 to lay claim to (attention, etc)   7 (intr) hunting (of a hound) to cry out on first encountering the scent of a quarry   8 to inject (an experimental animal immunized with a test substance) with disease microorganisms to test for immunity to the disease   ▷ n   9 a call to engage in a fight, argument, or contest   10 a questioning of a statement or fact; a demand for justification or explanation   11 a demanding or stimulating situation, career, object, etc   12 a demand by a sentry, watchman, etc, for identification or a password   13 US an assertion that a person is not entitled to vote or that a vote is invalid   14 law a formal objection to a person selected to serve on a jury (challenge to the polls) or to the whole body of jurors (challenge to the array) [C13: from Old French chalenge, from Latin calumnia CALUMNY]   > ˈchallengeable adj   > ˈchallenger n

■ challenged (ˈtʃælIndʒd)   adj   (in combination) disabled or disadvantaged in some way: physically challenged performers

■ challenger bank   n   (in the UK) a small retail bank set up with the intention of competing with larger and longer-established banks

■ challenging (ˈtʃælIndʒIŋ)   adj   demanding or stimulating: a challenging new job

■ challengingly (ˈtʃælIndʒIŋlI)   adv   1 in a way that challenges or defies someone   2 in a way that presents a challenge to the person doing it

challis (ˈʃælI, -lIs) or challie (ˈʃælI)   n   a lightweight plain-weave fabric of wool, cotton, etc, usually with a printed design [C19: probably from a surname]

chalone (ˈkæləʊn)   n   any internal secretion that inhibits a physiological process or function [C20: from Greek khalōn, from khalan to slacken]

■ chalonic (kæˈləʊnIk)   adj   of or relating to a chalone

Châlons-en-Champagne (French ʃɑlɔ̃zɑ̃ʃɑ̃paɲ)   n   a town in NE France, on the River Marne: scene of Attila's defeat by the Romans (451 AD). Pop: 47 339 (1999). Former name: Châlons-sur-Marne (ʃɑlɔ̃syrmarn). Shortened form: Châlons

Chalon-sur-Saône (French ʃalɔ̃syrson)   n   an industrial city in E central France, on the Saône River. Pop: 50 124 (1999). Shortened form: Chalon

chalumeau (ˌʃæljʊˈməʊ)   n   an early reed instrument, the precursor of the clarinet

chalupa (tʃəˈluːpə)   n   a small narrow boat similar to a gondola, steered using either oars or a pole, used in the south of Mexico

chalutz or halutz Hebrew (xɑˈlʊts; English hɑːˈlʊts)   n, pl -lutzim (-luːˈtsiːm; English -ˈluːtsIm)   a member of an organization of immigrants to Israeli agricultural settlements [literally: pioneer, fighter]

chalybean (ˌkælIˈbiːən)   adj   1 anthropol of or relating to the Chalybes, an ancient tribe of central Asia noted for their skill with iron and steel   2 obsolete (of steel) of superior quality

chalybeate (kəˈlIbIIt)   adj   1 containing or impregnated with iron salts   ▷ n   2 any drug containing or tasting of iron [C17: from New Latin chalybēātus, ultimately from khalups iron]

chalybite (ˈkælIˌbaIt)   n   another name for siderite (sense 1)

cham (kæm)   n   an archaic word for khan^1 (sense 1) [C16: from French, from Persian khān; see KHAN^1]

Cham (tʃæm)   n   1 (pl Cham or Chams) a member of a people of Indonesian stock living in Cambodia and central Vietnam   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family

chamade (ʃəˈmɑːd)   n   military (formerly) a signal by drum or trumpet inviting an enemy to a parley [C17: from French, from Portuguese chamada, from chamar to call, from Latin clamāre]

Chamaeleon (kəˈmiːlIən)   n, Latin genitive Chamaeleontis (kəˌmiːlIˈɒntIs)   a faint constellation lying between Volans and the South celestial pole

chamaephyte (ˈkæməˌfaIt)   n   a plant whose buds are close to the ground [C20: from Greek khamai on the ground + -PHYTE]

chamber (ˈtʃeImbə)   n   1 a meeting hall, esp one used for a legislative or judicial assembly   2 a reception room or audience room in an official residence, palace, etc   3 archaic or poetic a room in a private house, esp a bedroom   4    a a legislative, deliberative, judicial, or administrative assembly   b any of the houses of a legislature   5 an enclosed space; compartment; cavity: the smallest chamber in the caves   6 the space between two gates of the locks of a canal, dry dock, etc   7 an enclosure for a cartridge in the cylinder of a revolver or for a shell in the breech of a cannon   8 obsolete a place where the money of a government, corporation, etc, was stored; treasury   9 short for chamberpot   10 NZ the freezing room in an abattoir   11 (modifier) of, relating to, or suitable for chamber music: a chamber concert   ▷ vb   12 (tr) to put in or provide with a chamber [C13: from Old French chambre, from Late Latin camera room, Latin: vault, from Greek kamara]

■ chamber counsel or chamber counsellor   n   a counsel who advises in private and does not plead in court

■ chambered (ˈtʃeImbəd)   adj   archaeol having a chamber inside it in which the body of an important person was laid to rest

■ chambered nautilus   n   another name for the pearly nautilus

■ chamberer (ˈtʃeImbərə)   n archaic   1 someone who attends to a bed chamber; chambermaid or chamberlain   2 a lascivious person

■ chamberhand (ˈtʃeImbəˌhænd)   n   NZ a worker in the cold storage area of a slaughterhouse

■ chamberlain (ˈtʃeImbəlIn)   n   1 an officer who manages the household of a king   2 the steward of a nobleman or landowner   3 the treasurer of a municipal corporation [C13: from Old French chamberlayn, of Frankish origin; related to Old High German chamarling chamberlain, Latin camera CHAMBER]   > ˈchamberlainˌship n

■ chambermaid (ˈtʃeImbəˌmeId)   n   a woman employed to clean and tidy bedrooms, now chiefly in hotels

■ chamber music   n   music for performance by a small group of instrumentalists

■ chamber of commerce   n   (sometimes capitals) an organization composed mainly of local businesspeople to promote, regulate, and protect their interests

■ chamber of trade   n   (sometimes capitals) a national organization representing local chambers of commerce

■ chamber orchestra   n   a small orchestra consisting of about 25 players, used for the authentic performance of baroque and early classical music as well as modern music written specifically for a small orchestra

■ chamber organ   n   a small compact organ used esp for the authentic performance of preclassical music

■ chamber pop   n   pop music that incorporates orchestral arrangements

■ chamberpot (ˈtʃeImbəˌpɒt)   n   a vessel for urine, used in bedrooms

■ chambers (ˈtʃeImbəz)   pl n   1 a judge's room for hearing cases not taken in open court   2 (in England) the set of rooms occupied by barristers where clients are interviewed (in London, mostly in the Inns of Court)   3 Brit archaic a suite of rooms; apartments   4 (in the US) the private office of a judge   5 in chambers law   a in the privacy of a judge's chambers   b in a court not open to the public. Former name for sense 5: in camera

Chamberlain (ˈtʃeImbəlIn)   n   1  Sir (Joseph) Austen. 1863–1937, British Conservative statesman; foreign secretary (1924–29); awarded a Nobel peace prize for his negotiation of the Locarno Pact (1925)   2  his father, Joseph. 1836–1914, British statesman; originally a Liberal, he resigned in 1886 over Home Rule for Ireland and became leader of the Liberal Unionists; a leading advocate of preferential trading agreements with members of the British Empire   3  his son, (Arthur) Neville. 1869–1940, British Conservative statesman; prime minister (1937–40): pursued a policy of appeasement towards Germany; following the German invasion of Poland, he declared war on Germany on Sept 3, 1939   4  Owen. 1920–2006, US physicist, who discovered the antiproton. Nobel prize for physics jointly with Emilio Segré 1959

Chambertin (French ʃɑ̃bɛrtɛ̃)   n   a dry red burgundy wine produced in Gevrey-Chambertin in E France

Chambéry (French ʃɑ̃beri)   n   a city in SE France, in the Alps: skiing centre; former capital of the duchy of Savoy. Pop: 59 188 (2006)

Chambord (French ʃɑ̃bɔr)   n   a village in N central France: site of a famous Renaissance chateau

chambranle French (ʃɑ̃mbrɑ̃l)   n   architect the three-sided ornamental bordering found around doors, windows, and fireplaces

chambray (ˈʃæmbreI)   n   a smooth light fabric of cotton, linen, etc, with white weft and a coloured warp [C19: after Cambrai; see CAMBRIC]

chambré (ˈʃɑ̃breI)   adj   (of wine) at room temperature [from French, from chambrer to bring (wine) to room temperature, from chambre room]

chameleon (kəˈmiːlIən)   n   1 any lizard of the family Chamaeleontidae of Africa and Madagascar, having long slender legs, a prehensile tail and tongue, and the ability to change colour   2 a changeable or fickle person [C14: from Latin chamaeleon, from Greek khamaileōn, from khamai on the ground + leōn LION]   > chameleonic (kəˌmiːlIˈɒnIk) adj   > chaˈmeleon-ˌlike adj

chametz or chometz Hebrew (xaˈmɛtʒ; Yiddish ˈxomətʒ)   n   Judaism leavened food which may not be eaten during Passover

chamfer (ˈtʃæmfə)   n   1 a narrow flat surface at the corner of a beam, post, etc, esp one at an angle of 45°. Compare bevel (sense 1)   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to cut such a surface on (a beam, etc)   3 another word for chase^2 (sense 4) [C16: back formation from chamfering, from Old French chamfrein, from chant edge (see CANT^2) + fraindre to break, from Latin frangere]   > ˈchamferer n

chamfron, chamfrain (ˈtʃæmfrən) or chanfron   n   a piece of armour for a horse's head [C14: from Old French chanfrein, from chafresner to harness, from chief head + frener to bridle]

chamisa (ʃəˈmiːsə)   n   a deciduous shrub with silver-blue leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in autumn. Also called: rabbitbrush

chamiso (ʃəˈmiːsəʊ)   n   an evergreen shrub with yellow-green flowers native to the western United States. Also called: four-wing saltbush

■ chamisal (ʃəˈmiːsəl)   n   a thicket or overgrowth of chamiso

chammy (ˈʃæmI)   n, pl -mies   informal a piece of chamois leather used for polishing

chamois (ˈʃæmI; French ʃamwa)   n, pl -ois   1 (ˈʃæmwɑː) a sure-footed goat antelope, Rupicapra rupicapra, inhabiting mountains of Europe and SW Asia, having vertical horns with backward-pointing tips   2 a soft suede leather formerly made from the hide of this animal, now obtained from the skins of sheep and goats   3 Also called: chamois leather, shammy, shammy leather, chammy, chammy leather (ˈʃæmI) a piece of such leather or similar material used for polishing, etc   4 (ˈʃæmwɑː)   a a yellow to greyish-yellow colour   b (as modifier): a chamois stamp   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to dress (leather or skin) like chamois   6 to polish with a chamois [C16: from Old French, from Late Latin camox of uncertain origin]

chamomile (ˈkæməˌmaIl)   n   a variant spelling of camomile

Chamonix (ˈʃæmənI; French ʃamɔni)   n   a town in SE France, in the Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc: skiing and tourist centre. Pop: 9514 (2006)

champ^1 (tʃæmp)   vb   1 to munch (food) noisily like a horse   2 (when intr, often foll by on, at, etc) to bite (something) nervously or impatiently; gnaw   3 champ at the bit or chafe at the bit informal to be impatient to start work, a journey, etc   ▷ n   4 the act or noise of champing   5 Ulster dialect a dish, originating in Ireland, of mashed potatoes and spring onions or leeks [C16: probably of imitative origin]   > ˈchamper n

champ^2 (tʃæmp)   n   informal short for champion (sense 1)

champac or champak (ˈtʃæmpæk, ˈtʃʌmpʌk)   n   a magnoliaceous tree, Michelia champaca, of India and the East Indies. Its fragrant yellow flowers yield an oil used in perfumes and its wood is used for furniture [C18: from Hindi campak, from Sanskrit campaka, of Dravidian origin]

champagne (ʃæmˈpeIn)   n   1 (sometimes capital) a white sparkling wine produced around Reims and Epernay, France   2 (loosely) any effervescent white wine   3    a a colour varying from a pale orange-yellow to a greyish-yellow   b (as adjective): a champagne carpet   4 (modifier) denoting a luxurious lifestyle: a champagne capitalist [from Champagne, a region of NE France]

■ champagne socialist   n   a professed socialist who enjoys an extravagant lifestyle

Champagne-Ardenne (ʃæmˈpeInɑːˈdɛn; French ʃɑ̃paɲardɛn)   n   a former region of NE France: a countship and commercial centre in medieval times; it consists of a great plain, with sheep and dairy farms and many vineyards

champaign (ʃæmˈpeIn)   n   1 Also called: campagna an expanse of open level or gently undulating country   2 an obsolete word for battlefield [C14: from Old French champaigne, from Late Latin campānia; see CAMPAIGN]

Champaigne (ʃæmˈpeIn; French ʃɑ̃pɛɲ)   n   Philippe de (filip də). 1602–74, French painter, born in Brussels: noted particularly for his portraits and historical and religious scenes

champart (ˈtʃæmpɑːt)   n   obsolete the granting of land to a person on condition that a portion of the harvest will be given to the landowner

champers or champas (ˈʃæmpəz)   n   a slang name for champagne

champerty (ˈtʃæmpətI)   n, pl -ties   law (formerly) an illegal bargain between a party to litigation and an outsider whereby the latter agrees to pay for the action and thereby share in any proceeds recovered. See also maintenance [C14: from Anglo-French champartie, from Old French champart share of produce, from champ field + part share (a feudal lord's)]   > ˈchampertous adj

champignon (tʃæmˈpInjən)   n   any of various agaricaceous edible mushrooms, esp Marasmius oreades and the meadow mushroom. See also fairy ring [C16: from French, perhaps from Vulgar Latin campīnus (unattested) of the field, from Latin campus plain, field]

Champigny-sur-Marne (French ʃɑ̃piɲisyrmarn)   n   a suburb of Paris, on the River Marne. Pop: 75 556 (2006)

champion (ˈtʃæmpIən)   n   1    a a person who has defeated all others in a competition: a chess champion   b (as modifier): a champion team   2    a a plant or animal that wins first place in a show, etc   b (as modifier): a champion marrow   3 a person who defends a person or cause: champion of the underprivileged   4 (formerly) a warrior or knight who did battle for another, esp a king or queen, to defend their rights or honour   ▷ adj   5 Northern English dialect first rate; excellent   ▷ adv   6 Northern English dialect very well; excellently   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to support; defend: we champion the cause of liberty [C13: from Old French, from Late Latin campiō, from Latin campus field, battlefield]

■ championess (ˈtʃæmpIənˌɛs)   n   a female champion

■ championship (ˈtʃæmpIənˌʃIp)   n   1 (sometimes plural) any of various contests held to determine a champion   2 the title or status of being a champion   3 support for or defence of a cause, person, etc

Champlain^1 (ʃæmˈpleIn)   n   Lake Champlain a lake in the northeastern US, between the Green Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains: linked by the Champlain Canal to the Hudson River and by the Richelieu River to the St Lawrence; a major communications route in colonial times

Champlain^2 (ʃæmˈpleIn; French ʃɑ̃plɛ̃)   n   Samuel de (samyɛl də). ?1567–1635, French explorer; founder of Quebec (1608) and governor of New France (1633–35)

champlevé French (ʃɑ̃lve; English ˌʃæmpləˈveI)   adj   1 of or relating to a process of enamelling by which grooves are cut into a metal base and filled with enamel colours   ▷ n   2 an object enamelled by this process [C19: from champ field (level surface) + levé raised]

Champollion (French ʃɑ̃pɔljɔ̃)   n   Jean François (ʒɑ̃ frɑ̃swa). 1790–1832, French Egyptologist, who deciphered the hieroglyphics on the Rosetta stone

Champs-Elysées (ʃɒnz eIˈliːzeI; French ʃɑ̃z elize)   n   a major boulevard in Paris, leading from the Arc de Triomphe: site of the Elysée Palace and government offices

champy (ˈtʃæmpI)   adj champier, champiest   obsolete (of earth) churned up by the feet or hooves of animals

chana (ˈtʃɑːnə)   n   (in Indian cookery) a chickpea

chance (tʃɑːns)   n   1    a the unknown and unpredictable element that causes an event to result in a certain way rather than another, spoken of as a real force   b (as modifier): a chance meeting. Related adjective: fortuitous   2 fortune; luck; fate   3 an opportunity or occasion   4 a risk; gamble: you take a chance buying a used car   5 the extent to which an event is likely to occur; probability   6 an unpredicted event, esp a fortunate one: that was quite a chance, finding them here   7 archaic an unlucky event; mishap   8 by chance   a accidentally: the plot was discovered by chance   b perhaps: do you by chance have a room?   9 chances are… or the chances are… it is likely (that)…   10 on the chance acting on the possibility; in case   11 the main chance the opportunity for personal gain (esp in the phrase an eye to the main chance)   ▷ vb   12 (tr) to risk; hazard: I'll chance the worst happening   13 to happen by chance; be the case by chance: I chanced to catch sight of her as she passed   14 chance on or chance upon to come upon by accident: he chanced on the solution to his problem   15 chance one's arm to attempt to do something although the chance of success may be slight [C13: from Old French cheance, from cheoir to fall, occur, from Latin cadere]   > ˈchanceful adj   > ˈchanceless adj

■ chance-medley   n   law a sudden quarrel in which one party kills another; unintentional but not blameless killing [C15: from Anglo-French chance medlee mixed chance]

■ chancer (ˈtʃɑːnsə)   n   slang an unscrupulous or dishonest opportunist who is prepared to try any dubious scheme for making money or furthering his or her own ends [C19: from CHANCE + -ER^1]

■ chancy or chancey (ˈtʃɑːnsI)   adj chancier, chanciest   informal of uncertain outcome or temperament; risky   > ˈchancily adv   > ˈchanciness n

chancel (ˈtʃɑːnsəl)   n   the part of a church containing the altar, sanctuary, and choir, usually separated from the nave and transepts by a screen [C14: from Old French, from Latin cancellī (plural) lattice]

chancellery or chancellory (ˈtʃɑːnsələrI, -slərI)   n, pl -leries or -lories   1 the building or room occupied by a chancellor's office   2 the position, rank, or office of a chancellor   3 US   a the residence or office of an embassy or legation   b the office of a consulate   4 Brit another name for a diplomatic chancery [C14: from Anglo-French chancellerie, from Old French chancelier CHANCELLOR]

chancellor (ˈtʃɑːnsələ, -slə)   n   1 the head of the government in several European countries   2 US the president of a university or, in some colleges, the chief administrative officer   3 Brit and Canadian the honorary head of a university. Compare vice chancellor (sense 1)   4 US (in some states) the presiding judge of a court of chancery or equity   5 Brit the chief secretary of an embassy   6 Christianity a clergyman acting as the law officer of a bishop   7 archaic the chief secretary of a prince, nobleman, etc [C11: from Anglo-French chanceler, from Late Latin cancellārius porter, secretary, from Latin cancellī lattice; see CHANCEL]   > ˈchancellorˌship n

■ Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster   n   Brit a minister of the crown, nominally appointed as representative of the Queen (who is the Duke, not Duchess, of Lancaster), but in practice chiefly employed on parliamentary work determined by the prime minister

■ Chancellor of the Exchequer   n   Brit the cabinet minister responsible for finance

chancery (ˈtʃɑːnsərI)   n, pl -ceries   1 Also called: Chancery Division (in England) the Lord Chancellor's court, now a division of the High Court of Justice   2 Also called: court of chancery (in the US) a court of equity   3 Brit the political section or offices of an embassy or legation   4 another name for chancellery   5 a court of public records; archives   6 Christianity a diocesan office under the supervision of a bishop's chancellor, having custody of archives, issuing official enactments, etc   7 in chancery   a law (of a suit) pending in a court of equity   b wrestling, boxing (of a competitor's head) locked under an opponent's arm   c in an awkward or helpless situation [C14: shortened from CHANCELLERY]

chancre (ˈʃæŋkə)   n   pathol a small hard nodular growth, which is the first diagnostic sign of acquired syphilis [C16: from French, from Latin: CANCER]   > ˈchancrous adj

■ chancroid (ˈʃæŋkrɔId)   n   1 a soft venereal ulcer, esp of the male genitals, caused by infection with the bacillus Haemophilus ducreyi   ▷ adj   2 relating to or resembling a chancroid or chancre   > chanˈcroidal adj

chandelier (ˌʃændIˈlIə)   n   an ornamental hanging light with branches and holders for several candles or bulbs [C17: from French: candleholder, from Latin CANDELABRUM]

■ chandeliered (ˌʃændIˈlIəd)   adj   having a chandelier

chandelle (ʃænˈdɛl; French ʃɑ̃dɛl)   n   1 aeronautics an abrupt climbing turn almost to the point of stalling, in which an aircraft's momentum is used to increase its rate of climb   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to carry out a chandelle [French, literally: CANDLE]

Chandernagore (ˌtʃʌndənəˈɡɔː)   n   a port in E India, in S West Bengal on the Hooghly River: a former French settlement (1686–1950). Pop: 162 166 (2001)

Chandigarh (ˌtʃʌndIˈɡɑː)   n   a city and Union Territory of N India, joint capital of the Punjab and Haryana: modern city planned in the 1950s by Le Corbusier. Pop: 808 796 (2001), of city; 900 414 (2001), of union territory. Area (of union territory): 114 sq km (44 sq miles)

chandler (ˈtʃɑːndlə)   n   1 a dealer in a specified trade or merchandise: corn chandler; ship's chandler   2 a person who makes or sells candles   3 Brit obsolete a retailer of grocery provisions; shopkeeper [C14: from Old French chandelier one who makes or deals in candles, from chandelle CANDLE]

■ chandlering (ˈtʃændlərIŋ)   n   the work of a chandler

■ chandlerly (ˈtʃɑːndləlI)   adj   obsolete like, or pertaining to, a chandler

■ chandlery (ˈtʃɑːndlərI)   n, pl -dleries   1 the business, warehouse, or merchandise of a chandler   2 a place where candles are kept

Chandler (ˈtʃɑːndlə)   n   Raymond (Thornton). 1888–1959, US thriller writer: created Philip Marlowe, one of the first detective heroes in fiction

Chandragupta (ˌtʃʌndrəˈɡʊptə)   n   Greek name Sandracottos. died ?297 BC, ruler of N India, who founded the Maurya dynasty (325) and defeated Seleucus (?305)

Chandrasekhar (ˌtʃændrəˈsiːkə)   n   Subrahmanyan (ˌsʊbrəˈmænjən). 1910–95, US astronomer born in Lahore, India (now Pakistan). His work on stellar evolution led to an understanding of white dwarfs: shared the Nobel prize for physics 1983

■ Chandrasekhar limit   n   astronomy the upper limit to the mass of a white dwarf, equal to 1.44 solar masses. A star having a mass above this limit will continue to collapse to form a neutron star [C20: named after S. CHANDRASEKHAR, who calculated it]

Chanel (French ʃanɛl)   n   Gabrielle (ɡabriɛl), known as Coco Chanel. 1883–1971, French couturière and perfumer, who created "the little black dress" and the perfume Chanel No. 5

Chang (tʃæŋ)   n   another name for the Yangtze

changa (ˈtʃʌŋˌɡɑː)   interj   Indian an expression of approval or agreement [C21: Punjabi]

Changan (ˈtʃæŋˈɑːn)   n   a former name of Xi'an

Changchiakow or Changchiak'ou (ˈtʃæŋˈtʃjɑːˈkəʊ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Zhangjiakou

Changchow or Ch'ang-chou (ˈtʃæŋˈtʃaʊ)   n   1 a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Zhangzhou   2 former spellings of Changzhou

Changchun or Ch'ang Ch'un (ˈtʃæŋˈtʃʊn)   n   a city in NE China, capital of Jilin province: as Hsinking, capital of the Japanese state of Manchukuo (1932–45). Pop: 3 092 000 (2005 est)

Changde (ˈtʃæŋˈdeI), Changteh or Ch'ang-te   n   a port in SE central China, in N Hunan province, near the mouth of the Yuan River: severely damaged by the Japanese in World War II. Pop: 1 483 000 (2005 est)

change (tʃeIndʒ)   vb   1 to make or become different; alter   2 (tr) to replace with or exchange for another: to change one's name   3 (sometimes foll by to or into) to transform or convert or be transformed or converted   4 to give and receive (something) in return; interchange: to change places with someone   5 (tr) to give or receive (money) in exchange for the equivalent sum in a smaller denomination or different currency   6 (tr) to remove or replace the coverings of: to change a baby   7 (when intr, may be foll by into or out of) to put on other clothes   8 (intr) (of the moon) to pass from one phase to the following one   9 to operate (the gear lever of a motor vehicle) in order to alter the gear ratio: to change gear   10 to alight from (one bus, train, etc) and board another   11 change face to rotate the telescope of a surveying instrument through 180° horizontally and vertically, taking a second sighting of the same object in order to reduce error   12 change feet informal to put on different shoes, boots, etc   13 change front   a military to redeploy (a force in the field) so that its main weight of weapons points in another direction   b to alter one's attitude, opinion, etc   14 change hands to pass from one owner to another   15 change one's mind to alter one's decision or opinion   16 change one's tune to alter one's attitude or tone of speech   ▷ n   17 the act or fact of changing or being changed   18 a variation, deviation, or modification   19 the substitution of one thing for another; exchange   20 anything that is or may be substituted for something else   21 variety or novelty (esp in the phrase for a change): I want to go to France for a change   22 a different or fresh set, esp of clothes   23 money given or received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or in a different currency   24 the balance of money given or received when the amount tendered is larger than the amount due   25 coins of a small denomination regarded collectively   26 (often capital) archaic a place where merchants meet to transact business; exchange   27 the act of passing from one state or phase to another   28 the transition from one phase of the moon to the next   29 the order in which a peal of bells may be rung   30 sport short for changeover (sense 3b)   31 slang desirable or useful information   32 obsolete fickleness or caprice   33 change of heart a profound change of outlook, opinion, etc   34 get no change out of someone slang not to be successful in attempts to exploit or extract information from someone   35 ring the changes to vary the manner or performance of an action that is often repeated [C13: from Old French changier, from Latin cambīre to exchange, barter]   > ˈchangeless adj   > ˈchangelessly adv   > ˈchangelessness n   > ˈchanger n

■ changeable (ˈtʃeIndʒəbəl)   adj   1 able to change or be changed; fickle: changeable weather   2 varying in colour when viewed from different angles or in different lights   > ˌchangeaˈbility or ˈchangeableness n   > ˈchangeably adv

■ changearound (ˈtʃeIndʒəˌraʊnd) or changeround (ˈtʃeIndʒˌraʊnd)   n   the act of changing to a different position

■ change down   vb   (intr, adverb) to select a lower gear when driving

■ changeful (ˈtʃeIndʒfʊl)   adj   often changing; inconstant; variable   > ˈchangefully adv   > ˈchangefulness n

■ changeling (ˈtʃeIndʒlIŋ)   n   1 a child believed to have been exchanged by fairies for the parents' true child   2 archaic   a an idiot   b a fickle or changeable person

■ change of life   n   a nontechnical name for menopause

■ change of venue   n   law the removal of a trial out of one jurisdiction into another

■ changeover (ˈtʃeIndʒˌəʊvə)   n   1 an alteration or complete reversal from one method, system, or product to another: a changeover to a new currency   2 a reversal of a situation, attitude, etc   3 sport   a the act of transferring to or being relieved by a team-mate in a relay race, as by handing over a baton, etc   b Also called: change, takeover the point in a relay race at which the transfer is made   4 sport, chiefly Brit the exchange of ends by two teams, esp at half time   ▷ vb change over (adverb)   5 to adopt (a completely different position or attitude): the driver and navigator changed over after four hours   6 (intr) sport, chiefly Brit (of two teams) to exchange ends of a playing field, etc, as after half time

■ change point   n   surveying a point to which a foresight and backsight are taken in levelling; turning point

■ change-ringing   n   1 the art of bell-ringing in which a set of bells is rung in an established order which is then changed   2 variations on a topic or theme

■ change round   vb (adverb)   1 to place in or adopt a different or opposite position   ▷ n changeround   2 the act of changing to a different position

■ change up   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to select a higher gear when driving   ▷ n change-up   2 baseball an unexpectedly slow ball thrown in order to surprise the batter

■ changing (ˈtʃeIndʒIŋ)   adj   not remaining the same; transient

Changsha or Ch'ang-sha (ˈtʃæŋˈʃɑː)   n   a port in SE China, capital of Hunan province, on the Xiang River. Pop: 2 051 000 (2005 est)

Changteh or Ch'ang-te (ˈtʃæŋˈteI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Changde

Changzhou (ˈtʃæŋˈdʒəʊ)   n   a city in E China, in S Jiangsu province, on the Grand Canal: also known as Wutsin until 1949, when the 7th-century name was officially readopted. Pop: 2 085 500 (2004 est)

Chania or Hania (ˈhɑːnIə)   n   the chief port of Crete, on the NW coast. Pop: 82 000 (2005 est). Greek name: Khaniá

chank (tʃæŋk)   n   a large sea conch found off the shores of India and Sri Lanka, used as a horn or to make ornaments

channel^1 (ˈtʃænəl)   n   1 a broad strait connecting two areas of sea   2 the bed or course of a river, stream, or canal   3 a navigable course through a body of water   4 (often plural) a means or agency of access, communication, etc: to go through official channels   5 a course into which something can be directed or moved: a new channel of thought   6 electronics   a a band of radio frequencies assigned for a particular purpose, esp the broadcasting of a television signal   b a path for an electromagnetic signal: a stereo system has two channels   c a thin semiconductor layer between the source and drain of a field-effect transistor, the conductance of which is controlled by the gate voltage   7 a tubular or trough-shaped passage for fluids   8 a groove or flute, as in the shaft of a column   9 computing   a a path along which data can be transmitted between a central processing unit and one or more peripheral devices   b one of the lines along the length of a paper tape on which information can be stored in the form of punched holes   10 short for channel iron   ▷ vb -nels, -nelling, -nelled or US -nels, -neling, -neled   11 to provide or be provided with a channel or channels; make or cut channels in (something)   12 (tr) to guide into or convey through a channel or channels: information was channelled through to them   13 to serve as a medium through whom the spirit of (a person of a former age) allegedly communicates with the living   14 (tr) to exhibit the traits of (another person) in one’s actions   15 (tr) to form a groove or flute in (a column, etc) [C13: from Old French chanel, from Latin canālis pipe, groove, conduit; see CANAL]   > ˈchanneller or US ˈchanneler n

■ Channel (ˈtʃænəl)   n   the Channel short for English Channel

■ channel captain   n   marketing the most powerful member, and often the one that decides specifications, in a channel for distributing goods (which usually consists of a manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer). The channel captain is sometimes the manufacturer but in the case of a chain store it may be the retailer

■ Channel Country   n   the Channel Country an area of E central Australia, in SW Queensland: crossed by intermittent rivers and subject to both flooding and long periods of drought

■ channel-hop   vb -hops, -hopping, -hopped   (intr) to change television channels repeatedly using a remote control device

■ channel-hopping   n   the activity of changing television channels repeatedly using a remote control device

■ channel iron or channel bar   n   a rolled-steel bar with a U-shaped cross section. Sometimes shortened to: channel

■ Channel Islands   pl n   a group of islands in the English Channel, off the NW coast of France, consisting of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Brechou or Brecqhou, Sark, Herm, Jethou, and Lihou (all between them representing the British Kingdom Crown Dependencies of the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey) – the only part of the duchy of Normandy remaining to Britain – and the Roches Douvres and the Îles Chausey (which belong to France). Pop: 149 878 (2001). Area: 194 sq km (75 sq miles)

■ channelization or channelisation (ˌtʃænəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the action or process of channelizing

■ channelize or channelise (ˈtʃænəlaIz)   vb   (tr) to guide through or as if through a channel; provide a channel for

■ channel-surf   vb (intr)   the US equivalent of channel-hop

■ channel-surfing   n   the US equivalent of channel-hopping

■ Channel Tunnel   n   the Anglo-French railway tunnel that runs beneath the English Channel, between Folkestone and Coquelles, near Calais; opened in 1994. Also called: Chunnel, Eurotunnel

channel^2 (ˈtʃænəl)   n   nautical a flat timber or metal ledge projecting from the hull of a vessel above the chainplates to increase the angle of the shrouds [C18: variant of earlier chainwale; see CHAIN, WALE^1 (planking)]

channer (ˈtʃænə)   n   obsolete a mumble or murmur

chanoyo (ˌtʃɑːnɔːˈyuː)   n   a variant of chado

chanson French (ʃɑ̃sɔ̃)   n   a song

■ chanson de geste French (ʃɑ̃sɔ̃ də ʒɛst)   n   one of a genre of Old French epic poems celebrating heroic deeds, the most famous of which is the Chanson de Roland [literally: song of exploits]

■ chansonette French (ʃɑ̃sɔnɛt)   n   a little song

■ chansonnier French (ʃɑ̃sɔnje)   n   1 a writer of chansons   2 a performer of chansons   3 a book or manuscript containing chansons

chant (tʃɑːnt)   n   1 a simple song or melody   2 a short simple melody in which several words or syllables are assigned to one note, as in the recitation of psalms   3 a psalm or canticle performed by using such a melody   4 a rhythmic or repetitious slogan, usually spoken or sung, as by sports supporters, etc   5 monotonous or singsong intonation in speech   ▷ vb   6 to sing or recite (a psalm, prayer, etc) as a chant   7 to intone (a slogan) rhythmically or repetitiously   8 to speak or say monotonously as if intoning a chant [C14: from Old French chanter to sing, from Latin cantāre, frequentative of canere to sing]   > ˈchanting n, adj   > ˈchantingly adv

■ chantable (ˈtʃɑːntəbəl)   adj   able to be chanted or sung

■ chanter (ˈtʃɑːntə)   n   1 a person who chants   2 the pipe on a set of bagpipes that is provided with finger holes and on which the melody is played

chantage (ˈtʃɑːntIdʒ)   n   the use of threats to extort money; blackmail

chanterelle or chantarelle (ˌtʃæntəˈrɛl)   n   any saprotrophic basidiomycetous fungus of the genus Cantharellus, esp C. cibarius, having an edible yellow funnel-shaped mushroom: family Cantharellaceae [C18: from French, from New Latin cantharella, diminutive of Latin cantharus drinking vessel, from Greek kantharos]

chanteuse (French ʃɑ̃tøz)   n   a female singer, esp in a nightclub or cabaret [French: singer]

chantey (ˈʃæntI, ˈtʃæn-)   n, pl -teys   the usual US spelling of shanty^2

chanticleer (ˌtʃæntIˈklIə) or chantecler (ˌtʃæntIˈklɛə)   n   a name for a cock, used esp in fables [C13: from Old French Chantecler, from chanter cler to sing clearly]

chantie (ˈtʃɑːntI)   n   Scot slang a chamber pot

Chantilly (ʃænˈtIlI; French ʃɑ̃tiji)   n   1 a town in N France, near the Forest of Chantilly formerly famous for lace and porcelain. Pop: 10 902 (1999)   2 Also called: Tiffany a breed of medium-sized cat with silky semi-long hair   ▷ adj   3 (of cream) lightly sweetened and whipped

■ Chantilly lace   n   (sometimes not capital) a delicate ornamental lace

chantress (ˈtʃɑːntrəs) or chauntress (ˈtʃɔːntIs)   n   a female chanter or singer

chantry (ˈtʃɑːntrI)   n, pl -tries Christianity   1 an endowment for the singing of Masses for the soul of the founder or others designated by him or her   2 a chapel or altar so endowed   3 (as modifier): a chantry priest [C14: from Old French chanterie, from chanter to sing; see CHANT]

chanty (ˈʃæntI, ˈtʃæn-)   n, pl -ties   a variant of shanty^2

Chanukah (ˈhɑːnəkə, -nʊˌkɑː; Hebrew xanuˈka)   n   a variant spelling of Hanukkah

chanukiah (ˈhɑːnʊkIə; Hebrew xanuˈkiːə)   n   a variant spelling of hanukiah

chao (tʃaʊ)   n   cookery a Vietnamese rice congee

Chaoan (ˈtʃaʊˈɑːn)   n   the former name of Chaozhou

Chaochow (ˈtʃaʊˈtʃəʊ)   n   a former spelling of Chaozhou

chaology (keIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of chaos theory   > chaˈologist n

Chao Phraya (ˈtʃaʊ prəˈjɑː)   n   a river in N Thailand, rising in the N highlands and flowing south to the Gulf of Thailand. Length: (including the headstreams Nan and Ping) 1200 km (750 miles). Also called: Menam

chaordic (keIˈɔːdIk)   adj   (of a system, organization, or natural process) governed by or combining elements of both chaos and order [C20: blend of CHAOTIC + ORDER]

chaos (ˈkeIɒs)   n   1 complete disorder; utter confusion   2 (usually capital) the disordered formless matter supposed to have existed before the ordered universe   3 an obsolete word for abyss [C15: from Latin, from Greek khaos; compare CHASM, yawn]   > chaotic (keIˈɒtIk) adj   > chaˈotically adv

■ chaos theory   n   a theory, applied in various branches of science, that apparently random phenomena have underlying order

Chaozhou (ˈtʃaʊˈtʃəʊ)   n   a city in SE China, in E Guangdong province, on the Han River: river port. Pop: 480 000 (2005 est). Former speling: Chaochow. Former name: Chaoan

chap^1 (tʃæp)   vb chaps, chapping, chapped   1 (of the skin) to make or become raw and cracked, esp by exposure to cold   2 Scot (of a clock) to strike (the hour)   3 Scot to knock (at a door, window, etc)   ▷ n   4 (usually plural) a cracked or sore patch on the skin caused by chapping   5 Scot a knock [C14: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch, German kappen to chop off]

■ chapped (tʃæpt)   adj   raw and cracked through exposure to cold air

■ chapstick (ˈtʃæpˌstIk)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a cylinder of a substance for preventing or soothing chapped lips [C20: from a trademark]

■ chapt (tʃæpt)   adj   an obsolete word for chapped

chap^2 (tʃæp) or chappy (ˈtʃæpI)   n, pl chaps or chappies   informal a man or boy; fellow [C16 (in the sense: buyer): shortened from CHAPMAN]

■ chapess (tʃæpˈɛs)   n   Brit informal, jocular a woman

■ chappie (ˈtʃæpI)   n   informal another word for chap^1 (sense 2)

chap^3 (tʃɒp, tʃæp)   n   a less common word for chop^3

chap.   abbreviation for   1 chaplain   2 chapter

chaparejos (ˌʃæpəˈreIəʊs; Spanish tʃapaˈrexos) or chaparajos (ˌʃæpəˈreIəʊs; Spanish tʃapaˈraxos)   pl n   another name for chaps [from Mexican Spanish]

chaparral (ˌtʃæpəˈræl, ˌʃæp-)   n   (in the southwestern US) a dense growth of shrubs and trees, esp evergreen oaks [C19: from Spanish, from chaparra evergreen oak]

■ chaparral cock   n   another name for roadrunner

■ chaparral pea   n   a thorny leguminous Californian shrub, Pickeringia montana, with reddish-purple showy flowers

chapati or chapatti (tʃəˈpætI, -ˈpʌtI, -ˈpɑːtI)   n, pl -ti, -tis or -ties   (in Indian cookery) a flat coarse unleavened bread resembling a pancake [from Hindi]

chapbook (ˈtʃæpˌbʊk)   n   a book of popular ballads, stories, etc, formerly sold by chapmen or pedlars

chape (tʃeIp)   n   1 a metal tip or trimming for a scabbard   2 the metal tongue of a buckle [C14: from Old French: hood, metal cover, from Late Latin cappa CAP^1]   > ˈchapeless adj

chapeau (ˈʃæpəʊ; French ʃapo)   n, pl -peaux (-pəʊ, -pəʊz; French -po) or -peaus   a hat [C16: from French, from Late Latin cappellus hood, from cappa CAP^1]

chapel (ˈtʃæpəl)   n   1 a place of Christian worship in a larger building, esp a place set apart, with a separate altar, in a church or cathedral   2 a similar place of worship in or attached to a large house or institution, such as a college, hospital, or prison   3 a church subordinate to a parish church   4 (in Britain)   a a Nonconformist place of worship   b Nonconformist religious practices or doctrine   c (as adjective): he is chapel, but his wife is church. Compare church (sense 8)   5 (in Scotland) a Roman Catholic church   6 the members of a trade union in a particular newspaper office, printing house, etc   7 a printing office [C13: from Old French chapele, from Late Latin cappella, diminutive of cappa cloak (see CAP^1); originally denoting the sanctuary where the cloak of St Martin of Tours was kept as a relic]

■ chapel of ease   n   a church built to accommodate those living at a distance from the parish church

■ chapelry   n, pl -ries   the district legally assigned to and served by an Anglican chapel

chaperon or chaperone (ˈʃæpəˌrəʊn)   n   1 (esp formerly) an older or married woman who accompanies or supervises a young unmarried woman on social occasions   2 someone who accompanies and supervises a group, esp of young people, usually when in public places   ▷ vb   3 to act as a chaperon to [C14: from Old French, from chape hood, protective covering; see CAP^1]   > chaperonage (ˈʃæpərənIdʒ) n

chapfallen (ˈtʃæpˌfɔːlən) or chopfallen   adj   dejected; downhearted; crestfallen [C16: from CHOPS + FALLEN]

chapiter (ˈtʃæpItə)   n   architect another name for capital^2 [C15: from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitellum CAPITAL^2]

chaplain (ˈtʃæplIn)   n   a Christian clergyman attached to a private chapel of a prominent person or institution or ministering to a military body, professional group, etc: a military chaplain; a prison chaplain [C12: from Old French chapelain, from Late Latin cappellānus, from cappella CHAPEL]   > ˈchaplaincy, ˈchaplainˌship or ˈchaplainry n

chapless (ˈtʃæplIs)   adj   obsolete lacking a lower jaw

chaplet (ˈtʃæplIt)   n   1 an ornamental wreath of flowers, beads, etc, worn on the head   2 a string of beads or something similar   3 RC Church   a a string of prayer beads constituting one third of the rosary   b the prayers counted on this string   4 a narrow convex moulding in the form of a string of beads; astragal   5 a metal support for the core in a casting mould, esp for the core of a cylindrical pipe [C14: from Old French chapelet garland of roses, from chapel hat; see CHAPEAU]   > ˈchapleted adj

Chaplin (ˈtʃæplIn)   n   Sir Charles Spencer, known as Charlie Chaplin. 1889–1977, English comedian, film actor, and director. He is renowned for his portrayal of a downtrodden little man with baggy trousers, bowler hat, and cane. His films, most of which were made in Hollywood, include The Gold Rush (1924), Modern Times (1936), and The Great Dictator (1940)   > ˌChaplinˈesque adj

chapman (ˈtʃæpmən)   n, pl -men   archaic a trader, esp an itinerant pedlar [Old English cēapman, from cēap buying and selling (see CHEAP)]   > ˈchapmanˌship n

Chapman (ˈtʃæpmən)   n   George 1559–1634, English dramatist and poet, noted for his translation of Homer

Chapman Stick (ˈtʃæpmən)   n   an electronically amplified musical instrument with ten or twelve strings and a fretted neck, which is played by striking the strings against the frets with the fingers. Often shortened to: Stick [C20: named after its inventor, Emmett H. Chapman (born 1936), US guitarist]

chappal (ˈtʃʌpəl)   n   one of a pair of sandals, usually of leather, worn in India [from Hindi]

Chappell (ˈtʃæpəl)   n   Greg(ory Stephen). born 1948, Australian cricketer: played in 87 test matches (1970–84); first Australian to score over 7000 test runs

chaprassi (tʃʌˈprɑːsI)   n   Indian an office worker or doorman

chaps (tʃæps, ʃæps)   pl n   leather overalls without a seat, worn by cowboys. Also called: chaparejos, chaparajos [C19: shortened from CHAPAREJOS]

chaptalize or chaptalise (ˈtʃæptəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to add sugar to (a fermenting wine) to increase the alcohol content [C19: after J. A. Chaptal (1756–1832), French chemist who originated the process]   > ˌchaptaliˈzation or ˌchaptaliˈsation n

chapter (ˈtʃæptə)   n   1 a division of a written work, esp a narrative, usually titled or numbered   2 a sequence of events having a common attribute: a chapter of disasters   3 chapter of accidents   a a series of misfortunes   b the unforeseeable course of events   4 an episode or period in a life, history, etc   5 a numbered reference to that part of a Parliamentary session which relates to a specified Act of Parliament   6 a branch of some societies, clubs, etc, esp of a secret society   7 the collective body or a meeting of the canons of a cathedral or collegiate church or of the members of a monastic or knightly order. Related adjective: capitular   8 a general assembly of some organization   9 chapter and verse exact authority for an action or statement   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to divide into chapters [C13: from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum, literally: little head, hence, section of writing, from caput head; in Medieval Latin: chapter of scripture or of a religious rule, a gathering for the reading of this, hence, assemblage of clergy]

■ chapter 7   n   US the statute regarding liquidation proceedings that empowers a court to appoint a trustee to operate a failing business to prevent further loss [C20: from chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Reform Act (1978)]

■ chapter 11   n   US the statute regarding the reorganization of a failing business empowering a court to allow the debtors to remain in control of the business to attempt to save it: they are in chapter 11 [C20: from chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Reform Act (1978)]

■ chapteral (ˈtʃæptərəl)   adj   archaic of or pertaining to a chapter

■ chapterhouse (ˈtʃæptəˌhaʊs)   n   1 the building attached to a cathedral, collegiate church, or religious house in which the chapter meets   2 US the meeting place of a college fraternity or sorority

■ chapter stop   n   any of several markers placed at intervals on a DVD film, enabling the viewer to find and select particular scenes

chaptrel (ˈtʃæptrəl)   n   architect obsolete a side pillar supporting the weight of an arch

chaqueta (tʃəˈkeItə)   n   clothing a heavy jacket associated with South American cowboys

char^1 (tʃɑː)   vb chars, charring, charred   1 to burn or be burned partially, esp so as to blacken the surface; scorch   2 (tr) to reduce (wood) to charcoal by partial combustion [C17: short for CHARCOAL]

■ charbroil (ˈtʃɑːˌbrɔIl) or chargrill (ˈtʃɑːˌɡrIl)   vb (tr)   to grill (meat) over charcoal

■ charbroiled (ˈtʃɑːˌbrɔIld) or chargrilled (ˈtʃɑːˌɡrIld)   adj   (of meat) grilled over charcoal

■ charbroiler (ˈtʃɑːˌbrɔIlə)   n US   a grill or other equipment used for charbroiling

■ charred (tʃɑːd)   adj   burnt and blackened

■ charry (ˈtʃɑːrI)   adj -rier, -riest   resembling or pertaining to charcoal

char^2 or charr (tʃɑː)   n, pl char, chars or charr, charrs   any of various troutlike fishes of the genus Salvelinus, esp S. alpinus, occurring in cold lakes and northern seas: family Salmonidae (salmon) [C17: of unknown origin]

char^3 (tʃɑː)   n Brit informal   1 short for charwoman   ▷ vb chars, charring, charred   2 to do housework, cleaning, etc, as a job [C18: from Old English cerr]

■ charlady (ˈtʃɑːˌleIdI)   n, pl -dies Brit   another name for charwoman

■ charwoman (ˈtʃɑːˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   Brit a woman who is hired to clean, tidy, etc, in a house or office

char^4 (tʃɑː)   n   Brit a slang word for tea [from Chinese ch'a]

chara (ˈkeIrə)   n   botany a genus of algae characterized by plant-like features and found particularly in freshwater areas with a high calcium content

charabanc (ˈʃærəˌbæŋ; French ʃarabɑ̃)   n   Brit obsolete a motor coach, esp one used for sightseeing tours [C19: from French char-à-bancs, wagon with seats]

characin (ˈkærəsIn) or characid   n   any small carnivorous freshwater cyprinoid fish of the family Characidae, of Central and South America and Africa. They are similar to the carps but more brightly coloured [C19: from New Latin Characinidae, from characinus, from Greek kharax a fish, probably the sea bream]

■ characinoid (ˈkærəsIˌnəId)   adj   of or like a characin

charact (ˈkærIkt)   n   1 obsolete a letter, character, or symbol impressed or engraved upon something   2 archaic a magical sign or symbol

character (ˈkærIktə)   n   1 the combination of traits and qualities distinguishing the individual nature of a person or thing   2 one such distinguishing quality; characteristic   3 moral force; integrity: a politician of character   4    a reputation, esp a good reputation   b (as modifier): character assassination   5 a summary or account of a person's qualities and achievements; testimonial: my last employer gave me a good character   6 capacity, position, or status: he spoke in the character of a friend rather than a father   7 a person represented in a play, film, story, etc; role   8 an outstanding person: one of the great characters of the century   9 informal an odd, eccentric, or unusual person: he's quite a character   10 an informal word for person: a shady character   11 a symbol used in a writing system, such as a letter of the alphabet   12 Also called: sort printing any single letter, numeral, punctuation mark, or symbol cast as a type   13 computing any letter, numeral, etc, which is a unit of information and can be represented uniquely by a binary pattern   14 a style of writing or printing   15 genetics any structure, function, attribute, etc, in an organism, which may or may not be determined by a gene or group of genes   16 a short prose sketch of a distinctive type of person, usually representing a vice or virtue   17 in character typical of the apparent character of a person or thing   18 out of character not typical of the apparent character of a person or thing   ▷ vb (tr)   19 to write, print, inscribe, or engrave   20 rare to portray or represent [C14: from Latin: distinguishing mark, from Greek kharaktēr engraver's tool, from kharassein to engrave, stamp]   > ˈcharacterful adj   > ˈcharacterless adj

■ character actor   n   an actor who specializes in playing odd or eccentric characters

■ character armour   n   psychol the defence an individual exhibits to others and to himself or herself to disguise his or her underlying weaknesses: a term coined by William Reich

■ character assassination   n   the act of deliberately attempting to destroy a person's reputation by defamatory remarks

■ character-building   adj   improving certain good or useful traits in a person's character, esp self-reliance, endurance, and courage

■ character code   n   computing a machine-readable code that identifies a specified character or a set of such codes

■ characterism (ˈkærIktərIzəm)   n obsolete   1 the description of character   2 a characteristic quality, a distinctive characteristic

■ characteristic (ˌkærIktəˈrIstIk)   n   1 a distinguishing quality, attribute, or trait   2 maths   a the integral part of a common logarithm, indicating the order of magnitude of the associated number: the characteristic of 2.4771 is 2. Compare mantissa   b another name for exponent, used esp in number representation in computing   ▷ adj   3 indicative of a distinctive quality, etc; typical   > ˌcharacterˈistically adv

■ characteristic curve   n   photog a graph of the density of a particular photographic material plotted against the logarithm of the exposure producing this density

■ characteristic function   n   1 maths a function that assigns the value 1 to the members of a given set and the value 0 to its nonmembers   2 statistics a function derived from the probability distribution function that enables the distribution of the sum of given random variables to be analysed

■ characterization or characterisation (ˌkærIktəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 description of character, traits, etc   2 the act of characterizing

■ characterize or characterise (ˈkærIktəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to be a characteristic of: loneliness characterized the place   2 to distinguish or mark as a characteristic   3 to describe or portray the character of   > ˈcharacterˌizable or ˈcharacterˌisable adj   > ˈcharacterˌizer or ˈcharacterˌiser n

■ characterology (ˌkærIktərˈɒlədʒI)   n   psychol the academic study of character

■ character recognition   n   computing a magnetic or optical process used to detect the shape of individual characters printed or written on paper

■ character sketch   n   a brief description or portrayal of a person's character, qualities, etc

■ character type   n   psychol a cluster of personality traits commonly occurring together in an individual

■ charactery (ˈkærIktərI, -trI)   n, pl -teries archaic   1 the use of symbols to express thoughts   2 the group of symbols so used

charade (ʃəˈrɑːd)   n   1 an episode or act in the game of charades   2 chiefly Brit an absurd act; travesty

■ charades (ʃəˈrɑːdz)   n   (functioning as singular) a parlour game in which one team acts out each syllable of a word, the other team having to guess the word [C18: from French charade entertainment, from Provençal charrado chat, from charra chatter, of imitative origin]

charanga (tʃæˈræŋɡə)   n   a type of orchestra used in performing traditional Cuban music [Spanish]

charango (tʃəˈræŋɡəʊ)   n   an Andean ten-stringed instrument of the lute family

charas (ˈtʃɑːrəs)   n   another name for hashish [C19: from Hindi]

charcoal (ˈtʃɑːˌkəʊl)   n   1 a black amorphous form of carbon made by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air: used as a fuel, in smelting metal ores, in explosives, and as an absorbent. See activated carbon   2 a stick or pencil of this for drawing   3 a drawing done in charcoal   4 short for charcoal grey   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to write, draw, or blacken with charcoal [C14: from char (origin obscure) + COAL]

■ charcoal-burner   n   (formerly) a person whose work was making charcoal by burning wood

■ charcoal grey   n     a a very dark grey colour   b (as adjective): charcoal-grey trousers

■ charcoaly (ˈtʃɑːkəʊlI)   adj   resembling charcoal

Charcot (French ʃarko)   n   Jean Martin (ʒɑ̃ martɛ̃). 1825–93, French neurologist, noted for his attempt using hypnotism to find an organic cause for hysteria, which influenced Freud

charcuterie (ʃɑːˈkuːtəriː)   n   1 cooked cold meats   2 a shop selling cooked cold meats [French]

chard (tʃɑːd)   n   a variety of beet, Beta vulgaris cicla, with large succulent leaves and thick stalks, used as a vegetable. Also called: Swiss chard, leaf beet, seakale beet [C17: probably from French carde edible leafstalk of the artichoke, but associated also with French chardon thistle, both ultimately from Latin carduus thistle; see CARDOON]

Chardin (French ʃardɛ̃)   n   Jean-Baptiste Siméon (ʒɑ̃batist simeɔ̃). 1699–1779, French still-life and genre painter, noted for his subtle use of scumbled colour

Chardonnay (ˈʃɑːdəˌneI)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 a white grape originally grown in the Burgundy region of France, and now throughout the wine-producing world   2 any of various white wines made from this grape [French]

Chardonnet (French ʃardɔnɛ)   n   (Louis Marie) Hilaire Bernigaud (ilɛr bɛrniɡo), Comte de. 1839–1924, French chemist and industrialist who produced rayon, the first artificial fibre

Charente (French ʃarɑ̃t)   n   1 a department of W central France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: Angoulême. Pop: 341 275 (2003 est). Area: 5972 sq km (2329 sq miles)   2 a river in W France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing west to the Bay of Biscay. Length: 362 km (225 miles)

■ Charente-Maritime (French ʃarɑ̃tmaritim)   n   a department of W France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: La Rochelle. Pop: 576 855 (2003 est). Area: 7232 sq km (2820 sq miles)

Chargaff (ˈʃɑːɡæf)   n   Erwin. 1905–2002, US biochemist, born in Austria, noted esp for his work on DNA

charge (tʃɑːdʒ)   vb   1 to set or demand (a price): he charges too much for his services   2 (tr) to hold financially liable; enter a debit against   3 (tr) to enter or record as an obligation against a person or his or her account   4 (tr) to accuse or impute a fault to (a person, etc), as formally in a court of law   5 (tr) to command; place a burden upon or assign responsibility to: I was charged to take the message to headquarters   6 to make a rush at or sudden attack upon (a person or thing)   7 (tr) to fill (a receptacle) with the proper or appropriate quantity   8 (often foll by up) to cause (an accumulator, capacitor, etc) to take or store electricity or (of an accumulator) to have electricity fed into it   9 to fill or suffuse or to be filled or suffused with matter by dispersion, solution, or absorption: to charge water with carbon dioxide   10 (tr) to fill or suffuse with feeling, emotion, etc: the atmosphere was charged with excitement   11 (tr) law (of a judge) to address (a jury) authoritatively   12 (tr) to load (a firearm)   13 (tr) to aim (a weapon) in position ready for use   14 (tr) heraldry to paint (a shield, banner, etc) with a charge   15 (intr) (of hunting dogs) to lie down at command   ▷ n   16 a price charged for some article or service; cost   17 a financial liability, such as a tax   18 a debt or a book entry recording it   19 an accusation or allegation, such as a formal accusation of a crime in law   20    a an onrush, attack, or assault   b the call to such an attack in battle   21 custody or guardianship   22 a person or thing committed to someone's care   23    a a cartridge or shell   b the explosive required to discharge a firearm or other weapon   c an amount of explosive material to be detonated at any one time   24 the quantity of anything that a receptacle is intended to hold   25 physics   a the attribute of matter by which it responds to electromagnetic forces responsible for all electrical phenomena, existing in two forms to which the signs negative and positive are arbitrarily assigned   b a similar property of a body or system determined by the extent to which it contains an excess or deficiency of electrons   c a quantity of electricity determined by the product of an electric current and the time for which it flows, measured in coulombs   d the total amount of electricity stored in a capacitor   e the total amount of electricity held in an accumulator, usually measured in ampere-hours. Symbol: q, Q   26 a load or burden   27 a duty or responsibility; control   28 a command, injunction, or order   29 slang a thrill   30 law the address made by a judge to the jury at the conclusion of the evidence   31 heraldry a design, device, or image depicted on heraldic arms: a charge of three lions   32 the solid propellant used in rockets, sometimes including the inhibitor   33 in charge in command   34 in charge of   a having responsibility for   b US under the care of [C13: from Old French chargier to load, from Late Latin carricāre; see CARRY]

■ chargeable (ˈtʃɑːdʒəbəl)   adj   1 charged or liable to be charged   2 liable to result in a legal charge   > ˈchargeableness or ˌchargeaˈbility n   > ˈchargeably adv

■ chargeable asset   n   any asset that can give rise to assessment for capital gains tax on its disposal. Exempt assets include principal private residences, cars, investments held in a personal equity plan, and government securities

■ chargeable transfer   n   a transfer of value made as a gift during a person's lifetime that is not covered by a specific exemption and therefore gives rise to liability under inheritance tax

■ charge account   n   another term for credit account

■ chargeback (ˈtʃɑːdʒˌbæk)   n   the return of funds by a seller to a buyer's debit or credit card account

■ charge-cap (ˈtʃɑːdʒˌkæp)   vb -caps, -capping, -capped (tr)   (formerly in Britain) to impose on (a local authority) an upper limit on the community charge it may levy   > ˈcharge-ˌcapping n

■ charge card   n   a card issued by a chain store, shop, or organization, that enables customers to obtain goods and services for which they pay at a later date

■ charge carrier   n   an electron, hole, or ion that transports the electric charge in an electric current

■ charge-coupled device   n   computing an electronic device, used in imaging and signal processing, in which information is represented as packets of electric charge that are stored in an array of tiny closely spaced capacitors and can be moved from one capacitor to another in a controlled way. Abbreviation: CCD

■ charged (tʃɑːdʒd)   adj   1 full of emotional tension: an emotionally charged situation   2 electrical having an electrical charge (of a particular kind)

■ charge density   n   the electric charge per unit volume of a medium or body or per unit area of a surface

■ chargeful (ˈtʃɑːdʒfʊl)   adj   obsolete onerous; expensive

■ chargehand (ˈtʃɑːdʒˌhænd)   n   Brit a workman whose grade of responsibility is just below that of a foreman

■ chargeless (ˈtʃɑːdʒlIs)   adj   1 without charge; of no cost   2 chem (of particles) without an electrical charge

■ charge nurse   n   Brit a nurse in charge of a ward in a hospital. Female equivalent: sister

■ charge of quarters   n   US a member of the armed forces who handles administration in his or her unit, esp after duty hours

■ charger^1 (ˈtʃɑːdʒə)   n   1 a person or thing that charges   2 a large strong horse formerly ridden into battle   3 a device for charging or recharging an accumulator or rechargeable battery

■ charger^2 (ˈtʃɑːdʒə)   n   antiques a large dish for serving at table or for display [C14 chargeour something to bear a load, from chargen to CHARGE]

■ charge sheet or chargesheet (ˈtʃɑːdʒˌʃiːt)   n   Brit a document on which a police officer enters details of the charge against a prisoner and the court in which he or she will appear

chargé d'affaires (ˈʃɑːʒeI dæˈfɛə; French ʃarʒe dafɛr)   n, pl chargés d'affaires (ˈʃɑːʒeI, -ʒeIz; French ʃarʒe)   1 the temporary head of a diplomatic mission in the absence of the ambassador or minister   2 the head of a diplomatic mission of the lowest level [C18: from French: (one) charged with affairs]

Chari (ˈtʃɑːrI) or Shari   n   a river in N central Africa, rising in the N Central African Republic and flowing north to Lake Chad. Length: about 2250 km (1400 miles)

■ Chari-Nile (ˈtʃɑːrIˈnaIl)   n   1 a group of languages of E Africa, now generally regarded as a branch of the Nilo-Saharan family, spoken in parts of the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and adjacent countries   ▷ adj   2 relating to or belonging to this group of languages

charidee (ˈtʃærIdiː)   n   informal a jocular spelling of charity, as pronounced in a mid-Atlantic accent

Charing Cross (ˈtʃærIŋ)   n   a district of London, in the city of Westminster: the modern cross (1863) in front of Charing Cross railway station replaces the one erected by Edward I (1290), the last of twelve marking the route of the funeral procession of his queen, Eleanor

chariot (ˈtʃærIət)   n   1 a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle used in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc, in war, races, and processions   2 a light four-wheeled horse-drawn ceremonial carriage   3 poetic any stately vehicle [C14: from Old French, augmentative of char CAR]

■ charioteer (ˌtʃærIəˈtIə)   n   the driver of a chariot

charisma (kəˈrIzmə) or charism (ˈkærIzəm)   n   1 a special personal quality or power of an individual making him or her capable of influencing or inspiring large numbers of people   2 a quality inherent in a thing which inspires great enthusiasm and devotion   3 Christianity a divinely bestowed power or talent [C17: from Church Latin, from Greek kharisma, from kharis grace, favour]   > charismatic (ˌkærIzˈmætIk) adj

■ charismatic movement   n   Christianity any of various groups, within existing denominations, that emphasize communal prayer and the charismatic gifts of speaking in tongues, healing, etc

charity (ˈtʃærItI)   n, pl -ties   1    a the giving of help, money, food, etc, to those in need   b (as modifier): a charity show   2    a an institution or organization set up to provide help, money, etc, to those in need   b (as modifier): charity funds   3 the help, money, etc, given to the people in need; alms   4 a kindly and lenient attitude towards people   5 love of one's fellow people [C13: from Old French charite, from Latin cāritās affection, love, from cārus dear]

■ charitable (ˈtʃærItəbəl)   adj   1 generous in giving to people in need   2 kind or lenient in one's attitude towards others   3 concerned with or involving charity   > ˈcharitableness n   > ˈcharitably adv

■ charitable trust   n   a trust set up for the benefit of a charity that complies with the regulations of the Charity Commissioners to enable it to be exempt from paying income tax

■ Charity Commissioners   pl n   (in Britain) members of a commission constituted to keep a register of charities and control charitable trusts

charivari (ˌʃɑːrIˈvɑːrI), shivaree or esp US chivaree   n   1 a discordant mock serenade to newlyweds, made with pans, kettles, etc   2 a confused noise; din [C17: from French, from Late Latin caribaria headache, from Greek karēbaria, from karē head + barus heavy]

chark (tʃɑːk)   n   1 charred wood or coal; charcoal   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to burn to a cinder; char

charkha or charka (ˈtʃɑːkə)   n   (in India) a spinning wheel, esp for cotton [from Hindi]

charlatan (ˈʃɑːlətən)   n   someone who professes knowledge or expertise, esp in medicine, that he or she does not have; quack [C17: from French, from Italian ciarlatano, from ciarlare to chatter]   > ˈcharlatanˌism or ˈcharlatanry n   > ˌcharlatanˈistic adj

■ charlatanic (ˌʃɑːləˈtænIk) or charlatanical (ˌʃɑːləˈtænIkəl)   adj   of or relating to a charlatan

Charlemagne (ˈʃɑːləˌmeIn)   n   ?742–814 AD, king of the Franks (768–814) and, as Charles I, Holy Roman Emperor (800–814). He conquered the Lombards (774), the Saxons (772–804), and the Avars (791–799). He instituted many judicial and ecclesiastical reforms, and promoted commerce and agriculture throughout his empire, which extended from the Ebro to the Elbe. Under Alcuin his court at Aachen became the centre of a revival of learning

Charleroi (French ʃarlərwa)   n   a town in SW Belgium, in Hainaut province: centre of an industrial region. Pop: 200 608 (2004 est)

Charles (tʃɑːlz)   n   1  Prince of Wales. born 1948, son of Elizabeth II; heir apparent to the throne of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He married (1981) Lady Diana Spencer; they separated in 1992 and were divorced in 1996; their son, Prince William of Wales, was born in 1982 and their second son, Prince Henry, in 1984; married (2005) Camilla Parker Bowles   2  Ray real name Ray Charles Robinson. 1930–2004, US singer, pianist, and songwriter, whose work spans jazz, blues, gospel, pop, and country music

Charles I   n   1 title as Holy Roman Emperor of Charlemagne. See Charlemagne   2 title as king of France of Charles II (Holy Roman Emperor). See Charles II (sense 1)   3 title as king of Spain of Charles V (Holy Roman Emperor). See Charles V (sense 2)   4  title of Charles Stuart 1600–49, king of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1625–49); son of James I. He ruled for 11 years (1629–40) without parliament, advised by his minister Strafford, until rebellion broke out in Scotland. Conflict with the Long Parliament led to the Civil War and after his defeat at Naseby (1645) he sought refuge with the Scots (1646). He was handed over to the English army under Cromwell (1647) and executed   5  1887–1922, emperor of Austria, and, as Charles IV, king of Hungary (1916–18). The last ruler of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, he was forced to abdicate at the end of World War I

Charles II   n   1  known as Charles the Bald. 823–877 AD, Holy Roman Emperor (875–877) and, as Charles I, king of France (843–877)   2 the title as king of France of Charles III (Holy Roman Emperor). See Charles III (sense 1)   3  1630–85, king of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1660–85) following the Restoration (1660); son of Charles I. He did much to promote commerce, science, and the Navy, but his Roman Catholic sympathies caused widespread distrust   4  1661–1700, the last Hapsburg king of Spain: his reign saw the end of Spanish power in Europe

Charles III   n   1  known as Charles the Fat. 839–888 AD, Holy Roman Emperor (881–887) and, as Charles II, king of France (884–887). He briefly reunited the empire of Charlemagne   2  1716–88, king of Spain (1759–88), who curbed the power of the Church and tried to modernize his country

Charles IV   n   1  known as Charles the Fair. 1294–1328, king of France (1322–28): brother of Isabella of France, with whom he intrigued against her husband, Edward II of England   2  1316–78, king of Bohemia (1346–78) and Holy Roman Emperor (1355–78)   3  1748–1819, king of Spain (1788–1808), whose reign saw the domination of Spain by Napoleonic France: abdicated   4 title as king of Hungary of Charles I. See Charles I (sense 5)

Charles V   n   1  known as Charles the Wise. 1337–80, king of France (1364–80) during the Hundred Years' War   2  1500–58, Holy Roman Emperor (1519–56), king of Burgundy and the Netherlands (1506–55), and, as Charles I, king of Spain (1516–56): his reign saw the empire threatened by Francis I of France, the Turks, and the spread of Protestantism; abdicated

Charles VI   n   1  known as Charles the Mad or Charles the Well-Beloved. 1368–1422, king of France (1380–1422): defeated by Henry V of England at Agincourt (1415), he was forced by the Treaty of Troyes (1420) to recognize Henry as his successor   2  1685–1740, Holy Roman Emperor (1711–40). His claim to the Spanish throne (1700) led to the War of the Spanish Succession

Charles VII   n   1  1403–61, king of France (1422–61), son of Charles VI. He was excluded from the French throne by the Treaty of Troyes, but following Joan of Arc's victory over the English at Orléans (1429), was crowned   2  1697–1745, Holy Roman Emperor (1742–45) during the War of the Austrian Succession

Charles IX   n   1550–74, king of France (1560–74), son of Catherine de' Medici and Henry II: his reign was marked by war between Huguenots and Catholics

Charles X   n   1  title of Charles Gustavus. 1622–60, king of Sweden, who warred with Poland and Denmark in an attempt to create a unified Baltic state   2  1757–1836, king of France (1824–30): his attempt to restore absolutism led to his enforced exile

Charles XI   n   1655–97, king of Sweden (1660–97), who established an absolute monarchy and defeated Denmark (1678)

Charles XII   n   1682–1718, king of Sweden (1697–1718), who inflicted defeats on Denmark, Russia, and Poland during the Great Northern War (1700–21)

Charles XIV   n   the title as king of Sweden and Norway of Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte. See Bernadotte

Charles Albert   n   1798–1849, king of Sardinia-Piedmont (1831–49) during the Risorgimento: abdicated after the failure of his revolt against Austria

Charles Edward Stuart   n   See Stuart (sense 2)

Charles' law (ˈtʃɑːlzIz)   n   the principle that all gases expand equally for the same rise of temperature if they are held at constant pressure: also that the pressures of all gases increase equally for the same rise of temperature if they are held at constant volume. The law is now known to be only true for ideal gases. Also called: Gay-Lussac's law [C18: named after Jacques A. C. Charles (1746–1823), French physicist who first formulated it]

Charles Martel (mɑːˈtɛl)   n   grandfather of Charlemagne. ?688–741 AD, Frankish ruler of Austrasia (715–41), who checked the Muslim invasion of Europe by defeating the Moors at Poitiers (732)

Charles's Wain (weIn)   n   another name for the Plough [Old English Carles wægn, from Carl CHARLEMAGNE + wægn WAIN]

Charles the Great   n   another name for Charlemagne

charleston (ˈtʃɑːlstən)   n   a fast rhythmic dance of the 1920s, characterized by kicking and by twisting of the legs from the knee down [C20: named after CHARLESTON, South Carolina]

Charleston (ˈtʃɑːlstən)   n   1 a city in central West Virginia: the state capital. Pop: 51 394 (2003 est)   2 a port in SE South Carolina, on the Atlantic: scene of the first action in the Civil War. Pop: 101 024 (2003 est)

Charleville-Mézières (French ʃarləvilmezjɛr)   n   twin towns on opposite sides of the River Meuse in NE France. Pop: 55 490 (1999). See Mézières

charley horse (ˈtʃɑːlI)   n   US and Canadian informal muscle stiffness or cramp following strenuous athletic exercise [C19: of uncertain origin]

charlie (ˈtʃɑːlI)   n   1 Brit informal a silly person; fool   2 Austral old-fashioned, informal a girl or woman [C20: for sense 1: shortened from Charlie Hunt, rhyming slang for the taboo word CUNT; sense 2 is shortened from Charlie Wheeler, rhyming slang for SHEILA]

Charlie^1 (ˈtʃɑːlI)   n   communications a code word for the letter c

Charlie^2 or Charley (ˈtʃɑːlI)   n   US and Austral military slang a member of the Vietcong or the Vietcong collectively: Charlie hit us with rockets [shortened from Victor Charlie, communications code for VC, abbreviation of Vietcong]

Charlie^3 (ˈtʃɑːlI)   n   slang cocaine

charlier shoe (ˈtʃɑːlIə)   n   a special light type of horseshoe that does not have a toe clip; it is applied by a farrier before a horse is turned out

charlock (ˈtʃɑːlɒk)   n   1 Also called: wild mustard a weedy Eurasian plant, Sinapis arvensis (or Brassica kaber), with hairy stems and foliage and yellow flowers: family: Brassicaceae (crucifers)   2 white charlock Also called: wild radish, runch (rʌntʃ) a related plant, Raphanus raphanistrum, with yellow, mauve, or white flowers and podlike fruits [Old English cerlic, of obscure origin]

charlotte (ˈʃɑːlət)   n   1 a baked dessert served hot or cold, commonly made with fruit and layers or a casing of bread or cake crumbs, sponge cake, etc: apple charlotte   2 short for charlotte russe [C19: from French, from the name Charlotte]

■ charlotte russe (ruːs)   n   a cold dessert made in a mould with sponge fingers enclosing a mixture of whipped cream, custard, etc [French: Russian charlotte]

Charlotte (ˈʃɑːlət)   n   a city in S North Carolina: the largest city in the state. Pop: 584 658 (2003 est)

Charlotte Amalie (ˈʃɑːlət əˈmɑːlIə)   n   the capital of the Virgin Islands of the United States, a port on St Thomas Island. Pop: 18 914 (2000). Former name (1921–37): Saint Thomas

Charlottenburg (German ʃarˈlɔtənbʊrk)   n   a district of Berlin (of West Berlin until 1990), formerly an independent city. Pop: 315 473 (2005 est)

Charlottetown (ˈʃɑːlətˌtaʊn)   n   a port in SE Canada, capital of the province of Prince Edward Island. Pop: 34 562 (2011)

Charlton (ˈtʃɑːltən)   n   1  Bobby, full name Sir Robert Charlton. born 1937, English footballer; played for Manchester United (1956–73) and England (1958–70) for whom he played 106 times, scoring 49 goals   2  his brother, Jack, full name John Charlton. born 1935, English footballer: played for Leeds United (1952–73) and England for whom he won 35 caps; manager of the Republic of Ireland (1986–95)

charm^1 (tʃɑːm)   n   1 the quality of pleasing, fascinating, or attracting people   2 a pleasing or attractive feature   3 a small object worn or kept for supposed magical powers of protection; amulet; talisman   4 a trinket worn on a bracelet   5 a magic spell; enchantment   6 a formula or action used in casting such a spell   7 physics an internal quantum number of certain elementary particles, used to explain some scattering experiments   8 like a charm perfectly; successfully   ▷ vb   9 to attract or fascinate; delight greatly   10 to cast a magic spell on   11 to protect, influence, or heal, supposedly by magic   12 (tr) to influence or obtain by personal charm: he charmed them into believing him [C13: from Old French charme, from Latin carmen song, incantation, from canere to sing]

■ charmed (tʃɑːmd)   adj   1 delighted or fascinated: a charmed audience   2 seemingly protected by a magic spell: he bears a charmed life   3 physics possessing charm: a charmed quark

■ charmer (ˈtʃɑːmə)   n   1 an attractive person   2 a person claiming or seeming to have magical powers

■ charmful (ˈtʃɑːmfʊl)   adj   highly charming or enchanting

■ charming (ˈtʃɑːmIŋ)   adj   delightful; pleasant; attractive   > ˈcharmingly adv

■ charmless (ˈtʃɑːmləs)   adj   literary without any charm

■ charmlessly (ˈtʃɑːmləslI)   adv   in a charmless manner

■ charm offensive   n   a concentrated attempt to gain favour or respectability by conspicuously cooperative or obliging behaviour

charm^2 (tʃɑːm)   n   Southwest English dialect a loud noise, as of a number of people chattering or of birds singing [C16: variant of CHIRM]

Charmeuse (ʃɑːˈmuːz; French ʃarmøz)   n   trademark a lightweight fabric with a satin-like finish

Charminar (ˌtʃɑːmIˈnɑː)   n   a 16th-century monument with four minarets at Hyderabad, India

charmonium (tʃɑːˈməʊnIəm)   n, pl -nia   physics an elementary particle that contains an antiquark and a charm quark [C20: from CHARM (sense 7)]

charneco (ˈtʃɑːnIkəʊ)   n   obsolete a type of sweet wine originating from Portugal

charnel (ˈtʃɑːnəl)   n   1 short for charnel house   ▷ adj   2 ghastly; sepulchral; deathly [C14: from Old French: burial place, from Latin carnālis fleshly, CARNAL]

■ charnel house   n   (esp formerly) a building or vault where corpses or bones are deposited

Charnley (ˈtʃɑːnlI)   n   Sir John. 1911–82, British surgeon noted for his invention of an artificial hip joint and his development of hip-replacement surgery

Charolais (ˈʃærəˌleI)   n   a breed of large white beef cattle that originated in France [C19: from French: named after Monts du Charollais, E France]

Charon^1 (ˈkɛərən)   n   Greek myth the ferryman who brought the dead across the rivers Styx or Acheron to Hades

Charon^2 (ˈkɛərən)   n   the largest satellite of Pluto, discovered in 1978

charoset or haroset (xæˈrəʊsɛt)   n   Judaism a dish of chopped fruit, nuts, and wine eaten at Passover, representing the mortar that Jewish slaves used to build parts of Egypt

Charpentier (French ʃarpɑ̃tje)   n   1  Gustave (ɡystav). 1860–1956, French composer, whose best-known work is the opera Louise (1900)   2  Marc-Antoine. ?1645–1704, French composer, best known for his sacred music, particularly the Te Deum

charpie (ˈtʃɑːpI)   n   obsolete a piece of lint used to make a surgical dressing

charpoy (ˈtʃɑːpɔI) or charpai (ˈtʃɑːpaI)   n   a bedstead of woven webbing or hemp stretched on a wooden frame on four legs, common in India [C19: from Urdu cārpāī]

charqui (ˈtʃɑːkI)   n   meat, esp beef, cut into strips and dried [C18: from Spanish, from Quechuan]   > charquid (ˈtʃɑːkId) adj

charr (tʃɑː)   n, pl charr or charrs   a variant spelling of char^2

charro (ˈtʃɑːrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a traditional Mexican cowboy

char siu (ˌtʃɑː ˈsjuː) or char sui (ˈsuːI)   n   barbecued marinated pork [C20: from Cantonese]

chart (tʃɑːt)   n   1 a map designed to aid navigation by sea or air   2 an outline map, esp one on which weather information is plotted   3 a sheet giving graphical, tabular, or diagrammatical information   4 another name for graph (sense 1)   5 astrology another word for horoscope (sense 3)   6 the charts informal the lists produced weekly from various sources of the bestselling pop singles and albums or the most popular videos   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to make a chart of   8 (tr) to make a detailed plan of   9 (tr) to plot or outline the course of   10 (intr) (of a record or video) to appear in the charts (sense 6) [C16: from Latin, from Greek khartēs papyrus, literally: something on which to make marks; related to Greek kharattein to engrave]   > ˈchartable adj

■ charthouse (ˈtʃɑːtˌhaʊs)   n   the compartment on a ship or boat where charts are kept

■ chartist (ˈtʃɑːtIst)   n   a stock market specialist who analyses and predicts market trends from graphs of recent price and volume movements of selected securities

■ chartless (ˈtʃɑːtlIs)   adj   not mapped; uncharted

■ chart-topping   adj   very popular; coming top in the charts

charta (ˈkɑːtə)   n   obsolete a charter

chartaceous (tʃɑːˈteIʃəs)   adj   obsolete of the nature of paper; papery

charter (ˈtʃɑːtə)   n   1 a formal document from the sovereign or state incorporating a city, bank, college, etc, and specifying its purposes and rights   2 (sometimes capital) a formal document granting or demanding from the sovereign power of a state certain rights or liberties   3 a document issued by a society or an organization authorizing the establishment of a local branch or chapter   4 a special privilege or exemption   5 (often capital) the fundamental principles of an organization; constitution: the Charter of the United Nations   6    a the hire or lease of transportation   b the agreement or contract regulating this   c (as modifier): a charter flight   7 a law, policy, or decision containing a loophole which allows a specified group to engage more easily in an activity considered undesirable: a beggars' charter   8 maritime law another word for charterparty   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to lease or hire by charterparty   10 to hire (a vehicle, etc)   11 to grant a charter of incorporation or liberties to (a group or person) [C13: from Old French chartre, from Latin chartula a little paper, from charta leaf of papyrus; see CHART]   > ˈcharterer n

■ charter colony   n   US history a colony, such as Virginia or Massachusetts, created by royal charter under the control of an individual, trading company, etc, and exempt from interference by the Crown

■ chartered (ˈtʃɑːtəd)   adj   (of a professional person) having attained certain professional qualifications or standards and acquired membership of a particular professional body

■ chartered accountant   n   (in Britain) an accountant who has passed the professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Abbreviation: CA

■ chartered bank   n   Canadian a privately owned bank that has been incorporated by Parliament to operate in the commercial banking system

■ chartered club   n   NZ a private club licensed to serve alcohol to members

■ chartered engineer   n   (in Britain) an engineer who is registered with the Engineering Council as having the scientific and technical knowledge and practical experience to satisfy its professional requirements. Abbreviation: CEng

■ chartered librarian   n   (in Britain) a librarian who has obtained a qualification from the Library Association in addition to a degree or diploma in librarianship

■ chartered surveyor   n   (in Britain) a surveyor who is registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as having the qualifications, training, and experience to satisfy their professional requirements

■ chartered teacher   n   (in Scotland) a teacher with extensive qualifications and experience paid at a higher rate to remain as a classroom teacher rather than seek promotion to an administrative post

■ charter member   n   an original or founder member of a society or organization

■ charterparty (ˈtʃɑːtəˌpɑːtI)   n, pl -parties   1 maritime law an agreement for the hire of all or part of a ship for a specified voyage or period of time   2 an individual or group that charters a ship, etc

■ charter school   n   (in N America) a publicly funded independent school founded by a community group under the terms of a charter with a national or local authority

Charterhouse (ˈtʃɑːtəˌhaʊs)   n   a Carthusian monastery [C16: changed by folk etymology from Anglo-French chartrouse, after Chartosse (now Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse), village near Grenoble, France, the original home of the Carthusian order]

Charteris (ˈtʃɑːtərIs)   n   Leslie, original name Leslie Charles Bowyer Yin. 1907–93, British novelist, born in Singapore: created the character Simon Templar, known as The Saint, the central character in many adventure novels

Chartism (ˈtʃɑːˌtIzəm)   n   British history the principles of the reform movement in Britain from 1838 to 1848, which included manhood suffrage, payment of Members of Parliament, equal electoral districts, annual parliaments, voting by ballot, and the abolition of property qualifications for MPs [named after the People's Charter, a document which stated their aims]   > ˈChartist n, adj

chartography (kɑːˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   rare a variant spelling of cartography   > charˈtographer n   > chartographic (ˌkɑːtəˈɡræfIk) or ˌchartoˈgraphical adj   > ˌchartoˈgraphically adv

Chartres (ˈʃɑːtrə, ʃɑːt; French ʃartrə)   n   a city in NW France: Gothic cathedral; market town. Pop: 41 588 (2006)

chartreuse (ʃɑːˈtrɜːz; French ʃartrøz)   n   1 either of two liqueurs, green or yellow, made from herbs and flowers   2    a a colour varying from a clear yellowish-green to a strong greenish-yellow   b (as adjective): a chartreuse dress [C19: from French, after La Grande Chartreuse, monastery near Grenoble, where the liqueur is produced]

Chartreux (ʃɑːˈtrɜː; French ʃartrø)   n, pl -treux (-ˈtrɜː; French -trø)   a breed of sturdy cat with short dense woolly fur

chartulary (ˈtʃɑːtjʊlərI)   n, pl -laries   a variant of cartulary

Chartwell (ˈtʃɑːtˌwɛl)   n   a house near Westerham in Kent: home for 40 years of Sir Winston Churchill

charver (ˈʃɑːvə)   n Northern English dialect, derogatory   1 a young woman   2 a young working-class person who dresses in casual sports clothes

chary (ˈtʃɛərI)   adj charier, chariest   1 wary; careful   2 choosy; finicky   3 shy   4 sparing; mean [Old English cearig; related to caru CARE, Old High German charag sorrowful]

■ charily (ˈtʃɛərIlI)   adv   1 cautiously; carefully   2 sparingly

■ chariness (ˈtʃɛərInIs)   n   the state of being chary

Charybdis (kəˈrIbdIs)   n   a ship-devouring monster in classical mythology, identified with a whirlpool off the north coast of Sicily, lying opposite Scylla on the Italian coast. Compare Scylla   > Chaˈrybdian adj

chase^1 (tʃeIs)   vb   1 to follow or run after (a person, animal, or goal) persistently or quickly   2 (tr; often foll by out, away, or off) to force to run (away); drive (out)   3 (tr) informal to court (a potential romantic or sexual partner) in an unsubtle manner   4 (tr; often foll by up) informal to pursue persistently and energetically in order to obtain results, information, etc: chase up the builders and get a delivery date   5 (intr) informal to hurry; rush   ▷ n   6 the act of chasing; pursuit   7 any quarry that is pursued   8 Brit an unenclosed area of land where wild animals are preserved to be hunted   9 Brit the right to hunt a particular quarry over the land of others   10 the chase the act or sport of hunting   11 short for steeplechase   12 real tennis a ball that bounces twice, requiring the point to be played again   13 cut to the chase informal, chiefly US to start talking about the important aspects of something   14 give chase to pursue (a person, animal, or thing) actively [C13: from Old French chacier, from Vulgar Latin captiāre (unattested), from Latin captāre to pursue eagerly, from capere to take; see CATCH]   > ˈchaseable adj

■ chaser (ˈtʃeIsə)   n   1 a person or thing that chases   2 a drink drunk after another of a different kind, as beer after spirits   3 a cannon on a vessel situated either at the bow (bow chaser) or the stern (stern chaser) and used during pursuit by or of another vessel

chase^2 (tʃeIs)   n   1 printing a rectangular steel or cast-iron frame into which metal type and blocks making up pages are locked for printing or plate-making   2 the part of a gun barrel from the front of the trunnions to the muzzle   3 a groove or channel, esp one that is cut in a wall to take a pipe, cable, etc   ▷ vb (tr)   4 Also: chamfer to cut a groove, furrow, or flute in (a surface, column, etc) [C17 (in the sense: frame for letterpress matter): probably from French châsse frame (in the sense: bore of a cannon, etc): from Old French chas enclosure, from Late Latin capsus pen for animals; both from Latin capsa CASE^2]

■ chaseport (ˈtʃeIsˌpɔːt)   n   navy obsolete a porthole through which a gun was fired

chase^3 (tʃeIs)   vb (tr)   1 Also: enchase to ornament (metal) by engraving or embossing   2 to form or finish (a screw thread) with a chaser [C14: from Old French enchasser ENCHASE]

■ chaser (ˈtʃeIsə)   n   1 a person who engraves   2 a lathe cutting tool for accurately finishing a screw thread, having a cutting edge consisting of several repetitions of the thread form

chasm (ˈkæzəm)   n   1 a deep cleft in the ground; abyss   2 a break in continuity; gap   3 a wide difference in interests, feelings, etc [C17: from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma; related to Greek khainein to gape]   > chasmal (ˈkæzməl) or ˈchasmic adj

■ chasmy (ˈkæzəmI)   adj   full of chasms

chasmogamy (kæzˈmɒɡəmI)   n   botany the production of flowers that open, so as to expose the reproductive organs and allow cross-pollination. Compare cleistogamy [C20: from New Latin (flores) chasmogami from Greek khasma CHASM + -GAMY]   > chasˈmogamous adj

■ chasmogamic (ˌkæzməʊˈɡæmIk)   adj   botany relating or pertaining to chasmogamy

chassé (ˈʃæseI)   n   1 one of a series of gliding steps in ballet in which the same foot always leads   2 three consecutive dance steps, two fast and one slow, to four beats of music   ▷ vb -sés, -séing, -séd   3 (intr) to perform either of these steps [C19: from French: a chasing]

chassepot (ˈʃæspəʊ; French ʃaspo)   n   a breech-loading bolt-action rifle formerly used by the French Army [C19: named after A. A. Chassepot (1833–1905), French gunsmith who invented it]

chasseur (ʃæˈsɜː; French ʃasœr)   n   1 French army a member of a unit specially trained and equipped for swift deployment   2 (in some parts of Europe, esp formerly) a uniformed attendant, esp one in the livery of a huntsman   ▷ adj   3 (often postpositive) designating or cooked in a sauce consisting of white wine and mushrooms [C18: from French: huntsman]

Chassid, Chasid, Hassid or Hasid (ˈhæsId; Hebrew xəˈsid)   n, pl Chassidim, Chasidim, Hassidim or Hasidim (ˈhæsIˌdiːm, -dIm; Hebrew xasIˈdim)   1 a sect of Jewish mystics founded in Poland about 1750, characterized by religious zeal and a spirit of prayer, joy, and charity   2 a Jewish sect of the 2nd century BC, formed to combat Hellenistic influences   > Chassidic, Chasidic, Hassidic or Hasidic (həˈsIdIk) adj   > ˈChassidˌism, ˈChasidˌism, ˈHassidˌism or ˈHasidˌism n

chassis (ˈʃæsI)   n, pl -sis (-sIz)   1 the steel frame, wheels, engine, and mechanical parts of a motor vehicle, to which the body is attached   2 electronics a mounting for the circuit components of an electrical or electronic device, such as a radio or television   3 the landing gear of an aircraft   4 obsolete a wooden framework for a window, screen, etc   5 the frame on which a cannon carriage moves backwards and forwards   6 slang the body of a person, esp a woman [C17 (meaning: window frame): from French châssis frame, from Vulgar Latin capsicum (unattested), ultimately from Latin capsa CASE^2]

chaste (tʃeIst)   adj   1 not having experienced sexual intercourse; virginal   2 abstaining from sexual intercourse, esp that which is unlawful or immoral   3 (of conduct, speech, etc) pure; decent; modest   4 (of style or taste) free from embellishment; simple; restrained [C13: from Old French, from Latin castus pure; compare CASTE]   > ˈchastely adv   > ˈchasteness n

■ chaste tree   n   a small ornamental verbenaceous tree, Vitex agnus-castus, of S Europe and SW Asia, with spikes of pale blue flowers

chasten (ˈtʃeIsən)   vb (tr)   1 to bring to a state of submission; subdue; tame   2 to discipline or correct by punishment   3 to moderate; restrain; temper [C16: from Old French chastier, from Latin castigāre; see CASTIGATE]   > ˈchastener n   > ˈchasteningly adv

■ chastened (ˈtʃeIsənd)   adj   subdued; humbled

■ chastening (ˈtʃeIsənIŋ)   adj   humbling

■ chastenment (ˈtʃeIsənmənt)   n   obsolete the process of chastening

chastise (tʃæsˈtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to discipline or punish, esp by beating   2 to scold severely [C14 chastisen, irregularly from chastien to CHASTEN]   > chasˈtisable adj   > chastisement (ˈtʃæstIzmənt, tʃæsˈtaIz-) n   > chasˈtiser n

chastity (ˈtʃæstItI)   n   1 the state of being chaste; purity   2 abstention from sexual intercourse; virginity or celibacy: a vow of chastity [C13: from Old French chasteté, from Latin castitās, from castus CHASTE]

■ chastity belt   n   a locking beltlike device with a loop designed to go between a woman's legs in order to prevent her from having sexual intercourse

chasuble (ˈtʃæzjʊbəl)   n   Christianity a long sleeveless outer vestment worn by a priest when celebrating Mass [C13: from French, from Late Latin casubla garment with a hood, apparently from casula cloak, literally: little house, from Latin casa cottage]

chat^1 (tʃæt)   n   1 informal conversation or talk conducted in an easy familiar manner   2 the exchange of messages in an internet or other network chatroom   3 any Old World songbird of the subfamily Turdinae (thrushes, etc) having a harsh chattering cry. See also stonechat, whinchat   4 any of various North American warblers, such as Icteria virens (yellow-breasted chat)   5 any of various Australian wrens (family Muscicapidae) of the genus Ephthianura and other genera   ▷ vb chats, chatting, chatted (intr)   6 to talk in an easy familiar way   7 to exchange messages in a chatroom [C16: short for CHATTER]

■ chatbot (ˈtʃætˌbɒt)   n   a computer program in the form of a virtual e-mail correspondent that can reply to messages from computer users [C20: from CHAT^1 + (RO)BOT]

■ chatline (ˈtʃætˌlaIn)   n   a telephone service enabling callers to join in general conversation with each other

■ chatroom (ˈtʃætˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a site on the internet, or another computer network, where users can post messages and read messages posted by other users

■ chat show   n   Brit a television or radio show in which guests, esp celebrities, are interviewed informally. US name: talk show

■ chatty (ˈtʃætI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 full of trivial conversation; talkative   2 informal and friendly; gossipy: a chatty letter   > ˈchattily adv   > ˈchattiness n

■ chat up   vb (tr, adverb) Brit informal   1 to talk flirtatiously to (a person), esp with the intention of seducing him or her   2 to talk persuasively to (a person), esp with an ulterior motive

chat^2 (tʃæt)   n   archaic or dialect a catkin, esp a willow catkin [C15: from French chat cat, referring to the furry appearance]

chateau or château (ˈʃætəʊ; French ʃɑto)   n, pl -teaux (-təʊ, -təʊz; French -to) or -teaus   1 a country house, castle, or manor house, esp in France   2 (in Quebec) the residence of a seigneur or (formerly) a governor   3 (in the name of a wine) estate or vineyard [C18: from French, from Old French chastel, from Latin castellum fortress, CASTLE]

■ chateau cardboard   n   NZ informal wine sold in a winebox

■ chateau wine   n   a wine produced from any of certain vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France

Chateaubriand (French ʃɑtobrijɑ̃)   n   1  François René (frɑ̃swa rəne), Vicomte de Chateaubriand. 1768–1848, French writer and statesman: a precursor of the romantic movement in France; his works include Le Génie du Christianisme (1802) and Mémoires d'outre-tombe (1849–50)   2 a thick steak cut from the fillet of beef

Châteauroux (French ʃɑtoru)   n   a town in central France: 10th-century castle (Château-Raoul). Pop: 46 386 (2009)

Château-Thierry (ˈʃætəʊˈtIərI; French ʃɑtotjɛri)   n   a town in N central France, on the River Marne: scene of the second battle of the Marne (1918) during World War I. Pop: 14 967 (1999)

chatelain (ˈʃætəˌleIn; French ʃɑtlɛ̃)   n   the keeper or governor of a castle [C16: from French, from Latin castellānus occupant of a CASTLE]

chatelaine (ˈʃætəˌleIn; French ʃɑtlɛn)   n   1 (esp formerly) the mistress of a castle or fashionable household   2 a chain or clasp worn at the waist by women in the 16th to the 19th centuries, with handkerchief, keys, etc, attached   3 a decorative pendant worn on the lapel

Chatham^1 (ˈtʃætəm)   n   1 a town in SE England, in N Kent on the River Medway: formerly royal naval dockyard. Pop: 73 468 (2001)   2 a town in SE Canada, in SE Ontario on the Thames River. Pop: 44 156 (2001)

Chatham^2 (ˈtʃætəm)   n   1st Earl of title of the elder (William) Pitt. See Pitt (sense 1)

Chatham Island   n   a former name for San Cristóbal (sense 1)

Chatham Islands   pl n   a group of islands in the S Pacific Ocean, forming a county of South Island, New Zealand: consists of the main islands of Chatham, Pitt, and several rocky islets. Chief settlement: Waitangi. Pop: 609 (2006 est). Area: 963 sq km (372 sq miles)

chaton (ˈʃætɒn)   n jewellery   1 a stone with a reflective metal foil backing   2 the part of a ring upon which a stone is set or a motif is engraved

chatoyant (ʃəˈtɔIənt)   adj   1 having changeable lustre; twinkling   2 (of a gem, esp a cabochon) displaying a band of light reflected off inclusions of other minerals   ▷ n   3 a gemstone with a changeable lustre, such as a cat's eye [C18: from French, from chatoyer to gleam like a cat's eyes, from chat CAT^1]   > chaˈtoyancy or chaˈtoyance n

Chatsworth House (ˈtʃætswɜːθ)   n   a mansion near Bakewell in Derbyshire: seat of the Dukes of Devonshire; built (1687–1707) in the classical style

chatta (ˈtʃɑːtə)   n   Indian an umbrella

Chattagam (ˈtʃɑtɑɡɑm)   n   another name for Chittagong

Chattanooga (ˌtʃætəˈnuːɡə)   n   a city in SE Tennessee, on the Tennessee River: scene of two battles during the Civil War, in which the North defeated the Confederates, cleared Tennessee, and opened the way to Georgia (1863). Pop: 154 887 (2003 est)

chattel (ˈtʃætəl)   n   1 (often plural) property law   a chattel personal an item of movable personal property, such as furniture, domestic animals, etc   b chattel real an interest in land less than a freehold, such as a lease   2 goods and chattels personal property [C13: from Old French chatel personal property, from Medieval Latin capitāle wealth; see CAPITAL^1]

■ chattel house   n   (esp in Barbados) a movable wooden dwelling, usually set on a foundation of loose stones on rented land

■ chattel mortgage   n   US and Canadian a mortgage on movable personal property

chatter (ˈtʃætə)   vb   1 to speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly; prattle   2 (intr) (of birds, monkeys, etc) to make rapid repetitive high-pitched noises resembling human speech   3 (intr) (of the teeth) to click together rapidly through cold or fear   4 (intr) to make rapid intermittent contact with a component, as in machining, causing irregular cutting   ▷ n   5 idle or foolish talk; gossip   6 the high-pitched repetitive noise made by a bird, monkey, etc   7 the rattling of objects, such as parts of a machine   8 Also called: chatter mark the undulating pattern of marks in a machined surface from the vibration of the tool or workpiece [C13: of imitative origin]   > ˈchattery adj

■ chatterbox (ˈtʃætəˌbɒks)   n   informal a person who talks constantly, esp about trivial matters

■ chatterer (ˈtʃætərə)   n   1 someone or something that chatters   2 another name for cotinga

■ chattering (ˈtʃætərIŋ)   n   1 rapid and continuous talk   2 the high-pitched, repetitive noises made by a bird, monkey, etc

■ chattering classes   pl n   the chattering classes informal, often derogatory the educated sections of society, considered as enjoying discussion of political, social, and cultural issues

■ chatter mark   n   1 any of a series of grooves, pits, and scratches on the surface of a rock, usually made by the movement of a glacier   2 another name for chatter (sense 8)

chatterati (ˌtʃætəˈrɑtiː)   pl n   informal another word for chattering classes [C20: from CHATTER + -ati as in LITERATI]

Chatterton (ˈtʃætətən)   n   Thomas. 1752–70, British poet; author of spurious medieval verse and prose: he died by suicide at the age of 17

chatti (ˈtʃætiː)   n   Indian a pot

Chaucer (ˈtʃɔːsə)   n   Geoffrey. ?1340–1400, English poet, noted for his narrative skill, humour, and insight, particularly in his most famous work, The Canterbury Tales. He was influenced by the continental tradition of rhyming verse. His other works include Troilus and Criseyde, The Legende of Good Women, and The Parlement of Foules

■ Chaucerian (tʃɔːˈsIərIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer   ▷ n   2 an imitator of Chaucer, esp one of a group of 15th-century Scottish writers who took him as a model   3    a an admirer of Chaucer's works   b a specialist in the study or teaching of Chaucer

chaudfroid French (ʃofrwa)   n   a sweet or savoury jellied sauce used to coat cold meat, chicken, etc [literally: hot-cold (because prepared as hot dish, but served cold)]

chauffer or chaufer (ˈtʃɔːfə)   n   a small portable heater or stove [C19: from French chauffoir, from chauffer to heat]

chauffeur (ˈʃəʊfə, ʃəʊˈfɜː)   n   1 a person employed to drive a car   ▷ vb   2 to act as driver for (a person): he chauffeured me to the stadium; he chauffeurs for the Duke [C20: from French, literally: stoker, from chauffer to heat]   > chauffeuse (ʃəʊˈfɜːz) fem n

■ chauffeured (ˈʃəʊfə)   adj   driven by a chauffeur

chaulmoogra or chaulmugra (tʃɔːlˈmuːɡrə)   n   1 a tropical Asian tree, Taraktogenos (or Hydnocarpus) kurzii: family Flacourtiaceae   2 oil from the seed of this tree, used in treating leprosy   3 any of several similar or related trees [from Bengali cāulmugrā, from cāul rice + mugrā hemp]

chaumer (ˈtʃɔːmə)   n   1 Northeast Scot obsolete the living quarters used by farm workers. Also called: bothy   2 a chamber

chaunt (tʃɔːnt)   n, vb   a less common variant of chant   > ˈchaunter n

■ chauntress (ˈtʃɔːntIs)   n   a variant form of chantress

chausses (ʃəʊs)   n   (functioning as singular) a tight-fitting medieval garment covering the feet and legs, usually made of chain mail [C15: from Old French chauces, plural of chauce leg-covering, from Medieval Latin calcea, from Latin calceus shoe, from calx heel]

chaussure (ʃəʊˈsjʊə)   n   a term for any type of footwear

chautauqua (ʃəˈtɔːkwə)   n   (in the US, formerly) a summer school or educational meeting held in the summer [C19: named after Chautauqua, a lake in New York near which such a school was first held]

chauvin (ˈʃəʊvIn)   n   a chauvinist

■ chauvinism (ˈʃəʊvIˌnIzəm)   n   1 aggressive or fanatical patriotism; jingoism   2 enthusiastic devotion to a cause   3 smug irrational belief in the superiority of one's own race, party, sex, etc: male chauvinism [C19: from French chauvinisme, after Nicolas Chauvin, legendary French soldier under Napoleon, noted for his vociferous and unthinking patriotism]   > ˈchauvinist n   > ˌchauvinˈistic adj   > ˌchauvinˈistically adv

chav (tʃæv)   n   Brit informal, derogatory a young working-class person whose tastes, although sometimes expensive, are considered vulgar by some [perhaps from Romany chavi a child]   > ˈchavish adj

■ chavette (tʃæˈvɛt)   n   Brit informal, derogatory a young working-class woman whose tastes, although sometimes expensive, are considered vulgar by some [from CHAV + -ETTE (sense 2)]

■ chavvy (ˈtʃævI)   adj chavvier, chavviest   relating to or like a chav

Chavannes (French ʃavan)   n   See Puvis de Chavannes

chave (tʃæv)   vb   obsolete, dialect I have

chavender (ˈtʃævəndə)   n   another name for chub (sense 1)

Chavez (ˈtʃævɛz)   n   Hugo (ˈuɡo). 1954–2013, Venezuelan socialist politician; president of Venezuela (1999–2013)

■ Chavismo (tʃæˈvIzməʊ) or Chavism (ˈtʃævIzəm)   n   political theory the political doctrine of Hugo Chavez, in which a powerful centralized state implements radical socialist policies

chavtastic (ˌtʃævˈtæstIk)   adj informal, derogatory   suitable for or characteristic of a young working-class person whose tastes are considered vulgar by some [from CHAV + (FAN)TASTIC]

chaw (tʃɔː) dialect   vb   1 to chew (tobacco), esp without swallowing it   ▷ n   2 something chewed, esp a plug of tobacco   > ˈchawer n

chawbacon (ˈtʃɔːˌbeIkən)   n   an unsophisticated person of low intellect

chawdron (ˈtʃɔːdrən)   n   1 the entrails of an animal   2 cookery a sauce eaten with meat in medieval times, consisting of entrails, spices, and other ingredients

chawk (tʃɔːk)   n   Southwest English dialect a jackdaw

chay (tʃeI)   n   a plant of the madder family native to India

■ chayroot (ˈtʃeIˌruːt)   n   the root of a chay plant, used to dye textiles a deep-red colour

chayote (tʃɑːˈjəʊteI, tʃaIˈəʊtI)   n   1 a tropical American cucurbitaceous climbing plant, Sechium edule, that has edible pear-shaped fruit enclosing a single enormous seed   2 the fruit of this plant, which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable [from Spanish, from Nahuatl chayotli]

chazan, hazan or hazzan Hebrew (xaˈzan; English ˈhɑːzən)   n, pl chazanim (xazaˈnim; English hɑːˈzɔːniːm), English chazans   a person who leads synagogue services, esp as a profession; cantor

ChB   abbreviation for   Bachelor of Surgery [Latin: Chirurgiae Baccalaureus]

ChE   abbreviation for   Chemical Engineer

CHE (tʃiː)   n acronym for (in New Zealand, formerly)   Crown Health Enterprise: an agency supervising health expenditure in a district

cheap (tʃiːp)   adj   1 costing relatively little; inexpensive; good value   2 charging low prices: a cheap hairdresser   3 of poor quality; shoddy: cheap furniture; cheap and nasty   4 worth relatively little: promises are cheap   5 not worthy of respect; vulgar   6 ashamed; embarrassed: to feel cheap   7 stingy; miserly   8 informal mean; despicable: a cheap liar   9 cheap as chips See chip (sense 11)   10 dirt cheap informal extremely inexpensive   ▷ n   11 on the cheap Brit informal at a low cost   ▷ adv   12 at very little cost [Old English ceap barter, bargain, price, property; related to Old Norse kaup bargain, Old High German kouf trade, Latin caupō innkeeper]   > ˈcheapish adj   > ˈcheaply adv   > ˈcheapness n

■ cheapen (ˈtʃiːpən)   vb   1 to make or become lower in reputation, quality, etc; degrade or be degraded   2 to make or become cheap or cheaper   > ˈcheapener n

■ cheapie (ˈtʃiːpI)   adj   1 informal cheap   ▷ n   2 informal a cheap thing

■ cheapishly (ˈtʃiːpIʃlI)   adv   in a fairly cheap manner

■ cheap-jack informal   n   1 a person who sells cheap and shoddy goods   ▷ adj   2 shoddy or inferior [C19: from CHEAP + Jack (name used to typify a person)]

■ cheapo (ˈtʃiːpəʊ) informal   n, pl cheapos   1 something that is very cheap and possibly shoddy   ▷ adj   2 very cheap and possibly shoddy

■ cheap out   vb   (intr, adverb) US and Canadian informal to take the cheapest option; try to do something as cheaply as possible

■ cheap-rate   adj   charged at a lower rate

■ cheap shot or cheapshot   n   Austral and US an abusive remark

■ cheapskate (ˈtʃiːpˌskeIt)   n   informal a miserly person

cheat (tʃiːt)   vb   1 to deceive or practise deceit, esp for one's own gain; trick or swindle (someone)   2 (intr) to obtain unfair advantage by trickery, as in a game of cards   3 (tr) to escape or avoid (something unpleasant) by luck or cunning: to cheat death   4 (when intr, usually foll by on) informal to be sexually unfaithful to (one's wife, husband, or lover)   ▷ n   5 a person who cheats   6 a deliberately dishonest transaction, esp for gain; fraud   7 informal sham   8 law the obtaining of another's property by fraudulent means   9 the usual US name for rye-brome [C14: short for ESCHEAT]   > ˈcheatable adj   > ˈcheater n   > ˈcheatingly adv

■ cheatery (ˈtʃiːtərI)   n   the act of cheating or deceiving

■ cheating (ˈtʃiːtIŋ)   n   1 an instance of rule-breaking   2 chiefly US infidelity

■ cheat sheet   n   another name (esp US and Canadian) for crib sheet

Cheb (Czech xɛp)   n   a town in the W Czech Republic, in W Bohemia on the Ohře River: 12th-century castle where Wallenstein was murdered (1634); a centre of the Sudeten-German movement after World War I. Pop: 34 036 (2007 est). German name: Eger

chebec (ˈtʃiːbɛk)   n   a variant form of xebec

Cheboksary (Russian tʃIbakˈsari)   n   a port in W central Russia on the River Volga: capital of the Chuvash Republic. Pop: 446 000 (2005 est)

Chebyshev's inequality (ˈtʃɛbIˌʃɒfs)   n   statistics the fundamental theorem that the probability that a random variable differs from its mean by more than k standard deviations is less than or equal to 1/k^2 [named after P. L. Chebyshev (1821–94), Russian mathematician]

Chechen (ˈtʃɛtʃɛn)   n, pl -chens or -chen   a member of a people of Russia, speaking a Circassian language and chiefly inhabiting the Chechen Republic

■ Chechen Republic   n   a constituent republic of S Russia, on the N slopes of the Caucasus Mountains: major oil and natural gas resources; formed an Autonomous Republic with Ingushetia from 1936 until 1944 and from 1957 until 1991; declared independence from Ingushetia in 1992; fighting between Chechen separatists and Russian forces (1994–96) led to de facto independence: reoccupied by Russia in 1999–2000. Capital: Grozny. Pop: 1 100 300 (2002). Area: 15 700 sq km (6010 sq miles). Also called: Chechenia (tʃɛˈtʃɛnIə), Chechnya (tʃɛˈtʃnIə)

chechia (ˈʃeIʃjɑː)   n   a cylindrical felt cap with a flat top, often with a tassel

check (tʃɛk)   vb   1 to pause or cause to pause, esp abruptly   2 (tr) to restrain or control: to check one's tears   3 (tr) to slow the growth or progress of; retard   4 (tr) to rebuke or rebuff   5 (when intr, often foll by on or up on) to examine, investigate, or make an inquiry into (facts, a product, etc) for accuracy, quality, or progress, esp rapidly or informally   6 (tr) chiefly US and Canadian to mark off so as to indicate approval, correctness, or preference. Usual Brit word: tick   7 (intr; often foll by with) chiefly US and Canadian to correspond or agree: this report checks with the other   8 (tr) chiefly US, Canadian and NZ to leave in or accept (clothing or property) for temporary custody   9 chess to place (an opponent's king) in check   10 (tr) to mark with a pattern of squares or crossed lines   11 to crack or cause to crack   12 agriculture short for checkrow   13 (tr) ice hockey to impede (an opponent)   14 (intr) hunting (of hounds) to pause in the pursuit of quarry while relocating a lost scent   15 (intr; foll by at) falconry to change from one quarry to another while in flight   16 (intr) to decline the option of opening the betting in a round of poker   17 check the helm nautical to swing back the helm of a vessel to prevent it from turning too quickly or too far   ▷ n   18 a break in progress; stoppage   19 a restraint or rebuff   20    a a person or thing that restrains, halts, etc   b (as modifier): a check line   21    a a control, esp a rapid or informal one, designed to ensure accuracy, progress, etc   b (as modifier): a check list   22 a means or standard to ensure against fraud or error   23 the US word for tick^1   24 the US spelling of cheque   25 chiefly US the bill in a restaurant   26 chiefly US and Canadian a ticket or tag used to identify clothing or property deposited for custody   27 a pattern of squares or crossed lines   28 a single square in such a pattern   29    a fabric with a pattern of squares or crossed lines   b (as modifier): a check suit   30 chess the state or position of a king under direct attack, from which it must be moved or protected by another piece   31 a small crack, as one in veneer or one that occurs in timber during seasoning   32 part of the action of a piano that arrests the backward motion of a hammer after it has struck a string and holds it until the key is released   33 a chip or counter used in some card and gambling games   34 hunting a pause by the hounds in the pursuit of their quarry owing to loss of its scent   35 angling a ratchet fitted to a fishing reel to check the free running of the line   36 ice hockey the act of impeding an opponent with one's body or stick   37 in check under control or restraint   ▷ interj   38 chess a call made to an opponent indicating that his or her king is in check   39 chiefly US and Canadian an expression of agreement [C14: from Old French eschec a check at chess, hence, a pause (to verify something), via Arabic from Persian shāh the king! (in chess)]   > ˈcheckable adj

■ checkclerk (ˈtʃɛkˌklɑːk, ˈtʃɛkˌklɜːrk)   n   US a clerk responsible for checking items or accounts

■ check digit   n   computing a digit derived from and appended to a string of data digits, used to detect corruption of the data string during transmission or transcription

■ checked (tʃɛkt)   adj   1 having a pattern of small squares   2 phonetics (of a syllable) ending in a consonant

■ check in   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to record one's arrival, as at a hotel or for work; sign in or report   2 (tr) to register the arrival of (passengers, etc)   ▷ n check-in   3    a the formal registration of arrival, as at an airport or a hotel   b (as modifier): check-in time   4 the place where one registers arrival at an airport, etc

■ checking (ˈtʃɛkIŋ)   n   1 the process of making sure that something is correct or satisfactory   2 an inspection

■ checking account   n   the US name for current account

■ checkless (ˈtʃɛklIs)   adj   without check or restraint

■ checklist (ˈtʃɛkˌlIst)   n   a list of items, facts, names, etc, to be checked or referred to for comparison, identification, or verification

■ checkmark   n   US a tick

■ checkmate (ˈtʃɛkˌmeIt)   n   1 chess   a the winning position in which an opponent's king is under attack and unable to escape   b the move by which this position is achieved   2 utter defeat   ▷ vb (tr)   3 chess to place (an opponent's king) in checkmate   4 to thwart or render powerless   ▷ interj   5 chess a call made when placing an opponent's king in checkmate [C14: from Old French eschec mat, from Arabic shāh māt, the king is dead; see CHECK]

■ check off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to mark with a tick   2 to deduct (union contributions) directly from an employee's pay   ▷ n check-off   3 a procedure whereby an employer deducts union contributions directly from an employee's pay and pays the money to the union

■ check out   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to pay the bill and depart, esp from a hotel   2 (intr) to depart from a place; record one's departure from work   3 to investigate or prove to be in order after investigation: the police checked out all the statements; their credentials checked out   4 (tr) informal to have a look at; inspect: check out the guy in the white shirt   ▷ n checkout   5    a the latest time for vacating a room in a hotel, etc   b (as modifier): checkout time   6 a counter, esp in a supermarket, where customers pay

■ checkpoint (ˈtʃɛkˌpɔInt)   n   a place, as at a frontier or in a motor rally, where vehicles or travellers are stopped for official identification, inspection, etc

■ checkrail (ˈtʃɛkˌreIl)   n   Brit another word for guardrail (sense 2)

■ checkrein (ˈtʃɛkˌreIn)   n   the usual US word for bearing rein

■ checkroom (ˈtʃɛkˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   US and Canadian a place at a railway station, airport, etc, where luggage may be left for a small charge with an attendant for safekeeping. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): left-luggage office

■ checkrow (ˈtʃɛkˌrəʊ) US agriculture   n   1 a row of plants, esp corn, in which the spaces between adjacent plants are equal to those between adjacent rows to facilitate cultivation   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to plant in checkrows

■ checks and balances   pl n   government, chiefly US competition and mutual restraint among the various branches of government

■ checksum (ˈtʃɛkˌsʌm)   n   computing a digit representing the number of bits of information transmitted, attached to the end of a message in order to verify the integrity of data

■ checkup (ˈtʃɛkˌʌp)   n   1 an examination to see if something is in order   2 med a medical examination, esp one taken at regular intervals to verify a normal state of health or discover a disease in its early stages   ▷ vb check up   3 (intr, adverb; sometimes foll by on) to investigate or make an inquiry into (a person's character, evidence, etc), esp when suspicions have been aroused

■ check valve   n   a valve that closes by fluid pressure to prevent return flow. Also called: nonreturn valve

■ checkweigher (ˈtʃɛkˌweIə)   n   a person or machine that measures the weight of commodities on a production line or in a colliery

■ checky (ˈtʃɛkI)   adj   (usually postpositive) heraldry having squares of alternating tinctures or furs; checked

checker^1 (ˈtʃɛkə)   n, vb   1 the usual US spelling of chequer   ▷ n   2 textiles a variant spelling of chequer (sense 2)   3 US and Canadian any one of the 12 flat thick discs used by each player in the game of checkers. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): draughtsman

■ checkerberry (ˈtʃɛkəbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 the fruit of any of various plants, esp the wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)   2 any plant bearing this fruit

■ checkerbloom (ˈtʃɛkəˌbluːm)   n   a Californian malvaceous plant, Sidalcea malvaeflora, with pink or purple flowers

■ checkerboard (ˈtʃɛkəˌbɔːd)   n   US and Canadian a square board divided into 64 squares of alternating colours, used for playing checkers or chess. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): draughtboard

■ checkers (ˈtʃɛkəz)   n   (functioning as singular) US and Canadian a game for two players using a checkerboard and 12 checkers each. The object is to jump over and capture the opponent's pieces

checker^2 (ˈtʃɛkə)   n chiefly US and Canadian   1 a cashier, esp in a supermarket   2 an attendant in a cloakroom, left-luggage office, etc

checklaton (tʃɛkˈlætən)   n   another word for ciclaton

Cheddar (ˈtʃɛdə)   n   1 (sometimes not capital) any of several types of smooth hard yellow or whitish cheese   2 a village in SW England, in N Somerset: situated near Cheddar Gorge, a pass through the Mendip Hills renowned for its stalactitic caverns and rare limestone flora. Pop: 4796 (2001)

■ cheddary (ˈtʃɛdərI)   adj   resembling or pertaining to cheddar cheese

cheddite (ˈtʃɛdaIt, ˈʃɛd-)   n   an explosive made by mixing a powdered chlorate or perchlorate with a fatty substance, such as castor oil [C20: from Chedde town in Savoy, France, where it was first made]

cheder or heder Hebrew (ˈxɛdɛr; English ˈheIdə)   n, pl chadarim (xadaˈriːm), English cheders Judaism   1 (in Western countries) elementary religious education classes, usually outside normal school hours   2 (more traditionally) a full-time elementary religious school   3 informal a place of corrective instruction; prison [literally: room]

cheechako or cheechalko (tʃiːˈtʃɑːkəʊ)   n, pl -kos   US slang a newcomer to the state of Alaska

chee-chee (ˈtʃiːˌtʃiː)   n   a less common spelling of chichi^2

cheek (tʃiːk)   n   1    a either side of the face, esp that part below the eye   b either side of the oral cavity; side of the mouth. Related adjectives: buccal, genal, malar   2 informal impudence; effrontery   3 (often plural) informal either side of the buttocks   4 (often plural) a side of a door jamb   5 nautical one of the two fore-and-aft supports for the trestletrees on a mast of a sailing vessel, forming part of the hounds   6 one of the jaws of a vice   7 cheek by jowl close together; intimately linked   8 turn the other cheek to be submissive and refuse to retaliate even when provoked or treated badly   9 with one's tongue in one's cheek See tongue (sense 19)   ▷ vb   10 (tr) informal to speak or behave disrespectfully to; act impudently towards [Old English ceace; related to Middle Low German kāke, Dutch kaak]   > ˈcheekless adj

■ cheekbone (ˈtʃiːkˌbəʊn)   n   the nontechnical name for zygomatic bone. Related adjective: malar

■ -cheeked   adj   (in combination) with cheeks of the kind specified: rosy-cheeked

■ cheekful (ˈtʃiːkfʊl)   n   the quantity that can be held in or cover a cheek

■ cheekpiece (ˈtʃiːkˌpiːs)   n   either of the two straps of a bridle that join the bit to the crownpiece

■ cheek pouch   n   a membranous pouch inside the mouth of many rodents and some other mammals: used for holding food

■ cheektooth (ˈtʃiːkˌtuːθ)   n   any molar or premolar tooth

■ cheeky (ˈtʃiːkI)   adj cheekier, cheekiest   1 disrespectful in speech or behaviour; impudent: a cheeky child   2 informal (of something enjoyable) spontaneous and slightly self-indulgent: a cheeky drink   > ˈcheekily adv   > ˈcheekiness n

cheep (tʃiːp)   n   1 the short weak high-pitched cry of a young bird; chirp   ▷ vb   2 (intr) (of young birds) to utter characteristic shrill sounds   > ˈcheeper n

cheer (tʃIə)   vb   1 (usually foll by up) to make or become happy or hopeful; comfort or be comforted   2 to applaud with shouts   3 (when tr, sometimes foll by on) to encourage (a team, person, etc) with shouts, esp in contests   ▷ n   4 a shout or cry of approval, encouragement, etc, often using such words as hurrah! or rah! rah! rah!   5 three cheers three shouts of hurrah given in unison by a group to honour someone or celebrate something   6 happiness; good spirits   7 state of mind; spirits (archaic, except in the phrases be of good cheer, with good cheer)   8 archaic provisions for a feast; fare [C13 (in the sense: face, welcoming aspect): from Old French chere, from Late Latin cara face, from Greek kara head]   > ˈcheerer n

■ cheerful (ˈtʃIəfʊl)   adj   1 having a happy disposition; in good spirits   2 pleasantly bright; gladdening: a cheerful room   3 hearty; ungrudging; enthusiastic: cheerful help   > ˈcheerfully adv   > ˈcheerfulness n

■ cheering (ˈtʃIərIŋ)   n   1 encouraging shouts from supporters, admirers etc   ▷ adj   2 gladdening; encouraging   > ˈcheeringly adv

■ cheerishness (ˈtʃIərIʃnəs)   n   obsolete cheerfulness

■ cheerlead (ˈtʃIərˌliːd)   vb (intr)   to lead a crowd in formal cheers at sports events

■ cheerleader (ˈtʃIəˌliːdə)   n   1 a person who leads a crowd in formal cheers, esp at sports events   2 a vocal supporter of a particular cause: a cheerleader for children's rights

■ cheerless (ˈtʃIəlIs)   adj   dreary, gloomy, or pessimistic   > ˈcheerlessly adv   > ˈcheerlessness n

■ cheerly (ˈtʃIəlI)   adj, adv   archaic cheerful or cheerfully

■ cheers (tʃIəz)   sentence substitute informal, chiefly Brit   1 a drinking toast   2 goodbye! cheerio!   3 thanks!

■ cheery (ˈtʃIərI)   adj cheerier, cheeriest   showing or inspiring cheerfulness   > ˈcheerily adv   > ˈcheeriness n

cheerio (ˌtʃIərIˈəʊ)   sentence substitute informal, chiefly Brit   1 a farewell greeting   2 a drinking toast   ▷ n   3 NZ a type of small sausage

cheese^1 (tʃiːz)   n   1 the curd of milk separated from the whey and variously prepared as a food   2 a mass or complete cake of this substance   3 any of various substances of similar consistency, etc: lemon cheese   4 big cheese slang an important person   5 as alike as chalk and cheese or as different as chalk and cheese See chalk (sense 6) [Old English cēse, from Latin cāseus cheese; related to Old Saxon kāsi]

■ cheeseboard (ˈtʃiːzˌbɔːd) or cheese dish   n   a board from which cheese is served at a meal

■ cheeseburger (ˈtʃiːzˌbɜːɡə)   n   a hamburger cooked with a slice of cheese on top of it

■ cheesecake (ˈtʃiːzˌkeIk)   n   1 a rich tart with a biscuit base, filled with a mixture of cream cheese, cream, sugar, and often sultanas, sometimes having a fruit topping   2 slang women displayed for their sex appeal, as in photographs in magazines, newspapers, or films. Compare beefcake

■ cheesecloth (ˈtʃiːzˌklɒθ)   n   a loosely woven cotton cloth formerly used only for wrapping cheese

■ cheesecutter (ˈtʃiːzˌkʌtə)   n   1 a board with a wire attached for cutting cheese   2 nautical a keel that may be drawn up into the boat when not in use   3 a nautical peaked cap worn without a badge

■ cheese-head   adj   denoting or relating to a screw or bolt with a cylindrical slotted head

■ cheesehopper (ˈtʃiːzˌhɒpə)   n   the larva of the cheese-fly, capable of a leaping movement using two claw-like mandibles which it also uses for digging

■ cheese mite or cheesemite (ˈtʃiːzˌmaIt)   n   a white soft-bodied free-living mite, Tyrophagus (or Tyroglyphus) longior, sometimes found in decaying cheese

■ cheesemonger (ˈtʃiːzˌmʌŋɡə)   n   a person dealing in cheese, butter, etc

■ cheeseparer (ˈtʃiːzˌpɛərə)   n   a skinflint or miser

■ cheeseparing (ˈtʃiːzˌpɛərIŋ)   adj   1 penny-pinching; stingy   ▷ n   2    a a paring of cheese rind   b anything similarly worthless   3 stinginess

■ cheesepress (ˈtʃiːzˌprɛs)   n   the equipment used to press cheese curd

■ cheese skipper   n   a dipterous fly, Piophila casei, whose larvae feed on cheese and move by jumping: family Piophilidae

■ cheesesteak (ˈtʃiːzˌsteIk)   n   a sandwich filled with grilled beef and cheese

■ cheese straw   n   a long thin cheese-flavoured strip of pastry

■ cheesetaster (ˈtʃiːzˌteIstə)   n   a small instrument for extracting a piece of cheese from a larger block for the purpose of tasting

■ cheesevat (ˈtʃiːzˌvæt)   n   (in cheese making) a vat in which curds are formed and cut

■ cheesewire (ˈtʃiːzˌwaIə)   n   a piece of wire used for cutting cheese

■ cheesewood (ˈtʃiːzˌwʊd)   n   Austral rare the tough yellowish wood of Australian trees of the genus Pittosporum: family Pittosporaceae

■ cheesewring (ˈtʃiːzˌrIŋ)   n   another name for cheesepress

■ cheesily (ˈtʃiːzIlI)   adv   in a cheesy manner

■ cheesy (ˈtʃiːzI)   adj cheesier, cheesiest   1 like cheese in flavour, smell, or consistency   2 informal (of a smile) broad but possibly insincere: a big cheesy grin   3 informal banal or trite; in poor taste   > ˈcheesiness n

cheese^2 (tʃiːz)   vb slang   1 (tr) to stop; desist   2 (intr) prison slang to act in a grovelling manner [C19: of unknown origin]

■ cheesed off   adj   (usually postpositive) Brit slang bored, disgusted, or angry [C20]

cheetah or chetah (ˈtʃiːtə)   n   a large feline mammal, Acinonyx jubatus, of Africa and SW Asia: the swiftest mammal, having very long legs, nonretractile claws, and a black-spotted light-brown coat [C18: from Hindi cītā, from Sanskrit citrakāya tiger, from citra bright, speckled + kāya body]

Cheever (ˈtʃiːvə)   n   John. 1912–82, US novelist and short-story writer. His novels include The Wapshot Chronicle (1957) and Bullet Park (1969)

chef (ʃɛf)   n   a cook, esp the principal cook in a restaurant [C19: from French, from Old French chief head, CHIEF]

■ chef de mission French (ʃɛf də misjɔ̃)   n, pl chefs de mission (ʃɛf də misjɔ̃)   1 the head of a diplomatic body   2 the person in charge of a sporting team at a large international event

■ chef-d'oeuvre French (ʃɛdœvrə)   n, pl chefs-d'oeuvre (ʃɛdœvrə)   a masterpiece

■ chefdom (ˈʃɛfdəm)   n   not standard the state or condition of being a chef

■ cheffy (ˈʃɛfI)   adj   relating to or characteristic of chefs

Chefoo (ˈtʃiːˈfuː)   n   another name for Yantai

Che Guevara (tʃeI ɡəˈvɑːrə; Spanish tʃe ɡeˈβara)   n   See Guevara

cheilitis (kaIˈlaItIs)   n   pathol an inflammation of the lip or lips

cheiro-   combining form   a variant spelling of chiro-

cheiromancy (ˈkaIərəˌmænsI)   n   a variant spelling of chiromancy

■ cheiromancer (ˈkaIərəmænsə)   n   another spelling of chiromancer

Cheiron (ˈkaIrɒn, -rən)   n   a variant spelling of Chiron

Cheju (ˈtʃɛˈdʒuː)   n   a volcanic island in the N East China Sea, southwest of Korea: constitutes a province (Cheju-do) of South Korea. Capital: Cheju. Pop: 302 000 (2005 est). Area: 1792 sq km (692 sq miles). Formerly called: Quelpart

Cheka Russian (ˈtʃɛka)   n   Russian history the secret police set up in 1917 by the Bolshevik government: reorganized in the Soviet Union in Dec 1922 as the GPU [C20: from Russian, acronym of Chrezvychainaya Komissiya Extraordinary Commission (to combat Counter-Revolution)]

■ chekist (ˈtʃɛkIst)   n   1 a member of the Cheka   ▷ adj   2 of or pertaining to the Cheka

Chekhov or Chekov (ˈtʃɛkɒf; Russian ˈtʃɛxəf)   n   Anton Pavlovich (anˈtɔn ˈpavləvitʃ). 1860–1904, Russian dramatist and short-story writer. His plays include The Seagull (1896), Uncle Vanya (1900), The Three Sisters (1901), and The Cherry Orchard (1904)   > Chekhovian or Chekovian (tʃɛˈkəʊvIən) adj

Chekiang (ˈtʃɛˈkjæŋ, -kaIˈæŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Zhejiang

chela^1 (ˈkiːlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   a large pincer-like claw of such arthropods as the crab and scorpion [C17: New Latin, from Greek khēlē claw]   > cheliferous (kIˈlIfərəs) adj

■ cheliform (ˈkiːlIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a chela; pincer-like

chela^2 (ˈtʃeIlə)   n   Hinduism a disciple of a religious teacher [C19: from Hindi celā, from Sanskrit ceta servant, slave]   > ˈchelaˌship n

chelate (ˈkiːleIt)   n   1 chem a coordination compound in which a metal atom or ion is bound to a ligand at two or more points on the ligand, so as to form a heterocyclic ring containing a metal atom   ▷ adj   2 zoology of or possessing chelae   3 chem of or denoting a chelate   ▷ vb   4 (intr) chem to form a chelate [C20: from CHELA^1]

■ chelatable (kiːˈleItəbəl)   adj   chem having the capability to chelate

■ chelating agent   n   a chemical compound that coordinates with a metal to form a chelate, often used to trap or remove heavy metal ions

■ chelation (ˈkiːleIʃən)   n   1 chem the process by which a chelate is formed   2 animal husbandry the process by which trace elements in an animal's feed are bonded to amino acids, ensuring their absorption into the animal's body   3 geology the chemical removal of metallic ions in a mineral or rock by weathering

■ chelator (kiːˈleItə)   n   chem an organic chemical that bonds with metal ions and produces a chelate compound

chelicera (kIˈlIsərə)   n, pl -erae (-əˌriː)   one of a pair of appendages on the head of spiders and other arachnids: often modified as food-catching claws [C19: from New Latin, from French chélicère, from chél- see CHELA^1 + -cère from Greek keras horn]   > cheˈliceral adj

■ chelicerate (kIˈlIsəˌreIt)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Chelicerata, a subphylum of arthropods, including arachnids and the horseshoe crab, in which the first pair of limbs are modified as chelicerae   ▷ n   2 any arthropod belonging to the Chelicerata

cheliped (ˈkiːlIˌpɛd)   n   zoology (of an arthropod) either of two legs which each carry a claw

Chellean (ˈʃɛlIən)   n, adj archaeol   (no longer in technical usage) another word for Abbevillian [C19: from French chelléen, from Chelles, France, where various items were found]

chellup (ˈtʃɛləp)   n   Northern English and Midland English dialect noise

Chelmsford (ˈtʃɛlmzfəd)   n   a city in SE England, administrative centre of Essex: electronics, retail; university (1992). Pop: 99 962 (2001)

cheloid (ˈkiːlɔId)   n   pathol a variant spelling of keloid   > cheˈloidal adj

chelone (kəˈləʊnI)   n   any plant of the hardy N American genus Chelone, grown for its white, rose, or purple flower spikes: family Scrophulariaceae [New Latin, from Greek chelōnē a tortoise, from a fancied resemblance between a tortoise's head and the shape of the flower]

■ chelonian (kIˈləʊnIən)   n   1 any reptile of the order Chelonia, including the tortoises and turtles, in which most of the body is enclosed in a protective bony capsule   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of the Chelonia [C19: from New Latin Chelōnia, from Greek khelōnē tortoise]

chelp (tʃɛlp)   vb (intr) Northern English and Midland English dialect   1 (esp of women or children) to chatter or speak out of turn: she's always chelping at the teacher   2 (of birds) to squeak or chirp [C19: perhaps from ch(irp) + (y)elp]

Chelsea (ˈtʃɛlsI)   n   a residential district of SW London, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: site of the Chelsea Royal Hospital for old and infirm soldiers (Chelsea Pensioners)

■ Chelsea bun   n   a rolled yeast currant bun decorated with sugar

■ Chelsea tractor   n Brit   informal a four-by-four [C21: from the idea of vehicles designed for rough terrain being popular among urban dwellers]

Cheltenham (ˈtʃɛltənəm)   n   1 a town in W England, in central Gloucestershire: famous for its schools, racecourse, and saline springs (discovered in 1716). Pop: 98 875 (2001)   2 a style of type

cheluviation (ˌkiːluːvIˈeIʃən)   n   geography the leaching of chelates through soil

Chelyabinsk (Russian tʃIˈljabinsk)   n   an industrial city in SW Russia; in 2013 a large meteor exploded in an airburst over the city's surrounding district. Pop: 1 067 000 (2005 est)

Chelyuskin (Russian tʃIˈljuskin)   n   Cape Chelyuskin a cape in N central Russia, in N Siberia at the end of the Taimyr Peninsula: the northernmost point of Asia

chem.   abbreviation for   1 chemical   2 chemist   3 chemistry

chem-   combining form   variant of chemo-

chemautotroph (ˌkiːməʊˈɔːtətrəʊf) or chemoautroph (ˌkiːməʊˈɔːtrəuf, ˌkɛm-)   n   biology an organism, such as a bacterium, that obtains its energy from inorganic reactions using simple compounds, such as ammonia or hydrogen sulphide. Also called: chemolithotroph   > chemautotrophic (ˌkiːməʊˌɔːtəˈtrɒfIk, ˌkɛm-) adj

chemiatric (ˌkɛmIˈætrIk)   adj   healing by the use of chemicals

chemic (ˈkɛmIk)   vb (tr)   1 to bleach   ▷ n   2 a person involved in the study of chemistry

chemical (ˈkɛmIkəl)   n   1 any substance used in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, esp one derived artificially for practical use   ▷ adj   2 of or used in chemistry: chemical balance   3 of, made from, or using chemicals: chemical fertilizer   > ˈchemically adv

■ chemical bond   n   a mutual attraction between two atoms resulting from a redistribution of their outer electrons. See also covalent bond, electrovalent bond, coordinate bond

■ chemical engineering   n   the branch of engineering concerned with the design, operation, maintenance, and manufacture of the plant and machinery used in industrial chemical processes   > chemical engineer n

■ chemical equation   n   a representation of a chemical reaction using symbols of the elements to indicate the amount of substance, usually in moles, of each reactant and product

■ chemical machining   n   the shaping of a metal part by controlled removal of unwanted metal by a flow of chemical solutions

■ chemical peeling   n   a cosmetic process in which a substance containing a chemical (esp alpha-hydroxy acids) is applied to the skin of the face and peeled away to remove a layer of dead cells

■ chemical potential   n   a thermodynamic function of a substance in a system that is the partial differential of the Gibbs function of the system with respect to the number of moles of the substance. Symbol: μ

■ chemical reaction   n   a process that involves changes in the structure and energy content of atoms, molecules, or ions but not their nuclei. Compare nuclear reaction

■ chemicals (ˈkɛmIkəlz)   pl n   (functioning as singular)   a the commercial production and sale of chemical products   b (as modifier): a chemicals company

■ chemical warfare   n   warfare in which chemicals other than explosives are used as weapons, esp warfare using asphyxiating or nerve gases, poisons, defoliants, etc

chemicking (ˈkɛmIkIŋ)   n   chem (of textiles) the process of bleaching

chemico-   combining form   chemical: chemicophysical

chemiluminescence (ˌkɛmIˌluːmIˈnɛsəns)   n   the phenomenon in which a chemical reaction leads to the emission of light without incandescence   > ˌchemiˌlumiˈnescent adj

chemin de fer (ʃəˈmæn də ˈfɛə; French ʃəmɛ̃dfɛr)   n   a gambling game, a variation of baccarat [French: railway, referring to the fast tempo of the game]

chemiosmosis (ˌkɛmIɒzˈməʊsIs) or chemosmosis   n   1 biochem the mechanism by which the synthesis and utilization of the biochemical energy source ATP is regulated: the energy generated by oxidative phosphorylation generates a proton gradient across the membrane of the mitochondrion that drives the enzymic resynthesis of ATP   2 a chemical reaction between two compounds after osmosis through an intervening semipermeable membrane

■ chemiosmotic (ˌkɛmIɒzˈmɒtIk)   adj   biochem relating to the process of chemiosmosis

chemise (ʃəˈmiːz)   n   1 an unwaisted loose-fitting dress hanging straight from the shoulders   2 a loose shirtlike undergarment   ▶ Also called: shift [C14: from Old French: shirt, from Late Latin camisa, perhaps of Celtic origin]

chemisette (ˌʃɛmIˈzɛt)   n   an underbodice of lawn, lace, etc, worn to fill in a low-cut dress [C19: from French, diminutive of CHEMISE]

chemism (ˈkɛmIzəm)   n   obsolete chemical action

chemisorption (ˌkɛmIˈsɔːpʃən)   n   an adsorption process in which an adsorbate is held on the surface of an adsorbent by chemical bonds

■ chemisorb (ˌkɛmIˈsɔːb) or chemosorb   vb   (tr) to take up (a substance) by chemisorption

chemist (ˈkɛmIst)   n   1 Brit a shop selling medicines, cosmetics, etc   2 Brit a qualified dispenser of prescribed medicines   3 a person studying, trained in, or engaged in chemistry   4 an obsolete word for alchemist [C16: from earlier chimist, from New Latin chimista, shortened from Medieval Latin alchimista ALCHEMIST]

■ chemist's (ˈkɛmIsts)   n   Brit a chemist's shop

chemistry (ˈkɛmIstrI)   n, pl -tries   1 the branch of physical science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. See also inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry   2 the composition, properties, and reactions of a particular substance   3 the nature and effects of any complex phenomenon: the chemistry of humour   4 informal a reaction, taken to be instinctual, between two persons [C17: from earlier chimistrie, from chimist CHEMIST]

chemitype (ˈkɛmIˌtaIp) or chemitypy (ˈkɛmIˌtaIpI)   n   printing an obsolete chemical process by which a relief impression was obtained from an engraving or etching

chemmy (ˈʃɛmI)   n   cards short for chemin de fer

Chemnitz (German ˈkɛmnIts)   n   a city in E Germany, in Saxony, at the foot of the Erzgebirge: textiles, engineering. Pop: 249 922 (2003 est). Former name (1953–90): Karl-Marx-Stadt

chemo (ˈkiːməʊ)   n   informal short for chemotherapy

chemo-, chemi- or before a vowel chem-   combining form   indicating that chemicals or chemical reactions are involved: chemotherapy [New Latin, from Late Greek khēmeia; see ALCHEMY]

chemoattractant (ˌkɛməʊəˈtræktənt)   n   a chemical substance that provokes chemotaxis, esp one that causes a bacterium to move in the direction in which its concentration is increasing

chemoautotroph (ˌkiːməʊˈɔːtəˌtrəʊf)   n   biology an organism that obtains energy through chemoautotrophy

■ chemoautotrophy (ˌkiːməʊˈɔːtəˌtrəʊfI)   n   biology the process of deriving energy through oxidizing inorganic chemical compounds, as opposed to photosynthesis

chemoautroph (ˌkiːməʊˈɔːtrəʊf)   n   a variant of chemautotroph

chemoheterotroph (ˌkiːməʊˈhɛtərəʊtrəʊf, ˌkɛm-)   n   biology an organism that obtains its energy from the oxidation of organic compounds. Also called: chemo-organotroph   > chemoheterotrophic (ˌkiːməʊˌhɛtərəʊˈtrɒfIk, ˌkɛm-) adj

chemokine (ˈkiːməʊˌkaIn)   n   immunol a type of protein produced during inflammation that activates white blood cells

chemokinesis (ˌkɛməʊkaIˈniːsIs)   n   immunol the random movement of cells, such as leucocytes, stimulated by substances in their environment

chemolithotroph (ˌkiːməʊˈlIθətrəʊf, ˌkɛm-)   n   another name for chemautotroph

chemonasty (ˈkɛməʊˌnæstI)   n   botany the nastic movement of a plant in response to a chemical stimulus

chemo-organotroph (ˌkiːməʊɔːˈɡænətrəʊf, ˌkɛm-)   n   another name for chemoheterotroph

chemoprevention (ˌkiːməʊprIˈvɛnʃən)   n   the prevention of disease, esp cancer, by means of chemical agents

chemoprophylaxis (ˌkɛməʊˌprəʊfəˈlæksIs, -ˌprɒfə-)   n   the prevention of disease using chemical drugs   > ˌchemoˌprophyˈlactic adj

chemopsychiatry (ˌkiːməʊsaIˈkaIətrI)   n   the study and application of chemical substances in psychiatry

chemoreceptor (ˌkɛməʊrIˈsɛptə) or chemoceptor (ˌkɛməʊˈsɛptə)   n   a sensory receptor in a biological cell membrane to which an external molecule binds to generate a smell or taste sensation

■ chemoreception (ˌkiːməʊrIˈsɛpʃən)   n   the response of a chemoreceptor to chemical stimuli

■ chemoreceptive (ˌkiːməʊrIˈsɛptIv)   adj   responsive to chemical stimuli

chemosmosis (ˌkɛmɒzˈməʊsIs)   n   a variant spelling of chemiosmosis   > chemosmotic (ˌkɛmɒzˈmɒtIk) adj

chemosphere (ˈkɛməˌsfIə)   n   meteorol a rare name for thermosphere   > chemospheric (ˌkɛməˈsfɛrIk) adj

chemostat (ˈkiːməʊˌstæt, ˈkɛm-)   n   an apparatus for growing bacterial cultures at a constant rate by controlling the supply of nutrient medium

chemosurgery (ˌkiːməʊˈsɜːdʒərI)   n   med a method of treating cancer involving the use of chemicals to destroy malignant tissue or skin

■ chemosurgical (ˌkiːməʊˈsɜːdʒIkəl)   adj   med of or relating to chemosurgery

chemosynthesis (ˌkɛməʊˈsInθIsIs)   n   the formation of organic material by certain bacteria using energy derived from simple chemical reactions   > chemosynthetic (ˌkɛməʊsInˈθɛtIk) adj   > ˌchemosynˈthetically adv

chemotaxis (ˌkɛməʊˈtæksIs)   n   the movement of a microorganism or cell in response to a chemical stimulus   > ˌchemoˈtactic adj   > ˌchemoˈtactically adv

chemotaxonomy (ˌkiːməʊtækˈsɒnəmI)   n   biochem the taxonomy of species of organisms based on biochemical characteristics

■ chemotaxonomic (ˌkiːməʊˌtæksəˈnɒmIk)   adj   biochem of or relating to chemotaxonomy

■ chemotaxonomist (kiːməʊtækˈsɒnəmIst)   n   biochem a specialist in the field of chemotaxonomy

chemotherapy (ˌkiːməʊˈθɛrəpI, kiːmə-)   n   treatment of disease, esp cancer, by means of chemical agents. Compare radiotherapy   > ˌchemoˈtherapist n

■ chemotherapeutic (ˌkiːməʊθɛrəˈpjuːtIk)   adj   of or used in chemotherapy

chemotropism (ˌkɛməʊˈtrəʊˌpIzəm)   n   the growth response of an organism, esp a plant, to a chemical stimulus   > chemotropic (ˌkɛməʊˈtrɒpIk) adj   > ˌchemoˈtropically adv

chempaduk (ˈtʃɛmpəˌdʌk)   n   1 an evergreen moraceous tree, Artocarpus champeden (or A. integer), of Malaysia, similar to the jackfruit   2 the fruit of this tree, edible when cooked, having yellow starchy flesh and a leathery rind [from Malay]

chemsex (ˈkɛmˌsɛks)   n   sexual activity performed while under the influence of psychoactive drugs [C21: from chem(ical) sex]

chemtrail (ˈkɛmˌtreIl)   n   a visible trail from an aircraft, believed by some to be caused by the release of chemicals designed to alter the earth's atmosphere [C20: from CHEM(ICAL) + TRAIL]

Chemulpo (ˌtʃɛmʊlˈpəʊ)   n   a former name of Incheon

chemurgy (ˈkɛmɜːdʒI)   n   the branch of chemistry concerned with the industrial use of organic raw materials, esp materials of agricultural origin   > chemˈurgic or chemˈurgical adj

Chenab (tʃIˈnæb)   n   a river rising in the Himalayas and flowing southwest to the Sutlej River in Pakistan. Length: 1087 km (675 miles)

chenar (tʃiːˈnɑː)   n   the oriental plane tree, Platanus orientalis, native from SE Europe to N Iran

Chen-chiang or Cheng-chiang (ˈtʃɛnˈtʃæŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Zhenjiang

Cheney (ˈtʃeInI)   n   Richard B(ruce), known as Dick. born 1941, US Republican politician; vice president from 2001 to 2009

Chengchow or Cheng-chou (ˈtʃɛŋˈtʃaʊ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Zhengzhou

Chengde, Chengteh or Ch'eng-te (ˈtʃɛŋˈteI)   n   a city in NE China, in Hebei on the Luan River: summer residence of the Manchu emperors. Pop: 470 000 (2005 est)

Chengdu, Chengtu or Ch'eng-tu (ˈtʃɛŋˈtuː)   n   a city in S central China, capital of Sichuan province. Pop: 3 478 000 (2005 est)

Chénier (French ʃenje)   n   1  André (Marie de) (ɑ̃dre). 1762–94, French poet; his work was influenced by the ancient Greek elegiac poets. He was guillotined during the French Revolution   2  his brother, Marie-Joseph (Blaise de). 1764–1811, French dramatist and politician. He wrote patriotic songs and historical plays, such as Charles IX (1789)

chenille (ʃəˈniːl)   n   1 a thick soft tufty silk or worsted velvet cord or yarn used in embroidery and for trimmings, etc   2 a fabric of such yarn   3 a rich and hard-wearing carpet of such fabric [C18: from French, literally: hairy caterpillar, from Latin canicula, diminutive of canis dog]

Chenin Blanc (ʃəˈnɛ̃ blɒŋk)   n   1 a white grape grown in the Loire region of France and in South Africa, California, New Zealand, and elsewhere, used for making wine   2 any of various light dry white wines made from this grape

chenix (ˈkiːnIks)   n   an ancient measure, equivalent to slightly more than a quart

Chennai (tʃIˈnaI)   n   a port in SE India, capital of Tamil Nadu, on the Bay of Bengal: founded in 1639 by the English East India Company as Fort St George; traditional burial place of St Thomas; university (1857). Pop: 4 216 268 (2001). Former name: Madras

chenopod (ˈkiːnəˌpɒd, ˈkɛn-)   n   any flowering plant of the family Chenopodiaceae, which includes the beet, mangel-wurzel, spinach, and goosefoot [C16: from Greek khēn goose + pous foot]   > chenopodiaceous (ˌkiːnəˌpəʊdIˈeIʃəs, ˌkɛn-) adj

cheongsam (ˈtʃɒŋˈsæm)   n   a straight dress, usually of silk or cotton, with a stand-up collar and a slit in one side of the skirt, worn by Chinese women [from Chinese (Cantonese), variant of Mandarin ch'ang shan long jacket]

Cheops (ˈkiːɒps)   n   original name Khufu. Egyptian king of the fourth dynasty (?2613–?2494 BC), who built the largest pyramid at El Gîza

Chephren (ˈkɛfrən)   n   See Khafre

Chepstow (ˈtʃɛpstəʊ)   n   a town in S Wales, in Monmouthshire on the River Wye: tourism, light industry. Pop: 10 821 (2001)

cheque or US check (tʃɛk)   n   1 a bill of exchange drawn on a bank by the holder of a current account; payable into a bank account, if crossed, or on demand, if uncrossed   2 Austral and NZ the total sum of money received for contract work or a crop   3 Austral and NZ wages [C18: from CHECK, in the sense: a means of verification]

■ cheque account   n   an account at a bank or a building society upon which cheques can be drawn

■ chequebook or US checkbook (ˈtʃɛkˌbʊk)   n   a book containing detachable blank cheques and issued by a bank or building society to holders of cheque accounts

■ chequebook journalism   n   the practice of securing exclusive rights to material for newspaper stories by paying a high price for them, regardless of any moral implications such as paying people to boast of criminal or morally reprehensible activities

■ cheque card   n Brit   a card issued by a bank or building society, guaranteeing payment of a customer's cheques up to a stated value: may also function as a cash card or debit card or both

■ chequing account (ˈtʃɛkIŋ)   n   Canadian an account at a bank or building society against which cheques may be drawn at any time. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): current account

chequer or US checker (ˈtʃɛkə)   n   1 any of the marbles, pegs, or other pieces used in the game of Chinese chequers   2    a a pattern consisting of squares of different colours, textures, or materials   b one of the squares in such a pattern   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to make irregular in colour or character; variegate   4 to mark off with alternating squares of colour [C13: chessboard, from Anglo-French escheker, from eschec CHECK]

■ chequerboard (ˈtʃɛkəˌbɔːd)   n   another name for a draughtboard

■ chequered or esp US checkered (ˈtʃɛkəd)   adj   marked by fluctuations of fortune (esp in the phrase a chequered career)

■ chequered flag   n   the black-and-white checked flag traditionally shown to the winner and all finishers at the end of a motor race by a senior race official

■ chequers (ˈtʃɛkəz)   n   (functioning as singular) another name for draughts

■ chequerwise (ˈtʃɛkəˌwaIz)   adv   in the manner of a chequerboard

■ chequerwork (ˈtʃɛkəˌwɜːk)   n   any work that resembles a chequerboard in pattern

Chequers (ˈtʃɛkəz)   n   an estate and country house in S England, in central Buckinghamshire: the official country residence of the British prime minister

Cher (French ʃɛr)   n   1 a department of central France, in Centre-Val de Loire region. Capital: Bourges. Pop: 312 277 (2003 est). Area: 7304 sq km (2849 sq miles)   2 a river in central France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing northwest to the Loire. Length: 354 km (220 miles)

cheralite (ˈtʃɛrəˌlaIt)   n   mineralogy a rare monazite mineral consisting of thorium and calcium

Cherbourg (ˈʃɛəbʊəɡ; French ʃɛrbur)   n   a port in NW France, on the English Channel. Pop: 25 370 (1999)

Cheremiss or Cheremis (ˌtʃɛərəˈmIs, -ˈmiːs, ˈtʃɛərəˌmIs, -ˌmiːs)   n   1 (pl -miss or -mis) a member of an Ugrian people of the Volga region, esp of the Mari El Republic   2 Also called: Mari the language of this people, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family

Cherenkov or Cerenkov (tʃIˈrɛŋkɒf; Russian tʃIˈrjenkəf)   n   Pavel Alekseyevich (ˈpavIl alIkˈsjejIvitʃ). 1904–90, Soviet physicist: noted for work on the effects produced by high-energy particles: shared Nobel prize for physics 1958

■ Cherenkov radiation (tʃIˈrɛŋkɒf)   n   the electromagnetic radiation produced when a charged particle moves through a medium at a greater velocity than the velocity of light in that medium

Cheribon (ˈtʃIərəˌbɒn)   n   a former spelling of Cirebon

cherimoya or cherimoyer (ˌtʃɛrIˈmɔIə)   n   1 a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to the Andean highlands, which produces an oval fruit with cream-coloured flesh   2 the fruit of this shrub or tree

cherish (ˈtʃɛrIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to show great tenderness for; treasure   2 to cling fondly to (a hope, idea, etc); nurse: to cherish ambitions [C14: from Old French cherir, from cher dear, from Latin cārus]   > ˈcherishable adj   > ˈcherisher n   > ˈcherishingly adv

■ cherished (ˈtʃɛrIʃt)   adj   1 clung to, esp when fulfilment is unlikely   2 treasured   3 highly valued, honoured, and respected

■ cherishment (ˈtʃɛrIʃmənt)   n   the act or process of cherishing

chermoula (tʃɜːˈmuːlə)   n   a marinade used in N African cookery

Chernenko (tʃɜːˈɲɛŋkəʊ)   n   Konstantin (Ustinovich) (kənstanˈtin). 1911–85, Soviet statesman; general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party (1984–85)

Chernigov (ˈtʃɜːnIɡɒf)   n   a city in N central Ukraine, on the River Desna: tyres, pianos, consumer goods. Pop: 308 000 (2005 est)

Chernivtsi (Ukrainian tʃɛrnifˈtsi)   n   a city in Ukraine on the Prut River: formerly under Polish, Austro-Hungarian, and Romanian rule; part of the Soviet Union (1947–91). Pop: 237 000 (2005 est). German name: Czernowitz. Romanian name: Cernăuţi. Russian name: Chernovtsy

Chernobyl (tʃɜːˈnəʊbəl, -ˈnɒbəl)   n   a town in N Ukraine; site of a nuclear power station accident in 1986

chernozem or tschernosem (ˈtʃɜːnəʊˌzɛm)   n   a black soil, rich in humus and carbonates, in cool or temperate semiarid regions, as the grasslands of Russia [from Russian, contraction of chernaya zemlya black earth]

■ chernozemic (ˌtʃɜːnəʊˈzɛmIk)   adj   geology of or relating to a chernozem

Cherokee (ˈtʃɛrəˌkiː, ˌtʃɛrəˈkiː)   n   1 (pl -kees or -kee) a member of a Native American people formerly living in and around the Appalachian Mountains, now chiefly in Oklahoma; one of the Iroquois peoples   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Iroquoian family

■ Cherokee rose   n   an evergreen climbing Chinese rose, Rosa laevigata, that now grows wild in the southern US, having large white fragrant flowers

cheroot (ʃəˈruːt)   n   a cigar with both ends cut off squarely [C17: from Tamil curuttu curl, roll]

cherry (ˈtʃɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any of several trees of the rosaceous genus Prunus, such as P. avium (sweet cherry), having a small fleshy rounded fruit containing a hard stone. See also bird cherry   2 the fruit or wood of any of these trees   3 any of various unrelated plants, such as the ground cherry and Jerusalem cherry   4    a a bright red colour; cerise   b (as adjective): a cherry coat   5 slang virginity or the hymen as its symbol   6 (modifier) of or relating to the cherry fruit or wood: cherry tart [C14: back formation from Old English ciris (mistakenly thought to be plural), ultimately from Late Latin ceresia, perhaps from Latin cerasus cherry tree, from Greek kerasios]   > ˈcherry-ˌlike adj

■ cherry brandy   n   a red liqueur made of brandy flavoured with cherries

■ cherry laurel   n   a Eurasian rosaceous evergreen shrub, Prunus laurocerasus, having glossy aromatic leaves, white flowers, and purplish-black fruits

■ cherry-pick   vb   (tr) to choose or take the best or most profitable of (a number of things), esp for one's own benefit or gain: cherry-pick the best routes

■ cherry picker   n   a hydraulic crane, esp one mounted on a lorry, that has an elbow joint or telescopic arm supporting a basket-like platform enabling a person to service high power lines or to carry out similar operations above the ground

■ cherry-pie   n   a widely planted garden heliotrope, Heliotropium peruvianum

■ cherry plum   n   a small widely planted Asian rosaceous tree, Prunus cerasifera, with white flowers and red or yellow cherry-like fruit. Also called: myrobalan

■ cherry-red   adj   bright red

■ cherrystone (ˈtʃɛrIˌstəʊn)   n     a a small or not fully-grown edible clam of the genus Mercenaria, found in the waters off the Atlantic coast of North America   b (as modifier): cherrystone clams

■ cherry tomato   n   a miniature tomato not much bigger than a cherry

chersonese (ˈkɜːsəˌniːs)   n     a a poetic or rhetorical word for peninsula   b (capital when part of a name): Thracian Chersonese [C17: from Latin, from Greek khersonēsos, from khersos dry (land) + nēsos island]

chert (tʃɜːt)   n   a microcrystalline form of silica usually occurring as bands or layers of pebbles in sedimentary rock. Formula: SiO_2. Varieties include flint, lyddite (Lydian stone). Also called: hornstone [C17: of obscure origin]   > ˈcherty adj

Chertsey (ˈtʃɜːtsI)   n   a town in S England, in N Surrey on the River Thames. Pop: 10 323 (2001)

cherub (ˈtʃɛrəb)   n, pl cherubs or cherubim (ˈtʃɛrəbIm, -ʊbIm)   1 theol a member of the second order of angels, whose distinctive gift is knowledge, often represented as a winged child or winged head of a child   2 an innocent or sweet child [Old English, from Hebrew kěrūbh]   > cherubic (tʃəˈruːbIk) or cheˈrubical adj   > cheˈrubically adv

■ cherubimic (ˌtʃɛrəˈbImIk)   adj   theol another word for cherubic

■ cherubin (ˈtʃɛrəbIn)   n   an obsolete name for cherub

■ cherublike (ˈtʃɛrəbˌlaIk)   adj   another word for cherubic

Cherubini (ˌkɛrʊˈbiːnI)   n   (Maria) Luigi (Carlo Zenobio Salvatore) (luˈiːdʒi). 1760–1842, Italian composer, noted particularly for his church music and his operas.

chervil (ˈtʃɜːvIl)   n   1 an aromatic umbelliferous Eurasian plant, Anthriscus cerefolium, with small white flowers and aniseed-flavoured leaves used as herbs in soups and salads   2 bur chervil a similar and related plant, Anthriscus caucalis   3 a related plant, Chaerophyllum temulentum, having a hairy purple-spotted stem [Old English cerfelle, from Latin caerephylla, plural of caerephyllum chervil, from Greek khairephullon, from khairein to enjoy + phullon leaf]

chervonets (tʃəˈvɔːnɛts)   n   (formerly) a Soviet monetary unit and gold coin worth ten roubles [from Old Russian červonyi, from Old Polish czerwony golden, purple]

Cherwell (ˈtʃɑːwəl)   n   1st Viscount title of Frederick Alexander Lindemann (ˈlIndəmən). 1886–1957, British physicist, born in Germany, noted for his research on heat capacity, aeronautics, and atomic physics. He was scientific adviser to Winston Churchill during World War II

Ches.   abbreviation for   Cheshire

Chesapeake Bay (ˈtʃɛsəˌpiːk)   n   the largest inlet of the Atlantic in the coast of the US: bordered by Maryland and Virginia

■ Chesapeake Bay retriever   n   a strongly built variety of retriever with a short thick, slightly wavy coat in straw colour, reddish gold, or brown

Cheshire^1 (ˈtʃɛʃə, ˈtʃɛʃIə)   n   a former administrative county of NW England; administered since 2009 by the unitary authorities of Cheshire West and Chester, and Cheshire East: low-lying and undulating, bordering on the Pennines in the east; mainly agricultural: the geographic and ceremonial county includes Warrington and Halton, which became independent unitary authorities in 1998. Area 2077 sq km (802 sq miles). Abbreviation: Ches

■ Cheshire cheese   n   a mild-flavoured cheese with a crumbly texture, originally made in Cheshire

■ Cheshire East   n   a unitary authority in NW England. Administrative centre: Sandbach. Pop: 358 900 (2008 est). Area: 1160 sq km (448 sq miles)

■ Cheshire West and Chester   n   a unitary authority in NW England. Administrative centre: Chester. Pop: 328 100 (2008 est). Area: 917 sq km (354 sq miles)

Cheshire^2 (ˈtʃɛʃə)   n   Group Captain (Geoffrey) Leonard. 1917–92, British philanthropist: awarded the Victoria Cross in World War II; founded the Leonard Cheshire Foundation Homes for the Disabled: married Sue, Baroness Ryder

Cheshunt (ˈtʃɛʃənt)   n   a town in SE England, in SE Hertfordshire: a dormitory town of London. Pop: 55 275 (2001)

Cheshvan or Heshvan (xɛʃˈvan)   n   (in the Jewish calendar) the eighth month of the year according to biblical reckoning and the second month of the civil year, usually falling within October and November. Also called: Marcheshvan [from Hebrew]

chesil (ˈtʃɛzIl)   n   1 small stones often found on beaches and worn by the action of the sea   2 a variety of pear that has an even skin and is green in colour

chess^1 (tʃɛs)   n   a game of skill for two players using a chessboard on which chessmen are moved. Initially each player has one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns, which have different types of moves according to kind. The object is to checkmate the opponent's king [C13: from Old French esches, plural of eschec check (at chess); see CHECK]

■ chessboard (ˈtʃɛsˌbɔːd)   n   a square board divided into 64 squares of two alternating colours, used for playing chess or draughts

■ chessboxing (ˈtʃɛsˌbɒksIŋ)   n   a sport in which participants contest alternating rounds of chess and boxing, of four and two minutes respectively

■ chessman (ˈtʃɛsˌmæn, -mən)   n, pl -men   any of the eight pieces and eight pawns used by each player in a game of chess [C17: back formation from chessmen, from Middle English chessemeyne chess company, from meynie, menye company, body of men, from Old French meyné]

■ chesspiece (ˈtʃɛsˌpiːs)   n   any of the eight pieces (excluding the pawns) used by each player in a game of chess

■ chessplayer (ˈtʃɛspleIə)   n   a player of chess

chess^2 (tʃɛs)   n   US a less common name for rye-brome [C18: of unknown origin]

chess^3 (tʃɛs)   n, pl chess or chesses   a floorboard of the deck of a pontoon bridge [C15 (in the sense: layer, tier): from Old French chasse frame, from Latin capsa box]

chessel (ˈtʃɛsəl)   n   a mould used in cheese-making [C18: probably from CHEESE^1 + WELL^2]

chessylite (ˈtʃɛsIˌlaIt)   n   mineralogy the blue mineral azurite or copper carbonate

chest (tʃɛst)   n   1    a the front part of the trunk from the neck to the belly. Related adjective: pectoral   b (as modifier): a chest cold   2 get something off one's chest informal to unburden oneself of troubles, worries, etc, by talking about them   3 a box, usually large and sturdy, used for storage or shipping: a tea chest   4 Also: chestful the quantity a chest holds   5 rare   a the place in which a public or charitable institution deposits its funds   b the funds so deposited   6 a sealed container or reservoir for a gas: a wind chest; a steam chest [Old English cest, from Latin cista wooden box, basket, from Greek kistē box]   > ˈchested adj

■ chest compression   n   the application of pressure to the chest to prevent it from expanding, used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

■ chestful (ˈtʃɛstfʊl)   n   another word for chest (sense 4)

■ chestily (ˈtʃɛstIlI)   adv   in a self-important and arrogant manner

■ chest of drawers   n   a piece of furniture consisting of a frame, often on short legs, containing a set of drawers

■ chest of viols   n   a set of viols of different sizes, usually six in number, used in consorts

■ chest-on-chest   n   another term for tallboy

■ chest voice or chest register   n   a voice of the lowest speaking or singing register. Compare head voice

■ chesty (ˈtʃɛstI)   adj chestier, chestiest informal   1 Brit having or symptomatic of chest disease: a chesty cough   2 having a large well-developed chest or bosom   > ˈchestiness n

Chester (ˈtʃɛstə)   n   a city in NW England, administrative centre of the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester, on the River Dee: intact surrounding walls; 16th- and 17th-century double-tier shops. Pop: 80 121 (2001). Latin name: Deva

chesterfield (ˈtʃɛstəˌfiːld)   n   1 a man's knee-length overcoat, usually with a fly front to conceal the buttons and having a velvet collar   2 a large tightly stuffed sofa, often upholstered in leather, with straight upholstered arms of the same height as the back   3 Canadian any sofa or couch [C19: named after a 19th-century Earl of Chesterfield]

Chesterfield^1 (ˈtʃɛstəˌfiːld)   n   an industrial town in N central England, in Derbyshire: famous 14th-century church with twisted spire. Pop: 70 260 (2001)

Chesterfield^2 (ˈtʃɛstəˌfiːld)   n   Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield. 1694–1773, English statesman and writer, noted for his elegance, suavity, and wit; author of Letters to His Son (1774)

■ Chesterfieldian (ˌtʃɛstəˈfiːldIən)   adj   of or like Lord Chesterfield; suave; elegant; polished

Chesterton (ˈtʃɛstətən)   n   G(ilbert) K(eith). 1874–1936, English essayist, novelist, poet, and critic

chestnut (ˈtʃɛsˌnʌt)   n   1 any N temperate fagaceous tree of the genus Castanea, such as C. sativa (sweet or Spanish chestnut), which produce flowers in long catkins and nuts in a prickly bur. Compare horse chestnut, water chestnut, dwarf chestnut   2 the edible nut of any of these trees   3 the hard wood of any of these trees, used in making furniture, etc   4    a a reddish-brown to brown colour   b (as adjective): chestnut hair   5 a horse of a yellow-brown or golden-brown colour   6 a small horny callus on the inner surface of a horse's leg   7 informal an old or stale joke [C16: from earlier chesten nut: chesten, from Old French chastaigne, from Latin castanea, from Greek kastanea]

chetah (ˈtʃiːtə)   n   a variant spelling of cheetah

Chetnik (ˈtʃɛtnIk, tʃɛtˈniːk)   n   1 a Serbian nationalist belonging to a group that fought against the Turks before World War I and engaged in guerrilla warfare during both World Wars   2 a member of a Serbian nationalist paramilitary group fighting or campaigning to retain Serbian influence in the countries which formerly constituted Yugoslavia [from Serbian četnik, from četa troop]

chetrum (ˈtʃɛtrəm)   n   a Bhutanese unit of money, worth one hundredth of a ngultrum

cheval-de-frise (ʃəˌvældəˈfriːz)   n, pl chevaux-de-frise (ʃəˌvəʊdəˈfriːz)   1 a portable barrier of spikes, sword blades, etc, used to obstruct the passage of cavalry   2 a row of spikes or broken glass set as an obstacle on top of a wall [C17: from French, literally: horse from Friesland (where it was first used)]

chevalet (ʃəˈvæleI, ˈʃɛvəˌleI)   n   1 the piece of wood in a musical instrument that the strings are stretched over and which passes on their movement or oscillation to the main part of the instrument   2 a frame or support for a bridge   3 a platform or table on which a glass cylinder is placed before it is worked on and extended

cheval glass (ʃəˈvæl)   n   a full-length mirror mounted so as to swivel within a frame [C19: from French cheval support (literally: horse)]

chevalier (ˌʃɛˈvælIə)   n   1 a member of certain orders of merit, such as the French Legion of Honour   2 French history   a a mounted soldier or knight, esp a military cadet   b the lowest title of rank in the old French nobility   3 an archaic word for knight   4 a chivalrous man; gallant [C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin caballārius horseman, CAVALIER]

Chevalier   n   1 (ˌʃɛvəˈlIə) Albert. 1861–1923, British music hall entertainer, remembered for his cockney songs   2 (ˌʃɛˈvælIə; French ʃəvalje) Maurice (mɔris). 1888–1972, French singer and film actor

chevelure (ˈʃɛvəˌlʊə)   n   1 the hazy or misty luminescence encircling a comet or star   2 the hair on a person's head or an artificial hairpiece

cheven (ˈtʃɛvən)   n   another name for chub (sense 1)

Chevening (ˈtʃiːvənIŋ)   n   a mansion and estate in SE England, in western Kent: the official country residence of the British foreign secretary

cheverel (ˈtʃɛvərəl)   n     a a type of leather made from kidskin or goatskin   b (as modifier): a cheverel glove

chevesaile (ˈtʃɛvəˌseIl)   n   1 a decorative collar on an article of clothing   2 a decorative item of clothing worn around the neck

chevet (ʃəˈveI)   n   a semicircular or polygonal east end of a church, esp a French Gothic church, often with a number of attached apses [C19: from French: pillow, from Latin capitium, from caput head]

cheville (ʃəˈviː)   n   1 the peg or pin at the end of the string in a musical instrument that can be turned in order to tune the string   2 a phrase or a word that has little or no meaning and is included just to fill in a gap or finish off a line of poetry

Cheviot (ˈtʃiːvIət, ˈtʃɛv-)   n   1 a large British breed of sheep reared for its wool   2 (often not capital) a rough twill-weave woollen suiting fabric

■ Cheviot Hills   pl n   a range of hills on the border between England and Scotland, mainly in Northumberland

chevisance (ˈtʃɛvIzəns)   n   obsolete law an illegal arrangement or pact

Chevra Kadisha Hebrew (xɛvˈrɑ kɑdIˈʃɑ; Yiddish ˈxɛvrə kɑˈdIʃə)   n   a Jewish burial society, usually composed of unpaid volunteers who provide funerals for members of their congregation [literally: Holy Company]

chèvre (ˈʃɛvrə)   n   any cheese made from goats' milk   ▶ Also called: chevret [C20: from French, literally: goat]

chevrette (ʃəˈvrɛt)   n   1 the skin of a young goat   2 the leather made from this skin [C18: from French: kid, from chèvre goat, from Latin capra]

chevron (ˈʃɛvrən)   n   1 military a badge or insignia consisting of one or more V-shaped stripes to indicate a noncommissioned rank or length of service   2 heraldry an inverted V-shaped charge on a shield, one of the earliest ordinaries found in English arms   3 (usually plural) a pattern of horizontal black and white V-shapes on a road sign indicating a sharp bend   4 any V-shaped pattern or device   5 Also called: dancette an ornamental moulding having a zigzag pattern [C14: from Old French, ultimately from Latin caper goat; compare Latin capreoli two pieces of wood forming rafters (literally: little goats)]

■ chevrony (ˈʃɛvrənI)   adj   1 heraldry showing or displaying chevrons   2 having or composed of chevrons

chevrotain (ˈʃɛvrəˌteIn, -tIn)   n   any small timid ruminant artiodactyl mammal of the genera Tragulus and Hyemoschus, of S and SE Asia: family Tragulidae. They resemble rodents, and the males have long tusklike upper canines. Also called: mouse deer [C18: from French, from Old French chevrot kid, from chèvre goat, from Latin capra, feminine of caper goat]

chevy (ˈtʃɛvI)   n, vb   a variant of chivy

chew (tʃuː)   vb   1 to work the jaws and teeth in order to grind (food); masticate   2 to bite repeatedly: she chewed her nails anxiously   3 (intr) to use chewing tobacco   4 chew the fat or chew the rag slang   a to argue over a point   b to talk idly; gossip   ▷ n   5 the act of chewing   6 something that is chewed: a chew of tobacco [Old English ceowan; related to Old High German kiuwan, Dutch kauwen, Latin gingīva a gum]   > ˈchewable adj   > ˈchewer n

■ chewie (ˈtʃuːI)   n   Austral informal chewing gum

■ chewiness (ˈtʃuːInəs)   n   the condition of necessitating chewing or of being difficult to chew

■ chewing gum   n   a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavoured and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate

■ chew-'n'-spew or chew and spew   n   Austral slang any fast-food restaurant considered to be serving poor quality food

■ chew out   vb   (tr, adverb) informal, chiefly US and Canadian to reprimand

■ chew over   vb   (tr, adverb) to consider carefully; ruminate on

■ chew up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to damage or destroy (something) by or as by chewing or grinding   2 (usually passive) slang to cause (a person) to be nervous or worried: he was all chewed up about the interview

■ chewy (ˈtʃuːI)   adj chewier, chewiest   of a consistency requiring chewing; somewhat firm and sticky

Chewa (ˈtʃeIwə)   n   1 (pl -was or -wa) a member of a people of Malawi, E Zambia, and N Zimbabwe, related to the Bemba   2 the language of this people. See Chichewa

chewet (ˈtʃuːIt)   n   a food made from minced meat or fish combined with fruit and spices and cooked by either baking, boiling, or frying

chewink (tʃəˈwIŋk)   n   a North American bird, Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Also called: towhee, ground-robin

Cheyenne^1 (ʃaIˈæn)   n   1 (pl -enne or -ennes) a member of a Native American people of the western Plains, now living chiefly in Montana and Oklahoma   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family [via Canadian French from Dakota Shaiyena, from shaia to speak incoherently, from sha red + ya to speak]

Cheyenne^2 (ʃaIˈæn, -ˈɛn)   n   a city in SE Wyoming, capital of the state. Pop: 54 374 (2003 est)

Cheyne-Stokes breathing (ˈtʃeInˈstəʊks)   n   pathol alternating shallow and deep breathing, as in comatose patients [C19: named after John Cheyne (1777–1836), Scottish physician, and William Stokes (1804–78), Irish physician]

chez French (ʃe)   prep   1 at the home of   2 with, among, or in the manner of

chg. commerce, finance   abbreviation for   charge

Chhattisgarh (ˌtʃʌtIsˈɡɑː)   n   a state of E central India, created from the SE part of Madhya Pradesh in 2000: consists of a hilly plateau, with extensive forests; agricultural. Capital: Raipur. Pop: 20 795 956 (2001). Area: 135 194 sq km (52 199 sq miles)

chi^1 (kaI)   n   the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet (Χ, χ), a consonant, transliterated as ch or rarely kh

■ chi-square   n   statistics an inferential statistic common in survey research

■ chi-square distribution (ˈkaIˌskwɛə)   n   statistics a continuous single-parameter distribution derived as a special case of the gamma distribution and used esp to measure goodness of fit and to test hypotheses and obtain confidence intervals for the variance of a normally distributed variable

■ chi-square test   n   statistics a test derived from the chi-square distribution to compare the goodness of fit of theoretical and observed frequency distributions or to compare nominal data derived from unmatched groups of subjects

chi^2, ch'i or qi (tʃiː)   n   (sometimes capital) (in Oriental medicine, martial arts, etc) vital energy believed to circulate round the body in currents [Chinese, literally: energy]

■ chi kung (ˈtʃiː ˈɡɒŋ)   n   a variant spelling of qigong

chia (tʃIə)   n   a plant of the genus Salvia, indigenous to Mexico, with purple or blue flowers and edible seeds

chiack or chyack (ˈtʃaIæk) Austral informal   vb (tr)   1 to tease or banter   ▷ n   2 good-humoured banter [C19: from chi-hike, a shout or greeting]

Chian (ˈkaIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Chios   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Chios

Chiang Ch'ing (ˈtʃæŋ ˈtʃIŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Jiang Qing

Chiang Ching-kuo (ˈtʃæŋ tʃIŋˈkwəʊ) or Jiang Jing Guo   n   1910–88, Chinese statesman; the son of Chiang Kai-shek. He was prime minister of Taiwan (1971–78); president (1978–88)

Chiang Kai-shek (ˈtʃæŋ kaIˈʃɛk) or Jiang Jie Shi   n   original name Chiang Chung-cheng, 1887–1975, Chinese general: president of China (1928–31; 1943–49) and of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (1950–75). As chairman of the Kuomintang, he allied with the Communists against the Japanese (1937–45), but in the Civil War that followed was forced to withdraw to Taiwan after his defeat by the Communists (1949)

Chianti (Italian ˈkjanti)   pl n   a mountain range in central Italy, in Tuscany, rising over 870 m (2900 ft): part of the Apennines

■ chianti (kIˈæntI)   n   (sometimes capital) a dry red wine produced in the Chianti region of Italy

■ Chiantishire (kIˈæntIˌʃIə)   n   Brit informal a nickname for Tuscany [C20: from CHIANTI + SHIRE^1, alluding to the large numbers of British people living or holidaying in Tuscany]

chiao (dʒaʊ)   n   1 a Chinese monetary unit equal to one-tenth of a yuan   2 (in Taoism) religion   3 a ceremony of cosmic regeneration practised by Taoist priests

Chiapas (Spanish ˈtʃjapas)   n   a state of S Mexico: mountainous and forested; Maya ruins in the northeast; rich mineral resources. Capital: Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Pop: 3 920 515 (2000). Area: 73 887 sq km (28 816 sq miles)

chiarezza (kjəˈrɛtzə)   n   clarity

chiaroscuro (kIˌɑːrəˈskʊərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   1 the artistic distribution of light and dark masses in a picture   2 monochrome painting using light and dark only, as in grisaille [C17: from Italian, from chiaro CLEAR + oscuro OBSCURE]   > chiˌaroˈscurism n   > chiˌaroˈscurist n

chiasma (kaIˈæzmə) or chiasm (ˈkaIæzəm)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə) or -asms   1 cytology the cross-shaped connection produced by the crossing over of pairing chromosomes during meiosis   2 anatomy the crossing over of two parts or structures, such as the fibres of the optic nerves in the brain [C19: from Greek khiasma wooden crosspiece, from khiazein to mark with an X, from khi CHI^1]   > chiˈasmal or chiˈasmic adj

■ chiasmatic (ˌkaIæzˈmætIk)   adj   1 anatomy relating to the intersection of the optic nerve fibres at the bottom of the brain   2 cytology showing or characterized by the development of chiasmata

chiasmus (kaIˈæzməs)   n, pl -mi (-maI)   rhetoric reversal of the order of words in the second of two parallel phrases: he came in triumph and in defeat departs [C19: from New Latin, from Greek khiasmos crisscross arrangement; see CHIASMA]   > chiastic (kaIˈæstIk) adj

chiastolite (kaIˈæstəˌlaIt)   n   a variety of andalusite containing carbon impurities. Also called: macle [C19: from German Chiastolith, from Greek khiastos crossed, marked with a chi + lithos stone]

chib (tʃIb) Scot slang   vb chibs, chibbing, chibbed   1 (tr) to stab or slash with a sharp weapon   ▷ n   2 a sharp weapon, such as a knife or razor [perhaps related to CHIV]

Chiba (ˈtʃiːba)   n   an industrial city in central Japan, in SE Honshu on Tokyo Bay. Pop: 880 164 (2002 est)

Chibchan (ˈtʃIbtʃən)   n   1 a family of languages spoken by indigenous peoples in Colombia and elsewhere in South America   ▷ adj   2 belonging or relating to this family of languages

chibol (ˈtʃIbəl)   n   English dialect a spring onion [see SYBO]

chibouk or chibouque (tʃIˈbuːk)   n   a Turkish tobacco pipe with an extremely long stem [C19: from French chibouque, from Turkish çubuk pipe]

chic (ʃiːk, ʃIk)   adj   1 (esp of fashionable clothes, women, etc) stylish or elegant   ▷ n   2 stylishness, esp in dress; modishness; fashionable good taste   3 any of various fashion movements based on a particular lifestyle: radical chic; geek chic [C19: from French, of uncertain origin]   > ˈchicly adv

■ chicness (ˈʃiːknəs)   n   the condition of being stylish or elegant

chica (ˈtʃiːkə)   n   a red dye used for colouring the skin produced from the plant Bignonia chica, indigenous to Colombia and Guyana

Chicago (ʃIˈkɑːɡəʊ)   n   a port in NE Illinois, on Lake Michigan: the third largest city in the US; it is a major railway and air traffic centre. Pop: 2 869 121 (2003 est)

chicalote (ˌtʃiːkɑːˈləʊteI)   n   a poppy, Argemone platyceras, of the southwestern US and Mexico with prickly leaves and white or yellow flowers [from Spanish, from Nahuatl chicalotl]

chicana (tʃIˈkɑːnə)   n   1 a female American citizen of Mexican origin   ▷ adj   2 relating to Mexican-American women

chicane (ʃIˈkeIn)   n   1 a bridge or whist hand without trumps   2 motor racing a short section of sharp narrow bends formed by barriers placed on a motor-racing circuit to provide an additional test of driving skill   3 a less common word for chicanery   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to deceive or trick by chicanery   5 (tr) to quibble about; cavil over   6 (intr) to use tricks or chicanery [C17: from French chicaner to quibble, of obscure origin]   > chiˈcaner n

■ chicanery (ʃIˈkeInərI)   n, pl -eries   1 verbal deception or trickery, esp in legal quibbling; dishonest or sharp practice   2 a trick, deception, or quibble

chicano (tʃIˈkɑːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   an American citizen of Mexican origin [C20: from Spanish mejicano Mexican]

chiccory (ˈtʃIkərI)   n, pl -ries   a variant spelling of chicory

chicha^1 (ˈtʃiːtʃə)   n   a South American drink made from fermented maize or fruit

chicha^2 (ˈtʃiːtʃə)   n   an Asian pipe for smoking tobacco, consisting of a long tube with a bowl at the end and a reservoir of water that the smoke passes through

Chichagof Island (ˈtʃItʃəˌɡɔːf)   n   an island of Alaska, in the Alexander Archipelago. Area: 5439 sq km (2100 sq miles)

Chichén Itzá (Spanish tʃiˈtʃen itˈsa)   n   a village in Yucatán state in Mexico: site of important Mayan ruins

Chichester^1 (ˈtʃItʃIstə)   n   a city in S England, administrative centre of West Sussex: Roman ruins; 11th-century cathedral; Festival Theatre. Pop: 27 477 (2001)

Chichester^2 (ˈtʃItʃIstə)   n   Sir Francis. 1901–72, British yachtsman, who sailed alone round the world in Gipsy Moth IV (1966–67)

Chichewa (tʃIˈtʃeIwə)   n   the language of the Chewa people of central Africa, widely used as a lingua franca in Malawi. It belongs to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family

chichi^1 (ˈʃiːˌʃiː)   adj   1 affectedly pretty or stylish   ▷ n   2 the quality of being affectedly pretty or stylish [C20: from French]

chichi^2 (ˈtʃiːˌtʃiː)   n, pl chichis (formerly, in India)     a a person of mixed British and Indian descent; Anglo-Indian   b (as modifier): a chichi accent. Also (less common): chee-chee [C18: perhaps from Hindi chhī-chhī, literally: dirt, or perhaps imitative of their supposed singsong speech]

Chichihaerh or Ch'i-ch'i-haerh (ˈtʃiːˌtʃiːˈhɑː)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Qiqihar

chick (tʃIk)   n   1 the young of a bird, esp of a domestic fowl   2 slang, sometimes offensive a girl or young woman, esp an attractive one   3 a young child: used as a term of endearment [C14: short for CHICKEN]

■ chickabiddy (ˈtʃIkəˌbIdI)   n, pl -dies   a term of endearment, esp for a child [C18: from CHICK + BIDDY^1]

■ chick flick   n   informal, derogatory a film aimed at or appealing to women [C20: from CHICK (sense 2) + FLICK^2]

■ chickling (ˈtʃIklIŋ)   n   1 a very small chick   2 vetch

■ chick lit   n informal, derogatory     a a genre of fiction concentrating on young women and their emotional lives   b (as modifier): chick-lit romances

chickadee (ˈtʃIkəˌdiː)   n   any of various small North American songbirds of the genus Parus, such as P. atricapillus (black-capped chickadee), typically having grey-and-black plumage: family Paridae (titmice) [C19: imitative of its note]

chickaree (ˈtʃIkəˌriː)   n   another name for American red squirrel. See squirrel (sense 1)

Chickasaw (ˈtʃIkəˌsɔː)   n   1 (pl -saws or -saw) a member of a Native American people of N Mississippi   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Muskogean family and closely related to Choctaw

chickee (tʃIˈkiː)   n   a thatched building on stilts with open sides which was the customary home of the Seminole people

chicken (ˈtʃIkIn)   n   1 a domestic fowl bred for its flesh or eggs, esp a young one   2 the flesh of such a bird used for food   3 any of various similar birds, such as a prairie chicken   4 slang a cowardly person   5 slang a young inexperienced person   6 informal any of various, often dangerous, games or challenges in which the object is to make one's opponent lose his or her nerve   7 count one's chickens before they are hatched to be overoptimistic in acting on expectations which are not yet fulfilled   8 like a headless chicken Brit informal disorganized and uncontrolled   9 no chicken or no spring chicken slang no longer young: she's no chicken   ▷ adj   10 slang easily scared; cowardly; timid [Old English ciecen; related to Old Norse kjūklingr gosling, Middle Low German küken chicken]

■ chicken breast   n   pathol another name for pigeon breast   > ˌchicken-ˈbreasted adj

■ chicken feed   n   slang a trifling amount of money

■ chicken fillet   n   1 a fillet cut from a chicken   2 informal a gel-filled pad inserted under clothing to enlarge the appearance of a woman's breast

■ chicken-fried (ˈtʃIkInˌfraId)   adj   1 (of meats, esp steak) coated in seasoned flour and pan-fried   2 informal a derogatory variant of countrified. Compare Southern-fried [sense 2 from chicken-fried steak, a popular dish of the Southern US]

■ chicken-hearted or chicken-livered   adj   easily frightened; cowardly   > ˌchicken-ˈheartedly adv   > ˌchicken-ˈheartedness n

■ chicken louse   n   a louse, Menopon pallidum (or gallinae); a parasite of poultry: order Mallophaga (bird lice)

■ chicken out   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to fail to do something through fear or lack of conviction

■ chickenpox (ˈtʃIkInˌpɒks)   n   a highly communicable viral disease most commonly affecting children, characterized by slight fever and the eruption of a rash

■ chicken run   n South African informal   the departure of white residents from South Africa

■ chickenshit (ˈtʃIkInʃIt)   n US vulgar, slang   1 a coward   ▷ adj   2 despicably cowardly   3 contemptibly worthless

■ chicken wire   n   wire netting with a hexagonal mesh

chickpea (ˈtʃIkˌpiː)   n   1 a bushy leguminous plant, Cicer arietinum, cultivated for its edible pealike seeds in the Mediterranean region, central Asia, and Africa   2 Also called: garbanzo the seed of this plant [C16 ciche peasen, from ciche (from French chiche, from Latin cicer chickpea) + peasen; see PEA]

chickweed (ˈtʃIkˌwiːd)   n   1 any of various caryophyllaceous plants of the genus Stellaria, esp S. media, a common garden weed with small white flowers   2 mouse-ear chickweed any of various similar and related plants of the genus Cerastium

Chiclayo (Spanish tʃiˈklajo)   n   a city in NW Peru. Pop: 434 000 (2005 est)

chicle (ˈtʃIkəl)   n   a gumlike substance obtained from the sapodilla; the main ingredient of chewing gum. Also called: chicle gum [from Spanish, from Nahuatl chictli]

chico (ˈtʃiːkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   another name for greasewood (sense 1)

chicory (ˈtʃIkərI)   n, pl -ries   1 Also called: succory a blue-flowered plant, Cichorium intybus, cultivated for its leaves, which are used in salads, and for its roots: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 the root of this plant, roasted, dried, and used as a coffee substitute   ▶ Compare endive [C15: from Old French chicorée, from Latin cichorium, from Greek kikhōrion]

chide (tʃaId)   vb chides, chiding, chided or chid, chided, chid or chidden   1 to rebuke or scold   2 (tr) to goad into action [Old English cīdan]   > ˈchider n   > ˈchidingly adv

chidlings (ˈtʃIdlIŋz)   pl n   cookery the intestines of an animal, esp a pig, prepared as food

chief (tʃiːf)   n   1 the head, leader, or most important individual in a group or body of people   2 another word for chieftain (sense 2)   3 heraldry the upper third of a shield   4 in chief primarily; especially   ▷ adj   5 (prenominal)   a most important; principal   b highest in rank or authority   ▷ adv   6 archaic principally [C13: from Old French, from Latin caput head]

■ chiefdom (ˈtʃiːfdəm)   n   1 a graded social group led by a chief whose position the chief usually accedes to   2 the region ruled by a chief   3 the office or position of a chief

■ Chief Education Officer   n   Brit an official who is the chief administrative officer of a Local Education Authority. Also called: Director of Education

■ chiefery (ˈtʃiːfərI)   n   1 the responsibility and lands belonging to an Irish chief   2 the convention or tradition of chiefs   3 the contributions due to a chief or, by extension, a monarch   4 the action of guiding or progressing a person or persons towards that which they ultimately want to achieve

■ chiefess (ˈtʃiːfɛs)   n   a chief who is female

■ chief executive   n   the person with overall responsibility for the efficient running of a company, organization, etc

■ chief justice   n   1 (in any of several Commonwealth countries) the judge presiding over a supreme court   2 (in the US) the presiding judge of a court composed of a number of members   ▶ See also Lord Chief Justice   > chief justiceship n

■ chiefless (ˈtʃiːfləs)   adj   having no ruler or leader

■ chiefling (ˈtʃiːflIŋ)   n   a minor chief

■ chiefly (ˈtʃiːflI)   adv   1 especially or essentially; above all   2 in general; mainly; mostly   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to a chief or chieftain

■ Chief of Staff   n   1 the senior staff officer under the commander of a major military formation or organization   2 the senior officer of each service of the armed forces   ▶ Abbreviation: C of S, COS

■ chief petty officer   n   the senior naval rank for personnel without commissioned or warrant rank. Abbreviation: CPO

■ Chief Rabbi   n   the chief religious minister of a national Jewish community

■ chiefship (ˈtʃiːfʃIp)   n   1 the post or situation of a chief   2 the territory that a chief governs

■ chieftain (ˈtʃiːftən, -tIn)   n   1 the head or leader of a tribe or clan   2 the chief of a group of people [C14: from Old French chevetaine, from Late Latin capitāneus commander; see CAPTAIN]   > ˈchieftaincy or ˈchieftainˌship n

■ chieftainess (ˈtʃiːftənˌɛs)   n   a female chieftain

■ chieftainry (ˈtʃiːftənrI)   n   1 another name for chieftaincy   2 (pl -ries) the area governed by a chieftain   3 (pl -ries) a group of chieftains

■ chief technician   n   a noncommissioned officer in the Royal Air Force junior to a flight sergeant

chiel (tʃiːl)   n   Scot a young man; lad [C14: a Scot variant of CHILD]

Chiengmai (ˈtʃIɛŋˈmaI) or Chiang Mai   n   a town in NW Thailand: teak, silver, silk industries: university (1964). Pop: 182 000 (2005 est)

Ch'ien-lung (tʃIˈænˈlɒŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Qian Long

chiffchaff (ˈtʃIfˌtʃæf)   n   a common European warbler, Phylloscopus collybita, with a yellowish-brown plumage [C18: imitative of its call]

chiffon (ʃIˈfɒn, ˈʃIfɒn)   n   1 a fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon, etc   2 (often plural) rare feminine finery   ▷ adj   3 made of chiffon   4 (of soufflés, pies, cakes, etc) having a very light fluffy texture [C18: from French, from chiffe rag; probably related to CHIP]   > ˈchiffony adj

■ chiffonade (ˌʃIfəˈnɑːd)   n   finely shredded leaf vegetables used as a base for a dish or as a garnish

■ chiffonier or chiffonnier (ˌʃIfəˈnIə)   n   1 a tall, elegant chest of drawers, originally intended for holding needlework   2 a wide low open-fronted cabinet, sometimes fitted with two grille doors and shelves [C19: from French, from chiffon rag; see CHIFFON]

chifforobe (ˈʃIfəˌrəʊb)   n   an article of furniture that comprises a chest of drawers and a wardrobe

Chifley (ˈtʃIflI)   n   Joseph Benedict. 1885–1951, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1945–49)

chigetai (ˌtʃIɡIˈtaI)   n   a variety of the Asiatic wild ass, Equus hemionus, of Mongolia. Also spelt: dziggetai [from Mongolian tchikhitei long-eared, from tchikhi ear]

chigga (ˈtʃIɡə)   n   Austral informal, derogatory a young working-class person from Hobart, Tasmania [C20: from Chigwell, a suburb of HOBART]

chigger (ˈtʃIɡə)   n   1 Also called: chigoe, redbug US and Canadian the parasitic larva of any of various free-living mites of the family Trombidiidae, which causes intense itching of human skin   2 another name for the chigoe (sense 1)

chignon (ˈʃiːnjɒn; French ʃiɲɔ̃)   n   an arrangement of long hair in a roll or knot at the back of the head [C18: from French, from Old French chaignon link, from chaine CHAIN; influenced also by Old French tignon coil of hair, from tigne, moth, from Latin tinea moth]   > ˈchignoned adj

chigoe (ˈtʃIɡəʊ)   n   1 Also called: chigger, jigger, sand flea a tropical flea, Tunga penetrans, the female of which lives on or burrows into the skin of its host, which includes humans   2 another name for chigger (sense 1) [C17: from Carib chigo]

Chigwell (ˈtʃIɡwəl)   n   a town in S England, in W Essex. Pop: 10 128 (2001)

Chihli (ˈtʃiːliː)   n   Gulf of Chihli another name for Bohai

Chihuahua (tʃIˈwɑːwɑː, -wə)   n   1 a state of N Mexico: mostly high plateau; important mineral resources, with many silver mines. Capital: Chihuahua. Pop: 728 000 (2005 est). Area: 247 087 sq km (153 194 sq miles)   2 a city in N Mexico, capital of Chihuahua state. Pop: 650 000 (2000 est)   3 a breed of tiny dog originally from Mexico, having short smooth hair, large erect ears, and protruding eyes

chik (tʃIk)   n   1 an obsolete spelling of cheek   2 an obsolete spelling of chick

chikara (tʃIˈkɑːrə)   n   the attribute of might or force

chilblain (ˈtʃIlˌbleIn)   n   pathol (usually plural) an inflammation of the fingers, toes, or ears, caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and cold. Technical name: pernio [C16: from CHILL (n) + BLAIN]   > ˈchilˌblained adj

child (tʃaIld)   n, pl children   1    a a boy or girl between birth and puberty   b (as modifier): child labour   2 a baby or infant   3 an unborn baby. Related prefix: paedo-   4 with child another term for pregnant   5 a human offspring; son or daughter. Related adjective: filial   6 a childish or immature person   7 a member of a family or tribe; descendant: a child of Israel   8 a person or thing regarded as the product of an influence or environment: a child of nature   9 Midland English and Western English dialect a female infant [Old English cild; related to Gothic kilthei womb, Sanskrit jathara belly, jartu womb]   > ˈchildless adj   > ˈchildlessness n   > ˈchildly adj

■ child abuse   n   physical, sexual, or emotional ill-treatment or neglect of a child, esp by those responsible for its welfare. See also nonaccidental injury

■ child-abuse register   n   social welfare (in Britain) a list of children deemed to be at risk of abuse or injury from their parents or guardians, compiled and held by a local authority, area health authority, or NSPCC Special Unit. Also called: NAI register

■ child-bearing   n     a the act or process of carrying and giving birth to a child   b (as modifier): of child-bearing age

■ childbed (ˈtʃaIldˌbɛd)   n     a (often preceded by in) the condition of giving birth to a child   b (as modifier): childbed fever

■ child benefit   n   a regular government payment to the parents of children up to a certain age

■ childbirth (ˈtʃaIldˌbɜːθ)   n   the act of giving birth to a child. Related adjective: obstetric

■ childcare (ˈtʃaIldˌkɛə)   n Brit   1 care provided for children without homes (or with a seriously disturbed home life) by a local authority   2 care and supervision of children whose parents are working, provided by a childminder or local authority

■ childcrowing (ˈtʃaIldˌkrəʊIŋ)   n med   1 Also called: spasmodic croup a disease which causes spasms of the vocal cords   2 the sound made by a child who is suffering from this disease

■ child endowment   n Austral   a social security payment for dependent children

■ childermas (ˈtʃIldəˌmæs)   n   archaic Holy Innocents Day, Dec 28 [Old English cylda-mæsse, from cildra, genitive plural of CHILD, + mæsse MASS]

■ child-free   adj   making a positive choice not to have children

■ child guidance   n   the counselling of emotionally disturbed children

■ childhood (ˈtʃaIldhʊd)   n   the condition of being a child; the period of life before puberty

■ childish (ˈtʃaIldIʃ)   adj   1 in the manner of, belonging to, or suitable to a child   2 foolish or petty; puerile: childish fears   > ˈchildishly adv   > ˈchildishness n

■ child labour   n   the full-time employment of children below a minimum age laid down by statute

■ childlike (ˈtʃaIldˌlaIk)   adj   like or befitting a child, as in being innocent, trustful, etc. Compare childish (sense 2)

■ childlikeness (ˈtʃaIldˌlaIknəs)   n   the character of being like a child

■ childminder   n   a person who looks after children, esp those whose parents are working

■ childminding or child-minding (ˈtʃaIldˌmaIndIŋ) Brit   n   social welfare the activity or profession of looking after other people's children

■ childness (ˈtʃaIldnəs)   n   the nature or character of a child

■ childproof or child proof (ˈtʃaIldpruːf)   adj   designed to eliminate or minimize hazards to children

■ children (ˈtʃIldrən)   n   the plural of child

■ Children's Panel   n   (in Scotland) a group of representatives of relevant agencies, with the power to deal with a child under sixteen who is in criminal or family trouble. Its hearings are private and replace most of the functions of juvenile courts

■ childrenswear (ˈtʃIldrənzˌwɛə)   n   clothing for children

■ child's play   n   informal something that is easy to do

childe (tʃaIld)   n   archaic a young man of noble birth [C13: variant of CHILD]

Childers (ˈtʃIldəz)   n   (Robert) Erskine. 1870–1922, Irish politician, executed by the Irish Free State for his IRA activities: author of the spy story The Riddle of the Sands (1903)

chile (ˈtʃIlI)   n   a variant spelling of chilli

Chile (ˈtʃIlI)   n   a republic in South America, on the Pacific, with a total length of about 4090 km (2650 miles) and an average width of only 177 km (110 miles): gained independence from Spain in 1818; the government of President Allende (elected 1970) attempted the implementation of Marxist policies within a democratic system until overthrown by a military coup (1973); democracy restored 1988. Chile consists chiefly of the Andes in the east, the Atacama Desert in the north, a central fertile region, and a huge S region of almost uninhabitable mountains, glaciers, fjords, and islands; an important producer of copper, iron ore, nitrates, etc. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: peso. Capital: Santiago. Pop: 18 054 726 (2017 est). Area: 756 945 sq km (292 256 sq miles)

■ Chilean (ˈtʃIlIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Chile or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Chile

■ Chilean firebush (ˈfaIəˌbʊʃ)   n   another name for embothrium

■ Chilean sea bass   n   another name for Patagonian toothfish

■ Chile pine   n   another name for the monkey puzzle

■ Chile saltpetre or Chile nitre   n   a naturally occurring form of sodium nitrate: a soluble white or colourless mineral occurring in arid regions, esp in Chile and Peru. Also called: soda nitre

chiliad (ˈkIlIˌæd)   n   1 a group of one thousand   2 one thousand years [C16: from Greek khilias, from khilioi a thousand]   > ˌchiliˈadal or ˌchiliˈadic adj

chiliagon (ˈkIlIəˌɡɒn)   n   geometry a thousand-sided polygon

chiliahedron (ˌkIlIəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   geometry a thousand-sided polyhedron

chiliarch (ˈkIlIɑːk)   n   (in ancient Greece and Rome) the leader or commanding officer of a thousand soldiers

■ chiliarchy (ˈkIlIɑːkI)   n   the position or office of a leader of a thousand soldiers

chiliasm (ˈkIlIˌæzəm)   n   Christian theol another term for millenarianism, millennium [C17: from Greek khiliasmos, from khilioi a thousand]   > ˈchiliˌast n   > ˌchiliˈastic adj

Chilkoot Pass (ˈtʃIlkuːt)   n   a mountain pass in North America between SE Alaska and NW British Columbia, over the Coast Range

chill (tʃIl)   n   1 a moderate coldness   2 a sensation of coldness resulting from a cold or damp environment, or from a sudden emotional reaction   3 a feverish cold   4 a check on enthusiasm or joy   5 metallurgy a metal plate placed in a sand mould to accelerate cooling and control local grain growth   6 another name for bloom^1 (sense 9)   ▷ adj   7 another word for chilly   ▷ vb   8 to make or become cold   9 (tr) to cool or freeze (food, drinks, etc)   10 (tr)   a to depress (enthusiasm, etc)   b to discourage   11 (tr) to cool (a casting or metal object) rapidly in order to prevent the formation of large grains in the metal   12 (intr) slang, chiefly US to relax; calm oneself [Old English ciele; related to calan to COOL, Latin gelidus icy]   > ˈchilling adj   > ˈchillingly adv   > ˈchillness n

■ chilled (tʃIld)   adj   1 (of a person) feeling cold   2 (of food or drink) kept cool   3 Also: chilled-out informal relaxed or easy-going in character or behaviour

■ chiller (ˈtʃIlə)   n   1 informal short for spine-chiller   2 NZ a refrigerated storage area for meat

■ chiller cabinet   n   a cupboard or chest in a shop where chilled foods and drinks are displayed and kept cool

■ chillily (ˈtʃIlIlI)   adv   in a cold manner

■ chill out informal   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to relax, esp after energetic dancing or a spell of hard work   ▷ adj chill-out   2 suitable for relaxation after energetic dancing or hard work: a chill-out area; chill-out music

■ chill pill   n   informal an imaginary medicinal pill with a calming, relaxing effect: take a chill pill

■ chilly (ˈtʃIlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 causing or feeling cool or moderately cold   2 without warmth; unfriendly   3 (of people) sensitive to cold   > ˈchilliness n

■ chilly bin   n   NZ informal a portable insulated container with provision for packing food and drink in ice

chillada (tʃIˈlɑːdə)   n   Mexican cookery a kind of fried patty

Chillán (Spanish tʃiˈʎan)   n   a city in central Chile. Pop: 149 000 (2005 est)

chillax (tʃIˈlæks)   vb (intr) slang   to take rest or recreation, as from work or effort [C20: CHILL (sense 3) + (REL)AX]

chilli or esp US chili (ˈtʃIlI)   n, pl chillies or chilies   the small red hot-tasting pod of a type of capsicum used for flavouring sauces, pickles, etc [C17: from Spanish chile, from Nahuatl chilli]

■ chilli con carne (kɒn ˈkɑːnI)   n   a highly seasoned Mexican dish of meat, onions, beans, and chilli powder [from Spanish chile con carne chilli with meat]

■ chilli powder   n   ground chilli blended with other spices

■ chilli sauce   n   a highly seasoned sauce made of tomatoes cooked with chilli and other spices and seasonings

Chillon (ʃIˈlɒn; French ʃijɔ̃)   n   a castle in W Switzerland, in Vaud at the E end of Lake Geneva

chillum (ˈtʃIləm)   n   a short pipe, usually of clay, used esp for smoking cannabis [C18: from Hindi cilam, from Persian chilam]

Chiloé Island (ˌtʃIləʊˈeI)   n   an island administered by Chile, off the W coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean: timber. Pop: 154 775 (2002, Chiloé province). Area: 8394 sq km (3240 sq miles)

chilopod (ˈkaIləˌpɒd)   n   any arthropod of the class Chilopoda, which includes the centipedes. See also myriapod [C19: from New Latin Chilopoda, from Greek kheilos lip + pous foot; referring to the modification of the first pair of legs into jawlike claws]   > chilopodan (kaIˈlɒpədən) n, adj   > chiˈlopodous adj

Chilpancingo (Spanish tʃilpanˈθiŋɡo)   n   a town in S Mexico, capital of Guerrero state, in the Sierra Madre del Sur. Pop: 166 000 (2005 est)

chiltepin (ˌtʃIlteIˈpiːn)   n   a variety of chilli pepper, Capsicum annuum, growing wild in Mexico and the south-western United States

Chiltern Hills (ˈtʃIltən)   pl n   a range of low chalk hills in SE England extending northwards from the Thames valley. Highest point: 267 m (876 ft)

Chiltern Hundreds   pl n   (in Britain) short for Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds; a nominal office that an MP applies for in order to resign his or her seat

Chilung or Chi-lung (ˈtʃiːˈlʊŋ)   n   another name for Keelung

chimaera (kaIˈmIərə, kI-)   n   1 any tapering smooth-skinned cartilaginous deep-sea fish of the subclass Holocephali (or Bradyodonti), esp any of the genus Chimaera. They have a skull in which the upper jaw is fused to the cranium. See also rabbitfish (sense 1)   2 Greek myth a variant spelling of chimera (sense 1)

■ chimerid (kaIˈmɛrId)   n   any fish of the genus Chimaera

chimb (tʃaIm)   n   a variant spelling of chime^2

Chimborazo (ˌtʃImbəˈrɑːzəʊ, -ˈreI-; Spanish tʃimboˈrazo)   n   an extinct volcano in central Ecuador, in the Andes: the highest peak in Ecuador. Height: 6263 m (20 548 ft)

Chimbote (Spanish tʃimˈbote)   n   a port in N central Peru: contains Peru's first steelworks (1958), using hydroelectric power from the Santa River. Pop: 328 000 (2005 est)

chime^1 (tʃaIm)   n   1 an individual bell or the sound it makes when struck   2 (often plural) the machinery employed to sound a bell in this way   3 Also called: bell a percussion instrument consisting of a set of vertical metal tubes of graduated length, suspended in a frame and struck with a hammer   4 a harmonious or ringing sound: the chimes of children's laughter   5 agreement; concord   ▷ vb   6    a to sound (a bell) or (of a bell) to be sounded by a clapper or hammer   b to produce (music or sounds) by chiming   7 (tr) to indicate or show (time or the hours) by chiming   8 (tr) to summon, announce, or welcome by ringing bells   9 (intr; foll by with) to agree or harmonize   10 to speak or recite in a musical or rhythmic manner [C13: probably shortened from earlier chymbe bell, ultimately from Latin cymbalum CYMBAL]   > ˈchimer n

■ chime in   vb (intr, adverb) informal   1 to join in or interrupt a conversation, esp repeatedly and unwelcomely   2 to voice agreement

chime^2, chimb (tʃaIm) or chine (tʃaIn)   n   the projecting edge or rim of a cask or barrel [Old English cimb-; related to Middle Low German kimme outer edge, Swedish kimb]

chimera or chimaera (kaIˈmIərə, kI-)   n   1 (often capital) Greek myth a fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a serpent   2 a fabulous beast made up of parts taken from various animals   3 a wild and unrealistic dream or notion   4 biology an organism, esp a cultivated plant, consisting of at least two genetically different kinds of tissue as a result of mutation, grafting, etc [C16: from Latin chimaera, from Greek khimaira she-goat, from khimaros he-goat]

■ chimaeric (kaIˈmIərIk)   adj   (of a molecule) having two genetically different components

■ chimaerism (kaIˈmIərIzəm)   n   the insertion of cells of a different genetic make-up into a fetus or embryo

■ chimerical (kaIˈmɛrIkəl, kI-) or chimeric (kaIˈmɛrIk)   adj   1 wildly fanciful; imaginary   2 given to or indulging in fantasies   > chiˈmerically adv   > chiˈmericalness n

■ chimerism (kaIˈmIərIzəm)   n   1 a medical condition in which a person develops from two distinct embryos that could possess two genetically distinct sets of cells   2 the condition in which a child contains cells that are genetically the mother's and which were exchanged in the womb

chimere (tʃIˈmIə, ʃI-), chimer or chimar (ˈtʃImə, ˈʃIm-)   n   Anglican Church a sleeveless red or black gown, part of a bishop's formal dress though not a vestment [C14: perhaps from Medieval Latin chimēra (see CHIMERA) and related to Spanish zamarra sheepskin coat]

chimichanga (ˌtʃImIˈtʃæŋɡə)   n   Mexican cookery a savoury deep-fried filled tortilla

chiminea (ˌtʃImIˈneIə)   n   a free-standing outdoor fireplace with a rounded body

Chimkent (tʃImˈkɛnt)   n   the Russian name for Shymkent

chimney (ˈtʃImnI)   n   1 a vertical structure of brick, masonry, or steel that carries smoke or steam away from a fire, engine, etc   2 another name for flue^1 (sense 1)   3 short for chimney stack   4 an open-ended glass tube fitting around the flame of an oil or gas lamp in order to exclude draughts   5 Brit a fireplace, esp an old and large one   6 geology   a a cylindrical body of an ore, which is usually oriented vertically   b the vent of a volcano   7 mountaineering a vertical fissure large enough for a person's body to enter   8 anything resembling a chimney in shape or function [C14: from Old French cheminée, from Late Latin camīnāta, from Latin camīnus furnace, from Greek kaminos fireplace, oven]

■ chimneyboard (ˈtʃImnIˌbɔːd)   n   a partition or a cover to shut off a fireplace

■ chimneybreast (ˈtʃImnIˌbrɛst)   n   the wall or walls that surround the base of a chimney or fireplace

■ chimney-climbing   n   mountaineering the sport of climbing a vertical fissure large enough for a person's body to enter

■ chimney corner   n   a recess that contains a seat in a large open fireplace; inglenook

■ chimneylike (ˈtʃImnIˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a chimney

■ chimneypiece (ˈtʃImnIˌpiːs)   n   another name (esp Brit) for mantelpiece (sense 1)

■ chimneypot (ˈtʃImnIˌpɒt)   n   a short pipe on the top of a chimney, which increases the draught and directs the smoke upwards

■ chimney stack   n   the part of a chimney that rises above the roof of a building

■ chimney swallow   n   1 another name for common swallow. See swallow^2   2 a less common name for chimney swift

■ chimney sweep or chimney sweeper   n   a person whose job is the cleaning out of soot from chimneys

■ chimney swift   n   a North American swift, Chaetura pelagica, that nests in chimneys and similar hollows

chimo (ˈtʃiːməʊ)   interj   an exclamation of greeting among Inuit people

chimp (tʃImp)   n   informal short for chimpanzee

chimpanzee (ˌtʃImpænˈziː)   n   a gregarious and intelligent anthropoid ape, Pan troglodytes, inhabiting forests in central W Africa [C18: from Kongo dialect]

chin (tʃIn)   n   1 the protruding part of the lower jaw   2 the front part of the face below the lips. Related adjective: genial   3 keep one's chin up to keep cheerful under difficult circumstances. Sometimes shortened to: chin up!   4 take it on the chin informal to face squarely up to a defeat, adversity, etc   ▷ vb chins, chinning, chinned   5 gymnastics to raise one's chin to (a horizontal bar, etc) when hanging by the arms   6 (tr) informal to punch or hit (someone) on the chin [Old English cinn; related to Old Norse kinn, Old High German kinni, Latin gena cheek, Old Irish gin mouth, Sanskrit hanu]

■ chin ball   n   NZ a device fastened under the chin of a bull to mark cows it has mounted

■ chinbone (ˈtʃInˌbəʊn)   n   the front part of the jawbone that constitutes the chin

■ chinless (ˈtʃInlIs)   adj   1 having a receding chin   2 weak or ineffectual

■ chinless wonder   n   Brit informal a person, esp an upper-class one, lacking strength of character

■ chin music   n informal   1 cricket, baseball bowling or pitching aimed at the batsman or batter's head   2 US idle conversation

■ chinstrap (ˈtʃInstræp)   n   a strap that goes under the chin

■ chin-up   n   an exercise in which a person grips an elevated bar and pulls himself or herself up until the chin is level with the bar

■ chinwag (ˈtʃInˌwæɡ)   n   Brit informal a chat or gossipy conversation

Chin.   abbreviation for   1 China   2 Chinese

china^1 (ˈtʃaInə)   n   1 ceramic ware of a type originally from China   2 any porcelain or similar ware   3 cups, saucers, etc, collectively   4 (modifier) made of china: a china tea service [C16 chiny, from Persian chīnī]

■ china clay   n   another name for kaolin

■ Chinagraph (ˈtʃaInəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   trademark   a a coloured pencil used for writing on china, glass, etc   b (as modifier): a Chinagraph pencil

■ china stone   n   1 a type of kaolinized granitic rock containing unaltered plagioclase   2 any of certain limestones having a very fine grain and smooth texture

■ chinaware (ˈtʃaInəˌwɛə)   n   1 articles made of china, esp those made for domestic use   2 (modifier) made of china

china^2 (ˈtʃaInə)   n   Brit and South African informal a friend or companion [C19: originally Cockney rhyming slang: china plate, mate]

China (ˈtʃaInə)   n   1 People's Republic of China a republic in E Asia: the third largest and the most populous country in the world; the oldest continuing civilization (beginning over 2000 years BC); republic established in 1911 after the overthrow of the Manchu dynasty by Sun Yat-sen; People's Republic formed in 1949; the 1980s and 1990s saw economic liberalization but a rejection of political reform; contains vast deserts, steppes, great mountain ranges (Himalayas, Kunlun, Tian Shan, and Nan Shan), a central rugged plateau, and intensively cultivated E plains. Language: Chinese in various dialects, the chief of which is Mandarin. Religion: officially nonreligious, but with Buddhist and Taoist minorities. Currency: yuan. Capital: Beijing. Pop: 1 417 504 847 (2017 est). Area: 9 560 990 sq km (3 691 502 sq miles)   2 Republic of China, Nationalist China or Taiwan a republic (recognized as independent by only a small number of nations) in E Asia occupying the island of Taiwan, 13 nearby islands, and 64 islands of the Penghu (Pescadores) group: established in 1949 by the Nationalist government of China under Chiang Kai-shek after its expulsion by the Communists from the mainland; its territory claimed by the People's Republic of China since the political separation from the mainland; under US protection 1954–79; lost its seat at the UN to the People's Republic of China in 1971; state of war with the People's Republic of China formally ended in 1991, though tensions continue owing to the unresolved territorial claim. Language: Mandarin Chinese. Religion: significant Buddhist and Taoist minorities. Currency: New Taiwan dollar. Capital: Taipei. Pop: 22 610 000 (2003 est). Area: 35 981 sq km (13 892 sq miles). Former name: Formosa ▶ Related adjective: Sinitic

■ China aster   n   a Chinese plant, Callistephus chinensis, widely cultivated for its aster-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ china bark   n   another name for cinchona (sense 2)

■ chinaberry (ˈtʃaInəbərI)   n, pl -ries   1 Also called: China tree, azedarach a spreading Asian meliaceous tree, Melia azedarach, widely grown in the US for its ornamental white or purple flowers and beadlike yellow fruits   2 another name for soapberry   3 the fruit of any of these trees

■ China ink   n   another name for Indian ink

■ Chinaman (ˈtʃaInəmən)   n, pl -men   1 archaic or offensive a native or inhabitant of China   2 (often not capital) cricket a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg

■ chinaroot (ˈtʃaInəˌruːt)   n   the root of either of two plants, the galanga or the smilax

■ China rose   n   1 a rosaceous shrub, Rosa chinensis (or R. indica), with red, pink, or white fragrant flowers: the ancestor of many cultivated roses   2 a related dwarf plant, Rosa semperflorens, having crimson flowers   3 another name for hibiscus

■ China Sea   n   part of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of China: divided by Taiwan into the East China Sea in the north and the South China Sea in the south

■ Chinatown (ˈtʃaInəˌtaʊn)   n   a quarter of any city or town outside China with a predominantly Chinese population

■ China tree   n   another name for chinaberry (sense 1)

chinachina (ˌtʃaInəˈtʃaInə)   n   the bark of the chinchona tree

chinampa (tʃIˈnæmpə)   n   an artificially created island used for growing crops in Mexican or in Mesoamerican agriculture

Chinan or Chi-nan (ˈtʃiːˈnæn)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Jinan

chincapin (ˈtʃIŋkəpIn)   n   a variant spelling of chinquapin

chinch (tʃIntʃ)   n   Southern US another name for a bedbug [C17: from Spanish chinche, from Latin cīmex bug]

■ chinch bug   n   1 a black-and-white tropical American heteropterous insect, Blissus leucopterus, that is very destructive to grasses and cereals in the US: family Lygaeidae   2 a related and similar European insect, Ischnodemus sabuleti

chincherinchee (ˌtʃIntʃərInˈtʃiː, -ˈrIntʃI)   n   a bulbous South African liliaceous plant, Ornithogalum thyrsoides, having long spikes of white or yellow long-lasting flowers [of unknown origin]

chinchilla (tʃInˈtʃIlə)   n   1 a small gregarious hystricomorph rodent, Chinchilla laniger, inhabiting mountainous regions of South America: family Chinchillidae. It has a stocky body and is bred in captivity for its soft silvery grey fur   2 the highly valued fur of this animal   3 mountain chinchilla or mountain viscacha any of several long-tailed rodents of the genus Lagidium, having coarse poor quality fur   4 a breed of rabbit with soft silver-grey fur   5 a thick napped woollen cloth used for coats [C17: from Spanish, perhaps from Aymara]

chin-chin   sentence substitute   informal a greeting, farewell, or toast [C18: from Chinese (Peking) ch'ing-ch'ing please-please]

Chin-Chou or Chin-chow (ˈtʃInˈtʃaʊ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Jinzhou

chinchy (ˈtʃIntʃI)   adj chinchier, chinchiest   US informal miserly

chin cough or chincough (ˈtʃInˌkɒf)   n   another name for whooping cough [C16: changed (through influence from CHINE^1 and CHIN) from earlier chink-cough, from CHINK^2 + COUGH]

Chindia (ˈtʃIndIə)   n   China and India considered together in economic and strategic terms

Chindit (ˈtʃIndIt)   n   a member of the Allied forces commanded by Orde Wingate fighting behind the Japanese lines in Burma (1943–45) [C20: from Burmese chinthé a fabulous lion a symbol of which was their badge; adoption of title perhaps influenced by CHINDWIN]

Chindonesia   n   China, India, and Indonesia: seen collectively as the most important developing economies with the best growth markets for investors [blend of CHINA + INDIA + INDONESIA]

Chindwin (ˈtʃInˈdwIn)   n   a river in N Myanmar, rising in the Kumôn Range and flowing northwest then south to the Irrawaddy, of which it is the main tributary. Length: about 966 km (600 miles)

chine^1 (tʃaIn)   n   1 the backbone   2 the backbone of an animal with adjoining meat, cut for cooking   3 a ridge or crest of land   4 (in some boats) a corner-like intersection where the bottom meets the side   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to cut (meat) along or across the backbone [C14: from Old French eschine, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German scina needle, shinbone; see SHIN^1]

chine^2 (tʃaIn)   n   another word for chime^2

chine^3 (tʃaIn)   n   Southern English dialect a deep fissure in the wall of a cliff [Old English cīnan to crack]

chiné (ˈʃiːneI)   adj   textiles having a mottled pattern [C19: from French chiner to make in the Chinese fashion, from Chine China]

Chinee (tʃaIˈniː)   n   old-fashioned, offensive, chiefly US a Chinese person

Chinese (tʃaIˈniːz)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of China, its people, or their languages   ▷ n   2 (pl -nese) a native or inhabitant of China or a descendant of one   3 any of the languages of China belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family, sometimes regarded as dialects of one language. They share a single writing system that is not phonetic but ideographic. A phonetic system using the Roman alphabet was officially adopted by the Chinese government in 1966. See also Mandarin Chinese, Pekingese, Cantonese ▶ Related prefix: Sino-

■ Chinese block   n   a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow wooden block played with a drumstick

■ Chinese burn   n   a minor torture inflicted by twisting the skin of a person's wrist or arm in two different directions simultaneously

■ Chinese cabbage   n   1 Also called: pe-tsai cabbage a Chinese plant, Brassica pekinensis, that is related to the cabbage and has crisp edible leaves growing in a loose cylindrical head   2 another name for bok choy

■ Chinese chequers   n   (functioning as singular) a board game played with marbles or pegs

■ Chinese Chippendale   n     a a branch of Chippendale style in which Chinese styles and motifs are used   b (as modifier): a Chinese Chippendale cabinet

■ Chinese copy   n   an exact copy of an original

■ Chinese crested   n   a small dog of a Chinese breed having long slender legs and a hairless body with hair only on the feet, head, and tail

■ Chinese eddo   n   another name for taro

■ Chinese Empire   n   China as ruled by the emperors until the establishment of the republic in 1911–12

■ Chinese gooseberry   n   another name for kiwi fruit

■ Chinese ink   n   another name for Indian ink

■ Chinese lantern   n   1 a collapsible lantern made of thin coloured paper   2 an Asian solanaceous plant, Physalis franchetii, cultivated for its attractive orange-red inflated calyx. See also winter cherry

■ Chinese leaf   pl n   the edible leaves of a Chinese cabbage

■ Chinese medicine   n   a traditional system of medical treatment based on the principles of Yin and Yang, involving such treatments as acupuncture and the use of a range of drugs derived from animal and vegetable sources

■ Chinese puzzle   n   1 an intricate puzzle, esp one consisting of boxes within boxes   2 a complicated problem

■ Chinese red   n     a a bright red colour   b (as adjective): a Chinese-red bag

■ Chinese restaurant syndrome   n   a group of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and flushing thought to be caused in some people by consuming large amounts of monosodium glutamate, esp as used in Chinese food

■ Chinese Revolution   n   1 the overthrow of the last Manchu emperor and the establishment of a republic in China (1911–12)   2 the transformation of China (esp in the 1940s and 1950s) under the Chinese Communist Party

■ Chinese sacred lily   n   a Chinese amaryllidaceous plant, Narcissus tazetta orientalis, widely grown as a house plant for its fragrant yellow and white flowers. See also polyanthus (sense 2)

■ Chinese Turkestan   n   the E part of the central Asian region of Turkestan: corresponds generally to the present-day Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China

■ Chinese wall   n   1 a notional barrier between the parts of a business, esp between the market makers and brokers of a stock-exchange business, across which no information should pass to the detriment of clients   2 an insurmountable obstacle

■ Chinese water deer   n   a small Chinese or Korean deer, Hydropotes inermis, having tusks and no antlers: introduced into England and France

■ Chinese water torture   n   a form of torture in which water is made to drip for a long period of time onto a victim's forehead to drive him or her insane

■ Chinese wax or Chinese treewax (ˈtriːˌwæks)   n   a yellowish wax secreted by an oriental scale insect, Ceroplastes ceriferus, and used commercially

■ Chinese whispers   n (functioning as singular)   1 a game in which a message is passed on, in a whisper, by each of a number of people, so that the final version of the message is often radically changed from the original   2 any situation where information is passed on in turn by a number of people, often becoming distorted in the process

■ Chinese white   n   white zinc oxide, formerly used in paints. Also called: zinc white

■ Chinese windlass   n   another name for differential windlass

■ Chinese wood oil   n   another name for tung oil

Ching or Ch'ing (tʃIŋ)   adj   of, relating to, or designating the Manchu dynasty (1644–1912) of China

Chinghai or Ch'ing-hai (ˈtʃIŋˈhaI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Qinghai

Chinglish (ˈtʃIŋɡlIʃ)   n   informal written or spoken English that is influenced by Chinese vocabulary and grammatical structure and used primarily by native speakers of Chinese [blend of CHINESE and ENGLISH]

Chingtao or Ch'ing-tao (ˈtʃIŋˈtaʊ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Qingdao

Ch'ing-yüan (ˈtʃIŋˈjuːɑːn)   n   a former name of Baoding

Chin Hills (tʃIn)   pl n   a mountainous region of W Myanmar; part of the Arakan Yoma system. Highest peak: Mount Victoria, 3053 m (10 075 ft)

Chin-Hsien (ˈtʃInˈʃjɛn)   n   the former name (1913–47) of Jinzhou

chink^1 (tʃIŋk)   n   1 a small narrow opening, such as a fissure or crack   2 chink in one's armour a small but fatal weakness   ▷ vb   3 (tr) chiefly US and Canadian to fill up or make cracks in [C16: perhaps variant of earlier chine, from Old English cine crack; related to Middle Dutch kene, Danish kin]   > ˈchinky adj

chink^2 (tʃIŋk)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a light ringing sound, as by the striking of glasses or coins   ▷ n   2 such a sound [C16: of imitative origin]

Chink (tʃIŋk)   n     offensive, slang a Chinese person [C20: probably from Chinese]

■ Chinky or Chinkie (ˈtʃIŋkI) offensive, slang   adj   1 Chinese   ▷ n, pl Chinkies   2 a Chinese restaurant or meal

chinkapin (ˈtʃIŋkəpIn)   n   a variant spelling of chinquapin

chinkara (tʃInˈkɑːrə)   n   an Indian gazelle, Gazella gazella bennetti

chinkerinchee (ˈtʃIŋkəˌrIntʃiː)   n   a flowering plant, Ornithogalum thyrsoides, that produces clusters of white and yellow flowers

chino (ˈtʃiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   US a durable cotton twill cloth [C20: from American Spanish, of obscure origin]

■ chinos (ˈtʃiːnəʊz)   pl n   trousers made of chino

Chino-   combining form   of or relating to China. See also Sino-

chinoiserie (ʃiːnˌwɑːzəˈriː, -ˈwɑːzərI)   n   1 a style of decorative or fine art based on imitations of Chinese motifs   2 an object or objects in this style [French, from chinois CHINESE; see -ERY]

chinone (ˈkInəʊn, ˈkwInəʊn)   n   a variant form of quinone

chinook (tʃIˈnuːk, -ˈnʊk)   n   1 Also called: snow eater a warm dry southwesterly wind blowing down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains   2 Also called: wet chinook a warm moist wind blowing onto the Washington and Oregon coasts from the sea [C19: from Salish c'inuk]

Chinook (tʃIˈnuːk, -ˈnʊk)   n   1 (pl -nook or -nooks) a Native American people of the Pacific coast near the Columbia River   2 the language of this people, probably forming a separate branch of the Penutian phylum

■ Chinook Jargon   n   a pidgin language containing elements of Native American languages, English, and French: formerly used among fur traders and indigenous people on the NW coast of North America

■ Chinook salmon   n   a Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha, valued as a food fish. Also called: quinnat salmon, king salmon

chinovnik (tʃIˈnɒvnIk)   n   an office-holder or bureaucrat serving in the Tsarist Russian government

chinquapin, chincapin or chinkapin (ˈtʃIŋkəpIn)   n   1 a dwarf chestnut tree, Castanea pumila, of the eastern US, yielding edible nuts   2 Also called: giant chinquapin a large evergreen fagaceous tree, Castanopsis chrysophylla, of W North America   3 the nut of either of these trees   ▶ Compare water chinquapin [C17: of Algonquian origin; compare Algonquian chechinkamin chestnut]

chintz (tʃInts)   n   1 a printed patterned cotton fabric, with glazed finish   2 a painted or stained Indian calico [C17: from Hindi chīnt, from Sanskrit citra gaily-coloured]

■ chintzy (ˈtʃIntsI)   adj chintzier, chintziest   1 of, resembling, or covered with chintz   2 Brit informal typical of the decor associated with the use of chintz soft furnishings, as in a country cottage

chionodoxa (kaIˌɒnəˈdɒksə)   n   any plant of the liliaceous genus Chionodoxa, of S Europe and W Asia. See glory-of-the-snow [C19: New Latin, from Greek khiōn snow + doxa glory]

Chios (ˈkiːɒs, -əʊs)   n   1 an island in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Turkey: belongs to Greece. Capital: Chios. Pop: 51 936 (2001). Area: 904 sq km (353 sq miles)   2 a port on the island of Chios: in ancient times, one of the 12 Ionian city-states. Pop (municipality): 25 671 (2001).   ▶ Modern Greek name: Khíos

chip (tʃIp)   n   1 a small piece removed by chopping, cutting, or breaking   2 a mark left after a small piece has been chopped, cut, or broken off something   3 (in some games) a counter used to represent money   4 Brit a thin strip of potato fried in deep fat   5 US and Canadian a very thin slice of potato fried and eaten cold as a snack. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): crisp   6 a small piece or thin slice of food   7 sport a shot, kick, etc, lofted into the air, esp over an obstacle or an opposing player's head, and travelling only a short distance   8 electronics a tiny wafer of semiconductor material, such as silicon, processed to form a type of integrated circuit or component such as a transistor   9 a thin strip of wood or straw used for making woven hats, baskets, etc   10 NZ a container for soft fruit, made of thin sheets of wood; punnet   11 cheap as chips Brit informal inexpensive; good value   12 chip off the old block informal a person who resembles one of his or her parents in behaviour   13 have a chip on one's shoulder informal to be aggressively sensitive about a particular thing or bear a grudge   14 have had one's chips Brit informal to be defeated, condemned to die, killed, etc   15 when the chips are down informal at a time of crisis or testing   ▷ vb chips, chipping, chipped   16 to break small pieces from or become broken off in small pieces: will the paint chip?   17 (tr) to break or cut into small pieces: to chip ice   18 (tr) to shape by chipping   19 sport to strike or kick (a ball) in a high arc [Old English cipp (n), cippian (vb), of obscure origin]   > ˈchipper n

■ chip and PIN   n     a a system for processing credit cards requiring the customer to enter a unique identification number instead of a signature to authorize a payment   b (as modifier): chip and PIN transactions [C21: CHIP (sense 8) + PIN]

■ chip-based (ˈtʃIpˌbeIst)   adj   (of electronic equipment or components) using or incorporating microchips

■ chip basket   n   1 a wire basket for holding potato chips, etc, while frying in deep fat   2 a basket made of thin strips of wood, used esp for packing fruit

■ chipboard (ˈtʃIpˌbɔːd)   n   a thin rigid sheet made of compressed wood chips bound with a synthetic resin

■ chip heater   n   Austral and NZ a domestic water heater that burns chips of wood

■ chip in   vb (adverb) informal   1 to contribute (money, time, etc) to a cause or fund   2 (intr) to interpose a remark or interrupt with a remark

■ chip log   n   nautical a log for determining a vessel's speed, consisting of a wooden chip tossed overboard at the end of a line that is marked off in lengths of 47 feet 3 inches; the speed is calculated by counting the number of such intervals that pass overboard in a 28-second interval

■ chippable (ˈtʃIpəbəl)   adj   1 having the ability to be reduced to small pieces   2 having the capacity to have small pieces broken off the main body

■ chip pan   n   a deep pan for frying potato chips, etc

■ chipped (tʃIpt)   adj   1 damaged by having a small piece broken off   2 flaking; in bad condition   3 electronics fitted with a microchip

■ chipping (ˈtʃIpIŋ)   n   another name for chip (sense 1)

■ chippings (ˈtʃIpIŋz)   pl n   small pieces of gravel, wood, etc

■ chipset (ˈtʃIpsɛt)   n   1 a highly integrated circuit on the motherboard of a computer that controls many of its data transfer functions   2 computing the main processing circuitry on many video cards

■ chip shot   n   golf a short approach shot to the green, esp one that is lofted

■ chip wagon   n   Canadian a small van in which chips are cooked and sold

chipmunk (ˈtʃIpˌmʌŋk)   n   any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genera Tamias of E North America and Eutamias of W North America and Asia, typically having black-striped yellowish fur and cheek pouches for storing food [C19: of Algonquian origin; compare Ojibwa atchitamon squirrel, literally: headfirst, referring to its method of descent from trees]

chipolata (ˌtʃIpəˈlɑːtə)   n   chiefly Brit a small sausage in a narrow casing [via French from Italian cipollata an onion-flavoured dish, from cipolla onion]

chipotle (tʃIˈpəʊtleI)   n     a a smoked and dried jalapeno chilli pepper that is used in Mexican dishes   b (as modifier): chipotle mayonnaise

Chippendale (ˈtʃIpənˌdeIl)   n   1  Thomas. ?1718–79, English cabinet-maker and furniture designer   ▷ adj   2 (of furniture) designed by, made by, or in the style of Thomas Chippendale, characterized by the use of Chinese and Gothic motifs, cabriole legs, and massive carving

chipper^1 (ˈtʃIpə)   adj informal   1 cheerful; lively   2 smartly dressed

chipper^2 (ˈtʃIpər)   n   Irish and Scot informal a fish-and-chip shop

Chippewa (ˈtʃIpIˌwɑː) or Chippeway (ˈtʃIpIˌweI)   n, pl -was, -wa or -ways, -way   another name for Ojibwa

chipping sparrow   n   a common North American sparrow, Spizella passerina, having brown-and-grey plumage and a white eye stripe

chippy^1 (ˈtʃIpI)   n, pl -pies   1 Brit informal a fish-and-chip shop   2 Brit and NZ a slang word for carpenter   3 NZ a potato crisp [C19: from CHIP (n)]

chippy^2 (ˈtʃIpI)   adj -pier, -piest   informal resentful or oversensitive about being perceived as inferior: a chippy miner's son [C20: from CHIP (sense 13)]   > ˈchippiness n

chippy^3 or chippie (ˈtʃIpI)   n, pl -pies   an informal name for chipmunk, chipping sparrow

chippy^4 or chippie (ˈtʃIpI)   n, pl -pies   informal, derogatory, chiefly US and Canadian a promiscuous woman [C19: perhaps from CHIP (n)]

chippy^5 (ˈtʃIpI)   adj -pier, -piest   belligerent or touchy [C19: from CHIP (n), sense probably developing from: as dry as a chip of wood, hence irritable, touchy]

chiquichiqui (ˌtʃiːkiːˈtʃiːkiː)   n   a type of palm tree, Leopoldinia piassaba, that grows in Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia

Chirac (French ʃirak)   n   Jacques (René) (ʒɑk). born 1932, French Gaullist politician: president of France (1995–2007); prime minister (1974–76 and 1986–88); mayor of Paris (1977–95)

chiragra (kaIˈræɡrə)   n   med a form of gout that occurs in the hands

■ chiragric (kaIˈræɡrIk) or chiragrical (kaIˈræɡrIkəl)   n   1 a person who has chiragra   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to chiragra

chirality (kaIˈrælItI)   n   the configuration or handedness (left or right) of an asymmetric, optically active chemical compound. Also called: dissymmetry [C19: from Greek kheir hand + -AL^1 + -ITY]   > ˈchiral adj

Chirico (Italian ˈkiːriko)   n   Giorgio de (ˈdʒordʒo de). 1888–1978, Italian artist born in Greece: profoundly influenced the surrealist movement

chirk (tʃɜːk) US informal   adj   1 showing a cheery and sprightly disposition   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to squeal or make a shrill noise   3 to (cause to) become happy or cheery

chirl (tʃɜːl)   n   1 a trilling or quavering sound   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to produce or make a trilling or quavering sound

chirm (tʃɜːm) archaic, dialect   n   1 the chirping of birds   ▷ vb   2 (intr) (esp of a bird) to chirp [Old English cierm noise; related to Old Saxon karm]

chiro (ˈkaIrəʊ)   n, pl chiros   informal a chiropractor

chiro- or cheiro-   combining form   indicating the hand; of or by means of the hand: chiromancy [via Latin from Greek kheir hand]

chirognomy (kaIˈrɒnəmI)   n   the study of the hand in order to discern a person's nature or future events

■ chirognomist (kaIˈrɒnəmIst)   n   someone who studies chirognomy

chirography (kaIˈrɒɡrəfI)   n   another name for calligraphy   > chiˈrographer n   > chirographic (ˌkaIrəˈɡræfIk) or ˌchiroˈgraphical adj

■ chirograph (ˈkaIrəʊˌɡrɑːf)   n   1 an indenture   2 the evidence or part of an indenture that relates to a fine   3 a promise or contract written in a person's own writing   4 a Papal order or ruling   5 an official handwritten form or record   6 the writing done by a person's own hand

■ chirographist (kaIˈrɒɡrəfIst)   n   1 a person who studies or who is knowledgeable about handwriting styles   2 a chirognomist

chirology (kaIˈrɒlədʒI)   n   another word for chirognomy

■ chirologist (kaIˈrɒlədʒIst)   n   another word for chirognomist

chiromancy or cheiromancy (ˈkaIrəˌmænsI)   n   another word for palmistry   > ˈchiroˌmancer n

■ chiromantic (ˌkaIrəʊˈmæntIk) or chiromantical (ˌkaIrəʊˈmæntIkəl)   adj   relating to chiromancy

Chiron or Cheiron (ˈkaIrɒn, -rən)   n   1 Greek myth a wise and kind centaur who taught many great heroes in their youth, including Achilles, Actaeon, and Jason   2 a minor planet, discovered by Charles Kowal in 1977, revolving round the sun between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus

chironomid (kaIˈrɒnəmId)   n   1 a member of the Chironomidae, a family of nonbiting midges   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this family [C19: from New Latin chironomus, from Greek kheironomos a gesturer, from kheir hand + nomos manager + -ID^2]

chironomy (kaIˈrɒnəmI)   n   the craft or artistry of moving the hands by following a standard or formula in relation to theatrical, oratory, or musical performance

■ chironomer (kaIˈrɒnəmə)   n   a person who is skilled in chironomy

■ chironomic (ˌkaIrəˈnɒmIk)   adj   relating to chironomy

chiropody (kIˈrɒpədI)   n   the treatment of the feet, esp the treatment of corns, verrucas, etc   > chiˈropodist n   > chiropodial (ˌkaIrəʊˈpəʊdIəl) adj

chiropractic (ˌkaIrəˈpræktIk)   n   a system of treating bodily disorders by manipulation of the spine and other parts, based on the belief that the cause is the abnormal functioning of a nerve [C20: from CHIRO- + -practic, from Greek praktikos effective, PRACTICAL]   > ˈchiroˌpractor n

chiropter (kaIˈrɒptə)   n   an animal of the order Chiroptera; a bat

■ chiropteran (kaIˈrɒptərən)   adj   1 Also: chiropterous of, relating to, or belonging to the Chiroptera, an order of placental mammals comprising the bats   ▷ n   2 Also called: chiropter (kaIˈrɒptə) a bat

chirp (tʃɜːp)   vb (intr)   1 (esp of some birds and insects) to make a short high-pitched sound   2 to speak in a lively fashion   ▷ n   3 a chirping sound, esp that made by a bird [C15 (as chirpinge, gerund): of imitative origin]   > ˈchirper n

■ chirping (ˈtʃɜːpIŋ)   n   high pitched, repeated noises

■ chirpy (ˈtʃɜːpI)   adj chirpier, chirpiest   informal cheerful; lively   > ˈchirpily adv   > ˈchirpiness n

CHIRP (tʃɜːp)   n acronym for   Confidential Human Incidents Reporting Programme: a system, run by the RAF Institute of Medicine, by which commercial pilots can comment on safety trends without the knowledge of their employers

chirr, chirre or churr (tʃɜː)   vb   1 (intr) (esp of certain insects, such as crickets) to make a shrill trilled sound   ▷ n   2 the sound of chirring [C17: of imitative origin]

chirren (ˈtʃIrən)   pl n   Southern US dialect children

chirrup (ˈtʃIrəp)   vb (intr)   1 (esp of some birds) to chirp repeatedly   2 to make clucking sounds with the lips   ▷ n   3 such a sound [C16: variant of CHIRP]   > ˈchirruper n   > ˈchirrupy adj

chirt (tʃɜːt) Scot or obsolete   n   1 an act of pressing or squashing that expresses liquid   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to press or squash out   3 (intr) to come forth in the way liquid does when expressed from something by pressing or squashing

chiru (ˈtʃIruː)   n   a Tibetan antelope, Pantholops hodgsoni, having a dense woolly pinkish-brown fleece prized as the source of shahtoosh wool: now close to extinction due to illegal slaughter for its fleece [C19: probably from Tibetan]

chirurgeon (kaIˈrɜːdʒən)   n   an archaic word for surgeon [C13: from Old French cirurgeon]   > chiˈrurgery n

■ chirurgeonly (kaIˈrɜːdʒənlI)   adv   in the manner of a surgeon

■ chirurgical (kaIˈrɜːdʒIkəl)   adj   1 relating to, carrying out or expert in surgery   2 relating to work carried out or done with the hands

chisel (ˈtʃIzəl)   n   1    a a hand tool for working wood, consisting of a flat steel blade with a cutting edge attached to a handle of wood, plastic, etc. It is either struck with a mallet or used by hand   b a similar tool without a handle for working stone or metal   ▷ vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   2 to carve (wood, stone, metal, etc) or form (an engraving, statue, etc) with or as with a chisel   3 slang to cheat or obtain by cheating [C14: via Old French, from Vulgar Latin cīsellus (unattested), from Latin caesus cut, from caedere to cut]

■ chiselled or US chiseled (ˈtʃIzəld)   adj   1 carved or formed with or as if with a chisel   2 clear-cut: finely chiselled features

■ chiseller (ˈtʃIzələ)   n   1 a person who uses a chisel   2 informal a cheat   3 Dublin slang a child

■ chisellings (ˈtʃIzəlIŋz)   pl n   a series of chiselled or engraved markings

Chishima-rettō (ˌtʃiːʃiːˈma ˈrɛtəʊ)   n   the Japanese name for the Kuril Islands

Chisimaio (ˌkiːzIˈmɑːjəʊ)   n   the Italian name for Kismaayo

Chişinǎu (kiʃiˈnəu)   n   the capital of Moldova on the Bâcu River: manufacturing centre of a rich agricultural region; university (1945). Pop: 725 432 (2015 est). Russian name: Kishinev

chit^1 (tʃIt)   n   1 a voucher for a sum of money owed, esp for food or drink   2 Also called: chitty (ˈtʃItI) chiefly Brit   a a note or memorandum   b a requisition or receipt [C18: from earlier chitty, from Hindi cittha note, from Sanskrit citra brightly-coloured]

chit^2 (tʃIt)   n   facetious or derogatory a pert, impudent, or self-confident young woman or child: a young chit of a thing [C14 (in the sense: young of an animal, kitten): of obscure origin]

Chita (Russian tʃiˈta)   n   an industrial city in SE Russia, on the Trans-Siberian railway. Pop: 309 000 (2005 est)

chital (ˈtʃiːtəl)   n   another name for axis^2 [from Hindi]

chitarrone (ˌkItɑːˈrəʊnI, ˌtʃIt-)   n, pl -ni (-nI)   a large lute with a double neck in common use during the baroque period, esp in Italy [Italian, from chitarra, from Greek kithara lyre]

chitchat (ˈtʃItˌtʃæt)   n   1 talk of a gossipy nature   ▷ vb -chats, -chatting, -chatted   2 (intr) to gossip

chitin (ˈkaItIn)   n   a polysaccharide that is the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and of the bodies of fungi [C19: from French chitine, from Greek khitōn CHITON + -IN]   > ˈchitinous adj   > ˈchitinˌoid adj

chiton (ˈkaItən, -tɒn)   n   1 (in ancient Greece and Rome) a loose woollen tunic worn knee length by men and full length by women   2 Also called: coat-of-mail shell any small primitive marine mollusc of the genus Chiton and related genera, having an elongated body covered with eight overlapping shell plates: class Amphineura [C19: from Greek khitōn coat of mail, of Semitic origin; related to Hebrew kethōnet]

chitosan (ˈkaItəʊˌzæn)   n   biology a polysaccharide produced from chitin

Chittagong (ˈtʃItəˌɡɒŋ)   n   a port in E Bangladesh, on the Bay of Bengal: industrial centre. Pop: 4 171 000 (2005 est). Also called: Chattagam

chitter (ˈtʃItə)   vb (intr)   1 chiefly US to twitter or chirp   2 a dialect word for shiver^1, chatter (sense 3) [C14: of imitative origin]

■ chittering (ˈtʃItərIŋ)   n   a chirping noise

chitterlings (ˈtʃItəlIŋz), chitlins (ˈtʃItlInz) or chitlings (ˈtʃItlIŋz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) the intestines of a pig or other animal prepared as a dish. Also called: chitlin [C13: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Middle High German kutel]

chitty (ˈtʃItI)   n, pl -ties   another name for chit^1 (sense 2a), chit^1 (sense 2b)

chiv (tʃIv, ʃIv) or shiv (ʃIv) slang   n   1 a knife   ▷ vb chivs, chivving, chivved or shivs, shivving, shivved   2 to stab (someone) [C17: perhaps from Romany chiv blade]

chivalry (ˈʃIvəlrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp courage, honour, justice, and a readiness to help the weak   2 courteous behaviour, esp towards women   3 the medieval system and principles of knighthood   4 knights, noblemen, etc, collectively [C13: from Old French chevalerie, from CHEVALIER]

■ chivalric (ˈʃIvəlrIk) or chivalresque (ʃIvəlˈrɛsk)   adj   relating to or connected with chivalry; chivalrous

■ chivalrous (ˈʃIvəlrəs)   adj   1 gallant; courteous   2 involving chivalry [C14: from Old French chevalerous, from CHEVALIER]   > ˈchivalrously adv   > ˈchivalrousness n

chivaree (ˌʃIvəˈriː, ˈʃIvəˌriː)   n   a US spelling of charivari

chive (tʃaIv)   n   a small Eurasian purple-flowered alliaceous plant, Allium schoenoprasum, whose long slender hollow leaves are used in cooking to flavour soups, stews, etc. Also called: chives [C14: from Old French cive, ultimately from Latin caepa onion]

chivy, chivvy (ˈtʃIvI) or chevy Brit   vb chivies, chivying, chivied, chivvies, chivvying, chivvied or chevies, chevying, chevied   1 (tr) to harass or nag   2 (tr) to hunt   3 (intr) to run about   ▷ n, pl chivies, chivvies or chevies   4 a hunt   5 obsolete a hunting cry [C19: variant of chevy, probably from Chevy Chase, title of a Scottish border ballad]

chiyogami (ˌtʃIjəʊˈɡɑːmI)   n   a type of highly decorated, colourful craft paper used for origami

chiz (tʃIz)   n slang   1 a fraud or deception or an inconvenience or annoyance   ▷ interj   2 an exclamation expressing deception or inconvenience

Chkalov (Russian ˈtʃkaləf)   n   the former name (1938–57) of Orenburg

Chladni figure (ˈklɑːdnI)   n   physics a pattern formed by fine powder placed on a vibrating surface, used to display the positions of nodes and antinodes [C19: named after Ernst Chladni (1756–1827), German physicist]

chlamydate (ˈklæmIˌdeIt)   adj   (of some molluscs) possessing a mantle [C19: from Latin chlamydātus wearing a mantle, from Greek khlamus mantle]

chlamydeous (kləˈmIdIəs)   adj   (of plants) relating to or possessing sepals and petals

chlamydia (kləˈmIdIə)   n, pl -midiae (-ˈmIdIiː)   any Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Chlamydia, which are obligate intracellular parasites and are responsible for such diseases as trachoma, psittacosis, and some sexually transmitted diseases [C20: New Latin, from Greek khlamus mantle + -IA]

■ chlamydial (kləˈmIdIəl)   adj   of or relating to infections caused by bacteria of the genus Chlamydia

chlamydomonas (kləˌmIdəˈməʊnəs)   n   botany a green, fresh water alga of the class Chlorophyceae that is flagellate and made up of a single cell

chlamydospore (kləˈmIdəˌspɔː)   n   a thick-walled asexual spore of many fungi: capable of surviving adverse conditions

chlamys (ˈklæmIs)   n   1 a short woollen cloak, secured on the right shoulder, worn by ancient Greek men and soldiers   2 botany the perianth or external part of a flower

chloanthite (kləʊˈænθaIt)   n   a form of nickel arsenide having commercial importance as a nickel ore [C19: from Greek khloanthēs budding, sprouting + -ITE^1]

chloasma (kləʊˈæzmə)   n, pl chloasmata (kləʊˈæzmətə)   med the appearance on a person's skin, esp of the face, of patches of darker colour: associated with hormonal changes caused by liver disease or the use of oral contraceptives [C19: from New Latin, from Greek khloasma greenness]

Chlodwig (ˈkloːtvIç)   n   the German name for Clovis I

Chloe (ˈkləʊI)   n   See Daphnis and Chloe

chlor-   combining form   a variant of chloro-

chloracne (klɔːˈræknI)   n   a disfiguring skin disease that results from contact with or ingestion or inhalation of certain chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons [C20: from CHLORO- + ACNE]

chloral (ˈklɔːrəl)   n   1 a colourless oily liquid with a pungent odour, made from chlorine and acetaldehyde and used in preparing chloral hydrate and DDT; trichloroacetaldehyde   2 short for chloral hydrate

■ chloral hydrate   n   a colourless crystalline soluble solid produced by the reaction of chloral with water and used as a sedative and hypnotic; 2,2,2-trichloro-1,1-ethanediol. Formula: CCl_3CH(OH)2

■ chloralism (ˈklɔːrəlˌIzəm)   n   a medical condition created by prolonged use of chloral hydrate

■ chloralose (ˈklɔːrələʊz, ˈklɔːrələʊs)   n   an anaesthetic and sedative composed of chloral and glucose, also used as a preparation to kill birds and rodents

chlorambucil (klɔːˈræmbjʊsIl)   n   an alkylating drug derived from nitrogen mustard, administered orally in the treatment of leukaemia and other malignant diseases. Formula: C_14H_19Cl_2NO_2

chloramine (ˈklɔːrəˌmiːn)   n   1 an unstable colourless liquid with a pungent odour, made by the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and ammonia. Formula: NH_2Cl   2 any compound produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in an azo or amine group with chlorine atoms

chloramphenicol (ˌklɔːræmˈfɛnIˌkɒl)   n   a broad-spectrum antibiotic used esp in treating typhoid fever and rickettsial infections: obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae or synthesized. Formula: C_11H_12N_2O_5Cl_2 [C20: from CHLORO- + AM(IDO)- + PHE(NO)- + NI(TRO)- + (GLY)COL]

chlorargyrite (klɔːˈrɑːdʒIˌraIt)   n   a mineral, the naturally occurring form of silver chloride, formed in the oxidation process of silver

chlorate (ˈklɔːˌreIt, -rIt)   n   any salt of chloric acid, containing the monovalent ion ClO_3–

chlordane (ˈklɔːdeIn) or chlordan (ˈklɔːdæn)   n   a white insoluble toxic solid existing in several isomeric forms and usually used, as an insecticide, in the form of a brown impure liquid. Formula: C_10H_6Cl_8 [C20: from CHLORO- + (IN)D(ENE) + -ANE]

chlordiazepoxide (ˌklɔːdaIˌeIzIˈpɒksaId)   n   a chemical compound used as a tranquillizer and muscle relaxant and in the treatment of delirium tremens. Formula: C_16H_14ClN_3O

chlorella (klɔːˈrɛlə, klə-)   n   any microscopic unicellular green alga of the genus Chlorella: some species are used in the preparation of human food [C19: from New Latin, from CHLORO- + Latin -ella, diminutive suffix]

chlorenchyma (kləˈrɛŋkImə)   n   plant tissue consisting of parenchyma cells that contain chlorophyll [C19: from CHLOR(OPHYLL) + -ENCHYMA]

chlorhexidine (klɔːˈhɛksIdiːn)   n   an antiseptic compound used in skin cleansers, mouthwashes, etc [C20: from CHLOR(O)- + HEX(ANE) + -I(DE) + (AM)INE]

chloric (ˈklɔːrIk)   adj   of or containing chlorine in the pentavalent state

■ chloric acid   n   a strong acid with a pungent smell, known only in solution and in the form of chlorate salts. Formula: HClO_3

chlorid (ˈklɒrId)   n   another word for chloride

chloride (ˈklɔːraId)   n   1 any salt of hydrochloric acid, containing the chloride ion Cl–   2 any compound containing a chlorine atom, such as methyl chloride (chloromethane), CH_3Cl   > chloridic (kləˈrIdIk) adj

■ chloridate (ˈklɔːrIˌdeIt)   vb (tr)   photog to expose to or prepare with a chloride

■ chloride of lime or chlorinated lime   n   another name for bleaching powder

■ chloridize or chloridise (ˈklɔːreIˌdaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to change into a chloride   2 another word for chloridate

chlorimetry (klɔːˈrImətrI)   n   the methods and procedures used to determine the amount of chlorine present in a preparation

■ chlorimeter (klɔːˈrImItə)   n   a device used to determine the amount of chlorine present in a preparation

■ chlorimetric (ˌklɔːrIˈmɛtrIk)   adj   of or relating to chlorimetry

chlorine (ˈklɔːriːn) or chlorin (ˈklɔːrIn)   n   a toxic pungent greenish-yellow gas of the halogen group; the 15th most abundant element in the earth's crust, occurring only in the combined state, mainly in common salt: used in the manufacture of many organic chemicals, in water purification, and as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Symbol: Cl; atomic no: 17; atomic wt: 35.4527; valency: 1, 3, 5, or 7; density: 3.214 kg/m^3; relative density: 1.56; melting pt: –101.03°C; boiling pt: –33.9°C [C19 (coined by Sir Humphrey Davy): from CHLORO- + -INE^2, referring to its colour]

■ chlorinate (ˈklɔːrIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   1 to combine or treat (a substance) with chlorine   2 to disinfect (water) with chlorine   > ˌchlorinˈation n   > ˈchlorinˌator n

■ chlorinated (ˈklɔːrIˌneItId)   adj   treated with chlorine

■ chlorinity (klɔːˈrInItI)   n   the amount of chlorine present in water, esp sea-water

■ chlorinize or chlorinise (ˈklɔːrIˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   another word for chlorinate

chlorite^1 (ˈklɔːraIt)   n   any of a group of green soft secondary minerals consisting of the hydrated silicates of aluminium, iron, and magnesium in monoclinic crystalline form: common in metamorphic rocks [C18: from Latin chlōrītis precious stone of a green colour, from Greek khlōritis, from khlōros greenish yellow]   > chloritic (klɔːˈrItIk) adj

■ chloritization or chloritisation (ˌklɔːrItaIˈzeIʃən)   n   a conversion into or a substitution by chlorite

chlorite^2 (ˈklɔːraIt)   n   any salt of chlorous acid, containing the monovalent ion ClO_2–

chloro- or before a vowel chlor-   combining form   1 indicating the colour green: chlorophyll   2 chlorine: chloroform

chloroacetic acid (ˌklɔːrəʊəˈsiːtIk) or chloracetic acid (ˌklɔːrəˈsiːtIk)   n   1 a colourless crystalline soluble strong acid prepared by chlorinating acetic acid and used as an intermediate in the manufacture of many chemicals; monochloracetic acid. Formula: CH_2ClCOOH   2 either of two related compounds: dichloracetic acid, CHCl_2COOH, or trichloracetic acid CCl_3COOH

chloroargyrite (ˌklɔːrəʊˈɑːdʒIraIt)   n   a greyish-yellow or colourless soft secondary mineral consisting of silver chloride in cubic crystalline form: a source of silver. Formula: AgCl. Also called: cerargyrite, horn silver [C19: from Greek keras horn + arguros silver + -ITE^1]

chlorobenzene (ˌklɔːrəʊˈbɛnziːn)   n   a colourless volatile flammable insoluble liquid with an almond-like odour, made from chlorine and benzene and used as a solvent and in the preparation of many organic compounds, esp phenol and DDT. Formula: C_6H_5Cl

chlorobromide (ˌklɔːrəʊˈbrəʊmaId)   n   chem a chlorine and bromine compound joined to a metal

chlorocalcite (ˌklɔːrəʊˈkælsaIt)   n   another word for hydrophilite

chlorocruorin (ˌklɔːrəʊˈkruːərIn)   n   biochem an oxygen-carrying substance that is found in the tissues of members of the division Annelida that is green in colour when oxygen is not present

chlorodyne (ˈklɔːrəˌdaIn)   n   a drug, containing chloroform among other ingredients, with sedative, narcotic and pain-relieving properties

chlorofluorocarbon (ˌklɔːrəˌflʊərəʊˈkɑːbən)   n   chem any of various gaseous compounds of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents, and in foam: some cause a breakdown of ozone in the earth's atmosphere. Abbreviation: CFC

chloroform (ˈklɔːrəˌfɔːm)   n   a heavy volatile liquid with a sweet taste and odour, used as a solvent and cleansing agent and in refrigerants: formerly used as an inhalation anaesthetic. Formula: CHCl_3. Systematic name: trichloromethane [C19: from CHLORO- + FORM(YL) (in an obsolete sense that applied to a CH radical)]

■ chloroformer (ˈklɔːrəˌfɔːmə)   n   someone who administers chloroform

■ chloroformist (ˈklɔːrəˌfɔːmIst)   n   a person who is skilled in the use of or who dispenses or provides chloroform as part of their job

chlorohydrin (ˌklɔːrəʊˈhaIdrIn)   n   1 any of a class of organic compounds containing a hydroxyl group and a chlorine atom   2 a colourless unstable hygroscopic liquid that is used mainly as a solvent; 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol. Formula: CH_2OHCHOHCH_2Cl [C20: from CHLORO- + HYDRO- + -IN]

chloromethane (ˌklɔːrəʊˈmiːθeIn)   n   another name for methyl chloride

chlorometry (klɔːˈrɒmətrI)   n   another word for chlorimetry

■ chlorometer (klɔːˈrɒmItə)   n   another word for chlorimeter

■ chlorometric (ˌklɔːrəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   another word for chlorimetric

Chloromycetin (ˌklɔːrəʊmaIˈsiːtIn)   n   trademark a brand of chloramphenicol

chlorophyll or US chlorophyl (ˈklɔːrəfIl)   n   the green pigment of plants and photosynthetic algae and bacteria that traps the energy of sunlight for photosynthesis and exists in several forms, the most abundant being chlorophyll a (C_55H_72O_5N_4Mg): used as a colouring agent in medicines or food (E140)   > ˈchloroˌphylloid adj   > ˌchloroˈphyllous adj

chlorophytum (ˌklɔːrəˈfaItəm)   n   any plant of the genus Chlorophytum, esp C. elatum variegatum, grown as a pot plant for its long narrow leaves with a light central stripe, and characterized by the production of offsets at the end of long scapes: family Liliaceae. Also called: spider plant [New Latin, from Greek chlōros green + phyton plant]

chloropicrin (ˌklɔːrəʊˈpIkrIn) or chlorpicrin (klɔːˈpIkrIn)   n   a colourless insoluble toxic lachrymatory liquid used as a pesticide and a tear gas; nitrotrichloromethane. Formula: CCl_3NO_2 [C20: from CHLORO- + PICRO- + -IN]

chloroplast (ˈklɔːrəʊˌplæst)   n   a plastid containing chlorophyll and other pigments, occurring in plants and algae that carry out photosynthesis   > ˌchloroˈplastic adj

■ chloroplastal (ˈklɔːrəʊˌplæstəl)   adj   of or like a chloroplast

chloroprene (ˈklɔːrəʊˌpriːn)   n   a colourless liquid derivative of butadiene that is used in making neoprene rubbers; 2-chloro-1,2-butadiene. Formula: CH_2:CHCCl:CH_2 [C20: from CHLORO- + (ISO)PRENE]

chloroquine (ˈklɔːrəʊˌkwiːn) or chloroquin (ˈklɔːrəˌkwIn)   n   a synthetic drug administered orally to treat malaria. Formula: C_18H_26ClN_3 [C20: from CHLORO- + QUIN(OLINE)]

chlorosis (klɔːˈrəʊsIs)   n   1 Also called: greensickness pathol a disorder, formerly common in adolescent girls, characterized by pale greenish-yellow skin, weakness, and palpitation and caused by insufficient iron in the body   2 botany a deficiency of chlorophyll in green plants caused by mineral deficiency, lack of light, disease, etc, the leaves appearing uncharacteristically pale [C17: from CHLORO- + -OSIS]   > chlorotic (klɔːˈrɒtIk) adj

chlorothiazide (ˌklɔːrəˈθaIəˌzaId)   n   a diuretic drug administered orally in the treatment of chronic heart and kidney disease and hypertension. Formula: C_7H_6ClN_3O_4S_2 [C20: from CHLORO- + THI(O-) + (DI)AZ(INE + DIOX)IDE]

chlorous (ˈklɔːrəs)   adj   1 of or containing chlorine in the trivalent state   2 of or containing chlorous acid

■ chlorous acid   n   an unstable acid that is a strong oxidizing agent. Formula: HClO_2

chlorpromazine (klɔːˈprɒməˌziːn)   n   a drug derived from phenothiazine, used as a tranquillizer and sedative, esp in psychotic disorders. Formula: C_17H_19ClN_2S [C20: from CHLORO- + PRO(PYL + A)M(INE) + AZINE]

chlorpropamide (klɔːˈprəʊpəˌmaId)   n   a sulfonylurea drug that reduces blood glucose and is administered orally in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Formula: C_10H_13ClN_2O_3S

chlortetracycline (klɔːˌtɛtrəˈsaIkliːn)   n   an antibiotic used in treating many bacterial and rickettsial infections: obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces aureofaciens. Formula: C_22H_23ClN_2O_8

chlorthalidone (klɔːˈθælIdəʊn)   n   a diuretic used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and hypertension [C20: from CHLOR(O)- + TH(IAZINE) + -AL^3 + -ID(E) + -ONE]

ChM   abbreviation for   Master of Surgery [Latin Chirurgiae Magister]

choana (ˈkəʊənə)   n   anatomy a nasal opening situated towards the back of the nasal cavity in vertebrates

choanocyte (ˈkəʊənəˌsaIt)   n   any of the flagellated cells in sponges that maintain a flow of water through the body. A collar of protoplasm surrounds the base of the flagellum. Also called: collar cell [C19: from Greek khoanē funnel (from khein to pour) + -CYTE]

chobdar (ˈtʃəʊbdɑː)   n   a macebearer or attendant of a king or eminent dignitary in India

choc (tʃɒk)   n   informal chocolate

■ choc-ice (ˈtʃɒkˌaIs)   n   an ice cream covered with a thin layer of chocolate

■ chocs (tʃɒks)   pl n   informal chocolates

choccy, chockie or chocky (ˈtʃɒkI) informal   n, pl -cies or -kies   1 a chocolate   ▷ adj   2 made of, tasting of, smelling of, or resembling chocolate: a delicious choccy taste

chock (tʃɒk)   n   1 a block or wedge of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object   2 nautical   a a fairlead consisting of a ringlike device with an opening at the top through which a rope is placed   b a cradle-like support for a boat, barrel, etc   3 mountaineering See nut (sense 10)   ▷ vb (tr)   4 (usually foll by up) Brit to cram full: chocked up with newspapers   5 to fit with or secure by a chock   6 to support (a boat, barrel, etc) on chocks   ▷ adv   7 as closely or tightly as possible: chock against the wall [C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old French çoche log; compare Provençal soca tree stump]

■ chock-a-block   adj, adv   1 filled to capacity; in a crammed state   2 nautical with the blocks brought close together, as when a tackle is pulled as tight as possible

■ chocker (ˈtʃɒkə)   adj   1 also (Austral): chockers informal full up; packed   2 Brit slang irritated; fed up [C20: from CHOCK-A-BLOCK]

■ chock-full, chockful (ˈtʃɒkfʊl), choke-full or chuck-full   adj   (postpositive) completely full [C17 choke-full; see CHOKE, FULL]

■ chockstone (ˈtʃɒkˌstəʊn)   n mountaineering   1 a stone securely jammed in a crack. It may vary in size from a pebble to a large boulder   2 another name for chock (sense 3)

choco or chocko (ˈtʃɒkəʊ)   n, pl chocos, chockos Austral slang (in World War II)     a a member of the citizen army; militiaman   b a conscript [C20: shortened from chocolate soldier]

chocoholic or chocaholic (ˌtʃɒkəˈhɒlIk)   n   informal   a someone who is very fond of eating chocolate   b (as modifier): my chocoholic friend [C20: from CHOCO(LATE) + -HOLIC]

chocolate (ˈtʃɒkəlIt, ˈtʃɒklIt, -lət)   n   1 a food preparation made from roasted ground cacao seeds, usually sweetened and flavoured   2 a drink or sweetmeat made from this   3    a a moderate to deep brown colour   b (as adjective): a chocolate mare [C17: from Spanish, from Aztec xocolatl, from xococ sour, bitter + atl water]   > ˈchocolaty or ˈchocolatey adj

■ chocolate-box   n   (modifier) informal sentimentally pretty or appealing

■ chocolate-coloured   adj   dark brown

■ chocolate soldier   n   informal a person who mistakenly believes that he or she is very powerful, important, or impressive

■ chocolatier (ˌtʃɒkəˈlætIə; French ʃɔkɔlatje)   n   a person or company that makes or sells chocolate [French]

Choctaw (ˈtʃɒktɔː)   n   1 (pl -taws or -taw) a member of a Native American people of Alabama   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Muskogean family [C18: from Choctaw Chahta]

■ choctaw (ˈtʃɒktɔː)   n   skating a turn from the inside edge of one skate to the outside edge of the other or vice versa [C19: after CHOCTAW]

chog (tʃɒɡ)   n   Northern English dialect the core of a piece of fruit: an apple chog

Chogyal (ˈtʃɒɡjɑːl)   n   history the title of the ruler of Sikkim

choice (tʃɔIs)   n   1 the act or an instance of choosing or selecting   2 the opportunity or power of choosing   3 a person or thing chosen or that may be chosen: he was a possible choice   4 an alternative action or possibility: what choice did I have?   5 a supply from which to select: a poor choice of shoes   6 of choice preferred; favourite   ▷ adj   7 of superior quality; excellent: choice wine   8 carefully chosen, appropriate: a few choice words will do the trick   9 vulgar or rude: choice language [C13: from Old French chois, from choisir to CHOOSE]   > ˈchoicely adv   > ˈchoiceness n

■ choiceful (ˈtʃɔIsfʊl)   adj   1 having an inability to make decisive choices   2 having, providing, or furnishing with many choices

choir (kwaIə)   n   1 an organized group of singers, esp for singing in church services   2    a the part of a cathedral, abbey, or church in front of the altar, lined on both sides with benches, and used by the choir and clergy. Compare chancel   b (as modifier): choir stalls   3 a number of instruments of the same family playing together: a brass choir   4 Also called: choir organ one of the manuals on an organ controlling a set of soft sweet-toned pipes. Compare great (sense 21), swell (sense 16)   5 any of the nine orders of angels in medieval angelology   6 preach to the choir chiefly US to express an opinion to someone who is already in agreement with it   ▶ Archaic spelling: quire [C13 quer, from Old French cuer, from Latin CHORUS]   > ˈchoirˌlike adj

■ choirboy (ˈkwaIəˌbɔI)   n   one of a number of young boys who sing the treble part in a church choir

■ choirgirl (ˈkwaIəɡɜːl)   n   a girl who sings in a church choir

■ choir loft   n   a gallery in a cathedral, abbey, or church used by the choir

■ choirman (ˈkwaIəmən)   n, pl -men   a man who is a singer in a choir

■ choirmaster (ˈkwaIəˌmɑːstə)   n   a person who trains, leads, or conducts a choir

■ choir school   n   (in Britain) a school, esp a preparatory school attached to a cathedral, college, etc, offering general education to boys whose singing ability is good

■ choir-screen   n   architect a partition or a screen in a church that acts as a divide between the choir and the aisles

■ choirstall (ˈkwaIəˌstɔːl)   n   one of the benches for the choir of a church, cathedral, etc

Choiseul^1 (French ʃwazœl)   n   an island in the SW Pacific Ocean, in the Solomon Islands: hilly and densely forested. Area: 3885 sq km (1500 sq miles)

Choiseul^2 (French ʃwazœl)   n   Étienne François (etjɛn frɑ̃swɑ), Duc de. 1719–85, French statesman; foreign minister (1758–70)

choke (tʃəʊk)   vb   1 (tr) to hinder or stop the breathing of (a person or animal), esp by constricting the windpipe or by asphyxiation   2 (intr) to have trouble or fail in breathing, swallowing, or speaking   3 (tr) to block or clog up (a passage, pipe, street, etc)   4 (tr) to retard the growth or action of: the weeds are choking my plants   5 (tr) to suppress (emotion): she choked her anger   6 (intr) slang to die   7 (tr) to enrich the petrol-air mixture by reducing the air supply to (a carburettor, petrol engine, etc)   8 (intr) (esp in sport) to be seized with tension and fail to perform well   ▷ n   9 the act or sound of choking   10 a device in the carburettor of a petrol engine that enriches the petrol-air mixture by reducing the air supply   11 any constriction or mechanism for reducing the flow of a fluid in a pipe, tube, etc   12 Also called: choke coil electronics an inductor having a relatively high impedance, used to prevent the passage of high frequencies or to smooth the output of a rectifier   13 the inedible centre of the head of an artichoke [Old English ācēocian, of Germanic origin; related to CHEEK]   > ˈchokeable adj

■ choke back or choke down   vb   (tr, adverb) to suppress (anger, tears, etc)

■ chokeberry (ˈtʃəʊkbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 any of various North American rosaceous shrubs of the genus Aronia   2 the red or purple bitter fruit of any of these shrubs

■ chokebore (ˈtʃəʊkˌbɔː)   n   1 a shotgun bore that becomes narrower towards the muzzle so that the shot is not scattered   2 a shotgun having such a bore

■ choke chain   n   a collar and lead for a dog so designed that if the dog drags on the lead the collar tightens round its neck

■ chokecherry (ˈtʃəʊkˌtʃɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any of several North American species of cherry, esp Prunus virginiana, having very astringent dark red or black fruit   2 the fruit of any of these trees

■ choke coil or chokecoil (ˈtʃəʊkˌkɔIl)   n   another name for choke (sense 12)

■ choked (tʃəʊkt)   adj   Brit informal annoyed or disappointed

■ chokedamp (ˈtʃəʊkˌdæmp)   n   another word for blackdamp

■ choke-full   adj   a less common spelling of chock-full

■ chokehold (ˈtʃəʊkˌhəʊld)   n   1 the act of holding a person's neck across the windpipe, esp from behind using one arm   2 complete power or control: the chokehold the mob has had on the town

■ choker (ˈtʃəʊkə)   n   1 a woman's high collar, popular esp in the late 19th century   2 any neckband or necklace worn tightly around the throat   3 a high clerical collar; stock   4 a person who chokes   5 something that causes a person to choke

■ choke up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to block (a drain, pipe, etc) completely   2 informal (usually passive) to overcome (a person) with emotion, esp without due cause

■ choking (ˈtʃəʊkIŋ)   adj   causing breathing difficulties; suffocating

■ chokingly (ˈtʃəʊkIŋlI)   adv   in a strangling, suffocating, or choking manner

■ choky or chokey (ˈtʃəʊkI)   adj chokier, chokiest   involving, caused by, or causing choking

chokey or choky (ˈtʃəʊkI)   n   Brit a slang word for prison [C17: from Anglo-Indian, from Hindi caukī a shed or lockup]

chokidar (ˈtʃəʊkIdɑː)   n   (in India) a warden, custodian, or gatekeeper

choko (ˈtʃəʊkəʊ)   n, pl -kos   the cucumber-like fruit of a tropical American cucurbitaceous vine, Sechium edule: eaten as a vegetable in the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand [C18: from an indigenous Brazilian language]

chokra (ˈtʃəʊkrə)   n   Indian a boy or young man, esp one working as a servant

chokri (ˈtʃəʊkrI)   n   Indian a girl or young woman

chola (ˈtʃəʊlə)   n   the conventional attire of Sikhs consisting of a long, loose shirt

cholaemia (kɒˈliːmIə)   n   a toxic medical condition indicated by the presence of bile in the blood

■ cholaemic (kəˈliːmIk)   adj   of or relating to cholaemia

cholagogue (ˈkɒləɡɒɡ)   n   a drug or other substance that promotes the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum   > ˌcholaˈgogic adj

cholangiogram (kəlˈændʒIəˌɡræm)   n   an X-ray of the bile duct performed after administering dye into the ducts that shows up on the X-ray

cholangiography (kəˌlændʒIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   radiographic examination of the bile ducts after the introduction into them of a contrast medium

cholate (ˈkəʊleIt)   n   a cholic acid salt

chole- or before a vowel chol-   combining form   indicating bile or gall: cholesterol [from Greek kholē]

cholecalciferol (ˌkəʊlIkælˈsIfəˌrɒl)   n   a compound occurring naturally in fish-liver oils, used to treat rickets. Formula: C_27H_44O. Also: vitamin D_3. See also calciferol

cholecyst (ˈkɒlIsIst)   n   rare another name for gallbladder

■ cholecystectomy (ˌkɒlIsIˈstɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of the gall bladder

■ cholecystitis (ˌkɒlIsIsˈtaItIs)   n   inflammation of the gall bladder, due to bacterial infection or the presence of gallstones

■ cholecystography (ˌkɒlIsIsˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   med radiography of the gall bladder after administration of a contrast medium

■ cholecystokinin (ˌkɒlIˌsIstəˈkaInIn)   n   a hormone secreted by duodenal cells that stimulates the contraction of the gall bladder and secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Also called: pancreozymin

■ cholecystotomy (ˌkəʊlIsIˈstɒtəmI)   n   the surgical procedure of cutting into the gall bladder in order to extract gallstones

cholelith (ˈkɒləˌlIθ)   n   a stone formed in the gall bladder by the accumulation of bile constituents

■ cholelithiasis (ˌkɒləlIˈθaIəsIs)   n pathol   1 the occurrence or development of gallstones in the gall bladder   2 a number of gallstones

cholent (ˈtʃolənt)   n   Judaism a meal usually consisting of a stew of meat, potatoes, and pulses prepared before the Sabbath on Friday and left to cook until eaten for Sabbath lunch

choler (ˈkɒlə)   n   1 anger or ill humour   2 archaic one of the four bodily humours; yellow bile. See humour (sense 8)   3 obsolete biliousness [C14: from Old French colère, from Medieval Latin cholera, from Latin: jaundice, CHOLERA]

■ choleric (ˈkɒlərIk)   adj   1 bad-tempered   2 bilious or causing biliousness   > ˈcholerically or ˈcholericly adv

cholera (ˈkɒlərə)   n   an acute intestinal infection characterized by severe diarrhoea, cramp, etc: caused by ingestion of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio comma. Also called: Asiatic cholera, epidemic cholera, Indian cholera [C14: from Latin, from Greek kholera jaundice, from kholē bile]   > ˈcholeˌroid adj

■ choleraic (ˌkɒlərˈeIIk)   adj   relating to, like, or developing from cholera

cholestasis (ˌkəʊlIˈsteIsIs)   n   the medical condition characterized by the inability of bile to pass normally out of the liver due to blockage or impairment

■ cholestatic (ˌkəʊləˈstætIk)   adj   of or relating to cholestasis

cholesteric (ˌkəʊləˈstɛrIk)   adj   1 chem resulting from the reaction of nitric acid and cholesterin and producing cholesterates   2 physics relating to a particular phase in the development of liquid crystals that is characterized by a particular parallel molecular arrangement

cholesterin (kəˈlɛstərIn)   n   an obsolete name for cholesterol

cholesterol (kəˈlɛstəˌrɒl)   n   a sterol found in all animal tissues, blood, bile, and animal fats: a precursor of other body steroids. A high level of cholesterol in the blood is implicated in some cases of atherosclerosis, leading to heart disease. Formula: C_27H_45OH. Former name: cholesterin (kəˈlɛstərIn) [C19: from CHOLE- + Greek stereos hard, solid, so called because first observed in gallstones]

■ cholesterolaemia or US cholesterolemia (kəˌlɛstərəˈliːmIə)   n   the presence of abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood

cholestyramine (ˌkɒlIˈstaIərəˌmiːn)   n   a drug that reduces and prevents re-absorption of bile in the body

Chol Hamoed Hebrew (xol hɑˈmoed; Yiddish xaʊl həˈmaʊəd)   n   Judaism the middle days of the festivals of Passover and Sukkoth, on which necessary work is permitted [literally: the weekdays of the festival]

choli (ˈkəʊlI)   n, pl -lis   a short-sleeved bodice, as worn by Indian women [from Hindi]

choliamb (ˈkəʊlIˌæmb)   n   prosody an imperfect iambic metre, with a spondee as the last foot

■ choliambic (ˌkəʊlIˈæmbIk)   adj   prosody relating to or in the form of choliambs

cholic acid (ˈkəʊlIk)   n   a crystalline insoluble acid present in bile: used as an emulsifying agent and an intermediate in the synthesis of organic compounds. Formula: C_24H_40O_5 [C19: from Greek kholikos; see CHOLE-]

choline (ˈkəʊliːn, -In, ˈkɒl-)   n   a colourless viscous soluble alkaline substance present in animal tissues, esp as a constituent of lecithin: used as a supplement to the diet of poultry and in medicine for preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver. Formula:[(CH_3)3NCH_2CH_2OH]+OH– [C19: from CHOLE- + -INE^2, so called because of its action in the liver]

cholinergic (ˌkəʊlIˈnɜːdʒIk)   adj   1 denoting nerve fibres that release acetylcholine when stimulated   2 of or relating to the type of chemical activity associated with acetylcholine and similar substances [C20: from (ACETYL)CHOLIN(E) + Greek ergon work]

■ cholinergically (ˌkəʊlIˈnɜːdʒIkəlI)   adv   in a cholinergic manner

cholinesterase (ˌkəʊlIˈnɛstəˌreIs, ˌkɒl-)   n   an enzyme that hydrolyses acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid

cholla (ˈtʃəʊljɑː; Spanish ˈtʃoʎa)   n   any of several spiny cacti of the genus Opuntia that grow in the southwestern US and Mexico and have cylindrical stem segments. See also prickly pear [Mexican Spanish, from Spanish: head, perhaps from Old French (dialect) cholle ball, of Germanic origin]

chollers (ˈtʃɒləz)   pl n   Northeast English dialect the jowls or cheeks [C18: perhaps from Old English ceolur throat. See JOWL^2]

cholo (ˈtʃəʊləʊ)   n, pl -los   1 a person who is descended from both European and Native American parents   2 US a disparaging term for a lower-class person of Mexican descent   3 US a tough or thug-like person of Mexican descent   4 a mestizo or Native American, esp one who has moved from a rural area to the city

Cholon (tʃəˈlʌn; French ʃɔlɔ̃)   n   a city in S Vietnam: a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City

choltry (ˈtʃəʊltrI)   n, pl -ries Indian   1 a place where travellers can rest   2 a portico or hall lined with pillars in a temple

Cholula (Spanish tʃoˈlula)   n   a town in S Mexico, in Puebla state: ancient ruins, notably a pyramid, 53 m (177 ft) high. Pop: 82 964 (2005)

chometz Hebrew (xaˈmɛtʒ; Yiddish ˈxomətʒ)   n   a variant spelling of chametz

chommie (ˈtʃɒmI)   n   South African informal a friend, used esp by Black males and Afrikaans-speakers [probably from Afrikaans tjommie, from CHUM^1]

Chomolungma (ˈtʃəʊməʊˌlʊŋmə) or Chomolangma (ˈtʃəʊməʊˌlɑːŋmə)   n   a Chinese name for (Mount) Everest

chomophyte (ˈkɒməʊˌfaIt)   n   any plant that grows on rocky ledges or in fissures and crevices

chomp (tʃɒmp) or chump   vb   1 to chew (food) noisily; champ   ▷ n   2 the act or sound of chewing in this manner [variant of CHAMP^1]

■ chomper (ˈtʃɒmpə)   n   a person who chomps

Chomsky (ˈtʃɒmskI)   n   (Avram) Noam (ˈnəʊəm). born 1928, US linguist and political critic. His theory of language structure, transformational generative grammar, superseded the behaviourist view of Leonard Bloomfield   > ˈChomskyan or ˈChomskyˌite n, adj

chon (tʃəʊn)   n, pl chon   a North and South Korean monetary unit worth one hundredth of a won

chondral (ˈkɒndrəl)   adj   of or relating to cartilage

chondrichthyan (kɒnˈdrIkθIən)   n   zoology a technical name for a cartilaginous fish [New Latin, from Greek khondros grain, cartilage + ikhthus fish]

chondrify (ˈkɒndrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to become or convert into cartilage   > ˌchondrifiˈcation n

chondrin (ˈkɒndrIn)   n   a resilient translucent bluish-white substance that forms the matrix of cartilage

chondriosome (ˈkɒndrIəˌsəʊm)   n   another name for mitochondrion   > ˌchondrioˈsomal adj

chondrite (ˈkɒndraIt)   n   a stony meteorite consisting mainly of silicate minerals in the form of chondrules. Compare achondrite   > chondritic (kɒnˈdrItIk) adj

chondritis (kɒndˈraItIs)   n   med a swelling and tenderness of cartilage

chondro-, chondri- or before a vowel chondr-   combining form   1 indicating cartilage: chondroma   2 grain or granular: chondrule [from Greek khondros grain, cartilage]

chondroblast (ˈkɒndrəʊˌblæst)   n   a type of cell that develops into a chondrocyte or cartilage cell

chondrocranium (ˌkɒndrəʊˈkreInIəm)   n   med the cartilaginous structure that, in early development, envelops the brain

chondrogenesis (ˌkɒndrəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   med the growth of cartilage

chondroid (ˈkɒndrɔId)   adj   cartilaginous or similar to cartilage

chondroitin (kɒnˈdrəʊItIn)   n   1 an element that is present in cartilage   2 an additive that can be taken to improve movement and elasticity of joints

chondroma (kɒnˈdrəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   pathol a benign cartilaginous growth or neoplasm   > chonˈdromatous adj

■ chondromatosis (ˌkɒndrəʊməˈtəʊsIs)   n   a painful and immobilizing condition that affects the joints, in particular the elbow, hip, and knee joints, and results in the synovial tissue becoming cartilaginous

chondrophore (ˈkɒndrəˌfɔː)   n   zoology a medusoid hydrozoan that resembles a jellyfish

■ chondrophorine (kɒnˈdrɒfəriːn)   adj   zoology relating to chondrophores

chondroskeleton (ˈkɒndrəʊˌskɛlItən)   n   the cartilaginous part of the skeleton of vertebrates

chondrostian (kɒnˈdrɒstIən)   adj   zoology relating to the class Chondrostei of fish with fin rays

chondrule (ˈkɒndruːl)   n   one of the small spherical masses of mainly silicate minerals present in chondrites

Chŏngjin or Chungjin (ˈtʃʌŋˈdʒIn)   n   a port in E North Korea, on the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Pop: 603 000 (2005 est)

Chongqing (ˈtʃʊŋˈtʃIŋ), Chungking or Ch'ung-ch'ing   n   a river port in SW China, capital of Chongqing municipality (traditionally in Sichuan province) at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers: site of a city since the 3rd millennium BC; wartime capital of China (1938–45); major trade centre for W China. Pop: 4 975 000 (2005 est). Former name: Pahsien

Chŏnju (ˈtʃʌnˈdʒuː)   n   a city in SW South Korea: centre of large rice-growing region. Pop: 643 000 (2005 est)

choo-choo (ˈtʃuːˌtʃuː)   n   Brit a child's name for a railway train [C20: of imitative origin]

choof (tʃuːf)   vb (intr) Austral slang   1 to move in a particular manner or direction   2 (with off) to go away; make off

chook (tʃʊk)   vb   1 See jook   ▷ n   2 Also called: chookie Austral informal a hen or chicken   3 Austral informal a woman, esp a more mature one   4 he or she couldn't raffle a chook in a pub he or she is incapable of carrying out even the simplest of tasks   ▷ interj   5 Austral an exclamation used to attract chickens

■ chook chaser   n Austral derogatory, slang   1 a small motorcycle, esp for off-road use   2 a person who rides such a motorcycle

■ chook raffle   n Austral   1 a raffle for which the main prize is a roast chicken   2 not be able to run a chook raffle to be totally incompetent

choom (tʃʊm)   n   (often capital) old-fashioned, Austral slang or jocular an Englishman

choon (tjuːn)   n   slang a piece of recorded music that one likes

choose (tʃuːz)   vb chooses, choosing, chose, chosen   1 to select (a person, thing, course of action, etc) from a number of alternatives   2 (tr; takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to consider it desirable or proper: I don't choose to keep such company   3 (intr) to like; please: you may stand if you choose   4 cannot choose but to be obliged to: we cannot choose but vote for him   5 nothing to choose between or little to choose between (of two people or objects) almost equal [Old English ceosan; related to Old Norse kjōsa, Old High German kiosan]   > ˈchooser n

■ choosy (ˈtʃuːzI)   adj choosier, choosiest   informal particular in making a choice; difficult to please

■ chosen people   pl n   any of various peoples believing themselves to be chosen by God, esp the Jews

chop^1 (tʃɒp)   vb chops, chopping, chopped   1 (often foll by down or off) to cut (something) with a blow from an axe or other sharp tool   2 (tr) to produce or make in this manner: to chop firewood   3 (tr; often foll by up) to cut into pieces   4 (tr) Brit informal to dispense with or reduce   5 (intr) to move quickly or violently   6 sport to hit (a ball) sharply downwards   7 boxing, martial arts to punch or strike (an opponent) with a short sharp blow   8 W African an informal word for eat   ▷ n   9 a cutting blow   10 the act or an instance of chopping   11 a piece chopped off   12 a slice of mutton, lamb, or pork, generally including a rib   13 Austral and NZ slang a share (esp in the phrase get or hop in for one's chop)   14 W African an informal word for food   15 Austral and NZ a competition of skill and speed in chopping logs   16 sport a sharp downward blow or stroke   17 not much chop Austral and NZ informal not much good; poor   18 the chop slang dismissal from employment [C16: variant of CHAP^1]

■ chop-chop   n   Austral slang chopped tobacco that is illegally distributed and sold so as to avoid taxation

■ chopfallen (ˈtʃɒpˌfɔːlən)   adj   a variant of chapfallen

■ chophouse (ˈtʃɒpˌhaʊs)   n   a restaurant specializing in steaks, grills, chops, etc

■ chopped-up or chopped up   adj   cut into pieces

■ chopper (ˈtʃɒpə)   n   1 chiefly Brit a small hand axe   2 a butcher's cleaver   3 a person or thing that cuts or chops   4 an informal name for a helicopter   5 chiefly Brit a vulgar slang name for penis   6 a device for periodically interrupting an electric current or beam of radiation to produce a pulsed current or beam. See also vibrator (sense 2)   7 a type of bicycle or motorcycle with very high handlebars and an elongated saddle   8 NZ a child's bicycle   9 obsolete, slang, chiefly US a sub-machine-gun

■ choppers (ˈtʃɒpəz)   pl n informal   1 teeth   2 false teeth

■ chopper tool   n   a core tool of flint or stone, with a transverse cutting edge, characteristic of cultures in Asia and parts of the Middle East and Europe

■ chops (tʃɒps)   pl n   1 the jaws or cheeks; jowls   2 the mouth   3 slang   a music embouchure   b jazz skill   4 lick one's chops informal to anticipate with pleasure [C16: of uncertain origin]

chop^2 (tʃɒp)   vb chops, chopping, chopped   1 (intr) to change direction suddenly; vacillate (esp in the phrase chop and change)   2 obsolete to barter   3 chop logic to use excessively subtle or involved logic or argument [Old English ceapian to barter; see CHEAP, CHAPMAN]

■ choppy (ˈtʃɒpI)   adj -pier, -piest   (of the sea, weather, etc) fairly rough   > ˈchoppily adv   > ˈchoppiness n

chop^3 (tʃɒp)   n   a design stamped on goods as a trademark, esp in the Far East [C17: from Hindi chhāp]

■ chophouse (ˈtʃɒpˌhaʊs)   n   (formerly) a customs house in China

chop chop   adv   slang quickly [C19: from pidgin English, from Chinese dialect; related to Cantonese kap kap]

Chopin (ˈʃɒpæn; French ʃɔpɛ̃)   n   Frédéric (frederik) (François). 1810–49, Polish composer and pianist active in France, who wrote chiefly for the piano: noted for his harmonic imagination and his lyrical and melancholy qualities

chopine (tʃɒˈpiːn) or chopin (ˈtʃɒpIn)   n   a sandal-like shoe on tall wooden or cork bases popular in the 18th century [C16: from Old Spanish chapín, probably imitative of the sound made by the shoe when walking]

choplogic (ˈtʃɒpˌlɒdʒIk)   n   excessively complicated argument

chopsocky (ˌtʃɒpˈsɒkI)   n   slang   a a genre of martial arts film containing superfluous violence   b (as modifier): chopsocky flicks

chopstick (ˈtʃɒpstIk)   n   one of a pair of thin sticks, of ivory, wood, etc, used as eating utensils by the Chinese, Japanese, and other people of East Asia [C17: from pidgin English, from chop quick, of Chinese dialect origin + STICK^1]

chop suey (ˈsuːI)   n   a Chinese-style dish originating in the US, consisting of meat or chicken, bean sprouts, etc, stewed and served with rice [C19: from Chinese (Cantonese) tsap sui odds and ends]

choragus (kɔːˈreIɡəs)   n, pl -gi (-dʒaI) or -guses   1 (in ancient Greek drama)   a the leader of a chorus   b a sponsor of a chorus   2 a conductor of a festival [C17: from Latin, from Greek khoragos, from khoros CHORUS + agein to lead]   > choragic (kɔːˈrædʒIk, -ˈreI-) adj

choral   adj (ˈkɔːrəl)   1 relating to, sung by, or designed for a chorus or choir   ▷ n (kɒˈrɑːl)   2 a variant spelling of chorale   > ˈchorally adv

■ choralist (ˈkɔːrəlIst)   n   a person who sings in a chorus or ensemble

chorale or choral (kɒˈrɑːl)   n   1 a slow stately hymn tune, esp of the Lutheran Church   2 chiefly US a choir or chorus [C19: from German Choralgesang, translation of Latin cantus chorālis choral song]

■ chorale prelude   n   a composition for organ using a chorale as a cantus firmus or as the basis for variations

chord^1 (kɔːd)   n   1 maths   a a straight line connecting two points on a curve or curved surface   b the line segment lying between two points of intersection of a straight line and a curve or curved surface   2 engineering one of the principal members of a truss, esp one that lies along the top or the bottom   3 anatomy a variant spelling of cord   4 an emotional response, esp one of sympathy: the story struck the right chord   5 an imaginary straight line joining the leading edge and the trailing edge of an aerofoil   6 archaic the string of a musical instrument [C16: from Latin chorda, from Greek khordē gut, string; see CORD]   > ˈchorded adj

■ chordate (ˈkɔːˌdeIt)   n   1 any animal of the phylum Chordata, including the vertebrates and protochordates, characterized by a notochord, dorsal tubular nerve cord, and pharyngeal gill slits   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Chordata [C19: from Medieval Latin chordata; see CHORD^1 + -ATE^1]

■ chordotomy (kɔːˈdɒtəmI)   n, pl -tomies   surgery an operation to paralyse nerve tracts in the spinal chord in order to relieve pain associated with certain conditions

■ chordwise (ˈkɔːdˌwaIz)   adv   1 in the direction of an aerofoil chord   ▷ adj   2 moving in this direction: chordwise force

chord^2 (kɔːd)   n   1 the simultaneous sounding of a group of musical notes, usually three or more in number. See concord (sense 4), discord (sense 3)   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to provide (a melodic line) with chords [C15: short for ACCORD; spelling influenced by CHORD^1]   > ˈchordal adj

■ chording (ˈkɔːdIŋ)   n music   1 the distribution of chords throughout a piece of harmony   2 the intonation of a group of instruments or voices

■ chordophone (ˈkɔːdəˌfəʊn)   n   any musical instrument producing sounds through the vibration of strings, such as the piano, harp, violin, or guitar   > ˌchordoˈphonic adj

■ chord symbol   n   music any of a series of letters and numerals, used as a shorthand indication of chords, esp in jazz, folk, or pop music

chorda (ˈkɔːdə)   n   anatomy a cord-like formation in the body

chordamesoderm (ˌkɔːdəˈmɛsəʊˌdɜːm)   n   biology a kind of mesoderm that develops into the notochord

chordee (ˈkɔːdiː)   n   pathol an unusual bending downwards of the penis, visible when erect, that is a symptom of gonorrhoea

chore (tʃɔː)   n   1 a small routine task, esp a domestic one   2 an unpleasant task [C19: variant of Middle English chare; related to CHAR^3]

■ choreman (ˈtʃɔːmən)   n, pl -men   a handyman or odd-job man

-chore   n combining form   (in botany) indicating a plant distributed by a certain means: anemochore [from Greek khōrein to move]   > -chorous or -choric adj combining form

chorea (kɒˈrIə)   n   a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by uncontrollable irregular brief jerky movements. See Huntington's disease, Sydenham's chorea [C19: from New Latin, from Latin: dance, from Greek khoreia, from khoros dance; see CHORUS]   > choˈreal, choˈreic or ˌchoreˈatic adj

■ choreiform (kəˈriːIˌfɔːm)   adj   pathol resembling the signs and indications of chorea

choree (ˈkɔːriː)   n   prosody a trochee

choregraph (ˈkɒrIˌɡrɑːf)   vb (tr)   another word for choreograph

choregus (kəˈriːɡəs)   n   1 the producer or financier of a dramatist's works in Ancient Greece   2 the name given to an official at Oxford University who now aids the Professor of Music but who was originally assigned to oversee musical rehearsal   3 a person who conducts or directs a choir or specialized group of people

■ choregic (kəˈriːdʒIk)   adj   relating to a choregus

choreo-   combining form   indicating the art of dancing or ballet: choreodrama; choreography [from Greek khoreios, from khoros dance]

choreodrama (ˌkɒrIəʊˈdrɑːmə)   n   dance drama performed by a group

choreography (ˌkɒrIˈɒɡrəfI) or choregraphy (kɒˈrɛɡrəfI)   n   1 the composition of dance steps and sequences for ballet and stage dancing   2 the steps and sequences of a ballet or dance   3 the notation representing such steps   4 the art of dancing [C18: from Greek khoreia dance + -GRAPHY]   > ˌchoreˈographer or choˈregrapher n   > choreographic (ˌkɒrIəˈɡræfIk) or choregraphic (ˌkɒrəˈɡræfIk) adj   > ˌchoreoˈgraphically or ˌchoreˈgraphically adv

■ choreograph (ˈkɒrIəˌɡræf)   vb   (tr) to compose the steps and dances for (a piece of music or ballet)

choreoid (ˈkɒrIɔId)   adj   another word for choreiform

choreology (ˌkɒrIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the method of writing down the signs and characters that indicate movements in dance   2 the method of writing down the signs and characters that indicate bodily movements

■ choreologist (ˌkɒrIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who is expert in choreology

chorepiscopal (ˌkɒrIˈpIskəpəl)   adj   (in early Christianity) relating to or connected with a local bishop

choriamb (ˈkɒrIˌæmb) or choriambus (ˌkɒrIˈæmbəs)   n, pl -ambs or -ambi (-ˈæmbaI)   prosody a metrical foot used in classical verse consisting of four syllables, two short ones between two long ones (– ◡ ◡ –) [C19: from Late Latin choriambus, from Greek khoriambos, from khoreios trochee, of a chorus, from khoros CHORUS]   > ˌchoriˈambic adj

choric (ˈkɒrIk)   adj   of, like, for, or in the manner of a chorus, esp of singing, dancing, or the speaking of verse

chorine (ˈkɔːriːn)   n   a female dancer who is part of a chorus line

chorioallantois (ˌkɒrIəʊˌælənˈtəʊIs)   n   the membrane of a fetus that is formed by the merging of the allantois and the chorion

■ chorioallantoic (ˌkɒrIəʊˌælənˈtəʊIk)   adj   relating to the chorioallantois

choriocarcinoma (ˌkɒrIəʊˌkɑːsIˈnəʊmə)   n   a cancer that occurs during pregnancy in the uterus

chorion (ˈkɔːrIən)   n   the outer of two membranes that form a sac around the embryonic reptile, bird, or mammal: contributes to the placenta in mammals. See also amnion [C16: from Greek khorion afterbirth]   > ˌchoriˈonic or ˈchorial adj

■ chorionic gonadotrophin   n   a hormone secreted by the chorionic villi of the placenta in mammals, esp human chorionic gonadotrophin. It promotes the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum and its presence in the urine is an indication of pregnancy

■ chorionic villus sampling   n   a method of diagnosing genetic disorders early in pregnancy by the removal by catheter through the cervix or abdomen of a tiny sample of tissue from the chorionic villi. Abbreviation: CVS

chorisis (ˈkɔːrIsIs) or chorism (ˈkɔːrIzəm)   n   botany the multiplication of botanical elements by branching or splitting

chorist (ˈkɒrIst)   n   1 a person who sings in a choir or a chorus   2 a person who takes part in the singing of the chorus of a song   3 a person who is part of the Ancient Greek dramatic chorus

chorister (ˈkɒrIstə)   n   a singer in a choir, esp a choirboy [C14: from Medieval Latin chorista]

chorization (ˌkɔːrIˈzeIʃən) or chorisation (ˌkɔːrIˈzeIʃən)   n   botany another name for chorisis

chorizo (tʃɔːˈriːzəʊ)   n, pl -zos   a kind of highly seasoned pork sausage of Spain or Mexico [C19: Spanish]

chorizont (ˈkɔːrIˌzɒnt) or chorizontist (ˌkɔːrIˈzɒntIst)   n   a person who challenges the authorship of a work

Chorley (ˈtʃɔːlI)   n   a town in NW England, in S Lancashire: cotton textiles. Pop: 33 424 (2001)

chorography (kɒˈrɒɡrəfI)   n geography   1 the technique of mapping regions   2 (pl -phies) a description or map of a region, as opposed to a small area [C16: via Latin from Greek khōrographia, from khōros place, country + -GRAPHY]   > choˈrographer n   > chorographic (ˌkɒrəˈɡræfIk) or ˌchoroˈgraphical adj   > ˌchoroˈgraphically adv

choroid (ˈkɔːrɔId) or chorioid (ˈkɔːrIˌɔId)   adj   1 resembling the chorion, esp in being vascular   ▷ n   2 the brownish vascular membrane of the eyeball between the sclera and the retina [C18: from Greek khoroeidēs, erroneously for khorioeidēs, from CHORION]

■ choroidal (kɔːˈrɔIdəl)   adj   relating to the choroid

■ choroiditis (ˌkɔːrɔIdˈaItIs)   n   a medical condition consisting of pain and swelling of the choroid

■ choroid plexus   n   a multilobed vascular membrane, projecting into the cerebral ventricles, that secretes cerebrospinal fluid

chorology (kəˈrɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of the causal relations between geographical phenomena occurring within a particular region   2 the study of the spatial distribution of organisms [C20: from German Chorologie, from Greek khōros place + -LOGY]   > choˈrologist n

■ chorological (ˌkɒrəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   relating to the place where something can be found

choropleth (ˈkɔːrəˌplɛθ)   n     a a symbol or marked and bounded area on a map denoting the distribution of some property   b (as modifier): a choropleth map [C20: from Gk khōra place + plēthos multitude]

chorrie (ˈtʃɒrI)   n   South African informal a dilapidated old car [C20: from Afrikaans tjor a crock]

chorten (ˈtʃɔːtɛn)   n   a Buddhist shrine

chortle (ˈtʃɔːtəl)   vb   1 (intr) to chuckle gleefully   ▷ n   2 a gleeful chuckle [C19: coined (1871) by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-glass; probably a blend of CHUCKLE + SNORT]   > ˈchortler n

chorus (ˈkɔːrəs)   n, pl -ruses   1 a large choir of singers or a piece of music composed for such a choir   2 a body of singers or dancers who perform together, in contrast to principals or soloists   3 a section of a song in which a soloist is joined by a group of singers, esp in a recurring refrain   4 an intermediate section of a pop song, blues, etc, as distinct from the verse   5 jazz any of a series of variations on a theme   6 (in ancient Greece)   a a lyric poem sung by a group of dancers, originally as a religious rite   b an ode or series of odes sung by a group of actors   7    a (in classical Greek drama) the actors who sang the chorus and commented on the action of the play   b actors playing a similar role in any drama   8 (esp in Elizabethan drama)   a the actor who spoke the prologue, etc   b the part of the play spoken by this actor   9 a group of people or animals producing words or sounds simultaneously   10 any speech, song, or other utterance produced by a group of people or animals simultaneously: a chorus of sighs; the dawn chorus   11 in chorus in unison   ▷ vb   12 to speak, sing, or utter (words, etc) in unison [C16: from Latin, from Greek khoros]

■ chorus girl   n   a young woman who dances or sings in the chorus of a musical comedy, revue, etc

■ chorusmaster (ˈkɔːrəsˌmɑːstə)   n   the conductor of a choir

■ chorus pedal   n   music an electronic device that creates the effect of more than one sound from a single source by combining a short delay with slight deviations in pitch

Chorzów (Polish ˈxɔʒuf)   n   an industrial city in SW Poland: under German administration from 1794 to 1921. Pop: 113 739 (2007 est). German name: Königshütte

chose^1 (tʃəʊz)   vb   the past tense of choose

chose^2 (ʃəʊz)   n   law an article of personal property [C17: from French: thing, from Latin causa cause, case, reason]

chosen (ˈtʃəʊzən)   vb   1 the past participle of choose   ▷ adj   2 selected or picked out, esp for some special quality

Chosen (ˈtʃəʊˈsɛn)   n   the official name for Korea when it was a Japanese province (1910–45)

Chosŏn (ˈtʃəʊˈsɒn)   n   the Korean name for North Korea

chota (ˈtʃəʊtə)   adj   Indian small, lesser, or minor

Chota Nagpur (ˈtʃəʊtə ˈnɑːɡpʊə)   n   a plateau in E India, mainly in Jharkhand state since 2000: forested, with rich mineral resources and much heavy industry; produces chiefly lac (world's leading supplier), coal (half India's total output), and mica

chott (ʃɒt)   n   a variant spelling of shott

chou (ʃuː)   n, pl choux (ʃuː)   1 a type of cabbage   2 a rosette   3 a round cream bun [C18 (a bun): from French, from Latin caulis cabbage]

Chou (tʃəʊ) or Zhou   n   the imperial dynasty of China from about 1126 to 255 BC

choucroute (ʃuːˈkruːt)   n   a dish, resembling sauerkraut, that consists of cabbage that has been preserved by soaking in pickle

Chou En-lai (tʃəʊ ɛnˈlaI) or Zhou En Lai   n   1898–1976, Chinese Communist statesman; foreign minister of the People's Republic of China (1949–58) and premier (1949–76)

chough (tʃʌf)   n   1 a large black passerine bird, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, of parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a long downward-curving red bill: family Corvidae (crows)   2 alpine chough a smaller related bird, Pyrrhocorax graculus, with a shorter yellow bill [C14: of uncertain origin; probably related to Old French cauwe, Old English cēo]

chouse (tʃaʊs)   n   1 a person who deceives, defrauds, or tricks   2 a deception or trick   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to deceive, defraud, or trick (a person)   4 to worry or badger

■ chouser (ˈtʃaʊsə)   n   a person who deceives, defrauds, or tricks

choush (tʃaʊʃ)   n   a Turkish envoy or attendant

chout (tʃaʊt)   n   an amount obtained by blackmail equal to a quarter, originally applied to the amount obtained by the Mahrattas in India from their territories in exchange for protection from pillage

choux (ʃuː)   n   another name for choux pastry

■ choux pastry (ʃuː)   n   a very light pastry made with eggs, used for eclairs, etc [partial translation of French pâte choux cabbage dough (from its round shape)]

chow (tʃaʊ)   n   1 informal food   2 short for chow-chow (sense 1)

■ chow-chow   n   1 a thick-coated breed of the spitz type of dog with a curled tail and a characteristic blue-black tongue; it came originally from China. Often shortened to: chow   2 a Chinese preserve of ginger, orange peel, etc in syrup   3 a mixed vegetable pickle [C19: from pidgin English, probably based on Mandarin Chinese cha miscellaneous]

■ chow down   vb (intr, adverb; foll by on)   1 informal to eat heartily   ▷ n chowdown   2 an instance of chowing down   3 the act of eating a large quantity of food, esp for competitive purposes

■ chowhound (ˈtʃaʊˌhaʊnd)   n   informal a greedy person or a person who loves eating

■ chow mein (meIn)   n   a Chinese-American dish, consisting of mushrooms, meat, shrimps, etc, served with fried noodles [from Chinese (Cantonese), variant of Mandarin ch'ao mien fried noodles]

■ chowtime (ˈtʃaʊˌtaIm)   n   informal the time for eating a meal

chowder (ˈtʃaʊdə)   n   a thick soup or stew containing clams or fish [C18: from French chaudière kettle, from Late Latin caldāria; see CAULDRON]

■ chowderhead (ˈtʃaʊdəˌhɛd)   n   US a fool

■ chowderheaded (ˈtʃaʊdəˌhɛdId)   adj   like a chowderhead; foolish

chowk (tʃaʊk)   n (in the Indian subcontinent)   1 (often in place names) a marketplace or market area: Vijay Chowk   2 a courtyard   3 a road junction or roundabout [from Hindi cauk]

chowri (ˈtʃaʊrI)   n   a fly-whisk made from the tail of the yak

CHP   abbreviation for   Combined Heat and Power: the production of both heat and electricity from the same device or power plant. Also called: cogeneration

chrematist (ˈkriːmətIst)   n   a person who studies political economy or is interested in the wealth of countries

■ chrematistic (ˌkriːməˈtIstIk)   adj   of, denoting, or relating to money-making [C18: from Greek, from khrēmatizein to make money, from khrēma money]   > ˌchremaˈtistics n

chresard (ˈkrɛsəd)   n   the amount of water present in the soil that is available to plants [C20: from Greek khrēsis use (from khrēsthai to use) + ardein to water]

chrestomathy (krɛsˈtɒməθI)   n, pl -thies   rare a collection of literary passages, used in the study of language [C19: from Greek khrēstomatheia, from khrēstos useful + mathein to learn]   > chrestomathic (ˌkrɛstəʊˈmæθIk) or chrestomathical (ˌkrɛstəʊˈmæθIkəl) adj

Chrétien (French kretjɛ̃)   n   (Joseph Jacques) Jean. born 1934, Canadian Liberal politician; prime minister of Canada (1993–2003)

Chrétien de Troyes (French kretjɛ̃ də trwa)   n   12th century, French poet, who wrote the five Arthurian romances Erec; Cligès; Lancelot, le chevalier de la charette; Yvain, le chevalier au lion; and Perceval, le conte del Graal (?1155–?1190), the first courtly romances

Chrimbo or Crimbo (ˈkrImbəʊ)   n   Brit an informal word for Christmas

chrism or chrisom (ˈkrIzəm)   n   a mixture of olive oil and balsam used for sacramental anointing in the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches [Old English crisma, from Medieval Latin, from Greek khrisma unction, from khriein to anoint]   > chrismal (ˈkrIzməl) adj

■ chrismation (ˌkrIzˈmeIʃən)   n   Greek Orthodox Church a rite of initiation involving anointing with chrism and taking place at the same time as baptism

■ chrismatory (ˈkrIzmətərI, -trI)   n, pl -ries   RC Church a small receptacle containing the three kinds of consecrated oil used in the sacraments

chrismon (ˈkrIzmɒn)   n   the monogram and symbol of Christ's name, also known as chi-rho, derived from the initial two letters of the word Christ in Greek

chrisom (ˈkrIzəm)   n   1 Christianity a white robe put on an infant at baptism and formerly used as a burial shroud if the infant died soon afterwards   2 archaic an infant wearing such a robe   3 a variant spelling of chrism

Chrissie (ˈkrIsI)   n   chiefly Austral a slang name for Christmas

Christ (kraIst)   n   1 Jesus of Nazareth (Jesus Christ), regarded by Christians as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah   2 the Messiah or anointed one of God as the subject of Old Testament prophecies   3 an image or picture of Christ   ▷ interj   4 taboo, slang an oath expressing annoyance, surprise, etc   ▶ See also Jesus [Old English Crīst, from Latin Chrīstus, from Greek khristos anointed one (from khriein to anoint), translating Hebrew māshīah MESSIAH]   > ˈChristly adj

■ Christendom (ˈkrIsəndəm)   n   1 the collective body of Christians throughout the world or throughout history   2 an obsolete word for Christianity

■ Christhood (ˈkraIsthʊd)   n   the state of being the Christ, the anointed one of God

■ Christingle (ˌkrIsˈtIŋɡəl)   n   (in Britain) a Christian service for children held shortly before Christmas, in which each child is given a decorated fruit with a lighted candle in it [C20: from CHRISTMAS + INGLE]

■ Christlike (ˈkraIstˌlaIk)   adj   resembling or showing the spirit of Jesus Christ   > ˈChristˌlikeness n

■ Christology (krIˈstɒlədʒI, kraI-)   n   the branch of theology concerned with the person, attributes, and deeds of Christ   > Christological (ˌkrIstəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > Chrisˈtologist n

■ Christ's-thorn   n   any of several rhamnaceous plants of SW Asia, such as Paliurus spina-christi or the jujube, that have thorny stems and are popularly believed to have been used for Christ's Crown of Thorns

Christadelphian (ˌkrIstəˈdɛlfIən)   n   1 a member of a Christian millenarian sect founded in the US about 1848, holding that only the just will enter eternal life, that the wicked will be annihilated, and that the ignorant, the unconverted, and infants will not be raised from the dead   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this body or its beliefs and practices [C19: from Late Greek khristadelphos, from khristos CHRIST + adelphos brother]

Christchurch (ˈkraIstˌtʃɜːtʃ)   n   1 a city in New Zealand, on E South Island: manufacturing centre of a rich agricultural region; suffered major damage and loss of life in a series of earthquakes in 2010–11. Pop: 366 000 (2013 est)   2 a town and resort in S England, in SE Dorset. Pop: 47 900 (2011)

christcross (ˈkrIsˌkrɒs)   n archaic   1    a the mark of a cross formerly placed in front of the alphabet in hornbooks   b the alphabet itself   2 a cross used in place of a signature by someone unable to sign his or her name

christen (ˈkrIsən)   vb (tr)   1 to give a Christian name to in baptism as a sign of incorporation into a Christian Church   2 another word for baptize   3 to give a name to (anything), esp with some ceremony   4 informal to use for the first time [Old English cristnian, from Crīst CHRIST]   > ˈchristener n

■ christening (ˈkrIsənIŋ)   n   the Christian sacrament of baptism or the ceremony in which this is conferred

Christian^1 (ˈkrIstʃən)   n   1    a a person who believes in and follows Jesus Christ   b a member of a Christian Church or denomination   2 informal a person who possesses Christian virtues, esp practical ones   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or derived from Jesus Christ, his teachings, example, or his followers   4 (sometimes not capital) exhibiting kindness or goodness   > ˈChristianly adj, adv

■ Christian Action   n   an inter-Church movement formed in 1946 to promote Christian ideals in society at large

■ Christian Brothers   pl n   RC Church a religious congregation of laymen founded in France in 1684 for the education of poor people. Also called: Brothers of the Christian Schools

■ Christian Democracy   n   the beliefs, principles, practices, or programme of a Christian Democratic party   > Christian Democratic adj

■ Christian Democrat   n   1 a member or supporter of a Christian Democratic party   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a Christian Democratic party

■ Christian Democratic Party   n   any of various political parties in Europe and Latin America which combine moderate conservatism with historical links to the Christian Church

■ Christian Era   n   the period beginning with the year of Christ's birth. Dates in this era are labelled AD, those previous to it BC. Also called: Common Era

■ Christianity (ˌkrIstIˈænItI)   n   1 the Christian religion   2 Christian beliefs, practices, or attitudes   3 a less common word for Christendom (sense 1)

■ Christianize or Christianise (ˈkrIstʃəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make Christian or convert to Christianity   2 to imbue with Christian principles, spirit, or outlook   > ˌChristianiˈzation or ˌChristianiˈsation n   > ˈChristianˌizer or ˈChristianˌiser n

■ Christian name or baptismal name   n   a personal name formally given to Christians at christening

USAGE

Christian name was often loosely used to mean any person's first name as distinct from his or her surname. Nowadays, especially in official documents, alternatives which do not refer to a particular faith, and are therefore more inclusive, are used: first name, forename, and given name

■ Christian Science   n   the religious system and teaching of the Church of Christ, Scientist. It was founded by Mary Baker Eddy (1866) and emphasizes spiritual healing and the unreality of matter   > Christian Scientist n

Christian^2 (ˈkrIstʃən)   n   Charlie. 1919–42, US jazz guitarist

Christian IV (ˈkrIstʃən; Danish ˈkresdjan)   n   1577–1648, king of Denmark and Norway (1588–1648): defeated in the Thirty Years' War (1629) and by Sweden (1645)

Christian X   n   1890–1947, king of Denmark (1912–47) and Iceland (1918–44)

Christiania (ˌkrIstIˈɑːnIə)   n   a former name (1624–1877) of Oslo

Christiansand (ˈkrIstʃənˌsænd; Norwegian kristianˈsan)   n   a variant spelling of Kristiansand

Christie (ˈkrIstI)   n   1  Dame Agatha (Mary Clarissa). 1890–1976, British author of detective stories, many featuring Hercule Poirot, and several plays, including The Mousetrap (1952)   2  John (Reginald Halliday). 1898–1953, British murderer. His trial influenced legislation regarding the death penalty after he was found guilty of a murder for which Timothy Evans had been hanged   3  Linford (ˈlInfəd). born 1960, British athlete: Commonwealth (1990), Olympic (1992), World (1993), and European (1994) 100 metres gold medallist   4  William (Lincoln). born 1944, French harpsichord player, organist, and conductor, born in the US; founder (1979) and director of the early-music group Les Arts Florissants

Christina (krIˈstiːnə)   n   1626–89, queen of Sweden (1632–54), daughter of Gustavus Adolphus, noted particularly for her patronage of literature

Christine de Pisan (French krIstin də pizɑ̃)   n   ?1364–?1430, French poet and prose writer, born in Venice. Her works include ballads, rondeaux, lays, and a biography of Charles V of France

Christmas (ˈkrIsməs)   n   1    a the annual commemoration by Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec 25   b Also called: Christmas Day Dec 25, observed as a day of secular celebrations when gifts and greetings are exchanged   c (as modifier): Christmas celebrations   2 Also called: Christmas Day (in England, Wales, and Ireland) Dec 25, one of the four quarter days. Compare Lady Day, Midsummer's Day, Michaelmas   3 Also called (archaic or literary): Christmastide the season of Christmas extending from Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) to Jan 6 (the festival of the Epiphany or Twelfth Night) [Old English Crīstes mæsse MASS of CHRIST]

■ Christmas beetle   n   any of various greenish-gold Australian scarab beetles of the genus Anoplognathus, which are common in summer

■ Christmas box   n   a tip or present given at Christmas, esp to postmen, tradesmen, etc

■ Christmas cactus   n   a Brazilian cactus, Schlumbergera (formerly Zygocactus) truncatus, widely cultivated as an ornamental for its showy red flowers

■ Christmas card   n   a greeting card sent at Christmas

■ Christmas disease   n   a relatively mild type of haemophilia, caused by lack of a protein (Christmas factor) implicated in the process of blood clotting [C20: named after S. Christmas, the first patient with the disease who was examined in detail]

■ Christmas Eve   n   the evening or the whole day before Christmas Day

■ Christmas Island   n   1 the former name (until 1981) of Kiritimati   2 an island in the Indian Ocean, south of Java: administered by Singapore (1900–58), now by Australia; phosphate mining. Pop: 1496 (2013 est). Area: 135 sq km (52 sq miles)

■ Christmas jumper   n   a pullover featuring a Christmas-themed design

■ Christmas ornament   n   the usual US name for a bauble (sense 2)

■ Christmas pudding   n   Brit a rich steamed pudding containing suet, dried fruit, spices, brandy, etc, served at Christmas. Also called: plum pudding

■ Christmas rose   n   an evergreen ranunculaceous plant, Helleborus niger, of S Europe and W Asia, with white or pinkish winter-blooming flowers. Also called: hellebore, winter rose

■ Christmas stocking   n   a stocking hung up by children on Christmas Eve for Santa Claus to fill with presents

■ Christmassy (ˈkrIsməsI)   adj   of, relating to, or suitable for Christmas

■ Christmastide (ˈkrIsməsˌtaId)   n   an archaic or literary name for Christmas (sense 3)

■ Christmas tree   n   1 an evergreen tree or an imitation of one, decorated as part of Christmas celebrations   2 Also called: Christmas bush Austral any of various trees or shrubs flowering at Christmas and used for decoration   3 another name for pohutukawa

Christo (ˈkrIstəʊ)   n   full name Christo Javacheff. born 1935, US artist, born in Bulgaria; best known for works in which he wraps buildings, monuments, or natural features in canvas or plastic

Christo-   combining form   indicating or relating to Christ: Christology

Christoff (ˈkrIstɒf)   n   Boris. 1919–93, Bulgarian bass-baritone, noted esp for his performance in the title role of Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov

Christophe (French kristɔf)   n   Henri (ɑ̃ri). 1767–1820, Haitian revolutionary leader; king of Haiti (1811–20)

Christopher (ˈkrIstəfə)   n   Saint. 3rd century AD, Christian martyr; patron saint of travellers

Christy or Christie (ˈkrIstI)   n, pl -ties (sometimes not capital)   skiing a turn in which the body is swung sharply round with the skis parallel, originating in Norway and used for stopping, slowing down, or changing direction quickly [C20: shortened from CHRISTIANIA]

chroma (ˈkrəʊmə)   n   1 the attribute of a colour that enables an observer to judge how much chromatic colour it contains irrespective of achromatic colour present. See also saturation (sense 4)   2 (in colour television) the colour component in a composite coded signal [C19: from Greek khrōma colour]

chromaffin (ˈkrəʊməfIn)   adj   histology showing a brown colour when in the presence of chromic acid

chromakey (ˈkrəʊməˌkiː)   n   (in colour television) a special effect in which a coloured background can be eliminated and a different background substituted. Also called: colour separation overlay

chromate (ˈkrəʊˌmeIt)   n   any salt or ester of chromic acid. Simple chromate salts contain the divalent ion, CrO_42–, and are orange

chromatic (krəˈmætIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characterized by a colour or colours   2 music   a involving the sharpening or flattening of notes or the use of such notes in chords and harmonic progressions   b of or relating to the chromatic scale or an instrument capable of producing it: a chromatic harmonica   c of or relating to chromaticism. Compare diatonic [C17: from Greek khrōmatikos, from khrōma colour]   > chroˈmatically adv   > chroˈmaticism n

■ chromatic aberration   n   a defect in a lens system in which different wavelengths of light are focused at different distances because they are refracted through different angles. It produces a blurred image with coloured fringes

■ chromatic adaptation   n   botany the alteration by photosynthesizing organisms of the proportions of their photosynthetic pigments in response to the intensity and colour of the available light, as shown by algae in the littoral zone, which change from green to red as the zone is descended

■ chromatic colour   n   physics a formal term for colour (sense 2)

■ chromaticity (ˌkrəʊməˈtIsItI)   n   the quality of a colour or light with reference to its purity and its dominant wavelength

■ chromaticity coordinates   pl n   physics three numbers used to specify a colour, each of which is equal to one of the three tristimulus values divided by their sum. Symbols: x, y, z

■ chromaticity diagram   n   physics a diagram in which values of two chromaticity coordinates are marked on a pair of rectangular axes, a point in the plane of these axes representing the chromaticity of any colour

■ chromaticness (krəʊˈmætIknIs)   n   physics the attribute of colour that involves both hue and saturation

■ chromatics (krəʊˈmætIks) or chromatology (ˌkrəʊməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   (functioning as singular) the science of colour   > chromatist (ˈkrəʊmətIst) or ˌchromaˈtologist n

■ chromatic scale   n   music a twelve-note scale including all the semitones of the octave

chromatid (ˈkrəʊmətId)   n   either of the two strands into which a chromosome divides during mitosis. They separate to form daughter chromosomes at anaphase

chromatin (ˈkrəʊmətIn)   n   cytology the part of the nucleus that consists of DNA and proteins, forms the chromosomes, and stains with basic dyes. See also euchromatin, heterochromatin   > ˌchromaˈtinic adj   > ˈchromaˌtoid adj

chromato- or before a vowel chromat-   combining form   1 indicating colour or coloured: chromatophore   2 indicating chromatin: chromatolysis [from Greek khrōma, khrōmat- colour]

chromatogram (ˈkrəʊmətəˌɡræm, krəʊˈmæt-)   n   1 a column or strip of material containing constituents of a mixture separated by chromatography   2 a graph showing the quantity of a substance leaving a chromatography column as a function of time

chromatography (ˌkrəʊməˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the technique of separating and analysing the components of a mixture of liquids or gases by selective adsorption in, for example, a column of powder (column chromatography) or on a strip of paper (paper chromatography). See also gas chromatography   > ˌchromaˈtographer n   > chromatographic (ˌkrəʊmətəˈɡræfIk) adj   > ˌchromatoˈgraphically adv

■ chromatograph (krəˈmætəˌɡrɑːf)   n   a piece of equipment that provides the outcome of a chromatographic test

chromatology (ˌkrəʊməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   another name for chromatics

chromatolysis (ˌkrəʊməˈtɒlIsIs)   n   cytology the dissolution of stained material, such as chromatin in injured cells

■ chromatolytic (krəˌmætəˈlItIk)   adj   cytology relating to chromatolysis

chromatophore (ˈkrəʊmətəˌfɔː)   n   1 a cell in the skin of frogs, chameleons, etc, in which pigment is concentrated or dispersed, causing the animal to change colour   2 another name for chromoplast   > ˌchromatoˈphoric or chromatophorous (ˌkrəʊməˈtɒfərəs) adj

chromatopsia (ˌkrəʊməˈtɒpsIə)   n   an irregularity in the ability to see colours properly

chromatosphere (krəʊˈmætəˌsfIə)   n   astronomy another word for chromosphere

chromatype (ˈkrəʊməˌtaIp)   n   1    a a procedure in photography that uses photographic paper that is made reactive to light by the use of a salt of chromium   b (as modifier): a chromatype print   2 a photograph produced by chromatype   3 a type of photographic paper used in the process of producing photographs by directing light through a negative and onto sensitized paper that is touching the negative

chrome (krəʊm)   n   1    a another word for chromium, esp when present in a pigment or dye   b (as modifier): a chrome dye   2 anything plated with chromium, such as fittings on a car body   3 a pigment or dye that contains chromium   ▷ vb   4 to plate or be plated with chromium, usually by electroplating   5 to treat or be treated with a chromium compound, as in dyeing or tanning [C19: via French from Greek khrōma colour]

■ chrome alum   n   a violet-red crystalline substance, used as a mordant in dyeing. Formula: KCr(SO_4)2.12H_2O

■ chrome dioxide   n   another name for chromium dioxide

■ chrome green   n   1 any green pigment made by mixing lead chromate with Prussian blue   2 any green pigment containing chromic oxide

■ chromene (ˈkrəʊmiːn)   n   chem a compound derived from plants, used as an insecticide

■ chrome red   n   any red pigment used in paints, consisting of a mixture of lead chromate and lead oxide; basic lead chromate

■ chrome steel   n   any of various hard rust-resistant steels containing chromium. Also called: chromium steel

■ chrome tape   n   magnetic recording tape coated with chrome dioxide

■ chrome yellow   n   any yellow pigment consisting of lead chromate mixed with lead sulphate

■ chromy (ˈkrəʊmI)   adj   having a chrome colour or containing chrome

-chrome   adj combining form, n combining form   colour, coloured, or pigment: monochrome [from Greek khrōma colour]

chromel (ˈkrəʊmɛl)   n   a nickel-based alloy containing about 10 per cent chromium, used in heating elements [C20: from CHRO(MIUM) + ME(TA)L]

chromic (ˈkrəʊmIk)   adj   1 of or containing chromium in the trivalent state   2 of or derived from chromic acid

■ chromic acid   n   an unstable dibasic oxidizing acid known only in solution and in the form of chromate salts. Formula: H_2CrO_4

chromide (ˈkrəʊmaId)   n   any fish of the family Cichlidae

chromidium (krəˈmIdIəm)   n, pl -midia (-ˈmIdIə)   a length or particle of chromatin in cell cytoplasm

chrominance (ˈkrəʊmInəns)   n   1 the quality of light that causes the sensation of colour. It is determined by comparison with a reference source of the same brightness and of known chromaticity   2 the information that defines the colour (hue and saturation) of a television image, but not the brightness [C20: from CHROMO- + LUMINANCE]

chromite (ˈkrəʊmaIt)   n   1 a brownish-black mineral consisting of a ferrous chromic oxide in cubic crystalline form, occurring principally in basic igneous rocks: the only commercial source of chromium and its compounds. Formula: FeCr_2O_4   2 a salt of chromous acid

chromium (ˈkrəʊmIəm)   n   a hard grey metallic element that takes a high polish, occurring principally in chromite: used in steel alloys and electroplating to increase hardness and corrosion-resistance. Symbol: Cr; atomic no: 24; atomic wt: 51.9961; valency: 2, 3, or 6; relative density: 7.18–7.20; melting pt: 1863±20°C; boiling pt: 2672°C [C19: from New Latin, from French: CHROME]

■ chromium dioxide   n   a chemical compound used as a magnetic coating on cassette tapes; chromium(IV) oxide. Formula: CrO_2. Also called (not in technical usage): chrome dioxide

■ chromium-plated   adj   having been plated with chromium

■ chromium steel   n   another name for chrome steel

■ chromize or chromise (ˈkrəʊmaIz)   vb (tr)   to plate with chromium

chromo (ˈkrəʊməʊ)   n, pl -mos   short for chromolithograph

■ chromo- or before a vowel chrom-   combining form   1 indicating colour, coloured, or pigment: chromogen   2 indicating chromium: chromyl [from Greek khrōma colour]

chromocentre or US chromocenter (ˌkrəʊməˈsɛntə)   n   another word for karyosome

chromodynamics (ˌkrəʊməʊdaIˈnæmIks)   n   another name for quantum chromodynamics

chromogen (ˈkrəʊmədʒən)   n   1 a compound that forms coloured compounds on oxidation   2 a substance that can be converted to a dye   3 a bacterium that produces a pigment

■ chromogenic (ˌkrəʊməˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 producing colour   2 of or relating to a chromogen   3 photog involving the use of chromogens rather than silver halide during processing to produce the image: chromogenic film

chromogram (ˈkrəʊməʊˌɡræm)   n   a photograph that depicts an object in true-to-life colours that is obtained by putting together three different photographs

chromolithography (ˌkrəʊməʊlIˈθɒɡrəfI)   n   the process of making coloured prints by lithography   > ˌchromoliˈthographer n   > chromolithographic (ˌkrəʊməʊlIθəˈɡræfIk) adj

■ chromolithograph (ˌkrəʊməʊˈlIθəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   a picture produced by chromolithography

chromomere (ˈkrəʊməˌmIə)   n   cytology any of the dense areas of chromatin along the length of a chromosome during the early stages of cell division

■ chromomeric (ˌkrəʊməˈmɛrIk)   adj   biology relating to chromomeres or pieces of chromatin that are part of a chromosome

chromonema (ˌkrəʊməˈniːmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə) cytology   1 the coiled mass of threads visible within a nucleus at the start of cell division   2 a coiled chromatin thread within a single chromosome [C20: from CHROMO- + Greek nēma thread, yarn]   > ˌchromoˈnemal, chromonematic (ˌkrəʊməʊnIˈmætIk) or ˌchromoˈnemic adj

chromophil (ˈkrəʊməfIl) histology   n   1 a cell that takes a stain easily   ▷ adj also chromophilic   2 relating to cells or a substance that takes a stain easily   3 another word for chromaffin

chromophobe (ˈkrəʊməˌfəʊb) histology   n   1 a cell that does not take a stain easily   ▷ adj   2 not taking a stain easily

chromophore (ˈkrəʊməˌfɔː)   n   a group of atoms in a chemical compound that are responsible for the colour of the compound   > ˌchromoˈphoric or ˌchromoˈphorous adj

chromoplast (ˈkrəʊməˌplæst)   n   a coloured plastid in a plant cell, esp one containing carotenoids

chromoprotein (ˌkrəʊməʊˈprəʊtiːn)   n   any of a group of conjugated proteins, such as haemoglobin, in which the protein is joined to a coloured compound, such as a metal-containing porphyrin

chromoscope (ˈkrəʊməʊˌskəʊp)   n   a piece of equipment that is used to examine different aspects of colour including, for example, intensity

chromosome (ˈkrəʊməˌsəʊm)   n   any of the microscopic rod-shaped structures that appear in a cell nucleus during cell division, consisting of nucleoprotein arranged into units (genes) that are responsible for the transmission of hereditary characteristics. See also homologous chromosomes   > ˌchromoˈsomal adj   > ˌchromoˈsomally adv

■ chromosome band   n   any of the transverse bands that appear on a chromosome after staining. The banding pattern is unique to each type of chromosome, allowing characterization

■ chromosome map   n   a graphic representation of the positions of genes on chromosomes, obtained by observation of chromosome bands or by determining the degree of linkage between genes. See also genetic map   > chromosome mapping n

■ chromosome number   n   the number of chromosomes present in each somatic cell, which is constant for any one species of plant or animal. In the reproductive cells this number is halved. See also diploid (sense 1), haploid

chromosphere (ˈkrəʊməˌsfIə)   n   a gaseous layer of the sun's atmosphere extending from the photosphere to the corona and visible during a total eclipse of the sun   > chromospheric (ˌkrəʊməˈsfɛrIk) adj

chromotherapy (ˌkrəʊməʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   the use of colour and light as a restorative therapy and to promote mental and physical well-being

chromotype (ˈkrəʊməˌtaIp)   n   another name for chromatype

chromous (ˈkrəʊməs)   adj   of or containing chromium in the divalent state

chromoxylograph (ˌkrəʊməʊˈzaIləˌɡrɑːf)   n   a coloured print created from printing with wooden blocks

chromyl (ˈkrəʊmIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the divalent radical CrO_2

Chron. Bible   abbreviation for   Chronicles

chronaxie or chronaxy (ˈkrəʊnæksI)   n   physiol the minimum time required for excitation of a nerve or muscle when the stimulus is double the minimum (threshold) necessary to elicit a basic response. Compare rheobase [C20: from French, from CHRONO- + Greek axia worth, from axios worthy, of equal weight]

chronic (ˈkrɒnIk)   adj   1 continuing for a long time; constantly recurring   2 (of a disease) developing slowly, or of long duration. Compare acute (sense 7)   3 inveterate; habitual: a chronic smoker   4 informal   a very bad: the play was chronic   b very serious: a chronic state of disrepair [C15: from Latin chronicus relating to time, from Greek khronikos, from khronos time]   > ˈchronically adv   > chronicity (krɒˈnIsItI) n

■ chronic fatigue syndrome   n   another name for myalgic encephalopathy. Abbreviation: CFS

chronical (ˈkrɒnIkəl)   adj   1 relating to or controlled by time   2 another word for chronic

chronicle (ˈkrɒnIkəl)   n   1 a record or register of events in chronological order   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to record in or as if in a chronicle [C14: from Anglo-French cronicle, via Latin chronica (pl), from Greek khronika annals, from khronikos relating to time; see CHRONIC]   > ˈchronicler n

■ chronicle play   n   a drama based on a historical subject

■ Chronicles (ˈkrɒnIkəlz)   n   (functioning as singular) either of two historical books (I and II Chronicles) of the Old Testament

chrono- or before a vowel chron-   combining form   indicating time: chronology; chronometer [from Greek khronos time]

chronobiology (ˌkrɒnəbaIˈɒlədʒI, ˌkrəʊnə-)   n   the branch of biology concerned with the periodicity occurring in living organisms. See also biological clock, circadian   > ˌchronobiˈologist n

■ chronobiologic (ˌkrɒnəˌbaIəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   relating to chronobiology

chronogram (ˈkrɒnəˌɡræm, ˈkrəʊnə-)   n   1 a phrase or inscription in which letters such as M, C, X, L, and V can be read as Roman numerals giving a date   2 a record kept by a chronograph   > chronogrammatic (ˌkrɒnəʊɡrəˈmætIk) or ˌchronogramˈmatical adj   > ˌchronogramˈmatically adv

chronograph (ˈkrɒnəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf, ˈkrəʊnə-)   n   1 an accurate instrument for recording small intervals of time   2 any timepiece, esp a wristwatch designed for maximum accuracy   > chronographer (krəˈnɒɡrəfə) n   > chronographic (ˌkrɒnəˈɡræfIk) adj   > ˌchronoˈgraphically adv

chronography (krənˈɒɡrəfI)   n   1 (pl -phies) an arrangement of past events   2 the creation of written statements in which specific letters indicate numerical values that denote a year or period in time

chronology (krəˈnɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 the determination of the proper sequence of past events   2 the arrangement of dates, events, etc, in order of occurrence   3 a table or list of events arranged in order of occurrence   > chroˈnologist or chroˈnologer n

■ chronological (ˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒIkəl, ˌkrəʊ-) or chronologic (ˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒIk, ˌkrəʊ-)   adj   1 (esp of a sequence of events) arranged in order of occurrence   2 relating to or in accordance with chronology   > ˌchronoˈlogically adv

■ chronologize or chronologise (krəˈnɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb (tr)   to arrange in an order determined by when events took place

chronometry (krəˈnɒmItrI)   n   the science or technique of measuring time with extreme accuracy

■ chronometer (krəˈnɒmItə)   n   a timepiece designed to be accurate in all conditions of temperature, pressure, etc, used esp at sea   > chronometric (ˌkrɒnəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌchronoˈmetrical adj   > ˌchronoˈmetrically adv

chronon (ˈkrəʊnɒn)   n   a unit of time equal to the time that a photon would take to traverse the diameter of an electron: about 10–24 seconds

chronoscope (ˈkrɒnəˌskəʊp, ˈkrəʊnə-)   n   an instrument that registers small intervals of time on a dial, cathode-ray tube, etc   > chronoscopic (ˌkrɒnəˈskɒpIk, ˌkrəʊnə-) adj   > ˌchronoˈscopically adv

chronotherapy (ˌkrɒnəˈθɛrəpI)   n   an endeavour to readjust the body clock to enable a person to waken earlier by going to sleep later and later every day until the required waking hour is achieved

-chroous or -chroic   adj combining form   coloured in a specified way: isochroous [from Greek khrōs skin, complexion, colour]

chrysalid (ˈkrIsəlId)   n   1 another name for chrysalis   ▷ adj also chrysalidal (krIˈsælIdəl)   2 of or relating to a chrysalis

chrysalis (ˈkrIsəlIs)   n, pl chrysalises or chrysalides (krIˈsælIˌdiːz)   1 the obtect pupa of a moth or butterfly   2 anything in the process of developing [C17: from Latin chrӯsallis, from Greek khrusallis, from khrusos gold, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew harūz gold]

chrysanth (krIˈsænθ)   n   a short form of chrysanthemum

chrysanthemum (krIˈsænθəməm)   n   1 any widely cultivated plant of the genus Chrysanthemum, esp C. morifolium of China, having brightly coloured showy flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any other plant of the genus Chrysanthemum, such as oxeye daisy [C16: from Latin: marigold, from Greek khrusanthemon, from khrusos gold + anthemon flower]

chrysarobin (ˌkrIsəˈrəʊbIn)   n   a tasteless odourless powder containing anthraquinone derivatives of araroba, formerly used medicinally to treat chronic skin conditions [C20: from CHRYSO- (referring to its golden colour) + ARAROBA + -IN]

chryselephantine (ˌkrIsɛlIˈfæntIn)   adj   (of ancient Greek statues) made of or overlaid with gold and ivory [C19: from Greek khruselephantinos, from khrusos gold + elephas ivory; see ELEPHANT]

chryso- or before a vowel chrys-   combining form   indicating gold or the colour of gold: chryselephantine; chrysolite [from Greek khrusos gold]

chrysoberyl (ˈkrIsəˌbɛrIl)   n   a rare very hard greenish-yellow mineral consisting of beryllium aluminate in orthorhombic crystalline form and occurring in coarse granite: used as a gemstone in the form of cat's eye and alexandrite. Formula: BeAl_2O_4

chrysocolla (ˌkrIsəʊˈkɒlə)   n   mineralogy a mineral that is a silicate of copper and occurs in shades of blue or green

chrysocracy (krIˈsɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   a form of government by rich people

chrysolite (ˈkrIsəˌlaIt)   n   another name for olivine   > chrysolitic (ˌkrIsəˈlItIk) adj

chrysomelid (ˌkrIsəˈmɛlId) entomol   n   1 a vibrantly-coloured beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae that eats the leaves of plants   ▷ adj   2 relating to the Chrysomelidae

chrysophan (ˈkrIsəˌfæn)   n   a glucoside that is bitter to the taste and yellow in colour

chrysophilite (krIˈsɒfIˌlaIt)   n   a person who loves gold

chrysophyte (ˈkrIsəˌfaIt)   n   any of the golden alga species

chrysoprase (ˈkrIsəˌpreIz)   n   an apple-green variety of chalcedony: a gemstone [C13 crisopace, from Old French, from Latin chrӯsoprasus, from Greek khrusoprasos, from CHRYSO- + prason leek]

Chrysostom (ˈkrIsəstəm)   n   Saint John. ?345–407 AD, Greek patriarch; archbishop of Constantinople (398–404). Feast day: Sept 13 or Nov 13

chrysotile (ˈkrIsətIl)   n   a green, grey, or white fibrous mineral, a variety of serpentine, that is an important source of commercial asbestos. Formula: Mg_3Si_2O_5(OH)4 [C20: from CHRYSO- + Greek tilos something plucked, shred, thread, from tillein to pluck]

chthonian (ˈθəʊnIən) or chthonic (ˈθɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to the underworld [C19: from Greek khthonios in or under the earth, from khthōn earth]

Chuang-tzu (ˈtʃwæŋ ˈtsuː)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Zhuangzi

chub (tʃʌb)   n, pl chub or chubs   1 a common European freshwater cyprinid game fish, Leuciscus (or Squalius) cephalus, having a cylindrical dark greenish body   2 any of various North American fishes, esp certain whitefishes and minnows [C15: of unknown origin]

chubasco (tʃʊˈbæskəʊ)   n   (in Mexico) a hurricane

Chubb (tʃʌb) or Chubb lock   n   trademark a type of patent lock containing a device that sets the bolt immovably if the lock is picked

chubby (ˈtʃʌbI)   adj -bier, -biest   (esp of the human form) plump and round [C17: perhaps from CHUB, with reference to the plump shape of the fish]   > ˈchubbily adv   > ˈchubbiness n

Chu Chiang (ˈtʃuː ˈkjæŋ, kaIˈæŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for the Zhu Jiang

Ch'ü Ch'iu-pai (ˈtʃuː ˈtʃjuːˈbeI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Qu Qiu Bai

chuck^1 (tʃʌk)   vb (mainly tr)   1 informal to throw   2 to pat affectionately, esp under the chin   3 (sometimes foll by in or up) informal to give up; reject: he chucked up his job; she chucked her boyfriend   4 (intr; usually foll by up) slang to vomit   5 chuck off at Austral and NZ informal to abuse or make fun of   ▷ n   6 a throw or toss   7 a playful pat under the chin   8 the chuck informal dismissal [C16: of unknown origin]

■ chucker (ˈtʃʌkə)   n   1 a person who throws something   2 cricket informal a bowler whose arm action is illegal

■ chucker-out   n   Brit informal a person employed at a club, pub, disco, etc, to throw out drunks or troublemakers and stop those considered undesirable from entering

■ chuckhole (ˈtʃʌkˌhəʊl)   n   US a pothole

■ chuck in   vb (adverb) informal   1 (tr) Brit to abandon or give up: chuck in the job   2 (intr) Austral to contribute to the cost of something

■ chuck off   vb   (tr, adverb; often foll by at) Austral and NZ informal to abuse or make fun of

■ chuck out   vb   (tr, adverb; often foll by of) informal to eject forcibly (from); throw out (of): he was chucked out of the lobby

chuck^2 (tʃʌk)   n   1 Also called: chuck steak a cut of beef extending from the neck to the shoulder blade   2    a Also called: three jaw chuck a device that holds a workpiece in a lathe or tool in a drill, having a number of adjustable jaws geared to move in unison to centralize the workpiece or tool   b Also called: four jaw chuck, independent jaw chuck a similar device having independently adjustable jaws for holding an unsymmetrical workpiece [C17: variant of CHOCK]

■ chuck wagon   n   a wagon carrying provisions and cooking utensils for people, such as cowboys, who work in the open [C19: perhaps from CHUCK^2 (beef, food)]

chuck^3 (tʃʌk)   vb   1 (intr) a less common word for cluck (sense 2)   ▷ n   2 a clucking sound   3 a term of endearment [C14 chukken to cluck, of imitative origin]

chuck^4 (tʃʌk)   n Canadian W coast   1 a large body of water   2 short for saltchuck [C19: from Chinook Jargon, from Nootka chauk]

chuckawalla (ˈtʃʌkəˌwɒlə)   n   another name for chuckwalla

chuck-full   adj   a less common spelling of chock-full

chuckie (ˈtʃʌkI)   n   Scot and NZ a small stone [probably from CHUCK^1]

chuckle (ˈtʃʌkəl)   vb (intr)   1 to laugh softly or to oneself   2 (of animals, esp hens) to make a clucking sound   ▷ n   3 a partly suppressed laugh [C16: probably from CHUCK^3]   > ˈchuckler n   > ˈchucklingly adv

■ chucklehead (ˈtʃʌkəlˌhɛd)   n   informal a stupid person   > ˈchuckleˌheaded adj   > ˈchuckleˌheadedness n

■ chucklesome (ˈtʃʌkəlsəm)   adj   informal amusing; full of humour

chuckwalla (ˈtʃʌkˌwɒlə)   n   a lizard, Sauromalus obesus, that has an inflatable body and inhabits desert regions of the southwestern US: family Iguanidae (iguanas) [from Mexican Spanish chacahuala, from Shoshonean tcaxxwal]

chuck-will's-widow   n   a large North American nightjar, Caprimulgus carolinensis, similar to the whippoorwill

chuddar, chudder, chuddah or chador (ˈtʃʌdə)   n   a large shawl or veil worn by Muslim or Hindu women that covers them from head to foot [from Hindi caddar, from Persian chaddar]

chuddies (ˈtʃʌdIz)   pl n   Indian informal underpants [C20: possibly from CHUDDAR]

chuddy   n   Austral and NZ an informal name for chewing gum

Chudskoye Ozero (Russian ˈtʃutskəjI ˈɔzIrə)   n   the Russian name for Lake Peipus

chufa (ˈtʃuːfə)   n   a sedge, Cyperus esculentus, of warm regions of the Old World, with nutlike edible tubers [C19: from Old Spanish: a morsel, joke, from chufar to joke, from chuflar to deride, ultimately from Latin sībilāre to whistle]

chuff^1 (tʃʌf)   n   1 a puffing sound of or as if of a steam engine   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to move while emitting such sounds: the train chuffed on its way [C20: of imitative origin]

chuff^2 (tʃʌf)   n   dialect a boor; churl; sullen fellow [C17: from obsolete chuff (n) fat cheek, of obscure origin]

■ chuffy (ˈtʃʌfI)   adj chuffier, chuffiest   boorish and surly   > ˈchuffiness n

chuff^3 (tʃʌf)   vb   (tr; usually passive) Brit slang to please or delight: he was chuffed by his pay rise [probably from chuff (adj) pleased, happy (earlier: chubby), from C16 chuff (obsolete n) a fat cheek, of unknown origin]

■ chuffed (tʃʌft)   adj   Brit slang pleased or delighted: none too chuffed

chuffing (ˈtʃʌfIŋ)   adj, adv (prenominal)   Brit slang (intensifier): chuffing marvellous [C20: from N English chuff, a euphemism for the taboo word fuck]

chug (tʃʌɡ)   n   1 a short dull sound, esp one that is rapidly repeated, such as that made by an engine   ▷ vb chugs, chugging, chugged   2 (intr) (of an engine, etc) to operate while making such sounds   3 (tr) slang to drink (a liquid) quickly or greedily [C19: of imitative origin]

chug-a-lug   vb (tr)   US informal to consume (a drink) in one gulp

chugger (ˈtʃʌɡə)   n   informal a charity worker who approaches people in the street to ask for financial support for the charity, esp regular support by direct debit [C21: CH(ARITY) + (M)UGGER]   > ˈchugging n

chukar (tʃʌˈkɑː)   n   a common Indian partridge, Alectoris chukar (or graeca), having red legs and bill and a black-barred sandy plumage [from Hindi cakor, from Sanskrit cakora, probably of imitative origin]

Chukchi or Chukchee (ˈtʃʊktʃI)   n   1 (pl -chi, -chis or -chee, -chees) a member of a people of the Chukchi Peninsula   2 the language of this people, related only to some of the smaller aboriginal languages of Siberia

■ Chukchi Peninsula   n   a peninsula in the extreme NE of Russia, in NE Siberia: mainly tundra. Also called: Chukot Peninsula (ˈtʃʊkɒts)

■ Chukchi Sea   n   part of the Arctic Ocean, north of the Bering Strait between Asia and North America. Russian name: Chukotskoye More (tʃuˈkɔtskəji ˈmɔrji). Also called: Chukot Sea (ˈtʃʊkɒts)

Chu Kiang (ˈtʃuː ˈkjæŋ, kaIˈæŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for the Zhu Jiang

chukka or US chukker (ˈtʃʌkə)   n   polo a period of continuous play, generally lasting 7^1⁄2 minutes [C20: from Hindi cakkar, from Sanskrit cakra wheel, circle]

■ chukka boot or chukka   n   an ankle-high boot made of suede or rubber and worn for playing polo [C19 CHUKKA]

chum^1 (tʃʌm)   n   1 informal a close friend   ▷ vb chums, chumming, chummed   2 (intr; usually foll by up with) to be or become an intimate friend (of)   3 (tr) Scot to accompany: I'll chum you home [C17 (meaning: a person sharing rooms with another): probably shortened from chamber fellow, originally student slang (Oxford); compare CRONY]

■ chummage (ˈtʃʌmIdʒ)   n   (formerly) a fee paid by a prisoner for sole occupancy of a cell

■ chumship (ˈtʃʌmʃIp)   n   friendship

chum^2 (tʃʌm)   n   angling, chiefly US and Canadian chopped fish, meal, etc, used as groundbait [C19: origin uncertain]

chum^3 (tʃʊm)   n   a Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus keta [from Chinook Jargon tsum spots, marks, from Chinook]

chumash Hebrew (xʊˈmaʃ; Yiddish ˈxʊməʃ)   n   Judaism a printed book containing one of the Five Books of Moses [literally: a fifth (part of the Torah)]

chummy (ˈtʃʌmI)   adj -mier, -miest   informal friendly   > ˈchummily adv   > ˈchumminess n

chump^1 (tʃʌmp)   n   1 informal a stupid person   2 a thick heavy block of wood   3    a the thick blunt end of anything, esp of a piece of meat   b (as modifier): a chump chop   4 Brit slang the head (esp in the phrase off one's chump) [C18: perhaps a blend of CHUNK and LUMP^1]

chump^2 (tʃʌmp)   vb   a less common word for chomp

chumping (ˈtʃʌmpIŋ)   n   Yorkshire dialect the act of collecting wood for bonfires on Guy Fawkes Day [from CHUMP^1 (sense 2)]

chunder (ˈtʃʌndə) chiefly Austral slang   vb (intr)   1 to vomit   ▷ n   2 vomit [C20: of uncertain origin]

■ chunderous (ˈtʃʌndərəs)   adj   Austral slang nauseating

Chungjin (ˈtʃʌŋˈdʒIn)   n   a variant spelling of Chŏngjin

Chungking (ˈtʃʊŋˈkIŋ, ˈtʃʌŋ-) or Ch'ung-ch'ing (ˈtʃʊŋˈtʃIŋ, ˈtʃʌŋ-)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Chongqing

Chunjie (ˈtʃʊnˌdʒiːə)   n   an annual Chinese festival marking the (lunar) Chinese New Year. It can last over three days and includes the exchange of gifts, firework displays, and dancing. Also called: Spring Festival. Former name: Yuandan

chunk (tʃʌŋk)   n   1 a thick solid piece, as of meat, wood, etc   2 a considerable amount [C17: variant of CHUCK^2]

■ chunking (ˈtʃʌŋkIŋ)   n   psychol the grouping together of a number of items by the mind, after which they can be remembered as a single item, such as a word or a musical phrase

■ chunky (ˈtʃʌŋkI)   adj chunkier, chunkiest   1 thick and short   2 consisting of or containing thick pieces: chunky dog food   3 chiefly Brit (of clothes, esp knitwear) made of thick bulky material   > ˈchunkily adv   > ˈchunkiness n

Chunnel (ˈtʃʌnəl)   n   informal a rail tunnel beneath the English Channel, linking England and France, opened in 1994 [C20: from CH(ANNEL) + (T)UNNEL]

chunter (ˈtʃʌntə) or chunner (ˈtʃʌnə)   vb   (intr; often foll by on) Brit informal to mutter or grumble incessantly in a meaningless fashion [C16: probably of imitative origin]

chupatti or chupatty (tʃəˈpætI, -ˈpʌtI, -ˈpɑːtI)   n, pl -patti, -pattis, -patties   variant spellings of chapati

chuppah or huppah (ˈhʊpə)   n Judaism   1 the canopy under which a marriage is performed   2 the wedding ceremony as distinct from the celebration [from Hebrew]

Chuquisaca (Spanish tʃukiˈsaka)   n   the former name (until 1839) of Sucre^1

chur (tʃɜː)   sentence substitute NZ   an informal expression of agreement

Chur (German kuːr)   n   a city in E Switzerland, capital of Graubünden canton. Pop: 32 989 (2000). Ancient name: Curia Rhaetorum (ˈkuːrIə riːˈtəʊrəm, ˈkjuː-). French name: Coire

Churban or Hurban Hebrew (xʊːrˈbɑn; Yiddish ˈxʊːrbən)   n Judaism   1 the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, first by the Babylonians in 587 BC and again by the Romans in 70 AD   2 another name for holocaust (sense 2) [literally: destruction]

church (tʃɜːtʃ)   n   1 a building designed for public forms of worship, esp Christian worship   2 an occasion of public worship   3 the clergy as distinguished from the laity   4 (usually capital) institutionalized forms of religion as a political or social force: conflict between Church and State   5 (usually capital) the collective body of all Christians   6 (often capital) a particular Christian denomination or group of Christian believers   7 (often capital) the Christian religion   8 (in Britain) the practices or doctrines of the Church of England and similar denominations. Compare chapel (sense 4b). Related adjective: ecclesiastical   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to bring (someone, esp a woman after childbirth) to church for special ceremonies   10 US to impose church discipline upon [Old English cirice, from Late Greek kurikon, from Greek kuriakon (dōma) the Lord's (house), from kuriakos of the master, from kurios master, from kuros power]

■ Church Army   n   a voluntary Anglican organization founded in 1882 to assist the parish clergy

■ Church Commissioners   pl n   Brit a group of representatives of Church and State that administers the endowments and property of the Church of England

■ churchgoer (ˈtʃɜːtʃˌɡəʊə)   n   1 a person who attends church regularly   2 an adherent of an established Church in contrast to a Nonconformist   > ˈchurchˌgoing n, adj

■ churching (ˈtʃɜːtʃIŋ)   n   the act of bringing someone, esp a woman after childbirth, to church for special ceremonies

■ churchism (ˈtʃɜːtʃIzəm)   n   adherence to the principles of an established church

■ church key   n   US a device with a triangular point at one end for making holes in the tops of cans

■ churchless (ˈtʃɜːtʃləs)   adj   1 (of a person) not belonging to a church   2 (of a place) not having a church   3 not being blessed by a church

■ churchly (ˈtʃɜːtʃlI)   adj   appropriate to, associated with, or suggestive of church life and customs   > ˈchurchliness n

■ churchman (ˈtʃɜːtʃmən)   n, pl -men   1 a clergyman   2 a male practising member of a church   > ˈchurchmanly adj   > ˈchurchmanˌship n

■ church mode   n   music a less common name for mode (sense 3a)

■ Church of Christ, Scientist   n   the official name for Christian Science

■ Church of England   n   the reformed established state Church in England, Catholic in order and basic doctrine, with the Sovereign as its temporal head

■ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints   n   the official name for the Mormon Church

■ Church of Rome   n   another name for the Roman Catholic Church

■ Church of Scotland   n   the established church in Scotland, Calvinist in doctrine and Presbyterian in constitution

■ church parade   n   a parade by servicemen or members of a uniformed organization for the purposes of attending religious services

■ churchpeople (ˈtʃɜːtʃˌpiːpəl)   pl n   people belonging to a church

■ Church Slavonic or Church Slavic   n   Old Church Slavonic, esp as preserved in the liturgical use of the Orthodox church

■ church text   n   a heavy typeface in Gothic style

■ churchward (ˈtʃɜːtʃwəd) or churchwards (ˈtʃɜːtʃwədz)   adv   in the direction of the church

■ churchwarden (ˌtʃɜːtʃˈwɔːdən)   n   1 Church of England, Episcopal Church one of two assistants of a parish priest who administer the secular affairs of the church   2 a long-stemmed tobacco pipe made of clay

■ churchway (ˈtʃɜːtʃˌweI)   n   a road that leads to a church

■ churchwoman (ˈtʃɜːtʃˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female practising member of a church

■ churchy (ˈtʃɜːtʃI)   adj churchier, churchiest   1 like a church, church service, etc   2 excessively religious

■ churchyard (ˈtʃɜːtʃˌjɑːd)   n   the grounds surrounding a church, usually used as a graveyard

■ churchyard beetle   n   a blackish nocturnal ground beetle, Blaps mucronata, found in cellars and similar places

churchianity (ˌtʃɜːtʃIˈænItI)   n   loyalty to the church rather than Christianity

Churchill^1 (ˈtʃɜːtʃIl)   n   1 a river in E Canada, rising in SE Labrador and flowing north and southeast over Churchill Falls, then east to the Atlantic. Length: about 1000 km (600 miles). Former name: Hamilton River   2 a river in central Canada, rising in NW Saskatchewan and flowing east through several lakes to Hudson Bay. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles)

Churchill^2 (ˈtʃɜːtʃIl)   n   1  Caryl. born 1938, British playwright; her plays include Cloud Nine (1978), Top Girls (1982), Serious Money (1987), and Far Away (2000)   2  Charles. 1731–64, British poet, noted for his polemical satires. His works include The Rosciad (1761) and The Prophecy of Famine (1763)   3 John. See (1st Duke of) Marlborough^2   4  Lord Randolph. 1849–95, British Conservative politician: secretary of state for India (1885–86) and chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the House of Commons (1886)   5  his son, Sir Winston (Leonard Spencer). 1874–1965, British Conservative statesman, orator, and writer, noted for his leadership during World War II. He held various posts under both Conservative and Liberal governments, including 1st Lord of the Admiralty (1911–15), before becoming prime minister (1940–45; 1951–55). His writings include The World Crisis (1923–29), Marlborough (1933–38), The Second World War (1948–54), and History of the English-Speaking Peoples (1956–58): Nobel prize for literature 1953

■ Churchillian (tʃəˈtʃIlIən)   adj   relating to, typical of or reminiscent of Winston Churchill

Churchill Falls   pl n   a waterfall in E Canada, in SW Labrador on the Churchill River: site of one of the largest hydroelectric power projects in the world. Height: 75 m (245 ft). Former name (until 1965): Grand Falls

churidars (ˈtʃuːrIˌdɑːz)   pl n   long tight-fitting trousers, worn by Indian men and women. Also called: churidar pyjamas [from Hindi]

churinga (tʃəˈrIŋɡə)   n, pl -ga or -gas   a sacred amulet of the native Australians [from a native Australian language]

churl (tʃɜːl)   n   1 a surly ill-bred person   2 archaic a farm labourer   3 a variant spelling of ceorl [Old English ceorl; related to Old Norse karl, Middle Low German kerle, Greek gerōn old man]

■ churlish (ˈtʃɜːlIʃ)   adj   1 rude or surly   2 of or relating to peasants   3 miserly   > ˈchurlishly adv   > ˈchurlishness n

churn (tʃɜːn)   n   1 Brit a large container for milk   2 a vessel or machine in which cream or whole milk is vigorously agitated to produce butter   3 any similar device   4 the number of customers who switch from one supplier to another   ▷ vb   5    a to stir or agitate (milk or cream) in order to make butter   b to make (butter) by this process   6 (sometimes foll by up) to move or cause to move with agitation: ideas churned in his head   7 (of a bank, broker, etc) to encourage an investor or policyholder to change investments, endowment policies, etc, to increase commissions at the client's expense   8 (of a government) to pay benefits to a wide category of people and claw it back by taxation from the well off   9 to promote the turnover of existing subscribers leasing, and new subscribers joining, a cable television system or mobile phone company [Old English ciern; related to Old Norse kjarni, Middle Low German kerne churn, German dialect Kern cream]   > ˈchurner n

■ churning (ˈtʃɜːnIŋ)   n   1 the quantity of butter churned at any one time   2 the act, process, or effect of someone or something that churns

■ churnmilk (ˈtʃɜːnˌmIlk)   n   buttermilk

■ churn out   vb (tr, adverb) informal   1 to produce (something) at a rapid rate: to churn out ideas   2 to perform (something) mechanically: to churn out a song

churnalism (ˈtʃɜːnəˌlIzəm)   n   derogatory a type of journalism that relies on reusing existing material such as press releases and wire service reports instead of original research, esp as a result of an increased demand for news content [C21: a blend of CHURN (OUT) and (JOURN)ALISM]

churr (tʃɜː)   vb, n   a variant spelling of chirr

churrigueresque (ˌtʃʊərIɡəˈrɛsk) or churrigueresco   adj   of or relating to a style of baroque architecture of Spain in the late 17th and early 18th centuries [C19: from Spanish churrigueresco in the style of José Churriguera (1650–1725), Spanish architect and sculptor]

churro (ˈtʃuːrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   (in Spain and Latin America) a sweet, baton-shaped snack of fried dough

churrus (ˈtʃʌrəs)   n   Indian hemp resin used as an intoxicating drug

chut (tʃʌt)   interj   1 an expression of surprise, impatience, or annoyance   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to make an expression of surprise, impatience, or annoyance

chute^1 (ʃuːt)   n   1 an inclined channel or vertical passage down which water, parcels, coal, etc, may be dropped   2 a steep slope, used as a slide as for toboggans   3 a slide into a swimming pool   4 a narrow passageway through which animals file for branding, spraying, etc   5 a rapid or waterfall [C19: from Old French cheoite, feminine past participle of cheoir to fall, from Latin cadere; in some senses, a variant spelling of SHOOT]

chute^2 (ʃuːt)   n, vb   informal short for parachute   > ˈchutist n

Chu Teh (ˈtʃuː ˈteI) or Zhu De   n   1886–1976, Chinese military leader and politician; he became commander in chief of the Red Army (1931) and was chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China (1959–76)

chutney (ˈtʃʌtnI)   n   1 a pickle of Indian origin, made from fruit, vinegar, spices, sugar, etc: mango chutney   2 a type of music popular in the Caribbean Asian community, much influenced by calypso [C19: from Hindi catni, of uncertain origin]

chutzpah or hutzpah (ˈxʊtspə)   n   informal shameless audacity; impudence [C20: from Yiddish]

Chuvash (tʃʊˈvɑːʃ)   n   1 (pl -vash or -vashes) a Turkic ethnic people living chiefly in the middle Volga region of Russia   2 the language of this people, generally classed within the Turkic branch of the Altaic family

■ Chuvash Republic   n   a constituent republic of W central Russia, in the middle Volga valley: generally low-lying with undulating plains and large areas of forest. Capital: Cheboksary. Pop: 1 313 900 (2002). Area: 18 300 sq km (7064 sq miles). Also called: Chuvashia (tʃuːˈvɑːʃIə)

Chu Xi or Chu Hsi (ˈtʃuː ˈsiː)   n   1130–1200, Chinese philosopher, known for his neo-Confucian commentaries, the Ssu shu or Four Books

chyack (ˈtʃaIæk)   vb   a variant spelling of chiack

chyle (kaIl)   n   a milky fluid composed of lymph and emulsified fat globules, formed in the small intestine during digestion [C17: from Late Latin chӯlus, from Greek khulos juice pressed from a plant; related to Greek khein to pour]   > chylaceous (kaIˈleIʃəs) or ˈchylous adj

■ chyliferous (kaIˈlIfərəs)   adj   containing chyle

■ chylification (ˌkaIlIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the process of turning into chyle

■ chylify (ˈkaIlIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (intr)   to turn into, or produce, chyle

■ chylomicron (ˌkaIləʊˈmaIkrɒn)   n   biochem a minute droplet of fat, found in blood and chyle, that is the form in which dietary fat is carried in these fluids

■ chyluria (kaIˈljʊərIə)   n   the presence of chyle in urine

chyme (kaIm)   n   the thick fluid mass of partially digested food that leaves the stomach [C17: from Late Latin chӯmus, from Greek khumos juice; compare CHYLE]   > ˈchymous adj

■ chymiferous (kaIˈmIfərəs)   adj   containing chyme

■ chymification (ˌkaImIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the process of turning into chyme

■ chymify (ˈkaImIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (intr)   to form into chyme

chymosin (ˈkaIməsIn)   n   another name for rennin [C20: from CHYME + -OSE^2 + -IN]

chymotrypsin (ˌkaIməʊˈtrIpsIn)   n   a powerful proteolytic enzyme secreted from the pancreas in the form of chymotrypsinogen, being converted to the active form by trypsin [C20: from CHYME + TRYPSIN]

■ chymotrypsinogen (ˌkaIməʊtrIpˈsInədʒIn)   n   the inactive precursor of chymotrypsin [C20: from CHYMOTRYPSIN + -GEN]

■ chymotryptic (ˌkaIməʊˈtrIptIk)   adj   relating to chymotrypsin

chynd (tʃaInd)   adj   archaic cut into chines for cooking

chypre French (ʃiprə)   n   a perfume made from sandalwood [literally: Cyprus, where it perhaps originated]

chytrid (ˈkaItrId)   n   any aquatic fungus of the phylum Chytridiomycota. Some species, esp Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, are fatal to amphibians [C20: from Greek khutridion little pot]

ci   the internet domain name for   Côte d'Ivoire

Ci   symbol for   curie

CI   abbreviation for   1 Channel Islands   2 collective intelligence: the ability of a group to solve more problems than its individual members   3 Côte d'Ivoire (international car registration)

CIA   abbreviation for   Central Intelligence Agency; a federal US bureau created in 1947 to coordinate and conduct espionage and intelligence activities

ciabatta (tʃəˈbætə)   n   a type of open-textured bread made with olive oil [C20: from Italian, literally: slipper]

Ciano (ˈtʃɑːnəʊ)   n   Galeazzo, full name Conte Galeazzo Ciano di Cortellazzo. 1903–44, Italian fascist politician; minister of foreign affairs (1936–43) and son-in-law of Mussolini, whose supporters shot him

ciao Italian (tʃau)   sentence substitute   an informal word for hello, goodbye

CIB   abbreviation for   Criminal Investigation Branch (of New Zealand police)

cibachrome (ˈsiːbəˌkrəʊm)   n   the old name for the Ilfochrome photographic printing process

cibation (sIˈbeIʃən)   n   archaic the act of feeding

Cibber (ˈsIbə)   n   Colley (ˈkɒlI). 1671–1757, English actor and dramatist; poet laureate (1730–57)

ciborium (sIˈbɔːrIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə) Christianity   1 a goblet-shaped lidded vessel used to hold consecrated wafers in Holy Communion   2 a freestanding canopy fixed over an altar and supported by four pillars [C17: from Medieval Latin, from Latin: drinking cup, from Greek kibōrion cup-shaped seed vessel of the Egyptian lotus, hence, a cup]

CICA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

cicada (sIˈkɑːdə) or cicala   n, pl -das, -dae (-diː) or -las, -le (-leI)   any large broad insect of the homopterous family Cicadidae, most common in warm regions. Cicadas have membranous wings and the males produce a high-pitched drone by vibration of a pair of drumlike abdominal organs [C19: from Latin]

cicadellid (ˌsIkəˈdɛlId)   n   any leafhopper insect of the family Cicadellidae

cicala (sIˈkɑːlə; Italian tʃiˈkala)   n, pl -las or -le (-leI; Italian -le)   another name for cicada [C19: from Italian, from Latin: CICADA]

cicatrice (ˈsIkətrIs)   n   another word for cicatrix

cicatricle (ˈsIkəˌtrIkəl), cicatrichule (sIˈkætrIˌtʃuːl) or cicatricula (ˌsIkəˈtrIkjʊlə)   n   1 zoology the blastoderm in the egg of a bird   2 biology any small scar or mark [C17: from Latin cicātrīcula a little scar, from CICATRIX]

cicatrix (ˈsIkətrIks)   n, pl cicatrices (ˌsIkəˈtraIsiːz)   1 the tissue that forms in a wound during healing; scar   2 a scar on a plant indicating the former point of attachment of a part, esp a leaf [C17: from Latin: scar, of obscure origin]   > cicatricial (ˌsIkəˈtrIʃəl) adj   > cicatricose (sIˈkætrIˌkəʊs, ˈsIkə-) adj

■ cicatrize or cicatrise (ˈsIkəˌtraIz)   vb   (of a wound or defect in tissue) to close or be closed by scar formation; heal   > ˌcicaˈtrizant or ˌcicaˈtrisant adj   > ˌcicatriˈzation or ˌcicatriˈsation n   > ˈcicaˌtrizer or ˈcicaˌtriser n

cicely (ˈsIsəlI)   n, pl -lies   short for sweet cicely [C16: from Latin seselis, from Greek, of obscure origin; influenced in spelling by the English proper name Cicely]

cicero (ˈsIsəˌrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a measure for type that is somewhat larger than the pica [C19: from its first being used in a 15th-century edition of the writings of Marcus Tullius CICERO (106–43 BC), the Roman consul, orator, and writer]

Cicero (ˈsIsəˌrəʊ)   n   Marcus Tullius (ˈmɑːkəs ˈtʌlIəs). 106–43 BC, Roman consul, orator, and writer. He foiled Catiline's conspiracy (63) and was killed by Mark Antony's agents after he denounced Antony in the Philippics. His writings are regarded as a model of Latin prose. Formerly known in English as: Tully

■ Ciceronian (ˌsIsəˈrəʊnIən)   adj   1 of or resembling Cicero or his rhetorical style; eloquent   2 (of literary style) characterized by the use of antithesis and long periods

cicerone (ˌsIsəˈrəʊnI, ˌtʃItʃ-)   n, pl -nes or -ni (-nI)   a person who conducts and informs sightseers; a tour guide [C18: from Italian: antiquarian scholar, guide, after CICERO, alluding to the eloquence and erudition of these men]

cichlid (ˈsIklId)   n   1 any tropical freshwater percoid fish of the family Cichlidae, which includes the mouthbrooders. Cichlids are popular aquarium fishes   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cichlidae [C19: from New Latin Cichlidae, ultimately from Greek kikhlē a sea fish]   > ˈcichloid adj

cichoraceous (ˌsIkəˈreIʃəs)   adj   relating to plants of the sub-order Cichoraceae

cicinnus (sIˈsInəs)   n   a scorpioid cyme

cicisbeo Italian (tʃitʃizˈbɛːo)   n, pl -bei (-ˈbɛːi)   the escort or lover of a married woman, esp in 18th-century Italy [C18: Italian, of uncertain origin]

■ cicisbeism (ˌtʃiːtʃiːzˈbiːIzəm)   n   the practice of admiring a married woman

ciclaton (ˈsIklətən)   n   archaic an expensive cloth used in medieval times. Also called: checklaton

ciclosporin or cyclosporin (ˌsaIkləʊˈspɔːrIn)   n   a drug extracted from a fungus and used after organ transplantation to suppress the body's immune mechanisms, and so prevent rejection of an organ

cicutine (ˈsIkjʊtiːn)   n   another name for coniine

Cid (sId; Spanish θið)   n   El or the. original name Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. ?1043–99, Spanish soldier and hero of the wars against the Moors

CID   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Criminal Investigation Department: the detective division of a police force   2 cruel, inhumane, and degrading: denoting the brutal and demeaning treatment of prisoners

cidaris (ˈsIdərIs)   n   a sea urchin in the class Echinoidea

-cide   n combining form   1 indicating a person or thing that kills: insecticide   2 indicating a killing; murder: homicide [from Latin -cīda (agent), -cīdium (act), from caedere to kill]   > -cidal adj combining form

cider or cyder (ˈsaIdə)   n   1 Also called (US): hard cider an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of apples   2 Also called: sweet cider US and Canadian an unfermented drink made from apple juice [C14: from Old French cisdre, via Medieval Latin, from Late Greek sikera strong drink, from Hebrew shēkhār]

■ cider-apple   n   a variety of apple suitable for use in cider-making

■ ciderkin (ˈsaIdəkIn)   n   a weak type of cider

■ cider-press   n   a type of press used to extract the juice from apples to make cider

■ cidery (ˈsaIdərI)   adj   of or relating to cider

ci-devant French (sidəvɑ̃)   adj   (esp of an office-holder) former; recent [literally: heretofore]

Cie   abbreviation for   compagnie [French: company]

CIE   abbreviation for   1 Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage   2 Companion of the Indian Empire   3 (in the Irish Republic) Coras Iompair Eireann [(for sense 2) French: International Lighting Commission; (for sense 3) Irish Gaelic: Transport Organization of Ireland]

Cienfuegos (Spanish siɛnˈfueɣɔs)   n   a port in S Cuba, on Cienfuegos Bay. Pop: 147 000 (2005 est)

c.i.f. or CIF   abbreviation for   cost, insurance, and freight (included in the price quoted)

c.i.f.c.i.   abbreviation for   cost, insurance, freight, commission, and interest (included in the price quoted)

CIFE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Colleges and Institutes for Further Education

cig (sIɡ), ciggie or ciggy (ˈsIɡI)   n, pl cigs or ciggies   informal a cigarette

cigar (sIˈɡɑː)   n   a cylindrical roll of cured tobacco leaves, for smoking [C18: from Spanish cigarro, perhaps from Mayan sicar to smoke]

■ cigarillo (ˌsIɡəˈrIləʊ)   n, pl -los   a small cigar often only slightly larger than a cigarette

■ cigarlike (sIˈɡɑːˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a cigar

■ cigar-shaped   adj   resembling a cigar in shape

cigarette or sometimes US cigaret (ˌsIɡəˈrɛt)   n   a short tightly rolled cylinder of tobacco, wrapped in thin paper and often having a filter tip, for smoking. Shortened forms: cig, ciggie, ciggy [C19: from French, literally: a little CIGAR]

■ cigarette card   n   a small picture card, formerly given away with cigarettes, now collected as a hobby

■ cigarette end   n   the part of a cigarette that is held in the mouth and that remains unsmoked after it is finished

■ cigarette holder   n   a mouthpiece of wood, ivory, etc, used for holding a cigarette while it is smoked

■ cigarette lighter   n   See lighter^1

■ cigarette paper   n   a piece of thin paper rolled around tobacco to form a cigarette

CIGS   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   Chief of the Imperial General Staff

ciguatera (ˌsIɡwəˈtɛərə)   n   food poisoning caused by a ciguatoxin in seafood

ciguatoxin (ˌsIɡwəˈtɒksIn)   n   a toxin found in seafood

cilantro (sIˈlæntrəʊ)   n   US and Canadian a European umbelliferous plant, Coriandrum sativum, widely cultivated for its aromatic seeds and leaves, used in flavouring food, etc. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): coriander [C20: Spanish]

cilia (ˈsIlIə)   n   the plural of cilium

cilice (ˈsIlIs)   n   a haircloth fabric or garment [Old English cilic, from Latin cilicium shirt made of Cilician goats' hair, from Greek kilikion, from Kilikia CILICIA]

Cilicia (sIˈlIʃIə)   n   an ancient region and former kingdom of SE Asia Minor, between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean: corresponds to the region around present-day Adana

■ Cilician (sIˈlIʃIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Cilicia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Cilicia

■ Cilician Gates   pl n   a pass in S Turkey, over the Taurus Mountains. Turkish name: Gülek Boğazi

cilicious (sIlˈIʃəs)   adj   made of hair

ciliolate (ˈsIlIəlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   covered with minute hairs, as some plants [C19: from New Latin ciliolum, diminutive of CILIUM]

cilium (ˈsIlIəm)   n, pl cilia (ˈsIlIə)   1 any of the short thread-like projections on the surface of a cell, organism, etc, whose rhythmic beating causes movement of the organism or of the surrounding fluid   2 the technical name for eyelash [C18: New Latin, from Latin: (lower) eyelid, eyelash]

■ ciliary (ˈsIlIərI)   adj   1 of or relating to cilia   2 of or relating to the ciliary body

■ ciliary body   n   the part of the vascular tunic of the eye that connects the choroid with the iris

■ ciliate (ˈsIlIIt, -eIt)   adj   1 Also: ciliated possessing or relating to cilia: a ciliate epithelium   2 of or relating to protozoans of the phylum Ciliophora, which have an outer layer of cilia   ▷ n   3 a protozoan of the phylum Ciliophora   > ˌciliˈation n

cill (sIl)   n   Brit a variant spelling (used in the building industry) for sill (sense 1), sill (sense 2), sill (sense 3), sill (sense 4)

Çiller (ˈʃIlə)   n   Tansu (ˈtænzuː). born 1945, Turkish politician; first female prime minister (1993–96)

CIM   abbreviation for   1 computer input on microfilm   2 computer integrated manufacture

Cimabue (Italian tʃimaˈbuːe)   n   Giovanni (dʒoˈvanni). ?1240–?1302, Italian painter of the Florentine school, who anticipated the movement, led by Giotto, away from the Byzantine tradition in art towards a greater naturalism

Cimarosa (ˌtʃiːməˈrəʊzə)   n   Domenico. 1749–1801, Italian composer, chiefly remembered for his opera buffa The Secret Marriage (1792)

cimbalom or cymbalom (ˈtsImbələm)   n   a type of dulcimer, esp of Hungary. See dulcimer (sense 1) [C19: Hungarian, from Italian cembalo; see CEMBALO]

Cimbri (ˈsImbriː, ˈkIm-)   pl n   a Germanic people from N Jutland who migrated southwards in the 2nd century BC: annihilated by Marius in the Po valley (101 BC)   > Cimbrian (ˈsImbrIən) n, adj   > ˈCimbric adj

cimelia (sIˈmiːlIə)   pl n   treasures

Ciment Fondu (ˈsiːmɒŋ fɒnˈduː; French simɑ̃ fɔ̃dy)   n   trademark a type of quick-hardening refractory cement having a high alumina content. Also called: aluminous cement

cimetidine (saIˈmɛtIdiːn)   n   a drug used to suppress the formation of acid by the stomach and so to encourage the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Formula: C_10H_16-N_6S

cimex (ˈsaImɛks)   n, pl cimices (ˈsImIˌsiːz)   any of the heteropterous insects of the genus Cimex, esp the bedbug [C16: from Latin: bug]

cimier (siːˈmjeI)   n   the crest of a helmet

ciminite (ˈsImIˌnaIt)   n   a rock containing large quantities of trachyte

Cimmerian (sIˈmIərIən)   adj   1 (sometimes not capital) very dark; gloomy   ▷ n   2 Greek myth one of a people who lived in a land of darkness at the edge of the world

cimolite (ˈsIməʊˌlaIt)   n   a soft, clayey mineral of white, grey, or reddish coloration

Cimon (ˈsaImən)   n   died 449 BC, Athenian military and naval commander: defeated the Persians at Eurymedon (?466)

cinch^1 (sIntʃ)   n   1 slang an easy task   2 slang a certainty   3 US and Canadian a band around a horse's belly to keep the saddle in position. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): girth   4 informal a firm grip   ▷ vb   5 (often foll by up) US and Canadian to fasten a girth around (a horse)   6 (tr) informal to make sure of   7 (tr) informal to get a firm grip on [C19: from Spanish cincha saddle girth, from Latin cingula girdle, from cingere to encircle]

cinch^2 (sIntʃ)   n   a card game in which the five of trumps ranks highest [C19: probably from CINCH^1]

cinchona (sIŋˈkəʊnə)   n   1 any tree or shrub of the South American rubiaceous genus Cinchona, esp C. calisaya, having medicinal bark. Also called: quina, quinaquina   2 Also called: cinchona bark, Peruvian bark, calisaya, china bark, quina, quinaquina the dried bark of any of these trees, which yields quinine and other medicinal alkaloids   3 any of the drugs derived from cinchona bark [C18: New Latin, named after the Countess of Chinchón (1576–1639), vicereine of Peru]   > cinchonic (sIŋˈkɒnIk) adj

■ cinchonaceous (ˌsIŋkənˈeIʃəs)   adj   relating to cinchona

cinchonidine (sIŋˈkɒnIˌdiːn)   n   an alkaloid that is a stereoisomer of cinchonine, with similar properties and uses

cinchonine (ˈsIŋkəˌniːn)   n   an insoluble crystalline alkaloid isolated from cinchona bark, used to treat malaria. Formula: C_19H_22N_2O

■ cinchoninic (ˌsIŋkəˈnInIk)   adj   relating to cinchonine

cinchonize or cinchonise (ˈsIŋkəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to treat (a patient) with cinchona or one of its alkaloids, esp quinine   > ˌcinchoniˈzation or ˌcinchoniˈsation n

■ cinchonism (ˈsIŋkəˌnIzəm)   n   a condition resulting from an excessive dose of cinchona bark or its alkaloids, characterized chiefly by headache, ringing in the ears, and vomiting

cincinnate (sInˈsIneIt)   adj   (of hair) curled or in ringlets

Cincinnati (ˌsInsIˈnætI)   n   a city in SW Ohio, on the Ohio River. Pop: 317 361 (2003 est)

Cincinnatus (ˌsInsIˈnɑːtəs)   n   Lucius Quinctius (ˈluːsIəs ˈkwIŋktIəs). ?519–438 BC, Roman general and statesman, regarded as a model of simple virtue; dictator of Rome during two crises (458; 439), retiring to his farm after each one

cinct (sIŋkt)   adj   encircled

■ cincture (ˈsIŋktʃə)   n   something that encircles or surrounds, esp a belt, girdle, or border. Also called: ceinture [C16: from Latin cinctūra, from cingere to gird]

cinder (ˈsIndə)   n   1 a piece of incombustible material left after the combustion of coal, coke, etc; clinker   2 a piece of charred material that burns without flames; ember   3 Also called: sinter any solid waste from smelting or refining   4 (plural) fragments of volcanic lava; scoriae   ▷ vb   5 (tr) rare to burn to cinders [Old English sinder; related to Old Norse sindr, Old High German sintar, Old Slavonic sedra stalactite]   > ˈcindery adj

■ cinder block   n   the usual US name for breeze block

■ cinderous (ˈsIndərəs)   adj   another word for cindery

■ cinders (ˈsIndəz)   pl n   geology fragments of volcanic lava; scoriae

■ cinder track   n   a racetrack covered with fine cinders

Cinderella (ˌsIndəˈrɛlə)   n   1 a woman who achieves fame after being obscure   2    a a poor, neglected, or unsuccessful person or thing   b (as modifier): a Cinderella service that's been denied funding   3 (modifier) relating to dramatic success: a Cinderella story [C19: after Cinderella, the heroine of a fairy tale who is aided by a fairy godmother]

cine-   combining form   indicating motion picture or cinema: cine camera; cinephotography

cineangiography (ˌsInIˌændʒIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   the use of motion-picture recording to trace the passage of dye through blood vessels, for the diagnosis of heart and blood vessel disease

cineaste (ˈsInIˌæst)   n   an enthusiast for films [C20: French, from CINEMA + -aste, as -ast in enthusiast]

cine camera (ˈsInI)   n   Brit a camera in which a strip of film moves past the lens, usually to give 16 or 24 exposures per second, thus enabling moving pictures to be taken. US and Canadian term: movie camera

cine film   n   Brit photographic film, wound on a spool, usually 8, 16, or 35 millimetres wide, up to several hundred metres long, and having one or two lines of sprocket holes along its length enabling it to be used in a cine camera. US and Canadian term: movie film

cinema (ˈsInImə)   n   1 chiefly Brit   a a place designed for the exhibition of films   b (as modifier): a cinema seat   2 the cinema   a the art or business of making films   b films collectively [C19 (earlier spelling kinema): shortened from CINEMATOGRAPH]   > cinematic (ˌsInIˈmætIk) adj   > ˌcineˈmatically adv

■ cinemagoer (ˈsInəməˌɡəʊə)   n   a person who attends the cinema

■ cinema-going   adj   Brit regularly attending the cinema

■ CinemaScope (ˈsInIməˌskəʊp)   n   trademark an anamorphic process of wide-screen film projection in which an image of approximately twice the usual width is squeezed into a 35mm frame and then screened by a projector having complementary lenses

■ cinematheque (ˌsInIməˈtɛk)   n   a small intimate cinema [C20: from French cinémathèque film library, from CINEMA + (biblio)thèque library]

■ cinematize or cinematise (ˈsInəməˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to adapt (a novel or play) for cinema

■ cinematograph (ˌsInIˈmætəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf) chiefly Brit   n   1 a combined camera, printer, and projector, now obsolete   ▷ vb   2 to take pictures (of) with a film camera [C19 (earlier spelling kinematograph): from Greek kinēmat-, kinēma motion + -GRAPH]

■ cinematography (ˌsInIməˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the art or science of film (motion-picture) photography   > cinematographer (ˌsInIməˈtɒɡrəfə) n   > cinematographic (ˌsInIˌmætəˈɡræfIk) adj   > ˌcineˌmatoˈgraphically adv

■ cinéma vérité (French sinema verite)   n   films characterized by subjects, actions, etc, that have the appearance of real life [French, literally: cinema truth]

cinemicrography (ˌsInImaIˈkrɒɡrəfI)   n   the making of a film through the lens of a microscope

cineol (ˈsInIˌɒl) or cineole (ˈsInIˌəʊl)   n   another name for eucalyptol [C19: changed from New Latin oleum cinae, literally: oil of wormseed]

cinephile (ˈsInIˌfaIl)   n   a person who loves films and cinema

cine projector or cine-projector   n   Brit a machine which projects successive frames from a reel of film to create moving pictures

Cinerama (ˌsInəˈrɑːmə)   n   trademark wide-screen presentation of films using either three separate 35mm projectors or one 70mm projector to produce an image on a large deeply curved screen

■ cineramic (ˌsInəˈræmIk)   adj   relating to a cinematic process producing widescreen images

cineraria (ˌsInəˈrɛərIə)   n   a plant, Senecio cruentus, of the Canary Islands, widely cultivated for its blue, purple, red, or variegated daisy-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites) [C16: from New Latin, from Latin cinerārius of ashes, from cinis ashes; from its downy leaves]

cinerarium (ˌsInəˈrɛərIəm)   n, pl -raria (-ˈrɛərIə)   a place for keeping the ashes of the dead after cremation [C19: from Latin, from cinerārius relating to ashes; see CINERARIA]   > cinerary (ˈsInərərI) adj

cinerator (ˈsInəˌreItə)   n   another name (esp US) for cremator (sense 1)   > ˌcineˈration n

cinerea (sIˈniːrIə)   n   the grey matter of the brain and nervous system

■ cinereal (sInˈIərIəl)   adj   relating to the grey matter of the brain and nervous system

cinereous (sIˈnIərIəs) or cineritious (ˌsInəˈrIʃəs)   adj   1 of a greyish colour   2 resembling or consisting of ashes [C17: from Latin cinereus, from cinis ashes]

cinerin (ˈsInərIn)   n   either of two similar organic compounds found in pyrethrum and used as insecticides. Formulas: C_20H_28O_3 (cinerin I), C_21H_28O_5 (cinerin II) [C20: from Latin ciner-, cinis ashes + -IN]

cingulum (ˈsIŋɡjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   anatomy a girdle-like part, such as the ridge round the base of a tooth or the band of fibres connecting parts of the cerebrum [C19: from Latin: belt, from cingere to gird]   > cingulate (ˈsIŋɡjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or ˈcinguˌlated adj

■ cingular (ˈsIŋɡjʊlə)   adj   ring-shaped; girdle-like

Cinna (ˈsInə)   n   Lucius Cornelius (ˈluːsIəs kɔːˈniːlIəs). died 84 BC, Roman patrician; an opponent of Sulla

cinnabar (ˈsInəˌbɑː)   n   1 a bright red or brownish-red mineral form of mercuric sulphide (mercury(II) sulphide), found close to areas of volcanic activity and hot springs. It is the main commercial source of mercury. Formula: HgS. Crystal structure: hexagonal   2 the red form of mercuric sulphide (mercury(II) sulphide), esp when used as a pigment   3 a bright red to reddish-orange; vermilion   4 a large red-and-black European moth, Callimorpha jacobaeae: family Arctiidae (tiger moths, etc) [C15: from Old French cenobre, from Latin cinnābaris, from Greek kinnabari, of Oriental origin]

■ cinnabaric (ˌsInəˈbɑːrIk) or cinnabarine (ˈsInəbəˌriːn)   adj   relating to, or consisting of, mercuric sulphide

cinnamic acid (sIˈnæmIk)   n   a white crystalline water-insoluble weak organic acid existing in two isomeric forms; 3-phenylpropenoic acid. The trans- form occurs naturally and its esters are used in perfumery. Formula: C_6H_5CH:CHCOOH [C19: from CINNAM(ON) + -IC; from its being found in cinnamon oil]

cinnamon (ˈsInəmən)   n   1 a tropical Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, having aromatic yellowish-brown bark   2 the spice obtained from the bark of this tree, used for flavouring food and drink   3 Saigon cinnamon an E Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum loureirii, the bark of which is used as a cordial and to relieve flatulence   4 any of several similar or related trees or their bark. See cassia (sense 2)   5    a a light yellowish brown   b (as modifier): a cinnamon coat [C15: from Old French cinnamome, via Latin and Greek, from Hebrew qinnamown]   > cinˈnamic or cinnamonic (ˌsInəˈmɒnIk) adj

■ cinnamon bear   n   a reddish-brown variety of the American black bear. See black bear (sense 1)

■ cinnamon sedge   n   an angler's name for a small caddis fly, Limnephilus lunatus, having pale hind wings, that frequents sluggish water

■ cinnamon stone   n   another name for hessonite

■ cinnamony (ˈsInəmənI)   adj   informal reminiscent of cinnamon

cinnamyl (ˈsInəˌmaIl)   n   a univalent radical of cinnamic compounds

cinnarizine (sIˈnærIˌziːn)   n   a drug principally used to control vomiting caused by motion sickness

cinquain (sIŋˈkeIn, ˈsIŋkeIn)   n   a stanza of five lines [C18 (in the sense: a military company of five): from French cinq five, from Latin quinque; compare QUATRAIN]

cinque (sIŋk)   n   the number five in cards, dice, etc [C14: from Old French cinq five]

■ cinquecento (ˌtʃIŋkwIˈtʃɛntəʊ)   n   the 16th century, esp in reference to Italian art, architecture, or literature [C18: Italian, shortened from milcinquecento 1500]   > ˌcinqueˈcentist n

■ cinquefoil (ˈsIŋkˌfɔIl)   n   1 any plant of the N temperate rosaceous genus Potentilla, typically having five-lobed compound leaves   2 an ornamental carving in the form of five arcs arranged in a circle and separated by cusps   3 heraldry a charge representing a five-petalled flower [C13 sink foil, from Old French cincfoille, from Latin quinquefolium plant with five leaves, translating Greek pentaphullon from pente five + phullon leaf]

■ Cinque Ports (sIŋk)   pl n   an association of ports on the SE coast of England, originally consisting of Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich, which from late Anglo-Saxon times provided ships for the king's service in return for the profits of justice in their courts. The Cinque Ports declined with the growth of other ports and surrendered their charters in 1685

Cintra (ˈsIntrə)   n   the former name for Sintra

Cinzano (tʃInˈzɑːnəʊ)   n   trademark an Italian vermouth

CIO US   abbreviation for   Congress of Industrial Organizations. See also AFL-CIO

cioppino (tʃəˈpiːnəʊ)   n   an Italian rich fish stew

Cipango (sIˈpæŋɡəʊ)   n   (in medieval legend) an island E of Asia: called Zipangu by Marco Polo and sought by Columbus; identified with Japan

cipher or cypher (ˈsaIfə)   n   1 a method of secret writing using substitution or transposition of letters according to a key   2 a secret message   3 the key to a secret message   4 an obsolete name for zero (sense 1)   5 any of the Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, etc, to 9) or the Arabic system of numbering as a whole   6 a person or thing of no importance; nonentity   7 a design consisting of interwoven letters; monogram   8 music a defect in an organ resulting in the continuous sounding of a pipe, the key of which has not been depressed   ▷ vb   9 to put (a message) into secret writing   10 (intr) (of an organ pipe) to sound without having the appropriate key depressed   11 rare to perform (a calculation) arithmetically [C14: from Old French cifre zero, from Medieval Latin cifra, from Arabic sifr zero, empty]

■ cipherer (ˈsaIfərə)   n   a person who ciphers

■ ciphering (ˈsaIfərIŋ)   adj   calculating

■ ciphertext (ˈsaIfəˌtɛkst)   n   encrypted text

ciphony (ˈsaIfənI)   n   the process of enciphering audio information to produce encrypted speech. Also called: ciphered telephony

cipolin (ˈsIpəlIn)   n   an Italian marble with alternating white and green streaks [C18: from French, from Italian cipollino a little onion, from cipolla onion, from Late Latin cēpulla, diminutive of Latin cēpa onion; from its likeness to the layers of an onion]

cippus (ˈsIpəs)   n   a pillar bearing an inscription

ciprofloxacin (ˌsIprəʊˈflɒksəsIn)   n   a broad-spectrum antibiotic used against Gram-negative bacteria. It is effective against anthrax

cir. or circ.   abbreviation for   (preceding a date) circa

circa (ˈsɜːkə)   prep   (used with a date) at the approximate time of: circa 1182 BC. Abbreviation: c., ca. [Latin: about; related to Latin circus circle, CIRCUS]

circadian (sɜːˈkeIdIən)   adj   of or relating to biological processes that occur regularly at about 24-hour intervals, even in the absence of periodicity in the environment. See also biological clock [C20: from Latin circa about + diēs day]

circar (səˈkɑː)   n   Indian (formerly) a province of Hindustan

Circassia (sɜːˈkæsIə)   n   a region of S Russia, on the Black Sea north of the Caucasus Mountains

■ Circassian (sɜːˈkæsIən)   n   1 a native of Circassia   2 a language or languages spoken in Circassia, belonging to the North-West Caucasian family. See also Adygei, Kabardian   ▷ adj also Circassic   3 relating to Circassia, its people, or language

circassienne (sɜːˌkæsIˈɛn)   n   a kind of light cashmere

Circe (ˈsɜːsI)   n   Greek myth an enchantress who detained Odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine   > Circean (sɜːˈsIən) adj

circensial (sɜːˈsɛnsIəl) or circensian (sɜːˈsɛnsIən)   adj   relating to the Roman circuses

circinate (ˈsɜːsIˌneIt)   adj   1 botany (of part of a plant, such as a young fern) coiled so that the tip is at the centre   2 anatomy resembling a ring or a circle [C19: from Latin circināre to make round, from circinus pair of compasses, from circus, see CIRCUS]   > ˈcirciˌnately adv

Circinus (ˈsɜːsInəs)   n, Latin genitive Circini (ˈsɜːsIˌnaI)   a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Centaurus and the Southern Cross [C19: from Latin, a pair of compasses]

circiter (ˈsɜːsItə)   prep   another word for circa

circle (ˈsɜːkəl)   n   1 maths a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a given fixed point, the centre. Equation: (x –h)2 + (y –k)2 = r^2 where r is the radius and (h, k) are the coordinates of the centre; area πr^2; circumference: 2πr   2 the figure enclosed by such a curve   3 theatre the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle   4 something formed or arranged in the shape of a circle   5 a group of people sharing an interest, activity, upbringing, etc; set: golf circles; a family circle   6 a domain or area of activity, interest, or influence   7 a circuit   8 a process or chain of events or parts that forms a connected whole; cycle   9 a parallel of latitude. See also great circle, small circle   10 the ring of a circus   11 one of a number of Neolithic or Bronze Age rings of standing stones, such as Stonehenge, found in Europe and thought to be associated with some form of ritual or astronomical measurement   12 hockey See striking circle   13 a circular argument. See vicious circle (sense 2)   14 come full circle to arrive back at one's starting point   15 go round in circles or run round in circles to engage in energetic but fruitless activity   ▷ vb   16 to move in a circle (around): we circled the city by car   17 (tr) to enclose in a circle; encircle [C14: from Latin circulus a circular figure, from circus ring, circle]   > ˈcircler n

■ circlet (ˈsɜːklIt)   n   a small circle or ring, esp a circular ornament worn on the head [C15: from Old French cerclet a little CIRCLE]

■ circle time   n   a time in which pre-school or primary school children sit in a circle and take turns to speak, usually with possession of a circulated object being the sign of whose turn it is

circlip (ˈsɜːˌklIp)   n   engineering a flat spring ring split at one point so that it can be sprung open, passed over a shaft or spindle, and allowed to close into a closely fitting annular recess to form a collar on the shaft. A similar design can be closed to pass into a bore and allowed to spring out into an annular recess to form a shoulder in the bore. Also called: retaining ring

Circlorama (ˌsɜːkləˈrɑːmə)   n   trademark a system of film projection in which a number of projectors and screens are employed to produce a picture that surrounds the viewer

circs (sɜːks)   pl n   Brit informal circumstances. See circumstance (sense 1)

circuit (ˈsɜːkIt)   n   1    a a complete route or course, esp one that is curved or circular or that lies around an object   b the area enclosed within such a route   2 the act of following such a route: we made three circuits of the course   3    a a complete path through which an electric current can flow   b (as modifier): a circuit diagram   4    a a periodical journey around an area, as made by judges, salesmen, etc   b the route traversed or places visited on such a journey   c the persons making such a journey   5 an administrative division of the Methodist Church comprising a number of neighbouring churches   6 English law one of six areas into which England is divided for the administration of justice   7 a number of theatres, cinemas, etc, under one management or in which the same film is shown or in which a company of performers plays in turn   8 the circuit sport   a a series of tournaments in which the same players regularly take part: the international tennis circuit   b the contestants who take part in such a series   9 chiefly Brit a motor racing track, usually of irregular shape   ▷ vb   10 to make or travel in a circuit around (something) [C14: from Latin circuitus a going around, from circumīre, from circum around + īre to go]   > ˈcircuital adj

■ circuit binding   n   a style of limp-leather binding, used esp for Bibles and prayer books, in which the edges of the cover bend over to protect the edges of the pages

■ circuit board   n   short for printed circuit board

■ circuit breaker   n   a device that under abnormal conditions, such as a short circuit, interrupts the flow of current in an electrical circuit. Sometimes shortened to: breaker. Compare fuse^2 (sense 6)

■ circuiteer (ˌsɜːkIˈtIə)   n   1 someone who completes a circuit   2 a barrister   ▷ vb (intr)   3 (of a barrister) to go on circuit

■ circuit judge   n   Brit a judge presiding over a county court or crown court

■ circuitous (səˈkjuːItəs)   adj   indirect and lengthy; roundabout: a circuitous route   > cirˈcuitously adv   > cirˈcuitousness n

■ circuit rider   n   US and Canadian (formerly) a minister of religion who preached from place to place along an established circuit

■ circuitry (ˈsɜːkItrI)   n   1 the design of an electrical circuit   2 the system of circuits used in an electronic device

■ circuit training   n   a form of athletic training in which a number of exercises are performed in turn

■ circuity (səˈkjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   (of speech, reasoning, etc) a roundabout or devious quality

circular (ˈsɜːkjʊlə)   adj   1 of, involving, resembling, or shaped like a circle   2 circuitous   3 (of arguments) futile because the truth of the premises cannot be established independently of the conclusion   4 travelling or occurring in a cycle   5 (of letters, announcements, etc) intended for general distribution   ▷ n   6 a printed or duplicated advertisement or notice for mass distribution   > circularity (ˌsɜːkjʊˈlærItI) or ˈcircularness n   > ˈcircularly adv

■ circular breathing   n   a technique for sustaining a phrase on a wind instrument, using the cheeks to force air out of the mouth while breathing in through the nose

■ circular function   n   another name for trigonometric function (sense 1)

■ circularize or circularise (ˈsɜːkjʊləˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to distribute circulars to   2 to canvass or petition (people), as for support, votes, etc, by distributing letters, etc   3 to make circular   > ˌcirculariˈzation or ˌcirculariˈsation n   > ˈcircularˌizer or ˈcircularˌiser n

■ circular measure   n   the measurement of an angle in radians

■ circular mil   n   a unit of area of cross section of wire, equal to the area of a circle whose diameter is one thousandth of an inch. 1 circular mil is equal to 0.785 × 10–6 square inch or 0.2 × 10–9 square metre

■ circular polarization   n   electromagnetic radiation (esp light) in which the electric field vector describes a circle about the direction of propagation at any point in the path of the radiation

■ circular saw   n   a power-driven saw in which a circular disc with a toothed edge is rotated at high speed

■ circular triangle   n   a triangle in which each side is the arc of a circle

circulate (ˈsɜːkjʊˌleIt)   vb   1 to send, go, or pass from place to place or person to person: don't circulate the news   2 to distribute or be distributed over a wide area   3 to move or cause to move through a circuit, system, etc, returning to the starting point: blood circulates through the body   4 to move in a circle: the earth circulates around the sun [C15: from Latin circulārī to assemble in a circle, from circulus CIRCLE]   > ˈcircuˌlative adj   > ˈcircuˌlator n   > ˈcirculatory adj

■ circulable (ˈsɜːkjʊləbəl) or circulatable (ˌsɜːkjʊˈleItəbəl)   adj   able to be circulated

■ circulating decimal   n   another name for recurring decimal

■ circulating library   n   1 another name (esp US) for lending library   2 a small library circulated in turn to a group of schools or other institutions   3 a rare name for subscription library

■ circulating medium   n   finance currency serving as a medium of exchange

■ circulation (ˌsɜːkjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the transport of oxygenated blood through the arteries to the capillaries, where it nourishes the tissues, and the return of oxygen-depleted blood through the veins to the heart, where the cycle is renewed   2 the flow of sap through a plant   3 any movement through a closed circuit   4 the spreading or transmission of something to a wider group of people or area   5 (of air and water) free movement within an area or volume   6    a the distribution of newspapers, magazines, etc   b the number of copies of an issue of such a publication that are distributed   7 library science   a a book loan, as from a library lending department   b each loan transaction of a particular book   c the total issue of library books over a specified period   8 a rare term for circulating medium   9 in circulation   a (of currency) serving as a medium of exchange   b (of people) active in a social or business context

■ circulatory system   n   anatomy, zoology the system concerned with the transport of blood and lymph, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, lymph vessels, etc

circum-   prefix   around; surrounding; on all sides: circumlocution; circumrotate [from Latin circum around, from circus circle]

circumambages (ˌsɜːkəmæmˈbeIdʒiːz)   pl n   1 round-about methods   2 circuitous speech

■ circumambagious (ˌsɜːkəmæmˈbeIdʒəs)   adj   in a round-about manner

circumambient (ˌsɜːkəmˈæmbIənt)   adj   surrounding [C17: from Late Latin circumambīre, from CIRCUM- + ambīre to go round]   > ˌcircumˈambience or ˌcircumˈambiency n

■ circumambiently (ˌsɜːkəmˈæmbIəntlI)   adv   in a circumambient manner

circumambulate (ˌsɜːkəmˈæmbjʊˌleIt)   vb   1 to walk around (something)   2 (intr) to avoid the point [C17: from Late Latin CIRCUM- + ambulāre to walk]   > ˌcircumˌambuˈlation n   > ˌcircumˈambuˌlator n   > ˌcircumˈambulatory adj

circumbendibus (ˌsɜːkəmˈbɛndIbəs)   n   jocular a circumlocution [C17: coined from CIRCUM- + BEND^1, with a pseudo-Latin ending]

circumcentre (ˈsɜːkəmˌsɛntə) or US circumcenter (ˈsɜːkəmˌsɛntə)   n   the centre of a circumscribed circle

circumcircle (ˈsɜːkəmˌsɜːkəl)   n   a circle that transects the vertices of a polygon

circumcise (ˈsɜːkəmˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the foreskin of (a male)   2 to incise surgically the skin over the clitoris of (a female)   3 to remove the clitoris of (a female)   4 to perform the religious rite of circumcision on (someone) [C13: from Latin circumcīdere, from CIRCUM- + caedere to cut]   > ˈcircumˌciser n

■ circumcision (ˌsɜːkəmˈsIʒən)   n   1    a surgical removal of the foreskin of males   b surgical incision into the skin covering the clitoris in females   c removal of the clitoris   2 the act of circumcision, performed as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims   3 RC Church the festival celebrated on Jan 1 in commemoration of the circumcision of Jesus

circumduce (ˌsɜːkəmˈdjuːs) or circumduct (ˈsɜːkəmˌdʌkt, ˌsɜːkəmˈdʌkt)   vb (tr)   1 to cause (something) to circulate on its axis   2 Scots law to declare the time period for giving evidence to be over

■ circumduction (ˌsɜːkəmˈdʌkʃən)   n   1 the action of turning anything on its axis   2 the action of leading on a circuitous course   3 Scots law the sentence of declaring the time period over for giving evidence

■ circumductory (ˌsɜːkəmˈdʌktərI)   adj   relating to circumduction

circumference (səˈkʌmfərəns)   n   1 the boundary of a specific area or geometric figure, esp of a circle   2 the length of a closed geometric curve, esp of a circle. The circumference of a circle is equal to the diameter multiplied by π [C14: from Old French circonference, from Latin circumferre to carry around, from CIRCUM- + ferre to bear]   > circumferential (səˌkʌmfəˈrɛnʃəl) adj   > cirˌcumferˈentially adv

■ circumferentor (səˈkʌmfərəntə)   n   1 an instrument that measures the circumference of a tyre   2 an instrument used to record angles and bearings

circumflex (ˈsɜːkəmˌflɛks)   n   1 a mark (^) placed over a vowel to show that it is pronounced with rising and falling pitch, as in ancient Greek, as a long vowel rather than a short one, as in French, or with some other different quality   ▷ adj   2 (of certain nerves, arteries, or veins) bending or curving around [C16: from Latin circumflexus, from circumflectere to bend around, from CIRCUM- + flectere to bend]   > ˌcircumˈflexion n

■ circumflect (ˌsɜːkəmˈflɛkt)   vb (tr)   1 to emphasize with a circumflex accent   2 to bend in a curve

circumfluous (səˈkʌmflʊəs)   adj   1 Also: circumfluent flowing all around   2 surrounded by or as if by water [C17: from Latin circumfluere to flow around, from CIRCUM- + fluere to flow]   > cirˈcumfluence n

circumforaneous (ˌsɜːkəmfəˈreInIəs) or circumforanean (ˌsɜːkəmfəˈreInIən)   adj   archaic moving around or abroad; roaming from place to place

circumfuse (ˌsɜːkəmˈfjuːz)   vb (tr)   1 to pour or spread (a liquid, powder, etc) around   2 to surround with a substance, such as a liquid [C16: from Latin circumfūsus, from circumfundere to pour around, from CIRCUM- + fundere to pour]   > circumfusion (ˌsɜːkəmˈfjuːʒən) n

■ circumfusile (ˌsɜːkəmˈfjuːsaIl)   adj   able to be diffused or poured around

circumgyrate (ˌsɜːkəmˌdʒaIˈreIt, ˌsɜːkəmˈdʒIreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to cause (something) to move in a circular motion   2 (intr) to roll, turn, or travel about

■ circumgyration (ˌsɜːkəmdʒaIˈreIʃən)   n   the act of rolling, turning, or travelling about

■ circumgyratory (ˌsɜːkəmˈdʒaIrətərI)   adj   characterized by circumgyration

circumincession (ˌsɜːkəmInˈsɛʃən) or circuminsession (ˌsɜːkəmInˈsɛʃən)   n   the reciprocal existence within the three members of the Trinity

circumjacent (ˌsɜːkəmˈdʒeIsənt)   adj   surrounding; lying around

■ circumjacency (ˌsɜːkəmˈdʒeIsənsI)   n   the state of being circumjacent

circumlittoral (ˌsɜːkəmˈlItərəl)   adj   adjoining the shore

circumlocution (ˌsɜːkəmləˈkjuːʃən)   n   1 an indirect way of expressing something   2 an indirect expression   > circumlocutory (ˌsɜːkəmˈlɒkjʊtərI, -trI) adj

■ circumlocute (ˌsɜːkəmləˈkjuːt)   vb (intr)   to speak in a circuitous way

circumlunar (ˌsɜːkəmˈluːnə)   adj   around or revolving around the moon: a circumlunar orbit

circummure (ˌsɜːkəmˈmjʊə)   vb (tr)   to surround by means of a wall

circumnavigate (ˌsɜːkəmˈnævIˌɡeIt)   vb   (tr) to sail or fly completely around   > ˌcircumˈnavigable adj   > ˌcircumˌnaviˈgation n   > ˌcircumˈnaviˌgator n

circumnutate (ˌsɜːkəmˈnjuːteIt)   vb (intr)   to rotate slightly on a central axis

■ circumnutation (ˌsɜkəmnjuːˈteIʃən)   n   another name for nutation (sense 3) [C19: from CIRCUM- + -nutate, from Latin nūtāre to nod repeatedly, sway]

■ circumnutatory (ˌsɜːkəmˈnjuːtətərI)   adj   relating to circumnutation

circumpolar (ˌsɜːkəmˈpəʊlə)   adj   1 (of a star or constellation) visible above the horizon at all times at a specified locality on the earth's surface   2 surrounding or located at or near either of the earth's poles

circumpose (ˌsɜːkəmˈpəʊz)   vb (tr)   to position around, or within an encircled place

■ circumposition (ˌsɜːkəmpəˈzIʃən)   n   the act of circumposing

circumscissile (ˌsɜːkəmˈsIsaIl)   adj   (of the dry dehiscent fruits of certain plants) opening completely by a transverse split [C19: from CIRCUM- + Latin scissilis capable of splitting, from scindere to split]

circumscribe (ˌsɜːkəmˈskraIb, ˈsɜːkəmˌskraIb)   vb (tr)   1 to restrict within limits   2 to mark or set the bounds of   3 to draw a geometric construction around (another construction) so that the two are in contact but do not intersect. Compare inscribe (sense 4)   4 to draw a line round [C15: from Latin circumscrībere, from CIRCUM- + scrībere to write]   > ˌcircumˈscribable adj   > ˌcircumˈscriber n

■ circumscription (ˌsɜːkəmˈskrIpʃən)   n   1 the act of circumscribing or the state of being circumscribed   2 something that limits or encloses   3 a circumscribed space   4 an inscription around a coin or medal   > ˌcircumˈscriptive adj   > ˌcircumˈscriptively adv

circumsolar (ˌsɜːkəmˈsəʊlə)   adj   surrounding or rotating around the sun

circumspect (ˈsɜːkəmˌspɛkt)   adj   cautious, prudent, or discreet [C15: from Latin circumspectus, from CIRCUM- + specere to look]   > ˌcircumˈspection n   > ˌcircumˈspective adj   > ˈcircumˌspectly adv

■ circumspectness (ˈsɜːkəmˌspɛktnəs)   n   the quality of being circumspect

circumstance (ˈsɜːkəmstəns)   n   1 (usually plural) a condition of time, place, etc, that accompanies or influences an event or condition   2 an incident or occurrence, esp a chance one   3 accessory information or detail   4 formal display or ceremony (archaic except in the phrase pomp and circumstance)   5 under no circumstances or in no circumstances in no case; never   6 under the circumstances because of conditions; this being the case   7 in bad circumstances (of a person) in a bad financial situation   8 in good circumstances (of a person) in a good financial situation   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to place in a particular condition or situation   10 obsolete to give in detail [C13: from Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia, from circumstāre to stand around, from CIRCUM- + stāre to stand]

■ circumstantial (ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəl)   adj   1 of or dependent on circumstances   2 fully detailed   3 incidental   > ˌcircumˈstantiˈality n   > ˌcircumˈstantially adv

■ circumstantial evidence   n   indirect evidence that tends to establish a conclusion by inference. Compare direct evidence

■ circumstantials (ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəlz)   pl n   incidentals; details

■ circumstantiate (ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to support by giving particulars   > ˌcircumˌstantiˈation n

circumstellar (ˌsɜːkəmˈstɛlə)   adj   surrounding, or revolving around, a star

circumvallate (ˌsɜːkəmˈvæleIt)   vb   (tr) to surround with a defensive fortification [C19: from Latin circumvallāre, from CIRCUM- + vallum rampart]   > ˌcircumvalˈlation n

circumvent (ˌsɜːkəmˈvɛnt)   vb (tr)   1 to evade or go around   2 to outwit   3 to encircle (an enemy) so as to intercept or capture [C15: from Latin circumvenīre, from CIRCUM- + venīre to come]   > ˌcircumˈventer or ˌcircumˈventor n   > ˌcircumˈvention n   > ˌcircumˈventive adj

circumvolve (ˌsɜːkəmˈvɒlv)   vb   to (cause to) turn around

■ circumvolution (ˌsɜːkəmvəˈluːʃən)   n   1 the act of turning, winding, or folding around a central axis   2 a single complete turn, cycle, or fold   3 anything winding or sinuous   4 a roundabout course or procedure [C15: from Medieval Latin circumvolūtiō, from Latin circumvolvere, from CIRCUM- + volvere to roll]   > ˌcircumvoˈlutory adj

circus (ˈsɜːkəs)   n, pl -cuses   1 a travelling company of entertainers such as acrobats, clowns, trapeze artistes, and trained animals   2 a public performance given by such a company   3 an oval or circular arena, usually tented and surrounded by tiers of seats, in which such a performance is held   4 a travelling group of professional sportsmen: a cricket circus   5 (in ancient Rome)   a an open-air stadium, usually oval or oblong, for chariot races or public games   b the games themselves   6 Brit   a an open place, usually circular, in a town, where several streets converge   b (capital when part of a name): Piccadilly Circus   7 informal noisy or rowdy behaviour   8 informal a person or group of people whose behaviour is wild, disorganized, or (esp unintentionally) comic [C16: from Latin, from Greek kirkos ring]

■ Circus Maximus (ˈmæksIməs)   n   an amphitheatre in Rome, used in ancient times for chariot races, public games, etc

■ circussy (ˈsɜːkəsI) or circusy (ˈsɜːkəsI)   adj   characteristic of a circus

ciré (ˈsIəreI)   adj   1 (of fabric) treated with a heat or wax process to make it smooth   ▷ n   2 such a surface on a fabric   3 a fabric having such a surface [C20: French, from cirer to wax, from cire, from Latin cēra wax]

Cirebon (ˈtʃIərəˌbɒn)   n   a port in S central Indonesia, on N Java on the Java Sea: scene of the signing of the Tjirebon Agreement of Indonesian independence (1946) by the Netherlands. Pop: 272 263 (2000). Former spelling: Tjirebon, Cheribon

Cirenaica (ˌsaIrəˈneIIkə, ˌsIrə-)   n   a variant spelling of Cyrenaica

Cirencester (ˈsaIrənˌsɛstə)   n   a market town in S England, in Gloucestershire: Roman amphitheatre. Pop: 15 861 (2001). Latin name: Corinium

cire perdue French (sir pɛrdy)   n   a method of casting bronze, in which a mould is formed around a wax pattern, which is subsequently melted and drained away [literally: lost wax]

cirl (sɜːl) or cirl bunting   n   a bird belonging to the bunting family

cirque (sɜːk)   n   1 Also called: corrie, cwm a semicircular or crescent-shaped basin with steep sides and a gently sloping floor formed in mountainous regions by the erosive action of a glacier   2 archaeol an obsolete term for circle (sense 11)   3 poetic a circle, circlet, or ring [C17: from French, from Latin circus ring, circle, CIRCUS]

cirrhosis (sIˈrəʊsIs)   n   any of various progressive diseases of the liver, characterized by death of liver cells, irreversible fibrosis, etc: caused by inadequate diet, excessive alcohol, chronic infection, etc. Also called: cirrhosis of the liver [C19: New Latin, from Greek kirrhos orange-coloured + -OSIS; referring to the appearance of the diseased liver]   > cirˈrhosed adj   > cirrhotic (sIˈrɒtIk) adj

cirri (ˈsIraI)   n   the plural of cirrus

cirrigrade (ˈsIrIˌɡreId)   adj   moving by means of hairlike appendages

cirripede (ˈsIrIˌpiːd), cirriped (ˈsIrIˌpɛd) or cirrhipede (ˈsIrIˌpiːd)   n   1 any marine crustacean of the subclass Cirripedia, including the barnacles, the adults of which are sessile or parasitic   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cirripedia

cirro- or cirri-   combining form   indicating cirrus or cirri: cirrocumulus; cirriped

cirrocumulus (ˌsIrəʊˈkjuːmjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   meteorol a high cloud of ice crystals grouped into small separate globular masses, usually occurring above 6000 metres (20 000 feet). See also mackerel sky

cirrostratus (ˌsIrəʊˈstrɑːtəs)   n, pl -ti (-taI)   a uniform layer of cloud above about 6000 metres (20 000 feet)   > ˌcirroˈstrative adj

cirrus (ˈsIrəs)   n, pl -ri (-raI)   1 meteorol a thin wispy fibrous cloud at high altitudes, composed of ice particles   2 a plant tendril or similar part   3 zoology   a a slender tentacle or filament in barnacles and other marine invertebrates   b a hairlike structure in other animals, such as a filament on the appendage of an insect or a barbel of a fish [C18: from Latin: curl, tuft, fringe]

■ cirrate (ˈsIreIt), cirrose or cirrous   adj   biology bearing or resembling cirri [C19: from Latin cirrātus curled, from CIRRUS]

■ cirriform (ˈsIrIfɔːm)   adj   cirrus-like

■ cirrose (ˈsIrəʊs, sIˈrəʊs) or cirrous (ˈsIrəs)   adj   1 biology another word for cirrate   2 characteristic of cirrus clouds

cirsoid (ˈsɜːsɔId)   adj   pathol resembling a varix. Also: varicoid [C19: from Greek kirsoeidēs, from kirsos swollen vein + -OID]

cis (sIs)   adj informal   short for cisgender

CIS   abbreviation for   Commonwealth of Independent States

cis-   prefix   1 on this or the near side of: cisalpine   2 (often in italics) indicating that two groups of atoms in an unsaturated compound lie on the same side of a double bond: cis-butadiene. Compare trans- (sense 5) [from Latin]

cisalpine (sIsˈælpaIn)   adj   1 on this (the southern) side of the Alps, as viewed from Rome   2 relating to a movement in the Roman Catholic Church to minimize the authority of the pope and to emphasize the independence of branches of the Church. Compare ultramontane (sense 2)

■ Cisalpine Gaul   n   (in the ancient world) that part of Gaul between the Alps and the Apennines

cis-butanedioic acid   n   another name for maleic acid

Ciscaucasia (ˌsIskɔːˈkeIzIə, -ʒə)   n   the part of Caucasia north of the Caucasus Mountains

cisco (ˈsIskəʊ)   n, pl -coes or -cos   any of various whitefish, esp Coregonus artedi, of cold deep lakes of North America. Also called: lake herring [C19: short for Canadian French ciscoette, from Ojibwa pemitewiskawet fish with oily flesh]

ciselure (ˈsiːzəˌlʊə)   n   the art or process of chasing metal

■ ciseleur (ˈsiːzəˌlɜː; French sizlœr)   n   a person who is expert in ciselure

cisgender (ˌsIsˈdʒɛndə)   adj   of or relating to a person whose gender identity corresponds to the assumed gender assigned to them at birth   > ˌcisˈgendered adj

Ciskei (ˈsIskaI)   n   (formerly) a Bantu homeland in SE South Africa; declared independent in 1981 but this was not recognized outside South Africa; abolished in 1993. Capital: Bisho (now Bhisho)

cislunar (sIsˈluːnə)   adj   of or relating to the space between the earth and the moon. Compare translunar

cismontane (sIsˈmɒnteIn)   adj   on this (the writer's or speaker's) side of the mountains, esp the Alps. Compare ultramontane (sense 1) [C18: from Latin CIS- + montānus of the mountains, from mōns mountain]

cispadane (ˈsIspəˌdeIn, sIsˈpeIdeIn)   adj   on this (the southern) side of the River Po, as viewed from Rome. Compare transpadane [from Latin CIS- + Padānus of the Po]

cisplatin (sIsˈplætIn)   n   a cytotoxic drug that acts by preventing DNA replication and hence cell division, used in the treatment of tumours, esp of the ovary and testis [C20: from CIS- + PLATIN(UM)]

cispontine (sIsˈpɒntaIn)   adj   archaic on the near side of the bridge

cissing (ˈsIsIŋ)   n   building trades the appearance of pinholes, craters, etc, in paintwork due to poor adhesion of the paint to the surface

cissoid (ˈsIsɔId)   n   1 a geometric curve whose two branches meet in a cusp at the origin and are asymptotic to a line parallel to the y-axis. Its equation is y^2(2a – x)=x^3 where 2a is the distance between the y-axis and this line   ▷ adj   2 contained between the concave sides of two intersecting curves. Compare sistroid [C17: from Greek kissoeidēs, literally: ivy-shaped, from kissos ivy]

cissus (ˈsIsəs)   n   any plant of the climbing genus Cissus, some species of which, esp the kangaroo vine (C. antarctica) from Australia, are grown as greenhouse or house plants for their shiny green or mottled leaves: family Vitaceae [New Latin, from Greek kissos ivy]

cissy (ˈsIsI)   n   a variant spelling of sissy

■ cissified (ˈsIsIˌfaId)   adj   another word for sissy (sense 2)

cist^1 (sIst)   n   a wooden box for holding ritual objects used in ancient Rome and Greece [C19: from Latin cista box, chest, basket, from Greek kistē]

■ cistic (ˈsIstIk)   adj   cist-like

cist^2 (sIst) or kist   n   archaeol a box-shaped burial chamber made from stone slabs or a hollowed tree trunk [C19: from Welsh: chest, from Latin cista box; see CIST^1]

cistaceous (sIˈsteIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Cistaceae, a family of shrubby or herbaceous plants that includes the rockroses [C19: from New Latin Cistaceae, from Greek kistos rockrose]

Cistercian (sIˈstɜːʃən)   n     a Also called: White Monk a member of a Christian order of monks and nuns founded in 1098, which follows an especially strict form of the Benedictine rule   b (as modifier): a Cistercian monk [C17: from French Cistercien, from Medieval Latin Cisterciānus, from Cistercium (modern Cîteaux), original home of the order]

cistern (ˈsIstən)   n   1 a tank for the storage of water, esp on or within the roof of a house or connected to a WC   2 an underground reservoir for the storage of a liquid, esp rainwater   3 anatomy another name for cisterna [C13: from Old French cisterne, from Latin cisterna underground tank, from cista box]   > cisternal (sIˈstɜːnəl) adj

cisterna (sIˈstɜːnə)   n, pl -nae (-niː)   a sac or partially closed space containing body fluid, esp lymph or cerebrospinal fluid [New Latin, from Latin; see CISTERN]

cis-trans test (ˈsIsˈtrɑːnz)   n   genetics a test to define the unit of genetic function, based on whether two mutations of the same character occur in a single chromosome (the cis position) or in different cistrons in each chromosome of a homologous pair (the trans position) [C20: see CIS-, TRANS-]

cistron (ˈsIstrən)   n   genetics the section of a chromosome that encodes a single polypeptide chain [C20: from cis-trans; see CIS-TRANS TEST]

■ cistronic (sIsˈtrɒnIk)   adj   cistron-related

cistus (ˈsIstəs)   n   any plant of the genus Cistus. See rockrose [C16: New Latin, from Greek kistos]

cistvaen (ˈkIstˌveIn)   n   a pre-Christian stone coffin or burial chamber

cit (sIt)   n   archaic, chiefly derogatory a town dweller

■ citess (ˈsItɛs)   n   archaic, chiefly derogatory a townswoman

CIT   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Central Institute of Technology

cit.   abbreviation for   1 citation   2 cited

citadel (ˈsItədəl, -ˌdɛl)   n   1 a stronghold within or close to a city   2 any strongly fortified building or place of safety; refuge   3 a specially strengthened part of the hull of a warship   4 (often capital) the headquarters of the Salvation Army [C16: from Old French citadelle, from Old Italian cittadella a little city, from cittade city, from Latin cīvitās]

cital (ˈsaItəl)   n   1 a court summons   2 archaic a citation

citation (saIˈteIʃən)   n   1 the quoting of a book or author in support of a fact   2 a passage or source cited for this purpose   3 a listing or recounting, as of facts   4 an official commendation or award, esp for bravery or outstanding service, work, etc, usually in the form of a formal statement made in public   5 law   a an official summons to appear in court   b the document containing such a summons   6 law the quoting of decided cases to serve as guidance to a court   > citatory (ˈsaItətərI, -trI) adj

■ citational (saIˈteIʃənəl)   adj   pertaining to citation

citator (saIˈteItə)   n law   1 a legal publication listing cases and statutes, their history and current status   2 a person who cites, or quotes

cite (saIt)   vb (tr)   1 to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example   2 to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action   3 to summon to appear before a court of law   4 to enumerate: he cited the king's virtues [C15: from Old French citer to summon, from Latin citāre to rouse, from citus quick, from ciēre to excite]   > ˈcitable or ˈciteable adj   > ˈciter n

CITES (ˈsaItiːz)   n acronym for   Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

cithara (ˈsIθərə) or kithara   n   a stringed musical instrument of ancient Greece and elsewhere, similar to the lyre and played with a plectrum [C18: from Greek kithara]

■ citharist (ˈsIθərIst)   n   a player of the cithara

■ citharistic (ˌsIθəˈrIstIk)   adj   relating to the cithara

cither (ˈsIθə) or cithern (ˈsIθən)   n   variants of cittern [C17: from Latin cithara, from Greek kithara lyre]

citify or cityfy (ˈsItIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to cause to conform to or adopt the customs, habits, or dress of city people   2 to make urban   > ˌcitifiˈcation or ˌcityfiˈcation n

■ citified or cityfied (ˈsItIˌfaId)   adj   often derogatory having the customs, manners, or dress of city people

citigrade (ˈsItIˌɡreId)   adj   designating spiders of the former group Citigrada or Citigradae, such as the wolf spider

citizen (ˈsItIzən)   n   1 a native registered or naturalized member of a state, nation, or other political community. Compare alien   2 an inhabitant of a city or town   3 a native or inhabitant of any place   4 a civilian, as opposed to a soldier, public official, etc ▶ Related adjective: civil [C14: from Anglo-French citesein, from Old French citeien, from cité, CITY]   > citizeness (ˈsItIzənIs, -ˌnɛs) fem n   > ˈcitizenly adj

■ citizenize or citizenise (ˈsItIzəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to cause to become a citizen

■ citizen journalism   n   the involvement of non-professionals in reporting news, esp in blogs and other websites

■ citizenry (ˈsItIzənrI)   n, pl -ries   citizens collectively

■ citizen's arrest   n   an arrest carried out by an ordinary member of the public rather than an officer of the law

■ Citizens' Band   n   a range of radio frequencies assigned officially for use by the public for private communication. Abbreviation: CB

■ Citizen's Charter   n   (formerly, in Britain) a government document setting out standards of service for public and private sector bodies, such as schools, hospitals, railway companies, water and energy suppliers, etc

■ citizenship (ˈsItIzənˌʃIp)   n   1 the condition or status of a citizen, with its rights and duties   2 a person's conduct as a citizen: an award for good citizenship

Citlaltépetl (ˌsiːtlɑːlˈteIpɛtəl)   n   a volcano in SE Mexico, in central Veracruz state: the highest peak in the country. Height: 5564 m (18 255 ft), though this is disputed between different sources. Spanish name: Pico de Orizaba (piko de oriˈsaba)

cito Latin (ˈkiːtəʊ, ˈsaItəʊ)   adv   swiftly

citola (sIˈtəʊlə)   n   a medieval stringed instrument

citole (ˈsItəʊl, sIˈtəʊl)   n   a rare word for cittern [C14: from Old French, probably from Latin cithara CITHER]

citral (ˈsItrəl)   n   a yellow volatile liquid with a lemon-like odour, found in oils of lemon grass, orange, and lemon and used in perfumery: a terpene aldehyde consisting of the cis- isomer (citral-a or geranial) and the trans- isomer (citral-b or neral). Formula: (CH_3)2C:CH(CH_2)2C(CH_3):CHCHO [C19: from CITR(US) + -AL^3]

citrange (ˈsItrəndʒ)   n   a hybrid citrus tree, a cross between the sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, and the trifoliate orange, Poncirus trifoliata, producing a sour fruit

citrate (ˈsItreIt, -rIt, ˈsaItreIt)   n   any salt or ester of citric acid. Salts of citric acid are used in beverages and pharmaceuticals [C18: from CITR(US) + -ATE^1]

■ citrated (sIˈtreItId)   adj   treated with a citrate

citreous (ˈsItrIəs)   adj   of a greenish-yellow colour; citron

citric (ˈsItrIk)   adj   of or derived from citrus fruits or citric acid

■ citric acid   n   a water-soluble weak tribasic acid found in many fruits, esp citrus fruits, and used in pharmaceuticals and as a flavouring (E330). It is extracted from citrus fruits or made by fermenting molasses and is an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism. Formula: CH_2(COOH)C(OH)(COOH)CH_2COOH

■ citric acid cycle   n   another name for Krebs cycle

■ citriculture (ˈsItrIˌkʌltʃə)   n   the cultivation of citrus fruits   > ˌcitriˈculturist n

citrin (ˈsItrIn)   n   another name for vitamin P

citrine (ˈsItrIn)   n   1 a brownish-yellow variety of quartz: a gemstone; false topaz   2    a the yellow colour of a lemon   b (as modifier): citrine hair

citrinin (sIˈtraInIn)   n   an antibiotic derived from the fungus Penicillium citrinum

citron (ˈsItrən)   n   1 a small Asian rutaceous tree, Citrus medica, having lemon-like fruit with a thick aromatic rind. See also citron wood   2 the fruit of this tree   3 Also called: citron melon a variety of watermelon, Citrullus vulgaris citroides, that has an inedible fruit with a hard rind   4 the rind of either of these fruits, candied and used for decoration and flavouring of foods   5 a greenish-yellow colour [C16: from Old French, from Old Provençal, from Latin citrus citrus tree]

■ citron wood   n   1 the wood of the citron tree   2 the wood of the sandarac

citronella (ˌsItrəˈnɛlə)   n   1 Also called: citronella grass a tropical Asian grass, Cymbopogon (or Andropogon) nardus, with bluish-green lemon-scented leaves   2 Also called: citronella oil the yellow aromatic oil obtained from this grass, used in insect repellents, soaps, perfumes, etc [C19: New Latin, from French citronnelle lemon balm, from citron lemon]

■ citronellal (ˌsItrəˈnɛlæl)   n   a colourless slightly water-soluble liquid with a lemon-like odour, a terpene aldehyde found esp in citronella and certain eucalyptus oils: used as a flavouring and in soaps and perfumes. Formula: (CH_3)2C:CH(CH_2)2CH(CH_3)CH_2CHO. Also called: rhodinal

■ citronellol (ˌsItrəˈnɛlɒl)   n   an alcohol present in oils from various aromatic plant species

citrulline (ˈsItrəˌliːn)   n   an amino acid that occurs in watermelons and is an intermediate in the formation of urea. Formula: NH_2CONH(CH_2)3CHNH_2COOH [C20: from Medieval Latin citrullus a kind of watermelon, from Latin citron, referring to its colour]

citrus (ˈsItrəs)   n, pl -ruses   1 any tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical rutaceous genus Citrus, which includes the orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, citron, and calamondin   ▷ adj also citrous   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the genus Citrus or to the fruits of plants of this genus [C19: from Latin: citrus tree, sandarac tree; related to Greek kedros cedar]

■ citrussy (ˈsItrəsI)   adj   having or resembling the taste or colour of a citrus fruit

Città del Vaticano (tʃitˈta del vatiˈkaːno)   n   the Italian name for Vatican City

cittern (ˈsItɜːn), cither or cithern   n   a medieval stringed instrument resembling a lute but having wire strings and a flat back. Compare gittern [C16: perhaps a blend of CITHER + GITTERN]

city (ˈsItI)   n, pl cities   1 any large town or populous place   2 (in Britain) a large town that has received this title from the Crown: usually the seat of a bishop   3 (in the US) an incorporated urban centre with its own government and administration established by state charter   4 (in Canada) a similar urban municipality incorporated by the provincial government   5 an ancient Greek city-state; polis   6 the people of a city collectively   7 (modifier) in or characteristic of a city: a city girl; city habits ▶ Related adjectives: civic, urban, municipal [C13: from Old French cité, from Latin cīvitās citizenship, state, from cīvis citizen]

■ citied (ˈsItId)   adj   having cities

■ City (ˈsItI)   n the City   1 short for City of London: the original settlement of London on the N bank of the Thames; a municipality governed by the Lord Mayor and Corporation. Resident pop: 7186 (2001)   2 the area in central London in which the United Kingdom's major financial business is transacted   3 the various financial institutions located in this area

■ city academy   n   (formerly in England) a type of secondary school funded partly by the government and partly by private finance

■ City and Guilds of London Institute   n   (in Britain) an examining body for technical and craft skills, many of the examinations being at a lower standard than for a degree. Often shortened to: City and Guilds

■ city blues   n   (functioning as singular) jazz another name for urban blues

■ city chambers   n (functioning as singular)   (in Scotland) the municipal building of a city; town hall

■ City Code   n   (in Britain) short for City Code on Takeovers and Mergers: a code laid down in 1968 (later modified) to control takeover bids and mergers

■ City Company   n   (in Britain) a corporation that represents one of the historic trade guilds of London

■ city desk   n   1 Brit the department of a newspaper office dealing with financial and commercial news   2 US and Canadian the department of a newspaper office dealing with local news

■ city editor   n (on a newspaper)   1 Brit the editor in charge of financial and commercial news   2 US and Canadian the editor in charge of local news

■ city father   n   a person who is active or prominent in the public affairs of a city, such as an alderman

■ city hall   n   1 the building housing the administrative offices of a city or municipal government   2 City Hall the building, located in Southwark and designed by Norman Foster, housing the headquarters of the Greater London Authority and London Mayor; opened in 2002   3 chiefly US and Canadian   a municipal government   b the officials of a municipality collectively   4 US informal bureaucracy

■ city manager   n   (in the US) an administrator hired by a municipal council to manage its affairs. See also council-manager plan

■ City of God   n   1 Christianity heaven conceived of as the New Jerusalem   2 the Church in contrast to the world, as described by St Augustine

■ city planning   n   the US term for town planning   > city planner n

■ cityscape (ˈsItIskeIp)   n   an urban landscape; view of a city

■ city slicker   n informal   1 a person with the sophistication often attributed to city people   2 a smooth tricky untrustworthy person

■ city-state   n   a state consisting of a sovereign city and its dependencies. Among the most famous are the great independent cities of the ancient world, such as Athens, Sparta, Carthage, Thebes, Corinth, and Rome

■ city technology college   n   (in Britain) a type of senior secondary school specializing in technological subjects, set up in inner-city areas with funding from industry as well as the government. Abbreviation: CTC

■ cityward (ˈsItIwəd)   adv   towards a city

■ citywide (ˈsItIˌwaId)   adj   occurring throughout a city

Ciudad Bolívar (Spanish siuˈðað boˈliβar)   n   a port in E Venezuela, on the Orinoco River: accessible to ocean-going vessels. Pop: 344 000 (2005 est). Former name (1764–1846): Angostura

Ciudad Guayana (Spanish siuˈðað ɡwaˈjana)   n   an industrial conurbation in E Venezuela, on the River Orinoco: iron and steel processing, gold mining. Pop: 807 000 (2005 est). Former name: Santo Tomé de Guayana

Ciudad Juárez (Spanish siuˈðað ˈxwarɛs)   n   a city in N Mexico, in Chihuahua state on the Río Grande, opposite El Paso, Texas. Pop: 1 469 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1888): El Paso del Norte (ɛl ˈpaso del ˈnɔrte)

Ciudad Real (Spanish siuˈðað rɛˈal)   n   a market town in S central Spain. Pop: 65 703 (2003 est)

Ciudad Trujillo (Spanish siuˈðað truˈxiʎo)   n   the former name (1936–61) of Santo Domingo

Ciudad Victoria (Spanish siuˈðað bikˈtorja)   n   a city in E central Mexico, capital of Tamaulipas state. Pop: 285 000 (2005 est)

civet (ˈsIvIt)   n   1 any catlike viverrine mammal of the genus Viverra and related genera, of Africa and S Asia, typically having blotched or spotted fur and secreting a powerfully smelling fluid from anal glands   2 the yellowish fatty secretion of such an animal, used as a fixative in the manufacture of perfumes   3 the fur of such an animal   4 short for palm civet [C16: from Old French civette, from Italian zibetto, from Arabic zabād civet perfume]

■ civetlike (ˈsIvItˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a civet

civic (ˈsIvIk)   adj   of or relating to a city, citizens, or citizenship: civic duties [C16: from Latin cīvicus, from cīvis citizen]   > ˈcivically adv

■ civic centre   n   Brit the public buildings of a town, including recreational facilities and offices of local administration

■ civicism (ˈsIvIˌsIzəm)   n   the principle of civil government

■ civics (ˈsIvIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the study of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship   2 US and Canadian the study of government and its workings

■ civic university   n   (in Britain) a university originally instituted as a higher education college serving a particular city

civies (ˈsIvIz)   pl n   informal a variant spelling of civvies. See civvy (sense 2)

civil (ˈsIvəl)   adj   1 of the ordinary life of citizens as distinguished from military, legal, or ecclesiastical affairs   2 of or relating to the citizen as an individual: civil rights   3 of or occurring within the state or between citizens: civil strife   4 polite or courteous   5 a less common word for civic   6 of or in accordance with Roman law   7 relating to the private rights of citizens [C14: from Old French, from Latin cīvīlis, from cīvis citizen]   > ˈcivilly adv   > ˈcivilness n

■ civil day   n   another name for calendar day. See day (sense 1)

■ civil death   n   law (formerly) the loss of all civil rights because of a serious conviction. See also attainder

■ civil defence   n   the organizing of civilians to deal with enemy attacks

■ civil disobedience   n   a refusal to obey laws, pay taxes, etc: a nonviolent means of protesting or of attempting to achieve political goals

■ civil engineer   n   a person qualified to design, construct, and maintain public works, such as roads, bridges, harbours, etc   > civil engineering n

■ civilist (ˈsIvəlIst)   n   a civilian

■ civility (sIˈvIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 politeness or courtesy, esp when formal   2 (often plural) an act of politeness

■ civil law   n   1 the law of a state relating to private and civilian affairs   2 the body of law in force in ancient Rome, esp the law applicable to private citizens   3 any system of law based on the Roman system as distinguished from the common law and canon law   4 the law of a state as distinguished from international law

■ civil liberty   n   the right of an individual to certain freedoms of speech and action

■ civil list   n   (in Britain) the annuities voted by Parliament for the support of the royal household and the royal family

■ civil marriage   n   law a marriage performed by some official other than a clergyman

■ civil partnership   n   a legal union or contract, similar to a marriage, between two people of the same sex

■ civil rights   pl n   1 the personal rights of the individual citizen, in most countries upheld by law, as in the US   2 (modifier) of, relating to, or promoting equality in social, economic, and political rights

■ civils (ˈsIvəlz)   pl n   (functioning as singular) (esp in names of companies) civil engineering

■ civil servant   n   a member of the civil service

■ civil service   n   1 the service responsible for the public administration of the government of a country. It excludes the legislative, judicial, and military branches. Members of the civil service have no official political allegiance and are not generally affected by changes of governments   2 the members of the civil service collectively

■ civil society   n   the organizations within a society that work to promote the common good, usually taken to include state-run institutions, families, charities, and community groups

■ civil war   n   war between parties, factions, or inhabitants of different regions within the same nation

■ Civil War   n   1 English history the conflict between Charles I and the Parliamentarians resulting from disputes over their respective prerogatives. Parliament gained decisive victories at Marston Moor in 1644 and Naseby in 1645, and Charles was executed in 1649   2 US history the war fought from 1861 to 1865 between the North and the South, sparked off by Lincoln's election as president but with deep-rooted political and economic causes, exacerbated by the slavery issue. The advantages of the North in terms of population, finance, and communications brought about the South's eventual surrender at Appomattox

■ civil year   n   another name for calendar year. See year (sense 1)

civilian (sIˈvIljən)   n     a a person whose primary occupation is civil or nonmilitary   b (as modifier): civilian life [C14 (originally: a practitioner of civil law): from civile (from the Latin phrase jūs cīvīle civil law) + -IAN]

■ civilianization or civilianisation (sIˌvIljənaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the conversion from military to civilian status

■ civilianize or civilianise (sIˈvIljəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to change the status of (an armed force, a base, etc) from military to nonmilitary

civilize or civilise (ˈsIvIˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization   2 to refine, educate, or enlighten   > ˈciviˌlizable or ˈciviˌlisable adj   > ˈciviˌlizer or ˈciviˌliser n

■ civilization or civilisation (ˌsIvIlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 a human society that has highly developed material and spiritual resources and a complex cultural, political, and legal organization; an advanced state in social development   2 the peoples or nations collectively who have achieved such a state   3 the total culture and way of life of a particular people, nation, region, or period: classical civilization   4 the process of bringing or achieving civilization   5 intellectual, cultural, and moral refinement   6 cities or populated areas, as contrasted with sparsely inhabited areas, deserts, etc

■ civilizational or civilisational (ˌsIvIlaIˈzeIʃənəl)   adj   relating to civilization

■ civilized or civilised (ˈsIvIˌlaIzd)   adj   1 having a high state of culture and social development   2 cultured; polite: a civilized discussion

■ civilizing or civilising (ˈsIvIlaIzIŋ)   adj   bringing a higher state of culture and social development

civism (ˈsIvIzəm)   n   rare good citizenship [C18: from French civisme, from Latin cīvis citizen]

civvy (ˈsIvI)   n, pl civvies slang   1 a civilian   2 (plural) civilian dress as opposed to uniform   3 civvy street civilian life

CJ   abbreviation for   Chief Justice

CJA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Criminal Justice Act

CJD   abbreviation for   Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

ck   the internet domain name for   Cook Islands

cl^1   symbol for   centilitre

cl^2   the internet domain name for   Chile

Cl   the chemical symbol for   chlorine

CL   abbreviation for   Sri Lanka (international car registration) [from Ceylon]

clabber (ˈklæbə) dialect   n   1 curdled milk   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to curdle

clabby-doo (ˌklæbIˈduː)   n   Scot a variant of clappy-doo

clach (klɑːx) Scot   n   1 a stone   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to kill by stoning

clachan (Gaelic ˈklaxən; English ˈklæ-)   n   Scot and Irish dialect a small village; hamlet [C15: from Scottish Gaelic: probably from clach stone]

clack (klæk)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a sound like that of two pieces of wood hitting each other   2 (intr) to jabber   3 a less common word for cluck   ▷ n   4 a short sharp sound   5 a person or thing that produces this sound   6 chatter   7 Also called: clack valve a simple nonreturn valve using either a hinged flap or a ball [C13: probably from Old Norse klaka to twitter, of imitative origin]

■ clackbox (ˈklækˌbɒks)   n   the casing enclosing a clack

■ clackdish (ˈklækˌdIʃ)   n   archaic a dish carried by a beggar

■ clacker (ˈklækə)   n   1 an object that makes a clacking sound   2 Northern English dialect the mouth

Clackmannan (klækˈmænən)   n   a town in E central Scotland, in Clackmannanshire. Pop: 3450 (2001)

■ Clackmannanshire (klækˈmænənˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a council area and historical county of central Scotland; became part of the Central region in 1975 but reinstated as an independent unitary authority in 1996; mainly agricultural. Administrative centre: Alloa. Pop: 47 680 (2003 est). Area: 142 sq km (55 sq miles)

Clacton or Clacton-on-Sea (ˈklæktən)   n   a town and resort in SE England, in E Essex. Pop: 51 284 (2001)

■ Clactonian (klækˈtəʊnIən)   n   1 one of the Lower Palaeolithic cultures found in England, characterized by the use of chopper tools   ▷ adj   2 of, designating, or relating to this culture [after CLACTON, Essex, where the tools of this culture were first found]

clad^1 (klæd)   vb   a past participle of clothe [Old English clāthode clothed, from clāthian to CLOTHE]

clad^2 (klæd)   vb clads, cladding, clad   (tr) to bond a metal to (another metal), esp to form a protective coating [C14 (in the obsolete sense: to clothe): special use of CLAD^1]

■ cladded (ˈklædId)   adj   covered with cladding

■ cladder (ˈklædə)   n   a person who clads (roofs or walls)

■ cladding (ˈklædIŋ)   n   1 the process of protecting one metal by bonding a second metal to its surface   2 the protective coating so bonded to metal   3 the material used for the outside facing of a building, etc

Claddagh ring (ˈklædə)   n   Irish (also without capital) any of various elaborately designed rings, esp one in the shape of two hands embracing a heart, given as a token of lasting affection [from Claddagh, a small fishing village on the edge of Galway city]

claddie (ˈklædI)   n   another name for korari

clade (kleId)   n   biology a group of organisms considered as having evolved from a common ancestor [C20: from Greek klados branch, shoot]

cladistics (kləˈdIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) biology a method of grouping animals that makes use of lines of descent rather than structural similarities [C20: New Latin, from Greek klādos branch, shoot]   > cladism (ˈklædIzəm) n   > cladist (ˈklædIst) n

■ cladistic (kləˈdIstIk)   adj   relating to the classification of species based on evolutionary ancestry

■ cladistically (kləˈdIstIkəlI)   adv   from a cladistic point of view

cladoceran (kləˈdɒsərən)   n   1 any minute freshwater crustacean of the order Cladocera, which includes the water fleas   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cladocera [C19: from New Latin Cladocera, from Greek klados shoot + keras horn]

cladode (ˈklædəʊd)   n   botany a flattened stem resembling and functioning as a leaf, as in butcher's-broom. Also called: cladophyll, phylloclade [C19: from New Latin cladōdium, from Late Greek kladōdēs having many shoots]

■ cladodial (kləˈdəʊdIəl)   adj   resembling a cladode

cladogenesis (ˌklædəˈdʒɛnəsIs)   n   adaptive evolution leading to a greater variety of species

■ cladogenetic (ˌklædəʊdʒəˈnɛtIk)   adj   relating to cladogenesis

cladogram (ˈkleIdəʊˌɡræm)   n   biology a treelike diagram illustrating the development of a clade. See clade [C20: from CLADE + -O- + -GRAM]

cladophyll (ˈklædəfIl)   n   another name for cladode [C19: from Greek klados branch + phullon leaf]

cladosporium (ˌklædəʊˈspɔːrIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   any of the species of fungi in the genus Cladosporium

claes (klez)   pl n   a Scot word for clothes

clafoutis (ˈklæfʊˌtiː; French klafuti)   n   a French baked pudding

clag (klæɡ) dialect   n   1 sticky mud   ▷ vb clags, clagged, clagging (intr)   2 to stick, as mud [C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin, related to Danish klag sticky mud]

■ claggy (ˈklæɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   chiefly dialect stickily clinging, as mud

claim (kleIm)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to demand as being due or as one's property; assert one's title or right to: he claimed the record   2 (takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to assert as a fact; maintain against denial: he claimed to be telling the truth   3 to call for or need; deserve: this problem claims our attention   4 to take: the accident claimed four lives   ▷ n   5 an assertion of a right; a demand for something as due   6 an assertion of something as true, real, or factual: he made claims for his innocence   7 a right or just title to something; basis for demand: a claim to fame   8 lay claim to or stake a claim to to assert one's possession of or right to   9 anything that is claimed, esp in a formal or legal manner, such as a piece of land staked out by a miner   10 law a document under seal, issued in the name of the Crown or a court, commanding the person to whom it is addressed to do or refrain from doing some specified act. former name writ^1   11    a a demand for payment in connection with an insurance policy, etc   b the sum of money demanded [C13: from Old French claimer to call, appeal, from Latin clāmāre to shout]   > ˈclaimable adj   > ˈclaimer n

■ claimant (ˈkleImənt)   n   1 a person who makes a claim   2 a person who brings a civil action in a court of law. Formerly called: plaintiff. Compare defendant (sense 1)

■ claiming race   n   US and Canadian horse racing a race in which each owner declares beforehand the price at which his or her horse will be offered for sale after the race

■ claims farmer   n   a middleman who encourages people to make compensation claims and who then sells these claims on to a lawyer   > claims farming n

Clair (French klɛr)   n   René (rəne), real name René Chomette. 1898–1981, French film director; noted for his comedies including An Italian Straw Hat (1928) and pioneering sound films such as Sous les toits de Paris (1930); later films include Les Belles de nuit (1952)

clairaudience (ˌklɛərˈɔːdIəns)   n   psychol the postulated ability to hear sounds beyond the range of normal hearing. Compare clairvoyance [C19: from French clair clear + AUDIENCE, after CLAIRVOYANCE]   > ˌclairˈaudient adj, n

■ clairaudiently (ˌklɛərˈɔːdIəntlI)   adv   in a clairaudient manner

claircolle (ˈklɛəkɒl)   n   another name for clearcole

clair-obscure (ˌklɛərəbˈskjʊə)   n   another word for chiaroscuro [C18: from French, literally: clear-obscure]

clairschach (ˈklɛəˌʃɑːx)   n   another name for clarsach

clairvoyance (klɛəˈvɔIəns) or clairvoyancy (klɛərˈvɔIənsI)   n   1 the alleged power of perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses. See also extrasensory perception   2 keen intuitive understanding [C19: from French: clear-seeing, from clair clear, from Latin clārus + voyance, from voir to see, from Latin vidēre]

■ clairvoyant (klɛəˈvɔIənt)   adj   1 of, possessing, or relating to clairvoyance   2 having great insight or second sight   ▷ n   3 a person claiming to have the power to foretell future events   > clairˈvoyantly adv

clam^1 (klæm)   n   1 any of various burrowing bivalve molluscs of the genera Mya, Venus, etc. Many species, such as the quahog and soft-shell clam, are edible and Tridacna gigas is the largest known bivalve, nearly 1.5 metres long   2 the edible flesh of such a mollusc   3 informal a reticent person   ▷ vb clams, clamming, clammed   4 (intr) chiefly US to gather clams [C16: from earlier clamshell, that is, shell that clamps; related to Old English clamm fetter, Old High German klamma constriction; see CLAMP^1]

■ clambake (ˈklæmˌbeIk)   n US and Canadian   1 a picnic, often by the sea, at which clams, etc, are baked   2 an informal party

■ clam-diggers   pl n   calf-length trousers

■ clam-like   adj   resembling a clam

■ clammer (ˈklæmə)   n   a person who gathers clams

■ clamshell (ˈklæmˌʃɛl)   n   1 chiefly US a dredging bucket that is hinged like the shell of a clam   2 aeronautics   a an aircraft cockpit canopy hinged at the front and rear   b the hinged door of a cargo aircraft   c another name for eyelid (sense 2)   3 any of a variety of objects hinged like the shell of a clam, such as a container for takeaway food, a portable computer, etc

■ clam up   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to keep or become silent or withhold information

■ clamworm (ˈklæmˌwɜːm)   n   the US name for the ragworm

clam^2 (klæm)   vb clams, clamming, clammed   a variant of clem

clamant (ˈkleImənt)   adj   1 noisy   2 calling urgently [C17: from Latin clāmāns, from clāmāre to shout]

■ clamancy (ˈklæmənsI)   n   urgency

■ clamantly (ˈklæməntlI)   adv   urgently

clamatorial (ˌklæməˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of or relating to the American flycatchers (family Tyrannidae). See flycatcher (sense 2) [C19: from New Latin clāmātōres, plural of Latin clāmātor one who shouts; see CLAMANT]

clamber (ˈklæmbə)   vb   1 (usually foll by up, over, etc) to climb (something) awkwardly, esp by using both hands and feet   ▷ n   2 a climb performed in this manner [C15: probably a variant of CLIMB]   > ˈclamberer n

clamjamphrie or clamjamfry (klæmˈjæmfrI)   n Scot   1 rubbish   2 spoken nonsense   3 worthless people

clammy (ˈklæmI)   adj -mier, -miest   1 unpleasantly sticky; moist: clammy hands   2 (of the weather, atmosphere, etc) close; humid [C14: from Old English clǣman to smear; related to Old Norse kleima, Old High German kleimen]   > ˈclammily adv   > ˈclamminess n

clamour or US clamor (ˈklæmə)   n   1 a loud persistent outcry, as from a large number of people   2 a vehement expression of collective feeling or outrage: a clamour against higher prices   3 a loud and persistent noise: the clamour of traffic   ▷ vb   4 (intr; often foll by for or against) to make a loud noise or outcry; make a public demand: they clamoured for attention   5 (tr) to move, influence, or force by outcry: the people clamoured the leaders out of office [C14: from Old French clamour, from Latin clāmor, from clāmāre to cry out]   > ˈclamourer or US ˈclamorer n   > ˈclamorous adj   > ˈclamorously adv   > ˈclamorousness n

clamp^1 (klæmp)   n   1 a mechanical device with movable jaws with which an object can be secured to a bench or with which two objects may be secured together   2 See also wheel clamp   3 a means by which a fixed joint may be strengthened   4 nautical a horizontal beam fastened to the ribs for supporting the deck beams in a wooden vessel   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to fix or fasten with or as if with a clamp   6 to immobilize (a car) by means of a wheel clamp   7 to inflict or impose forcefully: they clamped a curfew on the town [C14: from Dutch or Low German klamp; related to Old English clamm bond, fetter, Old Norse kleppr lump]

■ clamp down   vb (intr, adverb; often foll by on)   1 to behave repressively; attempt to repress something regarded as undesirable   ▷ n clampdown   2 a sudden restrictive measure

■ clamper (ˈklæmpə)   n   1 a spiked metal frame fastened to the sole of a shoe to prevent slipping on ice   2 a person who attaches a wheel clamp to an illegally parked vehicle

■ clamping (ˈklæmpIŋ)   n   the immobilization of a car or other vehicle by means of a wheel clamp

clamp^2 (klæmp) Brit agriculture   n   1 a mound formed out of a harvested root crop, covered with straw and earth to protect it from winter weather   2 a pile of bricks ready for processing in a furnace   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to enclose (a harvested root crop) in a mound [C16: from Middle Dutch klamp heap; related to CLUMP]

clan (klæn)   n   1 a group of people interrelated by ancestry or marriage   2 a group of families with a common surname and a common ancestor, acknowledging the same leader, esp among the Scots and the Irish   3 a group of people united by common characteristics, aims, or interests [C14: from Scottish Gaelic clann family, descendants, from Latin planta sprout, PLANT^1]

■ clannish (ˈklænIʃ)   adj   1 of or characteristic of a clan   2 tending to associate closely within a limited group to the exclusion of outsiders; cliquish   > ˈclannishly adv   > ˈclannishness n

■ clanship (ˈklænʃIp)   n   an association of families under the leadership of a chieftain

■ clansman (ˈklænzmən)   n, pl -men   a man belonging to a clan

■ clanswoman (ˈklænzˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman belonging to a clan

Clancy (ˈklænsI)   n   Tom. 1947–2013, US novelist; his thrillers, many of which have been filmed, include The Hunt for Red October (1984), Clear and Present Danger (1989), Debt of Honour (1994) and Red Rabbit (2002)

clandestine (klænˈdɛstIn)   adj   secret and concealed, often for illicit reasons; furtive [C16: from Latin clandestīnus, from clam secretly; related to Latin celāre to hide]   > clanˈdestinely adv   > clanˈdestineness n

■ clandestinity (ˌklændəsˈtInItI)   n   secrecy; the quality of being clandestine

clang (klæŋ)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a loud resounding noise, as metal when struck   2 (intr) to move or operate making such a sound   ▷ n   3 a resounding metallic noise   4 the harsh cry of certain birds [C16: from Latin clangere]

■ clang association   n   psychol the association made between two words because they sound similar; for example cling and ring

■ clangbox (ˈklæŋˌbɒks)   n   a device fitted to a jet-engine to change the direction of thrust

■ clanger (ˈklæŋə)   n   1 informal a conspicuous mistake (esp in the phrase drop a clanger)   2 something that clangs or causes a clang [C20: from CLANG, referring to a mistake whose effects seem to clang]

■ clangour or US clangor (ˈklæŋɡə, ˈklæŋə)   n   1 a loud resonant often-repeated noise   2 an uproar   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to make or produce a loud resonant noise [C16: from Latin clangor a noise, from clangere to CLANG]   > ˈclangorous adj   > ˈclangorously adv

clanjamfray (klænˈjæmfrI)   n   a variant spelling of clamjamphrie

clank (klæŋk)   n   1 an abrupt harsh metallic sound   ▷ vb   2 to make or cause to make such a sound   3 (intr) to move or operate making such a sound [C17: of imitative origin]   > ˈclankingly adv

■ clanky (ˈklæŋkI)   adj clankier, clankiest   informal making clanking sounds

clap^1 (klæp)   vb claps, clapping, clapped   1 to make or cause to make a sharp abrupt sound, as of two nonmetallic objects struck together   2 to applaud (someone or something) by striking the palms of the hands together sharply   3 (tr) to strike (a person) lightly with an open hand, in greeting, encouragement, etc   4 (tr) to place or put quickly or forcibly: they clapped us into jail   5 (of certain birds) to flap (the wings) noisily   6 (tr; foll by up or together) to contrive or put together hastily: they soon clapped up a shed   7 clap eyes on informal to catch sight of   8 clap hold of informal to grasp suddenly or forcibly   ▷ n   9 the sharp abrupt sound produced by striking the hands together   10 the act of clapping, esp in applause: he deserves a good clap   11 a sudden sharp sound, esp of thunder   12 a light blow   13 archaic a sudden action or mishap [Old English clæppan; related to Old High German klepfen, Middle Dutch klape rattle, Dutch klepel clapper; all of imitative origin]

■ clapboard (ˈklæpˌbɔːd, ˈklæbəd)   n   1    a a long thin timber board with one edge thicker than the other, used esp in the US and Canada in wood-frame construction by lapping each board over the one below   b (as modifier): a clapboard house   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to cover with such boards [C16: partial translation of Low German klappholt, from klappen to crack + holt wood; related to Dutch claphout; see BOARD]

■ clapbread (ˈklæpˌbrɛd)   n   a type of cake made from oatmeal

■ clap-net   n   a net, used esp by entomologists, that can be closed instantly by pulling a string

■ clapometer (ˌklæˈpɒmItə)   n   a device that measures applause

■ clap on   vb   (tr) to don hastily: they clapped on their armour

■ clapped out   adj   1 (clapped-out when prenominal) Brit, Austral and NZ informal (esp of machinery) worn out; dilapidated   2 Austral and NZ extremely tired; exhausted

■ clapper (ˈklæpə)   n   1 a person or thing that claps   2 a contrivance for producing a sound of clapping, as for scaring birds   3 Also called: tongue a small piece of metal suspended within a bell that causes it to sound when made to strike against its side   4 a slang word for tongue (sense 1)   5 go like the clappers, run like the clappers or move like the clappers Brit informal to move extremely fast

■ clapperboard (ˈklæpəˌbɔːd)   n   a pair of boards clapped together during film shooting in order to aid sound synchronization

■ clapperboy (ˈklæpəˌbɔI)   n   a boy who operates a clapper

■ clapper bridge   n   a primitive type of bridge in which planks or slabs of stone rest on piles of stones

■ clapperclaw (ˈklæpəˌklɔː)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to claw or scratch with the hands and nails   2 to revile; abuse [C16: perhaps from CLAPPER + CLAW]   > ˈclapperˌclawer n

■ clappering (ˈklæpərIŋ)   n   the sound made by using a clapper

■ clapping (ˈklæpIŋ)   n   applause

■ claptrap (ˈklæpˌtræp)   n informal   1 contrived but foolish talk   2 insincere and pretentious talk: politicians' claptrap [C18 (in the sense: something contrived to elicit applause): from CLAP^1 + TRAP^1]

■ claptrappery (ˌklæpˈtræpərI)   n   the art of eliciting applause

clap^2 (klæp)   n   the clap a slang word for gonorrhoea [C16: from Old French clapoir venereal sore, from clapier brothel, from Old Provençal, from clap heap of stones, of obscure origin]

Clapham Sect (ˈklæpəm)   n   a group of early 19th-century Church of England evangelicals advocating personal piety, the abolition of slavery, etc [C19: named after Clapham, a district of London]

clappy-doo (ˌklæpIˈduː) or clabby-doo   n   Scot a large black mussel [C19: probably from Scottish Gaelic clab enormous mouth + dubh black]

Clapton (ˈklæptən)   n   Eric. born 1945, British rock guitarist, noted for his virtuoso style, his work with the Yardbirds (1963–65), Cream (1966–68), and, with Derek and the Dominos, the album Layla (1970); later solo work includes Unplugged (1992)

claque (klæk)   n   1 a group of people hired to applaud   2 a group of fawning admirers [C19: from French, from claquer to clap, of imitative origin]

■ claqueur (klæˈkɜː, ˈklækə; French klakœr)   n   a member of a claque

clarabella or claribella (ˌklærəˈbɛlə)   n   an eight-foot flute stop on an organ [C19: from Latin clāra, feminine of clārus clear + bella, feminine of bellus beautiful]

clarain (ˈklæreIn)   n   one of the four major lithotypes of banded coal

Clare^1 (klɛə)   n   a county of W Republic of Ireland, in Munster between Galway Bay and the Shannon estuary. County town: Ennis. Pop: 103 277 (2002). Area: 3188 sq km (1231 sq miles)

Clare^2 (klɛə)   n   1  Anthony (Ward). 1942–2007, Irish psychiatrist and broadcaster; presenter of the radio series In the Psychiatrist's Chair from 1982   2  John. 1793–1864, English poet, noted for his descriptions of country life, particularly in The Shepherd's Calendar (1827) and The Rural Muse (1835). He was confined in an asylum from 1837

clarence (ˈklærəns)   n   a closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, having a glass front [C19: named after the Duke of Clarence (1765–1837)]

Clarenceux (ˈklærənsuː)   n   heraldry the second King-of-Arms in England

clarendon (ˈklærəndən)   n   printing a style of boldface roman type [C20: named after the Clarendon Press at Oxford University]

Clarendon^1 (ˈklærəndən)   n   a village near Salisbury in S England: site of a council held by Henry II in 1164 that produced a code of laws (the Constitutions of Clarendon) defining relations between church and state

Clarendon^2 (ˈklærəndən)   n   1st Earl of, title of Edward Hyde. 1609–74, English statesman and historian; chief adviser to Charles II (1660–67); author of History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England (1704–07)

■ Clarendon Code   n   English history four acts passed by the Cavalier Parliament between 1661 and 1665 to deal with the religious problems of the Restoration [C17: named after the first Earl of CLARENDON, who was not, however, a supporter of the code]

Clare of Assisi   n   Saint. 1194–1253, Italian nun; founder of the Franciscan Order of Poor Clares. Feast day: Aug 11

claret (ˈklærət)   n   1 chiefly Brit a red wine, esp one from the Bordeaux district of France   2    a a purplish-red colour   b (as adjective): a claret carpet [C14: from Old French (vin) claret clear (wine), from Medieval Latin clārātum, from clārāre to make clear, from Latin clārus CLEAR]

■ claret cup   n   an iced drink made of claret, brandy, lemon, sugar, and sometimes sherry, Curaçao, etc

clarichord (ˈklærIˌkɔːd)   n   another name for clavichord

clarify (ˈklærIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 to make or become clear or easy to understand   2 to make or become free of impurities   3 to make (fat, butter, etc) clear by heating, etc, or (of fat, etc) to become clear as a result of such a process [C14: from Old French clarifier, from Late Latin clārificāre, from Latin clārus clear + facere to make]   > ˌclarifiˈcation n   > ˈclariˌfier n

■ clarified (ˈklærIfaId)   adj   1 free of impurities   2 (of fat, butter, etc) made clear by heating, etc

clarinet (ˌklærIˈnɛt)   n music   1 a keyed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical bore and a single reed. It is a transposing instrument, most commonly pitched in A or B flat. Obsolete name: clarionet (ˌklærIəˈnɛt)   2 an orchestral musician who plays the clarinet [C18: from French clarinette, probably from Italian clarinetto, from clarino trumpet]   > ˌclariˈnettist or ˌclariˈnetist n

clarino (klæˈriːnəʊ)   adj   1 of or relating to a high passage for the trumpet in 18th-century music   ▷ n, pl -nos or -ni (-nI)   2 the high register of the trumpet   3 an organ stop similar to the high register of the trumpet   4 a trumpet or clarion

clarion (ˈklærIən)   n   1 a four-foot reed stop of trumpet quality on an organ   2 an obsolete high-pitched small-bore trumpet   3 the sound of such an instrument or any similar sound   ▷ adj   4 (prenominal) clear and ringing; inspiring: a clarion call to action   ▷ vb   5 to proclaim loudly [C14: from Medieval Latin clāriō trumpet, from Latin clārus clear]

clarionet (ˌklærIəˈnɛt)   n   music an obsolete word for clarinet (sense 1)

clarity (ˈklærItI)   n   1 clearness, as of expression   2 clearness, as of water [C16: from Latin clāritās, from clārus CLEAR]

Clark (klɑːk)   n   1  Helen. born 1950, New Zealand Labour politician; prime minister (1999–2008); administrator of the United Nations Development Programme from 2009   2  James, known as Jim. 1936–68, Scottish racing driver; Formula One World Champion (1963, 1965)   3  Kenneth, Baron Clark of Saltwood. 1903–83, English art historian: his books include Civilization (1969), which he first presented as a television series   4  William. 1770–1838, US explorer and frontiersman: best known for his expedition to the Pacific Northwest (1804–06) with Meriwether Lewis

Clark cell (klɑːk)   n   physics a cell having a mercury cathode surrounded by a paste of mercuric sulphate and a zinc anode in a saturated solution of zinc sulphate. Formerly used as a standard, its emf is 1.4345 volts [C19: named after Hosiah Clark (died 1898), English scientist]

Clarke (klɑːk)   n   1  Sir Arthur C(harles). 1917–2008, British science-fiction writer, who helped to develop the first communications satellites. He scripted the film 2001, A Space Odyssey (1968)   2  Austin. 1896–1974, Irish poet and verse dramatist. His volumes include The Vengeance of Fionn (1917), Night and Morning (1938), and Ancient Lights (1955)   3  Jeremiah. ?1673–1707, English composer and organist, best known for his Trumpet Voluntary, formerly attributed to Purcell   4  Kenneth (Harry). born 1940, British Conservative politician: held various ministerial posts under three prime ministers, including Chancellor of the Exchequer (1993–97)   5  Marcus (Andrew Hislop). 1846–81, Australian novelist born in England, noted for his novel For the Term of His Natural Life, published in serial form (1870–72); other works include Twixt Shadow and Shine (1875)   6  Michael (John). born 1981, Australian cricketer; a batsman, he played in 115 test matches (2004–2015), scored 8,643 test runs, and captained Australia to a World Cup win (2015)

clarkia (ˈklɑːkIə)   n   any North American onagraceous plant of the genus Clarkia: cultivated for their red, purple, or pink flowers [C19: New Latin, named after William CLARK, who discovered it]

Clarkson (ˈklɑːksən)   n   Thomas. 1760–1846, British campaigner for the abolition of slavery

claro (ˈklɑːrəʊ)   n, pl -ros or -roes   a mild light-coloured cigar [from Spanish: CLEAR]

clarsach (ˈklɑrsəx, ˈklɑːsək)   n   the Celtic harp of Scotland and Ireland [C15: clareschaw, from Scottish Gaelic clarsach, Irish Gaelic cláirsach harp]

clart (klɑːt) Scot and Northern English dialect   n   1 mud; dirt   2 a dirty person   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to dirty

■ clarthead (ˈklɑːtˌhɛd)   n   Northern English dialect an ignorant or foolish person

■ clarts (klɑːts; Scottish klærts)   pl n   Scot and Northern English dialect lumps of mud, esp on shoes [of unknown origin]

■ clarty (ˈklɑːtI; Scottish ˈklærtI)   adj clartier, clartiest   Scot and Northern English dialect dirty, esp covered in mud; filthy

clary (ˈklɛərI)   n, pl claries   any of several European plants of the genus Salvia, having aromatic leaves and blue flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates) [C14: from earlier sclarreye, from Medieval Latin sclareia, of obscure origin]

-clase   n combining form   (in mineralogy) indicating a particular type of cleavage: plagioclase [via French from Greek klasis a breaking, from klan to break]

clash (klæʃ)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a loud harsh sound, esp by striking together   2 (intr) to be incompatible; conflict   3 (intr) to engage together in conflict or contest   4 (intr) (of dates or events) to coincide   5 (intr) (of colours) to look ugly or inharmonious together   ▷ n   6 a loud harsh noise   7 a collision or conflict   8 Scot gossip; tattle [C16: of imitative origin]   > ˈclasher n   > ˈclashingly adv

clasp (klɑːsp)   n   1 a fastening, such as a catch or hook, used for holding things together   2 a firm grasp, hold, or embrace   3 military a bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to indicate either a second award or the battle, campaign, or reason for its award   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to hold in a firm grasp   5 to grasp firmly with the hand   6 to fasten together with or as if with a clasp [C14: of uncertain origin; compare Old English clyppan to embrace]   > ˈclasper n

■ claspers (ˈklɑːspəz)   pl n zoology   1 a paired organ of male insects, used to clasp the female during copulation   2 a paired organ of male sharks and related fish, used to assist the transfer of spermatozoa into the body of the female during copulation

■ clasp knife   n   a large knife with one or more blades or other devices folding into the handle

class (klɑːs)   n   1 a collection or division of people or things sharing a common characteristic, attribute, quality, or property   2 a group of persons sharing a similar social position and certain economic, political, and cultural characteristics   3 (in Marxist theory) a group of persons sharing the same relationship to the means of production   4    a the pattern of divisions that exist within a society on the basis of rank, economic status, etc   b (as modifier): the class struggle; class distinctions   5    a a group of pupils or students who are taught and study together   b a meeting of a group of students for tuition   6 chiefly US a group of students who graduated in a specified year: the class of '95   7 (in combination and as modifier) Brit a grade of attainment in a university honours degree: second-class honours   8 one of several standards of accommodation in public transport. See also first class, second class, third class   9    a informal excellence or elegance, esp in dress, design, or behaviour: that girl's got class   b (as modifier): a class act   10    a outstanding speed and stamina in a racehorse   b (as modifier): the class horse in the race   11 biology any of the taxonomic groups into which a phylum is divided and which contains one or more orders. Amphibia, Reptilia, and Mammalia are three classes of phylum Chordata   12 proper class maths, logic   a another name for set^2 (sense 3)   b a class which cannot itself be a member of other classes   13 in a class of its own or in a class by oneself unequalled; unparalleled   ▷ vb   14 to have or assign a place within a group, grade, or class [C17: from Latin classis class, rank, fleet; related to Latin calāre to summon]   > ˈclassable adj   > ˈclasser n

■ class-A amplifier   n   an electronic amplifier in which the output current flows for the whole of the input signal cycle

■ class action   n   US law a legal action undertaken by one or more people representing the interests of a large group of people with the same grievance

■ class A drug   n   law (in Britain) any of the most dangerous group of controlled drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and MDMA. Compare class B drug, class C drug

■ class-B amplifier   n   an electronic amplifier in which the output flows for half of the input signal cycle

■ class B drug   n   law (in Britain) any of the second most dangerous group of controlled drugs, including amphetamine. Compare class A drug, class C drug

■ class-C amplifier   n   an electronic amplifier in which the output current flows for less than half of the input cycle

■ class C drug   n   law (in Britain) any of the least dangerous group of controlled drugs, including temazepam and cannabis. Compare class A drug, class B drug

■ class-conscious   adj   aware of belonging to a particular social rank or grade, esp in being hostile or proud because of class distinctions   > ˌclass-ˈconsciousness n

■ classible (ˈklɑːsəbəl)   adj   able to be classed

■ class interval   n   statistics one of the intervals into which the range of a variable of a distribution is divided, esp one of the divisions of the base line of a bar chart or histogram

■ classism (ˈklɑːsIzəm)   n   the belief that people from certain social or economic classes are superior to others   > ˈclassist adj

■ classless (ˈklɑːslIs)   adj   1 not belonging to or forming a class   2 characterized by the absence of economic and social distinctions   > ˈclasslessness n

■ class list   n   (in Britain) a list categorizing students according to the class of honours they have obtained in their degree examination

■ classman (ˈklɑːsmən)   n, pl -men   a graduate of Oxford University with a classed honours degree

■ class mark   n   1 statistics a value within a class interval, esp its midpoint or the nearest integral value, used to represent the interval for computational convenience   2 Also called: class number library science a symbol on a book or other publication indicating its subject field, shelf position, etc

■ classmate (ˈklɑːsˌmeIt)   n   a friend or contemporary of the same class in a school, college, etc

■ classroom (ˈklɑːsˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a room in which classes are conducted, esp in a school or college

■ classroom assistant   n   a person whose job is to help a schoolteacher in the classroom. Also called: learning support assistant

■ class struggle   n   the class struggle (in Marxist thought) the continual conflict between the capitalist and working classes for economic and political power. Also known as: the class war

■ classwork (ˈklɑːsˌwɜːk)   n   school assignments done in the classroom

■ classy (ˈklɑːsI)   adj classier, classiest   informal elegant; stylish   > ˈclassily adv   > ˈclassiness n

classic (ˈklæsIk)   adj   1 of the highest class, esp in art or literature   2 serving as a standard or model of its kind; definitive   3 adhering to an established set of rules or principles in the arts or sciences: a classic proof   4 characterized by simplicity, balance, regularity, and purity of form; classical   5 of lasting interest or significance   6 continuously in fashion because of its simple and basic style: a classic day dress   ▷ n   7 an author, artist, or work of art of the highest excellence   8 a creation or work considered as definitive   9 horse racing   a any of the five principal races for three-year-old horses in Britain, namely the One Thousand Guineas, Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, Oaks, and Saint Leger   b a race equivalent to any of these in other countries [C17: from Latin classicus of the first rank, from classis division, rank, CLASS]

■ classical (ˈklæsIkəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient Greeks and Romans or their civilization, esp in the period of their ascendancy   2 designating, following, or influenced by the art or culture of ancient Greece or Rome: classical architecture   3 music   a of, relating to, or denoting any music or its period of composition marked by stability of form, intellectualism, and restraint. Compare romantic (sense 5)   b accepted as a standard: the classical suite   c denoting serious art music in general. Compare pop^1 (sense 2)   4 music of or relating to a style of music composed, esp at Vienna, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This period is marked by the establishment, esp by Haydn and Mozart, of sonata form   5 denoting or relating to a style in any of the arts characterized by emotional restraint and conservatism: a classical style of painting. See classicism (sense 1)   6 well versed in the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome   7 (of an education) based on the humanities and the study of Latin and Greek   8 physics   a not involving the quantum theory or the theory of relativity: classical mechanics   b obeying the laws of Newtonian mechanics or 19th-century physics: a classical gas   9 another word for classic (sense 2), classic (sense 4)   10 (of a logical or mathematical system) according with the law of excluded middle, so that every statement is known to be either true or false even if it is not known which   > ˌclassiˈcality or ˈclassicalness n   > ˈclassically adv

■ classical college   n   (in Quebec) a college offering a programme that emphasizes the classics and leads to university entrance

■ classical conditioning   n   psychol the alteration in responding that occurs when two stimuli are regularly paired in close succession: the response originally given to the second stimulus comes to be given to the first. See also conditioned response

■ classical probability   n   another name for mathematical probability

■ Classical school   n   an economic theory based on the works of Adam Smith and David Ricardo, which explains the creation of wealth and advocates free trade

■ classic blues   n   (functioning as singular or plural) jazz a type of city blues performed by a female singer accompanied by a small group

■ classic car   n   chiefly Brit a car that is more than twenty-five years old. Compare veteran car, vintage car

■ classicism (ˈklæsIˌsIzəm) or classicalism (ˈklæsIkəˌlIzəm)   n   1 a style based on the study of Greek and Roman models, characterized by emotional restraint and regularity of form, associated esp with the 18th century in Europe; the antithesis of romanticism. Compare neoclassicism   2 knowledge or study of the culture of ancient Greece and Rome   3    a a Greek or Latin form or expression   b an expression in a modern language, such as English, that is modelled on a Greek or Latin form

■ classicist (ˈklæsIsIst) or classicalist (ˈklæsIkəlIst)   n   1    a a student of ancient Latin and Greek   b a person who advocates the study of ancient Latin and Greek   2 an adherent of classicism in literature or art   > ˌclassiˈcistic adj

■ classicize or classicise (ˈklæsIˌsaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to make classic   2 (intr) to imitate classical style

■ classics (ˈklæsIks)   pl n   1 the classics a body of literature regarded as great or lasting, esp that of ancient Greece or Rome   2 the classics the ancient Greek and Latin languages   3 (functioning as singular) ancient Greek and Roman culture considered as a subject for academic study

classico (ˈklæsIkəʊ)   adj   (of Italian wines) coming from the Chianti wine-growing region

classify (ˈklæsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to arrange or order by classes; categorize   2 government to declare (information, documents, etc) of possible aid to an enemy and therefore not available to people outside a restricted group [C18: back formation from CLASSIFICATION]   > ˈclassiˌfiable adj   > ˈclassiˌfier n

■ classific (klæˈsIfIk)   adj   relating to classification

■ classification (ˌklæsIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 systematic placement in categories   2 one of the divisions in a system of classifying   3 biology   a the placing of animals and plants in a series of increasingly specialized groups because of similarities in structure, origin, molecular composition, etc, that indicate a common relationship. The major groups are domain or superkingdom, kingdom, phylum (in animals) or division (in plants), class, order, family, genus, and species   b the study of the principles and practice of this process; taxonomy   4 government the designation of an item of information as being secret and not available to people outside a restricted group [C18: from French; see CLASS, -IFY, -ATION]   > ˌclassifiˈcational adj   > ˌclassifiˈcatory adj

■ classification schedule   n   library science the printed scheme of a system of classification

■ classified (ˈklæsIˌfaId)   adj   1 arranged according to some system of classification   2 government (of information) not available to people outside a restricted group, esp for reasons of national security   3 (of information) closely concealed or secret   4 (of advertisements in newspapers, etc) arranged according to type   5 Brit (of newspapers) containing sports results, esp football results   6 (of British roads) having a number in the national road system. If the number is preceded by an M the road is a motorway, if by an A it is a first-class road, and if by a B it is a secondary road

■ classifieds (ˈklæsIˌfaIdz)   pl n   the classifieds a section of classified advertising in a publication

classis (ˈklæsIs)   n, pl classes (ˈklæsiːz) (in some Reformed Churches)   1 a governing body of elders or pastors   2 the district or group of local churches directed by such a body [C16: from Latin; see CLASS]

classon (ˈklæsɒn)   n   an elementary atomic particle

clast (klæst)   n   a fragment of (sedimentary) rock broken off from a larger rock

■ clastic (ˈklæstIk)   adj   1 (of sedimentary rock, etc) composed of fragments of pre-existing rock that have been transported some distance from their points of origin   2 biology dividing into parts: a clastic cell   3 able to be dismantled for study or observation: a clastic model of the brain [C19: from Greek klastos shattered, from klan to break]

clat (klæt)   n   dialect an irksome or troublesome task

clatch (klætʃ; Scottish klɑːtʃ) Scot   n   1 a squelching sound   2 a sloppy piece of work   3 a sloppy mass: a clatch of sludge   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to make in a sloppy way

clathrate (ˈklæθreIt)   adj   1 resembling a net or lattice   ▷ n   2 chem a solid compound in which molecules of one substance are physically trapped in the crystal lattice of another [C17: from Latin clāthrāre to provide with a lattice, from Greek klēthra, from klaithron a bar]

clatter (ˈklætə)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a rattling noise, esp as a result of movement   2 (intr) to chatter   ▷ n   3 a rattling sound or noise   4 a noisy commotion, such as one caused by loud chatter [Old English clatrung clattering (gerund); related to Dutch klateren to rattle, German klatschen to smack, Norwegian klattra to knock]   > ˈclatterer n   > ˈclatteringly adv   > ˈclattery adj

claucht (Scottish klɔːxt)   vb (tr)   to seize by force

Claude (klɔːd; French klod)   n   Albert. 1898–1983, US cell biologist, born in Belgium: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1974) for work on microsomes and mitochondria

Claudel (French klodɛl)   n   Paul (Louis Charles Marie) (pɔl). 1868–1955, French dramatist, poet, and diplomat, whose works testify to his commitment to the Roman Catholic faith. His plays include L'Annonce faite à Marie (1912) and Le Soulier de satin (1919–24)

Claude Lorrain (French klod lɔrɛ̃)   n   real name Claude Gelée. 1600–82, French painter, esp of idealized landscapes, noted for his subtle depiction of light

claudication (ˌklɔːdIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 limping; lameness   2 pathol short for intermittent claudication [C18: from Latin claudicātiō, from claudicāre, from claudus lame]

Claudius (ˈklɔːdIəs)   n   full name Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus. 10 BC–54 AD, Roman emperor (41–54); invaded Britain (43); poisoned by his fourth wife, Agrippina

Claudius II   n   full name Marcus Aurelius Claudius, called Gothicus. 214–270 AD, Roman emperor (268–270)

clause (klɔːz)   n   1 grammar a group of words, consisting of a subject and a predicate including a finite verb, that does not necessarily constitute a sentence. See also main clause, subordinate clause, coordinate clause   2 a section of a legal document such as a contract, will, or draft statute [C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin clausa a closing (of a rhetorical period), back formation from Latin clausula, from claudere to close]   > ˈclausal adj

■ clausular (ˈklɔːzjʊlə)   adj   relating to a clause

Clausewitz (German ˈklauzəvIts)   n   Karl von (karl fɔn). 1780–1831, Prussian general, noted for his works on military strategy, esp Vom Kriege (1833)

Clausius (German ˈklauziʊs)   n   Rudolf Julius (ˈruːdɔlf ˈjuːliʊs). 1822–88, German physicist and mathematician. He enunciated the second law of thermodynamics (1850) and developed the kinetic theory of gases

claustral (ˈklɔːstrəl)   adj   a less common variant of cloistral

claustration (klɔːˈstreIʃən)   n   the act of confining to a small space (usually a cloister)

claustrophilia (ˌklɔːstrəˈfIlIə, ˌklɒs-)   n   abnormal pleasure derived from being in a confined space [C21: from claustro-, from Latin claustrum CLOISTER + -PHILIA ]

claustrophobia (ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbIə, ˌklɒs-)   n   an abnormal fear of being closed in or of being in a confined space [C19: from claustro-, from Latin claustrum CLOISTER + -PHOBIA]   > ˈclaustroˌphobe n

■ claustrophobic (ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbIk, ˌklɒs-)   adj   1 having claustrophobia   2 unpleasantly cramped, confined, or closed in: narrow claustrophobic spaces   > ˌclaustroˈphobically adv

claustrum (ˈklɔːstrəm)   n   a thin layer of grey matter in the brain

clausula (ˈklɔːʒələ, ˈklɔːzjʊlə)   n   1 a type of musical cadence   2 (in Latin prose) a short clause at the end of a period

clavate (ˈkleIveIt, -vIt) or claviform (ˈklævIfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a club with the thicker end uppermost [C19: from Latin clāva club]   > ˈclavately adv

■ clavation (kleIˈveIʃən, klæˈveIʃən)   n   the state of being clavate

clave^1 (kleIv, klɑːv)   n   music one of a pair of hardwood sticks struck together to make a hollow sound, esp to mark the beat of Latin-American dance music [C20: from American Spanish, from Latin clavis key]

clave^2 (kleIv)   vb   archaic a past tense of cleave^1

clave^3 (kleIv)   n   zoology a clublike thickening at the upper end of an organ, esp of the antenna of an insect [C19: from Latin clāva club]

clavecin (ˈklævəˌsIn)   n   a harpsichord

■ clavecinist (ˈklævəˌsInIst)   n   a person who plays the clavecin

claver (ˈkleIvə) Scot and Northern English dialect   vb (intr)   1 to talk idly; gossip   ▷ n   2 (often plural) idle talk; gossip [C13: of uncertain origin]

clavicembalo (ˌklævIˈtʃɛmbələʊ)   n, pl -los   another name for harpsichord [C18: from Italian, from Medieval Latin clāvis key + cymbalum CYMBAL]

clavichord (ˈklævIˌkɔːd)   n   a keyboard instrument consisting of a number of thin wire strings struck from below by brass tangents. The instrument is noted for its delicate tones, since the tangents do not rebound from the string until the key is released [C15: from Medieval Latin clāvichordium, from Latin clāvis key + chorda string, CHORD^1]   > ˈclaviˌchordist n

clavicle (ˈklævIkəl)   n   1 either of the two bones connecting the shoulder blades with the upper part of the breastbone. Nontechnical name: collarbone   2 the corresponding structure in other vertebrates [C17: from Medieval Latin clāvicula, from Latin clāvis key]   > clavicular (kləˈvIkjʊlə) adj   > claviculate (kləˈvIkjʊˌleIt) adj

clavicorn (ˈklævIˌkɔːn)   n   1 any beetle of the group Clavicornia, including the ladybirds, characterized by club-shaped antennae   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Clavicornia [C19: from New Latin Clavicornia, from Latin clāva club + cornū horn]

clavicula (kləˈvIkjʊlə)   n   the clavicle

clavicytherium (ˌklævIsaIˈθIərIəm)   n   a kind of harpsichord

clavie (ˈkleIvI)   n   Scot a tar-barrel traditionally set alight in Moray on Hogmanay

clavier (kləˈvIə, ˈklævIə)   n     a any keyboard instrument   b the keyboard itself [C18: from French: keyboard, from Old French (in the sense: key bearer), from Latin clāvis key]

■ clavierist (kləˈvIərIst, ˈklævIərIst)   n   a person who plays the clavier

■ clavieristic (kləvIərˈIstIk, ˌklævIərˈIstIk)   adj   relating to a clavier

claviform (ˈklævIˌfɔːm)   adj   another word for clavate [C19: from Latin clāva club]

claviger (ˈklævIdʒə)   n   a key- or club-bearer

■ clavigerous (kləˈvIdʒərəs)   adj   bearing a key or club

clavis (ˈkleIvIs; Latin ˈklɑːwIs)   n   1 a key   2 a glossary

Clavius (ˈkleIvIəs)   n   one of the largest of the craters on the moon, about 230 kilometres (145 miles) in diameter, whose walls have peaks up to 5700 metres (19 000 feet) above the floor. It lies in the SE quadrant

clavulate (ˈklævjʊlət, ˈklævjʊˌleIt)   adj   another word for clavate

clavus (ˈkleIvəs)   n   a corn on the toe

claw (klɔː)   n   1 a curved pointed horny process on the end of each digit in birds, some reptiles, and certain mammals   2 a corresponding structure in some invertebrates, such as the pincer of a crab   3 a part or member like a claw in function or appearance   4 botany the narrow basal part of certain petals and sepals   ▷ vb   5 to scrape, tear, or dig (something or someone) with claws, etc   6 (tr) to create by scratching as with claws: to claw an opening [Old English clawu; related to Old High German kluwi, Sanskrit glau- ball, sphere]   > ˈclawer n   > ˈclawless adj

■ claw back   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to get back (something) with difficulty   2 to recover (a sum of money), esp by taxation or a penalty   ▷ n clawback   3 the recovery of a sum of money, esp by taxation or a penalty   4 the sum so recovered

■ clawhammer (ˈklɔːˌhæmə)   adj   denoting a style of plucking the strings of a banjo in which the hand forms a clawlike shape

■ claw hammer   n   a hammer with a cleft at one end of the head for extracting nails. Also called: carpenter's hammer

■ claw hatchet   n   a hatchet with a claw at one end of its head for extracting nails

■ clawlike (ˈklɔːˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a claw or claws

■ claw off   vb   (adverb, usually tr) nautical to avoid the dangers of (a lee shore or other hazard) by beating

■ claw setting   n   Brit a jewellery setting with clawlike prongs. US equivalent: Tiffany setting

clay (kleI)   n   1 a very fine-grained material that consists of hydrated aluminium silicate, quartz, and organic fragments and occurs as sedimentary rocks, soils, and other deposits. It becomes plastic when moist but hardens on heating and is used in the manufacture of bricks, cement, ceramics, etc. Related adjective: figuline   2 earth or mud in general   3 poetic the material of the human body   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to cover or mix with clay [Old English clǣg; related to Old High German klīa, Norwegian kli, Latin glūs glue, Greek gloios sticky oil]   > ˈclayey, ˈclayish or ˈclayˌlike adj

■ claybank (ˈkleIˌbæŋk)   n   US   a a dull brownish-orange colour   b (as adjective): a claybank horse

■ clay court   n   a tennis court with a playing surface topped by a layer of crushed shale, brick, or stone

■ clay mineral   n   any of a group of minerals consisting of hydrated aluminium silicates: the major constituents of clays

■ claypan (ˈkleIˌpæn)   n   a layer of stiff impervious clay situated just below the surface of the ground, which holds water after heavy rain

■ clay pigeon   n   1 a disc of baked clay hurled into the air from a machine as a target to be shot at   2 US slang a person in a defenceless position; sitting duck

■ clay road   n   NZ an unsealed and unmetalled road in a rural area

■ claystone (ˈkleIˌstəʊn)   n   a compact very fine-grained rock consisting of consolidated clay particles

■ clayware (ˈkleIˌwɛə)   n   pottery

■ clay-with-flints   n   geology a deposit of stiff clay containing unworn whole flints in the S England

Clay (kleI)   n   1  Cassius. See Muhammad Ali   2  Henry. 1777–1852, US statesman and orator; secretary of state (1825–29)

claymation (ˌkleIˈmeIʃən)   n   the techniques of animation applied to clay models [C20: from CLAY + (ANI)MATION]

claymore (ˈkleIˌmɔː; Scottish ˌkleˈmor)   n   1 a large two-edged broadsword used formerly by Scottish Highlanders   2 a US type of antipersonnel mine [C18: from Gaelic claidheamh mōr great sword]

claytonia (kleIˈtəʊnIə)   n   any low-growing North American succulent portulacaceous plant of the genus Claytonia [C18: named after John Clayton (1693–1773), American botanist]

CLC   abbreviation for   Canadian Labour Congress

-cle   suffix forming nouns   indicating smallness: cubicle; particle [via Old French from Latin -culus. See -CULE]

clean (kliːn)   adj   1 without dirt or other impurities; unsoiled   2 without anything in it or on it: a clean page   3 recently washed; fresh   4 without extraneous or foreign materials   5 without defect, difficulties, or problems: a clean test flight   6    a (of a nuclear weapon) producing little or no radioactive fallout or contamination   b uncontaminated. Compare dirty (sense 11)   7 (of a wound, etc) having no pus or other sign of infection   8 pure; morally sound   9 without objectionable language or obscenity: a clean joke   10 (of printer's proofs, etc) relatively free from errors; easily readable: clean copy   11 thorough or complete: a clean break   12 dexterous or adroit: a clean throw   13 sport played fairly and without fouls   14 simple in design: a ship's clean lines   15 aeronautics causing little turbulence; streamlined   16 (of an aircraft) having no projections, such as rockets, flaps, etc, into the airstream   17 honourable or respectable   18 habitually neat   19 (esp of a driving licence) showing or having no record of offences   20 slang   a innocent; not guilty   b not carrying illegal drugs, weapons, etc   21 nautical (of a vessel)   a having its bottom clean   b having a satisfactory bill of health   22 Old Testament   a (of persons) free from ceremonial defilement   b (of animals, birds, and fish) lawful to eat   23 New Testament morally and spiritually pure   24 clean sweep See sweep (sense 33)   ▷ vb   25 to make or become free of dirt, filth, etc: the stove cleans easily   26 (tr) to remove in making clean: to clean marks off the wall   27 (tr) to prepare (fish, poultry, etc) for cooking: to clean a chicken   ▷ adv   28 in a clean way; cleanly   29 not standard (intensifier): clean forgotten; clean dead   30 clean bowled cricket bowled by a ball that breaks the wicket without hitting the batsman or his bat   31 come clean informal to make a revelation or confession   ▷ n   32 the act or an instance of cleaning: he gave his shoes a clean [Old English clǣne; related to Old Frisian klēne small, neat, Old High German kleini]   > ˈcleanable adj   > ˈcleanness n

■ cleanability (ˈkliːnəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to be cleaned

■ clean-and-jerk   n   a lift in weightlifting in which the weight is held momentarily at shoulder height before being thrust overhead

■ clean-cut   adj   1 clearly outlined; neat: clean-cut lines of a ship   2 definite: a clean-cut decision in boxing

■ clean eating   n   the practice of following a diet that contains only natural foods, and is low in sugar, salt, and fat

■ cleaner (ˈkliːnə)   n   1 a person, device, chemical agent, etc, that removes dirt, as from clothes or carpets   2 (usually plural) a shop, etc, that provides a dry-cleaning service   3 take a person to the cleaners informal to rob or defraud a person of all of his or her money

■ cleanhanded (ˌkliːnˈhændId)   adj   free from guilt

■ cleaning (ˈkliːnIŋ)   n   1 the act of removing dirt or something undesirable   2 the job or activity of keeping a place clean

■ clean-limbed   adj   having well-proportioned limbs

■ clean-living   adj   having a wholesome lifestyle

■ cleanly   adv (ˈkliːnlI)   1 in a fair manner   2 easily or smoothly: the screw went into the wood cleanly   ▷ adj (ˈklɛnlI) -lier, -liest   3 habitually clean or neat   > cleanlily (ˈklɛnlIlI) adv   > cleanliness (ˈklɛnlInIs) n

■ clean out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 (foll by of or from) to remove (something) (from or away from)   2 slang to leave (someone) with no money: gambling had cleaned him out   3 informal to exhaust (stocks, goods, etc) completely   ▷ n cleanout   4 the removal of something from a place   5 US a place that provides access for cleaning something, esp a plumbing line

■ cleanse (klɛnz)   vb (tr)   1 to remove dirt, filth, etc, from   2 to remove guilt from   3 to remove a group of people from (an area) by means of ethnic cleansing [Old English clǣnsian; related to Middle Low German klēnsen; see CLEAN]   > ˈcleansable adj

■ cleanser (ˈklɛnzə)   n   a cleansing agent, such as a detergent

■ clean-shaven   adj   (of men) having the facial hair shaved off

■ clean sheet   n   sport an instance of conceding no goals or points in a match or competition (esp in the phrase keep a clean sheet)

■ cleansing (ˈklɛnzIŋ)   adj   1 serving or intended to cleanse   ▷ n   2 an instance of cleaning something, esp its surface   ▶ See also ethnic cleansing

■ cleanskin (ˈkliːnˌskIn)   n chiefly Austral   1 an unbranded animal   2 slang a person without a criminal record   3 a terrorist who has no obvious links to terrorist groups, and who thus does not appear on police watch lists   4 Austral and NZ a bottle of wine whose label does not display the producer's name

■ clean-tech (ˈkliːnˈtɛk)   adj   using clean technology

■ clean technology   n     a techniques used in manufacturing processes that minimize the damage caused to the environment   b (as modifier): clean-technology solutions

■ clean up   vb (adverb)   1 to rid (something) of dirt, filth, or other impurities   2 to make (someone or something) orderly or presentable   3 (tr) to rid (a place) of undesirable people or conditions: the campaign against vice had cleaned up the city   4 (intr) informal to make a great profit   ▷ n cleanup   5    a the process of cleaning up or eliminating something   b (as modifier): a cleanup campaign   6 informal, chiefly US a great profit

■ clean wool   n   wool that has been scoured to remove wax

Cleanthes (klIˈænθiːz)   n   ?300–?232 BC, Greek philosopher: succeeded Zeno as head of the Stoic school

clear (klIə)   adj   1 free from darkness or obscurity; bright   2 (of weather) free from dullness or clouds   3 transparent: clear water   4 even and pure in tone or colour: clear blue   5 without discoloration, blemish, or defect: a clear skin   6 easy to see or hear; distinct   7 free from doubt or confusion: his instructions are not clear   8 (postpositive) certain in the mind; sure: are you clear?   9 (in combination) perceptive, alert: clear-headed   10 evident or obvious: it is clear that he won't come now   11 (of sounds or the voice) not harsh or hoarse   12 serene; calm   13 without qualification or limitation; complete: a clear victory   14 free of suspicion, guilt, or blame: a clear conscience   15 free of obstruction; open: a clear passage   16 free from debt or obligation   17 (of money, profits, etc) without deduction; net   18 emptied of freight or cargo   19 (of timber) having a smooth, unblemished surface   20 Also: in clear (of a message, etc) not in code   21 Also: light phonetics denoting an (l) in whose articulation the main part of the tongue is brought forward giving the sound of a front-vowel timbre   22 showjumping (of a round) ridden without any fences being knocked down or any points being lost   ▷ adv   23 in a clear or distinct manner   24 completely or utterly   25 (postpositive; often foll by of) not in contact (with); free: stand clear of the gates   ▷ n   26 a clear space   27 another word for clearance   28 in the clear   a free of suspicion, guilt, or blame   b sport able to receive a pass without being tackled   ▷ vb   29 to make or become free from darkness, obscurity, etc   30 (intr)   a (of the weather) to become free from dullness, fog, rain, etc   b (of mist, fog, etc) to disappear   31 (tr) to free from impurity or blemish   32 (tr) to free from doubt or confusion: to clear one's mind   33 (tr) to rid of objects, obstructions, etc   34 (tr) to make or form (a path, way, etc) by removing obstructions   35 (tr) to free or remove (a person or thing) from something, such as suspicion, blame, or guilt   36 (tr) to move or pass by or over without contact or involvement: he cleared the wall easily   37 (tr) to rid (the throat) of phlegm or obstruction   38 (tr) to make or gain (money) as profit   39 (tr; often foll by off) to discharge or settle (a debt)   40 (tr) to free (a debtor) from obligation   41 (intr) (of a cheque) to pass through one's bank and be charged against one's account   42 banking to settle accounts by exchanging (commercial documents) in a clearing house   43 to permit (ships, aircraft, cargo, passengers, etc) to unload, disembark, depart, etc, after fulfilling the customs and other requirements, or (of ships, etc) to be permitted to unload, etc   44 to obtain or give clearance   45 (tr) to obtain clearance from   46 (tr) microscopy to make (specimens) transparent by immersion in a fluid such as xylene   47 (tr) to permit (a person, company, etc) to see or handle classified information   48 (tr) military   a to achieve transmission of (a signalled message) and acknowledgment of its receipt at its destination   b to decode (a message, etc)   49 (tr) sport to hit, kick, carry, or throw (the ball) out of the defence area   50 (tr) computing to remove (data) from a storage device and replace it with particular characters that usually indicate zero   51 (tr) NZ to remove (trees, scrub, etc) from land   52 clear the air See air (sense 11)   53 clear the decks to prepare for action, as by removing obstacles from a field of activity or combat [C13 clere, from Old French cler, from Latin clārus clear, bright, brilliant, illustrious]   > ˈclearable adj   > ˈclearer n   > ˈclearness n

■ clearage (ˈklIərIdʒ)   n   another word for clearance

■ clearance (ˈklIərəns)   n   1    a the process or an instance of clearing: slum clearance   b (as modifier): a clearance order   2 space between two parts in motion or in relative motion   3 permission for an aircraft, ship, passengers, etc, to proceed   4 official permission to have access to secret information, projects, areas, etc   5 banking the exchange of commercial documents drawn on the members of a clearing house   6    a the disposal of merchandise at reduced prices   b (as modifier): a clearance sale   7 sport   a the act of hitting or kicking a ball out of the defensive area, as in football   b an instance of this   8 the act of clearing an area of land of its inhabitants by mass eviction. See Highland Clearances   9 dentistry the extraction of all of a person's teeth   10 a less common word for clearing

■ clear away   vb   (adverb) to remove (objects) from (the table) after a meal

■ clear-cut   adj (clear cut when postpositive)   1 definite; not vague: a clear-cut proposal   2 clearly outlined   ▷ vb   3 (tr) another term for clear-fell

■ clearcutting (ˈklIəˌkʌtIŋ)   n   the act of felling all trees in area

■ clear-eyed   adj   1 discerning; perceptive   2 having clear eyes or sharp vision

■ clear-fell   vb   (tr) to cut down all of the trees in (a wood, part of a wood, or throughout an area of land)

■ clear-headed   adj   mentally alert; sensible; judicious   > ˌclear-ˈheadedly adv   > ˌclear-ˈheadedness n

■ clearing (ˈklIərIŋ)   n   an area with few or no trees or shrubs in wooded or overgrown land

■ clearing bank   n   (in Britain) any bank that makes use of the central clearing house in London for the transfer of credits and cheques between banks

■ clearing house or clearinghouse (ˈklIərIŋˌhaʊs)   n   1 banking an institution where cheques and other commercial papers drawn on member banks are cancelled against each other so that only net balances are payable   2 a central agency for the collection and distribution of information or materials

■ clearing sale   n   Austral the auction of plant, stock, and effects of a country property, esp after the property has changed hands

■ clearly (ˈklIəlI)   adv   1 in a clear, distinct, or obvious manner: I could see everything quite clearly   2 (sentence modifier) it is obvious that; evidently: clearly the social services must be flexible

■ clear off   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to go away: often used imperatively

■ clear out   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) informal to go away: often used imperatively   2 (tr) to remove and sort the contents of (a room, container, etc)   3 (tr) slang to leave (someone) with no money   4 (tr) slang to exhaust (stocks, goods, etc) completely   5 (tr) to get rid of (employees, players, etc, that are no longer required)   ▷ n clear-out   6 the act or an instance of clearing out

■ clear-sighted   adj   1 involving accurate perception or judgment: a clear-sighted compromise   2 having clear vision   > ˌclear-ˈsightedly adv   > ˌclear-ˈsightedness n

■ clear up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to explain or solve (a mystery, misunderstanding, etc)   2 to put (a place or thing that is disordered) in order   3 (intr) (of the weather) to become brighter   ▷ n clear-up (ˈklIərˌʌp)   4 the act or an instance of clearing up

■ clearway (ˈklIəˌweI)   n   1 Brit a stretch of road on which motorists may stop only in an emergency   2 an area at the end of a runway over which an aircraft taking off makes its initial climb: it is under the control of the airport

■ clearwing or clearwing moth (ˈklIəˌwIŋ)   n   any moth of the family Sesiidae (or Aegeriidae), characterized by the absence of scales from the greater part of the wings. They are day-flying and some, such as the hornet clearwing (Sesia apiformis), resemble wasps and other hymenopterans

clearcole (ˈklIəkəʊl)   n   1 a type of size containing whiting   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to paint (a wall) with this size [C19: from French claire colle clear size]

clearstory (ˈklIəˌstɔːrI)   n   a variant spelling of clerestory   > ˈclearˌstoried adj

clearweed (ˈklIəˌwiːd)   n   US a plant from the nettle family

cleat (kliːt)   n   1 a wedge-shaped block, usually of wood, attached to a structure to act as a support   2 a device consisting of two hornlike prongs projecting horizontally in opposite directions from a central base, used for securing lines on vessels, wharves, etc   3 a short length of angle iron used as a bracket   4 a piece of metal, leather, etc, attached to the sole of a shoe to prevent wear or slipping   5 a small triangular-shaped nail used in glazing   6 any of the main cleavage planes in a coal seam   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to supply or support with a cleat or cleats   8 to secure (a line) on a cleat [C14: of Germanic origin, compare Old High German chlōz clod, lump, Dutch kloot ball]

cleave^1 (kliːv)   vb cleaves, cleaving, cleft, cleaved or clove, cleft, cleaved or cloven   1 to split or cause to split, esp along a natural weakness   2 (tr) to make by or as if by cutting: to cleave a path   3 (when intr, foll by through) to penetrate or traverse [Old English clēofan; related to Old Norse kljūfa, Old High German klioban, Latin glūbere to peel]   > ˈcleavable adj   > ˌcleavaˈbility or ˈcleavableness n

■ cleavage (ˈkliːvIdʒ)   n   1 informal the separation between a woman's breasts, esp as revealed by a low-cut dress   2 a division or split   3 (of crystals) the act of splitting or the tendency to split along definite planes so as to yield smooth surfaces   4 Also called: segmentation embryol (in animals) the repeated division of a fertilized ovum into a solid ball of cells (a morula), which later becomes hollow (a blastula)   5 the breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule to give smaller molecules or radicals   6 geology the natural splitting of certain rocks, or minerals such as slates, or micas along the planes of weakness

■ cleaver (ˈkliːvə)   n   a heavy knife or long-bladed hatchet, esp one used by butchers

cleave^2 (kliːv)   vb   (intr; foll by to) to cling or adhere [Old English cleofian; related to Old High German klebēn to stick]

■ cleavers (ˈkliːvəz)   n   (functioning as singular) a Eurasian rubiaceous plant, Galium aparine, having small white flowers and prickly stems and fruits. Also called: goosegrass, hairif, sticky willie [Old English clīfe; related to clīfan to CLEAVE^2]

cleché (klɛˈʃeI, klɛˈtʃeI)   adj   heraldry voided so that only a narrow border is visible

cleck^1 (klɛk)   vb (tr) Scot   1 (of birds) to hatch   2 to lay or hatch (a plot or scheme) [C15: from Old Norse klekja]

cleck^2 (klɛk) South Wales dialect   vb   1 (intr; often foll by on) to gossip (about); tell (on)   ▷ n   2 (often plural) a piece of gossip [from Welsh, from clecan to gossip, and clec gossip]   > ˈclecky adj

cleek or cleik (kliːk)   n   1 chiefly Scot a large hook, such as one used to land fish   2 golf a former name for a club, corresponding to the modern No. 1 or No. 2 iron, used for long low shots [C15: of uncertain origin]

Cleese (kliːz)   n   John (Marwood). born 1939, British comedy writer and actor, noted for the TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969–74) and Fawlty Towers (1975, 1978). His films include A Fish Called Wanda (1988) and Fierce Creatures (1997)

Cleethorpes (ˈkliːθɔːps)   n   a resort in E England, in North East Lincolnshire unitary authority, Lincolnshire. Pop: 31 853 (2001)

cleeve (kliːv)   n   dialect a cliff

clef (klɛf)   n   one of several symbols placed on the left-hand side beginning of each stave indicating the pitch of the music written after it. See also alto clef, bass clef, C clef, soprano clef, tenor clef, treble clef [C16: from French: key, clef, from Latin clāvis; related to Latin claudere to close]

cleft (klɛft)   vb   1 the past tense and a past participle of cleave^1   ▷ n   2 a fissure or crevice   3 an indentation or split in something, such as the chin, palate, etc   ▷ adj   4 split; divided   5 (of leaves) having one or more incisions reaching nearly to the midrib [Old English geclyft (n); related to Old High German kluft tongs, German Kluft gap, fissure; see CLEAVE^1]

■ cleft lip   n   a congenital split in the upper lip, often associated with a cleft palate

■ cleft palate   n   a congenital crack or fissure in the midline of the hard palate, often associated with a harelip

cleg (klɛɡ)   n   another name for a horsefly, esp one of the genus Haematopota [C15: from Old Norse kleggi]

Clegg (klɛɡ)   n   Sir Nick, full name Nicholas William Peter Clegg. born 1967, British politician; leader of the Liberal Democrats (2007–2015); deputy prime minister of a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition (2010–2015)

cleidoic egg (klaIˈdəʊIk)   n   the egg of birds and insects, which is enclosed in a protective shell limiting the exchange of water, gases, etc [C20: from Greek kleidoun to lock up, from kleid-, kleis key]

Cleisthenes (ˈklaIsθəˌniːz)   n   6th century BC, Athenian statesman: democratized the political structure of Athens

cleistogamy (klaIˈstɒɡəmI)   n   self-pollination and fertilization of an unopened flower, as in the flowers of the violet produced in summer. Compare chasmogamy   > cleisˈtogamous or cleistogamic (ˌklaIstəˈɡæmIk) adj

■ cleistogamously (klaIˈstɒɡəməslI)   adv   in a cleistogamous manner

cleithral (ˈklaIθrəl)   adj   (of Greek temples) covered with a roof

Cleland (ˈklɛlənd)   n   John. 1709–89, British writer, best known for his bawdy novel Fanny Hill (1748–49)

clem (klɛm) or clam   vb clems, clemming, clemmed or clams, clamming, clammed   (when tr, usually passive) English dialect to be hungry or cause to be hungry [C16: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch, German klemmen to pinch, cramp; compare Old English beclemman to shut in]

clematis (ˈklɛmətIs, kləˈmeItIs)   n   any N temperate ranunculaceous climbing plant or erect shrub of the genus Clematis, having plumelike fruits. Many species are cultivated for their large colourful flowers. See also traveller's joy [C16: from Latin, from Greek klēmatis climbing plant, brushwood, from klēma twig]

Clemenceau (French klemɑ̃so)   n   Georges Eugène Benjamin (ʒɔrʒ œʒɛn bɛ̃ʒamɛ̃). 1841–1929, French statesman; prime minister of France (1906–09; 1917–20); negotiated the Treaty of Versailles (1919)

clemency (ˈklɛmənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 mercy or leniency   2 mildness, esp of the weather [C15: from Latin clēmentia, from clēmēns gentle]

Clemens (ˈklɛmənz)   n   Samuel Langhorne (ˈlæŋˌhɔːn). See Twain

clement (ˈklɛmənt)   adj   1 merciful   2 (of the weather) mild [C15: from Latin clēmēns mild; probably related to Greek klinein to lean]   > ˈclemently adv

Clement (ˈklɛmənt)   n   Jemaine. born 1974, New Zealand comic actor, noted for his partnership with Bret McKenzie as the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords

Clement I (ˈklɛmənt)   n   Saint, called Clement of Rome. pope (?88–?97 AD). Feast day: Nov 23

Clement V   n   original name Bertrand de Got. ?1264–1314, pope (1305–14): removed the papal seat from Rome to Avignon in France (1309)

Clement VII   n   original name Giulio de' Medici. 1478–1534, pope (1523–34): refused to authorize the annulment of the marriage of Henry VIII of England to Catherine of Aragon (1533)

clementine (ˈklɛmənˌtiːn, -ˌtaIn)   n   a citrus fruit thought to be either a variety of tangerine or a hybrid between a tangerine and sweet orange [C20: from French clémentine, perhaps from the female Christian name]

Clementines (ˈklɛmənˌtiːnz, -ˌtaInz)   pl n   RC Church an official compilation of decretals named after Clement V and issued in 1317 which forms part of the Corpus Juris Canonici

Clement of Alexandria   n   Saint. original name Titus Flavius Clemens. ?150–?215 AD, Greek Christian theologian: head of the catechetical school at Alexandria; teacher of Origen. Feast day: Dec 5

clenbuterol (klɛnˈbjuːtərɒl)   n   a drug prescribed for breathing disorders

clench (klɛntʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to close or squeeze together (the teeth, a fist, etc) tightly   2 to grasp or grip firmly   ▷ n   3 a firm grasp or grip   4 a device that grasps or grips, such as a clamp   ▷ n, vb   5 another word for clinch [Old English beclencan, related to Old High German klenken to tie, Middle High German klank noose, Dutch klinken rivet]

■ clencher (ˈklɛntʃə)   n   something or someone who clenches

Clendinnen (ˌklɛnˈdInən)   n   Inga. 1934–2016. Australian historian and writer. Her books include Reading the Holocaust (1998) and Tiger's Eye – a Memoir (2000)

cleome (klIˈəʊmI)   n   any herbaceous or shrubby plant of the mostly tropical capparidaceous genus Cleome, esp C. spinosa, cultivated for their clusters of white or purplish flowers with long stamens [C19: New Latin, of obscure origin]

Cleon (ˈkliːɒn)   n   died 422 BC, Athenian demagogue and military leader

cleopatra (ˌkliːəˈpætrə, -ˈpɑː-)   n   a yellow butterfly, Gonepteryx cleopatra, the male of which has its wings flushed with orange

Cleopatra (ˌkliːəˈpætrə, -ˈpɑː-)   n   ?69–30 BC, queen of Egypt (51–30), renowned for her beauty: the mistress of Julius Caesar and later of Mark Antony. She killed herself with an asp to avoid capture by Octavian (Augustus)

■ Cleopatra's Needle (ˌkliːəˈpætrəz, -ˈpɑː-)   n   either of two Egyptian obelisks, originally set up at Heliopolis about 1500 BC: one was moved to the Thames Embankment, London, in 1878, the other to Central Park, New York, in 1880

clepe (kliːp)   vb clepes, cleping, cleped (kliːpt, klɛpt), clept, ycleped or yclept   (tr) archaic to call by the name of [Old English cleopian; related to Middle Low German kleperen to rattle]

clepsydra (ˈklɛpsIdrə)   n, pl -dras or -drae (-ˌdriː)   an ancient device for measuring time by the flow of water or mercury through a small aperture. Also called: water clock [C17: from Latin, from Greek klepsudra, from kleptein to steal + hudōr water]

cleptocracy (ˌklɛpˈtɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   a variant spelling of kleptocracy

cleptomania (ˌklɛptəʊˈmeInIə, -ˈmeInjə)   n   a variant spelling of kleptomania   > ˌcleptoˈmaniˌac n

clerestory or clearstory (ˈklIəˌstɔːrI)   n, pl -ries   1 a row of windows in the upper part of the wall of a church that divides the nave from the aisle, set above the aisle roof   2 the part of the wall in which these windows are set. Compare blindstorey [C15: from CLEAR + STOREY]   > ˈclereˌstoried or ˈclearˌstoried adj

clergy (ˈklɜːdʒI)   n, pl -gies   the collective body of men and women ordained as religious ministers, esp of the Christian Church. Related adjectives: clerical, pastoral [C13: from Old French clergie, from clerc ecclesiastic, CLERK]

■ clergiable or clergyable (ˈklɜːdʒIəbəl)   adj   legal history (of a criminal charge) able to be contested in a clerical rather than a secular court

■ clergyman (ˈklɜːdʒImən)   n, pl -men   a member of the clergy. Gender-neutral form: vicar, priest

■ clergywoman (ˈklɜːdʒIˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female member of the clergy. Gender-neutral form: vicar, priest, minister

cleric (ˈklɛrIk)   n   a member of the clergy [C17: from Church Latin clēricus priest, CLERK]

■ clerical (ˈklɛrIkəl)   adj   1 relating to or associated with the clergy: clerical dress   2 of or relating to office clerks or their work: a clerical error   3 supporting or advocating clericalism   > ˈclerically adv

■ clerical collar   n   a stiff white collar with no opening at the front that buttons at the back of the neck; the distinctive mark of the clergy in certain Churches. Informal name: dog collar

■ clericalism (ˈklɛrIkəˌlIzəm)   n   1 a policy of upholding the power of the clergy   2 the power of the clergy, esp when excessively strong   > ˈclericalist n

■ clericals (ˈklɛrIkəlz)   pl n   the distinctive dress of a member of the clergy

■ clericate (ˈklɛrIkət)   n   a clerical post

■ clericity (kləˈrIsItI)   n   the condition of being a clergyman

clerid (ˈklɛrId)   n   1 a beetle that preys on other insects   ▷ adj   2 relating to beetles from the family Cleridae

clerihew (ˈklɛrIˌhjuː)   n   a form of comic or satiric verse, consisting of two couplets of metrically irregular lines, containing the name of a well-known person [C20: named after Edmund Clerihew BENTLEY, who invented it]

clerisy (ˈklɛrIsI)   n   learned or educated people collectively

clerk (klɑːk; US and Canadian klɜːrk)   n   1 a worker, esp in an office, who keeps records, files, etc   2 clerk to the justices (in England) a legally qualified person who sits in court with lay justices to advise them on points of law   3 an employee of a court, legislature, board, corporation, etc, who keeps records and accounts, etc: a town clerk   4 Also called: clerk of the House (in the UK) a senior official of the House of Commons   5 Also called: clerk in holy orders a cleric   6 US and Canadian short for salesclerk   7 Also called: desk clerk US and Canadian a hotel receptionist   8 archaic a scholar   ▷ vb   9 (intr) to serve as a clerk [Old English clerc, from Church Latin clēricus, from Greek klērikos cleric, relating to the heritage (alluding to the Biblical Levites, whose inheritance was the Lord), from klēros heritage]   > ˈclerkdom n   > ˈclerkish adj   > ˈclerkship n

■ clerkess (klɑːˈkɛs)   n   a female office clerk

■ clerk-like   adj   acting in a scholarly manner

■ clerkling (ˈklɑːklIŋ)   n   a young or inexperienced clerk

■ clerkly (ˈklɑːklI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 of or like a clerk   2 obsolete learned   ▷ adv   3 obsolete in the manner of a clerk   > ˈclerkliness n

■ clerk of works   n   an employee who supervises building work in progress or the upkeep of existing buildings

Clermont-Ferrand (French klɛrmɔ̃fɛrɑ̃)   n   a city in S central France: capital of Puy-de-Dôme department; industrial centre. Pop: 140 957 (2011)

cleromancy (ˈklɛrəˌmænsI)   n, pl -cies   a divination involving dice-throwing or lot-casting

cleruchy (ˈklɛəˌrʊkI)   n, pl -chies   (in the ancient world) a special type of Athenian colony, in which settlers (cleruchs) retained their Athenian citizenship and the community remained a political dependency of Athens   > cleruchial (klIˈruːkIəl) adj

cleveite (ˈkliːvaIt)   n   a crystalline variety of the mineral uranitite [C19: named after P. T. Cleve (1840–1905), Swedish chemist; see -ITE^1]

Cleveland^1 (ˈkliːvlənd)   n   1 a former county of NE England formed in 1974 from parts of E Durham and N Yorkshire; replaced in 1996 by the unitary authorities of Hartlepool (Durham), Stockton-on-Tees (Durham), Middlesbrough (North Yorkshire) and Redcar and Cleveland (North Yorkshire)   2 a port in NE Ohio, on Lake Erie: major heavy industries. Pop: 461 324 (2003 est)   3 a hilly region of NE England, extending from the Cleveland Hills to the River Tees

■ Cleveland Bay   n   one of the oldest British breeds of clean-legged, light draught farm and carriage horse, originating from Yorkshire

Cleveland^2 (ˈkliːvlənd)   n   Stephen Grover. 1837–1908, US Democratic politician; the 22nd and 24th president of the US (1885–89; 1893–97)

clever (ˈklɛvə)   adj   1 displaying sharp intelligence or mental alertness   2 adroit or dexterous, esp with the hands   3 smart in a superficial way   4 Brit informal sly; cunning   5 (predicative; used with a negative) dialect healthy; fit [C13 cliver (in the sense: quick to seize, adroit), of uncertain origin]   > ˈcleverish adj   > ˈcleverly adv   > ˈcleverness n

■ cleverality (ˌklɛvəˈrælItI)   n   Scot and Northern English a Scot and northern English word for cleverness

■ clever-clever   adj   informal clever in a showy manner; artful; overclever

■ clever Dick or cleverdick (ˈklɛvəˌdIk)   n   informal a person considered to have an unwarrantably high opinion of his or her own ability or knowledge

clevis (ˈklɛvIs)   n   the U-shaped component of a shackle for attaching a drawbar to a plough or similar implement [C16: related to CLEAVE^1]

clew (kluː)   n   1 a ball of thread, yarn, or twine   2 nautical either of the lower corners of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail   3 (usually plural) the rigging of a hammock   4 a rare variant of clue   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to coil or roll into a ball [Old English cliewen (vb); related to Old High German kliu ball]

■ clew line   n   nautical any of several lines fastened to the clews of a square sail and used for furling it

■ clew up   vb   (adverb) nautical to furl (a square sail) by gathering its clews up to the yard by means of clew lines

clianthus (klIˈænθəs)   n   any Australian or New Zealand plant of the leguminous genus Clianthus, with ornamental clusters of slender scarlet flowers. See also desert pea [C19: New Latin, probably from Greek klei-, kleos glory + anthos flower]

cliché (ˈkliːʃeI)   n   1 a word or expression that has lost much of its force through overexposure, as for example the phrase: it's got to get worse before it gets better   2 an idea, action, or habit that has become trite from overuse   3 printing, chiefly Brit a stereotype or electrotype plate [C19: from French, from clicher to stereotype; imitative of the sound made by the matrix when it is dropped into molten metal]   > ˈclichéd or ˈcliché'd adj

Clichy (kliːˈʃiː)   n   an industrial suburb of NW Paris: residence of the Merovingian kings (7th century). Pop: 58 646 (2007). Also called: Clichy-la-Garenne (French kliʃilaɡarɛn)

click (klIk)   n   1 a short light often metallic sound   2    a the locking member of a ratchet mechanism, such as a pawl or detent   b the movement of such a mechanism between successive locking positions   3 phonetics any of various stop consonants, found in Khoisan and as borrowings in southern Bantu languages, that are produced by the suction of air into the mouth   4 US and Canadian slang a kilometre   5 computing an act of pressing and releasing a button on a mouse   ▷ vb   6 to make or cause to make a clicking sound: to click one's heels   7 (usually foll by on) computing to press and release (a button on a mouse) or to select (a particular function) by pressing and releasing a button on a mouse   8 (intr) slang to be a great success: that idea really clicked   9 (intr) informal to become suddenly clear: it finally clicked when her name was mentioned   10 (intr) slang to go or fit together with ease: they clicked from their first meeting [C17: of imitative origin]

■ clickable (ˈklIkəbəl)   adj   (of a website) having links that can be accessed by clicking a computer mouse: a clickable map

■ clickbait (ˈklIkˌbeIt)   n   1 informal a hyperlink intended to entice the viewer to click through to another website   ▷ vb   2 to encourage website viewers to click through to another website using an enticing hyperlink [C21: from CLICK (sense 7) + BAIT]   > ˈclickˌbaiting n

■ click beetle   n   any beetle of the family Elateridae, which have the ability to right themselves with a snapping movement when placed on their backs. Also called: snapping beetle, skipjack. See also wireworm

■ clicker (ˈklIkə)   n   1 a person or thing that clicks   2 informal a foreman in a shoe factory or printing works

■ clicket (ˈklIkIt)   vb (intr)   1 to make a click sound   2 to chatter

■ click farm   n   an office where a group of people are hired to fraudulently obtain revenue for a website that uses pay-per-click online advertising

■ click fraud   n   computing repeated clicking on an online advert for fraudulent purposes, esp to charge the advertiser for fictitious traffic to their website

■ clicking (ˈklIkIŋ)   n   the sound made when hard objects briefly touch each other

■ clickjacking   n informal   the practice of using a disguised hyperlink to direct an internet user to a website he or she does not wish to visit [from CLICK (sense 5) + HIJACK]

■ clicks and mortar   adj   making use of traditional trading methods in conjunction with internet trading. Abbreviation: C & M [C20: pun on bricks and mortar, with CLICK referring to the computing sense]

■ clickstream (ˈklIkˌstriːm)   n   a record of the path taken by users through a website, enabling designers to access the use being made of their website

■ click through   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to navigate around (a website) using the links provided to move onto different pages   ▷ adj click-through   2 (of a website) able to be navigated by means of links between different pages

■ clickwrap (ˈklIkˌræp)   n   an agreement made by a computer user through clicking on a particular button onscreen

clicktivism (ˈklIktIˌvIzəm)   n informal   a policy of using the internet to take direct and often militant action to achieve a political or social aim [from CLICK (sense 5) + ACTIVISM]

client (ˈklaIənt)   n   1 a person, company, etc, that seeks the advice of a professional man or woman   2 a customer   3 a person who is registered with or receiving services or financial aid from a welfare agency   4 computing a program or work station that requests data or information from a server   5 a person depending on another's patronage [C14: from Latin cliēns retainer, dependant; related to Latin clīnāre to lean]   > cliental (klaIˈɛntəl) adj

■ client-centred therapy   n   psychol a form of psychotherapy in which the therapist makes no attempt to interpret what the patient says but encourages him or her to develop his or her own attitudes and insights, often by questioning

■ clientele (ˌkliːɒnˈtɛl) or clientage (ˈklaIəntIdʒ)   n   customers or clients collectively [C16: from Latin clientēla, from cliēns CLIENT]

■ clientless (ˈklaIəntləs)   adj   having no clients

■ clientship (ˈklaIəntʃIp)   n   the state of being a client

Clifden nonpareil (ˈklIftən)   n   a handsome nocturnal moth, Catocala fraxini, that is brown with bluish patches on the hindwings: related to the red underwing

cliff (klIf)   n   a steep high rock face, esp one that runs along the seashore and has the strata exposed [Old English clif; related to Old Norse kleif, Middle Low German klēf, Dutch klif; see CLEAVE^2]   > ˈcliffy adj

■ cliff-dweller   n   anthropol a member of a prehistoric people of the southwestern US who built shelters on the ledges of cliffs or in caves

■ cliffhang (ˈklIfˌhæŋ)   vb (intr)   (of a serial or film) to end on a note of suspense

■ cliffhanger (ˈklIfˌhæŋə)   n   1    a a situation of imminent disaster usually occurring at the end of each episode of a serialized film   b the serialized film itself   2 a situation that is dramatic or uncertain   > ˈcliffˌhanging adj

■ clifflike (ˈklIfˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a cliff

■ cliff swallow   n   an American swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, that has a square-tipped tail and builds nests of mud on cliffs, walls, etc

■ clifftop or cliff-top (ˈklIftɒp)   n   the horizontal top of a cliff

clifty (ˈklIftI)   adj cliftier, cliftiest   another word for cliffy

climacteric (klaIˈmæktərIk, ˌklaImækˈtɛrIk)   n   1 a critical event or period   2 another name for menopause   3 the period in the life of a man corresponding to the menopause, chiefly characterized by diminished sexual activity   4 botany the period during which certain fruits, such as apples, ripen, marked by a rise in the rate of respiration   ▷ adj also climacterical (ˌklaImækˈtɛrIkəl)   5 involving a crucial event or period [C16: from Latin clīmactēricus, from Greek klimaktērikos, from klimakter rung of a ladder, from klimax ladder; see CLIMAX]   > ˌclimacˈterically adv

climate (ˈklaImIt)   n   1 the long-term prevalent weather conditions of an area, determined by latitude, position relative to oceans or continents, altitude, etc   2 an area having a particular kind of climate   3 a prevailing trend or current of feeling: the political climate [C14: from Late Latin clima, from Greek klima inclination, region; related to Greek klinein to lean]   > climatic (klaIˈmætIk), cliˈmatical or ˈclimatal adj   > cliˈmatically adv

USAGE

Climatic is sometimes wrongly used where climactic is meant. Climatic is properly used to talk about things relating to climate; climactic is used to describe something which forms a climax

■ climate canary   n   a human being or other living organism whose lack of health indicates environmental problems, reminiscent of the way in which live canaries were once used to detect the presence of poisonous gas in coal mines

■ climatic zone   n   any of the eight principal zones, roughly demarcated by lines of latitude, into which the earth can be divided on the basis of climate

■ climatize or climatise (ˈklaIməˌtaIz)   vb (intr)   another word for acclimatize

■ climatography (ˌklaIməˈtɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   an account of a region's climate

■ climatology (ˌklaIməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of climate   > climatologic (ˌklaImətəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌclimatoˈlogical adj   > ˌclimatoˈlogically adv   > ˌclimaˈtologist n

climature (ˈklaImətʃə, ˈklaImətʊə)   n   a rare word for clime

climax (ˈklaImæks)   n   1 the most intense or highest point of an experience or of a series of events: the party was the climax of the week   2 a decisive moment in a dramatic or other work   3 a rhetorical device by which a series of sentences, clauses, or phrases are arranged in order of increasing intensity   4 ecology the stage in the development of a community during which it remains stable under the prevailing environmental conditions   5 Also called: sexual climax. another word for orgasm   ▷ vb   6 to reach or bring to a climax [C16: from Late Latin, from Greek klimax ladder]

■ climactic (klaIˈmæktIk) or climactical (klaIˈmæktIkəl)   adj   consisting of, involving, or causing a climax   > cliˈmactically adv

USAGE

Climatic is sometimes wrongly used where climactic is meant. Climatic is properly used to talk about things relating to climate; climactic is used to describe something which forms a climax

■ climaxless (ˈklaImæksləs)   adj   without a climax

climb (klaIm)   vb (mainly intr)   1 (also tr; often foll by up) to go up or ascend (stairs, a mountain, etc)   2 (often foll by along) to progress with difficulty: to climb along a ledge   3 to rise to a higher point or intensity: the temperature climbed   4 to incline or slope upwards: the road began to climb   5 to ascend in social position   6 (of plants) to grow upwards by twining, using tendrils or suckers, etc   7 informal (foll by into) to put (on) or get (into): he climbed into his pyjamas   8 to be a climber or mountaineer   ▷ n   9 the act or an instance of climbing   10 a place or thing to be climbed, esp a route in mountaineering ▶ Related adjective: scansorial [Old English climban; related to Old Norse klembra to squeeze, Old High German climban to clamber]   > ˈclimbable adj

■ climb down   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to descend   2 (often foll by from) to retreat (from an opinion, position, etc)   ▷ n climb-down   3 a retreat from an opinion, etc

■ climber (ˈklaImə)   n   1 a person or thing that climbs   2 a plant that lacks rigidity and grows upwards by twining, scrambling, or clinging with tendrils and suckers   3 chiefly Brit short for social climber

■ climbing (ˈklaImIŋ)   n   the activity of ascending, esp rocks or mountains

■ climbing fish or climbing perch   n   an Asian labyrinth fish, Anabas testudineus, that resembles a perch and can travel over land on its spiny gill covers and pectoral fins

■ climbing frame   n   a structure of wood or metal tubing used by children for climbing

■ climbing irons   pl n   spiked steel frames worn on the feet to assist in climbing trees, ice slopes, etc

■ climbing wall   n   mountaineering a specially constructed wall with recessed and projecting holds to give practice in rock climbing; a feature of many sports centres

clime (klaIm)   n   poetic a region or its climate [C16: from Late Latin clima; see CLIMATE]

clinamen (klIˈneIˈmən)   n   a bias or inclination

clinandrium (klIˈnændrIəm)   n, pl -dria (-drIə)   botany a cavity in the upper part of the column of an orchid flower that contains the anthers. Also called: androclinium [C19: from New Latin, literally: bed for stamen, from Greek klinē couch + anēr man + -IUM]

clinch (klIntʃ)   vb   1 (tr) to secure (a driven nail) by bending the protruding point over   2 (tr) to hold together in such a manner: to clinch the corners of the frame   3 (tr) to settle (something, such as an argument, bargain, etc) in a definite way   4 (tr) nautical to fasten by means of a clinch   5 (intr) to engage in a clinch, as in boxing or wrestling   ▷ n   6 the act of clinching   7    a a nail with its point bent over   b the part of such a nail, etc, that has been bent over   8 boxing, wrestling an act or an instance in which one or both competitors hold on to the other to avoid punches, regain wind, etc   9 slang a lovers' embrace   10 nautical a loop or eye formed in a line by seizing the end to the standing part.   ▶ Also (for senses 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10): clench [C16: variant of CLENCH]

■ clincher (ˈklIntʃə)   n   1 informal something decisive, such as a fact, score, etc   2 a person or thing that clinches

■ clinchingly (ˈklIntʃIŋlI)   adv   in a clinching manner

clindamycin (ˌklIndəˈmaIsIn)   n   an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections

cline (klaIn)   n   a continuous variation in form between members of a species having a wide variable geographical or ecological range [C20: from Greek klinein to lean]   > ˈclinal adj   > ˈclinally adv

Cline (klaIn)   n   Patsy, original name Virginia Patterson Hensley. 1932–63, US country singer; her bestselling records include "Walking After Midnight", "I Fall to Pieces", and "Leavin' On Your Mind"

-cline   n combining form   indicating a slope: anticline [back formation from INCLINE]   > -clinal adj combining form

cling (klIŋ)   vb clings, clinging, clung (intr)   1 (often foll by to) to hold fast or adhere closely (to something), as by gripping or sticking   2 (foll by together) to remain in contact (with each other)   3 to be or remain physically or emotionally close: to cling to outmoded beliefs   ▷ n   4 agriculture, chiefly US the tendency of cotton fibres in a sample to stick to each other   5 agriculture obsolete diarrhoea or scouring in animals   6 short for clingstone [Old English clingan; related to CLENCH]   > ˈclinger n   > ˈclinging adj   > ˈclingingly adv   > ˈclingy adj   > ˈclinginess or ˈclingingness n

■ clingfilm (ˈklIŋˌfIlm) or clingwrap (ˈklIŋræp)   n   a thin polythene material that clings closely to any surface around which it is placed: used for wrapping food

■ clingfish (ˈklIŋˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any small marine teleost fish of the family Gobiesocidae, having a flattened elongated body with a sucking disc beneath the head for clinging to rocks, etc

■ clinging vine   n   US and Canadian informal, derogatory someone, esp a woman, who displays excessive emotional dependence on another person, esp a man

■ clingstone (ˈklIŋˌstəʊn)   n     a a fruit, such as certain peaches, in which the flesh tends to adhere to the stone   b (as modifier): a clingstone peach. Compare freestone (sense 2)

clinic (ˈklInIk)   n   1 a place in which outpatients are given medical treatment or advice, often connected to a hospital   2 a similar place staffed by physicians or surgeons specializing in one or more specific areas: eye clinic   3 Brit a private hospital or nursing home   4 obsolete the teaching of medicine to students at the bedside   5 US a place in which medical lectures are given   6 US a clinical lecture   7 chiefly US and Canadian a group or centre that offers advice or instruction: a vocational clinic [C17: from Latin clīnicus one on a sickbed, from Greek, from klinē bed]

■ clinical (ˈklInIkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a clinic   2 of or relating to the bedside of a patient, the course of a disease, or the observation and treatment of patients directly: a clinical lecture; clinical medicine   3 scientifically detached; strictly objective: a clinical attitude to life   4 plain, simple, and usually unattractive: clinical furniture   > ˈclinically adv   > ˈclinicalness n

■ clinical governance   n   a systematic approach to raising standards of health care and tackling poor performance in hospitals

■ clinically dead   adj   having no respiration, no heartbeat, and with no contraction of the pupils when exposed to a strong light

■ clinically obese   adj   overweight to a degree which causes medical complications

■ clinical psychology   n   the branch of psychology that studies and treats mental illness

■ clinical thermometer   n   a finely calibrated thermometer for determining the temperature of the body, usually placed under the tongue, in the armpit, or in the rectum

■ clinician (klIˈnIʃən)   n   a physician, psychiatrist, etc, who specializes in clinical work as opposed to one engaged in laboratory or experimental studies

clink^1 (klIŋk)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a light and sharply ringing sound   ▷ n   2 a light and sharply ringing sound   3 Brit a pointed steel tool used for breaking up the surface of a road before it is repaired [C14: perhaps from Middle Dutch klinken; related to Old Low German chlanch, German Klang sound]

■ clinkstone (ˈklIŋkˌstəʊn)   n   a variety of phonolite that makes a metallic sound when struck

clink^2 (klIŋk)   n   a slang word for prison [C16: after Clink, name of a prison in Southwark, London]

clinker (ˈklIŋkə)   n   1 the ash and partially fused residues from a coal-fired furnace or fire   2 Also called: clinker brick a hard brick used as a paving stone   3 a partially vitrified brick or mass of brick   4 slang, chiefly US something of poor quality, such as a film   5 US and Canadian slang a mistake or fault, esp a wrong note in music   ▷ vb   6 (intr) to form clinker during burning [C17: from Dutch klinker a type of brick, from obsolete klinckaerd, literally: something that clinks (referring to the sound produced when one was struck), from klinken to CLINK^1]

■ clinker-built or clincher-built   adj   (of a boat or ship) having a hull constructed with each plank overlapping that below. Also called: lapstrake. Compare carvel-built [C18 clinker a nailing together, probably from CLINCH]

clino- or before a vowel clin-   combining form   indicating a slope or inclination: clinometer [from New Latin, from Greek klinein to slant, lean]

clinoaxis (ˈklaInəʊˌæksIs)   n   in a monoclinic crystal, the lateral axis which forms an oblique angle with the vertical axis

clinochlore (ˈklaInəˌklɔː)   n   a mineral similar to chlorite in appearance

clinodiagonal (ˌklaInəʊdaIˈæɡənəl)   adj   the diagonal axis of a monoclinic crystal

clinometer (klaIˈnɒmItə)   n   an instrument used in surveying for measuring an angle of inclination   > clinometric (ˌklaInəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌclinoˈmetrical adj   > cliˈnometry n

clinopinacoid or clinopinakoid (ˌklaInəʊˈpInəˌkɔId)   n   (in monoclinic crystals) the plane that is parallel to both the vertical and the inclined lateral axes

clinopyroxene (ˌklaInəʊpaIˈrɒksiːn)   n   a member of the pyroxene group of minerals having a monoclinic crystal structure, such as augite, diopside, or jadeite

clinostat (ˈklaInəʊˌstæt)   n   an apparatus for studying tropisms in plants, usually a rotating disc to which the plant is attached so that it receives an equal stimulus on all sides

clinquant (ˈklIŋkənt)   adj   1 glittering, esp with tinsel   ▷ n   2 tinsel or imitation gold leaf [C16: from French, from clinquer to clink, from Dutch klinken, of imitative origin]

clint (klInt)   n physical geography   1 a section of a limestone pavement separated from adjacent sections by solution fissures. See grike   2 any small surface exposure of hard or flinty rock, as on a hillside or in a stream bed [C12: from Danish and Swedish klint, from Old Swedish klinter, related to Icelandic klettr rock]

Clinton (ˈklIntən)   n   1  Bill, full name William Jefferson Clinton. born 1946, US Democrat politician; 42nd president of the US (1993–2001)   2  his wife, Hillary Rodham. born 1947, US politician and lawyer: first lady (1993–2001); senator (2001–09); secretary of state (2009–13); Democratic Party candidate in the presidential election of 2016

clintonia (klInˈtəʊnIə)   n   any temperate liliaceous plant of the genus Clintonia, having white, greenish-yellow, or purplish flowers, broad ribbed leaves, and blue berries [C19: named after De Witt Clinton (1769–1828), US politician and naturalist]

Clio (ˈklaIəʊ)   n   Greek myth the Muse of history [C19: from Latin, from Greek Kleiō, from kleein to celebrate]

cliometrics (ˌklaIəʊˈmɛtrIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of economic history using statistics and computer analysis [C20: CLIO + (ECONO)METRICS]   > ˌclioˈmetric or ˌclioˈmetrical adj   > cliometrician (ˌklaIəʊməˈtrIʃən) n

clip^1 (klIp)   vb clips, clipping, clipped (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to cut, snip, or trim with or as if with scissors or shears, esp in order to shorten or remove a part   2 Brit to punch (a hole) in something, esp a ticket   3 to curtail or cut short   4 to move a short section from (a film, etc)   5 to shorten (a word)   6 (intr) to trot or move rapidly, esp over a long distance: a horse clipping along the road   7 informal to strike with a sharp, often slanting, blow   8 slang to obtain (money) by deception or cheating   9 US slang to murder; execute   10 clip someone's wings   a to restrict someone's freedom   b to thwart someone's ambition   ▷ n   11 the act or process of clipping   12 something clipped off   13 an extract from a film, newspaper, etc   14 informal a sharp, often slanting, blow   15 informal speed: a rapid clip   16 Austral and NZ the total quantity of wool shorn, as in one place, season, etc   17 another word for clipped form [C12: from Old Norse klippa to cut; related to Low German klippen]   > ˈclippable adj

■ clip joint   n   slang a place, such as a nightclub or restaurant, in which customers are overcharged

■ clipped (klIpt)   adj   (of speech or voice) abrupt and distinct

■ clipped form   n   a shortened form of a word, as for example doc for doctor

■ clipper (ˈklIpə)   n   1 any fast sailing ship   2 a person or thing that cuts or clips   3 something, such as a horse or sled, that moves quickly   4 electronics another word for limiter

■ clippers (ˈklIpəz) or clips (klIps)   pl n   1 a hand tool with two cutting blades for clipping fingernails, hedges, etc   2 a hairdresser's tool, operated either by hand or electrically, with one fixed and one reciprocating set of teeth for cutting short hair

■ clippie (ˈklIpI)   n   Brit informal a bus conductress

■ clipping (ˈklIpIŋ)   n   1 something cut out or trimmed off, esp an article from a newspaper; cutting   2 the distortion of an audio or visual signal in which the tops of peaks with a high amplitude are cut off, caused by, for example, overloading of amplifier circuits   ▷ adj   3 (prenominal) informal fast: a clipping pace

■ clipshears (ˈklIpˌʃiːrz) or clipshear (ˈklIpˌʃiːr)   n   a Scot dialect name for an earwig [from the resemblance of the forceps at the tip of its abdomen to shears]

■ clipsheet (ˈklIpˌʃiːt)   n   a sheet of paper with text printed on one side only

clip^2 (klIp)   n   1 any of various small implements used to hold loose articles together or to attach one article to another   2 an article of jewellery that can be clipped onto a dress, hat, etc   3 short for paperclip, cartridge clip   4 the pointed flange on a horseshoe that secures it to the front part of the hoof   ▷ vb clips, clipping, clipped (tr)   5 to hold together tightly, as with a clip   6 archaic or dialect to embrace [Old English clyppan to embrace; related to Old Frisian kleppa, Lithuanian glebiu]

■ clip art or clipart (ˈklIpˌɑːt)   n   a large collection of simple drawings stored in a computer from which items can be selected for incorporation into documents

■ clipboard (ˈklIpˌbɔːd)   n   1 a portable writing board with a spring clip at the top for holding paper   2 a temporary storage area in desktop publishing where text or graphics are held after the cut command or the copy command

■ clip-fed   adj   (of an automatic firearm) loaded from a cartridge clip

■ clip on   vb   1 (tr) to attach by means of a clip   2 (intr) to be attached by means of a clip: this clips on here   ▷ adj clip-on   3 designed to be attached by means of a clip: a clip-on bow tie   ▷ pl n clip-ons   4 sunglasses designed to be clipped on to a person's spectacles

clip-clop   n   the sound made by a horse's hooves

Clipperton Island (ˈklIpətən)   n   an uninhabited atoll in the E Pacific SW of Mexico, under French administration. Area: 6 sq km (2.3 sq miles). French name: Île Clipperton

clique (kliːk, klIk)   n   a small exclusive group of friends or associates [C18: from French, perhaps from Old French: latch, from cliquer to click; suggestive of the necessity to exclude nonmembers]   > ˈcliquish adj   > ˈcliquishly adv   > ˈcliquishness n

■ cliquey or cliquy (ˈkliːkI, ˈklIkI)   adj -ier, -iest   exclusive, confined to a small group; forming cliques

■ cliquiness (ˈkliːkInəs) or cliquism (ˈkliːkIzəm)   n   other words for cliquishness

clishmaclaver (ˌklIʃməˈkleIvə)   n   Scot idle talk; gossip [C16: from clish-clash, reduplication of CLASH + CLAVER]

Clisthenes (ˈklaIsθəˌniːz)   n   a variant spelling of Cleisthenes

clistogamy (klaIˈstɒɡəmI)   n   another name for cleistogamy

clit (klIt)   n   informal short for clitoris

clitellum (klIˈtɛləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   a thickened saddle-like region of epidermis in earthworms and leeches whose secretions bind copulating worms together and later form a cocoon around the eggs [C19: from New Latin, from Latin clītellae (plural) packsaddle]

■ clitellar (klIˈtɛlə)   adj   relating to the clitellum of earthworms

clitic (ˈklItIk)   adj   1 (of a word) incapable of being stressed, usually pronounced as if part of the word that follows or precedes it: for example, in French, me, te, and le are clitic pronouns. See also proclitic, enclitic   ▷ n   2 a clitic word [C20: back formation from ENCLITIC and PROCLITIC]

■ cliticize or cliticise (ˈklItIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   to pronounce as part of a following or preceding word

clitoris (ˈklItərIs, ˈklaI-)   n   a part of the female genitalia consisting of a small elongated highly sensitive erectile organ at the front of the vulva: homologous with the penis [C17: from New Latin, from Greek kleitoris; related to Greek kleiein to close]   > ˈclitoral or ˈclitoric adj

■ clitoridectomy (ˌklItərIˈdɛktəmI) or clitorectomy (ˌklItəˈrɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical removal of the clitoris: a form of female circumcision, esp practised as a religious or ethnic rite

clitter (ˈklItə)   vb (intr)   1 (of insects) to stridulate or make a shrill noise   2 to flitter   3 to chatter

Clive (klaIv)   n   Robert, Baron Clive of Plassey. 1725–74, British general and statesman, whose victory at Plassey (1757) strengthened British control in India

Cliveden (ˈklIvdən)   n   a mansion in Buckinghamshire, on the N bank of the Thames near Maidenhead: formerly the home of Nancy Astor and the scene of gatherings of politicians and others (known as the Cliveden Set); now a hotel

clivia (ˈklaIvIə)   n   a plant belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae

Cllr   abbreviation for   Councillor

cloaca (kləʊˈeIkə)   n, pl -cae (-kiː)   1 a cavity in the pelvic region of most vertebrates, except higher mammals, and certain invertebrates, into which the alimentary canal and the genital and urinary ducts open   2 a sewer [C18: from Latin: sewer; related to Greek kluzein to wash out]   > cloˈacal, cloˈacaline or ˌcloaˈcinal adj

■ cloacitis (ˌkləʊəˈsaItIs)   n   vet science inflammation of the cloaca in birds, including domestic fowl, and other animals with a common opening of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts

cloak (kləʊk)   n   1 a wraplike outer garment fastened at the throat and falling straight from the shoulders   2 something that covers or conceals   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to cover with or as if with a cloak   4 to hide or disguise [C13: from Old French cloque, from Medieval Latin clocca cloak, bell; referring to the bell-like shape]

■ cloak-and-dagger   n   (modifier) characteristic of or concerned with intrigue and espionage

■ cloakroom (ˈkləʊkˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   1 a room in which hats, coats, luggage, etc, may be temporarily deposited   2 Brit a euphemistic word for lavatory

cloam (kləʊm) Southwest English dialect   adj   1 made of clay or earthenware   ▷ n   2 clay or earthenware pots, dishes, etc, collectively [Old English clām mud]

clobber^1 (ˈklɒbə)   vb (tr) slang   1 to beat or batter   2 to defeat utterly   3 to criticize severely [C20: of unknown origin]

■ clobbering machine   n   NZ informal pressure to conform with accepted standards

clobber^2 (ˈklɒbə)   n   Brit slang personal belongings, such as clothes and accessories [C19: of unknown origin]

clobber^3 (ˈklɒbə)   vb   (tr) to paint over existing decoration on (pottery) [C19 (originally in the sense: to patch up): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to CLOBBER^2]

clochard French (klɔʃar)   n   a tramp

cloche (klɒʃ)   n   1 a bell-shaped cover used to protect young plants   2 a woman's almost brimless close-fitting hat, typical of the 1920s and 1930s [C19: from French: bell, from Medieval Latin clocca]

clock^1 (klɒk)   n   1 a timepiece, usually free-standing, hanging, or built into a tower, having mechanically or electrically driven pointers that move constantly over a dial showing the numbers of the hours. Compare digital clock, watch (sense 7)   2 any clocklike device for recording or measuring, such as a taximeter or pressure gauge   3 the downy head of a dandelion that has gone to seed   4 an electrical circuit that generates pulses at a predetermined rate   5 computing an electronic pulse generator that transmits streams of regular pulses to which various parts of the computer and its operations are synchronized   6 short for time clock   7 around the clock or round the clock all day and all night   8 the clock an informal word for speedometer, mileometer   9 Brit a slang word for face   10 against the clock   a under pressure, as to meet a deadline   b (in certain sports, such as show jumping) timed by a stop clock: the last round will be against the clock   11 put the clock back to regress   ▷ vb   12 (tr) Brit, Austral and NZ slang to strike, esp on the face or head   13 (tr) Brit slang to see or notice   14 (tr) to record (time) as with a stopwatch, esp in the calculation of speed   15 electronics to feed a clock pulse to (a digital device) in order to cause it to switch to a new state   ▶ See also atomic clock, biological clock [C14: from Middle Dutch clocke clock, from Medieval Latin clocca bell, ultimately of Celtic origin]   > ˈclocker n   > ˈclockˌlike adj

■ clock golf   n   a putting game played on a circular area on a lawn

■ clockmaker (ˈklɒkˌmeIkə)   n   a person who makes or mends clocks, watches, etc

■ clock off or clock out   vb   (intr, adverb) to depart from work, esp when it involves registering the time of departure on a card

■ clock on or clock in   vb   (intr, adverb) to arrive at work, esp when it involves registering the time of arrival on a card

■ clock-radio   n   a device combining the functions of a radio and alarm clock which can be used to play the radio at a set time

■ clock up   vb   (tr, adverb) to record or register: this car has clocked up 80 000 miles

■ clock-watcher   n   derogatory an employee who checks the time in anticipation of a break or of the end of the working day   > clock-watching n

■ clockwise (ˈklɒkˌwaIz)   adv, adj   in the direction that the hands of a clock rotate; from top to bottom towards the right when seen from the front

■ clockwork (ˈklɒkˌwɜːk)   n   1 the mechanism of a clock   2 any similar mechanism, as in a wind-up toy   3 like clockwork with complete regularity and precision

clock^2 (klɒk)   n   an ornamental design either woven in or embroidered on the side of a stocking [C16: from Middle Dutch clocke, from Medieval Latin clocca bell]

clod (klɒd)   n   1 a lump of earth or clay   2 earth, esp when heavy or in hard lumps   3 Also called: clodpole, clod poll, clodpate a dull or stupid person   4 a cut of beef taken from the shoulder [Old English clod- (occurring in compound words) lump; related to CLOUD]   > ˈcloddy adj   > ˈcloddish adj   > ˈcloddishly adv   > ˈcloddishness n

■ clodhopper (ˈklɒdˌhɒpə)   n informal   1 a clumsy person; lout   2 (usually plural) a large heavy shoe or boot   > ˈclodˌhopping adj

■ clodly (ˈklɒdlI)   adv   heavily; in a clod-like manner

■ clodpated (ˈklɒdˌpeItId)   adj   stupid

cloff (klɒf)   n   Scot the cleft of a tree

clofibrate (ˌkləʊˈfaIbreIt, ˌkləʊˈfIbreIt)   n   a medication used in the treatment of heart disease

clog^1 (klɒɡ)   vb clogs, clogging, clogged   1 to obstruct or become obstructed with thick or sticky matter   2 (tr) to encumber; hinder; impede   3 (tr) to fasten a clog or impediment to (an animal, such as a horse)   4 (intr) to adhere or stick in a mass   5 slang (in soccer) to foul (an opponent)   ▷ n   6    a any of various wooden or wooden-soled shoes   b (as modifier): clog dance   7 a heavy block, esp of wood, fastened to the leg of a person or animal to impede motion   8 something that impedes motion or action; hindrance   9 pop one's clogs slang to die [C14 (in the sense: block of wood): of unknown origin]   > ˈcloggy adj   > ˈclogginess n

■ clogdance (ˈklɒɡˌdɑːns) or clog dance   n   a folk dance characterized by heavy stamping steps, performed while wearing clogs

■ clogger (ˈklɒɡə)   n   1 a clogmaker   2 Brit informal a soccer player who habitually fouls opponents

clog^2 (klɒɡ)   vb clogs, clogging, clogged   to use a photo-enabled mobile phone to take a photograph of (someone) and send it to a website without his or her knowledge or consent [C21: C(AMERA) + LOG]   > ˈclogging n

cloison (ˈklɔIzən; French klwɑzɔ̃)   n   a partition

■ cloisonnage (ˈklwɑːzɒnIdʒ; French klwazɔnaʒ)   n   cloisonné work

■ cloisonné (klwɑːˈzɒneI; French klwazɔne)   n   1    a a design made by filling in with coloured enamel an outline of flattened wire put on edge   b the method of doing this   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or made by cloisonné [C19: from French, from cloisonner to divide into compartments, from cloison partition, ultimately from Latin claudere to CLOSE^2]

cloister (ˈklɔIstə)   n   1 a covered walk, usually around a quadrangle in a religious institution, having an open arcade or colonnade on the inside and a wall on the outside   2 (sometimes plural) a place of religious seclusion, such as a monastery   3 life in a monastery or convent   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to confine or seclude in or as if in a monastery [C13: from Old French cloistre, from Medieval Latin claustrum monastic cell, from Latin: bolt, barrier, from claudere to close; influenced in form by Old French cloison partition]   > ˈcloister-ˌlike adj

■ cloistered (ˈklɔIstəd)   adj   1 secluded or shut up from the world   2 living in a monastery or nunnery   3 (of a building, courtyard, etc) having or provided with a cloister

■ cloisterer (ˈklɔIstərə)   n   a person who lives in a cloister

■ cloistral (ˈklɔIstrəl) or claustral   adj   of, like, or characteristic of a cloister

■ cloistress (ˈklɔIstrəs)   n   a nun

clomb (kləʊm)   vb   archaic a past tense and past participle of climb

clomiphene (ˈkləʊmIˌfiːn)   n   a drug that stimulates the production of egg cells in the ovary: used to treat infertility in women

clomp (klɒmp)   n, vb   a less common word for clump (sense 2), clump (sense 7)

clonazepam (kləʊˈnæzIˌpæm)   n   a medication used to treat conditions that involve seizures

clone (kləʊn)   n   1 a group of organisms or cells of the same genetic constitution that are descended from a common ancestor by asexual reproduction, as by cuttings, grafting, etc, in plants   2 Also called: gene clone a segment of DNA that has been isolated and replicated by laboratory manipulation: used to analyse genes and manufacture their products (proteins)   3 informal a person or thing bearing a very close resemblance to another person or thing   4 slang   a a mobile phone that has been given the electronic identity of an existing mobile phone, so that calls made on the second phone are charged to the owner of the first phone   b any similar object or device, such as a credit card, that has been given the electronic identity of another device usually in order to commit theft   ▷ vb   5 to produce or cause to produce a clone   6 informal to produce near copies (of a person or thing)   7 (tr) slang to give (a mobile phone, etc) the electronic identity of an existing mobile phone (or other device), so that calls, purchases, etc made with the second device are charged to the owner of the first device [C20: from Greek klōn twig, shoot; related to klan to break]   > ˈclonal adj   > ˈclonally adv

■ cloner (ˈkləʊnə)   n   someone who is involved in cloning

■ cloning (ˈkləʊnIŋ)   n   genetics the process of making an identical copy of an organism or cell

clonidine (ˈklɒnIˌdiːn, ˈkləʊnIˌdiːn)   n   a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure

clonk (klɒŋk)   vb   1 (intr) to make a loud dull thud   2 (tr) informal to hit   ▷ n   3 a loud thudding sound [C20: of imitative origin]

Clonmel (klɒnˈmɛl)   n   the county town of Co Tipperary, Republic of Ireland; birthplace of Laurence Sterne; meat processing and enamelware. Pop: 16 910 (2002)

Clontarf (klɒnˈtɑːf)   n   Battle of Clontarf a battle fought in 1014, near Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, in which the Danes were defeated by the Irish but the Irish king, Brian Boru, was killed

clonus (ˈkləʊnəs)   n   a type of convulsion characterized by rapid contraction and relaxation of a muscle [C19: from New Latin, from Greek klonos turmoil]   > clonic (ˈklɒnIk) adj   > clonicity (klɒˈnIsItI) n

■ clonism (ˈkləʊnIzəm)   n   a series of clonic spasms

Clooney (ˈkluːnI)   n   George. born 1961, US film actor; starred in the television series ER (1994–99) and the films The Perfect Storm (2000), Ocean's Eleven (2001), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002, also directed), Syriana (2005, also directed), and The American (2010)

cloop (kluːp)   n   the sound made when a cork is drawn from a bottle

cloot (kluːt)   n   Scot and Northern English a hoof

clootie dumpling (ˈkluːtI)   n   Scot a boiled suet pudding containing dried fruits

clop (klɒp)   vb clops, clopping, clopped   1 (intr) to make or move along with a sound as of a horse's hooves striking the ground   ▷ n   2 a sound of this nature [C20: of imitative origin]

cloqué (ˈklɒkeI)   n     a a fabric with an embossed surface   b (as modifier): a cloqué dress [from French, literally: blistered]

close^1 (kləʊs)   adj   1 near in space or time; in proximity   2 having the parts near together; dense: a close formation   3 down or near to the surface; short: a close haircut   4 near in relationship: a close relative   5 intimate or confidential: a close friend   6 almost equal or even: a close contest   7 not deviating or varying greatly from a model or standard: a close resemblance; a close translation   8 careful, strict, or searching: a close study   9 (of a style of play in football, hockey, etc) characterized by short passes   10 confined or enclosed   11 shut or shut tight   12 oppressive, heavy, or airless: a close atmosphere   13 strictly guarded: a close prisoner   14 neat or tight in fit: a close cap   15 secretive or reticent   16 miserly; not generous, esp with money   17 (of money or credit) hard to obtain; scarce   18 restricted as to public admission or membership   19 hidden or secluded   20 Also: closed restricted or prohibited as to the type of game or fish able to be taken   21 Also: closed, narrow phonetics denoting a vowel pronounced with the lips relatively close together   ▷ adv   22 closely; tightly   23 near or in proximity   24 close to the wind nautical sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing. See also wind^1 (sense 25) [C13: from Old French clos close, enclosed, from Latin clausus shut up, from claudere to close]   > ˈclosely adv   > ˈcloseness n

■ close call (kləʊs)   n   another expression for close shave

■ close company (kləʊs)   n   Brit a company under the control of its directors or fewer than five independent participants. Also called: closed company

■ close corporation (kləʊs)   n   South African a small private limited company. Abbreviation: c.c.

■ close-cropped   adj   (of hair or grass) cut very short

■ close-fisted (ˌkləʊsˈfIstId)   adj   very careful with money; mean   > ˌclose-ˈfistedness n

■ close-fitting   adj   (of clothes) fitting tightly and showing the shape of the body

■ close-grained (ˌkləʊsˈɡreInd)   adj   (of wood) dense or compact in texture

■ close harmony (kləʊs) or close-harmony singing   n   a type of singing in which all the parts except the bass lie close together and are confined to the compass of a tenth

■ close-hauled (ˌkləʊsˈhɔːld)   adj   nautical with the sails flat, so as to sail as close to the wind as possible

■ close-knit (ˌkləʊsˈnIt)   adj   closely united, esp by social ties

■ close-lipped (ˌkləʊsˈlIpt) or close-mouthed (ˌkləʊsˈmaʊðd, -ˈmaʊθt)   adj   not talking or revealing much

■ close punctuation (kləʊs)   n   punctuation in which many commas, full stops, etc, are used. Compare open punctuation

■ close quarters (kləʊs)   pl n   1 a narrow cramped space or position   2 at close quarters   a engaged in hand-to-hand combat   b in close proximity; very near together

■ close-run   adj   (of a race or contest) only won by a very small amount

■ close-set   adj   (esp of the eyes) positioned close together

■ close shave (kləʊs)   n   informal a narrow escape

■ close-shaven   adj   (of hair) cut very short

■ close-up (ˈkləʊsˌʌp)   n   1 a photograph or film or television shot taken at close range   2 a detailed or intimate view or examination: a close-up of modern society

close^2 (kləʊz)   vb   1 to put or be put in such a position as to cover an opening; shut: the door closed behind him   2 (tr) to bar, obstruct, or fill up (an entrance, a hole, etc): to close a road   3 to bring the parts or edges of (a wound, etc) together or (of the edges of a wound, etc) to be brought together   4 (intr; foll by on, over, etc) to take hold: his hand closed over the money   5 to bring or be brought to an end; terminate   6 to complete (an agreement, a deal, etc) successfully or (of an agreement, deal, etc) to be completed successfully   7 to cease or cause to cease to render service: the shop closed at six   8 (intr) stock exchange to have a value at the end of a day's trading, as specified: steels closed two points down   9 to complete an electrical circuit   10 (tr) nautical to pass near   11 (tr) archaic to enclose or shut in   12 close one's eyes   a euphemistic to die   b (often foll by to) to ignore   ▷ n   13 the act of closing   14 the end or conclusion: the close of the day   15 a place of joining or meeting   16 (kləʊs) law private property, usually enclosed by a fence, hedge, or wall   17 (kləʊs) Brit a courtyard or quadrangle enclosed by buildings or an entry leading to such a courtyard   18 (kləʊs) Brit (capital when part of a street name) a small quiet residential road: Hillside Close   19 Brit a field   20 (kləʊs) the precincts of a cathedral or similar building   21 (kləʊs) Scot the entry from the street to a tenement building   22 music another word for cadence   23 archaic or rare an encounter in battle; grapple   > ˈcloser n

■ closeable or closable (ˈkləʊzəbəl)   adj   able to be closed

■ closed (kləʊzd)   adj   1 blocked against entry; shut   2 restricted; exclusive   3 not open to question or debate   4 (of a hunting season, etc) close   5 maths   a (of a curve or surface) completely enclosing an area or volume   b (of a set) having members that can be produced by a specific operation on other members of the same set: the integers are a closed set under multiplication   6 Also: checked phonetics   a denoting a syllable that ends in a consonant   b another word for close^1 (sense 21)   7 not open to public entry or membership: the closed society of publishing

■ closed book   n   1 something deemed unknown or incapable of being understood   2 a matter that has been finally concluded and admits of no further consideration

■ closed-captioned   adj   (of a video recording) having subtitles which appear on screen only if the cassette is played through a special decoder

■ closed chain   n   chem another name for ring^1 (sense 18)

■ closed circuit   n   a complete electrical circuit through which current can flow when a voltage is applied. Compare open circuit

■ closed-circuit television   n   a television system in which signals are transmitted from a television camera to the receivers by cables or telephone links forming a closed circuit, as used in security systems, etc

■ closed community   n   ecology a plant community that does not allow for further colonization, all the available niches being occupied

■ closed corporation   n   US a corporation the stock of which is owned by a small number of persons and is rarely traded on the open market. Also: close corporation

■ closed cycle   n   engineering a heat engine in which the working substance is continuously circulated and does not need replenishment

■ closed-door   adj   private; barred to members of the public: a closed-door meeting

■ closed game   n   chess a relatively complex game involving closed ranks and files and permitting only nontactical positional manoeuvring. Compare open game

■ closed interval   n   maths an interval on the real line including its end points, as [0, 1], the set of reals between and including 0 and 1

■ close down (kləʊz)   vb (adverb)   1 to cease or cause to cease operations: the shop closed down   2 (tr) sport to mark or move towards (an opposing player) in order to prevent him or her running with the ball or making or receiving a pass   ▷ n close-down (ˈkləʊzˌdaʊn)   3 a closure or stoppage of operations, esp in a factory   4 Brit radio, television the end of a period of broadcasting, esp late at night

■ closed primary   n   US government a primary in which only members of a particular party may vote. Compare open primary

■ closed scholarship   n   a scholarship for which only certain people, such as those from a particular school or with a particular surname, are eligible

■ closed sentence   n   logic a formula that contains no free occurrence of any variable. Compare open sentence

■ closed set   n maths   1 a set that includes all the values obtained by application of a given operation to its members   2 (in topological space) a set that contains all its own limit points

■ closed shop   n   (formerly) an industrial establishment in which there exists a contract between a trade union and the employer permitting the employment of the union's members only. Compare open shop, union shop

■ closed source   n     a intellectual property, esp computer source code, that is not made available to the general public by its creators   b (as modifier): closed source software. Compare open source

■ closehead (ˌkləʊsˈhɛd)   n   Scot the entrance to a tenement close

■ close in (kləʊz)   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (of days) to become shorter with the approach of winter   2 (foll by on or upon) to advance (on) so as to encircle or surround

■ close out (kləʊz)   vb (adverb)   1 to terminate (a client's or other account) on which the margin is inadequate or exhausted, usually by sale of securities to realize cash   2 to bring (an event or transaction) to a successful conclusion   ▷ n closeout   3 the termination of an account on which the margin is exhausted

■ close season (kləʊs) or closed season   n   1 the period of the year when it is prohibited to kill certain game or fish   2 sport the period of the year when there is no domestic competition

■ close-stool (ˈkləʊsˌstuːl)   n   a wooden stool containing a covered chamber pot

■ close up   vb (adverb)   1 to shut entirely   2 (intr) to draw together: the ranks closed up   3 (intr) (of wounds) to heal completely

■ close with (kləʊz)   vb   (intr, preposition) to engage in battle with an enemy

■ closing (ˈkləʊzIŋ)   adj   comprising the final part of an activity or period of time

■ closing time (ˈkləʊzIŋ)   n   the time at which pubs must legally stop selling alcoholic drinks

closet (ˈklɒzIt)   n   1 a small cupboard or recess   2 a small private room   3 short for water closet   4 (modifier) private or secret   5 (modifier) suited or appropriate for use in private: closet meditations   6 (modifier) US and Canadian based on or devoted to theory; speculative: a closet strategist   7 in the closet concealing that one is not heterosexual   8 out the closet having made it known that one is not heterosexual   ▷ vb -ets, -eting, -eted   9 (tr) to shut up or confine in a small private room, esp for conference or meditation [C14: from Old French, from clos enclosure; see CLOSE^1]

■ closet drama   n   chiefly US   a drama suitable for reading rather than performing   b a play of this kind

■ closeted (ˈklɒzItId)   adj   concealing a fact, esp that one is not heterosexual

■ closetful (ˈklɒzItfʊl)   n   a quantity that may be contained in a closet

■ closet queen   n   slang, often offensive a man who is homosexual but is not openly so

clostridium (klɒˈstrIdIəm)   n, pl -iums or -ia (-Iə)   any anaerobic typically rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Clostridium, occurring mainly in soil, but also in the intestines of humans and animals: family Bacillaceae. The genus includes the species causing botulism and tetanus [C20: from New Latin, literally: small spindle, from Greek klōstēr spindle, from klōthein to spin; see -IUM]   > closˈtridial or closˈtridian adj

■ Clostridium difficile (dIˈfIsIli, ˌdIfIˈsiːl)   n   a faecal organism endemic in hospitals and responsible for the majority of hospital-acquired cases of diarrhoea in elderly patients. Sometimes shortened to: C.difficile, C.diff

closure (ˈkləʊʒə)   n   1 the act of closing or the state of being closed   2 an end or conclusion   3 something that closes or shuts, such as a cap or seal for a container   4 (in a deliberative body) a procedure by which debate may be halted and an immediate vote taken. See also cloture, guillotine, gag rule   5 chiefly US   a the resolution of a significant event or relationship in a person's life   b a sense of contentment experienced after such a resolution   6 geology the vertical distance between the crest of an anticline and the lowest contour that surrounds it   7 phonetics the obstruction of the breath stream at some point along the vocal tract, such as the complete occlusion preliminary to the articulation of a stop   8 logic   a the closed sentence formed from a given open sentence by prefixing universal or existential quantifiers to bind all its free variables   b the process of forming such a closed sentence   9 maths   a the smallest closed set containing a given set   b the operation of forming such a set   10 psychol the tendency, first noted by Gestalt psychologists, to see an incomplete figure like a circle with a gap in it as more complete than it is   ▷ vb   11 (tr) (in a deliberative body) to end (debate) by closure [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin clausūra bar, from Latin claudere to close]

clot (klɒt)   n   1 a soft thick lump or mass: a clot of blood   2 Brit informal a stupid person; fool   ▷ vb clots, clotting, clotted   3 to form or cause to form into a soft thick lump or lumps [Old English clott, of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch klotte block, lump]   > ˈclottish adj

■ clotted cream   n   Brit a thick cream made from scalded milk, esp in SW England. Also called: Devonshire cream

■ clotter (ˈklɒtə)   vb (intr)   to clot

■ clottiness (ˈklɒtInəs)   n   the condition of being clotty

■ clotting factor   n   any one of a group of substances, including factor VIII, the presence of which in the blood is essential for blood clotting to occur. Also called: coagulation factor

■ clotty (ˈklɒtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   full of clots

clotbur (ˈklɒtbə)   n   the burdock

clote (kləʊt)   n   the burdock

cloth (klɒθ)   n, pl cloths (klɒθs, klɒðz)   1    a a fabric formed by weaving, felting, or knitting wool, cotton, etc   b (as modifier): a cloth bag   2 a piece of such fabric used for a particular purpose, as for a dishcloth   3 the cloth   a the clothes worn by a clergyman   b the clergy   4 obsolete clothing   5 nautical any of the panels of a sail   6 chiefly Brit a piece of coloured fabric, used on the stage as scenery   7 W African a garment in a traditional non-European style [Old English clāth; related to Old Frisian klēth, Middle High German kleit cloth, clothing]

■ clothbound (ˈklɒθˌbaʊnd)   adj   (of a book) bound in stiff boards covered in cloth

■ cloth cap   n Brit   1 Also called: flat cap a flat woollen cap with a stiff peak   2 informal   a a symbol of working-class ethos or origin   b (as modifier): cloth-cap attitudes

■ cloth-eared   adj informal   1 not hearing clearly   2 insensitive

■ clothier (ˈkləʊðIə)   n   a person who makes, sells, or deals in clothes or cloth

■ cloth-like   adj   resembling cloth

■ cloth of gold   n   cloth woven from silk threads interspersed with gold

clothe (kləʊð)   vb clothes, clothing, clothed or clad (tr)   1 to dress or attire (a person)   2 to provide with clothing or covering   3 to conceal or disguise   4 to endow or invest [Old English clāthian, from clāth CLOTH; related to Old Norse klætha]

■ clothed (kləʊðd)   adj   1 dressed   2 literary covered as if with clothing

clothes (kləʊðz)   pl n   1    a articles of dress   b (as modifier): clothes brush. Related adjective: vestiary   2 chiefly Brit short for bedclothes [Old English clāthas, plural of clāth CLOTH]

■ clotheshorse (ˈkləʊðzˌhɔːs)   n   1 a frame on which to hang laundry for drying or airing   2 informal a dandy

■ clothesline (ˈkləʊðzˌlaIn)   n   a piece of rope, cord, or wire on which clean washing is hung to dry or air

■ clothes moth   n   any of various tineid moths, esp Tineola bisselliella, the larvae of which feed on wool or fur

■ clothes peg   n   a small wooden or plastic clip for attaching washing to a clothesline

■ clothespin (ˈkləʊðzpIn)   n   a US name for clothes peg

■ clothes pole   n   1 Also called: clothes post a post to which a clothesline is attached   2 Scot and US another term for clothes prop

■ clothes-press   n   a piece of furniture for storing clothes, usually containing wide drawers and a cabinet

■ clothes prop   n   a long wooden pole with a forked end, used to raise a line of washing to enable it to catch the breeze

clothing (ˈkləʊðIŋ)   n   1 garments collectively   2 something that covers or clothes

Clotho (ˈkləʊθəʊ)   n   Greek myth one of the three Fates, spinner of the thread of life [Latin, from Greek Klōtho, one who spins, from klōthein to spin]

Clotilda (kləˈtIldə)   n   ?475–?545 AD, wife of Clovis I of the Franks, whom she converted (496) to Christianity

cloture (ˈkləʊtʃə)   n   1 closure in the US Senate   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to end (debate) in the US Senate by cloture [C19: from French clôture, from Old French CLOSURE]

clou (kluː)   n   the crux; focus

cloud (klaʊd)   n   1 a mass of water or ice particles visible in the sky, usually white or grey, from which rain or snow falls when the particles coagulate. See also cirrus, cumulonimbus, cumulus, stratus   2 any collection of particles visible in the air, esp of smoke or dust   3 a large number of insects or other small animals in flight   4 something that darkens, threatens, or carries gloom   5 jewellery a cloudlike blemish in a transparent stone   6 the cloud the network of remote servers used in cloud computing   7 (modifier) of or relating to cloud computing: a cloud application   8 in the clouds not in contact with reality   9 on cloud nine informal elated; very happy   10 under a cloud   a under reproach or suspicion   b in a state of gloom or bad temper   ▷ vb   11 (when intr, often foll by over or up) to make or become cloudy, overcast, or indistinct   12 (tr) to make obscure; darken   13 (tr) to confuse or impair: emotion clouded his judgment   14 to make or become gloomy or depressed   15 (tr) to place under or render liable to suspicion or disgrace   16 to render (liquids) milky or dull or (of liquids) to become milky or dull   17 to become or render mottled or variegated [C13 (in the sense: a mass of vapour): from Old English clūd rock, hill; probably related to CLOD]   > ˈcloudless adj   > ˈcloudlessly adv   > ˈcloudlessness n   > ˈcloudˌlike adj

■ cloudage (ˈklaʊdIdʒ)   n   a mass of clouds

■ cloudberry (ˈklaʊdbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   a creeping Eurasian herbaceous rosaceous plant, Rubus chamaemorus, with white flowers and orange berry-like fruits (drupelets)

■ cloudburst (ˈklaʊdˌbɜːst)   n   a heavy downpour

■ cloud chamber   n   physics an apparatus for detecting high-energy particles by observing their tracks through a chamber containing a supersaturated vapour. Each particle ionizes molecules along its path and small droplets condense on them to produce a visible track. Also called: Wilson cloud chamber

■ cloud computing   n   a model of computer use in which services stored on the internet are provided to users on a temporary basis

■ cloud-cuckoo-land or cloudland (ˈklaʊdˌlænd)   n   a realm of fantasy, dreams, or impractical notions

■ clouded yellow   n   See yellow (sense 6)

■ cloudlet (ˈklaʊdlIt)   n   a small cloud

■ cloud rack   n   a group of moving clouds

■ cloudscape (ˈklaʊdskeIp)   n   1 a picturesque formation of clouds   2 a picture or photograph of such a formation

■ cloudtown (ˈklaʊdˌtaʊn)   n   another name for cloud-cuckoo-land

■ cloudy (ˈklaʊdI)   adj cloudier, cloudiest   1 covered with cloud or clouds   2 of or like a cloud or clouds   3 streaked or mottled like a cloud   4 opaque or muddy   5 obscure or unclear   6 troubled by gloom or depression: his face had a cloudy expression   > ˈcloudily adv   > ˈcloudiness n

Clouet (French kluɛ)   n   François (frɑ̃swa), ?1515–72, and his father, Jean (ʒɑ̃), ?1485–?1540, French portrait painters

clough (klʌf)   n   dialect a gorge or narrow ravine [Old English clōh]

Clough (klʌf)   n   1  Arthur Hugh. 1819–61, British poet, author of Amours de Voyage (1858) and Dipsychus (1865)   2  Brian. 1935–2004, English footballer and manager

clour Scottish (kluːr)   n   1 a bump on the head   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to thump or dent

clout (klaʊt)   n   1 informal a blow with the hand or a hard object   2 power or influence, esp in politics   3 archery   a the target used in long-distance shooting   b the centre of this target   c a shot that hits the centre   4 Also called: clout nail a short flat-headed nail used esp for attaching sheet metal to wood   5 Brit dialect   a a piece of cloth: a dish clout   b a garment   c a patch   ▷ vb (tr)   6 informal to give a hard blow to, esp with the hand   7 to patch with a piece of cloth or leather [Old English clūt piece of metal or cloth, clūtian to patch (C14: to strike with the hand); related to Dutch kluit a lump, and to CLOD]   > ˈclouter n

clouterly (ˈklaʊtəlI)   adj   1 clumsy   ▷ adv   2 clumsily

clove^1 (kləʊv)   n   1 a tropical evergreen myrtaceous tree, Syzygium aromaticum, native to the East Indies but cultivated elsewhere, esp Zanzibar   2 the dried unopened flower buds of this tree, used as a pungent fragrant spice [C14: from Old French clou de girofle, literally: nail of clove, clou from Latin clāvus nail + girofle clove tree]

■ clove oil   n   a volatile pale-yellow aromatic oil obtained from clove flowers, formerly much used in confectionery, dentistry, and microscopy. Also called: oil of cloves

■ clove pink   n   another name for carnation (sense 1)

clove^2 (kləʊv)   n   any of the segments of a compound bulb that arise from the axils of the scales of a large bulb [Old English clufu bulb; related to Old High German klovolouh garlic; see CLEAVE^1]

clove^3 (kləʊv)   vb   a past tense of cleave^1

clove hitch   n   a knot or hitch used for securing a rope to a spar, post, or larger rope

Clovelly (kləˈvɛlI)   n   a village in SW England, in Devon on the Bristol Channel: famous for its steep cobbled streets: tourism, fishing. Pop: 472 (2001)

cloven (ˈkləʊvən)   vb   1 a past participle of cleave^1   ▷ adj   2 split; cleft; divided

■ cloven hoof or cloven foot   n   1 the divided hoof of a pig, goat, cow, deer, or related animal, which consists of the two middle digits of the foot   2 the mark or symbol of Satan   > ˌcloven-ˈhoofed or ˌcloven-ˈfooted adj

clover (ˈkləʊvə) or clovergrass (ˈkləʊvəˌɡrɑːs)   n   1 any plant of the leguminous genus Trifolium, having trifoliate leaves and dense flower heads. Many species, such as red clover, white clover, and alsike, are grown as forage plants   2 any of various similar or related plants   3 sweet clover another name for melilot   4 pin clover another name for alfilaria   5 in clover informal in a state of ease or luxury [Old English clāfre; related to Old High German klēo, Middle Low German klēver, Dutch klāver]

■ clovered (ˈkləʊvəd)   adj   covered with clover

■ cloverleaf (ˈkləʊvəˌliːf)   n, pl -leaves   1 an arrangement of connecting roads, resembling a four-leaf clover in form, that joins two intersecting main roads   2 (modifier) in the shape or pattern of a leaf of clover

■ cloverleaf aerial   n   a type of aerial, having three or four similar coplanar loops arranged symmetrically around an axis, to which in-phase signals are fed

■ clovery (ˈkləʊvərI)   adj   relating to clover; covered in clover

Clovis I (ˈkləʊvIs)   n   German name Chlodwig. ?466–511 AD, king of the Franks (481–511), who extended the Merovingian kingdom to include most of Gaul and SW Germany

clovis point (ˈkləʊvIs)   n   a concave-based flint projectile dating from the 10th millennium BC, found throughout most of Central and North America

clow (klaʊ)   n   1 a clove   2 a fork for raking dung   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to rake with a clow

clowder (ˈklɑʊdə)   n   a collective term for a group of cats

clown (klaʊn)   n   1 a comic entertainer, usually grotesquely costumed and made up, appearing in the circus   2 any performer who elicits an amused response   3 someone who plays jokes or tricks   4 a person who acts in a comic or buffoon-like manner   5 a coarse clumsy rude person; boor   6 archaic a countryman or rustic   ▷ vb (intr)   7 to perform as a clown   8 to play jokes or tricks   9 to act foolishly [C16: perhaps of Low German origin; compare Frisian klönne, Icelandic klunni clumsy fellow]   > ˈclownery n   > ˈclownish adj   > ˈclownishly adv   > ˈclownishness n

■ clownfish (ˈklaʊnˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any of several brightly coloured striped fish of the subfamily Amphiprioninae of the Pacific and Indian Oceans [C20: so called from the resemblance of the markings to a clown's make-up]

■ clowning (ˈklaʊnIŋ)   n   clownish behaviour

cloxacillin (ˌklɒksəˈsIlIn)   n   a semisynthetic penicillin used to treat staphylococcal infections due to penicillin-resistant organisms

cloy (klɔI)   vb   to make weary or cause weariness through an excess of something initially pleasurable or sweet [C14 (originally: to nail, hence, to obstruct): from earlier acloyen, from Old French encloer, from Medieval Latin inclavāre, from Latin clāvāre to nail, from clāvus a nail]

■ cloying (ˈklɔIIŋ)   adj   initially pleasurable or sweet but wearying in excess   > ˈcloyingly adv

■ cloyless (ˈklɔIləs)   adj   not cloying

■ cloyment (ˈklɔImənt)   n   satiety

■ cloysome (ˈklɔIsəm)   adj   having a cloying nature

cloye (klɔI)   vb (tr)   to claw

clozapine (ˈkləʊzəˌpiːn)   n   a sedative used to treat schizophrenia

cloze test (kləʊz)   n   a test of the ability to comprehend text in which the reader has to supply the missing words that have been removed from the text at regular intervals [altered from close to complete a pattern (in Gestalt theory)]

club (klʌb)   n   1 a stout stick, usually with one end thicker than the other, esp one used as a weapon   2 a stick or bat used to strike the ball in various sports, esp golf. See golf club (sense 1)   3 short for Indian club   4 a group or association of people with common aims or interests: a wine club   5    a the room, building, or facilities used by such a group   b (in combination): clubhouse   6 a building in which elected, fee-paying members go to meet, dine, read, etc   7 a commercial establishment in which people can drink and dance; disco. See also nightclub   8 chiefly Brit an organization, esp in a shop, set up as a means of saving   9 Brit an informal word for friendly society   10    a the black trefoil symbol on a playing card   b a card with one or more of these symbols or (when pl) the suit of cards so marked   11 nautical   a a spar used for extending the clew of a gaff topsail beyond the peak of the gaff   b short for club foot (sense 3)   12 in the club Brit slang pregnant   13 on the club Brit slang away from work due to sickness, esp when receiving sickness benefit   ▷ vb clubs, clubbing, clubbed   14 (tr) to beat with or as if with a club   15 (often foll by together) to gather or become gathered into a group   16 (often foll by together) to unite or combine (resources, efforts, etc) for a common purpose   17 (tr) to use (a rifle or similar firearm) as a weapon by holding the barrel and hitting with the butt   18 (intr) nautical to drift in a current, reducing speed by dragging anchor [C13: from Old Norse klubba, related to Middle High German klumpe group of trees, CLUMP, Old English clympre lump of metal]   > ˈclubbing n

■ clubbable or clubable (ˈklʌbəbəl)   adj   suitable to be a member of a club; sociable   > ˌclubbaˈbility or ˌclubaˈbility n

■ clubbed (klʌbd)   adj   having a thickened end, like a club

■ clubber (ˈklʌbə)   n   a person who regularly frequents nightclubs and similar establishments

■ clubbiness (ˈklʌbInəs)   n   the state of being clubby

■ clubbish (ˈklʌbIʃ)   adj   clubby

■ clubbism (ˈklʌbIzəm)   n   the system of club membership

■ clubbist (ˈklʌbIst)   n   a member of a club

■ clubby (ˈklʌbI)   adj -bier, -biest   1 sociable, esp effusively so   2 exclusive or cliquish   > ˈclubbily adv

■ club class   n   1 a class of air travel which is less luxurious than first class but more luxurious than economy class   ▷ adj club-class   2 of or relating to this class of travel

■ club culture   n   the practice of protecting the reputation of one's workforce in the face of criticism, above all other considerations

■ club deal   n   commerce a takeover bid in which several private-equity companies form a syndicate to acquire a target company

■ clubface (ˈklʌbˌfeIs)   n   the face of a golf club

■ club foot or clubfoot (ˌklʌbˈfʊt)   n   1 a congenital deformity of the foot, esp one in which the foot is twisted so that most of the weight rests on the heel. Technical name: talipes   2 a foot so deformed   3 nautical a boom attached to the foot of a jib   > ˌclub-ˈfooted adj

■ club hand or clubhand (ˌklʌbˈhænd)   n   1 a deformity of the hand, analogous to club foot   2 a hand so deformed   > ˌclub-ˈhanded adj

■ clubhaul (ˈklʌbˌhɔːl)   vb   nautical to force (a sailing vessel) onto a new tack, esp in an emergency, by fastening a lee anchor to the lee quarter, dropping the anchor as the vessel comes about, and hauling in the anchor cable to swing the stern to windward

■ clubhead (ˈklʌbˌhɛd)   n   the head of a golf club

■ clubhouse (ˈklʌbˌhaʊs)   n   the premises of a sports or other club, esp a golf club

■ clubhouse sandwich   n   another name for club sandwich

■ clubland (ˈklʌbˌlænd)   n   (in Britain) the area of London around St James's, which contains most of the famous London clubs

■ club line   n   printing See orphan (sense 3)

■ clubman (ˈklʌbmən)   n, pl -men   a man who is an enthusiastic member of a club or clubs

■ clubmanship (ˈklʌbmənʃIp)   n   the status of belonging to an active club

■ clubmaster (ˈklʌbˌmɑːstə)   n   the manager of a gentlemen's club

■ club moss   n   any mosslike tracheophyte plant of the phylum Lycopodophyta, having erect or creeping stems covered with tiny overlapping leaves

■ clubroom (ˈklʌbrʊm)   n   a room used by a club for meetings, activities, socializing, etc

■ clubroot (ˈklʌbˌruːt)   n   a disease of cabbages and related plants, caused by the fungus Plasmodiophora brassicae, in which the roots become thickened and distorted

■ clubrush (ˈklʌbˌrʌʃ)   n   any rush of the genus Scirpus

■ clubs (klʌbz)   pl n   the suit of cards marked with the black trefoil symbol

■ club sandwich   n   a sandwich consisting of three or more slices of toast or bread with a filling

■ club soda   n   a US name for soda water

■ clubwoman (ˈklʌbˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman who is an enthusiastic member of a club or clubs

cluck (klʌk)   n   1 the low clicking sound made by a hen or any similar sound   ▷ vb   2 (intr) (of a hen) to make a clicking sound   3 (tr) to call or express (a feeling) by making a similar sound [C17: of imitative origin]

■ clucky (ˈklʌkI)   adj Austral informal (of a woman)   1 wishing to have a baby   2 excessively protective towards her children

cludgie (ˈklʌdʒI)   n   Scot slang a toilet

clue (kluː)   n   1 something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery   2 not to have a clue   a to be completely baffled   b to be completely ignorant or incompetent   ▷ vb clues, cluing, clued   3 (tr; usually foll by in or up) to provide with helpful information   ▷ n, vb   4 a variant spelling of clew [C15: variant of CLEW]

■ clued-up or clued in   adj   informal shrewd; well-informed

■ clueless (ˈkluːlIs)   adj   slang helpless; stupid

■ cluey (ˈkluːI)   adj   Austral informal well-informed and adroit

Cluj (klʊʃ, kluːʒ)   n   an industrial city in NW Romania, on the Someşul-Mic River: former capital of Transylvania. Pop: 297 000 (2005 est). German name: Klausenburg. Hungarian name: Kolozsvár

clumber spaniel (ˈklʌmbə)   n   a type of thickset spaniel having a broad heavy head. Often shortened to: clumber [C19: named after Clumber, stately home of the Dukes of Newcastle where the breed was developed]

clump (klʌmp)   n   1 a cluster, as of trees or plants   2 a dull heavy tread or any similar sound   3 an irregular mass: a clump of hair   4 an inactive mass of microorganisms, esp a mass of bacteria produced as a result of agglutination   5 an extra sole on a shoe   6 slang a blow   ▷ vb   7 (intr) to walk or tread heavily   8 to gather or be gathered into clumps, clusters, clots, etc   9 to cause (bacteria, blood cells, etc) to collect together or (of bacteria, etc) to collect together   10 (tr) slang to punch (someone) [Old English clympe; related to Middle Dutch klampe heap of hay, Middle Low German klampe CLAMP^2, Swedish klimp small lump]   > ˈclumpy adj   > ˈclumpiness n

■ clumper (ˈklʌmpə)   n   1 a heavy shoe   2 a shapeless mass   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to walk heavily

■ clumpish (ˈklʌmpIʃ)   adj   clumpy

■ clump-like   adj   resembling a clump

clumsy (ˈklʌmzI)   adj -sier, -siest   1 lacking in skill or physical coordination   2 awkwardly constructed or contrived [C16 (in obsolete sense: benumbed with cold; hence, awkward): perhaps from C13 dialect clumse to benumb, probably from Scandinavian; compare Swedish dialect klumsig numb]   > ˈclumsily adv   > ˈclumsiness n

clunch (klʌntʃ)   n   1 hardened clay   2 a lout   3 a shapeless mass

clung (klʌŋ)   vb   the past tense and past participle of cling

Cluniac (ˈkluːnIˌæk)   adj   of or relating to a reformed Benedictine order founded at the French town of Cluny in 910

clunk (klʌŋk)   n   1 a blow or the sound of a blow   2 a dull metallic sound   3 a dull or stupid person   4 chiefly Scot   a the gurgling sound of a liquid   b the sound of a cork being removed from a bottle   ▷ vb   5 to make or cause to make such a sound [C19: of imitative origin]

■ clunker (ˈklʌŋkə)   n informal   1 chiefly US a dilapidated old car or other machine   2 something that fails: the novel's last line is a clunker

■ clunky (ˈklʌŋkI)   adj clunkier, clunkiest   1 making a clunking noise   2 informal ponderously ungraceful or unsophisticated: clunky boots   3 awkward or unsophisticated: then you guffaw at clunky dialogue

Cluny (ˈkluːnI; French klyni)   n   a town in E central France: reformed Benedictine order founded here in 910; important religious and cultural centre in the Middle Ages. Pop: 4835 (2006)

■ Cluny lace   n   a strong heavy silk and cotton bobbin lace made at Cluny or elsewhere

clupeid (ˈkluːpIId)   n   1 any widely distributed soft-finned teleost fish of the family Clupeidae, typically having oily flesh, and including the herrings, sardines, shad, etc   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the family Clupeidae [C19: from New Latin Clupeidae, from Latin clupea small river fish]

clupeoid (ˈkluːpIˌɔId)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Isospondyli (or Clupeiformes), a large order of soft-finned fishes, including the herrings, salmon, and tarpon   ▷ n   2 any fish belonging to the order Isospondyli [C19: from Latin clupea small fish + -OID]

clusia (ˈkluːsIə)   n   a tropical tree of the genus Clusia

cluster (ˈklʌstə)   n   1 a number of things growing, fastened, or occurring close together   2 a number of persons or things grouped together   3 US military a metal insignia worn on a medal ribbon to indicate a second award or a higher class of a decoration or order   4 military   a a group of bombs dropped in one stick, esp fragmentation and incendiary bombs   b the basic unit of mines used in laying a minefield   5 astronomy an aggregation of stars or galaxies moving together through space   6 a group of two or more consecutive vowels or consonants   7 statistics a naturally occurring subgroup of a population used in stratified sampling   8 chem   a a chemical compound or molecule containing groups of metal atoms joined by metal-to-metal bonds   b the group of linked metal atoms present   ▷ vb   9 to gather or be gathered in clusters [Old English clyster; related to Low German Kluster; see CLOD, CLOT]   > ˈclustered adj   > ˈclusteringly adv   > ˈclustery adj

■ cluster area   n   a place where a concentration of a particular phenomenon is found

■ cluster bomb   n   a bomb that throws out a number of smaller bombs or antipersonnel projectiles when it explodes

■ cluster fly   n   a dipterous fly, Pollenia rudis, that tends to gather in large numbers in attics in the autumn: family Calliphoridae. The larvae are parasitic in earthworms

clutch^1 (klʌtʃ)   vb   1 (tr) to seize with or as if with hands or claws   2 (tr) to grasp or hold firmly   3 (intr; usually foll by at) to attempt to get hold or possession (of)   ▷ n   4 a device that enables two revolving shafts to be joined or disconnected as required, esp one that transmits the drive from the engine to the gearbox in a vehicle   5 a device for holding fast   6 a firm grasp   7 a hand, claw, or talon in the act of clutching: in the clutches of a bear   8 (often plural) power or control: in the clutches of a criminal cartel   9 Also called: clutch bag a handbag without handles [Old English clyccan; related to Old Frisian kletsie spear, Swedish klyka clasp, fork]

■ clutchy (ˈklʌtʃI)   adj clutchier, clutchiest   (of a person) tending to cling

clutch^2 (klʌtʃ)   n   1 a hatch of eggs laid by a particular bird or laid in a single nest   2 a brood of chickens   3 informal a group, bunch, or cluster   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to hatch (chickens) [C17 (Northern English dialect) cletch, from Old Norse klekja to hatch]

Clutha (ˈkluːθə)   n   a river in New Zealand, the longest river in South Island; rising in the Southern Alps it flows southeast to the Pacific. Length: 338 km (210 miles)

clutter (ˈklʌtə)   vb   1 (usually tr; often foll by up) to strew or amass (objects) in a disorderly manner   2 (intr) to move about in a bustling manner   3 (intr) to chatter or babble   ▷ n   4 a disordered heap or mass of objects   5 a state of disorder   6 unwanted echoes that confuse the observation of signals on a radar screen [C15 clotter, from clotteren to CLOT]

■ cluttered (ˈklʌtəd)   adj   filled with things or people in an untidy way

■ cluttery (ˈklʌtərI)   adj   full of clutter

Clwyd (ˈkluːId)   n   a former county in NE Wales, formed in 1974 from Flintshire, most of Denbighshire, and part of Merionethshire; replaced in 1996 by Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham county borough, and part of Conwy county borough

cly (klaI)   vb clies, clying, clied (tr)   to steal or seize

Clyde (klaId)   n   1 Firth of Clyde an inlet of the Atlantic in SW Scotland. Length: 103 km (64 miles)   2 a river in S Scotland, rising in South Lanarkshire and flowing northwest to the Firth of Clyde: formerly extensive shipyards. Length: 170 km (106 miles)

■ Clydebank (ˌklaIdˈbæŋk, ˈklaIdˌbæŋk)   n   a town in W Scotland, in West Dunbartonshire on the north bank of the River Clyde. Pop: 29 858 (2001)

■ Clydesdale (ˈklaIdzˌdeIl)   n   a heavy powerful breed of carthorse, originally from Scotland

clype (kləIp) Scot   vb (intr)   1 to tell tales; be an informer   ▷ n   2 a person who tells tales [C15: from Old English clipian, cleopian; see CLEPE]

clypeus (ˈklIpIəs)   n, pl clypei (ˈklIpIˌaI)   a cuticular plate on the head of some insects between the labrum and the frons [C19: from New Latin, from Latin clipeus round shield]   > ˈclypeal adj   > clypeate (ˈklIpIˌeIt) adj

■ clypeiform (ˈklIpiːIˌfɔːm)   adj   having a rounded shield shape

clyster (ˈklIstə)   n   med a former name for an enema [C14: from Greek klustēr, from kluzein to rinse]

Clytemnestra or Clytaemnestra (ˌklaItImˈnɛstrə)   n   Greek myth the wife of Agamemnon, whom she killed on his return from the Trojan War

cm^1   symbol for   centimetre

cm^2   the internet domain name for   Cameroon

Cm   the chemical symbol for   curium

CM   abbreviation for   Member of the Order of Canada

CMA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Competition and Markets Authority

Cmdr military   abbreviation for   Commander

CMEA   abbreviation for   (formerly) Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. See Comecon

CMG   abbreviation for   Companion of St Michael and St George (a British title)

CMIIW text messaging   abbreviation for   correct me if I'm wrong

cml   abbreviation for   commercial

c'mon (kəˈmɒn) informal   contraction of   come on

CMOS (ˈsiːmɒs) computing   acronym for   complementary metal oxide silicon: CMOS memory

CMV   abbreviation for   cytomegalovirus

cn   the internet domain name for   China

Cn   the chemical symbol for   copernicium

C/N, c/n or cn commerce   abbreviation for   credit note

CNA   abbreviation for (in South Africa)   Central News Agency, a national stationery chain

CNAA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   the Council for National Academic Awards: a former degree-awarding body separate from the universities

CNAR   abbreviation for   compound net annual rate

CND   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

cnemis (ˈniːmIs)   n   anatomy, zoology the shin or tibia [from Greek knēmē leg]   > ˈcnemial adj

CNG   abbreviation for   compressed natural gas

cnida (ˈknaIdə)   n   zoology a nematocyst

cnidarian (naIˈdɛərIən, knaI-)   n   1 any invertebrate of the phylum Cnidaria, which comprises the coelenterates   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cnidaria [C20: from New Latin Cnidaria, from Greek knidē nettle]

cnidoblast (ˈnaIdəʊˌblɑːst, ˈknaI-)   n   zoology any of the cells of a coelenterate that contain nematocysts [C19: from New Latin cnida, from Greek knidē nettle + -BLAST]

Cnidus (ˈnaIdəs, ˈknaI-)   n   an ancient Greek city in SW Asia Minor: famous for its school of medicine

CNN   abbreviation for   Cable Network News

Cnossus (ˈnɒsəs, ˈknɒs-)   n   a variant spelling of Knossos

CNR   abbreviation for   Canadian National Railways

CNS   abbreviation for   central nervous system

Cnut (kəˈnjuːt)   n   a variant spelling of Canute

co   the internet domain name for   1 a commercial company (used with a country domain name)   2 Colombia

Co^1   the chemical symbol for   cobalt

Co^2   abbreviation for   County

Co^3 or co   abbreviation for   1 (esp in names of business organizations) Company   2 and co (kəʊ) informal and the rest of them: Harold and co

CO   abbreviation for   1 Commanding Officer   2 Commonwealth Office   3 conscientious objector   4 Colorado   5 Colombia (international car registration)

co-   prefix   1 together; joint or jointly; mutual or mutually: coproduction   2 indicating partnership or equality: cofounder; copilot   3 to the same or a similar degree: coextend   4 (in mathematics and astronomy) of the complement of an angle: cosecant; codeclination [from Latin, reduced form of COM-]

c/o   abbreviation for   1 care of   2 accounting carried over

CoA   abbreviation for   coenzyme A

coacervate (kəʊˈæsəvIt, -ˌveIt)   n   either of two liquid phases that may separate from a hydrophilic sol, each containing a different concentration of a dispersed solid [C17: from Latin coacervāre to heap up, from acervus a heap]   > coˌacerˈvation n

coach (kəʊtʃ)   n   1 a vehicle for several passengers, used for transport over long distances, sightseeing, etc   2 a large four-wheeled enclosed carriage, usually horse-drawn   3 a railway carriage carrying passengers   4 a trainer or instructor: a drama coach   5 a tutor who prepares students for examinations   ▷ vb   6 to give tuition or instruction to (a pupil)   7 (tr) to transport in a bus or coach [C16: from French coche, from Hungarian kocsi szekér wagon of Kocs, village in Hungary where coaches were first made; in the sense: to teach, probably from the idea that the instructor carried his pupils]   > ˈcoacher n

■ coachable (ˈkəʊtʃəbəl)   adj   capable of being coached

■ coach bolt   n   a large round-headed bolt used esp to secure wood to masonry. Also called (chiefly US and Canadian): carriage bolt

■ coach box   n   the seat of a coachman on a horse-drawn carriage or coach

■ coachbuilding (ˈkəʊtʃˌbIldIŋ)   n   Brit the manufacture of bodies for cars, buses, and coaches   > ˈcoachˌbuilder n

■ coach-built   adj   (of a vehicle) having specially built bodywork

■ coach class   n   the US and Canad. name for economy class. See economy (sense 6)

■ coach dog or coachdog (ˈkəʊtʃˌdɒɡ)   n   a former name for Dalmatian

■ coachee (ˌkəʊtʃˈiː)   n   a person who receives training from a coach, esp in business or office practice

■ coach house   n   1 a building in which a coach is kept   2 Also called: coaching house, coaching inn history an inn along a coaching route at which horses were changed

■ coaching (ˈkəʊˌtʃIŋ)   n   1 sport the act of training a person or team of people in a particular sport   2 the act of training staff in business or office practice   3 the act of giving a person special teaching in a particular subject, esp in order to prepare him or her for an examination

■ coachline (ˈkəʊtʃˌlaIn)   n   a decorative line on the bodywork of a motor vehicle. Also called: carriage line

■ coachload (ˈkəʊtʃləʊd)   n   all the people travelling on a coach at one time

■ coachman (ˈkəʊtʃmən)   n, pl -men   1 the driver of a coach or carriage   2 a fishing fly with white wings and a brown hackle

■ coach screw   n   a large screw with a square head used in timber work in buildings, etc

■ coachwhip (ˈkəʊtʃˌwIp)   n   1 a coachwhip snake   2 a desert plant found in USA and Mexico

■ coachwood (ˈkəʊtʃˌwʊd)   n   an Australian tree, Ceratopetalum apetalum, yielding light aromatic wood used for furniture, turnery, etc

■ coachwork (ˈkəʊtʃˌwɜːk)   n   1 the design and manufacture of car bodies   2 the body of a car

■ coachy (ˈkəʊtʃI)   n, pl -chies   informal a coachman

coact (kəʊˈækt)   vb   1 (intr) to act together   2 (tr) to coerce

■ coaction (kəʊˈækʃən)   n   1 any relationship between organisms within a community   2 joint action   3 obsolete a force or compulsion, either to compel or restrain [C17: CO- + ACTION]   > coˈactive adj   > coˈactively adv   > ˌcoacˈtivity n

■ coactor (kəʊˈæktə)   n   one of two or more people or species that interact

coadaptation (kəʊˌædæpˈteIʃən)   n   the state of two or more things adapting to one another

coadapted (ˌkəʊəˈdæptId)   adj   adapted to one another

coadjacent (ˌkəʊəˈdʒeIsənt)   n   1 something that is adjacent to another thing in experience or thought   ▷ adj   2 adjacent to something else in experience or thought

■ coadjacency (ˌkəʊəˈdʒeIsənsI)   n   the state of two or more things being adjacent in experience or thought

coadjutant (kəʊˈædʒətənt)   adj   1 cooperating   ▷ n   2 a helper

coadjutor (kəʊˈædʒʊtə)   n   1 a bishop appointed as assistant to a diocesan bishop   2 rare an assistant [C15: via Old French from Latin co- together + adjūtor helper, from adjūtāre to assist, from juvāre to help]   > coˈadjutress or coˈadjutrix fem n

■ coadjutorship (kəʊˈædʒʊtəˌʃIp)   n   the state of being a coadjutor

coadmire (ˌkəʊədˈmaIə)   vb (tr)   to admire together

coadmit (ˌkəʊədˈmIt)   vb (tr)   to admit together

coadunate (kəʊˈædjʊnIt, -ˌneIt)   adj   biology another word for connate (sense 3) [C19: from Late Latin coadūnāre to join together, from Latin adūnāre to join to, from ūnus one]   > coˌaduˈnation n   > coˈaduˌnative adj

coaeval (kəʊˈiːvəl)   n   1 a contemporary   ▷ adj   2 contemporary

coagent (kəʊˈeIdʒənt)   n   1 an associate   ▷ adj   2 associating in an act with

■ coagency (kəʊˈeIdʒənsI)   n, pl -cies   a joint agency

coagulase (kəʊˈæɡjʊˌleIz)   n   any enzyme that causes coagulation of blood

coagulate   vb (kəʊˈæɡjʊˌleIt)   1 to cause (a fluid, such as blood) to change into a soft semisolid mass or (of such a fluid) to change into such a mass; clot; curdle   2 chem to separate or cause to separate into distinct constituent phases   ▷ n (kəʊˈæɡjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   3 the solid or semisolid substance produced by coagulation [C16: from Latin coāgulāre to make (a liquid) curdle, from coāgulum rennet, from cōgere to drive together]   > coˈagulable adj   > coˌagulaˈbility n   > coˌaguˈlation n   > coagulative (kəʊˈæɡjʊlətIv) or coagulatory (ˌkəʊæɡjʊˈleItərI) adj

■ coagulant (kəʊˈæɡjʊlənt) or coagulator (kəʊˈæɡjʊˌleItə)   n   a substance that aids or produces coagulation

■ coagulation factor   n   med another name for clotting factor

coagulum (kəʊˈæɡjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   any coagulated mass; clot; curd [C17: from Latin: curdling agent; see COAGULATE]

Coahuila (Spanish koaˈwila)   n   a state of N Mexico: mainly plateau, crossed by several mountain ranges that contain rich mineral resources. Capital: Saltillo. Pop: 2 295 808 (2000). Area: 151 571 sq km (59 112 sq miles)

coaita (kəʊˈaItə)   n   another name for spider monkey

coal (kəʊl)   n   1    a a combustible compact black or dark-brown carbonaceous rock formed from compaction of layers of partially decomposed vegetation: a fuel and a source of coke, coal gas, and coal tar. See also anthracite, bituminous coal, lignite, peat^1   b (as modifier): coal cellar; coal merchant; coal mine; coal dust   2 one or more lumps of coal   3 short for charcoal   4 coals to Newcastle something supplied where it is already plentiful   5 haul someone over the coals to reprimand someone   ▷ vb   6 to take in, provide with, or turn into coal [Old English col; related to Old Norse kol, Old High German kolo, Old Irish gūal]   > ˈcoaly adj

■ coalball (ˈkəʊlˌbɔːl)   n   a nodule of coal containing fossilized plant remains

■ coalbin (ˈkəʊlˌbIn)   n   a bin for holding coal

■ coal-black   adj   of a very dark black

■ coalbox (ˈkəʊlˌbɒks)   n   a box for holding coal

■ coal-burning   adj   fuelled by burning coal

■ coaldust (ˈkəʊldʌst)   n   fine particles of coal

■ coaler (ˈkəʊlə)   n   1 a ship, train, etc, used to carry or supply coal   2 a person who sells or supplies coal

■ coalface (ˈkəʊlˌfeIs)   n   the exposed seam of coal in a mine

■ coalfield (ˈkəʊlˌfiːld)   n   an area rich in deposits of coal

■ coalfish (ˈkəʊlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a dark-coloured gadoid food fish, Pollachius virens, occurring in northern seas. Also called (Brit): saithe, coley

■ coal gas   n   a mixture of gases produced by the distillation of bituminous coal and used for heating and lighting: consists mainly of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide

■ coal heaver   n   a workman who moves coal

■ coalhole (ˈkəʊlˌhəʊl)   n   Brit informal a small coal cellar

■ coalhouse (ˈkəʊlˌhaʊs)   n   a shed or building for storing coal

■ coalification (ˌkəʊlIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the compression, over time, of plant matter into coal

■ coalify (ˈkəʊlIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (intr)   to turn into coal

■ coalless (ˈkəʊllIs)   adj   without coal

■ coalman (ˈkəʊlmæn)   n, pl -men   a person who sells or delivers coal

■ coalmaster (ˈkəʊlˌmɑːstə)   n   the owner of a colliery

■ Coal Measures   pl n the Coal Measures   a series of coal-bearing rocks formed in the upper Carboniferous period; the uppermost series of the Carboniferous system

■ coalmine (ˈkəʊlˌmaIn)   n   a system of excavations made for the extraction of coal

■ coal miner's lung   n   an informal name for anthracosis

■ coal oil   n   1 US and Canadian petroleum or a refined product from petroleum, esp kerosene   2 a crude oil produced, together with coal gas, during the distillation of bituminous coal

■ coalpit (ˈkəʊlˌpIt)   n   another name for coalmine

■ coal pot   n   a cooking device using charcoal, consisting of a raised iron bowl and a central grid

■ coalsack (ˈkəʊlˌsæk)   n   a sack in which coal is carried

■ Coal Sack   n   a dark nebula in the Milky Way close to the Southern Cross

■ coal scuttle   n   a domestic metal container for coal

■ coalshed (ˈkəʊlˌʃɛd)   n   a shed in which coal is stored

■ coal tar   n   a black tar, produced by the distillation of bituminous coal, that can be further distilled to yield benzene, toluene, xylene, anthracene, phenol, etc

■ coal-tar pitch   n   a residue left by the distillation of coal tar: a mixture of hydrocarbons and finely divided carbon used as a binder for fuel briquettes, road surfaces, and carbon electrodes

■ coal tit   n   a small European songbird, Parus ater, having a black head with a white patch on the nape: family Paridae (tits)

■ coalyard (ˈkəʊlˌjɑːd)   n   an enclosed or open area used for the storage of coal

coalesce (ˌkəʊəˈlɛs)   vb   (intr) to unite or come together in one body or mass; merge; fuse; blend [C16: from Latin coalēscere from CO- + alēscere to increase, from alere to nourish]   > ˌcoaˈlescence n   > ˌcoaˈlescent adj

coalition (ˌkəʊəˈlIʃən)   n   1    a an alliance or union between groups, factions, or parties, esp for some temporary and specific reason   b (as modifier): a coalition government   2 a fusion or merging into one body or mass [C17: from Medieval Latin coalitiō, from Latin coalēscere to COALESCE]   > ˌcoaˈlitional adj   > ˌcoaˈlitionist or ˌcoaˈlitioner n

■ coalitionism (ˌkəʊəˈlIʃənIzəm)   n   the principle of governing by coalition

■ coalize or coalise (ˈkəʊəˌlaIz)   vb (intr)   to form a coalition

Coalport (ˈkəʊlˌpɔːt)   n   a white translucent bone china having richly coloured moulded patterns, made in the 19th century at Coalport near Shrewsbury

coaming (ˈkəʊmIŋ)   n   a raised frame around the cockpit or hatchway of a vessel for keeping out water [C17: of unknown origin]

coanchor (ˈkəˌæŋkə)   vb   (tr) to be one of the copresenters of (a television news programme)

coannex (ˌkəʊˈænɛks)   vb (tr)   to annex with something else

coappear (ˌkəʊəˈpIə)   vb (intr)   to appear jointly

coapt (ˌkəʊˈæpt)   vb (tr)   to secure; fit together

■ coaptation (ˌkəʊæpˈteIʃən)   n   the joining or reuniting of two surfaces, esp the ends of a broken bone or the edges of a wound [C16: from Late Latin coaptātiō a meticulous joining together, from Latin co- together + aptāre to fit]

coarb (ˈkəʊɑːb)   n   (in Celtic religions) a spiritual successor

coarctate (kəʊˈɑːkteIt)   adj   1 (of a pupa) enclosed in a hard barrel-shaped case (puparium), as in the housefly   2 crowded or pressed together; constricted   ▷ vb (intr)   3 pathol (esp of the aorta) to become narrower; become constricted [C15: from Latin coarctāre, to press together, from artus tight]   > ˌcoarcˈtation n

coarse (kɔːs)   adj   1 rough in texture, structure, etc; not fine: coarse sand   2 lacking refinement or taste; indelicate; vulgar: coarse jokes   3 of inferior quality; not pure or choice   4 (of a metal) not refined   5 (of a screw) having widely spaced threads [C14: of unknown origin]   > ˈcoarsely adv   > ˈcoarseness n

■ coarse fish   n   a freshwater fish that is not a member of the salmon family. Compare game fish   > coarse fishing n

■ coarse-grained   adj   1 having a large or coarse grain   2 (of a person) having a coarse nature; gross

■ coarsen (ˈkɔːsən)   vb   to make or become coarse

■ coarsish (ˈkɔːsIʃ)   adj   quite coarse

coassist (ˌkəʊəˈsIst)   vb (tr)   to assist jointly

coassume (ˌkəʊəˈsjuːm)   vb (tr)   to assume jointly

coast (kəʊst)   n   1    a the line or zone where the land meets the sea or some other large expanse of water   b (in combination): coastland. Related adjective: littoral   2 Brit the seaside   3 US   a a slope down which a sledge may slide   b the act or an instance of sliding down a slope   4 obsolete borderland or frontier   5 the coast is clear informal the obstacles or dangers are gone   ▷ vb   6 to move or cause to move by momentum or force of gravity   7 (intr) to proceed without great effort: to coast to victory   8 to sail along (a coast) [C13: from Old French coste coast, slope, from Latin costa side, rib]   > ˈcoastal adj   > ˈcoastally adv

■ coasteering (ˌkəʊˈstIərIŋ)   n   the sport of following a coastline by swimming, climbing, diving, and walking while wearing a wetsuit, a life jacket, and a helmet [C20: from COAST + (MOUNTAIN)EERING]

■ coastguard (ˈkəʊstˌɡɑːd)   n   1 a maritime force which aids shipping, saves lives at sea, prevents smuggling, etc   2 Also called: coastguardsman, coastguardman a member of such a force

■ coastland (ˈkəʊstˌlænd)   n   the land fringing a coast

■ coastline (ˈkəʊstˌlaIn)   n   the outline of a coast, esp when seen from the sea, or the land adjacent to it

■ Coast Mountains   pl n   a mountain range in Canada, on the Pacific coast of British Columbia. Highest peak: Mount Waddington, 4016 m (13 176 ft)

■ coastward (ˈkəʊstwəd) or coastwards (ˈkəʊstwədz)   adj, adv   towards the coast

■ coastwise (ˈkəʊstwaIz)   adj, adv   along the coast

coaster (ˈkəʊstə)   n   1 Brit a vessel or trader engaged in coastal commerce   2 a small tray, sometimes on wheels, for holding a decanter, wine bottle, etc   3 a person or thing that coasts   4 a protective disc or mat on which to place a glass or bottle   5 US short for roller-coaster   6 W African a European resident on the coast

Coaster (ˈkəʊstə)   n   NZ a person from the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand

coat (kəʊt)   n   1 an outdoor garment with sleeves, covering the body from the shoulder to waist, knee, or foot   2 any similar garment, esp one forming the top to a suit   3 a layer that covers or conceals a surface: a coat of dust   4 the hair, wool, or fur of an animal   5 short for coat of arms   6 on the coat Austral in disfavour   ▷ vb   7 (tr; often foll by with) to cover with a layer or covering   8 (tr) to provide with a coat [C16: from Old French cote of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon kotta, Old High German kozzo]

■ coat armour   n heraldry   1 a coat of arms   2 an emblazoned surcoat

■ coat dress or coatdress (ˈkəʊtˌdrɛs)   n   1 a lightweight button-through garment that can be worn either as a dress or as a coat   2 a dress tailored and styled like a coat

■ coated (ˈkəʊtId)   adj   1 covered with an outer layer, film, etc   2 (of paper) having a coating of a mineral, esp china clay, to provide a very smooth surface   3 (of textiles) having been given a plastic or other surface   4 photog, optics another word for bloomed

■ coatee (kəʊˈtiː, ˈkəʊtiː)   n   chiefly Brit a short coat, esp for a baby

■ coater (ˈkəʊtə)   n   a machine that applies a coating to something

■ coat hanger   n   a curved piece of wood, wire, plastic, etc, fitted with a hook and used to hang up clothes

■ coating (ˈkəʊtIŋ)   n   1 a layer or film spread over a surface for protection or decoration   2 a heavy fabric suitable for coats   3 Midland English dialect a severe rebuke; ticking-off

■ coatless (ˈkəʊtlIs)   adj   without a coat or coat of arms

■ coat of arms   n   1 the heraldic bearings of a person, family, or corporation   2 a surcoat decorated with family or personal bearings

■ coat of mail   n   a protective garment made of linked metal rings (mail) or of overlapping metal plates; hauberk

■ coat-of-mail shell   n   another name for chiton (sense 2)

■ coatrack   n   another name for coatstand

■ coatroom (ˈkəʊtˌrʊm, ˈkəʊtˌruːm)   n   a cloakroom

■ coatstand (ˈkəʊtˌstænd)   n   a frame or pole equipped with hooks or arms for hanging up coats, etc

■ coat-tail   n   1 the long tapering tails at the back of a man's tailed coat   2 on someone's coat-tails thanks to the popularity or success of someone else

Coatbridge (ˈkəʊtˌbrIdʒ; Scottish ˌkəʊtˈbrIdʒ)   n   an industrial town in central Scotland, in North Lanarkshire. Pop: 41 170 (2001)

Coates (kəʊts)   n   Joseph Gordon. 1878–1943, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1925–28)

coati (kəʊˈɑːtI), coati-mondi or coati-mundi (kəʊˌɑːtIˈmʌndI)   n, pl -tis or -dis   any omnivorous mammal of the genera Nasua and Nasuella, of Central and South America: family Procyonidae, order Carnivora (carnivores). They are related to but larger than the raccoons, having a long flexible snout and a brindled coat [C17: from Portuguese coatì, from Tupi, literally: belt-nosed, from cua belt + tim nose]

coattend (ˌkəʊəˈtɛnd)   vb (tr)   to attend jointly

coattest (ˌkəʊəˈtɛst)   vb (intr)   to attest jointly

coauthor (kəʊˈɔːθə)   n   1 a person who shares the writing of a book, article, etc, with another   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to be the joint author of (a book, article, etc)

■ co-authorship   n   the state a coauthor

coax^1 (kəʊks)   vb   1 to seek to manipulate or persuade (someone) by tenderness, flattery, pleading, etc   2 (tr) to obtain by persistent coaxing   3 (tr) to work on or tend (something) carefully and patiently so as to make it function as one desires: he coaxed the engine into starting   4 (tr) obsolete to caress   5 (tr) obsolete to deceive [C16: verb formed from obsolete noun cokes fool, of unknown origin]   > ˈcoaxer n   > ˈcoaxingly adv

■ coaxing (ˈkəʊksIŋ)   n   1 the act of persuading by tenderness, flattery, pleading, etc   ▷ adj   2 serving to persuade or manipulate

coax^2 (ˈkəʊæks)   n   short for coaxial cable

coaxial (kəʊˈæksIəl) or coaxal (kəʊˈæksəl)   adj   1 having or being mounted on a common axis   2 geometry (of a set of circles) having all the centres on a straight line   3 electronics formed from, using, or connected to a coaxial cable

■ coaxial cable   n   a cable consisting of an inner insulated core of stranded or solid wire surrounded by an outer insulated flexible wire braid, used esp as a transmission line for radio-frequency signals. Often shortened to: coax

■ coaxially (kəʊˈæksIəlI)   adv   in a coaxial manner

cob^1 (kɒb)   n   1 a male swan   2 a thickset short-legged type of riding and draught horse   3 short for corncob, corncob pipe, cobnut   4 Brit another name for hazel (sense 1)   5 a small rounded lump or heap of coal, ore, etc   6 Brit and NZ a building material consisting of a mixture of clay and chopped straw   7 Also called: cob loaf Brit a round loaf of bread   ▷ vb cobs, cobbing, cobbed   8 (tr) Brit informal to beat, esp on the buttocks [C15: of uncertain origin; probably related to Icelandic kobbi seal; see CUB]

■ cob money   n   crude silver coins issued in the Spanish colonies of the New World from about 1600 until 1820

■ cobnut (ˈkɒbˌnʌt) or cob   n   other names for a hazelnut [C16: from earlier cobylle nut; see COBBLE^1, NUT]

cob^2 or cobb (kɒb)   n   an archaic or dialect name for the greater black-backed gull (Larus marinus). See also gull^1 [C16: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kob, kobbe]

cobaea (kəʊˈbiːə)   n   any climbing shrub of the tropical American genus Cobaea, esp C. scandens, grown for its large trumpet-shaped purple or white flowers: family Polemoniaceae [named after Bernabé Cobo (1572–1659), Jesuit missionary and naturalist]

cobalamin (kəʊˈbæləmIn)   n   vitamin B_12

cobalt (ˈkəʊbɔːlt)   n   a brittle hard silvery-white element that is a ferromagnetic metal: occurs principally in cobaltite and smaltite and is widely used in alloys. The radioisotope cobalt-60, with a half-life of 5.3 years, is used in radiotherapy and as a tracer. Symbol: Co; atomic no: 27; atomic wt: 58.93320; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 8.9; melting pt: 1495°C; boiling pt: 2928°C [C17: German Kobalt, from Middle High German kobolt goblin; from the miners' belief that malicious goblins placed it in the silver ore]

■ cobalt bloom   n   another name for erythrite (sense 1)

■ cobalt blue   n   1 Also called: Thénard's blue any greenish-blue pigment containing cobalt aluminate, usually made by heating cobaltous sulphate, aluminium oxide, and phosphoric acid together   2    a a deep blue to greenish-blue colour   b (as adjective): a cobalt-blue car

■ cobalt bomb   n   1 a cobalt-60 device used in radiotherapy   2 a nuclear weapon consisting of a hydrogen bomb encased in cobalt, which releases large quantities of radioactive cobalt-60 into the atmosphere

■ cobaltic (kəʊˈbɔːltIk)   adj   of or containing cobalt, esp in the trivalent state

■ cobaltiferous (ˌkəʊbɔːlˈtIfərəs)   adj   containing cobalt

■ cobaltite (kəʊˈbɔːltaIt, ˈkəʊbɔːlˌtaIt) or cobaltine (ˈkəʊbɔːlˌtiːn, -tIn)   n   a rare silvery-white mineral consisting of cobalt arsenic sulphide in cubic crystalline form: a major ore of cobalt, used in ceramics. Formula: CoAsS

■ cobaltous (kəʊˈbɔːltəs)   adj   of or containing cobalt in the divalent state

cobber (ˈkɒbə)   n   Austral and NZ informal a friend; mate: used as a term of address to males [C19: from dialect cob to take a liking to someone]

Cobbett (ˈkɒbIt)   n   William. 1763–1835, English journalist and social reformer; founded The Political Register (1802); author of Rural Rides (1830)

cobble^1 (ˈkɒbəl)   n   1 short for cobblestone   2 geology a rock fragment, often rounded, with a diameter of 64–256 mm and thus smaller than a boulder but larger than a pebble   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to pave (a road) with cobblestones [C15 (in cobblestone): from COB^1]   > ˈcobbled adj

■ cobbles (ˈkɒbəlz)   pl n   1 coal in small rounded lumps   2 cobblestones

■ cobblestone (ˈkɒbəlˌstəʊn)   n   a rounded stone used for paving. Sometimes shortened to: cobble. Compare sett

cobble^2 (ˈkɒbəl)   vb (tr)   1 to make or mend (shoes)   2 to put together clumsily [C15: back formation from COBBLER^1]

cobbler^1 (ˈkɒblə)   n   a person who makes or mends shoes [C13 (as surname): of unknown origin]

■ cobblers (ˈkɒbləz) Brit slang   pl n   1 rubbish; nonsense: a load of old cobblers   2 another word for testicles. See testicle   ▷ interj   3 an exclamation of strong disagreement [C20: from rhyming slang cobblers' awls balls]

USAGE

The use of cobblers meaning 'nonsense' is so mild that hardly anyone these days is likely to be offended by it. Most people are probably unaware of its rhyming-slang association with 'balls', and therefore take it at its face value as a more colourful synonym for 'nonsense'. The classic formulation 'a load of (old) cobblers' seems to be particularly popular in the tabloid press

■ cobbler's pegs (pɛɡz)   pl n   a common Australian weed, Bidens pilosa, with spiky peglike awns

■ cobbler's wax   n   a resin used for waxing thread

■ cobblery (ˈkɒblərI)   n   the occupation of shoemaking or shoemending

cobbler^2 (ˈkɒblə)   n   1 a sweetened iced drink, usually made from fruit and wine or liqueur   2 chiefly US a hot dessert made of fruit covered with a rich cakelike crust [C19: (for sense 1) perhaps shortened from cobbler's punch; (for both senses) compare cobble (vb)]

cobby (ˈkɒbI)   adj -bier, -biest   1 stocky   2 obstinate

Cobden (ˈkɒbdən)   n   Richard. 1804–65, British economist and statesman: with John Bright a leader of the successful campaign to abolish the Corn Laws (1846)

cobelligerent (ˌkəʊbIˈlIdʒərənt)   n   a country fighting in a war on the side of another country

Cóbh (kəʊv)   n   a port in S Republic of Ireland, in SE Co Cork: port of call for Atlantic liners. Pop: 9811 (2002). Former name (1849–1922): Queenstown

Cobham (ˈkɒbəm)   n   Lord Cobham title of Sir John Oldcastle. See Oldcastle

cobia (ˈkəʊbIə)   n   a large dark-striped percoid game fish, Rachycentron canadum, of tropical and subtropical seas: family Rachycentridae [of unknown origin]

coble (ˈkəʊbəl, ˈkɒbəl)   n   Scot and Northern English a small single-masted flat-bottomed fishing boat [C13: probably of Celtic origin; compare Welsh ceubal skiff]

Coblenz (German ˈkoːblɛnts)   n   a variant spelling of Koblenz

COBOL or Cobol (ˈkəʊˌbɒl)   n   a high-level computer programming language designed for general commercial use [C20: co(mmon) b(usiness) o(riented) l(anguage)]

cobra (ˈkəʊbrə)   n   1 any highly venomous elapid snake of the genus Naja, such as N. naja (Indian cobra), of tropical Africa and Asia. When alarmed they spread the skin of the neck region into a hood   2 any related snake, such as the king cobra [C19: from Portuguese cobra (de capello) snake (with a hood), from Latin colubra snake]

■ cobra de capello (diː kəˈpɛləʊ)   n, pl cobras de capello   a cobra, Naja tripudians, that has ringlike markings on the body and exists in many varieties in S and SE Asia

■ cobric (ˈkɒbrIk)   adj   relating to a poisonous substance in cobra venom

■ cobriform (ˈkəʊbrIˌfɔːm)   adj   cobra-like

COBRA (ˈkəʊbrə)   n acronym for   (in the UK) Cabinet Office Briefing Room A: the civil contingencies committee that leads the UK's responses to crises such as terrorist attacks and epidemics

coburg (ˈkəʊˌbɜːɡ)   n   (sometimes capital) a rounded loaf with a cross cut on the top. Also called: coburg loaf [C19: apparently named in honour of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the name of the British royal family from 1901–1917]

Coburg (ˈkəʊbɜːɡ; German ˈkoːbʊrk)   n   a city in E Germany, in N Bavaria. Pop: 42 257 (2003 est)

cobweb (ˈkɒbˌwɛb)   n   1 a web spun by certain spiders, esp those of the family Theridiidae, often found in the corners of disused rooms   2 a single thread of such a web   3 something like a cobweb, as in its flimsiness or ability to trap [C14 cob, from coppe, from Old English (ātor)coppe spider; related to Middle Dutch koppe spider, Swedish (dialect) etterkoppa]   > ˈcobˌwebbed adj   > ˈcobˌwebby adj

■ cobwebbery (ˌkɒbˈwɛbərI)   n   1 the texture of cobwebs   2 the spinning of cobwebs

■ cobwebs (ˈkɒbˌwɛbz)   pl n   1 mustiness, confusion, or obscurity   2 informal stickiness of the eyelids experienced upon first awakening

cobza (ˈkɒbzə)   n   a lute-like instrument of Romania

coca (ˈkəʊkə)   n   1 either of two shrubs, Erythroxylon coca or E. truxiuense, native to the Andes: family Erythroxylaceae   2 the dried leaves of these shrubs and related plants, which contain cocaine and are chewed by the peoples of the Andes for their stimulating effects [C17: from Spanish, from Quechuan kúka]

■ Coca-Cola (ˌkəʊkəˈkəʊlə)   n   1 trademark a carbonated soft drink flavoured with coca leaves, cola nuts, caramel, etc   2 (modifier) denoting the spread of American culture and values to other parts of the world: Coca-Cola generation

cocaine or cocain (kəˈkeIn)   n   an addictive narcotic drug derived from coca leaves or synthesized, used medicinally as a topical anaesthetic. Formula: C_17H_21NO_4 [C19: from COCA + -INE^1]

■ cocainism (kəʊˈkeInIzəm)   n   rare addiction to cocaine

■ cocainist (kəˈkeInIst)   n   a cocaine addict

■ cocainize or cocainise (kəʊˈkeIˌnaIz, ˈkəʊkəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to anaesthetize with cocaine   > ˌcocainiˈzation or coˌcainiˈsation n

co-captain   n   1 a joint captain   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to captain jointly

cocarboxylase (ˌkəʊkɑːˈbɒksIˌleIz)   n   thiamine pyrophosphate

cocarcinogen (ˌkəʊkɑːˈsInədʒən, ˌkəʊˈkɑːsInəˌdʒɛn)   n   a substance that can promote cancer when acting with other substances, but which does not promote cancer by itself

■ cocarcinogenic (ˌkəʊkɑːˈsInəˌdʒɛnIk, ˌkəʊˈkɑːsInəˌdʒɛnIk)   adj   of or relating to a cocarcinogen

cocatalyst (ˌkəʊˈkætəlIst)   n   a substance that acts in tandem with another as a catalyst

cocci (ˈkɒksaI)   n   the plural of coccus

coccid (ˈkɒksId)   n   any homopterous insect of the superfamily Coccoidea, esp any of the family Coccidae, which includes the scale insects [C19: from New Latin Coccidae; see COCCUS]

coccidioidomycosis (kɒkˌsIdIˌɔIdəʊmaIˈkəʊsIs)   n   a disease of the skin or viscera, esp the lungs, caused by infection with the fungus Coccidioides immitis [C20: from New Latin Coccidioides + -O- + MYCOSIS]

coccidiosis (kɒkˌsIdIˈəʊsIs)   n   any disease of domestic and other animals caused by introcellular parasitic protozoa of the order Coccidia. One species, Isospora hominis, can infect humans [C19: from New Latin; see COCCUS, -OSIS]

■ coccidiostat (kɒkˈsIdIəʊˌstæt)   n   a drug used to treat coccidiosis

coccidium (kɒkˈsIdIəm)   n   any parasitic protozoan of the order Coccidia

cocciferous (kɒkˈsIfərəs)   adj   obsolete (of a plant) bearing berries

coccineous (kɒkˈsInIəs)   adj   bright red

cocco (ˈkɒkəʊ)   n   the tuber of the taro plant

coccolite (ˈkɒkəˌlaIt)   n   a variety of pyroxene

coccolith (ˈkɒkəlIθ)   n   any of the round calcareous plates in chalk formations: formed the outer layer of unicellular plankton [C19: New Latin, from Greek kokkos berry + lithos stone]

coccus (ˈkɒkəs)   n, pl -ci (-saI)   1 any spherical or nearly spherical bacterium, such as a staphylococcus. Compare bacillus (sense 1), spirillum (sense 1)   2 the part of a fruit that contains one seed and separates from the whole fruit at maturity   3 any of the scale insects of the genus Coccus [C18: from New Latin, from Greek kokkos berry, grain]   > ˈcoccoid, cocˈcoidal, ˈcoccal or coccic (ˈkɒksIk) adj   > ˈcoccous adj

coccyx (ˈkɒksIks)   n, pl coccyges (kɒkˈsaIdʒiːz)   a small triangular bone at the end of the spinal column in humans and some apes, representing a vestigial tail [C17: from New Latin, from Greek kokkux cuckoo, of imitative origin; from the likeness of the bone to a cuckoo's beak]   > coccygeal (kɒkˈsIdʒIəl) or coccygian (kɒkˈsIdʒIən) adj

Cochabamba (Spanish kotʃaˈβamba)   n   a city in central Bolivia. Pop: 561 000 (2005 est)

cochair (ˌkəʊˈtʃɛə)   vb (tr)   to chair jointly

■ cochairman   n, pl -men   a person who cochairs an organization

■ cochairmanship   n   the position of being one of the two chairmen of an organization

■ cochairperson (ˌkəʊˈtʃɛəˌpɜːsən)   n   a person who cochairs an organization

■ cochairwoman (ˌkəʊˈtʃɛəˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman who cochairs an organization

cochampion (ˌkəʊˈtʃæmpIən)   n   a joint champion

co-channel (ˈkəʊˌtʃænəl)   adj   denoting or relating to a radio transmission that is on the same frequency channel as another: co-channel interference

Cochin (ˈkəʊtʃIn, ˈkɒtʃ-)   n   1 a region and former state of SW India: part of Kerala state since 1956   2 a port in SW India, on the Malabar Coast: the first European settlement in India, founded by Vasco da Gama in 1502: shipbuilding, engineering. Pop: 596 473 (2001). Local official name: Kochi   3 a large breed of domestic fowl, with dense plumage and feathered legs, that originated in Cochin China

■ Cochin China   n   a former French colony of Indochina (1862–1948): now the part of Vietnam that lies south of Phan Thiet

cochineal (ˌkɒtʃIˈniːl, ˈkɒtʃIˌniːl)   n   1 Also called: cochineal insect a Mexican homopterous insect, Dactylopius coccus, that feeds on cacti   2 a crimson substance obtained from the crushed bodies of these insects, used for colouring food and for dyeing   3    a the colour of this dye   b (as adjective): cochineal shoes [C16: from Old Spanish cochinilla, from Latin coccineus scarlet-coloured, from coccum cochineal kermes, from Greek kokkos kermes berry]

Cochise (kəʊˈtʃiːs, -ˈtʃiːz)   n   died 1874, Apache chief

cochlea (ˈkɒklIə)   n, pl -leae (-lIˌiː)   the spiral tube, shaped like a snail's shell, that forms part of the internal ear, converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses [C16: from Latin: snail, spiral, from Greek kokhlias; probably related to Greek konkhē CONCH]   > ˈcochlear adj

■ cochleariform (ˌkɒklIˈɛərIˌfɔːm)   adj   having a spoon shape

■ cochlear implant (ˈkɒklIə)   n   a device that stimulates the acoustic nerve in the inner ear in order to produce some form of hearing in people who are deaf from inner ear disease

■ cochleate (ˈkɒklIˌeIt, -lIIt) or cochleated (ˈkɒklIˌeItId)   adj   biology shaped like a snail's shell; spirally twisted

cocinera (ˌkəʊsiːˈnɛərə; Spanish kosiˈnera)   n   (in Mexico) a female cook

cock^1 (kɒk)   n   1 the male of the domestic fowl   2    a any other male bird   b the male of certain other animals, such as the lobster   c (as modifier): a cock sparrow   3 short for stopcock, weathercock   4 a taboo slang word for penis   5    a the hammer of a firearm   b its position when the firearm is ready to be discharged   6 Brit informal a friend, mate, or fellow   7 a jaunty or significant tilting or turning upwards: a cock of the head   8 Brit informal nonsense   ▷ vb   9 (tr) to set the firing pin, hammer, or breech block of (a firearm) so that a pull on the trigger will release it and thus fire the weapon   10 (tr) to set the shutter mechanism of (a camera) so that the shutter can be tripped by pressing the shutter-release button   11 (tr; sometimes foll by up) to raise in an alert or jaunty manner   12 (intr) to stick or stand up conspicuously [Old English cocc (referring to the male fowl; the development of C15 sense spout, tap, and other transferred senses is not clear), ultimately of imitative origin; related to Old Norse kokkr, French coq, Late Latin coccus]

■ cockade (kɒˈkeId)   n   a feather or ribbon worn on military headwear [C18: changed from earlier cockard, from French cocarde, feminine of cocard arrogant, strutting, from coq COCK^1]   > cockˈaded adj

■ cock-a-doodle-doo (ˌkɒkəˌduːdəlˈduː)   interj   an imitation or representation of a cock crowing

■ cock-a-hoop   adj (usually postpositive)   1 in very high spirits   2 boastful   3 askew; confused [C16: perhaps from the phrase to set the cock a hoop to live prodigally, literally: to put a cock on a hoop, a full measure of grain]

■ cock-a-leekie (ˌkɒkəˈliːkI)   n   a variant of cockieleekie

■ cockalorum (ˌkɒkəˈlɔːrəm)   n   1 a self-important little man   2 bragging talk; crowing [C18: from COCK^1 + -alorum, a variant of Latin genitive plural ending -orum; perhaps intended to suggest: the cock of all cocks]

■ cock-and-bull story   n   informal an obviously improbable story, esp a boastful one or one used as an excuse

■ cockapoo (ˈkɒkəˌpuː)   n, pl -poos   a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle

■ cockatiel or cockateel (ˌkɒkəˈtiːl)   n   a crested Australian parrot, Leptolophus hollandicus, having a greyish-brown and yellow plumage [C19: from Dutch kaketielje, from Portuguese cacatilha a little cockatoo, from cacatua COCKATOO]

■ cockatoo (ˌkɒkəˈtuː, ˈkɒkəˌtuː)   n, pl -toos   1 any of various parrots of the genus Kakatoe and related genera, such as K. galerita (sulphur-crested cockatoo), of Australia and New Guinea. They have an erectile crest and most of them are light-coloured   2 Austral and NZ a small farmer or settler   3 Austral informal a lookout during some illegal activity [C17: from Dutch kaketoe, from Malay kakatua]

■ cockatrice (ˈkɒkətrIs, -ˌtraIs)   n   1 a legendary monster, part snake and part cock, that could kill with a glance   2 another name for basilisk (sense 1) [C14: from Old French cocatris, from Medieval Latin cocatrix, from Late Latin calcātrix trampler, tracker (translating Greek ikhneumon ICHNEUMON), from Latin calcāre to tread, from calx heel]

■ cockbill (ˈkɒkˌbIl)   vb (tr)   to tilt up one end of

■ cockbird (ˈkɒkˌbɜːd)   n   a male bird

■ cockchafer (ˈkɒkˌtʃeIfə)   n   any of various Old World scarabaeid beetles, esp Melolontha melolontha of Europe, whose larvae feed on crops and grasses. Also called: May beetle, May bug [C18: from COCK^1 + CHAFER]

■ cockcrow (ˈkɒkˌkrəʊ) or cockcrowing   n   daybreak

■ cocked hat   n   1 a hat with opposing brims turned up and caught together in order to give two points (bicorn) or three points (tricorn)   2 knock into a cocked hat slang to outdo or defeat

■ cocker^1 (ˈkɒkə)   n   1 a devotee of cockfighting   2 short for cocker spaniel

■ cockerel (ˈkɒkərəl, ˈkɒkrəl)   n   a young domestic cock, usually less than a year old [C15: diminutive of COCK^1]

■ cocker spaniel   n   a small compact breed of spaniel having sleek silky fur, a domed head, and long fringed ears [C19 cocker, from cocking hunting woodcocks]

■ cockeye (ˈkɒkˌaI)   n   informal an eye affected with strabismus or one that squints

■ cockeye bob or cockeyed bob   n   Austral slang a sudden storm or cyclone

■ cockeyed (ˈkɒkˌaId)   adj informal   1 having cross-eye, squint, or any other visible abnormality of the eyes   2 appearing to be physically or logically abnormal, absurd, etc; crooked; askew: cockeyed ideas   3 drunk

■ cockeyedly (ˈkɒkˌaIdlI)   adv   in a cockeyed manner

■ cockeyedness (ˈkɒkˌaIdnəs)   n   the condition of being cockeyed

■ cock feather   n   archery the odd-coloured feather set on the shaft of an arrow at right angles to the nock. Compare shaft feather

■ cockfight (ˈkɒkˌfaIt)   n   a fight between two gamecocks fitted with sharp metal spurs   > ˈcockˌfighting n

■ cockhorse (ˌkɒkˈhɔːs)   n   another name for rocking horse, hobbyhorse

■ cockieleekie, cockyleeky or cock-a-leekie (ˈkɒkəˈliːkI)   n   Scot a soup made from a fowl boiled with leeks

■ cockiness (ˈkɒkInIs)   n   conceited self-assurance

■ cockish (ˈkɒkIʃ)   adj   1 wanton   2 resembling a cock   3 cocky; assertive

■ cockleert (ˈkɒklIərt)   n   a Southwest English dialect variant of cockcrow

■ cocklike (ˈkɒklaIk)   adj   resembling a cock

■ cockloft (ˈkɒkˌlɒft)   n   a small loft, garret, or attic

■ cockmatch (ˈkɒkˌmætʃ)   n   a cockfight

■ cock-of-the-rock   n   either of two tropical South American birds, Rupicola rupicola or R. peruviana, having an erectile crest and (in the male) a brilliant red or orange plumage: family Cotingidae (cotingas)

■ cock of the walk   n   informal a person who asserts himself or herself in a strutting pompous way

■ cockpit (ˈkɒkˌpIt)   n   1 the compartment in a small aircraft in which the pilot, crew, and sometimes the passengers sit. Compare flight deck (sense 1)   2 the driver's compartment in a racing car   3 nautical   a an enclosed or recessed area towards the stern of a small vessel from which it is steered   b (formerly) an apartment in a warship used as quarters for junior officers and as a first-aid station during combat   4 the site of numerous battles or campaigns   5 an enclosure used for cockfights

■ cock rock   n   slang an aggressive style of rock music performed by male bands

■ cockscomb or coxcomb (ˈkɒksˌkəʊm)   n   1 the comb of a domestic cock   2 an amaranthaceous garden or pot plant, Celosia cristata, with yellow, crimson, or purple feathery plumelike flowers in a broad spike resembling the comb of a cock   3 any similar species of Celosia   4 informal a conceited dandy

■ cocksfoot (ˈkɒksˌfʊt)   n, pl -foots   a perennial Eurasian grass, Dactylis glomerata, cultivated as a pasture grass in North America and South Africa

■ cockshot (ˈkɒkˌʃɒt)   n   another name for cockshy

■ cockshut (ˈkɒkˌʃʌt)   n   dusk

■ cockshy (ˈkɒkˌʃaI)   n, pl -shies Brit   1 a target aimed at in throwing games   2 the throw itself.   ▶ Often shortened to: shy [C18: from shying (throwing objects at) a cock, which was given as a prize to the person who hit it]

■ cocksiness (ˈkɒksInIs)   n   the state of being cocksy

■ cockspur (ˈkɒkˌspɜː)   n   1 a spur on the leg of a cock   2 an annual grass, Echinochloa crus-galli, widely distributed in tropical and warm temperate regions   3 a small thorny North American hawthorn tree, Crataegus crus-galli

■ cocksucker (ˈkɒkˌsʌkə)   n taboo, derogatory, slang   1 a very despicable person   2 a person who performs fellatio

■ cocksure (ˌkɒkˈʃʊə, -ˈʃɔː)   adj   overconfident; arrogant [C16: of uncertain origin]   > ˌcockˈsurely adv   > ˌcockˈsureness n

■ cockswain (ˈkɒksən, -ˌsweIn)   n   a variant spelling of coxswain

■ cocksy (ˈkɒksI)   adj cocksier, cocksiest   cocky

■ cock-teaser   n   taboo, derogatory, slang a person who acts flirtatiously with a man and appears to be sexually available, but does not engage in sexual activity

■ cockthrowing (ˈkɒkˌθrəʊIŋ)   n   Brit history the former sport of knocking down, or killing, a cock that is tied to a post

■ cockup (ˈkɒkˌʌp)   n   1 Brit slang something done badly   ▷ vb cock up (tr, adverb)   2 (of an animal) to raise (its ears), esp in an alert manner   3 Brit slang to botch

■ cocky^2 (ˈkɒkI)   adj cockier, cockiest   excessively proud of oneself   > ˈcockily adv

■ cockyleeky (ˈkɒkəˈliːkI)   n   a variant spelling of cockieleekie

■ cocky's joy   n   Austral slang golden syrup

cock^2 (kɒk)   n   1 a small, cone-shaped heap of hay, straw, etc   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to stack (hay, straw, etc) in such heaps [C14 (in Old English, cocc is attested in place names): perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian kok, Danish dialect kok]

cocker (ˈkɒkə)   vb   1 (tr) rare to pamper or spoil by indulgence   ▷ n   2 Brit informal a mate (esp in the phrase old cocker) [C15: perhaps from COCK^1 with the sense: to make a cock (i.e. pet) of]

cocky (ˈkɒkI)   n, pl cockies Austral informal   1 short for cockatoo (sense 2)   2 a farmer whose farm is regarded as small or of little account

cockabully (ˌkɒkəˈbʊlI)   n, pl -lies   any of several small freshwater fish of New Zealand [from Māori kokopu]

Cockaigne or Cockayne (kɒˈkeIn)   n   medieval legend an imaginary land of luxury and idleness [C14: from Old French cocaigne, from Middle Low German kōkenje small CAKE (of which the houses in the imaginary land are built); related to Spanish cucaña, Italian cuccagna]

cockamamie or cockamamy (ˌkɒkəˈmeImI)   adj   slang, chiefly US ridiculous or nonsensical: a cockamamie story [C20: in an earlier sense: a paper transfer, prob. a variant of DECALCOMANIA]

cockboat (ˈkɒkˌbəʊt) or cockleboat (ˈkɒkəlˌbəʊt)   n   any small boat [C15 cokbote, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin caudica dug-out canoe, from Latin caudex tree trunk]

Cockcroft (ˈkɒkˌkrɒft)   n   Sir John Douglas. 1897–1967, English nuclear physicist. With E. T. S. Walton, he produced the first artificial transmutation of an atomic nucleus (1932) and shared the Nobel prize for physics 1951

Cocker (ˈkɒkə)   n   according to Cocker reliable or reliably; correct or correctly [from Edward Cocker (1631–75), English arithmetician]

Cockerell (ˈkɒkərəl)   n   Sir Christopher Sydney. 1910–99, British engineer, who invented the hovercraft

cockernony (ˈkɒkəˌnɒnI)   n   Scot archaic a woman's hairstyle in which the hair is gathered up in a band

cocket (ˈkɒkIt)   n   1 a document issued by a customs officer   2 English a type of bread

cockle^1 (ˈkɒkəl)   n   1 any sand-burrowing bivalve mollusc of the family Cardiidae, esp Cardium edule (edible cockle) of Europe, typically having a rounded shell with radiating ribs   2 any of certain similar or related molluscs   3 short for cockleshell (sense 1)   4 a wrinkle or puckering, as in cloth or paper   5 a small furnace or stove   6 cockles of one's heart one's deepest feelings (esp in the phrase warm the cockles of one's heart)   ▷ vb   7 to contract or cause to contract into wrinkles [C14: from Old French coquille shell, from Latin conchӯlium shellfish, from Greek konkhulion, diminutive of konkhule mussel; see CONCH]

■ cockleboat (ˈkɒkəlˌbəʊt)   n   another word for cockboat

■ cockleman (ˈkɒkəlˌmæn)   n   a man who collects cockles

■ cockler (ˈkɒklə)   n   a person employed to gather cockles from the seashore

■ cockleshell (ˈkɒkəlˌʃɛl)   n   1 the shell of the cockle   2 any of the valves of the shells of certain other bivalve molluscs, such as the scallop   3 any small light boat   4 a badge worn by pilgrims

cockle^2 (ˈkɒkəl)   n   any of several plants, esp the corn cockle, that grow as weeds in cornfields

■ cocklebur (ˈkɒkəlˌbɜː)   n   1 any coarse weed of the genus Xanthium, having spiny burs: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 the bur of any of these plants

cockney (ˈkɒknI)   n   1 (often capital) a native of London, esp of the working class born in the East End, speaking a characteristic dialect of English. Traditionally defined as someone born within the sound of the bells of St Mary-le-Bow church   2 the urban dialect of London or its East End   3 Austral a young snapper fish   ▷ adj   4 characteristic of cockneys or their dialect of English [C14: from cokeney, literally: cock's egg, later applied contemptuously to townsmen, from cokene, genitive plural of cok COCK^1 + ey EGG^1]   > ˈcockneyish adj

■ cockney bream   n   Austral a young snapper fish

■ cockneydom (ˈkɒknIdəm)   n   cockneys considered together as a group

■ cockneyfy or cocknify (ˈkɒknIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to cause (one's speech, manners, etc) to fit the stereotyped idea of a cockney   > ˌcockneyfiˈcation or ˌcocknifiˈcation n

■ cockneyism (ˈkɒknIˌIzəm)   n   a characteristic of speech or custom peculiar to cockneys

cockroach (ˈkɒkˌrəʊtʃ)   n   any insect of the suborder Blattodea (or Blattaria), such as Blatta orientalis (oriental cockroach or black beetle): order Dictyoptera. They have an oval flattened body with long antennae and biting mouthparts and are common household pests. See also German cockroach, mantis [C17: from Spanish cucaracha, of obscure origin]

cocktail^1 (ˈkɒkˌteIl)   n   1    a any mixed drink with a spirit base, usually drunk before meals   b (as modifier): the cocktail hour   2 an appetizer of seafood, mixed fruits, etc   3 any combination of diverse elements, esp one considered potent   4 (modifier) appropriate for formal occasions: a cocktail dress [C19: of unknown origin]

■ cocktail lounge   n   a room in a hotel, restaurant, etc, where cocktails or other alcoholic drinks are served

■ cocktail stick   n   a small pointed stick used for holding cherries, olives, etc, in cocktails, and for serving snacks, such as small sausages

cocktail^2 (ˈkɒkˌteIl)   n   1 a horse with a docked tail   2 an animal of unknown or mixed breeding   3 archaic a person of little breeding pretending to be a gentleman [C19: originally cocktailed (adj) having a tail like a cock's]

coco (ˈkəʊkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   short for coconut, coconut palm [C16: from Portuguese coco grimace; from the likeness of the three holes of the nut to a face]

■ coco de mer (də ˈmɛə)   n   1 a palm tree, Lodoicea maldivica, of the Seychelles, producing a large fruit containing a two-lobed edible nut   2 the nut of this palm   ▶ Also called: double coconut [French: coconut of the sea]

■ cocomat (ˈkəʊkəʊˌmæt)   n   a mat made from coconut fibre

cocoa (ˈkəʊkəʊ) or cacao   n   1 a powder made from cocoa beans after they have been roasted, ground, and freed from most of their fatty oil   2 a hot or cold drink made from cocoa and milk or water   3    a a light to moderate brown colour   b (as adjective): cocoa paint [C18: altered from CACAO]

■ cocoa bean   n   the seed of the cacao. Also called: cacao bean

■ cocoa butter   n   a yellowish-white waxy solid that is obtained from cocoa beans and used for confectionery, soap, etc. Also called: cacao butter

cocobola (ˈkəʊkəʊˌbəʊlə)   n   timber from trees of the genus Delbergia, including rosewood

cocomposer (ˌkəʊkəmˈpəʊzə)   n   a fellow composer

coconscious (ˌkəʊˈkɒnʃəs)   n   1 a division within the subconscious   ▷ adj   2 relating to a combination of experiences within a single consciousness

■ coconsciousness (ˌkəʊˈkɒnʃəsnəs)   n   the state or position of being coconscious

coconspirator (ˌkəʊkənˈspIrətə)   n   a fellow conspirator

coconut or cocoanut (ˈkəʊkəˌnʌt)   n   1 the fruit of the coconut palm, consisting of a thick fibrous oval husk inside which is a thin hard shell enclosing edible white meat. The hollow centre is filled with a milky fluid (coconut milk)   2    a the meat of the coconut, often shredded and used in cakes, curries, etc   b (as modifier): coconut cake   3 offensive, slang a black or Asian person who conforms to white culture at the expense of his or her ancestral culture, the idea being that, like a coconut, he or she is dark on the outside and white on the inside [C18: see COCO]

■ coconut butter   n   a solid form of coconut oil

■ coconut ice   n   a sweetmeat made from desiccated coconut and sugar

■ coconut matting   n   a form of coarse matting made from the fibrous husk of the coconut

■ coconut oil   n   the fatty oil obtained from the meat of the coconut and used for making soap, cosmetics, etc

■ coconut palm   n   a tall palm tree, Cocos nucifera, widely planted throughout the tropics, having coconuts as fruits. Also called: coco palm, coconut tree

■ coconut shy   n   a fairground stall in which balls are thrown to knock coconuts off stands

cocoon (kəˈkuːn)   n   1    a a silky protective envelope secreted by silkworms and certain other insect larvae, in which the pupae develop   b a similar covering for the eggs of the spider, earthworm, etc   2 a protective spray covering used as a seal on machinery   3 a cosy warm covering   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to wrap in a cocoon [C17: from French cocon, from Provençal coucoun eggshell, from coco shell, from Latin coccum kermes berry, from Greek kokkos grain, seed, berry; compare COCCUS]

■ cocooned (kəˈkuːnd)   adj   1 wrapped up; protected from cold or knocks   2 protected from unpleasant things

■ cocoonery (kəˈkuːnərI)   n, pl -ries   a place where silkworms feed and make cocoons

cocopan (ˈkəʊkəʊˌpæn)   n   (in South Africa) a small wagon running on narrow-gauge railway lines used in mines. Also called: hopper [C20: from Zulu 'ngkumbana short truck]

cocoplum (ˈkəʊkəʊˌplʌm)   n   1 a tropical shrub, Chrysobalanus icaco   2 the fruit of this shrub

Cocos Islands (ˈkəʊkɒs, ˈkəʊkəs)   pl n   a group of 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Java: a Territory of Australia since 1955. Pop: 596 (2010). Area: 13 sq km (5 sq miles). Also called: Keeling Islands

cocotte (kəʊˈkɒt, kə-; French kɔkɔt)   n   1 a small fireproof dish in which individual portions of food are cooked and served   2 archaic a prostitute or promiscuous woman [C19: from French, from nursery word for a hen, feminine of coq COCK^1]

cocounsel (ˌkəʊˈkaʊnsəl)   vb (tr)   to counsel jointly

cocoyam (ˈkəʊkəʊˌjæm)   n   1 either of two food plants of West Africa, the taro or the yantia, both of which have edible underground stems   2 the underground stem of either of these plants [C20: from COCOA + YAM]

cocozelle (ˌkɒkəˈzɛliː)   n   a variety of squash

cocreate (ˌkəʊkriːˈeIt)   vb (tr)   to create jointly

■ cocreator (ˌkəʊkriːˈeItə)   n   someone who creates something jointly with another person or people

Cocteau (French kɔkto)   n   Jean (ʒɑ̃). 1889–1963, French dramatist, novelist, poet, critic, designer, and film director. His works include the novel Les Enfants terribles (1929) and the play La Machine infernale (1934)

coctile (ˈkɒktaIl)   adj   made by exposing to heat

coction (ˈkɒkʃən)   n   the act of boiling

cocultivate (ˌkəʊˈkʌltIˌveIt)   vb (tr)   to cultivate jointly

■ cocultivation (ˌkəʊˌkʌltIˈveIʃən)   n   the act of cultivating jointly

coculture (ˌkəʊˈkʌltʃə)   vb (tr)   to culture together

cocurator (ˌkəʊkjʊəˈreItə)   n   a fellow curator

cocurricular (ˌkəʊkəˈrIkjʊlə)   adj   of or relating to a joint curriculum

cocuswood (ˈkəʊkəsˌwʊd)   n   1 wood from the tropical American leguminous tree Brya ebenus, used for inlaying, turnery, musical instruments, etc   2 the source of this wood, an important timber tree in parts of the Caribbean   ▶ Also called: Jamaican ebony, West Indian ebony

cod^1 (kɒd)   n, pl cod or cods   1 any of the gadoid food fishes of the genus Gadus, esp G. morhua (or G. callarias), which occurs in the North Atlantic and has a long body with three rounded dorsal fins: family Gadidae. They are also a source of cod-liver oil   2 any other fish of the family Gadidae. See gadid   3 Austral any of various unrelated Australian fish, such as the Murray cod [C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German cutte]

■ codder (ˈkɒdə)   n   a cod fisherman or fishing boat

■ cod end   n   sea fishing the narrow end of a tapered trawl net [from COD^2]

■ codfish (ˈkɒdˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a cod, esp Gadus morhua

■ cod-liver oil   n   an oil extracted from the livers of cod and related fish, rich in vitamins A and D and used to treat deficiency of these vitamins

■ cod war   n   any of three disputes that occurred in 1958, 1972–73, and 1975–76 between Britain and Iceland, concerning Iceland's unilateral extension of her fishing limits

cod^2 (kɒd)   n   1 Brit and US dialect a pod or husk   2 an obsolete word for scrotum   3 obsolete a bag or envelope [Old English codd husk, bag; related to Old Norse koddi, Danish kodde]

■ codpiece (ˈkɒdˌpiːs)   n   a bag covering the male genitals, attached to hose or breeches by laces, etc, worn in the 15th and 16th centuries [C15: from COD^2 + PIECE]

cod^3 (kɒd)   vb cods, codding, codded (tr)   1 Brit and Irish slang to make fun of; tease   2 Brit and Irish slang to play a trick on; fool   ▷ n   3 Brit and Irish slang a hoax or trick   4 Irish slang a fraud; hoaxer: he's an old cod   ▷ adj (prenominal)   5 Brit slang mock; sham: cod Latin [C19: perhaps from earlier cod a fool, perhaps shortened from CODGER]

■ cod-act   vb   (intr) Irish informal to play tricks; fool [from COD^3 + ACT]

■ codology (kɒdˈɒlədʒI)   n   Irish informal the art or practice of bluffing or deception

cod^4 (kɒd)   n   Northern English dialect a fellow; chap: he's a nice old cod [of unknown origin]

■ codder (ˈkɒdə)   n   Yorkshire dialect the leader of a team of workers on a press at a steelworks [perhaps from COD^4]

Cod   n   See Cape Cod

COD   abbreviation for   1 cash on delivery   2 (in the US) collect on delivery

coda (ˈkəʊdə)   n   1 music the final, sometimes inessential, part of a musical structure   2 a concluding part of a literary work, esp a summary at the end of a novel of further developments in the lives of the characters [C18: from Italian: tail, from Latin cauda]

coddle (ˈkɒdəl)   vb (tr)   1 to treat with indulgence   2 to cook (something, esp eggs) in water just below the boiling point   ▷ n   3 Irish dialect stew made from ham and bacon scraps [C16: of obscure origin; perhaps related to CAUDLE]   > ˈcoddler n

code (kəʊd)   n   1 a system of letters or symbols, and rules for their association by means of which information can be represented or communicated for reasons of secrecy, brevity, etc: binary code; Morse code. See also genetic code   2 a message in code   3 a symbol used in a code   4 a conventionalized set of principles, rules, or expectations: a code of behaviour   5 a system of letters or digits used for identification or selection purposes   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to translate, transmit, or arrange into a code   7 (intr) to write computer programs [C14: from French, from Latin cōdex book, CODEX]

■ codable (ˈkəʊdəbəl)   adj   capable of being coded

■ codebook (ˈkəʊdˌbʊk)   n   a book containing the means to decipher a code

■ coded (ˈkəʊdId)   adj   1 written in code   2 not explicit; veiled   3 electronics using a binary system of digits

■ codeless (ˈkəʊdlIs)   adj   lacking a code

■ code monkey   n   derogatory, slang a computer programmer who is able to perform only routine tasks

■ coden (ˈkəʊdɛn)   n   a unique six-character code assigned to a publication for identification purposes

■ coder (ˈkəʊdə)   n   1 a person or thing that codes   2 electronics a device for transforming normal signals into a coded form

■ code-sharing   n   a commercial agreement between two airlines that allows passengers to use a ticket from one airline to travel on another

■ codeword (ˈkəʊdˌwɜːd)   n   (esp in military use) a word used to identify a classified plan, operation, etc. Also: codename

■ codification (ˌkəʊdIfIˈkeIʃən, ˌkɒ-)   n   1 the systematic organization of methods, rules, etc   2 law the collection into one body of the principles of a system of law

■ codify (ˈkəʊdIˌfaI, ˈkɒ-)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to organize or collect together (laws, rules, procedures, etc) into a system or code   > ˈcodiˌfier n   > ˌcodiˈfiable adj   > ˌcodifiaˈbility n

■ coding (ˈkəʊdIŋ)   n   1 a method of making something easy to recognize   2 the practice of writing computer programs

■ codist (ˈkəʊdIst)   n   a codifier

codebtor (ˌkəʊˈdɛtə)   n   a fellow debtor

codec (ˈkəʊˌdɛk)   n   electronics a set of equipment that encodes an analogue speech or video signal into digital form for transmission purposes and at the receiving end decodes the digital signal into a form close to its original [C20: from CO(DE) + DEC(ODE)]

codeclination (ˌkəʊdɛklIˈneIʃən)   n   another name for polar distance

codefendant (ˌkəʊdIˈfɛndənt)   n   criminal law a fellow defendant

codeia (ˈkəʊdIə)   n   codeine

codeine (ˈkəʊdiːn)   n   a white crystalline alkaloid prepared mainly from morphine and having a similar but milder action. It is used as an analgesic, an antidiarrhoeal, and to relieve coughing. Formula: C_18H_21NO_3 [C19: from Greek kōdeia head of a poppy, from kōos hollow place + -INE^2]

Code Napoléon French (kɔd napɔleɔ̃)   n   the civil code of France, promulgated between 1804 and 1810, comprising the main body of French civil law. English name: Napoleonic Code

co-dependence   n   1 joint dependence between two or more beings   2 psychol same as co-dependency

■ co-dependency (ˌkəʊdIˈpɛndənsI)   n   psychol a state of mutual dependence between two people, esp when one partner relies emotionally on supporting and caring for the other partner   > ˌco-deˈpendent adj, n

coderive (ˈkəʊdIˌraIv)   vb   to derive jointly

Co Derry   abbreviation for   County Londonderry

codesign (ˌkəʊdIˈzaIn)   vb (tr)   to design jointly

codetermination (ˌkəʊdItɜːmIˈneIʃən)   n   joint participation of management and employees or employees' trade union representatives in some decisions

codetta (kəʊˈdɛtə)   n   a short coda

codevelop (ˌkəʊdIˈvɛləp)   vb (tr)   to develop jointly

■ codeveloper (ˌkəʊdIˈvɛləpə)   n   a fellow developer

codex (ˈkəʊdɛks)   n, pl codices (ˈkəʊdIˌsiːz, ˈkɒdI-)   1 a volume, in book form, of manuscripts of an ancient text   2 obsolete a legal code [C16: from Latin: tree trunk, wooden block, book]

■ Codex Juris Canonici (ˈkəʊdɛks ˈdʒʊərIs kəˈnɒnIˌsaI)   n   the official code of canon law in force in the Roman Catholic Church; introduced in 1918 and revised in 1983. See also Corpus Juris Canonici [Latin: book of canon law]

codger (ˈkɒdʒə)   n   informal a man, esp an old or eccentric one: a term of affection or mild derision (often in the phrase old codger) [C18: probably variant of CADGER]

codices (ˈkəʊdIˌsiːz, ˈkɒdI-)   n   the plural of codex

codicil (ˈkɒdIsIl)   n   1 law a supplement modifying a will or revoking some provision of it   2 an additional provision; appendix [C15: from Late Latin cōdicillus, literally: a little book, diminutive of CODEX]   > codicillary (ˌkɒdIˈsIlərI) adj

codicology (ˌkəʊdIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the study of manuscripts [C20: via French from Latin codic-, CODEX + -LOGY]   > codicological (ˌkəʊdIkəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj

codilla (kəʊˈdIlə)   n   the coarse parts of flax and hemp

codille (kəʊˈdiːl)   n   (in the game of ombre) a term indicating that the game is won

codirect (ˌkəʊdaIˈrɛkt)   vb (tr)   to direct jointly

■ codirection (ˌkəʊdaIˈrɛkʃən)   n   joint direction

■ codirector (ˌkəʊdaIˈrɛktə)   n   a fellow director

codiscover (ˌkəʊdIˈskʌvə)   vb (tr)   to discover jointly

■ codiscoverer (ˌkəʊdIˈskʌvərə)   n   a fellow discoverer

codling^1 (ˈkɒdlIŋ) or codlin (ˈkɒdlIn)   n   1 any of several varieties of long tapering apples used for cooking   2 any unripe apple [C15 querdlyng, of uncertain origin]

■ codling moth or codlin moth   n   a tortricid moth, Carpocapsa pomonella, the larvae of which are a pest of apples

codling^2 (ˈkɒdlIŋ)   n   a codfish, esp a young one

codlins-and-cream   n   an onagraceous plant, Epilobium hirsutum, native to Europe and Asia and introduced into North America, having purplish-red flowers and hairy stems and leaves. Also called: hairy willowherb

codomain (ˌkəʊdəʊˈmeIn)   n   maths the set of values that a function is allowed to take

codominant (kəʊˈdɒmInənt)   adj   genetics (of genes) having both alleles expressed equally in the phenotype of the organism   > coˈdominance n

codon (ˈkəʊdɒn)   n   genetics, biochem a unit that consists of three adjacent bases on a DNA molecule and that determines the position of a specific amino acid in a protein molecule during protein synthesis [C20: from CODE + -ON]

co-drive   vb   to take alternate turns driving (a vehicle) with another person

■ co-driver   n   one of two drivers who take turns to drive a car, esp in a rally

codswallop (ˈkɒdzˌwɒləp)   n   Brit slang nonsense [C20: of unknown origin]

Co Durham   abbreviation for   County Durham

Cody (ˈkəʊdI)   n   William Frederick. the real name of Buffalo Bill

Coe (kəʊ)   n   Sebastian, Baron. born 1956, English middle-distance runner and sports administrator: won the 1500 metres at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics; chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games of 2012

co-ed (ˌkəʊˈɛd)   adj   1 coeducational   ▷ n   2 US a female student in a coeducational college or university   3 Brit a school or college providing coeducation

coedit (kəʊˈɛdIt)   vb   (tr) to edit (a book, newspaper, etc) jointly   > coˈeditor n

■ co-edition   n   a title published jointly by two publishers

coeducation (ˌkəʊɛdjʊˈkeIʃən)   n   instruction in schools, colleges, etc, attended by both sexes   > ˌcoeduˈcational adj   > ˌcoeduˈcationally adv

coeffect (ˌkəʊIˈfɛkt)   n   a secondary effect

coefficient (ˌkəʊIˈfIʃənt)   n   1 maths   a a numerical or constant factor in an algebraic term: the coefficient of the term 3xyz is 3   b the product of all the factors of a term excluding one or more specified variables: the coefficient of x in 3axyz is 3ayz   2 physics a value that relates one physical quantity to another [C17: from New Latin coefficiēns, from Latin co- together + efficere to EFFECT]

■ coefficient of expansion   n   the amount of expansion (or contraction) per unit length of a material resulting from one degree change in temperature. Also called: expansivity

■ coefficient of friction   n   mechanical engineering the force required to move two sliding surfaces over each other, divided by the force holding them together. It is reduced once the motion has started

■ coefficient of variation   n   statistics a measure of the relative variation of distribution independent of the units of measurement; the standard deviation divided by the mean, sometimes expressed as a percentage

coehorn (ˌkəʊˈhɔːn)   n   a type of small artillery mortar

coel-   prefix   indicating a cavity within a body or a hollow organ or part: coelacanth; coelenterate; coelenteron [New Latin, from Greek koilos hollow]

coelacanth (ˈsiːləˌkænθ)   n   a primitive marine bony fish of the genus Latimeria (subclass Crossopterygii), having fleshy limblike pectoral fins and occurring off the coast of E Africa: thought to be extinct until a living specimen was discovered in 1938 [C19: from New Latin coelacanthus, literally: hollow spine, from COEL- + Greek akanthos spine]

■ coelacanthic (ˈsiːləˌkænθIk)   adj   of or relating to the coelacanth

coelanaglyphic (siːˌlænəˈɡlIfIk)   adj   (of pottery) decorated with sunken relief

coelenterate (sIˈlɛntəˌreIt, -rIt)   n   1 any invertebrate of the phylum Cnidaria (formerly Coelenterata), having a saclike body with a single opening (mouth), which occurs in polyp and medusa forms. Coelenterates include the hydra, jellyfishes, sea anemones, and corals   ▷ adj   2 (loosely) any invertebrate of the phyla Cnidaria or Ctenophora   3 of or relating to coelenterates [C19: from New Latin Coelenterata, hollow-intestined (creatures); see COEL-, ENTERON]   > coelenteric (ˌsiːlɛnˈtɛrIk) adj

■ coelenteron (sIˈlɛntəˌrɒn)   n, pl -tera (-tərə)   the simple saclike body cavity of a coelenterate

coeliac or US celiac (ˈsiːlIˌæk)   adj   1 of or relating to the abdomen   ▷ n   2 a person who has coeliac disease [C17: from Latin coeliacus, from Greek koiliakos, from koilia belly]

■ coeliac disease   n   a chronic intestinal disorder caused by sensitivity to the protein gliadin contained in the gluten of cereals, characterized by distention of the abdomen and frothy and pale foul-smelling stools

coelioscopy (ˌsiːlIˈɒskəpI)   n, pl -pies   a medical procedure for examining the abdomen

coelom or esp US celom (ˈsiːləʊm, -ləm)   n   the body cavity of many multicellular animals, situated in the mesoderm and containing the digestive tract and other visceral organs [C19: from Greek koilōma cavity, from koilos hollow; see COEL-]   > coelomic or esp US celomic (sIˈlɒmIk) adj

■ coelomata (siːˈləʊmətə)   pl n   animals possessing a coelom

■ coelomate (ˈsiːləˌmeIt)   n   1 an animal that possesses a coelom   ▷ adj   2 Also: coelomatic relating to a coelom

coelostat (ˈsiːləˌstæt)   n   an astronomical instrument consisting of a plane mirror mounted parallel to the earth's axis and rotated about this axis once every two days so that light from a celestial body, esp the sun, is reflected onto a second mirror, which reflects the beam into a telescope. Compare siderostat [C19 coelo-, from Latin caelum heaven, sky + -STAT]

coelurosaur (sIˈljʊərəˌsɔː)   n   any of various small to very large bipedal carnivorous saurischian dinosaurs belonging to the suborder Theropoda, active in the Triassic and Cretaceous periods; Tyrannosaurus was a coelurosaur, and birds are thought to have evolved from small coelurosaurs [C20: from New Latin, from Greek koilos hollow + ouros tail + -SAUR]

coembody (ˌkəʊImˈbɒdI)   vb -bodies, -bodying, -bodied (tr)   to embody jointly

coemploy (ˌkəʊImˈplɔI)   vb (tr)   to employ together

coempt (ˌkəʊˈɛmpt)   vb (tr)   to buy up (something) in its entirety

■ coemption (kəʊˈɛmpʃən)   n   the buying up of the complete supply of a commodity [C14: from Latin coemptiōnem a buying together]

Coen (kuːn)   n   Jan Pieterszoon. 1587–1629, Dutch colonial administrator; governor general of the Dutch East Indies (1618–23, 1627–29)

coenacle (ˈsɛnəkəl)   n   a variant spelling of cenacle

coenact (ˌkəʊInˈækt)   vb (tr)   to enact jointly

coenaesthesia (ˌsiːniːsˈθiːzIə) or coenaesthesis (ˌsiːniːsˈθiːsIs)   n   variant spellings of coenesthesia

coenamour or US coenamor (ˈkəʊIˌnæmə)   vb   (tr) to enamour jointly

coendure (ˌkəʊInˈdjʊə)   vb (tr)   to endure together

coenenchyme (siːˈnɛŋkaIm) or coenenchyma (siːˈnɛŋkImə)   n   the gelatinous framework between polyps of an anthozoan colony

coenesthesia, cenesthesia (ˌsiːnIsˈθiːzIə) or coenesthesis, cenesthesis (ˌsiːnIsˈθiːsIs)   n   psychol general awareness of one's own body   > coenesthetic or cenesthetic (ˌsiːnIsˈθɛtIk) adj

coeno- or before a vowel coen-   combining form   common: coenocyte [New Latin, from Greek koinos common]

coenobite or cenobite (ˈsiːnəʊˌbaIt)   n   a member of a religious order following a communal rule of life. Compare eremite [C17: from Old French or ecclesiastical Latin, from Greek koinobion convent, from koinos common + bios life]   > coenobitic (ˌsiːnəʊˈbItIk), ˌcoenoˈbitical, ˌcenoˈbitic or ˌcenoˈbitical adj

■ coenobitism (ˈsiːnəbaIˌtIzəm)   n   the practice of coenobites

coenobium (siːˈnəʊbIəm)   n   1 a monastery or convent   2 zoology, botany a colony of cells with little specialization

coenocyte (ˈsiːnəʊˌsaIt)   n   botany a mass of protoplasm containing many nuclei and enclosed by a cell wall: occurs in many fungi and some algae   > coenocytic (ˌsiːnəˈsItIk) adj

coenosarc (ˈsiːnəʊˌsɑːk)   n   a system of protoplasmic branches connecting the polyps of colonial organisms such as corals [C19: from COENO- + Greek sarx flesh]

coenospecies (ˌsiːnəʊˈspiːʃiːz)   n   a collection of related species able to hybridize

coenosteum (sIˈnɒstIəm)   n   zoology the calcareous skeleton of a hydrocoral or a coral colony

coenurus (siːˈnjʊərəs)   n, pl -ri (-raI)   an encysted larval form of the tapeworm Multiceps, containing many encapsulated heads. In sheep it can cause the gid, and when eaten by dogs it develops into several adult forms [C19: from New Latin, from COENO- + Greek oura tail, literally: common tail, referring to the single body with its many heads]

coenzyme (kəʊˈɛnzaIm)   n   biochem a nonprotein organic molecule that forms a complex with certain enzymes and is essential for their activity. See also apoenzyme

■ coenzymatic (ˌkəʊɛnzaIˈmætIk)   adj   of or relating to coenzymes

■ coenzymatically (ˌkəʊɛnzaIˈmætIkəlI)   adv   from a coenzymatic point of view

■ coenzyme A   n   a constituent of biological cells that functions as the agent of acylation in metabolic reactions. Abbreviation: CoA

■ coenzyme Q   n   a quinone derivative, present in biological cells, that functions as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain. Also called: ubiquinone

coequal (kəʊˈiːkwəl)   adj   1 of the same size, rank, etc   ▷ n   2 a person or thing equal with another   > coequality (ˌkəʊIˈkwɒlItI) or coˈequalness n   > coˈequally adv

■ coequate (ˌkəʊIˈkweIt)   vb (tr)   to equate with something else

coerce (kəʊˈɜːs)   vb   (tr) to compel or restrain by force or authority without regard to individual wishes or desires [C17: from Latin coercēre to confine, restrain, from co- together + arcēre to enclose]   > coˈercer n   > coˈercible adj

■ coercibly (kəʊˈɜːsIblI)   adv   in a coercible way

■ coercimeter (ˌkəʊɜːˈsImItə)   n   an instrument used for measurement of coercive force

■ coercion (kəʊˈɜːʃən)   n   1 the act or power of coercing   2 government by force   > coˈercionist n   > coercive (kəʊˈɜːsIv) adj   > coˈercively adv   > coˈerciveness n

■ coercive force   n   a measure of the magnetization of a ferromagnetic material as expressed by the external magnetic field strength necessary to demagnetize it. Measured in amperes per metre. Compare coercivity

■ coercivity (ˌkəʊɜːˈsIvItI)   n   the magnetic-field strength necessary to demagnetize a ferromagnetic material that is magnetized to saturation. It is measured in amperes per metre. Compare coercive force

coerect (ˌkəʊIˈrɛkt)   vb (tr)   to erect together

coesite (ˈkəʊsaIt)   n   a form of silicon dioxide produced when high pressure and temperature are applied to quartz

coessential (ˌkəʊIˈsɛnʃəl)   adj   Christianity being one in essence or nature: a term applied to the three persons of the Trinity   > coessentiality (ˌkəʊIˌsɛnʃIˈælItI) or ˌcoesˈsentialness n   > ˌcoesˈsentially adv

coetaneous (ˌkəʊIˈteInIəs)   adj   rare of the same age or period [C17: from Latin coaetāneus, from co- same + aetās age]   > ˌcoeˈtaneously adv   > ˌcoeˈtaneousness n

coeternity (ˌkəʊIˈtɜːnItI)   n   existence for, from, or in eternity with another being

■ coeternal (ˌkəʊIˈtɜːnəl)   adj   existing together eternally   > ˌcoeˈternally adv

Coetzee (ˈkɜːtzI)   n   J(ohn) M(ichael). born 1940, South African novelist: his works include Life and Times of Michael K (1983), which won the Booker Prize, Age of Iron (1990), Disgrace (1999), which won his second Booker Prize, and Elizabeth Costello (2003); Nobel prize for literature (2003)

Coeur (kɜː; French kœr)   n   Jacques. ?1395–1456, French merchant; councillor and court banker to Charles VII of France

coeval (kəʊˈiːvəl)   adj   1 of or belonging to the same age or generation   ▷ n   2 a contemporary [C17: from Late Latin coaevus from Latin co- + aevum age]   > coevality (ˌkəʊIˈvælItI) n   > coˈevally adv

coevolution (kəʊˌiːvəˈluːʃən)   n   the evolution of complementary adaptations in two or more species of organisms because of a special relationship that exists between them, as in insect-pollinated plants and their insect pollinators

■ coevolutionary (ˌkəʊiːvəˈluːʃənərI)   adj   of or relating to coevolution

coevolve (ˌkəʊIˈvɒlv)   vb (intr)   to evolve together

coexecutor (ˌkəʊIɡˈzɛkjʊtə)   n   law a person acting jointly with another or others as executor   > ˌcoexˈecutrix fem n

coexert (ˌkəʊIɡˈzɜːt)   vb (tr)   to exert together

coexist (ˌkəʊIɡˈzIst)   vb (intr)   1 to exist together at the same time or in the same place   2 to exist together in peace   > ˌcoexˈistence n   > ˌcoexˈistent adj

coextend (ˌkəʊIkˈstɛnd)   vb   to extend or cause to extend equally in space or time   > ˌcoexˈtension n

■ coextensive (ˌkəʊIkˈstɛnsIv)   adj   of the same limits or extent   > ˌcoexˈtensively adv

cofactor (ˈkəʊˌfæktə)   n   1 maths a number associated with an element in a square matrix, equal to the determinant of the matrix formed by removing the row and column in which the element appears from the given determinant. See minor   2 biochem a nonprotein substance that forms a complex with certain enzymes and is essential for their activity. It may be a metal ion or a coenzyme

cofavorite (ˌkəʊˈfeIvrIt, ˌkəʊˈfeIvərIt)   n   US a joint favourite

cofeature (ˌkəʊˈfiːtʃə)   n   1 a joint feature   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to feature together

coff (kɒf)   vb coffs, coffing, coffed or coft   Scot to buy; purchase [C15: from the past participle of obsolete copen to buy, of Low German origin; compare German kaufen to buy]

coffee (ˈkɒfI)   n   1    a a drink consisting of an infusion of the roasted and ground or crushed seeds of the coffee tree   b (as modifier): coffee grounds   2 Also called: coffee beans the beanlike seeds of the coffee tree, used to make this beverage   3 short for coffee tree   4    a a medium to dark brown colour   b (as adjective): a coffee carpet   5 wake up and smell the coffee See wake^1 (sense 7) [C16: from Italian caffè, from Turkish kahve, from Arabic qahwah coffee]

■ coffee bag   n   a small bag containing ground coffee beans, infused to make coffee

■ coffee bar   n   a café; snack bar

■ coffee-coloured   adj   having the colour of coffee; dark brown; light brown

■ coffee cup   n   a cup from which coffee may be drunk, usually smaller than a teacup

■ coffee house or coffeehouse (ˈkɒfIˌhaus)   n   a place where coffee is served, esp one that was a fashionable meeting place in 18th-century London

■ coffee-maker   n   a domestic appliance that makes coffee

■ coffee mill   n   a machine for grinding roasted coffee beans

■ coffee morning   n   a social event (often held in order to raise money) at which coffee is served

■ coffee nut   n   1 the fruit of the Kentucky coffee tree   2 another name for Kentucky coffee tree

■ coffeepot (ˈkɒfIˌpɒt)   n   a pot in which coffee is brewed or served

■ coffee shop   n   a shop where coffee is sold or drunk

■ coffee table   n   1 a low table, on which newspapers, etc, may be placed and coffee served   2 (modifier) implying an emphasis on appearance and style over substance: coffee-table music

■ coffee-table book   n   a book designed to be looked at rather than read

■ coffee tree   n   1 any of several rubiaceous trees of the genus Coffea, esp C. arabica, the seeds of which are used in the preparation of the beverage coffee   2 short for Kentucky coffee tree

coffer (ˈkɒfə)   n   1 a chest, esp for storing valuables   2 (usually plural) a store of money   3 Also called: caisson, lacuna an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling, dome, etc   4 a watertight box or chamber   5    a short for cofferdam   b a recessed panel in a concrete, metal, or timber soffit   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to store, as in a coffer   7 to decorate (a ceiling, dome, etc) with coffers [C13: from Old French coffre, from Latin cophinus basket, from Greek kophinos]

■ cofferdam (ˈkɒfəˌdæm)   n   1 a watertight structure, usually of sheet piling, that encloses an area under water, pumped dry to enable construction work to be carried out. Below a certain depth a caisson is required   2 (on a ship) a compartment separating two bulkheads or floors, as for insulation or to serve as a barrier against the escape of gas or oil   ▶ Often shortened to: coffer

■ coffered (ˈkɒfəd)   adj   decorated with coffers

coffin (ˈkɒfIn)   n   1 a box in which a corpse is buried or cremated   2 the part of a horse's foot that contains the coffin bone   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to place in or as in a coffin   4 engineering another name for flask (sense 6) [C14: from Old French cofin, from Latin cophinus basket; see COFFER]

■ coffin bone   n   the terminal phalangeal bone inside the hoof of the horse and similar animals

■ coffin dodger   n   slang an old person

■ coffin nail   n   a slang term for cigarette

coffinite (ˈkɒfIˌnaIt)   n   a uranium-bearing silicate mineral

coffle (ˈkɒfəl)   n   (esp formerly) a line of slaves, beasts, etc, fastened together [C18: from Arabic qāfilah caravan]

coffret (ˈkɒfrIt)   n   a small coffer

cofinance (kəʊfaIˈnæns)   vb (tr)   to be one of two or more organizations that provide finance for (an enterprise)

cofiring (kəʊˈfaIərIŋ)   n   combustion of two different types of fuel at the same time

cofound (ˌkəʊˈfaʊnd)   vb (tr)   to found jointly

■ cofounder (ˌkəʊˈfaʊndə)   n   a joint founder

cofunction (ˌkəʊˈfʌŋkʃən)   n   1 a joint function   2 maths the trigonometric function of the complement of a given angle

cog^1 (kɒɡ)   n   1 any of the teeth or projections on the rim of a gearwheel or sprocket   2 a gearwheel, esp a small one   3 a person or thing playing a small part in a large organization or process   ▷ vb cogs, cogging, cogged   4 (tr) metallurgy to roll (cast-steel ingots) to convert them into blooms [C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish kogge, Swedish kugge, Norwegian kug]

■ cog railway or cogway (ˈkɒɡˌweI)   n   chiefly US other terms for rack railway

■ cogwheel (ˈkɒɡˌwiːl)   n   another name for gearwheel

cog^2 (kɒɡ)   vb cogs, cogging, cogged   slang to cheat (in a game, esp dice), as by loading a dice [C16: originally a dice-playing term, of unknown origin]

■ cogger (ˈkɒɡə)   n   a deceiver

cog^3 (kɒɡ)   n   1 a tenon that projects from the end of a timber beam for fitting into a mortise   ▷ vb cogs, cogging, cogged   2 (tr) to join (pieces of wood) with cogs [C19: of uncertain origin]

■ cogger (ˈkɒɡə)   n   a person who uses cogs to build up supports

cogener (ˈkəʊdʒInə)   n   a congener

cogeneration (ˌkəʊdʒɛnəˈreIʃən)   n   another name for CHP

cogenerator (ˌkəʊˈdʒɛnəˌreItə)   n   a facility that produces energy from waste

cogent (ˈkəʊdʒənt)   adj   compelling belief or assent; forcefully convincing [C17: from Latin cōgent-, cōgēns, driving together, from cōgere, from co- together + agere to drive]   > ˈcogency or ˈcogence n   > ˈcogently adv

coggie (ˈkɒɡI)   n   Scot a quaich or drinking cup

coggle (ˈkɒɡəl)   vb   (intr) Scot to wobble or rock; be unsteady [of uncertain origin]   > ˈcoggly adj

cogitable (ˈkɒdʒItəbəl)   adj   rare conceivable

cogitate (ˈkɒdʒIˌteIt)   vb   to think deeply about (a problem, possibility, etc); ponder [C16: from Latin cōgitāre, from co- (intensive) + agitāre to turn over, AGITATE]   > ˈcogiˌtatingly adv   > ˌcogiˈtation n   > ˈcogiˌtator n

■ cogitative (ˈkɒdʒItətIv)   adj   1 capable of thinking   2 thoughtful   > ˈcogitatively adv   > ˈcogitativeness n

cogito (ˈkɒɡIˌtəʊ)   n   a person's philosophical theory

■ cogito, ergo sum Latin (ˈkɒɡIˌtəʊ ˈɜːɡəʊ ˈsʊm)     I think, therefore I am; the basis of Descartes' philosophy

Cognac (ˈkɒnjæk; French kɔɲak)   n   1 a town in SW France: centre of the district famed for its brandy. Pop: 19 066 (2008)   2 (sometimes not capital) a high-quality grape brandy

cognate (ˈkɒɡneIt)   adj   1 akin; related: cognate languages   2 related by blood or descended from a common maternal ancestor. Compare agnate   3 cognate object grammar a noun functioning as the object of a verb to which it is etymologically related, as in think a thought or sing a song   ▷ n   4 something that is cognate with something else [C17: from Latin cognātus, from co- same + gnātus born, variant of nātus, past participle of nāscī to be born]   > ˈcognately adv   > ˈcognateness n   > cogˈnation n

cognition (kɒɡˈnIʃən)   n   1 the mental act or process by which knowledge is acquired, including perception, intuition, and reasoning   2 the knowledge that results from such an act or process [C15: from Latin cognitiō, from cognōscere from co- (intensive) + nōscere to learn; see KNOW]   > cogˈnitional adj

cognitive (ˈkɒɡnItIv)   adj   of or relating to cognition

■ cognitive dissonance   n   psychol an uncomfortable mental state resulting from conflicting cognitions; usually resolved by changing some of the cognitions

■ cognitive ethology   n   a branch of ethology concerned with the influence of conscious awareness and intention on the behaviour of an animal

■ cognitively (ˈkɒɡnItIvlI)   adv   in a cognitive manner

■ cognitive map   n   psychol a mental map of one's environment

■ cognitive psychology   n   the psychological study of higher mental processes, including thinking and perception

■ cognitive radio   n   a radio that can automatically alter frequency, power, modulation, etc, according to where it is located

■ cognitive science   n   the scientific study of cognition, including elements of the traditional disciplines of philosophy, psychology, semantics, and linguistics, together with artificial intelligence and computer science

■ cognitive therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy   n   psychol a form of psychotherapy in which the patient is encouraged to change the way he or she sees the world and himself or herself: used particularly to treat depression

■ cognitivism (ˈkɒɡnItIˌvIzəm)   n   philosophy the meta-ethical thesis that moral judgments state facts and so are either true or false. Compare emotivism, prescriptivism. See also naturalism (sense 4), non-naturalism

■ cognitivity (ˌkɒɡnIˈtIvItI)   n   the state of being cognitive

cognize or cognise (ˈkɒɡnaIz, kɒɡˈnaIz)   vb   (tr) to perceive, become aware of, or know

■ cognizable or cognisable (ˈkɒɡnIzəbəl, ˈkɒnI-)   adj   1 perceptible   2 law susceptible to the jurisdiction of a court   > ˈcognizably or ˈcognisably adv

■ cognizance or cognisance (ˈkɒɡnIzəns, ˈkɒnI-)   n   1 knowledge; acknowledgment   2 take cognizance of to take notice of; acknowledge, esp officially   3 the range or scope of knowledge or perception   4 law   a the right of a court to hear and determine a cause or matter   b knowledge of certain facts upon which the court must act without requiring proof   c chiefly US confession   5 heraldry a distinguishing badge or bearing [C14: from Old French conoissance, from conoistre to know, from Latin cognōscere to learn; see COGNITION]

■ cognizant or cognisant (ˈkɒɡnIzənt, ˈkɒnI-)   adj   (usually foll by of) aware; having knowledge

■ cognizer or cogniser (kɒɡˈnaIzə)   n   a being that is able to cognize

cognomen (kɒɡˈnəʊmɛn)   n, pl -nomens or -nomina (-ˈnɒmInə, -ˈnəʊ-)   (originally) an ancient Roman's third name or nickname, which later became the family name. See also agnomen, nomen, praenomen [C19: from Latin: additional name, from co- together + nōmen name; influenced in form by cognōscere to learn]   > cognominal (kɒɡˈnɒmInəl, -ˈnəʊ-) adj   > cogˈnominally adv

■ cognominate (kəɡˈnɒmIˌneIt, kəɡˈnɒmInIt)   adj   1 of or relating to a cognomen   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to give a nickname to

■ cognomination (ˌkɒɡnɒmIˈneIʃən)   n   the process of giving a cognomen

cognosce (kɒɡˈnɒs)   vb (tr)   Scots law to give judgment upon (a person)

■ cognoscible (kɒɡˈnɒsIbəl)   adj   able to be known or recognized

cognoscenti (ˌkɒnjəʊˈʃɛntI, ˌkɒɡnəʊ-) or conoscenti   pl n, sing -te (-tiː)   (sometimes singular) people with informed appreciation of a particular field, esp in the fine arts; connoisseurs [C18: from obsolete Italian (modern conoscente), from Latin cognōscere to know, learn about]

cognovit (kɒɡˈnəʊvIt)   n   criminal law a defendant's confession that the case against him or her is just

cogon (ˈkəʊɡəʊn)   n   any of the coarse tropical grasses of the genus Imperata, esp I. cylindrica and I. exaltata of the Philippines, which are used for thatching [from Spanish cogón, from Tagalog kugon]

cogue (kɒɡ)   n   Scot a wooden pail or drinking vessel

cohab (ˈkəʊˌhæb)   n   informal a cohabiter

cohabit (kəʊˈhæbIt)   vb   (intr) to live together in a conjugal relationship, esp without being married [C16: via Late Latin, from Latin co- together + habitāre to live]   > ˌcohabiˈtee, coˈhabitant, coˈhabiter or coˈhabitor n

■ cohabitation (kəʊˌhæbIˈteIʃən)   n   1 the state or condition of living together in a conjugal relationship without being married   2 (of political parties) the state or condition of cooperating for specific purposes without forming a coalition

cohead (ˌkəʊˈhɛd)   n   1 a fellow principal or leader   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to head (an organization) jointly

coheir (kəʊˈɛə)   n   a person who inherits jointly with others   > coˈheiress fem n

Cohen^1 (ˈkəʊən)   n   1  Leonard. 1934–2016, Canadian singer, songwriter, and poet; recordings include Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968), Songs of Love and Hate (1971), I'm Your Man (1988), and Ten New Songs (2001)   2  Stanley. born 1922, US biochemist: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1986

Cohen^2 (kɒˈhɛn, kɔIn)   n   a variant spelling of Kohen

cohere (kəʊˈhIə)   vb (intr)   1 to hold or stick firmly together   2 to be connected logically; be consistent   3 physics to be held together by the action of molecular forces [C16: from Latin cohaerēre from co- together + haerēre to cling, adhere]

■ coherence (kəʊˈhIərəns) or coherency (kəʊˈhIərənsI)   n   1 logical or natural connection or consistency   2 another word for cohesion (sense 1)

■ coherent (kəʊˈhIərənt)   adj   1 capable of logical and consistent speech, thought, etc   2 logical; consistent and orderly   3 cohering or sticking together   4 physics (of two or more waves) having the same phase or a fixed phase difference: coherent light   5 (of a system of units) consisting only of units the quotient or product of any two of which yield the unit of the resultant quantity   > coˈherently adv

■ coherer (kəʊˈhIərə)   n   physics an electrical component formerly used to detect radio waves, consisting of a tube containing loosely packed metal particles. The waves caused the particles to cohere, thereby changing the current through the circuit

■ cohesibility (kəʊˌhiːzəˈbIlItI)   n   the nature of being cohesible

■ cohesible (kəʊˈhiːzəbəl)   adj   capable of cohesion

■ cohesion (kəʊˈhiːʒən)   n   1 the act or state of cohering; tendency to unite   2 physics the force that holds together the atoms or molecules in a solid or liquid, as distinguished from adhesion   3 botany the fusion in some plants of flower parts, such as petals, that are usually separate [C17: from Latin cohaesus stuck together, past participle of cohaerēre to COHERE]

■ cohesionless soil (kəʊˈhiːʒənlIs)   n   any free-running type of soil, such as sand or gravel, whose strength depends on friction between particles. Also called: frictional soil. Compare cohesive soil

■ cohesive (kəʊˈhiːsIv)   adj   1 characterized by or causing cohesion   2 tending to cohere or stick together   > coˈhesively adv   > coˈhesiveness n

■ cohesive soil   n   sticky soil such as clay or clayey silt whose strength depends on the surface tension of capillary water. Compare cohesionless soil

coheritor (ˌkəʊˈhɛrItə)   n   a coheir

cohibit (kəʊˈhIbIt)   vb (tr)   to restrain (a person)

■ cohibition (ˌkəʊhIˈbIʃən)   n   restraint

■ cohibitive (kəʊˈhIbItIv)   adj   restrictive

coho (ˈkəʊhəʊ)   n, pl -ho or -hos   a Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch. Also called: silver salmon [origin unknown; probably from a Native American language]

cohobate (ˈkəʊhəʊˌbeIt)   vb   (tr) pharmacol to redistil (a distillate), esp by allowing it to mingle with the remaining matter [C17: from New Latin cohobāre, perhaps from Arabic ka`aba to repeat an action]

cohog (ˈkəʊˌhɒɡ)   n   US another name for quahog

coholder (ˌkəʊˈhəʊldə)   n   one of two or more people who hold a title, deed, record, etc, at the same time

cohomology (ˌkəʊhəˈmɒlədʒI)   n   the abstract study of algebraic topology

■ cohomological (ˌkəʊhɒməˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to cohomology

cohort (ˈkəʊhɔːt)   n   1 one of the ten units of between 300 and 600 men in an ancient Roman Legion   2 any band of warriors or associates: the cohorts of Satan   3 chiefly US an associate or follower   4 biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a subclass (usually of mammals) or subfamily (of plants)   5 statistics a group of people with a statistic in common, esp having been born in the same year [C15: from Latin cohors yard, company of soldiers; related to hortus garden]

cohortative (kəʊˈhɔːtətIv)   adj   archaic intended to encourage

cohosh (ˈkəʊhɒʃ, kəʊˈhɒʃ)   n   any of several North American plants, such as the blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides: family Leonticaceae) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa: family Ranunculaceae) [C18: probably of Algonquian origin]

cohost (ˌkəʊˈhəʊst, ˈkəʊˌhəʊst)   vb (tr)   1 to host (an event) jointly   ▷ n   2 a person who hosts an event jointly with another person

■ cohostess (ˌkəʊˈhəʊstɛs, ˈkəʊˌhəʊstɛs)   fem n   a woman who cohosts an event

cohousing (ˌkəʊˈhaʊzIŋ)   n   a type of housing with some shared facilities

COHSE (ˈkəʊzI)   n acronym for (formerly, in Britain)   Confederation of Health Service Employees

cohune (kəʊˈhuːn)   n   a tropical American feather palm, Attalea (or Orbignya) cohune, whose large oily nuts yield an oil similar to coconut oil. Also called: cohune palm. See also coquilla nut [C19: from American Spanish, from ókhún, local name in South America]

cohyponym (ˌkəʊˈhaIpəʊnIm)   n   a word that is one of multiple hyponyms of another word

COI   abbreviation for (in Britain, formerly)   Central Office of Information

coif (kɔIf)   n   1 a close-fitting cap worn under a veil, worn in the Middle Ages by many women but now only by nuns   2 any similar cap, such as a leather cap worn under a chain-mail hood   3 (formerly in England) the white cap worn by a serjeant at law   4 a base for the elaborate women's headdresses of the 16th century   5 (kwɑːf) a less common word for coiffure (sense 1)   ▷ vb coifs, coiffing, coiffed (tr)   6 to cover with or as if with a coif   7 (kwɑːf) to arrange (the hair) [C14: from Old French coiffe, from Late Latin cofea helmet, cap, of obscure origin]

■ coifed (kɔIft)   adj   wearing a coif

coiffe (kwɑːf)   vb (tr)   to coiffure

■ coiffed (kwɑːft)   adj   literary styled: her hair was perfectly coiffed

■ coiffeur (kwɑːˈfɜː; French kwafœr)   n   a hairdresser   > coiffeuse (kwɑːˈfɜːz; French kwaføz) fem n

■ coiffure (kwɑːˈfjʊə; French kwafyr)   n   1 a hairstyle   2 an obsolete word for headdress   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to dress or arrange (the hair)

■ coiffured (kwɑːˈfjʊəd)   adj   literary styled

coign or coigne (kɔIn)   n   variant spellings of quoin

■ coign of vantage   n   an advantageous position or stance for observation or action

coil^1 (kɔIl)   vb   1 to wind or gather (ropes, hair, etc) into loops or (of rope, hair, etc) to be formed in such loops   2 (intr) to move in a winding course   ▷ n   3 something wound in a connected series of loops   4 a single loop of such a series   5 an arrangement of pipes in a spiral or loop, as in a condenser   6 an electrical conductor wound into the form of a spiral, sometimes with a soft iron core, to provide inductance or a magnetic field. See also induction coil   7 an intrauterine contraceptive device in the shape of a coil   8 the transformer in a petrol engine that supplies the high voltage to the sparking plugs [C16: from Old French coillir to collect together; see CULL]   > ˈcoiler n

■ coilability (ˌkɔIləˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to be coiled

■ coil spring   n   a helical spring formed from wire

coil^2 (kɔIl)   n   the troubles and activities of the world (in the Shakespearean phrase this mortal coil) [C16: of unknown origin]

Coimbatore (ˌkɔːImbəˈtɔː)   n   an industrial city in SW India, in W Tamil Nadu. Pop: 923 085 (2001)

Coimbra (Portuguese ˈkwĩbrə)   n   a city in central Portugal: capital of Portugal from 1190 to 1260; seat of the country's oldest university. Pop: 148 474 (2001)

coin (kɔIn)   n   1 a metal disc or piece used as money   2 metal currency, as opposed to securities, paper currency, etc. Related adjective: nummary   3 architect a variant spelling of quoin   4 pay someone back in his or her own coin to treat a person in the way that he or she has treated others   5 the other side of the coin the opposite view of a matter   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to make or stamp (coins)   7 (tr) to make into a coin   8 (tr) to fabricate or invent (words, etc)   9 (tr) informal to make (money) rapidly (esp in the phrase coin it in)   10 to coin a phrase said ironically after one uses a cliché [C14: from Old French: stamping die, from Latin cuneus wedge]   > ˈcoinable adj   > ˈcoiner n

■ coinage (ˈkɔInIdʒ)   n   1 coins collectively   2 the act of striking coins   3 the currency of a country   4 the act of inventing something, esp a word or phrase   5 a newly invented word, phrase, usage, etc

■ coin box   n   the part of a coin-operated machine into which coins are placed

■ coin-op (ˈkɔInˌɒp)   n   a launderette or other service installation in which the machines are operated by the insertion of coins

■ coin-operated   adj   (of a machine) operated by the insertion of a coin

coincide (ˌkəʊInˈsaId)   vb (intr)   1 to occur or exist simultaneously   2 to be identical in nature, character, etc   3 to agree [C18: from Medieval Latin coincidere, from Latin co- together + incidere to occur, befall, from cadere to fall]

■ coincidence (kəʊˈInsIdəns)   n   1 a chance occurrence of events remarkable either for being simultaneous or for apparently being connected   2 the fact, condition, or state of coinciding   3 (modifier) electronics of or relating to a circuit that produces an output pulse only when both its input terminals receive pulses within a specified interval: coincidence gate. Compare anticoincidence

■ coincidency (kəʊˈInsIdənsI)   n   a coincident state

■ coincident (kəʊˈInsIdənt)   adj   1 having the same position in space or time   2 (usually postpositive and foll by with) in exact agreement; consonant

■ coincidental (kəʊˌInsIˈdɛntəl)   adj   of or happening by a coincidence; fortuitous

■ coincidentally (kəʊˌInsIˈdɛntəlI)   adv   (sentence modifier) by a coincidence; fortuitously

■ coincidently (kəʊˈInsIdəntlI)   adv   in a coincident manner

coinfect (ˌkəʊInˈfɛkt)   vb (tr)   to infect (a person or animal) at the same time as another infection

coinfer (ˌkəʊInˈfɜː)   vb (tr)   to infer jointly

coinhere (ˌkəʊInˈhIə)   vb (intr)   to inhere together

■ coinherence (ˌkəʊInˈhIərəns)   n   the act of inhering together

coinheritor (ˌkəʊInˈhɛrItə)   n   a fellow inheritor

■ coinheritance (ˌkəʊInˈhɛrItəns)   n   joint inheritance

coinmate (ˌkəʊˈInˌmeIt)   n   a fellow inmate

coinstantaneous (ˌkəʊInstənˈteInIəs)   adj   taking place at exactly the same moment

■ coinstantaneity (ˌkəʊInˌstæntəˈniːItI)   n   the act of taking place at exactly the same moment

coinsure (ˌkəʊInˈʃʊə, -ˈʃɔː)   vb   1 (intr) to take out coinsurance   2 to insure (property) jointly with another   > ˌcoinˈsurer n

■ coinsurance (ˌkəʊInˈʃʊərəns, -ˈʃɔː-)   n   1 a method of insurance by which property is insured for a certain percentage of its value by a commercial insurance policy while the owner assumes liability for the remainder   2 joint insurance held by two or more persons

cointer (ˌkəʊInˈtɜː)   vb (tr)   to bury together

Cointreau (ˈkwɑːntrəʊ)   n   trademark a colourless liqueur with orange flavouring

coinvent (ˌkəʊInˈvɛnt)   vb (tr)   to invent jointly

■ coinventor (ˌkəʊInˈvɛntə)   n   a fellow inventor

coinvestigator (ˌkəʊInˈvɛstIˌɡeItə)   n   a fellow investigator

coinvestor (ˌkəʊInˈvɛstə)   n   a fellow investor

coir (kɔIə)   n   the fibre prepared from the husk of the coconut, used in making rope and matting [C16: from Malayalam kāyar rope, from kāyaru to be twisted]

Coire (kwar)   n   the French name for Chur

coistrel (ˈkɔIstrIl)   n   archaic a knave

coit (kɔIt)   n   Austral slang buttocks; backside. Also: quoit [C20: perhaps a variant and special use of QUOIT, referring to roundness]

coitus (ˈkəʊItəs) or coition (kəʊˈIʃən)   n   technical terms for sexual intercourse [C18 coitus: from Latin: a uniting, from coīre to meet, from īre to go]   > ˈcoital adj

■ coitally (ˈkəʊItəlI)   adv   in the manner of coitus

■ coitional (ˌkəʊˈIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to coitus

■ coitus interruptus (ˌIntəˈrʌptəs)   n   the deliberate withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation

■ coitus reservatus (ˌrɛzəˈvɑːtəs)   n   the deliberate delaying or avoidance of orgasm during intercourse

cojoin (ˌkəʊˈdʒɔIn)   vb (tr)   to conjoin

cojones Spanish (koˈxones)   pl n   1 testicles   2 manly courage

coke^1 (kəʊk)   n   1 a solid-fuel product containing about 80 per cent of carbon produced by distillation of coal to drive off its volatile constituents: used as a fuel and in metallurgy as a reducing agent for converting metal oxides into metals   2 any similar material, such as the layer formed in the cylinders of a car engine by incomplete combustion of the fuel   ▷ vb   3 to become or convert into coke [C17: probably a variant of C14 northern English dialect colk core, of obscure origin]

■ cokelike (ˈkəʊklaIk) or coky (ˈkəʊkI)   adj   resembling coke

coke^2 (kəʊk)   n   slang short for cocaine

■ coked-up (ˈkəʊktˌʌp)   adj   slang showing the effects of having taken cocaine

■ cokehead (ˈkəʊkˌhɛd)   n   slang a person who takes cocaine regularly

Coke^1 (kəʊk)   n   trademark short for Coca-Cola

Coke^2 (kʊk, kəʊk)   n   1  Sir Edward. 1552–1634, English jurist, noted for his defence of the common law against encroachment from the Crown: the Petition of Right (1628) was largely his work   2 (kʊk) Thomas William, 1st Earl of Leicester, known as Coke of Holkham. 1752–1842, English agriculturist: pioneered agricultural improvement and considerably improved productivity at his Holkham estate in Norfolk

cokes (kəʊks)   n   obsolete a fool

cokuloris (ˌkɒkəˈlɔːrIs)   n   films a palette with irregular holes, placed between lighting and camera to prevent glare [C20: of unknown origin]

col (kɒl; French kɔl)   n   1 the lowest point of a ridge connecting two mountain peaks, often constituting a pass   2 meteorol a pressure region between two anticyclones and two depressions, associated with variable weather [C19: from French: neck, col, from Latin collum neck]

col.   abbreviation for   column

Col.   abbreviation for   1 Colombia(n)   2 Colonel   3 Bible Colossians

col-1   prefix   a variant of com-: collateral

col-2   prefix   a variant of colo-: colectomy

cola^1 or kola (ˈkəʊlə)   n   1 either of two tropical sterculiaceous trees, Cola nitida or C. acuminata, widely cultivated in tropical regions for their seeds. See cola nut   2 a sweet carbonated drink flavoured with cola nuts [C18: from kola, probably variant of Mandingo kolo nut]

■ cola nut   n   any of the seeds of the cola tree, which contain caffeine and theobromine and are used medicinally and in the manufacture of soft drinks

cola^2 (ˈkəʊlə)   n   a plural of colon^1 (sense 3), colon^2

COLA US   abbreviation for   1 cost of living adjustment: an increase in benefit payments according to the rate of inflation   2 cost of living allowance: extra money paid to workers in areas where the cost of living is more expensive

colander (ˈkɒləndə, ˈkʌl-) or cullender   n   a pan with a perforated bottom for straining or rinsing foods [C14 colyndore, probably from Old Provençal colador, via Medieval Latin, from Late Latin cōlāre to filter, from Latin cōlum sieve]

colatitude (kəʊˈlætIˌtjuːd)   n   astronomy, nautical the complement of the celestial latitude

Colbert (French kɔlbɛr)   n   1  Claudette, real name Claudette Lily Chauchoin. 1905–96, French-born Hollywood actress, noted for her sophisticated comedy roles; her films include It Happened One Night (1934) and The Palm Beach Story (1942)   2  Jean Baptiste (ʒɑ̃ batist). 1619–83, French statesman; chief minister to Louis XIV: reformed the taille and pursued a mercantilist policy, creating a powerful navy and merchant fleet and building roads and canals

Colby (ˈkɒlbI)   n   (sometimes not capital) NZ a type of mild-tasting hard cheese

colcannon (kəlˈkænən, ˈkɒlˌkænən)   n   a dish, originating in Ireland, of potatoes and cabbage or other greens boiled and mashed together [C18: from Irish Gaelic cál ceannann, literally: white-headed cabbage]

Colchester (ˈkəʊltʃIstə)   n   a town in E England, in NE Essex; university (1964). Pop: 104 390 (2001). Latin name: Camulodunum (ˌkæmjʊləʊˈdjuːnəm, ˌkæmʊləʊˈduːnəm)

colchicine (ˈkɒltʃIˌsiːn, -sIn, ˈkɒlkI-)   n   a pale-yellow crystalline alkaloid extracted from seeds or corms of the autumn crocus. It is used in the treatment of gout and to create polyploid plants by inhibiting chromosome separation during meiosis. Formula: C_22H_25NO_6 [C19: from COLCHICUM + -INE^2]

colchicum (ˈkɒltʃIkəm, ˈkɒlkI-)   n   1 any Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus Colchicum, such as the autumn crocus   2 the dried seeds or corms of the autumn crocus: a source of colchicine [C16: from Latin, from Greek kolkhikon, from kolkhikos of COLCHIS]

Colchis (ˈkɒlkIs)   n   an ancient country on the Black Sea south of the Caucasus; the land of Medea and the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology

colcothar (ˈkɒlkəˌθɑː)   n   a finely powdered form of ferric oxide produced by heating ferric sulphate and used as a pigment and as jewellers' rouge. Also called: crocus [C17: from French colcotar, from Spanish colcótar, from Arabic dialect qulqutār]

cold (kəʊld)   adj   1 having relatively little warmth; of a rather low temperature: cold weather; cold hands   2 without sufficient or proper warmth: this meal is cold   3 lacking in affection, enthusiasm, or warmth of feeling: a cold manner   4 not affected by emotion; objective: cold logic   5 dead   6 sexually unresponsive or frigid   7 lacking in freshness: a cold scent; cold news   8 chilling to the spirit; depressing   9 (of a colour) having violet, blue, or green predominating; giving no sensation of warmth   10 metallurgy denoting or relating to a process in which work-hardening occurs as a result of the plastic deformation of a metal at too low a temperature for annealing to take place   11 (of a process) not involving heat, in contrast with traditional methods: cold typesetting; cold technology   12 informal (of a seeker in a game) far from the object of a search   13 denoting the contacting of potential customers, voters, etc, without previously approaching them in order to establish their interest: cold mailing   14 cold comfort little or no comfort   15 cold steel the use of bayonets, knives, etc, in combat   16 from cold without advance notice; without giving preparatory information   17 in cold blood showing no passion; deliberately; ruthlessly   18 leave someone cold informal to fail to excite someone: the performance left me cold   19 throw cold water on or pour cold water on informal to be unenthusiastic about or discourage   ▷ n   20 the absence of heat regarded as a positive force: the cold took away our breath   21 the sensation caused by loss or lack of heat   22 in the cold or out in the cold informal neglected; ignored   23 an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory passages characterized by discharge of watery mucus from the nose, sneezing, etc   24 catch a cold slang to make a loss; lose one's investment   ▷ adv   25 informal without preparation: he played his part cold   26 informal, chiefly US and Canadian thoroughly; absolutely: she turned him down cold [Old English ceald; related to Old Norse kaldr, Gothic kalds, Old High German kalt; see COOL]   > ˈcoldish adj   > ˈcoldly adv   > ˈcoldness n

■ coldblood (ˈkəʊldˌblʌd)   n   any heavy draught-horse

■ cold-blooded   adj   1 having or showing a lack of feeling or pity: a cold-blooded killing   2 informal particularly sensitive to cold   3 (of all animals except birds and mammals) having a body temperature that varies with that of the surroundings. Technical term: poikilothermic   > ˌcold-ˈbloodedly adv   > ˌcold-ˈbloodedness n

■ cold-brew or cold-brewed   adj   (of a drink such as tea or coffee) prepared by steeping in cold water

■ cold call   n   1 a call made by a salesman on a potential customer without making an appointment   ▷ vb cold-call   2 to call on (a potential customer) without making an appointment   > cold caller n   > cold calling n

■ cold case   n   informal a police inquiry that has been suspended with the crime still unsolved

■ cold cathode   n   electronics a cathode from which electrons are emitted at ambient temperature, due to a high potential gradient at the surface

■ cold chisel   n   a toughened steel chisel

■ coldcock (ˈkəʊldˌkɒk)   vb (tr)   US to knock (a person) to the ground

■ cold cream   n   an emulsion of water and fat used cosmetically for softening and cleansing the skin

■ cold cuts   pl n   cooked meats sliced and served cold

■ cold-drawn   adj   (of metal wire, bars, etc) having been drawn unheated through a die to reduce dimensions, toughen, and improve surface finish

■ cold duck   n   an alcoholic beverage made from equal parts of burgundy and champagne

■ cold feet   pl n   informal loss or lack of courage or confidence

■ cold fish   n   an unemotional and unfriendly person

■ cold frame   n   an unheated wooden frame with a glass top, used to protect young plants from the cold

■ cold front   n meteorol   1 the boundary line between a warm air mass and the cold air pushing it from beneath and behind as it moves   2 the line on the earth's surface where the cold front meets it   ▶ Compare warm front

■ cold-hearted   adj   lacking in feeling or warmth; unkind   > ˌcold-ˈheartedly adv   > ˌcold-ˈheartedness n

■ coldhouse (ˈkəʊldˌhaʊs)   n   an unheated greenhouse

■ coldie (ˈkəʊldI)   n   Austral slang a cold can or bottle of beer

■ cold light   n   light emitted at low temperatures from a source that is not incandescent, such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, bioluminescence, or triboluminescence

■ cold moulding   n   the production of moulded articles from resins that polymerize chemically

■ cold pack   n   1    a a method of lowering the body temperature by wrapping a person in a sheet soaked in cold water   b the sheet so used   2 a tinning process in which raw food is packed in cans or jars and then heated

■ cold-pressed   adj   (of an unrefined oil such as olive oil) produced by pressing the parent seed, nut, or grain at the lowest possible temperature without any further pressing

■ cold-rolled   adj   (of metal sheets, etc) having been rolled without heating, producing a smooth surface finish

■ cold rubber   n   synthetic rubber made at low temperatures (about 5°C). It is stronger than that made at higher temperatures and is used for car tyres

■ cold shoulder informal   n   1 the cold shoulder a show of indifference; slight   ▷ vb cold-shoulder (tr)   2 to treat with indifference

■ cold snap   n   a sudden short spell of cold weather

■ cold sore   n   a cluster of blisters at the margin of the lips that sometimes accompanies the common cold, caused by a viral infection. Technical name: herpes labialis

■ cold spot   n   an area where house prices are stable and properties are slow to sell

■ cold start   n   computing the reloading of a program or operating system

■ cold storage   n   1 the storage of things in an artificially cooled place for preservation   2 informal a state of temporary suspension: to put an idea into cold storage

■ cold sweat   n   informal a bodily reaction to fear or nervousness, characterized by chill and moist skin

■ cold turkey   n   1 slang a method of curing drug addiction by abrupt withdrawal of all doses   2 the withdrawal symptoms, esp nausea and shivering, brought on by this method

■ cold war   n   a state of political hostility and military tension between two countries or power blocs, involving propaganda, subversion, threats, economic sanctions, and other measures short of open warfare, esp that between the American and Soviet blocs after World War II (the Cold War)

■ cold warrior   n   a person who engages in or promotes a cold war

■ cold wave   n   1 meteorol a sudden spell of low temperatures over a wide area, often following the passage of a cold front   2 hairdressing a permanent wave made by chemical agents applied at normal temperatures

■ cold-weld   vb   (tr) to join (two metal surfaces) without heat by forcing them together so that the oxide films are broken and adhesion occurs   > cold welding n

■ cold work   n   1 the craft of shaping metal without heat   ▷ vb cold-work (tr)   2 to shape (metal) in this way

Colditz (ˈkəʊldIts)   n   a town in E Germany, on the River Mulde: during World War II its castle was used as a top-security camp for Allied prisoners of war; many daring escape attempts, some successful, were made

Coldstream (ˈkəʊldˌstriːm)   n   a town in SE Scotland, in Scottish Borders on the English border: the Coldstream Guards were formed here (1660). Pop: 1813 (2001)

cole (kəʊl)   n   any of various plants of the genus Brassica, such as the cabbage and rape. Also called: colewort [Old English cāl, from Latin caulis plant stalk, cabbage]

■ coleseed (ˈkəʊlˌsiːd)   n   the seeds or plants of the cole

Cole (kəʊl)   n   Nat 'King', real name Nathaniel Adams Cole. 1917–65, US popular singer and jazz pianist

colead (ˌkəʊˈliːd)   vb (tr)   to lead together

■ coleader (ˌkəʊˈliːdə)   n   a fellow leader

colectomy (kəˈlɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of part or all of the colon

Coleman (ˈkəʊlmən)   n   Ornette (ɔːˈnɛt). (1930–2015), US avant-garde jazz alto saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist

colemanite (ˈkəʊlməˌnaIt)   n   a colourless or white glassy mineral consisting of hydrated calcium borate in monoclinic crystalline form. It occurs with and is a source of borax. Formula: Ca_2B_6O_11.5H_2O [C19: named after William T. Coleman (1824–93), American pioneer, owner of the mine in which it was discovered]

Colenso (kəˈlɛnzəʊ)   n   John William. 1814–83, British churchman; Anglican bishop of Natal from 1853: charged with heresy for questioning the accuracy of the Pentateuch

coleopter (ˌkɒlIˈɒptə)   n   aeronautics obsolete an aircraft that has an annular wing with the fuselage and engine on the centre line

coleopteran (ˌkɒlIˈɒptərən)   n also coleopteron   1 any of the insects of the cosmopolitan order Coleoptera, in which the forewings are modified to form shell-like protective elytra. The order includes the beetles and weevils   ▷ adj also coleopterous   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the order Coleoptera [C18: from New Latin Coleoptera, from Greek koleoptera, from koleopteros sheath-winged, from koleon sheath + pteron wing]

■ coleopteral (ˌkɒlIˈɒptərəl)   adj   of or relating to the Coleoptera

■ coleopterist (ˌkɒlIˈɒptərIst)   n   a person who studies the Coleoptera

coleoptile (ˌkɒlIˈɒptaIl)   n   a protective sheath around the plumule in grasses [C19: from New Latin coleoptilum, from Greek koleon sheath + ptilon down, soft plumage]

coleorhiza or coleorrhiza (ˌkɒlIəˈraIzə)   n, pl -zae (-ziː)   a protective sheath around the radicle in grasses [C19: from New Latin, from Greek koleon sheath + rhiza root]

Coleraine (ˈkəʊlˈreIn)   n   1 a town in N Northern Ireland, in Coleraine district, Co Antrim, on the River Bann; light industries; university (1965). Pop: 24 089 (2001)   2 a district in N Northern Ireland, in Co Antrim and Co Londonderry. Pop: 56 024 (2003 est). Area: 485 sq km (187 sq miles)

Coleridge (ˈkəʊlərIdʒ)   n   Samuel Taylor. 1772–1834, English Romantic poet and critic, noted for poems such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798), Kubla Khan (1816), and Christabel (1816), and for his critical work Biographia Literaria (1817)

Coleridge-Taylor (ˌkəʊlərIdʒˈteIlə)   n   Samuel. 1875–1912, British composer, best known for his trilogy of oratorios Song of Hiawatha (1898–1900)

coleslaw (ˈkəʊlˌslɔː)   n   a salad of shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, carrots, onions, etc [C19: from Dutch koolsla, from koolsalade, literally: cabbage salad]

colessee (ˌkəʊlɛˈsiː)   n   a joint lessee

colessor (ˌkəʊˈlɛsɔː)   n   a joint lessor

colestipol (kəˈlɛstIˌpɒl)   n   a drug used to lower blood cholesterol

Colet (ˈkɒlIt)   n   John. ?1467–1519, English humanist and theologian; founder of St Paul's School, London (1509)

coletit (ˈkəʊlˌtIt)   n   another name for coal tit

Colette (kɒˈlɛt)   n   full name Sidonie Gabrielle Claudine Colette. 1873–1954, French novelist; her works include Chéri (1920), Gigi (1944), and the series of Claudine books

coleus (ˈkəʊlIəs)   n, pl -uses   any plant of the Old World genus Coleus: cultivated for their variegated leaves, typically marked with red, yellow, or white: family Lamiaceae (labiates) [C19: from New Latin, from Greek koleos, variant of koleon sheath; from the way in which the stamens are joined]

coley (ˈkəʊlI, ˈkɒlI)   n   Brit any of various edible fishes, esp the coalfish

colibri (ˈkɒlIˌbriː, kɒˈliːbriː)   n   a hummingbird

colic (ˈkɒlIk)   n   a condition characterized by acute spasmodic abdominal pain, esp that caused by inflammation, distention, etc, of the gastrointestinal tract [C15: from Old French colique, from Late Latin cōlicus ill with colic, from Greek kōlon, variant of kolon COLON^2]

■ colicky (ˈkɒlIkI)   adj   relating to or suffering from colic

■ colicroot (ˈkɒlIkˌruːt)   n   1 either of two North American liliaceous plants, Aletris farinosa or A. aurea, having tubular white or yellow flowers and a bitter root formerly used to relieve colic   2 any of various other plants formerly used to relieve colic

■ colicweed (ˈkɒlIkˌwiːd)   n   any of several plants of the genera Dicentra or Corydalis, such as the squirrel corn and Dutchman's-breeches: family Fumariaceae

colicin (ˈkɒlIsIn) or colicine (ˈkɒlIˌsaIn)   n   a bacteriocidal protein

coliform (ˈkɒlIfɔːm)   adj   relating to the bacilli that are present in the intestines of humans and invertebrate animals

■ coliform bacteria (ˈkɒlIfɔːm)   pl n   a large group of bacteria inhabiting the intestinal tract of humans and animals that may cause disease and whose presence in water is an indicator of faecal pollution

Coligny or Coligni (French kɔliɲi)   n   Gaspard de (ɡaspar də), Seigneur de Châtillon. 1519–72, French Huguenot leader

Colima (Spanish koˈlima)   n   1 a state of SW Mexico, on the Pacific coast: mainly a coastal plain, rising to the foothills of the Sierra Madre, with important mineral resources. Capital: Colima. Pop: 238 000 (2005 est). Area: 5455 sq km (2106 sq miles)   2 a city in SW Mexico, capital of Colima state, on the Colima River. Pop: 106 967 (1990)   3 Nevado de Colima a volcano in SW Mexico, in Jalisco state. Height: 4339 m (14 235 ft)

colin (ˈkɒlIn)   n   the American quail or bobwhite

colinearity (ˌkəʊlInIˈærItI)   n   the state of being arranged in the same linear sequence

coliphage (ˈkɒlIˌfeIdʒ)   n   a bacteriophage

coliseum (ˌkɒlIˈsIəm) or colosseum   n   a large building, such as a stadium or theatre, used for entertainments, sports, etc [C18: from Medieval Latin Colisseum, variant of COLOSSEUM]

colistin (kəˈlIstIn)   n   a polymyxin antibiotic

colitis (kɒˈlaItIs, kə-) or colonitis (ˌkɒləˈnaItIs)   n   inflammation of the colon   > colitic (kɒˈlItIk) adj

coll (kɒl)   vb (tr)   to embrace (a person)

■ colling (ˈkɒlIŋ)   n   an embrace

collab (kəˈlæb)   n   slang a collaboration

collaborate (kəˈlæbəˌreIt)   vb (intr)   1 (often foll by on, with, etc) to work with another or others on a joint project   2 to cooperate as a traitor, esp with an enemy occupying one's own country [C19: from Late Latin collabōrāre, from Latin com- together + labōrāre to work]   > colˈlaborative adj   > colˈlaboratively adv   > colˈlaboˌrator n

■ collaboration (kəˌlæbəˈreIʃən)   n   1 (often foll by on, with, etc) the act of working with another or others on a joint project   2 something created by working jointly with another or others   3 the act of cooperating as a traitor, esp with an enemy occupying one's own country   > colˌlaboˈrationist n

collage (kəˈlɑːʒ, kɒ-; French kɔlaʒ)   n   1 an art form in which compositions are made out of pieces of paper, cloth, photographs, and other miscellaneous objects, juxtaposed and pasted on a dry ground   2 a composition made in this way   3 any work, such as a piece of music, created by combining unrelated styles [C20: French, from coller to stick, from colle glue, from Greek kolla]   > colˈlagist n

collagen (ˈkɒlədʒən)   n   a fibrous scleroprotein of connective tissue and bones that is rich in glycine and proline and yields gelatine on boiling [C19: from Greek kolla glue + -GEN]   > collagenic (ˌkɒləˈdʒɛnIk) or collagenous (kəˈlædʒənəs) adj

■ collagenase (ˈkɒlədʒəˌneIz)   n   an enzyme that decomposes collagen

■ collagen injection   n   an injection of collagen into the lip in order to give it a fuller appearance

collapse (kəˈlæps)   vb   1 (intr) to fall down or cave in suddenly: the whole building collapsed   2 (intr) to fail completely: his story collapsed on investigation   3 (intr) to break down or fall down from lack of strength   4 to fold (furniture, etc) compactly or (of furniture, etc) to be designed to fold compactly   ▷ n   5 the act or instance of suddenly falling down, caving in, or crumbling   6 a sudden failure or breakdown [C18: from Latin collāpsus, from collābī to fall in ruins, from lābī to fall]   > colˈlapsible or colˈlapsable adj   > colˌlapsiˈbility or colˌlapsability n

■ collapsar (kɒˈlæpsɑː)   n   astronomy a collapsed star, either a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole

collar (ˈkɒlə)   n   1 the part of a garment around the neck and shoulders, often detachable or folded over   2 any band, necklace, garland, etc, encircling the neck: a collar of flowers   3 a band or chain of leather, rope, or metal placed around an animal's neck to restrain, harness, or identify it   4 biology a marking or structure resembling a collar, such as that found around the necks of some birds or at the junction of a stem and a root   5 a section of a shaft or rod having a locally increased diameter to provide a bearing seat or a locating ring   6 a cut of meat, esp bacon, taken from around the neck of an animal   7 hot under the collar informal aroused with anger, annoyance, etc   ▷ vb (tr)   8 to put a collar on; furnish with a collar   9 to seize by the collar   10 informal to seize; arrest; detain [C13: from Latin collāre neckband, neck chain, collar, from collum neck]

■ collarbone (ˈkɒləˌbəʊn)   n   the nontechnical name for clavicle

■ collar cell   n   another name for choanocyte

■ collared dove   n   a European dove, Streptopelia decaocto, having a brownish-grey plumage with a black band on the back of the neck

■ collaret (ˌkɒləˈrɛt)   n   a small collar

■ collarette (ˌkɒləˈrɛt)   n   a woman's fur or lace collar

■ collarless (ˈkɒlələs)   adj   (of clothing) having no collar

■ collarstud (ˈkɒləstʌd)   n   a stud that is used to attach a removable collar to a shirt

collard (ˈkɒləd)   n   1 a variety of the cabbage, Brassica oleracea acephala, having a crown of edible leaves. See also kale^1   2 the leaves of this plant, eaten as a vegetable [C18: variant of COLEWORT]

collate (kɒˈleIt, kə-)   vb (tr)   1 to examine and compare (texts, statements, etc) in order to note points of agreement and disagreement   2 (in library work) to check the number and order of (the pages of a book)   3 bookbinding   a to check the sequence of (the sections of a book) after gathering   b a nontechnical word for gather (sense 9)   4 (often foll by to) Christianity to appoint (an incumbent) to a benefice [C16: from Latin collātus brought together (past participle of conferre to gather), from com- together + lātus, past participle of ferre to bring]

■ collatable (kəˈleItəbəl)   adj   able to be collated

■ collation (kɒˈleIʃən, kə-)   n   1 the act or process of collating   2 a description of the technical features of a book   3 RC Church a light meal permitted on fast days   4 any light informal meal   5 the appointment of a clergyman to a benefice

■ collative (kɒˈleItIv, ˈkɒlə-)   adj   1 involving collation   2 (of benefices) presented or held by collation

■ collator (kɒˈleItə, kəʊ-, ˈkɒleItə, ˈkəʊ-)   n   1 a person or machine that collates texts or manuscripts   2 computing a device for matching or checking punched cards in separate files and for merging two or more files sorted into the same ordered sequence

collateral (kɒˈlætərəl, kə-)   n   1    a security pledged for the repayment of a loan   b (as modifier): a collateral loan   2 a person, animal, or plant descended from the same ancestor as another but through a different line   ▷ adj   3 situated or running side by side   4 descended from a common ancestor but through different lines   5 serving to support or corroborate   6 aside from the main issue   7 uniting in tendency [C14: from Medieval Latin collaterālis, from Latin com- together + laterālis of the side, from latus side]   > colˈlaterally adv

■ collateral damage   n   military unintentional damage to civil property and civilian casualties, caused by military operations

■ collaterality (kəlætəˈrælItI)   n   the state of being collateral

■ collateralize or collateralise (kɒˈlætərəˌlaIz, kə-)   vb   (tr) to treat (a security) as collateral   > colˌlateraliˈzation or colˌlateraliˈsation n

■ collateralized debt obligation   n   a debt security collateralized by a number of debt obligations including loans and bonds of different credit quality and maturity. Abbreviation: CDO

colleague (ˈkɒliːɡ)   n   a fellow worker or member of a staff, department, profession, etc [C16: from French collègue, from Latin collēga one selected at the same time as another, from com- together + lēgāre to choose]

■ colleagueship (ˈkɒliːɡˌʃIp)   n   workplace companionship

collect^1 (kəˈlɛkt)   vb   1 to gather together or be gathered together   2 to accumulate (stamps, books, etc) as a hobby or for study   3 (tr) to call for or receive payment of (taxes, dues, etc)   4 (tr) to regain control of (oneself, one's emotions, etc) as after a shock or surprise: she collected her wits   5 (tr) to fetch; pick up: collect your own post; he collected the children after school   6 (intr; sometimes foll by on) slang to receive large sums of money, as from an investment: he really collected when the will was read   7 (tr) Austral and NZ informal to collide with; be hit by   8 collect on delivery the US term for cash on delivery   ▷ adv, adj   9 US (of telephone calls) on a reverse-charge basis   ▷ n   10 Austral informal a winning bet [C16: from Latin collēctus collected, from colligere to gather together, from com- together + legere to gather]

■ collectable or collectible (kəˈlɛktəbəl)   adj   1 (of antiques, objets d'art, etc) of interest to a collector   ▷ n   2 any object regarded as being of interest to a collector

■ collectanea (ˌkɒlɛkˈteInIə)   pl n   a collection of excerpts from one or more authors; miscellany; anthology [C18: from Latin, from collectāneus assembled, from colligere to COLLECT^1]

■ collected (kəˈlɛktId)   adj   1 in full control of one's faculties; composed   2 assembled in totality or brought together into one volume or a set of volumes: the poet's collected works   3 (of a horse or a horse's pace) controlled so that movement is in short restricted steps: a collected canter   > colˈlectedly adv   > colˈlectedness n

■ collecting (kəˈlɛktIŋ)   n   the action of accumulating (stamps, books, etc) as a hobby or for study

■ collection (kəˈlɛkʃən)   n   1 the act or process of collecting   2 a number of things collected or assembled together   3 a selection of clothes, esp as presented by a particular designer for a specified season   4 something gathered into a mass or pile; accumulation: a collection of rubbish   5 a sum of money collected or solicited, as in church   6 removal, esp regular removal of letters from a postbox   7 (often plural) (at Oxford University) a college examination or an oral report by a tutor

■ collective (kəˈlɛktIv)   adj   1 formed or assembled by collection   2 forming a whole or aggregate   3 of, done by, or characteristic of individuals acting in cooperation   ▷ n   4    a a cooperative enterprise or unit, such as a collective farm   b the members of such a cooperative   5 short for collective noun   > colˈlectively adv   > colˈlectiveness n

■ collective agreement   n   a negotiated agreement, which is not enforceable at law, between an employer and employees' representatives, covering rates of pay or terms and conditions of employment, or both

■ collective bargaining   n   negotiation between one or more trade unions and one or more employers or an employers' organization on the incomes and working conditions of the employees

■ collective farm   n   (chiefly in Communist countries) a farm or group of farms managed and owned, through the state, by the community. Russian name: kolkhoz

■ collective fruit   n   another name for multiple fruit

■ collective memory   n   the shared memories of a group, family, race, etc

■ collective noun   n   a noun that is singular in form but that refers to a group of people or things

USAGE

Collective nouns are usually used with singular verbs: the family is on holiday; General Motors is mounting a big sales campaign. In British usage, however, plural verbs are sometimes employed in this context, esp when reference is being made to a collection of individual objects or people rather than to the group as a unit: the family are all on holiday. Care should be taken that the same collective noun is not treated as both singular and plural in the same sentence: the family is well and sends its best wishes or the family are all well and send their best wishes, but not the family is well and send their best wishes

■ collective ownership   n   ownership by a group for the benefit of members of that group

■ collective pitch lever   n   a lever in a helicopter to change the angle of attack of all the rotor blades simultaneously, causing it to rise or descend. Compare cyclic pitch lever

■ collective security   n   a system of maintaining world peace and security by concerted action on the part of the nations of the world

■ collective unconscious   n   (in Jungian psychological theory) a part of the unconscious mind incorporating patterns of memories, instincts, and experiences common to all humankind. These patterns are inherited, may be arranged into archetypes, and are observable through their effects on dreams, behaviour, etc

■ collectivism (kəˈlɛktIˌvIzəm)   n   1 the principle of ownership of the means of production, by the state or the people   2 a social system based on this principle   > colˈlectivist n   > colˌlectiˈvistic adj

■ collectivity (ˌkɒlɛkˈtIvItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality or state of being collective   2 a collective whole or aggregate   3 people regarded as a whole

■ collectivize or collectivise (kəˈlɛktIˌvaIz)   vb   (tr) to organize according to the principles of collectivism   > colˌlectiviˈzation or colˌlectiviˈsation n

■ collectivized or collectivised (kəˈlɛktIˌvaIzd)   adj   (of agriculture, farms, factories, etc) organized according to the principles of collectivism

■ collector (kəˈlɛktə)   n   1 a person or thing that collects   2 a person employed to collect debts, rents, etc   3 the head of a district administration in India   4 a person who collects or amasses objects as a hobby   5 electronics the region in a transistor into which charge carriers flow from the base   > colˈlectorˌship n

■ collectorate (kəˈlɛktərIt)   n   the office of a collector in India

■ collector's item or collector's piece   n   a thing regarded as being exquisite or rare and thus worthy of the interest of one who collects such things

collect^2 (ˈkɒlɛkt)   n   Christianity a short Church prayer generally preceding the lesson or epistle in Communion and other services [C13: from Medieval Latin collecta (from the phrase ōrātiō ad collēctam prayer at the (people's) assembly), from Latin colligere to COLLECT^1]

colleen (ˈkɒliːn, kɒˈliːn)   n   1 an Irish word for girl   2 an Irish girl [C19: from Irish Gaelic cailín a girl, a young unmarried woman]

college (ˈkɒlIdʒ)   n   1 an institution of higher education; part of a university   2 a school or an institution providing specialized courses or teaching: a college of music   3 the building or buildings in which a college is housed   4 the staff and students of a college   5 an organized body of persons with specific rights and duties: an electoral college. See also Sacred College   6 a body of clerics living in community and supported by endowment   7 chiefly Brit an obsolete slang word for prison [C14: from Latin collēgium company, society, band of associates, from collēga; see COLLEAGUE]

■ college-bound   adj   US intending to go to college

■ college of advanced technology   n   Brit (formerly) a college offering degree or equivalent courses in technology, with research facilities. In the mid-1960s these were granted university status. Abbreviation: CAT

■ college of arms   n   any of several institutions in the United Kingdom having a royal charter to deal with matters of heraldry, grant armorial bearings, record and trace genealogies, etc. Also called: heralds' college

■ College of Cardinals   n   RC Church the collective body of cardinals having the function of electing and advising the pope

■ college of education   n   Brit a professional training college for teachers

■ College of Justice   n   the official name for the Scottish Court of Session; the supreme court of Scotland

■ college pudding   n   Brit a baked or steamed suet pudding containing dried fruit and spice

■ colleger (ˈkɒlIdʒə)   n   a member of a college

■ collegial (kəˈliːdʒIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a college   2 having authority or power shared among a number of people associated as colleagues   > colˈlegially adv   > colˌlegiˈality n

■ collegialism (kəˈliːdʒIəlIzəm)   n   the theory that the church's highest authority is its collective membership

■ collegian (kəˈliːdʒIən) or collegianer (kəˈliːdʒənə)   n   a current member of a college; student

■ collegiate (kəˈliːdʒIIt)   adj   1 Also: collegial of or relating to a college or college students   2 (of a university) composed of various colleges of equal standing   ▷ n   3 Canadian short for collegiate institute

■ collegiate church   n   1 RC Church, Church of England a church that has an endowed chapter of canons and prebendaries attached to it but that is not a cathedral   2 US Protestantism one of a group of churches presided over by a body of pastors   3 Scot Protestantism a church served by two or more ministers   4 a large church endowed in the Middle Ages to become a school   5 a chapel either endowed by or connected with a college

■ collegiate institute   n   Canadian (in certain provinces) a large secondary school with an academic, rather than vocational, emphasis

■ collegiately (kəˈliːdʒIItlI)   adv   in a collegiate way

■ collegium (kəˈliːdʒIəm)   n, pl -giums or -gia (-dʒIə)   1 (in the former Soviet Union) a board in charge of a department   2 another term for College of Cardinals, Sacred College [Latin: COLLEGE]

col legno (ˈkɒl ˈleɡnəʊ, ˈleInjəʊ)   adv   music to be played (on a stringed instrument) by striking the strings with the back of the bow [Italian: with the wood]

collembolan (kəˈlɛmbələn)   n   1 any small primitive wingless insect of the order Collembola, which comprises the springtails   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Collembola [C19: from New Latin Collembola, from Greek kolla glue + embolon peg, wedge]

■ collembolous (kəˈlɛmbələs)   adj   of or relating to colembolans

collenchyma (kəˈlɛŋkImə)   n   a strengthening and supporting tissue in plants, consisting of elongated living cells whose walls are thickened with cellulose and pectins [C19: New Latin, from Greek kolla glue + enkhuma infusion]   > collenchymatous (ˌkɒlənˈkImətəs) adj

Colles' fracture (ˈkɒlIs)   n   a fracture of the radius just above the wrist, with backward and outward displacement of the hand [C19: named after Abraham Colles (died 1843), Irish surgeon]

collet (ˈkɒlIt)   n   1 (in a jewellery setting) a band or coronet-shaped claw that holds an individual stone   2 mechanical engineering an externally tapered sleeve made in two or more segments and used to grip a shaft passed through its centre when the sleeve is compressed by being inserted in a tapered hole   3 horology a small collar that supports the inner end of the hairspring   ▷ vb   4 (tr) jewellery to mount in a collet [C16: from Old French: a little collar, from col neckband, neck, from Latin collum neck]

colleterial gland (ˌkɒlIˈtIərIəl)   n   zoology a paired accessory reproductive gland, present in most female insects, secreting a sticky substance that forms either the egg cases or the cement that binds the eggs to a surface [C19: from New Latin colleterium glue-secreting organ, from Greek kolla glue + -AL^1]

Collette (kɒˈlɛt)   n   Toni, full name Antonia Collette. born 1972, Australian film actress. Her films include Muriel's Wedding (1994), The Sixth Sense (1999) and Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

colliculus (kɒˈlIkjʊləs)   n, pl -li   anatomy a small elevation, as on the surface of the optic lobe of the brain [C19: New Latin]

collide (kəˈlaId)   vb (intr)   1 to crash together with a violent impact   2 to conflict in attitude, opinion, or desire; clash; disagree [C17: from Latin collīdere to clash together, from com- together + laedere to strike, wound]

■ collider (kəˈlaIdə)   n   physics a particle accelerator in which beams of particles are made to collide

collie (ˈkɒlI)   n   any of several silky-coated breeds of dog developed for herding sheep and cattle. See Border collie, rough collie, bearded collie [C17: Scottish, probably from earlier colie black with coal dust, from cole COAL]

collier (ˈkɒlIə)   n chiefly Brit   1 a coal miner   2    a a ship designed to transport coal   b a member of its crew [C14: from COAL + -IER]

■ colliery (ˈkɒljərI)   n, pl -lieries   chiefly Brit a coal mine

collieshangie (ˌkɒlIˈʃæŋɡI)   n   Scot a quarrel

colligate (ˈkɒlIˌɡeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to connect or link together; tie; join   2 to relate (isolated facts, observations, etc) by a general hypothesis [C16: from Latin colligāre to fasten together, from com- together + ligāre to bind]   > ˌcolliˈgation n

■ colligative (kəˈlIɡətIv)   adj   (of a physical property of a substance) depending on the concentrations of atoms, ions, and molecules that are present rather than on their nature

collimate (ˈkɒlIˌmeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to adjust the line of sight of (an optical instrument)   2 to use a collimator on (a beam of radiation or particles)   3 to make parallel or bring into line [C17: from New Latin collimāre, erroneously for Latin collīneāre to aim, from com- (intensive) + līneāre, from līnea line]   > ˌcolliˈmation n

■ collimator (ˈkɒlIˌmeItə)   n   1 a small telescope attached to a larger optical instrument as an aid in fixing its line of sight   2 an optical system of lenses and slits producing a nondivergent beam of light, usually for use in spectroscopes   3 any device for limiting the size and angle of spread of a beam of radiation or particles

collinear (kɒˈlInIə)   adj   1 lying on the same straight line   2 having a common line   > collinearity (ˌkɒlInIˈærItI) n   > colˈlinearly adv

collins (ˈkɒlInz)   n   a tall fizzy iced drink made with gin, vodka, rum, etc, mixed with fruit juice, soda water, and sugar [C20: probably after the proper name Collins]

Collins (ˈkɒlInz)   n   1  Michael. 1890–1922, Irish republican revolutionary: a leader of Sinn Féin; member of the Irish delegation that negotiated the treaty with Great Britain (1921) that established the Irish Free State   2  (William) Wilkie. 1824–89, British author, noted particularly for his suspense novel The Moonstone (1868)   3  William. 1721–59, British poet, noted for his odes; regarded as a precursor of romanticism

collinsia (kəˈlInsIə, -zIə)   n   a North American plant of the scrophulariaceous genus Collinsia, having blue, white, or purple flowers [C19: New Latin, named after Zaccheus Collins (1764–1831), American botanist]

Collins Street Farmer   n   Austral slang a person from the city who invests in farms, land, etc. Also called: Pitt Street Farmer [C20: after a principal business street in Melbourne]

colliquate (ˈkɒlIˌkweIt)   vb   obsolete to melt or cause to melt

■ colliquable (kəˈlIkwəbəl)   adj   capable of dissolving

■ colliquant (kəˈlIkwənt)   adj   med obsolete capable of liquefaction or dissolution

■ colliquation (ˌkɒlIˈkweIʃən)   n obsolete   1 liquefaction   2 the consumption of the body   3 a product of liquefaction

■ colliquative (kəˈlIkwətIv)   adj   med capable of liquefaction or dissolution

■ colliquescence (ˌkɒlIˈkwɛsəns)   n   the potential for turning to liquid

collision (kəˈlIʒən)   n   1 a violent impact of moving objects; crash   2 the conflict of opposed ideas, wishes, attitudes, etc: a collision of interests   3 physics an event in which two or more bodies or particles come together with a resulting change of direction and, normally, energy [C15: from Late Latin collīsiō from Latin collīdere to COLLIDE]

■ collisional (kəˈlIʒənəl)   adj   of or relating to a collision or collisions

■ collisionally (kəˈlIʒənəlI)   adv   in the manner of a collision or collisions

collocate (ˈkɒləˌkeIt)   vb   (tr) to group or place together in some system or order [C16: from Latin collocāre, from com- together + locāre to place, from locus place]

■ collocation (ˌkɒləˈkeIʃən)   n   a grouping together of things in a certain order, as of the words in a sentence

■ collocational (ˌkɒləˈkeIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to a collocation or collocations

collocutor (ˈkɒləˌkjuːtə)   n   a person who talks or engages in conversation with another

■ collocutory (ˌkɒləˈkjuːtərI)   adj   of or relating to dialogue

collodion (kəˈləʊdIən) or collodium (kəˈləʊdIəm)   n   a colourless or yellow syrupy liquid that consists of a solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol: used in medicine and in the manufacture of photographic plates, lacquers, etc [C19: from New Latin collōdium, from Greek kollōdēs glutinous, from kolla glue]

collogue (kɒˈləʊɡ)   vb collogues, colloguing, collogued   (intr; usually foll by with) to confer confidentially; intrigue or conspire [C16: perhaps from obsolete colleague (vb) to be or act as a colleague, conspire, influenced by Latin colloquī to talk with; see COLLEAGUE]

colloid (ˈkɒlɔId)   n   1 Also called: colloidal solution, colloidal suspension a mixture having particles of one component, with diameters between 10–7 and 10–9 metres, suspended in a continuous phase of another component. The mixture has properties between those of a solution and a fine suspension   2 the solid suspended phase in such a mixture   3 obsolete a substance that in solution does not penetrate a semipermeable membrane. Compare crystalloid (sense 2)   4 physiol a gelatinous substance of the thyroid follicles that holds the hormonal secretions of the thyroid gland   ▷ adj   5 pathol of or relating to the gluelike translucent material found in certain degenerating tissues   6 of, denoting, or having the character of a colloid [C19: from Greek kolla glue + -OID]

■ colloidal (ˌkɒˈlɔIdəl)   adj   of, denoting, or having the character of a colloid   > colloidality (ˌkɒlɔIˈdælItI) n

■ colloidally (kɒˈlɔIdəlI)   adv   in the manner of a colloid

collop (ˈkɒləp)   n dialect   1 a slice of meat   2 a small piece of anything [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish kalops meat stew]

colloq.   abbreviation for   colloquial(ly)

colloque (kəˈləʊk) obsolete   vb   1 (tr) to collocate (objects or data)   2 (intr) to meet for a conference   ▷ n   3 a conference   4 a monastic place for conversation

colloquial (kəˈləʊkwIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to conversation   2 denoting or characterized by informal or conversational idiom or vocabulary. Compare informal   > colˈloquially adv   > colˈloquialness n

■ colloquialism (kəˈləʊkwIəˌlIzəm)   n   1 a word or phrase appropriate to conversation and other informal situations   2 the use of colloquial words and phrases

■ colloquialist (kəˈləʊkwIəlIst)   n   1 a skilled speaker   2 a user of colloquialisms

■ colloquiality (kəˌləʊkwIˈælItI)   n   1 a colloquial style   2 (pl -ties) a colloquialism

colloquium (kəˈləʊkwIəm)   n, pl -quiums or -quia (-kwIə)   1 an informal gathering for discussion   2 an academic seminar [C17: from Latin: conversation, conference, COLLOQUY]

colloquy (ˈkɒləkwI)   n, pl -quies   1 a formal conversation or conference   2 a literary work in dialogue form   3 an informal conference on religious or theological matters [C16: from Latin colloquium from colloquī to talk with, from com- together + loquī to speak]   > ˈcolloquist n

■ colloquize or colloquise (ˈkɒləˌkwaIz)   vb (intr)   to engage in colloquy

collotype (ˈkɒləʊˌtaIp)   n   1 Also called: photogelatine process a method of lithographic printing from a flat surface of hardened gelatine: used mainly for fine-detail reproduction in monochrome or colour   2 a print made using this process [C19: from Greek kolla glue + TYPE]   > collotypic (ˌkɒləˈtIpIk) adj

■ collotypy (ˈkɒləˌtaIpI)   n   the process of collotype

colluctation (ˌkɒlʌkˈteIʃən)   n   archaic a struggle or conflict

collude (kəˈluːd)   vb   (intr) to conspire together, esp in planning a fraud; connive [C16: from Latin collūdere, literally: to play together, hence, conspire together, from com- together + lūdere to play]   > colˈluder n

■ collusion (kəˈluːʒən)   n   1 secret agreement for a fraudulent purpose; connivance; conspiracy   2 a secret agreement between opponents at law in order to obtain a judicial decision for some wrongful or improper purpose [C14: from Latin collūsiō, from collūdere to COLLUDE]   > colˈlusive adj

■ collusively (kəˈluːsIvlI)   adv   in a collusive manner

colluvies (kəˈljuːvIiːz, kəˈluːvIiːz)   n   1 a collection of filth or discharge   2 a confluence

colluvium (kəˈluːvIəm)   n, pl -via (-vIə) or -viums   a mixture of rock fragments from the bases of cliffs [Latin: collection of filth, from colluere to wash thoroughly, from com- (intensive) + luere to wash]   > colˈluvial adj

colly (ˈkɒlI) archaic or dialect   n, pl -lies   1 soot or grime, such as coal dust   ▷ vb collies, collying, collied   2 (tr) to begrime; besmirch [C16: ultimately from Old English col COAL]

collyrium (kɒˈlIərIəm)   n, pl -lyria (-ˈlIərIə) or -lyriums   a technical name for an eyewash (sense 1) [C16: from Latin, from Greek kollurion poultice, eye salve]

collywobbles (ˈkɒlIˌwɒbəlz)   pl n the collywobbles slang   1 an upset stomach   2 acute diarrhoea   3 an intense feeling of nervousness [C19: probably from New Latin cholera morbus the disease cholera, influenced through folk etymology by COLIC and WOBBLE]

Colmar (French kɔlmar)   n   a city in NE France: annexed to Germany 1871–1919 and 1940–45; textile industry. Pop: 65 136 (1999). German name: Kolmar

Colo.   abbreviation for   Colorado

colo- or before a vowel col-   combining form   indicating the colon: colostomy; colotomy

colobid (ˈkɒləbId)   n   a type of African monkey of the family Cercopithecidae

coloboma (ˌkɒləˈbəʊmə)   n   a structural defect of the eye, esp in the choroid, retina, or iris [C19: New Latin, from Greek kolobōma a part taken away in mutilation, from kolobos cut short]

colobus (ˈkɒləbəs)   n   any leaf-eating arboreal Old World monkey of the genus Colobus, of W and central Africa, having a slender body, long silky fur, long tail, and reduced or absent thumbs [C19: New Latin, from Greek kolobos cut short; referring to its thumb]

colocate (ˌkəʊləʊˈkeIt)   vb (tr)   to locate (two or more things) together

colocynth (ˈkɒləsInθ)   n   1 a cucurbitaceous climbing plant, Citrullus colocynthis, of the Mediterranean region and Asia, having bitter-tasting fruit   2 the dried fruit pulp of this plant, used as a strong purgative   ▶ German name: bitter apple [C17: from Latin colocynthis, from Greek kolokunthis, from kolokunthē gourd, of obscure origin]

colog (ˌkəʊˈlɒɡ)   abbreviation for   cologarithm

cologarithm (kəʊˈlɒɡəˌrIðəm)   n   the logarithm of the reciprocal of a number; the negative value of the logarithm: the cologarithm of 4 is log 1⁄4. Abbreviation: colog

Cologne (kəˈləʊn)   n   an industrial city and river port in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia on the Rhine: important commercially since ancient times; university (1388). Pop: 965 954 (2003 est). German name: Köln

■ cologne (kəˈləʊn)   n   a perfumed liquid or solid made of fragrant essential oils and alcohol. Also called: Cologne water, eau de Cologne [C18: Cologne water, from COLOGNE, where it was first manufactured (1709)]

Colombard (ˈkɒləmˌbɑːd)   n   1 a white grape grown in France, California, and Australia, used for making wine   2 any of various moderately dry, spicy white wines made from this grape

Colomb-Béchar (French kɔlɔ̃beʃar)   n   the former name of Béchar

Colombes (French kɔlɔ̃b)   n   an industrial and residential suburb of NW Paris. Pop: 83 220 (2006)

Colombia (kəˈlɒmbIə)   n   a republic in NW South America: inhabited by Chibchas and other indigenous peoples before Spanish colonization in the 16th century; independence won by Bolívar in 1819; became the Republic of Colombia in 1886; violence and unrest have been endemic since the 1970s. It consists chiefly of a hot swampy coastal plain, separated by ranges of the Andes from the pampas and the equatorial forests of the Amazon basin in the east. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: peso. Capital: Bogotá. Pop: 49 065 615 (2017 est). Area: 1 138 908 sq km (439 735 sq miles)

■ Colombian (kəˈlɒmbIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Colombia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Colombia

Colombo (kəˈlʌmbəʊ)   n   the largest city and chief port of Sri Lanka, on the W coast, with one of the largest artificial harbours in the world. Pop: 706 648 (2015 est)

colon^1 (ˈkəʊlən)   n   1 (pl -lons) the punctuation mark :, usually preceding an explanation or an example of what has gone before, a list, or an extended quotation   2 (pl -lons) this mark used for certain other purposes, such as expressions of time, as in 2:45 p.m., or when a ratio is given in figures, as in 5:3   3 (pl -la (-lə)) (in classical prosody) a part of a rhythmic period with two to six feet and one principal accent or ictus [C16: from Latin, from Greek kōlon limb, hence part of a strophe, clause of a sentence]

colon^2 (ˈkəʊlən)   n, pl -lons or -la (-lə)   the part of the large intestine between the caecum and the rectum [C16: from Latin: large intestine, from Greek kolon]

■ colonic (kəˈlɒnIk)   adj   1    a anatomy of or relating to the colon   b med relating to irrigation of the colon for cleansing purposes   ▷ n   2 med irrigation of the colon by injecting large amounts of fluid high into the colon: a high colonic

■ colonitis (ˌkɒləˈnaItIs)   n   pathol another word for colitis

■ colonoscope (kəˈlɒnəˌskəʊp)   n   an instrument for examining the colon, consisting of a flexible lighted tube that is inserted in the colon to look for abnormalities and to remove them or take tissue samples [C20: from COLON^2 + -O- + -SCOPE]   > colonoscopy (ˌkɒlənˈɒskəpI) n

colon^3 (kəˈlɒn; French kɔlɔ̃)   n   a colonial farmer or plantation owner, esp in a French colony [French: colonist, from Latin colōnus, from colere to till, inhabit]

colón (kəʊˈləʊn; Spanish koˈlon)   n, pl -lons or -lones (Spanish -ˈlones)   1 the standard monetary unit of Costa Rica, divided into 100 céntimos   2 the former standard monetary unit of El Salvador, divided into 100 centavos; replaced by the US dollar in 2001 [C19: American Spanish, from Spanish, after Cristóbal Colón Christopher Columbus]

Colón (kɒˈlɒn; Spanish koˈlɔn)   n   1 a port in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. Chief Caribbean port. Pop: 157 000 (2005 est). Former name: Aspinwall   2 Archipiélago de Colón (ˌartʃiˈpjelaɣo ðe) the official name of the Galápagos Islands

colonel (ˈkɜːnəl)   n   an officer of land or air forces junior to a brigadier but senior to a lieutenant colonel [C16: via Old French, from Old Italian colonnello column of soldiers, from colonna COLUMN]   > ˈcolonelcy or ˈcolonelˌship n

■ Colonel Blimp   n   See blimp^2

■ colonelling (ˈkɜːnəlIŋ)   n   the act of behaving like a colonel

colonnade (ˌkɒləˈneId)   n   1 a set of evenly-spaced columns   2 a row of regularly spaced trees [C18: from French, from colonne COLUMN; on the model of Italian colonnato, from colonna column]   > ˌcolonˈnaded adj

Colonsay (ˈkɒlənseI, -zeI)   n   an island in W Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides. Area: about 41 sq km (16 sq miles)

colonus (kəˈləʊnəs)   n   (in ancient Rome) a farmer

colony (ˈkɒlənI)   n, pl -nies   1 a body of people who settle in a country distant from their homeland but maintain ties with it   2 the community formed by such settlers   3 a subject territory occupied by a settlement from the ruling state   4    a a community of people who form a national, racial, or cultural minority: an artists' colony; the American colony in London   b the area itself   5 zoology   a a group of the same type of animal or plant living or growing together, esp in large numbers   b an interconnected group of polyps of a colonial organism   6 bacteriol a group of bacteria, fungi, etc, derived from one or a few spores, esp when grown on a culture medium [C16: from Latin colōnia, from colere to cultivate, inhabit]

■ colonial (kəˈləʊnIəl)   adj   1 of, characteristic of, relating to, possessing, or inhabiting a colony or colonies   2 (often capital) characteristic of or relating to the 13 British colonies that became the United States of America (1776)   3 (often capital) of or relating to the colonies of the British Empire   4 denoting, relating to, or having the style of Neoclassical architecture used in the British colonies in America in the 17th and 18th centuries   5 of or relating to the period of Australian history before Federation (1901)   6 (of organisms such as corals and bryozoans) existing as a colony of polyps   7 (of animals and plants) having become established in a community in a new environment   ▷ n   8 a native of a colony   > coˈlonially adv

■ colonial experience   n   Austral history experience of farming, etc, gained by a young Englishman in colonial Australia   > colonial experiencer n

■ colonial goose   n   NZ an old-fashioned name for stuffed roast mutton

■ colonialism (kəˈləʊnIəˌlIzəm)   n   the practice of establishing colonies to extend a state's control over other peoples or territories. Compare imperialism (sense 1)   > coˈlonialist n, adj

■ colonialistic (kəˌləʊnIəˈlIstIk)   adj   of or relating to colonialism

■ colonialize or colonialise (kəˈləʊnIəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make colonial

■ colonialness (kəˈləʊnIəlnəs)   n   the quality of being colonial

■ Colonies (ˈkɒlənIz)   pl n the Colonies   1 Brit the subject territories formerly in the British Empire   2 US history the 13 states forming the original United States of America when they declared their independence (1776). These were Connecticut, North and South Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and New Jersey

■ colonist (ˈkɒlənIst)   n   1 a person who settles or colonizes an area   2 an inhabitant or member of a colony

■ colonizationist or colonisationist (ˌkɒlənaIˈzeIʃənIst)   n   a person who is in favour of colonization

■ colonize or colonise (ˈkɒləˌnaIz)   vb   1 to send colonists to or establish a colony in (an area)   2 to settle in (an area) as colonists   3 (tr) to transform (a community) into a colony   4 (of plants and animals) to become established in (a new environment)   > ˈcoloˌnizable or ˈcoloˌnisable adj   > ˌcoloniˈzation or ˌcoloniˈsation n   > ˈcoloˌnizer or ˈcoloˌniser n

■ colonized or colonised (ˈkɒləˌnaIzd)   adj   1 (of a territory) settled as a colony   2 subject to the rule of an another country   3 ecology inhabited by newly established plants or animals

■ colony collapse disorder   n   a phenomenon of uncertain origin which causes large numbers of worker bees to disappear suddenly from a hive

■ colony-stimulating factor   n   immunol any of a number of substances, secreted by the bone marrow, that cause stem cells to proliferate and differentiate, forming colonies of specific blood cells. Synthetic forms are being tested for their ability to reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Abbreviation: CSF

colophon (ˈkɒləˌfɒn, -fən)   n   1 a publisher's emblem on a book   2 (formerly) an inscription at the end of a book showing the title, printer, date, etc [C17: via Late Latin, from Greek kolophōn a finishing stroke]

■ colophony (kɒˈlɒfənI)   n   another name for rosin (sense 1) [C14: from Latin Colophōnia rēsina resin from Colophon]

coloquintida (ˌkɒləˈkwIntIdə)   n   another name for colocynth [C14: from Medieval Latin, from colocynthid- COLOCYNTH]

color (ˈkʌlə)   n, vb   the US spelling of colour   > ˈcolorable adj   > ˈcolorer n   > ˈcolorful adj   > ˈcoloring n   > ˈcolorist n   > ˈcolorless adj

Colorado (ˌkɒləˈrɑːdəʊ)   n   1 a state of the central US: consists of the Great Plains in the east and the Rockies in the west; drained chiefly by the Colorado, Arkansas, South Platte, and Rio Grande Rivers. Capital: Denver. Pop: 4 550 688 (2003 est). Area: 269 998 sq km (104 247 sq miles). Abbreviation: Colo., (with zip code) CO   2 a river in SW North America, rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing southwest to the Gulf of California: famous for the 1600 km (1000 miles) of canyons along its course. Length: about 2320 km (1440 miles)   3 a river in central Texas, flowing southeast to the Gulf of Mexico. Length: about 1450 km (900 miles)   4 a river in central Argentina, flowing southeast to the Atlantic. Length: about 850 km (530 miles) [Spanish, literally: red, from Latin colōrātus coloured, tinted red; see COLOUR]

■ Colorado beetle   n   a black-and-yellow beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, that is a serious pest of potatoes, feeding on the leaves: family Chrysomelidae. Also called: potato beetle

■ Colorado Desert   n   an arid region of SE California and NW Mexico, west of the Colorado River. Area: over 5000 sq km (2000 sq miles)

■ Colorado ruby   n   a fire-red form of garnet found in Colorado and other parts of North America

■ Colorado Springs   n   a city and resort in central Colorado. Pop: 370 448 (2003 est)

■ Colorado topaz   n   1 a tawny-coloured form of topaz found in Colorado   2 quartz of a similar colour

colorant or colourant (ˈkʌlərənt)   n   any substance that imparts colour, such as a pigment, dye, or ink; colouring matter

coloration or colouration (ˌkʌləˈreIʃən)   n   1 arrangement of colour and tones; colouring   2 the colouring or markings of insects, birds, etc. See also apatetic, aposematic, cryptic   3 unwanted extraneous variations in the frequency response of a loudspeaker or listening environment

coloratura (ˌkɒlərəˈtʊərə) or colorature (ˈkɒlərəˌtjʊə)   n music   1    a (in 18th- and 19th-century arias) a florid virtuoso passage   b (as modifier): a coloratura aria   2 Also called: coloratura soprano a lyric soprano who specializes in such music [C19: from obsolete Italian, literally: colouring, from Latin colōrāre to COLOUR]

colorectal (ˌkəʊləʊˈrɛktəl)   adj   of or relating to the colon and rectum

colorific (ˌkʌləˈrIfIk)   adj   producing, imparting, or relating to colour

colorimeter (ˌkʌləˈrImItə)   n   1 Also called: tintometer an apparatus for determining the concentration of a solution of a coloured substance by comparing the intensity of its colour with that of a standard solution or with standard colour slides   2 any apparatus for measuring the quality of a colour by comparison with standard colours or combinations of colours   > colorimetric (ˌkʌlərIˈmɛtrIk) or ˌcoloriˈmetrical adj   > ˌcoloriˈmetrically adv   > ˌcolorˈimetry n

Colossae (kəˈlɒsiː)   n   an ancient city in SW Phrygia in Asia Minor: seat of an early Christian Church

■ Colossian (kəˈlɒʃən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Colossae   2 New Testament any of the Christians of Colossae to whom St Paul's Epistle was addressed

■ Colossians (kəˈlɒʃənz)   n   (functioning as singular) a book of the New Testament (in full The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians)

colosseum (ˌkɒləˈsIəm)   n   a variant spelling of coliseum

■ Colosseum (ˌkɒləˈsIəm)   n   an amphitheatre in Rome built about 75–80 AD

colossus (kəˈlɒsəs)   n, pl -si (-saI) or -suses   something very large, esp a statue [C14: from Latin, from Greek kolossos]

■ colossal (kəˈlɒsəl)   adj   1 of immense size; huge; gigantic   2 (in figure sculpture) approximately twice life-size. Compare heroic (sense 7)   3 Also: giant architect of or relating to the order of columns and pilasters that extend more than one storey in a façade   > coˈlossally adv

■ Colossus of Rhodes   n   a giant bronze statue of Apollo built on Rhodes in about 292–280 BC; destroyed by an earthquake in 225 BC; one of the Seven Wonders of the World

colostomy (kəˈlɒstəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical formation of an opening from the colon onto the surface of the body, which functions as an anus

colostrum (kəˈlɒstrəm)   n   the thin milky secretion from the nipples that precedes and follows true lactation. It consists largely of serum and white blood cells [C16: from Latin, of obscure origin]   > coˈlostral or coˈlostric adj

■ colostrous (kəˈlɒstrəs)   adj   containing colostrum

colotomy (kəˈlɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   a colonic incision [C20 COLON^2 + -TOMY]

colour or US color (ˈkʌlə)   n   1    a an attribute of things that results from the light they reflect, transmit, or emit in so far as this light causes a visual sensation that depends on its wavelengths   b the aspect of visual perception by which an observer recognizes this attribute   c the quality of the light producing this aspect of visual perception   d (as modifier): colour vision   2 Also called: chromatic colour   a a colour, such as red or green, that possesses hue, as opposed to achromatic colours such as white or black   b (as modifier): a colour film. Compare black-and-white (sense 2)   3 a substance, such as a dye, pigment, or paint, that imparts colour to something   4    a the skin complexion of a person, esp as determined by race   b (as modifier): colour prejudice   5 the use of all the hues in painting as distinct from composition, form, and light and shade   6 the quantity and quality of ink used in a printing process   7 the distinctive tone of a musical sound; timbre   8 vividness, authenticity, or individuality: period colour   9 semblance or pretext (esp in the phrases take on a different colour, under colour of)   10 US a precious mineral particle, esp gold, found in auriferous gravel   11 physics one of three characteristics of quarks, designated red, blue, or green, but having no relationship with the physical sensation   12 of colour esp US not of White or European heritage: the rights of people of colour   ▷ vb   13 to give or apply colour to (something)   14 (tr) to give a convincing or plausible appearance to (something, esp to that which is spoken or recounted): to colour an alibi   15 (tr) to influence or distort (something, esp a report or opinion): anger coloured her judgment   16 (intr; often foll by up) to become red in the face, esp when embarrassed or annoyed   17 (intr) (esp of ripening fruit) to change hue [C13: from Old French colour from Latin color tint, hue]

■ colourable or US colorable (ˈkʌlərəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being coloured   2 appearing to be true; plausible: a colourable excuse   3 pretended; feigned: colourable affection   > ˌcolouraˈbility, US ˌcoloraˈbility, ˈcolourableness or US ˈcolorableness n   > ˈcolourably or US ˈcolorably adv

■ colourant (ˈkʌlərənt)   n   a variant spelling of colorant

■ colour bar or US color bar   n   discrimination against people of a different race, esp as practised by White people against Black people

■ colour-blind or US color-blind   adj   1 of or relating to any defect in the normal ability to distinguish certain colours. See deuteranopia, protanopia, tritanopia   2 not discriminating on grounds of skin colour or ethnic origin   > colour blindness or US color blindness n

■ colourbred or US colorbred (ˈkʌləˌbrɛd)   adj   (of an animal) bred to be a particular colour

■ colourbreed or US colorbreed (ˈkʌləˌbriːd)   vb (tr)   to breed (animals or plants) to be a particular colour

■ colourcast or US colorcast (ˈkʌləˌkɑːst)   n   1 a colour television broadcast   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to broadcast (a television programme) in colour

■ colour code or US color code   n   a system of easily distinguishable colours, as for the identification of electrical wires or resistors

■ colour-code or US color-code   vb (tr)   to identify with a system of easily distinguishable colours, as for the identification of electrical wires or resistors

■ colour commentator or US color commentator   n   a sports celebrity who works as part of a commentary team

■ colour contrast or US color contrast   n   psychol the change in the appearance of a colour surrounded by another colour; for example, grey looks bluish if surrounded by yellow

■ coloured or US colored (ˈkʌləd)   adj   1 possessing colour   2 having a strong element of fiction or fantasy; distorted (esp in the phrase highly coloured)   3 (sometimes capital) old-fashioned, offensive designating or relating to a person who is or people who are not White   ▷ n, pl coloureds or coloured or US coloreds or colored   4 (sometimes capital) old-fashioned, offensive an individual who is not White

USAGE

The use of coloured to describe people who are not White is likely to cause offence. If you need to refer to people's race it may be better to specify it or else to use a phrase such as 'a person from a minority ethnic group'

■ Coloured (ˈkʌləd)   n, pl Coloureds or Coloured South African   1    a a person of mixed ethnic parentage or descent   b a person of mixed ethnic descent speaking English or Afrikaans as their mother tongue   ▷ adj   2 designating or relating to a Coloured person or Coloured people

■ colourer or US colorer (ˈkʌlərə)   n   a person or thing that colours

■ colourfast or US colorfast (ˈkʌləˌfɑːst)   adj   (of a fabric) having a colour that does not run or change when washed or worn   > ˈcolourˌfastness or US ˈcolorˌfastness n

■ colour filter or US color filter   n   photog a thin layer of coloured gelatine, glass, etc, that transmits light of certain colours or wavelengths but considerably reduces the transmission of others

■ colourful or US colorful (ˈkʌləfʊl)   adj   1 having intense colour or richly varied colours   2 vivid, rich, or distinctive in character   > ˈcolourfully or US ˈcolorfully adv   > ˈcolourfulness or US ˈcolorfulness n

■ colour guard or US color guard   n   a military guard in a parade, ceremony, etc, that carries and escorts the flag or regimental colours

■ colour index or US color index   n   1 astronomy the difference between the apparent magnitude of a star measured in one standard waveband and in a longer standard waveband, indicating its colour and temperature   2 geology the sum of the dark or coloured minerals of a rock, expressed as a percentage of the total minerals   3 chem, physics a systematic arrangement of colours according to their hue, saturation, and brightness

■ colouring or US coloring (ˈkʌlərIŋ)   n   1 the process or art of applying colour   2 anything used to give colour, such as dye, paint, etc   3 appearance with regard to shade and colour   4 arrangements of colours and tones, as in the markings of birds and animals   5 the colour of a person's features or complexion   6 a false or misleading appearance

■ colourism or US colorism (ˈkʌlərIzəm)   n   discrimination against people with a different skin tone, esp within the same racial group

■ colourist or US colorist (ˈkʌlərIst)   n   1 a person who uses colour, esp an artist   2 a person who colours photographs, esp black-and-white ones   > ˌcolourˈistic or US ˌcolorˈistic adj

■ colouristically (ˌkʌləˈrIstIkəlI)   adv   in a colouristic manner

■ colourize, colourise or US colorize (ˈkʌləˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to add colour electronically to (an old black-and-white film)   > ˌcolouriˈzation, ˌcolouriˈsation or US ˌcoloriˈzation n

■ colourizer, colouriser or US colorizer (ˌkʌləˈraIzə)   n   a person or thing that colourizes

■ colourless or US colorless (ˈkʌləlIs)   adj   1 without colour   2 lacking in interest: a colourless individual   3 grey or pallid in tone or hue   4 without prejudice; neutral   > ˈcolourlessly or US ˈcolorlessly adv   > ˈcolourlessness or US ˈcolorlessness n

■ colour line or US color line   n   the social separation of racial groups within a community (esp in the phrase to cross the colour line)

■ colourman or US colorman (ˈkʌləmən)   n, pl -men   a person who deals in paints

■ colour phase or US color phase   n   1 a seasonal change in the coloration of some animals   2 an abnormal variation in the coloration shown by a group of animals within a species

■ colourpoint cat or US colorpoint cat (ˈkʌləˌpɔInt)   n   a cat with increased pigmentation of cooler points of the body, such as ears, feet, tail, nose, and scrotum (in males). US name: Himalayan cat

■ colour-reversal or US color-reversal   n   (modifier) (of film or photographic paper) designed to produce a positive image directly from a positive subject

■ colours or US colors (ˈkʌləz)   pl n   1    a the flag that indicates nationality   b military the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the colours   2 a pair of silk flags borne by a military unit, esp British, comprising the Queen's Colour showing the unit's crest, and the Regimental Colour showing the crest and battle honours   3 true nature or character (esp in the phrase show one's colours)   4 a distinguishing badge or flag, as of an academic institution   5 sport, Brit a badge or other symbol denoting membership of a team, esp at a school or college   6 informal a distinguishing embroidered patch denoting membership of a motorcycle gang   7 nail one's colours to the mast   a to refuse to admit defeat   b to declare openly one's opinions or allegiances

■ colour scheme or US color scheme   n   a planned combination or juxtaposition of colours, as in interior decorating

■ colour separation or US color separation   n   printing the division of a coloured original into cyan, magenta, yellow, and black so that plates may be made for print reproduction. Separation may be achieved by electronic scanning or by photographic techniques using filters to isolate each colour

■ colour separation overlay or US color separation overlay   n   another term for chromakey

■ colour sergeant or US color sergeant   n   a sergeant who carries the regimental, battalion, or national colours, as in a colour guard

■ colour subcarrier or US color subcarrier (ˈsʌbˌkærIə)   n   a component of a colour television signal on which is modulated the colour or chrominance information

■ colour supplement or US color supplement   n   Brit an illustrated magazine accompanying a newspaper, esp a Sunday newspaper

■ colour temperature or US color temperature   n   physics the temperature of a black-body radiator at which it would emit radiation of the same chromaticity as the light under consideration

■ colourwash or US colorwash (ˈkʌləˌwɒʃ)   n   1 a coloured distemper   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to paint with colourwash

■ colourway or US colorway (ˈkʌləˌweI)   n   one of several different combinations of colours in which a given pattern is printed on fabrics, wallpapers, etc

■ coloury or colory (ˈkʌlərI)   adj   possessing colour

-colous   adj combining form   inhabiting or living on: arenicolous [from Latin -cola inhabitant + -OUS; related to colere to inhabit]

colpitis (kɒlˈpaItIs)   n   pathol another name for vaginitis [C19: from Greek kolpos bosom, womb, vagina + -ITIS]

colpo- or before a vowel colp-   combining form   indicating the vagina: colpitis; colpotomy [from Greek kolpos womb]

colporteur (ˈkɒlˌpɔːtə; French kɔlpɔrtœr)   n   a hawker of books, esp bibles [C18: from French, from colporter, probably from Old French comporter to carry (see COMPORT); influenced through folk etymology by porter à col to carry on one's neck]   > ˈcolˌportage n

colposcope (ˈkɒlpəˌskəʊp)   n   an instrument for examining the uterine cervix, esp for early signs of cancer [C20: from COLPO- + -SCOPE]   > colposcopy (kɒlpəˈskəʊpI) n

■ colposcopical (ˌkɒlpəˈskɒpIkəl)   adj   med of or relating to the colposcope

■ colposcopically (ˌkɒlpəˈskɒpIkəlI)   adv   by means of a colposcope or colposcopy

colpotomy (kəlˈpɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   a surgical incision into the wall of the vagina [C20: from COLPO- + -TOMY]

colt (kəʊlt)   n   1 a male horse or pony under the age of four   2 an awkward or inexperienced young person   3 sport   a a young and inexperienced player   b a member of a junior team [Old English colt young ass, of obscure origin; compare Swedish dialect kult young animal, boy]

■ coltish (ˈkəʊltIʃ)   adj   1 inexperienced; unruly   2 playful and lively   > ˈcoltishly adv   > ˈcoltishness n

■ coltsfoot (ˈkəʊltsˌfʊt)   n, pl -foots   a European plant, Tussilago farfara, with yellow daisy-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves: a common weed: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ coltwood (ˈkəʊltˌwʊd)   n   poetic, obsolete a plant mentioned in Spenser's Faerie Queene, perhaps having a hairy stalk

Colt (kəʊlt)   n   trademark a type of revolver, pistol, etc [C19: named after Samuel Colt (1814–62), American inventor]

coltan (ˈkɒlˌtæn)   n   a metallic ore found esp in the E Congo, consisting of columbite and tantalite (a source of the element tantalum) [C20: from COLUMBITE + TANTALITE]

colter (ˈkəʊltə)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of coulter

Coltrane (kɒlˈtreIn)   n   John (William). 1926–67, US jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist and composer

colubrid (ˈkɒljʊbrId)   n   1 any snake of the family Colubridae, including many harmless snakes, such as the grass snake and whip snakes, and some venomous types   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Colubridae [C19: from New Latin Colubridae, from Latin coluber snake]

■ colubriad (kəˈljuːbrIæd)   n   a poem about a snake

■ colubriform (kəˈluːbrIˌfɔːm, kəˈljuːbrIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like or resembling a member of the Colubridae family of snakes

colubrine (ˈkɒljʊˌbraIn, -brIn)   adj   1 of or resembling a snake   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Colubrinae, a subfamily of harmless colubrid snakes [C16: from Latin colubrīnus, from coluber snake]

colugo (kəˈluːɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   another name for flying lemur [from a native word in Malaya]

Colum (ˈkɒləm)   n   Padraic (ˈpɑːdrIk). 1881–1972, Irish lyric poet, resident in the US (1914–72)

Columba^1 (kəˈlʌmbə)   n, Latin genitive Columbae (kəˈlʌmbiː)   as in Alpha Columbae. a small constellation in the S hemisphere south of Orion [Latin, literally: dove]

Columba^2 (kəˈlʌmbə)   n   Saint. ?521–597 AD, Irish missionary: founded the monastery at Iona (563) from which the Picts were converted to Christianity. Feast day: June 9

columbarium (ˌkɒləmˈbɛərIəm)   n, pl -ia (-Iə)   1 another name for a dovecote   2 a vault having niches for funeral urns   3 a hole in a wall into which a beam is inserted [C18: from Latin, from columba dove]

columbary (ˈkɒləmbərI)   n   archaic a dovecote

columbate (kəˈlʌmbeIt)   n   1 another name for columbite   2 obsolete any salt of columbic acid

Columbia^1 (kəˈlʌmbIə)   n   1 a river in NW North America, rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing through British Columbia, then west to the Pacific. Length: about 1930 km (1200 miles)   2 a city in central South Carolina, on the Congaree River: the state capital. Pop: 117 357 (2003 est)

Columbia^2 (kəˈlʌmbIə)   n   the first test vehicle of the NASA space shuttle fleet to prove the possibility of routine access to space for scientific and commercial ventures

columbic (kəˈlʌmbIk)   adj   another word for niobic

columbine^1 (ˈkɒləmˌbaIn)   n   any plant of the ranunculaceous genus Aquilegia, having purple, blue, yellow, or red flowers with five spurred petals. Also called: aquilegia [C13: from Medieval Latin columbīna herba dovelike plant, from Latin columbīnus dovelike, from the resemblance of the flower to a group of doves]

columbine^2 (ˈkɒləmˌbaIn)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a dove [C14: from Old French colombin, from Latin columbīnus dovelike, from columba dove]

Columbine (ˈkɒləmˌbaIn)   n   1 (originally) the character of a servant girl in commedia dell'arte   2 (later) the sweetheart of Harlequin in English pantomime

columbite (kəˈlʌmbaIt)   n   a black mineral consisting of a niobium oxide of iron and manganese in orthorhombic crystalline form: occurs in coarse granite, often with tantalite, and is an ore of niobium. Formula: (Fe, Mn)(Nb)2O_6. Also called: niobite [C19: from COLUMBIUM + -ITE^1]

columbium (kəˈlʌmbIəm)   n   the former name of niobium [C19: from New Latin, from Columbia, the United States of America]

columbous (kəˈlʌmbəs)   adj   another word for niobous

Columbus^1 (kəˈlʌmbəs)   n   1 a city in central Ohio: the state capital. Pop: 728 432 (2003 est)   2 a city in W Georgia, on the Chattahoochee River. Pop: 185 702 (2003 est)

Columbus^2 (kəˈlʌmbəs)   n   Christopher. Spanish name Cristóbal Colón, Italian name Cristoforo Colombo. 1451–1506, Italian navigator and explorer in the service of Spain, who discovered the New World (1492)

■ Columbian (kəˈlʌmbIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the United States   2 relating to Christopher Columbus   ▷ n   3 a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 16 point; two-line Brevier

■ Columbus Day   n   Oct 12, a legal holiday in most states of the US: the date of Columbus' landing in the West Indies (Caribbean) in 1492

columel (ˈkɒljʊˌmɛl)   n   1 botany the central column in a capsule   2 obsolete a small column

columella (ˌkɒljʊˈmɛlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   1 biology   a the central part of the spore-producing body of some fungi and mosses   b any similar columnar structure   2 Also called: columella auris (ˈɔːrIs) a small rodlike bone in the middle ear of frogs, reptiles, and birds that transmits sound to the inner ear: homologous to the mammalian stapes [C16: from Latin: diminutive of columna COLUMN]   > ˌcoluˈmellar adj

column (ˈkɒləm)   n   1 an upright post or pillar usually having a cylindrical shaft, a base, and a capital   2    a a form or structure in the shape of a column: a column of air   b a monument   3 a row, line, or file, as of people in a queue   4 military a narrow formation in which individuals or units follow one behind the other   5 journalism   a any of two or more vertical sections of type on a printed page, esp on a newspaper page   b a regular article or feature in a paper: the fashion column   6 a vertical array of numbers or mathematical terms   7 botany a long structure in a flower, such as that of an orchid, consisting of the united stamens and style   8 anatomy, zoology any elongated structure, such as a tract of grey matter in the spinal cord or the stalk of a crinoid [C15: from Latin columna, from columen top, peak; related to Latin collis hill]   > columnar (kəˈlʌmnə) adj   > ˈcolumned or columnated (ˈkɒləmˌneItId) adj

■ columnal (ˈkɒləmnəl)   adj   1 archaic of, like, or relating to a column   ▷ n   2 zoology a circular disk-like section of the stem of a crinoid

■ columnarity (ˌkɒləmˈnærItI)   n   the fact or quality of being columnar

■ columnea (kəˈlʌmnIə)   n   any plant belonging to the genus Columnea, a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Gesneriaceae, with bright red, yellow, or orange tubular flowers and glossy leaves

■ columniated (kəˈlʌmnIˌeItId)   adj   architect having columns or arranged in columns

■ columniation (kəˌlʌmnIˈeIʃən)   n   the arrangement of architectural columns

■ column inch   n   a unit of measurement for advertising space, one inch deep and one column wide

■ columnist (ˈkɒləmIst, -əmnIst)   n   a journalist who writes a regular feature in a newspaper: a gossip columnist

■ columnistic (ˌkɒləmˈnIstIk)   adj   rare belonging or relating to a columnist

colure (kəˈlʊə, ˈkəʊlʊə)   n   either of two great circles on the celestial sphere, one of which passes through the celestial poles and the equinoxes and the other through the poles and the solstices [C16: from Late Latin colūrī (plural), from Greek kolourai cut short, dock-tailed, from kolos docked + oura tail; so called because the view of the lower part is curtailed]

Colwyn Bay (ˈkɒlwIn)   n   a town and resort in N Wales, in Conwy county borough. Pop: 30 269 (2001)

coly (ˈkəʊlI)   n, pl -lies   any of the arboreal birds of the genus Colius, family Coliidae, and order Coliiformes, of southern Africa. They have a soft hairlike plumage, crested head, and very long tail. Also called: mousebird [C19: from New Latin colius, probably from Greek kolios woodpecker]

colza (ˈkɒlzə)   n   another name for rape^2 [C18: via French (Walloon) kolzat from Dutch koolzaad, from kool cabbage, COLE + zaad SEED]

■ colza oil   n   the oil obtained from the seeds of the rape plant and used in making lubricants and synthetic rubber

com   the internet domain name for   a commercial company

COM (kɒm)   n     a a process in which a computer output is converted direct to microfiche or film, esp 35 or 16 millimetre film   b (as modifier): a COM machine [(C)omputer (O)utput on (M)icrofilm]

Com.   abbreviation for   1 Commander   2 committee   3 Commodore

com- or con-   prefix   together; with; jointly: commingle [from Latin com-; related to cum with. In compound words of Latin origin, com- becomes col- and cor- before l and r, co- before gn, h, and most vowels, and con- before consonants other than b, p, and m. Although its sense in compounds of Latin derivation is often obscured, it means: together, with, etc (combine, compile); similar (conform); extremely, completely (consecrate)]

coma^1 (ˈkəʊmə)   n, pl -mas   a state of unconsciousness from which a person cannot be aroused, caused by injury to the head, rupture of cerebral blood vessels, narcotics, poisons, etc [C17: from medical Latin, from Greek kōma heavy sleep; related to Greek koitē bed, perhaps to Middle Irish cuma grief]

■ comatic (kəʊˈmætIk)   adj   optics of, relating to, or produced by a coma

■ comatose (ˈkəʊməˌtəʊs, -ˌtəʊz)   adj   1 in a state of coma   2 torpid; lethargic   > ˈcomaˌtosely adv

coma^2 (ˈkəʊmə)   n, pl -mae (-miː)   1 astronomy the luminous cloud surrounding the frozen solid nucleus in the head of a comet, formed by vaporization of part of the nucleus when the comet is close to the sun   2 botany   a a tuft of hairs attached to the seed coat of some seeds   b the terminal crown of leaves of palms and moss stems   3 optics a type of lens defect characterized by the formation of a diffuse pear-shaped image from a point object [C17: from Latin: hair of the head, from Greek komē]   > ˈcomal adj

Coma Berenices (ˈkəʊmə ˌbɛrIˈnaIsiːz)   n, Latin genitive Comae Berenices (ˈkəʊmiː)   a faint constellation in the N hemisphere between Ursa Major and Boötes containing the Coma Cluster a cluster of approximately 1000 galaxies, at a mean distance of 300 million light years [from Latin, literally: Berenice's hair, named after Berenice (died 221 BC), consort of Ptolemy III]

comake (kəʊˈmeIk)   vb   (tr) to make together

■ comaker (kəʊˈmeIkə)   n   finance a person who, in addition to a person who is borrowing money, makes a formal promise that a loan will be repaid or a payment made to a creditor, by signing a promissory note

co-manage (kəʊˈmænIdʒ)   vb (tr)   to manage (something) jointly

■ co-management   n     a the practice of managing something jointly   b (as modifier): a co-management team

■ co-manager   n   a person who manages something jointly with one or more other people

Comanche (kəˈmæntʃI)   n   1 (pl -ches or -che) a member of a Native American people, formerly ranging from the River Platte to the Mexican border, now living in Oklahoma   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Shoshonean subfamily of the Uto-Aztecan family

Comanchean (kəˈmæntʃIən) (in North America)   adj   1 of or relating to the early part of the Cretaceous system and period   ▷ n   2 the strata and time corresponding to the early Cretaceous

Comaneci (ˌkɒməˈnɛtʃI)   n   Nadia. born 1961, Romanian gymnast: gold medal winner in the 1976 Olympic Games where she became the first female gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10; defected to the US in 1989

comart (kəʊˈmɑːt)   n   obsolete a binding agreement

comate^1 (ˈkəʊmeIt)   adj   botany having tufts of hair [C17: from Latin comātus, from coma hair]

comate^2 (ˈkəʊmeIt)   adj   having or relating to a coma

comatulid (kəˈmætjʊlId) or comatula   n, pl -lids or -lae (-liː)   any of a group of crinoid echinoderms, including the feather stars, in which the adults are free-swimming [C19: from New Latin Comatulidae, from Comatula type genus, from Latin comātus hairy]

comb (kəʊm)   n   1 a toothed device of metal, plastic, wood, etc, used for disentangling or arranging hair   2 a tool or machine that separates, cleans, and straightens wool, cotton, etc   3 Austral and NZ the fixed cutter on a sheep-shearing machine   4 anything resembling a toothed comb in form or function   5 the fleshy deeply serrated outgrowth on the top of the heads of certain birds, esp the domestic fowl   6 anything resembling the comb of a bird   7 a currycomb   8 a honeycomb   9 the row of fused cilia in a ctenophore   10 go over with a fine-tooth comb, go over with a fine-toothed comb, go through with a fine-tooth comb or go through with a fine-toothed comb to examine very thoroughly   ▷ vb   11 (tr) to use a comb on   12 (when tr, often foll by through) to search or inspect with great care: the police combed the woods [Old English camb; related to Old Norse kambr, Old High German camb]

■ comber (ˈkəʊmə)   n   1 a person, tool, or machine that combs wool, flax, etc   2 a long curling wave; roller

■ combings (ˈkəʊmIŋz)   pl n   1 the loose hair, wool, etc, removed by combing, esp that of animals   2 the unwanted loose short fibres removed in combing cotton, etc

■ comb jelly   n   another name for a ctenophore

■ combless (ˈkəʊmlIs)   adj   without a comb

■ comblike (ˈkəʊmlaIk)   adj   resembling a comb

■ comb out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to remove (tangles or knots) from (the hair) with a comb   2 to isolate and remove for a purpose   3 to survey carefully; examine systematically   ▷ n comb-out   4 an act of combing out

■ comb-over   n   a hairstyle in which long strands of hair from the side of the head are swept over the scalp to cover a bald patch

■ combwise (ˈkəʊmˌwaIz)   adv   rare in the manner of a comb

■ comby (ˈkəʊmI)   adj combier, combiest   rare resembling a comb

combat   n (ˈkɒmbæt, -bət, ˈkʌm-)   1 a fight, conflict, or struggle   2    a an action fought between two military forces   b (as modifier): a combat jacket   3 single combat a fight between two individuals; duel   4 close combat or hand-to-hand combat fighting at close quarters   ▷ vb (kəmˈbæt, ˈkɒmbæt, ˈkʌm-) -bats, -bating, -bated   5 (tr) to fight or defy   6 (intr; often foll by with or against) to struggle or strive (against); be in conflict (with): to combat against disease [C16: from French, from Old French combattre, from Vulgar Latin combattere (unattested), from Latin com- with + battuere to beat, hit]   > comˈbatable adj   > comˈbater n

■ combatant (ˈkɒmbətənt, ˈkʌm-)   n   1 a person or group engaged in or prepared for a fight, struggle, or dispute   ▷ adj   2 engaged in or ready for combat

■ combat boot   n   a heavy army boot

■ combat fatigue   n   another term for battle fatigue

■ combative (ˈkɒmbətIv, ˈkʌm-)   adj   eager or ready to fight, argue, etc; aggressive   > ˈcombatively adv   > ˈcombativeness n

■ combat-ready   adj   ready for combat

■ combat trousers or combats (ˈkɒmbæts, -bəts, ˈkʌm-)   pl n   loose casual trousers with large pockets on the legs

combe or comb (kuːm)   n   variant spellings of coomb

combi (ˈkɒmbI) informal   adj   1 denoting a machine that has two or more uses or functions: a combi boiler   ▷ n   2 a vehicle or aircraft that has two or more possible uses, for example to carry passengers or to transport goods

combine   vb (kəmˈbaIn)   1 to integrate or cause to be integrated; join together   2 to unite or cause to unite to form a chemical compound   3 agriculture to harvest (crops) with a combine harvester   ▷ n (ˈkɒmbaIn)   4 agriculture short for combine harvester   5 an association of enterprises, esp in order to gain a monopoly of a market   6 an association of business corporations, political parties, sporting clubs, etc, for a common purpose [C15: from Late Latin combīnāre, from Latin com- together + bīnī two by two]   > comˈbinable adj   > comˌbinaˈbility n   > comˈbiner n

■ combinate (ˈkɒmbIˌneIt)   adj Brit   1 rare combined   2 obsolete having been promised or contracted in marriage to another person

■ combination (ˌkɒmbIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act of combining or state of being combined   2 a union of separate parts, qualities, etc   3 an alliance of people or parties; group having a common purpose   4    a the set of numbers that opens a combination lock   b the mechanism of this type of lock   5 Brit a motorcycle with a sidecar attached   6 maths   a an arrangement of the numbers, terms, etc, of a set into specified groups without regard to order in the group: the combinations of a, b, and c, taken two at a time, are ab, bc, ac   b a group formed in this way. The number of combinations of n objects taken r at a time is n!/[(n – r)!r!]. Symbol: nCr. Compare permutation (sense 1)   7 the chemical reaction of two or more compounds, usually to form one other compound   8 chess a tactical manoeuvre involving a sequence of moves and more than one piece   > ˌcombiˈnational adj

■ combination lock   n   a type of lock that can only be opened when a set of dials releasing the tumblers of the lock are turned to show a specific sequence of numbers

■ combination room   n   Brit (at Cambridge University) a common room

■ combinations (ˌkɒmbIˈneIʃənz)   pl n   Brit a one-piece woollen undergarment with long sleeves and legs. Often shortened to: combs, coms. US and Canadian term: union suit

■ combination tone   n   another term for resultant tone

■ combinative (ˈkɒmbIˌneItIv, -nətIv), combinatorial (ˌkɒmbInəˈtɔːrIəl) or combinatory (ˈkɒmbInətərI, -trI)   adj   1 resulting from being, tending to be, or able to be joined or mixed together   2 linguistics (of a sound change) occurring only in specific contexts or as a result of some other factor, such as change of stress within a word. Compare isolative (sense 1)

■ combinatorial analysis   n   the branch of mathematics concerned with the theory of enumeration, or combinations and permutations, in order to solve problems about the possibility of constructing arrangements of objects which satisfy specified conditions. Also called: combinatorics (ˌkɒmbInəˈtɔːrIks)

■ combinatorially (ˌkɒmbInəˈtɔːrIəlI)   adv   in a combinatorial manner

■ combined (kəmˈbaInd)   adj   1 united; comprising more than one part: a combined attack   2 taken as a whole: a combined income of £75,000

■ combine harvester (ˈkɒmbaIn)   n   a machine that simultaneously cuts, threshes, and cleans a standing crop of grain

■ combining (kəmˈbaInIŋ)   n   the process or an act of combining two or more things

■ combining form   n   a linguistic element that occurs only as part of a compound word, such as anthropo- in anthropology

comble French (kõmblə)   n   literary, rare the highest point of achievement or success in something

combo (ˈkɒmbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   1 a small group of musicians, esp of jazz musicians   2 informal any combination

combretum (kɒmˈbriːtəm)   n   any tree or shrub belonging to the genus Combretum, native mainly to tropical and subtropical Africa and producing attractive flowers

combs (kɒmbz)   pl n   an old-fashioned name for combinations

comburgess (kəmˈbɜːdʒIs)   n   British history (formerly) a fellow citizen or freeman of a borough

combust (kəmˈbʌst)   adj   1 astrology (of a star or planet) invisible for a period between 24 and 30 days each year due to its proximity to the sun   ▷ vb   2 chem to burn

■ combustible (kəmˈbʌstəbəl)   adj   1 capable of igniting and burning   2 easily annoyed; excitable   ▷ n   3 a combustible substance   > comˌbustiˈbility or comˈbustibleness n   > comˈbustibly adv

■ combustion (kəmˈbʌstʃən)   n   1 the process of burning   2 any process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce a significant rise in temperature and the emission of light   3 a chemical process in which two compounds, such as sodium and chlorine, react together to produce heat and light   4 a process in which a compound reacts slowly with oxygen to produce little heat and no light [C15: from Old French, from Latin combūrere to burn up, from com- (intensive) + ūrere to burn]   > comˈbustive n, adj

■ combustion chamber   n   an enclosed space in which combustion takes place, such as the space above the piston in the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine or the chambers in a gas turbine or rocket engine in which fuel and oxidant burn

■ combustious (kəmˈbʌstIəs)   adj   1 archaic turbulent   2 obsolete combustible   3 obsolete burning

■ combustor (kəmˈbʌstə)   n   the combustion system of a jet engine or ramjet, comprising the combustion chamber, the fuel injection apparatus, and the igniter

comdg military   abbreviation for   commanding

Comdr military   abbreviation for   Commander

Comdt military   abbreviation for   Commandant

come (kʌm)   vb comes, coming, came, come (mainly intr)   1 to move towards a specified person or place: come to my desk   2 to arrive by movement or by making progress   3 to become perceptible: light came into the sky   4 to occur in the course of time: Christmas comes but once a year   5 to exist or occur at a specific point in a series: your turn comes next   6 to happen as a result: no good will come of this   7 to originate or be derived: good may come of evil   8 to occur to the mind: the truth suddenly came to me   9 to extend or reach: she comes up to my shoulder   10 to be produced or offered: that dress comes in red only   11 to arrive at or be brought into a particular state or condition: you will soon come to grief; the new timetable comes into effect on Monday   12 (foll by from) to be or have been a resident or native (of): I come from Nigeria   13 to become: your wishes will come true   14 (tr; takes an infinitive) to be given awareness: I came to realize its enormous value   15 (of grain) to germinate   16 slang to have an orgasm   17 (tr) Brit informal to play the part of: don't come the fine gentleman with me   18 (tr) Brit informal to cause or produce: don't come that nonsense again   19 (subjunctive use) when (a specified time or event has arrived or begun): she'll be sixteen come Sunday; come the revolution, you'll be the first to go   20 as…as they come the most characteristic example of a class or type   21 come again? informal what did you say?   22 come and (imperative or dependent imperative) to move towards a particular person or thing or accompany a person with some specified purpose: come and see what I've found   23 come clean informal to make a revelation or confession   24 come good informal to recover and perform well after a bad start or setback   25 come it slang   a to pretend; act a part   b to exaggerate   c (often foll by over) to try to impose (upon)   d to divulge a secret; inform the police   26 come to light to be revealed   27 come to light with Austral and NZ informal to find or produce   28 come to pass archaic to take place   29 how come? informal what is the reason that?   ▷ interj   30 an exclamation expressing annoyance, irritation, etc: come now!; come come!   ▷ n vulgar, slang   31 semen [Old English cuman; related to Old Norse koma, Gothic qiman, Old High German queman to come, Sanskrit gámati he goes]

■ come about   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to take place; happen   2 nautical to change tacks

■ come across   vb (intr)   1 (preposition) to meet or find by accident   2 (adverb) (of a person or his or her words) to communicate the intended meaning or impression   3 (often foll by with) to provide what is expected

■ come-all-ye (kəˈmɔːljə, -jiː)   n   a street ballad or folk song [C19: from the common opening words come all ye (young maidens, loyal heroes, etc)…]

■ come along   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to progress: how's your French coming along?   2 come along!   a hurry up!   b make an effort!   ▷ n come-along   3 US and Canadian informal a hand tool consisting of a ratchet lever, cable, and pulleys, used for moving heavy loads by hand or for tightening wire

■ come at   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to discover or reach (facts, the truth, etc)   2 to attack (a person): he came at me and tried to punch me   3 Austral slang to agree to do (something)   4 (usually used with a negative) Austral slang to stomach, tolerate: I couldn't come at it   5 Austral slang to presume; impose: what are you coming at?

■ come-at-able   adj   an informal expression for accessible

■ come away   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to become detached   2 (foll by with) to leave (with)

■ comeback (ˈkʌmˌbæk)   n informal   1 a return to a former position, status, etc   2 a return or response, esp recriminatory   3 a quick reply; retort   ▷ vb come back (intr, adverb)   4 to return   5 to become fashionable again   6 to reply after a period of consideration: I'll come back to you on that next week   7 US and Canadian to argue back; retort   8 come back to someone (of something forgotten) to return to someone's memory

■ come between   vb   (intr, preposition) to cause the estrangement or separation of (two people): nothing could come between the two lovers

■ come by   vb   (intr, preposition) to find or obtain (a thing), esp accidentally: do you ever come by any old books?

■ comedown (ˈkʌmˌdaʊn)   n   1 a decline in position, status, or prosperity   2 informal a disappointment   3 slang a depressed or unexcited state   ▷ vb come down (intr, adverb)   4 to come to a place regarded as lower   5 to lose status, wealth, etc (esp in the phrase to come down in the world)   6 to reach a decision: the report came down in favour of a pay increase   7 (often foll by to) to be handed down or acquired by tradition or inheritance   8 Brit to leave college or university   9 (foll by with) to succumb (to illness or disease)   10 (foll by on) to rebuke or criticize harshly   11 (foll by to) to amount in essence (to): it comes down to two choices   12 slang to lose the effects of a drug and return to a normal or more normal state   13 Austral informal (of a river) to flow in flood

■ come forward   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to offer one's services; volunteer   2 to present oneself

■ come from   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to be or have been a resident or native (of): Ernst comes from Geneva   2 to originate from or derive from: chocolate comes from the cacao tree; the word filibuster comes from the Dutch word for pirate   3 where someone is coming from informal the reasons for someone's behaviour, opinions, or comments: I can understand where you're coming from

■ come-hither   adj   (usually prenominal) informal alluring; seductive: a come-hither look

■ come in   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 to enter, used in the imperative when admitting a person   2 to prove to be: it came in useful   3 to become fashionable or seasonable   4 cricket to begin an innings   5 sport to finish a race (in a certain position)   6 (of a politician or political party) to win an election   7 radio, television to be received: news is coming in of a big fire in Glasgow   8 (of money) to be received as income   9 to play a role; advance one's interests: where do I come in?   10 (foll by for) to be the object of: the decision came in for a lot of criticism

■ come into   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to enter   2 to inherit   3 come into one's own   a to become fulfilled: she really came into her own when she got divorced   b to receive what is due to one

■ come of   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to be descended from   2 to result from: nothing came of the group's experiments

■ come off   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 (also preposition) to fall (from), losing one's balance   2 to become detached or be capable of being detached   3 (preposition) to be removed from (a price, tax, etc): will anything come off income tax in the budget?   4 (copula) to emerge from or as if from a trial or contest: she came off the winner   5 informal to take place or happen   6 informal to have the intended effect; succeed: his jokes did not come off   7 vulgar, slang to have an orgasm   8 come off it! informal stop trying to fool me!

■ come on   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 (of power, a water supply, etc) to become available; start running or functioning   2 to make or show progress; develop: my plants are coming on nicely   3 to advance, esp in battle   4 to begin: she felt a cold coming on; a new bowler has come on   5 theatre to make an entrance on stage   6 to be considered, esp in a court of law   7 (preposition) See come upon   8 come on!   a hurry up!   b cheer up! pull yourself together!   c make an effort!   d don't exaggerate! stick to the facts!   9 to attempt to give a specified impression: he came on like a hard man   10 come on strong to make a forceful or exaggerated impression   11 come on to informal to make sexual advances to   ▷ n come-on   12 informal anything that serves as a lure or enticement

■ come out   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to be made public or revealed: the news of her death came out last week   2 to make a debut in society or on stage   3    a Also: come out of the closet to make it known that one is not heterosexual   b to reveal or declare any habit or practice formerly concealed   4 chiefly Brit to go on strike   5 to declare oneself: the government came out in favour of scrapping the project   6 to be shown visibly or clearly: you came out very well in the photos   7 to yield a satisfactory solution: these sums just won't come out   8 to be published: the paper comes out on Fridays   9 (foll by in) to become covered with: you're coming out in spots   10 (foll by with) to speak or declare openly: you can rely on him to come out with the facts

■ come over   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) (of a person or his or her words) to communicate the intended meaning or impression: he came over very well   2 (adverb) to change allegiances: some people came over to our side in the war   3 informal to undergo or feel a particular sensation: I came over funny   ▷ n comeover   4 (in the Isle of Man) a person who has come over from the mainland of Britain to settle

■ comer (ˈkʌmə)   n   1 (in combination) a person who comes: all-comers; newcomers   2 informal a potential success

■ come round or come around   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to be restored to life or consciousness   2 to change or modify one's mind or opinion

■ come through   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) to emerge successfully   2 (preposition) to survive (an illness, setback, etc)

■ come to   vb (intr)   1 (adverb; or prep. and reflexive) to regain consciousness or return to one's normal state   2 (adverb) nautical to slow a vessel or bring her to a stop   3 (preposition) to amount to (a sum of money): your bill comes to forty pounds   4 (preposition) to arrive at (a certain state): what is the world coming to?

■ come up   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to come to a place regarded as higher   2 (of the sun) to rise   3 to begin: a wind came up   4 to be regurgitated or vomited   5 to present itself or be discussed: that question will come up again   6 Brit to begin a term, esp one's first term, at a college or university   7 to appear from out of the ground: my beans have come up early this year   8 informal to win: has your lottery ticket ever come up?   9 come up against to be faced with; come into conflict or competition with   10 come up to to equal or meet (a standard): that just doesn't come up to scratch   11 come up with to produce or find: she always comes up with the right answer

■ come upon   vb   (intr, preposition) to meet or encounter unexpectedly: I came upon an old friend in the street today

■ comeuppance (ˌkʌmˈʌpəns)   n   informal just retribution [C19: from come up (in the sense: to appear before a judge or court for judgment)]

■ coming (ˈkʌmIŋ)   adj   1 (prenominal) (of time, events, etc) approaching or next: this coming Thursday   2 promising (esp in the phrase up and coming)   3 of future importance: this is the coming thing   4 coming up! informal an expression used to announce that a meal is about to be served   5 have it coming to one informal to deserve what one is about to suffer   6 not know whether one is coming or going to be totally confused   ▷ n   7 arrival or approach   8 (often capital) Christianity the return of Christ in glory. See also Second Coming

■ coming of age   n   1 the moment when a person or thing reaches an important stage of development   2    a the time when a person reaches legal adulthood   b (as modifier): a coming-of-age ceremony

Comecon (ˈkɒmIˌkɒn)   n   (formerly) an association of Soviet-oriented Communist nations, founded in 1949 to coordinate economic development, etc; it was disbanded in 1991 when free-market policies were adopted by its members. Also: CMEA [C20 Co(uncil for) M(utual) Econ(omic Assistance)]

comeddle (kəʊˈmɛdəl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to mix (two or more things) together

Comédie Française French (kɔmedi frɑ̃sɛz)   n   the French national theatre, founded in Paris in 1680

comedo (ˈkɒmIˌdəʊ)   n, pl comedos or comedones (ˌkɒmIˈdəʊniːz)   pathol the technical name for blackhead [C19: from New Latin, from Latin: glutton, from comedere to eat up, from com- (intensive) + edere to eat]

■ comedogenic (ˌkɒmIdəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   producing or causing blackheads or acne

comedy (ˈkɒmIdI)   n, pl -dies   1 a dramatic or other work of light and amusing character   2 the genre of drama represented by works of this type   3 (in classical literature) a play in which the main characters and motive triumph over adversity   4 the humorous aspect of life or of events   5 an amusing event or sequence of events   6 humour or comic style: inspired by the comedy of Chaplin [C14: from Old French comédie, from Latin cōmoedia, from Greek kōmōidia, from kōmos village festival + aeidein to sing]

■ comedian (kəˈmiːdIən)   n   1 an entertainer who specializes in jokes, comic skits, etc   2 an actor in comedy   3 an amusing or entertaining person: sometimes used ironically

■ comedic (kəˈmiːdIk)   adj   of or relating to comedy

■ comedically (kəˈmiːdIkəlI)   adv   from a comedic point of view or in a comedic manner

■ comedienne (kəˌmiːdIˈɛn)   n   a female comedian. Gender-neutral form: comic

■ comedietta (kəˌmiːdIˈɛtə)   n   old-fashioned a short comic stage or musical production

■ comedy of manners   n   1 a comedy dealing with the way of life and foibles of a social group   2 the genre represented by works of this type

comely (ˈkʌmlI)   adj -lier, -liest   archaic good-looking; attractive [Old English cӯmlīc beautiful; related to Old High German cūmi frail, Middle High German komlīche suitably]   > ˈcomeliness n

■ comelily (ˈkʌmlIlI)   adv   archaic in a comely manner

co-member   n   a fellow member of a particular group or organization

Comenius (kəˈmeInIəs)   n   John Amos, Czech name Jan Amos Komensky. 1592–1670, Czech educational reformer

comestible (kəˈmɛstIbəl)   n   1 (usually plural) food   ▷ adj   2 a rare word for edible [C15: from Late Latin comestibilis, from comedere to eat up; see COMEDO]

comet (ˈkɒmIt)   n   a celestial body that travels around the sun, usually in a highly elliptical orbit: thought to consist of a solid frozen nucleus part of which vaporizes on approaching the sun to form a gaseous luminous coma and a long luminous tail [C13: from Old French comète, from Latin comēta, from Greek komētēs long-haired, from komē hair]   > ˈcometary or cometic (kɒˈmɛtIk) adj

■ cometography (ˌkɒmIˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the scientific description and recording of comets

■ cometology (ˌkɒmIˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of comets

comether (kəˈmɛðə)   n   Brit old-fashioned, dialect the act of persuading or coaxing

comfit (ˈkʌmfIt, ˈkɒm-)   n   a sugar-coated sweet containing a nut or seed [C15: from Old French, from Latin confectum something prepared, from conficere to produce; see CONFECT]

comfiture (ˈkʌmfItjʊə)   n   archaic another name for confiture

comfort (ˈkʌmfət)   n   1 a state of ease or well-being   2 relief from affliction, grief, etc   3 a person, thing, or event that brings solace or ease   4 obsolete support   5 (usually plural) something that affords physical ease and relaxation   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to ease the pain of; soothe; cheer   7 to bring physical ease to [C13: from Old French confort, from Late Latin confortāre to strengthen very much, from Latin con- (intensive) + fortis strong]   > ˈcomforting adj   > ˈcomfortingly adv   > ˈcomfortless adj   > ˈcomfortlessly adv   > ˈcomfortlessness n

■ comfortable (ˈkʌmftəbəl, ˈkʌmfətəbəl)   adj   1 giving comfort or physical relief   2 at ease   3 free from affliction or pain   4 (of a person or situation) relaxing   5 informal having adequate income   6 informal (of income) adequate to provide comfort   > ˈcomfortableness n   > ˈcomfortably adv

■ comforter (ˈkʌmfətə)   n   1 a person or thing that comforts   2 chiefly Brit a woollen scarf   3 a baby's dummy   4 US a quilted bed covering

■ Comforter (ˈkʌmfətə)   n   Christianity an epithet of the Holy Spirit [C14: translation of Latin consolātor, representing Greek paraklētos; see PARACLETE]

■ comfort food   n   food that is enjoyable to eat and makes the eater feel better emotionally

■ comfort station   n   US a public lavatory and rest room

■ comfort stop   n   informal a short break on a journey to allow travellers to go to the toilet

■ comfort zone   n   a situation or position in which a person feels secure, comfortable, or in control: encouraging people to work outside their comfort zone

comfrey (ˈkʌmfrI)   n   any hairy Eurasian boraginaceous plant of the genus Symphytum, having blue, purplish-pink, or white flowers [C15: from Old French cunfirie, from Latin conferva water plant; see CONFERVA]

comfy (ˈkʌmfI)   adj -fier, -fiest   informal short for comfortable

■ comfiness (ˈkʌmfInəs)   n   the feeling or quality of being comfortable

comic (ˈkɒmIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, characterized by, or characteristic of comedy   2 (prenominal) acting in, writing, or composing comedy: a comic writer   3 humorous; funny   ▷ n   4 a person who is comic, esp a comic actor; comedian   5 a book or magazine containing comic strips   6 (usually plural) chiefly US and Canadian comic strips in newspapers, etc [C16: from Latin cōmicus, from Greek kōmikos relating to COMEDY]

■ comical (ˈkɒmIkəl)   adj   1 causing laughter   2 ludicrous; laughable   > ˈcomically adv   > ˈcomicalness or ˌcomiˈcality n

■ comic opera   n   a play largely set to music, employing comic effects or situations. See also opéra bouffe, opera buffa

■ comic strip   n   a sequence of drawings in a newspaper, magazine, etc, relating a humorous story or an adventure. Also called: strip cartoon

■ comix (ˈkɒmIks)   pl n   comic books, esp those published by independent publishers

Comines or Commines (French kɔmin)   n   Philippe de (filip də). ?1447–?1511, French diplomat and historian, noted for his Mémoires (1489–98)

Cominform (ˈkɒmInˌfɔːm)   n   short for Communist Information Bureau: established 1947 to exchange information among nine European Communist parties and coordinate their activities; dissolved in 1956

Comintern or Komintern (ˈkɒmInˌtɜːn)   n   short for Communist International: an international Communist organization founded by Lenin in Moscow in 1919 and dissolved in 1943; it degenerated under Stalin into an instrument of Soviet politics. Also called: Third International

comique (kɒˈmiːk)   n   literary, rare a comic actor or singer

comitadji (ˌkɒmIˈtɑːdʒI)   n   another name for komitaji

comital (ˈkɒmItəl)   adj   of or relating to a count or earl

comitative (ˈkɒmIˌteItIv) grammar   adj   1 (of a case) expressing accompaniment   ▷ n   2 a case in some languages, such as Finnish and Estonian, which expresses relationships of accompaniment

comitatus (ˌkɒmIˈteItəs)   n   1 history a retinue of warriors serving a leader, esp in pre-Christian Germanic cultures, such as Anglo-Saxon England and Viking Age Scandinavia   2 law see posse (sense 1)

comitia (kəˈmIʃIə)   n   an ancient Roman assembly that elected officials and exercised judicial and legislative authority [C17: from Latin comitium assembly, from com- together + īre to go]   > comitial (kəˈmIʃəl) adj

comity (ˈkɒmItI)   n, pl -ties   1 mutual civility; courtesy   2 short for comity of nations   3 the policy whereby one religious denomination refrains from proselytizing the members of another [C16: from Latin cōmitās, from cōmis affable, obliging, of uncertain origin]

■ comity of nations   n   the friendly recognition accorded by one nation to the laws and usages of another

comma (ˈkɒmə)   n   1 the punctuation mark(,) indicating a slight pause in the spoken sentence and used where there is a listing of items or to separate a nonrestrictive clause or phrase from a main clause   2 music a minute interval   3 short for comma butterfly [C16: from Latin, from Greek komma clause, from koptein to cut]

■ comma bacillus   n   a comma-shaped bacterium, Vibrio comma, that causes cholera in humans: family Spirillaceae

■ comma butterfly   n   an orange-brown European vanessid butterfly, Polygonia c-album, with a white comma-shaped mark on the underside of each hind wing

command (kəˈmɑːnd)   vb   1 (when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to order, require, or compel   2 to have or be in control or authority over (a person, situation, etc)   3 (tr) to have knowledge or use of: it takes practice to command a language   4 (tr) to receive as due or because of merit: a leader who commands respect   5 to dominate (a view, etc) as from a height   ▷ n   6 an order; mandate   7 the act of commanding   8 the power or right to command   9 the exercise of the power to command   10 ability or knowledge; control: a command of French   11 chiefly military the jurisdiction of a commander   12 a military unit or units commanding a specific area or function, as in the RAF   13 Brit   a an invitation from the monarch   b (as modifier): a command performance   14 computing a word or phrase that can be selected from a menu or typed after a prompt in order to carry out an action [C13: from Old French commander, from Latin com- (intensive) + mandāre to entrust, enjoin, command]

■ Command (kəˈmɑːnd)   n   any of the three main branches of the Canadian military forces: Air Command

■ commandable (kəˈmɑːndəbəl)   adj   able to be commanded

■ commandant (ˈkɒmənˌdænt, -ˌdɑːnt)   n   an officer commanding a place, group, or establishment

■ commandantship (ˌkɒmənˈdæntʃIp)   n   the office of a commandant

■ command economy   n   an economy in which business activities and the allocation of resources are determined by government order rather than market forces. Also called: centralized economy, planned economy

■ commandeer (ˌkɒmənˈdIə)   vb (tr)   1 to seize for public or military use   2 to seize arbitrarily [C19: from Afrikaans kommandeer, from French commander to COMMAND]

■ commander (kəˈmɑːndə)   n   1 an officer in command of a military formation or operation   2 a naval commissioned rank junior to captain but senior to lieutenant commander   3 the second in command of larger British warships   4 someone who holds authority   5 a high-ranking member of some knightly or fraternal orders   6 an officer responsible for a district of the Metropolitan Police in London   7 history the administrator of a house, priory, or landed estate of a medieval religious order   > comˈmanderˌship n

■ commander in chief or commander-in-chief   n, pl commanders in chief or commanders-in-chief   1 the officer holding supreme command of the forces in an area or operation   2 the officer holding command of a major subdivision of one military service

■ commandery (kəˈmɑːndərI)   n, pl -ries   1 history a manor under the charge of a commander of a religious military order of knights   2 a branch of a secret order, esp the Knights Templar

■ command guidance   n   a method of controlling a missile during flight by transmitting information to it

■ commanding (kəˈmɑːndIŋ)   adj (usually prenominal)   1 being in command   2 having the air of authority: a commanding voice   3 (of a position, situation, etc) exerting control   4 (of a height, viewpoint, etc) overlooking; advantageous   > comˈmandingly adv

■ commanding officer   n   an officer in command of a military unit

■ command language   n   computing the language used to access a computer system

■ commandment (kəˈmɑːndmənt)   n   1 a divine command, esp one of the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament   2 literary any command

■ command module   n   the cone-shaped module used as the living quarters in an Apollo spacecraft and functioning as the splashdown vehicle

■ commando (kəˈmɑːndəʊ)   n, pl -dos or -does   1    a an amphibious military unit trained for raiding   b a member of such a unit   2 the basic unit of the Royal Marine Corps   3 (originally) an armed force raised by Boers during the Boer War   4 (modifier) denoting or relating to a commando or force of commandos: a commando raid; a commando unit   ▷ adv   5 go commando informal to wear no underpants [C19: from Afrikaans kommando, from Dutch commando command, from French commander to COMMAND]

■ commando operation   n   surgery a major operation for treatment of cancer of the head and neck, involving removal of many facial structures and subsequent surgical reconstruction

■ command paper   n   (in Britain) a government document that is presented to Parliament, in theory by royal command. See also green paper, white paper

■ command performance   n   a performance of a play, opera, etc, at the request of a ruler or of royalty

■ command post   n   military the position from which a unit commander and his or her staff exercise command

comm badge   n   a small combined radio transmitter and receiver, carried around by one person, esp military personnel, in the form of a badge worn on the chest [C21: from communications]

commeasure (kəˈmɛʒə)   vb   (tr) to coincide with in degree, extent, quality, etc   > comˈmeasurable adj

commedia dell'arte (Italian kɔmˈmeːdia delˈlarte)   n   a form of popular comedy developed in Italy during the 16th to 18th centuries, with stock characters such as Punchinello, Harlequin, and Columbine, in situations improvised from a plot outline [Italian, literally: comedy of art]

comme il faut French (kɔm il fo)     correct or correctly

commemorate (kəˈmɛməˌreIt)   vb   (tr) to honour or keep alive the memory of [C16: from Latin commemorāre be mindful of, from com- (intensive) + memorāre to remind, from memor mindful]   > comˈmemorative or comˈmemoratory adj   > comˈmemoratively adv   > comˈmemoˌrator n

■ commemorable (kəˈmɛmərəbəl)   adj   worthy of being commemorated

■ commemoration (kəˌmɛməˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of commemorating   2 a ceremony or service in memory of a person or event   > comˌmemoˈrational adj

commence (kəˈmɛns)   vb   to start or begin; come or cause to come into being, operation, etc [C14: from Old French comencer, from Vulgar Latin cominitiāre (unattested), from Latin com- (intensive) + initiāre to begin, from initium a beginning]   > comˈmencer n

■ commencement (kəˈmɛnsmənt)   n   1 the beginning; start   2    a US and Canadian a ceremony for the presentation of awards at secondary schools   b US a ceremony for the conferment of academic degrees

commend (kəˈmɛnd)   vb (tr)   1 to present or represent as being worthy of regard, confidence, kindness, etc; recommend   2 to give in charge; entrust   3 to express a good opinion of; praise   4 to give the regards of: commend me to your aunt [C14: from Latin commendāre to commit to someone's care, from com- (intensive) + mandāre to entrust]   > comˈmendable adj   > comˈmendableness n   > comˈmendably adv   > comˈmendatory adj

■ commendam (kəˈmɛndæm)   n   1 the temporary holding of an ecclesiastical benefice   2 a benefice so held [C16: from Medieval Latin phrase dare in commendam to give in trust, from commenda trust, back formation from Latin commendāre to entrust, COMMEND]

■ commendation (ˌkɒmɛnˈdeIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of commending; praise   2 an award

■ commendator (ˈkɒmənˌdeItə)   n   history a person who holds a commendam

■ commender (kəˈmɛndə)   n   a person who commends

commensal (kəˈmɛnsəl)   adj   1 (of two different species of plant or animal) living in close association, such that one species benefits without harming the other   2 rare of or relating to eating together, esp at the same table: commensal pleasures   ▷ n   3 a commensal plant or animal   4 rare a companion at table [C14: from Medieval Latin commensālis, from Latin com- together + mensa table]   > comˈmensalism n   > commensality (ˌkɒmɛnˈsælItI) n   > comˈmensally adv

commensurable (kəˈmɛnsərəbəl, -ʃə-)   adj   1 maths   a having a common factor   b having units of the same dimensions and being related by whole numbers: hours and minutes are commensurable   2 well-proportioned; proportionate   > comˌmensuraˈbility n   > comˈmensurably adv

commensurate (kəˈmɛnsərIt, -ʃə-)   adj   1 having the same extent or duration   2 corresponding in degree, amount, or size; proportionate   3 able to be measured by a common standard; commensurable [C17: from Late Latin commēnsūrātus, from Latin com- same + mēnsurāre to MEASURE]   > comˈmensurately adv   > comˈmensurateness n   > commensuration (kəˌmɛnsəˈreIʃən, -ʃə-) n

comment (ˈkɒmɛnt)   n   1 a remark, criticism, or observation   2 talk or gossip   3 a note explaining or criticizing a passage in a text   4 explanatory or critical matter added to a text   ▷ vb   5 (when intr, often foll by on; when tr, takes a clause as object) to remark or express an opinion   6 (intr) to write notes explaining or criticizing a text [C15: from Latin commentum invention, from comminiscī to contrive, related to mens mind]   > ˈcommenter n

■ commentary (ˈkɒməntərI, -trI)   n, pl -taries   1 an explanatory series of notes or comments   2 a spoken accompaniment to a broadcast, film, etc, esp of a sporting event   3 an explanatory essay or treatise on a text   4 (usually plural) a personal record of events or facts: the commentaries of Caesar   > commentarial (ˌkɒmənˈtɛərIəl) adj

■ commentate (ˈkɒmənˌteIt)   vb   1 (intr) to serve as a commentator   2 (tr) US to make a commentary on (a text, event, etc)

USAGE

The verb commentate, derived from commentator, is sometimes used as a synonym for comment on or provide a commentary for. It is not yet fully accepted as standard, though widespread in sports reporting and journalism

■ commentation (ˌkɒmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   archaic the act of making comments

■ commentator (ˈkɒmənˌteItə)   n   1 a person who provides a spoken commentary for a broadcast, film, etc, esp of a sporting event   2 a person who writes notes on a text, event, etc

■ commentatorial (ˌkɒmɛntəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   relating to commentators or the creation of commentaries

■ commentor (ˈkɒmɛntə)   n   another spelling of commenter

commentariat (ˌkɒmənˈtɛərIæt)   n   the journalists and broadcasters who analyse and comment on current affairs [C20: from COMMENTATOR + PROLETARIAT]

commerce (ˈkɒmɜːs)   n   1 the activity embracing all forms of the purchase and sale of goods and services   2 social relations and exchange, esp of opinions, attitudes, etc [C16: from Latin commercium trade, from commercārī, from mercārī to trade, from merx merchandise]

■ commercial (kəˈmɜːʃəl)   adj   1 of, connected with, or engaged in commerce; mercantile   2 sponsored or paid for by an advertiser: commercial television   3 having profit as the main aim: commercial music   4 (of goods, chemicals, etc) of unrefined quality or presentation and produced in bulk for use in industry   ▷ n   5 a commercially sponsored advertisement on radio or television   > commerciality (kəˌmɜːʃIˈælItI) n   > comˈmercially adv

■ commercial art   n   graphic art for commercial uses such as advertising, packaging, etc   > commercial artist n

■ commercial bank   n   a bank primarily engaged in making short-term loans from funds deposited in current accounts

■ commercial break   n   an interruption in a radio or television programme for the broadcasting of advertisements

■ commercial college   n   a college providing tuition in commercial skills, such as shorthand and book-keeping

■ commercialese (kəˌmɜːʃəˈliːz)   n   derogatory business jargon

■ commercialism (kəˈmɜːʃəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the spirit, principles, or procedure of commerce   2 exclusive or inappropriate emphasis on profit   > comˈmercialist n   > comˌmerciaˈlistic adj

■ commercialize or commercialise (kəˈmɜːʃəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make commercial in aim, methods, or character   2 to exploit for profit, esp at the expense of quality   > comˌmercialiˈzation or comˌmercialiˈsation n

■ commercialized or commercialised (kəˈmɜːʃəlaIzd)   adj   spoiled by commercial exploitation; degraded

■ commercially-minded or commercially minded   adj   knowledgeable about business; interested in making money

■ commercial paper   n   a short-term negotiable document, such as a bill of exchange, promissory note, etc, calling for the transference of a specified sum of money at a designated date

■ commercial traveller   n   another name for travelling salesman

■ commercial vehicle   n   a vehicle for carrying goods or (less commonly) passengers

commère (ˈkɒmɛə; French kɔmɛr)   n   a female compere [French, literally: godmother, from COM- + mère mother; see COMPERE]

commerge (kəˈmɜːdʒ)   vb (intr)   to merge together

commie or commy (ˈkɒmI)   n, pl -miesadj jocular, derogatory   short for communist

comminate (ˈkɒmIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   to anathematize

■ commination (ˌkɒmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of threatening punishment or vengeance   2 Church of England a recital of prayers, including a list of God's judgments against sinners, in the office for Ash Wednesday [C15: from Latin comminātiō, from comminārī to menace, from com- (intensive) + minārī to threaten]   > comminatory (ˈkɒmInətərI, -trI) or comminative (ˈkɒmInəˌtIv) adj

Commines (French kɔmin)   n   a variant spelling of (Philippe de) Comines

commingle (kɒˈmIŋɡəl)   vb   to mix or be mixed; blend

comminute (ˈkɒmIˌnjuːt)   vb   1 to break (a bone) into several small fragments   2 to divide (property) into small lots   3 (tr) to pulverize [C17: from Latin comminuere, from com- (intensive) + minuere to reduce; related to MINOR]   > ˌcommiˈnution n

■ comminuted (ˈkɒmIˌnjuːtId)   adj   pulverized; ground

■ comminuted fracture   n   a fracture in which the bone is splintered or fragmented

commis (ˈkɒmIs, ˈkɒmI)   n, pl -mis   1 an agent or deputy   ▷ adj   2 (of a waiter or chef) apprentice [C16 (meaning: deputy): from French, from commettre to employ, COMMIT]

commiserate (kəˈmIzəˌreIt)   vb   (when intr, usually foll by with) to feel or express sympathy or compassion (for) [C17: from Latin commiserārī, from com- together + miserārī to bewail, pity, from miser wretched]   > comˈmiserable adj   > comˌmiseˈration n   > comˈmiserative adj   > comˈmiseratively adv   > comˈmiserˌator n

■ commiseratingly (kəˈmIzəˌreItIŋlI)   adv   in a manner expressing commiseration

commissaire (ˌkɒmIˈsɛə)   n   (in professional cycle racing) a referee who travels in an open-topped car with the riders to witness any infringement of the rules [from French: see COMMISSARY]

commissar (ˈkɒmIˌsɑː, ˌkɒmIˈsɑː)   n (in the former Soviet Union)   1 Also called: political commissar an official of the Communist Party responsible for political education, esp in a military unit   2 Also called: People's Commissar (before 1946) the head of a government department. Now called: minister [C20: from Russian kommissar, from German, from Medieval Latin commissārius COMMISSARY]

commissariat (ˌkɒmIˈsɛərIət)   n   1 (in the former Soviet Union) a government department before 1946. Now called: ministry   2    a a military department in charge of food supplies, equipment, etc   b the offices of such a department   3 food supplies [C17: from New Latin commissāriātus, from Medieval Latin commissārius COMMISSARY]

commissary (ˈkɒmIsərI)   n, pl -saries   1 US a shop supplying food or equipment, as in a military camp   2 US army an officer responsible for supplies and food   3 US a snack bar or restaurant in a film studio   4 a representative or deputy, esp an official representative of a bishop [C14: from Medieval Latin commissārius official in charge, from Latin committere to entrust, COMMIT]   > commissarial (ˌkɒmIˈsɛərIəl) adj   > ˈcommissaryˌship n

commission (kəˈmIʃən)   n   1 a duty or task committed to a person or group to perform   2 authority to undertake or perform certain duties or functions   3 a document granting such authority   4 military   a a document conferring a rank on an officer   b the rank or authority thereby granted   5 a group of people charged with certain duties: a commission of inquiry   6 a government agency or board empowered to exercise administrative, judicial, or legislative authority. See also Royal Commission   7    a the authority given to a person or organization to act as an agent to a principal in commercial transactions   b the fee allotted to an agent for services rendered   8 the state of being charged with specific duties or responsibilities   9 the act of committing a sin, crime, etc   10 something, esp a sin, crime, etc, that is committed   11 good working condition or (esp of a ship) active service (esp in the phrases in or into commission, out of commission)   12 US the head of a department of municipal government   ▷ vb   13 (tr) to grant authority to; charge with a duty or task   14 (tr) military to confer a rank on or authorize an action by   15 (tr) to equip and test (a ship) for active service   16 to make or become operative or operable: the plant is due to commission next year   17 (tr) to place an order for (something): to commission a portrait [C14: from Old French, from Latin commissiō a bringing together, from committere to COMMIT]   > comˈmissional or comˈmissionary adj

■ commissionaire (kəˌmIʃəˈnɛə)   n   chiefly Brit a uniformed doorman at a hotel, theatre, etc [C18: from French, from COMMISSION]

■ -commissioned   adj   (in combination) commissioned by the body specified: government-commissioned

■ commissioned officer   n   a military officer holding a commission, such as Second Lieutenant in the British Army, Acting Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force, and officers of all ranks senior to these

■ commissioner (kəˈmIʃənə)   n   1 a person authorized to perform certain tasks or endowed with certain powers   2 government   a any of several types of civil servant   b an ombudsman. See also Health Service Commissioner, Parliamentary Commissioner   3 a member of a commission   > comˈmissionerˌship n

■ Commissioner for Local Administration   n   (in Britain) the official name for a local ombudsman who investigates personal complaints of maladministration by police, water, or local authorities, referred through a local-government councillor, and who can require the offending authority to state its intention to make redress

■ commissioner for oaths   n   a solicitor authorized to authenticate oaths on sworn statements

■ Commission for Racial Equality   n   (formerly in Britain) a body of fourteen members appointed to enforce the provisions of the Race Relations Act 1976; replaced in 2007 by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Abbreviation: CRE

■ commission plan   n   (in the US) a system of municipal government that combines legislative and executive authority in a commission of five or six elected members

commissure (ˈkɒmIˌsjʊə)   n   1 a band of tissue linking two parts or organs, such as the nervous tissue connecting the right and left sides of the brain in vertebrates   2 any of various joints between parts, as between the carpels, leaf lobes, etc, of a plant [C15: from Latin commissūra a joining together, from committere COMMIT]   > commissural (kəˈmIsjʊrəl, ˌkɒmIˈsjʊərəl) adj

commit (kəˈmIt)   vb -mits, -mitting, -mitted (tr)   1 to hand over, as for safekeeping; charge; entrust: to commit a child to the care of its aunt   2 commit to memory to learn by heart; memorize   3 to confine officially or take into custody: to commit someone to prison   4 (usually passive) to pledge or align (oneself), as to a particular cause, action, or attitude: a committed radical   5 to order (forces) into action   6 to perform (a crime, error, etc); do; perpetrate   7 to surrender, esp for destruction: she committed the letter to the fire   8 to refer (a bill, etc) to a committee of a legislature [C14: from Latin committere to join, from com- together + mittere to put, send]   > comˈmittable adj   > comˈmitter n

■ commitment (kəˈmItmənt)   n   1 the act of committing or pledging   2 the state of being committed or pledged   3 an obligation, promise, etc that restricts one's freedom of action   4 the referral of a bill to a committee or legislature   5 Also called (esp formerly): mittimus law a written order of a court directing that a person be imprisoned   6 the official consignment of a person to a psychiatric hospital or prison   7 commission or perpetration, esp of a crime   8 a future financial obligation or contingent liability   ▶ Also called (esp for senses 5, 6): committal (kəˈmItəl)

■ commitment fee   n   a charge made by a bank, in addition to interest, to make a loan available to a potential borrower

■ committal (kəˈmItəl)   n   formal the process of committing someone to an institution

■ committed (kəˈmItId)   adj   1 having a strong commitment to an ideology, religion, etc   2 supporting; in favour of

■ committed facility   n   an agreement by a bank to provide a customer with funds up to a specified limit at a specified rate of interest

committee   n   1 (kəˈmItI) a group of people chosen or appointed to perform a specified service or function   2 (ˌkɒmIˈtiː) (formerly) a person to whom the care of a person with a learning disability, or his or her property, was entrusted by a court. See also receiver (sense 2) [C15: from committen to entrust + -EE]

■ committeeman (kəˈmItImən, -ˌmæn) or feminine committeewoman   n, pl -men or -women   chiefly US a member of one or more committees

■ Committee of the Whole House   n   (in Britain) an informal sitting of the House of Commons to discuss and amend a bill

■ committeeship (kəˈmItIˌʃIp)   n   (formerly) the office of a person to whom the care of a person with a learning disability, or his or her property, was entrusted by a court

commix (kɒˈmIks)   vb   a rare word for mix [C15: back formation from commixt mixed together; see MIX]   > comˈmixture n

■ commixtion (kəˈmIkstʃən)   n   1 the act of mixing together   2 the state of being commixed   3 Scots law the mixing together of property of different owners   4 Christianity the act of putting a piece of the Host into the chalice

commo (ˈkɒməʊ)   n, pl -mosadj Austral slang   short for communist

commode (kəˈməʊd)   n   1 a piece of furniture, usually highly ornamented, containing drawers or shelves   2 a bedside table with a cabinet below for a chamber pot or washbasin   3 a movable piece of furniture, sometimes in the form of a chair, with a hinged flap concealing a chamber pot   4 a woman's high-tiered headdress of lace, worn in the late 17th century [C17: from French, from Latin commodus COMMODIOUS]

commodify (kəˈmɒdIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to treat (something) inappropriately as if it can be acquired or marketed like other commodities: you can't commodify art   > comˌmodifiˈcation n

commodious (kəˈməʊdIəs)   adj   1 (of buildings, rooms, etc) large and roomy; spacious   2 archaic suitable; convenient [C15: from Medieval Latin commodiōsus, from Latin commodus convenient, from com- with + modus measure]   > comˈmodiously adv   > comˈmodiousness n

commodity (kəˈmɒdItI)   n, pl -ties   1 an article of commerce   2 something of use, advantage, or profit   3 economics an exchangeable unit of economic wealth, esp a primary product or raw material   4 obsolete   a a quantity of goods   b convenience or expediency [C14: from Old French commodité, from Latin commoditās suitability, benefit; see COMMODIOUS]

■ commoditize or commoditise (kəˈmɒdIˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) another term for commodify

commodore (ˈkɒməˌdɔː)   n   1 Brit a naval rank junior to rear admiral and senior to captain   2 the senior captain of a shipping line   3 the officer in command of a convoy of merchant ships   4 the senior flag office of a yacht or boat club [C17: probably from Dutch commandeur, from French, from Old French commander to COMMAND]

Commodus (kəˈməʊdəs, ˈkɒmədəs)   n   Lucius Aelius Aurelius (ˈluːsIəs ˈiːlIəs ɔːˈriːlIəs), son of Marcus Aurelius. 161–192 AD, Roman emperor (180–192), noted for his tyrannical reign

common (ˈkɒmən)   adj   1 belonging to or shared by two or more people: common property   2 belonging to or shared by members of one or more nations or communities; public: a common culture   3 of ordinary standard; average: common decency   4 prevailing; widespread: common opinion   5 widely known or frequently encountered; ordinary: a common brand of soap   6 widely known and notorious: a common nuisance   7 derogatory considered by the speaker to be low-class, vulgar, or coarse: a common accent   8 (prenominal) having no special distinction, rank, or status: the common man   9 maths   a having a specified relationship with a group of numbers or quantities: common denominator   b (of a tangent) tangential to two or more circles   10 prosody (of a syllable) able to be long or short, or (in nonquantitative verse) stressed or unstressed   11 grammar (in certain languages, for example Latin) denoting or belonging to a gender of nouns, esp one that includes both masculine and feminine referents: in Latin, sacerdos is common   12 anatomy   a having branches: the common carotid artery   b serving more than one function: the common bile duct   13 Christianity of or relating to the common of the Mass or divine office   14 common or garden informal ordinary; unexceptional   ▷ n   15 (sometimes plural) a tract of open public land, esp one now used as a recreation area   16 law the right to go onto someone else's property and remove natural products, as by pasturing cattle or fishing (esp in the phrase right of common)   17 Christianity   a a form of the proper of the Mass used on festivals that have no special proper of their own   b the ordinary of the Mass   18 archaic the ordinary people; the public, esp those undistinguished by rank or title   19 in common mutually held or used with another or others [C13: from Old French commun, from Latin commūnis general, universal]   > ˈcommonness n

■ commonable (ˈkɒmənəbəl)   adj   1 (of land) held in common   2 English history (esp of sheep and cattle) entitled to be pastured on common land

■ commonage (ˈkɒmənIdʒ)   n   1 chiefly law   a the use of something, esp a pasture, in common with others   b the right to such use   2 the state of being held in common   3 something held in common, such as land   4 another word for commonalty (sense 1)

■ Common Agricultural Policy   n   the full name for CAP

■ commonality (ˌkɒməˈnælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the fact of being common to more than one individual; commonness   2 another word for commonalty (sense 1)

■ commonalty (ˈkɒmənəltI)   n, pl -ties   1 the ordinary people as distinct from those with authority, rank, or title, esp when considered as a political and social unit or estate of the realm. Compare third estate   2 the members of an incorporated society [C13: from Old French comunalte, from comunal communal]

■ common carrier   n   a person or firm engaged in the business of transporting goods or passengers

■ common chord   n   music a chord consisting of the keynote, a major or minor third, and a perfect fifth: the notes G, B, and D form the common chord of G major

■ common cold   n   a mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc

■ common denominator   n   1 an integer exactly divisible by each denominator of a group of fractions: 1⁄3, 1⁄4, and 1⁄6 have a common denominator of 12   2 a belief, attribute, etc, held in common by members of a class or group

■ common divisor   n   another name for common factor

■ Common Entrance   n   (in Britain) an entrance examination for a public school, usually taken at the age of 13

■ commoner (ˈkɒmənə)   n   1 a person who does not belong to the nobility   2 a person who has a right in or over common land jointly with another or others   3 Brit a student at a university or other institution who is not on a scholarship

■ Common Era   n   another name for Christian Era

■ commoney (ˈkɒmənI)   n   (in the game of marbles) a standard marble

■ common factor   n   a number or quantity that is a factor of each member of a group of numbers or quantities: 5 is a common factor of 15 and 20. Also called: common divisor

■ common fee   n   (in Australia) the agreed usual charge for any medical service, which determines the amount of reimbursement under the federal health scheme

■ common fraction   n   another name for simple fraction

■ common good   n   the part of the property of a Scottish burgh, in the form of land or funds, that is at the disposal of the community

■ common ground   n   an agreed basis, accepted by both or all parties, for identifying issues in an argument

■ commonhold (ˈkɒmənˌhəʊld)   n   a form of property tenure in which each flat in a multi-occupancy building is individually wholly owned and common areas are jointly owned

■ common knowledge   n   something widely or generally known

■ common law   n   1 the body of law based on judicial decisions and custom, as distinct from statute law   2 the law of a state that is of general application, as distinct from regional customs   3 common-law (modifier) denoting a marriage deemed to exist after a couple have cohabited for several years: common-law marriage; common-law wife

■ common logarithm   n   a logarithm to the base ten. Usually written log or log_10. Compare natural logarithm

■ commonly (ˈkɒmənlI)   adv   1 usually; ordinarily: digitalis is commonly known as foxglove   2 derogatory in a coarse or vulgar way: they dress commonly

■ Common Market   n   the Common Market obsolete an informal name for European Economic Community

■ common measure   n   1 another term for common time   2 the usual stanza form of a ballad, consisting of four iambic lines rhyming a b c b or a b a b

■ common metre   n   a stanza form, used esp for hymns, consisting of four lines, two of eight syllables alternating with two of six

■ common multiple   n   an integer or polynomial that is a multiple of each integer or polynomial in a group: 20 is a common multiple of 2, 4, 5, 10

■ common noun   n   grammar a noun that refers to each member of a whole class sharing the features connoted by the noun, as for example planet, orange, and drum. Compare proper noun

■ common-or-garden or common or garden   adj   Brit ordinary; unexceptional: a common-or-garden street

■ commonplace (ˈkɒmənˌpleIs)   adj   1 ordinary; everyday: commonplace duties   2 dull and obvious; trite: commonplace prose   ▷ n   3 something dull and trite, esp a remark; platitude; truism   4 a passage in a book marked for inclusion in a commonplace book, etc   5 an ordinary or common thing [C16: translation of Latin locus commūnis argument of wide application, translation of Greek koinos topos]   > ˈcommonˌplaceness n

■ commonplace book   n   a notebook in which quotations, poems, remarks, etc, that catch the owner's attention are entered

■ common pleas   n   short for Court of Common Pleas

■ common prayer   n   the liturgy of public services of the Church of England, esp Morning and Evening Prayer

■ common room   n   chiefly Brit a sitting room in schools, colleges, etc, for the relaxation of students or staff

■ commons (ˈkɒmənz)   n   1 (functioning as plural) people not of noble birth viewed as forming a political order   2 (functioning as plural) the lower classes as contrasted to the ruling classes of society; the commonalty   3 (functioning as singular) Brit a building or hall for dining, recreation, etc, usually attached to a college   4 (usually functioning as plural) Brit food or rations (esp in the phrase short commons)

■ Commons (ˈkɒmənz)   n   the Commons See House of Commons

■ common seal   n   the official seal of a corporate body

■ common sense   n   1 plain ordinary good judgment; sound practical sense   ▷ adj common-sense, common-sensical, commonsensical, commonsensible   2 inspired by or displaying sound practical sense

■ common stock   n   the US name for ordinary shares

■ common time   n   music a time signature indicating four crotchet beats to the bar; four-four time. Symbol: C

■ commonweal (ˈkɒmənˌwiːl)   n archaic   1 the good of the community   2 another name for commonwealth

■ commonwealth (ˈkɒmənˌwɛlθ)   n   1 the people of a state or nation viewed politically; body politic   2 a state or nation in which the people possess sovereignty; republic   3 the body politic organized for the general good   4 a group of persons united by some common interest   5 obsolete the general good; public welfare

■ Commonwealth (ˈkɒmənˌwɛlθ)   n the Commonwealth   1 an association of sovereign states, almost all of which were at some time dependencies of the UK. All member states recognize the reigning British sovereign as Head of the Commonwealth. Official name: the Commonwealth of Nations   2    a the republic that existed in Britain from 1649 to 1660   b the part of this period up to 1653, when Cromwell became Protector   3 the official designation of Australia, four states of the US (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia), and Puerto Rico

■ Commonwealth Day   n   the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth, May 24, celebrated (now on the second Monday in March) as a holiday in many parts of the Commonwealth. Former name: Empire Day

■ Commonwealth of Independent States   n   a loose organization of former Soviet republics, excluding the Baltic States, formed in 1991. Abbreviation: CIS

commorant (ˈkɒmərənt)   adj   1 resident: people commorant in the area   ▷ n   2 a resident

commorientes (ˌkɒmɒrIˈɛntiːz)   pl n   law people whose deaths are so close to each other (being caused by the same calamity) that it is not possible to determine who died first. It is assumed that the elder person died first

commot (ˈkʌmət)   n   British history (in medieval Wales) a division of land, usually consisting of around 30 to 50 small villages

commotion (kəˈməʊʃən)   n   1 violent disturbance; upheaval   2 political insurrection; disorder   3 a confused noise; din [C15: from Latin commōtiō, from commovēre to throw into disorder, from com- (intensive) + movēre to MOVE]   > comˈmotional adj

commove (kəˈmuːv)   vb (tr) rare   1 to disturb; stir up   2 to agitate or excite emotionally

comms (kɒmz)   pl n   informal communications

communal (ˈkɒmjʊnəl)   adj   1 belonging or relating to a community as a whole   2 relating to different groups within a society: communal strife   3 of or relating to a commune or a religious community   > communality (ˌkɒmjʊˈnælItI) n   > ˈcommunally adv

■ communal aerial or communal antenna   n   a television or radio receiving aerial from which received signals are distributed by cable to several outlets

■ communalism (ˈkɒmjʊnəˌlIzəm)   n   1 a system or theory of government in which the state is seen as a loose federation of self-governing communities   2 an electoral system in which ethnic groups vote separately for their own representatives   3 loyalty to the interests of one's own ethnic group rather than to society as a whole   4 the practice or advocacy of communal living or ownership   > ˈcommunalist n   > ˌcommunaˈlistic adj

■ communalize or communalise (ˈkɒmjʊnəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to render (something) the property of a commune or community   > ˌcommunaliˈzation or ˌcommunaliˈsation n   > ˈcommunalˌizer or ˈcommunalˌiser n

communautaire French (kɔmynotɛr)   adj   supporting the principles of the European Community (now the European Union) [literally: community (as modifier)]

commune^1   vb (kəˈmjuːn) (intr; usually foll by with)   1 to talk or converse intimately   2 to experience strong emotion or spiritual feelings (for): to commune with nature   ▷ n (ˈkɒmjuːn)   3 intimate conversation; exchange of thoughts; communion [C13: from Old French comuner to hold in common, from comun COMMON]

■ communer (kəˈmjuːnə)   n   a person who talks to another person

■ communings (kəˈmjuːnIŋz)   pl n   Scots law negotiations conducted prior to drawing up a contract

commune^2 (kəˈmjuːn)   vb   (intr) Christianity, chiefly US to partake of Communion [C16: back formation from COMMUNION]

■ communer (kəˈmjuːnə)   n   Christianity a person who participates in the Eucharist

commune^3 (ˈkɒmjuːn)   n   1 a group of families or individuals living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities   2 any small group of people having common interests or responsibilities   3 the smallest administrative unit in Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland, governed by a mayor and council   4 the government or inhabitants of a commune   5 a medieval town enjoying a large degree of autonomy [C18: from French, from Medieval Latin commūnia, from Latin: things held in common, from commūnis COMMON]

■ communard (ˈkɒmjʊˌnɑːd)   n   a member of a commune

■ Communard (ˈkɒmjʊˌnɑːd)   n   any person who participated in or supported the Paris Commune formed after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 [C19: from French]

■ Commune (ˈkɒmjuːn)   n French history   1 See Paris Commune   2 a committee that governed Paris during the French Revolution and played a leading role in the Reign of Terror: suppressed 1794

■ communer (kəˈmjuːnə)   n   a member of a commune

communicate (kəˈmjuːnIˌkeIt)   vb   1 to impart (knowledge) or exchange (thoughts, feelings, or ideas) by speech, writing, gestures, etc   2 (tr; usually foll by to) to allow (a feeling, emotion, etc) to be sensed (by), willingly or unwillingly; transmit (to): the dog communicated his fear to the other animals   3 (intr) to have a sympathetic mutual understanding   4 (intr; usually foll by with) to make or have a connecting passage or route; connect   5 (tr) to transmit (a disease); infect   6 (intr) Christianity to receive or administer Communion [C16: from Latin commūnicāre to share, from commūnis COMMON]   > comˈmuniˌcator n   > comˈmunicatory adj

■ communicable (kəˈmjuːnIkəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being communicated   2 (of a disease or its causative agent) capable of being passed on readily   > comˌmunicaˈbility or comˈmunicableness n   > comˈmunicably adv

■ communicant (kəˈmjuːnIkənt)   n   1 Christianity a person who receives Communion   2 a person who communicates or informs   ▷ adj   3 communicating

■ communicatee (kəˌmjuːnIkəˈtiː)   n   a person to whom a communicator communicates

■ communicating (kəˈmjuːnIˌkeItIŋ)   adj   making or having a direct connection from one room to another: the suite is made up of three communicating rooms

■ communication (kəˌmjuːnIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of communicating; the imparting or exchange of information, ideas, or feelings   2 something communicated, such as a message, letter, or telephone call   3    a (usually plural; sometimes functioning as singular) the study of ways in which human beings communicate, including speech, gesture, telecommunication systems, publishing and broadcasting media, etc   b (as modifier): communication theory   4 a connecting route, passage, or link   5 (plural) military the system of routes and facilities by which forces, supplies, etc, are moved up to or within an area of operations

■ communicational (kəˌmjuːnIˈkeIʃənəl)   adj   relating to or characterized by communication

■ communication cord   n   Brit a cord or chain in a train which may be pulled by a passenger to stop the train in an emergency

■ communication interface   n   an electronic circuit, usually designed to a specific standard, that enables one machine to telecommunicate with another machine

■ communications satellite   n   an artificial satellite used to relay radio, television, and telephone signals around the earth, usually in geostationary orbit

■ communicative (kəˈmjuːnIkətIv)   adj   1 inclined or able to communicate readily; talkative   2 of or relating to communication   > comˈmunicatively adv   > comˈmunicativeness n

communion (kəˈmjuːnjən)   n   1 an exchange of thoughts, emotions, etc   2 possession or sharing in common; participation   3 (foll by with) strong emotional or spiritual feelings (for): communion with nature   4 a religious group or denomination having a common body of beliefs, doctrines, and practices   5 the spiritual union held by Christians to exist between individual Christians and Christ, their Church, or their fellow Christians [C14: from Latin commūniō general participation, from commūnis COMMON]   > comˈmunional adj   > comˈmunionally adv

■ Communion (kəˈmjuːnjən)   n Christianity   1 the act of participating in the Eucharist   2 the celebration of the Eucharist, esp the part of the service during which the consecrated elements are received   3    a the consecrated elements of the Eucharist   b (as modifier): Communion cup   ▶ Also called: Holy Communion

■ communion of saints   n   Christianity the spiritual fellowship of all true Christians, living and dead

communiqué (kəˈmjuːnIˌkeI)   n   an official communication or announcement, esp to the press or public [C19: from French, from communiquer to COMMUNICATE]

communism (ˈkɒmjʊˌnIzəm)   n   1 advocacy of a classless society in which private ownership has been abolished and the means of production and subsistence belong to the community   2 any social, economic, or political movement or doctrine aimed at achieving such a society   3 (usually capital) a political movement based upon the writings of Marx that considers history in terms of class conflict and revolutionary struggle, resulting eventually in the victory of the proletariat and the establishment of a socialist order based on public ownership of the means of production. See also Marxism, Marxism-Leninism, socialism   4 (usually capital) a social order or system of government established by a ruling Communist Party, esp in the former Soviet Union   5 (often capital) chiefly US any leftist political activity or thought, esp when considered to be subversive   6 communal living; communalism [C19: from French communisme, from commun COMMON]

■ Communism Peak   n   a former name for Ismoil Somoni

■ communist (ˈkɒmjʊnIst)   n   1 a supporter of any form of communism   2 (often capital) a supporter of Communism or a Communist movement or state   3 (often capital) a member of a Communist party   4 (often capital) US any person holding left-wing views, esp when considered subversive   5 a person who practises communal living; communalist   6 another name for Communard   ▷ adj   7 of, characterized by, favouring, or relating to communism; communistic

■ Communist China   n   an unofficial, old-fashioned name for (the People's Republic of) China

■ communistic (ˌkɒmjʊˈnIstIk)   adj   of, characteristic of, or relating to communism   > ˌcommuˈnistically adv

■ Communist Manifesto   n   a political pamphlet written by Marx and Engels in 1848: a fundamental statement of Marxist principles

■ Communist Party   n   1 (in non-Communist countries) a political party advocating Communism   2 (in Communist countries) the single official party of the state, composed of those who officially espouse Communism

communitaire (kəˌmjuːnIˈtɛə)   adj   another spelling of communautaire

communitarian (kəˌmjuːnIˈtɛərIən)   n   1 a member of a communist community   2 an advocate of communalism

community (kəˈmjuːnItI)   n, pl -ties   1    a the people living in one locality   b the locality in which they live   c (as modifier): community spirit   2 a group of people having cultural, religious, ethnic, or other characteristics in common: the Protestant community   3 a group of nations having certain interests in common   4 the public in general; society   5 common ownership or participation   6 similarity or agreement: community of interests   7 (in Wales since 1974 and Scotland since 1975) the smallest unit of local government; a subdivision of a district   8 ecology a group of interdependent plants and animals inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other through food and other relationships [C14: from Latin commūnitās, from commūnis COMMON]

■ community association   n   (in Britain) an organization of people and groups working for the common good of a neighbourhood, usually operating under a written constitution registered with the Charity Commissioners

■ community card   n   (in certain card games) a card that every player can use to form a hand in combination with the cards that he or she alone has been dealt

■ community care   n social welfare   1 help available to persons living in their own homes, rather than services provided in residential institutions   2 the policy of transferring responsibility for people in need from large, often isolated, state institutions to their relatives and local welfare agencies

■ community centre   n   a building used by members of a community for social gatherings, educational activities, etc

■ community charge   n   (formerly in Britain) a flat-rate charge paid by each adult in a community to his or her local authority in place of rates. Also called: poll tax

■ community chest   n   US a fund raised by voluntary contribution for local welfare activities

■ community college   n   1 Brit another term for village college   2 chiefly US and Canadian a nonresidential college offering two-year courses of study   3 NZ an adult education college with trade classes

■ community council   n   (in Scotland and Wales) an independent voluntary local body set up to attend to local interests and organize community activities

■ community education   n   the provision of a wide range of educational and special interest courses and activities by a local authority

■ community home   n (in Britain)   1 a home provided by a local authority for children who cannot remain with parents or relatives, or be placed with foster parents   2 a boarding school for young offenders. Former name: approved school, (formal) community home with education on the premises. Abbreviation: CHE

■ community language   pl n   a language spoken by members of a minority group or community within a majority language context

■ Community of Sovereign Republics   n   a political and economic union formed in 1996 by Russia and Belarus

■ community policing   n   the assigning of the same one or two policemen to a particular area so that they become familiar with the residents and the residents with them, as a way of reducing crime

■ Community Programme   n   (in Britain) a former government scheme to provide temporary work for people unemployed for over a year. Abbreviation: CP

■ community relations   pl n   1 the particular state of affairs in an area where potentially conflicting ethnic, religious, cultural, political, or linguistic groups live together: community relations in this neighbourhood were strained before the riots   2    a social engineering or mediating work with conflicting groups: he spent ten years in community relations   b (as modifier): a community-relations officer

■ community school   n   Brit a school offering some nonacademic activities related to life in a particular community and often serving as a community centre

■ community service   n   1 voluntary work, intended to be for the common good, usually done as part of an organized scheme   2 See community-service order

■ community-service order   n   (in Britain) a court order requiring an offender over seventeen years old to do unpaid socially beneficial work under supervision instead of going to prison

■ community singing   n   singing, esp of hymns, by a large gathering of people

■ community support officer   n   Brit a uniformed officer who is not a member of the police force but who has certain powers to be exercised in supplementing the role of the police, esp crowd control, tackling anti-social behaviour, etc. Abbreviation: CSO

communize or communise (ˈkɒmjʊˌnaIz)   vb (tr; sometimes capital)   1 to make (property) public; nationalize   2 to make (a person or country) communist   > ˌcommuniˈzation or ˌcommuniˈsation n

commutate (ˈkɒmjʊˌteIt)   vb (tr)   1 to reverse the direction of (an electric current)   2 to convert (an alternating current) into a direct current

■ commutation (ˌkɒmjʊˈteIʃən)   n   1 a substitution or exchange   2    a the replacement of one method of payment by another   b the payment substituted   3 the reduction in severity of a penalty imposed by law   4 the process of commutating an electric current   5 US the travelling done by a commuter

■ commutation ticket   n   a US name for season ticket

■ commutative (kəˈmjuːtətIv, ˈkɒmjʊˌteItIv)   adj   1 relating to or involving substitution   2 maths, logic   a (of an operator) giving the same result irrespective of the order of the arguments; thus disjunction and addition are commutative but implication and subtraction are not   b relating to this property: the commutative law of addition   > comˈmutatively adv

■ commutativity (kəˌmjuːtəˈtIvItI)   n   maths the property of being commutative

■ commutator (ˈkɒmjʊˌteItə)   n   1 a device used to reverse the direction of flow of an electric current   2 the segmented metal cylinder or disc mounted on the armature shaft of an electric motor, generator, etc, used to make electrical contact with the rotating coils and ensure unidirectional current flow

commute (kəˈmjuːt)   vb   1 (intr) to travel some distance regularly between one's home and one's place of work   2 (tr) to substitute; exchange   3 (tr) law to reduce (a sentence) to one less severe   4 to pay (an annuity) at one time, esp with a discount, instead of in instalments   5 (tr) to transform; change: to commute base metal into gold   6 (intr) to act as or be a substitute   7 (intr) to make a substitution; change   ▷ n   8 a journey made by commuting [C17: from Latin commutāre to replace, from com- mutually + mutāre to change]

■ commutable (kəˈmjuːtəbəl)   adj   1 law (of a punishment) capable of being reduced in severity   2 able to be exchanged   > comˌmutaˈbility or comˈmutableness n

■ commuter (kəˈmjuːtə)   n     a a person who travels to work over an appreciable distance, usually from the suburbs to the centre of a city   b (as modifier): the commuter belt

■ commuter marriage   n   a marriage in which the partners live some distance apart most of the time, usually because of separate work commitments

■ commuting (kəˈmjuːtIŋ)   n   the activity of travelling some distance to work every day by car, bus, or train

commutual (kəˈmjuːtʃʊəl)   adj   poetic mutual

Comnenus (kɒmˈniːnəs)   n   an important Byzantine family from which the imperial dynasties of Constantinople (1057–59; 1081–1185) and Trebizond (1204–1461) derived

Como (ˈkəʊməʊ; Italian ˈkɔːmo)   n   a city in N Italy, in Lombardy at the SW end of Lake Como: tourist centre. Pop: 78 680 (2001). Latin name: Comum (ˈkəʊmʊm)

comodo or commodo (kəˈməʊdəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) at a convenient relaxed speed [Italian: comfortable, from Latin commodus, convenient; see COMMODIOUS]

comonomer (kəʊˈmɒnəmə)   n   chem a monomer that, with another monomer, forms a copolymer

comorbid (kəʊˈmɔːbId)   adj   (of an illness or condition) happening at the same time as another illness or condition

■ comorbidity (ˌkəʊmɔːˈbIdItI)   n   the occurrence of more than one illness or condition at the same time

Comorin (ˈkɒmərIn)   n   Cape Comorin a headland at the southernmost point of India, in Tamil Nadu state

Comoros (ˈkɒməˌrəʊz, kəˈmɔːrəʊz)   pl n   a republic consisting of three volcanic islands in the Indian Ocean, off the NW coast of Madagascar; a French territory from 1947; became independent in 1976 except for Mayotte, the fourth island in the group, which chose to remain French. Official languages: Comorian, French, and Arabic. Religion: Muslim. Currency: franc. Capital: Moroni. Pop: 813 912 (2017 est). Area: 1862 sq km (719 sq miles). Official name: Union of the Comoros

comose (ˈkəʊməʊs, kəʊˈməʊs)   adj   botany another word for comate^1 [C18: from Latin comōsus hairy, from coma long hair; see COMA^2]

comous (ˈkəʊməs)   adj   hairy

Comox (ˈkəʊmɒks)   n   a member of a Salishan Native Canadian people living on Vancouver Island

comp (kɒmp) informal   n   1 a compositor   2 an accompanist   3 an accompaniment   4 a competition   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to work as a compositor in the printing industry   6 to play an accompaniment (to)

compact^1   adj (kəmˈpækt, ˈkɒmpækt)   1 closely packed together; dense   2 neatly fitted into a restricted space   3 concise; brief   4 well constructed; solid; firm   5 (foll by of) composed or made up (of)   6 denoting a tabloid-sized version of a newspaper that has traditionally been published in broadsheet form   7 logic (of a relation) having the property that for any pair of elements such that a is related to b, there is some element c such that a is related to c and c to b, as less than on the rational numbers   8 US and Canadian (of a car) small and economical   ▷ vb (kəmˈpækt) (tr)   9 to pack or join closely together; compress; condense   10 (foll by of) to create or form by pressing together: sediment compacted of three types of clay   11 metallurgy to compress (a metal powder) to form a stable product suitable for sintering   ▷ n (ˈkɒmpækt)   12 a small flat case containing a mirror, face powder, etc, designed to be carried in a woman's handbag   13 US and Canadian a comparatively small and economical car   14 metallurgy a mass of metal prepared for sintering by cold-pressing a metal powder   15 a tabloid-sized version of a newspaper that has traditionally been published in broadsheet form [C16: from Latin compactus, from compingere to put together, from com- together + pangere to fasten]   > comˈpacter n   > comˈpaction n   > comˈpactly adv   > comˈpactness n

■ compact camera (ˈkɒmpækt)   n   a simple 35 mm snapshot camera not having interchangeable lenses or through-the-lens focusing but sometimes having automatic focusing, exposure, and winding. Sometimes shortened to: compact

■ compact disc (ˈkɒmpækt)   n   a small digital audio disc on which sound is recorded as a series of metallic pits enclosed in PVC; the disc is spun by the compact disc player and read by an optical laser system. Also called: compact audio disc. Abbreviation: CD, CAD

■ compact disc erasable   n   the full name for CDE

■ compact disc player   n   a machine for playing compact discs

■ compact disc recordable   n   the full name for CD-R

■ compacted (kəmˈpæktId)   adj   compressed as a result of physical pressure: a pile of compacted earth

■ compactedly (kəmˈpæktIdlI)   adv   in a compacted manner

■ compactedness (kəmˈpæktIdnəs)   n   the state of being compacted

■ compactible (kəmˈpæktəbəl)   adj   able to be made compact

■ compactify (kəmˈpæktIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to make or become compact   > comˈpactifiˌcation n

■ compactor (kəmˈpæktə)   n   a machine that compacts something, esp rubbish

■ compacture (kəmˈpæktʃə)   n   obsolete an act of joining or bringing into proximity

■ compact video disc   n   a compact laser disc that plays both pictures and sound. Abbreviation: CDV

compact^2 (ˈkɒmpækt)   n   an official contract or agreement [C16: from Latin compactum, from compaciscī to agree, from com- together + paciscī to contract; see PACT]

compadre (kɒmˈpɑːdreI, kəm-)   n   Southwestern US a male friend [from Spanish: godfather, from Medieval Latin compater, from Latin com- with + pater father]

compages (kəmˈpeIdʒiːz)   n   (functioning as singular) a structure or framework [C17: from Latin, from com- together + pag-, from pangēre to fasten]

compaginate (kəmˈpædʒIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to join or unite

■ compagination (kəmˌpædʒIˈneIʃən)   n   archaic a union or act of joining

compand (kəmˈpænd)   vb (tr)   telecomm to compress (a transmitter signal) before transmission and then expand it after transmission

■ compander (kəmˈpændə)   n   a system for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a signal at a transmitter or recorder by first compressing the volume range of the signal and then restoring it to its original amplitude level at the receiving or reproducing apparatus [C20: from COM(PRESSOR) + (EX)PANDER]

companiable (kəmˈpænIəbəl)   adj   obsolete sociable

companion^1 (kəmˈpænjən)   n   1 a person who is an associate of another or others; comrade   2 (esp formerly) an employee, usually a woman, who provides company for an employer, esp an elderly woman   3    a one of a pair; match   b (as modifier): a companion volume   4 a guidebook or handbook   5 a member of the lowest rank of any of certain orders of knighthood   6 astronomy the fainter of the two components of a double star   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to accompany or be a companion to [C13: from Late Latin compāniō, literally: one who eats bread with another, from Latin com- with + pānis bread]   > comˈpanionless adj

■ companionable (kəmˈpænjənəbəl)   adj   suited to be a companion; sociable   > comˈpanionableness or comˌpanionaˈbility n   > comˈpanionably adv

■ companion animal   n   an animal kept as a pet

■ companionate (kəmˈpænjənIt)   adj   1 resembling, appropriate to, or acting as a companion   2 harmoniously suited

■ companionhood (kəmˈpænjənhʊd)   n   companionship

■ companion set   n   a set of fire irons on a stand

■ companionship (kəmˈpænjənˌʃIp)   n   the relationship of friends or companions; fellowship

companion^2 (kəmˈpænjən)   n   nautical   a a raised frame on an upper deck with windows to give light to the deck below   b (as modifier): a companion ladder [C18: from Dutch kompanje quarterdeck, from Old French compagne, from Old Italian compagna pantry, perhaps ultimately from Latin pānis bread]

■ companionway (kəmˈpænjənˌweI)   n   a stairway or ladder leading from one deck to another in a boat or ship

company (ˈkʌmpənI)   n, pl -nies   1 a number of people gathered together; assembly   2 the fact of being with someone; companionship: I enjoy her company   3 a social visitor or visitors; guest or guests   4 a business enterprise   5 the members of an enterprise not specifically mentioned in the enterprise's title. Abbreviation: Co, co   6 a group of actors, usually including business and technical personnel   7 a unit of around 100 troops, usually comprising two or more platoons   8 the officers and crew of a ship   9 a unit of Girl Guides   10 English history a medieval guild   11 keep company or bear company   a to accompany (someone)   b (esp of lovers) to associate with each other; spend time together   12 part company   a to end a friendship or association, esp as a result of a quarrel; separate   b (foll by with) to leave; go away (from); be separated (from)   ▷ vb -nies, -nying, -nied   13 archaic to keep company or associate (with someone) [C13: from Old French compaignie, from compain companion, fellow, from Late Latin compāniō; see COMPANION^1]

■ company doctor   n   1 a businessperson or accountant who specializes in turning ailing companies into profitable enterprises   2 a physician employed by a company to look after its staff and to advise on health matters

■ company man   n   an employee who puts allegiance to the company for which he works above personal opinion or friendship

■ company secretary   n   Brit an officer of an incorporated company who has certain legal obligations

■ company sergeant major   n   military the senior Warrant Officer II in a British or Commonwealth regiment or battalion, responsible under the company second in command for all aspects of duty and discipline of the NCOs and men in that subunit. Abbreviation: CSM. Compare regimental sergeant major. See also warrant officer

■ company town   n   US and Canadian a town built by a company for its employees

■ company union   n   chiefly US and Canadian an unaffiliated union of workers usually restricted to a single business enterprise

compare (kəmˈpɛə)   vb   1 (tr; usually foll by to) to regard or represent as analogous or similar; liken: the general has been compared to Napoleon   2 (tr; usually foll by with) to examine in order to observe resemblances or differences: to compare rum with gin   3 (intr; usually foll by with) to be of the same or similar quality or value: gin compares with rum in alcoholic content   4 (intr) to bear a specified relation of quality or value when examined: this car compares badly with the other   5 (intr; usually foll by with) to correspond to: profits were £3.2 million. This compares with £2.6 million last year   6 (tr) grammar to give the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of (an adjective)   7 (intr) archaic to compete or vie   8 compare notes to exchange opinions   ▷ n   9 comparison or analogy (esp in the phrase beyond compare) [C15: from Old French comparer, from Latin comparāre to couple together, match, from compar equal to one another, from com- together + par equal; see PAR]   > comˈparer n

■ comparable (ˈkɒmpərəbəl)   adj   1 worthy of comparison   2 able to be compared (with)   > ˌcomparaˈbility or ˈcomparableness n   > ˈcomparably adv

■ comparatist (kəmˈpærəˌtIst) or comparativist (kəmˈpærətIˌvIst)   n   a person who carries out comparative studies, esp a student of comparative literature or comparative linguistics

■ comparative (kəmˈpærətIv)   adj   1 denoting or involving comparison: comparative literature   2 judged by comparison; relative: a comparative loss of prestige   3 grammar denoting the form of an adjective that indicates that the quality denoted is possessed to a greater extent. In English the comparative form of an adjective is usually marked by the suffix -er or the word more. Compare positive (sense 10), superlative (sense 2)   ▷ n   4 the comparative form of an adjective   > comˈparatively adv   > comˈparativeness n

■ comparative advertising   n   a form of advertising in which a product is compared favourably with similar products on the market

■ comparative judgment   n   psychol any judgment about whether there is a difference between two or more stimuli. Compare absolute judgment

■ comparative psychology   n   the study of the similarities and differences in the behaviour of different species

■ comparator (kəmˈpærətə)   n   1 any instrument used to measure a property of a system by comparing it with a standard system   2 an electric circuit that compares two signals and gives an indication of the extent of their dissimilarity

comparison (kəmˈpærIsən)   n   1 the act or process of comparing   2 the state of being compared   3 comparable quality or qualities; likeness: there was no comparison between them   4 a rhetorical device involving comparison, such as a simile   5 Also called: degrees of comparison grammar the listing of the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of an adjective or adverb   6 bear comparison or stand comparison to be sufficiently similar in class or range to be compared with (something else), esp favourably

compart (kəmˈpɑːt)   vb (tr)   1 to divide into parts   2 architect to lay out according to a plan

compartment (kəmˈpɑːtmənt)   n   1 one of the sections into which an area, esp an enclosed space, is divided or partitioned   2 any separate part or section: a compartment of the mind   3 a small storage space; locker [C16: from French compartiment, ultimately from Late Latin compartīrī to share, from Latin com- with + partīrī to apportion, from pars PART]   > compartmental (ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəl) adj   > ˌcompartˈmentally adv

■ compartmentalize or compartmentalise (ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəˌlaIz)   vb   (usually tr) to put or divide into (compartments, categories, etc), esp to an excessive degree   > ˌcompartˌmentaliˈzation or ˌcompartˌmentaliˈsation n

■ compartmentalized or compartmentalised (ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəˌlaIzd)   adj   separated into several discrete areas

compas (Spanish komˈpas)   n   music the rhythm of a flamenco song

compass (ˈkʌmpəs)   n   1 an instrument for finding direction, usually having a magnetized needle which points to magnetic north swinging freely on a pivot   2 Also called: pair of compasses (often plural) an instrument used for drawing circles, measuring distances, etc, that consists of two arms, joined at one end, one arm of which serves as a pivot or stationary reference point, while the other is extended or describes a circle   3 limits or range: within the compass of education   4 music the interval between the lowest and highest note attainable by a voice or musical instrument   5 archaic a circular course   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to encircle or surround; hem in   7 to comprehend or grasp mentally   8 to achieve; attain; accomplish   9 obsolete to plot [C13: from Old French compas, from compasser to measure, from Vulgar Latin compassāre (unattested) to pace out, ultimately from Latin passus step]   > ˈcompassable adj

■ compass card   n   a compass in the form of a card that rotates so that "0°" or "North" points to magnetic north

■ compassings (ˈkʌmpəsIŋz)   pl n   obsolete contrivances or schemes

■ compass plant   n   1 Also called: rosinweed a tall plant, Silphium laciniatum, of central North America, that has yellow flowers and lower leaves that tend to align themselves at right angles to the strongest light, esp in a north-south plane: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any of several similar plants

■ compass rose   n   a circle or decorative device printed on a map or chart showing the points of the compass measured from true north and usually magnetic north

■ compass saw   n   a hand saw with a narrow tapered blade for making a curved cut

■ compass window   n   architect a bay window having a semicircular shape

compassion (kəmˈpæʃən)   n   a feeling of distress and pity for the suffering or misfortune of another, often including the desire to alleviate it [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin compassiō fellow feeling, from compatī to suffer with, from Latin com- with + patī to bear, suffer]

■ compassionable (kəmˈpæʃənəbəl)   adj   1 archaic exciting or deserving pity   2 obsolete full of pity or compassion

■ compassionate (kəmˈpæʃənət)   adj   1 showing or having compassion   2 compassionate leave leave granted, esp to a serviceman, on the grounds of bereavement, family illness, etc   > comˈpassionately adv   > comˈpassionateness n

■ Compassion Club   n   the Compassion Club (in Canada) a nonprofit organization that provides uncontaminated cannabis for medical purposes and natural therapies in a safe environment

■ compassion fatigue   n   the inability to react sympathetically to a crisis, disaster, etc, because of overexposure to previous crises, disasters, etc

■ compassionless (kəmˈpæʃənlIs)   adj   having no compassion

compast (ˈkʌmpəst)   adj   archaic rounded

compatible (kəmˈpætəbəl)   adj   1 (usually foll by with) able to exist together harmoniously   2 (usually foll by with) consistent or congruous: her deeds were not compatible with her ideology   3 (of plants)   a capable of forming successful grafts   b capable of successful self-fertilization. See self-compatible, self-incompatible   4 (of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation [C15: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compatī to be in sympathy with; see COMPASSION]   > comˌpatiˈbility or comˈpatibleness n   > comˈpatibly adv

compatriot (kəmˈpætrIət)   n   a person from one's own country [C17: from French compatriote, from Late Latin compatriōta; see PATRIOT]   > comˌpatriˈotic adj   > comˈpatriotism n

compear (kəmˈpIə)   vb (intr)   Scots law to appear in court

■ compearance (kəmˈpIərəns)   n   Scots law the act of appearing in court

■ compearant (kəmˈpIərənt)   n   Scots law a person who appears in court

compeer (ˈkɒmpIə)   n   1 a person of equal rank, status, or ability; peer   2 a companion or comrade [C13: from Old French comper, from Medieval Latin compater godfather; see COMPADRE]

compel (kəmˈpɛl)   vb -pels, -pelling, -pelled (tr)   1 to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)   2 to obtain by force; exact: to compel obedience   3 to overpower or subdue   4 archaic to herd or drive together [C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive]   > comˈpellable adj   > comˈpellably adv   > comˈpeller n

■ compellation (ˌkɒmpɛˈleIʃən)   n   a rare word for appellation [C17: from Latin compellātiō, from compellāre to accost, from appellāre to call]

■ compellative (kəmˈpɛlətIv)   n   an appellation

■ compelling (kəmˈpɛlIŋ)   adj   1 arousing or denoting strong interest, esp admiring interest   2 (of an argument, evidence, etc) convincing

■ compellingly (kəmˈpɛlIŋlI)   adv   in a way that demands attention and interest

compend (kəmˈpɛnd)   n   a compendium

compendium (kəmˈpɛndIəm)   n, pl -diums or -dia (-dIə)   1 Brit a book containing a collection of useful hints   2 Brit a selection, esp of different games or other objects in one container   3 a concise but comprehensive summary of a larger work [C16: from Latin: a saving, literally: something weighed, from pendere to weigh]

■ compendious (kəmˈpɛndIəs)   adj   containing or stating the essentials of a subject in a concise form; succinct   > comˈpendiously adv   > comˈpendiousness n

compensable (kəmˈpɛnsəbəl)   adj   chiefly US entitled to compensation or capable of being compensated

■ compensability (kəmˌpɛnsəˈbIlItI)   n   eligibility for compensation

compensate (ˈkɒmpɛnˌseIt)   vb   1 to make amends to (someone), esp for loss or injury   2 (tr) to serve as compensation or damages for (injury, loss, etc)   3 to offset or counterbalance the effects of (a force, weight, movement, etc) so as to nullify the effects of an undesirable influence and produce equilibrium   4 (intr) to attempt to conceal or offset one's shortcomings by the exaggerated exhibition of qualities regarded as desirable [C17: from Latin compēnsāre, from pensāre, from pendere to weigh]   > compensatory (ˈkɒmpɛnˌseItərI, kəmˈpɛnsətərI, -trI) or compensative (ˈkɒmpɛnˌseItIv, kəmˈpɛnsə-) adj   > ˈcompenˌsator n

■ compensated semiconductor   n   physics a semiconductor in which donors and acceptors are related in such a way that their opposing electrical effects are partially cancelled

■ compensation (ˌkɒmpɛnˈseIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of making amends for something   2 something given as reparation for loss, injury, etc; indemnity   3 the automatic movements made by the body to maintain balance   4 the attempt to conceal or offset one's shortcomings by the exaggerated exhibition of qualities regarded as desirable   5 biology abnormal growth and increase in size in one organ in response to the removal or inactivation of another   > ˌcompenˈsational adj

■ compensation culture   n   a culture in which people are very ready to go to law over even relatively minor incidents in the hope of gaining compensation

■ compensation order   n   (in Britain) the requirement of a court that an offender pay compensation for injury, loss, or damage resulting from an offence, either in preference to or as well as a fine

■ compensation point   n   botany the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide at which the rate of carbon dioxide uptake by a photosynthesizing plant is exactly balanced by its rate of carbon dioxide release in respiration and photorespiration

■ compensatory finance   n   another word for deficit financing

comper (ˈkɒmpə)   n   informal a person who regularly enters competitions in newspapers, magazines, etc, esp competitions offering consumer goods as prizes [C20: COMP(ETITION) + -ER^1]   > ˈcomping n

compere or compère (ˈkɒmpɛə) Brit   n   1 a master of ceremonies who introduces cabaret, television acts, etc   ▷ vb   2 to act as a compere (for) [C20: from French, literally: godfather; see COMPEER, COMPADRE]

compesce (kəmˈpɛs)   vb (tr)   archaic to curb or restrain

compete (kəmˈpiːt)   vb   (intr; often foll by with) to contend (against) for profit, an award, athletic supremacy, etc; engage in a contest (with) [C17: from Late Latin competere to strive together, from Latin: to meet, come together, agree, from com- together + petere to seek]

■ competing (kəmˈpiːtIŋ)   adj   set against each other; vying

■ competition (ˌkɒmpIˈtIʃən)   n   1 the act of competing; rivalry   2 a contest in which a winner is selected from among two or more entrants   3 a series of games, sports events, etc   4 the opposition offered by a competitor or competitors   5 a competitor or competitors offering opposition   6 ecology the struggle between individuals of the same or different species for food, space, light, etc, when these are inadequate to supply the needs of all

■ competitive (kəmˈpɛtItIv)   adj   1 involving or determined by rivalry: competitive sports   2 sufficiently low in price or high in quality to be successful against commercial rivals   3 relating to or characterized by an urge to compete: a competitive personality   > comˈpetitively adv   > comˈpetitiveness n

■ competitive exclusion   n   ecology the dominance of one species over another when both are competing for the same resources, etc

■ competitor (kəmˈpɛtItə)   n   a person, group, team, firm, etc, that vies or competes; rival

competent (ˈkɒmpItənt)   adj   1 having sufficient skill, knowledge, etc; capable   2 suitable or sufficient for the purpose: a competent answer   3 law (of a witness) having legal capacity; qualified to testify, etc   4 (postpositive; foll by to) belonging as a right; appropriate [C14: from Latin competēns, from competere to be competent; see COMPETE]   > ˈcompetently adv   > ˈcompetentness n

■ competence (ˈkɒmpItəns)   n   1 the condition of being capable; ability   2 a sufficient income to live on   3 the state of being legally competent or qualified   4 embryol the ability of embryonic tissues to react to external conditions in a way that influences subsequent development   5 linguistics (in transformational grammar) the form of the human language faculty, independent of its psychological embodiment in actual human beings. Compare performance (sense 7), langue, parole (sense 5)

■ competency (ˈkɒmpItənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 law capacity to testify in a court of law; eligibility to be sworn   2 a less common word for competence (sense 1), competence (sense 2)

Compiègne (French kɔ̃pjɛɲ)   n   a city in N France, on the Oise River: scene of the armistice at the end of World War I (1918) and of the Franco-German armistice of 1940. Pop: 41 714 (2007)

compile (kəmˈpaIl)   vb (tr)   1 to make or compose from other materials or sources: to compile a list of names   2 to collect or gather for a book, hobby, etc   3 computing to create (a set of machine instructions) from a high-level programming language, using a compiler [C14: from Latin compīlāre to pile together, plunder, from com- together + pīlāre to thrust down, pack]

■ compilation (ˌkɒmpIˈleIʃən)   n   1 something collected or compiled, such as a list, report, etc   2 the act or process of collecting or compiling

■ compilation film   n   film from an archive used in a film or documentary to give a feeling of the relevant period

■ compilator (ˈkɒmpIˌleItə)   n   a compiler

■ compilatory (ˌkɒmpIˈleItərI)   adj   of or relating to a compilation or compiler

■ compilement (kəmˈpaIlmənt)   n   1 archaic a compilation   2 obsolete the act of compiling

■ compiler (kəmˈpaIlə)   n   1 a person who collects or compiles something   2 a computer program by which a high-level programming language, such as COBOL or FORTRAN, is converted into machine language that can be acted upon by a computer. Compare assembler

compital (ˈkɒmpItəl)   adj   Roman history (of the shrine of a domestic god) located at a crossroads

complacent (kəmˈpleIsənt)   adj   1 pleased or satisfied, esp extremely self-satisfied   2 an obsolete word for complaisant [C17: from Latin complacēns very pleasing, from complacēre to be most agreeable to, from com- (intensive) + placēre to please]   > comˈplacently adv

■ complacency (kəmˈpleIsənsI) or complacence   n, pl -cencies or -cences   1 a feeling of satisfaction, esp extreme self-satisfaction; smugness   2 an obsolete word for complaisance

complain (kəmˈpleIn)   vb (intr)   1 to express resentment, displeasure, etc, esp habitually; grumble   2 (foll by of) to state the presence of pain, illness, etc, esp in the hope of sympathy: she complained of a headache [C14: from Old French complaindre, from Vulgar Latin complangere (unattested), from Latin com- (intensive) + plangere to bewail]   > comˈplainer n   > comˈplainingly adv

■ complainant (kəmˈpleInənt)   n   law a person who makes a complaint, usually before justices; plaintiff

■ complainings (kəmˈpleInIŋz)   pl n   complaints

■ complaint (kəmˈpleInt)   n   1 the act of complaining; an expression of grievance   2 a cause for complaining; grievance   3 a mild ailment   4 English law a statement by which a civil proceeding in a magistrates' court is commenced

complaisant (kəmˈpleIzənt)   adj   showing a desire to comply or oblige; polite [C17: from French complaire, from Latin complacēre to please greatly; compare COMPLACENT]   > comˈplaisantly adv

■ complaisance (kəmˈpleIzəns)   n   1 deference to the wishes of others; willing compliance   2 an act of willing compliance

complanate (kəmˈpleIneIt)   adj   botany having a flattened or compressed aspect

■ complanation (ˌkɒmpləˈneIʃən)   n   the act of flattening or making level

compleat (kəmˈpliːt)   adj   an archaic spelling of complete, used esp in the titles of handbooks, in imitation of The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton

complect (kəmˈplɛkt)   vb   (tr) archaic to interweave or entwine [C16: from Latin complectī; see COMPLEX]

complected (kəmˈplɛktId)   adj   (in combination) a US dialect word for complexioned

complement   n (ˈkɒmplImənt)   1 a person or thing that completes something   2 one of two parts that make up a whole or complete each other   3 a complete amount, number, etc (often in the phrase full complement)   4 the officers and crew needed to man a ship   5 grammar   a a noun phrase that follows a copula or similar verb, as for example an idiot in the sentence He is an idiot   b a clause that serves as the subject or direct object of a verb or the direct object of a preposition, as for example that he would be early in the sentence I hoped that he would be early   6 maths the angle that, when added to a specified angle, produces a right angle   7 logic, maths the class of all things, or of all members of a given universe of discourse, that are not members of a given set   8 music the inverted form of an interval that, when added to the interval, completes the octave: the sixth is the complement of the third   9 immunol a group of proteins in the blood serum that, when activated by antibodies, causes destruction of alien cells, such as bacteria   ▷ vb (ˈkɒmplIˌmɛnt)   10 (tr) to add to, make complete, or form a complement to [C14: from Latin complēmentum, from complēre to fill up, from com- (intensive) + plēre to fill]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with compliment

■ complementarity (ˌkɒmplImənˈtærItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a state or system that involves complementary components   2 physics the principle that the complete description of a phenomenon in microphysics requires the use of two distinct theories that are complementary to each other. See also duality (sense 2)

■ complementary (ˌkɒmplIˈmɛntərI, -trI) or complemental   adj   1 acting as or forming a complement; completing   2 forming a satisfactory or balanced whole   3 forming a mathematical complement: sine and cosine are complementary functions   4 maths, logic (of a pair of sets, etc) mutually exclusive and exhaustive, each being the complement of the other   5 (of genes) producing an effect in association with other genes   6 involving or using the treatments and techniques of complementary medicine   > ˌcompleˈmentarily or ˌcompleˈmentally adv   > ˌcompleˈmentariness n

■ complementary angle   n   either of two angles whose sum is 90°. Compare supplementary angle

■ complementary colour   n   one of any pair of colours, such as yellow and blue, that give white or grey when mixed in the correct proportions

■ complementary DNA   n   a form of DNA artificially synthesized from a messenger RNA template and used in genetic engineering to produce gene clones. Abbreviation: cDNA

■ complementary gene   n   one of a pair of genes, each from different loci, that together are required for the expression of a certain characteristic

■ complementary medicine   n   Also called: alternative medicine the treatment, alleviation, or prevention of disease by such techniques as osteopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and acupuncture, allied with attention to such factors as diet and emotional stability, which can affect a person's wellbeing. See also holism (sense 2)

■ complementary wavelength   n   physics the wavelength of monochromatic light that could be mixed in suitable proportions with a given coloured light so as to produce some specified achromatic light

■ complementation (ˌkɒmplImɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of forming a complement   2 genetics the combination of two homologous chromosomes, each with a different recessive mutant gene, in a single cell to produce a normal phenotype. The deficiency of one homologue is supplied by the normal allele of the other

■ complement fixation test   n   med a serological test for detecting the presence of a specific antibody or antigen, used in the diagnosis of syphilis, etc

■ complementizer (ˈkɒmplImənˌtaIzə)   n   generative grammar a word or morpheme that serves to introduce a complement clause or a reduced form of such a clause, as that in I wish that he would leave

complete (kəmˈpliːt)   adj   1 having every necessary part or element; entire   2 ended; finished   3 (prenominal) thorough; absolute: a complete rogue   4 perfect in quality or kind: a complete scholar   5 (of a logical system) constituted such that a contradiction arises on the addition of any proposition that cannot be deduced from the axioms of the system. Compare consistent (sense 5)   6 (of flowers) having sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels   7 archaic expert or skilled; accomplished   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to make whole or perfect   9 (tr) to end; finish   10 (intr) (in land law) to pay any outstanding balance on a contract for the conveyance of land in exchange for the title deeds, so that the ownership of the land changes hands   11 American football (tr) (of a quarterback) to make (a forward pass) successfully [C14: from Latin complētus, past participle of complēre to fill up; see COMPLEMENT]   > comˈpletely adv   > comˈpleteness n   > comˈpleter n   > comˈpletion n   > comˈpletive adj

■ completable (kəmˈpliːtəbəl)   adj   able to be completed

■ completist (kəmˈpliːtIst)   n   a person with an obsessive interest in every aspect of something: ardent Star Wars completists

■ completory (kəmˈpliːtərI)   adj   1 serving the purpose of completing   ▷ n   2 RC Church another name for compline

complex (ˈkɒmplɛks)   adj   1 made up of various interconnected parts; composite   2 (of thoughts, writing, etc) intricate or involved   3 grammar   a (of a word) containing at least one bound form   b (of a noun phrase) containing both a lexical noun and an embedded clause, as for example the italicized parts of the following sentence: I didn't know the man who served me   c (of a sentence) formed by subordination of one clause to another   4 maths of or involving one or more complex numbers   ▷ n   5 a whole made up of interconnected or related parts: a building complex   6 psychoanal a group of emotional ideas or impulses that have been banished from the conscious mind but that continue to influence a person's behaviour   7 informal an obsession or excessive fear: he's got a complex about losing his looks   8 Also called: coordination compound a chemical compound in which molecules, groups, or ions are attached to a central metal atom, esp a transition metal atom, by coordinate bonds   9 any chemical compound in which one molecule is linked to another by a coordinate bond [C17: from Latin complexus, from complectī to entwine, from com- together + plectere to braid]   > ˈcomplexly adv   > ˈcomplexness n

USAGE

Complex is sometimes wrongly used where complicated is meant. Complex is properly used to say only that something consists of several parts. It should not be used to say that, because something consists of many parts, it is difficult to understand or analyse

■ complexation (ˌkɒmplɛksˈeIʃən)   n   chem the formation of a complex

■ complex conjugate   n   maths the complex number whose imaginary part is the negative of that of a given complex number, the real parts of both numbers being equal: a –ib is the complex conjugate of a +ib

■ complexedness (kəmˈplɛksIdnəs)   n   obsolete complexity

■ complex fraction   n   maths a fraction in which the numerator or denominator or both contain fractions. Also called: compound fraction

■ complexify (kəmˈplɛksIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to make or become complex

■ complexity (kəmˈplɛksItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being intricate or complex   2 something intricate or complex; complication

■ complexity theory   n   1 maths the study of complex systems, including subjects such as chaos theory and genetic algorithms   2 computing a field in theoretical computer science dealing with the resources required during computation to solve a given problem

■ complex number   n   any number of the form a + ib, where a and b are real numbers and i = √–1. See number (sense 1)

■ complexometric titration (kəmˌplɛksəʊˈmɛtrIk)   n   chem a titration in which a coloured complex is formed, usually by the use of a chelating agent, such as EDTA, the end point being marked by a sharp decrease in the concentration of free metal ions

■ complexone (kəmˈplɛksəʊn)   n   chem any chelating agent, such as EDTA, used for the analytical determination of metals

■ complex salt   n   a salt that contains one or more complex ions. Compare double salt

■ complex sentence   n   grammar a sentence containing at least one main clause and one subordinate clause

■ complexus (kəmˈplɛksəs)   n   a complicated whole made up of interconnected or related parts

■ complex wave   n   physics a waveform consisting of a fundamental frequency with superimposed harmonics

complexion (kəmˈplɛkʃən)   n   1 the colour and general appearance of a person's skin, esp of the face   2 aspect, character, or nature: the general complexion of a nation's finances   3 obsolete   a the temperament of a person   b the temperature and general appearance of the body [C14: from medical Latin complexiō one's bodily characteristics, from Latin: a combination, from complectī to embrace; see COMPLEX]   > comˈplexional adj

■ complexioned (kəmˈplɛkʃənd)   adj   (in combination) of a specified complexion: light-complexioned

■ complexionless (kəmˈplɛkʃənlIs)   adj   (of a person's face) pale

complicant (ˈkɒmplIkənt)   adj   entomol (of the elytra of a beetle) overlapping

complicate   vb (ˈkɒmplIˌkeIt)   1 to make or become complex   ▷ adj (ˈkɒmplIkIt)   2 biology folded on itself: a complicate leaf   3 a less common word for complicated [C17: from Latin complicāre to fold together, from plicāre to fold]

■ complicacy (ˈkɒmplIkəsI)   n, pl -cies   a less common word for complexity

■ complicated (ˈkɒmplIˌkeItId)   adj   made up of intricate parts or aspects that are difficult to understand or analyse   > ˈcompliˌcatedly adv   > ˈcompliˌcatedness n

■ complication (ˌkɒmplIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 a condition, event, etc, that is complex or confused   2 the act or process of complicating   3 a situation, event, or condition that complicates or frustrates: her coming was a serious complication   4 a disease or disorder arising as a consequence of another disease

■ complicative (ˈkɒmplIˌkeItIv)   adj   obsolete having a tendency to complicate

complice (ˈkɒmplIs, ˈkʌm-)   n   obsolete an associate or accomplice [C15: from Old French, from Late Latin complex partner, associate, from Latin complicāre to fold together; see COMPLICATE]

■ complicit (kəmˈplIsIt)   adj   involved with others in reprehensible or illegal activity [C20: back formation from COMPLICITY]

■ complicitly (kəmˈplIsItlI)   adv   in a way that amounts to complicity

■ complicitous (kəmˈplIsItəs)   adj   having complicity

■ complicity (kəmˈplIsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the fact or condition of being an accomplice, esp in a criminal act   2 a less common word for complexity

compliment   n (ˈkɒmplImənt)   1 a remark or act expressing respect, admiration, etc   2 (usually plural) a greeting of respect or regard   ▷ vb (ˈkɒmplIˌmɛnt) (tr)   3 to express admiration of; congratulate or commend   4 to express or show respect or regard for, esp by a gift [C17: from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir to complete, do what is fitting, be polite]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with complement

■ complimental (ˌkɒmplIˈmɛntəl)   adj   archaic complimentary

■ complimentary (ˌkɒmplIˈmɛntərI, -trI)   adj   1 conveying, containing, or resembling a compliment   2 expressing praise; flattering   3 given free, esp as a courtesy or for publicity purposes   > ˌcompliˈmentarily adv

■ complimenter (ˈkɒmplIˌmɛntə)   n   a person who compliments

compline (ˈkɒmplIn, -plaIn) or complin (ˈkɒmplIn)   n   RC Church the last of the seven canonical hours of the divine office [C13: from Old French complie, from Medieval Latin hōra complēta, literally: the completed hour, from Latin complēre to fill up, COMPLETE]

complish (ˈkɒmplIʃ)   vb (tr)   archaic to accomplish

complot archaic   n (ˈkɒmplɒt)   1 a plot or conspiracy   ▷ vb (kəmˈplɒt) -plots, -plotting, -plotted   2 (intr) to plot together; conspire [C16: from Old French, of unknown origin]   > comˈplotter n

compluvium (kəmˈpluːvIəm)   n, pl compluvia   an unroofed space over the atrium in a Roman house, through which rain fell and was collected

comply (kəmˈplaI)   vb -plies, -plying, -plied (intr)   1 (usually foll by with) to act in accordance with rules, wishes, etc; be obedient (to)   2 obsolete to be obedient or complaisant [C17: from Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir to complete; see COMPLIMENT]   > comˈplier n

■ compliance (kəmˈplaIəns) or compliancy   n   1 the act of complying; acquiescence   2 a disposition to yield to or comply with others   3 a measure of the ability of a mechanical system to respond to an applied vibrating force, expressed as the reciprocal of the system's stiffness. Symbol: C

■ compliance officer   n   a specialist, usually a lawyer, employed by a financial group operating in a variety of fields and for multiple clients to ensure that no conflict of interest arises and that all obligations and regulations are complied with

■ compliant (kəmˈplaIənt) or compliable   adj   complying, obliging, or yielding   > comˈpliantly or comˈpliably adv   > comˈpliantness or comˈpliableness n

compo (ˈkɒmpəʊ)   n, pl -pos   1 a mixture of materials, such as mortar, plaster, etc   2 Austral and NZ informal compensation, esp for injury or loss of work   ▷ adj   3 military intended to last for several days: compo rations; a compo pack [short for composition, compensation, composite]

component (kəmˈpəʊnənt)   n   1 a constituent part or aspect of something more complex: a component of a car   2 Also called: element any electrical device, such as a resistor, that has distinct electrical characteristics and that may be connected to other electrical devices to form a circuit   3 maths   a one of a set of two or more vectors whose resultant is a given vector   b the projection of this given vector onto a specified line   4 one of the minimum number of chemically distinct constituents necessary to describe fully the composition of each phase in a system. See phase rule   ▷ adj   5 forming or functioning as a part or aspect; constituent [C17: from Latin compōnere to put together, from pōnere to place, put]   > componential (ˌkɒmpəˈnɛnʃəl) adj

■ componency (kəmˈpəʊnənsI)   n   the quality of being in components

■ componental (ˌkɒmpəʊˈnɛntəl)   adj   of, relating to, or having components

compony (kəmˈpəʊnI) or componé (kəmˈpəʊneI)   adj   (usually postpositive) heraldry made up of alternating metal and colour, colour and fur, or fur and metal [C16: from Old French componé, from copon piece, COUPON]

comport (kəmˈpɔːt)   vb   1 (tr) to conduct or bear (oneself) in a specified way   2 (intr; foll by with) to agree (with); correspond (to) [C16: from Latin comportāre to bear, collect, from com- together + portāre to carry]

■ comportance (kəmˈpɔːtəns)   n   obsolete comportment

■ comportment (kəmˈpɔːtmənt)   n   conduct; bearing

compose (kəmˈpəʊz)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to put together or make up by combining; put in proper order   2 to be the component elements of   3 to produce or create (a musical or literary work)   4 (intr) to write music   5 to calm (someone, esp oneself); make quiet   6 to adjust or settle (a quarrel, etc)   7 to order the elements of (a painting, sculpture, etc); design   8 printing to set up (type) [C15: from Old French composer, from Latin compōnere to put in place; see COMPONENT]

■ composed (kəmˈpəʊzd)   adj   (of people) calm; tranquil; serene   > composedly (kəmˈpəʊzIdlI) adv   > comˈposedness n

■ composer (kəmˈpəʊzə)   n   1 a person who composes music   2 a person or machine that composes anything, esp type for printing

■ composing room   n   the room in a printing establishment in which type is set

■ composing stick   n   printing a metal holder of adjustable width in which a compositor sets a line of type at a time by hand; now rarely used

■ composure (kəmˈpəʊʒə)   n   calmness, esp of the mind; tranquillity; serenity

composite (ˈkɒmpəzIt)   adj   1 composed of separate parts; compound   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the plant family Asteraceae   3 maths capable of being factorized or decomposed: a composite function   4 (sometimes capital) denoting or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a combination of the Ionic and Corinthian styles. See also Doric, Tuscan   ▷ n   5 something composed of separate parts; compound   6 any plant of the family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae), typically having flower heads composed of ray flowers (e.g. dandelion), disc flowers (e.g. thistle), or both (e.g. daisy)   7 a material, such as reinforced concrete, made of two or more distinct materials   8 a proposal that has been composited   ▷ vb (ˈkɒmpəˌzaIt)   9 (tr) to merge related motions from local branches of (a political party, trade union, etc) so as to produce a manageable number of proposals for discussion at national level [C16: from Latin compositus well arranged, from compōnere to collect, arrange; see COMPONENT]   > ˈcompositely adv   > ˈcompositeness n

■ composite colour signal   n   a colour television signal in which luminance and two chrominance components are encoded into a single signal

■ composite number   n   a positive integer that can be factorized into two or more other positive integers. Compare prime number

■ composite photograph   n   a photograph formed by superimposing two or more separate photographs

■ composite school   n   Eastern Canadian a secondary school offering both academic and nonacademic courses

composition (ˌkɒmpəˈzIʃən)   n   1 the act of putting together or making up by combining parts or ingredients   2 something formed in this manner or the resulting state or quality; a mixture   3 the parts of which something is composed or made up; constitution   4 a work of music, art, or literature   5 the harmonious arrangement of the parts of a work of art in relation to each other and to the whole   6 a piece of writing undertaken as an academic exercise in grammatically acceptable writing; an essay   7 printing the act or technique of setting up type   8 linguistics the formation of compound words   9 logic the fallacy of inferring that the properties of the part are also true of the whole, as every member of the team has won a prize, so the team will win a prize   10    a a settlement by mutual consent, esp a legal agreement whereby the creditors agree to accept partial payment of a debt in full settlement   b the sum so agreed   11 chem the nature and proportions of the elements comprising a chemical compound [C14: from Old French, from Latin compositus; see COMPOSITE, -ION]   > ˌcompoˈsitional adj   > ˌcompoˈsitionally adv

■ composition of forces   n   the combination, by vector algebra, of two or more forces into a single equivalent force (the resultant)

compositive (kəmˈpɒzItIv)   adj   synthetic; involving composition

compositor (kəmˈpɒzItə)   n   printing a person who sets and corrects type and generally assembles text and illustrations for printing. Sometimes shortened to: comp   > compositorial (kəmˌpɒzIˈtɔːrIəl) adj

compositous (kəmˈpɒzItəs)   adj   botany relating to or belonging to the plant family Asteraceae

compos mentis Latin (ˈkɒmpəs ˈmɛntIs)   adj   (postpositive) of sound mind; sane

compossible (kɒmˈpɒsIbəl)   adj   rare possible in coexistence with something else

■ compossibility (kəmˌpɒsIˈbIlItI)   n   the possibility of coexisting

compost (ˈkɒmpɒst)   n   1 a mixture of organic residues such as decomposed vegetation, manure, etc, used as a fertilizer   2 a mixture, normally of plant remains, peat, charcoal, etc, in which plants are grown, esp in pots   3 rare a compound or mixture   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to make (vegetable matter) into compost   5 to fertilize with compost [C14: from Old French compost, from Latin compositus put together; see COMPOSITE]

■ compostable (kɒmˈpɒstəbəl)   adj   capable of being used as compost: compostable waste

■ composter (ˈkɒmpɒstə)   n   1 a bin or other container used to turn garden and kitchen waste into compost   2 a person who uses a bin or other container to turn garden and kitchen waste into compost

■ composting (ˈkɒmpɒstIŋ)   n   the activity or practice of converting garden and kitchen waste to compost

■ composture (kəmˈpɒstʃə)   n   obsolete compost or manure

Compostela (Spanish kɔmpɔsˈtela)   n   See Santiago de Compostela

compotation (ˌkɒmpəˈteIʃən)   n   rare the act of drinking together in a company [C16: from Latin compōtātiō, translation of Greek SYMPOSIUM]   > ˈcompoˌtator n

■ compotationship (ˌkɒmpəʊˈteIʃənʃIp)   n   the state of being a compotator or drinking companion

■ compotatory (kəmˈpɒtətərI)   adj   of, relating to, or fond of compotation

compote (ˈkɒmpəʊt; French kɔ̃pɔt)   n   a dish of fruit stewed with sugar or in a syrup and served hot or cold [C17: from French composte, from Latin composita, feminine of compositus put in place; see COMPOSITE]

■ compotier French (kɔ̃mpɔtje)   n   a dish for holding compote

compound^1   n (ˈkɒmpaʊnd)   1 a substance that contains atoms of two or more chemical elements held together by chemical bonds   2 any combination of two or more parts, aspects, etc   3 a word formed from two existing words or combining forms   ▷ vb (kəmˈpaʊnd) (mainly tr)   4 to mix or combine so as to create a compound or other product   5 to make by combining parts, elements, aspects, etc: to compound a new plastic   6 to intensify by an added element: his anxiety was compounded by her crying   7 finance to calculate or pay (interest) on both the principal and its accrued interest   8 (also intr) to come to an agreement in (a quarrel, dispute, etc)   9 (also intr) to settle (a debt, promise, etc) for less than what is owed; compromise   10 law to agree not to prosecute in return for a consideration: to compound a crime   11 electrical engineering to place duplex windings on the field coil of (a motor or generator), one acting as a shunt, the other being in series with the main circuit, thus making the machine self-regulating   ▷ adj (ˈkɒmpaʊnd)   12 composed of or created by the combination of two or more parts, elements, etc   13 (of a word) consisting of elements that are also words or productive combining forms   14 (of a sentence) formed by coordination of two or more sentences   15 (of a verb or the tense, mood, etc, of a verb) formed by using an auxiliary verb in addition to the main verb: the future in English is a compound tense involving the use of such auxiliary verbs as 'shall' and 'will'   16 music   a denoting a time in which the number of beats per bar is a multiple of three: six-four is an example of compound time   b (of an interval) greater than an octave   17 zoology another word for colonial (sense 6)   18 (of a steam engine, turbine, etc) having multiple stages in which the steam or working fluid from one stage is used in a subsequent stage   19 (of a piston engine) having a turbocharger powered by a turbine in the exhaust stream [C14: from earlier compounen, from Old French compondre to collect, set in order, from Latin compōnere]   > comˈpoundable adj   > comˈpounder n

■ compound annual return   n   the total return available from an investment, deposit, etc, when the interest earned is used to augment the capital. Abbreviation: CAR

■ compound engine   n   1 a steam engine in which the steam is expanded in more than one stage, first in a high-pressure cylinder and then in one or more low-pressure cylinders   2 a reciprocating engine in which the exhaust gases are expanded in a turbine to drive a turbocharger

■ compound eye   n   the convex eye of insects and some crustaceans, consisting of numerous separate light-sensitive units (ommatidia). See also ocellus

■ compound fault   n   geology a series of closely spaced faults

■ compound flower   n   a flower head made up of many small flowers appearing as a single bloom, as in the daisy

■ compound fraction   n   another term for complex fraction

■ compound fracture   n   a fracture in which the broken bone either pierces the skin or communicates with an open wound

■ compounding (ˈkɒmpaʊndIŋ)   n   1 banking the addition of interest on interest already earned or charged   2 the combining of elements or substances to make something, esp a drug

■ compound interest   n   interest calculated on both the principal and its accrued interest. Compare simple interest

■ compound leaf   n   a leaf consisting of two or more leaflets borne on the same leafstalk

■ compound lens   n   a lens consisting of more than one component lens

■ compound microscope   n   an instrument for magnifying small objects, consisting of a lens of short focal length for forming an image that is further magnified by a second lens of longer focal length. Compare simple microscope

■ compound number   n   a quantity expressed in two or more different but related units: 3 hours 10 seconds is a compound number

■ compound sentence   n   a sentence containing at least two coordinate clauses

■ compound time   n   See compound^1 (sense 16a)

compound^2 (ˈkɒmpaʊnd)   n   1 (esp formerly in South Africa) an enclosure, esp on the mines, containing the living quarters for Black workers   2 any similar enclosure, such as a camp for prisoners of war   3 (formerly in India, China, etc) the enclosure in which a European's house or factory stood [C17: by folk etymology (influenced by COMPOUND^1) from Malay kampong village]

comprador or compradore (ˌkɒmprəˈdɔː)   n   (formerly in China and some other Asian countries) a native agent of a foreign enterprise [C17: from Portuguese: buyer, from Late Latin comparātor, from Latin comparāre to purchase, from parāre to prepare]

comprehend (ˌkɒmprIˈhɛnd)   vb   1 to perceive or understand   2 (tr) to comprise or embrace; include [C14: from Latin comprehendere, from prehendere to seize]

■ comprehendible (ˌkɒmprIˈhɛndəbəl)   adj   comprehensible

■ comprehensible (ˌkɒmprIˈhɛnsəbəl)   adj   capable of being comprehended   > ˌcompreˌhensiˈbility or ˌcompreˈhensibleness n   > ˌcompreˈhensibly adv

■ comprehension (ˌkɒmprIˈhɛnʃən)   n   1 the act or capacity of understanding   2 the state of including or comprising something; comprehensiveness   3 education an exercise consisting of a previously unseen passage of text with related questions, designed to test a student's understanding esp of a foreign language   4 logic obsolete the attributes implied by a given concept or term; connotation

comprehensive (ˌkɒmprIˈhɛnsIv)   adj   1 of broad scope or content; including all or much   2 (of a car insurance policy) providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage   3 having the ability to understand   4 of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school   ▷ n   5 short for comprehensive school   > ˌcompreˈhensively adv   > ˌcompreˈhensiveness n

■ comprehensive school   n   1 chiefly Brit a secondary school for children of all abilities from the same district   2 Eastern Canadian another name for composite school

■ comprehensivize or comprehensivise (ˌkɒmprIˈhɛnsIˌvaIz)   vb (tr)   to make (an educational system) comprehensive

compress   vb (kəmˈprɛs)   1 (tr) to squeeze together or compact into less space; condense   2 computing to apply a compression program to (electronic data) so that it takes up less space   ▷ n (ˈkɒmprɛs)   3 a wet or dry cloth or gauze pad with or without medication, applied firmly to some part of the body to relieve discomfort, reduce fever, drain a wound, etc   4 a machine for packing material, esp cotton, under pressure [C14: from Late Latin compressāre, from Latin comprimere, from premere to press]   > comˈpressible adj   > comˈpressibleness n   > comˈpressibly adv

■ compressed (kəmˈprɛst)   adj   1 squeezed together or condensed   2 (of the form of flatfishes, certain plant parts, etc) flattened laterally along the whole length

■ compressed air   n   air at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure: used esp as a source of power for machines

■ compressedly (kəmˈprɛstlI)   adv   in a compressed manner

■ compressibility (kəmˌprɛsIˈbIlItI)   n   1 the ability to be compressed   2 physics the reciprocal of the bulk modulus; the ratio of volume strain to stress at constant temperature. Symbol: k

■ compression (kəmˈprɛʃən)   n   1 Also called: compressure (kəmˈprɛʃə) the act of compressing or the condition of being compressed   2 an increase in pressure of the charge in an engine or compressor obtained by reducing its volume

■ compressional (kəmˈprɛʃənəl)   adj   relating to compression

■ compression-ignition engine   n   a type of internal-combustion engine, such as a diesel, in which ignition occurs as a result of the rise in temperature caused by compression of the mixture in the cylinder

■ compression ratio   n   the ratio of the volume enclosed by the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine at the beginning of the compression stroke to the volume enclosed at the end of it

■ compressive (kəmˈprɛsIv)   adj   compressing or having the power or capacity to compress   > comˈpressively adv

■ compressor (kəmˈprɛsə)   n   1 any reciprocating or rotating device that compresses a gas   2 the part of a gas turbine that compresses the air before it enters the combustion chambers   3 any muscle that causes compression of any part or structure   4 a medical instrument for holding down a part of the body   5 an electronic device for reducing the variation in signal amplitude in a transmission system. Compare expander, compander

comprimario (ˌkɒmpriːˈmɑːrIəʊ)   n   1 a secondary role in opera or ballet   2 an opera singer or ballet dancer performing a secondary role

comprint (kəmˈprInt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to print jointly

comprise (kəmˈpraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to include; contain   2 to constitute the whole of; consist of: her singing comprised the entertainment [C15: from French compris included, understood, from comprendre to COMPREHEND]   > comˈprisable adj   > comˈprisal n

USAGE

The use of of after comprise should be avoided: the library comprises (not comprises of) 500 000 books and manuscripts

compromise (ˈkɒmprəˌmaIz)   n   1 the settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides   2 the terms of such a settlement   3 something midway between two or more different things   4 an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc, to injury   ▷ vb   5 to settle (a dispute) by making concessions   6 (tr) to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute   7 (tr) to prejudice unfavourably; weaken: his behaviour compromised his chances   8 (tr) obsolete to pledge mutually [C15: from Old French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum mutual agreement to accept the decision of an arbiter, from comprōmittere, from prōmittere to promise]   > ˈcomproˌmiser n

■ compromising (ˈkɒmprəmaIzIŋ)   adj   damaging to a person's reputation   > ˈcomproˌmisingly adv

comprovincial (ˌkɒmprəˈvInʃəl)   adj   belonging to the same province

comptable (ˈkɒmptəbəl)   adj   obsolete countable

compter (ˈkaʊntə)   n   British history a prison, esp one in which the inmates are debtors

compte rendu French (kɔ̃t rɑ̃dy)   n, pl comptes rendus (kɔ̃t rɑ̃dy)   1 a short review or notice, esp of a book   2 a statement of account [literally: account rendered]

Comptometer (kɒmpˈtɒmItə)   n   trademark a high-speed calculating machine: superseded by electronic calculators

Compton   n   1 (ˈkɒmptən) Arthur Holly. 1892–1962, US physicist, noted for his research on X-rays, gamma rays, and nuclear energy: Nobel prize for physics 1927   2 (ˈkʌmptən) Denis. 1918–97, English cricketer, who played for Middlesex and England (1937–57); broke two records in 1947 scoring 3816 runs and 18 centuries in one season

■ Compton effect (ˈkɒmptən)   n   a phenomenon in which a collision between a photon and a particle results in an increase in the kinetic energy of the particle and a corresponding increase in the wavelength of the photon [C20: named after Arthur Holly Compton ]

Compton-Burnett (ˈkɒmptənbɜːˈnɛt, -ˈbɜːnIt)   n   Dame Ivy. 1884–1969, English novelist. Her novels include Men and Wives (1931) and Mother and Son (1955)

comptroller (kənˈtrəʊlə)   n   a variant spelling of controller, used esp as a title of any of various financial executives   > compˈtrollerˌship n

compulsative (kəmˈpʌlsətIv) or compulsatory (kəmˈpʌlsətərI)   adj   obsolete compulsory

compulse (kəmˈpʌls)   vb (tr)   obsolete to compel

compulsion (kəmˈpʌlʃən)   n   1 the act of compelling or the state of being compelled   2 something that compels   3 psychiatry an inner drive that causes a person to perform actions, often of a trivial and repetitive nature, against his or her will. See also obsession [C15: from Old French, from Latin compellere to COMPEL]

■ compulsionist (kəmˈpʌlʃənIst)   n   a believer in compulsion, esp a believer in obligatory military service

compulsitor (kəmˈpʌlsItə)   n   Scots law a thing, such as a mandate, that compels

compulsive (kəmˈpʌlsIv)   adj   1 relating to or involving compulsion   ▷ n   2 psychiatry an individual who is subject to a psychological compulsion   > comˈpulsively adv   > comˈpulsiveness or compulsivity (ˌkɒmpʌlˈsIvItI) n

compulsory (kəmˈpʌlsərI)   adj   1 required by regulations or laws; obligatory: compulsory education   2 involving or employing compulsion; compelling; necessary; essential   > comˈpulsorily adv   > comˈpulsoriness n

■ compulsory purchase   n   purchase of a house or other property by a local authority or government department for public use or to make way for development, regardless of whether or not the owner wishes to sell

compunction (kəmˈpʌŋkʃən)   n   a feeling of remorse, guilt, or regret [C14: from Church Latin compunctiō, from Latin compungere to sting, from com- (intensive) + pungere to puncture; see POINT]   > comˈpunctious adj   > comˈpunctiously adv

compurgation (ˌkɒmpɜːˈɡeIʃən)   n   law (formerly) a method of trial whereby a defendant might be acquitted if a sufficient number of persons swore to his or her innocence [C17: from Medieval Latin compurgātiō, from Latin compurgāre to purify entirely, from com- (intensive) + purgāre to PURGE]   > ˈcompurˌgator n   > comˈpurgatory or comˌpurgaˈtorial adj

compursion (kəmˈpɜːʃən)   n   the act of contracting the mouth into a small rounded shape

compute (kəmˈpjuːt)   vb   1 to calculate (an answer, result, etc), often with the aid of a computer   ▷ n   2 calculation; computation (esp in the phrase beyond compute) [C17: from Latin computāre, from putāre to think]   > comˈputable adj   > comˌputaˈbility n

■ computant (ˈkɒmpjʊtənt)   n   a person who calculates

■ computation (ˌkɒmpjʊˈteIʃən)   n   a calculation involving numbers or quantities   > ˌcompuˈtational or computative (kəmˈpjuːtətIv) adj   > ˌcompuˈtationally adv

■ computational fluid dynamics   n   (functioning as singular) the prediction of the behaviour of fluids and of the effects of fluid motion past objects by numerical methods rather than model experiments

■ computator (ˈkɒmpjʊˌteItə)   n   1 Also called: computist (kəmˈpjuːtIst) a person who computes or calculates   2 a device that performs calculations

■ computed tomography   n   med another name (esp US) for computerized tomography

■ computing (kəmˈpjuːtIŋ)   n   1 the activity of using computers and writing programs for them   2 the study of computers and their implications   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to computers: computing skills

computer (kəmˈpjuːtə)   n   1    a a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. The analog computer has no memory and is slower than the digital computer but has a continuous rather than a discrete input. The hybrid computer combines some of the advantages of digital and analog computers. See also digital computer, analog computer, hybrid computer   b (as modifier): computer technology. Related prefix: cyber-   2 a person who computes or calculates

■ computer-aided or computer-assisted   adj   done or improved by computer

■ computer-aided design   n   the use of computer techniques in designing products, esp involving the use of computer graphics. Abbreviation: CAD

■ computer-aided engineering   n   the use of computers to automate manufacturing processes. Abbreviation: CAE

■ computer architecture   n   the structure, behaviour, and design of computers

■ computer-assisted   adj   another word for computer-aided

■ computerate (kəmˈpjuːtərIt)   adj   able to use computers [C20: COMPUTER + -ATE^1, by analogy with literate]

■ computer conferencing   n   the conduct of meetings through the use of computer-based telecommunications

■ computer-controlled   adj   controlled by computers, esp without direct human intervention

■ computer dating   n   the use of computers by dating agencies to match their clients

■ computerdom (kəmˈpjuːtədəm)   n   informal the computer industry

■ computerese (kəmˌpjuːtəˈriːz)   n informal   the jargon and terminology associated with computers

■ computer game   n   any of various electronic games that are played by manipulating an input device in response to the graphics on a computer screen

■ computer-generated   adj   produced by a computer program. Abbreviation: CG

■ computer graphics   n   (functioning as singular) the use of a computer to produce and manipulate pictorial images on a video screen, as in animation techniques or the production of audiovisual aids

■ computerist (kəmˈpjuːtərIst)   n   informal a computer user

■ computerizable or computerisable (kəmˈpjuːtəˌraIzəbəl)   adj   able to be computerized

■ computerize or computerise (kəmˈpjuːtəˌraIz)   vb   1 (tr) to cause (certain operations) to be performed by a computer, esp as a replacement for human labour   2 (intr) to install a computer   3 (tr) to control or perform (operations within a system) by means of a computer   4 (tr) to process or store (information) by means of or in a computer   > comˌputeriˈzation or comˌputeriˈsation n

■ computerized or computerised (kəmˈpjuːtəˌraIzd)   adj   Brit controlled by computers

■ computerized tomography   n   med a radiological technique that produces images of cross sections through a patient's body using low levels of radiation. Also called (esp US): computed tomography. Abbreviation: CT. See also CT scanner

■ computer language   n   another term for programming language

■ computerless (kəmˈpjuːtəlIs)   adj   1 having no computer   2 not requiring the use of a computer

■ computerlike (kəmˈpjuːtəˌlaIk)   adj   similar to a computer

■ computer literate   adj   able to use computers   > computer literacy n

■ computernik (kəmˈpjuːtənIk)   n   US informal a person who is very interested in, and knowledgeable about, computers

■ computerphobe (kəmˈpjuːtəˌfəʊb)   n   a person with a strong fear or dislike of computers

■ computerphobia (kəmˈpjuːtəˌfəʊbIə)   n   the fear or dislike of computers

■ computerphobic (kəmˈpjuːtərˌfəʊbIk)   n   1 a computerphobe   ▷ adj   2 showing or characterized by computerphobia

■ computer science   n   the study of computers and their application

■ computer typesetting   n   a system for the high-speed composition of type by a device driven by punched paper tape or magnetic tape that has been processed by a computer

Comr   abbreviation for   Commissioner

comrade (ˈkɒmreId, -rId)   n   1 an associate or companion   2 a fellow member of a political party, esp a fellow Communist or socialist [C16: from French camarade, from Spanish camarada group of soldiers sharing a billet, from cámara room, from Latin; see CAMERA, CHAMBER]   > ˈcomradely adj   > ˈcomradeliness n   > ˈcomradeˌship or comradery (ˈkɒmrædərI) n

■ comrade-in-arms or comrade in arms   n   a fellow solider or associate in a militant cause

■ Comrades Marathon   n   the Comrades Marathon South African an annual long-distance race run every year on the 16th of June from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, a distance of approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles). Often shortened to: the Comrades [C20: first run after WWI by returning servicemen to commemorate their fallen comrades]

coms (kɒmz)   pl n   another name for combinations

Comsat (ˈkɒmsæt)   n   trademark short for communications satellite

comstockery (ˈkʌmˌstɒkərI, ˈkɒm-) or comstockism (ˈkɒmstɒˌkIzəm)   n   US immoderate censorship on grounds of immorality [C20: coined by G. B. Shaw (1905) after Anthony Comstock (1844–1915), US moral crusader, who founded the Society for the Suppression of Vice]

■ comstocker (ˈkɒmˌstɒkə)   n   a person who practises comstockery

Comstock Lode (ˈkʌmˌstɒk, ˈkɒm-)   n   an extensive gold and silver vein in W Nevada, near Virginia City [C19: named after T. P. Comstock (1820–70), American prospector]

comsymp (ˈkɒmˌsImp)   n   chiefly US old-fashioned, derogatory a Communist Party sympathizer

Comte (French kɔ̃t)   n   (Isidore) Auguste (Marie François) (oɡyst). 1798–1857, French mathematician and philosopher; the founder of positivism   > Comtism (ˈkɔːnˌtIzəm) n   > ˈComtist or ˈComtian adj, n

Comus (ˈkəʊməs)   n   (in late Roman mythology) a god of revelry [C17: from Latin, from Greek kōmos a revel]

Com. Ver.   abbreviation for   Common Version (of the Bible)

con^1 (kɒn) informal   n   1    a short for confidence trick   b (as modifier): con man   ▷ vb cons, conning, conned   2 (tr) to swindle or defraud [C19: from CONFIDENCE]

■ con man   n   informal a person who swindles another by means of a confidence trick. More formal term: confidence man

■ con trick   n   informal a shortened form of confidence trick

con^2 (kɒn)   n (usually plural)   1 an argument or vote against a proposal, motion, etc   2 a person who argues or votes against a proposal, motion, etc   ▶ Compare pro^1. See also pros and cons [from Latin contrā against, opposed to]

con^3 (kɒn)   n   slang short for convict

con^4 or esp US conn (kɒn) nautical   vb cons or conns, conning, conned   1 (tr) to direct the steering of (a vessel)   ▷ n   2 the place where a person who cons a vessel is stationed [C17 cun, from earlier condien to guide, from Old French conduire, from Latin condūcere; see CONDUCT]

con^5 (kɒn)   vb cons, conning, conned   (tr) archaic to study attentively or learn (esp in the phrase con by rote) [C15: variant of CAN^1 in the sense: to come to know]

con^6 (kɒn)   prep   music with [Italian]

■ con amore (kɒn æˈmɔːrI)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) lovingly [C19: from Italian: with love]

■ con brio (kɒn ˈbriːəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) with liveliness or spirit, as in the phrase allegro con brio [Italian: with energy]

■ con dolore (kɒn dɒˈlɔːrI)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in a sad manner [Italian: with sorrow]

■ con espressione (Italian kɔn ˌespresˈsjone)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) with feeling; expressively [Italian, literally: with expression]

■ con fuoco (kɒn fuːˈəʊkəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in a fiery manner [Italian: with fire]

■ con moto (kɒn ˈməʊtəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in a brisk or lively manner [Italian, literally: with movement]

■ con sordino   adv   music See sordino (sense 3)

■ con spirito (kɒn ˈspIrItəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in a spirited or lively manner (also in the phrases allegro con spirito, presto con spirito) [Italian: with spirit]

Con.   abbreviation for   Conservative

con-   prefix   a variant of com-

conacre (kʌˈneːkər)   n   Irish farming land let for a season or for eleven months [C19: from CORN^1 + ACRE]

■ conacreism (ˈkɒneIkərIzəm)   n   the Irish system of letting farming land for a season or for eleven months

Conakry or Konakri (French kɔnakri)   n   the capital of Guinea, a port on the island of Tombo. Pop: 1 936 045 (2015 est)

Conan Doyle (ˈkəʊnən ˈdɔIl, ˈkɒnən)   n   Sir Arthur. 1859–1930, British author of detective stories and historical romances and the creator of Sherlock Holmes

conarium (kəʊˈnɛərIəm)   n, pl -ria   anatomy the pineal gland

■ conarial (kəʊˈnɛərIəl)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the conarium

conation (kəʊˈneIʃən)   n   the element in psychological processes that tends towards activity or change and appears as desire, volition, and striving [C19: from Latin cōnātiō an attempting, from cōnārī to try]   > coˈnational adj

conative (ˈkɒnətIv, ˈkəʊ-)   adj   1 grammar denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to indicate the effort of the agent in performing the activity described by the verb   2 of or relating to conation

conatus (kəʊˈneItəs)   n, pl -tus   1 an effort or striving of natural impulse   2 (esp in the philosophy of Spinoza) the tendency of all things to persist in their own being [C17: from Latin: effort, from cōnārī to try]

conc.   abbreviation for   concentrated

concanavalin (ˌkɒnkəˈnævəlIn)   n   biochem either of two globulins, concanavalin B or (more commonly) concanavalin A, that occur in the jack bean Canavalia ensiformis. Concanavalin A causes agglutination of the blood of mammals

concatenate (kɒnˈkætIˌneIt)   vb   1 (tr) to link or join together, esp in a chain or series   ▷ adj   2 linked or joined together [C16: from Late Latin concatēnāre from Latin com- together + catēna CHAIN]

■ concatenation (kɒnˌkætIˈneIʃən)   n   1 a series of interconnected events, concepts, etc   2 the act of linking together or the state of being joined   3 logic a function that forms a single string of symbols from two given strings by placing the second after the first

concause (ˈkɒnkɔːz)   n   a shared cause

concave (ˈkɒnkeIv, kɒnˈkeIv)   adj   1 curving inwards   2 physics having one or two surfaces curved or ground in the shape of a section of the interior of a sphere, paraboloid, etc: a concave lens   3 maths (of a polygon) containing an interior angle greater than 180°   4 an obsolete word for hollow   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to make concave   ▶ Compare convex [C15: from Latin concavus arched, from cavus hollow]   > ˈconcavely adv   > ˈconcaveness n

■ concavity (kɒnˈkævItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being concave   2 a concave surface or thing; cavity

■ concavo-concave (kɒnˌkeIvəʊkɒnˈkeIv)   adj   (esp of a lens) having both sides concave; biconcave

■ concavo-convex   adj   1 having one side concave and the other side convex   2 (of a lens) having a concave face with greater curvature than the convex face. Compare convexo-concave (sense 2)

conceal (kənˈsiːl)   vb (tr)   1 to keep from discovery; hide   2 to keep secret [C14: from Old French conceler, from Latin concēlāre, from com- (intensive) + cēlāre to hide]   > conˈcealable adj   > conˈcealer n   > conˈcealment n

■ concealingly (kənˈsiːlIŋlI)   adv   in a concealing manner

concede (kənˈsiːd)   vb   1 (when tr, may take a clause as object) to admit or acknowledge (something) as true or correct   2 to yield or allow (something, such as a right)   3 (tr) to admit as certain in outcome: to concede an election [C17: from Latin concēdere, from cēdere to give way, CEDE]   > conˈcededly adv   > conˈceder n

concedo (kɒnˈkeIdəʊ)   interj   I allow, or I concede (a point)

conceit (kənˈsiːt)   n   1 a high, often exaggerated, opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments; vanity   2 literary an elaborate image or far-fetched comparison, esp as used by the English Metaphysical poets   3 archaic   a a witty expression   b fancy; imagination   c an idea   4 obsolete a small ornament   ▷ vb (tr)   5 Northern English dialect to like or be able to bear (something, such as food or drink)   6 obsolete to think or imagine [C14: from CONCEIVE]

■ conceited (kənˈsiːtId)   adj   1 having a high or exaggerated opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments   2 archaic fanciful   3 obsolete witty or intelligent   > conˈceitedly adv   > conˈceitedness n

■ conceitful (kənˈsiːtfʊl)   adj   obsolete thoughtful or clever

■ conceitless (kənˈsiːtlIs)   adj   lacking thought; stupid

■ conceity (kənˈsiːtI)   adj   Scot full of conceit

conceive (kənˈsiːv)   vb   1 (when intr, foll by of; when tr, often takes a clause as object) to have an idea (of); imagine; think   2 (tr; takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to hold as an opinion; believe   3 (tr) to develop or form, esp in the mind: she conceived a passion for music   4 to become pregnant with (young)   5 (tr) rare to express in words [C13: from Old French conceivre, from Latin concipere to take in, from capere to take]   > conˈceiver n

■ conceivable (kənˈsiːvəbəl)   adj   capable of being understood, believed, or imagined; possible   > conˌceivaˈbility or conˈceivableness n   > conˈceivably adv

concelebrate (kənˈsɛlIˌbreIt)   vb   Christianity to celebrate (the Eucharist or Mass) jointly with one or more other priests [C16: from Latin concelebrāre]   > conˌceleˈbration n

■ concelebrant (kənˈsɛlIˌbrənt)   n   Christianity each of the priests celebrating the Eucharist or Mass jointly

concent (kənˈsɛnt)   n   archaic a concord, as of sounds, voices, etc [C16: from Latin concentus harmonious sounds, from concinere to sing together, from canere to sing]

concentrate (ˈkɒnsənˌtreIt)   vb   1 to come or cause to come to a single purpose or aim: to concentrate one's hopes on winning   2 to make or become denser or purer by the removal of certain elements, esp the solvent of a solution   3 (tr) to remove rock or sand from (an ore) to make it purer   4 (intr; often foll by on) to bring one's faculties to bear (on); think intensely (about)   ▷ n   5 a concentrated material or solution: tomato concentrate [C17: back formation from CONCENTRATION, ultimately from Latin com- same + centrum CENTRE]   > ˈconcenˌtrator n

■ concentrated (ˈkɒnsəntreItId)   adj   1 having had water removed to increase concentration   2 focused and intense: a concentrated effort to stay in touch

■ concentratedly (ˈkɒnsənˌtreItIdlI)   adv   with intense mental application

■ concentration (ˌkɒnsənˈtreIʃən)   n   1 intense mental application; complete attention   2 the act or process of concentrating   3 something that is concentrated   4 the strength of a solution, esp the amount of dissolved substance in a given volume of solvent, usually expressed in moles per cubic metre or cubic decimetre (litre). Symbol: c   5 the process of increasing the concentration of a solution   6 military   a the act of bringing together military forces   b the application of fire from a number of weapons against a target   7 economics the degree to which the output or employment in an industry is accounted for by only a few firms   8 another name (esp US) for Pelmanism

■ concentration camp   n   a guarded prison camp in which nonmilitary prisoners are held, esp one of those run by Nazi Germany in which millions were exterminated

■ concentrative (ˈkɒnsənˌtreItIv)   adj   tending to concentrate; characterized by concentration   > ˈconcenˌtratively adv   > ˈconcenˌtrativeness n

concentre (kɒnˈsɛntə) or US concenter   vb   to converge or cause to converge on a common centre; concentrate [C16: from French concentrer; see CONCENTRATE]

■ concentric (kənˈsɛntrIk) or concentrical (kənˈsɛntrIkəl)   adj   having a common centre: concentric circles. Compare eccentric (sense 3) [C14: from Medieval Latin concentricus, from Latin com- same + centrum CENTRE]   > conˈcentrically adv   > concentricity (ˌkɒnsənˈtrIsItI) n

concentus (kənˈsɛntəs)   n   archaic a concent

Concepción (Spanish konθepˈθjon)   n   an industrial city in S central Chile. Pop: 378 000 (2005 est)

concept (ˈkɒnsɛpt)   n   1 an idea, esp an abstract idea: the concepts of biology   2 philosophy a general idea or notion that corresponds to some class of entities and that consists of the characteristic or essential features of the class   3 philosophy   a the conjunction of all the characteristic features of something   b a theoretical construct within some theory   c a directly intuited object of thought   d the meaning of a predicate   4 (modifier) (of a product, esp a car) created as an exercise to demonstrate the technical skills and imagination of the designers, and not intended for mass production or sale [C16: from Latin conceptum something received or conceived, from concipere to take in, CONCEIVE]

■ concept car   n   a prototype car built to test and display new design and engineering ideas

■ conceptual (kənˈsɛptjʊəl)   adj   1 relating to or concerned with concepts; abstract   2 concerned with the definitions or relations of the concepts of some field of enquiry rather than with the facts   > conˈceptually adv

■ conceptual art   n   art in which the idea behind a particular work, and the means of producing it, are more important than the finished work

■ conceptualism (kənˈsɛptjʊəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the philosophical theory that the application of general words to a variety of objects reflects the existence of some mental entity through which the application is mediated and which constitutes the meaning of the term. Compare nominalism, realism, Platonism   2 the philosophical view that there is no reality independent of our conception of it, or (as in the philosophy of Kant) that the intellect is not a merely passive recipient of experience but rather imposes a structure on it   > conˈceptualist n   > conˌceptualˈistic adj

■ conceptuality (kənˌsɛptjʊˈælItI)   n, pl -ties   a conceptualization

■ conceptualize or conceptualise (kənˈsɛptjʊəˌlaIz)   vb   to form (a concept or concepts) out of observations, experience, data, etc   > conˌceptualiˈzation or conˌceptualiˈsation n

■ conceptualizer or conceptualiser (kənˈsɛptjʊəˌlaIzə)   n   a person who conceptualizes

conceptacle (kənˈsɛptəkəl)   n   a flask-shaped cavity containing the reproductive organs in some algae and fungi [C17: from Latin conceptāculum receptacle, from concipere to receive, CONCEIVE]

conception (kənˈsɛpʃən)   n   1 something conceived; notion, idea, design, or plan   2 the description under which someone considers something: her conception of freedom is wrong   3 the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm in the Fallopian tube followed by implantation in the womb   4 origin or beginning: from its conception the plan was a failure   5 the act or power of forming notions; invention [C13: from Latin conceptiō, from concipere to CONCEIVE]   > conˈceptional or conˈceptive adj

■ conception rate   n   vet science the success rate of artificial insemination in agricultural animals, usually expressed as a percentage

■ conceptious (kənˈsɛpʃəs)   adj   obsolete prolific or fruitful

conceptus (ˈkɒnsɛptəs)   n   biology any of various products of conception, including the embryo, fetus, and surrounding tissue

concern (kənˈsɜːn)   vb (tr)   1 to relate to; be of importance or interest to; affect   2 (usually foll by with or in) to involve or interest (oneself): he concerns himself with other people's affairs   ▷ n   3 something that affects or is of importance to a person; affair; business   4 regard for or interest in a person or a thing: she felt a strong concern for her sister   5 anxiety, worry, or solicitude   6 important bearing or relation: this news has great concern for us   7 a commercial company or enterprise   8 informal a material thing, esp one of which one has a low opinion [C15: from Late Latin concernere to mingle together, from Latin com- together + cernere to sift, distinguish]

■ concernancy (kənˈsɜːnənsI)   n   obsolete concernment

■ concerned (kənˈsɜːnd)   adj   1 (postpositive) interested, guilty, involved, or appropriate: I shall find the people concerned and inform them   2 worried, troubled, or solicitous   > concernedly (kənˈsɜːnIdlI) adv   > conˈcernedness n

■ concerning (kənˈsɜːnIŋ)   prep   1 about; regarding; on the subject of   ▷ adj   2 worrying or troublesome

■ concernment (kənˈsɜːnmənt)   n   1 rare affair or business; concern   2 archaic a matter of importance

concert   n (ˈkɒnsɜːt, -sət)   1    a a performance of music by players or singers that does not involve theatrical staging. Compare recital (sense 1)   b (as modifier): a concert version of an opera   2 agreement in design, plan, or action   3 in concert   a acting in a co-ordinated fashion with a common purpose   b (of musicians, esp rock musicians) performing live   ▷ vb (kənˈsɜːt)   4 to arrange or contrive (a plan) by mutual agreement [C16: from French concerter to bring into agreement, from Italian concertare, from Late Latin concertāre to work together, from Latin: to dispute, debate, from certāre to contend]

■ concerted (kənˈsɜːtId)   adj   1 mutually contrived, planned, or arranged; combined (esp in the phrases concerted action, concerted effort)   2 music arranged in parts for a group of singers or players   > conˈcertedly adv   > conˈcertedness n

■ concertgoer (ˈkɒnsɜːtˌɡəʊə)   n   a person who attends concerts of music

■ concertgoing (ˈkɒnsətˌɡəʊIŋ)   n   the practice of attending concerts of music

■ concert grand   n   a full-size grand piano, usually around 7 feet in length. Compare baby grand, boudoir grand

■ concertize or concertise (ˈkɒnsəˌtaIz)   vb   (intr) (esp of a soloist or conductor) to give concerts

■ concertmaster (ˈkɒnsətˌmɑːstə) or concertmeister (ˈkɒnsətˌmaIstə)   n   a US and Canadian word for leader (sense 2a)

■ concertmistress (ˈkɒnsətˌmIstrIs)   n   US and Austral the first violinist in an orchestra

■ concert overture   n   See overture (sense 1c)

■ concert party   n   1 a musical entertainment popular in the early 20th century, esp one at a British seaside resort   2 stock exchange informal a group of individuals or companies who secretly agree to purchase shares separately in a particular company, which they plan to amalgamate later into a single holding: a malpractice that is illegal in some countries

■ concert pitch   n   1 the frequency of 440 hertz assigned to the A above middle C. See pitch^1 (sense 30), international pitch   2 informal a state of extreme readiness

■ concert tuning   n   music the standard tuning for a guitar: E A D G B E

concertante (ˌkɒntʃəˈtæntI) music   adj   1 characterized by contrasting alternating tutti and solo passages   ▷ n, pl -ti (-tI)   2 a composition characterized by such contrasts [C18: from Italian, from concertare to perform a concert, from concerto CONCERT]

Concertgebouw (Dutch kɔnˈsɛrtxəbɔu)   n   a concert hall in Amsterdam, inaugurated in 1888: the Concertgebouw Orchestra established in 1888, has been independent of the hall since World War II

concertina (ˌkɒnsəˈtiːnə)   n   1 a small hexagonal musical instrument of the reed organ family in which metallic reeds are vibrated by air from a set of bellows operated by the player's hands. Notes are produced by pressing buttons   ▷ vb -nas, -naing, -naed   2 (intr) to collapse or fold up like a concertina [C19: CONCERT + -ina]   > ˌconcerˈtinist n

concertino (ˌkɒntʃəˈtiːnəʊ)   n, pl -ni (-nI)   1 the small group of soloists in a concerto grosso. Compare ripieno   2 a short concerto [C19: from Italian: a little CONCERTO]

concerto (kənˈtʃɛətəʊ)   n, pl -tos or -ti (-tI)   1 a composition for an orchestra and one or more soloists. The classical concerto usually consisted of several movements, and often a cadenza. See also sonata (sense 1), symphony (sense 1)   2 another word for ripieno [C18: from Italian: CONCERT]

■ concerto grosso (ˈɡrɒsəʊ)   n, pl concerti grossi (ˈɡrɒsI) or concerto grossos   a composition for an orchestra and a group of soloists, chiefly of the baroque period [Italian, literally: big concerto]

concertstück (kənˈsɜːtˌʃtuːk)   n music   1 a composition in concerto style but shorter than a full concerto   2 (loosely) a piece suitable for concert performance [from German Konzertstück a concertino]

concession (kənˈsɛʃən)   n   1 the act of yielding or conceding, as to a demand or argument   2 something conceded   3 Brit a reduction in the usual price of a ticket granted to a special group of customers: a student concession   4 any grant of rights, land, or property by a government, local authority, corporation, or individual   5 the right, esp an exclusive right, to market a particular product in a given area   6 US and Canadian   a the right to maintain a subsidiary business on a lessor's premises   b the premises so granted or the business so maintained   c a free rental period for such premises   7 Canadian (chiefly in Ontario and Quebec)   a a land subdivision in a township survey   b another word for concession road [C16: from Latin concēssiō an allowing, from concēdere to CONCEDE]   > conˈcessible adj

■ concessionaire, concessionnaire (kənˌsɛʃəˈnɛə), concessioner (kənˈsɛʃənə) or concessionary   n   someone who holds or operates a concession

■ concessionary (kənˈsɛʃənərI)   adj   1 Also: concessional (kənˈsɛʃənəl) of, granted, or obtained by a concession   ▷ n, pl -aries   2 another word for concessionaire

■ concessionist (kənˈsɛʃənIst)   n   a person who supports or recommends concession

■ concessionnaire (kənˌsɛʃənˈɛə)   n   a variant spelling of concessionaire

■ concession road   n   Canadian (esp in Ontario) one of a series of roads separating concessions in a township

concessive (kənˈsɛsIv)   adj   1 implying or involving concession; tending to concede   2 grammar a conjunction, preposition, phrase, or clause describing a state of affairs that might have been expected to rule out what is described in the main clause but in fact does not: "Although" in the sentence "Although they had been warned, they refused to take care" is a concessive conjunction [C18: from Late Latin concēssīvus, from Latin concēdere to CONCEDE]

■ concessively (kənˈsɛsIvlI)   adv   in a concessive manner

concetto (kɒnˈtʃɛtəʊ)   n, pl concetti   literature a conceit or ingenious thought

■ concettism (kɒnˈtʃɛtIzəm)   n   the use of concetti in writing

■ concettist (kɒnˈtʃɛtIst)   n   a writer who uses concetti in his or her writing

conch (kɒŋk, kɒntʃ)   n, pl conchs (kɒŋks) or conches (ˈkɒntʃIz)   1 any of various tropical marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Strombus and related genera, esp S. gigas (giant conch), characterized by a large brightly coloured spiral shell   2 the shell of such a mollusc, used as a trumpet   3 architect another word for concha (sense 2) [C16: from Latin concha, from Greek konkhē shellfish]

■ conchate (ˈkɒntʃeIt)   adj   conchiform

■ conchology (kɒŋˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the study and collection of mollusc shells   > conchological (ˌkɒŋkəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > conˈchologist n

concha (ˈkɒŋkə)   n, pl -chae (-kiː)   1 any bodily organ or part resembling a shell in shape, such as the external ear   2 Also called: conch architect the half dome of an apse   > ˈconchal adj

conche (kɒntʃ, kɒŋk)   n   1 a machine, used during the manufacture of chocolate, which mixes and smooths the chocolate mass   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to use a conche to mix and smooth (chocolate)

conchie or conchy (ˈkɒntʃI)   n, pl -chies   informal short for conscientious objector

conchiferous (kɒŋˈkIfərəs)   adj   1 (esp of molluscs) having or producing a shell   2 (of rocks) containing shells

conchiform (ˈkɒŋkIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a shell

conchiglie (kɒnˈkiːljeI)   n   pasta in the form of shells [C20: Italian, literally: little shells, from Latin concha shell; see CONCH]

conchiolin (kɒŋˈkaIəlIn)   n   a fibrous insoluble protein that forms the basic structure of the shells of molluscs. Formula: C_30H_48O_11N_9 [C19: from CONCH; see -IN]

conchitis (kɒŋˈkaItIs)   n   inflammation of the outer ear

concho (ˈkɒntʃəʊ)   n, pl -chos   US a metal ornament, often silver and round or oval, that is traditionally used on clothing in southwestern USA

Conchobar (ˈkɒŋkəʊwə, ˈkɒnʊə)   n   (in Irish legend) a king of Ulster at about the beginning of the Christian era. See also Deirdre

conchoid (ˈkɒŋkɔId)   n   geometry a plane curve consisting of two branches situated about a line to which they are asymptotic, so that a line from a fixed point (the pole) intersecting both branches is of constant length between asymptote and either branch. Equation: (x – a)2(x^2 + y^2) = b^2x^2 where a is the distance between the pole and a vertical asymptote and b is the length of the constant segment

■ conchoidal (kɒŋˈkɔIdəl)   adj   1 (of the fracture of minerals and rocks) having smooth shell-shaped convex and concave surfaces   2 (of minerals and rocks, such as flint) having such a fracture   > conˈchoidally adv

concierge (ˌkɒnsIˈɛəʒ; French kɔ̃sjɛrʒ)   n   (esp in France) a caretaker of a block of flats, hotel, etc, esp one who lives on the premises [C17: from French, ultimately from Latin conservus, from servus slave]

conciliar (kənˈsIlIə)   adj   of, from, or by means of a council, esp an ecclesiastical one   > conˈciliarly adv

conciliary (kənˈsIlIərI)   adj   obsolete conciliar

conciliate (kənˈsIlIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to overcome the hostility of; placate; win over   2 to win or gain (favour, regard, etc), esp by making friendly overtures   3 archaic to make compatible; reconcile [C16: from Latin conciliāre to bring together, from concilium COUNCIL]   > conˈciliable adj   > conˈciliˌator n

■ conciliation (kənˌsIlIˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of conciliating   2 a method of helping the parties in a dispute to reach agreement, esp divorcing or separating couples to part amicably

■ conciliatory (kənˈsIljətərI, -trI) or conciliative (kənˈsIljətIv)   adj   intended to placate or reconcile   > conˈciliatorily adv   > conˈciliatoriness n

concinnity (kənˈsInItI)   n, pl -ties   a harmonious arrangement of parts, esp in literary works, speeches, etc [C16: from Latin concinnitās a skilful combining of various things, from concinnāre to adjust, of obscure origin]   > conˈcinnous adj

concipient (kənˈsIpIənt)   adj   conceptive

■ concipiency (kənˈsIpIənsI)   n   the quality of being concipient

concise (kənˈsaIs)   adj   expressing much in few words; brief and to the point [C16: from Latin concīsus cut up, cut short, from concīdere to cut to pieces, from caedere to cut, strike down]   > conˈcisely adv

■ concision (kənˈsIʒən) or conciseness   n   the quality of being concise; brevity; terseness

conclamation (ˌkɒnkləˈmeIʃən)   n   formal a loud outcry made by many people shouting simultaneously, esp one lamenting a person who has died

conclave (ˈkɒnkleIv, ˈkɒŋ-)   n   1 a confidential or secret meeting   2 RC Church   a the closed apartments where the college of cardinals elects a new pope   b a meeting of the college of cardinals for this purpose [C14: from Medieval Latin conclāve, from Latin: cage, place that may be locked, from clāvis key]   > ˈconclavist n

■ conclavism (ˈkɒnkleIvˌIzəm)   n   RC Church a minority movement (and the beliefs of certain Traditionalist Catholics) that rejects the authority of the established pope and instead supports an alternative pope

conclude (kənˈkluːd)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to come or cause to come to an end or conclusion   2 (takes a clause as object) to decide by reasoning; deduce: the judge concluded that the witness had told the truth   3 to arrange finally; settle: to conclude a treaty; it was concluded that he should go   4 obsolete to confine [C14: from Latin conclūdere to enclose, end, from claudere to close]   > conˈcluder n

■ concluding (kənˈkluːdIŋ)   adj   final: the serial's concluding episode

conclusion (kənˈkluːʒən)   n   1 end or termination   2 the last main division of a speech, lecture, essay, etc   3 the outcome or result of an act, process, event, etc (esp in the phrase a foregone conclusion)   4 a final decision or judgment; resolution (esp in the phrase come to a conclusion)   5 logic   a a statement that purports to follow from another or others (the premises) by means of an argument   b a statement that does validly follow from given premises   6 law   a an admission or statement binding on the party making it; estoppel   b the close of a pleading or of a conveyance   7 in conclusion lastly; to sum up   8 jump to conclusions to come to a conclusion prematurely, without sufficient thought or on incomplete evidence [C14: via Old French from Latin; see CONCLUDE, -ION]

■ conclusive (kənˈkluːsIv)   adj   1 putting an end to doubt; decisive; final   2 approaching or involving an end or conclusion   > conˈclusively adv   > conˈclusiveness n

■ conclusory (kənˈkluːsərI) or conclusionary (kənˈkluːʒənərI)   adj   of, relating to, or involving an end or conclusion

concoct (kənˈkɒkt)   vb (tr)   1 to make by combining different ingredients   2 to invent; make up; contrive [C16: from Latin concoctus cooked together, from concoquere, from coquere to cook]   > conˈcocter or conˈcoctor n   > conˈcoctive adj

■ concoction (kənˈkɒkʃən)   n   1 the act or process of concocting   2 something concocted   3 an untruth; lie

concolor (ˈkɒnkʌlə), concolorate (kənˈkʌlərIt) or concolorous (kənˈkʌlərəs)   adj   having a single colour

concomitant (kənˈkɒmItənt)   adj   1 existing or occurring together; associative   ▷ n   2 a concomitant act, person, etc [C17: from Late Latin concomitārī to accompany, from com- with + comes companion, fellow]   > conˈcomitantly adv

■ concomitance (kənˈkɒmItəns) or concomitancy (kənˈkɒmItənsI)   n   1 existence or occurrence together or in connection with another   2 a thing that exists in connection with another   3 Christian theol the doctrine that the body and blood of Christ are present in the Eucharist

concord (ˈkɒnkɔːd, ˈkɒŋ-)   n   1 agreement or harmony between people or nations; amity   2 a treaty establishing peaceful relations between nations   3 agreement or harmony between things, ideas, etc   4 music a combination of musical notes, esp one containing a series of consonant intervals. Compare discord (sense 3)   5 grammar another word for agreement (sense 6) [C13: from Old French concorde, from Latin concordia, from concors of the same mind, harmonious, from com- same + cor heart]

■ concordal (kɒnˈkɔːdəl)   adj   grammar of or relating to concord

■ concordance (kənˈkɔːdəns)   n   1 a state or condition of agreement or harmony   2 a book that indexes the principal words in a literary work, often with the immediate context and an account of the meaning   3 an index produced by computer or machine, alphabetically listing every word in a text   4 an alphabetical list of subjects or topics

■ concordant (kənˈkɔːdənt)   adj   being in agreement: harmonious   > conˈcordantly adv

■ concordial (kɒnˈkɔːdIəl)   adj   characterized by concord

Concord (ˈkɒŋkəd)   n   1 a town in NE Massachusetts: scene of one of the opening military actions (1775) of the War of American Independence. Pop: 16 937 (2003 est)   2 a city in New Hampshire, the state capital: printing, publishing. Pop: 41 823 (2003 est)

■ Concord grape (ˈkɒŋkəd, ˈkɒnkɔːd)   n   a variety of grape with purple-black fruit covered with a bluish bloom [C19: discovered at CONCORD, Mass.]

concordat (kɒnˈkɔːdæt)   n   a pact or treaty, esp one between the Vatican and another state concerning the interests of religion in that state [C17: via French, from Medieval Latin concordātum, from Latin: something agreed, from concordāre to be of one mind; see CONCORD]

Concorde (ˈkɒnkɔːd, ˈkɒŋ-)   n   the first commercial supersonic airliner, in service between 1976 and 2003. Of Anglo-French construction, it was capable of cruising at over 2160 km per hr (1200 mph)

concorporate (kɒnˈkɔːpərIt)   adj   archaic united into a single body

concours French (kɔ̃kur)   n   a contest, esp the concours d'élégance

■ concours d'élégance French (kɔ̃kur deleɡɑ̃s)   n   a parade of cars or other vehicles, prizes being awarded to the most elegant, best designed, or best turned-out

concourse (ˈkɒnkɔːs, ˈkɒŋ-)   n   1 a crowd; throng   2 a coming together; confluence: a concourse of events   3 a large open space for the gathering of people in a public place   4 chiefly US a ground for sports, racing, athletics, etc [C14: from Old French concours, ultimately from Latin concurrere to run together, from currere to run]

concreate (ˌkɒnkriːˈeIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to create at the same time

concremation (ˌkɒnkrIˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the cremation of multiple things or people at the same time, esp suttee   2 complete consumption by fire

concrescence (kənˈkrɛsəns)   n   biology a growing together of initially separate parts or organs [C17: from Latin concrēscentia, from concrēscere to grow together, from crēscere to grow; see CRESCENT]   > conˈcrescent adj

concrete (ˈkɒnkriːt)   n   1    a a construction material made of a mixture of cement, sand, stone, and water that hardens to a stonelike mass   b (as modifier): a concrete slab   2 physics a rigid mass formed by the coalescence of separate particles   ▷ adj   3 relating to a particular instance or object; specific as opposed to general: a concrete example   4    a relating to or characteristic of things capable of being perceived by the senses, as opposed to abstractions   b (as noun): the concrete   5 formed by the coalescence of particles; condensed; solid   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to construct in or cover with concrete   7 (kənˈkriːt) to become or cause to become solid; coalesce [C14: from Latin concrētus grown together, hardened, from concrēscere; see CONCRESCENCE]   > ˈconcretely adv   > ˈconcreteness n   > conˈcretive adj   > conˈcretively adv

■ concrete music   n   music consisting of an electronically modified montage of tape-recorded sounds

■ concrete noun   n   a noun that refers to a material object, as for example horse. Compare abstract noun

■ concrete number   n   a number referring to a particular object or objects, as in three dogs, ten men

■ concrete poetry   n   poetry in which the visual form of the poem is used to convey meaning

■ concretion (kənˈkriːʃən)   n   1 the act or process of coming or growing together; coalescence   2 a solid or solidified mass   3 something made real, tangible, or specific   4 any of various rounded or irregular mineral masses formed by chemical precipitation around a nucleus, such as a bone or shell, that is different in composition from the sedimentary rock that surrounds it   5 pathol another word for calculus   > conˈcretionary adj

■ concretism (ˈkɒnkriːˌtIzəm)   n   the practice of representing abstract concepts in concrete terms

■ concretist (ˈkɒnkriːtIst)   n   a person who represents abstract concepts in concrete terms

■ concretize or concretise (ˈkɒnkrIˌtaIz, ˈkɒŋ-)   vb   (tr) to render concrete; make real or specific; give tangible form to   > ˌconcretiˈzation or ˌconcretiˈsation n

concrew (kɒnˈkruː)   vb (intr)   obsolete to grow together

concubine (ˈkɒŋkjʊˌbaIn, ˈkɒn-)   n   1 (in polygamous societies) a secondary wife, usually of lower social rank   2 archaic a woman who cohabits with a man; kept woman [C13: from Old French, from Latin concubīna, from concumbere to lie together, from cubare to lie]   > concubinary (kɒŋˈkjʊbInərI) n, adj

■ concubinage (kɒnˈkjuːbInIdʒ)   n   1 cohabitation without legal marriage   2 the state of living as a concubine

concubitant (kɒnˈkjuːbItənt)   n   a person obliged to marry another, esp a woman obliged to marry her husband's brother on her husband's death

■ concubitancy (kɒnˈkjuːbItənsI)   n   a custom requiring marriage between two people, esp a custom requiring a woman to marry her husband's brother on her husband's death

concupiscence (kənˈkjuːpIsəns)   n   strong desire, esp sexual desire [C14: from Church Latin concupiscentia, from Latin concupiscere to covet ardently, from cupere to wish, desire]   > conˈcupiscent adj

concupiscible (kənˈkjuːpIsəbəl)   adj   characterized or driven by sexual desire

concupy (ˈkɒnkjuːpI, ˈkɒŋkjuːpI) obsolete   n   1 an obscure word for concupiscence   2 an obscure word for concubine

concur (kənˈkɜː)   vb -curs, -curring, -curred (intr)   1 to agree; be of the same mind; be in accord   2 to combine, act together, or cooperate   3 to occur simultaneously; coincide   4 rare to converge [C15: from Latin concurrere to run together, from currere to run]   > conˈcurringly adv

concurrent (kənˈkʌrənt)   adj   1 taking place at the same time or in the same location   2 cooperating   3 meeting at, approaching, or having a common point: concurrent lines   4 having equal authority or jurisdiction   5 in accordance or agreement; harmonious   ▷ n   6 something joint or contributory; a concurrent circumstance or cause   > conˈcurrently adv

■ concurrence (kənˈkʌrəns)   n   1 the act of concurring   2 agreement in opinion; accord; assent   3 cooperation or combination   4 simultaneous occurrence; coincidence   5 geometry a point at which three or more lines intersect   ▶ Also (for senses 1–4): concurrency

■ concurrent engineering   n   a method of designing and marketing new products in which development stages are run in parallel rather than in series, to reduce lead times and costs. Also called: interactive engineering

■ concurrent processing   n   the ability of a computer to process two or more programs in parallel

■ concurrent versions system   n   computing a system that allows more than one person to work on the same file at the same time, merging their changes but keeping records of the different versions

concuss (kənˈkʌs)   vb (tr)   1 to injure (the brain) by a violent blow, fall, etc   2 to shake violently; agitate; disturb [C16: from Latin concussus violently shaken, from concutere to disturb greatly, from quatere to shake]

■ concussed (kənˈkʌst)   adj   suffering from concussion

■ concussion (kənˈkʌʃən)   n   1 a jarring of the brain, caused by a blow or a fall, usually resulting in loss of consciousness   2 any violent shaking; jarring   > conˈcussive adj

concyclic (kənˈsIklIk)   adj   (of a set of geometric points) lying on a common circle

■ concyclically (kənˈsIklIkəlI)   adv   in a concyclic manner

Condé (French kɔ̃de)   n   Prince de (prɛ̃s də), title of Louis II de Bourbon, Duc d'Enghien, called the Great Condé. 1621–86, French general, who led Louis XIV's armies against the Fronde (1649) but joined the Fronde in a new revolt (1650–52). He later fought for both France and Spain

Con-Dem   adj   Brit of or relating to the coalition government (2010–15) of the United Kingdom formed by the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats

condemn (kənˈdɛm)   vb (tr)   1 to express strong disapproval of; censure   2 to pronounce judicial sentence on   3 to demonstrate the guilt of: his secretive behaviour condemned him   4 to judge or pronounce unfit for use: that food has been condemned   5 to compel or force into a particular state or activity: his disposition condemned him to boredom [C13: from Old French condempner, from Latin condemnāre, from damnāre to condemn; see DAMN]   > condemnable (kənˈdɛməbəl) adj   > conˈdemnably adv   > ˌcondemˈnation n   > conˈdemner n   > conˈdemningly adv

■ condemnatory (ˌkɒndɛmˈneItərI, kənˈdɛmnətərI, -trI)   adj   expressing strong disapproval or censure

■ condemned (kənˈdɛmd)   adj   1 under sentence of death   2 judged or pronounced unfit for use: a multimillion-pound trade in condemned meat

■ condemned cell   n   a prison cell in which a person condemned to death awaits execution

■ condemnor (kənˈdɛmnə)   n   US law a government or private party with the power to acquire private property for public use

condense (kənˈdɛns)   vb   1 (tr) to increase the density of; compress   2 to reduce or be reduced in volume or size; make or become more compact   3 to change or cause to change from a gaseous to a liquid or solid state   4 chem to undergo or cause to undergo condensation [C15: from Latin condēnsāre, from dēnsāre to make thick, from dēnsus DENSE]   > conˈdensable or conˈdensible adj   > conˌdensaˈbility or conˌdensiˈbility n

■ condensate (kənˈdɛnseIt)   n   a substance formed by condensation, such as a liquid from a vapour

■ condensation (ˌkɒndɛnˈseIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of condensing, or the state of being condensed   2 anything that has condensed from a vapour, esp on a window   3 chem a type of reaction in which two organic molecules combine to form a larger molecule as well as a simple molecule such as water, methanol, etc   4 anything that has been shortened, esp an abridged version of a book   5 psychoanal   a the fusion of two or more ideas, etc, into one symbol, occurring esp in dreams   b the reduction of many experiences into one word or action, as in a phobia   > ˌcondenˈsational adj

■ condensation trail   n   another term for vapour trail

■ condensed (kənˈdɛnst)   adj   1 (of printers' type) narrower than usual for a particular height. Compare expanded (sense 1)   2 botany designating an inflorescence in which the flowers are crowded together and are almost or completely sessile   3 Also called: fused chem designating a polycyclic ring system in a molecule in which two rings share two or more common atoms, as in naphthalene

■ condensed matter   n   physics   a crystalline and amorphous solids and liquids, including liquid crystals, glasses, polymers, and gels   b (as modifier): condensed-matter physics

■ condensed milk   n   milk reduced by evaporation to a thick concentration, with sugar added. Compare evaporated milk

■ condenser (kənˈdɛnsə)   n   1    a an apparatus for reducing gases to their liquid or solid form by the abstraction of heat   b a device for abstracting heat, as in a refrigeration unit   2 a lens that concentrates light into a small area   3 another term for capacitor   4 a person or device that condenses

■ condensery (kənˈdɛnsərI)   n, pl -ries   a factory where condensed milk is produced

conder (ˈkɒndə)   n obsolete   1 sailing a person who directs the steering of a ship   2 fishing a person, based on land, who indicates the movements of fish to fishermen

condescend (ˌkɒndIˈsɛnd)   vb (intr)   1 to act graciously towards another or others regarded as being on a lower level; behave patronizingly   2 to do something that one regards as below one's dignity [C14: from Church Latin condēscendere to stoop, condescend, from Latin dēscendere to DESCEND]

■ condescendence (ˌkɒndIˈsɛndəns)   n   1 Scots law a statement of facts presented by the plaintiff in a cause   2 a less common word for condescension

■ condescending (ˌkɒndIˈsɛndIŋ)   adj   showing or implying condescension by stooping to the level of one's inferiors, esp in a patronizing way   > ˌcondeˈscendingly adv

■ condescension (ˌkɒndIˈsɛnʃən)   n   the act or an instance of behaving in a patronizing way

condiddle (kənˈdIdəl)   vb (tr)   dialect to steal

condie (ˈkɒndI)   n   Scot a culvert or tunnel

condign (kənˈdaIn)   adj   (esp of a punishment) fitting; deserved [C15: from Old French condigne, from Latin condignus, from dignus worthy]   > conˈdignly adv

■ condignness (kənˈdaInnəs)   n   the quality of being condign

Condillac (French kɔ̃dijak)   n   Étienne Bonnot de (etjɛn bɔno də). 1715–80, French philosopher. He developed Locke's view that all knowledge derives from the senses in his Traité des sensations (1754)

condiment (ˈkɒndImənt)   n   any spice or sauce such as salt, pepper, mustard, etc [C15: from Latin condīmentum seasoning, from condīre to pickle]

■ condimental (ˌkɒndIˈmɛntəl)   adj   relating to or belonging to a condiment

condisciple (ˌkɒndIˈsaIpəl)   n   a fellow disciple or a fellow student

condition (kənˈdIʃən)   n   1 a particular state of being or existence; situation with respect to circumstances: the human condition   2 something that limits or restricts something else; a qualification: you may enter only under certain conditions   3 (plural) external or existing circumstances: conditions were right for a takeover   4 state of health or physical fitness, esp good health (esp in the phrases in condition, out of condition)   5 an ailment or physical disability: a heart condition   6 something indispensable to the existence of something else: your happiness is a condition of mine   7 something required as part of an agreement or pact; terms: the conditions of the lease are set out   8 law   a a declaration or provision in a will, contract, etc, that makes some right or liability contingent upon the happening of some event   b the event itself   9 logic a statement whose truth is either required for the truth of a given statement (a necessary condition) or sufficient to guarantee the truth of the given statement (a sufficient condition). See sufficient (sense 2), necessary (sense 3e)   10 maths, logic a presupposition, esp a restriction on the domain of quantification, indispensable to the proof of a theorem and stated as part of it   11 statistics short for experimental condition   12 rank, status, or position in life   13 on condition that or upon condition that (conjunction) provided that   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   14 psychol   a to alter the response of (a person or animal) to a particular stimulus or situation   b to establish a conditioned response in (a person or animal)   15 to put into a fit condition or state   16 to improve the condition of (one's hair) by use of special cosmetics   17 to accustom or inure   18 to subject to a condition   19 (intr) archaic to make conditions [C14: from Latin conditiō, from condīcere to discuss, agree together, from con- together + dīcere to say]

■ conditionable (kənˈdIʃənəbəl)   adj   able to be conditioned

■ conditional (kənˈdIʃənəl)   adj   1 depending on other factors; not certain   2 grammar (of a clause, conjunction, form of a verb, or whole sentence) expressing a condition on which something else is contingent: "If he comes" is a conditional clause in the sentence "If he comes I shall go"   3    a (of an equation or inequality) true for only certain values of the variable: x^2 –1 = x + 1 is a conditional equation, only true for x = 2 or –1   b (of an infinite series) divergent when the absolute values of the terms are considered   4 Also: hypothetical logic (of a proposition) consisting of two component propositions associated by the words if…then so that the proposition is false only when the antecedent is true and the consequent false. Usually written: p→q or p⊃q, where p is the antecedent, q the consequent, and → or ⊃ symbolizes implies   ▷ n   5 grammar   a a conditional form of a verb   b a conditional clause or sentence   6 logic a conditional proposition   > conˌditionˈality n   > conˈditionally adv

■ conditional access   n   the encryption of television programme transmissions so that only authorized subscribers with suitable decoding apparatus may have access to them

■ conditionalization or conditionalisation (kənˌdIʃənəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   logic the derivation from an argument of a conditional statement with the conjunction of the premises as antecedent and the conclusion as consequent. If the argument is valid, conditionalization yields a truth

■ conditional probability   n   statistics the probability of one event, A, occurring given that another, B, is already known to have occurred: written P(A|B) and equal to P(A and B)|P(B)

■ conditionate (kənˈdIʃəneIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to regulate or limit (something) by conditions

■ condition code register   n   computing a hardware register used for storing the current values of the condition codes

■ condition codes   pl n   a set of single bits that indicate specific conditions within a computer. The values of the condition codes are often determined by the outcome of a prior software operation and their principal use is to govern choices between alternative instruction sequences

■ conditioned (kənˈdIʃənd)   adj   1 psychol of or denoting a response that has been learned. Compare unconditioned   2 (foll by to) accustomed; inured; prepared by training

■ conditioned response   n   psychol a response that is transferred from the second to the first of a pair of stimuli. A well-known Pavlovian example is salivation by a dog when it hears a bell ring, because food has always been presented when the bell has been rung previously. Also called (esp formerly): conditioned reflex. See also classical conditioning, unconditioned response

■ conditioned stimulus   n   psychol a stimulus to which an organism has learned to make a response by classical conditioning. Compare unconditioned stimulus

■ conditioned suppression   n   psychol the reduction in the frequency of a learned response, e.g. pressing a bar for water, that occurs when a stimulus previously associated with pain is present

■ conditioner (kənˈdIʃənə)   n   1 a person or thing that conditions   2 a substance, esp a cosmetic, applied to something to improve its condition: hair conditioner

■ conditioning (kənˈdIʃənIŋ)   n   1 psychol the learning process by which the behaviour of an organism becomes dependent on an event occurring in its environment. See also classical conditioning, instrumental learning   ▷ adj   2 (of a shampoo, cosmetic, etc) intended to improve the condition of something: a conditioning rinse

■ conditions (kənˈdIʃənz)   pl n   external or existing circumstances

condo (ˈkɒndəʊ)   n, pl -dos US and Canadian informal   a condominium building or apartment

condole (kənˈdəʊl)   vb   (intr; foll by with) to express sympathy with someone in grief, pain, etc [C16: from Church Latin condolēre to suffer pain (with another), from Latin com- together + dolēre to grieve, feel pain]   > conˈdolatory adj   > conˈdoler n   > conˈdolingly adv

■ condolence (kənˈdəʊləns) or condolement (kənˈdəʊlmənt)   n   (often plural) an expression of sympathy with someone in grief, etc

■ condolent (kənˈdəʊlənt)   adj   expressing sympathy to a bereaved person

condom (ˈkɒndɒm, ˈkɒndəm)   n   a sheathlike covering of thin rubber worn on the penis or in the vagina during sexual intercourse to prevent conception or infection [C18: of unknown origin]

condominium (ˌkɒndəˈmInIəm)   n, pl -ums   1 joint rule or sovereignty   2 a country ruled by two or more foreign powers   3 US and Canadian   a an apartment building in which each apartment is individually wholly owned and the common areas are jointly owned   b the title under which an apartment in such a building is owned. Sometimes shortened to: condo. Compare cooperative (sense 5) [C18: from New Latin, from Latin com- together + dominium ownership; see DOMINION]

condone (kənˈdəʊn)   vb (tr)   1 to overlook or forgive (an offence)   2 law (esp of a spouse) to pardon or overlook (an offence, usually adultery) [C19: from Latin condōnāre to remit a debt, from com- (intensive) + dōnāre to DONATE]   > conˈdonable adj   > condonation (ˌkɒndəʊˈneIʃən) n   > conˈdoner n

condor (ˈkɒndɔː)   n   either of two very large rare New World vultures, Vultur gryphus (Andean condor), which has black plumage with white around the neck, and Gymnogyps californianus (California condor), which is similar but nearly extinct [C17: from Spanish cóndor, from Quechuan kuntur]

Condorcet (French kɔndɔrsɛ)   n   Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis de. 1743–94, French philosopher and politician. His works include Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind (1795)

condottiere (ˌkɒndɒˈtjɛərI)   n, pl -ri (-riː)   a commander or soldier in a professional mercenary company in Europe from the 13th to the 16th centuries [C18: from Italian, from condotto leadership, from condurre to lead, from Latin condūcere; see CONDUCT]

conduce (kənˈdjuːs)   vb   (intr; foll by to) to lead or contribute (to a result) [C15: from Latin condūcere to lead together, from com- together + dūcere to lead]   > conˈducer n   > conˈducible adj   > conˈducingly adv

■ conducement (kənˈdjuːsmənt)   n   obsolete the action or quality of conducing

■ conducive (kənˈdjuːsIv)   adj   (when postpositive, foll by to) contributing, leading, or tending   > conˈduciveness n

conduct   n (ˈkɒndʌkt)   1 the manner in which a person behaves; behaviour   2 the way of managing a business, affair, etc; handling   3 rare the act of guiding or leading   4 rare a guide or leader   ▷ vb (kənˈdʌkt)   5 (tr) to accompany and guide (people, a party, etc) (esp in the phrase conducted tour)   6 (tr) to lead or direct (affairs, business, etc); control   7 (tr) to do or carry out: conduct a survey   8 (tr) to behave or manage (oneself): the child conducted himself well   9 to control or guide (an orchestra, choir, etc) by the movements of the hands or a baton. Also (esp US): direct   10 to transmit (heat, electricity, etc): metals conduct heat [C15: from Medieval Latin conductus escorted, from Latin: drawn together, from condūcere to CONDUCE]   > conˈductible adj   > conˌductiˈbility n

■ conductance (kənˈdʌktəns)   n   the ability of a system to conduct electricity, measured by the ratio of the current flowing through the system to the potential difference across it; the reciprocal of resistance. It is measured in reciprocal ohms, mhos, or siemens. Symbol: G

■ conductimetric (kənˌdʌktIˈmɛtrIk) or conductiometric (kənˌdʌktIəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   variant spellings of conductometric

■ conducting tissue   n   botany another term for vascular tissue

■ conductiometric titration   n   chem a titration technique in which the end-point is determined by measuring the conductance of the solution

■ conduction (kənˈdʌkʃən)   n   1 the transfer of energy by a medium without bulk movement of the medium itself: heat conduction; electrical conduction; sound conduction. Compare convection (sense 1)   2 the transmission of an electrical or chemical impulse along a nerve fibre   3 the act of conveying or conducting, as through a pipe   4 physics another name for conductivity (sense 1)   > conˈductional adj

■ conduction band   n   See energy band

■ conductive (kənˈdʌktIv)   adj   of, denoting, or having the property of conduction   > conˈductively adv

■ conductive education   n   an educational system, developed in Hungary by András Petö, in which teachers (conductors) teach children and adults with motor disorders to function independently, by guiding them to attain their own goals in their own way

■ conductivity (ˌkɒndʌkˈtIvItI)   n, pl -ties   1 Also called: conduction the property of transmitting heat, electricity, or sound   2    a a measure of the ability of a substance to conduct electricity; the reciprocal of resistivity   b in the case of a solution, the electrolytic conductivity is the current density divided by the electric field strength, measured in siemens per metre. Formerly called: specific conductance. Symbol: κ   3 See thermal conductivity

■ conductivity water   n   water that has a conductivity of less than 0.043 × 10–6 S cm–1

■ conductometric (kənˌdʌktəˈmɛtrIk), conductimetric (kənˌdʌktIˈmɛtrIk) or conductiometric (kənˌdʌktIəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   chem relating to the measurement of conductivity

■ conductor (kənˈdʌktə)   n   1 an official on a bus who collects fares, checks tickets, etc   2 Also called (esp US): director a person who conducts an orchestra, choir, etc   3 a person who leads or guides   4 US and Canadian a railway official in charge of a train   5 a substance, body, or system that conducts electricity, heat, etc   6 See lightning conductor   > conˈductorˌship n   > conductress (kənˈdʌktrIs) fem n

■ conductorial (ˌkɒndʌkˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   relating to a conductor

■ conductus (kənˈdʌktəs)   n   music a style of medieval liturgical composition for up to four voices; these were composed in the 12th and 13th centuries

conduit (ˈkɒndIt, -djʊIt)   n   1 a pipe or channel for carrying a fluid   2 a rigid tube or duct for carrying and protecting electrical wires or cables   3 an agency or means of access, communication, etc   4 botany a water-transporting element in a plant; a xylem vessel or a tracheid   5 a rare word for fountain [C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin conductus channel, aqueduct, from Latin condūcere to lead, CONDUCE]

conduplicate (kɒnˈdjuːplIkIt)   adj   botany folded lengthways on itself: conduplicate leaves in the bud [C18: from Latin conduplicāre to double; see DUPLICATE]   > conˌdupliˈcation n

condyle (ˈkɒndIl)   n   the rounded projection on the articulating end of a bone, such as the ball portion of a ball-and-socket joint [C17: from Latin condylus knuckle, joint, from Greek kondulos]   > ˈcondylar adj

■ condyloid (ˈkɒndIˌlɔId)   adj   of or resembling a condyle

condyloma (ˌkɒndIˈləʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   a skin tumour near the anus or genital organs, esp as a result of syphilis [C17: from New Latin, from Greek kondulōma, from kondulos CONDYLE + -OMA]   > condylomatous (ˌkɒndIˈlɒmətəs, -ˈləʊ-) adj

cone (kəʊn)   n   1    a a geometric solid consisting of a plane base bounded by a closed curve, often a circle or an ellipse, every point of which is joined to a fixed point, the vertex, lying outside the plane of the base. A right circular cone has a vertex perpendicularly above or below the centre of a circular base. Volume of a cone: 1⁄3πr^2h, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height of the cone   b a geometric surface formed by a line rotating about the vertex and connecting the peripheries of two closed plane bases, usually circular or elliptical, above and below the vertex. See also conic section   2 anything that tapers from a circular section to a point, such as a wafer shell used to contain ice cream   3    a the reproductive body of conifers and related plants, made up of overlapping scales, esp the mature female cone, whose scales each bear a seed   b a similar structure in horsetails, club mosses, etc. Technical name: strobilus   4 a small cone-shaped bollard used as a temporary traffic marker on roads   5 Also called: retinal cone any one of the cone-shaped cells in the retina of the eye, sensitive to colour and bright light   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to shape like a cone or part of a cone [C16: from Latin cōnus, from Greek kōnus pine cone, geometrical cone]

■ coneflower (ˈkəʊnˌflaʊə)   n   any North American plant of the genera Rudbeckia, Ratibida, and Echinacea, which have rayed flowers with a conelike centre: family Asteraceae (composites). See also black-eyed Susan

■ conenose (ˈkəʊnˌnəʊz)   n   any of several large bloodsucking bugs of the genus Triatoma

■ cone off   vb   (tr, adverb) Brit to close (one carriageway of a motorway) by placing warning cones across it

■ cone penetration test   n   a method of testing soils by pressing a cone of standard dimensions into the soil under a known load and measuring the penetration

■ cone shell   n   any of various tropical marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Conus and related genera, having a smooth conical shell. Sometimes shortened to: cone

■ coniform (ˈkəʊnIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a cone

conelrad (ˈkɒnəlˌræd)   n   a US defence and information system used between 1951 and 1963 in the event of air attack

conepatl (ˌkəʊnəˈpɑːtəl, ˌkəʊnəˈpætəl)   n   a hog-nosed skunk

Conestoga wagon (ˌkɒnIˈstəʊɡə)   n   US and Canadian a large heavy horse-drawn covered wagon used in the 19th century [C19: after Conestoga, Pennsylvania, where it was first made]

coney (ˈkəʊnI)   n   a variant spelling of cony

Coney Island (ˈkəʊnI)   n   an island off the S shore of Long Island, New York: site of a large amusement park

conf (kɒnf)   n   internet informal an online forum

confab (ˈkɒnfæb) informal   n   1 a conversation or chat   ▷ vb -fabs, -fabbing, -fabbed   2 (intr) to converse

confabular (kənˈfæbjʊlə)   adj   of or relating to confabulation

confabulate (kənˈfæbjʊˌleIt)   vb (intr)   1 to talk together; converse; chat   2 psychiatry to replace the gaps left by a disorder of the memory with imaginary remembered experiences consistently believed to be true. See also paramnesia [C17: from Latin confābulārī, from fābulārī to talk, from fābula a story; see FABLE]   > conˌfabuˈlation n   > conˈfabuˌlator n   > conˈfabulatory adj

confarreation (kənˌfærIˈeIʃən)   n   (in ancient Rome) the highest form of marriage, which was marked by the offering of a cake to Jupiter

■ confarreate (kənˈfærIˌeIt)   adj   of or relating to confarreation

confect (kənˈfɛkt)   vb (tr)   1 to prepare by combining ingredients   2 to make; construct [C16: from Latin confectus prepared, from conficere to accomplish, from com- (intensive) + facere to make]

confection (kənˈfɛkʃən)   n   1 the act or process of compounding or mixing   2 any sweet preparation of fruit, nuts, etc, such as a preserve or a sweet   3 old-fashioned an elaborate article of clothing, esp for women   4 informal anything regarded as overelaborate or frivolous: the play was merely an ingenious confection   5 a medicinal drug sweetened with sugar, honey, etc [C14: from Old French, from Latin confectiō a preparing, from conficere to produce; see CONFECT]

■ confectionary (kənˈfɛkʃənərI)   n, pl -aries   1 a place where confections are kept or made   2 a rare word for confection   ▷ adj   3 of or characteristic of confections

■ confectioner (kənˈfɛkʃənə)   n   a person who makes or sells sweets or confections

■ confectioner's shop or confectioner's   n   a sweet shop

■ confectioners' sugar or confectionery sugar   n   the US term for icing sugar

■ confectionery (kənˈfɛkʃənərI)   n, pl -eries   1 sweets and other confections collectively   2 the art or business of a confectioner

Confed.   abbreviation for   1 Confederate   2 Confederation

confederate   n (kənˈfɛdərIt, -ˈfɛdrIt)   1 a nation, state, or individual that is part of a confederacy   2 someone who is part of a conspiracy; accomplice   ▷ adj (kənˈfɛdərIt, -ˈfɛdrIt)   3 united in a confederacy; allied   ▷ vb (kənˈfɛdəˌreIt)   4 to form into or become part of a confederacy [C14: from Late Latin confoederātus, from confoederāre to unite by a league, from Latin com- together + foedus treaty]

■ confederacy (kənˈfɛdərəsI, -ˈfɛdrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a union or combination of peoples, states, etc; alliance; league   2 a combination of groups or individuals for unlawful purposes [C14: from Anglo-French confederacie, from Late Latin confoederātiō agreement, CONFEDERATION]   > conˈfederal adj

■ Confederacy (kənˈfɛdərəsI, -ˈfɛdrəsI)   n   the Confederacy another name for Confederate States of America

■ Confederate (kənˈfɛdərIt, -ˈfɛdrIt)   adj   1 of, supporting, or relating to the Confederate States of America   ▷ n   2 a supporter of the Confederate States of America

■ Confederate States of America   pl n   US history the 11 Southern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi) that seceded from the Union in 1861, precipitating a civil war with the North. The Confederacy was defeated in 1865 and the South reincorporated into the US

■ confederation (kənˌfɛdəˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of confederating or the state of being confederated   2 a loose alliance of political units. The union of the Swiss cantons is the oldest surviving confederation. Compare federation   3 (esp in Canada) another name for federation   > conˌfederˈationˌism n   > conˌfederˈationist n   > conˈfederative adj

■ Confederation (kənˌfɛdəˈreIʃən)   n   1 the Confederation US history the original 13 states of the United States of America constituted under the Articles of Confederation and superseded by the more formal union established in 1789   2 the federation of Canada, formed with four original provinces in 1867 and since joined by eight more

confer (kənˈfɜː)   vb -fers, -ferring, -ferred   1 (tr; foll by on or upon) to grant or bestow (an honour, gift, etc)   2 (intr) to hold or take part in a conference or consult together   3 (tr) an obsolete word for compare [C16: from Latin conferre to gather together, compare, from com- together + ferre to bring]   > conˈferment or conˈferral n   > conˈferrable adj   > conˈferrer n

■ conferee or conferree (ˌkɒnfɜːˈriː)   n   1 a person who takes part in a conference   2 a person on whom an honour or gift is conferred

■ conferrence (kənˈfɜːrəns)   n   an act of bestowal

conference (ˈkɒnfərəns, -frəns)   n   1 a meeting for consultation, exchange of information, or discussion, esp one with a formal agenda   2 a formal meeting of two or more states, political groups, etc, esp to discuss differences or formulate common policy   3 an assembly of the clergy or of clergy and laity of any of certain Protestant Christian Churches acting as representatives of their denomination: the Methodist conference   4 sport a league or division of clubs or teams   5 rare an act of bestowal [C16: from Medieval Latin conferentia, from Latin conferre to bring together; see CONFER]   > conferential (ˌkɒnfəˈrɛnʃəl) adj

■ conference call   n   a special telephone facility by which three or more people using conventional or cellular phones can be linked up to speak to one another

■ conferencier (ˌkɑnfərənˈsIə; French kɔ̃ferɑ̃sje)   n   a lecturer or public speaker

■ conferencing (ˈkɒnfərənsIŋ)   n   telecomm   a communication between three or more speakers at different locations   b (as modifier): conferencing facilities

Conference pear (ˈkɒnfərəns, -frəns)   n   a variety of pear that has sweet and juicy fruit

conferva (kɒnˈfɜːvə)   n, pl -vae (-viː) or -vas   any of various threadlike green algae, esp any of the genus Tribonema, typically occurring in fresh water [C18: from Latin: a water plant, from confervēre to grow together, heal, literally: to seethe, from fervēre to boil; named with reference to its reputed healing properties]   > conˈferval adj   > conˈfervoid n, adj

confess (kənˈfɛs)   vb (when tr, may take a clause as object)   1 (when intr, often foll by to) to make an acknowledgment or admission (of faults, misdeeds, crimes, etc)   2 (tr) to admit or grant to be true; concede   3 Christianity, chiefly RC Church to declare (one's sins) to God or to a priest as his representative, so as to obtain pardon and absolution [C14: from Old French confesser, from Late Latin confessāre, from Latin confessus confessed, from confitērī to admit, from fatērī to acknowledge; related to Latin fārī to speak]   > conˈfessable adj

■ confessant (kənˈfɛsənt)   n   Christianity, chiefly RC Church a person who makes a confession

■ confessedly (kənˈfɛsIdlI)   adv   (sentence modifier) by admission or confession; avowedly. Also (obsolete): confestly (kənˈfɛstlI)

■ confession (kənˈfɛʃən)   n   1 the act of confessing   2 something confessed   3 an acknowledgment or declaration, esp of one's faults, misdeeds, or crimes   4 Christianity, chiefly RC Church the act of a penitent accusing himself or herself of his or her sins   5 confession of faith a formal public avowal of religious beliefs   6 a religious denomination or sect united by a common system of beliefs   > conˈfessionary adj

■ confessional (kənˈfɛʃənəl)   adj   1 of, like, or suited to a confession   ▷ n   2 Christianity, chiefly RC Church a small stall, usually enclosed and divided by a screen or curtain, where a priest hears confessions   3 a book of penitential prayers

■ confessionalism (kənˈfɛʃənəlIzəm)   n   the belief that a religion, esp Christianity, should have a set of essential doctrines to which members of that religion must adhere

■ confessionalist (kənˈfɛʃənəlIst)   n   an advocate of confessionalism

■ confessionally (kənˈfɛʃənəlI)   adv   in a confessional manner

■ confessional television   n   television programmes, esp talk shows, in which members of the public reveal their private lives, personal problems, etc

■ confessor (kənˈfɛsə)   n   1 Christianity, chiefly RC Church a priest who hears confessions and sometimes acts as a spiritual counsellor   2 history a person who bears witness to the Christian religious faith by the holiness of their life, esp in resisting threats or danger, but does not suffer martyrdom   3 a person who makes a confession

■ confessoress (kənˈfɛsərɛs)   n   Christianity a woman who hears or makes confessions

■ confessorship (kənˈfɛsəʃIp)   n   1 RC Church the office or function of a confessor   2 history the act or state of bearing witness to one's Christian faith by the holiness of one's life, esp in resisting threats or danger

confest (kənˈfɛst)   adj   admitted

confetti (kənˈfɛtI)   n   small pieces of coloured paper thrown on festive occasions, esp at the bride and groom at weddings [C19: from Italian, plural of confetto, originally, a bonbon; see COMFIT]

confetto (kɒnˈfɛtəʊ)   n   a sweetmeat

confidant (ˌkɒnfIˈdænt, ˈkɒnfIˌdænt)   n   a person, esp a man, to whom private matters are confided [C17: from French confident, from Italian confidente, n use of adj: trustworthy, from Latin confīdens CONFIDENT]

■ confidante (ˌkɒnfIˈdænt, ˈkɒnfIˌdænt)   n   a person, esp a woman, to whom private matters are confided

confide (kənˈfaId)   vb   1 (usually foll by in; when tr, may take a clause as object) to disclose (secret or personal matters) in confidence (to); reveal in private (to)   2 (intr; foll by in) to have complete trust   3 (tr) to entrust into another's keeping [C15: from Latin confīdere, from fīdere to trust; related to Latin foedus treaty]   > conˈfider n

■ confidential (ˌkɒnfIˈdɛnʃəl)   adj   1 spoken, written, or given in confidence; secret; private   2 entrusted with another's confidence or secret affairs: a confidential secretary   3 suggestive of or denoting intimacy: a confidential approach   > ˌconfiˌdentiˈality or ˌconfiˈdentialness n   > ˌconfiˈdentially adv

■ confiding (kənˈfaIdIŋ)   adj   unsuspicious; trustful   > conˈfidingly adv   > conˈfidingness n

confident (ˈkɒnfIdənt)   adj   1 (postpositive; foll by of) having or showing confidence or certainty; sure: confident of success   2 sure of oneself; bold   3 presumptuous; excessively bold [C16: from Latin confīdens trusting, having self-confidence, from confīdere to have complete trust in; see CONFIDE]   > ˈconfidently adv

■ confidence (ˈkɒnfIdəns)   n   1 a feeling of trust in a person or thing: I have confidence in his abilities   2 belief in one's own abilities; self-assurance   3 trust or a trustful relationship: take me into your confidence   4 something confided or entrusted; secret   5 in confidence as a secret

■ confidence and supply   modifier   politics denoting an arrangement in a hung parliament in which an opposition party agrees not to vote against a minority government in votes of confidence or budgetary matters but reserves the right to oppose other legislation

■ confidence interval   n   statistics an interval of values bounded by confidence limits within which the true value of a population parameter is stated to lie with a specified probability

■ confidence level   n   statistics a measure of the reliability of a result. A confidence level of 95 per cent or 0.95 means that there is a probability of at least 95 per cent that the result is reliable. Compare significance (sense 4)

■ confidence man or confidence trickster   n   another name for con man

■ confidence trick or US and Canadian confidence game   n   a swindle involving money, goods, etc, in which the victim's trust is won by the swindler. Informal shortened forms: con trick, (US and Canadian) con game

■ confidency (ˈkɑnfIdənsI)   n   an obsolete word for confidence

configuration (kənˌfIɡjʊˈreIʃən)   n   1 the arrangement of the parts of something   2 the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement   3 physics, chem   a Also called: conformation the shape of a molecule as determined by the arrangement of its atoms   b the structure of an atom or molecule as determined by the arrangement of its electrons and nucleons   4 psychol the unit or pattern in perception studied by Gestalt psychologists   5 computing the particular choice of hardware items and their interconnection that make up a particular computer system [C16: from Late Latin configūrātiō a similar formation, from configūrāre to model on something, from figūrāre to shape, fashion]   > conˌfiguˈrational or conˈfigurative adj   > conˌfiguˈrationally adv

■ configurate (kənˈfIɡjʊrIt)   vb (tr)   to shape or fashion

■ configurator (kənˈfIɡəˌreItə)   n   computing an item of software that enables or assists in the configuration of a product

configure (ˌkənˈfIɡə)   vb (tr)   1 to arrange or organize   2 computing to set up (a piece of hardware or software) as required

confine   vb (kənˈfaIn) (tr)   1 to keep or close within bounds; limit; restrict   2 to keep shut in; restrict the free movement of: arthritis confined him to bed   ▷ n (ˈkɒnfaIn)   3 (often plural) a limit; boundary [C16: from Medieval Latin confīnāre from Latin confīnis adjacent, from fīnis end, boundary]   > conˈfinable or conˈfineable adj   > ˈconfineless adj   > conˈfiner n

■ confined (kənˈfaInd)   adj   1 enclosed or restricted; limited   2 in childbed; undergoing childbirth   > confinedly (kənˈfaInIdlI) adv   > conˈfinedness n

■ confinement (kənˈfaInmənt)   n   1 the act of confining or the state of being confined   2 the period from the onset of labour to the birth of a child   3 physics another name for containment (sense 3)

■ confines (ˈkɒnfaInz)   pl n   limits; boundaries

confirm (kənˈfɜːm)   vb (tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to prove to be true or valid; corroborate; verify   2 (may take a clause as object) to assert for a second or further time, so as to make more definite: he confirmed that he would appear in court   3 to strengthen or make more firm: his story confirmed my doubts   4 to make valid by a formal act or agreement; ratify   5 to administer the rite of confirmation to [C13: from Old French confermer, from Latin confirmāre, from firmus FIRM^1]   > conˈfirmable adj   > conˈfirmatory or conˈfirmative adj   > conˈfirmer n

■ confirmability (kənˌfɜːməˈbIlItI)   n   philosophy the quality of being confirmable

■ confirmand (ˈkɒnfəˌmænd)   n   a candidate for confirmation

■ confirmation (ˌkɒnfəˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the act of confirming   2 something that confirms; verification   3 a rite in several Christian churches that confirms a baptized person in his or her faith and admits him or her to full participation in the church   4 (in the philosophy of science) the relationship between an observation and the theory which it supposedly renders more probable. Compare hypothetico-deductive

■ confirmational (ˌkɒnfəˈmeIʃənəl)   adj   providing proof or supporting evidence

■ confirmator (ˈkɒnfəˌmeItə)   n   obsolete a confirmer

■ confirmed (kənˈfɜːmd)   adj   1 (prenominal) long-established in a habit, way of life, etc: a confirmed bachelor   2 having received the rite of confirmation   3 (of a disease) another word for chronic   > confirmedly (kənˈfɜːmIdlI) adv   > confirmedness (kənˈfɜːmIdnIs, -ˈfɜːmd-) n

■ confirmee (ˌkɒnfəˈmiː)   n   a person who has confirmed that he or she will attend a specified event

■ confirmings (kənˈfɜːmIŋz)   pl n   confirmations

■ confirmor (kənˈfɜːmə)   n   law a person who makes a confirmation

confiscable (kənˈfIskəbəl) or confiscatable (ˌkɒnfIˈskeItəbəl)   adj   subject or liable to confiscation or seizure

confiscate (ˈkɒnfIˌskeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to seize (property), esp for public use and esp by way of a penalty   ▷ adj   2 seized or confiscated; forfeit   3 having lost or been deprived of property through confiscation [C16: from Latin confiscāre to seize for the public treasury, from fiscus basket, treasury]   > ˌconfisˈcation n   > ˈconfisˌcator n

■ confiscatory (kənˈfIskətərI, -trI)   adj   involving confiscation

confiserie French (kɔ̃fizri)   n   a shop selling sweets

■ confiseur French (kɔ̃fizœr)   n   a confectioner

confit French (kɔ̃fi)   n   cookery a preserve: a confit of duck [literally: preserve]

Confiteor (kənˈfItIˌɔː)   n   RC Church a prayer consisting of a general confession of sinfulness and an entreaty for forgiveness [C13: from Latin: I confess; from the beginning of the Latin prayer of confession]

confiture (ˈkɒnfIˌtjʊə)   n   a confection, preserve of fruit, etc [C19: from French, from Old French confire to prepare, from Latin conficere to produce; see CONFECT]

confix (kənˈfIks)   vb (tr)   to fasten

conflagrate (ˈkɒnfləˌɡreIt)   vb   to catch or set on fire

■ conflagrant (kənˈfleIɡrənt)   adj   rare burning fiercely

■ conflagration (ˌkɒnfləˈɡreIʃən)   n   a large destructive fire [C16: from Latin conflagrātiō, from conflagrāre to be burnt up, from com- (intensive) + flagrāre to burn; related to Latin fulgur lightning]   > ˈconflaˌgrative adj

conflate (kənˈfleIt)   vb   (tr) to combine or blend (two things, esp two versions of a text) so as to form a whole [C16: from Latin conflāre to blow together, from flāre to blow]   > conˈflation n

conflict   n (ˈkɒnflIkt)   1 a struggle or clash between opposing forces; battle   2 a state of opposition between ideas, interests, etc; disagreement or controversy   3 a clash, as between two appointments made for the same time   4 psychol opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible wishes or drives, sometimes leading to a state of emotional tension and thought to be responsible for neuroses   ▷ vb (kənˈflIkt) (intr)   5 to come into opposition; clash   6 to fight [C15: from Latin conflictus, from conflīgere to combat, from flīgere to strike]   > conˈfliction n   > conˈflictive or conˈflictory adj

■ conflict diamond   n   another term for blood diamond

■ conflicted (kənˈflIktId)   adj   unable to decide between opposing feelings or views

■ conflictful (ˈkɒnflIktfʊl)   adj   psychol involving conflict

■ conflicting (kənˈflIktIŋ)   adj   clashing; contradictory: conflicting rumours   > conˈflictingly adv

■ conflictual (kənˈflIktjʊəl)   adj   of, relating to, or involving conflict

confluence (ˈkɒnflʊəns) or conflux (ˈkɒnflʌks)   n   1 a merging or flowing together, esp of rivers   2 a gathering together, esp of people

■ confluent (ˈkɒnflʊənt)   adj   1 flowing together or merging   ▷ n   2 a stream that flows into another, usually of approximately equal size [C17: from Latin confluēns, from confluere to flow together, from fluere to flow]

■ confluently (ˈkɒnflʊəntlI)   adv   in a confluent manner

confocal (kɒnˈfəʊkəl)   adj   having a common focus or common foci: confocal ellipses

■ confocally (kɒnˈfəʊkəlI)   adv   in a confocal manner

■ confocal microscope   n   a light microscope with an optical system designed to reject background from matter outside the focal plane and therefore allowing images of different sections of a specimen to be obtained

conform (kənˈfɔːm)   vb   1 (intr; usually foll by to) to comply in actions, behaviour, etc, with accepted standards or norms   2 (intr; usually foll by with) to be in accordance; fit in: he conforms with my idea of a teacher   3 to make or become similar in character or form   4 (intr) to comply with the practices of an established church, esp the Church of England   5 (tr) to bring (oneself, ideas, etc) into harmony or agreement [C14: from Old French conformer, from Latin confirmāre to establish, strengthen, from firmāre to make firm, from firmus FIRM^1]   > conˈformer n   > conˈformingly adv

■ conformable (kənˈfɔːməbəl)   adj   1 corresponding in character; similar   2 obedient; submissive   3 (foll by to) in agreement or harmony (with); consistent (with)   4 (of rock strata) lying in a parallel arrangement so that their original relative positions have remained undisturbed   5 maths (of two matrices) related so that the number of columns in one is equal to the number of rows in the other   > conˌformaˈbility or conˈformableness n   > conˈformably adv

■ conformal (kənˈfɔːməl)   adj   1 maths   a (of a transformation) preserving the angles of the depicted surface   b (of a parameter) relating to such a transformation   2 Also called: orthomorphic (of a map projection) maintaining true shape over a small area and scale in every direction [C17: from Late Latin conformālis having the same shape, from Latin com- same + forma shape]

■ conformation (ˌkɒnfɔːˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the general shape or outline of an object; configuration   2 the arrangement of the parts of an object   3 the act or state of conforming   4 chem   a another name for configuration (sense 3a)   b one of the configurations of a molecule that can easily change its shape and can consequently exist in equilibrium with molecules of different configuration   > ˌconforˈmational adj

■ conformational analysis   n   chem the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule and the way in which this influences chemical behaviour

■ conformism (kənˈfɔːmIzəm)   n   the tendency to adopt the attitudes, behaviour, dress, etc, of the group to which one belongs

■ conformist (kənˈfɔːmIst)   n   1 a person who adopts the attitudes, behaviour, dress, etc of the group to which he or she belongs   2 a person who complies with the practices of an established church, esp the Church of England   ▷ adj   3 of a conforming nature or character

■ conformity (kənˈfɔːmItI) or conformance   n, pl -ities or -ances   1 compliance in actions, behaviour, etc, with certain accepted standards or norms   2 correspondence or likeness in form or appearance; congruity; agreement   3 compliance with the practices of an established church

confound (kənˈfaʊnd)   vb (tr)   1 to astound or perplex; bewilder   2 to mix up; confuse   3 to treat mistakenly as similar to or identical with (one or more other things)   4 (kɒnˈfaʊnd) to curse or damn (usually as an expletive in the phrase confound it!)   5 to contradict or refute (an argument, etc)   6 to rout or defeat (an enemy)   7 obsolete to waste [C13: from Old French confondre, from Latin confundere to mingle, pour together, from fundere to pour]   > conˈfoundable adj   > conˈfounder n

■ confounded (kənˈfaʊndId)   adj   1 bewildered; confused   2 (prenominal) informal execrable; damned   > conˈfoundedly adv   > conˈfoundedness n

■ confoundingly (kənˈfaʊndIŋlI)   adv   in a confounding manner

confraternity (ˌkɒnfrəˈtɜːnItI)   n, pl -ties   a group of men united for some particular purpose, esp Christian laymen organized for religious or charitable service; brotherhood [C15: from Medieval Latin confrāternitās; see CONFRÈRE, FRATERNITY]   > ˌconfraˈternal adj

confrère (ˈkɒnfrɛə)   n   a fellow member of a profession, fraternity, etc [C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin confrāter fellow member, from Latin frāter brother]

■ confrerie French (kɔ̃freri)   n   a brotherhood

confront (kənˈfrʌnt)   vb (tr)   1 (usually foll by with) to present or face (with something), esp in order to accuse or criticize   2 to face boldly; oppose in hostility   3 to be face to face with; be in front of   4 to bring together for comparison [C16: from Medieval Latin confrontārī to stand face to face with, from frons forehead]   > conˈfronter n

■ confrontal (kɒnˈfrʌntəl)   n   a confrontation

■ confrontation (ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteIʃən) or archaic confrontment (kɒnˈfrʌntmənt)   n   1 the act or an instance of confronting   2 a situation of mutual hostility between two powers or nations without open warfare   3 a state of conflict between two antagonistic forces, creeds, or ideas etc   > ˌconfronˈtational adj

■ confrontment (kɒnˈfrʌntmənt)   n   archaic another word for confrontation

confronte (ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteI)   adj   heraldry (of two animals) face to face

Confucius (kənˈfjuːʃəs)   n   Chinese name Kong Zi or K'ung Fu-tse. 551–479 BC, Chinese philosopher and teacher of ethics (see Confucianism). His doctrines were compiled after his death under the title The Analects of Confucius

■ Confucian (kənˈfjuːʃən)   adj   1 of or relating to the doctrines of Confucius   ▷ n   2 a follower of Confucius

■ Confucianism (kənˈfjuːʃəˌnIzəm)   n   the ethical system of Confucius, emphasizing moral order, the humanity and virtue of China's ancient rulers, and gentlemanly education   > Conˈfucianist n

confuse (kənˈfjuːz)   vb (tr)   1 to bewilder; perplex   2 to mix up (things, ideas, etc); jumble   3 to make unclear: he confused his talk with irrelevant details   4 to fail to recognize the difference between; mistake (one thing) for another   5 to disconcert; embarrass   6 to cause to become disordered: the enemy ranks were confused by gas [C18: back formation from confused, from Latin confūsus mingled together, from confundere to pour together; see CONFOUND]   > conˈfusable adj, n   > conˌfusaˈbility n

■ confused (kənˈfjuːzd)   adj   1 feeling or exhibiting an inability to understand; bewildered; perplexed   2 in a disordered state; mixed up; jumbled   3 lacking sufficient mental abilities for independent living, esp through old age   > confusedly (kənˈfjuːzIdlI, -ˈfjuːzd-) adv   > conˈfusedness n

■ confused elderly   adj   social welfare no longer having sufficient mental abilities for independent living, as a result of old age

■ confusible (kənˈfjuːzəbəl)   adj   a variant spelling of confusable

■ confusing (kənˈfjuːzIŋ)   adj   causing bewilderment; difficult to follow; puzzling   > conˈfusingly adv

■ confusion (kənˈfjuːʒən)   n   1 the act of confusing or the state of being confused   2 disorder; jumble   3 bewilderment; perplexity   4 lack of clarity; indistinctness   5 embarrassment; abashment   > conˈfusional adj

confute (kənˈfjuːt)   vb (tr)   1 to prove (a person or thing) wrong, invalid, or mistaken; disprove   2 obsolete to put an end to [C16: from Latin confūtāre to check, silence]   > conˈfutable adj   > confutation (ˌkɒnfjʊˈteIʃən) n   > conˈfutative adj   > conˈfuter n

■ confutement (kənˈfjuːtmənt)   n   obsolete a confutation

cong.   abbreviation for   1 pharmacol obsolete congius   2 congregation [(for sense 1) Latin: gallon]

Cong.   abbreviation for   1 Congregational   2 Congress   3 Congressional

conga (ˈkɒŋɡə)   n   1 a Latin American dance of three steps and a kick to each bar, usually performed by a number of people in single file   2 Also called: conga drum a large tubular bass drum, used chiefly in Latin American and funk music and played with the hands   ▷ vb -gas, -gaing, -gaed   3 (intr) to dance the conga [C20: from American Spanish, feminine of congo belonging to the CONGO]

congé (ˈkɒnʒeI)   n   1 permission to depart or dismissal, esp when formal   2 a farewell   3 architect a concave moulding. See also cavetto [C16: from Old French congié, from Latin commeātus leave of absence, from meātus movement, from meāre to go, pass]

congeal (kənˈdʒiːl)   vb   1 to change or cause to change from a soft or fluid state to a firm or solid state   2 to form or cause to form into a coagulated mass; curdle; jell   3 (intr) (of ideas) to take shape or become fixed in form [C14: from Old French congeler, from Latin congelāre, from com- together + gelāre to freeze]   > conˈgealable adj   > conˈgealer n   > conˈgealment n

■ congealableness (kənˈdʒiːləbəlnəs)   n   the quality of being congealable

■ congelation (ˌkɒndʒIˈleIʃən)   n   1 the process of congealing   2 something formed by this process

congee or conjee (ˈkɒndʒiː)   n   1 a gruel of boiled rice and water   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to prepare (something) in a conjee

congener (kənˈdʒiːnə, ˈkɒndʒInə)   n   1 a member of a class, group, or other category, esp any animal of a specified genus   2 a by-product formed in alcoholic drinks during the fermentation process, which largely determines the flavour and colour of the drink [C18: from Latin, from com- same + genus kind]

■ congeneric (ˌkɒndʒIˈnɛrIk), congenerical (ˌkɒndʒIˈnɛrIkəl) or congenerous (kɒnˈdʒɛnərəs)   adj   belonging to the same group, esp (of animals or plants) belonging to the same genus

congenetic (ˌkɒndʒIˈnɛtIk)   adj   having a common or similar origin

congenial (kənˈdʒiːnjəl, -nIəl)   adj   1 friendly, pleasant, or agreeable: a congenial atmosphere to work in   2 having a similar disposition, tastes, etc; compatible; sympathetic [C17: from CON- (same) + GENIAL^1]   > congeniality (kənˌdʒiːnIˈælItI) or conˈgenialness n   > conˈgenially adv

congenic (kənˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   genetics (of inbred animal cells) genetically identical except for a single gene locus

congenital (kənˈdʒɛnItəl)   adj   1 denoting or relating to any nonhereditary condition, esp an abnormal condition, existing at birth: congenital blindness   2 informal complete, as if from birth: a congenital idiot [C18: from Latin congenitus born together with, from genitus born, from gignere to bear, beget]   > conˈgenitally adv   > conˈgenitalness n

conger (ˈkɒŋɡə)   n   any large marine eel of the family Congridae, esp Conger conger, occurring in temperate and tropical coastal waters [C14: from Old French congre, from Latin conger, from Greek gongros sea eel]

congeries (kɒnˈdʒIəriːz)   n   (functioning as singular or plural) a collection of objects or ideas; mass; heap [C17: from Latin, from congerere to pile up, from gerere to carry]

congest (kənˈdʒɛst)   vb   1 to crowd or become crowded to excess; overfill   2 to overload or clog (an organ or part) with blood or (of an organ or part) to become overloaded or clogged with blood   3 (tr; usually passive) to block (the nose) with mucus [C16: from Latin congestus pressed together, from congerere to assemble; see CONGERIES]   > conˈgestible adj   > conˈgestive adj

■ congested (kənˈdʒɛstId)   adj   1 crowded to excess; overfull   2 (of an organ or part) loaded or clogged with blood   3 (of the nose) blocked with mucus

■ congestion (kənˈdʒɛstʃən)   n   1 the state of being overcrowded, esp with traffic or people   2 the state of being overloaded or clogged with blood   3 the state of being blocked with mucus

■ congestion charging   n   the practice of charging motorists for the right to drive on busy roads, esp at busy times   > congestion charge n

congiary (ˈkɒndʒIərI)   n, pl -aries   (in ancient Rome) a gift from the emperor to the people or soldiers

congius (ˈkɒndʒIəs)   n, pl -gii (-dʒIˌaI)   1 pharmacol a unit of liquid measure equal to 1 Imperial gallon   2 an ancient Roman unit of liquid measure equal to about 0.7 Imperial gallon or 0.84 US gallon [C14: from Latin, probably from Greek konkhos liquid measure, CONCH]

conglobate (ˈkɒŋɡləʊˌbeIt)   vb   1 to form into a globe or ball   ▷ adj   2 a rare word for globular [C17: from Latin conglobāre to gather into a ball, from globāre to make round, from globus a sphere]   > ˌcongloˈbation n

■ conglobated (ˈkɒŋɡləʊˌbeItId)   adj   formal in the form of a globe or ball

conglobe (kənˈɡləʊb) or conglobulate (kənˈɡlɒbjʊˌleIt)   vb   to gather or form into a globe or ball

■ conglobulation (kənˌɡlɒbjʊˈleIʃən)   n   the act of conglobing

conglomerate   n (kənˈɡlɒmərIt)   1 a thing composed of heterogeneous elements; mass   2 any coarse-grained sedimentary rock consisting of rounded fragments of rock embedded in a finer matrix. Compare agglomerate (sense 3)   3 a large corporation consisting of a group of companies dealing in widely diversified goods, services, etc   ▷ vb (kənˈɡlɒməˌreIt)   4 to form into a cluster or mass   ▷ adj (kənˈɡlɒmərIt)   5 made up of heterogeneous elements; massed   6 (of sedimentary rocks) consisting of rounded fragments within a finer matrix [C16: from Latin conglomerāre to roll up, from glomerāre to wind into a ball, from glomus ball of thread]

■ conglomerateur (kənˌɡlɒmərəˈtɜː) or conglomerator (kənˈɡlɒməˌreItə)   n   a person who forms or leads a business conglomerate

■ conglomeratic (kənˌɡlɒməˈrætIk)   adj   geology of or relating to a conglomerate

■ conglomeration (kənˌɡlɒməˈreIʃən)   n   1 a conglomerate mass   2 a mass of miscellaneous things   3 the act of conglomerating or the state of being conglomerated

■ conglomerative (kənˈɡlɒmərətIv)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a conglomerate

conglutinate (kənˈɡluːtIˌneIt)   vb   1 obsolete to cause (the edges of a wound or fracture) to join during the process of healing or (of the edges of a wound or fracture) to join during this process   2 to stick or become stuck together [C16: from Latin conglūtināre to glue together, from glūtināre to glue, from glūten GLUE]   > conˌglutiˈnation n   > conˈglutinative adj

■ conglutinant (kənˈɡluːtInənt)   adj   obsolete (of the edges of a wound or fracture) promoting union; adhesive

■ conglutinator (kənˈɡluːtIneItə)   n   an agent that conglutinates

Congo (ˈkɒŋɡəʊ)   n   1 Democratic Republic of the Congo a republic in S central Africa, with a narrow strip of land along the Congo estuary leading to the Atlantic in the west: Congo Free State established in 1885, with Leopold II of Belgium as absolute monarch; became the Belgian Congo colony in 1908; gained independence in 1960, followed by civil war and the secession of Katanga (until 1963); President Mobutu Sese Seko seized power in 1965; declared a one-party state in 1978, and was overthrown by rebels in 1997. The country consists chiefly of the Congo basin, with large areas of dense tropical forest and marshes, and the Mitumba highlands reaching over 5000 m (16 000 ft) in the east. Official language: French. Religion: Christian majority, animist minority. Currency: Congolese franc. Capital: Kinshasa. Pop: 81 339 988 (2017 est). Area: 2 344 116 sq km (905 063 sq miles). Former names: (1885–1908) Congo Free State, (1908–60) Belgian Congo, (1960–71) Congo-Kinshasa, (1971–97) Zaïre   2 Republic of the Congo   a republic in W Central Africa: formerly the French colony of Middle Congo, part of French Equatorial Africa, it became independent in 1960; consists mostly of equatorial forest, with savanna and extensive swamps; drained chiefly by the Rivers Congo and Ubangi. Official language: French. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: franc. Capital: Brazzaville. Pop: 5 260 750 (2017 est). Area: 342 000 sq km (132 018 sq miles). Former name: (until 1958) Middle Congo   3 the second longest river in Africa, rising as the Lualaba on the Katanga plateau in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and flowing in a wide northerly curve to the Atlantic: forms the border between Congo-Brazzaville and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Length: about 4800 km (3000 miles). Area of basin: about 3 000 000 sq km (1 425 000 sq miles). Former Zaïrese name (1971–97): Zaïre   4 a variant spelling of Kongo

■ Congolese (ˌkɒŋɡəˈliːz)   adj   1 of or relating to the Republic of the Congo or the Democratic Republic of the Congo or their inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the Republic of the Congo or the Democratic Republic of the Congo

■ Congo red   n   a brownish-red soluble powder, used as a dye, a diagnostic indicator, a biological stain, and a chemical indicator. Formula: C_32H_22N_6O_6S_2Na_2

Congo-Brazzaville   n   another name for Congo (sense 2)

congo eel or congo snake   n   an aquatic salamander, Amphiuma means, having an eel-like body with gill slits and rudimentary limbs and inhabiting still, muddy waters in the southern US: family Amphiumidae

Congo Free State   n   a former name (1885–1908) of Congo (sense 1)

congou (ˈkɒŋɡuː) or congo (ˈkɒŋɡəʊ)   n   a kind of black tea from China [C18: from Chinese (Amoy) kong hu tē tea prepared with care]

congrats (kənˈɡræts) or chiefly Brit congratters (kənˈɡrætəz)   pl n, sentence substitute   informal shortened forms of congratulations

congratulate (kənˈɡrætjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr)   1 (usually foll by on) to communicate pleasure, approval, or praise to (a person or persons); compliment   2 (often foll by on) to consider (oneself) clever or fortunate (as a result of): she congratulated herself on her tact   3 obsolete to greet [C16: from Latin congrātulārī, from grātulārī to rejoice, from grātus pleasing]   > conˌgratuˈlation n   > conˈgratuˌlator n   > conˈgratulatory or conˈgratulative adj

■ congratulable (kənˈɡrætjʊləbəl)   adj   worthy of congratulation

■ congratulant (kənˈɡrætjʊlənt)   adj   1 expressing congratulation   ▷ n   2 a congratulator

■ congratulations (kənˌɡrætjʊˈleIʃənz)   pl n, sentence substitute   expressions of pleasure or joy; felicitations

congree (kənˈɡriː)   vb (intr)   obsolete to agree

congreet (kənˈɡriːt)   vb (intr)   obsolete (of two or more people) to greet one another

congregate   vb (ˈkɒŋɡrIˌɡeIt)   1 to collect together in a body or crowd; assemble   ▷ adj (ˈkɒŋɡrIɡIt, -ˌɡeIt)   2 collected together; assembled   3 relating to collecting; collective [C15: from Latin congregāre to collect into a flock, from grex flock]   > ˈcongreˌgative adj   > ˈcongreˌgativeness n   > ˈcongreˌgator n

■ congregant (ˈkɒŋɡrIɡənt)   n   a member of a congregation, esp a Jewish congregation

■ congregation (ˌkɒŋɡrIˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 a group of persons gathered for worship, prayer, etc, esp in a church or chapel   2 the act of congregating or collecting together   3 a group of people, objects, etc, collected together; assemblage   4 the group of persons habitually attending a given church, chapel, etc   5 RC Church   a a society of persons who follow a common rule of life but who are bound only by simple vows   b Also called: dicastery an administrative subdivision of the papal curia   c an administrative committee of bishops for arranging the business of a general council   6 chiefly Brit an assembly of senior members of a university

■ congregational (ˌkɒŋɡrIˈɡeIʃənəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a congregation   2 (usually capital) of, relating to, or denoting the Congregational Church, its members, or its beliefs   > ˌcongreˈgationally adv

■ Congregational Church   n   any evangelical Protestant Christian Church that is governed according to the principles of Congregationalism. In 1972 the majority of churches in the Congregational Church in England and Wales voted to become part of the United Reformed Church

■ Congregationalism (ˌkɒŋɡrIˈɡeIʃənəˌlIzəm)   n   a system of Christian doctrines and ecclesiastical government in which each congregation is self-governing and maintains bonds of faith with other similar local congregations   > ˌCongreˈgationalist adj, n

congress (ˈkɒŋɡrɛs)   n   1 a meeting or conference, esp of representatives of a number of sovereign states   2 a national legislative assembly   3 a society or association   4 sexual intercourse [C16: from Latin congressus from congredī to meet with, from com- together + gradī to walk, step]

■ Congress (ˈkɒŋɡrɛs)   n   1 the bicameral federal legislature of the US, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate   2 this body during any two-year term   3 Also called: Congress Party (in India) a major political party, which controlled the Union government from 1947 to 1977. Official name: Indian National Congress   > Conˈgressional adj

■ congressional (kənˈɡrɛʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to a congress   > conˈgressionalist n   > conˈgressionally adv

■ Congressional district   n   (in the US) an electoral division of a state, entitled to send one member to the US House of Representatives

■ Congressional Medal of Honor   n   See Medal of Honor

■ Congressional Record   n   (in the US) the government journal that publishes all proceedings of Congress

■ Congressman (ˈkɒŋɡrɛsmən)   n, pl -men   (in the US) a male member of Congress, esp of the House of Representatives

■ congressman-at-large   n   (in the US) a member of the House of Representatives who was elected by the voters of an entire state as opposed to the voters of a single Congressional district

■ Congress of Industrial Organizations   n   (in the US) a federation of industrial unions formed in 1935. It united with the AFL in 1955 to form the AFL-CIO. Abbreviation: CIO

■ Congress of Vienna   n   the European conference held at Vienna from 1814–15 to settle the territorial problems left by the Napoleonic Wars

■ Congresswoman (ˈkɒŋɡrɛswʊmən)   n, pl -women   (in the US) a female member of Congress, esp of the House of Representatives

Congreve (ˈkɒŋɡriːv)   n   William. 1670–1729, English dramatist, a major exponent of Restoration comedy; author of Love for Love (1695) and The Way of the World (1700)

congrue (kɒŋˈɡruː)   vb (intr)   obsolete to agree

congruent (ˈkɒŋɡrʊənt)   adj   1 agreeing; corresponding; congruous   2 having identical shapes so that all parts correspond: congruent triangles. Compare similar (sense 2)   3 of or concerning two integers related by a congruence [C15: from Latin congruere to meet together, agree]   > ˈcongruently adv

■ congruence (ˈkɒŋɡrʊəns) or congruency (ˈkɒŋɡrʊənsI)   n   1 the quality or state of corresponding, agreeing, or being congruent   2 maths the relationship between two integers, x and y, such that their difference, with respect to another positive integer called the modulus, n, is a multiple of the modulus. Usually written x ≡ y (mod n), as in 25 ≡ 11 (mod 7)

congruous (ˈkɒŋɡrʊəs)   adj   1 corresponding or agreeing   2 suitable; appropriate [C16: from Latin congruus suitable, harmonious; see CONGRUENT]   > congruity (kənˈɡruːItI) or ˈcongruousness n   > ˈcongruously adv

conic (ˈkɒnIk)   adj   1    a having the shape of a cone   b of or relating to a cone   ▷ n   2 another name for conic section [C16: from New Latin, from Greek kōnikos, from kōnos CONE]

■ conical (ˈkɒnIkəl)   adj   1 having the shape of a cone   2 of or relating to a cone   > ˈconically adv

■ conicity (kɒˈnIsItI)   n   the state of being conical

■ conic projection or conical projection   n   a map projection on which the earth is shown as projected onto a cone with its apex over one of the poles and with parallels of latitude radiating from this apex

■ conics (ˈkɒnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of geometry concerned with the parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola

■ conic section   n   one of a group of curves formed by the intersection of a plane and a right circular cone. It is either a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola, depending on the eccentricity, e, which is constant for a particular curve e = 0 for a circle; e<1 for an ellipse; e = 1 for a parabola; e>1 for a hyperbola. Often shortened to: conic

conicine (ˈkəʊnIsiːn)   n   another name for coniine

conidiophore (kəʊˈnIdIəˌfɔː)   n   a simple or branched hypha that bears spores (conidia) in such fungi as Penicillium [C19: from CONIDIUM + -PHORE]   > conidiophorous (kəʊˌnIdIˈɒfərəs, kə-) adj

conidiospore (kəʊˈnIdIəˌspɔː)   n   botany a conidium

conidium (kəʊˈnIdIəm)   n, pl -nidia (-ˈnIdIə)   an asexual spore formed at the tip of a specialized hypha (conidiophore) in fungi such as Penicillium [C19: from New Latin, from Greek konis dust + IUM]   > coˈnidial or coˈnidian adj

conifer (ˈkəʊnIfə, ˈkɒn-)   n   any gymnosperm tree or shrub of the phylum Coniferophyta, typically bearing cones and evergreen leaves. The group includes the pines, spruces, firs, larches, yews, junipers, cedars, cypresses, and sequoias [C19: from Latin, from cōnus CONE + ferre to bear]

■ coniferous (kəˈnIfərəs, kɒ-)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the plant phylum Coniferophyta

coniine (ˈkəʊnIˌiːn, -nIIn, -niːn), conin (ˈkəʊnIn) or conine (ˈkəʊniːn, -nIn)   n   Also called: cicutine (ˈsIkjʊtiːn), conicine (ˈkəʊnIsiːn) a colourless poisonous soluble liquid alkaloid found in hemlock; 2-propylpiperidine. Formula: C_5H_10NC_3H_7 [C19: from CONIUM + INE^2]

conima (ˈkɒnImə)   n   a gum resin obtained from hemlock Conium maculatum

coniology (ˌkəʊnIˈɒlədʒI)   n   a variant spelling of koniology

coniosis (ˌkəʊnIˈəʊsIs)   n   any of various diseases or conditions caused by dust inhalation

conirostral (ˌkəʊnIˈrɒstrəl)   adj   ornithol (of a bird) having a bill shaped like a cone

Coniston Water (ˈkɒnIstən)   n   a lake in NW England, in Cumbria: scene of the establishment of world water speed records by Sir Malcolm Campbell (1939) and his son Donald Campbell (1959). Length: 8 km (5 miles)

conium (ˈkəʊnIəm)   n   1 either of the two N temperate plants of the umbelliferous genus Conium, esp hemlock   2 an extract of either of these plants, formerly used to treat spasmodic disorders [C19: from Late Latin: hemlock, from Greek kōneion; perhaps related to Greek kōnos CONE]

conj. grammar   abbreviation for   conjugation, conjunction, or conjunctive

conject (kənˈdʒɛkt)   vb (intr)   obsolete to conjecture

conjecture (kənˈdʒɛktʃə)   n   1 the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence; guess   2 the inference or conclusion so formed   3 obsolete interpretation of occult signs   ▷ vb   4 to infer or arrive at (an opinion, conclusion, etc) from incomplete evidence [C14: from Latin conjectūra an assembling of facts, from conjicere to throw together, from jacere to throw]   > conˈjecturable adj   > conˈjecturably adv   > conˈjecturer n

■ conjectural (kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl)   adj   involving or inclined to conjecture   > conˈjecturally adv

conjee (ˈkɒndʒiː)   n, vb   a variant spelling of congee

conjoin (kənˈdʒɔIn)   vb   to join or become joined [C14: from Old French conjoindre, from Latin conjungere, from jungere to JOIN]   > conˈjoiner n

■ conjoined twins   pl n   twin babies born joined together at some point, such as at the hips. Some have lived for many years without being surgically separated. Non-technical, old-fashioned name: Siamese twins

■ conjoint (kənˈdʒɔInt)   adj   united, joint, or associated   > conˈjointly adv

conjugal (ˈkɒndʒʊɡəl)   adj   of or relating to marriage or a married couple's relationship: conjugal rights [C16: from Latin conjugālis, from conjunx wife or husband, from conjungere to unite; see CONJOIN]   > conjugality (ˌkɒndʒʊˈɡælItI) n   > ˈconjugally adv

conjugate   vb (ˈkɒndʒʊˌɡeIt)   1 (tr) grammar to inflect (a verb) systematically; state or set out the conjugation of (a verb)   2 (intr) (of a verb) to undergo inflection according to a specific set of rules   3 (tr) to join (two or more substances) together, esp in such a way that the resulting substance may easily be turned back into its original components   4 (intr) biology to undergo conjugation   5 (tr) obsolete to join together, esp in marriage   ▷ adj (ˈkɒndʒʊɡIt, -ˌɡeIt)   6 joined together in pairs; coupled   7 (Maths)   a (of two angles) having a sum of 360°   b (of two complex numbers) differing only in the sign of the imaginary part as 4 + 3i and 4 – 3i   c (of two algebraic numbers) being roots of the same irreducible algebraic equation with rational coefficients: 3 ± 2 √2 are conjugate algebraic numbers, being roots of x^2 – 6x + 1   d (of two elements of a square matrix) interchanged when the rows and columns are interchanged   e (of two arcs) forming a complete circle or other closed curved figure   8 chem of, denoting, or concerning the state of equilibrium in which two liquids can exist as two separate phases that are both solutions. The liquid that is the solute in one phase is the solvent in the other   9 another word for conjugated   10 chem (of acids and bases) related by loss or gain of a proton: Cl– is the conjugate base of HCl; HCl is the conjugate acid of Cl–   11 physics   a joined by a reciprocal relationship, such as in the case of two quantities, points, etc, that are interchangeable with respect to the properties of each of them   b (of points connected with a lens) having the property that an object placed at one point will produce an image at the other point   12 (of a compound leaf) having one pair of leaflets   13 (of words) cognate; related in origin   ▷ n (ˈkɒndʒʊɡIt)   14 one of a pair or set of conjugate substances, values, quantities, words, etc [C15: from Latin conjugāre to join together, from com- together + jugāre to marry, connect, from jugum a yoke]   > ˈconjugable adj   > ˈconjugately adv   > ˈconjugateness n   > ˈconjuˌgative adj   > ˈconjuˌgator n

■ conjugant (ˈkɒndʒʊɡənt)   n   either of a pair of organisms or gametes undergoing conjugation

■ conjugated (ˈkɒndʒʊˌɡeItId)   adj   1 chem   a (of a molecule, compound, or substance) containing two or more double bonds alternating with single bonds   b (of a double bond) separated from another double bond by one single bond   2 chem formed by the union of two compounds: a conjugated protein   ▶ Also called: conjugate

■ conjugated protein   n   a biochemical compound consisting of a sequence of amino acids making up a simple protein to which another nonprotein group (a prosthetic group), such as a carbohydrate or lipid group, is attached

■ conjugation (ˌkɒndʒʊˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 grammar   a inflection of a verb for person, number, tense, voice, mood, etc   b the complete set of the inflections of a given verb   2 a joining, union, or conjunction   3 a type of sexual reproduction in ciliate protozoans involving the temporary union of two individuals and the subsequent migration and fusion of the gametic nuclei   4 (in bacteria) the direct transfer of DNA between two cells that are temporarily joined   5 the union of gametes, esp isogametes, as in some algae and fungi   6 the pairing of chromosomes in the early phase of a meiotic division   7 chem the existence of alternating double or triple bonds in a chemical compound, with consequent electron delocalization over part of the molecule   > ˌconjuˈgational adj   > ˌconjuˈgationally adv

conjunct (kənˈdʒʌŋkt, ˈkɒndʒʌŋkt)   adj   1 joined; united   2 music relating to or denoting two adjacent degrees of a scale   ▷ n   3 logic one of the propositions or formulas in a conjunction [C15: from Latin conjunctus, from conjugere to unite; see CONJOIN]   > conˈjunctly adv

■ conjunction (kənˈdʒʌŋkʃən)   n   1 the act of joining together; combination; union   2 simultaneous occurrence of events; coincidence   3 any word or group of words, other than a relative pronoun, that connects words, phrases, or clauses; for example and and while. Abbreviation: conj. See also coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction   4 astronomy   a the position of any two bodies that appear to meet, such as two celestial bodies on the celestial sphere   b Also called: solar conjunction the position of a planet or the moon when it is in line with the sun as seen from the earth. The inner planets are in inferior conjunction when the planet is between the earth and the sun and in superior conjunction when the sun lies between the earth and the planet. Compare opposition (sense 8a)   5 astrology an exact aspect of 0° between two planets, etc, an orb of 8° being allowed. See opposition (sense 9), square (sense 10)   6 logic   a the operator that forms a compound sentence from two given sentences, and corresponds to the English and   b a sentence so formed. Usually written p&q, p∧q, or p.q., where p,q are the component sentences, it is true only when both these are true   c the relation between such sentences   > conˈjunctional adj   > conˈjunctionally adv

■ conjunction-reduction   n   transformational grammar a rule that reduces coordinate sentences, applied, for example, to convert John lives in Ireland and Brian lives in Ireland into John and Brian live in Ireland

■ conjunctiva (ˌkɒndʒʌŋkˈtaIvə)   n, pl -vas or -vae (-viː)   the delicate mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid [C16: from New Latin membrāna conjunctīva the conjunctive membrane, from Late Latin conjunctīvus CONJUNCTIVE]   > ˌconjuncˈtival adj

■ conjunctivitis (kənˌdʒʌŋktIˈvaItIs)   n   inflammation of the conjunctiva

■ conjuncture (kənˈdʒʌŋktʃə)   n   1 a combination of events, esp a critical one   2 rare a union; conjunction   > conˈjunctural adj

conjunctive (kənˈdʒʌŋktIv)   adj   1 joining; connective   2 joined   3 of or relating to conjunctions or their use   4 logic relating to, characterized by, or containing a conjunction   ▷ n   5 a less common word for conjunction (sense 3) [C15: from Late Latin conjunctīvus, from Latin conjungere to CONJOIN]   > conˈjunctively adv

■ conjunctive eye movement   n   any movement of both eyes in the same direction

■ conjunctiveness (kənˈdʒʌŋktIvnəs)   n   the quality of being conjunctive

conjunto (kɒnˈhʌntəʊ)   n   music a style of Mexican and Texan music featuring the accordion and traditional Mexican elements

conjuration (ˌkɒndʒʊˈreIʃən)   n   1 a magic spell; incantation   2 a less common word for conjuring   3 archaic supplication; entreaty

conjurator (ˈkɒndʒʊˌreItə)   n   a person who, through oath, is bound to others, esp a member of a group plotting a conspiracy

conjure (ˈkʌndʒə)   vb   1 (intr) to practise conjuring or be a conjuror   2 (intr) to call upon supposed supernatural forces by spells and incantations   3 (kənˈdʒʊə) (tr) to appeal earnestly or strongly to: I conjure you to help me   4 a name to conjure with   a a person thought to have great power or influence   b any name that excites the imagination [C13: from Old French conjurer to plot, from Latin conjūrāre to swear together, form a conspiracy, from jūrāre to swear]

■ conjurement (kənˈdʒʊəmənt)   n   obsolete a solemn appeal or entreaty

■ conjure up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to present to the mind; evoke or imagine: he conjured up a picture of his childhood   2 to call up or command (a spirit or devil) by an incantation

■ conjuring (ˈkʌndʒərIŋ)   n   1 the performance of tricks that appear to defy natural laws   ▷ adj   2 denoting or relating to such tricks or entertainment

■ conjuror or conjurer (ˈkʌndʒərə)   n   1 a person who practises conjuring, esp for people's entertainment   2 a person who practises magic; sorcerer

■ conjury (ˈkʌndʒərI)   n   magic

conk (kɒŋk) slang   vb   1 to strike (someone) a blow, esp on the head or nose   ▷ n   2 a punch or blow, esp on the head or nose   3 the head or (esp Brit and NZ) the nose [C19: probably changed from CONCH]

conker (ˈkɒŋkə)   n   an informal name for horse chestnut (sense 2)

■ conkers (ˈkɒŋkəz)   n   (functioning as singular) Brit a game in which a player swings a horse chestnut (conker), threaded onto a string, against that of another player to try to break it [C19: from dialect conker snail shell, originally used in the game]

conk out   vb (intr, adverb) informal   1 (of machines, cars, etc) to fail suddenly   2 to tire suddenly or collapse, as from exhaustion [C20: of uncertain origin]

■ conkout (ˈkɒŋkˌaʊt)   n   US informal a situation where a car, machine, computer, etc, ceases to work

conky (ˈkɒŋkI)   adj conkier, conkiest   (of a tree) affected by the conk fungus, which decays the wood

conn (kɒn)   vb, n   a variant spelling (esp US) of con^4

Conn (kɒn)   n   2nd century AD, king of Leinster and high king of Ireland

Conn.   abbreviation for   Connecticut

Connacht (ˈkɒnət) or Connaught   n   a province and ancient kingdom of NW Republic of Ireland: consists of the counties of Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. Pop: 464 296 (2002). Area: 17 122 sq km (6611 sq miles)

connascent (kəˈneIsənt)   adj   born, produced, or growing simultaneously

■ connascency (kəˈneIsənsI) or connascence (kəˈneIsəns)   n obsolete   1 the simultaneous birth of two or more things   2 the act of growing at the same time

connate (ˈkɒneIt)   adj   1 existing in a person or thing from birth; congenital or innate   2 allied or associated in nature or origin; cognate: connate qualities   3 Also called: coadunate biology (of similar parts or organs) closely joined or united together by growth   4 geology (of fluids) produced or originating at the same time as the rocks surrounding them: connate water [C17: from Late Latin connātus born at the same time, from Latin nātus, from nāscī to be born]   > ˈconnately adv   > ˈconnateness n

■ connation (kɒnˈeIʃən)   n   biology a union of similar parts or organs

connatural (kəˈnætʃərəl)   adj   1 having a similar nature or origin   2 congenital or innate; connate   > conˈnaturally adv

■ connaturality (kəˌnætʃərˈælItI) or connaturalness (kəˈnætʃərəlnəs)   n   the quality of being connatural

■ connaturalize or connaturalise (kəˈnætʃərəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make connatural

connature (kəˈneItʃə)   n   the state or quality of sharing a common nature or character

Connaught (ˈkɒnɔːt)   n   another name for Connacht

connect (kəˈnɛkt)   vb   1 to link or be linked together; join; fasten   2 (tr) to relate or associate: I connect him with my childhood   3 (tr) to establish telephone communications with or between   4 (intr) to be meaningful or meaningfully related   5 (intr) (of two public vehicles, such as trains or buses) to have the arrival of one timed to occur just before the departure of the other, for the convenient transfer of passengers   6 (intr) informal to hit, punch, kick, etc, solidly   7 (intr) US and Canadian informal to be successful   8 (intr) slang to find a source of drugs, esp illegal drugs [C17: from Latin connectere to bind together, from nectere to bind, tie]   > conˈnectible or conˈnectable adj   > conˈnector or conˈnecter n

■ connected (kəˈnɛktId)   adj   1 joined or linked together   2 (of speech) coherent and intelligible   3 logic, maths (of a relation) such that either it or its converse holds between any two members of its domain   > conˈnectedly adv

■ connectedness (kəˈnɛktIdnəs)   n   the state of being connected

■ connecting (kəˈnɛktIŋ)   adj   joined or linked; linking two things

■ connecting rod   n   1 a rod or bar for transmitting motion, esp one that connects a rotating part to a reciprocating part   2 such a rod that connects the piston to the crankshaft in an internal-combustion engine or reciprocating pump. See also big end, little end   3 a similar rod that connects the crosshead of a steam engine to the crank   ▶ Often shortened to: con rod

■ connection or connexion (kəˈnɛkʃən)   n   1 the act or state of connecting; union   2 something that connects, joins, or relates; link or bond   3 a relationship or association   4 logical sequence in thought or expression; coherence   5 the relation of a word or phrase to its context: in this connection the word has no political significance   6 (often plural) an acquaintance, esp one who is influential or has prestige   7 a relative, esp if distant and related by marriage   8    a an opportunity to transfer from one train, bus, aircraft, ship, etc, to another   b the vehicle, aircraft, etc, scheduled to provide such an opportunity   9 (plural) NZ the persons owning or controlling a racehorse   10 a link, usually a wire or metallic strip, between two components in an electric circuit or system   11 a communications link between two points, esp by telephone   12 slang a supplier of illegal drugs, such as heroin   13 rare sexual intercourse   14 rare a small sect or religious group united by a body of distinct beliefs or practices   > conˈnectional or conˈnexional adj

■ connectionism (kəˈnɛkʃənIzəm)   n   psychol the theory that the connections between brain cells mediate thought and govern behaviour

■ connective (kəˈnɛktIv)   adj   1 serving to connect or capable of connecting   ▷ n   2 a thing that connects   3 grammar, logic   a a less common word for conjunction (sense 3)   b any word that connects phrases, clauses, or individual words   c a symbol used in a formal language in the construction of compound sentences from simpler sentences, corresponding to terms such as or, and, not, etc, in ordinary speech   4 botany the tissue of a stamen that connects the two lobes of the anther   5 anatomy a nerve-fibre bundle connecting two nerve centres   > conˈnectively adv

■ connective tissue   n   an animal tissue developed from the embryonic mesoderm that consists of collagen or elastic fibres, fibroblasts, fatty cells, etc, within a jelly-like matrix. It supports organs, fills the spaces between them, and forms tendons and ligaments

■ connectivity (ˌkɒnɛkˈtIvItI)   n   1 the state of being or being able to be connected   2 computing the state of being connected to the internet   3 computing the capacity of a machine or appliance to be connected to other machines, appliances, or facilities

Connecticut (kəˈnɛtIkət)   n   1 a state of the northeastern US, in New England. Capital: Hartford. Pop: 3 483 372 (2003 est). Area: 12 973 sq km (5009 sq miles). Abbreviation: Conn., (with zip code) CT   2 a river in the northeastern US, rising in N New Hampshire and flowing south to Long Island Sound. Length: 651 km (407 miles)

Connell (ˈkɒnəl)   n   Desmond. 1926–2017, Irish cardinal; Archbishop of Dublin and primate of Ireland (1988–2004)

Connemara (ˌkɒnIˈmɑːrə)   n   a barren coastal region of W Republic of Ireland, in Co Galway: consists of quartzite mountains, peat bogs, and many lakes; noted for its breed of pony originating from the hilly regions

Connery (ˈkɒnərI)   n   Sir Sean, real name Thomas Connery. born 1929, Scottish film actor, who played James Bond in such films as Goldfinger (1964). His later films include The Name of the Rose (1986), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and Finding Forrester (2000)

connexive (kəˈnɛksIv)   adj   1 obsolete connective   2 logic (of a proposition) consisting of two component propositions associated by the words if ...then, so that the proposition is false only when the antecedent is true and the consequent false; conditional

connie (ˈkɒnI)   n   Austral informal a tram or bus conductor

conning tower (ˈkɒnIŋ)   n   1 Also called: sail a superstructure of a submarine, used as the bridge when the vessel is on the surface   2 the armoured pilot house of a warship [C19: see CON^4]

conniption (kəˈnIpʃən)   n   (often plural) US and Canadian slang a fit of rage or tantrums [C19: arbitrary pseudo-Latin coinage]

connive (kəˈnaIv)   vb (intr)   1 to plot together, esp secretly; conspire   2 (foll by at) law to give assent or encouragement (to the commission of a wrong) [C17: from French conniver, from Latin connīvēre to blink, hence, leave uncensured; -nīvēre related to nictāre to wink]   > conˈniver n   > conˈnivingly adv

■ connivance or connivence (kəˈnaIvəns)   n   1 the act or fact of conniving   2 law the tacit encouragement of or assent to another's wrongdoing, esp (formerly) of the petitioner in a divorce suit to the respondent's adultery. Also (obsolete): connivancy, connivency

■ connivent (kəˈnaIvənt)   adj   (of parts of plants and animals) touching without being fused, as some petals, insect wings, etc [C17: from Latin connīvēns, from connīvēre to shut the eyes, CONNIVE]   > conˈnivently adv

■ connivery (kəˈnaIvərI)   n   the act of conniving

■ conniving (kəˈnaIvIŋ)   adj   plotting secretly; conspiring

connoisseur (ˌkɒnIˈsɜː)   n   a person with special knowledge or appreciation of a field, esp in the arts [C18: from French, from Old French conoiseor, from connoistre to know, from Latin cognōscere]   > ˌconnoisˈseurship n

Connolly (ˈkɒnəlI)   n   1  Sir Billy. born 1942, Scottish comedian, musician, and actor: his films include Mrs Brown (1997)   2  Cyril (Vernon). 1903–74, British critic and writer, founder and editor of Horizon (1939–50): his books include Enemies of Promise (1938)   3  James. 1868–1916, Irish labour leader: executed by the British for his part in the Easter Rising (1916)

Connors (ˈkɒnəz)   n   Jimmy. born 1952, US tennis player: Wimbledon champion 1974 and 1982; US Open champion 1974, 1976, 1978, 1982, and 1983

connote (kɒˈnəʊt)   vb (tr; often takes a clause as object)   1 (of a word, phrase, etc) to imply or suggest (associations or ideas) other than the literal meaning: the word "tiger" connotes ferocity   2 to involve as a consequence or condition [C17: from Medieval Latin connotāre, from notāre to mark, make a note, from nota mark, sign, note]

■ connotate (ˈkɒnəˌteIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to connote

■ connotation (ˌkɒnəˈteIʃən)   n   1 an association or idea suggested by a word or phrase; implication   2 the act or fact of connoting   3 logic another word for intension (sense 1)   > connotative (ˈkɒnəˌteItIv, kəˈnəʊtə-) or conˈnotive adj   > ˈconnoˌtatively or conˈnotively adv

■ connotational (ˌkɒnəˈteIʃənəl)   adj   of, relating to, or involving connotation

connubial (kəˈnjuːbIəl)   adj   of or relating to marriage; conjugal: connubial bliss [C17: from Latin cōnūbiālis from cōnūbium marriage, from com- together + nūbere to marry]   > conˌnubiˈality n   > conˈnubially adv

■ connubialism (kəˈnjuːbIəlˌIzəm)   n   the state of being married

connumerate (kəˈnjuːməˌreIt)   vb (tr)   to count together

■ connumeration (kəˌnjuːməˈreIʃən)   n   the act of counting together

conodont (ˈkəʊnədɒnt, ˈkɒn-)   n   any of various small Palaeozoic toothlike fossils derived from an extinct eel-like marine animal [C19: from Greek kōnos CONE + ODONT]

conoid (ˈkəʊnɔId)   n   1 a geometric surface formed by rotating a parabola, ellipse, or hyperbola about one axis   ▷ adj also conoidal (kəʊˈnɔIdəl), conoidic (kəʊˈnɔIdIk), conoidical (kəʊˈnɔIdIkəl)   2 conical, cone-shaped [C17: from Greek kōnoeidēs, from kōnos CONE]   > coˈnoidally adv

conominee (ˌkəʊnɒmIˈniː)   n   a joint nominee

conoscenti (ˌkɒnəʊˈʃɛntI)   pl n, sing -te (-tiː)   a variant spelling of cognoscenti

conquer (ˈkɒŋkə)   vb   1 to overcome (an enemy, army, etc); defeat   2 to overcome (an obstacle, feeling, desire, etc); surmount   3 (tr) to gain possession or control of by or as if by force or war; win   4 (tr) to gain the love, sympathy, etc, of (someone) by seduction or force of personality [C13: from Old French conquerre, from Vulgar Latin conquērere (unattested) to obtain, from Latin conquīrere to search for, collect, from quaerere to seek]   > ˈconquerable adj   > ˈconquerableness n   > ˈconquering adj   > ˈconqueror n

■ conquerability (ˌkɒŋkərəˈbIlItI)   n   the state or quality of being surmountable

■ conqueress (ˈkɒŋkərɛs)   n   a woman who conquers or is victorious

■ conqueringly (ˈkɒŋkərIŋlI)   adv   in a conquering manner

■ Conqueror (ˈkɒŋkərə)   n   William the. See William I

conquest (ˈkɒnkwɛst, ˈkɒŋ-)   n   1 the act or an instance of conquering or the state of having been conquered; victory   2 a person, thing, etc, that has been conquered or won   3 the act or art of gaining a person's compliance, love, etc, by seduction or force of personality   4 a person, whose compliance, love, etc, has been won over by seduction or force of personality [C13: from Old French conqueste, from Vulgar Latin conquēsta (unattested), from Latin conquīsīta, feminine past participle of conquīrere to seek out, procure; see CONQUER]

■ Conquest (ˈkɒnkwɛst, ˈkɒŋ-)   n   1 the Conquest See Norman Conquest   2 the Conquest Canadian the conquest by the United Kingdom of French North America, ending in 1763

conquian (ˈkɒŋkIən)   n   another word for cooncan

conquistador (kɒnˈkwIstəˌdɔː; Spanish konkistaˈðor)   n, pl -dors or -dores (Spanish -ˈðores)   an adventurer or conqueror, esp one of the Spanish conquerors of the New World in the 16th century [C19: from Spanish, from conquistar to conquer; see CONQUEST]

Conrad (ˈkɒnræd)   n   Joseph. real name Teodor Josef Konrad Korzeniowski. 1857–1924, British novelist born in Poland, noted for sea stories such as Lord Jim (1900) and novels of politics and revolution such as Heart of Darkness (1899), Nostromo (1904) Under Western Eyes (1911)

con rod   n   short for connecting rod

Cons. or cons.   abbreviation for   1 Conservative   2 Constitution   3 Consul

consanguinity (ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwInItI)   n   1 relationship by blood; kinship   2 close affinity or connection   3 geology (of igneous rocks) similarity of origin, as shown by common mineral and chemical compositions and often texture [C14: see CON-, SANGUINE]   > ˌconsanˈguineous or conˈsanguine adj   > ˌconsanˈguineously adv

conscience (ˈkɒnʃəns)   n   1    a the sense of right and wrong that governs a person's thoughts and actions   b regulation of one's actions in conformity to this sense   c a supposed universal faculty of moral insight   2 conscientiousness; diligence   3 a feeling of guilt or anxiety: he has a conscience about his unkind action   4 obsolete consciousness   5 in conscience or in all conscience   a with regard to truth and justice   b certainly   6 on one's conscience causing feelings of guilt or remorse [C13: from Old French, from Latin conscientia knowledge, consciousness, from conscīre to know; see CONSCIOUS]   > ˈconscienceless adj

■ conscience clause   n   a clause in a law or contract exempting persons with moral scruples

■ conscience money   n   money paid voluntarily to compensate for dishonesty, esp money paid voluntarily for taxes formerly evaded

■ conscience-stricken   adj   feeling anxious or guilty. Also: conscience-smitten

conscient (ˈkɒnʃənt, ˈkɒnʃIənt)   adj   conscious

conscientious (ˌkɒnʃIˈɛnʃəs)   adj   1 involving or taking great care; painstaking; diligent   2 governed by or done according to conscience   > ˌconsciˈentiously adv   > ˌconsciˈentiousness n

■ conscientious objector   n   a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces on the grounds of conscience

conscientize or conscientise (ˈkɒnʃənˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to educate (a person) about an issue or idea

conscionable (ˈkɒnʃənəbəl)   adj   obsolete acceptable to one's conscience [C16: from conscions, obsolete form of CONSCIENCE]   > ˈconscionably adv

■ conscionableness or conscionability (ˌkɒnʃənəˈbIlItI)   n   law the state of being conscionable

conscious (ˈkɒnʃəs)   adj   1    a alert and awake; not sleeping or comatose   b aware of one's surroundings, one's own thoughts and motivations, etc   2    a aware of and giving value or emphasis to a particular fact or phenomenon: I am conscious of your great kindness to me   b (in combination): clothes-conscious   3 done with full awareness; deliberate: a conscious effort; conscious rudeness   4    a denoting or relating to a part of the human mind that is aware of a person's self, environment, and mental activity and that to a certain extent determines his or her choices of action   b (as noun): the conscious is only a small part of the mind   ▶ Compare unconscious [C17: from Latin conscius sharing knowledge, from com- with + scīre to know]   > ˈconsciously adv   > ˈconsciousness n

■ consciousness raising   n     a the process of developing awareness in a person or group of a situation regarded as wrong or unjust, with the aim of producing active participation in changing it   b (as modifier): a consciousness-raising group

conscribe (kənˈskraIb)   vb (tr)   to conscript

conscript   n (ˈkɒnskrIpt)   1    a a person who is enrolled for compulsory military service   b (as modifier): a conscript army   ▷ vb (kənˈskrIpt)   2 (tr) to enrol (youths, civilians, etc) for compulsory military service [C15: from Latin conscrīptus, past participle of conscrībere to write together in a list, enrol, from scrībere to write]

■ conscripted (kənˈskrIptId)   adj   enrolled for compulsory service, esp military service

■ conscript fathers   pl n   literary august legislators, esp Roman senators

■ conscription (kənˈskrIpʃən)   n   compulsory military service

■ conscriptional (kənˈskrIpʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to conscription

■ conscriptionist (kənˈskrIpʃənIst)   n   a person who is in favour of conscription

consecrate (ˈkɒnsIˌkreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to make or declare sacred or holy; sanctify   2 to dedicate (one's life, time, etc) to a specific purpose   3 to ordain (a bishop)   4 Christianity to sanctify (bread and wine) for the Eucharist to be received as the body and blood of Christ   5 to cause to be respected or revered; venerate: time has consecrated this custom   ▷ adj   6 archaic consecrated [C15: from Latin consecrāre, from com- (intensive) + sacrāre to devote, from sacer sacred]   > ˌconseˈcration n   > ˈconseˌcrator n   > consecratory (ˌkɒnsIˈkreItərI) or ˈconseˌcrative adj

■ consecrated (ˈkɒnsIkreIt)   adj   having been made or declared sacred or holy

■ consecratedness (ˈkɒnsIˌkreItIdnəs)   n   the state of being consecrated

■ Consecration (ˌkɒnsIˈkreIʃən)   n   RC Church the part of the Mass after the sermon during which the bread and wine are believed to change into the Body and Blood of Christ

consectaneous (ˌkɒnsɛkˈteInIəs)   adj   obsolete following logically; consequent

consectary (kənˈsɛktərI)   n, pl -ries   1 archaic a consequence or conclusion   ▷ adj   2 obsolete consequent

consecution (ˌkɒnsIˈkjuːʃən)   n   1 a sequence or succession of events or things   2 a logical sequence of deductions; inference [C16: from Latin consecūtiō, from consequī to follow up, pursue]

consecutive (kənˈsɛkjʊtIv)   adj   1 (of a narrative, account, etc) following chronological sequence   2 following one another without interruption; successive   3 characterized by logical sequence   4 music another word for parallel (sense 3)   5 grammar expressing consequence or result: consecutive clauses [C17: from French consécutif, from Latin consecūtus having followed, from consequī to pursue]   > conˈsecutively adv   > conˈsecutiveness n

conseil French (kɔ̃sɛj)   n   a council

consenescence (ˌkɒnsəˈnesəns)   n   decay, esp decay caused by ageing. Also (obsolete): consenescency

consension (kənˈsɛnʃən)   n   agreement or concurrence in attitude, opinion, or thought

consensual (kənˈsɛnsjʊəl)   adj   1 law (of a contract, agreement, etc) existing by consent   2 law (of a sexual activity) performed with the consent of all parties involved   3 (of certain reflex actions of a part of the body) responding to stimulation of another part [from CONSENSUS + -AL^1]   > conˈsensually adv

consensus (kənˈsɛnsəs)   n   general or widespread agreement (esp in the phrase consensus of opinion) [C19: from Latin, from consentīre to feel together, agree; see CONSENT]

USAGE

Since consensus refers to a collective opinion, the words of opinion in the phrase consensus of opinion are redundant and should therefore be avoided

■ consensus sequence   n   biochem a DNA sequence common to different organisms and having a similar function in each

consent (kənˈsɛnt)   vb   1 to give assent or permission (to do something); agree; accede   2 (intr) obsolete to be in accord; agree in opinion, feelings, etc   ▷ n   3 acquiescence to or acceptance of something done or planned by another; permission   4 accordance or harmony in opinion; agreement (esp in the phrase with one consent)   5 age of consent the lowest age at which the law recognizes the right of a person to consent to sexual intercourse [C13: from Old French consentir, from Latin consentīre to feel together, agree, from sentīre to feel]   > conˈsenter n   > conˈsenting adj

■ consentient (kənˈsɛnʃənt)   adj   being in agreement; united in opinion   > conˈsentience n

■ consenting adult   n   Brit a person over the age of sixteen who willingly engages in a sexual activity

■ consentingly (kənˈsɛntIŋlI)   adv   in a consenting manner

consentaneous (ˌkɒnsɛnˈteInIəs)   adj rare   1 (foll by to) accordant or consistent (with)   2 done by general consent [C17: from Latin consentāneus, from consentīre to CONSENT]   > ˌconsenˈtaneously adv   > consentaneity (kənˌsɛntəˈniːItI) or ˌconsenˈtaneousness n

consequence (ˈkɒnsIkwəns)   n   1 a result or effect of some previous occurrence   2 an unpleasant result (esp in the phrase take the consequences)   3 significance or importance: it's of no consequence; a work of consequence   4 logic   a a conclusion reached by reasoning   b the conclusion of an argument   c the relations between the conclusion and the premises of a valid argument   5 the relation between an effect and its cause   6 in consequence as a result

■ consequences (ˈkɒnsIkwənsIz)   pl n   (functioning as singular) Brit a game in which each player writes down a part of a story, folds over the paper, and passes it on to another player who continues the story. After several stages, the resulting (nonsensical) stories are read out

consequent (ˈkɒnsIkwənt)   adj   1 following as an effect or result   2 following as a logical conclusion or by rational argument   3 (of a river) flowing in the direction of the original slope of the land or dip of the strata   ▷ n   4 something that follows something else, esp as a result   5 logic the resultant clause in a conditional sentence   6 affirming the consequent logic the fallacy of inferring the antecedent of a conditional sentence, given the truth of the conditional and its consequent, as if John is six feet tall, he's more than five feet: he's more than five feet so he's six feet   7 an obsolete term for denominator (sense 1) [C15: from Latin consequēns following closely, from consequī to pursue]

■ consequential (ˌkɒnsIˈkwɛnʃəl)   adj   1 important or significant   2 self-important; conceited   3 following as a consequence; resultant, esp indirectly: consequential loss   > ˌconseˌquentiˈality or ˌconseˈquentialness n   > ˌconseˈquentially adv

USAGE

Although both consequential and consequent can refer to something which happens as the result of something else, consequent is more common in this sense in modern English: the new measures were put into effect, and the consequent protest led to the dismissal of those responsible

■ consequentialism (ˌkɒnsIˈkwɛnʃəˌlIzəm)   n   ethics the doctrine that an action is right or wrong according as its consequences are good or bad

■ consequently (ˈkɒnsIkwəntlI)   adv, sentence connector   as a result or effect; therefore; hence

conservative (kənˈsɜːvətIv)   adj   1 favouring the preservation of established customs, values, etc, and opposing innovation   2 of, characteristic of, or relating to conservatism   3 tending to be moderate or cautious: a conservative estimate   4 conventional in style or type: a conservative suit   5 med (of treatment) designed to alleviate symptoms. Compare radical (sense 4)   6 physics denoting a field of force, system, etc, in which the work done moving a body from one point to another is independent of the path taken between them: electrostatic fields of force are conservative   ▷ n   7 a person who is reluctant to change or consider new ideas; conformist   8 a supporter or advocate of conservatism   ▷ adj, n   9 a less common word for preservative   > conˈservatively adv   > conˈservativeness n

■ conservatism (kənˈsɜːvəˌtIzəm)   n   1 opposition to change and innovation   2 a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change

■ Conservatism (kənˈsɜːvəˌtIzəm)   n (in Britain, Canada, etc)   1 the form of conservatism advocated by the Conservative Party   2 the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party

■ Conservative (kənˈsɜːvətIv)   adj (in Britain, Canada, and elsewhere)   1 of, supporting, or relating to a Conservative Party   2 of, relating to, or characterizing Conservative Judaism   ▷ n   3 a supporter or member of a Conservative Party

■ Conservative Judaism   n   a movement reacting against the radicalism of Reform Judaism, rejecting extreme change and advocating moderate relaxations of traditional Jewish law, by an extension of the process by which its adherents claim traditional Orthodox Judaism evolved. Compare Orthodox Judaism, Reform Judaism

■ Conservative Party   n   1 (in Britain) the major right-wing party, which developed from the Tories in the 1830s. It advocates property owning and free enterprise. In full: Conservative and Unionist Party   2 (in Canada) short for Progressive Conservative Party   3 (in other countries) any of various political parties generally opposing change

■ conservatize or conservatise (kənˈsɜːvəˌtaIz)   vb   to make or become conservative

conservatoire (kənˈsɜːvəˌtwɑː)   n   an institution or school for instruction in music. Also called: conservatory [C18: from French: CONSERVATORY]

conservatorium (kənˌsɜːvəˈtɔːrIəm)   n   Austral the usual term for conservatoire

conserve   vb (kənˈsɜːv) (tr)   1 to keep or protect from harm, decay, loss, etc   2 to preserve (a foodstuff, esp fruit) with sugar   ▷ n (ˈkɒnsɜːv, kənˈsɜːv)   3 a preparation of fruit in sugar, similar to jam but usually containing whole pieces of fruit [(vb) C14: from Latin conservāre to keep safe, from servāre to save, protect; (n) C14: from Medieval Latin conserva, from Latin conservāre]   > conˈservable adj   > conˈserver n

■ conservancy (kənˈsɜːvənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 (in Britain) a court or commission with jurisdiction over a river, port, area of countryside, etc   2 another word for conservation (sense 2)

■ conservant (kənˈsɜːvənt)   adj   obsolete having the quality of conserving or preserving

■ conservation (ˌkɒnsəˈveIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of conserving or keeping from change, loss, injury, etc   2    a protection, preservation, and careful management of natural resources and of the environment   b (as modifier): a conservation area   > ˌconserˈvational adj

■ conservation grade   adj   relating to food produced using traditional methods where possible, and following strict specifications regarding animal feeds and welfare, the use of chemical fertilizers, wildlife conservation, and land management

■ conservationist (ˌkɒnsəˈveIʃənIst)   n   a person who advocates or strongly promotes preservation and careful management of natural resources and of the environment

■ conservation of charge   n   the principle that the total charge of any isolated system is constant and independent of changes that take place within the system

■ conservation of energy   n   the principle that the total energy of any isolated system is constant and independent of any changes occurring within the system

■ conservation of mass   n   the principle that the total mass of any isolated system is constant and is independent of any chemical and physical changes taking place within the system

■ conservation of momentum   n   the principle that the total linear or angular momentum in any isolated system is constant, provided that no external force is applied

■ conservation of parity   n   the principle that the parity of the total wave function describing a system of elementary particles is conserved. In fact it is not conserved in weak interactions

■ conservator (ˈkɒnsəˌveItə, kənˈsɜːvə-)   n   a person who conserves or keeps safe; custodian, guardian, or protector

■ conservatorial (kənˌsɜːvəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of or relating to a conservator or conservators

■ conservatorship (ˈkɒnsəveItəˌʃIp)   n   US law the legal status of a person appointed by a court to protect the interests of someone, such as a child, who is unable to manage his or her own affairs

■ conservatory (kənˈsɜːvətrI)   n, pl -tories   1 a greenhouse, esp one attached to a house   2 another word for conservatoire   ▷ adj   3 preservative

■ conservatrix (ˌkɒnsəˈveItrIks)   n, pl conservatrices   a woman who conserves or keeps safe; custodian

Consett (ˈkɒnsIt)   n   a town in N England, in N Durham. Pop: 20 659 (2001)

consider (kənˈsIdə)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to think carefully about or ponder on (a problem, decision, etc); contemplate   2 (may take a clause as object) to judge, deem, or have as an opinion: I consider him a fool   3 to have regard for; respect: consider your mother's feelings   4 to look at; regard: he considered her face   5 (may take a clause as object) to bear in mind as possible or acceptable: when buying a car consider this make   6 to describe or discuss: in this programme we consider the traffic problem   7 (may take a clause as object) to keep in mind and make allowances (for): consider their problems before you judge them [C14: from Latin consīderāre to inspect closely, literally: to observe the stars, from sīdus star]   > conˈsiderer n

■ considerable (kənˈsIdərəbəl)   adj   1 large enough to reckon with: a considerable quantity   2 a lot of; much: the child had considerable courage   3 worthy of respect: a considerable figure in the scientific world   > conˈsiderably adv

■ considerance (kənˈsIdərəns)   n   obsolete consideration

■ considerate (kənˈsIdərIt)   adj   1 thoughtful towards other people; kind   2 rare carefully thought out; considered   > conˈsiderately adv   > conˈsiderateness n

■ consideration (kənˌsIdəˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of considering; deliberation; contemplation   2 take into consideration to bear in mind; consider   3 under consideration being currently discussed or deliberated   4 a fact or circumstance to be taken into account when making a judgment or decision   5 on no consideration for no reason whatsoever; never   6 thoughtfulness for other people; kindness   7 payment for a service; recompense; fee   8 thought resulting from deliberation; opinion   9 law the promise, object, etc, given by one party to persuade another to enter into a contract   10 estimation; esteem   11 in consideration of   a because of   b in return for

■ considerative (kənˈsIdərətIv)   adj   obsolete considerate

■ consideratively (kənˈsIdərətIvlI)   adv   obsolete in a considerative manner

■ considered (kənˈsIdəd)   adj   1 presented or thought out with care: a considered opinion   2 (qualified by a preceding adverb) esteemed: highly considered

■ considering (kənˈsIdərIŋ)   prep   1 in view of   ▷ adv   2 informal all in all; taking into account the circumstances: it's not bad considering   ▷ conj   3 (subordinating) in view of the fact that

■ consideringly (kənˈsIdərIŋlI)   adv   in a considering manner

consigliere (ˌkɒnsIɡlIˈɛərI)   n, pl consiglieri (ˌkɒnsIɡlIˈɛərI)   a trusted adviser, esp in a criminal organization [Italian, from Latin consiliārius, from consilium advice]

consign (kənˈsaIn)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to hand over or give into the care or charge of another; entrust   2 to commit irrevocably: he consigned the papers to the flames   3 to commit for admittance: to consign someone to jail   4 to address or deliver (goods) for sale, disposal, etc: it was consigned to her London address   5 (intr) obsolete to assent; agree [C15: from Old French consigner, from Latin consignāre to put one's seal to, sign, from signum mark, SIGN]   > conˈsignable adj   > ˌconsignˈation n

■ consignatory (kənˈsIɡnətərI)   n, pl -ries   a cosignatory

■ consignee (ˌkɒnsaIˈniː)   n   a person, agent, organization, etc, to which merchandise is consigned

■ consignment (kənˈsaInmənt)   n   1 the act of consigning; commitment   2 a shipment of goods consigned   3 on consignment for payment by the consignee after sale: they made the last shipment on consignment

■ consignor (kənˈsaInə, ˌkɒnsaIˈnɔː) or consigner (kənˈsaInə)   n   a person, enterprise, etc, that consigns goods

consignify (kɒnˈsIɡnIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   archaic to signify (something) when understood or interpreted in combination with something else

consilient (kənˈsIlIənt)   adj   showing consilience

■ consilience (kənˈsIlIəns)   n   agreement between inductions drawn from different sets of data or from different academic disciplines

consimilar (kənˈsImIlə)   adj   similar; alike

■ consimilarity (kənˌsImIˈlærItI)   n   the condition of being mutually alike

■ consimilitude (ˌkɒnsIˈmIlIˌtjuːd)   n   obsolete the quality of resembling or of being mutually alike. Also (obsolete): consimility

consist (kənˈsIst)   vb (intr)   1 (foll by of) to be composed (of); be formed (of): syrup consists of sugar and water   2 (foll by in or of) to have its existence (in); lie (in); be expressed (by): their religion consists only in going to church   3 to be compatible or consistent; accord [C16: from Latin consistere to halt, stand firm, from sistere to stand, cause to stand; related to stāre to STAND]

consistent (kənˈsIstənt)   adj   1 showing consistency; not self-contradictory   2 (postpositive; foll by with) in agreement or harmony; accordant   3 steady; even: consistent growth   4 maths (of two or more equations) satisfied by at least one common set of values of the variables: x + y = 4 and x – y = 2 are consistent   5 logic   a (of a set of statements) capable of all being true at the same time or under the same interpretation   b Also: sound (of a formal system) not permitting the deduction of a contradiction from the axioms. Compare complete (sense 5)   6 obsolete stuck together; cohering   > conˈsistently adv

■ consistency (kənˈsIstənsI) or consistence   n, pl -encies or -ences   1 agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated   2 agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibility   3 degree of viscosity or firmness   4 the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape   5 conformity with previous attitudes, behaviour, practice, etc

consistory (kənˈsIstərI)   n, pl -ries   1 Church of England   a the court of a diocese (other than Canterbury) administering ecclesiastical law   b the area in a church where the consistory meets   2 RC Church an assembly of the cardinals and the pope   3 (in certain Reformed Churches) the governing body of a local congregation or church   4 archaic a council or assembly [C14: from Old French consistorie, from Medieval Latin consistōrium ecclesiastical tribunal, ultimately from Latin consistere to stand still]   > consistorial (ˌkɒnsIˈstɔːrIəl) or ˌconsisˈtorian adj

consociate   vb (kənˈsəʊʃIˌeIt)   1 to enter into or bring into friendly association   ▷ adj (kənˈsəʊʃIIt, -ˌeIt)   2 associated or united   ▷ n (kənˈsəʊʃIIt, -ˌeIt)   3 an associate or partner [C16: from Latin consociāre, from socius partner]   > conˌsociˈation n   > conˌsociˈational adj

consocies (kənˈsəʊʃiːz)   n, pl -cies   ecology a natural community with a single dominant species [C20: from CONSOCIATE + SPECIES]

consol (ˈkɒnsɒl, kənˈsɒl)   n   (usually plural) an irredeemable British government security carrying an annual interest rate of two and a half or four per cent. Also called: bank annuity [short for consolidated stock]

console^1 (kənˈsəʊl)   vb   to serve as a source of comfort to (someone) in disappointment, loss, sadness, etc [C17: from Latin consōlārī, from sōlārī to comfort; see SOLACE]   > conˈsolable adj   > conˈsoler n

■ consolate (ˈkɒnsəˌleIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to console (a person)

■ consolation (ˌkɒnsəˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act of consoling or state of being consoled; solace   2 a person or thing that is a source of comfort in a time of suffering, grief, disappointment, etc   > consolatory (kənˈsɒlətərI, -trI) adj

■ consolation prize   n   a prize given to console a loser of a game

■ consolatrix (ˌkɒnsəˈleItrIks)   n, pl consolatrices (ˌkɒnsəˈleItrIsiːz)   a woman who consoles

■ consolement (kənˈsəʊlmənt)   n   consolation

■ consoling (ˈkɒnsəʊlIŋ)   adj   comforting   > conˈsolingly adv

console^2 (ˈkɒnsəʊl)   n   1 an ornamental bracket, esp one used to support a wall fixture, bust, etc   2 the part of an organ comprising the manuals, pedals, stops, etc   3 a unit on which the controls of an electronic system are mounted   4 same as games console   5 a cabinet for a television, gramophone, etc, designed to stand on the floor   6 See console table [C18: from French, shortened from Old French consolateur one that provides support, hence, supporting bracket, from Latin consōlātor a comforter; see CONSOLE^1]

■ console game   n   a video game requiring the use of a games console

■ console table (ˈkɒnsəʊl)   n   a table with one or more curved legs of bracket-like construction, designed to stand against a wall

consolidate (kənˈsɒlIˌdeIt)   vb   1 to form or cause to form into a solid mass or whole; unite or be united   2 to make or become stronger or more stable   3 military to strengthen or improve one's control over (a situation, force, newly captured area, etc) [C16: from Latin consolidāre to make firm, from solidus strong, SOLID]

■ Consolidated Fund   n   Brit a fund into which tax revenue is paid in order to meet standing charges, esp interest payments on the national debt

■ consolidation (kənˌsɒlIˈdeIʃən)   n   1 the act of consolidating or state of being consolidated   2 something that is consolidated or integrated   3 law   a the combining of two or more actions at law   b the combination of a number of Acts of Parliament into one codifying statute   4 geology the process, including compression and cementation, by which a loose deposit is transformed into a hard rock   5 psychol the process in the brain that makes the memory for an event enduring; the process is thought to continue for some time after the event   > conˈsoliˌdative adj

■ consolidation loan   n   a single loan which is taken out to pay off several separate existing loans

■ consolidator (kənˈsɒlIˌdeItə)   n   1 a person or thing that consolidates   2 a company that offers flight tickets for a variety of different airlines, usually at a reduced price

consolute (ˈkɒnsəˌluːt)   adj   1 (of two or more liquids) mutually soluble in all proportions   2 (of a substance) soluble in each of two conjugate liquids   3 of or concerned with the particular state in which two partially miscible liquids become totally miscible [C20: from Late Latin consolūtus, from Latin con- together + solvere to dissolve]

consommé (kənˈsɒmeI, ˈkɒnsɒˌmeI; French kɔ̃sɔme)   n   a clear soup made from meat or chicken stock [C19: from French, from consommer to finish, use up, from Latin consummāre; so called because all the goodness of the meat goes into the liquid]

consonant (ˈkɒnsənənt)   n   1 a speech sound or letter of the alphabet other than a vowel; a stop, fricative, or continuant   ▷ adj   2 (postpositive; foll by with or to) consistent; in agreement   3 harmonious in tone or sound   4 music characterized by the presence of a consonance   5 being or relating to a consonant [C14: from Latin consonāns, from consonāre to sound at the same time, be in harmony, from sonāre to sound]   > ˈconsonantly adv

■ consonance (ˈkɒnsənəns) or consonancy   n, pl -nances or -nancies   1 agreement, harmony, or accord   2 prosody similarity between consonants, but not between vowels, as between the s and t sounds in sweet silent thought. Compare assonance (sense 1)   3 music   a an aesthetically pleasing sensation or perception associated with the interval of the octave, the perfect fourth and fifth, the major and minor third and sixth, and chords based on these intervals. Compare dissonance (sense 3)   b an interval or chord producing this sensation

■ consonantal (ˌkɒnsəˈnæntəl)   adj   1 relating to, functioning as, or constituting a consonant, such as the semivowel w in English work   2 consisting of or characterized by consonants: a consonantal cluster   > ˌconsoˈnantally adv

consonous (ˈkɒnsənəs)   adj   obsolete harmonious

consort   vb (kənˈsɔːt)   1 (intr; usually foll by with) to keep company (with undesirable people); associate   2 (intr) to agree or harmonize   3 (tr) rare to combine or unite   ▷ n (ˈkɒnsɔːt)   4 (esp formerly)   a a small group of instruments, either of the same type, such as viols, (a whole consort) or of different types (a broken consort)   b (as modifier): consort music   5 the husband or wife of a reigning monarch   6 a partner or companion, esp a husband or wife   7 a ship that escorts another   8 obsolete   a companionship or association   b agreement or accord [C15: from Old French, from Latin consors sharer, partner, from sors lot, fate, portion]   > conˈsortable adj   > conˈsorter n

■ consortism (ˈkɒnsɔːtIzəm)   n   biology symbiosis

consortium (kənˈsɔːtIəm)   n, pl -tia (-tIə)   1 an association of financiers, companies, etc, esp one formed for a particular purpose   2 law the right of husband or wife to the company, assistance, and affection of his or her spouse [C19: from Latin: community of goods, partnership; see CONSORT]   > conˈsortial adj

conspecific (ˌkɒnspIˈsIfIk)   adj   (of animals or plants) belonging to the same species

conspectuity (ˌkɒnspɛkˈtjuːItI)   n   obsolete vision or sight

conspectus (kənˈspɛktəs)   n   1 an overall view; survey   2 a summary; résumé [C19: from Latin: a viewing, from conspicere to observe, from specere to look]

conspicuous (kənˈspIkjʊəs)   adj   1 clearly visible; obvious or showy   2 attracting attention because of a striking quality or feature: conspicuous stupidity [C16: from Latin conspicuus, from conspicere to perceive; see CONSPECTUS]   > conˈspicuously adv   > conˈspicuousness or conspicuity (ˌkɒnspIˈkjuːItI) n

■ conspicuous consumption   n   spending in a lavish or ostentatious way, esp to impress others with one's wealth

conspire (kənˈspaIə)   vb (when intr, sometimes foll by against)   1 to plan or agree on (a crime or harmful act) together in secret   2 (intr) to act together towards some end as if by design: the elements conspired to spoil our picnic [C14: from Old French conspirer, from Latin conspīrāre to plot together, literally: to breathe together, from spīrāre to breathe]   > conˈspirer n

■ conspiracy (kənˈspIrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a secret plan or agreement to carry out an illegal or harmful act, esp with political motivation; plot   2 the act of making such plans in secret   > conˈspirator n   > conspiratorial (kənˌspIrəˈtɔːrIəl) or conˈspiratory adj   > conˌspiraˈtorially adv

■ conspiracy theory   n   the belief that the government or a covert organization is responsible for an event that is unusual or unexplained, esp when any such involvement is denied

■ conspirant (kənˈspaIrənt)   adj   1 planning a crime or harmful act in secret   ▷ n   2 a conspirator

■ conspiration (ˌkɒnspIˈreIʃəŋ)   n   obsolete a conspiracy

■ conspirational (ˌkɒnspIˈreIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to conspiration

■ conspiratress (kənˈspIrətrIs)   n   a woman who conspires

■ conspiring (kənˈspaIərIŋ)   adj   of or involved in a conspiracy   > conˈspiringly adv

conspue (kənˈspjuː)   vb   (tr) to spit on with contempt

conspurcation (ˌkɒnspəˈkeIʃən)   n   obsolete the act of defiling

const.   abbreviation for   constant

constable (ˈkʌnstəbəl, ˌkɒn-)   n   1 (in Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc) a police officer of the lowest rank   2 any of various officers of the peace, esp one who arrests offenders, serves writs, etc   3 the keeper or governor of a royal castle or fortress   4 (in medieval Europe) the chief military officer and functionary of a royal household, esp in France and England   5 an officer of a hundred in medieval England, originally responsible for raising the military levy but later assigned other administrative duties [C13: from Old French, from Late Latin comes stabulī officer in charge of the stable, from Latin comes comrade + stabulum dwelling, stable; see also COUNT^2]   > ˈconstableˌship n

■ constablewick (ˈkʌnstəbəlˌwIk)   n   history the area of land under the charge of a constable

■ constabulary (kənˈstæbjʊlərI) chiefly Brit   n, pl -laries   1 the police force of a town or district   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to constables, constabularies, or their duties

Constable (ˈkʌnstəbəl)   n   John. 1776–1837, English landscape painter, noted particularly for his skill in rendering atmospheric effects of changing light

Constance (ˈkɒnstəns)   n   1 a city in S Germany, in Baden-Württemberg on Lake Constance: tourist centre. Pop: 80 716 (2003 est). German name: Konstanz   2 Lake Constance a lake in W Europe, bounded by S Germany, W Austria, and N Switzerland, through which the Rhine flows. Area: 536 sq km. (207 sq miles). German name: Bodensee

constant (ˈkɒnstənt)   adj   1 fixed and invariable; unchanging   2 continual or continuous; incessant: constant interruptions   3 resolute in mind, purpose, or affection; loyal   ▷ n   4 something that is permanent or unchanging   5 a specific quantity that is always invariable: the velocity of light is a constant   6    a maths a symbol representing an unspecified number that remains invariable throughout a particular series of operations   b physics a theoretical or experimental quantity or property that is considered invariable throughout a particular series of calculations or experiments   7 See logical constant [C14: from Old French, from Latin constāns standing firm, from constāre to be steadfast, from stāre to stand]   > ˈconstantly adv

■ constancy (ˈkɒnstənsI)   n   1 the quality of having a resolute mind, purpose, or affection; steadfastness   2 freedom from change or variation; stability   3 psychol the perceptual phenomenon in which attributes of an object appear to remain the same in a variety of different presentations, e.g., a given object looks roughly the same size regardless of its distance from the observer   4 ecology the frequency of occurrence of a particular species in sample plots from a plant community

Constant (French kɔ̃stɑ̃)   n   Benjamin (bɛ̃ʒamɛ̃). real name Henri Benjamin Constant de Rebecque. 1767–1830, French writer and politician: author of the psychological novel Adolphe (1816)

Constanţa (Romanian konˈstantsa)   n   a port and resort in SE Romania, on the Black Sea: founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and rebuilt by Constantine the Great (4th century); exports petroleum. Pop: 265 000 (2005 est)

constantan (ˈkɒnstənˌtæn)   n   an alloy of copper (60 per cent) and nickel (40 per cent). It has a high resistivity that does not vary significantly with temperature and is used in resistors and, with copper, in thermocouples [C20: formed from CONSTANT]

Constantia (kɒnˈstænʃə)   n South African   1 a region of the Cape Peninsula   2 any of several red or white wines produced around Constantia

Constantine (ˈkɒnstənˌtaIn; French kɔ̃stɑ̃tin)   n   a walled city in NE Algeria: built on an isolated rock; military and trading centre. Pop: 482 000 (2005 est)

Constantine I (ˈkɒnstənˌtaIn, -ˌtiːn)   n   1  known as Constantine the Great. Latin name Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus. ?280–337 AD, first Christian Roman emperor (306–337): moved his capital to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople (330)   2  1868–1923, king of Greece (1913–17; 1920–22): deposed (1917), recalled by a plebiscite (1920), but forced to abdicate again (1922) after defeat by the Turks

Constantine II   n   official title Constantine XIII. born 1940, king of Greece (1964–73): went into exile when the army seized power in 1967. He was officially deposed in 1973 and Greece became a republic

Constantine VII   n   known as Porphyrogenitus. 905–59 AD, Byzantine emperor (913–59) and scholar: his writings are an important source for Byzantine history

Constantine XI   n   1404–53, last Byzantine emperor (1448–53): killed when Constantinople was captured by the Turks

Constantinople (ˌkɒnstæntIˈnəʊpəl)   n   the former name (330–1926) of Istanbul

constatation (ˌkɒnstəˈteIʃən)   n   1 the process of verification   2 a statement or assertion [C20: from French, from constater to verify, from Latin constat it is certain; see CONSTANT]

constate (kənˈsteIt)   vb (tr)   to affirm

■ constative (kənˈsteItIv)   adj   1 philosophy (of a statement) able to be true or false   2 Greek grammar (of the aorist tense) indicating that an action has occurred   ▷ n   3 philosophy a statement that can be either true or false

constellation (ˌkɒnstIˈleIʃən)   n   1    a any of the 88 groups of stars as seen from the earth and the solar system, many of which were named by the ancient Greeks after animals, objects, or mythological persons   b an area on the celestial sphere containing such a group   2 a gathering of brilliant or famous people or things   3 psychoanal a group of ideas felt to be related [C14: from Late Latin constellātiō, from Latin com- together + stella star]   > ˌconstelˈlational adj   > constellatory (kənˈstɛlətərI, -trI) adj

■ constellate (ˈkɒnstIˌleIt)   vb   to form into clusters in or as if in constellations

consternate (ˈkɒnstəˌneIt)   vb   (tr; usually passive) to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion [C17: from Latin consternāre, from sternere to lay low, spread out]

■ consternation (ˌkɒnstəˈneIʃən)   n   a feeling of anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion

constipate (ˈkɒnstIˌpeIt)   vb   (tr) to cause constipation in [C16: from Latin constīpāre to press closely together, from stīpāre to crowd together]

■ constipated (ˈkɒnstIˌpeItId)   adj   1 suffering from constipation   2 subject to restriction or blockage in a flow of productive activity or creativity

■ constipation (ˌkɒnstIˈpeIʃən)   n   infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels, with hard faeces, caused by functional or organic disorders or improper diet

constituent (kənˈstItjʊənt)   adj (prenominal)   1 forming part of a whole; component   2 having the power to frame a constitution or to constitute a government (esp in the phrases constituent assembly, constituent power)   3 rare electing or having the power to elect   ▷ n   4 a component part; ingredient   5 a resident of a constituency, esp one entitled to vote   6 chiefly law a person who appoints another to act for him or her, as by power of attorney   7 linguistics a word, phrase, or clause forming a part of a larger construction. Compare immediate constituent, ultimate constituent [C17: from Latin constituēns setting up, from constituere to establish, CONSTITUTE]   > conˈstituently adv

■ constituency (kənˈstItjʊənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the whole body of voters who elect one representative to a legislature or all the residents represented by one deputy   2    a a district that sends one representative to a legislature   b (as modifier): constituency organization

constitute (ˈkɒnstIˌtjuːt)   vb (tr)   1 to make up; form; compose: the people who constitute a jury   2 to appoint to an office or function: a legally constituted officer   3 to set up (a school or other institution) formally; found   4 law to give legal form to (a court, assembly, etc)   5 law obsolete to set up or enact (a law) [C15: from Latin constituere, from com- (intensive) + statuere to place]   > ˈconstiˌtuter or ˈconstiˌtutor n

■ constitutive (ˈkɒnstIˌtjuːtIv)   adj   1 having power to enact, appoint, or establish   2 chem (of a physical property) determined by the arrangement of atoms in a molecule rather than by their nature   3 biochem (of an enzyme) formed continuously, irrespective of the cell's needs   4 another word for constituent (sense 1)   > ˈconstiˌtutively adv

constitution (ˌkɒnstIˈtjuːʃən)   n   1 the act of constituting or state of being constituted   2 the way in which a thing is composed; physical make-up; structure   3 the fundamental political principles on which a state is governed, esp when considered as embodying the rights of the subjects of that state   4 (often capital) (in certain countries, esp Australia and the US) a statute embodying such principles   5 a person's state of health   6 a person's disposition of mind; temperament

■ constitutional (ˌkɒnstIˈtjuːʃənəl)   adj   1 denoting, characteristic of, or relating to a constitution   2 authorized by or subject to a constitution   3 of or inherent in the physical make-up or basic nature of a person or thing: a constitutional weakness   4 beneficial to one's general physical wellbeing   ▷ n   5 a regular walk taken for the benefit of one's health   > ˌconstiˈtutionally adv

■ constitutionalism (ˌkɒnstIˈtjuːʃənəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the principles, spirit, or system of government in accord with a constitution, esp a written constitution   2 adherence to or advocacy of such a system or such principles   > ˌconstiˈtutionalist n

■ constitutionality (ˌkɒnstIˌtjuːʃəˈnælItI)   n   the quality or state of being in accord with a constitution

■ constitutionalize or constitutionalise (ˌkɒnstIˈtjuːənəˌlaIz)   vb (tr) politics   1 to provide with a constitution   2 to incorporate (something) into a constitution

■ constitutional monarchy   n   a monarchy governed according to a constitution that limits and defines the powers of the sovereign. Also called: limited monarchy

■ constitutional psychology   n   a school of thought postulating that the personality of an individual is dependent on the type of his or her physique (somatotype)

■ constitutional strike   n   a stoppage of work by the workforce of an organization, with the approval of the trade union concerned, in accordance with the dispute procedure laid down in a collective agreement between the parties

■ constitutionist (ˌkɒnstIˈtjuːʃənIst)   n   a constitutionalist

constrain (kənˈstreIn)   vb (tr)   1 to compel or force, esp by persuasion, circumstances, etc; oblige   2 to restrain by or as if by force; confine [C14: from Old French constreindre, from Latin constringere to bind together, from stringere to bind]   > conˈstrainer n

■ constrainable (kənˈstreInəbəl)   adj   able to be constrained

■ constrained (kənˈstreInd)   adj   embarrassed, unnatural, or forced: a constrained smile   > constrainedly (kənˈstreInIdlI) adv

■ constraint (kənˈstreInt)   n   1 compulsion, force, or restraint   2 repression or control of natural feelings or impulses   3 a forced unnatural manner; inhibition   4 something that serves to constrain; restrictive condition: social constraints kept him silent   5 linguistics any very general restriction on a sentence formation rule

constrict (kənˈstrIkt)   vb (tr)   1 to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place   2 to hold in or inhibit; limit [C18: from Latin constrictus compressed, from constringere to tie up together; see CONSTRAIN]

■ constricted (kənˈstrIktId)   adj   1 narrowed   2 inhibited; limited

■ constricting (kənˈstrIktIŋ)   adj   1 inhibiting; limiting   2 (of a garment) tight

■ constriction (kənˈstrIkʃən)   n   1 a feeling of tightness in some part of the body, such as the chest   2 the act of constricting or condition of being constricted   3 something that is constricted   4 genetics a localized narrow region of a chromosome, esp at the centromere   > conˈstrictive adj   > conˈstrictively adv   > conˈstrictiveness n

■ constrictor (kənˈstrIktə)   n   1 any of various nonvenomous snakes, such as the pythons, boas, and anaconda, that coil around and squeeze their prey to kill it   2 any muscle that constricts or narrows a canal or passage; sphincter   3 a person or thing that constricts

constringe (kənˈstrIndʒ)   vb   (tr) rare to shrink or contract [C17: from Latin constringere to bind together; see CONSTRAIN]   > conˈstringency n   > conˈstringent adj

■ constringence (kənˈstrIndʒəns)   n   physics inverse of the dispersive power of a medium

construct   vb (kənˈstrʌkt) (tr)   1 to put together substances or parts, esp systematically, in order to make or build (a building, bridge, etc); assemble   2 to compose or frame mentally (an argument, sentence, etc)   3 geometry to draw (a line, angle, or figure) so that certain requirements are satisfied   ▷ n (ˈkɒnstrʌkt)   4 something formulated or built systematically   5 a complex idea resulting from a synthesis of simpler ideas   6 psychol a model devised on the basis of observation, designed to relate what is observed to some theoretical framework [C17: from Latin constructus piled up, from construere to heap together, build, from struere to arrange, erect]   > conˈstructible adj   > conˈstructor or conˈstructer n

■ constructable (kənˈstrʌktəbəl)   adj   a variant spelling of constructible

■ construction (kənˈstrʌkʃən)   n   1 the process or act of constructing or manner in which a thing is constructed   2 the thing constructed; a structure   3    a the business or work of building dwellings, offices, etc   b (as modifier): a construction site   4 an interpretation or explanation of a law, text, action, etc: they put a sympathetic construction on her behaviour   5 grammar a group of words that together make up one of the constituents into which a sentence may be analysed; a phrase or clause   6 geometry a drawing of a line, angle, or figure satisfying certain conditions, used in solving a problem or proving a theorem   7 an abstract work of art in three dimensions or relief. See also constructivism (sense 1)   > conˈstructional adj   > conˈstructionally adv

■ constructionism (kənˈstrʌkʃənIzəm)   n   1 an educational theory holding that children learn most effectively when actively doing, or constructing, things, rather than being taught information in a traditional schooling method   2 sociol the theory that beliefs are constructed socially or culturally

■ constructionist (kənˈstrʌkʃənIst)   n   US a person who interprets constitutional law in a certain way, esp strictly

■ constructive (kənˈstrʌktIv)   adj   1 serving to build or improve; positive: constructive criticism   2 law deduced by inference or construction; not expressed but inferred   3 law having a deemed legal effect: constructive notice   4 another word for structural   > conˈstructively adv   > conˈstructiveness n

■ constructive dismissal   n   a course of action taken by an employer that is detrimental to an employee and designed to leave the employee with no option but to resign

■ constructivism (kənˈstrʌktIˌvIzəm)   n   1 a movement in abstract art evolved in Russia after World War I, primarily by Naum Gabo, which explored the use of movement and machine-age materials in sculpture and had considerable influence on modern art and architecture   2 philosophy the theory that mathematical entities do not exist independently of our construction of them. Compare intuitionism (sense 4), finitism   > conˈstructivist adj, n

■ constructure (kɒnˈstrʌktʃə)   n   obsolete a construction

construe (kənˈstruː)   vb -strues, -struing, -strued (mainly tr)   1 to interpret the meaning of (something): you can construe that in different ways   2 (may take a clause as object) to discover by inference; deduce   3 to analyse the grammatical structure of; parse (esp a Latin or Greek text as a preliminary to translation)   4 to combine (words) syntactically   5 (also intr) old-fashioned to translate literally, esp aloud as an academic exercise   ▷ n   6 old-fashioned something that is construed, such as a piece of translation [C14: from Latin construere to pile up; see CONSTRUCT]   > conˈstruable adj   > conˌstruaˈbility n   > conˈstruer n

■ construal (kənˈstruːəl)   n   an act of construing

constuprate (ˈkɒnstjʊˌpreIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to rape or violate

■ constupration (ˌkɒnstjʊˈpreIʃən)   n   obsolete the act of raping or violating

consubsist (ˌkɒnsʌbˈsIst)   vb (intr)   to subsist together

consubstantial (ˌkɒnsəbˈstænʃəl)   adj   Christian theol (esp of the three persons of the Trinity) regarded as identical in substance or essence though different in aspect [C15: from Church Latin consubstāntiālis, from Latin COM- + substantia SUBSTANCE]   > ˌconsubˌstantiˈality n   > ˌconsubˈstantially adv

consubstantiate (ˌkɒnsəbˈstænʃIˌeIt)   vb   (intr) Christian theol (of the Eucharistic bread and wine and Christ's body and blood) to undergo consubstantiation

■ consubstantiation (ˌkɒnsəbˌstænʃIˈeIʃən)   n Christian theol (in the belief of High-Church Anglicans)   1 the doctrine that after the consecration of the Eucharist the substance of the body and blood of Christ coexists within the substance of the consecrated bread and wine   2 the mystical process by which this is believed to take place during consecration   ▶ Compare transubstantiation

consuetude (ˈkɒnswIˌtjuːd)   n   an established custom or usage, esp one having legal force [C14: from Latin consuētūdō, from consuēscere to accustom, from CON- + suēscere to be wont]   > ˌconsueˈtudinary adj

consul (ˈkɒnsəl)   n   1 an official appointed by a sovereign state to protect its commercial interests and aid its citizens in a foreign city   2 (in ancient Rome) either of two annually elected magistrates who jointly exercised the highest authority in the republic   3 (in France from 1799 to 1804) any of the three chief magistrates of the First Republic [C14: from Latin, from consulere to CONSULT]   > consular (ˈkɒnsjʊlə) adj   > ˈconsulˌship n

■ consulage (ˈkɒnsəlIdʒ)   n   history a duty paid by merchants for a consul's protection of their goods while abroad

■ consular agent   n   a consul of one of the lower grades

■ consulate (ˈkɒnsjʊlIt)   n   1 the business premises or residence of a consul   2 government by consuls   3 the office or period of office of a consul or consuls   4 (often capital)   a the government of France by the three consuls from 1799 to 1804   b this period of French history   5 (often capital)   a the consular government of the Roman republic   b the office or rank of a Roman consul

■ consul general   n, pl consuls general   a consul of the highest grade, usually stationed in a city of considerable commercial importance

consult (kənˈsʌlt)   vb   1 (when intr, often foll by with) to ask advice from (someone); confer with (someone)   2 (tr) to refer to for information: to consult a map   3 (tr) to have regard for (a person's feelings, interests, etc) in making decisions or plans; consider   4 (intr) to make oneself available to give professional advice, esp at scheduled times and for a fee [C17: from French consulter, from Latin consultāre to reflect, take counsel, from consulere to consult]   > conˈsultable adj   > conˈsulter or conˈsultor n

■ consulta (kɒnˈsuːltɑː)   n   an official meeting or consultation

■ consultant (kənˈsʌltənt)   n   1    a a senior physician, esp a specialist, who is asked to confirm a diagnosis or treatment or to provide an opinion   b a physician or surgeon holding the highest appointment in a particular branch of medicine or surgery in a hospital   2 a specialist who gives expert advice or information   3 a person who asks advice in a consultation   > conˈsultancy n

■ consultant nurse   n   (in Britain) another name for supernurse

■ consultantship (kənˈsʌltəntˌʃIp)   n   the office or function of a consultant

■ consultation (ˌkɒnsəlˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or procedure of consulting   2 a conference for discussion or the seeking of advice, esp from doctors or lawyers

■ consultative (kənˈsʌltətIv), consultatory (kənˈsʌltətərI, -trI) or consultive (kənˈsʌltIv)   adj   available for, relating to, or involving consultation; advisory   > conˈsultatively adv

■ consultee (kɒnsʌlˈtiː)   n   a person or organization that is consulted

■ consulting (kənˈsʌltIŋ)   adj   (prenominal) acting in an advisory capacity on professional matters: a consulting engineer

■ consulting room   n   a room in which a doctor, esp a general practitioner, sees patients

■ consultory (kənˈsʌltərI)   adj   obsolete consultative

consume (kənˈsjuːm)   vb   1 (tr) to eat or drink   2 (tr; often passive) to engross or obsess   3 (tr) to use up; expend: my car consumes little oil   4 to destroy or be destroyed by burning, decomposition, etc: fire consumed the forest   5 (tr) to waste or squander: the time consumed on that project was excessive   6 (passive) to waste away [C14: from Latin consūmere to devour, from com- (intensive) + sūmere to take up, from emere to take, purchase]   > conˈsuming adj   > conˈsumingly adv

■ consumable (kənˈsjuːməbəl)   adj   1 capable of being consumed   ▷ n   2 (usually plural) goods intended to be bought and used; consumer goods

■ consumedly (kənˈsjuːmIdlI)   adv   old-fashioned (intensifier): a consumedly fascinating performance

■ consumer (kənˈsjuːmə)   n   1 a person who acquires goods and services for his or her own personal needs. Compare producer (sense 6)   2 a person or thing that consumes   3 (usually plural) ecology an organism, esp an animal, within a community that feeds upon plants or other animals. See also decomposer, producer (sense 8)

■ consumer durable   n   a manufactured product that has a relatively long useful life, such as a car or a television

■ consumer goods   pl n   goods that satisfy personal needs rather than those required for the production of other goods or services. Compare capital goods

■ consumerism (kənˈsjuːməˌrIzəm)   n   1 protection of the interests of consumers   2 advocacy of a high rate of consumption and spending as a basis for a sound economy   > conˈsumerist n, adj

■ consumeristic (kənˌsjuːməˈrIstIk)   adj   characterized by consumerism

■ consumership (kənˈsjuːməʃIp)   n   the state of being a consumer

■ consumer terrorism   n   the practice of introducing dangerous substances to foodstuffs or other consumer products, esp to extort money from the manufacturers

consummate   vb (ˈkɒnsəˌmeIt) (tr)   1 to bring to completion or perfection; fulfil   2 to complete (a marriage) legally by sexual intercourse   ▷ adj (kənˈsʌmIt, ˈkɒnsəmIt)   3 accomplished or supremely skilled: a consummate artist   4 (prenominal) (intensifier): a consummate fool [C15: from Latin consummāre to complete, from summus highest, utmost]   > conˈsummately adv   > ˌconsumˈmation n   > ˈconsumˌmative or consummatory (kənˈsʌmətərI) adj   > ˈconsumˌmator n

■ consummatory behaviour   n   psychol any behaviour that leads directly to the satisfaction of an innate drive, e.g. eating or drinking

consumpt (kənˈsʌmpt)   n   Scot expenditure on goods and services for personal use

consumption (kənˈsʌmpʃən)   n   1 the act of consuming or the state of being consumed, esp by eating, burning, etc   2 economics expenditure on goods and services for final personal use   3 the quantity consumed   4 pathol a condition characterized by a wasting away of the tissues of the body, esp as seen in tuberculosis of the lungs [C14: from Latin consumptiō a wasting, from consūmere to CONSUME]

■ consumptive (kənˈsʌmptIv)   adj   1 causing consumption; wasteful; destructive   2 pathol relating to or affected with consumption, esp tuberculosis of the lungs   ▷ n   3 pathol a person who suffers from consumption   > conˈsumptively adv   > conˈsumptiveness or consumptivity (ˌkɒnsʌmpˈtIvItI) n

cont.   abbreviation for   continued

contabescent (ˌkɒntəˈbɛsənt)   adj   1 botany unable to produce pollen   2 obsolete characterized by decay

■ contabescence (ˌkɒntəˈbɛsəns)   n   1 botany (of an anther) the condition of being unable to produce pollen   2 obsolete the act of decaying

contact   n (ˈkɒntækt)   1 the act or state of touching physically   2 the state or fact of close association or communication (esp in the phrases in contact, make contact)   3    a a junction of two or more electrical conductors   b the part of the conductors that makes the junction   c the part of an electrical device to which such connections are made   4 an acquaintance, esp one who might be useful in business, as a means of introduction, etc   5 any person who has been exposed to a contagious disease   6 photog See contact print   7 (usually plural) an informal name for contact lens   8 (modifier) of or relating to irritation or inflammation of the skin caused by touching the causative agent: contact dermatitis   9 (modifier) denoting an insecticide or herbicide that kills on contact, rather than after ingestion or absorption   10 (modifier) of or maintaining contact   11 (modifier) requiring or involving (physical) contact: the contact sport of boxing   ▷ vb (ˈkɒntækt, kənˈtækt)   12 (when intr, often foll by with) to put, come, or be in association, touch, or communication   ▷ interj   13 aeronautics (formerly) a call made by the pilot to indicate that an aircraft's ignition is switched on and that the engine is ready for starting by swinging the propeller [C17: from Latin contactus, from contingere to touch on all sides, pollute, from tangere to touch]   > contactual (kɒnˈtæktjʊəl) adj   > conˈtactually adv

■ contactable (kɒnˈtæktəbəl)   adj   able to be communicated with: the manager is not contactable at the moment

■ contact centre   n   another name for call centre

■ contactee (ˌkɒntækˈtiː)   n   a person who claims to have been contacted by aliens

■ contact flight   n   1 a flight in which the pilot remains in sight of land or water   2 air navigation by observation of prominent landmarks, beacons, etc

■ contact high   n   a state of altered consciousness caused by inhaling the drugs other people are smoking

■ contact lens   n   a thin convex lens, usually of plastic, which floats on the layer of tears in front of the cornea to correct defects of vision

■ contactless (ˈkɒntæktlIs)   adj   1 without contacts   2 referring to payment systems which use RFID technology and do not require the customer's signature or pin number

■ contact magazine   n   a magazine in which to place adverts to make contacts, esp sexual ones

■ contact man   n   an intermediary or go-between

■ contactor (kɒnˈtæktə)   n   a type of switch for repeatedly opening and closing an electric circuit. Its operation can be mechanical, electromagnetic, or pneumatic

■ contact print   n   a photographic print made by exposing the printing paper through a negative placed directly onto it

contadino (ˌkɒntɑːˈdiːnəʊ)   n, pl contadini, contadinos   (in Italy) a male farmer or peasant

■ contadina (ˌkɒntɑːˈdiːnɑː)   n, pl contadine, contadinas   (in Italy) a female farmer or peasant

contagion (kənˈteIdʒən)   n   1 the transmission of disease from one person to another by direct or indirect contact   2 a contagious disease   3 another name for contagium   4 a corrupting or harmful influence that tends to spread; pollutant   5 the spreading of an emotional or mental state among a number of people: the contagion of mirth [C14: from Latin contāgiō a touching, infection, from contingere; see CONTACT]

■ contagionist (kənˈteIdʒənIst)   n   obsolete a person who, before conclusive proof is available, maintains that certain diseases are contagious

contagious (kənˈteIdʒəs)   adj   1 (of a disease) capable of being passed on by direct contact with a diseased individual or by handling clothing, etc, contaminated with the causative agent. Compare infectious   2 (of an organism) harbouring or spreading the causative agent of a transmissible disease   3 causing or likely to cause the same reaction or emotion in several people; catching; infectious: her laughter was contagious   > conˈtagiously adv   > conˈtagiousness n

■ contagious abortion   n   another name for brucellosis

■ contagious ecthyma   n   the technical name for orf

■ contagious stomatitis   n   another name for foot-and-mouth disease

contagium (kənˈteIdʒIəm)   n, pl -gia (-dʒIə)   pathol the specific virus or other direct cause of any infectious disease [C17: from Latin, variant of contāgiō CONTAGION]

contain (kənˈteIn)   vb (tr)   1 to hold or be capable of holding or including within a fixed limit or area: this contains five pints   2 to keep (one's feelings, behaviour, etc) within bounds; restrain   3 to consist of; comprise: the book contains three different sections   4 military to prevent (enemy forces) from operating beyond a certain level or area   5 maths   a to be a multiple of, leaving no remainder: 6 contains 2 and 3   b to have as a subset [C13: from Old French contenir, from Latin continēre, from com- together + tenēre to hold]   > conˈtainable adj

■ contained (kənˈteInd)   adj   kept from going beyond certain limits; confined

■ container (kənˈteInə)   n   1 an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc   2    a a large cargo-carrying standard-sized container that can be loaded from one mode of transport to another   b (as modifier): a container port; a container ship

■ containerboard (kənˈteInəˌbɔːd)   n   a form of paperboard, either corrugated or solid, that is used to make containers

■ container garden   n   a collection of pots or other receptacles containing soil for growing plants out of doors   > container gardening n

■ containerize or containerise (kənˈteInəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to convey (cargo) in standard-sized containers   2 to adapt (a port or transportation system) to the use of standard-sized containers   > conˌtaineriˈzation or conˌtaineriˈsation n

■ containerless (kənˈteInəlIs)   adj   having no container

■ containment (kənˈteInmənt)   n   1 the act or condition of containing, esp of restraining the ideological or political power of a hostile country or the operations of a hostile military force   2 (from 1947 to the mid-1970s) a principle of US foreign policy that sought to prevent the expansion of Communist power   3 Also called: confinement physics the process of preventing the plasma in a controlled thermonuclear reactor from reaching the walls of the reaction vessel, usually by confining it within a configuration of magnetic fields. See magnetic bottle

contaminate   vb (kənˈtæmIˌneIt) (tr)   1 to make impure, esp by touching or mixing; pollute   2 to make radioactive by the addition of radioactive material   ▷ adj (kənˈtæmInIt, -ˌneIt)   3 archaic contaminated [C15: from Latin contamināre to defile; related to Latin contingere to touch]   > conˈtaminable adj   > conˈtaminant n   > conˈtaminative adj   > conˈtamiˌnator n

■ contaminated (kənˈtæmIneItId)   adj   made impure by the addition of a harmful or undesirable substance

■ contamination (kənˌtæmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of contaminating or the state of being contaminated   2 something that contaminates   3 linguistics the process by which one word or phrase is altered because of mistaken associations with another word or phrase; for example, the substitution of irregardless for regardless by association with such words as irrespective

contango (kənˈtæŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   1 (formerly, on the London Stock Exchange) postponement of payment for and delivery of stock from one account day to the next   2 Also called: carry-over, continuation the fee paid for such a postponement. Compare backwardation   ▷ vb -goes, -going, -goed   3 (tr) to arrange such a postponement of payment (for): my brokers will contango these shares [C19: apparently an arbitrary coinage based on CONTINUE]

contd   abbreviation for   continued

conte French (kɔ̃t)   n   a tale or short story, esp of adventure

Conté (ˈkɒnteI; French kɔ̃te)   n   trademark a hard crayon used by artists, etc, made of clay and graphite and often coloured a reddish-brown. Also called: conté-crayon [C19: named after N.J. Conté, 18th-century French chemist]

conteck (ˈkɒntɛk)   n   obsolete contention or strife

contemn (kənˈtɛm)   vb   (tr) formal to treat or regard with contempt; scorn [C15: from Latin contemnere, from temnere to slight]   > contemner or contemnor (kənˈtɛmnə, -ˈtɛmə) n   > contemnible (kənˈtɛmnIbəl) adj   > conˈtemnibly adv

contemper (kənˈtɛmpə)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to temper (something) by mixing with something of a different nature   2 to adapt (something) by tempering   3 to mix (separate things) together

■ contemperation (kənˌtɛmpəˈreIʃən)   n   obsolete the act of contempering

■ contemperature (kənˈtɛmprItʃə)   n obsolete   1 the action of mixing together harmoniously or proportionately   2 a harmonious mixture

contemplate (ˈkɒntɛmˌpleIt, -təm-)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to think about intently and at length; consider calmly   2 (intr) to think intently and at length, esp for spiritual reasons; meditate   3 to look at thoughtfully; observe pensively   4 to have in mind as a possibility: to contemplate changing jobs [C16: from Latin contemplāre, from templum TEMPLE^1]   > ˈcontemˌplator n

■ contemplable (kənˈtɛmpləbəl)   adj   able to be contemplated

■ contemplant (kənˈtɛmplənt)   adj   1 absorbed in contemplation   ▷ n   2 obsolete a contemplator

■ contemplation (ˌkɒntɛmˈpleIʃən, -təm-)   n   1 thoughtful or long consideration or observation   2 spiritual meditation, esp (in Christian religious practice) concentration of the mind and soul upon God. Compare meditation   3 purpose or intention

■ contemplatist (kənˈtɛmplətIst)   n   obsolete a contemplator

■ contemplative (ˈkɒntɛmˌpleItIv, -təm-, kənˈtɛmplə-)   adj   1 denoting, concerned with, or inclined to contemplation; meditative   ▷ n   2 a person dedicated to religious contemplation or to a way of life conducive to this   > ˈcontemˌplatively adv   > ˈcontemˌplativeness n

contempo (kənˈtɛmpəʊ)   adj   informal contemporary

contemporary (kənˈtɛmprərI)   adj   1 belonging to the same age; living or occurring in the same period of time   2 existing or occurring at the present time   3 conforming to modern or current ideas in style, fashion, design, etc   4 having approximately the same age as one another   ▷ n, pl -raries   5 a person living at the same time or of approximately the same age as another   6 something that is contemporary   7 journalism a rival newspaper [C17: from Medieval Latin contemporārius, from Latin com- together + temporārius relating to time, from tempus time]   > conˈtemporarily adv   > conˈtemporariness n

USAGE

Since contemporary can mean either of the same period or of the present period, it is best to avoid this word where ambiguity might arise, as in a production of Othello in contemporary dress. Modern dress or Elizabethan dress should be used in this example to avoid ambiguity

■ contemporanean (kənˌtɛmpəˈreInIən) obsolete   adj   1 contemporary   ▷ n   2 a contemporary

■ contemporaneous (kənˌtɛmpəˈreInIəs)   adj   existing, beginning, or occurring in the same period of time   > contemporaneity (kənˌtɛmpərəˈniːItI) or conˌtempoˈraneousness n   > conˌtempoˈraneously adv

■ contemporize or contemporise (kənˈtɛmpəˌraIz)   vb   to be or make contemporary; synchronize

contempt (kənˈtɛmpt)   n   1 the attitude or feeling of a person towards a person or thing that he or she considers worthless or despicable; scorn   2 the state of being scorned; disgrace (esp in the phrase hold in contempt)   3 wilful disregard of or disrespect for the authority of a court of law or legislative body: contempt of court [C14: from Latin contemptus a despising, from contemnere to CONTEMN]

■ contemptible (kənˈtɛmptəbəl)   adj   deserving or worthy of contempt; despicable   > conˌtemptiˈbility or conˈtemptibleness n   > conˈtemptibly adv

■ contemptuous (kənˈtɛmptjʊəs)   adj   (when predicative, often foll by of) showing or feeling contempt; disdainful   > conˈtemptuously adv   > conˈtemptuousness n

contend (kənˈtɛnd)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by with) to struggle in rivalry, battle, etc; vie   2 to argue earnestly; debate   3 (tr; may take a clause as object) to assert or maintain [C15: from Latin contendere to strive, from com- with + tendere to stretch, aim]   > conˈtender n   > conˈtendingly adv

■ contendent (kənˈtɛndənt)   n   obsolete a contender

■ contending (kənˈtɛndIŋ)   adj   competing; opposed

contenement (kənˈtɛnImənt)   n   obsolete a holding or a property that must be held by a freeman in order to maintain his station

content^1 (ˈkɒntɛnt)   n   1 (often plural) everything that is inside a container: the contents of a box   2 (usually plural)   a the chapters or divisions of a book   b a list, printed at the front of a book, of chapters or divisions together with the number of the first page of each   3 all that is contained or dealt with in a discussion, piece of writing, etc; substance   4 the information, material, etc presented on a website or other digital medium   5 the meaning or significance of a poem, painting, or other work of art, as distinguished from its style or form   6 the capacity or size of a thing   7 the proportion of a substance contained in an alloy, mixture, etc: the lead content of petrol [C15: from Latin contentus contained, from continēre to CONTAIN]

■ content-addressable storage   n   computing another name for associative storage

■ content curation   n   the selection, organization, and presentation of (usually) online material, either manually or by a computer program

■ contentless (ˈkɒntɛntlIs)   adj   having no content or meaning

■ content word (ˈkɒntɛnt)   n   a word to which an independent meaning can be given by reference to a world outside any sentence in which the word may occur. Compare function word, lexical meaning

content^2 (kənˈtɛnt)   adj (postpositive)   1 mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are   2 assenting to or willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make (oneself or another person) content or satisfied: to content oneself with property   ▷ n   4 peace of mind; mental or emotional satisfaction   ▷ interj   5 Brit (in the House of Lords) a formal expression of assent, as opposed to the expression not content [C14: from Old French, from Latin contentus contented, that is, having restrained desires, from continēre to restrain]   > conˈtently adv   > conˈtentment n

■ contentation (kɒntɛnˈteIʃən)   n   obsolete satisfaction

■ contented (kənˈtɛntId)   adj   accepting one's situation or life with equanimity and satisfaction   > conˈtentedly adv   > conˈtentedness n

contention (kənˈtɛnʃən)   n   1 a struggling between opponents; competition   2 dispute in an argument (esp in the phrase bone of contention)   3 a point asserted in argument [C14: from Latin contentiō exertion, from contendere to CONTEND]

contentious (kənˈtɛnʃəs)   adj   1 tending to argue or quarrel   2 causing or characterized by dispute; controversial   3 law relating to a cause or legal business that is contested, esp a probate matter   > conˈtentiously adv   > conˈtentiousness n

conterminant (kənˈtɜːmInənt)   adj   obsolete enclosed within a common boundary

conterminate (kənˈtɜːmInIt)   adj   conterminous

conterminous (kənˈtɜːmInəs), conterminal (kənˈtɜːmInəl) or coterminous (kəʊˈtɜːmInəs)   adj   1 enclosed within a common boundary   2 meeting at the ends; without a break or interruption [C17: from Latin conterminus, from CON- + terminus end, boundary]   > conˈterminously, conˈterminally or coˈterminously adv

contessa (kənˈtɛsə)   n   an Italian countess

contesseration (kənˌtɛsəˈreIʃən)   n   obsolete the act of forging a friendship or union

contest   n (ˈkɒntɛst)   1 a formal game or match in which two or more people, teams, etc, compete and attempt to win   2 a struggle for victory between opposing forces or interests   ▷ vb (kənˈtɛst)   3 (tr) to try to disprove; call in question   4 (when intr, foll by with or against) to fight, dispute, or contend (with): contest an election [C16: from Latin contestārī to introduce a lawsuit, from testis witness]   > conˈtestable adj   > conˈtestableness or conˌtestaˈbility n   > conˈtestably adv   > ˌcontesˈtation n   > conˈtester n   > conˈtestingly adv

■ contestant (kənˈtɛstənt)   n   a person who takes part in a contest; competitor

■ contested (kənˈtɛstId)   adj   causing dispute or argument: a hotly contested issue

context (ˈkɒntɛkst)   n   1 the parts of a piece of writing, speech, etc, that precede and follow a word or passage and contribute to its full meaning: it is unfair to quote out of context   2 the conditions and circumstances that are relevant to an event, fact, etc [C15: from Latin contextus a putting together, from contexere to interweave, from com- together + texere to weave, braid]

■ contextless (ˈkɒntɛkstlIs)   adj   having no context

■ context-sensitive   adj   computing behaving, responding, or interpreted differently depending on context

■ contextual (kənˈtɛkstjʊəl)   adj   relating to, dependent on, or using context: contextual criticism of a book   > conˈtextually adv

■ contextualize or contextualise (kənˈtɛkstjʊəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to state the social, grammatical, or other context of; put into context

■ contexture (kənˈtɛkstʃə)   n   1 the fact, process, or manner of weaving or of being woven together   2 the arrangement of assembled parts; structure   3 an interwoven structure; fabric   > conˈtextural adj

conticent (kɒnˈtaIsənt)   adj   silent

contignation (ˌkɒntIɡˈneIʃən)   n archaic   1 a structure, esp a floor, formed by the joining together of long pieces of wood   2 the act of joining timbers together

contiguous (kənˈtIɡjʊəs)   adj   1 touching along the side or boundary; in contact   2 physically adjacent; neighbouring   3 preceding or following in time [C17: from Latin contiguus, from contingere to touch; see CONTACT]   > contiguity (ˌkɒntIˈɡjuːItI) or conˈtiguousness n   > conˈtiguously adv

continent^1 (ˈkɒntInənt)   n   1 one of the earth's large land masses (Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, and Antarctica)   2 any of the seven large areas into which the earth is conventionally divided (Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, Oceania, and Antarctica)   3 that part of the earth's crust that rises above the oceans and is composed of sialic rocks. Including the continental shelves, the continents occupy 30 per cent of the earth's surface   4 obsolete   a mainland as opposed to islands   b a continuous extent of land [C16: from the Latin phrase terra continens continuous land, from continēre; see CONTAIN]   > continental (ˌkɒntIˈnɛntəl) adj   > ˌcontiˈnentally adv

■ Continent (ˈkɒntInənt)   n   the Continent the mainland of Europe as distinguished from the British Isles

■ Continental (ˌkɒntIˈnɛntəl)   adj   1 of or characteristic of Europe, excluding the British Isles   2 of or relating to the 13 original British North American colonies during and immediately after the War of American Independence   ▷ n   3 (sometimes not capital) an inhabitant of Europe, excluding the British Isles   4 a regular soldier of the rebel army during the War of American Independence   5 US history a currency note issued by the Continental Congress   > ˌContiˈnentalˌism n   > ˌContiˈnentalist n

■ continental breakfast   n   a light breakfast of coffee and rolls

■ continental climate   n   a climate characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and little rainfall, typical of the interior of a continent

■ Continental Congress   n   the assembly of delegates from the North American rebel colonies held during and after the War of American Independence. It issued the Declaration of Independence (1776) and framed the Articles of Confederation (1777)

■ continental crust   n   geology that part of the earth's crust that underlies the continents and continental shelves

■ continental divide   n   the watershed of a continent, esp (often caps.) the principal watershed of North America, formed by the Rocky Mountains

■ continental drift   n   geology the theory that the earth's continents move gradually over the surface of the planet on a substratum of magma. The present-day configuration of the continents is thought to be the result of the fragmentation of a single landmass, Pangaea, that existed 200 million years ago. See also plate tectonics

■ continental quilt   n   Brit a quilt, stuffed with down or a synthetic material and containing pockets of air, used as a bed cover in place of the top sheet and blankets. Also called: duvet, (Austral) doona

■ continental shelf   n   the sea bed surrounding a continent at depths of up to about 200 metres (100 fathoms), at the edge of which the continental slope drops steeply to the ocean floor

■ Continental System   n   the Continental System Napoleon's plan in 1806 to blockade Britain by excluding her ships from ports on the mainland of Europe

continent^2 (ˈkɒntInənt)   adj   1 able to control urination and defecation   2 exercising self-restraint, esp from sexual activity; chaste [C14: from Latin continent-, present participle of continēre; see CONTAIN]   > ˈcontinence or ˈcontinency n   > ˈcontinently adv

contingent (kənˈtIndʒənt)   adj   1 (when postpositive, often foll by on or upon) dependent on events, conditions, etc, not yet known; conditional   2 logic (of a proposition) true under certain conditions, false under others; not necessary   3 (in systemic grammar) denoting contingency (sense 4)   4 metaphysics (of some being) existing only as a matter of fact; not necessarily existing   5 happening by chance or without known cause; accidental   6 that may or may not happen; uncertain   ▷ n   7 a part of a military force, parade, etc   8 a representative group distinguished by common origin, interests, etc, that is part of a larger group or gathering   9 a possible or chance occurrence [C14: from Latin contingere to touch, fall to one's lot, befall; see also CONTACT]   > conˈtingently adv

■ contingence (kənˈtIndʒəns)   n   1 the state of touching or being in contact   2 another word for contingency

■ contingency (kənˈtIndʒənsI)   n, pl -cies   1    a a possible but not very likely future event or condition; eventuality   b (as modifier): a contingency plan   2 something dependent on a possible future event   3 a fact, event, etc, incidental to or dependent on something else   4 (in systemic grammar)   a modification of the meaning of a main clause by use of a bound clause introduced by a binder such as if, when, though, or since. Compare adding (sense 3)   b (as modifier): a contingency clause   5 logic   a the state of being contingent   b a contingent statement   6 dependence on chance; uncertainty   7 statistics   a the degree of association between theoretical and observed common frequencies of two graded or classified variables. It is measured by the chi-square test   b (as modifier): a contingency table; the contingency coefficient

■ contingency fee   n   a lawyer's fee that only becomes payable if the case is successful

■ contingency table   n   statistics an array having the frequency of occurrence of certain events in each of a number of samples

continue (kənˈtInjuː)   vb -ues, -uing, -ued   1 (when tr, may take an infinitive) to remain or cause to remain in a particular condition, capacity, or place   2 (when tr, may take an infinitive) to carry on uninterruptedly (a course of action); persist in (something): he continued running   3 (when tr, may take an infinitive) to resume after an interruption: we'll continue after lunch   4 to draw out or be drawn out; prolong or be prolonged: continue the chord until it meets the tangent   5 (tr) law, chiefly Scot to postpone or adjourn (legal proceedings) [C14: from Old French continuer, from Latin continuāre to join together, from continuus CONTINUOUS]   > conˈtinuable adj   > conˈtinuer n   > conˈtinuingly adv

■ continual (kənˈtInjʊəl)   adj   1 recurring frequently, esp at regular intervals   2 occurring without interruption; continuous in time [C14: from Old French continuel, from Latin continuus uninterrupted, from continēre to hold together, CONTAIN]   > conˌtinuˈality or conˈtinualness n   > conˈtinually adv

■ continuance (kənˈtInjʊəns)   n   1 the act or state of continuing   2 the duration of an action, condition, etc   3 US the postponement or adjournment of a legal proceeding

■ continuant (kənˈtInjʊənt) phonetics   n   1 a speech sound, such as (l), (r), (f), or (s), in which the closure of the vocal tract is incomplete, allowing the continuous passage of the breath   ▷ adj   2 relating to or denoting a continuant

■ continuate (kənˈtInjʊˌeIt)   adj obsolete   1 continuous   2 lasting for a long time

■ continuation (kənˌtInjʊˈeIʃən)   n   1 a part or thing added, esp to a book or play, that serves to continue or extend; sequel   2 a renewal of an interrupted action, process, etc; resumption   3 the act or fact of continuing without interruption; prolongation   4 another word for contango (sense 1), contango (sense 2)

■ continuative (kənˈtInjʊətIv)   adj   1 serving or tending to continue   2 grammar   a (of any word, phrase, or clause) expressing continuation   b (of verbs) another word for progressive (sense 8)   ▷ n   3 a continuative word, phrase, or clause   > conˈtinuatively adv

■ continuator (kənˈtInjʊˌeItə)   n   a person who continues something, esp the work of someone else

■ continued (kənˈtInjuːd)   adj   continuing; not having stopped

■ continued fraction   n   a number plus a fraction whose denominator contains a number and a fraction whose denominator contains a number and a fraction, and so on

■ continuedly (kənˈtInjuːdlI)   adv   in a continued manner

■ continuedness (kənˈtInjuːdnəs)   n   the state of being continued

■ continuity (ˌkɒntIˈnjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 logical sequence, cohesion, or connection   2 a continuous or connected whole   3 the comprehensive script or scenario of detail and movement in a film or broadcast   4 the continuous projection of a film, using automatic rewind

■ continuity announcer   n   a person on radio or television who makes linking announcements between programmes to give continuity to a television or radio broadcast channel

■ continuity girl or continuity man   n   a woman or man whose job is to ensure continuity and consistency, esp in matters of dress, make-up, etc, in successive shots of a film, esp when these shots are filmed on different days

continuo (kənˈtInjʊˌəʊ)   n, pl -os   1 music   a a shortened form of basso continuo. See thorough bass   b (as modifier): a continuo accompaniment   2 the thorough-bass part as played on a keyboard instrument, often supported by a cello, bassoon, etc [Italian, literally: continuous]

continuous (kənˈtInjʊəs)   adj   1 prolonged without interruption; unceasing: a continuous noise   2 in an unbroken series or pattern   3 maths (of a function or curve) changing gradually in value as the variable changes in value. A function f is continuous if at every value a of the independent variable the difference between f(x) and f(a) approaches zero as x approaches a. Compare discontinuous (sense 2). See also limit (sense 5)   4 statistics (of a variable) having a continuum of possible values so that its distribution requires integration rather than summation to determine its cumulative probability. Compare discrete (sense 3)   5 grammar another word for progressive (sense 8) [C17: from Latin continuus, from continēre to hold together, CONTAIN]   > conˈtinuously adv   > conˈtinuousness n

USAGE

Both continual and continuous can be used to say that something continues without interruption, but only continual can correctly be used to say that something keeps happening repeatedly

■ continuous assessment   n   the assessment of a pupil's progress throughout a course of study rather than exclusively by examination at the end of it

■ continuous creation   n   1 the theory that matter is being created continuously in the universe. See steady-state theory   2 the theory that animate matter is being continuously created from inanimate matter

■ continuous processing   n   the systems in a plant or factory for the manufacturing of products, treating of materials, etc, that have been designed to run continuously and are often computer-controlled. Compare batch processing

■ continuous-release   adj   a variant of modified-release

■ continuous spectrum   n   a spectrum that contains or appears to contain all wavelengths but not spectrum lines over a wide portion of its range. The emission spectrum of incandescent solids is continuous; bremsstrahlung spectra consisting of a large number of lines may appear continuous

■ continuous stationery   n   computing paper that is perforated between pages and folded concertina fashion, used in dot-matrix, line, and daisywheel printers

■ continuous waves   pl n   radio waves generated as a continuous train of oscillations having a constant frequency and amplitude. Abbreviation: CW

continuum (kənˈtInjʊəm)   n, pl -tinua (-ˈtInjʊə) or -tinuums   a continuous series or whole, no part of which is perceptibly different from the adjacent parts [C17: from Latin, neuter of continuus CONTINUOUS]

■ continuum hypothesis   n   maths the assertion that there is no set whose cardinality is greater than that of the integers and smaller than that of the reals

contline (ˈkɒntˌlaIn)   n   the space between the bilges of stowed casks

conto (ˈkɒntəʊ; Portuguese ˈkõtu)   n, pl -tos (-təʊz; Portuguese -tuʃ)   1 a former Portuguese monetary unit worth 1000 escudos   2 an unofficial Brazilian monetary unit worth 1000 cruzeiros (now replaced by the real) [C17: from Portuguese, from Late Latin computus calculation, from computāre to reckon, COMPUTE; see COUNT^1]

contorniate (kɒnˈtɔːnIət)   adj   1 (of a coin or medallion) having a circular groove near the edge of the disc, the circumference of which is just smaller than the circumference of the object itself   ▷ n   2 a contorniate coin or medallion

contorno (kɒnˈtɔːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos or -ni (-niː)   (in Italy) a side dish of salad or vegetables that is commonly served alongside the main course

contort (kənˈtɔːt)   vb   to twist or bend severely out of place or shape, esp in a strained manner [C15: from Latin contortus intricate, obscure, from contorquēre to whirl around, from torquēre to twist, wrench]   > conˈtortive adj

■ contorted (kənˈtɔːtId)   adj   1 twisted out of shape   2 (esp of petals and sepals in a bud) twisted so that they overlap on one side   > conˈtortedly adv   > conˈtortedness n

■ contortion (kənˈtɔːʃən)   n   1 the act or process of contorting or the state of being contorted   2 a twisted shape or position   3 something twisted or out of the ordinary in character, meaning, etc: mental contortions   > conˈtortional adj   > conˈtortioned adj

■ contortionate (kənˈtɔːʃənət)   adj   tortuous; contortive

■ contortionism (kənˈtɔːʃənIzəm)   n   the practice of contorting, esp as a performance

■ contortionist (kənˈtɔːʃənIst)   n   1 a performer who contorts his or her body for the entertainment of others   2 a person who twists or warps meaning or thoughts: a verbal contortionist   > conˌtortionˈistic adj

contour (ˈkɒntʊə)   n   1 the outline of a mass of land, figure, or body; a defining line   2    a See contour line   b (as modifier): a contour map   3 (often plural) the shape or surface, esp of a curving form: the contours of her face   4 (modifier) shaped to fit the form of something: a contour chair   5 a rising and falling variation pattern, as in music and intonation   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to shape so as to form the contour of something   7 to mark contour lines on   8 to construct (a road, railway, etc) to follow the outline of the land [C17: from French, from Italian contorno, from contornare to sketch, from tornare to TURN]

■ contoured (ˈkɒntʊəd)   adj   shaped to fit the outline of something: a comfortably contoured seat

■ contour feather   n   any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape

■ contour interval   n   the difference in altitude represented by the space between two contour lines on a map

■ contour line   n   a line on a map or chart joining points of equal height or depth. Often shortened to: contour

■ contour ploughing   n   ploughing following the contours of the land, to minimize the effects of erosion

contra-   prefix   1 against; contrary; opposing; contrasting: contraceptive; contradistinction   2 (in music) pitched below: contrabass [from Latin, from contrā against]

contraband (ˈkɒntrəˌbænd)   n   1    a goods that are prohibited by law from being exported or imported   b illegally imported or exported goods   2 illegal traffic in such goods; smuggling   3 Also called: contraband of war international law goods that a neutral country may not supply to a belligerent   4 (during the American Civil War) a Black slave captured by the Union forces or one who escaped to the Union lines   ▷ adj   5 (of goods)   a forbidden by law from being imported or exported   b illegally imported or exported [C16: from Spanish contrabanda, from Italian contrabando (modern contrabbando), from Medieval Latin contrabannum, from CONTRA- + bannum ban, of Germanic origin]

■ contrabandism (ˈkɒntrəˌbændIzəm)   n   the practice of trading contraband goods   > ˈcontraˌbandist n

contrabass (ˌkɒntrəˈbeIs)   n   1 a member of any of various families of musical instruments that is lower in pitch than the bass   2 another name for double bass   ▷ adj   3 of or denoting the instrument of a family that is lower than the bass   > contrabassist (ˌkɒntrəˈbeIsIst, -ˈbæs-) n

contrabassoon (ˌkɒntrəbəˈsuːn)   n   the largest instrument in the oboe family, pitched an octave below the bassoon; double bassoon   > ˌcontrabasˈsoonist n

contrabbasso or contrabasso (ˌkɒntrəˈbæsəʊ)   n, pl contrabbassi, contrabassi   a double bass

contraception (ˌkɒntrəˈsɛpʃən)   n   the intentional prevention of conception by artificial or natural means. Artificial methods in common use include preventing the sperm from reaching the ovum (using condoms, diaphragms, etc), inhibiting ovulation (using oral contraceptive pills), preventing implantation (using intrauterine devices), killing the sperm (using spermicides), and preventing the sperm from entering the seminal fluid (by vasectomy). Natural methods include the rhythm method and coitus interruptus. Compare birth control, family planning [C19: from CONTRA- + CONCEPTION]

■ contraceptive (ˌkɒntrəˈsɛptIv)   adj   1 relating to or used for contraception; able or tending to prevent impregnation   ▷ n   2 any device that prevents or tends to prevent conception

contract   vb (kənˈtrækt)   1 to make or become smaller, narrower, shorter, etc: metals contract as the temperature is reduced   2 (ˈkɒntrækt) (when intr, sometimes foll by for; when tr, may take an infinitive) to enter into an agreement with (a person, company, etc) to deliver (goods or services) or to do (something) on mutually agreed and binding terms, often in writing   3 to draw or be drawn together; coalesce or cause to coalesce   4 (tr) to acquire, incur, or become affected by (a disease, liability, debt, etc)   5 (tr) to shorten (a word or phrase) by the omission of letters or syllables, usually indicated in writing by an apostrophe   6 phonetics to unite (two vowels) or (of two vowels) to be united within a word or at a word boundary so that a new long vowel or diphthong is formed   7 (tr) to wrinkle or draw together (the brow or a muscle)   8 (tr) to arrange (a marriage) for; betroth   ▷ n (ˈkɒntrækt)   9 a formal agreement between two or more parties   10 a document that states the terms of such an agreement   11 the branch of law treating of contracts   12 marriage considered as a formal agreement   13 See contract bridge   14 bridge   a (in the bidding sequence before play) the highest bid, which determines trumps and the number of tricks one side must try to make   b the number and suit of these tricks   15 slang   a a criminal agreement to kill a particular person in return for an agreed sum of money   b (as modifier): a contract killing [C16: from Latin contractus agreement, something drawn up, from contrahere to draw together, from trahere to draw]

■ contractability or contractibility (kənˌtræktəˈbIlItI)   n   (of a body or substance) the ability to become smaller, narrower, shorter, etc

■ contractable or contractible (kənˈtræktəbəl)   adj   capable of being contracted   > conˈtractably or conˈtractibly adv

■ contract bridge (ˈkɒntrækt)   n   the most common variety of bridge, in which the declarer receives points counting towards game and rubber only for tricks he or she bids as well as makes, any overtricks receiving bonus points. Compare auction bridge

■ contractedly (kənˈtræktIdlI)   adv   in a shortened manner

■ contractedness (kənˈtræktIdnəs)   n   the state of being shortened

■ contractile (kənˈtræktaIl)   adj   having the power to contract or to cause contraction   > contractility (ˌkɒntrækˈtIlItI) n

■ contraction (kənˈtrækʃən)   n   1 an instance of contracting or the state of being contracted   2 physiol any normal shortening or tensing of an organ or part, esp of a muscle, e.g. during childbirth   3 pathol any abnormal tightening or shrinking of an organ or part   4 a shortening of a word or group of words, often marked in written English by an apostrophe: I've come for I have come   > conˈtractive adj   > conˈtractively adv   > conˈtractiveness n

■ contractional (kənˈtrækʃənəl)   adj   of, relating to, or produced by contraction

■ contractionary (kənˈtrækʃənərI)   adj   involving or constituting economic contraction

■ contract of employment or contract of service   n   a written agreement between an employer and an employee, that, taken together with the rights of each under statute and common law, determines the employment relations between them

■ contractor (ˈkɒntræktə, kənˈtræk-)   n   1 a person or firm that contracts to supply materials or labour, esp for building   2 something that contracts, esp a muscle   3 law a person who is a party to a contract   4 the declarer in bridge

■ contract out   vb   (intr, adverb) Brit to agree not to participate in something, esp the state pension scheme

■ contractual (kənˈtræktjʊəl)   adj   of the nature of or assured by a contract   > conˈtractually adv

■ contractural (kənˈtræktʃərəl)   adj   med characterized by contractures

■ contracture (kənˈtræktʃə)   n   a disorder in which a skeletal muscle is permanently tightened (contracted), most often caused by spasm or paralysis of the antagonist muscle that maintains normal muscle tension

contracyclical (ˌkɒntrəˈsIklIkəl)   adj   economics (of a policy) stabilizing the economy through countering major fluctuations, such as recessions or booms

contradance (ˈkɒntrəˌdɑːns)   n   a variant spelling of contredanse

contradict (ˌkɒntrəˈdIkt)   vb   1 (tr) to affirm the opposite of (a proposition, statement, etc)   2 (tr) to declare (a proposition, statement, etc) to be false or incorrect; deny   3 (intr) to be argumentative or contrary   4 (tr) to be inconsistent with (a proposition, theory, etc): the facts contradicted his theory   5 (intr) (of two or more facts, principles, etc) to be at variance; be in contradiction [C16: from Latin contrādīcere, from CONTRA- + dīcere to speak, say]   > ˌcontraˈdictable adj   > ˌcontraˈdicter or ˌcontraˈdictor n   > ˌcontraˈdictive or ˌcontraˈdictious adj   > ˌcontraˈdictively or ˌcontraˈdictiously adv   > ˌcontraˈdictiveness or ˌcontraˈdictiousness n

■ contradiction (ˌkɒntrəˈdIkʃən)   n   1 the act of going against; opposition; denial   2 a declaration of the opposite or contrary   3 a statement that is at variance with itself (often in the phrase a contradiction in terms)   4 conflict or inconsistency, as between events, qualities, etc   5 a person or thing containing conflicting qualities   6 logic a statement that is false under all circumstances; necessary falsehood

■ contradictory (ˌkɒntrəˈdIktərI)   adj   1 inconsistent; incompatible   2 given to argument and contention: a contradictory person   3 logic (of a pair of statements) unable both to be true or both to be false under the same circumstances. Compare contrary (sense 5), subcontrary (sense 1)   ▷ n, pl -ries   4 logic a statement that cannot be true when a given statement is true, or false when it is false   > ˌcontraˈdictorily adv   > ˌcontraˈdictoriness n

contradistinguish (ˌkɒntrədIˈstIŋɡwIʃ)   vb   (tr) to differentiate by means of contrasting or opposing qualities

■ contradistinction (ˌkɒntrədIˈstIŋkʃən)   n   a distinction made by contrasting different qualities   > ˌcontradisˈtinctive adj   > ˌcontradisˈtinctively adv

contrafagotto (ˌkɒntrəfəˈɡɒtəʊ)   n, pl contrafagotti   a contrabassoon

contraflow (ˈkɒntrəˌfləʊ)   n   Brit two-way traffic on one carriageway of a motorway, esp to allow maintenance work to be carried out or an accident to be cleared

contragestion (ˌkɒntrəˈdʒɛstʃən)   n   med a form of contraception that can be used after fertilization of the ovum, preventing gestation

■ contragestive (ˌkɒntrəˈdʒɛstIv) med   adj   1 able to prevent gestation   ▷ n   2 a contragestive drug

contrahent (ˈkɒntrəhənt)   adj   1 entering into an agreement or contract   ▷ n   2 a party that is entering into a contract

contrail (ˈkɒntreIl)   n   another name for vapour trail [C20: from CON(DENSATION) + TRAIL]

contraindicate (ˌkɒntrəˈIndIˌkeIt)   vb   (tr; usually passive) med to advise against or indicate the possible danger of (a drug, treatment, etc)   > ˌcontraˈindicant n   > ˌcontraˌindiˈcation n

■ contraindicated (ˌkɒntrəˈIndIˌkeItId)   adj   med not advisable because of contraindications

contrair (kənˈtrɛə)   adj   obsolete contrary

contralateral (ˌkɒntrəˈlætərəl)   adj   anatomy, zoology relating to or denoting the opposite side of a body, structure, etc

contralto (kənˈtræltəʊ, -ˈtrɑːl-)   n, pl -tos or -ti (-tI)   1 the lowest female voice, usually having a range of approximately from F a fifth below middle C to D a ninth above it. In the context of a choir often shortened to: alto   2 a singer with such a voice   ▷ adj   3 of or denoting a contralto: the contralto part [C18: from Italian; see CONTRA-, ALTO]

contranatant (ˌkɒntrəˈneItənt)   adj   (of migrating fish) swimming upstream, against the current

contraoctave (ˌkɒntrəˈɒktIv)   n   music the octave that begins on the third C below middle C and ends on the second C below middle C

contraplex (ˈkɒntrəˌplɛks)   adj   telegraphy relating to the transmission of two messages in opposite directions simultaneously

contraposition (ˌkɒntrəpəˈzIʃən)   n   1 the act of placing opposite or against, esp in contrast or antithesis   2 logic the derivation of the contrapositive of a given categorial proposition

■ contrapositive (ˌkɒntrəˈpɒzItIv)   adj   1 placed opposite or against   ▷ n   2 logic   a a conditional statement derived from another by negating and interchanging antecedent and consequent   b a categorial proposition obtained from another, esp validly, by any of a number of operations including negation, transferring the terms, changing their quality, and also possibly weakening from universal to particular

contrapposto (ˌkɒntrəˈpɒstəʊ)   n, pl -tos   (in the visual arts) a curving or asymmetrical arrangement of the human figure with the shoulders, hips, and legs in different planes [C20: from Italian, from the past participle of contrapporre, from Latin contra CONTRA- + pōnere to place]

contrapropeller (ˌkɒntrəprəˈpɛlə) or contraprop (ˌkɒntrəˈprɒp)   n   one of two propellers, usually attached to a ship or aircraft, which rotates in the opposite direction to the other

contraption (kənˈtræpʃən)   n   informal, often facetious or derogatory a device or contrivance, esp one considered strange, unnecessarily intricate, or improvised [C19: perhaps from CON(TRIVANCE) + TRAP^1 + (INVEN)TION]

contrapuntal (ˌkɒntrəˈpʌntəl)   adj   music characterized by counterpoint [C19: from Italian contrappunto COUNTERPOINT + AL^1]   > ˌcontraˈpuntally adv

contrapuntist (ˌkɒntrəˈpʌntIst) or contrapuntalist   n   music a composer skilled in counterpoint

contrary (ˈkɒntrərI)   adj   1 opposed in nature, position, etc: contrary ideas   2 (kənˈtrɛərI) perverse; obstinate   3 (esp of wind) adverse; unfavourable   4 (of plant parts) situated at right angles to each other   5 logic (of a pair of propositions) related so that they cannot both be true at once, although they may both be false together. Compare subcontrary (sense 2), contradictory (sense 3)   ▷ n, pl -ries   6 the exact opposite (esp in the phrase to the contrary)   7 on the contrary quite the reverse; not at all   8 either of two exactly opposite objects, facts, or qualities   9 logic a statement that cannot be true when a given statement is true   ▷ adv (usually foll by to)   10 in an opposite or unexpected way: contrary to usual belief   11 in conflict (with) or contravention (of): contrary to nature [C14: from Latin contrārius opposite, from contrā against]   > conˈtrariness n

■ contrarian (kənˈtrɛərIən)   n     a a contrary or obstinate person   b (as modifier): a contrarian investor; contrarian instincts

■ contrariety (ˌkɒntrəˈraIətI)   n, pl -ties   1 opposition between one thing and another; disagreement   2 an instance of such opposition; inconsistency; discrepancy   3 logic the relationship between two contraries

■ contrarily   adv   1 (kənˈtrɛərIlI) in a perverse or obstinate manner   2 (ˈkɒntrərIlI) on the other hand; from the opposite point of view   3 (ˈkɒntrərIlI) in an opposite, adverse, or unexpected way

■ contrarious (kənˈtrɛərIəs)   adj rare   1 (of people or animals) perverse or obstinate   2 (of conditions) unfavourable   > conˈtrariously adv   > conˈtrariousness n

■ contrariwise (ˈkɒntrərIˌwaIz)   adv   1 from a contrasting point of view; on the other hand   2 in the reverse way or direction   3 (kənˈtrɛərIˌwaIz) in a contrary manner

contrasexual (ˌkɒntrəˈsɛksjʊəl)   adj   1 (in Jungian psychology) the part of the psyche that relates to a different gender. See also anima, animus   2 informal (of a woman) appearing to defy the female sexual stereotype by being content to be single and childless while being sexually active and financially independent   ▷ n informal   3 a contrasexual woman

contrast   vb (kənˈtrɑːst)   1 (often foll by with) to distinguish or be distinguished by comparison of unlike or opposite qualities   ▷ n (ˈkɒntrɑːst)   2 distinction or emphasis of difference by comparison of opposite or dissimilar things, qualities, etc (esp in the phrases by contrast, in contrast to or with)   3 a person or thing showing notable differences when compared with another   4 (in painting) the effect of the juxtaposition of different colours, tones, etc   5    a (of a photographic emulsion) the degree of density measured against exposure used   b the extent to which adjacent areas of an optical image, esp on a television screen or in a photographic negative or print, differ in brightness   6 psychol the phenomenon that when two different but related stimuli are presented close together in space and/or time they are perceived as being more different than they really are [C16: (n): via French from Italian, from contrastare (vb), from Latin contra- against + stare to stand]   > conˈtrastable adj   > conˈtrastably adv   > conˈtrasting adj   > conˈtrastive adj   > conˈtrastively adv

■ contrast medium   n   med a radiopaque substance, such as barium sulphate, used to increase the contrast of an image in radiography

■ contrasty (kənˈtrɑːstI)   adj   (of a photograph or subject) having sharp gradations in tone, esp between light and dark areas

contrasuggestible (ˌkɒntrəsəˈdʒɛstIbəl)   adj   psychol responding or tending to respond to a suggestion by doing or believing the opposite   > ˌcontrasugˌgestiˈbility n   > ˌcontrasugˈgestion n

contrate (ˈkɒntreIt)   adj   (of gears, esp the gears of watches) having teeth set at a right angle to the axis

contraterrene (ˌkɒntrəˈtɛriːn)   adj   not terrestrial

contravallation (ˌkɒntrəvəˈleIʃən)   n   fortifications built by besiegers around the place besieged [C17: from CONTRA- + Latin vallātiō entrenchment; compare French contrevallation]

contravene (ˌkɒntrəˈviːn)   vb (tr)   1 to come into conflict with or infringe (rules, laws, etc)   2 to dispute or contradict (a statement, proposition, etc) [C16: from Late Latin contrāvenīre, from Latin CONTRA- + venīre to come]   > ˌcontraˈvener n   > contravention (ˌkɒntrəˈvɛnʃən) n

contrayerva (ˌkɒntrəˈjɜːvə)   n   the root of any of several tropical American moraceous plants of the genus Dorstenia, esp D. contrayerva, used as a stimulant and tonic [C17: from Spanish contrayerba, from CONTRA- + yerba grass, (poisonous) plant, from Latin herba; referring to the belief that it was an antidote to poisons]

contrecoup (ˈkɒntrəˌkuː)   n   med an injury, esp to the brain, that occurs at the opposite side of the body from that which was struck

contredanse or contradance (ˈkɒntrəˌdɑːns)   n   1 a courtly Continental version of the English country dance, similar to the quadrille   2 music written for or in the rhythm of this dance [C19: from French, changed from English country dance; country altered to French contre (opposite) by folk etymology (because the dancers face each other)]

contre-jour (ˈkɒntrəˌʒʊə)   n   photog   a the technique of taking photographs into the light, with the light source behind the subject   b (as modifier): a contre-jour shot [C20: from French, literally: against day(light)]

contretemps (ˈkɒntrəˌtɑːn; French kɔ̃trətɑ̃)   n, pl -temps   1 an awkward or difficult situation or mishap   2 fencing a feint made with the purpose of producing a counterthrust from one's opponent   3 a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing [C17: from French, from contre against + temps time, from Latin tempus]

contrib.   abbreviation for   contributor

contribute (kənˈtrIbjuːt)   vb (often foll by to)   1 to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund   2 to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion   3 (intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for): carelessness contributed to the accident   4 to write (articles) for a publication [C16: from Latin contribuere to collect, from tribuere to grant, bestow]   > conˈtributable adj   > conˈtributive adj   > conˈtributively adv   > conˈtributiveness n

■ contributary (kənˈtrIbjʊtərI)   adj   obsolete contributory

■ contribution (ˌkɒntrIˈbjuːʃən)   n   1 the act of contributing   2 something contributed, such as money or ideas   3 an article, story, etc, contributed to a newspaper or other publication   4 insurance a portion of the total liability incumbent on each of two or more companies for a risk with respect to which all of them have issued policies   5 archaic a levy, esp towards the cost of a war

■ contributor (kənˈtrIbjʊtə)   n   1 a person who contributes, esp one who writes for a newspaper or one who makes a donation to a cause, etc   2 something that is a factor in or is partly responsible for something: hard work was a contributor to our success

■ contributory (kənˈtrIbjʊtərI, -trI)   adj   1 (often foll by to) sharing in or being partly responsible (for the cause of something): a contributory factor   2 giving or donating to a common purpose or fund   3 of, relating to, or designating an insurance or pension scheme in which the premiums are paid partly by the employer and partly by the employees who benefit from it   4 liable or subject to a tax or levy   ▷ n, pl -ries   5 a person or thing that contributes   6 company law a member or former member of a company liable to contribute to the assets on the winding-up of the company

■ contributory negligence   n   law failure by an injured person to have taken proper precautions to prevent an accident

contrist (kənˈtrIst)   vb (tr)   obsolete to make (a person) sad

■ contristation (ˌkɒntrIsˈteIʃən) obsolete   n   1 the act of contristing   2 the state of being sad

contrite (kənˈtraIt, ˈkɒntraIt)   adj   1 full of guilt or regret; remorseful   2 arising from a sense of shame or guilt: contrite promises   3 Christianity remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin [C14: from Latin contrītus worn out, from conterere to bruise, from terere to grind]   > conˈtritely adv   > conˈtriteness n

■ contrition (kənˈtrIʃən)   n   1 deeply felt remorse; penitence   2 Christianity detestation of past sins and a resolve to make amends, either from love of God (perfect contrition) or from hope of heaven (imperfect contrition)

contriturate (kənˈtrItjʊˌreIt)   vb (tr)   to triturate completely

contrive (kənˈtraIv)   vb   1 (tr) to manage (something or to do something), esp by means of a trick; engineer: he contrived to make them meet   2 (tr) to think up or adapt ingeniously or elaborately: he contrived a new mast for the boat   3 to plot or scheme (treachery, evil, etc) [C14: from Old French controver, from Late Latin contropāre to represent by figures of speech, compare, from Latin com- together + tropus figure of speech, TROPE]   > conˈtrivable adj   > conˈtriver n

■ contrivance (kənˈtraIvəns)   n   1 something contrived, esp an ingenious device; contraption   2 the act or faculty of devising or adapting; inventive skill or ability   3 an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc   4 an elaborate or deceitful plan or expedient; stratagem

■ contrived (kənˈtraIvd)   adj   obviously planned, artificial, or lacking in spontaneity; forced; unnatural

■ contrivement (kənˈtraIvmənt)   n   obsolete contrivance

control (kənˈtrəʊl)   vb -trols, -trolling, -trolled (tr)   1 to command, direct, or rule: to control a country   2 to check, limit, curb, or regulate; restrain: to control one's emotions; to control a fire   3 to regulate or operate (a machine)   4 to verify (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment in which the variable being investigated is held constant or is compared with a standard   5    a to regulate (financial affairs)   b to examine and verify (financial accounts)   6 to restrict or regulate the authorized supply of (certain substances, such as drugs)   ▷ n   7 power to direct or determine: under control; out of control   8 a means of regulation or restraint; curb; check: a frontier control   9 (often plural) a device or mechanism for operating a car, aircraft, etc   10 a standard of comparison used in a statistical analysis or scientific experiment   11    a a device that regulates the operation of a machine. A dynamic control is one that incorporates a governor so that it responds to the output of the machine it regulates   b (as modifier): control panel; control room   12 spiritualism an agency believed to assist the medium in a séance   13 Also called: control mark a letter, or letter and number, printed on a sheet of postage stamps, indicating authenticity, date, and series of issue   14 one of a number of checkpoints on a car rally, orienteering course, etc, where competitors check in and their time, performance, etc, is recorded [C15: from Old French conteroller to regulate, from contrerolle duplicate register, system of checking, from contre- COUNTER- + rolle ROLL]   > conˈtrollable adj   > conˌtrollaˈbility or conˈtrollableness n   > conˈtrollably adv

■ control account   n   accounting an account to which are posted the debit and credit totals of other accounts, usually in preparation of financial statements

■ control chart   n   statistics a chart on which observed values of a variable are plotted, usually against the expected value of the variable and its allowable deviation, so that excessive variations in the quality, quantity, etc, of the variable can be detected

■ control column   n   a lever or pillar, usually fitted with a handwheel, used to control the movements of an aircraft. Also called: control stick, joy stick

■ control commands   pl n   keyed instructions conveyed to a computer by using the control key in conjunction with the standard keys

■ control experiment   n   an experiment designed to check or correct the results of another experiment by removing the variable or variables operating in that other experiment. The comparison obtained is an indication or measurement of the effect of the variables concerned

■ control freak   n   a person with an obsessive need to be in control of what is happening

■ control freakery (ˈfriːkərI)   n   an obsessive need to be in control of what is happening

■ control grid   n   electronics another name for grid (sense 6a)

■ control group   n   any group used as a control in a statistical experiment, esp a group of patients who receive either a placebo or a standard drug during an investigation of the effects of another drug on other patients

■ control key   n   a key on the keyboard of a computer that is used in conjunction with the standard keys in order to initiate a specific function, such as editing

■ -controlled   adj   (in combination) under the control of the specified person or thing: state-controlled

■ controlled explosion   n   the deliberate detonation of an explosive device under strictly controlled circumstances

■ controller (kənˈtrəʊlə)   n   1 a person who directs, regulates, or restrains   2 Also called: comptroller a business executive or government officer who is responsible for financial planning, control, etc   3 the equipment concerned with controlling the operation of an electrical device   > conˈtrollerˌship n

■ controlling (kənˈtrəʊlIŋ)   adj   1 finance having or attempting to exert control   2 trying to control others' behaviour in an inappropriate way

■ controlling interest   n   a quantity of shares in a business that is sufficient to ensure control over its direction

■ controlment (kənˈtrəʊlmənt)   n   1 archaic power to direct or determine   2 archaic a means of regulation or restraint   3 obsolete the act of controlling financial accounts

■ control rod   n   one of a number of rods or tubes containing a neutron absorber, such as boron, that can be inserted into or retracted from the core of a nuclear reactor in order to control its rate of reaction

■ control stick   n   the lever by which a pilot controls the lateral and longitudinal movements of an aircraft. Also called: control column, joy stick

■ control surface   n   a movable surface, such as a rudder, elevator, aileron, etc, that controls an aircraft or rocket

■ control tower   n   a tower at an airport from which air traffic is controlled

contrôlé French (kənˈtrəʊleI)   adj   officially registered

controverse (ˈkɒntrəˌvɜːs)   n   obsolete a controversy

controversy (ˈkɒntrəˌvɜːsI, kənˈtrɒvəsI)   n, pl -sies   dispute, argument, or debate, esp one concerning a matter about which there is strong disagreement and esp one carried on in public or in the press [C14: from Latin contrōversia, from contrōversus turned in an opposite direction, from CONTRA- + vertere to turn]   > controversial (ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl) adj   > ˌcontroˈversialˌism n   > ˌcontroˈversialist n   > ˌcontroˈversially adv

controvert (ˈkɒntrəˌvɜːt, ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːt)   vb (tr)   1 to deny, refute, or oppose (some argument or opinion)   2 to argue or wrangle about [C17: from Latin contrōversus; see CONTROVERSY]   > ˈcontroˌverter n   > ˌcontroˈvertible adj   > ˌcontroˈvertibly adv

■ controvertist (ˈkɒntrəˌvɜːtIst)   n   a controversialist

contubernal (kənˈtjʊbənəl) or contubernyal (ˌkɒntjʊˈbɜːnIəl)   adj archaic   1 occupying the same tent   2 familiar or intimate

contumacy (ˈkɒntjʊməsI)   n, pl -cies   1 obstinate and wilful rebelliousness or resistance to authority; insubordination; disobedience   2 the wilful refusal of a person to appear before a court or to comply with a court order [C14: from Latin contumācia, from contumāx obstinate; related to tumēre to swell, be proud]

■ contumacious (ˌkɒntjʊˈmeIʃəs)   adj   stubbornly resistant to authority; wilfully obstinate   > ˌcontuˈmaciously adv   > ˌcontuˈmaciousness n

■ contumacity (ˌkɒntjʊˈmæsItI)   n   the quality of being contumacious

contumely (ˈkɒntjʊmIlI)   n, pl -lies   1 scornful or insulting language or behaviour   2 a humiliating or scornful insult [C14: from Latin contumēlia invective, from tumēre to swell, as with wrath]   > contumelious (ˌkɒntjʊˈmiːlIəs) adj   > ˌcontuˈmeliously adv   > ˌcontuˈmeliousness n

contund (kənˈtʌnd)   vb (tr)   archaic to pummel or bruise (a person)

contuse (kənˈtjuːz)   vb   (tr) to injure (the body) without breaking the skin; bruise [C15: from Latin contūsus bruised, from contundere to grind, from tundere to beat, batter]   > conˈtusive adj

■ contusion (kənˈtjuːʒən)   n   an injury in which the skin is not broken; bruise   > conˈtusioned adj

conundrum (kəˈnʌndrəm)   n   1 a riddle, esp one whose answer makes a play on words   2 a puzzling question or problem [C16: of unknown origin]

conurban (kɒnˈɜːbən)   adj   of or relating to a conurbation

conurbation (ˌkɒnɜːˈbeIʃən)   n   a large densely populated urban sprawl formed by the growth and coalescence of individual towns or cities [C20: from CON- + -urbation, from Latin urbs city; see URBAN]

conurbia (kənˈɜːbIə)   n   conurbations considered collectively

conure (ˈkɒnjʊə)   n   any of various small American parrots of the genus Aratinga and related genera [C19: from New Latin conurus, from Greek kōnos CONE + oura tail]

conus (ˈkəʊnəs)   n, pl -ni (-ni)   anatomy, zoology any of several cone-shaped structures, such as the conus medullaris, the lower end of the spinal cord

convalesce (ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs)   vb   (intr) to recover from illness, injury, or the aftereffects of a surgical operation, esp by resting [C15: from Latin convalēscere, from com- (intensive) + valēscere to grow strong, from valēre to be strong]

■ convalescence (ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsəns) or convalescency (ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsənsI)   n   1 gradual return to health after illness, injury, or an operation, esp through rest   2 the period during which such recovery occurs   > ˌconvaˈlescent n, adj   > ˌconvaˈlescently adv

convect (kənˈvɛkt)   vb   1 (tr) to circulate (hot air) by convection   2 (intr) to undergo convection

■ convection (kənˈvɛkʃən)   n   1 a process of heat transfer through a gas or liquid by bulk motion of hotter material into a cooler region. Compare conduction (sense 1)   2 meteorol the process by which masses of relatively warm air are raised into the atmosphere, often cooling and forming clouds, with compensatory downward movements of cooler air   3 geology the slow circulation of subcrustal material, thought to be the mechanism by which tectonic plates are moved [C19: from Late Latin convectiō a bringing together, from Latin convehere to bring together, gather, from vehere to bear, carry]   > conˈvectional adj   > conˈvective adj

■ convector (kənˈvɛktə) or convector heater   n   a space-heating device from which heat is transferred to the surrounding air by convection

convenance French (kɔ̃vnɑ̃s)   n   suitable behaviour; propriety [from convenir to be suitable, from Latin convenīre; see CONVENIENT]

convene (kənˈviːn)   vb   1 to gather, call together, or summon, esp for a formal meeting   2 (tr) to order to appear before a court of law, judge, tribunal, etc [C15: from Latin convenīre to assemble, from venīre to come]

■ convenable (kənˈviːnəbəl)   adj   archaic proper or correct in behaviour or conduct

■ convener or convenor (kənˈviːnə)   n   1 a person who convenes or chairs a meeting, committee, etc, esp one who is specifically elected to do so: a convener of shop stewards   2 the chairman and civic head of certain Scottish councils. Compare provost (sense 3)   > conˈvenership or conˈvenorship n

■ convening (kənˈviːnIŋ)   n   the act of gathering a meeting

convenient (kənˈviːnIənt)   adj   1 suitable for one's purpose or needs; opportune   2 easy to use   3 close by or easily accessible; handy [C14: from Latin conveniēns appropriate, fitting, from convenīre to come together, be in accord with, from venīre to come]   > conˈveniently adv

■ convenience (kənˈviːnIəns)   n   1 the state or quality of being suitable or opportune: the convenience of the hour   2 a convenient time or situation   3 at your convenience at a time suitable to you   4 at your earliest convenience formal as soon as possible   5 usefulness, comfort, or facility   6 an object that is particularly useful, esp a labour-saving device   7 euphemistic, chiefly Brit a lavatory, esp a public one   8 make a convenience of to take advantage of; impose upon

■ convenience food   n   food that needs little preparation, esp food that has been pre-prepared and preserved for long-term storage

■ convenience store   n   chiefly US a shop that has long opening hours, caters to local tastes, and is conveniently situated

■ conveniency (kənˈviːnIənsI)   n   obsolete convenience

convent (ˈkɒnvənt)   n   1 a building inhabited by a religious community, usually of nuns   2 the religious community inhabiting such a building   3 Also called: convent school a school in which the teachers are nuns [C13: from Old French covent, from Latin conventus meeting, from convenīre to come together; see CONVENE]

■ conventual (kənˈvɛntjʊəl)   adj   1 of, belonging to, or characteristic of a convent   ▷ n   2 a member of a convent   > conˈventually adv

conventicle (kənˈvɛntIkəl)   n   1 a secret or unauthorized assembly for worship   2 a small meeting house or chapel for a religious assembly, esp of Nonconformists or Dissenters [C14: from Latin conventiculum a meeting, from conventus; see CONVENT]   > conˈventicler n

convention (kənˈvɛnʃən)   n   1    a a large formal assembly of a group with common interests, such as a political party or trade union   b the persons attending such an assembly   2 US politics an assembly of delegates of one party to select candidates for office   3 diplomacy an international agreement second only to a treaty in formality: a telecommunications convention   4 any agreement, compact, or contract   5 the most widely accepted or established view of what is thought to be proper behaviour, good taste, etc   6 an accepted rule, usage, etc: a convention used by printers   7 Also called: conventional bridge a bid or play not to be taken at its face value, which one's partner can interpret according to a prearranged bidding system [C15: from Latin conventiō an assembling, agreeing]

■ conventional (kənˈvɛnʃənəl)   adj   1 following the accepted customs and proprieties, esp in a way that lacks originality: conventional habits   2 established by accepted usage or general agreement   3 of or relating to a convention or assembly   4 law based upon the agreement or consent of parties   5 arts represented in a simplified or generalized way; conventionalized   6 (of weapons, warfare, etc) not nuclear   ▷ n   7 bridge another word for convention (sense 7)   > conˈventionally adv

■ conventionalism (kənˈvɛnʃənəˌlIzəm)   n   1 advocacy of or conformity to that which is established   2 something conventional   3 philosophy a theory that moral principles are not enshrined in the nature of things but merely reflect customary practice   4 philosophy the theory that meaning is a matter of convention and thus that scientific laws merely reflect such general linguistic agreement   > conˈventionalist n

■ conventionality (kənˌvɛnʃəˈnælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality or characteristic of being conventional, esp in behaviour, thinking, etc   2 (often plural) something conventional, esp a normal or accepted rule of behaviour; propriety

■ conventionalize or conventionalise (kənˈvɛnʃənəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make conventional   2 to simplify or stylize (a design, decorative device, etc)   > conˌventionaliˈzation or conˌventionaliˈsation n

■ conventionary (kənˈvɛnʃənərI)   adj   property law (of a form of tenure) fixed by convention as opposed to custom

■ conventioneer (ˌkɒnvɛnʃəˈnIə), conventioner (kənˈvɛnʃənə) or conventionist (kənˈvɛnʃənIst)   n   chiefly US a person who is attending a convention

converge (kənˈvɜːdʒ)   vb   1 to move or cause to move towards the same point: crowds converged on the city   2 to meet or cause to meet; join   3 (intr) (of opinions, effects, etc) to tend towards a common conclusion or result   4 (intr) maths (of an infinite series or sequence) to approach a finite limit as the number of terms increases   5 (intr) (of animals and plants during evolutionary development) to undergo convergence [C17: from Late Latin convergere, from Latin com- together + vergere to incline]

■ convergence (kənˈvɜːdʒəns)   n   1 Also called: convergency the act, degree, or a point of converging   2 concurrence of opinions, results, etc   3 maths the property or manner of approaching a finite limit, esp of an infinite series: conditional convergence   4 the combining of different forms of electronic technology, such as data processing and word processing converging into information processing   5 Also called: convergent evolution the evolutionary development of a superficial resemblance between unrelated animals that occupy a similar environment, as in the evolution of wings in birds and bats   6 meteorol an accumulation of air in a region that has a greater inflow than outflow of air, often giving rise to vertical air currents. See also Intertropical Convergence Zone   7 the turning of the eyes inwards in order to fixate an object nearer than that previously being fixated. Compare divergence (sense 6)

■ convergence zone   n   geology a zone where tectonic plates collide, typified by earthquakes, mountain formation, and volcanic activity

■ convergent (kənˈvɜːdʒənt)   adj   1 (of two or more lines, paths, etc) moving towards or meeting at some common point   2 (of forces, ideas, etc) tending towards the same result; merging   3 maths (of an infinite series) having a finite limit

■ convergent thinking   n   psychol analytical, usually deductive, thinking in which ideas are examined for their logical validity or in which a set of rules is followed, e.g. in arithmetic

■ converging (kənˈvɜːdʒIŋ)   adj   another word for convergent

conversant (kənˈvɜːsənt)   adj   (usually postpositive; and foll by with) experienced (in), familiar (with), or acquainted (with)   > conˈversance or conˈversancy n   > conˈversantly adv

conversazione Italian (konversatˈtsjone; English ˌkɒnvəˌsætsIˈəʊnI)   n, pl -zioni (-ˈtsjoni), -ziones (English -tsIˈəʊniːz)   a social gathering for discussion of the arts, literature, etc [C18: literally: conversation]

converse^1   vb (kənˈvɜːs) (intr; often foll by with)   1 to engage in conversation (with)   2 to commune spiritually (with)   3 obsolete   a to associate; consort   b to have sexual intercourse   ▷ n (ˈkɒnvɜːs)   4 conversation (often in the phrase hold converse with)   5 obsolete   a fellowship or acquaintance   b sexual intercourse [C16: from Old French converser, from Latin conversārī to keep company with, from conversāre to turn constantly, from vertere to turn]   > conˈverser n

■ conversable (kənˈvɜːsəbəl)   adj   1 easy or pleasant to talk to   2 able or inclined to talk   > conˈversableness n   > conˈversably adv

■ conversation (ˌkɒnvəˈseIʃən)   n   1 the interchange through speech of information, ideas, etc; spoken communication   2 make conversation to talk in an artificial way ▶ Related adjective: colloquial

■ conversational (ˌkɒnvəˈseIʃənəl)   adj   1 of, using, or in the manner of conversation   2 inclined to or skilled in conversation; conversable   > ˌconverˈsationally adv

■ conversational implicature   n   logic, philosophy another term for implicature

■ conversationalist (ˌkɒnvəˈseIʃənəlIst) or conversationist   n   a person who enjoys or excels in conversation

■ conversationism (ˌkɒnvəˈseIʃənIzəm)   n   a colloquialism

■ conversation piece   n   1 something, esp an unusual object, that provokes conversation   2 (esp in 18th-century Britain) a group portrait in a landscape or domestic setting   3 a play emphasizing dialogue

■ conversative (kənˈvɜːsətIv)   adj   obsolete talkative

converse^2 (ˈkɒnvɜːs)   adj   1 (prenominal) reversed; opposite; contrary   ▷ n   2 something that is opposite or contrary   3 logic   a a categorical proposition obtained from another by the transposition of subject and predicate, as no bad man is bald from no bald man is bad   b a proposition so derived, possibly by weakening a universal proposition to the corresponding particular, as some socialists are rich from all rich men are socialists   4 logic, maths a relation that holds between two relata only when a given relation holds between them in reverse order: thus father of is the converse of son of [C16: from Latin conversus turned around; see CONVERSE^1]

■ conversely (ˈkɒnvɜːslI)   adv   (sentence modifier) in a contrary or opposite way; on the other hand

conversion (kənˈvɜːʃən)   n   1    a a change or adaptation in form, character, or function   b something changed in one of these respects   2 a change to another attitude or belief, as in a change of religion   3 maths a change in the units or form of a number or expression: the conversion of miles to kilometres involves multiplying by 1.61   4 logic a form of inference by which one proposition is obtained as the converse of another proposition   5 law   a unauthorized dealing with or the assumption of rights of ownership to another's personal property   b the changing of real property into personalty or personalty into realty   6 rugby a score made after a try by kicking the ball over the crossbar from a place kick   7 physics a change of fertile material to fissile material in a reactor   8    a an alteration to a car engine to improve its performance   b (as modifier): a conversion kit   9 material alteration to the structure or fittings of a building undergoing a change in function or legal status   10 NZ the unauthorized appropriation of a motor vehicle [C14: from Latin conversiō a turning around; see CONVERT]   > conˈversional or conˈversionary adj

■ conversion disorder   n   a psychological disorder in which severe physical symptoms like blindness or paralysis appear with no apparent physical cause

converso (kɒnˈvɜːsəʊ)   n   medieval history a medieval Spanish Jew who converted to Catholicism, usually in order to avoid persecution from either the Spanish Inquisition or the Portuguese Inquisition

convert   vb (kənˈvɜːt) (mainly tr)   1 to change or adapt the form, character, or function of; transform   2 to cause (someone) to change in opinion, belief, etc   3 to change (a person or his or her way of life, etc) for the better   4 (intr) to admit of being changed (into): the table converts into a tray   5 (also intr) to change or be changed into another chemical compound or physical state: to convert water into ice   6 law   a to assume unlawful proprietary rights over (personal property)   b to change (property) from realty into personalty or vice versa   7 (also intr) rugby to make a conversion after (a try)   8 logic to transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion   9 to change (a value or measurement) from one system of units to another   10 to exchange (a security or bond) for something of equivalent value   ▷ n (ˈkɒnvɜːt)   11 a person who has been converted to another belief, religion, etc [C13: from Old French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, alter, transform, from vertere to turn]   > conˈvertive adj

■ converted (kənˈvɜːtId)   adj   (of a building) having been changed from a different use

■ convertend (kənˈvɜːtˌɛnd)   n   logic the proposition to be subjected to conversion

■ converter or convertor (kənˈvɜːtə)   n   1 a person or thing that converts   2 physics   a a device for converting alternating current to direct current or vice versa   b a device for converting a signal from one frequency to another or from analogue to digital forms   3 a vessel in which molten metal is refined, using a blast of air or oxygen. See also Bessemer converter, L-D converter   4 short for converter reactor   5 computing a device for converting one form of coded information to another, such as an analogue-to-digital converter

■ converter reactor   n   a nuclear reactor for converting one fuel into another, esp one that transforms fertile material into fissionable material. Compare breeder reactor

■ convertible (kənˈvɜːtəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being converted   2 (of a car) having a folding or removable roof   3 finance   a a bond or debenture that can be converted to ordinary or preference shares on a fixed date at a fixed price   b (of a paper currency) exchangeable on demand for precious metal to an equivalent value   c Canadian (of a mortgage) able to be converted into a longer term mortgage without financial penalty   ▷ n   4 a car with a folding or removable roof   > conˌvertiˈbility or conˈvertibleness n   > conˈvertibly adv

■ convertite (ˈkɒnvəˌtaIt)   n   archaic a convert, esp a reformed prostitute

convertiplane, convertaplane or convertoplane (kənˈvɜːtəˌpleIn)   n   an aircraft that can land and take off vertically by temporarily directing its propulsive thrust downwards

convex (ˈkɒnvɛks, kɒnˈvɛks)   adj   1 curving or bulging outwards   2 physics having one or two surfaces curved or ground in the shape of a section of the exterior of a sphere, paraboloid, ellipsoid, etc: a convex lens   3 maths (of a polygon) containing no interior angle greater than 180°   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to make convex   ▶ Compare concave [C16: from Latin convexus vaulted, rounded]   > ˈconvexly adv

■ convexedly (kɒnˈvɛkstlI)   adv   obsolete convexly

■ convexity (kənˈvɛksItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being convex   2 a convex surface, object, etc; bulge

■ convexness (ˈkɒnvɛksnəs)   n   the state or quality of being convex

■ convex sole   n   another name for dropped sole

convexo-concave (kənˌvɛksəʊkɒnˈkeIv)   adj   1 having one side convex and the other side concave   2 (of a lens) having a convex face with greater curvature than the concave face. Compare concavo-convex (sense 2)

convexo-convex   adj   (esp of a lens) having both sides convex; biconvex

convey (kənˈveI)   vb (tr)   1 to take, carry, or transport from one place to another   2 to communicate (a message, information, etc)   3 (of a channel, path, etc) to conduct, transmit, or transfer   4 law to transmit or transfer (the title to property)   5 archaic to steal [C13: from Old French conveier, from Medieval Latin conviāre to escort, from Latin com- with + via way]   > conˈveyable adj

■ conveyal (kənˈveIəl)   n   the act or means of conveying

■ conveyance (kənˈveIəns)   n   1 the act of conveying   2 a means of transport   3 law   a a transfer of the legal title to property   b the document effecting such a transfer   > conˈveyancer n

■ conveyancing (kənˈveIənsIŋ)   n   the branch of law dealing with the transfer of ownership of property

■ conveyor or conveyer (kənˈveIə)   n   1 a person or thing that conveys   2 short for conveyor belt

■ conveyor belt   n   a flexible endless strip of fabric or linked plates driven by rollers and used to transport objects, esp in a factory

■ conveyorization or conveyorisation (kənˌveIəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of conveyorizing

■ conveyorize or conveyorise (kənˈveIəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to install conveyor belts in (a factory, etc)

convicinity (ˌkɒnvIˈsInItI)   n   obsolete a state of nearness to each other

convict   vb (kənˈvIkt) (tr)   1 to pronounce (someone) guilty of an offence   ▷ n (ˈkɒnvIkt)   2 a person found guilty of an offence against the law, esp one who is sentenced to imprisonment   3 a person serving a prison sentence   ▷ adj (kənˈvIkt)   4 obsolete convicted [C14: from Latin convictus convicted of crime, from convincere to prove guilty, CONVINCE]   > conˈvictable or conˈvictible adj

■ conviction (kənˈvIkʃən)   n   1 the state or appearance of being convinced   2 a fixed or firmly held belief, opinion, etc   3 the act of convincing   4 the act or an instance of convicting or the state of being convicted   5 carry conviction to be convincing   > conˈvictional adj

■ convictism (ˈkɒnvIktIzəm)   n   history the system of establishing a settlement, esp in Australia, and then transporting convicts to this settlement for confinement

■ convictive (kənˈvIktIv)   adj   able or serving to convince or convict   > conˈvictively adv

convince (kənˈvIns)   vb (tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something; persuade   2 chiefly US to persuade (someone) to do something   3 obsolete   a to overcome   b to prove guilty [C16: from Latin convincere to demonstrate incontrovertibly, from com- (intensive) + vincere to overcome, conquer]   > conˈvincement n   > conˈvincer n   > conˈvincible adj

USAGE

The use of convince to talk about persuading someone to do something is considered by many British speakers to be wrong or unacceptable

■ convinced (kənˈvInst)   adj   1 completely sure   2 committed to a belief or way of doing something: a convinced Communist

■ convincing (kənˈvInsIŋ)   adj   1 credible or plausible   2 chiefly law persuading by evidence or argument   > conˈvincingly adv   > conˈvincingness n

convive (kənˈvaIv)   vb (intr)   obsolete to feast together

■ convivial (kənˈvIvIəl)   adj   sociable; jovial or festive: a convivial atmosphere [C17: from Late Latin convīviālis pertaining to a feast, from Latin convīvium, a living together, banquet, from vīvere to live]   > conˈvivialist n   > conˌviviˈality n   > conˈvivially adv

convo (ˈkɒnvəʊ)   n, pl -vos   informal, chiefly Austral a conversation

convocate (ˈkɒnvəˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to summon or call together   > convocative (kənˈvɒkətIv) adj   > ˈconvoˌcator n

■ convocation (ˌkɒnvəˈkeIʃən)   n   1 a large formal assembly, esp one specifically convened   2 the act of convoking or state of being convoked   3 Church of England either of the synods of the provinces of Canterbury or York   4 Episcopal Church   a an assembly of the clergy and part of the laity of a diocese   b a district represented at such an assembly   5 (sometimes capital) (in some British universities) a legislative assembly composed mainly of graduates   6 (in India) a degree-awarding ceremony   7 (in Australia and New Zealand) the graduate membership of a university   > ˌconvoˈcational adj

■ convocationist (ˌkɒnvəˈkeIʃənIst)   n   Church of England a person who supports either of the synods of the provinces of Canterbury or York

convoke (kənˈvəʊk)   vb   (tr) to call (a meeting, assembly, etc) together; summon [C16: from Latin convocāre, from vocāre to call]   > conˈvoker n

convolute (ˈkɒnvəˌluːt)   vb (tr)   1 to form into a twisted, coiled, or rolled shape   ▷ adj   2 botany rolled longitudinally upon itself: a convolute petal   3 another word for convoluted (sense 2) [C18: from Latin convolūtus rolled up, from convolvere to roll together, from volvere to turn]   > ˈconvoˌlutely adv

■ convoluted (ˈkɒnvəˌluːtId)   adj   1 (esp of meaning, style, etc) difficult to comprehend; involved   2 wound together; coiled   > ˈconvoˌlutedly adv   > ˈconvoˌlutedness n

■ convolution (ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃən)   n   1 a twisting together; a turn, twist, or coil   2 an intricate, involved, or confused matter or condition   3 Also called: gyrus any of the numerous convex folds or ridges of the surface of the brain   > ˌconvoˈlutional or ˌconvoˈlutionary adj

■ convolutions (ˌkɒnvəˈluːʃəns)   pl n   an intricate, involved, or confused matter or condition

convolve (kənˈvɒlv)   vb   to wind or roll together; coil; twist [C16: from Latin convolvere; see CONVOLUTE]

convolvulus (kənˈvɒlvjʊləs)   n, pl -luses or -li (-ˌlaI)   any typically twining herbaceous convolvulaceous plant of the genus Convolvulus, having funnel-shaped flowers and triangular leaves. See also bindweed [C16: from Latin: bindweed; see CONVOLUTE]

■ convolvulaceous (kənˌvɒlvjʊˈleIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Convolvulaceae, a family of plants having trumpet-shaped flowers and typically a climbing, twining, or prostrate habit: includes bindweed, morning-glory, and sweet potato

convoy (ˈkɒnvɔI)   n   1 a group of merchant ships with an escort of warships   2 a group of land vehicles assembled to travel together   3 the act of travelling or escorting by convoy (esp in the phrase in convoy)   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to escort while in transit [C14: from Old French convoier to CONVEY]

convulse (kənˈvʌls)   vb   1 (tr) to shake or agitate violently   2 (tr) to cause (muscles) to undergo violent spasms or contractions   3 (intr; often foll by with) informal to shake or be overcome (with violent emotion, esp laughter)   4 (tr) to disrupt the normal running of (a country, etc): riots have convulsed the city [C17: from Latin convulsus, from convellere to tear up, from vellere to pluck, pull]   > conˈvulsive adj   > conˈvulsively adv   > conˈvulsiveness n

■ convulsant (kənˈvʌlsənt)   adj   1 producing convulsions   ▷ n   2 a drug that produces convulsions [C19: from French, from convulser to CONVULSE]

■ convulsible (kənˈvʌlsIbəl)   adj   capable of becoming intensely agitated

■ convulsion (kənˈvʌlʃən)   n   1 a violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles   2 a violent upheaval, disturbance, or agitation, esp a social one   3 (usually plural) informal uncontrollable laughter: I was in convulsions   > conˈvulsionary adj

■ convulsional (kənˈvʌlʃənəl)   adj   relating to convulsions

■ convulsionist (kənˈvʌlʃənIst)   n   1 geology a person who believes that major geological changes were caused by intense convulsions   2 theol a religious fanatic, esp a fanatic in 18th-century France who went into convulsions at the tomb of François de Pâris, a Jansenist

Conwy (ˈkɒnwI)   n   1 a market town and resort in N Wales, in Conwy county borough on the estuary of the River Conwy: medieval town walls, 13th-century castle. Pop: 3847 (2001). Former name: Conway   2 a county borough in N Wales, created in 1996 from parts of Gwynedd and Clwyd. Pop: 110 900 (2003 est). Area: 1130 sq km (436 sq miles)

cony or coney (ˈkəʊnI)   n, pl -nies or -neys   1 a rabbit or fur made from the skin of a rabbit   2 (in the Bible) another name for the hyrax, esp the Syrian rock hyrax   3 another name for pika   4 archaic a fool or dupe [C13: back formation from conies, from Old French conis, plural of conil, from Latin cunīculus rabbit]

Conybeare (ˈkɒnIˌbIə, ˈkʌn-)   n   William Daniel. 1787–1857, British geologist. He summarized all that was known about rocks at the time in Outlines of the Geology of England and Wales (1822)

coo (kuː)   vb coos, cooing, cooed   1 (intr) (of doves, pigeons, etc) to make a characteristic soft throaty call   2 (tr) to speak in a soft murmur   3 (intr) to murmur lovingly (esp in the phrase bill and coo)   ▷ n   4 the sound of cooing   ▷ interj   5 Brit slang an exclamation of surprise, awe, etc   > ˈcooer n

■ cooing (ˈkuːIŋ)   n   the act of making a gentle low noise   > ˈcooingly adv

CoO   abbreviation for   cost of ownership

COO   abbreviation for   chief operating officer

co-occur   vb (intr)   to happen at the same time as something else

■ co-occurrence   n   the fact of two things happening at the same time

cooch (kuːtʃ)   n   vulgar, slang the female genitals

Cooch Behar or Kuch Bihar (kuːtʃ bIˈhɑː)   n   1 a former state of NE India: part of West Bengal since 1950   2 a city in India, in NE West Bengal: capital of the former state of Cooch Behar. Pop: 76 812 (2001)

cooee or cooey (ˈkuːiː)   interj   1 a call used to attract attention, esp (originally) a long loud high-pitched call on two notes used in the Australian bush   ▷ vb cooees, cooeeing, cooeed or cooeys, cooeying, cooeyed   2 (intr) to utter this call   ▷ n   3 Austral and NZ informal calling distance (esp in the phrase within (a) cooee (of)) [C19: from a native Australian language]

coof (kuːf)   n   Scot a simpleton

cook (kʊk)   vb   1 to prepare (food) by the action of heat, as by boiling, baking, etc, or (of food) to become ready for eating through such a process. Related adjective: culinary   2 to subject or be subjected to the action of intense heat: the town cooked in the sun   3 (tr) slang to alter or falsify (something, esp figures, accounts, etc): to cook the books   4 (tr) slang to spoil or ruin (something)   5 (intr) slang to happen (esp in the phrase what's cooking?)   6 (tr) slang to prepare (any of several drugs) by heating   7 (intr) music slang to play vigorously: the band was cooking   8 cook someone's goose informal   a to spoil someone's plans   b to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc   ▷ n   9 a person who prepares food for eating, esp as an occupation [Old English cōc (n), from Latin coquus a cook, from coquere to cook]   > ˈcookable adj   > ˈcooking n

■ cook-chill   n   a method of food preparation used by caterers, in which cooked dishes are chilled rapidly and reheated as required

■ cooker (ˈkʊkə)   n   1 an apparatus, usually of metal and heated by gas, electricity, oil, or solid fuel, for cooking food; stove   2 Brit any large sour apple used in cooking

■ cookery (ˈkʊkərI)   n   1 the art, study, or practice of cooking   2 US a place for cooking   3 Canadian a cookhouse at a mining or lumber camp

■ cookery book or cookbook (ˈkʊkˌbʊk)   n   a book containing recipes and instructions for cooking

■ cook-general   n, pl cooks-general   Brit (formerly, esp in the 1920s and '30s) a domestic servant who did cooking and housework

■ cookhouse (ˈkʊkˌhaʊs)   n   a place for cooking, esp a camp kitchen

■ cookless (ˈkʊklIs)   adj   without a cook

■ cookmaid (ˈkʊkˌmeId)   n   a maid who assists a cook

■ cook-off   n   US a cooking competition in which the contestants each prepare dishes for judging either by a group of judges or by the general public

■ cookout (ˈkʊkˌaʊt)   n   US and Canadian a party where a meal is cooked and eaten out of doors

■ cookroom (ˈkʊkˌrʊm)   n   a room in which food is cooked

■ cookshack (ˈkʊkˌʃæk)   n   US a makeshift building in which food is cooked

■ cook shop or cookshop (ˈkʊkˌʃɒp)   n   1 Brit a shop that sells cookery equipment   2 US a restaurant

■ cookstove (ˈkʊkˌstəʊv)   n   US a stove for cooking

■ cooktop (ˈkʊkˌtɒp)   n   US a flat unit for cooking in saucepans or the top part of a stove

■ cook up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 informal to concoct or invent (a story, alibi, etc)   2 to prepare (a meal), esp quickly   3 slang to prepare (a drug) for use by heating, as by dissolving heroin in a spoon   ▷ n cook-up   4 (in the Caribbean) a dish consisting of mixed meats, rice, shrimps, and sometimes vegetables

■ cookware (ˈkʊkwɛə)   n   the pots and utensils used in cooking

Cook^1 (kʊk)   n Mount Cook   1 see Aoraki-Mount Cook   2 a mountain in SE Alaska, in the St Elias Mountains. Height: 4194 m (13 760 ft)

Cook^2 (kʊk)   n   1  Alastair (Nathan). born 1984, English cricketer: first English batsman to score more than 10,000 runs in test matches   2  Captain James. 1728–79, British navigator and explorer: claimed the E coast of Australia for Britain, circumnavigated New Zealand, and discovered several Pacific and Atlantic islands (1768–79)   3  Sir Joseph. 1860–1947, Australian statesman, born in England: prime minister of Australia (1913–14)   4  Peter (Edward). 1937–95, British comedy actor and writer, noted esp for his partnership (1960–73) with Dudley Moore   5  Robin, full name Robert Finlayson Cook. 1946–2005, British Labour politician; foreign secretary (1997–2001), Leader of the House (2001-2003)   6  Thomas. 1808–92, British travel agent; innovator of conducted excursions and founder of the travel agents Thomas Cook and Son

cookie or cooky (ˈkʊkI)   n, pl -ies   1 US and Canadian a small flat dry sweet or plain cake of many varieties, baked from a dough. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): biscuit   2 a Scot word for bun   3 informal a person: smart cookie   4 computing a piece of data downloaded to a computer by a website, containing details of the preferences of that computer's user which identify the user when revisiting that website   5 that's the way the cookie crumbles informal matters are inevitably or unalterably so [C18: from Dutch koekje, diminutive of koek cake]

■ cookie-cutter   n   1 a shape with a sharp edge for cutting individual biscuits from a sheet of dough   ▷ adj   2 resembling many others of the same kind: a row of cookie-cutter houses

Cook Inlet   n   an inlet of the Pacific on the coast of S Alaska: part of the Gulf of Alaska

Cook Island Māori   n   NZ a dialect of Māori spoken in the Cook Islands

Cook Islands   pl n   a group of islands in the SW Pacific, an overseas territory of New Zealand: consists of the Lower Cooks and the Northern Cooks Capital: Avarua, on Rarotonga. Pop: 10 447 (2013 est). Area: 234 sq km (90 sq miles)

Cookson (ˈkʊksən)   n   Dame Catherine. 1906-98, British novelist, known for her popular novels set in northeast England

Cook's tour   n   informal a rapid but extensive tour or survey of anything [C19: after Thomas COOK^2]

Cookstown (ˈkʊkstaʊn)   n   a district of central Northern Ireland, in Co Tyrone. Pop: 33 387 (2003 est). Area: 622 sq km (240 sq miles)

Cook Strait   n   the strait between North and South Islands, New Zealand. Width: 26 km (16 miles)

Cooktown orchid (ˈkʊktaʊn)   n   a purple Australian orchid, Dendrobium bigibbum, found in Queensland, of which it is the floral emblem [named after Cooktown, a coastal town in NE Queensland]

cool (kuːl)   adj   1 moderately cold: a cool day   2 comfortably free of heat: a cool room   3 producing a pleasant feeling of coldness: a cool shirt   4 able to conceal emotion; calm: a cool head   5 lacking in enthusiasm, affection, cordiality, etc: a cool welcome   6 calmly audacious or impudent   7 informal (esp of numbers, sums of money, etc) without exaggeration; actual: a cool ten thousand   8 (of a colour) having violet, blue, or green predominating; cold   9 (of jazz) characteristic of the late 1940s and early 1950s, economical and rhythmically relaxed   10 informal sophisticated or elegant, esp in an unruffled way   11 informal excellent; marvellous   12 informal content and accepting: my parents are cool with me being a musician   ▷ adv   13 not standard in a cool manner; coolly   ▷ n   14 coolness: the cool of the evening   15 slang calmness; composure (esp in the phrases keep or lose one's cool)   16 slang unruffled elegance or sophistication   ▷ vb   17 (usually foll by down or off) to make or become cooler   18 (usually foll by down or off) to lessen the intensity of (anger or excitement) or (of anger or excitement) to become less intense; calm down   19 cool it (usually imperative) slang to calm down; take it easy   20 cool one's heels to wait or be kept waiting [Old English cōl; related to Old Norse kōlna, Old High German kuoli; see COLD, CHILL]   > ˈcoolish adj   > ˈcoolly adv   > ˈcoolness n

■ coolant (ˈkuːlənt)   n   1 a fluid used to cool a system or to transfer heat from one part of it to another   2 a liquid, such as an emulsion of oil, water, and soft soap, used to lubricate and cool the workpiece and cutting tool during machining

■ cool bag or cool box   n   an insulated container used to keep food cool on picnics, to carry frozen food, etc

■ cooldown (ˈkuːlˌdaʊn)   n   a series of gentle stretching exercises conducted after strenuous activity in order to allow the heart rate to gradually return to normal

■ cool drink   n   South African any soft drink

■ cooler (ˈkuːlə)   n   1 a container, vessel, or apparatus for cooling, such as a heat exchanger   2 a slang word for prison   3 a drink consisting of wine, fruit juice, and carbonated water

■ cool-headed   adj   able to remain calm in difficult situations

■ coolhouse (ˈkuːlˌhaʊs)   n   a greenhouse in which a cool temperature is maintained

■ cool hunter   n   informal a person who is employed to identify future trends, esp in fashion or the media

■ cooling (ˈkuːlIŋ)   adj   making one feel cool: a cooling breeze   > ˈcoolingly adv   > ˈcoolingness n

■ cooling-off period   n   1 a period during which the contending sides to a dispute reconsider their options before taking further action   2 a statutory period, often 14 days, that begins when a sale contract or life-assurance policy is received by a member of the public, during which the contract or policy can be cancelled without loss

■ cooling tower   n   a tall hollow structure in which steam is condensed or water that is used as a coolant in some industrial process is allowed to cool for reuse by trickling down a surface

■ coolist   n   a person, esp a scientist, who does not believe in global warming and the greenhouse effect

■ cool out   vb   (intr, adverb) Caribbean to relax and cool down

■ cool school   n   NZ a school where the students resolve conflict without the involvement of teachers

coolabah or coolibah (ˈkuːləˌbɑː)   n   an Australian myrtaceous tree, Eucalyptus microtheca, that grows along rivers and has smooth bark and long narrow leaves [from a native Australian language]

coolamon (ˈkuːləmɒn)   n   Austral a shallow dish of wood or bark, used for carrying water [C19: from a native Australian language]

Cooley's anaemia (ˈkuːlIz)   n   another name for thalassaemia [named after Thomas B. Cooley (1871–1945), US paediatrician who reported on it in children in the Mediterranean area]

Coolgardie safe (kuːlˈɡɑːdI)   n   a cupboard with wetted hessian walls for keeping food cool: used esp in Australia. Sometimes shortened to: Coolgardie [named after Coolgardie, Western Australia, perhaps because of resemblance to COOL and GUARD]

Coolidge (ˈkuːlIdʒ)   n   (John) Calvin. 1872–1933, 30th president of the US (1923–29)

coolie or cooly (ˈkuːlI)   n, pl -ies offensive   1 old-fashioned (in China, India, and some other countries) a cheaply hired unskilled labourer   2 an Indian living in South Africa [C17: from Hindi kulī, probably of Dravidian origin; related to Tamil kūli hire, hireling]

coolth (kuːlθ)   n   coolness [C16: originally dialect, from COOL + -TH^1]

coom or coomb (kuːm)   n   dialect, chiefly Scot and Northern English waste material, such as dust from coal, grease from axles, etc [C16 (meaning: soot): probably a variant of CULM^1]

■ coomy (ˈkuːmI)   adj coomier, coomiest   grimy or sooty

Coomaraswamy (kuːˌmɑːrəˈswɑːmI)   n   Ananda (Kentish). 1877–1947, Ceylonese art historian and interpreter of Indian culture to the West

coomb, combe, coombe or comb (kuːm)   n   1 chiefly Southern English a short valley or deep hollow, esp in chalk areas   2 chiefly Northern English another name for cirque [Old English cumb (in place names), probably of Celtic origin; compare Old French combe small valley and Welsh cwm valley]

coomceiled (ˈkuːmˌsiːld)   adj   (of an attic room) having a sloped or arching ceiling

coon (kuːn)   n   1 informal short for raccoon   2 offensive, slang a Black person or a native Australian

■ coondog (ˈkuːnˌdɒɡ)   n   a dog that has been trained to hunt raccoons, or, specifically, a coonhound

■ coonhound (ˈkuːnˌhaʊnd)   n   another name for raccoon dog (sense 2)

■ coon's age   n   US slang a long time

■ coonskin (ˈkuːnˌskIn)   n   1 the pelt of a raccoon   2 a raccoon cap with the tail hanging at the back   3 US an overcoat made of raccoon

cooncan (ˈkuːnˌkæn) or conquian   n   a card game for two players, similar to rummy [C19: from (Mexican) Spanish con quién with whom?, apparently with reference to the forming and declaring of sequences and sets of cards]

coontie (ˈkuːntI)   n   1 an evergreen plant, Zamia floridana of S Florida, related to the cycads and having large dark green leathery leaves: family Zamiaceae   2 a starch derived from the underground stems of this plant [C19: from Seminole kunti flour from this plant]

coop^1 (kuːp)   n   1 a cage or small enclosure for poultry or small animals   2 a small narrow place of confinement, esp a prison cell   3 a wicker basket for catching fish   ▷ vb   4 (tr; often foll by up or in) to confine in a restricted area [C15: probably from Middle Low German kūpe basket, tub; related to Latin cūpa cask, vat]

coop^2 or co-op (ˈkəʊˌɒp)   n   a cooperative, cooperative society, or shop run by a cooperative society

coop^3   the internet domain name for   a cooperative

coop. or co-op.   abbreviation for   cooperative

cooper (ˈkuːpə)   n   1 Also called: hooper a person skilled in making and repairing barrels, casks, etc   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make or mend (barrels, casks, etc)   3 (intr) to work as a cooper [C13: from Middle Dutch cūper or Middle Low German kūper; see COOP^1]

■ cooperage (ˈkuːpərIdʒ)   n   1 Also called: coopery the craft, place of work, or products of a cooper   2 the labour fee charged by a cooper

Cooper (ˈkuːpə)   n   1 Anthony Ashley. See (Earl of) Shaftesbury   2  Cary (Lynn). born 1940, British psychologist, noted for his studies of behaviour at work and the causes and treatment of stress   3  Gary, real name Frank James Cooper. 1901–61, US film actor; his many films include Sergeant York (1941) and High Noon (1952), for both of which he won Oscars   4  Sir Henry. 1934–2011, British boxer; European heavyweight champion (1964; 1968–71)   5  James Fenimore 1789–1851, US novelist, noted for his stories of Native Americans, esp The Last of the Mohicans (1826)   6  Leon Neil. born 1930, US physicist, noted for his work on the theory of superconductivity. He shared the Nobel prize for physics 1972   7  Samuel 1609–72, English miniaturist

cooperate or co-operate (kəʊˈɒpəˌreIt)   vb (intr)   1 to work or act together   2 to be of assistance or be willing to assist   3 economics (of firms, workers, consumers, etc) to engage in economic cooperation [C17: from Late Latin cooperārī to work with, combine, from Latin operārī to work]   > coˈoperˌator or co-ˈoperˌator n

■ cooperation or co-operation (kəʊˌɒpəˈreIʃən)   n   1 joint operation or action   2 assistance or willingness to assist   3 economics the combination of consumers, workers, farmers, etc, in activities usually embracing production, distribution, or trade   4 ecology beneficial but inessential interaction between two species in a community   > coˌoperˈationist or co-ˌoperˈationist n

■ cooperative or co-operative (kəʊˈɒpərətIv, -ˈɒprə-)   adj   1 willing to cooperate; helpful   2 acting in conjunction with others; cooperating   3    a (of an enterprise, farm, etc) owned collectively and managed for joint economic benefit   b (of an economy or economic activity) based on collective ownership and cooperative use of the means of production and distribution   ▷ n   4 a cooperative organization   5 US a block of flats belonging to a corporation in which shares are owned in proportion to the relative value of the flat occupied. Sometimes shortened to: coop. Compare condominium (sense 3)   > coˈoperatively or co-ˈoperatively adv   > coˈoperativeness or co-ˈoperativeness n

■ cooperative bank   n   a US name for building society

■ cooperative farm   n   1 a farm that is run in cooperation with others in the purchasing and using of machinery, stock, etc, and in the marketing of produce through its own institutions (farmers' cooperatives)   2 a farm that is owned by a cooperative society   3 a farm run on a communal basis, such as a kibbutz   4 another name for collective farm

■ Cooperative Party   n   (in Great Britain) a political party supporting the cooperative movement and linked with the Labour Party: founded in 1917

■ cooperative society   n   a commercial enterprise owned and managed by and for the benefit of customers or workers. Often shortened to: coop, co-op

■ cooperativity (kəʊˌɒpərəˈtIvItI)   n   biochem, chem an interaction between structural units within a molecule or between molecules in an assemblage that enables the system to respond more sharply to an external change than would isolated units

Cooper Creek (ˈkuːpə)   n   an intermittent river in E central Australia, in the Channel Country: rises in central Queensland and flows generally southwest, reaching Lake Eyre only during wet-year floods; scene of the death of the explorers Burke and Wills in 1861; the surrounding basin provides cattle pastures after the floods subside. Total length: 1420 km (880 miles)

Cooper pair   n   physics a pair of weakly bound electrons responsible for the transfer of charge in a superconducting material [C20: named after Leon Neil Cooper (born 1930), US physicist]

Cooper's hawk   n   a small North American hawk, Accipiter cooperii, having a bluish-grey back and wings and a reddish-brown breast [C19: named after William Cooper (died 1864), American naturalist]

co-opetition (ˌkəʊɒpəˈtIʃən)   n   cooperation between competitors in business, esp in the computer industry

coopt or co-opt (kəʊˈɒpt)   vb (tr)   1 to add (someone) to a committee, board, etc, by the agreement of the existing members   2 to appoint summarily; commandeer [C17: from Latin cooptāre to elect, from optāre to choose]   > coˈoption, co-ˈoption, ˌcoopˈtation or ˌco-opˈtation n   > coˈoptative or co-ˈoptative adj

Coopworth (ˈkuːpˌwɜːθ)   n   a New Zealand and Australian breed of sheep derived from the Romney Marsh

coordinal or co-ordinal (kəʊˈɔːdInəl)   adj   (of animals or plants) belonging to the same order

coordinance (kəʊˈɔːdInəns)   n   a joint ordinance

coordinate or co-ordinate   vb (kəʊˈɔːdIˌneIt)   1 (tr) to organize or integrate (diverse elements) in a harmonious operation   2 to place (things) in the same class or order, or (of things) to be placed in the same class or order   3 (intr) to work together, esp harmoniously   4 (intr) to take or be in the form of a harmonious order   5 chem to form or cause to form a coordinate bond   ▷ n (kəʊˈɔːdInIt, -ˌneIt)   6 maths any of a set of numbers that defines the location of a point in space. See Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates   7 a person or thing equal in rank, type, etc   ▷ adj (kəʊˈɔːdInIt, -ˌneIt)   8 of, concerned with, or involving coordination   9 of the same rank, type, etc   10 of or involving the use of coordinates: coordinate geometry   > coˈordinately or co-ˈordinately adv   > coˈordinateness or co-ˈordinateness n   > coˈordinative or co-ˈordinative adj   > coˈordiˌnator or co-ˈordiˌnator n

■ coordinate bond   n   a type of covalent chemical bond in which both the shared electrons are provided by one of the atoms. Also called: dative bond, semipolar bond

■ coordinate clause   n   one of two or more clauses in a sentence having the same status and introduced by coordinating conjunctions. Compare subordinate clause

■ coordinated or co-ordinated   adj   1 well organized   2 with colours and patterns that match or look good together   3 able to control parts of the body so they work effectively together

■ coordinate geometry   n   another term for analytical geometry

■ coordinates (kəʊˈɔːdInIts, -ˌneIts)   pl n   clothes of matching or harmonious colours and design, suitable for wearing together. Compare separates

■ coordinating conjunction   n   a conjunction that introduces coordinate clauses, such as and, but, and or. Compare subordinating conjunction

■ coordination or co-ordination (kəʊˌɔːdIˈneIʃən)   n   balanced and effective interaction of movement, actions, etc [C17: from Late Latin coordinātiō, from Latin ordinātiō an arranging; see ORDINATE]

■ coordination compound   n   another name for complex (sense 8)

■ coordination number   n   chem the number of coordinated species surrounding the central atom in a complex or crystal

Coorg (kʊəɡ)   n   a former province of SW India: since 1956 part of Karnataka state

coorie (ˈkuːrI)   vb   (intr) Scot a variant spelling of courie

cooser (ˈkuːsə)   n   Scot an uncastrated male horse; stallion

coot (kuːt)   n   1 any aquatic bird of the genus Fulica, esp F. atra of Europe and Asia, having lobed toes, dark plumage, and a white bill with a frontal shield: family Rallidae (rails, crakes, etc)   2 a foolish person, esp an old man (often in the phrase old coot) [C14: probably from Low German; compare Dutch koet]

cootch or cwtch (kʊtʃ) South Wales dialect   n   1 a hiding place   2 a room, shed, etc, used for storage: a coal cootch   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to hide   4 (often foll by up) to cuddle or be cuddled   5 (tr) to clasp (someone or something) to oneself [from French couche COUCH, probably influenced by Welsh cwt hut]

cooter (ˈkuːtə)   n   Southern US a large freshwater turtle, Pseudemus concinna, found in southern USA and northern Mexico

cootie (ˈkuːtI)   n   US and NZ a slang name for the body louse. Also called (NZ): kutu. See louse (sense 1) [C20: perhaps from Malay or Māori kutu louse]

cootikin (ˈkuːtIˌkIn)   n sing   Scot a cloth gaiter

co-owner   n   a person who is one of the joint owners of something

■ co-ownership   n   the fact or state of being one of the joint owners of something

cooze (kuːz)   n vulgar, slang, chiefly US and Canadian   1 the female genitals   2 offensive a woman considered sexually [C20: of unknown origin]

cop^1 (kɒp) slang   n   1 another name for policeman   2 Brit an arrest (esp in the phrase a fair cop)   3 an instance of plagiarism   ▷ vb cops, copping, copped (tr)   4 to seize or catch   5 to steal   6 to buy, steal, or otherwise obtain (illegal drugs). Compare score (sense 26)   7 Also: cop it to suffer (a punishment): you'll cop a clout if you do that!   8 cop it sweet Austral slang   a to accept a penalty without complaint   b to have good fortune [C18: (vb) perhaps from obsolete cap to arrest, from Old French caper to seize; sense 1, back formation from COPPER^2]

■ cop off   vb (intr, adverb)   cop off with Brit informal to establish an amorous or sexual relationship with

■ cop out slang   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to fail to assume responsibility or to commit oneself   ▷ n cop-out   2 an instance of avoiding responsibility or commitment   3 a person who acts in this way [C20: probably from COP^1]

■ cop shop or cop-shop   n   slang a police station

cop^2 (kɒp)   n   1 a conical roll of thread wound on a spindle   2 chiefly dialect the top or crest, as of a hill [Old English cop, copp top, summit, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old English copp CUP]

cop^3 (kɒp)   n   Brit slang (usually used with a negative) worth or value: that work is not much cop [C19: n use of COP^1 (in the sense: to catch, hence something caught, something of value)]

COP   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Certificate of Proficiency: a pass in a university subject

copacetic, copasetic, copesetic or copesettic (ˌkəʊpəˈsɛtIk)   adj   US and Canadian slang very good; excellent; completely satisfactory [C20: of unknown origin]

copaiba (kəʊˈpaIbə) or copaiva (kəʊˈpaIvə)   n   a transparent yellowish viscous oleoresin obtained from certain tropical South American trees of the leguminous genus Copaifera: used in varnishes and ointments. Also called: copaiba balsam, copaiba resin [C18: via Spanish via Portuguese from Tupi]

copal (ˈkəʊpəl, -pæl)   n   a hard aromatic resin, yellow, orange, or red in colour, obtained from various tropical trees and used in making varnishes and lacquers [C16: from Spanish, from Nahuatl copalli resin]

copalm (ˈkəʊˌpɑːm)   n   1 the aromatic brown resin obtained from the sweet gum tree   2 another name for the sweet gum [C19: from Louisiana French, from Mexican Spanish copalme; see COPAL, PALMATE]

Copán (Spanish koˈpan)   n   a village in W Honduras: site of a ruined Mayan city

coparcenary, coparcenery (kəʊˈpɑːsənərI) or coparceny (kəʊˈpɑːsInI)   n   law a form of joint ownership of property, esp joint heirship. Also called: parcenary

■ coparcener (kəʊˈpɑːsInə)   n   law a person who inherits an estate as coheir with others. Also called: parcener

coparent (kəʊˈpɛərənt)   n   a fellow parent

copartner (kəʊˈpɑːtnə)   n   a partner or associate, esp an equal partner in business

■ copartnership (kəʊˈpɑːtnəʃIp)   n   1 a partnership or association between two equals, esp in a business enterprise   2 a form of industrial democracy in which the employees of an organization are partners in the company and share in part of its profits

■ copartnery (kəʊˈpɑːtnərI)   n   copartnership

copastor (kəʊˈpɑːstə)   n   a fellow pastor

copataine (ˈkɒpəˌteIn)   adj   obsolete (of a hat) high-crowned

copatriot (kəʊˈpeItrIət)   n   a fellow patriot

copatron (kəʊˈpeItrən)   n   a fellow patron

copay (kəʊˈpeI)   n   insurance, US a copayment

■ copayment (kəʊˈpeImənt)   n   a fee paid by a subscriber to a service for the use of additional services not covered by the subscription

COPD   abbreviation for   chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

cope^1 (kəʊp)   vb   1 (intr; foll by with) to contend (against)   2 (intr) to deal successfully with or handle a situation; manage: she coped well with the problem   3 (tr) archaic   a to deal with   b to meet in battle [C14: from Old French coper to strike, cut, from coup blow; see COUP^1]

cope^2 (kəʊp)   n   1 a large ceremonial cloak worn at solemn liturgical functions by priests of certain Christian sects   2 any covering shaped like a cope   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to dress (someone) in a cope [Old English cāp, from Medieval Latin cāpa, from Late Latin cappa hooded cloak; see CAP^1]

cope^3 (kəʊp)   vb (tr)   1 to provide (a wall) with a coping   2 to join (two moulded timber members)   ▷ n   3 another name for coping [C17: probably from French couper to cut; see COPE^1]

■ copestone (ˈkəʊpˌstəʊn)   n   1 Also called: coping stone a stone used to form a coping   2 Also called: capstone the stone at the top of a building, wall, etc

■ coping (ˈkəʊpIŋ)   n   the sloping top course of a wall, usually made of masonry or brick. Also called: cope

■ coping saw   n   a handsaw with a U-shaped frame used for cutting curves in a material too thick for a fret saw

■ coping stone or copingstone (ˈkəʊpIŋˌstəʊn)   n   another word for copestone (sense 1)

COPE (kəʊp)   n acronym for (in South Africa)   Congress of the People: a political party founded in 2008 by dissident members of the ANC

copeck (ˈkəʊpɛk)   n   a variant spelling of kopeck

copemate (ˈkəʊpˌmeIt)   n obsolete   1 a partner, comrade, paramour, or spouse   2 an adversary

copen (ˈkəʊpən)   n   US a light shade of blue

Copenhagen (ˌkəʊpənˈheIɡən, -ˈhɑː-, ˈkəʊpənˌheI-, -ˌhɑː-)   n   the capital of Denmark, a port on Zealand and the Amager Islands on a site inhabited for some 6000 years: exports chiefly agricultural products; iron and steel works; university (1479). Pop: 1 268 052 (2015 est). Danish name: København

■ Copenhagen blue   n     a a greyish-blue colour   b (as adjective): Copenhagen-blue markings

■ Copenhagen interpretation   n   an interpretation of quantum mechanics developed by Niels Bohr and his colleagues at the University of Copenhagen, based on the concept of wave–particle duality and the idea that the observation influences the result of an experiment

copepod (ˈkəʊpIˌpɒd)   n   1 any minute free-living or parasitic crustacean of the subclass Copepoda of marine and fresh waters: an important constituent of plankton   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Copepoda [C19: from New Latin Copepoda, from Greek kōpē oar + pous foot]

coper (ˈkəʊpə)   n   a horse-dealer [C17 (a dealer, chapman): from dialect cope to buy, barter, from Low German; related to Dutch koopen to buy]

Copernicus^1 (kəˈpɜːnIkəs)   n   Nicolaus (ˌnIkəˈleIəs). Polish name Mikołaj Kopernik. 1473–1543, Polish astronomer, whose theory of the solar system (the Copernican system) was published in 1543   > Coˈpernican adj

■ Copernican system   n   the theory published in 1543 by Copernicus which stated that the earth and the planets rotated around the sun and which opposed the Ptolemaic system

■ copernicium (ˌkəʊpəˈnIsIəm)   n   a highly radioactive element that is produced synthetically. Symbol: Cn; atomic no: 112; atomic wt: 285 [C21: named after Nicolaus Copernicus ]

Copernicus^2 (kəˈpɜːnIkəs)   n   a conspicuous crater on the moon, over 4000 metres deep and 90 kilometres in diameter, from which a system of rays emanates

copihue (ˈkəʊpIweI)   n   an evergreen climber, Lapageria rosea, that is found in southern Chile and has red flowers and edible fruit

copilot (ˈkəʊˌpaIlət)   n   a second or relief pilot of an aircraft

copious (ˈkəʊpIəs)   adj   1 abundant; extensive in quantity   2 having or providing an abundant supply   3 full of words, ideas, etc; profuse [C14: from Latin cōpiōsus well supplied, from cōpia abundance, from ops wealth]   > ˈcopiously adv   > ˈcopiousness n

copita (Spanish koˈpita; English kəˈpiːtə)   n   1 a tulip-shaped sherry glass   2 a glass of sherry [diminutive of copa cup]

coplanar (kəʊˈpleInə)   adj   lying in the same plane: coplanar lines   > ˌcoplaˈnarity n

Copland (ˈkəʊplənd)   n   Aaron. 1900–90, US composer of orchestral and chamber music, ballets, and film music

Copley (ˈkɒplI)   n   John Singleton. 1738–1815, US painter

coplot (kəʊˈplɒt)   vb (tr)   1 to plot together on the same graph   2 to construct the plot of (a literary work) together

■ coplotting (kəʊˈplɒtIŋ)   n   1 the act of plotting points for two different sets of data together on the same graph   2 the act constructing the plot of a literary work together

copolymer (kəʊˈpɒlImə)   n   a chemical compound of high molecular weight formed by uniting the molecules of two or more different compounds (monomers). Compare polymer, oligomer

■ copolymeric (kəʊˌpɒlIˈmɛrIk)   adj   chem of or relating to a copolymer

■ copolymerize or copolymerise (kəʊˈpɒlIməˌraIz)   vb   to react (two compounds) together to produce a copolymer   > coˌpolymeriˈzation or coˌpolymeriˈsation n

copper^1 (ˈkɒpə)   n   1    a a malleable ductile reddish metallic element occurring as the free metal, copper glance, and copper pyrites: used as an electrical and thermal conductor and in such alloys as brass and bronze. Symbol: Cu; atomic no: 29; atomic wt: 63.546; valency: 1 or 2; relative density: 8.96; melting pt: 1084.87±+0.2°C; boiling pt: 2563°C. Related adjectives: cupric, cuprous. Related prefix: cupro-   b (as modifier): a copper coin   2    a the reddish-brown colour of copper   b (as adjective): copper hair   3 informal any copper or bronze coin   4 chiefly Brit a large vessel, formerly of copper, used for boiling or washing   5 any of various small widely distributed butterflies of the genera Lycaena, Heodes, etc, typically having reddish-brown wings: family Lycaenidae   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to coat or cover with copper [Old English coper, from Latin Cyprium aes Cyprian metal, from Greek Kupris Cyprus]   > ˈcoppery adj

■ copper beech   n   a cultivated variety of European beech that has dark purple leaves

■ Copper Belt   n   a region of Central Africa, along the border between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo: rich deposits of copper

■ copper-bottomed   adj   reliable, esp financially reliable [from the former practice of coating the bottoms of ships with copper to prevent the timbers rotting]

■ copper-coloured   adj   of a reddish-brown colour

■ copper-fasten   vb   (tr) Irish to make (a bargain or agreement) binding

■ copperhead (ˈkɒpəˌhɛd)   n   1 a venomous reddish-brown snake, Agkistrodon contortrix, of the eastern US: family Crotalidae (pit vipers)   2 a venomous reddish-brown Australian elapid snake, Denisonia superba   3 US informal a Yankee supporter of the South during the Civil War

■ copperish (ˈkɒpərIʃ)   adj   resembling copper

■ copperplate (ˈkɒpəˌpleIt)   n   1 a polished copper plate on which a design has been etched or engraved   2 a print taken from such a plate   3 a fine handwriting based upon that used on copperplate engravings

■ copper pyrites (ˈpaIraIts)   n   (functioning as singular) another name for chalcopyrite

■ copperskin (ˈkɒpəˌskIn)   n   US offensive, slang a Native American

■ coppersmith (ˈkɒpəˌsmIθ)   n   1 a person who works copper or copper alloys   2 an Asian barbet (a bird), Megalaima haemacephala, the call of which has a ringing metallic note

■ copper sulphate   n   a copper salt found naturally as chalcanthite and made by the action of sulphuric acid on copper oxide. It usually exists as blue crystals of the pentahydrate that form a white anhydrous powder when heated: used as a mordant, in electroplating, and in plant sprays. Formula: CuSO_4

■ copperwork (ˈkɒpəˌwɜːk)   n   a place where copper is worked

■ copperworm (ˈkɒpəˌwɜːm)   n   obsolete a shipworm, Teredo navalis

copper^2 (ˈkɒpə)   n   a slang word for policeman. Often shortened to: cop [C19: from COP^1 (vb) + -ER^1]

copperas (ˈkɒpərəs)   n   a less common name for ferrous sulphate [C14: coperose, via Old French from Medieval Latin cuperosa, perhaps originally in the phrase aqua cuprosa copper water]

coppice (ˈkɒpIs)   n   1 a thicket or dense growth of small trees or bushes, esp one regularly trimmed back to stumps so that a continual supply of small poles and firewood is obtained   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to trim back (trees or bushes) to form a coppice   3 (intr) to form a coppice [C14: from Old French copeiz, from couper to cut]   > ˈcoppiced adj   > ˈcoppicing n

coppin (ˈkɒpIn)   n   a conical roll of thread wound on a spindle

copple (ˈkɒpəl)   n obsolete   1 a tuft of feathers on a bird's head   2 a hill rising to a point

Coppola (ˈkɒpələ)   n   Francis Ford. born 1939, US film director. His films include The Godfather (1972), The Godfather Part II (1974), Apocalypse Now (1979), Tucker (1988), and The Rainmaker (1997)

coppy (ˈkɒpI)   n, pl coppies   Northern English dialect a small wooden stool

copr-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of copro-

copra (ˈkɒprə)   n   the dried, oil-yielding kernel of the coconut [C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam koppara, probably from Hindi khoprā coconut]

copraemia or US copremia (kɒˈpriːmIə)   n   pathol a type of poisoning caused by faecal matter entering the bloodstream as a result of chronic constipation

■ copraemic or US copremic (kɒˈpriːmIk)   adj   pathol of or relating to copraemia

copresent (ˌkəʊprIˈzɛnt)   vb (tr)   to present jointly

■ copresence (kəʊˈprɛzəns)   n   the presence of multiple things together

co-president   n   a person who shares the highest position in an organization with another person

■ co-presidency   n   the state or act of being co-president

coprince (kəʊˈprIns)   n   a fellow prince

coprincipal (kəʊˈprInsIpəl)   n   a joint principal

coprisoner (kəʊˈprIzənə)   n   a fellow prisoner

copro- or copr-   combining form (before a vowel)   indicating dung or obscenity: coprology [from Greek kopros dung]

coprocessing (ˌkəʊˈprəʊsɛsIŋ)   n   the act of processing jointly

coprocessor (ˌkəʊˈprəʊsɛsə)   n   computing a microprocessor circuit that operates alongside and supplements the capabilities of the main processor, providing, for example, high-speed arithmetic

co-produce   vb (tr)   to produce (a film, play, television programme, etc) with another person

■ coproducer (ˌkəʊprəˈdjuːsə)   n   a joint producer

■ coproduct (kəʊˈprɒdʌkt)   n   a joint product

■ co-production   n   a film, play, television programme, etc, produced by two or more people or organizations

coprolalia (ˌkɒprəˈleIlIə)   n   obsessive use of obscene or foul language

■ coprolaliac (ˌkɒprəˈleIlIæk)   adj   of or relating to coprolalia

coprolite (ˈkɒprəˌlaIt)   n   any of various rounded stony nodules thought to be the fossilized faeces of Palaeozic-Cenozoic vertebrates   > coprolitic (ˌkɒprəˈlItIk) adj

coprolith (ˈkɒprəlIθ)   n   med a hard stony mass of dried faeces in the intestine that is caused by chronic constipation

coprology (kɒpˈrɒlədʒI)   n   preoccupation with excrement. Also called: scatology

copromoter (ˌkəʊprəˈməʊtə)   n   a joint promoter

coprophagan (kɒpˈrɒfəɡən)   n   a dung beetle

coprophagic (ˌkɒprəˈfædʒIk)   adj   involving the eating of excrement

coprophagist (kɒˈprɒfədʒIst)   n   a creature that feeds on excrement

coprophagous (kɒˈprɒfəɡəs)   adj   (esp of certain beetles) feeding on dung   > copˈrophagy n

coprophilia (ˌkɒprəʊˈfIlIə)   n   an abnormal interest in faeces and their evacuation

■ coprophiliac (ˌkɒprəʊˈfIlIæk)   adj   of or relating to coprophilia

■ coprophilous (kəˈprɒfIləs) or coprophilic (ˌkɒprəʊˈfIlIk)   adj   growing in or on dung

coproprietor (ˌkəʊprəˈpraIətə)   n   a joint proprietor

coprosma (kəˈprɒzmə)   n   any shrub of the Australasian rubiaceous genus Coprosma: sometimes planted for ornament [C19: New Latin, from Greek kopros excrement + osmē smell]

coprosperity (ˌkəʊprɒˈspɛrItI)   n   joint prosperity

coprosterol (kɒˈprɒstərɒl)   n   chem a compound, C_27H_47OH, that is present in faeces and is formed by the reduction of cholesterol by intestinal bacteria

coprozoic (ˌkɒprəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   (of animals) living in dung

copse (kɒps)   n   another word for coppice (sense 1) [C16: by shortening from COPPICE]

■ copsewood (ˈkɒpsˌwʊd)   n   1 the smallest trees, and the bushes and ferns, of a coppice   2 obsolete a thicket or dense growth of small trees or bushes

■ copsy (ˈkɒpsI)   adj copsier, copsiest   having copses

Copt (kɒpt)   n   1 a member of the Coptic Church   2 an Egyptian descended from the ancient Egyptians [C17: from Arabic qubt Copts, from Coptic kyptios Egyptian, from Greek Aiguptios, from Aiguptos Egypt]

copter or 'copter (ˈkɒptə)   n   informal short for helicopter

Coptic (ˈkɒptIk)   n   1 an Afro-Asiatic language, written in the Greek alphabet but descended from ancient Egyptian. It was extinct as a spoken language by about 1600 AD but survives in the Coptic Church   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this language   3 of or relating to the Copts

■ Coptic Church   n   the ancient Christian Church of Egypt

co-publish   vb (tr)   to publish (something) with another person or company

■ copublisher (kəʊˈpʌblIʃə)   n   a publisher that publishes a work in conjunction with another publisher

copula (ˈkɒpjʊlə)   n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)   1 a verb, such as be, seem, or taste, that is used merely to identify or link the subject with the complement of a sentence. Copulas may serve to link nouns (or pronouns), as in he became king, nouns (or pronouns) and adjectival complements, as in sugar tastes sweet, or nouns (or pronouns) and adverbial complements, as in John is in jail   2 anything that serves as a link   3 logic the often unexpressed link between the subject and predicate terms of a categorial proposition, as are in all men are mortal [C17: from Latin: bond, connection, from co- together + apere to fasten]   > ˈcopular adj

■ copulate (ˈkɒpjʊˌleIt)   vb   (intr) to perform sexual intercourse [C17: from Latin copulāre to join together; see COPULA]   > ˌcopuˈlation n   > ˈcopulatory adj

■ copulative (ˈkɒpjʊlətIv)   adj   1 serving to join or unite   2 of or characteristic of copulation   3 grammar (of a verb) having the nature of a copula   > ˈcopulatively adv

copurify (kəʊˈpjʊərIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (intr)   genetics (of a compound) to purify, and be purified by, another compound

copy (ˈkɒpI)   n, pl copies   1 an imitation or reproduction of an original   2 a single specimen of something that occurs in a multiple edition, such as a book, article, etc   3    a matter to be reproduced in print   b written matter or text as distinct from graphic material in books, newspapers, etc   4 the words used to present a promotional message in an advertisement   5 journalism informal suitable material for an article or story: disasters are always good copy   6 archaic a model to be copied, esp an example of penmanship   ▷ vb copies, copying, copied   7 (when tr, often foll by out) to make a copy or reproduction of (an original)   8 (tr) to imitate as a model   9 (intr) to imitate unfairly [C14: from Medieval Latin cōpia an imitation, something copied, from Latin: abundance, riches; see COPIOUS]

■ copier (ˈkɒpIə)   n   1 a person or device that copies   2 another word for copyist

■ copyable (ˈkɒpIəbəl)   adj   able to be copied

■ copybook (ˈkɒpIˌbʊk)   n   1 a book of specimens, esp of penmanship, for imitation   2 chiefly US a book for or containing documents   3 blot one's copybook informal to spoil one's reputation by making a mistake, offending against social customs, etc   4 (modifier) trite or unoriginal: copybook sentiments

■ copyboy (ˈkɒpIbɔI)   n   journalism old-fashioned a boy employed by a newspaper or broadcast news office to carry copy and run errands

■ copycat (ˈkɒpIˌkæt)   n   informal   a a person, esp a child, who imitates or copies another   b (as modifier): copycat murders

■ copy desk or copydesk (ˈkɒpIˌdɛsk)   n   journalism a desk where copy is edited

■ copy-edit   vb   journalism to prepare (copy) for printing by styling, correcting, etc   > copy editor n

■ copyfight (ˈkɒpIˌfaIt)   n   the conflict between copyright holders and other individuals over the use, distribution, and replication of copyright materials. Also called: copyright social conflict

■ copygirl (ˈkɒpIˌɡɜːl)   n   journalism a young woman employed by a newspaper or broadcast news office to carry copy and run errands

■ copygraph (ˈkɒpIˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   another name for hectograph

■ copyhold (ˈkɒpIˌhəʊld)   n law (formerly)     a a tenure less than freehold of land in England evidenced by a copy of the Court roll   b land held in this way

■ copyholder or copy holder (ˈkɒpIˌhəʊldə)   n   1 printing one who reads aloud from the copy as the proof corrector follows the reading in the proof   2 printing a device that holds copy in place for the compositor   3 law (formerly) a person who held land by copyhold tenure

■ copy in   vb   (tr, adverb) to send someone a copy of an email or letter being sent to another person

■ copying (ˈkɒpIIŋ)   n   the act of copying

■ copyism (ˈkɒpIIzəm)   n   the practice of copying slavishly

■ copyist (ˈkɒpIIst)   n   1 a person who makes written copies; transcriber   2 a person who imitates or copies

■ copyleft (ˈkɒpIˌlɛft)   n   law a form of licensing that imposes fewer restrictions on the use of a work than copyright

■ copyread (ˈkɒpIˌriːd)   vb -reads, -reading, -read   US to subedit

■ copyreader (ˈkɒpIˌriːdə)   n   US a person who edits and prepares newspaper copy for publication; subeditor

■ copyright (ˈkɒpIˌraIt)   n   1 the exclusive right to produce copies and to control an original literary, musical, or artistic work, granted by law for a specified number of years (in Britain, usually 70 years from the death of the author, composer, etc, or from the date of publication if later). Symbol: (c)   ▷ adj   2 (of a work, etc) subject to or controlled by copyright   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to take out a copyright on   > ˈcopyˌrightable adj   > ˈcopyˌrighter n

■ copyright deposit library   n   one of six libraries legally entitled to receive a gratis copy of every book published in the United Kingdom: the British Library, Bodleian, Cambridge University, Trinity College in Dublin, Scottish National Library, and National Library of Wales

■ copyright social conflict   n   another term for copyfight

■ copytaker (ˈkɒpIˌteIkə)   n   (esp in a newspaper office) a person employed to type reports as journalists dictate them over the telephone

■ copy taster   n   a person who selects or approves text for publication, esp in a periodical

■ copy typist   n   a typist whose job is to type from written or typed drafts rather than dictation

■ copywriter (ˈkɒpIˌraItə)   n   a person employed to write advertising copy   > ˈcopyˌwriting n

coq au vin French (kɔk o vɛ̃)   n   chicken stewed with red wine, onions, etc [literally: cock with wine]

coquelicot (ˈkəʊklIˌkəʊ)   n   another name for corn poppy [C18: from French: crow of a cock, from its resemblance to a cock's comb]

coquet (kəʊˈkɛt, kɒ-)   vb -quets, -quetting, -quetted (intr)   1 to behave flirtatiously   2 to dally or trifle [C17: from French: a gallant, literally: a little cock, from coq cock]

■ coquetry (ˈkəʊkItrI, ˈkɒk-)   n, pl -ries   flirtation

coquette (kəʊˈkɛt, kɒˈkɛt)   n   1 a woman who flirts   2 any hummingbird of the genus Lophornis, esp the crested Brazilian species L. magnifica [C17: from French, feminine of COQUET]   > coˈquettish adj   > coˈquettishly adv   > coˈquettishness n

coquilla nut or coquilla (kɒˈkiːljə)   n   the nut of a South American palm tree, Attalea funifera, having a hard brown shell used for carving. See also cohune [C19: from Portuguese coquilho, diminutive of côco coconut; see COCO]

coquille (French kɔkij)   n   1 any dish, esp seafood, served in a scallop shell: Coquilles St Jacques   2 a scallop shell, or dish resembling a shell   3 fencing a bell-shaped hand guard on a foil [French, literally: shell, from Latin conchӯlium mussel; see COCKLE^1]

coquimbite (kɒˈkImbaIt)   n   mineralogy hydrated ferric sulphate found in certain rocks and in volcanic fumaroles [C19: from Coquimbo, Chilean province where it was originally found, + -ITE^1]

coquina (kɒˈkiːnə)   n   a soft limestone consisting of shells, corals, etc, that occurs in parts of the US [C19: from Spanish: shellfish, probably from concha shell, CONCH]

coquito (kɒˈkiːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a Chilean palm tree, Jubaea spectabilis, yielding edible nuts and a syrup [C19: from Spanish: a little coco palm, from coco coco palm]

cor (kɔː)   interj   Brit slang an exclamation of surprise, amazement, or admiration [C20: corruption of God]

■ cor blimey (ˈkɔː ˈblaImI) or gorblimey   interj   Brit slang an exclamation of surprise or annoyance [C20: corruption of God blind me]

Cor. Bible   abbreviation for   Corinthians

coraciiform (ˌkɒrəˈsaIIˌfɔːm)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Coraciiformes, an order of birds including the kingfishers, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and hornbills [C20: from New Latin Coracias name of genus, from Greek korakias a chough + -I- + -FORM; related to Greek korax raven]

coracle (ˈkɒrəkəl)   n   a small roundish boat made of waterproofed hides stretched over a wicker frame [C16: from Welsh corwgl; related to Irish curach boat]

coracoid (ˈkɒrəˌkɔId)   n   a paired ventral bone of the pectoral girdle in vertebrates. In mammals it is reduced to a peg (the coracoid process) on the scapula [C18: from New Latin coracoīdēs, from Greek korakoeidēs like a raven, curved like a raven's beak, from korax raven]

coradicate (kəʊˈrædIˌkeIt)   adj   linguistics (of multiple words) derived from the same root

coraggio (kɒˈrædʒəʊ)   interj   an exhortation for a person to be brave

coral (ˈkɒrəl)   n   1 any marine mostly colonial coelenterate of the class Anthozoa having a calcareous, horny, or soft skeleton. See also stony coral, sea fan   2    a the calcareous or horny material forming the skeleton of certain of these animals   b (as modifier): a coral reef. See also red coral   3    a a rocklike aggregation of certain of these animals or their skeletons, forming an island or reef   b (as modifier): a coral island   4    a an object made of coral, esp a piece of jewellery   b (as modifier): a coral necklace   5    a a deep-pink to yellowish-pink colour   b (as adjective): coral lipstick   6 the roe of a lobster or crab, which becomes pink when cooked [C14: from Old French, from Latin corāllium, from Greek korallion, probably of Semitic origin]

■ coralbells (ˈkɒrəlˌbɛlz)   n   a perennial herb of the western US, Heuchera sanguinea, with red flowers that are shaped like bells

■ coralberry (ˈkɒrəlˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 a small shrub, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, that is native to North America and is cultivated for its berries   2 any of several evergreen plants of the genus Ardisia, which are native to Asia and produce berrylike fruits

■ coral fern   n   Austral a scrambling fern of the genus Gleichenia, having repeatedly forked fronds

■ corallaceous (ˌkɒrəˈleIʃəs)   adj   having the nature of coral

■ coralliferous (ˌkɒrəˈlIfərəs)   adj   bearing or containing coral

■ coralliform (kɒˈrælIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling coral in shape

■ coralligenous (ˌkɒrəˈlIdʒInəs)   adj   producing coral

■ coralline (ˈkɒrəˌlaIn)   adj   1 Also: coralloid of, relating to, or resembling coral   2 of the colour of coral   ▷ n   3 any of various red algae impregnated with calcium carbonate, esp any of the genus Corallina   4 any of various animals that resemble coral, such as certain sponges [C16: from Late Latin corallīnus coral red, from Latin corāllium CORAL]

■ corallite (ˈkɒrəlaIt)   n   the skeleton of a coral polyp

■ coralloid (ˈkɒrəlɔId) or coralloidal (ˌkɒrəˈlɔIdəl)   adj   of or resembling coral

■ corallum (kɒrˈæləm)   n   the skeleton of any zoophyte, esp that of a coral colony

■ coral reef   n   a marine ridge or reef consisting of coral and other organic material consolidated into limestone

■ coralroot (ˈkɒrəlˌruːt)   n   any N temperate leafless orchid of the genus Corallorhiza, with small yellow-green or purple flowers and branched roots resembling coral

■ Coral Sea   n   the SW arm of the Pacific, between Australia, New Guinea, and Vanuatu

■ coral snake   n   1 any venomous elapid snake of the genus Micrurus and related genera, of tropical and subtropical America, marked with red, black, yellow, and white transverse bands   2 any of various other brightly coloured elapid snakes of Africa and SE Asia

■ coral tree   n   any of various thorny, tropical trees of the leguminous genus Erythrina, having bright red flowers and reddish shiny seeds

■ coral trout   n   an Australian fish, Plectropomus maculatus, of the Great Barrier Reef which is an important food fish

■ coralwort (ˈkɒrəlˌwɜːt)   n   1 any of various leafless orchids of the genus Corallorhiza   2 any of various leafless North American or Eurasian plants of the genus Dentaria

coram (ˈkəʊræm)   prep   law before; in the presence of

■ coram populo Latin (ˈkɔːræm ˈpɒpʊˌləʊ)   adv   in the presence of the people; publicly

coramine (ˈkɔːrəˌmiːn)   n   a drug, C_10H_14N2O, which is a circulatory stimulant and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, hence preventing its use by athletes

cor anglais (ˈkɔːr ˈɑːŋɡleI)   n, pl cors anglais (ˈkɔːz ˈɑːŋɡleI)   music a woodwind instrument, the alto of the oboe family. It is a transposing instrument in F. Range: two and a half octaves upwards from E on the third space of the bass staff. Also called: English horn [C19: from French: English horn]

Corantijn (ˈkɔranˌtɛjn)   n   the Dutch name of Courantyne

coranto (kɒˈræntəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a variant of courante

corban (ˈkɔːbən; Hebrew kɔrˈban)   n   1 Old Testament a gift to God   2 New Testament, Judaism the Temple treasury or a consecration or gift to it (Matthew 27:6; Mark 7:11) [C14: from Late Latin, from Greek korban, from Hebrew qorbān offering, literally: a drawing near]

corbeau (kɔːˈbəʊ)   n   a blackish green colour

corbeil or corbeille (ˈkɔːbəl; French kɔrbɛj)   n   architect a carved ornament in the form of a basket of fruit, flowers, etc [C18: from French corbeille basket, from Late Latin corbicula a little basket, from Latin corbis basket]

corbel (ˈkɔːbəl) architect   n   1 Also called: truss a bracket, usually of stone or brick   ▷ vb -bels, -belling, -belled or US -bels, -beling, -beled   2 (tr) to lay (a stone or brick) so that it forms a corbel [C15: from Old French, literally: a little raven, from Medieval Latin corvellus, from Latin corvus raven]

■ corbelling or US corbeling (ˈkɔːbəlIŋ)   n   a set of corbels stepped outwards, one above another

■ corbel out or corbel off   vb   (tr, adverb) to support on corbels

Corbett (ˈkɔːbət)   n   mountaineering any separate mountain peak between 2500 feet and 3000 feet high: originally used of Scotland only, but now sometimes extended to other parts of the British Isles [C20: named after John Rooke Corbett (1876–1949), who compiled a list of these, published in 1952]

corbicula (kɔːˈbIkjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   the technical name for pollen basket [C19: from Late Latin, diminutive of Latin corbis basket]

■ corbiculate (kɔːˈbIkjʊlIt)   adj   entomol having corbiculae or pollen baskets

corbie (ˈkɔːbI; Scottish ˈkɔːrbI)   n   a Scot name for raven^1, crow^1 [C15: from Old French corbin, from Latin corvīnus CORVINE]

■ corbie gable   n   architect a gable having corbie-steps

■ corbie-step or corbel step   n   architect any of a set of steps on the top of a gable. Also called: crow step

corbina (kɔːˈbiːnə)   n   a marine food fish, Menticirrhus undulatus, found in Pacific waters off Mexico and California

Corbusier (French kɔrbyzje)   n   Le. See Le Corbusier

Corby (ˈkɔːbI)   n   a town in central England, in N Northamptonshire: designated a new town in 1950. Pop: 49 222 (2001)

Corbyn (ˈkɔːbIn)   n   Jeremy (Bernard). born 1949, British politician; leader of the Labour Party from 2015

corcass (ˈkɔːkəs)   n   Irish a salt marsh along the banks of a river

Corcovado   n   1 (Spanish korkoˈβaðo) a volcano in S Chile, in the Andes. Height: 2300 m (7546 ft)   2 (Portuguese korkuˈvadu) a mountain in SE Brazil, in SW Rio de Janeiro city, famous for a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer. Height of mountain: 704 m (2310 ft)

Corcyra (kɔːˈsaIərə)   n   the ancient name for Corfu

cord (kɔːd)   n   1 string or thin rope made of several twisted strands   2 a length of woven or twisted strands of silk, etc, sewn on clothing or used as a belt   3 a ribbed fabric, esp corduroy   4 any influence that binds or restrains   5 US and Canadian a flexible insulated electric cable, used esp to connect appliances to mains. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): flex   6 anatomy any part resembling a string or rope: the spinal cord   7 a unit of volume for measuring cut wood, equal to 128 cubic feet   ▷ vb (tr)   8 to bind or furnish with a cord or cords   9 to stack (wood) in cords [C13: from Old French corde, from Latin chorda cord, from Greek khordē; see CHORD^1]   > ˈcorder n   > ˈcordˌlike adj

■ cordage (ˈkɔːdIdʒ)   n   1 nautical the lines and rigging of a vessel   2 an amount of wood measured in cords

■ corded (ˈkɔːdId)   adj   1 bound or fastened with cord   2 (of a fabric) ribbed   3 (of muscles) standing out like cords

■ cordgrass (ˈkɔːdˌɡrɑːs)   n   a coarse perennial grass of the genus Spartina, characteristically growing in mud or marsh. Also called: rice grass

■ cording (ˈkɔːdI)   n   a type of corded material, esp when used as a decorative trimming

■ cordless (ˈkɔːdlIs)   adj   (of an electrical device) operated by an internal battery so that no connection to mains supply or other apparatus is needed

■ cordless telephone   n   a portable battery-powered telephone with a short-range radio link to a fixed base unit

■ cords (kɔːdz)   pl n   trousers, esp jeans, made of corduroy

■ cordwood (ˈkɔːdˌwʊd)   n   wood that has been cut into lengths of four feet so that it can be stacked in cords

cordate (ˈkɔːdeIt)   adj   heart-shaped: a cordate leaf; cordate shells   > ˈcordately adv

Corday (French kɔrdɛ)   n   Charlotte (ʃarlɔt), full name Marie Anne Charlotte Corday d'Armont. 1768–93, French Girondist revolutionary, who assassinated Marat

cordectomy (kɔːdˈɛktəmI)   n, pl -ectomies   surgery the removal of a cord, esp a vocal cord

Cordelier (ˌkɔːdIˈlIə)   n   RC Church a Franciscan friar of the order of the Friars Minor [C19: from Old French cordelle, literally: a little cord, from the knotted cord girdles that they wear]

■ Cordeliers (ˌkɔːdIˈlIəz)   n   the Cordeliers a political club founded in 1790 and meeting at an old Cordelier convent in Paris

cordelle (kɔːˈdɛl)   vb (tr)   Canadian to tow (a boat) with a towrope

cordial (ˈkɔːdIəl)   adj   1 warm and friendly: a cordial greeting   2 giving heart; stimulating   ▷ n   3 a drink with a fruit base, usually sold in concentrated form and diluted with water before being drunk: lime cordial   4 another word for liqueur [C14: from Medieval Latin cordiālis, from Latin cor heart]   > ˈcordially adv   > ˈcordialness n

■ cordiality (ˌkɔːdIˈælItI)   n, pl -ties   warmth of feeling

■ cordialize or cordialise (ˈkɔːdIəˌlaIz)   vb   1 (intr) Scot to become warm and friendly   2 (tr) to make (ingredients) into a cordial

cordierite (ˈkɔːdIəˌraIt)   n   a grey or violet-blue dichroic mineral that consists of magnesium aluminium iron silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form and is found in metamorphic rocks. Formula: (Mg,Fe)2AL_4Si_5O_18.nH_2O. Also called: dichroite, iolite [C19: named after Pierre L. A. Cordier (1777–1861), French geologist who described it]

cordiform (ˈkɔːdIˌfɔːm)   adj   heart-shaped [C19: from Latin cor heart]

cordillera (ˌkɔːdIlˈjɛərə)   n   a series of parallel ranges of mountains, esp in the northwestern US [C18: from Spanish, from cordilla, literally: a little cord, from cuerda mountain range, CORD]   > ˌcordilˈleran adj

■ Cordilleras (ˌkɔːdIlˈjɛərəz; Spanish korðiˈʎeras)   pl n   the Cordilleras the complex of mountain ranges on the W side of the Americas, extending from Alaska to Cape Horn and including the Andes and the Rocky Mountains

cordiner (ˈkɔːdInə)   n   Scot archaic another name for cordwainer

cordite (ˈkɔːdaIt)   n   any of various explosive materials used for propelling bullets, shells, etc, containing cellulose nitrate, sometimes mixed with nitroglycerine, plasticizers, and stabilizers [C19: from CORD + -ITE^1, referring to its stringy appearance]

córdoba (ˈkɔːdəbə)   n   the standard monetary unit of Nicaragua, divided into 100 centavos [named in honour of Francisco Fernández de CÓRDOBA^2]

Córdoba^1 (Spanish ˈkɔrðoβa)   n   1 a city in central Argentina: university (1613). Pop: 1 592 000 (2005 est)   2 a city in S Spain, on the Guadalquivir River: centre of Moorish Spain (711–1236). Pop: 318 628 (2003 est). English name: Cordova

Córdoba^2 or Córdova (Spanish ˈkɔrðoβa)   n   Francisco Fernández de (franˈθisko fɛrˈnandɛθ de). died 1518, Spanish soldier and explorer, who discovered Yucatán

cordocentesis (ˌkɔːdəʊsɛnˈtiːsIs)   n, pl cordocenteses   med the extraction of a sample of blood from the umbilical cord during pregnancy

cordon (ˈkɔːdən)   n   1 a chain of police, soldiers, ships, etc, stationed around an area   2 a ribbon worn as insignia of honour or rank   3 a cord or ribbon worn as an ornament or fastening   4 Also called: stringcourse, belt course, table architect an ornamental projecting band or continuous moulding along a wall   5 horticulture a form of fruit tree consisting of a single stem bearing fruiting spurs, produced by cutting back all lateral branches   ▷ vb   6 (tr; often foll by off) to put or form a cordon (around); close (off) [C16: from Old French, literally: a little cord, from corde string, CORD]

cordon bleu (French kɔrdɔ̃ blø)   n   1 French history   a the sky-blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood under the Bourbon monarchy   b a knight entitled to wear the cordon bleu   2 any very high distinction   ▷ adj   3 of or denoting food prepared to a very high standard [French, literally: blue ribbon]

cordonnet (ˌkɔːdənˈɛt)   n   a thread or cord that is produced from coarse silk and is commonly used to outline embroidery and lacework, and for fringes

cordon sanitaire French (kɔrdɔ̃ sanitɛr)   n   1 a guarded line serving to cut off an infected area   2 a line of buffer states, esp when protecting a nation from infiltration or attack [C19: literally: sanitary line]

cordotomy (kɔːˈdɒtəmI)   n, pl -otomies   a surgical method of pain relief in which nerves in the spinal cord are cut

Cordova (ˈkɔːdəvə)   n   the English name for Córdoba^1 (sense 2)

■ cordovan (ˈkɔːdəvən)   n   a fine leather now made principally from horsehide, isolated from the skin layers above and below it and tanned [C16: from Spanish cordobán (n), from cordobán (adj) of CÓRDOBA^1]

■ Cordovan (ˈkɔːdəvən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Córdoba, Spain   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Córdoba, Spain

corduroy (ˈkɔːdəˌrɔI, ˌkɔːdəˈrɔI)   n     a a heavy cotton pile fabric with lengthways ribs   b (as modifier): a corduroy coat [C18: perhaps from the proper name Corderoy]

■ corduroy road   n   a road across swampy ground, made of logs laid transversely

■ corduroys (ˌkɔːdəˈrɔIz, ˈkɔːdəˌrɔIz)   pl n   trousers or breeches of corduroy

cordwain (ˈkɔːdˌweIn)   n   an archaic name for cordovan [C12 cordewan, from Old French cordoan, from Old Spanish cordovan CORDOVAN]

■ cordwainer (ˈkɔːdˌweInə)   n   archaic a shoemaker or worker in cordovan leather   > ˈcordˌwainery n

cordyline (ˌkɔːdIˈlaInI)   n   any of various trees or shrubs of the genus Cordyline that are native to eastern Asia, Australasia, and Polynesia

core (kɔː)   n   1 the central part of certain fleshy fruits, such as the apple or pear, consisting of the seeds and supporting parts   2    a the central, innermost, or most essential part of something: the core of the argument   b (as modifier): the core meaning   3 a piece of magnetic material, such as soft iron, placed inside the windings of an electromagnet or transformer to intensify and direct the magnetic field   4 geology the central part of the earth, beneath the mantle, consisting mainly of iron and nickel, which has an inner solid part surrounded by an outer liquid part   5 a cylindrical sample of rock, soil, etc, obtained by the use of a hollow drill   6 shaped body of material (in metal casting usually of sand) supported inside a mould to form a cavity of predetermined shape in the finished casting   7 physics the region of a nuclear reactor in which the reaction takes place   8 a layer of wood serving as a backing for a veneer   9 computing   a one of several processing units working in parallel in a computer   b a ferrite ring formerly used in a computer memory to store one bit of information   c short for core store   d (as modifier): core memory   10 archaeol a lump of stone or flint from which flakes or blades have been removed   11 physics the nucleus together with all complete electron shells of an atom   ▷ vb   12 (tr) to remove the core from (fruit) [C14: of uncertain origin]   > ˈcoreless adj

■ corer (ˈkɔːrə)   n   a kitchen tool used to remove the cores of apples or other fruit

■ core store   n   an obsolete type of computer memory made up of a matrix of cores

■ core strength   n   the strength of the underlying muscles of the torso, which help determine posture

■ core subjects   pl n   Brit education three foundation subjects (English, mathematics, and science) that are compulsory throughout each key stage in the National Curriculum

■ core time   n   See flexitime

CORE (kɔː)   n acronym for (in the US)   Congress of Racial Equality

-core   n combining form   1 indicating a type of popular music: dancecore   ▷ adj combining form   2 indicating the number of processing units working in parallel in a computer: dual-core

corecipient (ˌkəʊrIˈsIpIənt)   n   a joint recipient

coredeem (ˌkəʊrIˈdiːm)   vb (tr)   to redeem together

coreferential (ˌkəʊrɛfəˈrɛnʃəl)   adj   philosophy (of more than one linguistic expression) designating the same individual or class

coregent (kəʊˈriːdʒənt)   n   a joint regent

coregonine (ˌkɒrIˈɡəʊnaIn)   adj   zoology relating to fish of the genus Coregonus of the family Coregonidae, which are also known as whitefish

coreign (kəʊˈreIn)   vb (tr)   to reign jointly

corelation (ˌkəʊrIˈleIʃən)   n   a correlation

corelative (kəʊˈrɛlətIv)   adj   correlative

coreligionist (ˌkəʊrIˈlIdʒənIst) or correligionist (ˌkəʊrIˈlIdʒənIst)   n   an adherent of the same religion as another

corella (kəˈrɛlə)   n   any of certain white Australian cockatoos of the genus Kakatoe [C19: probably from native Australian carall]

Corelli (kɒˈrɛlI)   n   1 (Italian koˈrɛlli) Arcangelo (arˈkandʒelo). 1653–1713, Italian violinist and composer of sonatas and concerti grossi   2  Marie, real name Mary Mackay. 1854–1924, British novelist. Her melodramatic works include The Sorrows of Satan (1895) and The Murder of Delicia (1896)

coremium (kɒˈriːmIəm)   n   biology the spore-producing organ of certain fungi that consists of conidiophores

coreopsis (ˌkɒrIˈɒpsIs)   n   any plant of the genus Coreopsis, of America and tropical Africa, cultivated for their yellow, brown, or yellow-and-red daisy-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: calliopsis. Compare caryopsis [C18: from New Latin, from Greek koris bedbug + -OPSIS; so called from the appearance of the seed]

corepressor (ˌkəʊrIˈprɛsə)   n   biochem a small molecule that combines with, and activates, a repressor

corequisite (kəʊˈrɛkwIzIt)   n   an educational course that must be taken at the same time as, or before, another course

coresearcher (ˌkəʊrIˈsɜːtʃə)   n   a joint researcher

coresident (kəʊˈrɛzIdənt)   n   1 computing one of two or more computer programs stored in a computer memory simultaneously   ▷ adj   2 (of people) residing together

■ coresidential (ˌkəʊrɛzIˈdɛnʃəl)   adj   relating to joint residency

co-respondent (ˌkəʊrIˈspɒndənt)   n   law a person cited in divorce proceedings, who is alleged to have committed adultery with the respondent   > ˌco-reˈspondency n

■ co-respondent shoes   pl n   men's two-coloured shoes, usually black and white or brown and white. Also called: co-respondents

corey (ˈkɔːrI)   n   vulgar, slang the penis

corf (kɔːf)   n, pl corves   Brit a wagon or basket used formerly in mines [C14: from Middle Dutch corf or Middle Low German korf, probably from Latin corbis basket]

Corfam (ˈkɔːfæm)   n   trademark a synthetic water-repellent material used as a substitute for shoe leather

corfhouse (ˈkɔːfˌhaʊs)   n   Scot a shed used for curing salmon and storing nets

Corfu (kɔːˈfuː)   n   1 an island in the Ionian Sea, in the Ionian Islands: forms, with neighbouring islands, a department of Greece. Pop: 107 879 (2001). Area: 641 sq km (247 sq miles)   2 a port on E Corfu island. Pop (municipality): 41 532 (2001)   ▶ Modern Greek name: Kérkyra. Ancient name: Corcyra

corgi (ˈkɔːɡI)   n   either of two long-bodied short-legged sturdy breeds of dog, the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Also called: Welsh corgi [C20: from Welsh, from cor dwarf + ci dog]

Cori (ˈkɔːrI)   n   Carl Ferdinand. 1896–1984, US biochemist, born in Bohemia; shared a Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1947) with his wife Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori (1896–1957) and Bernardo Houssay, for elucidating the stages of glycolysis

coriaceous (ˌkɔːrIˈeIʃəs) or corious   adj   of or resembling leather [C17: from Late Latin coriāceus from corium leather]

coriander (ˌkɒrIˈændə)   n   a European umbelliferous plant, Coriandrum sativum, widely cultivated for its aromatic seeds and leaves, used in flavouring food, etc. US and Canadian name: cilantro [C14: from Old French coriandre, from Latin coriandrum, from Greek koriannon, of uncertain origin]

Corinth (ˈkɒrInθ)   n   1 a port in S Greece, in the NE Peloponnese: the modern town is near the site of the ancient city, the largest and richest of the city-states after Athens. Pop (municipality): 36 991 (2001). Modern Greek name: Kórinthos   2 a region of ancient Greece, occupying most of the Isthmus of Corinth and part of the NE Peloponnese   3 Gulf of Corinth or Gulf of Lepanto an inlet of the Ionian Sea between the Peloponnese and central Greece   4 Isthmus of Corinth a narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf: crossed by the Corinth Canal making navigation possible between the gulfs

■ Corinthian (kəˈrInθIən)   adj   1 of, characteristic of, or relating to Corinth   2 of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a bell-shaped capital having carved ornaments based on acanthus leaves. See also Ionic, Doric, composite (sense 4), Tuscan   3 given to luxury; dissolute   4 ornate and elaborate   ▷ n   5 a native or inhabitant of Corinth   6 an amateur sportsman   7 rare a man about town, esp one who is dissolute

■ corinthianize or corinthianise (kəˈrInθIəˌnaIz)   vb (intr)   archaic to live a promiscuous life

■ Corinthians (kəˈrInθIənz)   n   (functioning as singular) either of two books of the New Testament (in full The First and Second Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians)

Coriolanus (ˌkɒrIəˈleInəs)   n   Gaius Marcius (ˈɡaIəs ˈmɑːsIəs). 5th century BC, a legendary Roman general, who allegedly led an army against Rome but was dissuaded from conquering it by his mother and wife

Coriolis force (ˌkɒrIˈəʊlIs)   n   a fictitious force used to explain a deflection in the path of a body moving in latitude relative to the earth when observed from the earth. The deflection (Coriolis effect) is due to the earth's rotation and is to the east when the motion is towards a pole [C19: named after Gaspard G. Coriolis (1792–1843), French civil engineer]

corious (ˈkɔːrIəs)   adj   a variant of coriaceous

corium (ˈkɔːrIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   1 Also called: derma, dermis the deep inner layer of the skin, beneath the epidermis, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and fat   2 entomol the leathery basal part of the forewing of hemipterous insects [C19: from Latin: rind, skin, leather]

corivalry (kəʊˈraIvəlrI)   n   joint or mutual rivalry   ▶ Also (obsolete): corivalship (kəʊˈraIvəlˌʃIp)

corixid (kəˈrIksId)   n   1 any heteropterous water bug of the vegetarian family Corixidae, typified by Corixa punctata, common in sluggish waters. The forelegs have become modified and are used in stridulation, as by the water singer (Micronecta poweri). See also water boatman   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Corixidae [from New Latin corixa, from Greek koris bedbug]

cork (kɔːk)   n   1 the thick light porous outer bark of the cork oak, used widely as an insulator and for stoppers for bottles, casks, etc   2 a piece of cork or other material used as a stopper   3 an angling float   4 Also called: phellem botany a protective layer of dead impermeable cells on the outside of the stems and roots of woody plants, produced by the outer layer of the cork cambium   ▷ adj   5 made of cork. Related adjective: suberose   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to stop up (a bottle, cask, etc) with or as if with a cork; fit with a cork   7 (often foll by up) to restrain: to cork up the emotions   8 to black (the face, hands, etc) with burnt cork [C14: probably from Arabic qurq, from Latin cortex bark, especially of the cork oak]   > ˈcorkˌlike adj

■ corkage (ˈkɔːkIdʒ)   n   a charge made at a restaurant for serving wine, etc, bought off the premises

■ corkboard (ˈkɔːkˌbɔːd)   n   a thin slab made of granules of cork, used as a floor or wall finish and as an insulator

■ corkborer (ˈkɔːkˌbɔːrə)   n   a tool that cuts a hole in a stopper, allowing a glass tube to be inserted

■ cork cambium   n   a layer of meristematic cells in the cortex of the stems and roots of woody plants, the outside of which gives rise to cork cells and the inside to secondary cortical cells (phelloderm). Also called: phellogen

■ corked (kɔːkt)   adj   1 Also: corky (of a wine) tainted through having a cork containing excess tannin   2 (postpositive) Brit a slang word for drunk

■ corker (ˈkɔːkə)   n   1 slang   a something or somebody striking or outstanding: that was a corker of a joke   b an irrefutable remark that puts an end to discussion   2 a person or machine that inserts corks

■ corkiness (ˈkɔːkInəs)   n   the state of being corky

■ corking (ˈkɔːkIŋ)   adj   (prenominal) Brit slang excellent

■ cork oak   n   an evergreen Mediterranean oak tree, Quercus suber, with a porous outer bark from which cork is obtained. Also called: cork tree

■ corkscrew (ˈkɔːkˌskruː)   n   1 a device for drawing corks from bottles, typically consisting of a pointed metal spiral attached to a handle or screw mechanism   2 boxing slang a blow that ends with a twist of the fist, esp one intended to cut the opponent   3 (modifier) resembling a corkscrew in shape   ▷ vb   4 to move or cause to move in a spiral or zigzag course

■ corkscrew grass   n   a variety of spear grass, Austrostipa scabra, native to Australia, having very fine foliage, an erect seed head, and awns that twist up the seed head: family Poaceae

■ cork-tipped (ˈkɔːkˌtIpt)   adj   (of a cigarette) having a filter of cork or some material resembling cork

■ corkwing (ˈkɔːkˌwIŋ)   n   a greenish or bluish European fish of the wrasse family, Ctenolabrus melops [of uncertain origin]

■ corkwood (ˈkɔːkˌwʊd)   n   1 a small tree, Leitneria floridana, of the southeastern US, having very lightweight porous wood: family Leitneriaceae   2 any other tree with light porous wood   3 the wood of any of these trees

Cork (kɔːk)   n   1 a county of SW Republic of Ireland, in Munster province: crossed by ridges of low mountains; scenic coastline. County town: Cork. Pop: 447 829 (2002). Area: 7459 sq km (2880 sq miles)   2 a city and port in S Republic of Ireland, county town of Co Cork, at the mouth of the River Lee: seat of the University College of Cork (1849). Pop: 186 239 (2002)   ▶ Gaelic name: Corcaigh

■ Corkonian (kɔːˈkəʊnIən, kəˈkɔːnIən)   n   a native or inhabitant of the city of Cork

corkir (ˈkɔːkə)   n   Scot a lichen from which red or purple dye is made

corm (kɔːm)   n   an organ of vegetative reproduction in plants such as the crocus, consisting of a globular stem base swollen with food and surrounded by papery scale leaves. Compare bulb (sense 1) [C19: from New Latin cormus, from Greek kormos tree trunk from which the branches have been lopped]   > ˈcormous adj

■ cormel (ˈkɔːməl)   n   a new small corm arising from the base of a fully developed one

■ cormlike (ˈkɔːmˌlaIk)   adj   botany resembling a corm

■ cormoid (ˈkɔːmɔId)   adj   botany similar to a corm

cormidium (kɔːˈmIdIəm)   n   zoology a collection of polyps in a siphonophore

cormophyte (ˈkɔːməˌfaIt)   n   any of the Cormophyta, a major division (now obsolete) of plants having a stem, root, and leaves: includes the mosses, ferns, and seed plants [C19: from Greek kormos tree trunk + -PHYTE]   > cormophytic (ˌkɔːməˈfItIk) adj

cormorant (ˈkɔːmərənt)   n   any aquatic bird of the family Phalacrocoracidae, of coastal and inland waters, having a dark plumage, a long neck and body, and a slender hooked beak: order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, etc) [C13: from Old French cormareng, from corp raven, from Latin corvus + -mareng of the sea, from Latin mare sea]

cormus (ˈkɔːməs)   n   botany a corm

corn^1 (kɔːn)   n   1 Brit   a any of various cereal plants, esp the predominant crop of a region, such as wheat in England and oats in Scotland and Ireland   b the seeds of such plants, esp after harvesting   c a single seed of such plants; a grain   2 Also called: Indian corn. British equivalent: maize   a a tall annual grass, Zea mays, cultivated for its yellow edible grains, which develop on a spike   b the grain of this plant, used for food, fodder, and as a source of oil. See also sweetcorn (sense 1), popcorn (sense 1)   3    a the plants producing these kinds of grain considered as a growing crop: spring corn   b (in combination): a cornfield   4 short for corn whisky   5 slang an idea, song, etc, regarded as banal or sentimental   6 archaic or dialect any hard particle or grain   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to feed (animals) with corn, esp oats   8    a to preserve in brine   b to salt   9 to plant corn on [Old English corn; related to Old Norse, Old High German corn, Gothic kaúrn, Latin grānum, Sanskrit jīrná fragile]

■ cornball (ˈkɔːnˌbɔːl) chiefly US   n   1 a person given to mawkish or unsophisticated behaviour   ▷ adj   2 another word for corny [C20: from corn ball a sweet consisting of a ball of popcorn and molasses]

■ cornborer (ˈkɔːnˌbɔːrə)   n   the larva of the pyralid moth Pyrausta nubilalis, native to S and Central Europe: in E North America a serious pest of maize

■ cornbraid (ˈkɔːnˌbreId)   vb (tr)   to braid (hair) in close parallel rows, creating a hairstyle known as a corn row

■ cornbrandy (ˈkɔːnˌbrændI)   n   any of various alcoholic spirits made from grain, esp whisky

■ cornbrash (ˈkɔːnˌbræʃ)   n   a type of limestone which produces good soil for growing corn

■ cornbread (ˈkɔːnˌbrɛd)   n   a kind of bread made from maize meal. Also called: Indian bread

■ corn bunting   n   a heavily built European songbird, Emberiza calandra, with a streaked brown plumage: family Emberizidae (buntings)

■ corncake (ˈkɔːnˌkeIk)   n   US a cornmeal flatbread

■ corn circle   n   another name for crop circle

■ corncob (ˈkɔːnˌkɒb)   n   1 the core of an ear of maize, to which kernels are attached   2 short for corncob pipe

■ corncob pipe   n   a pipe made from a dried corncob

■ corncockle (ˈkɔːnˌkɒkəl)   n   a European caryophyllaceous plant, Agrostemma githago, that has reddish-purple flowers and grows in cornfields and by roadsides

■ corncrake (ˈkɔːnˌkreIk)   n   a common Eurasian rail, Crex crex, of fields and meadows, with a buff speckled plumage and reddish wings

■ corncrib (ˈkɔːnˌkrIb)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a ventilated building for the storage of unhusked maize

■ corn dolly   n   a decorative figure made by plaiting straw

■ corn earworm   n   US the larva of the noctuid moth Heliothis armigera, which feeds on maize and many other crop plants. See also bollworm

■ corned (kɔːnd)   adj   (esp of beef) cooked and then preserved or pickled in salt or brine, now often canned

■ corn exchange   n   a building where corn is bought and sold

■ corn factor   n   a person who deals in corn

■ corn-fed   adj   fed on corn, esp maize

■ cornfield (ˈkɔːnˌfiːld)   n   a field planted with cereal crops

■ cornflag (ˈkɔːnˌflæɡ)   n   a gladiolus, any iridaceous plant of the genus Gladiolus

■ cornflake (ˈkɔːnˌfleIk)   n   a piece of toasted maize

■ cornflakes (ˈkɔːnˌfleIks)   pl n   a breakfast cereal made from toasted maize, eaten with milk, sugar, etc

■ cornflour (ˈkɔːnˌflaʊə)   n   1 a fine starchy maize flour, used esp for thickening sauces. US and Canadian name: cornstarch   2 NZ a fine wheat flour

■ cornflower (ˈkɔːnˌflaʊə)   n   a Eurasian herbaceous plant, Centaurea cyanus, with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers, formerly a common weed in cornfields: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: bluebottle. See also bachelor's-buttons

■ cornfly (ˈkɔːnˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a small fly of the genera Oscinis whose larvae cause swollen, gouty stems in cereal crops

■ cornhusk (ˈkɔːnˌhʌsk)   n   US and Canadian the outer protective covering of an ear of maize; the chaff

■ cornhusker (ˈkɔːnˌhʌskə)   n   US a person or machine that strips cornhusks from ears of maize

■ cornhusking (ˈkɔːnˌhʌskIŋ)   n   the removal of the husk from corn

■ cornland (ˈkɔːnˌlænd)   n   the type of land that is suitable for growing corn or grain

■ Corn Laws   pl n   the laws introduced in Britain in 1804 to protect domestic farmers against foreign competition by the imposition of a heavy duty on foreign corn: repealed in 1846. See also Anti-Corn Law League

■ corn lily   n   any of several South African iridaceous plants of the genus Ixia, which have coloured lily-like flowers

■ cornloft (ˈkɔːnˌlɒft)   n   a loft for storing corn

■ corn marigold   n   an annual plant, Chrysanthemum segetum, with yellow daisy-like flower heads: a common weed of cultivated land: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ cornmeal or corn meal (ˈkɔːnmiːl)   n   a type of meal made from maize   ▶ Also called: Indian meal

■ cornmill (ˈkɔːnˌmIl)   n   a mill for making flour

■ cornmoth (ˈkɔːnˌmɒθ)   n   a moth, Tinea granella, whose larvae feed on grain

■ corn oil   n   an oil prepared from maize, used in cooking and in making soaps, lubricants, etc

■ corn on the cob   n   a cob of maize, boiled and eaten as a vegetable

■ corn-picker   n   chiefly US and Canadian a machine for removing ears of maize from the standing stalks, often also equipped to separate the corn from the husk and shell

■ cornpipe (ˈkɔːnˌpaIp)   n   a musical instrument made from a stalk of corn

■ cornpone (ˈkɔːnˌpəʊn)   n   Southern US cornbread, esp a plain type made with water. Sometimes shortened to: pone

■ corn poppy   n   a poppy, Papaver rhoeas, that has bright red flowers and grows in cornfields. Since World War I it has been the symbol of fallen soldiers. Also called: coquelicot, Flanders poppy, field poppy

■ cornrent (ˈkɔːnˌrɛnt)   n   a rent for agricultural land that is paid in corn rather than money

■ corn rose   n   Brit archaic any of several red-flowered weeds of cornfields, such as the corn poppy

■ cornrow (ˈkɔːnˌrəʊ)   n   a Black, originally African, hair-style in which the hair is plaited in close parallel rows, resembling furrows in a ploughed field

■ corn salad   n   any valerianaceous plant of the genus Valerianella, esp the European species V. locusta, which often grows in cornfields and whose leaves are sometimes used in salads. Also called: lamb's lettuce

■ corn shock   n   a stack or bundle of bound or unbound corn piled upright for curing or drying

■ corn shuck   n   US and Canadian the husk of an ear of maize

■ corn silk   n   US and Canadian the silky tuft of styles and stigmas at the tip of an ear of maize, formerly used as a diuretic

■ corn smut   n   1 an ascomycetous parasitic fungus, Ustilago zeae, that causes gall-like deformations on maize grain   2 the condition produced by this fungus

■ corn snow   n   skiing, US and Canadian granular snow formed by alternate freezing and thawing

■ cornstalk (ˈkɔːnˌstɔːk)   n   1 a stalk or stem of corn   2 Austral slang a tall thin person

■ cornstarch (ˈkɔːnˌstɑːtʃ)   n   US and Canadian a fine starchy maize flour, used esp for thickening sauces. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): cornflour

■ cornstone (ˈkɔːnˌstəʊn)   n   a mottled green and red limestone

■ corn syrup   n   syrup prepared from maize

■ corn whisky   n   whisky made from maize

■ cornworm (ˈkɔːnˌwɜːm)   n   a cornmoth larva

corn^2 (kɔːn)   n   1 a hardening or thickening of the skin around a central point in the foot, caused by pressure or friction   2 tread on someone's corns Brit informal to offend or hurt someone by touching on a sensitive subject or encroaching on his or her privileges [C15: from Old French corne horn, from Latin cornū]

cornaceous (kɔːˈneIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Cornaceae, a family of temperate plants, mostly trees and shrubs, including dogwood, cornel, and spotted laurel. See laurel (sense 5) [C19: from New Latin Cornaceae, from Cornus genus name, from Latin: CORNEL]

cornage (ˈkɔːnIdʒ)   n   feudal history a type of rent fixed according to the number of horned cattle pastured

cornea (ˈkɔːnIə)   n, pl -neas (-nIəz) or -neae (-nIˌiː)   the convex transparent membrane that forms the anterior covering of the eyeball and is continuous with the sclera [C14: from Medieval Latin cornea tēla horny web, from Latin cornū HORN]   > ˈcorneal adj

■ corneitis (ˌkɔːnIˈaItIs)   n   an inflammation of the cornea

Corneille (French kɔrnɛj)   n   Pierre (pjɛr). 1606–84, French tragic dramatist often regarded as the founder of French classical drama. His plays include Médée (1635), Le Cid (1636), Horace (1640), and Polyeucte (1642)

cornel (ˈkɔːnəl)   n   any cornaceous plant of the genus Cornus, such as the dogwood and dwarf cornel [C16: probably from Middle Low German kornelle, from Old French cornelle, from Vulgar Latin cornicula (unattested), from Latin cornum cornel cherry, from cornus cornel tree]

cornelian (kɔːˈniːlIən)   n   a variant spelling of carnelian

cornemuse (ˈkɔːnIˌmjuːz)   n   a type of French bagpipes

corneous (ˈkɔːnIəs)   adj   horny; hornlike [C17: from Latin corneus horny, from cornū HORN]

corner (ˈkɔːnə)   n   1 the place, position, or angle formed by the meeting of two converging lines or surfaces   2 a projecting angle of a solid object or figure   3 the place where two streets meet   4 any small, secluded, secret, or private place   5 a dangerous or awkward position, esp from which escape is difficult: a tight corner   6 any part, region or place, esp a remote place   7 something used to protect or mark a corner, as of the hard cover of a book   8 commerce a monopoly over the supply of a commodity so that its market price can be controlled   9 soccer, hockey a free kick or shot from the corner of the field, taken against a defending team when the ball goes out of play over their goal line after last touching one of their players   10 either of two opposite angles of a boxing ring in which the opponents take their rests   11 mountaineering a junction between two rock faces forming an angle of between 60° and 120°. US name: dihedral   12 cut corners to do something in the easiest and shortest way, esp at the expense of high standards   13 round the corner or just round the corner close at hand   14 turn the corner to pass the critical point (in an illness, etc)   15 (modifier) located on a corner: a corner shop   16 (modifier) suitable or designed for a corner: a corner table   17 logic either of a pair of symbols used in the same way as ordinary quotation marks to indicate quasi quotation. See quasi-quotation   ▷ vb   18 (tr) to manoeuvre (a person or animal) into a position from which escape is difficult or impossible: finally they cornered the fox   19 (tr) to furnish or provide with corners   20 (tr) to place in or move into a corner   21 (tr)   a to acquire enough of (a commodity) to attain control of the market   b Also: engross to attain control of (a market) in such a manner. Compare forestall (sense 3)   22 (intr) (of vehicles, etc) to turn a corner   23 (intr) US to be situated on a corner   24 (intr) (in soccer, etc) to take a corner [C13: from Old French corniere, from Latin cornū point, extremity, HORN]

■ Corner   n   the Corner informal an area in central Australia, at the junction of the borders of Queensland and South Australia

■ cornerback (ˈkɔːnəˌbæk)   n   American football a defensive back

■ cornering (ˈkɔːnərIŋ)   n   the ability of a motor vehicle to cope with bends or corners in a road

■ cornerman (ˈkɔːnəˌmæn)   n, pl -men   baseball the first baseman

■ cornerstone (ˈkɔːnəˌstəʊn)   n   1 a stone at the corner of a wall, uniting two intersecting walls; quoin   2 a stone placed at the corner of a building during a ceremony to mark the start of construction   3 a person or thing of prime importance; basis: the cornerstone of the whole argument

■ cornerwise (ˈkɔːnəˌwaIz) or cornerways (ˈkɔːnəˌweIz)   adv, adj   with a corner in front; diagonally

-cornered   adj   (in combination) having corners of a particular shape or type or having a particular number of corners

cornet (ˈkɔːnIt)   n   1 Also called: cornet à pistons (ˈkɔːnIt ə ˈpIstənz; French kɔrnɛ a pistɔ̃) a three-valved brass instrument of the trumpet family. Written range: about two and a half octaves upwards from E below middle C. It is a transposing instrument in B flat or A   2 a person who plays the cornet   3 a variant spelling of cornett   4 a cone-shaped paper container for sweets, etc   5 Brit a cone-shaped wafer container for ice cream   6 (formerly) the lowest rank of commissioned cavalry officer in the British army   7 South African short for field cornet   8 a starched and wired muslin or lace cap worn by women from the 12th to the 15th centuries   9 the large white headdress of some nuns [C14: from Old French, from corn, from Latin cornū HORN]

■ cornetcy (ˈkɔːnItsI)   n, pl -cies   obsolete the commission or rank of a cornet

■ cornetist or cornettist (kɔːˈnɛtIst)   n   a person who plays the cornet

cornett (kɔːˈnɛt) or cornet   n   a musical instrument consisting of a straight or curved tube of wood or ivory having finger holes like a recorder and a cup-shaped mouthpiece like a trumpet [from Old French cornet a little horn, from corn horn, from Latin cornū]

cornettino (ˌkɔːnIˈtiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos or -ni   a small woodwind instrument of the cornett family that was popular in northern Europe in the 15th century

Cornforth (ˈkɔːnˌfɔːθ)   n   Sir John Warcup. 1917–2014, Australian chemist, who shared the 1975 Nobel prize for chemistry with Vladimir Prelog for their work on stereochemistry

cornice (ˈkɔːnIs)   n   1 architect   a the top projecting mouldings of an entablature   b a continuous horizontal projecting course or moulding at the top of a wall, building, etc   2 an overhanging ledge of snow formed by the wind on the edge of a mountain ridge, cliff, or corrie   ▷ vb   3 (tr) architect to furnish or decorate with or as if with a cornice [C16: from Old French, from Italian, perhaps from Latin cornix crow, but influenced also by Latin corōnis decorative flourish used by scribes, from Greek korōnis, from korōnē curved object, CROWN]

■ corniced (ˈkɔːnIst)   adj   1 having or decorated with a cornice   2 having an overhanging ledge of snow

■ cornicing (ˈkɔːnIsIŋ)   n   a moulding or other material used to make cornices

corniche (ˈkɔːnIʃ)   n   a coastal road, esp one built into the face of a cliff [C19: from corniche road, originally the coastal road between Nice and Monte Carlo; see CORNICE]

cornichon (ˈkɔːnIˌʃɒn)   n   a type of small gherkin [French: gherkin]

cornicle (ˈkɔːnIkəl)   n   a wax-secreting organ on an aphid's abdomen that is shaped like a horn

corniculate (kɔːˈnIkjʊˌleIt, -lIt)   adj   1 having horns or hornlike projections   2 relating to or resembling a horn [C17: from Latin corniculātus horned, from corniculum a little horn, from cornū HORN]

corniculum (kɔːˈnIkjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   a small horn or corniform part

corniferous (kɔːˈnIfərəs)   adj   geology producing or containing chert

corniform (ˈkɔːnIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a horn

cornify (ˈkɔːnIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (intr)   zoology (of soft tissue) to become converted into horn or hard tissue

■ cornific (kɔːˈnIfIk)   adj   producing horns

■ cornification (ˌkɔːnIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   zoology the process of producing a horn or horny substance

cornigerous (kɔːˈnIdʒərəs)   adj   horned

Cornish (ˈkɔːnIʃ)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Cornwall, its inhabitants, their former language, or their present-day dialect of English   ▷ n   2 a former language of Cornwall, belonging to the S Celtic branch of the Indo-European family and closely related to Breton: extinct by 1800   3 the Cornish (functioning as plural) the natives or inhabitants of Cornwall

■ Cornishman (ˈkɔːnIʃmən)   n, pl -men   a man who is a native or inhabitant of Cornwall

■ Cornish pasty (ˈpæstI)   n   cookery a pastry case with a filling of meat and vegetables

■ Cornish Rex   n   a breed of cat with a very soft wavy coat, a small head, large eyes, and very large ears

■ Cornish split   n   another term for Devonshire split

cornist (ˈkɔːnIst)   n   obsolete a person who plays the horn

Corno (Italian ˈkɔrno)   n   Monte Corno (ˈmonte) a mountain in central Italy: the highest peak in the Apennines. Height: 2912 m (9554 ft)

cornopean (kɔːˈnəʊpIən)   n   a cornet

cornu (ˈkɔːnjuː)   n, pl -nua (-njʊə)   anatomy a part or structure resembling a horn or having a hornlike pattern, such as a cross section of the grey matter of the spinal cord [C17: from Latin: a horn]   > ˈcornual adj

cornucopia (ˌkɔːnjʊˈkəʊpIə)   n   1 Greek myth the horn of Amalthea, the goat that suckled Zeus   2 a representation of such a horn in painting, sculpture, etc, overflowing with fruit, vegetables, etc; horn of plenty   3 a great abundance; overflowing supply   4 a horn-shaped container [C16: from Late Latin, from Latin cornū cōpiae horn of plenty]   > ˌcornuˈcopian adj

cornus (ˈkɔːnəs)   n   any member of the genus Cornus, such as dogwood

cornute (kɔːˈnjuːt) or cornuted   adj   biology having or resembling cornua; hornlike: the cornute process of a bone [C17: from Latin cornūtus horned, from cornū HORN]

cornuto (kɔːˈnuːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   obsolete a cuckold

Cornwall (ˈkɔːnˌwɔːl, -wəl)   n   a former administrative county of SW England; became a unitary authority in 2009: hilly, with a deeply indented coastline. Administrative centre: Truro. Pop: 513 500 (2003 est). Area: 3564 sq km (1376 sq miles). Cornish name: Kernow

Cornwallis (kɔːnˈwɒlIs)   n   Charles, 1st Marquis Cornwallis. 1738–1805, British general in the War of American Independence: commanded forces defeated at Yorktown (1781): defeated Tipu Sahib (1791): governor general of Bengal (1786–93, 1805): negotiated the Treaty of Amiens (1801)

Cornwell (ˈkɔːnˌwɛl)   n   Patricia D(aniels). born 1956, US crime novelist; her novels, many of which feature the pathologist Dr Kay Scarpetta, include Postmortem (1990), The Last Precinct (2000), and Isle of Dogs (2002)

corny (ˈkɔːnI)   adj cornier, corniest slang   1 trite or banal   2 sentimental or mawkish   3 abounding in corn [C16 (C20 in the sense rustic, banal): from CORN^1 + -Y^1]

■ cornily (ˈkɔːnIlI)   adv   in a corny manner

■ corniness (ˈkɔːnInəs)   n   the quality of being corny

corocoro (ˈkɒrəʊˌkɒrəʊ)   n   a South Asian boat fitted with outriggers

corody or corrody (ˈkɒrədI)   n, pl -dies history   1 (originally) the right of a lord to receive free quarters from his vassal   2 an allowance for maintenance [C15: from Medieval Latin corrōdium something provided, from Old French corroyer to provide, of Germanic origin]

corolla (kəˈrɒlə)   n   the petals of a flower collectively, forming an inner floral envelope. Compare calyx [C17 dim. of L corōna crown]

■ corollaceous (ˌkɒrəˈleIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, resembling, or having a corolla

■ corollate (ˈkɒrəˌleIt)   adj   botany having or resembling a corolla

■ corollifloral (kəˌrɒlIˈflɔːrəl) or corolliflorous (kɒˌrɒlIˈflɔːrəs)   adj   botany relating to, or belonging to, a subclass of plants known as Corolliflorae, which have gamopetalous corolla and stamens attached to the corolla

■ corolliform (kəˈrɒlIfɔːm)   adj   botany having the form of a corolla

■ corolline (ˈkɒrəlaIn)   adj   botany relating to a corolla

corollary (kəˈrɒlərI)   n, pl -laries   1 a proposition that follows directly from the proof of another proposition   2 an obvious deduction   3 a natural consequence or result   ▷ adj   4 consequent or resultant [C14: from Latin corollārium money paid for a garland, from Latin corolla garland, from corōna CROWN]

coromandel (ˌkɒrəˈmændəl)   n   another name for calamander

Coromandel Coast (ˌkɒrəˈmændəl)   n   the SE coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal, extending from Point Calimere to the mouth of the Krishna River

corona (kəˈrəʊnə)   n, pl -nas or -nae (-niː)   1 a circle of light around a luminous body, usually the moon   2 Also called: aureole the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere, visible as a faint halo during a solar eclipse   3 architect the flat vertical face of a cornice just above the soffit   4 something resembling a corona or halo   5 a circular chandelier suspended from the roof of a church   6 botany   a the trumpet-shaped part of the corolla of daffodils and similar plants; the crown   b a crown of leafy outgrowths from inside the petals of some flowers   7 anatomy a crownlike structure, such as the top of the head   8 zoology the head or upper surface of an animal, such as the body of an echinoid or the disc and arms of a crinoid   9 a long cigar with blunt ends   10 physics short for corona discharge [C16: from Latin: crown, from Greek korōnē anything curved; related to Greek korōnis wreath, korax crow, Latin curvus curved]

■ Corona Australis (ɒˈstreIlIs)   n, Latin genitive Coronae Australis (kəˈrəʊniː)   a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere between Ara and Pavo [literally: Southern crown]

■ Corona Borealis (ˌbɔːrIˈeIlIs)   n, Latin genitive Coronae Borealis (kəˈrəʊniː)   a small compact constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Boötes and Hercules [literally: Northern crown]

■ corona discharge   n   an electrical discharge appearing on and around the surface of a charged conductor, caused by ionization of the surrounding gas. Also called: corona. See also Saint Elmo's fire

■ coronagraph or coronograph (kəˈrəʊnəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   an optical instrument used to simulate an eclipse of the sun so that the faint solar corona can be studied

■ coronal   n (ˈkɒrənəl)   1 poetic a circlet for the head; crown   2 a wreath or garland   3 anatomy short for coronal suture   ▷ adj (kəˈrəʊnəl)   4 of or relating to a corona or coronal   5 phonetics a less common word for retroflex [C16: from Late Latin corōnālis belonging to a CROWN]

■ coronally (kəˈrəʊnəlI)   adv   obsolete in a coronal manner

■ coronal mass ejection   n   a cloud of particles ejected from the sun's surface during a solar flare

■ coronal suture   n   the serrated line across the skull between the frontal bone and the parietal bones

■ coronavirus (kəˈrəʊnəˌvaIrəs)   n   a type of airborne virus accounting for 10–30% of all colds [C20: so called because of their corona-like appearance in electron micrographs]

coronach (ˈkɒrənəx, -nək)   n   Scot or Irish a dirge or lamentation for the dead [C16: from Scottish Gaelic corranach; related to Irish rānadh a crying]

coronary (ˈkɒrənərI)   adj   1 anatomy designating blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, etc, that encircle a part or structure   ▷ n, pl -naries   2 short for coronary thrombosis [C17: from Latin corōnārius belonging to a wreath or crown; see CORONA]

■ coronary artery   n   either of two arteries branching from the aorta and supplying blood to the heart

■ coronary bypass   n   the surgical bypass of a narrowed or blocked coronary artery by grafting a section of a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the patient's body

■ coronary heart disease   n   any heart disorder caused by disease of the coronary arteries

■ coronary insufficiency   n   inadequate circulation of blood through the coronary arteries, characterized by attacks of angina pectoris

■ coronary thrombosis   n   a condition of interrupted blood flow to the heart due to a blood clot in a coronary artery, usually as a consequence of atherosclerosis: characterized by intense pain. Sometimes shortened to: coronary. Compare myocardial infarction

coronate (ˈkɒrəˌneIt)   vb (tr)   to crown (a person)

■ coronation (ˌkɒrəˈneIʃən)   n   the act or ceremony of crowning a monarch [C14: from Old French, from coroner to crown, from Latin corōnāre]

■ coronation chicken   n   (sometimes capital) a dish of cold cooked chicken in a mild creamy curry sauce [C20: so-called because it was served at the coronation lunch of ELIZABETH II]

coronel (ˈkɒrəˌnɛl)   n   history the iron head of a tilting spear, used as a lance in jousting

coroner (ˈkɒrənə)   n   a public official responsible for the investigation of violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths and inquiries into treasure trove. The investigation (coroner's inquest) is held in the presence of a jury (coroner's jury). See also procurator fiscal. Compare medical examiner [C14: from Anglo-French corouner officer in charge of the pleas of the Crown, from Old French corone CROWN]   > ˈcoronerˌship n

coronet (ˈkɒrənIt)   n   1 any small crown, esp one worn by princes or peers as a mark of rank   2 a woman's jewelled circlet for the head   3 the margin between the skin of a horse's pastern and the horn of the hoof   4 the knob at the base of a deer's antler   5 heraldry a support for a crest shaped like a crown [C15: from Old French coronete a little crown, from corone CROWN]

■ coroneted (ˌkɒrəˈnɛtId)   adj   1 wearing a coronet   2 belonging to the peerage

coronial (kəˈrəʊnIəl)   adj   of or relating to a coroner

coronis (kəˈrəʊnIs)   n   Greek grammar a symbol, resembling an apostrophe, placed over a contracted syllable

coronium (kəˈrəʊnIəm)   n   a hypothetical element whose existence was proposed in the 19th century to explain a green line seen in the solar coronal spectrum; this is now known to be highly-ionized iron and nickel

coronoid (ˈkɒrəˌnɔId)   adj   anatomy (of a process of a bone) resembling a crow's beak

Corot (French kɔro)   n   Jean Baptiste Camille (ʒɑ̃ batist kamij). 1796–1875, French landscape and portrait painter

corotate (ˌkəʊrəʊˈteIt)   vb (intr)   to rotate in conjunction with something else that is rotating

■ corotation (ˌkəʊrəʊˈteIʃən)   n   the act of corotating

co-routine (ˈkəʊruːˌtiːn)   n   computing a section of a computer program similar to but differing from a subroutine in that it can be left and re-entered at any point

corozo (kəˈrəʊzəʊ)   n, pl -zos   a tropical American palm, Corozo oleifera, whose seeds yield a useful oil [C18: via Spanish from a local name]

corp.   abbreviation for   1 corporation   2 corporal

corpora (ˈkɔːpərə)   n   the plural of corpus

corporal^1 (ˈkɔːpərəl, -prəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the body; bodily   2 an obsolete word for corporeal [C14: from Latin corporālis of the body, from corpus body]   > ˌcorpoˈrality n   > ˈcorporally adv

■ corporal punishment   n   punishment of a physical nature, such as caning, flogging, or beating

corporal^2 (ˈkɔːpərəl, -prəl)   n   1 a noncommissioned officer junior to a sergeant in the army, air force, or marines   2 (in the Royal Navy) a petty officer who assists the master-at-arms [C16: from Old French, via Italian, from Latin caput head; perhaps also influenced in Old French by corps body (of men)]   > ˈcorporalˌship n

■ Corporal of Horse   n   a noncommissioned rank in the British Household Cavalry above that of sergeant and below that of staff sergeant

corporal^3 (ˈkɔːpərəl, -prəl) or corporale (ˌkɔːpəˈreIlI)   n   a white linen cloth on which the bread and wine are placed during the Eucharist [C14: from Medieval Latin corporāle pallium eucharistic altar cloth, from Latin corporālis belonging to the body, from corpus body (of Christ)]

corporas (ˈkɔːpəræs)   n   another name for corporal^3

corporate (ˈkɔːpərIt, -prIt)   adj   1 forming a corporation; incorporated   2 of or belonging to a corporation or corporations: corporate finance   3 of or belonging to a united group; joint [C15: from Latin corporātus made into a body, from corporāre, from corpus body]   > ˈcorporately adv

■ corporate anorexia   n   a malaise of a business organization resulting from making too many creative people redundant in efforts to cut costs

■ corporate culture   n   the distinctive ethos of an organization that influences the level of formality, loyalty, and general behaviour of its employees

■ corporate governance   n   the balance of control between the stakeholders, managers, and directors of an organization

■ corporate image or corporate identity   n   the way an organization is presented to or perceived by its members and the public

■ corporate manslaughter   n   law the death of someone caused by an act of corporate negligence

■ corporateness (ˈkɔːpərItnəs)   n   the state of being a corporate body

■ corporate raider   n   finance a person or organization that acquires a substantial holding of the shares of a company in order to take it over or to force its management to act in a desired way

■ corporate restructuring   n   a change in the business strategy of an organization resulting in diversification, closing parts of the business, etc, to increase its long-term profitability

■ corporate venturing   n   finance the provision of venture capital by one company for another in order to obtain information about the company requiring capital or as a step towards acquiring it

■ corporate village   n   an area close to the workplace where many everyday facilities are provided for a company's workers

■ corporation (ˌkɔːpəˈreIʃən)   n   1 a group of people authorized by law to act as a legal personality and having its own powers, duties, and liabilities   2 Also called: municipal corporation the municipal authorities of a city or town   3 a group of people acting as one body   4 See public corporation   5 informal a large paunch or belly

■ corporation tax   n   a British tax on the profits of a company or other incorporated body

■ corporatism (ˈkɔːpərItIzəm, -prItIzəm) or corporativism (ˈkɔːpərətIvˌIzəm)   n   the organization of a state on a corporative basis   > ˈcorporatist n, adj

■ corporative (ˈkɔːpərətIv, -prətIv)   adj   1 of or characteristic of a corporation   2 (of a state) organized into and governed by corporations of individuals involved in any given profession, industry, etc

■ corporatize or corporatise (ˈkɔːpərətaIz, -prə-)   vb   1 (tr) to convert (a government-controlled industry or enterprise) into an independent company   2 (intr) to be influenced by or take on the features of a large commercial business, esp in being bureaucratic and uncaring

■ corporator (ˈkɔːpəˌreItə)   n   a member of a corporation

corporeal (kɔːˈpɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of the nature of the physical body; not spiritual   2 of a material nature; physical [C17: from Latin corporeus, from corpus body]   > corˌporeˈality or corˈporealness n   > corˈporeally adv

■ corporealism (kɔːˈpɔːrIəlIzəm)   n   materialism

■ corporealist (kɔːˈpɔːrIəlIst)   n   obsolete a materialist

■ corporealize or corporealise (kɔːˈpɔːrIəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make corporeal

corporeity (ˌkɔːpəˈriːItI)   n   bodily or material nature or substance; physical existence; corporeality

corporify (ˈkɔːpərIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   obsolete to embody

■ corporification (ˌkɔːpərIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   obsolete an act or the quality of embodying

corposant (ˈkɔːpəˌzænt)   n   another name for Saint Elmo's fire [C17: from Portuguese corpo-santo, literally: holy body, from Latin corpus sanctum]

corps (kɔː)   n, pl corps (kɔːz)   1 a military formation that comprises two or more divisions and additional support arms   2 a military body with a specific function: intelligence corps; medical corps   3 a body of people associated together: the diplomatic corps [C18: from French, from Latin corpus body]

■ corps de ballet (ˈkɔː də ˈbæleI; French kɔr də balɛ)   n   the members of a ballet company who dance together in a group

■ corps diplomatique (ˌdIpləʊmæˈtiːk)   n   another name for diplomatic corps. Abbreviation: CD

■ corpsman (ˈkɔːmən)   n, pl -men   US military a medical orderly or stretcher-bearer

corpse (kɔːps)   n   1 a dead body, esp of a human being; cadaver   ▷ vb   2 theatre slang to laugh or cause to laugh involuntarily or inopportunely while on stage [C14: from Old French corps body, from Latin corpus body]

corpulent (ˈkɔːpjʊlənt)   adj   physically bulky; fat [C14: from Latin corpulentus fleshy]   > ˈcorpulence or ˈcorpulency n   > ˈcorpulently adv

cor pulmonale (kɔː pʌlməˈnɑːlI)   n   pulmonary heart disease: a serious heart condition in which there is enlargement and failure of the right ventricle resulting from lung disease [New Latin]

corpus (ˈkɔːpəs)   n, pl -pora (-pərə)   1 a collection or body of writings, esp by a single author or on a specific topic: the corpus of Dickens' works   2 the main body, section, or substance of something   3 anatomy   a any distinct mass or body   b the main part of an organ or structure   4 the inner layer or layers of cells of the meristem at a shoot tip, which produces the vascular tissue and pith. Compare tunica (sense 2)   5 linguistics a body of data, esp the finite collection of grammatical sentences of a language that a linguistic theory seeks to describe by means of an algorithm   6 a capital or principal sum, as contrasted with a derived income   7 obsolete a human or animal body, esp a dead one [C14: from Latin: body]

■ corpus callosum (kəˈləʊsəm)   n, pl corpora callosa (kəˈləʊsə)   the band of white fibres that connects the cerebral hemispheres in mammals [New Latin, literally: callous body]

■ corpus cavernosum (ˌkævəˈnəʊsəm)   n, pl corpora cavernosa   either of two masses of erectile tissue in the penis of mammals [New Latin, literally: cavernous body]

■ corpus delicti (dIˈlIktaI)   n   law the body of facts that constitute an offence [New Latin, literally: the body of the crime]

■ corpus juris (ˈdʒʊərIs)   n   a body of law, esp the laws of a nation or state [from Late Latin, literally: a body of law]

■ Corpus Juris Canonici (kəˈnɒnIˌsaI)   n   RC Church the official compilation of canon law published by authority of Gregory XIII in 1582, superseded by the Codex Juris Canonici in 1918. See also Clementines, Decretals, Decretum, Extravagantes, Sext, Codex Juris Canonici [Medieval Latin, literally: body of canon law]

■ Corpus Juris Civilis (sIˈvaIlIs)   n   law the body of Roman or civil law consolidated by Justinian in the 6th century AD. It consists of four parts, the Institutes, Digest, Code, and Novels [New Latin, literally: body of civil law]

■ corpus luteum (ˈluːtIəm)   n, pl corpora lutea (ˈluːtIə)   a yellow glandular mass of tissue that forms in a Graafian follicle following release of an ovum. It secretes progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy [New Latin, literally: yellow body]

■ corpus luteum hormone   n   another name for progesterone

■ corpus spongiosum (ˌspʌndʒIˈəʊsəm)   n   a mass of tissue that, with the corpora cavernosa, forms the erectile tissue of the penis of mammals [New Latin, literally: spongy body]

■ corpus striatum (straIˈeItəm)   n, pl corpora striata (straIˈeItə)   a striped mass of white and grey matter situated in front of the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere [New Latin, literally: striated body]

■ corpus vile Latin (ˈkɔːpəs ˈvaIlI)   n, pl corpora vilia (ˈkɔːpərə ˈvIlIə)   a person or thing fit only to be the object of an experiment [literally: worthless body]

Corpus Christi^1 (ˈkrIstI)   n   chiefly RC Church a festival in honour of the Eucharist, observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday [C14: from Latin: body of Christ]

Corpus Christi^2 (ˈkrIstI)   n   a port in S Texas, on Corpus Christi Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. Pop: 279 208 (2003 est)

corpuscle (ˈkɔːpʌsəl)   n   1 any cell or similar minute body that is suspended in a fluid, esp any of the red blood corpuscles (erythrocytes) or white blood corpuscles (see leucocytes). See also erythrocyte, leucocyte   2 anatomy the encapsulated ending of a sensory nerve   3 physics a discrete particle such as an electron, photon, ion, or atom   4 Also called: corpuscule (kɔːˈpʌskjuːl) any minute particle [C17: from Latin corpusculum a little body, from corpus body]   > corpuscular (kɔːˈpʌskjʊlə) adj

■ corpuscularian (kɔːˌpʌskjʊˈlɛərIən)   n   1 physics an adherent of corpuscular theory   ▷ adj   2 corpuscular

■ corpuscularity (kɔːˌpʌskjʊˈlærItI)   n   the state of being corpuscular

■ corpuscular theory   n   the theory, originally proposed by Newton, and revived with the development of the quantum theory, that light consists of a stream of particles. Compare photon, wave theory

corrade (kɒˈreId)   vb   (of rivers, streams, etc) to erode (land) by the abrasive action of rock particles [C17: from Latin corrādere to scrape together, from rādere to scrape]

■ corrasion (kəˈreIʒən)   n   erosion of a rock surface by rock fragments transported over it by water, wind, or ice. Compare abrasion (sense 3), attrition (sense 4)   > corrasive (kəˈreIsIv) adj

corral (kɒˈrɑːl)   n   1 chiefly US and Canadian an enclosure for confining cattle or horses   2 chiefly US (formerly) a defensive enclosure formed by a ring of covered wagons   ▷ vb -rals, -ralling, -ralled (tr) US and Canadian   3 to drive into and confine in or as in a corral   4 informal to capture [C16: from Spanish, from Vulgar Latin currāle (unattested) area for vehicles, from Latin currus wagon, from currere to run]

correa (ˈkɒrIə, kəˈriːə)   n   an Australian evergreen shrub of the genus Correa, with large showy tubular flowers [C19: after Jose Francesco Correa da Serra (1750–1823), Portuguese botanist]

correct (kəˈrɛkt)   vb (tr)   1 to make free from errors   2 to indicate the errors in   3 to rebuke or punish in order to set right or improve: to correct a child; to stand corrected   4 to counteract or rectify (a malfunction, ailment, etc): these glasses will correct your sight   5 to adjust or make conform, esp to a standard   ▷ adj   6 free from error; true; accurate: the correct version   7 in conformity with accepted standards: correct behaviour [C14: from Latin corrigere to make straight, put in order, from com- (intensive) + regere to rule]   > corˈrectable or corˈrectible adj   > corˈrectly adv   > corˈrectness n   > corˈrector n

■ correction (kəˈrɛkʃən)   n   1 the act or process of correcting   2 something offered or substituted for an error; an improvement   3 the act or process of punishing; reproof   4 a number or quantity added to or subtracted from a scientific or mathematical calculation or observation to increase its accuracy

■ correctional (kəˈrɛkʃənəl)   adj   chiefly US of or relating to the punishment and rehabilitation of criminals: a correctional facility

■ correctioner (kəˈrɛkʃənə)   n   obsolete a person who administers correction

■ correctitude (kəˈrɛktIˌtjuːd)   n   the quality of correctness, esp conscious correctness in behaviour

■ corrective (kəˈrɛktIv)   adj   1 tending or intended to correct   ▷ n   2 something that tends or is intended to correct   > corˈrectively adv

■ correctory (kəˈrɛktərI)   adj   corrective

Correggio (Italian korˈreddʒo)   n   Antonio Allegri da (anˈtɔːnjo alˈleːɡri da). 1494–1534, Italian painter, noted for his striking use of perspective and foreshortening

Corregidor (kəˈrɛɡIˌdɔː)   n   an island at the entrance to Manila Bay, in the Philippines: site of the defeat of American forces by the Japanese (1942) in World War II

correlate (ˈkɒrIˌleIt)   vb   1 to place or be placed in a mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship   2 (tr) to establish or show a correlation   ▷ adj   3 having a mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship   ▷ n   4 either of two things mutually or reciprocally related   > ˈcorreˌlatable adj

■ correlation (ˌkɒrIˈleIʃən)   n   1 a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more things   2 the act or process of correlating or the state of being correlated   3 statistics the extent of correspondence between the ordering of two variables. Correlation is positive or direct when two variables move in the same direction and negative or inverse when they move in opposite directions [C16: from Medieval Latin correlātiō, from com- together + relātiō, RELATION]   > ˌcorreˈlational adj

■ correlation coefficient   n   statistics a statistic measuring the degree of correlation between two variables as by dividing their covariance by the square root of the product of their variances. The closer the correlation coefficient is to 1 or –1 the greater the correlation; if it is random, the coefficient is zero. See also Pearson's correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank-order coefficient

■ correlative (kɒˈrɛlətIv)   adj   1 in mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship; corresponding   2 denoting words, usually conjunctions, occurring together though not adjacently in certain grammatical constructions, as for example neither and nor in such sentences as he neither ate nor drank   ▷ n   3 either of two things that are correlative   4 a correlative word   > corˈrelatively adv   > corˈrelativeness or corˌrelaˈtivity n

■ correlator (ˈkɒrIˌleItə)   n   a device that locates leaks in water or gas lines through noise detection

correligionist (ˌkəʊrIˈlIdʒənIst)   n     a variant spelling of coreligionist

correption (kəˈrɛpʃən)   n   1 linguistics the shortening of vowels in pronunciation   2 obsolete a reproof

correspond (ˌkɒrIˈspɒnd)   vb (intr)   1 (usually foll by with or to) to conform, be in agreement, or be consistent or compatible (with); tally (with)   2 (usually foll by to) to be similar or analogous in character or function   3 (usually foll by with) to communicate by letter [C16: from Medieval Latin corrēspondēre, from Latin respondēre to RESPOND]

■ correspondence (ˌkɒrIˈspɒndəns)   n   1 the act or condition of agreeing or corresponding   2 similarity or analogy   3 agreement or conformity   4    a communication by the exchange of letters   b the letters so exchanged   ▶ Also (archaic): correspondency

■ correspondence column   n   a section of a newspaper or magazine in which are printed readers' letters to the editor

■ correspondence school   n   an educational institution that offers tuition (correspondence courses) by post

■ correspondent (ˌkɒrIˈspɒndənt)   n   1 a person who communicates by letter or by letters   2 a person employed by a newspaper, etc, to report on a special subject or to send reports from a foreign country   3 a person or firm that has regular business relations with another, esp one in a different part of the country or abroad   4 something that corresponds to another   ▷ adj   5 similar or analogous

■ correspondently (ˌkɒrIˈspɒndəntlI)   adv   in a correspondent manner

■ corresponding (ˌkɒrIˈspɒndIŋ)   adj   parallel; equivalent: the corresponding figures for last year   ▶ Also (archaic): corresponsive   > ˌcorreˈspondingly adv

Corrèze (French kɔrɛz)   n   a department of central France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: Tulle. Pop: 234 144 (2003 est). Area: 5888 sq km (2296 sq miles)

corrida (koˈrriða)   n   the Spanish word for bullfight [Spanish, from the phrase corrida de toros, literally: a running of bulls, from correr to run, from Latin currere]

corridor (ˈkɒrIˌdɔː)   n   1 a hallway or passage connecting parts of a building   2 a strip of land or airspace along the route of a road or river: the M1 corridor   3 a strip of land or airspace that affords access, either from a landlocked country to the sea (such as the Polish corridor, 1919-39, which divided Germany) or from a state to an exclave (such as the Berlin corridor, 1945–90, which passed through the former East Germany)   4 a passageway connecting the compartments of a railway coach   5 corridors of power the higher echelons of government, the Civil Service, etc, considered as the location of power and influence   6 a flight path that affords safe access for intruding aircraft   7 the path that a spacecraft must follow when re-entering the atmosphere, above which lift is insufficient and below which heating effects are excessive [C16: from Old French, from Old Italian corridore, literally: place for running, from correre to run, from Latin currere]

■ corridor of uncertainty   n   1 cricket an area of a wicket just outside a batsman's off stump, so located that the batsman will have difficulty in deciding whether or not to play a ball bowled into it   2 soccer an area of the pitch between the defenders and the goalkeeper, in which it is not clear who should take the responsibility of dealing with a ball played into it   3 any situation in which the right course of action is not clear

corrie (ˈkɒrI)   n   geology another name for cirque (sense 1) [C18: from Gaelic coire cauldron, kettle]

Corriedale (ˈkɒrIˌdeIl)   n   a breed of sheep reared for both wool and meat, originally developed in New Zealand and Australia

corrie-fisted (ˌkɒrIˈfIstId)   adj   Scot dialect left-handed [C20: from earlier car, ker left hand or side, from Gaelic cearr left or wrong hand]

Corrientes (Spanish koˈrrjentes)   n   a port in NE Argentina, on the Paraná River. Pop: 340 000 (2005 est)

corrigendum (ˌkɒrIˈdʒɛndəm)   n, pl -da (-də)   1 an error to be corrected   2 Also called: erratum (sometimes plural) a slip of paper inserted into a book after printing, listing errors and corrections [C19: from Latin: that which is to be corrected, from corrigere to CORRECT]

corrigent (ˈkɒrIdʒənt)   n   (in a medicine) an ingredient that negates a side effect of another ingredient

corrigible (ˈkɒrIdʒIbəl)   adj   1 capable of being corrected   2 submissive or submitting to correction [C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin corrigibilis, from Latin corrigere to set right, CORRECT]   > ˌcorrigiˈbility n   > ˈcorrigibly adv

corrival (kəˈraIvəl)   n, vb   a rare word for rival [C16: from Old French, from Late Latin corrīvālis, from Latin com- together, mutually + rīvālis RIVAL]   > corˈrivalry or corˈrivalˌship n

corroborate   vb (kəˈrɒbəˌreIt)   1 (tr) to confirm or support (facts, opinions, etc), esp by providing fresh evidence: the witness corroborated the accused's statement   ▷ adj (kəˈrɒbərIt) archaic   2 serving to corroborate a fact, an opinion, etc   3 (of a fact) corroborated [C16: from Latin corrōborāre to invigorate, from rōborāre to make strong, from rōbur strength, literally: oak]   > corˌroboˈration n   > corroborative (kəˈrɒbərətIv) or corˈroboˌratory adj   > corˈroboratively adv   > corˈroboˌrator n

■ corroborable (kəˈrɒbərəbəl)   adj   able to be corroborated

■ corroborant (kəˈrɒbərənt)   adj archaic   1 serving to corroborate   2 strengthening

corroboree (kəˈrɒbərI)   n Austral   1 a native assembly of sacred, festive, or warlike character   2 informal any noisy gathering [C19: from a native Australian language]

corrode (kəˈrəʊd)   vb   1 to eat away or be eaten away, esp by chemical action as in the oxidation or rusting of a metal   2 (tr) to destroy gradually; consume: his jealousy corroded his happiness [C14: from Latin corrōdere to gnaw to pieces, from rōdere to gnaw; see RODENT, RAT]   > corˈrodant or corˈrodent n   > corˈroder n   > corˈrodible or corrosible (kəˈrəʊzəbəl) adj   > corˌrodiˈbility or corrosibility (kəˌrəʊzəˈbIlItI) n

■ corroded (kəˈrəʊdId)   adj   affected by corrosion; rusty

■ corrosion (kəˈrəʊʒən)   n   1 a process in which a solid, esp a metal, is eaten away and changed by a chemical action, as in the oxidation of iron in the presence of water by an electrolytic process   2 slow deterioration by being eaten or worn away   3 the condition produced by or the product of corrosion

■ corrosive (kəˈrəʊsIv)   adj   1 (esp of acids or alkalis) capable of destroying solid materials   2 tending to eat away or consume   3 cutting; sarcastic: a corrosive remark   ▷ n   4 a corrosive substance, such as a strong acid or alkali   > corˈrosively adv   > corˈrosiveness n

■ corrosive sublimate   n   another name for mercuric chloride

corrody (ˈkɒrədI)   n, pl -dies   a variant spelling of corody

corrugate   vb (ˈkɒrʊˌɡeIt)   1 (usually tr) to fold or be folded into alternate furrows and ridges   ▷ adj (ˈkɒrʊɡIt, -ˌɡeIt)   2 folded into furrows and ridges; wrinkled [C18: from Latin corrūgāre, from rūga a wrinkle]   > ˌcorruˈgation n

■ corrugated (ˈkɒrəɡeItId)   adj   1 folded into furrows and ridges   2 made of corrugated iron or some other material made in a corrugated pattern: a wooden shed with a corrugated roof

■ corrugated iron   n   a thin structural sheet made of iron or steel, formed with alternating ridges and troughs

■ corrugated paper   n   a packaging material made from layers of heavy paper, the top layer of which is grooved and ridged

■ corrugator (ˈkɒrʊˌɡeItə)   n   a muscle whose contraction causes wrinkling of the brow

corrupt (kəˈrʌpt)   adj   1 lacking in integrity; open to or involving bribery or other dishonest practices: a corrupt official; corrupt practices in an election   2 morally depraved   3 putrid or rotten   4 contaminated; unclean   5 (of a text or manuscript) made meaningless or different in meaning from the original by scribal errors or alterations   6 (of computer programs or data) containing errors   ▷ vb   7 to become or cause to become dishonest or disloyal   8 to debase or become debased morally; deprave   9 (tr) to infect or contaminate; taint   10 (tr) to cause to become rotten   11 (tr) to alter (a text, manuscript, etc) from the original   12 (tr) computing to introduce errors into (data or a program) [C14: from Latin corruptus spoiled, from corrumpere to ruin, literally: break to pieces, from rumpere to break]   > corˈrupter or corˈruptor n   > corˈruptive adj   > corˈruptively adv   > corˈruptly adv   > corˈruptness n

■ corruptible (kəˈrʌptəbəl)   adj   susceptible to corruption; capable of being corrupted   > corˌruptiˈbility or corˈruptibleness n   > corˈruptibly adv

■ corruption (kəˈrʌpʃən)   n   1 the act of corrupting or state of being corrupt   2 moral perversion; depravity   3 dishonesty, esp bribery   4 putrefaction or decay   5 alteration, as of a manuscript   6 an altered form of a word   > corˈruptionist n

corsac (ˈkɔːsæk)   n   a fox, Vulpes corsac, of central Asia [C19: from a Turkic language]

corsage (kɔːˈsɑːʒ)   n   1 a flower or small bunch of flowers worn pinned to the lapel, bosom, etc, or sometimes carried by women   2 the bodice of a dress [C15: from Old French, from cors body, from Latin corpus]

corsair (ˈkɔːsɛə)   n   1 a pirate   2 a privateer, esp of the Barbary Coast [C15: from Old French corsaire pirate, from Medieval Latin cursārius, from Latin cursus a running, COURSE]

corse (kɔːs)   n   an archaic word for corpse

Corse (kɔrs)   n   the French name for Corsica

corselet (ˈkɔːslIt)   n   1 Also spelt: corslet a piece of armour for the top part of the body   2 Also spelt: corselette a one-piece foundation garment, usually combining a brassiere and a corset [C15: from Old French, from cors bodice of a garment, from Latin corpus body]

corset (ˈkɔːsIt)   n   1    a a stiffened, elasticated, or laced foundation garment, worn esp by women, that usually extends from below the chest to the hips, providing support for the spine and stomach and shaping the figure   b a similar garment worn because of injury, weakness, etc, by either sex   2 informal a restriction or limitation, esp government control of bank lending   3 a stiffened outer bodice worn by either sex, esp in the 16th century   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to dress or enclose in, or as in, a corset [C14: from Old French, literally: a little bodice; see CORSELET]

■ corseted (ˈkɔːsItId)   adj   1 wearing a corset   2 (of a dress) with a corset or corseting sewn in

■ corsetier (ˌkɔːsIˈtIə)   n   a man who makes and fits corsets

■ corsetière (ˌkɔːsɛtIˈɛə, kɔːˌsɛt-)   n   a woman who makes and fits corsets

■ corsetry (ˈkɔːsItrI)   n   1 the making of or dealing in corsets   2 corsets considered collectively

corsey (ˈkɔːsI)   n   Northern English dialect a pavement or pathway

Corsica (ˈkɔːsIkə)   n   an island in the Mediterranean, west of N Italy: forms, with 43 islets, a region of France; mountainous; settled by Greeks in about 560 BC; sold by Genoa to France in 1768. Capital: Ajaccio. Pop: 265 999 (2003 est). Area: 8682 sq km (3367 sq miles). French name: Corse

■ Corsican (ˈkɔːsIkən)   adj   1 of or relating to Corsica or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Corsica

corsive (ˈkɔːsIv) obsolete   n   1 med a corrosive drug   ▷ adj   2 corrosive

corslet (ˈkɔːslIt)   n   another spelling of corselet (sense 1)

corsned (ˈkɔːsnɛd)   n   (in Anglo-Saxon times) an ordeal whereby an accused person had to eat a morsel of bread; swallowing it without difficulty indicated innocence, and choking indicated guilt

CORSO (ˈkɔːsəʊ)   n acronym for (in New Zealand)   Council of Organizations for Relief Services Overseas

cortege or cortège (kɔːˈteIʒ)   n   1 a formal procession, esp a funeral procession   2 a train of attendants; retinue [C17: from French, from Italian corteggio, from corteggiare to attend, from corte COURT]

Cortes (ˈkɔːtɛz; Spanish ˈkortes)   n   the national assembly of Spain and (until 1910) Portugal [C17: from Spanish, literally: courts, plural of corte court, from Latin cohors COHORT]

Cortés (ˈkɔːtɛz; Spanish korˈtes) or Cortez (kɔːˈtɛz)   n   Hernando (ɛrˈnando) or Hernán (ɛrˈnan). 1485–1547, Spanish conquistador: defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico (1523)

cortex (ˈkɔːtɛks)   n, pl -tices (-tIˌsiːz)   1 anatomy the outer layer of any organ or part, such as the grey matter in the brain that covers the cerebrum (cerebral cortex) or the outer part of the kidney (renal cortex)   2 botany   a the unspecialized tissue in plant stems and roots between the vascular bundles and the epidermis   b the outer layer of a part such as the bark of a stem [C17: from Latin: bark, outer layer]   > cortical (ˈkɔːtIkəl) adj   > ˈcortically adv

cortic-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of cortico-

corticate (ˈkɔːtIkIt, -ˌkeIt) or corticated (ˈkɔːtIˌkeItId)   adj   (of plants, seeds, etc) having a bark, husk, or rind [C19: from Latin corticātus covered with bark]   > ˌcortiˈcation n

cortico- or before a vowel cortic-   combining form   indicating the cortex: corticotrophin

corticolous (kɔːˈtIkələs)   adj   biology living or growing on the surface of bark

corticose (ˈkɔːtIˌkəʊz)   adj   of, consisting of, or resembling bark

corticosteroid (ˌkɔːtIkəʊˈstIərɔId) or corticoid   n   1 any steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that affects carbohydrate, protein, and electrolyte metabolism, gonad function, and immune response   2 any similar synthetic substance, used in treating inflammatory and allergic diseases   ▶ See also glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid

corticosterone (ˌkɔːtIˈkɒstəˌrəʊn)   n   a glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. Formula: C_21H_30O_4. See also corticosteroid [C20: from CORTICO- + STER(OL) + -ONE]

corticotrophic (ˌkɔːtIkəʊˈtrəʊfIk) or corticotropic (ˌkɔːtIkəʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   stimulating the adrenal cortex; adrenocorticotrophic

corticotrophin (ˌkɔːtIkəʊˈtrəʊfIn) or corticotropin (ˌkɔːtIkəʊˈtrəʊpIn)   n   another name for adrenocorticotrophic hormone. See ACTH

cortile (kɔːrtiːˈlei)   n, pl cortili   (in Italy) a roofless internal courtyard

cortin (ˈkɔːtIn)   n   biochem an adrenal cortex extract containing cortisone and other hormones

cortina (kɔːˈtiːnə)   n   botany the weblike part of certain mushrooms, which hangs from the edge of the pileus and consists of silky fibrils

cortisol (ˈkɔːtIˌsɒl)   n   another name for hydrocortisone [C20: from CORTIS(ONE) + -OL^2]

cortisone (ˈkɔːtIˌsəʊn, -ˌzəʊn)   n   a glucocorticoid hormone, the synthetic form of which has been used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, leukaemia, etc; 17-hydroxy-11-dehydrocorticosterone. Formula: C_21H_28O_5 [C20: shortened from CORTICOSTERONE]

Cortona (kɔːˈtəʊnə; Italian kɔrˈtona)   n   a town in central Italy, in Tuscany: Roman and Etruscan remains, 15th-century cathedral. Pop: 22 048 (2001)

Cortot (French kɔrto)   n   Alfred (alfrɛd). 1877–1962, French pianist, born in Switzerland

coruler (kəʊˈruːlə)   n   a joint ruler

corundum (kəˈrʌndəm)   n   a white, grey, blue, green, red, yellow, or brown mineral, found in metamorphosed shales and limestones, in veins, and in some igneous rocks. It is used as an abrasive and as gemstone; the red variety is ruby, the blue is sapphire. Composition: aluminium oxide. Formula: Al_2O_3. Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral) [C18: from Tamil kuruntam; related to Sanskrit kuruvinda ruby]

Corunna (kəˈrʌnə)   n   the English name for La Coruña

coruscate (ˈkɒrəˌskeIt)   vb   (intr) to emit flashes of light; sparkle [C18: from Latin coruscāre to flash, vibrate]   > ˈcoruˌscating adj

■ coruscant (kɒˈrʌskənt)   adj   giving off flashes of light

■ coruscation (ˌkɒrəˈskeIʃən)   n   1 a gleam or flash of light   2 a sudden or striking display of brilliance, wit, etc

corvée (ˈkɔːveI)   n   1 European history a day's unpaid labour owed by a feudal vassal to his lord   2 the practice or an instance of forced labour [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin corrogāta contribution, from Latin corrogāre to collect, from rogāre to ask]

corves (kɔːvz)   n   the plural of corf

corvette (kɔːˈvɛt)   n   a lightly armed escort warship [C17: from Old French, perhaps from Middle Dutch corf basket, small ship, from Latin corbis basket]

corvid (ˈkɔːvId)   n   a member of the passerine bird family Corvidae, which includes the crows, magpies, and jays, and the raven, rook, and jackdaw

corvina (kɔːˈviːnə)   n   1 a marine food fish, Menticirrhus undulatus, found in Pacific waters off Mexico and California   2 any of several related marine fishes of the family Sciaenidae [from Spanish corbina, corvina, from feminine of corvino ravenlike, from Latin corvus raven]

corvine (ˈkɔːvaIn)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling a crow   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the passerine bird family Corvidae, which includes the crows, raven, rook, jackdaw, magpies, and jays [C17: from Latin corvīnus raven-like, from corvus a raven]

Corvo (ˈkɔːvəʊ)   n   Baron. See (Frederick William) Rolfe

Corvus (ˈkɔːvəs)   n, Latin genitive Corvi (ˈkɔːvaI)   a small quadrilateral-shaped constellation in the S hemisphere, lying between Virgo and Hydra [Latin: raven]

cory (ˈkɔːrI)   n, pl cories   any of various freshwater catfish belonging to the South American Corydoras genus

Corybant (ˈkɒrIˌbænt)   n, pl Corybants or Corybantes (ˌkɒrIˈbæntiːz)   classical myth a wild attendant of the goddess Cybele [C14: from Latin Corybās, from Greek Korubas, probably of Phrygian origin]   > ˌCoryˈbantian, ˌCoryˈbantic or ˌCoryˈbantine adj

■ corybantism (ˌkɒrIˈbæntIzəm)   n   med a delirium characterized by vivid frightening hallucinations and causing insomnia

corydaline (kɒˈrIdəˌlaIn)   n   chem an alkaloid, C_22H_27NO_4, that is found in the roots of certain plants of the genus Corydalis

corydalis (kəˈrIdəlIs)   n   any erect or climbing plant of the N temperate genus Corydalis, having finely-lobed leaves and spurred yellow or pinkish flowers: family Fumariaceae. Also called: fumitory [C19: from New Latin, from Greek korudallis variant of korudos crested lark, from korus helmet, crest; alluding to the appearance of the flowers]

Corydon (ˈkɒrIdən, -ˌdɒn)   n   (in pastoral literature) a shepherd or rustic

corylopsis (ˌkɒrIˈlɒpsIs)   n, pl corylopses   any of various deciduous shrubs of the genus Corylopsis, which are found in eastern Asia and have yellow flowers

corylus (ˈkɒrIləs)   n   any of various shrubs or trees of the genus Corylus of the Betulaceae family (or the Corylaceae family, depending on the botanist), which bear nuts and are found in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere

corymb (ˈkɒrImb, -rIm)   n   an inflorescence in the form of a flat-topped flower cluster with the oldest flowers at the periphery. This type of raceme occurs in the candytuft [C18: from Latin corymbus, from Greek korumbos cluster]   > ˈcorymbed adj   > coˈrymbose or coˈrymbous adj   > coˈrymbosely adv

corynebacterium (ˌkɒrənIbækˈtIərIəm)   n, pl corynebacteria   any of various bacterium of the genus Corynebacterium, including various animal and plant pathogens and animal parasites

■ corynebacterial (ˌkɒrənIbækˈtIərIəl)   adj   relating to bacteria of the genus Corynebacterium

■ coryneform (kɒˈrInIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a corynebacterium

coryphaeus (ˌkɒrIˈfiːəs) or coryphe (ˌkɒrIˈfeI)   n, pl -phaei (-ˈfiːaI)   1 (in ancient Greek drama) the leader of the chorus   2 archaic or literary a leader of a group [C17: from Latin, from Greek koruphaios leader, from koruphē summit]

coryphée (ˌkɒrIˈfeI)   n   a leading dancer of a corps de ballet [C19: from French, from Latin coryphaeus CORYPHAEUS]

coryphene (ˈkɒrIˌfiːn)   n   either of two large marine percoid fishes, Coryphaena hippurus or C. equisetis, that resemble the cetacean dolphins and have an iridescent coloration

coryza (kəˈraIzə)   n   acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, with discharge of mucus; a head cold [C17: from Late Latin: catarrh, from Greek koruza]

■ coryzal (kəˈraIzəl)   adj   relating to coryza

cos^1 or cos lettuce (kɒs)   n   a variety of lettuce with a long slender head and crisp leaves. Usual US and Canadian name: romaine. Compare cabbage lettuce [C17: named after Kos, the Aegean island of its origin]

cos^2 (kɒz)   abbreviation for   cosine

Cos (kɒs)   n   a variant spelling of Kos

COS   abbreviation for   Chief of Staff

Cosa Nostra (ˈkəʊsə ˈnɒstrə)   n   the branch of the Mafia that operates in the US [Italian, literally: our thing]

COSAS (ˈkəʊˌzæs)   n acronym for   Congress of South African Students

COSATU (ˌkəʊˈzɑːtuː)   n acronym for   Congress of South Africa Trade Unions

coscinomancy (ˈkɒsInəʊˌmænsI)   n   a form of divination involving the interpretation of the movement of a sieve suspended by shears

coscript (kəʊˈskrIpt)   vb (tr)   to script jointly

cose (kəʊz)   vb (intr)   to make oneself cosy or comfortable

cosec (ˈkəʊsɛk)   abbreviation for   cosecant

cosecant (kəʊˈsiːkənt)   n   (of an angle) a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to that of the opposite side; the reciprocal of sine. Abbreviation: cosec

cosech (ˈkəʊsɛtʃ, -sɛk)   n   hyperbolic cosecant; a hyperbolic function that is the reciprocal of sinh

coseismal (kəʊˈsaIzməl) or coseismic (kəʊˈsaIzmIk)   adj   1 of or designating points at which earthquake waves are felt at the same time   2 (of a line on a map) connecting such points   ▷ n   3 such a line on a map

cosentient (kəʊˈsɛntIənt)   adj   perceiving simultaneously or together

Cosenza (Italian koˈzɛntsa)   n   a city in S Italy, in Calabria. Pop: 72 998 (2001)

coset (ˈkəʊˌsɛt)   n   maths one of several sets that form a larger set

cosey (ˈkəʊzI)   n   a variant spelling of cosy

Cosgrave (ˈkɒzɡreIv)   n   1  Liam (ˈliːəm). born 1920, Irish statesman; prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1973–77)   2  his father, W(illiam) T(homas). 1880–1965, Irish statesman; first prime minister (president of the executive council) of the Irish Free State (1922–32)

cosh^1 (kɒʃ) Brit   n   1 a blunt weapon, often made of hard rubber; bludgeon   2 an attack with such a weapon   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to hit with such a weapon, esp on the head [C19: from Romany kosh, from koshter skewer, stick]

cosh^2 (kɒʃ, ˈkɒsˈeItʃ)   n   hyperbolic cosine; a hyperbolic function, cosh z = 1⁄2(ez + e–z), related to cosine by the expression cosh iz = cos z, where i = √–1 [C19: from COS(INE) + H(YPERBOLIC)]

cosher (ˈkɒʃə)   vb Irish   1 (tr) to pamper or coddle   2 (intr) to live or be entertained at the expense of another

■ cosherer (ˈkɒʃərə)   n   Irish a person who coshers

■ cosherings (ˈkɒʃərIŋz)   pl n   Irish history visits to tenants' houses by a chief and his followers, where they would expect to be fed and accommodated

■ coshery (ˈkɒʃərI)   n   Irish history a chief's right to lodge at his tenants' houses with his followers

cosier (ˈkəʊzIə)   n   obsolete a cobbler

cosign (kəʊˈsaIn)   vb   1 (tr) to sign (a document) jointly   2 (intr) banking to sign a document that has already been signed by a borrower of money, declaring that, should the borrower be unable to repay that money, the signer will repay the amount due

■ cosignatory (kəʊˈsIɡnətərI, -trI)   n, pl -ries   1 a person, country, etc, that signs a document jointly with others   ▷ adj   2 signing jointly with another or others

■ cosigner (kəʊˈsaInə)   n   a cosignatory

cosignificative (ˌkəʊsIɡˈnIfIkətIv)   adj   having the same meaning or sense

Cosimo I (Italian ˈkɔːzimo)   n   See Medici (sense 3)

cosine (ˈkəʊˌsaIn)   n (of an angle)   a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to that of the hypotenuse; the sine of the complement. Abbreviation: cos [C17: from New Latin cosinus; see CO-, SINE^1]

COSLA (ˈkɒzlə)   n acronym for   Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

cosm-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of cosmo-

cosmea (ˈkɒzmIə)   n   any of various tropical American plants of the genus Cosmos of the family Asteraceae, cultivated as garden plants for their brightly coloured flowers

cosmeceutical (ˌkɒzməˈsjuːtIkəl)   n   1 a cosmetic that has, or is claimed to have, pharmaceutical properties   ▷ adj   2 relating to cosmeceuticals

cosmesis (kɒzˈmiːsIs)   n surgery   1 an aesthetic covering on a prosthesis to make it look more natural   2 the practice of preserving or restoring physical appearance, usually after an operation conducted for non-cosmetic reasons

cosmetic (kɒzˈmɛtIk)   n   1 any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it   ▷ adj   2 serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face   3 having no other function than to beautify: cosmetic illustrations in a book   4 derogatory designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial: their resignation is a cosmetic exercise [C17: from Greek kosmētikos, from kosmein to arrange, from kosmos order]   > cosˈmetically adv   > cosˌmetiˈcology n

■ cosmetical (kɒzˈmɛtIkəl)   adj   relating to cosmetics

■ cosmetician (ˌkɒzmIˈtIʃən)   n   a person who makes, sells, or applies cosmetics

■ cosmeticism (kɒzˈmɛtIsIzəm)   n   the practice of beautifying

■ cosmeticize or cosmeticise (kɒzˈmɛtIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   to give (someone or something) a cosmetic treatment

■ cosmetics (kɒzˈmɛtIks)   pl n   beauty preparations; make-up

■ cosmetic surgery   n   surgery performed to improve the appearance, rather than for medical reasons

cosmetology (ˌkɒzmɛˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the work of beauty therapists, including hairdressing, facials, manicures, etc

■ cosmetologist (ˌkɒzmIˈtɒlədʒIst)   n   a person skilled or trained in the use of cosmetics and beauty treatments [C20: a blend of COSMETICS + -OLOGIST]

cosmic (ˈkɒzmIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the whole universe: cosmic laws   2 occurring or originating in outer space, esp as opposed to the vicinity of the earth, the solar system, or the local galaxy: cosmic rays   3 immeasurably extended in space or time; vast   4 rare harmonious   > ˈcosmically adv

■ cosmic dust   n   fine particles of solid matter occurring throughout interstellar space and often collecting into clouds of extremely low density. See also nebula (sense 1)

■ cosmic rays   pl n   radiation consisting of particles, esp protons, of very high energy that reach the earth from outer space. Also called: cosmic radiation

■ cosmic string   n   a one-dimensional defect in space-time postulated in certain theories of cosmology to exist in the universe as a consequence of the big bang. See also string (sense 11)

■ cosmic web   n   a network of filaments of dark matter, believed by many astronomers to form the basis of the universe

cosmical (ˈkɒzmIkəl)   adj   archaic another word for cosmic

cosmid (ˈkɒzmId)   n   genetics a large plasmid that is used as a cloning vector and is able to clone large segments of DNA

cosmine (ˈkɒzmiːn) or cosmin (ˈkɒzmIn)   n   zoology a substance resembling dentine, forming the outer layer of cosmoid scales [C20: from Greek kosmos arrangement + -INE^1]

cosmism (ˈkɒzmIzəm)   n   1 the philosophical theory that the cosmos is a self-existent whole and was not created by a god or gods   2 a Russian cultural and philosophical movement of the early 20th century concerning itself with the origin and future of both the cosmos and humankind

■ cosmist (ˈkɒzmIst)   n   philosophy an adherent of cosmism

cosmo- or before a vowel cosm-   combining form   indicating the world or universe: cosmology; cosmonaut; cosmography [from Greek: COSMOS]

cosmochemistry (ˌkɒzməˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the study of the chemical composition of the celestial bodies

■ cosmochemical (ˌkɒzməˈkɛmIkəl)   adj   relating to cosmochemistry

■ cosmochemist (ˌkɒzməˈkɛmIst)   n   a student of cosmochemistry

cosmocrat (ˈkɒzməˌkræt)   n   a ruler of the world

■ cosmocratic (ˌkɒzməˈkrætIk)   adj   of or relating to a cosmocrat

cosmodrome (ˈkɒzməˌdrəʊm)   n   a site, esp one in the countries of the former Soviet Union, from which spacecraft are launched

cosmogenic (ˌkɒzməˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   (of an isotope) produced by cosmic rays

cosmogony (kɒzˈmɒɡənI)   n, pl -nies   1 the study of the origin and development of the universe or of a particular system in the universe, such as the solar system   2 a theory of such an origin or evolution [C17: from Greek kosmogonia, from COSMO- + gonos creation]   > cosˈmogonal adj   > cosmogonic (ˌkɒzməˈɡɒnIk) or ˌcosmoˈgonical adj   > cosˈmogonist n

cosmography (kɒzˈmɒɡrəfI)   n   1 a representation of the world or the universe   2 the science dealing with the whole order of nature   > cosˈmographer or cosˈmographist n   > cosmographic (ˌkɒzməˈɡræfIk) or ˌcosmoˈgraphical adj   > ˌcosmoˈgraphically adv

cosmoid (ˈkɒzmɔId)   adj   (of the scales of coelacanths and lungfish) consisting of two inner bony layers and an outer layer of cosmine [C20: from COSM(INE) + -OID]

cosmolatry (kɒzˈmɒlətrI)   n   the worship of the cosmos

cosmoline (ˈkɒzməlaIn)   n   a substance obtained from petroleum that is similar to petrolatum and is applied to machinery, esp vehicles or weapons, in order to prevent rust

cosmology (kɒzˈmɒlədʒI)   n   1 the philosophical study of the origin and nature of the universe   2 the branch of astronomy concerned with the evolution and structure of the universe   3 a particular account of the origin or structure of the universe: Ptolemaic cosmology   > cosmological (ˌkɒzməˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌcosmoˈlogic adj   > ˌcosmoˈlogically adv   > cosˈmologist n

■ cosmological argument   n   philosophy one of the arguments that purport to prove the existence of God from empirical facts about the universe, esp the argument to the existence of a first cause. Compare ontological argument (sense 1), teleological argument

■ cosmological principle   n   astronomy the theory that the universe is uniform, homogenous, and isotropic, and therefore appears the same from any position

cosmonaut (ˈkɒzməˌnɔːt)   n   an astronaut, esp in the former Soviet Union [C20: from Russian kosmonavt, from COSMO- + Greek nautēs sailor; compare ARGONAUT]

■ cosmonautics (ˌkɒzməˈnɔːtIks)   n   another name for astronautics

cosmoplastic (ˌkɒzməˈplæstIk)   adj   forming the universe or the world

cosmopolis (kɒzˈmɒpəlIs)   n   an international city [C19: see COSMO-, POLIS^1]

cosmopolitan (ˌkɒzməˈpɒlItən)   n   1 a person who has lived and travelled in many countries, esp one who is free of national prejudices   ▷ adj   2 having interest in or familiar with many parts of the world   3 sophisticated or urbane   4 composed of people or elements from all parts of the world or from many different spheres   5 (of plants or animals) widely distributed [C17: from French, ultimately from Greek kosmopolitēs, from kosmo- COSMO- + politēs citizen]   > ˌcosmoˈpolitanism n

cosmopolite (kɒzˈmɒpəˌlaIt)   n   1 a less common word for cosmopolitan (sense 1)   2 an animal or plant that occurs in most parts of the world   > cosˈmopoliˌtism n

cosmopolitics (ˌkɒzməʊˈpɒlItIks)   n   (functioning as singular) world politics

■ cosmopolitic (ˌkɒzməˈpɒlItIk)   adj   cosmopolitan

■ cosmopolitical (ˌkɒzməpəˈlItIkəl)   adj   relating to all polities

cosmorama (ˌkɒzməˈrɑːmə)   n   a lifelike display, using mirrors and lenses, which shows reflections of various views of parts of the world

■ cosmoramic (ˌkɒzməˈræmIk)   adj   of or relating to a cosmorama

cosmos (ˈkɒzmɒs)   n   1 the world or universe considered as an ordered system   2 any ordered system   3 harmony; order   4 (pl -mos or -moses) any tropical American plant of the genus Cosmos, cultivated as garden plants for their brightly coloured flowers: family Asteraceae (composites) [C17: from Greek kosmos order, world, universe]

■ Cosmos (ˈkɒzmɒs)   n   astronautics any of various types of Soviet satellite, including Cosmos 1 (launched 1962) and nearly 2000 subsequent satellites

cosmosphere (ˈkɒzməˌsfIə)   n   a device consisting of a glass globe on which the stars are shown, and within which is another globe representing the Earth, that shows the position of the Earth, at any given time, in relation to the stars

cosmotheism (ˌkɒzməʊˈθiːIzəm)   n   theol another name for pantheism

cosmothetic (ˌkɒzməˈθɛtIk) or cosmothetical (ˌkɒzməˈθɛtIkəl)   adj   philosophy positing the existence of the external world

Cosmotron (ˈkɒzməˌtrɒn)   n   a large synchrotron which was used for accelerating protons to high energies (of the order of 1 GeV) [C20: from COSM(IC RAY) + -TRON]

cosphered (kəʊˈsfIəd)   adj   sharing the same sphere

cosplay (ˈkɒsˌpleI, ˈkɒz-)   n   a recreational activity in which people interact with one another while dressed as fictional characters [C20: shortened from costume play]

cosponsor (ˈkəʊˈspɒnsə)   n   a person, company, or other organization that is one of the two sponsors of an event or initiative

■ cosponsorship (kəʊˈspɒnsəˌʃIp)   n   joint sponsorship

coss (kɒs)   n   another name for kos

Cossack (ˈkɒsæk)   n   1 (formerly) any of the free warrior-peasants of chiefly East Slavonic descent who lived in communes, esp in Ukraine, and served as cavalry under the tsars   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cossacks: a Cossack dance [C16: from Russian kazak vagabond, of Turkic origin]

■ cossack hat   n   a warm brimless hat of fur or sheepskin

cosset (ˈkɒsIt)   vb -sets, -seting, -seted (tr)   1 to pamper; coddle; pet   ▷ n   2 any pet animal, esp a lamb [C16: of unknown origin]

■ cosseted or cossetted (ˈkɒsItId)   adj   pampered; spoilt

cossie (ˈkɒzI)   n   informal a swimming costume

cost (kɒst)   n   1 the price paid or required for acquiring, producing, or maintaining something, usually measured in money, time, or energy; expense or expenditure; outlay   2 suffering or sacrifice; loss; penalty: count the cost to your health; I know to my cost   3    a the amount paid for a commodity by its seller: to sell at cost   b (as modifier): the cost price   4 (plural) law the expenses of judicial proceedings   5 at any cost or at all costs regardless of cost or sacrifice involved   6 at the cost of at the expense of losing   ▷ vb costs, costing, cost   7 (tr) to be obtained or obtainable in exchange for (money or something equivalent); be priced at: the ride cost three pounds   8 to cause or require the expenditure, loss, or sacrifice (of): the accident cost him dearly   9 to estimate the cost of (a product, process, etc) for the purposes of pricing, budgeting, control, etc [C13: from Old French (n), from coster to cost, from Latin constāre to stand at, cost, from stāre to stand]   > ˈcostless adj   > ˈcostlessly adv

■ cost accounting   n   the recording and controlling of all the expenditures of an enterprise in order to facilitate control of separate activities. Also called: management accounting   > cost accountant n

■ cost-benefit   adj   denoting or relating to a method of assessing a project that takes into account its costs and its benefits to society as well as the revenue it generates: a cost-benefit analysis; the project was assessed on a cost-benefit basis

■ cost centre   n   a unit, such as a department of a company, to which costs may be allocated for cost accounting purposes

■ cost-conscious or cost conscious   adj   having an awareness of costs; careful about spending

■ cost-cutting   n     a the reduction of costs   b (as modifier): cost-cutting measures

■ cost-effective   adj   providing adequate financial return in relation to outlay   > cost-effectiveness n

■ cost-effectively   adv   in a cost-effective way; efficiently

■ costing (ˈkɒstIŋ)   n   commerce an estimate of the cost of a product, process, etc, for the purposes of pricing, budgeting, control, etc

■ cost-in-use   n   accounting the cost of owning, running, or using something

■ costly (ˈkɒstlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 of great price or value; expensive   2 entailing great loss or sacrifice: a costly victory   3 splendid; lavish   > ˈcostliness n

■ cost of living   n   1    a the basic cost of the food, clothing, shelter, and fuel necessary to maintain life, esp at a standard regarded as basic or minimal   b (as modifier): the cost-of-living index   2 the average expenditure of a person or family in a given period

■ cost-plus   n     a a method of establishing a selling price in which an agreed percentage is added to the cost price to cover profit   b (as modifier): cost-plus pricing

■ cost-push inflation   n   See inflation

■ cost rent   n   (in Britain) the rent of a dwelling calculated on the cost of providing and maintaining the property without allowing for a profit

costa (ˈkɒstə)   n, pl -tae (-tiː)   1 the technical name for rib^1 (sense 1)   2 a riblike part, such as the midrib of a plant leaf [C19: from Latin: rib, side, wall]   > ˈcostal adj   > ˈcostally adv

Costa Brava (ˈkɒstə ˈbrɑːvə)   n   a coastal region of NE Spain along the Mediterranean, extending from Barcelona to the French border: many resorts

costalgia (kɒstˈældʒIə)   n   med another name for pleurodynia

co-star   n   1 an actor who shares star billing with another   ▷ vb -stars, -starring, -starred   2 (intr; often foll by with) to share star billing (with another actor)   3 (tr) to present as sharing top billing: the film co-starred Scarlett Johanssen and Steve Buscemi

costard (ˈkʌstəd)   n   1 an English variety of apple tree   2 the large ribbed apple of this tree   3 archaic, jocular a slang word for head [C14: from Anglo-Norman, from Old French coste rib]

■ costardmonger (ˈkʌstədˌmʌŋɡə)   n   Brit a costermonger

Costa Rica (ˈkɒstə ˈriːkə)   n   a republic in Central America: gained independence from Spain in 1821; mostly mountainous and volcanic, with extensive forests. Official language: Spanish. Official religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: colón. Capital: San José. Pop: 4 905 769 (2017 est). Area: 50 900 sq km (19 652 sq miles)

■ Costa Rican (ˈkɒstə ˈriːkən)   adj   1 of or relating to Costa Rica or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Costa Rica

costate (ˈkɒsteIt)   adj   1 anatomy having ribs   2 (of leaves) having veins or ridges, esp parallel ones [C19: from Late Latin costātus, from Latin costa rib]

coste (kəʊst)   vb (tr)   an obsolete word for coast

costean (kɒˈstiːn)   vb (intr)   Cornish mining to mine for lodes

■ costeaning (kɒˈstiːnIŋ)   n   the activity of mining for lodes

Costello (kɒˈstɛləʊ)   n   Elvis, real name Declan McManus. born 1954, British rock singer and songwriter. His recordings include This Year's Model (1978), "Oliver's Army" (1979), Spike (1989), Brutal Youth (1994), and When I Was Cruel (2003)

Costermansville (ˈkɒstəmənzˌvIl)   n   the former name (until 1966) of Bukavu

costermonger (ˈkɒstəˌmʌŋɡə) or coster   n   Brit rare a person who sells fruit, vegetables, etc, from a barrow [C16: coster-, from COSTARD + MONGER]

costive (ˈkɒstIv)   adj   1 having constipation; constipated   2 sluggish   3 niggardly [C14: from Old French costivé, from Latin constipātus; see CONSTIPATE]   > ˈcostively adv   > ˈcostiveness n

costmary (ˈkɒstˌmɛərI)   n, pl -maries   a herbaceous plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, native to Asia. Its fragrant leaves were used as a seasoning and to flavour ale: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: alecost [C15 costmarie, from Latin costum aromatic plant + Marie (the Virgin) Mary]

Costner (ˈkɒstnə)   n   Kevin. born 1955, US film actor: his films include Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1990), Dances with Wolves (1990; also directed), JFK (1991), Waterworld (1995), Open Range (2003), and the TV mini-series Hatfields & McCoys (2012)

costotomy (kɒˈstɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical incision into a rib

costrel (ˈkɒstrəl)   n   obsolete a flask, usually of earthenware or leather [C14: from Old French costerel, from coste side, rib, from Latin costa]

costume (ˈkɒstjuːm)   n   1 a complete style of dressing, including all the clothes, accessories, etc, worn at one time, as in a particular country or period; dress: national costume   2 old-fashioned a woman's suit   3 a set of clothes, esp unusual or period clothes, worn in a play by an actor or at a fancy dress ball: a jester's costume   4 short for swimming costume   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to furnish the costumes for (a show, film, etc)   6 to dress (someone) in a costume [C18: from French, from Italian: dress, habit, CUSTOM]

■ costume jewellery   n   jewellery that is decorative but has little intrinsic value

■ costume piece   n   any theatrical production, film, television presentation, etc, in which the performers wear the costumes of a former age. Also called: costume drama

■ costumery (kɒˈstjuːmərI)   n   multiple costumes considered collectively

■ costumey (ˈkɒstjuːmI)   adj   resembling a costume and therefore unrealistic

■ costumier (kɒˈstjuːmIə) or costumer (kɒˈstjuːmə)   n   a person or firm that makes or supplies theatrical or fancy costumes

costus (ˈkɒstəs)   n   a Himalayan herb, Saussurea lappa, with an aromatic root which has medicinal properties and which also yields an oil that is used in perfumery

cosurfactant (ˌkəʊsɜːˈfæktənt)   n   chem a surfactant that acts in addition to another surfactant, further reducing the surface tension of a liquid

cosy or US cozy (ˈkəʊzI)   adj -sier, -siest or US -zier, -ziest   1 warm and snug   2 intimate; friendly   3 convenient, esp for devious purposes: a cosy deal   ▷ n, pl -sies or US -zies   4 Also called: cosey a cover for keeping things warm: egg cosy [C18: from Scots, of unknown origin]   > ˈcosily or US ˈcozily adv   > ˈcosiness or US ˈcoziness n

■ cosy along or US cozy along   vb -sies, -sying, -sied or US -zies, -zying, -zied   (tr, adverb) to reassure (someone), esp with false assurances

■ cosy up or US cozy up   vb (intr,; often foll by to) chiefly US and Canadian   1 to seek to become intimate or to ingratiate oneself (with someone)   2 to draw close to (somebody or something) for warmth or for affection; snuggle up

cot^1 (kɒt)   n   1 a child's boxlike bed, usually incorporating vertical bars   2 a collapsible or portable bed   3 a light bedstead   4 nautical a hammock-like bed with a stiff frame [C17: from Hindi khāt bedstead, from Sanskrit khátvā, of Dravidian origin; related to Tamil kattil bedstead]

■ cot case   n Austral and NZ   1 a person confined to bed through illness   2 jocular a person who is incapacitated by drink

■ cot death   n   the unexplained sudden death of an infant during sleep. Technical name: sudden infant death syndrome. Also called (US and Canadian): crib death

cot^2 (kɒt)   n   1 literary or archaic a small cottage   2 Also called: cote   a a small shelter, esp one for pigeons, sheep, etc   b (in combination): dovecot   3 another name for fingerstall [Old English cot; related to Old Norse kot little hut, Middle Low German cot]

cot^3 (kɒt)   abbreviation for   cotangent

cot^4 (kɒt)   vb cots, cotting, cotted   Midland English dialect to entangle or become entangled

cotan (ˈkəʊˌtæn)   abbreviation for   cotangent

cotangent (kəʊˈtændʒənt)   n   (of an angle) a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to that of the opposite side; the reciprocal of tangent. Abbreviation: cot, cotan, ctn   > cotangential (ˌkəʊtænˈdʒɛnʃəl) adj

COTC   abbreviation for   Canadian Officers Training Corps

cote^1 (kəʊt) or cot   n   1    a a small shelter for pigeons, sheep, etc   b (in combination): dovecote   2 dialect, chiefly Brit a small cottage [Old English cote; related to Low German Kote; see COT^2]

cote^2 (kəʊt)   vb   (tr) archaic to pass by, outstrip, or surpass [C16: perhaps from Old French costoier to run alongside, from coste side; see COAST]

coteau (ˈkɒtəʊ)   n   Canadian a hillside

Côte d'Azur (French kot dazyr)   n   the Mediterranean coast of France, including the French Riviera: forms an administrative region with Provence

Côte d'Ivoire (French kot divwar)   n   a republic in West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: Portuguese trading for ivory and slaves began in the 16th century; made a French protectorate in 1842 and became independent in 1960; major producer of coffee and cocoa. Official language: French. Religion: Muslim majority, Christian minority. Currency: franc. Capital: Yamoussoukro. Pop: 24 294 750 (2017 est). Area: 319 820 sq km (123 483 sq miles). English name: the Ivory Coast

Côte-d'Or (French kotdɔr)   n   a department of E central France, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Capital: Dijon. Pop: 510 334 (2003 est). Area: 8787 sq km (3427 sq miles)

cotelette (ˌkəʊtəˈlɛt)   n   another name for cutlet

coteline (ˌkəʊtəˈliːn)   n   a kind of white muslin, either corded or ribbed, manufactured in France and designed for dress material

cotemporaneous (kəʊˌtɛmpəˈreInIəs)   adj   archaic contemporaneous

cotemporary (kəʊˈtɛmpərərI)   adj   a variant of contemporary

cotenant (kəʊˈtɛnənt)   n   a person who holds property jointly or in common with others   > coˈtenancy n

coterie (ˈkəʊtərI)   n   a small exclusive group of friends or people with common interests; clique [C18: from French, from Old French: association of tenants, from cotier (unattested) cottager, from Medieval Latin cotārius COTTER^2; see COT^2]

coterminous (kəʊˈtɜːmInəs) or conterminous   adj   1 having a common boundary; bordering; contiguous   2 coextensive or coincident in range, time, scope, etc

Côtes-d'Armor (French kotdarmɔr)   n   a department of W France, on the N coast of Brittany. Capital: St Brieuc. Pop: 553 969 (2003 est). Area: 6878 sq km (2656 sq miles). Former name: Côtes-du-Nord

Côtes-du-Nord (French kotdynɔr)   n   the former name of Côtes-d'Armor

coth (kɒθ)   n   hyperbolic cotangent; a hyperbolic function that is the ratio of cosh to sinh, being the reciprocal of tanh [C20: from COT(ANGENT) + H(YPERBOLIC)]

cothurnus (kəʊˈθɜːnəs) or cothurn (ˈkəʊθɜːn, kəʊˈθɜːn)   n, pl -thurni (-ˈθɜːnaI) or -thurns   the buskin worn in ancient Greek tragedy [C18: from Latin, from Greek kothornos]

■ cothurnal (kəʊˈθɜːnəl)   adj   theatre relating to the cothurnus or to tragedy

coticular (kəʊˈtIkjʊlə)   adj   obsolete of or relating to whetstones

cotidal (kəʊˈtaIdəl)   adj   (of a line on a tidal chart) joining points at which high tide occurs simultaneously

cotillion or cotillon (kəˈtIljən, kəʊ-)   n   1 a French formation dance of the 18th century   2 US a quadrille   3 US a complicated dance with frequent changes of partners   4 US and Canadian a formal ball, esp one at which debutantes are presented [C18: from French cotillon dance, from Old French: petticoat, from cote COAT]

cotinga (kəˈtIŋɡə)   n   any tropical American passerine bird of the family Cotingidae, such as the umbrella bird and the cock-of-the-rock, having a broad slightly hooked bill. Also called: chatterer

cotinine (ˈkɒtəˌniːn)   n   a substance, C_10H_12N_20, used to indicate the presence of nicotine

cotland (ˈkɒtˌlænd)   n   English history the grounds that belonged to a cotter and which amounted to around 5 acres

Cotman (ˈkɒtmən)   n   John Sell. 1782–1842, English landscape watercolourist and etcher

cotoneaster (kəˌtəʊnIˈæstə)   n   any Old World shrub of the rosaceous genus Cotoneaster: cultivated for their small ornamental white or pinkish flowers and red or black berries [C18: from New Latin, from Latin cotōneum QUINCE]

Cotonou (ˌkəʊtəˈnuː)   n   the chief port and official capital of Benin, on the Bight of Benin. Pop: 682 459 (2015 est)

Cotopaxi (Spanish kotoˈpaksi)   n   a volcano in central Ecuador, in the Andes: the world's highest active volcano. Height: 5896 m (19 344 ft)

cotquean (ˈkɒtˌkwiːn)   n archaic   1 a coarse woman   2 a man who does housework [C16: see COT^2, QUEAN]

cotransduce (ˌkəʊtrænzˈdjuːs)   vb (tr)   genetics to cause (genes) to undergo cotransduction

■ cotransduction (ˌkəʊtrænzˈdʌkʃən)   n   genetics the simultaneous transfer of multiple genes from one bacterium to another by a single bacteriophage

cotransfer (kəʊˈtrænsfɜː)   n   genetics a simultaneous transfer of multiple genes

cotransport (kəʊˈtrænsˌpɔːt)   n   biochem the transport of one solute across a membrane from a region of low concentration of another solute to a region of high concentration of that solute. See active transport

co-trimoxazole (ˌkəʊtrIˈmɒksəzəʊl)   n   an antibiotic consisting of a mixture of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (a sulfa drug): used esp to treat infections of the urinary tract and lungs (as in AIDS)

cotrustee (ˌkəʊtrʌˈstiː)   n   a fellow trustee

Cotswolds (ˈkɒtsˌwəʊldz, -wəldz)   pl n   a range of low hills in SW England, mainly in Gloucestershire: formerly a centre of the wool industry

■ Cotswold (ˈkɒtsˌwəʊld, -wəld)   n   a breed of sheep with long wool that originated in the Cotswolds. It is believed to be one of the oldest breeds in the world

cotta (ˈkɒtə)   n   RC Church a short form of surplice [C19: from Italian: tunic, from Medieval Latin; see COAT]

cottabus (ˈkɒtəbəs)   n   (in ancient Greece) a game that was popular among young men at drinking parties and which involved throwing wine into a vessel while uttering the name of a beloved

cottage (ˈkɒtIdʒ)   n   1 a small simple house, esp in a rural area   2 US and Canadian a small house in the country or at a resort, used for holiday purposes   3 US one of several housing units, as at a hospital, for accommodating people in groups   4 slang a public lavatory [C14: from COT^2]

■ cottage cheese   n   a mild loose soft white cheese made from skimmed milk curds

■ cottage country   n   Canadian any lakeside region where many country cottages are located

■ cottage flat   n   Brit any of the flats in a two-storey house that is divided into four flats, two on each floor

■ cottage hospital   n   Brit a small rural hospital

■ cottage industry   n   an industry in which employees work in their own homes, often using their own equipment

■ cottage loaf   n   Brit a loaf consisting of two round pieces, the smaller of which sits on top of the larger

■ cottage piano   n   a small upright piano

■ cottage pie   n   Brit another term for shepherd's pie

■ cottager (ˈkɒtIdʒə)   n   1 a person who lives in a cottage   2 a rural labourer   3 chiefly Canadian a person holidaying in a cottage, esp an owner and seasonal resident of a cottage in a resort area   4 history another name for cotter^2

■ cottage roll   n   Canadian a small pickled boneless ham

■ cottagey (ˈkɒtIdʒI)   adj   of or resembling a cottage

■ cottaging (ˈkɒtIdʒIŋ)   n   Brit sexual activity between men in a public lavatory [C20: from COTTAGE (sense 4)]

cottar (ˈkɒtə)   n   Scot history (in the Scottish Highlands) a peasant occupying a cottage and land of not more than half an acre at a rent of not more than five pounds a year

Cottbus (German ˈkɔtbʊs)   n   an industrial city in E Germany, in Brandenburg on the Spree River. Pop: 107 549 (2003 est)

cotter^1 (ˈkɒtə) machinery   n   1 any part, such as a pin, wedge, key, etc, that is used to secure two other parts so that relative motion between them is prevented   2 short for cotter pin   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to secure (two parts) with a cotter [C14: shortened from cotterel, of unknown origin]

■ cotterless (ˈkɒtəlIs)   adj   (of a machine) having no cotter

■ cotter pin   n machinery   1 a split pin secured, after passing through holes in the parts to be attached, by spreading the ends   2 a tapered pin threaded at the smaller end and secured by a nut after insertion

cotter^2 (ˈkɒtə)   n   1 Also called: cottier English history a villein in late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman times occupying a cottage and land in return for labour   2 Also called: cottar a peasant occupying a cottage and land in the Scottish Highlands under the same tenure as an Irish cottier   ▶ See also cottier (sense 2), cottager (sense 1) [C14: from Medieval Latin cotārius, from Middle English cote COT^2]

Cottian Alps (ˈkɒtIən)   pl n   a mountain range in SW Europe, between NW Italy and SE France: part of the Alps. Highest peak: Monte Viso, 3841 m (12 600 ft)

cottid (ˈkɒtId)   n   any fish of the scorpaenoid family Cottidae, typically possessing a large head, tapering body, and spiny fins, including the pogge, sea scorpion, bullhead, father lasher, and cottus [from New Latin Cottidae, from cottus, from Greek kottos, the name of an unidentified river fish]

cottier (ˈkɒtIə)   n   1 another name for cotter^2 (sense 1)   2 (in Ireland) a peasant farming a smallholding under cottier tenure (the holding of not more than half an acre at a rent of not more than five pounds a year)   3 another name for cottager (sense 1) [C14: from Old French cotier; see COTE^1, COTERIE]

■ cottierism (ˈkɒtIərIzəm)   n   (in Ireland) the system of cottier tenure

cottise (ˈkɒtIs) heraldry   n   1 a narrow stripe that usually occurs as one of a pair, with each stripe occurring on either side of a bend, fess, or other charge, and each being one fourth of a bend in breadth   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to decorate with a cottise or cottises

cottoid (ˈkɒtɔId)   adj   zoology resembling or belonging to a fish of the genus Cottus

cotton (ˈkɒtən)   n   1 any of various herbaceous plants and shrubs of the malvaceous genus Gossypium, such as sea-island cotton, cultivated in warm climates for the fibre surrounding the seeds and the oil within the seeds. See also sea-island cotton   2 the soft white downy fibre of these plants: used to manufacture textiles   3 cotton plants collectively, as a cultivated crop   4    a a cloth or thread made from cotton fibres   b (as modifier): a cotton dress   5 any substance, such as kapok (silk cotton), resembling cotton but obtained from other plants [C14: from Old French coton, from Arabic dialect qutun, from Arabic qutn]   > ˈcottony adj

■ cottonade (ˌkɒtəˈneId)   n   a coarse fabric of cotton or mixed fibres, used for work clothes, etc [C19: from French cotonnade, from coton COTTON + -ADE]

■ cotton belt   n   a belt of land in the southeastern US that specializes in the production of cotton

■ cotton bud   n   a small stick with a cotton-wool tip used for cleaning the ears, applying make-up, etc

■ cotton bush   n   Austral any of various downy chenopodiaceous shrubs, esp Kochia aphylla, which is used to feed livestock

■ cotton cake   n   cottonseed meal compressed into nuts or cubes of various sizes for feeding to animals

■ cotton candy   n   US and Canadian a very light fluffy confection made from coloured spun sugar, usually held on a stick. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): candyfloss. Austral name: fairyfloss

■ cotton flannel   n   a plain-weave or twill-weave fabric with nap on one side only. Also called: Canton flannel

■ cotton grass   n   any of various N temperate and arctic grasslike bog plants of the cyperaceous genus Eriophorum, whose clusters of long silky hairs resemble cotton tufts. Also called: bog cotton

■ cottonmouth (ˈkɒtənˌmaʊθ)   n   another name for the water moccasin

■ cottonocracy (ˌkɒtəˈnɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   informal a group amongst the upper class consisting of those members whose wealth comes from the cotton trade

■ cotton on   vb (intr, adverb; often foll by to) informal   1 to perceive the meaning (of)   2 to make use (of)

■ cotton picker   n   1 a machine for harvesting cotton fibre   2 a person who picks ripe cotton fibre from the plants

■ cotton-picking   adj   US and Canadian slang (intensifier qualifying something undesirable): you cotton-picking layabout!

■ cotton sedge   n   Canadian another name for cotton grass

■ cottonseed (ˈkɒtənˌsiːd)   n, pl -seeds or -seed   the seed of the cotton plant: a source of oil and fodder

■ cottonseed meal   n   the residue of cottonseed kernels from which oil has been extracted, used as fodder or fertilizer

■ cottonseed oil   n   a yellowish or dark red oil with a nutlike smell, extracted or expelled from cottonseed, used in cooking and in the manufacture of paints, soaps, etc

■ cotton stainer   n   any of various heteropterous insects of the genus Dysdercus: serious pests of cotton, piercing and staining the cotton bolls: family Pyrrhocoridae

■ cottontail (ˈkɒtənˌteIl)   n   any of several common rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus, such as S. floridanus (eastern cottontail), of American woodlands

■ cotton to   vb (intr, preposition) US and Canadian informal   1 to become friendly with   2 to approve of

■ cotton waste   n   refuse cotton yarn, esp when used as a cleaning material

■ cottonweed (ˈkɒtənˌwiːd)   n   1 a downy perennial plant, Otanthus maritimus, of European coastal regions, having small yellow flowers surrounded by large hairy bracts: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any of various similar plants

■ cottonwood (ˈkɒtənˌwʊd)   n   1 any of several North American poplars, esp Populus deltoides, whose seeds are covered with cottony hairs   2 Also called: tauhinu a native New Zealand shrub, Cassinia leptophylla, with daisy-like flowers

■ cotton wool   n   1 Also called: purified cotton chiefly Brit bleached and sterilized cotton from which the gross impurities, such as the seeds and waxy matter, have been removed: used for surgical dressings, tampons, etc. Usual US term: absorbent cotton   2 cotton in the natural state   3 Brit informal   a a state of pampered comfort and protection   b (as modifier): a cotton-wool existence

■ cotton-wool generation   n   chiefly Austral the children and teenagers of the early 21st century, viewed as having been overprotected while growing up [C21: from the practice of wrapping fragile things in cotton wool for protection]

■ cottony-cushion scale   n   a small scale insect, Icerya purchasi, that is a pest of citrus trees in California: it is controlled by introducing an Australian ladybird, Rodolia cardinalis, into affected areas

Cotton (ˈkɒtən)   n   Sir Henry. 1907–87, English golfer: three times winner of the British Open (1934, 1937, 1948)

cottus (ˈkɒtəs)   n   a scorpaenoid fish of the family Cottidae; the type genus, having four yellowish knobs on its head. See also cottid

coturnix (kəˈtɜːnIks)   n   any of several quails of the genus Coturnix of the family Phasianidae

cotwal (ˈkɔːtwɑːl)   n   (in India) a chief police officer

cotyle (ˈkɒtIlI)   n   zoology a cavity that resembles a cup

■ cotyliform (kɒˈtIlIfɔːm)   adj   botany shaped like a cup

■ cotyloid (ˈkɒtIˌlɔId) or cotyloidal anatomy   adj   1    a shaped like a cup   b of or relating to the acetabulum   ▷ n   2 a small bone forming part of the acetabular cavity in some mammals [C18: from Greek kotuloeidēs cup-shaped, from kotulē a cup]

cotyledon (ˌkɒtIˈliːdən)   n   1 a simple embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants, which, in some species, forms the first green leaf after germination   2 a tuft of villi on the mammalian placenta [C16: from Latin: a plant, navelwort, from Greek kotulēdōn, from kotulē cup, hollow]   > ˌcotyˈledonal adj   > ˌcotyˈledonary adj   > ˌcotyˈledonous or ˌcotyˈledoˌnoid adj

cotylosaur (ˈkɒtIləˌsɔː)   n   any of various members of the extinct order of primitive and massive reptiles known as Cotylosauria, which lived between the Carboniferous and Triassic ages

cotype (ˈkəʊˌtaIp)   n   biology an additional type specimen from the same brood as the original type specimen

coucal (ˈkuːkæl, -kəl)   n   any ground-living bird of the genus Centropus, of Africa, S Asia, and Australia, having long strong legs: family Cuculidae (cuckoos) [C19: from French, perhaps from couc(ou) cuckoo + al(ouette) lark]

couch (kaʊtʃ)   n   1 a piece of upholstered furniture, usually having a back and armrests, for seating more than one person   2 a bed, esp one used in the daytime by the patients of a doctor or a psychoanalyst   3 a frame upon which barley is malted   4 a priming layer of paint or varnish, esp in a painting   5 papermaking   a a board on which sheets of handmade paper are dried by pressing   b a felt blanket onto which sheets of partly dried paper are transferred for further drying   c a roll on a papermaking machine from which the wet web of paper on the wire is transferred to the next section   6 archaic the lair of a wild animal   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to express in a particular style of language: couched in an archaic style   8 (when tr, usually reflexive or passive) to lie down or cause to lie down for or as for sleep   9 (intr) archaic to lie in ambush; lurk   10 (tr) to spread (barley) on a frame for malting   11 (intr) (of decomposing leaves) to lie in a heap or bed   12 (tr) to embroider or depict by couching   13 (tr) to lift (sheets of handmade paper) onto the board on which they will be dried   14 (tr) surgery to remove (a cataract) by downward displacement of the lens of the eye   15 (tr) archaic to lower (a lance) into a horizontal position [C14: from Old French couche a bed, lair, from coucher to lay down, from Latin collocāre to arrange, from locāre to place; see LOCATE]   > ˈcoucher n

■ couch potato   n   slang a lazy person whose recreation consists chiefly of watching television and videos

■ couchsurfing (ˈkaʊtʃˌsɜːfIŋ)   n   the practice of sleeping overnight in the houses of friends or fellow members of a social network, esp as an alternative to staying in hotels, hostels, etc

couchant (ˈkaʊtʃənt)   adj   (usually postpositive) heraldry in a lying position: a lion couchant [C15: from French: lying, from Old French coucher to lay down; see COUCH]

couche (ˈkuːʃeI)   adj   heraldry (of a shield) tilted

couchee (kuːˈʃeI)   n   archaic a reception held late at night, usually by the nobility or royalty

couchette (kuːˈʃɛt)   n   a bed in a railway carriage, esp one converted from seats [C20: from French, diminutive of couche bed]

couch grass (kaʊtʃ, kuːtʃ)   n   a grass, Agropyron repens, with a yellowish-white creeping underground stem by which it spreads quickly: a troublesome weed. Sometimes shortened to: couch. Also called: scutch grass, twitch grass, quitch grass

couching (ˈkaʊtʃIŋ)   n     a a method of embroidery in which the thread is caught down at intervals by another thread passed through the material from beneath   b a pattern or work done by this method

cou-cou (ˈkuːkuː, ˈkʊkuː)   n   a preparation of boiled corn meal and okras, stirred to a stiff consistency with a cou-cou stick, eaten in the Caribbean [of uncertain origin]

coudé (kuːˈdeI)   adj   (of a reflecting telescope) having plane mirrors positioned to reflect light from the primary mirror along the axis onto a detector [French, literally: bent in the shape of an elbow, from coude an elbow]

Coué (French kue)   n   Émile (emil). 1857–1926, French psychologist and pharmacist: advocated psychotherapy by autosuggestion   > Couéism (ˈkuːeIˌIzəm) n

cougan (ˈkuːɡən)   n   Austral slang a rowdy person, esp one who drinks large quantities of alcohol

cougar (ˈkuːɡə)   n   1 another name for puma   2 US and Canadian slang a woman in her 30s or 40s who actively pursues casual sexual relationships with young men [C18: from French couguar, from Portuguese cuguardo, from Tupi suasuarana, literally: deerlike, from suasú deer + rana similar to]

cough (kɒf)   vb   1 (intr) to expel air or solid matter from the lungs abruptly and explosively through the partially closed vocal chords   2 (intr) to make a sound similar to this   3 (tr) to utter or express with a cough or coughs   4 (intr) slang to confess to a crime   ▷ n   5 an act, instance, or sound of coughing   6 a condition of the lungs or throat that causes frequent coughing [Old English cohhetten; related to Middle Dutch kochen, Middle High German kūchen to wheeze; probably of imitative origin]   > ˈcougher n

■ cough drop   n   a lozenge to relieve a cough

■ coughing (ˈkɒfIŋ)   n   the action of expelling air or solid matter from the lungs abruptly and explosively through the partially closed vocal cords: he was then overcome by a fit of coughing

■ cough mixture   n   any medicine that relieves coughing

■ cough up   vb (adverb)   1 informal to surrender (money, information, etc), esp reluctantly   2 (tr) to bring into the mouth or eject (phlegm, food, etc) by coughing

could (kʊd)   vb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive)   1 used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can^1   2 used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of can^1: could I see you tonight?; she'd telephone if she could   3 used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action: you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining   4 (often foll by well) used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility: he could well be a spy [Old English cūthe; influenced by WOULD, should; see CAN^1]

couldn't (ˈkʊdənt)   contraction of   could not

couldst (kʊdst)   vb   archaic used with the pronoun thou or its relative form, the form of could

could've (ˈkʊdəv)   contraction of   could have

coulee (ˈkuːleI, -lI)   n   1    a a flow of molten lava   b such lava when solidified   2 Western US and Canadian a dry stream valley, esp a long steep-sided gorge or ravine that once carried melt water from a glacier   3 a small intermittent stream in such a ravine [C19: from Canadian French coulée a flow, from French, from couler to flow, from Latin cōlāre to sift, purify; see COLANDER]

coulibiac (ˌkuːlIˈbjɑːk)   n   another name for koulibiaca

coulibiaca (ˌkuːlIˈbjɑːkə)   n   a variant spelling of koulibiaca

coulis (ˈkuːliː)   n   a thin purée of vegetables, fruit, etc, usually served as a sauce surrounding a dish [C20: French, literally: purée]

coulisse (kuːˈliːs)   n   1 Also called: cullis a timber member grooved to take a sliding panel, such as a sluicegate, portcullis, or stage flat   2    a a flat piece of scenery situated in the wings of a theatre; wing flat   b a space between wing flats   3 part of the Paris Bourse where unofficial securities are traded. Compare parquet (sense 4) [C19: from French: groove, from Old French couleïce PORTCULLIS]

couloir (ˈkuːlwɑː; French kulwar)   n   a deep gully on a mountain side, esp in the French Alps [C19: from French: corridor, from couler to pour; see COULEE]

Coulomb (ˈkuːlɒm; French kulɔ̃)   n   Charles Augustin de (ʃarl oɡystɛ̃ də). 1736–1806, French physicist: made many discoveries in the field of electricity and magnetism

■ coulomb (ˈkuːlɒm)   n   the derived SI unit of electric charge; the quantity of electricity transported in one second by a current of 1 ampere. Symbol: C [C19: named after Charles Augustin de COULOMB]

■ Coulomb field   n   the electrostatic field around an electrically charged body or particle

■ coulombic (kuːˈlɒmbIk)   adj   physics relating to the discoveries of Charles Augustin de Coulomb

■ Coulomb's law   n   the principle that the force of attraction or repulsion between two point electric charges is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. A similar law holds for particles with mass

coulometer (kuːˈlɒmItə) or coulombmeter (ˈkuːlɒmˌmiːtə)   n   an electrolytic cell for measuring the magnitude of an electric charge by determining the total amount of decomposition resulting from the passage of the charge through the cell. Also called: voltameter [C19: from COULOMB + METER^3]   > coulometric (ˌkuːləˈmɛtrIk) adj   > coulometrically (ˌkuːləˈmɛtrIkəlI) adv   > couˈlometry n

coulter (ˈkəʊltə)   n   a blade or sharp-edged disc attached to a plough so that it cuts through the soil vertically in advance of the ploughshare. Also (esp US): colter [Old English culter, from Latin: ploughshare, knife]

coumarin or cumarin (ˈkuːmərIn)   n   a white vanilla-scented crystalline ester, used in perfumes and flavourings and as an anticoagulant. Formula: C_9H_6O_2 [C19: from French coumarine, from coumarou tonka-bean tree, from Spanish cumarú, from Tupi]   > ˈcoumaric, ˈcumaric or coumarilic (ˌkuːməˈrIlIk) adj

coumarone (ˈkuːməˌrəʊn)   n   another name for benzofuran [C19: from COUMAR(IN) + -ONE]

coumarou (ˈkuːməˌruː)   n   1 a tall leguminous tree, Coumarouna odorata, of tropical America   2 the seeds of this tree

council (ˈkaʊnsəl)   n   1 an assembly of people meeting for discussion, consultation, etc: an emergency council   2 a body of people elected or appointed to serve in an administrative, legislative, or advisory capacity: a student council   3 the council (sometimes capital) Brit the local governing authority of a town, county, etc   4 a meeting or the deliberation of a council   5 (modifier) of, relating to, provided for, or used by a local council: a council chamber; council offices   6 (modifier) Brit provided by a local council, esp (of housing) at a subsidized rent: a council house; a council estate   7 Austral an administrative or legislative assembly, esp the upper house of a state parliament in Australia   8 Christianity an assembly of bishops, theologians, and other representatives of several churches or dioceses, convened for regulating matters of doctrine or discipline [C12: from Old French concile, from Latin concilium assembly, from com- together + calāre to call; influenced also by Latin consilium advice, COUNSEL]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with counsel

■ council area   n   any of the 32 unitary authorities into which Scotland has been divided for administrative purposes since April 1996

■ councillor or US councilor (ˈkaʊnsələ)   n   a member of a council   > ˈcouncillorˌship or US ˈcouncilorˌship n

■ councilman (ˈkaʊnsəlmən)   n, pl -men   chiefly US a member of a council, esp of a town or city; councillor

■ council-manager plan   n   (in the US) a system of local government with an elected legislative council and an appointed administrative manager. See also city manager

■ councilmanic (kaʊnsəlˈmænIk)   adj   US of or relating to a councilman or councilwoman

■ Council of Europe   n   an association of European states, established in 1949 to promote unity between its members, defend human rights, and increase social and economic progress

■ Council of States   n   another name for Rajya Sabha

■ Council of Trent   n   the council of the Roman Catholic Church that met between 1545 and 1563 at Trent in S Tyrol. Reacting against the Protestants, it reaffirmed traditional Catholic beliefs and formulated the ideals of the Counter-Reformation

■ council of war   n   1 an assembly of military leaders in wartime   2 an emergency meeting to formulate a plan

■ councilor (ˈkaʊnsələ)   n   1 a variant US spelling of councillor   2 an archaic spelling of counsellor   > ˈcouncilorˌship n

■ council school   n   Brit (esp formerly) any school maintained by the state

■ council tax   n   (in Britain) a tax, based on the relative value of property, levied to fund local council services

■ councilwoman (ˈkaʊnsIlwʊmən)   n, pl -women   US a woman who is member of a council, esp of a town or city; councillor

counsel (ˈkaʊnsəl)   n   1 advice or guidance on conduct, behaviour, etc   2 discussion, esp on future procedure; consultation: to take counsel with a friend   3 a person whose advice or guidance is or has been sought   4 a barrister or group of barristers engaged in conducting cases in court and advising on legal matters: counsel for the prosecution   5 a policy or plan   6 Christianity any of the counsels of perfection or evangelical counsels, namely poverty, chastity, and obedience   7 counsel of perfection excellent but unrealizable advice   8 private opinions or plans (esp in the phrase keep one's own counsel)   9 archaic wisdom; prudence   ▷ vb -sels, -selling, -selled or US -sels, -seling, -seled   10 (tr) to give advice or guidance to   11 (tr; often takes a clause as object) to recommend the acceptance of (a plan, idea, etc); urge   12 (intr) archaic to take counsel; consult [C13: from Old French counseil, from Latin consilium deliberating body; related to CONSUL, CONSULT]   > ˈcounsellable or US ˈcounselable adj

USAGE

Avoid confusion with council

■ counsellee or US counselee (ˌkaʊnsəˈliː)   n   a person who is being counselled

■ counselling or US counseling (ˈkaʊnsəlIŋ)   n   guidance offered by social workers, doctors, etc, to help a person resolve social or personal problems

■ counsellor or US counselor (ˈkaʊnsələ)   n   1 a person who gives counsel; adviser   2 a person, such as a social worker, who is involved in counselling   3 Also called: counselor-at-law US a lawyer, esp one who conducts cases in court; attorney   4 a senior British diplomatic officer   5 a US diplomatic officer ranking just below an ambassador or minister   6 a person who advises students or others on personal problems or academic and occupational choice   > ˈcounsellorˌship or US ˈcounselorˌship n

count^1 (kaʊnt)   vb   1 to add up or check (each unit in a collection) in order to ascertain the sum; enumerate: count your change   2 (tr) to recite numbers in ascending order up to and including   3 (tr; often foll by in) to take into account or include: we must count him in   4 not counting excluding   5 (tr) to believe to be; consider; think; deem: count yourself lucky   6 (intr) to recite or list numbers in ascending order either in units or groups: to count in tens   7 (intr) to have value, importance, or influence: this picture counts as a rarity   8 (intr; often foll by for) to have a certain specified value or importance: the job counts for a lot   9 (intr) music to keep time by counting beats   ▷ n   10 the act of counting or reckoning   11 the number reached by counting; sum   12 law a paragraph in an indictment containing a distinct and separate charge   13 physics the total number of photons or ionized particles detected by a counter   14 keep count to keep a record of items, events, etc   15 lose count to fail to keep an accurate record of items, events, etc   16 boxing, wrestling the act of telling off a number of seconds by the referee, as when a boxer has been knocked down or a wrestler pinned by his or her opponent   17 out for the count boxing knocked out and unable to continue after a count of ten by the referee   18 take the count boxing to be unable to continue after a count of ten   19 archaic notice; regard; account [C14: from Anglo-French counter, from Old French conter, from Latin computāre to calculate, COMPUTE]

■ countability (ˌkaʊntəˈbIlItI)   n   1 grammar the fact of being countable   2 maths denumerability

■ countable (ˈkaʊntəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being counted   2 maths, logic able to be counted using the natural numbers; finite or denumerable   3 linguistics denoting a count noun

■ countably (ˈkaʊntəblI)   adv   in a countable manner

■ count against   vb   (intr, preposition) to have influence to the disadvantage of: your bad timekeeping will count against you

■ countback (ˈkaʊntˌbæk)   n   a system of deciding the winner of a tied competition by comparing earlier points or scores

■ countdown (ˈkaʊntˌdaʊn)   n   1 the act of counting backwards to time a critical operation exactly, such as the launching of a rocket or the detonation of explosives   ▷ vb count down (intr, adverb)   2 to count numbers backwards towards zero, esp in timing such a critical operation

■ counting (ˈkaʊntIŋ)   n   1 the saying of numbers   2 totalling up; adding

■ counting house or countinghouse (ˈkaʊntIŋˌhaʊs)   n   rare, chiefly Brit a room or building used by the accountants of a business

■ countless (ˈkaʊntlIs)   adj   innumerable; myriad

■ countlessly (ˈkaʊntlIslI)   adv   in a countless manner

■ countline (ˈkaʊntˌlaIn)   n   (in the confectionery trade) a chocolate-based bar

■ count noun   n   linguistics, logic a noun that can be qualified by the indefinite article, and may be used in the plural, as telephone and thing but not airs and graces or bravery. Compare mass noun, sortal

■ count on   vb   (intr, preposition) to rely or depend on

■ count out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 informal to leave out; exclude: count me out!   2 (of a boxing referee) to judge (a floored boxer) to have failed to recover within the specified time. See count^1 (sense 16)   3 to count (something) aloud

count^2 (kaʊnt)   n   1 a nobleman in any of various European countries having a rank corresponding to that of a British earl   2 any of various officials in the late Roman Empire and under various Germanic kings in the early Middle Ages   3 a man who has received an honour (papal knighthood) from the Pope in recognition of good deeds, achievements, etc [C16: from Old French conte, from Late Latin comes occupant of a state office, from Latin: overseer, associate, literally: one who goes with, from COM- with + īre to go]   > ˈcountˌship n

■ count palatine   n, pl counts palatine history   1 (in the Holy Roman Empire)   a originally an official who administered the king's domains or his justice   b later, a count who exercised royal authority in his own domains   2 (in England and Ireland) an earl or other lord of a county palatine   3 (in the late Roman Empire) a palace official who exercised judicial authority

countenance (ˈkaʊntInəns)   n   1 the face, esp when considered as expressing a person's character or mood: a pleasant countenance   2 support or encouragement; sanction   3 composure; self-control (esp in the phrases keep or lose one's countenance; out of countenance)   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to support or encourage; sanction   5 to tolerate; endure [C13: from Old French contenance mien, behaviour, from Latin continentia restraint, control; see CONTAIN]   > ˈcountenancer n

counter^1 (ˈkaʊntə)   n   1 a horizontal surface, as in a shop or bank, over which business is transacted   2 (in some cafeterias) a long table on which food is served to customers   3    a a small flat disc of wood, metal, or plastic, used in various board games   b a similar disc or token used as an imitation coin   4 a person or thing that may be used or manipulated   5 a skating figure consisting of three circles   6 under the counter (under-the-counter when prenominal) (of the sale of goods, esp goods in short supply) clandestine, surreptitious, or illegal; not in an open manner   7 over the counter (over-the-counter when prenominal) (of security transactions) through a broker rather than on a stock exchange [C14: from Old French comptouer, ultimately from Latin computāre to COMPUTE]

■ counter jumper   n   old-fashioned, derogatory a sales assistant in a shop

■ counterman (ˈkaʊntəmæn)   n, pl -men   US a man who works on a lunch counter or behind the counter of a cafe

■ countertop (ˈkaʊntətɒp)   n   US a kitchen work surface

counter^2 (ˈkaʊntə)   adv   1 in a contrary direction or manner   2 in a wrong or reverse direction   3 run counter to to have a contrary effect or action to   ▷ adj   4 opposing; opposite; contrary   ▷ n   5 something that is contrary or opposite to some other thing   6 an act, effect, or force that opposes another   7 a return attack, such as a blow in boxing   8 fencing a parry in which the foils move in a circular fashion   9 the portion of the stern of a boat or ship that overhangs the water aft of the rudder   10 Also called: void printing the inside area of a typeface that is not type high, such as the centre of an "o", and therefore does not print   11 the part of a horse's breast under the neck and between the shoulders   12 a piece of leather forming the back of a shoe   ▷ vb   13 to say or do (something) in retaliation or response   14 (tr) to move, act, or perform in a manner or direction opposite to (a person or thing)   15 to return the attack of (an opponent) [C15: from Old French contre, from Latin contrā against]

counter^3 (ˈkaʊntə)   n   1 a person who counts   2 an apparatus that records the number of occurrences of events   3 any instrument for detecting or counting ionizing particles or photons. See Geiger counter, scintillation counter, crystal counter   4 electronics another name for scaler (sense 2) [C14: from Old French conteor, from Latin computātor; see COUNT^1]

counter-   prefix   1 against; opposite; contrary: counterattack   2 complementary; corresponding: counterfoil   3 duplicate or substitute: counterfeit [via Norman French from Latin contrā against, opposite; see CONTRA-]

counteract (ˌkaʊntərˈækt)   vb   (tr) to oppose, neutralize, or mitigate the effects of by contrary action; check   > ˌcounterˈaction n   > ˌcounterˈactive adj   > ˌcounterˈactively adv

counteragent (ˈkaʊntərˌeIdʒənt)   n   a person or thing that counteracts

counterargue (ˈkaʊntərˌɑːɡjuː)   vb   to argue against something

■ counter-argument   n   an opposing argument

counterassault (ˌkaʊntərəˈsɔːlt)   n   a counterattack

counterattack (ˈkaʊntərəˌtæk)   n   1 an attack in response to an attack   ▷ vb   2 to make a counterattack (against)

■ counterattacker (ˌkaʊntərəˈtækə)   n   a person who counter-attacks

counterattraction (ˈkaʊntərəˌtrækʃən)   n   a rival attraction

counterbalance   n (ˈkaʊntəˌbæləns)   1 a weight or force that balances or offsets another   ▷ vb (ˌkaʊntəˈbæləns) (tr)   2 to act as a counterbalance   ▶ Also called: counterpoise

counterbase (ˈkaʊntəˌbeIs)   n   music a double bass

counterbid (ˈkaʊntəˌbId)   n   a bid made in response to a bid from another party, offering more favourable terms to the seller

■ counterbidder (ˈkaʊntəˌbIdə)   n   a person or organization that makes a bid in opposition to another bid

counterblast (ˈkaʊntəˌblɑːst)   n   1 an aggressive response to a verbal attack   2 a blast that counteracts another

counterblockade (ˌkaʊntəblɒˈkeId)   n   military a retaliatory blockade

counterblow (ˈkaʊntəˌbləʊ)   n   a retaliatory blow

counterbluff (ˈkaʊntəˌblʌf)   n   a bluff made in opposition to another bluff

counterbond (ˈkaʊntəˌbɒnd)   n   law a bond that protects a person who has entered into a bond for another person

counterbore (ˈkaʊntəˌbɔː)   n   another name for countersink

counterbrace (ˈkaʊntəˌbreIs)   n   nautical a rope on the leeward side of a ship, controlling the position of the fore-topsail

counterbuff (ˈkaʊntəˌbʌf)   n obsolete   1 a retaliatory blow   2 a blow made in the opposite direction   3 a sudden check to progress or action

countercampaign (ˌkaʊntəkæmˈpeIn)   n   a campaign responding to another campaign

counterchange (ˌkaʊntəˈtʃeIndʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to change parts, qualities, etc   2 poetic to chequer, as with contrasting colours

countercharge (ˈkaʊntəˌtʃɑːdʒ)   n   1 a charge brought by an accused person against the accuser   2 military a retaliatory charge   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make a countercharge against

countercharm (ˈkaʊntəˌtʃɑːm)   n   an object or action that is capable of destroying a magical charm

countercheck   n (ˈkaʊntəˌtʃɛk)   1 a check or restraint, esp one that acts in opposition to another   2 a restraint that reinforces another restraint   3 a double check, as for accuracy   ▷ vb (ˌkaʊntəˈtʃɛk) (tr)   4 to oppose by counteraction   5 to control or restrain by a second check   6 to double-check

counterclaim (ˈkaʊntəˌkleIm) chiefly law   n   1 a claim set up in opposition to another, esp by the defendant in a civil action against the plaintiff   ▷ vb   2 to set up (a claim) in opposition to another claim   > ˌcounterˈclaimant n

counterclockwise (ˌkaʊntəˈklɒkˌwaIz) or contraclockwise   adv, adj   US and Canadian in the opposite direction to the rotation of the hands of a clock. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): anticlockwise

counterconditioning (ˌkaʊntəkənˈdIʃənIŋ)   n   psychol the conditioning of a response that is incompatible with some previously learned response; for example, in psychotherapy an anxious person might be taught relaxation, which is incompatible with anxiety

countercoup (ˈkaʊntəˌkuː)   n   the act of overthrowing a government that gained power via a coup d'état

countercry (ˈkaʊntəˌkraI)   n, pl -cries   a cry responding to another cry

counterculture (ˈkaʊntəˌkʌltʃə)   n   an alternative culture, deliberately at variance with the social norm

■ countercultural (ˌkaʊntəˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   of or relating to a counterculture   > ˌcounterˈculturalist n

countercurrent (ˈkaʊntəˌkʌrənt)   n   a current flowing in an opposite direction to another current

countercyclical (ˌkaʊntəˈsIklIkəl)   adj   finance having the effect of checking or reversing fluctuations in the national economy or the finances of a business

counterdemand (ˈkaʊntədIˌmɑːnd)   n   a demand made in response to another demand

counterdemonstration (ˈkaʊntəˌdɛmənˈstreIʃən)   n   a demonstration that is held in reaction to another demonstration

counterdraw (ˈkaʊntəˌdrɔː)   vb -draws, -drawing, -drew, -drawn (tr)   obsolete to copy (a painting, etc) by tracing it onto a transparent material, such as oiled paper

countereffort (ˈkaʊntərˌɛfət)   n   an effort responding to, or retaliating against, another effort

counterespionage (ˌkaʊntərˈɛspIəˌnɑːʒ)   n   activities designed to detect and counteract enemy espionage

counterevidence (ˌkaʊntərˈɛvIdəns)   n   evidence that refutes other evidence

counterexample (ˈkaʊntərIɡˌzɑːmpəl)   n   an example or fact that is inconsistent with a hypothesis and may be used in argument against it

counterfactual (ˌkauntəˈfæktʃʊəl) logic   adj   1 expressing what has not happened but could, would, or might under differing conditions   ▷ n   2 a conditional statement in which the first clause is a past tense subjunctive statement expressing something contrary to fact, as in: if she had hurried she would have caught the bus

counterfect (ˈkaʊntəˌfɛkt)   adj   obsolete counterfeit

counterfeisance (ˈkaʊntəˌfiːzəns)   n   obsolete the act of counterfeiting

counterfeit (ˈkaʊntəfIt)   adj   1 made in imitation of something genuine with the intent to deceive or defraud; forged   2 simulated; sham: counterfeit affection   ▷ n   3 an imitation designed to deceive or defraud   4 archaic an impostor; cheat   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to make a fraudulent imitation of   6 (intr) to make counterfeits   7 to feign; simulate   8 (tr) to imitate; copy [C13: from Old French contrefait, from contrefaire to copy, from contre- COUNTER- + faire to make, from Latin facere]   > ˈcounterfeiter n

■ counterfeiting (ˈkaʊntəfItIŋ)   n   the making of fraudulent copies; forgery

■ counterfeitly (ˈkaʊntəfItlI)   adv   obsolete in a counterfeit manner

counterfesaunce (ˈkaʊntəˌfiːzəns)   n   obsolete another name for counterfeisance

counterfire (ˈkaʊntəˌfaIə)   n   military fire that is intended to destroy enemy weapons

counterflow (ˈkaʊntəˌfləʊ)   n   engineering the flowing of two fluids in opposite directions in adjacent parts of an apparatus

counterfoil (ˈkaʊntəˌfɔIl)   n   Brit the part of a cheque, postal order, receipt, etc, detached and retained as a record of the transaction. Also called (esp US and Canadian): stub

counterforce (ˈkaʊntəˌfɔːs)   n   a force that acts in opposition to another force

counterfort (ˈkaʊntəˌfɔːt)   n   civil engineering a strengthening buttress at right angles to a retaining wall, bonded to it to prevent overturning or to increase its bending strength [from a partial translation of French contrefort, from contre counter + fort strength; see FORT]

counter-gambit   n   chess a countermove

counterglow (ˈkaʊntəˌɡləʊ)   n   another name for gegenschein

counterguerrilla (ˌkaʊntəɡəˈrIlə)   adj   military (of operations, conflicts, etc) conducted against guerrillas

counterimage (ˈkaʊntərˌImIdʒ)   n   a corresponding image

counter-inflationary   adj   Brit designed to reduce inflation

counterinstance (ˈkaʊntərˌInstəns)   n   an instance that refutes a theory

counterinsurgent (ˌkaʊntərInˈsɜːdʒənt)   adj   of or relating to counterinsurgency

■ counterinsurgency (ˌkaʊntərInˈsɜːdʒənsI)   n   action taken by a government to counter the activities of rebels, guerrillas, etc

counterintelligence (ˌkaʊntərInˈtɛlIdʒəns)   n   1 activities designed to frustrate enemy espionage   2 intelligence collected about enemy espionage

counterintuitive (ˌkaʊntərInˈtjuːItIv)   adj   1 (of an idea, proposal, etc) seemingly contrary to common sense   2 intelligence collected about enemy espionage

counterion (ˈkaʊntərˌaIən)   n   chem an ion that has the opposite charge to that of another ion within the same solution

counterirritant (ˌkaʊntərˈIrItənt)   n   1 an agent that causes a superficial irritation of the skin and thereby relieves inflammation of deep structures   ▷ adj   2 producing a counterirritation   > ˌcounterˌirriˈtation n

counterlight (ˈkaʊntəˌlaIt)   n   obsolete a light opposite something, such as a painting, that negatively affects the appearance of that object

countermand   vb (ˌkaʊntəˈmɑːnd) (tr)   1 to revoke or cancel (a command, order, etc)   2 to order (forces, etc) to return or retreat; recall   ▷ n (ˈkaʊntəˌmɑːnd)   3 a command revoking another [C15: from Old French contremander, from contre- COUNTER- + mander to command, from Latin mandāre; see MANDATE]

■ countermandable (ˌkaʊntəˈmɑːndəbəl)   adj   able to be countermanded

countermarch (ˈkaʊntəˌmɑːtʃ)   vb   1 chiefly military   a to march or cause to march back along the same route   b to change the order of soldiers during a march   ▷ n   2 the act or instance of countermarching   3 a reversal of method, conduct, etc

countermark (ˈkaʊntəˌmɑːk)   n   a mark on an object that is additional to a mark already on that object, and that serves a purpose such as enhancing security, or noting a change in the value of that object, etc

countermeasure (ˈkaʊntəˌmɛʒə)   n   action taken to oppose, neutralize, or retaliate against some other action

countermelody (ˈkaʊntəˌmɛlədI)   n, pl -dies   music a secondary melody that accompanies the primary melody

countermemo (ˈkaʊntəˌmɛməʊ)   n, pl -memos   a memorandum responding to another memorandum

countermine   n (ˈkaʊntəˌmaIn)   1 military a tunnel dug to defeat similar activities by an enemy   2 a plot to frustrate another plot   ▷ vb (ˌkaʊntəˈmaIn)   3 to frustrate by countermeasures   4 military to take measures to defeat the underground operations of (an enemy)   5 military to destroy enemy mines in (an area) with mines of one's own

countermotion (ˈkaʊntəˌməʊʃən)   n   an opposing motion

countermove (ˈkaʊntəˌmuːv)   n   1 an opposing move   ▷ vb   2 to make or do (something) as an opposing move   > ˈcounterˌmovement n

countermure (ˈkaʊntəˌmjʊə)   n military   1 a wall positioned behind, or before, another wall and hence providing extra defence   2 a wall raised by besiegers in order to aid the siege

countermyth (ˈkaʊntəˌmIθ)   n   a myth that conflicts with another myth

counteroffensive (ˈkaʊntərəˌfɛnsIv)   n   a series of attacks by a defending force against an attacking enemy

counteroffer (ˈkaʊntərˌɒfə)   n   a response to a bid in which a seller amends his or her original offer, making it more favourable to the buyer

counter-order   n   military an order which revokes a previous order

counterpace (ˈkaʊntəˌpeIs)   n   obsolete a countermove

counterpane (ˈkaʊntəˌpeIn)   n   another word for bedspread [C17: from obsolete counterpoint (influenced by pane coverlet), changed from Old French coutepointe quilt, from Medieval Latin culcita puncta quilted mattress]

counterpart (ˈkaʊntəˌpɑːt)   n   1 a person or thing identical to or closely resembling another   2 one of two parts that complement or correspond to each other   3 a person acting opposite another in a play   4 a duplicate, esp of a legal document; copy

counterparty (ˈkaʊntəˌpɑːtI)   n, pl -parties   a person who is a party to a contract

■ counterparty risk   n   the risk that a person who is a party to a contract will default on their obligations under that contract

counterpeise (ˈkaʊntəˌpiːz)   vb (tr)   an obsolete word for counterpoise

counterpetition (ˈkaʊntəpIˌtIʃən)   n   civil law a formal request for legal action submitted to a court by a respondent who has received a petition

counterpicket (ˈkaʊntəˌpIkIt)   n   1 a picket which opposes an existing picket at the same location   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to form (a picket) which opposes an existing picket

counterplan (ˈkaʊntəˌplæn)   n   1 an opposing plan   2 rhetoric a negative position in a debate which argues against a proposed plan by proposing a separate plan (rather than defending the status quo)   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to form an opposing plan

counterplay (ˈkaʊntəˌpleI)   n   1 a positive or aggressive action by the defending side, esp in chess   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to make an opposing or positive action from a position of defence

■ counterplayer (ˈkaʊntəˌpleIə)   n   a person who makes a counterplay

counterplea (ˈkaʊntəpliː)   n   law rare a reply to a plea

■ counterplead (ˌkaʊntəˈpliːd)   vb obsolete law   1 (tr) to plead the opposite of   2 (tr) to deny   3 (intr) to make a counterplea

counterplot (ˈkaʊntəˌplɒt)   n   1 a plot designed to frustrate another plot   ▷ vb -plots, -plotting, -plotted   2 (tr) to oppose with a counterplot   3 (intr) to devise or carry out a counterplot

counterploy (ˈkaʊntəˌplɔI)   n   an opposing or retaliatory ploy

counterpoint (ˈkaʊntəˌpɔInt)   n   1 the technique involving the simultaneous sounding of two or more parts or melodies   2 a melody or part combined with another melody or part. See also descant (sense 1)   3 the musical texture resulting from the simultaneous sounding of two or more melodies or parts   4 strict counterpoint the application of the rules of counterpoint as an academic exercise   5 a contrasting or interacting element, theme, or item; foil   6 prosody the use of a stress or stresses at variance with the regular metrical stress   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to set in contrast ▶ Related adjective: contrapuntal [C15: from Old French contrepoint, from contre- COUNTER- + point dot, note in musical notation, that is, an accompaniment set against the notes of a melody]

counterpoise (ˈkaʊntəˌpɔIz)   n   1 a force, influence, etc, that counterbalances another   2 a state of balance; equilibrium   3 a weight that balances another   4 a radial array of metallic wires, rods, or tubes arranged horizontally around the base of a vertical aerial to increase its transmitting efficiency   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to oppose with something of equal effect, weight, or force; offset   6 to bring into equilibrium   7 archaic to consider (one thing) carefully in relation to another

■ counterpoise bridge   n   another name for bascule bridge. See bascule (sense 1)

counterpose (ˈkaʊntəˌpəʊz)   vb (tr)   to place (something) in opposition to

counterpower (ˈkaʊntəˌpaʊə)   n   an opposing power

counterpressure (ˈkaʊntəˌprɛʃə)   n   an opposing pressure

counterproductive (ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktIv)   adj   tending to hinder or act against the achievement of an aim

counterproject (ˈkaʊntəˌprɒdʒɛkt)   n   an opposing project or scheme

counterproof (ˈkaʊntəˌpruːf)   n   printing a reverse impression of a newly printed proof of an engraving made by laying it while wet upon plain paper and passing it through the press

counterproposal (ˈkaʊntəprəˌpəʊzəl)   n   a proposal offered as an alternative to a previous proposal

counterprotest (ˈkaʊntəˌprəʊtɛst)   n   1 a protest which opposes an existing protest   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to protest in opposition to an existing protest

counterpunch (ˈkaʊntəˌpʌntʃ) boxing   vb (intr)   1 to punch an attacking opponent; return an attack   ▷ n   2 a return punch

■ counterpuncher (ˈkaʊntəˌpʌntʃə)   n   a boxer who waits for an opponent to attack before punching

counterquestion (ˈkaʊntəˌkwɛstʃən)   n   1 a question which acts as a reply to another question   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to reply to a question of (a person) with another question

counterraid (ˈkaʊntəˌreId)   n   1 a retaliatory raid on an enemy   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to make a retaliatory raid on (an enemy)

counterrally (ˈkaʊntəˌrælI)   n, pl -lies   an opposing rally

counterreaction (ˈkaʊntərIˌækʃən)   n   a reaction against an initial action

counterreform (ˈkaʊntərIˌfɔːm)   n   1 a reform which opposes or acts against another reform   ▷ adj   2 opposed to reform   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to reform (something) in opposition to another reform

■ Counter-Reformation (ˌkaʊntəˌrɛfəˈmeIʃən)   n   the reform movement of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and early 17th centuries considered as a reaction to the Protestant Reformation

■ counterreformer (ˌkaʊntərIˈfɔːmə)   n   a reformer who acts in opposition to another reform

counterresponse (ˈkaʊntərIˌspɒns)   n   a response or reply which opposes or answers a previous response

counter-revolution (ˌkaʊntəˌrɛvəˈluːʃən)   n   a revolution opposed to a previous revolution and aimed at reversing its effects   > ˌcounter-ˌrevoˈlutionist n

■ counter-revolutionary (ˌkaʊntəˌrɛvəˈluːʃənərI, -nrI)   n, pl -aries   1 a person opposed to revolution   2 a person who opposes a specific revolution or revolutionary government   ▷ adj   3 characterized by opposition to a revolution or revolutions in general

counterscarp (ˈkaʊntəˌskɑːp)   n   fortifications the outer side of the ditch of a fort. Compare escarp (sense 1)

counterseal (ˈkaʊntəˌsiːl)   n   1 obsolete a smaller seal on the reverse of the main seal   ▷ vb (tr)   2 archaic to add an additional seal to (a document) as sanction

countershading (ˌkaʊntəˈʃeIdIŋ)   n   (in the coloration of certain animals) a pattern, serving as camouflage, in which dark colours occur on parts of the body exposed to the light and pale colours on parts in the shade

countershaft (ˈkaʊntəˌʃɑːft)   n   an intermediate shaft that is driven by, but rotates in the opposite direction to, a main shaft, esp in a gear train

countershot (ˈkaʊntəˌʃɒt)   n   films a sequence of frames seen from the perspective of the subject of the previous shot

countersign   vb (ˈkaʊntəˌsaIn, ˌkaʊntəˈsaIn)   1 (tr) to sign (a document already signed by another)   ▷ n (ˈkaʊntəˌsaIn)   2 Also called: countersignature the signature so written   3 a secret sign given in response to another sign   4 chiefly military a password

countersink (ˈkaʊntəˌsIŋk)   vb -sinks, -sinking, -sank, -sunk (tr)   1 to enlarge the upper part of (a hole) in timber, metal, etc, so that the head of a bolt or screw can be sunk below the surface   2 to drive (a screw) or sink (a bolt) into such an enlarged hole   ▷ n   3 Also called: countersink bit a tool for countersinking   4 a countersunk depression or hole

countersniper (ˈkaʊntəˌsnaIpə)   adj   military designed to act against or eliminate snipers

counterspell (ˈkaʊntəˌspɛl)   n   a spell or charm which acts against another spell, esp in fantasy or role-playing games

counterspy (ˈkaʊntəˌspaI)   n, pl -spies   a spy working against or investigating enemy espionage

■ counterspying (ˈkaʊntəˌspaIIŋ)   n   the activities of a counterspy

counterstain (ˈkaʊntəˌsteIn)   vb microscopy   1 to apply two or more stains in sequence to (a specimen to be examined), each of which colours a different tissue   2 (tr; usually passive) to apply (one of a series of stains) to a specimen to be examined: haematoxylin is counterstained with eosin

counterstate (ˌkaʊntəˈsteIt)   adj   1 US dialect across state; traversing the state   2 opposed to or acting against the state or government

counterstep (ˈkaʊntəˌstɛp)   n   an opposing step or measure

counterstrategy (ˈkaʊntəˌstrætIdʒI)   n, pl -gies   a strategy designed to counter the effectiveness of another strategy or action

counterstream (ˈkaʊntəˌstriːm)   n   a stream (of matter) which travels in the opposite direction

counterstrike (ˈkaʊntəˌstraIk)   n   1 a retaliatory strike   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to retaliate against (an enemy or opponent)

counterstroke (ˈkaʊntəˌstrəʊk)   n   a counterattack

counterstyle (ˈkaʊntəˌstaIl)   n   an opposing style

countersubject (ˈkaʊntəˌsʌbdʒIkt)   n   music (in a fugue) the theme in one voice that accompanies the statement of the subject in another

countersue (ˈkaʊntəˌsuː)   vb (tr)   law to sue (a plaintiff) in response or opposition to a preceding lawsuit

countersuit (ˈkaʊntəˌsuːt)   n   law a legal claim made as a reaction to a claim made against one

countersunk (ˈkaʊntəˌsʌŋk)   adj   driven or sunk into an enlarged hole

countertactic (ˈkaʊntəˌtæktIk)   n   an opposing tactic

countertendency (ˈkaʊntəˌtɛndənsI)   n, pl -cies   an opposite tendency

countertenor (ˌkaʊntəˈtɛnə)   n   1 an adult male voice with an alto range   2 a singer with such a voice

counterterror (ˌkaʊntəˈtɛrə)   adj   designed to act against terrorism

■ counterterrorism (ˌkaʊntəˈtɛrəˌrIzəm)   n   activities that are intended to prevent terrorist acts or to eradicate terrorist groups   > ˌcounterˈterrorist adj

counterthreat (ˈkaʊntəˌθrɛt)   n   an opposing or retaliatory threat

counterthrust (ˈkaʊntəˌθrʌst)   n   an opposing or retaliatory thrust, esp in warfare or combat sports

countertrade (ˈkaʊntəˌtreId)   n   1 international trade in which payment is made in goods rather than currency   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to buy or sell goods by countertrade: countertrading weapons for coffee beans

countertrend (ˈkaʊntəˌtrɛnd)   n   a trend which is contrary to the established or perceived trend

counter-turn   n   (in figure skating) a one-foot turn

countertype (ˈkaʊntəˌtaIp)   n   1 an opposite type   2 a corresponding type

countervail (ˌkaʊntəˈveIl, ˈkaʊntəˌveIl)   vb   1 (when intr, usually foll by against) to act or act against with equal power or force   2 (tr) to make up for; compensate; offset [C14: from Old French contrevaloir, from Latin contrā valēre, from contrā against + valēre to be strong]

■ countervailable (ˌkaʊntəˈveIləbəl)   adj   obsolete able to counteract or offset as equivalent

■ countervailing (ˈkaʊntəveIlIŋ)   adj   formal of equal, opposing strength

■ countervailing duty   n   an extra import duty imposed by a country on certain imports, esp to prevent dumping or to counteract subsidies in the exporting country

counterview (ˈkaʊntəˌvjuː)   n   an opposite or opposing view

counterviolence (ˈkaʊntəˌvaIələns)   n   the retaliatory use of violence

counterweigh (ˌkaʊntəˈweI)   vb   another word for counterbalance

■ counterweight (ˈkaʊntəˌweIt)   n   a counterbalancing weight, influence, or force   > ˈcounterˌweighted adj

counterword (ˈkaʊntəˌwɜːd)   n   a word widely used in a sense much looser than its original meaning, such as tremendous or awful

counterwork (ˈkaʊntəˌwɜːk)   n   1 work done in opposition to other work   2 defensive fortifications put up against attack   > ˈcounterˌworker n

counterworld (ˈkaʊntəˌwɜːld)   n   an alternative world opposite to the virtual world

countess (ˈkaʊntIs)   n   1 the wife or widow of a count or earl   2 a woman of the rank of count or earl

country (ˈkʌntrI)   n, pl -tries   1 a territory distinguished by its people, culture, language, geography, etc   2 an area of land distinguished by its political autonomy; state   3 the people of a territory or state: the whole country rebelled   4 an area associated with a particular person: Burns country   5    a the part of the land that is away from cities or industrial areas; rural districts   b (as modifier): country cottage   c (in combination): a countryman. Related adjective: pastoral, rural   6 short for country music   7 archaic a particular locality or district   8 up country away from the coast or the capital   9 one's native land or nation of citizenship   10 the country Brit informal the outlying area or area furthest from the finish of a sports ground or racecourse   11 (modifier) rough; uncouth; rustic: country manners   12 across country not keeping to roads, etc   13 go to the country or appeal to the country chiefly Brit to dissolve Parliament and hold an election   14 unknown country an unfamiliar topic, place, matter, etc [C13: from Old French contrée, from Medieval Latin contrāta, literally: that which lies opposite, from Latin contrā opposite]

■ countrified or countryfied (ˈkʌntrIˌfaId)   adj   in the style, manners, etc, of the country; rural

■ country and western   n   1 another name for country music   2 a fusion of cowboy songs and Appalachian music   3 Also: country-and-western (as modifier): country-and-western music   ▶ Abbreviation: C & W

■ country blues   n   (sometimes functioning as singular) acoustic folk blues with a guitar accompaniment. Compare urban blues

■ country-born   adj   born in the country

■ country-bred   adj   brought up in the country

■ country club   n   a club in the country, having sporting and social facilities

■ country code   n (in Britain)   a code of good practice recommended to those who use the countryside for recreational purposes

■ country cousin   n   an unsophisticated person from the country, esp one regarded as an object of amusement

■ country dance   n   a type of folk dance in which couples are arranged in sets and perform a series of movements, esp facing one another in a line   > country dancing n

■ country-fried (ˈkʌntrIˌfraId)   adj   another word for Southern-fried (sense 2), Southern-fried (sense 3)

■ country gentleman   n   a rich man with an estate in the country

■ country house   n   a large house in the country, esp a mansion belonging to a wealthy family

■ countryish (ˈkʌntrIIʃ)   adj   1 resembling that which is typically found in the countryside   2 music similar to that which is typical of country music

■ countryman (ˈkʌntrImən) or feminine countrywoman   n, pl -men or -women   1 a person who lives in the country   2 a person from a particular country or from one's own country (esp in the phrase fellow countryman). Gender-neutral form: compatriot

■ country music   n   a type of 20th-century popular music based on White folk music of the southeastern US. Sometimes shortened to: country

■ country park   n   Brit an area of countryside, usually not less than 10 hectares, set aside for public recreation: often funded by a Countryside Commission grant

■ country risk   n   commerce the risk associated with an overseas investment due to the conditions prevailing in the country in which it is made

■ country rock   n   1 the rock surrounding a mineral vein or igneous intrusion   2 a style of rock music influenced by country and western

■ country seat or countryseat (ˈkʌntrIˌsiːt)   n   a large estate or property in the country

■ countryside (ˈkʌntrIˌsaId)   n   a rural area or its population

■ countrywide (ˌkʌntrIˈwaId)   adj   1 nationwide; extending across the whole country   ▷ adv   2 across the whole country

county (ˈkaʊntI)   n, pl -ties   1    a any of the administrative or geographic subdivisions of certain states, esp any of the major units into which England and Wales are or have been divided for purposes of local government   b (as modifier): county cricket   2 NZ an electoral division in a rural area   3 obsolete the lands under the jurisdiction of a count or earl   ▷ adj   4 Brit informal having the characteristics and habits of the inhabitants of country houses and estates, esp an upper-class accent and an interest in horses, dogs, etc [C14: from Old French conté land belonging to a count, from Late Latin comitātus office of a count, from comes COUNT^2]

■ countian (ˈkaʊntIən)   n   a resident of a specific county

■ county borough   n   1 (in England and Wales from 1888 to 1974 and in Wales from 1996) a borough administered independently of any higher tier of local government   2 (in the Republic of Ireland) any of the four largest boroughs, governed independently of the administrative county around it by an elected council that constitutes an all-purpose authority

■ county court   n   (in England) a local court exercising limited jurisdiction in civil matters

■ county palatine   n, pl counties palatine   1 the lands of a count palatine   2 (in England and Ireland) a county in which the earl or other lord exercised many royal powers, esp judicial authority

■ county seat   n   chiefly US another term for county town

■ county town   n   the town in which a county's affairs are or were administered

coup^1 (kuː)   n   1 a brilliant and successful stroke or action   2 short for coup d'état [C18: from French: blow, from Latin colaphus blow with the fist, from Greek kolaphos]

■ coup de foudre French (ku də fudrə)   n, pl coups de foudre (ku də fudrə)   a sudden and amazing action or event [literally: lightning flash]

■ coup de grâce French (ku də ɡrɑs)   n, pl coups de grâce (ku də ɡrɑs)   1 a mortal or finishing blow, esp one delivered as an act of mercy to a sufferer   2 a final or decisive stroke [literally: blow of mercy]

■ coup de main French (ku də mɛ̃)   n, pl coups de main (ku də mɛ̃)   chiefly military an attack that achieves complete surprise [literally: blow with the hand]

■ coup d'état (ˈkuː deIˈtɑː; French ku deta)   n, pl coups d'état (ˈkuːz deIˈtɑː; French ku deta)   a sudden violent or illegal seizure of government [French, literally: stroke of state]

■ coup de théâtre French (ku də teɑtrə)   n, pl coups de théâtre (ku də teɑtrə)   1 a dramatic turn of events, esp in a play   2 a sensational device of stagecraft   3 a stage success [literally: stroke of the theatre]

■ coup d'oeil French (ku dœj)   n, pl coups d'oeil (ku dœj)   a quick glance [literally: stroke of the eye]

coup^2 or cowp (kaʊp) Scot   vb   1 to turn or fall over   ▷ n   2 a rubbish tip [C15: perhaps identical with obsolete cope to strike; see COPE^1]

coup^3 (kaʊp)   vb   Scot to barter; traffic; deal [C14: from Old Norse kaupa to buy]

coupe (kuːp)   n   1 a dessert of fruit and ice cream, usually served in a glass goblet   2 a dish or stemmed glass bowl designed for this dessert [C19: from French: goblet, CUP]

coupé (ˈkuːpeI)   n   1 Also called: fixed-head coupé a four-seater car with a fixed roof, a sloping back, and usually two doors. Compare drophead coupé   2 a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with two seats inside and one outside for the driver   3 an end compartment in a European railway carriage with seats on one side only [C19: from French, short for carosse coupé, literally: cut-off carriage, from couper to cut, from coup blow, stroke]

coupee (kuːˈpiː)   n   (in dance) a movement where the dancer stands on one foot while the other performs a backward or forward movement as a sort of salutation

couper (ˈkaʊpə)   n   Scot dialect a dealer

Couperin (French kuprɛ̃)   n   François (frɑ̃swa). 1668–1733, French composer, noted for his harpsichord suites and organ music

Coupland (ˈkəʊplənd)   n   Douglas. born 1961, Canadian novelist and journalist; novels include Generation X (1991), Girlfriend in a Coma (1998), and City of Glass (2000)

couple (ˈkʌpəl)   n   1 two people who regularly associate with each other or live together: an engaged couple   2 (functioning as singular or plural) two people considered as a pair, for or as if for dancing, games, etc   3 chiefly hunting   a a pair of collars joined by a leash, used to attach hounds to one another   b two hounds joined in this way   c the unit of reckoning for hounds in a pack: twenty and a half couple   4 a pair of equal and opposite parallel forces that have a tendency to produce rotation with a torque or turning moment equal to the product of either force and the perpendicular distance between them   5 physics   a two dissimilar metals, alloys, or semiconductors in electrical contact, across which a voltage develops. See thermocouple   b Also called: galvanic couple two dissimilar metals or alloys in electrical contact that when immersed in an electrolyte act as the electrodes of an electrolytic cell   6 a connector or link between two members, such as a tie connecting a pair of rafters in a roof   7 a couple of (functioning as singular or plural)   a a combination of two; a pair of: a couple of men   b informal a small number of; a few: a couple of days   ▷ pron   8 (usually preceded by a; functioning as singular or plural) two; a pair: give him a couple   ▷ vb   9 (tr) to connect (two things) together or to connect (one thing) to (another): to couple railway carriages   10 (tr) to do (two things) simultaneously or alternately: he couples studying with teaching   11 to form or be formed into a pair or pairs   12 to associate, put, or connect together: history is coupled with sociology   13 to link (two circuits) by electromagnetic induction   14 (intr) to have sexual intercourse   15 to join or be joined in marriage; marry   16 (tr) to attach (two hounds to each other) [C13: from Old French: a pair, from Latin cōpula a bond; see COPULA]

■ coupled (ˈkʌpəld)   adj   being one of the partners in a permanent sexual relationship

■ coupledom (ˈkʌpəldəm)   n   the state of living as a couple, esp when regarded as being interested in each other to the exclusion of the outside world

■ couplement (ˈkʌpəlmənt)   n   obsolete the action of coupling or the state of being coupled

■ coupler (ˈkʌplə)   n   1 a link or rod transmitting power between two rotating mechanisms or a rotating part and a reciprocating part   2 music a device on an organ or harpsichord connecting two keys, two manuals, etc, so that both may be played at once   3 electronics a device, such as a transformer, used to couple two or more electrical circuits   4 US and Canadian a device for connecting railway cars or trucks together. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): coupling

■ coupling (ˈkʌplIŋ)   n   1 a mechanical device that connects two things   2 a device for connecting railway cars or trucks together   3 the part of the body of a horse, dog, or other quadruped that lies between the forequarters and the hindquarters   4 electronics the act or process of linking two or more circuits so that power can be transferred between them usually by mutual induction, as in a transformer, or by means of a capacitor or inductor common to both circuits. See also direct coupling   5 physics an interaction between different properties of a system, such as a group of atoms or nuclei, or between two or more systems   6 genetics the occurrence of two specified nonallelic genes from the same parent on the same chromosome

couplet (ˈkʌplIt)   n   two successive lines of verse, usually rhymed and of the same metre [C16: from French, literally: a little pair; see COUPLE]

coupon (ˈkuːpɒn)   n   1    a a detachable part of a ticket or advertisement entitling the holder to a discount, free gift, etc   b a detachable slip usable as a commercial order form   c a voucher given away with certain goods, a certain number of which are exchangeable for goods offered by the manufacturers   2 one of a number of detachable certificates attached to a bond, esp a bearer bond, the surrender of which entitles the bearer to receive interest payments   3 one of several detachable cards used for making hire-purchase payments   4 a ticket issued to facilitate rationing   5 Brit a detachable entry form for any of certain competitions, esp football pools [C19: from French, from Old French colpon piece cut off, from colper to cut, variant of couper; see COPE^1]

■ couponing (ˈkuːpɒnIŋ)   n   the distribution or redemption of promotional coupons

coupure (kuːˈpjʊə)   n   military a trench or palisade made by a besieged force behind a breach in their defences

courage (ˈkʌrIdʒ)   n   1 the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc   2 the courage of one's convictions the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs   3 take one's courage in both hands to nerve oneself to perform an action   4 obsolete mind; disposition; spirit [C13: from Old French corage, from cuer heart, from Latin cor]

■ courageful (ˈkʌrIdʒfʊl)   adj   a less common word for courageous

■ courageous (kəˈreIdʒəs)   adj   possessing or expressing courage   > couˈrageously adv   > couˈrageousness n

courant (kʊˈrɑːnt)   n   1 music a courante   2 Scot dialect a newspaper or newsletter   ▷ adj   3 heraldry (of an animal) running

courante (kʊˈrɑːnt)   n music   1 an old dance in quick triple time   2 a movement of a (mostly) 16th- to 18th-century suite based on this   ▶ Also called (esp for the dance): coranto [C16: from French, literally: running, feminine of courant, present participle of courir to run, from Latin currere]

Courantyne (ˈkɜːrənˌtaIn)   n   a river in N South America, rising in S Guyana and flowing north to the Atlantic, forming the boundary between Guyana and Suriname. Length: 765 km (475 miles). Dutch name: Corantijn

courb (kʊəb)   adj   1 curved or rounded   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to bend or bow

courbaril (ˈkʊəbərIl)   n   a tropical American leguminous tree, Hymenaea courbaril. Its wood is a useful timber and its gum is a source of copal. Also called: West Indian locust [C18: from a native American name]

Courbet (French kurbɛ)   n   Gustave (ɡystav). 1819–77, French painter, a leader of the realist movement; noted for his depiction of contemporary life

Courbevoie (French kurbəvwa)   n   an industrial suburb of Paris, on the Seine. Pop: 85 716 (2006)

coureur de bois (French kurœr də bwa)   n, pl coureurs de bois (kurœr də bwa)   Canadian history a French Canadian woodsman or Métis who traded with Native Americans for furs [Canadian French: trapper (literally: wood-runner)]

courgette (kʊəˈʒɛt)   n   chiefly Brit a small variety of vegetable marrow, cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Also called: zucchini [from French, diminutive of courge marrow, gourd]

courie or coorie (ˈkuːrI)   vb (intr)   Scot (often foll by doun) to nestle or snuggle [C19: from coor a Scot word for COWER]

courier (ˈkʊərIə)   n   1 a special messenger, esp one carrying diplomatic correspondence   2 a person who makes arrangements for or accompanies a group of travellers on a journey or tour   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to send (a parcel, letter, etc) by courier [C16: from Old French courrier, from Old Latin corriere, from correre to run, from Latin currere]

■ courier parent   n   Canadian a person who applies for residency in Canada with the aim of gaining residency for his or her offspring

courlan (ˈkʊələn)   n   another name for limpkin [C19: from French, variant of courliri, from Galibi kurliri]

Courland or Kurland (ˈkʊələnd)   n   a region of Latvia, between the Gulf of Riga and the Lithuanian border. Latvian name: Kurzeme

Cournand (ˈkʊənənd, -nænd; French kurnɑ̃)   n   André (Frederic). 1895–1988, US physician, born in France: shared the 1956 Nobel prize for physiology or medicine for his work on heart catheterization

Courrèges (French kurɛʒ)   n   André (ɑ̃dre). 1923–2016, French couturier: helped to launch unisex fashion in the mid-1960s

course (kɔːs)   n   1 a continuous progression from one point to the next in time or space; onward movement: the course of his life   2 a route or direction followed: they kept on a southerly course   3    a the path or channel along which something moves: the course of a river   b (in combination): a watercourse   4 an area or stretch of land or water on which a sport is played or a race is run: a golf course   5 a period of time; duration: in the course of the next hour   6 the usual order of and time required for a sequence of events; regular procedure: the illness ran its course   7 a mode of conduct or action: if you follow that course, you will certainly fail   8 a connected series of events, actions, etc   9    a a prescribed number of lessons, lectures, etc, in an educational curriculum   b the material covered in such a curriculum   10 a prescribed regimen to be followed for a specific period of time: a course of treatment   11 a part of a meal served at one time: the fish course   12 a continuous, usually horizontal, layer of building material, such as a row of bricks, tiles, etc   13 nautical any of the sails on the lowest yards of a square-rigged ship   14 knitting the horizontal rows of stitches. Compare wale^1 (sense 2b)   15 (in medieval Europe) a charge by knights in a tournament   16    a a hunt by hounds relying on sight rather than scent   b a match in which two greyhounds compete in chasing a hare   17 the part or function assigned to an individual bell in a set of changes   18 archaic a running race   19 as a matter of course as a natural or normal consequence, mode of action, or event   20 the course of nature the ordinary course of events   21 in course of in the process of: the ship was in course of construction   22 in due course at some future time, esp the natural or appropriate time   23 of course   a (adverb) as expected; naturally   b (sentence substitute) certainly; definitely   24 run its course or take its course (of something) to complete its development or action   ▷ vb   25 (intr) to run, race, or flow, esp swiftly and without interruption   26 to cause (hounds) to hunt by sight rather than scent or (of hounds) to hunt (a quarry) thus   27 (tr) to run through or over; traverse   28 (intr) to take a direction; proceed on a course [C13: from Old French cours, from Latin cursus a running, from currere to run]

■ coursebook (ˈkɔːsˌbʊk)   n   a book studied on an educational course

■ courser^1 (ˈkɔːsə)   n   1 a person who courses hounds or dogs, esp greyhounds   2 a hound or dog trained for coursing

■ courser^2 (ˈkɔːsə)   n   literary a swift horse; steed [C13: from Old French coursier, from cours COURSE]

■ courser^3 (ˈkɔːsə)   n   a terrestrial plover-like shore bird, such as Cursorius cursor (cream-coloured courser), of the subfamily Cursoriinae of desert and semidesert regions of the Old World: family Glareolidae, order Charadriiformes [C18: from Latin cursōrius suited for running, from cursus COURSE]

■ courses (ˈkɔːsIz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) physiol another word for menses

■ courseware (ˈkɔːsˌwɛə)   n   computer software designed to be used in an educational course

■ coursework (ˈkɔːsˌwɜːk)   n   written or oral work completed by a student within a given period, which is assessed as an integral part of an educational course

■ coursing (ˈkɔːsIŋ)   n   1 hunting with hounds or dogs that follow their quarry by sight   2 a sport in which hounds are matched against one another in pairs for the hunting of hares by sight

court (kɔːt)   n   1 an area of ground wholly or partly surrounded by walls or buildings   2 Brit (capital when part of a name)   a a block of flats: Selwyn Court   b a mansion or country house   c a short street, sometimes closed at one end   3 a space inside a building, sometimes surrounded with galleries   4    a the residence, retinues, or household of a sovereign or nobleman   b (as modifier): a court ball   5 a sovereign or noble and his or her retinue, advisers, etc   6 any formal assembly, reception, etc, held by a sovereign or noble with his or her courtiers   7 homage, flattering attention, or amorous approaches (esp in the phrase pay court to someone)   8 law   a an authority having power to adjudicate in civil, criminal, military, or ecclesiastical matters   b the regular sitting of such a judicial authority   c the room or building in which such a tribunal sits   9    a a marked outdoor or enclosed area used for any of various ball games, such as tennis, squash, etc   b a marked section of such an area: the service court   10    a the board of directors or council of a corporation, company, etc   b chiefly Brit the supreme council of some universities   11 a branch of any of several friendly societies   12 go to court to take legal action   13 hold court to preside over admirers, attendants, etc   14 out of court   a without a trial or legal case: the case was settled out of court   b too unimportant for consideration   c Brit so as to ridicule completely (in the phrase laugh out of court)   15 the ball is in your court you are obliged to make the next move   ▷ vb   16 to attempt to gain the love of (someone); woo   17 (tr) to pay attention to (someone) in order to gain favour   18 (tr) to try to obtain (fame, honour, etc)   19 (tr) to invite, usually foolishly, as by taking risks: to court disaster   20 old-fashioned to be conducting a serious emotional relationship usually leading to marriage [C12: from Old French, from Latin cohors COHORT]

■ court card   n   (in a pack of playing cards) a king, queen, or jack of any suit. US equivalent: face card [C17: altered from earlier coat-card, from the decorative coats worn by the figures depicted]

■ court circular   n   (in countries having a monarchy) a daily report of the activities, engagements, etc, of the sovereign, published in a national newspaper

■ courtcraft (ˈkɔːtˌkrɑːft)   n   1 the artifices and intrigues of a royal court   2 sport the ability and skill in the movements and positioning required on a sports court, esp a tennis court

■ court cupboard   n   a wooden stand with two or three tiers, used in the 16th and 17th centuries to display pewter, silver, etc

■ court dress   n   the formal clothing worn at court

■ courter (ˈkɔːtə)   n   a person who courts; a suitor

■ court hand   n   a style of handwriting formerly used in English law courts

■ courthouse (ˈkɔːtˌhaʊs)   n   a public building in which courts of law are held

■ court-leet   n   the full name for leet^1 (sense 1)

■ courtlet (ˈkɔːtlIt)   n   a small court or courtyard

■ courtlike (ˈkɔːtˌlaIk)   adj   reminiscent of the court in style or manner; elegant; courtly

■ courtling (ˈkɔːtlIŋ)   n   a fawning or sycophantic member of a royal court

■ courtly (ˈkɔːtlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 of or suitable for a royal court   2 refined in manner   3 ingratiating   > ˈcourtliness n

■ courtly love   n   a tradition represented in Western European literature between the 12th and the 14th centuries, idealizing love between a knight and a revered (usually married) lady

■ court martial   n, pl court martials or courts martial   1 a military court that tries persons subject to military law   ▷ vb court-martial, -tials, -tialling, -tialled or US -tials, -tialing, -tialed   2 (tr) to try (a person) by court martial

■ Court of Appeal   n   a branch of the Supreme Court of Judicature that hears appeals from the High Court in both criminal and civil matters and from the county and crown courts

■ Court of Common Pleas   n   1 English law (formerly) a superior court exercising jurisdiction in civil actions between private citizens   2 US law (in some states) a court exercising original and general jurisdiction

■ Court of Exchequer   n   (formerly) an English civil court where Crown revenue cases were tried. Also called: Exchequer

■ court of first instance   n   a court in which legal proceedings are begun or first heard

■ court of honour   n   a military court that is instituted to investigate matters involving personal honour

■ court of inquiry   n   1 Brit a group of people appointed to investigate the causes of a disaster, accident, etc   2 a military court set up to inquire into a military matter such as a failure of equipment or procedure

■ Court of Justiciary   n   short for High Court of Justiciary

■ Court of Session   n   the supreme civil court in Scotland

■ Court of St James's   n   the official name of the royal court of Britain

■ court plaster   n   a plaster, composed of isinglass on silk, formerly used to cover superficial wounds [C18: so called because formerly used by court ladies for beauty spots]

■ court roll   n   history the register of land holdings, etc, of a manorial court

■ courtroom (ˈkɔːtˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a room in which the sittings of a law court are held

■ courtship (ˈkɔːtʃIp)   n   1 the act, period, or art of seeking the love of someone with intent to marry   2 the seeking or soliciting of favours   3 obsolete courtly behaviour

■ court shoe   n   a low-cut shoe for women, having no laces or straps

■ courtside (ˈkɔːtˌsaId) sport   n   1 the area closest to the court   ▷ adj   2 next to the court

■ court tennis   n   the US term for real tennis

■ courtyard (ˈkɔːtˌjɑːd)   n   an open area of ground surrounded by walls or buildings; court

Court (kɔːt)   n   Margaret (née Smith). born 1942, Australian tennis player, winner of a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles: Australian Open champion 1960–66, 1969–71, and 1973; US Open champion 1962, 1965, 1969–70, and 1973; Wimbledon champion 1963, 1965, and 1970; French Open champion 1962, 1965, 1969–70, and 1973

court-bouillon (ˈkʊətˈbuːjɒn; French kurbujɔ̃)   n   a stock made from root vegetables, water, and wine or vinegar, used primarily for poaching fish [from French, from court short, from Latin curtus + bouillon broth, from bouillir to BOIL^1]

Courtelle (kɔːˈtɛl)   n   trademark a synthetic acrylic fibre resembling wool

courtesan or courtezan (ˌkɔːtIˈzæn)   n   (esp formerly) a prostitute, or the mistress of a man of rank [C16: from Old French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana female courtier, from cortigiano courtier, from corte COURT]

courtesy (ˈkɜːtIsI)   n, pl -sies   1 politeness; good manners   2 a courteous gesture or remark   3 favour or consent (esp in the phrase by courtesy of)   4 common consent as opposed to right (esp in the phrase by courtesy). See also courtesy title   5 (ˈkɜːtsI) an archaic spelling of curtsy [C13 curteisie, from Old French, from corteis COURTEOUS]

■ courteous (ˈkɜːtIəs)   adj   polite and considerate in manner [C13 corteis, literally: with courtly manners, from Old French; see COURT]   > ˈcourteously adv   > ˈcourteousness n

■ courtesy light   n   the interior light in a motor vehicle

■ courtesy title   n   any of several titles having no legal significance, such as those borne by the children of peers

courtier (ˈkɔːtIə)   n   1 an attendant at a court   2 a person who seeks favour in an ingratiating manner [C13: from Anglo-French courteour (unattested), from Old French corteier to attend at court]

■ courtierism (ˈkɔːtIəˌrIzəm)   n   the characteristic practices or qualities of a courtier

■ courtierlike (ˈkɔːtIəˌlaIk)   adj   1 resembling a courtier in manner   ▷ adv   2 in the manner of a courtier

■ courtierly (ˈkɔːtIəlI)   adj   of a courtier

Courtrai (French kurtrɛ)   n   a town in W Belgium, in West Flanders on the Lys River: the largest producer of linen in W Europe. Pop: 73 984 (2004 est). Flemish name: Kortrijk

couscous (ˈkuːskuːs) or couscousou (ˌkuːskuːˈsuː)   n   1 a type of semolina originating from North Africa, consisting of granules of crushed durum wheat   2 a spicy North African dish consisting of steamed semolina with meat, vegetables, or fruit C17: via French from Arabic kouskous, from kaskasa to pound until fine

cousin (ˈkʌzən)   n   1 Also called: first cousin, cousin-german, full cousin the child of one's aunt or uncle   2 a relative who has descended from one of one's common ancestors. A person's second cousin is the child of one of his or her parents' first cousins. A person's third cousin is the child of one of his or her parents' second cousins. A first cousin once removed (or loosely second cousin) is the child of one's first cousin   3 a member of a group related by race, ancestry, interests, etc: our Australian cousins   4 a title used by a sovereign when addressing another sovereign or a nobleman [C13: from Old French cosin, from Latin consōbrīnus cousin, from sōbrīnus cousin on the mother's side; related to soror sister]   > ˈcousinˌhood or ˈcousinˌship n   > ˈcousinly adj, adv

■ cousinage (ˈkʌzənIdʒ)   n   obsolete a kinship or relationship

■ cousinry (ˈkʌzənrI)   n   a collection of cousins

Cousin (French kuzɛ̃)   n   Victor (viktɔr). 1792–1867, French philosopher and educational reformer

Cousteau (French kusto)   n   Jacques Yves (ʒɑk iv). 1910–97, French underwater explorer

couta (ˈkuːtə)   n   Austral a type of traditional wooden sailing boat, originally used for fishing. Also called: couta boat [C20: from BARRACOUTA]

couteau (kuːˈtəʊ)   n, pl -teaux (-ˈtəʊz)   a large two-edged knife used formerly as a weapon [C17: from Old French coutel, from Latin cultellus a little knife, from culter knife, ploughshare]

couter (ˈkuːtə)   n   a piece of armour designed to protect the elbow

couth (kuːθ)   adj   1 facetious refined   2 archaic familiar; known [Old English cūth known, past participle of cunnan to know; sense 1, back formation from UNCOUTH]

■ couthie or couthy (ˈkuːθI)   adj Scot   1 sociable; friendly; congenial   2 comfortable; snug   3 plain; homely; unsophisticated: a couthie saying [C13: see COUTH, UNCOUTH]

coutil (kuːˈtiːl)   n   a tightly-woven twill cloth used in corsetry

couture (kuːˈtʊə; French kutyr)   n     a high-fashion designing and dressmaking   b (as modifier): couture clothes [from French: sewing, dressmaking, from Old French cousture seam, from Latin consuere to stitch together, from suere to sew]

■ couturier (kuːˈtʊərIˌeI; French kutyrje)   n   a person who designs, makes, and sells fashion clothes for women [from French: dressmaker; see COUTURE]   > couturière (kuːˌtuːrIˈɛə; French kutyrjɛr) fem n

couvade (kuːˈvɑːd; French kuvad)   n   anthropol a custom in certain cultures of treating the husband of a woman giving birth as if he were bearing the child [C19: from French, from couver to hatch, from Latin cubāre to lie down]

■ couvade syndrome   n   a psychosomatic condition in which the spouse or partner of a pregnant woman experiences symptoms of childbirth or pregnancy [C20: see COUVADE]

couvert (kʊˈvɛə)   n   another word for cover (sense 32) [C18: from French]

couzin (ˈkʌzən)   n   South African a friend

COV   abbreviation for   1 statistics covariance   2 genetics crossover value

covalency (kəʊˈveIlənsI) or US covalence   n   1 the formation and nature of covalent bonds   2 the number of covalent bonds that a particular atom can make with other atoms in forming a molecule   > coˈvalent adj   > coˈvalently adv

■ covalent bond   n   a type of chemical bond involving the sharing of electrons between atoms in a molecule, esp the sharing of a pair of electrons by two adjacent atoms

covariant (ˈkəʊˌvɛərIənt) maths   n   1 a variant that changes leaving interrelations with another variant (or variants) unchanged   ▷ adj   2 changing in such a way that interrelations with another variant (or variants) remain unchanged

■ covariance (kəʊˈvɛərIəns)   n   statistics a measure of the association between two random variables, equal to the expected value of the product of the deviations from the mean of the two variables, and estimated by the sum of products of deviations from the sample mean for associated values of the two variables, divided by the number of sample points. Written as Cov (X, Y)

covariate (ˈkəʊˌvɛərIIt)   n   a statistical variable that changes in a predictable way and can be used to predict the outcome of a study

■ covariation (ˌkəʊvɛərIˈeIʃən)   n   a correlated variation

covary (ˌkəʊˈvɛərI)   vb (intr)   statistics to vary in correlation with another related variant

cove^1 (kəʊv)   n   1 a small bay or inlet, usually between rocky headlands   2 a narrow cavern formed in the sides of cliffs, mountains, etc, usually by erosion   3 a sheltered place   4 Also called: coving architect a concave curved surface between the wall and ceiling of a room   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to form an architectural cove in [Old English cofa; related to Old Norse kofi, Old High German kubisi tent]

■ covelet (ˈkəʊvlIt)   n   a small cove

■ cove stripe   n   nautical a decorative stripe painted along the sheer strake of a vessel, esp of a sailing boat

cove^2 (kəʊv)   n   1 old-fashioned, slang, Brit and Austral a fellow; chap   2 Austral history an overseer of convict labourers [C16: probably from Romany kova thing, person]

covellite (kəʊˈvɛlaIt, ˈkəʊvəˌlaIt)   n   an indigo-blue copper sulphide ore, often referred to as blue copper or indigo copper

coven (ˈkʌvən)   n   1 a meeting of witches   2 a company of 13 witches [C16: probably from Old French covin group, ultimately from Latin convenīre to come together; compare CONVENT]

covenant (ˈkʌvənənt)   n   1 a binding agreement; contract   2 law   a an agreement in writing under seal, as to pay a stated annual sum to a charity   b a particular clause in such an agreement, esp in a lease   3 (in early English law) an action in which damages were sought for breach of a sealed agreement   4 Bible God's promise to the Israelites and their commitment to worship him alone   ▷ vb   5 to agree to a covenant (concerning) [C13: from Old French, from covenir to agree, from Latin convenīre to come together, make an agreement; see CONVENE]   > covenantal (ˌkʌvəˈnæntəl) adj   > ˌcoveˈnantally adv

■ Covenant (ˈkʌvənənt)   n   Scot history any of the bonds entered into by Scottish Presbyterians to defend their religion, esp one in 1638 (National Covenant) and one of 1643 (Solemn League and Covenant)

■ covenantee (ˌkʌvənənˈtiː)   n   the person to whom the promise in a covenant is made

■ Covenanter (ˈkʌvənəntə, ˌkʌvəˈnæntə)   n   a person upholding the National Covenant of 1638 or the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643 between Scotland and England to establish and defend Presbyterianism

■ covenantor or covenanter (ˈkʌvənəntə)   n   a party who makes a promise and who is to perform the obligation expressed in a covenant

Covent Garden (ˈkʌvənt, ˈkɒv-)   n   1 a district of central London: famous for its former fruit, vegetable, and flower market, now a shopping precinct   2 the Royal Opera House (built 1858) in Covent Garden

Coventry (ˈkɒvəntrI)   n   1 a city in central England, in Coventry unitary authority, West Midlands: devastated in World War II; modern cathedral (1954–62); industrial centre, esp for motor vehicles; two universities (1965, 1992). Pop: 303 475 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in central England, in West Midlands. Pop: 305 000 (2003 est). Area: 97 sq km (37 sq miles)   3 send to Coventry to ostracize or ignore

cover (ˈkʌvə)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to place or spread something over so as to protect or conceal   2 to provide with a covering; clothe   3 to put a garment, esp a hat, on (the body or head)   4 to extend over or lie thickly on the surface of; spread: snow covered the fields   5 to bring upon (oneself); invest (oneself) as if with a covering: covered with shame   6 (sometimes foll by up) to act as a screen or concealment for; hide from view   7 military to protect (an individual, formation, or place) by taking up a position from which fire may be returned if those being protected are fired upon   8 (also intr,; often foll by for) to assume responsibility for (a person or thing): to cover for a colleague in his absence   9 (intr; foll by for or up for) to provide an alibi (for)   10 to have as one's territory: this sales team covers the north   11 to travel over: to cover three miles a day   12 (tr) to have or place in the aim and within the range of (a firearm)   13 to include or deal with: his talk covered all aspects of the subject   14 (of an asset or income) to be sufficient to meet (a liability or expense)   15    a to insure against loss, risk, etc   b to provide for (loss, risk, etc) by insurance   16 (also intr) finance to purchase (securities, etc) in order to meet contracts, esp short sales   17 to deposit (an equivalent stake) in a bet or wager   18 (also intr) to play a card higher in rank than (one played beforehand by another player)   19 to act as reporter or photographer on (a news event, etc) for a newspaper or magazine: to cover sports events   20 sport to guard or protect (an opponent, team-mate, or area)   21 music to record a cover version of   22 (of a male animal, esp a horse) to copulate with (a female animal)   23 (of a bird) to brood (eggs)   ▷ n   24 anything that covers, spreads over, protects, or conceals   25 woods or bushes providing shelter or a habitat for wild creatures   26    a a blanket used on a bed for warmth   b another word for bedspread   27 finance liquid assets, reserves, or guaranteed income sufficient to discharge a liability, meet an expenditure, etc   28 a pretext, disguise, or false identity: they used the business as a cover for a smuggling operation   29 insurance another word for coverage (sense 3)   30 an envelope or package for sending through the post: under plain cover   31 on cover philately   a an entire envelope that has been postmarked   b (of a postage stamp) kept in this form by collectors   32 an individual table setting, esp in a restaurant   33 sport the guarding or protection of an opponent, team-mate, or area   34 Also called: cover version a version by a different artist of a previously recorded musical item   35 cricket   a (often plural) the area more or less at right angles to the pitch on the off side and usually about halfway to the boundary: to field in the covers   b (as modifier): a cover drive by a batsman   c Also called: cover point a fielder in such a position   36 ecology the percentage of the ground surface covered by a given species of plant   37 break cover (esp of game animals) to come out from a shelter or hiding place   38 take cover to make for a place of safety or shelter   39 under cover protected, concealed, or in secret: under cover of night [C13: from Old French covrir, from Latin cooperīre to cover completely, from operīre to cover over]   > ˈcoverable adj   > ˈcoverer n   > ˈcoverless adj

■ coverage (ˈkʌvərIdʒ)   n   1 the amount or extent to which something is covered   2 journalism the amount and quality of reporting or analysis given to a particular subject or event   3 the extent of the protection provided by insurance   4 finance   a the value of liquid assets reserved to meet liabilities   b the ratio of liquid assets to specific liabilities   c the ratio of total net profit to distributed profit in a company   5 the section of the public reached by a medium of communication

■ coverall (ˈkʌvərˌɔːl)   n   1 a thing that covers something entirely   2 (usually plural) protective outer garments for the body

■ coveralled (ˈkʌvərˌɔːld)   adj   wearing coveralls

■ cover bidding or cover pricing   n   the act of tendering an artificially high price for a contract, on the assumption that the tender will not be accepted

■ cover charge   n   a sum of money charged in a restaurant for each individual customer in addition to the cost of food and drink

■ cover crop   n   a crop planted between main crops to prevent leaching or soil erosion or to provide green manure

■ -covered   adj   (in combination) covered with a specified substance: chocolate-covered

■ covered wagon   n   US and Canadian a large wagon with an arched canvas top, used formerly for prairie travel

■ cover girl   n   a woman, esp a glamorous one, whose picture appears on the cover of a newspaper or magazine

■ cover glass   n   a thin square of mounted glass used to protect a photographic slide

■ covering (ˈkʌvərIŋ)   n   another word for cover (sense 24)

■ covering fire   n   military firing intended to protect an individual or formation making a movement by forcing the enemy to take cover

■ covering letter   n   an accompanying letter sent as an explanation, introduction, or record

■ coverlet (ˈkʌvəlIt)   n   another word for bedspread

■ covermount (ˈkʌvəˌmaʊnt) marketing   n   1 an item attached to the front of a magazine as a gift   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to attach (an item) to the front of a magazine as a gift

■ cover-mounted   adj   attached as a gift to the front of a magazine

■ cover note   n   Brit a certificate issued by an insurance company stating that a policy is operative: used as a temporary measure between the commencement of cover and the issue of the policy

■ cover point   n   cricket   a a fielding position in the covers   b a fielder in this position

■ cover-shoulder   n   a type of blouse worn in Ghana

■ coverslip (ˈkʌvəˌslIp)   n   a very thin piece of glass placed over a specimen on a glass slide that is to be examined under a microscope

■ cover-up   n   1 concealment or attempted concealment of a mistake, crime, etc   ▷ vb cover up (adverb)   2 (tr) to cover completely   3 (when intr, often foll by for) to attempt to conceal (a mistake or crime): she tried to cover up for her friend   4 (intr) boxing to defend the body and head with the arms

■ cover version   n   another name for cover (sense 34)

Coverdale (ˈkʌvəˌdeIl)   n   Miles. 1488–1568, the first translator of the complete Bible into English (1535)

Coverley (ˈkʌvəlI)   n   See Sir Roger de Coverley

covers (ˈkəʊvɜːs)   abbreviation for   coversed sine

coversed sine (ˈkəʊvɜːst) or coversine (ˈkəʊvɜːˌsaIn)   n obsolete   a trigonometric function equal to one minus the sine of the specified angle. Abbreviation: covers

covert (ˈkʌvət)   adj   1 concealed or secret: covert jealousy   2 law Compare feme covert, discovert   ▷ n   3 a shelter or disguise   4 a thicket or woodland providing shelter for game   5 short for covert cloth   6 ornithol any of the small feathers on the wings and tail of a bird that surround the bases of the larger feathers   7 a flock of coots [C14: from Old French: covered, from covrir to COVER]   > ˈcovertly adv   > ˈcovertness n

■ covert cloth   n   a twill-weave cotton or worsted suiting fabric. Sometimes shortened to: covert

■ covert coat   n   Brit a short topcoat worn for hunting

■ coverture (ˈkʌvətʃə)   n   1 law the condition or status of a married woman considered as being under the protection and influence of her husband   2 rare shelter, concealment, or disguise [C13: from Old French, from covert covered; see COVERT]

covet (ˈkʌvIt)   vb -vets, -veting, -veted (tr)   to wish, long, or crave for (something, esp the property of another person) [C13: from Old French coveitier, from coveitié eager desire, ultimately from Latin cupiditās CUPIDITY]   > ˈcovetable adj   > ˈcoveter n

■ coveted (ˈkʌvItId)   adj   sought-after

■ covetingly (ˈkʌvItIŋlI)   adv   in a covetous manner

■ covetise (ˈkʌvIˌtaIz)   n   an obsolete term for covetousness

■ covetous (ˈkʌvItəs)   adj   (usually postpositive; and foll by of) jealously eager for the possession of something (esp the property of another person)   > ˈcovetously adv   > ˈcovetousness or covetiveness (ˈkʌvItIvnəs) n

covey (ˈkʌvI)   n   1 a small flock of grouse or partridge   2 a small group, as of people [C14: from Old French covee, from cover to sit on, hatch; see COUVADE]

Covilhã (Portuguese kuviˈʎɑ̃)   n   Pero da (ˈpeːrʊ da). ?1460–?1526, Portuguese explorer, who established relations between Portugal and Ethiopia

covin (ˈkʌvIn)   n   law a conspiracy between two or more persons to act to the detriment or injury of another [C14: from Old French; see COVEN, CONVENE]

■ covinous (ˈkʌvInəs)   adj   obsolete deceitful; fraudulent; collusive

cow^1 (kaʊ)   n   1 the mature female of any species of cattle, esp domesticated cattle   2 the mature female of various other mammals, such as the elephant, whale, and seal   3 (not in technical use) any domestic species of cattle   4 informal, offensive a disagreeable woman   5 Austral and NZ slang something objectionable (esp in the phrase a fair cow)   6 till the cows come home informal for a very long time; effectively for ever [Old English cū; related to Old Norse kӯr, Old High German kuo, Latin bōs, Greek boūs, Sanskrit gāŭs]

■ cow bail   n   See bail^3 (sense 3)

■ cowbane (ˈkaʊˌbeIn)   n   1 Also called: water hemlock any of several N temperate poisonous umbelliferous marsh plants of the genus Cicuta, esp C. virosa, having clusters of small white flowers   2 a similar and related plant, Oxypolis rigidior of the southeastern and central US   3 any umbelliferous plant reputed to be poisonous to cattle

■ cowbell (ˈkaʊˌbɛl)   n   1 a bell hung around a cow's neck so that the cow can be easily located   2 a metal percussion instrument usually mounted on the bass drum or held in the hand and struck with a drumstick   3 US another name for bladder campion

■ cowberry (ˈkaʊbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 a creeping ericaceous evergreen shrub, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, of N temperate and arctic regions, with pink or red flowers and edible slightly acid berries   2 the berry of this plant   ▶ Also called: red whortleberry

■ cowbind (ˈkaʊˌbaInd)   n   any of various bryony plants, esp the white bryony

■ cowbird (ˈkaʊˌbɜːd)   n   any of various American orioles of the genera Molothrus, Tangavius, etc, esp M. ater (common or brown-headed cowbird). They have a dark plumage and short bill

■ cowboy (ˈkaʊˌbɔI)   n   1 Also called: cowhand a hired man who herds and tends cattle, usually on horseback, esp in the western US   2 a conventional character of Wild West folklore, films, etc   3 informal   a a person who is an irresponsible or unscrupulous operator in business   b (as modifier): cowboy contractors; cowboy shop steward   4 Austral a man or boy who tends cattle

■ cowboy up   vb   (intr, adverb) US informal to adopt a tough approach or course of action

■ cowcatcher (ˈkaʊˌkætʃə)   n   US and Canadian a metal frame on the front of a locomotive to clear the track of animals or other obstructions

■ cow cocky   n, pl cow cockies   Austral and NZ a dairy farmer who works alone

■ cowfeeder (ˈkaʊˌfiːdə)   n   1 a tenant of a small dairy farm   2 a dairy farm assistant

■ cowfish (ˈkaʊˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 any trunkfish, such as Lactophrys quadricornis, having hornlike spines over the eyes   2 (loosely) any of various large aquatic animals, such as a sea cow

■ cowflop (ˈkaʊˌflɒp) or cowflap (ˈkaʊˌflæp)   n   Southwest English dialect a foxglove

■ cowgirl (ˈkaʊˌɡɜːl)   n   a hired woman who herds and tends cattle, usually on horseback, esp in the western US

■ cowgrass (ˈkaʊˌɡrɑːs)   n   the common name for Trefolium medium, a species of Trefoil; also applied to the commonly cultivated form of red clover

■ cowheel (ˈkaʊˌhiːl)   n   the heel of an ox or cow stewed to make a jelly

■ cowherb (ˈkaʊˌhɜːb)   n   a European caryophyllaceous plant, Saponaria vaccaria, having clusters of pink flowers: a weed in the US. See also soapwort

■ cowherd (ˈkaʊˌhɜːd)   n   a person employed to tend cattle

■ cowhide (ˈkaʊˌhaId)   n   1 the hide of a cow   2 the leather made from such a hide   ▶ Also called: cowskin

■ cowhouse (ˈkaʊˌhaʊs)   n   a shelter for cows; a byre or cowshed

■ cowlick (ˈkaʊˌlIk)   n   a tuft of hair over the forehead

■ cowman (ˈkaʊmən)   n, pl -men   1 Brit another name for cowherd   2 US and Canadian a man who owns cattle; rancher

■ cow parsley   n   a common Eurasian umbelliferous hedgerow plant, Anthriscus sylvestris, having umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers. Also called: keck, Queen Anne's lace

■ cow parsnip   n   any tall coarse umbelliferous plant of the genus Heracleum, such as H. sphondylium of Europe and Asia, having thick stems and flattened clusters of white or purple flowers. Also called: hogweed, keck

■ cowpat (ˈkaʊˌpæt)   n   a single dropping of cow dung

■ cowpea (ˈkaʊˌpiː)   n   1 a leguminous tropical climbing plant, Vigna sinensis, producing long pods containing edible pealike seeds: grown for animal fodder and sometimes as human food   2 Also called: black-eyed pea the seed of this plant

■ cowpie (ˌkaʊˈpaI)   n   US dialect a cowpat

■ cow pillow   n   (in India) a large cylindrical pillow stuffed with cotton and used for reclining rather than sleeping

■ cowplop (ˈkaʊˌplɒp)   n   informal a piece of cow dung; a cowpat

■ cow pony   n   a horse used by cowboys when herding

■ cowpox (ˈkaʊˌpɒks)   n   a contagious viral disease of cows characterized by vesicles on the skin, esp on the teats and udder. Inoculation of humans with this virus provides temporary immunity to smallpox. It can be transmitted to other species, esp cats

■ cowpuncher (ˈkaʊˌpʌntʃə) or cowpoke (ˈkaʊˌpəʊk)   n   US and Canadian informal words for cowboy

■ cow shark   n   any large primitive shark, esp Hexanchus griseum, of the family Hexanchidae of warm and temperate waters. Also called: six-gilled shark

■ cowshed (ˈkaʊʃɛd)   n   a shed in which cattle are kept or milked

■ cowskin (ˈkaʊˌskIn)   n   another word for cowhide

■ cowslip (ˈkaʊˌslIp)   n   1 Also called: paigle a primrose, Primula veris, native to temperate regions of the Old World, having fragrant yellow flowers   2 US and Canadian another name for marsh marigold [Old English cūslyppe; see COW^1, SLIP^3]

■ cow-spanker   n   NZ informal a dairy farmer

■ cowtown (ˈkaʊtaʊn)   n   US a small town in a cattle-raising area

■ cowtree (ˈkaʊˌtriː)   n   a South American moraceous tree, Brosimum galactodendron, producing latex used as a substitute for milk

■ cowy (ˈkaʊI)   adj cowier, cowiest   of or resembling the nature of a cow; bovine

■ cowish (ˈkaʊIʃ)   adj   timorous; having the nature of a cow

cow^2 (kaʊ)   vb   (tr) to frighten or overawe, as with threats [C17: from Old Norse kūga to oppress, related to Norwegian kue, Swedish kuva]

■ cowed (kaʊd)   adj   intimidated; frightened

■ cowedly (ˈkaʊdlI)   adv   in a cowed or frightened manner

cowage or cowhage (ˈkaʊIdʒ)   n   1 a tropical climbing leguminous plant, Stizolobium (or Mucuna) pruriens, whose bristly pods cause severe itching and stinging   2 the pods of this plant or the stinging hairs covering them [C17: from Hindi kavāch, of obscure origin]

cowal (ˈkaʊəl)   n   Austral a shallow lake or swampy depression supporting vegetation [from a native Australian language]

cowan (ˈkaʊən)   n   1 a person who makes dry-stone walls   2 freemasonry a person who has not been initiated in the secrets of the Freemasons

coward (ˈkaʊəd)   n   a person who shrinks from or avoids danger, pain, or difficulty [C13: from Old French cuard, from coue tail, from Latin cauda; perhaps suggestive of a frightened animal with its tail between its legs]

■ cowardice (ˈkaʊədIs)   n   lack of courage in facing danger, pain, or difficulty

■ cowardly (ˈkaʊədlI)   adj   of or characteristic of a coward; lacking courage   > ˈcowardliness n

■ coward punch chiefly Austral informal   n   a sudden surprise punch

■ cowardry (ˈkaʊədrI) or cowardship (ˈkaʊədˌʃIp)   n   obsolete words for cowardice

Coward (ˈkaʊəd)   n   Sir Noël (Pierce). 1899–1973, English dramatist, actor, and composer, noted for his sophisticated comedies, which include Private Lives (1930) and Blithe Spirit (1941)

Cowdrey (ˈkaʊdrI)   n   (Michael) Colin, Baron. 1932–2000, English cricketer. He played for Kent and in 114 Test matches (captaining England 27 times)

Cowell (ˈkaʊəl)   n   Simon. born 1959, British manager of pop groups and TV personality, best known as an outspoken judge on the TV talent contests Pop Idol (2001–04), The X Factor (from 2004), and Britain's Got Talent (from 2007)

cower (ˈkaʊə)   vb   (intr) to crouch or cringe, as in fear [C13: from Middle Low German kūren to lie in wait; related to Swedish kura to lie in wait, Danish kure to squat]

■ coweringly (ˈkaʊərIŋlI)   adv   in a cowering manner

Cowes (kaʊz)   n   a town in S England, on the Isle of Wight: famous for its annual regatta. Pop: 19 110 (2001)

cowfeteria (ˌkaʊfIˈtIərIə)   n   NZ informal a calf feeder with multiple teats [C20: from a blend of cow and cafeteria]

Cow Gum   n   trademark a colourless adhesive based on a natural rubber solution

Cowichan sweater (ˈkaʊItʃən)   n   Canadian a heavy sweater of grey, unbleached wool with distinctive designs that were originally black-and-white but are now sometimes coloured: knitted originally by the Cowichan people of British Columbia. Also called: Cowichan Indian sweater, siwash, siwash sweater

cowinner (ˌkəʊˈwInə)   n   one of a number of winners

cowish (ˈkaʊIʃ)   n   the common name for Peucedanum Cous, an umbelliferous plant with an edible tuberous root found in North America

cowitch (ˈkaʊItʃ)   n   a variant spelling of cowage [C17: alteration of COWAGE by folk etymology]

cowk (kaʊk)   vb   (intr) Northeast Scot dialect to retch or feel nauseated [of obscure origin]

cowl (kaʊl)   n   1 a hood, esp a loose one   2 the hooded habit of a monk   3 a cover fitted to a chimney to increase ventilation and prevent draughts   4 the part of a car body that supports the windscreen and the bonnet   5 aeronautics another word for cowling   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to cover or provide with a cowl   7 to make a monk of [Old English cugele, from Late Latin cuculla cowl, from Latin cucullus covering, cap, hood]

■ cowled (kaʊld)   adj   wearing a cowl

■ cowling (ˈkaʊlIŋ)   n   a streamlined metal covering, esp one fitted around an aircraft engine. Also called: cowl. Compare fairing

■ cowl neckline   n   a neckline of women's clothes loosely folded over and sometimes resembling a folded hood

Cowley (ˈkaʊlI)   n   Abraham. 1618–67, English poet and essayist, who introduced the Pindaric ode to English literature

cowlstaff (ˈkaʊlˌstɑːf)   n   archaic a staff or pole used by two people to carry a vessel, sometimes used as a weapon

co-worker   n   a fellow worker; associate

Cowper (ˈkuːpə, ˈkaʊ-)   n   William. 1731–1800, English poet, noted for his nature poetry, such as in The Task (1785), and his hymns

Cowper's glands (ˈkuːpəz)   pl n   two small yellowish glands near the prostate that secrete a mucous substance into the urethra during sexual stimulation. Compare Bartholin's glands [C18: named after William Cowper (1666–1709), English anatomist who discovered them]

cowrie or cowry (ˈkaʊrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any marine gastropod mollusc of the mostly tropical family Cypraeidae, having a glossy brightly marked shell with an elongated opening   2 the shell of any of these molluscs, esp the shell of Cypraea moneta (money cowry), used as money in parts of Africa and S Asia [C17: from Hindi kaurī, from Sanskrit kaparda, of Dravidian origin; related to Tamil kōtu shell]

cowrite (ˈkəʊˌraIt)   vb -writes, -writing, -wrote, -written (tr)   to write (something) in collaboration with another writer

■ cowriter (ˈkəʊˌraItə)   n   a writer who works in collaboration with another writer

cox (kɒks)   n   1 a coxswain, esp of a racing eight or four   ▷ vb   2 to act as coxswain of (a boat)   > ˈcoxless adj

■ coxswain (ˈkɒksən, -ˌsweIn)   n   the helmsman of a lifeboat, racing shell, etc. Also called: cockswain [C15: from cock a ship's boat + SWAIN]

Cox (kɒks)   n   1  Brian (Edward). born 1968, English physicist, educator, and broadcaster; noted esp for his TV programmes on physics and astronomy   2  David. 1783–1859, English landscape painter

coxa (ˈkɒksə)   n, pl coxae (ˈkɒksiː)   1 a technical name for the hipbone or hip joint   2 the basal segment of the leg of an insect [C18: from Latin: hip]   > ˈcoxal adj

■ coxalgia (kɒkˈsældʒIə)   n   1 pain in the hip joint   2 disease of the hip joint causing pain [C19: from COXA + -ALGIA]   > coxˈalgic adj

coxcomb (ˈkɒksˌkəʊm)   n   1 a variant spelling of cockscomb   2 archaic a foppish man   3 obsolete the cap, resembling a cock's comb, worn by a jester

■ coxcombical (ˌkɒksˈkəʊmIkəl), coxcombic (ˌkɒksˈkəʊmIk) or coxcomical (ˌkɒksˈkəʊmIkəl)   adj   1 of or resembling the characteristic nature of a coxcomb   2 conceited; foppish

■ coxcombicality (ˌkɒkskəʊmIˈkælItI)   n   the quality of being coxcombical

■ coxcombically (ˌkɒksˈkəʊmIkəlI)   adv   in a coxcombical manner

■ coxcombry (ˈkɒksˌkəʊmrI)   n, pl -ries   conceited arrogance or foppishness

coxib (ˈkɒksIb)   n   an anti-inflammatory drug

coxitis (ˌkɒksˈaItIs)   n   pathol an inflammation of the hip joint

Coxsackie virus (kʊkˈsɑːkI)   n   any of various viruses that occur in the intestinal tract of humans and cause diseases, some of which resemble poliomyelitis [C20: after Coxsackie, a town in New York state, where the virus was first found]

Cox's Orange Pippin (ˈkɒksIz)   n   a variety of eating apple with sweet flesh and a red-tinged green skin. Often shortened to: Cox [C19: named after R. Cox, its English propagator]

coxy (ˈkɒksI)   adj coxier, coxiest   informal cocky; impudent; arrogant

■ coxiness (ˈkɒksInəs)   n   the quality of being coxy

coy (kɔI)   adj   1 (usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner   2 shy; modest   3 evasive, esp in an annoying way [C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus QUIET]   > ˈcoyish adj   > ˈcoyishly adv   > ˈcoyishness n   > ˈcoyly adv   > ˈcoyness n

Coy. military   abbreviation for   company

coydog (ˈkɔIˌdɒɡ)   n   the hybrid of a male coyote and a female dog

coyote (ˈkɔIəʊt, kɔIˈəʊt, kɔIˈəʊtI)   n, pl -otes or -ote   1 Also called: prairie wolf a predatory canine mammal, Canis latrans, related to but smaller than the wolf, roaming the deserts and prairies of North America   2 (in Native American legends of the West) a trickster and culture hero represented as a man or as an animal [C19: from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyotl]

coyotillo (ˌkəʊjəʊˈtiːljəʊ)   n, pl -los   a thorny poisonous rhamnaceous shrub, Karwinskia humboldtiana of Mexico and the southwestern US, the berries of which cause paralysis [Mexican Spanish, literally: a little COYOTE]

Coypel (French kwapɛl)   n   Antoine. 1661–1722, French baroque painter, noted esp for his large biblical compositions

coypu (ˈkɔIpuː)   n, pl -pus or -pu   1 an aquatic South American hystricomorph rodent, Myocastor coypus, introduced into Europe: family Capromyidae. It resembles a small beaver with a ratlike tail and is bred in captivity for its soft grey underfur   2 the fur of this animal   ▶ Also called: nutria [C18: from American Spanish coipú, from Araucanian kóypu]

coz (kʌz)   n   an archaic word and form of address for cousin

coze (kəʊz)   n   1 an intimate friendly chat   2 a state of comfort and warmth   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to chat in an intimate and friendly manner

cozen (ˈkʌzən)   vb   to cheat or trick (someone) [C16: cant term perhaps related to COUSIN]   > ˈcozenage n   > ˈcozener n

cozey (ˈkəʊzI)   n   1 a tea cosy   2 an intimate friendly chat

cozier (ˈkəʊzIə)   n   obsolete a cobbler

cozy (ˈkəʊzI)   adj -zier, -ziestn, pl -zies   the usual US spelling of cosy   > ˈcozily adv   > ˈcoziness n

cozzie (ˈkɒzI)   n   Brit and Austral informal another name for cossie

cp   abbreviation for   1 candlepower   2 chemically pure

CP   abbreviation for   1 Canadian Press   2 military Command Post   3 Common Prayer   4 Communist Party   5 (formerly in Britain) Community Programme   6 Court of Probate

cp.   abbreviation for   compare

CPA   abbreviation for (in the US)   certified public accountant

CPAG   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Child Poverty Action Group

cpd zoology, botany, chem   abbreviation for   compound

CPD   abbreviation for   continuing professional development

cpi   abbreviation for   characters per inch

CPI   abbreviation for   consumer price index

Cpl   abbreviation for   Corporal

CP/M   n   an operating system widely used on microcomputers to enable a wide range of software from many suppliers to be run on them

CPO   abbreviation for   Chief Petty Officer

CPR   abbreviation for   cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPRE   abbreviation for   Campaign to Protect Rural England

cps   abbreviation for   1 physics cycles per second   2 computing characters per second

CPS   abbreviation for (in England and Wales)   Crown Prosecution Service

CPSA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Civil and Public Services Association

CPSU   abbreviation for   (formerly) Communist Party of the Soviet Union

CPU computing   abbreviation for   central processing unit

CPVE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Certificate of Pre-vocational Education: a certificate awarded for completion of a broad-based course of study offered as a less advanced alternative to traditional school-leaving qualifications

CQ   n   1 telegraphy, telephony a symbol transmitted by an amateur radio operator requesting two-way communication with any other amateur radio operator listening   ▷ abbreviation for   2 military charge of quarters

CQB military   abbreviation for   close-quarter battle

CQSW   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Certificate of Qualification in Social Work

cr   the internet domain name for   Costa Rica

Cr   abbreviation for   1 Councillor   ▷ the chemical symbol for   2 chromium

CR   abbreviation for   1 Community of the Resurrection   2 Costa Rica   3 Costa Rica (international car registration)

cr.   abbreviation for   1 credit   2 creditor

craal (krɑːl)   n, vb (tr)   another word for kraal

crab^1 (kræb)   n   1 any chiefly marine decapod crustacean of the genus Cancer and related genera (section Brachyura), having a broad flattened carapace covering the cephalothorax, beneath which is folded the abdomen. The first pair of limbs are modified as pincers. See also fiddler crab, soft-shell crab, pea crab, oyster crab. Related adjective: cancroid   2 any of various similar or related arthropods, such as the hermit crab and horseshoe crab   3 short for crab louse   4 a manoeuvre in which an aircraft flies slightly into the crosswind to compensate for drift   5 a mechanical lifting device, esp the travelling hoist of a gantry crane   6 wrestling See Boston crab   7 catch a crab rowing to make a stroke in which the oar either misses the water or digs too deeply, causing the rower to fall backwards   ▷ vb crabs, crabbing, crabbed   8 (intr) to hunt or catch crabs   9 (tr) to fly (an aircraft) slightly into a crosswind to compensate for drift   10 (intr) nautical to move forwards with a slight sideways motion, as to overcome an offsetting current   11 (intr) to move sideways [Old English crabba; related to Old Norse krabbi, Old High German krebiz crab, Dutch krabben to scratch]

■ Crab (kræb)   n   the Crab the constellation Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac

■ crabber (ˈkræbə)   n   1 a crab fisherman   2 a boat used for crab-fishing

■ crab canon   n   music a canon in which the imitating voice repeats the notes of the theme in reverse order. Also called: retrograde canon, canon cancrizans [from the mistaken medieval notion that crabs move backwards]

■ crabeater (ˈkræbˌiːtə)   n   the most common species of seal, Lobodon carcinophagus, characterized by a long snout and slender body

■ crab grass or crabgrass (ˈkræbˌɡrɑːs)   n   any of several coarse weedy grasses of the genus Digitaria, which grow in warm regions and tend to displace other grasses in lawns

■ crablike (ˈkræbˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a crab, esp in movement

■ crab louse   n   a parasitic louse, Pthirus (or Phthirus) pubis, that infests the pubic region in humans

■ crabmeat or crab meat (ˈkræbmiːt)   n   the flesh of a crab

■ Crab Nebula   n   the expanding remnant of the supernova observed in 1054 AD, lying in the constellation Taurus at an approximate distance of 6500 light years

■ crabs (kræbz)   n   (sometimes functioning as singular) the lowest throw in a game of chance, esp two aces in dice [plural of CRAB^1]

■ crabstick (ˈkræbˌstIk)   n   1 a stick, cane, or cudgel made of crab-apple wood   2 informal a bad-tempered person

■ crabwise (ˈkræbˌwaIz)   adj, adv   (of motion) sideways; like a crab

crab^2 (kræb) informal   vb crabs, crabbing, crabbed   1 (intr) to find fault; grumble   2 (tr) chiefly US to spoil (esp in the phrase crab someone's act)   ▷ n   3 an irritable person   4 draw the crabs Austral to attract unwelcome attention [C16: probably back formation from CRABBED]

■ crabbed (ˈkræbId)   adj   1 surly; irritable; perverse   2 (esp of handwriting) cramped and hard to decipher [C13: probably from CRAB^1 (from its wayward gait), influenced by CRAB(APPLE) (from its tartness)]   > ˈcrabbedly adv   > ˈcrabbedness n

crab^3 (kræb)   n   short for crab apple [C15: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish skrabbe crab apple]

■ crab apple or crabapple (ˈkræbˌæpəl)   n   1 any of several rosaceous trees of the genus Malus that have white, pink, or red flowers and small sour apple-like fruits   2 the fruit of any of these trees, used to make jam

■ crabwood (ˈkræbˌwʊd)   n   1 a tropical American meliaceous tree, Carapa guianensis   2 the wood of this tree, used for construction

Crabbe (kræb)   n   George. 1754–1832, English narrative poet, noted for his depiction of impoverished rural life in The Village (1783) and The Borough (1810)

crabbit (ˈkræbIt)   adj Scot   bad-tempered

crabby (ˈkræbI)   adj -bier, -biest   bad-tempered

■ crabbily (ˈkræbIlI)   adv   in a crabby manner

■ crabbiness (ˈkræbInəs)   n   the state of being crabby

CRAC (kræk)   n   a charitable organization supporting career-related learning [acronym of C(areers) R(esearch) and A(dvisory) C(entre), its original name]

crachach (ˈkræxɑːx)   pl n   (in Wales) members of a cultural elite

crack (kræk)   vb   1 to break or cause to break without complete separation of the parts: the vase was cracked but unbroken   2 to break or cause to break with a sudden sharp sound; snap: to crack a nut   3 to make or cause to make a sudden sharp sound: to crack a whip   4 to cause (the voice) to change tone or become harsh or (of the voice) to change tone, esp to a higher register; break   5 informal to fail or cause to fail   6 to yield or cause to yield: to crack under pressure   7 (tr) to hit with a forceful or resounding blow   8 (tr) to break into or force open: to crack a safe   9 (tr) to solve or decipher (a code, problem, etc)   10 (tr) informal to tell (a joke, etc)   11 to break (a molecule) into smaller molecules or radicals by the action of heat, as in the distillation of petroleum   12 (tr) to open (esp a bottle) for drinking: let's crack another bottle   13 (intr) Scot and Northern English dialect to chat; gossip   14 (tr) informal to achieve (esp in the phrase crack it)   15 (tr) Austral informal to find or catch: to crack a wave in surfing   16 crack a smile informal to break into a smile   17 crack hardy or crack hearty Austral and NZ informal to disguise one's discomfort, etc; put on a bold front   18 crack the whip informal to assert one's authority, esp to put people under pressure to work harder   ▷ n   19 a sudden sharp noise   20 a break or fracture without complete separation of the two parts: a crack in the window   21 a narrow opening or fissure   22 informal a resounding blow   23 a psychological flaw   24 a moment or specific instant: the crack of day   25 a broken or cracked tone of voice, as a boy's during puberty   26 (often foll by at) informal an attempt; opportunity to try: he had a crack at the problem   27 slang a gibe; wisecrack; joke   28 slang a person that excels   29 Scot and Northern English dialect a talk; chat   30 slang a processed form of cocaine hydrochloride used as a stimulant. It is highly addictive   31 Also: craic informal, chiefly Irish fun; informal entertainment: the crack was great in here last night   32 obsolete, slang a burglar or burglary   33 crack of dawn   a the very instant that the sun rises   b very early in the morning   34 a fair crack of the whip informal a fair chance or opportunity   35 crack of doom doomsday; the end of the world; the Day of Judgment   ▷ adj   36 (prenominal) slang first-class; excellent: a crack shot [Old English cracian; related to Old High German krahhōn, Dutch kraken, Sanskrit gárjati he roars]

■ cracka (ˈkrækə)   n   US offensive a variant spelling of cracker (sense 5)

■ crackajack (ˈkrækəˌdʒæk)   n, adj   a variant spelling of crackerjack

■ crackback (ˈkrækˌbæk)   n   (in American football) an illegal block made by an offensive player

■ crackbrain (ˈkrækˌbreIn)   n   a person who is insane

■ crackbrained (ˈkrækˌbreInd)   adj   insane, idiotic, or crazy

■ crack down   vb (intr, adverb; often foll by on)   1 to take severe measures (against); become stricter (with)   ▷ n crackdown   2 severe or repressive measures

■ cracked (krækt)   adj   1 damaged by cracking   2 informal crazy

■ cracked heels   pl n   another name for scratches

■ cracked wheat   n   whole wheat cracked between rollers so that it will cook more quickly

■ cracker (ˈkrækə)   n   1 a decorated cardboard tube that emits a bang when pulled apart, releasing a toy, a joke, or a paper hat   2 short for firecracker   3 a thin crisp biscuit, usually unsweetened   4 a person or thing that cracks   5 US offensive another word for poor White   6 Brit slang a thing or person of notable qualities or abilities   7 not worth a cracker Austral and NZ informal worthless; useless

■ cracker-barrel   adj   US rural; rustic; homespun: a cracker-barrel philosopher

■ crackerjack or crackajack (ˈkrækəˌdʒæk) informal   adj   1 excellent   ▷ n   2 a person or thing of exceptional quality or ability [C20: changed from CRACK (first-class) + JACK^1 (man)]

■ crackers (ˈkrækəz)   adj   (postpositive) Brit a slang word for insane

■ crackhead (ˈkrækˌhɛd)   n   slang a person addicted to the drug crack

■ cracking (ˈkrækIŋ)   adj   1 (prenominal) informal fast; vigorous (esp in the phrase a cracking pace)   2 get cracking informal to start doing something quickly or do something with increased speed   ▷ adv, adj   3 Brit informal first-class; excellent: a cracking good match   ▷ n   4 the process in which molecules are cracked, esp the oil-refining process in which heavy oils are broken down into hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight by heat or catalysis. See also catalytic cracker

■ crackjaw (ˈkrækˌdʒɔː) informal   adj   1 difficult to pronounce   ▷ n   2 a word or phrase that is difficult to pronounce

■ crack on   vb (intr; often foll by with)   informal to continue to do something as quickly as possible

■ crackpot (ˈkrækˌpɒt) informal   n   1 an eccentric person; crank   ▷ adj   2 (usually prenominal) eccentric; crazy

■ crack up   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to break into pieces   2 (intr) informal to undergo an emotional breakdown   3 (tr) informal to present or report, esp in glowing terms: it's not all it's cracked up to be   4 informal, chiefly US and Canadian to laugh or cause to laugh uproariously or uncontrollably   ▷ n crackup informal   5 an emotional breakdown   6 a collapse   7 US a crash

■ crack willow   n   1 a species of commonly grown willow, Salix fragilis, with branches that snap easily   2 any of various related willows

■ cracky (ˈkrækI)   adj crackier, crackiest   1 full of cracks   2 informal slightly crazy or eccentric   3 Scot dialect chatty; talkative

cracket (ˈkrækIt)   n dialect   1 a low stool, often one with three legs   2 a box for a miner to kneel on when working a low seam [variant of CRICKET^3]

crackle (ˈkrækəl)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a series of slight sharp noises, as of paper being crushed or of a wood fire burning   2 (tr) to decorate (porcelain or pottery) by causing a fine network of cracks to appear in the glaze   3 (intr) to abound in vivacity or energy   ▷ n   4 the act or sound of crackling   5 intentional crazing in the glaze of a piece of porcelain or pottery   6 Also called: crackleware porcelain or pottery so decorated

■ crackling (ˈkræklIŋ)   n   the crisp browned skin of roast pork

■ crackly (ˈkræklI)   adj cracklier, crackliest   1 having a series of slight sharp noises   2 telecomm affected by noises caused by interference

cracknel (ˈkræknəl)   n   1 a type of hard plain biscuit   2 (often plural) US and Canadian crisply fried bits of fat pork [C15: perhaps from Old French craquelin, from Middle Dutch krākelinc, from krāken to CRACK]

cracksman (ˈkræksmən)   n, pl -men   slang a burglar, esp a safe-breaker

cracovienne (krækˌəʊvIˈɛn)   n   a fast dance from the Krakow region of Poland which became popular in Paris during the 19th century

Cracow (ˈkrækaʊ, -əʊ, -ɒf)   n   an industrial city in S Poland, on the River Vistula: former capital of the country (1320–1609); university (1364). Pop: 822 000 (2005 est). Polish name: Kraków. German name: Krakau

cracowe (ˈkrækaʊ)   n   obsolete a boot with a long sharply pointed toe, fashionable in the 14th century

-cracy   n combining form   indicating a type of government or rule: plutocracy; mobocracy. See also -crat [from Greek -kratia, from kratos power]

cradle (ˈkreIdəl)   n   1 a baby's bed with enclosed sides, often with a hood and rockers   2 a place where something originates or is nurtured during its early life: the cradle of civilization   3 the earliest period of life: they knew each other from the cradle   4 a frame, rest, or trolley made to support or transport a piece of equipment, aircraft, ship, etc   5 a platform, cage, or trolley, in which workmen are suspended on the side of a building or ship   6 the part of a telephone on which the handset rests when not in use   7 a holder connected to a computer allowing data to be transferred from a mobile phone, digital camera, etc   8 another name for creeper (sense 5)   9 agriculture   a a framework of several wooden fingers attached to a scythe to gather the grain into bunches as it is cut   b a scythe equipped with such a cradle; cradle scythe   c a collar of wooden fingers that prevents a horse or cow from turning its head and biting itself   10 Also called: rocker a boxlike apparatus for washing rocks, sand, etc, containing gold or gem stones   11 engraving a tool that produces the pitted surface of a copper mezzotint plate before the design is engraved upon it   12 a framework used to prevent the bedclothes from touching a sensitive part of an injured person   13 from the cradle to the grave throughout life   ▷ vb   14 (tr) to rock or place in or as if in a cradle; hold tenderly   15 (tr) to nurture in or bring up from infancy   16 (tr) to replace (the handset of a telephone) on the cradle   17 to reap (grain) with a cradle scythe   18 (tr) to wash (soil bearing gold, etc) in a cradle   19 lacrosse to keep (the ball) in the net of the stick, esp while running with it [Old English cradol; related to Old High German kratto basket]   > ˈcradler n

■ cradle cap   n   a form of seborrhoea of the scalp common in young babies. Technical name: crusta lactea

■ cradle snatcher   n   informal someone who marries or has an affair with a much younger person

■ cradlesong (ˈkreIdəlˌsɒŋ)   n   another word for lullaby

■ cradlewalk (ˈkreIdəlˌwɔːk)   n   a garden walkway covered by arched trees

■ cradling (ˈkreIdlIŋ)   n   architect a framework of iron or wood, esp as used in the construction of a ceiling

craft (krɑːft)   n   1 skill or ability, esp in handiwork   2 skill in deception and trickery; guile; cunning   3 an occupation or trade requiring special skill, esp manual dexterity   4    a the members of such a trade, regarded collectively   b (as modifier): a craft guild   5 a single vessel, aircraft, or spacecraft   6 (functioning as plural) ships, boats, aircraft, or spacecraft collectively   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to make or fashion with skill, esp by hand [Old English cræft skill, strength; related to Old Norse kraptr power, skill, Old High German kraft]

■ craft apprenticeship   n   a period of training for a skilled trade in industry, such as for a plumber or electrician

■ craft beer   n brewing   a specialized beer produced in limited quantities by a small, usually independent brewery

■ -crafted   adj   (in combination) made in the way specified

■ crafter (ˈkrɑːftə)   n   a person who does craftwork

■ craftless (ˈkrɑːftlIs)   adj   1 without craft or cunning   2 unskilled in the arts

■ craftmanship (ˈkrɑːftmənʃIp)   n   another word for craftsmanship

■ craftsman (ˈkrɑːftsmən)   n, pl -men   1 a member of a skilled trade; someone who practises a craft; artisan   2 Also called: (fem) craftswoman an artist skilled in the techniques of an art or craft   > ˈcraftsmanˌlike adj   > ˈcraftsmanly adj   > ˈcraftsmanˌship n

■ craftsperson (ˈkrɑːftspɜːsən)   n, pl craftspeople   an artisan

■ craft union   n   a labour organization membership of which is restricted to workers in a specified trade or craft. Compare industrial union

■ craftwork (ˈkrɑːftˌwɜːk)   pl n   1 works of artistry or craft   2 the practice of a craft

■ crafty (ˈkrɑːftI)   adj craftier, craftiest   1 skilled in deception; shrewd; cunning   2 archaic skilful   > ˈcraftily adv   > ˈcraftiness n

crag (kræɡ)   n   a steep rugged rock or peak [C13: of Celtic origin; related to Old Welsh creik rock]

■ cragfast (ˈkræɡˌfɑːst)   adj   stranded or stuck on a crag

■ craggy (ˈkræɡI) or cragged (ˈkræɡId)   adj -gier, -giest   1 having many crags   2 (of the face) rugged; rocklike   > ˈcraggily adv   > ˈcragginess or ˈcraggedness n

■ cragsman (ˈkræɡzmən)   n, pl -men   a rock climber

Crag^1 (kræɡ)   n   a formation of shelly sandstone in E England, deposited during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs

Crag^2 (kræɡ)   n acronym for   carbon reduction action group or carbon rationing action group: a small association of citizens whose members attempt to reduce their environmental impact and are penalized if they exceed an agreed carbon budget

■ cragger (ˈkræɡə)   n   a member of a carbon reduction action group

craic (kræk)   n   an Irish spelling of crack (sense 31)

craig (kreɡ, kreIɡ)   n   a Scot word for crag

Craig (kreIɡ)   n   Edward Gordon. 1872–1966, English theatrical designer, actor, and director. His nonrealistic scenic design greatly influenced theatre in Europe and the US

Craigavon (ˌkreIɡˈævən)   n   a district in central Northern Ireland, in Co Armagh. Pop: 57 685 (2001). Area: 279 sq km (108 sq miles)

craigfluke (ˈkreIɡˌfluːk)   n   a common name for the grey sole fish Glyptocephalus cynoglossus

Craigie (ˈkreIɡI)   n   Sir William A(lexander). 1867–1957, Scottish lexicographer; joint editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (1901–33), and of A Dictionary of American English on Historical Principles (1938–44)

Craiova (Romanian kraˈjova)   n   a city in SW Romania, on the Jiul River. Pop: 285 000 (2005 est)

crake (kreIk)   n   zoology any of several rails that occur in the Old World, such as the corncrake and the spotted crake [C14: from Old Norse krāka crow or krākr raven, of imitative origin]

■ crakeberry (ˈkreIkˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   another name for crowberry

cram (kræm)   vb crams, cramming, crammed   1 (tr) to force (people, material, etc) into (a room, container, etc) with more than it can hold; stuff   2 to eat or cause to eat more than necessary   3 informal to study or cause to study (facts, etc), esp for an examination, by hastily memorizing   ▷ n   4 the act or condition of cramming   5 a crush [Old English crammian; related to Old Norse kremja to press]

■ cram-full   adj   stuffed full

■ crammable (ˈkræməbəl)   adj   able to be crammed or stuffed full

■ crammed (kræmd)   adj   1 bursting or overflowing   2 crowded

■ crammer (ˈkræmə)   n   a person or school that prepares pupils for an examination, esp pupils who have already failed that examination

■ cramming (ˈkræmIŋ)   n   intensive study, esp in order to pass an exam

Cram (kræm)   n   Steve. born 1960, English middle-distance runner: European 1500 m champion (1981, 1986); world 1500 m champion (1983)

crambe (ˈkræmbeI)   n   any plant of the Crambe genus of the Brassicaceae family native to Europe, eastern Africa, and central and southern Asia

crambo (ˈkræmbəʊ) or cramboclink (ˈkræmbəʊˌklIŋk)   n   a word game in which one team says a rhyme or rhyming line for a word or line given by the other team [C17: from earlier crambe, probably from Latin crambē repetīta cabbage repeated, hence an old story, a rhyming game, from Greek krambē]

crame (kreIm)   n   Scot dialect a merchant's booth or stall at a market

cramoisy or cramoisie (ˈkræmɔIzI, -əzI) archaic   adj   1 of a crimson colour   ▷ n   2 crimson cloth [C15: from Old French cramoisi, from Arabic qirmizī red obtained from kermes; see CRIMSON, KERMES]

cramp^1 (kræmp)   n   1 a painful involuntary contraction of a muscle, typically caused by overexertion, heat, or chill   2 temporary partial paralysis of a muscle group: writer's cramp   3 (usually plural in the US and Canada) severe abdominal pain   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to affect with or as if with a cramp [C14: from Old French crampe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krampho]

■ cramp ball   n   a hard round blackish ascomycetous fungus, Daldinia concentrica, characteristically found on the bark of ash trees and formerly carried to ward off cramp. The specific name refers to the concentric rings revealed if the fungus is sliced

■ crampbark (ˈkræmpˌbɑːk)   n   1 a large deciduous shrub, Viburnum opulus, of the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Europe and eastern parts of North America. Also called: guelder rose, American cranberry   2 the bark of the Viburnum opulus shrub, commonly used in antispasmodic remedies

■ crampfish (ˈkræmpˌfIʃ)   n   a ray of the order Torpediniformes with electric organs on either side of its head. Also called: electric ray, torpedo, numbfish

■ crampy (ˈkræmpI)   adj crampier, crampiest   1 affected with cramp   2 resembling cramp   3 causing cramp

cramp^2 (kræmp)   n   1 Also called: cramp iron a strip of metal with its ends bent at right angles, used to bind masonry   2 a device for holding pieces of wood while they are glued; clamp   3 something that confines or restricts   4 a confined state or position   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to secure or hold with a cramp   6 to confine, hamper, or restrict   7 cramp someone's style informal to prevent a person from using his or her abilities or acting freely and confidently [C15: from Middle Dutch crampe cramp, hook, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German khramph bent; see CRAMP^1]

■ cramped (kræmpt)   adj   1 closed in; restricted   2 (esp of handwriting) small and irregular; difficult to read

■ cramper (ˈkræmpə)   n   curling a spiked metal plate used as a brace for the feet in throwing the stone

crampet (ˈkræmpIt)   n   1 a cramp iron   2 the chape of a scabbard   3 obsolete a type of crampon formerly used by curlers

crampon (ˈkræmpən)   n   1 one of a pair of pivoted steel levers used to lift heavy objects; grappling iron   2 (often plural) one of a pair of frames each with 10 or 12 metal spikes, strapped to boots for climbing or walking on ice or snow   ▷ vb   3 to climb using crampons [C15: from French, from Middle Dutch crampe hook; see CRAMP^2]

■ cramponning (ˈkræmpənIŋ)   n   climbing using crampons

cran (kræn)   n   a unit of capacity used for measuring fresh herring, equal to 37.5 gallons [C18: of uncertain origin]

Cranach (German ˈkraːnax)   n   Lucas (ˈluːkas), known as the Elder, real name Lucas Müller. 1472–1553, German painter, etcher, and designer of woodcuts

cranachan (ˈkrænəxən)   n   a Scottish dessert made with oatmeal, cream, and whisky

cranberry (ˈkrænbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 any of several trailing ericaceous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium, such as the European V. oxycoccus, that bear sour edible red berries   2 the berry of this plant, used to make sauce or jelly [C17: from Low German kraanbere, from kraan CRANE + bere BERRY]

■ cranberry bush or cranberry tree   n   a North American caprifoliaceous shrub or small tree, Viburnum trilobum, producing acid red fruit

Cranborne money (ˈkrænbɔːn)   n   (in Britain) the annual payment made to Opposition parties in the House of Lords to help them pay for certain services necessary to the carrying out of their parliamentary duties; established in 1996. Compare Short money [named after Viscount Cranborne, Leader of the House of Lords in 1996]

cranch (kræntʃ)   vb   dialect another word for crunch

crane (kreIn)   n   1 any large long-necked long-legged wading bird of the family Gruidae, inhabiting marshes and plains in most parts of the world except South America, New Zealand, and Indonesia: order Gruiformes. See also demoiselle (sense 1), whooping crane   2 (not in ornithological use) any similar bird, such as a heron   3 a device for lifting and moving heavy objects, typically consisting of a moving boom, beam, or gantry from which lifting gear is suspended. See also gantry   4 films a large trolley carrying a boom, on the end of which is mounted a camera   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to lift or move (an object) by or as if by a crane   6 to stretch out (esp the neck), as to see over other people's heads   7 (intr) (of a horse) to pull up short before a jump [Old English cran; related to Middle High German krane, Latin grūs, Greek géranos]

■ cranage (ˈkreInIdʒ)   n   1 the use of a crane   2 a fee charged for such use

■ crane fly or cranefly   n   any dipterous fly of the family Tipulidae, having long legs, slender wings, and a narrow body. Also called (Brit): daddy-longlegs

■ cranesbill (ˈkreInzˌbIl)   n   any of various plants of the genus Geranium, having pink or purple flowers and long slender beaked fruits: family Geraniaceae. See also herb Robert, storksbill

Crane (kreIn)   n   1  (Harold) Hart. 1899–1932, US poet; author of The Bridge (1930)   2  Stephen. 1871–1900, US novelist and short-story writer, noted particularly for his novel The Red Badge of Courage (1895)   3  Walter. 1845–1915, British painter, illustrator of children's books, and designer of textiles and wallpaper

crani-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of cranio-

cranial (ˈkreInIəl)   adj   of or relating to the skull   > ˈcranially adv

■ cranial index   n   the ratio of the greatest length to the greatest width of the cranium, multiplied by 100: used in comparative anthropology. Compare cephalic index

■ cranial nerve   n   any of the 12 paired nerves that have their origin in the brain and reach the periphery through natural openings in the skull

craniate (ˈkreInIIt, -ˌeIt)   adj   1 having a skull or cranium   ▷ adj, n   2 another word for vertebrate

craniectomy (ˌkreInIˈɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical removal of a part of the skull to facilitate brain surgery, the bone then being discarded rather than replaced

cranio- or before a vowel crani-   combining form   indicating the cranium or cranial: craniotomy

craniocerebral (ˌkreInIəʊˈsɛrIbrəl; US ˌkreInIəʊsəˈriːbrəl)   adj   relating to both the cranium and the cerebrum

craniofacial (ˌkreInIəʊˈfeIʃəl)   adj   relating to both the cranium and the face

craniognomy (ˌkreInIˈɒnəmI)   n   the scientific study of the shape and characteristics of the skull

craniology (ˌkreInIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of science concerned with the shape and size of the human skull, esp with reference to variations between different races   > craniological (ˌkreInIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌcranioˈlogically adv   > ˌcraniˈologist n

craniometry (ˌkreInIˈɒmItrI)   n   the study and measurement of skulls   > craniometric (ˌkreInIəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌcranioˈmetrical adj   > ˌcranioˈmetrically adv   > ˌcraniˈometrist n

■ craniometer (ˌkreInIˈɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the cranium or skull

craniopagus (ˌkreInIˈɒpəɡəs)   n   the condition of Siamese twins joined at the head

craniosacral therapy (ˌkreInIəˈseIkrəl)   n   a form of therapy for various disorders in which the therapist manipulates the bones of the skull

cranioscopy (ˌkreInIˈɒskɒpI)   n   obsolete the study of the features of the human skull

■ cranioscopist (ˌkreInIˈɒskəpIst)   n   obsolete a practitioner of cranioscopy

craniotomy (ˌkreInIˈɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 any surgical incision into the skull, esp to expose the brain for neurosurgery   2 the surgical crushing of a fetal skull to extract a dead fetus

cranium (ˈkreInIəm)   n, pl -niums or -nia (-nIə)   1 the skull of a vertebrate   2 the part of the skull that encloses the brain. Nontechnical name: brainpan [C16: from Medieval Latin crānium skull, from Greek kranion]

crank^1 (kræŋk)   n   1 a device for communicating motion or for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa. It consists of an arm projecting from a shaft, often with a second member attached to it parallel to the shaft   2 Also called: crank handle, starting handle a handle incorporating a crank, used to start an engine or motor   3 informal   a an eccentric or odd person, esp someone who stubbornly maintains unusual views   b US and Canadian a bad-tempered person   4 a slang name for crystal meth   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to rotate (a shaft) by means of a crank   6 (tr) to start (an engine, motor, etc) by means of a crank handle   7 (tr) to bend, twist, or make into the shape of a crank   8 (intr) obsolete to twist or wind [Old English cranc; related to Middle Low German krunke wrinkle, Dutch krinkel CRINKLE]

■ crankcase (ˈkræŋkˌkeIs)   n   the metal housing that encloses the crankshaft, connecting rods, etc, in an internal-combustion engine, reciprocating pump, etc

■ crankish (ˈkræŋkIʃ)   adj informal   1 mildly eccentric   2 US mildly bad-tempered

■ crankpin (ˈkræŋkˌpIn)   n   a short cylindrical bearing surface fitted between two arms of a crank and set parallel to the main shaft of the crankshaft

■ crankshaft (ˈkræŋkˌʃɑːft)   n   a shaft having one or more cranks, esp the main shaft of an internal-combustion engine to which the connecting rods are attached

■ crank up   vb (tr) slang   1 to increase (loudness, output, etc): he cranked up his pace   2 to set in motion or invigorate: news editors have to crank up tired reporters   3 (intr, adverb) to inject a narcotic drug

■ cranky (ˈkræŋkI)   adj crankier, crankiest   1 informal eccentric   2 chiefly US, Canadian and Irish informal fussy and bad-tempered   3 shaky; out of order   4 full of bends and turns   5 dialect unwell   > ˈcrankily adv   > ˈcrankiness n

crank^2 (kræŋk) or cranky   adj   (of a sailing vessel) easily keeled over by the wind; tender [C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to CRANK^1]

■ crankly (ˈkræŋklI)   adv   in a crank manner

■ crankness (ˈkræŋknəs)   n   1 (of a vessel) the liability to capsize   2 obsolete lustiness; health; vigour

crankle (ˈkræŋkəl)   n   1 a bend or twist   2 a crinkle   ▷ vb   3 to (cause to) bend or wind

Cranko (ˈkræŋkəʊ)   n   John. 1927–73, British choreographer, born in South Africa: director of the Stuttgart Ballet (1961–73)

crankous (ˈkræŋkəs)   adj   Scot dialect fretful; cranky

Cranmer (ˈkrænmə)   n   Thomas. 1489–1556, the first Protestant archbishop of Canterbury (1533–56) and principal author of the Book of Common Prayer. He was burnt as a heretic by Mary I

crannog (ˈkrænəɡ) or crannoge (ˈkrænədʒ)   n   an ancient Celtic lake or bog dwelling dating from the late Bronze Age to the 16th century AD, often fortified and used as a refuge [C19: from Irish Gaelic crannóg, from Old Irish crann tree]

cranny (ˈkrænI)   n, pl -nies   a narrow opening, as in a wall or rock face; chink; crevice (esp in the phrase every nook and cranny) [C15: from Old French cran notch, fissure; compare CRENEL]   > ˈcrannied adj

cranreuch (ˈkrɑːnˌrʊx)   n   Scot dialect a hoarfrost

crants (krænts)   n   obsolete a garland or wreath carried in front of a maiden's bier

Cranwell (ˈkrænwəl)   n   a village in E England, in Lincolnshire: Royal Air Force College (1920)

crap^1 (kræp)   n   1 a losing throw in the game of craps   2 another name for craps [C20: back formation from CRAPS]

■ craps (kræps)   n (usually functioning as singular)   1 a gambling game using two dice, in which a player wins the bet if 7 or 11 is thrown first, and loses if 2, 3, or 12 is thrown   2 shoot craps to play this game [C19: probably from crabs lowest throw at dice, plural of CRAB^1]

■ crapshoot (ˈkræpˌʃuːt)   n US   1 a risky or unpredictable venture   2 gambling dialect a game of craps

■ crapshooter (ˈkræpˌʃuːtə)   n   US a person who plays the game of craps

crap^2 (kræp) slang   n   1 nonsense   2 rubbish   3 another word for faeces   ▷ vb craps, crapping, crapped   4 (intr) another word for defecate [C15 crappe chaff, from Middle Dutch, probably from crappen to break off]

USAGE

This word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in older editions of Collins English Dictionary. However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although more conservative people may object to its use

■ crapola (kræˈpəʊlə)   n   US slang rubbish; nonsense

■ crap out   vb (intr, adverb)   1 US slang to make a losing throw in craps   2 US slang to fail; withdraw   3 US slang to rest   4 slang to fail to do or attempt something through fear

■ crappy (ˈkræpI)   adj crappier, crappiest   informal worthless; poor quality

crapaud (ˈkræpəʊ, ˈkrɑː-)   n   Caribbean a frog or toad [from French: toad]

crape (kreIp)   n   1 a variant spelling of crepe   2 crepe, esp when used for mourning clothes   3 a band of black crepe worn in mourning   > ˈcrapy adj

■ crapehanger or crepehanger (ˈkreIpˌhæŋə)   n   US informal a gloomy person; a pessimist

■ crapehanging or crepehanging (ˈkreIpˌhæŋIŋ)   n   US archaic the practice of hanging crape, esp as a sign of mourning

■ crapelike (ˈkreIpˌlaIk)   adj   resembling crape

■ crape myrtle or crepe myrtle   n   an oriental lythraceous shrub, Lagerstroemia indica, cultivated in warm climates for its pink, red, or white flowers

■ crepe myrtle   n   a variant spelling of crape myrtle

crapper (ˈkræpə)   n   slang a toilet

crappie (ˈkræpI)   n   either of two North American freshwater percoid food and game fishes, Pomoxis nigromaculatus (black crappie) or P. annularis (white crappie): family Centrarchidae (sunfishes, etc) [C19: from Canadian French crapet]

crapulent (ˈkræpjʊlənt) or crapulous (ˈkræpjʊləs)   adj   1 given to or resulting from intemperance   2 suffering from intemperance; drunken [C18: from Late Latin crāpulentus drunk, from Latin crāpula, from Greek kraipalē drunkenness, headache resulting therefrom]   > ˈcrapulence n   > ˈcrapulently or ˈcrapulously adv   > ˈcrapulousness or crapulosity (ˌkræpjʊˈlɒsItI) n

craquelure (ˈkrækəlʊə)   n   a network of fine cracks on old paintings caused by the deterioration of pigment or varnish [C20: from French, from craqueler to crackle, from craquer to crack, of imitative origin]

crare (krɛə)   n   (formerly) a small and unwieldy trading vessel

crash^1 (kræʃ)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a loud noise as of solid objects smashing or clattering   2 to fall or cause to fall with force, breaking in pieces with a loud noise as of solid objects smashing   3 (intr) to break or smash in pieces with a loud noise   4 (intr) to collapse or fail suddenly: this business is sure to crash   5 to cause (an aircraft) to hit land or water violently resulting in severe damage or (of an aircraft) to hit land or water in this way   6 to cause (a car, etc) to collide with another car or other object or (of two or more cars) to be involved in a collision   7 to move or cause to move violently or noisily: to crash through a barrier   8 Brit informal short for gate-crash   9 (intr) (of a computer system or program) to fail suddenly and completely because of a malfunction   10 (intr) slang another term for crash out   11 crash and burn informal to fail; be unsuccessful   ▷ n   12 an act or instance of breaking and falling to pieces   13 a sudden loud noise: the crash of thunder   14 a collision, as between vehicles   15 a sudden descent of an aircraft as a result of which it hits land or water   16 the sudden collapse of a business, stock exchange, etc, esp one causing further financial failure   17 (modifier)   a requiring or using intensive effort and all possible resources in order to accomplish something quickly: a crash programme   b sudden or vigorous: a crash halt; a crash tackle [C14: probably from crasen to smash, shatter + dasshen to strike violently, DASH^1; see CRAZE]   > ˈcrasher n

■ crash barrier   n   a barrier erected along the centre of a motorway, around a racetrack, etc, for safety purposes

■ crash dive   n   1 a sudden steep dive from the surface by a submarine   ▷ vb crash-dive   2 (usually of an aircraft) to descend steeply and rapidly, before hitting the ground   3 (of a submarine) to dive steeply and suddenly from the surface   4 to perform or cause to perform a crash dive

■ crash for cash   n   1 denoting a type of insurance fraud in which people bring about road accidents to ensure that a substantial claim is made   2 (as modifier): a crash for cash scam

■ crash helmet   n   a padded helmet worn for motorcycling, flying, bobsleighing, etc, to protect the head in a crash

■ crash-hot   adj   chiefly Austral extremely impressive

■ crashing (ˈkræʃIŋ)   adj   (prenominal) informal (intensifier) (esp in the phrase a crashing bore)

■ crashingly (ˈkræʃIŋlI)   adv   old-fashioned extremely; exceedingly

■ crash-land   vb   to land (an aircraft) in an emergency causing damage or (of an aircraft) to land in this way   > ˈcrash-ˌlanding n

■ crash out   vb (intr, adverb) slang   1    a to go to sleep   b to spend the night (in a place): we crashed out at a friend's place   2 to pass out   3 informal to be eliminated from a competition in a way that brings disgrace or embarrassment

■ crashpad (ˈkræʃˌpæd)   n   slang a place to sleep or live temporarily

■ crash team   n   a medical team with special equipment able to be mobilized quickly to treat cardiac arrest

■ crash-test   vb   (tr) to test (a new product) for safety and reliability by finding out its breaking point under pressure, heat, etc

■ crashworthiness (ˈkræʃˌwɜːðInIs)   n   the ability of a vehicle structure to withstand a crash   > ˈcrashˌworthy adj

crash^2 (kræʃ)   n   a coarse cotton or linen cloth used for towelling, curtains, etc [C19: from Russian krashenina coloured linen]

Crashaw (ˈkræʃɔː)   n   Richard. 1613–49, English religious poet, noted esp for the Steps to the Temple (1646)

crasis (ˈkreIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   the fusion or contraction of two adjacent vowels into one. Also called: syneresis [C17: from Greek krasis a mingling, from kerannunai to mix]

crass (kræs)   adj   stupid; gross [C16: from Latin crassus thick, dense, gross]   > ˈcrassly adv   > ˈcrassness or ˈcrassiˌtude n

crassamentum (ˌkræsəˈmɛntəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   obsolete a blood clot

crassulacean acid metabolism (ˌkræsjʊˈleIʃən)   n   the full name for CAM (sense 3)

crassulaceous (ˌkræsjʊˈleIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Crassulaceae, a family of herbaceous or shrubby flowering plants with fleshy succulent leaves, including the houseleeks and stonecrops [C19: from New Latin Crassula name of genus, from Medieval Latin: stonecrop, from Latin crassus thick]

Crassus (ˈkræsəs)   n   Marcus Licinius (ˈmɑːkəs lIˈsInIəs). ?115–53 BC, Roman general; member of the first triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey

-crat   n combining form   indicating a person who takes part in or is a member of a form of government or class: democrat; technocrat. See also -cracy [from Greek -kratēs, from -kratia -CRACY]   > -cratic or -cratical adj combining form

cratch (krætʃ)   n   a rack for holding fodder for cattle, etc [C14: from Old French: CRÈCHE]

crate (kreIt)   n   1 a fairly large container, usually made of wooden slats or wickerwork, used for packing, storing, or transporting goods   2 slang an old car, aeroplane, etc   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to pack or place in a crate [C16: from Latin crātis wickerwork, hurdle]   > ˈcrater n   > ˈcrateful n

crater (ˈkreItə)   n   1 the bowl-shaped opening at the top or side of a volcano or top of a geyser through which lava and gases are emitted   2 a similarly shaped depression formed by the impact of a meteorite or exploding bomb   3 any of the circular or polygonal walled formations covering the surface of the moon and some other planets, formed probably either by volcanic action or by the impact of meteorites. They can have a diameter of up to 240 kilometres (150 miles) and a depth of 8900 metres (29 000 feet)   4 a pit in an otherwise smooth surface   5 a large open bowl with two handles, used for mixing wines, esp in ancient Greece   ▷ vb   6 to make or form craters in (a surface, such as the ground)   7 slang to fail; collapse; crash [C17: from Latin: mixing bowl, crater, from Greek kratēr, from kerannunai to mix]   > ˈcratered adj   > ˈcraterless adj   > ˈcrater-ˌlike adj

■ crateriform (krəˈtɛrIˌfɔːm, ˈkreItərIˌfɔːm)   adj   1 shaped like a crater   2 botany (of a corolla) shaped like a bowl

■ craterlet (ˈkreItəlIt)   n   a small crater

■ craterous (ˈkreItərəs)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a crater

Crater (ˈkreItə)   n, Latin genitive Crateris (ˈkreItərIs)   a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Virgo and Hydra

craton (ˈkreItən)   n   geology a stable part of the earth's continental crust or lithosphere that has not been deformed significantly for many millions, even hundreds of millions, of years. See shield (sense 7) [C20: from Greek kratos strength]   > cratonic (krəˈtɒnIk) adj

cratur (ˈkretər)   n Irish and Scot   1 the cratur whisky or whiskey: a drop of the cratur   2 a person [from CREATURE]

craunch (krɔːntʃ)   vb   a dialect word for crunch   > ˈcraunchable adj   > ˈcraunchy adj   > ˈcraunchiness n

cravat or cravate (krəˈvæt)   n   a scarf of silk or fine wool, worn round the neck, esp by men [C17: from French cravate, from Serbo-Croat Hrvat Croat; so called because worn by Croats in the French army during the Thirty Years' War]

crave (kreIv)   vb   1 (when intr, foll by for or after) to desire intensely; long (for)   2 (tr) to need greatly or urgently   3 (tr) to beg or plead for [Old English crafian; related to Old Norse krefja to demand, krǣfr strong; see CRAFT]   > ˈcraver n

■ craving (ˈkreIvIŋ)   n   an intense desire or longing

craven (ˈkreIvən)   adj   1 cowardly; mean-spirited   ▷ n   2 a coward [C13 cravant, probably from Old French crevant bursting, from crever to burst, die, from Latin crepāre to burst, crack]   > ˈcravenly adv   > ˈcravenness n

craw (krɔː)   n   1 a less common word for crop (sense 6)   2 the stomach of an animal   3 stick in one's craw or stick in one's throat informal to be difficult, or against one's conscience, for one to accept, utter, or believe [C14: related to Middle High German krage, Middle Dutch crāghe neck, Icelandic kragi collar]

■ craw-thumper   n   Irish informal an ostentatiously pious person [C18: in the sense: breast-beater, from CRAW]

crawdad (ˈkrɔːˌdæd) or crawdaddy (ˈkrɔːˌdædI)   n   a US dialect form of crayfish

crawfish (ˈkrɔːˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a variant (esp US) of crayfish (sense 2)

Crawford (ˈkrɔːfəd)   n   1  Joan, real name Lucille le Sueur. 1908–77, US film actress, who portrayed ambitious women in such films as Mildred Pierce (1945)   2  Michael, real name Michael Dumbell Smith. born 1942, British actor and singer, noted for his role in the sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (1973–78) and performances in West End musicals, esp Barnum (1981) and The Phantom of the Opera (1986)

crawl^1 (krɔːl)   vb (intr)   1 to move slowly, either by dragging the body along the ground or on the hands and knees   2 to proceed or move along very slowly or laboriously: the traffic crawled along the road   3 to act or behave in a servile manner; fawn; cringe   4 to be or feel as if overrun by something unpleasant, esp crawling creatures: the pile of refuse crawled with insects   5 (of insects, worms, snakes, etc) to move with the body close to the ground   6 to swim the crawl   ▷ n   7 a slow creeping pace or motion   8 Also called: Australian crawl, front crawl swimming a stroke in which the feet are kicked like paddles while the arms reach forward and pull back through the water [C14: probably from Old Norse krafla to creep; compare Swedish kravla, Middle Low German krabbelen to crawl, Old Norse krabbi CRAB^1]   > ˈcrawlingly adv

■ crawler (ˈkrɔːlə)   n   1 slang a servile flatterer   2 a person or animal that crawls   3 US an informal name for earthworm   4 a computer program that is capable of performing recursive searches on the internet   5 (plural) a baby's overalls; rompers

■ crawler lane   n   a lane on an uphill section of a motorway reserved for slow vehicles

■ crawler track   n   1 another name for crawler lane   2 another name for Caterpillar (sense 2)

■ crawling (ˈkrɔːlIŋ)   n   a defect in freshly applied paint or varnish characterized by bare patches and ridging

■ crawling peg   n   a method of stabilizing exchange rates, prices, etc, by maintaining a fixed level for a specified period or until the level has persisted at an upper or lower limit for a specified period and then permitting a predetermined incremental rise or fall

■ crawl space   n   US a narrow space in a building giving access to wiring and plumbing

■ crawlway (ˈkrɔːlˌweI)   n   a low passageway in a cave or mine that can only be negotiated by crawling

■ crawly (ˈkrɔːlI)   adj crawlier, crawliest   informal feeling or causing a sensation like creatures crawling on one's skin

crawl^2 (krɔːl)   n   an enclosure in shallow, coastal water for fish, lobsters, etc [C17: from Dutch kraal KRAAL]

Crawley (ˈkrɔːlI)   n   a town in S England, in NE West Sussex: designated a new town in 1956. Pop: 100 547 (2001)

Craxi (ˈkræksI)   n   Bettino (beˈtiːno). 1934–2000, Italian socialist statesman; prime minister (1983–87)

cray^1 (kreI)   n   Austral and NZ informal a crayfish

cray^2 (kreI) or cray cray   adj   slang crazy; insane

crayfish (ˈkreIˌfIʃ) or esp US crawfish   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 any freshwater decapod crustacean of the genera Astacus and Cambarus, resembling a small lobster   2 any of various similar crustaceans, esp the spiny lobster [C14: cray, by folk etymology, from Old French crevice crab, from Old High German krebiz + FISH]

crayon (ˈkreIən, -ɒn)   n   1 a small stick or pencil of charcoal, wax, clay, or chalk mixed with coloured pigment   2 a drawing made with crayons   ▷ vb   3 to draw or colour with crayons [C17: from French, from craie, from Latin crēta chalk]   > ˈcrayoner or ˈcrayonist n

craythur   n Irish   1 the craythur (ˈkreːθər) a variant of cratur (sense 1)   2 (ˈkreːtʃər) a variant of cratur (sense 2) [from Irish Gaelic Créatur creature]

craze (kreIz)   n   1 a short-lived current fashion   2 a wild or exaggerated enthusiasm: a craze for chestnuts   3 obsolete mental disturbance; insanity   ▷ vb   4 to make or become mad   5 ceramics, metallurgy to develop or cause to develop a fine network of cracks   6 (tr) Brit archaic or dialect to break   7 (tr) archaic to weaken [C14 (in the sense: to break, shatter): probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish krasa to shatter, ultimately of imitative origin]

■ crazed (kreIzd)   adj   1 driven insane   2 (of porcelain or pottery) having a fine network of cracks in the glaze

crazy (ˈkreIzI)   adj -zier, -ziest   1 informal insane   2 fantastic; strange; ridiculous: a crazy dream   3 (postpositive; foll by about or over) informal extremely fond (of)   4 slang very good or excellent   ▷ n, pl crazies   5 informal a crazy person   > ˈcrazily adv   > ˈcraziness n

■ crazy bone   n   a US name for funny bone

■ crazy golf   n   a putting game in which the ball has to be played via various obstacles

■ Crazy Horse   n   Native American name Ta-Sunko-Witko. ?1849–77, Sioux chief, remembered for his attempts to resist White settlement in Sioux territory

■ crazy paving   n   Brit a form of paving, as for a path, made of slabs of stone of irregular shape fitted together

■ crazy quilt   n   a patchwork quilt made from assorted pieces of material of irregular shape, size, and colour

■ crazyweed (ˈkreIzIˌwiːd)   n   a US dialect name for locoweed

CRB   abbreviation for   (in Britain) Criminal Records Bureau

CRE   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   Commission for Racial Equality

creagh (krɛx)   n   Irish and Scot dialect a raid or foray

creak (kriːk)   vb   1 to make or cause to make a harsh squeaking sound   2 (intr) to make such sounds while moving: the old car creaked along   ▷ n   3 a harsh squeaking sound [C14: variant of CROAK, of imitative origin]   > ˈcreaky adj   > ˈcreakily adv   > ˈcreakiness n   > ˈcreakingly adv

cream (kriːm)   n   1    a the fatty part of milk, which rises to the top if the milk is allowed to stand   b (as modifier): cream buns   2 anything resembling cream in consistency: shoe cream; beauty cream   3 the best one or most essential part of something; pick: the cream of the bunch; the cream of the jokes   4 a soup containing cream or milk: cream of chicken soup   5 any of various dishes, cakes, biscuits, etc, resembling or containing cream   6 a confection made of fondant or soft fudge, often covered in chocolate   7 cream sherry a full-bodied sweet sherry   8    a a yellowish-white colour   b (as adjective): cream wallpaper   ▷ vb   9 (tr) to skim or otherwise separate the cream from (milk)   10 (tr) to beat (foodstuffs, esp butter and sugar) to a light creamy consistency   11 (intr) to form cream   12 (tr) to add or apply cream or any creamlike substance to: to cream one's face; to cream coffee   13 (tr; sometimes foll by off) to take away the best part of   14 (tr) to prepare or cook (vegetables, chicken, etc) with cream or milk   15 to allow (milk) to form a layer of cream on its surface or (of milk) to form such a layer   16 (tr) slang, chiefly US, Canadian and Austral to beat thoroughly   17 (intr) vulgar, slang (of a man) to ejaculate during orgasm [C14: from Old French cresme, from Late Latin crāmum cream, of Celtic origin; influenced by Church Latin chrisma unction, CHRISM]   > ˈcreamˌlike adj

■ cream cheese   n   a smooth soft white cheese made from soured cream or milk

■ cream-coloured Brit or cream-colored US   adj   cream in colour

■ cream cracker   n   Brit a crisp unsweetened biscuit, often eaten with cheese

■ cream-crackered   adj   Brit slang exhausted [C20: rhyming slang for knackered]

■ creamcups (ˈkriːmˌkʌps)   n   (functioning as singular or plural) a Californian papaveraceous plant, Platystemon californicus, with small cream-coloured or yellow flowers on long flower stalks

■ creamer (ˈkriːmə)   n   1 a vessel or device for separating cream from milk   2 a powdered substitute for cream, used in coffee   3 chiefly US and Canadian a small jug or pitcher for serving cream

■ creamery (ˈkriːmərI)   n, pl -eries   1 an establishment where milk and cream are made into butter and cheese   2 a place where dairy products are sold   3 a place where milk is left to stand until the cream rises to the top

■ creamlaid (ˈkriːmˌleId)   adj   (of laid paper) cream-coloured and of a ribbed appearance

■ cream of tartar   n   another name for potassium hydrogen tartrate, esp when used in baking powders

■ cream puff or creampuff (ˈkrimˌpʌf)   n   1 a shell of light pastry with a custard or cream filling   2 offensive, slang an effeminate man

■ cream sauce   n   a white sauce made from cream, butter, etc

■ cream soda   n   a carbonated soft drink flavoured with vanilla

■ cream tea   n Brit   afternoon tea including bread or scones served with clotted cream and jam

■ creamware (ˈkriːmˌwɛə)   n   a type of earthenware with a deep cream body developed about 1720 and widely produced. See also Queensware

■ creamwove (ˈkriːmˌwəʊv)   adj   (of wove paper) cream-coloured and even-surfaced

■ creamy (ˈkriːmI)   adj creamier, creamiest   1 resembling cream in colour, taste, or consistency   2 containing cream   > ˈcreamily adv   > ˈcreaminess n

creance (ˈkriːəns)   n   a long fine cord used to restrain a hawk or falcon during training

creant (ˈkriːənt)   adj   creating or creative; formative

crease^1 (kriːs)   n   1 a line or mark produced by folding, pressing, or wrinkling   2 a wrinkle or furrow, esp on the face   3 cricket any three lines near each wicket marking positions for the bowler or batsman. See also bowling crease, popping crease, return crease   4 ice hockey the small rectangular area in front of each goal cage   5 Also called: goal crease lacrosse the circular area surrounding the goal   ▷ vb   6 to make or become wrinkled or furrowed   7 (tr) to graze with a bullet, causing superficial injury   8 (often foll by up) slang to be or cause to be greatly amused [C15: from earlier crēst; probably related to Old French cresté wrinkled]   > ˈcreaseless adj   > ˈcreaser n   > ˈcreasy adj

■ creased (kriːst)   adj   1 marked by creases and wrinkles   2 (of a person's face or skin) displaying furrows and wrinkles

■ crease-resistant   adj   (of a fabric, garment, etc) designed to remain uncreased when subjected to wear or use

crease^2 (kriːs)   n   a rare spelling of kris

create (kriːˈeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to cause to come into existence   2 (tr) to invest with a new honour, office, or title; appoint   3 (tr) to be the cause of: these circumstances created the revolution   4 (tr) to act (a role) in the first production of a play   5 (intr) to be engaged in creative work   6 (intr) Brit slang to make a fuss or uproar [C14 creat created, from Latin creātus, from creāre to produce, make]   > creˈatable adj

■ creation (kriːˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of creating   2 the fact of being created or produced   3 something that has been brought into existence or created, esp a product of human intelligence or imagination   4 the whole universe, including the world and all the things in it   5 an unusual or striking garment or hat   > creˈational adj

■ Creation (kriːˈeIʃən)   n theol   1 the Creation God's act of bringing the universe into being   2 the universe as thus brought into being by God

■ creationism or creatianism (kriːˈeIʃəˌnIzəm)   n   1 the belief that God brings individual human souls into existence at conception or birth. Compare traducianism   2 the doctrine that ascribes the origins of all things to God's acts of creation rather than to evolution   > creˈationist n   > creˌationˈistic adj

■ creative (kriːˈeItIv)   adj   1 having the ability to create   2 characterized by originality of thought; having or showing imagination: a creative mind   3 designed to or tending to stimulate the imagination: creative toys   4 characterized by sophisticated bending of the rules or conventions: creative accounting   ▷ n   5 a creative person, esp one who devises advertising campaigns   > creˈatively adv   > creˈativeness n   > ˌcreaˈtivity n

■ creative tension   n   a situation where disagreement or discord ultimately gives rise to better ideas or outcomes

■ creator (kriːˈeItə)   n   a person or thing that creates; originator   > creˈatorˌship n   > creˈatress or creˈatrix fem n

■ Creator (kriːˈeItə)   n   the Creator an epithet of God

creatic (kriːˈætIk)   adj   of or relating to flesh or meat

creatine (ˈkriːəˌtiːn, -tIn) or creatin (ˈkriːətIn)   n   an important metabolite involved in many biochemical reactions and present in many types of living cells [C19: creat- from Greek kreas flesh + -INE^2]

creatinine (kriːˈætəˌniːn)   n   an anhydride of creatine that is abundant in muscle and excreted in the urine [C19: from German Kreatinin, from Kreatin CREATINE + -in -INE^2]

creature (ˈkriːtʃə)   n   1 a living being, esp an animal   2 something that has been created, whether animate or inanimate: a creature of the imagination   3 a human being; person: used as a term of scorn, pity, or endearment   4 a person who is dependent upon another; tool or puppet [C13: from Church Latin crēatūra, from Latin crēare to create]   > ˈcreatural or ˈcreaturely adj   > ˈcreatureliness n

■ creature comforts   pl n   material things or luxuries that help to provide for one's bodily comfort

■ creature feature   n   a horror film featuring a monster

■ creaturehood (ˈkriːtʃəˌhʊd) or creatureship (ˈkriːtʃəˌʃIp)   n   the state of being a creature

CREB   n   cyclic amp-response element binding protein: a protein involved in the long-term memory process

crèche (krɛʃ, kreIʃ; French krɛʃ)   n   1 chiefly Brit   a a day nursery for very young children   b a supervised play area provided for young children for short periods   2 a tableau of Christ's Nativity   3 a foundling home or hospital [C19: from Old French: manger, crib, ultimately of Germanic origin; compare Old High German kripja crib]

Crécy (ˈkrɛsI; French kresi)   n   a village in N France: scene of the first decisive battle of the Hundred Years' War when the English defeated the French (1346). Official name: Crécy-en-Ponthieu (-ɑ̃pɔ̃tjø). Former English name: Cressy

cred (krɛd)   n   slang short for credibility: street cred

credence (ˈkriːdəns)   n   1 acceptance or belief, esp with regard to the truth of the evidence of others: I cannot give credence to his account   2 something supporting a claim to belief; recommendation; credential (esp in the phrase letters of credence)   3 short for credence table [C14: from Medieval Latin crēdentia trust, credit, from Latin crēdere to believe]

■ credence table   n   1 a small sideboard, originally one at which food was tasted for poison before serving   2 Christianity a small table or ledge on which the bread, wine, etc, are placed before being consecrated in the Eucharist

credendum (krIˈdɛndəm)   n, pl -da (-də)   (often plural) Christianity an article of faith [Latin: a thing to be believed, from crēdere to believe]

credent (ˈkriːdənt)   adj   obsolete believing or believable [C17: from Latin crēdēns believing]

credential (krIˈdɛnʃəl)   n   1 something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc   2 (plural) a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence   ▷ adj   3 entitling one to confidence, authority, etc [C16: from Medieval Latin crēdentia credit, trust; see CREDENCE]   > creˈdentialled or US creˈdentialed adj

■ credentialism (krIˈdɛnʃəˌlIzəm)   n   often derogatory a tendency to value formal qualifications, esp at the expense of competence and experience

■ credentialling or US credentialing (krIˈdɛnʃəlIŋ)   n   the practice of analysing the credentials of an individual or organization

credenza (krIˈdɛnzə)   n   another name for credence table [Italian: see CREDENCE]

credible (ˈkrɛdIbəl)   adj   1 capable of being believed   2 trustworthy or reliable: the latest claim is the only one to involve a credible witness [C14: from Latin crēdibilis, from Latin crēdere to believe]   > ˈcredibleness n   > ˈcredibly adv

■ credibility (ˌkrɛdIˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being believed or trusted

■ credibility gap   n   a disparity between claims or statements made and the evident facts of the situation or circumstances to which they relate

credit (ˈkrɛdIt)   n   1 commendation or approval, as for an act or quality: she was given credit for her work   2 a person or thing serving as a source of good influence, repute, ability, etc: a credit to the team   3 the quality of being believable or trustworthy: that statement had credit   4 influence or reputation coming from the approval or good opinion of others: he acquired credit within the community   5 belief in the truth, reliability, quality, etc, of someone or something: I would give credit to that philosophy   6 a sum of money or equivalent purchasing power, as at a shop, available for a person's use   7    a the positive balance in a person's bank account   b the sum of money that a bank makes available to a client in excess of any deposit   8    a the practice of permitting a buyer to receive goods or services before payment   b the time permitted for paying for such goods or services   9 reputation for solvency and commercial or financial probity, inducing confidence among creditors   10 accounting   a acknowledgment of an income, liability, or capital item by entry on the right-hand side of an account   b the right-hand side of an account   c an entry on this side   d the total of such entries   e (as modifier): credit entries. Compare debit (sense 1)   11 short for tax credit   12 education   a a distinction awarded to an examination candidate obtaining good marks   b a section of an examination syllabus satisfactorily completed, as in higher and professional education   13 letter of credit an order authorizing a named person to draw money from correspondents of the issuer   14 on credit with payment to be made at a future date   ▷ vb -its, -iting, -ited (tr)   15 (foll by with) to ascribe (to); give credit (for): they credited him with the discovery   16 to accept as true; believe   17 to do credit to   18 accounting   a to enter (an item) as a credit in an account   b to acknowledge (a payer) by making such an entry. Compare debit (sense 2)   19 to award a credit to (a student) [C16: from Old French crédit, from Italian credito, from Latin crēditum loan, from crēdere to believe]   > ˈcreditless adj

■ creditable (ˈkrɛdItəbəl)   adj   1 deserving credit, honour, etc; praiseworthy   2 obsolete credible   > ˈcreditableness or ˌcreditaˈbility n   > ˈcreditably adv

■ credit account   n   Brit a credit system by means of which customers may obtain goods and services before payment. Also called: charge account

■ credit card   n   a card issued by banks, businesses, etc, enabling the holder to obtain goods and services on credit

■ credit crunch   n   informal a period during which there is a sudden reduction in the availability of credit from banks and other lenders

■ credit-crunched   adj   informal adversely affected by a credit crunch

■ credit default swap   n   finance a contract in which the parties exchange the exposure to loss should a creditor fail to make a payment when it comes due back. Abbreviation: CDS

■ credit line   n   1 an acknowledgment of origin or authorship, as in a newspaper or film   2 Also called: line of credit US and Canadian the maximum credit that a customer is allowed

■ creditor (ˈkrɛdItə)   n   a person or commercial enterprise to whom money is owed. Compare debtor

■ credit rating   n   an evaluation of the creditworthiness of an individual, business, or nation

■ credit-reference agency   n   an agency, other than a bank, that specializes in providing credit ratings of people or organizations

■ credits (ˈkrɛdIts)   pl n   a list of those responsible for the production of a film or television programme

■ credit squeeze   n   the control of credit facilities as an instrument of economic policy, associated with restrictions on bank loans and overdrafts, raised interest rates, etc

■ credit standing   n   reputation for discharging financial obligations

■ credit transfer   n   a method of settling a debt by transferring money through a bank or post office, esp for those who do not have cheque accounts

■ credit union   n   a cooperative association whose members can obtain low-interest loans out of their combined savings

■ creditworthy (ˈkrɛdItˌwɜːðI)   adj   (of an individual or business enterprise) adjudged as meriting credit on the basis of such factors as earning power, previous record of debt repayment, etc   > ˈcreditˌworthiness n

credo (ˈkriːdəʊ, ˈkreI-)   n, pl -dos   any formal or authorized statement of beliefs, principles, or opinions

■ Credo (ˈkriːdəʊ, ˈkreI-)   n, pl -dos   1 the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed   2 a musical setting of the Creed [C12: from Latin, literally: I believe; first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds]

credulity (krIˈdjuːlItI)   n   disposition to believe something on little evidence; gullibility

credulous (ˈkrɛdjʊləs)   adj   1 tending to believe something on little evidence   2 arising from or characterized by credulity: credulous beliefs [C16: from Latin crēdulus, from crēdere to believe]   > ˈcredulously adv   > ˈcredulousness n

cree (kriː)   n   South Wales and Southwest English dialect temporary immunity from the rules of a game: said by children [of unknown origin]

Cree (kriː)   n   1 (pl Cree or Crees) a member of a Native American people living in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family   3 a syllabic writing system of this and certain other languages [from first syllable of Canadian French Christianaux, probably based on Ojibwa Kenistenoag (tribal name)]

creed (kriːd)   n   1 a concise, formal statement of the essential articles of Christian belief, such as the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed   2 any statement or system of beliefs or principles [Old English crēda, from Latin crēdo I believe]   > ˈcreedal or ˈcredal adj

Creed (kriːd)   n   Frederick. 1871–1957, Canadian inventor, resident in Scotland from 1897, noted for his invention of the teleprinter, first used in 1912

creek (kriːk)   n   1 chiefly Brit a narrow inlet or bay, esp of the sea   2 US, Canadian, Austral and NZ a small stream or tributary   3 up the creek slang in trouble; in a difficult position [C13: from Old Norse kriki nook; related to Middle Dutch krēke creek, inlet]

■ creeky (ˈkriːkI)   adj creekier, creekiest   1 having many creeks   2 resembling a creek

Creek (kriːk)   n   1 (pl Creek or Creeks) a member of a confederacy of Native American peoples formerly living in Georgia and Alabama, now chiefly in Oklahoma   2 any of the languages of these peoples, belonging to the Muskhogean family

creel (kriːl)   n   1 a wickerwork basket, esp one used to hold fish   2 a wickerwork trap for catching lobsters, etc   3 the framework on a spinning machine that holds the bobbins   4 West Yorkshire dialect a wooden frame suspended from a ceiling, used for drying clothes [C15: from Scottish, of obscure origin]

creep (kriːp)   vb creeps, creeping, crept (intr)   1 to crawl with the body near to or touching the ground   2 to move slowly, quietly, or cautiously   3 to act in a servile way; fawn; cringe   4 to move or slip out of place, as from pressure or wear   5 (of plants) to grow along the ground or over rocks, producing roots, suckers, or tendrils at intervals   6 (of a body or substance) to become permanently deformed as a result of an applied stress, often when combined with heating   7 to develop gradually: creeping unrest   8 to have the sensation of something crawling over the skin   9 (of metals) to undergo slow plastic deformation   ▷ n   10 the act of creeping or a creeping movement   11 slang a person considered to be obnoxious or servile   12 the continuous permanent deformation of a body or substance as a result of stress or heat   13 geology the gradual downwards movement of loose rock material, soil, etc, on a slope   14 a slow relative movement of two adjacent parts, structural components, etc   15 slow plastic deformation of metals [Old English crēopan; related to Old Frisian kriāpa, Old Norse krjūpa, Middle Low German krūpen]

■ creepage (ˈkriːpIdʒ)   n   1 a slow and gradual movement   2 electrical engineering the gradual loss of electricity across a dielectric surface

■ creeper (ˈkriːpə)   n   1 a person or animal that creeps   2 a plant, such as the ivy or periwinkle, that grows by creeping   3 Also called: tree creeper US and Canadian any small songbird of the family Certhiidae of the N hemisphere, having a brown-and-white plumage and slender downward-curving bill. They creep up trees to feed on insects   4 a hooked instrument for dragging deep water   5 Also called: cradle a flat board or framework mounted on casters, used to lie on when working under cars   6 Also called: daisy cutter cricket a bowled ball that keeps low or travels along the ground   7 either of a pair of low iron supports for logs in a hearth   8 informal a shoe with a soft sole

■ creep-feeding   n   the practice of feeding young farm animals (esp piglets, calves, and lambs) in a sectioned-off part of their indoor environment, in order to prevent the mother from gaining access to the food

■ creep-grazing   n   a method of pasture management that allows young farm animals (esp lambs) to graze part of the pasture before the adults in the group

■ creeping (ˈkriːpIŋ)   adj   1 (of a plant) having a stem that grows horizontally along the ground and throws out roots at intervals   2 (of a process or change) happening slowly and stealthily, without being noticed

■ creeping bent grass   n   a grass, Agrostis stolonifera, grown as a pasture grass in Europe and North America: roots readily from the stem

■ creeping Jennie (ˈdʒɛnI) or US and Canadian creeping Charlie   n   other names for moneywort

■ creeping Jesus   n derogatory, slang   1 an obsequious or servile person   2 a hypocritically religious person

■ creepingly (ˈkriːpIŋlI)   adv   in a creeping manner

■ creeping thistle   n   a weedy Eurasian thistle, Cirsium arvense, common as a fast-spreading weed in the US. US and Canadian name: Canada thistle

■ creepmouse (ˈkriːpˌmaʊs)   n   1 an informal tickling game played with small children   ▷ adj   2 furtive; shy

■ creeps (kriːps)   pl n   the creeps informal a feeling of fear, repulsion, disgust, etc

■ creepy (ˈkriːpI)   adj creepier, creepiest   1 informal having or causing a sensation of repulsion, horror, or fear, as of creatures crawling on the skin   2 creeping; slow-moving   > ˈcreepily adv   > ˈcreepiness n

■ creepy-crawly Brit informal   n, pl -crawlies   1 a small crawling creature   ▷ adj   2 feeling or causing a sensation as of creatures crawling on one's skin

creepie (ˈkriːpI, ˈkrIp-)   n   chiefly Scot a low stool

creese (kriːs)   n   a rare spelling of kris

creesh (kriːʃ) Scot dialect   n   1 fat or grease   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to lubricate; to grease

■ creeshy (ˈkriːʃI)   adj creeshier, creeshiest   Scot dialect greasy

crem (krɛm)   n   informal short for crematorium

cremaillere (ˌkreImaIˈjɛə)   n   a trench or fortification constructed in an indented or saw-tooth pattern

cremains (krIˈmeInz)   n   US the cremated remains of a body

crémant (French kremɑ̃)   adj   (of a wine) moderately sparkling [C21: French, literally: creaming]

cremaster (krIˈmæstə)   n   1 anatomy the muscle which raises and lowers the testicles   2 entomol the hook-like protuberance at the end of a chrysalis from which it hangs

cremate (krIˈmeIt)   vb   (tr) to burn up (something, esp a corpse) and reduce to ash [C19: from Latin cremāre]   > creˈmation n   > creˈmationism n   > creˈmationist n

■ cremator (krIˈmeItə)   n   1 Brit a furnace for cremating corpses. Also called (esp US): cinerator   2 a person who operates such a furnace

■ crematorium (ˌkrɛməˈtɔːrIəm)   n, pl -riums or -ria (-rIə)   Brit a building in which corpses are cremated

■ crematory (ˈkrɛmətərI, -trI)   adj   1 Also: crematorial of or relating to cremation or crematoriums   ▷ n, pl -ries   2 another word (esp US) for crematorium

crème (krɛm, kriːm, kreIm)   n   1 cream   2 any of various sweet liqueurs: crème de moka   ▷ adj   3 (of a liqueur) rich and sweet

■ crème brûlée French (krɛm bryle)   n   a cream or custard dessert covered with caramelized sugar [literally: burnt cream]

■ crème caramel   n   a dessert made of eggs, sugar, milk, etc, topped with caramel. Also called: caramel cream

■ crème de cacao (ˈkrɛm də kɑːˈkɑːəʊ, ˈkəʊkəʊ ˈkriːm, ˈkreIm)   n   a sweet liqueur with a chocolate flavour [French, literally: cream of cacao]

■ crème de la crème French (krɛm də la krɛm)   n   the very best [literally: cream of the cream]

■ crème de menthe (ˈkrɛm də ˈmɛnθ, ˈmɒ̃t, ˈkriːm, ˈkreIm)   n   a liqueur flavoured with peppermint, usually bright green in colour [French, literally: cream of mint]

■ crème fraîche (ˈkrɛm ˈfrɛʃ)   n   thickened and slightly fermented cream [French, literally: fresh cream]

cremini (krəˈmiːnI)   n   a variety of edible mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. Also called: crimini, portobello

cremocarp (ˈkrɛməʊˌkɑːp)   n   botany any fruit consisting of two united carpels which hang from a supporting axis

Cremona (Italian kreˈmoːna)   n   a city in N Italy, in Lombardy on the River Po: noted for the manufacture of fine violins in the 16th–18th centuries. Pop: 70 887 (2001)

cremor (ˈkriːmɔː)   n   1 a thick creamy liquid   2 the scum which forms on top of a liquid

cremorne (krIˈmɔːnə)   n   1 an obsolete slang word for penis   2 a crumhorn

cremosin (ˈkrɛməzIn)   adj   another word for crimson

crena (ˈkriːnə)   n   a notch or indentation

■ crenate (ˈkriːneIt) or crenated (ˈkriːneItId)   adj   having a scalloped margin, as certain leaves [C18: from New Latin crēnātus, from Medieval Latin, probably from Late Latin crēna a notch]   > ˈcrenately adv

■ crenation (krIˈneIʃən) or crenature (ˈkrɛnəˌtjʊə, ˈkriː-)   n   1 any of the rounded teeth or the notches between them on a crenate structure   2 a crenate formation or condition

crenel (ˈkrɛnəl) or crenelle (krIˈnɛl)   n   1 any of a set of openings formed in the top of a wall or parapet and having slanting sides, as in a battlement   2 another name for crenation [C15: from Old French, literally: a little notch, from cren notch, from Late Latin crēna]

■ crenellate or US crenelate (ˈkrɛnIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   1 to supply with battlements   2 to form square indentations in (a moulding, etc) [C19: from Old French creneler, from CRENEL]   > ˌcrenelˈlation or US ˌcrenelˈation n

■ crenellated or US crenelated (ˈkrɛnIˌleItId)   adj   1 having battlements   2 (of a moulding, etc) having square indentations

crenshaw (ˈkrɛnˌʃɔː)   n   a hybrid variety of melon with yellow skin and pale pink flesh

crenulate (ˈkrɛnjʊˌleIt, -lIt) or crenulated   adj   having a margin very finely notched with rounded projections, as certain leaves [C18: from New Latin crēnulātus, from crēnula, literally: a little notch; see CRENEL]

■ crenulation (ˌkrɛnjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 any of the teeth or notches of a crenulate structure   2 a crenulate formation

creodont (ˈkriːəˌdɒnt)   n   any of a group of extinct Tertiary mammals some of which are thought to have been the ancestors of modern carnivores: order Carnivora [C19: from New Latin Creodonta, from Greek kreas flesh + odōn tooth]

creole (ˈkriːəʊl)   n   1 a language that has its origin in extended contact between two language communities, one of which is generally European. It incorporates features from each and constitutes the mother tongue of a community. Compare pidgin   ▷ adj   2 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of creole   3 (of a sauce or dish) containing or cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, onions, etc [C17: via French and Spanish probably from Portuguese crioulo slave born in one's household, person of European ancestry born in the colonies, probably from criar to bring up, from Latin creāre to CREATE]

■ Creole (ˈkriːəʊl)   n also called Creolian (kriːˈəʊlIən)   1 (sometimes not capital) (in the Caribbean and Latin America)   a a native-born person of European, esp Spanish, ancestry   b a native-born person of mixed European and African ancestry who speaks a French or Spanish creole   c a native-born Black person as distinguished from one brought from Africa   2 (in Louisiana and other Gulf States of the US) a native-born person of French ancestry   3 the creolized French spoken in Louisiana, esp in New Orleans   ▷ adj   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of any of these peoples

■ creolist (ˈkriːəʊlIst)   n   a student of creole languages

■ creolization or creolisation (ˌkriːəʊlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 linguistics (of a pidgin language) the process of becoming a creole   2 sociol the process of assimilation in which neighbouring cultures share certain features to form a new distinct culture

■ creolize or creolise (ˈkriːəʊˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make (a language) become a creole

■ creolized or creolised (ˈkriːəˌlaIzd)   adj   (of a language) incorporating a considerable range of features from one or more unrelated languages, as the result of contact between language communities

Creon (ˈkriːɒn)   n   Greek myth the successor to Oedipus as king of Thebes; the brother of Jocasta. See also Antigone

creophagous (krIˈɒfəɡəs)   adj   flesh-eating or carnivorous [C19: from Greek kreophagos, from kreas flesh + -phagein to consume]   > creophagy (krIˈɒfədʒI) n

creosol (ˈkriːəˌsɒl)   n   a colourless or pale yellow insoluble oily liquid with a smoky odour and a burning taste; 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol: an active principle of creosote. Formula: CH_3O(CH_3)C_6H_3OH [C19: from CREOS(OTE) + -OL^1]

creosote (ˈkrIəˌsəʊt)   n   1 a colourless or pale yellow liquid mixture with a burning taste and penetrating odour distilled from wood tar, esp from beechwood, contains creosol and other phenols, and is used as an antiseptic   2 Also called: coal-tar creosote a thick dark liquid mixture prepared from coal tar, containing phenols: used as a preservative for wood   ▷ vb   3 to treat (wood) with creosote [C19: from Greek kreas flesh + sōtēr preserver, from sōzein to keep safe]   > creosotic (ˌkrIəˈsɒtIk) adj

■ creosote bush   n   a shrub, Larrea (or Covillea) tridentata of the western US and Mexico, that has resinous leaves with an odour resembling creosote, and can live for many thousands of years: family Zygophyllaceae. Also called: greasewood

crepance (ˈkriːpəns)   n   an injury to the hind leg of a horse caused by its being struck by the shoe of the other hind foot

crepe or crape (kreIp)   n   1    a a light cotton, silk, or other fabric with a fine ridged or crinkled surface   b (as modifier): a crepe dress   2 a black armband originally made of this, worn as a sign of mourning   3 a very thin pancake, often rolled or folded around a filling   4 short for crepe paper, crepe rubber   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to cover or drape with crepe [C19: from French crêpe, from Latin crispus curled, uneven, wrinkled]

■ crepe de Chine (kreIp də ˈʃiːn)   n     a a very thin crepe of silk or a similar light fabric   b (as modifier): a crepe-de-Chine blouse [C19: from French: Chinese crepe]

■ crepe hair   n   artificial hair, usually plaited and made of wool or vegetable fibre, used in theatrical make-up

■ crepehanger (ˈkreIpˌhæŋə)   n   a variant spelling of crapehanger

■ crepehanging (ˈkreIpˌhæŋIŋ)   n   a variant spelling of crapehanging

■ crepe paper   n   thin crinkled coloured paper, resembling crepe and used for decorations

■ creperie (ˈkrɛpərI, ˈkreIp-)   n   an eating establishment that specializes in pancakes; pancake house

■ crepe rubber   n   1 a type of crude natural rubber in the form of colourless or pale yellow crinkled sheets, prepared by pressing bleached coagulated latex through corrugated rollers: used for the soles of shoes and in making certain surgical and medical goods. Sometimes shortened to: crepe. Compare smoked rubber   2 a similar synthetic rubber

■ crepe shoes or crepe-soled shoes   pl n   shoes soled with crepe rubber

■ crêpe suzette (kreIp suːˈzɛt)   n, pl crêpes suzette   an orange-flavoured pancake flambéed in a liqueur or brandy

■ crepiness (ˈkreIpInəs)   n   the quality of being crepe-like in texture, esp in skin

■ crepy or crepey (ˈkreIpI)   adj -ier, -iest   (esp of the skin) having a dry wrinkled appearance like crepe

crepitate (ˈkrɛpIˌteIt)   vb   (intr) to make a rattling or crackling sound; rattle or crackle [C17: from Latin crepitāre]   > ˈcrepitant or crepitative (ˈkrɛpIˌteItIv) adj

■ crepitation (ˌkrɛpIˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of crepitating   2 zoology the sudden expulsion of an acrid fluid by some beetles as a means of self-defence   3 another name for crepitus

crepitus (ˈkrɛpItəs)   n   1 a crackling chest sound heard in pneumonia and other lung diseases   2 the grating sound of two ends of a broken bone rubbing together   ▶ Also called: crepitation [C19: from Latin, from crepāre to crack, creak]

crepoline (ˈkreIpəˌliːn)   n   a light silk or silk and wool material used in dressmaking

crepon (ˈkreIpɒn)   n   a thin material made of fine wool or silk, or both

creps (krɛps)   pl n   an informal name for training shoes [of uncertain origin]

crept (krɛpt)   vb   the past tense and past participle of creep

crepuscle (ˈkrɛpəsəl, krIˈpʌsəl) or crepuscule (ˈkrɛpəsˌkjuːl)   n   literary twilight

■ crepuscular (krIˈpʌskjʊlə) or crepusculous (krIˈpʌskjʊləs)   adj   1 of or like twilight; dim   2 (of certain insects, birds, and other animals) active at twilight or just before dawn [C17: from Latin crepusculum dusk, from creper dark]

Cres.   abbreviation for   Crescent

crescendo (krIˈʃɛndəʊ)   n, pl -dos or -di (-dI)   1 music   a a gradual increase in loudness or the musical direction or symbol indicating this. Abbreviation: cresc. Symbol: (written over the music affected) ≺   b (as modifier): a crescendo passage   2 a gradual increase in loudness or intensity: the rising crescendo of a song   3 a peak of noise or intensity: the cheers reached a crescendo   ▷ vb -does, -doing, -doed   4 (intr) to increase in loudness or force   ▷ adv   5 with a crescendo [C18: from Italian, literally: increasing, from crescere to grow, from Latin]

crescent (ˈkrɛsənt, -zənt)   n   1 the curved shape of the moon in its first or last quarters   2 any shape or object resembling this   3 chiefly Brit   a a crescent-shaped street, often lined with houses of the same style   b (capital when part of a name): Pelham Crescent   4 heraldry a crescent moon, used as the cadency mark of a second son   5 the crescent (often capital)   a the emblem of Islam or Turkey   b Islamic or Turkish power   ▷ adj   6 archaic or poetic increasing or growing [C14: from Latin crescēns increasing, from crescere to grow]   > crescentic (krəˈsɛntIk) adj

■ crescentade (ˈkrɛsənˌteId)   n   1 a religious crusade or war fought under the flag of Turkey   2 an Islamic jihad or holy war

■ crescented (ˈkrɛsəntId)   adj   having the shape of a crescent

■ crescent-shaped   adj   having the shape of a crescent

crescive (ˈkrɛsIv)   adj   increasing; growing

■ crescively (ˈkrɛsIvlI)   adv   in a crescive or increasing manner

crescograph (ˈkrɛskəˌɡrɑːf)   n   botany an instrument for measuring plant growth

cresol (ˈkriːsɒl)   n   an aromatic compound derived from phenol, existing in three isomeric forms: found in coal tar and creosote and used in making synthetic resins and as an antiseptic and disinfectant; hydroxytoluene. Formula: C_6H_4(CH_3)OH. Also called: cresylic acid. Systematic name: methylphenol

cress (krɛs)   n   any of various plants of the genera Lepidium, Cardamine, Arabis, etc, having pungent-tasting leaves often used in salads and as a garnish: family Brassicaceae (crucifers). See also watercress, garden cress [Old English cressa; related to Old High German cresso cress, kresan to crawl]

Cressent (French krɛsɑ̃)   n   Charles. 1685–1768, French cabinetmaker, noted esp for his marquetry using coloured woods

cresset (ˈkrɛsIt)   n   history a metal basket mounted on a pole in which oil or pitch was burned for illumination [C14: from Old French craisset, from craisse GREASE]

Cressida (ˈkrɛsIdə), Criseyde or Cressid   n   (in medieval adaptations of the story of Troy) a woman who deserts her Trojan lover Troilus for the Greek Diomedes

Cressy (ˈkrɛsI)   n   rare the former English name for Crécy

crest (krɛst)   n   1 a tuft or growth of feathers, fur, or skin along the top of the heads of some birds, reptiles, and other animals   2 something resembling or suggesting this   3 the top, highest point, or highest stage of something   4 a ridge on the neck of a horse, dog, lion, etc   5 the mane or hair growing from this ridge   6 an ornamental piece, such as a plume, on top of a helmet   7 heraldry a symbol of a family or office, usually representing a beast or bird, borne in addition to a coat of arms and used in medieval times to decorate the helmet   8 a ridge along the top of a roof, wall, etc   9 a ridge along the surface of a bone   10 Also called: cresting archery identifying rings painted around an arrow shaft   ▷ vb   11 (intr) to come or rise to a high point   12 (tr) to lie at the top of; cap   13 (tr) to go to or reach the top of (a hill, wave, etc) [C14: from Old French creste, from Latin crista]   > ˈcrested adj   > ˈcrestless adj

■ crested dog's-tail   n   a common wiry perennial grass, Cynosurus cristatus, of meadows and pasture [C19: named from the fancied resemblance between its one-sided flower spike and a dog's feathery tail]

■ crested tit   n   a small European songbird, Parus cristatus, that has a greyish-brown plumage with a prominent speckled black-and-white crest: family Paridae (tits)

■ crestfallen (ˈkrɛstˌfɔːlən)   adj   dejected, depressed, or disheartened   > ˈcrestˌfallenly adv

■ crestfallenness (ˌkrɛstˈfɔːlənnəs)   n   the state of being crestfallen

■ cresting (ˈkrɛstIŋ)   n   1 an ornamental ridge along the top of a roof, wall, etc   2 carpentry a shaped decorative toprail or horizontal carved ornament surmounting a chair, mirror, etc

CREST (krɛst)   n   an electronic share-settlement system, created by the Bank of England, that began operations in 1996 [C20: from CrestCo, the name of the operating company]

crestal (ˈkrɛstəl)   n   another name for crystal

cresta run (ˈkrɛstə)   n     a an activity involving travelling at high speed in a toboggan down a steep narrow passage of compacted snow and ice   b the passage itself

creston (ˈkrɛstɒn)   n   a ridge on a hill that curves downwards at the ends

cresyl (ˈkrɛsIl)   n   chem the univalent radical of cresol. Also called: tolyl

■ cresylic (krIˈsIlIk)   adj   of, concerned with, or containing creosote or cresol [C19: from CRE(O)S(OTE) + -YL+ -IC]

cretaceous (krIˈteIʃəs)   adj   consisting of or resembling chalk [C17: from Latin crētāceus, from crēta, literally: Cretan earth, that is, chalk]   > creˈtaceously adv

■ Cretaceous (krIˈteIʃəs)   adj   1 of, denoting, or formed in the last period of the Mesozoic era, between the Jurassic and Tertiary periods, lasting 80 million years during which chalk deposits were formed and flowering plants first appeared   ▷ n   2 the Cretaceous the Cretaceous period or rock system

Crete (kriːt)   n   a mountainous island in the E Mediterranean, the largest island of Greece: of archaeological importance for the ruins of Minoan civilization. Pop: 601 131 (2001). Area: 8331 sq km (3216 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Kríti

■ Cretan (ˈkriːtən)   adj   1 of or relating to Crete or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Crete

cretic (ˈkriːtIk)   n   prosody a metrical foot consisting of three syllables, the first long, the second short, and the third long (– ◡ –). Also called: amphimacer. Compare amphibrach [C16: from Latin crēticus consisting of the amphimacer, literally: Cretan, from Greek krētikos, from Krētē CRETE]

cretin (ˈkrɛtIn)   n   1 old-fashioned a person with cretinism   2 offensive a person considered to be extremely stupid [C18: from French crétin, from Swiss French crestin, from Latin Chrīstiānus CHRISTIAN, alluding to the humanity of such people, despite their disability]   > ˈcretinˌoid adj   > ˈcretinous adj

■ cretinism (ˈkrɛtIˌnIzəm)   n   old-fashioned a condition arising from a congenital deficiency of thyroid hormone, characterized by dwarfism and learning difficulties. See also myxoedema

■ cretinize or cretinise (ˈkrɛtIˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   old-fashioned to cause (a person) to be a cretin or cretinous

cretism (ˈkriːtIzəm)   n   obsolete a lie or falsehood

cretonne (krɛˈtɒn, ˈkrɛtɒn)   n     a a heavy cotton or linen fabric with a printed design, used for furnishing   b (as modifier): cretonne chair covers [C19: from French, from Creton Norman village where it originated]

cretons (krɛtɑ̃)   pl n   Canadian a spread of shredded pork cooked with onions in pork fat [Canadian French, perhaps from Dutch kerte cut]

Creuse (French krøz)   n   a department of central France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: Guéret. Pop: 122 713 (2003 est). Area: 5606 sq km (2186 sq miles)

creutzer (ˈkrɔItsə)   n   another name for kreutzer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (ˈkrɔItsfɛlt ˈjɑːkɒp)   n   pathol a fatal slow-developing disease that affects the central nervous system, characterized by mental deterioration and loss of coordination of the limbs. It is thought to be caused by an abnormal prion protein in the brain [C20: named after Hans G. Creutzfeldt (1885–1964) and Alfons Jakob (1884–1931), German physicians]

crevalle (krəˈvælI)   n   a silver coloured fish, Caranx hippos of the Carangidae or jack family native to western Atlantic areas

crevasse (krIˈvæs)   n   1 a deep crack or fissure, esp in the ice of a glacier   2 US a break in a river embankment   ▷ vb   3 (tr) US to make a break or fissure in (a dyke, wall, etc) [C19: from French: CREVICE]

■ crevassed (krIˈvæst)   adj   containing deep cracks or fissures

crevette (krəˈvɛt)   n   a shrimp or prawn, esp when served in its shell

crevice (ˈkrɛvIs)   n   a narrow fissure or crack; split; cleft [C14: from Old French crevace, from crever to burst, from Latin crepāre to crack]

crew^1 (kruː)   n (sometimes functioning as plural)   1 the people who serve on or operate a ship, boat, aircraft, etc   2 nautical a group of people assigned to a particular job or type of work   3 informal a gang, company, or crowd   ▷ vb   4 to serve on (a ship) as a member of the crew [C15 crue (military) reinforcement, from Old French creue augmentation, from Old French creistre to increase, from Latin crescere]

■ crew cut or crewcut (ˈkruːˌkʌt)   n   a closely cropped haircut for men, originating in the US [C20: from the style of haircut worn by the boat crews at Harvard and Yale Universities]

■ crewless (ˈkruːlIs)   adj   with no crew

■ crewman (ˈkruːmən)   n, pl -men   a male member of a ship's crew

■ crewmate (ˈkruːˌmeIt)   n   a colleague on the crew of a boat or ship

■ crew neck   n   a plain round neckline in sweaters   > ˈcrew-ˌneck or ˈcrew-ˌnecked adj

crew^2 (kruː)   vb   a past tense of crow^2

Crewe (kruː)   n   a town in NW England, in Cheshire: major railway junction. Pop: 67 683 (2001)

crewel (ˈkruːIl)   n   a loosely twisted worsted yarn, used in fancy work and embroidery [C15: of unknown origin]   > ˈcrewelist n   > ˈcrewelˌwork or ˈcrewellery n

■ crewelling (ˈkruːIlIŋ)   n   the art of making crewelwork

CRI   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Crown Research Institutes

cria (ˈkriːə)   n   a baby llama, alpaca, or vicuña

criant (ˈkriːənt)   adj   garish; loud

crib (krIb)   n   1 a child's bed with slatted wooden sides; cot   2 a cattle stall or pen   3 a fodder rack or manger   4 a bin or granary for storing grain, etc   5 a small crude cottage or room   6 US informal a house or residence   7 NZ a weekend cottage: term is South Island usage only   8 any small confined space   9 informal a brothel   10 a wicker basket   11 a representation of the manger in which the infant Jesus was laid at birth   12 informal a theft, esp of another's writing or thoughts   13 Also called (esp US): pony informal, chiefly Brit a translation of a foreign text or a list of answers used by students, often illicitly, as an aid in lessons, examinations, etc   14 short for cribbage   15 cribbage the discard pile   16 Also called: cribwork a framework of heavy timbers laid in layers at right angles to one another, used in the construction of foundations, mines, etc   17 a storage area for floating logs contained by booms   18 Austral and NZ a packed lunch taken to work   ▷ vb cribs, cribbing, cribbed   19 (tr) to put or enclose in or as if in a crib; furnish with a crib   20 (tr) informal to steal (another's writings or thoughts)   21 (intr) informal to copy either from a crib or from someone else during a lesson or examination   22 (tr) to line (a construction hole) with timber beams, logs, or planks   23 (intr) informal to grumble [Old English cribb; related to Old Saxon kribbia, Old High German krippa; compare Middle High German krēbe basket]   > ˈcribber n

■ crib-biting   n   a harmful habit of horses in which the animal leans on the manger or seizes it with the teeth and swallows a gulp of air   > ˈcrib-ˌbiter n

■ crib death   n   US and Canadian the unexplained sudden death of an infant during sleep. Technical name: sudden infant death syndrome. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): cot death

■ crib sheet   n     a a sheet containing notes, etc, on a particular subject, used as a study aid   b such a sheet used to grasp a complex topic quickly, esp used in preparation for a public discussion or debate on the topic: speakers working from crib sheets steered the debate   c such a sheet used to cheat in a test or examination. Also called (esp US and Canadian): cheat sheet

■ crib-wall   n   NZ a supporting wall constructed by laying cribs at right angles to each other, as in cribwork

■ cribwork (ˈkrIbˌwɜːk)   n   another name for crib (sense 16)

cribbage (ˈkrIbIdʒ)   n   a game of cards for two to four, in which players try to win a set number of points before their opponents. Often shortened to: crib [C17: of uncertain origin]

■ cribbage board   n   a board, with pegs and holes, used for scoring at cribbage

cribble (ˈkrIbəl)   n   1 a sieve   2 obsolete the material which remains in a sieve after sifting   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to sift

cribellum (krIˈbɛləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   a sievelike spinning organ in certain spiders that occurs between the spinnerets [C19: New Latin, from Late Latin cribellum, diminutive of Latin cribrum a sieve]

■ cribellar (krIˈbɛlə)   adj   zoology of or relating to the cribellum of a spider

criblé (ˈkriːbleI)   n   1 a method of engraving in which holes or indentations are made in the surface of a material   ▷ adj   2 engraved with holes or indentations

cribrate (ˈkrIbreIt)   adj   another word for cribriform

■ cribration (krIˈbreIʃən)   n   obsolete the action of sifting, esp (in pharmacy) to separate finer particles of a drug from coarser particles

cribriform (ˈkrIbrIˌfɔːm), cribrous (ˈkrIbrəs) or cribrose (ˈkraIˌbrəʊs)   adj   pierced with holes; sievelike [C18: from New Latin crībriformis, from Latin crībrum a sieve + -FORM]

cricetid (kraIˈsiːtId)   n   any small rodent of the family Cricetidae

Crichton (ˈkraItən)   n   1  James. 1560–82, Scottish scholar and writer, called the Admirable Crichton because of his talents   2  (John) Michael. 1942–2008, US novelist, screenwriter, and film director; his thrillers, many of which have been filmed, include The Andromeda Strain (1969), Jurassic Park (1990), and Disclosure (1994)

crick^1 (krIk) informal   n   1 a painful muscle spasm or cramp, esp in the neck or back   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to cause a crick in (the neck, back, etc) [C15: of uncertain origin]

crick^2 (krIk)   n   US and Canadian a dialect word for creek (sense 2)

Crick (krIk)   n   Francis Harry Compton. 1916–2004, English molecular biologist: helped to discover the helical structure of DNA; Nobel prize for physiology or medicine shared with James Watson and Maurice Wilkins 1962

cricket^1 (ˈkrIkIt)   n   1 any insect of the orthopterous family Gryllidae, having long antennae and, in the males, the ability to produce a chirping sound (stridulation) by rubbing together the leathery forewings   2 any of various related insects, such as the mole cricket [C14: from Old French criquet, from criquer to creak, of imitative origin]

cricket^2 (ˈkrIkIt)   n   1    a a game played by two teams of eleven players on a field with a wicket at either end of a 22-yard pitch, the object being for one side to score runs by hitting a hard leather-covered ball with a bat while the other side tries to dismiss them by bowling, catching, running them out, etc   b (as modifier): a cricket bat   2 not cricket informal not fair play   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to play cricket [C16: from Old French criquet goalpost, wicket, of uncertain origin]   > ˈcricketer n

■ cricketing (ˈkrIkItIŋ)   adj   of or relating to the game of cricket

cricket^3 (ˈkrIkIt)   n   a small low stool [C17: of unknown origin]

cricoid (ˈkraIkɔId)   adj   1 of or relating to the ring-shaped lowermost cartilage of the larynx   ▷ n   2 this cartilage [C18: from New Latin cricoīdes, from Greek krikoeidēs ring-shaped, from krikos ring]

cri de coeur (ˌkriː də ˈkɜː)   n, pl cris de coeur   a cry from the heart; heartfelt or sincere appeal [C20: altered from French cri du coeur]

crier (ˈkraIə)   n   1 a person or animal that cries   2 (formerly) an official who made public announcements, esp in a town or court   3 a person who shouts advertisements about the goods he or she is selling

crikey (ˈkraIkI)   interj   slang an expression of surprise [C19: euphemistic for Christ!]

crim (krIm)   n, adj   slang short for criminal

crim.   abbreviation for   criminal

crime (kraIm)   n   1 an act or omission prohibited and punished by law   2    a unlawful acts in general: a wave of crime   b (as modifier): crime wave   3 an evil act   4 informal something to be regretted: it is a crime that he died young [C14: from Old French, from Latin crīmen verdict, accusation, crime]

■ crime-buster   n   slang a law officer who specializes in fighting large-scale organized crime

■ crime-fighting   adj   of or relating to crime fighting

■ crimeful (ˈkraImfʊl)   adj   criminal; filled with crime

■ crimeless (ˈkraImlIs)   adj   free from crime; innocent

■ crime sheet   n   military a record of an individual's offences against regulations

■ crimewave (ˈkraImˌweIv)   n   a period of increased criminal activity

Crimea (kraIˈmIə)   n   a peninsula between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, disputed between Ukraine and Russia: a former autonomous republic of the Soviet Union (1921–54); part of the Ukrainian SSR from (1954–1991); an autonomous republic of independent Ukraine (1991–2014); annexation by Russia in 2014 not recognized internationally. Capital: Simferopol. Pop: 1 966 801 (2014 est). Russian and Ukrainian name: Krym

■ Crimean (kraIˈmIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Crimea or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Crimea

■ Crimean War   n   the war fought mainly in Crimea between Russia on one side and Turkey, France, Sardinia, and Britain on the other (1853–56)

crimen Latin (ˈkraImən)   n   law a crime

■ crimen injuria (ˈkraImən InˈdʒʊərIə)   n   South African law an action that injures the dignity of another person, esp use of racially offensive language [L, lit.: crime or insult]

crime passionnel (French krim pɑsjɔnɛl)   n, pl crimes passionnels   a crime committed from passion, esp sexual passion. Also called: crime of passion [from French]

criminal (ˈkrImInəl)   n   1 a person charged with and convicted of crime   2 a person who commits crimes for a living   ▷ adj   3 of, involving, or guilty of crime   4 (prenominal) of or relating to crime or its punishment: criminal court; criminal lawyer   5 informal senseless or deplorable: a criminal waste of money [C15: from Late Latin crīminālis; see CRIME, -AL^1]   > ˈcriminally adv

■ criminal conversation   n   1 (formerly) a common law action brought by a husband by which he claimed damages against an adulterer   2 another term for adultery

■ criminalese (ˌkrImInəˈliːz)   n   the jargon of criminals

■ Criminal Investigation Department   n   the full name for CID

■ criminalist (ˈkrImInəlIst)   n   1 US dialect a person who collects and analyses forensic evidence from the scene of a crime   2 a person who has knowledge of criminal law

■ criminalistics (ˌkrImInəˈlIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the scientific study of criminal evidence

■ criminality (ˌkrImIˈnælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being criminal   2 (often plural) rare a criminal act or practice

■ criminalize or criminalise (ˈkrImInəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make (an action or activity) criminal   2 to treat (a person) as a criminal   > ˌcriminaliˈzation or ˌcriminaliˈsation n

■ criminal law   n   the body of law dealing with the constitution of offences and the punishment of offenders

■ Criminal Records Bureau   n   (in England and Wales) a service offering employers and voluntary organizations access to police, health, and education records

criminate (ˈkrImIˌneIt)   vb (tr) rare   1 to charge with a crime; accuse   2 to condemn or censure (an action, event, etc)   3 short for incriminate [C17: from Latin crīminārī to accuse]   > ˌcrimiˈnation n   > ˈcriminative or criminatory (ˈkrImInətərI, -trI) adj   > ˈcrimiˌnator n

crimine (ˈkrImInI) or criminy (ˈkrImInI)   interj   archaic, slang an expression of surprise

criminogenic (ˌkrImInəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   causing or promoting crime

criminology (ˌkrImIˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of crime, criminal behaviour, law enforcement, etc. See also penology [C19: from Latin crimin- CRIME, -LOGY]   > criminological (ˌkrImInəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌcriminoˈlogic adj   > ˌcriminoˈlogically adv   > ˌcrimiˈnologist n

criminous (ˈkrImInəs)   adj   archaic criminal

■ criminousness (ˈkrImInəsnəs)   n   archaic the quality or state of being criminous

crimmer (ˈkrImə)   n   a variant spelling of krimmer

crimp^1 (krImp)   vb (tr)   1 to fold or press into ridges   2 to fold and pinch together (something, such as the edges of two pieces of metal)   3 to curl or wave (the hair) tightly, esp with curling tongs   4 to decorate (the edge of pastry) by pinching with the fingers to give a fluted effect   5 to gash (fish or meat) with a knife to make the flesh firmer and crisper when cooked   6 to bend or mould (leather) into shape, as for shoes   7 metallurgy to bend the edges of (a metal plate) before forming into a cylinder   8 informal, chiefly US to hinder   ▷ n   9 the act or result of folding or pressing together or into ridges   10 a tight wave or curl in the hair   11 a crease or fold in a metal sheet   12 the natural wave of wool fibres [Old English crympan; related to crump bent, Old Norse kreppa to contract, Old High German crumpf, Old Swedish crumb crooked; see CRAMP^1]   > ˈcrimper n   > ˈcrimpy adj

■ crimped (krImpt)   adj   1 folded into ridges   2 having tight curls or waves

crimp^2 (krImp)   n   1 (formerly) a person who swindled or pressganged men into naval or military service   ▷ vb   2 to recruit by coercion or under false pretences [C17: of unknown origin]

crimple (ˈkrImpəl)   vb   to crumple, wrinkle, or curl

Crimplene (ˈkrImpliːn)   n   trademark a synthetic material similar to Terylene, characterized by its crease-resistance

crimson (ˈkrImzən)   n   1    a a deep or vivid red colour   b (as adjective): a crimson rose   ▷ vb   2 to make or become crimson   3 (intr) to blush [C14: from Old Spanish cremesin, from Arabic qirmizi red of the kermes, from qirmiz KERMES]   > ˈcrimsonness n

crinal (ˈkraInəl)   adj   of or relating to the hair

crinate (ˈkraIneIt)   adj   having hair; hairy

crine^1 (kraIn)   n   1 the hair   2 a head of hair

crine^2 (kraIn)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect to shrivel or shrink

cringe (krIndʒ)   vb (intr)   1 to shrink or flinch, esp in fear or servility   2 to behave in a servile or timid way   3 informal   a to wince in embarrassment or distaste   b to experience a sudden feeling of embarrassment or distaste   ▷ n   4 the act of cringing   5 the cultural cringe Austral subservience to overseas cultural standards [Old English cringan to yield in battle; related to Old Norse krangr weak, Middle High German krenken to weaken]   > ˈcringer n

■ cringeling (ˈkrIndʒlIŋ)   n   a person who cringes in a subservient manner; a fawner

■ cringe-making or cringeworthy (ˈkrIndʒˌwɜːðI)   adj   Brit informal causing feelings of acute embarrassment or distaste

■ cringey or cringy (ˈkrIndʒI)   adj -gier, -giest   informal causing acute feelings of embarrassment or disgust

■ cringing (ˈkrIndʒIŋ)   adj   servile; obsequious   > ˈcringingly adv

cringle (ˈkrIŋɡəl)   n   an eye at the edge of a sail, usually formed from a thimble or grommet [C17: from Low German Kringel small RING^1; see CRANK^1, CRINKLE]

crinicultural (ˌkraInIˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   of or relating to hair growth

crinigerous (kraIˈnIdʒərəs)   adj   having hair; hairy

crinite^1 (ˈkraInaIt)   adj   biology covered with soft hairs or tufts [C16: from Latin crīnītus hairy, from crīnis hair]

crinite^2 (ˈkraInaIt, ˈkrIn-)   n   short for encrinite [C19: from Greek krinon lily + -ITE^1]

crinkle (ˈkrIŋkəl)   vb   1 to form or cause to form wrinkles, twists, or folds   2 to make or cause to make a rustling noise   ▷ n   3 a wrinkle, twist, or fold   4 a rustling noise [Old English crincan to bend, give way; related to Middle Dutch krinkelen to crinkle, Middle High German krank weak, ill, krenken to weaken]

■ crinkle-cut   adj   Brit (of chips or crisps) having a striated or furrowed surface

■ crinkled (ˈkrIŋkəld)   adj   marked with crenellations

■ crinkleroot (ˈkrIŋkəlˌruːt)   n   any of several species of the toothwort Dentaria, esp D. diphylla of E North America, which has a fleshy pungent rhizome and clusters of white or pinkish flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

■ crinkly (ˈkrIŋklI)   adj   1 wrinkled; crinkled   ▷ n, pl -lies   2 slang, derogatory an old person

crinkum-crankum (ˈkrIŋkəmˈkræŋkəm)   n   a fanciful name for any object that is full of twists and turns [C18: coinage based on CRANK^1]

crinoid (ˈkraInɔId, ˈkrIn-)   n   1 any primitive echinoderm of the class Crinoidea, having delicate feathery arms radiating from a central disc. The group includes the free-swimming feather stars, the sessile sea lilies, and many stemmed fossil forms   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Crinoidea   3 shaped like a lily [C19: from Greek krinoeidēs lily-like]   > criˈnoidal adj

■ crinoidean (kraIˈnɔIdIən)   adj   of or relating to the Crinoidea, an order of echinoderms

crinolette (ˌkrInəˈlɛt)   n   a steel framework worn under the skirt to distend its rear section, fashionable in the mid-18th century

crinoline (ˈkrInəlIn)   n   1 a stiff fabric, originally of horsehair and linen used in lining garments   2 a petticoat stiffened with this, worn to distend skirts, esp in the mid-19th century   3 a framework of steel hoops worn for the same purpose [C19: from French, from Italian crinolino, from crino horsehair, from Latin crīnis hair + lino flax, from Latin līnum]

■ crinolined (ˈkrInəlInd)   adj   wearing a crinoline

crinose (ˈkraInəʊz)   adj   hairy

crinum (ˈkraInəm)   n   any plant of the mostly tropical amaryllidaceous genus Crinum, having straplike leaves and clusters of lily-like flowers. Also called: crinum lily [Latin: lily, from Greek krinon]

criollo (kriːˈəʊləʊ; Spanish ˈkrjoʎo)   n, pl -los (-ləʊz; Spanish -ʎos)   1 a native or inhabitant of Latin America of European descent, esp of Spanish descent   2    a any of various South American breeds of domestic animal   b (as modifier): a criollo pony   3 a high-quality variety of cocoa   ▷ adj   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of a criollo or criollos [Spanish: native; see CREOLE]

crios (krIs)   n   Irish a multicoloured woven woollen belt traditionally worn by men in the Aran Islands [Irish Gaelic]

cripes (kraIps)   interj   old-fashioned, slang an expression of surprise [C20: euphemistic for Christ!]

Crippen (ˈkrIpən)   n   Hawley Harvey, known as Doctor Crippen. 1862–1910, US doctor living in England: executed for poisoning his wife; the first criminal to be apprehended by the use of radiotelegraphy

cripple (ˈkrIpəl)   n   1 old-fashioned, offensive a person who is unable to walk or walk easily as a result of injury or disability   2 offensive a person who is or seems deficient in some way: an emotional cripple   3 US dialect a dense thicket, usually in marshy land   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to disable (a person) in some way   5 (tr) to make ineffective or incapable [Old English crypel; related to crēopan to CREEP, Old Frisian kreppel a cripple, Middle Low German kröpel]   > ˈcrippler n

■ crippled (ˈkrIpəld)   adj   1 physically incapacitated   2 having had its capacity to function damaged

■ crippledom (ˈkrIpəldəm)   n   archaic the state of being crippled

■ crippleware (ˈkrIpəlˌwɛə)   n   a computer program whose functionality has been deliberately limited, thus forcing the user to purchase additional software

■ crippling (ˈkrIplIŋ)   adj   damaging or injurious   > ˈcripplingly adv

Cripple Creek   n   a village in central Colorado: gold-mining centre since 1891, once the richest in the world

Cripps (krIps)   n   Sir (Richard) Stafford. 1889–1952, British Labour statesman; Chancellor of the Exchequer (1947–50)

Criseyde (krIˈseIdə)   n   a variant of Cressida

crisis (ˈkraIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something, esp in a sequence of events or a disease   2 an unstable period, esp one of extreme trouble or danger in politics, economics, etc   3 pathol a sudden change, for better or worse, in the course of a disease. Also (archaic): crise [C15: from Latin: decision, from Greek krisis, from krinein to decide]

■ crisic (ˈkraIsIk)   adj   of or relating to a crisis

crisp (krIsp)   adj   1 dry and brittle   2 fresh and firm: crisp lettuce   3 invigorating or bracing: a crisp breeze   4 clear; sharp: crisp reasoning   5 lively or stimulating: crisp conversation   6 clean and orderly; neat: a crisp appearance   7 concise and pithy; terse: a crisp reply   8 wrinkled or curly: crisp hair   ▷ vb   9 to make or become crisp   ▷ n   10 Brit a very thin slice of potato fried and eaten cold as a snack   11 something that is crisp [Old English, from Latin crispus curled, uneven, wrinkled]   > ˈcrisply adv   > ˈcrispness n

■ crispbread (ˈkrIspˌbrɛd)   n   a thin dry biscuit made of wheat or rye

■ crispen (ˈkrIspən)   vb   to make or become crisp

■ crisper (ˈkrIspə)   n   a compartment in a refrigerator for storing salads, vegetables, etc, in order to keep them fresh

■ crisphead (ˈkrIspˌhɛd)   n   a variety of lettuce with a dense cabbage-like head and mild crunchy leaves. Also called: iceberg

■ crispy (ˈkrIspI)   adj crispier, crispiest   1 crisp   2 having waves or curls   > ˈcrispily adv   > ˈcrispiness n

crispate (ˈkrIspeIt, -pIt), crispated or crisped   adj   having a curled or waved appearance [C19: from Latin crispāre to curl]

■ crispation (krIˈspeIʃən)   n   1 the act of curling or state of being curled   2 any slight muscular spasm or contraction that gives a creeping sensation   3 a slight undulation, such as a ripple on the surface of water

■ crispature (ˈkrIspətʃə)   n   the state of being crisped or crispate

Crispi (Italian ˈkrispi)   n   Francesco (franˈtʃesko). 1819–1901, Italian statesman; premier (1887–91; 1893–96)

Crispin (ˈkrIspIn)   n   Saint, 3rd century AD, legendary Roman Christian martyr, with his brother Crispinian (krIˈspInIən): they are the patron saints of shoemakers. Feast day: Oct 25

CRISPR (ˈkrIspə)   acronym for   clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeat: a sequence of DNA that contains repetitions of base sequences and can be inserted into a genome as part of a gene-editing therapy

crisscross (ˈkrIsˌkrɒs)   vb   1 to move or cause to move in a crosswise pattern   2 to mark with or consist of a pattern of crossing lines   ▷ adj   3 (esp of a number of lines) crossing one another in different directions   ▷ n   4 a pattern made of crossing lines   5 a US term for noughts and crosses   ▷ adv   6 in a crosswise manner or pattern

■ crisscrossed   adj   crossed over each other

■ crisscrossing   adj   crossing over each other

crissum (ˈkrIsəm)   n, pl -sa (-sə)   the area or feathers surrounding the cloaca of a bird [C19: from New Latin, from Latin crissāre to move the haunches]   > ˈcrissal adj

crista (ˈkrIstə)   n, pl -tae (-tiː)   biology a structure resembling a ridge or crest, such as that formed by folding of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion [C20: from Latin: CREST]

■ cristate (ˈkrIsteIt) or cristated   adj   1 having a crest   2 forming a crest [C17: from Latin cristātus, from crista CREST]

■ cristiform (ˈkrIstIfɔːm)   adj   crest-shaped

cristobalite (krIsˈtəʊbəˌlaIt)   n   a white microcrystalline mineral consisting of silica and occurring in volcanic rocks. Formula: SiO_2 [C19: from German, named after Cerro San Cristóbal, Mexico, where it was discovered]

crit.   abbreviation for   1 critic   2 criticism

criterion (kraIˈtIərIən)   n, pl -ria (-rIə) or -rions   1 a standard by which something can be judged or decided   2 philosophy a defining characteristic of something [C17: from Greek kritērion from kritēs judge, from krinein to decide]

USAGE

Criteria, the plural of criterion, is not acceptable as a singular noun: this criterion is not valid; these criteria are not valid

■ criterial (kraIˈtIərIəl)   adj   of or relating to criteria

criterium (kraIˈtIərIəm)   n   a bicycle road race, consisting of numerous laps of a short closed circuit

crith (krIθ)   n   a unit of weight for gases, equal to the weight of one litre of hydrogen at standard pressure and temperature (0.09 grams)

crithidial (krIˈθIdIəl)   adj   relating to a developmental stage in protozoan parasites of the trypanosome group, now more commonly referred to as the epimastigote stage

crithomancy (ˈkrIθəʊˌmænsI)   n   a form of divination in which grain or meal used in a sacrifice is analysed

critic (ˈkrItIk)   n   1 a person who judges something   2 a professional judge of art, music, literature, etc   3 a person who often finds fault and criticizes [C16: from Latin criticus, from Greek kritikos capable of judging, from kritēs judge; see CRITERION]

critical (ˈkrItIkəl)   adj   1 containing or making severe or negative judgments   2 containing careful or analytical evaluations: a critical dissertation   3 of or involving a critic or criticism   4 of or forming a crisis; crucial; decisive: a critical operation   5 urgently needed: critical medical supplies   6 informal so seriously injured or ill as to be in danger of dying   7 physics of, denoting, or concerned with a state in which the properties of a system undergo an abrupt change: a critical temperature   8 go critical (of a nuclear power station or reactor) to reach a state in which a nuclear-fission chain reaction becomes self-sustaining   > ˈcritically adv   > ˈcriticalness n

■ critical angle   n   1 the smallest possible angle of incidence for which light rays are totally reflected at an interface between substances of different refractive index   2 another name for stalling angle

■ critical apparatus   n   the variant readings, footnotes, etc found in a scholarly work or a critical edition of a text. Also called: apparatus criticus

■ critical constants   pl n   the physical constants that express the properties of a substance in its critical state. See critical pressure, critical temperature

■ critical damping   n   physics the minimum amount of viscous damping that results in a displaced system returning to its original position without oscillation. Symbol: Cc

■ critical density   n   the density of matter that would be required to halt the expansion of the universe

■ criticality (ˌkrItIˈkælItI)   n   1 the state of being critical   2 physics the condition in a nuclear reactor when the fissionable material can sustain a chain reaction by itself

■ critical mass   n   1 the minimum mass of fissionable material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction   2 the minimum amount of money or number of people required to start or sustain an operation, business, process, etc: the critical mass for a subscription digital sports channel

■ critical path   n   the sequence of stages of a project requiring the longest time

■ critical path analysis or critical path method   n   a technique for planning complex projects by analysing alternative systems with reference to the critical path, which is the sequence of stages requiring the longest time. Compare programme evaluation and review technique

■ critical period   n   psychol a period in a lifetime during which a specific stage of development usually occurs. If it fails to do so, it cannot readily occur afterwards

■ critical point   n   1 physics   a the point on a phase diagram that represents the critical state of a substance   b another name for critical state   2 maths the US name for stationary point

■ critical pressure   n   the pressure of a gas or the saturated vapour pressure of a substance in its critical state

■ critical region   n   that part of a statistical distribution in which the probability of a given hypothesis is less than the chosen significance level, so that the hypothesis would be rejected

■ critical state   n   the state of a substance in which two of its phases have the same temperature, pressure, and volume. Also called: critical point

■ critical temperature   n   the temperature of a substance in its critical state. A gas can only be liquefied by pressure alone at temperatures below its critical temperature

■ critical volume   n   the volume occupied by one mole or unit mass of a substance in its critical state

criticaster (ˈkrItIˌkɑːstə)   n   a lowly or petty critic

criticize or criticise (ˈkrItIˌsaIz)   vb   1 to judge (something) with disapproval; censure   2 to evaluate or analyse (something)   > ˈcritiˌcizable or ˈcritiˌcisable adj   > ˈcritiˌcizer or ˈcritiˌciser n   > ˈcritiˌcizingly or ˈcritiˌcisingly adv

■ criticism (ˈkrItIˌsIzəm)   n   1 the act or an instance of making an unfavourable or severe judgment, comment, etc   2 the analysis or evaluation of a work of art, literature, etc   3 the occupation of a critic   4 a work that sets out to evaluate or analyse   5 Also called: textual criticism the investigation of a particular text, with related material, in order to establish an authentic text

critique (krIˈtiːk)   n   1 a critical essay or commentary, esp on artistic work   2 the act or art of criticizing [C17: from French, from Greek kritikē, from kritikos able to discern]

critter (ˈkrItə)   n   US and Canadian a dialect word for creature

crivens (ˈkrIvəns)   interj   Scot dialect an exclamation of surprise, now more commonly used for comedic effect

CRM   abbreviation for   customer relationship management

CRO   abbreviation for   1 cathode-ray oscilloscope   2 (in Britain) Community Relations Officer   3 Criminal Records Office

Croagh Patrick (kroːx)   n   a mountain in NW Republic of Ireland, in Mayo: a place of pilgrimage as Saint Patrick is said to have prayed and fasted there. Height: 764 m (2507 ft)

croak (krəʊk)   vb   1 (intr) (of frogs, crows, etc) to make a low, hoarse cry   2 to utter (something) in this manner: he croaked out the news   3 (intr) to grumble or be pessimistic   4 slang   a (intr) to die   b (tr) to kill   ▷ n   5 a low hoarse utterance or sound [Old English crācettan; related to Old Norse krāka a crow; see CREAK]   > ˈcroaky adj   > ˈcroakily adv   > ˈcroakiness n

■ croaker (ˈkrəʊkə)   n   1 an animal, bird, etc, that croaks   2 any of various mainly tropical marine sciaenid fishes, such as Umbrina roncador (yellowfin croaker), that utter croaking noises   3 a grumbling person

Croatia (krəʊˈeIʃə)   n   a republic in SE Europe: settled by Croats in the 7th century; belonged successively to Hungary, Turkey, and Austria; formed part of Yugoslavia (1918–91); became independent in 1991 but was invaded by Serbia and fighting continued until 1995; involved in the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1991–95); joined the European Union in 2013. Language: Croatian. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: kuna. Capital: Zagreb. Pop: 4 189 353 (2017 est). Area: 55 322 sq km (21 359 sq miles). Croatian name: Hrvatska

■ Croat (ˈkrəʊæt)   n   1    a a native or inhabitant of Croatia   b a speaker of Croatian   ▷ n, adj   2 another word for Croatian

■ Croatian (krəʊˈeIʃən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Croatia, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 the language that is spoken in Croatia, formerly regarded as a dialect of Serbo-Croat (Croato-Serb)   3    a a native or inhabitant of Croatia   b a speaker of Croatian

USAGE

See at Bosnian

Croato-Serb (krəʊˌeItəʊˈsɜːb)   n, adj   another name for Serbo-Croat

USAGE

See at Bosnian

croc (krɒk)   n   short for crocodile (sense 1), crocodile (sense 2), crocodile (sense 3)

Croce (Italian ˈkroːtʃe)   n   Benedetto (beneˈdetto). 1866–1952, Italian philosopher, critic, and statesman: an opponent of Fascism, he helped re-establish liberalism in postwar Italy

croceate (ˈkrəʊsIˌeIt) or croceous (ˈkrəʊʃIəs)   adj   1 saffron-coloured   2 of or relating to saffron

crocein (ˈkrəʊsIIn)   n   any one of a group of red or orange acid azo dyes [C20: from Latin croceus yellow + -IN]

croche (krəʊtʃ)   n   a knob or bud at the top of a stag's antler

crochet (ˈkrəʊʃeI, -ʃI)   vb -chets (-ʃeIz, -ʃIz), -cheting (-ʃeIIŋ, -ʃIIŋ), -cheted (-ʃeId, -ʃId)   1 to make (a piece of needlework, a garment, etc) by looping and intertwining thread with a hooked needle (crochet hook)   ▷ n   2 work made by crocheting   3 architect another name for crocket   4 zoology a hooklike structure of insect larvae that aids locomotion [C19: from French crochet, diminutive of croc hook, probably of Scandinavian origin]   > ˈcrocheter (ˈkrəʊʃeIə) n

■ crocheted (ˈkrəʊʃeId)   adj   made with a crochet hook

■ crochetings (ˈkrəʊʃeIIŋz)   pl n   a collection of crochet-work

crocidolite (krəʊˈsIdəˌlaIt)   n   a blue fibrous amphibole mineral consisting of sodium iron silicate: a variety of asbestos used in cement products and pressure piping [C19: from Greek krokis nap on woollen cloth + -LITE]

crocine (ˈkrəʊsiːn)   adj   of or relating to the crocus

crock^1 (krɒk)   n   1 an earthen pot, jar, etc   2 a piece of broken earthenware   3 Also: crock of shit US and Canadian slang a quantity or source of lies or nonsense [Old English crocc pot; related to Old Norse krukka jug, Middle Low German krūke pot]

■ crockery (ˈkrɒkərI)   n   china dishes, earthen vessels, etc, collectively

crock^2 (krɒk)   n   1 slang, chiefly Brit a person or thing, such as a car, that is old or decrepit (esp in the phrase old crock)   2 an old broken-down horse or ewe   ▷ vb   3 slang, chiefly Brit to become or cause to become weak or disabled [C15: originally Scottish; related to Norwegian krake unhealthy animal, Dutch kraak decrepit person or animal]

■ crocked (krɒkt)   adj slang   1 Brit injured   2 US and Canadian drunk

crock^3 (krɒk)   n   1 dialect, chiefly Brit soot or smut   2 colour that rubs off fabric   ▷ vb   3 (tr) dialect, chiefly Brit to soil with or as if with soot   4 (intr) (of a dyed fabric) to release colour when rubbed, as a result of imperfect dyeing [C17: probably from CROCK^1]

crocket (ˈkrɒkIt)   n   a carved ornament in the form of a curled leaf or cusp, used in Gothic architecture. Also called: crochet [C17: from Anglo-French croket a little hook, from croc hook, of Scandinavian origin]

Crockett (ˈkrɒkIt)   n   David, known as Davy Crockett. 1786–1836, US frontiersman, politician, and soldier

Crockford (ˈkrɒkfəd)   n   short for Crockford's Clerical Directory, the standard directory of living Anglican clergy [C19: named after John Crockford (1823–65), clerk to Edward William Cox (1809–79), a lawyer who devised the directory]

crocodile (ˈkrɒkəˌdaIl)   n   1 any large tropical reptile, such as C. niloticus (African crocodile), of the family Crocodylidae: order Crocodilia (crocodilians). They have a broad head, tapering snout, massive jaws, and a thick outer covering of bony plates   2 any other reptile of the order Crocodilia; a crocodilian   3    a leather made from the skin of any of these animals   b (as modifier): crocodile shoes   4 Brit informal a line of people, esp schoolchildren, walking two by two [C13: via Old French, from Latin crocodīlus, from Greek krokodeilos lizard, ultimately from krokē pebble + drilos worm; referring to its fondness for basking on shingle]

■ crocodile bird   n   an African courser, Pluvianus aegyptius, that lives close to rivers and is thought to feed on insects parasitic on crocodiles

■ crocodile clip   n   a clasp with serrated interlocking edges used for making electrical connections

■ Crocodile River   n   1 a river in N South Africa, rising north of Johannesburg and flowing north-westerly into the Marico River on the Botswanan border; a tributary of the Limpopo   2 a river that rises in NE South Africa, in the Kruger National Park, and flows south-easterly into Mozambique

■ crocodile tears   pl n   an insincere show of grief; false tears [from the belief that crocodiles wept over their prey to lure further victims]

■ crocodilian (ˌkrɒkəˈdIlIən)   n   1 any large predatory reptile of the order Crocodilia, which includes the crocodiles, alligators, and caymans. They live in or near water and have a long broad snout, powerful jaws, a four-chambered heart, and socketed teeth   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Crocodilia   3 of, relating to, or resembling a crocodile

crocoite (ˈkrəʊkəʊˌaIt) or crocoisite (krəʊˈkəʊIˌsaIt, ˈkrəʊkwəˌsaIt)   n   a rare orange secondary mineral consisting of lead chromate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: PbCrO_4. Also called: red-lead ore [C19: from Greek krokoeis saffron-coloured, golden + -ITE^1]

crocosmia (krəˈkɒzmIə)   n   any plant of the cormous S African genus Crocosmia, including the plant known to gardeners as montbretia: family Iridaceae [New Latin, from Greek krokos saffron + osmē smell, from the odour of the dried flowers when wetted]

crocus (ˈkrəʊkəs)   n, pl -cuses   1 any plant of the iridaceous genus Crocus, widely cultivated in gardens, having white, yellow, or purple flowers. See also autumn crocus   2 another name for jeweller's rouge   ▷ adj   3 of a saffron yellow colour [C17: from New Latin, from Latin crocus, from Greek krokos saffron, of Semitic origin]

Croesus (ˈkriːsəs)   n   1  died ?546 BC, the last king of Lydia (560–546), noted for his great wealth   2 any very rich person

croft (krɒft)   n Brit   1 a small enclosed plot of land, adjoining a house, worked by the occupier and his or her family, esp in Scotland   2 Lancashire dialect a patch of wasteland, formerly one used for bleaching fabric in the sun [Old English croft; related to Middle Dutch krocht hill, field, Old English creopan to CREEP]

■ crofter (ˈkrɒftə)   n   Brit an owner or tenant of a small farm, esp in Scotland or northern England

■ crofting (ˈkrɒftIŋ)   n   Brit the system or occupation of working land in crofts

crog (krɒɡ)   vb (intr)   Northern English and Midland English dialect to ride on a bicycle as a passenger

■ croggy (ˈkrɒɡI)   n, pl croggies   Northern English and Midland English dialect a ride on a bicycle as a passenger: give us a croggy!

Crohn's disease (krəʊnz)   n   inflammation, thickening, and ulceration of any of various parts of the intestine, esp the ileum. Also called: regional enteritis. See also Johne's disease [C20: named after B. B. Crohn (1884–1983), US physician]

croissant (ˈkrwʌsɒŋ; French krwasɑ̃)   n   a flaky crescent-shaped bread roll made of a yeast dough similar to puff pastry [French, literally: crescent]

Croix de Guerre French (krwa də ɡɛr)   n   a French military decoration awarded for gallantry in battle: established 1915 [literally: cross of war]

crojik (ˈkrəʊdʒIk)   n   a triangular sail

crokinole (ˈkrɒkəˌnəʊl)   n   a board game popular in Canada in which players flick wooden discs [C20: from French croquignole a flick]

Cro-Magnon man (ˈkrəʊˈmænjɒn, -ˈmæɡnɒn)   n   an early type of modern human, Homo sapiens, who lived in Europe during late Palaeolithic times, having tall stature, long head, and a relatively large cranial capacity [C19: named after the cave (Cro-Magnon), Dordogne, France, where the remains were first found]

crombec (ˈkrɒmbɛk)   n   any African Old World warbler of the genus Sylvietta, having colourful plumage [C19: via French from Dutch krom crooked + bek BEAK^1]

Crome (krəʊm)   n   John, known as Old Crome. 1768–1821, English landscape painter and etcher

Cromer^1 (ˈkrəʊmə)   n   a resort in E England, on the Norfolk coast: fishing. Pop: 8836 (2001)

Cromer^2 (ˈkrəʊmə)   n   1st Earl of, title of (Evelyn) Baring

cromlech (ˈkrɒmlɛk)   n   1 a circle of prehistoric standing stones   2 (no longer in technical usage) a megalithic chamber tomb or dolmen [C17: from Welsh, from crom, feminine of crwm bent, arched + llech flat stone]

cromorna (krəʊˈmɔːnə)   n   1 a reed stop in an organ giving an oboe-like tone   2 a crumhorn

Crompton (ˈkrɒmptən)   n   1  Richmal, full name Richmal Crompton Lamburn. 1890–1969, British children's author, best known for her Just William stories   2  Samuel. 1753–1827, British inventor of the spinning mule (1779)

Cromwell (ˈkrɒmwəl, -wɛl)   n   1  Oliver. 1599–1658, English general and statesman. A convinced Puritan, he was an effective leader of the parliamentary army in the Civil War. After the execution of Charles I he quelled the Royalists in Scotland and Ireland, and became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth (1653–58)   2  his son, Richard. 1626–1712, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth (1658–59)   3  Thomas,Earl of Essex. ?1485–1540, English statesman. He was secretary to Cardinal Wolsey (1514), after whose fall he became chief adviser to Henry VIII. He drafted most of the Reformation legislation, securing its passage through parliament, the power of which he thereby greatly enhanced. He was executed after losing Henry's favour   > Cromwellian (krɒmˈwɛlIən) adj, n

Cromwell Current (ˈkrɒmwɛl, -wəl)   n   an equatorial Pacific current, flowing eastward from the Hawaiian Islands to the Galápagos Islands [C20: named after T. Cromwell (1922–58), US oceanographer]

crone (krəʊn)   n   a witchlike old woman [C14: from Old Northern French carogne carrion, ultimately from Latin caro flesh]

cronet (ˈkrəʊˌnɛt)   n   obsolete the coronet of a horse's hoof or the hair which grows over this area

Cronin (ˈkrəʊnIn)   n   1  A(rchibald) J(oseph). 1896–1981, British novelist and physician. His works include Hatter's Castle (1931), The Judas Tree (1961), and Dr Finlay's Casebook, a TV series based on his medical experiences   2  James Watson. 1931–2016, US physicist; shared the Nobel prize for physics (1980) for his work on parity conservation in weak interactions

Cronje (ˈkrɒnjə)   n   Hansie, full name Wessel Johannes Cronje (1969–2002); South African cricketer. He captained South Africa (1994–2000); banned for life from cricket for match-fixing in 2001

cronk (krɒŋk)   adj   Austral unfit; unsound [C19: compare CRANK^2]

Cronus (ˈkrəʊnəs), Cronos or Kronos (ˈkrəʊnɒs)   n   Greek myth a Titan, son of Uranus (sky) and Gaea (earth), who ruled the world until his son Zeus dethroned him. Roman counterpart: Saturn

crony (ˈkrəʊnI)   n, pl -nies   a friend or companion [C17: student slang (Cambridge), from Greek khronios of long duration, from khronos time]

■ crony capitalism   n   derogatory an economic system characterized by mutually beneficial relationships between politicians and business owners

■ cronyism (ˈkrəʊnIˌIzəm)   n   the practice of appointing friends to high-level, esp political, posts regardless of their suitability

croodle (ˈkruːdəl)   vb   1 (intr) Scot dialect to coo   2 (tr) dialect to cower or cuddle together for warmth; nestle

crook (krʊk)   n   1 a curved or hooked thing   2 a staff with a hooked end, such as a bishop's crosier or shepherd's staff   3 a turn or curve; bend   4 informal a dishonest person, esp a swindler or thief   5 the act or an instance of crooking or bending   6 Also called: shank a piece of tubing added to a brass instrument in order to obtain a lower harmonic series   ▷ vb   7 to bend or curve or cause to bend or curve   ▷ adj   8 Austral and NZ informal   a ill   b of poor quality   c unpleasant; bad   9 go crook or go off crook Austral and NZ informal to lose one's temper   10 go crook at or go crook on Austral and NZ informal to rebuke or upbraid [C12: from Old Norse krokr hook; related to Swedish krok, Danish krog hook, Old High German krācho hooked tool]

■ crookback (ˈkrʊkˌbæk)   n   a rare word for hunchback   > ˈcrookˌbacked adj

■ crooked (ˈkrʊkId)   adj   1 bent, angled or winding   2 set at an angle; not straight   3 deformed or contorted   4 informal dishonest or illegal   5 crooked on (also krʊkt) Austral informal hostile or averse to   > ˈcrookedly adv   > ˈcrookedness n

■ crookery (ˈkrʊkərI)   n   illegal or dishonest activity

■ crookneck (ˈkrʊkˌnɛk)   n   US dialect any of several varieties of squash with a curved neck

Crookes (krʊks)   n   Sir William. 1832–1919, English chemist and physicist: he investigated the properties of cathode rays and invented a type of radiometer and the lens named after him

■ Crookes lens   n   a type of lens, used in sunglasses, that is made from glass containing cerium. It reduces the transmission of ultraviolet radiation

■ Crookes radiometer   n   physics a type of radiometer consisting of an evacuated glass bulb containing a set of lightweight vanes, each blackened on one side. The vanes are mounted on a vertical axis and revolve when light, or other radiant energy, falls on them

■ Crookes space   n   a dark region near the cathode in some low-pressure gas-discharge tubes. Also called: Crookes dark space

■ Crookes tube   n   a type of cathode-ray tube in which the electrons are produced by a glow discharge in a low-pressure gas

crool (kruːl)   vb Austral slang   1 (tr) to spoil: don't crool your chances   2 crool someone's pitch to spoil an opportunity for someone

croon (kruːn)   vb   1 to sing or speak in a soft low tone   ▷ n   2 a soft low singing or humming [C14: via Middle Dutch crōnen to groan; compare Old High German chrōnan to chatter, Latin gingrīre to cackle (of geese)]   > ˈcrooner n

■ crooning (ˈkruːnIŋ)   n   a style of relaxed and seemingly effortless singing, particularly popular in the1930s and 1940s

croove (kruːv)   n   a variant spelling of cruive

crop (krɒp)   n   1 the produce of cultivated plants, esp cereals, vegetables, and fruit   2    a the amount of such produce in any particular season   b the yield of some other farm produce: the lamb crop   3 a group of products, thoughts, people, etc, appearing at one time or in one season: a crop of new publications   4 the stock of a thonged whip   5 short for riding crop   6    a a pouchlike expanded part of the oesophagus of birds, in which food is stored or partially digested before passing on to the gizzard   b a similar structure in insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates   7 the entire tanned hide of an animal   8 a short cropped hairstyle. See also Eton crop   9 a notch in or a piece cut out of the ear of an animal   10 the act of cropping   ▷ vb crops, cropping, cropped (mainly tr)   11 to cut (hair, grass, etc) very short   12 to cut and collect (mature produce) from the land or plant on which it has been grown   13 to clip part of (the ear or ears) of (an animal), esp as a means of identification   14 (also intr) to cause (land) to bear or (of land) to bear or yield a crop: the land cropped well   15 (of herbivorous animals) to graze on (grass or similar vegetation)   16 photog to cut off or mask unwanted edges or areas of (a negative or print) [Old English cropp; related to Old Norse kroppr rump, body, Old High German kropf goitre, Norwegian kröypa to bend]

■ cropbound (ˈkrɒpˌbaʊnd)   adj   (of poultry) having a congested crop

■ crop circle   n   any of various patterns, usually wholly or partly consisting of ring shapes, formed by the unexplained flattening of cereals growing in a field

■ cropduster (ˈkrɒpˌdʌstə)   n   1 an aeroplane used to spray crops with fertilizer or insecticide   2 the pilot of such an aeroplane

■ cropdusting (ˈkrɒpˌdʌstIŋ)   n   the spreading of fungicide, etc on crops in the form of dust, often from an aircraft

■ crop-eared   adj   having the ears or hair cut short

■ cropful (ˈkrɒpfʊl) or cropfull (ˈkrɒpfʊl)   n   1 the quantity that can be held in a bird's crop   ▷ adj   2 having a full crop or stomach

■ cropland (ˈkrɒpˌlænd)   n   an area of land on which crops are grown

■ cropless (ˈkrɒplIs)   adj   without a crop or crops

■ crop out   vb   (intr, adverb) (of a formation of rock strata) to appear or be exposed at the surface of the ground; outcrop

■ cropped (krɒpt)   adj   1 (of hair) cut very short   2 clothing not full-length

■ cropper (ˈkrɒpə)   n   1 a person who cultivates or harvests a crop   2    a a cutting machine for removing the heads from castings and ingots   b a guillotine for cutting lengths of bar or strip   3 a machine for shearing the nap from cloth   4 a plant or breed of plant that will produce a certain kind of crop under specified conditions: a poor cropper on light land   5 (often capital) a variety of domestic pigeon with a puffed-out crop   6 come a cropper informal   a to fall heavily   b to fail completely

■ cropping (ˈkrɒpIŋ)   n   the trimming or masking of unwanted edges or areas of a negative or print

■ croppy (ˈkrɒpI)   n, pl -pies   a person with cropped hair, esp rebels in the Irish rising of 1798 who had their hair cropped as a display of solidarity with the French Revolution

■ crop rotation   n   the system of growing a sequence of different crops on the same ground so as to maintain or increase its fertility

■ cropsick (ˈkrɒpˌsIk)   adj   obsolete unwell as a result of excessive eating or drinking

■ crop top   n   a short T-shirt or vest that reveals the wearer's midriff

■ crop up   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to occur or appear, esp unexpectedly

croquante French (krɔkɑ̃t)   n   a crisp cake or pastry

croquet (ˈkrəʊkeI, -kI)   n   1 a game for two to four players who hit a wooden ball through iron hoops with mallets in order to hit a peg   2 the act of croqueting   ▷ vb -quets (-keIz, -kIz), -queting (-keIIŋ, -kIIŋ), -queted (-keId, -kId)   3 to drive away (another player's ball) by hitting one's own ball when the two are in contact [C19: perhaps from French dialect, variant of CROCHET (little hook)]

croquette (krəʊˈkɛt, krɒ-)   n   a savoury cake of minced meat, fish, etc, fried in breadcrumbs [C18: from French, from croquer to crunch, of imitative origin]

croquignole (ˈkrɒkInˌjəʊl)   n   1 a small crisp cake   2 a method of curling hair

croquis (krɒˈkiː)   n   a rough sketch of a live model

crore (krɔː)   n   (in Indian English) ten million [C17: from Hindi karōr, from Prakrit krodi]

■ crorepati (ˈkrɔːˌpətI)   n   (in India) a person whose assets are worth at least one crore or 10 million rupees [from CRORE + Sanskrit pati lord]

Crosby^1 (ˈkrɒzbI)   n   a town in NW England, in Sefton unitary authority, Merseyside. Pop: 51 789 (2001)

Crosby^2 (ˈkrɒzbI)   n   Bing, real name Harry Lillis Crosby. 1904–77, US singer and film actor; famous for his style of crooning: best known for the song "White Christmas" from the film Holiday Inn (1942)

crosier or crozier (ˈkrəʊʒə)   n   1 a staff surmounted by a crook or cross, carried by bishops as a symbol of pastoral office   2 the tip of a young plant, esp a fern frond, that is coiled into a hook [C14: from Old French crossier staff bearer, from crosse pastoral staff, literally: hooked stick, of Germanic origin]

Crosland (ˈkrɒslənd)   n   Anthony. 1918–77, British Labour politician and socialist theorist, author of The Future of Socialism (1957)

cross (krɒs)   n   1 a structure or symbol consisting essentially of two intersecting lines or pieces at right angles to one another   2 a wooden structure used as a means of execution, consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece to which people were nailed or tied   3 a representation of the Cross used as an emblem of Christianity or as a reminder of Christ's death   4 any mark or shape consisting of two intersecting lines, esp such a symbol (×) used as a signature, point of intersection, error mark, etc   5 a sign representing the Cross made either by tracing a figure in the air or by touching the forehead, breast, and either shoulder in turn   6 any conventional variation of the Christian symbol, used emblematically, decoratively, or heraldically, such as a Maltese, tau, or Greek cross   7 heraldry any of several charges in which one line crosses or joins another at right angles   8 a cruciform emblem awarded to indicate membership of an order or as a decoration for distinguished service   9 (sometimes capital) Christianity or Christendom, esp as contrasted with non-Christian religions: Cross and Crescent   10 the place in a town or village where a cross has been set up   11 a pipe fitting, in the form of a cross, for connecting four pipes   12 biology   a the process of crossing; hybridization   b an individual produced as a result of this process   13 a mixture of two qualities or types: he's a cross between a dictator and a saint   14 an opposition, hindrance, or misfortune; affliction (esp in the phrase bear one's cross)   15 slang a match or game in which the outcome has been rigged   16 slang a fraud or swindle   17 boxing a straight punch delivered from the side, esp with the right hand   18 football the act or an instance of kicking or passing the ball from a wing to the middle of the field   19 on the cross   a diagonally   b slang dishonestly   ▷ vb   20 (sometimes foll by over) to move or go across (something); traverse or intersect: we crossed the road   21    a to meet and pass: the two trains crossed   b (of each of two letters in the post) to be dispatched before receipt of the other   22 (tr; usually foll by out, off, or through) to cancel with a cross or with lines; delete   23 (tr) to place or put in a form resembling a cross: to cross one's legs   24 (tr) to mark with a cross or crosses   25 (tr) Brit to draw two parallel lines across the face of (a cheque) and so make it payable only into a bank account   26 (tr)   a to trace the form of the Cross, usually with the thumb or index finger upon (someone or something) in token of blessing   b to make the sign of the Cross upon (oneself)   27 (intr) (of telephone lines) to interfere with each other so that three or perhaps four callers are connected together at one time   28 to cause fertilization between (plants or animals of different breeds, races, varieties, etc)   29 (tr) to oppose the wishes or plans of; thwart: his opponent crosses him at every turn   30 football to kick or pass (the ball) from a wing to the middle of the field   31 (tr) nautical to set (the yard of a square sail) athwartships   32 cross a bridge when one comes to it to deal with matters, problems, etc, as they arise; not to anticipate difficulties   33 cross one's fingers to fold one finger across another in the hope of bringing good luck: keep your fingers crossed   34 cross one's heart to promise or pledge, esp by making the sign of a cross over one's heart   35 cross one's mind to occur to one briefly or suddenly   36 cross someone's palm to give someone money   37 cross someone's path to meet or thwart someone   38 cross swords to argue or fight   ▷ adj   39 angry; ill-humoured; vexed   40 lying or placed across; transverse: a cross timber   41 involving interchange; reciprocal   42 contrary or unfavourable   43 another word for crossbred (sense 1)   44 a Brit slang word for dishonest [Old English cros, from Old Irish cross (unattested), from Latin crux; see CRUX]   > ˈcrosser n   > ˈcrossly adv   > ˈcrossness n

■ Cross (krɒs)   n the Cross   1 the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified   2 the Crucifixion of Jesus

Cross (krɒs)   n   Richard Assheton, 1st Viscount. 1823–1914, British Conservative statesman, home secretary (1874–80); noted for reforms affecting housing, public health, and the employment of women and children in factories

■ crossability (ˌkrɒsəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being crossable

■ crossable (ˈkrɒsəbəl)   adj   able to be crossed

■ cross-bench   n   (usually plural) Brit a seat in Parliament occupied by a neutral or independent member   > ˈcross-ˌbencher n

■ crossed-h (ˌkrɒstˈaItʃ)   n   a constant used in quantum mechanics, equal to the Planck constant divided by 2π. It has a value of 1.054571596±0.000000078 × 10 −34 joule seconds. Also called: Dirac constant

■ crossette (krɒˈsɛt)   n   1 architect a lateral extension in a corner of the architrave of a window or door   2 a type of firework that explodes in a cross shape

■ crossing (ˈkrɒsIŋ)   n   1 the place where one thing crosses another   2 a place, often shown by markings, lights, or poles, where a street, railway, etc, may be crossed   3 the intersection of the nave and transept in a church   4 the act or instance of travelling across something, esp the sea   5 the act or process of crossbreeding

■ crossing over   n   biology the interchange of sections between pairing homologous chromosomes during the diplotene stage of meiosis. It results in the rearrangement of genes and produces variation in the inherited characteristics of the offspring. See also linkage (sense 4)

■ crossish (ˈkrɒsIʃ)   adj   slightly cross; peevish

■ crosslet or cross crosslet (ˈkrɒslIt)   n   heraldry a cross having a smaller cross near the end of each arm [C16 croslet a little CROSS]

■ cross of Lorraine   n   a cross with two horizontal bars above and below the midpoint of the vertical bar, the lower longer than the upper

■ Cross of Valour   n   the highest Canadian award for bravery. Abbreviation: CV

■ crosswise (ˈkrɒsˌwaIz) or crossways (ˈkrɒsˌweIz)   adj, adv   1 across; transversely   2 in the shape of a cross

cross-   combining form   1 indicating action from one individual, group, etc, to another: cross-cultural; cross-fertilize; cross-refer   2 indicating movement, position, etc, across something (sometimes implying interference, opposition, or contrary action): crosscurrent; crosstalk   3 indicating a crosslike figure or intersection: crossbones [from CROSS (in various senses)]

crossandra (krɒˈsɑːndrə)   n   any shrub of the free-flowering mostly African genus Crossandra, grown in greenhouses for their large yellow, lilac, or orange flowers: family Acanthaceae [New Latin, from Greek krossos fringed + andros, genitive of anēr man, male (from the fringed anthers)]

crossarm (ˈkrɒsˌɑːm)   n   a horizontal bar or arm

cross assembler   n   an assembler that runs on a computer other than the one for which it assembles programs

crossband (ˈkrɒsˌbænd)   n   1 (in furniture) a layer of wood beneath, and with its grain at right angles to, the veneer   ▷ adj   2 (in radio communication) capable of operating across different bands

■ crossbanded (ˈkrɒsˌbændId)   adj   (of a handrail) having the grain of the veneer run across that of the rail

■ crossbanding (ˈkrɒsˌbændIŋ)   n   a veneer border, as on furniture, with its grain at right angles to the grain of the adjacent wood

crossbar (ˈkrɒsˌbɑː)   n   1 a horizontal bar, line, stripe, etc   2 a horizontal beam across a pair of goalposts   3 a horizontal bar mounted on vertical posts used in athletics or show-jumping   4 the horizontal bar on a man's bicycle that joins the handlebar and saddle supports

■ crossbarred (ˈkrɒsˌbɑːd)   adj   having a crossbar or crossbars

■ crossbarring (ˈkrɒsˌbɑːrIŋ)   pl n   stripes, esp those of an animal

crossbeam (ˈkrɒsˌbiːm)   n   a beam that spans from one support to another

crossbearer (ˈkrɒsˌbɛərə)   n   a person who carries or wears a cross

cross bedding   n   geology layering within one or more beds in a series of rock strata that does not run parallel to the plane of stratification. Also called: false bedding

crossbill (ˈkrɒsˌbIl)   n   any of various widely distributed finches of the genus Loxia, such as L. curvirostra, that occur in coniferous woods and have a bill with crossed mandible tips for feeding on conifer seeds

crossbirth (ˈkrɒsˌbɜːθ)   n   any abnormal labour in which the child is positioned across the uterus

crossbite (ˈkrɒsˌbaIt)   n   1 a dental condition in which the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth   ▷ vb (tr)   2 obsolete to trick or deceive (a person)

crossbones (ˈkrɒsˌbəʊnz)   pl n   See skull and crossbones

cross-border   adj   1 overseas; international   2 across a border

crossbow (ˈkrɒsˌbəʊ)   n   a type of medieval bow fixed transversely on a wooden stock grooved to direct a square-headed arrow (quarrel)   > ˈcrossˌbowman n

■ crossbower (ˈkrɒsˌbəʊə)   n   a variant form of crossbowman

crossbreed (ˈkrɒsˌbriːd)   vb -breeds, -breeding, -bred   1 Also: interbreed to breed (animals or plants) using parents of different races, varieties, breeds, etc   ▷ n   2 the offspring produced by such a breeding

■ crossbred (ˈkrɒsˌbrɛd)   adj   1 (of plants or animals) produced as a result of crossbreeding   ▷ n   2 a crossbred plant or animal, esp an animal resulting from a cross between two pure breeds. Compare grade (sense 9), purebred (sense 2)

■ cross-breeding   n   the process of causing animals to mate with another species, or of causing plants to reproduce with another species

crossbuck (ˈkrɒsˌbʌk)   n   1 dialect (in the US) a white cross-shaped road sign used at railway crossings   2 a strengthening bar attached to the planks of a door

cross-buttock   n   a wrestling throw in which the hips are used as a fulcrum to throw an opponent

cross-Channel   adj   Brit (often without capital) travelling across the English Channel between Britain and Europe

crosscheck (ˌkrɒsˈtʃɛk)   vb   1 to verify (a fact, report, etc) by considering conflicting opinions or consulting other sources   2 (in ice hockey) to check illegally, as by chopping at an opponent's arms or stick   ▷ n   3 the act or an instance of crosschecking

crossclaim (ˈkrɒsˌkleIm)   n   law a secondary claim brought by a defendant in a lawsuit on a co-defendant

cross colour   n   distortion in a colour television receiver in which high-frequency luminance detail is interpreted as colour information and reproduced as flashes of spurious colour

cross-compiler   n   computing a compiler able to create executable code for a platform different from the one the compiler is run on

cross-correlation   n   statistics the correlation between two sequences of random variables in a time series

cross-country   adj, adv   1 by way of fields, woods, etc, as opposed to roads: cross-country running   2 across a country: a cross-country railway   3 of or relating to skiing over flattish terrain, as opposed to downhill   ▷ n   4 the sport of cross-country running, skiing, riding, or motoring

cross-court   adj   sport played across the court: a cross-court volley

cross-cultural   adj   involving or bridging the differences between cultures

crosscurrent (ˈkrɒsˌkʌrənt)   n   1 a current in a river or sea flowing across another current   2 a conflicting tendency moving counter to the usual trend

cross-curricular   adj   Brit education denoting or relating to an approach to a topic that includes contributions from several different disciplines and viewpoints

crosscut (ˈkrɒsˌkʌt)   adj   1 cut at right angles or obliquely to the major axis   ▷ n   2 a transverse cut or course   3 a less common word for short cut   4 mining a tunnel through a vein of ore or from the shaft to a vein   ▷ vb -cuts, -cutting, -cut   5 to cut across   6 Also: intercut films to link (two sequences or two shots) so that they appear to be taking place at the same time

■ crosscut file   n   a file having two intersecting rows of teeth

■ crosscut saw   n   a saw for cutting timber across the grain

■ cross-cutting   adj   linking traditionally separate or independent parties or interests: a multi-agency, cross-cutting approach on drugs

cross-dating   n   archaeol a method of dating objects, remains, etc, by comparison and correlation with other sites and levels

cross-disciplinary   adj   linking two or more fields of study

cross-dress   vb (intr)   to wear clothes normally associated with the opposite sex

■ cross-dressing   n   the wearing of clothes normally associated with the opposite sex   > ˌcross-ˈdresser n

crosse (krɒs)   n   a light staff with a triangular frame to which a network is attached, used in playing lacrosse [French, from Old French croce CROSIER]

cross-examine   vb (tr)   1 law to examine (a witness for the opposing side), as in attempting to discredit his or her testimony. Compare examine-in-chief   2 to examine closely or relentlessly   > ˈcross-exˌamiˈnation n   > ˌcross-exˈaminer n

cross-eye   n   a turning inwards towards the nose of one or both eyes, caused by abnormal alignment. See also strabismus

■ cross-eyed   adj   having one or both eyes turning inwards towards the nose

cross-fade   vb   radio, television to fade in (one sound or picture source) as another is being faded out

crossfall (ˈkrɒsˌfɔːl)   n   the camber of a road

cross-fertilize   vb   to subject or be subjected to cross-fertilization

■ cross-fertilization   n   fertilization by the fusion of male and female gametes from different individuals of the same species. Compare self-fertilization   > ˌcross-ˈfertile adj

crossfield (ˈkrɒsˌfiːld)   adj   (in sport) across the field of play

crossfire (ˈkrɒsˌfaIə)   n   1 military converging fire from one or more positions   2 a lively exchange of ideas, opinions, etc

crossfish (ˈkrɒsˌfIʃ)   n   a starfish

cross-garnet   n   a hinge with a long horizontal strap fixed to the face of a door and a short vertical leaf fixed to the door frame

cross-grained   adj   1 (of timber) having the fibres arranged irregularly or in a direction that deviates from the axis of the piece   2 perverse, cantankerous, or stubborn

crosshair (ˈkrɒsˌhɛə)   n   either of the two fine mutually perpendicular lines or wires that cross in the focal plane of a theodolite, gunsight, or other optical instrument and are used to define the line of sight. Also called: crosswire

crosshatch (ˈkrɒsˌhætʃ)   vb   drawing to shade or hatch (forms, figures, etc) with two or more sets of parallel lines that cross one another   > ˈcrossˌhatching n

crosshead (ˈkrɒsˌhɛd)   n   1 printing a subsection or paragraph heading printed within the body of the text   2 a block or beam, usually restrained by sliding bearings in a reciprocating mechanism, esp the junction piece between the piston rod and connecting rod of an engine   3 nautical a bar fixed across the top of the rudder post to which the tiller is attached   4 a block, rod, or beam fixed at the head of any part of a mechanism

cross-index   n   1 a note or notes referring the reader to other material   ▷ vb   2 (intr) (of a note in a book) to refer to related material   3 to provide or be provided with cross-indexes

crossjack (ˈkrɒsˌdʒæk, nautical ˈkrɔːdʒIk, ˈkrɒdʒ-)   n   nautical a square sail on a ship's mizzenmast

cross-legged (ˈkrɒsˈlɛɡId, -ˈlɛɡd)   adj   1 sitting with the legs bent and the knees pointing outwards   2 standing or sitting with one leg crossed over the other

crosslight (ˈkrɒsˌlaIt)   n   a light source which illuminates a subject from a perpendicular angle to another light

crosslinguistic (ˌkrɒslIŋˈɡwIstIk)   adj   relating to different languages

cross-link or cross-linkage   n   a chemical bond, atom, or group of atoms that connects two adjacent chains of atoms in a large molecule such as a polymer or protein

Crossman (ˈkrɒsmən)   n   Richard (Howard Stafford). 1907–74, British Labour politician. His diaries, published posthumously as the Crossman Papers (1975), revealed details of cabinet discussions

cross-match   vb   immunol to test the compatibility of (a donor's and recipient's blood) by checking that the red cells of each do not agglutinate in the other's serum

cross-nodal   adj   having to do with interaction between the senses

crossopterygian (krɒˌsɒptəˈrIdʒIən)   n   1 any bony fish of the subclass Crossopterygii, having fleshy limblike pectoral fins. The group, now mostly extinct, contains the ancestors of the amphibians. See also coelacanth   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Crossopterygii [C19: from New Latin Crossopterygiī, from Greek krossoi fringe, tassels + pterugion a little wing, from pterux wing]

crossover (ˈkrɒsˌəʊvə)   n   1 a place at which a crossing is made   2 genetics   a another term for crossing over   b a chromosomal structure or character resulting from crossing over   3 railways a point of transfer between two main lines   4 short for crossover network   5 a recording, book, or other product that becomes popular in a genre other than its own   ▷ adj   6 (of music, fashion, art, etc) combining two distinct styles   7 (of a performer, writer, recording, book, etc) having become popular in more than one genre

■ crossover network   n   an electronic network in a loudspeaker system that separates the signal into two or more frequency bands, the lower frequencies being fed to a woofer, the higher frequencies to a tweeter

■ crossover value   n   genetics the percentage of offspring showing recombination among the total offspring of a given cross. It indicates the amount of crossing over that has occurred and therefore the relative positions of the genes on the chromosomes. Abbreviation: COV

cross-party   adj   denoting interaction between two or more political parties: a cross-party group

crosspatch (ˈkrɒsˌpætʃ)   n   informal a peevish bad-tempered person [C18: from CROSS + obsolete patch fool]

crosspiece (ˈkrɒsˌpiːs)   n   a transverse beam, joist, etc

cross-ply   adj   (of a motor tyre) having the fabric cords in the outer casing running diagonally to stiffen the sidewalls. Compare radial-ply

cross-pollination   n   the transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another flower by the action of wind, insects, etc. Compare self-pollination

■ cross-pollinate   vb   to subject or be subjected to cross-pollination

cross-posting   n   the sending of an email to many forums, mailing lists, etc

cross press   n   a fall in wrestling using the weight of the body to pin an opponent's shoulders to the floor

cross product   n maths   1 another name for vector product   2 another name for Cartesian product

cross protection   n   botany the protection against a viral infection given to a plant by its prior inoculation with a related but milder virus

cross-purpose   n   1 a contrary aim or purpose   2 at cross-purposes conflicting; opposed; disagreeing

cross-question   vb (tr)   1 to cross-examine   ▷ n   2 a question asked in cross-examination   > ˈcross-ˈquestioning n

cross-refer   vb   to refer from one part of something, esp a book, to another

■ cross-reference   n   1 a reference within a text to another part of the text   ▷ vb   2 to cross-refer

cross relation   n   another term (esp US) for false relation

Cross River   n   a state of SE Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea. Capital: Calabar. Pop: 2 888 966 (2006). Area: 20 156 sq km (7782 sq miles). Former name (until 1976): South-Eastern State

crossroad (ˈkrɒsˌrəʊd)   n US and Canadian   1 a road that crosses another road   2 Also called: crossway a road that crosses from one main road to another

■ crossroads (ˈkrɒsˌrəʊdz)   n (functioning as singular)   1 an area or the point at which two or more roads cross each other   2 the point at which an important choice has to be made (esp in the phrase at the crossroads)

■ Crossroads care attendant scheme   n   social welfare (in Britain) a service providing paid attendants for disabled people who need continuous supervision [so named because the idea arose out of criticism of the plight of a disabled character in the TV serial Crossroads]

crossruff (ˈkrɒsˌrʌf) bridge, whist   n   1 the alternate trumping of each other's leads by two partners, or by declarer and dummy   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to trump alternately in two hands of a partnership

cross section   n   1 maths a plane surface formed by cutting across a solid, esp perpendicular to its longest axis   2 a section cut off in this way   3 the act of cutting anything in this way   4 a random selection or sample, esp one regarded as representative: a cross section of the public   5 surveying a vertical section of a line of ground at right angles to a survey line   6 physics a measure of the probability that a collision process will result in a particular reaction. It is expressed by the effective area that one participant presents as a target for the other   > ˌcross-ˈsectional adj

cross-slide   n   the part of a lathe or planing machine on which the tool post is mounted and across which it slides at right angles to the bed of the lathe

cross-stitch   n   1 an embroidery stitch made by two stitches forming a cross   2 embroidery worked with this stitch   ▷ vb   3 to embroider (a piece of needlework) with cross-stitch

crosstalk (ˈkrɒsˌtɔːk)   n   1 unwanted signals in one channel of a communications system as a result of a transfer of energy from one or more other channels   2 Brit rapid or witty talk or conversation

crosstie (ˈkrɒsˌtaI)   n   US a sleeper between rails on a railway

■ crosstied (ˈkrɒsˌtaId)   adj   secured with crossties

cross-town   adj   US and Canadian going across or following a route across a town: a cross-town bus

cross training   n   training in two or more sports to improve performance, esp on one's main sport

crosstree (ˈkrɒsˌtriː)   n   nautical either of a pair of wooden or metal braces on the head of a mast to support the topmast, etc

cross vine   n   a woody bignoniaceous vine, Bignonia capreolata, of the southeastern US, having large trumpet-shaped reddish flowers

cross-vote   vb (intr)   to vote against one's own party

crosswalk (ˈkrɒsˌwɔːk)   n   US and Canadian a path across a road marked as a crossing for pedestrians. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): pedestrian crossing. See also zebra crossing, pelican crossing

crossway (ˈkrɒsˌweI)   n   US a junction

crosswind (ˈkrɒsˌwInd)   n   a wind that blows at right angles to the direction of travel

crosswire (ˈkrɒsˌwaIə)   n   another name for crosshair

crossword puzzle (ˈkrɒsˌwɜːd)   n   a puzzle in which the solver deduces words suggested by numbered clues and writes them into corresponding boxes in a grid to form a vertical and horizontal pattern. Sometimes shortened to: crossword

crosswort (ˈkrɒsˌwɜːt)   n   a herbaceous perennial Eurasian rubiaceous plant, Galium cruciata, with pale yellow flowers and whorls of hairy leaves. Also called: mugwort

crostini (krɒˈstiːniː)   pl n, sing -no (-nəʊ)   pieces of toasted bread served with a savoury topping [Italian, literally: little crusts]

crotal or crottle (ˈkrɒtəl)   n   Scot any of various lichens used in dyeing wool, esp for the manufacture of tweeds [Gaelic crotal]

crotalaria (ˌkrɒtəˈlɛərIə)   n   botany a genus of plants and shrubs of the Fabaceae family with pods in which the seeds rattle. Also called: rattlepods

crotaline (ˈkrɒtəlaIn)   adj   of or relating to rattlesnakes (Crotalinae)

crotalism (ˈkrɒtəˌlIzəm)   n   vet science a type of poisoning caused by ingestion of plants of the genus Crotalaria

crotalum (ˈkrɒtələm)   n, pl crotala   a type of castanet, often used in religious dances in ancient Greece

crotch (krɒtʃ)   n   1 Also called (Brit): crutch   a the angle formed by the inner sides of the legs where they join the human trunk   b the human external genitals or the genital area   c the corresponding part of a pair of trousers, pants, etc   2 a forked region formed by the junction of two members   3 a forked pole or stick [C16: probably variant of CRUTCH]   > crotched adj

■ crotch rocket   n   facetious a high-speed, high-performance motorcycle characterized by an aerodynamic body shape which requires or encourages the driver to lean forward. Also called: sportbike

crotchet (ˈkrɒtʃIt)   n   1 music a note having the time value of a quarter of a semibreve. Usual US and Canadian name: quarter note   2 a small hook or hooklike device   3 a perverse notion   4 zoology a small notched or hooked process, as in an insect [C14: from Old French crochet, literally: little hook, from croche hook; see CROCKET]

■ crotcheted (ˈkrɒtʃItId)   adj   short-tempered

■ crotcheteer (ˈkrɒtʃItIə)   n   a person with a crotchet

■ crotchety (ˈkrɒtʃItI)   adj   1 informal cross; irritable; contrary   2 full of crotchets   > ˈcrotchetiness n

croton (ˈkrəʊtən)   n   1 any shrub or tree of the chiefly tropical euphorbiaceous genus Croton, esp C. tiglium, the seeds of which yield croton oil   2 any of various tropical plants of the related genus Codiaeum, esp C. variegatum pictum, a house plant with variegated foliage [C18: from New Latin, from Greek krotōn tick, castor-oil plant (whose berries resemble ticks)]

■ croton oil   n   a yellowish-brown oil obtained from the plant Croton tiglium, formerly used as a drastic purgative. See also croton (sense 1)

Croton bug or crotonbug (ˈkrəʊtɒnˌbʌɡ)   n   US another name for the German cockroach [C19: named after the Croton river, whose water was piped to New York City in 1842]

Crotone (Italian kroˈtoːne)   n   a town in S Italy, on the coast of Calabria: founded in about 700 BC by the Achaeans; chemical works and zinc-smelting. Pop: 60 010 (2001)

crotonic acid (krəʊˈtɒnIk)   n   a colourless crystalline insoluble unsaturated carboxylic acid produced by oxidation of crotonaldehyde and used in organic synthesis; trans-2-butenoic acid. Formula: CH_3CH:CHCOOH

crottle (ˈkrɒtəl)   n   a variant spelling of crotal

crouch (kraʊtʃ)   vb   1 (intr) to bend low with the limbs pulled up close together, esp (of an animal) in readiness to pounce   2 (intr) to cringe, as in humility or fear   3 (tr) to bend (parts of the body), as in humility or fear   ▷ n   4 the act of stooping or bending [C14: perhaps from Old French crochir to become bent like a hook, from croche hook]

croup^1 (kruːp)   n   a throat condition, occurring usually in children, characterized by a hoarse cough and laboured breathing, resulting from inflammation and partial obstruction of the larynx [C16 croup to cry hoarsely, probably of imitative origin]   > ˈcroupy or ˈcroupous adj   > ˈcroupily adv   > ˈcroupiness n

croup^2 or croupe (kruːp)   n   the hindquarters of a quadruped, esp a horse [C13: from Old French croupe; related to German Kruppe]

■ croupade (kruːˈpeId)   n   dressage a type of horse leap in which the hind legs are drawn towards the belly

■ croupon (ˈkruːpɒn)   n   1 a type of high quality leather obtained from the rear section of the hide   2 obsolete the rump of an animal

croupier (ˈkruːpIə; French krupje)   n   a person who deals cards, collects bets, etc, at a gaming table [C18: literally: one who rides behind another, from French croupe CROUP^2]

crouse (kruːs)   adj   Scot and Northern English dialect lively, confident, or saucy [C14 (Scottish and Northern) English: from Middle Low German krūs twisted, curled, confused]

■ crousely (ˈkruːslI)   adv   in a crouse manner

croustade (kruːˈstɑːd)   n   a hollowed pastry case or piece of cooked bread, potato, etc, in which food is served

crout (kraʊt)   n   another word for sauerkraut

croute (kruːt)   n   a small round of toasted bread on which a savoury mixture is served [from French croûte CRUST]

crouton (ˈkruːtɒn)   n   a small piece of fried or toasted bread, usually served in soup [French: diminutive of croûte CRUST]

crow^1 (krəʊ)   n   1 any large gregarious songbird of the genus Corvus, esp C. corone (the carrion crow) of Europe and Asia: family Corvidae. Other species are the raven, rook, and jackdaw and all have a heavy bill, glossy black plumage, and rounded wings. See also carrion crow. Related adjective: corvine   2 any of various other corvine birds, such as the jay, magpie, and nutcracker   3 any of various similar birds of other families   4 offensive an old or ugly woman   5 short for crowbar   6 as the crow flies as directly as possible   7 eat crow US and Canadian informal to be forced to do something humiliating   8 stone the crows See stone (sense 23) [Old English crāwa; related to Old Norse krāka, Old High German krāia, Dutch kraai]

■ crowbar (ˈkrəʊˌbɑː)   n   a heavy iron lever with one pointed end, and one forged into a wedge shape

■ crowberry (ˈkrəʊbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 a low-growing N temperate evergreen shrub, Empetrum nigrum, with small purplish flowers and black berry-like fruit: family Empetraceae   2 any of several similar or related plants   3 the fruit of any of these plants. Also called: crakeberry (ˈkreIkˌbɛrI)

■ crow-bill   n   a type of forceps used to extract bullets, etc, from wounds

■ crow blackbird   n   another name for grackle

■ crowboot (ˈkrəʊˌbuːt)   n   a type of Inuit boot made of fur and leather

■ crowfoot (ˈkrəʊˌfʊt)   n, pl -foots   1 any of several plants of the genus Ranunculus, such as R. sceleratus and R. aquatilis (water crowfoot) that have yellow or white flowers and divided leaves resembling the foot of a crow. See also buttercup   2 any of various other plants that have leaves or other parts resembling a bird's foot   3 (pl -feet) nautical a bridle-like arrangement of lines rove through a wooden block or attached to a ring for supporting an awning from above   4 (pl -feet) military another name for caltrop

■ crowkeeper (ˈkrəʊˌkiːpə)   pl n   obsolete a person who guards crops from crows

■ crow's-foot   n, pl -feet   1 (often plural) a wrinkle at the outer corner of the eye   2 an embroidery stitch with three points, used esp as a finishing at the end of a seam   3 a system of diverging short ropes to distribute the pull of a single rope, used esp in balloon and airship riggings

■ crow's-nest   n   a lookout platform high up on a ship's mast

■ crow step or crowstep (ˈkrəʊˌstɛp)   n   another term for corbie-step

■ crowstepped (ˈkrəʊˌstɛpt)   adj   (of a gable) having crow steps

crow^2 (krəʊ)   vb (intr)   1 (past tense crowed or crew) to utter a shrill squawking sound, as a cock   2 (often foll by over) to boast one's superiority   3 (esp of babies) to utter cries of pleasure   ▷ n   4 the act or an instance of crowing [Old English crāwan; related to Old High German krāen, Dutch kraaien]   > ˈcrower n   > ˈcrowingly adv

■ crowing (ˈkrəʊIŋ)   n   1 the sound made by a cock, particularly in the early morning   2 literary boasting

Crow (krəʊ)   n   1 (pl Crows or Crow) a member of a Native American people living in E Montana   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Siouan family

crowd^1 (kraʊd)   n   1 a large number of things or people gathered or considered together   2 a particular group of people, esp considered as a social or business set: the crowd from the office   3 the crowd   a the common people; the masses   b (as modifier): crowd ideas   4 follow the crowd to conform with the majority   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to gather together in large numbers; throng   6 (tr) to press together into a confined space   7 (tr) to fill to excess; fill by pushing into   8 (tr) informal to urge or harass by urging   9 crowd on sail nautical to hoist as much sail as possible [Old English crūdan; related to Middle Low German krūden to molest, Middle Dutch crūden to push, Norwegian kryda to swarm]   > ˈcrowded adj   > ˈcrowdedly adv   > ˈcrowdedness n   > ˈcrowder n

■ crowdfunding (ˈkraʊdˌfʌndIŋ)   n   the funding of a project by a large number of supporters who each contribute a small amount   >  ˈcrowdˌfund vb

■ crowd-pleaser or crowd pleaser   n   someone or something that is very popular with an audience or spectators at an event

■ crowd-puller or crowd puller   n   informal a person, object, event, etc, that attracts a large audience

■ crowdsource (ˈkraʊdˌsɔːs)   vb   to outsource work to an unspecified group of people, typically by making an appeal to the general public on the internet [c21: from CROWD + (OUT)SOURCE]   > ˈcrowdsourcing n

■ crowd surfing   n   the practice of being passed over the top of a crowd of people such as an audience at a pop concert

crowd^2 (kraʊd)   n   music an ancient bowed stringed instrument; crwth [C13: from Welsh crwth]

crowdie (ˈkraʊdI)   n Scot   1 a porridge of meal and water; brose   2 a cheese-like dish made by straining the whey from soured milk and beating up the remaining curd with salt [C17: of unknown origin]

Crowe (krəʊ)   n   Russell. born 1964, Australian film actor, born in New Zealand. His films include LA Confidential (1997), Gladiator (2000), for which he won an Oscar, A Beautiful Mind (2001), Master and Commander (2003), and American Gangster (2007)

crowea (ˈkrəʊIə)   n   an Australian shrub of the genus Crowea, having pink flowers [named after James Crowe (1750–1807), British surgeon and botanist]

crown (kraʊn)   n   1 an ornamental headdress denoting sovereignty, usually made of gold embedded with precious stones   2 a wreath or garland for the head, awarded as a sign of victory, success, honour, etc   3 (sometimes capital) monarchy or kingship   4 an award, distinction, or title, given as an honour to reward merit, victory, etc   5 anything resembling or symbolizing a crown, such as a sergeant major's badge or a heraldic bearing   6    a history a coin worth 25 pence (five shillings)   b any of several continental coins, such as the krona or krone, with a name meaning crown   7 the top or summit of something, esp of a rounded object: crown of a hill; crown of the head   8 the centre part of a road, esp when it is cambered   9 botany   a the leaves and upper branches of a tree   b the junction of root and stem, usually at the level of the ground   c another name for corona (sense 6)   10 zoology   a the cup and arms of a crinoid, as distinct from the stem   b the crest of a bird   11 the outstanding quality, achievement, state, etc: the crown of the team's achievements   12 artificial crown   a the enamel-covered part of a tooth above the gum   b a substitute crown, usually of gold, porcelain, or acrylic resin, fitted over a decayed or broken tooth   13 the part of a cut gem above the girdle   14 horology a knurled knob for winding a watch   15 the part of an anchor where the arms are joined to the shank   16 the highest part of an arch or vault   17 a standard size of printing paper, 15 by 20 inches   ▷ vb (tr)   18 to put a crown on the head of, symbolically vesting with royal title, powers, etc   19 to place a crown, wreath, garland, etc, on the head of   20 to place something on or over the head or top of: he crowned the pie with cream   21 to confer a title, dignity, or reward upon: the magazine crowned her 'Woman of the Year'   22 to form the summit or topmost part of: the steeple crowned the tower   23 to cap or put the finishing touch to a series of events: to crown it all it rained, too   24 draughts to promote (a draught) to a king by placing another draught on top of it, as after reaching the end of the board   25 to attach a crown to (a tooth)   26 slang to hit over the head [C12: from Old French corone, from Latin corōna wreath, crown, from Greek korōnē crown, something curved]   > ˈcrownless adj

■ Crown (kraʊn)   n the Crown (sometimes not capital)   1 the sovereignty or realm of a monarch   2    a the government of a constitutional monarchy   b (as modifier): Crown property

■ Crown Agent   n   1 a member of a board appointed by the Minister for Overseas Development to provide financial, commercial, and professional services for a number of overseas governments and international bodies   2 Scot (not capitals) a solicitor dealing with criminal prosecutions

■ crown and anchor   n   a game played with dice marked with crowns and anchors

■ Crown attorney   n   Canadian a lawyer who acts for the Crown, esp as prosecutor in a criminal court

■ crown cap   n   Brit an airtight metal seal crimped on the top of most bottled beers, ciders, mineral waters, etc

■ crown colony   n   a British colony whose administration and legislature is controlled by the Crown

■ Crown corporation   n   (in Canada) a corporation owned by the federal or a provincial government

■ crown court   n   English law a court of criminal jurisdiction holding sessions in towns throughout England and Wales at which circuit judges hear and determine cases

■ Crown Derby   n   a type of porcelain manufactured at Derby from 1784–1848

■ -crowned   adj   (in combination) crowned as specified

■ crowned head   n   a monarch: the crowned heads of Europe

■ crowner (ˈkraʊnə)   n   a promotional label consisting of a shaped printed piece of card or paper attached to a product on display

■ crownet (ˈkraʊnIt)   n   another word for coronet

■ crown ether   n   chem a type of cyclic ether consisting of a ring of carbon and oxygen atoms, with two or more carbon atoms between each oxygen atom

■ crown glass   n   1 another name for optical crown   2 an old form of window glass made by blowing a globe and spinning it until it formed a flat disc

■ crown graft   n   horticulture a type of graft in which the scion is inserted at the crown of the stock

■ crown green   n   a type of bowling green in which the sides are lower than the middle

■ crown imperial   n   a liliaceous garden plant, Fritillaria imperialis, with a cluster of leaves and orange bell-shaped flowers at the top of the stem

■ crowning (ˈkraʊnIŋ)   n   obstetrics the stage of labour when the infant's head is passing through the vaginal opening

■ crown-jewel option   n   informal an option given by a company subjected to an unwelcome takeover bid to a friendly firm, allowing this firm to buy one or more of its best businesses if the bid succeeds

■ crown jewels   pl n   1 the jewellery, including the regalia, used by a sovereign on a state occasion   2 the most valued possession or asset   3 slang the genitals of a man or boy

■ crownland (ˈkraʊnˌlænd)   n   a large administrative division of the former empire of Austria-Hungary

■ crown land or crown lands   n   1 (in the United Kingdom) land belonging to the Crown   2 public land in some dominions of the Commonwealth

■ crown lens   n   a lens made of optical crown, esp the optical-crown part of a compound achromatic lens

■ crownlet (ˈkraʊnlIt)   n   a small crown

■ Crown Office   n   (in England) an office of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court that is responsible for administration and where actions are entered for trial

■ crown-of-thorns   n   1 a starfish, Acanthaster planci, that has a spiny test and feeds on living coral in coral reefs   2 Also called: Christ's thorn a thorny euphorbiaceous Madagascan shrub, Euphorbia milii var. splendens, cultivated as a hedging shrub or pot plant, having flowers with scarlet bracts

■ crownpiece (ˈkraʊnˌpiːs)   n   1 the piece forming or fitting the top of something   2 the strap of a bridle that goes over a horse's head behind the ears

■ crown prince   n   the male heir to a sovereign throne

■ crown princess   n   1 the wife of a crown prince   2 the female heir to a sovereign throne

■ Crown Prosecution Service   n   (in England and Wales) an independent prosecuting body, established in 1986, that decides whether cases brought by the police should go to the courts: headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Abbreviation: CPS. Compare procurator fiscal

■ Crown prosecutor   n   Canadian another name for Crown attorney

■ crown roast   n   a roast consisting of ribs of lamb or pork arranged in a crown shape

■ crown saw   n   a hollow cylinder with cutting teeth forming a rotary saw for trepanning

■ crown vetch   n   a trailing leguminous European plant, Coronilla varia, with clusters of white or pink flowers: cultivated in North America as a border plant. Also called (US): axseed (ˈæksiːd)

■ crown wheel   n   1 horology the wheel next to the winding knob that has one set of teeth at right angles to the other   2 the larger of the two gears in a bevel gear

■ crownwork (ˈkraʊnˌwɜːk)   n   1    a the manufacture of artificial crowns for teeth   b such an artificial crown or crowns   2 fortifications a covering or protective outwork

Croydon (ˈkrɔIdən)   n   a borough in S Greater London (since 1965): formerly important for its airport (1915–59). Pop: 336 700 (2003 est). Area: 87 sq km (33 sq miles)

■ Croydon facelift   n   Brit slang, derogatory the tightening effect on the skin of a woman's face caused by securing the hair at the back of the head in a tight ponytail

croze (krəʊz)   n   1 the recess cut at the end of a barrel or cask to receive the head   2 a tool for cutting this recess [C17: probably from Old French crues a hollow]

crozer (ˈkrəʊzə)   n   another word for croze

crozier (ˈkrəʊʒə)   n   a variant spelling of crosier

crozzled (ˈkrɒzəld)   adj   Northern English dialect blackened or burnt at the edges: that bacon is crozzled

CRP^1   abbreviation for (in India)   Central Reserve Police

CRP^2   abbreviation for   C-reactive protein; a chemical in the blood that can be measured to indicate inflammation in the body and a person's risk of suffering a heart attack

CRT   abbreviation for   1 cathode-ray tube   2 (in Britain) composite rate tax: a system of paying interest to savers by which a rate of tax for a period, such as one financial year, is determined in advance, and interest is paid net of tax which is deducted at source

CRTC   abbreviation for   Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission

cru (kruː; French kry)   n   winemaking (in France) a vineyard, group of vineyards, or wine-producing region [from French: production, from crû, past participle of croître to grow]

crubeen (kruːˈbiːn)   n   Irish dialect a pig's trotter, esp one that has been cooked

cruces (ˈkruːsiːz)   n   a plural of crux

crucial (ˈkruːʃəl)   adj   1 involving a final or supremely important decision or event; decisive; critical   2 informal very important   3 slang very good [C18: from French, from Latin crux CROSS]   > ˈcrucially adv

crucian (ˈkruːʃən)   n   a European cyprinid fish, Carassius carassius, with a dark-green back, a golden-yellow undersurface, and reddish dorsal and tail fins: an aquarium fish [C18: from Low German Karusse]

cruciate (ˈkruːʃIIt, -ˌeIt)   adj   1 shaped or arranged like a cross: cruciate petals   ▷ n   2 informal   a short for cruciate ligament   b (as modifier): cruciate problems [C17: from New Latin cruciātus, from Latin crux cross]   > ˈcruciately adv

■ cruciate ligament   n   anatomy either of a pair of ligaments that cross each other in the knee, connecting the tibia and the femur

crucible (ˈkruːsIbəl)   n   1 a vessel in which substances are heated to high temperatures   2 the hearth at the bottom of a metallurgical furnace in which the metal collects   3 a severe trial or test [C15 corusible, from Medieval Latin crūcibulum night lamp, crucible, of uncertain origin]

■ Crucible (ˈkruːsIbəl)   n   the Crucible a Sheffield theatre, venue of the annual world professional snooker championship

■ crucible steel   n   a high-quality steel made by melting wrought iron, charcoal, and other additives in a crucible

crucifer (ˈkruːsIfə)   n   1 any plant of the family Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae), having a corolla of four petals arranged like a cross and a fruit called a siliqua. The family includes the brassicas, mustard, cress, and wallflower   2 a person who carries a cross [C16: from Late Latin, from Latin crux cross + ferre to carry]

■ cruciferous (kruːˈsIfərəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the plant family Cruciferae. See crucifer (sense 1)

crucifix (ˈkruːsIfIks)   n   a cross or image of a cross with a figure of Christ upon it [C13: from Church Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucifīgere to CRUCIFY]

■ crucifixion (ˌkruːsIˈfIkʃən)   n   a method of putting to death by nailing or binding to a cross, normally by the hands and feet, which was widespread in the ancient world

■ Crucifixion (ˌkruːsIˈfIkʃən)   n   1 the Crucifixion the crucifying of Christ at Calvary, regarded by Christians as the culminating redemptive act of his ministry   2 a picture or representation of this

cruciform (ˈkruːsIˌfɔːm)   adj   1 shaped like a cross   ▷ n   2 a geometric curve, shaped like a cross, that has four similar branches asymptotic to two mutually perpendicular pairs of lines. Equation: x^2y^2 – a^2x^2 – a^2y^2 = 0, where x = y = ± a are the four lines [C17: from Latin crux cross + -FORM]   > ˈcruciˌformly adv

crucify (ˈkruːsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to put to death by crucifixion   2 slang to defeat, ridicule, etc, totally: the critics crucified his performance   3 to treat very cruelly; torment   4 to subdue (passion, lust, etc); mortify [C13: from Old French crucifier, from Late Latin crucifīgere to crucify, to fasten to a cross, from Latin crux cross + fīgere to fasten]   > ˈcruciˌfier n

cruciverbal (ˌkruːsIˈvɜːbəl)   adj   of or relating to crosswords

■ cruciverbalism (ˌkruːsIˈvɜːbəlIzəm)   n   the compilation of crosswords

■ cruciverbalist (ˌkruːsIˈvɜːbəlIst)   n   a crossword puzzle enthusiast [C20: from Latin crux cross + verbum word]

cruck (krʌk)   n   one of a pair of curved wooden timbers supporting the end of the roof in certain types of building [C19: variant of CROOK (n)]

crud (krʌd) slang   n   1 a sticky substance, esp when dirty and encrusted   2 an undesirable residue from a process, esp one inside a nuclear reactor   3 something or someone that is worthless, disgusting, or contemptible   4 the crud a disease; rot   ▷ interj   5 an expression of disgust, disappointment, etc [C14: earlier form of CURD]

■ cruddy (ˈkrʌdI)   adj cruddier, cruddiest slang   1 dirty or unpleasant   2 of poor quality; contemptible

cruddle (ˈkrʌdəl)   vb   another word for curdle

crude (kruːd)   adj   1 lacking taste, tact, or refinement; vulgar: a crude joke   2 in a natural or unrefined state   3 lacking care, knowledge, or skill: a crude sketch   4 (prenominal) stark; blunt: the crude facts   5 (of statistical data) unclassified or unanalysed   6 archaic unripe   ▷ n   7 short for crude oil [C14: from Latin crūdus bloody, raw; related to Latin cruor blood]   > ˈcrudely adv   > ˈcrudity or ˈcrudeness n

■ crude oil   n   petroleum before it has been refined

Cruden (ˈkruːdən)   n   Alexander. 1701–70, Scottish bookseller and compiler of a well-known biblical concordance (1737)

crudités (ˌkruːdIˈteI)   pl n   a selection of raw vegetables, usually cut into strips or small chunks and served, with a dip, as an hors d'oeuvre [C20: from French, plural of crudité, literally: rawness]

crudy (ˈkruːdI)   adj crudier, crudiest   obsolete (in the works of Shakespeare) crude or raw

cruel (ˈkruːəl)   adj   1 causing or inflicting pain without pity: a cruel teacher   2 causing pain or suffering: a cruel accident [C13: from Old French, from Latin crūdēlis, from crūdus raw, bloody]   > ˈcruelly adv   > ˈcruelness n

■ cruelty (ˈkruːəltI)   n, pl -ties   1 deliberate infliction of pain or suffering   2 the quality or characteristic of being cruel   3 a cruel action   4 law conduct that causes danger to life or limb or a threat to bodily or mental health, on proof of which a decree of divorce may be granted

■ cruelty-free   adj   (of a cosmetic or other product) developed without being tested on animals

cruels (ˈkruːəlz)   n   another name for actinobacillosis

cruet (ˈkruːIt)   n   1 a small container for holding pepper, salt, vinegar, oil, etc, at table   2 a set of such containers, esp on a stand   3 Christianity either of a pair of small containers for the wine and water used in the Eucharist   4 Austral a slang word for head (sense 1)   5 do one's cruet Austral slang to be extremely angry; go into a rage   ▷ pl n   6 Austral vulgar, slang the testicles [C13: from Anglo-French, diminutive of Old French crue flask, of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon krūka, Old English crūce pot]

Cruft (krʌft)   n   Charles. 1852–1938, British dog breeder, who organized the first (1886) of the annual dog shows known as Cruft's

Cruikshank (ˈkrʊkˌʃæŋk)   n   George. 1792–1878, English illustrator and caricaturist

cruise (kruːz)   vb   1 (intr) to make a trip by sea in a liner for pleasure, usually calling at a number of ports   2 to sail or travel over (a body of water) for pleasure in a yacht, cruiser, etc   3 (intr) to search for enemy vessels in a warship   4 (intr) (of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel) to travel at a moderate and efficient speed   5 (intr) informal to search the streets or other public places for a sexual partner   ▷ n   6 an act or instance of cruising, esp a trip by sea [C17: from Dutch kruisen to cross, from cruis CROSS; related to French croiser to cross, cruise, Spanish cruzar, German kreuzen]

■ cruise control   n   a system in a road vehicle that automatically maintains a selected speed until cancelled

■ cruise missile   n   an air-breathing low-flying subsonic missile that is continuously powered and guided throughout its flight and carries a warhead

■ cruiser (ˈkruːzə)   n   1 a high-speed, long-range warship of medium displacement, armed with medium calibre weapons or missiles   2 Also called: cabin cruiser a pleasure boat, esp one that is power-driven and has a cabin   3 any person or thing that cruises   4 boxing cruiserweight. See light heavyweight

■ cruiserweight (ˈkruːzəˌweIt)   n   boxing another term (esp Brit) for light heavyweight

■ cruiseway (ˈkruːzˌweI)   n   a canal used for recreational purposes

■ cruisewear (ˈkruːzˌwɛə)   n   clothing which is suitable for wearing while on a cruise

Cruise (kruːz)   n   Tom, original name Thomas Cruise Mapother. born 1962, US film actor; his films include Risky Business (1983), Top Gun (1986), Jerry Maguire (1989), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), War of the Worlds (2005), and Valkyrie (2008)

cruive (kruːv)   n   1 Scot dialect a cabin or hovel   2 Scot dialect an animal enclosure, esp a pigsty   3 fishing a type of trap for catching fish

cruizie, cruzie or crusie (ˈkruːzI)   n   Scot an oil lamp [C18: perhaps from cruset crucible, from French creuset]

cruller or kruller (ˈkrʌlə)   n   US and Canadian a light sweet ring-shaped cake, fried in deep fat [C19: from Dutch krulle, from krullen to CURL]

crumb (krʌm)   n   1 a small fragment of bread, cake, or other baked foods   2 a small piece or bit: crumbs of information   3 the soft inner part of bread   4 slang a contemptible person   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to prepare or cover (food) with breadcrumbs   6 to break into small fragments   ▷ adj   7 (esp of pie crusts) made with a mixture of biscuit crumbs, sugar, etc [Old English cruma; related to Middle Dutch krome, Middle High German krūme, Latin grūmus heap of earth]   > ˈcrumber n

■ crumbcloth (ˈkrʌmˌklɒθ)   n   a cloth placed under a dining table to protect the carpet from crumbs and other material

■ crumbs (krʌmz)   interj   slang an expression of dismay or surprise [C20: euphemistic for Christ!]

■ crumby (ˈkrʌmI)   adj crumbier, crumbiest   1 full of or littered with crumbs   2 soft, like the inside of bread   3 a variant spelling of crummy^1

crumble (ˈkrʌmbəl)   vb   1 to break or be broken into crumbs or fragments   2 (intr) to fall apart or away: his resolution crumbled   ▷ n   3 Brit a baked pudding consisting of a crumbly mixture of flour, fat, and sugar over stewed fruit: apple crumble [C16: variant of crimble, of Germanic origin; compare Low German krömeln, Dutch kruimelen]

■ crumblings (ˈkrʌmblIŋz)   pl n   any pieces of matter which have crumbled or fallen from a larger part

■ crumbly (ˈkrʌmblI)   adj -blier, -bliest   1 easily crumbled or crumbling   ▷ n -blies   2 Brit derogatory, slang an older person   > ˈcrumbliness n

crumbum (ˈkrʌmˌbʌm)   n   slang a foolish or despicable person

crumen (ˈkruːmən)   n   zoology the suborbital gland in sheep, deer, or antelopes. Also called: larmier, tear-pit

crumenal (ˈkruːmənəl)   n   obsolete a purse

crumhorn or krummhorn (ˈkrʌmˌhɔːn)   n   a medieval woodwind instrument of bass pitch, consisting of an almost cylindrical tube curving upwards and blown through a double reed covered by a pierced cap [C17 cromorne, krumhorn, from German Krummhorn curved horn]

crummie (ˈkrʌmI)   n Scot dialect   1 a cow, espy one with crooked or crumpled horns   2 a stick with a crooked head

crummock (ˈkrʌmək)   n   another word for crummie (sense 2)

Crummock Water (ˈkrʌmək)   n   a lake in NW England, in Cumbria in the Lake District. Length: 4 km (2.5 miles)

crummy^1 (ˈkrʌmI)   adj -mier, -miest slang   1 of little value; inferior; contemptible   2 unwell or depressed: to feel crummy [C19: variant spelling of CRUMBY]

■ crumminess (ˈkrʌmInəs)   n   informal the state or quality of being crummy

crummy^2 (ˈkrʌmI)   n, pl -mies   Canadian a lorry that carries loggers to work from their camp [probably originally meaning: makeshift camp, from CRUMMY^1]

crump (krʌmp)   vb   1 (intr) to thud or explode with a loud dull sound   2 (tr) to bombard with heavy shells   ▷ n   3 a crunching, thudding, or exploding noise [C17: of imitative origin]

crumpet (ˈkrʌmpIt)   n chiefly Brit   1 a light soft yeast cake full of small holes on the top side, eaten toasted and buttered   2 (in Scotland) a large flat sweetened cake made of batter   3 jocular, slang, sometimes offensive attractive people, esp women, collectively   4 a piece of crumpet jocular, slang, sometimes offensive a sexually desirable person, esp a woman   5 not worth a crumpet Austral slang utterly worthless [C17: of uncertain origin]

crumple (ˈkrʌmpəl)   vb   1 (when intr, often foll by up) to collapse or cause to collapse: his courage crumpled   2 (when tr, often foll by up) to crush or cause to be crushed so as to form wrinkles or creases   3 (intr) to shrink; shrivel   ▷ n   4 a loose crease or wrinkle [C16: from obsolete crump to bend; related to Old High German krimpfan to wrinkle, Old Norse kreppa to contract]   > ˈcrumply adj

■ crumpled (ˈkrʌmpəld)   adj   1 creased   2 collapsed

■ crumple zones   pl n   parts of a motor vehicle, at the front and the rear, that are designed to crumple in a collision, thereby absorbing the impact

■ crumplings (ˈkrʌmplIŋz)   pl n   crumpling or folding actions

crumpy (ˈkrʌmpI)   adj crumpier, crumpiest   dialect easily crumbled; crisp

crunch (krʌntʃ)   vb   1 to bite or chew (crisp foods) with a crushing or crackling sound   2 to make or cause to make a crisp or brittle sound: the snow crunched beneath his feet   3 (tr) informal to perform calculations on (numbers or data) on a large scale   ▷ n   4 the sound or act of crunching   5 short for abdominal crunch   6 the crunch informal the critical moment or situation   ▷ adj   7 informal critical; decisive: crunch time   ▶ Also called: craunch [C19: changed (through influence of MUNCH) from earlier craunch, of imitative origin]   > ˈcrunchable adj   > ˈcrunchy adj   > ˈcrunchily adv   > ˈcrunchiness n

■ cruncher (ˈkrʌntʃə)   n informal   1 the critical or decisive thing   2 a person or thing that crunches (numbers, bones, etc)

■ crunchie (ˈkrʌntʃI)   n   South African offensive, slang a derogatory name for an Afrikaner

■ crunchings (ˈkrʌntʃIŋz)   pl n   any actions in which things are crunched

crunk (krʌnk)   n   a form of hip-hop music originating in the southern states of the US [C20: from CR(AZY) + (DR)UNK]

■ crunked (krʌŋkt)   adj   excited or intoxicated

crunode (ˈkruːnəʊd)   n   a point at which two branches of a curve intersect, each branch having a distinct tangent; node [C19: cru- from Latin crux cross + NODE]

■ crunodal (kruːˈnəʊdəl)   adj   of or relating to a crunode

cruor (ˈkrʊɔː)   n, pl cruores (ˈkrʊɔːriːz)   med a blood clot

crupper (ˈkrʌpə)   n   1 a strap from the back of a saddle that passes under the horse's tail to prevent the saddle from slipping forwards   2 the part of the horse's rump behind the saddle [C13: from Old French crupiere, from crupe CROUP^2]

crura (ˈkrʊərə)   n   the plural of crus

crural (ˈkrʊərəl)   adj   of or relating to the leg or thigh [C16: from Latin crūrālis, from crūs leg, shin]

crus (krʌs)   n, pl crura (ˈkrʊərə)   1 anatomy the leg, esp from the knee to the foot   2 (usually plural) leglike parts or structures [C17: from Latin: leg]

crusade (kruːˈseId)   n   1 (often capital) any of the military expeditions undertaken in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries by the Christian powers of Europe to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims   2 (formerly) any holy war undertaken on behalf of a religious cause   3 a vigorous and dedicated action or movement in favour of a cause   ▷ vb (intr)   4 to campaign vigorously for something   5 to go on a crusade [C16: from earlier croisade, from Old French crois cross, from Latin crux; influenced also by Spanish cruzada, from cruzar to take up the cross]   > cruˈsader n

■ crusading (kruːˈseIdIŋ)   adj   campaigning: a crusading lawyer

crusado (kruːˈseIdəʊ) or cruzado (kruːˈzeIdəʊ; Portuguese kruˈzadu)   n, pl -does or -dos (-dəʊz; Portuguese -duʃ)   a former gold or silver coin of Portugal bearing on its reverse the figure of a cross [C16: literally: marked with a cross, from cruzar to bear a cross; see CRUSADE]

cruse (kruːz)   n   a small earthenware container used, esp formerly, for liquids [Old English crūse; related to Middle High German krūse, Dutch kroes jug]

cruset (ˈkruːsIt)   n   obsolete a goldsmith's crucible

crush^1 (krʌʃ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to press, mash, or squeeze so as to injure, break, crease, etc   2 to break or grind (rock, ore, etc) into small particles   3 to put down or subdue, esp by force: to crush a rebellion   4 to extract (juice, water, etc) by pressing: to crush the juice from a lemon   5 to oppress harshly   6 to hug or clasp tightly: he crushed her to him   7 to defeat or humiliate utterly, as in argument or by a cruel remark   8 (intr) to crowd; throng   9 (intr) to become injured, broken, or distorted by pressure   10 crush it informal to do something convincingly or extremely well   ▷ n   11 a dense crowd, esp at a social occasion   12 the act of crushing; pressure   13 a drink or pulp prepared by or as if by crushing fruit: orange crush   14 informal   a an infatuation: she had a crush on him   b the person with whom one is infatuated [C14: from Old French croissir, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic kriustan to gnash; see CRUNCH]   > ˈcrushable adj   > ˌcrushaˈbility n   > ˈcrusher n

■ crush bar   n   a bar at a theatre for serving drinks during the intervals of a play

■ crush barrier   n   a barrier erected to separate sections of large crowds in order to prevent crushing

■ crushing (ˈkrʌʃIŋ)   adj   1 devastating; overwhelming: a crushing defeat   2 extremely heavy: a crushing burden of debt   ▷ n   3 defeat; repression; putting down

■ crushingly (ˈkrʌʃIŋlI)   adv   1 oppressively; intolerably   2 overwhelmingly

■ crushproof (ˈkrʌʃˌpruːf)   adj   unable to be crushed or creased

■ crush-resistant   adj   not being easily creased

crush^2 (krʌʃ)   n   vet science a construction designed to confine and limit the movement of an animal, esp a large or dangerous animal, for examination or to perform a procedure on it

crusie (ˈkruːzI)   n   a variant spelling of cruizie

crusily (ˈkruːsIlI)   adj   (in heraldry) decorated with small crosses

Crusoe (ˈkruːsəʊ, -zəʊ)   n   Robinson Crusoe See Robinson Crusoe

crust (krʌst)   n   1    a the hard outer part of bread   b a piece of bread consisting mainly of this   2 the baked shell of a pie, tart, etc   3 any hard or stiff outer covering or surface: a crust of ice   4 the solid outer shell of the earth, with an average thickness of 30–35 km in continental regions and 5 km beneath the oceans, forming the upper part of the lithosphere and lying immediately above the mantle, from which it is separated by the Mohorovičić discontinuity. See also sial, sima   5 the dry covering of a skin sore or lesion; scab   6 a layer of acid potassium tartrate deposited by some wine, esp port, on the inside of the bottle   7 the hard outer layer of such organisms as lichens and crustaceans   8 slang impertinence   9 Brit, Austral and NZ slang a living (esp in the phrase earn a crust)   ▷ vb   10 to cover with or acquire a crust   11 to form or be formed into a crust [C14: from Latin crūsta hard surface, rind, shell]

■ crustal (ˈkrʌstəl)   adj   of or relating to the earth's crust

■ crustate (ˈkrʌsteIt)   adj   having a crust or shell

■ crustation (krʌsˈteIʃən)   n   the action of forming a crust

■ -crusted   adj   (in combination) covered with the substance specified

■ crustless (ˈkrʌstlIs)   adj   without a crust or crusts

■ crustose (ˈkrʌstəʊs)   adj   biology having a crustlike appearance: crustose lichens

■ crusty (ˈkrʌstI)   adj crustier, crustiest   1 having or characterized by a crust, esp having a thick crust   2 having a rude or harsh character or exterior; surly; curt: a crusty remark   ▷ n, pl crusties   3 slang a dirty type of punk or hippy whose lifestyle involves travelling and squatting   > ˈcrustily adv   > ˈcrustiness n

crusta (ˈkrʌstə)   n, pl crustae   1 a hard outer layer, esp in anatomy or pathology   2 an embossed plate inlaid on an object

crustacea (krʌsˈteIʃə)   pl n   a collective term for members of the Crustacea class of (mainly aquatic) mandibulate arthropods, characterized by their usually chitinous exoskeletons

crustacean (krʌˈsteIʃən)   n   1 any arthropod of the mainly aquatic class Crustacea, typically having a carapace hardened with lime and including the lobsters, crabs, shrimps, woodlice, barnacles, copepods, and water fleas   ▷ adj also crustaceous   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Crustacea [C19: from New Latin crūstāceus hard-shelled, from Latin crūsta shell, CRUST]

crustaceous (krʌˈsteIʃəs)   adj   1 forming, resembling, or possessing a surrounding crust or shell   2 zoology another word for crustacean (sense 2)

crutch (krʌtʃ)   n   1 a long staff of wood or metal having a rest for the armpit, for supporting the weight of the body   2 something that supports or sustains: a crutch to the economy   3 Brit another word for crotch (sense 1)   4 nautical   a a forked support for a boom or oar, etc   b a brace for reinforcing the frames at the stern of a wooden vessel   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to support or sustain (a person or thing) as with a crutch   6 Austral and NZ slang to clip (wool) from the hindquarters of a sheep [Old English crycc; related to Old High German krucka, Old Norse krykkja; see CROSIER, CROOK]

■ crutchings (ˈkrʌtʃIŋz)   pl n   Austral and NZ the wool clipped from a sheep's hindquarters

Crutched Friar (krʌtʃt, ˈkrʌtʃId)   n   a member of a mendicant order, suppressed in 1656 [C16: crutched, variant of crouched, literally: crossed, referring to the cross worn on their habits]

crux (krʌks)   n, pl cruxes or cruces (ˈkruːsiːz)   1 a vital or decisive stage, point, etc (often in the phrase the crux of the matter)   2 a baffling problem or difficulty   3 mountaineering the most difficult and often decisive part of a climb or pitch   4 a rare word for cross [C18: from Latin: cross]

■ Crux (krʌks)   n, Latin genitive Crucis (ˈkruːsIs)   the more formal name for the Southern Cross

■ crux ansata (ænˈseItə)   n, pl cruces ansatae (ænˈseItiː)   another term for ankh [New Latin, literally: cross with a handle]

Cruyff (krɔIf; Dutch krœjf)   n   Johan (joːˈhɑn). 1947–2016, Dutch footballer and manager: played for Ajax and Barcelona; European Footballer of the Year (1971, 1973, 1974); capped 48 times for the Netherlands, scoring 33 goals. Noted for the Cruyff turn, a feint in which a player shapes to pass the ball but instead drags it behind the planted foot with the inside of the crossing foot, turns through 180 degrees, and moves away from his or her marker

cruzado (kruːˈzeIdəʊ; Portuguese kruˈzadu)   n, pl -does or -dos (-dəʊz; Portuguese -duʃ)   1 a former standard monetary unit of Brazil, replaced by the cruzeiro   2 another name for crusado [C16: literally marked with a cross, from cruzar to bear a cross; see CRUSADE]

cruzeiro (kruːˈzɛərəʊ; Portuguese kruˈzejru)   n, pl -ros (-rəʊz; Portuguese -ruʃ)   a former monetary unit of Brazil, replaced by the cruzeiro real [Portuguese: from cruz CROSS]

■ cruzeiro real   n   a former monetary unit of Brazil, which was replaced by the real

cruzie (ˈkruːzI)   n   a variant spelling of cruizie

crwth (kruːθ)   n   an ancient stringed instrument of Celtic origin similar to the cithara but bowed in later types [Welsh; compare Middle Irish crott harp]

cry (kraI)   vb cries, crying, cried   1 (intr) to utter inarticulate sounds, esp when weeping; sob   2 (intr) to shed tears; weep   3 (intr; usually foll by out) to scream or shout in pain, terror, etc   4 (tr; often foll by out) to utter or shout (words of appeal, exclamation, fear, etc)   5 (intr; often foll by out) (of animals, birds, etc) to utter loud characteristic sounds   6 (tr) to hawk or sell by public announcement: to cry newspapers   7 to announce (something) publicly or in the streets   8 (intr; foll by for) to clamour or beg   9 Scot to call   10 cry for the moon to desire the unattainable   11 cry one's eyes out or cry one's heart out to weep bitterly   12 cry quits or cry mercy to give up a task, fight, etc   ▷ n, pl cries   13 the act or sound of crying; a shout, exclamation, scream, or wail   14 the characteristic utterance of an animal or bird: the cry of gulls   15 Scot a call   16 archaic an oral announcement, esp one made by town criers   17 a fit of weeping   18 hunting the baying of a pack of hounds hunting their quarry by scent   19 a pack of hounds   20 a far cry   a a long way   b something very different   21 in full cry (esp of a pack of hounds) in hot pursuit of a quarry [C13: from Old French crier, from Latin quirītāre to call for help]

■ crybaby (ˈkraIˌbeIbI)   n, pl -bies   a person, esp a child, given to frequent crying or complaint

■ cry down   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to belittle; disparage   2 to silence by making a greater noise: to cry down opposition

■ crying (ˈkraIIŋ)   adj   (prenominal) notorious; lamentable (esp in the phrase crying shame)

■ cryingly (ˈkraIIŋlI)   adv   exceptionally or markedly

■ cry off   vb   (intr) informal to withdraw from or cancel (an agreement or arrangement)

■ cry out   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to scream or shout aloud, esp in pain, terror, etc   2 (often foll by for) informal to demand in an obvious manner: our inner cities are crying out for redevelopment   3 for crying out loud informal an exclamation of anger or dismay

■ cry up   vb   (tr, adverb) to praise highly; extol

cryo-   combining form   indicating low temperature; frost, cold, or freezing: cryogenics; cryosurgery [from Greek kruos icy cold, frost]

cryobank (ˈkraIəˌbæŋk)   n   a facility for storing living tissue, such as sperm, embryos, cells, etc, at a low temperature

cryobiology (ˌkraIəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of biology concerned with the study of the effects of very low temperatures on organisms   > ˌcryobiˈologist n

■ cryobiological (ˌkraIəʊˌbaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to cryobiology

cryocable (ˌkraIəʊˈkeIbəl)   n   a highly conducting electrical cable cooled with a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen

cryoconite (kraIˈɒkəˌnaIt)   pl n   a dark powder found at the bottom of glacier holes, formerly thought to be cosmic in origin but now widely regarded to be terrestrial

cryogenics (ˌkraIəˈdʒɛnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the production of very low temperatures and the phenomena occurring at these temperatures   > ˌcryoˈgenic adj   > ˌcryoˈgenically adv

■ cryogen (ˈkraIədʒən)   n   a substance used to produce low temperatures; a freezing mixture

cryogeny (kraIˈɒdʒInI)   n   another word for cryogenics

cryoglobulin (ˌkraIəʊˈɡlɒbjʊlIn)   n   med an abnormal immunoglobulin, present in the blood in certain diseases, that precipitates below about 10°C, obstructing small blood vessels in the fingers and toes

cryohydrate (ˌkraIəʊˈhaIdreIt)   n   a crystalline substance containing water and a salt in definite proportions at low temperatures: a eutectic crystallizing below the freezing point of water

cryolite (ˈkraIəˌlaIt)   n   a white or colourless mineral consisting of a fluoride of sodium and aluminium in monoclinic crystalline form: used in the production of aluminium, glass, and enamel. Formula: Na_3AlF_6

cryometer (kraIˈɒmItə)   n   a thermometer for measuring low temperatures   > cryˈometry n

■ cryometric (ˌkraIəʊˈmɛtrIk)   adj   of or relating to cryometry

cryonics (kraIˈɒnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the practice of freezing a human corpse in the hope of restoring it to life in the future

■ cryonic (kraIˈɒnIk)   adj   relating to or involving cryonics   > cryˈonically adv

cryophilic (ˌkraIəˈfIlIk)   adj   biology able to thrive at low temperatures

cryophorus (kraIˈɒfərəs)   n   a glass tube with a bulb at each end which contains water and water vapour, used in physics to demonstrate freezing by evaporation

cryophysics (ˌkraIəʊˈfIzIks)   n   (functioning as singular) a branch of physics in which phenomena are studied at low temperatures

cryophyte (ˈkraIəˌfaIt)   n   an organism, esp an alga or moss, that grows on snow or ice

cryoplankton (ˌkraIəʊˈplæŋktən)   n   minute organisms, esp algae, living in ice, snow, or icy water

cryoprecipitate (ˌkraIəʊprIˈsIpIteIt)   n   a precipitate obtained by controlled thawing of a previously frozen substance. Factor VIII, for treating haemophilia, is often obtained as a cryoprecipitate from frozen blood

cryopreserve (ˌkraIəʊprIˈzɜːv)   vb (tr)   to preserve (living tissue) at a very low temperature

cryoprobe (ˈkraIəʊˌprəʊb)   n   a surgical instrument with an extremely cold tip, used in cryosurgery to destroy tissue

cryoprotectant (ˌkraIəʊprəˈtɛktənt)   n   an agent which prevents cell damage caused by cryopreservation

cryoprotective (ˌkraIəʊprəˈtɛktIv)   adj   protecting against damage caused by cryopreservation

cryoscopy (kraIˈɒskəpI)   n, pl -pies   the determination of freezing points, esp for the determination of molecular weights by measuring the lowering of the freezing point of a solvent when a known quantity of solute is added   > cryoscopic (ˌkraIəˈskɒpIk) adj

■ cryoscope (ˈkraIəˌskəʊp)   n   any instrument used to determine the freezing point of a substance

cryostat (ˈkraIəˌstæt)   n   an apparatus for maintaining a constant low temperature or a vessel in which a substance is stored at a low temperature

■ cryostatic (ˌkraIəʊˈstætIk)   adj   1 biology of or relating to a cryostat   2 geology of or relating to the force applied to rocks during ice formation

cryosurgery (ˌkraIəʊˈsɜːdʒərI)   n   surgery involving the local destruction of tissues by quick freezing for therapeutic benefit

■ cryosurgeon (ˌkraIəʊˈsɜːdʒən)   n   a surgeon who specializes in cryosurgery

■ cryosurgical (ˌkraIəʊˈsɜːdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to cryosurgery

cryotherapy (ˌkraIəʊˈθɛrəpI) or crymotherapy (ˌkraIməʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   medical treatment in which all or part of the body is subjected to cold temperatures, as by means of ice packs

cryotron (ˈkraIəˌtrɒn)   n   a miniature switch working at the temperature of liquid helium and depending for its action on the production and destruction of superconducting properties in the conductor

crypt (krIpt)   n   1 a cellar, vault, or underground chamber, esp beneath a church, where it is often used as a chapel, burial place, etc   2 anatomy any pitlike recess or depression [C18: from Latin crypta, from Greek kruptē vault, secret place, from kruptos hidden, from kruptein to hide]   > ˈcryptal adj

cryptadia (krIpˈteIdIə)   pl n   a collection of things to be kept hidden

cryptaesthesia or US cryptesthesia (ˌkrIptəsˈθiːzIə)   n   psychol another term for extrasensory perception

■ cryptaesthetic or US cryptesthetic (ˌkrIptiːsˈθɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to cryptaesthesia

cryptanalysis (ˌkrIptəˈnælIsIs)   n   the study of codes and ciphers; cryptography [C20: from CRYPTOGRAPH + ANALYSIS]   > cryptanalytic (ˌkrIptænəˈlItIk) or cryptanalytical (ˌkrIptænəˈlItIkəl) adj   > cryptˈanalyst n

cryptarithm (ˈkrIptəˌrIðəm)   n   a type of mathematical puzzle in which the digits of an equation have been substituted by letters

cryptic (ˈkrIptIk) or cryptical   adj   1 hidden; secret; occult   2 (esp of comments, sayings, etc) obscure in meaning   3 (of the coloration of animals) tending to conceal by disguising or camouflaging the shape [C17: from Late Latin crypticus, from Greek kruptikos, from kruptos concealed; see CRYPT]   > ˈcryptically adv

crypto- or before a vowel crypt-   combining form   secret, hidden, or concealed: cryptography; crypto-fascist [New Latin, from Greek kruptos hidden, from kruptein to hide]

cryptobiont (ˌkrIptəʊˈbaIɒnt)   n   any organism that exhibits cryptobiosis

cryptobiosis (ˌkrIptəʊbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   zoology a temporary state in an organism in which metabolic activity is absent or undetectable

cryptoclastic (ˌkrIptəʊˈklæstIk)   adj   (of minerals and rocks) composed of microscopic fragments

cryptococcus (ˌkrIptəˈkɒkəs)   n   any fungus of the genus Cryptococcus, some of which cause disease in animals and humans

■ cryptococcal (ˌkrIptəʊˈkɒkəl)   adj   of, relating to, or caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus

■ cryptococcosis (ˌkrIptəʊkɒˈkəʊsIs)   n   a disease affecting both animals and humans, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus

cryptocrystalline (ˌkrIptəʊˈkrIstəlaIn)   adj   (of rocks) composed of crystals that can be distinguished individually only by the use of a polarizing microscope

cryptocurrency (ˈkrIptəʊˌkʌrənsI)   n   a decentralized digital medium of exchange which is created, regulated, and exchanged using cryptography and (usually) open-source software

cryptogam (ˈkrIptəʊˌɡæm)   n   (in former plant classification schemes) any organism that does not produce seeds, including algae, fungi, mosses, and ferns. Compare phanerogam [C19: from New Latin Cryptogamia, from CRYPTO- + Greek gamos marriage]   > ˌcryptoˈgamic or cryptogamous (krIpˈtɒɡəməs) adj

■ cryptogamian (ˌkrIptəʊˈɡeImIən)   adj   of or relating to cryptogams

■ cryptogamist (krIpˈtɒɡəmIst)   n   a botanist specializing in the study of cryptogams

■ cryptogamy (krIpˈtɒɡəmI)   n   1 the state of being a cryptogam   2 the scientific study of cryptogams

cryptogenic (ˌkrIptəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   (esp of diseases) of unknown or obscure origin

cryptogram (ˈkrIptəʊɡræm)   n   a secret symbol

cryptography (krIpˈtɒɡrəfI) or cryptology (krIpˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the science or study of analysing and deciphering codes, ciphers, etc; cryptanalysis   > crypˈtographer, crypˈtographist or crypˈtologist n   > cryptographic (ˌkrIptəˈɡræfIk), ˌcryptoˈgraphical, cryptologic (ˌkrIptəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌcryptoˈlogical adj   > ˌcryptoˈgraphically adv

■ cryptograph (ˈkrIptəʊˌɡræf, -ˌɡrɑːf)   n   1 something written in code or cipher   2 a code using secret symbols (cryptograms)   3 a device for translating text into cipher, or vice versa

cryptomeria (ˌkrIptəʊˈmIərIə)   n   a coniferous tree, Cryptomeria japonica, of China and Japan, with curved needle-like leaves and small round cones: family Taxodiaceae [C19: from New Latin, from CRYPTO- + Greek meros part; so called because the seeds are hidden by scales]

cryptometer (krIpˈtɒmItə)   n   an instrument used to determine the opacity of pigments and paints

cryptomnesia (ˌkrIptəmˈniːzIə)   n   the reappearance of a suppressed or forgotten memory which is mistaken for a new experience

■ cryptomnesic (ˌkrIptəmˈniːzIk)   adj   of, relating to, or characterized by cryptomnesia

crypton (ˈkrIptɒn)   n   a hypothetical particle important in string theory and explanations of dark matter

cryptonym (ˈkrIptənIm)   n   a code name or secret name

■ cryptonymous (krIpˈtɒnIməs)   adj   having a code name or secret name

cryptophyte (ˈkrIptəˌfaIt)   n   any perennial plant that bears its buds below the soil or water surface   > cryptophytic (ˌkrIptəˈfItIk) adj

cryptorchid (krIpˈtɔːkId)   n   1 an animal or human in which the testes fail to descend into the scrotum   ▷ adj   2 denoting or relating to such an individual [from CRYPTO- + orchid, from Greek orkhis testicle]   > crypˈtorchidˌism or crypˈtorchism n

cryptosporidium (ˌkrIptəʊspɔːˈrIdIəm)   n   any parasitic sporozoan protozoan of the genus Cryptosporidium, species of which are parasites of birds and animals and can be transmitted to humans, causing severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea (cryptosporidiosis)

Cryptozoic (ˌkrIptəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   1 of or relating to that part of geological time represented by rocks in which the evidence of life is slight and the life forms are primitive; pre-Phanerozoic   ▷ n   2 the Cryptozoic the Cryptozoic era   ▶ See also Precambrian. Compare Phanerozoic

■ cryptozoic (ˌkrIptəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   (of animals) living in dark places, such as holes, caves, and beneath stones

cryptozoite (ˌkrIptəʊˈzəʊaIt)   n   a malarial parasite at the stage of development in its host before it enters the red blood cells

cryptozoology (ˌkrIptəʊzəʊˈɒlədʒI, -zuː-)   n   the study of creatures, such as the Loch Ness monster, whose existence has not been scientifically proved

■ cryptozoologist (ˌkrIptəʊzəʊˈɒlədʒIst)   n   an expert in cryptozoology

cryst.   abbreviation for   1 crystalline   2 Also: crystall crystallography

crystal (ˈkrIstəl)   n   1 a piece of solid substance, such as quartz, with a regular shape in which plane faces intersect at definite angles, due to the regular internal structure of its atoms, ions, or molecules   2 a single grain of a crystalline substance   3 anything resembling a crystal, such as a piece of cut glass   4    a a highly transparent and brilliant type of glass, often used in cut-glass tableware, ornaments, etc   b (as modifier): a crystal chandelier   5 something made of or resembling crystal   6 crystal glass articles collectively   7 electronics   a a crystalline element used in certain electronic devices as a detector, oscillator, transducer, etc   b (as modifier): crystal pick-up; crystal detector   8 a transparent cover for the face of a watch, usually of glass or plastic   9 (modifier) of or relating to a crystal or the regular atomic arrangement of crystals: crystal structure; crystal lattice   ▷ adj   10 resembling crystal; transparent: crystal water [Old English cristalla, from Latin crystallum, from Greek krustallos ice, crystal, from krustainein to freeze]

■ crystal ball   n   the glass globe used in crystal gazing

■ crystal class   n   crystallog any of 32 possible types of crystals, classified according to their rotational symmetry about axes through a point. Also called: point group

■ crystal-clear   adj   1 very clear   2 absolutely obvious

■ crystal counter   n   an instrument for detecting and measuring the intensity of high-energy radiation, in which particles collide with a crystal and momentarily increase its conductivity

■ crystal detector   n   electronics a demodulator, used esp in microwave circuits and in early radio receivers, consisting of a thin metal wire in point contact with a semiconductor crystal

■ crystal form   n   crystallog a symmetrical set of planes in space, associated with a crystal, having the same symmetry as the crystal class. Compare crystal habit

■ crystal gazing   n   1 the act of staring into a crystal globe (crystal ball) supposedly in order to arouse visual perceptions of the future, etc   2 the act of trying to predict something   > crystal gazer n

■ crystal habit   n   crystallog the external shape of a crystal. Compare crystal form

■ crystal healing   n   (in alternative therapy) the use of the supposed power of crystals to affect the human energy field

■ crystal lattice   n   the regular array of points about which the atoms, ions, or molecules composing a crystal are centred

■ crystalline (ˈkrIstəˌlaIn)   adj   1 having the characteristics or structure of crystals   2 consisting of or containing crystals   3 made of or like crystal; transparent; clear   > crystallinity (ˌkrIstəˈlInItI) n

■ crystalline lens   n   a biconvex transparent elastic structure in the eye situated behind the iris, serving to focus images on the retina

■ crystallite (ˈkrIstəˌlaIt)   n   any of the minute rudimentary or imperfect crystals occurring in many glassy rocks   > crystallitic (ˌkrIstəˈlItIk) adj

■ crystallitis (ˌkrIstəˈlaItIs)   n   the formation of a crystallite or crystallites

■ crystallize, crystalize, crystallise or crystalise (ˈkrIstəˌlaIz)   vb   1 to form or cause to form crystals; assume or cause to assume a crystalline form or structure   2 to coat or become coated with sugar: crystallized fruit   3 to give a definite form or expression to (an idea, argument, etc) or (of an idea, argument, etc) to assume a recognizable or definite form   > ˈcrystalˌlizable, ˈcrystalˌizable, ˈcrystalˌlisable or ˈcrystalˌisable adj   > ˌcrystalˌlizaˈbility, ˌcrystalˌizaˈbility, ˌcrystalˌlisaˈbility or ˌcrystalˌisaˈbility n   > ˌcrystalliˈzation, ˌcrystaliˈzation, ˌcrystalliˈsation or ˌcrystaliˈsation n   > ˈcrystalˌlizer, ˈcrystalˌizer, ˈcrystalˌliser or ˈcrystalˌiser n

■ crystallized, crystallised, crystalized or crystalised (ˈkrIstəˌlaIzd)   adj   sugar-coated: crystallized violets

■ crystalloid (ˈkrIstəˌlɔId)   adj   1 resembling or having the appearance or properties of a crystal or crystalloid   ▷ n   2 a substance that in solution can pass through a semipermeable membrane. Compare colloid (sense 3)   3 botany any of numerous crystals of protein occurring in certain seeds and other storage organs   > ˌcrystalˈloidal adj

■ crystal meth (mɛθ)   n   informal crystal methamphetamine, a concentrated and highly potent form of methamphetamine with dangerous side effects. Also called: ice

■ crystal microphone   n   a microphone that uses a piezoelectric crystal to convert sound energy into electrical energy

■ crystal nucleus   n   chem the tiny crystal that forms at the onset of crystallization

■ Crystal Palace   n   a building of glass and iron designed by Joseph Paxton to house the Great Exhibition of 1851. Erected in Hyde Park, London, it was moved to Sydenham (1852–53): destroyed by fire in 1936

■ crystal pick-up   n   a record-player pick-up in which the current is generated by the deformation of a piezoelectric crystal caused by the movements of the stylus

■ crystal set   n   an early form of radio receiver having a crystal detector to demodulate the radio signals but no amplifier, therefore requiring earphones

■ crystal system   n   crystallog any of six, or sometimes seven, classifications of crystals depending on their symmetry. The classes are cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic. Sometimes an additional system, trigonal, is distinguished, although this is usually included in the hexagonal system. See also crystal class

■ crystal violet   n   another name for gentian violet

crystallo- or before a vowel crystall-   combining form   crystal: crystallography

crystallog.   abbreviation for   crystallography

crystallography (ˌkrIstəˈlɒɡrəfI)   n   the science concerned with the formation, properties, and structure of crystals   > ˌcrystalˈlographer n   > crystallographic (ˌkrIstələʊˈɡræfIk) adj   > ˌcrystalloˈgraphically adv

crystallomancy (ˈkrIstələʊˌmænsI)   n   a form of divination using crystals or a crystal ball

Cs   the chemical symbol for   caesium

CS   abbreviation for   1 Also: cs capital stock   2 chartered surveyor   3 Christian Science   4 Christian Scientist   5 Civil Service   6 Also: cs Court of Session

■ CS gas   n   a gas causing tears and painful breathing, used in civil disturbances; ortho-chlorobenzal malononitrile. Formula: C_6H_4ClCH:C(CN)2 [C20: from the surname initials of its US inventors, Ben Carson and Roger Staughton]

CSA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Child Support Agency

csardas (ˈtʃɑːdæʃ)   n   a variant spelling of czardas

CSB   abbreviation for   chemical stimulation of the brain

csc   abbreviation for   cosecant

CSC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Civil Service Commission

CSCE   abbreviation for   (formerly) Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe

csch   n   a US form of cosech

CSE   abbreviation for (in Britain, formerly)   Certificate of Secondary Education

CSF   abbreviation for   1 physiol cerebrospinal fluid   2 immunol colony-stimulating factor

CSI   abbreviation for   crime scene investigation

CSIRO   abbreviation for (in Australia)   Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization

CSM   abbreviation for (in Britain)   company sergeant-major

CSME   abbreviation for   CARICOM Single Market and Economy

CSO   abbreviation for (in Britain)   community support officer

CSR   abbreviation for (in Australia)   Colonial Sugar Refining Company

CSS   abbreviation for   1 computing cascading style sheet   2 (in Britain) Certificate in Social Service

CST   abbreviation for   Central Standard Time

CSV   abbreviation for   Community Service Volunteer

CSYS   abbreviation for (in Scotland)   Certificate of Sixth Year Studies

ct   abbreviation for   1 carat   2 cent   3 court

CT   abbreviation for   1 central time   2 Connecticut   3 computerized tomography

■ CT scanner   n   computerized tomography scanner: an X-ray machine that can produce stereographic images. Former name: CAT scanner

CTC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   city technology college

ctene (tiːn)   n   the locomotor organ of ctenophores. Also called: comb-plate

ctenidium (tIˈnIdIəm)   n, pl -ia (-Iə)   one of the comblike respiratory gills of molluscs [C19: New Latin, from Greek ktenidion, diminutive of kteis comb]

cteniform (ˈtiːnIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a comb

ctenoid (ˈtiːnɔId, ˈtɛn-)   adj   biology toothed like a comb, as the scales of perches [C19: from Greek ktenoeidēs, from kteis comb + -oeidēs -OID]

ctenophore (ˈtɛnəˌfɔː, ˈtiːnə-)   n   any marine invertebrate of the phylum Ctenophora, including the sea gooseberry and Venus's-girdle, whose body bears eight rows of fused cilia, for locomotion. Also called: comb jelly [C19: from New Latin ctenophorus, from Greek kteno-, kteis comb + -PHORE]   > ctenophoran (tIˈnɒfərən) adj, n

Ctesiphon (ˈtɛsIˌfɒn)   n   an ancient city on the River Tigris about 100 km (60 miles) above Babylon. First mentioned in 221 BC, it was destroyed in the 7th and 8th centuries AD

ctn   abbreviation for   cotangent

CTO philately   abbreviation for   cancelled to order (of postage stamps); postmarked in sheets for private sale

CTR   abbreviation for   Control Traffic Zone: an area established around an airport to afford protection to aircraft entering or leaving the terminal area

cts   abbreviation for   cents

CTU   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Conference of Trade Unions

CTV   abbreviation for   Canadian Television Network Limited

cu   the internet domain name for   Cuba

Cu   the chemical symbol for   copper [from Late Latin cuprum]

CU^1 text messaging   abbreviation for   see you

CU^2   abbreviation for   Cuba (international car registration)

cu.   abbreviation for   cubic

cuadrilla (kwɑːˈdriːljə)   n   a small group, esp a matador's assistants

cuatro (ˈkwɒtrəʊ)   n, pl -tros   Caribbean dialect a small guitar with four strings

cub (kʌb)   n   1 the young of certain animals, such as the lion, bear, etc   2 a young or inexperienced person   ▷ vb cubs, cubbing, cubbed   3 to give birth to (cubs) [C16: perhaps from Old Norse kubbi young seal; see COB^1]   > ˈcubbish adj   > ˈcubbishly adv

■ cubhood (ˈkʌbhʊd)   n   the condition of being a cub

■ cubless (ˈkʌblIs)   adj   having no cubs

■ cub reporter   n   a trainee reporter on a newspaper

■ Cub Scout or Cub   n   a member of a junior branch (for those aged 8–11 years) of the Scout Association

Cub (kʌb)   n   short for Cub Scout

Cuba (ˈkjuːbə)   n   a republic and the largest island in the Caribbean, at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico: became a Spanish colony after its discovery by Columbus in 1492; gained independence after the Spanish-American War of 1898 but remained subject to US influence until declared a people's republic under Fidel Castro in 1960; subject of an international crisis in 1962, when the US blockaded the island in order to compel the Soviet Union to dismantle its nuclear missile base there. The economy traditionally relied on sugar exports, and was badly affected by loss of trade following the collapse of the Soviet Union and by the US trade embargo. Diplomatic ties with the US restored in 2014. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic, with elements of African and Caribbean religions. Currency: peso. Capital: Havana. Pop: 11 484 636 (2017 est). Area: 110 922 sq km (42 827 sq miles)

■ Cuba libre (ˈkjuːbə ˈliːbrə)   n   chiefly US a drink of rum, cola, lime juice, and ice [Spanish, literally: free Cuba, a toast during the Cuban War of Independence]

■ Cuban (ˈkjuːbən)   adj   1 of or relating to Cuba or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Cuba

■ Cuban heel   n   a moderately high heel for a shoe or boot

cubane (ˈkjuːbeIn)   n     a a rare octahedral hydrocarbon formed by eight CH groups, each of which is situated at the corner of a cube. Formula: C_8H_8   b (as modifier): cubane chemistry [C20: from CUBE^1 + -ANE]

cubanelle (ˌkjuːbəˈnɛl)   n   a long thin variety of sweet pepper

cubby^1 (ˈkʌbI)   n, pl -bies   Austral a small room or enclosed area, esp one used as a child's play area

cubby^2 (ˈkʌbI)   adj   Midland English dialect short and plump; squat

cubbyhole (ˈkʌbIˌhəʊl)   n   1 a small enclosed space or room   2 any small compartment, such as a pigeonhole   ▶ Often shortened to: cubby (ˈkʌbI) [C19: from dialect cub cattle pen; see COVE^1]

cube^1 (kjuːb)   n   1 a solid having six plane square faces in which the angle between two adjacent sides is a right angle   2 the product of three equal factors: the cube of 2 is 2 × 2 × 2 (usually written 2^3)   3 something in the form of a cube: a sugar cube   ▷ vb   4 to raise (a number or quantity) to the third power   5 (tr) to measure the cubic contents of   6 (tr) to make, shape, or cut (something, esp food) into cubes   7 (tr) US and Canadian to tenderize (meat) by scoring into squares or by pounding with a device which has a surface of metal cubes [C16: from Latin cubus die, cube, from Greek kubos]   > ˈcuber n

■ cubage (ˈkjuːbIdʒ)   n   another word for cubature (sense 2)

■ cubature (ˈkjuːbətʃə)   n   1 the determination of the cubic contents of something   2 Also called: cubage cubic contents [C17: from CUBE^1 + -ature, on the model of quadrature]

■ cubed (kjuːbd)   adj   cut into cubes

■ cube farm   n   US and Canadian informal an office which is divided up by mid-height partitions to create separate work spaces

■ cube root   n   the number or quantity whose cube is a given number or quantity: 2 is the cube root of 8 (usually written 3√ 8 or 81⁄3)

■ cube van   n   Canadian a van with a cube-shaped storage compartment that is wider and taller than the front of the vehicle

■ cubic (ˈkjuːbIk)   adj   1 having the shape of a cube   2    a having three dimensions   b denoting or relating to a linear measure that is raised to the third power: a cubic metre. Abbreviation: cu., c   3 maths of, relating to, or containing a variable to the third power or a term in which the sum of the exponents of the variables is three   4 Also: isometric, regular crystallog relating to or belonging to the crystal system characterized by three equal perpendicular axes. The unit cell of cubic crystals is a cube with a lattice point at each corner (simple cubic) and one in the cube's centre (body-centred cubic), or a lattice point at each corner and one at the centre of each face (face-centred cubic)   ▷ n   5 maths   a a cubic equation, such as x^3 + x + 2 = 0   b a cubic term or expression

■ cubical (ˈkjuːbIkəl)   adj   1 of or related to volume: cubical expansion   2 shaped like a cube   3 of or involving the third power   > ˈcubically or ˈcubicly adv   > ˈcubicalness n

■ cubicity (kjuːˈbIsItI)   n   the state or quality of being cubic

■ cubic measure   n   a system of units for the measurement of volumes, based on the cubic inch, the cubic centimetre, etc

■ cubiform (ˈkjuːbIˌfɔːm)   adj   having the shape of a cube

■ cubism (ˈkjuːbIzəm)   n   (often capital) a French school of painting, collage, relief, and sculpture initiated in 1907 by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, which amalgamated viewpoints of natural forms into a multifaceted surface of geometrical planes   > ˈcubist adj, n   > cuˈbistic adj   > cuˈbistically adv

■ cuboid (ˈkjuːbɔId)   adj also cuboidal (kjuːˈbɔIdəl)   1 shaped like a cube; cubic   2 of or denoting the cuboid bone   ▷ n   3 the cubelike bone of the foot; the outer distal bone of the tarsus   4 maths a geometric solid whose six faces are rectangles; rectangular parallelepiped

cube^2 (ˈkjuːbeI)   n   1 any of various tropical American plants, esp any of the leguminous genus Lonchocarpus, the roots of which yield rotenone   2 an extract from the roots of these plants: a fish poison and insecticide [American Spanish cubé, of unknown origin]

cubeb (ˈkjuːbɛb)   n   1 a SE Asian treelike piperaceous woody climbing plant, Piper cubeba, with brownish berries   2 the unripe spicy fruit of this plant, dried and used as a stimulant and diuretic and sometimes smoked in cigarettes [C14: from Old French cubebe, from Medieval Latin cubēba, from Arabic kubābah]

cubica (ˈkjuːbIkə)   n   a fine unglazed shalloon-like fabric

cubicle (ˈkjuːbIkəl)   n   1 a partially or totally enclosed section of a room, as in a dormitory   2 an indoor construction designed to house individual cattle while allowing them free access to silage [C15: from Latin cubiculum, from cubāre to lie down, lie asleep]

cubiculum (kjuːˈbIkjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   an underground burial chamber in Imperial Rome, such as those found in the catacombs [C19: from Latin: CUBICLE]

cubit (ˈkjuːbIt)   n   an ancient measure of length based on the length of the forearm [C14: from Latin cubitum elbow, cubit]

cubitus (ˈkjuːbItəs)   n   1 the elbow   2 the lower arm from elbow to fingertip   3 zoology obsolete the fourth leg joint in hexapods

■ cubital (ˈkjuːbItəl)   adj   of or relating to the forearm

Cu-bop (ˈkjuːˌbɒp)   n   jazz music of the 1940s in which Cuban rhythms are combined with bop. Compare Afro-Cuban

Cuchulain, Cuchulainn or Cuchullain (kuːˈkʌlIn, kʊˈxʊlIn)   n   Celtic myth a legendary hero of Ulster

cucking stool (ˈkʌkIŋ)   n   history a stool to which suspected witches, scolds, etc, were tied and pelted or ducked into water as a punishment. Compare ducking stool [C13 cucking stol, literally: defecating chair, from cukken to defecate; compare Old Norse kúkr excrement]

cuckold (ˈkʌkəld)   n   1 a man whose spouse has committed adultery, often regarded as an object of scorn   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make a cuckold of [C13 cukeweld, from Old French cucuault, from cucu CUCKOO; perhaps an allusion to the parasitic cuckoos that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds]   > ˈcuckoldry n

■ cuckoldize or cuckoldise (ˈkʌkəlˌdaIz)   vb (tr)   obsolete to make (a married man) into a cuckold

■ cuckoldly (ˈkʌkəldlI)   adj   obsolete having the qualities of a cuckold

■ cuckoldom (ˈkʌkəldəm)   n   the state of being a cuckold

cuckoo (ˈkʊkuː)   n, pl -oos   1 any bird of the family Cuculidae, having pointed wings, a long tail, and zygodactyl feet: order Cuculiformes. Many species, including the European cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and have a two-note call   2 informal an insane or foolish person   ▷ adj   3 informal insane or foolish   ▷ interj   4 an imitation or representation of the call of a cuckoo   ▷ vb -oos, -ooing, -ooed   5 (tr) to repeat over and over   6 (intr) to make the sound imitated by the word cuckoo [C13: from Old French cucu, of imitative origin; related to German kuckuck, Latin cucūlus, Greek kokkux]

■ cuckoo bee   n   any of several species of parasitic or inquiline bee the queen of which lays her eggs in the nest of the bumblebee or other species, sometimes killing the host queen, leaving her eggs to be raised by the workers of the nest

■ cuckoo clock   n   a clock in which a mechanical cuckoo pops out with a sound like a cuckoo's call when the clock strikes

■ cuckooflower (ˈkʊkuːˌflaʊə)   n   another name for lady's-smock, ragged robin

■ cuckoopint (ˈkʊkuːˌpaInt)   n   a European aroid plant, Arum maculatum, with arrow-shaped leaves, a spathe marked with purple, a pale purple spadix, and scarlet berries. Also called: lords-and-ladies, (chiefly US) wake-robin

■ cuckoo shrike   n   any Old World tropical songbird of the family Campephagidae, typically having a strong notched bill, long rounded tail, and pointed wings. See also minivet

■ cuckoo spit   n   a white frothy mass on the stems and leaves of many plants, produced by froghopper larvae (cuckoo spit insects), which feed on the plant juices. Also called: frog spit

cuculiform (kjʊˈkjuːlIˌfɔːm)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the order Cuculiformes, which includes the cuckoos [from Latin cucūlus cuckoo + -FORM]

cucullate (ˈkjuːkəˌleIt, -lIt) or cucullated (ˈkjuːkəˌleItId)   adj   shaped like a hood or having a hoodlike part: cucullate sepals [C18: from Late Latin cucullātus, from Latin cucullus hood, cap]   > ˈcuculˌlately adv

cucumber (ˈkjuːˌkʌmbə)   n   1 a creeping cucurbitaceous plant, Cucumis sativus, cultivated in many forms for its edible fruit. Compare squirting cucumber   2 the cylindrical fruit of this plant, which has hard thin green rind and white crisp flesh   3 any of various similar or related plants or their fruits   4 cool as a cucumber very calm; self-possessed [C14: from Latin cucumis, of unknown origin]

■ cucumber tree   n   1 any of several American trees or shrubs of the genus Magnolia, esp M. acuminata, of E and central North America, having cup-shaped greenish flowers and cucumber-shaped fruits   2 an E Asian tree, Averrhoa bilimbi, with edible fruits resembling small cucumbers: family Averrhoaceae. See also carambola

cucumiform (kjuːˈkjuːmIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a cucumber

cucurbit (kjuːˈkɜːbIt)   n   any creeping flowering plant of the mainly tropical and subtropical family Cucurbitaceae, which includes the pumpkin, cucumber, squashes, and gourds [C14: from Old French, from Latin cucurbita gourd, cup]   > cuˌcurbiˈtaceous adj

■ cucurbital (kjuːˈkɜːbItəl)   adj   of or relating to the family Cucurbitaceae

Cúcuta (Spanish ˈkukuta)   n   a city in E Colombia: commercial centre of a coffee-producing region. Pop: 883 000 (2005 est). Official name: San José de Cúcuta (san xoˈse ðe)

cud (kʌd)   n   1 partially digested food regurgitated from the first stomach of cattle and other ruminants to the mouth for a second chewing   2 chew the cud to reflect or think over something [Old English cudu, from cwidu what has been chewed; related to Old Norse kvātha resin (for chewing), Old High German quiti glue, Sanskrit jatu rubber]

■ cudweed (ˈkʌdˌwiːd)   n   1 any of various temperate woolly plants of the genus Gnaphalium, having clusters of whitish or yellow button-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any of several similar and related plants of the genus Filago, esp F. germanica

cudbear (ˈkʌdˌbɛə)   n   another name for orchil [C18: whimsical alteration of Cuthbert, the Christian name of Dr Gordon, 18th-century Scot who patented the dye. See CUDDY^2]

cudden (ˈkʌdən)   n   1 Scot dialect a coalfish   2 obsolete a clown or dolt

cuddle (ˈkʌdəl)   vb   1 to hold (another person or thing) close or (of two people, etc) to hold each other close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth; embrace; hug   2 (intr; foll by up) to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position   ▷ n   3 a close embrace, esp when prolonged [C18: of uncertain origin]   > ˈcuddlesome adj   > ˈcuddly adj

■ cuddle class   n informal   a category of airline ticket in which two passengers purchase an additional seat so that they may recline together along a row of three seats

■ cuddler (ˈkʌdlə)   n   a person who cuddles or has a tendency to cuddle

cuddy^1 (ˈkʌdI)   n, pl -dies   1 a small cabin in a boat   2 a small room, cupboard, etc [C17: perhaps from Dutch kajute; compare Old French cahute]

cuddy^2 or cuddie (ˈkʌdI)   n, pl -dies   dialect, chiefly Scot a donkey or horse [C18: probably from Cuddy, nickname for Cuthbert]

cuddy^3 (ˈkʌdI)   n, pl -dies   a young coalfish [C18: of unknown origin]

cudgel (ˈkʌdʒəl)   n   1 a short stout stick used as a weapon   2 take up the cudgels (often foll by for or on behalf of) to join in a dispute, esp to defend oneself or another   ▷ vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   3 (tr) to strike with a cudgel or similar weapon   4 cudgel one's brains to think hard about a problem [Old English cycgel; related to Middle Dutch koghele stick with knob]   > ˈcudgeller or US ˈcudgeler n

■ cudgellings or US cudgelings (ˈkʌdʒəlIŋz)   pl n   beatings with a cudgel

cudgerie (ˈkʌdʒərI)   n Austral   1 a large tropical rutaceous tree, Flindersia schottina, having light-coloured wood   2 Also called: pink poplar an anacardiaceous rainforest tree, Euroschinus falcatus [from Aboriginal]

Cudlipp (ˈkʌdlIp)   n   Hugh, Baron. 1913–98, British newspaper editor, a pioneer of tabloid journalism: editorial director of the Daily Mirror (1952–63)

Cudworth (ˈkʌdwəθ)   n   Ralph. 1617–88, English philosopher and theologian. His works include True Intellectual System of the Universe (1678) and A Treatise concerning Eternal and Immutable Morality (1731)

cue^1 (kjuː)   n   1 on cue   a (in the theatre, films, music, etc) anything spoken or done that serves as a signal to an actor, musician, etc, to follow with specific lines or action   b at the right moment   2 a signal or reminder to do something   3 psychol the part of any sensory pattern that is identified as the signal for a response   4 the part, function, or action assigned to or expected of a person   ▷ vb cues, cueing, cued   5 (tr) to give a cue or cues to (an actor)   6 (usually foll by in or into) to signal (to something or somebody) at a specific moment in a musical or dramatic performance: to cue in a flourish of trumpets   7 (tr) to give information or a reminder to (someone)   8 (intr) to signal the commencement of filming, as with the word "Action!" [C16: probably from name of the letter q, used in an actor's script to represent Latin quando when]

■ cue bid   n   contract bridge a bid in a suit made to show an ace or a void in that suit

■ cueing (ˈkjuːIŋ)   n   another name for foldback

cue^2 (kjuː)   n   1 billiards, snooker a long tapered shaft with a leather tip, used to drive the balls   2 hair caught at the back forming a tail or braid   3 US a variant spelling of queue   ▷ vb cues, cueing, cued   4 to drive (a ball) with a cue   5 (tr) to twist or tie (the hair) into a cue [C18: variant of QUEUE]

■ cue ball   n   billiards, snooker the ball struck by the cue, as distinguished from the object balls

■ cueist (ˈkjuːIst)   n   a person skilled in cue sports; a snooker, billiards, or pool player

Cuenca (Spanish ˈkweŋka)   n   1 a city in SW Ecuador: university (1868). Pop: 311 000 (2005 est)   2 a town in central Spain: prosperous in the Middle Ages for its silver and textile industries. Pop: 47 201 (2003 est)

Cuernavaca (Spanish kwɛrnaˈβaka)   n   a city in S central Mexico, capital of Morelos state: resort with nearby Cacahuamilpa Caverns. Pop: 723 000 (2005 est)

cuesta (ˈkwɛstə)   n   a long low ridge with a steep scarp slope and a gentle back slope, formed by the differential erosion of strata of differing hardness [Spanish: shoulder, from Latin costa side, rib]

cuff^1 (kʌf)   n   1 the part of a sleeve nearest the hand, sometimes turned back and decorative   2 the part of a gauntlet or glove that extends past the wrist   3 US, Canadian and Austral the turned-up fold at the bottom of some trouser legs. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): turn-up   4 off the cuff informal improvised; extemporary [C14 cuffe glove, of obscure origin]

■ cuffing season   n   slang the period of autumn and winter, when single people are considered likely to seek settled relationships rather than engage in casual affairs

■ cuffless (ˈkʌflIs)   adj   1 having no cuff or cuffs   2 US, Canadian and Austral (of trousers) having no turn-ups

■ cufflink or cuff link (ˈkʌfˌlIŋk)   n   one of a pair of linked buttons, used to join the buttonholes on the cuffs of a shirt

■ cuffs (kʌfs)   pl n   informal short for handcuffs. See handcuff (sense 2)

cuff^2 (kʌf)   vb   1 (tr) to strike with an open hand   ▷ n   2 a blow of this kind [C16: of obscure origin]

cuffin (ˈkʌfIn)   n   slang a man; chap

cuffle (ˈkʌfəl)   vb (intr)   obsolete to scuffle

cuffo (ˈkʌfəʊ)   adv   US slang without being charged for admission

Cufic (ˈkuːfIk, ˈkjuː-)   n, adj   a variant spelling of Kufic

Cuiabá or Cuyabá (Portuguese kuiaˈba)   n   1 a port in W Brazil, capital of Mato Grosso state, on the Cuiabá River. Pop: 777 000 (2005 est)   2 a river in SW Brazil, rising on the Mato Grosso plateau and flowing southwest into the São Lourenço River. Length: 483 km (300 miles)

cui bono Latin (kwiː ˈbəʊnəʊ)     for whose benefit? for what purpose?

cuirass (kwIˈræs)   n   1 a piece of armour, of leather or metal covering the chest and back   2 a hard outer protective covering of some animals, consisting of shell, plate, or scales   3 any similar protective covering, as on a ship   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to equip with a cuirass [C15: from French cuirasse, from Late Latin coriacea, from coriaceus made of leather, from Latin corium leather]

■ cuirassier (ˌkwIərəˈsIə)   n   a mounted soldier, esp of the 16th century, who wore a cuirass

cuir-bouilli (ˌkwIəbuːˈjiː)   n   a type of leather hardened by soaking in wax, used for armour before the 14th century [French, literally: boiled leather]

Cuisenaire rod (ˌkwIzəˈnɛə)   n   trademark one of a set of rods of various colours and lengths representing different numbers, used to teach arithmetic to young children [C20: named after Emil-Georges Cuisenaire (?1891–1976), Belgian educationalist]

cuisine (kwIˈziːn)   n   1 a style or manner of cooking: French cuisine   2 the food prepared by a restaurant, household, etc [C18: from French, literally: kitchen, from Late Latin coquīna, from Latin coquere to cook]

■ cuisine minceur French (kɥizin mɛ̃sœr)   n   a style of cooking, originating in France, that limits the use of starch, sugar, butter, and cream traditionally used in French cookery [literally: slimness cooking]

cuisinier (kwIˈziːnjeI)   n   a cook; chef

cuisse (kwIs) or cuish (kwIʃ)   n   a piece of armour for the thigh [C15: back formation from cuisses (plural), from Old French cuisseaux thigh guards, from cuisse thigh, from Latin coxa hipbone]

cuit (kuːt)   n   Scot dialect the ankle

■ cuitikin (ˈkuːtIˌkIn)   n   Scot dialect a gaiter

cuiter (ˈkuːtə)   vb (tr)   Scot dialect to pamper or coddle

cuittle (ˈkuːtəl)   vb (tr)   Scot dialect to wheedle; coax

cuke (kjuːk)   n   informal a cucumber

CUL8R text messaging   abbreviation for   see you later

Culbertson (ˈkʌlbətsən)   n   Ely (ˈiːlaI). 1891–1955, US authority on contract bridge

culch or cultch (kʌltʃ)   n   1 a mass of broken stones, shells, and gravel that forms the basis of an oyster bed   2 the oyster spawn attached to such a structure   3 dialect refuse; rubbish [C17: perhaps ultimately from Old French culche bed, COUCH]

culchie (ˈkʌltʃiː)   n   Irish informal a rough or unsophisticated country-dweller from outside Dublin [from a local pronunciation of the Mayo town of Kiltimagh]

cul-de-sac (ˈkʌldəˌsæk, ˈkʊl-)   n, pl culs-de-sac or cul-de-sacs   1 a road with one end blocked off; dead end   2 an inescapable position   3 any tube-shaped bodily cavity or pouch closed at one end, such as the caecum [C18: from French, literally: bottom of the bag]

-cule   suffix forming nouns   indicating smallness: animalcule [from Latin -culus, diminutive suffix; compare -CLE]

Culebra Cut (kuːˈlɛbrə)   n   the SE section of the Panama Canal, cut through Culebra Mountain. Length: about 13 km (8 miles). Former name: Gaillard Cut

culet (ˈkjuːlIt)   n   1 jewellery the flat face at the bottom of a gem   2 either of the plates of armour worn at the small of the back [C17: from obsolete French, diminutive of cul, from Latin cūlus bottom]

culex (ˈkjuːlɛks)   n, pl -lices (-lIˌsiːz)   any mosquito of the genus Culex, such as C. pipiens, the common mosquito [C15: from Latin: midge, gnat; related to Old Irish cuil gnat]

Culham (ˈkʌləm)   n   a village in S central England, in Oxfordshire: site of the UK centre for thermonuclear reactor research and of the Joint European Torus (JET) programme

Culiacán (Spanish kuljaˈkan)   n   a city in NW Mexico, capital of Sinaloa state. Pop: 799 000 (2005 est)

culicid (kjuːˈlIsId)   n   1 any dipterous insect of the family Culicidae, which comprises the mosquitos   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Culicidae [C19: from New Latin Culicidae, from Latin culex gnat, CULEX]

culiciform (kjuːˈlIsIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a gnat

culicine (ˈkjuːlIˌsaIn)   n   another word for culex

culinary (ˈkʌlInərI)   adj   of, relating to, or used in the kitchen or in cookery [C17: from Latin culīna kitchen]   > ˈculinarily adv

■ culinarian (ˌkʌlIˈnɛərIən)   n   1 a person skilled in cookery   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a kitchen or cookery

cull (kʌl)   vb (tr)   1 to choose or gather the best or required examples   2 to take out (an animal, esp an inferior one) from a herd   3 to reduce the size of (a herd or flock) by killing a proportion of its members   4 to gather (flowers, fruit, etc)   5 to cease to employ; get rid of   ▷ n   6 the act or product of culling   7 an inferior animal taken from a herd or group [C15: from Old French coillir to pick, from Latin colligere; see COLLECT^1]

■ culler (ˈkʌlə)   n   1 a person employed to cull animals   2 Austral and NZ an animal, esp a sheep, designated for culling

■ culling (ˈkʌlIŋ)   n   1 the reduction of the size of an animal population   2 killing

cullay (ˈkʌleI)   n   1 the soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria)   2 the bark of this tree

Cullen (ˈkʌlən)   n   William Douglas, Baron. born 1935, Scottish judge who conducted public inquiries into the Piper Alpha disaster (1990), the Dunblane school shootings (1996), and the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster (1999); led the tribunal which turned down the appeal (2002) of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi against his conviction for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing

cullender (ˈkʌlIndə)   n   a variant of colander

cullet (ˈkʌlIt)   n   waste glass for melting down to be reused [C17: perhaps variant of COLLET (literally: little neck, referring to the glass neck of newly blown bottles, etc)]

cullion (ˈkʌlIən)   n   obsolete a despicable person

■ cullionly (ˈkʌlIənlI)   adj   obsolete rascally; despicable

cullis (ˈkʌlIs)   n   1 a gutter in or at the eaves of a roof   2 another word for coulisse (sense 1) [C19: from French coulisse channel, groove; see COULISSE]

Culloden (kəˈlɒdən)   n   a moor near Inverness in N Scotland: site of a battle in 1746 in which government troops under the Duke of Cumberland defeated the Jacobites under Prince Charles Edward Stuart

cully (ˈkʌlI)   n, pl -lies   slang pal; mate [C17: of unknown origin]

■ cullyism (ˈkʌlIIzəm)   n   obsolete the state of being a cully

culm^1 (kʌlm)   n mining   1 coal-mine waste   2 inferior anthracite [C14: probably related to COAL]

■ Culm or Culm Measures   n   a formation consisting mainly of shales and sandstone deposited during the Carboniferous period in parts of Europe [C19: from CULM^1]

culm^2 (kʌlm)   n   the hollow jointed stem of a grass or sedge [C17: from Latin culmus stalk; see HAULM]

culmen (ˈkʌlmən)   n, pl culmina   1 the summit   2 the external ridge on the upper mandible of a bird's bill

culmiferous (kʌlˈmIfərəs)   adj   (of grasses) having a hollow jointed stem

culminate (ˈkʌlmIˌneIt)   vb   1 (when intr, usually foll by in) to end or cause to end, esp to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage   2 (intr) (of a celestial body) to cross the meridian of the observer [C17: from Late Latin culmināre to reach the highest point, from Latin culmen top]

■ culminant (ˈkʌlmInənt)   adj   highest or culminating

■ culminating (ˈkʌlmIneItIŋ)   adj   final; decisive

■ culmination (ˌkʌlmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the final, highest, or decisive point   2 the act of culminating   3 astronomy the highest or lowest altitude attained by a heavenly body as it crosses the meridian

culotte (kʊˈlɒt)   n   1 a pair of culottes   2 the soft hair on the back of a dog's foreleg

■ culottes (kjuːˈlɒts)   pl n   women's flared trousers cut to look like a skirt [C20: from French, literally: breeches, from cul bottom; see CULET]

culpa (ˈkʊlpɑː)   n, pl -pae (-piː)   1 civil law an act of neglect   2 a fault; sin; guilt [Latin: fault]

culpable (ˈkʌlpəbəl)   adj   deserving censure; blameworthy [C14: from Old French coupable, from Latin culpābilis, from culpāre to blame, from culpa fault]   > ˌculpaˈbility or ˈculpableness n   > ˈculpably adv

■ culpable homicide   n   Scots law manslaughter

culpatory (ˈkʌlpətərI)   adj   expressing blame

Culpeper (ˈkʌlpɛpə)   n   Nicholas. 1616–54, English herbalist and astrologer; his unauthorized translation (1649) of the College of Physicians' Pharmacopoeia and his Herbal (1653) popularized herbalism

culprit (ˈkʌlprIt)   n   1 law a person awaiting trial, esp one who has pleaded not guilty   2 the person responsible for a particular offence, misdeed, etc [C17: from Anglo-French cul-, short for culpable guilty + prit ready, indicating that the prosecution was ready to prove the guilt of the one charged]

cult (kʌlt)   n   1 a specific system of religious worship, esp with reference to its rites and deity   2 a sect devoted to such a system   3 a quasi-religious organization using devious psychological techniques to gain and control adherents   4 sociol a group having an exclusive ideology and ritual practices centred on sacred symbols, esp one characterized by lack of organizational structure   5 intense interest in and devotion to a person, idea, or activity: the cult of personality   6 the person, idea, etc, arousing such devotion   7    a something regarded as fashionable or significant by a particular group   b (as modifier): a cult show   8 (modifier) of, relating to, or characteristic of a cult or cults: a cult figure [C17: from Latin cultus cultivation, refinement, from colere to till]   > ˈcultism n   > ˈcultist n

■ cultic (ˈkʌltIk)   adj   of or relating to a religious cult

■ cultish (ˈkʌltIʃ) or culty (ˈkʌltI)   adj   intended to appeal to a small group of fashionable people   > ˈcultishly adv

■ cultishness (ˈkʌltIʃnəs)   n   the quality of being cultish

■ cultlike (ˈkʌltˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a cult

cultch (kʌltʃ)   n   a variant spelling of culch

cultigen (ˈkʌltIdʒən)   n   a species of plant that is known only as a cultivated form and did not originate from a wild type [C20: from CULTI(VATED) + -GEN]

cultivable (ˈkʌltIvəbəl) or cultivatable (ˈkʌltIˌveItəbəl)   adj   (of land) capable of being cultivated [C17: from French, from Old French cultiver to CULTIVATE]   > ˌcultivaˈbility n

cultivar (ˈkʌltIˌvɑː)   n   a variety of a plant that was produced from a natural species and is maintained by cultivation [C20: from CULTI(VATED) + VAR(IETY)]

cultivate (ˈkʌltIˌveIt)   vb (tr)   1 to till and prepare (land or soil) for the growth of crops   2 to plant, tend, harvest, or improve (plants) by labour and skill   3 to break up (land or soil) with a cultivator or hoe   4 to improve or foster (the mind, body, etc) as by study, education, or labour   5 to give special attention to: to cultivate a friendship; to cultivate a hobby   6 to give or bring culture to (a person, society, etc); civilize   7 biology to grow cells, bacteria, etc in a culture [C17: from Medieval Latin cultivāre to till, from Old French cultiver, from Medieval Latin cultīvus cultivable, from Latin cultus cultivated, from colere to till, toil over]

■ cultivated (ˈkʌltIˌveItId)   adj   1 cultured, refined, or educated   2 (of land or soil)   a subjected to tillage or cultivation   b tilled and broken up   3 (of plants) specially bred or improved by cultivation

■ cultivation (ˌkʌltIˈveIʃən)   n   1 agriculture   a the planting, tending, improving, or harvesting of crops or plants   b the preparation of ground to promote their growth   2 development, esp through education, training, etc   3 culture or sophistication, esp social refinement

■ cultivator (ˈkʌltIˌveItə)   n   1 a farm implement equipped with shovels, blades, etc, used to break up soil and remove weeds   2 a person or thing that cultivates   3 a person who grows, tends, or improves plants or crops

cultrate (ˈkʌltreIt) or cultrated   adj   shaped like a knife blade: cultrate leaves [C19: from Latin cultrātus, from culter knife]

cultriform (ˈkʌltrIˌfɔːm)   adj   another word for cultrate

culturati (ˌkʌltʃəˈrɑːtI)   pl n   the cultured elite of a society

culture (ˈkʌltʃə)   n   1 the total of the inherited ideas, beliefs, values, and knowledge, which constitute the shared bases of social action   2 the total range of activities and ideas of a group of people with shared traditions, which are transmitted and reinforced by members of the group: the Mayan culture   3 a particular civilization at a particular period   4 the artistic and social pursuits, expression, and tastes valued by a society or class, as in the arts, manners, dress, etc   5 the enlightenment or refinement resulting from these pursuits   6 the attitudes, feelings, values, and behaviour that characterize and inform society as a whole or any social group within it: yob culture   7 the cultivation of plants, esp by scientific methods designed to improve stock or to produce new ones   8 stockbreeding the rearing and breeding of animals, esp with a view to improving the strain   9 the act or practice of tilling or cultivating the soil   10 biology   a the experimental growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in a nutrient substance (culture medium), usually under controlled conditions. See also culture medium   b a group of microorganisms grown in this way   ▷ vb (tr)   11 to cultivate (plants or animals)   12 to grow (microorganisms) in a culture medium [C15: from Old French, from Latin cultūra a cultivating, from colere to till; see CULT]   > ˈculturist n   > ˈcultureless adj

■ culturable (ˈkʌltʃərəbəl)   adj   able to be cultivated or cultured

■ cultural (ˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   1 of or relating to artistic or social pursuits or events considered to be valuable or enlightened   2 of or relating to a culture or civilization   3 (of certain varieties of plant) obtained by specialized breeding   > ˈculturally adv

■ cultural anthropology   n   the branch of anthropology dealing with cultural as opposed to biological and racial features   > cultural anthropologist n

■ cultural cringe   n   the perception that one's own culture is inferior to that of another group or country

■ cultural lag or culture lag   n   the difference in the rate of change between two parts of a culture

■ Cultural Revolution   n   (in China) a mass movement (1965–68), in which the youthful Red Guard played a prominent part. It was initiated by Mao Tse-tung to destroy the power of the bureaucrats and to revolutionize the attitudes and behaviour of the people. Also called: Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution

■ culture clash   n   a conflict arising from the interaction of people with different cultural values

■ cultured (ˈkʌltʃəd)   adj   1 showing or having good taste, manners, upbringing, and education   2 artificially grown or synthesized: cultured pearls   3 sport of superior quality, as though the product of special training: a cultured left foot; a cultured backhand

■ cultured pearl   n   a pearl induced to grow in the shell of an oyster or clam, by the insertion of a small object around which layers of nacre are deposited

■ culture-free test   n   a test (usually for intelligence) that does not put anyone taking it at a disadvantage, for instance, as regards material or cultural background

■ culture jamming   n   a form of political and social activism which, by means of fake adverts, hoax news stories, pastiches of company logos and product labels, computer hacking, etc, draws attention to and at the same time subverts the power of the media, governments, and large corporations to control and distort the information that they give to the public in order to promote consumerism, militarism, etc

■ culture medium   n   a nutritive substance, such as an agar gel or liquid medium, in which cultures of bacteria, fungi, animal cells, or plant cells are grown

■ culture shock   n   sociol the feelings of isolation, rejection, etc, experienced when one culture is brought into sudden contact with another, as when a primitive tribe is confronted by modern civilization

■ culture vulture   n   informal a person considered to be excessively, and often pretentiously, interested in the arts

cultus (ˈkʌltəs)   n, pl -tuses or -ti (-taI)   chiefly RC Church another word for cult (sense 1) [C17: from Latin: a toiling over something, refinement, CULT]

culver (ˈkʌlvə)   n   an archaic or poetic name for pigeon^1, dove^1 [Old English culfre, from Latin columbula a little dove, from columba dove]

■ culvertailed (ˈkʌlvəˌteIld)   adj   dove-tailed

culverin (ˈkʌlvərIn)   n   1 a long-range medium to heavy cannon used during the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries   2 a medieval musket [C15: from Old French coulevrine, from couleuvre, from Latin coluber serpent]

■ culverineer (ˌkʌlvərIˈnIə)   n obsolete   1 a soldier bearing a culverin   2 a gunner operating a culverin

Culver's root or Culver's physic (ˈkʌlvəz)   n   1 a tall North American scrophulariaceous plant, Veronicastrum virginicum, having spikes of small white or purple flowers   2 the dried roots of this plant, formerly used as a cathartic and emetic [C19: named after a Dr Culver, 18th-century American physician]

culvert (ˈkʌlvət)   n   1 a drain or covered channel that crosses under a road, railway, etc   2 a channel for an electric cable   3 a tunnel through which water is pumped into or out of a dry dock [C18: of unknown origin]

■ culvertage (ˈkʌlvətIdʒ)   n   archaic the forfeiture of a person's property, thereby reducing him or her to the status of a villain

Culzean Castle (kəˈleIn)   n   a Gothic Revival castle near Ayr in South Ayrshire, in SW Scotland: designed by Robert Adam (1772–92); includes a room dedicated to Dwight D Eisenhower

cum^1 (kʌm)   prep   used between two nouns to designate an object of a combined nature: a kitchen-cum-dining room [Latin: with, together with, along with]

■ cum dividend   adv   (of shares, etc) with the right to current dividend. Compare ex dividend [cum, from Latin: with]

■ cum grano salis Latin (kʊm ˈɡrɑːnəʊ ˈsɑːlIs)   adv   with a grain of salt; not too literally

■ cum laude (kʌm ˈlɔːdI, kʊm ˈlaʊdeI)   adv   chiefly US with praise: the lowest of three designations for above-average achievement in examinations. Compare magna cum laude, summa cum laude [Latin]

■ cum new   adv, adj   (of shares, etc) with rights to take up any scrip or rights issue. Compare ex new

cum^2 (kʌm) vulgar, slang   n   1 a variant spelling of come (sense 31)   ▷ vb   2 a variant spelling of come (sense 16)

cumacean (kjʊˈmeIʃən)   n   1 any small malacostracan marine crustacean of the Cumacea family, mostly dwelling on the sea bed but sometimes found among the plankton   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cumacea [C19: from New Latin cuma, from Greek kuma (see CYMA) + -EAN]

Cumae (ˈkjuːmiː)   n   the oldest Greek colony in Italy, founded about 750 BC near Naples   > Cuˈmaean adj

Cumaná (Spanish kumaˈna)   n   a city in NE Venezuela: founded in 1523; the oldest European settlement in South America. Pop: 271 000 (2005 est)

cumarone (ˈkuːməˌrəʊn)   n   a colourless insoluble aromatic liquid obtained from coal tar and used in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: C 8H 6O. Also called: benzofuran

cumbent (ˈkʌmbənt)   adj   lying down; recumbent

cumber (ˈkʌmbə)   vb (tr)   1 to obstruct or hinder   2 obsolete to inconvenience   ▷ n   3 a hindrance or burden [C13: probably from Old French combrer to impede, prevent, from combre barrier; see ENCUMBER]   > ˈcumberer n

■ cumberless (ˈkʌmbəlIs)   adj   unencumbered

■ cumberment (ˈkʌmbəmənt)   n   an obstruction or hindrance

cumberbund (ˈkʌmbəˌbʌnd)   n   another word for cummerbund

Cumberland^1 (ˈkʌmbələnd)   n   (until 1974) a county of NW England, now part of Cumbria

■ Cumberland sauce   n   Brit a cold sauce made from orange and lemon juice, port, and redcurrant jelly, served with ham, game, or other meat

Cumberland^2 (ˈkʌmbələnd)   n   1  Richard. 1631–1718, English theologian and moral philosopher; bishop of Peterborough (1691–1718)   2  William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, known as Butcher Cumberland. 1721–65, English soldier, younger son of George II, noted for his defeat of Charles Edward Stuart at Culloden (1746) and his subsequent ruthless destruction of Jacobite rebels

Cumbernauld (ˌkʌmbəˈnɔːld)   n   a town in central Scotland, in North Lanarkshire, northeast of Glasgow: developed as a new town since 1956. Pop: 49 664 (2001)

cumbersome (ˈkʌmbəsəm) or cumbrous (ˈkʌmbrəs)   adj   1 awkward because of size, weight, or shape: cumbersome baggage   2 difficult because of extent or complexity: cumbersome accounts [C14: cumber, short for ENCUMBER + -SOME^1]   > ˈcumbersomely or ˈcumbrously adv   > ˈcumbersomeness or ˈcumbrousness n

cumbia (ˈkʊmbIə)   n   a rhythmic style of music originating in Colombia

cumbrance (ˈkʌmbrəns)   n   1 a burden, obstacle, or hindrance   2 trouble or bother

Cumbria (ˈkʌmbrIə)   n   (since 1974) a county of NW England comprising the former counties of Westmorland and Cumberland together with N Lancashire: includes the Lake District mountain area and surrounding coastal lowlands with the Pennine uplands in the extreme east. Administrative centre: Carlisle. Pop: 489 800 (2003 est). Area: 6810 sq km (2629 sq miles)

■ Cumbrian (ˈkʌmbrIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Cumbria or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Cumbria

■ Cumbrian Mountains (ˈkʌmbrIən)   pl n   a mountain range in NW England, in Cumbria. Highest peak: Scafell Pike, 978 m (3209 ft)

cumbungi (kʌmˈbʌŋɡI)   n   any of various tall Australian marsh plants of the genus Typha [from a native Australian language]

cumec (ˈkjuːmɛk)   n   the unit of volumetric rate of flow, equal to one cubic metre per second

cumin or cummin (ˈkʌmIn)   n   1 an umbelliferous Mediterranean plant, Cuminum cyminum, with finely divided leaves and small white or pink flowers   2 the aromatic seeds (collectively) of this plant, used as a condiment and a flavouring [C12: from Old French, from Latin cumīnum, from Greek kuminon, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew kammōn]

cummer (ˈkʌmə)   n Scot dialect   1 a godmother   2 a female friend or companion   3 a woman

cummerbund or kummerbund (ˈkʌməˌbʌnd)   n   a wide sash, worn with a dinner jacket [C17: from Hindi kamarband, from Persian, from kamar loins, waist + band band]

Cummings (ˈkʌmIŋz)   n   Edward Estlin (ˈɛstlIn), (preferred typographical representation of name e. e. cummings). 1894–1962, US poet

cummingtonite (ˈkʌmIŋtəˌnaIt)   n   an amphibole mineral, magnesium iron silicate hydroxide, found in metamorphic rocks

cumquat (ˈkʌmkwɒt)   n   a variant spelling of kumquat

cumshaw (ˈkʌmʃɔː)   n   (used, esp formerly, by beggars in Chinese ports) a present or tip [C19: from pidgin English, from Chinese (Amoy) kam siā, from Mandarin kan hsieh grateful thanks]

cumulate   vb (ˈkjuːmjʊˌleIt)   1 to accumulate   2 (tr) to combine (two or more sequences) into one   ▷ adj (ˈkjuːmjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   3 heaped up [C16: from Latin cumulāre from cumulus heap]   > ˈcumulately adv   > ˌcumuˈlation n

cumulative (ˈkjuːmjʊlətIv)   adj   1 growing in quantity, strength, or effect by successive additions or gradual steps: cumulative pollution   2 gained by or resulting from a gradual building up: cumulative benefits   3 finance   a (of preference shares) entitling the holder to receive any arrears of dividend before any dividend is distributed to ordinary shareholders   b (of dividends or interest) intended to be accumulated if not paid when due   4 statistics   a (of a frequency) including all values of a variable either below or above a specified value   b (of error) tending to increase as the sample size is increased   > ˈcumulatively adv   > ˈcumulativeness n

■ cumulative distribution function   n   statistics a function defined on the sample space of a distribution and taking as its value at each point the probability that the random variable has that value or less. The function F(x) = P(X≤x) where X is the random variable, which is the sum or integral of the probability density function of the distribution. Sometimes shortened to: distribution function

■ cumulative evidence   n   law additional evidence reinforcing testimony previously given

■ cumulative voting   n   a system of voting in which each elector has as many votes as there are candidates in his or her constituency. Votes may all be cast for one candidate or distributed among several

cumulet (ˈkjuːmjʊlIt)   n   (sometimes capital) a variety of domestic fancy pigeon, pure white or white with light red markings [C19: from CUMULUS]

cumuliform (ˈkjuːmjʊlIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a cumulus cloud

cumulocirrus (ˈkjuːmjələʊˈsIrəs)   n   a cloud that shares charracteristics of cumulus and cirrus clouds

cumulonimbus (ˌkjuːmjʊləʊˈnImbəs)   n, pl -bi (-baI) or -buses   meteorol a cumulus cloud of great vertical extent, the top often forming an anvil shape and the bottom being dark coloured, indicating rain or hail: associated with thunderstorms

cumulose (ˈkjuːmjʊˌləʊz)   adj   obsolete abounding in heaps or cumuli

cumulostratus (ˌkjuːmjʊləʊˈstreItəs)   n, pl -ti (-taI)   meteorol another name for stratocumulus

cumulus (ˈkjuːmjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   1 a bulbous or billowing white or dark grey cloud associated with rising air currents. Compare cirrus (sense 1), stratus   2 histology the mass of cells surrounding a recently ovulated egg cell in a Graafian follicle [C17: from Latin: mass]

■ cumulous (ˈkjuːmjʊləs)   adj   resembling or consisting of cumulus clouds

cunabula (kjuːˈnæbjʊlə)   pl n   1 a cradle   2 the place where a thing originated   3 the extant copies of the first printed books

Cunard (kjuːˈnɑːd)   n   Sir Samuel (1787–1865). Canadian shipping magnate, founder of the Cunard line

Cunaxa (kjuːˈnæksə)   n   the site near the lower Euphrates where Artaxerxes II defeated Cyrus the Younger in 401 BC

cunctation (kʌŋkˈteIʃən)   n   rare delay [C16: from Latin cunctātiō a hesitation, from cunctārī to delay]   > cunctative (ˈkʌŋktətIv) adj   > cuncˈtator n

■ cunctatious (kʌŋkˈteIʃəs)   adj   addicted to or prone to cunctation

■ cunctatory (kʌŋkˈteItərI)   adj   prone to delaying

cundum (ˈkʌndʌm)   n   obsolete another word for condom

cundy (ˈkʌndI)   n, pl cundies Scot dialect   1 a drain or drain entrance   2 a tunnel or passage

cuneal (ˈkjuːnIəl)   adj   wedge-shaped; cuneiform [C16: from New Latin cuneālis, from cuneus wedge]

cuneate (ˈkjuːnIIt, -ˌeIt) or cuneatic (ˌkjuːnIˈætIk)   adj   wedge-shaped: cuneate leaves are attached at the narrow end [C19: from Latin cuneāre to make wedge-shaped, from cuneus a wedge]   > ˈcuneately adv

cuneiform (ˈkjuːnIˌfɔːm)   adj   1 Also: cuneal wedge-shaped   2 of, relating to, or denoting the wedge-shaped characters employed in the writing of several ancient languages of Mesopotamia and Persia, esp Sumerian, Babylonian, etc   3 of or relating to a tablet in which this script is employed   4 of or relating to any of the three tarsal bones   ▷ n   5 cuneiform characters or writing   6 any one of the three tarsal bones [C17: probably from Old French cunéiforme, from Latin cuneus wedge]

Cuneo (Italian ˈkuːneo)   n   a city in NW Italy, in Piedmont. Pop: 52 334 (2001)

cunette (kuːˈnɛt)   n   a small trench dug in the main ditch of a fortification, acting as both a drain and an obstacle to attackers

cuneus (ˈkjuːnIəs)   n   a small wedge-shaped area of the cerebral cortex [C19: from Latin cuneus wedge]

cunjevoi (ˈkʌndʒIˌvɔI)   n Austral   1 an aroid plant, Alocasia macrorrhiza, of tropical Asia and Australia, cultivated for its edible rhizome   2 a sea squirt [C19: from a native Australian language]

cunner (ˈkʌnə)   n   1 a fish (Crenilabrus melops) of the wrasse family found in British coastal areas. Also called: gilt-head   2 a salt-water fish (Tautogolabrus adspersus) found in western Atlantic areas. Also called: bergall, conner

cunnilingus (ˌkʌnIˈlIŋɡəs) or cunnilinctus (ˌkʌnIˈlIŋktəs)   n   a sexual activity in which the female genitalia are stimulated by the partner's lips and tongue. Compare fellatio [C19: from New Latin, from Latin cunnus vulva + lingere to lick]

cunning (ˈkʌnIŋ)   adj   1 crafty and shrewd, esp in deception; sly: cunning as a fox   2 made with or showing skill or cleverness; ingenious   ▷ n   3 craftiness, esp in deceiving; slyness   4 cleverness, skill, or ingenuity [Old English cunnende; related to cunnan to know (see CAN^1), cunnian to test, experience, Old Norse kunna to know]   > ˈcunningly adv   > ˈcunningness n

Cunningham (ˈkʌnIŋəm)   n   Merce (mɜːs). 1919–2009 US dancer and choreographer. His experimental ballets include Suite for Five (1956) and Travelogue (1977)

Cunninghame Graham (ˈkʌnIŋəm ˈɡreIəm)   n   R(obert) B(ontine). 1852–1936, Scottish traveller, writer, and politician, noted for his essays and short stories: first president (1928) of the Scottish Nationalist Party

Cunobelinus (kjuːˌnɒbəˈlaInəs)   n   also called Cymbeline. died ?42 AD, British ruler of the Catuvellauni tribe (?10–?42); founder of Colchester (?10)

cunt (kʌnt)   n taboo, slang   1 the female genitals   2 offensive a woman considered sexually   3 derogatory a mean or obnoxious person [C13: of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse kunta, Middle Low German kunte]

USAGE

Although there has been some relaxation of the taboo against using words such as fuck in conversation and print, the use of cunt is still not considered acceptable by most people outside very limited social contexts. Though originally a racily descriptive word in Middle English, it has been taboo for many centuries and continues to be so

cup (kʌp)   n   1 a small open container, usually having one handle, used for drinking from   2 the contents of such a container: that cup was too sweet   3 Also called: teacup, cupful a unit of capacity used in cooking equal to approximately half a pint, 8 fluid ounces, or about one quarter of a litre   4 something resembling a cup in shape or function, such as the flower base of some plants of the rose family or a cuplike bodily organ   5 either of two cup-shaped parts of a brassiere, designed to support the breasts   6 a cup-shaped trophy awarded as a prize   7 Brit   a a sporting contest in which a cup is awarded to the winner   b (as modifier): a cup competition   8 a mixed drink with one ingredient as a base, usually served from a bowl: claret cup   9 golf the hole or metal container in the hole on a green   10 the chalice or the consecrated wine used in the Eucharist   11 one's lot in life   12 in one's cups drunk   13 one's cup of tea informal one's chosen or preferred thing, task, company, etc: she's not my cup of tea   ▷ vb cups, cupping, cupped (tr)   14 to form (something, such as the hands) into the shape of a cup   15 to put into or as if into a cup   16 archaic to draw blood to the surface of the body of (a person) by using a cupping glass [Old English cuppe, from Late Latin cuppa cup, alteration of Latin cūpa cask]   > ˈcupˌlike adj

■ cupbearer (ˈkʌpˌbɛərə)   n   an attendant who fills and serves wine cups, as in a royal household

■ cupcake (ˈkʌpˌkeIk)   n   a small cake baked in a cup-shaped foil or paper case

■ Cup Final   n   1 the Cup Final the annual final of the FA Cup soccer competition, played at Wembley, or the Scottish Cup, played at Hampden Park   2 (often not capitals) the final of any cup competition

■ cupful (ˈkʌpfʊl)   n   the amount of a liquid or solid that can be contained in a cup

■ cupgall (ˈkʌpˌɡɔːl)   n   a cup-shaped gall found on oak leaves

■ cuphead (ˈkʌpˌhɛd)   n   a hemispherical bolt-head

■ cup-holder   n   1 a device for holding a cup upright, esp in a motor vehicle   2 the reigning champion or champions in a cup competition

■ cupman (ˈkʌpmən)   n, pl -men   a drinking companion

■ cuppa or cupper (ˈkʌpə)   n   chiefly Brit and Austral informal a cup of tea

■ cupped (kʌpt)   adj   hollowed like a cup; concave

■ cupping (ˈkʌpIŋ)   n   med archaic the process of applying a cupping glass to the skin

■ cupping glass   n   med archaic a glass vessel from which air can be removed by suction or heat to create a partial vacuum: formerly used in drawing blood to the surface of the skin for slow bloodletting. Also called: artificial leech

■ cuppy (ˈkʌpI)   adj -pier, -piest   1 cup-shaped   2 geology having superficial cup-shaped indentations or cavities

■ cup tie   n   sport an eliminating match or round between two teams in a cup competition

■ cup-tied   adj sport   1 (of a team) unable to play another fixture because of involvement in a cup tie   2 (of a player) unable to play in a cup tie because of some disallowance

cupboard (ˈkʌbəd)   n   a piece of furniture or a recessed area of a room, with a door concealing storage space

■ cupboard love   n   a show of love inspired only by some selfish or greedy motive

CUPE (ˈkjuːpI)   n acronym for   Canadian Union of Public Employees

cupel (ˈkjuːpəl, kjʊˈpɛl)   n   1 a refractory pot in which gold or silver is refined   2 a small porous bowl made of bone ash in which gold and silver are recovered from a lead button during assaying   ▷ vb -pels, -pelling, -pelled or US -pels, -peling, -peled   3 (tr) to refine (gold or silver) by means of cupellation [C17: from French coupelle, diminutive of coupe CUP]   > ˈcupeller or US ˈcupeler n

■ cupellation (ˌkjuːpIˈleIʃən)   n   1 the process of recovering precious metals from lead by melting the alloy in a cupel and oxidizing the lead by means of an air blast   2 the manufacture of lead oxide by melting and oxidizing lead

cupferron (ˈkʌpfəˌrɒn)   n   a brownish-yellow salt ammonium compound (N-nitrosophenylhydroxylamine) used as a reagent in metal ion complexation

Cupid (ˈkjuːpId)   n   1 the Roman god of love, represented as a winged boy with a bow and arrow. Greek counterpart: Eros   2 (not capital) any similar figure, esp as represented in Baroque art [C14: from Latin Cupīdō, from cupīdō desire, from cupidus desirous; see CUPIDITY]

■ Cupid's bow   n   a shape of the upper lip considered to resemble Cupid's double-curved bow

■ cupid's dart   n   another name for catananche

cupidinous (kjuːˈpIdInəs)   adj   having a great desire or cupidity

cupidity (kjuːˈpIdItI)   n   strong desire, esp for possessions or money; greed [C15: from Latin cupiditās, from cupidus eagerly desiring, from cupere to long for]

cupola (ˈkjuːpələ)   n   1 a roof or ceiling in the form of a dome   2 a small structure, usually domed, on the top of a roof or dome   3 a protective dome for a gun on a warship   4 a vertical air-blown coke-fired cylindrical furnace in which iron is remelted for casting [C16: from Italian, from Late Latin cūpula a small cask, from Latin cūpa tub]   > cupolated (ˈkjuːpəˌleItId) adj

■ cupolaed (ˈkjuːpələd)   adj   having a cupola

■ cupolar (ˈkjuːpələ)   adj   relating to or resembling a cupola

cupr-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of cupro-

cuprammonium (ˌkjuːprəˈməʊnIəm)   n   an ion of copper oxide used (in solution) in the manufacture of rayon and other man-made fibres

cupreous (ˈkjuːprIəs)   adj   1 of, consisting of, containing, or resembling copper; coppery   2 of the reddish-brown colour of copper [C17: from Late Latin cupreus, from cuprum COPPER^1]

cupressus (kjʊˈprɛsəs)   n   any tree of the genus Cupressus. See cypress^1

cupric (ˈkjuːprIk)   adj   of or containing copper in the divalent state [C18: from Late Latin cuprum copper]

cupriferous (kjuːˈprIfərəs)   adj   (of a substance such as an ore) containing or yielding copper

cuprite (ˈkjuːpraIt)   n   a red secondary mineral consisting of cuprous oxide in cubic crystalline form: a source of copper. Formula: Cu_2O

cupro-, cupri- or before a vowel cupr-   combining form   indicating copper: cupronickel; cuprite [from Latin cuprum]

cupronickel (ˌkjuːprəʊˈnIkəl)   n   any ductile corrosion-resistant copper alloy containing up to 40 per cent nickel: used in coins, condenser tubes, turbine blades, etc

cuprous (ˈkjuːprəs)   adj   of or containing copper in the monovalent state

cuprum (ˈkjuːprəm)   n   an obsolete name for copper^1 [Latin: COPPER^1]

cupula (ˈkʌpjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   anatomy, zoology a dome-shaped structure, esp the sensory structure within the semicircular canals of the ear

cupule (ˈkjuːpjuːl)   n   biology a cup-shaped part or structure, such as the cup around the base of an acorn [C19: from Late Latin cūpula; see CUPOLA]

■ cupulate (ˈkjuːpjʊˌleIt) or cupular (ˈkjuːpjʊlə)   adj   1 shaped like a small cup   2 (of plants or animals) having cupules

cupuliferous (ˌkjuːpjʊˈlIfərəs)   adj   1 of or relating to the Cupuliferae family of trees which includes oak, hazel, chestnut, etc   2 having or bearing a cupule or cupules

cur (kɜː)   n   1 any vicious dog, esp a mongrel   2 a despicable or cowardly person [C13: shortened from kurdogge; probably related to Old Norse kurra to growl]

Curaçao (ˌkjʊərəˈsəʊ)   n   1 an island in the Caribbean, formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles until their dissolution in 2010, now a constituent country of the Netherlands. Capital: Willemstad. Pop: 146 836 (2013 est). Area: 444 sq km (171 sq miles)   2 (also without capital) an orange-flavoured liqueur originally made there

curacy (ˈkjʊərəsI)   n, pl -cies   the office or position of curate

Cur. adv. vult   abbreviation for   See CAV

curagh Gaelic (ˈkʌrəx, ˈkʌrə)   n   a variant spelling of currach

curandera (ˌkʊrənˈdɛərə)   n   (in Hispanic America) a female healer or shaman

curandero (ˌkʊrənˈdɛərəʊ)   n   a male healer or shaman in Hispanic-America

curare or curari (kjʊˈrɑːrI)   n   1 black resin obtained from certain tropical South American trees, esp Chondrodendron tomentosum, acting on the motor nerves to cause muscular paralysis: used medicinally as a muscle relaxant and by indigenous peoples of South America as an arrow poison   2 any of various trees of the genera Chondrodendron (family Menispermaceae) and Strychnos (family Loganiaceae) from which this resin is obtained [C18: from Portuguese and Spanish, from Carib kurari]

curarine (ˈkjʊərəˌriːn)   n   an alkaloid extracted from curare, used as a muscle relaxant in surgery. Formula: C_19H_26ON_2

curarize or curarise (ˈkjʊərəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to paralyse or treat with curare   > ˌcurariˈzation or ˌcurariˈsation n

curassow (ˈkjʊərəˌsəʊ)   n   any gallinaceous ground-nesting bird of the family Cracidae, of S North, Central, and South America. Curassows have long legs and tails and, typically, a distinctive crest of curled feathers. See also guan [C17: anglicized variant of CURAÇAO (island)]

curat (ˈkjuːrət)   n   another word for cuirass

curate^1 (ˈkjʊərIt)   n   1 a clergyman appointed to assist a parish priest   2 a clergyman who has the charge of a parish (curate-in-charge)   3 Irish an assistant barman [C14: from Medieval Latin cūrātus, from cūra spiritual oversight, CURE]

■ curate's egg   n   something that has both good and bad parts [C20: derived from a cartoon in Punch (November, 1895) in which a timid curate, who has been served a bad egg while breakfasting with his bishop, says that parts of the egg are excellent]

■ curate's-eggish   adj   good in parts

■ curateship (ˈkjʊərItˌʃIp)   n   obsolete the office or position of a curate

curate^2 (kjʊəˈreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to be in charge of selecting, arranging, and presenting material (for an art exhibition or museum)   2 (tr) to be in charge of organizing, arranging, and presenting a festival or other event: the festival was curated by the films' directors [C20: back formation from CURATOR]   > cuˈration n

curative (ˈkjʊərətIv)   adj   1 Also: curatory able or tending to cure   ▷ n   2 anything able to heal or cure   > ˈcuratively adv   > ˈcurativeness n

curator (kjʊəˈreItə)   n   1 the administrative head of a museum, art gallery, or similar institution   2 law, chiefly Scot a guardian of a minor or other vulnerable person [C14: from Latin: one who cares, from cūrāre to care for, from cūra care]   > curatorial (ˌkjʊərəˈtɔːrIəl) adj   > cuˈratorˌship n

■ curatory (ˈkjʊərətərI)   n   1 the office of a curator   2 (pl -ries) a college of curators, esp in a university

■ curatrix (kjʊˈreItrIks)   n   a woman in charge of a museum, art gallery, or similar institution

curb (kɜːb)   n   1 something that restrains or holds back   2 any enclosing framework, such as a wall of stones around the top of a well   3    a Also called: curb bit a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap, which checks the horse   b Also called: curb chain the chain or strap itself   4 a hard swelling on the leg of a horse, below the point of the hock, usually caused by a sprain   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to control with or as if with a curb; restrain   ▶ See also kerb [C15: from Old French courbe curved piece of wood or metal, from Latin curvus curved]

■ curbable (ˈkɜːbəbəl)   adj   able to be curbed or restrained

■ curber (ˈkɜːbə)   n   a person or thing that curbs or restrains something

■ curbing (ˈkɜːbIŋ)   n   the US spelling of kerbing

■ curbless (ˈkɜːblIs)   adj   with no curb or restraint

■ curb roof   n   a roof having two or more slopes on each side of the ridge. See also mansard (sense 1), gambrel roof (sense 2)

■ curbside (ˈkɜːbˌsaId)   n   the US spelling of kerbside

■ curbstone (ˈkɜːbˌstəʊn)   n   the US spelling of kerbstone

curch (kɜːtʃ)   n   a woman's plain cap or kerchief. Also called: curchef [C15: probably back formation from courcheis (plural), from Old French couvrechies, plural of couvrechef KERCHIEF]

curculio (kɜːˈkjuːlIˌəʊ)   n, pl -lios   any of various American weevils, esp Conotrachelus nenuphar (plum curculio), a pest of fruit trees [C18: from Latin: grain weevil]

curcuma (ˈkɜːkjʊmə)   n   any tropical Asian tuberous plant of the genus Curcuma, such as C. longa, which is the source of turmeric, and C. zedoaria, which is the source of zedoary: family Zingiberaceae [C17: from New Latin, from Arabic kurkum turmeric]

curcumin (ˈkɜːkjʊmIn)   n   a yellow pigment, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, and the main active ingredient of turmeric. It is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties [C20: from CURCUMA]

curd (kɜːd)   n   1 (often plural) a substance formed from the coagulation of milk by acid or rennet, used in making cheese or eaten as a food   2 something similar in consistency   ▷ vb   3 to turn into or become curd [C15: from earlier crud, of unknown origin]   > ˈcurdy adj   > ˈcurdiness n

■ curd cheese   n   a mild white cheese made from skimmed milk curds, smoother and fattier than cottage cheese

curdle (ˈkɜːdəl)   vb   1 to turn or cause to turn into curd   2 curdle someone's blood to fill someone with fear [C16 (crudled, past participle): from CURD]   > ˈcurdler n

cure (kjʊə)   vb   1 (tr) to get rid of (an ailment, fault, or problem); heal   2 (tr) to restore to health or good condition   3 (intr) to bring about a cure   4 (tr) to preserve (meat, fish, etc) by salting, smoking, etc   5 (tr)   a to treat or finish (a substance) by chemical or physical means   b to vulcanize (rubber)   c to allow (a polymer) to set often using heat or pressure   6 (tr) to assist the hardening of (concrete, mortar, etc) by keeping it moist   ▷ n   7 a return to health, esp after specific treatment   8 any course of medical therapy, esp one proved effective in combating a disease   9 a means of restoring health or improving a condition, situation, etc   10 the spiritual and pastoral charge of a parish: the cure of souls   11 a process or method of preserving meat, fish, etc, by salting, pickling, or smoking [(n) C13: from Old French, from Latin cūra care; in ecclesiastical sense, from Medieval Latin cūra spiritual charge; (vb) C14: from Old French curer, from Latin cūrāre to attend to, heal, from cūra care]   > ˈcureless adj   > ˈcurer n

■ curable (ˈkjʊərəbəl)   adj   capable of being cured   > ˌcuraˈbility or ˈcurableness n   > ˈcurably adv

■ cure-all   n   something reputed to cure all ailments

■ cured (kjʊəd)   adj   (of food) treated by salting, smoking, or drying in order to preserve it

■ curing (ˈkjʊərIŋ)   n   the process of preserving food

curé (ˈkjʊəreI)   n   a parish priest in France [French, from Medieval Latin cūrātus; see CURATE^1]

curette or curet (kjʊəˈrɛt)   n   1 a surgical instrument for removing dead tissue, growths, etc, from the walls of certain body cavities   ▷ vb -rettes or -rets, -retting, -retted   2 (tr) to scrape or clean with such an instrument [C18: from French, from curer to heal, make clean; see CURE]

■ curettage (ˌkjʊərIˈtɑːʒ, kjʊəˈrɛtIdʒ) or curettement (kjʊəˈrɛtmənt)   n   the process of using a curette. See also D and C

curf (kɜːf)   n   a cherty limestone found in Portland stone beds

curfew (ˈkɜːfjuː)   n   1 an official regulation setting restrictions on movement, esp after a specific time at night   2 the time set as a deadline by such a regulation   3 (in medieval Europe)   a the ringing of a bell to prompt people to extinguish fires and lights   b the time at which the curfew bell was rung   c the bell itself [C13: from Old French cuevrefeu, literally: cover the fire]

curfuffle (kəˈfʌfəl)   n, vb   a variant spelling of kerfuffle

curia (ˈkjʊərIə)   n, pl -riae (-rIˌiː)   1 (sometimes capital) the papal court and government of the Roman Catholic Church   2 (in ancient Rome)   a any of the ten subdivisions of the Latin, Sabine, or Etruscan tribes   b a meeting place of such a subdivision   c the senate house of Rome   d the senate of an Italian town under Roman administration   3 (in the Middle Ages) a court held in the king's name. See also Curia Regis [C16: from Latin, from Old Latin coviria (unattested), from CO- + vir man]   > ˈcurial adj

■ curialism (ˈkjʊərIəlIzəm)   n   1 the doctrine and methods of the ultramontane party in the Roman Catholic Church   2 the systems and methods of the Curia Romana, a body of offices and congregations assisting the pope in his duties

■ curialist (ˈkjʊərIəlIst)   n   a member or supporter of the papal curia

■ curialistic (ˌkjʊərIəˈlIstIk)   adj   of or relating to curialism or curialists

■ Curia Regis (ˈriːdʒIs)   n, pl Curiae Regis   (in Norman England) the king's court, which performed all functions of government [Latin, literally: council of the king]

Curie (ˈkjʊərI, -riː; French kyri)   n   1  Marie (mari). 1867–1934, French physicist and chemist, born in Poland: discovered with her husband Pierre the radioactivity of thorium, and discovered and isolated radium and polonium. She shared a Nobel prize for physics (1903) with her husband and Henri Becquerel, and was awarded a Nobel prize for chemistry (1911)   2  her husband, Pierre (pjɛr). 1859–1906, French physicist and chemist

■ curie (ˈkjʊərI, -riː)   n   a unit of radioactivity that is equal to 3.7 × 10^10 disintegrations per second. Symbol: Ci [C20: named after Pierre CURIE]

■ Curie point or Curie temperature   n   the temperature above which a ferromagnetic substance loses its ferromagnetism and becomes paramagnetic [C20: named after Pierre CURIE]

■ Curie's law   n   the principle that the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance is inversely proportional to its thermodynamic temperature. See also Curie-Weiss law

■ curietherapy (ˌkjʊərIˈθɛrəpI)   n   a form of radiation therapy using radium

■ Curie-Weiss law (ˈkjʊərIˈwaIs, -ˈvaIs)   n   the principle that the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance is inversely proportional to the difference between its temperature and its Curie point [C20: named after Pierre CURIE and Pierre-Ernest Weiss (died 1940), French physicist]

curiet (ˈkjuːrIˌɛt)   n   another word for cuirass

curio (ˈkjʊərIˌəʊ)   n, pl -rios   a small article valued as a collector's item, esp something fascinating or unusual [C19: shortened from CURIOSITY]

curiosa (ˌkjʊərIˈəʊsə)   n (functioning as plural)   1 curiosities   2 books on strange subjects, esp erotica [New Latin: from Latin cūriōsus CURIOUS]

curious (ˈkjʊərIəs)   adj   1 eager to learn; inquisitive   2 overinquisitive; prying   3 interesting because of oddness or novelty; strange; unexpected   4 rare (of workmanship, etc) highly detailed, intricate, or subtle   5 obsolete fastidious or hard to please [C14: from Latin cūriōsus taking pains over something, from cūra care]   > ˈcuriously adv   > ˈcuriousness n

■ curiosity (ˌkjʊərIˈɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 an eager desire to know; inquisitiveness   2    a the quality of being curious; strangeness   b (as modifier): the ring had curiosity value only   3 something strange or fascinating   4 a rare or strange object; curio   5 obsolete fastidiousness

curite (ˈkjʊəraIt)   n   a red-orange radioactive mineral, the hydrated oxide of uranium and lead

Curitiba (ˌkʊərIˈtiːbə)   n   a city in SE Brazil, capital of Paraná state: seat of the University of Paraná (1946). Pop: 2 871 000 (2005 est)

curium (ˈkjʊərIəm)   n   a silvery-white metallic transuranic element artificially produced from plutonium. Symbol: Cm; atomic no: 96; half-life of most stable isotope, 247Cm: 1.6 x 10^7 years; valency: 3 and 4; relative density: 13.51 (calculated); melting pt: 1345±400°C [C20: New Latin, named after Pierre and Marie CURIE]

curl (kɜːl)   vb   1 (intr) (esp of hair) to grow into curves or ringlets   2 (tr; sometimes foll by up) to twist or roll (something, esp hair) into coils or ringlets   3 (often foll by up) to become or cause to become spiral-shaped or curved; coil: the heat made the leaves curl up   4 (intr) to move in a curving or twisting manner   5 (intr) to play the game of curling   6 curl one's lip to show contempt, as by raising a corner of the lip   ▷ n   7 a curve or coil of hair   8 a curved or spiral shape or mark, as in wood   9 the act of curling or state of being curled   10 any of various plant diseases characterized by curling of the leaves   11 Also called: rot, rotation maths a vector quantity associated with a vector field that is the vector product of the operator ∇ and a vector function A, where ∇ = i∂/∂x + j∂/∂by + k∂/∂z,i, j, and k being unit vectors. Usually written curl A, rot A. Compare divergence (sense 4), gradient (sense 4) [C14: probably from Middle Dutch crullen to curl; related to Middle High German krol curly, Middle Low German krūs curly]

■ curled (kɜːld)   adj   in a curved or spiral shape or position

■ curled paperwork   n   another name for rolled paperwork

■ curler (ˈkɜːlə)   n   1 any of various pins, clasps, or rollers used to curl or wave hair   2 a person or thing that curls   3 a person who plays curling

■ curliewurlie (ˌkɜːlIˈwɜːlI)   n   an extremely curled or twisted object or ornament

■ curlily (ˈkɜːlIlI)   adv   in a curly manner

■ curling (ˈkɜːlIŋ)   n   a game played on ice, esp in Scotland and Canada, in which heavy stones with handles (curling stones) are slid towards a target (tee)

■ curling tongs   pl n   a metal scissor-like device that is heated, so that strands of hair may be twined around it in order to form curls. Also called: curling iron, curling irons, curling pins

■ curlpaper (ˈkɜːlˌpeIpə)   n   a strip of paper used to roll up and set a section of hair, usually wetted, into a curl

■ curl up   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to adopt a reclining position with the legs close to the body and the back rounded   2 to become or cause to become spiral-shaped or curved   3 (intr) to retire to a quiet cosy setting: to curl up with a good novel   4 Brit informal to be or cause to be embarrassed or disgusted (esp in the phrase curl up and die)

■ curly (ˈkɜːlI)   adj curlier, curliest   1 tending to curl; curling   2 having curls   3 (of timber) having irregular curves or waves in the grain   4 Austral and NZ difficult to counter or answer: a curly question   > ˈcurliness n

■ curly-coated retriever   n   a strongly built variety of retriever with a tightly curled black or liver-coloured coat

■ curly-haired   adj   having hair that forms curls

curlew (ˈkɜːljuː)   n   any large shore bird of the genus Numenius, such as N. arquata of Europe and Asia: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes. They have a long downward-curving bill and occur in northern and arctic regions. Compare stone curlew [C14: from Old French corlieu, perhaps of imitative origin]

■ curlew sandpiper   n   a common Eurasian sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea, having a brick-red breeding plumage and a greyish winter plumage

curli (ˈkɜːlI)   pl n   bacteriol curled hairlike processes on the surface of the bacterium Escherichia coli by means of which the bacterium adheres to and infects wounds [C20: from curl(ed) (PIL)I]

curlicue (ˈkɜːlIˌkjuː)   n   an intricate ornamental curl or twist [C19: from CURLY + CUE^2]

curmudgeon (kɜːˈmʌdʒən)   n   a surly or miserly person [C16: of unknown origin]   > curˈmudgeonly adj

curmurring (kəˈmɜːrIŋ) Scot dialect   n   1 a low rumbling or murmuring sound   2 flatulence   ▷ adj   3 producing a low rumbling or murmuring sound   4 flatulent

curn (kɜːn)   n Scot dialect   1 a grain of corn   2 a small amount or number

■ curny (ˈkɜːnI)   adj curnier, curniest   Scot dialect granular

curnaptious (kəˈnæpʃəs)   adj   another word for carnaptious

Curnow (kɜːnaʊ)   n   (Thomas) Allen (Monro). 1911–2001, New Zealand poet and anthologist

curr (kɜː)   n   1 a purring or cooing sound   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to purr or coo

currach, curagh or curragh Gaelic (ˈkʌrəx, ˈkʌrə)   n   a Scot or Irish name for coracle [C15: from Irish Gaelic currach; compare CORACLE]

currajong (ˈkʌrəˌdʒɒŋ)   n   a variant spelling of kurrajong

curran (ˈkʌrən)   n   Scot dialect a currant

currant (ˈkʌrənt)   n   1 a small dried seedless grape of the Mediterranean region, used in cooking   2 any of several mainly N temperate shrubs of the genus Ribes, esp R. rubrum (redcurrant) and R. nigrum (blackcurrant): family Grossulariaceae. See also gooseberry (sense 1)   3 the small acid fruit of any of these plants [C16: shortened from rayson of Corannte raisin of Corinth]

■ currant bun   n   1 Brit a sweet bun containing currants   2 Scot another name for black bun   3 Cockney rhyming slang son

■ curranty (ˈkʌrəntI)   adj   1 full of currants   2 (of wine) full of the flavour or aroma of currants

currawong (ˈkʌrəˌwɒŋ)   n   any Australian crowlike songbird of the genus Strepera, having black, grey, and white plumage: family Cracticidae. Also called: bell magpie [from a native Australian name]

currency (ˈkʌrənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a metal or paper medium of exchange that is in current use in a particular country   2 general acceptance or circulation; prevalence: the currency of ideas   3 the period of time during which something is valid, accepted, or in force   4 the act of being passed from person to person   5 Austral (formerly) the local medium of exchange, esp in the colonies, as distinct from sterling   6 Austral slang   a (formerly) the native-born Australians, as distinct from the British immigrants   b (as modifier): a currency lad [C17: from Medieval Latin currentia, literally: a flowing, from Latin currere to run, flow]

■ currency bar   n   1 a long narrow iron bar, often sword-like or spear-like in shape, dating from the pre-Roman and Roman period in Britain; the purpose of currency bars is not certain, and while they may have been used in trade, they may have had a ritual significance   2 a metal bar of any of various shapes, used as a form of currency

■ currency note   n   another name for treasury note

current (ˈkʌrənt)   adj   1 of the immediate present; in progress: current events   2 most recent; up-to-date   3 commonly known, practised, or accepted; widespread: a current rumour   4 circulating and valid at present: current coins   ▷ n   5 (esp of water or air) a steady usually natural flow   6 a mass of air, body of water, etc, that has a steady flow in a particular direction   7 the rate of flow of such a mass   8 Also called: electric current physics   a a flow of electric charge through a conductor   b the rate of flow of this charge. It is measured in amperes. Symbol: I   9 a general trend or drift: currents of opinion [C13: from Old French corant, literally: running, from corre to run, from Latin currere]   > ˈcurrently adv   > ˈcurrentness n

■ current account   n   1 an account at a bank or building society against which cheques may be drawn at any time. US name: checking account. Canadian name: chequing account   2 economics   a that part of the balance of payments composed of the balance of trade and the invisible balance. Compare capital account (sense 1)   b (as modifier): a current-account deficit

■ current assets   pl n   cash and operating assets that are convertible into cash within a year. Also called: floating assets. Compare fixed assets

■ current-cost accounting   n   a method of accounting that values assets at their current replacement cost rather than their original cost. Compare historical-cost accounting

■ current density   n   the ratio of the electric current flowing at a particular point in a conductor to the cross-sectional area of the conductor taken perpendicular to the current flow at that point. It is measured in amperes per square metre. Symbol: J

■ current efficiency   n   physics the ratio of the actual mass of a substance liberated from an electrolyte by the passage of current to the theoretical mass liberated according to Faraday's law

■ current expenses   pl n   noncapital and usually recurrent expenditures necessary for the operation of a business

■ current liabilities   pl n   business liabilities maturing within a year

curricle (ˈkʌrIkəl)   n   a two-wheeled open carriage drawn by two horses side by side [C18: from Latin curriculum from currus chariot, from currere to run]

curriculum (kəˈrIkjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə) or -lums   1 a course of study in one subject at a school or college   2 a list of all the courses of study offered by a school or college   3 any programme or plan of activities [C19: from Latin: course, from currere to run]   > curˈricular adj

■ curriculum vitae (ˈviːtaI, ˈvaItiː)   n, pl curricula vitae   an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications. Abbreviation: CV [Latin, literally: the course of one's life]

currish (ˈkɜːrIʃ)   adj   of or like a cur; rude or bad-tempered   > ˈcurrishly adv   > ˈcurrishness n

curry^1 (ˈkʌrI)   n, pl -ries   1 a spicy dish of oriental, esp Indian, origin that is made in many ways but usually consists of meat or fish prepared in a hot piquant sauce   2 curry seasoning or sauce   3 give someone curry Austral slang to assault (a person) verbally or physically   ▷ vb -ries, -rying, -ried   4 (tr) to prepare (food) with curry powder or sauce [C16: from Tamil kari sauce, relish]

■ curried (ˈkʌrId)   adj   cookery flavoured with curry powder during cooking

■ curry powder   n   a mixture of finely ground pungent spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, etc, used in making curries

■ curry puff   n   (in eastern cookery) a type of pie or pasty consisting of a pastry case containing curried meat and vegetables

curry^2 (ˈkʌrI)   vb -ries, -rying, -ried (tr)   1 to beat vigorously, as in order to clean   2 to dress and finish (leather) after it has been tanned to make it strong, flexible, and waterproof   3 to groom (a horse)   4 curry favour to ingratiate oneself, esp with superiors [C13: from Old French correer to make ready, from Vulgar Latin conrēdāre (unattested), from rēdāre (unattested) to provide, of Germanic origin]

■ currier (ˈkʌrIə)   n   a person who curries leather [C14: from Old French corier, from Latin coriārius a tanner, from corium leather]

■ curriery (ˈkʌrIərI)   n, pl -eries   the trade, work, or place of occupation of a currier

■ currycomb (ˈkʌrIˌkəʊm)   n   a square comb consisting of rows of small teeth, used for grooming horses

Curry (ˈkʌrI)   n   John (Anthony). 1949–94, British ice skater: won the figure-skating gold medal in the 1976 Olympic Games

cursal (ˈkɜːsəl)   adj RC Church   1 of or belonging to a set course or rotation, esp of a canon or prebendary in certain churches   2 (of a mass) belonging to a set course or cursus

curse (kɜːs)   n   1 a profane or obscene expression of anger, disgust, surprise, etc; oath   2 an appeal to a supernatural power for harm to come to a specific person, group, etc   3 harm resulting from an appeal to a supernatural power: to be under a curse   4 something that brings or causes great trouble or harm   5 a saying, charm, effigy, etc, used to invoke a curse   6 an ecclesiastical censure of excommunication   7 the curse informal menstruation or a menstrual period   ▷ vb curses, cursing, cursed or archaic curst   8 (intr) to utter obscenities or oaths   9 (tr) to abuse (someone) with obscenities or oaths   10 (tr) to invoke supernatural powers to bring harm to (someone or something)   11 (tr) to bring harm upon   12 (tr) another word for excommunicate [Old English cursian to curse, from curs a curse]   > ˈcurser n

■ cursed (ˈkɜːsId, kɜːst) or curst   adj   1 under a curse   2 deserving to be cursed; detestable; hateful   > ˈcursedly adv   > ˈcursedness n

■ curses (ˈkɜːsIz)   interj   often facetious an expression of disappointment or dismay

curselarie (ˈkɜːsələrI)   adj   obsolete (in the works of Shakespeare) cursory

cursitor (ˈkɜːsItə)   n   obsolete (in the Court of Chancery) a clerk or officer

cursitory (ˈkɜːsItərI)   adj   an obsolete word for cursory

cursive (ˈkɜːsIv)   adj   1 of or relating to handwriting in which letters are formed and joined in a rapid flowing style   2 printing of or relating to typefaces that resemble handwriting   ▷ n   3 a cursive letter or printing type   4 a manuscript written in cursive letters [C18: from Medieval Latin cursīvus running, ultimately from Latin currere to run]   > ˈcursively adv

■ cursiveness (ˈkɜːsIvnəs)   n   the quality of being cursive

cursor (ˈkɜːsə)   n   1 the sliding part of a measuring instrument, esp a transparent sliding square on a slide rule   2 any of various means, typically a flashing bar or underline, of identifying a particular position on a computer screen, such as the insertion point for text

cursorary (ˈkɜːsərərI)   adj   another word for cursory

cursorial (kɜːˈsɔːrIəl)   adj   zoology adapted for running: a cursorial skeleton; cursorial birds

cursory (ˈkɜːsərI)   adj   hasty and usually superficial; quick: a cursory check [C17: from Late Latin cursōrius of running, from Latin cursus a course, from currere to run]   > ˈcursorily adv   > ˈcursoriness n

curst (kɜːst)   vb   1 archaic a past tense and past participle of curse   ▷ adj   2 a variant of cursed

■ curstness (ˈkɜːstnəs)   n   another spelling of cursedness

cursus (ˈkɜːsəs)   n   1 a Neolithic earthwork enclosure comprising parallel banks   2 a racecourse or running-track   3 a sequence of prayers   4 an academic course

curt (kɜːt)   adj   1 rudely blunt and brief; abrupt: a curt reply   2 short or concise [C17: from Latin curtus cut short, mutilated]   > ˈcurtly adv   > ˈcurtness n

curtail (kɜːˈteIl)   vb   (tr) to cut short; abridge [C16: changed (through influence of TAIL^1) from obsolete curtal to dock; see CURTAL]   > curˈtailer n   > curˈtailment n

■ curtail step (ˈkɜːteIl)   n   the step or steps at the foot of a flight of stairs, widened at one or both ends and terminated with a scroll

curtain (ˈkɜːtən)   n   1 a piece of material that can be drawn across an opening or window, to shut out light or to provide privacy   2 a barrier to vision, access, or communication: a curtain of secrecy   3 a hanging cloth or similar barrier for concealing all or part of a theatre stage from the audience   4 the curtain the end of a scene of a play, opera, etc, marked by the fall or closing of the curtain   5 the rise or opening of the curtain at the start of a performance   ▷ vb   6 (tr; sometimes foll by off) to shut off or conceal with or as if with a curtain   7 (tr) to provide (a window, etc) with curtains [C13: from Old French courtine, from Late Latin cortīna enclosed place, curtain, probably from Latin cohors courtyard]

■ curtain call   n   the appearance of performers at the end of a theatrical performance to acknowledge applause

■ curtained (ˈkɜːtənd)   adj   with a curtain in front of it

■ curtain lecture   n archaic   a scolding or rebuke given in private, esp by a wife to her husband [alluding to the curtained beds where such rebukes were once given]

■ curtainless (ˈkɜːtənlIs)   adj   without a curtain or curtains

■ curtain-raiser   n   1 theatre a short dramatic piece presented before the main play   2 any preliminary event: the debate was a curtain-raiser to the election

■ curtains (ˈkɜːtənz)   pl n   1 informal death or ruin; the end: if the enemy see us it will be curtains for us   2 a hairstyle in which the hair is parted in the centre of the forehead and curved out over the temples

■ curtain speech   n   1 a talk given in front of the curtain after a stage performance, often by the author or an actor   2 the final speech of an act or a play

■ curtain-twitcher   n   informal a person who likes to watch unobserved what other people are doing

■ curtain-up   n   the moment when the curtain is raised and a play or similar show begins

■ curtain wall   n   1 a non-load-bearing external wall attached to a framed structure, often one that is prefabricated   2 a low wall outside the outer wall of a castle, serving as a first line of defence

curtal (ˈkɜːtəl) obsolete   adj   1 cut short   2 (of friars) wearing a short frock   ▷ n   3 an animal whose tail has been docked   4 something that is cut short [C16: from Old French courtault animal whose tail has been docked, from court short, from Latin curtus; see CURT]

curtal axe or curtalaxe (ˈkɜːtəlæks)   n   an obsolete term for cutlass [C16: alteration by folk etymology of Old French coutelas CUTLASS; see CURTAL]

curtana (kɜːˈtɑːnə)   n   the unpointed sword carried before an English sovereign at a coronation as an emblem of mercy [C15: from Anglo-Latin, from Old French cortain, the name of Roland's sword, which was broken at the point, ultimately from Latin curtus short]

curtate (ˈkɜːteIt)   adj   shortened [C17: from Late Latin curtāre to shorten, from Latin curtus cut short; see CURT]

■ curtation (kɜːˈteIʃən)   n   astronomy the discrepancy between the curtate distance and the true distance of a planet from the sun

curtesy (ˈkɜːtəsI)   n   the tenure that a widower holds over the property of his deceased wife

curtilage (ˈkɜːtIlIdʒ)   n   the enclosed area of land adjacent to a dwelling house [C14: from Old French cortillage, from cortil a little yard, from cort COURT]

Curtin (ˈkɜːtIn)   n   John Joseph. 1885–1945, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1941–45)

curtsy or curtsey (ˈkɜːtsI)   n, pl -sies or -seys   1 a formal gesture of greeting and respect made by women in which the knees are bent, the head slightly bowed, and the skirt held outwards   ▷ vb -sies, -sying, -sied or -seys, -seying, -seyed   2 (intr) to make a curtsy [C16: variant of COURTESY]

curule (ˈkjʊəruːl)   adj   (in ancient Rome) of the highest rank, esp one entitled to use a curule chair [C16: from Latin curūlis of a chariot, from currus chariot, from currere to run]

■ curule chair   n   an upholstered folding seat with curved legs used by the highest civil officials of ancient Rome

curvaceous or curvacious (kɜːˈveIʃəs)   adj   informal (esp of a woman) having shapely curves or a well-rounded body   > curˈvaceously or curˈvaciously adv   > curˈvaceousness or curˈvaciousness n

curvature (ˈkɜːvətʃə)   n   1 something curved or a curved part of a thing   2 any normal or abnormal curving of a bodily part: curvature of the spine   3 geometry the change in inclination of a tangent to a curve over unit length of arc. For a circle or sphere it is the reciprocal of the radius. See also radius of curvature, centre of curvature   4 the act of curving or the state or degree of being curved or bent

curve (kɜːv)   n   1 a continuously bending line that has no straight parts   2 something that curves or is curved, such as a bend in a road or the contour of a woman's body   3 the act or extent of curving; curvature   4 maths   a a system of points whose coordinates satisfy a given equation; a locus of points   b the graph of a function with one independent variable   5 a line representing data, esp statistical data, on a graph: an unemployment curve   6 ahead of the curve ahead of the times; ahead of schedule   7 behind the curve behind the times; behind schedule   8 short for French curve   ▷ vb   9 to take or cause to take the shape or path of a curve; bend ▶ Related adjective: sinuous [C15: from Latin curvāre to bend, from curvus crooked]   > ˈcurvy adj

■ curvate (ˈkɜːveIt)   adj   curved in form

■ curvation (kɜːˈveIʃən)   n   the action of curving or bending

■ curvative (ˈkɜːvətIv)   adj   (of leaves) having curved edges

■ curveball (ˈkɜːvˌbɔːl)   n   1 baseball a ball pitched in a curving path so as to make it more difficult to hit   2 informal something deceptive: his wholesome image was a curveball thrown to deceive the public

■ curved (kɜːvd)   adj   having the shape of a curve   > curvedly (ˈkɜːvIdlI) adv   > ˈcurvedness n

■ curvesome (ˈkɜːvsəm)   adj   another word for curvaceous

■ curvital (ˈkɜːvItəl)   adj   of or relating to curvature, esp in geometry

■ curvity (ˈkɜːvItI)   n   obsolete the state of being curved or bent

curvet (kɜːˈvɛt)   n   1 dressage a low leap with all four feet off the ground   ▷ vb -vets, -vetting, -vetted or -vets, -veting, -veted   2 dressage to make or cause to make such a leap   3 (intr) to prance or frisk about [C16: from Old Italian corvetta, from Old French courbette, from courber to bend, from Latin curvāre]

curvicaudate (ˌkɜːvIˈkɔːdeIt)   adj   having a curved tail

curvicostate (ˌkɜːvIˈkɒsteIt)   adj   botany having curved ribs

curvifoliate (ˌkɜːvIˈfəʊlIˌeIt)   adj   having leaves curved or bent back

curviform (ˈkɜːvIˌfɔːm)   adj   having a curved shape

curvilinear (ˌkɜːvIˈlInIə) or curvilineal   adj   1 consisting of, bounded by, or characterized by a curved line   2 along a curved line: curvilinear motion   3 maths (of a set of coordinates) determined by or determining a system of three orthogonal surfaces   > ˌcurviˌlineˈarity n   > ˌcurviˈlinearly adv

curvirostral (ˌkɜːvIˈrɒstrəl)   adj   having a curved or crooked beak

Curzon (ˈkɜːzən)   n   1  Sir Clifford. 1907–82, English pianist   2  George Nathaniel, 1st Marquis Curzon of Kedleston. 1859–1925, British Conservative statesman; viceroy of India (1898–1905)

Cusack (ˈkjuːsæk)   n   Cyril (James). 1910–93, Irish actor

Cusanus (kjuːˈseInəs)   n   Nicholas. See Nicholas of Cusa

Cusco (Spanish ˈkusko)   n   a variant of Cuzco

cuscus (ˈkʌskʌs)   n, pl -cuses   any of several large nocturnal phalangers of the genus Phalanger, of N Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands, having dense fur, prehensile tails, large eyes, and a yellow nose [C17: New Latin, probably from a native name in New Guinea]

cusec (ˈkjuːsɛk)   n   a unit of flow equal to 1 cubic foot per second. 1 cusec is equivalent to 0.028 317 cubic metre per second [C20: from cu(bic foot per) sec(ond)]

Cush or Kush (kʌʃ, kʊʃ)   n Old Testament   1 the son of Ham and brother of Canaan (Genesis 10:6)   2 the country of the supposed descendants of Cush (ancient Ethiopia), comprising approximately Nubia and modern Sudan, and the territory of southern (or Upper) Egypt

cushat (ˈkʌʃət)   n   another name for wood pigeon [Old English cūscote; perhaps related to sceōtan to shoot]

cushie-doo (ˌkʊʃIˈduː)   n   a Scot name for a wood pigeon. Often shortened to: cushie [from CUSHAT + DOO]

Cushing (ˈkʊʃIŋ)   n   Harvey Williams. 1869–1939, US neurosurgeon: identified a pituitary tumour as a cause of the disease named after him

■ Cushing's disease or Cushing's syndrome (ˈkʊʃIŋz)   n   a rare condition caused by excess corticosteroid hormones in the body, characterized chiefly by obesity of the trunk and face, high blood pressure, fatigue, and loss of calcium from the bones [C20: named after Harvey Williams CUSHING]

cushion (ˈkʊʃən)   n   1 a bag made of cloth, leather, plastic, etc, filled with feathers, air, or other yielding substance, used for sitting on, leaning against, etc   2 something resembling a cushion in function or appearance, esp one to support or pad or to absorb shock   3 the resilient felt-covered rim of a billiard table   4 another name for pillow (sense 2)   5 short for air cushion   6 a capital, used in Byzantine, Romanesque, and Norman architecture, in the form of a bowl with a square top   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to place on or as on a cushion   8 to provide with cushions   9 to lessen or suppress the effects of   10 to protect, esp against hardship or change   11    a to check the motion of (a mechanism) gently, esp by the compression of trapped fluid in a cylinder   b to provide with a means of absorbing shock [from Latin culcita mattress]   > ˈcushiony adj

■ cushioned (ˈkʊʃənd)   adj   1 provided with cushions   2 provided with a means of absorbing shock

■ cushionet (ˈkʊʃənIt)   n   obsolete a small cushion

■ cushioning (ˈkʊʃənIŋ)   n   energy-absorbent material used as padding

■ cushionless (ˈkʊʃənlIs)   adj   without a cushion

■ cushion plant   n   a type of low-growing plant having many closely spaced short upright shoots, typical of alpine and arctic habitats

Cushitic (kʊˈʃItIk)   n   1 a group of languages of Somalia, Ethiopia, NE Kenya, and adjacent regions: a subfamily within the Afro-Asiatic family of languages   ▷ adj   2 denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages

cushty (ˈkʊʃtI)   interj Brit informal   an exclamation of pleasure, agreement, approval, etc

cushy (ˈkʊʃI)   adj cushier, cushiest   informal easy; comfortable: a cushy job [C20: from Hindi khush pleasant, from Persian khōsh]

■ cushily (ˈkʊʃIlI)   adv   informal in a cushy manner

■ cushiness (ˈkʊʃInəs)   n   informal the quality or condition of being cushy

cusk (kʌsk)   n, pl cusks or cusk   US and Canadian a gadoid food fish, Brosmius brosme, of northern coastal waters, having a single long dorsal fin. Also called: torsk [C17: probably alteration of tusk of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse thorskr codfish]

CUSO (ˈkjuːsəʊ)   n acronym for   Canadian University Services Overseas; an organization that sends students to work as volunteers in developing countries

cusp (kʌsp)   n   1 any of the small elevations on the grinding or chewing surface of a tooth   2 any of the triangular flaps of a heart valve   3 a point or pointed end   4 Also called: spinode geometry a point at which two arcs of a curve intersect and at which the two tangents are coincident   5 architect a carving at the meeting place of two arcs   6 astronomy either of the points of a crescent moon or of a satellite or inferior planet in a similar phase   7 astrology any division between houses or signs of the zodiac [C16: from Latin cuspis point, pointed end]

■ cuspal (ˈkʌspəl)   adj   relating to or having a cusp

■ cuspate (ˈkʌspIt, -peIt), cuspated or cusped (kʌspt)   adj   1 having a cusp or cusps   2 shaped like a cusp; cusplike

■ cuspid (ˈkʌspId)   n   a tooth having one point; canine tooth

■ cuspidate (ˈkʌspIˌdeIt), cuspidated or cuspidal (ˈkʌspIdəl)   adj   1 having a cusp or cusps   2 (esp of leaves) narrowing to a point [C17: from Latin cuspidāre to make pointed, from cuspis a point]

■ cuspidation (ˌkʌspIˈdeIʃən)   n   architect decoration using cusps

cuspidor (ˈkʌspIˌdɔː)   n   another word (esp US) for spittoon [C18: from Portuguese, from cuspir to spit, from Latin conspuere, from spuere to spit]

cuspis (ˈkʌspIs)   n   obsolete a cusp

cuspy (ˈkʌspI)   adj cuspier, cuspiest   (of a computer program) well-designed and user-friendly

cuss (kʌs) informal   n   1 a curse; oath   2 a person or animal, esp an annoying one   ▷ vb   3 another word for curse (sense 8), curse (sense 9)

■ cussed (ˈkʌsId)   adj informal   1 another word for cursed   2 obstinate   3 annoying: a cussed nuisance   > ˈcussedly adv   > ˈcussedness n

■ cussword (ˈkʌswɜːd)   n   US informal a swearword

cusso (ˈkʌsəʊ)   n   a tree of the rose family native to the mountains of central and eastern Africa

custard (ˈkʌstəd)   n   1 a baked sweetened mixture of eggs and milk   2 a sauce made of milk and sugar and thickened with cornflour [C15: alteration of Middle English crustade kind of pie, probably from Old Provençal croustado, from crosta CRUST]

■ custard apple   n   1 a West Indian tree, Annona reticulata: family Annonaceae   2 the large heart-shaped fruit of this tree, which has a fleshy edible pulp   3 any of several related trees or fruits, esp the papaw and sweetsop   ▶ Also called (for senses 1, 2): bullock's heart

■ custard cream   n   a biscuit consisting of two layers with a filling of vanilla-flavoured paste

■ custard pie   n     a a flat, open pie filled with real or artificial custard, as thrown in slapstick comedy   b (as modifier): custard-pie humour

■ custard powder   n   a powder containing cornflour, sugar, etc, for thickening milk to make a yellow sauce. See custard (sense 2)

■ custardy (ˈkʌstədI)   adj   resembling custard

Custer (ˈkʌstə)   n   George Armstrong. 1839–76, US cavalry general: Civil War hero, killed fighting the Sioux at Little Bighorn, Montana

custode (ˈkʌstəʊd)   n   obsolete a custodian

custody (ˈkʌstədI)   n, pl -dies   1 the act of keeping safe or guarding, esp the right of guardianship of a minor   2 the state of being held by the police; arrest (esp in the phrases in custody, take into custody) [C15: from Latin custōdia, from custōs guard, defender]   > custodial (kʌˈstəʊdIəl) adj

■ custodian (kʌsˈtəʊdIən)   n   1 a person who has custody, as of a prisoner, ward, etc   2 a guardian or keeper, as of an art collection, etc

■ custodianship (kʌsˈtəʊdIənʃIp)   n   1 the condition of being a custodian   2 (in Britain) a legal basis for the care of children under the Children's Act 1975, midway between fostering and adoption, devised for children settled in long-term foster care or living permanently with relatives or a step-parent

■ custodier (kʌsˈtəʊdIə)   n   obsolete a custodian

custom (ˈkʌstəm)   n   1 a usual or habitual practice; typical mode of behaviour   2 the long-established habits or traditions of a society collectively; convention: custom dictates good manners   3    a a practice which by long-established usage has come to have the force of law   b such practices collectively (esp in the phrase custom and practice)   4 habitual patronage, esp of a shop or business   5 the customers of a shop or business collectively   6 (in feudal Europe) a tribute paid by a vassal to his lord   ▷ adj   7 made to the specifications of an individual customer (often in the combinations custom-built, custom-made)   8 specializing in goods so made [C12: from Old French costume, from Latin consuētūdō, from consuēscere to grow accustomed to, from suēscere to be used to]

■ customable (ˈkʌstəməbəl)   adj   subject to customs

■ customary (ˈkʌstəmərI, -təmrI)   adj   1 in accordance with custom or habitual practice; usual; habitual   2 law   a founded upon long continued practices and usage rather than law   b (of land, esp a feudal estate) held by custom   ▷ n, pl -aries   3    a a statement in writing of customary laws and practices   b a body of such laws and customs   > ˈcustomarily adv   > ˈcustomariness n

■ custom-build   vb (tr)   to make according to the specifications of an individual buyer

■ custom-built   adj   (of cars, houses, etc) made according to the specifications of an individual buyer

■ customed (ˈkʌstəmd)   adj archaic   1 accustomed; inured   2 (of commodities) having duty paid   3 visited or used by customers

■ custom house or customs house   n   a government office, esp at a port, where customs are collected and ships cleared for entry. Also called: customhouse, customshouse

■ customize or customise (ˈkʌstəˌmaIz)   vb   (tr) to modify (something) according to a customer's individual requirements   > ˌcustomiˈzation or ˌcustomiˈsation n

■ customized or customised (ˈkʌstəˌmaIzd)   adj   modified according to a customer's individual requirements

■ customizer or customiser (ˈkʌstəˌmaIzə)   n   a person who customizes

■ custom-made   adj   (of suits, dresses, etc) made according to the specifications of an individual buyer

■ custom-make   vb (tr)   to make according to the specifications of an individual buyer

customer (ˈkʌstəmə)   n   1 a person who buys   2 informal a person with whom one has dealings: a cool customer

■ customer-facing   adj   interacting or communicating directly with customers: good customer-facing skills

■ customer relationship management   n   the practice of building a strong relationship between a business and its customers and potential customers. Abbreviation: CRM

customs (ˈkʌstəmz)   n (functioning as singular or plural)   1 duty on imports or exports   2 the government department responsible for the collection of these duties   3 the part of a port, airport, frontier station, etc, where baggage and freight are examined for dutiable goods and contraband   4 the procedure for examining baggage and freight, paying duty, etc   5 (as modifier): customs officer

■ customs union   n   an association of nations which promotes free trade within the union and establishes common tariffs on trade with nonmember nations

custos (ˈkʌstɒs)   n, pl custodes (kʌˈstəʊdiːz)   a superior in the Franciscan religious order. Also called (in England): guardian [C15: from Latin: keeper, guard]

custrel (ˈkʌstrəl)   n   archaic a servant or attendant to a knight or man-at-arms

custumal (ˈkʌstjʊməl)   n, adj   another word for customary (sense 2), customary (sense 3) [C16: from Medieval Latin custumālis relating to CUSTOM]

custumary (ˈkʌstjuːmərI)   n   a variant form of customary

cusum (ˈkjuːˌsʌm)   n   a statistical technique used to analyse an individual's use of language [C20: from cu(mulative) sum]

cut (kʌt)   vb cuts, cutting, cut   1 to open up or incise (a person or thing) with a sharp edge or instrument; gash   2 (of a sharp instrument) to penetrate or incise (a person or thing)   3 to divide or be divided with or as if with a sharp instrument: cut a slice of bread   4 (intr) to use a sharp-edged instrument or an instrument that cuts   5 (tr) to trim or prune by or as if by clipping: to cut hair   6 (tr) to reap or mow (a crop, grass, etc)   7 (tr) to geld or castrate   8 (tr; sometimes foll by out) to make, form, or shape by cutting: to cut a suit   9 (tr) to hollow or dig out; excavate: to cut a tunnel through the mountain   10 to strike (an object) sharply   11 (tr) sport to hit (a ball) with a downward slicing stroke so as to impart spin or cause it to fall short   12 cricket to hit (the ball) to the off side, usually between cover and third man, with a roughly horizontal bat   13 to hurt or wound the feelings of (a person), esp by malicious speech or action   14 (tr) informal to refuse to recognize; snub   15 (tr) informal to absent oneself from (an activity, location, etc), esp without permission or in haste: to cut class   16 (tr) to abridge, shorten, or edit by excising a part or parts   17 (tr; often foll by down) to lower, reduce, or curtail: to cut losses   18 (tr) to dilute or weaken: heroin that was cut with nontoxic elements   19 (tr) to dissolve or break up: to cut fat   20 (when intr, foll by across or through) to cross or traverse: the footpath cuts through the field   21 (intr) to make a sharp or sudden change in direction; veer   22 to grow (teeth) through the gums or (of teeth) to appear through the gums   23 (intr) films   a to call a halt to a shooting sequence   b (foll by to) to move quickly to another scene   24 films to edit (film)   25 (tr) to switch off (a light, car engine, etc)   26 (tr) (of a performer, recording company, etc) to make (a record or tape of a song, concert, performance, etc)   27 cards   a to divide (the pack) at random into two parts after shuffling   b (intr) to pick cards from a spread pack to decide dealer, partners, etc   28 (tr) to remove (material) from an object by means of a chisel, lathe, etc   29 (tr) (of a tool) to bite into (an object)   30 (intr) (of a horse) to injure the leg just above the hoof by a blow from the opposite foot   31 cut a caper or cut capers   a to skip or jump playfully   b to act or behave playfully; frolic   32 cut both ways   a to have both good and bad effects   b to affect both sides of something, as two parties in an argument, etc   33 cut a dash to behave or dress showily or strikingly; make a stylish impression   34 cut a person dead informal to ignore a person completely   35 cut a good figure to appear or behave well   36 cut a poor figure to appear or behave badly   37 cut and run informal to make a rapid escape   38 cut it slang be successful in doing something   39 cut it fine informal to allow little margin of time, space, etc   40 cut corners to do something in the easiest or shortest way, esp at the expense of high standards: we could finish this project early only if we cut corners   41 cut loose to free or become freed from restraint, custody, anchorage, etc   42 cut no ice informal to fail to make an impression   43 cut one's losses to give up spending time, money, or energy on an unprofitable or unsuccessful activity   44 cut one's teeth on informal   a to use at an early age or stage   b to practise on   ▷ adj   45 detached, divided, or separated by cutting   46 botany incised or divided: cut leaves   47 made, shaped, or fashioned by cutting   48 reduced or diminished by or as if by cutting: cut prices   49 gelded or castrated   50 weakened or diluted   51 Brit a slang word for drunk   52 hurt; resentful   53 cut and dried informal settled or arranged in advance   54 cut lunch Austral and NZ a sandwich lunch carried from home to work, school, etc   ▷ n   55 the act of cutting   56 a stroke or incision made by cutting; gash   57 a piece or part cut off, esp a section of food cut from the whole: a cut of meat   58 the edge of anything cut or sliced   59 a passage, channel, path, etc, cut or hollowed out   60 an omission or deletion, esp in a text, film, or play   61 a reduction in price, salary, etc   62 a decrease in government finance in a particular department or area, usually leading to a reduction of services, staff numbers, etc   63 short for power cut   64 chiefly US and Canadian a quantity of timber cut during a specific time or operation   65 informal a portion or share   66 informal a straw, slip of paper, etc, used in drawing lots   67 the manner or style in which a thing, esp a garment, is cut; fashion   68    a Irish informal a person's general appearance: I didn't like the cut of him   b Irish derogatory a dirty or untidy condition: look at the cut of your suit   69 a direct route; short cut   70 the US name for block (sense 15)   71 sport the spin of a cut ball   72 cricket a stroke made with the bat in a roughly horizontal position   73 films an immediate transition from one shot to the next, brought about by splicing the two shots together   74 informal an individual piece of music on a record; track   75 words or an action that hurt another person's feelings   76 a refusal to recognize an acquaintance; snub   77 informal, chiefly US an unauthorized absence, esp from a school class   78 chem a fraction obtained in distillation, as in oil refining   79 the metal removed in a single pass of a machine tool   80    a the shape of the teeth of a file   b their coarseness or fineness   81 Brit a stretch of water, esp a canal   82 a cut above informal superior (to); better (than)   83 make the cut golf to better or equal the required score after two rounds in a strokeplay tournament, thus avoiding elimination from the final two rounds   84 miss the cut golf to achieve a greater score after the first two rounds of a strokeplay tournament than that required to play in the remaining two rounds [C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian kutte to cut, Icelandic kuti small knife]

■ cutability (ˌkʌtəˈbIlItI)   n, pl -ties   cookery the portion of saleable lean meat on a carcass

■ cut across   vb (preposition)   1 (intr) to be contrary to ordinary procedure or limitations: opinion on European integration still cuts clean across party lines   2 to cross or traverse, making a shorter route: she cut across the field quickly

■ cut along   vb   (intr, adverb) Brit informal to hurry off

■ cut-and-cover   adj   designating a method of constructing a tunnel by excavating a cutting to the required depth and then backfilling the excavation over the tunnel roof

■ cut and paste   n   a technique used in word processing by which a section of text can be moved within a document

■ cut and thrust   n   1 fencing using both the blade and the point of a sword   2 (in argument, debate, etc) a lively and spirited exchange of ideas or opinions

■ cutaway (ˈkʌtəˌweI)   n   1 a man's coat cut diagonally from the front waist to the back of the knees   2    a a drawing or model of a machine, engine, etc, in which part of the casing is omitted to reveal the workings   b (as modifier): a cutaway model   3 films, television a shot separate from the main action of a scene, to emphasize something or to show simultaneous events

■ cutback (ˈkʌtˌbæk)   n   1 a decrease or reduction   2 another word (esp US) for flashback   ▷ vb cut back (adverb)   3 (tr) to shorten by cutting off the end; prune   4 (when intr, foll by on) to reduce or make a reduction (in)   5 (intr) chiefly US (in films) to show an event that took place earlier in the narrative; flash back

■ cutbank (ˈkʌtˌbæŋk)   n   geography the outer, steeper bank of a bend or meander in a river or stream

■ cutdown (ˈkʌtˌdaʊn)   n   1 a decrease or reduction in the number, size, or incidence of anything   2 surgery an incision made to gain vascular access

■ cut down   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to fell   2 (when intr, often foll by on) to reduce or make a reduction (in): to cut down on drink   3 (tr) to remake (an old garment) in order to make a smaller one   4 (tr) to kill: he was cut down in battle   5 cut a person down to size to reduce in importance or decrease the conceit of

■ cut glass   n   1    a glass, esp bowls, vases, etc, decorated by facet-cutting or grinding   b (as modifier): a cut-glass vase   2 (modifier) (of an accent) upper-class; refined

■ cutgrass (ˈkʌtˌɡrɑːs)   n   the general name for any grass of the genus Leersia, native to the Americas and Eurasia

■ cut in   vb (adverb)   1 Also: cut into (intr; often foll by on) to break in or interrupt   2 (intr) to interrupt a dancing couple to dance with one of them   3 (intr) (of a driver, motor vehicle, etc) to draw in front of another vehicle leaving too little space   4 (tr) informal to allow to have a share   5 (intr) to take the place of a person in a card game   ▷ n cut-in   6 Also called: insert films a separate shot or scene inserted at a relevant point

■ cutline (ˈkʌtˌlaIn)   n   1 US and Canadian a caption accompanying an illustration   2 US and Canadian a line marked on a piece of wood, metal, etc, to show where it is to be cut

■ cut off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to remove by cutting   2 to intercept or interrupt something, esp a telephone conversation   3 to discontinue the supply of: to cut off the water   4 to bring to an end   5 to deprive of rights; disinherit: she was cut off without a penny   6 to sever or separate: she was cut off from her family   7 to occupy a position so as to prevent or obstruct (a retreat or escape)   ▷ n cutoff   8    a the act of cutting off; limit or termination   b (as modifier): the cutoff point   9 chiefly US a route or way that is shorter than the usual one; short cut   10 a device to terminate the flow of a fluid in a pipe or duct   11 Also called: offcut the remnant of metal, plastic, etc, left after parts have been machined or trimmed   12 electronics   a the value of voltage, frequency, etc, below or above which an electronic device cannot function efficiently   b (as modifier): cutoff voltage   13 geography a channel cutting across the neck of a meander, which leaves an oxbow lake   14 geography another name for oxbow (sense 2)

■ cutoffs or cut-offs (ˈkʌtɒfs)   pl n   trousers that have been shortened to calf length or to make shorts

■ cut out   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to delete or remove   2 (tr) to shape or form by cutting: to cut out a dress   3 (tr; usually passive) to suit or equip for: you're not cut out for this job   4 (intr) (of an engine, etc) to cease to operate suddenly   5 (tr) printing to remove the background from a photograph or drawing to make the outline of the subject stand out   6 (intr) (of an electrical device) to switch off, usually automatically   7 (tr) informal to oust and supplant (a rival)   8 (intr) (of a person) to be excluded from a card game   9 (tr) informal to cease doing something, esp something undesirable (esp in the phrase cut it out)   10 (tr) soccer to intercept (a pass)   11 (tr) to separate (cattle) from a herd   12 (intr) Austral and NZ to end or finish: the road cuts out at the creek   13 have one's work cut out to have as much work as one can manage   ▷ n cutout   14 something that has been or is intended to be cut out from something else   15 a photograph or drawing from which the background has been cut away   16 a device that switches off or interrupts an electric circuit, esp a switch acting as a safety device   17 an impressed stamp cut out from an envelope for collecting purposes   18 Austral slang the end of shearing

■ cutover (ˈkʌtˌəʊvə)   n   1 an area cleared of timber   2 a transitional period in a computer system changeover during which old and new systems work concurrently

■ cut-price or esp US cut-rate   adj   1 available at prices or rates below the standard price or rate   2 (prenominal) offering goods or services at prices below the standard price: a cut-price shop

■ cutpurse (ˈkʌtˌpɜːs)   n   an archaic word for pickpocket

■ cutscene (ˈkʌtˌsiːn)   n   (in a video game) a short narrative sequence that provides a transition between periods of active gameplay

■ cut sheet feed   n   computing the automatic movement of single sheets of paper through the platen of the printer

■ cut string   n   another name for bridgeboard

■ cuttable (ˈkʌtəbəl)   adj   capable of being cut

■ cuttage (ˈkʌtIdʒ)   n   botany the process of propagation by using a stem or other fragment taken from a growing plant

■ cutter (ˈkʌtə)   n   1 a person or thing that cuts, esp a person who cuts cloth for clothing   2 a sailing boat with its mast stepped further aft so as to have a larger foretriangle than that of a sloop   3 a ship's boat, powered by oars or sail, for carrying passengers or light cargo   4 a small lightly armed boat, as used in the enforcement of customs regulations   5 a pig weighing between 68 and 82 kg, from which fillets and larger joints are cut

■ cut-throat   n   1 a person who cuts throats; murderer   2 Also called: cut-throat razor Brit a razor with a long blade that usually folds into the handle. US name: straight razor   ▷ adj   3 bloodthirsty or murderous; cruel   4 fierce or relentless in competition: cut-throat prices   5 (of some games) played by three people: cut-throat poker

■ cutting (ˈkʌtIŋ)   n   1 a piece cut off from the main part of something   2 horticulture   a a method of vegetative propagation in which a part of a plant, such as a stem or leaf, is induced to form its own roots   b a part separated for this purpose   3 Also called (esp US and Canadian): clipping an article, photograph, etc, cut from a newspaper or other publication   4 the editing process by which a film is cut and made   5 an excavation in a piece of high land for a road, railway, etc, enabling it to remain at approximately the same level   6 Irish informal sharp-wittedness: there is no cutting in him   7 (modifier) designed for or adapted to cutting; edged; sharp: a cutting tool   ▷ adj   8 keen; piercing: a cutting wind   9 tending to hurt the feelings: a cutting remark   > ˈcuttingly adv

■ cutting compound   n   engineering a mixture, such as oil, water, and soap, used for cooling drills and other cutting tools

■ cutting edge   n   1 the leading position in any field; forefront: on the cutting edge of space technology   ▷ adj cutting-edge   2 at the forefront of people or things in a field of activity; leading: cutting-edge technology

■ cutting grass   n   a W African name for cane rat (sense 1)

■ cutting horse   n   US and Canadian a saddle horse trained for use in separating an individual animal, such as a cow, from a herd

■ cutty (ˈkʌtI) Scot and Northern English dialect   adj   1 short or cut short   ▷ n, pl -ties   2 something cut short, such as a spoon or short-stemmed tobacco pipe   3 derogatory an immoral girl or woman   4 a short thickset girl   5 derogatory, offensive an irritable woman [C18 (Scottish and northern English): from CUT (vb)]

■ cutty grass   n   a species of sedge, Cyperus ustulatus, of New Zealand with sharp leaves

■ cutty stool   n   (formerly, in Scotland) the church seat on which an unchaste person sat while being harangued by the minister

■ cut up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to cut into pieces   2 to inflict injuries on   3 (usually passive) informal to affect the feelings of deeply   4 informal to subject to severe criticism   5 informal (of a driver) to overtake or pull in front of (another driver) in a dangerous manner   6 cut up rough Brit informal to become angry or bad-tempered   ▷ n cut-up   7 informal, chiefly US a joker or prankster

■ cut-up technique   n   a technique of writing involving cutting up lines or pages of prose and rearranging these fragments, popularized by the novelist William Burroughs (1914–97)

■ cutwater (ˈkʌtˌwɔːtə)   n   the forward part of the stem of a vessel, which cuts through the water

■ cutwork (ˈkʌtˌwɜːk)   n   openwork embroidery in which the pattern is cut away from the background

■ cutworm (ˈkʌtˌwɜːm)   n   the caterpillar of various noctuid moths, esp those of the genus Argrotis, which is a pest of young crop plants in North America

cutaneous (kjuːˈteInIəs)   adj   of, relating to, or affecting the skin [C16: from New Latin cutāneus, from Latin cutis skin; see HIDE^2]   > cuˈtaneously adv

cutch (kʌtʃ)   n   another name for catechu

Cutch (kʌtʃ)   n   a variant spelling of Kutch

cutcha (ˈkʌtʃə)   adj   Indian not standard crude; makeshift

cutcherry or cutchery (ˈkʌtʃərI)   n, pl -cherries or -cheries   (formerly, in India) government offices and law courts collectively [C17: from Hindi Kachachrī]

cute (kjuːt)   adj   1 appealing or attractive, esp in a pretty way   2 chiefly US informal sexually attractive   3 informal affecting cleverness or prettiness   4 clever; shrewd [C18 (in the sense: clever): shortened from ACUTE]   > ˈcutely adv   > ˈcuteness n

■ cutesy (ˈkjuːtsI)   adj cutesier, cutesiest   informal, chiefly US affectedly cute or coy

■ cutie or cutey (ˈkjuːtI)   n slang   a person regarded as appealing or attractive, esp a girl or woman

Cuthbert (ˈkʌθbət)   n   Saint. ?635–87 AD, English monk; bishop of Lindisfarne. Feast day: March 20

cuticle (ˈkjuːtIkəl)   n   1 dead skin, esp that round the base of a fingernail or toenail   2 another name for epidermis   3 any covering layer or membrane   4 the protective layer, containing cutin, that covers the epidermis of higher plants   5 the hard protective layer covering the epidermis of many invertebrates [C17: from Latin cutīcula diminutive of cutis skin]   > cuticular (kjuːˈtIkjʊlə) adj

cuticula (kjuːˈtIkjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   anatomy cuticle [C18: from Latin; see CUTICLE]

cutin (ˈkjuːtIn)   n   a waxy waterproof substance, consisting of derivatives of fatty acids, that is the main constituent of plant cuticle [C19: from Latin cutis skin + -IN]

■ cutinize or cutinise (ˈkjuːtIˌnaIz)   vb   to become or cause to become covered or impregnated with cutin   > ˌcutiniˈzation or ˌcutiniˈsation n

cutis (ˈkjuːtIs)   n, pl -tes (-tiːz) or -tises   zoology a technical name for skin [C17: from Latin: skin]

cutlass (ˈkʌtləs)   n   a curved, one-edged sword formerly used by sailors [C16: from French coutelas, from coutel knife, from Latin cultellus a small knife, from culter knife; see COULTER]

■ cutlass fish   n   US another name for hairtail

cutlery (ˈkʌtlərI)   n   1 implements used for eating, such as knives, forks, and spoons   2 instruments used for cutting   3 the art or business of a cutler

■ cutler (ˈkʌtlə)   n   a person who makes or sells cutlery [C14: from French coutelier, ultimately from Latin culter knife; see CUTLASS]

cutlet (ˈkʌtlIt)   n   1 a piece of meat taken esp from the best end of neck of lamb, pork, etc   2 a flat croquette of minced chicken, lobster, etc [C18: from Old French costelette, literally: a little rib, from coste rib, from Latin costa]

CUTS (kʌts)   n acronym for   Computer Users' Tape System

Cuttack (kʌˈtæk)   n   a city in NE India, in E Odisha (formerly Orissa) near the mouth of the Mahanadi River: former state capital until 1948. Pop: 535 139 (2001)

cuttle (ˈkʌtəl)   n   1 short for cuttlefish, cuttlebone   2 little cuttle a small cuttlefish, Sepiola atlantica, often found on beaches [Old English cudele; related to Old High German kiot bag, Norwegian dialect kaule cuttle, Old English codd bag]

■ cuttlebone (ˈkʌtəlˌbəʊn)   n   the internal calcareous shell of the cuttlefish, used as a mineral supplement to the diet of cage-birds and as a polishing agent

■ cuttlefish (ˈkʌtəlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any cephalopod mollusc of the genus Sepia and related genera, which occur near the bottom of inshore waters and have a broad flattened body: order Decapoda (decapods). Sometimes shortened to: cuttle. See also squid^1

cutto (ˈkʌtəʊ)   n, pl -toes   a large knife

Cutty Sark   n   a three-masted merchant clipper built in Dumbarton, Scotland in 1869, now kept as a museum ship at Greenwich, London; badly damaged by a fire in 2007; restored then reopened in 2012 [named after the witch in Robert Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter, who wore only a cutty sark (short shirt)]

cuvée (kuːˈveI)   n   an individual batch or blend of wine [C19: from French, literally: put in a cask, from cuve cask]

cuvette (kjuːˈvɛt)   n   a shallow dish or vessel for holding liquid [C17: from French, diminutive of cuve cask, from Latin cupa]

Cuvier (ˈkjuːvIeI; French kyvje)   n   Georges (Jean-Leopold-Nicolas-Frédéric) (ʒɔrʒ), Baron. 1769–1832, French zoologist and statesman; founder of the sciences of comparative anatomy and palaeontology

Cuxhaven (ˈkʊksˌhɑːvən; German kʊksˈhaːfən)   n   a port in NW Germany, at the mouth of the River Elbe. Pop: 52 876 (2003 est)

Cuyabá (Portuguese kujaˈba)   n   a variant spelling of Cuiabá

Cuyp or Kuyp (kaIp; Dutch kœip)   n   Aelbert (ˈaːlbert). 1620–91, Dutch painter of landscapes and animals

cuz (kʌz)   n informal   1 NZ a term used by a Māori to refer to or address a family member   2 Austral a term used by an Aboriginal person to refer to or address a family member [shortened from COUSIN]

Cuzco (Spanish ˈkusko) or Cusco   n   a city in S central Peru: former capital of the Inca Empire, with extensive Inca remains; university (1692). Pop: 307 000 (2005 est)

cuzzie (ˈkʌzI) or cuzzie-bro (ˈkʌzIˌbrəʊ)   n NZ   a close friend or family member, often used in direct address [C20: from COUSIN]

cv   the internet domain name for   Cap Verde

CV   abbreviation for   1 curriculum vitae   2 (in Canada) Cross of Valour

CVA   abbreviation for   cerebrovascular accident

CVD   abbreviation for   cardiovascular disease

CVO   abbreviation for   Commander of the Royal Victorian Order

CVS   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Council of Voluntary Service   2 chorionic villus sampling   3 computing concurrent versions system

CW   abbreviation for   1 radio continuous waves   ▷ n   2    a an informal term for Morse code   b (as modifier): his CW speed is 30 words per minute   ▷ abbreviation for   3 chemical weapons or chemical warfare

CWA   abbreviation for (in Australia)   Country Women's Association

Cwlth   abbreviation for   Commonwealth

cwm (kuːm)   n   1 (in Wales) a valley   2 geology another name for cirque (sense 1)

Cwmbran (ˌkuːmˈbrɑːn)   n   a new town in SE Wales, in Torfaen county borough, developed in the 1950s. Pop: 47 254 (2001)

c.w.o. or CWO   abbreviation for   cash with order

CWS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Cooperative Wholesale Society

cwt   abbreviation for   hundredweight [c, from the Latin numeral C one hundred (centum)]

CWU   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Communications Workers Union

cx   the internet domain name for   Christmas Island

CY   abbreviation for   Cyprus (international car registration)

-cy   suffix   1 (forming nouns from adjectives ending in -t, -tic, -te, and -nt) indicating state, quality, or condition: plutocracy; lunacy; intimacy; infancy   2 (forming abstract nouns from other nouns) rank or office: captaincy [via Old French from Latin -cia, -tia, Greek -kia, -tia, abstract noun suffixes]

CYA   abbreviation for   1 text messaging see you: used as a farewell in text messages, emails, etc   2 cover your ass, used in business to refer to protective policies and practices [C20]

cyan (ˈsaIæn, ˈsaIən)   n   1 a highly saturated green-blue that is the complementary colour of red and forms, with magenta and yellow, a set of primary colours   ▷ adj   2 of this colour: a cyan filter [C19: from Greek kuanos dark blue]

cyan-   combining form   a variant of cyano-: cyanamide; cyanide

cyanamide (saIˈænəˌmaId, -mId) or cyanamid (saIˈænəmId)   n   1 Also called: cyanogenamide (ˌsaIənəʊˈdʒɛnəˌmaId, -mId) a white or colourless crystalline soluble weak dibasic acid, which can be hydrolysed to urea. Formula: H_2NCN   2 a salt or ester of cyanamide   3 short for calcium cyanamide

cyanate (ˈsaIəˌneIt)   n   any salt or ester of cyanic acid, containing the ion –OCN or the group –OCN

cyanic acid (saIˈænIk)   n   a colourless poisonous volatile liquid acid that hydrolyses readily to ammonia and carbon dioxide. Formula: HOCN. Compare isocyanic acid, fulminic acid

cyanide (ˈsaIəˌnaId) or cyanid (ˈsaIənId)   n   1 any salt of hydrocyanic acid. Cyanides contain the ion CN– and are extremely poisonous   2 another name (not in technical usage) for nitrile   > ˌcyaniˈdation n

■ cyanide process   n   a process for recovering gold and silver from ores by treatment with a weak solution of sodium cyanide. Also called: cyaniding

■ cyanize or cyanise (ˈsaIəˌnaIz)   vb   to turn into cyanide

cyanine (ˈsaIəˌniːn) or cyanin (ˈsaIənIn)   n   1 a blue dye used to extend the sensitivity of photographic emulsions to colours other than blue and ultraviolet   2 any of a class of chemically related dyes, used for the same purpose

cyanite (ˈsaIəˌnaIt)   n   a variant spelling of kyanite   > cyanitic (ˌsaIəˈnItIk) adj

cyano- or before a vowel cyan-   combining form   1 blue or dark blue: cyanotype   2 indicating cyanogen: cyanohydrin   3 indicating cyanide [from Greek kuanos (adj) dark blue, (n) dark blue enamel, lapis lazuli]

cyanoacetylene (ˌsaIənəʊəˈsɛtIliːn)   n   chem a nitrile compound known to exist in interstellar clouds

cyanoacrylate (ˌsaIənəʊˈækrIleIt)   n   a substance with an acrylate base, usually sold in the form of a quick-setting highly adhesive glue

cyanobacteria (ˌsaIənəʊbækˈtIərIə)   pl n, sing -rium (-rIəm)   a group of photosynthetic bacteria (phylum Cyanobacteria) containing a blue photosynthetic pigment. Former name: blue-green algae

cyanocobalamin (ˌsaIənəʊkəʊˈbæləmIn) or cyanocobalamine (ˌsaIənəʊkəʊˈbæləmiːn)   n   a complex red crystalline compound, containing cyanide and cobalt and occurring in liver: lack of it in the tissues leads to pernicious anaemia. Formula: C_63H_88O_14N_14PCo. Also: vitamin B_12 [C20: from CYANO- + COBAL(T) + (VIT)AMIN]

cyanoethylate (ˌsaIənəʊˈɛθIˌleIt)   vb   (tr) to introduce a cyano-ethyl group into

■ cyanoethylation (ˌsaIənəʊˌɛθIˈleIʃən)   n   the act of introducing a cyano-ethyl group into a compound

cyanogen (saIˈænədʒIn)   n   an extremely poisonous colourless flammable gas with an almond-like odour: has been used in chemical warfare. Formula: (CN)2 [C19: from French cyanogène; see CYANO-, -GEN; so named because it is one of the constituents of Prussian blue]

cyanogenamide (ˌsaIənəʊˈdʒɛnəˌmaId, ˌsaIənəʊˈdʒɛnəˌmId)   n   another name for cyanamide (sense 1)

cyanogenesis (ˌsaIənəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   botany the release by certain plants, such as cherry laurel, of hydrogen cyanide, esp after wounding or invasion by pathogens

cyanogenic (ˌsaIənəʊˈdʒɛnIk) or cyanogenetic (ˌsaIənəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk)   adj   chem having the capability to generate or produce cyanide

cyanohydrin (ˌsaIənəʊˈhaIdrIn)   n   any of a class of organic compounds containing a cyanide group and a hydroxyl group bound to the same carbon atom

cyanometer (ˌsaIəˈnɒmItə)   n   an instrument used for measuring the blueness of the sky

cyanophyte (saIˈænəfaIt)   n   a former name for a cyanobacterium. See cyanobacteria

cyanosis (ˌsaIəˈnəʊsIs)   n   pathol a bluish-purple discoloration of skin and mucous membranes usually resulting from a deficiency of oxygen in the blood   > cyanotic (ˌsaIəˈnɒtIk) adj

■ cyanose (ˈsaIənəʊz)   n   pathol archaic a former name of cyanosis

■ cyanosed (ˈsaIənəʊzd)   adj   pathol another word for cyanotic

cyanotype (saIˈænəˌtaIp)   n   another name for blueprint (sense 1)

cyanurate (ˌsaIəˈnjʊəˌreIt)   n   chem a salt or ester derived from cyanide

cyanuret (saIˈænjʊərət)   n   chem obsolete cyanide

cyanuric acid (ˌsaIəˈnjʊərIk)   n   a white crystalline powder commonly used to stabilize chlorine in swimming pools. Formula C_3H_3N_3O_3

cyathium (saIˈæθIəm)   n   botany a form of inflorescence of the type found on the poinsettia

cyathus (ˈsaIəθəs)   n   1 an ancient measure of wine equivalent to approximately one twelfth of a pint   2 (in ancient Greece and Rome) a drinking cup with a large handle, used to extract wine from a large bowl

■ cyathiform (ˈsaIəθIˌfɔːm)   adj   botany shaped like a drinking glass or cup, with a wider upper section

Cybele (ˈsIbIlI)   n   classical myth the Phrygian goddess of nature, mother of all living things and consort of Attis; identified with the Greek Rhea or Demeter

cyber-   combining form   indicating computers: cyberphobia [C20: back formation from CYBERNETICS]

cyberathlete (ˈsaIbəˌæθliːt)   n   a professional player of computer games   > ˌcyberathˈletics n

cyberattack (ˈsaIbərəˌtæk)   n   an attempt to damage or disrupt a computer system, or obtain information stored on a computer system, by means of hacking

cyberbully (ˈsaIbəˌbʊlI)   n, pl -lies   someone who uses electronic communication to hurt, persecute or intimidate people   > ˈcyberˌbullying n

cybercafé (ˈsaIbəˌkæfeI, -ˌkæfI)   n   a café with computer equipment that gives public access to the internet

cyberchondria (ˌsaIbəˈkɒndrIə)   n   unfounded anxiety concerning the state of one's health brought on by visiting health and medical websites [c21: from CYBER(SPACE) + (HYPO)CHONDRIA]   > ˌcyberˈchondriˌac n, adj

cybercrime (ˈsaIbəˌkraIm)   n   1 the illegal use of computers and the internet   2 crime committed by means of computers or the internet   > ˌcyberˈcriminal n

CyberKnife or Cyberknife (ˈsaIbəˌnaIf)   n   med trademark a laser surgery technique which uses a mobile robotic arm to target tumours, etc, more effectively than conventional radiotherapy

Cyber Monday   n   the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, promoted by online shops as a day of exceptional discounts

cyber mosque   n   a website dealing with Islamic religious matters

cybernate (ˈsaIbəˌneIt)   vb   to control (a manufacturing process) with a servomechanism or (of a process) to be controlled by a servomechanism [C20: from CYBER(NETICS) + -ATE^1]   > ˌcyberˈnation n

cybernaut (ˈsaIbənɔːt)   n   a person who is an expert in or uses the internet a lot

cybernetics (ˌsaIbəˈnɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with control systems in electronic and mechanical devices and the extent to which useful comparisons can be made between man-made and biological systems. See also feedback (sense 1) [C20: from Greek kubernētēs steersman, from kubernan to steer, control]   > ˌcyberˈnetic or ˌcyberˈnetical adj   > ˌcyberˈnetically adv   > ˌcyberˈneticist or cybernetician (ˌsaIbənɛˈtIʃən) n

cyberpet (ˈsaIbəˌpɛt)   n   an electronic toy that simulates the activities of a pet, requiring the owner to feed, discipline, and entertain it

cyberphobia (ˌsaIbəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an irrational fear of computers   > ˌcyberˈphobic adj

cyberporn (ˈsaIbəˌpɔːn)   n   any pornography accessible online

cyberpunk (ˈsaIbəˌpʌŋk)   n   1 a genre of science fiction that features rebellious computer hackers and is set in a dystopian society integrated by computer networks   2 a writer of cyberpunk

cybersecurity (ˌsaIbəˌsIˈkjʊərItI)   n   computing the state of being safe from electronic crime and the measures taken to achieve this

cybersex (ˈsaIbəˌsɛks)   n   1 the exchanging of sexual messages or information via the internet   2 sexual activity performed remotely by means of virtual reality equipment

cyberspace (ˈsaIbəˌspeIs)   n   all of the data stored in a large computer or network represented as a three-dimensional model through which a virtual-reality user can move

cybersquatting (ˈsaIbəˌskwɒtIŋ)   n   the practice of registering an internet domain name that is likely to be wanted by another person, business, or organization in the hope that it can be sold to them for a profit   > ˈcyberˌsquatter n

cyberstalking (ˈsaIbəˌstɔːkIŋ)   n   the practice of using electronic communications to harass someone persistently   > ˈcyberˌstalker n

cyberterrorism (ˈsaIbəˌtɛrərIzəm)   n   the unlawful and politically motivated use of computers and online technology to cause fear, disruption, or financial loss   > ˈcyberˌterrorist n

cyberwar (ˈsaIbəˌwɔː)   n   another term for information warfare

cyborg (ˈsaIˌbɔːɡ)   n   (in science fiction) a living being whose powers are enhanced by computer implants or mechanical body parts [C20: from cyb(ernetic) org(anism)]

cybrarian (saIˈbrɛərIən)   n   not standard a person responsible for archives and information available on the internet

cybrid (ˈsaIbrId)   n   a hybrid cell, being a fusion of a whole cell with a cytoplasm, containing a nuclear genome from one source and a mitochondrial genome from another [c21: from CY(TOPLASMIC) + (HY)BRID]

cycad (ˈsaIkæd)   n   any tropical or subtropical gymnosperm plant of the phylum Cycadophyta, having an unbranched stem with fernlike leaves crowded at the top. See also sago palm (sense 2) [C19: from New Latin Cycas name of genus, from Greek kukas, scribe's error for koïkas, from koïx a kind of palm, probably of Egyptian origin]   > ˌcycaˈdaceous adj

■ cycadeoid (saIˈkædIˌɔId)   n   a member of an order of plants with woody stems and tough leaves that became extinct during the Cretaceous period

■ cycadophyte (saIˈkædəˌfaIt)   n   any plant belonging to the phylum Cycadophyta

cycas (ˈsaIkæs, ˈsaIkəs)   n   a palm-like plant of the genus Cycas, native to equatorial regions

cycasin (ˈsaIkəsIn)   n   biochem a glucoside occurring in cycads, toxic and carcinogenic to mammals

cycl-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of cyclo-

Cyclades (ˈsIkləˌdiːz)   pl n   a group of over 200 islands in the S Aegean Sea, forming a department of Greece. Capital: Hermoupolis (Ermoupoli, on Syros). Pop: 112 615 (2001). Area: 2572 sq km (993 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Kikládhes

■ Cycladic (sIˈklædIk)   adj   of or relating to the Cyclades or their inhabitants

cyclamate (ˈsaIkləˌmeIt, ˈsIkləˌmeIt)   n   a salt or ester of cyclamic acid. Certain of the salts have a very sweet taste and were formerly used as food additives and sugar substitutes [C20: cycl(ohexyl-sulph)amate]

cyclamen (ˈsIkləmən, -ˌmɛn)   n   1 any Old World plant of the primulaceous genus Cyclamen, having nodding white, pink, or red flowers, with reflexed petals. See also sowbread   ▷ adj   2 of a dark reddish-purple colour [C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin cyclamīnos, from Greek kuklaminos, probably from kuklos circle, referring to the bulb-like roots]

cyclandelate (saIˈklændəˌleIt)   n   physiol a medicine for relaxing smooth muscle and encouraging blood cell dilation

cyclanthaceous (ˌsaIklænˈθeIʃəs)   adj   belonging to the Cyclanthaceae, a S American family of tropical plants

cyclase (ˈsaIkleIz)   n   biochem an enzyme that acts as a catalyst in the formation of a cyclic compound

cyclazocine (saIˈklæzəˌsiːn, saIˈklæzəsIn)   n   pharmacol an opiate antagonist used to inhibit the effects of morphine or heroin

cycle (ˈsaIkəl)   n   1 a recurring period of time in which certain events or phenomena occur and reach completion or repeat themselves in a regular sequence   2 a completed series of events that follows or is followed by another series of similar events occurring in the same sequence   3 the time taken or needed for one such series   4 a vast period of time; age; aeon   5 a group of poems or prose narratives forming a continuous story about a central figure or event: the Arthurian cycle   6 a series of miracle plays: the Chester cycle   7 a group or sequence of songs. See song cycle   8 short for bicycle, tricycle, motorcycle   9 astronomy the orbit of a celestial body   10 a recurrent series of events or processes in plants and animals: a life cycle; a growth cycle; a metabolic cycle   11 physics a continuous change or a sequence of changes in the state of a system that leads to the restoration of the system to its original state after a finite period of time   12 one of a series of repeated changes in the magnitude of a periodically varying quantity, such as current or voltage   13 computing   a a set of operations that can be both treated and repeated as a unit   b the time required to complete a set of operations   c one oscillation of the regular voltage waveform used to synchronize processes in a digital computer   14 (in generative grammar) the set of cyclic rules   ▷ vb   15 (tr) to process through a cycle or system   16 (intr) to move in or pass through cycles   17 to travel by or ride a bicycle or tricycle [C14: from Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kuklos cycle, circle, ring, wheel; see WHEEL]   > ˈcycling n, adj

■ cyclecar (ˈsaIkəlˌkɑː)   n   old-fashioned a light, open-air automobile with three or four wheels

■ cycle of erosion   n   the hypothetical sequence of modifications to the earth's surface by erosion, from the original uplift of the land to the ultimate low plain, usually divided into the youthful, mature, and old stages

■ cyclepath (ˈsaIkəlˌpɑːθ)   n   a path for the exclusive use of cyclists

■ cyclery (ˈsaIkəlrI)   n, pl cycleries   US a business dealing in bicycles and bicycle accessories

■ cycleway (ˈsaIkəlˌweI)   n   Brit a path created for cyclists to use

■ cyclic (ˈsaIklIk, ˈsIklIk) or cyclical (ˈsaIklIkəl, ˈsIklIkəl)   adj   1 recurring or revolving in cycles   2 (of an organic compound) containing a closed saturated or unsaturated ring of atoms. See also heterocyclic, homocyclic   3 botany   a arranged in whorls: cyclic petals   b having parts arranged in this way: cyclic flowers   4 music of or relating to a musical form consisting of several movements sharing thematic material   5 geometry (of a polygon) having vertices that lie on a circle   6 (in generative grammar) denoting one of a set of transformational rules all of which must apply to a clause before any one of them applies to any clause in which the first clause is embedded   > ˈcyclically or ˈcyclicly adv

■ cyclicality (ˌsIklIˈkælItI)   n   the property or characteristic of being cyclical

■ cyclical unemployment   n   unemployment caused by fluctuations in the level of economic activity inherent in trade cycles

■ cyclic AMP   n   cyclic adenosine monophosphate: a constituent of biological cells, responsible for triggering processes that are dependent on hormones

■ cyclicism (ˈsIklIˌsIzəm) or cyclicity (sIkˈlIsItI)   n   the property of being cyclic

■ cyclic pitch lever   n   a lever in a helicopter to change the angle of attack of individual rotor blades, causing the helicopter to move forwards, backwards, or sideways. Compare collective pitch lever

■ cycling shorts   pl n   tight-fitting shorts reaching partway to the knee for cycling, sport, etc

■ cyclist (ˈsaIklIst) or US cycler   n   a person who rides or travels by bicycle, motorcycle, etc

■ cyclization or cyclisation (ˌsaIkləˈzeIʃən)   n   chem the process by which the atoms of a compound become a closed ring

■ cyclize or cyclise (ˈsaIklaIz)   vb (tr)   chem to cause (a compound) to undergo cyclization

cyclin (ˈsaIklIn)   n   biochem a type of protein in cell nuclei whose concentration changes cyclically throughout the cell cycle

cyclitol (ˈsIklItɒl)   n   biochem an alicyclic compound

cyclizine (ˈsaIkləˌziːn)   n   an antihistamine drug used to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness and vertigo

cyclo- or before a vowel cycl-   combining form   1 indicating a circle or ring: cyclotron   2 denoting a cyclic compound: cyclohexane [from Greek kuklos CYCLE]

cycloaddition (ˌsaIkləʊəˈdIʃən)   n   chem a type of pericyclic chemical reaction

cycloaliphatic (ˌsaIkləʊˌælIˈfætIk)   adj   (of an organic compound) aliphatic in chemical behaviour but having its carbon atoms in a ring

cycloalkane (ˌsaIkləʊˈælkeIn)   n   any saturated hydrocarbon similar to an alkane but having a cyclic molecular structure and the general formula CnH_2n. Also called: cycloparaffin

cyclobarbitone (ˌsaIkləʊˈbɑːbItəʊn)   n   a barbiturate derivative drug used as a sedative and hypnotic

cyclo-cross   n     a a form of cycle race held over rough ground   b this sport

cyclodextrin (ˌsaIkləʊˈdɛkstrIn)   n   biochem any of a group of cyclic oligosaccharides found in starch digests of certain bacteria

cyclodialysis (ˌsaIkləʊdaIˈælIsIs)   n   a surgical procedure in the treatment of glaucoma whereby an opening is created between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space in order to alleviate pressure

cyclodiene (ˌsaIkləʊˈdaIiːn)   n   chem a group of organic insecticides, many of which are banned in the US and Europe

cyclogenesis (ˌsaIkləʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   meteorol the formation and development of a low-pressure storm system

cyclogiro (ˈsaIkləʊˌdʒaIrəʊ)   n   aeronautics obsolete an aircraft lifted and propelled by pivoted blades rotating parallel to roughly horizontal transverse axes

cyclograph (ˈsaIkləʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   another name for arcograph

■ cyclographic (ˌsaIkləʊˈɡræfIk)   adj   of or relating to a cyclograph

cyclohexadiene-1,4-quinone (ˌsaIkləʊˌhɛksəˈdaIiːn)   n   another name for benzoquinone

cyclohexane (ˌsaIkləʊˈhɛkseIn, ˌsIk-)   n   a colourless insoluble flammable liquid cycloalkane with a pungent odour, made by hydrogenation of benzene and used as a paint remover and solvent. Formula: C_6H_12

cyclohexanone (ˌsaIkləʊˈhɛksəˌnəʊn)   n   a colourless liquid used as a solvent for cellulose lacquers. Formula: C_6H_10O

cycloheximide (ˌsaIkləʊˈhɛksəˌmaId)   n   chem a toxic antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis, used as a fungicide in agriculture

cyclohexylamine (ˌsaIkləʊhɛkˈsIləˌmiːn, ˌsaIkləʊhɛkˈsIləmIn)   n   biochem a highly toxic and hazardous organic chemical derived from cyclohexane

cycloid (ˈsaIklɔId)   adj   1 resembling a circle   2 (of fish scales) rounded, thin, and smooth-edged, as those of the salmon   3 psychiatry (of a type of personality) characterized by exaggerated swings of mood between elation and depression. See also cyclothymia   ▷ n   4 geometry the curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as the circle rolls along a straight line. Compare trochoid (sense 1)   5 a fish that has cycloid scales   > cyˈcloidal adj   > cyˈcloidally adv

■ cycloidian (saIˈklɔIdIən)   adj   zoology of or pertaining to a cycloid

cyclolith (ˈsaIkləʊˌlIθ)   n   archaeol a stone circle

cyclometer (saIˈklɒmItə)   n   a device that records the number of revolutions made by a wheel and hence the distance travelled   > cyˈclometry n

cyclone (ˈsaIkləʊn)   n   1 another name for depression (sense 6)   2 a violent tropical storm; hurricane [C19: from Greek kuklōn a turning around, from kukloun to revolve, from kuklos wheel]   > cyclonic (saIˈklɒnIk), cyˈclonical or ˈcyclonal adj   > cyˈclonically adv

■ Cyclone (ˈsaIkləʊn)   adj   trademark Austral and NZ (of fencing) made of interlaced wire and metal

cyclonite (ˈsaIkləˌnaIt)   n   a white crystalline insoluble explosive prepared by the action of nitric acid on hexamethylenetetramine; cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine: used in bombs and shells. Formula: C_3H_6N_6O_6 [C20: from CYCLO- + (trimethylene-tri)nit(ramin)e]

cycloolefin (ˌsaIkləʊˈəʊlIˌfiːn)   n   another name for cycloalkane

■ cycloolefinic (ˌsaIkləʊˌɒlIˈfInIk)   adj   of or like a cycloolefin

cycloparaffin (ˌsaIkləʊˈpærəfIn, ˌsIk-)   n   another name for cycloalkane

cyclopedia or cyclopaedia (ˌsaIkləʊˈpiːdIə)   n   a less common word for encyclopedia   > ˌcycloˈpedic or ˌcycloˈpaedic adj   > ˌcycloˈpedist or ˌcycloˈpaedist n

cyclopentadiene (ˌsaIkləʊˌpɛntəˈdaIiːn)   n   a colourless liquid unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon obtained in the cracking of petroleum hydrocarbons and the distillation of coal tar: used in the manufacture of plastics and insecticides. Formula: C_5H_6

cyclopentane (ˌsaIkləʊˈpɛnteIn, ˌsIk-)   n   a colourless insoluble cycloalkane found in petroleum and used mainly as a solvent. Formula: C_5H_10

cyclopentolate (ˌsaIkləˈpɛntəˌleIt)   n   pharmacol a medicine administered as an eye drop that causes pupil dilation and relaxes the lens

cyclophosphamide (ˌsaIkləʊˈfɒsfəˌmaId)   n   an alkylating agent used in the treatment of leukaemia and lymphomas [C20: from CYCLO- + PHOSPH(ORUS) + AMIDE]

cycloplegia (ˌsaIkləʊˈpliːdʒIə, ˌsIk-)   n   paralysis of the muscles that adjust the shape of the lens of the eye, resulting in loss of ability to focus   > ˌcycloˈplegic adj

cyclopropane (ˌsaIkləʊˈprəʊpeIn, ˌsIk-)   n   a colourless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon, used in medicine as an anaesthetic; trimethylene. It is a cycloalkane with molecules containing rings of three carbon atoms. Formula: C_3H_6; boiling pt: –34°C

Cyclops (ˈsaIklɒps)   n, pl Cyclopes (saIˈkləʊpiːz) or Cyclopses   classical myth one of a race of giants having a single eye in the middle of the forehead, encountered by Odysseus in the Odyssey. See also Polyphemus [C15: from Latin Cyclōps, from Greek Kuklōps, literally: round eye, from kuklos circle + ōps eye]

■ Cyclopean (ˌsaIkləʊˈpiːən, saIˈkləʊpIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling the Cyclops   2 denoting, relating to, or having the kind of masonry used in preclassical Greek architecture, characterized by large dry undressed blocks of stone

■ cyclopian (saIˈkləʊpIən)   adj   having only one eye

■ cyclopic (saIˈklɒpIk)   adj   relating to or resembling a cyclops

■ cyclops (ˈsaIklɒps)   n, pl cyclops or cyclopes (saIˈkləʊpiːz)   any copepod of the genus Cyclops, characterized by having one eye

cyclorama (ˌsaIkləʊˈrɑːmə)   n   1 Also called: panorama a large picture, such as a battle scene, on the interior wall of a cylindrical room, designed to appear in natural perspective to a spectator in the centre   2 theatre   a a curtain or wall curving along the back of a stage, usually painted to represent the sky and serving to enhance certain lighting effects   b any set of curtains that enclose the back and sides of a stage setting [C19: CYCLO- + Greek horama view, sight, on the model of panorama]   > cycloramic (ˌsaIkləʊˈræmIk) adj

cycloserine (ˌsaIkləʊˈsIəriːn)   n   pharmacol an antibiotic effective in the treatment of tuberculosis

cyclosis (saIˈkləʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   biology the circulation of cytoplasm or cell organelles, such as food vacuoles in some protozoans [C19: from Greek kuklōsis an encircling, from kukloun to surround, from kuklos circle]

cyclospermous (ˌsaIkləʊˈspɜːməs)   adj   botany having the embryo curled around the central albumen

cyclosporin (ˌsaIkləʊˈspɔːrIn) or cyclosporine (ˌsaIkləˈspɔːriːn, ˌsaIkləˈspɔːrIn, ˌsIkləˈspɔːriːn, ˌsIkləˈspɔːrIn)   n   a variant spelling of ciclosporin

cyclostome (ˈsaIkləˌstəʊm, ˈsIk-)   n   1 any primitive aquatic jawless vertebrate of the class Cyclostomata, such as the lamprey and hagfish, having a round sucking mouth and pouchlike gills   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the class Cyclostomata   ▶ Also called: marsipobranch   > cyclostomate (saIˈklɒstəmIt, -ˌmeIt), cyclostomatous (ˌsaIkləʊˈstɒmətəs, -ˈstəʊmə-, ˌsIk-) or cyclostomous (saIˈklɒstəməs) adj

cyclostyle (ˈsaIkləˌstaIl)   n   1 a kind of pen with a small toothed wheel, used for cutting minute holes in a specially prepared stencil. Copies of the design so formed can be printed on a duplicator by forcing ink through the holes   2 an office duplicator using a stencil prepared in this way   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to print on a duplicator using such a stencil   > ˈcycloˌstyled adj

cyclothymia (ˌsaIkləʊˈθaImIə, ˌsIk-)   n   psychiatry old-fashioned a condition characterized by periodical swings of mood between excitement and depression, activity and inactivity   > ˌcycloˈthymic or ˌcycloˈthymiˌac adj, n

■ cyclothyme (ˈsIkləθaIm)   n   med a person with cyclothymia

cyclotomic (ˌsaIkləˈtɒmIk, ˌsIkləˈtɒmIk)   adj   relating to the mathematical problem of dividing a circle into a given number of equal segments

cyclotron (ˈsaIkləˌtrɒn)   n   a type of particle accelerator in which the particles spiral inside two D-shaped hollow metal electrodes placed facing each other under the effect of a strong vertical magnetic field, gaining energy by a high-frequency voltage applied between these electrodes

cyclus (ˈsaIkləs)   n   obsolete a cycle

cyder (ˈsaIdə)   n   a variant spelling (esp Brit) of cider

Cydnus (ˈsIdnəs)   n   the ancient name for the (River) Tarsus

cyesis (saIˈiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   med the technical name for pregnancy [from Greek kuēsis]

CYF   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Child, Youth, and Family: a section of the Ministry of Social Development

cygnet (ˈsIɡnIt)   n   a young swan [C15 sygnett, from Old French cygne swan, from Latin cygnus, from Greek kuknos]

Cygnus (ˈsIɡnəs)   n, Latin genitive Cygni (ˈsIɡnaI)   a constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Pegasus and Draco in the Milky Way. The constellation contains the Cygnus Loop supernova remnant, the intense radio galaxy Cygnus A, and the intense galactic X-ray source Cygnus X–1, which is probably a black hole [Latin: swan; see CYGNET]

cylinder (ˈsIlIndə)   n   1 a solid consisting of two parallel planes bounded by identical closed curves, usually circles, that are interconnected at every point by a set of parallel lines, usually perpendicular to the planes. Volume base area × length   2 a surface formed by a line moving round a closed plane curve at a fixed angle to it   3 any object shaped like a cylinder   4 the chamber in a reciprocating internal-combustion engine, pump, or compressor within which the piston moves. See also cylinder block   5 the rotating mechanism of a revolver, situated behind the barrel and containing cartridge chambers   6 printing any of the rotating drums on a printing press   7 Also called: cylinder seal a cylindrical seal of stone, clay, or precious stone decorated with linear designs, found in the Middle East and Balkans: dating from about 6000 BC   8 Also called: hot-water cylinder Brit a vertical cylindrical tank for storing hot water, esp an insulated one made of copper used in a domestic hot-water system   9 firing on all cylinders working or performing at full capability   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to provide (a system) with cylinders [C16: from Latin cylindrus, from Greek kulindros a roller, from kulindein to roll]   > ˈcylinder-ˌlike adj

■ cylinder barrel   n   engineering the metal casting containing a cylinder of a reciprocating internal-combustion engine

■ cylinder block   n   the metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling channels or fins of a reciprocating internal-combustion engine. Sometimes shortened to: block

■ cylinder head   n   the detachable metal casting that fits onto the top of a cylinder block. In an engine it contains part of the combustion chamber and in an overhead-valve four-stroke engine it houses the valves and their operating mechanisms. Sometimes shortened to: head

■ cylinder press   n   printing another name for flatbed press

■ cylindraceous (ˌsIlInˈdreIʃəs)   adj   geometry having a form similar to a cylinder

■ cylindrical (sIˈlIndrIkəl) or cylindric (sIˈlIndrIk)   adj   of, shaped like, or characteristic of a cylinder   > cyˌlindriˈcality or cyˈlindricalness n   > cyˈlindrically adv

■ cylindrical coordinates   pl n   three coordinates defining the location of a point in three-dimensional space in terms of its polar coordinates (r, θ) in one plane, usually the (x, y) plane, and its perpendicular distance, z, measured from this plane

■ cylindricity (ˌsIlInˈdrIsItI)   n   geometry the state or quality of being cylindrical

■ cylindriform (sIˈlIndrIˌfɔːm)   adj   geometry having the form or shape of a cylinder

■ cylindrite (sIˈlIndraIt)   n   mineralogy a mineral made up of cylindrical crystals containing tin, iron, lead, and antimony

■ cylindroid (ˈsIlInˌdrɔId)   n   1 a cylinder with an elliptical cross section   ▷ adj   2 resembling a cylinder

cylix (ˈsaIlIks, ˈsIl-)   n, pl -lices (-lIˌsiːz)   a variant of kylix

cyma (ˈsaImə)   n, pl -mae (-miː) or -mas   1 either of two mouldings having a double curve, part concave and part convex. Cyma recta has the convex part nearer the wall and cyma reversa has the concave part nearer the wall   2 botany a rare variant of cyme [C16: from New Latin, from Greek kuma something swollen, from kuein to be pregnant]

cymar or simarre (sIˈmɑː)   n   a woman's short fur-trimmed jacket, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries [C17: variant of simar, from French simarre, perhaps ultimately from Basque zamar sheepskin]

cymatics (saIˈmætIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 physics the study of wave phenomena, esp sound, and their visual representations   2 a therapy in which sound waves are directed at the body with the aim of promoting health

cymatium (sIˈmeItIəm, -ʃIəm)   n, pl -tia (-tIə, -ʃIə)   architect the top moulding of a classical cornice or entablature [C16: see CYMA]

cymbal (ˈsImbəl)   n   a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch consisting of a thin circular piece of brass, which vibrates when clashed together with another cymbal or struck with a stick [Old English cymbala, from Medieval Latin, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kumbalon, from kumbē something hollow]   > ˈcymbaler, ˌcymbalˈeer or ˈcymbalist n   > ˈcymbal-ˌlike adj

■ cymbalo (ˈsImbəˌləʊ)   n, pl -los   another name for dulcimer [from Italian; see CYMBAL]

Cymbeline (ˈsImbəliːn)   n   See Cunobelinus

cymbidium (sImˈbIdIəm)   n, pl -diums   a genus, Cymbidium, of subtropical and tropical orchids native to Australia and Asia, having boat-shaped showy flowers [C19: from Latin cymba boat, from Greek kumbē something hollow]

cymbiform (ˈsImbIˌfɔːm)   adj   botany having the shape of a boat

cyme (saIm)   n   an inflorescence in which the first flower is the terminal bud of the main stem and subsequent flowers develop as terminal buds of lateral stems [C18: from Latin cӯma cabbage sprout, from Greek kuma anything swollen; see CYMA]   > cymiferous (saIˈmIfərəs) adj

■ cymoid (ˈsaImɔId)   adj   architect, botany resembling a cyme or cyma

■ cymose (ˈsaIməʊs, -məʊz, saIˈməʊs) or cymous (ˈsaIməs)   adj   having the characteristics of a cyme   > ˈcymosely adv

cymene (ˈsaImiːn)   n   a colourless insoluble liquid with an aromatic odour that exists in three isomeric forms; methylpropylbenzene: used as solvents and for making synthetic resins. The para- isomer is present in several essential oils. Formula: CH_3C_6H_4CH(CH_3)2 [C19: cym- from Greek kuminon CUMIN + -ENE]

cymling (ˈsImlIŋ)   n   a type of squash with scalloped edges and creamy-white flesh

cymogene (ˈsaIməˌdʒiːn)   n   US a mixture of volatile flammable hydrocarbons, mainly butane, obtained in the distillation of petroleum [C19: from CYMENE + -GENE]

cymograph (ˈsaIməˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 a variant of kymograph   2 an instrument for tracing the outline of an architectural moulding   > cymographic (ˌsaIməˈɡræfIk) adj

cymophane (ˈsaIməˌfeIn)   n   a yellow or green opalescent variety of chrysoberyl [C19: from Greek kuma wave, undulation + -PHANE]

cymophanous (saIˈmɒfənəs)   adj   literary lustrous; brilliant

cymotrichy (saIˈmɒtrIkI)   n   the state of having wavy hair

■ cymotrichous (saIˈmɒtrIkəs)   adj   having wavy hair

Cymric or Kymric (ˈkImrIk)   n   1 the Welsh language   2 the Brythonic group of Celtic languages   3 a breed of medium-sized cat with soft semi-long hair   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to the Cymry, any of their languages, Wales, or the Welsh

Cymru (Welsh kumˈri)   n   the Welsh name for Wales^1

Cymry or Kymry (ˈkImrI)   n the Cymry (functioning as plural)   1 the Brythonic branch of the Celtic people, comprising the present-day Welsh, Cornish, and Bretons. See Brythonic   2 the Welsh people [Welsh: the Welsh]

cynanche (sIˈnæŋkI)   n   pathol any disease of the throat characterized by inflammation and swelling

cynegetic (ˌsInIˈdʒɛtIk)   adj   archaic of or relating to hunting with dogs

Cynewulf, Kynewulf (ˈkInIˌwʊlf) or Cynwulf (ˈkInˌwʊlf)   n   ?8th century AD, Anglo-Saxon poet; author of Juliana, The Ascension, Elene, and The Fates of the Apostles

cynghanedd (kʌŋˈhanɛð)   n   a complex system of rhyme and alliteration used in Welsh verse [from Welsh]

cynic (ˈsInIk)   n   1 a person who believes the worst about people or the outcome of events   ▷ adj   2 a less common word for cynical   3 astronomy of or relating to Sirius, the Dog Star [C16: via Latin from Greek Kunikos, from kuōn dog]

■ Cynic (ˈsInIk)   n   a member of a sect founded by Antisthenes that scorned worldly things and held that self-control was the key to the only good

■ cynical (ˈsInIkəl)   adj   1 distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish   2 sarcastic; mocking   3 showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality: the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way   > ˈcynically adv   > ˈcynicalness n

■ cynicism (ˈsInIˌsIzəm)   n   1 the attitude or beliefs of a cynic   2 a cynical action, remark, idea, etc

■ Cynicism (ˈsInIˌsIzəm)   n   the doctrines of the Cynics

cyno-   combining form   indicating a dog: cynopodous; cynophobia [from Greek kuōn dog]

cynodont (ˈsaInəˌdɒnt)   n   a carnivorous mammal-like reptile of the late Permian and Triassic periods, whose specialized teeth were well developed

cynomolgus (ˌsInəˈmɒlɡəs)   n, pl -gi (-ˌɡaI) or -guses   a macaque native to SE Asia. Also called: crab-eating macaque, long-tailed macaque

cynophilia (ˌsInəʊˈfIlIə)   n   a love of dogs

■ cynophilist (sIˈnɒfIlIst, saIˈnɒfIlIst)   adj   a person with a love of dogs

cynophobia (ˌsaInəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an irrational fear of dogs

cynopodous (saIˈnɒpədəs)   adj   (of some mammals, such as dogs) having claws that do not retract [from New Latin, from CYNO- + -PODOUS]

cynosure (ˈsInəˌzjʊə, -ʃʊə)   n   1 a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty   2 something that serves as a guide [C16: from Latin Cynosūra the constellation of Ursa Minor, from Greek Kunosoura, from CYNO- + oura tail]   > ˌcynoˈsural adj

Cynthia (ˈsInθIə)   n   another name for Artemis

cyperaceous (ˌsaIpəˈreIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Cyperaceae, a family of grasslike flowering plants with solid triangular stems, including the sedges, bulrush, cotton grass, and certain rushes. Some are grown as water plants or as ornamental grasses; and Cyperus papyrus is the papyrus plant. Compare juncaceous [C19: from New Latin Cypērus type genus, from Latin cypēros a kind of rush, from Greek kupeiros marsh plant, probably of Semitic origin]

cypher (ˈsaIfə)   n, vb   a variant spelling of cipher

cy pres or cypres (siː ˈpreI)   n   law the doctrine that the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as closely as practicable when literal compliance is impossible [C15: from Anglo-French, literally: as near (as possible, etc)]

cypress^1 (ˈsaIprəs)   n   1 any coniferous tree of the N temperate genus Cupressus, having dark green scalelike leaves and rounded cones: family Cupressaceae. See also Leyland cypress   2 any of several similar and related trees, such as the widely cultivated Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson's cypress), of the western US   3 any of various other coniferous trees, esp the swamp cypress   4 the wood of any of these trees [Old English cypresse, from Latin cyparissus, from Greek kuparissos; related to Latin cupressus]

■ cypress pine   n   any coniferous tree of the Australian genus Callitrus, having leaves in whorls and yielding valuable timber: family Cupressaceae

■ cypress vine   n   a tropical American convolvulaceous climbing plant, Ipomoea pennata, having finely divided compound leaves and scarlet or white tubular flowers

cypress^2 or cyprus (ˈsaIprəs)   n   a fabric, esp a fine silk, lawn, or crepelike material, often black and worn as mourning [C14 cyprus from the island of CYPRUS]

Cyprian^1 (ˈsIprIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Cyprus   2 of or resembling the ancient orgiastic worship of Aphrodite on Cyprus   ▷ n   3 (often not capital) obsolete a licentious person, esp a prostitute or dancer   ▷ n, adj   4 another word for Cypriot

Cyprian^2 (ˈsIprIən)   n   Saint. ?200–258 AD, bishop of Carthage and martyr. Feast day: Sept 26 or 16

cyprid (ˈsaIprId)   n   another name for cypris

cyprine^1 (ˈsIpraIn)   n   mineralogy a type of silicate mineral. Also called: vesuvianite

cyprine^2 (ˈsIpraIn)   adj   relating to the carp family

cyprinid (sIˈpraInId, ˈsIprInId)   n   1 any teleost fish of the mainly freshwater family Cyprinidae, typically having toothless jaws and cycloid scales and including such food and game fishes as the carp, tench, roach, rudd, and dace   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cyprinidae   3 resembling a carp; cyprinoid [C19: from New Latin Cyprīnidae, from Latin cyprīnus carp, from Greek kuprinos]

cyprinodont (sIˈprInəˌdɒnt, sIˈpraI-)   n   1 any small tropical or subtropical soft-finned fish of the mostly marine family Cyprinodontidae, resembling carp but having toothed jaws. The group includes the guppy, killifish, swordtail, and topminnow   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cyprinodontidae [C19: from Latin cyprīnus carp (see CYPRINID) + -ODONT]

cyprinoid (ˈsIprIˌnɔId, sIˈpraInɔId)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Cyprinoidea, a large suborder of teleost fishes including the cyprinids, characins, electric eels, and loaches   2 of, relating to, or resembling the carp   ▷ n   3 any fish belonging to the Cyprinoidea [C19: from Latin cyprīnus carp]

Cypriot (ˈsIprIət) or Cypriote (ˈsIprIˌəʊt)   n   1 a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Cyprus   2 the dialect of Ancient or Modern Greek spoken in Cyprus   ▷ adj   3 denoting or relating to Cyprus, its inhabitants, or dialects

cypripedia (ˌsIprIˈpiːdIə)   n   any plant or flower of the genus Cypripedium

cypripedium (ˌsIprIˈpiːdIəm)   n   1 any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, having large flowers with an inflated pouchlike lip. See also lady's-slipper   2 any cultivated tropical orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, having yellow, green, or brownish-purple waxy flowers [C18: from New Latin, from Latin Cypria the Cyprian, that is, Venus + pēs foot (that is, Venus' slipper)]

cypris (ˈsIprIs)   n   a member of a genus of small bivalve freshwater crustaceans

cyproheptadine (ˌsaIprəʊˈhɛptəˌdiːn)   n   a type of antihistamine drug used in the treatment of allergies

cyproterone (saIˈprɒtəˌrəʊn)   n   an antiandrogen drug that suppresses testosterone in the body

Cyprus (ˈsaIprəs)   n   an island in the E Mediterranean: ceded to Britain by Turkey in 1878 and made a colony in 1925; became an independent republic in 1960 as a member of the Commonwealth; invaded by Turkey in 1974 following a Greek-supported military coup, leading to the partition of the island. In 1983 the Turkish-controlled northern sector declared itself to be an independent state as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but failed to receive international recognition. Attempts by the UN to broker a reunification agreement have failed. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004. The UK maintains two enclaves as military bases (Akrotiri and Dhekelia Sovereign Base Areas), which are not included in Cyprus politically. Languages: Greek and Turkish. Religions: Greek Orthodox and Muslim. Currency: euro and Turkish lira. Capital: Nicosia. Pop: 1 179 551 (2017 est). Area: 9251 sq km (3571 sq miles)

cypsela (ˈsIpsIlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   the dry one-seeded fruit of the daisy and related plants, which resembles an achene but is surrounded by a calyx sheath [C19: from New Latin, from Greek kupselē chest, hollow vessel]

Cyrano de Bergerac (French sirano də bɛrʒərak)   n   Savinien (savinjɛ̃). 1619–55, French writer and soldier, famous as a duellist and for his large nose. He became widely known through the verse drama Cyrano de Bergerac (1897) by Edmond Rostand

Cyrenaic (ˌsaIrəˈneIIk, ˌsIrə-)   adj   1 (in the ancient world) of or relating to the city of Cyrene or the territory of Cyrenaica   2 of or relating to the philosophical school founded by the Greek philosopher Aristippus (?435–?356 BC) in Cyrene that held pleasure to be the highest good   ▷ n   3 an inhabitant of Cyrene or Cyrenaica   4 a follower of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy

Cyrenaica or Cirenaica (ˌsaIrəˈneIIkə, ˌsIrə-)   n   a region and former province (1951–63) of E Libya: largely desert; settled by the Greeks in about 630 BC; ruled successively by the Egyptians, Romans, Arabs, Turks, and Italians. Area: 855 370 sq km (330 258 sq miles)

Cyrene (saIˈriːnI)   n   an ancient Greek city of N Africa, near the coast of Cyrenaica: famous for its medical school

Cyril (ˈsIrəl)   n   Saint. ?827–869 AD, Greek Christian theologian, missionary to the Moravians and inventor of the Cyrillic alphabet; he and his brother Saint Methodius were called the Apostles of the Slavs. Feast day: Feb 14 or May 11

Cyrillic (sIˈrIlIk)   adj   1 denoting or relating to the alphabet derived from that of the Greeks, supposedly by Saint Cyril, for the writing of Slavonic languages: now used primarily for Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian   ▷ n   2 this alphabet

Cyril of Alexandria   n   Saint. ?375–444 AD, Christian theologian and patriarch of Alexandria. Feast day: June 27 or June 9

Cyrus (ˈsaIrəs)   n   1  known as Cyrus the Great or Cyrus the Elder. died ?529 BC, king of Persia and founder of the Persian empire   2  called the Younger. died 401 BC, Persian satrap of Lydia: revolted against his brother Artaxerxes II, but was killed at the battle of Cunaxa. See also anabasis, katabasis

cyst (sIst)   n   1 pathol any abnormal membranous sac or blisterlike pouch containing fluid or semisolid material   2 anatomy any normal sac or vesicle in the body   3 a thick-walled protective membrane enclosing a cell, larva, or organism [C18: from New Latin cystis, from Greek kustis pouch, bag, bladder]

■ cystic (ˈsIstIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling a cyst   2 having or enclosed within a cyst; encysted   3 relating to the gall bladder or urinary bladder

■ cystic fibrosis   n   an inheritable disease of the exocrine glands, controlled by a recessive gene: affected children inherit defective alleles from both parents. It is characterized by chronic infection of the respiratory tract and by pancreatic insufficiency

■ cystoid (ˈsIstɔId)   adj   1 resembling a cyst or bladder   ▷ n   2 a tissue mass, such as a tumour, that resembles a cyst but lacks an outer membrane

-cyst   n combining form   indicating a bladder or sac: otocyst [from Greek kustis bladder]

cysteamine (sIsˈtiːəmIn)   n   a drug used to treat cystine excretion or radiation sickness

cystectomy (sIˈstɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 surgical removal of the gall bladder or of part of the urinary bladder   2 surgical removal of any abnormal cyst

cysteine (ˈsIstIˌiːn, -In)   n   a sulphur-containing amino acid, present in proteins, that oxidizes on exposure to air to form cystine. Formula: HSCH_2CH(NH_2)COOH [C19: variant of CYSTINE]   > ˌcysteˈinic adj

cysticercoid (ˌsIstIˈsɜːkɔId)   n   the larva of any of certain tapeworms, which resembles a cysticercus but has a smaller bladder

cysticercosis (ˌsIstIsɜːˈkəʊsIs)   n   a parasitic infection of tissue by the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia Solium, contracted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated by faeces, or by eating infected pork

cysticercus (ˌsIstIˈsɜːkəs)   n, pl -ci (-saI)   an encysted larval form of many tapeworms, consisting of a head (scolex) inverted in a fluid-filled bladder. See also hydatid (sense 1), coenurus [C19: from New Latin, from Greek kustis pouch, bladder + kerkos tail]

cystid (ˈsIstId) or cystidean (sIsˈtIdIən)   n   any one of the order of fossil echinoderms Cystidea

cystiform (ˈsIstIˌfɔːm)   adj   med resembling a cyst

cystine (ˈsIstiːn, -tIn)   n   a sulphur-containing amino acid present in proteins: yields two molecules of cysteine on reduction. Formula: HOOCCH(NH_2)CH_2SSCH_2CH(NH_2)COOH [C19: see CYSTO- (bladder), -INE^2; named from its being discovered in a type of urinary calculus]

cystinosis (ˌsIstəˈnəʊsIs)   n   a disease caused by a build-up of the amino acid cystine in the body

cystinuria (ˌsIstIˈnjʊərIə)   n   a condition in which excessive levels of cystine are present in the urine

cystitis (sIˈstaItIs)   n   inflammation of the urinary bladder

cysto- or before a vowel cyst-   combining form   indicating a cyst or bladder: cystocarp; cystoscope

cystocarp (ˈsIstəˌkɑːp)   n   a reproductive body in red algae, developed after fertilization and consisting of filaments bearing carpospores   > ˌcystoˈcarpic adj

cystocele (ˈsIstəˌsiːl)   n   pathol a hernia of the urinary bladder, esp one protruding into the vagina

cystogenous (sIsˈtɒdʒInəs)   adj   biology forming or secreting cysts

cystography (sIsˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   radiography of the urinary bladder using a contrast medium

cystolith (ˈsIstəlIθ)   n   1 a knoblike deposit of calcium carbonate in the epidermal cells of such plants as the stinging nettle   2 pathol a urinary calculus

■ cystolithiasis (ˌsIstəlIθˈaIəsIs)   n   a medical condition caused by the formation of a calculus in the bladder

cystoscope (ˈsIstəˌskəʊp)   n   a slender tubular medical instrument for examining the interior of the urethra and urinary bladder   > cystoscopic (ˌsIstəˈskɒpIk) adj   > cystoscopy (sIsˈtɒskəpI) n

cystostomy (sIˈstɒstɒmI)   n, pl -mies   a surgical procedure whereby an incision is made in the skin and urinary bladder to allow the drainage of urine

cystotomy (sIˈstɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 surgical incision into the gall bladder or urinary bladder   2 surgical incision into the capsule of the lens of the eye

cytase (ˈsaIteIz)   n   a cellulose-dissolving enzyme

cytaster (saIˈtæstə, ˈsaItæs-)   n   cytology another word for aster (sense 3) [C19: from CYTO- + ASTER]

-cyte   n combining form   indicating a cell: spermatocyte [from New Latin -cyta, from Greek kutos container, body, hollow vessel]

Cythera (sIˈθIərə)   n   1 a Greek island off the SE coast of the Peloponnese: in ancient times a centre of the worship of Aphrodite. Pop: 3354 (2001). Area: about 285 sq km (110 sq miles)   2 the chief town of this island, on the S coast. Pop: 297 (2001)   ▶ Modern Greek name: Kíthira

Cytherea (ˌsIθəˈriːə)   n   another name for Aphrodite   > ˌCytherˈean adj

cytidine (ˈsItIˌdaIn)   n   biochem a nucleoside formed by the condensation of cytosine and ribose [C20: from CYTO- + -IDE + -INE^2]

cytidylic acid (ˌsItIˈdIlIk)   n   a nucleotide consisting of cytosine, ribose or deoxyribose, and a phosphate group. It is a constituent of DNA or RNA. Also called: cytidine monophosphate

cytisine (ˈsItIˌsiːn)   n   chem a toxic alkaloid found in several species of plants, similar in molecular structure to nicotine

cytisus (ˈsItIsəs)   n   any of a member of a diverse genus of fragrant plants of the family Fabaceae, native to Europe, western Asia, and north Africa, and having brightly coloured flowers

cyto-   combining form   indicating a cell: cytolysis; cytoplasm [from Greek kutos vessel, container; related to kuein to contain]

cytochalasin (ˌsaItəʊkəˈleIsIn, ˌsaItəˈkæləsIn)   n   biochem any of a group of metabolites derived from fungus that interfere with cell processes

cytochemistry (ˌsaItəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the chemistry of living cells   > ˌcytoˈchemical adj

cytochrome (ˈsaItəʊˌkrəʊm)   n   any of a group of naturally occurring compounds, consisting of iron, a protein, and a porphyrin, that are important in cell oxidation-reduction reactions

■ cytochrome reductase   n   another name for flavoprotein

cytode (ˈsaItəʊd)   n   biology a unicellular non-nucleated mass of protoplasm, the simplest form of life

cytodiagnosis (ˌsaItəʊˌdaIəɡˈnəʊsIs)   n   the diagnosis of disease through the study of cells in the body

cytogenesis (ˌsaItəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs) or cytogeny (saIˈtɒdʒənI)   n   the origin and development of plant and animal cells

cytogenetics (ˌsaItəʊdʒIˈnɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of genetics that correlates the structure, number, and behaviour of chromosomes with heredity and variation   > ˌcytogeˈnetic or ˌcytogeˈnetical adj   > ˌcytogeˈnetically adv   > ˌcytogeˈneticist n

cytoid (ˈsaIˌtɔId)   adj   biology resembling a cell

cytokine (ˈsaItəʊˌkaIn)   n   any of various proteins, secreted by cells, that carry signals to neighbouring cells. Cytokines include interferon

cytokinesis (ˌsaItəʊkIˈniːsIs, -kaI-)   n   division of the cytoplasm of a cell, occurring at the end of mitosis or meiosis

■ cytokinetic (ˌsaItəʊkIˈnɛtIk)   adj   biology of or relating to cytokinesis

cytokinin (ˌsaItəʊˈkaInIn)   n   any of a group of plant hormones that promote cell division and retard ageing in plants. Also called: kinin

cytology (saIˈtɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of plant and animal cells, including their structure, function, and formation   2 the detailed structure of a tissue, as revealed by microscopic examination   > cytological (ˌsaItəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or cytologic (ˌsaItəʊˈlɒdʒIk) adj   > ˌcytoˈlogically adv   > cyˈtologist n

cytolysin (saIˈtɒlIsIn)   n   a substance that can partially or completely destroy animal cells

cytolysis (saIˈtɒlIsIs)   n   cytology the dissolution of cells, esp by the destruction of their membranes   > cytolytic (ˌsaItəˈlItIk) adj

cytomegalic (ˌsaItəʊmIˈɡælIk)   adj   of or relating to a disease characterized by enlarged cells

cytomegalovirus (ˌsaItəʊˈmɛɡələʊˌvaIrəs)   n   a virus of the herpes virus family that may cause serious disease in patients whose immune systems are compromised. Abbreviation: CMV

cytomembrane (ˌsaItəʊˈmɛmbreIn)   n   biology a membrane around a cell that encloses cytoplasm and acts as a semi-permeable barrier

cytometry (saIˈtɒmItrI)   n   the counting of blood cells using a cytometer

■ cytometer (saIˈtɒmItə)   n   biology a glass slide used to count and measure cells

■ cytometric (ˌsaItəʊˈmɛtrIk)   adj   of or relating to cytometry

cyton (ˈsaItɒn)   n   biology the central part of a neuron

cytopathology (ˌsaItəʊpəˈθɒlədʒI)   n   a branch of pathology that examines individual cells in order to diagnose disease

cytopathy (ˌsaIˈtɒpəθI)   n   a disease or disorder of a cell

■ cytopathic (ˌsaItəʊˈpæθIk)   adj   of or relating to cytopathy

■ cytopathogenic (ˌsaItəʊˌpæθəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   causing cytopathy

cytopenia (ˌsaItəˈpiːnIə)   n   pathol a condition characterized by a deficiency of a type of blood cells

cytophilic (ˌsaItəʊˈfIlIk)   adj   biology (of antibodies, etc) having an attraction or affinity to cells

cytophotometry (ˌsaItəʊfəʊˈtɒmItrI)   n   biology the use of a photometer in order to study the chemical compounds of a cell

■ cytophotometric (ˌsaItəʊˌfəʊtəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   biology of or relating to cytophotometry

cytoplasm (ˈsaItəʊˌplæzəm)   n   the protoplasm of a cell contained within the cell membrane but excluding the nucleus: contains organelles, vesicles, and other inclusions   > ˌcytoˈplasmic adj

■ cytoplasmically (ˌsaItəʊˈplæzmIkəlI)   adv   biology by means of a cytoplasm

cytoplast (ˈsaItəʊˌplɑːst, -ˌplæst)   n   the intact cytoplasm of a single cell   > cytoplastic (ˌsaItəʊˈplæstIk) adj

cytosine (ˈsaItəsIn)   n   a white crystalline pyrimidine occurring in nucleic acids; 6-amino-2-hydroxy pyrimidine. Formula: C_4H_5N_3O. See also DNA^1, RNA

cytoskeleton (ˈsaItəʊˌskɛlItən)   n   a network of fibrous proteins that governs the shape and movement of a biological cell

■ cytoskeletal (ˌsaItəʊˈskɛlItəl)   adj   biology of or relating to a cytoskeleton

cytosol (ˈsaItəʊˌsɒl)   n   the solution of proteins and metabolites inside a biological cell, in which the organelles are suspended

■ cytosolic (ˌsaItəʊˈsɒlIk)   adj   biology of or relating to a cytosol

cytosome (ˈsaItəˌsəʊm)   n   biology the body of a cell excluding its nucleus

cytostatic (ˌsaItəʊˈstætIk) biology   adj   1 having the capability to inhibit cell growth   ▷ n   2 any substance or treatment that inhibits cell growth

■ cytostatically (ˌsaItəʊˈstætIkəlI)   adv   biology in a cytostatic manner

cytotaxis (ˌsaItəʊˈtæksIs)   n   biology movement of cells due to external stimulation

cytotaxonomy (ˌsaItəʊtækˈsɒnəmI)   n   classification of organisms based on cell structure, esp the number, shape, etc, of the chromosomes   > ˌcytoˌtaxoˈnomic adj   > ˌcytotaxˈonomist n

cytotechnology (ˌsaItəʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒI)   n   biology the microscopic analysis of cells for the early detection of abnormalities and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer

cytotoxin (ˌsaItəʊˈtɒksIn)   n   any substance that is poisonous to living cells

■ cytotoxic (ˌsaItəʊˈtɒksIk)   adj   poisonous to living cells: denoting certain drugs used in the treatment of leukaemia and other cancers   > cytotoxicity (ˌsaItəʊtɒkˈsIsItI) n

Cyzicus (ˈsIzIkəs)   n   an ancient Greek colony in NW Asia Minor on the S shore of the Sea of Marmara: site of Alcibiades' naval victory over the Peloponnesians (410 BC)

cz   the internet domain name for   Czech Republic

CZ   abbreviation for   the Czech Republic (international car registration)

czapka (ˈtʃæpkə)   n   a leather and felt peaked military helmet of Polish origin

czar (zɑː)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of tsar   > ˈczardom n

■ czarism (ˈzɑːrIzəm)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of tsarism

■ czarist (ˈzɑːrIst)   adj, n   a variant spelling (esp US) of tsarist. See tsarism

czardas (ˈtʃɑːdæʃ)   n   1 a Hungarian national dance of alternating slow and fast sections   2 a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance [from Hungarian csárdás]

czarevich (ˈzɑːrIˌvItʃ)   n   a variant spelling of czarevitch

czarevitch (ˈzɑːrIvItʃ)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of tsarevitch

czarevna (zɑːˈrɛvnə)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of tsarevna

czarina (zɑːˈriːnə), czaritza or czaritsa (zɑːˈrItsə)   n   variant spellings (esp US) of tsarina or tsaritsa. See tsarina

Czech (tʃɛk)   adj   1    a of, relating to, or characteristic of the Czech Republic, its people, or its language   b of, relating to, or characteristic of Bohemia and Moravia, their people, or their language   c (loosely) of, relating to, or characteristic of the former Czechoslovakia or its people   ▷ n   2 the official language of the Czech Republic, belonging to the West Slavonic branch of the Indo-European family; also spoken in Slovakia. Czech and Slovak are closely related and mutually intelligible   3    a a native or inhabitant of the Czech Republic   b a native or inhabitant of Bohemia or Moravia   c (loosely) a native, inhabitant, or citizen of the former Czechoslovakia [C19: from Polish, from Czech Čech]

Czechia (ˈtʃɛkIə)   n   the official short name of the Czech Republic

Czechoslovakia (ˌtʃɛkəʊsləʊˈvækIə)   n   a former republic in central Europe: formed after the defeat of Austria-Hungary (1918) as a nation of Czechs in Bohemia and Moravia and Slovaks in Slovakia; occupied by Germany from 1939 until its liberation by the Soviet Union in 1945; became a people's republic under the Communists in 1948; invaded by Warsaw Pact troops in 1968, ending Dubček's attempt to liberalize communism; in 1989 popular unrest led to the resignation of the politburo and the formation of a non-Communist government. It consisted of two federal republics, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which separated in 1993. Czech name: Československo. See also Czech Republic, Slovakia

■ Czechoslovak (ˌtʃɛkəʊˈsləʊvæk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of the former Czechoslovakia, its peoples, or their languages   ▷ n   2 (loosely) either of the two mutually intelligible languages of the former Czechoslovakia; Czech or Slovak

■ Czechoslovakian (ˌtʃɛkəʊsləʊˈvækIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of the former republic of Czechoslovakia, its peoples, or their languages   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the former republic of Czechoslovakia

Czech Republic   n   a country in central Europe; formed part of Czechoslovakia until 1993; mostly wooded, with lowlands surrounding the River Morava, rising to the Bohemian plateau in the W and to highlands in the N; joined the EU in 2004. Language: Czech. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: koruna. Capital Prague. Pop: 10 618 303 (2017 est). Area: 78 864 sq km (30 450 sq miles). Shortened form: Czechia (ˈtʃɛkIə)

Czernowitz (ˈtʃɛrnovIts)   n   the German name for Chernivtsi

Czerny (German ˈtʃɛrni)   n   Karl (karl). 1791–1857, Austrian pianist, composer, and teacher, noted for his studies

Częstochowa (Polish tʃɛ̃stɔˈxɔva)   n   an industrial city in S Poland, on the River Warta: pilgrimage centre. Pop: 293 000 (2005 est)

Dd

d or D (diː)   n, pl d's, D's or Ds   1 the fourth letter and third consonant of the modern English alphabet   2 a speech sound represented by this letter, usually a voiced alveolar stop, as in dagger   3 the semicircle on a billiards table having a radius of 11^1⁄2 inches and its straight edge in the middle of the baulk line

d   symbol for   1 physics density or relative density   2 maths a small increment in a given variable or function: used to indicate a derivative of one variable with respect to another, as in dy/dx   3 chess See algebraic notation

D   symbol for   1 music   a a note having a frequency of 293.66 hertz (D above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the second note of the scale of C major   b a key, string, or pipe producing this note   c the major or minor key having this note as its tonic   2 chem deuterium   3 maths the first derivative of a function, as in D(x^3 + x^2) = 3x^2 + 2x   4 physics   a dispersion   b electric displacement   5 aeronautics drag   6    a a semiskilled or unskilled manual worker, or a trainee or apprentice to a skilled worker   b (as modifier): D worker. See also occupation groupings   7 (Roman numeral) 500. See Roman numerals   ▷ abbreviation for   8 Germany (international car registration)   9 Austral informal   a defence: I'm playing D in the match this afternoon   b Austral informal defensive play [(for sense 8) from German Deutschland]

D or D.   abbreviation for   Deutsch: indicating the serial number in the catalogue (1951) of the musical compositions of Schubert made by Otto Deutsch (1883–1967)

d.   abbreviation for   1 (in animal pedigrees) dam   2 daughter   3 Brit currency penny or pennies   4 diameter   5 died   6 dinar(s)   7 dollar(s)   8 drachma(s) [(sense 3 and 6) Latin denarius]

D.   abbreviation for   1 US politics Democrat(ic)   2 government Department   3 dinar(s)   4 Don (a Spanish title)   5 Duchess   6 Duke   7 (in the US and Canada) Doctor

'd   contraction of   would or had: I'd; you'd

DA   abbreviation for   1 (in the US) District Attorney   2 Diploma of Art   3 duck's arse (hairstyle)

D/A or d.a.   abbreviation for   1 deposit account   2 commerce documents against acceptance

daal (dɑːl)   n   a variant spelling of dal^1

dab^1 (dæb)   vb dabs, dabbing, dabbed   1 to touch lightly and quickly   2 (tr) to daub with short tapping strokes: to dab the wall with paint   3 (tr) to apply (paint, cream, etc) with short tapping strokes   ▷ n   4 a small amount, esp of something soft or moist: a dab of ink   5 a small light stroke or tap, as with the hand   6 (often plural) chiefly Brit a slang word for fingerprint   7 a gesture, performed as part of a celebration, in which one arm is angled across the upper chest while the other is extended parallel to the first arm, with the face turned to the bent elbow [C14: of imitative origin]

■ dabber (ˈdæbə)   n   1 a pad used by printers for applying ink by hand   2 a felt-tip pen with a very broad writing point, used esp by bingo players to cancel numbers on their cards

■ dab hand   n   Brit informal a person who is particularly skilled at something; expert: a dab hand at chess [C17: perhaps from DAB^1 (vb)]

■ dabster^1 (ˈdæbstə)   n   Brit a dialect word for dab hand

■ dabster^2 (ˈdæbstə)   n   US informal an incompetent or amateurish worker; bungler [C18: from DAB^1 + -STER]

dab^2 (dæb)   n   1 a small common European brown flatfish, Limanda limanda, covered with rough toothed scales: family Pleuronectidae: a food fish   2 (often plural) any of various other small flatfish, esp flounders. Compare sand dab   3 Also called: patiki a sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebia, common around New Zealand's South Island [C15: from Anglo-French dabbe, of uncertain origin]

DAB   abbreviation for   digital audio broadcasting

dabba (ˈdæbə)   n   (in Indian cookery) a round metal box used to transport hot food, either from home or from a restaurant, to a person's place of work [C20: from Hindi: lunchbox]

dabbity (ˈdæbItI)   n, pl -ties   Scot informal a temporary tattoo

dabble (ˈdæbəl)   vb   1 to dip, move, or splash (the fingers, feet, etc) in a liquid   2 (intr; usually foll by in, with, or at) to deal (with) or work (at) frivolously or superficially; play (at)   3 (tr) to daub, mottle, splash, or smear: his face was dabbled with paint [C16: probably from Dutch dabbelen; see DAB^1]   > ˈdabbler n

■ dabbling (ˈdæblIŋ)   n   1 the fact of being involved in an activity in a frivolous or superficial way   2 the fact of taking drugs occasionally without being a habitual user

dabchick (ˈdæbˌtʃIk)   n   any of several small grebes of the genera Podiceps and Podilymbus, such as Podiceps ruficollis of the Old World [C16: probably from Old English dop to dive + CHICK; see DEEP, DIP]

da capo (dɑː ˈkɑːpəʊ)   adj, adv   music to be repeated (in whole or part) from the beginning   ▶ Abbreviation: DC. See also fine^3 [C18: from Italian, literally: from the head]

Dacca (ˈdækə)   n   the former name (until 1982) of Dhaka

dace (deIs)   n, pl dace or daces   1 a European freshwater cyprinid fish, Leuciscus leuciscus, with a slender bluish-green body   2 any of various similar fishes [C15: from Old French dars DART, probably referring to its swiftness]

dacha or datcha (ˈdætʃə)   n   a country house or cottage in Russia [from Russian: a giving, gift]

Dachau (German ˈdaxau)   n   a town in S Germany, in Bavaria: site of a Nazi concentration camp. Pop: 39 474 (2003 est)

dachshund (ˈdæksˌhʊnd; German ˈdakshʊnt)   n   a long-bodied short-legged breed of dog. Also called: teckel [C19: from German, from Dachs badger + Hund dog, HOUND^1]

Dacia (ˈdeIsIə)   n   an ancient region bounded by the Carpathians, the Tisza, and the Danube, roughly corresponding to modern Romania. United under kings from about 60 BC, it later contained the Roman province of the same name (about 105 to 270 AD)   > ˈDacian adj, n

dacite (ˈdeIsaIt)   n   geology an igneous, volcanic rock characteristically light in colour with relatively high silica content

dack (dæk)   vb   (tr) Austral informal to remove the trousers from (someone) by force

dacker (ˈdækə) or daiker (ˈdeIkə)   vb (intr)   Northeast English and Scot obsolete to walk slowly; saunter

dacks (dæks)   pl n   Austral another word for daks

dacoit (dəˈkɔIt)   n   (in India and Myanmar) a member of a gang of armed robbers [C19: from Hindi dakait, from dākā robbery]

■ dacoitage (dəˈkɔItIdʒ)   n   (in India and Myanmar) a robbery by an armed gang or dacoit

■ dacoity or dakoity (dəˈkɔItI)   n, pl -coities   (in India and Myanmar) a robbery by an armed gang

dacquoise French (dɑːkwɑːz)   n   a cake with nut meringue layers and buttercream

Dacron (ˈdeIkrɒn, ˈdæk-)   n   the US name (trademark) for Terylene

dactyl (ˈdæktIl)   n   1 Also called: dactylic prosody a metrical foot of three syllables, one long followed by two short (– ◡ ◡). Compare bacchius   2 zoology any digit of a vertebrate [C14: via Latin from Greek daktulos finger, dactyl, comparing the finger's three joints to the three syllables]

■ dactylar (ˈdæktIlə)   adj   prosody, zoology of or pertaining to a dactyl

■ dactylic (dækˈtIlIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or having a dactyl: dactylic verse   ▷ n   2 a variant of dactyl (sense 1)   > dacˈtylically adv

■ dactylist (ˈdæktIlIst)   n   poetry someone who writes poetry in dactyls

dactyliography (ˌdæktIlIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   the art of engraving or writing on gems

dactyliology (ˌdæktIlIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of finger-rings   2 the study of gem engraving

dactyliomancy (dækˈtIlIəˌmænsI)   n   the use of a suspended finger-ring for divination

dactylo- or before a vowel dactyl-   combining form   finger or toe: dactylogram [from Greek daktulos finger]

dactylogram (dækˈtIləˌɡræm)   n   chiefly US a technical term for fingerprint

dactylography (ˌdæktIˈlɒɡrəfI)   n   chiefly US the scientific study of fingerprints for purposes of identification   > ˌdactyˈlographer n   > dactylographic (dækˌtIləˈɡræfIk) adj

dactylology (ˌdæktIˈlɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   the method of using manual sign language, as in communicating with deaf people

dactyloscopy (ˌdæktIˈlɒskəpI)   n   the analysis of fingerprints for the purpose of identification

dactylus (ˈdæktIləs)   n   zoology the tip of a cephalopod's tentacular club

dad (dæd)   n   an informal word for father [C16: childish word; compare Greek tata, Sanskrit tatas]

■ dad bod or dadbod (ˈdædˌbɒd)   n   slang an untoned and slightly plump male physique, esp one considered attractive

■ dad dancing   n   Brit and Austral informal enthusiastic but inelegant dancing to pop music, regarded as typical of middle-aged men

■ Dad rock   n   often derogatory a type of classic rock music that tends to appeal to adults, often played by middle-aged musicians

Dada (ˈdɑːdɑː) or Dadaism (ˈdɑːdɑːˌIzəm)   n   a nihilistic artistic movement of the early 20th century in W Europe and the US, founded on principles of irrationality, incongruity, and irreverence towards accepted aesthetic criteria [C20: from French, from a children's word for hobbyhorse, the name being arbitrarily chosen]   > ˈDadaist n, adj   > ˌDadaˈistic adj   > ˌDadaˈistically adv

dadah (ˈdɑːˌdɑː)   n   Austral slang illegal drugs [Malay: medicinal herb]

Dad and Dave (dæd ən deIv)   n   Austral stereotypes of the unsophisticated rural dweller before World War II [from characters in the stories of Steele Rudd, pen name of Arthur Hoey Davis (1868–1935), Australian author]

dadchelor party (ˈdædtʃələ)   n   chiefly US a party primarily attended by men and held to honour and present gifts to a prospective father [C21: from DAD + (ba)chelor party]

Dadd (dæd)   n   Richard. 1817–86, British painter of mythological and fairy scenes. He was committed to an asylum for patricide

daddle (ˈdædəl)   vb (intr)   to walk unsteadily

daddock (ˈdædək)   n   dialect the rotten carcass of a dead tree

daddy (ˈdædI)   n, pl -dies   1 an informal word for father   2 the daddy slang, chiefly US, Canadian and Austral the supreme or finest example: the daddy of them all   3 slang the dominant male in a group; boss; top man

■ daddy-longlegs   n   1 Brit an informal name for a crane fly   2 Austral, US and Canadian an informal name for harvestman (sense 2)

dado (ˈdeIdəʊ)   n, pl -does or -dos   1 the lower part of an interior wall that is decorated differently from the upper part   2 architect the part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to provide with a dado [C17: from Italian: die, die-shaped pedestal, perhaps from Arabic dad game]

Dadra and Nagar Haveli (dəˈdrɑː ˈnʌɡə əˈvɛlI)   n   a union territory of W India, on the Gulf of Cambay: until 1961 administratively part of Portuguese Damão. Capital: Silvassa. Pop: 220 451 (2001). Area: 489 sq km (191 sq miles)

dae (de)   vb   a Scot word for do^1

daedal or dedal (ˈdiːdəl)   adj   literary skilful or intricate [C16: via Latin from Greek daidalos; see DAEDALUS]

Daedalus (ˈdiːdələs)   n   Greek myth an Athenian architect and inventor who built the labyrinth for Minos on Crete and fashioned wings for himself and his son Icarus to flee the island   > Daedalian, Daedalean (dIˈdeIlIən) or Daedalic (dIˈdælIk) adj

Daegu or Taegu (tɛˈɡuː)   n   a city in SE South Korea: textile and agricultural trading centre. Pop: 2 510 000 (2005 est)

Daejeon or Taejŏn (tɛˈdʒɒn)   n   a city in W South Korea: market centre of an agricultural region. Pop: 1 464 000 (2005 est)

daemon (ˈdiːmən) or daimon (ˈdaiːmɒn)   n   1 a demigod   2 the guardian spirit of a place or person   3 a variant spelling of demon (sense 3)   > daemonic (diːˈmɒnIk) adj

Daesh (ˈdɑːɛʃ)   n   another name for Islamic State [formed from the initial letters of the group's Arabic name al-Dawla al-Islamiya fil Iraq wa al-Sham]

daff^1 (dæf)   n   informal short for daffodil

daff^2 (dɑːf)   vb   (intr) chiefly Scot to frolic; play the fool [C16: from obsolete daff fool, of uncertain origin]

daffadowndilly (ˌdæfədaʊnˈdIlI)   n, pl -lies   archaic or dialect a daffodil

daffodil (ˈdæfədIl)   n   1 Also called: Lent lily a widely cultivated Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, having spring-blooming yellow flowers   2 any other plant of the genus Narcissus   3    a a brilliant yellow colour   b (as adjective): daffodil paint   4 a daffodil, or a representation of one, as a national emblem of Wales [C14: from Dutch de affodil the asphodel, from Medieval Latin affodillus, variant of Latin asphodelus ASPHODEL]

■ daffodilly (ˈdæfədIlI)   n, pl -lies   1 a daffodil   ▷ adj   2 of or resembling a daffodil

daffy (ˈdæfI)   adj daffier, daffiest   informal another word for daft (sense 1), daft (sense 2) [C19: from obsolete daff fool; see DAFT]

■ daffiness (ˈdæfInəs)   n   silliness

daft (dɑːft)   adj chiefly Brit   1 informal foolish or stupid   2 offensive a slang word for insane   3 informal (postpositive; foll by about) extremely fond (of)   4 slang frivolous; giddy [Old English gedæfte gentle, foolish; related to Middle Low German ondaft incapable]   > ˈdaftly adv   > ˈdaftness n

■ daftie (ˈdɑːftI)   n   informal a foolish person

Dafydd ap Gruffudd (Welsh ˈdævIθ æp ˈɡrIfIθ)   n   died 1283, Welsh leader. Claiming the title Prince of Wales (1282), he led an unsuccessful revolt against Edward I: executed

Dafydd ap Gwilym (Welsh ˈdævIθ æp ˈɡwIlIm)   n   ?1320–?1380, Welsh poet

dag^1 (dæɡ)   n   1 short for daglock   2 rattle one's dags NZ informal to hurry up   ▷ vb dags, dagging, dagged   3 to cut the daglock away from (a sheep) [C18: of obscure origin]   > ˈdagger n

dag^2 (dæɡ)   n Austral and NZ informal   1 a character; eccentric   2 a person who is untidily dressed   3 a person with a good sense of humour [back formation from DAGGY]

dagaba (ˈdɑːɡəbɑː)   n   a variant form of dagoba

Da Gama (də ˈɡɑːmə)   n   See Gama

Dagan (ˈdɑːɡən)   n   an earth god of the Babylonians and Assyrians

Dagenham (ˈdæɡənəm)   n   part of the Greater London borough of Barking and Dagenham: engineering and chemicals

Dagestan Republic (ˌdɑːɡIˈstɑːn)   n   a constituent republic of S Russia, on the Caspian Sea: annexed from Persia in 1813; rich mineral resources. Capital: Makhachkala. Pop: 2 584 200 (2002). Area: 50 278 sq km (19 416 sq miles). Also called: Dagestan, Daghestan

dagga (ˈdaxə, ˈdɑːɡə)   n   South African informal a local name for marijuana [C19: from Afrikaans, from Khoikhoi dagab]

dagger (ˈdæɡə)   n   1 a short stabbing weapon with a pointed blade   2 Also called: obelisk a character (†) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp to a footnote   3 at daggers drawn in a state of open hostility   4 look daggers to glare with hostility; scowl   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to mark with a dagger   6 archaic to stab with a dagger [C14: of uncertain origin]

■ daggerboard (ˈdæɡəˌbɔːd)   n   a light bladelike board inserted into the water through a slot in the keel of a boat to reduce keeling and leeway. Compare centreboard

■ daggerlike (ˈdæɡəˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a dagger in shape or form

daggle (ˈdæɡəl)   vb (tr)   to soil by trailing through water or mud

daggy (ˈdæɡI)   adj daggier, daggiest Austral informal   1 untidy; dishevelled   2 eccentric [from DAG1]

daglock (ˈdæɡˌlɒk)   n   a dung-caked lock of wool around the hindquarters of a sheep [C17: see DAG^1, LOCK^2]

dago (ˈdeIɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos or -goes   offensive a member of a Latin race, esp a Spaniard or Portuguese [C19: alteration of Diego, a common Spanish name]

dagoba or dagaba (ˈdɑːɡəbə, ˈdɑːɡəbɑː)   n   a dome-shaped shrine containing relics of the Buddha or a Buddhist saint [C19: from Sinhalese dāgoba, from Sanskrit dhātugarbha containing relics]

Dagon (ˈdeIɡɒn)   n   Bible a god worshipped by the Philistines, represented as half man and half fish [C14: via Latin and Greek from Hebrew Dāgōn, literally: little fish]

Daguerre (French daɡɛr)   n   Louis Jacques Mandé (lwi ʒɑk mɑ̃de). 1789–1851, French inventor, who devised one of the first practical photographic processes (1838)

■ daguerrean (dəˈɡɛrIən)   adj   photog relating to Daguerre or the daguerreotype

■ daguerreotype (dəˈɡɛrəʊˌtaIp)   n   1 one of the earliest photographic processes, in which the image was produced on iodine-sensitized silver and developed in mercury vapour   2 a photograph formed by this process   > daˈguerreoˌtyper or daˈguerreoˌtypist n   > daˈguerreoˌtypy n

dagwood (ˈdæɡˌwʊd)   n   another name for dogwood

dah (dɑː)   n   the long sound used in combination with the short sound dit, in the spoken representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare dash^1 (sense 14)

Dahl (dɑːl)   n   Roald (ˈrəʊəld). 1916–90, British writer with Norwegian parents, noted for his short stories and such children's books as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)

dahlia (ˈdeIljə)   n   1 any herbaceous perennial plant of the Mexican genus Dahlia, having showy flowers and tuberous roots, esp any horticultural variety derived from D. pinnata: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 the flower or root of any of these plants [C19: named after Anders Dahl, 18th-century Swedish botanist; see -IA]

Dahna (ˈdɑːxnɑː)   n   a desert area in central Saudi Arabia, to the N of the Rub‘ al Khali (Empty Quarter)

Dahomey (dəˈhəʊmI)   n   the former name (until 1975) of Benin

dahoon (dəˈhuːn)   n   a perennial shrub of the holly family characterized by its white or yellow flowers and red berries

daidle (ˈdeIdəl)   vb (intr)   to waddle about

daidzein (ˈdeIdziːn)   n   biochem an antioxidant and type of isoflavone found in soy products

daiker (ˈdeIkə)   vb (intr)   a variant form of dacker

daiko (ˈdeIkəʊ)   n   another name for taiko

daikon (ˈdaIkɒn)   n   another name for mooli [C20: Japanese, from dai big + kon root]

Dáil Éireann (ˈdaːl ˈeːrIn) or Dáil   n   (in the Republic of Ireland) the lower chamber of parliament. See also Oireachtas [from Irish dáil assembly (from Old Irish dāl) + Éireann of Eire]

daily (ˈdeIlI)   adj   1 of or occurring every day or every weekday: a daily paper   2 earn one's daily bread to earn one's living   3 the daily round the usual activities of one's day   ▷ n, pl -lies   4 a daily publication, esp a newspaper   5 Also called: daily help Brit another name for a charwoman   ▷ adv   6 every day   7 constantly; often [Old English dæglīc; see DAY, -LY^1]

■ dailies (ˈdeIlIz)   pl n   films another word for rushes

■ dailiness or dailyness (ˈdeIlInəs)   n   the quality or nature of being daily

■ daily double   n   horse racing a single bet on the winners of two named races in any one day's racing

daimen (ˈdeImən, ˈdɛmən)   adj   Scot obsolete occasional; odd

Daimler (ˈdeImlə)   n   Gottlieb (Wilhelm) (German ˈɡɔtliːp ˈvIlhɛlm). 1834–1900, German engineer and car manufacturer, who collaborated with Nikolaus Otto in inventing the first internal-combustion engine (1876)

Daimoku or daimoku (ˈdaIməʊkuː)   n     a (in Nichiren Buddhism) the words nam myoho renge kyo ('devotion to the Lotus Sutra') chanted to the Gohonzon   b the act of chanting these words [from Japanese, literally: title]

daimon (ˈdaImɒn)   n   a variant of daemon, demon (sense 3)   > daiˈmonic adj

daimones (ˈdaIməʊˌniːz)   pl n   disembodied souls

daimyo or daimio (ˈdaImjəʊ)   n, pl -myo, -myos or -mio, -mios   (in Japan) one of the territorial magnates who dominated much of the country from about the 11th to the 19th century [from Japanese, from Ancient Chinese d`âi miäng great name]

■ daimyo bond   n   a bearer bond issued in Japan and the eurobond market by the World Bank

daine (deIn)   vb   an archaic spelling of deign

daint (deInt)   adj obsolete   1 dainty   ▷ n   2 a dainty

dainty (ˈdeIntI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 delicate or elegant: a dainty teacup   2 pleasing to the taste; choice; delicious: a dainty morsel   3 refined, esp excessively genteel; fastidious   ▷ n, pl -ties   4 a choice piece of food, esp a small cake or sweet; delicacy [C13: from Old French deintié, from Latin dignitās DIGNITY]   > ˈdaintily adv   > ˈdaintiness n

daiquiri (ˈdaIkIrI, ˈdæk-) or daquiri   n, pl -ris   an iced drink containing rum, lime juice, and syrup or sugar [C20: named after Daiquiri, rum-producing town in Cuba]

Dairen (daIˈrɛn)   n   the Japanese name for Dalian

dairy (ˈdɛərI)   n, pl dairies   1 a company that supplies milk and milk products   2    a a shop that sells provisions, esp milk and milk products   b NZ a shop that remains open outside normal trading hours   3 a room or building where milk and cream are stored or made into butter and cheese   4    a (modifier) of or relating to the production of milk and milk products: dairy cattle   b (in combination): a dairymaid; a dairyman   5    a food containing milk or milk products: she can't eat dairy   b (as modifier): dairy produce [C13 daierie, from Old English dǣge servant girl, one who kneads bread; see DOUGH, LADY]

■ dairy factory   n   NZ a factory making butter, cheese, lactose, etc from milk collected from surrounding farming areas

■ dairying (ˈdɛərIIŋ)   n   the business of producing, processing, and selling dairy products

■ dairymaid (ˈdɛərIˌmeId)   n   (esp formerly) a girl or woman who works in a dairy, esp one who milks cows and makes butter and cheese on a farm

■ dairyman (ˈdɛərImən)   n, pl -men   a man who works in a dairy or deals in dairy products

dais (ˈdeIIs, deIs)   n   a raised platform, usually at one end of a hall, used by speakers, etc [C13: from Old French deis, from Latin discus DISCUS]

daishiki (daIˈʃiːkI)   n   a variant form of dashiki

daisy (ˈdeIzI)   n, pl -sies   1 a small low-growing European plant, Bellis perennis, having a rosette of leaves and flower heads of yellow central disc flowers and pinkish-white outer ray flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 Also called: oxeye daisy, marguerite, moon daisy a Eurasian composite plant, Leucanthemum vulgare having flower heads with a yellow centre and white outer rays   3 any of various other composite plants having conspicuous ray flowers, such as the Michaelmas daisy and Shasta daisy   4 slang an excellent person or thing   5 pushing up the daisies dead and buried [Old English dægesēge day's eye]   > ˈdaisied adj

■ daisy bush   n   any of various shrubs of the genus Olearia, of Australia and New Zealand, with daisy-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ daisy chain   n   a garland made, esp by children, by threading daisies together

■ daisy cutter   n   1 soccer a powerful shot that moves close to the ground   2 cricket a ball bowled, kicked, or hit so that it rolls along the ground   3 a powerful bomb with a huge blast effect

■ daisywheel (ˈdeIzIˌwiːl)   n   a component of a computer printer in the shape of a wheel with many spokes that prints characters using a disk with characters around the circumference as the print element. Also called: printwheel

dak (dɑːk) or dawk (dɔːk)   n (formerly, in India)     a a system of mail delivery or passenger transport by relays of bearers or horses stationed at intervals along a route   b (as modifier): dak bearers [C18: from Hindi dāk, from Sanskrit drāk quickly]

■ dak bungalow   n   (in India, formerly) a house where travellers on a dak route could be accommodated

Dak.   abbreviation for   Dakota

Dakar (ˈdækə)   n   the capital and chief port of Senegal, on the SE side of Cape Verde peninsula. Pop: 3 520 215 (2015 est)

daker (ˈdeIkə)   n   obsolete a unit of commodities equivalent to ten

dakerhen (ˈdeIkəˌhɛn)   n   another name for corncrake

Dakin's solution (ˈdeIkInz)   n   a dilute solution containing sodium hypochlorite and boric acid, used as an antiseptic in the treatment of wounds [C20: named after Henry D. Dakin (1880–1952), English chemist]

dakoity (dəˈkɔItI)   n   a variant spelling of dacoity

Dakota (dəˈkəʊtə)   n   a former territory of the US: divided into the states of North Dakota and South Dakota in 1889

■ Dakotan (dəˈkəʊtən)   adj   1 of or relating to Dakota or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Dakota

daks or dacks (dæks)   pl n   Austral an informal name for trousers [from a brand name]

dal^1 or daal (dɑːl)   n   1 split grain, a common foodstuff in India; pulse   2 a variant spelling of dhal

dal^2   symbol for   decalitre(s)

Daladier (French daladje)   n   Édouard (edwar). 1884–1970, French radical socialist statesman; premier of France (1933; 1934; 1938–40) and signatory of the Munich Pact (1938)

Dalai Lama (ˈdælaI ˈlɑːmə)   n   1 (until 1959) the chief lama and ruler of Tibet   2  born 1935, the 14th holder of this office (1940), who fled to India (1959): Nobel peace prize 1989 [from Mongolian dalai ocean; see LAMA]

dalapon (ˈdæləˌpɒn)   n   chem a herbicide used to kill perennial grasses

dalasi (dəˈlɑːsI)   n   the standard monetary unit of The Gambia, divided into 100 bututs [from a Gambian native name]

dale (deIl)   n   an open valley, usually in an area of low hills [Old English dæl; related to Old Frisian del, Old Norse dalr, Old High German tal valley]

■ Dales^1 (deIlz)   pl n   the Dales (sometimes not capital) short for the Yorkshire Dales

■ Dales^2 (deIlz)   n   a strong working breed of pony, originating from Yorkshire and Durham

■ dalesman (ˈdeIlzmən)   n, pl -men   a person living in a dale, esp in the dales of N England

Dale (deIl)   n   Sir Henry Hallet. 1875–1968, English physiologist: shared a Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1936 with Otto Loewi for their work on the chemical transmission of nerve impulses

daledh (ˈdɑːlɛð)   n   a variant of daleth

Dalek (ˈdɑːlɛk)   n   any of a race of fictional robot-like creations that are aggressive and mobile, and produce rasping staccato speech, featured in the British television series Dr Who

d'Alembert (French dalɑ̃bɛr)   n   Jean Le Rond (ʒɑ̃ lə rɔ̃). 1717–83, French mathematician, physicist, and rationalist philosopher, noted for his contribution to Newtonian physics in Traité de dynamique (1743) and for his collaboration with Diderot in editing the Encyclopédie

■ d'Alembert's principle   n   physics the principle that for a moving body the external forces are in equilibrium with the inertial forces; a generalization of Newton's third law of motion [C18: named after Jean Le Rond D'ALEMBERT]

Dalén (daˈleːn)   n   Nils Gustaf. 1869–1937, Swedish engineer, inventor of an automatic light-controlled valve known as 'Solventil'. Nobel prize for physics 1912

daleth or daled (ˈdɑːlId; Hebrew ˈdalɛt)   n   the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ד), transliterated as d or, when final, dh [Hebrew]

Dalglish (dælˈɡliːʃ, dəl-)   n   Sir Kenny, born 1951, Scottish footballer: a striker, he played for Celtic (1968–77) and for Liverpool (1977–89): manager of Liverpool (1985–91; 2011–12), of Blackburn Rovers (1991–95), Newcastle United (1997–98), and Celtic (2000): Scotland's most-capped footballer (102 appearances, 1971–86)

dalgyte (ˈdælɡaIt)   n   Austral another name for bilby

Dalhousie (dælˈhaʊzI)   n   1  9th Earl of, title of George Ramsay. 1770–1838, British general; governor of the British colonies in Canada (1819–28)   2  his son, 1st Marquis and 10th Earl of, title of James Andrew Broun Ramsay. 1812–60, British statesman: governor general of India (1848–56)

Dali (ˈdɑːlI; Spanish daˈliː)   n   Salvador (ˈsælvədɔː). 1904–89, Spanish surrealist painter

Dalian (dɑːlˈjɛn) or Talien (tɑːlˈjɛn)   n   a city in NE China, at the end of the Liaodong Peninsula: with the adjoining city of Lüshun comprises the port complex of Lüda. Pop: 2 709 000 (2005 est). Japanese name: Dairen

Dalit (ˈdɑːlIt)   n   a member of the lowest class in India, whom those of the four main castes were formerly forbidden to touch. Formerly called (taboo, offensive): untouchable [from Hindi, from Sanskrit dalita, literally: oppressed]

Dallapiccola (Italian dallaˈpikkola)   n   Luigi (luˈiːdʒi). 1904–75, Italian composer of twelve-tone music. His works include the opera Il Prigioniero (1944–48) and the ballet Marsia (1948)

Dallas (ˈdæləs)   n   a city in NE Texas, on the Trinity River: scene of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963). Pop: 1 208 318 (2003 est)

dalles (ˈdæləs, dælz)   pl n   Canadian a stretch of a river between high rock walls, with rapids and dangerous currents [from Canadian French, from French (Normandy dialect): sink; compare DALE]

dallop (ˈdæləp)   n   a variant form of dollop

dally (ˈdælI)   vb -lies, -lying, -lied (intr)   1 to waste time idly; dawdle   2 (usually foll by with) to deal frivolously or lightly with; trifle; toy: to dally with someone's affections [C14: from Anglo-French dalier to gossip, of uncertain origin]   > ˈdallier n

■ dalliance (ˈdælIəns)   n   1 waste of time in frivolous action or in dawdling   2 an archaic word for flirtation

dalmahoy (ˈdɑːlməˌhɔI, ˌdɑːlməˈhɔI)   n   Scot obsolete a bushy wig

Dalmatia (dælˈmeIʃə)   n   a region of W Croatia along the Adriatic: mountainous, with many offshore islands

■ Dalmatian (dælˈmeIʃən)   n   1 Also called (esp formerly): carriage dog, coach dog a large breed of dog having a short smooth white coat with black or (in liver-spotted dalmatians) brown spots   2 a native or inhabitant of Dalmatia   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Dalmatia or its inhabitants

dalmatic (dælˈmætIk)   n   1 a wide-sleeved tunic-like vestment open at the sides, worn by deacons and bishops   2 a similar robe worn by a king at his coronation [C15: from Late Latin dalmatica (vestis) Dalmatian (robe) (originally made of Dalmatian wool)]

Dalriada (dælˈrIədə)   n   a former Gaelic kingdom (5th century AD–9th century AD) comprising Argyll, parts of the Inner Hebrides, and parts of modern Antrim [named after the Dalriada family, its founders]

dal segno (ˈdæl ˈsɛnjəʊ)   adj, adv   music (of a piece of music) to be repeated from the point marked with a sign to the word fine   ▶ Abbreviation: DS. See also fine^3 [Italian, literally: from the sign]

dalt (dɔːlt)   n   Scot obsolete a foster child

Dalton (ˈdɔːltən)   n   John. 1766–1844, English chemist and physicist, who formulated the modern form of the atomic theory and the law of partial pressures for gases. He also gave the first accurate description of colour blindness, from which he suffered

■ dalton   n   another name for atomic mass unit [C20: named after John Dalton]

■ daltonian (dɔːlˈtəʊnIən)   adj   1 chem relating to John Dalton or his atomic theory   ▷ n   2 med a person affected by daltonism or colour-blindness

■ daltonism (ˈdɔːltəˌnIzəm)   n   colour blindness, esp the confusion of red and green [C19: from French daltonisme, after John Dalton]   > daltonic (dɔːlˈtɒnIk) adj

■ Dalton's atomic theory (ˈdɔːltənz)   n   chem the theory that matter consists of indivisible particles called atoms and that atoms of a given element are all identical and can neither be created nor destroyed. Compounds are formed by combination of atoms in simple ratios to give compound atoms (molecules). The theory was the basis of modern chemistry [C19: named after John Dalton]

■ Dalton's law   n   the principle that the pressure exerted by a mixture of gases in a fixed volume is equal to the sum of the pressures that each gas would exert if it occupied the whole volume. Also called: Dalton's law of partial pressures [C19: named after John Dalton]

Dalton plan or Dalton system (ˈdɔːltən)   n   a system devised to encourage pupils to learn and develop at their own speed, using libraries and other sources to complete long assignments [C20: named after Dalton, Massachusetts, where the plan was used in schools]

dam^1 (dæm)   n   1 a barrier of concrete, earth, etc, built across a river to create a body of water for a hydroelectric power station, domestic water supply, etc   2 a reservoir of water created by such a barrier   3 something that resembles or functions as a dam   ▷ vb dams, damming, dammed   4 (tr; often foll by up) to obstruct or restrict by or as if by a dam [C12: probably from Middle Low German; compare Old Icelandic damma to block up]

dam^2 (dæm)   n   the female parent of an animal, esp of domestic livestock [C13: variant of DAME]

dam^3 (dæm)   interj, adv, adj   (often used in combination) a variant spelling of damn (sense 1), damn (sense 2), damn (sense 3), damn (sense 4): damfool; dammit

dam^4   symbol for   decametre(s)

Dam (Danish dam)   n   (Carl Peter) Henrik (ˈhɛnrəɡ). 1895–1976, Danish biochemist who discovered vitamin K (1934): Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1943

damage (ˈdæmIdʒ)   n   1 injury or harm impairing the function or condition of a person or thing   2 loss of something desirable   3 informal cost; expense (esp in the phrase what's the damage?)   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to cause damage to   5 (intr) to suffer damage [C14: from Old French, from Latin damnum injury, loss, fine]   > ˈdamageable adj   > ˌdamageaˈbility n   > ˈdamager n   > ˈdamaging adj   > ˈdamagingly adv

■ damaged goods (ˈdæmIdʒd)   n informal   1 a person considered to be less than perfect psychologically, as a result of a traumatic experience   2 a person, esp a public figure, whose reputation has been damaged

■ damages (ˈdæmIdʒIz)   pl n   law money to be paid as compensation to a person for injury, loss, etc

daman (ˈdæmən)   n   a rare name for the hyrax, esp the Syrian rock hyrax. See hyrax. See also cony (sense 2) [from Arabic damān Isrā'īl sheep of Israel]

Daman (dɑːˈmɑːn)   n   a coastal town in W India, the chief town of Daman and Diu. Pop: 35 743 (2001). Portuguese name: Damão

Daman and Diu (dɑːˈmɑːn, ˈdiːuː)   n   a union territory in W India: formerly a district of Portuguese India (1559–1961) then part of the union territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu (1961–87). Area: 112 sq km (43 sq miles). Pop: 158 059 (2001)

Damanhûr (ˌdɑːmənˈhʊə)   n   a city in NE Egypt, in the Nile delta. Pop: 229 000 (2005 est)

Damão (dəˈmə̃u)   n   the Portuguese name for Daman

damar (ˈdæmə)   n   a variant spelling of dammar

Damara (dəˈmɑːrə)   n   1 Also called: Bergdama (pl -ras or -ra) a member of a people of Namibia   2 the language of this people, a dialect of Nama

■ Damaraland (dəˈmɑːrəˌlænd)   n   a plateau region of central Namibia, the traditional homeland of the Damara people

damascene (ˈdæməˌsiːn, ˌdæməˈsiːn)   vb   1 (tr) to ornament (metal, esp steel) by etching or by inlaying, usually with gold or silver   ▷ n   2 a design or article produced by this process   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this process   ▶ Also: damasceene, damasquin [C14: from Latin damascēnus of Damascus]

Damascus (dəˈmɑːskəs, -ˈmæs-)   n   the capital of Syria, in the southwest: reputedly the oldest city in the world, having been inhabited continuously since before 2000 BC. Pop: 2 565 670 (2015 est). Arabic names: Dimashq, Esh Sham (ɛʃ ʃæm)

■ Damascene (ˈdæməˌsiːn, ˌdæməˈsiːn)   adj   1 of or relating to Damascus   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Damascus   3 a variety of domestic fancy pigeon with silvery plumage

■ Damascus steel or damask steel   n   history a hard flexible steel with wavy markings caused by forging the metal in strips: used for sword blades

damask (ˈdæməsk)   n   1    a a reversible fabric, usually silk or linen, with a pattern woven into it. It is used for table linen, curtains, etc   b table linen made from this   c (as modifier): a damask tablecloth   2 short for Damascus steel   3 the wavy markings on such steel   4    a the greyish-pink colour of the damask rose   b (as adjective): damask wallpaper   ▷ vb   5 (tr) another word for damascene (sense 1) [C14: from Medieval Latin damascus, from Damascus, where this fabric was originally made]

■ damask rose   n   a rose, Rosa damascena, native to Asia and cultivated for its pink or red fragrant flowers, which are used to make the perfume attar [C16: from Medieval Latin rosa damascēna rose of Damascus]

damaskeen (ˈdæməˌskiːn)   vb (tr)   a variant form of damascene

damaskin (ˈdæməˌskiːn)   vb (tr)   a variant form of damascene

damassin (ˈdæməˌsIn)   n   textiles a patterned damask usually with a floral design

damboard (ˈdæmˌbɔːd) or dambrod (ˈdæmˌbrɒd)   n   a draughtboard

dame (deIm)   n   1 (formerly) a woman of rank or dignity; lady   2 a nun who has taken the vows of her order, esp a Benedictine   3 archaic, chiefly Brit a matronly or elderly woman   4 slang, chiefly US and Canadian a woman   5 Also called: pantomime dame Brit the role of a comic old woman in a pantomime, usually played by a man [C13: from Old French, from Latin domina lady, mistress of a household]

■ Dame   n (in Britain)   1 the title of a woman who has been awarded the Order of the British Empire or any of certain other orders of chivalry   2 the legal title of the wife or widow of a knight or baronet, placed before her name: Dame Judith. Compare Lady

■ dame school   n   (formerly) a small school, often in a village, usually run by an elderly woman in her own home to teach young children to read and write

■ dame's violet, dame's rocket or damewort (ˈdeImˌwɜːt)   n   a Eurasian hairy perennial plant, Hesperis matronalis, cultivated in gardens for its mauve or white fragrant flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

damfool (ˈdæmˈfuːl)   adj   informal, old-fashioned stupid or foolish

damiana (ˌdæmIˈɑːnə)   n   a small shrub native to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean: the leaves are commonly prepared in tea and consumed as an aphrodisiac

Damien (French damjɛ̃)   n   Joseph (ʒozɛf), known as Father Damien. 1840–89, Belgian Roman Catholic missionary to the leper colony at Molokai, Hawaii

Damietta (ˌdæmIˈɛtə)   n   a town in NE Egypt, in the Nile delta: important medieval commercial centre. Arabic name: Dumyat

daminozide (dəˈmInəˌzaId)   n   another name for Alar

dammar, damar or dammer (ˈdæmə)   n   any of various resins obtained from SE Asian trees, esp of the genera Agathis (conifers) and Shorea (family Dipterocarpaceae): used for varnishes, lacquers, bases for oil paints, etc [C17: from Malay damar resin]

damme (ˈdæmiː)   interj   obsolete an exclamation of surprise or annoyance

dammit (ˈdæmIt)   interj   a contracted form of damn it

damn (dæm)   interj   1 slang an exclamation of annoyance (often in exclamatory phrases such as damn it!, damn you!, etc)   2 informal an exclamation of surprise or pleasure (esp in the exclamatory phrase damn me!)   ▷ adj   3 (prenominal) slang deserving damnation; detestable   ▷ adv, adj (prenominal)   4 slang (intensifier): damn fool; a damn good pianist   ▷ adv   5 damn all slang absolutely nothing   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   6 to condemn as bad, worthless, etc   7 to curse   8 to condemn to eternal damnation   9 (often passive) to doom to ruin; cause to fail: the venture was damned from the start   10 (also intr) to prove (someone) guilty: damning evidence   11 to swear (at) using the word damn   12 as near as damn it Brit informal as near as possible; very near   13 damn with faint praise to praise so unenthusiastically that the effect is condemnation   ▷ n   14 slang something of negligible value; jot (esp in the phrase not worth a damn)   15 not give a damn informal to be unconcerned; not care [C13: from Old French dampner, from Latin damnāre to injure, condemn, from damnum loss, injury, penalty]

■ damnable (ˈdæmnəbəl)   adj   1 execrable; detestable   2 liable to or deserving damnation   > ˈdamnableness or ˌdamnaˈbility n

■ damnably (ˈdæmnəblI)   adv   1 in a detestable manner   2 (intensifier): it was damnably unfair

■ damnation (dæmˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act of damning or state of being damned   2 a cause or instance of being damned   ▷ interj   3 an exclamation of anger, disappointment, etc

■ damnatory (ˈdæmnətərI, -trI)   adj   threatening or occasioning condemnation

■ damned (dæmd)   adj   1    a condemned to hell   b (as noun): the damned   ▷ adv, adj slang   2 (intensifier): a damned good try; a damned liar; I should damned well think so!   3 used to indicate amazement, disavowal, or refusal (in such phrases as I'll be damned and damned if I care)

■ damnedest or damndest (ˈdæmdIst)   n   informal utmost; best (esp in the phrases do or try one's damnedest)

■ damner (ˈdæmə)   n   a person who damns

■ damning (ˈdæmIŋ)   adj   (of evidence or a report) suggesting very strongly that someone is guilty of a crime or has made a serious mistake

■ damningly (ˈdæmIŋlI)   adv   in a damning manner

damnify (ˈdæmnIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   law to cause loss or damage to (a person); injure [C16: from Old French damnifier, ultimately from Latin damnum harm, + facere to make]   > ˌdamnifiˈcation n

Damocles (ˈdæməˌkliːz)   n   classical myth a sycophant forced by Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, to sit under a sword suspended by a hair to demonstrate that being a king was not the happy state Damocles had said it was. See also Sword of Damocles   > ˌDamoˈclean adj

Damodar (ˈdæməˌdɑː)   n   a river in NE India, rising in Jharkhand and flowing east through West Bengal to the Hooghly River: the Damodar Valley is an important centre of heavy industry

damoiselle, damosel or damozel (ˌdæməˈzɛl)   n   archaic variants of damsel

Damon (ˈdeImən)   n   Matt. born 1970, US film actor and screenwriter. His films include Good Will Hunting (1997, which he co-wrote), Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Talented Mr Ripley (1999) and, from 2002, the Bourne series

Damon and Pythias (ˈdeImən)   n   classical myth two friends noted for their mutual loyalty. Damon offered himself as a hostage for Pythias, who was to be executed for treason by Dionysius of Syracuse. When Pythias returned to save his friend's life, he was pardoned

damp (dæmp)   adj   1 slightly wet, as from dew, steam, etc   2 archaic dejected   ▷ n   3 slight wetness; moisture; humidity   4 rank air or poisonous gas, esp in a mine. See also firedamp   5 a discouragement; damper   6 archaic dejection   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to make slightly wet   8 (often foll by down) to stifle or deaden: to damp one's ardour   9 (often foll by down) to reduce the flow of air to (a fire) to make it burn more slowly or to extinguish it   10 physics to reduce the amplitude of (an oscillation or wave)   11 music to muffle (the sound of an instrument) [C14: from Middle Low German damp steam; related to Old High German demphen to cause to steam]   > ˈdampish adj   > ˈdamply adv   > ˈdampness n

■ dampcourse (ˈdæmpˌkɔːs)   n   a horizontal layer of impervious material in a brick wall, fairly close to the ground, to stop moisture rising. Also called: damp-proof course

■ damp-dry   adj   informal (of something, such as a garment, that has been drying) nearly dry but still damp

■ dampen (ˈdæmpən)   vb   1 to make or become damp   2 (tr) to stifle; deaden   > ˈdampener n

■ damper (ˈdæmpə)   n   1 a person, event, or circumstance that depresses or discourages   2 put a damper on to produce a depressing or inhibiting effect on: the bad news put a damper on the party   3 a movable plate to regulate the draught in a stove or furnace flue   4 a device to reduce electronic, mechanical, acoustic, or aerodynamic oscillations in a system   5 music the pad in a piano or harpsichord that deadens the vibration of each string as its key is released   6 chiefly Austral and NZ any of various unleavened loaves and scones, typically cooked on an open fire

■ damping (ˈdæmpIŋ)   n   1 moistening or wetting   2 stifling, as of spirits   3 electronics the introduction of resistance into a resonant circuit with the result that the sharpness of response at the peak of a frequency is reduced   4 engineering any method of dispersing energy in a vibrating system

■ damping off   n   any of various diseases of plants, esp the collapse and death of seedlings caused by the parasitic fungus Pythium debaryanum and related fungi in conditions of excessive moisture

■ dampishness (ˈdæmpIʃnəs)   n   not standard the quality of being dampish

■ damp off   vb   (intr, adverb) (of plants, seedlings, shoots, etc) to be affected by damping off

■ damp-proof building trades   vb   1 to protect against the incursion of damp by adding a dampcourse or by coating with a moisture-resistant preparation   ▷ adj   2 protected against damp or causing protection against damp: a damp-proof course

■ dampy (ˈdæmpI)   adj -pier, -piest   damp or moist

Dampier (ˈdæmpIə)   n   William. 1652–1715, English navigator, pirate, and writer: sailed around the world twice

damsel (ˈdæmzəl)   n   archaic or poetic a young unmarried woman; maiden [C13: from Old French damoisele, from Vulgar Latin domnicella (unattested) young lady, from Latin domina mistress; see DAME]

■ damsel bug   n   any of various bugs of the carnivorous family Nabiidae, related to the bedbugs but feeding on other insects. The larvae of some species mimic and associate with ants

■ damselfish (ˈdæmzəlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any small tropical percoid fish of the family Pomacentridae, having a brightly coloured deep compressed body. See also anemone fish

■ damselfly (ˈdæmzəlˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   any insect of the suborder Zygoptera similar to but smaller than dragonflies and usually resting with the wings closed over the back: order Odonata

damson (ˈdæmzən)   n   1 a small rosaceous tree, Prunus domestica instititia (or P. instititia), cultivated for its blue-black edible plumlike fruit and probably derived from the bullace. See also plum^1 (sense 1)   2 the fruit of this tree [C14: from Latin prūnum Damascēnum Damascus plum]

■ damson cheese   n   thick damson jam

dan^1 (dæn)   n   a small buoy used as a marker at sea. Also called: dan buoy [C17: of unknown origin]

dan^2 (dæn)   n martial arts   1 any one of the 10 black-belt grades of proficiency   2 a competitor entitled to dan grading   ▶ Compare kyu [Japanese]

Dan^1 (dæn)   n   an archaic title of honour, equivalent to Master or Sir: Dan Chaucer

Dan^2 (dæn)   n Old Testament   1    a the fourth son of Jacob (Genesis 30:1–6)   b the tribe descended from him   2 a city in the northern territory of Canaan

Dan.   abbreviation for   1 Bible Daniel   2 Danish

Dana (ˈdeInə)   n   James Dwight (dwaIt). 1813–95, American geologist; noted for his work The System of Mineralogy (1837)

Danaë (ˈdæneIˌiː)   n   Greek myth the mother of Perseus by Zeus, who came to her in prison as a shower of gold

Danaides (dəˈneIIˌdiːz)   pl n, sing Danaid Greek myth   the fifty daughters of Danaüs. All but Hypermnestra murdered their bridegrooms and were punished in Hades by having to pour water perpetually into a jar with a hole in the bottom   > Danaidean (ˌdænIˈIdIən, ˌdænIəˈdiːən) adj

Da Nang (ˌdɑː ˈnæŋ)   n   a port in central Vietnam, on the South China Sea. Pop: 448 000 (2005 est). Former name: Tourane

Danaüs (ˈdænIəs)   n   Greek myth a king of Argos who told his fifty daughters, the Danaides, to kill their bridegrooms on their wedding night

danazol (ˈdænəˌzɒl, ˈdeInəˌzɒl)   n   pathol a synthetic male hormone, similar to testosterone, used in the treatment of endometriosis

Danby (ˈdænbI)   n   1  1st Earl of, title of Thomas Osborne. 1631–1712, English politician; Lord Treasurer (1673–78): regarded as the founder of the Tory party. Also called (from 1694): 1st Duke of Leeds   2  Francis. 1793–1861, Irish painter of romantic landscapes and historical subjects

dance (dɑːns)   vb   1 (intr) to move the feet and body rhythmically, esp in time to music   2 (tr) to perform (a particular dance)   3 (intr) to skip or leap, as in joy, etc   4 to move or cause to move in a light rhythmic way   5 dance attendance on someone to attend someone solicitously or obsequiously   ▷ n   6 a series of rhythmic steps and movements, usually in time to music. Related adjective: Terpsichorean   7 an act of dancing   8    a a social meeting arranged for dancing; ball   b (as modifier): a dance hall   9 a piece of music in the rhythm of a particular dance form, such as a waltz   10 short for dance music (sense 2)   11 dancelike movements made by some insects and birds, esp as part of a behaviour pattern   12 lead someone a dance Brit informal to cause someone continued worry and exasperation; play up [C13: from Old French dancier]   > ˈdanceable adj   > ˈdancer n   > ˈdancing n, adj

■ dance floor   n     a an area of floor in a disco, etc, where patrons may dance   b (as modifier): dance-floor music

■ dancehall (ˈdɑːnsˌhɔːl)   n   a style of dance-oriented reggae, originating in the late 1980s

■ dance music   n   1 music that is suitable for dancing   2 Also called: dance pop music with a strong electronic rhythm

■ dance of death   n   a pictorial, literary, or musical representation, current esp in the Middle Ages, of a dance in which living people, in order of social precedence, are led off to their graves, by a personification of death. Also called (French): danse macabre

■ dancey (ˈdɑːnsI)   adj dancier, danciest   of, relating to, or resembling dance music: a cool dancey track

■ dancing girl   n   a professional female dancer who dances to entertain customers at a club, theatre, etc

■ dancy (ˈdɑːnsI)   adj -cier, -ciest   (of music) appropriate for dancing

Dancercise (ˈdɑːnsəˌsaIz)   n   trademark an exercise system that uses dancing to improve fitness

dancette (dɑːnˈsɛt)   n   another name for chevron (sense 5)

■ dancettee or dancetty (ˈdɑːnsɛtI, dɑːnˈsɛtI)   adj   having a pattern of chevrons

dancical (ˈdɑːnsIkəl)   n   a type of dance show in which choreographed performers dance to pop songs [C21: from DANC(E) + (MUS)ICAL]

D and C   n   med dilation and curettage; a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure in obstetrics and gynaecology involving dilation of the cervix and curettage of the cavity of the uterus, as for abortion

dandelion (ˈdændIˌlaIən)   n   1 a plant, Taraxacum officinale, native to Europe and Asia and naturalized as a weed in North America, having yellow rayed flowers and deeply notched basal leaves, which are used for salad or wine: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any of several similar related plants [C15: from Old French dent de lion, literally: tooth of a lion, referring to its leaves]

dander^1 (ˈdændə)   n   1 small particles or scales of hair or feathers   2 get one's dander up or get someone's dander up informal to become or to cause someone to become annoyed or angry [C19: changed from DANDRUFF]

dander^2 (ˈdændə; Scottish ˈdændər) Scot and Northern English dialect   n   1 a stroll   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to stroll [C19: of unknown origin]

dandiacal (dænˈdaIəkəl)   adj   of the nature of a dandy, like a dandy

Dandie Dinmont (ˈdændI ˈdInmɒnt)   n   a breed of small terrier with a long coat and drooping ears. Also called: Dandie Dinmont terrier [C19: named after a character who owned two terriers in Guy Mannering (1815), a novel by Sir Walter Scott]

dandiprat or dandyprat (ˈdændIˌpræt)   n   1 a small English coin minted in the 16th century   2 archaic   a a small boy   b an insignificant person [C16: of unknown origin]

dandle (ˈdændəl)   vb (tr)   1 to move (a young child, etc) up and down (on the knee or in the arms)   2 to pet; fondle [C16: of uncertain origin]   > ˈdandler n

Dandolo (Italian ˈdandolo)   n   Enrico.c. 1108–1205, Venetian statesman; doge (1192–1205). During the fourth Crusade he won Greek colonies for Venice

Dandong (ˈdænˈdʊŋ)   n   a port in E China, in Liaoning province at the mouth of the Yalu River. Pop: 730 000 (2005 est). Former spelling: Tan-tung. Former name: Andong

dandruff (ˈdændrəf)   n   loose scales of dry dead skin shed from the scalp. Also called (now rarely): dandriff [C16: dand-, of unknown origin + -ruff, probably from Middle English roufe scab, from Old Norse hrūfa]   > ˈdandruffy adj

dandy^1 (ˈdændI)   n, pl -dies   1 a man greatly concerned with smartness of dress; beau   2 a yawl or ketch   ▷ adj -dier, -diest   3 informal very good or fine [C18: perhaps short for jack-a-dandy]   > ˈdandily adv   > ˈdandyish adj   > ˈdandyism n

■ dandified (ˈdændIfaId)   adj   greatly concerned with smartness of dress

■ dandify (ˈdændIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to dress like or cause to resemble a dandy   > ˌdandifiˈcation n

■ dandy-brush   n   a stiff brush used for grooming a horse

■ dandyishly (ˈdændIIʃlI)   adv   in the manner of a dandy

■ dandy roll or dandy roller   n   a light roller used in the manufacture of certain papers to produce watermarks

dandy^2 (ˈdændI)   n   another name for dengue

dandyfunk (ˈdændIˌfʌŋk)   n   cookery a type of dessert typically eaten at sea, consisting of a cake or biscuit baked in fat and molasses

dandyprat (ˈdændIˌpræt)   n   a variant spelling of dandiprat

Dane (deIn)   n   1 a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Denmark   2 any of the Vikings who invaded England from the late 8th to the 11th century AD

Danegeld (ˈdeInˌɡɛld) or Danegelt (ˈdeInˌɡɛlt)   n   the tax first levied in the late 9th century in Anglo-Saxon England to provide protection money for or to finance forces to oppose Viking invaders [C11: from Dan Dane + geld tribute; see YIELD]

Danelaw or Danelagh (ˈdeInˌlɔː)   n   the northern, central and eastern parts of Anglo-Saxon England in which Danish law and custom were observed [Old English Dena lagu Danes' law; term revived in the 19th century]

danewort (ˈdeInˌwɜːt)   n   a caprifoliaceous shrub, Sambucus ebulus, native to Europe and Asia and having serrated leaves and white flowers. Also called: daneweed. See also elder^2

dang (dæŋ)   interj, adv, adj   a euphemistic word for damn (sense 1), damn (sense 2), damn (sense 3), damn (sense 4)

danger (ˈdeIndʒə)   n   1 the state of being vulnerable to injury, loss, or evil; risk   2 a person or thing that may cause injury, pain, etc   3 obsolete power   4 in danger of liable to   5 on the danger list critically ill in hospital [C13: daunger power, hence power to inflict injury, from Old French dongier (from Latin dominium ownership) blended with Old French dam injury, from Latin damnum]   > ˈdangerless adj

■ danger man   n   a person, esp a member of a sports team, who is likely to inflict damage on opponents

■ danger money   n   extra money paid to compensate for the risks involved in certain dangerous jobs

■ dangerous (ˈdeIndʒərəs)   adj   causing danger; perilous   > ˈdangerously adv   > ˈdangerousness n

■ dangerous offender   n   US and Canadian an offender who is deemed by a court of law to be likely to engage in further violent conduct, and who thus becomes eligible for an indefinite prison sentence

dangle (ˈdæŋɡəl)   vb   1 to hang or cause to hang freely: his legs dangled over the wall   2 (tr) to display as an enticement: the hope of a legacy was dangled before her   ▷ n   3 the act of dangling or something that dangles [C16: perhaps from Danish dangle, probably of imitative origin]   > ˈdangler n   > ˈdanglingly adv

■ dangling participle   n   grammar a participle intended to modify a noun but having the wrong grammatical relationship to it as for example having left in the sentence Having left Europe for good, Peter's future seemed bleak indeed. Also called: misplaced modifier

■ dangly (ˈdæŋlI)   adj danglier, dangliest   dangling; hanging down

Dani (ˈdɑːnI)   n   1 (pl Dani (ˈdɑːnI)) a member of a New Guinea people living in the central highlands of West Irian   2 the language of this people, probably related to other languages of New Guinea

Daniel^1 (ˈdænjəl)   n   1 Old Testament   a a youth who was taken into the household of Nebuchadnezzar, received guidance and apocalyptic visions from God, and was given divine protection when thrown into the lions' den   b the book that recounts these experiences and visions (in full The Book of the Prophet Daniel)   2 (often preceded by a) a wise upright person [sense 2: referring to Daniel in the Apocryphal Book of Susanna]

Daniel^2 (ˈdænjəl)   n   1  Paul (Wilson). born 1958, English conductor; musical director of the English National Opera (1997–2005)   2  Samuel. ?1562–1619, English poet and writer: author of the sonnet sequence Delia (1592)

Daniell cell (ˈdænjəl)   n   physics a type of cell having a zinc anode in dilute sulphuric acid separated by a porous barrier from a copper cathode in copper sulphate solution. It has an emf of 1.1 volts [C19: named after John Daniell (1790–1845), English scientist]

danio (ˈdeInIˌəʊ)   n, pl -os   any brightly coloured tropical freshwater cyprinid fish of the genus Danio and related genera: popular aquarium fishes [C19: from New Latin, of obscure origin]

Danish (ˈdeInIʃ)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Denmark, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 the official language of Denmark, belonging to the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European family

■ Danish blue   n   a strong-tasting white cheese with blue veins

■ Danish loaf   n   Brit a large white loaf with a centre split having the top crust dusted with flour, esp one baked on the sole of the oven

■ Danish pastry   n   a rich puff pastry filled with apple, almond paste, icing, etc

■ Danish West Indies   pl n   the former possession of Denmark in the W Lesser Antilles, sold to the US in 1917. Name since 1917: Virgin Islands of the United States

dank (dæŋk)   adj   (esp of cellars, caves, etc) unpleasantly damp and chilly [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dank marshy spot]   > ˈdankly adv   > ˈdankness n

■ dankish (ˈdæŋkIʃ)   adj   slightly dank

Dankworth (ˈdæŋkwɜːθ)   n   Sir John (Philip William). 1927–2010, British jazz composer, bandleader, and saxophonist: married to Cleo Laine

Danmark (Danish ˈdanmarɡ)   n   the Danish name for Denmark

D'Annunzio (Italian danˈnuntsjo)   n   Gabriele (ɡaˈbrjɛːle). 1863–1938, Italian poet, dramatist, novelist, national hero, and Fascist. His works include the poems in Alcione (1904) and the drama La Figlia di Iorio (1904)

danny (ˈdænI) or donny   n, pl -nies   dialect the hand (used esp when addressing children) [probably from dandy, childish pronunciation of HAND]

Dano-Norwegian (ˌdeInəʊnɔːˈwiːdʒən)   n   another name for Bokmål

danse macabre French (dɑ̃s makɑbrə)   n   another name for dance of death

danseur French (dɑ̃sœr)   n   a male ballet dancer

danseuse French (dɑ̃søz)   n   a female ballet dancer

dant (dɑːnt)   vb   an archaic spelling of daunt

Dante (ˈdæntI, ˈdɑːnteI; Italian ˈdante)   n   full name Dante Alighieri (Italian aliˈɡjɛːri). 1265–1321, Italian poet famous for La Divina Commedia (?1309–?1320), an allegorical account of his journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, guided by Virgil and his idealized love Beatrice. His other works include La Vita Nuova (?1292), in which he celebrates his love for Beatrice   > Dantean (ˈdæntIən, dænˈtiːən) or Dantesque (dænˈtɛsk) adj

danthonia (dænˈθəʊnIə)   n   any of various grasses of the genus Danthonia, of N temperate regions and South America [named after E. Danthoine, French botanist]

Danton (ˈdæntən; French dɑ̃tɔ̃)   n   Georges Jacques (ʒɔrʒ ʒɑk). 1759–94, French revolutionary leader: a founder member of the Committee of Public Safety (1793) and minister of justice (1792–94). He was overthrown by Robespierre and guillotined

Danube (ˈdænjuːb)   n   a river in central and SE Europe, rising in the Black Forest in Germany and flowing to the Black Sea. Length: 2859 km (1776 miles). German name: Donau. Czech name: Dunaj. Hungarian name: Duna. Croatian and Serbian name: Dunav. Romanian name: Dunărea. Ukrainian name: Dunay

■ Danubian (dænˈjuːbIən)   adj   of or relating to the river Danube

Danzig (ˈdænsIɡ; German ˈdantsIç)   n   1 the German name for Gdańsk   2 a rare variety of domestic fancy pigeon originating in this area

dap^1 (dæp)   vb daps, dapping, dapped (intr)   1 angling to fish with a natural or artificial fly on a floss silk line so that the wind makes the fly bob on and off the surface of the water   2 (as of a bird) to dip lightly into water   3 to bounce or cause to bounce [C17: of imitative origin]

dap^2 (dæp)   n   Southwest English dialect another word for plimsoll [C20: probably special use of DAP^1 (in the sense: to bounce, skip)]

DAP computing   abbreviation for   distributed array processor

daphne (ˈdæfnI)   n   any shrub of the Eurasian thymelaeaceous genus Daphne, such as the mezereon and spurge laurel: ornamentals with shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers. See also laurel (sense 4) [via Latin from Greek: laurel]

Daphne (ˈdæfnI)   n   Greek myth a nymph who was saved from the amorous attentions of Apollo by being changed into a laurel tree

daphnia (ˈdæfnIə)   n   any water flea of the genus Daphnia, having a rounded body enclosed in a transparent shell and bearing branched swimming antennae [C19: from New Latin, probably from DAPHNE]

daphnid (ˈdæfnId)   n   any water flea of the genus Daphnia

Daphnis (ˈdæfnIs)   n   Greek myth a Sicilian shepherd, the son of Hermes and a nymph, who was regarded as the inventor of pastoral poetry

■ Daphnis and Chloe   n   two lovers in pastoral literature, esp in a prose idyll attributed to the Greek writer Longus

Da Ponte (Italian dɑ ˈpɔnte)   n   Lorenzo (loˈrɛntso), real name Emmanuele Conegliano 1749–1838, Italian writer; Mozart's librettist for The Marriage of Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787), and Così fan tutte (1790)

dapper (ˈdæpə)   adj   1 neat and spruce in dress and bearing; trim   2 small and nimble [C15: from Middle Dutch: active, nimble]   > ˈdapperly adv   > ˈdapperness n

dapperling (ˈdæpəlIŋ)   n   an obsolete word for dandiprat

dapple (ˈdæpəl)   vb   1 to mark or become marked with spots or patches of a different colour; mottle   ▷ n   2 mottled or spotted markings   3 a dappled horse, etc   ▷ adj   4 marked with dapples or spots [C14: of unknown origin]

■ dappled (ˈdæpəld)   adj   marked with dapples

■ dapple-grey   n   a horse with a grey coat having spots of darker colour

daps (dæps)   pl n   Southwest English dialect a pair of plimsolls

Dapsang (dʌpˈsʌŋ)   n   another name for K2

dapsone (ˈdæpˌsəʊn)   n   an antimicrobial drug used to treat leprosy and certain types of dermatitis. Formula: C_12H_12N_2O_2S [C20: from d(i)a(minodi)p(henyl) s(ulph)one]

daquiri (ˈdækərI)   n   a variant spelling of daiquiri

DAR   abbreviation for   Daughters of the American Revolution

daraf (ˈdærəf)   n   physics a unit of elastance equal to a reciprocal farad [C20: reverse spelling of FARAD]

darb (dɑːb)   n   something excellent of its kind

darbar (ˈdɑːbɑː)   n   a hall in a Sikh temple

darbies (ˈdɑːbIz)   pl n   Brit informal, old-fashioned handcuffs [C16: perhaps from the phrase Father Derby's or Father Darby's bonds, a rigid agreement between a usurer and his client]

d'Arblay (ˈdɑːbleI)   n   See Burney (sense 2)

Darby (ˈdɑːbI)   n   Abraham. 1677–1717, British iron manufacturer: built the first coke-fired blast furnace (1709)

Darby and Joan (ˈdɑːbI)   n   1 an ideal elderly married couple living in domestic harmony   2 Darby and Joan Club a club for elderly people [C18: a couple in an 18th-century English ballad]

darcy (ˈdɑːsI)   n   geology a unit expressing the permeability coefficient of rock. Symbol: D [named after Henri-Philibert-Gaspard Darcy (1803–58), French hydraulic engineer]

Darcy (ˈdɑːsI)   n   (James) Les(lie). 1895–1917, Australian boxer and folk hero, who lost only five professional fights and was never knocked out, considered a martyr after his death from septicaemia during a tour of the United States

Dard (dɑːd)   n   a member of any of the Indo-European peoples speaking a Dardic language

Dardan (ˈdɑːdən) or Dardanian (dɑːˈdeInIən)   n   another name for a Trojan

Dardanelles (ˌdɑːdəˈnɛlz)   n   the strait between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara, separating European from Asian Turkey. Ancient name: Hellespont

Dardanus (ˈdɑːdənəs)   n   classical myth the son of Zeus and Electra who founded the royal house of Troy

Dardic (ˈdɑːdIk)   adj   1 belonging or relating to a group of languages spoken in Kashmir, N Pakistan, and E Afghanistan, regarded as a subbranch of the Indic branch of the Indo-European family but showing certain Iranian characteristics   ▷ n   2 this group of languages

dare (dɛə)   vb   1 (tr) to challenge (a person to do something) as proof of courage   2 (can take an infinitive with or without to) to be courageous enough to try (to do something): she dares to dress differently from the others; you wouldn't dare!   3 (tr) rare to oppose without fear; defy   4 I dare say or I daresay   a (it is) quite possible (that)   b probably: used as sentence substitute   ▷ n   5 a challenge to do something as proof of courage   6 something done in response to such a challenge [Old English durran; related to Old High German turran to venture]   > ˈdarer n

USAGE

When used negatively or interrogatively, dare does not usually add -s: he dare not come; dare she come? When used negatively in the past tense, however, dare usually adds -d: he dared not come

■ daredevil (ˈdɛəˌdɛvəl)   n   1 a recklessly bold person   ▷ adj   2 reckless; daring; bold   > ˈdareˌdevilry or ˈdareˌdeviltry n

■ dareful (ˈdɛəfʊl)   adj   archaic full of daring

■ daring (ˈdɛərIŋ)   adj   1 bold or adventurous; reckless   ▷ n   2 courage in taking risks; boldness   > ˈdaringly adv

daren't (dɛənt)   contraction of   dare not

Dar es Salaam (ˈdɑːr ɛs səˈlɑːm)   n   the chief port of Tanzania, on the Indian Ocean: capital of German East Africa (1891–1916); capital of Tanzania until 1983 when it was officially replaced by Dodoma, though still retaining some functions; university (1963). Pop: 5 115 670 (2015 est)

Darfur (dɑːˈfʊə)   n   a region of W Sudan; an independent kingdom until conquered by Egypt in 1874; since 2003 conflict between the Janjaweed and rebel groups has left hundreds of thousands dead and homeless

darg (dɑːɡ)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a day's work [C15: formed by syncope from day-work]

dargah, durgah or darga (ˈdɜːɡɑː)   n   the tomb of a Muslim saint; a Muslim shrine [Persian]

dargle (ˈdɑːɡəl)   n   literary a wooded hollow

Dari (ˈdʌrI)   n   the local name for the dialect of the Persian language spoken in Afghanistan

daric (ˈdærIk)   n   a gold coin of ancient Persia. Compare siglos [C16: from Greek Dareikos, probably after DARIUS I]

Darien (ˈdɛərIən, ˈdæ-)   n   1 the E part of the Isthmus of Panama, between the Gulf of Darien on the Caribbean coast and the Gulf of San Miguel on the Pacific coast; chiefly within the republic of Panama but extending also into Colombia: site of a disastrous attempt to establish a Scottish colony in 1698   2 Isthmus of Darien the former name of the Isthmus of Panama   ▶ Spanish name: Darién (daˈrjen)

Dario (Spanish daˈrio)   n   Rubén (ruˈβen), real name Félix Rubén Garcia Sarmiento. 1867–1916, Nicaraguan poet whose poetry includes Prosas Profanas (1896)

dariole (ˈdærIˌəʊl)   n   1 Also called: dariole mould a small cup-shaped mould used for making individual sweet or savoury dishes   2 a dish prepared in such a mould [C14: from Old French]

Darius I (dəˈraIəs)   n   known as Darius the Great, surname Hystaspis. ?550–486 BC, king of Persia (521–486), who extended the Persian empire and crushed the revolt of the Ionian city states (500). He led two expeditions against Greece but was defeated at Marathon (490)

Darius III   n   died 330 BC, last Achaemenid king of Persia (336–330), who was defeated by Alexander the Great

Darjeeling (dɑːˈdʒiːlIŋ)   n   1 a town in NE India, in West Bengal in the Himalayas, at an altitude of about 2250 m (7500 ft). Pop: 107 530 (2001). Official name: Darjiling   2 a high-quality black tea grown in the mountains around Darjeeling

dark (dɑːk)   adj   1 having little or no light: a dark street   2 (of a colour) reflecting or transmitting little light: dark brown. Compare light^1 (sense 29), medium (sense 2)   3    a (of complexion, hair colour, etc) not fair or blond; swarthy; brunette   b (in combination): dark-eyed   4 gloomy or dismal   5 sinister; evil: a dark purpose   6 sullen or angry: a dark scowl   7 ignorant or unenlightened: a dark period in our history   8 secret or mysterious: keep it dark   9 phonetics denoting an (l) pronounced with a velar articulation giving back vowel resonance. In English, l is usually dark when final or preconsonantal. Compare light^1 (sense 30)   10 go dark stock exchange informal (of a company) to remove itself from the register of major exchanges while continuing to trade   ▷ n   11 absence of light; darkness   12 night or nightfall   13 a dark place, patch, or shadow   14 a state of ignorance (esp in the phrase in the dark)   ▷ vb   15 an archaic word for darken [Old English deorc; related to Old High German terchennen to hide]   > ˈdarkish adj   > ˈdarkly adv   > ˈdarkness n

■ Dark Ages   pl n the Dark Ages European history   1 the period from about the late 5th century AD to about 1000 AD, once considered an unenlightened period   2 (occasionally) the whole medieval period

■ dark-complexioned   adj   (of a person) having a dark complexion

■ Dark Continent   n   the Dark Continent a term for Africa when it was relatively unexplored

■ dark current   n   the residual current produced by a photoelectric device when not illuminated

■ darken (ˈdɑːkən)   vb   1 to make or become dark or darker   2 to make or become gloomy, angry, or sad: his mood darkened   3 darken someone's door (usually used with a negative) to visit someone: never darken my door again!   > ˈdarkener n

■ darkened (ˈdɑːkənd)   adj   (of a building or room) having no lights on inside

■ dark energy   n   astronomy unobserved energy whose existence is proposed to account for the observed acceleration in the expansion of the universe

■ dark-eyed   adj   (of a person) having dark eyes

■ dark-field illumination   n   illumination of the field of a microscope from the side so that the specimen is viewed against a dark background

■ darkfield microscope (ˈdɑːkˌfiːld)   n   another name for an ultramicroscope

■ dark glasses   pl n   spectacles with lenses tinted to reduce transmitted light

■ dark-haired   adj   (of a person) having dark hair

■ dark horse   n   1 a competitor in a race or contest about whom little is known; an unknown   2 a person who reveals little about himself or herself or his or her activities, esp one who has unexpected talents or abilities   3 US politics a candidate who is unexpectedly nominated or elected

■ dark lantern   n   a lantern having a sliding shutter or panel to dim or hide the light

■ darkle (ˈdɑːkəl)   vb archaic or literary   1 to grow dark; darken   2 (intr) to appear dark or indistinct [C19: back formation from DARKLING]

■ darkling (ˈdɑːklIŋ) poetic   adv, adj   1 in the dark or night   ▷ adj   2 darkening or almost dark; obscure [C15: from DARK + -LING^2]

■ darklings (ˈdɑːklIŋz)   adv   obsolete in darkness

■ darkmans (ˈdɑːkmənz)   n   Brit slang night-time

■ dark matter   n   astronomy matter known to make up perhaps 90% of the mass of the universe, but not detectable by its absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation

■ dark nebula   n   a type of nebula that is observed by its blocking of radiation from other sources. See nebula

■ darknet (ˈdɑːkˌnɛt)   n   a covert communication network on the internet

■ dark reaction   n   botany the stage of photosynthesis involving the reduction of carbon dioxide and the dissociation of water, using chemical energy stored in ATP: does not require the presence of light. Compare light reaction

■ darkroom (ˈdɑːkˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a room in which photographs are processed in darkness or safe light

■ dark-skinned   adj   (of a person or race) having skin of a dark colour

■ darksome (ˈdɑːksəm)   adj   literary dark or darkish

■ dark star   n   an invisible star known to exist only from observation of its radio, infrared, or other spectrum or of its gravitational effect, such as an invisible component of a binary or multiple star

■ dark tourism   n   tourism to sites associated with tragedies, disasters, and death

■ dark Web   n   another name for deep Web

■ darky, darkie or darkey (ˈdɑːkI)   n, pl darkies or darkeys offensive, slang   1 an offensive word for a Black person   2 Austral an offensive word for a native Australian

Darlan (French darlɑ̃)   n   Jean Louis Xavier François (ʒɑ̃ lwi ɡzavje frɑ̃swa). 1881–1942, French admiral and member of the Vichy government. He cooperated with the Allies after their invasion of North Africa; assassinated

darling (ˈdɑːlIŋ)   n   1 a person very much loved: often used as a term of address   2 a favourite: the teacher's darling   ▷ adj (prenominal)   3 beloved   4 much admired; pleasing: a darling hat [Old English dēorling; see DEAR, -LING^1]

■ darlingly (ˈdɑːlIŋlI)   adv   archaic in a darling or charming manner

■ darlingness (ˈdɑːlIŋnəs)   n   archaic the quality or characteristic of being darling, sweet, or charming

Darling (ˈdɑːlIŋ)   n   1  Alistair (Maclean), Baron. born 1953, British Labour politician: Chancellor of the Exchequer (2007–10)   2  Grace. 1815–42, English national heroine, famous for her rescue (1838) of some shipwrecked sailors with her father, a lighthouse keeper

Darling Downs   pl n   a plateau in NE Australia, in SE Queensland: a vast agricultural and stock-raising area

Darling Range   n   a ridge in SW Western Australia, parallel to the coast. Highest point: 582 m (1909 ft)

Darling River   n   a river in SE Australia, rising in the Eastern Highlands and flowing southwest to the Murray River. Length: 2740 km (1702 miles)

Darlington (ˈdɑːlIŋtən)   n   1 an industrial town in NE England in Darlington unitary authority, S Durham: developed mainly with the opening of the Stockton-Darlington railway (1825). Pop: 86 082 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in NE England, in Durham. Pop: 98 200 (2003 est). Area: 198 sq km (77 sq miles)

Darmstadt (ˈdɑːmstæt; German ˈdarmʃtat)   n   an industrial city in central Germany, in Hesse: former capital of the grand duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt (1567–1945). Pop: 139 698 (2003 est)

darmstadtium (dɑːmˈstætIəm)   n   a synthetic radioactive element produced in small quantities by cold fusion in a linear accelerator. Symbol: Ds; atomic no: 110 [C21: named after DARMSTADT, where it was discovered]

darn^1 (dɑːn)   vb   1 to mend (a hole or a garment) with a series of crossing or interwoven stitches   ▷ n   2 a patch of darned work on a garment   3 the process or act of darning [C16: probably from French (Channel Islands dialect) darner; compare Welsh, Breton darn piece]   > ˈdarner n   > ˈdarning n

■ darning egg or darning mushroom   n   a rounded piece of wood or plastic used in darning to support the fabric around the hole

■ darning needle   n   1 a long needle with a large eye used for darning   2 US and Canadian a dialect name for a dragonfly

darn^2 (dɑːn)   interj, adj, adv, n   a euphemistic word for damn (sense 1), damn (sense 2), damn (sense 3), damn (sense 4), damn (sense 15)

■ darned (dɑːnd)   adv, adj slang   1 (intensifier): this darned car won't start; a darned good shot   ▷ adj   2 another word for damned (sense 2), damned (sense 3)

■ darnedest or darndest (ˈdɑːndIst)   n   a euphemistic word for damnedest

darnel (ˈdɑːnəl)   n   any of several grasses of the genus Lolium, esp L. temulentum, that grow as weeds in grain fields in Europe and Asia [C14: probably related to French (Walloon dialect) darnelle, of obscure origin]

Darnley (ˈdɑːnlI)   n   Lord. title of Henry Stuart (or Stewart). 1545–67, Scottish nobleman; second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots and father of James I of England. After murdering his wife's secretary, Rizzio (1566), he was himself assassinated (1567)

darogha (dɑːˈrəʊɡɑː)   n (in India and Pakistan)   1 a manager   2 an inspector [Urdu]

darraigne, darrain, darraine or darrayn (dəˈreIn)   vb (tr)   variants of deraign

darre (dɛə)   vb   an archaic spelling of dare

darshan (ˈdɑːʃən)   n   Hinduism the meeting of a devotee of Hinduism with a holy person or guru [from Sanskrit, literally: sight or vision]

dart^1 (dɑːt)   n   1 a small narrow pointed missile that is thrown or shot, as in the game of darts   2 a sudden quick movement   3 zoology a slender pointed structure, as in snails for aiding copulation or in nematodes for penetrating the host's tissues   4 a tapered tuck made in dressmaking   ▷ vb   5 to move or throw swiftly and suddenly; shoot: she darted across the room [C14: from Old French, of Germanic origin; related to Old English daroth spear, Old High German tart dart]   > ˈdarting adj   > ˈdartingly adv

■ dartboard (ˈdɑːtˌbɔːd)   n   a circular piece of wood, cork, etc, used as the target in the game of darts. It is divided into numbered sectors with central inner and outer bull's-eyes

■ darter (ˈdɑːtə)   n   1 Also called: anhinga, snakebird any aquatic bird of the genus Anhinga and family Anhingidae, of tropical and subtropical inland waters, having a long slender neck and bill: order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc)   2 any small brightly coloured North American freshwater fish of the genus Etheostoma and related genera: family Percidae (perches)

■ darts (dɑːts)   n   (functioning as singular) any of various competitive games in which darts are thrown at a dartboard

dart^2 (dɑːt)   n   any of various tropical and semitropical marine fish [from Middle English darce, from Late Latin dardus, dart, javelin]

Dartford (ˈdɑːtfəd)   n   a town in SE England, in NW Kent. Pop: 56 818 (2001)

dartitis (dɑːˈtaItIs)   n   (in darts) nervous twitching or tension that destroys concentration and spoils performance

dartle (ˈdɑːtəl)   vb   archaic to move swiftly and repeatedly

Dartmoor (ˈdɑːtˌmʊə)   n   1 a moorland plateau in SW England, in SW Devon: a national park since 1951. Area: 945 sq km (365 sq miles)   2 a prison in SW England, on Dartmoor: England's main prison for long-term convicts   3 a small strong breed of pony, originally from Dartmoor   4 a hardy coarse-woolled breed of sheep originally from Dartmoor

Dartmouth (ˈdɑːtməθ)   n   1 a port in SW England, in S Devon: Royal Naval College (1905). Pop: 5512 (2001)   2 a city in SE Canada, in S Nova Scotia, on Halifax Harbour: oil refineries and shipyards. Pop: 65 741 (2001)

dartre (ˈdɑːtə)   n   pathol any skin disease characterized by scabby or flaky skin, such as herpes or eczema

■ dartrous (ˈdɑːtrəs)   adj   pathol of or pertaining to dartre

Darwin^1 (ˈdɑːwIn)   n   a port in N Australia, capital of the Northern Territory: destroyed by a cyclone in 1974 but rebuilt on the same site. Pop: 129 062 (2011). Former name (1869–1911): Palmerston

Darwin^2 (ˈdɑːwIn)   n   1  Charles (Robert). 1809–82, English naturalist who formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection, expounded in On the Origin of Species (1859) and applied to humans in The Descent of Man (1871)   2  his grandfather, Erasmus. 1731–1802, English physician and poet; author of Zoonomia, or the Laws of Organic Life (1794–96), anticipating Lamarck's views on evolution   3  Sir George Howard, son of Charles Darwin. 1845–1912, English astronomer and mathematician noted for his work on tidal friction

■ Darwinian (dɑːˈwInIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Charles Darwin or his theory of evolution by natural selection   ▷ n   2 a person who accepts, supports, or uses this theory

■ Darwinism (ˈdɑːwIˌnIzəm) or Darwinian theory   n   the theory of the origin of animal and plant species by evolution through a process of natural selection. Compare Lamarckism. See also Neo-Darwinism   > ˈDarwinist or ˈDarwinite n, adj   > ˌDarwinˈistic adj

■ Darwin's finches   pl n   the finches of the subfamily Geospizinae of the Galapagos Islands, showing great variation in bill structure and feeding habits: provided Darwin with evidence to support his theory of evolution

darzi (ˈdɑːzI)   n   (in India) a tailor

dash^1 (dæʃ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to hurl; crash: he dashed the cup to the floor; the waves dashed against the rocks   2 to mix: white paint dashed with blue   3 (intr) to move hastily or recklessly; rush: I dashed to the hospital   4 (usually foll by off or down) to write (down) or finish (off) hastily   5 to destroy; frustrate: our hopes were dashed   6 to daunt (someone); cast down; discourage: he was dashed by her refusal   ▷ n   7 a sudden quick movement; dart   8 a small admixture: coffee with a dash of cream   9 a violent stroke or blow   10 the sound of splashing or smashing: the dash of the waves   11 panache; style: she rides with dash   12 cut a dash See cut (sense 33)   13 the punctuation mark —, used singly in place of a colon, esp to indicate a sudden change of subject or grammatical anacoluthon, or in pairs to enclose a parenthetical remark   14 the symbol (–) used, in combination with the symbol dot (·), in the written representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare dah   15 athletics another word (esp US and Canadian) for sprint   16 informal short for dashboard [Middle English dasche, dasse]

■ dashboard (ˈdæʃˌbɔːd)   n   1 Also called (Brit): fascia the instrument panel in a car, boat, or aircraft. Sometimes shortened to: dash   2 obsolete a board at the side of a carriage or boat to protect against splashing   3 commerce a simple graphical presentation of the current status and historical trends of an organization’s key performance indicators

■ dashcam (ˈdæʃˌkæm)   n   a small video camera situated on the dashboard of a vehicle, used to record the view through the windscreen

■ dasher (ˈdæʃə)   n   1 someone or something that dashes   2 Canadian the ledge along the top of the boards of an ice hockey rink   3 the plunger in a churn, often with paddles attached

■ dashing (ˈdæʃIŋ)   adj   1 spirited; lively: a dashing young man   2 stylish; showy: a dashing hat   > ˈdashingly adv

■ Dashing White Sergeant   n   a lively Scottish dance for sets of six people

■ dashlight (ˈdæʃlaIt)   n   a light illuminating the dashboard of an automobile, esp at night

■ dashy (ˈdæʃI)   adj dashier, dashiest   not standard intended to draw attention; showy

dash^2 (dæʃ)   interj   informal a euphemistic word for damn (sense 1), damn (sense 2)

■ dashed (dæʃt)   adj, adv   a euphemistic form of damned (sense 2)

dash^3 (dæʃ) W African   n   1 a gift, commission, tip, or bribe   ▷ vb   2 to give (a dash) to someone [C16: perhaps from Fanti]

dasheen (dæˈʃiːn)   n   another name for taro [C19: perhaps changed from French (chou) de Chine (cabbage) of China]

dasheki (dæˈʃiːkI)   n   a variant spelling of dashiki

dashi (ˈdaʃI)   n   a clear stock made from dried fish and kelp [C20: Japanese]

dashiki (dɑːˈʃiːkI), dasheki (dɑːˈʃiːkI) or daishiki (daIˈʃiːkI)   n   a large loose-fitting buttonless upper garment worn esp by Black people in the US, Africa, and the Caribbean [C20: of W African origin]

dashpot (ˈdæʃˌpɒt)   n   a device for damping vibrations; the vibrating part is attached to a piston moving in a liquid-filled cylinder [C20: from DASH^1 + POT^1]

Dasht-i-Kavir or Dasht-e-Kavir (ˌdæʃtiːkæˈvIə)   n   a salt waste on the central plateau of Iran: a treacherous marsh beneath a salt crust. Also called: Kavir Desert

Dasht-i-Lut or Dasht-e-Lut (ˌdæʃtiːˈlʊt)   n   a desert plateau in central and E central Iran

Dassehra (ˈdæsɛræ)   n   an annual Hindu festival celebrated on the 10th lunar day of Navaratri; images of the goddess Durga are immersed in water

dassie (ˈdæsI)   n   another name for a hyrax, esp the rock hyrax [C19: from Afrikaans]

dastard (ˈdæstəd)   n   archaic a contemptible sneaking coward [C15 (in the sense: dullard): probably from Old Norse dæstr exhausted, out of breath]

■ dastardly (ˈdæstədlI)   adj   mean and cowardly   > ˈdastardliness n

■ dastardness (ˈdæstədnəs)   n   archaic the state or quality of being a dastard

■ dastardy (ˈdæstədI)   n   archaic cowardice

dasymeter (dæˈsImItə)   n   physics a device for measuring the density of gases

dasypaedal (ˌdæsIˈpiːdəl)   adj   (of the young of some species of birds after hatching) having a covering of down [from Greek dasus shaggy + pais, paid- child]

dasyphyllous (ˌdæsIˈfIləs)   adj   botany having hairy or woolly leaves

dasypod (ˈdæsIˌpɒd)   n   an animal of the genus Dasypus, a type of armadillo

dasyure (ˈdæsIˌjʊə)   n   any small carnivorous marsupial, such as Dasyurus quoll (eastern dasyure), of the subfamily Dasyurinae, of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands. See also Tasmanian devil [C19: from New Latin Dasyūrus, from Greek dasus shaggy + oura tail; see DENSE]

DAT   abbreviation for   digital audio tape

dat.   abbreviation for   dative

data (ˈdeItə, ˈdɑːtə)   n (functioning as singular or plural)   1 a series of observations, measurements, or facts; information   2 Also called: information computing the information operated on by a computer program [C17: from Latin, literally: (things) given, from dare to give]

USAGE

Although data is now usually treated as a singular noun, it was originally a plural and is still treated as such in much scientific and technical writing

■ databank (ˈdeItəˌbæŋk)   n   a store of a large amount of information, esp in a form that can be handled by a computer

■ database (ˈdeItəˌbeIs)   n   1 a systematized collection of data that can be accessed immediately and manipulated by a data-processing system for a specific purpose   2 informal any large store of information: a database of knowledge

■ database management   n   the maintenance of information stored in a computer system

■ databus (ˈdeItəˌbʌs)   n   the electrical pathway used to transfer data between components of a computer

■ data cap   n   a limit imposed on the amount of data that can be transferred to an electronic device

■ data capture   n   any process for converting information into a form that can be handled by a computer

■ datacard (ˈdeItəˌkɑːd)   n   a credit card-sized electronic device containing an electronic memory, and sometimes an embedded microchip; smart card

■ datacomms (ˈdeItəˌkɒmz)   n   (functioning as singular) the transmission of data along communications systems

■ data dictionary   n   computing an index of data held in a database and used to assist in the access to data. Also called: data directory

■ dataflow architecture (ˈdeItəˌfləʊ, ˈdɑːtə-)   n   a means of arranging computer data processing in which operations are governed by the data present and the processing it requires rather than by a prewritten program that awaits data to be processed

■ dataglove (ˈdeItəˌɡlʌv)   n   a glove connected to a computer and equipped with sensors allowing the actual movements of a person's hand to manipulate virtual objects

■ datagram (ˈdeItəˌɡræm)   n   computing a self-contained unit of data transmitted in a packet-switched network

■ data mining   n   the gathering of information from pre-existing data stored in a database, such as one held by a supermarket about customers' shopping habits

■ data pen   n   a device for reading or scanning magnetically coded data on labels, packets, etc

■ data processing   n     a a sequence of operations performed on data, esp by a computer, in order to extract information, reorder files, etc   b (as modifier): a data-processing centre

■ data protection   n   (in Britain) safeguards for individuals relating to personal data stored on a computer

■ data set   n   computing another name for file^1 (sense 7)

■ data structure   n   an organized form, such as an array list or string, in which connected data items are held in a computer

■ data warehousing   n   computing the use of large amounts of data taken from multiple sources to create reports and for data analysis

datal (ˈdeItəl)   adj   Northern English dialect ignorant or foolish

dataller (ˈdeItələ)   n   obsolete a worker paid by the day

datamation (ˌdeItəˈmeIʃən)   n   informal the processing of data by computers

dataria (deIˈtɛərIə)   n   RC Church the papal office that assesses candidates for benefices reserved to the Holy See

datary (ˈdeItərI)   n, pl -ries   RC Church the head of the dataria (deIˈtɛərIə), the papal office that assesses candidates for benefices reserved to the Holy See [C16: from Medieval Latin datārius official who dated papal letters, from Late Latin data DATE^1]

dataveillance (ˈdeItəˌveIləns)   n   the surveillance of a person's activities by studying the data trail created by actions such as credit card purchases, mobile phone calls, and internet use [from DATA + SURVEILLANCE]

datcha (ˈdætʃə)   n   a variant spelling of dacha

date^1 (deIt)   n   1 a specified day of the month: today's date is October 27   2 the particular day or year of an event: the date of the Norman Conquest was 1066   3 (plural) the years of a person's birth and death or of the beginning and end of an event or period   4 an inscription on a coin, letter, etc, stating when it was made or written   5    a an appointment for a particular time, esp with a person to whom one is sexually or romantically attached: she has a dinner date   b the person with whom the appointment is made   6 the present moment; now (esp in the phrases to date, up to date)   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to mark (a letter, coin, etc) with the day, month, or year   8 (tr) to assign a date of occurrence or creation to   9 (intr; foll by from or back to) to have originated (at a specified time): his decline dates from last summer   10 (tr) to reveal the age of: that dress dates her   11 to make or become old-fashioned: some good films hardly date at all   12 informal, chiefly US and Canadian   a to be romantically attached to (someone)   b to accompany (someone with whom one is romantically attached) on a date [C14: from Old French, from Latin dare to give, as in the phrase epistula data Romae letter handed over at Rome]   > ˈdatable or ˈdateable adj

USAGE

See at year

■ datebook (ˈdeItˌbʊk)   n   US a notebook in which a person keeps a personal record of daily events, appointments, etc

■ dated (ˈdeItId)   adj   1 unfashionable; outmoded: dated clothes   2 (of a security) having a fixed date for redemption

■ datedly (ˈdeItIdlI)   adv   in a dated or unfashionable manner

■ datedness (ˈdeItIdnəs)   n   1 the state of being old-fashioned   2 the state of being too old   3 the state of being labelled with a date   4 the state of being incongruous with current times

■ dateless (ˈdeItlIs)   adj   1 likely to remain fashionable, relevant, or interesting regardless of age; timeless   2 having no date or limit

■ dateline (ˈdeItˌlaIn)   n   journalism the date and location of a story, placed at the top of an article

■ date line   n   (often capitals) short for International Date Line

■ dater (ˈdeItə)   n   1 a person who marks something with a date   2 a piece of equipment for marking something with a date   3 a person who meets another person, usually a romantic attachment, socially at an agreed time

■ date rape   n   the act or an instance of a someone raping a person while they are on a date together

■ date-rape   vb (tr)   to rape (a person) while on a date together

■ date squares   pl n   (in Canada) a sweet made of a date filling on an oatmeal base with a crumble topping, cut into squares

■ date stamp   n   1 an adjustable rubber stamp for recording the date   2 an inked impression made by this

■ date-stamp   vb (tr)   to mark (an object) with an inked impression of a date

■ dating (ˈdeItIŋ)   n   any of several techniques, such as radioactive dating, dendrochronology, or varve dating, for establishing the age of rocks, palaeontological or archaeological specimens, etc

■ dating agency   n   an agency that provides introductions to people seeking a companion with similar interests

date^2 (deIt)   n   1 the fruit of the date palm, having sweet edible flesh and a single large woody seed   2 short for date palm [C13: from Old French, from Latin, from Greek daktulos finger]

■ date palm   n   a feather palm, Phoenix dactylifera, probably native to N Africa and SW Asia and widely grown in other arid warm temperate and subtropical regions for its edible fruit (dates)

Datel (ˈdeIˌtɛl)   n   trademark a former British Telecom service providing for the direct transmission of data from one computer to another [C20: from DA(TA) + TEL(EX)]

dative (ˈdeItIv) grammar   adj   1 denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives used to express the indirect object, to identify the recipients, and for other purposes   ▷ n   2    a the dative case   b a word or speech element in this case [C15: from Latin datīvus, from dare to give; translation of Greek dotikos]   > datival (deIˈtaIvəl) adj   > ˈdatively adv

dative bond   n   chem another name for coordinate bond

dato or datto (ˈdɑːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   the chief of any of certain Muslim tribes in the Philippine Islands [C19: from Spanish, ultimately from Malay dato' grandfather]

datolite (ˈdeItəˌlaIt)   n   a colourless mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate of calcium and boron in monoclinic crystalline form, occurring in cavities in igneous rocks. Formula: CaBSiO_4(OH) [C19: dato- from Greek dateisthai to divide + -LITE]

datto (ˈdɑːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a variant spelling of dato

Datuk (dæˈtʊk)   n   (in Malaysia) a title denoting membership of a high order of chivalry [from Malay datu chief]   > Datin (dæˈtiːn) fem n

datum (ˈdeItəm, ˈdɑːtəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   1 a single piece of information; fact   2 a proposition taken for granted, often in order to construct some theoretical framework upon it; a given. See also sense datum [C17: from Latin: something given; see DATA]

■ datum plane, datum level or datum line   n   surveying the horizontal plane from which heights and depths are calculated

datura (dəˈtjʊərə)   n   any of various chiefly Indian solanaceous plants of the genus Datura, such as the moonflower and thorn apple, having large trumpet-shaped flowers, prickly pods, and narcotic properties [C16: from New Latin, from Hindi dhatūra jimson weed, from Sanskrit dhattūra]

■ daturic (dəˈtjʊərIk)   adj   botany relating to the plants that belong to the genus Datura

■ daturine (dəˈtjʊəriːn)   n   a poisonous substance found in plants belonging to the Solanaceae family

DATV   abbreviation for   digitally assisted television: a technique in which special digital signals are transmitted with an analogue picture signal to assist the receiver to display the picture to the best advantage

daub (dɔːb)   vb   1 (tr) to smear or spread (paint, mud, etc), esp carelessly   2 (tr) to cover or coat (with paint, plaster, etc) carelessly   3 to paint (a picture) clumsily or badly   ▷ n   4 an unskilful or crude painting   5 something daubed on, esp as a wall covering. See also wattle and daub   6 a smear (of paint, mud, etc)   7 the act of daubing [C14: from Old French dauber to paint, whitewash, from Latin dealbāre, from albāre to whiten, from albus white]   > ˈdauber n   > ˈdauby adj

■ daubery (ˈdɔːbərI), daubry or dawbry (ˈdɔːbrI)   n   1 the act or an instance of daubing   2 an unskilful painting

■ daubingly (ˈdɔːbIŋlI)   adv   in a coating or smearing manner

daube (dəʊb)   n   a braised meat stew [from French]

Daubigny (French dobiɲi)   n   Charles François (ʃarl frɑ̃swa). 1817–78, French landscape painter associated with the Barbizon School

daud (dɔːd, dɒd)   n   Scot a lump or chunk of something [C18: from earlier dad to strike, of unknown origin]

Daudet (French dodɛ)   n   Alphonse (alfɔ̃s). 1840–97, French novelist, short-story writer, and dramatist: noted particularly for his humorous sketches of Provençal life, as in Lettres de mon moulin (1866)

Daugava (ˈdaʊɡaˌva)   n   the Latvian name for the Western Dvina

Daugavpils (Latvian ˈdaʊɡafˌpils)   n   a city in SE Latvia on the Western Dvina River: founded in 1274 by Teutonic Knights; ruled by Poland (1559–1772) and Russia (1772–1915); retaken by the Russians in 1940. Pop: 112 609 (2002 est). German name (until 1893): Dünaburg. Former Russian name (1893–1920): Dvinsk

daughter (ˈdɔːtə)   n   1 a female offspring; a girl or woman in relation to her parents   2 a female descendant   3 a female from a certain country, etc, or one closely connected with a certain environment, etc: a daughter of the church. Related adjective: filial   4 (often capital) archaic a form of address for a girl or woman   ▷ adj   5 biology denoting a cell or unicellular organism produced by the division of one of its own kind   6 physics (of a nuclide) formed from another nuclide by radioactive decay [Old English dohtor; related to Old High German tohter daughter, Greek thugatēr, Sanskrit duhitá]   > ˈdaughterhood n   > ˈdaughterless adj   > ˈdaughter-ˌlike adj   > ˈdaughterliness n   > ˈdaughterly adj

■ daughterboard (ˈdɔːtəbɔːd)   n   a small circuit board that can be attached to the motherboard of a computer

■ daughter-in-law   n, pl daughters-in-law   the wife of one's son or daughter

■ daughterling (ˈdɔːtəlIŋ)   n   a small daughter

■ Daughters of the American Revolution   n   an organization of women descended from patriots of the period of the War of Independence. Abbreviation: DAR

dault (dɔːlt)   n   a child who is brought up in a family to which he or she has no blood connection

Daumier (French domje)   n   Honoré (ɔnɔre). 1808–79, French painter and lithographer, noted particularly for his political and social caricatures

daunder (ˈdɔːndə), dauner or dawner (ˈdɔːnə)   n   1 a walk or amble   2 a bout of quaking or trembling   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to amble or walk   4 to talk without making sense   5 to shudder or quake

daunomycin (ˌdɔːnəˈmaIsIn, ˌdɒnəˈmaIsIn)   n   an anthracycline drug that is used as a medication in the treatment of some forms of cancer. Also called: daunorubicin

daunt (dɔːnt)   vb (tr; often passive)   1 to intimidate   2 to dishearten [C13: from Old French danter, changed from donter to conquer, from Latin domitāre to tame]   > ˈdaunter n

■ daunted (ˈdɔːntId)   adj   intimidated

■ daunting (ˈdɔːntIŋ)   adj   causing fear or discouragement; intimidating   > ˈdauntingly adv

■ dauntless (ˈdɔːntlIs)   adj   bold; fearless; intrepid   > ˈdauntlessly adv   > ˈdauntlessness n

daunton (ˈdɔːntən)   vb (tr)   a Scot variant of daunt

dauphin (ˈdɔːfIn, dɔːˈfIn; French dofɛ̃)   n   (1349–1830) the title of the direct heir to the French throne; the eldest son of the king of France [C15: from Old French: originally a family name; adopted as a title by the Counts of Vienne and later by the French crown princes]

■ dauphine (ˈdɔːfiːn, dɔːˈfiːn; French dofin) or dauphiness (ˈdɔːfInIs)   n   French history the wife of a dauphin

Dauphiné (French dofine)   n   a former province of SE France: its rulers, the Counts of Vienne, assumed the title of dauphin; annexed to France in 1457

daur (dɔːr)   vb   a Scot word for dare

daut or dawt (dɔːt)   vb (tr)   Scot to stroke, pet, or cuddle

■ dautie or dawtie (ˈdɔːtI)   n   Scot a beloved person who is petted or pampered

Davao (daˈvaːo)   n   a port in the S Philippines, in SE Mindanao. Pop: 1 326 000 (2005 est)

daven (ˈdɑvən) or doven   vb (intr) Judaism   1 to pray   2 to lead prayers [from Yiddish]

Davenant (ˈdævənənt)   n   Sir William. 1606–68, English dramatist and poet: poet laureate (1638–68). His plays include Love and Honour (1634)

davenport (ˈdævənˌpɔːt)   n   1 chiefly Brit a tall narrow desk with a slanted writing surface and drawers at the side   2 US and Canadian a large sofa, esp one convertible into a bed [C19: sense 1 said to be named after Captain Davenport, who commissioned the first ones]

Daventry (ˈdævəntrI)   n   a town in central England, in Northamptonshire: light industries, site of an important international radio transmitter. Pop: 21 731 (2001)

David (ˈdeIvId)   n   1  the second king of the Hebrews (about 1000–962 BC), who united Israel as a kingdom with Jerusalem as its capital   2  Elizabeth. 1914–92, British cookery writer. Her books include Mediterranean Food (1950) and An Omelette and a Glass of Wine (1984)   3 (French david) Jacques Louis (ʒɑk lwi). 1748–1825, French neoclassical painter of such works as the Oath of the Horatii (1784), Death of Socrates (1787), and The Intervention of the Sabine Women (1799). He actively supported the French Revolution and became court painter to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804; banished at the Bourbon restoration   4  Saint. 6th century AD, Welsh bishop; patron saint of Wales. Feast day: March 1

■ David I   n   1084–1153, king of Scotland (1124–53) who supported his niece Matilda's claim to the English throne and unsuccessfully invaded England on her behalf

■ David II   n   1324–71, king of Scotland (1329–71): he was forced into exile in France (1334–41) by Edward de Baliol; captured following the battle of Neville's Cross (1346), and imprisoned by the English (1346–57)

davidia (dəˈvIdIə, dæˈvIdIə)   n   any tree of the genus Davidia, esp Davidia involucrata, which is native to China and has white, dovelike flowers

Davies (ˈdeIvIs)   n   1  Sir John. 1569–1626, English poet, author of Orchestra or a Poem of Dancing (1596) and the philosophical poem Nosce Teipsum (1599)   2  Sir Peter Maxwell. 1934–2016, British composer whose works include the operas Taverner (1967), The Martyrdom of St Magnus (1977), and Resurrection (1988), nine symphonies, and the ten Strathclyde Concertos; Master of the Queen's Music (2004–2014)   3  (William) Robertson. 1913–95, Canadian novelist and dramatist. His novels include Leaven of Malice (1954), Fifth Business (1970), The Rebel Angels (1981), What's Bred in the Bone (1985), and The Cunning Man (1994)   4  W(illiam) H(enry). 1871–1940, Welsh poet, noted also for his Autobiography of a Super-tramp (1908)

da Vinci (də ˈvIntʃI)   n   See Leonardo da Vinci

Davis (ˈdeIvIs)   n   1  Sir Andrew (Frank). born 1944, British conductor; chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra (1989–2000) and of the Chicago Lyric Opera from 2000   2  Bette (ˈbɛtI), real name Ruth Elizabeth Davis. 1908–89, US film actress, whose films include Of Human Bondage (1934), Jezebel (1938), for which she won an Oscar, All About Eve (1950), Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), The Nanny (1965), and The Whales of August (1987)   3  Sir Colin (Rex). 1927–2013, English conductor, noted for his interpretation of the music of Berlioz   4  Jefferson. 1808–89, president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861–65)   5  Joe. 1901–78, English billiards and snooker player: world champion from 1927 to 1946   6  John. Also called: John Davys. ?1550–1605, English navigator: discovered the Falkland Islands (1592); searched for a Northwest Passage   7  Miles (Dewey). 1926–91, US jazz trumpeter and composer   8  Steve. born 1957, English snooker player: world champion 1981, 1983–84, 1987–89

Davis Cup (ˈdeIvIs)   n   1 an annual international lawn tennis championship for men's teams   2 the trophy awarded for this [C20: after Dwight F. Davis (1879–1945), American civic leader who donated the cup]

Davisson (ˈdeIvIsən)   n   Clinton Joseph. 1881–1958, US physicist, noted for his discovery of electron diffraction; shared the Nobel prize for physics in 1937

Davis Strait (ˈdeIvIs)   n   a strait between Baffin Island, in Canada, and Greenland [named after John DAVIS]

davit (ˈdævIt, ˈdeI-)   n   a cranelike device, usually one of a pair, fitted with a tackle for suspending or lowering equipment, esp a lifeboat [C14: from Anglo-French daviot, diminutive of Davi David]

Davos (ˈdævɒs)   n   a mountain resort in Switzerland: winter sports, site of the Parsenn ski run; host of the annual World Economic Forum. Pop: 10 686 (2007). Height: about 1560 m (5118 ft). Romansch name: Tarau

Davy (ˈdeIvI)   n   Sir Humphry. 1778–1829, English chemist who isolated sodium, magnesium, chlorine, and other elements and suggested the electrical nature of chemical combination. He invented the Davy lamp

Davy Jones (ˈdeIvI)   n   1 Also called: Davy Jones's locker the ocean's bottom, esp when regarded as the grave of those lost or buried at sea   2 the spirit or devil of the sea [C18: of unknown origin]

Davy lamp   n   See safety lamp [C19: named after Sir Humphry DAVY, who invented it]

daw (dɔː)   n   an archaic, dialect, or poetic name for a jackdaw [C15: related to Old High German taha]

■ dawcock (ˈdɔːˌkɒk)   n   1 the male of the jackdaw   2 a stupid person

dawah (ˈdɑːwə)   n   Islam the practice or policy of conveying the message of Islam to non-Muslims [C21: from Arabic]

dawbake (ˈdɔːbeIk)   n   Southwest English dialect an ignorant or foolish person

dawbry (ˈdɔːbrI)   n   a variant spelling of daubery

dawd (dɔːd)   n   1 a reverberating blow or punch   2 a large, compact section of something that has been hit off that which it belongs to   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to totter or walk unsteadily   4 (tr) to help (a person who is walking unsteadily) to walk

dawdle (ˈdɔːdəl)   vb   1 (intr) to be slow or lag behind   2 (when tr, often foll by away) to waste (time); trifle [C17: of uncertain origin]   > ˈdawdler n

■ dawdling (ˈdɔːdəlIŋ)   adj   1 proceeding at a slow pace   ▷ n   2 an act of going very slowly and wasting time   > ˈdawdlingly adv

Dawes (dɔːz)   n   Charles Gates. 1865–1951, US financier, diplomat, and statesman, who devised the Dawes Plan for German reparations payments after World War I; vice president of the US (1925–29); Nobel peace prize 1925

dawk^1 (dɔːk)   n   a variant spelling of dak

dawk^2 (dɔːk)   n   a Northern English dialect word for hand

Dawkins (ˈdɔːkInz)   n   Richard. born 1941, British zoologist, noted for such works as The Selfish Gene (1976), The Blind Watchmaker (1986), The God Delusion (2006), and The Greatest Show on Earth (2009)

dawn (dɔːn)   n   1 daybreak; sunrise. Related adjective: auroral   2 the sky when light first appears in the morning   3 the beginning of something   ▷ vb (intr)   4 to begin to grow light after the night   5 to begin to develop, appear, or expand   6 (usually foll by on or upon) to begin to become apparent (to) [Old English dagian to dawn; see DAY]   > ˈdawnˌlike adj

■ dawn chorus   n   the singing of large numbers of birds at dawn

■ dawning (ˈdɔːnIŋ)   adj   1 gradually beginning to become light: the dawning day   2 gradually taking shape in a person's consciousness: a dawning awareness   ▷ n   3 another word for dawn

■ dawn raid   n   stock exchange an unexpected attempt to acquire a substantial proportion of a company's shares at the start of a day's trading as a preliminary to a takeover bid

■ dawn redwood   n   a deciduous conifer, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, native to China but planted in other regions as an ornamental tree: family Taxodiaceae. Until the 1940s it was known only as a fossil

dawner (ˈdɔːnə)   vb (intr)   a variant form of daunder

dawney (ˈdɑːniː)   adj   Irish (of a person) dull or slow; listless [of unknown origin]

Dawson (ˈdɔːsən)   n   a town in NW Canada, in Yukon on the Yukon River: a boom town during the Klondike gold rush (at its height in 1899). Pop: 1251 (2001)

■ Dawson Creek   n   a town in W Canada, in NE British Columbia: SE terminus of the Alaska Highway. Pop: 10 754 (2001)

dawsonite (ˈdɔːsəˌnaIt)   n   a mineral that is made up of sodium and aluminium hydrous carbonate and occurs in crystalline form

dawt (dɔːt)   vb (tr)   a variant spelling of daut

■ dawtie (ˈdɔːtI)   n   Scot a variant spelling of dautie

DAX (dæks)   n   an index of share prices based on an average of 30 leading stocks quoted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange [German: abbreviation of Deutscher Aktienindex]

day (deI)   n   1 Also called: civil day the period of time, the calendar day, of 24 hours' duration reckoned from one midnight to the next   2    a the period of light between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from the night   b (as modifier): the day shift   3 the part of a day occupied with regular activity, esp work: he took a day off   4 (sometimes plural) a period or point in time: he was a good singer in his day; in days gone by; any day now   5 the period of time, the sidereal day, during which the earth makes one complete revolution on its axis relative to a particular star. The mean sidereal day lasts 23 hours 56 minutes 4.1 seconds of the mean solar day   6 the period of time, the solar day, during which the earth makes one complete revolution on its axis relative to the sun. The mean solar day is the average length of the apparent solar day and is some four minutes (3 minutes 56.5 seconds of sidereal time) longer than the sidereal day   7 the period of time taken by a specified planet to make one complete rotation on its axis: the Martian day   8 (often capital) a day designated for a special observance, esp a holiday: Christmas Day   9 all in a day's work part of one's normal activity; no trouble   10 at the end of the day in the final reckoning   11 back in the day in the past   12 day of rest the Sabbath; Sunday   13 end one's days to pass the end of one's life   14 every dog has its day one's luck will come   15 in this day and age nowadays   16 it's early days it's too early to tell how things will turn out   17 late in the day   a very late (in a particular situation)   b too late   18 that will be the day   a I look forward to that   b that is most unlikely to happen   19 a time of success, recognition, power, etc: his day will soon come   20 a struggle or issue at hand: the day is lost   21    a the ground surface over a mine   b (as modifier): the day level   22 from day to day without thinking of the future   23 call it a day to stop work or other activity   24 day after day without respite; relentlessly   25 day by day gradually or progressively; daily: he weakened day by day   26 day in, day out every day and all day long   27 from Day 1 or from Day One from the very beginning   28 one of these days at some future time   29 (modifier) of, relating to, or occurring in the day: the day shift ▶ Related adjective: diurnal [Old English dæg; related to Old High German tag, Old Norse dagr]

■ day bed or daybed (ˈdeIˌbɛd)   n   a narrow bed, with a head piece and sometimes a foot piece and back, on which to recline during the day

■ day blindness   n   a nontechnical name for hemeralopia

■ dayboat (ˈdeIˌbəʊt)   n   a small sailing boat with no sleeping accommodation

■ daybook (ˈdeIˌbʊk)   n   accounting a book in which the transactions of each day are recorded as they occur

■ dayboy (ˈdeIˌbɔI)   n   Brit a boy who attends a boarding school daily, but returns home each evening

■ daybreak (ˈdeIˌbreIk)   n   the time in the morning when light first appears; dawn; sunrise

■ daycare (ˈdeIˌkɛə)   n social welfare   1 Brit occupation, treatment, or supervision during the working day for people who might be at risk if left on their own, or whose usual carers need daytime relief   2 Brit welfare services provided by a local authority, health service, or voluntary body during the day. Compare residential care   3 NZ short for daycare centre

■ daycare centre   n   US, Canadian, Austral and NZ an establishment offering daycare to preschool children, enabling their parents to work full time or have extended relief if child care is a problem. Also called (esp in Britain): day nursery

■ daycentre (ˈdeIˌsɛntə) or day centre   n social welfare (in Britain)   1 a building used for daycare or other welfare services. See also drop-in centre   2 the enterprise itself, including staff, users, and organization

■ day-clean   n   Caribbean and W African informal the time after first dawn when the sun begins to shine; clear daybreak

■ daydream (ˈdeIˌdriːm)   n   1 a pleasant dreamlike fantasy indulged in while awake; idle reverie   2 a pleasant scheme or wish that is unlikely to be fulfilled; pipe dream   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to have daydreams; indulge in idle fantasy   > ˈdayˌdreamer n   > ˈdayˌdreamy adj

■ daydreaming (ˈdeIˌdriːmIŋ)   n   indulgence in daydreams

■ daydreamlike (ˈdeIdriːmˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a daydream

■ dayflower (ˈdeIˌflaʊə)   n   any of various tropical and subtropical plants of the genus Commelina, having jointed creeping stems, narrow pointed leaves, and blue or purplish flowers which wilt quickly: family Commelinaceae

■ dayfly (ˈdeIˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   another name for a mayfly

■ daygirl (ˈdeIˌɡɜːl)   n   Brit a girl who attends a boarding school daily, but returns home each evening

■ Day-Glo (ˈdeIˌɡləʊ)   n   trademark   a a brand of fluorescent colouring materials, as of paint   b (as modifier): Day-Glo colours

■ dayglow (ˈdeIˌɡləʊ)   n   1 astronomy   a the light given off by the atmosphere of the Earth as seen during daytime   b (as modifier): dayglow observations   ▷ adj   2 fluorescent: dayglow green running shoes

■ day hospital   n   Brit part of a hospital that offers therapeutic services, where patients usually attend all day but go home or to a hospital ward at night

■ day labourer   n   an unskilled worker hired and paid by the day

■ daylight (ˈdeIˌlaIt)   n   1    a light from the sun   b (as modifier): daylight film   2 the period when it is light; daytime   3 daybreak   4 see daylight   a to understand something previously obscure   b to realize that the end of a difficult task is approaching

■ daylight lamp   n   physics a lamp whose light has a range of wavelengths similar to that of natural sunlight

■ daylight robbery   n   informal blatant overcharging

■ daylights (ˈdeIˌlaIts)   pl n   consciousness or wits (esp in the phrases scare, knock, or beat the (living) daylights out of someone)

■ daylight-saving time   n   time set usually one hour ahead of the local standard time, widely adopted in the summer to provide extra daylight in the evening. Also called (in the US): daylight time. See also British Summer Time

■ day lily or daylily (ˈdeIˌlIlI)   n   1 any widely cultivated Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus Hemerocallis, having large yellow, orange, or red lily-like flowers, which typically last for only one day and are immediately succeeded by others   2 the flower of any of these plants

■ daylong (ˈdeIˌlɒŋ)   adj, adv   lasting the entire day; all day

■ daymark (ˈdeIˌmɑːk)   n   1 a marker or construction that is only visible by day and that is used by sailors to navigate   2 the markings on a lighthouse or other aid to navigation that enable it to be recognized when it is daytime

■ day name   n   W African a name indicating a person's day of birth

■ day-neutral   adj   (of plants) having an ability to mature and bloom that is not affected by day length

■ day nursery   n   Brit and NZ social welfare an establishment offering daycare to preschool children, enabling their parents to work full time or have extended relief if child care is a problem. Also called (US, Canadian, Austral, and NZ): daycare centre

■ Day of Atonement   n   another name for Yom Kippur

■ Day of Judgment   n   another name for Judgment Day

■ day of reckoning   n   a time when the effects of one's past mistakes or misdeeds catch up with one

■ day-old   adj   having been in existence or alive for one day

■ daypack (ˈdeIˌpæk)   n   a small rucksack

■ day release   n   Brit a system whereby workers are released for part-time education without loss of pay

■ day return   n   Brit a reduced fare for a journey (by train, etc) travelling both ways in one day

■ dayroom (ˈdeIˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a communal living room in a residential institution such as a hospital

■ days (deIz)   adv   informal during the day, esp regularly: he works days

■ daysack (ˈdeIˌsæk)   n   a small bag carried on the back for items that will be required in the course of a day out

■ daysailor (ˈdeIˌseIlə)   n   another name for dayboat

■ day school   n   1 a private school taking day students only. Compare boarding school   2 a school giving instruction during the daytime. Compare night school

■ dayshell (ˈdeIˌʃɛl)   n   Southwest English dialect a thistle

■ day shift   n   1 a group of workers who work a shift during the daytime in an industry or occupation where a night shift or a back shift is also worked   2 the period worked   ▶ See also back shift

■ dayside (ˈdeIˌsaId)   n   1 astronomy the area of a planet that is nearest the sun   2 journalism the staff of a newspaper who work during the day   ▷ adj   3 relating to work that is done or people who work during the daytime

■ daysman (ˈdeIzmən)   n, pl -men   1 an adjudicator, judge, or intermediary   2 a person who works during the day

■ days of grace   pl n   days permitted by custom for payment of a promissory note, bill of exchange, etc, after it falls due

■ dayspring (ˈdeIˌsprIŋ)   n   a poetic word for dawn

■ daystar (ˈdeIˌstɑː)   n   1 a poetic word for the sun   2 another word for the morning star

■ daytale (ˈdeIˌteIl)   n     a the calculation of work or earnings on a daily basis   b (as modifier): daytale work

■ daytaler (ˈdeItələ)   n   a worker who is appointed and paid on a daily basis

■ daytime (ˈdeIˌtaIm)   n   the time between dawn and dusk; the day as distinct from evening or night

■ day-to-day   adj   routine; everyday: day-to-day chores

■ day trading   n   the practice of buying and selling shares on the same day, often via the internet, in order to make a quick profit   > day trader n

■ day trip   n   a journey made to and from a place within one day   > ˈday-ˌtripper n

■ daywear (ˈdeIˌwɛə)   n   clothes for everyday or informal wear

■ daywork (ˈdeIˌwɜːk)   n   1 a form of work that is calculated and paid for on a daily basis   2 history a duty to work for a certain number of days on a lord's land

■ dayworker (ˈdeIˌwɜːkə)   n   a person who works during the daytime

Day (deI)   n   Sir Robin. 1923–2000, British radio and television journalist, noted esp for his political interviews

Dayak (ˈdaIæk)   n, pl -aks or -ak   a variant spelling of Dyak

dayan (dɑˈjɑn, ˈdɑjən)   n   Judaism a senior rabbi, esp one who sits in a religious court [from Hebrew, literally: judge]

Dayan (daIˈjɑːn)   n   Moshe (ˈmɒʃɛ). 1915–81, Israeli soldier and statesman; minister of defence (1967; 1969–74) and foreign minister (1977–79)

daycation (ˌdeIˈkeIʃən)   n   a day trip to a resort, hotel, etc that does not involve staying the night

daych (deItʃ)   vb   Southwest English dialect to thatch

Day-Lewis (ˈdeIˈluːIs) or Day Lewis   n   1  C(ecil). 1904–72, British poet, critic, and (under the pen name Nicholas Blake) author of detective stories; poet laureate (1968–72)   2  his son, Sir Daniel, born 1957, English actor; winner of three Academy Awards for best actor: My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012)

daymare (ˈdeIˌmɛə)   n   an unpleasant experience one has when not asleep

daynt (deInt) obsolete   n   1 a thing or condition that is extravagant or best   ▷ adj   2 another word for dainty

Days of Awe   pl n   Judaism another name for High Holidays [a literal translation of YAMIMNORA'IM]

Dayton (ˈdeItən)   n   an industrial city in SW Ohio: aviation research centre. Pop: 161 696 (2003 est)

Daytona Beach (deIˈtəʊnə)   n   a city in NE Florida, on the Atlantic: a resort with a beach of hard white sand, used since 1903 for motor speed trials. Pop: 64 581 (2003 est)

Da Yunhe (ˈdæ ˈjuːnhə)   n   the Pinyin transliteration of the Chinese name for the Grand Canal (sense 1)

daze (deIz)   vb (tr)   1 to stun or stupefy, esp by a blow or shock   2 to bewilder, amaze, or dazzle   ▷ n   3 a state of stunned confusion or shock (esp in the phrase in a daze) [C14: from Old Norse dasa-, as in dasask to grow weary]

■ dazed (deIzd)   adj   in a state of stunned confusion or shock   > dazedly (ˈdeIzIdlI) adv

■ dazedness (ˈdeIzIdnəs, ˈdeIzdnəs)   n   the condition of being dazed

■ dazer (ˈdeIzə)   n   a device that dazes or stuns, esp one which stops dogs barking

dazzle (ˈdæzəl)   vb   1 (usually tr) to blind or be blinded partially and temporarily by sudden excessive light   2 to amaze, as with brilliance: she was dazzled by his wit; she dazzles in this film   ▷ n   3 bright light that dazzles   4 bewilderment caused by glamour, brilliance, etc: the dazzle of fame [C15: from DAZE]   > ˈdazzler n

■ dazzlement (ˈdæzəlmənt)   n   1 the action of dazzling   2 the state of being dazzled

■ dazzling (ˈdæzlIŋ)   adj   1 so bright as to blind someone temporarily   2 extremely clever, attractive, or impressive; brilliant; amazing   > ˈdazzlingly adv

dB or db   symbol for   decibel or decibels

DB   abbreviation for   defined-benefit

DBE   abbreviation for   (in Britain) Dame (Commander of the Order) of the British Empire

Dbh or DBH forestry   abbreviation for   diameter at breast height

DBib   abbreviation for   Douay Bible

DBMS   abbreviation for   database management system

DBS   abbreviation for   1 direct broadcasting by satellite   2 direct broadcasting satellite

dbx or DBX   n   trademark electronics a noise-reduction system that works as a compander across the full frequency spectrum

DC   abbreviation for   1 music da capo   2 Detective Constable   3 direct current. Compare AC   4 district commissioner   5 Also: D.C. District of Columbia   6 defined-contribution

D.C.   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Doctor of Chiropractic

DCB   abbreviation for   (in Britain) Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath

DCC   abbreviation for   digital compact cassette

DCF accounting   abbreviation for   discounted cash flow

DCI Brit   abbreviation for   Detective Chief Inspector

DCIS   abbreviation for   ductal carcinoma in situ

DCL   abbreviation for   Doctor of Civil Law

DCM Brit military   abbreviation for   Distinguished Conduct Medal

DCMG   abbreviation for   (in Britain) Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George

DCMS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport: a government department regulating these sectors

DCVO   abbreviation for   (in Britain) Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order

DD   abbreviation for   1 Also: dd direct debit   2 Doctor of Divinity

D-day   n   1 the day, June 6, 1944, on which the Allied invasion of Europe began   2 the day on which any large-scale operation is planned to start [C20: from D(ay)-day; compare H-HOUR]

DDoS   abbreviation for   distributed denial of service: a method of attacking a computer system by flooding it with so many messages that it is obliged to shut down

DDR   abbreviation for   Deutsche Demokratische Republik (the former East Germany; GDR)

DDS   abbreviation for   1 Dewey Decimal System   2 Doctor of Dental Surgery

DDSc   abbreviation for   Doctor of Dental Science

DDT   n   dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; a colourless odourless substance used as an insecticide. It is toxic to animals and is known to accumulate in the tissues. It is now banned in the UK

de^1, De or before a vowel d', D' (də)     of; from: occurring as part of some personal names and originally indicating place of origin: Simon de Montfort; D'Arcy; de la Mare [from Latin dē; see DE-]

de^2   the internet domain name for   Germany

DE   abbreviation for   1 (formerly in Britain) Department of Employment   2 Delaware

de-   prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives   1 removal of or from something specified: deforest; dethrone   2 reversal of something: decode; decompose; desegregate   3 departure from: decamp [from Latin, from dē (prep) from, away from, out of, etc. In compound words of Latin origin, de- also means away, away from (decease); down (degrade); reversal (detect); removal (defoliate); and is used intensively (devote) and pejoratively (detest)]

deacidify (ˌdiːəˈsIdIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to render (a substance) less acidic

■ deacidification (ˌdiːəˌsIdIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   a procedure that is carried out to lessen the level of acid present in paper

deacon (ˈdiːkən)   n Christianity   1 (in the Roman Catholic and other episcopal churches) an ordained minister ranking immediately below a priest   2 (in Protestant churches) a lay official appointed or elected to assist the minister, esp in secular affairs   3 Scot the president of an incorporated trade or body of craftsmen in a burgh ▶ Related adjective: diaconal [Old English, ultimately from Greek diakonos servant]   > ˈdeaconˌship n

■ deaconess (ˈdiːkənIs)   n   Christianity (in the early church and in some modern Churches) a female member of the laity with duties similar to those of a deacon

■ deaconhood (ˈdiːkənhʊd)   n   1 the position of a deacon   2 a group of deacons

■ deaconry (ˈdiːkənrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the office or status of a deacon   2 deacons collectively

deactivate (diːˈæktIˌveIt)   vb   1 (tr) to make (a bomb, etc) harmless or inoperative   2 (intr) to become less radioactive   3 (tr) US to end the active status of (a military unit)   4 chem to return or cause to return from an activated state to a normal or ground state   > deˌactiˈvation n   > deˈactiˌvator n

dead (dɛd)   adj   1    a no longer alive   b (as noun): the dead   2 not endowed with life; inanimate   3 no longer in use, valid, effective, or relevant: a dead issue; a dead language   4 unresponsive or unaware; insensible: he is dead to my strongest pleas   5 lacking in freshness, interest, or vitality: a dead handshake   6 devoid of physical sensation; numb: his gums were dead from the anaesthetic   7 resembling death; deathlike: a dead sleep   8 no longer burning or hot: dead coals   9 (of flowers or foliage) withered; faded   10 (prenominal) (intensifier): a dead stop; a dead loss   11 informal very tired   12 electronics   a drained of electric charge; fully discharged: the battery was dead   b not connected to a source of potential difference or electric charge   13 lacking acoustic reverberation: a dead sound; a dead surface   14 sport (of a ball, etc) out of play   15 unerring; accurate; precise (esp in the phrase a dead shot)   16 lacking resilience or bounce: a dead ball   17 printing   a (of type) set but no longer needed for use. Compare standing (sense 7)   b (of copy) already composed   18 not yielding a return; idle: dead capital   19 informal certain to suffer a terrible fate; doomed: you're dead if your mother catches you at that   20 (of colours) not glossy or bright; lacklustre   21 stagnant: dead air   22 military shielded from view, as by a geographic feature or environmental condition: a dead zone; dead space   23 dead as a doornail informal completely dead   24 dead from the neck up informal stupid or unintelligent   25 dead in the water informal unsuccessful, and with little hope of future success: the talks are now dead in the water   26 dead to the world informal unaware of one's surroundings, esp fast asleep or very drunk   27 leave for dead   a to abandon   b informal to surpass or outdistance by far   28 wouldn't be seen dead in informal would never wear, go to, etc   ▷ n   29 a period during which coldness, darkness, or some other quality associated with death is at its most intense: the dead of winter   ▷ adv   30 (intensifier): dead easy; stop dead; dead level   31 dead on exactly right [Old English dēad; related to Old High German tōt, Old Norse dauthr; see DIE^1]   > ˈdeadness n

■ dead-and-alive   adj   Brit (of a place, activity, or person) dull; uninteresting

■ dead arm   n   informal temporary loss of sensation in the arm, caused by a blow to a muscle

■ dead-ball line   n   rugby a line not more than 22 metres behind the goal line at each end of the field beyond which the ball is out of play

■ deadbeat (ˈdɛdˌbiːt)   n   1 informal a lazy or socially undesirable person   2 chiefly US   a a person who makes a habit of avoiding or evading his or her responsibilities or debts   b (as modifier): a deadbeat dad   3 a high grade escapement used in pendulum clocks   4 (modifier) (of a clock escapement) having a beat without any recoil   5 (modifier) physics   a (of a system) returning to an equilibrium position with little or no oscillation   b (of an instrument or indicator) indicating a true reading without oscillation

■ dead beat   adj   informal tired out; exhausted

■ deadbolt (ˈdɛdˌbəʊlt)   n   1 a locking bolt that is turned by the key rather than a spring   2    a a type of lock that utilizes a bolt that has to be turned manually rather than by a spring   b (as modifier): deadbolt locks

■ deadboy (ˈdɛdˌbɔI)   n   See deadman (sense 2)

■ dead-cat bounce   n   stock exchange informal a temporary recovery in prices following a substantial fall as a result of speculators buying stocks they have already sold rather than as a result of a genuine reversal of the downward trend

■ dead centre   n   1 the exact top (top dead centre) or bottom (bottom dead centre) of the piston stroke in a reciprocating engine or pump   2 a pointed rod mounted in the tailstock of a lathe to support a workpiece   ▶ Also called: dead point

■ dead data   n   computing data that is no longer relevant

■ dead duck   n   slang a person or thing doomed to death, failure, etc, esp because of a mistake or misjudgment

■ deaden (ˈdɛdən)   vb   1 to make or become less sensitive, intense, lively, etc; damp or be damped down; dull   2 (tr) to make acoustically less resonant: he deadened the room with heavy curtains   > ˈdeadener n   > ˈdeadening adj

■ dead end   n   1 another name for cul-de-sac   2 a situation in which further progress is impossible   3 dead-end (as modifier): a dead-end street; a dead-end job   ▷ vb also dead-end   4 (intr) chiefly US and Canadian to come to a dead end

■ deadeningly (ˈdɛdənIŋlI)   adv   in a deadening manner

■ deader (ˈdɛdə)   n   informal a person who is dead

■ deadeye (ˈdɛdˌaI)   n   1 nautical either of a pair of disclike wooden blocks, supported by straps in grooves around them, between which a line is rove so as to draw them together to tighten a shroud. Compare bull's-eye (sense 9)   2 chiefly US informal an expert marksman

■ deadfall (ˈdɛdˌfɔːl)   n   a type of trap, used esp for catching large animals, in which a heavy weight falls to crush the prey. Also called: downfall

■ dead fingers   n   (functioning as singular) med a disease of users of pneumatic drills, characterized by anaesthesia of the fingertips and cyanosis

■ dead hand   n   1 an oppressive or discouraging influence or factor: the dead hand of centralized control   2 law a less common word for mortmain

■ deadhead (ˈdɛdˌhɛd)   n   1 a dull unenterprising person   2 a person who uses a free ticket, as for a train, the theatre, etc   3 US and Canadian a train, etc, travelling empty   4 US and Canadian a totally or partially submerged log floating in a lake, etc   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to cut off withered flowers from (a plant)   6 (intr) US and Canadian to drive an empty bus, train, etc

■ Dead Heart   n   the Dead Heart Austral the remote interior of Australia [C20: from the title The Dead Heart of Australia (1906) by J. W. Gregory (1864–1932), British geologist]

■ dead heat   n     a a race or contest in which two or more participants tie for first place   b a tie between two or more contestants in any position

■ deadhouse (ˈdɛdˌhaʊs)   n   a mortuary

■ dead key   n   a key on the keyboard of a typewriter which does not automatically advance the carriage when depressed

■ dead leg   n   informal temporary loss of sensation in the leg, caused by a blow to a muscle

■ dead letter   n   1 a letter that cannot be delivered or returned because it lacks adequate directions   2 a law or ordinance that is no longer enforced but has not been formally repealed   3 informal anything considered no longer worthy of consideration

■ dead letter box or dead letter drop   n   a place where messages and other material can be left and collected secretly without the sender and the recipient meeting

■ deadlift (ˈdɛdˌlIft)   n   weightlifting   a a type of lift where the weight or barbell is lifted off the ground until the lifter is standing up straight   b (as modifier): a deadlift session

■ deadlight (ˈdɛdˌlaIt)   n   1 nautical   a a bull's-eye let into the deck or hull of a vessel to admit light to a cabin   b a shutter of wood or metal for sealing off a porthole or cabin window   2 a skylight designed not to be opened

■ deadline (ˈdɛdˌlaIn)   n   a time limit for any activity

■ dead load   n   the intrinsic invariable weight of a structure, such as a bridge. It may also include any permanent loads attached to the structure. Also called: dead weight. Compare live load

■ deadlock (ˈdɛdˌlɒk)   n   1 a state of affairs in which further action between two opposing forces is impossible; stalemate   2 a tie between opposite sides in a contest   3 a lock having a bolt that can be opened only with a key   ▷ vb   4 to bring or come to a deadlock

■ deadlocked (ˈdɛdlɒkt)   adj   in a state of deadlock

■ dead loss   n   1 informal a person, thing, or situation that is completely useless or unprofitable   2 a complete loss for which no compensation is received

■ deadly (ˈdɛdlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 likely to cause death: deadly poison; deadly combat   2 informal extremely boring   ▷ adv, adj   3 like death in appearance or certainty: deadly pale; a deadly sleep   > ˈdeadliness n

■ deadly nightshade   n   a poisonous Eurasian solanaceous plant, Atropa belladonna, having dull purple bell-shaped flowers and small very poisonous black berries. Also called: belladonna, dwale

■ deadly sins   pl n   theol the sins of pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth

■ deadman (ˈdɛdˌmæn)   n, pl -men   1 civil engineering a heavy plate, wall, or block buried in the ground that acts as an anchor for a retaining wall, sheet pile, etc, by a tie connecting the two   2 mountaineering a metal plate with a wire loop attached for thrusting into firm snow to serve as a belay point, a smaller version being known as a deadboy

■ dead man's fingers   n   (functioning as singular) a soft coral, Alcyonium digitatum, with long finger-like polyps

■ dead man's handle or dead man's pedal   n   a safety switch on a piece of machinery, such as a train, that allows operation only while depressed by the operator

■ dead man walking   n   1 US a condemned man walking from his prison cell to a place of execution   2 informal any person in a doomed or untenable situation, esp one about to lose his or her job

■ dead march   n   a piece of solemn funeral music played to accompany a procession, esp at military funerals

■ dead-nettle   n   any Eurasian plant of the genus Lamium, such as L. alba (white dead-nettle), having leaves resembling nettles but lacking stinging hairs: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

■ deadpan (ˈdɛdˌpæn)   adj, adv   with a deliberately emotionless face or manner: deadpan humour

■ deadpanner (ˌdɛdˈpænə)   n   a person who has a deliberately emotionless face

■ dead point   n   another name for dead centre

■ dead president   n   US informal a banknote [C20: from the pictures of various dead presidents that appear on US banknotes]

■ dead reckoning   n   a method of establishing one's position using the distance and direction travelled rather than astronomical observations

■ Dead Sea   n   a lake between Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank, now 430.5 m (1412 ft) below sea level; originally 390 m (1285 ft): the lowest lake in the world, with no outlet and very high salinity; outline, esp at the southern end, reduced considerably in recent years. Area: originally about 950 sq km (365 sq miles); by 2016 about 605 sq km (234 sq miles)

■ Dead Sea Scrolls   pl n   a collection of manuscripts in Hebrew and Aramaic discovered in caves near the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956. They are widely held to have been written between about 100 BC and 68 AD and provide important biblical evidence

■ dead set   adv   1 absolutely: he is dead set against going to this party   ▷ n   2 the motionless position of a dog when pointing with its muzzle towards game   ▷ adj   3 (of a hunting dog) in this position   ▷ interj   4 Austral slang an expression of affirmation: dead set, I worked from dawn to dusk

■ dead-smooth file   n   engineering the smoothest grade of file commonly used

■ dead soldier or dead marine   n   informal an empty beer or spirit bottle

■ deadstock (ˈdɛdˌstɒk)   n   the merchandise or commodities of a shop, etc, that is unsold and generating no income

■ dead stock   n   farm equipment. Compare livestock

■ dead-stroke   adj   1 relating to a stroke made that has no kickback or reverberation   2 denoting a type of mechanical hammer that contains a spring that reduces any recoil

■ dead time   n   electronics the interval of time immediately following a stimulus, during which an electrical device, component, etc, is insensitive to a further stimulus

■ dead-tree   adj   informal printed on paper: a dead-tree edition of her book

■ deadweight (ˈdɛdˌweIt)   adj   billiards (of a shot) leaving the other balls in the ideal position

■ dead weight   n   1 a heavy weight or load   2 an oppressive burden; encumbrance   3 the difference between the loaded and the unloaded weights of a ship   4 another name for dead load   5 (in shipping) freight chargeable by weight rather than by bulk

■ Dead White European Male or Dead White Male   n   a man whose importance and talents may have been exaggerated because he belonged to a historically dominant gender and ethnic group

■ deadwood (ˈdɛdˌwʊd)   n   1 dead trees or branches   2 informal a useless person; encumbrance   3 nautical a filler piece between the keel and the stern of a wooden vessel

■ dead zone   n   1 an area of water that cannot support marine life, being virtually devoid of oxygen due to the presence of nitrates that stimulate algae growth   2 an area where a mobile phone does not receive a signal   3 any area where something does not exist or prosper: a dead zone for cinemas

deaerate (diːˈɛəreIt)   vb (tr)   to take air out of (something)

■ deaeration (ˌdiːɛərˈeIʃən)   n   chem the act of extracting a gas from a liquid

■ deaerator (diːˈɛəreItə)   n   a piece of apparatus that extracts a gas from a liquid

deaf (dɛf)   adj   1    a partially or totally unable to hear   b often offensive (as collective noun; preceded by the): the deaf. See also tone-deaf   2 refusing to heed: deaf to the cries of the hungry [Old English dēaf; related to Old Norse daufr]   > ˈdeafly adv   > ˈdeafness n

USAGE

Referring to any group using a formula such as the deaf is inappropriate because it glosses over people's individuality and perpetuates stereotypes. It is preferable to use phrases such as deaf people

■ deaf aid   n   a dated and potentially offensive name for hearing aid

■ deaf-and-dumb old-fashioned, offensive   adj   1 unable to hear or speak   ▷ n   2 a deaf person without speech

USAGE

Using deaf-and-dumb, deaf-mute, or deaf without speech to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts

■ deafblind (ˈdɛfˈblaInd)   adj     a having severe hearing and sight impairment   b often offensive (as collective noun; preceded by the): the deafblind

■ deafen (ˈdɛfən)   vb   (tr) to make deaf, esp momentarily, as by a loud noise

■ deafening (ˈdɛfənIŋ)   adj   excessively loud: deafening music   > ˈdeafeningly adv

■ deaf-mute old-fashioned, offensive   n   1 a person who is unable to hear or speak. See also mute^1 (sense 7), mutism (sense 2b)   ▷ adj   2 unable to hear or speak [C19: translation of French sourd-muet]   > ˈdeaf-ˌmuteness or ˈdeaf-ˌmutism n

■ deaf without speech old-fashioned, offensive   adj     a (usually of a prelingually deaf person) able to utter sounds but not speak   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the deaf without speech

deair (diːˈɛə)   vb (tr)   another word for deaerate

Deak (ˈdɛɑːk)   n   Ferenc (ˈferents). 1803–76, Hungarian statesman: minister of justice following the 1848 Hungarian uprising. The Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy was largely his creation

Deakin (ˈdiːkIn)   n   Alfred. 1856–1919, Australian statesman. He was a leader of the movement for Australian federation; prime minister of Australia (1903–04; 1905–08; 1909–10)

deal^1 (diːl)   vb deals, dealing, dealt (dɛlt)   1 (intr; foll by in) to engage (in) commercially: to deal in upholstery   2 (often foll by out) to apportion (something, such as cards) to a number of people; distribute   3 (tr) to give (a blow) to (someone); inflict   4 (intr) slang to sell any illegal drug   ▷ n   5 informal a bargain, transaction, or agreement   6 a particular type of treatment received, esp as the result of an agreement: a fair deal   7 an indefinite amount, extent, or degree (esp in the phrases good or great deal)   8 cards   a the process of distributing the cards   b a player's turn to do this   c a single round in a card game   9 See big deal   10 cut a deal informal, chiefly US to come to an arrangement; make a deal   11 the real deal informal a person or thing seen as being authentic and not inferior in any way [Old English dǣlan, from dǣl a part; compare Old High German teil a part, Old Norse deild a share]

■ dealbreaker (ˈdiːlˌbreIkə)   n   informal an issue that prevents an agreement from being reached: their lack of flexibility could be a dealbreaker

■ dealer (ˈdiːlə)   n   1 a person or firm engaged in commercial purchase and sale; trader: a car dealer   2 cards the person who distributes the cards   3 slang a person who sells illegal drugs   > ˈdealerˌship n

■ dealing (ˈdiːlIŋ)   n   1    a selling or doing business in a particular commodity: arms dealing   b (as modifier): dealing fees   2 behaviour towards other people; way of treating other people: fair dealing

■ dealings (ˈdiːlIŋz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) transactions or business relations

■ dealmaker (ˈdiːlˌmeIkə)   n   a person who makes deals, esp commercial deals

■ deal with   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to take action on: to deal with each problem in turn   2 to punish: the headmaster will deal with the culprit   3 to be concerned with: the book deals with Dutch art   4 to conduct oneself (towards others), esp with regard to fairness: he can be relied on to deal fairly with everyone   5 to do business with: the firm deals with many overseas suppliers

deal^2 (diːl)   n   1 a plank of softwood timber, such as fir or pine, or such planks collectively   2 the sawn wood of various coniferous trees, such as that from the Scots pine (red deal) or from the Norway Spruce (white deal)   ▷ adj   3 of fir or pine [C14: from Middle Low German dele plank; see THILL]

Deal (diːl)   n   a town in SE England, in Kent, on the English Channel: two 16th-century castles: tourism, light industries. Pop: 96 670 (2003 est)

dealate (ˈdiːeIˌleIt, -lIt) or dealated (ˈdiːeIˌleItId)   adj   (of ants and other insects) having lost their wings, esp by biting or rubbing them off after mating [from DE- + ALATE]   > ˌdeaˈlation n

dealbate (diːˈælbeIt)   adj   botany having a white exterior or covering

■ dealbation (ˌdiːælˈbeIʃən)   n   1 the process of bleaching or making white   2 the process of whitening metal or giving it a burnished and gleaming finish, esp coins

dealfish (ˈdiːlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any deep-sea teleost fish of the genus Trachipterus, esp T. arcticus, related to the ribbonfishes and having a very long tapelike body and a fan-shaped tail fin

dealt (dɛlt)   vb   the past tense and past participle of deal^1

deambulatory (diːˈæmbjʊlətərI)   n, pl -tories   1 a place for walking often with a covering overhead   2 (in Roman churches) an aisle or corridor that forms a half circle beside the chancel and behind the altar   ▷ adj   3 showing movement or changing direction

deaminase (diːˈæmIˌneIs, diːˈæmIˌneIz)   n   an enzyme that breaks down and takes out the amino group from amino compounds

■ deaminate (diːˈæmIˌneIt), deaminize or deaminise (diːˈæmIˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove one or more amino groups from (a molecule)   > deˌamiˈnation, deˌaminiˈzation or deˌaminiˈsation n

dean (diːn)   n   1 the chief administrative official of a college or university faculty   2 (at Oxford and Cambridge universities) a college fellow with responsibility for undergraduate discipline   3 chiefly Church of England the head of a chapter of canons and administrator of a cathedral or collegiate church   4 RC Church the cardinal bishop senior by consecration and head of the college of cardinals. See also rural dean. Related adjective: decanal [C14: from Old French deien, from Late Latin decānus one set over ten persons, from Latin decem ten]   > ˈdeanˌship n

■ deanery (ˈdiːnərI)   n, pl -eries   1 the office or residence of dean   2 the group of parishes presided over by a rural dean

■ Dean of Faculty   n   the president of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland

■ dean of guild   n   the titular head of the guild or merchant company in a Scots burgh, who formerly exercised jurisdiction over all building in the burgh in the Dean of Guild Court

Dean^1 (diːn)   n   Forest of Dean a forest in W England, in Gloucestershire, between the Rivers Severn and Wye: formerly a royal hunting ground

Dean^2 (diːn)   n   1 Christopher. See Torvill and Dean   2  James (Byron). 1931–55, US film actor, who became a cult figure; his films include East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause (both 1955). He died in a car crash

Deane (diːn)   n   Sir William Patrick. born 1931, Australian lawyer. He became a High Court judge in 1982 and governor-general of Australia (1996–2001)

deaner (ˈdiːnə)   n   (in Britain) a shilling or coin in common use before decimalization in 1971

de-anglicization or de-anglicisation   n   (in Ireland) the elimination of English influence, language, customs, etc

dear (dIə)   adj   1 beloved; precious   2 used in conventional forms of address preceding a title or name, as in Dear Sir or my dear Mr Smith   3 (postpositive; foll by to) important; close: a wish dear to her heart   4    a highly priced   b charging high prices   5 appealing or pretty: what a dear little ring!   6 for dear life urgently or with extreme vigour or desperation   ▷ interj   7 used in exclamations of surprise or dismay, such as Oh dear! and dear me!   ▷ n   8 (often used in direct address) someone regarded with affection and tenderness; darling   ▷ adv   9 dearly: his errors have cost him dear [Old English dēore; related to Old Norse dӯrr]   > ˈdearness n

■ dear-bought   adj   having been purchased at great expense

■ Dear John letter   n   informal a letter from someone (esp to a man) breaking off a love affair

■ dearling (ˈdIərlIŋ)   n, adj   another word for darling

■ dearly (ˈdIəlI)   adv   1 very much: I would dearly like you to go   2 affectionately   3 at a great cost

Dearborn (ˈdIəbən, -ˌbɔːn)   n   a city in SE Michigan, near Detroit: automobile industry. Pop: 96 670 (2003 est)

deare^1 (dIə)   n   an act of damage or injury

deare^2 (dIə)   n   an archaic spelling of deer

deare^3 (dIə)   n, adj   an archaic spelling of dear

dearest (ˈdIərIst)   adj   1 used as an affectionate way of addressing someone   2 most cherished: his dearest wish was to visit Australia   ▷ n   3 used as a very affectionate form of address

dearn (dɜːn)   adj   1 alone or unseen   ▷ vb (tr)   2 an archaic word for darn^1 (sense 1)

■ dearnly (ˈdɜːnlI)   adv   in a solitary or unseen manner

dearnful (ˈdɜːnfʊl)   adj   gloomy or heavy-hearted

dearth (dɜːθ)   n   an inadequate amount, esp of food; scarcity [C13: derthe, from dēr DEAR]

dearticulate (ˌdiːɑːˈtIkjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr)   to disjoint, dislocate, or separate (something)

deary or dearie (ˈdIərI)   n   1 (pl dearies) informal a term of affection: now often sarcastic or facetious   2 deary me! or dearie me! an exclamation of surprise or dismay

deash (diːˈæʃ)   vb (tr)   to take ash out of or away from (a syrup containing ash ions)

deasil, deasiul or deasoil (ˈdiːzəl, ˈdiːʃəl, ˈdɛʃəl, ˈdɛsəl) Scot   adv   1 in the direction of the apparent course of the sun; clockwise   ▷ n   2 motion in this direction   ▶ Compare withershins [C18: Scottish Gaelic deiseil]

deaspirate (diːˈæspIˌreIt)   vb (tr)   phonetics to remove any audible breath sound from (a sound)

■ deaspiration (diːˌæspIˈreIʃən)   n   the act of deaspirating

death (dɛθ)   n   1 the permanent end of all functions of life in an organism or some of its cellular components   2 an instance of this: her death ended an era   3 a murder or killing: there were five deaths in the battle   4 termination or destruction: the death of colonialism   5 a state of affairs or an experience considered as terrible as death: your constant criticism will be the death of me   6 a cause or source of death   7 (usually capital) a personification of death, usually a skeleton or an old man holding a scythe   8 to death or to the death   a until dead: bleed to death; a fight to the death   b to death excessively: bored to death   9 at death's door likely to die soon   10 catch one's death or catch one's death of cold informal to contract a severe cold   11 do to death   a to kill   b to overuse (a joke, etc) so that it no longer has any effect   12 in at the death   a present when an animal that is being hunted is caught and killed   b present at the finish or climax   13 like death warmed up informal very ill   14 like grim death as if afraid for one's life   15 put to death to kill deliberately or execute ▶ Related adjectives: fatal, lethal, mortal ▶ Related prefixes: necro-, thanato- [Old English dēath; related to Old High German tōd death, Gothic dauthus]

■ death adder   n   a venomous Australian elapid snake, Acanthophis antarcticus, resembling an adder

■ deathbed (ˈdɛθˌbɛd)   n   1    a the bed in which a person is about to die   b (as modifier): a deathbed conversion   2 on one's deathbed about to die

■ deathblow (ˈdɛθˌbləʊ)   n   a thing or event that destroys life or hope, esp suddenly

■ death camp   n   a concentration camp in which the conditions are so brutal that few prisoners survive, or one to which prisoners are sent for execution

■ death cap or death angel   n   a poisonous woodland saprotrophic basidiomycetous fungus, Amanita phalloides, differing from the edible mushroom (Agaricus) only in its white gills (pinkish-brown in Agaricus) and the presence of a volva. See also amanita

■ death cell   n   a prison cell for criminals sentenced to death

■ death certificate   n   a legal document issued by a qualified medical practitioner certifying the death of a person and stating the cause if known

■ deathcup (ˈdɛθˌkʌp)   n   another name for death cap

■ death-dealing   adj   fatal; lethal

■ death duty   n   a tax on property inheritances: in Britain, replaced in 1975 by capital transfer tax and since 1986 by inheritance tax. Also called: estate duty

■ deathful (ˈdɛθfʊl)   adj   1 characterized by or causing death   2 archaic likely to suffer death   3 resembling or having the look of death

■ death futures   pl n   life insurance policies of terminally ill people that are bought speculatively for a lump sum by a company, enabling it to collect the proceeds of the policies when the sufferers die

■ death grant   n   (in the British National Insurance scheme) a grant payable to a relative, executor, etc, after the death of a person

■ death knell or death bell   n   1 something that heralds death or destruction   2 a bell rung to announce a death

■ deathless (ˈdɛθlIs)   adj literary or jocular   immortal, esp because of greatness; everlasting   > ˈdeathlessly adv   > ˈdeathlessness n

■ deathlike (ˈdɛθˌlaIk)   adj   resembling or suggestive of death

■ deathly (ˈdɛθlI)   adj   1 deadly   2 resembling death: a deathly quiet   > ˈdeathliness n

■ death mask   n   a cast of a person's face taken shortly after death. Compare life mask

■ death metal   n     a a type of heavy-metal music characterized by extreme speed and lyrics dealing with violence, satanism, etc   b (as modifier): a death-metal band

■ death penalty   n   the death penalty capital punishment

■ death rate   n   the ratio of deaths in a specified area, group, etc, to the population of that area, group, etc. Also called (esp US): mortality rate

■ death rattle   n   a low-pitched gurgling sound sometimes made by a dying person, caused by air passing through an accumulation of mucus in the trachea

■ death ray   n   an imaginary ray capable of killing

■ death row or death house   n   US the part of a prison where those sentenced to death are confined

■ death seat   n   US and Austral slang the seat beside the driver of a vehicle

■ death's-head   n   a human skull or a representation of one

■ death's-head moth   n   a European hawk moth, Acherontia atropos, having markings resembling a human skull on its upper thorax

■ death slide   n   a rope or cable stretched between two points of different heights, down which a person slides for fun on a suspended harness or pulley

■ deathsman (ˈdɛθsmən)   n, pl -men   obsolete an executioner

■ death spiral   n   informal a period of continuous deterioration that leads ultimately to catastrophic failure or destruction

■ death tourist   n   informal a seriously ill person who seeks to terminate his or her own life by travelling to a country where medically assisted suicide is legal

■ deathtrap (ˈdɛθˌtræp)   n   a building, vehicle, etc, that is considered very unsafe

■ Death Valley   n   a desert valley in E California and W Nevada: the lowest, hottest, and driest area of the US. Lowest point: 86 m (282 ft) below sea level. Area: about 3885 sq km (1500 sq miles)

■ death-valley curve   n   a curve on a graph showing how the capital of a new company plotted against time declines sharply as the venture capital is used up before income reaches predicted levels

■ deathward (ˈdɛθwəd)   adj   1 having an inclination or disposition towards death   ▷ adv   2 in a manner that advances towards death

■ death warrant   n   1 the official authorization for carrying out a sentence of death   2 sign one's death warrant or sign one's own death warrant to cause one's own destruction

■ deathwatch (ˈdɛθˌwɒtʃ)   n   1 a vigil held beside a dying or dead person   2 deathwatch beetle a beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum, whose woodboring larvae are a serious pest. The adult produces a rapid tapping sound with its head that was once popularly supposed to presage death. See also anobiid

■ death wish   n   (in Freudian psychology) the desire for self-annihilation. See also Thanatos

deattribute (ˌdiːəˈtrIbjuːt)   vb (tr)   to withdraw the initial ascription of (a work of art)

Deauville (ˈdəʊviːl; French dovil)   n   a town and resort in NW France: casino. Pop: 3968 (2008)

deave (diːv)   vb (tr) Scot   1 to deafen   2 to bewilder or weary (a person) with noise [Old English dēafian]

deaw (djuː)   n, vb   an obsolete spelling of dew

■ deawie (ˈdjuːI)   adj   damp with dew

deb (dɛb)   n   informal short for debutante

deb.   abbreviation for   debenture

de-Baathification (diːˌbɑːθIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the process of removing the members and influence of the Ba'ath Party from public office in Iraq following the US-led invasion of 2003

debacle (deIˈbɑːkəl, dI-)   n   1 a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat, esp one involving a disorderly retreat; rout   2 the breaking up of ice in a river during spring or summer, often causing flooding   3 a violent rush of water carrying along debris [C19: from French débâcle, from Old French desbacler to unbolt, ultimately from Latin baculum rod, staff]

debag (diːˈbæɡ)   vb -bags, -bagging, -bagged   (tr) Brit slang to remove the trousers from (someone) by force

debar (dIˈbɑː)   vb -bars, -barring, -barred   (tr; usually foll by from) to exclude from a place, a right, etc; bar   > deˈbarment n

USAGE

See at disbar

debarcation (ˌdIbɑːˈkeIʃən)   n   a variant spelling of debarkation

debark^1 (dIˈbɑːk)   vb   a less common word for disembark [C17: from French débarquer, from dé- DIS^1 + barque BARQUE]   > debarkation (ˌdiːbɑːˈkeIʃən) n

debark^2 (diːˈbɑːk)   vb   (tr) to remove the bark from (a tree) [C18: from DE- + BARK^2]

■ debarker (diːˈbɑːkə)   n   a machine that strips bark from logs

debarrass (diːˈbærəs)   vb (tr)   to take from (a person) something that causes shame or embarrassment

debase (dIˈbeIs)   vb   (tr) to lower in quality, character, or value, as by adding cheaper metal to coins; adulterate [C16: see DE-, BASE^2]   > deˈbasement n   > deˈbaser n   > deˈbasingly adv

■ debased (dIˈbeIst)   adj   1 rendered less valuable or admirable   2 (of coins) having cheaper metal added   > debasedness (dIˈbeIsIdnIs) n

debate (dIˈbeIt)   n   1 a formal discussion, as in a legislative body, in which opposing arguments are put forward   2 discussion or dispute   3 the formal presentation and opposition of a specific motion, followed by a vote   ▷ vb   4 to discuss (a motion), esp in a formal assembly   5 to deliberate upon (something): he debated with himself whether to go [C13: from Old French debatre to discuss, argue, from Latin battuere]   > deˈbater n

■ debatable or debateable (dIˈbeItəbəl)   adj   1 open to question; disputable   2 law in dispute, as land or territory to which two parties lay claim

■ debatably (dIˈbeItəblI)   adv   in a debatable or disputable manner

■ debateful (dIˈbeItfʊl)   adj   1 quarrelsome   2 relating to dispute or dissension   3 disputable

■ debatement (dIˈbeItmənt)   n   1 the act of deliberating or arguing about something   2 the state of being in dispute or dissent

■ debating (dIˈbeItIŋ)   n   1 the activity of taking part in debates   ▷ adj   2 relating to debates and debating: debating skills

■ debating chamber   n   a room where a legislative assembly holds debates

■ debatingly (dIˈbeItIŋlI)   adv   in an argumentative manner

debauch (dIˈbɔːtʃ) or debosh (dIˈbɒʃ)   vb   1 (when tr, usually passive) to lead into a life of depraved self-indulgence   2 (tr) to seduce (a woman)   ▷ n   3 an instance or period of extreme dissipation [C16: from Old French desbaucher to corrupt, literally: to shape (timber) roughly, from bauch beam, of Germanic origin]   > deˈbaucher n   > deˈbauchery or deˈbauchment n

■ debauched (dIˈbɔːtʃt)   adj   characterized by self-indulgence and moral corruption   > debauchedly (dIˈbɔːtʃIdlI) adv   > deˈbauchedness n

■ debauchee (ˌdɛbɔːˈtʃiː, -ɔːˈʃiː)   n   a person who leads a life of reckless drinking, promiscuity, and self-indulgence

debby (ˈdɛbI) informal   n   1 another word for debutante   ▷ adj debbier, debbiest   2 relating to or resembling a debutante

debe (ˈdɛbɛ)   n   E African a tin [C20: from Swahili]

debeak   vb (tr)   to remove part of the beak of poultry to reduce the risk of such habits as feather-picking or cannibalism

debeard (diːˈbIəd)   vb (tr)   to remove the beard or thready tuft from (someone or something)

de Beauvoir (French də bovwar)   n   Simone (simɔn). 1908–86, French existentialist novelist and feminist, whose works include Le Sang des autres (1944), Le Deuxième Sexe (1949), and Les Mandarins (1954)

debel (dIˈbɛl)   vb (tr)   to overcome or beat (an opponent) in combat

debenture (dIˈbɛntʃə)   n   1 Also called: debenture bond a long-term bond, bearing fixed interest and usually unsecured, issued by a company or governmental agency   2 a certificate acknowledging the debt of a stated sum of money to a specified person   3 a customs certificate providing for a refund of excise or import duty [C15: from Latin phrase dēbentur mihi there are owed to me, from dēbēre to owe]   > deˈbentured adj

de Bèze (French də bɛz)   n   Théodore (teodɔr).1519–1605, French Calvinist theologian and scholar, who lived in Switzerland. He succeeded Calvin as leader of the Swiss Protestants

debile (ˈdɛbIl)   adj   1 having no strength, muscle, or power   2 botany having no ability to bear or hold up flowers or leaves

debilitate (dIˈbIlIˌteIt)   vb   (tr) to make feeble; weaken [C16: from Latin dēbilitāre, from dēbilis weak]   > deˌbiliˈtation n

■ debilitated (dIˈbIlIteItId)   adj   in a severely weakened state

■ debilitating (dIˈbIlIˌteItIŋ)   adj   tending to weaken or enfeeble

■ debilitative (dIˈbIlItətIv)   adj   producing or bringing about a weakened state

■ debility (dIˈbIlItI)   n, pl -ties   weakness or infirmity

debit (ˈdɛbIt) accounting   n   1    a acknowledgment of a sum owing by entry on the left side of an account   b the left side of an account   c an entry on this side   d the total of such entries   e (as modifier): a debit balance. Compare credit (sense 10)   ▷ vb -bits, -biting, -bited   2 (tr)   a to record (an item) as a debit in an account   b to charge (a person or his or her account) with a debt. Compare credit (sense 17) [C15: from Latin dēbitum DEBT]

■ debit card   n   an embossed plastic card issued by a bank or building society to enable its customers to pay for goods or services by inserting it into a computer-controlled device at the place of sale, which is connected through the telephone network to the bank or building society. It may also function as a cash card, a cheque card, or both

■ debitor (ˈdɛbItə)   n   1 the heading written at the top of the debit column in an accounts book   2    a a person or organization that owes a debt   b (as modifier): debitor countries

debonair, debonnaire or debonaire (ˌdɛbəˈnɛə)   adj (esp of a man or his manner)   1 suave and refined   2 carefree; light-hearted   3 courteous and cheerful; affable [C13: from Old French debonaire, from de bon aire having a good disposition]   > ˌdeboˈnairly adv   > ˌdeboˈnairness n

debone (diːˈbəʊn)   vb (tr)   to remove the bones from (a piece of meat or fish)

■ deboner (diːˈbəʊnə)   n   a person or a device that debones a piece of meat or fish

Deborah (ˈdɛbərə, -brə)   n Old Testament   1 a prophetess and judge of Israel who fought the Canaanites (Judges 4, 5)   2 Rebecca's nurse (Genesis 35:8)

debosh (dIˈbɒʃ)   vb (tr)   a variant form of debauch

deboss (dIˈbɒs)   n   1 the method of pressing a design onto a surface so that it creates a sunken area   2 the depressed image produced by pressing a design onto the surface of a material   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to press a design onto (a surface) so that it creates a sunken area

debouch (dIˈbaʊtʃ)   vb   1 (intr) (esp of troops) to move into a more open space, as from a narrow or concealed place   2 (intr) (of a river, glacier, etc) to flow from a valley into a larger area or body   ▷ n   3 Also called: débouché (French debuʃe) fortifications an outlet or passage, as for the exit of troops [C18: from French déboucher, from dé- DIS^1 + bouche mouth, from Latin bucca cheek]

■ debouchment (dIˈbaʊtʃmənt)   n   1 the act or an instance of debouching   2 Also: debouchure (ˌdeIbuːˈʃʊə) an outlet, mouth, or opening

Debrecen (ˈdɛbrɛtsɛn)   n   a city in E Hungary: seat of the revolutionary government of 1849. Pop: 205 881 (2003 est)

Debrett (dəˈbrɛt)   n   a list of the British aristocracy. In full: Debrett's Peerage [C19: after J. Debrett (c. 1750–1822), London publisher who first issued it]

debridement or débridement (dIˈbriːdmənt, deI-)   n   the surgical removal of dead tissue or cellular debris from the surface of a wound [C19: from French, from Old French desbrider to unbridle, from des- DE- + bride BRIDLE]

■ debride (deIˈbriːd)   vb (tr)   surgery to remove (dead tissue or extraneous material) from a wound

debrief (diːˈbriːf)   vb   (of a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc) to make or (of his or her superiors) to elicit a report after a mission or event. Compare brief (sense 13)   > deˈbriefing n

■ debriefer (diːˈbriːfə)   n   1 a person who debriefs or creates a report after an assignment or an incident   2 a report that contains debriefing details

debris or débris (ˈdeIbrI, ˈdɛbrI)   n   1 fragments or remnants of something destroyed or broken; rubble   2 a collection of loose material derived from rocks, or an accumulation of animal or vegetable matter [C18: from French, from obsolete debrisier to break into pieces, from bruisier to shatter, of Celtic origin]

■ debris bug   n   a bug of the family Cimicidae found where vegetable debris accumulates and feeding on small arthropods like springtails: related to the bedbugs

de Broglie (French də brɔj)   n   1  Prince Louis Victor (lwi viktɔr). 1892–1987, French physicist, noted for his research in quantum mechanics and his development of wave mechanics: Nobel prize for physics 1929   2  his brother, Maurice (mɔris), Duc de Broglie. 1875–1960, French physicist, noted for his research into X-ray spectra

■ de Broglie waves (də ˈbrəʊɡlI)   pl n   physics the set of waves that represent the behaviour of an elementary particle, or some atoms and molecules, under certain conditions. The de Broglie wavelength, λ, is given by λ = h/mv, where h is the Planck constant, m the mass, and v the velocity of the particle. Also called: matter waves [C20: named after Prince Louis Victor DE BROGLIE]

debruise (dIˈbruːz)   vb (tr)   heraldry to overlay or partly cover with an ordinary

Debs (dɛbz)   n   Eugene Victor. 1855–1926, US labour leader; five times Socialist presidential candidate (1900–20)

debt (dɛt)   n   1 something that is owed, such as money, goods, or services   2 bad debt a debt that has little or no prospect of being paid   3 an obligation to pay or perform something; liability   4 the state of owing something, esp money, or of being under an obligation (esp in the phrases in debt, in (someone's) debt)   5 a temporary failure to maintain the necessary supply of something: sleep debt; oxygen debt [C13: from Old French dette, from Latin dēbitum, from dēbēre to owe, from DE- + habēre to have; English spelling influenced by the Latin etymon]   > ˈdebtless adj

■ debted (ˈdɛtId)   adj   1 owing or outstanding   2 having or being in debt

■ debtee (dɛˈtiː)   n   a person to whom a debt is owed

■ debt-laden or debt-ridden   adj   having large debts

■ debt of honour   n   a debt that is morally but not legally binding, such as one contracted in gambling

■ debtor (ˈdɛtə)   n   a person or commercial enterprise that owes a financial obligation. Compare creditor

■ debt swap   n   See swap (sense 4)

debud (diːˈbʌd)   vb -buds, -budding, -budded   another word for disbud

debug (diːˈbʌɡ) informal   vb -bugs, -bugging, -bugged (tr)   1 to locate and remove concealed microphones from (a room, etc)   2 to locate and remove defects in (a device, system, plan, etc)   3 to remove insects from   ▷ n   4    a something, esp a computer program, that locates and removes defects in (a device, system, etc)   b (as modifier): a debug program [C20: from DE- + BUG^1]

■ debugger (diːˈbʌɡə)   n computing   1 a program that is used to find and correct bugs in other programs   2 a person who finds and corrects bugs in computer programs

■ debugging (diːˈbʌɡIŋ)   n     a the process of locating and removing faults in computer programs   b (as modifier): a debugging program

debunk (diːˈbʌŋk)   vb   (tr) informal to expose the pretensions or falseness of, esp by ridicule [C20: from DE- + BUNK^2]   > deˈbunker n

deburr or debur (diːˈbɜː)   vb (tr)   1 to remove burrs from (a workpiece)   2 textiles to remove dirt and debris from (raw wool)

debus (diːˈbʌs)   vb debuses, debusing, debused or debusses, debussing, debussed   to unload (goods) or (esp of troops) to alight from a motor vehicle

Debussy (dəˈbjuːsI, ˈdeIbjuːsI; French dəbysi)   n   (Achille) Claude (klod). 1862–1918, French composer and critic, the creator of impressionism in music and a profound influence on contemporary composition. His works include Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (1894) and La Mer (1905) for orchestra, the opera Pelléas et Mélisande (1902), and many piano pieces and song settings

debut (ˈdeIbjuː, ˈdɛbjuː)   n   1    a the first public appearance of an actor, musician, etc, or the first public presentation of a show   b (as modifier): debut album   2 the presentation of a debutante   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to make a debut [C18: from French début, from Old French desbuter to play first (hence: make one's first appearance), from des- DE- + but goal, target; see BUTT^2]

■ debutant (ˈdɛbjʊˌtɑːnt, -ˌtænt)   n   a person who is making a first appearance in a particular capacity, such as a sportsperson playing in a first game for a team

debutante (ˈdɛbjʊˌtɑːnt, -ˌtænt)   n   1 a young woman of upper-class background who is presented to society, usually at a formal ball   2 a girl or young woman regarded as being upper-class, wealthy, and of a frivolous or snobbish social set [C19: from French, from débuter to lead off in a game, make one's first appearance; see DEBUT]

Debye (Dutch deˈbɛiə)   n   Peter Joseph Wilhelm. 1884–1966, Dutch chemist and physicist, working in the US: Nobel prize for chemistry (1936) for his work on dipole moments

Dec   abbreviation for   December

dec.   abbreviation for   1 deceased   2 music decrescendo

deca-, deka- or before a vowel dec-, dek-   prefix   denoting ten: decagon. In conjunction with scientific units the symbol da is used [from Greek deka]

decachord (ˈdɛkəˌkɔːd)   n   1 a ten-stringed musical instrument   ▷ adj   2 (of a musical instrument) having ten strings

decad (ˈdɛkæd)   n   1 the number ten   2 music a specific cluster of ten musical notes   3 a variant form of decade

decade (ˈdɛkeId, dIˈkeId)   n   1 a period of ten consecutive years   2 a group or series of ten [C15: from Old French, from Late Latin decad-, decas, from Greek dekas, from deka ten]   > deˈcadal adj

decadence (ˈdɛkədəns) or decadency   n   1 deterioration, esp of morality or culture; decay; degeneration   2 the state reached through such a process [C16: from French, from Medieval Latin dēcadentia, literally: a falling away; see DECAY]

■ decadent (ˈdɛkədənt)   adj   1 characterized by decay or decline, as in being self-indulgent or morally corrupt   2 belonging to a period of decline in artistic standards   ▷ n   3 a decadent person   4 (often capital) one of a group of French and English writers of the late 19th century whose works were characterized by refinement of style and a tendency towards the artificial and abnormal   > ˈdecadently adv

decaff or decaf (ˈdiːkæf) informal   n   1 decaffeinated coffee   ▷ adj   2 decaffeinated

decaffeinate (dIˈkæfIˌneIt)   vb   (tr) to remove all or part of the caffeine from (coffee, tea, etc)

■ decaffeinated (diːˈkæfIneItId, dIˈkæfIneItId)   adj   1 from which all or part of the caffeine has been removed   ▷ n   2 coffee or tea from which all or part of the caffeine has been removed

decagon (ˈdɛkəˌɡɒn)   n   a polygon having ten sides   > decagonal (dIˈkæɡənəl) adj   > deˈcagonally adv

decagramme or decagram US (ˈdɛkəɡræm)   n   ten grammes

decagynian (ˌdɛkəˈdʒInIən) or decagynous (dɛkˈædʒInəs)   adj   botany having ten pistils or female organs of reproduction and belonging to the order Decagynia

decahedron (ˌdɛkəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having ten plane faces. See also polyhedron   > ˌdecaˈhedral adj

decal (dIˈkæl, ˈdiːkæl)   n   1 short for decalcomania   ▷ vb   2 to transfer (a design) by decalcomania

decalcify (diːˈkælsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to remove calcium or lime from (bones, teeth, etc)   > decalcification (diːˌkælsIfIˈkeIʃən) n   > deˈcalciˌfier n

decalcomania (dIˌkælkəˈmeInIə)   n   1 the art or process of transferring a design from prepared paper onto another surface, such as china, glass, or paper   2 a design so transferred [C19: from French décalcomanie, from décalquer to transfer by tracing, from dé- DE- + calquer to trace + -manie -MANIA]

decalescence (ˌdiːkəˈlɛsəns)   n   the absorption of heat when a metal is heated through a particular temperature range, caused by a change in internal crystal structure [C19: from Late Latin dēcalescere to become warm, from Latin DE- + calescere, from calēre to be warm]   > ˌdecaˈlescent adj

decalitre or US decaliter (ˈdɛkəˌliːtə)   n   ten litres. One decalitre is equal to about 2.2 imperial gallons. Symbol: dal

Decalogue (ˈdɛkəˌlɒɡ)   n   another name for the Ten Commandments [C14: from Church Latin decalogus, from Greek, from deka ten + logos word]

decamerous (dIˈkæmərəs)   adj   having ten sections or partitions

decamethonium (ˌdɛkəməˈθəʊnIəm)   n   pharmacol a drug that is used to relax or loosen the muscles

decametre or US decameter (ˈdɛkəˌmiːtə)   n   ten metres. Symbol: dam

■ decametric (ˌdɛkəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   1 relating to or calculated by a decametre or measure equivalent to ten metres   2 astronomy having or creating radio waves that have a wavelength that lies between ten and one hundred metres

decamp (dIˈkæmp)   vb (intr)   1 to leave a camp; break camp   2 to depart secretly or suddenly; abscond   > deˈcampment n

decanal (dIˈkeInəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a dean or deanery   2 (of part of a choir) on the same side of a cathedral, etc, as the dean; on the S side of the choir   ▶ Compare cantorial [C18: from Medieval Latin decānālis, decānus DEAN]   > deˈcanally or decanically (dIˈkænIkəlI) adv

decandrian (dɛˈkændrIən) or decandrous (dɛˈkændrəs)   adj   botany having or characterized by ten stamens or male organs in flowers

decane (ˈdɛkeIn)   n   a liquid alkane hydrocarbon existing in several isomeric forms. Formula: C_10H_22 [C19: from DECA- + -ANE]

decanedioic acid (ˌdɛkeIndaIˈəʊIk)   n   a white crystalline carboxylic acid obtained by heating castor oil with sodium hydroxide, used in the manufacture of polyester resins and rubbers and plasticizers. Formula: HOOC(CH_2)8COOH. Also called: sebacic acid

decani (dIˈkeInaI)   adj, adv   music to be sung by the decanal side of a choir. Compare cantoris [Latin: genitive of decānus]

decanoic acid (ˌdɛkəˈnəʊIk)   n   a white crystalline insoluble carboxylic acid with an unpleasant odour, used in perfumes and for making fruit flavours. Formula: C_9H_19COOH. Also called: capric acid

decant (dIˈkænt)   vb   1 to pour (a liquid, such as wine) from one container to another, esp without disturbing any sediment   2 (tr) to rehouse (people) while their homes are being rebuilt or refurbished [C17: from Medieval Latin dēcanthāre, from canthus spout, rim; see CANTHUS]

■ decantation (ˌdiːkænˈteIʃən)   n   the act of decanting a liquid

■ decanter (dIˈkæntə)   n   a stoppered bottle, usually of glass, into which a drink, such as wine, is poured for serving

decantate (diːˈkænˌteIt)   adj   1 having been repeated or sung again and again   ▷ vb   2 to repeat or sing again and again

decapitalize or decapitalise (diːˈkæpItəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make difficult to have or to take away stock or wealth from   2 to downgrade (a city) from the position of capital city   3 to alter the capitalization, usually from an initial capital letter to a lower-case letter, in a written statement

decapitate (dIˈkæpIˌteIt)   vb   (tr) to behead [C17: from Late Latin dēcapitāre, from Latin DE- + caput head]   > deˌcapiˈtation n   > deˈcapiˌtator n

decapod (ˈdɛkəˌpɒd)   n   1 any crustacean of the mostly marine order Decapoda, having five pairs of walking limbs: includes the crabs, lobsters, shrimps, prawns, and crayfish   2 any cephalopod mollusc of the order Decapoda, having a ring of eight short tentacles and two longer ones: includes the squids and cuttlefish   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or belonging to either of these orders   4 (of any other animal) having ten limbs   > decapodal (dIˈkæpədəl), deˈcapodan or deˈcapodous adj

Decapolis (dIˈkæpəlIs)   n   a league of ten cities, including Damascus, in the northeast of ancient Palestine: established in 63 BC by Pompey and governed by Rome

decapsulate (diːˈkæpsjʊˌleIt)   vb   (tr) med to remove a capsule from (a part or organ, esp the kidney)   > deˌcapsuˈlation n

decarb (diːˈkɑːb)   vb (tr)   an informal short form of decarbonize

decarbonate (diːˈkɑːbəˌneIt)   vb   (tr) to remove carbon dioxide from (a solution, substance, etc)   > deˌcarbonˈation n   > deˈcarbonˌator n

decarbonize or decarbonise (diːˈkɑːbəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove carbon from (the walls of the combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine). Also: decoke, decarburize   > deˌcarboniˈzation or deˌcarboniˈsation n   > deˈcarbonˌizer or deˈcarbonˌiser n

decarboxylase (ˌdiːkɑːˈbɒksIˌleIs)   n   an enzyme that catalyses the removal of carbon dioxide from a compound

decarboxylate (ˌdiːkɑːˈbɒksIˌleIt)   vb   chem to take away a carboxyl group from (an organic compound) or (of an organic compound) to lose a carboxyl group

■ decarboxylation (ˌdiːkɑːˌbɒksIˈleIʃən)   n   the removal or loss of a carboxyl group from an organic compound

decarburize or decarburise (diːˈkɑːbjʊˌraIz)   vb   another word for decarbonize   > deˌcarburiˈzation, deˌcarburiˈsation or deˌcarbuˈration n

decare (ˈdɛkɛə, dɛˈkɛə)   n   ten ares or 1000 square metres [C19: from French décare; see DECA-, ARE^2]

decartelize or decartelise (dIˈkɑːtəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   commerce to break up (a cartel)

decastere (ˈdɛkəˌstIə)   n   a measure equivalent to ten steres or cubic metres

decastich (ˈdɛkəˌstIk)   n   a poem that consists of ten lines

decastyle (ˈdɛkəˌstaIl)   n   architect a portico consisting of ten columns

decasualize or decasualise (ˌdIˈkæʒjʊˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   US to replace the casual workers in (a business) with permanent employees

■ decasualization or decasualisation (ˌdIkæʒjʊlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   US the replacement of casual workers by permanent employees

decasyllable (ˈdɛkəˌsIləbəl)   n   a word or line of verse consisting of ten syllables   > decasyllabic (ˌdɛkəsIˈlæbIk) adj

decathlon (dIˈkæθlɒn)   n   an athletic contest for men in which each athlete competes in ten different events. Compare heptathlon [C20: from DECA- + Greek athlon contest, prize; see ATHLETE]   > deˈcathlete n

Decatur (dəˈkeItə)   n   Stephen. 1779–1820, US naval officer, noted for his raid on Tripoli harbour (1804) and his role in the War of 1812

decaudate (diːˈkɔːdeIt)   vb (tr)   to take off the tail of (an animal)

decay (dIˈkeI)   vb   1 to decline or cause to decline gradually in health, prosperity, excellence, etc; deteriorate; waste away   2 to rot or cause to rot as a result of bacterial, fungal, or chemical action; decompose   3 Also: disintegrate (intr) physics   a (of an atomic nucleus) to undergo radioactive disintegration   b (of an elementary particle) to transform into two or more different elementary particles   4 (intr) physics (of a stored charge, magnetic flux, etc) to decrease gradually when the source of energy has been removed   ▷ n   5 the process of decline, as in health, mentality, beauty, etc   6 the state brought about by this process   7 decomposition, as of vegetable matter   8 rotten or decayed matter: the dentist drilled out the decay   9 physics   a See radioactive decay   b a spontaneous transformation of an elementary particle into two or more different particles   c (of an excited atom or molecule) the losing of energy by the spontaneous emission of photons   10 physics a gradual decrease of a stored charge, magnetic flux, current, etc, when the source of energy has been removed. See also time constant   11 music the fading away of a note [C15: from Old Northern French decaïr, from Late Latin dēcadere, literally: to fall away, from Latin cadere to fall]   > deˈcayable adj

■ decayed (dIˈkeId)   adj   having rotted as a result of bacterial, fungal, or chemical action; decomposed

■ decayer (dIˈkeIə)   n   a thing or a person that brings about decay

■ decaying (dIˈkeIIŋ)   adj   1 rotting as a result of bacterial, fungal, or chemical action; decomposing   2 declining gradually in health, prosperity, excellence, etc

■ decayless (dIˈkeIlIs)   adj   having no tendency to decay

Deccan (ˈdɛkən)   n the Deccan   1 a plateau in S India, between the Eastern Ghats, the Western Ghats, and the Narmada River   2 the whole Indian peninsula south of the Narmada River

deccie^1 (ˈdɛkI)   n   informal a decoration, esp a Christmas decoration, inside a house

deccie^2 (ˈdɛkI)   n   military slang an inspection

decd   abbreviation for   deceased

decease (dIˈsiːs)   n   1 a more formal word for death   ▷ vb   2 (intr) a more formal word for die^1 [C14 (n): from Old French deces, from Latin dēcēdere to depart]

■ deceased (dIˈsiːst)   adj     a a more formal word for dead (sense 1)   b (as noun): the deceased

decedent (dIˈsiːdənt)   n   law, chiefly US a deceased person [C16: from Latin dēcēdēns departing; see DECEASE]

deceit (dIˈsiːt)   n   1 the act or practice of deceiving   2 a statement, act, or device intended to mislead; fraud; trick   3 a tendency to deceive [C13: from Old French deceite, from deceivre to DECEIVE]

■ deceitful (dIˈsiːtfʊl)   adj   full of deceit   > deˈceitfully adv   > deˈceitfulness n

deceive (dIˈsiːv)   vb (tr)   1 to mislead by deliberate misrepresentation or lies   2 to delude (oneself)   3 to be unfaithful to (one's sexual partner)   4 archaic to disappoint: his hopes were deceived [C13: from Old French deceivre, from Latin dēcipere to ensnare, cheat, from capere to take]   > deˈceivable adj   > deˈceivably adv   > deˈceivableness or deˌceivaˈbility n   > deˈceiver n   > deˈceiving n, adj   > deˈceivingly adv

■ deceptibility (dIˌsɛptəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to be deceived

■ deceptible (dIˈsɛptəbəl)   adj   capable of being deceived

■ deception (dIˈsɛpʃən)   n   1 the act of deceiving or the state of being deceived   2 something that deceives; trick

■ deceptious (dIˈsɛpʃəs)   adj   relating to deception or inclined to deceive

■ deceptive (dIˈsɛptIv)   adj   1 likely or designed to deceive; misleading: appearances can be deceptive   2 music (of a cadence) another word for interrupted (sense 3)   > deˈceptively adv   > deˈceptiveness n

■ deceptory (dIˈsɛptərI)   adj   inclined to deceive

decelerate (diːˈsɛləˌreIt)   vb   to slow down or cause to slow down [C19: from DE- + ACCELERATE]   > deˌcelerˈation n   > deˈcelerˌator n

decelerometer (dIˌsɛləˈrɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring deceleration

deceleron (diːˈsɛlərɒn)   n   (on a fixed-wing aircraft) a type of aileron that enables the aircraft to have a degree of control when it goes into a roll

December (dIˈsɛmbə)   n   the twelfth and last month of the year, consisting of 31 days [C13: from Old French decembre, from Latin december the tenth month (the Roman year originally began with March), from decem ten]

■ Decembrist (dIˈsɛmbrIst)   n   Russian history a participant in the unsuccessful revolt against Tsar Nicolas I in Dec 1825 [C19: translation of Russian dekabrist]

decemvir (dIˈsɛmvə)   n, pl -virs or -viri (-vIˌriː)   1 (in ancient Rome) a member of a board of ten magistrates, esp either of the two commissions established in 451 and 450 BC to revise the laws   2 a member of any governing body composed of ten men [C17: from Latin, from decem ten + virī men]   > deˈcemviral adj

■ decemvirate (dIˈsɛmvIrIt, -ˌreIt)   n   1 a board of decemvirs   2 the rule or rank of decemvirs

decenary or decennary (dIˈsɛnərI)   adj   history of or relating to a tithing [C13: from Medieval Latin decēna a tithing, from decem ten]

decennium (dIˈsɛnIəm) or decennary (dIˈsɛnərI)   n, pl -niums, -nia (-nIə) or -naries   a less common word for decade (sense 1) [C17: from Latin, from decem ten + annus year]

■ decennial (dIˈsɛnIəl)   adj   1 lasting for ten years   2 occurring every ten years   ▷ n   3 a tenth anniversary or its celebration   > deˈcennially adv

decennoval (dIˈsɛnəvəl)   adj   relating to nineteen

decent (ˈdiːsənt)   adj   1 polite or respectable: a decent family   2 proper and suitable; fitting: a decent burial   3 conforming to conventions of sexual behaviour; not indecent   4 free of oaths, blasphemy, etc: decent language   5 good or adequate: a decent wage   6 informal kind; generous: he was pretty decent to me   7 informal sufficiently clothed to be seen by other people: are you decent? [C16: from Latin decēns suitable, from decēre to be fitting]   > ˈdecently adv   > ˈdecentness n

■ decencies (ˈdiːsənsIz)   pl n   1 the decencies those things that are considered necessary for a decent life   2 standards of behaviour considered correct by polite society; proprieties

■ decency (ˈdiːsənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 conformity to the prevailing standards of propriety, morality, modesty, etc   2 the quality of being decent

decentralize or decentralise (diːˈsɛntrəˌlaIz)   vb   1 to reorganize (a government, industry, etc) into smaller more autonomous units   2 to disperse (a concentration, as of industry or population)   > deˈcentralist n, adj   > deˌcentraliˈzation or deˌcentraliˈsation n

■ decentralized processing   n   computing the use of word processing or data processing units in stand-alone or localized situations

decentre or US decenter (diːˈsɛntə)   vb (tr)   1 to take away a temporary support from   2 to deprive of a central position

decerebrate   vb (diːˈsɛrIˌbreIt)   1 (tr) to remove the brain or a large section of the brain or to cut the spinal cord at the level of the brain stem of (a person or animal)   ▷ n (diːˈsɛrIbrIt)   2 a decerebrated individual [C19: from DE- + CEREBRO- + -ATE^1]   > deˌcereˈbration n

decerebrize or decerebrise (diːˈsɛrəˌbraIz)   vb (tr)   to remove the cerebrum of (an animal)

decern (dIˈsɜːn)   vb (tr)   1 Scots law to decree or adjudge   2 an archaic spelling of discern [C15: from Old French decerner, from Latin dēcernere to judge, from cernere to discern]

decertify (diːˈsɜːtIfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to withdraw or remove a certificate or certification from (a person, organization, or country)   > deˌcertifiˈcation n

decession (dIˈsɛʃən)   n   a going away, lessening, or weakening

déchéance French (deʃeãs)   n   the act of forfeiting something

dechlorinate (diːˈklɔːrIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   to remove chlorine from (a substance)

■ dechlorination (diːˌklɔːrIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the removal of chlorine from a substance   2 chem the extraction of atoms of chlorine from a chemical compound

dechristianize or dechristianise (ˌdiːˈkrIstʃəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to make non-Christian

deci-   prefix   denoting one tenth; 10–1: decimetre. Symbol: d [from French déci-, from Latin decimus tenth]

deciare (ˈdɛsIˌɛə)   n   one tenth of an are or 10 square metres [C19: from French déciare; see DECI-, ARE^2]

decibel (ˈdɛsIˌbɛl)   n   1 a unit for comparing two currents, voltages, or power levels, equal to one tenth of a bel   2 a similar unit for measuring the intensity of a sound. It is equal to ten times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the intensity of the sound to be measured to the intensity of some reference sound, usually the lowest audible note of the same frequency   ▶ Abbreviation: dB. See also perceived noise decibel

decide (dIˈsaId)   vb   1 (may take a clause or an infinitive as object; when intr, sometimes foll by on or about) to reach a decision: decide what you want; he decided to go   2 (tr) to cause (a person) to reach a decision: the weather decided me against going   3 (tr) to determine or settle (a contest or question): he decided his future plans   4 (tr) to influence decisively the outcome of (a contest or question): the players' stamina decided the match   5 (intr; foll by for or against) to pronounce a formal verdict [C14: from Old French decider, from Latin dēcīdere, literally: to cut off, from caedere to cut]

■ decidability (dIˌsaIdəˈbIlItI)   n   1 the capability of being decided   2 logic the capability of being proven as having or not having a particular quality

■ decidable (dIˈsaIdəbəl)   adj   1 able to be decided   2 logic (of a formal theory) having the property that it is possible by a mechanistic procedure to determine whether or not any well-formed formula is a theorem

■ decided (dIˈsaIdId)   adj (prenominal)   1 unmistakable: a decided improvement   2 determined; resolute: a girl of decided character   > deˈcidedly adv   > deˈcidedness n

■ decider (dIˈsaIdə)   n   the point, goal, game, etc, that determines who wins a match or championship

■ deciding (dIˈsaIdIŋ)   adj   powerfully and finally influencing a decision; decisive

■ decisive (dIˈsaIsIv) or decisory (dIˈsaIsərI)   adj   1 influential; conclusive: a decisive argument   2 characterized by the ability to make decisions, esp quickly; resolute   > deˈcisively adv   > deˈcisiveness n

decidua (dIˈsIdjʊə)   n, pl -ciduas or -ciduae (-ˈsIdjʊˌiː)   the specialized mucous membrane that lines the uterus of some mammals during pregnancy: is shed, with the placenta, at parturition [C18: from New Latin, from Latin dēciduus falling down; see DECIDUOUS]   > deˈcidual or deˈciduate adj

deciduous (dIˈsIdjʊəs)   adj   1 (of trees and shrubs) shedding all leaves annually at the end of the growing season and then having a dormant period without leaves. Compare evergreen (sense 1)   2 (of antlers, wings, teeth, etc) being shed at the end of a period of growth   3 rare impermanent; transitory. Compare evergreen (sense 2) [C17: from Latin dēciduus falling off, from dēcidere to fall down, from cadere to fall]   > deˈciduously adv   > deˈciduousness n

decigram or decigramme (ˈdɛsIˌɡræm)   n   a unit of measurement that is equivalent to one tenth of a gram

decile (ˈdɛsIl, -aIl)   n   statistics   a one of nine actual or notional values of a variable dividing its distribution into ten groups with equal frequencies: the ninth decile is the value below which 90% of the population lie. See also percentile   b a tenth part of a distribution [C17: from DECA- + -ILE]

decilitre or US deciliter (ˈdɛsIˌliːtə)   n   one tenth of a litre. Symbol: dl

decillion (dIˈsIljən)   n   1 (in Britain, France, and Germany) the number represented as one followed by 60 zeros (10^60)   2 (in the US and Canada) the number represented as one followed by 33 zeros (10^33) [C19: from Latin decem ten + -illion as in million]   > deˈcillionth adj

decimal (ˈdɛsIməl)   n   1 Also called: decimal fraction a fraction that has a denominator of a power of ten, the power depending on or deciding the decimal place. It is indicated by a decimal point to the left of the numerator, the denominator being omitted. Zeros are inserted between the point and the numerator, if necessary, to obtain the correct decimal place   2 any number used in the decimal system   ▷ adj   3    a relating to or using powers of ten   b of the base ten   4 (prenominal) expressed as a decimal [C17: from Medieval Latin decimālis of tithes, from Latin decima a tenth, from decem ten]   > ˈdecimally adv

■ decimal classification   n   another term for Dewey Decimal System

■ decimal currency   n   a system of currency in which the monetary units are parts or powers of ten

■ decimal fraction   n   another name for decimal (sense 1)

■ decimalism (ˈdɛsIməlIzəm)   n   a method or practice based on units, divisions, or multiples of ten

■ decimalist (ˈdɛsIməlIst)   n   a person who is in favour of decimalism

■ decimalize or decimalise (ˈdɛsIməˌlaIz)   vb   to change (a system, number, etc) to the decimal system   > ˌdecimaliˈzation or ˌdecimaliˈsation n

■ decimal place   n   1 the position of a digit after the decimal point, each successive position to the right having a denominator of an increased power of ten: in 0.025, 5 is in the third decimal place   2 the number of digits to the right of the decimal point: 3.142 is a number given to three decimal places. Compare significant figures (sense 2)

■ decimal point   n   a full stop or a raised full stop placed between the integral and fractional parts of a number in the decimal system

USAGE

Conventions relating to the use of the decimal point are confused. The IX General Conference on Weights and Measures resolved in 1948 that the decimal point should be a point on the line or a comma, but not a centre dot. It also resolved that figures could be grouped in threes about the decimal point, but that no point or comma should be used for this purpose. These conventions are adopted in this dictionary. However, the Decimal Currency Board recommended that for sums of money the centre dot should be used as the decimal point and that the comma should be used as the thousand marker. Moreover, in some countries the position is reversed, the comma being used as the decimal point and the dot as the thousand marker

■ decimal system   n   1 the number system in general use, having a base of ten, in which numbers are expressed by combinations of the ten digits 0 to 9   2 a system of measurement, such as the metric system, in which the multiple and submultiple units are related to a basic unit by powers of ten

decimate (ˈdɛsIˌmeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to destroy or kill a large proportion of: a plague decimated the population   2 (esp in the ancient Roman army) to kill every tenth man of (a mutinous section) [C17: from Latin decimāre, from decimus tenth, from decem ten]   > ˌdeciˈmation n   > ˈdeciˌmator n

USAGE

One talks about the whole of something being decimated, not a part: disease decimated the population, not disease decimated most of the population

decime (ˈdɛsiːm)   n   a subdivision of an English county

decimetre or US decimeter (ˈdɛsIˌmiːtə)   n   one tenth of a metre. Symbol: dm   > decimetric (ˌdɛsIˈmɛtrIk) adj

decinormal (ˌdɛsIˈnɔːməl)   adj   chem having one tenth of the strength of a standard solution

decipher (dIˈsaIfə)   vb (tr)   1 to determine the meaning of (something obscure or illegible)   2 to convert from code into plain text; decode   > deˈcipherable adj   > deˌcipheraˈbility n   > deˈcipherer n   > deˈcipherment n

decision (dIˈsIʒən)   n   1 a judgment, conclusion, or resolution reached or given; verdict   2 the act of making up one's mind   3 firmness of purpose or character; determination [C15: from Old French, from Latin dēcīsiō, literally: a cutting off; see DECIDE]   > deˈcisional adj

■ decision-maker   n   a person who makes decisions

■ decision-making   n     a the act or process of making decisions   b (as modifier): the decision-making process

■ decision support system   n   a system in which one or more computers and computer programs assist in decision-making by providing information

■ decision table   n   a table within a computer program that specifies the actions to be taken when certain conditions arise

■ decision theory   n   statistics the study of strategies for decision-making under conditions of uncertainty in such a way as to maximize the expected utility. See also game theory

■ decision tree   n   a treelike diagram illustrating the choices available to a decision maker, each possible decision and its estimated outcome being shown as a separate branch of the tree

decistere (ˈdɛsIˌstIə)   n   a measure equivalent to one tenth of a stere

decitizenize or decitizenise (diːˈsItIzəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to remove the rights of citizenship from (a person)

decivilize or decivilise (diːˈsIvIˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to cause (a person) to be uncivilized

deck (dɛk)   n   1 nautical any of various platforms built into a vessel: a promenade deck; the poop deck   2 a similar floor or platform, as in a bus   3    a the horizontal platform that supports the turntable and pick-up of a record player   b See tape deck   4 chiefly US a pack of playing cards   5 Also called: pack computing obsolete a collection of punched cards relevant to a particular program   6 a raised wooden platform built in a garden to provide a seating area   7 clear the decks informal to prepare for action, as by removing obstacles from a field of activity or combat   8 hit the deck informal   a to fall to the floor or ground, esp in order to avoid injury   b to prepare for action   c to get out of bed   ▷ vb (tr)   9 (often foll by out) to dress or decorate   10 to build a deck on (a vessel)   11 slang to knock (a person) to the floor or ground [C15: from Middle Dutch dec a covering; related to THATCH]   > ˈdecker n

■ deck-access   adj   (of a block of flats) having a continuous inset balcony at each level onto which the front door of each flat on that level opens

■ deck beam   n   nautical a stiffening deck member supported at its extremities by knee connections to frames or bulkheads

■ deck bridge   n   civil engineering a bridge with an upper horizontal beam that carries the roadway. Compare through bridge

■ deckchair (ˈdɛkˌtʃɛə)   n   1 a folding chair for use out of doors, consisting of a wooden frame suspending a length of canvas   2 rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic jocular engaged in futile or ineffectual actions

■ deck crane   n   nautical a deck-mounted crane used for loading and unloading cargo

■ deck department   n   the part of a ship's crew, from the captain down, concerned with running the ship but not with heavy machinery or catering

■ decked (dɛkt)   adj   having a wooden deck or platform: a decked terrace

■ -decker   adj   (in combination) having a certain specified number of levels or layers: a double-decker bus

■ deck hand or deckhand   n   1 a seaman assigned various duties, such as mooring and cargo handling, on the deck of a ship   2 (in Britain) a seaman over 17 years of age who has seen sea duty for at least one year   3 a helper aboard a yacht

■ deckhouse (ˈdɛkˌhaʊs)   n   a houselike cabin on the deck of a ship

■ decking (ˈdɛkIŋ)   n   a wooden deck or platform, esp one in a garden for deckchairs, etc

■ deck officer   n   a ship's officer who is part of the deck crew

■ deck over   vb   (tr) to complete the construction of the upper deck between the bulwarks of (a vessel)

■ deck shoe   n   1 a rubber-soled leather shoe worn when boating   2 a casual cloth or soft leather shoe resembling this

■ deck tennis   n   a game played on board ship in which a quoit is tossed to and fro across a high net on a small court resembling a tennis court

Decker (ˈdɛkə)   n   a variant spelling of (Thomas) Dekker

deckle or deckel (ˈdɛkəl)   n   1 a frame used to contain pulp on the mould in the making of handmade paper   2 Also called: deckle strap a strap on each edge of the moving web of paper on a paper-making machine that fixes the width of the paper   3 See deckle edge [C19: from German Deckel lid, from decken to cover]

■ deckle edge   n   1 the rough edge of handmade paper, caused by pulp seeping between the mould and the deckle: often left as ornamentation in fine books and writing papers   2 a trimmed edge imitating this   > ˈdeckle-ˈedged adj

decko (ˈdɛkəʊ) slang   n, pl -kos   1 a peek or a glance   ▷ vb   2 to peek or glance (at)

declaim (dIˈkleIm)   vb   1 to make (a speech, statement, etc) loudly and in a rhetorical manner   2 to speak lines from (a play, poem, etc) with studied eloquence; recite   3 (intr; foll by against) to protest (against) loudly and publicly [C14: from Latin dēclāmāre, from clāmāre to call out]   > deˈclaimer or deˈclaimant n

■ declamation (ˌdɛkləˈmeIʃən)   n   1 a rhetorical or emotional speech, made esp in order to protest or condemn; tirade   2 a speech, verse, etc, that is or can be spoken   3 the act or art of declaiming   4 music the artistry or technique involved in singing recitative passages

■ declamatory (dIˈklæmətərI, -trI)   adj   1 relating to or having the characteristics of a declamation   2 merely rhetorical; empty and bombastic   > deˈclamatorily adv

declare (dIˈklɛə)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to make clearly known or announce officially: to declare one's interests; war was declared   2 to state officially that (a person, fact, etc) is as specified: he declared him fit   3 (may take a clause as object) to state emphatically; assert   4 to show, reveal, or manifest: the heavens declare the glory of God   5 (intr; often foll by for or against) to make known one's choice or opinion   6 to make a complete statement of (dutiable goods, etc)   7 (also intr) cards   a to display (a card or series of cards) on the table so as to add to one's score   b to decide (the trump suit) by making the final bid   8 (intr) cricket to close an innings voluntarily before all ten wickets have fallen   9 to authorize the payment of (a dividend) from corporate net profit [C14: from Latin dēclārāre to make clear, from clārus bright, clear]   > deˈclarable adj

■ declarant (dIˈklɛərənt)   n   chiefly law a person who makes a declaration

■ declaration (ˌdɛkləˈreIʃən)   n   1 an explicit or emphatic statement   2 a formal statement or announcement; proclamation   3 the act of declaring   4 the ruling of a judge or court on a question of law, esp in the chancery division of the High Court   5 law an unsworn statement of a witness admissible in evidence under certain conditions. See also statutory declaration   6 cricket the voluntary closure of an innings before all ten wickets have fallen   7 contract bridge the final contract   8 a statement or inventory of goods, etc, submitted for tax assessment: a customs declaration   9 cards an announcement of points made after taking a trick, as in bezique

■ Declaration of Independence   n   1 the proclamation made by the second American Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which asserted the freedom and independence of the 13 Colonies from Great Britain   2 the document formally recording this proclamation

■ declarative (dIˈklærətIv)   adj   making or having the nature of a declaration   > deˈclaratively adv

■ declarator (dIˈklærətə)   n   Scots law an action seeking to have some right, status, etc, judicially ascertained

■ declaratory (dIˈklærətərI, -trI)   adj   1 another word for declarative   2 law   a (of a statute) stating the existing law on a particular subject; explanatory   b (of a decree or judgment) stating the rights of the parties without specifying the action to be taken   > deˈclaratorily adv

■ declared (dIˈklɛəd)   adj   stated openly, officially, or formally: he's a declared republican

■ declaredly (dIˈklɛərIdlI)   adv   known to be; officially

■ declarer (dIˈklɛərə)   n   1 a person who declares   2 bridge the player who, as first bidder of the suit of the final contract, plays both hands of the partnership

declass (diːˈklɑːs)   vb   (tr) to lower in social status or position; degrade

déclassée (French deklɑse)   adj   (of a woman) having lost social standing or status

declassify (diːˈklæsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to release (a document or information) from the security list   > deˈclassiˌfiable adj   > deˌclassifiˈcation n

declaw (diːˈklɔː)   vb (tr)   to remove the claws from (an animal or bird)

declension (dIˈklɛnʃən)   n   1 grammar   a the inflection of nouns, pronouns, or adjectives for case, number, and gender   b the complete set of the inflections of such a word: "puella" is a first-declension noun in Latin   2 a decline or deviation from a standard, belief, etc   3 a downward slope or bend [C15: from Latin dēclīnātiō, literally: a bending aside, hence variation, inflection; see DECLINE]   > deˈclensional adj   > deˈclensionally adv

decline (dIˈklaIn)   vb   1 to refuse to do or accept (something), esp politely   2 (intr) to grow smaller; diminish: demand has declined over the years   3 to slope or cause to slope downwards   4 (intr) to deteriorate gradually, as in quality, health, or character   5 grammar to state or list the inflections of (a noun, adjective, or pronoun), or (of a noun, adjective, or pronoun) to be inflected for number, case, or gender. Compare conjugate (sense 1)   ▷ n   6 gradual deterioration or loss   7 a movement downwards or towards something smaller; diminution   8 a downward slope; declivity   9 archaic any slowly progressive disease, such as tuberculosis [C14: from Old French decliner to inflect, turn away, sink, from Latin dēclīnāre to bend away, inflect grammatically]   > deˈclinable adj   > deˈcliner n

■ declinal (dIˈklaInəl)   n   1 the action of politely refusing or declining   ▷ adj   2 grammar (of parts of speech with inflected endings that correspond to case) having the ability to be inflected or declined

■ declinant (ˈdɛklInənt)   n   1 a person who is declining or diminishing in luck or wealth   ▷ adj   2 heraldry relating to a serpent that has a tail that hangs directly downwards   3 showing downward movement

■ declinate (ˈdɛklIˌneIt, -nIt)   adj   (esp of plant parts) descending from the horizontal in a curve; drooping

■ declination (ˌdɛklIˈneIʃən)   n   1 astronomy the angular distance, esp in degrees, of a star, planet, etc, from the celestial equator measured north (positive) or south (negative) along the great circle passing through the celestial poles and the body. Symbol: δ. Compare: right ascension   2 See magnetic declination   3 a refusal, esp a courteous or formal one   > ˌdecliˈnational adj

■ declinator (ˈdɛklIˌneItə)   n   a piece of apparatus that establishes the measure of a plane's deviation from the prime vertical or the meridian

■ declinatory (dIˈklaInətərI)   n   1 law a plea that has the aim of demonstrating that the accused is exempt from legal authority and punishment   ▷ adj   2 showing or conveying polite refusal   3 law having the aim of demonstrating that the accused is exempt from legal authority and punishment

■ declinature (dIˈklaInətʃə, dIˈklaInətjʊə)   n   1 the act of refusing politely   2 Scots law another name for declinatory

■ declining (dIˈklaInIŋ)   adj   1 deteriorating gradually, as in quality, health, or character   2 of the time of a person's life during which he or she grows old and increasingly frail

■ declinist (dIˈklaInIst)   n   1 a person who believes that something is in decline   ▷ adj   2 relating to the belief that something is in decline

■ declinometer (ˌdɛklIˈnɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring magnetic declination

declivity (dIˈklIvItI)   n, pl -ties   a downward slope, esp of the ground. Compare acclivity [C17: from Latin dēclīvitās, from DE- + clīvus a slope, hill]   > deˈclivitous adj

■ declivous (dIˈklaIvəs)   adj   1 having a declining slope or gradient   2 zoology having a declining slope

declutch (dIˈklʌtʃ)   vb   (intr) to disengage the clutch of a motor vehicle

declutter (diːˈklʌtə)   vb   to simplify or get rid of mess, disorder, complications, etc, from: declutter your life

decoction (dIˈkɒkʃən)   n   1 pharmacol the extraction of the water-soluble substances of a drug or medicinal plants by boiling   2 the essence or liquor resulting from this [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin dēcoctiō, from dēcoquere to boil down, from coquere to COOK]

■ decoct (dIˈkɒkt)   vb   to extract (the essence or active principle) from (a medicinal or similar substance) by boiling [C15: see DECOCTION]

■ decoctible (dIˈkɒktəbəl)   adj   capable of being decocted

■ decoctive (dIˈkɒktIv)   adj   of or relating to decoction

■ decocture (dIˈkɒktʃə)   n   the essence or liquor resulting from decoction

decode (diːˈkəʊd)   vb   1 to convert (a message, text, etc) from code into ordinary language   2 computing to convert (coded characters) from one form to another, as from binary-coded decimals to decimal numbers. Compare encode (sense 2)   3 electronics to convert (a coded electrical signal) into normal analogue components   4 to analyse and understand the construction of words and phrases, esp in a foreign language   > deˈcoder n

■ decoding (diːˈkəʊdIŋ)   n   1 the act or the process of converting something from a coded form into a normal form   2 the act or the process of translating from one language into another

decoherence (ˌdiːkəʊˈhIərəns)   n   physics the process in which a system's behaviour changes from that which can be explained by quantum mechanics to that which can be explained by classical mechanics

decoherer (ˌdiːkəʊˈhIərə)   n   a device that re-establishes a coherer to usual levels of receptiveness

decoke (diːˈkəʊk)   vb   (tr) another word for decarbonize

decollate (dIˈkɒleIt, ˈdɛkəˌleIt, ˌdiːkəˈleIt)   vb   1 to separate (continuous stationery, etc) into individual forms   2 an archaic word for decapitate [C16: from Latin dēcollāre to behead, from DE- + collum neck]   > ˌdecolˈlation n   > ˈdecolˌlator n

décolleté (deIˈkɒlteI; French dekɔlte) or decollete   adj   1 (of a woman's garment) low-cut   2 wearing a low-cut garment   ▷ n   3 a low-cut neckline   4 the part of a woman's chest from the neck to the bosom [C19: from French décolleter to cut out the neck (of a dress), from collet collar]

■ décolletage (ˌdeIkɒlˈtɑːʒ; French dekɔltaʒ)   n   a low-cut neckline or a woman's garment with a low neck [C19: from French; see DÉCOLLETÉ]

decolonize or decolonise (diːˈkɒləˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to grant independence to (a colony)   > deˌcoloniˈzation or deˌcoloniˈsation n

decolour or US decolor (diːˈkʌlə)   vb   (tr) to deprive of colour, as by bleaching   > deˌcolorˈation n

■ decolorant (diːˈkʌlərənt)   adj   1 able to decolour or bleach   ▷ n   2 a substance that decolours

■ decolorate (diːˈkʌləˌreIt)   vb   1 to change or fade in colour   2 (tr) a variant of decolour

■ decolorize or decolorise   vb   (tr) variants of decolour   > deˌcoloriˈzation or deˌcoloriˈsation n

■ decolorizer or decoloriser (diːˈkʌləˌraIzə)   n   1 a substance that removes colour   2 a substance that removes the greeny-brown colour in glass that is caused by impurities

■ decolourize or decolourise (diːˈkʌləˌraIz)   vb (tr)   Brit variant spellings of decolorize   > deˌcolouriˈzation or deˌcolouriˈsation n

decommission (ˌdiːkəˈmIʃən)   vb   (tr) to dismantle or remove from service (a nuclear reactor, weapon, ship, etc which is no longer required)

■ decommissioner (ˌdiːkəˈmIʃənə)   n   a person who decommissions a ship, nuclear reactor, etc

■ decommissioning (ˌdiːkəˈmIʃənIŋ)   n   the act of decommissioning something

decommit (ˌdiːkəˈmIt)   vb -mits, -mitting, -mitted (intr)   to withdraw from a commitment or agreed course of action

decommunize or decommunise (diːˈkɒmjʊnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to return (property) from public to private ownership   2 to remove communist politics or influence from (a person or country)

■ decommunization or decommunisation (diːˌkɒmjʊnaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the act or process of decommunizing

decompartmentalize or decompartmentalise (ˌdiːkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to remove excessive compartmentalization from (an organization)

■ decompartmentalization or decompartmentalisation (ˌdiːkɒmpɑːtˌmɛntəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the act of decompartmentalizing

decompensation (diːˌkɒmpɛnˈseIʃən)   n   pathol the inability of an organ, esp the heart, to maintain its function due to overload caused by a disease

■ decompensate (diːˈkɒmpɛnˌseIt)   vb (intr)   pathol to undergo decompensation due to disease or impairment

decomplex (ˈdiːkɒmplɛks)   adj   having or composed of parts that are complex in themselves

decompose (ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz)   vb   1 to break down (organic matter) or (of organic matter) to be broken down physically and chemically by bacterial or fungal action; rot   2 chem to break down or cause to break down into simpler chemical compounds   3 to break up or separate into constituent parts   4 (tr) maths to express in terms of a number of independent simpler components, as a set as a canonical union of disjoint subsets, or a vector into orthogonal components   > ˌdecomˈposable adj   > ˌdecomˌposaˈbility n   > decomposition (ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzIʃən) n

■ decomposed (ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊzd)   adj   having been subject to decomposition

■ decomposer (ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊzə)   n   ecology any organism in a community, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead tissue enabling the constituents to be recycled to the environment. See also consumer (sense 3), producer (sense 8)

decomposite (diːˈkɒmpəzIt)   n   1 a composite element that is itself composed of other elements   ▷ adj   2 having or composed of elements that are themselves composed of other elements

decompound (ˌdiːkəmˈpaʊnd)   adj   1 (of a compound leaf) having leaflets consisting of several distinct parts   2 made up of one or more compounds   ▷ vb   3 a less common word for decompose   4 obsolete to mix with or form from one or more compounds

■ decompoundable (ˌdiːkəmˈpaʊndəbəl)   adj   able to be broken down into its component parts

decompress (ˌdiːkəmˈprɛs)   vb   1 to relieve (a substance) of pressure or (of a substance) to be relieved of pressure   2 to return (a diver, caisson worker, etc) to a condition of normal atmospheric pressure gradually from a condition of increased pressure or (of a diver, etc) to be returned to such a condition   3 (intr) informal to relax after stressful activity   > ˌdecomˈpression n   > ˌdecomˈpressive adj

■ decompression chamber   n   a chamber in which the pressure of air can be varied slowly for returning people from abnormal pressures to atmospheric pressure without inducing decompression sickness

■ decompression sickness or decompression illness   n   a disorder characterized by severe pain in muscles and joints, cramp, and difficulty in breathing, caused by a sudden and sustained decrease in air pressure, resulting in the deposition of nitrogen bubbles in the tissues. Also called: caisson disease, aeroembolism. Nontechnical name: the bends

■ decompressor (ˌdiːkəmˈprɛsə)   n   a device for lowering motor engine compression

deconcentrate (diːˈkɒnsənˌtreIt)   vb   to make or become less concentrated

■ deconcentration (ˌdiːkɒnsənˈtreIʃən)   n   the act of decentralizing or the state of becoming less concentrated in one area

decondition (ˌdiːkənˈdIʃən)   vb (tr)   to take away or cancel conditioned responses in (a person)

decongest (ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛst)   vb (tr)   to ease crowding or clogging in (an area)

■ decongestant (ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛstənt)   adj   1 relieving congestion, esp nasal congestion   ▷ n   2 a decongestant drug

■ decongestion (ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛstʃən)   n   the act of decongesting

■ decongestive (ˌdIkənˈdʒɛstIv)   adj   1 having the ability to ease crowding or clogging in busy locations   2 designed to relieve congestion in the body

deconsecrate (diːˈkɒnsIˌkreIt)   vb   (tr) to transfer (a church) to secular use   > deˌconseˈcration n

■ deconsecrated (ˌdiːˈkɒnsIkreItId)   adj   (of a church) having been transferred to secular use

deconstruct (ˌdiːkənˈstrʌkt)   vb (tr)   1 to apply the theories of deconstruction to (a text, film, etc)   2 to expose or dismantle the existing structure in (a system, organization, etc)

■ deconstructed (ˌdiːkənˈstrʌktId)   adj   having no formal structure: a deconstructed jacket

■ deconstruction (ˌdiːkənˈstrʌkʃən)   n   a technique of literary analysis that regards meaning as resulting from the differences between words rather than their reference to the things they stand for. Different meanings are discovered by taking apart the structure of the language used and exposing the assumption that words have a fixed reference point beyond themselves   > ˌdeconˈstructionist n, adj

■ deconstructive (ˌdiːkənˈstrʌktIv)   adj   of or relating to deconstruction

■ deconstructor (ˌdiːkənˈstrʌktə)   n   an adherent to the theory of deconstruction

decontaminate (ˌdiːkənˈtæmIˌneIt)   vb   (tr) to render (an area, building, object, etc) harmless by the removal, distribution, or neutralization of poisons, radioactivity, etc   > ˌdeconˈtaminant n   > ˌdeconˌtamiˈnation n   > ˌdeconˈtaminative adj   > ˌdeconˈtamiˌnator n

decontextualize or decontextualise (ˌdiːkənˈtɛkstjʊəlaIz)   vb (tr)   to consider (something) in isolation from its usual context

■ decontextualized or decontextualised (ˌdiːkənˈtɛkstjʊəlaIzd)   adj   removed from the usual context

decontrol (ˌdiːkənˈtrəʊl)   vb -trols, -trolling, -trolled   (tr) to free of restraints or controls, esp government controls: to decontrol prices

décor or decor (ˈdeIkɔː)   n   1 a style or scheme of interior decoration, furnishings, etc, as in a room or house   2 stage decoration; scenery [C19: from French, from décorer to DECORATE]

decorate (ˈdɛkəˌreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc   2 to paint or wallpaper (a room, house, etc)   3 (tr) to confer a mark of distinction, esp a military medal, upon   4 (tr) to evaporate a metal film onto (a crystal) in order to display dislocations in structure [C16: from Latin decorāre, from decus adornment; see DECENT]

■ Decorated style or Decorated architecture   n   a 14th-century style of English architecture characterized by the ogee arch, geometrical tracery, and floral decoration

■ decorating (ˈdɛkəˌreItIŋ)   n   the painting or wallpapering of a room, house, etc

■ decoration (ˌdɛkəˈreIʃən)   n   1 an addition that renders something more attractive or ornate; adornment   2 the act, process, or art of decorating   3 a medal, badge, etc, conferred as a mark of honour

■ decorative (ˈdɛkərətIv, ˈdɛkrətIv)   adj   serving to decorate or adorn; ornamental   > ˈdecoratively adv   > ˈdecorativeness n

■ decorator (ˈdɛkəˌreItə)   n   1 Brit a person whose profession is the painting and wallpapering of buildings   2 a person who decorates   3 See interior decorator (sense 1)

decorticate (diːˈkɔːtIˌkeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to remove the bark or some other outer layer from   2 surgery to remove the cortex of (an organ or part) [C17: from Latin dēcorticāre, from DE- + -corticāre, from cortex bark]   > deˌcortiˈcation n   > deˈcortiˌcator n

decorum (dIˈkɔːrəm)   n   1 propriety, esp in behaviour or conduct   2 a requirement of correct behaviour in polite society [C16: from Latin: propriety]

■ decorous (ˈdɛkərəs)   adj   characterized by propriety in manners, conduct, etc [C17: from Latin decōrus, from decor elegance]   > ˈdecorously adv   > ˈdecorousness n

decoupage (ˌdeIkuːˈpɑːʒ)   n   1 the art or process of decorating a surface with shapes or illustrations cut from paper, card, etc   2 anything produced by this technique [C20: from French, from découper to cut out, from DE- + couper to cut]

decouple (ˌdiːˈkʌpəl)   vb   (tr) to separate (joined or coupled subsystems) thereby enabling them to exist and operate separately

■ decoupler (diːˈkʌplə)   n   a person or device that disconnects parts that are joined

■ decoupling (diːˈkʌplIŋ)   n   1 the separation of previously linked systems so that they may operate independently   2 electronics the reduction or avoidance of undesired distortion or oscillations in a circuit, caused by unwanted common coupling between two or more circuits

decoy   n (ˈdiːkɔI, dIˈkɔI)   1 a person or thing used to beguile or lead someone into danger; lure   2 military something designed to deceive an enemy or divert his or her attention   3 a bird or animal, or an image of one, used to lure game into a trap or within shooting range   4 an enclosed space or large trap, often with a wide funnelled entrance, into which game can be lured for capture   5 Canadian another word for deke (sense 1)   ▷ vb (dIˈkɔI)   6 to lure or be lured by or as if by means of a decoy   7 (tr) Canadian another word for deke (sense 2) [C17: probably from Dutch de kooi, literally: the cage, from Latin cavea CAGE]   > deˈcoyer n

decrassify (diːˈkræsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to make (something) less crass

decrease   vb (dIˈkriːs)   1 to diminish or cause to diminish in size, number, strength, etc   ▷ n (ˈdiːkriːs, dIˈkriːs)   2 the act or process of diminishing; reduction   3 the amount by which something has been diminished [C14: from Old French descreistre, from Latin dēcrescere to grow less, from DE- + crescere to grow]   > deˈcreasing adj   > deˈcreasingly adv

decree (dIˈkriː)   n   1 an edict, law, etc, made by someone in authority   2 an order or judgment of a court made after hearing a suit, esp in matrimonial proceedings. See decree nisi, decree absolute   ▷ vb decrees, decreeing, decreed   3 to order, adjudge, or ordain by decree [C14: from Old French decre, from Latin dēcrētum ordinance, from dēcrētus decided, past participle of dēcernere to determine; see DECERN]   > deˈcreeable adj   > deˈcreer n

■ decree absolute   n   the final decree in divorce proceedings, which leaves the parties free to remarry. Compare decree nisi

■ decree nisi (ˈnaIsaI)   n   a provisional decree, esp in divorce proceedings, which will later be made absolute unless cause is shown why it should not. Compare decree absolute

decreet (dIˈkriːt)   n   Scots law the final judgment or sentence of a court [C14: decret, from Old French, from Latin dēcrētum DECREE]

decrement (ˈdɛkrImənt)   n   1 the act of decreasing; diminution   2 maths a negative increment   3 physics a measure of the damping of an oscillator, expressed by the ratio of the amplitude of a cycle to its amplitude after one period   4 (of spectra) a sequence of related spectrum lines decaying in intensity, e.g. Balmer decay [C17: from Latin dēcrēmentum, from dēcrescere to DECREASE]

■ decremental (ˌdɛkrIˈmɛntəl)   adj   relating to a small amount that is taken away

decrepit (dIˈkrɛpIt)   adj   1 enfeebled by old age; infirm   2 broken down or worn out by hard or long use; dilapidated [C15: from Latin dēcrepitus, from crepāre to creak]   > deˈcrepitly adv   > deˈcrepiˌtude or deˈcrepitness n

decrepitate (dIˈkrɛpIˌteIt)   vb   1 (tr) to heat (a substance, such as a salt) until it emits a crackling sound or until this sound stops   2 (intr) (esp of a salt) to crackle, as while being heated [C17: from New Latin dēcrepitāre, from Latin crepitāre to crackle, from crepāre to creak]   > deˌcrepiˈtation n

decresc. music   abbreviation for   decrescendo

decrescendo (ˌdiːkrIˈʃɛndəʊ)   n, adj   another word for diminuendo [Italian, from decrescere to DECREASE]

decrescent (dIˈkrɛsənt)   adj   (esp of the moon) decreasing; waning [C17: from Latin dēcrescēns growing less; see DECREASE]   > deˈcrescence n

decretal (dIˈkriːtəl)   n   1 RC Church a papal edict on doctrine or church law   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a decretal or a decree [C15: from Old French, from Late Latin dēcrētālis; see DECREE]   > deˈcretalist or deˈcretist n

■ Decretals (dIˈkriːtəlz)   pl n   RC Church a compilation of decretals, esp the authoritative compilation (Liber Extra) of Gregory IX (1234) which forms part of the Corpus Juris Canonici

■ Decretum (dIˈkriːtəm)   n   RC Church the name given to various collections of canon law, esp that made by the monk Gratian in the 12th century, which forms the first part of the Corpus Juris Canonici

decretive (dIˈkriːtIv)   adj   of or relating to an official and final decision

decretory (dIˈkriːtərI)   adj   1 characterized by making an absolute and final decision   2 obsolete a variant (obsolete) of decretive

decrew (diːˈkruː)   vb (intr)   to become less or weaker

decriminalize or decriminalise (diːˈkrImənəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove (an action) from the legal category of criminal offence: to decriminalize the possession of marijuana   > ˌdecriminaliˈzation or ˌdecriminaliˈsation n

decrown (diːˈkraʊn)   vb (tr)   to divest (a person) of the role of monarch

decrustation (ˌdiːkrʌˈsteIʃən)   n   the act of removing a crust

decry (dIˈkraI)   vb -cries, -crying, -cried (tr)   1 to express open disapproval of; disparage   2 to depreciate by proclamation: to decry obsolete coinage [C17: from Old French descrier, from des- DIS-1 + crier to CRY]   > deˈcrial n   > deˈcrier n

decrypt (diːˈkrIpt)   vb (tr)   1 to decode (a message) with or without previous knowledge of its key   2 to make intelligible (a television or other signal) that has been deliberately distorted for transmission [C20: from DE- + crypt, as in CRYPTIC]   > deˈcrypted adj   > deˈcryption n

dectet (dɛkˈtɛt)   n   a group that consists of ten musicians

decubitus (dIˈkjuːbItəs)   n   med the posture adopted when lying down [C19: Latin, past participle of decumbere to lie down]   > deˈcubital adj

■ decubitus ulcer   n   a chronic ulcer of the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged pressure on the body surface of bedridden patients. Nontechnical names: bedsore, pressure sore

decuman (ˈdɛkjuːmən)   n   1 a huge wave   ▷ adj   2 huge or gigantic   3 (in ancient Rome) of or relating to the main access to a military camp

decumbent (dIˈkʌmbənt)   adj   1 lying down or lying flat   2 botany (of certain stems) lying flat with the tip growing upwards [C17: from Latin dēcumbēns, present participle of dēcumbere to lie down]   > deˈcumbence or deˈcumbency n   > deˈcumbently adv

decumbiture (dIˈkʌmbItʃə, dIˈkʌmbItjʊə)   n obsolete   1 the act of lying recumbent and, in particular, as a sick patient in bed   2 the act or moment of going to bed as an invalid   3 an astrological chart made for the time of taking to bed as an invalid and giving indications of the outcome of the illness

decumulation (ˌdIkjuːmjʊˈleIʃən)   n   a decrease in amount or value

decuple (ˈdɛkjʊpəl)   vb   1 (tr) to increase by ten times   ▷ n   2 an amount ten times as large as a given reference   ▷ adj   3 increasing tenfold [C15: from Old French, from Late Latin decuplus tenfold, from Latin decem ten]

decuria (dIˈkjʊərIə)   n   another name for decury

decurion (dIˈkjʊərIən)   n (in the Roman Empire)   1 a local councillor   2 the commander of a troop of ten cavalrymen [C14: from Latin decuriō, from decuria company of ten, from decem ten]

■ decurionate (dIˈkjʊərIəˌneIt)   n   the post or position of a decurion

decurrent (dIˈkʌrənt)   adj   botany extending down the stem, esp (of a leaf) having the base of the blade extending down the stem as two wings [C15: from Latin dēcurrere to run down, from currere to run]   > deˈcurrently adv

■ decurrency (dIˈkʌrənsI)   n   1 the action of flowing downwards   2 botany the state of stretching along the length of the stem below the point of joining

decursion (dIˈkɜːʃən)   n   1 a military exercise performed by men bearing arms   2 a sober file of people around a funeral pyre   3 another name for decurrency (sense 1)

decursive (dIˈkɜːsIv)   adj   botany another word for decurrent

■ decursively (dIˈkɜːsIvlI)   adv   in a decursive manner

decurve (dIˈkɜːv)   vb (intr)   to curve in a declining manner

■ decurvation (ˌdiːkɜːˈveIʃən)   n   the act of curving downwards

■ decurved (diːˈkɜːvd)   adj   bent or curved downwards: a decurved bill; decurved petals

decury (ˈdɛkjʊərI)   n, pl -ries   (in ancient Rome) a body of ten men [C16: from Latin decuria; see DECURION]

decussate   vb (dIˈkʌseIt)   1 to cross or cause to cross in the form of the letter X; intersect   ▷ adj (dIˈkʌseIt, dIˈkʌsIt)   2 in the form of the letter X; crossed; intersected   3 botany (esp of leaves) arranged in opposite pairs, with each pair at right angles to the one above and below it [C17: from Latin decussāre, from decussis the number ten, from decem ten]   > deˈcussately adv   > ˌdecusˈsation n

Ded (dɛd)   n   (in the Russian army) a soldier who has served two or three years [Russian ded grandfather]

dedal (ˈdiːdəl)   adj   a variant spelling (esp US) of daedal

dedalian (dIˈdeIlIən)   adj   1 Greek myth relating to Daedalus   2 another word (esp US) for daedal

dedans French (dədɑ̃)   n   real tennis the open gallery at the server's end of the court [literally: interior]

Dedéagach, Dedeagatch or Dedeağaç (ˈdɛdeIɑːˈɡɑːtʃ)   n   a former name (until the end of World War I) of Alexandroúpolis

Dedekind (German ˈdedəˌkInt)   n   (Julius Wilhelm) Richard (ˈjuːlIʊs ˈvIlhɛlm ˈrIçɑrt). 1831–1916, German mathematician, who devised a way (the Dedekind cut) of according irrational and rational numbers the same status

dedicate (ˈdɛdIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 (often foll by to) to devote (oneself, one's time, etc) wholly to a special purpose or cause; commit wholeheartedly or unreservedly   2 (foll by to) to address or inscribe (a book, artistic performance, etc) to a person, cause, etc as a token of affection or respect   3 (foll by to) to request or play (a record) on radio for another person as a greeting   4 to assign or allocate to a particular project, function, etc   5 to set apart for a deity or for sacred uses; consecrate   ▷ adj   6 an archaic word for dedicated [C15: from Latin dēdicāre to announce, from dicāre to make known, variant of dīcere to say]   > ˌdedicaˈtee n   > ˈdediˌcator n   > dedicatory (ˈdɛdIˌkeItərI, ˈdɛdIkətərI, -trI) or ˈdediˌcative adj

■ dedicant (ˈdɛdIkənt)   n   a person who devotes or dedicates

■ dedicated (ˈdɛdIˌkeItId)   adj   1 devoted to a particular purpose or cause: a dedicated man   2 assigned or allocated to a particular project, function, etc: a dedicated transmission line; dedicated parking space   3 computing designed to fulfil one function: a dedicated microprocessor

■ dedicatedly (ˈdɛdIˌkeItIdlI)   adv   in a devoted or dedicated manner

■ dedication (ˌdɛdIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of dedicating or the state of being dedicated   2 an inscription or announcement prefixed to a book, piece of music, etc, dedicating it to a person or thing   3 complete and wholehearted devotion, esp to a career, ideal, etc   4 a ceremony in which something, such as a church, is dedicated   > ˌdediˈcational adj

■ dedicatorial (ˌdɛdIkəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   relating to or acting as a dedication

de dicto Latin (ˈdeIˈdIktəʊ)   adj   logic, philosophy relating to the expression of a belief, possibility, etc, rather than to the individuals mentioned, as in the number of the planets is the number of satellites of the sun, the truth of which is independent of what number that is. Compare de re. See also Electra paradox [literally: about the saying]

dedifferentiate (ˌdiːdIfəˈrɛnʃIˌeIt)   vb (intr)   to undergo the process of dedifferentiation

■ dedifferentiation (diːˌdIfəˌrɛnʃIˈeIʃən)   n   the reversion of the cells of differentiated tissue to a less specialized form

dedimus (ˈdɛdIməs)   n   a legal document or decree authorizing a person who is not a judge to act instead of a judge

dedramatize or dedramatise (diːˈdræməˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to cause to be less dramatic

deduce (dIˈdjuːs)   vb (tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to reach (a conclusion about something) by reasoning; conclude (that); infer   2 archaic to trace the origin, course, or derivation of [C15: from Latin dēdūcere to lead away, derive, from DE- + dūcere to lead]   > deˈducible adj   > deˌduciˈbility or deˈducibleness n

■ deducement (dIˈdjuːsmənt)   n   an assumption or deduction

■ deducibly (dIˈdjuːsIblI)   adv   in a deducible or conjecturable manner

deduct (dIˈdʌkt)   vb   (tr) to take away or subtract (a number, quantity, part, etc): income tax is deducted from one's wages [C15: from Latin dēductus, past participle of dēdūcere to DEDUCE]

■ deductible (dIˈdʌktIbəl)   adj   1 capable of being deducted   2 US and Canadian short for tax-deductible   ▷ n   3 insurance, US and Canadian a specified contribution towards the cost of a claim, stipulated on certain insurance policies as being payable by the policyholder. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): excess   > deˌductiˈbility n

■ deduction (dIˈdʌkʃən)   n   1 the act or process of deducting or subtracting   2 something, esp a sum of money, that is or may be deducted   3    a the process of reasoning typical of mathematics and logic, whose conclusions follow necessarily from their premises   b an argument of this type   c the conclusion of such an argument   4 logic   a a systematic method of deriving conclusions that cannot be false when the premises are true, esp one amenable to formalization and study by the science of logic   b an argument of this type. Compare induction (sense 4)

■ deduction theorem   n   logic the property of many formal systems that the conditional derived from a valid argument by taking the conjunction of the premises as antecedent and the conclusion as consequent is true

■ deductive (dIˈdʌktIv)   adj   of or relating to deduction: deductive reasoning   > deˈductively adv

deduplicate (diːˈdjuːplIˌkeIt)   vb   (tr) computing to remove (duplicated material) from a system   > deˌdupliˈcation n

de Duve (də dyːv)   n   Christian. 1917–2013, Belgian biochemist, who discovered lysosomes: shared the Nobel prize (1974) for his work in cell biology

dee (diː)   vb   a Scot word for die^1

Dee^1 (diː)   n   1 a river in N Wales and NW England, rising in S Gwynedd and flowing east and north to the Irish Sea. Length: about 112 km (70 miles)   2 a river in NE Scotland, rising in the Cairngorms and flowing east to the North Sea. Length: about 140 km (87 miles)   3 a river in S Scotland, flowing south to the Solway Firth. Length: about 80 km (50 miles)

Dee^2 (diː)   n   John. 1527–1608, English mathematician, astrologer, and magician: best known for his preface (1570) to the first edition of Euclid in English

deed (diːd)   n   1 something that is done or performed; act   2 a notable achievement; feat; exploit   3 action or performance, as opposed to words   4 law a formal legal document signed, witnessed, and delivered to effect a conveyance or transfer of property or to create a legal obligation or contract   ▷ vb   5 (tr) US and Canadian to convey or transfer (property) by deed [Old English dēd; related to Old High German tāt, Gothic gadeths; see DO^1]

■ deed box   n   a lockable metal box for storing documents

■ deedful (ˈdiːdfʊl)   adj   1 having or full of exploits   2 efficacious

■ deedless (ˈdiːdlIs)   adj   having no exploits or action

■ deed poll   n   law a deed made by one party only, esp one by which a person changes his or her name

deedy (ˈdiːdI)   adj deedier, deediest   hard-working, busy, eager, and tireless

■ deedily (ˈdiːdIlI)   adv   in an active or eagerly hardworking manner

deejay (ˈdiːˌdʒeI)   n   an informal name for disc jockey [C20: from the initials DJ]

■ deejaying (ˈdiːˌdʒeI)   n   informal the activity of performing as a disc jockey

deek (diːk)   vb   (tr; imperative) Edinburgh and Northumbrian dialect to look at: deek that! [perhaps of Romany origin]

deely boppers (ˈdiːlIˌbɒpəz) or deely bobbers (ˈdiːlIˌbɒbəz)   pl n   a hairband with two balls on springs attached, resembling antennae

deem (diːm)   vb   (tr) to judge or consider: I do not deem him worthy of this honour [Old English dēman; related to Old High German tuomen to judge, Gothic domjan; see DOOM]

de-emphasize or de-emphasise (diːˈɛmfəˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove emphasis from

deemster (ˈdiːmstə)   n   the title of one of the two justices in the Isle of Man. Also called: dempster   > ˈdeemsterˌship n

deen (diːn)   n   1 Islam the religion or belief of a Muslim   2 an archaic word for dean   3 an archaic word for den

de-energize or de-energise (diːˈɛnəˌdʒaIz)   vb   (tr) electrical engineering to disconnect (an electrical circuit) from its source   > de-ˌenergiˈzation or de-ˌenergiˈsation n

deep (diːp)   adj   1 extending or situated relatively far down from a surface: a deep pool   2 extending or situated relatively far inwards, backwards, or sideways: a deep border of trees   3 cricket relatively far from the pitch: the deep field; deep third man   4    a (postpositive) of a specified dimension downwards, inwards, or backwards: six feet deep   b (in combination): a six-foot-deep trench   5 coming from or penetrating to a great depth: a deep breath   6 difficult to understand or penetrate; abstruse   7 learned or intellectually demanding: a deep discussion   8 of great intensity; extreme: deep happiness; deep trouble   9 (postpositive; foll by in) absorbed or enveloped (by); engrossed or immersed (in): deep in study; deep in debt   10 very cunning or crafty; devious: a deep plot   11 mysterious or obscure: a deep secret   12 (of a colour) having an intense or dark hue   13 low in pitch or tone: a deep voice   14 go off the deep end informal   a to lose one's temper; react angrily   b chiefly US to act rashly   15 in deep water in a tricky position or in trouble   16 throw someone in at the deep end See end^1 (sense 28)   ▷ n   17 any deep place on land or under water, esp below 6000 metres (3000 fathoms)   18 the deep   a a poetic term for the ocean   b cricket the area of the field relatively far from the pitch   19 the most profound, intense, or central part: the deep of winter   20 a vast extent, as of space or time   21 nautical one of the intervals on a sounding lead, one fathom apart   ▷ adv   22 far on in time; late: they worked deep into the night   23 profoundly or intensely   24 deep down informal in reality, esp as opposed to appearance: she is a very kind person deep down   25 deep in the past long ago [Old English dēop; related to Old High German tiof deep, Old Norse djupr]   > ˈdeeply adv   > ˈdeepness n

■ deep-chested   adj   having a broad, strong-looking upper body

■ deep clean   n   1 an exceptionally intense cleaning process   ▷ vb deep-clean   2 to perform a deep clean (on)

■ deep design   n   (often capitals)   a a design process used in architecture, town planning, engineering, interior design, etc, the goal of which is to appeal not only to the thoughts and feelings of the conscious mind but also the visual imagery of the unconscious, while also aiming for sustainability   b (as modifier): deep-design thinking   > deep designer n

■ deep-discount bond   n   a fixed-interest security that pays little or no interest but is issued at a substantial discount to its redemption value, thus largely substituting capital gain for income

■ deep-dish pie   n   chiefly US and Canadian a pie baked in a deep dish and having only a top crust

■ deep-dyed   adj   usually derogatory thoroughgoing; absolute; complete

■ deepen (ˈdiːpən)   vb   to make or become deep, deeper, or more intense   > ˈdeepener n

■ deepening (ˈdiːpənIŋ)   adj   1 becoming deeper   ▷ n   2 the process of becoming deeper

■ deepfelt (ˈdiːpˌfɛlt)   adj   relating to a sincere or profound experience: a deepfelt religious faith

■ deepfreeze (ˌdiːpˈfriːz)   n   1 a type of refrigerator in which food, etc, is stored for long periods at temperatures below freezing   2 storage in or as if in a deepfreeze   3 informal a state of suspended activity   ▷ vb deep-freeze (-freezes, -freezing, -froze, -frozen)   4 (tr) to freeze or keep in or as if in a deepfreeze

■ deep-freezing   n   the process of freezing food at a very low temperature for storage

■ deep-fried   adj   (of food) cooked in sufficient hot fat to cover the food entirely

■ deep-fry   vb -fries, -frying, -fried   to cook (fish, potatoes, etc) in sufficient hot fat to cover the food entirely

■ deep green   n   1 a person, esp a politician, who is in favour of taking extreme measures to tackle environmentalist issues   ▷ adj   2 in favour of or relating to extreme measures to tackle environmentalist issues: deep green environmentalists

■ deepie (ˈdiːpI)   n   a film that has dimensions of breadth, depth, and length, made for television or cinema

■ deep kiss   n   another name for French kiss

■ deep-laid   adj   (of a plot or plan) carefully worked out and kept secret

■ deep-litter   n (modifier) poultry farming   1 denoting a system in which a number of hens are housed in one covered enclosure, within which they can move about freely, on a layer of straw or wood shavings several centimetres deep: deep-litter system   2 kept in or produced by the deep-litter method: deep-litter eggs

■ deepmost (ˈdiːpˌməʊst)   adj   most deep; deepest: deepmost valleys

■ deep-rooted or deep-seated   adj   (of ideas, beliefs, prejudices, etc) firmly fixed, implanted, or held; ingrained

■ deep-sea   n   (modifier) of, found in, or characteristic of the deep parts of the sea: deep-sea fishing

■ deep-set   adj   (of the eyes) deeply set into the face

■ deep-six   vb   (tr) US slang to dispose of (something, such as documents) completely; destroy [C20: from six feet deep, the traditional depth for a grave]

■ Deep South   n   the SE part of the US, esp South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana

■ deep space   n   any region of outer space beyond the system of the earth and moon

■ deep state   n   (sometimes capitals) a group of senior civil servants and military officials believed by some to exert secret control over its country's government

■ deep structure   n   generative grammar a representation of a sentence at a level where logical or grammatical relations are made explicit, before transformational rules have been applied. Compare surface structure

■ deep therapy   n   radiotherapy with very penetrating short-wave radiation

■ deep throat   n   an anonymous source of secret information [C20: from the code name of such a source in the Watergate scandal; a reference to the title of a pornographic film]

■ deep-vein thrombosis   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a blood clot in one of the major veins, usually in the legs or pelvis; can be caused by prolonged sitting in the same position, as on long-haul air flights. Abbreviation: DVT

■ deepwater (ˈdiːpˈwɔːtə)   adj   having or taking place in deep water

■ deepwaterman (ˌdiːpˈwɔːtəmən)   n, pl -men   a ship that goes far out to sea and into deep water

■ deep Web   n   computing the part of the World Wide Web not accessible through conventional search engines

deer (dIə)   n, pl deer or deers   1 any ruminant artiodactyl mammal of the family Cervidae, including reindeer, elk, muntjacs, and roe deer, typically having antlers in the male. Related adjective: cervine   2 (in N Canada) another name for caribou [Old English dēor beast; related to Old High German tior wild beast, Old Norse dӯr]

■ deerberry (ˈdIəˌbɛrI)   n, pl -berries   1 any of several plants native to North America, bearing fruit that is eaten by deer   2 the fruit of these plants   ▶ Also called: squaw huckleberry, winter-green

■ deerfly (ˈdIəˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a fly of the order Diptera and the genus Chrysops

■ deergrass (ˈdIəˌɡrɑːs)   n   a perennial cyperaceous plant, Trichophorum caespitosum, that grows in dense tufts in peat bogs of temperate regions

■ deerhorn (ˈdIəˌhɔːn)   n   the horn of a deer

■ deerhound (ˈdIəˌhaʊnd)   n   a very large rough-coated breed of dog of the greyhound type

■ deerlet (ˈdIəlIt)   n   a very small deer, specifically one of the species of musk deer known as the chevrotain

■ deer lick   n   a naturally or artificially salty area of ground where deer come to lick the salt

■ deerlike (ˈdIəˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a deer

■ deer mouse   n   any of various mice of the genus Peromyscus, esp P. maniculatus, of North and Central America, having brownish fur with white underparts: family Cricetidae. See also white-footed mouse [so named because of its agility]

■ deerskin (ˈdIəˌskIn)   n     a the hide of a deer   b (as modifier): a deerskin jacket

■ deerstalker (ˈdIəˌstɔːkə)   n   1 Also called: stalker a person who stalks deer, esp in order to shoot them   2 a hat, peaked in front and behind, with earflaps usually turned up and tied together on the top   > ˈdeerˌstalking adj, n

■ deerweed (ˈdIəˌwiːd)   n   a shrub, Lotus scoparius, that is native to California and produces small yellow flowers in the summer

■ deeryard (ˈdIəˌjɑːd)   n   a place where deer congregate to spend the winter

deere (dIə) archaic   n   1 another spelling of deer   2 another spelling of dear   ▷ adj   3 another spelling of dear

de-escalate (diːˈɛskəˌleIt)   vb   to reduce the level or intensity of (a crisis, etc)   > de-ˌescaˈlation n

DEET (diːt)   n acronym for   diethyl(meta)toluamide; an insect repellent

deev (diːv)   n   (in Persian folklore) a wicked and demonic supernatural creature

deeve (diːv)   vb   1 (tr) to cause deafness in (a person) with loud noise   2 (tr) to daze or confuse (a person) with loud noise   3 (intr) an archaic word for dive

deewan (dIˈwɑːn)   n   archaic another name for divan

def (dɛf)   adj   slang very good, esp of hip-hop [C20: perhaps from definitive]

def.   abbreviation for   definition

deface (dIˈfeIs)   vb   (tr) to spoil or mar the surface, legibility, or appearance of; disfigure   > deˈfaceable adj   > deˈfacement n   > deˈfacer n

■ defaced (dIˈfeIst)   adj   having had the surface, legibility, or appearance spoiled or marred

de facto (deI ˈfæktəʊ)   adv   1 in fact   ▷ adj   2 existing in fact, whether legally recognized or not: a de facto regime. Compare de jure   ▷ n, pl -tos   3 Austral and NZ a de facto husband or wife [C17: Latin]

defaecate (ˈdɛfIˌkeIt)   vb   a variant spelling of defecate

defalcate (ˈdiːfælˌkeIt)   vb   (intr) law to misuse or misappropriate property or funds entrusted to one [C15: from Medieval Latin dēfalcāre to cut off, from Latin DE- + falx sickle]   > ˌdefalˈcation n   > ˈdefalˌcator n

defame (dIˈfeIm)   vb (tr)   1 to attack the good name or reputation of; slander; libel   2 archaic to indict or accuse [C14: from Old French defamer, from Latin dēfāmāre, from diffāmāre to spread by unfavourable report, from fāma FAME]   > deˈfamer n

■ defamation (ˌdɛfəˈmeIʃən)   n   1 law the injuring of a person's good name or reputation. Compare libel, slander   2 the act of defaming or state of being defamed

■ defamatory (dIˈfæmətərI, -trI)   adj   injurious to someone's name or reputation   > deˈfamatorily adv

defang (diːˈfæŋ)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the fangs from (an animal or reptile)   2 to weaken or compromise (something)

defast or defaste (dIˈfeIst)   adj   (in the works of Spenser) defaced or blemished

defat (diːˈfæt)   vb (tr)   to remove the fat from (a substance)

default (dIˈfɔːlt)   n   1 a failure to act, esp a failure to meet a financial obligation or to appear in a court of law at a time specified   2 absence or lack   3 by default in the absence of opposition or a better alternative: he became prime minister by default   4 in default of through or in the lack or absence of   5 judgment by default law a judgment in the plaintiff's favour when the defendant fails to plead or to appear   6 lack, want, or need   7 (also ˈdiːfɔːlt) computing   a the preset selection of an option offered by a system, which will always be followed except when explicitly altered   b (as modifier): default setting   ▷ vb   8 (intr; often foll by on or in) to fail to make payment when due   9 (intr) to fail to fulfil or perform an obligation, engagement, etc: to default in a sporting contest   10 law to lose (a case) by failure to appear in court   11 (tr) to declare that (someone) is in default [C13: from Old French defaute, from defaillir to fail, from Vulgar Latin dēfallīre (unattested) to be lacking]

■ defaulter (dIˈfɔːltə)   n   1 a person who defaults   2 chiefly Brit a person, esp a soldier, who has broken the disciplinary code of his or her service

■ defaulting (dIˈfɔːltIŋ)   adj   guilty of a failure to act, esp a failure to meet a financial obligation: defaulting borrowers

DEFCON (ˈdɛfˌkɒn)   n   each of a series of five progressive levels of alert used by the US military: security levels have reportedly been raised to DEFCON 3 [C20: acronym from defense readiness condition]

defeasance (dIˈfiːzəns)   n chiefly law   1 the act or process of rendering null and void; annulment   2    a a condition, the fulfilment of which renders a deed void   b the document containing such a condition [C14: from Old French, from desfaire to DEFEAT]

defeasible (dIˈfiːzəbəl)   adj   1 law (of an estate or interest in land) capable of being defeated or rendered void   2 philosophy (of a judgment, opinion, etc) having a presupposition in its favour but open to revision if countervailing evidence becomes known. Compare incorrigible (sense 3)   > deˈfeasibleness or deˌfeasiˈbility n

defeat (dIˈfiːt)   vb (tr)   1 to overcome in a contest or competition; win a victory over   2 to thwart or frustrate: this accident has defeated all his hopes of winning   3 law to render null and void; annul   ▷ n   4 the act of defeating or state of being defeated   5 an instance of defeat   6 overthrow or destruction   7 law an annulment [C14: from Old French desfait, from desfaire to undo, ruin, from des- DIS-1 + faire to do, from Latin facere]   > deˈfeater n

■ defeated (dIˈfiːtId)   adj   1 having suffered defeat; beaten   2 showing signs of discouragement

■ defeatism (dIˈfiːtIzəm)   n   a ready acceptance or expectation of defeat   > deˈfeatist n, adj

defeature (diːˈfiːtʃə)   vb (tr)   to blemish or disfigure (a person or thing)

defecate or defaecate (ˈdɛfIˌkeIt)   vb   1 (intr) to discharge waste from the body through the anus   2 (tr) to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp of sugar) [C16: from Latin dēfaecāre to cleanse from dregs, from DE- + faex sediment, dregs]   > ˌdefeˈcation or ˌdefaeˈcation n   > ˈdefeˌcator or ˈdefaeˌcator n

defect   n (dIˈfɛkt, ˈdiːfɛkt)   1 a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency   2 an imperfection, failing, or blemish   3 crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solid. See also point defect, dislocation (sense 3)   ▷ vb (dIˈfɛkt)   4 (intr) to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces [C15: from Latin dēfectus, from dēficere to forsake, fail; see DEFICIENT]   > deˈfector n

■ defectibility (dIˌfɛktəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to become defectible

■ defectible (dIˈfɛktəbəl)   adj   having the ability to fail

■ defection (dIˈfɛkʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of defecting   2 abandonment of duty, allegiance, principles, etc; backsliding   3 another word for defect (sense 1), defect (sense 2)

■ defectionist (dIˈfɛkʃənIst)   n   a person who is in favour of lapsing, backsliding, or defection

■ defective (dIˈfɛktIv)   adj   1 having a defect or flaw; imperfect; faulty   2 old-fashioned, offensive (of a person) below the usual standard or level, esp in intelligence   3 grammar (of a word) lacking the full range of inflections characteristic of its form class, as for example must, which has no past tense   > deˈfectively adv   > deˈfectiveness n

defeminize or defeminise (diːˈfɛmIˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to divest (a person) of feminine qualities   2 to remove the ovaries of (a woman or female animal)

■ defeminization or defeminisation (diːˌfɛmInaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 (in a developing organism) the process in which full development into a female of the species is prevented because of a male developmental characteristic   2 the removal of feminine qualities

defend (dIˈfɛnd)   vb   1 to protect (a person, place, etc) from harm or danger; ward off an attack on   2 (tr) to support in the face of criticism, esp by argument or evidence   3 to represent (a defendant) in court in a civil or criminal action   4 sport to guard or protect (oneself, one's goal, etc) against attack   5 (tr) to protect (a championship or title) against a challenge [C13: from Old French defendre, from Latin dēfendere to ward off, from DE- + -fendere to strike]   > deˈfendable adj   > deˈfender n

■ defence or US defense (dIˈfɛns)   n   1 resistance against danger, attack, or harm; protection   2 a person or thing that provides such resistance   3 a plea, essay, speech, etc, in support of something; vindication; justification   4    a a country's military measures or resources   b (as modifier): defence spending   5 law a defendant's denial of the truth of the allegations or charge against him or her   6 law the defendant and his or her legal advisers collectively. Compare prosecution   7 the defence sport   a the action of protecting oneself, one's goal, or one's allotted part of the playing area against an opponent's attacks   b the method of doing this   c the players in a team whose function is to do this   8 American football (usually preceded by the)   a the team that does not have possession of the ball   b the members of a team that play in such circumstances   9 psychoanal See defence mechanism   10 (plural) fortifications [C13: from Old French, from Late Latin dēfensum, past participle of dēfendere to DEFEND]   > deˈfenceless or US deˈfenseless adj   > deˈfencelessly or US deˈfenselessly adv   > deˈfencelessness or US deˈfenselessness n

■ defence in depth   n   military the act or practice of positioning successive mutually supporting lines of defence in a given area

■ defenceman or US defenseman (dIˈfɛnsmən)   n, pl -men   a defender in ice hockey and lacrosse

■ defence mechanism   n   1 psychoanal a usually unconscious mental process designed to reduce the anxiety, shame, etc, associated with instinctive desires   2 physiol the protective response of the body against disease organisms

■ defendant (dIˈfɛndənt)   n   1 a person against whom an action or claim is brought in a court of law. Compare plaintiff   ▷ adj   2 making a defence; defending

■ Defender of the Faith   n   the title conferred upon Henry VIII by Pope Leo X in 1521 in recognition of the King's pamphlet attacking Luther's doctrines and retained by subsequent monarchs of England. Latin term: Fidei Defensor

■ defending (dIˈfɛndIŋ)   adj   making a defence

■ defensative (dIˈfɛnsətIv)   n   1 a thing that offers protection or defence, esp a dressing, etc, that protects against infection or injury   ▷ adj   2 having the ability to protect or defend   3 having been made or said in order to justify or defend something

■ defensible (dIˈfɛnsIbəl)   adj   capable of being defended, as in war, an argument, etc   > deˌfensiˈbility or deˈfensibleness n   > deˈfensibly adv

■ defensive (dIˈfɛnsIv)   adj   1 intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence   2 rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up one's failings   ▷ n   3 a position of defence   4 on the defensive in an attitude or position of defence, as in being ready to reject criticism   > deˈfensively adv   > deˈfensiveness n

■ defensive medicine   n   the practice by a doctor of ordering extensive, often unnecessary tests in order to minimize liability if accused of negligence

defenestrate (diːˈfɛnIˌstreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to throw (a person or a thing) out of a window   2 (intr) computing to stop using the Windows operating system

■ defenestration (diːˌfɛnIˈstreIʃən)   n   the act of throwing someone out of a window [C17: from New Latin dēfenestrātiō, from Latin DE- + fenestra window]

defer^1 (dIˈfɜː)   vb -fers, -ferring, -ferred   (tr) to delay or cause to be delayed until a future time; postpone [C14: from Old French differer to be different, postpone; see DIFFER]   > deˈferrable or deˈferable adj   > deˈferrer n

■ deferment (dIˈfɜːmənt) or deferral (dIˈfɜːrəl)   n   the act of deferring or putting off until another time; postponement

■ deferred (dIˈfɜːd)   adj   1 withheld over a certain period; postponed: a deferred payment   2 (of shares) ranking behind other types of shares for dividend

■ deferred annuity   n   an annuity that commences not less than one year after the final purchase premium. Compare immediate annuity

■ deferred sentence   n   law a sentence that is postponed for a specific period to allow a court to examine the conduct of the offender during the deferment. Compare suspended sentence

defer^2 (dIˈfɜː)   vb -fers, -ferring, -ferred   (intr; foll by to) to yield (to) or comply (with) the wishes or judgments of another: I defer to your superior knowledge [C15: from Latin dēferre, literally: to bear down, from DE- + ferre to bear]

■ deference (ˈdɛfərəns)   n   1 submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc, of another   2 courteous regard; respect [C17: from French déférence; see DEFER^2]

■ deferent^1 (ˈdɛfərənt)   adj   another word for deferential

■ deferent^2 (ˈdɛfərənt)   adj   1 (esp of a bodily nerve, vessel, or duct) conveying an impulse, fluid, etc, outwards, down, or away; efferent   ▷ n   2 astronomy (in the Ptolemaic system) a circle centred on the earth around which the centre of the epicycle was thought to move [C17: from Latin dēferre; see DEFER^2]

■ deferential (ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl)   adj   marked by or showing deference or respect; respectful   > ˌdeferˈentially adv

defervescence (ˌdɛfəˈvɛsəns)   n med   1 the abatement of a fever   2 the period during which this occurs

defeudalize or defeudalise (diːˈfjuːdəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to reverse the process of feudalization

deffo (ˈdɛfəʊ)   interj   a variant spelling of defo

defi (dɛˈfiː)   n   a defiant challenge

defiance (dIˈfaIəns)   n   1 open or bold resistance to or disregard for authority, opposition, or power   2 a challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge

■ defiant (dIˈfaIənt)   adj   marked by resistance or bold opposition, as to authority; challenging   > deˈfiantly adv

■ defiantness (dIˈfaIəntnəs)   n   the state or quality of being defiant

defibrillate (dIˈfIbrIˌleIt, dIˈfaIbrIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   1 med to stop abnormal rhythm of (the heart) and restore it to normal rhythm, usually by administering an electric charge   2 to brush (a textile) in order to separate the fibres into individual strands

■ defibrillation (dIˌfaIbrIˈleIʃən, -fIb-)   n   med the application of an electric current to the heart to restore normal rhythmic contractions after the onset of atrial or ventricular fibrillation

■ defibrillator (dIˈfaIbrIˌleItə, -ˈfIb-)   n   med an apparatus for stopping fibrillation of the heart by application of an electric current to the chest wall or directly to the heart

defibrinate (diːˈfaIbrIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   to divest of fibrin or the protein formed in blood during clotting

■ defibrination (diːˌfaIbrIˈneIʃən)   n   the act or process of defibrinating

defibrinize (diːˈfaIbrIˌnaIz) or defibrinise   vb (tr)   another word for defibrinate

deficient (dIˈfIʃənt)   adj   1 lacking some essential; incomplete; defective   2 inadequate in quantity or supply; insufficient [C16: from Latin dēficiēns lacking, from dēficere to fall short; see DEFECT]   > deˈficiently adv

■ deficience (dIˈfIʃəns)   n   another word for deficiency

■ deficiency (dIˈfIʃənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the state or quality of being deficient   2 a lack or insufficiency; shortage   3 another word for deficit   4 biology the absence of a gene or a region of a chromosome normally present

■ deficiency disease   n   1 med any condition, such as pellagra, beriberi, or scurvy, produced by a lack of vitamins or other essential substances. Compare avitaminosis   2 botany any disease caused by lack of essential minerals

■ deficientness (dIˈfIʃəntnəs)   n   the state or quality of being deficient

deficit (ˈdɛfIsIt, dIˈfIsIt)   n   1 the amount by which an actual sum is lower than that expected or required   2    a an excess of liabilities over assets   b an excess of expenditures over revenues during a certain period   c an excess of payments over receipts on the balance of payments [C18: from Latin, literally: there is lacking, from dēficere to be lacking]

■ deficit financing   n   government spending in excess of revenues so that a budget deficit is incurred, which is financed by borrowing: recommended by Keynesian economists in order to increase economic activity and reduce unemployment. Also called: compensatory finance, pump priming

de fide Latin (diː ˈfaIdI)   adj   RC Church (of a doctrine) belonging to the essentials of the faith, esp by virtue of a papal ruling [literally: from faith]

defilade (ˌdɛfIˈleId) military   n   1 protection provided by obstacles against enemy crossfire from the rear, or observation   2 the disposition of defensive fortifications to produce this protection   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to provide protection for by defilade [C19: see DE-, ENFILADE]

defile^1 (dIˈfaIl)   vb (tr)   1 to make foul or dirty; pollute   2 to tarnish or sully the brightness of; taint; corrupt   3 to damage or sully (someone's good name, reputation, etc)   4 to make unfit for ceremonial use; desecrate   5 to violate the chastity of [C14: from earlier defoilen (influenced by filen to FILE^3), from Old French defouler to trample underfoot, abuse, from DE- + fouler to tread upon; see FULL^2]   > deˈfilement n   > deˈfiler n

defile^2 (ˈdiːfaIl, dIˈfaIl)   n   1 a narrow pass or gorge, esp one between two mountains   2 a single file of soldiers, etc   ▷ vb   3 chiefly military to march or cause to march in single file [C17: from French défilé, from défiler to file off, from filer to march in a column, from Old French: to spin, from fil thread, from Latin fīlum]

defiliation (ˌdiːfIlIˈeIʃən)   n   the denial of or lack of a male child

define (dIˈfaIn)   vb (tr)   1 to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)   2 to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of   3 to determine the boundary or extent of   4 (often passive) to delineate the form or outline of: the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it   5 to fix with precision; specify [C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin dēfīnīre to set bounds to, from fīnīre to FINISH]   > deˈfinable adj   > deˌfinaˈbility n   > deˈfinably adv   > deˈfiner n

■ defined-benefit   adj   denoting an occupational pension scheme that guarantees a specified payout, usually based on an employee's final salary and years of service. Abbreviation: DB. Also called: final-salary

■ definement (dIˈfaInmənt)   n   1 the act of defining   2 another word for definition

■ definition (ˌdɛfIˈnIʃən)   n   1 a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc   2 the act of defining a word, phrase, etc   3 specification of the essential properties of something, or of the criteria which uniquely identify it   4 the act of making clear or definite   5 the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite   6 a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast   > ˌdefiˈnitional adj

definiendum (dIˌfInIˈɛndəm)   n, pl -da (-də)   something to be defined, esp the term or phrase to be accounted for in a dictionary entry. Compare definiens [Latin]

definiens (dIˈfInIənz)   n, pl definientia (dIˌfInIˈɛnʃə)   the word or words used to define or give an account of the meaning of another word, as in a dictionary entry. Compare definiendum [Latin: defining]

definite (ˈdɛfInIt)   adj   1 clearly defined; exact; explicit   2 having precise limits or boundaries   3 known for certain; sure: it is definite that they're coming   4 botany   a denoting a type of growth in which the main stem ends in a flower, as in a cymose inflorescence; determinate   b (esp of flower parts) limited or fixed in number in a given species [C15: from Latin dēfīnītus limited, distinct; see DEFINE]   > ˈdefiniteness n   > definitude (dIˈfInIˌtjuːd) n

■ definite article   n   grammar a determiner that expresses specificity of reference, such as the in English. Compare indefinite article

■ definite description   n   1 a description that is modified by the definite article or a possessive, such as the woman in white or Rosemary's baby   2 a similar plural expression, such as the kings of Scotland

■ definite integral   n   maths   a the evaluation of the indefinite integral between two limits, representing the area between the given function and the x-axis between these two values of x   b the expression for that function, ∫baf(x)dx, where f(x) is the given function and x = a and x = b are the limits of integration. Where F(x) = ∫f(x)dx, the indefinite integral, ∫baf(x)dx = F(b)–F(a)

■ definitely (ˈdɛfInItlI)   adv   1 in a definite manner   2 (sentence modifier) certainly: he said he was coming, definitely   ▷ sentence substitute   3 unquestionably: used to confirm an assumption by a questioner

definitive (dIˈfInItIv)   adj   1 serving to decide or settle finally; conclusive   2 most reliable, complete, or authoritative: the definitive reading of a text   3 serving to define or outline   4 zoology fully developed; complete: the definitive form of a parasite   5    a (of postage stamps) permanently on sale   b (as noun) a definitive postage stamp   ▷ n   6 grammar a word indicating specificity of reference, such as the definite article or a demonstrative adjective or pronoun   > deˈfinitively adv   > deˈfinitiveness n

definitize or definitise (ˈdɛfənIˌtaIz, dIˈfInIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to make (something) definitive, specific, or clear

deflagrate (ˈdɛfləˌɡreIt, ˈdiː-)   vb   to burn or cause to burn with great heat and light [C18: from Latin dēflagrāre, from DE- + flagrāre to burn]   > ˌdeflaˈgration n

■ deflagrability (ˌdɛfləɡrəˈbIlItI)   n   the state or quality of being deflagrable

■ deflagrable (ˈdɛfləɡrəbəl)   adj   having the ability to burst into flames quickly

■ deflagrator (ˈdɛfləˌɡreItə)   n   1 a piece of equipment for bringing about deflagration   2 (of a substance or material) a sudden and quick bursting into flames

deflate (dIˈfleIt)   vb   1 to collapse or cause to collapse through the release of gas   2 (tr) to take away the self-esteem or conceit from   3 economics to cause deflation of (an economy, the money supply, etc) [C19: from DE- + (IN)FLATE]

■ deflated (dIˈfleItId)   adj   1 having lost confidence, hope, or optimism   2 voided of air or gas; not inflated

■ deflation (dIˈfleIʃən)   n   1 the act of deflating or state of being deflated   2 economics a reduction in the level of total spending and economic activity resulting in lower levels of output, employment, investment, trade, profits, and prices. Compare disinflation   3 geology the removal of loose rock material, sand, and dust by the wind   > deˈflationary adj   > deˈflationist n, adj

■ deflationary gap   n   economics a situation in which total spending in an economy is insufficient to buy all the output that can be produced with full employment

■ deflator or less commonly deflater (dIˈfleItə)   n   a person or device that causes deflation

deflea (diːˈfliː)   vb (tr)   to remove fleas from (an animal or bird)

deflect (dIˈflɛkt)   vb   to turn or cause to turn aside from a course; swerve [C17: from Latin dēflectere, from flectere to bend]   > deˈflector n

■ deflectable (dIˈflɛktəbəl)   adj   able to be deflected

■ deflection or deflexion (dIˈflɛkʃən)   n   1 the act of deflecting or the state of being deflected   2 the amount of deviation caused by a deflection   3 the change in direction of a light beam as it crosses a boundary between two media with different refractive indexes   4 a deviation of the indicator of a measuring instrument from its zero position   5 the movement of a structure or structural member when subjected to a load   > deˈflective adj

■ deflectional (dIˈflɛkʃənəl) or deflexional   adj   of or relating to deflection

■ deflexure (dIˈflɛkʃə)   n   formal the act or condition of deflection or deviation

deflex (dIˈflɛks)   adj   1 another word for deflexed   2 (of the grip of an archery bow) having the theoretical pivot point further from the archer's body than the theoretical pivot point of the limbs of the bow   ▷ vb (intr)   3 formal to bend backwards or turn downwards

■ deflexed (dIˈflɛkst, ˈdiːflɛkst)   adj   (of leaves, petals, etc) bent sharply outwards and downwards

deflocculate (dIˈflɒkjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr)   1 to disperse, forming a colloid or suspension   2 to prevent flocculation of (a colloid or suspension)   > deˈfloccuˌlant n   > deˌfloccuˈlation n

deflorate (dIˈflɔːrət)   adj   1 botany (of a plant) having lost its flowers   ▷ vb (tr)   2 botany to strip (a plant) of its flowers   3 archaic to take the virginity from (a girl or woman)

■ defloration (ˌdiːflɔːˈreIʃən)   n   the act of deflowering [C15: from Late Latin dēflorātiō; see DE-, FLOWER]

deflower (diːˈflaʊə)   vb (tr)   1 old-fashioned to deprive of virginity, esp by rupturing the hymen through sexual intercourse   2 to despoil of beauty, innocence, etc; mar; violate   3 to rob or despoil of flowers   > deˈflowerer n

defluent (ˈdɛfluːənt)   adj   formal running downwards

defluxion (dIˈflʌkʃən)   n   1 anything that flows downwards   2 archaic a running downwards   3 med obsolete a flow of bodily humours accompanying a disease

defo (ˈdɛfəʊ)   interj   Brit informal definitely: an expression of agreement or consent

defoam (diːˈfəʊm)   vb (tr)   1 to remove foam from (something)   2 to prevent foam from forming on (something)

■ defoamer (diːˈfəʊmə)   n   anything which removes foam or prevents foam from forming

defocus (diːˈfəʊkəs)   vb -cuses, -cusing, -cused or -cusses, -cussing, -cussed   formal to go or cause to go out of focus

Defoe (dIˈfəʊ)   n   Daniel. ?1660–1731, English novelist, journalist, spymaster, and pamphleteer, noted particularly for his novel Robinson Crusoe (1719). His other novels include Moll Flanders (1722) and A Journal of the Plague Year (1722)

defog (diːˈfɒɡ)   vb -fogs, -fogging, -fogged (tr)   to clear (something) of fog or vapour

■ defogger (ˌdiːˈfɒɡə)   n   an agent which clears fog from something

defoliate   vb (diːˈfəʊlIˌeIt)   1 to deprive (a plant) of its leaves, as by the use of a herbicide, or (of a plant) to shed its leaves   ▷ adj (diːˈfəʊlIIt)   2 (of a plant) having shed its leaves [C18: from Medieval Latin dēfoliāre, from Latin DE- + folium leaf]   > deˌfoliˈation n   > deˈfoliˌator n

■ defoliant (diːˈfəʊlIənt)   n   a chemical sprayed or dusted onto trees to cause their leaves to fall, esp to remove cover from an enemy in warfare

deforce (dIˈfɔːs)   vb (tr) property law   1 to withhold (property, esp land) wrongfully or by force from the rightful owner   2 to eject or keep forcibly from possession of property [C13: from Anglo-French, from deforcer]   > deˈforcement n

■ deforcer (dIˈfɔːsə)   n   1 a person who wrongfully withholds something from someone by force. Also called: deforciant   2 Scot a person who prevents by force an officer of the law from fulfilling his or her duties   3 archaic a person who commits rape

■ deforciation (dIˌfɔːsIˈeIʃən)   n   another word for deforcement

deforest (diːˈfɒrIst)   vb   (tr) to clear of trees. Also: disforest   > deˌforesˈtation n   > deˈforester n

De Forest (də ˈfɒrIst)   n   Lee. 1873–1961, US inventor of telegraphic, telephonic, and radio equipment: patented the first triode valve (1907)

deform (dIˈfɔːm)   vb   1 to make or become misshapen or distorted   2 (tr) to mar the beauty of; disfigure   3 to subject or be subjected to a stress that causes a change of dimensions [C15: from Latin dēformāre, from DE- + forma shape, beauty]   > deˈformable adj   > deˌformaˈbility n   > deˈformer n

■ deformation (ˌdiːfɔːˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the act of deforming; distortion   2 the result of deforming; a change in form, esp for the worse   3 a change in the dimensions of an object resulting from a stress

■ deformational (ˌdiːfɔːˈmeIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to deformation

■ deformative (dIˈfɔːmətIv)   adj   making worse by alteration

■ deformed (dIˈfɔːmd)   adj   1 disfigured or misshapen   2 morally perverted; warped   > deformedly (dIˈfɔːmIdlI) adv   > deˈformedness n

■ deformity (dIˈfɔːmItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a deformed condition; disfigurement   2 pathol an acquired or congenital distortion of an organ or part   3 a deformed thing   4 a defect, esp of the mind or morals; depravity

deformalize or deformalise (diːˈfɔːməˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make (something) less formal

defoul (dIˈfaʊl) archaic   n   1 corruption; defilement   2 oppression   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to defile; soil   4 to trample upon; oppress

Defra (ˈdɛfrə)   n acronym for (in Britain)   Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

defrag (ˈdiːfræɡ)   vb -frags, -fragging, -fragged   to consolidate fragmented files and folders on (the hard drive of a computer or other electronic device) in order to make it run more efficiently [short for defragment]

■ defragger (diːˈfræɡə)   n   a device which defragments computer files

■ defragment (diːfræɡˈmɛnt)   vb (tr)   computing the full form of defrag

defraud (dIˈfrɔːd)   vb   (tr) to take away or withhold money, rights, property, etc, from (a person) by fraud; cheat; swindle   > defraudation (ˌdiːfrɔːˈdeIʃən) or deˈfraudment n   > deˈfrauder n

defray (dIˈfreI)   vb   (tr) to furnish or provide money for (costs, expenses, etc); pay [C16: from Old French deffroier to pay expenses, from de- DIS-1 + frai expenditure, originally: cost incurred through breaking something, from Latin frangere to break]   > deˈfrayable adj   > deˈfrayal or deˈfrayment n   > deˈfrayer n

defreeze (diːˈfriːz)   n   1 informal the process of unfreezing   ▷ vb (tr)   2 another word for defrost   3 informal to cause to move again; restart

defriend (diːˈfrɛnd)   vb   (tr) to remove (a person) from the list of one's friends on a social networking website

defrock (diːˈfrɒk)   vb   (tr) to deprive (a person in holy orders) of ecclesiastical status; unfrock

defrost (diːˈfrɒst)   vb   1 to make or become free of frost or ice   2 to thaw, esp through removal from a refrigerator

■ defroster (diːˈfrɒstə)   n   a device by which the de-icing process of a refrigerator is accelerated, usually by circulating the refrigerant without the expansion process

deft (dɛft)   adj   quick and neat in movement; nimble; dexterous [C13 (in the sense: gentle): see DAFT]   > ˈdeftly adv   > ˈdeftness n

defuel (diːˈfjʊəl)   vb (tr)   to remove the fuel from (a vehicle or aircraft)

defunct (dIˈfʌŋkt)   adj   1 no longer living; dead or extinct   2 no longer operative or valid [C16: from Latin dēfungī to discharge (one's obligations), die; see DE-, FUNCTION]   > deˈfunctive adj   > deˈfunctness n

■ defunction (dIˈfʌŋkʃən)   n   literary the act of dying; death

defund (diːˈfʌnd)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the funds from (a person, organization, or scheme)   2 archaic to pour down

defuse or sometimes US defuze (diːˈfjuːz)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, etc)   2 to remove the cause of tension from (a crisis, etc)

USAGE

Avoid confusion with diffuse

■ defuser (diːˈfjuːzə)   n   a person or device that defuses bombs

defy (dIˈfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to resist (a powerful person, authority, etc) openly and boldly   2 to elude, esp in a baffling way: his actions defy explanation   3 formal to challenge or provoke (someone to do something judged to be impossible); dare: I defy you to climb that cliff   4 archaic to invite to do battle or combat [C14: from Old French desfier, from des- DE- + fier to trust, from Latin fīdere]   > deˈfier n

■ -defying   adj   (in combination) at odds or in contradiction with the thing specified

deg (dɛɡ)   vb degs, degging, degged (tr)   Northern English dialect to water (a plant, etc)

deg.   abbreviation for   degree

dégagé French (deɡaʒe)   adj   1 unconstrained in manner; casual; relaxed   2 uninvolved; detached

degame (dəˈɡɑːmeI)   n   1 a deciduous tree of South and Central America, Calycophyllum candidissimum   2 the wood of this tree, which is hard but flexible, used for archery bows and fishing rods   ▶ Also called: lemonwood

degarnish (diːˈɡɑːnIʃ)   vb (tr)   to remove ornamentation from (something)

degas (diːˈɡæs)   vb -gases or -gasses, -gassing, -gassed   1 (tr) to remove gas from (a container, vacuum tube, liquid, adsorbent, etc)   2 (intr) to lose adsorbed or absorbed gas by desorption   > deˈgasser n

Degas (ˈdeIɡɑː; French dəɡɑ)   n   (Hilaire Germain) (ilɛr ʒɛrmɛ̃) Edgar (ɛdɡar). 1834–1917, French impressionist painter and sculptor, noted for his brilliant draughtsmanship and ability to convey movement, esp in his studies of horse racing and ballet dancers

De Gasperi (Italian de ˈɡasperi)   n   Alcide (alˈtʃiːde). 1881–1954, Italian statesman; prime minister (1945–53). An antifascist, he led the Christian Democratic party during World War II from the Vatican City

de Gaulle (French də ɡol)   n   Charles (André Joseph Marie) (ʃarl). 1890–1970, French general and statesman. During World War II, he refused to accept Pétain's armistice with Germany and founded the Free French movement in England (1940). He was head of the provisional governments (1944–46) and, as first president of the Fifth Republic (1959–69), he restored political and economic stability to France

degauss (diːˈɡaʊs, -ˈɡɔːs)   vb (tr)   1 to neutralize the magnetic field of (a ship's hull) as a protection against magnetic mines, using equipment producing an opposing magnetic field   2 another word for demagnetize

■ degausser (diːˈɡaʊsə)   n   a device that degausses

degearing (diːˈɡIərIŋ)   n   finance the process in which a company replaces some or all of its fixed-interest loan stock with ordinary shares

degender (diːˈdʒɛndə)   vb   1 (intr) archaic to degenerate   2 (tr) to remove any reference to gender from (a document, etc)

degenerate   vb (dIˈdʒɛnəˌreIt) (intr)   1 to become degenerate   2 biology (of organisms or their parts) to become less specialized or functionally useless   ▷ adj (dIˈdʒɛnərIt)   3 having declined or deteriorated to a lower mental, moral, or physical level; debased; degraded; corrupt   4 physics   a (of the constituents of a system) having the same energy but different wave functions   b (of a semiconductor) containing a similar number of electrons in the conduction band to the number of electrons in the conduction band of metals   c (of a resonant device) having two or more modes of equal frequency   5 (of a code) containing symbols that represent more than one letter, figure, etc   6 (of a plant or animal) having undergone degeneration   ▷ n (dIˈdʒɛnərIt)   7 a degenerate person [C15: from Latin dēgenerāre, from dēgener departing from its kind, ignoble, from DE- + genus origin, race]   > deˈgenerately adv   > deˈgenerateness n

■ degeneracy (dIˈdʒɛnərəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the act or state of being degenerate   2 the process of becoming degenerate   3 physics the number of degenerate quantum states of a particular orbital, degree of freedom, energy level, etc

■ degenerate matter   n   astronomy the highly compressed state of matter, esp in white dwarfs and neutron stars, supported against gravitational collapse by quantum mechanical effects

■ degeneration (dIˌdʒɛnəˈreIʃən)   n   1 the process of degenerating   2 the state of being degenerate   3 biology the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs   4    a impairment or loss of the function and structure of cells or tissues, as by disease or injury, often leading to death (necrosis) of the involved part   b the resulting condition   5 electronics negative feedback of a signal

■ degenerationist (dIˌdʒɛnəˈreIʃənIst)   n   biology a person who believes in the evolutionary decline of a species

■ degenerative (dIˈdʒɛnəˌreItIv)   adj   (of a disease or condition) getting steadily worse

■ degenerative joint disease   n   another name for osteoarthritis

degenerous (dIˈdʒɛnrəs)   adj archaic   1 (of a person) inferior to one's ancestors   2 (of a generation or era) inferior to a previous generation or era

degerm (diːˈdʒɜːm)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the germ from (wheat)   2 med to kill the germs on (a person or thing)

deglaciation (diːˌɡleIsIˈeIʃən)   n   geology the process of removing glaciation

■ deglaciated (diːˈɡleIsIˌeItId)   adj   geology having had glaciation removed

deglamorize or deglamorise (diːˈɡlæməˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to make (a person or thing) less glamorous

■ deglamorization or deglamorisation (diːˌɡlæməraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the act or process of making less glamorous

deglaze (diːˈɡleIz)   vb   (tr) to dilute meat sediments in (a pan) in order to make a sauce or gravy

deglutinate (diːˈɡluːtIˌneIt)   vb   (tr) to extract the gluten from (a cereal, esp wheat) [C17: from Latin dēglūtināre to unglue, from DE- + glūtināre, from glūten GLUE]   > deˌglutiˈnation n

deglutition (ˌdiːɡlʊˈtIʃən)   n   the act of swallowing [C17: from French déglutition, from Late Latin dēglūtīre to swallow down, from DE- + glutīre to swallow]

■ deglutitory (diːˈɡluːtItərI) or deglutitive (diːˈɡluːtItIv)   adj   of or relating to swallowing

degout (dIˈɡaʊt)   vb (tr)   1 archaic to cover (something) with gouts or drops of something   2 poetic to make (something) into drops

degrade (dIˈɡreId)   vb   1 (tr) to reduce in worth, character, etc; disgrace; dishonour   2 (diːˈɡreId) (tr) to reduce in rank, status, or degree; remove from office; demote   3 (tr) to reduce in strength, quality, intensity, etc   4 to reduce or be reduced by erosion or down-cutting, as a land surface or bed of a river. Compare aggrade   5 chem to decompose or be decomposed into atoms or smaller molecules [C14: from Late Latin dēgradāre, from Latin DE- + gradus rank, degree]   > deˈgrader n

■ degradable (dIˈɡreIdəbəl)   adj   1 (of waste products, packaging materials, etc) capable of being decomposed chemically or biologically. See also biodegradable   2 capable of being degraded   > deˌgradaˈbility n

■ degradation (ˌdɛɡrəˈdeIʃən)   n   1 the act of degrading or the state of being degraded   2 a state of degeneration, squalor, or poverty   3 some act, constraint, etc, that is degrading   4 the wearing down of the surface of rocks, cliffs, etc, by erosion, weathering, or some other process   5 chem a breakdown of a molecule into atoms or smaller molecules   6 physics an irreversible process in which the energy available to do work is decreased   7 RC Church the permanent unfrocking of a priest

■ degradative (dIˈɡreIdətIv)   adj   formal causing degradation

■ degradedly (dIˈɡreIdIdlI)   adv   in a degraded fashion

■ degrading (dIˈɡreIdIŋ)   adj   causing humiliation; debasing   > deˈgradingly adv   > deˈgradingness n

degranulation (diːˌɡrænjʊˈleIʃən)   n   biochem a cellular process in which cytoplasmic granules within certain cells secrete their contents, often to the outside of the cell

degras (ˈdɛɡrəs; French deɡrɑ)   n   an emulsion used for dressing hides

degrease (diːˈɡriːs)   vb   (tr) to remove grease from

■ degreaser (diːˈɡriːsə) or degreasant (diːˈɡriːsənt)   n   a substance or product that removes or dissolves grease

degree (dIˈɡriː)   n   1 a stage in a scale of relative amount or intensity: a high degree of competence   2 an academic award conferred by a university or college on successful completion of a course or as an honorary distinction (honorary degree)   3 any of three categories of seriousness of a burn. See burn^1 (sense 23)   4 (in the US) any of the categories into which a crime is divided according to its seriousness: first-degree murder   5 genealogy a step in a line of descent, used as a measure of the closeness of a blood relationship   6 grammar any of the forms of an adjective used to indicate relative amount or intensity: in English they are positive, comparative, and superlative   7 music any note of a diatonic scale relative to the other notes in that scale: D is the second degree of the scale of C major   8 a unit of temperature on a specified scale: the normal human body temperature is 36.8 degrees Celsius. Symbol: °. See also Celsius scale, Fahrenheit scale   9 a measure of angle equal to one three-hundred-and-sixtieth of the angle traced by one complete revolution of a line about one of its ends. Symbol: °. See also minute^1, second^2 (sense 1a). Compare radian   10    a a unit of latitude or longitude, divided into 60 minutes, used to define points on the earth's surface or on the celestial sphere   b a point or line defined by units of latitude and/or longitude. Symbol: °   11 a unit on any of several scales of measurement, as for alcohol content or specific gravity. Symbol: °   12 maths   a the highest power or the sum of the powers of any term in a polynomial or by itself: x^4 + x + 3 and xyz^2 are of the fourth degree   b the greatest power of the highest order derivative in a differential equation   13 obsolete a step; rung   14 archaic a stage in social status or rank   15 by degrees little by little; gradually   16 to a degree somewhat; rather   17 degrees of frost See frost (sense 3) [C13: from Old French degre, from Latin DE- + gradus step, GRADE]   > deˈgreeless adj

■ degreed (dIˈɡriːd)   adj   1 education having an academic degree   2 archaic done by degrees   3 archaic holding a particular rank or degree of authority

■ degree day   n   a day on which university degrees are conferred

■ degree-day   n   a unit used in estimating fuel requirements in heating buildings. It is equal to a fall of temperature of 1 degree below the mean outside temperature (usually taken as 18°C) for one day

■ degree of difficulty   n   a rating which reflects the difficulty of the manoeuvre or action an athlete is attempting to perform in sports such as gymnastics and diving, and which is factored into the final score

■ degree of freedom   n   1 physics one of the minimum number of parameters necessary to describe a state or property of a system   2 one of the independent components of motion (translation, vibration, and rotation) of an atom or molecule   3 chem one of a number of intensive properties that can be independently varied without changing the number of phases in a system. See also phase rule   4 statistics one of the independent unrestricted random variables constituting a statistic

degression (dIˈɡrɛʃən)   n   1 a decrease by stages   2 a gradual decrease in the tax rate on amounts below a specified sum [C15: from Medieval Latin dēgressiō descent, from Latin dēgredī to go down, from DE- + gradī to take steps, go]

■ degressive (dIˈɡrɛsIv)   adj   reducing by gradual amounts

■ degressively (dIˈɡrɛsIvlI)   adv   in a degressive fashion

degringolade French (deɡrɛ̃ɡɔlad) literary   n   1 a rapid descent or deterioration   ▷ vb (intr)   2  to descend rapidly   3 to deteriorate rapidly

degringoler French (deɡrɛ̃ɡɔle)   vb   to descend rapidly

degu (ˈdeIɡuː)   n   a small S American rodent

degum (diːˈɡʌm)   vb -gums, -gumming, -gummed (tr)   to remove gum from (a substance or object)

degust (dIˈɡʌst) or degustate (dIˈɡʌsteIt)   vb (tr)   rare to taste, esp with care or relish; savour [C17: from Latin dēgustāre, from gustāre, from gustus a tasting, taste]   > degustation (ˌdiːɡʌˈsteIʃən) n

■ degustatory (dIˈɡʌstətərI)   adj   formal tasty; having a pleasant flavour

de Havilland (də ˈhævIlənd)   n   Sir Geoffrey. 1882–1965, British aircraft designer. He produced many military aircraft and the first jet airliners

dehisce (dIˈhIs)   vb   (intr) (of fruits, anthers, etc) to burst open spontaneously, releasing seeds, pollen, etc [C17: from Latin dēhiscere to split open, from DE- + hiscere to yawn, gape]

■ dehiscent (dIˈhIsənt)   adj   (of fruits, anthers, etc) opening spontaneously to release seeds or pollen   > deˈhiscence n

dehorn (diːˈhɔːn)   vb (tr)   1 to remove or prevent the growth of the horns of (cattle, sheep, or goats)   2 to cut back (the larger limbs of a tree) drastically   > deˈhorner n

dehort (dIˈhɔːt)   vb (tr)   formal to dissuade (someone) from a course of action

■ dehortation (ˌdiːhɔːˈteIʃən)   n   formal an exhortation against a course of action

■ dehortatory (dIˈhɔːtətərI) or dehortative (dIˈhɔːtətIv)   adj   formal intended to dissuade from a course of action

■ dehorter (dIˈhɔːtə)   n   formal a person who dehorts

Dehra Dun (ˈdɛərə ˈduːn)   n   a city in N India, the capital of Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal): Indian military academy (1932). Pop: 447 808 (2001)

dehumanize or dehumanise (diːˈhjuːməˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive of human qualities   2 to render mechanical, artificial, or routine   > deˌhumaniˈzation or deˌhumaniˈsation n

■ dehumanizing or dehumanising (diːˈhjuːmənaIzIŋ)   adj   denying or depriving of dignity

dehumidify (ˌdiːhjuːˈmIdIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to remove water from (something, esp the air)   > ˌdehuˌmidifiˈcation n

■ dehumidifier (ˌdiːhjuːˈmIdIˌfaIə)   n   a device for reducing the moisture content of the atmosphere

dehydrate (diːˈhaIdreIt, ˌdiːhaIˈdreIt)   vb   1 to lose or cause to lose water; make or become anhydrous   2 to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in the proportions in which they occur in water, as in a chemical reaction   3 to lose or deprive of water, as the body or tissues   > ˌdehyˈdration n   > deˈhydrator or deˈhydrater n

■ dehydrated (ˌdiːhaIˈdreItId, diːˈhaIdreItId)   adj   1 (of organisms) deprived of vital water or moisture   2 (of foodstuffs and substances) dried as a means of preservation

dehydroepiandrosterone (diːˌhaIdrəʊˌɛpIænˈdrɒstəˌrəʊn)   n   the most abundant steroid in the human body, that is involved in the manufacture of testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone

dehydrogenase (diːˈhaIdrədʒəˌneIz)   n   an enzyme, such as any of the respiratory enzymes, that activates oxidation-reduction reactions by transferring hydrogen from substrate to acceptor

dehydrogenate (diːˈhaIdrədʒəˌneIt), dehydrogenize or dehydrogenise (diːˈhaIdrədʒəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove hydrogen from   > deˌhydrogeˈnation, deˌhydrogeniˈzation or deˌhydrogeniˈsation n

dehydroretinol (diːˌhaIdrəʊˈrɛtInɒl)   n   another name for vitamin A2

dehypnotize or dehypnotise (diːˈhIpnəˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to bring out of the hypnotic state   > deˌhypnotiˈzation or deˌhypnotiˈsation n

Deianira (ˌdiːəˈnaIərə, ˌdeIə-)   n   Greek myth a sister of Meleager and wife of Hercules. She unintentionally killed Hercules by dipping his tunic in the poisonous blood of the Centaur Nessus, thinking it to be a love charm

de-ice (diːˈaIs)   vb   to free or be freed of ice

■ de-icer (diːˈaIsə)   n   1 a mechanical or thermal device designed to melt or stop the formation of ice on an aircraft, usually fitted to the aerofoil surfaces. Compare anti-icer   2 a chemical or other substance used for this purpose, esp an aerosol that can be sprayed on car windscreens to remove ice or frost

■ de-icing   n     a the activity of removing ice or preventing its formation   b (as modifier): de-icing trucks

deicide (ˈdiːIˌsaId)   n   1 the act of killing a god   2 a person who kills a god [C17: from ecclesiastical Latin deicida, from Latin deus god; see -CIDE]   > ˌdeiˈcidal adj

deictic (ˈdaIktIk)   adj   1 logic proving by direct argument. Compare elenctic   ▷ n   2 another word for indexical (sense 2) [C17: from Greek deiktikos concerning proof, from deiknunai to show]   > ˈdeictically adv

deid (diːd)   adj   a Scot word for dead

deif (diːf)   adj   a Scot word for deaf

deiform (ˈdiːIˌfɔːm)   adj   having the form or appearance of a god; sacred or divine

deify (ˈdiːIˌfaI, ˈdeII-)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to exalt to the position of a god or personify as a god   2 to accord divine honour or worship to   3 to exalt in an extreme way; idealize [C14: from Old French deifier, from Late Latin deificāre, from Latin deus god + facere to make]   > ˈdeiˌfier n

■ deific (diːˈIfIk, deI-) or deifical   adj   1 making divine or exalting to the position of a god   2 divine or godlike

■ deification (ˌdiːIfIˈkeIʃən, ˌdeI-)   n   1 the act or process of exalting to the position of a god   2 the state or condition of being deified

Deighton (ˈdeItən)   n   Len. born 1929, British thriller writer. His books include The Ipcress File (1962), Bomber (1970), and the trilogy Berlin Game, Mexico Set, and London Match (1983–85)

deign (deIn)   vb   1 (intr) to think it fit or worthy of oneself (to do something); condescend: she will not deign to speak to us   2 (tr) archaic to vouchsafe: he deigned no reply [C13: from Old French deignier, from Latin dignārī to consider worthy, from dignus worthy]

Dei gratia Latin (ˈdiːI ˈɡreIʃIə, ˈdeII ˈɡrɑːtIə)   adv   by the grace of God

deil (diːl)   n   a Scot word for devil

Deimos (ˈdeImɒs)   n   the smaller of the two satellites of Mars and the more distant from the planet. Approximate diameter: 13 km. Compare Phobos

deindex (diːˈIndɛks)   vb   (tr) economics to cause to become no longer index-linked

■ deindexation (ˌdiːIndɛkˈseIʃən)   n   economics the state of being no longer index-linked

deindividuation (diːˌIndIvIdjʊˈeIʃən)   n   psychol the loss of a person's sense of individuality and personal responsibility

deindustrialize or deindustrialise (ˌdiːInˈdʌstrIəˌlaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to reduce the importance of manufacturing industry in the economy of (a nation or area)   2 (intr) (of a nation or area) to undergo reduction in the importance of manufacturing industry in the economy

■ deindustrialization or deindustrialisation (ˌdiːInˌdʌstrIəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the decline in importance of manufacturing industry in the economy of a nation or area

deinonychus (daIˈnɒnIkəs)   n   a genus of carnivorous dinosaur which existed in the early Cretaceous period, notable for the unusually large curved claws on the second toe of its feet

deinosaur (ˈdaInəˌsɔː)   n   an obsolete word for dinosaur (sense 1)

deinotherium (ˌdaInəˈθiːrIəm) or deinothere (ˈdaInəˌθIə)   n, pl -theria (-ˈθiːrIə) or -theres   any member of the genus Deinotherium, consisting of mammals resembling elephants that existed during the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene epochs

de-ionize or de-ionise (diːˈaIəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove ions from (water, etc), esp by ion exchange   > deˌioniˈzation or deˌioniˈsation n

■ de-ionizer or de-ioniser   n   chem a device which de-ionizes a solution

deiparous (diːˈIpərəs)   adj   theol formal giving birth to a god

deipnosophist (daIpˈnɒsəfIst)   n   rare a person who is a master of dinner-table conversation [C17: from Greek deipnosophistai, title of a Greek work by Athenaeus (3rd century), describing learned discussions at a banquet, from deipnon meal + sophistai wise men; see SOPHIST]

Deirdre (ˈdIədrI)   n   Irish myth a beautiful girl who was raised by Conchobar to be his wife but eloped with Naoise. When Conchobar treacherously killed Naoise she took her own life: often used to symbolize Ireland. See also Naoise

deiseal or deisheal (ˈdiːʃəl, ˈdiːzəl, ˈdɛʃəl, ˈdɛsəl)   n   variants of deasil

deism (ˈdiːIzəm, ˈdeI-)   n   belief in the existence of God based solely on natural reason, without reference to revelation. Compare theism [C17: from French déisme, from Latin deus god]   > ˈdeist n, adj   > deˈistic or deˈistical adj   > deˈistically adv

deity (ˈdeItI, ˈdiːI-)   n, pl -ties   1 a god or goddess   2 the state of being divine; godhead   3 the rank, status, or position of a god   4 the nature or character of God [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin deitās, from Latin deus god]

■ Deity (ˈdeItI, ˈdiːI-)   n   the Deity the Supreme Being; God

deixis (ˈdaIksIs)   n   grammar the use or reference of a deictic word [C20: from Greek, from deiknunai to show]

déjà vu (ˈdeIʒæ ˈvuː; French deʒa vy)   n   the experience of perceiving a new situation as if it had occurred before [from French, literally: already seen]

deject (dIˈdʒɛkt)   vb   1 (tr) to have a depressing effect on; dispirit; dishearten   ▷ adj   2 archaic downcast; dejected [C15: from Latin dēicere to cast down, from DE- + iacere to throw]

■ dejected (dIˈdʒɛktId)   adj   miserable; despondent; downhearted   > deˈjectedly adv   > deˈjectedness n

■ dejection (dIˈdʒɛkʃən)   n   1 lowness of spirits; depression; melancholy   2    a faecal matter evacuated from the bowels; excrement   b the act of defecating; defecation

■ dejectory (dIˈdʒɛktərI)   adj   1 tending to cast down   2 med causing evacuation of the bowels

dejecta (dIˈdʒɛktə)   pl n   waste products excreted through the anus; faeces [C19: New Latin: things cast down; see DEJECT]

dejeuner French (deʒøne) or dejeune (dIˈdʒuːn)   n   literary the morning meal

de jure (deI ˈdʒʊəreI)   adv   according to law; by right; legally. Compare de facto [Latin]

deka- or dek-   combining form   variants of deca-

dekagram (ˈdɛkəˌɡræm)   n   a variant spelling of decagramme

dekalitre or US dekaliter (ˈdɛkəˌliːtə)   n   variant spellings of decalitre

dekalogy (dIˈkælədʒI)   n, pl -logies   a series of ten related works

dekametre or US dekameter (ˈdɛkəˌmiːtə)   n   variant spellings of decametre

■ dekametric (ˌdɛkəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   a variant spelling of decametric

dekare (ˈdɛkɑː)   n   a variant spelling of decare

deke (diːk) US and Canadian sport   n   1 (esp in ice hockey) the act or an instance of feinting   ▷ vb   2 (esp in ice hockey) to deceive (an opponent) by carrying out a feint [C20: shortened from DECOY]

Dekker or Decker (ˈdɛkə)   n   Thomas. ?1572–?1632, English dramatist and pamphleteer, noted particularly for his comedy The Shoemaker's Holiday (1600) and his satirical pamphlet The Gull's Hornbook (1609)

dekko (ˈdɛkəʊ)   n, pl -kos   Brit slang a look; glance; view (esp in the phrase take a dekko (at)) [C19: from Hindi dekho! look! from dekhnā to see]

de Klerk (də ˈklɜːk)   n   F(rederik) W(illem). born 1936, South African statesman; president (1989–94), second executive deputy president (1994–97). In 1990 he legalized the ANC and released Nelson Mandela from prison, and initiated the abolition of apartheid: Nobel peace prize 1993 jointly with Mandela

de Kooning (də ˈkuːnIŋ)   n   Willem (ˈwIləm). 1904–97, US abstract expressionist painter, born in Holland

del (dɛl)   n   maths the differential operator i(∂/∂x) + j(∂/∂y) + k(∂/∂z), where i, j, and k are unit vectors in the x, y, and z directions. Symbol: ∇. Also called: nabla

del.   abbreviation for   delegate

Del.   abbreviation for   Delaware

de la Beche (də læ biːtʃ)   n   Henry. 1796–1855, English geologist. His work led to the founding of the Geological Survey (1835)

Delacroix (French dəlakrwa)   n   (Ferdinand Victor) Eugène (øʒɛn). 1798–1863, French romantic painter whose use of colour and free composition influenced impressionism. His paintings of historical and contemporary scenes include The Massacre at Chios (1824)

Delagoa Bay (ˌdɛləˈɡəʊə)   n   a former name of Maputo Bay

delaine (dəˈleIn)   n   a sheer wool or wool and cotton fabric [C19: from French mousseline de laine muslin of wool]

de la Mare (də lɑː mɛə)   n   Walter (John). 1873–1956, English poet and novelist, noted esp for his evocative verse for children. His works include the volumes of poetry The Listeners and Other Poems (1912) and Peacock Pie (1913) and the novel Memoirs of a Midget (1921)

delaminate (diːˈlæmIˌneIt)   vb   to divide or cause to divide into thin layers   > deˌlamiˈnation n

delapse (dIˈlæps)   n   1 archaic a falling or sinking down. Also called: delapsion   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to fall or sink down   3 (of an inheritance) to be passed down

Delaroche (French dəlɑrɔʃ)   n   (Hippolyte) Paul. 1797–1859, French painter of portraits and sentimental historical scenes, such as The Children of Edward IV in the Tower (1830)

delassement French (delasmɑ̃)   n   formal relaxation

delate (dIˈleIt)   vb (tr)   1 (formerly) to bring a charge against; denounce; impeach   2 rare to report (an offence, etc)   3 obsolete to make known or public [C16: from Latin dēlātus, from dēferre to bring down, report, indict, from DE- + ferre to bear]   > deˈlation n   > deˈlator n

Delaunay (French dəlonɛ)   n   Robert (rɔbɛr). 1885–1941, French painter, whose abstract use of colour characterized Orphism, an attempt to introduce more colour into austere forms of Cubism

Delaware^1 (ˈdɛləˌwɛə)   n   1 (pl -wares or -ware) a member of a Native American people formerly living near the Delaware River   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family

Delaware^2 (ˈdɛləˌwɛə)   n   1 a state of the northeastern US, on the Delmarva Peninsula: mostly flat and low-lying, with hills in the extreme north and cypress swamps in the extreme south. Capital: Dover. Pop: 817 491 (2003 est). Area: 5004 sq km (1932 sq miles). Abbreviation: Del., (with zip code) DE   2 a river in the northeastern US, rising in the Catskill Mountains and flowing south into Delaware Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic. Length 660 km (410 miles)

■ Delawarean (ˌdɛləˈwɛərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the state of Delaware or its inhabitants   2 of or relating to the Delaware river

Delaware^3 (ˈdɛləˌwɛə)   n   an American variety of grape that has sweet light red fruit

De La Warr (ˈdɛləˌwɛə)   n   Baron, title of Thomas West, known as Lord Delaware. 1577–1618, English administrator in America; first governor of Virginia (1610)

delay (dIˈleI)   vb   1 (tr) to put off to a later time; defer   2 (tr) to slow up, hinder, or cause to be late; detain   3 (intr) to be irresolute or put off doing something; procrastinate   4 (intr) to linger; dawdle   ▷ n   5 the act or an instance of delaying or being delayed   6 the interval between one event and another; lull; interlude [C13: from Old French delaier, from des- off + laier, variant of laissier to leave, from Latin laxāre to loosen, from laxus slack, LAX^1]   > deˈlayer n

■ delayable (dIˈleIəbəl)   adv   able to be delayed

■ delayed action or delay action   n     a a device for operating a mechanism, such as a camera shutter, a short time after setting   b (as modifier): a delayed-action fuse

■ delayed drop   n   aeronautics a parachute descent with the opening of the parachute delayed, usually for a predetermined period

■ delayed neutron   n   a neutron produced in a nuclear reactor by the breakdown of a fission product and released a short time after neutrons produced in the primary process

■ delayed opening   n   aeronautics the automatic opening of a parachute after a predetermined delay to allow the parachutist to reach a particular height

■ delaying action   n   a measure or measures taken to gain time, as when weaker military forces harass the advance of a superior enemy without coming to a pitched battle

■ delay line   n   a device in which a known delay time is introduced in the transmission of a signal. An acoustic delay line delays a sound wave by circulating it through a liquid or solid medium

delayer (diːˈleIə)   vb   (tr) to prune the administrative structure of (a large organization) by reducing the number of tiers in its hierarchy   > deˈlayering n

Delbrück (delˈbryk)   n   Max. 1906–81, US molecular biologist, born in Germany. Noted for his work on bacteriophages, he shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1969

dele (ˈdiːlI)   n, pl deles   1 a sign (δ) indicating that typeset matter is to be deleted. Compare stet   ▷ vb deles, deleing, deled   2 (tr) to mark (matter to be deleted) with a dele [C18: from Latin: delete (imperative), from dēlēre to destroy, obliterate; see DELETE]

delead (diːˈlɛd)   vb (tr)   to remove the lead from (an object or substance)

deleave (diːˈliːv)   vb (tr)   1 to separate copies of (printed material)   2 literary to strip the leaves from (a plant)

delectable (dIˈlɛktəbəl)   adj   highly enjoyable, esp pleasing to the taste; delightful [C14: from Latin dēlectābilis, from dēlectāre to DELIGHT]   > deˈlectableness or deˌlectaˈbility n   > deˈlectably adv

■ delectate (dIˈlɛkteIt, ˈdiːlɛkˌteIt)   vb (tr)   formal to delight (a person)

■ delectation (ˌdiːlɛkˈteIʃən)   n   pleasure; enjoyment

Deledda (Italian deˈlɛdda)   n   Grazia (ˈɡrattsja). 1875–1936, Italian novelist, noted for works, such as La Madre (1920), on peasant life in Sardinia: Nobel prize for literature 1926

delegate   n (ˈdɛlIˌɡeIt, -ɡIt)   1 a person chosen or elected to act for or represent another or others, esp at a conference or meeting   2 US government a representative of a territory in the US House of Representatives   ▷ vb (ˈdɛlIˌɡeIt)   3 to give or commit (duties, powers, etc) to another as agent or representative; depute   4 (tr) to send, authorize, or elect (a person) as agent or representative   5 (tr) chiefly US to assign (a person owing a debt to oneself) to one's creditor in substitution for oneself [C14: from Latin dēlēgāre to send on a mission, from lēgāre to send, depute; see LEGATE]   > delegable (ˈdɛlIɡəbəl) adj

■ delegacy (ˈdɛlIɡəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a less common word for delegation (sense 1), delegation (sense 2)   2    a an elected standing committee at some British universities   b a department or institute of a university: a delegacy of Education

■ delegatee (ˌdɛlIɡəˈtiː)   n   a person to whom something is delegated

■ delegation (ˌdɛlIˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 a person or group chosen to represent another or others   2 the act of delegating or state of being delegated   3 US politics all the members of Congress from one state

■ delegator (ˈdɛlIˌɡeItə)   n   a person who delegates

delegitimation (ˌdiːlIˌdʒItIˈmeIʃən)   n   another word for delegitimization

delegitimize or delegitimise (ˌdiːlIˈdʒItIˌmaIz)   vb (tr)   to make invalid, illegal, or unacceptable: crushing and delegitimizing all dissent in the region   > ˌdelegitimiˈzation or ˌdelegitimiˈsation n

delenda (dIˈlɛndə)   pl n   formal items to be deleted

de Lesseps (French də lɛsɛps)   n   Vicomte Ferdinand Marie (fɛrdinɑ̃ mari). 1805–94, French diplomat: directed the construction of the Suez Canal (1859–69) and the unsuccessful first attempt to build the Panama Canal (1881–89)

delete (dIˈliːt)   vb   (tr) to remove (something printed or written); erase; cancel; strike out [C17: from Latin dēlēre to destroy, obliterate]

■ deletable (dIˈliːtəbəl)   adj   able to be deleted

■ deletion (dIˈliːʃən)   n   1 the act of deleting or fact of being deleted   2 a deleted passage, word, etc, in text   3 the loss or absence of a section of a chromosome

■ deletive (dIˈliːtIv)   adj   formal intended to destroy or remove

■ deletory (dIˈliːtərI) archaic   n   1 something that deletes or erases   ▷ adj   2 used for deleting

deleterious (ˌdɛlIˈtIərIəs)   adj   harmful; injurious; hurtful [C17: from New Latin dēlētērius, from Greek dēlētērios injurious, destructive, from dēleisthai to hurt]   > ˌdeleˈteriously adv   > ˌdeleˈteriousness n

deleverage (diːˈlɛvərIdʒ, -vrIdʒ)   vb   finance to reduce the ratio of debt capital to equity capital in an organization or (of an organization) to reduce the ratio of debt capital to equity capital   > deˈleveraging n

delf (dɛlf)   n   1 another name for Delft (sense 2)   2 something that has been dug, such as a ditch, pit, mine, or grave   3 (on a heraldic shield) a square shape intended to represent a square of dug-up turf, supposedly indicating dishonour

Delft (dɛlft)   n   1 a town in the SW Netherlands, in South Holland province. Pop: 97 000 (2003 est)   2 Also called: delftware tin-glazed earthenware made in Delft since the 17th century, typically having blue decoration on a white ground   3 a similar earthenware made in England

Delgado (dɛlˈɡɑːdəʊ)   n   Cape Delgado a headland on the NE coast of Mozambique

Delhi (ˈdɛlI)   n   1 the capital of India, in the N central part, on the Jumna river: consists of Old Delhi (a walled city reconstructed in 1639 on the site of former cities of Delhi, which date from the 15th century BC) and New Delhi to the south, chosen as the capital in 1912, replacing Kolkata (then called Calcutta); university (1922). Pop: 9 817 439 (2001)   2 an administrative division (National Capital Territory) of N India, formerly a Union Territory. Capital: Delhi. Area: 1483 sq km (572 sq miles). Pop: 13 782 976 (2001)

■ Delhiite (ˈdɛlIˌaIt)   n   a native or inhabitant of Delhi

deli or delly (ˈdɛlI)   n, pl delis   an informal word for delicatessen

Delian (ˈdiːlIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Delos   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Delos   3 of or relating to Delius

■ Delian League or Delian Confederacy   n   an alliance of ancient Greek states formed in 478–77 BC to fight Persia

delibate (ˈdɛlIˌbeIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to take a small taste of (a liquid)

■ delibation (ˌdɛlIˈbeIʃən)   n   archaic a small taste of a liquid

deliberate   adj (dIˈlIbərIt)   1 carefully thought out in advance; planned; studied; intentional: a deliberate insult   2 careful or unhurried in speech or action: a deliberate pace   ▷ vb (dIˈlIbəˌreIt)   3 to consider (something) deeply; ponder; think over [C15: from Latin dēlīberāre to consider well, from lībrāre to weigh, from lībra scales]   > deˈliberately adv   > deˈliberateness n   > deˈliberˌator n

■ deliberation (dIˌlIbəˈreIʃən)   n   1 thoughtful, careful, or lengthy consideration   2 (often plural) formal discussion and debate, as of a committee, jury, etc   3 care, thoughtfulness, or absence of hurry, esp in movement or speech

■ deliberative (dIˈlIbərətIv)   adj   1 involved in, organized for, or having the function of deliberating: a deliberative assembly   2 characterized by or resulting from deliberation: a deliberative conclusion   > deˈliberatively adv   > deˈliberativeness n

Delibes (French dəlib)   n   (Clément Philibert) Léo (leo). 1836–91, French composer, noted particularly for his ballets Coppélia (1870) and Sylvia (1876), and the opera Lakmé (1883)

delible or deleble (ˈdɛlIbəl)   adj   able to be deleted

delicate (ˈdɛlIkIt)   adj   1 exquisite, fine, or subtle in quality, character, construction, etc   2 having a soft or fragile beauty   3 (of colour, tone, taste, etc) pleasantly subtle, soft, or faint   4 easily damaged or injured; lacking robustness, esp in health; fragile   5 precise, skilled, or sensitive in action or operation: a delicate mechanism   6 requiring tact and diplomacy   7 sensitive in feeling or manner; showing regard for the feelings of others   8 excessively refined; squeamish   ▷ n   9 archaic a delicacy; dainty [C14: from Latin dēlicātus affording pleasure, from dēliciae (pl) delight, pleasure; see DELICIOUS]   > ˈdelicately adv   > ˈdelicateness n

■ delicacy (ˈdɛlIkəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 fine or subtle quality, character, construction, etc: delicacy of craftsmanship   2 fragile, soft, or graceful beauty   3 something that is considered choice to eat, such as caviar   4 fragile construction or constitution; frailty   5 refinement of feeling, manner, or appreciation: the delicacy of the orchestra's playing   6 fussy or squeamish refinement, esp in matters of taste, propriety, etc   7 need for tactful or sensitive handling   8 accuracy or sensitivity of response or operation, as of an instrument   9 (in systemic grammar) the level of detail at which a linguistic description is made; the degree of fine distinction in a linguistic description   10 obsolete gratification, luxury, or voluptuousness

delicatessen (ˌdɛlIkəˈtɛsən)   n   1 a shop selling various foods, esp unusual or imported foods, already cooked or prepared   2 such foods [C19: from German Delikatessen, literally: delicacies, pl of Delikatesse a delicacy, from French délicatesse]

delice (dIˈliːs)   n   archaic a delicacy; a pleasure

delicious (dIˈlIʃəs)   adj   1 very appealing to the senses, esp to the taste or smell   2 extremely enjoyable or entertaining: a delicious joke [C13: from Old French, from Late Latin dēliciōsus, from Latin dēliciae delights, charms, from dēlicere to entice; see DELIGHT]   > deˈliciously adv   > deˈliciousness n

delict (dIˈlIkt, ˈdiːlIkt)   n   1 law, chiefly Scots law a wrongful act for which the person injured has the right to a civil remedy. See also tort   2 Roman law a civil wrong redressable by compensation or punitive damages [C16: from Latin dēlictum a fault, crime, from dēlinquere to fail, do wrong; see DELINQUENCY]

deligation (ˌdɛlIˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 surgery the act of binding, esp with a ligature   2 chem the binding of atoms and molecules   3 archaic the dissolution of something

delight (dIˈlaIt)   vb   1 (tr) to please greatly   2 (intr; foll by in) to take great pleasure (in)   ▷ n   3 extreme pleasure or satisfaction; joy   4 something that causes this: music was always his delight [C13: from Old French delit, from deleitier to please, from Latin dēlectāre, from dēlicere to allure, from DE- + lacere to entice; see DELICIOUS; English spelling influenced by light]   > deˈlighter n

■ delighted (dIˈlaItId)   adj   1 (often foll by an infinitive) extremely pleased (to do something): I'm delighted to hear it!   ▷ sentence substitute   2 I should be delighted to!   > deˈlightedly adv   > deˈlightedness n

■ delightful (dIˈlaItfʊl)   adj   giving great delight; very pleasing, beautiful, charming, etc   > deˈlightfully adv   > deˈlightfulness n

■ delightless (dIˈlaItlIs)   adj   not offering delight

■ delightsome (dIˈlaItsəm)   adj   literary another word for delightful

Delilah (dIˈlaIlə)   n   1 Samson's Philistine mistress, who deprived him of his strength by cutting off his hair (Judges 16:4–22)   2 a voluptuous and treacherous woman; temptress

delime (diːˈlaIm)   vb (tr)   chem to remove lime from (a substance)

delimit (diːˈlImIt) or delimitate   vb   (tr) to mark or prescribe the limits or boundaries of; demarcate   > deˌlimiˈtation n   > deˈlimitative adj

■ delimiter (diːˈlImItə)   n   a character or group of characters which mark a limit in computer code

delineate (dIˈlInIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to trace the shape or outline of; sketch   2 to represent pictorially, as by making a chart or diagram; depict   3 to portray in words, esp with detail and precision; describe [C16: from Latin dēlīneāre to sketch out, from līnea LINE^1]   > deˈlineable adj   > deˌlineˈation n   > deˈlineative adj

■ delineator (dIˈlInIˌeItə)   n   a tailor's pattern, adjustable for different sizes

delineavit Latin (dIˌlInIˈeIvIt)     (he or she) drew it: used formerly on prints alongside the name of the artist of the original drawing

delinquency (dIˈlIŋkwənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 an offence or misdeed, usually of a minor nature, esp one committed by a young person. See juvenile delinquency   2 failure or negligence in duty or obligation; dereliction   3 a delinquent nature or delinquent behaviour [C17: from Late Latin dēlinquentia a fault, offence, from Latin dēlinquere to transgress, from DE- + linquere to forsake]

delinquent (dIˈlIŋkwənt)   n   1 someone, esp a young person, guilty of delinquency. See juvenile delinquent   2 archaic a person who fails in an obligation or duty   ▷ adj   3 guilty of an offence or misdeed, esp one of a minor nature   4 failing in or neglectful of duty or obligation [C17: from Latin dēlinquēns offending; see DELINQUENCY]   > deˈlinquently adv

deliquesce (ˌdɛlIˈkwɛs)   vb (intr)   1 (esp of certain salts) to dissolve gradually in water absorbed from the air   2 (esp of certain fungi) to dissolve into liquid, usually at maturity   3 (of a plant stem) to form many branches [C18: from Latin dēliquēscere to melt away, become liquid, from DE- + liquēscere to melt, from liquēre to be liquid]

■ deliquescence (ˌdɛlIˈkwɛsəns)   n   1 the process of deliquescing   2 a solution formed when a solid or liquid deliquesces   > ˌdeliˈquescent adj

deliquium (dIˈlIkwIəm)   n   1 loss of consciousness; fainting   2 literary a disappearance or absence, esp of light during an eclipse   3 archaic a melting away; liquefaction

deliration (ˌdɛlIˈreIʃən)   n   archaic delirium; madness

delirifacient (dIˌlIrIˈfeIʃənt) med   n   1 anything that causes or induces delirium   ▷ adj   2 causing or inducing delirium

delirium (dIˈlIrIəm)   n, pl -liriums or -liria (-ˈlIrIə)   1 a state of excitement and mental confusion, often accompanied by hallucinations, caused by high fever, poisoning, brain injury, etc   2 violent excitement or emotion; frenzy [C16: from Latin: madness, from dēlīrāre, literally: to swerve from a furrow, hence be crazy, from DE- + līra ridge, furrow]   > deˈliriant adj

■ delirious (dIˈlIrIəs)   adj   1 affected with delirium   2 wildly excited, esp with joy or enthusiasm   > deˈliriously adv   > deˈliriousness n

delirium tremens (ˈtrɛmɛnz, ˈtriː-)   n   a severe psychotic condition occurring in some persons with chronic alcoholism, characterized by delirium, tremor, anxiety, and vivid hallucinations. Abbreviation: dt, (informal) DT's [C19: New Latin, literally: trembling delirium]

delish (dIˈlIʃ)   adj   informal short for delicious

delist (ˌdiːˈlIst)   vb (tr)   1 to remove from a list   2 stock exchange to remove (a security) from the register of those that may be traded on the recognized market

delitescence (ˌdɛlIˈtɛsəns)   n   the sudden disappearance of a lesion or of the signs and symptoms of a disease [C18: from Latin dēlitēscens, present participle of dēlitēscere to lurk, from latēscere to become hidden, from latēre to be hidden; see LATENT]   > ˌdeliˈtescent adj

Delius (ˈdiːlIəs)   n   Frederick. 1862–1934, English composer, who drew inspiration from folk tunes and the sounds of nature. His works include the opera A Village Romeo and Juliet (1901), A Mass of Life (1905), and the orchestral variations Brigg Fair (1907)

deliver (dIˈlIvə)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to carry (goods, etc) to a destination, esp to carry and distribute (goods, mail, etc) to several places: to deliver letters; our local butcher delivers   2 (often foll by over or up) to hand over, transfer, or surrender   3 (often foll by from) to release or rescue (from captivity, harm, corruption, etc)   4 (also intr)   a to aid in the birth of (offspring)   b to give birth to (offspring)   c (usually foll by of) to aid or assist (a female) in the birth (of offspring)   d (passive; foll by of) to give birth (to offspring)   5 to utter or present (a speech, oration, idea, etc)   6 to utter (an exclamation, noise, etc): to deliver a cry of exultation   7 to discharge or release (something, such as a blow or shot) suddenly   8 chiefly US to cause (voters, constituencies, etc) to support a given candidate, cause, etc: can you deliver the Bronx?   9 deliver oneself of to speak with deliberation or at length: to deliver oneself of a speech   10 deliver the goods informal to produce or perform something promised or expected [C13: from Old French delivrer, from Late Latin dēlīberāre to set free, from Latin DE- + līberāre to free]   > deˈliverable adj   > deˌliveraˈbility n   > deˈliverer n

■ deliverables (dIˈlIvərəbəlz)   pl n   items named in a contract, course, or project that must be delivered for its successful completion

■ deliverance (dIˈlIvərəns)   n   1 a formal pronouncement or expression of opinion   2 rescue from moral corruption or evil; salvation   3 another word for delivery (sense 3), delivery (sense 4), delivery (sense 5)

■ delivery (dIˈlIvərI)   n, pl -eries   1    a the act of delivering or distributing goods, mail, etc   b something that is delivered   c (as modifier): a delivery service   2 the act of giving birth to a child: she had an easy delivery   3 manner or style of utterance, esp in public speaking or recitation: the speaker had a clear delivery   4 the act of giving or transferring or the state of being given or transferred   5 the act of rescuing or state of being rescued; liberation   6 sport   a the act or manner of bowling or throwing a ball   b the ball so delivered: a fast delivery   7 an actual or symbolic handing over of property, a deed, etc   8 the discharge rate of a compressor or pump   9 (in South Africa) the supply of basic services to communities deprived under apartheid

■ deliveryman (dIˈlIvərIˌmæn)   n, pl -men   a man whose job is to deliver a product

■ delivery van   n   a small van used esp for delivery rounds. US and Canadian name: panel truck

deliverly (dIˈlIvəlI)   adv   archaic quickly; nimbly; deftly

dell (dɛl)   n   a small, esp wooded hollow [Old English; related to Middle Low German delle valley; compare DALE]

■ delly (ˈdɛlI)   adj dellier, delliest   literary full of dells

della Robbia (Italian ˈdɛlla ˈrobbja)   n   See Robbia

Deller (ˈdɛlə)   n   Alfred (George). 1912–79, British countertenor

Del Mar (dɛl ˈmɑː)   n   Norman. 1919–94, British conductor, associated esp with 20th- century British music

Delmarva Peninsula (dɛlˈmɑːvə)   n   a peninsula of the northeast US, between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic

delo (ˈdɛləʊ)   n   Austral an informal word for delegate

delocalize or delocalise (diːˈləʊkəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to remove from the usual locality   2 to free from local influences   > deˌlocaliˈzation or deˌlocaliˈsation n

delope (dIˈləʊp)   vb (intr)   to shoot into the air during a duel, in order deliberately to miss one's opponent

Delorme (French dəlɔrm) or de l'Orme   n   Philibert (filibɛr). ?1510–70, French Renaissance architect of the Tuileries, Paris

Delors (dəˈlɔː)   n   Jacques (Lucien Jean). born 1925, French politician and economist, President of the European Commission (1985–94): originator of the Delors plan for closer European union

Delos (ˈdiːlɒs)   n   a Greek island in the SW Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades: a commercial centre in ancient times; the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Area: about 5 sq km (2 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Dhílos

de los Angeles (Spanish de los ˈaŋxeles)   n   Victoria (bikˈtorja). 1923–2005, Spanish soprano

delouse (diːˈlaʊs, -ˈlaʊz)   vb   (tr) to rid (a person or animal) of lice as a sanitary measure

■ delouser (diːˈlaʊsə)   n   a substance or device which removes lice from something

delph (dɛlf)   n   another name for Delft (sense 2)

Delphi (ˈdɛlfI)   n   an ancient Greek city on the S slopes of Mount Parnassus: site of the most famous oracle of Apollo

■ Delphic (ˈdɛlfIk) or Delphian   adj   1 of or relating to Delphi or its oracle or temple   2 obscure or ambiguous

■ delphically (ˈdɛlfIkəlI)   adv   1 in an ambiguous manner; obscurely   2 prophetically

■ Delphic oracle   n   the oracle of Apollo at Delphi that gave answers held by the ancient Greeks to be of great authority but also noted for their ambiguity. Related word: Pythian

■ Delphi technique   n   a forecasting or decision-making technique that makes use of written questionnaires to eliminate the influence of personal relationships and the domination of committees by strong personalities

delphin (ˈdɛlfIn)   n   1 an archaic word for dolphin   2 chem a fatty substance made from dolphin oil

delphinium (dɛlˈfInIəm)   n, pl -iums or -ia (-Iə)   any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Delphinium: many varieties are cultivated as garden plants for their spikes of blue, pink, or white spurred flowers. See also larkspur [C17: New Latin, from Greek delphinion larkspur, from delphis DOLPHIN, referring to the shape of the nectary]

delphinoid (ˈdɛlfIˌnɔId) zoology   n   1 a member of the genus Delphinoidea, of which dolphins and porpoises are members   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the genus Delphinoidea

Delphinus (dɛlˈfaInəs)   n, Latin genitive Delphini (dɛlˈfaInaI)   a small constellation in the N hemisphere, between Pegasus and Sagitta [C17: from Latin: DOLPHIN]

Delsarte system (ˈdɛlsɑːt)   n   a method of teaching drama and dancing based on the exercises of Alexandre Delsarte (1811–71), famous teacher at the Paris Conservatoire

del Sarto (Italian dɛl ˈsarto)   n   See Sarto

delt (dɛlt)   n   a slang word for deltoid (sense 1)

delta (ˈdɛltə)   n   1 the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet (Δ, δ), a consonant transliterated as d   2 an object resembling a capital delta in shape   3 (capital when part of name) the flat alluvial area at the mouth of some rivers where the mainstream splits up into several distributaries: the Mississippi Delta   4 maths a finite increment in a variable [C16: via Latin from Greek, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew dāleth]   > deltaic (dɛlˈteIIk) or ˈdeltic adj

■ Delta^1 (ˈdɛltə)   n   1 (foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) usually the fourth brightest star in a constellation   2 any of a group of US launch vehicles used to put unmanned satellites into orbit   3 communications a code word for the letter d

■ Delta^2 (ˈdɛltə)   n   a state of Nigeria, on the Niger river delta on the Gulf of Guinea. Capital: Asaba. Pop: 4 098 391 (2006). Area: 17 698 sq km (6833 sq miles)

■ Delta blues   n   (sometimes functioning as singular) a style of blues originating in the Mississippi Delta, typically featuring slide guitar and harmonica

■ delta connection   n   a connection used in a three-phase electrical system in which three elements in series form a triangle, the supply being input and output at the three junctions. Compare star connection

■ Delta Force   n   (in the US) an élite army unit involved in counterterrorist operations abroad

■ delta iron   n   an allotrope of iron that exists between 1400°C and the melting point of iron and has the same structure as alpha iron

■ delta particle   n   physics a very short-lived hyperon

■ delta ray   n   a particle, esp an electron, ejected from matter by ionizing radiation

■ delta rhythm or delta wave   n   physiol the normal electrical activity of the cerebral cortex during deep sleep, occurring at a frequency of 1 to 4 hertz and detectable with an electroencephalograph. See also brain wave

■ delta stock   n   any of the fourth rank of active securities on the Stock Exchange. Market makers need not display prices of these securities continuously and any prices displayed are taken only as an indication rather than an offer to buy or sell

■ delta wing   n   a triangular sweptback aircraft wing

■ delta-winged   adj   (of an aircraft) having a triangular sweptback wing

deltiology (ˌdɛltIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the collection and study of picture postcards [C20: from Greek deltion, diminutive of deltos a writing tablet + -LOGY]   > ˌdeltiˈologist n

deltoid (ˈdɛltɔId)   n   1 the thick muscle forming the rounded contour of the outer edge of the shoulder and acting to raise the arm   ▷ adj   2 shaped like a Greek capital delta, Δ; triangular [C18: from Greek deltoeidēs triangular, from DELTA]

deltoideus (dɛlˈtɔIdIəs)   n, pl -dei (-dIˌaI)   another name for deltoid (sense 1)

delubrum (dIˈluːbrəm, dIˈljuːbrəm)   n, pl -brums or -bras   1 theol a shrine or sanctuary   2 (in a church) a font   3 a church with a font

delude (dIˈluːd)   vb (tr)   1 to deceive the mind or judgment of; mislead; beguile   2 rare to frustrate (hopes, expectations, etc) [C15: from Latin dēlūdere to mock, play false, from DE- + lūdere to play]   > deˈludable adj   > deˈluder n   > deˈludingly adv

■ deluded (dIˈluːdId)   adj   believing in something that is false

■ delusion (dIˈluːʒən)   n   1 a mistaken or misleading opinion, idea, belief, etc: he has delusions of grandeur   2 psychiatry a belief held in the face of evidence to the contrary, that is resistant to all reason. See also illusion, hallucination   3 the act of deluding or state of being deluded   > deˈlusional or deˈlusionary adj   > deˈlusive adj   > deˈlusively adv   > deˈlusiveness n   > delusory (dIˈluːsərI) adj

■ delusionist (dIˈluːʒənIst)   n   a person prone to delusions

deluge (ˈdɛljuːdʒ)   n   1 a great flood of water   2 torrential rain; downpour   3 an overwhelming rush or number: a deluge of requests   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to flood, as with water; soak, swamp, or drown   5 to overwhelm or overrun; inundate [C14: from Old French, from Latin dīluvium a washing away, flood, from dīluere to wash away, drench, from di- DIS-1 + -luere, from lavere to wash]

■ Deluge   n   the Deluge another name for the Flood

delundung (ˈdɛlənˌdʌŋ)   n   a spotted carnivorous mammal, Prionodon gracilis, native to East India and similar to the civet

delustre or US deluster (diːˈlʌstə)   vb (tr)   1 formal to remove the lustre from (something)   2 to remove the lustre or sheen from (a synthetic fabric) by the use of a chemical agent

■ delustrant (diːˈlʌstrənt)   n   1 an agent which removes lustre from something   2 textiles any chemical which removes the sheen from a synthetic fabric

de luxe or deluxe (dəˈlʌks, ˈlʊks)   adj   1 (esp of products, articles for sale, etc) rich, elegant, or sumptuous; superior in quality, number of accessories, etc: the de luxe model of a car   ▷ adv   2 chiefly US in a luxurious manner [C19: from French, literally: of luxury]

Delvaux (dɛlvə)   n   Paul. 1897–1994, Belgian surrealist painter: his works portray dreamlike figures in mysterious settings

delve (dɛlv)   vb (mainly intr; often foll by in or into)   1 to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc): he delved in the Bible for quotations   2 to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc)   3 (esp of an animal) to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc)   4 (also tr) archaic or dialect to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc), as with a spade [Old English delfan; related to Old High German telban to dig, Russian dolbit to hollow out with a chisel]   > ˈdelver n

Dem. US   abbreviation for   Democrat(ic)

demagnetize or demagnetise (diːˈmæɡnəˌtaIz)   vb   to lose magnetic properties or remove magnetic properties from. Also: degauss   > deˌmagnetiˈzation or deˌmagnetiˈsation n   > deˈmagnetˌizer or deˈmagnetˌiser n

demagogue or sometimes US demagog (ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡ)   n   1 a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob   2 (esp in the ancient world) any popular political leader or orator [C17: from Greek dēmagōgos people's leader, from dēmos people + agein to lead]

■ demagogic (ˌdɛməˈɡɒɡIk) or demagogical   adj   of, characteristic of, relating to, or resembling a demagogue   > ˌdemaˈgogically adv

■ demagoguery (ˌdɛməˈɡɒɡərI), demagoguism or demagogism (ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡIzəm)   n   the methods, practices, or rhetoric of a demagogue

■ demagogy (ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡI)   n, pl -gogies   1 demagoguery   2 rule by a demagogue or by demagogues   3 a group of demagogues

demain or demaine (dIˈmeIn)   n   other names for demesne

de-man   vb -mans, -manning, -manned (tr)   Brit to reduce the workforce of (a plant, industry, etc)

demand (dIˈmɑːnd)   vb (tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive)   1 to request peremptorily or urgently   2 to require or need as just, urgent, etc: the situation demands attention   3 to claim as a right; exact: his parents demanded obedience of him   4 law to make a formal legal claim to (property, esp realty)   ▷ n   5 an urgent or peremptory requirement or request   6 something that requires special effort or sacrifice: a demand on one's time   7 the act of demanding something or the thing demanded: the kidnappers' demand was a million pounds   8 an insistent question or query   9 economics   a willingness and ability to purchase goods and services   b the amount of a commodity that consumers are willing and able to purchase at a specified price. Compare supply^1 (sense 9)   10 law a formal legal claim, esp to real property   11 in demand sought after; popular   12 on demand as soon as requested: a draft payable on demand [C13: from Anglo-French demaunder, from Medieval Latin dēmandāre, from Latin: to commit to, from DE- + mandāre to command, entrust; see MANDATE]   > deˈmandable adj   > deˈmander n

■ demandant (dIˈmɑːndənt)   n   law (formerly) the plaintiff in an action relating to real property [C14: from Old French, from demander to DEMAND]

■ demand bill or demand draft   n   a bill of exchange that is payable on demand. Also called: sight bill

■ demand deposit   n   a bank deposit from which withdrawals may be made without notice. Compare time deposit

■ demand feeding   n   the practice of feeding a baby whenever it seems to be hungry, rather than at set intervals

■ demanding (dIˈmɑːndIŋ)   adj   requiring great patience, skill, etc: a demanding job   > deˈmandingly adv

■ demandingness (dIˈmɑːndIŋnəs)   n   the quality of being demanding

■ demand loan   n   another name for call loan

■ demand management   n   economics the regulation of total spending in an economy to required levels, attempted by a government esp in order to avoid unemployment or inflation: a measure advocated by Keynesian economists

■ demand note   n   a promissory note payable on demand

■ demand-pull inflation   n   See inflation (sense 2)

demantoid (dIˈmæntɔId)   n   a bright green variety of andradite garnet [C19: from German, from obsolete Demant diamond, from Old French diamant + -OID]

demarcate (ˈdiːmɑːˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to mark, fix, or draw the boundaries, limits, etc, of   2 to separate or distinguish between (areas with unclear boundaries)   > ˈdemarˌcator n

■ demarcation or demarkation (ˌdiːmɑːˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of establishing limits or boundaries   2 a limit or boundary   3    a a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions   b (as modifier): demarcation dispute   4 separation or distinction (often in the phrase line of demarcation) [C18: Latinized version of Spanish demarcación, from demarcar to appoint the boundaries of, from marcar to mark, from Italian marcare, of Germanic origin; see MARK^1]

démarche French (demarʃ)   n   1 a move, step, or manoeuvre, esp in diplomatic affairs   2 a representation or statement of views, complaints, etc, to a public authority [C17: literally: walk, gait, from Old French demarcher to tread, trample; see DE-, MARCH^1]

demark (diːˈmɑːk)   vb (tr)   1 another word for demarcate   2 archaic to remove all trace of (a person or thing)

demarket (diːˈmɑːkIt)   vb   to discourage consumers from buying (a particular product), either because it is faulty or because it could jeopardize the seller's reputation

demast (diːˈmɑːst)   vb (tr)   to remove the mast from (a boat)

dematerialize or dematerialise (ˌdiːməˈtIərIəˌlaIz)   vb (intr)   1 to cease to have material existence, as in science fiction or spiritualism   2 to disappear without trace; vanish   > demaˌterialiˈzation or demaˌterialiˈsation n

Demavend or Damavand (ˈdɛməvɛnd)   n   Mount Demavend a volcanic peak in N Iran, in the Elburz Mountains. Height: 5671 m (18 606 ft)

demayne (dIˈmeIn)   n   another name for demesne

deme (diːm)   n   1    a (in preclassical Greece) the territory inhabited by a tribe   b (in ancient Attica) a geographical unit of local government   2 biology a group of individuals within a species that possess particular characteristics of cytology, genetics, etc [C19: from Greek dēmos district in local government, the populace]

demean^1 (dIˈmiːn)   vb   (tr) to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase [C17: see DE-, MEAN^2; on the model of debase]

■ demeaning (dIˈmiːnIŋ)   adj   intended to lower a person's dignity, status, or character

demean^2 (dIˈmiːn)   vb   (tr) rare to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way [C13: from Old French demener, from DE- + mener to lead, drive, from Latin mināre to drive (animals), from minārī to use threats]

demeane (dIˈmeIn)   n   1 another word for demesne   ▷ vb (tr)   2 an archaic spelling of demean^2

demeanes (dIˈmiːnz)   n   another name for demesne

demeanour or US demeanor (dIˈmiːnə)   n   1 the way a person behaves towards others; conduct   2 bearing, appearance, or mien [C15: see DEMEAN^2]

demeasnure (dIˈmiːnə)   n   (in the works of Spenser) demeanour

dement (dIˈmɛnt)   vb   1 (intr) to deteriorate mentally, esp because of old age   2 (tr) rare to drive mad [C16: from Late Latin dēmentāre to drive mad, from Latin DE- + mēns mind]

■ demented (dIˈmɛntId)   adj   mad; insane   > deˈmentedly adv   > deˈmentedness n

dementate (dIˈmɛnˌteIt) archaic   adj   1 deprived of one's sanity; mad   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to cause (a person) to become demented

dementi French (demã̃ti)   n   formal an official denial or contradiction

dementia (dIˈmɛnʃə, -ʃIə)   n   a state of serious mental deterioration, of organic or functional origin, characterized by declining memory and intellectual ability, and emotional and behavioural changes [C19: from Latin: madness; see DEMENT]

■ dementia praecox (ˈpriːkɒks)   n   a former name for schizophrenia [C19: New Latin, literally: premature dementia]

Demerara (ˌdɛməˈrɛərə, -ˈrɑːrə)   n   1 the Demerara a river in Guyana, rising in the central forest area and flowing north to the Atlantic at Georgetown. Length: 346 km (215 miles)   2 a former region of what is now Guyana, on the Demerara river

■ demerara (ˌdɛməˈrɛərə, -ˈrɑːrə)   n   1 brown crystallized cane sugar from the Caribbean and nearby countries   2 a highly flavoured rum used mainly for blending purposes [C19: named after Demerara, a former region of Guyana]

■ Demeraran (ˌdɛməˈrɛərən)   adj   originating from or native to Demerara

demerge (diːˈmɜːdʒ)   vb   1 (tr) to separate (a company) from another with which it was previously merged   2 (intr) to carry out the separation of a company from another with which it was previously merged

■ demerger (diːˈmɜːdʒə)   n   the separation of two or more companies which have previously been merged

demerit (diːˈmɛrIt, ˈdiːˌmɛrIt)   n   1 something, esp conduct, that deserves censure   2 US and Canadian a mark given against a person for failure or misconduct, esp in schools or the armed forces   3 a fault or disadvantage [C14 (originally: worth, later specialized to mean: something worthy of blame): from Latin dēmerērī to deserve]   > deˌmeriˈtorious adj   > deˌmeriˈtoriously adv

demersal (dIˈmɜːsəl)   adj   living or occurring on the bottom of a sea or a lake: demersal fish [C19: from Latin dēmersus submerged (from dēmergere to plunge into, from mergere to dip) + -AL^1]

demerse (dəˈmɜːs)   vb (tr)   archaic to immerse (someone or something); submerge

■ demersion (dIˈmɜːʃən)   n   archaic immersion in a fluid

demesne (dIˈmeIn, -ˈmiːn)   n   1 land, esp surrounding a house or manor, retained by the owner for his or her own use   2 property law the possession and use of one's own property or land   3 the territory ruled by a state or a sovereign; realm; domain   4 a region or district; domain [C14: from Old French demeine; see DOMAIN]

Demeter (dIˈmiːtə)   n   Greek myth the goddess of agricultural fertility and protector of marriage and women. Roman counterpart: Ceres

demeton (ˈdɛmIˌtɒn)   n   a toxic organic chemical compound with formula C_6H_15O_3PS_2, primarily used as an insecticide

demi-   prefix   1 half: demirelief. Compare hemi-, semi- (sense 1)   2 of less than full size, status, or rank: demigod [via French from Medieval Latin dīmedius, from Latin dīmīdius half, from dis- apart + medius middle]

demibastion (ˌdɛmIˈbæstIən)   n   fortifications half a bastion, having only one flank, at right angles to the wall

demic (ˈdɛmIk)   adj   characteristic of or pertaining to a people or population

demicanton (ˌdɛmIˈkæntɒn, -kænˈtɒn)   n   any of the six Swiss cantons that send only one representative to the upper chamber of the national assembly

demigod (ˈdɛmIˌɡɒd)   n   1    a a mythological being who is part mortal, part god   b a lesser deity   2 a person with outstanding or godlike attributes [C16: translation of Latin sēmideus]   > ˈdemiˌgoddess fem n

demigration (dɛmIˈɡreIʃən)   n   moving from one place to another

demijohn (ˈdɛmIˌdʒɒn)   n   a large bottle with a short narrow neck, often with small handles at the neck and encased in wickerwork [C18: probably by folk etymology from French dame-jeanne, from dame lady + Jeanne Jane]

demilitarize or demilitarise (diːˈmIlItəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to remove any military presence or function in (an area): demilitarized zone   2 to free of military character, purpose, etc: 11 regiments were demilitarized   > deˌmilitariˈzation or deˌmilitariˈsation n

De Mille (də ˈmIl)   n   Cecil B(lount). 1881–1959, US film producer and director

demilune (ˈdɛmIˌluːn, -ˌljuːn)   n   1 fortifications an outwork in front of a fort, shaped like a crescent moon   2 a crescent-shaped object or formation; half-moon [C18: from French, literally: half-moon]

demimonde (ˌdɛmIˈmɒnd; French dəmimɔ̃d)   n   1 (esp in the 19th century) those women considered to be outside respectable society, esp on account of sexual promiscuity   2 any social group considered to be not wholly respectable [C19: from French, literally: half-world]

■ demimondaine (ˌdɛmIˈmɒndeIn; French dəmimɔ̃dɛn)   n   a woman of the demimonde [C19: from French]

demineralize or demineralise (diːˈmInərəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove dissolved salts from (a liquid, esp water)   > deˌmineraliˈzation or deˌmineraliˈsation n

■ demineralizer or demineraliser (diːˈmInərəˌlaIzə)   n   a substance or device that causes demineralization

de-mining   n   the process of removing landmines

demi-pension French (dəmipɑ̃sjɔ̃)   n   another name for half board

demipique (ˌdɛmIˈpiːk)   n   1 a military saddle of the18th century, with its peak roughly half the height of the older war-saddle   ▷ adj   2 (of a saddle) having a peak roughly half the height of the older war-saddle

Demirel (Turkish dɛmIˈrɛl)   n   Süleyman (sylɛiˈmɑn). 1924–2015, Turkish statesman; prime minister (1965–71; 1975–77; 1977–78; 1979–80; 1991–93) and president (1993–2000)

demirelief (ˌdɛmIrIˈliːf)   n   a less common term for mezzo-relievo

demirep (ˈdɛmIˌrɛp)   n   archaic a woman of bad repute, esp a prostitute [C18: from DEMI- + REP(UTATION)]

■ demirepdom (ˌdɛmIˈrɛpdəm)   n   the world or society of demireps

demise (dIˈmaIz)   n   1 failure or termination: the demise of one's hopes   2 a euphemistic or formal word for death   3 property law   a a transfer of an estate by lease   b the passing or transfer of an estate on the death of the owner   4 the immediate transfer of sovereignty to a successor upon the death, abdication, etc, of a ruler (esp in the phrase demise of the crown)   ▷ vb   5 to transfer or be transferred by inheritance, will, or succession   6 (tr) property law to transfer (an estate, etc) for a limited period; lease   7 (tr) to transfer (sovereignty, a title, etc) by or as if by the death, deposition, etc, of a ruler [C16: from Old French, feminine of demis dismissed, from demettre to send away, from Latin dīmittere; see DISMISS]   > deˈmisable adj

demi-sec (ˌdɛmIˈsɛk)   adj   (of wine, esp champagne) medium-sweet [C20: from French, from demi half + sec dry]

demisemiquaver (ˈdɛmIˌsɛmIˌkweIvə)   n   music a note having the time value of one thirty-second of a semibreve. Usual US and Canadian name: thirty-second note

demiss (dIˈmIs) or demissive (dIˈmIsIv)   adj   formal submissive or humble

■ demissly (dIˈmIslI)   adv   archaic in a demiss manner

demission (dIˈmIʃən)   n   rare relinquishment of or abdication from an office, responsibility, etc [C16: from Anglo-French dimissioun, from Latin dīmissiō a dismissing; see DISMISS]

demist (diːˈmIst)   vb   to free or become free of condensation through evaporation produced by a heater and/or blower   > deˌmisting n

■ demister (diːˈmIstə)   n   a device incorporating a heater and/or blower used in a motor vehicle to free the windscreen of condensation

demit (dIˈmIt)   vb -mits, -mitting, -mitted Scot   1 to resign (an office, position, etc)   2 (tr) to dismiss [C16: from Latin dīmittere to send forth, discharge, renounce, from DI-2 + mittere to send]

demitasse (ˈdɛmIˌtæs; French dəmitɑs)   n   1 a small cup used to serve coffee, esp after a meal   2 the coffee itself [C19: French, literally: half-cup]

demiurge (ˈdɛmIˌɜːdʒ, ˈdiː-) or demiurgus (ˌdɛmIˈɜːɡəs)   n   1    a (in the philosophy of Plato) the creator of the universe   b (in Gnostic and some other philosophies) the creator of the universe, supernatural but subordinate to the Supreme Being   2 (in ancient Greece) a magistrate with varying powers found in any of several states [C17: from Church Latin dēmiūrgus, from Greek dēmiourgos skilled workman, literally: one who works for the people, from dēmos people + ergon work]   > ˌdemiˈurgeous, ˌdemiˈurgic or ˌdemiˈurgical adj   > ˌdemiˈurgically adv

demi-vegetarian or demiveg (ˈdɛmIˌvɛdʒ) informal   n   1 a person who eats poultry and fish, but no red meat   ▷ adj   2 denoting a person who eats poultry and fish, but no red meat

demivierge (ˈdɛmIˌvjɛəʒ)   n   a woman who engages in sexual activity but retains her virginity [C20: French, literally: half-virgin]

demivolt or demivolte (ˈdɛmIˌvɒlt)   n   dressage a half turn on the hind legs

demiworld (ˈdɛmIˌwɜːld)   n   another name for demimonde

demo (ˈdɛməʊ)   n, pl -os informal   1 short for demonstration (sense 4)   2    a a demonstration record or tape, used for audition purposes   b a demonstration of a prototype system   3 US short for demonstrator (sense 3)   ▷ vb   4 short for demonstrate (sense 4)   5 to demonstrate a new or updated application, operating system, console, etc

demo- or before a vowel dem-   combining form   indicating people or population: demography [from Greek dēmos]

demob (diːˈmɒb) Brit informal   vb -mobs, -mobbing, -mobbed   1 short for demobilize   ▷ n   2    a short for demobilization   b (as modifier): a demob suit   3 a soldier who has been demobilized

■ demobbed (diːˈmɒbd)   adj   Brit informal (of former soldiers) having been released from the armed forces

■ demob-happy   adj   1 feeling elated in anticipation of demobilization from the armed forces   2 feeling elated and carefree in anticipation of the end of any onerous or unpleasant period

■ demob suit   n   Brit informal a suit of civilian clothes issued to a demobilized soldier, esp at the end of World War II

demobilize or demobilise (diːˈməʊbIˌlaIz)   vb   to disband, as troops, etc   > deˌmobiliˈzation or deˌmobiliˈsation n

democracy (dIˈmɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 government by the people or their elected representatives   2 a political or social unit governed ultimately by all its members   3 the practice or spirit of social equality   4 a social condition of classlessness and equality   5 the common people, esp as a political force [C16: from French démocratie, from Late Latin dēmocratia, from Greek dēmokratia government by the people; see DEMO-, -CRACY]

■ democrat (ˈdɛməˌkræt) or democratist (dIˈmɒkrətIst)   n   1 an advocate of democracy; adherent of democratic principles   2 a member or supporter of a democratic party or movement

■ Democrat (ˈdɛməˌkræt)   n   (in the US) a member or supporter of the Democratic Party   > ˌDemoˈcratic adj

■ democratic (ˌdɛməˈkrætIk) or democratical (ˌdɛməˈkrætIkəl)   adj   1 of, characterized by, derived from, or relating to the principles of democracy   2 upholding or favouring democracy or the interests of the common people   3 popular with or for the benefit of all: democratic sports   > ˌdemoˈcratically adv

■ democratic centralism   n   the Leninist principle that policy should be decided centrally by officials, who are nominally democratically elected

■ democratic deficit   n   any situation in which there is believed to be a lack of democratic accountability and control over the decision-making process

■ Democratic Party   n   1 (in the US) the older and more liberal of the two major political parties, so named since 1840. Compare Republican Party   2 (in South Africa from 1989 to 2000) a multiracial political party of the centre-left. Abbreviation: DP

■ democratifiable (ˌdɛməˌkrætIˈfaIəbəl)   adj   able to be made into a democracy

Democratic-Republican Party   n   US history the antifederalist party originally led by Thomas Jefferson, which developed into the modern Democratic Party

Democratic Republic of the Congo   n   the Democratic Republic of the Congo See Congo (sense 1)

Democratic Unionist Party   n   a Northern Irish political party, founded by Ian Paisley in 1971, advocating the maintenance of union with the UK. Abbreviation: DUP

democratize or democratise (dIˈmɒkrəˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to make democratic   > deˌmocratiˈzation or deˌmocratiˈsation n

■ democratizer or democratiser (dIˈmɒkrəˌtaIzə)   n   a person or thing that democratizes

democraty (dIˈmɒkrətI)   n, pl -ties   an obsolete word for democracy

Democritus (dIˈmɒkrItəs)   n   ?460–?370 BC, Greek philosopher who developed the atomist theory of matter of his teacher, Leucippus. See also atomism

démodé French (demɔde)   adj   out of fashion; outmoded [French, from dé- out of + mode style, fashion]

demoded (diːˈməʊdId)   adj   another wprd for démodé

demodulation (ˌdiːmɒdjʊˈleIʃən)   n   electronics the act or process by which an output wave or signal is obtained having the characteristics of the original modulating wave or signal; the reverse of modulation

■ demodulate (diːˈmɒdjʊˌleIt)   vb   to carry out demodulation on (a wave or signal)   > deˈmoduˌlator n

Demogorgon (ˌdiːməʊˈɡɔːɡən)   n   a mysterious and awesome god in ancient mythology, often represented as ruling in the underworld [C16: via Late Latin from Greek]

demography (dIˈmɒɡrəfI)   n   the scientific study of human populations, esp with reference to their size, structure, and distribution [C19: from French démographie, from Greek dēmos the populace; see -GRAPHY]   > deˈmographer or deˈmographist n

■ demographic (ˌdɛməˈɡræfIk, ˌdiːmə-)   adj   1 of or relating to demography   ▷ n   2 a section of the population sharing common characteristics, such as age, sex, class, etc   > ˌdemoˈgraphical adj   > ˌdemoˈgraphically adv

■ demographics (ˌdɛməˈɡræfIks, ˌdiːmə-)   pl n   data resulting from the science of demography; population statistics

■ demographic timebomb   n   chiefly Brit a predicted shortage of school-leavers and consequently of available workers, caused by an earlier drop in the birth rate, resulting in an older workforce

demoiselle (dəmwɑːˈzɛl)   n   1 Also called: demoiselle crane, Numidian crane a small crane, Anthropoides virgo, of central Asia, N Africa, and SE Europe, having grey plumage with long black breast feathers and white ear tufts   2 a less common name for a damselfly   3 another name for damselfish   4 a literary word for damsel [C16: from French: young woman; see DAMSEL]

de Molina (Spanish ðe moˈlina)   n   Tirso (ˈtirso). Pen name of Gabriel Téllez. ?1571–1648, Spanish dramatist; author of the first dramatic treatment of the Don Juan legend El Burlador de Sevilla (1630)

demolish (dIˈmɒlIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to tear down or break up (buildings, etc)   2 to destroy; put an end to (an argument, etc)   3 facetious to eat up: she demolished the whole cake! [C16: from French démolir, from Latin dēmōlīrī to throw down, destroy, from DE- + mōlīrī to strive, toil, construct, from mōles mass, bulk]   > deˈmolisher n   > deˈmolishment n

■ demolition (ˌdɛməˈlIʃən, ˌdiː-)   n   1 the act of demolishing or state of being demolished   2 chiefly military   a destruction by explosives   b (as modifier): a demolition charge   > ˌdemoˈlitionist n, adj

■ demolition derby   n   chiefly US and Canadian a competition in which contestants drive old cars into each other until there is only one car left running

■ demolitions (ˌdɛməˈlIʃənz, ˌdiː-)   pl n chiefly military   1    a explosives, as when used to blow up bridges, etc   b (as modifier): a demolitions expert   2 targets prepared for destruction by explosives

demology (dɛmˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of human populations, activities, and behaviour

demon (ˈdiːmən)   n   1 an evil spirit or devil   2 a person, habit, obsession, etc, thought of as evil, cruel, or persistently tormenting   3 Also called: daemon, daimon an attendant or ministering spirit; genius: the demon of inspiration   4    a a person who is extremely skilful in, energetic at, or devoted to a given activity, esp a sport: a demon at cycling   b (as modifier): a demon cyclist   5 a variant spelling of daemon (sense 1)   6 Austral and NZ informal, archaic a detective or policeman   7 computing a part of a computer program, such as a help facility, that can run in the background behind the current task or application, and which will only begin to work when certain conditions are met or when it is specifically invoked [C15: from Latin daemōn evil spirit, spirit, from Greek daimōn spirit, deity, fate; see DAEMON]

■ demoness (ˈdiːmənɛs)   n   theol a female demon

■ demonian (dIˈməʊnIən)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a demon

■ demonianism (dIˈməʊnIənIzəm) or demoniacism (diːmənˈaIəˌsIzəm)   n theol   1 the belief in possession by a demon   2 the state of being possessed by a demon

■ demonic (dIˈmɒnIk) or demonical (dIˈmɒnIkəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of a demon; fiendish   2 inspired or possessed by a demon, or seemingly so: demonic laughter   > deˈmonically adv

■ demonism (ˈdiːməˌnIzəm)   n   1    a belief in the existence and power of demons   b worship of demons   2 another word for demonology   > ˈdemonist n

■ demonry (ˈdiːmənrI)   n   theol possession by a demon

demonetize, demonetise (diːˈmʌnIˌtaIz), demonetarize or demonetarise (diːˈmʌnətəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive (a metal) of its capacity as a monetary standard   2 to withdraw from use as currency   > deˌmonetiˈzation, deˌmonetiˈsation, deˌmonetariˈzation or deˌmonetariˈsation n

demoniac (dIˈməʊnIˌæk)   adj also demoniacal (ˌdiːməˈnaIəkəl)   1 of, like, or suggestive of a demon; demonic   2 suggesting inner possession or inspiration: the demoniac fire of genius   3 frantic; frenzied; feverish: demoniac activity   ▷ n   4 a person possessed by an evil spirit or demon   > ˌdemoˈniacally adv

demonize or demonise (ˈdiːməˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make into or like a demon   2 to subject to demonic influence   3 to mark out or describe as evil or culpable: the technique of demonizing the enemy in the run-up to war

■ demonization or demonisation (ˌdiːmənaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 theol the act of turning someone into a demon   2 the representation of someone or something as demonic: the demonization of people on benefits

demonocracy (ˌdiːmɒnˈɒkrəsI)   n   theol power of or rule by demons

demonolatry (ˌdiːməˈnɒlətrI)   n   the worship of demons [C17: see DEMON, -LATRY]

■ demonolater (ˌdiːməˈnɒlətə)   n   a person who worships demons [C19: back formation from DEMONOLATRY]

demonology (ˌdiːməˈnɒlədʒI)   n   1 Also called: demonism the study of demons or demonic beliefs   2 a set of people or things that are disliked or held in low esteem: the place occupied by some politicians in contemporary demonology   > demonological (ˌdiːmənəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or demonologic adj   > ˌdemonˈologist n

demonomania (ˌdiːmənəˈmeInIə)   n   psychiatry a type of psychosis in which someone believes that he or she is possessed by demons

demonstrate (ˈdɛmənˌstreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to show, manifest, or prove, esp by reasoning, evidence, etc: it is easy to demonstrate the truth of this proposition   2 (tr) to evince; reveal the existence of: the scheme later demonstrated a fatal flaw   3 (tr) to explain or illustrate by experiment, example, etc   4 (tr) to display, operate, and explain the workings of (a machine, product, etc)   5 (intr) to manifest support, protest, etc, by public parades or rallies   6 (intr) to be employed as a demonstrator of machinery, etc   7 (intr) military to make a show of force, esp in order to deceive one's enemy [C16: from Latin dēmonstrāre to point out, from monstrāre to show]

■ demonstrable (ˈdɛmənstrəbəl, dIˈmɒn-)   adj   able to be demonstrated or proved   > ˌdemonstraˈbility or ˈdemonstrableness n   > demonstrably (ˈdɛmənstrəblI, dIˈmɒn-) adv

■ demonstration (ˌdɛmənˈstreIʃən)   n   1 the act of demonstrating   2 proof or evidence leading to proof   3 an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works   4 a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc   5 a manifestation of emotion   6 a show of military force or preparedness   7 maths a logical presentation of the assumptions and equations used in solving a problem or proving a theorem   > ˌdemonˈstrational adj   > ˌdemonˈstrationist n

■ demonstration model   n   a nearly new product, such as a car or washing machine, that has been used only to demonstrate its performance by a dealer and is offered for sale at a discount

■ demonstrative (dIˈmɒnstrətIv)   adj   1 tending to manifest or express one's feelings easily or unreservedly   2 (postpositive; foll by of) serving as proof; indicative   3 involving or characterized by demonstration: a demonstrative lecture   4 conclusive; indubitable: demonstrative arguments   5 grammar denoting or belonging to a class of determiners used to point out the individual referent or referents intended, such as this, that, these, and those. Compare interrogative, relative   ▷ n   6 grammar a demonstrative word or construction   > deˈmonstratively adv   > deˈmonstrativeness n

■ demonstrator (ˈdɛmənˌstreItə)   n   1 a person who demonstrates equipment, machines, products, etc   2 a person who takes part in a public demonstration   3 a piece of merchandise, such as a car that one test-drives, used to display merits or performance to prospective buyers

■ demonstratory (ˌdɛmənˈstreItərI)   adj   formal having the quality of demonstrating

demonym (ˈdɛməˌnIm)   n   a name used to denote the inhabitants of a place: Porteño is the demonym for people from Buenos Aires [C20: from DEMO- + -ONYM]

demoralize or demoralise (dIˈmɒrəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to undermine the morale of; dishearten: he was demoralized by his defeat   2 to debase morally; corrupt   3 to throw into confusion   > deˌmoraliˈzation or deˌmoraliˈsation n   > deˈmoralˌizer or deˈmoralˌiser n

■ demoralized or demoralised (dIˈmɒrəˌlaIzd)   adj   dispirited; disheartened

■ demoralizing or demoralising (dIˈmɒrəlaIzIŋ)   adj   dispiriting; disheartening

■ demoralizingly or demoralisingly (dIˈmɒrəˌlaIzIŋlI)   adv   in a demoralizing manner

De Morgan's laws (də ˈmɔːɡənz)   pl n   (in formal logic and set theory) the principles that conjunction and disjunction, or union and intersection, are dual. Thus the negation of P & Q is equivalent to not-P or not-Q [named after Augustus De Morgan (1806–71), British mathematician]

demos (ˈdiːmɒs)   n   1 the people of a nation regarded as a political unit   2 rare the common people; masses [C19: from Greek: the populace; see DEME]

demoscene (ˈdɛməʊˌsiːn)   n   a computer art subculture whose members produce non-interactive multimedia presentations in order to compete artistically [C20: from DEMO(NSTRATION) + SCENE]

Demosthenes (dIˈmɒsθəˌniːz)   n   384–322 BC, Athenian statesman, orator, and lifelong opponent of the power of Macedonia over Greece

demote (dIˈməʊt)   vb   (tr) to lower in rank or position; relegate [C19: from DE- + (PRO)MOTE]   > deˈmotion n

demotic (dIˈmɒtIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the common people; popular   2 of or relating to a simplified form of hieroglyphics used in ancient Egypt by the ordinary literate class outside the priesthood. Compare hieratic   ▷ n   3 the demotic script of ancient Egypt [C19: from Greek dēmotikos of the people, from dēmotēs a man of the people, commoner; see DEMOS]   > deˈmotist or deˈmoticist n

■ Demotic (dIˈmɒtIk)   n   1 the spoken form of Modern Greek, now increasingly used in literature. Compare Katharevusa   ▷ adj   2 denoting or relating to this

demotivate (ˌdiːˈməʊtIveIt)   vb (tr)   to cause (a person) to lose motivation

■ demotivation (diːˌməʊtIˈveIʃən)   n   1 the condition of being without motivation   2 the act of demotivating

demount (diːˈmaʊnt)   vb   (tr) to remove (a motor, gun, etc) from its mounting or setting   > deˈmountable adj

Dempsey (ˈdɛmpsI)   n   Jack. real name William Harrison Dempsey. 1895–1983, US boxer; world heavyweight champion (1919–26)

dempster (ˈdɛmpstə)   n   a variant spelling of deemster

demulcent (dIˈmʌlsənt)   adj   1 soothing; mollifying   ▷ n   2 a drug or agent that soothes the irritation of inflamed or injured skin surfaces [C18: from Latin dēmulcēre to caress soothingly, from DE- + mulcēre to stroke]

demulsify (diːˈmʌlsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which an emulsion is permanently broken down into its constituents [C20: from DE- + EMULSIFY]   > deˌmulsifiˈcation n   > deˈmulsiˌfier n

demultiplexer (diːˈmʌltIˌplɛksə)   n   a type of electronic circuit which receives a single input signal and selects one of multiple possible output routes to which to transmit the signal

demur (dIˈmɜː)   vb -murs, -murring, -murred (intr)   1 to raise objections or show reluctance; object   2 law to raise an objection by entering a demurrer   3 archaic to hesitate; delay   ▷ n also demurral (dIˈmʌrəl)   4 the act of demurring   5 an objection raised   6 archaic hesitation [C13: from Old French demorer, from Latin dēmorārī to loiter, linger, from morārī to delay, from mora a delay]   > deˈmurrable adj

■ demurrer (dIˈmʌrə)   n   1 law a pleading that admits an opponent's point but denies that it is a relevant or valid argument   2 any objection raised

demure (dIˈmjʊə)   adj   1 sedate; decorous; reserved   2 affectedly modest or prim; coy [C14: perhaps from Old French demorer to delay, linger; perhaps influenced by meur ripe, MATURE]   > deˈmurely adv   > deˈmureness n

demurrage (dIˈmʌrIdʒ)   n   1 the delaying of a ship, railway wagon, etc, caused by the charterer's failure to load, unload, etc, before the time of scheduled departure   2 the extra charge required as compensation for such delay   3 a fee charged by the Bank of England for changing bullion into notes [C17: from Old French demorage, demourage; see DEMUR]

demutualize or demutualise (diːˈmjuːtʃʊəˌlaIz)   vb   to convert (a mutual society, such as a building society) to a public limited company or (of such a society) to be converted   > ˌdemutualiˈzation or ˌdemutualiˈsation n

demy (dIˈmaI)   n, pl -mies   1    a a size of printing paper, 17^1⁄2 by 22^1⁄2 inches (444.5 × 571.5 mm)   b a size of writing paper, 15^1⁄2 by 20 inches (Brit) (393.7 × 508 mm) or 16 by 21 inches (US) (406.4 × 533.4 mm)   2 either one of two book sizes, 8^1⁄2 by 5^1⁄2 inches (demy octavo) or (chiefly Brit) 11^3⁄4 by 8^5⁄8 inches (demy quarto) [C16: see DEMI-]

demyelinate (diːˈmaIəlIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   med to remove the myelin sheath from (a nerve fibre)

■ demyelination (diːˌmaIəlIˈneIʃən)   n   med the removal or destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding a nerve

demyship (ˈdɛmIʃIp)   n   a type of scholarship awarded at Magdalen College, Oxford

demystify (diːˈmIstIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to remove the mystery from; make clear   > deˌmystifiˈcation n

demythify (diːˈmIθIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to remove the mythical characteristics from (a person)

■ demythification (diːˌmIθIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the act of demythifying

demythologize or demythologise (ˌdiːmIˈθɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to eliminate all mythical elements from (a piece of writing, esp the Bible) so as to arrive at an essential meaning   2 to restate (a message, esp a religious one) in rational terms   > ˌdemyˌthologiˈzation or ˌdemyˌthologiˈsation n

■ demythologizer or demythologiser (ˌdiːmIˈθɒləˌdʒaIzə)   n   a person who removes mythical elements from something

den (dɛn)   n   1 the habitat or retreat of a lion or similar wild animal; lair   2 a small or secluded room in a home, often used for carrying on a hobby   3 a squalid or wretched room or retreat   4 a site or haunt: a den of vice   5 Scot a small wooded valley; dingle   6 Scot and Northern English dialect a place of sanctuary in certain catching games; home or base   ▷ vb dens, denning, denned   7 (intr) to live in or as if in a den [Old English denn; related to Old High German tenni threshing floor, early Dutch denne low ground, den, cave]

Den.   abbreviation for   Denmark

Denali (dIˈnɑːlI)   n   a mountain in S central Alaska, in the Alaska Range: the highest peak in North America. Height: 6190 m (20 308 ft). Former name: Mount McKinley

■ Denali National Park and Preserve   n   a national park in S central Alaska: contains part of the Alaska Range Area: 7847 sq km (3030 sq miles). Former name: Mount McKinley National Park

denar (ˈdiːnə)   n   the standard monetary unit of Macedonia, divided into 100 deni

denarius (dIˈnɛərIəs)   n, pl -narii (-ˈnɛərIˌaI)   1 a silver coin of ancient Rome, often called a penny in translation   2 a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii [C16: from Latin: coin originally equal to ten asses, from dēnārius (adj) containing ten, from dēnī ten each, from decem ten]

denary (ˈdiːnərI)   adj   1 calculated by tens; based on ten; decimal   2 containing ten parts; tenfold [C16: from Latin dēnārius containing ten; see DENARIUS]

denationalize or denationalise (diːˈnæʃənəˌlaIz)   vb   1 to return or transfer (an industry, etc) from public to private ownership   2 to deprive (an individual, people, institution, etc) of national character or nationality   > deˌnationaliˈzation or deˌnationaliˈsation n

denaturalize or denaturalise (diːˈnætʃrəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive of nationality   2 to make unnatural   > deˌnaturaliˈzation or deˌnaturaliˈsation n

denature (diːˈneItʃə), denaturize or denaturise (diːˈneItʃəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to change the nature of   2 to change (a protein) by chemical or physical means, such as the action of acid or heat, to cause loss of solubility, biological activity, etc   3 to render (something, such as ethanol) unfit for consumption by adding nauseous substances   4 to render (fissile material) unfit for use in nuclear weapons by addition of an isotope   > deˈnaturant n   > deˌnaturˈation n

■ denatured alcohol   n   chem ethanol rendered unfit for human consumption by the addition of a noxious substance, as in methylated spirits

denay (dIˈneI) archaic   n   1 a denial   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to deny (something)

denazify (diːˈnɑːtsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to free or declare (people, institutions, etc) freed from Nazi influence or ideology   > deˌnazifiˈcation n

Denbighshire (ˈdɛnbIˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of N Wales: split between Clwyd and Gwynedd in 1974; reinstated with different boundaries in 1996: borders the Irish Sea, with the Cambrian Mountains in the south: chiefly agricultural. Administrative centre: Ruthin. Pop: 94 900 (2003 est). Area: 844 sq km (327 sq miles)

Den Bosch (dən bɔs)   n   another name for 's Hertogenbosch

Dench (dɛntʃ)   n   Dame Judi (Olivia). born 1934, British actress and theatre director: her film roles include Mrs Brown (1997), Notes on a Scandal (2006), and, from 1995 to 2012, 'M' in the James Bond series of films

dendrachate (ˈdɛndrəˌkeIt)   n   a variety of agate with black or brown tree-like markings, caused by impurities. Also called: dendritic agate

dendriform (ˈdɛndrIˌfɔːm)   adj   branching or treelike in appearance

dendrimer (ˈdɛndrəmə)   n   chem a type of polymer defined by regular branches from a central monomer, which give it a tree-like molecular structure

dendrite (ˈdɛndraIt)   n   1 Also called: dendron any of the short branched threadlike extensions of a nerve cell, which conduct impulses towards the cell body   2 a branching mosslike crystalline structure in some rocks and minerals   3 a crystal that has branched during growth and has a treelike form [C18: from Greek dendritēs relating to a tree]   > dendritic (dɛnˈdrItIk) or denˈdritical adj   > denˈdritically adv

dendro-, dendri- or before a vowel dendr-   combining form   tree: dendrochronology; dendrite [New Latin, from Greek, from dendron tree]

dendrobium (dɛnˈdrəʊbIəm)   n   a genus of tropical orchid, predominantly growing from trees or occasionally from rocks

dendrochronology (ˌdɛndrəʊkrəˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the annual rings of trees, used esp to date past events   > dendrochronological (ˌdɛndrəʊˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌdendrochroˈnologist n

dendroglyph (ˈdɛndrəʊˌɡlIf)   n   the art of carving in the bark of a living tree, esp as practised by the aboriginal peoples of New Zealand

dendrogram (ˈdɛndrəʊˌɡræm)   n   any branching diagram, such as a cladogram, showing the interconnections between treelike organisms

dendroid (ˈdɛndrɔId) or dendroidal (dɛnˈdrɔIdəl)   adj   1 freely branching; arborescent; treelike   2 (esp of tree ferns) having a tall trunklike stem [C19: from Greek dendroeidēs like a tree]

dendrolatry (dɛnˈdrɒlətrI)   n   the worship of trees

dendrology (dɛnˈdrɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of botany that is concerned with the natural history of trees and shrubs   > dendrological (ˌdɛndrəˈlɒdʒIkəl), ˌdendroˈlogic or denˈdrologous adj   > denˈdrologist n

dendrometer (dɛnˈdrɒmItə)   n   an instrument used for measuring trees

dendron (ˈdɛndrɒn)   n   another name for dendrite (sense 1)

dendrophis (ˈdɛndrəfIs)   n   a genus of harmless tree-dwelling snake, of which varieties can be found in South America, India, Australia, Africa, and North America

dene^1 or dean (diːn)   n   Brit a valley, esp one that is narrow and wooded [Old English denu valley; see DEN]

■ dene hole   n   a hole or shaft excavated in the chalk of southern England or northern France, of uncertain origin and purpose [of uncertain origin: perhaps from DENE^1]

dene^2 or dean (diːn)   n   dialect, chiefly Southern English a sandy stretch of land or dune near the sea [C13: probably related to Old English dūn hill; see DOWN^3]

Dene (ˈdɛnI, ˈdɛneI)   pl n   the indigenous peoples of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories in Canada. The official body representing them is called the Dene Nation [via French déné, from Athapascan dene people]

Deneb (ˈdɛnɛb)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and one of the brightest but remotest stars in the night sky. Visual magnitude: 1.25; spectral type: A2I [C19: from Arabic dhanab a tail]

Denebola (dIˈnɛbələ)   n   the second brightest star in the constellation Leo. Visual magnitude: 2.14; spectral type: A3V [from Arabic dhanab al-(asad) tail of the (lion)]

denegation (ˌdɛnIˈɡeIʃən)   n   a denial, contradiction, or refusal [C17: from Late Latin dēnegātiō, from Latin dēnegāre to deny, refuse, from negāre to deny]

denervate (ˈdɛnəˌveIt)   vb   (tr) to deprive (a tissue or organ) of its nerve supply   > ˌdenerˈvation n

denet (diːˈnɛt)   vb -nets, -netting, -netted (tr)   (formerly, in Britain) to sell (a book) at a lower price than that specified by the Net Book Agreement

Deneuve (French dənøv)   n   Catherine, original name Catherine Dorléac. born 1943, French film actress: her films include Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (1964), Belle de jour (1967), Indochine (1992), and Dancer in the Dark (2000)

DEng.   abbreviation for   Doctor of Engineering

Denglish (ˈdɛŋɡlIʃ)   n   a variety of German containing a high proportion of English words [C20: from a blend of German Deutsch German + ENGLISH]

dengue (ˈdɛŋɡI) or dandy (ˈdændI)   n   an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by headache, fever, pains in the joints, and skin rash. Also called: breakbone fever [C19: from Spanish, probably of African origin; compare Swahili kidinga]

Deng Xiaoping (ˈdʌŋ ˈsjaʊpIŋ) or Teng Hsiao-ping   n   1904–97, Chinese Communist statesman; deputy prime minister (1973–76; 1977–80) and the dominant figure in the Chinese government from 1977 until his death. He was twice removed from office (1967–73, 1976–77) and rehabilitated. He introduced economic liberalization, but suppressed demands for political reform, most notably in 1989 when over 2500 demonstrators were killed by the military in Tiananmen Square in Beijing

Den Haag (dɛn ˈhaːx)   n   a Dutch name for (The) Hague^1

Den Helder (Dutch dɛn ˈhɛldər)   n   a port in the W Netherlands, in North Holland province: fortified by Napoleon in 1811; naval station. Pop: 60 000 (2003 est)

deni (dIˈnI)   n   a monetary unit of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, worth one hundredth of a denar

deniable (dIˈnaIəbəl)   adj   able to be denied; questionable   > deˈniably adv

■ deniability (dIˌnaIəˈbIlItI)   n   the condition of being deniable

denial (dIˈnaIəl)   n   1 a refusal to agree or comply with a statement; contradiction   2 the rejection of the truth of a proposition, doctrine, etc: a denial of God's existence   3 a negative reply; rejection of a request   4 a refusal to acknowledge; renunciation; disavowal: a denial of one's leader   5 a psychological process by which painful truths are not admitted into an individual's consciousness. See also defence mechanism   6 abstinence; self-denial

■ denialist (dIˈnaIəlIst)   n   a person who refuses to accept something that is regarded as an established fact: a climate change denialist

■ denial of service   n   a deliberate interruption in access to a computer system or network, esp by using multiple computers to generate an unmanageable volume of traffic (distributed denial of service)

denier^1   n   1 (ˈdɛnIˌeI, ˈdɛnjə) a unit of weight used to measure the fineness of silk and man-made fibres, esp when woven into women's tights, etc. It is equal to 1 gram per 9000 metres   2 (dəˈnjeI, -ˈnIə) any of several former European coins of various denominations [C15: from Old French: coin, from Latin dēnārius DENARIUS]

denier^2 (dIˈnaIə)   n   a person who denies

denigrate (ˈdɛnIˌɡreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to belittle or disparage the character of; defame   2 a rare word for blacken [C16: from Latin dēnigrāre to make very black, defame, from nigrāre to blacken, from niger black]   > ˌdeniˈgration n   > ˈdeniˌgrator n

■ denigrative (ˈdɛnIˌɡreItIv) or denigratory (ˌdɛnIˈɡreItərI)   adj   formal tending to denigrate

denim (ˈdɛnIm)   n textiles   1    a a hard-wearing twill-weave cotton fabric used for trousers, work clothes, etc   b (as modifier): a denim jacket   2    a a similar lighter fabric used in upholstery   b (as modifier): denim cushion covers [C17: from French (serge) de Nîmes (serge) of NÎMES]

■ denimed (ˈdɛnImd)   adj   informal wearing denim

■ denims (ˈdɛnImz)   pl n   jeans or overalls made of denim

De Niro (də ˈnIərəʊ)   n   Robert. born 1943, US film actor. His films include Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), GoodFellas (1990), Casino (1995), and Meet the Parents (2000)

Denis (ˈdɛnIs; French dəni)   n   1  Maurice (mɔris). 1870–1943, French painter and writer on art. One of the leading Nabis, he defined a picture as "essentially a flat surface covered with colours assembled in a certain order"   2 Saint Denis or Saint Denys 3rd century AD, first bishop of Paris; patron saint of France. Feast day: Oct 9

denitrate (diːˈnaItreIt)   vb   to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a compound loses a nitro or nitrate group, nitrogen dioxide, or nitric acid   > ˌdeniˈtration n

denitrify (diːˈnaItrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to undergo or cause to undergo loss or removal of nitrogen compounds or nitrogen   > deˌnitrifiˈcation n

■ denitrificator (diːˈnaItrIfIˌkeItə)   n   an apparatus which is used in denitrification, particularly in sulphuric acid works

■ denitrifier (diːˈnaItrIˌfaIə)   n   an agent, often bacterial, which denitrifies

denization or denisation (ˌdɛnIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of becoming a denizen; naturalization

denizen (ˈdɛnIzən)   n   1 an inhabitant; occupant; resident   2 Brit an individual permanently resident in a foreign country where he or she enjoys certain rights of citizenship   3 a plant or animal established in a place to which it is not native   4 a naturalized foreign word   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to make a denizen [C15: from Anglo-French denisein, from Old French denzein, from denz within, from Latin de intus from within]

■ denizenship (ˈdɛnIzənˌʃIp)   n   the status of a denizen

Denmark (ˈdɛnmɑːk)   n   a kingdom in N Europe, between the Baltic and the North Sea: consists of the mainland of Jutland and about 100 inhabited islands (chiefly Zealand, Lolland, Funen, Falster, Langeland, and Bornholm); extended its territory throughout the Middle Ages, ruling Sweden until 1523 and Norway until 1814, and incorporating Greenland as a province from 1953 to 1979; joined the Common Market (now the EU) in 1973; an important exporter of dairy produce. Language: Danish. Religion: Christian, Lutheran majority. Currency: krone. Capital: Copenhagen. Pop: 5 733 551 (2017 est). Area: 43 031 sq km (16 614 sq miles). Danish name: Danmark. Related adjective: Danish

■ Denmark Strait   n   a channel between SE Greenland and Iceland, linking the Arctic Ocean with the Atlantic

dennet (ˈdɛnIt)   n   a one-horse, two-wheeled light carriage, fashionable in the 19th century

Denning (ˈdɛnIŋ)   n   Baron Alfred Thompson. 1899–1999, English judge; Master of the Rolls 1962-82

Dennis (ˈdɛnIs)   n   C(larence) J(ames). 1876–1938, the poet of the Australian larrikin, esp in The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke (1915) and The Moods of Ginger Mick (1916)

denom.   abbreviation for   (religious) denomination

denominal (dIˈnɒmInəl)   adj   another word for denominative

denominate   vb (dIˈnɒmIˌneIt)   1 (tr) to give a specific name to; designate   2 (tr) to represent the value of (an asset, transaction, etc) using a specified unit of currency: bonds denominated in dollars   ▷ adj (dIˈnɒmInIt, -ˌneIt)   3 maths (of a number) representing a multiple of a unit of measurement: 4 is the denominate number in 4 miles [C16: from DE- + Latin nōmināre to call by name; see NOMINATE]   > deˈnominable adj

■ denominative (dIˈnɒmInətIv)   adj   1 giving or constituting a name; naming   2 grammar   a (of a word other than a noun) formed from or having the same form as a noun   b (as noun): the verb "to mushroom" is a denominative   > deˈnominatively adv

■ denominator (dIˈnɒmIˌneItə)   n   1 the divisor of a fraction, as 8 in 7⁄8. Compare numerator (sense 1)   2 archaic a person or thing that denominates or designates

denomination (dIˌnɒmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 a group having a distinctive interpretation of a religious faith and usually its own organization   2 a grade or unit in a series of designations of value, weight, measure, etc: coins of this denomination are being withdrawn   3 a name given to a class or group; classification   4 the act of giving a name   5 a name; designation [C15: from Latin dēnōminātiō a calling by name; see DENOMINATE]   > deˌnomiˈnational adj   > deˌnomiˈnationally adv

■ denominationalism (dIˌnɒmIˈneIʃənəˌlIzəm)   n   1 adherence to particular principles, esp to the tenets of a religious denomination; sectarianism   2 the tendency to divide or cause to divide into sects or denominations   3 division into denominations   > deˌnomiˈnationalist n, adj

denotate (ˈdiːnəʊˌteIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to denote (something)

■ denotation (ˌdiːnəʊˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of denoting; indication   2 a particular meaning, esp one given explicitly rather than by suggestion   3    a something designated or referred to. Compare referent, connotation   b another name for extension (sense 11)

denote (dIˈnəʊt)   vb (tr; may take a clause as object)   1 to be a sign, symbol, or symptom of; indicate or designate   2 (of words, phrases, expressions, etc) to have as a literal or obvious meaning [C16: from Latin dēnotāre to mark, from notāre to mark, NOTE]   > deˈnotable adj   > deˈnotement n

■ denotative (dIˈnəʊtətIv) or denotive (dIˈnəʊtIv)   adj   1 able to denote; designative   2 explicit; overt   > deˈnotatively adv

denouement (deIˈnuːmɒn) or dénouement (French denumɑ̃)   n   1    a the final clarification or resolution of a plot in a play or other work   b the point at which this occurs   2 final outcome; solution [C18: from French, literally: an untying, from dénouer to untie, from Old French desnoer, from des- DE- + noer to tie, knot, from Latin nōdāre, from nōdus a knot; see NODE]

denounce (dIˈnaʊns)   vb (tr)   1 to deplore or condemn openly or vehemently   2 to give information against; accuse   3 to announce formally the termination of (a treaty, etc)   4 obsolete   a to announce (something evil)   b to portend [C13: from Old French denoncier to proclaim, from Latin dēnuntiāre to make an official proclamation, threaten, from DE- + nuntiāre to announce]   > deˈnouncement n   > deˈnouncer n

de novo Latin (diː ˈnəʊvəʊ)   adv   from the beginning; anew

dense (dɛns)   adj   1 thickly crowded or closely set: a dense crowd   2 thick; impenetrable: a dense fog   3 physics having a high density   4 stupid; dull; obtuse   5 (of a photographic negative) having many dark or exposed areas   6 (of an optical glass, colour, etc) transmitting little or no light [C15: from Latin densus thick; related to Greek dasus thickly covered with hair or leaves]   > ˈdensely adv   > ˈdenseness n

densify (ˈdɛnsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to make or become denser

■ densification (ˌdɛnsIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the act of becoming or making more dense

■ densifier (ˈdɛnsIˌfaIə)   n   1 something that makes things more dense   2 an apparatus which compresses waste products to reduce volume

densimeter (dɛnˈsImItə)   n   physics any instrument for measuring density   > densimetric (ˌdɛnsIˈmɛtrIk) adj   > denˈsimetry n

densitometer (ˌdɛnsIˈtɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the optical density of a material by directing a beam of light onto the specimen and measuring its transmission or reflection   > densitometric (ˌdɛnsItəˈmɛtrIk) adj   > ˌdensiˈtometry n

density (ˈdɛnsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the degree to which something is filled, crowded, or occupied: high density of building in towns   2 obtuseness; stupidity   3 a measure of the compactness of a substance, expressed as its mass per unit volume. It is measured in kilograms per cubic metre or pounds per cubic foot. Symbol: ρ. See also relative density   4 a measure of a physical quantity per unit of length, area, or volume. See charge density, current density   5 physics, photog See transmission density, reflection density

■ density function   n   statistics short for probability density function

dent^1 (dɛnt)   n   1 a hollow or dip in a surface, as one made by pressure or a blow   2 an appreciable effect, esp of lessening: a dent in our resources   ▷ vb   3 to impress or be impressed with a dent or dents [C13 (in the sense: a stroke, blow): variant of DINT]

■ dented (ˈdɛntId)   adj   having a surface containing a hollow or dip

dent^2 (dɛnt)   n   1 a toothlike protuberance, esp the tooth of a sprocket or gearwheel   2 textiles the space between two wires in a loom through which a warp thread is drawn [C16: from French: tooth]

dent.   abbreviation for   1 dental   2 dentistry

dental (ˈdɛntəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the teeth   2 of or relating to dentistry   3 phonetics   a pronounced or articulated with the tip of the tongue touching the backs of the upper teeth, as for t in French tout   b (esp in the phonology of some languages, such as English) another word for alveolar   ▷ n   4 phonetics a dental consonant [C16: from Medieval Latin dentālis, from Latin dens tooth]

■ dental clinic   n   NZ a school clinic in which minor dental work is carried out by dental nurses

■ dental floss   n   a soft usually flattened often waxed thread for cleaning the teeth and the spaces between them

■ dental hygiene   n   the maintenance of the teeth and gums in healthy condition, esp by proper brushing, the removal of plaque, etc. Also called: oral hygiene

■ dental hygienist   n   a dentist's assistant skilled in dental hygiene. Also called: oral hygienist

■ dentality (dɛnˈtælItI)   n   phonetics the quality given to spoken words by the use of teeth

■ dentally (ˈdɛntəlI)   adv   in relation to the teeth

■ dental nurse   n   1 a dentist's assistant, esp one who passes instruments, mixes fillings, etc   2 NZ a nurse trained to do fillings and carry out other minor dental work on schoolchildren

■ dental plaque   n   a filmy deposit on the surface of a tooth consisting of a mixture of mucus, bacteria, food, etc. Also called: bacterial plaque

■ dental records   pl n   records produced during a dental examination and recording the state of a patient's teeth

■ dental surgeon   n   another name for dentist

dentalium (dɛnˈteIlIəm)   n, pl -liums or -lia (-lIə)   any scaphopod mollusc of the genus Dentalium. See tusk shell [C19: New Latin, from Medieval Latin dentālis DENTAL]

dentaria (dɛnˈtɛərIə)   n   a genus of plant within the family Brassicaceae, in some systems of classification considered identical with the genus Cardimime

dentary (ˈdɛntərI) anatomy   n, pl -ries   1 a bone in the lower jaw of non-mammalian vertebrates, which holds the teeth   ▷ adj   2 archaic dental

dentate (ˈdɛnteIt)   adj   1 having teeth or toothlike processes   2 (of leaves) having a toothed margin [C19: from Latin dentātus]   > ˈdentately adv

■ dentated (dɛnˈteItId)   adj   having teeth

■ dentation (dɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 the state or condition of being dentate   2 an angular projection or series of projections, as on the margin of a leaf

dentel (ˈdɛntIl)   n   another name for dentil

dentelle (dɛnˈtɛl)   n   bookbinding an ornamentation worked on a book, resembling lace

dentex (ˈdɛntɛks)   n   a large active predatory sparid fish, Dentex dentex, of Mediterranean and E Atlantic waters, having long sharp teeth and powerful jaws [C19: from Latin dentix, dentex from dens tooth]

denti- or before a vowel dent-   combining form   indicating a tooth: dentiform; dentine [from Latin dēns, dent-]

denticle (ˈdɛntIkəl)   n   a small tooth or toothlike part, such as any of the placoid scales of sharks [C14: from Latin denticulus]

denticulate (dɛnˈtIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or denticulated (dɛnˈtIkjʊˌleItId)   adj   1 biology very finely toothed: denticulate leaves   2 having denticles   3 architect having dentils [C17: from Latin denticulātus having small teeth]   > denˈticulately adv

■ denticulation (dɛnˌtIkjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 a denticulate structure   2 a less common word for denticle

dentiform (ˈdɛntIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a tooth

dentifrice (ˈdɛntIfrIs)   n   any substance, esp paste or powder, for use in cleaning the teeth [C16: from Latin dentifricium tooth powder, from dent-, dens tooth + fricāre to rub]

dentigerous (dɛnˈtIdʒərəs)   adj   zoology, anatomy bearing or having teeth

dentil (ˈdɛntIl)   n   one of a set of small square or rectangular blocks evenly spaced to form an ornamental row, usually under a classical cornice on a building, piece of furniture, etc [C17: from French, from obsolete dentille a little tooth, from dent tooth]

dentilabial (ˌdɛntIˈleIbIəl)   adj   another word for labiodental

dentilingual (ˌdɛntIˈlIŋɡwəl)   adj   1 phonetics pronounced or articulated with the tongue touching the upper teeth   ▷ n   2 a consonant so pronounced

dentine (ˈdɛntiːn) or dentin (ˈdɛntIn)   n   the calcified tissue surrounding the pulp cavity of a tooth and comprising the bulk of the tooth [C19: from DENTI- + -IN]   > ˈdentinal adj

dentirostral (ˌdɛntIˈrɒstrəl)   adj   1 (of birds) having a toothed beak   2 of or relating to the species of bird Dentirostres, which is characterized by a tooth on each side of the upper beak

dentist (ˈdɛntIst)   n   a person qualified to practise dentistry [C18: from French dentiste, from dent tooth]

■ dentistry (ˈdɛntIstrI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and gums

dentition (dɛnˈtIʃən)   n   1 the arrangement, type, and number of the teeth in a particular species. Humans have a primary dentition of deciduous teeth and a secondary dentition of permanent teeth   2 teething or the time or process of teething [C17: from Latin dentītiō a teething]

dentoid (ˈdɛntɔId)   adj   resembling a tooth

Denton (ˈdɛntən)   n   a town in NW England, in Tameside unitary authority, Greater Manchester. Pop: 26 866 (2001)

D'Entrecasteaux Islands (French dɑ̃trəkasto)   pl n   a group of volcanic islands in the Pacific, off the SE coast of New Guinea: part of Papua New Guinea. Pop: 49 167 (1990 est). Area: 3141 sq km (1213 sq miles)

dentulous (ˈdɛntʃələs, ˈdɛntjʊləs)   adj   having teeth

denture (ˈdɛntʃə)   n (usually plural)   1 Also called: dental plate, false teeth a partial or full set of artificial teeth   2 rare a set of natural teeth [C19: from French, from dent tooth + -URE]

■ dentural (ˈdɛntʃərəl, ˈdɛntjʊrəl)   adj   of or relating to dentures

■ denturist (ˈdɛntʃərIst, ˈdɛntjʊrIst)   n   a person who makes dentures

denuclearize or denuclearise (dIˈnjuːklIəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to remove nuclear weapons from (a country, state, etc)   > deˌnucleariˈzation or deˌnucleariˈsation n

denude (dIˈnjuːd)   vb (tr)   1 to divest of covering; make bare; uncover; strip   2 to expose (rock) by the erosion of the layers above [C16: from Latin dēnūdāre; see NUDE]   > denudation (ˌdɛnjʊˈdeIʃən, ˌdiː-) or denudement (dIˈnjuːdmənt) n   > deˈnuder n

■ denudate (ˈdɛnjʊˌdeIt, dIˈnjuːdeIt)   vb   1 a less common word for denude   ▷ adj   2 denuded; bare

denumerable (dIˈnjuːmərəbəl)   adj   maths capable of being put into a one-to-one correspondence with the positive integers; countable   > deˈnumerably adv

■ denumerability (dIˌnjuːmərəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being countable

denunciate (dIˈnʌnsIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to condemn; denounce [C16: from Latin dēnuntiāre; see DENOUNCE]   > deˈnunciˌator n   > deˈnunciatory or deˈnunciative adj

■ denunciation (dIˌnʌnsIˈeIʃən)   n   1 open condemnation; censure; denouncing   2 law obsolete a charge or accusation of crime made by an individual before a public prosecutor or tribunal   3 a formal announcement of the termination of a treaty   4 archaic an announcement in the form of an impending threat or warning

Denver (ˈdɛnvə)   n   a city in central Colorado: the state capital. Pop: 557 478 (2003 est)

■ Denver boot   n   a slang name for wheel clamp [C20: from DENVER, Colorado, where the device was first used]

deny (dIˈnaI)   vb -nies, -nying, -nied (tr)   1 to declare (an assertion, statement, etc) to be untrue: they denied that they were involved   2 to reject as false; refuse to accept or believe   3 to withhold; refuse to give   4 to refuse to fulfil the requests or expectations of: it is hard to deny a child   5 to refuse to acknowledge or recognize; disown; disavow: the baron denied his wicked son   6 to refuse (oneself) things desired [C13: from Old French denier, from Latin dēnegāre, from negāre]

■ denyingly (dIˈnaIIŋlI)   adv   in a denying manner

Denys (ˈdɛnIs; French dəni)   n   Saint. a variant spelling of (Saint) Denis (sense 2)

deobstruent (diːˈɒbstrʊənt) med   n   1 a drug which removes obstructions in the body by aiding the opening of ducts   ▷ adj   2 (of a drug) removing obstructions

deoch-an-doruis (ˈdjɒxənˈdɒrIs, dɒx-)   n   Scot a parting drink or stirrup cup. Also called: doch-an-doris [Scottish Gaelic: drink at the door]

deodand (ˈdiːəʊˌdænd)   n   English law (formerly) a thing that had caused a person's death and was forfeited to the crown for a charitable purpose: abolished 1862 [C16: from Anglo-French deodande, from Medieval Latin deōdandum, from Latin Deō dandum (something) to be given to God, from deus god + dare to give]

deodar (ˈdiːəʊˌdɑː)   n   1 a Himalayan cedar, Cedrus deodara, with drooping branches   2 the durable fragrant highly valued wood of this tree [C19: from Hindi deodār, from Sanskrit devadāru, literally: wood of the gods, from deva god + dāru wood]

deodate (ˈdiːəʊˌdeIt) theol   n   1 anything offered to God or given by God   ▷ adj   2 given by God

deodorant (diːˈəʊdərənt)   n   1    a a substance applied to the body to suppress or mask the odour of perspiration or other body odours   b (as modifier): a deodorant spray. Compare antiperspirant   2 any substance for destroying or masking odours, such as liquid sprayed into the air

deodorize or deodorise (diːˈəʊdəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to remove, disguise, or absorb the odour of, esp when unpleasant   > deˌodoriˈzation or deˌodoriˈsation n   > deˈodorˌizer or deˈodorˌiser n

Deo gratias Latin (ˈdeIəʊ ˈɡrɑːtIəs)     thanks be to God. Abbreviation: DG

deontic (diːˈɒntIk)   adj   logic   a of or relating to such ethical concepts as obligation and permissibility   b designating the branch of modal logic that deals with the formalization of these concepts [C19: from Greek deon duty, from impersonal dei it behoves, it is binding]

deontology (ˌdiːɒnˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of ethics dealing with duty, moral obligation, and moral commitment [C19: from Greek deon duty (see DEONTIC) + -LOGY]   > ˌdeonˈtologist n

■ deontological (dIˌɒntəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   philosophy (of an ethical theory) regarding obligation as deriving from reason or as residing primarily in certain specific rules of conduct rather than in the maximization of some good

deoppilate (diːˈɒpIˌleIt)   vb   med obsolete to remove obstructions (from)

■ deoppilation (dIˌɒpIˈleIʃən)   n   med obsolete the removal of obstructions

■ deoppilative (dIˈɒpIlətIv) med obsolete   n   1 any drug which removes obstructions in the body   ▷ adj   2 having the power to or tending to remove obstructions

de-orbit astronautics   n   1 the act of leaving orbit   ▷ vb   2 to go or cause to go out of orbit

Deo volente Latin (ˈdeIəʊ vɒˈlɛntI)     God willing. Abbreviation: DV

deoxidate (diːˈɒksIˌdeIt)   vb (tr)   another word for deoxidize   > deˌoxiˈdation n

deoxidize or deoxidise (diːˈɒksIˌdaIz)   vb   1 (tr)   a to remove oxygen atoms from (a compound, molecule, etc)   b another word for deoxygenate   2 another word for reduce (sense 12)   > deˌoxidiˈzation or deˌoxidiˈsation n   > deˈoxiˌdizer or deˈoxiˌdiser n

deoxy- or desoxy-   combining form   indicating the presence of less oxygen than in a specified related compound: deoxyribonucleic acid

deoxycorticosterone (diːˌɒksIˌkɔːtIkəʊˈstIərəʊn) or deoxycortone (diːˌɒksIˈkɔːtəʊn)   n   a corticosteroid hormone important in maintaining sodium and water balance in the body

deoxygenate (diːˈɒksIdʒIˌneIt), deoxygenize or deoxygenise (diːˈɒksIdʒIˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to remove oxygen from (water, air, etc)   > deˌoxygenˈation n

deoxyribonuclease (diːˌɒksIˌraIbəʊˈnjuːklIeIz)   n   the full name for DNAase

deoxyribonucleic acid (diːˌɒksIˌraIbəʊnjuːˈkleIIk) or desoxyribonucleic acid (dɛsˌɒksIˌraIbəʊnjuːˈkleIIk)   n   the full name for DNA^1

deoxyribose (diːˌɒksIˈraIbəʊs, -bəʊz) or desoxyribose (dɛsˌɒksIˈraIbəʊs, -bəʊz)   n   a pentose sugar obtained by the hydrolysis of DNA. Formula: C_5H_10O_4

dep.   abbreviation for   1 departs   2 departure   3 deposit   4 depot   5 deputy

depaint (dIˈpeInt)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to depict or delineate   2 to mark with colour

dépanneur (ˌdɛpəˈnɜː)   n   Canadian (in Quebec) a convenience store [from Canadian French]

Depardieu (French dəpɑdjø)   n   Gérard. born 1948, French film actor, granted Russian citizenship in 2013. His films include Jean de Florette (1986), Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), Green Card (1991), The Man in the Iron Mask (1997), and Tais-toi (2003)

depart (dIˈpɑːt)   vb (mainly intr)   1 to go away; leave   2 to start out; set forth   3 (usually foll by from) to deviate; differ; vary: to depart from normal procedure   4 (tr) to quit (archaic, except in the phrase depart this life) [C13: from Old French departir, from DE- + partir to go away, divide, from Latin partīrī to divide, distribute, from pars a part]

■ departed (dIˈpɑːtId)   adj   euphemistic   a dead; deceased   b (as sing or collective noun; preceded by the): the departed

■ departee (ˌdIpɑːˈtiː)   n   a person who departs or has departed

■ departer (dIˈpɑːtə)   n   1 chem obsolete a person who refines metals by separating them from alloys   2 a person who departs

■ departure (dIˈpɑːtʃə)   n   1 the act or an instance of departing   2 a deviation or variation from previous custom; divergence   3 a project, course of action, venture, etc: selling is a new departure for him   4 nautical   a the net distance travelled due east or west by a vessel   b Also called: point of departure the latitude and longitude of the point from which a vessel calculates dead reckoning   5 a euphemistic word for death

département (French departəmɑ̃)   n   (in France) a major subdivision or branch of the administration of the government [C18: from départir to divide; see DEPART]

department (dIˈpɑːtmənt)   n   1 a specialized division of a large concern, such as a business, store, or university: the geography department   2 a major subdivision or branch of the administration of a government   3 a branch or subdivision of learning: physics is a department of science   4 a territorial and administrative division in several countries, such as France   5 informal a specialized sphere of knowledge, skill, or activity: household budgeting is my wife's department [C18: from French département, from départir to divide; see DEPART]   > departmental (ˌdiːpɑːtˈmɛntəl) adj   > ˌdepartˈmentally adv

■ department store   n   a large shop divided into departments selling a great many kinds of goods

departmentalize or departmentalise (ˌdiːpɑːtˈmɛntəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to organize into departments, esp excessively   > ˌdepartˌmentaliˈzation or ˌdepartˌmentaliˈsation n

■ departmentalism (ˌdiːpɑːtˈmɛntəˌlIzəm)   n   division into departments, esp when resulting in impaired efficiency

depasture (diːˈpɑːstʃə)   vb   1 to graze or denude by grazing (a pasture, esp a meadow specially grown for the purpose)   2 (tr) to pasture (cattle or sheep)

depauperate (diːˈpɔːpəˌreIt)   adj   1 archaic poor; impoverished   ▷ vb (tr)   2 formal to make poor, in wealth or quality

depauperize or depauperise (diːˈpɔːpəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make (a person) poor   2 to free (a person) from poverty

depeche (deIˈpɛʃ) archaic   n   1 the dispatch of a message   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to dispatch; rid oneself of

depeinct (dIˈpeInt)   vb (tr)   archaic to depict

depend (dIˈpɛnd)   vb (intr)   1 (foll by on or upon) to put trust (in); rely (on); be sure (of)   2 (usually foll by on or upon; often with it as subject) to be influenced or determined (by); be resultant (from): whether they come or not depends on the weather; it all depends on you   3 (foll by on or upon) to rely (on) for income, support, etc   4 (foll by from) rare to hang down; be suspended   5 to be undecided or pending [C15: from Old French dependre, from Latin dēpendēre to hang from, from DE- + pendēre to hang]

■ dependable (dIˈpɛndəbəl)   adj   able to be depended on; reliable; trustworthy   > deˌpendaˈbility or deˈpendableness n   > deˈpendably adv

■ dependant (dIˈpɛndənt)   n   a person who depends on another person, organization, etc, for support, aid, or sustenance, esp financial support

USAGE

Avoid confusion of dependant with dependent

■ dependence or sometimes US dependance (dIˈpɛndəns)   n   1 the state or fact of being dependent, esp for support or help   2 reliance; trust; confidence   3 rare an object or person relied upon

■ dependency or sometimes US dependancy (dIˈpɛndənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 a territory subject to a state on which it does not border   2 a dependent or subordinate person or thing   3 psychol overreliance by a person on another person or on a drug, etc   4 another word for dependence

■ dependent or sometimes US dependant (dIˈpɛndənt)   adj   1 depending on a person or thing for aid, support, life, etc   2 (postpositive; foll by on or upon) influenced or conditioned (by); contingent (on)   3 subordinate; subject: a dependent prince   4 obsolete hanging down   5 maths   a (of a variable) having a value depending on that assumed by a related independent variable   b (of a linear equation) having every solution as a solution of one or more given linear equations   ▷ n   6 grammar an element in a phrase or clause that is not the governor   7 a variant spelling (esp US) of dependant   > deˈpendently adv

■ dependent clause   n   grammar another term for subordinate clause

■ dependent variable   n   1 a variable in a mathematical equation or statement whose value depends on that taken on by the independent variable: in "y = f(x)", "y" is the dependent variable   2 psychol, statistics the variable measured by the experimenter. It is controlled by the value of the independent variable, of which it is an index

■ dependingly (dIˈpɛndIŋlI)   adv   another word for dependently

depeople (diːˈpiːpəl)   vb (tr)   archaic to reduce or remove the population of (a place)

deperm (diːˈpɜːm)   vb (tr)   navy to demagnetize (a ship or submarine) in order to protect it from magnetic detection

depersonalize or depersonalise (dIˈpɜːsnəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive (a person, organization, system, etc) of individual or personal qualities; render impersonal   2 to cause (someone) to lose his or her sense of personal identity [C19: from DE- + PERSONAL + -IZE]

■ depersonalization or depersonalisation (dIˌpɜːsnəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of depersonalizing   2 psychiatry an abnormal state of consciousness in which the subject feels unreal and detached from himself or herself and the world

dephlegmate (diːˈflɛɡmeIt)   vb (tr)   chem obsolete to remove watery substances from (acids or spirits) in order to purify

■ dephlegmation (ˌdiːflɛɡˈmeIʃən)   n   chem obsolete the act of dephlegmating

■ dephlegmator (ˌdiːflɛɡˈmeItə)   n   chem obsolete an apparatus used for dephlegmation

dephlogisticate (ˌdiːfləˈdʒIstIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   chem obsolete to reduce or remove inflammation from

dephosphorylate (ˌdiːfɒsˈfɒrIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   chem to remove a phosphate group from (an organic compound)

depict (dIˈpIkt)   vb (tr)   1 to represent by or as by drawing, sculpture, painting, etc; delineate; portray   2 to represent in words; describe [C17: from Latin dēpingere, from pingere to paint]   > deˈpicter or deˈpictor n   > deˈpiction n   > deˈpictive adj

■ depicture (dIˈpIktʃə)   vb   a less common word for depict

depigment (diːˈpIɡmɛnt)   vb   (tr) to reduce or remove the normal pigmentation of (the skin)

■ depigmentation (diːˌpIɡmənˈteIʃən)   n   the state of lacking or the process of losing pigmentation, usually of the skin

depilate (ˈdɛpIˌleIt)   vb   (tr) to remove the hair from [C16: from Latin dēpilāre, from pilāre to make bald, from pilus hair]   > ˌdepiˈlation n   > ˈdepiˌlator n

■ depilatory (dIˈpIlətərI, -trI)   adj   1 able or serving to remove hair   ▷ n, pl -ries   2 a chemical that is used to remove hair from the body

deplane (diːˈpleIn)   vb   (intr) chiefly US and Canadian to disembark from an aeroplane [C20: from DE- + PLANE^1]

deplenish (dIˈplɛnIʃ)   vb (tr)   rare to deprive of contents, such as furniture, stock, etc

deplete (dIˈpliːt)   vb (tr)   1 to use up (supplies, money, energy, etc); reduce or exhaust   2 to empty entirely or partially   3 med to empty or reduce the fluid contents of (an organ or vessel) [C19: from Latin dēplēre to empty out, from DE- + plēre to fill]   > deˈpletable adj   > deˈpletion n   > deˈpletive or deˈpletory adj

■ depleted (dIˈpliːtId)   adj   reduced or exhausted

■ depleted uranium   n   chem uranium containing a smaller proportion of the isotope uranium–235 than is present in the natural form of uranium; used in anti-tank weapons and other armaments

■ depleter (dIˈpliːtə)   n   a thing that depletes something

■ depletion layer   n   electronics a region at the interface between dissimilar zones of conductivity in a semiconductor, in which there are few charge carriers

deplore (dIˈplɔː)   vb (tr)   1 to express or feel sorrow about; lament; regret   2 to express or feel strong disapproval of; censure [C16: from Old French deplorer, from Latin dēplōrāre to weep bitterly, from plōrāre to weep, lament]   > deˈplorer n   > deˈploringly adv

■ deplorable (dIˈplɔːrəbəl)   adj   1 lamentable: a deplorable lack of taste   2 worthy of censure or reproach; very bad: deplorable behaviour   > deˈplorableness or deˌploraˈbility n   > deˈplorably adv

■ deploration (ˌdɛplɔːˈreIʃən, ˌdiːplɔːˈreIʃən)   n   the act of deploring

deploy (dIˈplɔI)   vb chiefly military   1 to adopt or cause to adopt a battle formation, esp from a narrow front formation   2 (tr) to redistribute (forces) to or within a given area [C18: from French déployer, from Latin displicāre to unfold; see DISPLAY]   > deˈployment n

■ deployable (dIˈplɔIəbəl)   adj   able to be deployed

■ deployer (dIˈplɔIə)   n   a person or thing that deploys

deplume (diːˈpluːm)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive of feathers; pluck   2 to deprive of honour, position, wealth, etc   > ˌdepluˈmation n

depolarize or depolarise (diːˈpəʊləˌraIz)   vb   to undergo or cause to undergo a loss of polarity or polarization   > deˌpolariˈzation or deˌpolariˈsation n   > deˈpolarˌizer or deˈpolarˌiser n

depolish (diːˈpɒlIʃ)   vb (tr)   to remove the polish from (an object)

depoliticize or depoliticise (ˌdiːpəˈlItIˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to deprive of a political nature; render apolitical: two years on the committee totally depoliticized him

depolymerize or depolymerise (diːˈpɒlIməˌraIz)   vb   to break (a polymer) into constituent monomers or (of a polymer) to decompose in this way   > deˌpolymeriˈzation or deˌpolymeriˈsation n

depone (dIˈpəʊn)   vb   law, chiefly Scots law to declare (something) under oath; testify; depose [C16: from Latin dēpōnere to put down, from DE- + pōnere to put, place]

deponent (dIˈpəʊnənt)   adj   1 grammar (of a verb, esp in Latin) having the inflectional endings of a passive verb but the meaning of an active verb   ▷ n   2 grammar a deponent verb   3 law   a a person who makes an affidavit   b a person, esp a witness, who makes a deposition [C16: from Latin dēpōnēns putting aside, putting down, from dēpōnere to put down, DEPONE]

depopulate (dIˈpɒpjʊˌleIt)   vb   to be or cause to be reduced in population   > deˌpopuˈlation n

■ depopulated (diːˈpɒpjʊleItId)   adj   (of a place) reduced in population

■ depopulator (diːˈpɒpjʊˌleItə)   n   a thing that causes a decrease in population

deport (dIˈpɔːt)   vb (tr)   1 to remove (an alien) forcibly from a country; expel   2 to carry (an inhabitant) forcibly away from his or her homeland; transport; exile; banish   3 to conduct, hold, or behave (oneself) in a specified manner [C15: from French déporter, from Latin dēportāre to carry away, banish, from DE- + portāre to carry]   > deˈportable adj

■ deportation (ˌdiːpɔːˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of expelling an alien from a country; expulsion   2 the act of transporting someone from his or her country; banishment

■ deportee (ˌdiːpɔːˈtiː)   n   a person deported or awaiting deportation

■ deporter (dIˈpɔːtə)   n   a person or thing that deports

■ deportment (dIˈpɔːtmənt)   n   the manner in which a person behaves, esp in physical bearing: military deportment [C17: from French déportement, from Old French deporter to conduct (oneself); see DEPORT]

depose (dIˈpəʊz)   vb   1 (tr) to remove from an office or position, esp one of power or rank   2 law to testify or give (evidence, etc) on oath, esp when taken down in writing; make a deposition [C13: from Old French deposer to put away, put down, from Late Latin dēpōnere to depose from office, from Latin: to put aside; see DEPONE]   > deˈposable adj   > deˈposer n

■ deposal (dIˈpəʊzəl)   n   another word for deposition (sense 2)

deposit (dIˈpɒzIt)   vb (tr)   1 to put or set down, esp carefully or in a proper place; place   2 to entrust for safekeeping; consign   3 to place (money) in a bank or similar institution in order to earn interest or for safekeeping   4 to give (money) in part payment or as security   5 to lay down naturally; cause to settle: the river deposits silt   ▷ n   6    a an instance of entrusting money or valuables to a bank or similar institution   b the money or valuables so entrusted   7 money given in part payment or as security, as when goods are bought on hire-purchase. See also down payment   8 a consideration, esp money, given temporarily as security against loss of or damage to something borrowed or hired   9 an accumulation of sediments, mineral ores, coal, etc   10 any deposited material, such as a sediment or a precipitate that has settled out of solution   11 a coating produced on a surface, esp a layer of metal formed by electrolysis   12 a depository or storehouse   13 on deposit payable as the first instalment, as when buying on hire-purchase [C17: from Medieval Latin dēpositāre, from Latin dēpositus put down]

■ deposit account   n   Brit a bank account that earns interest and usually requires notice of withdrawal

■ depositary (dIˈpɒzItərI, -trI)   n, pl -taries   1 a person or group to whom something is entrusted for safety or preservation   2 a variant spelling of depository (sense 1)

■ depositation (ˌdIpɒzIˈteIʃən)   n   1 formal the act of depositing   2 formal the money that has been deposited in an account   3 formal the soil left behind by a flow of water   4 (in Scots law) a contract under which a trustee is obliged to return that which has been entrusted to him or her to its owner on demand

■ depositive (dIˈpɒzItIv)   adj   formal having the capacity or tendency to deposit

■ depositor (dIˈpɒzItə)   n   a person who places or has money on deposit in a bank or similar organization

■ depository (dIˈpɒzItərI, -trI)   n, pl -ries   1 a store, such as a warehouse, for furniture, valuables, etc; repository   2 a variant spelling of depositary (sense 1) [C17 (in the sense: place of a deposit): from Medieval Latin dēpositōrium; C18 (in the sense: depositary): see DEPOSIT, -ORY^1]

deposition (ˌdɛpəˈzIʃən, ˌdiːpə-)   n   1 law   a the giving of testimony on oath   b the testimony so given   c the sworn statement of a witness used in court in his or her absence   2 the act or instance of deposing   3 the act or an instance of depositing   4 something that is deposited; deposit [C14: from Late Latin dēpositiō a laying down, disposal, burying, testimony]

■ Deposition (ˌdɛpəˈzIʃən, ˌdiːpə-)   n   the taking down of Christ's body from the Cross or a representation of this

■ depositional (ˌdɛpəˈzIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to a deposition

depot (ˈdɛpəʊ; US and Canadian ˈdiːpəʊ)   n   1 a storehouse or warehouse   2 military   a a store for supplies   b a training and holding centre for recruits and replacements   3 chiefly Brit a building used for the storage and servicing of buses or railway engines   4 US and Canadian   a a bus or railway station   b (as modifier): a depot manager   ▷ adj   5 (of a drug or drug dose) designed for gradual release from the site of an injection so as to act over a long period [C18: from French dépôt, from Latin dēpositum a deposit, trust]

Depp (dɛp)   n   Johnny, full name John Christopher, born 1963, US actor; his films include Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999), and the Pirates of the Caribbean series (from 2003)

deprave (dIˈpreIv)   vb (tr)   1 to make morally bad; corrupt; vitiate   2 obsolete to defame; slander [C14: from Latin dēprāvāre to distort, corrupt, from DE- + prāvus crooked]   > depravation (ˌdɛprəˈveIʃən) n   > deˈpraver n

■ depraved (dIˈpreIvd)   adj   morally bad or debased; corrupt; perverted   > depravedness (dIˈpreIvIdnIs) n

■ depravedly (dIˈpreIvdlI)   adv   in a depraved manner

■ depravement (dIˈpreIvmənt)   n   another word for depravation

■ depravingly (dIˈpreIvIŋlI)   adv   in a depraving manner

■ depravity (dIˈprævItI)   n, pl -ties   the state or an instance of moral corruption

deprecate (ˈdɛprIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to express disapproval of; protest against   2 to depreciate (a person, someone's character, etc); belittle   3 archaic to try to ward off by prayer [C17: from Latin dēprecārī to avert, ward off by entreaty, from DE- + precārī to PRAY]   > ˈdepreˌcating adj   > ˈdepreˌcatingly adv   > ˌdepreˈcation n   > ˈdeprecative adj   > ˈdeprecatively adv   > ˈdepreˌcator n

USAGE

Avoid confusion with depreciate

■ deprecable (ˈdɛprIkəbəl)   adj   able to be deprecated

■ deprecatory (ˈdɛprIkətrI)   adj   1 expressing disapproval; protesting   2 expressing apology; apologetic   > ˈdeprecatorily adv

depreciate (dIˈpriːʃIˌeIt)   vb   1 to reduce or decline in value or price   2 (tr) to lessen the value of by derision, criticism, etc; disparage [C15: from Late Latin dēpretiāre to lower the price of, from Latin DE- + pretium PRICE]   > deˈpreciˌatingly adv   > deˈpreciˌator n   > depreciatory (dIˈpriːʃIətərI, -trI) or deˈpreciative adj

USAGE

Avoid confusion with deprecate

■ depreciable (dIˈpriːʃəbəl)   adj   1 US able to be depreciated for tax deduction   2 liable to depreciation

■ depreciation (dIˌpriːʃIˈeIʃən)   n   1 accounting   a the reduction in value of a fixed asset due to use, obsolescence, etc   b the amount deducted from gross profit to allow for such reduction in value   2 accounting a modified amount permitted for purposes of tax deduction   3 the act or an instance of depreciating or belittling; disparagement   4 a decrease in the exchange value of currency against gold or other currencies brought about by excess supply of that currency under conditions of fluctuating exchange rates. Compare devaluation (sense 1)

depredate (ˈdɛprIˌdeIt)   vb   (tr) rare to plunder or destroy; pillage [C17: from Late Latin dēpraedārī to ravage, from Latin DE- + praeda booty; see PREY]   > ˈdepreˌdator n   > depredatory (ˈdɛprIˌdeItərI, dIˈprɛdItərI, -trI) adj

■ depredation (ˌdɛprIˈdeIʃən)   n   the act or an instance of plundering; robbery; pillage

deprehend (ˌdɛprIˈhɛnd)   vb (tr)   archaic to apprehend (a person)

deprenyl (ˈdɛprəˌnIl)   n   pharmacol a drug used to treat dementia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, by acting as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor

depress (dIˈprɛs)   vb (tr)   1 to lower in spirits; make gloomy; deject   2 to weaken or lower the force, vigour, or energy of   3 to lower prices of (securities or a security market)   4 to press or push down   5 to lower the pitch of (a musical sound)   6 obsolete to suppress or subjugate [C14: from Old French depresser, from Latin dēprimere from DE- + premere to PRESS^1]   > deˈpressible adj

■ depressant (dIˈprɛsənt)   adj   1 med able to diminish or reduce nervous or functional activity   2 causing gloom or dejection; depressing   ▷ n   3 a depressant drug

■ depressed (dIˈprɛst)   adj   1 (of a person) having depression   2 low in spirits; downcast; despondent   3 lower than the surrounding surface   4 pressed down or flattened   5 Also: distressed characterized by relative economic hardship, such as unemployment: a depressed area   6 lowered in force, intensity, or amount   7 (of plant parts) flattened as though pressed from above   8 zoology flattened from top to bottom: the depressed bill of the spoonbill

■ depressing (dIˈprɛsIŋ)   adj   causing a feeling of dejection or low spirits   > deˈpressingly adv

■ depression (dIˈprɛʃən)   n   1 the act of depressing or state of being depressed   2 a depressed or sunken place or area   3 psychiatry a mental condition characterized by extreme gloom, feelings of inadequacy, and inability to concentrate   4 pathol an abnormal lowering of the rate of any physiological activity or function, such as respiration   5 an economic condition characterized by substantial and protracted unemployment, low output and investment, etc; slump   6 Also called: cyclone, low meteorol a large body of rotating and rising air below normal atmospheric pressure, which often brings rain   7 (esp in surveying and astronomy) the angular distance of an object, celestial body, etc, below the horizontal plane through the point of observation. Compare elevation (sense 11)

■ Depression (dIˈprɛʃən)   n   the Depression the worldwide economic depression of the early 1930s, when there was mass unemployment. Also known as: the Great Depression, the Slump

■ depressive (dIˈprɛsIv)   adj   1 tending to depress; causing depression   2 psychol tending to be subject to periods of depression   > deˈpressively adv   > deˈpressiveness n

depressomotor (dIˌprɛsəʊˈməʊtə)   adj   1 physiol retarding motor activity   ▷ n   2 a depressomotor drug

depressor (dIˈprɛsə)   n   1 a person or thing that depresses   2 any muscle that draws down a part   3 med an instrument used to press down or aside an organ or part: a tongue depressor   4 Also called: depressor nerve any nerve that when stimulated produces a fall in blood pressure by dilating the arteries or lowering the heartbeat

depressurize or depressurise (dIˈprɛʃəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to reduce the pressure of a gas inside (a container or enclosed space), as in an aircraft cabin   > deˌpressuriˈzation or deˌpressuriˈsation n

Depretis (Italian deˈprɛtis)   n   Agostino (aɡoˈstiːno). 1813–87, Italian statesman; prime minister (1876–78; 1878–79; 1881–87). His policy led to the Triple Alliance (1882) between Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany

deprive (dIˈpraIv)   vb (tr)   1 (foll by of) to prevent from possessing or enjoying; dispossess (of)   2 archaic to remove from rank or office; depose; demote [C14: from Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvāre, from Latin DE- + prīvāre to deprive of, rob; see PRIVATE]   > deˈprivable adj   > deˈprival n   > deˈpriver n

■ deprivation (ˌdɛprIˈveIʃən)   n   1 an act or instance of depriving   2 the state of being deprived: social deprivation; a cycle of deprivation and violence

■ deprivative (dIˈprIvətIv)   adj   of, relating to, or causing deprivation

■ deprived (dIˈpraIvd)   adj   lacking adequate food, shelter, education, etc: deprived inner-city areas

■ deprivement (dIˈpraIvmənt)   n   archaic deprivation

de profundis Latin (deI prɒˈfʊndIs)   adv   out of the depths of misery or dejection [from the first words of Psalm 130]

deprogramme or deprogram (diːˈprəʊɡræm)   vb   to free (someone) from the effects of indoctrination, esp by a religious cult or political group

■ deprogrammer (diːˈprəʊɡræmə)   n   a person or thing that removes the effects of brainwashing or indoctrination

depside (ˈdɛpsaId, -sId)   n   any ester formed by the condensation of the carboxyl group of one phenolic carboxylic acid with the hydroxyl group of another, found in plant cells [C20: deps-, from Greek depsein to knead + -IDE]

dept   abbreviation for   department

Deptford (ˈdɛtfəd)   n   a district in the Greater London borough of Lewisham, on the S bank of the River Thames: formerly the site of the Royal Naval dockyard

depth (dɛpθ)   n   1 the extent, measurement, or distance downwards, backwards, or inwards   2 the quality of being deep; deepness   3 intensity or profundity of emotion or feeling   4 profundity of moral character; penetration; sagacity; integrity   5 complexity or abstruseness, as of thought or objects of thought   6 intensity, as of silence, colour, etc   7 lowness of pitch   8 nautical the distance from the top of a ship's keel to the top of a particular deck   9 (often plural) a deep, far, inner, or remote part, such as an inaccessible region of a country   10 (often plural) the deepest, most intense, or most severe part: the depths of winter   11 (usually plural) a low moral state; demoralization: how could you sink to such depths?   12 (often plural) a vast space or abyss   13 beyond one's depth or out of one's depth   a in water deeper than one is tall   b beyond the range of one's competence or understanding   14 in depth thoroughly or comprehensively. See also in-depth [C14: from dep DEEP + -TH^1]

■ depth charge or depth bomb   n   a bomb used to attack submarines that explodes at a pre-set depth of water

■ depth gauge   n   a device attached to a drill bit to prevent the hole from exceeding a predetermined depth

■ depthless (ˈdɛpθlIs)   adj   1 literary immeasurably deep; fathomless   2 without depth; shallow

■ depth of field   n   the range of distance in front of and behind an object focused by an optical instrument, such as a camera or microscope, within which other objects will also appear clear and sharply defined in the resulting image. Compare depth of focus

■ depth of focus   n   the amount by which the distance between the camera lens and the film can be altered without the resulting image appearing blurred. Compare depth of field

■ depth psychology   n   psychol the study of unconscious motives and attitudes

depurate (ˈdɛpjʊˌreIt)   vb   1 to cleanse or purify or to be cleansed or purified   2 obsolete to promote the elimination of waste products from (the body) [C17: from Medieval Latin dēpūrāre, from Latin DE- + pūrāre to purify; see PURE]   > ˌdepuˈration n   > ˈdepuˌrator n

■ depurant (ˈdɛpjʊrənt)   adj   purifying

■ depurative (ˈdɛpjʊˌreItIv, -rətIv) or depuratory (dəˈpjʊərətərI)   adj   1 used for or capable of depurating; purifying; purgative   ▷ n   2 a depurative substance or agent

depute   vb (dIˈpjuːt) (tr)   1 to appoint as an agent, substitute, or representative   2 to assign or transfer (authority, duties, etc) to a deputy; delegate   ▷ n (ˈdɛpjuːt)   3 Scot   a a deputy   b (as modifier; usually postpositive): sheriff depute [C15: from Old French deputer, from Late Latin dēputāre to assign, allot, from Latin DE- + putāre to think, consider]

■ deputable (ˈdɛpjətəbəl)   adj   able to be deputed

■ deputation (ˌdɛpjʊˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of appointing a person or body of people to represent or act on behalf of others   2 a person or, more often, a body of people so appointed; delegation

deputize or deputise (ˈdɛpjʊˌtaIz)   vb   to appoint or act as deputy

■ deputization or deputisation (ˌdɛpjʊtaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the act of making someone a deputy

deputy (ˈdɛpjʊtI)   n, pl -ties   1    a a person appointed to act on behalf of or represent another   b (as modifier): the deputy chairman   2 a member of the legislative assembly or of the lower chamber of the legislature in various countries, such as France   3 Brit mining another word for fireman (sense 4) [C16: from Old French depute, from deputer to appoint; see DEPUTE]

■ deputy minister   n   (in Canada) the senior civil servant in a government department

dequeue (diːˈkjuː)   vb   computing to remove (an item) from a queue of tasks

De Quincey (də ˈkwInsI)   n   Thomas. 1785–1859, English critic and essayist, noted particularly for his Confessions of an English Opium Eater (1821)

deracialize or deracialise (diːˈreIʃəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to remove racial characteristics from (a person)

deracinate (dIˈræsIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   1 to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; extirpate   2 to remove, as from a natural environment [C16: from Old French desraciner, from des- DIS-1 + racine root, from Late Latin rādīcīna a little root, from Latin rādīx a root]   > deˌraciˈnation n

déraciné French (derɑsine)   n   1 a person who has been uprooted from his or her native environment or society   ▷ adj   2 uprooted from one's native environment or society

deradicalization or deradicalisation (ˌdiːrædIkəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the practice of encouraging those with extreme and violent religious or political ideologies to adopt more moderate views

deraign or darraign (dəˈreIn)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 law to contest (a claim, suit, etc)   2 to arrange (soldiers) for battle [C13: from Old French deraisnier to defend, from Vulgar Latin ratiōnāre (unattested) to REASON]   > deˈraignment or darˈraignment n

derail (dIˈreIl)   vb   1 to go or cause to go off the rails, as a train, tram, etc   ▷ n   2 Also called: derailer chiefly US a device designed to make rolling stock or locomotives leave the rails to avoid a collision or accident   > deˈrailment n

derailleur (dəˈreIljə)   n   a mechanism for changing gear on bicycles, consisting of a device that lifts the driving chain from one sprocket wheel to another of different size [French dérailleur derailer]

Derain (French dərɛ̃)   n   André (ɑ̃dre). 1880–1954, French painter, noted for his Fauvist pictures (1905–08)

derange (dIˈreIndʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to disturb the order or arrangement of; throw into disorder; disarrange   2 to disturb the action or operation of   3 to make insane [C18: from Old French desrengier, from des- DIS-1 + reng row, order]

■ deranged (dIˈreIndʒd)   adj   insane

■ derangement (dIˈreIndʒmənt)   n   1 the act of deranging or state of being deranged   2 disorder or confusion   3 psychiatry a serious mental disturbance

■ deranger (dIˈreIndʒə)   n   a person or thing that deranges

de-rat   vb (tr)   to remove rats from (a place)

derate (diːˈreIt)   vb   (tr) Brit to assess the value of (some types of property, such as agricultural land) at a lower rate than others for local taxation   > deˈrating n

deration (diːˈræʃən)   vb   (tr) to end rationing of (food, petrol, etc)

deray (dIˈreI) archaic   n   1 disorder; chaos; disarray   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to act madly or in a disorderly fashion

Derbent (Russian dIrˈbjɛnt)   n   a port in S Russia, in the Dagestan Republic on the Caspian Sea: founded by the Persians in the 6th century. Pop: 106 000 (2005 est)

derby (ˈdɜːrbI)   n, pl -bies   US and Canadian a stiff felt hat with a rounded crown and narrow curved brim. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): bowler

Derby^1 (ˈdɑːbI; US ˈdɜːrbI)   n   1 the Derby an annual horse race run at Epsom Downs, Surrey, since 1780: one of the English flat-racing classics   2 any of various other horse races   3 local Derby a football match between two teams from the same area [C18: named after the twelfth Earl of Derby (died 1834), who founded the horse race at Epsom Downs in 1780]

Derby^2 (ˈdɑːbI)   n   1 a city in central England, in Derby unitary authority, Derbyshire: engineering industries (esp aircraft engines and railway rolling stock); university (1991). Pop: 229 407 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in central England, in Derbyshire. Pop: 233 200 (2003 est). Area: 78 sq km (30 sq miles)   3 a firm-textured pale-coloured type of cheese   4 sage Derby a green-and-white Derby cheese flavoured with sage

■ Derbyshire (ˈdɑːbIˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of N central England: contains the Peak District and several resorts with mineral springs: the geographical and ceremonial county includes the city of Derby, which became an independent unitary authority in 1997. Administrative centre: Matlock. Pop (excluding Derby city): 743 000 (2003 est). Area (excluding Derby city): 2551 sq km (985 sq miles)

Derby^3 (ˈdɑːbI)   n   Earl of. title of Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley. 1799–1869, British statesman; Conservative prime minister (1852; 1858–59; 1866–68)

dere (dIə) archaic   n   1 harm; injury; trouble   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to injure or harm

de re Latin (ˈdeI ˈreI)   adj   logic, philosophy (of a belief, possibility, etc) relating to the individual rather than to an expression, as the necessity of the number of wonders of the world is prime since that number, seven, is necessarily prime. Compare de dicto [literally: about the thing]

derealization or derealisation (diːˌriːəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 psychol a symptom of various psychological and medical conditions, as well as a side-effect of certain treatments and drugs, whereby the world around one seems less real   2 philosophy the act of making something unreal

derecognize or derecognise (diːˈrɛkəɡˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to cease to recognize (a trade union) as having special negotiating rights within a company or industry   2 to advise (a trade union) of such action   > ˌderecogˈnition n

deregister (diːˈrɛdʒIstə)   vb   to remove (oneself, a car, etc) from a register   > ˌderegisˈtration n

deregulate (diːˈrɛɡjʊˌleIt)   vb   (tr) to remove regulations or controls from   > deˌreguˈlation n   > deˈregulator n   > deˈregulatory adj

derelict (ˈdɛrIlIkt)   adj   1 deserted or abandoned, as by an owner, occupant, etc   2 falling into ruins; neglected; dilapidated   3 neglectful of duty or obligation; remiss   ▷ n   4 a person abandoned or neglected by society; a social outcast or vagrant   5 property deserted or abandoned by an owner, occupant, etc   6 a vessel abandoned at sea   7 a person who is neglectful of duty or obligation [C17: from Latin dērelictus forsaken, from dērelinquere to abandon, from DE- + relinquere to leave]

■ dereliction (ˌdɛrIˈlIkʃən)   n   1 deliberate, conscious, or wilful neglect (esp in the phrase dereliction of duty)   2 the act of abandoning or deserting or the state of being abandoned or deserted   3 law   a accretion of dry land gained by the gradual receding of the sea or by a river changing its course   b the land thus left

dereligionize or dereligionise (ˌdiːrIˈlIdʒəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to remove the religious aspects from (something)

derepress (ˌdiːrIˈprɛs)   vb (tr)   genetics to cause (a gene) to cease to be repressed, by deactivating its depressor

■ derepression (ˌdiːrIˈprɛsən)   n   genetics the act of derepressing a gene

derequisition (diːˌrɛkwIˈzIʃən)   vb   (tr) to release from military to civilian use

derestrict (ˌdiːrIˈstrIkt)   vb   (tr) to render or leave free from restriction, esp a road from speed limits   > ˌdereˈstriction n

■ derestricted (ˌdiːrIˈstrIktId)   adj   1 (of a road or stretch of road) with no speed limits at all   2 (in Britain) (of a road or stretch of road) reverting to national speed limits

Dergue (dɜːɡ)   n   the Dergue the socialist ruling body of Ethiopia, established in 1974 [C20: from Amharic, literally: committee]

deride (dIˈraId)   vb   (tr) to speak of or treat with contempt, mockery, or ridicule; scoff or jeer at [C16: from Latin dērīdēre to laugh to scorn, from DE- + rīdēre to laugh, smile]   > deˈrider n   > deˈridingly adv

■ derisible (dIˈrIzIbəl)   adj   subject to or deserving of derision; ridiculous

■ derision (dIˈrIʒən)   n   1 the act of deriding; mockery; scorn   2 an object of mockery or scorn [C15: from Late Latin dērīsiō, from Latin dērīsus; see DERIDE]

■ derisive (dIˈraIsIv, -zIv)   adj   showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful   > deˈrisively adv   > deˈrisiveness n

■ derisory (dIˈraIsərI, -zərI)   adj   1 subject to or worthy of derision, esp because of being ridiculously small or inadequate   2 another word for derisive

derig (diːˈrIɡ)   n   1 the removal of equipment or rigging   ▷ vb derigs, derigging, derigged (tr)   2 to remove equipment or rigging from (a ship, stage set, etc)

de rigueur French (də riɡœr; English də rIˈɡɜː)   adj   required by etiquette or fashion [literally: of strictness]

de-risk (diːˈrIsk)   vb   to eliminate risk (from)

derivatize or derivatise (dIˈrIvəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to alter (a chemical compound) via a chemical reaction, so that it becomes a derivative

■ derivatization or derivatisation (dIˌrIvətaIˈzeIʃən)   n   chem the process of making a chemical compound into a derivative

derive (dIˈraIv)   vb   1 (usually foll by from) to draw or be drawn (from) in source or origin; trace or be traced   2 (tr) to deduce; infer   3 (tr) to trace the source or development of   4 (usually foll by from) to produce or be produced (from) by a chemical reaction   5 maths to obtain (a function) by applying a sequence of steps [C14: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin dērīvāre to draw off, from DE- + rīvus a stream]   > deˈrivable adj   > deˈriver n

■ derivably (dIˈraIvəblI)   adv   in a way that is able to be derived

■ derivate (ˈdɛrIˌveIt)   n   1 a variant form of derivative   ▷ adj   2 derived   ▷ vb (tr)   3 archaic to derive (something)

■ derivation (ˌdɛrIˈveIʃən)   n   1 the act of deriving or state of being derived   2 the source, origin, or descent of something, such as a word   3 something derived; a derivative   4    a the process of deducing a mathematical theorem, formula, etc, as a necessary consequence of a set of accepted statements   b this sequence of statements   c the operation of finding a derivative   > ˌderiˈvational adj

■ derivationist (ˌdɛrIˈveIʃənIst)   n   1 ethics a person who believes that it is possible to derive knowledge of what is good for humans from a metaphysical study of humans themselves   2 political theory a person who believes that the form of government appropriate in a state is derivable through logical reasoning, based on its necessary functions within its social context   3 biology obsolete a person who believes in the derivation of organic species; evolutionist   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to derivationists or their theories

■ derivative (dIˈrIvətIv)   adj   1 resulting from derivation; derived   2 based on or making use of other sources; not original or primary   3 copied from others, esp slavishly; plagiaristic   ▷ n   4 a term, idea, etc, that is based on or derived from another in the same class   5 a word derived from another word   6 chem a compound that is formed from, or can be regarded as formed from, a structurally related compound: chloroform is a derivative of methane   7 maths   a Also called: differential coefficient, first derivative the change of a function, f(x), with respect to an infinitesimally small change in the independent variable, x; the limit of [f(a + Δx)–f(a)]/Δx, at x = a, as the increment, Δx, tends to 0. Symbols: df(x)/dx, f′(x), Df(x): the derivative of xn is nxn–1   b the rate of change of one quantity with respect to another: velocity is the derivative of distance with respect to time   8 finance   a (usually plural) a financial instrument, such as a futures contract or option, the price of which is largely determined by the commodity, currency, share price, interest rate, etc, to which it is linked   b (as modifier): a derivatives trader   9 psychoanal an activity that represents the expression of hidden impulses and desires by channelling them into socially acceptable forms   > deˈrivatively adv

■ derivativeness (dIˈrIvətIvnəs)   n   the quality of being derivative

■ derived fossil   n   another name for reworked fossil

■ derived unit   n   a unit of measurement obtained by multiplication or division of the base units of a system without the introduction of numerical factors

-derm   n combining form   indicating skin: endoderm [via French from Greek derma skin]

derma^1 (ˈdɜːmə)   n   another name for corium. Also: derm (dɜːm) [C18: New Latin, from Greek: skin, from derein to skin]

■ dermal (ˈdɜːməl) or dermatic (dɜːˈmætIk)   adj   of or relating to the skin

derma^2 (ˈdɜːmə)   n   beef or fowl intestine used as a casing for certain dishes, esp kishke [from Yiddish derme, plural of darm intestine, from Old High German daram; related to Old English thearm gut, Old Norse tharmr]

dermabrasion (ˌdɜːməˈbreIʒən)   n   a procedure in cosmetic surgery in which rough facial skin is removed by scrubbing [C20: from Greek derma skin + ABRASION]

dermaplaning (ˈdɜːməˌpleInIŋ)   n   a cosmetic treatment, often used to treat acne scars, in which surface irregularities are surgically scraped to give the skin a smoother appearance [C21: from Greek derma skin + PLANE]

dermapteran (dɜːˈmæptərən)   n   1 any insect of the order Dermaptera, the earwigs   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to this order [C19: from Greek derma (see DERMA^1) + pteron wing]

dermatitis (ˌdɜːməˈtaItIs)   n   inflammation of the skin

dermato-, derma- or before a vowel dermat-, derm-   combining form   indicating skin: dermatology; dermatome; dermal; dermatitis [from Greek derma skin]

dermatogen (dəˈmætədʒən, ˈdɜːməˌtəʊdʒən)   n   botany a meristem at the apex of stems and roots that gives rise to the epidermis

dermatoglyphics (ˌdɜːmətəʊˈɡlIfIks)   pl n   1 the lines forming a skin pattern, esp on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet   2 (functioning as singular) the study of such skin patterns [C20: from DERMATO- + Greek gluphē a carving; see GLYPH]

■ dermatoglyphic (ˌdɜːmətəˈɡlIfIk)   adj   relating to skin markings (such as fingerprints) or the study thereof

dermatographia (ˌdɜːmətəˈɡræfIə)   n   med a common medical condition in which lightly rubbing the skin produces red, often raised, temporary marks

dermatography (ˌdɜːməˈtɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -graphies   anatomy a treatise or writing concerning the skin

■ dermatographic (ˌdɜːmətəʊˈɡræfIk)   adj   1 anatomy relating to dermatography   2 med relating to dermatographia

dermatoid (ˈdɜːməˌtɔId)   adj   resembling skin

dermatology (ˌdɜːməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases   > dermatological (ˌdɜːmətəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or dermatologic (ˌdɜːmətəˈlɒdʒIk) adj   > ˌdermaˈtologist n

dermatome (ˈdɜːməˌtəʊm)   n   1 a surgical instrument for cutting thin slices of skin, esp for grafting   2 the area of skin supplied by nerve fibres from a single posterior spinal root   3 embryol the part of a somite in a vertebrate embryo that gives rise to the dermis   > dermatomic (ˌdɜːməˈtɒmIk) adj

■ dermatomal (ˌdɜːməˈtəʊməl)   adj   another word for dermatomic

dermatomyositis (ˌdɜːmətəʊˌmaIəˈsaItIs)   n   med a chronic medical condition characterized by inflammation of muscles (myositis), accompanied by a skin rash

dermatophyte (ˈdɜːmətəʊˌfaIt)   n   any parasitic fungus that affects the skin   > dermatophytic (ˌdɜːmətəʊˈfItIk) adj

dermatophytosis (ˌdɜːmətəʊfaIˈtəʊsIs)   n   a fungal infection of the skin, esp the feet. See athlete's foot

dermatoplasty (ˈdɜːmətəʊˌplæstI)   n   any surgical operation on the skin, esp skin grafting   > ˌdermatoˈplastic adj

dermatosis (ˌdɜːməˈtəʊsIs)   n, pl -toses (-ˈtəʊsiːz)   any skin disease

dermestid (ˌdɜːˈmɛstId)   n   any beetle of the family Dermestidae, whose members are destructive at both larval and adult stages to a wide range of stored organic materials such as wool, fur, feathers, and meat. They include the bacon (or larder), cabinet, carpet, leather, and museum beetles [C19: from New Latin dermestida, from Greek dermēstēs, from derma skin + esthiein to eat]

dermis (ˈdɜːmIs)   n   another name for corium [C19: New Latin, from EPIDERMIS]   > ˈdermic adj

dermography (dɜːˈmɒɡrəfI)   n   1 a type of marking on the skin, whether in the form of writing or pictures, supposedly of psychic origin, similar to stigmata except for being more short-lived   2 cosmetics a type of cosmetic surgery involving the use of carefully placed tattoos which enhance facial or other bodily features   3 med another name for dermatographia

dermoid (ˈdɜːmɔId)   adj   1 of or resembling skin   ▷ n   2 a congenital cystic tumour whose walls are lined with epithelium

Dermot MacMurrough (ˈdɛːmət məkˈmʌrə)   n   ?1110–71, king of Leinster, who, by enlisting the support of the English to win back his kingdom, was responsible for the English conquest of Ireland

dern (dɜːn) archaic   n   1 a secret; a secret place   2 secrecy; concealment   3 a gatepost   4 darkness   ▷ adj   5 hidden; concealed; secret   6 sorrowful; dreary; gloomy   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to keep hidden   8 to (cause to) hide

■ dernful (ˈdɜːnfʊl)   adj   archaic sorrowful, mournful, gloomy

■ dernly (ˈdɜːnlI)   adv archaic   1 with secrecy   2 sorrowfully, mournfully

dernier French (dernje)   adj   literary last

■ dernier cri French (dɛrnje kri)   n le dernier cri (lə)   the latest fashion; the last word [literally: last cry]

derny (ˈdɜːnI)   n   a bicycle with a small motor, used to set the pace in cycling events such as the keirin [C20: after Roger Derny et Fils, the original French manufacturers]

dero (ˈdɛrəʊ)   n, pl deros   Austral slang same as derro

derogate   vb (ˈdɛrəˌɡeIt)   1 (intr; foll by from) to cause to seem inferior or be in disrepute; detract   2 (intr; foll by from) to deviate in standard or quality; degenerate   3 (tr) to cause to seem inferior, etc; disparage   4 (tr) to curtail the application of (a law or regulation)   ▷ adj (ˈdɛrəɡIt, -ˌɡeIt)   5 archaic debased or degraded [C15: from Latin dērogāre to repeal some part of a law, modify it, from DE- + rogāre to ask, propose a law]   > ˈderogately adv   > ˌderoˈgation n   > derogative (dIˈrɒɡətIv) adj   > deˈrogatively adv

■ derogatory (dIˈrɒɡətərI, -trI)   adj   tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive   > deˈrogatorily adv   > deˈrogatoriness n

derrick (ˈdɛrIk)   n   1 a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom   2 the framework erected over an oil well to enable drill tubes to be raised and lowered   ▷ vb   3 to raise or lower the jib of (a crane) [C17 (in the sense: gallows): from Derrick, name of a celebrated hangman at Tyburn]

Derrida (French dɛrIda)   n   Jacques. 1930–2004, French philosopher and literary critic, regarded as the founder of deconstruction: author of L'Écriture et la différence (1967)

derrière (ˌdɛrIˈɛə; French dɛrjɛr)   n   euphemistic the buttocks [C18: literally: behind (prep), from Old French deriere, from Latin dē retrō from the back]

derring-do (ˈdɛrIŋˈduː)   n   archaic or literary a daring spirit or deed; boldness or bold action [C16: from Middle English durring don daring to do, from durren to dare + don to do]

derringer or deringer (ˈdɛrIndʒə)   n   a short-barrelled pocket pistol of large calibre [C19: named after Henry Deringer, American gunsmith who invented it]

derris (ˈdɛrIs)   n   any East Indian leguminous woody climbing plant of the genus Derris, esp D. elliptica, whose roots yield the compound rotenone [C19: New Latin, from Greek: covering, leather, from deros skin, hide, from derein to skin]

derro or dero (ˈdɛrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   Austral slang a vagrant [C20: from DERELICT]

derry^1 (ˈdɛrI)   n, pl -ries   have a derry on Austral and NZ to have a prejudice or grudge against [C19: probably from derry down, a refrain in some folk songs, alluding to the phrase have a down on; see DOWN^1]

derry^2 (ˈdɛrI)   n, pl -ries   slang a derelict house, esp one used by tramps, drug addicts, etc [C20: shortened from DERELICT]

Derry (ˈdɛrI)   n   1 a district in NW Northern Ireland, in Co Londonderry. Pop: 106 456 (2003 est). Area: 387 sq km (149 sq miles)   2 another name for Londonderry

derv (dɜːv)   n   a Brit name for diesel oil [C20: from d(iesel) e(ngine) r(oad) v(ehicle)]

dervish (ˈdɜːvIʃ)   n   a member of any of various Muslim orders of ascetics, some of which (whirling dervishes) are noted for a frenzied, ecstatic, whirling dance [C16: from Turkish: beggar, from Persian darvīsh mendicant monk]   > ˈdervish-ˌlike adj

Derwent (ˈdɜːwənt)   n   1 a river in S Australia, in S Tasmania, flowing southeast to the Tasman Sea. Length: 172 km (107 miles)   2 a river in N central England, in N Derbyshire, flowing southeast to the River Trent. Length: 96 km (60 miles)   3 a river in N England, in Yorkshire, rising on the North York Moors and flowing south to the River Ouse. Length: 92 km (57 miles)   4 a river in NW England, in Cumbria, rising on the Borrowdale Fells and flowing north and west to the Irish Sea. Length: 54 km (34 miles)

Derwentwater (ˈdɜːwəntˌwɔːtə)   n   a lake in NW England, in Cumbria in the Lake District. Area: about 8 sq km (3 sq miles)

DES   abbreviation for (in Britain, formerly)   Department of Education and Science

desacralize or desacralise (diːˈsækrəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   theol to render less sacred; to secularize

■ desacralization or desacralisation (diːˌsækrəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   theol the process of rendering anything less sacred; secularization

désagrément French (dezaɡremɑ̃)   n   something disagreeable

Desai (dɛˈsaI)   n   1  Morarji (Ranchhodji) (məˈrɑːdʒI). 1896–1995, Indian statesman, noted for his asceticism. He founded the Janata party in opposition to Indira Gandhi, whom he defeated in the 1977 election; prime minister of India (1977–79)   2  Kiran, born 1971, Indian writer; her novel The Inheritance of Loss (2006) won the Man Booker Prize

desalinate (diːˈsælIˌneIt), desalinize or desalinise   vb   (tr) to remove the salt from (esp from sea water). Also: desalt (diːˈsɔːlt)

■ desalination (diːˌsælIˈneIʃən), desalinization or desalinisation   n   the process of removing salt, esp from sea water so that it can be used for drinking or irrigation

■ desalinator (diːˈsælIˌneItə)   n   chem an apparatus used in the process of desalination

desalt (diːˈsɔːlt)   vb (tr)   another term for desalinate

■ desalter (diːˈsɔːltə)   n   an apparatus for desalting

desand (diːˈsænd)   vb (tr)   to remove sand from

desaturation (diːˌsætʃəˈreIʃən)   n   physics the addition of white light to a pure colour to produce a paler less saturated colour

descale (ˌdiːˈskeIl)   vb (tr)   to remove the hard deposit formed by chemicals in water from (a kettle, pipe, etc)

■ descaler (diːˈskeIlə)   n   a thing for removing limescale from something such as a tap, kettle, or coffee machine

descant   n (ˈdɛskænt, ˈdIs-)   1 Also: discant a decorative counterpoint added above a basic melody   2 a comment, criticism, or discourse   ▷ adj (ˈdɛskænt, ˈdIs-)   3 Also: discant of or pertaining to the highest member in common use of a family of musical instruments: a descant recorder   ▷ vb (dɛsˈkænt, dIs-) (intr)   4 Also: discant (often foll by on or upon) to compose or perform a descant (for a piece of music)   5 (often foll by on or upon) to discourse at length or make varied comments [C14: from Old Northern French, from Medieval Latin discantus, from Latin DIS-1 + cantus song; see CHANT]   > desˈcanter n

Descartes (ˈdeIˌkɑːt; French dekart)   n   René (rəne). 1596–1650, French philosopher and mathematician. He provided a mechanistic basis for the philosophical theory of dualism and is regarded as the founder of modern philosophy. He also founded analytical geometry and contributed greatly to the science of optics. His works include Discours de la méthode (1637), Meditationes de Prima Philosophia (1641), and Principia Philosophiae (1644) ▶ Related adjective: Cartesian

descend (dIˈsɛnd)   vb (mainly intr)   1 (also tr) to move, pass, or go down (a hill, slope, staircase, etc)   2 (of a hill, slope, or path) to lead or extend down; slope; incline   3 to move to a lower level, pitch, etc; fall   4 (often foll by from) to be connected by a blood relationship (to a dead or extinct individual, race, species, etc)   5 to be passed on by parents or ancestors; be inherited   6 to sink or come down in morals or behaviour; lower oneself   7 (often foll by on or upon) to arrive or attack in a sudden or overwhelming way: their relatives descended upon them last week   8 (of the sun, moon, etc) to move towards the horizon [C13: from Old French descendre, from Latin dēscendere, from DE- + scandere to climb; see SCAN]   > desˈcendable adj

■ descendant (dIˈsɛndənt)   n   1 a person, animal, or plant when described as descended from an individual, race, species, etc   2 something that derives or is descended from an earlier form   ▷ adj   3 a variant spelling of descendent

■ Descendant (dIˈsɛndənt)   n   astrology the point on the ecliptic lying directly opposite the Ascendant

■ descended (dIˈsɛndId)   adj   (foll by from) connected by a blood relationship (to a dead or extinct individual, race, species, etc): descended from a Scottish lord

■ descendent (dIˈsɛndənt)   adj   1 coming or going downwards; descending   2 deriving by descent, as from an ancestor

■ descender (dIˈsɛndə)   n   1 a person or thing that descends   2 printing the portion of a letter, such as j, p, or y, below the level of the base of an x or n

■ descendible (dIˈsɛndəbəl)   adj law   capable of being inherited

■ descending (dIˈsɛndIŋ)   adj   in descending order starting with the biggest, most important, highest etc and continuing in decreasing order to end with the smallest, least important, lowest, etc

■ descension (dIˈsɛnʃən)   n archaic   1 the action of descending; descent   2 astronomy the setting (descent below the horizon) of a celestial body   3 astronomy the section of the sky which descends below the horizon along with a given celestial body

■ descensional (dIˈsɛnʃənəl)   adj   relating to descension

■ descent (dIˈsɛnt)   n   1 the act of descending   2 a downward slope or inclination   3 a passage, path, or way leading downwards   4 derivation from an ancestor or ancestral group; lineage   5 (in genealogy) a generation in a particular lineage   6 a decline or degeneration   7 a movement or passage in degree or state from higher to lower   8 (often foll by on) a sudden and overwhelming arrival or attack   9 property law (formerly) the transmission of real property to the heir on an intestacy

descendeur (French dɛsɑ̃dœr)   n   mountaineering a shaped metal piece through which the rope can be fed: used to control the rate of descent in abseiling. Also called: descender [C20]

Deschamps (French deʃɑ̃)   n   1  Émile (French emil), full name Émile Deschamps de Saint-Armand. 1791–1871, French poet, dramatist, and librettist: a leading figure in the French romantic movement   2  Eustache (østaʃ). ?1346–?1406, French poet, noted for his Miroir de mariage, a satirical attack on women

deschool (ˌdiːˈskuːl)   vb   (tr) to separate education from the institution of school and operate through the pupil's life experience as opposed to a set curriculum

■ deschooler (ˌdiːˈskuːlə)   n   education an advocate of deschooling

descramble (diːˈskræmbəl)   vb   to restore (a scrambled signal) to an intelligible form, esp automatically by the use of electronic devices   > ˌdeˈscrambler n

describe (dIˈskraIb)   vb (tr)   1 to give an account or representation of in words   2 to pronounce or label: he has been described as a genius   3 to draw a line or figure, such as a circle [C15: from Latin dēscrībere to copy off, write out, delineate, from DE- + scrībere to write]   > deˈscribable adj   > deˈscriber n

■ description (dIˈskrIpʃən)   n   1 a statement or account that describes; representation in words   2 the act, process, or technique of describing   3 sort, kind, or variety: reptiles of every description   4 geometry the act of drawing a line or figure, such as an arc   5 philosophy a noun phrase containing a predicate that may replace a name as the subject of a sentence

■ descriptive (dIˈskrIptIv)   adj   1 characterized by or containing description; serving to describe   2 grammar (of an adjective) serving to describe the referent of the noun modified, as for example the adjective brown as contrasted with my and former   3 relating to or based upon description or classification rather than explanation or prescription: descriptive linguistics   > deˈscriptively adv   > deˈscriptiveness n

■ descriptive geometry   n   the study of the projection of three-dimensional figures onto a plane surface

■ descriptive linguistics   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the description of the internal phonological, grammatical, and semantic structures of languages at given points in time without reference to their histories or to one another. Also called: synchronic linguistics. Compare historical linguistics

■ descriptive metaphysics   n   (functioning as singular) the philosophical study of the structure of how we think about the world

■ descriptive notation   n   chess a method of denoting the squares on the chessboard in which each player names the files from the pieces that stand on them at the opening and numbers the ranks away from himself or herself. Compare algebraic notation

■ descriptive statistics   n   (functioning as singular) the use of statistics to describe a set of known data in a clear and concise manner, as in terms of its mean and variance, or diagrammatically, as by a histogram. Compare statistical inference

■ descriptivism (dIˈskrIptIˌvIzəm)   n   ethics the theory that moral utterances have a truth value. Compare prescriptivism, emotivism   > deˈscriptiˌvist adj

■ descriptor (dIˈskrIptə)   n   1 linguistics a word or phrase which constitutes the descriptive element of a sentence   2 computing a keyword assigned to a data-file and stored in a search index so that it can be located through a search engine or in a database

descrive (dIˈskraIv)   vb (tr) archaic, dialect   1 to describe   2 to write down, inscribe, or transcribe   3 to descry

descry (dIˈskraI)   vb -scries, -scrying, -scried (tr)   1 to discern or make out; catch sight of   2 to discover by looking carefully; detect [C14: from Old French descrier to proclaim, DECRY]   > deˈscrier n

desecrate (ˈdɛsIˌkreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to violate or outrage the sacred character of (an object or place) by destructive, blasphemous, or sacrilegious action   2 to remove the consecration from (a person, object, building, etc); deconsecrate [C17: from DE- + CONSECRATE]   > ˌdeseˈcration n   > ˈdeseˌcrator or ˈdeseˌcrater n

deseed (diːˈsiːd)   vb   another word for seed (sense 15)

desegregate (diːˈsɛɡrIˌɡeIt)   vb   to end racial segregation in (a school or other public institution)   > ˌdesegreˈgation n   > ˌdesegreˈgationist n, adj

deselect (ˌdiːsIˈlɛkt)   vb (tr)   1 Brit politics (of a constituency organization) to refuse to select (an existing MP) for re-election   2 US to discharge (a trainee) during the period of training   3 computing to cancel (a highlighted selection of data) on a computer screen   4 computing to remove (the check mark) at an option in a dialogue box   > ˌdeseˈlection n

desensitize or desensitise (diːˈsɛnsIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to render insensitive or less sensitive: the patient was desensitized to the allergen; to desensitize photographic film   2 psychol to decrease the abnormal fear in (a person) of a situation or object, by exposing him or her to it either in reality or in his or her imagination   > deˌsensitiˈzation or deˌsensitiˈsation n   > deˈsensiˌtizer or deˈsensiˌtiser n

deserpidine (dIˈzɜːpIˌdiːn, dIˈzɜːpIdIn)   n   pharmacol a drug extracted from the plant Rauwolfia canescens, used to block the flow of or reaction to adrenaline, and thus useful as a tranquilizer or to treat hypertension

desert^1 (ˈdɛzət)   n   1 a region that is devoid or almost devoid of vegetation, esp because of low rainfall   2 an uncultivated uninhabited region   3 a place which lacks some desirable feature or quality: a cultural desert   4 (modifier) of, relating to, or like a desert; infertile or desolate [C13: from Old French, from Church Latin dēsertum, from Latin dēserere to abandon, literally: to sever one's links with, from DE- + serere to bind together]

■ desert boots   pl n   ankle-high suede boots with laces and soft soles, worn informally by men and women

■ desert cooler   n   (in India) a cooling device in which air is driven by an electric fan through wet grass

■ desertic (dIˈzɜːtIk)   adj   geology (of soil) developing in hot, dry climates

■ desert island   n   a small remote tropical island

■ desertless (dIˈzɜːtlIs)   adj   geology without a desert

■ desert lynx   n   another name for caracal

■ desert oak   n   a tree, Casuarina decaisneana, of Central and NW Australia, the timber of which is resistant to termite attack

■ desert pea   n   an Australian trailing leguminous plant, Clianthus formosus, with scarlet flowers

■ desert rat   n   1 a jerboa, Jaculus orientalis, inhabiting the deserts of N Africa   2 Brit informal a soldier who served in North Africa with the British 7th Armoured Division in 1941–42

■ desert rock   n   a type of heavy-metal music that has strong country-rock and folk influences

■ desert soil   n   a type of soil developed in arid climates, characterized by a lack of leaching and small humus content

desert^2 (dIˈzɜːt)   vb   1 (tr) to leave or abandon (a person, place, etc) without intending to return, esp in violation of a duty, promise, or obligation   2 military to abscond from (a post or duty) with no intention of returning   3 (tr) to fail (someone) in time of need: his good humour temporarily deserted him   4 (tr) Scots law to give up or postpone (a case or charge) [C15: from French déserter, from Late Latin dēsertāre, from Latin dēserere to forsake; see DESERT^1]   > deˈserted adj   > deˈserter n

■ desertion (dIˈzɜːʃən)   n   1 the act of deserting or abandoning or the state of being deserted or abandoned   2 law wilful abandonment, esp of one's spouse or children, without consent and in breach of obligations

desert^3 (dIˈzɜːt)   n   1 (often plural) something that is deserved or merited; just reward or punishment   2 the state of deserving a reward or punishment   3 virtue or merit [C13: from Old French deserte, from deservir to DESERVE]

■ desertless (dIˈzɜːtlIs)   adj   1 literary undeserving, meritless   2 archaic undeserved   3 archaic without reward or recompense, thankless

desertify (dIˈzɜːtIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied ecology   to (cause to) become a desert

■ desertification (dIˌzɜːtIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   a process by which fertile land turns into barren land or desert

desertization or desertisation (ˌdɛzətaIˈzeIʃən)   n   another name for desertification

deserve (dIˈzɜːv)   vb   1 (tr) to be entitled to or worthy of; merit   2 (intr; foll by of) obsolete to be worthy [C13: from Old French deservir, from Latin dēservīre to serve devotedly, from DE- + servīre to SERVE]   > deˈserved adj   > deservedness (dIˈzɜːvIdnIs) n   > deˈserver n

■ deservedly (dIˈzɜːvIdlI)   adv   according to merit; justly

■ deserving (dIˈzɜːvIŋ)   adj   1 (often postpositive and foll by of) worthy, esp of praise or reward   ▷ n   2 rare a merit or demerit; desert   > deˈservingly adv   > deˈservingness n

desexualize or desexualise (diːˈsɛksjʊəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to deprive of sexual characteristics by the surgical removal of the testicles or ovaries; castrate or spay. Often shortened to: desex (diːˈsɛks)   > deˌsexualiˈzation or deˌsexualiˈsation n

deshabille (ˌdeIzæˈbiːl) or dishabille (ˌdIsæˈbiːl)   n   1 the state of being partly or carelessly dressed   2 archaic clothes worn in such a state [C17: from French déshabillé undressed, from dés- DIS-1 + habiller to dress; see HABILIMENT]

desi or deshi (ˈdeIsiː)   adj Hinglish   1 indigenous or local: a desi buda   2 authentic: desi music [C21: Hindi, from Sanskrit deśa a country]

de Sica (Italian de ˈsiːka)   n   Vittorio (vitˈtɔːrjo). 1902–74, Italian film actor and director. His films, in the neorealist tradition, include Shoeshine (1946) and Bicycle Thieves (1948)

desiccant (ˈdɛsIkənt)   adj   1 desiccating or drying   ▷ n   2 a substance, such as calcium oxide, that absorbs water and is used to remove moisture; a drying agent [C17: from Latin dēsiccāns drying up; see DESICCATE]

desiccate (ˈdɛsIˌkeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to remove most of the water from (a substance or material); dehydrate   2 (tr) to preserve (food) by removing moisture; dry   3 (intr) to become dried up [C16: from Latin dēsiccāre to dry up, from DE- + siccāre to dry, from siccus dry]   > ˌdesicˈcation n   > ˈdesiccative adj

■ desiccated (ˈdɛsIˌkeItId)   adj   1 dehydrated and powdered: desiccated coconut   2 lacking in spirit or animation

■ desiccator (ˈdɛsIˌkeItə)   n   1 any apparatus for drying milk, fruit, etc   2 an airtight box or jar containing a desiccant, used to dry chemicals and protect them from the water vapour in the atmosphere

desiderata (dIˌzIdəˈrɑːtə)   n   the plural of desideratum

desiderate (dIˈzIdəˌreIt)   vb   (tr) to feel the lack of or need for; long for; miss [C17: from Latin dēsīderāre, from DE- + sīdus star; see DESIRE]   > deˌsiderˈation n

■ desiderative (dIˈzIdərətIv)   adj   1 feeling or expressing desire   2 (in certain languages, of a verb) related in form to another verb and expressing the subject's desire or intention to perform the act denoted by the other verb   ▷ n   3 a desiderative verb

desideratum (dIˌzIdəˈrɑːtəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   something lacked and wanted [C17: from Latin; see DESIDERATE]

desiderium (ˌdɛsIˈdIərIəm)   n   literary a powerful desire or yearning, esp for something once had

design (dIˈzaIn)   vb   1 to work out the structure or form of (something), as by making a sketch, outline, pattern, or plans   2 to plan and make (something) artistically or skilfully   3 (tr) to form or conceive in the mind; invent   4 (tr) to intend, as for a specific purpose; plan   5 (tr) obsolete to mark out or designate   ▷ n   6 a plan, sketch, or preliminary drawing   7 the arrangement or pattern of elements or features of an artistic or decorative work: the design of the desk is modern   8 a finished artistic or decorative creation   9 the art of designing   10 a plan, scheme, or project   11 an end aimed at or planned for; intention; purpose   12 (often plural; often foll by on or against) a plot or hostile scheme, often to gain possession of (something) by illegitimate means   13 a coherent or purposeful pattern, as opposed to chaos: God's design   14 argument from design philosophy another name for teleological argument [C16: from Latin dēsignāre to mark out, describe, from DE- + signāre to mark, from signum a mark, SIGN]   > deˈsignable adj

■ designedly (dIˈzaInIdlI)   adv   by intention or design; on purpose; deliberately

■ designee (ˌdɛzIɡˈniː)   n   a person designated (to do something)

■ designer (dIˈzaInə)   n   1 a person who devises and executes designs, as for works of art, clothes, machines, etc   2 (modifier) designed by and bearing the label or signature of a well-known fashion designer: designer jeans   3 (modifier) (of things, ideas, etc) having an appearance of fashionable trendiness: designer pop songs; designer stubble   4 (modifier) (of cells, chemicals, etc) designed (or produced) to perform a specific function or combat a specific problem: designer insecticide   5 (modifier) (of an animal) cross-bred for a specific purpose, such as looks, temperament, or likelihood of causing an allergy: designer dogs   6 a person who devises plots or schemes; intriguer

■ designer baby   n   informal a baby that is the product of genetic engineering

■ designer drug   n   1 any of various narcotic or hallucinogenic substances manufactured illegally from a range of chemicals   2 med a drug designed to act on a specific molecular target

■ designful (dIˈzaInfʊl)   adj   1 full of design or intention   2 literary scheming, full of cunning plans

■ designing (dIˈzaInIŋ)   adj   artful and scheming; conniving; crafty   > deˈsigningly adv

■ designless (dIˈzaInlIs)   adj   1 without a design, unplanned   2 purposeless, unintentional   3 literary not designing or scheming

■ designment (dIˈzaInmənt)   n   archaic designation, design

designate   vb (ˈdɛzIɡˌneIt) (tr)   1 to indicate or specify   2 to give a name to; style; entitle   3 to select or name for an office or duty; appoint   ▷ adj (ˈdɛzIɡnIt, -ˌneIt)   4 (immediately postpositive) appointed, but not yet in office: a minister designate [C15: from Latin dēsignātus marked out, defined; see DESIGN]   > ˈdesigˌnative or designatory (ˌdɛzIɡˈneItrI) adj   > ˈdesigˌnator n

■ designated (ˈdɛzIɡˌneItId)   adj   logic (of a truth value) corresponding to truth in a two-valued logic, or having one of the analogous values in a many-valued logic

■ designated driver   n   a person who volunteers not to drink alcohol on a social occasion, so that he or she can safely drive other people who have been drinking

■ designated employment   n   any of certain kinds of jobs reserved for workers with disabilities

■ designation (ˌdɛzIɡˈneIʃən)   n   1 something that designates, such as a name or distinctive mark   2 the act of designating or the fact of being designated

desilver (diːˈsIlvə)   vb (tr)   to remove silver from; to deprive of silver

■ desilverization or desilverisation (diːˌsIlvəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   chem the process of desilverizing (metal); the state of having been desilverized

■ desilverize or desilverise (diːˈsIlvəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   chem to extract silver from (metal)

desinence (ˈdɛsInəns)   n   grammar an ending or termination, esp an inflectional ending of a word [C16: from French désinence, from Latin dēsinēns ending, from dēsinere to leave off, from DE- + sinere to leave, permit]   > ˈdesinent or desinential (ˌdɛsIˈnɛnʃəl) adj

desipient (dIˈsIpIənt)   adj   literary silly; foolish

■ desipience (dIˈsIpIəns)   n   literary folly; silliness

desipramine (dəˈsIprəˌmiːn)   n   pharmacol a tricyclic antidepressant drug

desire (dIˈzaIə)   vb (tr)   1 to wish or long for; crave; want   2 to express a wish or make a request for; ask for   ▷ n   3 a wish or longing; craving   4 an expressed wish; request   5 sexual appetite; lust   6 a person or thing that is desired ▶ Related adjective: orectic [C13: from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre to desire earnestly; see DESIDERATE]   > deˈsirer n

■ desirable (dIˈzaIərəbəl)   adj   1 worthy of desire or recommendation: a desirable residence   2 arousing desire, esp sexual desire; attractive   ▷ n   3 a person or thing that is the object of desire   > deˌsiraˈbility or deˈsirableness n   > deˈsirably adv

■ desired (dIˈzaIəd)   adj   wished for

■ desireless (dIˈzaIəlIs)   adj   without desire; having no longings

■ desirous (dIˈzaIərəs)   adj   (usually postpositive and foll by of) having or expressing desire (for); having a wish or longing (for)   > deˈsirously adv   > deˈsirousness n

desist (dIˈzIst)   vb   (intr; often foll by from) to cease, as from an action; stop or abstain [C15: from Old French desister, from Latin dēsistere to leave off, stand apart, from DE- + sistere to stand, halt]   > deˈsistance or deˈsistence n

desk (dɛsk)   n   1 a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments   2 a service counter or table in a public building, such as a hotel: information desk   3 a support, lectern, or book rest for the book from which services are read in a church   4 the editorial section of a newspaper, etc, responsible for a particular subject: the news desk   5    a a music stand shared by two orchestral players   b these two players   6 (modifier)   a made for use at a desk: a desk calendar   b done at a desk: a desk job [C14: from Medieval Latin desca table, from Latin discus disc, dish]

■ desk-bound   adj   engaged in or involving sedentary work, as at an office desk

■ desk clerk   n   US and Canadian a hotel receptionist. Also called: clerk

■ deskfast (ˈdɛskfəst)   n   breakfast eaten at one's desk at work [C20: from DESK + (BREAK)FAST]

■ desking (ˈdɛskIŋ)   n   the desks and related furnishings in a given space, such as an office

■ deskman (ˈdɛskˌmæn)   n, pl -men   a person who works at a desk in a workplace, esp the police sergeant in charge in a police station or a copy editor in a news office

■ desknote or desknote computer (ˈdɛskˌnəʊt)   n   a computer that is similar in size to a notebook computer, but is designed to remain stationary, like a desktop computer

■ desktop (ˈdɛskˌtɒp)   n   1 the main screen display on a personal computer, from which windows may be opened and programs run   2 (modifier) denoting a computer system, esp for word processing, that is small enough to use at a desk

■ desktop publishing   n   a means of publishing reports, advertising, etc, to typeset quality using a desktop computer. Abbreviation: DTP

deskill (diːˈskIl)   vb (tr)   1 to mechanize or computerize (a job or process) to such an extent that little human skill is required to do it   2 to cause (skilled persons or a labour force) to work at a job that does not utilize their skills   > deˈskilling n

desman (ˈdɛsmən)   n, pl -mans   either of two molelike amphibious mammals Desmana moschata (Russian desman) or Galemys pyrenaicus (Pyrenean desman), having dense fur and webbed feet: family Talpidae, order Insectivora (insectivores) [C18: from Swedish desmansråtta, from desman musk (of Germanic origin) + råtta rat]

desmid (ˈdɛsmId)   n   any freshwater green alga of the mainly unicellular family Desmidioideae, typically constricted into two symmetrical halves [C19: from New Latin Desmidium (genus name), from Greek desmos bond, from dein to bind]   > desˈmidian adj

desmine (ˈdɛzmiːn, ˈdɛzmIn)   n   another name for stilbite

desmodium (dɛzˈməʊdIəm)   n   a genus of flowering plant, with usually unobtrusive flowers; many members are considered weeds, such as the beggarweed (Desmodium tortuosum)

desmodromic (ˌdɛzməˈdrɒmIk)   adj   machinery (of mechanisms, almost exclusively of valves) that are controlled in both directions of their movement. A desmodromic valve is one which is actively both opened and closed by a mechanism rather than by a spring

desmoid (ˈdɛsmɔId)   adj   1 anatomy resembling a tendon or ligament   ▷ n   2 pathol a very firm tumour of connective tissue [C19: from Greek desmos band + -OID; see DESMID]

Des Moines (də ˈmɔIn, ˈmɔInz)   n   1 a city in S central Iowa: state capital. Pop: 196 093 (2003 est)   2 a river in the N central US, rising in SW Minnesota and flowing southeast to join the Mississippi. Length: 861 km (535 miles)

Desmond (ˈdɛzmənd)   n   15th Earl of, title of Gerald Fitzgerald. died 1583, Anglo-Irish nobleman, who led a Catholic rebellion (1579) against English domination of Ireland

Desmond Tutu (ˌdɛzmənd ˈtuːtuː)   n   Brit informal a university degree graded 2:2 (second class lower bracket). Often shortened to: Desmond [C20: a pun on 2:2 and Desmond TUTU]

desmosome (ˈdɛsməˌsəʊm)   n   cytology a structure in the cell membranes of adjacent cells that binds them together

■ desmosomal (ˌdɛzməˈsəʊməl)   adj   biology of or relating to desmosomes

Desmoulins (French dɛmulɛ̃)   n   (Lucie Simplice) Camille (Benoît) (kamij). 1760–94, French revolutionary leader, pamphleteer, and orator

desnood (diːˈsnuːd)   vb (tr)   to remove the snood of (a turkey poult) to reduce the risk of cannibalism

desobligeante French (dezobliʒãt)   n   transport a type of carriage seating only one person

désœuvré French (dezœvre)   adj   literary with nothing to do, unemployed, idle

desolate   adj (ˈdɛsəlIt)   1 uninhabited; deserted   2 made uninhabitable; laid waste; devastated   3 without friends, hope, or encouragement; forlorn, wretched, or abandoned   4 gloomy or dismal; depressing   ▷ vb (ˈdɛsəˌleIt) (tr)   5 to deprive of inhabitants; depopulate   6 to make barren or lay waste; devastate   7 to make wretched or forlorn   8 to forsake or abandon [C14: from Latin dēsōlāre to leave alone, from DE- + sōlāre to make lonely, lay waste, from sōlus alone]   > ˈdesolately adv   > ˈdesolateness n   > ˈdesoˌlater or ˈdesoˌlator n

■ desolated (ˈdɛsəˌleItId)   adj   1 wretched or forlorn   2 deserted and laid waste

■ desolatingly (ˈdɛsəˌleItIŋlI)   adv   in a way that desolates; in a desolating fashion

■ desolation (ˌdɛsəˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act of desolating or the state of being desolated; ruin or devastation   2 solitary misery; wretchedness   3 a desolate region; barren waste

■ desolatory (ˈdɛsələtərI)   adj   archaic tending to cause desolation

desorb (dIˈsɔːb, -ˈzɔːb)   vb   chem to change from an adsorbed state on a surface to a gaseous or liquid state

■ desorption (dIˈsɔːpʃən, -ˈzɔːp-)   n   the action or process of desorbing

désorienté French (dezɔrjɑ̃te)   adj   having lost one's bearings; confused

De Soto (də ˈsəʊtəʊ; Spanish de ˈsoto)   n   Hernando (ɛrˈnando). ?1500–42, Spanish explorer, who discovered the Mississippi River (1541). Also: Fernando De Soto (fɛrˈnando)

desoxy-   combining form   a variant of deoxy-

despair (dIˈspɛə)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by of) to lose or give up hope: I despair of his coming   2 (tr) obsolete to give up hope of; lose hope in   ▷ n   3 total loss of hope   4 a person or thing that causes hopelessness or for which there is no hope [C14: from Old French despoir hopelessness, from desperer to despair, from Latin dēspērāre, from DE- + spērāre to hope]

■ despairer (dIˈspɛərə)   n   a person who despairs

■ despairful (dIˈspɛərfʊl)   adj   literary full of despair; hopeless; despairing

■ despairing (dIˈspɛərIŋ)   adj   marked by or resulting from despair; hopeless or desperate   > desˈpairingly adv

despatch (dIˈspætʃ)   vb   (tr) a less common spelling of dispatch   > desˈpatcher n

Despenser (dIsˈpɛnsə)   n   Hugh le, Earl of Winchester. 1262–1326, English statesman, a favourite of Edward II. Together with his son Hugh, the Younger (?1290–1326), he was executed by the king's enemies

desperado (ˌdɛspəˈrɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -does or -dos   a reckless or desperate person, esp one ready to commit any violent illegal act [C17: probably pseudo-Spanish variant of obsolete desperate (n) a reckless character]

desperate (ˈdɛspərIt, -prIt)   adj   1 careless of danger, as from despair; utterly reckless   2 (of an act) reckless; risky   3 used or undertaken in desperation or as a last resort: desperate measures   4 critical; very grave: in desperate need   5 (often postpositive and foll by for) in distress and having a great need or desire   6 moved by or showing despair or hopelessness; despairing [C15: from Latin dēspērāre to have no hope; see DESPAIR]   > ˈdesperately adv   > ˈdesperateness n

■ desperation (ˌdɛspəˈreIʃən)   n   1 desperate recklessness   2 the act of despairing or the state of being desperate

despicable (dIˈspIkəbəl, ˈdɛspIk-)   adj   worthy of being despised; contemptible; mean [C16: from Late Latin dēspicābilis, from dēspicārī to disdain; compare DESPISE]   > deˌspicaˈbility or deˈspicableness n   > deˈspicably adv

despiritualize or despiritualise (diːˈspIrItjʊəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   theol to render less spiritual; to remove the spiritual character of; to make more material

despise (dIˈspaIz)   vb   (tr) to look down on with contempt; scorn: he despises flattery [C13: from Old French despire, from Latin dēspicere to look down, from DE- + specere to look]   > deˈspiser n

■ despisable (dIˈspaIzəbəl)   adj   archaic deserving of being despised; despicable

■ despisal (dIˈspaIzəl)   n   contempt; the act of despising; scorn

■ despisedness (dIˈspaIzIdnəs)   n   literary the quality or state of being despised

■ despisement (dIˈspaIzmənt)   n   archaic contempt; despisal

■ despisingly (dIsˈpaIzIŋlI)   adv   in a despising manner; contemptuously

despite (dIˈspaIt)   prep   1 in spite of; undeterred by   ▷ n   2 archaic contempt; insult   3 in despite of (preposition) rare in spite of   ▷ vb   4 (tr) an archaic word for spite [C13: from Old French despit, from Latin dēspectus contempt; see DESPISE]

despiteful (dIˈspaItfʊl) or despiteous (dIˈspItIəs)   adj   an archaic word for spiteful   > deˈspitefully or deˈspiteously adv   > deˈspitefulness or deˈspiteousness n

despoil (dIˈspɔIl)   vb   (tr) to strip or deprive by force; plunder; rob; loot [C13: from Old French despoillier, from Latin dēspoliāre, from DE- + spoliāre to rob (esp of clothing); see SPOIL]   > deˈspoiler n   > deˈspoilment n

■ despoiling (dIsˈpɔIlIŋ)   n   plundering by force

■ despoliation (dIˌspəʊlIˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act of despoiling; plunder or pillage   2 the state of being despoiled

despond   vb (dIˈspɒnd)   1 (intr) to lose heart or hope; become disheartened; despair   ▷ n (ˈdɛspɒnd, dIˈspɒnd)   2 archaic lack of hope; despondency [C17: from Latin dēspondēre to promise, make over to, yield, lose heart, from DE- + spondēre to promise]   > deˈspondingly adv

■ despondent (dIˈspɒndənt)   adj   downcast or disheartened; lacking hope or courage; dejected   > deˈspondence n   > deˈspondency n   > deˈspondently adv

despot (ˈdɛspɒt)   n   1 an absolute or tyrannical ruler; autocrat or tyrant   2 any person in power who acts tyrannically   3 a title borne by numerous persons of rank in the later Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires [C16: from Medieval Latin despota, from Greek despotēs lord, master; related to Latin domus house]   > despotic (dɛsˈpɒtIk) or desˈpotical adj   > desˈpotically adv

■ despotat (ˈdɛspɒˌtæt)   n   the dominion of a despot

■ despoticalness (dIˈspɒtIkəlnəs)   n   archaic the quality of being despotic

■ despotism (ˈdɛspəˌtIzəm)   n   1 the rule of a despot; arbitrary, absolute, or tyrannical government   2 arbitrary or tyrannical authority or behaviour

despotocracy (ˌdɛspəˈtɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cracies   the rule by a despot or despots; the power of despots

des Prés or Desprez (French de pre)   n   Josquin (ʒɔskɛ̃). ?1450–1521, Flemish Renaissance composer of masses, motets, and chansons

despumate (dIˈspjuːmeIt, ˈdɛspjʊˌmeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to clarify or purify (a liquid) by skimming a scum from its surface   2 (intr) (of a liquid) to form a scum or froth [C17: from Latin dēspūmāre to skim off, from DE- + spūma foam, froth]   > ˌdespuˈmation n

desquamate (ˈdɛskwəˌmeIt)   vb   (intr) (esp of the skin in certain diseases) to peel or come off in scales [C18: from Latin dēsquāmāre to scale off, from DE- + squāma a scale]   > ˌdesquaˈmation n

■ desquamative (dIˈskwæmətIv)   adj   tending to cause desquamation; characterized by desquamation

■ desquamatory (dIˈskwæmətərI)   n   1 an obsolete surgical instrument once used for the desquamation of bones   ▷ adj   2 pertaining to desquamation

des res (dɛz rɛz)   n   (in estate agents' jargon) a desirable residence

Dessalines (French desalin)   n   Jean-Jacques (ʒɑ̃ ʒɑk). ?1758–1806, emperor of Haiti (1804–06) after driving out the French; assassinated

Dessau (German ˈdɛsau)   n   an industrial city in E Germany, in Saxony-Anhalt: capital of Anhalt state from 1340 to 1918. Pop: 78 380 (2003 est)

desse (dɛs)   n   an archaic word for desk

dessert (dIˈzɜːt)   n   1 the sweet, usually last course of a meal   2 chiefly Brit (esp formerly) fruit, dates, nuts, etc, served at the end of a meal [C17: from French, from desservir to clear a table, from des- DIS-1 + servir to SERVE]

■ dessertspoon (dIˈzɜːtˌspuːn)   n   a spoon intermediate in size between a tablespoon and a teaspoon

■ dessertspoonful (dIˈzɜːtspuːnfʊl)   n   the quantity that a dessertspoon will hold

dessiatine (ˈdɛsjəˌtiːn)   n   a Russian unit of area equal to approximately 2.7 acres or 10 800 square metres. Also called: dessyatine, dessyatin (ˈdɛsjəˌtiːn) [C18: from Russian desyatina, literally: tithe, from desyat ten]

dessignment (dIˈzaInmənt)   n   obsolete design; planning

destabilize or destabilise (diːˈsteIbIˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to undermine or subvert (a government, economy, etc) so as to cause unrest or collapse   > ˌdestabiliˈzation or ˌdestabiliˈsation n

■ destabilizer or destabiliser (diːˈsteIbIˌlaIzə)   n   a person who or a thing that destabilizes

destain^1 (diːˈsteIn)   vb (tr)   chem to remove a stain from

destain^2 (diːˈsteIn)   vb (tr)   an archaic spelling of distain

de-Stalinize or de-Stalinise (diːˈstɑːlIˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   politics to eliminate the influence of Stalin from

■ de-Stalinization or de-Stalinisation (diːˌstɑːlInaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the elimination of the influence of Stalin

De Stijl (də staIl)   n   a group of artists and architects in the Netherlands in the 1920s, including Mondrian and van Doesburg, devoted to neoplasticism and then dada [Dutch, literally: the style, title of this group's own magazine]

destine (ˈdɛstIn)   vb   (tr) to set apart or appoint (for a certain purpose or person, or to do something); intend; design [C14: from Old French destiner, from Latin dēstināre to appoint, from DE- + -stināre, from stāre to stand]

■ destination (ˌdɛstIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the predetermined end of a journey or voyage   2 the ultimate end or purpose for which something is created or a person is destined

■ destined (ˈdɛstInd)   adj (postpositive)   1 foreordained or certain; meant: he is destined to be famous   2 (usually foll by for) heading (towards a specific destination); directed: a letter destined for Europe

destiny (ˈdɛstInI)   n, pl -nies   1 the future destined for a person or thing; fate; fortune; lot   2 the predetermined or inevitable course of events   3 the ultimate power or agency that predetermines the course of events [C14: from Old French destinee, from destiner to DESTINE]

■ Destiny (ˈdɛstInI)   n, pl -nies   the power that predetermines events, personified as a goddess

destitute (ˈdɛstIˌtjuːt)   adj   1 lacking the means of subsistence; totally impoverished   2 (postpositive; foll by of) completely lacking; deprived or bereft (of): destitute of words   3 obsolete abandoned or deserted [C14: from Latin dēstitūtus forsaken, from dēstituere to leave alone, from statuere to place]   > ˈdestiˌtuteness n

■ destitution (ˌdɛstIˈtjuːʃən)   n   1 the state of being destitute; utter poverty   2 rare lack or deficiency

destock (diːˈstɒk)   vb   (of a retailer) to reduce the amount of stock held or cease to stock certain products

de-stress   vb   to become or cause to become less stressed or anxious

destrier (ˈdɛstrIə)   n   an archaic word for warhorse (sense 1) [C13: from Old French, from destre right hand, from Latin dextra; from the fact that a squire led a knight's horse with his right hand]

destroy (dIˈstrɔI)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to ruin; spoil; render useless   2 to tear down or demolish; break up; raze   3 to put an end to; do away with; extinguish   4 to kill or annihilate   5 to crush, subdue, or defeat   6 (intr) to be destructive or cause destruction [C13: from Old French destruire, from Latin dēstruere to pull down, from DE- + struere to pile up, build]   > deˈstroyable adj

■ destroyer (dIˈstrɔIə)   n   1 a small fast lightly armoured but heavily armed warship   2 a person or thing that destroys

■ destroyer escort   n   a lightly armed warship smaller than a destroyer, designed to escort fleets or convoys

■ destroying angel   n   a white slender very poisonous basidiomycetous toadstool, Amanita virosa, having a pronounced volva, frilled, shaggy stalk, and sickly smell

destruction (dIˈstrʌkʃən)   n   1 the act of destroying or state of being destroyed; demolition   2 a cause of ruin or means of destroying [C14: from Latin dēstructiō a pulling down; see DESTROY]

■ destruct (dIˈstrʌkt)   vb   1 to destroy (one's own missile or rocket) for safety   2 (intr) (of a missile or rocket) to be destroyed, for safety, by those controlling it; self-destruct   ▷ n   3 the act of destructing   ▷ adj   4 designed to be capable of destroying itself or the object, system, or installation containing it: destruct mechanism

■ destructible (dIˈstrʌktəbəl)   adj   capable of being or liable to be destroyed   > deˌstructiˈbility n

■ destructional (dIˈstrʌkʃənəl)   adj   1 of or pertaining to destruction   2 geology (of landscapes or geological formations) produced by destruction

■ destructionist (dIˈstrʌkʃənIst)   n   a person who believes in destruction, esp of social institutions

■ destructive (dIˈstrʌktIv)   adj   1 (often postpositive and foll by of or to) causing or tending to cause the destruction (of)   2 intended to disprove or discredit, esp without positive suggestions or help; negative: destructive criticism. Compare constructive (sense 1)   > deˈstructively adv   > deˈstructiveness or destructivity (ˌdiːstrʌkˈtIvItI) n

■ destructive distillation   n   the decomposition of a complex substance, such as wood or coal, by heating it in the absence of air and collecting the volatile products

■ destructivism (dIˈstrʌktIvIzəm)   n   1 philosophy the theory that a part of a whole may be considered a principle part if the destruction of that part would lead to the destruction of the whole   2 art an experimental art movement that involves destroying objects during a public performance

■ destructivist (dIˈstrʌktIvIst)   n   1 philosophy a person who holds to the theory of destructivism   2 political theory a person whose actions lead towards the destruction of society   3 art an artist who destroys objects during a public performance   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to destructivists or their theories

destructo (dIˈstrʌktəʊ)   n, pl -ctos   Austral informal a person who causes havoc or destruction

destructor (dIˈstrʌktə)   n   1 a furnace or incinerator for the disposal of refuse, esp one that uses the resulting heat to generate power   2 a device used to blow up a dangerously defective missile or rocket after launching

desuetude (dIˈsjuːIˌtjuːd, ˈdɛswItjuːd)   n   formal the condition of not being in use or practice; disuse: those ceremonies had fallen into desuetude [C15: from Latin dēsuētūdō, from dēsuescere to lay aside a habit, from DE- + suescere to grow accustomed]

desugar (diːˈʃʊɡə)   vb (tr)   computing informal to rewrite (computer code) in a more refined and concise form; to remove all unnecessary syntactical elements from (computer code)

desulphurize, desulphurise or US desulfurize (diːˈsʌlfjʊˌraIz)   vb   to free or become free from sulphur   > deˌsulphuriˈzation, deˌsulphuriˈsation or US deˌsulfuriˈzation n   > deˈsulphurˌizer, deˈsulphurˌiser or US deˈsulfurˌizer n

■ desulphur or US desulfur (diːˈsʌlfə)   vb (tr)   alternative words for desulphurize

■ desulphurate or US desulfurate (diːˈsʌlfəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   alternative words for desulphurize

■ desulphuration or US desulfuration (diːˌsʌlfəˈreIʃən)   n   the removal of sulphur; desulphurization

desultory (ˈdɛsəltərI, -trI)   adj   1 passing or jumping from one thing to another, esp in a fitful way; unmethodical; disconnected   2 occurring in a random or incidental way; haphazard: a desultory thought [C16: from Latin dēsultōrius, relating to one who vaults or jumps, hence superficial, from dēsilīre to jump down, from DE- + salīre to jump]   > ˈdesultorily adv   > ˈdesultoriness n

desyatin (ˈdɛsjəˌtiːn)   n   a variant spelling of dessiatine

DET   abbreviation for   diethyltryptamine, a hallucinogenic drug

detach (dIˈtætʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to disengage and separate or remove, as by pulling; unfasten; disconnect   2 military to separate (a small unit) from a larger one, esp for a special assignment [C17: from Old French destachier, from des- DIS-1 + attachier to ATTACH]   > deˈtachable adj   > deˌtachaˈbility n   > deˈtacher n

■ detachably (dIˈtætʃəblI)   adv   in a detachable fashion

■ detached (dIˈtætʃt)   adj   1 disconnected or standing apart; not attached: a detached house   2 having or showing no bias or emotional involvement; disinterested   3 social welfare working at the clients' normal location rather than from an office; not dependent on premises for providing a service: a detached youth worker. Compare outreach (sense 7)   4 ophthalmol (of the retina) separated from the choroid layer of the eyeball to which it is normally attached, resulting in loss of vision in the affected part

■ detachedly (dIˈtætʃtlI)   adv   in a detached fashion

■ detachedness (dIˈtætʃtnəs)   n   the quality of being detached or separated

■ detachment (dIˈtætʃmənt)   n   1 indifference to other people or to one's surroundings; aloofness   2 freedom from self-interest or bias; disinterest   3 the act of disengaging or separating something   4 the condition of being disengaged or separated; disconnection   5 military   a the separation of a small unit from its main body, esp of ships or troops   b the unit so detached   6 Canadian a branch office of a police force   7 logic the rule whereby the consequent of a true conditional statement, given the truth of its antecedent, may be asserted on its own. See also modus ponens

detail (ˈdiːteIl)   n   1 an item or smaller part that is considered separately; particular   2 an item or circumstance that is insignificant or unimportant: passengers' comfort was regarded as a detail   3 treatment of or attention to items or particulars: this essay includes too much detail   4 items collectively; particulars   5 a small or accessory section or element in a painting, building, statue, etc, esp when considered in isolation   6 military   a the act of assigning personnel for a specific duty, esp a fatigue   b the personnel selected   c the duty or assignment   7 go into detail to include all or most particulars   8 in detail including all or most particulars or items thoroughly   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to list or relate fully   10 military to select (personnel) for a specific duty   11 to decorate or elaborate (carving, etc) with fine delicate drawing or designs [C17: from French détail, from Old French detailler to cut in pieces, from de- DIS-1 + tailler to cut; see TAILOR]

■ detail drawing   n   a separate large-scale drawing of a small part or section of a building, machine, etc

■ detailed (ˈdiːteIld)   adj   having many details or giving careful attention to details: a detailed list of the ingredients required

■ detailedly (ˈdiːteIldlI)   adv   in a detailed manner

■ detailedness (ˈdiːteIldnəs)   n   the quality of being detailed

detailer (ˈdiːteIlə)   n   1 a person who cares for (polishes, repaints, cleans, etc) cars   2 (in the steel industry) a person who prepares detailed construction plans   3 (in marketing, particularly in pharmaceuticals) a person employed to inform potential customers in detail about the products available   4 (generally) a person who or a thing that produces detail; someone who details

detain (dIˈteIn)   vb (tr)   1 to delay; hold back; stop   2 to confine or hold in custody; restrain   3 archaic to retain or withhold [C15: from Old French detenir, from Latin dētinēre to hold off, keep back, from DE- + tenēre to hold]   > deˈtainable adj   > detainee (ˌdiːteIˈniː) n   > deˈtainment n

■ detainer (dIˈteInə)   n law   1 the wrongful withholding of the property of another person   2    a the detention of a person in custody   b a writ authorizing the further detention of a person already in custody [C17: from Anglo-French detener (n), from detener to DETAIN]

detangle (diːˈtæŋɡəl)   vb   to remove tangles from (hair)

■ detangler (diːˈtæŋɡlə)   n   a cosmetic product used to detangle hair

detassel (diːˈtæsəl)   vb (tr)   agriculture to remove the upper, pollen-bearing part (the tassel) of a corn (maize) plant and place it on the ground. This is done to one variety of corn in a plantation containing two varieties, so that all the corn will be pollinated by a single variety, thus producing fertile hybrids

detect (dIˈtɛkt)   vb (tr)   1 to perceive or notice: to detect a note of sarcasm   2 to discover the existence or presence of (esp something likely to elude observation): to detect alcohol in the blood   3 to extract information from (an electromagnetic wave)   4 obsolete to reveal or expose (a crime, criminal, etc) [C15: from Latin dētectus uncovered, from dētegere to uncover, from DE- + tegere to cover]   > deˈtectable or deˈtectible adj   > deˈtecter n

■ detectability (dIˌtɛktəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being detectable

■ detection (dIˈtɛkʃən)   n   1 the act of discovering or the fact of being discovered: detection of crime   2 the act or process of extracting information, esp at audio or video frequencies, from an electromagnetic wave. See also demodulation

■ detective (dIˈtɛktIv)   n   1    a a police officer who investigates crimes   b See private detective   c (as modifier): a detective story   ▷ adj   2 used in or serving for detection   3 serving to detect

■ detective-like   adj   like a detective; having characteristics of a detective

■ detectivist (dIˈtɛktIvIst)   n   1 a writer of detective stories   ▷ adj   2 like that of a detective or of a detective story writer

■ detector (dIˈtɛktə)   n   1 a person or thing that detects   2 any mechanical sensing device   3 electronics a device used in the detection of radio signals

■ detectorist (dIˈtɛktərIst)   n   informal a person whose hobby is using a metal detector

detectophone (dIˈtɛktəˌfəʊn)   n   1 police a secret listening device, the predecessor of the modern 'bug'   2 (in science fiction) a voice-activated device   3 (in science fiction) a machine capable of translating between languages

detent (dIˈtɛnt)   n   the locking piece of a mechanism, often spring-loaded to check the movement of a wheel in one direction only. See also pawl [C17: from Old French destente, a loosening, trigger: see DÉTENTE]

détente (deIˈtɑːnt; French detɑ̃t)   n   the relaxing or easing of tension, esp between nations [French, literally: a loosening, from Old French destendre to release, from tendre to stretch]

■ détentist (deIˈtɑːntIst)   n   1 a supporter of détente; someone who tries to ease political tensions   ▷ adj   2 supporting détente; aiming to ease political tensions

detention (dIˈtɛnʃən)   n   1 the act of detaining or state of being detained   2    a custody or confinement, esp of a suspect awaiting trial   b (as modifier): a detention order   3 a form of punishment in which a pupil is detained after school   4 the withholding of something belonging to or claimed by another [C16: from Latin dētentiō a keeping back; see DETAIN]

■ detention centre   n   a place where persons (typically asylum seekers, illegal immigrants, or people awaiting trial) may be detained for short periods by order of a court

détenu or feminine détenue French (detənu)   n   a prisoner; a person in custody

deter (dIˈtɜː)   vb -ters, -terring, -terred   (tr) to discourage (from acting) or prevent (from occurring), usually by instilling fear, doubt, or anxiety [C16: from Latin dēterrēre, from DE- + terrēre to frighten]   > deˈterment n

■ deterrability (dIˌtɜːrəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being deterrable

■ deterrable (dIˈtɜːrəbəl)   adj   able to be deterred

■ deterrer (dIˈtɜːrə)   n   a person who or a thing that deters

deterge (dIˈtɜːdʒ)   vb   (tr) to wash or wipe away; cleanse: to deterge a wound [C17: from Latin dētergēre to wipe away, from DE- + tergēre to wipe]

■ deterger (dIˈtɜːdʒə)   n   another name for detergent

■ detersion (dIˈtɜːʃən)   n   the act of cleansing or deterging, esp of sores

detergent (dIˈtɜːdʒənt)   n   1 a cleansing agent, esp a surface-active chemical such as an alkyl sulphonate, widely used in industry, laundering, shampoos, etc   ▷ adj also detersive (dIˈtɜːsIv)   2 having cleansing power [C17: from Latin dētergēns wiping off; see DETERGE]

■ detergency (dIˈtɜːdʒənsI) or detergence   n   cleansing power

deteriorate (dIˈtIərIəˌreIt)   vb   1 to make or become worse or lower in quality, value, character, etc; depreciate   2 (intr) to wear away or disintegrate [C16: from Late Latin dēteriōrāre, from Latin dēterior worse]   > deˌterioˈration n   > deˈteriorative adj

■ deteriorism (dIˈtIərIərIzəm)   n   the belief that everything is getting worse, that the universe is deteriorating or decaying

■ deteriority (dIˌtIərIˈɒrItI)   n   formal the quality of being inferior or worse

determine (dIˈtɜːmIn)   vb   1 to settle or decide (an argument, question, etc) conclusively, as by referring to an authority   2 (tr) to ascertain or conclude, esp after observation or consideration   3 (tr) to shape or influence; give direction to: experience often determines ability   4 (tr) to fix in scope, extent, variety, etc: the river determined the edge of the property   5 to make or cause to make a decision: he determined never to marry   6 (tr) logic to define or limit (a notion) by adding or requiring certain features or characteristics   7 (tr) geometry to fix or specify the position, form, or configuration of: two points determine a line   8 chiefly law to come or bring to an end, as an estate or interest in land   9 (tr) to decide (a legal action or dispute) [C14: from Old French determiner, from Latin dētermināre to set boundaries to, from DE- + termināre to limit; see TERMINATE]

■ determinability (dIˌtɜːmInəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being determinable

■ determinable (dIˈtɜːmInəbəl)   adj   1 able to be decided, fixed, or found out   2 law liable to termination under certain conditions; terminable   > deˈterminably adv

■ determinacy (dIˈtɜːmInəsI)   n   1 the quality of being defined or fixed   2 the condition of being predicted or deduced

■ determinant (dIˈtɜːmInənt)   adj   1 serving to determine or affect   ▷ n   2 a factor, circumstance, etc, that influences or determines   3 maths a square array of elements that represents the sum of certain products of these elements, used to solve simultaneous equations, in vector studies, etc. Compare matrix (sense 9)

■ determinantal (dIˌtɜːmIˈnæntəl)   adj   maths of or relating to determinants

■ determinate (dIˈtɜːmInIt)   adj   1 definitely limited, defined, or fixed; distinct   2 a less common word for determined   3    a able to be predicted or deduced   b (of an effect) obeying the law of causality   4 botany (of an inflorescence) having the main and branch stems ending in flowers and unable to grow further; cymose   5 (of a structure, stress, etc) able to be fully analysed or determined   > deˈterminately adv   > deˈterminateness n

■ determination (dIˌtɜːmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of making a decision   2 the condition of being determined; resoluteness   3 the act or an instance of ending an argument by the opinion or decision of an authority   4 the act or an instance of fixing or settling the quality, limit, position, etc, of something   5 a decision or opinion reached, rendered, or settled upon   6 a resolute movement towards some object or end   7 law the termination of an estate or interest   8 law the decision reached by a court of justice on a disputed matter   9 logic   a the process of qualifying or limiting a proposition or concept   b the qualifications or limitations used in this process   10 the condition of embryonic tissues of being able to develop into only one particular tissue or organ in the adult

■ determinative (dIˈtɜːmInətIv)   adj   1 able to or serving to settle or determine; deciding   ▷ n   2 a factor, circumstance, etc, that settles or determines   3 grammar a less common word for determiner   4 (in a logographic writing system) a logogram that bears a separate meaning, from which compounds and inflected forms are built up   > deˈterminatively adv   > deˈterminativeness n

■ determinator (dIˈtɜːmIˌneItə)   n   a person who or a thing that determines

■ determined (dIˈtɜːmInd)   adj   of unwavering mind; resolute; firm   > deˈterminedly adv   > deˈterminedness n

■ determiner (dIˈtɜːmInə)   n   1 a word, such as a number, article, possessive adjective, etc, that determines (limits) the meaning of a noun phrase, e.g. their in 'their black cat'   2 a person or thing that determines

■ determining (dIˈtɜːmInIŋ)   adj   having the quality of deciding

■ determinism (dIˈtɜːmIˌnIzəm)   n   1 Also called: necessitarianism the philosophical doctrine that all events including human actions and choices are fully determined by preceding events and states of affairs, and so that freedom of choice is illusory. Compare free will (sense 1b)   2 the scientific doctrine that all occurrences in nature take place in accordance with natural laws   3 the principle in classical mechanics that the values of dynamic variables of a system, and of the forces acting on the system at a given time, completely determine the values of the variables at any later time   > deˈterminist n, adj   > deˌterminˈistic adj

deterrent (dIˈtɛrənt)   n   1 something that deters   2 a weapon or combination of weapons, esp nuclear, held by one state, etc, to deter attack by another   ▷ adj   3 tending or used to deter; restraining [C19: from Latin dēterrēns hindering; see DETER]   > deˈterrence n

■ deterrently (dIˈtɛrəntlI)   adv   in a deterrent manner; in a way that deters

detest (dIˈtɛst)   vb   (tr) to dislike intensely; loathe [C16: from Latin dētestārī to curse (while invoking a god as witness), from DE- + testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness]   > deˈtester n

■ detestable (dIˈtɛstəbəl)   adj   being or deserving to be abhorred or detested; abominable; odious   > deˌtestaˈbility or deˈtestableness n   > deˈtestably adv

■ detestation (ˌdiːtɛsˈteIʃən)   n   1 intense hatred; abhorrence   2 a person or thing that is detested

dethatch (diːˈθætʃ)   vb (tr)   horticulture to remove dead grass from (a lawn)

dethrone (dIˈθrəʊn)   vb   (tr) to remove from a throne or deprive of any high position or title; depose: the champion was dethroned by a young boxer   > deˈthronement n   > deˈthroner n

detick (diːˈtIk)   vb (tr)   to remove ticks from (an animal); free of ticks

■ deticker (diːˈtIkə)   n   an implement or chemical agent used to remove ticks (from an animal)

detinue (ˈdɛtIˌnjuː)   n   law an action brought by a plaintiff to recover goods wrongfully detained [C15: from Old French detenue, from detenir to DETAIN]

Detmold (ˈdɛtməʊld; German ˈdɛtmɔlt)   n   a city in NW Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 73 880 (2003 est)

detonate (ˈdɛtəˌneIt)   vb   to cause (a bomb, mine, etc) to explode or (of a bomb, mine, etc) to explode; set off or be set off [C18: from Latin dētonāre to thunder down, from DE- + tonāre to THUNDER]

■ detonability (ˌdɛtənəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being detonable

■ detonable (ˈdɛtənəbəl) or detonatable (ˈdɛtəˌneItəbəl)   adj   able to be detonated

■ detonation (ˌdɛtəˈneIʃən)   n   1 an explosion or the act of exploding   2 the spontaneous combustion in an internal-combustion engine of part of the mixture before it has been reached by the flame front, causing the engine to knock   3 physics rapid combustion, esp that occurring within a shock wave   > ˈdetoˌnative adj

■ detonator (ˈdɛtəˌneItə)   n   1 a small amount of explosive, as in a percussion cap, used to initiate a larger explosion   2 a device, such as an electrical generator, used to set off an explosion from a distance   3 a substance or object that explodes or is capable of exploding

detort (dIˈtɔːt)   vb (tr)   archaic to twist, pervert, or distort

■ detorsion or detortion (dIˈtɔːʃən)   n   1 archaic the act of, or the state of having undergone, detorting; a twisting, perversion, or distortion   2 obstetrics the process of relieving torsion, or unnatural twists, within the body, notably those in the uterus or intestine   3 zoology the rotation of the internal organs of the larvae of certain gastropods through 90 or 180 degrees, back towards their initial position

detour (ˈdiːtʊə)   n   1 a deviation from a direct, usually shorter route or course of action   ▷ vb   2 to deviate or cause to deviate from a direct route or course of action [C18: from French détour, from Old French destorner to divert, turn away, from des- DE- + torner to TURN]

detox (ˈdiːˌtɒks) informal   n   1 treatment designed to rid the body of poisonous substances, esp alcohol and drugs   ▷ vb   2 to rid (the body) or undergo treatment to rid the body of poisonous substances, esp alcohol and drugs [C20: from (for sense 1) DETOXIFICATION or (for sense 2) DETOXICATE]

detoxicate (diːˈtɒksIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to rid (a patient) of a poison or its effects   2 to counteract (a poison) [C19: DE- + -toxicate, from Latin toxicum poison; see TOXIC]   > deˈtoxicant adj, n   > deˌtoxiˈcation n

detoxify (diːˈtɒksIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to remove poison from; detoxicate   2 to treat (a person) for alcoholism or drug addiction   > deˌtoxifiˈcation n

■ detoxification centre   n   a place that specializes in the treatment of alcoholism or drug addiction

DETR   abbreviation for (in Britain, formerly)   Department of the Environment, Transport, and the Regions

detract (dIˈtrækt)   vb   1 (when intr, usually foll by from) to take away a part (of); diminish: the building detracts from the beauty of the area   2 (tr) to distract or divert   3 (tr) obsolete to belittle or disparage [C15: from Latin dētractus drawn away, from dētrahere to pull away, disparage, from DE- + trahere to drag]   > deˈtractingly adv   > deˈtractive or deˈtractory adj   > deˈtractively adv   > deˈtractor n   > deˈtractress fem n

USAGE

Detract is sometimes wrongly used where distract is meant: a noise distracted (not detracted) my attention

■ detraction (dIˈtrækʃən)   n   1 a person, thing, circumstance, etc, that detracts   2 the act of discrediting or detracting from another's reputation, esp by slander; disparagement

detrain (diːˈtreIn)   vb   to leave or cause to leave a railway train, as passengers, etc   > deˈtrainment n

détraqué or feminine détraquée French (ˌdeItrɑːˈkeI, detrɑke)   n   1 an insane or psychopathic person   ▷ adj   2 insane or psychopathic

detribalize or detribalise (diːˈtraIbəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to cause (members of a tribe) to lose their characteristic customs or social, religious, or other organizational features   2 to cause (tribal people) to adopt urban ways of life   > deˌtribaliˈzation or deˌtribaliˈsation n

detriment (ˈdɛtrImənt)   n   1 disadvantage or damage; harm; loss   2 a cause of disadvantage or damage [C15: from Latin dētrīmentum, a rubbing off, hence damage, from dēterere to rub away, from DE- + terere to rub]

■ detrimental (ˌdɛtrIˈmɛntəl)   adj   (when postpositive, foll by to) harmful; injurious; prejudicial: smoking is detrimental to health   > ˌdetriˈmentally adv

detrition (dIˈtrIʃən)   n   the act of rubbing or wearing away by friction [C17: from Medieval Latin dētrītiō, from Latin dētrītus worn away; see DETRIMENT]

detritovore (dIˈtraItəˌvɔː)   n   ecology any organism that feeds on detritus

detritus (dIˈtraItəs)   n   1 a loose mass of stones, silt, etc, worn away from rocks   2 an accumulation of disintegrated material or debris   3 the organic debris formed from the decay of organisms [C18: from French détritus, from Latin dētrītus a rubbing away; see DETRIMENT]   > deˈtrital adj

Detroit (dIˈtrɔIt)   n   1 a city in SE Michigan, on the Detroit River: a major Great Lakes port; once the largest car-manufacturing centre in the world. Pop: 911 402 (2003 est)   2 a river in central North America, flowing along the US-Canadian border from Lake St Clair to Lake Erie

de trop French (də tro)   adj   (postpositive) not wanted; in the way; superfluous [literally: of too much]

detrude (dIˈtruːd)   vb   (tr) to force down or thrust away or out [C16: from Latin dētrūdere to push away, from DE- + trūdere to thrust]   > detrusion (dIˈtruːʒən) n

detruncate (diːˈtrʌŋkeIt)   vb   (tr) another word for truncate   > ˌdetrunˈcation n

detrusor (diːˈtruːsə)   n   a muscle in the wall of the bladder

detumescence (ˌdiːtjʊˈmɛsəns)   n   the subsidence of a swelling, esp the return of a swollen organ, such as the penis, to the flaccid state [C17: from Latin dētumescere to cease swelling, from DE- + tumescere, from tumēre to swell]

■ detumescent (ˌdiːtjʊˈmɛsnt)   adj   physiol characterized by detumescence

detune (diːˈtjuːn)   vb (tr)   1 music to change the pitch of (a stringed instrument), whether for musical or maintenance purposes   2 electronics to change the resonant frequency of (an electronic circuit) such that it no longer matches that of the incoming signal   3 skiing to blunt the edges of the ends of (skis or a snowboard), in order to make turning easier for the skier (or snowboarder)

Deucalion (djuːˈkeIlIən)   n   the son of Prometheus and, with his wife Pyrrha, the only survivor on earth of a flood sent by Zeus (Deucalion's flood). Together, they were allowed to repopulate the world by throwing stones over their shoulders, which became men and women

deuce^1 (djuːs)   n   1    a a playing card or dice with two pips or spots; two   b a throw of two in dice   2 tennis a tied score (in tennis 40-all) that requires one player to gain two successive points to win the game [C15: from Old French deus two, from Latin duos, accusative masculine of duo two]

deuce^2 (djuːs) informal   interj   1 an expression of annoyance or frustration   ▷ n   2 the deuce (intensifier) used in such phrases as what the deuce, where the deuce, etc [C17: probably special use of DEUCE^1 (in the sense: lowest throw at dice)]

■ deuced (ˈdjuːsId, djuːst) informal   adj   1 (intensifier, usually qualifying something undesirable) damned; confounded: he's a deuced idiot   ▷ adv   2 (intensifier): deuced good luck   > ˈdeucedly adv

deuddarn (ˈdaIðɑːn)   n   a type of two-tiered Welsh dresser or cupboard

Deurne (Flemish ˈdøːrnə)   n   a town in N Belgium, a suburb of E Antwerp: site of Antwerp airport. Pop: 68 308 (2002 est)

Deus Latin (ˈdeIʊs)   n   God [related to Greek Zeus]

deus ex machina Latin (ˈdeIʊs ɛks ˈmækInə)   n   1 (in ancient Greek and Roman drama) a god introduced into a play to resolve the plot   2 any unlikely or artificial device serving this purpose [literally: god out of a machine, translating Greek theos ek mēkhanēs]

Deut. Bible   abbreviation for   Deuteronomy

deuteragonist (ˌdjuːtəˈræɡənIst)   n   (in ancient Greek drama) the character next in importance to the protagonist, esp the antagonist [C19: from Greek deuteragōnistēs, from DEUTERO- + agōnistēs contestant, actor]

deuteranomaly (ˌdjuːtərəˈnɒməlI)   n   ophthalmol a milder form of deuteranopia; partial deuteranopia

■ deuteranomalous (ˌdjuːtərəˈnɒmələs)   adj   ophthalmol having deuteranomaly; relating to deuteranomaly

deuteranopia (ˌdjuːtərəˈnəʊpIə)   n   ophthalmol a form of colour blindness in which there is a tendency to confuse blues and greens, and greens and reds, and in which sensitivity to green is reduced [C20: New Latin, from DEUTERO- (referring to the theory in which green is the second primary colour) + AN- + Greek -ops eye]   > deuteranopic (ˌdjuːtərəˈnɒpIk) adj

■ deuteranope (ˈdjuːtərəˌnəʊp)   n   ophthalmol a person with deuteranopia

deuterate (ˈdjuːtəˌreIt)   vb   chem to treat or combine with deuterium

■ deuteration (ˌdjuːtəˈreIʃən)   n   chem the process of introducing deuterium into a molecule or chemical compound

deuteric (djuːˈtIrIk)   adj   geology of, pertaining to, or resulting from the metasomatic changes taking place in igneous rock or magma as it solidifies

deuteride (ˈdjuːtəˌraId)   n   a compound of deuterium with some other element. It is analogous to a hydride

deuterium (djuːˈtIərIəm)   n   a stable isotope of hydrogen, occurring in natural hydrogen (156 parts per million) and in heavy water: used as a tracer in chemistry and biology. Symbol: D or 2H; atomic no: 1; atomic wt: 2.014; boiling pt: –249.7°C [C20: New Latin; see DEUTERO-, -IUM; from the fact that it is the second heaviest hydrogen isotope]

■ deuterium oxide   n   another name for heavy water

deutero-, deuto- or before a vowel deuter-, deut-   combining form   1 second or secondary: deuterogamy; deuterium   2 (in chemistry) indicating the presence of deuterium [from Greek deuteros second]

deuterogamy (ˌdjuːtəˈrɒɡəmI)   n   another word for digamy   > ˌdeuterˈogamist n

deuteron (ˈdjuːtəˌrɒn)   n   the nucleus of a deuterium atom, consisting of one proton and one neutron

Deuteronomy (ˌdjuːtəˈrɒnəmI)   n   the fifth book of the Old Testament, containing a second statement of the Mosaic Law [from Late Latin Deuteronomium, from Greek Deuteronomion; see DEUTERO-, -NOMY]   > Deuteronomic (ˌdjuːtərəˈnɒmIk) adj

■ Deuteronomist (ˌdjuːtəˈrɒnəmIst)   n   one of the writers of Deuteronomy

deuteroscopy (ˌdjuːtəˈrɒskɒpI)   n formal   1 the second time of looking or considering   2 (pl -scopies) something that is seen upon a second examination; a hidden significance or meaning   3 clairvoyance; second sight

■ deuteroscopic (ˌdjuːtərəˈskɒpIk)   adj   formal of or relating to deuteroscopy; of second sight

deuterostome (ˈdjuːtərəˌstəʊm)   n   zoology any member of the major group of animals defined by the fact that during early embryonic development the first opening to form becomes the anus of the animal. The opposite is protostome

deuterotoky (ˌdjuːtəˈrɒtəkI)   n   biology parthenogenesis in which both males and females are produced [from DEUTERO- + -toky from Greek tokos bringing forth]

deutoplasm (ˈdjuːtəˌplæzəm) or deuteroplasm (ˈdjuːtərəʊˌplæzəm)   n   rare nutritive material in a cell, esp the yolk in a developing ovum   > ˌdeutoˈplasmic or ˌdeutoˈplastic adj

Deutsch (dɔItʃ; German dɔytʃ)   n   Otto Erich (ˈɔto ˈeːrIç). 1883–1967, Austrian music historian and art critic, noted for his catalogue of Schubert's works (1951)

■ Deutschland (ˈdɔytʃlant)   n   the German name for Germany

■ Deutschmark (ˈdɔItʃˌmɑːk) or Deutsche Mark (ˈdɔItʃə)   n   the former standard monetary unit of Germany, divided into 100 pfennigs; replaced by the euro in 2002: until 1990 the standard monetary unit of West Germany. Abbreviation: DM

deutzia (ˈdjuːtsIə)   n   any saxifragaceous shrub of the genus Deutzia: cultivated for their clusters of white or pink spring-blooming flowers [C19: New Latin, named after Jean Deutz, 18th-century Dutch patron of botany]

Deux-Sèvres (French døsɛvrə)   n   a department of W France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: Niort. Pop: 347 652 (2003 est). Area: 6054 sq km (2337 sq miles)

deva (ˈdeIvə)   n   (in Hinduism and Buddhism) a divine being or god [C19: from Sanskrit: god]

de Valera (də vəˈlɛərə, -ˈlIə-)   n   Eamon (ˈeImən). 1882–1975, Irish statesman; president of Sinn Féin (1917–26) and of the Dáil (1918–22); formed the Fianna Fáil party (1927); prime minister (1937–48; 1951–54; 1957–59) and president (1959–73) of the Irish Republic

devall (dIˈvɔːl)   n   1 Scot a stop; cessation   ▷ vb   2 (intr) archaic to go down; descend   3 (intr) archaic to bend down; slope down   4 (tr) Scot to stop; cease

de Valois (də ˈvælwɑː)   n   Dame Ninette (niːˈnɛt). original name Edris Stannus. 1898–2001, British ballet dancer and choreographer, born in Ireland: a founder of the Vic-Wells Ballet Company (1931), which under her direction became the Royal Ballet (1956)

devalorize or devalorise (diːˈvæləˌraIz)   vb (tr)   a variant form of devalue

■ devalorization or devalorisation (diːˌvæləraIˈzeIʃən)   n   another name for devaluation

devalue (diːˈvæljuː) or devaluate (diːˈvæljuːˌeIt)   vb -values, -valuing, -valued or -valuates, -valuating, -valuated   1 to reduce (a currency) or (of a currency) be reduced in exchange value   2 (tr) to reduce the value or worth of (something)

■ devaluation (diːˌvæljuːˈeIʃən)   n   1 a decrease in the exchange value of a currency against gold or other currencies, brought about by a government. Compare depreciation (sense 4)   2 a reduction in value, status, importance, etc

■ devalued (ˌdiːˈvæljuːd)   adj   having a reduced value or worth

Devanagari (ˌdeIvəˈnɑːɡərI)   n   a syllabic script in which Sanskrit, Hindi, and other modern languages of India are written [C18: from Sanskrit: alphabet of the gods, from deva god + nagari an Indian alphabet]

devastate (ˈdɛvəˌsteIt)   vb (tr)   1 to lay waste or make desolate; ravage; destroy   2 to confound or overwhelm, as with grief or shock [C17: from Latin dēvastāre, from DE- + vastāre to ravage; related to vastus waste, empty]   > ˌdevasˈtation n   > ˈdevasˌtative adj   > ˈdevasˌtator n

■ devastated (ˈdɛvəsteItId)   adj   very shocked and upset by something

■ devastating (ˈdɛvəˌsteItIŋ)   adj   extremely effective in a destructive way: a devastating war; a devastating report on urban deprivation   > ˈdevasˌtatingly adv

devastavit (ˌdiːvəˈsteIvIt)   n law   1 the waste or mismanagement, whether wilful or by neglect, of a deceased person's estate by the executor of his or her will or another trustee of the estate   2 a legal writ declaring this offence [from Latin dēvastāre to waste]

devein (diːˈveIn)   vb (tr)   1 anatomy (generally) to remove a vein or veins from   2 (in cookery) to remove the intestinal tract, which resembles a vein, from (a shrimp or prawn)

develop (dIˈvɛləp)   vb   1 to come or bring to a later or more advanced or expanded stage; grow or cause to grow gradually   2 (tr) to elaborate or work out in detail   3 to disclose or unfold (thoughts, a plot, etc) gradually or (of thoughts, etc) to be gradually disclosed or unfolded   4 to come or bring into existence; generate or be generated: he developed a new faith in God   5 (intr; often foll by from) to follow as a result (of); ensue (from): a row developed following the manager's remarks   6 (tr) to contract (a disease or illness)   7 (tr) to improve the value or change the use of (land), as by building   8 (tr) to exploit or make available the natural resources of (a country or region)   9 (tr) photog   a to treat (film, plate, or paper previously exposed to light, or the latent image in such material) with chemical solutions in order to produce a visible image   b to process (photographic material) in order to produce negatives and prints   10 biology to progress or cause to progress from simple to complex stages in the growth of an individual or the evolution of a species   11 (tr) to elaborate upon (a musical theme) by varying the melody, key, etc   12 (tr) maths to expand (a function or expression) in the form of a series   13 (tr) geometry to project or roll out (a surface) onto a plane without stretching or shrinking any element   14 chess to bring (a piece) into play from its initial position on the back rank   15 (tr) obsolete to disclose or reveal [C19: from Old French desveloper to unwrap, from des- DIS-1 + veloper to wrap; see ENVELOP]   > deˈvelopable adj

■ developed (dIˈvɛləpt)   adj   1 (of a person's body or part of their body) toned; having strength or firmness   2 (of a skill, quality, etc) having reached a high level as a result of practice   3 (of an industry or sector) having been made big and successful   4 (of land) having been made more profitable, by building houses or factories or by improving the existing buildings   5 relating to the countries or the parts of the world that are wealthy and have many industries

■ developer (dIˈvɛləpə)   n   1 a person or thing that develops something, esp a person who develops property   2 photog a solution of a chemical reducing agent that converts the latent image recorded in the emulsion of a film or paper into a visible image

■ developing agent   n   another name for developer (sense 2)

■ developing country   n   a nonindustrialized poor country that is seeking to develop its resources by industrialization

■ developing world   n   another name for Third World

■ development (dIˈvɛləpmənt)   n   1 the act or process of growing, progressing, or developing   2 the product or result of developing   3 a fact, event, or happening, esp one that changes a situation   4 an area or tract of land that has been developed   5 Also called: development section the section of a movement, usually in sonata form, in which the basic musical themes are developed   6 chess   a the process of developing pieces   b the manner in which they are developed   c the position of the pieces in the early part of a game with reference to their attacking potential or defensive efficiency   > deˌvelopˈmental adj   > deˌvelopˈmentally adv

■ developmental disorder   n   psychiatry any condition, such as autism or dyslexia, that appears in childhood and is characterized by delay in the development of one or more psychological functions, such as language skill

■ development area   n   (in Britain) an area suffering from high unemployment and economic depression, because of the decline of its main industries, that is given government help to establish new industries

■ development education   n   Brit an area of study that aims to give pupils an understanding of their involvement in world affairs

■ development system   n   a computer system, including hardware and software, that is specifically designed to aid in the development of software and interfaces

■ development well   n   (in the oil industry) a well drilled for the production of oil or gas from a field already proven by appraisal drilling to be suitable for exploitation

développé (deIˌvɛləˈpeI; French devlɔpe)   n   ballet a ballet position in which one leg is first bent such that the toe is brought to the knee of the supporting leg, and subsequently fully extended

Deventer (ˈdeIvəntə; Dutch ˈdeːvəntər)   n   an industrial city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province, on the River IJssel: medieval intellectual centre; early centre of Dutch printing. Pop: 88 000 (2003 est)

deverbative (dIˈvɜːbətIv) or deverbal (diːˈvɜːbəl) grammar   n   1 a word formed or derived from a verb   ▷ adj   2 formed or derived from a verb

Devereux (ˈdɛvərə)   n   Robert. See (2nd Earl of) Essex^2

devest (dIˈvɛst)   vb   (tr) a rare variant spelling of divest

Devi (ˈdeIviː)   n   a Hindu goddess and embodiment of the female energy of Siva [Sanskrit: goddess; see DEVA]

deviate   vb (ˈdiːvIˌeIt)   1 (usually intr) to differ or diverge or cause to differ or diverge, as in belief or thought   2 (usually intr) to turn aside or cause to turn aside; diverge or cause to diverge   3 (intr) psychol to depart from an accepted standard or convention   ▷ n, adj (ˈdiːvIIt)   4 another word for deviant [C17: from Late Latin dēviāre to turn aside from the direct road, from DE- + via road]   > ˈdeviˌator n   > ˈdeviatory adj

■ deviance (ˈdiːvIəns)   n   1 Also called: deviancy the act or state of being deviant   2 statistics a measure of the degree of fit of a statistical model compared to that of a more complete model

■ deviant (ˈdiːvIənt)   adj   1 deviating, as from what is considered acceptable behaviour   ▷ n   2 a person whose behaviour, esp sexual behaviour, deviates from what is considered to be acceptable

■ deviation (ˌdiːvIˈeIʃən)   n   1 an act or result of deviating   2 statistics the difference between an observed value in a series of such values and their arithmetic mean   3 the error of a compass due to local magnetic disturbances

■ deviationism (ˌdiːvIˈeIʃəˌnIzəm)   n   ideological deviation (esp from orthodox Communism)   > ˌdeviˈationist n, adj

■ deviative (ˈdiːvIətIv)   adj   tending to deviate or cause to deviate

device (dIˈvaIs)   n   1 a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance   2 euphemistic a bomb   3 a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick   4 any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery   5 a piece of computer hardware that is designed for a specific function   6 a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc   7 a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader   8 archaic the act or process of planning or devising   9 leave someone to his or her own devices to leave someone alone to do as he or she wishes [C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see DEVISE]

■ deviceful (dIˈvaIsfʊl)   adj   literary full of devices; inventive; cunning

devil (ˈdɛvəl)   n   1 theol (often capital) the chief spirit of evil and enemy of God, often represented as the ruler of hell and often depicted as a human figure with horns, cloven hoofs, and tail   2 theol one of the subordinate evil spirits of traditional Jewish and Christian belief   3 a person or animal regarded as cruel, wicked, or ill-natured   4 a person or animal regarded as unfortunate or wretched: that poor devil was ill for months   5 a person or animal regarded as clever, daring, mischievous, or energetic   6 informal something difficult or annoying   7 Christian Science the opposite of truth; an error, lie, or false belief in sin, sickness, and death   8 (in Malaysia) a ghost   9 a portable furnace or brazier, esp one used in road-making or one used by plumbers. Compare salamander (sense 7)   10 any of various mechanical devices, usually with teeth, such as a machine for making wooden screws or a rag-tearing machine   11 See printer's devil   12 law (in England) a junior barrister who does work for another in order to gain experience, usually for a half fee   13 meteorol a small whirlwind in arid areas that raises dust or sand in a column   14 between the devil and the deep blue sea between equally undesirable alternatives   15 devil of informal (intensifier): a devil of a fine horse   16 give the devil his due to acknowledge the talent or the success of an opponent or unpleasant person   17 go to the devil   a to fail or become dissipated   b (interjection) used to express annoyance with the person causing it   18 like the devil with great speed, determination, etc   19 play the devil with informal to make much worse; upset considerably: the damp plays the devil with my rheumatism   20 raise the devil   a to cause a commotion   b to make a great protest   21 talk of the devil! or speak of the devil! (interjection) used when an absent person who has been the subject of conversation appears   22 the devil! (intensifier)   a used in such phrases as what the devil, where the devil, etc   b an exclamation of anger, surprise, disgust, etc   23 the devil's own a very difficult or problematic (thing)   24 the devil take the hindmost or let the devil take the hindmost look after oneself and leave others to their fate   25 the devil to pay problems or trouble to be faced as a consequence of an action   26 the very devil something very difficult or awkward   ▷ vb -vils, -villing, -villed or US -vils, -viling, -viled   27 (tr) to prepare (esp meat, poultry, or fish) by coating with a highly flavoured spiced paste or mixture of condiments before cooking   28 (tr) to tear (rags) with a devil   29 (intr) to serve as a printer's devil   30 (intr) chiefly Brit to do hackwork, esp for a lawyer or author; perform arduous tasks, often without pay or recognition of one's services   31 (tr) US informal to harass, vex, torment, etc [Old English dēofol, from Latin diabolus, from Greek diabolos enemy, accuser, slanderer, from diaballein, literally: to throw across, hence, to slander]

■ devil dog   n   slang a dangerously aggressive dog

■ devildom (ˈdɛvəldəm)   n theol   1 the rule or power of the devil or devils   2 the realm, domain, or state of the devil or devils

■ deviless (ˈdɛvəlɛs)   n   theol a female devil

■ devilfish (ˈdɛvəlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 Also called: devil ray. another name for manta (sense 1)   2 another name for octopus

■ devilish (ˈdɛvəlIʃ, ˈdɛvlIʃ)   adj   1 of, resembling, or befitting a devil; diabolic; fiendish   ▷ adv, adj old-fashioned, informal   2 (intensifier): devilish good food; this devilish heat   > ˈdevilishly adv   > ˈdevilishness n

■ devilism (ˈdɛvəlIzəm)   n   1 a characteristic of the devil; behaviour proper to the devil   2 theol devil-worship

■ devil-may-care   adj   careless or reckless; happy-go-lucky: a devil-may-care attitude

■ devilment (ˈdɛvəlmənt)   n   devilish or mischievous conduct

■ devil ray   n   another name for manta (sense 1)

■ devilry (ˈdɛvəlrI) or deviltry   n, pl -ries or -tries   1 reckless or malicious fun or mischief   2 wickedness or cruelty   3 black magic or other forms of diabolism [C18: from French diablerie, from diable DEVIL]

■ devil's advocate   n   1 a person who advocates an opposing or unpopular view, often for the sake of argument   2 RC Church the official appointed to put the case against the beatification or canonization of a candidate. Technical name: promotor fidei (prəʊˈməʊtɔː fIˈdeIiː) [translation of New Latin advocātus diabolī]

■ devil's bit   n   devil's bit scabious. See scabious^2 (sense 3)

■ devil's coach-horse   n   a large black rove beetle, Ocypus olens, with large jaws and ferocious habits

■ devil's darning needle   n   a popular name for a dragonfly

■ devil's food cake   n   chiefly US and Canadian a rich chocolate cake

■ devilship (ˈdɛvəlʃIp)   n   theol the office, character, or person of the devil

■ Devil's Island   n   one of the three Safety Islands, off the coast of French Guiana: formerly a leper colony, then a French penal colony from 1895 until 1938. Area: less than 2 sq km (1 sq mile). French name: Île du Diable

■ devils-on-horseback   n   (functioning as singular or plural) a savoury of prunes wrapped in bacon slices and served on toast

■ devilwood (ˈdɛvəlˌwʊd)   n   a variety of small broadleaf evergreen tree, Osmanthus americanus, native to the southeast US

devilet (ˈdɛvəlIt)   n   a young or small devil

devilkin (ˈdɛvəlkIn)   n   theol a small devil; a devil inferior to 'the' devil

de Villiers (də ˈvIljəz)   n   A(braham) B(enjamin), born 1984, South African cricketer; a prolific run-scorer in all forms of international cricket

Devine (dəˈviːn)   n   George (Alexander Cassady). 1910–65, British stage director and actor: founded (1956) the English Stage Company in London's Royal Court Theatre

devious (ˈdiːvIəs)   adj   1 not sincere or candid; deceitful; underhand   2 (of a route or course of action) rambling; indirect; roundabout   3 going astray from a proper or accepted way; erring [C16: from Latin dēvius lying to one side of the road, from DE- + via road]   > ˈdeviously adv   > ˈdeviousness n

devise (dIˈvaIz)   vb   1 to work out, contrive, or plan (something) in one's mind   2 (tr) law to dispose of (property, esp real property) by will   3 (tr) obsolete to imagine or guess   ▷ n law   4    a a disposition of property by will   b the property so transmitted. Compare bequeath (sense 1)   5 a will or clause in a will disposing of real property. Compare bequest (sense 2) [C15: from Old French deviser to divide, apportion, intend, from Latin dīvidere to DIVIDE]   > deˈviser n

■ devisable (dIˈvaIzəbəl)   adj   1 law (of property, esp realty) capable of being transferred by will   2 able to be invented, contrived, or devised

■ devisal (dIˈvaIzəl)   n   the act of inventing, contriving, or devising; contrivance

■ devisee (dIvaIˈziː, ˌdɛvI-)   n   property law a person to whom property, esp realty, is devised by will. Compare legatee

■ devisor (dIˈvaIzə)   n   property law a person who devises property, esp realty, by will

devitalize or devitalise (diːˈvaItəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to lower or destroy the vitality of; make weak or lifeless: the war devitalized the economy   > deˌvitaliˈzation or deˌvitaliˈsation n

devitrify (diːˈvItrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 to change from a vitreous state to a crystalline state   2 to lose or cause to lose the properties of a glass and become brittle and opaque   > deˌvitrifiˈcation n

Devizes (dəˈvaIzəz)   n   a market town in S England, in Wiltshire: agricultural and dairy products. Pop: 14 379 (2001)

devling (ˈdɛvlIŋ)   n   a young devil

devo (ˈdiːvəʊ)   n   chiefly Brit short for devolution (sense 4)

devoice (diːˈvɔIs), devocalize or devocalise (diːˈvəʊkəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) phonetics to make (a voiced speech sound) voiceless

■ devoiced (diːˈvɔIst)   adj   phonetics having been made voiceless

■ devoicing (diːˈvɔIsIŋ)   n   phonetics the process by which a consonant that is usually voiced becomes devoiced

devoid (dIˈvɔId)   adj   (postpositive; foll by of) destitute or void (of); free (from) [C15: originally past participle of devoid (vb) to remove, from Old French devoidier, from de- DE- + voider to VOID]

devoir (ˈdɛvwɑː)   n formal   1 duty; obligation   2 endeavour; fulfilment of duty

devoirs (dəˈvwɑː; French dəvwar)   pl n   (sometimes singular) compliments or respects; courteous attentions [C13: from Old French: duty, from devoir to be obliged to, owe, from Latin dēbēre; see DEBT]

devolution (ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən)   n   1 the act, fact, or result of devolving   2 a passing onwards or downwards from one stage to another   3 another word for degeneration (sense 3)   4 a transfer or allocation of authority, esp from a central government to regional governments or particular interests [C16: from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiō a rolling down, from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, sink into; see DEVOLVE]   > ˌdevoˈlutionary adj   > ˌdevoˈlutionist n, adj

devolve (dIˈvɒlv)   vb   1 (foll by on, upon, to, etc) to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc   2 (intr; foll by on or upon) law (of an estate, etc) to pass to another by operation of law, esp on intestacy or bankruptcy   3 (intr; foll by on or upon) to depend (on): your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause   4 archaic to roll down or cause to roll down [C15: from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, fall into, from DE- + volvere to roll]   > deˈvolvement n

devo max   n   chiefly Brit an arrangement in which a central government transfers the maximum amount of authority to a regional government while still retaining sovereignty over it [21C: from DEVO(LUTION) + MAX(IMUM)]

Devon (ˈdɛvən)   n   1 Also called: Devonshire a county of SW England, between the Bristol Channel and the English Channel, including the island of Lundy: the geographic and ceremonial county includes Plymouth and Torbay, which became independent unitary authorities in 1998; hilly, rising to the uplands of Exmoor and Dartmoor, with wooded river valleys and a rugged coastline. Administrative centre: Exeter. Pop (excluding unitary authorities): 714 900 (2003 est). Area (excluding unitary authorities): 6569 sq km (2536 sq miles)   2 a breed of large red beef cattle originally from Devon

■ devon (ˈdɛvən)   n   Austral a bland processed meat in sausage form, eaten cold in slices [named after DEVON]

■ Devonian (dəˈvəʊnIən)   adj   1 of, denoting, or formed in the fourth period of the Palaeozoic era, between the Silurian and Carboniferous periods, lasting 60-70 million years during which amphibians first appeared   2 of or relating to Devon   ▷ n   3 the Devonian the Devonian period or rock system

■ Devon minnow   n   angling a spinning lure intended to imitate the swimming motion of a minnow. Often shortened to: Devon

■ Devon Rex   n   a breed of medium-sized curly-haired cat with large eyes and very large ears

■ Devonshire (ˈdɛvənʃIə, -ʃə)   n   8th Duke of, title of Spencer Compton Cavendish. 1833–1908, British politician, also known (1858–91) as Lord Hartington. He led the Liberal Party (1874–80) and left it to found the Liberal Unionist Party (1886)

■ Devonshire cream (ˈdɛvənʃIə, -ʃə)   n   another name for clotted cream

■ Devonshire split   n   a kind of yeast bun split open and served with whipped cream or butter and jam. Also called: Cornish split, split

Devonport (ˈdɛvənˌpɔːt)   n   a large naval base in Plymouth, Devon

devoré (dəˈvɔːreI)   n   a velvet fabric with a raised pattern created by disintegrating some of the pile with chemicals [from French, past participle of dévorer to devour]

devot (dIˈvaʊt)   adj   an archaic spelling of devout

devote (dIˈvəʊt)   vb (tr)   1 to apply or dedicate (oneself, time, money, etc) to some pursuit, cause, etc   2 obsolete to curse or doom [C16: from Latin dēvōtus devoted, solemnly promised, from dēvovēre to vow; see DE-, VOW]   > deˈvotement n

■ devoted (dIˈvəʊtId)   adj   1 feeling or demonstrating loyalty or devotion; ardent; devout   2 (postpositive; foll by to) set apart, dedicated, or consecrated   > deˈvotedly adv   > deˈvotedness n

■ devotee (ˌdɛvəˈtiː)   n   1 a person ardently enthusiastic about or devoted to something, such as a sport or pastime   2 a zealous follower of a religion

■ devotion (dIˈvəʊʃən)   n   1 (often foll by to) strong attachment (to) or affection (for a cause, person, etc) marked by dedicated loyalty   2 religious zeal; piety   3 (often plural) religious observance or prayers

■ devotional (dIˈvəʊʃənəl)   adj   1 relating to, characterized by, or conducive to devotion   ▷ n   2 (often plural) a short religious or prayer service   > deˌvotionˈality or deˈvotionalness n   > deˈvotionally adv

■ devotionist (dIˈvəʊʃənIst) or devotionalist (dIˈvəʊʃənəlIst)   n   archaic a person who practises formal devotion

devour (dIˈvaʊə)   vb (tr)   1 to swallow or eat up greedily or voraciously   2 to waste or destroy; consume: the flames devoured the curtains   3 to consume greedily or avidly with the senses or mind: he devoured the manuscripts   4 to engulf or absorb: the flood devoured the land [C14: from Old French devourer, from Latin dēvorāre to gulp down, from DE- + vorāre to consume greedily; see VORACIOUS]   > deˈvourer n   > deˈvouring adj   > deˈvouringly adv

■ devourment (dIˈvaʊərmənt)   n   the act of devouring

devout (dIˈvaʊt)   adj   1 deeply religious; reverent   2 sincere; earnest; heartfelt: a devout confession [C13: from Old French devot, from Late Latin dēvōtus, from Latin: faithful; see DEVOTE]   > deˈvoutly adv   > deˈvoutness n

Devoy (dəˈvɔI)   n   Dame Susan (Elizabeth Anne). born 1964, New Zealand squash player; winner of the World Open Championship 1985, 1987, 1990, and 1992

De Vries (Dutch də ˈvriːs)   n   Hugo (ˈhyːxoː). 1848–1935, Dutch botanist, who rediscovered Mendel's laws and developed the mutation theory of evolution

devvel (ˈdɛvəl)   n Scot   1 a hard blow or stroke   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to strike with a hard blow, to hit

dew (djuː)   n   1    a drops of water condensed on a cool surface, esp at night, from vapour in the air   b (in combination): dewdrop   2 something like or suggestive of this, esp in freshness: the dew of youth   3 small drops of moisture, such as tears   ▷ vb   4 (tr) poetic to moisten with or as with dew [Old English dēaw; related to Old High German tou dew, Old Norse dögg]

■ dewberry (ˈdjuːbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 any trailing bramble, such as Rubus hispidus of North America and R. caesius of Europe and NW Asia, having blue-black fruits   2 the fruit of any such plant

■ dewclaw (ˈdjuːˌklɔː)   n   1 a nonfunctional claw in dogs; the rudimentary first digit   2 an analogous rudimentary hoof in deer, goats, etc   > ˈdewˌclawed adj

■ dewdrop (ˈdjuːˌdrɒp)   n   1 a drop of dew   2 Brit euphemistic a drop of mucus on the end of one's nose

■ dewfall (ˈdjuːˌfɔːl)   n   1 the formation or settling of dew; the dew which is deposited   2 literary the time of evening at which dew forms

■ dewlap (ˈdjuːˌlæp)   n   1 a loose fold of skin hanging from beneath the throat in cattle, dogs, etc   2 loose skin on an elderly person's throat [C14 dewlappe, from DEW (probably changed by folk etymology from an earlier form of different meaning) + LAP^1 (from Old English læppa hanging flap), perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish doglæp]   > ˈdewˌlapped adj

■ dewlapt (ˈdjuːˌlæpt)   adj   a variant spelling of dewlapped

■ dewless (ˈdjuːlIs)   adj   without dew

■ dew point or dewpoint (ˈdjuːˌpɔInt)   n   the temperature at which water vapour in the air becomes saturated and water droplets begin to form

■ dew pond   n   a shallow pond, usually man-made, that is kept supplied with water by dew and condensation

■ dew snail   n   Southwest English dialect a slug

■ dew-worm   n   any large earthworm that is found on the ground at night and is used as fishing bait

■ dewy (ˈdjuːI)   adj dewier, dewiest   1 moist with or as with dew: a dewy complexion   2 of or resembling dew   3 poetic suggesting, falling, or refreshing like dew: dewy sleep   > ˈdewily adv   > ˈdewiness n

■ dewy-eyed   adj   naive, innocent, or trusting, esp in a romantic or childlike way

dewan or diwan (dIˈwɑːn)   n   (formerly in India) the chief minister or finance minister of a state ruled by an Indian prince [C17: from Hindi dīwān, from Persian dēvan register, book of accounts; see DIVAN]

■ dewani (dIˈwɑːnI)   n   the office or post of dewan

Dewar (ˈdjuːə)   n   1  Donald. 1937–2000, Scottish Labour politician; secretary of state for Scotland (1997–99); first minister of Scotland (1999–2000)   2  Sir James. 1842–1923, Scottish chemist and physicist. He worked on the liquefaction of gases and the properties of matter at low temperature, invented the vacuum flask, and (with Sir Frederick Abel) was the first to prepare cordite

■ Dewar flask (ˈdjuːə)   n   a type of vacuum flask, esp one used in scientific experiments to keep liquid air, helium, etc; Thermos [C20: named after Sir James DEWAR]

dewater (diːˈwɔːtə)   vb (tr)   to remove water from

■ dewaterer (diːˈwɔːtərə)   n   a person who or a thing which dewaters

■ dewatering (diːˈwɔːtərIŋ)   n   the act of removing water

dewax (diːˈwæks)   vb (tr)   to remove wax from

de Wet (də ˈvɛt)   n   Christian Rudolf. 1854–1922, Afrikaner military commander and politician, who led the Orange Free State army in the second Boer War (1899–1902). He was imprisoned for treason (1914) after organizing an Afrikaner nationalist rebellion

Dewey (ˈdjuːI)   n   John. 1859–1952, US pragmatist philosopher and educator: an exponent of progressivism in education, he formulated an instrumentalist theory of learning through experience. His works include The School and Society (1899), Democracy and Education (1916), and Logic: the Theory of Inquiry (1938)

Dewey Decimal System (ˈdjuːI)   n   a frequently used system of library book classification and arrangement with ten main subject classes. Also called: decimal classification. Abbreviation: DDS [C19: named after Melvil Dewey (1851–1931), US educator who invented the system]

de Wint (də ˈwInt)   n   Peter. 1784–1849, English landscape painter

dewitt (dIˈwIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to hang unlawfully; to lynch

de Witt (də ˈwIt)   n   Johan. 1625–72, Dutch statesman; chief minister of the United Provinces of the Netherlands (1653–72)

DEW line (djuː)   n acronym for   distant early warning line, a network of radar stations situated mainly in Arctic regions to give early warning of aircraft or missile attack on North America

dewool (diːˈwʊl)   vb (tr)   to remove wool from

deworm (diːˈwɜːm)   vb (tr)   to rid or free of worms

■ dewormer (diːˈwɜːmə)   n   an agent for ridding (animals) of worms

Dewsbury (ˈdjuːzbərI, -brI)   n   a town in N England, in Kirklees unitary authority, West Yorkshire: formerly a centre of the woollen industry. Pop: 54 341 (2001)

dex (dɛks)   n drugs informal   1 another name for Dexedrine   2 a tablet of the drug Dexedrine

dexamethasone (ˌdɛksəˈmɛθəˌsəʊn)   n   pharmacol a type of powerful steroid, used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant

dexamphetamine (ˌdɛksæmˈfɛtəmiːn)   n   another name for dextroamphetamine

Dexedrine (ˈdɛksIˌdriːn)   n   a trademark for dextroamphetamine

dexie (ˈdɛksI)   n drugs informal   1 another name for Dexedrine   2 a tablet of the drug Dexedrine

dexiotropic (ˌdɛksIəʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   embryol (of cleavage) spiral; twisting in a spiral fashion from left to right [C19: from Greek dexios right + -TROPIC]

dexter^1 (ˈdɛkstə)   adj   1 archaic of or located on the right side   2 (usually postpositive) heraldry of, on, or starting from the right side of a shield from the bearer's point of view and therefore on the spectator's left   ▶ Compare sinister [C16: from Latin; compare Greek dexios on the right hand]

■ dexterwise (ˈdɛkstəˌwaIz)   adv   heraldry on or to the right hand side (of a heraldic shield)

dexter^2 (ˈdɛkstə)   n   a small breed of red or black beef cattle, originally from Ireland [C19: perhaps from the surname of the original breeder]

Dexter (ˈdɛkstə)   n   John. 1925–90, British actor and theatre director

dexterity (dɛkˈstɛrItI)   n   1 physical, esp manual, skill or nimbleness   2 mental skill or adroitness; cleverness   3 rare the characteristic of being right-handed [C16: from Latin dexteritās aptness, readiness, prosperity; see DEXTER^1]

■ dexterous or dextrous (ˈdɛkstrəs)   adj   1 possessing or done with dexterity   2 a rare word for right-handed   > ˈdexterously or ˈdextrously adv   > ˈdexterousness or ˈdextrousness n

dextral (ˈdɛkstrəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or located on the right side, esp of the body; right-hand   2 of or relating to a person who prefers to use his or her right foot, hand, or eye; right-handed   3 (of the shells of certain gastropod molluscs) coiling in an anticlockwise direction from the apex; dextrorse   ▶ Compare sinistral   > dextrality (dɛkˈstrælItI) n   > ˈdextrally adv

dextran (ˈdɛkstrən)   n   biochem a polysaccharide produced by the action of bacteria on sucrose: used as a substitute for plasma in blood transfusions [C19: from DEXTRO- + -AN]

dextranase (ˈdɛkstrəˌneIz)   n   chem an enzyme which breaks down dextran, and is therefore useful for, among other things, preventing tooth decay

dextrin (ˈdɛkstrIn) or dextrine (ˈdɛkstrIn, -triːn)   n   any of a group of sticky substances that are intermediate products in the conversion of starch to maltose: used as thickening agents in foods and as gums [C19: from French dextrine; see DEXTRO-, -IN]

dextro (ˈdɛkstrəʊ)   adj   short for dextrorotatory

dextro- or before a vowel dextr-   combining form   1 on or towards the right: dextrorotation   2 chem indicating a dextrorotatory compound: dextroglucose [from Latin, from dexter on the right side]

dextroamphetamine (ˌdɛkstrəʊæmˈfɛtəˌmiːn, -mIn)   n   a dextrorotatory amphetamine, used to suppress appetite

dextrocardia (ˌdɛkstrəʊˈkɑːdIə)   n   med the abnormal location of the heart in the right side of the chest

■ dextrocardiac (ˌdɛkstrəʊˈkɑːdIæk) anatomy   n   1 a person whose heart is on the right side of his or her chest   ▷ adj   2 having the heart on the right side of the chest   3 relating to dextrocardia

dextroglucose (ˌdɛkstrəʊˈɡluːkəʊz, -kəʊs)   n   another name for dextrose

dextrogyrate (ˌdɛkstrəʊˈdʒaIrIt, -ˌreIt) or dextrogyre (ˈdɛkstrəʊˌdʒaIə)   adj   having dextrorotation

dextrorotation (ˌdɛkstrəʊrəʊˈteIʃən)   n   a rotation to the right; clockwise rotation, esp of the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light passing through a crystal, liquid, or solution, as seen by an observer facing the oncoming light. Compare laevorotation   > dextrorotatory (ˌdɛkstrəʊˈrəʊtətərI, -trI) or ˌdextroˈrotary adj

dextrorse (ˈdɛkstrɔːs, dɛkˈstrɔːs) or dextrorsal (dɛkˈstrɔːsəl)   adj   (of some climbing plants) growing upwards in a helix from left to right or anticlockwise. Compare sinistrorse [C19: from Latin dextrorsum towards the right, from DEXTRO- + vorsus turned, variant of versus, from vertere to turn]   > ˈdextrorsely adv

dextrose (ˈdɛkstrəʊz, -trəʊs)   n   a white soluble sweet-tasting crystalline solid that is the dextrorotatory isomer of glucose, occurring widely in fruit, honey, and in the blood and tissue of animals. Formula: C_6H_12O_6. Also called: grape sugar, dextroglucose

dey (deI)   n   1 the title given to commanders or (from 1710) governors of the Janissaries of Algiers (1671–1830)   2 a title applied by Western writers to various other Ottoman governors, such as the bey of Tunis [C17: from French, from Turkish dayi, literally: maternal uncle]

Dezhnev (Russian dIʒˈnjɔf)   n   Cape Dezhnev a cape in NE Russia at the E end of Chukchi Peninsula: the northeasternmost point of Asia. Former name: East Cape

dezinc (diːˈzIŋk)   vb (tr)   chem to remove zinc from

DF   abbreviation for   Defender of the Faith

D/F or DF telecomm   abbreviation for   1 direction finder   2 direction finding

DFC   abbreviation for   Distinguished Flying Cross

DfE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Department for Education

DfEE   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   Department for Education and Employment

DFID   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Department for International Development

DFM   abbreviation for   Distinguished Flying Medal

dg or dg.   abbreviation for   decigram

DG   abbreviation for   1 Deo gratias   2 director-general

DHA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   District Health Authority

dhaba (ˈdɑːbɑː)   n   (in India) a roadside café or food stall [Hindi]

Dhahran (dɑːˈrɑːn)   n   a town in E Saudi Arabia: site of the original discovery of oil in the country (1938)

dhak (dɑːk, dɔːk)   n   a tropical Asian leguminous tree, Butea frondosa, that has bright red flowers and yields a red resin, used as an astringent [C19: from Hindi]

Dhaka or Dacca (ˈdækə)   n   the capital of Bangladesh, in the E central part: capital of Bengal (1608–39; 1660–1704) and of East Pakistan (1949–71); jute and cotton mills; university (1921). Pop: 17 598 228 (2015 est)

dhal, dal or dholl (dɑːl)   n   1 a tropical African and Asian leguminous shrub, Cajanus cajan, cultivated in tropical regions for its nutritious pealike seeds   2 Former name: pigeon pea the seed of this shrub   3 a curry made from lentils or other pulses [C17: from Hindi dāl split pulse, from Sanskrit dal to split]

dhamma (ˈdɑːmə, ˈdʌmə)   n   Buddhism a variant of dharma [from Pali, from Sanskrit: see DHARMA]

dhansak (ˈdænzæk)   n   any of a variety of Indian dishes consisting of meat or vegetables braised with water or stock and lentils [C20: from Urdu]

dharma (ˈdɑːmə)   n   1 Hinduism social custom regarded as a religious and moral duty   2 Hinduism   a the essential principle of the cosmos; natural law   b conduct that conforms with this   3 Buddhism ideal truth as set forth in the teaching of Buddha [Sanskrit: habit, usage, law, from dhārayati he holds]

■ dharmic (ˈdɑːmIk)   adj   theol (of religion or beliefs) of Indian origin

dharmsala (dɑːmˈsɑːlɑː) or dharmshala (dɑːmˈʃɑːlɑː)   n   an Indian hostel or rest-house, often built with religious purpose

dharna or dhurna (ˈdʌnə, ˈdɑː-)   n   (in India) a method of obtaining justice, as the payment of a debt, by sitting, fasting, at the door of the person from whom reparation is sought [C18: from Hindi, literally: a placing]

Dhaulagiri (ˌdaʊləˈɡIərI)   n   a mountain in W central Nepal, in the Himalayas. Height: 8167 m (26 795 ft)

DHB   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   District Health Board

DHEA   abbreviation for   dehydroisoandrosterone: the major androgen precursor in females, secreted by the adrenal cortex

DHEAS   abbreviation for   dehydroisoandrosterone sulphate: a weak androgen produced by the adrenal cortex in both males and females

Dhílos (ˈðilɔs)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Delos

dhimmi (ˈdImI)   n   a non-Muslim living in a state governed by sharia law

dhobi (ˈdəʊbI)   n, pl -bis   (in India, Malaya, East Africa, etc, esp formerly) a washerman [C19: from Hindi, from dhōb washing; related to Sanskrit dhāvaka washerman]

■ dhobi itch   n   a fungal disease of the skin: a type of ringworm chiefly affecting the groin. Also called: tinea cruris

dhol (dɔːl)   n   a double-sided Indian drum, particularly popular in Punjab

dhole (dəʊl)   n   a fierce canine mammal, Cuon alpinus, of the forests of central and SE Asia, having a reddish-brown coat and rounded ears: hunts in packs [C19: of uncertain origin]

dholl (dɑːl)   n   a variant spelling of dhal

Dhoni (ˈdəʊnI)   n   M(ahendra) S(ingh). born 1981, Indian cricketer. He captained India in 60 test matches (2008–14) and to World Cup victory in 2011

dhoti (ˈdəʊtI), dhooti, dhootie or dhuti (ˈduːtI)   n, pl -tis   a long loincloth worn by men in India [C17: from Hindi]

dhow (daʊ)   n   a lateen-rigged coastal Arab sailing vessel with one or two masts [C19: from Arabic dāwa]

DHS   abbreviation for   1 (in Canada) district high school   2 (in the US) Department of Homeland Security

DHSS   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   Department of Health and Social Security

Di   the chemical symbol for   didymium

DI   abbreviation for   1 Defence Intelligence   2 Detective Inspector   3 Donor Insemination

di-1   prefix   1 twice; two; double: dicotyledon   2    a containing two specified atoms or groups of atoms: dimethyl ether; carbon dioxide   b a nontechnical equivalent of bi-1 (sense 5c) [via Latin from Greek, from dis twice, double, related to duo two. Compare BI-1]

di-2   combining form   variant of dia-: diopter

dia- or di-   prefix   1 through, throughout, or during: diachronic   2 across: diactinic   3 apart: diacritic   4 (in botany) at right angles: diatropism   5 in opposite or different directions: diamagnetism [from Greek dia through, between, across, by]

diabase (ˈdaIəˌbeIs)   n   1 Brit an altered dolerite   2 US another name for dolerite [C19: from French, from Greek diabasis a crossing over, from diabainein to cross over, from DIA- + bainein to go]   > ˌdiaˈbasic adj

diabetes (ˌdaIəˈbiːtIs, -tiːz)   n   any of various disorders, esp diabetes mellitus, characterized by excretion of an abnormally large amount of urine [C16: from Latin: siphon, from Greek, literally: a passing through (referring to the excessive urination), from diabainein to pass through, cross over; see DIABASE]

■ diabetes insipidus (InˈsIpIdəs)   n   a disorder of the pituitary gland causing excessive thirst and excretion of large quantities of dilute urine [C18: New Latin, literally: insipid diabetes]

■ diabetes mellitus (məˈlaItəs)   n   a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of abnormally large quantities of urine containing an excess of sugar, caused by a deficiency of insulin. See also IDDM, NIDDM [C18: New Latin, literally: honey-sweet diabetes]

■ diabetic (ˌdaIəˈbɛtIk)   adj also diabetical   1 of, relating to, or having diabetes   2 for the use of diabetics: diabetic chocolate   ▷ n   3 a person who has diabetes

USAGE

Rather than talking about a diabetic or diabetics, it is better to talk about a person with diabetes, people with diabetes

diabetogenic (ˌdaIəˌbiːtəˈdʒɛnIk, ˌdaIəˌbɛtəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   med causing or producing diabetes

diabetologist (ˌdaIəbɛˈtɒlədʒIst)   n med   1 a person who studies diabetes   2 a medical specialist in diabetes

diable (diːˈɑːblə)   n   a type of brown sauce, typically made with wine, shallots, vinegar, herbs, and black and/or cayenne pepper

diablerie (dIˈɑːblərI; French djɑbləri)   n   1 magic or witchcraft connected with devils   2 demonic lore or esoteric knowledge of devils   3 the domain of devils   4 devilry; mischief [C18: from Old French, from diable devil, from Latin diabolus; see DEVIL]

diabolic (ˌdaIəˈbɒlIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or proceeding from the devil; satanic   2 befitting a devil; extremely cruel or wicked; fiendish   3 very difficult or unpleasant [C14: from Late Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikos, from diabolos DEVIL]

■ diabolical (ˌdaIəˈbɒlIkəl)   adj informal   1 excruciatingly bad; outrageous   2 (intensifier): a diabolical liberty   > ˌdiaˈbolically adv   > ˌdiaˈbolicalness n

■ diabolism (daIˈæbəˌlIzəm)   n   1    a activities designed to enlist the aid of devils, esp in witchcraft or sorcery   b worship of devils or beliefs and teachings concerning them   c the nature of devils   2 character or conduct that is devilish or fiendish; devilry   > diˈabolist n

■ diabolize or diabolise (daIˈæbəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1    a to make (someone or something) diabolical   b to subject to the influence of devils   2 to portray as diabolical

diabolo (dIˈæbəˌləʊ)   n, pl -los   1 a game in which one throws and catches a spinning top on a cord fastened to two sticks held in the hands   2 the top used in this game [C20: from Italian, literally: devil]

diabology (ˌdaIəˈbɒlədʒI) or diabolology (ˌdiːæbəˈlɒlədʒI)   n theol   1 the study of the devil or devils   2 doctrine or beliefs concerning the devil

diacatholicon (ˌdaIəkəˈθɒlIkɒn)   n   1 an all-purpose remedy   2 (in earlier medicine) the name of a laxative of varying composition used to purge the system

diacaustic (ˌdaIəˈkɔːstIk, -ˈkɒs-)   adj   1 (of a caustic curve or surface) formed by refracted light rays   ▷ n   2 a diacaustic curve or surface   ▶ Compare catacaustic

diacetyl (ˌdaIəˈsiːtəl)   n   a chemical compound with formula C_4H_6O_2, occurring naturally as a by-product of fermentation, and commonly added to margarine and other foods because of its buttery taste

diacetylmorphine (daIˌæsətIlˈmɔːfiːn)   n   another name for heroin

diachronic (ˌdaIəˈkrɒnIk) or diachronistic (daIˌækrəˈnIstIk)   adj   of, relating to, or studying the development of a phenomenon through time; historical: diachronic linguistics. Compare synchronic [C19: from DIA- + Greek khronos time]

■ diachronically (ˌdaIəˈkrɒnIkəlI)   adv   in a diachronic fashion

■ diachrony (daIˈækrənI)   n   a change over time, esp in languages

diachronism (daIˈækrəˌnIzəm)   n   geology the passage of a geological formation across time planes, as occurs when a marine sediment laid down by an advancing sea is noticeably younger in the direction of advancement   > diˈachronous adj

diachylon (daIˈækIlɒn) or diachylum (daIˈækIləm)   n   med a type of adhesive plaster, formerly made of various plant juices, but later containing lead oxide and glycerin

diacid (daIˈæsId)   adj   1 another word for diacidic   2 (of a salt or acid) containing two acidic hydrogen atoms: NaH_2PO_4is a diacid salt of phosphoric acid   ▷ n   3 an acid or salt that contains two acidic hydrogen atoms

■ diacidic (ˌdaIəˈsIdIk)   adj   (of a base, such as calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2) capable of neutralizing two protons with one of its molecules. Also: diacid. Compare dibasic

diacodium (ˌdaIəˈkəʊdIəm) or diacodion (ˌdaIəˈkəʊdIən)   n   (in pre-modern medicine) a herbal remedy made chiefly from poppies, acting as an opiate and thus used to aid sleep

diaconate (daIˈækənIt, -ˌneIt)   n   the office, sacramental status, or period of office of a deacon [C17: from Late Latin diāconātus; see DEACON]

■ diaconal (daIˈækənəl)   adj   of or associated with a deacon or the diaconate [C17: from Late Latin diāconālis, from diāconus DEACON]

diaconicon (ˌdaIəˈkɒnIkən)   n   (in church architecture) a room where things used during the church service are stored, such as vestments; sacristy

diacoustic (ˌdaIəˈkuːstIk)   adj   relating to refracted sounds

■ diacoustics (ˌdaIəˈkuːstIks)   n   the branch of physics that deals with refracted sound

diacritic (ˌdaIəˈkrItIk)   n   1 Also called: diacritical mark a sign placed above or below a character or letter to indicate that it has a different phonetic value, is stressed, or for some other reason   ▷ adj   2 another word for diacritical [C17: from Greek diakritikos serving to distinguish, from diakrinein, from DIA- + krinein to separate]

■ diacritical (ˌdaIəˈkrItIkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a diacritic   2 showing up a distinction   > ˌdiaˈcritically adv

diactine (daIˈæktiːn) or diact (daIˈækt) zoology   n   1 a sponge spicule having two rays that develop in different directions from a single point of origin   ▷ adj   2 Also: diactinal (of a sponge spicule) having two rays that develop in different directions from a single point of origin

diactinic (ˌdaIækˈtInIk)   adj   physics able to transmit photochemically active radiation   > diˈactinism n

diadelphous (ˌdaIəˈdɛlfəs)   adj   1 (of stamens) having united filaments so that they are arranged in two groups   2 (of flowers) having diadelphous stamens [C19: from DI-1 + Greek adelphos brother]

diadem (ˈdaIəˌdɛm)   n   1 a royal crown, esp a light jewelled circlet   2 royal dignity or power   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to adorn or crown with or as with a diadem [C13: from Latin diadēma, from Greek: fillet, royal headdress, from diadein to bind around, from DIA- + dein to bind]

■ diadem spider   n   a common Eurasian spider, Araneus diadematus, that constructs orb webs: family Argiopidae

Diadochi (daIˈædəkaI)   pl n   the six Macedonian generals who, after the death of Alexander the Great, fought for control of his empire in the Wars of the Diadochi (321–281 BC) [Greek: successors]

diadochy (daIˈædəʊkI)   n   geology the replacement of one element in a crystal by another [C20: from Greek diadochē succession]

diadrom (ˈdaIəˌdrɒm)   n   obsolete the complete course or oscillation of something, esp of a pendulum

diadromous (daIˈædrəməs)   adj   1 botany of or possessing a leaf venation in the shape of a fan   2 (of some fishes) migrating between fresh and salt water. See also anadromous, catadromous

diaeresis or dieresis (daIˈɛrIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 the mark ¨, in writing placed over the second of two adjacent vowels to indicate that it is to be pronounced separately rather than forming a diphthong with the first, as in some spellings of coöperate, naïve, etc   2 this mark used for any other purpose, such as to indicate that a special pronunciation is appropriate to a particular vowel. Compare umlaut   3 a pause in a line of verse occurring when the end of a foot coincides with the end of a word [C17: from Latin diarēsis, from Greek diairesis a division, from diairein, from DIA- + hairein to take; compare HERESY]   > diaeretic or dieretic (ˌdaIəˈrɛtIk) adj

diag.   abbreviation for   diagram

diagenesis (ˌdaIəˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   1 the sum of the physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place in sediments as they become consolidated into rocks, including compaction and cementation, but excluding weathering and metamorphic changes   2 chem recrystallization of a solid to form large crystal grains from smaller ones   > diagenetic (ˌdaIədʒəˈnɛtIk) adj

■ diagenetically (ˌdaIədʒəˈnɛtIkəlI)   adv   in a diagenetic way

diageotropism (ˌdaIədʒIˈɒtrəˌpIzəm)   n   a diatropic response of plant parts, such as rhizomes, to the stimulus of gravity   > diageotropic (ˌdaIəˌdʒiːəʊˈtrɒpIk) adj

Diaghilev (Russian ˈdjaɡIlif)   n   Sergei (Pavlovich) (sIrˈɡjej ˈpavləvitʃ). 1872–1929, Russian ballet impresario. He founded (1909) and directed (1909–29) the Ballets Russes in Paris, introducing Russian ballet to the West

diaglyph (ˈdaIəˌɡlIf)   n   any instance of artwork carved into the surface of a hard substance (predominantly stone or metal), such that the design is set back from the surface; an intaglio

diagnose (ˈdaIəɡˌnəʊz)   vb   1 to determine or distinguish by diagnosis   2 (tr) to examine (a person or thing), as for a disease   > ˌdiagˈnosable or ˌdiagˈnoseable adj   > ˌdiagˌnosaˈbility n

diagnosis (ˌdaIəɡˈnəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1    a the identification of diseases by the examination of symptoms and signs and by other investigations   b an opinion or conclusion so reached   2    a thorough analysis of facts or problems in order to gain understanding and aid future planning   b an opinion or conclusion reached through such analysis   3 a detailed description of an organism, esp a plant, for the purpose of classification [C17: New Latin, from Greek: a distinguishing, from diagignōskein to distinguish, from gignōskein to perceive, KNOW]

■ diagnostic (ˌdaIəɡˈnɒstIk)   adj also diagnostical   1 of, relating to, or of value in diagnosis   ▷ n   2 med any symptom that provides evidence for making a specific diagnosis   3 a diagnosis   > ˌdiagˈnostically adv

■ diagnostician (ˌdaIəɡnɒsˈtIʃən)   n   a specialist or expert in making diagnoses

■ diagnostics (ˌdaIəɡˈnɒstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the art or practice of diagnosis, esp of diseases

diagometer (ˌdaIəˈɡɒmItə)   n   electrical an instrument invented by Rousseau, formerly used to measure the electrical conductivity of substances

diagonal (daIˈæɡənəl)   adj   1 maths connecting any two vertices that in a polygon are not adjacent and in a polyhedron are not in the same face   2 slanting; oblique   3 marked with slanting lines or patterns   ▷ n   4 maths a diagonal line or plane   5 chess any oblique row of squares of the same colour   6 cloth marked or woven with slanting lines or patterns   7 something put, set, or drawn obliquely   8 another name for solidus (sense 1)   9 one front leg and the hind leg on the opposite side of a horse, which are on the ground together when the horse is trotting [C16: from Latin diagōnālis, from Greek diagōnios, from DIA- + gōnia angle]   > diˈagonally adv

■ diagonalize or diagonalise (daIˈæɡənəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   maths (in linear algebra) to convert a square matrix into a diagonal matrix   > diˈagonaˌlizable or diˈagonaˌlisable adj   > diˌagonaliˈzation or diˌagonaliˈsation n

■ diagonal process   n   maths, logic a form of argument in which a new member of a set is constructed from a list of its known members by making the nth term of the new member differ from the nth term of the nth member. The new member is thus different from every member of the list

diagram (ˈdaIəˌɡræm)   n   1 a sketch, outline, or plan demonstrating the form or workings of something   2 maths a pictorial representation of a quantity or of a relationship: a Venn diagram   ▷ vb -grams, -gramming, -grammed or US -grams, -graming, -gramed   3 to show in or as if in a diagram [C17: from Latin diagramma, from Greek, from diagraphein, from graphein to write]   > diagrammatic (ˌdaIəɡrəˈmætIk) or diagrammatical (ˌdaIəɡrəˈmætIkəl) adj   > ˌdiagramˈmatically adv

■ diagrammable (ˈdaIəˌɡræməbəl)   adj   able to be diagrammed or representable by a diagram

diagraph (ˈdaIəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 a device for enlarging or reducing maps, plans, etc   2 a protractor and scale used in drawing [C19: from French diagraphe, from Greek diagraphein to represent with lines; see DIAGRAM]

diagraphic (ˌdaIəˈɡræfIk)   adj   descriptive; relating to illustration by drawing or graphics

diagrid (ˈdaIəˌɡrId)   n   engineering a support structure used esp in the construction of large buildings, consisting of criss-crossing diagonal beams, whether of metal or other materials such as concrete

diaheliotropism (daIəˌhiːlIˈɒtrəˌpIzəm)   n   botany the tendency among plants to respond to the light of the sun by orienting their leaves perpendicular to the sun's rays, such that the upper surface of the leaves receives maximum light

■ diaheliotropic (ˌdaIəˌhiːlIəʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   botany exhibiting diaheliotropism

diakinesis (ˌdaIəkIˈniːsIs, -kaI-)   n   the final stage of the prophase of meiosis, during which homologous chromosomes start to separate after crossing over [C20: from DIA- + Greek kinēsis movement]

dial (ˈdaIəl, daIl)   n   1 the face of a watch, clock, chronometer, sundial, etc, marked with divisions representing units of time   2 the circular graduated disc of various measuring instruments   3    a the control on a radio or television set used to change the station or channel   b the panel on a radio on which the frequency, wavelength, or station is indicated by means of a pointer   4 a numbered disc on a telephone that is rotated a set distance for each digit of a number being called   5 a miner's compass for surveying in a mine   6 Brit a slang word for face (sense 1)   ▷ vb dials, dialling, dialled or US dials, dialing, dialed   7 to establish or try to establish a telephone connection with (a subscriber or his or her number) by operating the dial on a telephone   8 (tr) to indicate, measure, or operate with a dial [C14: from Medieval Latin diālis daily, from Latin diēs day]   > ˈdialler n

■ dial down   vb   (adverb) to reduce or become reduced: to dial down an argument

■ dialer (ˈdaIələ)   n   telecomm an electronic device used to dial telephone numbers automatically

■ dial gauge   n   another name for an indicator (sense 6)

■ dialist (ˈdaIəlIst)   n   a person who makes (sun)dials

■ dialled in or US dialed in   adj   informal exhibiting total concentration on and mastery of the task in hand

■ dialling or US dialing (ˈdaIəlIŋ)   n   the process or action of operating a dial on a telephone in order to establish a connection

■ dialling code   n   a sequence of numbers which are dialled for connection with another exchange before an individual subscriber's telephone number is dialled

■ dialling tone or US and Canadian dial tone   n   a continuous sound, either purring or high-pitched, heard over a telephone indicating that a number can be dialled. Compare ringing tone, engaged tone

■ dial-up   adj   computing involving or used for remote access via a telephone line

dial.   abbreviation for   dialect(al)

dialect (ˈdaIəˌlɛkt)   n     a a form of a language spoken in a particular geographical area or by members of a particular social class or occupational group, distinguished by its vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation   b a form of a language that is considered inferior: the farmer spoke dialect and was despised by the landowners   c (as modifier): a dialect word [C16: from Latin dialectus, from Greek dialektos speech, dialect, discourse, from dialegesthai to converse, from legein to talk, speak]   > ˌdiaˈlectal adj

■ dialectally (ˌdaIəˈlɛktəlI)   adv   in a dialectal manner

■ dialect atlas   n   another term for linguistic atlas

■ dialect geography   n   another term for linguistic geography   > dialect geographer n

dialectic (ˌdaIəˈlɛktIk)   n   1 disputation or debate, esp intended to resolve differences between two views rather than to establish one of them as true   2 philosophy   a the conversational Socratic method of argument   b (in Plato) the highest study, that of the Forms   3 (in the writings of Kant) the exposure of the contradictions implicit in applying empirical concepts beyond the limits of experience   4 philosophy the process of reconciliation of contradiction either of beliefs or in historical processes. See also Hegelian dialectic, dialectical materialism   ▷ adj   5 of or relating to logical disputation [C17: from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) (the art) of argument; see DIALECT]   > ˌdialecˈtician n

■ dialectical (ˌdaIəˈlɛktIkəl)   adj   of or relating to dialectic or dialectics   > ˌdiaˈlectically adv

■ dialectical materialism   n   the economic, political, and philosophical system of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that combines traditional materialism and Hegelian dialectic   > dialectical materialist n

■ dialecticism (ˌdaIəˈlɛktIˌsIzəm)   n   1 the influence of dialect   2 a dialectal expression   3 philosophy the philosophical concept that the world consists of opposite but not necessarily opposing ideas or concepts which, when put together, either negate each other or synthesize into a whole (e.g. man + woman = a couple; right wing + left wing = government)

■ dialectics (ˌdaIəˈlɛktIks)   n (functioning as plural or (sometimes) singular)   1 the study of reasoning or of argumentative methodology   2 a particular methodology or system; a logic   3 the application of the Hegelian dialectic or the rationale of dialectical materialism

dialectology (ˌdaIəlɛkˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of dialects and dialectal variations   > dialectological (ˌdaIəˌlɛktəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌdiaˌlectoˈlogically adv   > ˌdialecˈtologist n

diallage (ˈdaIəlIdʒ)   n   a green or brownish-black variety of the mineral augite in the form of layers of platelike crystals [C19: from Greek diallagē interchange]

■ diallagic (ˌdaIəˈlædʒIk) or diallagoid (daIˈæləˌɡɔId)   adj   consisting of, containing, or resembling diallage

diallel (ˈdaIəˌlɛl)   n   1 (in genetic research, particularly into the genetics of plants) a scheme of cross-breeding within a select group of parents, designed to produce various hybrids with different genetic properties   ▷ adj   2 maths (of lines) not parallel, meeting or intersecting

dialogical (ˌdaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   another word for dialogic

dialogism (daIˈæləˌdʒIzəm)   n   1 logic a deduction with one premise and a disjunctive conclusion   2 rhetoric a discussion in an imaginary dialogue or discourse

dialogite (daIˈæləˌdʒaIt)   n   another name for rhodochrosite

dialogue or often US dialog (ˈdaIəˌlɒɡ)   n   1 conversation between two or more people   2 an exchange of opinions on a particular subject; discussion   3 the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction   4 a particular passage of conversation in a literary or dramatic work   5 a literary composition in the form of a dialogue   6 a political discussion between representatives of two nations or groups   ▷ vb rare   7 (tr) to put into the form of a dialogue   8 (intr) to take part in a dialogue; converse [C13: from Old French dialoge, from Latin dialogus, from Greek dialogos, from dialegesthai to converse; see DIALECT]   > dialogic (ˌdaIəˈlɒdʒIk) adj   > ˈdiaˌloguer or ˈdiaˌloger n

■ dialogically (ˌdaIəˈlɒdʒIkəlI)   adv   in a dialogic manner

■ dialogist (daIˈælədʒIst)   n   a person who writes or takes part in a dialogue   > ˌdialoˈgistic or ˌdialoˈgistical adj

■ dialogize or dialogise (daIˈæləˌdʒaIz)   vb   (intr) to carry on a dialogue

■ dialogue box or dialog box   n   computing a window that may appear on a VDU display to prompt the user to enter further information or select an option

dialypetalous (ˌdaIəlIˈpɛtələs)   adj   botany (of flowers) having distinct petals

dialysate (daIˈælIzət)   n   med (in the process of dialysis) the fluid passing through the dialyser, used for drawing toxins out of the patient's blood stream

dialysis (daIˈælIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 the separation of small molecules from large molecules and colloids in a solution by the selective diffusion of the small molecules through a semipermeable membrane   2 med See haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis [C16: from Late Latin: a separation, from Greek dialusis a dissolution, from dialuein to tear apart, dissolve, from luein to loosen]   > dialytic (ˌdaIəˈlItIk) adj   > ˌdiaˈlytically adv

■ dialyse or US dialyze (ˈdaIəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to separate by dialysis   > ˈdiaˌlysable or US ˈdiaˌlyzable adj   > ˌdiaˌlysaˈbility or US ˌdiaˌlyzaˈbility n   > ˌdialyˈsation or US ˌdialyˈzation n

■ dialyser or US dialyzer (ˈdaIəˌlaIzə)   n   a machine that performs dialysis, esp one that removes impurities from the blood of patients with malfunctioning kidneys; kidney machine

diam.   abbreviation for   diameter

diamagnetism (ˌdaIəˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   the phenomenon exhibited by substances that have a relative permeability less than unity and a negative susceptibility. It is caused by the orbital motion of electrons in the atoms of the material and is unaffected by temperature. Compare ferromagnetism, paramagnetism

■ diamagnet (ˈdaIəˌmæɡnIt)   n   a substance exhibiting diamagnetism

■ diamagnetic (ˌdaIəmæɡˈnɛtIk)   adj   of, exhibiting, or concerned with diamagnetism   > ˌdiamagˈnetically adv

diamanté (ˌdaIəˈmæntI, ˌdIə-)   adj   1 decorated with glittering ornaments, such as artificial jewels or sequins   ▷ n   2 a fabric so covered [C20: from French, from diamanter to adorn with diamonds, from diamant DIAMOND]

diamantiferous (ˌdaIəmænˈtIfərəs)   adj   geology (usually of geographical regions) producing or bearing diamonds

diamantine (ˌdaIəˈmæntaIn)   adj   of or resembling diamonds [C17: from French diamantin, from diamant DIAMOND]

diameter (daIˈæmItə)   n   1    a a straight line connecting the centre of a geometric figure, esp a circle or sphere, with two points on the perimeter or surface   b the length of such a line   2 the thickness of something, esp with circular cross section [C14: from Medieval Latin diametrus, variant of Latin diametros, from Greek: diameter, diagonal, from DIA- + metron measure]

■ diametral (daIˈæmItrəl)   adj   1 located on or forming a diameter: diametral plane   2 a less common word for diametric   > diˈametrally adv

■ diametric (ˌdaIəˈmɛtrIk) or diametrical   adj   1 Also: diametral of, relating to, or along a diameter   2 completely opposed

■ diametrically (ˌdaIəˈmɛtrIkəlI)   adv   completely; utterly (esp in the phrase diametrically opposed)

diamine (ˈdaIəˌmiːn, -mIn, ˌdaIəˈmiːn)   n   any chemical compound containing two amino groups in its molecules

■ diamide (ˈdaIəˌmaId)   n   a chemical compound containing two amido groups

diamond (ˈdaIəmənd)   n   1    a a colourless exceptionally hard mineral (but often tinted yellow, orange, blue, brown, or black by impurities), found in certain igneous rocks (esp the kimberlites of South Africa). It is used as a gemstone, as an abrasive, and on the working edges of cutting tools. Composition: carbon. Formula: C. Crystal structure: cubic   b (as modifier): a diamond ring. Related adjective: diamantine   2 geometry   a a figure having four sides of equal length forming two acute angles and two obtuse angles; rhombus   b (modifier) rhombic   3    a a red lozenge-shaped symbol on a playing card   b a card with one or more of these symbols or (when plural) the suit of cards so marked   4 baseball   a the whole playing field   b the square formed by the four bases   5 (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 4^1⁄2 point   6 black diamond a figurative name for coal   7 rough diamond   a an unpolished diamond   b a person of fine character who lacks refinement and polish   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to decorate with or as with diamonds [C13: from Old French diamant, from Medieval Latin diamas, modification of Latin adamas the hardest iron or steel, diamond; see ADAMANT]   > ˈdiamond-ˌlike adj

■ diamond anniversary   n   a 60th, or occasionally 75th, anniversary

■ diamondback (ˈdaIəməndˌbæk)   n   1 Also called: diamondback terrapin, diamondback turtle any edible North American terrapin of the genus Malaclemys, esp M. terrapin, occurring in brackish and tidal waters and having diamond-shaped markings on the shell: family Emydidae   2 a large North American rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus, having cream-and-grey diamond-shaped markings

■ diamond bird   n   any small insectivorous Australian songbird of the genus Pardalotus, having a diamond-patterned plumage. Also called: pardalote

■ diamondiferous (ˌdaIəməndˈIfərəs)   adj   another term for diamantiferous

■ diamond jubilee   n   the celebration of a 60th, or occasionally 75th, anniversary

■ diamond point   n   a diamond-tipped engraving tool

■ diamond-shaped   adj   rhombic

■ diamond snake   n   a python, Morelia argus, of Australia and New Guinea, with yellow diamond-shaped markings

■ diamond wedding   n   the 60th, or occasionally the 75th, anniversary of a marriage

■ diamond willow   n   Canadian wood that may come from any species of willow and has a diamond pattern in the grain, used for making walking sticks, table lamps, etc

diamorphine (ˌdaIəˈmɔːfiːn)   n   a technical name for heroin

diamyl (daIˈæmIl)   adj   (of a chemical compound) containing two amyl groups

Diana (daIˈænə)   n   1 the virginal Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon. Greek counterpart: Artemis   2  title Diana, Princess of Wales, original name Lady Diana Frances Spencer. 1961–97, she married Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981; they were divorced in 1996: died in a car crash

diandrous (daIˈændrəs)   adj   (of some flowers or flowering plants) having two stamens

diandry (daIˈændrI)   n   1 biology the phenomenon in which an egg is fertilized either by two sperm or by a diploid sperm, thus making the fertilized egg triploid, resulting in early miscarriage   2 the practice of having two husbands

Dianetics (ˌdaIəˈnɛtIks)   n trademark   (functioning as singular) (in the Church of Scientology) a series of exercises aimed at dispelling negative sensations and emotions [C20: from DIA- + Greek nous mind; compare DIANOETIC]

dianodal (daIəˈnəʊdəl)   adj   maths that passes through nodes

dianoetic (ˌdaIənəʊˈɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to thought, esp to discursive reasoning rather than intuition. Compare discursive (sense 2) [C17: from Greek dianoētikos, from dianoia the thinking process, an opinion, from DIA- + noein to think]

dianoia (ˌdaIəˈnɔIə)   n philosophy   1 perception and experience regarded as lower modes of knowledge. Compare noesis   2 the faculty of discursive reasoning [from Greek; see DIANOETIC]

dianthus (daIˈænθəs)   n, pl -thuses   any Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant of the widely cultivated genus Dianthus, such as the carnation, pink, and sweet william [C19: New Latin, from Greek DI-1 + anthos flower]

Diaoyu Islands (diˈaʊˈjuː)   n   the Chinese name for Senkaku Islands

diapason (ˌdaIəˈpeIzən, -ˈpeIsən)   n music   1 either of two stops (open and stopped diapason) usually found throughout the compass of a pipe organ that give it its characteristic tone colour   2 the compass of an instrument or voice   3 (chiefly in French usage)   a a standard pitch used for tuning, esp the now largely obsolete one of A above middle C = 435 hertz, known as diapason normal (French(djapazɔ̃ nɔrmal)   b a tuning fork or pitch pipe   4 (in classical Greece) an octave [C14: from Latin: the whole octave, from Greek: (hē) dia pasōn (khordōn sumphōnia) (concord) through all (the notes), from dia through + pas all]   > diaˈpasonal or diapasonic (ˌdaIəpeIˈzɒnIk, -ˈsɒn-) adj

diapause (ˈdaIəˌpɔːz)   n   a period of suspended development and growth accompanied by decreased metabolism in insects and some other animals. It is correlated with seasonal changes [C19: from Greek diapausis pause, from diapauein to pause, bring to an end, from DIA- + pauein to stop]

diapedesis (ˌdaIəpəˈdiːsIs)   n   the passage of blood cells through the unruptured wall of a blood vessel into the surrounding tissues [C17: New Latin, from Greek: a leaping through, from diapēdan to spring through, from DIA- + pēdan to leap]   > diapedetic (ˌdaIəpəˈdɛtIk) adj

diapente (ˌdaIəˈpɛntI)   n   music (in classical Greece) the interval of a perfect fifth [C14: from Latin, from Greek dia pente khordōn sumphōnia concord through five notes, from dia through + pente five]

diaper (ˈdaIəpə)   n   1 US and Canadian a piece of soft material, esp towelling or a disposable material, wrapped around a baby in order to absorb its excrement. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): nappy   2    a a woven pattern on fabric consisting of a small repeating design, esp diamonds   b fabric having such a pattern   c such a pattern, used as decoration   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to decorate with such a pattern [C14: from Old French diaspre, from Medieval Latin diasprus made of diaper, from Medieval Greek diaspros pure white, from DIA- + aspros white, shining]

diaphanometer (ˌdaIəfəˈnɒmItə)   n   an instrument, now obsolete, used to measure transparency, esp of the atmosphere

diaphanous (daIˈæfənəs)   adj   (usually of fabrics such as silk) fine and translucent [C17: from Medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanēs transparent, from diaphainein to show through, from DIA- + phainein to show]   > diˈaphanously adv   > diˈaphanousness or diaphaneity (ˌdaIəfəˈniːItI) n

diaphone (ˈdaIəˌfəʊn)   n   1    a the set of all realizations of a given phoneme in a language   b one of any number of corresponding sounds in different dialects of a language   2 a foghorn that emits a two-toned signal [C20: from DIA(LECT) + PHONE^2]

diaphony (daIˈæfənI)   n music   1 a style of two-part polyphonic singing; organum or a freer form resembling it   2 (in classical Greece) another word for dissonance (sense 3). Compare symphony (sense 5a) [C17: from Late Latin diaphōnia, from Greek, from diaphōnos discordant, from DIA- + phōnē sound]   > diaphonic (ˌdaIəˈfɒnIk) adj

diaphorase (daIˈæfəˌreIs, daIˈæfəˌreIz)   n   biochem a flavoprotein enzyme operating in mitochondria, acting as a catalyst in the process of dye reduction or oxidation

diaphoresis (ˌdaIəfəˈriːsIs)   n   1 a technical name for sweating. See sweat (sense 10)   2 perceptible and excessive sweating; sweat [C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from diaphorein to disperse by perspiration, from DIA- + phorein to carry, variant of pherein]

■ diaphoretic (ˌdaIəfəˈrɛtIk)   adj   1 relating to or causing sweat   ▷ n   2 a diaphoretic drug or agent

diaphototropism (ˌdaIəfəʊtəʊˈtrəʊpIzəm) or diaphototropy (-ˈtrəʊpI)   n   growth of a plant or plant part in a direction transverse to that of the light [C20: from Greek, from DIA- + PHOTOTROPIC]   > diaphototropic (ˌdaIəfəʊtəʊˈtrɒpIk) adj

diaphragm (ˈdaIəˌfræm)   n   1 anatomy any separating membrane, esp the dome-shaped muscular partition that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities in mammals. Related adjective: phrenic   2 a circular rubber or plastic contraceptive membrane placed over the mouth of the uterine cervix before copulation to prevent entrance of sperm   3 any thin dividing membrane   4 Also called: stop a disc with a fixed or adjustable aperture to control the amount of light or other radiation entering an optical instrument, such as a camera   5 a thin disc that vibrates when receiving or producing sound waves, used to convert sound signals to electrical signals or vice versa in telephones, etc   6 chem   a a porous plate or cylinder dividing an electrolytic cell, used to permit the passage of ions and prevent the mixing of products formed at the electrodes   b a semipermeable membrane used to separate two solutions in osmosis   7 botany a transverse plate of cells that occurs in the stems of certain aquatic plants [C17: from Late Latin diaphragma, from Greek, from DIA- + phragma fence]   > diaphragmatic (ˌdaIəfræɡˈmætIk) adj   > ˌdiaphragˈmatically adv

■ diaphragmal (ˌdaIəˈfræɡməl)   adj   another term for diaphragmatic

■ diaphragmatitis (ˌdaIəˌfræɡməˈtaItIs) or diaphragmitis (ˌdaIəfræɡˈmaItIs)   n   med another name for phrenitis

diaphysis (daIˈæfIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   the shaft of a long bone. Compare epiphysis [C19: New Latin, from Greek diaphusis, from diaphuesthai to grow between, from DIA- + phuein to produce]   > diaphysial or diaphyseal (ˌdaIəˈfIzIəl) adj

diapir (ˈdaIəˌpIə)   n   geology an anticlinal fold in which the brittle overlying rock has been pierced by material, such as salt, from beneath [C20: from Greek diapeirainein to make holes through, pierce]

■ diapiric (ˌdaIəˈpIərIk)   adj   geology of or pertaining to a diapir; of the nature of a diapir

■ diapirism (ˌdaIəˈpIərIzəm)   n geology   1 the existence of diapirs   2 the process leading to the production of diapirs

diapophysis (ˌdaIəˈpɒfIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   anatomy the upper or articular surface of a transverse vertebral process [C19: New Latin, from DI-2 + APOPHYSIS]   > diapophysial (ˌdaIæpəˈfIzIəl) adj

diapositive (ˌdaIəˈpɒzItIv)   n   a positive transparency; slide

diapsid (daIˈæpsId) zoology   n   1 any member of the group of reptiles having two holes towards the back of each side of the skull; this group includes crocodiles and snakes   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to diapsids

diapyesis (ˌdaIəpaIˈiːsIs)   n   med the discharge of pus

■ diapyetic (ˌdaIəpaIˈɛtIk)   adj   med of or pertaining to diapyesis

diarch (ˈdaIɑːk)   adj   botany (of a vascular bundle) having two strands of xylem [C19: from Greek DI-1 + archē beginning, origin]

diarchy or dyarchy (ˈdaIɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   government by two states, individuals, etc   > diˈarchic, diˈarchical, diˈarchal, dyˈarchic, dyˈarchical or dyˈarchal adj

diarrhoea or esp US diarrhea (ˌdaIəˈrIə)   n   frequent and copious discharge of abnormally liquid faeces [C16: from Late Latin, from Greek diarrhoia, from diarrhein to flow through, from DIA- + rhein to flow]   > ˌdiarˈrhoeal, ˌdiarˈrhoeic or esp US ˌdiarˈrheal, ˌdiarˈrheic adj

■ diarrhetic (ˌdaIəˈrɛtIk)   adj   another term for diarrhoeal

diarthrosis (ˌdaIɑːˈθrəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   anatomy any freely movable joint, such as the shoulder and hip joints [C16: New Latin, from DI-2 + Greek arthrōsis, from arthroun to fasten by a joint, from arthron joint]   > ˌdiarˈthrodial adj

diary (ˈdaIərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a personal record of daily events, appointments, observations, etc   2 a book for keeping such a record [C16: from Latin diārium daily allocation of food or money, journal, from diēs day]

■ diarial (daIˈɛərIəl) or diarian (daIˈɛərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to a diary, or in the form of a diary   2 daily

■ diarist (ˈdaIərIst)   n   a person who keeps or writes a diary, esp one that is subsequently published

■ diaristic (ˌdaIəˈrIstIk)   adj   literature stylistically like a diary

■ diarize or diarise (ˈdaIəˌraIz)   vb   to make use of a diary to record past events or those planned for the future

Dias or Diaz (ˈdiːəs; Portuguese ˈdiəʃ)   n   Bartholomeu (ˌbərtuluˈmeu). ?1450–1500, Portuguese navigator who discovered the sea route from Europe to the East via the Cape of Good Hope (1488)

diascia (daIˈæsIə)   n   a plant of the genus Diascia, native to southern Africa, having usually pink flowers [from Greek diaskeein to adorn]

diascope (ˈdaIəˌskəʊp)   n   an optical projector used to display transparencies

diascordium (ˌdaIəˈskɔːdIəm)   n   a herbal medicine, no longer in use, containing among other ingredients the herb scordium and opium

diaskeuast (ˌdaIəˈskjuːæst)   n   a person who revises, edits, or interpolates

Diaspora (daIˈæspərə)   n   1    a the dispersion of the Jews after the Babylonian and Roman conquests of Palestine   b the Jewish communities outside Israel   c the Jews living outside Israel   d the extent of Jewish settlement outside Israel   2 (in the New Testament) the body of Christians living outside Palestine   3 (often not capital) a dispersion or spreading, as of people originally belonging to one nation or having a common culture   4 Caribbean the descendants of Sub-Saharan African peoples living anywhere in the Western hemisphere [C19: from Greek: a scattering, from diaspeirein to disperse, from DIA- + speirein to scatter, sow; see SPORE]

■ diasporic (daIˈæspərIk)   adj   of or relating to a (or the) Diaspora

diaspore (ˈdaIəˌspɔː)   n   1 a white, yellowish, or grey mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium oxide in orthorhombic crystalline form, found in bauxite and corundum. Formula: AlO(OH)   2 any propagative part of a plant, esp one that is easily dispersed, such as a spore [C19: from Greek diaspora a scattering, dispersion; see DIASPORA: so named from its dispersion and crackling when highly heated]

diastalsis (ˌdaIəˈstælsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz) physiol   a downward wave of contraction occurring in the intestine during digestion. See also peristalsis [C20: New Latin, from DIA- + (PERI)STALSIS]   > ˌdiaˈstaltic adj

diastase (ˈdaIəˌsteIs, -ˌsteIz)   n   any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse starch to maltose. They are present in germinated barley and in the pancreas. See also amylase [C19: from French, from Greek diastasis a separation; see DIASTASIS]   > ˌdiaˈstasic adj

diastasis (daIˈæstəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 pathol   a the separation of an epiphysis from the long bone to which it is normally attached without fracture of the bone   b the separation of any two parts normally joined   2 physiol the last part of the diastolic phase of the heartbeat [C18: New Latin, from Greek: a separation, from diistanai to separate, from DIA- + histanai to place, make stand]   > diastatic (ˌdaIəˈstætIk) adj

diastema (ˌdaIəˈstiːmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   1 an abnormal space, fissure, or cleft in a bodily organ or part   2 a gap between the teeth [C19: New Latin, from Greek: gap, from diistanai to separate; see DIASTASIS]

■ diastematic (ˌdaIəstIˈmætIk)   adj   anatomy characterized by diastema

diaster (daIˈæstə)   n   cytology rare the stage in cell division at which the chromosomes are in two groups at the poles of the spindle before forming daughter nuclei [C19: from DI-1 + Greek astēr star]   > diˈastral adj

diastereoisomer (ˌdaIəˌstɛrIəʊˈaIsəmə) or diastereomer (ˌdaIəˈstɛrIəmə)   n   chem a type of isomer that differs in the spatial arrangement of atoms in the molecule, but is not a mirror image; a stereoisomer that is not an enantiomer

diastereomeric (ˌdaIəˌstɛrIəˈmɛrIk)   adj   chem having the properties of or pertaining to a diastereoisomer

diastole (daIˈæstəlI)   n   the dilatation of the chambers of the heart that follows each contraction, during which they refill with blood. Compare systole [C16: via Late Latin from Greek: an expansion, from diastellein to expand, from DIA- + stellein to place, bring together, make ready]   > diastolic (ˌdaIəˈstɒlIk) adj

diastrophism (daIˈæstrəˌfIzəm)   n geology   the process of movement and deformation of the earth's crust that gives rise to large-scale features such as continents, ocean basins, and mountains. Also called: tectonism. See also orogeny, epeirogeny [C19: from Greek diastrophē a twisting; see DIA-, STROPHE]   > diastrophic (ˌdaIəˈstrɒfIk) adj

■ diastrophically (ˌdaIəˈstrɒfIkəlI)   adv   geology in a diastrophic fashion

diastyle (ˈdaIəˌstaIl) architect   adj   1 having columns about three diameters apart   ▷ n   2 a diastyle building [C16: via Latin from Greek diastulos having spaced pillars]

diatessaron (ˌdaIəˈtɛsəˌrɒn)   n   1 music (in classical Greece) the interval of a perfect fourth   2 a conflation of the four Gospels into a single continuous narrative [C14: from Late Latin, from Greek dia tessarōn khordōn sumphōnia concord through four notes, from dia through + tessares four]

diathermancy (ˌdaIəˈθɜːmənsI) or diathermacy (ˌdaIəˈθɜːməsI)   n, pl -cies   the property of transmitting infrared radiation [C19: from French diathermansie, from DIA- + Greek thermansis heating, from thermainein to heat, from thermos hot]   > ˌdiaˈthermanous adj

■ diathermaneity (ˌdaIəˌθɜːməˈniːItI)   n   chem the quality of being diathermanous

diathermy (ˈdaIəˌθɜːmI) or diathermia (ˌdaIəˈθɜːmIə)   n   local heating of the body tissues with an electric current for medical or surgical purposes [C20: from New Latin diathermia, from DIA- + Greek thermē heat]

■ diathermal (ˌdaIəˈθɜːməl)   adj   1 med of or relating to diathermy   2 chem another term for diathermanous

■ diathermic (ˌdaIəˈθɜːmIk)   adj   1 of or relating to diathermy   2 able to conduct heat; passing heat freely

■ diathermous (ˌdaIəˈθɜːməs)   adj   chem another term for diathermanous

diathesis (daIˈæθIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   a hereditary or acquired susceptibility of the body to one or more diseases [C17: New Latin, from Greek: propensity, from diatithenai to dispose, from DIA- + tithenai to place]   > diathetic (ˌdaIəˈθɛtIk) adj

diatom (ˈdaIətəm, -ˌtɒm)   n   any microscopic unicellular alga of the phylum Bacillariophyta, occurring in marine or fresh water singly or in colonies, each cell having a cell wall made of two halves and impregnated with silica. See also diatomite [C19: from New Latin Diatoma (genus name), from Greek diatomos cut in two, from diatemnein to cut through, from DIA- + temnein to cut]

■ diatomaceous (ˌdaIətəˈmeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, consisting of, or containing diatoms or their fossil remains

■ diatomaceous earth   n   an unconsolidated form of diatomite. Also called: kieselguhr

■ diatomic (ˌdaIəˈtɒmIk)   adj   (of a compound or molecule)   a containing two atoms   b containing two characteristic groups or atoms: ethylene glycol is a diatomic alcohol   > diatomicity (ˌdaIætəˈmIsItI) n

■ diatomist (ˈdaIətəmIst)   n   a person specializing in the study of diatoms

diatomite (daIˈætəˌmaIt)   n   a soft very fine-grained whitish rock consisting of the siliceous remains of diatoms deposited in the ocean or in ponds or lakes. It is used as an absorbent, filtering medium, insulator, filler, etc. See also diatomaceous earth

diatonic (ˌdaIəˈtɒnIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or based upon any scale of five tones and two semitones produced by playing the white keys of a keyboard instrument, esp the natural major or minor scales forming the basis of the key system in Western music. Compare chromatic (sense 2)   2 not involving the sharpening or flattening of the notes of the major or minor scale nor the use of such notes as modified by accidentals [C16: from Late Latin diatonicus, from Greek diatonikos, from diatonos extending, from diateinein to stretch out, from DIA- + teinein to stretch]   > ˌdiaˈtonically adv   > diatonicism (ˌdaIəˈtɒnIˌsIzəm) n

diatretum (ˌdaIəˈtriːtəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   archaeol a type of decorative Roman bowl or cup made of glass

diatribe (ˈdaIəˌtraIb)   n   a bitter or violent criticism or attack; denunciation [C16: from Latin diatriba learned debate, from Greek diatribē discourse, pastime, from diatribein to while away, from DIA- + tribein to rub]

■ diatribist (ˈdaIəˌtrIbIst)   n   rare a person who uses diatribes in his or her speeches or writing, etc

diatron (ˈdaIəˌtrɒn)   n   an electrical circuit that uses diodes

diatropism (daIˈætrəˌpIzəm)   n   a response of plants or parts of plants to an external stimulus by growing at right angles to the direction of the stimulus   > diatropic (ˌdaIəˈtrɒpIk) adj

diaxon (daIˈæksɒn)   n   anatomy rare a bipolar cell, having two axons

Diaz   n   1 (ˈdiːəs; Portuguese ˈdiəʃ) a variant spelling of Dias   2 (ˈdiːæz) Cameron. born 1972, US film actress; films include The Mask (1994), There's Something About Mary (1998), and Gangs of New York (2003)   3 (ˈdiːəs; Spanish ˈdiaθ) (José de la Cruz) Porfirio (pɔrˈfirjo). 1830– 1915, Mexican general and statesman; president of Mexico (1877–80; 1884–1911)

Díaz de Vivar (Spanish ˈdiaθ dɛ biˈβar)   n   Rodrigo (rɔˈðriɣo). the original name of El Cid. See Cid

diazepam (daIˈæzəˌpæm)   n   a chemical compound used as a minor tranquillizer and muscle relaxant and to treat acute epilepsy. Formula: C_16H_13ClN_2O [C20: from DI-1 + AZO- + EP(OXIDE) + -am]

diazeuxis (ˌdaIəˈzuːksIs)   n   music the separation of two tetrachords by the interval of a tone

■ diazeuctic (ˌdaIəˈzuːktIk)   adj   music (of a tone) separating two tetrachords

diazine (ˈdaIəˌziːn, daIˈæziːn, -In) or diazin (ˈdaIəzIn, daIˈæzIn)   n   any organic compound whose molecules contain a hexagonal ring of four carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms, esp any of three isomers with the formula C_4N_2H_4. See also pyrimidine

diazinon (daIˈæzInɒn)   n   a type of strong insecticide

diazo (daIˈeIzəʊ)   adj   1 of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group, =N:N, or the divalent group, -N:N-: diazo compound. See also azo   2 Also: dyeline of or relating to the reproduction of documents using the bleaching action of ultraviolet radiation on diazonium salts   ▷ n, pl -os or -oes   3 a document produced by this method

■ diazotize or diazotise (daIˈeIzəˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to cause (an aryl amine) to react with nitrous acid to produce a diazonium salt   > diˌazotiˈzation or diˌazotiˈsation n

diazole (daIˈeIzəʊl)   n   any organic compound whose molecules contain a pentagonal ring of three carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms, esp imidazole (1,3-diazole) or pyrazole (1,1–diazole)

diazomethane (daIˌeIzəʊˈmiːθeIn)   n   a yellow odourless explosive gas, used as a methylating agent. Formula: CH_2:N:N

diazonium (ˌdaIəˈzəʊnIəm)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the group, Ar-N:N-, where Ar is an aryl group: diazonium group or radical; a diazonium compound [C19: DIAZO + (AMM)ONIUM]

■ diazonium salt   n   any of a class of compounds with the general formula ArN:N–M+, where Ar is an aryl group and M is a metal atom; made by the action of nitrous acid on aromatic amines and used in dyeing

dib (dIb)   vb dibs, dibbing, dibbed   (intr) to fish by allowing the bait to bob and dip on the surface [C17: perhaps alteration of DAB^1]

■ dibber (ˈdIbə)   n   Brit See dibble^1 (sense 1)

■ dibs (dIbz)   pl n   1 another word for jacks   2 a slang word for money   3 (foll by on) informal rights (to) or claims (on): used mainly by children [C18: shortened from dibstones children's game played with knucklebones or pebbles, probably from dib to tap, dip, variant of DAB^1]

dibasic (daIˈbeIsIk)   adj   1 (of an acid, such as sulphuric acid, H_2SO_4) containing two acidic hydrogen atoms. Compare diacidic   2 (of a salt) derived by replacing two acidic hydrogen atoms: dibasic sodium phosphate, Na_2HPO_4   > dibasicity (ˌdaIbeIˈsIsItI) n

dibble^1 (ˈdIbəl)   n   1 Also called (esp Brit): dibber (ˈdIbə) a small hand tool used to make holes in the ground for planting or transplanting bulbs, seeds, or roots   ▷ vb   2 to make a hole in (the ground) with a dibble   3 to plant (bulbs, seeds, etc) with a dibble [C15: of obscure origin]   > ˈdibbler n

dibble^2 (ˈdIbəl)   vb (intr)   1 a variant of dib   2 a less common word for dabble

dibble^3 (ˈdIbəl)   n   Brit slang a policeman [C20: allusion to the police officer of that name in the children's animated cartoon Top Cat]

dibbs (dIbz)   n   slang money

dibbuk (ˈdIbək; Hebrew diˈbuk)   n, pl -buks or -bukkim (Hebrew -buˈkim)   a variant spelling of dybbuk

dibenzofuran (daIˌbɛnzəʊˈfjʊəræn)   n   chem an organic compound (C_12H_8O) composed of two benzene rings fused to a central furan ring

dibranchiate (daIˈbræŋkIIt, -ˌeIt)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Dibranchiata, a group or former order of cephalopod molluscs, including the octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, having two gills   ▷ n   2 any dibranchiate mollusc

dibromide (daIˈbrəʊmaId)   n   a chemical compound that contains two bromine atoms per molecule

dibutyl (daIˈbjuːtIl)   adj   chem (of a substance) that contains two butyl groups per molecule

dicacious (dIˈkeIʃəs)   adj   archaic teasing and cheeky in the way one speaks

■ dicacity (dIˈkæsItI)   n   archaic a teasing and cheeky way of talking

dicacodyl (daIˈkækəʊˌdaIl)   n   chem another name for tetramethyldiarsine

dicamba (daIˈkæmbə)   n   chem a white crystalline solid used as a weedkiller

DiCaprio (dIˈkæprIəʊ)   n   Leonardo. born 1974, US film actor; his films include Romeo and Juliet (1996), Titanic (1997), Gangs of New York (2002), The Departed (2006), and Django Unchained (2012)

dicarboxylic acid (daIˌkɑːbɒkˈsIlIk)   n   any carboxylic acid that contains two carboxyl groups per molecule

dicarpellary (daIˈkɑːpələrI, ˌdaIkɑːˈpɛlərI)   adj   botany having two carpels

dicast (ˈdIkæst)   n   (in ancient Athens) a juror in the popular courts chosen by lot from a list of citizens [C19: from Greek dikastēs, from dikazein to judge, from dikē right, judgment, order]   > diˈcastic adj

dicastery (dIˈkæstərI)   n, pl -ries   RC Church another word for congregation (sense 5b) [C19: from DICAST]

dice (daIs)   pl n   1 cubes of wood, plastic, etc, each of whose sides has a different number of spots (1 to 6), used in games of chance and in gambling to give random numbers   2 Also called: die (functioning as singular) one of these cubes   3 small cubes as of vegetables, chopped meat, etc   4 no dice slang, chiefly US and Canadian an expression of refusal or rejection   ▷ vb   5 to cut (food, etc) into small cubes   6 (intr) to gamble with or play at a game involving dice   7 (intr) to take a chance or risk (esp in the phrase dice with death)   8 (tr) Austral informal to abandon or reject   9 (tr) to decorate or mark with dicelike shapes [C14: plural of DIE^2]   > ˈdicer n

■ diced (daIst)   adj   cookery cut into small cubes

■ dicey (ˈdaIsI)   adj dicier, diciest informal, chiefly Brit   difficult or dangerous; risky; tricky

dicentra (daIˈsɛntrə)   n   any Asian or North American plant of the genus Dicentra, such as bleeding heart and Dutchman's-breeches, having finely divided leaves and ornamental clusters of drooping flowers: family Fumariaceae [C19: New Latin, from Greek dikentros having two sharp points, from DI-1 + kentron sharp point, from kentein to prick; see CENTRE]

dicentric (daIˈsɛntrIk) genetics   n   1 an abnormal chromosome with two centromeres   ▷ adj   2 having two centromeres

dicephalous (daIˈsɛfələs)   adj   having two heads   > diˈcephalism n

dich (dItʃ)   interj   obsolete may it do

dichasium (daIˈkeIzIəm)   n, pl -sia (-zIə)   a cymose inflorescence in which each branch bearing a flower gives rise to two other flowering branches, as in the stitchwort. Compare monochasium [C19: New Latin, from Greek dikhasis a dividing, from dikhazein to divide in two, from dikha in two]   > diˈchasial adj   > diˈchasially adv

dichlamydeous (ˌdaIkləˈmIdIəs)   adj   (of a flower) having a corolla and calyx [C19: from Greek, from DI-1 + khlamus a cloak + -EOUS]

dichloracetic acid (daIˌklɔːrəˈsiːtIk)   n   a highly corrosive acid. Formula: C_2H_2Cl_2O_2

dichloride (daIˈklɔːraId)   n   a compound in which two atoms of chlorine are combined with another atom or group. Also called: bichloride

dichlorobenzene (daIˌklɔːrəʊˈbɛnziːn)   n   any of a group of three insoluble isomeric chemical compounds used in solvents, insecticides, and dyes

dichlorodifluoromethane (daIˌklɔːrəʊdaIˌflʊərəʊˈmiːθeIn)   n   a colourless nonflammable gas easily liquefied by pressure: used as a propellant in aerosols and fire extinguishers and as a refrigerant. Formula: CCl_2F_2. See also Freon

dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (daIˌklɔːrəʊdaIˌfiːnaIltraIˌklɔːrəʊˈiːθeIn, -nIl-, -ˌfɛn-)   n   the full name for DDT

dichloroethane (daIˌklɔːrəʊˈiːθeIn)   n   a colourless toxic liquid compound that is used chiefly as a solvent. Formula: C_2H_4Cl_2

dichloromethane (daIˌklɔːrəʊˈmiːθeIn)   n   a noxious colourless liquid widely used as a solvent, e.g. in paint strippers. Formula: CH_2Cl_2. Traditional name: methylene dichloride

dichlorvos (daIˈklɔːvɒs, daIˈklɔːvəʊs)   n   an organophosphate insecticide used to control garden and household pests and to treat worm infections

dicho- or before a vowel dich-   combining form   in two parts; in pairs: dichotomy [from Greek dikho-, from dikha in two]

dichogamy (daIˈkɒɡəmI)   n   the maturation of male and female parts of a flower at different times, preventing automatic self-pollination. Compare homogamy (sense 2)   > diˈchogamous or dichogamic (ˌdaIkəʊˈɡæmIk) adj

dichondra (daIˈkɒndrə)   n   any of a genus of creeping perennial herbs of the Convolvulaceae family, with white, pale yellow, or green flowers

dichoptic (daIˈkɒptIk)   adj   zoology having the eyes distinctly separate

dichord (daIˈkɔːd)   n   a musical instrument with two strings, usually of the ancient or medieval period

dichotic (daIˈkɒtIk)   adj   relating to or involving the stimulation of each ear simultaneously by different sounds [DICHO- + -IC]

■ dichotically (daIˈkɒtIkəlI)   adv   in a dichotic manner

dichotomy (daIˈkɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 division into two parts or classifications, esp when they are sharply distinguished or opposed: the dichotomy between the mental and physical   2 logic the division of a class into two mutually exclusive subclasses: the dichotomy of married and single people   3 botany a simple method of branching by repeated division into two equal parts   4 the phase of the moon, Venus, or Mercury when half of the disc is visible [C17: from Greek dichotomia; see DICHO-, -TOMY]   > diˈchotomous or dichotomic (ˌdaIkəʊˈtɒmIk) adj   > diˈchotomously adv

USAGE

Dichotomy should always refer to a division of some kind into two groups. It is sometimes used to refer to a puzzling situation which seems to involve a contradiction, but this use is generally thought to be incorrect

■ dichotomize or dichotomise (daIˈkɒtəˌmaIz)   vb   to divide or become divided into two parts or classifications   > diˈchotomist n   > diˌchotomiˈzation or diˌchotomiˈsation n

■ dichotomous key   n   a key used to identify a plant or animal in which each stage presents descriptions of two distinguishing characters, with a direction to another stage in the key, until the species is identified

■ dichotomousness (daIˈkɒtəməsnəs)   n   the quality of being dichotomous

■ dichotomous question   n   a question to which there can only be one of two answers, often "yes" or "no"

dichroic (daIˈkrəʊIk) or dichroitic (ˌdaIkrəʊˈItIk)   adj   1 (of a solution or uniaxial crystal) exhibiting dichroism   2 another word for dichromatic [C19: from Greek dikhroos having two colours, from DI^1 + khrōs colour]

■ dichroic filter   n   an optical colour filter operating on the principle of wave interference between closely spaced reflecting surfaces, rather than by colour absorption

■ dichroism (ˈdaIkrəʊˌIzəm)   n   1 Also called: dichromaticism a property of a uniaxial crystal, such as tourmaline, of showing a perceptible difference in colour when viewed along two different axes in transmitted white light. See also pleochroism   2 a property of certain solutions as a result of which the wavelength (colour) of the light transmitted depends on the concentration of the solution and the length of the path of the light within the solution

dichroite (ˈdaIkrəʊˌaIt)   n   another name for cordierite [C19: from Greek dikhroos two-coloured + -ITE^1]

dichromate (daIˈkrəʊmeIt)   n   any salt or ester of dichromic acid. Dichromate salts contain the ion Cr_2O_72–. Also called: bichromate

dichromatic (ˌdaIkrəʊˈmætIk)   adj   1 Also: dichroic having or consisting of only two colours   2 (of animal species) having two different colour varieties that are independent of sex and age   3 able to perceive only two (instead of three) primary colours and the mixes of these colours   > dichromatism (daIˈkrəʊməˌtIzəm) n

■ dichromat (ˈdaIkrəˌmæt)   n   a person whose vision can only distinguish two colours

■ dichromaticism (ˌdaIkrəʊˈmætIˌsIzəm)   n   another name for dichroism (sense 1)

dichromic (daIˈkrəʊmIk)   adj   of or involving only two colours; dichromatic

■ dichromic acid   n   an unstable dibasic oxidizing acid known only in solution and in the form of dichromate salts. Formula: H_2Cr_2O_7

■ dichromism (daIˈkrəʊmIzəm)   n   the state of being dichromic

dichroscope (ˈdaIkrəˌskəʊp)   n   an instrument for investigating the dichroism of solutions or crystals. Also called: dichroiscope, dichrooscope [C19: from Greek dikhroos two-coloured + -SCOPE]   > dichroscopic (ˌdaIkrəˈskɒpIk), ˌdichroiˈscopic or ˌdichrooˈscopic adj

dicht (dIxt) Scot dialect   vb (tr)   1 to wipe (something)   ▷ n   2 an act of wiping something

dick^1 (dIk)   n   chiefly US a slang word for detective [C20: by shortening and alteration from DETECTIVE; probably influenced by proper name Dick]

dick^2 (dIk)   n slang   1 Brit a fellow or person   2 clever dick Brit a person who is obnoxiously opinionated or self-satisfied; know-all   3 vulgar a penis   4 vulgar, derogatory an obnoxious or despicable man [C16 (meaning: fellow): from the name Dick, familiar form of Richard, applied generally (like Jack) to any fellow, lad, etc; hence, C19: penis]

USAGE

The third sense of this word was formerly considered to be taboo and it was labelled as such in older editions of Collins English Dictionary. However, it has become acceptable in speech, although more conservative people may object to its use

■ dickhead (ˈdIkˌhɛd)   n   derogatory, vulgar, slang a stupid or despicable man or boy [C20: from DICK^2 (in the sense: penis) + HEAD]

dickcissel (ˌdIkˈsIsəl)   n   a small North American bird, Spiza americana, the male of which has a yellow breast, a black patch on its throat, and a mainly grey head

dickens (ˈdIkInz)   n   informal a euphemistic word for devil: what the dickens? [C16: from the name Dickens]

Dickens (ˈdIkInz)   n   Charles (John Huffam), pen name Boz. 1812–70, English novelist, famous for the humour and sympathy of his characterization and his criticism of social injustice. His major works include The Pickwick Papers (1837), Oliver Twist (1839), Nicholas Nickleby (1839), Old Curiosity Shop (1840–41), Martin Chuzzlewit (1844), David Copperfield (1850), Bleak House (1853), Little Dorrit (1857), and Great Expectations (1861)

■ Dickensian (dIˈkɛnzIən)   adj   1 of Charles Dickens or his works   2 (resembling or suggestive of conditions described in Dickens' novels, esp)   a squalid and poverty-stricken: working conditions were truly Dickensian   b characterized by jollity and conviviality: a Dickensian scene round the Christmas tree   3 grotesquely comic, as some of the characters of Dickens

dicker (ˈdIkə)   vb   1 to trade (goods) by bargaining; barter   2 (intr) to negotiate a political deal   ▷ n   3    a a petty bargain or barter   b the item or items bargained or bartered   4 a political deal or bargain [C12: ultimately from Latin decuria DECURY; related to Middle Low German dēker lot of ten hides]

Dickinson (ˈdIkInsən)   n   Emily. 1830–86, US poet, noted for her short, mostly unrhymed, mystical lyrics

Dick test (dIk)   n   a skin test for determining whether a person is immune or susceptible to scarlet fever [C20: named after George F. Dick (1881–1967), US physician who devised it]

dicky^1 or dickey (ˈdIkI)   n, pl dickies or dickeys   1 a woman's false blouse front, worn to fill in the neck of a jacket or low-cut dress   2 a man's false shirt front, esp one worn with full evening dress   3 Also called: dicky bow Brit a bow tie   4 chiefly Brit an informal name for a donkey, esp a male one   5 Also called: dickybird, dickeybird a child's word for a bird, esp a small one   6 a folding outside seat at the rear of some early cars. US and Canadian name: rumble seat   7 Also called: boot Indian an enclosed compartment of a car for holding luggage, etc, usually at the rear [C18 (in the senses: donkey, shirt front): from Dickey, diminutive of Dick (name); the relationship of the various senses is obscure]

■ dickybird or dickeybird (ˈdIkIˌbɜːd)   n   1 See dicky^1 (sense 5)   2 not a dickybird informal not a word; nothing: I haven't heard a dickybird from them

dicky^2 or dickey (ˈdIkI)   adj dickier, dickiest   Brit informal in bad condition; shaky, unsteady, or unreliable: I feel a bit dicky today [C18: perhaps from the name Dick in the phrase as queer as Dick's hatband feeling ill]

diclinous (ˈdaIklInəs, daIˈklaI-)   adj   1 (of flowering plants) bearing unisexual flowers   2 (of flowers) unisexual. Compare monoclinous   > ˈdiclinism n   > dicliny (ˈdaIklInI, daIˈklaI-) n

Diconal (ˈdaIkəˌnæl)   n   trademark a brand of dipanone, an opiate drug with potent analgesic properties: used to relieve severe pain

dicot (daIˈkɒt) or dicotyl (daIˈkɒtəl)   n   short forms of dicotyledon (sense 1)

dicotyledon (daIˌkɒtIˈliːdən, ˌdaIkɒt-)   n   1 Often shortened to: dicot any flowering plant of the class Dicotyledonae, normally having two embryonic seed leaves and leaves with netlike veins. The group includes many herbaceous plants and most families of trees and shrubs. Compare monocotyledon   2 primitive dicotyledon. any living relative of early angiosperms that branched off before the evolution of monocotyledons and eudicotyledons. The group comprises about 5 per cent of the world's plants   > ˌdicotyˈledonous adj

dicoumarin (daIˈkuːmərIn)   n   1 another name for dicoumarol   2 chem any compound formed with two bonded coumarin molecules

dicoumarol (daIˈkuːməˌrɒl)   n   pharmacol a substance obtained naturally from sweet clover or produced synthetically as a drug, used as an anticoagulant

dicrotic (daIˈkrɒtIk) or dicrotal (ˈdaIkrətəl)   adj   physiol having or relating to a double pulse for each heartbeat [C19: from Greek dikrotos double-beating, from DI-1 + krotein to beat]   > dicrotism (ˈdaIkrəˌtIzəm) n

dict (dIkt)   vb (tr)   archaic to dictate (something)

dicta (ˈdIktə)   n   a plural of dictum

Dictaphone (ˈdIktəˌfəʊn)   n   trademark a tape recorder designed for recording dictation and later reproducing it for typing

dictate   vb (dIkˈteIt)   1 to say (messages, letters, speeches, etc) aloud for mechanical recording or verbatim transcription by another person   2 (tr) to prescribe (commands) authoritatively   3 (intr) to act in a tyrannical manner; seek to impose one's will on others   ▷ n (ˈdIkteIt)   4 an authoritative command   5 a guiding principle or rule: the dictates of reason [C17: from Latin dictāre to say repeatedly, order, from dīcere to say]

■ dictation (dIkˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of dictating material to be recorded or taken down in writing   2 the material dictated   3 authoritative commands or the act of giving them   > dicˈtational adj

■ dictator (dIkˈteItə)   n   1    a a ruler who is not effectively restricted by a constitution, laws, recognized opposition, etc   b an absolute, esp tyrannical, ruler   2 (in ancient Rome) a person appointed during a crisis to exercise supreme authority   3 a person who makes pronouncements, as on conduct, fashion, etc, which are regarded as authoritative   4 a person who behaves in an authoritarian or tyrannical manner   > dictatress (dIkˈteItrIs) or dictatrix (ˈdIktətrIks) fem n

■ dictatorial (ˌdIktəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of or characteristic of a dictator   2 tending to dictate; tyrannical; overbearing   > ˌdictaˈtorially adv   > ˌdictaˈtorialness n

■ dictatorship (dIkˈteItəˌʃIp)   n   1 the rank, office, or period of rule of a dictator   2 government by a dictator or dictators   3 a country ruled by a dictator or dictators   4 absolute or supreme power or authority

■ dictatory (dIkˈteItərI)   adj   rare dictatorial

■ dictature (dIkˈteItʃə, dIkˈteItjʊə) archaic   n   1 dictatorship   2 rare a group of dictators collectively

diction (ˈdIkʃən)   n   1 the choice and use of words in writing or speech   2 the manner of uttering or enunciating words and sounds; elocution [C15: from Latin dictiō a saying, mode of expression, from dīcere to speak, say]

■ dictional (ˈdIkʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to diction

■ dictionally (ˈdIkʃənəlI)   adv   from a dictional point of view

dictionary (ˈdIkʃənərI, -ʃənrI)   n, pl -aries   1    a a reference resource, in printed or electronic form, that consists of an alphabetical list of words with their meanings and parts of speech, and often a guide to accepted pronunciation and syllabification, irregular inflections of words, derived words of different parts of speech, and etymologies   b a similar reference work giving equivalent words in two or more languages. Such dictionaries often consist of two or more parts, in each of which the alphabetical list is given in a different language: a German-English dictionary   c (as modifier): a dictionary definition. See also glossary, lexicon, thesaurus   2 a reference publication listing words or terms of a particular subject or activity, giving information about their meanings and other attributes: a dictionary of gardening   3 a collection of information or examples with the entries alphabetically arranged: a dictionary of quotations [C16: from Medieval Latin dictiōnārium collection of words, from Late Latin dictiō word; see DICTION]

■ dictionary attack   n   an attempt to hack into a computer or network by submitting every word in a dictionary as a possible password

■ dictionary catalogue   n   a catalogue of the authors, titles, and subjects of books in one alphabetical sequence

■ dictionary-maker   n   a person who compiles a dictionary

■ dictionary-making   n   the work or activity of compiling dictionaries

Dictograph (ˈdIktəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   trademark a telephonic instrument for secretly monitoring or recording conversations by means of a small, sensitive, and often concealed microphone

dictum (ˈdIktəm)   n, pl -tums or -ta (-tə)   1 a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement   2 a popular saying or maxim   3 law See obiter dictum [C16: from Latin, from dīcere to say]

dicty or dickty (ˈdIktI)   adj -tier, -tiest   US slang snobbish and pretentious

dictyogen (ˈdIktIəˌdʒɛn, dIkˈtaIəˌdʒɛn)   n   botany obsolete a monocotyledon with reticulated leaves

dictyopteran (ˌdIktIˈɒptərən)   n   any insect of the order Dictyoptera, which comprises the cockroaches and mantises [New Latin, from Greek diktuon a net, from dikein to cast + pteron a wing]

dictyosome (ˈdIktIəˌsəʊm)   n   biology a Golgi body, esp in a plant cell

dictyostele (ˈdIktIəˌstiːl, dIkˈtaIəˌstiːl)   n   botany a form of stele found in some ferns, containing so many gaps that it is like a network of separate strands

dicumarol (daIˈkuːməˌrɒl)   n   pharmacol (in the US) another name for dicoumarol

dicyclic (daIˈsaIklIk)   adj   1 botany having the perianth arranged in two whorls; having separate petals and sepals   2 chem (of a molecule) containing only two rings of atoms

■ dicycly (daIˈsaIklI, daIˈsIklI)   n   the state or condition of being dicyclic

dicynodont (daIˈsInəˌdɒnt)   n   any of various extinct Triassic mammal-like reptiles having a single pair of tusklike teeth [C19: from Greek, from DI-1 + kuōn dog + -ODONT]

did (dId)   vb   the past tense of do^1

Didache (ˈdIdəˌkiː)   n   a treatise, perhaps of the 1st or early 2nd century AD, on Christian morality and practices. Also called: the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles [C19: from Greek, literally: a teaching, from didaskein to teach]

didactic (dIˈdæktIk) or didactical (dIˈdæktIkəl)   adj   1 intended to instruct, esp excessively   2 morally instructive; improving   3 (of works of art or literature) containing a political or moral message to which aesthetic considerations are subordinated [C17: from Greek didaktikos skilled in teaching, from didaskein to teach]   > diˈdactically adv   > diˈdacticism n

■ didact (ˈdaIdækt)   n   1 a person who is didactic   2 a person who produces didactic literature or other work

■ didactics (dIˈdæktIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the art or science of teaching

didactyl (daIˈdæktIl) or didactylous (daIˈdæktIləs)   adj   (esp of many marsupials) having the hind toes separate   > diˈdactylism n

didapper (ˈdaIˌdæpə)   n   1 a little grebe or dabchick   2 jocular, literary, rare a name sometimes used for someone who disappears and then suddenly reappears again

didascalic (ˌdIdəˈskælIk)   adj   of or relating to instruction or teaching

didder (ˈdIdə)   vb (intr)   dialect to shake or tremble, esp with fear

diddle^1 (ˈdIdəl)   vb informal   1 (tr) to cheat or swindle   2 (intr) an obsolete word for dawdle [C19: back formation from Jeremy Diddler, a scrounger in J. Kenney's farce Raising the Wind (1803)]   > ˈdiddler n

diddle^2 (ˈdIdəl)   vb   dialect to jerk (an object) up and down or back and forth; shake rapidly [C17: probably variant of doderen to tremble, totter; see DODDER^1]

diddly-squat (ˌdIdlIˈskwɒt)   pron   US and Canadian informal (usually used with a negative) anything: that doesn't mean diddly-squat. Also: diddly, diddley

diddy (ˈdIdI)   n, pl -dies   slang a female breast or nipple [C18: from titty, diminutive of TIT^2]

didelphid (daIˈdɛlfId)   n zoology   1 a marsupial, a member of the Didelphia subclass of mammals   2 an opossum, a member of the Didelphidae family

■ didelphian (daIˈdɛlfIən)   adj   zoology of or relating to an animal in the Didelphia subclass of mammals. Also: didelphic, didelphine, didelphous

Diderot (ˈdiːdərəʊ; French didro)   n   Denis (dəni). 1713–84, French philosopher, noted particularly for his direction (1745–72) of the great French Encyclopédie

didgeridoo (ˌdIdʒərIˈduː)   n   music a deep-toned native Australian wind instrument made from a long hollowed-out piece of wood [C20: imitative of its sound]

didicoy, diddicoy (ˈdIdIˌkɔI) or didakai (ˈdIdəˌkaI)   n, pl -coys or -kais   (in Britain) one of a group of caravan-dwelling roadside people who live like Gypsies but are not true Romanies [C19: from Romany]

didjeridoo or didjeridu (ˌdIdʒərIˈduː)   n   other names for didgeridoo

didn't (ˈdIdənt)   contraction of   did not

dido (ˈdaIdəʊ)   n, pl -dos or -does (usually plural) informal   an antic; prank; trick [C19: originally US: of uncertain origin]

Dido (ˈdaIdəʊ)   n   classical myth a princess of Tyre who founded Carthage and became its queen. Virgil tells of her suicide when abandoned by her lover Aeneas

didrachm (ˈdaIˌdræm) or didrachma (daIˈdrækmə)   n   (in ancient Greece) a silver coin worth two drachmas

didst (dIdst)   vb   archaic (used with the pronoun thou or its relative equivalent) a form of the past tense of do^1

didy (ˈdaIdI)   n, pl didies   US informal a diaper

didymium (daIˈdImIəm, dI-)   n   1 a mixture of the metallic rare earths neodymium and praseodymium, once thought to be an element   2 a mixture of rare earths and their oxides used in colouring glass [C19: from New Latin, from Greek didumos twin + -IUM]

didymous (ˈdIdIməs)   adj   biology in pairs or in two parts [C18: from Greek didumos twin, from duo two]

didynamous (daIˈdInəməs) or didynamian (ˌdIdIˈneImIən)   adj   (of plants) having four stamens arranged in two pairs of unequal length, as in the foxglove [C18: from New Latin Didynamia name of former class, from DI-1 + Greek dunamis power, referring to the greater strength of the two long stamens]

■ didynamy (daIˈdInəmI, dIˈdInəmI)   n   botany (of stamens) the condition of being in two pairs of unequal length

die^1 (daI)   vb dies, dying, died (mainly intr)   1 (of an organism or its cells, organs, etc) to cease all biological activity permanently: she died of pneumonia   2 (of something inanimate) to cease to exist; come to an end: the memory of her will never die   3 (often foll by away, down, or out) to lose strength, power, or energy, esp by degrees   4 (often foll by away or down) to become calm or quiet; subside: the noise slowly died down   5 to stop functioning: the engine died   6 to languish or pine, as with love, longing, etc   7 (usually foll by of) informal to be nearly overcome (with laughter, boredom, etc)   8 theol to lack spiritual life within the soul, thus separating it from God and leading to eternal punishment   9 (tr) to undergo or suffer (a death of a specified kind) (esp in phrases such as die a saintly death)   10 (foll by to) to become indifferent or apathetic (to): to die to the world   11 never say die informal never give up   12 die hard to cease to exist after resistance or a struggle: old habits die hard   13 die in harness to die while still working or active, prior to retirement   14 be dying (foll by for or an infinitive) to be eager or desperate (for something or to do something): I'm dying to see the new house   15 to die for informal highly desirable: a salary to die for [Old English dīegan, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse deyja, Old High German touwen]

USAGE

It was formerly considered incorrect to use the preposition from after die, but of and from are now both acceptable: he died of/from his injuries

■ dieback (ˈdaIˌbæk)   n   1 a disease of trees and shrubs characterized by death of the young shoots, which spreads to the larger branches: caused by injury to the roots or attack by bacteria or fungi   2 any similar condition of herbaceous plants   ▷ vb die back   3 (intr, adverb) (of plants) to suffer from dieback

■ die down   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (of some perennial plants) to wither and die above ground, leaving only the root alive during the winter   2 to lose strength or power, esp by degrees   3 to become calm or quiet

■ die-hard   n   1 a person who resists change or who holds onto an untenable position or outdated attitude   2 (modifier) obstinately resistant to change   > ˈdie-ˌhardism n

■ die-off   n   the process or occurrence of large numbers of deaths in a population of animals, plants, etc

■ die out or die off   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (of a family, race, etc) to die one after another until few or none are left   2 to become extinct, esp after a period of gradual decline

die^2 (daI)   n   1    a a shaped block of metal or other hard material used to cut or form metal in a drop forge, press, or similar device   b a tool of metal, silicon carbide, or other hard material with a conical hole through which wires, rods, or tubes are drawn to reduce their diameter   2 an internally-threaded tool for cutting external threads. Compare tap^2 (sense 6)   3 a casting mould giving accurate dimensions and a good surface to the object cast. See also die-cast   4 architect the dado of a pedestal, usually cubic   5 another name for dice (sense 2)   6 as straight as a die perfectly honest   7 the die is cast the decision that commits a person irrevocably to an action has been taken [C13 dee, from Old French de, perhaps from Vulgar Latin datum (unattested) a piece in games, noun use of past participle of Latin dare to play]

■ die-cast   vb -casts, -casting, -cast   (tr) to shape or form (a metal or plastic object) by introducing molten metal or plastic into a reusable mould, esp under pressure, by gravity, or by centrifugal force   > ˈdie-ˌcasting n

■ die-cutting   n   printing the cutting by machine of paper or card into shapes with sharp steel knives, such as in the manufacture of cardboard boxes

■ diemaker   n   someone who makes dies

■ die-sinker   n   a person who engraves dies for stamping coins, medals, etc

■ die-stamp   vb (tr)   to produce words or decoration on (a surface) by using a steel die so that the printed images stand in relief

■ die stamping   n   the production of words or decoration on a surface by using a steel die so that the printed images stand in relief

dieb (diːb)   n   a North African species of jackal

diecious (daIˈiːʃəs)   adj   a variant spelling of dioecious   > diˈeciously adv

dièdre (French djɛdrə)   n   mountaineering a large shallow groove or corner in a rock face [C20: dihedral]

Diefenbaker (ˈdiːfənˌbeIkə)   n   John George. 1895–1979, Canadian Conservative statesman; prime minister of Canada (1957–63)

dieffenbachia (ˌdiːfənˈbækIə)   n   any plant of the tropical American evergreen perennial genus Dieffenbachia, some species of which are grown as pot plants for their handsome variegated foliage. The plants are poisonous and the sap is extremely acrid: family Araceae [named after Ernst Dieffenbach (died 1855), German horticulturist]

diegesis (ˌdaIiːˈdʒiːsIs)   n   1 rhetoric the presentation of the facts by a narrator to the audience   2 (in narrative film or literature) the fictional setting, events, and characters

■ diegetic (ˌdaIəˈdʒɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to diegesis

Diégo-Suarez (French djeɡosɥarɛs)   n   the former name of Antseranana

diel (ˈdaIəl) biology   adj   1 of or lasting for any 24-hour period   ▷ n   2 a 24-hour period, in relation to animal behaviour patterns

dieldrin (ˈdiːldrIn)   n   a crystalline insoluble substance, consisting of a chlorinated derivative of naphthalene: a contact insecticide the use of which is now restricted as it accumulates in the tissues of animals. Formula: C_12H_8OCl_6 [C20: from DIEL(S-AL)D(E)R (REACTION) + -IN]

dielectric (ˌdaIIˈlɛktrIk)   n   1 a substance or medium that can sustain a static electric field within it   2 a substance or body of very low electrical conductivity; insulator   ▷ adj   3 of, concerned with, or having the properties of a dielectric [from DIA- + ELECTRIC]   > ˌdieˈlectrically adv

■ dielectric constant   n   another name for relative permittivity

■ dielectric heating   n   a technique in which an insulator is heated by the application of a high-frequency electric field

■ dielectric lens   n   physics a lens constructed of a material that converges or diverges a beam of electromagnetic radiation of radio frequency

Diels-Alder reaction (ˈdiːlzˈɔːldə)   n   chem a type of chemical reaction in which one organic compound containing conjugated double bonds adds to another containing an ethylenic bond to form a product containing a ring [C20: named after Otto Diels (1876–1954) and Kurt Alder (1902–58), German chemists]

dielytra (daIˈɛlItrə)   n   a member of a genus of flowering herbaceous plants including bleeding heart

Dien Bien Phu (ˌdjɛn bjɛn ˈfuː)   n   a village in NW Vietnam: French military post during the Indochina War; scene of a major defeat of French forces by the Vietminh (1954)

diencephalon (ˌdaIɛnˈsɛfəˌlɒn)   n, pl -la (-lə)   the part of the brain that includes the basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, and associated areas   > diencephalic (ˌdaIɛnsIˈfælIk) adj

diene (ˈdaIiːn)   n   chem a hydrocarbon that contains two carbon-to-carbon double bonds in its molecules [from DI-1 + -ENE]

-diene   n combining form   denoting an organic compound containing two double bonds between carbon atoms: butadiene [from DI-1 + -ENE]

Dieppe (dIˈɛp; French djɛp)   n   a port and resort in N France, on the English Channel. Pop: 34 670 (2006)

dieresis (daIˈɛrIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   a variant spelling of diaeresis   > dieretic (ˌdaIəˈrɛtIk) adj

diesel (ˈdiːzəl)   n   1 See diesel engine   2 a ship, locomotive, lorry, etc, driven by a diesel engine   3 informal short for diesel oil   4 South African slang any cola drink: spook and diesel   5 sucking diesel See suck (sense 10)

■ diesel cycle   n   a four-stroke cycle in which combustion takes place at constant pressure and heat is rejected at constant volume. Compare Otto cycle

■ diesel-electric   n   1 a locomotive fitted with a diesel engine driving an electric generator that feeds electric traction motors   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to such a locomotive or system

■ diesel engine or diesel motor   n   a type of internal-combustion engine in which atomized fuel oil is sprayed into the cylinder and ignited by compression alone

■ diesel-hydraulic   n   1 a locomotive driven by a diesel engine through hydraulic transmission and torque converters   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to such a locomotive or system

■ dieselization or dieselisation (ˌdiːzəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of equipping something with a diesel engine or diesel engines

■ dieselize or dieselise (ˈdiːzəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to equip (something) with a diesel engine or diesel engines

■ dieselling (ˈdiːzəlIŋ)   n   (in a combustion engine) a fault or malfunction in which the engine continues to run after the ignition has been switched off

■ diesel oil or diesel fuel   n   a fuel obtained from petroleum distillation that is used in diesel engines. It has a relatively low ignition temperature (540°C) and is ignited by the heat of compression. Also called (Brit): derv. See also cetane number

Diesel (ˈdiːzəl)   n   Rudolf (ˈruːdɔlf). 1858–1913, German engineer, who invented the diesel engine (1892)

Dies Irae Latin (ˈdiːeIz ˈIəraI)   n   1 Christianity a famous Latin hymn of the 13th century, describing the Last Judgment. It is used in the Mass for the dead   2 a musical setting of this hymn, usually part of a setting of the Requiem [literally: day of wrath]

diesis (ˈdaIIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 printing another name for double dagger   2 music   a (in ancient Greek theory) any interval smaller than a whole tone, esp a semitone in the Pythagorean scale   b (in modern theory) the discrepancy of pitch in just intonation between an octave and either a succession of four ascending minor thirds (great diesis), or a succession of three ascending major thirds (minor diesis) [C16: via Latin from Greek: a quarter tone, literally: a sending through, from diienai; the double dagger was originally used in musical notation]

dies non (ˈdaIiːz nɒn)   n   law a day on which no legal business may be transacted. Also called: dies non juridicus (dʒʊˈrIdIkəs). Compare juridical days [C19: shortened from Latin phrase diēs nōn jūridicus literally: day which is not juridical, that is, not reserved for legal affairs]

diester (daIˈɛstə)   n   chem a compound that contains two ester groups, often used in synthetic lubricants for machinery such as compressors

diestock (ˈdaIˌstɒk)   n   the device holding the dies used to cut an external screw thread

diestrus (daIˈiːstrəs)   n   the US spelling of dioestrus

diet^1 (ˈdaIət)   n   1    a a specific allowance or selection of food, esp prescribed to control weight or in disorders in which certain foods are contraindicated: a salt-free diet; a 900-calorie diet   b (as modifier): a diet bread   2 the food and drink that a person or animal regularly consumes: a diet of nuts and water   3 regular activities or occupations   ▷ vb   4 (usually intr) to follow or cause to follow a dietary regimen [C13: from Old French diete, from Latin diaeta, from Greek diaita mode of living, from diaitan to direct one's own life]   > ˈdieter n

■ dietarian (ˌdaIəˈtɛərIən)   n   rare a person who follows a particular diet

■ dietarily (ˌdaIəˈtɛərəlI, ˈdaIətərəlI)   adv   from a dietary point of view

■ dietary (ˈdaIətərI, -trI)   adj   1 of or relating to a diet   ▷ n, pl -taries   2 a regulated diet   3 a system of dieting

■ dietary fibre   n   fibrous substances in fruits and vegetables, such as the structural polymers of cell walls, consumption of which aids digestion and is believed to help prevent certain diseases. Also called: roughage

■ dietetic (ˌdaIIˈtɛtIk) or dietetical   adj   1 denoting or relating to diet or the regulation of food intake   2 prepared for special dietary requirements   > ˌdieˈtetically adv

■ dietetics (ˌdaIIˈtɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the scientific study and regulation of food intake and preparation

■ dietician or dietitian (ˌdaIIˈtIʃən)   n   a person who specializes in dietetics

diet^2 (ˈdaIət)   n   1 (sometimes capital) a legislative assembly in various countries, such as Japan   2 Also called: Reichstag (sometimes capital) the assembly of the estates of the Holy Roman Empire   3 Scots law   a the date fixed by a court for hearing a case   b a single session of a court [C15: from Medieval Latin diēta public meeting, probably from Latin diaeta DIET^1 but associated with Latin diēs day]

■ dietine (ˈdaIəˌtiːn)   n   history a minor or low-ranking diet or assembly

diether (daIˈiːθə)   n   an organic chemical compound that contains two ether groups

diethylamide (daIˈiːθIləˌmaId, daIˈɛθIləˌmaId)   n   a compound constituent of the drug LSD. See LSD

diethylamine (daIˈɛθIləˌmiːn, daIˈiːθIləˌmiːn)   n   chem a corrosive, flammable, unpleasant-smelling, alkaline liquid produced from ethanol and ammonia, that has a chemical structure containing two ethyl groups. It is used in industry, for example in the manufacture of rubber and dyes

diethylene (daIˈɛθIˌliːn)   n   (in combination) a substance that has a chemical structure containing two ethylene groups

■ diethylene glycol (daIˈɛθIˌliːn ˈɡlaIkɒl)   n   a colourless soluble, poisonous liquid used as a solvent. Formula: (C_2H_4OH)2O

diethyl ether (daIˈɛθIl)   n   a formal name for ether (sense 1)

diethylstilbestrol or diethylstilboestrol (daIˌɛθIlstIlˈbɛstrɒl, -ˌiːθaIl-)   n   a synthetic hormone with oestrogenic properties, used to relieve menopausal symptoms and treat breast and prostate cancers. Formula: OHC_6H_4CH:CHC_6H_4OH. Also called (trademark): stilbestrol, stilboestrol

Dietrich (German ˈdiːtrIç)   n   Marlene (marˈleːnə), real name Maria Magdalene von Losch. 1901–92, US film actress and cabaret singer, born in Germany

Dieu et mon droit French (djø e mɔ̃ drwa)     God and my right: motto of the Royal Arms of Great Britain

diff (dIf)   n   slang difference

diffarreation (dIˌfærIˈeIʃən)   n   (in ancient Rome) the ceremonial practice required to dissolve a marriage contracted by confarreation

differ (ˈdIfə)   vb (intr)   1 (often foll by from) to be dissimilar in quality, nature, or degree (to); vary (from)   2 (often foll by from or with) to be at variance (with); disagree (with)   3 dialect to quarrel or dispute   4 agree to differ to end an argument amicably while maintaining differences of opinion [C14: from Latin differre, literally: to bear off in different directions, hence scatter, put off, be different, from dis- apart + ferre to bear]

■ difference (ˈdIfərəns, ˈdIfrəns)   n   1 the state or quality of being unlike   2 a specific instance of being unlike   3 a distinguishing mark or feature   4 a significant change in a situation: the difference in her is amazing   5 a disagreement or argument: he had a difference with his wife   6 a degree of distinctness, as between two people or things   7    a the result of the subtraction of one number, quantity, etc, from another   b the single number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend; remainder   8 logic another name for differentia   9 symmetric difference maths (of two sets)   a the set of members of the first that are not members of the second. Symbol: A – B   b the set of members of one but not both of the given sets. Often symbolized: A + B   10 heraldry an addition to the arms of a family to represent a younger branch   11 make a difference   a to have an effect   b to treat differently   12 split the difference   a to settle a dispute by a compromise   b to divide a remainder equally   13 with a difference with some peculiarly distinguishing quality, good or bad   ▷ vb (tr)   14 rare to distinguish   15 heraldry to add a charge to (arms) to differentiate a branch of a family

■ difference threshold   n   psychol the minimum difference between two stimuli that is just detectable by a person

■ differency (ˈdIfərənsI)   n   archaic difference

■ different (ˈdIfərənt, ˈdIfrənt)   adj   1 partly or completely unlike   2 not identical or the same; other: he always wears a different tie   3 out of the ordinary; unusual   > ˈdifferently adv   > ˈdifferentness n

USAGE

The constructions different from, different to, and different than are all found in the works of writers of English during the past. Nowadays, however, the most widely acceptable preposition to use after different is from. Different to is common in British English, but is considered by some people to be incorrect, or less acceptable. Different than is a standard construction in American English, and has the advantage of conciseness when a clause or phrase follows, as in this result is only slightly different than in the US. As, however, this idiom is not regarded as totally acceptable in British usage, it is preferable either to use different from: this result is only slightly different from that obtained in the US or to rephrase the sentence: this result differs only slightly from that in the US

differentia (ˌdIfəˈrɛnʃIə)   n, pl -tiae (-ʃIˌiː)   logic a feature by which two subclasses of the same class of named objects can be distinguished. Also called: difference [C19: from Latin: diversity, DIFFERENCE]

differential (ˌdIfəˈrɛnʃəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or using a difference   2 constituting a difference; distinguishing   3 maths of, containing, or involving one or more derivatives or differentials   4 physics, engineering relating to, operating on, or based on the difference between two effects, motions, forces, etc: differential amplifier   ▷ n   5 a factor that differentiates between two comparable things   6 maths   a an increment in a given function, expressed as the product of the derivative of that function and the corresponding increment in the independent variable   b an increment in a given function of two or more variables, f(x_1, x_2, …xn), expressed as the sum of the products of each partial derivative and the increment in the corresponding variable   7 an epicyclic gear train that permits two shafts to rotate at different speeds while being driven by a third shaft. See also differential gear   8 chiefly Brit the difference between rates of pay for different types of labour, esp when forming a pay structure within an industry   9 (in commerce) a difference in rates, esp between comparable labour services or transportation routes   > ˌdifferˈentially adv

■ differential calculus   n   the branch of calculus concerned with the study, evaluation, and use of derivatives and differentials. Compare integral calculus

■ differential coefficient   n   maths another name for derivative

■ differential equation   n   an equation containing differentials or derivatives of a function of one independent variable. A partial differential equation results from a function of more than one variable

■ differential gear   n   the epicyclic gear mounted in the driving axle of a road vehicle that permits one driving wheel to rotate faster than the other, as when cornering

■ differential geometry   n   the application of differential calculus to geometrical problems; the study of objects that remain unchanged by transformations that preserve derivatives

■ differential operator   n   any operator involving differentiation, such as the mathematical operator del ∇, used in vector analysis, where ∇ = i∂/∂x + j∂/∂y+ k∂/∂z, i, j, and k being unit vectors and ∂/∂x, ∂/∂y, and ∂/∂z the partial derivatives of a function in x, y, and z

■ differential windlass   n   a windlass employing the velocity ratio incurred in unwinding from a small drum while winding onto a larger drum rotating at a common speed. Also called: Chinese windlass

differentiate (ˌdIfəˈrɛnʃIˌeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to serve to distinguish between   2 (when intr, often foll by between) to perceive, show, or make a difference (in or between); discriminate   3 (intr) to become dissimilar or distinct   4 maths to perform a differentiation on (a quantity, expression, etc)   5 (intr) (of unspecialized cells, etc) to change during development to more specialized forms   > ˌdifferˈentiˌator n

■ differentiable (ˌdIfəˈrɛnʃIəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being differentiated   2 maths possessing a derivative   > ˌdifferˌentiaˈbility n

■ differentiation (ˌdIfəˌrɛnʃIˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act, process, or result of differentiating   2 maths an operation used in calculus in which the derivative of a function or variable is determined; the inverse of integration. See integration (sense 6)   3 any process in which a mixture of materials separates out partially or completely into its constituent parts, as in the cooling and solidification of a magma into two or more different rock types or in the gradual separation of an originally homogeneous earth into crust, mantle, and core

difficile (dIˈfIsIl, ˈdIfIsIl)   adj   archaic difficult

difficult (ˈdIfIkəlt)   adj   1 not easy to do; requiring effort: a difficult job   2 not easy to understand or solve; intricate: a difficult problem   3 hard to deal with; troublesome: a difficult child   4 not easily convinced, pleased, or satisfied: a difficult audience   5 full of hardships or trials: difficult times ahead [C14: back formation from DIFFICULTY]   > ˈdifficultly adv

difficulty (ˈdIfIkəltI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being difficult   2 a task, problem, etc, that is hard to deal with   3 (often plural) a troublesome or embarrassing situation, esp a financial one   4 a dispute or disagreement   5 (often plural) an objection or obstacle: he always makes difficulties   6 a trouble or source of trouble; worry   7 lack of ease; awkwardness: he could run only with difficulty [C14: from Latin difficultās, from difficilis difficult, from dis- not + facilis easy, FACILE]

diffident (ˈdIfIdənt)   adj   lacking self-confidence; timid; shy [C15: from Latin diffīdere to distrust, from dis- not + fīdere to trust]   > ˈdiffidence n   > ˈdiffidently adv

diffluent (ˈdIflʊənt)   adj   formal flowing, esp flowing apart or away in different directions

difform (dIˈfɔːm)   adj   archaic different or irregular in form; not uniform

■ difformity (dIˈfɔːmItI)   n   archaic the quality of being different or irregular in form

diffraction (dIˈfrækʃən)   n   1 physics a deviation in the direction of a wave at the edge of an obstacle in its path   2 any phenomenon caused by diffraction and interference of light, such as the formation of light and dark fringes by the passage of light through a small aperture   3 deflection of sound waves caused by an obstacle or by nonhomogeneity of a medium [C17: from New Latin diffractiō a breaking to pieces, from Latin diffringere to shatter, from dis- apart + frangere to break]

■ diffract (dIˈfrækt)   vb   to undergo or cause to undergo diffraction: to diffract light; the light diffracts at a slit   > difˈfractive adj   > difˈfractively adv   > difˈfractiveness n

■ diffraction grating   n   a glass plate or a mirror with a large number of equidistant parallel lines or grooves on its surface. It causes diffraction of transmitted or reflected light, ultraviolet radiation, or X-rays

■ diffraction pattern   n   physics the distinctive pattern of light and dark fringes, rings, etc, formed by diffraction

■ diffractometer (ˌdIfrækˈtɒmItə)   n   physics an instrument used in studying diffraction, as in the determination of crystal structure by diffraction of X-rays

■ diffractometric (dIˌfræktəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   of or relating to diffractometry

■ diffractometry (dIˌfrækˈtɒmətrI)   n   the use of diffractometers to measure diffraction

diffrangible (dIˈfrændʒIbəl)   adj   rare capable of being diffracted

■ diffrangibility (dIˌfræŋdʒIˈbIlətI)   n   rare the power or capability of being diffracted

diffuse   vb (dIˈfjuːz)   1 to spread or cause to spread in all directions   2 to undergo or cause to undergo diffusion   3 to scatter or cause to scatter; disseminate; disperse   ▷ adj (dIˈfjuːs)   4 spread out over a wide area   5 lacking conciseness   6 (esp of some creeping stems) spreading loosely over a large area   7 characterized by or exhibiting diffusion: diffuse light; diffuse reflection   8 botany (of plant growth) occurring throughout a tissue [C15: from Latin diffūsus spread abroad, from diffundere to pour forth, from dis- away + fundere to pour]   > diffusely (dIˈfjuːslI) adv   > difˈfuseness n   > diffusible (dIˈfjuːzəbəl) adj   > difˌfusiˈbility or difˈfusibleness n

USAGE

Avoid confusion with defuse

■ diffused junction   n   a semiconductor junction formed by diffusing acceptor or donor impurity atoms into semiconductor material to form regions of p-type or n-type conductivity. See also photolithography (sense 2). Compare alloyed junction

■ diffusedly (dIˈfjuːzIdlI)   adv   in a diffused manner

■ diffusedness (dIˈfjuːzIdnəs)   n   the state or quality of being diffused

■ diffuser or diffusor (dIˈfjuːzə)   n   1 a person or thing that diffuses   2 a part of a lighting fixture consisting of a translucent or frosted covering or of a rough reflector: used to scatter the light and prevent glare   3 a cone, wedge, or baffle placed in front of the diaphragm of a loudspeaker to diffuse the sound waves   4 a duct, esp in a wind tunnel or jet engine, that widens gradually in the direction of flow to reduce the speed and increase the pressure of the air or fluid   5 photog a light-scattering medium, such as a screen of fine fabric, placed in the path of a source of light to reduce the sharpness of shadows and thus soften the lighting   6 a perforated plate or similar device for distributing compressed air in the aeration of sewage   7 a device, attached to a hairdryer, which diffuses the warm air as it comes out

■ diffusion (dIˈfjuːʒən)   n   1 the act or process of diffusing or being diffused; dispersion   2 verbosity   3 physics   a the random thermal motion of atoms, molecules, clusters of atoms, etc, in gases, liquids, and some solids   b the transfer of atoms or molecules by their random motion from one part of a medium to another   4 physics the transmission or reflection of electromagnetic radiation, esp light, in which the radiation is scattered in many directions and not directly reflected or refracted; scattering   5 Also called: diffusivity physics the degree to which the directions of propagation of reverberant sound waves differ from point to point in an enclosure   6 anthropol the transmission of social institutions, skills, and myths from one culture to another

■ diffusional (dIˈfjuːʒənəl)   adj   of, relating to, or involving diffusion

■ diffusion coefficient or diffusion constant   n   the rate at which a diffusing substance is transported between opposite faces of a unit cube of a system when there is unit concentration difference between them. Symbol: D. Also called: diffusivity

■ diffusionism (dIˈfjuːʒəˌnIzəm)   n   anthropol a theory that most cultural similarities are the result of diffusion. See diffusion

■ diffusionist (dIˈfjuːʒənIst) anthropol   adj   1 supporting, relating to, or according to diffusionism   ▷ n   2 someone who supports a theory of diffusionism

■ diffusion line   n   a range of clothes made by a top fashion designer for a high-street retailer

■ diffusive (dIˈfjuːsIv)   adj   characterized by diffusion   > difˈfusively adv   > difˈfusiveness n

■ diffusivity (ˌdIfjuːˈsIvItI)   n   1 a measure of the ability of a substance to transmit a difference in temperature; expressed as the thermal conductivity divided by the product of specific heat capacity and density   2 physics   a the ability of a substance to permit or undergo diffusion   b another name for diffusion coefficient   3 another name for diffusion (sense 5)

difunctional (daIˈfʌŋkʃənəl) chem   adj   1 (of a compound) having two sites in the molecule that are highly reactive   ▷ n   2 a compound having two sites in the molecule that are highly reactive

dig (dIɡ)   vb digs, digging, dug   1 (when tr, often foll by up) to cut into, break up, and turn over or remove (earth, soil, etc), esp with a spade   2 to form or excavate (a hole, tunnel, passage, etc) by digging, usually with an implement or (of animals) with feet, claws, etc: to dig a tunnel   3 (often foll by through) to make or force (one's way), esp by removing obstructions: he dug his way through the crowd   4 (tr; often foll by out or up) to obtain by digging: to dig potatoes; to dig up treasure   5 (tr; often foll by out or up) to find or discover by effort or searching: to dig out unexpected facts   6 (tr; foll by in or into) to thrust or jab (a sharp instrument, weapon, etc); poke: he dug his spurs into the horse's side   7 (tr; foll by in or into) to mix (compost, etc) with soil by digging   8 (tr) informal to like, understand, or appreciate   9 (intr) US slang to work hard, esp for an examination   10 (intr) Brit informal to have lodgings: I dig in South London   ▷ n   11 the act of digging   12 a thrust or poke, esp in the ribs   13 a cutting or sarcastic remark   14 informal an archaeological excavation [C13 diggen, of uncertain origin]

■ diggable (ˈdIɡəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being dug   2 Austral slang easy to like or enjoy

■ digged (dIɡd)   vb   archaic a past tense of dig

■ digger (ˈdIɡə)   n   1 a person, animal, or machine that digs   2 a miner, esp one who digs for gold   3 a tool or part of a machine used for excavation, esp a mechanical digger fitted with a head for digging trenches

■ Digger (ˈdIɡə)   n   1 (sometimes not capital) archaic, slang   a an Australian or New Zealander, esp a soldier: often used as a term of address   b (as modifier): a Digger accent   2 one of a number of tribes of America whose diet was largely composed of roots dug out of the ground

■ Diggers (ˈdIɡəz)   pl n   the Diggers a radical English Puritan group, led by Gerrard Winstanley, which advocated communal ownership of land (1649–50)

■ digger wasp   n   any solitary wasp of the families Sphecidae and Pamphilidae that digs nest holes in the ground, rotten wood, or a hollow stem and stocks them with live insects for the larvae

■ diggings (ˈdIɡIŋz)   pl n   1 (functioning as plural) material that has been dug out   2 (functioning as singular or plural) a place where mining, esp gold mining, has taken place   3 (functioning as plural) Brit informal a less common name for digs

■ dig in   vb (adverb)   1 military to create (a defensive position) by digging foxholes, trenches, etc   2 informal to entrench (oneself) firmly   3 (intr) informal to defend or maintain a position firmly, as in an argument   4 (intr) informal to begin vigorously to eat: don't wait, just dig in   5 dig one's heels in informal to refuse stubbornly to move or be persuaded

Dig (dIɡ)   n   NZ informal short for Digger (sense 1)

digamma (daIˈɡæmə)   n   a letter of the Greek alphabet (Ϝ) that became obsolete before the classical period of the language. It represented a semivowel like English W and was used as a numeral in later stages of written Greek, and passed into the Roman alphabet as F [C17: via Latin from Greek, from DI-1 + GAMMA; from its shape, which suggests one gamma upon another]

digamy (ˈdIɡəmI)   n, pl -mies   a second marriage contracted after the termination of the first by death or divorce. Also called: deuterogamy. Compare bigamy [C17: from Late Latin digamia, from Greek, from DI^1 + gamos marriage]   > ˈdigamist n   > ˈdigamous adj

digastric (daIˈɡæstrIk)   adj   1 (of certain muscles) having two fleshy portions joined by a tendon   ▷ n   2 a muscle of the mandible that assists in lowering the lower jaw [C17: from New Latin digastricus (with two bellies), from DI-1 + gastricus gastric, from Greek gastēr belly]

Digby chicken or Digby chick (ˈdIɡbI)   n   Canadian informal dried herring [after Digby, a town in Nova Scotia, Canada]

digenesis (daIˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   zoology another name for alternation of generations

■ digenetic (ˌdaIdʒIˈnɛtIk)   adj zoology   1 of or relating to digenesis   2 (of parasites) having two hosts

digerati (ˌdIdʒəˈrɑːtI)   pl n   the people who earn large amounts of money through internet-related business

digest   vb (dIˈdʒɛst, daI-)   1 to subject (food) to a process of digestion   2 (tr) to assimilate mentally   3 chem to soften or disintegrate or be softened or disintegrated by the action of heat, moisture, or chemicals; decompose   4 (tr) to arrange in a methodical or systematic order; classify   5 (tr) to reduce to a summary   6 (tr) archaic to tolerate   ▷ n (ˈdaIdʒɛst)   7 a comprehensive and systematic compilation of information or material, often condensed   8 a magazine, periodical, etc, that summarizes news of current events   9 a compilation of rules of law based on decided cases [C14: from Late Latin dīgesta writings grouped under various heads, from Latin dīgerere to divide, from di- apart + gerere to bear]

■ Digest (ˈdaIdʒɛst)   n   Roman law an arrangement of excerpts from the writings and opinions of eminent lawyers, contained in 50 books compiled by order of Justinian in the sixth century AD

■ digestant (dIˈdʒɛstənt, daI-)   n   a substance, such as hydrochloric acid or a bile salt, that promotes or aids digestion

■ digestedly (daIˈdʒɛstIdlI)   adv   literary in a digested manner

■ digester (dIˈdʒɛstə, daI-)   n   1 chem an apparatus or vessel, such as an autoclave, in which digestion is carried out   2 a less common word for digestant   3 a person or thing that digests

■ digestible (dIˈdʒɛstəbəl, daI-)   adj   capable of being digested or easy to digest   > diˌgestiˈbility or diˈgestibleness n   > diˈgestibly adv

■ digestion (dIˈdʒɛstʃən, daI-)   n   1 the act or process in living organisms of breaking down ingested food material into easily absorbed and assimilated substances by the action of enzymes and other agents. Related adjective: peptic   2 mental assimilation, esp of ideas   3 bacteriol the decomposition of sewage by the action of bacteria   4 chem the treatment of material with heat, solvents, chemicals, etc, to cause softening or decomposition [C14: from Old French, from Latin digestiō a dissolving, digestion]   > diˈgestional adj

■ digestive (dIˈdʒɛstIv, daI-)   adj also digestant   1 relating to, aiding, or subjecting to digestion: a digestive enzyme   ▷ n   2 a less common word for digestant   3 short for digestive biscuit   > diˈgestively adv

■ digestive biscuit   n   a round semisweet biscuit made from wholemeal flour

■ digestive juices   pl n   fluids secreted in the stomach or intestines that assist in the digestion of food

digestif French (diʒɛstif)   n   something, esp a drink, taken as an aid to digestion, either before or after a meal

dight (daIt)   vb dights, dighting, dight or dighted (tr) archaic   to adorn or equip, as for battle [Old English dihtan to compose, from Latin dictāre to DICTATE]

Digibox (ˈdIdʒIˌbɒks)   n   trademark a device which converts the signals from a digital television broadcast into a form which can be viewed on a standard television set [C20: from DIGI(TAL) (sense 3) + BOX^1]

digicam (ˈdIdʒIˌkæm)   n   a digital camera

digipack (ˈdIdʒIˌpæk)   n   a cardboard package for a compact disc or DVD

digit (ˈdIdʒIt)   n   1 a finger or toe   2 Also called: figure any of the ten Arabic numerals from 0 to 9   3 another name for finger (sense 4)   4 astronomy one twelfth of the diameter of the sun or moon, used to express the magnitude of an eclipse [C15: from Latin digitus toe, finger]

digital (ˈdIdʒItəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, resembling, or possessing a digit or digits   2 performed with the fingers   3 representing data as a series of numerical values   4 displaying information as numbers rather than by a pointer moving over a dial: a digital voltmeter; digital read-out   5 performed using electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones: digital marketing   6 electronics responding to discrete values of input voltage and producing discrete output voltage levels, as in a logic circuit: digital circuit   7 a less common word for digitate   ▷ n   8 music one of the keys on the manuals of an organ or on a piano, harpsichord, etc   > ˈdigitally adv

■ digital audio tape   n   magnetic tape on which sound is recorded digitally, giving high-fidelity reproduction. Abbreviation: DAT

■ digital camera   n   a camera that produces digital images that can be stored in a computer, displayed on a screen and printed

■ digital clock   n   a clock in which the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds are indicated by digits, rather than by hands on a dial. Compare analogue clock

■ digital compact cassette   n   a magnetic tape cassette on which sound can be recorded in a digital format. Abbreviation: DCC

■ digital computer   n   an electronic computer in which the input is discrete rather than continuous, consisting of combinations of numbers, letters, and other characters written in an appropriate programming language and represented internally in binary notation. Compare analog computer

■ digital detox   n   informal a period in which a person avoids using computers, smartphones, etc in order to reduce stress

■ digital divide   n   informal the gap between those people who have internet access and those who do not

■ digital footprint   n   information about a person or organization that can be retrieved from the internet

■ digital fount   n   a typeface of which the letter-shapes have been converted into digital form so that they can be used in computer-aided typesetting

■ digital immigrant   n   informal a person who has become used to using information technology as a young adult. Compare digital native, analogue (sense 3)

■ digitalism (ˈdIdʒItəˌlIzəm)   n   a serious condition resulting from digitalis poisoning, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and a disturbance in heart rhythm or rate

■ digitalize or digitalise (ˈdIdʒItəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to administer digitoxin or digoxin to (a patient) for the treatment of certain heart disorders   2 another word for digitize   > ˌdigitaliˈzation or ˌdigitaliˈsation n

■ digital mapping   n   a method of preparing maps in which the data is stored in a computer for ease of access and updating   > digital map n

■ digital native   n   informal a person who has been familiar with information technology since childhood. Compare digital immigrant, analogue (sense 3)

■ digital pen   n   a pen-like device that enables a person to enter information into a digital electronic device by writing on a screen

■ digital radio   n   1 radio in which the audio information is transmitted in digital form and decoded at the radio receiver   2 a radio that can receive and decode digital audio information

■ digital recording   n   a sound recording process that converts audio or analogue signals into a series of pulses that correspond to the voltage level. These can be stored on tape or on any other memory system

■ digital signature   n   computing electronic proof of a person's identity involving the use of encryption; used to authenticate documents

■ digital switchover (ˈswItʃˌəʊvə)   n   the process of changing the method of transmitting television from analogue to digital format

■ digital television   n   1 television in which the picture information is transmitted in digital form and decoded at the television receiver   2 a television set that can decode digital picture information and convert it into visible images

■ digital versatile disk or digital video disk   n   See DVD

■ digital video   n   video output based on digital rather than analogue signals

■ digital wallet   n   an application or device which enables the user to make payments electronically. Typically other functions such as age and identity verification are also provided. Also called: electronic wallet, virtual wallet

■ digital watch   n   a watch in which the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds are indicated by digits, rather than by hands on a dial. Compare analogue watch

digitalin (ˌdIdʒIˈteIlIn)   n   a poisonous amorphous crystalline mixture of glycosides extracted from digitalis leaves and formerly used in treating heart disease [C19: from DIGITAL(IS) + -IN]

digitalis (ˌdIdʒIˈteIlIs)   n   1 any Eurasian scrophulariaceous plant of the genus Digitalis, such as the foxglove, having bell-shaped flowers and a basal rosette of leaves   2    a a drug prepared from the dried leaves or seeds of the foxglove: a mixture of glycosides used medicinally to treat heart failure and some abnormal heart rhythms   b any cardiac glycoside, whatever its origin [C17: from New Latin, from Latin: relating to a finger (referring to the corollas of the flower); based on German Fingerhut foxglove, literally: finger-hat or thimble]

digitate (ˈdIdʒIˌteIt) or digitated   adj   1 (of compound leaves) having the leaflets in the form of a spread hand   2 (of animals) having digits or corresponding parts   > ˈdigiˌtately adv   > ˌdigiˈtation n

digitiform (ˈdIdʒItIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a finger

digitigrade (ˈdIdʒItIˌɡreId)   adj   1 (of dogs, cats, horses, etc) walking so that only the toes touch the ground   ▷ n   2 a digitigrade animal

digitize or digitise (ˈdIdʒIˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to transcribe (data) into a digital form so that it can be directly processed by a computer   > ˌdigitiˈzation or ˌdigitiˈsation n   > ˈdigiˌtizer or ˈdigiˌtiser n

■ digitized or digitised (ˈdIdʒIˌtaIzd)   adj   recorded or stored in digital form: digitized photos

digitonin (ˌdIdʒIˈtəʊnIn)   n   biochem a type of glycoside obtained from the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), used as a cleansing agent

digitorium (ˈdIdʒIˌtɔːrIəm)   n   a small portable keyboard for a pianist to play finger exercises on

digitoxigenin (ˌdIdʒIˌtɒksIˈdʒɛnIn)   n   a steroid derived from digitalis, used in certain cardiac drug treatments

digitoxin (ˌdIdʒIˈtɒksIn)   n   a white toxic bitter-tasting glycoside, extracted from the leaves of the purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and used in the treatment of heart failure and some abnormal heart rhythms. Formula: C_41H_64O_13 [from DIGI(TALIS) + TOXIN]

digitron (ˈdIdʒIˌtrɒn)   n   electronics a type of tube, for displaying information, having a common anode and several cathodes shaped in the form of characters, which can be lit by a glow discharge. Also called: Nixie tube [C20: from DIGIT + -TRON]

digitule (ˈdIdʒIˌtjuːl)   n   zoology any small finger-like process

digladiate (daIˈɡlædIˌeIt)   vb (intr)   archaic, literary to contend or fight

■ digladiation (ˌdaIɡlædIˈeIʃən)   n   archaic, literary fighting with swords or hand-to-hand

■ digladiator (daIˈɡlædIˌeItə)   n   archaic, literary a person who contends or fights

diglossia (daIˈɡlɒsIə)   n   linguistics the existence in a language of a high, or socially prestigious, and a low, or everyday, form, as German and Swiss German in Switzerland [C20: New Latin, via French, from Greek diglōssos speaking two languages: see DIGLOT]

■ diglossic (daIˈɡlɒsIk)   adj   (of a language) characterized by diglossia

diglot (ˈdaIɡlɒt)   adj   1 a less common word for bilingual   ▷ n   2 a bilingual book [C19: from Greek (Attic) diglōttos, from DI-1 + glōtta tongue]   > diˈglottic adj

diglyceride (daIˈɡlIsəˌraId)   n   a type of fat often used in processed foods as an emulsifier or other additive and obtained from a vegetable oil

diglyph (ˈdaIˌɡlIf)   n   architect (in a Doric frieze) a type of ornament consisting of two vertical grooves carved into the stone. See also triglyph

dignify (ˈdIɡnIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to invest with honour or dignity; ennoble   2 to add distinction to: the meeting was dignified by the minister   3 to add a semblance of dignity to, esp by the use of a pretentious name or title: she dignifies every plant with its Latin name [C15: from Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificāre, from Latin dignus worthy + facere to make]

■ dignification (ˌdIɡnIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   rare the act or process of dignifying someone or something

■ dignified (ˈdIɡnIˌfaId)   adj   characterized by dignity of manner or appearance; stately   > ˈdigniˌfiedly adv   > ˈdigniˌfiedness n

dignitary (ˈdIɡnItərI, -trI)   n, pl -taries   a person of high official position or rank, esp in government or the church

dignity (ˈdIɡnItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a formal, stately, or grave bearing: he entered with dignity   2 the state or quality of being worthy of honour: the dignity of manual labour   3 relative importance; rank: he is next in dignity to the mayor   4 sense of self-importance (often in the phrases stand (or be) on one's dignity, beneath one's dignity)   5 high rank, esp in government or the church   6 a person of high rank or such persons collectively [C13: from Old French dignite, from Latin dignitās merit, from dignus worthy]

digonal (daIˈɡəʊnəl)   adj   maths of or relating to a symmetry operation in which the original figure is reconstructed after a 180° turn about an axis

digoneutic (ˌdaIɡəˈnjuːtIk)   adj   zoology producing offspring twice yearly [C19: from DI-1 + Greek gonein to beget]   > ˌdigoˈneutism n

digoxin (daIˈdʒɒksIn)   n   a glycoside extracted from the leaves of the woolly foxglove (Digitalis lanata) and used in the treatment of heart failure. Formula: C_41H_64O_14

digraph (ˈdaIɡrɑːf, -ɡræf)   n   phonetics a combination of two letters or characters used to represent a single speech sound such as gh in English tough. Compare ligature (sense 5), diphthong   > digraphic (daIˈɡræfIk) adj

■ digraphically (daIˈɡræfIkəlI)   adv   phonetics in a digraphic manner

digress (daIˈɡrɛs)   vb (intr)   1 to depart from the main subject in speech or writing   2 to wander from one's path or main direction [C16: from Latin dīgressus turned aside, from dīgredī, from dis- apart + gradī to go]   > diˈgresser n

■ digression (daIˈɡrɛʃən)   n   an act or instance of digressing from a main subject in speech or writing   > diˈgressional adj

■ digressionary (daIˈɡrɛʃənərI)   adj   being or functioning as a digression

■ digressive (daIˈɡrɛsIv)   adj   characterized by digression or tending to digress   > diˈgressively adv   > diˈgressiveness n

digs (dIɡz)   pl n   Brit informal lodgings [C19: shortened from DIGGINGS, perhaps referring to where one digs or works, but see also DIG IN]

digynian (daIˈdʒInIən)   adj   botany belonging or relating to the Digynia class of plants that have two pistils

dihedral (daIˈhiːdrəl)   adj   1 having or formed by two intersecting planes; two-sided: a dihedral angle   ▷ n   2 Also called: dihedron, dihedral angle the figure formed by two intersecting planes   3 the US name for corner (sense 2)   4 the upward inclination of an aircraft wing in relation to the lateral axis. Compare anhedral

■ dihedron (daIˈhiːdrən)   n   another name for dihedral (sense 2)

dihybrid (daIˈhaIbrId)   n   genetics the offspring of two individuals that differ with respect to two pairs of genes; an individual heterozygous for two pairs of genes   > diˈhybridism n

dihydric (daIˈhaIdrIk)   adj   (of an alcohol) containing two hydroxyl groups per molecule

dihydrocodeine (ˌdaIhaIdrəʊˈkəʊdiːn)   n   a synthetic drug similar to codeine, used as an analgesic, an antidiarrhoeal, and to relieve coughing, or used recreationally [from DI-1 + HYDRO- (sense 2) + CODEINE]

dihydrogen (daIˈhaIdrIdʒən)   n   (modifier) (of a chemical compound) having two atoms of hydrogen

Dijon (French diʒɔ̃)   n   a city in E France: capital of the former duchy of Burgundy. Pop: 151 576 (2008)

dijudicate (daIˈdʒuːdIˌkeIt)   vb   formal, rare to make a decision or judgment about a matter that is disputed by two parties

■ dijudication (daIˌdʒuːdIˈkeIʃən)   n   formal, rare the act or process of dijudicating

dika (ˈdaIkə)   n     a any wild mango tree of the genus Irvingia, native to W Africa   b (as modifier): dika nuts

dik-dik (ˈdIkˌdIk)   n   any small antelope of the genus Madoqua, inhabiting semiarid regions of Africa, having an elongated muzzle and, in the male, small stout horns [C19: an East African name, probably of imitative origin]

dike^1 (daIk)   n, vb   a variant spelling of dyke^1

■ diker (ˈdaIkə)   n   a person who builds dikes

dike^2 (daIk)   n offensive   a variant spelling of dyke^2

■ dikey (ˈdaIkI)   adj offensive   a variant spelling of dykey

dikkop (ˈdIkəp)   n   South African any of several brownish shore birds of the family Burhinidae, esp Burhinus oedicnemus, having a large head and eyes: order Charadriiformes. Also called: stone curlew [from Afrikaans, from dik thick + kop head]

diktat (ˈdIktɑːt)   n   1 a decree or settlement imposed, esp by a ruler or a victorious nation   2 a dogmatic statement [German: dictation, from Latin dictātum, from dictāre to DICTATE]

dilaceration (dIˌlæsəˈreIʃən, daIˌlæsəˈreIʃən)   n   1 dentistry a bend or curve in a tooth or root which results from an injury during its growth, causing the rest to grow at an angle   2 literary, archaic the act or process of tearing something or someone apart

■ dilacerate (daIˈlæsəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   literary, archaic to tear (something or someone) apart

dilapidate (dIˈlæpIˌdeIt)   vb   to fall or cause to fall into ruin or decay [C16: from Latin dīlapidāre to scatter, waste, from dis- apart + lapidāre to stone, throw stones, from lapis stone]

■ dilapidated (dIˈlæpIˌdeItId)   adj   falling to pieces or in a state of disrepair; shabby

■ dilapidation (dIˌlæpIˈdeIʃən)   n   1 the state of being or becoming dilapidated   2 (often plural) property law   a the state of disrepair of premises at the end of a tenancy due to neglect   b the extent of repairs necessary to such premises   > diˈlapiˌdator n

dilatancy (daIˈleItənsI, dI-)   n   a phenomenon caused by the nature of the stacking or fitting together of particles or granules in a heterogeneous system, such as the solidification of certain sols under pressure, and the thixotropy of certain gels

dilate (daIˈleIt, dI-)   vb   1 to expand or cause to expand; make or become wider or larger: the pupil of the eye dilates in the dark   2 (intr; often foll by on or upon) to speak or write at length; expand or enlarge [C14: from Latin dīlātāre to spread out, amplify, from dis- apart + lātus wide]   > diˈlatable adj   > diˌlataˈbility or diˈlatableness n   > diˈlation or dilatation (ˌdaIləˈteIʃən, ˌdI-) n   > ˌdilaˈtational adj   > dilative (daIˈleItIv, dI-) adj

■ dilatably (daIˈleItəblI)   adv   rare in a dilatable manner

■ dilatant (daIˈleItənt, dI-)   adj   1 tending to dilate; dilating   2 physics of, concerned with, or exhibiting dilatancy   ▷ n   3 something, such as a catheter, that causes dilation

■ dilatometer (ˌdIləˈtɒmItə)   n   any instrument for measuring changes in dimension: often a glass bulb fitted with a long stopper through which a capillary tube runs, used for measuring volume changes of liquids   > dilatometric (ˌdIlətəˈmɛtrIk) adj   > ˌdilatoˈmetrically adv   > ˌdilaˈtometry n

■ dilator, dilater (daIˈleItə, dI-) or dilatator (ˌdaIləˈteItə, ˌdI-)   n   1 something that dilates an object, esp a surgical instrument for dilating a bodily cavity   2 a muscle that expands an orifice or dilates an organ

dilatory (ˈdIlətərI, -trI)   adj   1 tending or inclined to delay or waste time   2 intended or designed to waste time or defer action [C15: from Late Latin dīlātōrius inclined to delay, from differre to postpone; see DIFFER]   > ˈdilatorily adv   > ˈdilatoriness n

dildo or dildoe (ˈdIldəʊ)   n, pl -dos or -does   an object used as a substitute for an erect penis [C16: of unknown origin]

dilemma (dIˈlɛmə, daI-)   n   1 a situation necessitating a choice between two equal, esp equally undesirable, alternatives   2 a problem that seems incapable of a solution   3 logic a form of argument one of whose premises is the conjunction of two conditional statements and the other of which affirms the disjunction of their antecedents, and whose conclusion is the disjunction of their consequents. Its form is if p then q and if r then s; either p or r so either q or s   4 on the horns of a dilemma   a faced with the choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives   b in an awkward situation [C16: via Latin from Greek, from DI-1 + lēmma assumption, proposition, from lambanein to take, grasp]   > dilemmatic (ˌdIlIˈmætIk, ˌdaIlI-) or dilˈemmic adj

USAGE

The use of dilemma to refer to a problem that seems incapable of a solution is considered by some people to be incorrect

dilettante (ˌdIlIˈtɑːntI)   n, pl -tantes or -tanti (-ˈtɑːntI)   1 a person whose interest in a subject is superficial rather than professional   2 a person who loves the arts   ▷ adj   3 of or characteristic of a dilettante [C18: from Italian, from dilettare to delight, from Latin dēlectāre]   > ˌdiletˈtantish or ˌdiletˈtanteish adj   > ˌdiletˈtantism or ˌdiletˈtanteism n

Dili or Dilli (ˈdiːliː)   n   the capital (from 2002) of Timor-Leste: the former capital (until 1976) of Portuguese Timor. Pop: 50 000 (2005 est)

diligence^1 (ˈdIlIdʒəns)   n   1 steady and careful application   2 proper attention or care   3 law the degree of care required in a given situation [C14: from Latin dīligentia care, attentiveness]

diligence^2 (ˈdIlIdʒəns; French diliʒɑ̃s)   n   history a stagecoach [C18: from French, shortened from carosse de diligence, literally: coach of speed]

diligent (ˈdIlIdʒənt)   adj   1 careful and persevering in carrying out tasks or duties   2 carried out with care and perseverance: diligent work [C14: from Old French, from Latin dīligere to value, from dis- apart + legere to read]   > ˈdiligently adv

dill^1 (dIl)   n   1 an umbelliferous aromatic Eurasian plant, Anethum graveolens, with finely dissected leaves and umbrella-shaped clusters of yellow flowers   2 the leaves or seedlike fruits of this plant, used for flavouring in pickles, soups, etc, and in medicine [Old English dile; related to Old High German tilli]   > ˈdilly adj

■ dill pickle   n   a pickled cucumber flavoured with dill

dill^2   n   informal, chiefly Austral and NZ a foolish person [C20: from DILLY^2]

dilly^1 (ˈdIlI)   n, pl -lies   slang, chiefly US and Canadian a person or thing that is remarkable [C20: perhaps from girl's proper name Dilly]

dilly^2 (ˈdIlI)   adj -lier, -liest   Austral and NZ slang silly [C20: perhaps from SILLY]

dilly bag   n   Austral a small bag, esp one made of plaited grass, etc, often used for carrying food. Sometimes shortened to: dilly [from native Australian dilly small bag or basket]

dilly-dally (ˌdIlIˈdælI)   vb -lies, -lying, -lied   (intr) informal to loiter or vacillate [C17: by reduplication from DALLY]

■ dilly-dallying   n   1 wasting time by being indecisive   2 archaic loitering; dawdling

diltiazem (dIlˈtaIəˌzɛm)   n   a benzothiazepine and a calcium channel blocker, used to treat angina and arrhythmia

dilucidate (dIˈluːsIˌdeIt, dIˈljuːsIˌdeIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to elucidate

■ dilucidation (dIˌluːsIˈdeIʃən, dIˌljuːsIˈdeIʃən)   n   obsolete elucidation

diluent (ˈdIljʊənt)   adj   1 causing dilution or serving to dilute   ▷ n   2 a substance used for or causing dilution [C18: from Latin dīluēns dissolving; see DILUTE]

dilute (daIˈluːt)   vb   1 to make or become less concentrated, esp by adding water or a thinner   2 to make or become weaker in force, effect, etc: he diluted his story   ▷ adj   3 chem   a (of a solution, suspension, mixture, etc) having a low concentration or a concentration that has been reduced by admixture   b (of a substance) present in solution, esp a weak solution in water: dilute acetic acid [C16: from Latin dīluere, from dis- apart + -luere, from lavāre to wash]   > ˌdiluˈtee n   > diˈluter n

■ dilutable (daIˈluːtəbəl, daIˈljuːtəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being diluted   ▷ n   2 a dilutable drink

■ diluteness (daIˈluːtnəs)   n   the state, quality, or degree of being dilute

■ dilution (daIˈluːʃən)   n   1 the act of diluting or state of being diluted   2 a diluted solution

■ dilutionary (daIˈluːʃənərI)   adj   finance causing, involving, or relating to the dilution of company stocks

■ dilutive (daIˈluːtIv, daIˈljuːtIv)   adj   finance causing the dilution of company stocks

■ dilutor (daIˈluːtə, daIˈljuːtə)   n   a device that dilutes something, such as a fitting on a garden hose or part of an industrial machine

diluvial (daIˈluːvIəl, dI-) or diluvian   adj   1 of or connected with a deluge, esp with the great Flood described in Genesis   2 of or relating to diluvium [C17: from Late Latin dīluviālis; see DILUVIUM]

■ diluvialism (daIˈluːvIəlIzm)   n   the theory, generally abandoned in the mid-19th century, that the earth's surface was shaped by the biblical flood

■ diluvialist (daIˈluːvIəlIst)   n   a person who believes in the theory of diluvialism

diluvium (daIˈluːvIəm, dI-)   n, pl -via (-vIə)   geology a former name for glacial drift. See drift (sense 12) [C19: from Latin: flood, from dīluere to wash away; see DILUTE]

dim (dIm)   adj dimmer, dimmest   1 badly illuminated: a dim room   2 not clearly seen; indistinct; faint: a dim shape   3 having weak or indistinct vision: eyes dim with tears   4 lacking in understanding   5 not clear in the mind; obscure: a dim memory   6 lacking in brilliance, brightness, or lustre: a dim colour   7 tending to be unfavourable; gloomy or disapproving (esp in the phrase take a dim view)   ▷ vb dims, dimming, dimmed   8 to become or cause to become dim   9 (tr) to cause to seem less bright, as by comparison   10 US and Canadian (tr) to switch (car headlights) from the main to the lower beam. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): dip [Old English dimm; related to Old Norse dimmr gloomy, dark]   > ˈdimly adv   > ˈdimness n

■ dim bulb   n   informal a person who is not clever or intelligent

■ dimly remembered   adj   recalled in an unclear or vague way

■ dimmable (ˈdIməbəl)   adj   capable of being dimmed

■ dimmer (ˈdImə)   n   1 a device, such as a rheostat, for varying the current through an electric light and thus changing the illumination   2 (often plural) US   a a dipped headlight on a road vehicle   b a parking light on a car

■ dimming (ˈdImIŋ)   n   a fading of light

■ dimmish (ˈdImIʃ)   adj informal   1 (of light) rather dim   2 (of a person) not very intelligent

■ dim-out   n   (in the US) a restriction which limits the use of lights at night

■ dim-sighted   adj   with weak or indistinct vision

■ dimwit (ˈdImˌwIt)   n   informal a stupid or silly person   > ˌdim-ˈwitted adj   > ˌdim-ˈwittedly adv   > ˌdim-ˈwittedness n

DiMaggio (dIˈmædʒIəʊ)   n   Joe. 1914–99, US baseball player; married briefly to Marilyn Monroe

Dimashq (diːˈmæʃk)   n   an Arabic name for Damascus

dimble (ˈdImbəl)   n   dialect, poetic, archaic a wooded or shady hollow in the landscape

Dimbleby (ˈdImbəlbI)   n   Richard. 1913–65, British broadcaster

dimbo (ˈdImbəʊ)   n, pl -bos or -boes   Brit informal an unintelligent person

dime (daIm)   n   1 a coin of the US and Canada, worth one tenth of a dollar or ten cents   2 a dime a dozen very cheap or common [C14: from Old French disme, from Latin decimus tenth, from decem ten]

■ dime novel   n   US (formerly) a cheap melodramatic novel, usually in paperback. Also called (esp Brit): penny-dreadful

■ dime store   n   US a store selling inexpensive items

dimenhydrinate (ˌdaImɛnˈhaIdrIˌneIt)   n   a white slightly soluble bitter-tasting crystalline substance: an antihistamine used in the prevention of nausea, esp in travel sickness. Formula: C_24H_28ClN_5O_3 [from dime(thyl + AMI)N(E) + (diphen)hydr(am)in(e) + -ATE^1]

dimension (dIˈmɛnʃən)   n   1 (often plural) a measurement of the size of something in a particular direction, such as the length, width, height, or diameter   2 (often plural) scope; size; extent: a problem of enormous dimensions   3 aspect: a new dimension to politics   4 maths the number of coordinates required to locate a point in space   5 physics   a the product or the quotient of the fundamental physical quantities (such as mass, length, or time) raised to the appropriate power in a derived physical quantity: the dimensions of velocity are length divided by time   b the power to which such a fundamental quantity has to be raised in a derived quantity   ▷ vb   6 (tr) chiefly US   a to shape or cut to specified dimensions   b to mark with specified dimensions [C14: from Old French, from Latin dīmensiō an extent, from dīmētīrī to measure out, from mētīrī]   > diˈmensional adj   > diˌmensionˈality n   > diˈmensionally adv   > diˈmensionless adj

dimer (ˈdaImə)   n   chem   a a molecule composed of two identical simpler molecules (monomers)   b a compound consisting of dimers [C20: from DI-1 + -MER]

■ dimeric (daIˈmɛrIk)   adj chem   1 (of a molecule) composed of two identical simpler molecules (monomers)   2 (of a compound) composed of molecules which are themselves composed of two identical simpler molecules (monomers)

■ dimerize or dimerise (ˈdaIməˌraIz)   vb   to react or cause to react to form a dimer   > ˌdimeriˈzation or ˌdimeriˈsation n

dimercaprol (ˌdaIməˈkæprɒl)   n   a colourless oily liquid with an offensive smell, used as an antidote to lewisite and similar toxic substances. Formula: CH_2(SH)CH(SH)CH_2OH. Also called: BAL [C20: by shortening and altering from dimercaptopropanol]

dimerous (ˈdImərəs)   adj   1 consisting of or divided into two segments, as the tarsi of some insects   2 (of flowers) having their floral parts arranged in whorls of two [C19: from New Latin dimerus, from Greek dimerēs, from DI-1 + meros part]   > ˈdimerism n

dimeter (ˈdImItə)   n   prosody a line of verse consisting of two metrical feet or a verse written in this metre

dimethoate (daIˈmɛθəʊˌeIt)   n   chem a toxic greyish-white crystalline compound used as an insecticide

dimethyl (daIˈmiːθaIl) chem   n   chem   a ethane, viewed as being composed of two methyl molecules   b (as modifier): dimethyl sulphide

dimethylamine (daIˈmiːθaIləˌmiːn)   n   chem a colourless strong-smelling gas produced from ammonia and methanol, used to produce many industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals

dimethylaniline (daIˌmiːθaIlˈænIlIn)   n   chem a very toxic oily liquid used in industry to harden certain synthetic resins and as a solvent

dimethylformamide (daIˌmiːθaIlˈfɔːməˌmaId, -ˌmɛθl-)   n   a colourless liquid widely used as a solvent and sometimes as a catalyst. Formula: (CH_3)2NCHO. Abbreviation: DMF

dimethylsulphoxide or dimethylsulfoxide (daIˌmiːθaIlsʌlˈfɒksaId, -ˌmɛθIl-)   n   a colourless odourless liquid substance used as a solvent and in medicine as an agent to improve the penetration of drugs applied to the skin. Formula: (CH_3)2SO. Abbreviation: DMSO

USAGE

See at sulphur

dimethyltryptamine (daIˌmiːθaIlˈtrIptəmIn, -ˌmɛθIl-)   n   a hallucinogenic agent that may trigger the onset of psychosis or emotional problems in predisposed individuals. Abbreviation: DMT

dimetric (daIˈmɛtrIk)   adj   crystallog another word for tetragonal

dimidiate   adj (dIˈmIdIIt)   1 divided in halves   2 biology rare having one of two sides or parts less developed than the other: dimidiate antlers   ▷ vb (dIˈmIdIˌeIt)   3 (tr) heraldry to halve (two bearings) so that they can be represented on the same shield [C17: from Latin dīmidiāre to halve, from dīmidius half, from dis- apart + medius middle]   > diˌmidiˈation n

diminish (dIˈmInIʃ)   vb   1 to make or become smaller, fewer, or less   2 (tr) architect to cause (a column, etc) to taper   3 (tr) music to decrease (a minor or perfect interval) by a semitone   4 to belittle or be belittled; reduce in authority, status, etc; depreciate [C15: blend of diminuen to lessen (from Latin dēminuere to make smaller, from minuere to reduce) + archaic minish to lessen]   > diˈminishable adj   > diˈminishment n

■ diminished (dIˈmInIʃt)   adj   1 reduced or lessened; made smaller   2 music denoting any minor or perfect interval reduced by a semitone   3 music denoting a triad consisting of the root plus a minor third and a diminished fifth   4 music (postpositive) (esp in jazz or pop music) denoting a diminished seventh chord having as its root the note specified: B diminished

■ diminished responsibility   n   law a plea under which proof of an impairing abnormality of mind is submitted as demonstrating lack of premeditation and therefore criminal responsibility

■ diminished seventh chord   n   a chord often used in an enharmonic modulation and very common in modern music, esp jazz and pop music, consisting of a diminished triad with an added diminished seventh above the root. Often shortened to: diminished seventh

■ diminishing (dIˈmInIʃIŋ)   adj   becoming smaller, fewer, or less   > diˈminishingly adv

■ diminishing returns   pl n economics   1 progressively smaller rises in output resulting from the increased application of a variable input, such as labour, to a fixed quantity, as of capital or land   2 the increase in the average cost of production that may arise beyond a certain point as a result of increasing the overall scale of production

diminuendo (dIˌmInjʊˈɛndəʊ) music   n, pl -dos   1    a a gradual decrease in loudness or the musical direction indicating this. Abbreviation: dim. Symbol: (written over the music affected) ≻   b a musical passage affected by a diminuendo   ▷ adj   2 gradually decreasing in loudness   3 with a diminuendo   ▶ Also: decrescendo [C18: from Italian, from diminuire to DIMINISH]

diminution (ˌdImIˈnjuːʃən)   n   1 reduction; decrease   2 music the presentation of the subject of a fugue, etc, in which the note values are reduced in length. Compare augmentation (sense 3) [C14: from Latin dēminūtiō; see DIMINISH]

diminutive (dIˈmInjʊtIv)   adj   1 very small; tiny   2 grammar   a denoting an affix added to a word to convey the meaning small or unimportant or to express affection, as for example the suffix -ette in French   b denoting a word formed by the addition of a diminutive affix   ▷ n   3 grammar a diminutive word or affix   4 a tiny person or thing   ▶ Compare (for senses 2, 3): augmentative   > diminutival (dIˌmInjʊˈtaIvəl) adj   > diˈminutively adv   > diˈminutiveness n

dimissory (dIˈmIsərI)   adj   1 granting permission to be ordained: a bishop's dimissory letter   2 granting permission to depart

Dimitrovo (Bulgarian diˈmitrovo)   n   the former name (1949–62) of Pernik

dimity (ˈdImItI)   n, pl -ties     a a light strong cotton fabric with woven stripes or squares   b (as modifier): a dimity bonnet [C15: from Medieval Latin dimitum, from Greek dimiton, from DI-1 + mitos thread of the warp]

dimorph (ˈdaImɔːf)   n   either of two forms of a substance that exhibits dimorphism

■ dimorphism (daIˈmɔːfIzəm)   n   1 the occurrence within a plant of two distinct forms of any part, such as the leaves of some aquatic plants   2 the occurrence in an animal or plant species of two distinct types of individual   3 a property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms   > diˈmorphic or diˈmorphous adj

dimp (dImp)   n   Northern English dialect a cigarette butt

dimple (ˈdImpəl)   n   1 a small natural dent or crease in the flesh, esp on the cheeks or chin   2 any slight depression in a surface   3 a bubble or dent in glass   ▷ vb   4 to make or become dimpled   5 (intr) to produce dimples by smiling [C13 dympull; compare Old English dyppan to dip, German Tümpel pool]   > ˈdimply adj

■ dimpled (ˈdImpld)   adj   1 having small natural dents or creases in the flesh, esp on the cheeks or chin   2 with slight depressions on the surface   3 (of glass) with bubbles or dents

■ dimplement (ˈdImpəlmənt)   n   literary, rare the state of being dimpled

dimpsy (ˈdImpsI)   n   Southwest English dialect twilight

dim sum (ˈdIm ˈsʌm)   n   a Chinese appetizer of steamed dumplings containing various fillings [Cantonese]

dimyarian (ˌdImIˈɛərIən, ˌdaImIˈɛərIən) or dimyary (ˈdImIərI)   adj   zoology with two adductor muscles

din^1 (dIn)   n   1 a loud discordant confused noise   ▷ vb dins, dinning, dinned   2 (tr; usually foll by into) to instil (into a person) by constant repetition   3 (tr) to subject to a din   4 (intr) to make a din [Old English dynn; compare Old Norse dynr, Old High German tuni]

■ dinful (ˈdInfʊl)   adj   literary noisy

din^2 (dIn)   n Judaism   1 a particular religious law; the halacha about something   2 the ruling of a Beth Din or religious court [from Hebrew, literally: judgment]

din^3 (diːn)   n   Islam religion in general, esp the beliefs and obligations of Islam [Arabic, related to dain debt]

DIN (dIn)   n   1 a formerly used logarithmic expression of the speed of a photographic film, plate, etc, given as –10log_10E, where E is the exposure of a point 0.1 density units above the fog level; high-speed films have high numbers. Compare ISO rating   2 a system of standard plugs, sockets, and cables formerly used for interconnecting domestic audio and video equipment [C20: from German D(eutsche) I(ndustrie) N(orm) German Industry Standard]

Din.   abbreviation for   dinar

Dinah (ˈdaInə)   n   the daughter of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 30:21; 34)

Dinan (French dinɑ̃)   n   a town in NW France, in Brittany, on the estuary of the River Rance: medieval buildings, including town walls and castle: tourism, hosiery, cider: Pop: 10 953 (2008)

dinanderie French (dinɑ̃dəri)   n   fine cast metalwork objects, esp of bronze, made in the Belgian city of Dinant from the late Middle Ages, or other later metalwork in this style

Dinant (French dinɑ̃)   n   a town in S Belgium, on the River Meuse below steep limestone cliffs: 11th-century citadel: famous in the Middle Ages for fine brassware, known as dinanderie: tourism, metalwork, biscuits. Pop: 12 719 (2004 est)

dinar (ˈdiːnɑː)   n   1 the standard monetary unit of the following countries or territories. Algeria: divided into 100 centimes. Bahrain: divided into 1000 fils. Iraq: divided into 1000 fils. Jordan: divided into 1000 fils. Kuwait: divided into 1000 fils. Libya: divided into 1000 dirhams. Serbia: divided into 100 paras (formerly the standard monetary unit of Yugoslavia). Sudan, Tunisia: divided into 1000 millimes. Abbreviation: Din, Abbreviation: D, Abbreviation: d   2 a monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates worth one tenth of a dirham   3 a coin, esp one of gold, formerly used in the Middle East [C17: from Arabic, from Late Greek dēnarion, from Latin dēnārius DENARIUS]

Dinaric Alps (dIˈnærIk, daI-)   pl n   a mountain range in W Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: connected with the main Alpine system by the Julian Alps. Highest peak: Troglav, 1913 m (6277 ft)

din-dins   n   Brit a childish term for dinner (sense 1)

d'Indy (French dɛ̃di)   n   (Paul Marie Théodore) Vincent (vɛ̃sɑ̃). 1851–1931, French composer. His works include operas, chamber music, and the Symphony on a French Mountaineer's Song (1866)

dine (daIn)   vb   1 (intr) to eat dinner   2 (intr; often foll by on, off, or upon) to make one's meal (of): the guests dined upon roast beef   3 (tr) informal to entertain to dinner (esp in the phrase wine and dine someone) [C13: from Old French disner, contracted from Vulgar Latin disjējūnāre (unattested) to cease fasting, from dis- not + Late Latin jējūnāre to fast; see JEJUNE]

■ dine out   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to dine away from home, esp in a restaurant   2 (foll by on) to have dinner at the expense of someone else mainly for the sake of one's knowledge or conversation about (a subject or story)

■ diner (ˈdaInə)   n   1 a person eating a meal, esp in a restaurant   2 chiefly US and Canadian a small restaurant, often at the roadside   3 a fashionable bar, or a section of one, where food is served

■ dinette (daIˈnɛt)   n   an alcove or small area for use as a dining room

■ dining car   n   a railway coach in which meals are served at tables. Also called: restaurant car

■ dining room   n   a room where meals are eaten

dineric (dIˈnɛrIk)   adj   of or concerned with the interface between immiscible liquids [C20: from DI-1 + Late Greek nēron water + -IC]

dinero (dIˈnɛərəʊ)   n   a US slang word for money (sense 1)

Dinesen (ˈdInIsən)   n   Isak (ˈaIzək), pen name of Baroness Karen Blixen. 1885–1962, Danish author of short stories in Danish and English, including Seven Gothic Tales (1934) and Winter's Tales (1942). Her life story was told in the film Out of Africa (1986)

ding^1 (dIŋ)   vb   1 to ring or cause to ring, esp with tedious repetition   2 (tr) another word for din^1 (sense 2)   ▷ n   3 an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell   4 Austral informal a party or social event [C13: probably of imitative origin, but influenced by DIN^1 + RING^2; compare Old Swedish diunga to beat]

■ ding-a-ling   n   1 Brit a slang word for telephone (sense 1)   2 Brit a slang word for bell^1 (sense 1)   3 US informal a foolish person

■ ding-dong   n   1 the sound of a bell or bells, esp two bells tuned a fourth or fifth apart   2 an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell   3 old-fashioned   a a violent exchange of blows or words   b (as modifier): a ding-dong battle in the board room   ▷ adj   4 sounding or ringing repeatedly [C16: of imitative origin; see DING^1]

ding^2 (dIŋ)   vb Scot   1 to strike; dash down   2 to surpass [Middle English dingen]

Dingaan (ˈdIŋɡɑːn)   n   died 1840, Zulu chief (1828–40), who fought the Boer colonists in Natal

Ding an sich (dIŋ æn sIk; German dIŋ an zIç)   n   philosophy the thing in itself

dingbat (ˈdIŋˌbæt)   n US slang   1 any unnamed object, esp one used as a missile   2 a crazy or stupid person [C19: of unknown origin]

■ dingbats (ˈdIŋˌbæts) Austral and NZ   pl n   1 the dingbats slang delirium tremens   2 give someone the dingbats informal to make someone nervous   ▷ adj   3 informal crazy or stupid

dinge^1 (dIndʒ)   n   dinginess [C19: back formation from DINGY]

dinge^2 (dIndʒ) US offensive, slang   n   1 a Black person   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Black people

dinge^3 (dIndʒ) dialect   vb (tr)   1 to make a dent in (something)   ▷ n   2 a dent [of unknown origin]

dinger (ˈdIŋə)   n   US an informal word for home run

dinges (ˈdIŋəs)   n   South African informal a jocular word for something whose name is unknown or forgotten; thingumabob [from Afrikaans, from ding thing]

dinghy (ˈdIŋI)   n, pl -ghies   any small boat, powered by sail, oars, or outboard motor. Also (esp formerly): dingy, dingey [C19: from Hindi or Bengali dingi a little boat, from dingā boat]

dingle (ˈdIŋɡəl)   n   a small wooded dell [C13: of uncertain origin]

dingleberry (ˈdIŋɡəlˌbɛrI)   n, pl -berries US   1 a type of cranberry native to the south east US   2 derogatory, slang a stupid person   3 vulgar, slang a small piece of faecal matter, esp one stuck to the anus

dingo (ˈdIŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -goes   1 a wild dog, Canis dingo, of Australia, having a yellowish-brown coat and resembling a wolf   2 Austral slang a cheat or coward   ▷ vb -goes, -going, -goed (intr) Austral slang   3    a to act in a cowardly manner   b to drop out of something   4 (foll by on) to let (someone) down [C18: native Australian name]

dingus (ˈdIŋɡəs)   n   US someone or something whose name is either unknown or forgotten

dingy^1 (ˈdIndʒI)   adj -gier, -giest   1 lacking light or brightness; drab   2 dirty; discoloured [C18: perhaps from an earlier dialect word related to Old English dynge dung]   > ˈdingily adv   > ˈdinginess n

dingy^2 (ˈdIŋI)   vb, pl -gies, -gying, -gied   (tr) Brit slang to ignore (a person) or avoid (an event)

dinic (ˈdInIk)   n   med obsolete a medicine for vertigo

dinitro-   prefix   chem (of a chemical) containing two nitrogen groups in place of two hydrogen atoms: dinitrophenol

dinitrobenzene (daIˌnaItrəʊˈbɛnziːn, -bɛnˈziːn)   n   a yellow crystalline compound existing in three isomeric forms, obtained by reaction of benzene with nitric and sulphuric acids. The meta- form is used in the manufacture of dyes and plastics. Formula: C_6H_4(N0_2)2

dinitrogen (daIˈnaItrədʒən)   n   (modifier) (of a chemical compound) containing two nitrogen atoms

■ dinitrogen tetroxide   n   a colourless gaseous substance that exists in equilibrium with nitrogen dioxide. As the temperature is reduced the proportion of the tetroxide increases. Formula: N_2O_4

dinitrophenol (daIˌnaItrəʊˈfiːnɒl)   n   chem a toxic yellow crystalline compound used in biochemical research and industrially in the production of dyes, photographic developers, etc

dink^1 (dIŋk)   adj   1 Scot and Northern English dialect neat or neatly dressed   ▷ vb   2 Austral and NZ chiefly children's slang   a (tr) to carry (a second person) on a horse, bicycle, etc   b (intr) (of two people) to travel together on a horse, bicycle, etc [C16: of unknown origin]

dink^2 (dIŋk) sport   n   1 a ball struck delicately   ▷ vb   2 to hit or kick (a ball) delicately [C20: imitative of a delicate strike]

Dinka (ˈdIŋkə)   n   1 (pl -kas or -ka) a member of a Nilotic people of South Sudan, noted for their height, which often reaches seven feet tall: chiefly herdsmen   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Nilotic group of the Nilo-Saharan family [from Dinka jieng people]

dinkey (ˈdIŋkI)   n   US a small locomotive

dinkie (ˈdIŋkI)   n   1 an affluent married childless person   ▷ adj   2 designed for or appealing to dinkies [C20: from d(ouble) i(ncome) n(o) k(ids) + -IE]

dinkly (ˈdIŋklI)   adj dinklier, dinkliest   Scot dialect neat; tidy

dinkum (ˈdIŋkəm)   adj Austral and NZ informal   1 genuine or right: a dinkum bloke   2 fair dinkum genuine or true: used to emphasize the truth of something or in asking for the truth of something to be confirmed: Back to the states? Fair dinkum?   3 dinkum oil archaic the truth [C19: from English dialect: work, of unknown origin]

dinky (ˈdIŋkI)   adj dinkier, dinkiest informal   1 Brit small and neat; dainty   2 US inconsequential; insignificant [C18 (in the sense: dainty): from DINK]

dinky-di (ˌdIŋkIˈdaI)   adj Austral and NZ informal   another word for dinkum (sense 1) [C20: from DINKUM]

dinmont (ˈdInmɒnt)   n   Northern English and Scot dialect a young neutered male sheep

dinna (ˈdInə) or dinnae (ˈdIniː)   vb   Scot do not

dinner (ˈdInə)   n   1 a meal taken in the evening   2 a meal taken at midday, esp when it is the main meal of the day; lunch   3    a a formal evening meal, as of a club, society, etc   b a public banquet in honour of someone or something   4 a complete meal at a fixed price in a restaurant; table d'hôte   5 (modifier) of, relating to, or used at dinner: dinner plate; dinner table; dinner hour   6 do like a dinner (usually passive) Austral informal to do for, overpower, or outdo [C13: from Old French disner; see DINE]

■ dinner-dance   n   a formal dinner followed by dancing

■ dinner jacket   n   a semiformal evening jacket without tails, usually black with a silk facing over the collar and lapels. Abbreviations: DJ, dj. US and Canadian name: tuxedo

■ dinner lady   n   Brit a female cook or canteen worker in a school

■ dinnerless (ˈdInəlIs)   adj   without any dinner

■ dinner service   n   a set of matching plates, dishes, etc, suitable for serving a meal to a certain number of people

■ dinner theatre   n   US, Canadian and Austral a form of entertainment at which a play is performed while the audience is served dinner

■ dinnertime (ˈdInətaIm)   n   1 the time of evening dinner   2 the time of midday dinner

■ dinnerware (ˈdInəwɛə)   n   US plates, dishes, etc, suitable for serving a meal

dinnle (ˈdInəl)   vb   Scot dialect to (cause to) shake or tremble

dino (ˈdaInəʊ)   n, pl -nos   informal short for dinosaur

dinoceras (daIˈnɒsərəs)   n   another name for a uintathere [C19: New Latin, from Greek deinos fearful + keras horn]

dinoflagellate (ˌdaInəʊˈflædʒIlIt, -ˌleIt)   n   1 any of a group of unicellular biflagellate aquatic organisms forming a constituent of plankton: now usually classified as a phylum of protoctists (Dinoflagellata)   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to dinoflagellates [C19: from New Latin Dinoflagellata, from Greek dinos whirling + FLAGELLUM + -ATE^1]

dinomania (ˌdaInəʊˈmeInIə)   n   jocular a strong interest in or enthusiasm for dinosaurs

dinosaur (ˈdaInəˌsɔː)   n   1 any extinct terrestrial reptile of the orders Saurischia and Ornithischia, many of which were of gigantic size and abundant in the Mesozoic era. See also saurischian, ornithischian. Compare pterosaur, plesiosaur   2 a person or thing that is considered to be out of date [C19: from New Latin dinosaurus, from Greek deinos fearful + sauros lizard]   > ˌdinoˈsaurian adj

■ dinosauric (ˌdaInəˈsɔːrIk)   adj   of, like, or relating to dinosaurs

dinothere (ˈdaInəˌθIə)   n   any extinct late Tertiary elephant-like mammal of the genus Dinotherium (or Deinotherium), having a down-turned jaw with tusks curving downwards and backwards [C19: from New Latin dinotherium, from Greek deinos fearful + thērion, diminutive of thēr beast]

dinotherium (ˌdaInəˈθIərIəm)   n, pl dinotheria   palaeontol another name for deinotherium

dinoturbation (ˌdaInəʊtɜːˈbeIʃən)   n   geology the effect or process of trampling and major disturbance to sedimentary rock layers caused by the movement of dinosaurs

dint (dInt)   n   1 by dint of by means or use of: by dint of hard work   2 archaic a blow or a mark made by a blow   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to mark with dints   ▷ n, vb   4 a variant of dent^1 [Old English dynt; related to Old Norse dyttr blow]   > ˈdintless adj

dinucleotide (daIˈnjuːklIəˌtaId)   n   biochem See NAD

D'Inzeo (Italian dinˈtsɛːo)   n   Piero (ˈpjɛːro), 1923–2014, and his brother Raimondo (raiˈmondo), 1925–2013, Italian showjumping riders

diobol (daIˈɒbəl)   n   (in ancient Greece) a coin worth two obols

Dio Cassius (ˈdaIəʊ ˈkæsIəs)   n   ?155–?230 AD, Roman historian. His History of Rome covers the period of Rome's transition from Republic to Empire

diocese (ˈdaIəsIs)   n   the district under the jurisdiction of a bishop [C14: from Old French, from Late Latin diocēsis, from Greek dioikēsis administration, from dioikein to manage a household, from oikos house]

■ diocesan (daIˈɒsIsən)   adj   1 of or relating to a diocese   ▷ n   2 the bishop of a diocese

Dio Chrysostom (Greek ˈdiːo ˈkrizəstəm)   n   2nd century AD, Greek orator and philosopher

Diocletian (ˌdaIəˈkliːʃən)   n   full name Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus. 245–313 AD, Roman emperor (284–305), who divided the empire into four administrative units (293) and instigated the last severe persecution of the Christians (303)

diode (ˈdaIəʊd)   n   1 a semiconductor device containing one p-n junction, used in circuits for converting alternating current to direct current. More formal name: semiconductor diode   2 the earliest and simplest type of electronic valve having two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, between which a current can flow only in one direction. It was formerly widely used as a rectifier and detector but has now been replaced in most electrical circuits by the more efficient and reliable semiconductor diode [C20: from DI-1 + -ODE^2]

Diodorus Siculus (ˌdaIəˈdɔːrəs ˈsIkjʊləs)   n   1st century BC, Greek historian, noted for his history of the world in 40 books, of which 15 are extant

dioecious, diecious (daIˈiːʃəs) or dioicous (daIˈɔIkəs)   adj   (of some plants) having the male and female reproductive organs in separate flowers on separate plants. Compare monoecious [C18: from New Latin Dioecia name of class, from DI^1 + Greek oikia house, dwelling]   > diˈoeciously, diˈeciously or diˈoicously adv   > diˈoeciousness, diˈeciousness or diˈoicousness n

■ dioecism (daIˈiːsIzəm)   n   botany the condition of being dioecious

■ dioecy (daIˈiːsI)   n   botany the state of being dioecious

dioestrus or US diestrus (daIˈiːstrəs)   n   a period of sexual inactivity between periods of oestrus in animals that have several oestrous cycles in one breeding season

Diogenes (daIˈɒdʒIˌniːz)   n   ?412–?323 BC, Greek Cynic philosopher, who rejected social conventions and advocated self-sufficiency and simplicity of life

diol (ˈdaIɒl)   n   chem any of a class of alcohols that have two hydroxyl groups in each molecule. Also called: glycol, dihydric alcohol [from DI-1 + (ALCOH)OL]

diolefin (daIˈəʊlIˌfiːn)   n   chem an olefin that contains two carbon-to-carbon double bonds in its molecules

Diomede Islands (ˈdaIəˌmiːd)   pl n   two small islands in the Bering Strait, separated by the international date line and by the boundary line between the US and Russia

Diomedes (ˌdaIəˈmiːdiːz), Diomede or Diomed (ˈdaIəˌmɛd)   n Greek myth   1 a king of Argos, and suitor of Helen, who fought with the Greeks at Troy   2 a king of the Bistones in Thrace whose savage horses ate strangers

Dione^1 (daIˈəʊnI)   n   Greek myth a Titaness; the earliest consort of Zeus and mother of Aphrodite

Dione^2 (daIˈəʊnI)   n   one of the larger satellites of the planet Saturn

Dionysia (ˌdaIəˈnIzIə)   pl n   (in ancient Greece) festivals of the god Dionysus: a source of Athenian drama

Dionysius (ˌdaIəˈnIsIəs)   n   called the Elder. ?430–367 BC, tyrant of Syracuse (405–367), noted for his successful campaigns against Carthage and S Italy

■ Dionysius Exiguus (ɛɡˈzIɡjʊəs)   n   died ?556 AD, Scythian monk and scholar, who is believed to have introduced the current method of reckoning dates on the basis of the Christian era

■ Dionysius of Halicarnassus   n   died ?7 BC, Greek historian and rhetorician; author of a history of Rome

■ Dionysius the Areopagite (ˌærIˈɒpəˌɡaIt)   n   1st century AD, Greek Christian, thought to have been the first Bishop of Athens: long considered the author of influential theological works actually written c. 500. See Pseudo-Dionysius

Dionysus or Dionysos (ˌdaIəˈnaIsəs)   n   the Greek god of wine, fruitfulness, and vegetation, worshipped in orgiastic rites. He was also known as the bestower of ecstasy and god of the drama, and identified with Bacchus

■ Dionysiac (ˌdaIəˈnIzIˌæk)   adj   1 of or relating to Dionysus or his worship   2 a less common word for Dionysian

■ Dionysian (ˌdaIəˈnIzIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Dionysus   2 (sometimes not capital) (in the philosophy of Nietzsche) of or relating to the set of creative qualities that encompasses spontaneity, irrationality, the rejection of discipline, etc   3 (often not capital) wild or orgiastic   4 of or relating to any of the historical characters named Dionysius   ▶ Compare (for senses 2, 3): Apollonian

Diophantus (ˌdaIəʊˈfæntəs)   n   3rd century AD, Greek mathematician, noted for his treatise on the theory of numbers, Arithmetica

■ Diophantine equation (ˌdaIəʊˈfæntaIn)   n   (in number theory) an equation in more than one variable and with integral coefficients, for which integral solutions are sought [C18: after Diophantus, Greek mathematician of the 3rd century AD]

diophysite (daIˈɒfIˌzaIt, daIˈɒfIˌsaIt)   n   Christian theol (often capital) another name for diphysite

diopside (daIˈɒpsaId, -sId)   n   a colourless or pale-green pyroxene mineral consisting of calcium magnesium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form: used as a gemstone. Formula: CaMgSi_2O_6 [C19: from DI-2 + Greek opsis sight, appearance + -IDE]

■ diopsidic (ˌdaIɒpˈsIdIk)   adj   mineralogy of, relating to, or belonging to diopside

dioptase (daIˈɒpteIs, -teIz)   n   a green glassy mineral consisting of hydrated copper silicate in hexagonal crystalline form. Formula: Cu_6Si_6O_18.6H_2O [C19: from French, from Greek dia- through + optos visible]

dioptrate (daIˈɒptreIt)   adj entomol   1 (of a compound eye) divided by a transverse line   2 (of an insect) having dioptrate eyes

dioptre or US diopter (daIˈɒptə)   n   a unit for measuring the refractive power of a lens: the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens expressed in metres [C16: from Latin dioptra optical instrument, from Greek, from dia- through + opsesthai to see]   > diˈoptral adj

■ dioptometer (ˌdaIɒpˈtɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring ocular refraction [from DI-2 + OPT(IC) + METER]   > ˌdiopˈtometry n

■ dioptric (daIˈɒptrIk) or dioptrical   adj   1 of or concerned with dioptrics   2 of or denoting refraction or refracted light   > diˈoptrically adv

■ dioptrics (daIˈɒptrIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of geometrical optics concerned with the formation of images by lenses [C20: from DIOPTRE + -ICS]

Dior (diːˈɔː; French djɔr)   n   Christian (ˈkrIstʃən; French kristjɑ̃). 1905–57, French couturier, noted for his New Look of narrow waist with a long full skirt (1947); he also created the waistless sack dress

diorama (ˌdaIəˈrɑːmə)   n   1 a miniature three-dimensional scene, in which models of figures are seen against a background   2 a picture made up of illuminated translucent curtains, viewed through an aperture   3 a museum display, as of an animal, of a specimen in its natural setting   4 films a scene produced by the rearrangement of lighting effects [C19: from French, from Greek dia- through + Greek horama view, from horan to see]   > dioramic (ˌdaIəˈræmIk) adj

diorism (ˈdaIəˌrIzəm)   n   formal, obsolete (often capital) definition; clarity

dioristic (ˌdaIəˈrIstIk) or dioristical (ˌdaIəˈrIstIkəl)   adj   formal, obsolete defining

■ dioristically (ˌdaIəˈrIstIkəlI)   adv   formal, archaic in a dioristic manner

diorite (ˈdaIəˌraIt)   n   a dark coarse-grained igneous plutonic rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and ferromagnesian minerals such as hornblende [C19: from French, from Greek diorizein to distinguish (from dia- apart + horizein to define) + -ITE^1]   > dioritic (ˌdaIəˈrItIk) adj

diorthosis (ˌdaIɔːˈθəʊsIs)   n   1 surgery the act or process of straightening something, esp a deformity in something   2 formal the act or process of revising a literary text

■ diorthotic (ˌdaIɔːˈθɒtIk)   adj   formal involving or relating to the revision of a literary text

dioscoreaceous (ˌdaIəˌskɔːrIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of or relating to the Dioscoreaceae family of monocotyledonous plants that includes the yam (genus Dioscurea)

Dioscuri (ˌdaIɒsˈkjʊərI)   pl n   the Greek name for Castor and Pollux, when considered together

diosgenin (daIˈɒsdʒəˌnIn)   n   a substance obtained from the yam (genus Dioscurea), used to produce cortisone, progesterone, and other steroids for use in hormone therapy

diota (daIˈəʊtə)   n   a type of ancient vase with two handles

diothelism (daIˈɒθIˌlIzəm)   n   the doctrine that Christ on earth had two wills, human and divine

■ diothelete (daIˈɒθIliːt) or diothelite (-laIt)   n   a believer in diothelism

■ diotheletic (daIˌɒθIˈlɛtIk) or diotheletical (daIˌɒθIˈlɛtIkəl)   adj   relating to diothelism

dioxan (daIˈɒksən) or dioxane (daIˈɒkseIn)   n   a colourless insoluble toxic liquid made by heating ethanediol with sulphuric acid; 1,4-diethylene dioxide: used as a solvent, esp for waxes and cellulose acetate resins. Formula: (CH_2)2O(CH_2)2O

dioxide (daIˈɒksaId)   n   1 any oxide containing two oxygen atoms per molecule, both of which are bonded to an atom of another element   2 another name for a peroxide (sense 4)

dioxin (daIˈɒksIn)   n   any of a number of mostly poisonous chemical by-products of the manufacture of certain herbicides and bactericides, esp the extremely toxic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin

dioxonitric acid (daIˌɒksəʊˈnaItrIk)   n   another name for nitrous acid

dip (dIp)   vb dips, dipping, dipped   1 to plunge or be plunged quickly or briefly into a liquid, esp to wet or coat   2 (intr) to undergo a slight decline, esp temporarily: sales dipped in November   3 (intr) to slope downwards: the land dips towards the river   4 (intr) to sink or appear to sink quickly: the sun dipped below the horizon   5 (tr) to switch (car headlights) from the main to the lower beam. US and Canadian word: dim   6 (tr)   a to immerse (poultry, sheep, etc) briefly in a liquid chemical to rid them of or prevent infestation by insects, etc   b to immerse (grain, vegetables, or wood) in a preservative liquid   7 (tr) to stain or dye by immersing in a liquid   8 (tr) to baptize (someone) by immersion   9 (tr) to plate or galvanize (a metal, etc) by immersion in an electrolyte or electrolytic cell   10 (tr) to scoop up (a liquid or something from a liquid) in the hands or in a container   11 to lower or be lowered briefly: she dipped her knee in a curtsy   12 (tr) to make (a candle) by plunging the wick into melted wax   13 (intr) to plunge a container, the hands, etc, into something, esp to obtain or retrieve an object: he dipped in his pocket for money   14 (intr; foll by in or into) to dabble (in); play (at): she dipped into black magic   15 (intr) (of an aircraft) to drop suddenly and then regain height   16 (intr) (of a rock stratum or mineral vein) to slope downwards from the horizontal   17 (intr; often foll by for) (in children's games) to select a leader, etc by reciting any of various rhymes   18 (tr) slang to pick (a person's) pocket   ▷ n   19 the act of dipping or state of being dipped   20 a brief swim in water   21    a any liquid chemical preparation in which poultry, sheep, etc are dipped   b any liquid preservative into which objects, esp of wood, are dipped   22 a preparation of dyeing agents into which fabric is immersed   23 a depression, esp in a landscape   24 something taken up by dipping   25 a container used for dipping; dipper   26 a momentary sinking down   27 the angle of slope of rock strata, fault planes, etc, from the horizontal plane   28 Also called: angle of dip, magnetic dip, inclination the angle between the direction of the earth's magnetic field and the plane of the horizon; the angle that a magnetic needle free to swing in a vertical plane makes with the horizontal   29 a creamy mixture into which pieces of food are dipped before being eaten   30 surveying the angular distance of the horizon below the plane of observation   31 a candle made by plunging a wick repeatedly into wax   32 a momentary loss of altitude when flying   33 (in gymnastics) a chinning exercise on the parallel bars   34 a slang word for pickpocket [Old English dyppan; related to Old High German tupfen to wash, German taufen to baptize; see DEEP]

■ dip-and-scarp   adj   (of topography) characterized by alternating steeper scarp slopes and gentler dip slopes

■ dip circle   n   an instrument for measuring dip, consisting of a dip needle with a vertical circular scale of angles. Also called: inclinometer

■ dip fault   n   geology a fault that runs perpendicular to the strike of the affected rocks (i.e. parallel to the plane of the angle of dip of the rocks)

■ dip into   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to draw (upon): she dipped into her savings   2 to read (passages) at random or cursorily in (a book, newspaper, etc)

■ dip needle   n   a magnetized needle pivoted through its centre of gravity able to rotate freely in a vertical plane, used to determine the inclination of the earth's magnetic field. See also dip circle

■ dip-net   vb (intr)   to catch fish using a net attached to the end of a long pole

■ dip-netting   n   the activity of catching fish using a dip-net

■ dip out   vb (intr, adverb)   Austral and NZ informal (often foll by on) to miss out on or fail to participate in something: he dipped out on the examination

■ dippable (ˈdIpəbəl)   adj   1 (of a headlamp, etc) capable of being dipped   2 (of food) capable of being dipped

■ dipper (ˈdIpə)   n   1 a ladle used for dipping   2 Also called: water ouzel any aquatic songbird of the genus Cinclus and family Cinclidae, esp C. cinclus. They inhabit fast-flowing streams and resemble large wrens   3 a slang word for pickpocket   4 a person or thing that dips, such as the mechanism for directing car headlights downwards   5 a small metal cup clipped onto a painter's palette for holding diluent or medium   6 archaic an Anabaptist   ▶ See also big dipper

■ dipperful (ˈdIpəfʊl)   n   US the amount held by a ladle or dipper

■ dipshit (ˈdIpˌʃIt)   n   US vulgar, slang   a a very stupid or unpleasant person   b (as modifier): that dipshit son of hers

■ dip-slip fault   n   geology a fault on which the movement is in the direction of the dip of the fault

■ dipstick (ˈdIpˌstIk)   n   1 a graduated rod or strip dipped into a container to indicate the fluid level   2 Brit slang a foolish person

■ dipswitch (ˈdIpˌswItʃ)   n   a device for dipping car headlights

dip. or Dip.   abbreviation for   diploma

DipAD   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Diploma in Art and Design

DipChemEng   abbreviation for   Diploma in Chemical Engineering

DipCom   abbreviation for   Diploma of Commerce

DipEd   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Diploma in Education

dipeptide (daIˈpɛptaId)   n   a compound consisting of two linked amino acids. See peptide

■ dipeptidase (daIˈpɛptIˌdeIs)   n   biochem an enzyme secreted in the small intestine that hydrolyzes dipeptides, splitting each into two separate amino acids before absorption

dipetalous (daIˈpɛtələs)   adj   another word for bipetalous

diphase (ˈdaIˌfeIz) or diphasic   adj physics   of, having, or concerned with two phases

■ diphasic (daIˈfeIzIk)   adj   1 zoology (of parasites) having a free active stage in the life cycle   2 physics another word for diphase

diphenhydramine (ˌdaIfɛnˈhaIdrəˌmiːn)   n   pharmacol a compound used in medicines, in the form of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, as an antihistamine, sedative, and anticholinergic

diphenyl (daIˈfiːnaIl, -nIl, -ˈfɛnIl)   n   another name for biphenyl

diphenylamine (daIˌfiːnaIləˈmiːn, -ˈæmIn, -nIl-, -ˌfɛn-)   n   a colourless insoluble crystalline derivative of benzene, used in the manufacture of dyes, as a stabilizer in plastics, etc. Formula: (C_6H_5)2NH

diphenylene diketone (daIˈfiːnaIˌliːn daIˈkiːtəʊn)   n   a compound used in dye manufacture. Also called: anthraquinone

diphenylenimine (daIˌfiːnaIˈlɛnImiːn)   n   another name for carbazole

diphenylhydantoin sodium (daIˌfiːnaIlhaIˈdæntəʊIn, -nIl-, -ˌfɛn-)   n   another name for phenytoin

diphenylketone (daIˌfiːnaIlˈkiːtəʊn)   n   another name for benzophenone

diphone (ˈdaIˌfəʊn)   n   phonetics a unit of speech made up of two simple speech sounds known as phones. See also phone^2

diphosgene (daIˈfɒzdʒiːn)   n   an oily liquid with an extremely poisonous vapour, made by treating methanol with phosgene and chlorinating the product: has been used in chemical warfare. Formula: ClCOOCCl_3

diphosphate (daIˈfɒsfeIt)   n   biochem a chemical compound, specifically an ester, containing two phosphate groups

diphtheria (dIpˈθIərIə, dIf-)   n   an acute contagious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, producing fever, severe prostration, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing as the result of swelling of the throat and formation of a false membrane [C19: New Latin, from French diphthérie, from Greek diphthera leather; from the nature of the membrane]   > diphˈtherial, diphtheritic (ˌdIpθəˈrItIk, dIf-) or diphtheric (dIpˈθɛrIk, dIf-) adj   > ˈdiphtheˌroid adj

diphtheritis (ˌdIfθIəˈraItIs)   n   med a rare name for diphtheria

diphthong (ˈdIfθɒŋ, ˈdIp-)   n   1 a vowel sound, occupying a single syllable, during the articulation of which the tongue moves from one position to another, causing a continual change in vowel quality, as in the pronunciation of a in English late, during which the tongue moves from the position of (e) towards (I)   2 a digraph or ligature representing a composite vowel such as this, as ou in mouth or æ in Cæsar [C15: from Late Latin diphthongus, from Greek diphthongos, from DI-1 + phthongos sound]   > diphˈthongal adj

■ diphthongally (dIfˈθɒŋɡəlI)   adv   in a diphthongal manner

■ diphthongic (dIfˈθɒŋɡIk)   adj   of, like, or relating to a diphthong

■ diphthongize or diphthongise (ˈdIfθɒŋˌaIz, -ˌɡaIz, ˈdIp-)   vb   (often passive) to make (a simple vowel) into a diphthong   > ˌdiphthongiˈzation or ˌdiphthongiˈsation n

diphycercal (ˌdIfIˈsɜːkəl)   adj   ichthyol of or possessing a symmetrical or pointed tail with the vertebral column extending to the tip, as in primitive fishes [C19: from Greek diphuēs twofold (from DI^1 + phuē growth) + kerkos tail]

diphyletic (ˌdaIfaIˈlɛtIk)   adj   relating to or characterized by descent from two ancestral groups of animals or plants

diphyllous (daIˈfIləs)   adj   (of certain plants) having two leaves

diphyodont (ˈdIfIəʊˌdɒnt)   adj   having two successive sets of teeth, as mammals (including humans). Compare polyphyodont [C19: from Greek diphuēs double (see DIPHYCERCAL) + -ODONT]

diphysite (ˈdIfIˌzaIt, ˈdIfIˌsaIt)   n   a person who believes that in Christ two distinct natures, the human and the divine, existed together

■ diphysitism (ˈdIfIzIˌtIzəm)   n   the belief that in Christ two distinct natures, the human and the divine, existed together

diplegia (daIˈpliːdʒə)   n   paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body; bilateral paralysis   > diˈplegic adj

dipleidoscope (dIˈplaIdəˌskəʊp)   n   an instrument that uses a telescope and a hollow prism to see when the sun crosses the meridian

diplex (ˈdaIplɛks)   adj   telecomm belonging or relating to a system that permits the transmission of simultaneous signals along one wire in the same direction. See also duplex

■ diplexer (daIˈplɛksə)   n   a device that enables more than one signal to be transmitted simultaneously

diplo- or before a vowel dipl-   combining form   double: diplococcus [from Greek, from diploos, from DI-1 + -ploos -fold]

diplobiont (ˌdIpləʊˈbaIɒnt)   n   biology an organism that has both haploid and diploid individuals in its life cycle   > ˌdiplobiˈontic adj

diploblastic (ˌdIpləʊˈblæstIk)   adj   (of jellyfish, corals, and other coelenterates) having a body developed from only two germ layers (ectoderm and endoderm). Compare triploblastic

diplocardiac (ˌdIpləʊˈkɑːdIˌæk)   adj   (of birds and mammals) having a four-chambered heart, which enables two separate circulations and prevents mixing of the arterial and venous blood

Diplock court (ˈdIplɒk)   n   in Northern Ireland, a court of law designed to try cases linked with terrorism. In order to prevent the intimidation of jurors, the court consists of a single judge and no jury [C20: named after Lord Diplock, who introduced the courts in 1972]

diplococcus (ˌdIpləʊˈkɒkəs)   n, pl -cocci (-ˈkɒksaI)   any of various spherical Gram-positive bacteria that occur in pairs, esp any of the genus Diplococcus, such as D. pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia: family Lactobacillaceae   > ˌdiploˈcoccal or diplococcic (ˌdIpləʊˈkɒksIk, -ˈkɒkIk) adj

diplodocus (dIˈplɒdəkəs, ˌdIpləʊˈdəʊkəs)   n, pl -cuses   any herbivorous quadrupedal late Jurassic dinosaur of the genus Diplodocus, characterized by a very long neck and tail and a total body length of 27 metres: suborder Sauropoda (sauropods) [C19: from New Latin, from DIPLO- + Greek dokos beam]

diploë (ˈdIpləʊˌiː)   n   anatomy the spongy bone separating the two layers of compact bone of the skull [C17: via New Latin, from Greek: a fold, from diploos double]

■ diploic (dIˈpləʊIk)   adj   anatomy of or relating to diploë

diplogen (ˈdIplədʒən)   n   chem obsolete another name for deuterium

diplogenesis (ˌdIpləʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   biology the double production or formation of something that is normally single, such as a doubled part in a fetus or a double fetus

diploid (ˈdIplɔId)   adj   1 biology (of cells or organisms) having pairs of homologous chromosomes so that twice the haploid number is present   2 double or twofold   ▷ n   3 biology a diploid cell or organism   > dipˈloidic adj   > ˈdiploidy n

diploma (dIˈpləʊmə)   n   1 a document conferring a qualification, recording success in examinations or successful completion of a course of study   2 an official document that confers an honour or privilege [C17: from Latin: official letter or document, literally: letter folded double, from Greek; see DIPLO-]

■ diplomate (ˈdIpləˌmeIt)   n   any person who has been granted a diploma, esp a physician certified as a specialist

diplomacy (dIˈpləʊməsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the conduct of the relations of one state with another by peaceful means   2 skill in the management of international relations   3 tact, skill, or cunning in dealing with people [C18: from French diplomatie, from diplomatique DIPLOMATIC]

■ diplomat (ˈdIpləˌmæt)   n   1 an official, such as an ambassador or first secretary, engaged in diplomacy   2 a person who deals with people tactfully or skilfully

■ diplomatese (ˌdIpləmætˈiːz)   n   informal the type of language or jargon used by diplomats, thought to be excessively complicated, cautious, or vague

■ diplomatic (ˌdIpləˈmætIk)   adj   1 of or relating to diplomacy or diplomats   2 skilled in negotiating, esp between states or people   3 tactful in dealing with people   4 of or relating to diplomatics [C18: from French diplomatique concerning the documents of diplomacy, from New Latin diplōmaticus; see DIPLOMA]   > ˌdiploˈmatically adv

■ diplomatical (ˌdIpləˈmætIkəl)   adj   formal a (rare) variant of diplomatic

■ diplomatic bag   n   a container or bag in which official mail is sent, free from customs inspection, to and from an embassy or consulate

■ diplomatic corps or diplomatic body   n   the entire body of diplomats accredited to a given state

■ diplomatic immunity   n   the immunity from local jurisdiction and exemption from taxation in the country to which they are accredited afforded to diplomats

■ diplomatics (ˌdIpləˈmætIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the critical study of historical documents   2 a less common word for diplomacy

■ Diplomatic Service   n   1 (in Britain) the division of the Civil Service which provides diplomats to represent the UK abroad   2 (not capitals) the equivalent institution of any other country

■ diplomatist (dIˈpləʊmətIst)   n   a less common word for diplomat

■ diplomatize or diplomatise (dIˈpləʊˌməˌtaIz)   vb   formal or jocular to treat or act in a diplomatic manner

■ diplomatology (ˌdIpləmæˈtɒlədʒI)   n   diplomatics as a subject of scientific study

diplonema (ˌdIpləʊˈniːmə)   n   biology a less common name for diplotene

diplont (ˈdIplɒnt)   n   an animal or plant that has the diploid number of chromosomes in its somatic cells [C20: DIPLO- + Greek ōn being, from einai to be]   > dipˈlontic adj

diplophase (ˈdIpləˌfeIz)   n   genetics the stage in the life cycle of an organism when the chromosomes are diploid

diplopia (dIˈpləʊpIə)   n   a visual defect in which a single object is seen in duplicate; double vision. It can be caused by incorrect fixation or by an abnormality in the visual system [C19: New Latin, from DIPLO- + Greek ōps eye]   > diplopic (dIˈplɒpIk) adj

diplopod (ˈdIpləˌpɒd)   n   any arthropod of the class Diplopoda, which includes the millipedes

diplosis (dIˈpləʊsIs)   n   biology the doubling of the haploid number of chromosomes that occurs during fusion of gametes to form a diploid zygote [C20: from Greek diplōsis doubling, from diploun to double, from diploos double]

diplospeak (ˈdIpləʊˌspiːk)   n   informal the polite and placatory language usually associated with diplomats [from DIPLO(MAT) + -SPEAK]

diplostemonous (ˌdIpləʊˈstiːmənəs, -ˈstɛm-)   adj   (of plants) having twice as many stamens as petals, esp with the stamens arranged in two whorls [C19: from New Latin diplostemonus (unattested), from DIPLO- + -stemonus relating to a STAMEN]

diplotene (ˈdIpləʊˌtiːn)   n   the fourth stage of the prophase of meiosis, during which the paired homologous chromosomes separate except at the places where genetic exchange has occurred. See also chiasma (sense 1), crossing over [C20: from DIPLO- + Greek tainia band]

diplozoic (ˌdIpləˈzəʊIk)   adj   (of certain animals) bilaterally symmetrical

diplozoon (ˌdIpləˈzəʊɒn)   n, pl -zoa   a type of parasitic flatworm that exists as a pair of worms fused together in an X shape. Diplozoa fuse after meeting as two juvenile individuals (genus Diporpae) and are parasitic on the gills of fish

DipMet   abbreviation for   Diploma in Metallurgy

dipnoan (dIpˈnəʊən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Dipnoi, a subclass of bony fishes comprising the lungfishes   ▷ n   2 any lungfish [C19: from New Latin Dipnoi, from Greek dipnoos, double-breathing, from DI-1 + pnoē breathing, air, from pnein to breathe]

dipnoous (ˈdIpnəʊəs)   adj   1 zoology having both lungs and gills for breathing   2 med rare having two openings that allow air in

dipody (ˈdIpədI)   n, pl -dies   prosody a metrical unit consisting of two feet [C19: from Late Latin dipodia, from Greek DI-1 + pous foot]

■ dipodic (daIˈpɒdIk)   adj   prosody of or relating to a dipody or dipodies

dipole (ˈdaIˌpəʊl)   n   1 two electric charges or magnetic poles that have equal magnitudes but opposite signs and are separated by a small distance   2 a molecule in which the centre of positive charge does not coincide with the centre of negative charge   3 Also called: dipole aerial a directional radio or television aerial consisting of two equal lengths of metal wire or rods, with a connecting wire fixed between them in the form of a T   > diˈpolar adj

■ dipole moment   n   chem a measure of the polarity in a chemical bond or molecule, equal to the product of one charge and the distance between the charges. Symbol: μ

dippy (ˈdIpI)   adj -pier, -piest   slang odd, eccentric, or silly [C20: of unknown origin]

■ dippiness (ˈdIpInəs)   n   slang the quality of being dippy

diprionidian (ˌdaIpraIəˈnIdIən)   adj   palaeontol (of a graptolite) with a row of cellules or serrations on both sides

dipropellant (ˌdaIprəˈpɛlənt)   n   another name for bipropellant

diprotic acid (daIˈprɒtIk)   n   any acid with two hydrogen atoms in its molecule that are capable of being released or ionized in water, such as sulphuric acid and carbonic acid

diprotodon (daIˈprəʊtəʊˌdɒn)   n   a large extinct marsupial of the Australian genus Diprotodon [C19: from Greek from DI-1 + PROTO- + -ODONT, from its two prominent lower incisors]

■ diprotodont (daIˈprəʊtəʊˌdɒnt)   n   any marsupial of the group or suborder Diprotodontia, including kangaroos, phalangers, and wombats, having fewer than three upper incisor teeth on each side of the jaw. Compare polyprotodont [C19: from Greek from DI-1 + PROTO- + -ODONT]

■ diprotodontid (daIˌprəʊtəʊˈdɒntId)   n   any of the extinct marsupials belonging to the genus Diprotodon, characterized by having two incisor teeth in the bottom jaw

dipsas (ˈdIpsæs)   n, pl dipsades   1 a member of a genus of harmless snakes (Dipsas) of the family Colubridae   2 myth a serpent with a bite that caused terrible thirst in its victim

dipso (ˈdIpsəʊ)   n, pl -sos   slang short for dipsomaniac (sense 1)

dipsomania (ˌdIpsəʊˈmeInIə)   n   a compulsive desire to drink alcoholic beverages [C19: New Latin, from Greek dipsa thirst + -MANIA]

■ dipsomaniac (ˌdIpsəʊˈmeInIˌæk)   n   1 any person who has an uncontrollable and recurring urge to drink alcohol. Shortened form: dipso   ▷ adj   2 relating to or affected with dipsomania   > dipsomaniacal (ˌdIpsəʊməˈnaIəkəl) adj

diptera (ˈdIptərə)   pl n   a large order of insects having a single pair of wings and sucking or piercing mouthparts. The group includes flies, mosquitoes, craneflies, and midges

■ dipteran (ˈdIptərən) or dipteron (ˈdIptəˌrɒn)   n   1 any dipterous insect   ▷ adj   2 another word for dipterous (sense 1)

■ dipterist (ˈdIptəˌrIst)   n   an expert on flies belonging to the order Diptera

■ dipterous (ˈdIptərəs)   adj   1 Also: dipteran of, relating to, or belonging to the Diptera   2 botany having two winglike parts: a dipterous seed [C18: from New Latin, from Greek dipteros, from di- two + pteros wing]

dipteral (ˈdIptərəl)   adj   architect having a double row of columns

dipterocarp (ˈdIptərəʊˌkɑːp)   n   any tree belonging to the genus Dipterocarpus

■ dipterocarpaceous (ˌdIptərəʊkɑːˈpeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae, a family of trees chiefly native to tropical SE Asia, having two-winged fruits. Many species yield useful timber and resins [C19: via New Latin from Greek dipteros two-winged + karpos fruit]

■ dipterocarpous (ˌdIptərəʊˈkɑːpəs)   adj   (of a tree) belonging to the genus Dipterocarpus or the family Dipterocarpaceae

dipteros (ˈdIptəˌrɒs)   n, pl -roi (-rɔI)   architect (in ancient Greece) a building with a double colonnade on all sides

diptych (ˈdIptIk)   n   1 a pair of hinged wooden tablets with waxed surfaces for writing   2 a painting or carving on two panels, usually hinged like a book [C17: from Greek diptukhos folded together, from DI^1 + ptukhos fold; compare TRIPTYCH]

diquark (ˈdaIkwɑːk)   n   a low-energy configuration of two quarks attracted to one another by virtue of having antisymmetric colours and spins

diquat (ˈdaIkwɒt)   n   a toxic chemical used as a herbicide, belonging to the same class of quaternary compounds as paraquat

dir.   abbreviation for   director

Dirac (dIˈræk)   n   Paul (Adrien Maurice). 1902–84, English physicist, noted for his work on the application of relativity to quantum mechanics and his prediction of electron spin and the positron: shared the Nobel prize for physics 1933

■ Dirac constant   n   a constant used in quantum mechanics, equal to the Planck constant divided by 2π. It has a value of 1.054571596±0.000000078 × 10–34 joule seconds. Symbol: ħ, ẖ. Also called: crossed-h, h-bar

diram (ˈdiːrɑːm)   n   a monetary unit of Tajikistan, where one somoni is equal to 100 dirams

dirdum (ˈdɜːdəm, Scot ˈdɜːrdəm)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect noisy confusion or a loud chaotic disturbance

dire (daIə)   adj (usually prenominal)   1 Also: direful disastrous; fearful   2 desperate; urgent: a dire need   3 foreboding disaster; ominous: a dire warning [C16: from Latin dīrus ominous, fearful; related to Greek deos fear]   > ˈdirely adv   > ˈdireness n

■ direfully (ˈdaIəfʊlI)   adv   literary or jocular in a direful manner

■ direfulness (ˈdaIəfʊlnəs)   n   literary or jocular the state or fact of being direful

direct (dIˈrɛkt, daI-)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to regulate, conduct, or control the affairs of   2 (also intr) to give commands or orders with authority to (a person or group): he directed them to go away   3 to tell or show (someone) the way to a place   4 to aim, point, or cause to move towards a goal   5 to address (a letter, parcel, etc)   6 to address (remarks, words, etc): to direct comments at someone   7 (also intr) to provide guidance to (actors, cameramen, etc) in the rehearsal of a play or the filming of a motion picture   8 (also intr)   a to conduct (a piece of music or musicians), usually while performing oneself   b another word (esp US) for conduct (sense 9)   ▷ adj   9 without delay or evasion; straightforward: a direct approach   10 without turning aside; uninterrupted; shortest; straight: a direct route   11 without intervening persons or agencies; immediate: a direct link   12 honest; frank; candid: a direct answer   13 (usually prenominal) precise; exact: a direct quotation   14 diametrical: the direct opposite   15 in an unbroken line of descent, as from father to son over succeeding generations: a direct descendant   16 (of government, decisions, etc) by or from the electorate rather than through representatives   17 logic, maths (of a proof) progressing from the premises to the conclusion, rather than eliminating the possibility of the falsehood of the conclusion. Compare indirect proof   18 astronomy moving from west to east on the celestial sphere. Compare retrograde (sense 4a)   19    a of or relating to direct current   b (of a secondary induced current) having the same direction as the primary current   20 music   a (of motion) in the same direction. See motion (sense 9)   b (of an interval or chord) in root position; not inverted   ▷ adv   21 directly; straight: he went direct to the office [C14: from Latin dīrectus; from dīrigere to guide, from dis- apart + regere to rule]   > diˈrectness n

■ direct access   n   a method of reading data from a computer file without reading through the file from the beginning as on a disk or drum. Also called: random access. Compare sequential access

■ direct action   n   action such as strikes or civil disobedience, employed by organized labour or other groups to obtain demands from an employer, government, etc

■ direct coupling   n   electronics conductive coupling between electronic circuits, as opposed to inductive or capacitive coupling. See also coupling (sense 4)   > direct coupled adj

■ direct current   n   a continuous electric current that flows in one direction only, without substantial variation in magnitude. Abbreviation: DC. Compare alternating current

■ direct debit   n   an order given to a bank or building society by a holder of an account, instructing it to pay to a specified person or organization any sum demanded by that person or organization. Compare standing order

■ direct distance dialing   n   US and Canadian a service by which telephone subscribers can obtain long-distance calls by dialling direct without the aid of an operator. British equivalent: subscriber trunk dialling

■ direct dye   n   any of a number of dyes that can be applied without the use of a mordant. They are usually azo dyes applied to cotton or rayon from a liquid bath containing an electrolyte such as sodium sulphate

■ directed (dIˈrɛktId, daI-)   adj   maths (of a number, line, or angle) having either a positive or negative sign to distinguish measurement in one direction or orientation from that in the opposite direction or orientation

■ directedness (dIˈrɛktIdnəs)   n   the state or quality of being directed

■ direct evidence   n   law evidence, usually the testimony of a witness, directly relating to the fact in dispute. Compare circumstantial evidence

■ direct-grant school   n   (in Britain, formerly) a school financed by endowment, fees, and a state grant conditional upon admittance of a percentage of nonpaying pupils nominated by the local education authority

■ direct injection   n   See solid injection

■ direct input   n   a device, such as a keyboard, used to insert data directly into a computerized system

■ direction (dIˈrɛkʃən, daI-)   n   1 the act of directing or the state of being directed   2 management, control, or guidance   3 the work of a stage or film director   4 the course or line along which a person or thing moves, points, or lies   5 the course along which a ship, aircraft, etc, is travelling, expressed as the angle between true or magnetic north and an imaginary line through the main fore-and-aft axis of the vessel   6 the place towards which a person or thing is directed   7 a line of action; course   8 the name and address on a letter, parcel, etc   9 music the process of conducting an orchestra, choir, etc   10 music an instruction in the form of a word or symbol heading or occurring in the body of a passage, movement, or piece to indicate tempo, dynamics, mood, etc   11 (modifier) maths   a (of an angle) being any one of the three angles that a line in space makes with the three positive directions of the coordinate axes. Usually given as α, β, and γ with respect to the x-, y-, and z-axes   b (of a cosine) being the cosine of any of the direction angles

■ directional (dIˈrɛkʃənəl, daI-)   adj   1 of or relating to a spatial direction   2 electronics   a having or relating to an increased sensitivity to radio waves, sound waves, nuclear particles, etc, coming from a particular direction   b (of an aerial) transmitting or receiving radio waves more effectively in some directions than in others   3 physics, electronics   a concentrated in, following, or producing motion in a particular direction   b indicating direction   4 indicating the direction something, such as a fashion trend, might take: directional fashion looks   > diˌrectionˈality n

■ directional drilling   n   a method of drilling for oil in which the well is not drilled vertically, as when a number of wells are to be drilled from a single platform to reach different areas of an oil field. Also called: deviated drilling

■ direction finder   n   a highly directional aerial system that can be used to determine the direction of incoming radio signals, used esp as a navigation aid. Abbreviation: D/F, DF   > direction finding n

■ directionless (dIˈrɛkʃənlIs)   adj   not having an identifiable direction or purpose

■ directions (dIˈrɛkʃənz, daI-)   pl n   (sometimes singular) instructions for doing something or for reaching a place

■ directive (dIˈrɛktIv, daI-)   n   1 an instruction; order   ▷ adj   2 tending to direct; directing   3 indicating direction

■ directivity (ˌdaIrɛkˈtIvItI, dIrɛkˈtIvItI)   n   1 electronics the state or quality of being directional   2 formal the state or quality of being directed, as by a particular force

■ direct labour   n commerce   1 work that is an essential part of a production process or the provision of a service. Compare indirect labour   2 Brit workers who are part of an employer's own labour force rather than hired through a contractor, such as building workers employed by a local authority

■ direct lighting   n   electrical engineering a lighting system in which a large proportion (at least 90 per cent) of the light is directed downwards

■ directly (dIˈrɛktlI, daI-)   adv   1 in a direct manner   2 at once; without delay   3 (foll by before or after) immediately; just   ▷ conj   4 (subordinating) as soon as: we left directly the money arrived

■ direct-mail shot   n   marketing the posting of unsolicited sales literature to potential customers' homes or business addresses

■ direct marketing   n   selling goods directly to consumers rather than through retailers, usually by mail order, direct-mail shot, newspaper advertising, door-to-door selling, telephone selling, the internet, or television home-shopping channels. Also called: direct selling

■ direct memory access   n   a process in which data may be moved directly to or from the main memory of a computer system by operations not under the control of the central processing unit. Abbreviation: DMA

■ direct message   n   (on a social network) a message that can be read only by one or more named recipients

■ direct method   n   a method of teaching a foreign language with minimal use of the pupil's native language and of formal grammar

■ direct object   n   grammar a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase whose referent receives the direct action of a verb. For example, a book is the direct object in the sentence They bought Anne a book. Compare indirect object

■ direct primary   n   US government a primary in which voters directly select the candidates who will run for office

■ direct question   n   a question asked in direct speech, such as Why did you come?. Compare indirect question

■ direct-reading   adj   (of an instrument) calibrated so that a given quantity to be measured can be read directly off the scale without the need of a multiplying constant

■ direct selling   n   another name for direct marketing

■ direct speech or esp US direct discourse   n   the reporting of what someone has said or written by quoting his or her exact words

■ direct tax   n   a tax paid by the person or organization on which it is levied. Compare indirect tax   > direct taxation n

Directoire French (dirɛktwar)   n   1 history the French Directory. See Directory   ▷ adj   2 of, in, or relating to a decorative style of the end of the 18th century in France, a form of neoclassicism   3 characteristic of women's dress during the French Directory, typically an almost transparent dress with the waistline under the bust

director (dIˈrɛktə, daI-)   n   1 a person or thing that directs, controls, or regulates   2 a member of the governing board of a business concern who may or may not have an executive function   3 a person who directs the affairs of an institution, trust, educational programme, etc   4 the person responsible for the artistic and technical aspects of making a film or television programme. Compare producer (sense 4)   5 music another word (esp US) for conductor (sense 2)   > ˌdirecˈtorial adj   > ˌdirecˈtorially adv   > diˈrectorˌship n   > diˈrectress fem n

■ directorate (dIˈrɛktərIt, daI-)   n   1 a board of directors   2 Also: directorship the position of director

■ director-general   n, pl directors-general   the head of a large organization such as the CBI or BBC

■ Director of Education   n   Brit another term for Chief Education Officer

■ Director of Public Prosecutions   n   (in Britain) an official who, as head of the Crown Prosecution Service, is responsible for conducting all criminal prosecutions initiated by the police. Abbreviation: DPP

■ director's chair   n   a light wooden folding chair with arm rests and a canvas seat and back

■ director's cut   n   a version of a film which realizes the artistic aims of the director more fully than the original version

directory (dIˈrɛktərI, -trI, daI-)   n, pl -ries   1 a book, arranged alphabetically or classified by trade listing names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc, of individuals or firms   2 a book or manual giving directions   3 a book containing the rules to be observed in the forms of worship used in churches   4 a less common word for directorate (sense 2)   5 computing an area of a disk that contains the names and locations of files currently held on that disk   ▷ adj   6 directing

■ Directory (dIˈrɛktərI, -trI, daI-)   n the Directory   history the body of five directors in power in France from 1795 until their overthrow by Napoleon in 1799. Also known as: the French Directory

directrice (dIrɛkˈtriːs)   n   a female director

directrix (dIˈrɛktrIks, daI-)   n, pl -trices (-trIˌsiːz) or -trixes   1 geometry a fixed reference line, situated on the convex side of a conic section, that is used when defining or calculating its eccentricity   2 a directress [C17: New Latin, feminine of DIRECTOR]

dirempt (daIˈrɛmpt)   vb (tr)   formal, literary to separate (something) forcefully or violently

■ diremption (daIˈrɛmpʃən)   n   formal, literary the act or process of separating something forcefully or violently

dirge (dɜːdʒ)   n   1 a chant of lamentation for the dead   2 the funeral service in its solemn or sung forms   3 any mourning song or melody [C13: changed from Latin dīrigē direct (imperative), opening word of the Latin antiphon used in the office of the dead]   > ˈdirgeful adj

■ dirgelike (ˈdɜːdʒˌlaIk)   adj   slow and gloomy, like a dirge

dirham (ˈdIəræm)   n   1 the standard monetary unit of Morocco, divided into 100 centimes   2 the standard monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates, divided into 10 dinars and 100 fils   3    a a Kuwaiti monetary unit worth one tenth of a dinar and 100 fils   b a Tunisian monetary unit worth one tenth of a dinar and 100 millimes   c a Qatari monetary unit worth one hundredth of a riyal   d a Libyan monetary unit worth one thousandth of a dinar   4 any of various silver coins minted in North African countries at different periods [C18: from Arabic, from Latin: DRACHMA]

Dirichlet (German diriˈkleː)   n   Peter Gustav Lejeune (ˈpeːtər ˈɡʊstaf ləˈʒœn). 1805–59, German mathematician, noted for his work on number theory and calculus

dirige (ˈdIrIˌdʒiː)   n   obsolete another word for dirge

dirigent (ˈdIrIdʒənt)   adj   obsolete directing

dirigible (dIˈrIdʒIbəl)   adj   1 able to be steered or directed   ▷ n   2 another name for airship [C16: from Latin dīrigere to DIRECT]   > ˌdirigiˈbility n

dirigisme (diːriːˈʒiːzəm)   n   control by the state of economic and social matters [C20: from French]   > dirigˈiste adj

diriment (ˈdIrImənt)   adj   1 (of an impediment to marriage in canon law) totally invalidating   2 rare nullifying [C19: from Latin dirimēns separating, from Latin dirimere to part, from DIS-1 + emere to obtain]

dirk (dɜːk)   n   1 a dagger esp as formerly worn by Scottish Highlanders   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to stab with a dirk [C16: from Scottish durk, perhaps from German Dolch dagger]

dirl (dɜːl; Scottish dɜːrl)   vb   Northern English and Scot dialect to vibrate or tingle or cause to vibrate or tingle

dirndl (ˈdɜːndəl)   n   1 a woman's dress with a full gathered skirt and fitted bodice; originating from Tyrolean peasant wear   2 a gathered skirt of this kind [German (Bavarian and Austrian): shortened from Dirndlkleid, from Dirndl little girl + Kleid dress]

dirt (dɜːt)   n   1 any unclean substance, such as mud, dust, excrement, etc; filth   2 loose earth; soil   3    a packed earth, gravel, cinders, etc, used to make a racetrack   b (as modifier): a dirt track   4 mining the gravel or soil from which minerals are extracted   5 a person or thing regarded as worthless   6 obscene or indecent speech or writing   7 slang gossip; scandalous information   8 moral corruption   9 do someone dirt slang to do something vicious to someone   10 dish the dirt informal to reveal secrets or spread malicious gossip about someone   11 eat dirt slang to accept insult without complaining   12 treat someone like dirt to have no respect or consideration for someone [C13: from Old Norse drit excrement; related to Middle Dutch drēte]

■ dirtbag (ˈdɜːtˌbæɡ)   n   slang a filthy or disreputable person

■ dirt bike   n   a type of motorbike designed for use over rough ground

■ dirt-cheap   adj, adv   informal at an extremely low price

■ dirt-poor   adj   chiefly US extremely poor

■ dirt road   n   an unsealed country road

■ dirty (ˈdɜːtI)   adj dirtier, dirtiest   1 covered or marked with dirt; filthy   2    a obscene; salacious: dirty books   b sexually clandestine: a dirty weekend   3 causing one to become grimy: a dirty job   4 (of a colour) not clear and bright; impure   5 unfair; dishonest; unscrupulous; unsporting   6 mean; nasty: a dirty cheat   7 scandalous; unkind: a dirty rumour   8 revealing dislike or anger: a dirty look   9 (of weather) rainy or squally; stormy   10 (of an aircraft) having projections into the airstream, such as lowered flaps   11 (of an explosive device) modified to cause radioactive contamination. Compare clean (sense 5)   12 be dirty on Austral slang to be offended by or be hostile towards   13 dirty dog a despicable person   14 dirty linen informal intimate secrets, esp those that might give rise to gossip   15 dirty pool slang, chiefly US, Canadian and Austral dishonest behaviour   16 dirty word   a an obscene word   b something that is regarded with disapproval: federalism is a dirty word   17 dirty work unpleasant or illicit activity   18 do the dirty on Brit informal to behave meanly or unkindly towards   ▷ vb dirties, dirtying, dirtied   19 to make or become dirty; stain; soil   > ˈdirtily adv   > ˈdirtiness n

■ dirty bomb   n   informal a bomb made from nuclear waste combined with conventional explosives that is capable of spreading radioactive material over a very wide area

■ dirty-minded   adj   obsessed by sex

■ dirty realism   n   a style of writing, originating in the US in the 1980s, which depicts in great detail the seamier or more mundane aspects of ordinary life   > dirty realist n

■ dirty trick   n   1 a malicious and contemptible action   2 (plural)   a underhand activity and machinations in political or governmental affairs   b (as modifier): dirty-tricks operation

■ dirty weekend   n   a weekend that lovers spend away together so that they can enjoy illicit sex

dis (dIs)   vb   a variant spelling of diss

Dis (dIs)   n   1 Also called: Orcus, Pluto the Roman god of the underworld   2 the abode of the dead; underworld   ▶ Greek equivalent: Hades

dis-1   prefix   1 indicating reversal: disconnect; disembark   2 indicating negation, lack, or deprivation: dissimilar; distrust; disgrace   3 indicating removal or release: disembowel; disburden   4 expressing intensive force: dissever [from Latin dis- apart; in some cases, via Old French des-. In compound words of Latin origin, dis- becomes dif- before f and di- before some consonants]

dis-2   combining form   variant of di-1: dissyllable

disa (ˈdaIsə, ˈdaIzə)   n, pl disas or disa   any orchid belonging to a genus (Disa) of African orchids

disability (ˌdIsəˈbIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a physical or mental condition or illness that restricts a person in his or her ability to move or use his or her senses   2 something that disables; handicap   3 lack of necessary intelligence, strength, etc   4 an incapacity in the eyes of the law to enter into certain transactions

USAGE

Many deaf people object to the use of the phrase hearing disability

■ disability clause   n   (in life assurance policies) a clause enabling a policyholder to cease payment of premiums without loss of coverage and often to receive a pension or indemnity if he or she becomes permanently disabled

■ Disability Rights Commission   n   (formerly in Britain) a body appointed by the Government to enforce anti-discrimination law affecting people with disabilities; replaced in 2007 by the Equality and Human Rights Commission

disable (dIsˈeIbəl)   vb (tr)   1 to cause (a person) to be restricted in their ability to move or use their senses   2 law to make or pronounce legally incapable   3 to switch off (an electronic device)   > disˈablement n

■ disabled (dIˈseIbəld)   adj     a (of a person) having a physical or mental condition that restricts them in their ability to move or use their senses   b often offensive (as collective noun; preceded by the): the disabled

USAGE

It is better to refer to people with physical disabilities of various kinds by describing the specific difficulty in question rather than talking about the disabled as a group, which is considered somewhat offensive. Some people also object to the word disabled to refer to facilities for people with disabilities, and prefer the word accessible

■ disabled list   n   the US term for injury list

■ disablement benefit   n   (in Britain) a noncontributory benefit payable to a person disabled through injury or disease caused by their work

■ disabler (dIsˈeIblə)   n   a device or person that disables something

■ disabling (dIˈseIbəlIŋ)   adj   causing disability or an inability to do something: skin ulcers which are disfiguring and sometimes disabling

■ disablism   n   discrimination against disabled people   > disˈablist n, adj

disabuse (ˌdIsəˈbjuːz)   vb   (tr; usually foll by of) to rid (oneself, another person, etc) of a mistaken or misguided idea; set right   > ˌdisaˈbusal n

disaccharide (daIˈsækəˌraId, -rId) or disaccharid   n   any of a class of sugars, such as maltose, lactose, and sucrose, having two linked monosaccharide units per molecule

■ disaccharidase (daIˈsækərIˌdeIs, daIˈsækərIˌdeIz)   n   biochem a type of digestive enzyme that breaks disaccharides down into monosaccharides

disaccommodate (ˌdIsəˈkɒməˌdeIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to inconvenience (a person)

disaccord (ˌdIsəˈkɔːd)   n   1 lack of agreement or harmony   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to be out of agreement; disagree

■ disaccordant (ˌdIsəˈkɔːdənt)   adj   archaic, rare not agreeing

disaccredit (ˌdIsəˈkrɛdIt)   vb   (tr) to take away the authorization or credentials of

disaccustom (ˌdIsəˈkʌstəm)   vb   (tr; usually foll by to) to cause to lose a habit

disacknowledge (ˌdIsəkˈnɒlIdʒ)   vb (tr)   formal to refuse to acknowledge (someone or something)

disadorn (ˌdIsəˈdɔːn)   vb (tr)   formal or archaic to deprive (someone or something) of adornment or decoration

disadvance (ˌdIsədˈvɑːns)   vb   archaic to stop or cause to stop advancing

disadvantage (ˌdIsədˈvɑːntIdʒ)   n   1 an unfavourable circumstance, state of affairs, thing, person, etc   2 injury, loss, or detriment   3 an unfavourable condition or situation (esp in the phrase at a disadvantage)   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to put at a disadvantage; handicap

■ disadvantaged (ˌdIsədˈvɑːntIdʒd)   adj   socially or economically deprived or discriminated against

■ disadvantageous (dIsˌædvənˈteIdʒəs, ˌdIsæd-)   adj   unfavourable; detrimental   > disˌadvanˈtageously adv   > disˌadvanˈtageousness n

disadventure (ˌdIsədˈvɛntʃə)   n   archaic misfortune; bad luck

■ disadventurous (ˌdIsədˈvɛntʃərəs)   adj   archaic unlucky or disastrous

disaffect (ˌdIsəˈfɛkt)   vb   (tr; often passive) to cause to lose loyalty or affection; alienate

■ disaffected (ˌdIsəˈfɛktId)   adj   having lost loyalty or affection for: disaffected voters   > ˌdisafˈfectedly adv   > ˌdisafˈfectedness n

■ disaffection (ˌdIsəˈfɛkʃən)   n   a state of dissatisfaction or alienation: the growing disaffection between players

disaffectionate (ˌdIsəˈfɛktʃənət)   adj archaic   1 not affectionate   2 disaffected

disaffiliate (ˌdIsəˈfIlIˌeIt)   vb   to sever an affiliation (with); dissociate   > ˌdisafˌfiliˈation n

disaffirm (ˌdIsəˈfɜːm)   vb (tr)   1 to deny or contradict (a statement)   2 law   a to annul or reverse (a decision)   b to repudiate (obligations)   > ˌdisafˈfirmance or disaffirmation (ˌdIsæfəˈmeIʃən) n

disafforest (ˌdIsəˈfɒrIst)   vb (tr)   1 English law to reduce (land) from the status of a forest to the state of ordinary ground   2 to remove forests from (land)   > ˌdisafˌforesˈtation or ˌdisafˈforestment n

disaggregate (dIsˈæɡrIˌɡeIt)   vb   1 to separate from a group or mass   2 to divide into parts   > ˌdisaggreˈgation n

disaggregative (dIsˈæɡrIˌɡeItIv)   adj   formal separating from the mass or into parts

disagree (ˌdIsəˈɡriː)   vb -grees, -greeing, -greed (intr; often foll by with)   1 to dissent in opinion (from another person) or dispute (about an idea, fact, etc)   2 to fail to correspond; conflict   3 to be unacceptable (to) or unfavourable (for); be incompatible (with): curry disagrees with me   4 to be opposed (to) in principle

■ disagreeable (ˌdIsəˈɡriːəbəl)   adj   1 not likable, esp bad-tempered, offensive, or disobliging: disagreeable remarks   2 not to one's liking; unpleasant: a disagreeable task   > ˌdisaˈgreeableness or ˌdisaˌgreeaˈbility n   > ˌdisaˈgreeably adv

■ disagreeables (ˌdIsəˈɡriːəbəlz)   pl n   annoying things

■ disagreement (ˌdIsəˈɡriːmənt)   n   1 refusal or failure to agree   2 a failure to correspond   3 an argument or dispute

disallow (ˌdIsəˈlaʊ)   vb (tr)   1 to reject as untrue or invalid   2 to cancel   > ˌdisalˈlowable adj   > ˌdisalˈlowance n

disally (ˌdIsəˈlaI)   vb -lies, -lying, -lied (tr)   archaic, rare to break free or cause to break free from an alliance or partnership

disambiguate (ˌdIsæmˈbIɡjʊˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to make (an ambiguous expression) unambiguous   > ˌdisamˌbiguˈation n

disamenity (ˌdIsəˈmiːnItI)   n, pl -ities   formal a disadvantage

disanalogy (ˌdIsəˈnælədʒI)   n   rare a lack of analogy

■ disanalogous (ˌdIsəˈnæləɡəs)   adj   formal not analogous

disanchor (dIsˈæŋkə)   vb   archaic to raise the anchor of (a ship)

disanimate (dIsˈænIˌmeIt)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to deprive (a person or thing) of vigour or spirit   2 to take the life away from (someone or something)

disannex (ˌdIsəˈnɛks)   vb (tr)   formal to separate (a place or thing that was formally annexed or joined to another)

disannul (ˌdIsəˈnʌl)   vb -nuls, -nulling, -nulled   (tr) chiefly law to cancel; make void   > ˌdisanˈnulment n

■ disannuller (ˌdIsəˈnʌlə)   n   chiefly law a person who disannuls

disanoint (ˌdIsəˈnɔInt)   vb (tr)   formal, rare to invalidate the anointment of (a person)

disapparel (ˌdIsəˈpærəl)   vb (tr)   archaic to remove the clothing from (a person)

■ disapparelled (ˌdIsəˈpærəld)   adj   archaic undressed; naked

disappear (ˌdIsəˈpIə)   vb   1 (intr) to cease to be visible; vanish   2 (intr) to go away or become lost, esp secretly or without explanation   3 (intr) to cease to exist, have effect, or be known; become extinct or lost: the pain has disappeared   4 (tr) to arrest secretly or abduct and presumably imprison or kill (a member of an opposing political group)   > ˌdisapˈpearance n

■ disappeared (ˌdIsəˈpIəd)   pl n   the disappeared people who have been arrested secretly or abducted and presumably imprisoned or killed

disapplication (ˌdIsæplIˈkeIʃən)   n   Brit education a provision for exempting schools or individuals from the requirements of the National Curriculum in special circumstances

disapply (ˌdIsəˈplaI)   vb -lies, -lying, -lied (tr)   formal to make (a law or legal requirement) not applicable or invalid

disappoint (ˌdIsəˈpɔInt)   vb (tr)   1 to fail to meet the expectations, hopes, desires, or standards of; let down   2 to prevent the fulfilment of (a plan, intention, etc); frustrate; thwart [C15 (originally meaning: to remove from office): from Old French desapointier; see DIS-1, APPOINT]

■ disappointed (ˌdIsəˈpɔIntId)   adj   saddened by the failure of an expectation, etc   > ˌdisapˈpointedly adv

■ disappointing (ˌdIsəˈpɔIntIŋ)   adj   failing to meet one's expectations, hopes, desires, or standards   > ˌdisapˈpointingly adv

■ disappointment (ˌdIsəˈpɔIntmənt)   n   1 the act of disappointing or the state of being disappointed   2 a person, thing, or state of affairs that disappoints

disappropriate (ˌdIsəˈprəʊprIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   formal to end the appropriation of (property, money, etc)

disapprove (ˌdIsəˈpruːv)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by of) to consider wrong, bad, etc   2 (tr) to withhold approval from   > ˌdisapˈproving adj   > ˌdisapˈprovingly adv

■ disapprobation (ˌdIsæprəʊˈbeIʃən)   n   moral or social disapproval

■ disapprobatory (dIsˌæprəˈbeItərI) or disapprobative (dIsˈæprəˌbeItIv)   adj   formal of, relating to, or expressing disapproval

■ disapproval (ˌdIsəˈpruːvəl)   n   the act or a state or feeling of disapproving; censure; condemnation

■ disapprover (ˌdIsəˈpruːvə)   n   a person who disapproves

disarm (dIsˈɑːm)   vb   1 (tr) to remove defensive or offensive capability from (a country, army, etc)   2 (tr) to deprive of weapons   3 (tr) to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, shell, etc)   4 (tr) to win the confidence or affection of   5 (intr) (of a nation, etc) to decrease the size and capability of one's armed forces   6 (intr) to lay down weapons   > disˈarmer n

■ disarmament (dIsˈɑːməmənt)   n   1 the reduction of offensive or defensive fighting capability, as by a nation   2 the act of disarming or state of being disarmed

■ disarming (dIsˈɑːmIŋ)   adj   tending to neutralize or counteract hostility, suspicion, etc   > disˈarmingly adv

disarrange (ˌdIsəˈreIndʒ)   vb   (tr) to throw into disorder   > ˌdisarˈrangement n

■ disarranged (ˌdIsəˈreIndʒd)   adj   in a state of disorder

disarray (ˌdIsəˈreI)   n   1 confusion, dismay, and lack of discipline   2 (esp of clothing) disorderliness; untidiness   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to throw into confusion   4 archaic to undress

disarticulate (ˌdIsɑːˈtIkjʊˌleIt)   vb   to separate or cause to separate at the joints, esp those of bones   > ˌdisarˌticuˈlation n   > ˌdisarˈticuˌlator n

disassemble (ˌdIsəˈsɛmbəl)   vb   (tr) to take apart (a piece of machinery, etc); dismantle   > ˌdisasˈsembly n

■ disassembler (ˌdIsəˈsɛmblə)   n   a computer program that translates machine code into assembly language

disassimilate (ˌdIsəˈsImIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   biochem to break down (a complex molecule or substance) into simple ones through catabolism

■ disassimilation (ˌdIsəˌsImIˈleIʃən)   n   1 biochem the process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy   2 the act or state of ceasing to be assimilated

■ disassimilative (ˌdIsəˈsImIlətIv)   adj   biochem of or relating to disassimilation

disassociate (ˌdIsəˈsəʊʃIˌeIt)   vb   a less common word for dissociate   > ˌdisasˌsociˈation n

disaster (dIˈzɑːstə)   n   1 an occurrence that causes great distress or destruction   2 a thing, project, etc, that fails or has been ruined [C16 (originally in the sense: malevolent astral influence): from Italian disastro, from dis- (pejorative) + astro star, from Latin astrum, from Greek astron]   > disˈastrous adj

■ disaster capitalism   n   the practice (by a government, regime, etc) of taking advantage of a major disaster to adopt neoliberal economic policies that the population would be less likely to accept under normal circumstances

■ disastrously (dIˈzɑːstrəslI)   adv   in a way that causes or constitutes a disaster

disattire (ˌdIsəˈtaIə)   vb (tr)   archaic to remove clothes from (a person)

disattribution (dIsˌætrIˈbjuːʃən)   n   an act or process of invalidating the attribution of something, for example of a work of art to a particular artist

disattune (ˌdIsəˈtjuːn)   vb (tr)   literary to cause (something) to be out of harmony

disauthorize or disauthorise (dIsˈɔːθəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   archaic, formal to take authority away from (a person or organization)

disavaunce (ˌdIsəˈvɔːns)   vb (tr)   archaic another word for disadvance

disaventure (ˌdIsəˈvɛntʃə)   n   archaic another word for disadventure

■ disaventrous (ˌdIsəˈvɛntrəs)   adj   archaic another word for disadventurous

disavow (ˌdIsəˈvaʊ)   vb   (tr) to deny knowledge of, connection with, or responsibility for   > ˌdisaˈvowal n   > ˌdisaˈvowedly adv   > ˌdisaˈvower n

■ disavowable (ˌdIsəˈvaʊəbəl)   adj   formal capable of being disavowed

disband (dIsˈbænd)   vb   to cease to function or cause to stop functioning, as a unit, group, etc   > disˈbandment n

disbar (dIsˈbɑː)   vb -bars, -barring, -barred (tr) law   to deprive of the status of barrister; expel from the Bar   > disˈbarment n

USAGE

Disbar is sometimes wrongly used where debar is meant: he was debarred (not disbarred) from attending meetings

disbelieve (ˌdIsbIˈliːv)   vb   1 (tr) to reject as false or lying; refuse to accept as true or truthful   2 (intr; usually foll by in) to have no faith (in): disbelieve in God   > ˌdisbeˈliever n   > ˌdisbeˈlieving adj   > ˌdisbeˈlievingly adv

■ disbelief (ˌdIsbIˈliːf)   n   refusal or reluctance to believe

disbench (dIsˈbɛntʃ)   vb (tr)   1 law to remove (a barrister or judge) from the membership of the governing body of one of the Inns of Court   2 archaic, jocular to remove (someone) from his or her seat or from a bench

disbenefit (dIsˈbɛnIfIt)   n   Austral formal a disadvantage

disbodied (dIsˈbɒdId)   adj   a variant (poetic) of disembodied

disbosom (dIsˈbʊzəm)   vb (tr)   poetic to disclose or reveal (a fact or secret)

disbound (dIsˈbaʊnd)   adj   (of books, pages, illustrative plates, etc) removed from a bound volume

disbowel (dIsˈbaʊəl)   vb (tr)   archaic to disembowel (a person or animal)

■ disbowelled (dIsˈbaʊəld)   adj   archaic disembowelled

disbranch (dIsˈbrɑːntʃ)   vb   (tr) to remove or cut a branch or branches from (a tree)

disbud (dIsˈbʌd) or debud (diːˈbʌd)   vb -buds, -budding, -budded   1 to remove superfluous buds, flowers, or shoots from (a plant, esp a fruit tree)   2 vet science to remove the horn buds of (calves, lambs, and kids) to prevent horns growing

disburden (dIsˈbɜːdən)   vb   1 to remove a load from (a person or animal)   2 (tr) to relieve (oneself, one's mind, etc) of a distressing worry or oppressive thought   > disˈburdenment n

disburse (dIsˈbɜːs)   vb   (tr) to pay out [C16: from Old French desborser, from des- DIS-1 + borser to obtain money, from borse bag, from Late Latin bursa]   > disˈbursable adj   > disˈbursement n   > disˈburser n

USAGE

Disburse is sometimes wrongly used where disperse is meant: the police used a water cannon to disperse (not disburse) the crowd

■ disbursal (dIsˈbɜːsəl)   n   the act or process of disbursing something, esp money

disburthen (dIsˈbɜːðən)   vb (tr)   archaic, literary another word for disburden

disc or esp US disk (dIsk)   n   1 a flat circular plate   2 something resembling or appearing to resemble this: the sun's disc   3 another word for (gramophone) record   4 anatomy any approximately circular flat structure in the body, esp an intervertebral disc   5    a the flat receptacle of composite flowers, such as the daisy   b (as modifier): a disc floret   6 the middle part of the lip of an orchid   7    a Also called: parking disc a marker or device for display in a parked vehicle showing the time of arrival or the latest permitted time of departure or both   b (as modifier): a disc zone; disc parking   8 computing a variant spelling of disk (sense 2)   ▷ vb   9 to work (land) with a disc harrow [C18: from Latin discus, from Greek diskos quoit]

■ discal (ˈdIskəl)   adj   biology, zoology relating to or resembling a disc; disclike: discal cells

■ disc brake   n   a type of brake in which two calliper-operated pads rub against a flat disc attached to the wheel hub when the brake is applied

■ disc floret or disc flower   n   any of the small tubular flowers at the centre of the flower head of certain composite plants, such as the daisy. Compare ray floret

■ disc harrow   n   a harrow with sharp-edged slightly concave discs mounted on horizontal shafts and used to cut clods or debris on the surface of the soil or to cover seed after planting

■ disciform (ˈdIsIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling the shape of a disc

■ disc jockey   n   a person who announces and plays recorded music, esp pop music, on a radio programme, etc. Abbreviation: DJ, Abbreviation: dj

■ disclike (ˈdIsklaIk)   adj   resembling a disc

■ Discman (ˈdIskmən)   n   trademark a small portable CD player with light headphones

■ discoid (ˈdIskɔId)   adj also discoidal (dIsˈkɔIdəl)   1 like a disc   2 (of a composite flower such as the tansy) consisting of disc florets only   ▷ n   3 a disclike object

■ disc plough   n   a plough that cuts by means of revolving steel discs

■ disc wheel   n   a road wheel of a motor vehicle that has a round pressed disc in place of spokes. Compare wire wheel

discage (dIsˈkeIdʒ)   vb (tr)   poetic to release (an animal or bird) from a cage

discalceate (dIsˈkælsIeIt)   adj   another word for discalced

discalced (dIsˈkælst)   adj   barefooted: used to denote friars and nuns who wear sandals [C17: from Latin discalceātus, from DIS-1 + calceātus shod, from calceāre to provide with shoes, from calceus shoe, from calx heel]

discandy (dIsˈkændI)   vb -dies, -dying, -died (intr)   obsolete to melt or dissolve

■ discandying (dIsˈkændIIŋ) or discandering (dIsˈkændərIŋ)   n   obsolete the act of melting or dissolving

discant   n (ˈdIskænt)   1 a variant of descant (sense 1), descant (sense 3), descant (sense 4)   ▷ vb (dIsˈkænt)   2 a variant of descant (sense 1), descant (sense 3), descant (sense 4)   > disˈcanter n

discapacitate (ˌdIskəˈpæsIˌteIt)   vb (tr)   to incapacitate (a person)

discard   vb (dIsˈkɑːd)   1 (tr) to get rid of as useless or undesirable   2 cards to throw out (a card or cards) from one's hand   3 cards to play (a card not of the suit led nor a trump) when unable to follow suit   ▷ n (ˈdIskɑːd)   4 a person or thing that has been cast aside   5 cards a discarded card   6 the act of discarding   > disˈcarder n

■ discardable (dIsˈkɑːdəbəl)   adj   disposable; suitable for discarding

■ discardment (dIsˈkɑːdmənt)   n   the act or process of discarding

discarnate (ˌdIsˈkɑːnət, dIsˈkɑːneIt)   adj   1 obsolete without flesh   2 disembodied

discase (dIsˈkeIs)   vb (tr)   archaic to remove the case from (an object or body)

discept (dIˈsɛpt)   vb (intr)   obsolete to disagree

■ disceptation (ˌdIsɛpˈteIʃən)   n   archaic a disagreement or discussion

■ disceptatious (ˌdIsɛpˈteIʃəs)   adj   obsolete disputable

■ disceptator (ˌdIsɛpˈteItə)   n   obsolete a person who disputes or disagrees

■ disceptatorial (dIˌsɛptəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   obsolete disputable

discern (dIˈsɜːn)   vb   1 (tr) to recognize or perceive clearly   2 to recognize or perceive (differences) [C14: from Old French discerner, from Latin discernere to divide, from DIS-1 (apart) + cernere to separate]   > disˈcerner n

■ discernible or rarely discernable (dIˈsɜːnəbəl)   adj   able to be discerned; perceptible   > disˈcernibly or rarely disˈcernably adv

■ discerning (dIˈsɜːnIŋ)   adj   having or showing good taste or judgment; discriminating   > disˈcerningly adv

■ discernment (dIˈsɜːnmənt)   n   keen perception or judgment

discerp (dIˈsɜːp)   vb (tr) rare   1 to rip (something) into pieces   2 to tear off (from an object)

■ discerpibility (dIˌsɜːpəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being able to be discerped

■ discerpible (dIˈsɜːpIbəl) or discerptible (dIˈsɜːptIbəl)   adj   capable of being ripped or divided into pieces

■ discerption (dIˈsɜːpʃən)   n   the act of discerping

■ discerptive (dIˈsɜːptIv)   adj   capable of being discerped

discharge   vb (dIsˈtʃɑːdʒ)   1 (tr) to release or allow to go: the hospital discharged the patient   2 (tr) to dismiss from or relieve of duty, office, employment, etc   3 to fire or be fired, as a gun   4 to pour forth or cause to pour forth: the boil discharges pus   5 (tr) to remove (the cargo) from (a boat, etc); unload   6 (tr) to perform (the duties of) or meet (the demands of an office, obligation, etc): he discharged his responsibilities as mayor   7 (tr) to relieve oneself of (a responsibility, debt, etc)   8 (intr) physics   a to lose or remove electric charge   b to form an arc, spark, or corona in a gas   c to take or supply electrical current from a cell or battery   9 (tr) law to release (a prisoner from custody, etc)   10 (tr) to remove dye from (a fabric), as by bleaching   11 (intr) (of a dye or colour) to blur or run   12 (tr) architect   a to spread (weight) evenly over a supporting member   b to relieve a member of (excess weight) by distribution of pressure   ▷ n (ˈdIstʃɑːdʒ, dIsˈtʃɑːdʒ)   13 a person or thing that is discharged   14    a dismissal or release from an office, job, institution, etc   b the document certifying such release   15 the fulfilment of an obligation or release from a responsibility or liability: honourable discharge   16 the act of removing a load, as of cargo   17 a pouring forth of a fluid; emission   18    a the act of firing a projectile   b the volley, bullet, missile, etc, fired   19 law   a a release, as of a person held under legal restraint   b an annulment, as of a court order   20 physics   a the act or process of removing or losing charge or of equalizing a potential difference   b a transient or continuous conduction of electricity through a gas by the formation and movement of electrons and ions in an applied electric field   21    a the volume of fluid flowing along a pipe or a channel in unit time   b the output rate of a plant or piece of machinery, such as a pump   > disˈchargeable adj   > disˈcharger n

■ dischargee (ˌdIstʃɑːˈdʒiː)   n   a person who is discharged

■ discharge tube   n   an electrical device in which current flow is by electrons and ions in an ionized gas, as in a fluorescent light or neon tube

dischuffed (dIsˈtʃʌft)   adj   Brit informal displeased; unhappy

dischurch (dIsˈtʃɜːtʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to cause (a church) to no longer be a church   2 to deprive (a person) of church membership

discide (dIˈsaId)   vb (tr)   obsolete to split (something)

discinct (dIˈsIŋkt)   adj   1 without a belt   2 loosely dressed

disciple (dIˈsaIpəl)   n   1 a follower of the doctrines of a teacher or a school of thought   2 one of the personal followers of Christ (including his 12 apostles) during his earthly life [Old English discipul, from Latin discipulus pupil, from discere to learn]   > disˈcipleˌship n   > discipular (dIˈsIpjʊlə) adj

■ Disciples of Christ   pl n   a Christian denomination founded in the US in 1809 by Thomas and Alexander Campbell

discipline (ˈdIsIplIn)   n   1 training or conditions imposed for the improvement of physical powers, self-control, etc   2 systematic training in obedience to regulations and authority   3 the state of improved behaviour, etc, resulting from such training or conditions   4 punishment or chastisement   5 a system of rules for behaviour, methods of practice, etc   6 a branch of learning or instruction   7 the laws governing members of a Church   8 a scourge of knotted cords   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to improve or attempt to improve the behaviour, orderliness, etc, of by training, conditions, or rules   10 to punish or correct [C13: from Latin disciplīna teaching, from discipulus DISCIPLE]   > ˈdisciˌplinable adj   > disciplinal (ˌdIsIˈplaInəl, ˈdIsIˌplInəl) adj   > ˈdisciˌpliner n

■ disciplinant (ˈdIsIˌplInənt)   n   (often capital) RC Church a person belonging to a former order of flagellants in Spain

■ disciplinarian (ˌdIsIplIˈnɛərIən)   n   1 a person who imposes or advocates discipline   ▷ adj   2 a less common word for disciplinary

■ disciplinarily (ˌdIsIˈplInərIlI)   adv   in a disciplinary manner

■ disciplinarity (ˌdIsIplIˈnærItI)   n   the state of being disciplinary

■ disciplinarium (ˌdIsIplIˈnɛərIəm)   n   medieval history a scourge for flogging penitents

■ disciplinary (ˈdIsIˌplInərI) or disciplinarian   adj   1 of, promoting, or used for discipline; corrective   2 relating to a branch of learning: criticism that crosses disciplinary boundaries

■ disciplined (ˈdIsIplInd)   adj   showing discipline and self-control in one's actions

discission (dIsˈsIʒən)   n   med surgical incision, esp of a cataract

disclaim (dIsˈkleIm)   vb   1 (tr) to deny or renounce (any claim, connection, etc)   2 (tr) to deny the validity or authority of   3 law to renounce or repudiate (a legal claim or right)   > disclamation (ˌdIskləˈmeIʃən) n

■ disclaimer (dIsˈkleImə)   n   a repudiation or denial

disclimax (dIsˈklaImæks)   n   ecology a climax community resulting from the activities of humans or domestic animals in climatic and other conditions that would otherwise support a different type of community

disclose (dIsˈkləʊz)   vb (tr)   1 to make (information) known   2 to allow to be seen; lay bare   > disˈcloser n

disclosing agent   n   dentistry a vegetable dye, administered as a liquid or in tablet form (disclosing tablet), that stains plaque, making it readily apparent on the teeth

disclosure (dIsˈkləʊʒə)   n   1 something that is disclosed   2 the act of disclosing; revelation

disco (ˈdIskəʊ)   n, pl -cos   1    a an occasion at which typically young people dance to amplified pop records, usually compered by a disc jockey and featuring special lighting effects   b (as modifier): disco dancing   2 a nightclub or other public place where such dances take place   3 mobile equipment, usually accompanied by a disc jockey who operates it, for providing music for a disco   4    a a type of dance music designed to be played in discos, with a solid thump on each beat   b (as modifier): a disco record [C20: shortened from DISCOTHEQUE]

■ discoer (ˈdIskəʊə)   n   a person who attends discos

discobolus or discobolos (dIsˈkɒbələs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   1 (in classical Greece) a discus thrower   2 a statue of a discus thrower [C18: from Latin, from Greek diskobolos, from diskos DISCUS + -bolos, from ballein to throw]

discography (dIsˈkɒɡrəfI)   n   1 a classified reference list of gramophone records   2 another word for discology   > disˈcographer n

■ discographic (ˌdIskəʊˈɡræfIk) or discographical (ˌdIskəʊˈɡræfIkəl)   adj   of or relating to a discography

discology (dIsˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the study of gramophone records   > disˈcologist n

discolour or US discolor (dIsˈkʌlə)   vb   to change or cause to change in colour; fade or stain   > disˌcolorˈation or disˌcolourˈation n   > disˈcolourment or US disˈcolorment n

■ discoloured (dIsˈkʌləd) or US discolored   adj   changed from the original colour, in an undesirable way

discomboberate (ˌdIskəmˈbɒbəreIt)   vb (tr)   archaic another word for discombobulate

discombobulate (ˌdIskəmˈbɒbjʊˌleIt)   vb   (tr) informal, chiefly US and Canadian to throw into confusion [C20: probably a whimsical alteration of DISCOMPOSE or DISCOMFIT]

discomedusan (ˌdIskəʊmIˈdjuːsən)   n   a member of the Discomedusae, an order of jellyfish with flattened bodies

discomfit (dIsˈkʌmfIt)   vb (tr)   1 to make uneasy, confused, or embarrassed   2 to frustrate the plans or purpose of   3 archaic to defeat in battle [C14: from Old French desconfire to destroy, from des- (indicating reversal) + confire to make, from Latin conficere to produce; see CONFECT]   > disˈcomfiter n   > disˈcomfiture n

■ discomfited (dIsˈkʌmfItId)   adj   uncomfortable

discomfort (dIsˈkʌmfət)   n   1 an inconvenience, distress, or mild pain   2 something that disturbs or deprives of ease   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make uncomfortable or uneasy

■ discomfortable (dIsˈkʌmfətəbəl, -ˈkʌmftə-)   adj   archaic tending to deprive of mental or physical ease or comfort

■ discomforting (dIsˈkʌmfət)   adj   making one uncomfortable or uneasy; disquieting

discommend (ˌdIskəˈmɛnd)   vb (tr)   1 rare to express disapproval of   2 obsolete to bring into disfavour   > ˌdiscomˈmendable adj   > disˌcommenˈdation n

discommission (ˌdIskəˈmIʃən)   vb (tr)   obsolete to deprive (a person or organization) of a commission

discommode (ˌdIskəˈməʊd)   vb   (tr) to cause inconvenience or annoyance to; disturb   > ˌdiscomˈmodious adj   > ˌdiscomˈmodiously adv

■ discommodity (ˌdIskəˈmɒdItI)   n, pl -ties   1 economics a commodity without utility   2 archaic the state or a source of inconvenience

discommon (dIsˈkɒmən)   vb   (tr) law to deprive (land) of the character and status of common, as by enclosure

discommunity (ˌdIskəˈmjuːnItI)   n   a lack of community

discompose (ˌdIskəmˈpəʊz)   vb (tr)   1 to disturb the composure of; disconcert   2 rare to disarrange   > ˌdiscomˈposedly adv   > ˌdiscomˈposingly adv   > ˌdiscomˈposure n

discomycete (ˌdIskəʊˈmaIsiːt)   n   a fungus of the subclass Discomycetes

■ discomycetous (ˌdIskəʊˈmaIsiːtəs)   adj   of or relating to the subclass of fungus Discomycetes

disconcert (ˌdIskənˈsɜːt)   vb (tr)   1 to disturb the composure of   2 to frustrate or upset   > ˌdisconˈcertion or ˌdisconˈcertment n

■ disconcerted (ˌdIskənˈsɜːtId)   adj   perturbed, embarrassed, or confused   > ˌdisconˈcertedly adv   > ˌdisconˈcertedness n

■ disconcerting (ˌdIskənˈsɜːtIŋ)   adj   causing a feeling of disturbance, embarrassment, or confusion; perturbing; worrying   > ˌdisconˈcertingly adv

disconfirm (ˌdIskənˈfɜːm)   vb   (tr) (of a fact or argument) to suggest that a hypothesis is wrong or ill-formulated   > ˌdisconfirˈmation n

disconformable (ˌdIskənˈfɔːməbəl)   adj   1 incapable of conforming   2 geology of or relating to a disconformity

disconformity (ˌdIskənˈfɔːmItI)   n, pl -ties   1 lack of conformity; discrepancy   2 geology the junction between two parallel series of stratified rocks, representing a considerable period of erosion of the much older underlying rocks before the more recent ones were deposited

disconnect (ˌdIskəˈnɛkt)   vb   1 (tr) to undo or break the connection of or between (something, such as a plug and a socket)   ▷ n   2 a lack of a connection; disconnection: a disconnect between political discourse and the public   > ˌdisconˈnecter n   > ˌdisconˈnection or ˌdisconˈnexion n   > ˌdisconˈnective adj

■ disconnected (ˌdIskəˈnɛktId)   adj   1 not rationally connected; confused or incoherent   2 not connected or joined   > ˌdisconˈnectedly adv   > ˌdisconˈnectedness n

disconsent (ˌdIskənˈsɛnt) obsolete   n   1 a lack of consent   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to exhibit a lack of consent

disconsolate (dIsˈkɒnsəlIt)   adj   1 sad beyond comfort; inconsolable   2 disappointed; dejected [C14: from Medieval Latin disconsōlātus, from DIS-1 + consōlātus comforted; see CONSOLE^1]   > disˈconsolately adv   > disˈconsolateness or disˌconsoˈlation n

discontent (ˌdIskənˈtɛnt)   n   1 Also called: discontentment lack of contentment, as with one's condition or lot in life   2 a discontented person   ▷ adj   3 dissatisfied   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to make dissatisfied   > ˌdisconˈtented adj   > ˌdisconˈtentedly adv   > ˌdisconˈtentedness n

■ discontentful (ˌdIskənˈtɛntfʊl)   adj   exhibiting a lack of contentment

■ discontentment (ˌdIskənˈtɛntmənt)   n   lack of contentment; dissatisfaction

discontiguous (ˌdIskənˈtIɡjʊəs)   adj   Scot disconnected or without contact

■ discontiguity (ˌdIskɒntIˈɡjuːItI)   n   the quality of being discontiguous

discontinue (ˌdIskənˈtInjuː)   vb -ues, -uing, -ued   1 to come or bring to an end; interrupt or be interrupted; stop   2 (tr) law to terminate or abandon (an action, suit, etc)   > ˌdisconˈtinuance n   > ˌdisconˌtinuˈation n   > ˌdisconˈtinuer n

■ discontinued (ˌdIskənˈtInjuːd)   adj   no longer in production: a discontinued line

■ discontinuity (dIsˌkɒntIˈnjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 lack of rational connection or cohesion   2 a break or interruption   3 maths   a the property of being discontinuous   b the point or the value of the variable at which a curve or function becomes discontinuous   4 geology   a a zone within the earth where a sudden change in physical properties, such as the velocity of earthquake waves, occurs. Such a zone marks the boundary between the different layers of the earth, as between the core and mantle. See also Mohorovičić discontinuity   b a surface separating rocks that are not continuous with each other

■ discontinuous (ˌdIskənˈtInjʊəs)   adj   1 characterized by interruptions or breaks; intermittent   2 maths (of a function or curve) changing suddenly in value for one or more values of the variable or at one or more points. Compare continuous (sense 3)   > ˌdisconˈtinuously adv   > ˌdisconˈtinuousness n

discophile (ˈdIskəʊˌfaIl)   n   a specialist in or collector of vinyl records

discophoran (dIsˈkɒfərən) zoology   n   1 a member of the Discophora group   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or resembling jellyfish   3 of the subclass Discophora, which is a member of the class Hydrozoa, containing jellyfish   4 of the order Discophora of suctorial worms, including leeches

discophorous (dIsˈkɒfərəs)   adj   another word for discophoran

discord   n (ˈdIskɔːd)   1 lack of agreement of harmony; strife   2 harsh confused mingling of sounds   3 a combination of musical notes containing one or more dissonant intervals. See dissonance (sense 3), concord (sense 4)   ▷ vb (dIsˈkɔːd)   4 (intr) to disagree; clash [C13: from Old French descort, from descorder to disagree, from Latin discordāre, from discors at variance, from DIS-1 + cor heart]

■ discordance (dIsˈkɔːdəns) or discordancy   n   1 geology an arrangement of rock strata in which the older underlying ones dip at a different angle from the younger overlying ones; unconformity   2 lack of agreement or consonance   3 variants of discord

■ discordant (dIsˈkɔːdənt)   adj   1 at variance; disagreeing   2 harsh in sound; inharmonious   > disˈcordantly adv

■ discordful (dIsˈkɔːdfʊl)   adj   same as discordant

discorporate (dIsˈkɔːpərIt)   adj   1 obsolete deprived of corporation   2 not part of a corporation   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to deprive (a corporate body) of corporation   4 to separate (a corporate body) from corporation

discotheque (ˈdIskəˌtɛk)   n   the full name of disco [C20: from French discothèque, from Greek diskos disc + -O- + Greek thēkē case]

discounsel (dIsˈkaʊnsəl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to advise (a person) against a specific act

■ discounselled (dIsˈkaʊnsəld)   adj   obsolete lacking support or counsel

discount   vb (dIsˈkaʊnt, ˈdIskaʊnt) (mainly tr)   1 to leave out of account as being unreliable, prejudiced, or irrelevant   2 to anticipate and make allowance for, often so as to diminish the effect of   3    a to deduct (a specified amount or percentage) from the usual price, cost, etc   b to reduce (the regular price, cost, etc) by a stated percentage or amount   4 to sell or offer for sale at a reduced price   5 to buy or sell (a bill of exchange, etc) before maturity, with a deduction for interest determined by the time to maturity and also by risk   6 (also intr) to loan money on (a negotiable instrument that is not immediately payable) with a deduction for interest determined by risk and time to maturity   ▷ n (ˈdIskaʊnt)   7 a deduction from the full amount of a price or debt, as in return for prompt payment or to a special group of customers. See also cash discount, trade discount   8 Also called: discount rate   a the amount of interest deducted in the purchase or sale of or the loan of money on unmatured negotiable instruments   b the rate of interest deducted   9    a (in the issue of shares) a percentage deducted from the par value to give a reduced amount payable by subscribers   b the amount by which the par value of something, esp shares, exceeds its market value. Compare premium (sense 3)   10 the act or an instance of discounting a negotiable instrument   11 at a discount   a below the regular price   b (of share values) below par   c held in low regard; not sought after or valued   12 (modifier) offering or selling at reduced prices: a discount shop   > disˈcountable adj

■ discounted cash flow   n   accounting a technique for appraising an investment that takes into account the different values of future returns according to when they will be received. Abbreviation: DCF

■ discounter (ˈdIskaʊntə)   n   1 another name for discount store   2 any business that provides a given service or product at a discounted price, esp one that threatens the market share of previous sector leaders

■ discount house   n   1 chiefly Brit a financial organization engaged in discounting bills of exchange, etc on a large scale primarily by borrowing call money from commercial banks   2 chiefly US another name for discount store

■ discount market   n   the part of the money market consisting of banks, discount houses, and brokers on which bills are discounted

■ discount rate   n finance   1 the amount of interest deducted in the purchase or sale of or the loan of money on unmatured negotiable instruments   2 the rate of interest deducted

■ discount store   n   a shop where goods are sold at a low price

discountenance (dIsˈkaʊntInəns)   vb (tr)   1 to make ashamed or confused   2 to disapprove of   ▷ n   3 disapproval

discourage (dIsˈkʌrIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive of the will to persist in something   2 to inhibit; prevent: this solution discourages rust   3 to oppose by expressing disapproval   > disˈcouragement n   > disˈcourager n

■ discourageable (dIsˈkʌrIdʒəbəl)   adj   capable of being discouraged

■ discouraged (dIsˈkʌrIdʒd)   adj   having had one's confidence and determination reduced

■ discouraging (dIsˈkʌrIdʒIŋ)   adj   causing a loss of confidence and determination   > disˈcouragingly adv

discoure (dIsˈkaʊə)   vb (tr)   archaic to discover (someone or something)

discourse   n (ˈdIskɔːs, dIsˈkɔːs)   1 verbal communication; talk; conversation   2 a formal treatment of a subject in speech or writing, such as a sermon or dissertation   3 a unit of text used by linguists for the analysis of linguistic phenomena that range over more than one sentence   4 archaic the ability to reason or the reasoning process   ▷ vb (dIsˈkɔːs)   5 (intr; often foll by on or upon) to speak or write (about) formally and extensively   6 (intr) to hold a discussion   7 (tr) archaic to give forth (music) [C14: from Medieval Latin discursus argument, from Latin: a running to and fro, from discurrere to run different ways, from DIS-1 + currere to run]   > disˈcourser n

■ discoursal (dIsˈkɔːsəl)   adj   of or relating to discourse

■ discoursive (dIsˈkɔːsIv)   adj   an obsolete word for discursive

discourteise (dIsˈkɔːtIIs)   adj   an archaic form of discourteous

discourtesy (dIsˈkɜːtIsI)   n, pl -sies   1 bad manners; rudeness   2 a rude remark or act

■ discourteous (dIsˈkɜːtIəs)   adj   showing bad manners; impolite; rude   > disˈcourteously adv   > disˈcourteousness n

discover (dIˈskʌvə)   vb (tr; may take a clause as object)   1 to be the first to find or find out about: Fleming discovered penicillin   2 to learn about or encounter for the first time; realize: she discovered the pleasures of travel   3 to find after study or search: I discovered a leak in the tank   4 to reveal or make known   > disˈcoverable adj   > disˈcoverer n

■ discovered check   n   chess a check given by moving a man that has been masking a potential check from a bishop, rook, or queen

■ discovery (dIˈskʌvərI)   n, pl -eries   1 the act, process, or an instance of discovering   2 a person, place, or thing that has been discovered   3 law the compulsory disclosure by a party to an action of relevant documents in his or her possession

■ Discovery Bay   n   an inlet of the Indian Ocean in SE Australia

discovert (dIsˈkʌvət)   adj   law (of a woman) not under the protection of a spouse; being a widow, spinster, or divorcée [C14: from Old French descovert, past participle of descouvrir to DISCOVER]   > disˈcoverture n

discredit (dIsˈkrɛdIt)   vb (tr)   1 to damage the reputation of   2 to cause to be disbelieved or distrusted   3 to reject as untrue or of questionable accuracy   ▷ n   4 a person, thing, or state of affairs that causes disgrace   5 damage to a reputation   6 lack of belief or confidence

■ discreditable (dIsˈkrɛdItəbəl)   adj   tending to bring discredit; shameful or unworthy   > disˈcreditably adv

■ discredited (dIsˈkrɛdItId)   adj   1 having lost one's reputation: the previous government is now thoroughly discredited   2 no longer accepted as valid or effective

discreet (dIˈskriːt)   adj   1 careful to avoid social embarrassment or distress, esp by keeping confidences secret; tactful   2 unobtrusive [C14: from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discrētus, from Latin discernere to DISCERN]   > disˈcreetly adv   > disˈcreetness n

USAGE

Avoid confusion with discrete

discrepancy (dIˈskrɛpənsI)   n, pl -cies   a conflict or variation, as between facts, figures, or claims

USAGE

Discrepancy is sometimes wrongly used where disparity is meant. A discrepancy exists between things which ought to be the same; it can be small but is usually significant. A disparity is a large difference between measurable things such as age, rank, or wages

■ discrepance (dIsˈkrɛpəns)   n   the quality or state of being discrepant; discrepancy

■ discrepant (dIˈskrɛpənt)   adj   inconsistent; conflicting; at variance [C15: from Latin discrepāns, from discrepāre to differ in sound, from DIS-1 + crepāre to be noisy]   > disˈcrepantly adv

discrete (dIsˈkriːt)   adj   1 separate or distinct in form or concept   2 consisting of distinct or separate parts   3 statistics   a (of a variable) having consecutive values that are not infinitesimally close, so that its analysis requires summation rather than integration   b (of a distribution) relating to a discrete variable. Compare continuous (sense 4) [C14: from Latin discrētus separated, set apart; see DISCREET]   > disˈcretely adv   > disˈcreteness n

USAGE

Avoid confusion with discreet

discretion (dIˈskrɛʃən)   n   1 the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid social embarrassment or distress   2 freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit (esp in the phrases at one's own discretion, at the discretion of)   3 age of discretion or years of discretion the age at which a person is considered to be able to manage his or her own affairs

■ discretionary (dIˈskrɛʃənərI, -ənrI) or discretional   adj   having or using the ability to decide at one's own discretion: discretionary powers   > disˈcretionarily or disˈcretionally adv

■ discretionary trust   n   a trust in which the beneficiaries' shares are not fixed in the trust deed but are left to the discretion of other persons, often the trustees

discretive (dIsˈkriːtIv)   adj   1 logic disjunctive   2 obsolete distinctive   ▷ n obsolete   3 logic, grammar a disjunctive conjunction or preposition   4 a discriminatory idea or remark

■ discretively (dIsˈkriːtIvlI)   adv   in a discretive manner

discriminate   vb (dIˈskrImIˌneIt)   1 (intr; usually foll by in favour of or against) to single out a particular person, group, etc, for special favour or, esp, disfavour, often because of a characteristic such as race, colour, sex, intelligence, etc   2 (when intr, foll by between or among) to recognize or understand the difference (between); distinguish: to discriminate right and wrong; to discriminate between right and wrong   3 (intr) to constitute or mark a difference   4 (intr) to be discerning in matters of taste   ▷ adj (dIˈskrImInIt)   5 showing or marked by discrimination [C17: from Latin discrīmināre to divide, from discrīmen a separation, from discernere to DISCERN]   > disˈcriminately adv

■ discriminable (dIsˈkrImInəbəl)   adj   capable of being discriminated

■ discriminably (dIsˈkrImInəblI)   adv   in a discriminable manner

■ discriminant (dIˈskrImInənt)   n   an algebraic expression related to the coefficients of a polynomial equation whose value gives information about the roots of the polynomial: b^2 – 4ac is the discriminant of ax^2 + bx + c = 0

■ discriminating (dIˈskrImIˌneItIŋ)   adj   1 able to see fine distinctions and differences   2 discerning in matters of taste   3 (of a tariff, import duty, etc) levied at differential rates in order to favour or discourage imports or exports   > disˈcrimiˌnatingly adv

■ discrimination (dIˌskrImIˈneIʃən)   n   1 unfair treatment of a person, racial group, minority, etc; action based on prejudice   2 subtle appreciation in matters of taste   3 the ability to see fine distinctions and differences   4 electronics the selection of a signal having a particular frequency, amplitude, phase, etc, effected by the elimination of other signals by means of a discriminator   > disˌcrimiˈnational adj

■ discrimination learning   n   psychol a learning process in which an organism learns to react differently to different stimuli. Compare generalization (sense 3)

■ discriminator (dIˈskrImIˌneItə)   n   1 a person or thing that discriminates   2 an electronic circuit that converts a frequency or phase modulation into an amplitude modulation for subsequent demodulation   3 an electronic circuit that has an output voltage only when the amplitude of the input pulses exceeds a predetermined value

■ discriminatory (dIˈskrImInətərI, -trI) or discriminative (dIˈskrImInətIv)   adj   1 based on or showing prejudice; biased   2 capable of making fine distinctions   3 (of a statistical test) unbiased   > disˈcriminatorily or disˈcriminatively adv

discrown (dIsˈkraʊn)   vb (tr)   to deprive (a person) of a crown

disculpate (dIsˈkʌlpeIt)   vb (tr)   to free (a person) of blame

discumber (dIsˈkʌmbə)   vb (tr)   another word (rare) for disencumber

discursive (dIˈskɜːsIv)   adj   1 passing from one topic to another, usually in an unmethodical way; digressive   2 philosophy of or relating to knowledge obtained by reason and argument rather than intuition. Compare dianoetic [C16: from Medieval Latin discursīvus, from Late Latin discursus DISCOURSE]   > disˈcursively adv   > disˈcursiveness n

■ discursion (dIsˈkɜːʃən, dIsˈkɜːʒən)   n   1 a movement to and fro   2 a digression   3 a discourse

■ discursist (dIsˈkɜːsIst)   n   a person who engages in discourse

■ discursory (dIsˈkɜːsərI)   adj   of or relating to discourse

discursus (dIsˈkɜːsʌs)   n   logic a discursive reasoning

discus (ˈdIskəs)   n, pl discuses or disci (ˈdIskaI)   1 (originally) a circular stone or plate used in throwing competitions by the ancient Greeks   2 athletics   a a similar disc-shaped object with a heavy middle thrown by athletes   b (as modifier): a discus thrower   3 the discus the event or sport of throwing the discus   4 a South American cichlid fish, Symphysodon discus, that has a compressed coloured body and is a popular aquarium fish [C17: from Latin, from Greek diskos from dikein to throw]

discuss (dIˈskʌs)   vb (tr)   1 to have a conversation about; consider by talking over; debate   2 to treat (a subject) in speech or writing: the first three volumes discuss basic principles   3 facetious, rare to eat or drink with enthusiasm [C14: from Late Latin discussus examined, from discutere to investigate, from Latin: to dash to pieces, from DIS-1 + quatere to shake, strike]   > disˈcussant or disˈcusser n   > disˈcussible or disˈcussable adj

■ discussion (dIˈskʌʃən)   n   the examination or consideration of a matter in speech or writing   > disˈcussional adj

■ discussive (dIsˈkʌsIv)   adj   1 med an obsolete word for discutient (sense 1)   2 obsolete capable of settling an argument   3 archaic debatable   ▷ n   4 med an obsolete word for discutient (sense 2)

discutient (dIsˈkjuːʃIənt) med   adj   1 capable of dissipating diseased matter   ▷ n   2 a medicine that is capable of dissipating diseased matter

disdain (dIsˈdeIn)   n   1 a feeling or show of superiority and dislike; contempt; scorn   ▷ vb   2 (tr; may take an infinitive) to refuse or reject with disdain [C13 dedeyne, from Old French desdeign, from desdeigner to reject as unworthy, from Latin dēdignārī; see DIS-1, DEIGN]

■ disdainful (dIsˈdeInfʊl)   adj   showing or feeling disdain   > disˈdainfully adv   > disˈdainfulness n

disease (dIˈziːz)   n   1 any impairment of normal physiological function affecting all or part of an organism, esp a specific pathological change caused by infection, stress, etc, producing characteristic symptoms; illness or sickness in general   2 a corresponding condition in plants   3 any situation or condition likened to this: the disease of materialism ▶ Related adjective: pathological [C14: from Old French desaise; see DIS-1, EASE]

■ diseased (dIˈziːzd)   adj   having or affected with disease

■ diseasedness (dIˈziːzədnəs)   n   the quality of being diseased

■ diseaseful (dIˈziːzfʊl)   adj   1 obsolete troublesome   2 affected with disease   3 prone to disease

diseconomy (ˌdIsIˈkɒnəmI)   n, pl -mies   economics disadvantage, such as lower efficiency or higher average costs, resulting from the scale on which an enterprise produces goods or services

disedge (dIsˈɛdʒ)   vb (tr)   to render (an object) blunt

disembark (ˌdIsImˈbɑːk)   vb   to land or cause to land from a ship, aircraft, etc: several passengers disembarked; we will disembark the passengers   > disembarkation (dIsˌɛmbɑːˈkeIʃən) or ˌdisemˈbarkment n

disembarrass (ˌdIsImˈbærəs)   vb (tr)   1 to free from embarrassment, entanglement, etc   2 to relieve or rid of something burdensome   > ˌdisemˈbarrassment n

disembellish (ˌdIsImˈbɛlIʃ)   vb (tr)   to deprive (an object) of embellishment

disembitter (ˌdIsImˈbItə)   vb (tr)   to remove (an attitude of) bitterness

disembody (ˌdIsImˈbɒdI)   vb -bodies, -bodying, -bodied   (tr) to free from the body or from physical form   > ˌdisemˈbodiment n

■ disembodied (ˌdIsImˈbɒdId)   adj   1 lacking a body or freed from the body; incorporeal   2 lacking in substance, solidity, or any firm relation to reality

disembogue (ˌdIsImˈbəʊɡ)   vb -bogues, -boguing, -bogued   1 (of a river, stream, etc) to discharge (water) at the mouth   2 (intr) to flow out [C16: from Spanish desembocar, from des- DIS-1 + embocar put into the mouth, from em- in + boca mouth, from Latin bucca cheek]   > ˌdisemˈboguement n

disembosom (ˌdIsImˈbʊzəm)   vb (tr)   poetic to disclose (information)

disembowel (ˌdIsImˈbaʊəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   (tr) to remove the entrails of   > ˌdisemˈbowelment n

disembrangle (ˌdIsImˈbræŋɡəl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to disentangle (a person or thing)

disembroil (ˌdIsImˈbrɔIl)   vb   (tr) to free from entanglement or a confused situation

disemburden (ˌdIsImˈbɜːdən)   vb (tr)   to remove a burden from (someone or something)

disemploy (ˌdIsImˈplɔI)   vb (tr)   to remove (a person) from employment

■ disemployment (ˌdIsImˈplɔImənt)   n   a removal from employment

disempower (ˌdIsImˈpaʊə)   vb   (tr) to deprive (a person) of power or authority   > ˌdisemˈpowerment n

disemvowel (ˌdIsImˈvaʊəl)   vb   (tr) informal to remove the vowels from (a word in a text message, email, etc) in order to abbreviate it [C21: from DISEM(BOWEL) + VOWEL]

disenable (ˌdIsIˈneIbəl)   vb   (tr) to cause to become incapable; prevent   > ˌdisenˈablement n

disenchain (ˌdIsInˈtʃeIn)   vb (tr)   to set (a person) free from restraint

disenchant (ˌdIsInˈtʃɑːnt)   vb   (tr; when passive, foll by with or by) to make disappointed or disillusioned: she is disenchanted with the marriage

■ disenchanted (ˌdIsInˈtʃɑːntId)   adj   disappointed or disillusioned

■ disenchanter (ˌdIsInˈtʃɑːntə)   n   a person who disenchants

■ disenchantingly (ˌdIsInˈtʃɑːntIŋlI)   adv   in a disenchanting manner

■ disenchantment (ˌdIsInˈtʃɑːntmənt)   n   a state of disappointment or disillusionment

■ disenchantress (ˌdIsInˈtʃɑːntrIs)   n   a woman who disenchants

disenclose (ˌdIsInˈkləʊz)   vb (tr)   obsolete to remove (someone or something) from enclosure

disencumber (ˌdIsInˈkʌmbə)   vb   (tr) to free from encumbrances   > ˌdisenˈcumberment n

■ disencumbrance (ˌdIsInˈkʌmbrəns)   n   obsolete the removal of an encumbrance

disendow (ˌdIsInˈdaʊ)   vb   (tr) to take away an endowment from   > ˌdisenˈdower n   > ˌdisenˈdowment n

disenfranchise (ˌdIsInˈfræntʃaIz) or disfranchise   vb (tr)   1 to deprive (a person) of the right to vote or other rights of citizenship   2 to deprive (a place) of the right to send representatives to an elected body   3 to deprive (a business concern, etc) of some privilege or right   4 to deprive (a person, place, etc) of any franchise or right   > disenfranchisement (ˌdIsInˈfræntʃIzmənt) or disˈfranchisement n

■ disenfranchised (ˌdIsInˈfræntʃaIzd) politics   adj   1 deprived of the right to vote or other rights of citizenship   ▷ pl n   2 the disenfranchised people who are deprived of the right to vote or other rights of citizenship

disengage (ˌdIsInˈɡeIdʒ)   vb   1 to release or become released from a connection, obligation, etc: press the clutch to disengage the gears   2 military to withdraw (forces) from close action   3 fencing to move (one's blade) from one side of an opponent's blade to another in a circular motion to bring the blade into an open line of attack   > ˌdisenˈgaged adj

■ disengagedness (ˌdIsInˈɡeIdʒIdnəs)   n   the quality of being disengaged

■ disengagement (ˌdIsInˈɡeIdʒmənt)   n   1 the act or process of disengaging or the state of being disengaged   2 leisure; ease

disennoble (ˌdIsIˈnəʊbəl)   vb (tr)   to deprive of nobility

disenrol (ˌdIsInˈrəʊl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to remove from a register

■ disenrolled (ˌdIsInˈrəʊld)   adj   deprived of enrolment

■ disenrolling (ˌdIsInˈrəʊlIŋ)   n   the act of depriving enrolment

disenshroud (ˌdIsInˈʃraʊd)   vb (tr)   to free from a shroud

disenslave (ˌdIsInˈsleIv)   vb (tr)   to free from slave status

disentail (ˌdIsInˈteIl) property law   vb   1 to free (an estate) from entail   ▷ n   2 the act of disentailing; disentailment   > ˌdisenˈtailment n

disentangle (ˌdIsInˈtæŋɡəl)   vb   1 to release or become free from entanglement or confusion   2 (tr) to unravel or work out   > ˌdisenˈtanglement n

disenthral or US disenthrall (ˌdIsInˈθrɔːl)   vb -thrals, -thralling, -thralled or US -thralls, -thralling, -thralled   (tr) to set free   > ˌdisenˈthralment or US ˌdisenˈthrallment n

disenthrone (ˌdIsInˈθrəʊn)   vb (tr)   to dethrone, thereby removing royal status

disentitle (ˌdIsInˈtaItəl)   vb   (tr) to deprive of a title, right, or claim

disentomb (ˌdIsInˈtuːm)   vb   (tr) to disinter; unearth

disentrail (dIsˈɛntreIl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to remove the entrails from

disentrain (ˌdIsInˈtreIn)   vb   to go or set down from a train

■ disentrainment (ˌdIsInˈtreInmənt)   n   the act of discharging troops from a train

disentrance (ˌdIsInˈtrɑːns)   vb (tr)   to set free from a trance

■ disentrancement (ˌdIsInˈtrɑːnsmənt)   n   the act of setting free from a trance

disentrayle (ˌdIsInˈtreIl)   vb (tr)   archaic to pass out as if from the entrails

disentwine (ˌdIsInˈtwaIn)   vb   to become or cause to become untwined; unwind

disenvelop (ˌdIsInˈvɛləp)   vb   (tr) to unfold

disenviron (ˌdIsInˈvaIrən)   vb (tr)   to set free from a specific environment

disepalous (daIˈsɛpələs)   adj   (of flowers or plants) having two sepals

disequilibrium (ˌdIsiːkwIˈlIbrIəm)   n   a loss or absence of equilibrium, esp in an economy

■ disequilibrate (ˌdIsIˈkwIlIˌbreIt)   vb (tr)   to remove equilibrium from

disespouse (ˌdIsIˈspaʊz)   vb (tr)   obsolete to divorce from (a spouse)

disestablish (ˌdIsIˈstæblIʃ)   vb   (tr) to deprive (a church, custom, institution, etc) of established status   > ˌdisesˈtablishment n

disesteem (ˌdIsIˈstiːm)   vb   1 (tr) to think little of   ▷ n   2 lack of esteem

■ disestimation (dIsˌɛstIˈmeIʃən)   n   obsolete the act of having esteem removed

diseuse (French dizœz)   n   (esp formerly) an actress who presents dramatic recitals, usually sung accompanied by music. Male counterpart: diseur (French dizœr) [C19: from French, feminine of diseur speaker, from dire to speak, from Latin dīcere]

disfame (dIsˈfeIm)   n   1 disrepute   2 a lack of fame   ▷ vb (tr)   3 obsolete to throw into disrepute or remove fame (from)

disfavour or US disfavor (dIsˈfeIvə)   n   1 disapproval or dislike   2 the state of being disapproved of or disliked   3 an unkind act   4 a damaging or disadvantageous effect; detriment   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to regard or treat with disapproval or dislike

■ disfavourer (dIsˈfeIvərə)   n   one who does not favour

disfeature (dIsˈfiːtʃə)   vb   (tr) to mar the features or appearance of; deface   > disˈfeaturement n

disfellowship (ˌdIsˈfɛləʊʃIp)   vb -ships, -shipping, -shipped or US -ships, -shiping, -shiped (tr)   to excommunicate

disfigure (dIsˈfIɡə)   vb (tr)   1 to spoil the appearance or shape of; deface   2 to mar the effect or quality of   > disˈfigurer n

■ disfigured (dIsˈfIɡəd)   adj   spoiled in appearance; scarred

■ disfigurement (dIsˈfIɡəmənt) or disfiguration (ˌdIsfIɡəˈreIʃən)   n   1 something that disfigures   2 the act of disfiguring or the state of being disfigured

disflesh (dIsˈflɛʃ)   vb (tr)   to reduce or remove flesh from

disfluent (dIsˈfluːənt)   adj   lacking fluency in speech

■ disfluency (dIsˈfluːənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 an unintentional interruption in speech such as a hesitation or slur   2 an impairment in the ability to produce smooth speech

disforest (dIsˈfɒrIst)   vb (tr)   1 another word for deforest   2 English law a less common word for disafforest   > disˌforesˈtation n

disform (dIsˈfɔːm)   vb   1 (tr) to change the form of   2 (tr) obsolete to disfigure or deface   3 (intr) to alter one's own form   ▷ adj   4 obsolete not conforming

disfranchise (dIsˈfræntʃaIz)   vb   another word for disenfranchise

disfrock (dIsˈfrɒk)   vb   another word for unfrock

disfunction (dIsˈfʌŋkʃən)   n   a nonstandard variant of dysfunction   > disˈfunctional adj

disfurnish (dIsˈfɜːnIʃ)   vb (tr)   to deprive of furnishings

■ disfurnishment (dIsˈfɜːnIʃmənt)   n   the act or quality of disfurnishing

disgarnish (dIsˈɡɑːnIʃ)   vb (tr)   to remove garnish or furnishings from

disgarrison (dIsˈɡærIsən)   vb (tr)   obsolete to deprive of a garrison

disgavel (dIsˈɡævəl)   vb (tr)   English law to deprive of the quality of gavelkind

■ disgavelled (dIsˈɡævəld)   adj   freed from gavelkind

■ disgavelling (dIsˈɡævəlIŋ)   n   the act or quality of being without gavelkind

disgest (dIsˈdʒɛst)   vb   an obsolete term for digest

■ disgestion (dIsˈdʒɛstʃən)   n   an obsolete name for digestion

disglorify (dIsˈɡlɔːrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   obsolete to remove from glory

disgodded (dIsˈɡɒdId)   adj   deprived of divinity

disgorge (dIsˈɡɔːdʒ)   vb   1 to throw out (swallowed food, etc) from the throat or stomach; vomit   2 to discharge or empty of (contents)   3 (tr) to yield up unwillingly or under pressure   4 (tr) angling to remove (a hook) from the mouth or throat of (a fish)   > disˈgorgement n

■ disgorger (dIsˈɡɔːdʒə)   n   angling a thin notched metal implement for removing hooks from a fish

disgospelling (dIsˈɡɒspəlIŋ)   adj   obsolete depriving of access to the gospel

disgown (dIsˈɡaʊn)   vb (tr)   to remove a gown from (esp in a religious or academic sense)

disgrace (dIsˈɡreIs)   n   1 a condition of shame, loss of reputation, or dishonour   2 a shameful person, thing, or state of affairs   3 exclusion from confidence or trust: he is in disgrace with his father   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to bring shame upon; be a discredit to   5 to treat or cause to be treated with disfavour   > disˈgracer n

■ disgraced (dIsˈɡreIst)   adj   having lost the approval and respect of the public or of people in authority

■ disgraceful (dIsˈɡreIsfʊl)   adj   shameful; scandalous   > disˈgracefully adv   > disˈgracefulness n

disgracious (dIsˈɡreIʃəs)   adj obsolete   1 ungracious   2 disliked   3 shameful

disgrade (dIsˈɡreId)   vb (tr)   to degrade of rank or status

■ disgradation (ˌdIsɡrəˈdeIʃən)   n   obsolete a deposition of rank or status

disgregation (ˌdIsɡrIˈɡeIʃən)   n   the separation of components from a whole, esp of people from a company

disgruntle (dIsˈɡrʌntəl)   vb   (tr; usually passive) to make sulky or discontented [C17: DIS-1 + obsolete gruntle to complain; see GRUNT]   > disˈgruntlement n

■ disgruntled (dIsˈɡrʌntəld)   adj   feeling or expressing discontent or anger

disguise (dIsˈɡaIz)   vb   1 to modify the appearance or manner in order to conceal the identity of (oneself, someone, or something)   2 (tr) to misrepresent in order to obscure the actual nature or meaning: to disguise the facts   ▷ n   3 a mask, costume, or manner that disguises   4 the act of disguising or the state of being disguised [C14: from Old French desguisier, from des- DIS-1 + guise manner; see GUISE]   > disˈguisable adj   > disˈguised adj   > disguisedly (dIsˈɡaIzIdlI) adv   > disˈguiser n

■ disguisedness (dIsˈɡaIzədnəs)   n   the state of being disguised

■ disguiseless (dIsˈɡaIzlIs)   adj   the quality of being without disguise

■ disguisement (dIsˈɡaIzmənt)   n   1 the act or state of disguise   2 a disguise

■ disguisings (dIsˈɡaIzIŋz)   pl n   the adornments which are used to disguise

disgust (dIsˈɡʌst)   vb (tr)   1 to sicken or fill with loathing   2 to offend the moral sense, principles, or taste of   ▷ n   3 a great loathing or distaste aroused by someone or something   4 in disgust as a result of disgust [C16: from Old French desgouster, from des- DIS-1 + gouster to taste, from goust taste, from Latin gustus]

■ disgusted (dIsˈɡʌstId)   adj   feeling a strong sense of dislike and disapproval   > disˈgustedly adv   > disˈgustedness n

■ disgustfully (dIsˈɡʌstfʊlI)   adv   rare in a disgustful manner

■ disgusting (dIsˈɡʌstIŋ)   adj   loathsome; repugnant. Also (rare): disgustful   > disˈgustingly adv

■ disgustingness (dIsˈɡʌstIŋnəs)   n   the quality of being disgusting. Also (rare): disgustfulness

dish (dIʃ)   n   1 a container used for holding or serving food, esp an open shallow container of pottery, glass, etc   2 the food that is served or contained in a dish   3 a particular article or preparation of food: a local fish dish   4 Also called: dishful the amount contained in a dish   5 something resembling a dish, esp in shape   6 a concavity or depression   7 short for dish aerial, satellite dish aerial   8 informal an attractive person   9 informal something that one particularly enjoys or excels in   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to put into a dish   11 to make hollow or concave   12 Brit informal to ruin or spoil: she dished her chances of getting the job [Old English disc, from Latin discus quoit, see DISC]   > ˈdishˌlike adj

■ dish aerial   n   1 Formal name: parabolic aerial. Often shortened to: dish a microwave aerial, used esp in radar, radio telescopes, and satellite broadcasting, consisting of a parabolic reflector   2 short for satellite dish aerial   ▶ Also called: dish antenna

■ dishcloth (ˈdIʃˌklɒθ)   n   a cloth or rag for washing or drying dishes. Also called (dialect): dishclout (ˈdIʃˌkluːt)

■ dishcloth gourd   n   1 any of several tropical climbing plants of the cucurbitaceous genus Luffa, esp L. cylindrica, which is cultivated for ornament and for the fibrous interior of its fruits. See loofah   2 the fruit of any of these plants   ▶ Also called (dialect): vegetable sponge

■ dishclout (ˈdIʃˌkluːt)   n   dialect another name for dishcloth

■ dished (dIʃt)   adj   1 shaped like a dish; concave   2 (of a pair of road wheels) arranged so that they are closer to one another at the bottom than at the top   3 informal exhausted or defeated

■ dishes (ˈdIʃIz)   pl n   all the objects that have been used to cook, serve, and eat a meal

■ dishful (ˈdIʃfʊl)   n   another word for dish (sense 4)

■ dishmop (ˈdIʃmɒp)   n   a mop used to wash dishes

■ dish out   vb informal   1 (tr, adverb) to distribute   2 dish it out to inflict punishment: he can't take it, but he can sure dish it out

■ dishpan (ˈdIʃˌpæn)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a large pan for washing dishes, pots, etc

■ dishrag (ˈdIʃræɡ)   n   another name for a dishcloth

■ dishtowel (ˈdIʃˌtaʊəl)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a towel for drying dishes and kitchen utensils. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): tea towel

■ dish up   vb (adverb)   1 to serve (a meal, food, etc)   2 (tr) informal to prepare or present, esp in an attractive manner

■ dishware (ˈdIʃˌwɛə)   n   tableware

■ dishwasher (ˈdIʃˌwɒʃə)   n   1 an electrically operated machine for washing, rinsing, and drying dishes, cutlery, etc   2 a person who washes dishes, etc

■ dishwater (ˈdIʃˌwɔːtə)   n   1 water in which dishes and kitchen utensils are or have been washed   2 something resembling this: that was dishwater, not coffee

■ dishy (ˈdIʃI)   adj dishier, dishiest informal, chiefly Brit   good-looking or attractive

dishabilitate (ˌdIshəˈbIlIˌteIt)   vb (tr)   1 Scots law to disqualify   2 to make powerless

■ dishabilitation (ˌdIshəˌbIlIˈteIʃən)   n   Scots law the imposition of a legal disqualification

dishabille (ˌdIsæˈbiːl)   n   a variant of deshabille

dishabit (dIsˈhæbIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to dislodge

dishallow (dIsˈhæləʊ)   vb (tr)   to make unholy

disharmony (dIsˈhɑːmənI)   n, pl -nies   1 lack of accord or harmony   2 a situation, circumstance, etc, that is inharmonious   > disharmonious (ˌdIshɑːˈməʊnIəs) adj   > ˌdisharˈmoniously adv

■ disharmonic (ˌdIshɑːˈmɒnIk)   adj   not harmonic

■ disharmonize or disharmonise (dIsˈhɑːməˌnaIz)   vb   to (cause to) be lacking in harmony

dishdasha (ˈdIʃˌdæʃə)   n   a white long-sleeved collarless garment worn by Muslim men in the Arabian peninsula [Arabic]

dishearten (dIsˈhɑːtən)   vb   (tr) to weaken or destroy the hope, courage, enthusiasm, etc, of   > disˈheartenment n

■ disheartened (dIsˈhɑːtənd)   adj   disappointed about something and having less confidence or less hope about it than before

■ disheartening (dIsˈhɑːtənIŋ)   adj   making one feel disappointed and less confident or less hopeful   > disˈhearteningly adv

dishelm (dIsˈhɛlm)   vb   1 to remove a helmet (from)   2 (tr) to remove the helm or rudder from

disherison (dIsˈhɛrIzən)   n   archaic the deprivation of an inheritance

disherit (dIsˈhɛrIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to disinherit

■ disheritor (dIsˈhɛrItə)   n   obsolete someone who disinherits

dishevel (dIˈʃɛvəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   to disarrange (the hair or clothes) of (someone) [C15: back formation from DISHEVELLED]   > diˈshevelment n

■ dishevelled or US disheveled (dIˈʃɛvəld)   adj   1 (esp of hair) hanging loosely   2 (of general appearance) unkempt; untidy [C15 dischevelee, from Old French deschevelé, from des- DIS-1 + chevel hair, from Latin capillus]

dishoard (dIsˈhɔːd)   vb (tr)   to put previously withheld (money) into circulation

dishome (dIsˈhəʊm)   vb (tr)   to deprive of a home

dishonest (dIsˈɒnIst)   adj   not honest or fair; deceiving or fraudulent   > disˈhonestly adv

■ dishonesty (dIsˈɒnIstI)   n, pl -ties   1 lack of honesty or fairness; deceit   2 a deceiving act or statement; fraud

dishonour or US dishonor (dIsˈɒnə)   vb (tr)   1 to treat with disrespect   2 to fail or refuse to pay (a cheque, bill of exchange, etc)   3 archaic to cause the disgrace of (a woman) by seduction or rape   ▷ n   4 a lack of honour or respect   5 a state of shame or disgrace   6 a person or thing that causes a loss of honour: he was a dishonour to his family   7 an insult; affront: we did her a dishonour by not including her   8 refusal or failure to accept or pay a commercial paper   > disˈhonourer or US disˈhonorer n

■ dishonorary (dIsˈɒnərərI)   adj   tending to dishonour or disgrace

■ dishonourable or US dishonorable (dIsˈɒnərəbəl, -ˈɒnrəbəl)   adj   1 characterized by or causing dishonour or discredit   2 having little or no integrity; unprincipled   > disˈhonourableness or US disˈhonorableness n   > disˈhonourably or US disˈhonorably adv

dishorn (dIsˈhɔːn)   vb (tr)   to remove the horns from

dishorse (dIsˈhɔːs)   vb (tr)   to dismount (oneself) from a horse

dishouse (dIsˈhaʊs)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive of a home   2 to cast out from a house   3 to remove houses from (land)

dishumour (dIsˈhjuːmə)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to upset or offend   ▷ n   2 ill-humour

disillude (ˌdIsIˈluːd)   vb (tr)   to remove illusions from

disilluminate (ˌdIsIˈluːmIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   to darken

disillusion (ˌdIsIˈluːʒən)   vb   1 (tr) to destroy the ideals, illusions, or false ideas of. Also: disillusionize, disillusionise   ▷ n also disillusionment   2 the act of disillusioning or the state of being disillusioned

■ disillusionary (ˌdIsIˈluːʒənərI)   adj   of or relating to disillusion

■ disillusioned (ˌdIsIˈluːʒənd)   adj   having lost one's ideals, illusions, or false ideas about someone or something; disenchanted

■ disillusive (ˌdIsIˈluːsIv)   adj   tending to disillusion

disimagine (ˌdIsIˈmædʒIn)   vb (tr)   to shun from the imagination

disimmure (ˌdIsIˈmjʊə)   vb (tr)   to release from confinement

disimpassioned (ˌdIsImˈpæʃənd)   adj   without passion

disimprison (ˌdIsImˈprIzən)   vb (tr)   to release from confinement

■ disimprisonment (ˌdIsImˈprIzənmənt)   n   the act of disimprisoning

disimprove (ˌdIsImˈpruːv)   vb   to become or make worse

disincarcerate (ˌdIsInˈkɑːsəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   to release from imprisonment

disincentive (ˌdIsInˈsɛntIv)   n   1 something that acts as a deterrent   ▷ adj   2 acting as a deterrent: a disincentive effect on productivity

disincline (ˌdIsInˈklaIn)   vb   to make or be unwilling, reluctant, or averse   > disinclination (ˌdIsInklIˈneIʃən) n

■ disinclined (ˌdIsInˈklaInd)   adj   unwilling, reluctant, or averse

disinclose (ˌdIsInˈkləʊz)   vb (tr)   to free from being inclosed

disincorporate (ˌdIsInˈkɔːpəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to remove from a corporation or society

disinfect (ˌdIsInˈfɛkt)   vb   (tr) to rid of microorganisms potentially harmful to humans, esp by chemical means   > ˌdisinˈfection n   > ˌdisinˈfector n

■ disinfectant (ˌdIsInˈfɛktənt)   n   an agent that destroys or inhibits the activity of microorganisms that cause disease

disinfest (ˌdIsInˈfɛst)   vb   (tr) to rid of vermin   > disˌinfesˈtation n

■ disinfestant (ˌdIsInˈfɛstənt)   n   a product used to remove infestation

disinflation (ˌdIsInˈfleIʃən)   n   economics a reduction or stabilization of the general price level intended to improve the balance of payments without incurring reductions in output, employment, and investment. Compare deflation (sense 2)

■ disinflationary (ˌdIsInˈfleIʃənərI)   adj   of or relating to disinflation

disinform (ˌdIsInˈfɔːm)   vb (tr)   to deliberately supply false information to

■ disinformation (ˌdIsInfəˈmeIʃən)   n   false information intended to deceive or mislead

disingenuous (ˌdIsInˈdʒɛnjʊəs)   adj   not sincere; lacking candour   > ˌdisinˈgenuously adv   > ˌdisinˈgenuousness n

■ disingenuity (ˌdIsIndʒIˈnjuːItI)   n   1 the quality of being disingenuous   2 an underhand dealing

disinherison (ˌdIsInˈhɛrIzən)   n   archaic the deprivation of an inheritance

disinherit (ˌdIsInˈhɛrIt)   vb (tr)   1 law to deprive (an heir or next of kin) of inheritance or right to inherit   2 to deprive of a right or heritage   > ˌdisinˈheritance n

disinhibit (ˌdIsInˈhIbIt)   vb (tr)   to remove inhibition from

■ disinhibition (ˌdIsInIˈbIʃən, -InhI-)   n   psychol a temporary loss of inhibition, caused by an outside stimulus such as alcohol or a drug

■ disinhibitory (ˌdIsInˈhIbItərI)   adj   (esp of a drug) causing temporary loss of inhibition

disinhume (ˌdIsInˈhjuːm)   vb (tr)   to exhume

disintegrate (dIsˈIntIˌɡreIt)   vb   1 to break or be broken into fragments or constituent parts; shatter   2 to lose or cause to lose cohesion or unity   3 (intr) to lose judgment or control; deteriorate   4 physics   a to induce or undergo nuclear fission, as by bombardment with fast particles   b another word for decay (sense 3)   > disˈintegrable adj   > disˌinteˈgration n   > disˈintegrative adj   > disˈinteˌgrator n

disinter (ˌdIsInˈtɜː)   vb -ters, -terring, -terred (tr)   1 to remove or dig up; exhume   2 to bring (a secret, hidden facts, etc) to light; expose   > ˌdisinˈterment n

disinterest (dIsˈIntrIst, -tərIst)   n   1 freedom from bias or involvement   2 lack of interest; indifference   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to free from concern for personal interests

■ disinterested (dIsˈIntrIstId, -tərIs-)   adj   1 free from bias or partiality; objective   2 not interested   > disˈinterestedly adv   > disˈinterestedness n

USAGE

Many people consider that the use of disinterested to mean not interested is incorrect and that uninterested should be used

disintermediation (dIsˌIntəˌmiːdIˈeIʃən)   n   finance the elimination of such financial intermediaries as banks and brokers in transactions between principals, often as a result of deregulation and the use of computers

disinthral (ˌdIsInˈθrɔːl)   vb (tr)   an archaic variant spelling of disenthral   > ˌdisenˈthralled adj   > ˌdisenˈthralling n

disintoxicate (ˌdIsInˈtɒksIkeIt)   vb (tr)   to free from intoxication or drunkenness

■ disintoxication (dIsInˌtɒksIˈkeIʃən)   n   the act of disintoxicating

disintricate (dIsˈIntrIkIt)   vb (tr)   to make less intricate

disinure (ˌdIsIˈnjʊə)   vb (tr)   obsolete to render unaccustomed

disinvent (ˌdIsInˈvɛnt)   vb   (tr) to undo the invention or existence of

disinvest (ˌdIsInˈvɛst)   vb economics   1 (usually foll by in) to remove investment (from)   2 (intr) to reduce the capital stock of an economy or enterprise, as by not replacing obsolete machinery   > ˌdisinˈvestment n

■ disinvestiture (ˌdIsInˈvɛstItʃə)   n   the act or state of being disinvested

disinvigorate (ˌdIsInˈvIɡəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   to deprive of vigour

disinvite (ˌdIsInˈvaIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to retract an invitation to

disinvolve (ˌdIsInˈvɒlv)   vb (tr)   to remove involvement or entanglement from

disjaskit (dIsˈdʒæskIt)   adj   Scot fatigued or rundown

disject (dIsˈdʒɛkt)   vb   (tr) to break apart; scatter [C16: from Latin disjectus, from disjicere to scatter, from DIS-1 + jacere to throw]

■ disjection (dIsˈdʒɛkʃən)   n   the act of dispersion

disjecta membra Latin (dIsˈdʒɛktə ˈmɛmbrə)   pl n   scattered fragments, esp parts taken from a writing or writings [alteration of disjecti membra poetae (Horace) ‘limbs of a dismembered poet']

disjoin (dIsˈdʒɔIn)   vb   to disconnect or become disconnected; separate   > disˈjoinable adj

disjoint (dIsˈdʒɔInt)   vb   1 to take apart or come apart at the joints   2 (tr) to disunite or disjoin   3 to dislocate or become dislocated   4 (tr; usually passive) to end the unity, sequence, or coherence of   ▷ adj   5 maths (of two sets) having no members in common   6 obsolete disjointed

■ disjointed (dIsˈdʒɔIntId)   adj   1 having no coherence; disconnected   2 separated at the joint   3 dislocated   > disˈjointedly adv   > disˈjointedness n

disjunct   adj (dIsˈdʒʌŋkt)   1 not united or joined   2 (of certain insects) having deep constrictions between the head, thorax, and abdomen   3 music denoting two notes the interval between which is greater than a second   ▷ n (ˈdIsdʒʌŋkt)   4 logic one of the propositions or formulas in a disjunction

■ disjunction (dIsˈdʒʌŋkʃən)   n   1 Also called: disjuncture the act of disconnecting or the state of being disconnected; separation   2 cytology the separation of the chromosomes of each homologous pair during the anaphase of meiosis   3 logic   a the operator that forms a compound sentence from two given sentences and corresponds to the English or   b a sentence so formed. Usually written p∨q where p, q are the component sentences, it is true (inclusive sense) whenever either or both of the latter are true; the exclusive disjunction, for which there is no symbol, is true when either but not both disjuncts is   c the relation between such sentences

■ disjunctive (dIsˈdʒʌŋktIv)   adj   1 serving to disconnect or separate   2 grammar   a denoting a word, esp a conjunction, that serves to express opposition or contrast: but in the sentence She was poor but she was honest   b denoting an inflection of pronouns in some languages that is used alone or after a preposition, such as moi in French   3 Also: alternative logic relating to, characterized by, or containing disjunction   ▷ n   4 grammar   a a disjunctive word, esp a conjunction   b a disjunctive pronoun   5 logic a disjunctive proposition; disjunction   > disˈjunctively adv

■ disjunctor (dIsˈdʒʌŋktə)   n   a small body found in the spores of some fungi

■ disjuncture (dIsˈdʒʌŋktʃə)   n   another name for disjunction (sense 1)

disjune (dIsˈdʒuːn)   n Scot archaic   1 breakfast   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to breakfast

disk (dIsk)   n   1 a variant spelling (esp US and Canadian) of disc   2 Also called: magnetic disk, hard disk computing a direct-access storage device consisting of a stack of plates coated with a magnetic layer, the whole assembly rotating rapidly as a single unit. Each surface has a read-write head that can move radially to read or write data on concentric tracks. Compare drum^1 (sense 9). See also floppy disk

■ disk crash   n   computing the failure of a disk storage system, usually resulting from the read-write head touching the moving disk surface and causing mechanical damage

■ disk drive   n   computing the controller and mechanism for reading and writing data on computer disks. See also disk (sense 2)

■ diskette (dIsˈkɛt)   n   computing another name for floppy disk

■ diskless (ˈdIsklIs)   adj   without a disc

■ disklike (ˈdIsklaIk)   adj   resembling a disc

■ disk operating system   n   an operating system used on a computer system with one or more disk drives. Often shortened to: DOS

Disko (ˈdIskəʊ)   n   an island in Davis Strait, off the W coast of Greenland: extensive coal deposits

disleaf (dIsˈliːf)   vb (tr)   to remove the leaf or leaves from

dislike (dIsˈlaIk)   vb   1 (tr) to consider unpleasant or disagreeable   ▷ n   2 a feeling of aversion or antipathy   > disˈlikable or disˈlikeable adj

■ dislikeful (dIsˈlaIkfʊl)   adj   1 with dislike   2 distasteful

■ disliker (dIsˈlaIkə)   n   someone who dislikes

■ dislikes (ˈdIsˌlaIks)   pl n   the things that one does not like

disliken (dIsˈlaIkən)   vb (tr)   obsolete to render dissimilar to

■ dislikeness (dIsˈlaIknəs)   n   obsolete disparity

dislimb (dIsˈlIm)   vb (tr)   to remove the limbs from

dislimn (dIsˈlIm)   vb   (tr) poetic to efface

dislink (dIsˈlIŋk)   vb (tr)   to disunite

disload (dIsˈləʊd)   vb   a variant form of unload

dislocate (ˈdIsləˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to disrupt or shift out of place or position   2 to displace (an organ or part) from its normal position, esp a bone from its joint

■ dislocated (ˈdIsləˌkeItId)   adj   (of an organ or part) displaced from its normal position

■ dislocatedly (ˈdIsləˌkeItIdlI)   adv   in a dislocated manner

■ dislocation (ˌdIsləˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of displacing or the state of being displaced; disruption   2 (esp of the bones in a joint) the state or condition of being dislocated   3 a line, plane, or region in which there is a discontinuity in the regularity of a crystal lattice   4 geology a less common word for fault (sense 6)

dislodge (dIsˈlɒdʒ)   vb   to remove from or leave a lodging place, hiding place, or previously fixed position   > disˈlodgment or disˈlodgement n

disloign (dIsˈlɔIn)   vb (tr)   obsolete to put at a distance

disloyal (dIsˈlɔIəl)   adj   not loyal or faithful; deserting one's allegiance or duty   > disˈloyally adv

■ disloyalty (dIsˈlɔIəltI)   n, pl -ties   the condition or an instance of being unfaithful or disloyal

dislustre (dIsˈlʌstə)   vb   to lose or remove lustre

dismal (ˈdIzməl)   adj   1 causing gloom or depression   2 causing dismay or terror   3 of poor quality or a low standard; feeble [C13: from dismal (noun) list of 24 unlucky days in the year, from Medieval Latin diēs malī bad days, from Latin diēs day + malus bad]   > ˈdismally adv   > ˈdismalness n

■ dismality (dIzˈmælItI)   n   the quality of being dismal

■ dismals (ˈdIzməlz)   pl n   a gloomy state of mind

■ dismal science   n   the dismal science a name for economics coined by Thomas Carlyle

■ Dismal Swamp or Great Dismal Swamp   n   a coastal marshland in SE Virginia and NE North Carolina: partly reclaimed. Area: about 1940 sq km (750 sq miles). Area before reclamation: 5200 sq km (2000 sq miles)

disman (dIsˈmæn)   vb (tr)   1 to remove a man or men from   2 obsolete to deprive of manhood

dismantle (dIsˈmæntəl)   vb (tr)   1 to take apart   2 to demolish or raze   3 to strip of covering [C17: from Old French desmanteler to remove a cloak from; see MANTLE]   > disˈmantlement n   > disˈmantler n

■ dismantling (dIsˈmæntəlIŋ)   n   1 the act of causing an organization or system to stop functioning by gradually reducing its power or purpose   2 the act or process of separating a machine or structure into its separate parts

dismask (dIsˈmɑːsk)   vb (tr)   obsolete to remove the mask from

dismast (dIsˈmɑːst)   vb   (tr) to break off the mast or masts of (a sailing vessel)   > disˈmastment n

dismay (dIsˈmeI)   vb (tr)   1 to fill with apprehension or alarm   2 to fill with depression or discouragement   ▷ n   3 consternation or agitation [C13: from Old French desmaiier (unattested), from des- DIS-1 + esmayer to frighten, ultimately of Germanic origin; see MAY^1]   > disˈmaying adj

■ dismayed (ˌdIsˈmeId)   adj   1 filled with depression or discouragement   2 filled with apprehension or alarm

■ dismayedness (dIsˈmeIdnəs)   n   the condition of being dismayed

■ dismayful (dIsˈmeIfʊl)   adj   filled with dismay

■ dismayfully (dIsˈmeIfʊllI)   adv   in a dismayful manner

■ dismayingly (dIsˈmeIIŋlI)   adv   in a manner that dismays

dismayl (dIsˈmeIl)   vb (tr)   to remove a coat of mail from

dismember (dIsˈmɛmbə)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the limbs or members of   2 to cut to pieces   3 to divide or partition (something, such as an empire)   > disˈmemberer n   > disˈmemberment n

dismiss (dIsˈmIs)   vb (tr)   1 to remove or discharge from employment or service   2 to send away or allow to go or disperse   3 to dispel from one's mind; discard; reject   4 to cease to consider (a subject): they dismissed the problem   5 to decline further hearing to (a claim or action): the judge dismissed the case   6 cricket to bowl out (a side) for a particular number of runs   ▷ sentence substitute   7 military an order to end an activity or give permission to disperse [C15: from Medieval Latin dismissus sent away, variant of Latin dīmissus, from dīmittere, from dī- DIS-1 + mittere to send]   > disˈmissible adj   > disˈmissive adj

■ dismissal (dIsˈmIsəl)   n   1 an official notice of discharge from employment or service   2 the act of dismissing or the condition of being dismissed. Also called: dismission

■ dismissively (dIsˈmIsIvlI)   adv   in a dismissive manner

■ dismissory (dIsˈmIsərI)   adj   of or relating to dismission

dismoded (dIsˈməʊdId)   adj   no longer fashionable

dismount (dIsˈmaʊnt)   vb   1 to get off a horse, bicycle, etc   2 (tr) to disassemble or remove from a mounting   ▷ n   3 the act of dismounting   > disˈmountable adj

dismutation (ˌdIsmjuːˈteIʃən)   n   chem a reaction between two identical molecules in which one is reduced and the other oxidized; disproportionation

disnaturalize (dIsˈnætʃrəˌlaIz) or disnaturalise   vb (tr)   a variant form of denaturalize

disnature (dIsˈneItʃə)   vb   obsolete to (cause to) be in an unnatural condition

■ disnatured (dIsˈneItjəd)   adj   deprived or destitute of natural feelings; unnatural

disnest (dIsˈnɛst)   vb (tr)   to remove from the nest

Disney (ˈdIznI)   n   Walt(er Elias). 1901–66, US film producer, who pioneered animated cartoons: noted esp for his creations Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and films such as Fantasia (1940)   > ˌDisneyˈesque adj

■ Disneyfy (ˈdIznIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to transform (historical places, local customs, etc) into trivial entertainment for tourists [C20: from the DISNEYLAND amusement park]   > ˌDisneyfiˈcation n

■ Disneyland (ˈdIznIˌlænd)   n   an amusement park in Anaheim, California, founded by Walt Disney and opened in 1955. Walt Disney World, a second amusement park, opened in 1971 near Orlando, Florida. Further parks operate in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong

disobey (ˌdIsəˈbeI)   vb   to neglect or refuse to obey (someone, an order, etc)   > ˌdisoˈbeyer n

■ disobedience (ˌdIsəˈbiːdIəns)   n   lack of obedience

■ disobedient (ˌdIsəˈbiːdIənt)   adj   not obedient; neglecting or refusing to obey   > ˌdisoˈbediently adv

disoblige (ˌdIsəˈblaIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to disregard the desires of   2 to slight; insult   3 informal to cause trouble or inconvenience to   > ˌdisoˈbliging adj   > ˌdisoˈbligingly adv   > ˌdisoˈbligingness n

■ disobligation (dIsˌɒblIˈɡeIʃən) obsolete or disobligement (ˌdIsəˈblaIdʒmənt)   n   1 the state of being without obligation   2 an insult   3 the quality of feeling disobliged

■ disobligatory (ˌdIsəˈblIɡətərI)   adj   not obligatory

disodium (daIˈsəʊdIəm)   n   (modifier) a compound containing two sodium atoms

disomic (daIˈsəʊmIk)   adj   genetics having an extra chromosome in the haploid state that is homologous to an existing chromosome in this set   > diˈsomy n

disoperation (dIsˌɒpəˈreIʃən)   n   ecology a relationship between two organisms in a community that is harmful to both

disorbed (dIsˈɔːbd)   adj   thrown out of orbit

disorder (dIsˈɔːdə)   n   1 a lack of order; disarray; confusion   2 a disturbance of public order or peace   3 an upset of health; ailment   4 a deviation from the normal system or order   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to upset the order of; disarrange; muddle   6 to disturb the health or mind of

■ disordered (dIsˈɔːdəd)   adj   1 untidy; not neatly arranged   2 not functioning normally

■ disorderedly (dIsˈɔːdədlI)   adv   in a manner that lacks order

■ disorderedness (dIsˈɔːdədnəs)   n   the quality of being disordered

■ disorderly (dIsˈɔːdəlI)   adj   1 untidy; irregular   2 uncontrolled; unruly   3 law violating public peace or order   ▷ adv   4 in an irregular or confused manner   > disˈorderliness n

■ disorderly conduct   n   law any of various minor offences tending to cause a disturbance of the peace

■ disorderly house   n   law an establishment in which unruly behaviour habitually occurs, esp a brothel or a gaming house

disordinate (dIsˈɔːdInIt)   adj   1 obsolete opposed to or violating moral or legal order   2 lacking order

■ disordinately (dIsˈɔːdInItlI)   adv   obsolete in a manner that lacks order

disorganic (ˌdIsɔːˈɡænIk)   adj   not organic

disorganize or disorganise (dIsˈɔːɡəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to disrupt or destroy the arrangement, system, or unity of   > disˌorganiˈzation or disˌorganiˈsation n   > disˈorganˌizer or disˈorganˌiser n

■ disorganized or disorganised (dIsˈɔːɡəˌnaIzd)   adj   1 not orderly and efficient: I'm completely disorganized   2 in a confused state; badly planned or managed: a disorganized group of rebels

disorientate (dIsˈɔːrIənˌteIt) or disorient   vb (tr)   1 to cause (someone) to lose his or her bearings   2 to perplex; confuse   > disˌorienˈtation n

■ disorientated (dIsˈɔːrIənteItId) or disoriented   adj   1 (of a person) having lost his or her bearings   2 (of a person) confused

■ disorientating (dIsˈɔːrIənteItIŋ) or disorienting   adj   causing a person to lose his or her bearings

disown (dIsˈəʊn)   vb   (tr) to deny any connection with; refuse to acknowledge   > disˈowner n   > disˈownment n

dispace (dIsˈpeIs)   vb (intr)   obsolete to move or travel about

disparage (dIˈspærIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to speak contemptuously of; belittle   2 to damage the reputation of [C14: from Old French desparagier, from des- DIS-1 + parage equality, from Latin par equal]   > disˈparagement n   > disˈparager n   > disˈparaging adj   > disˈparagingly adv

disparate (ˈdIspərIt)   adj   1 utterly different or distinct in kind   ▷ n   2 (plural) unlike things or people [C16: from Latin disparāre to divide, from DIS-1 + parāre to prepare; also influenced by Latin dispar unequal]   > ˈdisparately adv   > ˈdisparateness n

disparity (dIˈspærItI)   n, pl -ties   1 inequality or difference, as in age, rank, wages, etc   2 dissimilarity

USAGE

See at discrepancy

dispark (dIsˈpɑːk)   vb (tr)   1 to release from confinement   2 to treat (a private park) as if it is common ground

dispart (dIsˈpɑːt)   vb (tr)   to separate

dispassion (dIsˈpæʃən)   n   detachment; objectivity

■ dispassionate (dIsˈpæʃənIt)   adj   devoid of or uninfluenced by emotion or prejudice; objective; impartial   > disˈpassionately adv   > disˈpassionateness n

dispatch or despatch (dIˈspætʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task   2 to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc) promptly   3 informal to eat up quickly   4 to murder or execute   ▷ n   5 the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc   6 prompt action or speed (often in the phrase with dispatch)   7 an official communication or report, sent in haste   8 journalism a report sent to a newspaper, etc, by a correspondent   9 murder or execution [C16: from Italian dispacciare, from Provençal despachar, from Old French despeechier to set free, from des- DIS-1 + -peechier, ultimately from Latin pedica a fetter]   > disˈpatcher n

■ dispatch box   n   a case or box used to hold valuables or documents, esp official state documents

■ dispatch case   n   a case used for carrying papers, documents, books, etc, usually flat and stiff

■ dispatchful (dIˈspætʃfʊl)   adj   obsolete of or relating to dispatch, particularly in terms of haste

■ dispatch rider   n   a messenger who delivers urgent documents or military dispatches by motorcycle, bicycle, or (formerly) on horseback

dispauper (dIsˈpɔːpə)   vb (tr)   law to officially render (a person) no longer a pauper

■ dispauperize or dispauperise (dIsˈpɔːpəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 law to free (a person) from the state of being a pauper   2 to free (a place) from paupers

dispeace (dIsˈpiːs)   n   an absence of peace

dispel (dIˈspɛl)   vb -pels, -pelling, -pelled   (tr) to disperse or drive away [C17: from Latin dispellere, from DIS-1 + pellere to drive]   > disˈpeller n

dispense (dIˈspɛns)   vb   1 (tr) to give out or issue in portions   2 (tr) to prepare and distribute (medicine), esp on prescription   3 (tr) to administer (the law, etc)   4 (intr; foll by with) to do away (with) or manage (without)   5 to grant a dispensation to (someone) from some obligation of church law   6 to exempt or excuse from a rule or obligation [C14: from Medieval Latin dispensāre to pardon, from Latin dispendere to weigh out, from DIS-1 + pendere to weigh]

USAGE

Dispense with is sometimes wrongly used where dispose of is meant: this task can be disposed of (not dispensed with) quickly and easily

■ dispend (dIˈspɛnd)   vb   (tr) obsolete to spend [C14: from Old French despendre, from Latin dispendere to distribute; see DISPENSE]

■ dispensable (dIˈspɛnsəbəl)   adj   1 not essential; expendable   2 capable of being distributed   3 (of a law, vow, etc) able to be relaxed   > disˌpensaˈbility or disˈpensableness n

■ dispensably (dIsˈpɛnsəblI)   adv   in a dispensable manner

■ dispensary (dIˈspɛnsərI, -srI)   n, pl -ries   a place where medicine and medical supplies are dispensed

■ dispensation (ˌdIspɛnˈseIʃən)   n   1 the act of distributing or dispensing   2 something distributed or dispensed   3 a system or plan of administering or dispensing   4 chiefly RC Church   a permission to dispense with an obligation of church law   b the document authorizing such permission   5 any exemption from a rule or obligation   6 Christianity   a the ordering of life and events by God   b a divine decree affecting an individual or group   c a religious system or code of prescriptions for life and conduct regarded as of divine origin   > ˌdispenˈsational adj

■ dispensative (dIsˈpɛnsətIv)   adj   1 obsolete administrative   2 dispensatory

■ dispensatively (dIsˈpɛnsətIvlI)   adv   in a dispensative manner

■ dispensator (ˈdIspɛnˌsəItə)   n   someone who dispenses, esp in administration

■ dispensatorily (dIsˈpɛnsətərIlI, dIsˈpɛnsəˌtɔːrIlI)   adv   in the manner of dispensation

■ dispensatory (dIˈspɛnsətərI, -trI)   n, pl -ries   1 a book listing the composition, preparation, and application of various drugs   ▷ adj   2 of or involving dispensation

■ dispenser (dIˈspɛnsə)   n   1 a device, such as a vending machine, that automatically dispenses a single item or a measured quantity   2 a person or thing that dispenses

■ dispensing optician   n   See optician

dispeople (dIsˈpiːpəl)   vb (tr)   1 to remove the inhabitants from   2 obsolete to exterminate

dispermous (daIˈspɜːməs)   adj   (of flowering plants) producing or having two seeds [C18: from DI-1 + Greek sperma seed]

disperse (dIˈspɜːs)   vb   1 to scatter; distribute over a wide area   2 to dissipate or cause to dissipate   3 to leave or cause to leave a gathering, often in a random manner   4 to separate or be separated by dispersion   5 (tr) to diffuse or spread (news, information, etc)   6 to separate (particles) throughout a solid, liquid, or gas, as in the formation of a suspension or colloid   ▷ adj   7 of or consisting of the particles in a colloid or suspension: disperse phase [C14: from Latin dispērsus scattered, from dispergere to scatter widely, from DI-2 + spargere to strew]   > disˈperser n

USAGE

See at disburse

■ dispersal (dIˈspɜːsəl)   n   1 the act of dispersing or the condition of being dispersed   2 the spread of animals, plants, or seeds to new areas

■ dispersal prison   n   a prison organized and equipped to accommodate a proportion of the most dangerous and highest security risk prisoners

■ dispersal zone   n   Brit a defined area in which any police or community support officer can force any group of two or more people to disperse for 24 hours

■ dispersant (dIsˈpɜːsənt)   n   a liquid or gas used to disperse small particles or droplets, as in an aerosol

■ dispersed (dIˈspɜːst)   adj   scattered, separated, or spread through a large area   > dispersedly (dIˈspɜːsIdlI) adv

■ dispersedness (dIsˈpɜːsIdnəs)   n   the state of being dispersed

■ dispersible (dIsˈpɜːsIbəl)   adj   capable of being dispersed

■ dispersion (dIˈspɜːʃən)   n   1 another word for dispersal   2 physics   a the separation of electromagnetic radiation into constituents of different wavelengths   b a measure of the ability of a substance to separate by refraction, expressed by the first differential of the refractive index with respect to wavelength at a given value of wavelength. Symbol: D   3 statistics the degree to which values of a frequency distribution are scattered around some central point, usually the arithmetic mean or median   4 chem a system containing particles dispersed in a solid, liquid, or gas   5 military the pattern of fire from a weapon system   6    a the range of speeds of such objects as the stars in a galaxy   b the frequency-dependent retardation of radio waves as they pass through the interstellar medium   c the deviation of a rocket from its prescribed path   7 ecology the distribution pattern of an animal or a plant population

■ Dispersion (dIˈspɜːʃən)   n   the Dispersion another name for the Diaspora

■ dispersion hardening   n   the strengthening of an alloy as a result of the presence of fine particles in the lattice

■ dispersion relation   n   physics the relationship between the angular frequency (ω) of a wave and the magnitude of its wave vector (k). Thus the wave's speed is ω/k

■ dispersive (dIˈspɜːsIv)   adj   tending or serving to disperse   > disˈpersively adv   > disˈpersiveness n

■ dispersive medium   n   physics a substance in which waves of different frequencies travel at different speeds

■ dispersoid (dIˈspɜːsɔId)   n   chem a system, such as a colloid or suspension, in which one phase is dispersed in another

dispirit (dIˈspIrIt)   vb   (tr) to lower the spirit or enthusiasm of; make downhearted or depressed; discourage

■ dispirited (dIˈspIrItId)   adj   low in spirit or enthusiasm; downhearted or depressed; discouraged   > disˈpiritedly adv   > disˈpiritedness n

■ dispiriting (dIˈspIrItIŋ)   adj   tending to lower the spirit or enthusiasm; depressing; discouraging   > disˈpiritingly adv

■ dispiritment (dIˈspIrItmənt)   n   the state of being dispirited

dispiteous (dIsˈpItIəs)   adj   without pity

■ dispiteously (dIsˈpItIəslI)   adv   in a manner that lacks pity

■ dispiteousness (dIsˈpItIəsnəs)   n   the state of being without pity

displace (dIsˈpleIs)   vb (tr)   1 to move from the usual or correct location   2 to remove from office or employment   3 to occupy the place of; replace; supplant   4 to force (someone) to leave home or country, as during a war   5 chem to replace (an atom or group in a chemical compound) by another atom or group   6 physics to cause a displacement of (a quantity of liquid, usually water of a specified type and density)   > disˈplaceable adj   > disˈplacer n

■ displaced (dIsˈpleIst)   adj   1 (of a worker) removed from office or employment   2 (of a resident of an area) forced to moved away from that area

■ displaced person   n   a person forced from his or her home or country, esp by war or revolution. Abbreviation: DP

■ displacement (dIsˈpleIsmənt)   n   1 the act of displacing or the condition of being displaced   2 the weight or volume displaced by a floating or submerged body in a fluid   3 chem another name for substitution   4 the volume displaced by the piston of a reciprocating pump or engine   5 psychoanal the transferring of emotional feelings from their original object to one that disguises their real nature   6 geology the distance any point on one side of a fault plane has moved in relation to a corresponding point on the opposite side   7 astronomy an apparent change in position of a body, such as a star   8 maths the distance measured in a particular direction from a reference point. Symbol: s

■ displacement activity   n   1 psychol behaviour that occurs typically when there is a conflict between motives and that has no relevance to either motive, e.g. head scratching   2 zoology the substitution of a pattern of animal behaviour that is different from behaviour relevant to the situation, e.g. preening at an apparently inappropriate time

■ displacement ton   n   the full name for ton^1 (sense 6)

displant (dIsˈplɑːnt)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to displace   2 to transplant (a plant)

■ displantation (ˌdIsplænˈteIʃən)   n   obsolete the removal of a plantation

display (dIˈspleI)   vb   1 (tr) to show or make visible   2 (tr) to disclose or make evident; reveal: to display anger   3 (tr) to flaunt in an ostentatious way: to display military might   4 (tr) to spread or open out; unfurl or unfold   5 (tr) to give prominence to (headings, captions, etc) by the use of certain typefaces   6 (intr) zoology to engage in a display   ▷ n   7 the act of exhibiting or displaying; show: a display of fear   8 something exhibited or displayed   9 an ostentatious or pretentious exhibition: a display of his accomplishments   10    a an arrangement of certain typefaces to give prominence to headings, captions, advertisements, etc   b printed matter that is eye-catching   11 electronics   a a device capable of representing information visually, as on a cathode-ray tube screen   b the information so presented   12 zoology a pattern of behaviour in birds, fishes, etc, by which the animal attracts attention while it is courting the female, defending its territory, etc   13 (modifier) relating to or using typefaces that give prominence to the words they are used to set [C14: from Anglo-French despleier to unfold, from Late Latin displicāre to scatter, from DIS-1 + plicāre to fold]   > disˈplayer n

■ displayable (dIˈspleIəbəl)   adj   capable of being displayed

■ display advertisement or display ad   n   an advertisement designed to attract attention by using devices such as conspicuous or elegant typefaces, graphics, etc. See small advertisement

disple (ˈdIspəl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to punish, esp in a religious sense

displease (dIsˈpliːz)   vb   to annoy, offend, or cause displeasure to (someone)   > disˈpleasing adj   > disˈpleasingly adv

■ displeasance (dIsˈplɛzəns)   n   obsolete the state or cause of being displeased

■ displeasant (dIsˈplɛzənt)   adj obsolete   1 displeasing   2 displeased   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to render displeasing

■ displeased (dIsˈpliːzd)   adj   annoyed; angry

■ displeasedly (dIsˈpliːzIdlI)   adv   in a displeased manner

■ displeasedness (dIsˈpliːzIdnəs)   n   obsolete the state of being displeased

■ displeasingness (dIsˈpliːzIŋnəs)   n   the state of being displeasing

■ displeasure (dIsˈplɛʒə)   n   1 the condition of being displeased   2 archaic   a pain   b an act or cause of offence   ▷ vb   3 an archaic word for displease

displenish (dIsˈplɛnIʃ)   vb (tr)   Scot to remove furnishings or supplies from

■ displenishment (dIsˈplɛnIʃmənt)   n   the act of displenishing

displode (dIsˈpləʊd)   vb   an obsolete word for explode [C17: from Latin displōdere from DIS-1 + plaudere to clap]

■ displosion (dIsˈpləʊʒən)   n   obsolete explosion

displume (dIsˈpluːm)   vb (tr)   1 to remove feathers from   2 obsolete to moult (feathers)

dispondee (daIˈspɒndiː)   n   prosody a double spondee

■ dispondaic (ˌdaIspɒnˈdeIIk)   adj   of or relating to a dispondee

dispone (dIsˈpəʊn)   vb (tr) Scot   1 obsolete to arrange   2 Scots law to transfer legal ownership of   3 obsolete to deal with or dispose of

■ disponee (ˌdIspəʊˈniː)   n   the person whom something is disponed to

■ disponer (dIsˈpəʊnə)   n   someone who dispones

disport (dIˈspɔːt)   vb   1 (tr) to indulge (oneself) in pleasure   2 (intr) to frolic or gambol   ▷ n   3 archaic amusement [C14: from Anglo-French desporter, from des- DIS-1 + porter to carry]

■ disportment (dIˈspɔːtmənt)   n   1 archaic an amusement   2 obsolete deportment

dispose (dIˈspəʊz)   vb   1 (intr; foll by of)   a to deal with or settle   b to give, sell, or transfer to another   c to throw out or away   d to consume, esp hurriedly   e to kill   2 to arrange or settle (matters) by placing into correct or final condition: man proposes, God disposes   3 (tr) to make willing or receptive   4 (tr) to adjust or place in a certain order or position   5 (tr; often foll by to) to accustom or condition   ▷ n   6 an obsolete word for disposal, disposition [C14: from Old French disposer, from Latin dispōnere to set in different places, arrange, from DIS-1 + pōnere to place]   > disˈposer n

■ disposable (dIˈspəʊzəbəl)   adj   1 designed for disposal after use: disposable cups   2 available for use if needed: disposable assets   ▷ n   3 something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal   4 (plural) short for disposable goods   > disˌposaˈbility or disˈposableness n

■ disposable goods   pl n   consumer goods that are used up a short time after purchase, including perishables, newspapers, clothes, etc. Also called: disposables. Compare durable goods

■ disposable income   n   1 the money a person has available to spend after paying taxes, pension contributions, etc   2 the total amount of money that the individuals in a community, country, etc, have available to buy consumer goods

■ disposable soma theory   n   the theory that ageing is caused by the body having increasingly fewer resources to allocate towards repairing wear and damage to tissues

■ disposal (dIˈspəʊzəl)   n   1 the act or means of getting rid of something   2 placement or arrangement in a particular order   3 a specific method of tending to matters, as in business   4 the act or process of transferring something to or providing something for another   5 the power or opportunity to make use of someone or something (esp in the phrase at one's disposal)   6 a means of destroying waste products, as by grinding into particles   ▶ Also (for senses 2–5): disposition

■ disposed (dIˈspəʊzd)   adj     a having an inclination as specified (towards something)   b (in combination): well-disposed

■ disposedly (dIˈspəʊzədlI)   adv   in a disposed manner

■ disposingly (dIsˈpəʊzIŋlI)   adv   in a way that disposes

■ disposings (dIsˈpəʊzIŋz)   pl n   those things which are disposed of

■ disposition (ˌdIspəˈzIʃən)   n   1 a person's usual temperament or frame of mind   2 a natural or acquired tendency, inclination, or habit in a person or thing   3 another word for disposal (sense 2), disposal (sense 3), disposal (sense 4), disposal (sense 5)   4 philosophy, logic a property that consists not in the present state of an object, but in its propensity to change in a certain way under certain conditions, as brittleness which consists in the propensity to break when struck. Compare occurrent   5 archaic manner of placing or arranging   > ˌdispoˈsitional adj

■ dispositive (dIsˈpɒzItIv)   adj   1 with a disposing quality   ▷ n   2 obsolete a thing that disposes, such as a legal document

■ dispositively (dIsˈpɒzItIvlI)   adv   obsolete in a dispositive manner

■ disposure (dIˈspəʊʒə)   n   a rare word for disposal, disposition

dispositor (dIsˈpɒzItə)   n   astrology a planet that controls the star sign in which another planet is located

dispossess (ˌdIspəˈzɛs)   vb   (tr) to take away possession of something from (someone), esp property; expel   > ˌdisposˈsession n   > ˌdisposˈsessor n   > ˌdisposˈsessory adj

■ dispossessed (ˌdIspəˈzɛst)   pl n   the dispossessed people who have had property or possessions taken away

dispost (dIsˈpəʊst)   vb (tr)   to remove (someone) from a post or position

dispraise (dIsˈpreIz)   vb   1 (tr) to express disapproval or condemnation of   ▷ n   2 the disapproval, etc, expressed   > disˈpraiser n   > disˈpraisingly adv

dispread (dIˈsprɛd)   vb   archaic to spread out

dispredden (dIˈsprɛdən)   vb   an archaic 3rd person plural form of dispread

disprinced (dIsˈprInst)   adj   literary rendered unprincely

disprison (dIsˈprIzən)   vb (tr)   archaic to release from prison

disprivacied (dIsˈprIvəsId)   adj   deprived of privacy

disprivilege (dIsˈprIvIlIdʒ)   vb (tr)   to deprive of privilege

disprize (dIsˈpraIz)   vb   (tr) archaic to scorn; disdain

disprofess (ˌdIsprəˈfɛs)   vb (tr)   obsolete to renounce the profession of

disprofit (dIsˈprɒfIt)   vb   obsolete to (cause to) fail to profit

disproperty (dIsˈprɒpətI)   vb -ties, -tying, -tied (tr)   obsolete to deprive of property

disproportion (ˌdIsprəˈpɔːʃən)   n   1 lack of proportion or equality   2 an instance of disparity or inequality   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to cause to become exaggerated or unequal   > ˌdisproˈportionable adj   > ˌdisproˈportionableness n   > ˌdisproˈportionably adv   > ˌdisproˈportional adj

■ disproportionate   adj (ˌdIsprəˈpɔːʃənIt)   1 out of proportion; unequal   ▷ vb (ˌdIsprəˈpɔːʃəˌneIt)   2 chem to undergo or cause to undergo disproportionation   > ˌdisproˈportionately adv   > ˌdisproˈportionateness n

■ disproportionation (ˌdIsprəˌpɔːʃəˈneIʃən)   n   chem a reaction between two identical molecules in which one is reduced and the other oxidized

dispropriate (dIsˈprəʊprIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to deprive of ownership

disprove (dIsˈpruːv)   vb   (tr) to show (an assertion, claim, etc) to be incorrect   > disˈprovable adj   > disˈproval n

■ disproof (dIsˈpruːf)   n   1 facts that disprove something   2 the act of disproving

■ disproove (dIsˈpruːv)   vb   an archaic spelling of disprove

■ disprover (dIsˈpruːvə)   n   1 someone who disproves   2 obsolete someone who disapproves

disprovide (ˌdIsprəˈvaId)   vb (tr)   archaic to fail to provide for

dispunge (dIsˈpʌndʒ)   vb (tr)   1 obsolete to expunge   2 archaic to squeeze out (from a sponge)

dispurvey (ˌdIspəˈveI)   vb (tr)   obsolete to strip of equipment or provisions

■ dispurveyance (ˌdIspəˈveIəns)   n   obsolete the lack of provisions

dispute   vb (dIˈspjuːt)   1 to argue, debate, or quarrel about (something)   2 (tr; may take a clause as object) to doubt the validity, etc, of   3 (tr) to seek to win; contest for   4 (tr) to struggle against; resist   ▷ n (dIˈspjuːt, ˈdIspjuːt)   5 an argument or quarrel [C13: from Late Latin disputāre to contend verbally, from Latin: to discuss, from DIS-1 + putāre to think]   > disˈputer n

■ disputable (dIˈspjuːtəbəl, ˈdIspjʊtə-)   adj   capable of being argued; debatable   > disˌputaˈbility or disˈputableness n   > disˈputably adv

■ disputant (dIˈspjuːtənt, ˈdIspjʊtənt)   n   1 a person who argues; contestant   ▷ adj   2 engaged in argument

■ disputation (ˌdIspjʊˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of arguing   2 a formal academic debate on a thesis   3 an obsolete word for conversation

■ disputatious (ˌdIspjʊˈteIʃəs) or disputative (dIˈspjuːtətIv)   adj   inclined to argument   > ˌdispuˈtatiously or disˈputatively adv   > ˌdispuˈtatiousness or disˈputativeness n

■ disputed (dIˈspjuːtId)   adj   (of a territory) claimed by more than one sovereign state

disqualify (dIsˈkwɒlIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to make unfit or unqualified   2 to make ineligible, as for entry to an examination   3 to debar (a player or team) from a sporting contest   4 to divest or deprive of rights, powers, or privileges: disqualified from driving   > disˈqualiˌfiable adj   > disˌqualifiˈcation n   > disˈqualiˌfier n

disquantity (dIsˈkwɒntItI)   vb -ties, -tying, -tied (tr)   1 to lessen in quantity   2 prosody to deprive of metrical quantity

disquiet (dIsˈkwaIət)   n   1 a feeling or condition of anxiety or uneasiness   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make anxious or upset. Also: disquieten   ▷ adj   3 archaic uneasy or anxious   > disˈquietedly or disˈquietly adv   > disˈquietedness or disˈquietness n   > disˈquieting adj   > disˈquietingly adv

■ disquietful (dIsˈkwaIətfʊl)   adj   full of disquiet

■ disquietive (dIsˈkwaIətIv) or disquietous (dIsˈkwaIətəs)   adj   obsolete having a disquieting effect or character

■ disquietude (dIsˈkwaIIˌtjuːd)   n   a feeling or state of anxiety or uneasiness

disquisition (ˌdIskwIˈzIʃən)   n   a formal written or oral examination of a subject [C17: from Latin disquīsītiō, from disquīrere to make an investigation, from DIS-1 + quaerere to seek]   > ˌdisquiˈsitional adj

■ disquisitionary (ˌdIskwIˈzIʃənərI) or disquisitory (dIsˈkwIzItərI)   adj   obsolete of or relating to a disquisition

■ disquisitive (dIsˈkwIzItIv)   adj   fond of or given to disquisition or investigation

Disraeli (dIzˈreIlI)   n   Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield. 1804–81, British Tory statesman and novelist; prime minister (1868; 1874–80). He gave coherence to the Tory principles of protectionism and imperialism, was responsible for the Reform Bill (1867) and, as prime minister, bought a controlling interest in the Suez Canal. His novels include Coningsby (1844) and Sybil (1845)

disrank (dIsˈræŋk)   vb (tr)   1 to deprive (oneself or another) of rank, to demote   2 to move out of rank into disorder

disrate (dIsˈreIt)   vb   (tr) navy to punish (an officer) by lowering him or her in rank

disregard (ˌdIsrIˈɡɑːd)   vb (tr)   1 to give little or no attention to; ignore   2 to treat as unworthy of consideration or respect   ▷ n   3 lack of attention or respect   4 (often plural) social welfare capital or income which is not counted in calculating the amount payable to a claimant for a means-tested benefit   > ˌdisreˈgarder n   > ˌdisreˈgardful adj   > ˌdisreˈgardfully adv   > ˌdisreˈgardfulness n

disrelated (ˌdIsrIˈleItId)   adj   having no relation; unrelated

■ disrelation (ˌdIsrIˈleIʃən)   n   the absence of relation

disrelish (dIsˈrɛlIʃ)   vb   1 (tr) to have a feeling of aversion for; dislike   ▷ n   2 such a feeling

disremember (ˌdIsrIˈmɛmbə)   vb   informal, chiefly US to fail to recall (someone or something)

disrepair (ˌdIsrIˈpɛə)   n   the condition of being worn out or in poor working order; a condition requiring repairs

disrepute (ˌdIsrIˈpjuːt)   n   a loss or lack of credit or repute. Also (archaic): disreputation

■ disreputable (dIsˈrɛpjʊtəbəl)   adj   1 having or causing a lack of repute   2 disordered in appearance   > disˌreputaˈbility or disˈreputableness n   > disˈreputably adv

disrespect (ˌdIsrIˈspɛkt)   n   1 contempt; rudeness   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to show lack of respect for   > ˌdisreˈspectful adj   > ˌdisreˈspectfully adv   > ˌdisreˈspectfulness n

■ disrespectable (ˌdIsrIˈspɛktəbəl)   adj   unworthy of respect; not respectable   > ˌdisreˌspectaˈbility n

disrobe (dIsˈrəʊb)   vb   1 to remove the clothing of (a person) or (of a person) to undress   2 (tr) to divest of authority, etc   > disˈrobement n   > disˈrober n

disroot (dIsˈruːt)   vb (tr)   to uproot

disrupt (dIsˈrʌpt)   vb   1 (tr) to throw into turmoil or disorder   2 (tr) to interrupt the progress of (a movement, meeting, etc)   3 to break or split (something) apart [C17: from Latin disruptus burst asunder, from dīrumpere to dash to pieces, from DIS-1 + rumpere to burst]   > disˈrupter or disˈruptor n   > disˈruption n

■ disruptive (dIsˈrʌptIv)   adj   involving, causing, or tending to cause disruption   > disˈruptively adv

■ disruptive discharge   n   a sudden large increase in current through an insulating medium resulting from failure of the medium to withstand an applied electric field

■ disruptiveness (dIsˈrʌptIvnəs)   n   the ability or nature to disrupt

diss or dis (dIs)   vb   slang, chiefly US to treat (someone) with contempt [C20: originally Black slang, short for DISRESPECT]

dissatisfy (dIsˈsætIsˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to fail to satisfy; disappoint

■ dissatisfaction (dIsˌsætIsˈfækʃən)   n   the state of being unsatisfied or disappointed   > ˌdissatisˈfactory adj

■ dissatisfied (dIsˈsætIsˌfaId)   adj   having or showing dissatisfaction; discontented   > disˈsatisˌfiedly adv

dissave (dIsˈseIv)   vb (intr)   to spend one's savings in order to cover living expenses

disseat (dIsˈsiːt)   vb (tr)   to remove from a seat; to unseat

dissect (dIˈsɛkt, daI-)   vb   1 to cut open and examine the structure of (a dead animal or plant)   2 (tr) to examine critically and minutely [C17: from Latin dissecāre, from DIS-1 + secāre to cut]   > disˈsectible adj   > disˈsection n   > disˈsector n

■ dissected (dIˈsɛktId, daI-)   adj   1 botany in the form of narrow lobes or segments: dissected leaves   2 geology (of plains) cut by erosion into hills and valleys, esp following tectonic movements

■ dissective (dIˈsɛktIv)   adj   having the ability to dissect

disseise or disseize (dIsˈsiːz)   vb   (tr) property law to deprive of seisin; wrongfully dispossess of a freehold interest in land [C14: from Anglo-Norman desseisir, from DIS-1 + SEIZE]   > disˈseisor or disˈseizor n

■ disseisee (ˌdIssiːˈziː) or disseizee   n   property law a person who is disseised or dispossessed of a freehold interest in land

■ disseisin or disseizin (dIsˈsiːzIn)   n   the act of disseising or state of being disseised [C14: from Old French dessaisine; see DIS-1, SEISIN]

disselboom (ˈdIsəlˌbʊəm)   n   South African the main haulage shaft of a wagon or cart [from Afrikaans dissel shaft + boom beam]

dissemble (dIˈsɛmbəl)   vb   1 to conceal (one's real motives, emotions, etc) by pretence   2 (tr) to pretend; simulate   3 obsolete to ignore [C15: from earlier dissimulen, from Latin dissimulāre; probably influenced by obsolete semble to resemble]   > disˈsemblance n   > disˈsembler n   > disˈsembling n, adj   > disˈsemblingly adv

dissembly (dIˈsɛmblI)   n   obsolete the dismantling or separation of an assembly

disseminate (dIˈsɛmIˌneIt)   vb   (tr) to distribute or scatter about; diffuse [C17: from Latin dissēmināre, from DIS-1 + sēmināre to sow, from sēmen seed]   > disˌsemiˈnation n   > disˈseminative adj   > disˈsemiˌnator n

■ disseminated sclerosis   n   another name for multiple sclerosis

disseminule (dIˈsɛmIˌnjuːl)   n   any propagative part of a plant, such as a seed or spore, that helps to spread the species [C20: from DISSEMINATE + -ULE]

dissensus (dIˈsɛnsəs)   n   a lack of consensus; disagreement within a group

dissent (dIˈsɛnt)   vb (intr)   1 to have a disagreement or withhold assent   2 Christianity to refuse to conform to the doctrines, beliefs, or practices of an established church, and to adhere to a different system of beliefs and practices   ▷ n   3 a difference of opinion   4 Christianity separation from an established church; Nonconformism   5 the voicing of a minority opinion in announcing the decision on a case at law; dissenting judgment [C16: from Latin dissentīre to disagree, from DIS-1 + sentīre to perceive, feel]   > disˈsenting adj   > disˈsentingly adv

■ dissension (dIˈsɛnʃən)   n   disagreement, esp when leading to a quarrel. Also spelled: dissention [C13: from Latin dissēnsiō, from dissentīre to dissent]

■ dissenter (dIˈsɛntə)   n   1 a person who dissents   2 (also capital) Christianity, chiefly Brit a Nonconformist or a person who refuses to conform to the established church

■ dissenterish (dIˈsɛntərIʃ)   adj   Christianity having a part of the character or quality of a dissenter

■ dissenterism (dIˈsɛntəˌrIzəm)   n   Christianity the beliefs and practices of dissenters

■ dissentient (dIˈsɛnʃənt)   adj   1 dissenting, esp from the opinion of the majority   ▷ n   2 a dissenter   > disˈsentience or disˈsentiency n   > disˈsentiently adv

■ dissention (dIˈsɛnʃən)   n   a variant spelling of dissension

■ dissentious (dIˈsɛnʃəs)   adj   argumentative

dissepiment (dIˈsɛpImənt)   n   biology a dividing partition or membrane, such as that between the chambers of a syncarpous ovary [C18: from Late Latin dissaepīmentum, from DIS-1 + saepīmentum hedge, from saepīre to enclose]   > disˌsepiˈmental adj

dissertate (ˈdIsəˌteIt)   vb   (intr) rare to give or make a dissertation. Also (archaic): dissert [C18: from Latin dissertāre to debate, from disserere to examine, from DIS-1 + serere to arrange]   > ˈdisserˌtator n

■ dissertation (ˌdIsəˈteIʃən)   n   1 a written thesis, often based on original research, usually required for a higher degree   2 a formal discourse   > ˌdisserˈtational adj   > ˌdisserˈtationist n

■ dissertative (ˈdIsəˌteItIv)   adj   of or relating to dissertation

disservice (dIsˈsɜːvIs)   n   an ill turn; wrong; injury, esp when trying to help   > disˈserviceable adj

■ disserve (dIsˈsɜːv)   vb   (tr) archaic to do a disservice to

dissever (dIˈsɛvə)   vb   1 to break off or become broken off   2 (tr) to divide up into parts [C13: from Old French dessevrer, from Late Latin DIS-1 + sēparāre to SEPARATE]   > disˈseverance, disˈseverment or disˌseverˈation n

dissheathe (dIsˈʃiːð)   vb (tr)   obsolete to bring out of a sheathe; to unsheathe

disshiver (dIsˈʃIvə)   vb (tr)   obsolete to break in pieces

dissident (ˈdIsIdənt)   adj   1 disagreeing; dissenting   ▷ n   2 a person who disagrees, esp one who disagrees with the government [C16: from Latin dissidēre to be remote from, from DIS-1 + sedēre to sit]   > ˈdissidence n   > ˈdissidently adv

dissight (dIsˈsaIt)   n   obsolete something unsightly; an eyesore

dissilient (dIˈsIlIənt)   adj   bursting apart or out

■ dissilience (dIˈsIlIəns)   n   obsolete the act of bursting apart or out

dissimilar (dIˈsImIlə)   adj   not alike; not similar; different   > disˈsimilarly adv

■ dissimilarity (ˌdIsImIˈlærItI)   n, pl -ties   1 difference; unlikeness   2 a point or instance of difference

dissimilate (dIˈsImIˌleIt)   vb   1 to make or become dissimilar   2 (usually foll by to) phonetics to change or displace (a consonant) or (of a consonant) to be changed to or displaced by (another consonant) so that its manner of articulation becomes less similar to a speech sound in the same word. Thus (r) in the final syllable of French marbre is dissimilated to (l) in its English form marble [C19: from DIS-1 + ASSIMILATE]   > disˈsimilative adj   > disˈsimilatory adj

■ dissimilation (ˌdIsImIˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of making dissimilar   2 phonetics the alteration or omission of a consonant as a result of being dissimilated   3 biology a less common word for catabolism

dissimile (dIsˈsImIlI)   n   a comparison of two dissimilar objects for the purpose of illustration

dissimilitude (ˌdIsIˈmIlIˌtjuːd)   n   1 dissimilarity; difference   2 a point of difference

dissimulate (dIˈsImjʊˌleIt)   vb   to conceal (one's real feelings) by pretence   > disˌsimuˈlation n   > disˈsimulative adj   > disˈsimuˌlator n

dissipate (ˈdIsIˌpeIt)   vb   1 to exhaust or be exhausted by dispersion   2 (tr) to scatter or break up   3 (intr) to indulge in the pursuit of pleasure [C15: from Latin dissipāre to disperse, from DIS-1 + supāre to throw]   > ˈdissiˌpater or ˈdissiˌpator n   > ˈdissiˌpative adj

■ dissipable (ˈdIsIpəbəl)   adj   obsolete capable of being dissipated

■ dissipated (ˈdIsIˌpeItId)   adj   1 indulging without restraint in the pursuit of pleasure; debauched   2 wasted, scattered, or exhausted   > ˈdissiˌpatedly adv   > ˈdissiˌpatedness n

■ dissipation (ˌdIsIˈpeIʃən)   n   1 the act of dissipating or condition of being dissipated   2 unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, esp alcohol   3 excessive expenditure; wastefulness   4 amusement; diversion

dissociable (dIˈsəʊʃIəbəl, -ʃə-)   adj   1 able to be dissociated; distinguishable   2 incongruous; irreconcilable   3 Also: dissocial (dIˈsəʊʃəl). a less common word for unsociable   > disˌsociaˈbility or disˈsociableness n   > disˈsociably adv

dissocial (dIˈsəʊʃəl)   adj   another word for dissociable (sense 3)

■ dissociality (dIsˌsəʊʃIˈælItI)   n   the fact or characteristic of being dissocial

■ dissocialize or dissocialise (dIsˈsəʊʃəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to render dissocial

dissociate (dIˈsəʊʃIˌeIt, -sI-)   vb   1 to break or cause to break the association between (people, organizations, etc)   2 (tr) to regard or treat as separate or unconnected   3 to undergo or subject to dissociation   > disˈsociative adj

■ dissociation (dIˌsəʊsIˈeIʃən, -ʃI-)   n   1 the act of dissociating or the state of being dissociated   2 chem   a a reversible chemical change of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other molecules, atoms, ions, or radicals   b any decomposition of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other compounds, atoms, ions, or radicals   3 separation of molecules or atoms that occurs when a liquid or solid changes to a gas   4 psychiatry the separation of a group of mental processes or ideas from the rest of the personality, so that they lead an independent existence

■ dissociative identity disorder   n   psychol a disorder in which an individual's personality appears to have become separated into two or more distinct personalities, each with its own complex organization. Former name: multiple personality disorder. Nontechnical name: split personality

dissoluble (dIˈsɒljʊbəl)   adj   a less common word for soluble [C16: from Latin dissolūbilis, from dissolvere to DISSOLVE]   > disˌsoluˈbility or disˈsolubleness n

dissolute (ˈdIsəˌluːt)   adj   given to dissipation; debauched [C14: from Latin dissolūtus loose, from dissolvere to DISSOLVE]   > ˈdissoˌlutely adv   > ˈdissoˌluteness n

■ dissolution (ˌdIsəˈluːʃən)   n   1 the resolution or separation into component parts; disintegration   2 destruction by breaking up and dispersing   3 the termination of a meeting or assembly, such as Parliament   4 the termination of a formal or legal relationship, such as a business enterprise, marriage, etc   5 the state of being dissolute; dissipation   6 the act or process of dissolving   > ˈdissoˌlutive adj

■ dissolutionism (ˌdIsəˈluːʃənIzəm)   n   obsolete the beliefs and practices of dissolutionists

■ dissolutionist (ˌdIsəˈluːʃənIst)   n   a person whose aim is dissolution

dissolve (dIˈzɒlv)   vb   1 to go or cause to go into solution: salt dissolves in water; water dissolves sugar   2 to become or cause to become liquid; melt   3 to disintegrate or disperse   4 to come or bring to an end   5 to dismiss (a meeting, parliament, etc) or (of a meeting, etc) to be dismissed   6 to collapse or cause to collapse emotionally: to dissolve into tears   7 to lose or cause to lose distinctness or clarity   8 (tr) to terminate legally, as a marriage, etc   9 (intr) films, television to fade out one scene and replace with another to make two scenes merge imperceptibly (fast dissolve) or slowly overlap (slow dissolve) over a period of about three or four seconds   ▷ n   10 films, television a scene filmed or televised by dissolving [C14: from Latin dissolvere to make loose, from DIS-1 + solvere to release]   > disˈsolvable adj   > disˌsolvaˈbility or disˈsolvableness n   > disˈsolver n

■ dissolvent (dIˈzɒlvənt)   n   1 a rare word for solvent (sense 3)   ▷ adj   2 able to dissolve

■ dissolvings (dIˈzɒlvIŋz)   pl n   not standard things that have been dissolved or partially dissolved

dissonant (ˈdIsənənt)   adj   1 discordant; cacophonous   2 incongruous or discrepant   3 music characterized by dissonance [C15: from Latin dissonāre to be discordant, from DIS-1 + sonāre to sound]   > ˈdissonantly adv

■ dissonance (ˈdIsənəns) or dissonancy   n   1 a discordant combination of sounds   2 lack of agreement or consistency   3 music   a a sensation commonly associated with all intervals of the second and seventh, all diminished and augmented intervals, and all chords based on these intervals. Compare consonance (sense 3)   b an interval or chord of this kind

dissuade (dIˈsweId)   vb (tr)   1 (often foll by from) to deter (someone) by persuasion from a course of action, policy, etc   2 to advise against (an action, etc) [C15: from Latin dissuādēre, from DIS-1 + suādēre to persuade]   > disˈsuadable adj   > disˈsuader n   > disˈsuasion n   > disˈsuasive or disˈsuasory adj   > disˈsuasively adv   > disˈsuasiveness n

dissunder (dIsˈsʌndə)   vb (tr)   to separate; to sever; to sunder

dissyllable (dIˈsIləbəl, ˈdIsˌsIl-, ˈdaIsIl-) or disyllable (ˈdaIsIləbəl, dIˈsIl-)   n   grammar a word of two syllables   > dissyllabic (ˌdIsIˈlæbIk, ˌdIssI-, ˌdaI-) or disyllabic (ˌdaIsIˈlæbIk, ˌdI-) adj

■ dissyllabify (ˌdIsIˈlæbIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to make disyllabic

■ dissyllabism (dIˈsIləˌbIzəm)   n   the fact of having two syllables

dissymmetry (dIˈsImItrI, dIsˈsIm-)   n, pl -tries   1 lack of symmetry   2 the relationship between two objects when one is the mirror image of the other. See also chirality   3 another name for chirality   > dissymmetric (ˌdIsIˈmɛtrIk, ˌdIssI-) or ˌdissymˈmetrical adj   > ˌdissymˈmetrically adv

distaff (ˈdIstɑːf)   n   1 the rod on which flax is wound preparatory to spinning   2 (modifier) of or concerning women: offensive to distaff members of the audience [Old English distæf, from dis- bunch of flax + stæf STAFF^1; see DIZEN]

■ distaff side   n   the female side or branch of a family. Compare spear side

distain (dIsˈteIn)   vb (tr)   to stain; to discolour

distal (ˈdIstəl)   adj   anatomy (of a muscle, bone, limb, etc) situated farthest from the centre, median line, or point of attachment or origin. Compare proximal [C19: from DISTANT + -AL^1]   > ˈdistally adv

distant (ˈdIstənt)   adj   1 far away or apart in space or time   2 (postpositive) separated in space or time by a specified distance   3 apart in relevance, association, or relationship: a distant cousin   4 coming from or going to a faraway place: a distant journey   5 remote in manner; aloof   6 abstracted; absent: a distant look [C14: from Latin distāre to be distant, from DIS-1 + stāre to stand]   > ˈdistantly adv   > ˈdistantness n

■ distance (ˈdIstəns)   n   1 the intervening space between two points or things   2 the length of this gap   3 the state of being apart in space; remoteness   4 an interval between two points in time   5 the extent of progress; advance   6 a distant place or time: he lives at a distance from his work   7 a separation or remoteness in relationship; disparity   8 geometry   a the length of the shortest line segment joining two points   b the length along a straight line or curve   9 the distance the most distant or a faraway part of the visible scene or landscape   10 horse racing   a Brit a point on a racecourse 240 yards from the winning post   b Brit any interval of more than 20 lengths between any two finishers in a race   c US the part of a racecourse that a horse must reach in any heat before the winner passes the finishing line in order to qualify for later heats   11 go the distance   a boxing to complete a bout without being knocked out   b to be able to complete an assigned task or responsibility   12 keep one's distance to maintain a proper or discreet reserve in respect of another person   13 the distant parts of a picture, such as a landscape   14 middle distance   a (in a picture) halfway between the foreground and the horizon   b (in a natural situation) halfway between the observer and the horizon   15 (modifier) athletics relating to or denoting the longer races, usually those longer than a mile: a distance runner   ▷ vb (tr)   16 to hold or place at a distance   17 to separate (oneself) mentally or emotionally from something   18 to outdo; outstrip

■ distance learning   n   a teaching system consisting of video, audio, and written material designed for a person to use in studying a subject at home

■ distanceless (ˈdIstənslIs)   adj   without distance

■ distance modulus   n   astronomy a measure of the distance, r, of a celestial object too far away to show measurable parallax. It is given by m–M = 5 log(r/10), where m is its apparent magnitude (corrected for interstellar absorption) and M is its absolute magnitude

■ distant early warning   n   a US radar detection system to warn of missile attack. See also DEW line

distaste (dIsˈteIst)   n   1 (often foll by for) an absence of pleasure (in); dislike (of); aversion (to): to look at someone with distaste   ▷ vb   2 (tr) an archaic word for dislike

■ distasteful (dIsˈteIstfʊl)   adj   unpleasant or offensive   > disˈtastefully adv   > disˈtastefulness n

Di Stéfano (Spanish di ˈstefɑno)   n   Alfredo (ɑlˈfredo). 1926–2014, Argentinian-born football player, who played for Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and Real Madrid

distelfink (ˈdIʃtəlˌfIŋk, ˈdIstəlˌfIŋk)   n   a stylized motif of the goldfinch seen in Pennsylvanian Dutch art

distemper^1 (dIsˈtɛmpə)   n   1 any of various infectious diseases of animals, esp canine distemper, a highly contagious viral disease of dogs, characterized initially by high fever and a discharge from the nose and eyes. See also hard pad, strangles   2 archaic   a a disease or disorder   b disturbance   c discontent   ▷ vb   3 (tr) archaic to disturb [C14: from Late Latin distemperāre to derange the health of, from Latin DIS-1 + temperāre to mix in correct proportions]

■ distemperate (dIsˈtɛmpərIt, dIsˈtɛmprIt)   adj   1 excessive in some respect; immoderate; not temperate   2 obsolete (of the body or mind) disordered; diseased

■ distemperature (dIsˈtɛmprItʃə)   n   1 an excess of heat or cold   2 (of the body or mind) a distempered condition   3 archaic disturbance; disorder

distemper^2 (dIsˈtɛmpə)   n   1 a technique of painting in which the pigments are mixed with water, glue, size, etc, used for poster, mural, and scene painting   2 the paint used in this technique or any of various water-based paints, including, in Britain, whitewash   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to mix (pigments) with water and size   4 to paint (something) with distemper [C14: from Medieval Latin distemperāre to soak, from Latin DIS-1 + temperāre to mingle]

distend (dIˈstɛnd)   vb   1 to expand or be expanded by or as if by pressure from within; swell; inflate   2 (tr) to stretch out or extend   3 (tr) to magnify in importance; exaggerate [C14: from Latin distendere, from DIS-1 + tendere to stretch]   > disˈtender n   > disˈtensible adj   > disˌtensiˈbility n   > disˈtension or disˈtention n

■ distended (dIsˈtɛndId)   adj   swollen, esp as an indication of illness or injury

■ distensile (dIsˈtɛnsaIl)   adj   another word for distensible

■ distensive (dIsˈtɛnsIv)   adj   capable of distending

■ distent (dIsˈtɛnt)   adj   1 bloated; swollen   ▷ n   2 obsolete breadth; distension

disthene (ˈdIsθiːn)   n   another name for kyanite

disthrone (dIsˈθrəʊn)   vb (tr)   obsolete to remove from a throne; to dethrone. Also (obsolete): disthronize, dethronize

distich (ˈdIstIk)   n   prosody a unit of two verse lines, usually a couplet [C16: from Greek distikhos having two lines, from DI-1 + stikhos STICH]   > ˈdistichal adj

■ distichous (ˈdIstIkəs)   adj   (of leaves) arranged in two vertical rows on opposite sides of the stem   > ˈdistichously adv

distil or US distill (dIsˈtIl)   vb -tils or -tills, -tilling, -tilled   1 to subject to or undergo distillation. See also rectify (sense 2)   2 (sometimes foll by out or off) to purify, separate, or concentrate, or be purified, separated, or concentrated by distillation   3 to obtain or be obtained by distillation: to distil whisky   4 to exude or give off (a substance) in drops or small quantities   5 (tr) to extract the essence of as if by distillation [C14: from Latin dēstillāre to distil, from DE- + stillāre to drip]   > disˈtillable adj

■ distilland (dIsˈtIlænd)   n   a substance intended for distillation

■ distillate (ˈdIstIlIt, -ˌleIt)   n   1 Also called: distillation the product of distillation   2 a concentrated essence

■ distillation (ˌdIstIˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act, process, or product of distilling   2 the process of evaporating or boiling a liquid and condensing its vapour   3 purification or separation of mixture by using different evaporation rates or boiling points of their components. See also fractional distillation   4 the process of obtaining the essence or an extract of a substance, usually by heating it in a solvent   5 another name for distillate (sense 1)   6 a concentrated essence   > disˈtillatory adj

■ distiller (dIˈstIlə)   n   a person or organization that distils, esp a company that makes spirits

■ distillers' grain   n   a by-product of the distillation process for making whisky, used as an animal foodstuff

■ distillery (dIˈstIlərI)   n, pl -eries   a place where alcoholic drinks, etc, are made by distillation

■ distilment (dIsˈtIlmənt)   n obsolete   1 the process of distillation   2 Brit the product of distillation

distinct (dIˈstIŋkt)   adj   1 easily sensed or understood; clear; precise   2 (when postpositive, foll by from) not the same (as); separate (from); distinguished (from)   3 not alike; different   4 sharp; clear   5 recognizable; definite: a distinct improvement   6 explicit; unequivocal   7 maths, logic (of a pair of entities) not identical   8 botany (of parts of a plant) not joined together; separate [C14: from Latin distinctus, from distinguere to DISTINGUISH]   > disˈtinctly adv   > disˈtinctness n

■ distinction (dIˈstIŋkʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of distinguishing or differentiating   2 a distinguishing feature   3 the state of being different or distinguishable   4 special honour, recognition, or fame   5 excellence of character; distinctive qualities: a man of distinction   6 distinguished appearance   7 a symbol of honour or rank

■ distinctive (dIˈstIŋktIv)   adj   1 serving or tending to distinguish   2 denoting one of a set of minimal features of a phoneme in a given language that serve to distinguish it from other phonemes. The distinctive features of /p/ in English are that it is voiceless, bilabial, non-nasal, and plosive; /b/ is voiced, bilabial, non-nasal, and plosive: the two differ by the distinctive feature of voice   > disˈtinctively adv   > disˈtinctiveness n

■ distinctiveness ratio   n   statistics the ratio of the relative frequency of some event in a given sample to that in the general population or another relevant sample

■ distincture (dIsˈtIŋktʃə)   n   obsolete distinctness

distingué or feminine distinguée French (distɛ̃ɡe)   adj   distinguished or noble

distinguish (dIˈstIŋɡwIʃ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (when intr, foll by between or among) to make, show, or recognize a difference or differences (between or among); differentiate (between)   2 to be a distinctive feature of; characterize   3 to make out; perceive   4 to mark for a special honour or title   5 to make (oneself) noteworthy: he distinguished himself by his cowardice   6 to classify; categorize: we distinguished three species [C16: from Latin distinguere to separate, discriminate]   > disˈtinguishable adj   > disˈtinguishably adv   > disˈtinguisher n   > disˈtinguishing adj   > disˈtinguishingly adv

■ distinguished (dIˈstIŋɡwIʃt)   adj   1 noble or dignified in appearance or behaviour   2 eminent; famous; celebrated

■ distinguished-looking   adj   having a dignified and attractive appearance

■ distinguishment (dIˈstIŋɡwIʃmənt)   n   obsolete the quality or condition of being distinguished

distome (ˈdIstəʊm)   n   a genus of digenetic parasitic flatworms having two suckers, one ventral and the other oral

distort (dIˈstɔːt)   vb (tr)   1 (often passive) to twist or pull out of shape; make bent or misshapen; contort; deform   2 to alter or misrepresent (facts, motives, etc)   3 electronics to reproduce or amplify (a signal) inaccurately, changing the shape of the waveform [C16: from Latin distortus misshapen, from distorquēre to turn different ways, from DIS-1 + torquēre to twist]   > disˈtorted adj   > disˈtortedly adv   > disˈtortedness n   > disˈtorter n   > disˈtortive adj

■ distortion (dIˈstɔːʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of distorting or the state of being distorted   2 something that is distorted   3 an aberration of a lens or optical system in which the magnification varies with the lateral distance from the axis   4 electronics   a an undesired change in the shape of an electromagnetic wave or signal   b the result of such a change in waveform, esp a loss of clarity in radio reception or sound reproduction   5 psychol a change in perception so that it does not correspond to reality   6 psychoanal the disguising of the meaning of unconscious thoughts so that they may appear in consciousness, e.g. in dreams   > disˈtortional adj

distract (dIˈstrækt)   vb (tr)   1 (often passive) to draw the attention of (a person) away from something   2 to divide or confuse the attention of (a person)   3 to amuse or entertain   4 to trouble greatly   5 to make mad [C14: from Latin distractus perplexed, from distrahere to pull in different directions, from DIS-1 + trahere to drag]   > disˈtracter n   > disˈtractible adj   > disˌtractiˈbility n   > disˈtracting adj   > disˈtractingly adv   > disˈtractive adj   > disˈtractively adv

■ distractable (dIˈstræktəbəl)   adj   a variant form of distractible

■ distracted (dIˈstræktId)   adj   1 bewildered; confused   2 mad   > disˈtractedly adv   > disˈtractedness n

■ distraction (dIˈstrækʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of distracting or the state of being distracted   2 something that serves as a diversion or entertainment   3 an interruption; obstacle to concentration   4 mental turmoil

■ distractor (dIsˈtræktə)   n   1 any of the incorrect choices in a multiple choice question   2 another spelling of distracter

distrail (ˈdIsˌtreIl)   n   the path created by aircraft when flying through cloud at high altitude

distrain (dIˈstreIn)   vb   law to seize (personal property) by way of distress [C13: from Old French destreindre, from Latin distringere to impede, from DIS-1 + stringere to draw tight]   > disˈtrainable adj   > disˈtrainment n   > disˈtrainor or disˈtrainer n

■ distrainee (ˌdIstreIˈniː)   n   law a person whose property has been seized by way of distraint

■ distraint (dIˈstreInt)   n   law the act or process of distraining; distress

distrait (dIˈstreI; French distrɛ)   adj   absent-minded; abstracted [C18: from French, from distraire to DISTRACT]

distraught (dIˈstrɔːt)   adj   1 distracted or agitated   2 rare mad [C14: changed from obsolete distract through influence of obsolete straught, past participle of STRETCH]

■ distraughtly (dIˈstrɔːtlI)   adv   in a distraught manner

distress (dIˈstrɛs)   vb (tr)   1 to cause mental pain to; upset badly   2 (usually passive) to subject to financial or other trouble   3 to damage (esp furniture), as by scratching or denting it, in order to make it appear older than it is   4 law a less common word for distrain   5 archaic to compel   ▷ n   6 mental pain; anguish   7 the act of distressing or the state of being distressed   8 physical or financial trouble   9 in distress (of a ship, aircraft, etc) in dire need of help   10 law   a the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of or in satisfaction of a debt, claim, etc; distraint   b the property thus seized   c US (as modifier): distress merchandise [C13: from Old French destresse distress, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin districtus divided in mind; see DISTRAIN]   > disˈtressful adj   > disˈtressfully adv   > disˈtressfulness n   > disˈtressing adj, n   > disˈtressingly adv

■ distressed (dIˈstrɛst)   adj   1 much troubled; upset; afflicted   2 in financial straits; poor   3 (of furniture, fabric, etc) having signs of ageing artificially applied   4 economics another word for depressed (sense 5)

■ distresser (dIˈstrɛsə)   n   obsolete one who distresses

■ distress merchandise   n   US goods sold at reduced prices in order to pay overdue debts, etc

■ distress signal   n   a signal by radio, Very light, etc from a ship or other vessel in need of immediate assistance

distribute (dIˈstrIbjuːt)   vb (tr)   1 to give out in shares; dispense   2 to hand out or deliver: to distribute leaflets   3 (often passive) to spread throughout a space or area: gulls are distributed along the west coast   4 (often passive) to divide into classes or categories; classify: these books are distributed in four main categories   5 printing to return (used type) to the correct positions in the type case   6 logic to incorporate in a distributed term of a categorial proposition   7 maths, logic to expand (an expression containing two operators) in such a way that the precedence of the operators is changed; for example, distributing multiplication over addition in a(b + c) yields ab + ac   8 obsolete to dispense (justice) [C15: from Latin distribuere from DIS-1 + tribuere to give]   > disˈtributable adj

■ distribuend (dIˈstrIbjuːˌɛnd)   n   1 obsolete something that is distributed   2 chem a substance distributed between two unmixable liquids

■ distributary (dIˈstrIbjʊtərI, -trI)   n, pl -taries   one of several outlet streams draining a river, esp on a delta

■ distributed (dIˈstrIbjuːtId)   adj   spread or divided; not all collected in one place

■ distributed array processor   n   a type of computer system that uses a coordinated array of separate processors applied to a single problem. Abbreviation: DAP

■ distributed logic   n   a computer system in which remote terminals and electronic devices, distributed throughout the system, supplement the main computer by doing some of the computing or decision making

■ distributed practice   n   psychol learning with reasonably long intervals between separate occasions of learning. Compare massed practice

■ distributed systems   pl n   two or more computers linked by telecommunication, each of which can perform independently

■ distributed term   n   logic a term applying equally to every member of the class it designates, as doctors in no doctors are overworked

■ distributee (dIˌstrIbjʊˈtiː)   n   law, chiefly US a person entitled to share in the estate of an intestate

■ distribution (ˌdIstrIˈbjuːʃən)   n   1 the act of distributing or the state or manner of being distributed   2 a thing or portion distributed   3 arrangement or location   4 commerce the process of physically satisfying the demand for goods and services   5 economics the division of the total income of a community among its members, esp between labour incomes (wages and salaries) and property incomes (rents, interest, and dividends)   6 statistics the set of possible values of a random variable, or points in a sample space, considered in terms of new theoretical or observed frequency: a normal distribution   7 law the apportioning of the estate of a deceased intestate among the persons entitled to share in it   8 law the lawful division of the assets of a bankrupt among his or her creditors   9 finance   a the division of part of a company's profit as a dividend to its shareholders   b the amount paid by dividend in a particular distribution   10 engineering the way in which the fuel-air mixture is supplied to each cylinder of a multicylinder internal-combustion engine   > ˌdistriˈbutional adj

■ distribution channel   n   marketing the network of organizations, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, that distributes goods or services to consumers

■ distribution function   n   short for cumulative distribution function

■ distributive (dIˈstrIbjʊtIv)   adj   1 characterized by or relating to distribution   2 grammar referring separately to the individual people or items in a group, as the words each and every   ▷ n   3 grammar a distributive word   4 maths able to be distributed: multiplication is distributive over addition   > disˈtributively adv   > disˈtributiveness n

■ distributive bargaining   n   industrial relations a negotiation process aimed at reaching a compromise agreement over how resources may be allocated between the parties

■ distributive law   n   maths, logic a theorem asserting that one operator can validly be distributed over another. See distribute (sense 7)

■ distributivity (dIsˌtrIbjəˈtIvItI)   n   maths the quality of being distributive

■ distributor or distributer (dIˈstrIbjʊtə)   n   1 a person or thing that distributes   2 a wholesaler or middleman engaged in the distribution of a category of goods, esp to retailers in a specific area   3 the device in a petrol engine that distributes the high-tension voltage to the sparking plugs in the sequence of the firing order

■ distributorship (dIˈstrIbjʊtəˌʃIp)   n   1 a company that distributes something, esp one that has exclusive license to do this   2 the right to supply goods

district (ˈdIstrIkt)   n   1    a an area of land marked off for administrative or other purposes   b (as modifier): district nurse   2 a locality separated by geographical attributes; region   3 any subdivision of any territory, region, etc   4 (in England from 1974 and in Wales 1974–96) any of the subdivisions of the nonmetropolitan counties that elects a council responsible for local planning, housing, rates, etc. See also metropolitan district   5 (in Scotland until 1975) a landward division of a county   6 (in Scotland 1975–96) any of the subdivisions of the regions that elected a council responsible for environmental health services, housing, etc   7 any of the 26 areas into which Northern Ireland has been divided since 1973. Elected district councils are responsible for environmental health services, etc   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to divide into districts [C17: from Medieval Latin districtus area of jurisdiction, from Latin distringere to stretch out; see DISTRAIN]

■ district attorney   n   (in the US) the state prosecuting officer in a specified judicial district

■ district court   n   1 (in Scotland) a court of summary jurisdiction held by a stipendiary magistrate or one or more justices of the peace to deal with minor criminal offences   2 (in the US)   a a federal trial court serving a federal judicial district   b (in some states) a court having general jurisdiction in a state judicial district   3 (in Australia and New Zealand) a court lower than a high court. Former name: magistrates' court

■ district court judge   n   Austral and NZ a judge presiding over a lower court. Former name: magistrate

■ district high school   n   NZ a school in a rural area that includes primary and post-primary classes

■ district nurse   n   (in Britain) a nurse employed within the National Health Service to attend patients in a particular area, usually by visiting them in their own homes

■ District of Columbia   n   a federal district of the eastern US, coextensive with the federal capital, Washington. Pop: 564 326 (2003 est). Area: 178 sq km (69 sq miles). Abbreviation: D.C., (with zip code) DC

■ District Six   n   an area of Cape Town that was inhabited by a racially mixed community until it was forcibly removed in 1966

distringas (dIsˈtrIŋɡæs)   n   law (formerly) a writ directing a sheriff to distrain [from Latin: you shall distrain (the opening word of the writ)]

Distrito Federal (Portuguese dʒiʃˈtritu fedeˈraw)   n   a district in S central Brazil, containing Brasília: detached from Goiás state in 1960. Pop: 2 145 839 (2002). Area: 5815 sq km (2245 sq miles)

distrix (ˈdIstrIks)   n   med the splitting of the ends of hairs [from Greek DIS-2 + thrix hair]

distrouble (dIsˈtrʌbəl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to trouble; to interrupt

distrust (dIsˈtrʌst)   vb   1 to regard as untrustworthy or dishonest   ▷ n   2 suspicion; doubt   > disˈtruster n   > disˈtrustful adj   > disˈtrustfully adv   > disˈtrustfulness n

■ distrustless (dIsˈtrʌstlIs)   adj   obsolete without suspicion or distrust

distune (dIsˈtjuːn)   vb (tr)   to cause (an instrument) to be out of tune

disturb (dIˈstɜːb)   vb (tr)   1 to intrude on; interrupt   2 to destroy or interrupt the quietness or peace of   3 to disarrange; muddle   4 (often passive) to upset or agitate; trouble: I was disturbed at the bad news   5 to inconvenience; put out: don't disturb yourself on my account [C13: from Latin disturbāre, from DIS-1 + turbāre to confuse]   > disˈturber n

■ disturbance (dIˈstɜːbəns)   n   1 the act of disturbing or the state of being disturbed   2 an interruption or intrusion   3 an unruly outburst or tumult   4 law an interference with another's rights   5 geology   a a minor movement of the earth causing a small earthquake   b a minor mountain-building event   6 meteorol a small depression   7 psychiatry a psychological or emotional problem

■ disturbant (dIˈstɜːbənt)   adj   1 having a disturbing effect, disquieting   ▷ n   2 a person who disturbs

■ disturbative (dIˈstɜːbətIv)   adj   capable of disturbing

■ disturbed (dIˈstɜːbd)   adj   psychiatry emotionally or psychologically troubled

■ disturbing (dIˈstɜːbIŋ)   adj   tending to upset or agitate; troubling; worrying   > disˈturbingly adv

distyle (ˈdaIstaIl)   n   a porch supported by two columns

disubstituted (daIˈsʌbstIˌtjuːtId)   adj   having two substituent atoms, groups, or radicals in a molecule

disulfate (daIˈsʌlfeIt)   n   a chemical compound containing two sulfate ions

disulfide (daIˈsʌlfaId)   n   a variant spelling of disulphide

disulfiram (ˌdaIsʌlˈfIərəm)   n   a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism that acts by inducing nausea and other unpleasant effects following ingestion of alcohol [C20: from tetraethylthiuram disulfide]

disulfoton (daIˈsʌlfəˌtɒn)   n   a synthetic pesticide effective against sucking insects, used on crops including coffee and tobacco

disulphate (daIˈsʌlfeIt)   n   another name for pyrosulphate

disulphide (daIˈsʌlfaId) or disulfide   n   any chemical compound containing two sulphur atoms per molecule. Also called (not in technical usage): bisulphide

disulphuret (daIˈsʌlfjʊˌrɛt)   n   the former name for disulphide

disulphuric acid (ˌdaIsʌlˈfjʊərIk)   n   another name for pyrosulphuric acid

disunite (ˌdIsjʊˈnaIt)   vb   1 to separate or become separate; disrupt   2 (tr) to set at variance; estrange   > disˈunion n   > ˌdisuˈniter n

■ disunionist (dIsˈjuːnjənIst)   n   a supporter of disunion

■ disunited (ˌdIsjʊˈnaItId)   adj   separated into factions; no longer united

■ disunity (dIsˈjuːnItI)   n, pl -ties   dissension or disagreement

disuse (dIsˈjuːs)   n   the condition of being unused; neglect (often in the phrases in or into disuse)

■ disusage (dIsˈjuːsIdʒ)   n   obsolete the desistance of use; disuse

■ disused (dIsˈjuːzd)   adj   no longer used: a disused mine

disutility (ˌdIsjuːˈtIlItI)   n, pl -ties   economics   a the shortcomings of a commodity or activity in satisfying human wants   b the degree to which a commodity or activity fails to satisfy human wants   ▶ Compare utility (sense 4)

disvalue (dIsˈvæljuː)   n   1 disparagement   ▷ vb (tr) obsolete   2 to consider of little value

disvouch (dIsˈvaʊtʃ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to dissociate oneself from

disworship (dIsˈwɜːʃIp) obsolete   vb (tr)   1 to refuse to revere or worship   ▷ n   2 a disgrace; dishonour

disyllable (ˈdaIsIləbəl, dIˈsIl-)   n   a variant of dissyllable   > disyllabic (ˌdaIsIˈlæbIk, ˌdI-) adj

■ disyllabify (ˌdaIsIˈlæbIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   a variant of dissyllabify

■ disyllabism (daIˈsIləˌbIzəm)   n   a variant of dissyllabism

disyoke (dIsˈjəʊk)   vb (tr)   obsolete to release from a yoke; to unyoke

dit (dIt)   n   the short sound used, in combination with the long sound dah, in the spoken representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare dot^1 (sense 6)

dita (ˈdiːtə)   n   an apocynaceous shrub, Alstonia scholaris, of tropical Africa and Asia, having large shiny whorled leaves and medicinal bark [C19: from Tagalog]

dital (ˈdaItəl)   n   a key for raising the pitch of a lute or guitar string

ditch (dItʃ)   n   1 a narrow channel dug in the earth, usually used for drainage, irrigation, or as a boundary marker   2 any small, natural waterway   3 Irish a bank made of earth excavated from and placed alongside a drain or stream   4 informal either of the gutters at the side of a tenpin bowling lane   5 last ditch a last resort or place of last defence   ▷ vb   6 to make a ditch or ditches in (a piece of ground)   7 (intr) to edge (something) with a ditch   8 informal to crash or be crashed, esp deliberately, as to avoid more unpleasant circumstances: he had to ditch the car   9 (tr) slang to abandon or discard: to ditch a girlfriend   10 informal to land (an aircraft) on water in an emergency   11 (tr) US slang to evade: to ditch the police [Old English dīc; related to Old Saxon dīk, Old Norse dīki, Middle High German tīch dyke, pond, Latin fīgere to stick, see DYKE^1]   > ˈditcher n   > ˈditchless adj

■ Ditch (dItʃ)   n Austral and NZ   the Ditch an informal name for the Tasman Sea

■ ditchdigger (ˈdItʃˌdIɡə)   n   1 a person employed to dig ditches   2 a person employed to undertake toilsome physical tasks

■ ditchwater (ˈdItʃˌwɔːtə)   n   1 stagnant water   2 as dull as ditchwater extremely uninspiring

dite (daIt)   vb (tr)   1 to set down in writing   ▷ n   2 obsolete something set down in writing

dithecal (daIˈθiːkəl)   adj   botany having two thecae or receptacles

ditheism (ˈdaIθiːˌIzəm)   n theol   1 the belief in two equal gods   2 the belief that two equal principles reign over the world, one good and one evil   > ˈditheist n   > ˌditheˈistic or ˌditheˈistical adj

dithelete (ˈdaIθəˌliːt)   n   a person who believes Christ had two wills, human and divine

■ ditheletic (ˌdaIθɛˈlɛtIk) or ditheletical (ˌdaIθɛˈlɛtIkəl)   adj   of or relating to dithelism

■ dithelism (ˈdaIθəˌlIzəm), ditheletism or dithelitism   n   the belief that Christ had two wills, human and divine

dither (ˈdIðə)   vb (intr)   1 chiefly Brit to be uncertain or indecisive   2 chiefly US to be in an agitated state   3 to tremble, as with cold   ▷ n   4 chiefly Brit a state of indecision   5 a state of agitation [C17: variant of C14 (northern English dialect) didder, of uncertain origin]   > ˈditherer n   > ˈdithery adj

dithiocarbamate (ˌdaIθaIəʊˈkɑːbəˌmeIt)   n   any salt or ester of dithiocarbamic acid, commonly used as fungicides

dithiol (daIˈθaIɒl)   n   a chemical compound consisting of two thiols

dithionic acid (daIˈθaIənIk)   n   a dibasic acid. Formula: H_2S_2O_6

■ dithionate (daIˈθaIəˌneIt)   n   a salt or ester of dithionic acid

dithionite (daIˈθaIəˌnaIt)   n   any salt of dithionous acid. Also called: hyposulphite, hydrosulphite

dithionous acid (daIˈθaIənəs)   n   an unstable dibasic acid known only in solution and in the form of dithionite salts. It is a powerful reducing agent. Formula: H_2S_2O_4. Also called: hyposulphurous acid, hydrosulphurous acid [from DI-1 + thion-, from Greek theion sulphur + -OUS]

dithyramb (ˈdIθIˌræm, -ˌræmb)   n   1 (in ancient Greece) a passionate choral hymn in honour of Dionysus: the forerunner of Greek drama   2 any utterance or a piece of writing that resembles this [C17: from Latin dīthyrambus, from Greek dithurambos; related to iambos IAMB]

■ dithyrambic (ˌdIθIˈræmbIk)   adj   1 prosody of or relating to a dithyramb   2 passionately eloquent   > ˌdithyˈrambically adv

■ dithyrambist (ˌdIθIˈræmbIst)   n   a writer or performer of dithyrambs

ditokous (ˈdItəkəs)   adj   producing two offspring, two eggs, or two kinds of offspring, as some annelids

ditone (ˈdaIˌtəʊn)   n   (in music) an interval of two tones

ditransitive (daIˈtrænsItIv)   adj   grammar (of a verb) taking both a direct object and indirect object

ditriglyph (daIˈtraIˌɡlIf)   n   an interval between Doric columns that allows for two triglyphs on the frieze between each column

■ ditriglyphic (ˌdaItraIˈɡlIfIk)   adj   of or pertaining to ditriglyphs

ditrochee (daIˈtrəʊkiː)   n   prosody a metrical foot consisting of two trochees

■ ditrochean (ˌdaItrəʊˈkiːən)   adj   prosody consisting of two trochees

ditsiness (ˈdItsInəs)   n   slang a variant spelling of ditziness

dittander (dIˈtændə, ˈdItən-)   n   a plant, Lepidium latifolium, of coastal regions of Europe, N Africa, and SW Asia, with clusters of small white flowers: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

dittany (ˈdItənI)   n, pl -nies   1 an aromatic Cretan plant, Origanum dictamnus, with pink drooping flowers: formerly credited with great medicinal properties: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   2 Also called: stone mint a North American labiate plant, Cunila origanoides, with clusters of purplish flowers   3 another name for gas plant [C14: from Old French ditan, from Latin dictamnus, from Greek diktamnon, perhaps from Diktē, mountain in Crete]

dittay (ˈdItteI)   n   Scots law the accusation or charge against a person in a criminal case

ditto (ˈdItəʊ)   n, pl -tos   1 the aforementioned; the above; the same. Used in accounts, lists, etc, to avoid repetition and symbolized by two small marks (〃) known as ditto marks, placed under the thing repeated. Abbreviation: do   2 informal   a a duplicate   b (as modifier): a ditto copy   ▷ adv   3 in the same way   ▷ sentence substitute   4 informal used to avoid repeating or to confirm agreement with an immediately preceding sentence   ▷ vb -tos, -toing, -toed   5 (tr) to copy; repeat [C17: from Italian (Tuscan dialect), variant of detto said, from dicere to say, from Latin]

dittography (dIˈtɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1 the unintentional repetition of letters or words   2 a passage of manuscript demonstrating dittography   > dittographic (ˌdItəˈɡræfIk) adj

dittology (dIˈtəʊlɒdʒI)   n   an interpretation of one text in two ways

ditty (ˈdItI)   n, pl -ties   a short simple song or poem [C13: from Old French ditie poem, from ditier to compose, from Latin dictāre DICTATE]

ditty bag   n   a sailor's cloth bag for personal belongings or tools. A box used for these purposes is termed a ditty box [C19: perhaps from obsolete dutty calico, from Hindi dhōtī loincloth, DHOTI]

ditz (dIts)   n   slang, chiefly US a silly scatterbrained person [C20: back-formation from DITZY]

ditzy or ditsy (ˈdItsI)   adj -zier, -ziest or -sier, -siest   slang silly and scatterbrained [C20: perhaps from DOTTY + DIZZY]

■ ditziness (ˈdItsInəs) or ditsiness   n   slang the quality or characteristic of being ditsy

Diu (ˈdiːuː)   n   a small island off the NW coast of India: together with a mainland area, it formed a district of Portuguese India (1535–1961); formerly part of the Indian Union Territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu (1962–87)

diuresis (ˌdaIjʊˈriːsIs)   n   excretion of an unusually large quantity of urine [C17: from New Latin, from Greek diourein to urinate]

■ diuretic (ˌdaIjʊˈrɛtIk)   adj   1 acting to increase the flow of urine   ▷ n   2 a drug or agent that increases the flow of urine   > ˌdiuˈretically adv   > ˌdiuˈreticalness n

diurnal (daIˈɜːnəl)   adj   1 happening during the day or daily   2 (of flowers) open during the day and closed at night   3 (of animals) active during the day. Compare nocturnal   ▷ n   4 a service book containing all the canonical hours except matins [C15: from Late Latin diurnālis, from Latin diurnus, from diēs day]   > diˈurnally adv

■ diurnalist (daIˈɜːnəlIst)   n   archaic a person who writes a diurnal; a journalist

■ diurnal motion   n   motion that occurs during the day or daily, such as the diurnal rotation of the celestial sphere

■ diurnal parallax   n   See parallax (sense 2)

diuron (ˈdaIjəˌrɒn)   n   a type of herbicide used to kill pre-emergent weeds

diuturnity (ˌdaIjʊˈtɜːnItI)   n, pl -ties   archaic a long period of time; lastingness

■ diuturnal (ˌdaIjʊˈtɜːnəl)   adj   archaic lasting a long time; long-lasting

div^1 (dIv)   n   maths short for divergence (sense 4)

div^2 (dIv)   n   prison slang a foolish person [C20: probably shortened and changed from DEVIANT]

diva (ˈdiːvə)   n, pl -vas or -ve (-vI)   a highly distinguished female singer; prima donna [C19: via Italian from Latin: a goddess, from dīvus DIVINE]

divagate (ˈdaIvəˌɡeIt)   vb   (intr) rare to digress or wander [C16: from Latin DI-2 + vagārī to wander]   > ˌdivaˈgation n

divalent (daIˈveIlənt, ˈdaIˌveI-)   adj chem   1 having a valency of two   2 having two valencies   ▶ Also: bivalent   > diˈvalency n

■ divalence (daIˈveIləns)   n   chem the state of being divalent

divan (dIˈvæn)   n   1    a a backless sofa or couch, designed to be set against a wall   b a bed resembling such a couch   2 (esp formerly) a room for smoking and drinking, as in a coffee shop   3    a a Muslim law court, council chamber, or counting house   b a Muslim council of state   4 a collection of poems   5 (in Muslim law) an account book   ▶ Also called (for senses 2–5): diwan [C16: from Turkish dīvān, from Persian dīwān]

divaricate   vb (daIˈværIˌkeIt)   1 (intr) (esp of branches) to diverge at a wide angle   ▷ adj (daIˈværIkIt, -ˌkeIt)   2 branching widely; forked [C17: from Latin dīvāricāre to stretch apart, from DI-2 + vāricāre to stand astride]   > diˈvaricately adv   > diˈvariˌcatingly adv   > diˌvariˈcation n

■ divaricator (daIˈværIˌkeItə)   n   zoology a muscle in brachiopods that controls the opening of the shell

dive (daIv)   vb dives, diving, dived or US dove, dived (mainly intr)   1 to plunge headfirst into water   2 (of a submarine, swimmer, etc) to submerge under water   3 (also tr) to fly (an aircraft) in a steep nose-down descending path, or (of an aircraft) to fly in such a path   4 to rush, go, or reach quickly, as in a headlong plunge: he dived for the ball   5 (also tr; foll by in or into) to dip or put (one's hand) quickly or forcefully (into): to dive into one's pocket   6 (usually foll by in or into) to involve oneself (in something), as in eating food   7 soccer slang (of a footballer) to pretend to have been tripped or impeded by an opposing player in order to win a free kick or penalty   ▷ n   8 a headlong plunge into water, esp one of several formalized movements executed as a sport   9 an act or instance of diving   10 a steep nose-down descent of an aircraft   11 slang a disreputable or seedy bar or club   12 boxing slang the act of a boxer pretending to be knocked down or out: he took a dive in the fourth round   13 soccer slang the act of a player pretending to have been tripped or impeded [Old English dӯfan; related to Old Norse dӯfa to dip, Frisian dīvi; see DEEP, DIP]

■ dive-bomb   vb   (tr) to bomb (a target) using or in the manner of a dive bomber

■ dive bomber   n   a military aircraft designed to release its bombs on a target during a steep dive

■ dive brake   n   1 a flap or spoiler extended from the wings of a ground-attack aircraft for controlling a dive   2 another name for air brake

■ diver (ˈdaIvə)   n   1 a person or thing that dives   2 a person who works or explores underwater   3 Also called: loom any aquatic bird of the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae, and order Gaviiformes of northern oceans, having a straight pointed bill, small wings, and a long body: noted for swiftness and skill in swimming and diving. US and Canadian name: loon   4 any of various other diving birds   5 soccer slang a player who pretends to have been tripped or impeded by an opposing player in order to win a free kick or penalty

■ diving (ˈdaIvIŋ)   n   the sport or activity of diving into water or spending time under water

■ diving beetle   n   any of the aquatic predatory beetles of the widely distributed family Dytiscidae, characterized by flattened hindlegs adapted for swimming and diving

■ diving bell   n   an early diving submersible having an open bottom and being supplied with compressed air

■ diving board   n   a platform or springboard from which swimmers may dive

■ diving duck   n   any of various ducks, such as the pochard, scaup, redhead, and canvasback, that inhabit bays, estuaries, lakes, etc, and can dive and swim beneath the surface of the water

■ diving suit or diving dress   n   a waterproof suit used by divers, having a heavy detachable helmet and an air supply

Divehi (ˈdIvɛI)   n   the language of the Maldive Islands, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family

divellent (daIˈvɛlənt)   adj   archaic separating; pulling apart

■ divellicate (daIˈvɛlIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to separate; pull apart

diverge (daIˈvɜːdʒ)   vb   1 to separate or cause to separate and go in different directions from a point   2 (intr) to be at variance; differ: our opinions diverge   3 (intr) to deviate from a prescribed course   4 (intr) maths (of a series or sequence) to have no limit [C17: from Medieval Latin dīvergere, from Latin DI-2 + vergere to turn]

■ divergence (daIˈvɜːdʒəns)   n   1 the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges   2 the condition of being divergent   3 meteorol the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air   4 maths   a the scalar product of the operator, ∇, and a vector function, A, where ∇= i∂/∂x + j∂/∂y+ k∂/∂z, and i, j, and k are unit vectors. Usually written: div A, ∇A, or ∇A.. See curl (sense 11), gradient (sense 4)   b the property of being divergent   5 the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion   6 the turning of the eyes outwards in order to fixate an object farther away than that previously being fixated. Compare convergence (sense 7)   7 Also called: divergent evolution the evolutionary development of structures or organisms that differ from each other in form and function but have evolved from the same basic structure or organism. Compare convergence (sense 5)   ▶ Also called (for senses 1, 2): divergency, divergement

■ divergent (daIˈvɜːdʒənt)   adj   1 diverging or causing divergence   2 (of opinions, interests, etc) different   3 maths (of a series) having no limit; not convergent   4 botany (of plant organs) farther apart at their tops than at their bases   > diˈvergently adv

USAGE

The use of divergent to mean different as in they hold widely divergent views is considered by some people to be incorrect

■ divergent thinking   n   psychol thinking in an unusual and unstereotyped way, e.g. to generate several possible solutions to a problem. Compare convergent thinking

■ divergingly (daIˈvɜːdʒIŋlI)   adv   in a diverging manner

divers (ˈdaIvəz)   determiner   archaic or literary   a various; sundry; some   b (as pronoun; functioning as plural): divers of them [C13: from Old French, from Latin dīversus turned in different directions; see DIVERT]

diverse (daIˈvɜːs, ˈdaIvɜːs)   adj   1 having variety; assorted   2 distinct in kind [C13: from Latin dīversus; see DIVERS]   > diˈversely adv   > diˈverseness n

■ diversity (daIˈvɜːsItI)   n   1 the state or quality of being different or varied   2 a variety or assortment   3 a point of difference   4 the inclusion of people of different races, genders, religions, etc in a group   5 logic the relation that holds between two entities when and only when they are not identical; the property of being numerically distinct

■ diversly (ˈdaIvəzlI)   adv   another spelling of diversely

diversiform (daIˈvɜːsIˌfɔːm)   adj   having various forms

diversify (daIˈvɜːsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 (tr) to create different forms of; variegate; vary   2 (of an enterprise) to vary (products, operations, etc) in order to spread risk, expand, etc   3 to distribute (investments) among several securities in order to spread risk [C15: from Old French diversifier, from Medieval Latin dīversificāre, from Latin dīversus DIVERSE + facere to make]   > diˈversiˌfiable adj   > diˌversiˌfiaˈbility n   > diˈversiˌfier n

■ diversification (daIˌvɜːsIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 commerce the practice of varying products, operations, etc, in order to spread risk, expand, exploit spare capacity, etc   2 (in regional planning policies) the attempt to provide regions with an adequate variety of industries   3 the act of diversifying

divert (daIˈvɜːt)   vb   1 to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect   2 (tr) to entertain; amuse   3 (tr) to distract the attention of [C15: from French divertir, from Latin dīvertere to turn aside, from DI-2 + vertere to turn]   > diˈverter n   > diˈvertible adj   > diˈverting adj   > diˈvertingly adv   > diˈvertive adj

■ diversion (daIˈvɜːʃən)   n   1 the act of diverting from a specified course   2 chiefly Brit an official detour used by traffic when a main route is closed   3 something that distracts from business, etc; amusement   4 military a feint attack designed to draw an enemy away from the main attack   > diˈversional or diˈversionary adj

■ diversionist (daIˈvɜːʃənIst)   n   a person involved in diversion or disruption

■ divertibility (dIˌvɜːtIˈbIlItI, daIˌvɜːtIˈbIlItI)   n   not standard the capability of being diverted

diverticulum (ˌdaIvəˈtIkjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   any sac or pouch formed by herniation of the wall of a tubular organ or part, esp the intestines [C16: from New Latin, from Latin dēverticulum by-path, from dēvertere to turn aside, from vertere to turn]   > ˌdiverˈticular adj

■ diverticular disease (ˌdaIvəˈtIkjʊlə)   n   any disease of the colon involving the presence of diverticula

■ diverticulate (ˌdaIvɜːˈtIkjələt)   adj   of or relating to a diverticulum

■ diverticulated (ˌdaIvɜːˈtIkjəˌleItId)   adj   having diverticula

■ diverticulitis (ˌdaIvəˌtIkjʊˈlaItIs)   n   inflammation of one or more diverticula, esp of the colon

■ diverticulosis (ˌdaIvəˌtIkjʊˈləʊsIs)   n   the presence of several diverticula, esp in the intestines [from New Latin, from DIVERTICULUM + -OSIS]

divertimento (dIˌvɜːtIˈmɛntəʊ)   n, pl -ti (-tI)   1 a piece of entertaining music in several movements, often scored for a mixed ensemble and having no fixed form   2 an episode in a fugue   ▶ See also divertissement [C18: from Italian]

divertisement (dIˈvɜːtIzmənt)   n   archaic diversion; entertainment

divertissement (dIˈvɜːtIsmənt; French divɛrtismɑ̃)   n   1 a brief entertainment or diversion, usually between the acts of a play   2 music   a a fantasia on popular melodies; potpourri   b a piece or pieces written to be played during the intervals in a play, opera, etc   c another word for divertimento [C18: from French: entertainment]

Dives (ˈdaIviːz)   n   1 a rich man in the parable in Luke 16:19–31   2 a very rich man

divest (daIˈvɛst)   vb (tr; usually foll by of)   1 to strip (of clothes): to divest oneself of one's coat   2 to deprive or dispossess   3 property law to take away an estate or interest in property vested in (a person) [C17: changed from earlier DEVEST]   > diˈvestible adj   > divestiture (daIˈvɛstItʃə), divesture (daIˈvɛstʃə) or diˈvestment n

divi (ˈdIvI)   n   an alternative spelling of divvy^1

divide (dIˈvaId)   vb   1 to separate or be separated into parts or groups; split up; part   2 to share or be shared out in parts; distribute   3 to diverge or cause to diverge in opinion or aim: the issue divided the management   4 (tr) to keep apart or be a boundary between: the Rio Grande divides Mexico from the United States   5 (intr) (in Parliament and similar legislatures) to vote by separating into two groups   6 to categorize; classify   7 to calculate the quotient of (one number or quantity) and (another number or quantity) by division: to divide 50 by 10; to divide 10 into 50; to divide by 10   8 (intr) to diverge: the roads divide   9 (tr) to mark increments of (length, angle, etc) as by use of an engraving machine   ▷ n   10 chiefly US and Canadian an area of relatively high ground separating drainage basins; watershed. See also continental divide   11 a division; split [C14: from Latin dīvidere to force apart, from DI-2 + vid- separate, from the source of viduus bereaved, vidua WIDOW]   > diˈvidable adj

■ dividant (dIˈvaIdənt)   adj   obsolete distinct; different

■ divided (dIˈvaIdId)   adj   1 botany another word for dissected (sense 1)   2 split; not united   > diˈvidedly adv   > diˈvidedness n

■ divided highway   n   US and Canadian a road on which traffic travelling in opposite directions is separated by a central strip of turf, etc. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): dual carriageway

■ divider (dIˈvaIdə)   n   1 Also called: room divider a screen or piece of furniture placed so as to divide a room into separate areas   2 a person or thing that divides   3 electronics an electrical circuit with an output that is a well-defined fraction of the given input: a voltage divider

■ dividers (dIˈvaIdəz)   pl n   a type of compass with two pointed arms, used for measuring lines or dividing them

■ dividing (dIˈvaIdIŋ)   adj   serving to divide

■ dividual (dIˈvIdjuːəl)   adj   1 divisible   2 divided or shared with others

■ dividuous (dIˈvIdjuːəs)   adj   obsolete divisible; separable

■ divisibility (dIˌvIzIˈbIlItI)   n   the capacity of a dividend to be exactly divided by a given number

■ divisible (dIˈvIzəbəl)   adj   capable of being divided, usually with no remainder   > diˈvisibleness n   > diˈvisibly adv

■ division (dIˈvIʒən)   n   1 the act of dividing or state of being divided   2 the act of sharing out; distribution   3 something that divides or keeps apart, such as a boundary   4 one of the parts, groups, etc, into which something is divided   5 a part of a government, business, country, etc, that has been made into a unit for administrative, political, or other reasons   6 a formal vote in Parliament or a similar legislative body   7 a difference of opinion, esp one that causes separation   8 (in sports) a section, category, or class organized according to age, weight, skill, etc   9 a mathematical operation, the inverse of multiplication, in which the quotient of two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually written: a ÷ b, a⁄b, a/b,   10    a army a major formation, larger than a regiment or brigade but smaller than a corps, containing the necessary arms to sustain independent combat   b navy a group of ships of similar type or a tactical unit of naval aircraft   c air force an organization normally comprising two or more wings with required support units   11 (plural) navy the assembly of all crew members for the captain's inspection   12 biology (in traditional classification systems) a major category of the plant kingdom that contains one or more related classes. Compare phylum (sense 1)   13 horticulture any type of propagation in plants in which a new plant grows from a separated part of the original   14 logic the fallacy of inferring that the properties of the whole are also true of the parts, as Britain is in debt, so John Smith is in debt   15 (esp in 17th-century English music) the art of breaking up a melody into quick phrases, esp over a ground bass [C14: from Latin dīvīsiō, from dīvidere to DIVIDE]   > diˈvisional or diˈvisionary adj   > diˈvisionally adv

■ divisionism (dIˈvIʒəˌnIzəm)   n   the pointillism of Seurat and his followers   > diˈvisionist n, adj

■ division of labour   n   a system of organizing the manufacture of an article in a series of separate specialized operations, each of which is carried out by a different worker or group of workers

■ division sign   n   the symbol ÷, placed between the dividend and the divisor to indicate division, as in 12 ÷ 6 = 2

■ divisive (dIˈvaIsIv)   adj   1 causing or tending to cause disagreement or dissension   2 archaic having the quality of distinguishing   > diˈvisively adv   > diˈvisiveness n

■ divisor (dIˈvaIzə)   n   1 a number or quantity to be divided into another number or quantity (the dividend)   2 a number that is a factor of another number

dividend (ˈdIvIˌdɛnd)   n   1 finance   a a distribution from the net profits of a company to its shareholders   b a pro-rata portion of this distribution received by a shareholder   2 the share of a cooperative society's surplus allocated at the end of a period to members   3 insurance a sum of money distributed from a company's net profits to the holders of certain policies   4 something extra; bonus   5 a number or quantity to be divided by another number or quantity. Compare divisor   6 law the proportion of an insolvent estate payable to the creditors [C15: from Latin dīvidendum what is to be divided; see DIVIDE]

■ dividend cover   n   the number of times that a company's dividends to shareholders could be paid out of its annual profits after tax, used as an indication of the probability that dividends will be maintained in subsequent years

■ dividendless (ˈdIvIˌdɛndlIs)   adj   without dividends

divi-divi (ˌdIvIˈdIvI)   n, pl -divis or -divi   1 a tropical American leguminous tree, Caesalpinia coriaria   2 the pods of this plant, which yield a substance used in tanning leather [C19: from Spanish, of Cariban origin]

divine (dIˈvaIn)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characterizing God or a deity   2 godlike   3 of, relating to, or associated with religion or worship: the divine liturgy   4 of supreme excellence or worth   5 informal splendid; perfect   ▷ n   6 the divine (often capital) another term for God   7 a priest, esp one learned in theology   ▷ vb   8 to perceive or understand (something) by intuition or insight   9 to conjecture (something); guess   10 to discern (a hidden or future reality) as though by supernatural power   11 (tr) to search for (underground supplies of water, metal, etc) using a divining rod [C14: from Latin dīvīnus, from dīvus a god; related to deus a god]   > diˈvinable adj   > diˈvinely adv   > diˈvineness n   > diˈviner n

■ divination (ˌdIvIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the art, practice, or gift of discerning or discovering future events or unknown things, as though by supernatural powers   2 a prophecy   3 a presentiment or guess   > divinatory (dIˈvInətərI, -trI) adj

■ divinator (ˈdIvIˌneItə)   n   archaic a diviner

■ divinatorial (dIˌvInəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of or related to divination

■ divine office   n   (sometimes capitals) the canonical prayers (in the Roman Catholic Church those of the breviary) recited daily by priests, those in religious orders, etc

■ divineress (dIˈvaInəˌrɛs)   n   a female diviner

■ divine right of kings   n   history the concept that the right to rule derives from God and that kings are answerable for their actions to God alone

■ divine service   n   a service of the Christian church, esp one at which no sacrament is given

■ divining rod   n   a rod, usually a forked hazel twig, said to move or dip when held over ground in which water, metal, etc, is to be found. Also called: dowsing rod

■ divinity (dIˈvInItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the nature of a deity or the state of being divine   2 a god or other divine being   3 the divinity (often capital) another term for God   4 another word for theology

■ divinize or divinise (ˈdIvIˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to make divine; deify   > ˌdiviniˈzation or ˌdiviniˈsation n

divinify (dIˈvInIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to give divine status to; consider divine

divisim (dIˈviːsIm)   adv   separately

divna (ˈdIvnə)   vb   Northeast English dialect do not

divo (ˈdiːvəʊ)   n, pl -vos or -vi (Italian -vi)   a highly distinguished male singer [C21: Italian, masculine form of DIVA]

divorce (dIˈvɔːs)   n   1 the dissolution of a marriage by judgment of a court or by accepted custom   2 a judicial decree declaring a marriage to be dissolved   3 a separation, esp one that is total or complete   ▷ vb   4 to separate or be separated by divorce; give or obtain a divorce (to a couple or from one's spouse)   5 (tr) to remove or separate, esp completely [C14: from Old French, from Latin dīvortium from dīvertere to separate; see DIVERT]   > diˈvorceable adj   > diˈvorcer n   > diˈvorcive adj

■ divorcé (dIˈvɔːseI)   n   a man who has been divorced

■ divorcée (dIvɔːˈsiː)   n   a person, esp a woman, who has been divorced

■ divorcement (dIˈvɔːsmənt)   n   a less common word for divorce

divot (ˈdIvət)   n   a piece of turf dug out of a grass surface, esp by a golf club or by horses' hooves [C16: from Scottish, of obscure origin]

divulgate (dIˈvʌlɡeIt)   vb   (tr) archaic to make publicly known [C16: from Latin dīvulgāre; see DIVULGE]   > diˈvulgator or diˈvulgater n   > ˌdivulˈgation n

divulge (daIˈvʌldʒ)   vb   (tr; may take a clause as object) to make known (something private or secret); disclose [C15: from Latin dīvulgāre, from DI-2 + vulgāre to spread among the people, from vulgus the common people]   > diˈvulgence or diˈvulgement n   > diˈvulger n

divulse (daIˈvʌls)   vb (tr)   obsolete to tear or pull apart

■ divulsion (daIˈvʌlʃən)   n   a tearing or pulling apart [C17: from Latin dīvulsiō, from dīvulsus torn apart, from dīvellere to rend, from DI-2 + vellere to pull]   > diˈvulsive adj

divvy^1 (ˈdIvI) informal   n, pl -vies   1 Brit short for dividend, esp (formerly) one paid by a cooperative society   2 US and Canadian a share; portion   ▷ vb -vies, -vying, -vied   3 (tr; usually foll by up) to divide and share

divvy^2 (ˈdIvI)   n, pl -vies   dialect a foolish person [C20: perhaps from DEVIANT]

divvy van (ˈdIvI)   n   Austral a police van for transporting prisoners [C21: short for division van]

Diwali (dIˈwɑːlI)   n   a major Hindu religious festival, honouring Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Held over the New Year according to the Vikrama calendar, it is marked by feasting, gifts, and the lighting of lamps

diwan (dIˈwɑːn)   n   a variant of dewan, divan (sense 2), divan (sense 3), divan (sense 4), divan (sense 5)

dixi Latin (ˈdIksI)   interj   I have spoken

dixie^1 (ˈdIksI)   n   1 chiefly military a large metal pot for cooking, brewing tea, etc   2 a mess tin [C19: from Hindi degcī, diminutive of degcā pot]

dixie^2 (ˈdIksI)   n   Northern English dialect a lookout

Dixie (ˈdIksI)   n   1 Also called: Dixieland the southern states of the US; the states that joined the Confederacy during the Civil War   2 a song adopted as a marching tune by the Confederate states during the American Civil War   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or characteristic of the southern states of the US [C19: perhaps from the nickname of New Orleans, from dixie a ten-dollar bill printed there, from French dix ten]

■ Dixieland (ˈdIksIˌlænd)   n   1 a form of jazz that originated in New Orleans, becoming popular esp with White musicians in the second decade of the 20th century   2 a revival of this style in the 1950s   3 See Dixie (sense 1)

dixit (ˈdIksIt)   n   a verbal statement

Dixon (ˈdIksən)   n   Willie, full name William James Dixon. 1915–92, US blues musician, songwriter, and record producer, whose songs have been recorded by many other artists

DIY or d.i.y.   abbreviation for (in Britain and Canada)   do-it-yourself   > DIˈYer n

diya (ˈdiːjɑː)   n   a small oil lamp, usually made from clay [Hindi]

Diyarbakir or Diyarbekir (diːˈjɑːbɛkIə)   n   a city in SE Turkey, on the River Tigris: ancient black basalt walls. Pop: 607 000 (2005 est). Ancient name: Amida (əˈmiːdə)

dizain (dIˈzeIn)   n   obsolete a ten-line poem

dizen (ˈdaIzən)   vb   an archaic word for bedizen [C16: from Middle Dutch dīsen to dress a distaff with flax; see DISTAFF]   > ˈdizenment n

dizygotic (ˌdaIzaIˈɡɒtIk)   adj   (of twins) developed from two separately fertilized eggs

dizzard (ˈdIzɑːd)   n   obsolete a foolish person

dizzy (ˈdIzI)   adj -zier, -ziest   1 affected with a whirling or reeling sensation; giddy   2 confused or bewildered   3 causing or tending to cause vertigo or bewilderment   4 informal foolish or flighty   ▷ vb -zies, -zying, -zied   5 (tr) to make dizzy [Old English dysig silly; related to Old High German tusīg weak, Old Norse dos quiet]   > ˈdizzily adv   > ˈdizziness n

■ dizzying (ˈdIzIIŋ)   adj   causing dizziness, esp because of being excessive

■ dizzyingly (ˈdIzIIŋlI)   adv   in a dizzying manner

dj   the internet domain name for   Djibouti

DJ or dj   abbreviation for   1 disc jockey   2 dinner jacket

Djailolo or Jilolo (dʒaIˈləʊləʊ)   n   the Dutch name for Halmahera

Djaja (ˈdʒɑːdʒə)   n   the former spelling of (Mount) Jaya

Djajapura (ˌdʒɑːdʒɑːˈpʊərə)   n   the former spelling of Jayapura

Djakarta (dʒəˈkɑːtə)   n   the former spelling of Jakarta

Djambi (ˈdʒæmbI)   n   the former spelling of Jambi

Djawa (ˈdʒɑːvə)   n   the former spelling of Java^1

djebel (ˈdʒɛbəl)   n   a variant spelling of jebel

djellaba, djellabah, jellaba or jellabah (ˈdʒɛləbə)   n   a kind of loose cloak with a hood, worn by men esp in North Africa and the Middle East [from Arabic jallabah]

djembe (ˈdʒɛmbɛ)   n   a W African drum played by beating with the hand

Djerba or Jerba (ˈdʒɜːbə)   n   an island off the SE coast of Tunisia, in the Gulf of Gabès: traditionally Homer's land of the lotus-eaters. Pop: about 100 000 (latest est). Area: 510 sq km (197 sq miles). Ancient name: Meninx (ˈmɛnIŋks)

Djibouti or Jibouti (dʒIˈbuːtI)   n   1 a republic in E Africa, on the Gulf of Aden: a French overseas territory (1946–77); became independent in 1977; mainly desert. Official languages: Arabic and French; Somali and Afar are also spoken. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: Djibouti franc. Capital: Djibouti. Pop: 956 985 (2017 est). Area: 23 200 sq km (8950 sq miles). Former name (until 1977): (Territory of the) Afars and the Issas   2 the capital of Djibouti, a port on the Gulf of Aden: an outlet for Ethiopian goods. Pop: 528 627 (2015 est)

Djilas (ˈdʒiːlɑːs)   n   Milovan. 1911–95, Yugoslav politician and writer; vice president (1953–54): imprisoned (1956–61, 1962–66) for his criticism of the communist system

djinni or djinny (dʒIˈniː, ˈdʒInI)   n, pl djinn (dʒIn)   variant spellings of jinni

Djokovic (ˈdʒɒkəvItʃ)   n   Novak. born 1987, Serbian tennis player: winner of twelve Grand Slam singles titles, including six at the Australian Open

dk   the internet domain name for   Denmark

DK   abbreviation for   Denmark (international car registration)

dl   symbol for   decilitre(s)

DLitt or DLit   abbreviation for   1 Doctor of Letters   2 Doctor of Literature [Latin Doctor Litterarum]

DLL computing   abbreviation for   dynamic link library

dlr   abbreviation for   dealer

DLR   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Docklands Light Railway (in E London)

dm^1   symbol for   decimetre

dm^2   the internet domain name for   Dominica

DM   abbreviation for   1 (in Canada) deputy minister   2 (the former) Deutschmark   3 direct message

DMA computing   abbreviation for   direct memory access

DMAC   abbreviation for   duobinary multiplexed analogue component: a transmission coding system using duobinary techniques for the digital sound and data components of colour television using satellite broadcasting

D-mark or D-Mark   n   short for (the former) Deutschmark

DMD   abbreviation for   Duchenne muscular dystrophy

DMF   abbreviation for   dimethylformamide

DMK   abbreviation for (in India)   Dravida Munnetra Kazgham: a political party in the state of Tamil Nadu

DMs   abbreviation for   Doc Martens, a brand of boots and shoes

DMS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Diploma in Management Studies

DMSO   abbreviation for   dimethylsulphoxide

DMT   abbreviation for   dimethyltryptamine, a hallucinogenic drug

DMus   abbreviation for   Doctor of Music

DMV   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Department of Motor Vehicles

DMZ   abbreviation for   demilitarized zone

DNA^1   n   1 deoxyribonucleic acid; a nucleic acid that is the main constituent of the chromosomes of all organisms (except some viruses). The DNA molecule consists of two polynucleotide chains in the form of a double helix, containing phosphate and the sugar deoxyribose and linked by hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine. DNA is self-replicating, plays a central role in protein synthesis, and is responsible for the transmission of hereditary characteristics from parents to offspring. See also genetic code   2 in one's DNA existing as a fundamental and inseparable part of one’s character: showmanship is in their DNA

■ DNAase (ˌdiːɛnˈeIeIz) or DNase (ˌdiːɛnˈeIz)   n   deoxyribonuclease; any of a number of enzymes that hydrolyse DNA. See endonuclease, exonuclease

■ DNA fingerprint or DNA profile   n   another name for genetic fingerprint

■ DNA sequencing   n   the procedure of determining the order of base pairs in a section of DNA

■ DNA test   n   a test of a sample of DNA to determine whether it matches particular characteristics

DNA^2   abbreviation for   did not attend

Dneprodzerzhinsk (Russian dnIprədzIrˈʒinsk)   n   the former name (1936–2016) of Kam’’yans’ke

Dnepropetrovsk (Russian dnIprəpIˈtrɔfsk)   n   a former name (1926–2016) of Dnipro

DNF motor racing, athletics   abbreviation for   did not finish

Dnieper (ˈdniːpə)   n   a river in NE Europe, rising in Russia, in the Valdai Hills NE of Smolensk and flowing south to the Black Sea: the third longest river in Europe; a major navigable waterway. Length: 2200 km (1370 miles). Russian name: Dnepr (ˈdnjɛpə)

Dniester (ˈdniːstə)   n   a river in E Europe, rising in Ukraine, in the Carpathian Mountains and flowing generally southeast to the Black Sea. Length: 1411 km (877 miles). Russian name: Dnestr (ˈdnjɛstə). Romanian name: Nistru (ˈniːstruː)

Dnipro (Ukrainian ˈdnIprə)   n   a city in E central Ukraine on the Dnieper River: a major centre of the metallurgical industry. Pop: 1 036 000 (2005 est). Former names: (1787–1796, 1802–1926) Yekaterinoslav, (1926–2016) Dnepropetrovsk

D-notice   n   Brit an official notice sent to newspapers, prohibiting the publication of certain security information [C20: from their administrative classification letter]

DNR   abbreviation for   (in medical notes) do not resuscitate

DNS   abbreviation for   1 (formerly in Britain) Department for National Savings   2 computing domain name system

do^1 (duː, unstressed dʊ, də)   vb does, doing, did, done   1 to perform or complete (a deed or action): to do a portrait; the work is done   2 (often intr; foll by for) to serve the needs of; be suitable for (a person, situation, etc); suffice: there isn't much food, but it'll do for the two of us   3 (tr) to arrange or fix: you should do the garden now   4 (tr) to prepare or provide; serve: this restaurant doesn't do lunch on Sundays   5 (tr) to make tidy, elegant, ready, etc, as by arranging or adorning: to do one's hair   6 (tr) to improve (esp in the phrase do something to or for)   7 (tr) to find an answer to (a problem or puzzle)   8 (tr) to translate or adapt the form or language of: the book was done into a play   9 (intr) to conduct oneself: do as you please   10 (intr) to fare or manage: how are you doing these days?   11 (tr) to cause or produce: complaints do nothing to help   12 (tr) to give or render: your portrait doesn't do you justice; do me a favour   13 (tr) to work at, esp as a course of study or a profession: he is doing chemistry; what do you do for a living?   14 (tr) to perform (a play, etc); act: they are doing 'Hamlet' next week   15 (tr) to travel at a specified speed, esp as a maximum: this car will do 120 mph   16 (tr) to travel or traverse (a distance): we did 15 miles on our walk   17 (takes an infinitive without to) used as an auxiliary before the subject of an interrogative sentence as a way of forming a question: do you agree?; when did John go out?   18 (takes an infinitive without to) used as an auxiliary to intensify positive statements and commands: I do like your new house; do hurry!   19 (takes an infinitive without to) used as an auxiliary before a negative adverb to form negative statements or commands: she does not like cheese; do not leave me here alone!   20 (takes an infinitive without to) used as an auxiliary in inverted constructions: little did she realize that; only rarely does he come in before ten o'clock   21 used as an auxiliary to replace an earlier verb or verb phrase to avoid repetition: he likes you as much as I do   22 (tr) informal to visit or explore as a sightseer or tourist: to do Westminster Abbey   23 (tr) to wear out; exhaust   24 (intr) to happen (esp in the phrase nothing doing)   25 (tr) slang to serve (a period of time) as a prison sentence: he's doing three years for burglary; she's doing time   26 (tr) informal to cheat or swindle   27 (tr) slang to rob: they did three shops last night   28 (tr) slang   a to arrest   b to convict of a crime   29 (tr) Austral informal to lose or spend (money) completely   30 (tr) slang, chiefly Brit to treat violently; assault   31 (tr) slang to take or use (a drug)   32 (tr) vulgar, slang (of a male) to have sexual intercourse with   33 (tr) to arrange (a meal): let's do lunch   34 do or do a informal to act like; imitate: he's a good mimic – he can do all his friends well   35 do or die to make a final or supreme effort   36 how do you do? a conventional formula when being introduced   37 make do to manage with whatever is available   ▷ n, pl dos or do's   38 slang an act or instance of cheating or swindling   39 informal, chiefly Brit and NZ a formal or festive gathering; party   40 do's and don'ts informal those things that should or should not be done; rules [Old English dōn; related to Old Frisian duān, Old High German tuon, Latin abdere to put away, Greek tithenai to place; see DEED, DOOM]

■ doable (ˈduːəbəl)   adj   capable of being done; practical

■ do away with   vb (intr, adverb; + preposition)   1 to kill or destroy   2 to discard or abolish

■ do by   vb   (intr, preposition) to treat in the manner specified: employers do well by hard working employees

■ do down   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to belittle or humiliate   2 to deceive or cheat

■ doer (ˈduːə)   n   1 a person or thing that does something or acts in a specified manner: a doer of good   2 an active or energetic person   3 a thriving animal, esp a horse

■ do for   vb (preposition) informal   1 (tr) to convict of a crime or offence: they did her for manslaughter   2 (intr) to cause the ruin, death, or defeat of: the last punch did for him   3 (intr) to do housework for   4 do well for oneself to thrive or succeed

■ do-gooder   n   informal, usually derogatory a well-intentioned person, esp a naive or impractical one   > ˌdo-ˈgoodery n   > ˌdo-ˈgooding n, adj

■ do in   vb (tr, adverb) slang   1 to murder or kill   2 to exhaust

■ do-it-yourself   n     a the hobby or process of constructing and repairing things oneself   b (as modifier): a do-it-yourself kit

■ do-it-yourselfer   n   informal an advocate or enthusiast of do-it-yourself

■ do-or-die   adj   (prenominal) of or involving a determined and sometimes reckless effort to succeed

■ do out   vb (tr, adverb) informal   1 to make tidy or clean; redecorate   2 (foll by of) to deprive (a person) of by swindling or cheating

■ do over   vb (tr, adverb)   1 informal to renovate or redecorate   2 Brit, Austral and NZ slang to beat up; thrash

■ do up   vb (adverb; mainly tr)   1 to wrap and make into a bundle: to do up a parcel   2 to cause the downfall of (a person)   3 to beautify or adorn   4 (also intr) to fasten or be fastened: this skirt does up at the back   5 informal to renovate or redecorate   6 slang to assault

■ do with   vb   1 could do with or can do with to find useful; benefit from: she could do with a night's sleep   2 have to do with to be involved in or connected with: his illness has a lot to do with his failing the exam   3 to do with concerning; related to   4 what…do with   a to put or place: what did you do with my coat?   b to handle or treat: what are we going to do with these hooligans?   c to fill one's time usefully: she didn't know what to do with herself when term ended

■ do without   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to forgo; manage without: I can't do without cigarettes   2 not to require (uncalled-for comments or advice): we can do without your criticisms thank you

do^2 (dəʊ)   n, pl dos   a variant spelling of doh^1

do^3   the internet domain name for   Dominican Republic

DO   abbreviation for   1 Doctor of Optometry   2 Doctor of Osteopathy

do.   abbreviation for   ditto

D/O or d.o. commerce   abbreviation for   delivery order

DOA   abbreviation for   dead on arrival

doab (ˈdəʊɑːb)   n   the alluvial land between two converging rivers, esp the area between the Ganges and Jumna in N India [C20: from Persian dōāb, from dō two + āb water]

doat (dəʊt)   vb   (intr) a variant (now rare) spelling of dote

■ doater (ˈdəʊtə)   n   an archaic spelling of doter

d.o.b.   abbreviation for   date of birth

dobbin (ˈdɒbIn)   n   1 a name for a horse, esp a workhorse, often used in children's tales, etc   2 NZ a trolley for moving loose wool in a woolshed or shearing shed [C16: from Robin, pet form of Robert]

dobby (ˈdɒbI)   n, pl -bies   an attachment to a loom, used in weaving small figures [C17: perhaps from Dobby, pet form of Robert]

Dobbyn (ˈdɒbIn)   n   Dave. born 1957, New Zealand singer and songwriter; member of Th’Dudes (1976–80) with whom he had the hit singles “Be Mine Tonight” (1979) and “Bliss” (1979); founder of DD Smash (1981–85) with whom he released the album Cool Bananas (1982); solo albums include: Loyal (1986) and Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale (1986)

Dobell (dəʊˈbɛl)   n   Sir William. 1899–1970, Australian portrait and landscape painter. Awarded the Archibald prize (1943) for his famous painting of Joshua Smith which resulted in a heated clash between the conservatives and the moderns and led to a lawsuit. His other works include The Cypriot (1940), The Billy Boy (1943), and Portrait of a strapper (1941)

Dobell's solution (ˈdəʊbəlz)   n   a solution of sodium borate, sodium bicarbonate, phenol, and glycerol, used as an astringent or antiseptic wash for the throat and nose [C19: named after Horace B. Dobell (1828–1917), British physician]

Doberman pinscher (ˈdəʊbəmən ˈpInʃə) or Doberman   n   a fairly large slender but muscular breed of dog, originally from Germany, with a glossy black-and-tan coat, a short tail, and erect ears. Also spelt: Dobermann [C19: probably named after L. Dobermann, 19th-century German dog breeder who bred it + Pinscher, a type of terrier, perhaps after Pinzgau, district in Austria]

dobhash (ˈdəʊbæʃ)   n   Indian an interpreter

dobie (ˈdəʊbI)   n   slang marijuana

dob in   vb dobs, dobbing, dobbed (adverb) Austral and NZ informal   1 (tr) to inform against or report, esp to the police   2 to contribute to a fund for a specific purpose

■ dobber-in (ˌdɒbərˈIn)   n   Austral slang an informant or traitor. Sometimes shortened to: dobber

dobla (ˈdəʊblɑː)   n   a medieval Spanish gold coin, probably worth 20 maravedis [Spanish, from Latin dupla, feminine of duplus twofold, DOUBLE]

doblón (dəˈbləʊn; Spanish doˈβlon)   n   a variant spelling of doubloon [Spanish; see DOUBLOON]

dob on   vb   (intr, prep) Austral and NZ informal same as dob in (sense 1)

dobra (ˈdəʊbrə)   n   the standard monetary unit of São Tomé e Principe, divided into 100 cêntimos

Dobro (ˈdəʊbrəʊ)   n, pl -bros   trademark an acoustic guitar having a metal resonator built into the body

Dobruja (Bulgarian ˈdɔbrudʒa)   n   a region of E Europe, between the River Danube and the Black Sea: the north passed to Romania and the south to Bulgaria after the Berlin Congress (1878). Romanian name: Dobrogea (doˈbrodʒea)

dobson (ˈdɒbsən)   n   another name for hellgrammite

■ dobsonfly (ˈdɒbsənˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   US and Canadian a large North American neuropterous insect, Corydalis cornutus: the male has elongated horn-like mouthparts and the larva (a hellgrammite or dobson) is used as bait by anglers: suborder Megaloptera. See also hellgrammite [C20: origin uncertain, perhaps after the surname Dobson]

Dobzhansky (dɒbˈʒænskI)   n   Theodosius. 1900–75, US biologist, born in Russia, noted for work on evolution and genetic variation

doc (dɒk)   n   informal short for doctor, esp a medical doctor: often used as a term of address

DOC   abbreviation for   1 Denominazione di Origine Controllata: used of wines   2 (in New Zealand) Department of Conservation

doc.   abbreviation for   document

docent (ˈdəʊsənt)   n   1 a voluntary worker who acts as a guide in a museum, art gallery, etc   2 (dəʊˈsɛnt; German doˈtsɛnt) (in the US) a lecturer in some colleges or universities [C19: from German Dozent, from Latin docēns from docēre to teach]   > ˈdocentˌship n

Docetism (ˈdəʊsIˌtIzəm)   n   (in the early Christian Church) a heresy that the humanity of Christ, his sufferings, and his death were apparent rather than real [C19: from Medieval Latin Docētae, from Greek Dokētai, from dokein to seem]

■ docetic (dəʊˈsiːtIk, dəʊˈsɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to Docetism

DOCG   abbreviation for   Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita: used of wines [Italian, literally: name of origin guaranteed controlled]

doch-an-doris (ˈdɒxənˈdɒrIs)   n   a variant spelling of deoch-an-doruis

dochmius (ˈdɒkmIəs)   n, pl -mii (-mIˌaI)   classical prosody a five-syllable foot, characteristic of ancient Greek dramas

■ dochmiac (ˈdɒkmIæk)   adj also dochmiacal   1 resembling a dochmius in form or structure   ▷ n   2 a dochmius

docible (ˈdɒsəbəl)   adj   obsolete susceptible to teaching or training; easily tamed

■ docibility (ˌdəʊsIˈbIlItI)   n   obsolete the capacity to be taught easily; docility

■ docibleness (ˈdɒsəbəlnəs)   n   obsolete the quality or character of being docible

docile (ˈdəʊsaIl)   adj   1 easy to manage, control, or discipline; submissive   2 rare ready to learn; easy to teach [C15: from Latin docilis easily taught, from docēre to teach]   > ˈdocilely adv   > docility (dəʊˈsIlItI) n

docimasy (ˈdɒsIməsI)   n   the close examination of a person or substance in order to determine nature, quality and characteristics, formerly used to describe the evaluation of aspirants for public office or citizenship in Ancient Greece, now used of assaying metallic ores

■ docimastic (ˌdɒsIˈmæstIk)   adj   of or relating to docimasy

docimology (ˌdɒsIˈmɒlədʒI)   n   the theory of the art of testing, as in assaying metallic ores

dock^1 (dɒk)   n   1 a wharf or pier   2 a space between two wharves or piers for the mooring of ships   3 an area of water that can accommodate a ship and can be closed off to allow regulation of the water level   4 short for dry dock   5 an electrical unit onto which a mobile device may be placed for charging; a docking station   6 short for scene dock   7 chiefly US and Canadian a platform from which lorries, goods trains, etc, are loaded and unloaded   ▷ vb   8 to moor (a vessel) at a dock or (of a vessel) to be moored at a dock   9 to put (a vessel) into a dry dock for repairs or (of a vessel) to come into a dry dock   10 (of two spacecraft) to link together in space or link together (two spacecraft) in space   11 to attach (a piece of electrical equipment) to another [C14: from Middle Dutch docke; perhaps related to Latin ducere to lead]

■ dockage^1 (ˈdɒkIdʒ)   n   1 a charge levied upon a vessel for using a dock   2 facilities for docking vessels   3 the practice of docking vessels

■ docker^2 (ˈdɒkə)   n   Brit a worker employed in the loading or unloading of ships. US and Canadian equivalent: longshoreman. See also stevedore

■ dockhand (ˈdɒkˌhænd)   n   a labourer at a shipping dock

■ docking^3 (ˈdɒkIŋ)   n   1 the act of mooring (a vessel) at a dock or (of a vessel) being moored at a dock   2 (in molecular biology) a method which predicts the preferred orientation of one molecule to a second when bound to each other to form a stable complex   3 (of two spacecraft) the act of linking together in space

■ docking station   n   a device used to connect one appliance to another, esp a portable computer and a desktop computer, to make use of its external power supply, monitor, and keyboard, esp to enable the transfer of data between the machines

■ dockization or dockisation (ˌdɒkaIˈzeIʃən)   n   not standard the process of turning into docks

■ dockize or dockise (ˈdɒkaIz)   vb (tr)   not standard to convert into docks

■ dock labourer   n   another name for a docker

■ dockland (ˈdɒkˌlænd)   n   the area around the docks

■ dockmaster (ˈdɒkˌmɑːstə)   n   obsolete the manager of a dock

■ docks (dɒks)   pl n   the docks the area around a wharf or pier, used for the mooring, loading, unloading, and repair of ships

■ dockside (ˈdɒksaId)   n     a the area beside the dock   b (as modifier): dockside apartment complexes

■ dockwalloper (ˈdɒkˌwɒləpə)   n   an informal US name for docker

■ dock-worker   n   another name for docker

■ dockyard (ˈdɒkˌjɑːd)   n   a naval establishment with docks, workshops, etc, for the building, fitting out, and repair of vessels

dock^2 (dɒk)   n   1 the bony part of the tail of an animal, esp a dog or sheep   2 the part of an animal's tail left after the major part of it has been cut off   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to remove (the tail or part of the tail) of (an animal) by cutting through the bone: to dock a tail; to dock a horse   4 to deduct (an amount) from (a person's wages, pension, etc): they docked a third of his wages [C14: dok, of uncertain origin]

■ dockage^1 (ˈdɒkIdʒ)   n   1 a deduction, as from a price or wages   2 agriculture the seeds of weeds and other waste material in commercial seeds, removable by normal cleaning methods

■ docker^2 (ˈdɒkə)   n   a person or thing that docks something, such as the tail of a horse

■ docking^3 (ˈdɒkIŋ)   n   the removal of the tail or part of the tail of an animal by cutting through the bone

dock^3 (dɒk)   n   an enclosed space in a court of law where the accused sits or stands during his or her trial [C16: from Flemish dok sty]

dock^4 (dɒk)   n   1 any of various temperate weedy plants of the polygonaceous genus Rumex, having greenish or reddish flowers and typically broad leaves   2 any of several similar or related plants [Old English docce; related to Middle Dutch, Old Danish docke, Gaelic dogha]

docken (ˈdɒkən)   n chiefly Scot   1 another name for dock^4   2 something of no value or importance: not worth a docken [C14 doken, from Old English doccan, pl of docce DOCK^4]

docket (ˈdɒkIt)   n   1 chiefly Brit a piece of paper accompanying or referring to a package or other delivery, stating contents, delivery instructions, etc, sometimes serving as a receipt   2 law   a an official summary of the proceedings in a court of justice   b a register containing such a summary   3 Brit   a a customs certificate declaring that duty has been paid   b a certificate giving particulars of a shipment and allowing its holder to obtain a delivery order   4 a summary of contents, as in a document   5 US a list of things to be done   6 US law   a a list of cases awaiting trial   b the names of the parties to pending litigation   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to fix a docket to (a package, etc)   8 law   a to make a summary of (a document, judgment, etc)   b to abstract and enter in a book or register   9 to endorse (a document, etc) with a summary [C15: of unknown origin]

Doc Martens (dɒk ˈmɑːtənz)   pl n   trademark a brand of lace-up boots with thick lightweight resistant soles. In full: Doctor Martens. Abbreviation: DMs

doco (ˈdɒkəʊ)   n, pl docos   Austral informal short for documentary

doctor (ˈdɒktə)   n   1 a person licensed to practise medicine   2 a person who has been awarded a higher academic degree in any field of knowledge   3 chiefly US and Canadian a person licensed to practise dentistry or veterinary medicine   4 Also called: Doctor of the Church (often capital) a title given to any of several of the leading Fathers or theologians in the history of the Christian Church down to the late Middle Ages whose teachings have greatly influenced orthodox Christian thought   5 angling any of various gaudy artificial flies   6 informal a person who mends or repairs things   7 slang a cook on a ship or at a camp   8 archaic a person, esp a teacher, of learning   9 a device used for local repair of electroplated surfaces, consisting of an anode of the plating material embedded in an absorbent material containing the solution   10 (in a paper-making machine) a blade that is set to scrape the roller in order to regulate the thickness of pulp or ink on it   11 a cool sea breeze blowing in some countries: the Cape doctor   12 go for the doctor Austral slang to make a great effort or move very fast, esp in a horse race   13 what the doctor ordered something needed or desired   ▷ vb   14 (tr)   a to give medical treatment to   b to prescribe for (a disease or disorder)   15 (intr) informal to practise medicine: he doctored in Easter Island for six years   16 (tr) to repair or mend, esp in a makeshift manner   17 (tr) to make different in order to deceive, tamper with, falsify, or adulterate   18 (tr) to adapt for a desired end, effect, etc   19 (tr) to castrate (a cat, dog, etc) [C14: from Latin: teacher, from docēre to teach]   > ˈdoctoral or doctorial (dɒkˈtɔːrIəl) adj

■ doctorand (ˈdɒktərænd)   n   a student working towards a doctorate

■ doctorate (ˈdɒktərIt, -trIt)   n   the highest academic degree in any field of knowledge. Also called: doctor's degree

■ doctoress (ˈdɒktəˌrɛs)   n   old-fashioned or derogatory a female doctor

■ doctoring (ˈdɒktərIŋ)   n   the act of making different in order to deceive, tamper with, falsify, or adulterate

■ doctorless (ˈdɒktərlIs)   adj   without a doctor

■ doctorly (ˈdɒktərlI)   adj   having the qualities or characteristics of a doctor

■ Doctor of Philosophy   n   a doctorate awarded for original research in any subject except law, medicine, or theology. Abbreviation: PhD, DPhil

■ Doctor's Commons   n   informal the London building of the College of Advocates and Doctors of Law between 1572 and 1867, in which the ecclesiastical and Admiralty courts were housed

■ doctorship (ˈdɒktərʃIp)   n   an archaic name for a doctorate

doctrine (ˈdɒktrIn)   n   1 a creed or body of teachings of a religious, political, or philosophical group presented for acceptance or belief; dogma   2 a principle or body of principles that is taught or advocated [C14: from Old French, from Latin doctrīna teaching, from doctor see DOCTOR]   > doctrinal (dɒkˈtraInəl) adj   > doctrinality (ˌdɒktrIˈnælItI) n   > docˈtrinally adv   > ˈdoctrinism n   > ˈdoctrinist n

■ doctrinaire (ˌdɒktrIˈnɛə)   adj   1 stubbornly insistent on the observation of the niceties of a theory, esp without regard to practicality, suitability, etc   2 theoretical; impractical   ▷ n   3 a person who stubbornly attempts to apply a theory without regard to practical difficulties   > ˌdoctriˈnairism or ˌdoctriˈnarism n   > ˌdoctriˈnarian n

■ doctrinarianism (ˌdɒktrIˈnɛərIəˌnIzəm)   n   another word for doctrinism

■ doctrine of descent   n   the theory that animals and plants arose by descent from previously existing organisms; theory of evolution

docu (ˈdɒkjuː)   n   slang a documentary film

docudrama (ˈdɒkjʊˌdrɑːmə)   n   a film or television programme based on true events, presented in a dramatized form

document   n (ˈdɒkjʊmənt)   1 a piece of paper, booklet, etc, providing information, esp of an official or legal nature   2 a piece of text or text and graphics stored in a computer as a file for manipulation by document processing software   3 archaic evidence; proof   ▷ vb (ˈdɒkjʊˌmɛnt) (tr)   4 to record or report in detail, as in the press, on television, etc: the trial was well documented by the media   5 to support (statements in a book) with citations, references, etc   6 to support (a claim, etc) with evidence or proof   7 to furnish (a vessel) with official documents specifying its ownership, registration, weight, dimensions, and function [C15: from Latin documentum a lesson, from docēre to teach]

■ documentable (ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntəbəl)   adj   having the quality or capability to be documented

■ documental (ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntəl)   adj   1 consisting of, derived from, or relating to documents   2 another word for documentary

■ documentalist (ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntəlIst)   n   a person whose job it is to document

■ documentarian (ˌdɒkjʊmənˈtɛərIən)   n   chiefly US a person who makes documentary films

■ documentarist (ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntərIst)   n   a person who makes documentaries

■ documentarize or documentarise (ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   not standard to put in the form of a documentary

■ documentary (ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntərI, -trI)   adj   1 Also: documental consisting of, derived from, or relating to documents   2 presenting factual material with little or no fictional additions: the book gives a documentary account of the war   ▷ n, pl -ries   3 a factual film or television programme about an event, person, etc, presenting the facts with little or no fiction   > ˌdocuˈmentarily adv

■ documentation (ˌdɒkjʊmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of supplying with or using documents or references   2 the documents or references supplied   3 the furnishing and use of documentary evidence, as in a court of law   4 computing the written comments, graphical illustrations, flowcharts, manuals, etc, supplied with a program or software system

■ documentational (ˌdɒkjʊmɛnˈteIʃənəl)   adj   of or pertaining to documentation

■ documenter (ˈdɒkjʊməntə)   n   a person who documents

■ document imaging   n   computing the process of converting paper documents into an electronic or digital format

■ document reader   n   computing a device that reads and inputs into a computer marks and characters on a special form, as by optical or magnetic character recognition

docu-soap (ˈdɒkjʊˌsəʊp)   n   a television documentary series in which the lives of the people filmed are presented as entertainment or drama [C20: from DOCU(MENTARY) + SOAP (OPERA)]

DOD   abbreviation for (in the US)   Department of Defense

do-dad   n   another name for doodah

Dodd (dɒd)   n   C(harles) H(arold). 1884–1973, British New Testament scholar. His works include The Parables of the Kingdom (1935)

doddard (ˈdɒdəd)   n   a tree missing its top branches through rot or decay

dodder^1 (ˈdɒdə)   vb (intr)   1 to move unsteadily; totter   2 to shake or tremble, as from age [C17: variant of earlier dadder; related to Norwegian dudra to tremble]   > ˈdodderer n   > ˈdoddery adj

■ doddering (ˈdɒdərIŋ)   adj   shaky, feeble, or infirm, esp from old age

dodder^2 (ˈdɒdə)   n   any rootless parasitic plant of the convolvulaceous genus Cuscuta, lacking chlorophyll and having slender twining stems with suckers for drawing nourishment from the host plant, scalelike leaves, and whitish flowers [C13: of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch, Middle Low German dodder, Middle High German toter]

doddle (ˈdɒdəl)   n   Brit informal something easily accomplished [C20: perhaps from dodder (vb) to totter]

doddy (ˈdɒdI)   adj -dier, -diest   Scot sulky; ill-tempered

doddypoll (ˈdɒdIˌpəʊl)   n   obsolete an unintelligent person

dodeca-   n combining form   indicating twelve: dodecagon; dodecahedron; dodecaphonic [from Greek dōdeka twelve]

dodecagon (dəʊˈdɛkəˌɡɒn)   n   a polygon having twelve sides   > dodecagonal (ˌdəʊdɛˈkæɡənəl) adj

dodecagynian (ˌdəʊdɛkəˈdʒInIən) or dodecagynous (ˌdəʊdɛˈkædʒInəs)   adj   botany (of a plant) having eleven or twelve pistils

dodecahedron (ˌdəʊdɛkəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having twelve plane faces. A regular dodecahedron has regular pentagons as faces. See also polyhedron   > ˌdodecaˈhedral adj

dodecandrous (ˌdəʊdɛˈkændrəs)   adj   botany (of a plant) having twelve stamens

Dodecanese (ˌdəʊdIkəˈniːz)   pl n   a group of islands in the SE Aegean Sea, forming a department of Greece: part of the Southern Sporades. Capital: Rhodes. Pop: 190 071 (2001). Area: 2663 sq km (1028 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Dodekanisa

dodecanoic acid (ˌdəʊdɛkəˈnəʊIk)   n   a crystalline fatty acid found as glycerides in many vegetable oils: used in making soaps, insecticides, and synthetic resins. Formula: CH_3(CH_2)10COOH. Also called: lauric acid [C20: from dodecane (see DODECA-, -ANE)]

dodecaphonic (ˌdəʊdɛkəˈfɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to the twelve-tone system of serial music   > ˌdodecaˈphonism n   > ˌdodecaˈphony n

■ dodecaphonist (ˌdəʊdɛkəˈfɒnIst)   n   music a user of the twelve-tone system of serial music

dodecastyle (dəʊˈdɛkəˌstaIl) architect   adj   1 (of a building or portico) having twelve columns   ▷ n   2 archaic a building or portico with twelve columns

dodecasyllable (ˌdəʊdɛkəˈsIləbəl)   n   prosody a line of twelve syllables

■ dodecasyllabic (ˌdəʊdɛkəsIˈlæbIk)   adj   having twelve syllables

Dodekanisa (ðɔðɛˈkanisa)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for the Dodecanese

dodge (dɒdʒ)   vb   1 to avoid or attempt to avoid (a blow, discovery, etc), as by moving suddenly   2 to evade (questions, etc) by cleverness or trickery   3 (intr) bell-ringing to make a bell change places with its neighbour when sounding in successive changes   4 (tr) photog to lighten or darken (selected areas on a print) by manipulating the light from an enlarger   ▷ n   5 a plan or expedient contrived to deceive   6 a sudden evasive or hiding movement   7 a clever contrivance   8 bell-ringing the act of dodging [C16: of unknown origin]

■ dodgeball (ˈdɒdʒˌbɔːl)   n   a game in which the players form a circle and try to hit opponents in the circle with a large ball

■ dodger (ˈdɒdʒə)   n   1 a person who evades or shirks   2 a shifty dishonest person   3 a canvas shelter, mounted on a ship's bridge or over the companionway of a sailing yacht to protect the helmsman from bad weather   4 archaic, US and Austral a handbill   5 Austral informal food, esp bread

■ dodgery (ˈdɒdʒərI)   n   the use of deception or trickery

Dodge City   n   a city in SW Kansas, on the Arkansas River: famous as a frontier town on the Santa Fe Trail. Pop: 25 568 (2003 est)

Dodgem (ˈdɒdʒəm)   n   trademark another name for bumper car

Dodgson (ˈdɒdʒsən)   n   Charles Lutwidge (ˈlʌtwIdʒ). the real name of Lewis Carroll. See Carroll

dodgy (ˈdɒdʒI)   adj dodgier, dodgiest Brit, Austral and NZ informal   1 risky, difficult, or dangerous   2 uncertain or unreliable; tricky

■ dodginess (ˈdɒdʒInəs)   n   informal the nature or characteristic of being dodgy

dodkin (ˈdɒdkIn)   n   archaic a coin of little value

dodman (ˈdɒdmən)   n   East Anglian a land snail

dodo (ˈdəʊdəʊ)   n, pl dodos or dodoes   1 any flightless bird, esp Raphus cucullatus, of the recently extinct family Raphidae of Mauritius and adjacent islands: order Columbiformes (pigeons, etc). They had a hooked bill, short stout legs, and greyish plumage. See also ratite   2 informal an intensely conservative or reactionary person who is unaware of changing fashions, ideas, etc   3 (as) dead as a dodo (of a person or thing) irretrievably defunct or out of date [C17: from Portuguese doudo, from doudo stupid]   > ˈdodoism n

Dodoma (ˈdəʊdəmə)   n   a city in central Tanzania, the official capital of the country. Pop: 169 000 (2005 est)

Dodona (dəʊˈdəʊnə)   n   an ancient Greek town in Epirus: seat of an ancient sanctuary and oracle of Zeus and later the religious centre of Pyrrhus' kingdom   > Dodonaean or Dodonean (ˌdəʊdəʊˈniːən) adj

doe (dəʊ)   n, pl does or doe   the female of the deer, hare, rabbit, and certain other animals [Old English dā; related to Old English dēon to suck, Sanskrit dhēnā cow]

■ doeskin (ˈdəʊˌskIn)   n   1 the skin of a deer, lamb, or sheep   2 a very supple leather made from this skin and used esp for gloves   3 a heavy smooth satin-weave or twill-weave cloth   4 (modifier) made of doeskin

Doe (dəʊ)   n   1 law (formerly) the plaintiff in a fictitious action, Doe versus Roe, to test a point of law. See also Roe   2 John Doe or Jane Doe US an unknown or unidentified male or female person

DOE or DoE   abbreviation for   1 (in Canada and, formerly, in Britain) Department of the Environment   2 (in the US) Department of Energy

doek (dʊk)   n   South African informal a square of cloth worn mainly by African women to cover the head, esp to indicate married status [C18: from Afrikaans: cloth]

Doenitz (German ˈdøːnIts)   n   a variant spelling of Dönitz

doer and gone (ˈdʊə)   adj   South African far away [Afrikaans]

does (dʌz)   vb   (used with a singular noun or the pronouns he, she, or it) a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of do^1

doesn't (ˈdʌzənt)   contraction of   does not

dof (dɒf)   adj   South African informal stupid [Afrikaans]

doff (dɒf)   vb (tr)   1 to take off or lift (one's hat) in salutation   2 to remove (clothing) [Old English dōn of; see DO^1, OFF; compare DON^1]   > ˈdoffer n

dog (dɒɡ)   n   1    a a domesticated canine mammal, Canis familiaris, occurring in many breeds that show a great variety in size and form   b (as modifier): dog biscuit   2    a any other carnivore of the family Canidae, such as the dingo and coyote   b (as modifier): the dog family. Related adjective: canine   3    a the male of animals of the dog family   b (as modifier): a dog fox   4 (modifier)   a spurious, inferior, or useless: dog Latin   b (in combination): dogberry   5 a mechanical device for gripping or holding, esp one of the axial slots by which gear wheels or shafts are engaged to transmit torque   6 informal a fellow; chap: you lucky dog   7 informal a man or boy regarded as unpleasant, contemptible, or wretched   8 US informal a male friend: used as a term of address   9 offensive, slang an unattractive or boring girl or woman   10 US and Canadian informal something unsatisfactory or inferior   11 short for firedog   12 any of various atmospheric phenomena. See fogdog, seadog, sundog   13 a dog's chance no chance at all   14 a dog's dinner or a dog's breakfast informal something that is messy or bungled   15 a dog's life a wretched existence   16 dog eat dog ruthless competition or self-interest   17 like a dog's dinner informal dressed smartly or ostentatiously   18 put on the dog US and Canadian informal to behave or dress in an ostentatious or showy manner   ▷ vb dogs, dogging, dogged (tr)   19 to pursue or follow after like a dog   20 to trouble; plague: to be dogged by ill health   21 to chase with a dog or dogs   22 to grip, hold, or secure by a mechanical device   ▷ adv   23 (usually in combination) thoroughly; utterly: dog-tired [Old English docga, of obscure origin]   > ˈdogˌlike adj

■ dog and bone   n   Cockney rhyming slang a telephone

■ dogbane (ˈdɒɡˌbeIn)   n   any of several North American apocynaceous plants of the genus Apocynum, esp A. androsaemifolium, having bell-shaped white or pink flowers: thought to be poisonous to dogs

■ dogberry (ˈdɒɡˌbɛrI, -bərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 any of certain plants that have berry-like fruits, such as the European dogwood or the bearberry   2 the fruit of any of these plants

dogberry (ˈdɒɡˌbɛrI, -bərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   (sometimes capital) a foolish, meddling, and usually old official [after Dogberry, character in Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing (1598)]   > ˈdogberryˌism n

■ dog biscuit   n   a hard biscuit for dogs

■ dogbolt (ˈdɒɡˌbəʊlt)   n   archaic a type of bolt on a cannon or gun used to secure a cap-square to a trunnion

■ dog box   n   1 Austral informal a compartment in a railway carriage with no corridor   2 NZ informal disgrace; disfavour (in the phrase in the dog box)

■ dogcart (ˈdɒɡˌkɑːt)   n   a light horse-drawn two-wheeled vehicle: originally, one containing a box or section for transporting gun dogs

■ dog-catcher   n   chiefly US and Canadian a local official whose job is to catch and impound stray dogs, cats, etc

■ dog collar   n   1 a collar for a dog   2 an informal name for a clerical collar   3 informal a tight-fitting necklace

■ dog days   pl n   1 the hot period of the summer reckoned in ancient times from the heliacal rising of Sirius (the Dog Star)   2 a period marked by inactivity [C16: translation of Late Latin diēs caniculārēs, translation of Greek hēmerai kunades]

■ dogdom (ˈdɒɡdəm)   n   jocular the world or realm of dogs

■ dog-ear   vb   1 (tr) to fold down the corner of (a page)   2 computing to bookmark (a website)   ▷ n also dog's-ear   3 a folded-down corner of a page   4 computing a bookmark

■ dog-eared   adj   1 having dog-ears   2 shabby or worn

■ dog-end   n   an informal name for cigarette end

■ dogface (ˈdɒɡˌfeIs)   n   US military slang an infantry soldier in the US Army, esp in World War II

■ dog fennel   n   1 another name for mayweed   2 a weedy plant, Eupatorium capillifolium, of the southeastern US, having divided leaves and greenish rayless flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ dogfight (ˈdɒɡˌfaIt)   n   1 close quarters combat between fighter aircraft   2 any rough violent fight

■ dogfighting (ˈdɒɡˌfaItIŋ)   n   aerial combat

■ dogfish (ˈdɒɡˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 any of several small spotted European sharks, esp Scyliorhinus canicula (lesser spotted dogfish): family Scyliorhinidae   2 any small shark of the family Squalidae, esp Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish), typically having a spine on each dorsal fin   3 any small smooth-skinned shark of the family Triakidae, esp Mustelus canis (smooth dogfish or smooth hound)   4 a less common name for the bowfin

■ dog food or dogfood   n   food for dogs

■ dog fouling   n   the offence of being in charge of a dog and failing to remove the faeces after it defecates in a public place

■ dog fox or dogfox (ˈdɒɡˌfɒks)   n   a male fox

■ doggess (ˈdɒɡɛs)   n   jocular a female dog

■ dogginess (ˈdɒɡInəs)   n   the quality or characteristic of being doggy

■ doggish (ˈdɒɡIʃ)   adj   1 of or like a dog   2 surly; snappish   > ˈdoggishly adv   > ˈdoggishness n

■ doggy or doggie (ˈdɒɡI)   n, pl -gies   1 a children's word for a dog   ▷ adj   2 of, like, or relating to a dog   3 fond of dogs

■ doggy bag   n   a bag into which leftovers from a meal may be put and taken away, supposedly for the diner's dog

■ doggy paddle or doggie paddle   n   1 a swimming stroke in which the swimmer lies on his or her front, paddles his or her hands in imitation of a swimming dog, and beats his or her legs up and down   ▷ vb doggy-paddle, doggie-paddle   2 (intr) to swim using the doggy paddle   ▶ Also called: dog paddle

■ dog handler   n   a member of the police force, a security organization, etc, who works in collaboration with a specially trained dog

■ doghole (ˈdɒɡˌhəʊl)   n   a squalid dwelling place

■ doghouse (ˈdɒɡˌhaʊs)   n   1 US and Canadian a hutlike shelter for a dog. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): kennel   2 informal disfavour (in the phrase in the doghouse)

■ dog in the manger   n     a a person who prevents others from using something he or she has no use for   b (as modifier): a dog-in-the-manger attitude

■ dog Latin   n   spurious or incorrect Latin

■ dogleg (ˈdɒɡˌlɛɡ)   n   1    a a sharp bend or angle   b something with a sharp bend   ▷ vb -legs, -legging, -legged   2 (intr) to go off at an angle   ▷ adj   3 of or with the shape of a dogleg   > doglegged (ˌdɒɡˈlɛɡId, ˈdɒɡˌlɛɡd) adj

■ dogleg fence   n   Austral a fence made of sloping poles supported by forked uprights

■ dog paddle   n   another name for doggy paddle

■ dogrobber (ˈdɒɡˌrɒbə)   n   military slang an orderly of a navy or army officer

■ dog-roll   n   Austral and NZ a large sausage-shaped roll of processed meat used for dog food

■ dog rose   n   a prickly wild rose, Rosa canina, that is native to Europe and has pink or white delicate scentless flowers [translation of the Latin name, from Greek; from the belief that its root was effective against the bite of a mad dog]

■ dogs (dɒɡz)   pl n   1 the dogs Brit informal greyhound racing   2 slang the feet   3 marketing informal goods with a low market share, which are unlikely to yield substantial profits   4 go to the dogs informal to go to ruin physically or morally   5 let sleeping dogs lie to leave things undisturbed   6 throw someone to the dogs to abandon someone to criticism or attack

■ dogsbody (ˈdɒɡzˌbɒdI)   n, pl -bodies   1 informal a person who carries out menial tasks for others; drudge   ▷ vb -bodies, -bodying, -bodied   2 (intr) to act as a dogsbody

■ dogship (ˈdɒɡʃIp)   n   the condition or qualities of a dog

■ dogshores (ˈdɒɡˌʃɔːz)   pl n   nautical the pieces of timber used to prop up a boat prior to its launch

■ dogshow (ˈdɒɡˌʃəʊ)   n   a competitive exhibition of dogs

■ dog-sitter   n   a person who looks after a dog while its owner is away

■ dogskin (ˈdɒɡˌskIn)   n   the skin of a dog, or leather made from this skin

■ dogsled (ˈdɒɡˌslɛd)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a sleigh drawn by dogs. Also called: (Brit) dog sledge, dog sleigh

■ dogsledder (ˈdɒɡˌslɛdə)   n   US a person who uses a dogsled

■ dogsleep (ˈdɒɡˌsliːp)   n   obsolete a feigned or fitful sleep

■ dog's mercury   n   a hairy somewhat poisonous euphorbiaceous perennial, Mercurialis perennis, having broad lanceolate toothed leaves and small greenish male and female flowers, the males borne in catkins. It often carpets shady woodlands

■ dog's-tail   n   any of several grasses of the genus Cynosurus, esp C. cristatus (crested dog's-tail), that are native to Europe and have flowers clustered in a dense narrow spike

■ Dog Star   n   the Dog Star another name for Sirius

■ dog's-tongue   n   another name for hound's-tongue

■ dog's-tooth check or dog-tooth check   n   other names for hound's-tooth check

■ dog tag   n   US slang a military personal-identification disc

■ dog-tired   adj   (usually postpositive) informal exhausted

■ dogtooth (ˈdɒɡˌtuːθ)   n, pl -teeth   1 another name for a canine (sense 3)   2 architect a carved ornament in the form of four leaflike projections radiating from a raised centre, used in England in the 13th century

■ dogtooth violet   n   a name for various plants of the liliaceous genus Erythronium, esp the North American E. americanum, with yellow nodding flowers, or the European E. dens-canis, with purple flowers. Also called: adders-tongue, fawn lily

■ dogtown (ˈdɒɡˌtaʊn)   n   US a community of prairie dogs

■ dog train   n   Canadian a sleigh drawn by a team of dogs

■ dogtrot (ˈdɒɡˌtrɒt)   n   a gently paced trot

■ dog tucker   n   NZ the meat of a sheep killed on a farm and used as dog food

■ dogvane (ˈdɒɡˌveIn)   n   nautical a light windvane consisting of a feather or a piece of cloth or yarn mounted on the side of a vessel. Also called: telltale

■ dog violet   n   a violet, Viola canina, that grows in Europe and N Asia and has blue yellow-spurred flowers

■ dogwatch (ˈdɒɡˌwɒtʃ)   n   1 either of two two-hour watches aboard ship, from four to six p.m. or from six to eight p.m   2 NZ a shift from midnight to six a.m. in a mine

■ dog-whistle   adj   1 relating to the targeting of potentially controversial messages to specific voters while avoiding offending those voters with whom the message will not be popular: dog-whistle politics   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to employ this kind of political strategy [C21: from the fact that a dog whistle operates at frequencies that can be heard only by dogs]

■ dogwood (ˈdɒɡˌwʊd) or dagwood (ˈdæɡˌwʊd)   n   any of various cornaceous trees or shrubs of the genus Cornus, esp C. sanguinea, a European shrub with clusters of small white flowers and black berries: the shoots are red in winter

doge (dəʊdʒ)   n   history the chief magistrate in the republics of Venice (until 1797) and Genoa (until 1805) [C16: via French from Italian (Venetian dialect), from Latin dux leader]   > ˈdogeship n

■ dogaressa (ˌdəʊɡəˈrɛsə)   n   history the wife of a doge

■ dogate (ˈdəʊɡeIt) or dogeate (ˈdəʊdʒeIt)   n   history the office of a doge

■ dogedom (ˈdəʊdʒdəm)   n   history the domain of a doge

dogged (ˈdɒɡId)   adj   obstinately determined; wilful or tenacious   > ˈdoggedly adv   > ˈdoggedness n

dogger^1 (ˈdɒɡə)   n   a Dutch fishing vessel with two masts [C14: probably from Middle Dutch dogge trawler]

■ doggerman (ˈdɒɡərmən)   n, pl -men   obsolete a sailor on a dogger

dogger^2 (ˈdɒɡə)   n   a large concretion of consolidated material occurring in certain sedimentary rocks [C17: of uncertain origin]

dogger^3 (ˈdɒɡə)   n   Austral a hunter of dingoes [C20: from DOG (see sense 2a) + -ER^1]

Dogger   n   geology a formation of mid-Jurassic rocks in N England

■ Dogger Bank (ˈdɒɡə)   n   an extensive submerged sandbank in the North Sea between N England and Denmark: fishing ground

doggerel (ˈdɒɡərəl) or dogrel (ˈdɒɡrəl)   n   1    a comic verse, usually irregular in measure   b (as modifier): a doggerel rhythm   2 nonsense; drivel [C14 dogerel worthless, perhaps from dogge DOG]

doggery (ˈdɒɡərI)   n, pl -geries   1 surly behaviour   2 dogs collectively   3 a mob

Doggett's Coat and Badge race (ˈdɒɡIts)   n   an annual rowing race held on the River Thames to commemorate the accession of George I: the winner is presented with a coat bearing an embroidered badge [C18: after Thomas Doggett (1670–1721), British actor who initiated it]

dogging (ˈdɒɡIŋ)   n   Brit slang the practice of carrying out or watching sexual activities in semi-secluded locations such as parks or car parks, often arranged by e-mail or text messages

doggo (ˈdɒɡəʊ)   adv   Brit informal in hiding and keeping quiet (esp in the phrase lie doggo) [C19: probably from DOG]

doggone (ˈdɒɡɒn) US and Canadian informal   interj   1 an exclamation of annoyance, disappointment, etc   ▷ adj, adv (prenominal)   2 Also: doggoned. another word for damn (sense 3), damn (sense 4) [C19: euphemism for God damn]

dogie, dogy or dogey (ˈdəʊɡI)   n, pl -gies or -geys   Western US and Canadian a motherless calf [C19: from dough-guts, because they were fed on flour and water paste]

dogma (ˈdɒɡmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   1 a religious doctrine or system of doctrines proclaimed by ecclesiastical authority as true   2 a belief, principle, or doctrine or a code of beliefs, principles, or doctrines: Marxist dogma [C17: via Latin from Greek: opinion, belief, from dokein to seem good]

■ dogmatic (dɒɡˈmætIk) or dogmatical   adj   1    a (of a statement, opinion, etc) forcibly asserted as if authoritative and unchallengeable   b (of a person) prone to making such statements   2 of, relating to, or constituting dogma: dogmatic writings   3 based on assumption rather than empirical observation   > dogˈmatically adv

■ dogmaticalness (dɒɡˈmætIkəlnəs)   n   the quality or characteristic of being dogmatic

■ dogmatics (dɒɡˈmætIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of religious dogmas and doctrines. Also called: dogmatic theology, doctrinal theology

■ dogmatist (ˈdɒɡmətIst)   n   1 a dogmatic person   2 a person who formulates dogmas

■ dogmatize or dogmatise (ˈdɒɡməˌtaIz)   vb   to say or state (something) in a dogmatic manner   > ˈdogmatism n   > ˌdogmatiˈzation or ˌdogmatiˈsation n   > ˈdogmaˌtizer or ˈdogmaˌtiser n

■ dogmatology (ˌdɒɡməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study and science of religious dogma

■ dogmatory (ˈdɒɡmətərI)   adj   obsolete dogmatic

dogman (ˈdɒɡmən)   n, pl -men   Austral a person who directs the operation of a crane whilst riding on an object being lifted by it

Dogme (ˈdɒɡmI)   n   a group of Danish film-makers, formed by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, who have a set of strict rules, such as not using artificial lighting, always filming on location, and always using a handheld camera [Danish, literally: dogma]

dognap (ˈdɒɡnæp)   vb -naps, -napping, -napped or US -naps, -naping, -naped   (tr) to carry off and hold (a dog), usually for ransom [C20:from DOG + KIDNAP]   > ˈdognapper or US ˈdognaper n   > ˈdognapping or US ˈdognaping n

Dogrib (ˈdɒɡˌrIb)   n   1 a member of a Dene Native Canadian people of northern Canada   2 the Athapascan language of this people [from Dogrib Thlingchadinne, dog's flank, referring to the people's belief that they are descended from a dog]

Dogs (dɒɡz)   n   Isle of Dogs a district in the East End of London, bounded on three sides by the River Thames, and a focus of major office development (Canary Wharf) in recent years

dogy (ˈdəʊɡI)   n, pl -gies   a variant spelling of dogie

doh^1 (dəʊ)   n, pl dohs   1 music (in tonic sol-fa) the first degree of any major scale   2 up to high doh informal, chiefly Scot extremely excited or keyed up [C18: from Italian; see GAMUT]

doh^2 (dəʊ)   interj   informal an exclamation of annoyance when something goes wrong

DoH   abbreviation for (Britain, formerly)   Department of Health

Doha (ˈdəʊhɑː, ˈdəʊə)   n   the capital and chief port of Qatar, on the E coast of the peninsula. Pop: 717 790 (2015 est). Former name: Bida, El Beda

Dohnányi (dɒkˈnɑːnjI, dɒx-; Hungarian ˈdohnaːnji)   n   Ernö (ˈɛrnøː) or Ernst von (ɛrnst fɔn). 1877–1960, Hungarian pianist and composer whose works include Variations on a Nursery Theme (1913) for piano and orchestra

dohyo (ˈdəʊjəʊ)   n   a sumo wrestling ring

DOI   abbreviation for   digital object identifier: a unique set of numbers and letters used to identify material published on the internet

doilt (dɔIlt)   adj   Scot foolish; stupid

doily, doyley or doyly (ˈdɔIlI)   n, pl -lies or -leys   a decorative mat of lace or lacelike paper, etc, laid on or under plates [C18: named after Doily, a London draper]

doing (ˈduːIŋ)   n   1 an action or the performance of an action: whose doing is this?   2 informal a beating or castigation

■ doings (ˈduːIŋz)   pl n   1 deeds, actions or events   2 Brit and NZ informal anything of which the name is not known, or euphemistically left unsaid, etc: have you got the doings for starting the car?

Doisy (ˈdɔIzI)   n   Edward Adelbert. 1893–1986, US biochemist. He discovered (1939) the nature of vitamin K and shared a Nobel prize for medicine with Carl Dam (1943)

doit (dɔIt)   n   1 a former small copper coin of the Netherlands   2 a trifle [C16: from Middle Dutch duit]

doited (ˈdɔItId) or doitit (ˈdɔItIt)   adj   Scot archaic having decreased mental functioning, esp as a result of old age [C15: probably from doten to DOTE]

dojo (ˈdəʊdʒəʊ)   n, pl -jos   a room or hall for the practice of martial arts [C20: from Japanese dōjō Buddhist seminary, from Sanskrit bodhi-manda seat of wisdom]

dol (dɒl)   n   a unit of pain intensity, as measured by dolorimetry [C20: by shortening, from Latin dolor pain]

dol.   abbreviation for   1 music dolce   2 (pl dols) dollar

dolabriform (dəʊˈlæbrIˌfɔːm) or dolabrate (dəʊˈlæbreIt)   adj   biology shaped like a hatchet or axe head [C18: from Latin dolābra pickaxe]

Dolby (ˈdɒlbI)   n trademark   1 any of various specialized electronic circuits, esp those used for noise reduction in tape recorders by functioning as companders on high-frequency signals   2 a system used in cinemas and television sets which provides surround sound [named after Ray Dolby (1933–2013), its US inventor]

dolce (ˈdɒltʃI; Italian ˈdoltʃe)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) gently and sweetly [Italian: sweet]

■ dolce far niente Italian (ˈdoltʃe far ˈnjɛnte)   n   pleasant idleness [literally: sweet doing nothing]

■ dolcemente (ˌdɒltʃəˈmɛnteI)   adv   music softly; sweetly

■ dolce vita (ˈdɒltʃI ˈviːtə; Italian ˈdoltʃe ˈvita)   n   a life of luxury [Italian, literally: sweet life]

Dolcelatte (ˌdɒltʃIˈlɑːtI)   n   a soft creamy blue-veined cheese made in Italy [Italian, literally: sweet milk]

dolcetto (dɒlˈtʃɛtəʊ)   n   a variety of grape for making wine, chiefly grown in the Piedmont region of Italy

doldrums (ˈdɒldrəmz)   n the doldrums   1 a depressed or bored state of mind   2 a state of inactivity or stagnation   3    a a belt of light winds or calms along the equator   b the weather conditions experienced in this belt, formerly a hazard to sailing vessels [C19: probably from Old English dol DULL, influenced by TANTRUM]

dole^1 (dəʊl)   n   1 a small portion or share, as of money or food, given to a poor person   2 the act of giving or distributing such portions   3 the dole Brit informal money received from the state while out of work   4 on the dole Brit informal receiving such money   5 archaic fate   ▷ vb   6 (tr; usually foll by out) to distribute, esp in small portions [Old English dāl share; related to Old Saxon dēl, Old Norse deild, Gothic dails, Old High German teil; see DEAL^1]

■ dole bludger   n   Austral slang, offensive a person who draws unemployment benefit without making any attempt to find work

dole^2 (dəʊl)   n   archaic grief or mourning [C13: from Old French, from Late Latin dolus, from Latin dolēre to lament]

■ doleful (ˈdəʊlfʊl)   adj   dreary; mournful. Archaic word: dolesome (ˈdəʊlsəm)   > ˈdolefully or archaic ˈdolesomely adv   > ˈdolefulness n

■ dolent (ˈdəʊlənt)   adj   archaic sad; sorrowful

dolente (dɒˈlɛntI)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in a sorrowful manner

dolerite (ˈdɒləˌraIt)   n   1 a dark basic intrusive igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and a pyroxene, such as augite; often emplaced in dykes   2 any dark igneous rock whose composition cannot be determined with the naked eye [C19: from French dolérite, from Greek doleros deceitful; so called because of the difficulty of determining its composition]   > doleritic (ˌdɒləˈrItIk) adj

Dolgellau (dɒlˈɡɛθlaI; Welsh dɒlˈɡɛhlaI)   n   a market town and tourist centre in NW Wales, in Gwynedd. Pop: 2407 (2001). Former spelling: Dolgelley

dolichocephal (ˌdɒlIkəʊˈsɛfəl)   n   anthropol a person with a head much longer than it is broad

■ dolichocephalic (ˌdɒlIkəʊsIˈfælIk) or dolichocephalous (ˌdɒlIkəʊˈsɛfələs)   adj   1 having a head much longer than it is broad, esp one with a cephalic index under 75   ▷ n   2 an individual with such a head   ▶ Compare brachycephalic, mesocephalic, scaphocephalic   > ˌdolichoˈcephalism or ˌdolichoˈcephaly n

Dolichos (ˈdɒlIˌkɒs)   n   botany a genus of long-podded leguminous plants, allied to the haricot, found in Africa, Asia, and America

dolichosaurus (ˌdɒlIkəʊˈsɔːrəs)   n   any of various extinct Cretaceous aquatic reptiles that had long necks and bodies and well-developed limbs [C20: from Greek, from dolikhos long + -SAUR]

dolichurus (ˌdɒlIˈkjʊərəs)   n, pl -ri (-raI)   classical prosody a dactylic hexameter characterized by a redundant syllable at the end

Dolin (ˈdəʊlIn)   n   Sir Anton, real name Sydney Healey-Kay. 1904–83, British ballet dancer and choreographer: with Alicia Markova he founded (1949) the London Festival Ballet

doline or dolina (dəˈliːnə)   n   a shallow usually funnel-shaped depression of the ground surface formed by solution in limestone regions [C20: from Russian dolina, valley, plain; related to DALE]

dolium (ˈdəʊlIəm)   n   zoology a genus of molluscs with univalve shells

D'Oliviera (ˌdɒlIˈvIərə)   n   Basil (Lewis). 1931–2011, South African-born cricketer who played for England. The South African government's refusal to admit him to the country as part of the England touring party in 1968 led to South Africa being banned from international cricket

doll (dɒl)   n   1 a small model or dummy of a human being, used as a toy   2 slang a pretty girl or woman: sometimes used as a term of address [C16: probably from Doll, pet name for Dorothy]   > ˈdollish adj   > ˈdollishly adv   > ˈdollishness n

■ dolldom (ˈdɒldəm)   n   jocular the world of dolls

■ dollhood (ˈdɒlhʊd)   n   jocular the condition of being a doll

■ doll's house or US dollhouse (ˈdɒlˌhaʊs)   n   a small model of a house into which dolls and miniature furniture can be put

■ doll up   vb   (tr, adverb) slang to adorn or dress (oneself or another, esp a child) in a stylish or showy manner

dollar (ˈdɒlə)   n   1 the standard monetary unit of the US and its dependencies, divided into 100 cents   2 the standard monetary unit, comprising 100 cents, of the following countries or territories: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kiribati, Liberia, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, and Zimbabwe   3 Brit informal (formerly) five shillings or a coin of this value   4 look or feel (like) a million dollars informal to look or feel extremely well [C16: from Low German daler, from German Taler, Thaler, short for Joachimsthaler coin made from metal mined in Joachimsthal Jachymov, town now in the Czech Republic]

■ dollarbird (ˈdɒləˌbɜːd)   n   a bird, Eurystomus orientalis, of S and SE Asia and Australia, with a round white spot on each wing: family Coraciidae (rollers), order Coraciiformes

■ dollar diplomacy   n chiefly US   1 a foreign policy that encourages and protects capital investment and commercial and financial involvement abroad   2 use of financial power as a diplomatic weapon

■ dollared (ˈdɒlərd)   adj   not standard having many dollars; wealthy

■ dollarfish (ˈdɒləˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any of various fishes that have a rounded compressed silvery body, esp the moonfishes or the American butterfish

■ dollarization or dollarisation (ˌdɒləraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of converting a country's currency to US dollars

■ dollarize or dollarise (ˈdɒləraIz)   vb (tr)   economics to replace a country's currency with the US dollar

■ dollarless (ˈdɒlərlIs)   adj   without dollars; having no money

■ dollarocracy (ˌdɒləˈrɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   jocular a state in which private wealth determines the base of political power

■ dollarship (ˈdɒləʃIp)   n   the fact of being denominated in dollars

Dollfuss (German ˈdɔlfuːs)   n   Engelbert (ˈɛŋəlbɛrt). 1892–1934, Austrian statesman, chancellor (1932–34), who was assassinated by Austrian Nazis

dollop (ˈdɒləp) informal   n   1 a semisolid lump   2 a large serving, esp of food   ▷ vb   3 (tr; foll by out) to serve out (food) [C16: of unknown origin]

dolly (ˈdɒlI)   n, pl -lies   1 a child's word for a doll   2 films, television a wheeled support on which a camera may be mounted   3 a cup-shaped anvil held against the head of a rivet while the other end is being hammered   4 a shaped block of lead used to hammer dents out of sheet metal   5 a distance piece placed between the head of a pile and the pile-driver to form an extension to the length of the pile   6 cricket a simple catch   7 Also called: dolly bird, dollybird old-fashioned, slang, chiefly Brit an attractive and fashionable girl, esp one who is considered to be unintelligent   ▷ vb -lies, -lying, -lied   8 films, television to wheel (a camera) backwards or forwards on a dolly

■ dollier (ˈdɒlIə)   n   a person who operates a dolly

■ dolliness (ˈdɒlInəs)   n   the quality or characteristic of being like a doll

■ dolly mixture   n   1 a mixture of small coloured sweets   2 one such sweet

■ dolly-posh   adj   Northern English dialect left-handed

Dolly Varden (ˈdɒlI ˈvɑːdən)   n   1 a woman's large-brimmed hat trimmed with flowers   2 a red-spotted trout, Salvelinus malma, occurring in lakes in W North America [C19: from the name of a character in Dickens' Barnaby Rudge (1841)]

dolma (ˈdɒlmə, -mɑː)   n, pl dolmas or dolmades (dɒlˈmɑːdiːz)   a vine leaf stuffed with a filling of meat and rice [C19: Turkish dolma literally something filled]

dolman (ˈdɒlmən)   n, pl -mans   1 a long Turkish outer robe   2 Also called: dolman jacket a hussar's jacket worn slung over the shoulder   3 a woman's cloak with voluminous capelike sleeves [C16: via French from German Dolman, from Turkish dolaman a winding round, from dolamak to wind]

■ dolman sleeve   n   a sleeve that is very wide at the armhole and tapers to a tight wrist

dolmen (ˈdɒlmɛn)   n   1 (in British archaeology) a Neolithic stone formation, consisting of a horizontal stone supported by several vertical stones, and thought to be a tomb   2 (in French archaeology) any megalithic tomb [C19: from French, probably from Old Breton tol table, from Latin tabula board + Breton mēn stone, of Celtic origin; see TABLE]

■ dolmenic (ˈdɒlmənIk)   adj   of or relating to a dolmen

Dolmetsch (ˈdɒlmɛtʃ)   n   Arnold. 1858–1940, British musician, born in France. He contributed greatly to the revival of interest in early music and instruments

dolomite (ˈdɒləˌmaIt)   n   1 a white mineral often tinted by impurities, found in sedimentary rocks and veins. It is used in the manufacture of cement and as a building stone (marble). Composition: calcium magnesium carbonate. Formula: CaMg(CO_3)2. Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral)   2 a sedimentary rock resembling limestone but consisting principally of the mineral dolomite. It is an important source of magnesium and its compounds, and is used as a building material and refractory [C18: named after Déodat de Dolomieu (1750–1801), French mineralogist]   > dolomitic (ˌdɒləˈmItIk) adj

■ Dolomites (ˈdɒləˌmaIts)   pl n   a mountain range in NE Italy: part of the Alps; formed of dolomitic limestone. Highest peak: Marmolada, 3343 m (10 967 ft)

■ dolomitization or dolomitisation (ˈdɒləmItaIˌzeIʃən)   n   the process or act of turning into dolomite

■ dolomitize or dolomitise (ˈdɒləmIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to turn into dolomite

doloroso (ˌdɒləˈrəʊsəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in a sorrowful manner [Italian: dolorous]

dolorous (ˈdɒlərəs), dolorific (ˌdɒləˈrIfIk) or obsolete doloriferous (ˌdɒlərˈIfərəs)   adj   causing or involving pain or sorrow   > ˈdolorously adv   > ˈdolorousness n

■ dolorimetry (ˌdɒləˈrImətrI)   n   a technique for measuring the level of pain perception by applying heat to the skin

■ dolour or US dolor (ˈdɒlə)   n   poetic grief or sorrow [C14: from Latin, from dolēre to grieve]

dolos (ˈdɒlɒs)   n, pl -osse   South African a knucklebone of a sheep, buck, etc, used esp by diviners [from Afrikaans, possibly from dollen play + os ox or from dobbel dice + os ox]

dolostone (ˈdɒləˌstəʊn)   n   rock composed of the mineral dolomite

dolphin (ˈdɒlfIn)   n   1 any of various marine cetacean mammals of the family Delphinidae, esp Delphinus delphis, that are typically smaller than whales and larger than porpoises and have a beaklike snout   2 river dolphin any freshwater cetacean of the family Platanistidae, inhabiting rivers of North and South America and S Asia. They are smaller than marine dolphins and have a longer narrower snout   3 Also called: dorado either of two large marine percoid fishes, Coryphaena hippurus or C. equisetis, that resemble the cetacean dolphins and have an iridescent coloration   4 nautical a post or buoy for mooring a vessel [C13: from Old French dauphin, via Latin, from Greek delphin-, delphis]

■ dolphinarium (ˌdolfIˈnɛərIəm)   n   a pool or aquarium for dolphins, esp one in which they give public displays

■ dolphinet (ˈdɒlfInɛt)   n   obsolete a female dolphin

■ dolphinfish (ˈdɒlfInˌfIʃ)   n   a small family of ray-finned marine fish, unrelated to dolphins

■ dolphin striker   n   nautical a short vertical strut between the bowsprit and a rope or cable (martingale) from the end of the jib boom to the stem or bows, used for maintaining tension and preventing upward movement of the jib boom. Also called: martingale boom, martingale

dolt (dəʊlt)   n   derogatory a person who lacks intelligence or sense [C16: probably related to Old English dol stupid; see DULL]   > ˈdoltish adj   > ˈdoltishly adv   > ˈdoltishness n

dom (dɒm)   n   1 (sometimes capital) RC Church a title given to Benedictine, Carthusian, and Cistercian monks and to certain of the canons regular   2 (formerly in Portugal and Brazil) a title borne by royalty, princes of the Church, and nobles [C18 (monastic title): from Latin dominus lord]

DOM   abbreviation for   1 Deo Optimo Maximo   2 informal Dirty Old Man   ▷ abbreviation for   3 Dominican Republic (international car registration) [(for sense 1) Latin: to God, the best, the Greatest]

Dom. RC Church   abbreviation for   Dominican

-dom   suffix forming nouns   1 state or condition: freedom; martyrdom   2 rank or office: earldom   3 domain: kingdom; Christendom   4 a collection of persons: officialdom [Old English -dōm]

Domagk (German ˈdoːmak)   n   Gerhard (ˈɡeːrhart). 1895–1964, German biochemist: Nobel prize for medicine (1939) for isolating sulphanilamide for treating bacterial infections

domain (dəˈmeIn)   n   1 land governed by a ruler or government   2 land owned by one person or family   3 a field or scope of knowledge or activity   4 a region having specific characteristics or containing certain types of plants or animals   5 Austral and NZ a park or recreation reserve maintained by a public authority, often the government   6 law the absolute ownership and right to dispose of land. See also demesne, eminent domain   7 maths   a the set of values of the independent variable of a function for which the functional value exists: the domain of sin x is all real numbers. Compare range (sense 8a)   b any open set containing at least one point   8 logic another term for universe of discourse: domain of quantification   9 philosophy range of significance (esp in the phrase domain of definition)   10 Also called: magnetic domain physics one of the regions in a ferromagnetic solid in which all the atoms have their magnetic moments aligned in the same direction   11 computing a group of computers, functioning and administered as a unit, that are identified by sharing the same domain name on the internet   12 Also called: superkingdom biology the highest level of classification of living organisms. Three domains are recognized: Archaea (see archaean), Bacteria (see bacteria), and Eukarya (see eukaryote)   13 biochem a structurally compact portion of a protein molecule [C17: from French domaine, from Latin dominium property, from dominus lord]

■ domaine (dəˈmeIn, dəˈmɛn)   n   a French estate on which wine is made

■ domain name   n   computing a unique name, corresponding to one or more numeric IP addresses, used to identify a particular web page or set of web pages on the internet

■ domanial (dəʊˈmeInIəl) or domainal (dəˈmeInəl)   adj   of or relating to a domain

domatium (dɒˈmeIʃIəm)   n, pl -tia   botany a plant cavity inhabited by commensal insects or mites or, occasionally, microorganisms

dome (dəʊm)   n   1 a hemispherical roof or vault or a structure of similar form   2 something shaped like this   3 crystallog a crystal form in which two planes intersect along an edge parallel to a lateral axis   4 a slang word for the head   5 geology   a a structure in which rock layers slope away in all directions from a central point   b another name for pericline (sense 2)   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to cover with or as if with a dome   7 to shape like a dome [C16: from French, from Italian duomo cathedral, from Latin domus house]   > ˈdomeˌlike adj   > domical (ˈdəʊmIkəl, ˈdɒm-) adj

■ domal (ˈdəʊməl)   adj   of or pertaining to a dome

■ domed (dəʊmd)   adj   1 constructed with a hemispherical form: a domed ceiling   2 shaped like a hemispherical form: his domed head

■ dome fastener   n   US and Canadian a fastening device consisting of one part with a projecting knob that snaps into a hole on another like part, used esp in closures in clothing. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): press stud

■ domic (ˈdəʊmIk)   adj   obsolete dome-shaped

■ domically (ˈdəʊmIklI)   adv   in the manner or shape of a dome

Domenichino (Italian domeniˈkiːno)   n   full name Domenico Zampieri (doˈmeːniko dzamˈpjɛːri). 1581–1641, Italian Baroque painter, noted for his frescoes and the altarpiece Last Communion of St Jerome (1614)

Domenico Veneziano (Italian doˈmeːniko venetˈtsjaːno)   n   died 1461, Italian painter, noted for the St Lucy Altarpiece

Dome of the Rock   n   the mosque in Jerusalem, Israel, built in 691 AD by caliph `Abd al-Malik: the third most holy place of Islam; stands on the Temple Mount alongside the al-Aqsa mosque. Also called (not in Muslim usage): Mosque of Omar

domesday (ˈduːmzˌdeI)   n   a variant spelling of doomsday

■ Domesday Book or Doomsday Book   n   history the record of a survey of the land of England carried out by the commissioners of William I in 1086

domestic (dəˈmɛstIk)   adj also obsolete domestical   1 of or involving the home or family   2 enjoying or accustomed to home or family life   3 (of an animal) bred or kept by humans as a pet or for purposes such as the supply of food   4 of, produced in, or involving one's own country or a specific country: domestic and foreign affairs   ▷ n   5 a household servant   6 informal (esp in police use) an incident of violence in the home, esp between partners [C16: from Old French domestique, from Latin domesticus belonging to the house, from domus house]   > doˈmestically adv

■ domesticate (dəˈmɛstIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to bring or keep (wild animals or plants) under control or cultivation   2 to accustom to home life   3 to adapt to an environment: to domesticate foreign trees   > doˈmesticable adj   > doˌmestiˈcation n   > doˈmesticative adj   > doˈmestiˌcator n

■ domesticated (dəˈmɛstIˌkeItId)   adj   1 (of animals or plants) brought or kept under control or cultivation   2 accustomed to home life

■ domestic court   n   (in England) a magistrates' court for domestic proceedings, such as matrimonial, guardianship, custodianship, affiliation, or adoption disputes

■ domestic fowl or barnyard fowl   n   a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) and occurring in many varieties. Often shortened to: fowl

■ domesticity (ˌdəʊmɛˈstIsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 home life   2 devotion to or familiarity with home life   3 (usually plural) a domestic duty, matter, or condition

■ domesticize or domesticise (dəˈmɛstIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   another word for domesticate

■ domestic science   n   the study of cooking, needlework, and other subjects concerned with household skills

domestique (ˌdɒmɛsˈtiːk)   n   (in competitive road cycling) a cyclist whose job is to support the higher-ranking members of the team, by carrying water, cycling in front to allow a team member to ride in his or her slipstream, acting as a pacemaker, etc [French, literally: servant]

Domett (ˈdɒmIt)   n   Alfred. 1811–87, New Zealand poet, colonial administrator, and statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1862–63)

domicile (ˈdɒmIˌsaIl) or domicil (ˈdɒmIˌsIl) formal   n   1 a dwelling place   2 a permanent legal residence   3 Brit commerce the place where a bill of exchange is to be paid   ▷ vb also domiciliate (ˌdɒmIˈsIlIˌeIt)   4 to establish or be established in a dwelling place [C15: from Latin domicilium, from domus house]

■ domiciled (ˈdɒmIsaIld)   adj   resident

■ domiciliary (ˌdɒmIˈsIlIərI)   adj   of, involving, or taking place in the home

■ domiciliary care   n   social welfare services, such as meals-on-wheels, health visiting, and home help, provided by a welfare agency for people in their own homes. Also called: domiciliary services

■ domiciliate (ˌdɒmIˈsIlIˌeIt)   vb   to establish (oneself) in a home

■ domiciliation (ˌdɒmIsIlIˈeIʃən)   n   establishment at a place of residence

dominate (ˈdɒmIˌneIt)   vb   1 to control, rule, or govern (someone or something)   2 to tower above (surroundings, etc); overlook   3 (tr; usually passive) to predominate in (something or someone) [C17: from Latin dominārī to be lord over, from dominus lord]   > ˈdomiˌnating adj   > ˈdomiˌnatingly adv   > ˈdominative adj   > ˈdomiˌnator n

■ dominance (ˈdɒmInəns) or dominancy (ˈdɒmInənsI)   n   control; ascendancy

■ dominant (ˈdɒmInənt)   adj   1 having primary control, authority, or influence; governing; ruling   2 predominant or primary: the dominant topic of the day   3 occupying a commanding position   4 genetics   a (of an allele) producing the same phenotype in the organism irrespective of whether the allele of the same gene is identical or dissimilar   b (of a character) controlled by such a gene. Compare recessive (sense 2)   5 music of or relating to the fifth degree of a scale   6 ecology (of a plant or animal species within a community) more prevalent than any other species and determining the appearance and composition of the community   ▷ n   7 genetics   a a dominant allele or character   b an organism having such an allele or character   8 music   a the fifth degree of a scale and the second in importance after the tonic   b a key or chord based on this   9 ecology a dominant plant or animal in a community   > ˈdominantly adv

■ dominant hemisphere   n   See cerebral dominance

■ dominant seventh chord   n   a chord consisting of the dominant and the major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above it. Its most natural resolution is to a chord on the tonic

■ dominant tenement   n   property law the land or tenement with the benefit of an easement over land belonging to another. Compare servient tenement

■ dominant wavelength   n   physics the wavelength of monochromatic light that would give the same visual sensation if combined in a suitable proportion with an achromatic light. See also complementary wavelength

■ domination (ˌdɒmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act of dominating or state of being dominated   2 authority; rule; control

■ dominations (ˌdɒmIˈneIʃənz)   pl n   (sometimes capital) the fourth order of medieval angelology. Also called: dominions

■ dominatrix (ˌdɒmIˈneItrIks)   n, pl dominatrices (ˌdɒmInəˈtraIsiːz)   1 a woman who is the dominant sexual partner in a sadomasochistic relationship   2 a dominant woman [C16: from Latin, fem of dominātor, from dominārī to be lord over]

domine (ˈdɒmIniː)   n   obsolete a clergyman: used as a form of address

dominee (ˈduːmInI, ˈdʊə-)   n   (in South Africa) a minister in any of the Afrikaner Churches. Also called: predikant [from Afrikaans, from Dutch; compare DOMINIE]

domineer (ˌdɒmIˈnIə)   vb   (intr; often foll by over) to act with arrogance or tyranny; behave imperiously [C16: from Dutch domineren, from French dominer to DOMINATE]

■ domineering (ˌdɒmIˈnIərIŋ)   adj   acting with or showing arrogance or tyranny; imperious   > ˌdomiˈneeringly adv   > ˌdomiˈneeringness n

Domingo (Spanish doˈmiŋɡo)   n   Placido (ˈplaθiðo). born 1941, Spanish operatic tenor

Dominic (ˈdɒmInIk)   n   Saint. original name Domingo de Guzman. ?1170–1221, Spanish priest; founder of the Dominican order. Feast day: Aug 7

Dominica (ˌdɒmIˈniːkə, dəˈmInIkə)   n   a republic in the E Caribbean, comprising a volcanic island in the Windward Islands group; a former British colony; became independent as a member of the Commonwealth in 1978. Official language: English. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: East Caribbean dollar. Capital: Roseau. Pop: 73 925 (2017 est). Area: 751 sq km (290 sq miles). Official name: Commonwealth of Dominica

dominical (dəˈmInIkəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or emanating from Jesus Christ as Lord   2 of or relating to Sunday as the Lord's Day [C15: from Late Latin dominicālis, from Latin dominus lord]

■ dominical letter   n   Christianity any one of the letters A to G as used to denote Sundays in a given year in order to determine the church calendar

Dominican^1 (dəˈmInIkən)   n   1    a a member of an order of preaching friars founded by Saint Dominic in 1215; a Blackfriar   b a nun of one of the orders founded under the patronage of Saint Dominic   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Saint Dominic or the Dominican order

Dominican^2 (dəˈmInIkən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Dominican Republic or Dominica   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the Dominican Republic or Dominica

Dominican Republic   n   a republic in the Caribbean, occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola: colonized by the Spanish after its discovery by Columbus in 1492; gained independence from Spain in 1821. It is generally mountainous, dominated by the Cordillera Central, which rises over 3000 m (10 000 ft), with fertile lowlands. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: peso. Capital: Santo Domingo. Pop: 10 766 998 (2017 est). Area: 48 441 sq km (18 703 sq miles). Former name (until 1844): Santo Domingo

dominie (ˈdɒmInI)   n   1 a Scot word for schoolmaster   2 a minister or clergyman: also used as a term of address [C17: from Latin dominē, vocative case of dominus lord]

dominion (dəˈmInjən)   n   1 rule; authority   2 the land governed by one ruler or government   3 sphere of influence; area of control   4 a name formerly applied to self-governing divisions of the British Empire   5 the Dominion New Zealand   6 law a less common word for dominium [C15: from Old French, from Latin dominium ownership, from dominus master]

■ Dominion Day   n   the former name for Canada Day

■ dominions (dəˈmInjənz)   pl n   (often capital) another term for dominations

dominique (ˌdɒmIˈniːk), dominick (ˈdɒmInIk) or dominicker (ˈdɒmIˌnIkə)   n   a breed of chicken in the US

dominium (dəˈmInIəm) or rarely dominion   n   property law the ownership or right to possession of property, esp realty [C19: from Latin: property, ownership; see DOMINION]

domino^1 (ˈdɒmIˌnəʊ)   n, pl -noes   1 a small rectangular block used in the game of dominoes, divided on one side into two equal areas, each of which is either blank or marked with from one to six dots   2 (modifier) exhibiting the domino effect: a domino pattern of takeovers [C19: from French, from Italian, perhaps from domino! master, said by the winner]

■ domino effect   n   a series of similar or related events occurring as a direct and inevitable result of one initial event [C20: alluding to a row of dominoes, each standing on end, all of which fall when one is pushed: originally used with reference to possible Communist takeovers of countries in SE Asia]

■ dominoes (ˈdɒmIˌnəʊz)   n   (functioning as singular) any of several games in which matching halves of dominoes are laid together

■ domino theory   n   a foreign policy theory speculating that a political event in one nation will cause similar events in neighbouring nations

domino^2 (ˈdɒmIˌnəʊ)   n, pl -noes or -nos   1 a large hooded cloak worn with an eye mask at a masquerade   2 the eye mask worn with such a cloak [C18: from French or Italian, probably from Latin dominus lord, master]

Domino (ˈdɒmInəʊ)   n   Fats. real name Antoine Domino 1928–2017, US rhythm-and-blues and rock-and-roll pianist, singer, and songwriter. His singles include "Ain't that a Shame" (1955) and "Blueberry Hill" (1956)

Dominus Latin (ˈdɒmInʊs)   n   God or Christ

Domitian (dəˈmIʃən)   n   Latin name Titus Flavius Domitianus. 51–96 AD, Roman emperor (81–96): instigated a reign of terror (93); assassinated

domoic acid (dəˈməʊIk)   n   an amino acid found in shellfish that can cause food poisoning

Domrémy-la-Pucelle (French dɔ̃remilapysɛl) or Domrémy   n   a village in NE France, in the Vosges: birthplace of Joan of Arc

domy (ˈdəʊmI)   adj -mier, -miest   having a dome; dome-like

don^1 (dɒn)   vb dons, donning, donned   (tr) to put on (clothing) [C14: from DO^1 + ON; compare DOFF]

don^2 (dɒn)   n   1 Brit a member of the teaching staff at a university or college, esp at Oxford or Cambridge   2 the head of a student dormitory at certain Canadian universities and colleges   3 a Spanish gentleman or nobleman   4 (in the Mafia) the head of a family [C17: ultimately from Latin dominus lord]

■ donnish (ˈdɒnIʃ)   adj   of or resembling a university don   > ˈdonnishly adv   > ˈdonnishness n

■ donnism (ˈdɒnIzəm)   n   derogatory loftiness; self-importance

■ donship (ˈdɒnʃIp)   n   the state or position of being a don

Don^1 (dɒn; Spanish don)   n   a Spanish title equivalent to Mr: placed before a name to indicate respect [C16: via Spanish, from Latin dominus lord; see DON^2]

Don^2 (dɒn)   n   1 a river rising in W Russia, southeast of Tula and flowing generally south, to the Sea of Azov: linked by canal to the River Volga. Length: 1870 km (1162 miles)   2 a river in NE Scotland, rising in the Cairngorm Mountains and flowing east to the North Sea. Length: 100 km (62 miles)   3 a river in N central England, rising in S Yorkshire and flowing northeast to the Humber. Length: about 96 km (60 miles)

Dona (Portuguese ˈdõnə)   n   a Portuguese title of address equivalent to Mrs or Madam: placed before a name to indicate respect [C19: from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master]

Doña (ˈdɒnjə; Spanish ˈdoɲa)   n   a Spanish title of address equivalent to Mrs or Madam: placed before a name to indicate respect [C17: via Spanish, from Latin domina; see DONA]

donah (ˈdɒnɑː)   n   archaic, slang a woman

donair (dəʊˈnɛə)   n   Canadian a snack of doner kebab meat, onions, and chopped tomatoes, served with a sweet sauce [altered from DONER (kebab)]

Donald (ˈdɒnəld)   n   ?1031–1100, king of Scotland (1093–94; 1094–97)

Donar (ˈdəʊnɑː; German ˈdoːnar)   n   the Germanic god of thunder, corresponding to Thor in Norse mythology

Donatello (Italian donaˈtɛllo)   n   real name Donato di Betto Bardi. 1386–1466, Florentine sculptor, regarded as the greatest sculptor of the quattrocento, who was greatly influenced by classical sculpture and contemporary humanist theories. His marble relief of St George Killing the Dragon (1416–17) shows his innovative use of perspective. Other outstanding works are the classic bronze David, and the bronze equestrian monument to Gattamelatta, which became the model of subsequent equestrian sculpture

donation (dəʊˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act of giving, esp to a charity   2 a contribution [C15: from Latin dōnātiō a presenting, from dōnāre to give, from dōnum gift]

■ donary (ˈdəʊnərI)   n, pl -ries   a thing given for holy use

■ donate (dəʊˈneIt)   vb   to give (money, time, etc), esp to a charity   > doˈnator n

■ donative (ˈdəʊnətIv)   n   1 a gift or donation   2 a benefice capable of being conferred as a gift   ▷ adj   3 of or like a donation   4 being or relating to a benefice [C15: from Latin dōnātīvum donation made to soldiers by a Roman emperor, from dōnāre to present]

■ donatory (ˈdəʊnətərI)   n, pl -ries   the recipient of a donation

■ donee (dəʊˈniː)   n law   1 a person who receives a gift   2 a person to whom a power of appointment is given [C16: from DON(OR) + -EE]

Donatist (ˈdəʊnətIst)   n   a member of a schismatic heretical Christian sect originating in N Africa in 311 AD, that maintained that it alone constituted the true church [C15: from Late Latin Dōnātista a follower of Dōnātus, bishop of Carthage]   > ˈDonaˌtism n

■ donatistic (ˌdəʊnəˈtIstIk) or donatistical (ˌdəʊnəˈtIstIkəl)   adj   relating to a Donatist or Donatism

Donatus (dəʊˈnɑːtəs)   n   1  Aelius (ˈiːlIəs). 4th century AD, Latin grammarian, who taught Saint Jerome; his textbook Ars Grammatica was used throughout the Middle Ages   2  4th century AD, bishop of Carthage; leader of the Donatists, a heretical Christian sect originating in N Africa in 311 AD

Donau (ˈdoːnau)   n   the German name for the Danube

Donbass or Donbas (dɒnˈbɑːs)   n   an industrial region in E Ukraine in the plain of the Rivers Donets and lower Dnieper: the site of a major coalfield. Also called: Donets Basin

Doncaster (ˈdɒŋkəstə)   n   1 an industrial town in N England, in Doncaster unitary authority, South Yorkshire, on the River Don. Pop: 67 977 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in N England, in South Yorkshire. Pop: 288 400 (2003 est). Area: 582 sq km (225 sq miles)

donder (ˈdɒndə) South African slang   vb (tr)   1 to beat (someone) up   ▷ n   2 a wretch; swine [C19: Afrikaans, from Dutch donderen to swear, bully]

done (dʌn)   vb   1 the past participle of do^1   2 be done with or have done with to end relations with   3 have done to be completely finished: have you done?   4 that's done it   a an exclamation of frustration when something is ruined   b an exclamation when something is completed   ▷ interj   5 an expression of agreement, as on the settlement of a bargain between two parties   ▷ adj   6 completed; finished   7 cooked enough: done to a turn   8 used up: they had to surrender when the ammunition was done   9 socially proper or acceptable: that isn't done in higher circles   10 informal cheated; tricked   11 done for informal   a dead or almost dead   b in serious difficulty   12 done in or done up informal physically exhausted

■ doneness (ˈdʌnnəs)   n   not standard the extent to which something is cooked sufficiently

Donegal (ˈdɒnIˌɡɔːl, ˌdɒnIˈɡɔːl, ˌdʌnIˈɡɔːl)   n   a county in NW Republic of Ireland, on the Atlantic: mountainous, with a rugged coastline and many offshore islands. County town: Lifford. Pop: 137 575 (2002). Area: 4830 sq km (1865 sq miles)

donepezil (dəˈnɛpəzIl)   n   a drug used to treat dementia

doner kebab (ˈdɒnə) or doner   n   a fast-food dish comprising grilled meat and salad served in pitta bread with chilli sauce [from Turkish döner rotating + KEBAB]

Donets (Russian daˈnjɛts)   n   a river rising in SW Russia, in the Kursk steppe and flowing southeast, through Ukraine, to the Don River. Length: about 1078 km (670 miles)

■ Donets Basin (dəˈnɛts)   n   another name for the Donbass

Donetsk (Russian daˈnjɛtsk)   n   a city in E Ukraine: the chief industrial centre of the Donbass; first ironworks founded by a Welshman, John Hughes (1872), after whom the town was named Yuzovka (Hughesovka). Pop: 992 000 (2005 est). Former names (from 1924 until 1961): Stalin, Stalino

dong (dɒŋ)   n   1 the deep reverberating sound of a large bell   2 Austral and NZ informal a heavy blow   3 a vulgar slang word for penis   ▷ vb   4 (intr) (of a bell) to make a deep reverberating sound   5 (tr) Austral and NZ informal to strike or punch [C16: of imitative origin]

dông (dɒŋ)   n   the standard monetary unit of Vietnam, divided into 10 hào or 100 xu [from Vietnamese]

donga^1 (ˈdɒŋɡə)   n   South African, Austral and NZ a steep-sided gully created by soil erosion [C19: Afrikaans, from Nguni donga washed out gully]

donga^2 (ˈdɒŋɡə)   n   (in Papua New Guinea) a house or shelter

dongle (ˈdɒŋɡəl)   n   computing a small device able to be connected to a computer, esp to allow access to wireless broadband

Dongola (ˈdɒŋɡələ)   n   a small town in N Sudan, on the Nile: established by migrants from Old Dongola, the capital of the Christian Kingdom of Nubia (6th to 14th centuries), which lies 80 km (50 miles) to the south-east. Pop: 16 900 (2001 est)

Dongting (ˈdʊŋˈtIŋ), Tungting or Tung-t'ing   n   a lake in S China, in NE Hunan province: main outlet flows to the Yangtze; rice-growing in winter. Area: (in winter) 3900 sq km (1500 sq miles)

doning (ˈdəʊnIŋ)   n   the act of giving blood

Dönitz or Doenitz (German ˈdøːnIts)   n   Karl (karl). 1891–1980, German admiral; commander in chief of the German navy (1943–45); as head of state after Hitler's death he surrendered to the Allies (May 7, 1945)

Donizetti (ˌdɒnIˈzɛtI; Italian donidˈdzetti)   n   Gaetano (ɡaeˈtaːno). 1797–1848, Italian operatic composer: his works include Lucia di Lammermoor (1835), La Fille du régiment (1840), and Don Pasquale (1843)

donjon (ˈdʌndʒən, ˈdɒn-)   n   the heavily fortified central tower or keep of a medieval castle. Also called: dungeon [C14: archaic variant of dungeon]

Don Juan (ˈdɒn ˈdʒuːən; Spanish don xwan)   n   1 a legendary Spanish nobleman and philanderer: hero of many poems, plays, and operas, including treatments by de Molina, Molière, Goldoni, Mozart, Byron, and Shaw   2 a successful seducer of women

donkey (ˈdɒŋkI)   n   1 Also called: ass a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family (Equidae), descended from the African wild ass (Equus asinus)   2 a stupid or stubborn person   3 Brit slang, derogatory a footballer known for his or her lack of skill: the players are a bunch of overpriced and overrated donkeys   4 talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey to talk endlessly [C18: perhaps from dun dark + -key, as in monkey]

■ donkey derby   n   a race in which contestants ride donkeys, esp at a rural fête

■ donkey engine   n   a small auxiliary engine, such as one used for pumping water into the boilers of a steamship

■ donkey jacket   n   a hip-length jacket usually made of a thick navy fabric with a waterproof panel across the shoulders

■ donkey-lick   vb (tr)   Austral slang to defeat decisively

■ donkey's years   n   informal a long time

■ donkey vote   n   Austral a vote on a preferential ballot on which the voter's order of preference follows the order in which the candidates are listed

■ donkey-work   n   1 groundwork   2 drudgery. US equivalent: draft-mule work

donko (ˈdɒŋkəʊ)   n, pl -kos   NZ informal a tearoom or cafeteria in a factory, wharf area, etc [origin unknown]

Donleavy (dɒnˈliːvI)   n   J(ames) P(atrick). 1926–2017, Irish-American novelist. His books include The Ginger Man (1956), The Onion Eaters (1971), Are You Listening Rabbi Löw? (1987), and The Lady Who Liked Clean Rest Rooms (1995)

Donna (ˈdɒnə; Italian ˈdɔnna)   n   an Italian title of address equivalent to Madam, indicating respect [C17: from Italian, from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus lord, master]

donnat (ˈdɒnət)   n   another name for donnot

Donne (dʌn)   n   John. 1573–1631, English metaphysical poet and preacher. He wrote love and religious poems, sermons, epigrams, and elegies

donnée or donné French (dɔne)   n   1 a subject or theme   2 a basic assumption or fact [literally: (a) given]

donnert (ˈdɒnərt), donnard, donnerd or donnered (ˈdɒnərd)   adj   Scot stunned [C18: from Scottish dialect donner to astound, perhaps from Dutch donderen to thunder, from Middle Dutch donder thunder]

donnicker (ˈdɒnIkə)   n   dialect another name for dunnakin

donnot (ˈdɒnət)   n   dialect a person that does very little or nothing; a lazy person

donny (ˈdɒnI)   n   a variant of danny

donnybrook (ˈdɒnIˌbrʊk)   n   a rowdy brawl [C19: after Donnybrook Fair, an annual event until 1855 near Dublin]

donor (ˈdəʊnə)   n   1 a person who makes a donation   2 med any person who voluntarily gives blood, skin, a kidney, etc, for use in the treatment of another person   3 law   a a person who makes a gift of property   b a person who bestows upon another a power of appointment over property   4 the atom supplying both electrons in a coordinate bond   5 an impurity, such as antimony or arsenic, that is added to a semiconductor material in order to increase its n-type conductivity by contributing free electrons. Compare acceptor (sense 2) [C15: from Old French doneur, from Latin dōnātor, from dōnāre to give]   > ˈdonorˌship n

■ donor card   n   a card carried by a person to show that the bodily organs specified on it may be used for transplants after the person's death

Donostia/San Sebastián (Spanish donostja san seβasˈtjan)   n   the official name (including the Basque name Donostia) for San Sebastián

Don Quixote (ˈdɒn kiːˈhəʊtiː, ˈkwIksət; Spanish don kiˈxote)   n   an impractical idealist [after the hero of Cervantes' Don Quixote de la Mancha]

donsie (ˈdɒnsI)   adj   1 US poorly; rather unwell   2 Scot unlucky; unfortunate

don't (dəʊnt)   contraction of   do not

■ don't know   n   a person who has not reached a definite opinion on a subject, esp as a response to a questionnaire

donut (ˈdəʊnʌt)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of doughnut

donzel (ˈdɒnzəl)   n   archaic a man of high birth

doo (duː)   n   a Scot word for dove^1, pigeon^1

doob (duːb) or doobie (ˈduːbI)   n   US slang a cannabis cigarette [C20: origin unknown]

doobry or doobrey (ˈduːbriː)   n, pl -ries or -reys   informal an unidentified or unnamed object [C20: of unknown origin ]

dooce (duːs)   vb (tr)   slang, chiefly US to dismiss an employee for something he or she has written on a website or blog

■ dooced (duːst)   adj   to get dooced slang, chiefly US to be dismissed from one's employment because of what one has written on a website or blog [C21: after the web address of the first person to experience this]

doocot (ˈduːkɒt)   n   a Scot variant of dovecote

doodah (ˈduːdɑː) or US and Canadian doodad (ˈduːdæd)   n informal   1 an unnamed thing, esp an object the name of which is unknown or forgotten   2 all of a doodah excited; agitated [C20: of uncertain origin]

doodle (ˈduːdəl) informal   vb   1 to scribble or draw aimlessly   2 to play or improvise idly   3 (intr; often foll by away) US to dawdle or waste time   ▷ n   4 a shape, picture, etc, drawn aimlessly [C20: perhaps from C17 doodle a foolish person, but influenced in meaning by DAWDLE; compare Low German dudeltopf simpleton]   > ˈdoodler n

doodlebug (ˈduːdəlˌbʌɡ)   n   1 another name for the V-1   2 a diviner's rod   3 a US name for antlion (sense 2)   4 US any of certain insect larvae that resemble the antlion [C20: probably from DOODLE + BUG^1]

doo-doo (ˈduːˌduː)   n   US and Canadian informal a child's word for excrement

doofer (ˈduːfə)   n   not standard a person or thing forgotten or unknown to the speaker

doofus (ˈduːfəs)   n   informal, chiefly US an ignorant or foolish person [C20: from Black slang]

Doohan (ˈduːən)   n   Michael K (Mick). born 1965, Australian racing motorcyclist; 500 cc world champion 1994–98

doohickey (ˈduːˌhIkI)   n   US and Canadian informal another name for doodah (sense 1)

dook^1 or douk (dʊk)   n   Scot a wooden plug driven into a wall to hold a nail, screw, etc [of unknown origin]

dook^2 or douk (dʊk) Scot   vb   1 to dip or plunge   2 to bathe   ▷ n   3 an instance of dipping, plunging, or bathing [a Scot form of DUCK^2]

dooket (ˈduːkIt, ˈdʊkIt)   n Scot   1 a dovecote   2 a small closet or cupboard

dool (duːl)   n   Scot a boundary marker

doolally (duːˈlælI)   adj   slang out of one's mind. In full: doolally tap [C19: originally military slang, from Deolali, a town near Mumbai, the location of a military sanatorium + Hindustani tap fever]

doolan (ˈduːlən)   n   NZ informal a Roman Catholic [probably from the Irish surname Doolan]

doolie (ˈduːlI)   n   archaic a simple stretcher on poles for carrying the wounded or ill

Doolittle (ˈduːlItəl)   n   Hilda. known as H.D. 1886–1961, US imagist poet and novelist, living in Europe

doom (duːm)   n   1 death or a terrible fate   2 a judgment or decision   3 (sometimes capital) another term for the Last Judgment   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to destine or condemn to death or a terrible fate [Old English dōm; related to Old Norse dōmr judgment, Gothic dōms sentence, Old High German tuom condition, Greek thomos crowd, Sanskrit dhāman custom; see DO^1, DEEM, DEED, -DOM]

■ doomed (duːmd)   adj   bound to fail; hopeless

■ doomful (ˈduːmfʊl)   adj   filled with or characterized by doom

■ doomfully (ˈduːmfʊlI)   adv   in a doomful manner

■ doom-laden   adj   conveying a sense of disaster and tragedy

■ doom palm   n   a variant spelling of doum palm

■ doomsayer (ˈduːmseIə) or doom-monger   n   someone who always predicts the worst outcome

■ doomsaying (ˈduːmˌseIIŋ)   n   the act of prophesying doom

■ doomsday or domesday (ˈduːmzˌdeI)   n   1 (sometimes capital) the day on which the Last Judgment will occur   2 any day of reckoning   3 (modifier) characterized by predictions of disaster: doomsday scenario [Old English dōmes dæg Judgment Day; related to Old Norse domsdagr]

■ Doomsday Book   n   a variant spelling of Domesday Book

■ doomsday clock   n   an image of a clockface representing the time remaining before the onset of a global catastrophe in terms of a number of minutes before midnight

■ doomsdayer (ˈduːmzˌdeIə)   n   someone who prophesies doom

■ doomsday weapon   n   1 (usually pl) any weapon of extreme lethal or destructive power; superweapon   2    a any tactic, strategy, tool, etc that is potentially or demonstrably devastating to an opponent   b any tactic, strategy, tool, etc that is used as a last resort because it is equally devastating to all parties   3 (often capitals) a hypothetical weapon potentially capable of completely destroying both sides of a conflict, to be used as a deterrent

■ doomsman (ˈduːmsmən)   n, pl -men   obsolete a judge or umpire

■ doomster (ˈduːmstə)   n informal   1 a person habitually given to predictions of impending disaster or doom   2 archaic a judge

■ doomwatch (ˈduːmˌwɒtʃ)   n   1 surveillance of the environment to warn of and prevent harm to it from human factors such as pollution or overpopulation   2 a watching for or prediction of impending disaster   > ˈdoomwatcher n

■ doomwatching (ˈduːmˌwɒtʃIŋ)   n   the act of watching the environment to warn of and prevent harm

■ doomy (ˈduːmI)   adj informal   1 despondent or pessimistic   2 depressing, frightening, or chilling   > ˈdoomily adv

doon or doun (duːn)   prep, adv, adj   a Scot word for down^1

doona (ˈduːnə)   n   Austral a quilt, stuffed with down or a synthetic material and containing pockets of air, used as a bed cover in place of the top sheet and blankets. Also called: duvet, (Brit) continental quilt [from a trademark]

door (dɔː)   n   1    a a hinged or sliding panel for closing the entrance to a room, cupboard, etc   b (in combination): doorbell; doorknob   2 a doorway or entrance to a room or building   3 early doors Brit informal esp sport at an early stage   4 lay at someone's door to lay (the blame or responsibility) on someone   5 out of doors in or into the open air   6 show someone the door to order someone to leave   ▶ See also next-door [Old English duru; related to Old Frisian dure, Old Norse dyrr, Old High German turi, Latin forēs, Greek thura]

■ doorbell (ˈdɔːbɛl)   n   a bell that is rung by visitors to a house to alert someone inside to their arrival

■ doorframe (ˈdɔːˌfreIm)   n   a frame that supports a door. Also called: doorcase

■ door furniture   n   locks, handles, etc, designed for use on doors

■ doorjamb (ˈdɔːˌdʒæm)   n   one of the two vertical members forming the sides of a doorframe. Also called: doorpost

■ doorkeeper (ˈdɔːˌkiːpə)   n   1 a person attending or guarding a door or gateway   2 RC Church (formerly) the lowest grade of holy orders

■ doorknob (ˈdɔːnɒb)   n   a knob that is turned or pushed to open a door

■ doorknock (ˈdɔːnɒk)   n   Austral a fund-raising campaign for charity conducted by seeking donations from door to door

■ door-knocker   n   a hinged fitting on a door that can be used to knock on it

■ doorless (ˈdɔːlIs)   adj   without a door

■ doorman (ˈdɔːˌmæn, -mən)   n, pl -men   a man employed to attend the doors of certain buildings

■ doormat (ˈdɔːˌmæt)   n   1 a mat, placed at the entrance to a building, for wiping dirt from shoes   2 informal a person who offers little resistance to ill-treatment by others

■ doornail (ˈdɔːˌneIl)   n   (as) dead as a doornail dead beyond any doubt

■ doorplate (ˈdɔːˌpleIt)   n   a name-plate on the door of a house or room

■ doorpost (ˈdɔːˌpəʊst)   n   another name for doorjamb

■ doorsill (ˈdɔːˌsIl)   n   a horizontal member of wood, stone, etc, forming the bottom of a doorframe

■ doorsman (ˈdɔːzmən)   n, pl -men   another name for doorman

■ doorstep (ˈdɔːˌstɛp)   n   1 a step in front of a door   2 on one's doorstep very close or accessible   3 informal a thick slice of bread   ▷ vb -steps, -stepping, -stepped (tr)   4 to canvass (a district) or interview (a member of the public) by or in the course of door-to-door visiting   5 (of a journalist) to wait outside the house of (someone) to obtain an interview, photograph, etc when he or she emerges

■ doorstepper (ˈdɔːˌstɛpə)   n   a person who goes from door-to-door in order to canvass or interview

■ doorstone (ˈdɔːˌstəʊn)   n   a stone threshold

■ doorstop (ˈdɔːˌstɒp)   n   1 a heavy object, wedge, or other device which prevents an open door from moving   2 a projecting piece of rubber, etc, fixed to the floor to stop a door from striking a wall   3 informal a very thick book

■ door to door   adj, adv (door-to-door when prenominal)   1 (of selling, canvassing, etc) from one house to the next   2 (of journeys, deliveries, etc) direct

■ doorway (ˈdɔːˌweI)   n   1 an opening into a building, room, etc, esp one that has a door   2 a means of access or escape: a doorway to freedom

■ doorwoman (ˈdɔːˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman employed to attend the door of a building

■ dooryard (ˈdɔːˌjɑːd)   n   US and Canadian a yard in front of the front or back door of a house

Doorn (Dutch doːrn)   n   a town in the central Netherlands, in Utrecht province: residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany from his abdication (1919) until his death (1941)

doornboom (ˈdɔːnˌbuːm)   n   a South African tree with yellow or white flowers

Doornik (ˈdoːrnIk)   n   the Flemish name for Tournai

Doors (dɔːz)   pl n   the. US rock group (1965–73), originally comprising Jim Morrison (1943–71), Ray Manzarek (1935–2013), Robby Krieger (born 1946), and John Densmore (born 1945). See also Morrison (sense 2)

doos (dʊəs)   n   South African vulgar, slang a foolish or despicable person [Afrikaans]

doosra (ˈduːzrə)   n cricket   a delivery, bowled by an off-spinner, that turns the opposite way from an off-break [C20: from Urdu, Hindi: second one, other one]

doo-wop (ˈduːˌwɒp)   n   rhythm-and-blues harmony vocalizing developed by unaccompanied street-corner groups in the US in the 1950s [C20: of imitative origin]

doozy (ˈduːzI)   n, pl -zies   slang something excellent: the plot's a doozy

dop (dɒp) South African informal   n   1 a tot or small drink, usually alcoholic   ▷ vb dops, dopping, dopped   2 to fail to reach the required standard in (an examination, course, etc) [Afrikaans]

dopa (ˈdəʊpə)   n   See L-dopa

dopamine (ˈdɒpəmIn)   n   a chemical found in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter and is an intermediate compound in the synthesis of noradrenaline. Formula: (HO)2C_6H_3(CH_2)2NH_2 [from d(ihydr)o(xy)p(henylethyl)amine]

■ dopaminergic (ˌdəʊpəmiːnˈɜːdʒIk, ˌdɒpəmiːnˈɜːdʒIk, ˌdəʊpəmInˈɜːdʒIk)   adj   of, relating to, or containing dopamine

dopatta (dəʊˈpʌtə)   n   another name for dupatta

dope (dəʊp)   n   1 any of a number of preparations made by dissolving cellulose derivatives in a volatile solvent, applied to fabric in order to improve strength, tautness, etc   2 an additive used to improve the properties of something, such as an antiknock compound added to petrol   3 a thick liquid, such as a lubricant, applied to a surface   4 a combustible absorbent material, such as sawdust or wood pulp, used to hold the nitroglycerine in dynamite   5 slang   a any illegal drug, usually cannabis   b (as modifier): a dope fiend   6 a drug administered to a racehorse or greyhound to affect its performance   7 informal an ignorant or stupid person   8 informal news or facts, esp confidential information   9 US and Canadian informal a photographic developing solution   ▷ vb (tr)   10 electronics to add impurities to (a semiconductor) in order to produce or modify its properties   11 to apply or add a dopant to   12 to administer a drug to (oneself or another)   13 (intr) to take dope   ▷ adj   14 slang, chiefly US excellent [C19: from Dutch doop sauce, from doopen to DIP]

■ dopant (ˈdəʊpənt)   n   an element or compound used to dope a semiconductor [C20: see DOPE, -ANT]

■ dopehead (ˈdəʊpˌhɛd)   n   slang a habitual drug user, esp one that uses marijuana

■ dope out   vb   (tr, adverb) US slang to devise, solve, or contrive: to dope out a floor plan

■ doper (ˈdəʊpə)   n   a person who administers or habitually uses drugs

■ dopesheet (ˈdəʊpˌʃiːt)   n   horse racing slang a publication giving information on horses running in races

■ dopey or dopy (ˈdəʊpI)   adj dopier, dopiest   1 slang silly   2 informal half-asleep or in a state of semiconsciousness, as when under the influence of a drug   > ˈdopily adv   > ˈdopiness or ˈdopeyness n

■ doping (ˈdəʊpIŋ)   n   sport   a the use of performance-enhancing drugs by athletes, or on racing animals   b (as modifier): a doping scandal

dopester (ˈdəʊpstə)   n   US and Canadian slang a person who makes predictions, esp in sport or politics

dopiaza (ˌdəʊpIˈɑːzə)   n   (in Indian cookery) a dish of meat or fish cooked in an onion sauce: lamb dopiaza [C20: from Hindi: do two + pyāz onion]

doppelgänger (ˈdɒpəlˌɡɛŋə; German ˈdɔpəlˌɡɛŋər)   n   legend a ghostly duplicate of a living person [from German Doppelgänger, literally: double-goer]

Dopper (ˈdɒpə)   n   (in South Africa) a member of the most conservative Afrikaner Church, which practises a strict Calvinism [C19: from Afrikaans, of unknown origin]

doppie (ˈdɒpI)   n   South African informal a cartridge case

doppio (ˈdɒpIəʊ)   n   a double measure, esp of espresso coffee [C20: from Italian, literally: double]

Doppler effect (ˈdɒplə)   n   a phenomenon, observed for sound waves and electromagnetic radiation, characterized by a change in the apparent frequency of a wave as a result of relative motion between the observer and the source. Also called: Doppler shift [C19: named after C. J. Doppler (1803–53), Austrian physicist]

dopplerite (ˈdɒpləˌraIt)   n   an organic amorphous mineral of dark colour, found mainly in Austria and Switzerland

dor (dɔː)   n   any European dung beetle of the genus Geotrupes and related genera, esp G. stercorarius, having a droning flight [Old English dora bumblebee; related to Middle Low German dorte DRONE^1]

dorad (ˈdɔːræd)   n   a S American river fish of the genus Doras

dorado (dəˈrɑːdəʊ)   n   1 another name for dolphin (sense 3)   2 a South American river fish of the genus Salminus that resembles a salmon

Dorado (dəˈrɑːdəʊ)   n, Latin genitive Doradus (dəˈrɑːdəs)   a constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Reticulum and Pictor and containing part of the Large Magellanic cloud [C17: from Spanish, from dorar to gild, from Latin DE- + -aurāre, from aurum gold]

Doráti (dəˈrɑːtI)   n   Antal (ˈæntæl). 1906–88, US conductor and composer, born in Hungary

dorba (ˈdɔːbə)   n   Austral slang a stupid, inept, or clumsy person. Also called: dorb

dorbug (ˈdɔːˌbʌɡ)   n   US a name given to various types of beetle

Dorcas (ˈdɔːkəs)   n   a charitable woman of Joppa (Acts 9:36–42)

■ Dorcas society   n   a Christian charitable society for women with the aim of providing clothes for poor people

Dorchester (ˈdɔːtʃIstə)   n   a town in S England, administrative centre of Dorset: associated with Thomas Hardy, esp as the Casterbridge of his novels. Pop: 16 171 (2001). Latin name: Durnovaria (ˌdjʊənəʊˈveIrIə)

Dordogne (French dɔrdɔɲ)   n   1 a river in SW France, rising in the Auvergne Mountains and flowing southwest and west to join the Garonne river and form the Gironde estuary. Length: 472 km (293 miles)   2 a department of SW France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: Périgueux. Pop: 392 291 (2003 est). Area: 9224 sq km (3597 sq miles)

Dordrecht (Dutch ˈdɔrdrɛxt)   n   a port in the SW Netherlands, in South Holland province: chief port of the Netherlands until the 17th century. Pop: 120 000 (2003 est). Also called: Dort

doré (ˈdɔːreI, -riː)   n   another name for walleye (sense 5), walleye (sense 6) [C18: from French, gilded; see DORY]

Doré (French dɔre)   n   (Paul) Gustave (ɡystav). 1832–83, French illustrator, whose style tended towards the grotesque. He illustrated the Bible, Dante's Inferno, Cervantes' Don Quixote, and works by Rabelais

doree (ˈdɔːri)   n   another spelling of dory^1 (sense 1)

do-re-mi   n   US slang money [C20: pun on DOUGH (sense 3)]

Dorgon (ˈdɔːɡɒn)   n   1612–50, Manchurian prince, who ruled China as regent (1643–50) and helped to establish the Ching dynasty

dorhawk (ˈdɔːˌhɔːk)   n   another name for nightjar

Dorian (ˈdɔːrIən)   n   1 a member of a Hellenic people who invaded Greece around 1100 BC, overthrew the Mycenaean civilization, and settled chiefly in the Peloponnese   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this people or their dialect of Ancient Greek; Doric   3 music of or relating to a mode represented by the ascending natural diatonic scale from D to D. See also Hypo-

Doric (ˈdɒrIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the Dorians, esp the Spartans, or their dialect of Ancient Greek   2 of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a column having no base, a heavy fluted shaft, and a capital consisting of an ovolo moulding beneath a square abacus. See also Ionic, composite (sense 4), Corinthian, Tuscan   3 (sometimes not capital) rustic   ▷ n   4 one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek, spoken chiefly in the Peloponnese. Compare Aeolic, Arcadic, Ionic. See also Attic (sense 3)   5 any rural dialect, esp that spoken in the northeast of Scotland

■ dorize or dorise (ˈdɔːraIz)   vb (intr)   to become Doric in manner or style

doridoid (ˈdɒrIˌdɔId)   n   zoology a genus of shell-less gastropod [from DORIS^2]

doris (ˈdɒrIs)   n   slang a woman [C20: from the girl's name Doris]

Doris^1 (ˈdɒrIs)   n (in ancient Greece)   1 a small landlocked area north of the Gulf of Corinth. Traditionally regarded as the home of the Dorians, it was perhaps settled by some of them during their southward migration   2 the coastal area of Caria in SW Asia Minor, settled by Dorians

Doris^2 (ˈdɒrIs)   n   Greek myth a sea nymph

dork (dɔːk)   n slang   1 an unfashionable, socially inept person   2 a stupid or incompetent person   3 US vulgar, slang a penis [C20: of unknown origin]   > ˈdorky or ˈdorkish adj

■ dorkiness (ˈdɔːkInəs)   n   slang the quality or character of a dork

Dorking (ˈdɔːkIŋ)   n   a heavy breed of domestic fowl [C19: after Dorking, town in Surrey]

Dorkland (ˈdɔːklənd)   n   NZ informal an offensive name for Auckland   > ˈDorklander n

dorlach (ˈdɔːrlæx) Scot   n   obsolete a quiver for arrows

dorm (dɔːm)   n   informal short for dormitory

dormant (ˈdɔːmənt) or dormient (ˈdɔːmIənt)   adj   1 quiet and inactive, as during sleep   2 latent or inoperative   3 (of a volcano) neither extinct nor erupting   4 biology alive but in a resting torpid condition with suspended growth and reduced metabolism   5 (usually postpositive) heraldry (of a beast) in a sleeping position   ▶ Compare active, passive [C14: from Old French dormant, from dormir to sleep, from Latin dormīre]   > ˈdormancy n

dormer (ˈdɔːmə)   n   a construction with a gable roof and a window at its outer end that projects from a sloping roof. Also called: dormer window [C16: from Old French dormoir, from Latin dormītōrium DORMITORY]

■ dormered (ˈdɔːmərd)   adj   having dormer windows

dormie or dormy (ˈdɔːmI)   adj   golf (of a player or side) as many holes ahead of an opponent as there are still to play: dormie three [C19: of unknown origin]

dormin (ˈdɔːmIn)   n   biochem a hormone found in plants

dormition (dɔːˈmIʃən)   n   1 the process of falling asleep   2 death   3 Christianity the Virgin Mary's assumption into heaven

■ Dormition of the Blessed Virgin   n   the Feast of the Assumption. See Assumption

■ dormitive (ˈdɔːmItIv)   adj   med having the effect of inducing sleep

dormitory (ˈdɔːmItərI, -trI)   n, pl -ries   1 a large room, esp at a school or institution, containing several beds   2 US a building, esp at a college or camp, providing living and sleeping accommodation   3 (modifier) Brit denoting or relating to an area from which most of the residents commute to work (esp in the phrase dormitory suburb)   ▶ Often (for senses 1, 2) shortened to: dorm [C15: from Latin dormītōrium, from dormīre to sleep]

Dormobile (ˈdɔːməʊˌbiːl)   n   trademark a vanlike vehicle specially equipped for living in while travelling

dormouse (ˈdɔːˌmaʊs)   n, pl -mice   any small Old World rodent of the family Gliridae, esp the Eurasian Muscardinus avellanarius, resembling a mouse with a furry tail [C15: dor-, perhaps from Old French dormir to sleep, from Latin dormīre + MOUSE]

Dornbirn (German ˈdɔrnbIrn)   n   a city in W Austria, in Vorarlberg. Pop: 42 301 (2001)

dornick^1 (ˈdɔːnIk) or dorneck   n   a heavy damask cloth, formerly used for vestments, curtains, etc [C15: from Doornik Tournai in Belgium where it was first manufactured]

dornick^2 (ˈdɔːnIk)   n   US a small stone or pebble [C15: probably from Irish Gaelic dornōg, from dorn hand]

dornock (ˈdɔːnɒk)   n   another spelling of dornick^1

doronicum (dəˈrɒnIkəm)   n   any plant of the Eurasian and N African genus Doronicum, such as leopard's-bane, having yellow daisy-like flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites) [C17: New Latin, from Arabic dorūnaj]

Dorothy Dixer (ˌdɒrəθI ˈdIksə)   n   Austral informal a parliamentary question asked by a member of the government so that the minister may give a prepared answer [from pen name Dorothy Dix of US journalist Elizabeth Meriwether (1870–1951), who wrote a column replying to correspondents' problems]

dorp (dɔːp)   n   archaic or South African a small town or village [C16: from Dutch: village; related to THORP]

Dorpat (ˈdɔrpat)   n   the German name for Tartu

dorper (ˈdɔːpə)   n   a breed of sheep created in South Africa by breeding Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian sheep

dorsal (ˈdɔːsəl)   adj   1 anatomy, zoology relating to the back or spinal part of the body. Compare ventral (sense 1)   2 botany of, relating to, or situated on the side of an organ that is directed away from the axis   3 articulated with the back of the tongue, as the (k) sound in English coot [C15: from Medieval Latin dorsālis, from Latin dorsum back]   > ˈdorsally adv

■ dorsad (ˈdɔːsæd)   adj   anatomy towards the back or dorsal aspect [C19: from Latin dorsum back + ad to, towards]

■ dorsal fin   n   any unpaired median fin on the backs of fishes and some other aquatic vertebrates: maintains balance during locomotion

dorse (dɔːs)   n   a young cod, formerly thought to be a distinct species

dorser (ˈdɔːsə)   n   another name for dossal

Dorset (ˈdɔːsIt)   n   a county in SW England, on the English Channel: mainly hilly but low-lying in the east: the geographical and ceremonial county includes Bournemouth and Poole, which became independent unitary authorities in 1997. Administrative centre: Dorchester. Pop (excluding unitary authorities): 398 200 (2003 est). Area (excluding unitary authorities): 2544 sq km (982 sq miles)

■ Dorset Down   n   a breed of stocky hornless sheep having a broad head, dark face, and a dense fleece: kept for lamb production

■ Dorset Horn   n   a breed of horned sheep with dense fine-textured wool

■ Dorset Naga   n   a British-grown variety of the Naga Jolokia chilli pepper, noted for its extreme heat [C21: from DORSET, where it is cultivated + Sanskrit naga serpent]

dorsibranchiate (ˌdɔːsIˈbræŋkIət)   adj   zoology having branchiae or gills along the back

dorsiferous (dɔːˈsIfərəs)   adj   botany, zoology rare bearing or carrying (young, spores, etc) on the back or dorsal surface

dorsifixed (ˈdɔːsIˌfIkst)   adj   botany (of an anther) attached dorsally to the filament

dorsiflex (ˈdɔːsIˌflɛks)   vb (tr)   to bend towards the back or dorsal

■ dorsiflexion (ˌdɔːsIˈflɛkʃən)   n   med the bending back of a part, esp the hand or foot or their digits

dorsigrade (ˈdɔːsIˌɡreId)   adj   (of animals such as certain armadillos) walking on the backs of the toes [C19: from Latin, from dorsum back + -GRADE]

dorsiventral (ˌdɔːsIˈvɛntrəl)   adj   1 (of leaves and similar flat parts) having distinct upper and lower faces   2 a variant spelling of dorsoventral   > dorsiventrality (ˌdɔːsIvɛnˈtrælItI) n   > ˌdorsiˈventrally adv

dorso-, dorsi- or before a vowel dors-   combining form   indicating dorsum or dorsal: dorsoventral

dorsolateral (ˌdɔːsəʊˈlætərəl)   adj   of or relating to both the back and the side

dorsolumbar (ˌdɔːsəʊˈlʌmbə)   adj   of or relating to the back and lumbar

dorsoventral (ˌdɔːsəʊˈvɛntrəl)   adj   1 relating to both the dorsal and ventral sides; extending from the back to the belly   2 botany a variant spelling of dorsiventral   > ˌdorsoˈventrally adv

■ dorsoventrality (ˌdɔːsəʊˌvɛnˈtrælItI)   n   another spelling of dorsiventrality

dorsum (ˈdɔːsəm)   n, pl -sa (-sə) anatomy   1 a technical name for the back^1   2 any analogous surface: the dorsum of the hand [C18: from Latin, literally: back]

Dort (Dutch dɔrt)   n   another name for Dordrecht

dorter (ˈdɔːtə)   n   obsolete a dormitory, esp in a monastery or convent

Dortmund (ˈdɔːtmənd; German ˈdɔrtmʊnt)   n   an industrial city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia at the head of the Dortmund–Ems Canal: university (1966). Pop: 589 661 (2003 est)

dorty (ˈdɔːtI)   adj dortier, dortiest   Scot haughty or sullen [C17: from Scottish dort peevishness]   > ˈdortiness n

dory^1 (ˈdɔːrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any spiny-finned marine teleost food fish of the family Zeidae, esp the John Dory, having a deep compressed body   2 another name for walleye (sense 5), walleye (sense 6) [C14: from French dorée gilded, from dorer to gild, from Late Latin deaurāre, ultimately from Latin aurum gold]

dory^2 (ˈdɔːrI)   n, pl -ries   US and Canadian a flat-bottomed rowing boat with a high bow, stern, and sides [C18: from Mosquito (an indigenous language of Honduras and Nicaragua) dóri dugout]

DOS (dɒs) trademark   n acronym for   disk-operating system, often prefixed, as in MS-DOS and PC-DOS; a computer operating system

dosa (ˈdəʊsə)   n   a savoury Indian pancake [Kannada]

dos-à-dos (ˌdəʊsIˈdəʊ; French dozado)   n   1 a seat on which the users sit back to back   2 an alternative spelling of do-si-do [literally: back to back]

dose (dəʊs)   n   1 med a specific quantity of a therapeutic drug or agent taken at any one time or at specified intervals   2 informal something unpleasant to experience: a dose of influenza   3 Also called: dosage the total energy of ionizing radiation absorbed by unit mass of material, esp of living tissue; usually measured in grays (SI unit) or rads   4 Also called: dosage a small amount of syrup added to wine, esp sparkling wine, when the sediment is removed and the bottle is corked   5 slang a sexually transmitted infection, esp gonorrhoea   6 like a dose of salts very quickly indeed   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to administer a dose or doses to (someone)   8 med to give (a therapeutic drug or agent) in appropriate quantities   9 (often foll by up) to give (someone, esp oneself) drugs, medicine, etc, esp in large quantities   10 to add syrup to (wine) during bottling [C15: from French, from Late Latin dosis, from Greek: a giving, from didonai to give]   > ˈdoser n

■ dosage (ˈdəʊsIdʒ)   n   1 the administration of a drug or agent in prescribed amounts and at prescribed intervals   2 the optimum therapeutic dose and optimum interval between doses   3 another name for dose (sense 3), dose (sense 4)

■ dose equivalent   n   a quantity that expresses the probability that exposure to ionizing radiation will cause biological effects. It is usually obtained by multiplying the dose by the quality factor of the radiation, but other factors may be considered. It is measured in sieverts (SI unit) or rems

■ dosimeter (dəʊˈsImiːtə) or dosemeter (ˈdəʊsˌmiːtə)   n   an instrument for measuring the dose of X-rays or other radiation absorbed by matter or the intensity of a source of radiation   > dosimetric (ˌdəʊsIˈmɛtrIk) adj   > dosimetrician (ˌdəʊsIməˈtrIʃən) or doˈsimetrist n   > doˈsimetry n

■ dosing strip   n   (in New Zealand) an area set aside for treating dogs suspected of having hydatid disease

■ dosiology (ˌdəʊsIˈɒlədʒI)   n   med the study of doses of drugs

doseh (ˈdəʊsɛ)   n   a former Egyptian religious ceremony involving a sheikh riding a horse over prostrating followers

dosh (dɒʃ)   n   Brit a slang word for money [C20: of unknown origin]

do-si-do (ˌdəʊsIˈdəʊ)   n   1 a square-dance figure in which dancers pass each other with right shoulders close or touching and circle back to back   ▷ sentence substitute   2 a call instructing dancers to perform such a figure   ▶ Also called: dos-à-dos [C20: from DOS-À-DOS]

Dos Passos (ˈdɒs ˈpæsɒs)   n   John (Roderigo). 1896–1970, US novelist of the Lost Generation; author of Three Soldiers (1921), Manhattan Transfer (1925), and the trilogy USA (1930–36)

doss (dɒs) Brit slang   vb   1 (intr; often foll by down) to sleep, esp in a dosshouse   2 (intr; often foll by around) to pass time aimlessly   ▷ n   3 a bed, esp in a dosshouse   4 a slang word for sleep   5 short for dosshouse   6 a task or pastime requiring little effort: making a film is a bit of a doss [C18: of uncertain origin]

■ dosshouse (ˈdɒsˌhaʊs)   n   Brit slang a cheap lodging house, esp one used by tramps. US and Canadian name: flophouse

dossal or dossel (ˈdɒsəl)   n   an ornamental hanging, placed at the back of an altar or at the sides of a chancel [C17: from Medieval Latin dossāle, neuter of dossālis, variant of dorsālis DORSAL]

dosser (ˈdɒsə)   n   rare a bag or basket for carrying objects on the back [C14: from Old French dossier, from Medieval Latin dorsārium, from Latin dorsum back]

■ dosser (ˈdɒsə)   n slang   1 Brit a person who sleeps in dosshouses   2 Brit another word for dosshouse   3 a lazy person; idler

dosseret (ˈdɒsərɛt)   n   1 architect a stone above a column supporting an arch   2 a large abacus

dossier (ˈdɒsIˌeI, -sIə; French dosje)   n   a collection of papers containing information on a particular subject or person [C19: from French: a file with a label on the back, from dos back, from Latin dorsum]

dossil (ˈdɒsIl)   n   obsolete the lint used to dress or plug a wound

dost (dʌst)   vb   archaic or dialect (used with the pronoun thou or its relative equivalent) a singular form of the present tense (indicative mood) of do^1

Dostoevsky, Dostoyevsky, Dostoevski or Dostoyevski (ˌdɒstɔIˈɛfskI; Russian dəstaˈjɛfskij)   n   Fyodor Mikhailovich (ˈfjɔdər miˈxajləvitʃ). 1821–81, Russian novelist, the psychological perception of whose works has greatly influenced the subsequent development of the novel. His best-known works are Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1868), The Possessed (1871), and The Brothers Karamazov (1879–80)

dot^1 (dɒt)   n   1 a small round mark made with or as with a pen, etc; spot; speck; point   2 anything resembling a dot; a small amount: a dot of paint   3 the mark (˙) that appears above the main stem of the letters i, j   4 music   a the symbol (·) placed after a note or rest to increase its time value by half   b this symbol written above or below a note indicating that it must be played or sung staccato   5 maths, logic   a the symbol (.) indicating multiplication or logical conjunction   b a decimal point   6 the symbol (·) used, in combination with the symbol for dash (–), in the written representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare dit   7 the year dot informal as long ago as can be remembered   8 on the dot at exactly the arranged time   ▷ vb dots, dotting, dotted   9 (tr) to mark or form with a dot: to dot a letter; a dotted crotchet   10 (tr) to scatter or intersperse (with dots or something resembling dots): bushes dotting the plain   11 (intr) to make a dot or dots   12 dot one's i's and cross one's t's to pay meticulous attention to detail [Old English dott head of a boil; related to Old High German tutta nipple, Norwegian dott, Dutch dott lump]   > ˈdotter n

■ dot ball   n   cricket a ball from which a run is not scored [when no run is scored, the scorer places a dot in his or her record book]

■ dotcom or dot.com (ˌdɒtˈkɒm)   n     a a company that conducts most of its business on the internet   b (as modifier): dotcom stocks [C20: from .com, the domain name suffix of businesses trading on the internet]

■ dotcommer (ˌdɒtˈkɒmə)   n   a person who carries out business on the internet

■ dot-matrix printer   n   computing a printer in which each character is produced as an array of dots by a printhead

■ dot product   n   another name for scalar product

■ dotted (ˈdɒtId)   adj   1 having dots, esp having a pattern of dots   2 music   a (of a note) increased to one and a half times its original time value. See dot^1 (sense 4)   b (of a musical rhythm) characterized by dotted notes. Compare double-dotted. See also notes inégales

■ dotted line   n   1 a line of dots or dashes on a form or document   2 sign on the dotted line to agree formally, esp by signing one's name on a document

■ dotty (ˈdɒtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 slang, chiefly Brit slightly crazy; eccentric   2 Brit slang (foll by about) extremely fond (of)   3 marked with dots [C19: from DOT^1: sense development of 1 from meaning of "unsteady on one's feet"]   > ˈdottily adv   > ˈdottiness n

dot^2 (dɒt)   n   civil law a woman's dowry [C19: from French, from Latin dōs; related to dōtāre to endow, dāre to give]   > dotal (ˈdəʊtəl) adj

dotation (dəʊˈteIʃən)   n   law the act of giving a dowry; endowment [C14: from Latin dōtātiō, from dōtāre to endow]

dote or now rarely doat (dəʊt)   vb (intr)   1 (foll by on or upon) to love to an excessive or foolish degree   2 archaic to have decreased mental functioning, esp as a result of old age [C13: related to Middle Dutch doten to be silly, Norwegian dudra to shake]   > ˈdoter or now rarely ˈdoater n

■ dotage (ˈdəʊtIdʒ)   n   1 a period of decreased mental functioning, esp as a result of old age   2 foolish infatuation [C14: from DOTE + -AGE]

■ dotard (ˈdəʊtəd)   n   a person who is confused, esp through old age [C14: from DOTE + -ARD]   > ˈdotardly adj

■ doting (ˈdəʊtIŋ)   adj   excessively or foolishly affectionate

■ dotingly (ˈdəʊtIŋlI)   adv   in a doting manner

■ dotish (ˈdəʊtIʃ)   adj   archaic foolish; silly

doth (dʌθ)   vb   archaic or dialect (used with the pronouns he, she, or it or with a noun) a singular form of the present tense of do^1

dotterel or dottrel (ˈdɒtrəl)   n   1 a rare Eurasian plover, Eudromias morinellus, with reddish-brown underparts and white bands around the head and neck   2 Austral any similar and related bird, esp of the genus Charadrius   3 dialect a person who is foolish or easily duped [C15 dotrelle; see DOTE]

dottle or dottel (ˈdɒtəl)   n   the plug of tobacco left in a pipe after smoking [C15: diminutive of dot lump; see DOT^1]

dottled (ˈdɒtəld)   adj   archaic in a state of dotage

doty (ˈdəʊtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   dialect (of wood) diseased or rotten

Dou, Dow or Douw (daʊ; Dutch dɔu)   n   Gerard (ˈxeːrɑrt). 1613–75, Dutch portrait and genre painter

Douai (ˈduːeI; French dwɛ)   n   an industrial city in N France: the political and religious centre of exiled English Roman Catholics in the 16th and 17th centuries. Pop: 42 796 (1999)

■ Douay Bible or Douay Version (ˈduːeI)   n   an English translation of the Bible from the Latin Vulgate text completed by Roman Catholic scholars at Douai in 1610

Douala or Duala (dʊˈɑːlə)   n   the chief port and largest city in W Cameroon, on the Bight of Bonny: capital of the German colony of Kamerun (1901–16). Pop: 1 980 000 (2005 est)

douane (duːˈɑːn, dwɑːn)   n   a customs house

■ douanier (ˈdwɑːnjeI)   n   a customs officer

double (ˈdʌbəl)   adj (usually prenominal)   1 as much again in size, strength, number, etc: a double portion   2 composed of two equal or similar parts; in a pair; twofold: a double egg cup   3 designed for two users: a double room   4 folded in two; composed of two layers: double paper   5 stooping; bent over   6 having two aspects or existing in two different ways; ambiguous: a double meaning   7 false, deceitful, or hypocritical: a double life   8 (of flowers) having more than the normal number of petals   9 maths   a (of a root) being one of two equal roots of a polynomial equation   b (of an integral) having an integrand containing two independent variables requiring two integrations, in each of which one variable is kept constant   10 music   a (of an instrument) sounding an octave lower than the pitch indicated by the notation: a double bass   b (of time) duple, usually accompanied by the direction alla breve   ▷ adv   11 twice over; twofold   12 two together; two at a time (esp in the phrase see double)   ▷ n   13 twice the number, amount, size, etc   14 a double measure of spirits, such as whisky or brandy   15 a duplicate or counterpart, esp a person who closely resembles another; understudy   16 a wraith or ghostly apparition that is the exact counterpart of a living person; doppelgänger   17 a sharp turn, esp a return on one's own tracks   18 an evasive shift or artifice; trick   19 an actor who plays two parts in one play   20 bridge a call that increases certain scoring points if the last preceding bid becomes the contract   21 billiards, snooker a strike in which the object ball is struck so as to make it rebound against the cushion to an opposite pocket   22 a bet on two horses in different races in which any winnings from the horse in the first race are placed on the horse in the later race   23 (often capital) chiefly RC Church one of the higher-ranking feasts on which the antiphons are recited both before and after the psalms   24 music an ornamented variation in 16th and 17th century music   25 Also called: double time a pace of twice the normal marching speed   26 tennis See double fault   27    a the narrow outermost ring on a dartboard   b a hit on this ring   28 at the double or on the double   a at twice normal marching speed   b quickly or immediately   ▷ vb   29 to make or become twice as much   30 to bend or fold (material, a bandage, etc)   31 (tr; sometimes foll by up) to clench (a fist)   32 (tr; often foll by together or up) to join or couple: he doubled up the team   33 (tr) to repeat exactly; copy   34 (intr) to play two parts or serve two roles   35 (intr) to turn sharply; follow a winding course   36 nautical to sail around (a headland or other point)   37 music   a to duplicate (a voice or instrumental part) either in unison or at the octave above or below it   b (intr; usually foll by on) to be capable of performing (upon an instrument additional to one's normal one): the third trumpeter doubles on cornet   38 bridge to make a call that will double certain scoring points if the preceding bid becomes the contract   39 billiards, snooker to cause (a ball) to rebound or (of a ball) to rebound from a cushion across or up or down the table   40 chess   a to cause two pawns of the same colour to be on the same file   b to place both rooks of the same colour on the same rank or the same file   41 (intr; foll by for) to act as substitute (for an actor or actress)   42 (intr) to go or march at twice the normal speed [C13: from Old French, from Latin duplus twofold, from duo two + -plus -FOLD]   > ˈdoubleness n   > ˈdoubler n

■ double-acting   adj   1 (of a reciprocating engine or pump) having a piston or pistons that are pressurized alternately on opposite sides. Compare single-acting   2 (of a hinge, door, etc) having complementary actions in opposed directions

■ double agent   n   a spy employed by two mutually antagonistic countries, companies, etc

■ double-aspect theory   n   philosophy a monistic theory that holds that mind and body are not distinct substances but merely different aspects of a single substance

■ double back   vb   (intr, adverb) to go back in the opposite direction (esp in the phrase double back on one's tracks)

■ double-bank   vb   Austral and NZ informal to carry a second person on (a horse, bicycle, etc). Also: dub

■ double bar   n   music a symbol, consisting of two ordinary bar lines or a single heavy one, that marks the end of a composition or a section within it

■ double-barrelled or US double-barreled   adj   1 (of a gun) having two barrels   2 extremely forceful or vehement   3 Brit (of a surname) having hyphenated parts   4 serving two purposes; ambiguous: a double-barrelled remark

■ double bass (beIs)   n   1 Also called (US): bass viol a stringed instrument, the largest and lowest member of the violin family. Range: almost three octaves upwards from E in the space between the fourth and fifth leger lines below the bass staff. It is normally bowed in classical music, but it is very common in a jazz or dance band, where it is practically always played pizzicato. Informal name: bass fiddle   ▷ adj double-bass   2 of or relating to an instrument whose pitch lies below that regarded as the bass; contrabass

■ double bassoon   n   music the lowest and largest instrument in the oboe class; contrabassoon

■ double bill   n   a programme or event with two main items

■ double bind   n   a situation of conflict from which there is no escape; unresolvable dilemma

■ double-blind   adj   of or relating to an experiment to discover reactions to certain commodities, drugs, etc, in which neither the experimenters nor the subjects know the particulars of the test items during the experiments. Compare single-blind

■ double boiler   n   US and Canadian a cooking utensil consisting of two saucepans, one fitting inside the other. The bottom saucepan contains water that, while boiling, gently heats food in the upper pan. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): double saucepan

■ double bond   n   a type of chemical bond consisting of two covalent bonds linking two atoms in a molecule

■ double-book   vb   1 to book (two spaces or services) when only one of them can be used   2 (of a company) to reserve (spaces or services) for more than one customer's use at the same time

■ double-breasted   adj   (of a garment) having overlapping fronts such as to give a double thickness of cloth

■ double bridle   n   a bridle with four reins coming from a bit with two rings on each side

■ double-check   vb   1 to check twice or again; verify   ▷ n double check   2 a second examination or verification   3 chess a simultaneous check from two pieces brought about by moving one piece to give check and thereby revealing a second check from another piece

■ double chin   n   a fold of fat under the chin   > ˌdouble-ˈchinned adj

■ double-click   vb   to click (a mouse button) twice in rapid succession

■ double-clutch   vb (intr)   another term (US) for double-declutch

■ double concerto   n   a concerto for two solo instruments

■ double cream   n   thick cream with a high fat-content

■ double cross   n   a technique for producing hybrid stock, esp seed for cereal crops, by crossing the hybrids between two different pairs of inbred lines

■ double-cross   vb   1 (tr) to cheat or betray   ▷ n   2 the act or an instance of double-crossing; betrayal   > ˈdouble-ˈcrosser n

■ double dagger   n   a character (‡) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp to a footnote. Also called: diesis, double obelisk

■ double-date   vb (intr)   to take part in a date involving two couples

■ double day   n   the dual responsibilities borne by working mothers, who when their paid work is over for the day must then work at looking after their family and home

■ double-dealing   n     a action characterized by treachery or deceit   b (as modifier): double-dealing treachery   > ˈdouble-ˈdealer n

■ double-decker   n   1 chiefly Brit a bus with two passenger decks   2 informal   a a thing or structure having two decks, layers, etc   b (as modifier): a double-decker sandwich

■ double-declutch   vb   (intr) Brit to change to a lower gear in a motor vehicle by first placing the gear lever into the neutral position before engaging the desired gear, at the same time releasing the clutch pedal and increasing the engine speed. US term: double-clutch

■ double decomposition   n   a chemical reaction between two compounds that results in the interchange of one part of each to form two different compounds, as in AgNO_3 + KI → AgI + KNO_3. Also called: metathesis

■ double density computing   n   a disk with more than the normal capacity for storage

■ double digging   n   Brit a method of digging ground in a series of trenches two spits deep, mixing the soil of the bottom spit with manure, and then transferring the soil from the top spit of one trench to the top spit of the preceding one

■ double-digit   adj   denoting a percentage greater than ten

■ double dip   n   economics   a a recession in which a brief recovery in output is followed by another fall, because demand remains low   b (as modifier): a double-dip recession

■ double-dipper   n   US informal someone who receives a government pension and salary at the same time

■ double-dipping   n   US informal the act of receiving a government pension and salary at the same time

■ double-dotted   adj music   1 (of a note) increased to one and three quarters of its original time value by the addition of two dots   2 (of a rhythm) characterized by pairs of notes in which the first one, lengthened by two dots, makes up seven eighths of the time value of the pair

■ double-double   n   Canadian a cup of coffee served with two helpings of cream and sugar

■ double drummer   n   Austral informal a type of cicada

■ double-dumped   adj   NZ (of a wool bale) compressed, with two bales occupying the volume-equivalent of one ordinary bale

■ double Dutch   n   Brit informal incomprehensible talk; gibberish

■ double-dyed   adj   1 confirmed; inveterate: a double-dyed villain   2 dyed twice

■ double eagle   n   a former US gold coin, having a nominal value of 20 dollars

■ double-edged   adj   1 acting in two ways; having a dual effect: a double-edged law   2 (of a remark, argument, etc) having two possible interpretations, esp applicable both for and against or being really malicious though apparently innocuous   3 (of a sword, knife, etc) having a cutting edge on either side of the blade

■ double entendre (ˈdʌbəl ɑːnˈtɑːndrə, -ˈtɑːnd; French dubl ɑ̃tɑ̃drə)   n   1 a word, phrase, etc, that can be interpreted in two ways, esp one having one meaning that is indelicate   2 the type of humour that depends upon such ambiguity [C17: from obsolete French: double meaning]

■ double entry   n     a a book-keeping system in which any commercial transaction is entered as a debit in one account and as a credit in another. Compare single entry   b (as modifier): double-entry book-keeping

■ double exposure   n   1 the act or process of recording two superimposed images on a photographic medium, usually done intentionally to produce a special effect   2 the photograph resulting from such an act

■ double-faced   adj   1 (of textiles) having a finished nap on each side; reversible   2 insincere or deceitful

■ double fault tennis   n   1 the serving of two faults in succession, thereby losing a point   ▷ vb double-fault   2 (intr) to serve a double fault

■ double feature   n   films a programme showing two full-length films. Informal name (US): twin bill

■ double-figure   adj   another term for double-digit

■ double first   n   Brit a first-class honours degree in two subjects

■ double flat   n   1 music   a an accidental that lowers the pitch of the following note two semitones. Usual symbol: ♭♭   b a note affected by this accidental   ▷ adj double-flat   2 (postpositive) denoting a note of a given letter name lowered in pitch by two semitones

■ double-glaze   vb (tr) Brit   1 to install (windows that have two panes of glass)   2 to install windows that have two panes of glass in (a building)

■ double-glazed   adj Brit   1 (of a window) having two panes of glass   2 (of a room or building) having windows with two panes of glass each

■ double glazing   n   1 two panes of glass in a window, fitted to reduce the transmission of heat, sound, etc   2 the fitting of glass in such a manner

■ double Gloucester   n   a type of smooth orange-red cheese of mild flavour

■ double-header   n   1 a train drawn by two locomotives coupled together to provide extra power   2 Also called: twin bill sport, US and Canadian two games played consecutively by the same teams or by two different teams   3 Austral and NZ informal a coin with the impression of a head on each side   4 Austral informal a double ice-cream cone

■ double-helical gear   n   another name for herringbone gear

■ double helix   n   biochem the form of the molecular structure of DNA, consisting of two helical polynucleotide chains linked by hydrogen bonds and coiled around the same axis

■ double-hung   adj   (of a window) having two vertical sashes, the upper one sliding in grooves outside those of the lower

■ double indemnity   n   US and Canadian (in life assurance policies) a clause providing for the payment of double the policy's face value in the event of the policyholder's accidental death

■ double jeopardy   n   the act of prosecuting a defendant a second time for an offence for which he or she has already been tried

■ double-jointed   adj   having unusually flexible joints permitting an abnormal degree of motion of the parts

■ double knit   n     a a knitted material made on two sets of needles that produce a double thickness joined with interlocking stitches   b (as modifier): a double-knit fabric

■ double knitting   n     a a widely used medium thickness of knitting wool   b (as modifier): double-knitting wool

■ double lock   n   1 a spring lock that can also serve as a deadbolt by an extra turn of the key   2 any protective system that uses two separate safeguards

■ double-lock   vb (tr)   to lock by means of a double lock, or by more than one lock

■ double-magnum   n   another name for jeroboam

■ double-minded   adj   rare undecided; vacillating   > ˌdouble-ˈmindedness n

■ double negation   n   logic the principle that a statement is equivalent to the denial of its negation, as it is not the case that John is not here meaning John is here

■ double negative   n   a syntactic construction, often considered ungrammatical in standard Modern English, in which two negatives are used where one is needed, as in I wouldn't never have believed it

USAGE

There are two contexts where double negatives are used. An adjective with negative force is often used with a negative in order to express a nuance of meaning somewhere between the positive and the negative: he was a not infrequent visitor; it is a not uncommon sight. Two negatives are also found together where they reinforce each other rather than conflict: he never went back, not even to collect his belongings. These two uses of what is technically a double negative are acceptable. A third case, illustrated by I shouldn't wonder if it didn't rain today, has the force of a weak positive statement (I expect it to rain today) and is common in informal English

■ double obelisk   n   another name for double dagger

■ double or quits   n   a game, throw, toss, etc, to decide whether the stake due is to be doubled or cancelled

■ double-park   vb   to park (a car or other vehicle) alongside or directly opposite another already parked by the roadside, thereby causing an obstruction

■ double play   n   baseball a play in which two runners are put out

■ double pneumonia   n   pneumonia affecting both lungs

■ double printing   n   photog the exposure of the same positive photographic emulsion to two or more negatives, resulting in the superimposition of multiple images after development

■ double-quick   adj   1 very quick; rapid   ▷ adv   2 in a very quick or rapid manner

■ double-reed   adj   relating to or denoting a wind instrument in which the sounds are produced by air passing over two reeds that vibrate against each other

■ double refraction   n   the splitting of a ray of unpolarized light into two unequally refracted rays polarized in mutually perpendicular planes. Also called: birefringence

■ doubles (ˈdʌbəlz)   n     a a game between two pairs of players, as in tennis, badminton, etc   b (as modifier): a doubles player

■ double salt   n   a solid solution of two simple salts formed by crystallizing a solution of the two salts. Compare complex salt

■ double saucepan   n   Brit a cooking utensil consisting of two saucepans, one fitting inside the other. The bottom saucepan contains water that, while boiling, gently heats food in the upper pan. US and Canadian name: double boiler

■ double scull   n   rowing a racing shell in which two scullers sit one behind the other and pull two oars each. Compare pair-oar

■ double sharp   n   1 music   a an accidental that raises the pitch of the following note by two semitones. Usual symbol:   b a note affected by this accidental   ▷ adj   2 (immediately postpositive) denoting a note of a given letter name raised in pitch by two semitones

■ double-sided   adj   using or usable on both sides

■ double-space   vb   to type (copy) with a full space between lines

■ doublespeak (ˈdʌbəlˌspiːk)   n   the practice of using ambiguous language regarding political, military, or corporate matters in a deliberate attempt to disguise the truth

■ doublespeaker (ˈdʌbəlˌspiːkə)   n   a person who uses doublespeak

■ double spread   n   printing two facing pages of a publication treated as a single unit

■ double standard   n   a set of principles that allows greater freedom to one person or group than to another

■ double star   n   two stars, appearing close together when viewed through a telescope; either physically associated (binary star) or not associated (optical double star). See also binary star, optical double star

■ double-stop   vb -stops, -stopping, -stopped   to play (two notes or parts) simultaneously on a violin or related instrument by drawing the bow over two strings

■ double-system sound recording   n   films a system in which picture and sound are taken simultaneously and the sound is recorded separately on magnetic tape

■ double tackle   n   a lifting or pulling tackle in which a rope is passed around the twin pulleys of a pair of pulley blocks in sequence

■ double take   n   (esp in comedy) a delayed reaction by a person to a remark, situation, etc

■ double talk   n   1 rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish   2 empty, deceptive, or ambiguous talk, esp by politicians

■ double tap   n   an act of firing a gun twice in rapid succession: a double tap to the head

■ doublethink (ˈdʌbəlˌθIŋk)   n   deliberate, perverse, or unconscious acceptance or promulgation of conflicting facts, principles, etc

■ double time   n   1 a doubled wage rate, paid for working on public holidays, etc   2 music   a a time twice as fast as an earlier section   b two beats per bar   3 a slow running pace, keeping in step   4 US army a fast march of 180 paces to the minute   ▷ vb double-time   5 to move or cause to move in double time

■ double-tongue   vb -tongues, -tonguing, -tongued   music to play (fast staccato passages) on a wind instrument by rapid obstruction and uncovering of the air passage through the lips with the tongue. Compare single-tongue, triple-tongue   > double tonguing n

■ double-tongued   adj   deceitful or hypocritical in speech

■ double top   n   darts a score of double 20

■ doubletree (ˈdʌbəlˌtriː)   n   a horizontal pivoted bar on a vehicle to the ends of which swingletrees are attached for harnessing two horses side by side

■ double up   vb (adverb)   1 to bend or cause to bend in two: he doubled up with the pain   2 (intr) to share a room or bed designed for one person, family, etc   3 (intr) Brit to use the winnings from one bet as the stake for another. US and Canadian term: parlay

■ doubling (ˈdʌblIŋ)   n   the activity of multiplying by two or repeating

■ doubly (ˈdʌblI)   adv   1 to or in a double degree, quantity, or measure: doubly careful   2 in two ways: doubly wrong

doublet (ˈdʌblIt)   n   1 (formerly) a man's close-fitting jacket, with or without sleeves (esp in the phrase doublet and hose)   2    a a pair of similar things, esp two words deriving ultimately from the same source, for example reason and ratio or fragile and frail   b one of such a pair   3 jewellery a false gem made by welding a thin layer of a gemstone onto a coloured glass base or by fusing two small stones together to make a larger one   4 physics   a a multiplet that has two members   b a closely spaced pair of related spectral lines   5 (plural) two dice each showing the same number of spots on one throw   6 physics two simple lenses designed to be used together, the optical distortion in one being balanced by that in the other [C14: from Old French, from DOUBLE]

doubleton (ˈdʌbəltən)   n   bridge an original holding of two cards only in a suit

doubloon (dʌˈbluːn) or doblón   n   1 a former Spanish gold coin   2 (plural) slang money [C17: from Spanish doblón, from DOBLA]

doublure (dəˈblʊə; French dublyr)   n   a decorative lining of vellum or leather, etc, on the inside of a book cover [C19: from French: lining, from Old French doubler to make double]

Doubs (French du)   n   1 a department of E France, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Capital: Besançon. Pop: 505 557 (2003 est). Area: 5258 sq km (2030 sq miles)   2 a river in E France, rising in the Jura Mountains, becoming part of the border between France and Switzerland and flowing generally southwest to the Saône River. Length: 430 km (267 miles)

doubt (daʊt)   n   1 uncertainty about the truth, fact, or existence of something (esp in the phrases in doubt, without doubt, beyond a shadow of doubt, etc)   2 (often plural) lack of belief in or conviction about something: all her doubts about the project disappeared   3 an unresolved difficulty, point, etc   4 philosophy the methodical device, esp in the philosophy of Descartes, of identifying certain knowledge as the residue after rejecting any proposition which might, however improbably, be false   5 obsolete fear   6 give someone the benefit of the doubt to presume someone suspected of guilt to be innocent; judge leniently   7 no doubt almost certainly   ▷ vb   8 (tr; may take a clause as object) to be inclined to disbelieve: I doubt we are late   9 (tr) to distrust or be suspicious of: he doubted their motives   10 (intr) to feel uncertainty or be undecided   11 (tr; may take a clause as object) Scot to be inclined to believe   12 (tr) archaic to fear   13 I wouldn't doubt someone Irish I would expect nothing else from someone [C13: from Old French douter, from Latin dubitāre]   > ˈdoubtable adj   > ˈdoubtably adv   > ˈdoubter n   > ˈdoubtingly adv

USAGE

Where a clause follows doubt in a positive sentence, it was formerly considered correct to use whether (I doubt whether he will come ), but now if and that are also acceptable. In negative statements, doubt is followed by that: I do not doubt that he is telling the truth. In such sentences, but (I do not doubt but that he is telling the truth) is redundant

■ doubtful (ˈdaʊtfʊl)   adj   1 unlikely; improbable   2 characterized by or causing doubt; uncertain: a doubtful answer   3 unsettled; unresolved   4 of questionable reputation or morality   5 having reservations or misgivings   6 (of a sportsperson) not likely to be fit enough to play or take part   ▷ n   7 a person who is undecided or uncertain about an issue   8 a sportsperson who is not likely to be fit enough to play or take part   > ˈdoubtfully adv   > ˈdoubtfulness n

USAGE

It was formerly considered correct to use whether after doubtful (it is doubtful whether he will come), but now if and that are also acceptable

■ doubting Thomas   n   a person who insists on proof before he or she will believe anything; sceptic [after THOMAS (the apostle), who did not believe that Jesus had been resurrected until he had proof]

■ doubtless (ˈdaʊtlIs)   adv also doubtlessly (sentence substitute or sentence modifier)   1 certainly   2 probably   ▷ adj   3 certain; assured   > ˈdoubtlessness n

■ doubtlessly (ˈdaʊtlIslI)   adv   without question, certainly

douc (duːk)   n   an Old World monkey, Pygathrix nemaeus, of SE Asia, with a bright yellow face surrounded by tufts of reddish-brown fur, a white tail, and white hindquarters: one of the langurs [C18: from French, from the native name]

douce (duːs)   adj   Scot and Northern English dialect quiet; sober; sedate [C14: from Old French, feminine of dous, from Latin dulcis sweet]   > ˈdoucely adv

■ douceness (ˈduːsnəs)   n   obsolete the quality or characteristic of being douce

■ douceur (duːˈsɜː; French dusœr)   n   1 a gratuity, tip, or bribe   2 sweetness [C17: from French, from Late Latin dulcor, from Latin dulcis sweet]

doucet (ˈduːsIt)   n   obsolete a former flute-like instrument

douche (duːʃ)   n   1 a stream of water or air directed onto the body surface or into a body cavity, for cleansing or medical purposes   2 the application of such a stream of water or air   3 an instrument, such as a special syringe, for applying a douche   4 slang a contemptible person   ▷ vb   5 to cleanse or treat or be cleansed or treated by means of a douche [C18: from French, from Italian doccia, pipe; related to Latin ductus DUCT]

■ douchebag (ˈduːʃˌbæɡ)   n   1 the bag forming part of a douche   2 slang a contemptible person

doucine (duːˈsiːn)   n   architect a type of moulding of the cornice. Also called: cyma recta

dough (dəʊ)   n   1 a thick mixture of flour or meal and water or milk, used for making bread, pastry, etc   2 any similar pasty mass   3 a slang word for money [Old English dāg; related to Old Norse deig, Gothic daigs, Old High German teig dough, Sanskrit degdhi he daubs; see DAIRY, DUFF^1, LADY]

■ doughball (ˈdəʊˌbɔːl)   n   1 a small ball of bread dough, cooked in a stew, as an accompaniment to a meal, etc   2 a ball of bread used as bait in carp fishing

■ doughboy (ˈdəʊˌbɔI)   n   1 US informal an infantryman, esp in World War I   2 dough that is boiled or steamed as a dumpling

■ doughface (ˈdəʊˌfeIs)   n   1 a mask made of dough   2 US derogatory, informal someone who is easily moulded, esp a Northern Democrat who sided with the South in the American Civil War

■ doughfaced (ˈdəʊˌfeIst)   adj   US derogatory, informal over-persuadable

■ dough-hook   n   an attachment for an electric mixer that kneads dough

■ doughiness (ˈdəʊInəs)   n   the quality or characteristic of being like dough

■ doughlike (ˈdəʊˌlaIk)   adj   having the qualities of dough

■ doughnut or esp US donut (ˈdəʊnʌt)   n   1 a small cake of sweetened dough, often ring-shaped or spherical with a jam or cream filling, cooked in hot fat   2 anything shaped like a ring, such as the reaction vessel of a thermonuclear reactor   ▷ vb -nuts, -nutting, -nutted   3 (tr) informal (of Members of Parliament) to surround (a speaker) during the televising of Parliament to give the impression that the chamber is crowded or the speaker is well supported

■ doughnut hole   n   US a funding shortfall in the standard drug benefit offered by many Medicare prescription drug plans

■ doughnutlike (ˈdəʊnʌtˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a doughnut

■ doughy (ˈdəʊI)   adj doughier, doughiest   resembling dough in consistency, colour, etc; soft, pallid, or flabby

doughty (ˈdaʊtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   hardy; resolute [Old English dohtig; related to Old High German toht worth, Middle Dutch duchtich strong, Greek tukhē luck]   > ˈdoughtily adv   > ˈdoughtiness n

Doughty (ˈdaʊtI)   n   Charles Montagu. 1843–1926, English writer and traveller; author of Travels in Arabia Deserta (1888)

Douglas^1 (ˈdʌɡləs)   n   a town and resort on the Isle of Man, capital of the island, on the E coast. Pop: 25 347 (2001)

Douglas^2 (ˈdʌɡləs)   n   1  C(lifford) H(ugh). 1879–1952, British economist, who originated the theory of social credit   2  Gavin. ?1474–1522, Scottish poet, the first British translator of the Aeneid   3  Keith (Castellain). 1920–44, British poet, noted for his poems of World War II: killed in action   4  Kirk, real name Issur Danielovitch. born 1916, US film actor; his films include Lust for Life (1956) and Spartacus (1960)   5  his son, Michael (Kirk). born 1944, US film actor; his films include Romancing the Stone (1984), Wall Street (1987), Basic Instinct (1992), and Wonder Boys (2000)   6  (George) Norman. 1868–1952, British writer, esp of books on southern Italy such as South Wind (1917)   7  Tommy, full name Thomas Clement Douglas (1904–86). Canadian statesman: premier of Saskatchewan 1944–61

Douglas fir, Douglas spruce or Douglas hemlock   n   a North American pyramidal coniferous tree, Pseudotsuga menziesii, widely planted for ornament and for timber, having needle-like leaves and hanging cones: family Pinaceae. Also called: Oregon fir, Oregon pine [C19: named after David Douglas (1798–1834), Scottish botanist]

Douglas-Home (ˈdʌɡləsˈhjuːm)   n   Sir Alexander. See (Baron Alexander) Home of the Hirsel

Douglas Hurd (ˌdʌɡləs ˈhɜːd)   n   Brit informal a third-class university degree. Often shortened to: Douglas [C20: from rhyming slang, after Douglas Hurd (born 1930), British Conservative politician]

Douglas scale   n   an international scale of sea disturbance and swell ranging from 0 to 9 with one figure for disturbance and one for swell [C20: named after Sir Henry Douglas (1876–1939), former director of the British Naval Meteorological Service]

douk (dʊk)   n   a variant spelling of dook^1, dook^2

Doukhobor or Dukhobor (ˈduːkəʊˌbɔː)   n   a member of a Russian sect of Christians that originated in the 18th century. In the late 19th century a large minority emigrated to W Canada, where most Doukhobors now live [from Russian dukhoborcy spirit wrestler, from dukh spirit + borcy wrestler]

doula (ˈduːlə)   n   a woman who is trained to provide support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period of time following the birth [C20: from Greek doulē female slave]

doulocracy or dulocracy (duːˈlɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cracies   a government by slaves

douma Russian (ˈduːmə)   n   a variant spelling of duma

doum palm or doom palm (duːm)   n   an Egyptian palm tree, Hyphaene thebaica, with a divided trunk and edible apple-sized fruits [C19 doum, via French from Arabic dawm]

doun (duːn)   prep, adv, adj   a variant spelling of doon

Dounreay (ˌduːnˈreI)   n   the site in N Scotland of a nuclear power station (now being decommissioned), which contained the world's first fast-breeder reactor (1962–77). A prototype fast-breeder operated from 1974 until 1994: a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant has also operated at the site

doup (daʊp)   n   1 the bottom of an egg-shell   2 Scot the buttocks

doupioni or douppioni (ˌduːpIˈəʊnI)   n   a type of thick, irregular silk fabric

dour (dʊə, ˈdaʊə)   adj   1 sullen   2 hard or obstinate [C14: probably from Latin dūrus hard]   > ˈdourly adv   > ˈdourness n

doura (ˈdʊərə)   n   a variant of durra

dourine (ˈdʊəriːn)   n   an infectious venereal disease of horses characterized by swollen glands, inflamed genitals, and paralysis of the hindquarters, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma equiperdum contracted during copulation [C19: from French, from Arabic darina to be dirty, scabby]

Douro (ˈdʊərəʊ; Portuguese ˈdoru)   n   a river in SW Europe, rising in N central Spain and flowing west to NE Portugal, then south as part of the border between the two countries and finally west to the Atlantic. Length: 895 km (556 miles). Spanish name: Duero

douroucouli (ˌduːruːˈkuːlI)   n   a nocturnal omnivorous New World monkey, Aotus trivirgatus, of Central and South America, with large eyes, thick fur, and a round head with pale and dark markings [from a local name in South America]

douse^1 or dowse (daʊs)   vb   1 to plunge or be plunged into water or some other liquid; duck   2 (tr) to drench with water, esp in order to wash or clean   3 (tr) to put out (a light, candle, etc)   ▷ n   4 an immersion [C16: perhaps related to obsolete douse to strike, of obscure origin]   > ˈdouser or ˈdowser n

douse^2 (daʊs)   vb (tr)   1 nautical to lower (sail) quickly   2 archaic to strike or beat   ▷ n   3 archaic a blow [C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to DOUSE^1]

dout (daʊt) dialect   vb (tr)   1 to extinguish (a fire)   ▷ n   2 a person who douts

■ douter (ˈdaʊtə)   n   a person who douts

D out   vb (adverb)   Austral slang (in sport) to prevent an opponent from attacking by using successful defence techniques

doux French (du)   adj   sweet

douzepers (ˈduːzˌpɛəz)   pl n   French history the 12 great peers of the realm, seen as the symbolic heirs of Charlemagne's 12 chosen peers [C13: from Old French douze pers; see DOZEN, PEER^1]

■ douzeper (ˈduːzˌpɛə)   n   a member of the douzepers

DOVAP (ˈdəʊˌvæp)   n   a tracking system for determining the position and velocity of spacecraft, missiles, etc, based on the Doppler effect [C20: from Do(ppler) v(elocity) a(nd) p(osition)]

dove^1 (dʌv)   n   1 any of various birds of the family Columbidae, having a heavy body, small head, short legs, and long pointed wings: order Columbiformes. They are typically smaller than pigeons. Related adjective: columbine   2 politics a person opposed to war. Compare hawk^1 (sense 3)   3 a gentle or innocent person: used as a term of endearment   4    a a greyish-brown colour   b (as adjective): dove walls [Old English dūfe (unattested except as a feminine proper name); related to Old Saxon dūbva, Old High German tūba]   > ˈdoveˌlike adj

■ Dove (dʌv)   n   the Dove Christianity a manifestation of the Holy Spirit (John 1:32)

■ dovecote (ˈdʌvˌkəʊt) or dovecot (ˈdʌvˌkɒt)   n   a structure for housing pigeons, often raised on a pole or set on a wall, containing compartments for the birds to roost and lay eggs

■ dove grey   n     a a brownish-grey colour   b (as adjective): a dove-grey jacket

■ dovelet (ˈdʌvlIt)   n   a small or young dove

■ dove prion   n   a common petrel, Pachyptila desolata, of the southern seas, having a bluish back and white underparts. Also called: Antarctic prion, (NZ informal) blue billy

■ dovetail (ˈdʌvˌteIl)   n   1 a wedge-shaped tenon   2 Also called: dovetail joint a joint containing such tenons   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to join by means of dovetails   4 to fit or cause to fit together closely or neatly: he dovetailed his arguments to the desired conclusion

■ dovetailing (ˈdʌvˌteIlIŋ)   n   the act of fitting together neatly

■ dovetail saw   n   building trades a saw similar to a tenon saw but of smaller size

■ dovish or doveish (ˈdʌvIʃ)   adj   favouring diplomacy rather than the use or display of force to achieve foreign-policy goals   > ˈdovishly or ˈdoveishly adv

■ dovishness or doveishness (ˈdʌvIʃnəs)   n   the characteristic of being like a dove, esp in a political sense

dove^2 (dəʊv)   vb   chiefly US a past tense of dive

dovekie or dovekey (ˈdʌvkI)   n   another name for the little auk. See auk [C19: Scottish diminutive of DOVE^1]

doven (ˈdɒvən)   vb (intr)   another word for daven

Dover (ˈdəʊvə)   n   1 a port in SE England, in E Kent on the Strait of Dover: the only one of the Cinque Ports that is still important; a stronghold since ancient times and Caesar's first point of attack in the invasion of Britain (55 BC). Pop: 34 087 (2001)   2 Strait of Dover a strait between SE England and N France, linking the English Channel with the North Sea. Width: about 32 km (20 miles). French name: Pas de Calais   3 a city in the US, the capital of Delaware, founded in 1683: 18th-century buildings. Pop: 32 808 (2003 est)

■ Dover's powder   n   a preparation of opium and ipecacuanha, formerly used to relieve pain, induce sweating, and check spasms [C19: named after Thomas Dover (1660–1742), English physician]

Dovzhenko (Russian dovˈʒenko)   n   Aleksandr Petrovitch (alIkˈsandr peˈtrɔvItʃ). 1894–1956, Soviet film director. His films include Zemlya (1930) and Ivan (1932)

Dow (daʊ; Dutch dɔu)   n   See Dou

dowable (ˈdaʊəbəl)   adj law   1 capable of being endowed   2 (of a person, esp a widow) entitled to dower

dowager (ˈdaʊədʒə)   n   1    a a widow possessing property or a title obtained from her husband   b (as modifier): the dowager duchess   2 a wealthy or dignified elderly woman [C16: from Old French douagiere, from douage DOWER]

Dowding (ˈdaʊdIŋ)   n   Baron Hugh Caswall Tremenheere, nicknamed Stuffy. 1882–1970, British air chief marshal. As commander in chief of Fighter Command (1936–40), he contributed greatly to the British victory in the Battle of Britain (1940)

dowdy (ˈdaʊdI)   adj -dier, -diest   1 (esp of a woman's dress) drab, unflattering, and old-fashioned   ▷ n, pl -dies   2 a dowdy woman [C14: dowd slut, of unknown origin]   > ˈdowdily adv   > ˈdowdiness n   > ˈdowdyish adj

■ dowd (daʊd)   n   archaic a woman who wears unfashionable or shabby clothes

■ dowdyism (ˈdaʊdIIzəm)   n   archaic the quality of being dowdy

dowel (ˈdaʊəl)   n   a wooden or metal peg that fits into two corresponding holes to join two adjacent parts. Also called: dowel pin [C14: from Middle Low German dövel plug, from Old High German tubili; related to Greek thuphos wedge]

■ doweling or dowelling (ˈdaʊlIŋ, -əlIŋ)   n carpentry, cabinetmaking   1 the joining of two pieces of wood using dowels   2 wood or other material in a long thin rod for cutting up into dowels

Dowell (ˈdaʊəl)   n   Sir Anthony. born 1943, British ballet dancer. He became director of the Royal Ballet in 1986

dower (ˈdaʊə)   n   1 the life interest in a part of her husband's estate allotted to a widow by law   2 an archaic word for dowry (sense 1)   3 a natural gift or talent   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to endow [C14: from Old French douaire, from Medieval Latin dōtārium, from Latin dōs gift]   > ˈdowerless adj

■ dower house   n   a house set apart for the use of a widow, often on her deceased husband's estate

dowf (daʊf)   adj   Scot archaic dull; listless

■ dowfness (ˈdaʊfnəs)   n   Scot archaic the quality or characteristic of being dowf

dowie (ˈdaʊI)   adj   Scot dull and dreary; dismal

dowitcher (ˈdaʊItʃə)   n   either of two snipelike shore birds, Limnodromus griseus or L. scolopaceus, of arctic and subarctic North America: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes [C19: of Iroquoian origin]

Dow-Jones average (ˈdaʊˈdʒəʊnz)   n   US a daily index of stock-exchange prices based on the average price of a selected number of securities [C20: named after Charles H. Dow (died 1902) and Edward D. Jones (died 1920), American financial statisticians]

dowl (daʊl)   n   obsolete the filaments of a feather; down

■ dowly (ˈdaʊlI)   adj   Northern English dialect dull; low-spirited; dismal [perhaps from Old English dol dull]

Dowland (ˈdaʊlənd)   n   John. ?1563–1626, English lutenist and composer of songs and lute music

dowlas (ˈdaʊləs)   n   a coarse plain fabric

dowlney (ˈdaʊlnI)   adj   archaic light, soft, and fluffy

down^1 (daʊn)   prep   1 used to indicate movement from a higher to a lower position: they went down the mountain   2 at a lower or further level or position on, in, or along: she ran down the street   ▷ adv   3 downwards; at or to a lower level or position: don't fall down   4 (particle) used with many verbs when the result of the verb's action is to lower or destroy its object: pull down; knock down; bring down   5 (particle) used with several verbs to indicate intensity or completion: calm down   6 immediately: cash down   7 on paper: write this down   8 arranged; scheduled: the meeting is down for next week   9 in a helpless position: they had him down on the ground   10    a away from a more important place: down from London   b away from a more northerly place: down from Scotland   c (of a member of some British universities) away from the university; on vacation   d in a particular part of a country: down south   11 nautical (of a helm) having the rudder to windward   12 reduced to a state of lack or want: down to the last pound   13 lacking a specified amount: at the end of the day the cashier was fifty pounds down   14 lower in price: bacon is down   15 including all intermediate terms, grades, people, etc: everyone from managing director down to interns   16 from an earlier to a later time: the heirloom was handed down   17 to a finer or more concentrated state: to grind down; boil down   18 sport being a specified number of points, goals, etc behind another competitor, team, etc: six goals down   19 (of a person) being inactive, owing to illness: down with flu   20 (functioning as imperative) (to dogs): down Rover!   21 down with (functioning as imperative) wanting the end of somebody or something: down with the king!   22 get down on something Austral and NZ to procure something, esp in advance of needs or in anticipation of someone else   ▷ adj   23 (postpositive) depressed or miserable   24 (prenominal) of or relating to a train or trains from a more important place or one regarded as higher: the down line   25 (postpositive) (of a device, machine, etc, esp a computer) temporarily out of action   26 made in cash: a down payment   27 down to the responsibility or fault of: this defeat was down to me   28 down with informal   a having a good understanding of: down with electronics   b in agreement with: completely down with that idea   c enjoying mutual friendship and respect with: down with the kids   ▷ vb   29 (tr) to knock, push, or pull down   30 (intr) to go or come down   31 (tr) informal to drink, esp quickly: he downed three gins   32 (tr) to bring (someone) down, esp by tackling   ▷ n   33 American football one of a maximum of four consecutive attempts by one team to advance the ball a total of at least ten yards   34 a descent; downward movement   35 a lowering or a poor period (esp in the phrase ups and downs)   36 have a down on informal to bear ill will towards (someone or something) [Old English dūne, short for adūne, variant of of dūne, literally: from the hill, from of, OFF + dūn hill; see DOWN^3]

■ down and dirty   adj (down-and-dirty when prenominal) informal, chiefly US   1 ruthlessly competitive or underhand   2 uninhibited; frank

■ down-and-out   adj   1 without any means of livelihood; impoverished and, often, socially outcast   ▷ n   2 a person who is destitute and, often, homeless; a social outcast or derelict

■ down-at-heel   adj   shabby and run down

■ downbeat (ˈdaʊnˌbiːt)   n   1 music the first beat of a bar or the downward gesture of a conductor's baton indicating this. Compare upbeat   ▷ adj   2 informal depressed; gloomy   3 informal relaxed; unemphatic

■ down-bow (ˈdaʊnˌbəʊ)   n   a downward stroke of the bow from its nut to its tip across a stringed instrument. Compare up-bow

■ downburst (ˈdaʊnˌbɜːst)   n   a very high-speed downward movement of turbulent air in a limited area for a short time. Near the ground it spreads out from its centre with high horizontal velocities. Also called: microburst

■ downcast (ˈdaʊnˌkɑːst)   adj   1 dejected   2 (esp of the eyes) directed downwards   ▷ n   3 mining a ventilation shaft   4 geology another word for downthrow

■ downcome (ˈdaʊnˌkʌm)   n   1 archaic downfall   2 another name for downcomer

■ downcomer (ˈdaʊnˌkʌmə)   n   a pipe that connects a cistern to a WC, wash basin, etc. Also called: downcome

■ downcourt (ˈdaʊnˌkɔːt) basketball   adj   1 in or at the far end of the court   ▷ adv   2 to the far end of the court

■ downcry (ˈdaʊnˌkraI)   vb -cries, -crying, -cried (tr)   US to denigrate or disparage

■ down-cycle   n   a downward phase in the economic cycle

■ downdraught or US downdraft (ˈdaʊnˌdrɑːft)   n   the large-scale downward movement of air in the lee of large objects, mountains, etc

■ downer (ˈdaʊnə)   n slang   1 Also called: down a barbiturate, tranquillizer, or narcotic. Compare upper   2 a depressing experience   3 a state of depression: he's on a downer today

■ downfall (ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl)   n   1 a sudden loss of position, health, or reputation   2 a fall of rain, snow, etc, esp a sudden heavy one   3 another word for deadfall

■ downfallen (ˈdaʊnˌfɔːlən)   adj   1 (of a building, etc) decrepit   2 chiefly US (of a person) ruined; fallen

■ downfield (ˈdaʊnˌfiːld) sport   adj   1 in or at the far end of the field   ▷ adv   2 to the far end of the field

■ downflow (ˈdaʊnˌfləʊ)   n   something that flows downwards

■ downforce (ˈdaʊnˌfɔːs)   n   a force produced by air resistance plus gravity that increases the stability of an aircraft or motor vehicle by pressing it downwards

■ downgrade (ˈdaʊnˌɡreId)   vb (tr)   1 to reduce in importance, esteem, or value, esp to demote (a person) to a poorer job   2 to speak of disparagingly   ▷ n   3 chiefly US and Canadian a downward slope, esp in a road   4 on the downgrade waning in importance, popularity, health, etc

■ downhaul (ˈdaʊnˌhɔːl)   n   nautical a line for hauling down a sail or for increasing the tension at its luff

■ downhearted (ˌdaʊnˈhɑːtId)   adj   discouraged; dejected   > ˌdownˈheartedly adv   > ˌdownˈheartedness n

■ downhill (ˈdaʊnˈhIl)   adj   1 going or sloping down   ▷ adv   2 towards the bottom of a hill; downwards   3 go downhill informal to decline; deteriorate   ▷ n   4 the downward slope of a hill; descent   5 a competitive event in which skiers are timed in a downhill run

■ downhiller (ˌdaʊnˈhIlə)   n   a skier who specializes in downhill events

■ downhole (ˈdaʊnˌhəʊl)   adj   (in the oil industry) denoting any piece of equipment that is used in the well itself

■ down-home   adj   slang, chiefly US of, relating to, or reminiscent of rural life, esp in the southern US; unsophisticated

■ down-in-the-mouth   adj   glum

■ downlighter (ˈdaʊnˌlaItə) or downlight (ˈdaʊnˌlaIt)   n   a lamp which directs light downwards

■ downlink (ˈdaʊnlIŋk)   n   the link from a satellite to an earth station

■ download (ˈdaʊnˌləʊd)   vb (tr)   1 to copy or transfer (data or a program) into the memory of one computer system from a larger one   2 to broadcast specialist programmes, for such groups as doctors, outside normal broadcasting hours. They are often recorded on video tapes and viewed later. Compare upload   3 esp Canadian to delegate or assign (work, responsibilities, costs, etc) to someone at a lower level of an organization; off-load   ▷ n   4 a file transferred onto a computer from another computer or the internet   > ˌdownˈloadable adj

■ downloading (ˈdaʊnˌləʊdIŋ)   n   the process of transferring data or a program into the memory of a computer system from a larger one

■ downlooked (ˈdaʊnˌlʊkt)   adj   literary having a sad or dejected appearance

■ downlow (ˈdaʊnləʊ)   n informal   on the downlow not widely known: he's kept the whole business on the downlow

■ down-market   adj   relating to commercial products, services, etc, that are cheap, have little prestige, or are poor in quality

■ downmost (ˈdaʊnˌməʊst)   adj   in the lowest position

■ down payment   n   the deposit paid on an item purchased on hire-purchase, a mortgage, etc

■ downpipe (ˈdaʊnˌpaIp)   n   Brit and NZ a pipe for carrying rainwater from a roof gutter to the ground or to a drain. Also called: rainwater pipe, drainpipe. Usual US and Canadian name: downspout

■ downplay (ˈdaʊnˌpleI)   vb   (tr) to play down; make little of

■ downpour (ˈdaʊnˌpɔː)   n   a heavy continuous fall of rain

■ downrange (ˈdaʊnˈreIndʒ)   adj, adv   in the direction of the intended flight path of a rocket or missile

■ downregulation (ˌdaʊnrɛɡjʊˈleIʃən)   n   a decrease in sensitivity, through overexposure, to a drug or other chemical caused by a reduction in the number or density of receptors on cell surfaces

■ downright (ˈdaʊnˌraIt)   adj   1 frank or straightforward; blunt: downright speech   2 archaic directed or pointing straight down   ▷ adv, adj (prenominal)   3 (intensifier): a downright certainty; downright rude   > ˈdownˌrightly adv   > ˈdownˌrightness n

■ down-river or downriver (ˌdaʊnˈrIvə)   adv   1 towards the mouth of a river   ▷ adj   2 positioned towards the mouth of a river

■ downrush (ˈdaʊnˌrʌʃ)   n   an instance of rushing down; plunge

■ downscale informal   adj (ˌdaʊnˈskeIl)   1 of or for the lower end of an economic or social scale; down-market   ▷ vb (ˈdaʊnˌskeIl)   2 (tr) to reduce the scale of

■ downshift (ˈdaʊnˌʃIft)   vb (intr)   1 US to change into a lower gear   2 Brit to change to a lower-paid job for the sake of a better quality of life   ▷ n   3 a downward movement; a reduction   4 US a change into a lower gear

■ downshifting (ˈdaʊnˌʃIftIŋ)   n   the practice of simplifying one's lifestyle and becoming less materialistic   > ˈdownˌshifter n

■ downside (ˈdaʊnˌsaId)   n   the disadvantageous aspect of a situation: the downside of twentieth-century living

■ downsize (ˈdaʊnˌsaIz)   vb -sizes, -sizing, -sized (tr)   1 to reduce the operating costs of a company by reducing the number of people it employs   2 to reduce the size of or produce a smaller version of (something)   3 to upgrade (a computer system) by replacing a mainframe or minicomputer with a network of microcomputers. Compare rightsize

■ downsized (ˈdaʊnsaIz)   adj   1 employing fewer people   2 reduced in size

■ downsizer (ˈdaʊnˌsaIzə)   n   a person who moves to a smaller property, typically after he or she retires

■ downsizing (ˈdaʊnˌsaIzIŋ)   n   1 a reduction of the number of people that a company employs   2 a reduction in size

■ downslide (ˈdaʊnˌslaId)   n   a downward trend; decline

■ downslope (ˈdaʊnˌsləʊp)   adj, adv   1 in the direction of the bottom of a slope   ▷ n   2 a downward slope

■ downspin (ˈdaʊnˌspIn)   n   a sudden and swift downturn, esp in financial markets

■ downspout (ˈdaʊnˌspaʊt)   n   US and Canadian a pipe for carrying rainwater from a roof gutter to the ground or to a drain. Also called: drainpipe, (in Britain and certain other countries) downpipe

■ downstage (ˈdaʊnˈsteIdʒ) theatre   adv   1 at or towards the front of the stage   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the front of the stage   ▷ n   3 the front half of the stage

■ downstair (ˈdaʊnˌstɛə)   adj   situated on a lower floor

■ downstairs (ˈdaʊnˈstɛəz)   adv   1 down the stairs; to or on a lower floor   ▷ n   2    a a lower or ground floor   b (as modifier): a downstairs room   3 Brit informal, old-fashioned the servants of a household collectively. Compare upstairs (sense 6)

■ downstate (ˈdaʊnˌsteIt) US   adj   1 in, or relating to the part of the state away from large cities, esp the southern part   ▷ adv   2 towards the southern part of a state   ▷ n   3 the southern part of a state

■ downstater (ˈdaʊnˌsteItə)   n   US a person from downstate

■ downstream (ˈdaʊnˈstriːm)   adv, adj   1 in or towards the lower part of a stream; with the current   2 (in the oil industry) of or for the refining, distribution, or marketing of oil or its derived products. Compare upstream (sense 2)

■ downstroke (ˈdaʊnˌstrəʊk)   n   1 a downward stroke made by a pen   2 a downward movement

■ downswept (ˈdaʊnˌswɛpt)   adj   curved downwards

■ downswing (ˈdaʊnˌswIŋ)   n   1 a statistical downward trend in business activity, the death rate, etc   2 golf the downward movement or line of a club when striking the ball

■ downthrow (ˈdaʊnˌθrəʊ)   n   1 the state of throwing down or being thrown down   2 geology the sinking of rocks on one side of a fault plane

■ downtick (ˈdaʊnˌtIk)   n   1 a small and sometimes incremental decrease   2 a decrease in the price of a stock transaction compared to the price of the previous transaction of the same stock

■ downtime (ˈdaʊnˌtaIm)   n   1 commerce time during which a machine or plant is not working because it is incapable of production, as when under repair: the term is sometimes used to include all nonproductive time. Compare idle time   2 informal time spent not working; spare time

■ down-to-earth   adj   sensible; practical; realistic

■ downtown (ˈdaʊnˈtaʊn) US, Canadian and NZ   n   1 the central or lower part of a city, esp the main commercial area   ▷ adv   2 towards, to, or into this area   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or situated in the downtown area: downtown Manhattan   > ˈdownˈtowner n

■ downtrend (ˈdaʊntrɛnd)   n   another word for downturn

■ downtrodden (ˈdaʊnˌtrɒdən) or downtrod   adj   1 subjugated; oppressed   2 trodden down; trampled

■ downturn (ˈdaʊnˌtɜːn)   n   a drop or reduction in the success of a business or economy

■ downturned (ˈdaʊnˌtɜːnd)   adj   turned downwards

■ down under informal   n   1 Australia or New Zealand   ▷ adv   2 in or to Australia or New Zealand

■ downvote (ˈdaʊnˌvəʊt)   n   1 an indication of disapproval for a post on social media   ▷ vb   2 to register disapproval of (a post) on social media

■ downward (ˈdaʊnwəd)   adj   1 descending from a higher to a lower level, condition, position, etc   2 descending from a beginning   ▷ adv   3 a variant of downwards   > ˈdownwardly adv   > ˈdownwardness n

■ downward mobility   n   sociol the movement of an individual, social group, or class to a lower status. Compare upward mobility. See also horizontal mobility, vertical mobility

■ downwards (ˈdaʊnwədz) or downward   adv   1 from a higher to a lower place, level, etc   2 from an earlier time or source to a later: from the Tudors downwards

■ downwash (ˈdaʊnˌwɒʃ)   n   the downward deflection of an airflow, esp one caused by an aircraft wing

■ downwind (ˈdaʊnˈwInd)   adv, adj   1 in the same direction towards which the wind is blowing; with the wind from behind   2 towards or on the side away from the wind; leeward

■ downzone (ˈdaʊnˌzəʊn)   vb (tr) US   1 to reduce the density of housing in (an area)   2 to downgrade the classification of (a zone) in order to restrict the type of buildings allowed in that area

down^2 (daʊn)   n   1 the soft fine feathers with free barbs that cover the body of a bird and prevent loss of heat. In the adult they lie beneath and between the contour feathers   2 another name for eiderdown (sense 1)   3 botany a fine coating of soft hairs, as on certain leaves, fruits, and seeds   4 any growth or coating of soft fine hair, such as that on the human face [C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse dūnn]

■ downless (ˈdaʊnlIs)   adj   without feathers, hair, or down

■ downlike (ˈdaʊnˌlaIk)   adj   having the quality or characteristics of feathers or down

■ downy (ˈdaʊnI)   adj downier, downiest   1 covered with soft fine hair or feathers   2 light, soft, and fluffy   3 made from or filled with down   4 resembling downs; undulating   5 Brit slang sharp-witted; knowing   > ˈdowniness n

■ downy mildew   n   1 a serious plant disease, characterized by yellowish patches on the undersurface of the leaves, caused by the parasitic fungi of the family Peronosporaceae, such as Peronospora destructor: affects onions, cauliflower, lettuce, etc   2 any of the fungi causing this disease   ▶ Compare powdery mildew

down^3 (daʊn)   n   archaic a hill, esp a sand dune [Old English dūn; related to Old Frisian dūne, Old Saxon dūna hill, Old Irish dūn fortress, Greek this sandbank; see DUNE, TOWN]

■ downland (ˈdaʊnlənd)   n   another name for downs (sense 1)

■ downs (daʊnz)   pl n   1 Also called: downland rolling upland, esp in the chalk areas of S Britain, characterized by lack of trees and used mainly as pasture   2 Austral and NZ a flat grassy area, not necessarily of uplands

■ Downs (daʊnz)   n the Downs   1 any of various ranges of low chalk hills in S England, esp the South Downs in Sussex   2 a roadstead off the SE coast of Kent, protected by the Goodwin Sands

Down^1 (daʊn)   n   1 a district of SE Northern Ireland, in Co Down. Pop: 65 195 (2003 est). Area: 649 sq km (250 sq miles)   2 a historical county of SE Northern Ireland, on the Irish Sea: generally hilly, rising to the Mountains of Mourne: in 1973 it was replaced for administrative purposes by the districts of Ards, Banbridge, Castlereagh, Down, Newry and Mourne, North Down, and part of Lisburn. Area: 2466 sq km (952 sq miles)

Down^2 (daʊn)   n   1 any of various lowland breeds of sheep, typically of stocky build and having dense close wool, originating from various parts of southern England, such as Oxford, Hampshire, etc. See also Dorset Down   2 another name for Hampshire Down

Downing Street (ˈdaʊnIŋ)   n   1 a street in W central London, in Westminster: official residences of the British prime minister and the chancellor of the exchequer   2 the prime minister or the British Government [named after Sir George Downing (1623–84), English statesman]

Downpatrick (ˌdaʊnˈpætrIk)   n   a market town in Northern Ireland: reputedly the burial place of Saint Patrick. Pop: 10 316 (2001)

Down's syndrome or US Down syndrome   n   pathol   a a condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 resulting in learning difficulties and physical differences, such as shorter stature. Former name (offensive): mongolism. Technical name: trisomy 21   b (as modifier): a Down's syndrome baby [C19: after John Langdon-Down (1828–96), English physician]

dowry (ˈdaʊərI)   n, pl -ries   1 the money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage   2 (esp formerly) a gift made by a man to his bride or her parents   3 Christianity a sum of money required on entering certain orders of nuns   4 a natural talent or gift   5 obsolete a widow's dower [C14: from Anglo-French douarie, from Medieval Latin dōtārium; see DOWER]

dowsabel (ˈduːsəˌbɛl, ˈdaʊs-)   n   an obsolete word for sweetheart [C16: from Latin Dulcibella feminine given name, from dulcis sweet + bellus beautiful]

dowse^1 (daʊs)   vb, n   a variant spelling of douse^1   > ˈdowser n

dowse^2 (daʊz)   vb   (intr) to search for underground water, minerals, etc, using a divining rod; divine [C17: of unknown origin]   > ˈdowser n

■ dowsing (ˈdaʊzIŋ)   n   the practice of prospecting for water or minerals using a divining rod

■ dowsing rod (ˈdaʊzIŋ)   n   another name for divining rod

Dowson (ˈdaʊsən)   n   Ernest (Christopher). 1867–1900, English Decadent poet noted for his lyric Cynara

dowt (daʊt)   n   Scot a cigarette butt

dox (dɒks) informal   pl n   1 documents   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to publish personal information about (a person) on the internet [C21: from docs, shortened from documents]

doxapram (ˈdɒksəˌpræm)   n   a drug used to stimulate the respiratory process

doxastic (dɒksˈæstIk)   adj logic   1 of or relating to belief   2 denoting the branch of modal logic that studies the concept of belief [C18: from Greek doxastikos having an opinion, ultimately from doxazein to conjecture]

doxographer (ˌdɒksˈɒɡrəfə)   n   rare a person who collects the opinions and conjectures of ancient Greek philosophers [C19: from New Latin doxographus, from Greek doxa opinion, conjecture + graphos writer]   > ˌdoxoˈgraphic adj   > ˌdoxˈography n

doxology (dɒkˈsɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   a hymn, verse, or form of words in Christian liturgy glorifying God [C17: from Medieval Latin doxologia, from Greek, from doxologos uttering praise, from doxa praise; see -LOGY]   > doxological (ˌdɒksəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌdoxoˈlogically adv

doxorubicin (ˌdɒksəˈruːbəsIn)   n   pharmacol an antineoplastic antibiotic used in the treatment of cancer

doxy^1 or doxie (ˈdɒksI)   n, pl doxies   opinion or doctrine, esp concerning religious matters [C18: independent use of -doxy as in orthodoxy, heterodoxy]

doxy^2 (ˈdɒksI)   n, pl doxies   archaic, slang a prostitute or mistress [C16: probably from Middle Flemish docke doll; compare Middle Dutch docke doll]

doxycycline (ˌdɒksIˈsaIklIn)   n   a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat conditions caused by a wide range of bacteria, including anthrax

doy (dɔI)   n   Northern English dialect a beloved person: used esp as an endearment

doyen (ˈdɔIən; French dway) or feminine doyenne (dɔIˈɛn; French dwajɛn)   n   the senior member of a group, profession, or society [C17: from French, from Late Latin decānus leader of a group of ten; see DEAN]

Doyle (dɔIl)   n   See Conan Doyle

doyley (ˈdɔIlI)   n   a variant spelling of doily

D'Oyly Carte (ˈdɔIlI kɑːt)   n   Richard. 1844–1901, British impresario noted for his productions of the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan

doz.   abbreviation for   dozen

doze (dəʊz)   vb (intr)   1 to sleep lightly or intermittently   2 (often foll by off) to fall into a light sleep   ▷ n   3 a short sleep [C17: probably from Old Norse dūs lull; related to Danish döse to drowse, Swedish dialect dusa slumber]   > ˈdozer n

■ dozed (dozd, dəʊzd)   adj   chiefly Irish (of timber or rubber) rotten or decayed [C18: probably from DOZE]

■ dozy (ˈdəʊzI)   adj dozier, doziest   1 drowsy   2 Brit informal stupid   > ˈdozily adv   > ˈdoziness n

dozen (ˈdʌzən)   determiner   1 (preceded by a or a numeral)   a twelve or a group of twelve: a dozen eggs; two dozen oranges   b (as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural): give me a dozen; there are at least a dozen who haven't arrived yet   ▷ n, pl dozens or dozen   2 by the dozen in large quantities   3 See baker's dozen   4 talk nineteen to the dozen to talk without stopping [C13: from Old French douzaine, from douze twelve, from Latin duodecim, from duo two + decem ten]   > ˈdozenth adj

■ dozens (ˈdʌzənz)   pl n   (usually foll by of) informal a lot: I've got dozens of things to do

dozer (ˈdəʊzə)   n   chiefly US short for bulldozer

DP   abbreviation for   1 data processing   2 displaced person   3 (in South Africa, formerly) Democratic Party

D/P commerce   abbreviation for   documents against presentation

DPB   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   domestic purposes benefit: an allowance paid to solo parents

DPH   abbreviation for   Diploma in Public Health

DPhil or DPh   abbreviation for   Doctor of Philosophy. Also: PhD

dpi   abbreviation for   dots per inch: a measure of the resolution of a typesetting machine, computer screen, etc

DPM   abbreviation for   Diploma in Psychological Medicine

DPN   n   biochem the former name for NAD

DPNH   n   biochem the former name for NADH

DPP   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Director of Public Prosecutions

DPRK   abbreviation for   Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)

dpt   abbreviation for   department

DPW   abbreviation for (in Britain, formerly)   Department of Public Works

DQ   abbreviation for   disqualified, disqualification

dr   abbreviation for   1 debtor   2 Also: dr. dram   3 drawer

Dr   abbreviation for   1 Doctor   2 (in street names) Drive

DR   abbreviation for   dry riser

dr.   abbreviation for   1 debit   2 Also: dr dram   3 (the former) drachma

drab^1 (dræb)   adj drabber, drabbest   1 dull; dingy; shabby   2 cheerless; dreary: a drab evening   3 of the colour drab   ▷ n   4 a light olive-brown colour   5 a fabric of a dull grey or brown colour [C16: from Old French drap cloth, from Late Latin drappus, perhaps of Celtic origin]   > ˈdrably adv   > ˈdrabness n

■ drabby (ˈdræbI) or drabbish (ˈdræbIʃ)   adj -bier, -biest   1 slightly drab, drab-looking   2 slutty   > ˈdrabbiness n

drab^2 (dræb) archaic   n   1 a slatternly woman   2 a prostitute   ▷ vb drabs, drabbing, drabbed   3 (intr) to consort with prostitutes [C16: of Celtic origin; compare Scottish Gaelic drabag]

drabbet (ˈdræbIt) or drabette (dræˈbɛt)   n   Brit a yellowish-brown fabric of coarse linen [C19: see DRAB^1]

drabble (ˈdræbəl)   vb   to make or become wet or dirty [C14: from Low German drabbelen to paddle in mud; related to DRAB^2]

Drabble (ˈdræbəl)   n   Dame Margaret. born 1939, British novelist and editor. Her novels include The Needle's Eye (1972), The Radiant Way (1987), and The Seven Sisters (2002). She edited the 1985 and 2000 editions of the Oxford Companion to English Literature

drabbler (ˈdræbələ)   n   nautical a piece of canvas fixed to the bottom of a sail to give it a greater area

dracaena (drəˈsiːnə)   n   1 any tropical plant of the genus Dracaena: some species are cultivated as house plants for their decorative foliage: family Agavaceae. See also dragon's blood, dragon tree   2 any of several similar plants of the related genus Cordyline [C19: from New Latin, from Latin: she-dragon, from Greek drakaina, feminine of drakōn DRAGON]

drachm (dræm)   n   1 Also called: fluid dram Brit one eighth of a fluid ounce   2 US another name for dram (sense 2)   3 another name for drachma [C14: learned variant of DRAM]

drachma (ˈdrækmə)   n, pl -mas or -mae (-miː)   1 the former standard monetary unit of Greece, divided into 100 lepta; replaced by the euro in 2002   2 US another name for dram (sense 2)   3 a silver coin of ancient Greece   4 a unit of weight in ancient Greece [C16: from Latin, from Greek drakhmē a handful, from drassesthai to seize]

drack or drac (dræk)   adj   Austral slang (esp of a woman) unattractive [perhaps from Dracula's Daughter]

Draco^1 (ˈdreIkəʊ)   n, Latin genitive Draconis (dreIˈkəʊnIs)   a faint extensive constellation twisting around the N celestial pole and lying between Ursa Major and Cepheus [from Latin, from Greek drakōn DRAGON]

Draco^2 (ˈdreIkəʊ)   n   7th century BC, Athenian statesman and lawmaker, whose code of laws (621) prescribed death for almost every offence

draco lizard (ˈdreIkəʊ)   n   another name for flying lizard

dracone (ˈdrækəʊn)   n   a large flexible cylindrical container towed by a ship, used for transporting liquids [C20: from Latin: DRAGON]

draconian (drəˈkəʊnIən) or draconic (drəˈkɒnIk)   adj (sometimes capital)   1 of or relating to Draco, 7th-century Athenian statesman and lawmaker, or his code of laws, which prescribed death for almost every offence   2 harsh: draconian legislation   > draˈconianism n

■ draconism (drəˈkəʊnIzəm)   n   another word for draconianism

draconic (dreIˈkɒnIk)   adj   of, like, or relating to a dragon [C17: from Latin dracō DRAGON]   > draˈconically adv

draconic month   n   astronomy the mean time taken by the moon between successive passages through the ascending node of its orbit. It is about 2.5 hours shorter than the sidereal month. Also called: nodical month

draconites (ˌdrækəˈnaItiːz)   n   a type of precious stone thought to be found in a dragon's head

dracontiasis (ˌdrækənˈtaIəsIs)   n   a former name for dracunculiasis

dracunculus (drəˈkʌŋkjʊləs)   n   any of the genus of nematode parasites that infects animals and humans, the best known of which is the Guinea worm

■ dracunculiasis (drəˌkʌŋkjʊˈlaIəsIs)   n   a disease caused by infection with the Guinea worm

draff (dræf)   n   the residue of husks after fermentation of the grain used in brewing, used as a food for cattle [C13: from Old Norse draf; related to Old High German trebir, Russian drob fragment; see DRIVEL]   > ˈdraffy adj

■ draffish (ˈdræfIʃ)   adj archaic   1 resembling draff   2 worthless

draft (drɑːft)   n   1 a plan, sketch, or drawing of something   2 a preliminary outline of a book, speech, etc   3 another word for bill of exchange   4 a demand or drain on something   5 the divergent duct leading from a water turbine to its tailrace   6 US selection for compulsory military service   7 detachment of military personnel from one unit to another   8 commerce an allowance on merchandise sold by weight   9 a line or narrow border that is chiselled on the surface of a stone to serve as a guide for levelling it   10 Austral and NZ a group of livestock separated from the rest of the herd or flock   ▷ vb (tr)   11 to draw up an outline or sketch for something: to draft a speech   12 to prepare a plan or design of   13 to detach (military personnel) from one unit to another   14 chiefly US to select for compulsory military service   15 to chisel a draft on (stone, etc)   16 Austral and NZ   a to select (cattle or sheep) from a herd or flock   b to select (farm stock) for sale   ▷ n, vb   17 the usual US spelling of draught (sense 1), draught (sense 2), draught (sense 3), draught (sense 4), draught (sense 5), draught (sense 6), draught (sense 7), draught (sense 8), draught (sense 11) [C16: variant of DRAUGHT]   > ˈdrafter n

■ draftable (ˈdrɑːftəbəl)   adj   military capable of, or suitable for, drafting

■ draft board   n   US a tribunal responsible for the selection of personnel liable for compulsory military service

■ draft dodger   n   US someone who evades compulsory military service

■ draftee (drɑːfˈtiː)   n   US a conscript

■ draft-mule work   n   US and Canadian drudgery. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): donkey-work

■ draft-quality printing   n   computing low-quality, high-speed output in printed form from a printer linked to a word processor. Compare letter-quality printing

■ draftsman (ˈdrɑːftsmən)   n, pl -men   the usual US spelling of draughtsman   > ˈdraftsmanship n

■ draftsperson (ˈdrɑːftsˌpɜːsən)   n   the usual US spelling of draughtsperson

■ draftswoman (ˈdræftswʊmən)   n   the usual US spelling of draughtswoman

■ drafty (ˈdrɑːftI)   adj draftier, draftiest   the usual US spelling of draughty   > ˈdraftily adv   > ˈdraftiness n

drag (dræɡ)   vb drags, dragging, dragged   1 to pull or be pulled with force, esp along the ground or other surface   2 (tr; often foll by away or from) to persuade to come away (from something attractive or interesting): he couldn't drag himself away from the shop   3 to trail or cause to trail on the ground   4 (tr) to move (oneself, one's feet, etc) with effort or difficulty: she drags herself out of bed at dawn   5 to linger behind   6 (often foll by on or out) to prolong or be prolonged tediously or unnecessarily: his talk dragged on for hours   7 (tr; foll by out) to pass (time) in discomfort, poverty, unhappiness, etc: she dragged out her few remaining years   8 (when intr, usually foll by for) to search (the bed of a river, canal, etc) with a dragnet or hook: they dragged the river for the body   9 (tr foll by out or from) to crush (clods) or level (a soil surface) by use of a drag   10 (of hounds) to follow (a fox or its trail) to the place where it has been lying   11 (intr) slang to draw (on a cigarette, pipe, etc)   12 computing to move (data) from one place to another on the screen by manipulating a mouse with its button held down   13 drag anchor (of a vessel) to move away from its mooring because the anchor has failed to hold   14 drag one's feet or drag one's heels informal to act with deliberate slowness   15 drag someone's name in the mud to disgrace or defame someone   ▷ n   16 the act of dragging or the state of being dragged   17 an implement, such as a dragnet, dredge, etc, used for dragging   18 Also called: drag harrow a type of harrow consisting of heavy beams, often with spikes inserted, used to crush clods, level soil, or prepare seedbeds   19 a sporting coach with seats inside and out, usually drawn by four horses   20 a braking or retarding device, such as a metal piece fitted to the underside of the wheel of a horse-drawn vehicle   21 a person or thing that slows up progress   22 slow progress or movement   23 aeronautics the resistance to the motion of a body passing through a fluid, esp through air: applied to an aircraft in flight, it is the component of the resultant aerodynamic force measured parallel to the direction of air flow   24 the trail of scent left by a fox or other animal hunted with hounds   25 an artificial trail of a strong-smelling substance, sometimes including aniseed, drawn over the ground for hounds to follow   26 See drag hunt   27 angling unnatural movement imparted to a fly, esp a dry fly, by tension on the angler's line   28 informal a person or thing that is very tedious; bore: exams are a drag   29 slang a car   30 short for drag race   31 slang   a the clothes traditionally associated with the opposite sex (esp in the phrase in drag)   b (as modifier): a drag club; drag show   c clothes collectively   32 informal a draw on a cigarette, pipe, etc   33 US slang influence or persuasive power   34 chiefly US slang a street or road [Old English dragan to DRAW; related to Swedish dragga]

■ drag down   vb   (tr, adverb) to depress or demoralize: the flu really dragged her down

■ dragger (ˈdræɡə)   n   1 a person who drags   2 a person or boat that uses a drag-net

■ dragging (ˈdræɡIŋ)   n   a decorating technique in which paint is applied with a specially modified brush to create a marbled or grainy effect

■ draggingly (ˈdræɡIŋlI)   adv   in a dragging manner

■ draggy (ˈdræɡI)   adj -gier, -giest slang   1 slow or boring: a draggy party   2 dull and listless

■ draghound (ˈdræɡˌhaʊnd)   n   a hound used to follow an artificial trail of scent in a drag hunt

■ drag hunt   n   1 a hunt in which hounds follow an artificial trail of scent   2 a club that organizes such hunts   ▷ vb drag-hunt   3 to follow draghounds, esp on horseback, or cause (draghounds) to follow an artificial trail of scent

■ drag in   vb   (tr, adverb) to introduce or mention (a topic, name, etc) with slight or no pretext

■ drag king   n   1 a woman who dresses as a man and impersonates male characteristics for public entertainment   2 slang a female transvestite

■ dragline (ˈdræɡˌlaIn)   n   1 another word for dragrope (sense 2)   2 Also called: dragline crane, dragline excavator a power shovel that operates by being dragged by cables at the end of an arm or jib: used for quarrying, opencast mining, etc

■ drag link   n   a link for conveying motion between cranks on parallel shafts that are slightly offset. It is used in cars to connect the steering gear to the steering arm

■ dragnet (ˈdræɡˌnɛt)   n   1 a heavy or weighted net used to scour the bottom of a pond, river, etc, as when searching for something   2 any system of coordinated efforts by police forces to track down wanted persons

■ dragoman (ˈdræɡəʊmən)   n, pl -mans or -men   (in some Middle Eastern countries, esp formerly) a professional interpreter or guide [C14: from French, from Italian dragomano, from Medieval Greek dragoumanos, from Arabic targumān an interpreter, from Aramaic tūrgemānā, of Akkadian origin]

■ drag out of   vb   (tr, adverb; + preposition) to obtain or extract (a confession, statement, etc), esp by force: we dragged the name out of them. Also: drag from

■ drag queen   n   1 a man who dresses as a woman and impersonates female characteristics for public entertainment   2 slang a male transvestite

■ drag race   n   a type of motor race in which specially built or modified cars or motorcycles are timed over a measured course   > drag racer n   > drag racing n

■ dragrope (ˈdræɡˌrəʊp)   n   1 a rope used to drag military equipment, esp artillery   2 Also called: dragline, guide rope a rope trailing from a balloon or airship for mooring or braking purposes

■ drag sail   n   another term for sea anchor

■ dragsman (ˈdræɡzmən)   n, pl -men   archaic a person who drives a carriage or drag

■ dragster (ˈdræɡstə)   n   a car specially built or modified for drag racing

■ dragstrip (ˈdræɡstrIp)   n   a race course for drag racing

■ dragsville (ˈdræɡzvIl)   n   US informal, old-fashioned boredom

■ drag up   vb (tr, adverb) informal   1 to rear (a child) poorly and in an undisciplined manner   2 to introduce or revive (an unpleasant fact or story)

■ dragway (ˈdræɡweI)   n   another name for dragstrip

dragée (dræˈʒeI)   n   1 a sweet made of a nut, fruit, etc, coated with a hard sugar icing   2 a tiny beadlike sweet used for decorating cakes, etc   3 a medicinal formulation coated with sugar to disguise the taste [C19: from French; see DREDGE^2]

draggle (ˈdræɡəl)   vb   1 to make or become wet or dirty by trailing on the ground; bedraggle   2 (intr) to lag; dawdle [C16: probably frequentative of DRAG]

■ draggletailed (ˈdræɡəlˌteIld)   adj   archaic (esp of a woman) bedraggled; besmirched

dragon (ˈdræɡən)   n   1 a mythical monster usually represented as breathing fire and having a scaly reptilian body, wings, claws, and a long tail   2 informal, derogatory a fierce or intractable person, esp a woman   3 any of various very large lizards, esp the Komodo dragon   4 any of various North American aroid plants, esp the green dragon   5 Christianity a manifestation of Satan or an attendant devil   6 a yacht of the International Dragon Class, 8.88m long (29.2 feet), used in racing   7 chase the dragon slang to smoke opium or heroin [C13: from Old French, from Latin dracō, from Greek drakōn; related to drakos eye]   > ˈdragoness fem n   > ˈdragonish adj

■ dragon fruit   n   another name for pitahaya

■ dragonhead (ˈdræɡənˌhɛd) or dragon's-head   n   1 any plant of the genus Dracocephalum, of Europe, Asia, and North America, having dense spikes of white or bluish flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   2 any North American plant of the related genus Physostegia, having pink or purplish flowers

■ dragonism (ˈdræɡənIzəm)   n   a strict and domineering manner

■ dragonize or dragonise (ˈdræɡəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to turn into a dragon

■ dragonlike (ˈdræɡənˌlaIk)   adj   similar to a dragon in form or character

■ dragon market   n   informal any of the emerging markets of the Pacific rim, esp Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Compare tiger market

■ dragonroot (ˈdræɡənˌruːt)   n   1 a North American aroid plant, Arisaema dracontium, having a greenish spathe and a long pointed spadix   2 the tuberous root of this plant, formerly used in medicine as an expectorant and diaphoretic

■ dragon's blood   n   1 a red resinous substance obtained from the fruit of a Malaysian palm, Daemonorops (or Calamus) draco: formerly used medicinally and now used in varnishes and lacquers   2 any of several similar resins obtained from other trees, esp from the dragon tree and a related species, Dracaena cinnabari (Socotra dragon's blood dracaena)

■ dragon's teeth   pl n   1 informal conical or wedge-shaped concrete antitank obstacles protruding from the ground in rows: used in World War II   2 sow dragon's teeth to take some action that is intended to prevent strife or trouble but that actually brings it about [sense 2 from the story of CADMUS]

■ dragon tree   n   a tree, Dracaena draco, of the Canary Islands, having clusters of sword-shaped leaves at the tips of its branches: family Agavaceae. It is a source of dragon's blood

dragonet (ˈdræɡənIt)   n   any small spiny-finned fish of the family Callionymidae, having a flat head and a slender tapering brightly coloured body and living at the bottom of shallow seas [C14 (meaning: small dragon): from French; applied to fish C18]

dragonfly (ˈdræɡənˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   1 any predatory insect of the suborder Anisoptera, having a large head and eyes, a long slender body, two pairs of iridescent wings that are outspread at rest, and aquatic larvae: order Odonata. See also damselfly   2 any other insect of the order Odonata

dragonnade (ˌdræɡəˈneId)   n   1 history the persecution of French Huguenots during the reign of Louis XIV by dragoons quartered in their villages and homes   2 subjection by military force   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to subject to persecution by military troops [C18: from French, from dragon DRAGOON]

dragonné (ˌdræɡəˈneI)   adj   heraldry shaped like a dragon

dragoon (drəˈɡuːn)   n   1 (originally) a mounted infantryman armed with a carbine   2 (sometimes capital) a domestic fancy pigeon   3    a a type of cavalryman   b (pl; cap when part of a name): the Royal Dragoons   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to coerce; force: he was dragooned into admitting it   5 to persecute by military force [C17: from French dragon (special use of DRAGON), soldier armed with a carbine, perhaps suggesting that a carbine, like a dragon, breathed forth fire]   > draˈgoonage n

drail (dreIl) angling   n   1 a weighted hook used in trolling   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to fish with a drail [C16: apparently from TRAIL, influenced by DRAW]

drain (dreIn)   n   1 a pipe or channel that carries off water, sewage, etc   2 an instance or cause of continuous diminution in resources or energy; depletion   3 surgery a device, such as a tube, for insertion into a wound, incision, or bodily cavity to drain off pus, etc   4 electronics the electrode region in a field-effect transistor into which majority carriers flow from the interelectrode conductivity channel   5 down the drain wasted   ▷ vb   6 (tr; often foll by off) to draw off or remove (liquid) from: to drain water from vegetables; to drain vegetables   7 (intr; often foll by away) to flow (away) or filter (off)   8 (intr) to dry or be emptied as a result of liquid running off or flowing away: leave the dishes to drain   9 (tr) to drink the entire contents of (a glass, cup, etc)   10 (tr) to consume or make constant demands on (resources, energy, etc); exhaust; sap   11 (intr) to disappear or leave, esp gradually: the colour drained from her face   12 (tr) (of a river, etc) to carry off the surface water from (an area)   13 (intr) (of an area) to discharge its surface water into rivers, streams, etc [Old English drēahnian; related to Old Norse drangr dry wood; see DRY]   > ˈdrainable adj

■ drainage (ˈdreInIdʒ)   n   1 the process or a method of draining   2 a system of watercourses or drains   3 liquid, sewage, etc, that is drained away

■ drainage basin or drainage area   n   another name for catchment area

■ drainboard (ˈdreInbɔːd)   n   the US term for draining board

■ drained (dreInd)   adj   1 worn out; exhausted   2 drained of colour colourless

■ drainer (ˈdreInə)   n   1 a person or thing that drains   2 another name for draining board   3 a rack near a sink on which washed dishes, etc are placed to drain

■ draining (ˈdreInIŋ)   adj   exhausting

■ draining board   n   a sloping grooved surface at the side of a sink, used for draining washed dishes, etc. Also called: drainer

■ drainlayer (ˈdreInˌleIə)   n   NZ a person trained to build or repair drains

■ drainpipe (ˈdreInˌpaIp)   n   a pipe for carrying off rainwater, sewage, etc; downpipe

■ drainpipes (ˈdreInˌpaIps)   pl n   trousers with very narrow legs

■ drain rod   n   one of a series of flexible rods with threaded ends that screw together and can be pushed to and fro in a drain to clear a blockage

draisine (dreIˈziːn)   n transport   1 an early form of bicycle designed in Germany, nick-named the hobby horse or dandy horse   2 a light (usually human powered) rail vehicle

drake^1 (dreIk)   n   the male of any duck [C13: perhaps from Low German; compare Middle Dutch andrake, Old High German antrahho]

drake^2 (dreIk)   n   1 angling an artificial fly resembling a mayfly   2 history a small cannon   3 an obsolete word for dragon [Old English draca, ultimately from Latin dracō DRAGON]

Drake (dreIk)   n   Sir Francis. ?1540–96, English navigator and buccaneer, the first Englishman to sail around the world (1577–80). He commanded a fleet against the Spanish Armada (1588) and contributed greatly to its defeat

Drakensberg (ˈdrɑːkənzˌbɜːɡ)   n   a mountain range in southern Africa, extending through Lesotho, E South Africa, and eSwatini (Swaziland). Highest peak: Thabana Ntlenyana, 3482 m (11 425 ft). Sotho name: Quathlamba

Drake Passage   n   a strait between S South America and the South Shetland Islands, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

drakestone (ˈdreIkˌstəʊn)   n   a flat stone thrown across the surface of water so as to make it skim or skip before sinking

Dralon (ˈdreIlɒn)   n   trademark an acrylic fibre fabric used esp for upholstery

dram (dræm)   n   1 one sixteenth of an ounce (avoirdupois). 1 dram is equivalent to 0.0018 kilogram   2 Also called: drachm, drachma US one eighth of an apothecaries' ounce; 60 grains. 1 dram is equivalent to 0.0039 kilogram   3 a small amount of an alcoholic drink, esp a spirit; tot   4 the standard monetary unit of Armenia, divided into 100 lumas [C15: from Old French dragme, from Late Latin dragma, from Greek drakhmē; see DRACHMA]

■ dramshop (ˈdræmˌʃɒp)   n   US a bar or tavern where alcohol is sold in small units

DRAM or D-RAM (ˈdiːræm)   n acronym for   1 dynamic random access memory: a widely used type of random access memory. See RAM^1   ▷ n   2 a chip containing such memory

drama (ˈdrɑːmə)   n   1 a work to be performed by actors on stage, radio, or television; play   2 the genre of literature represented by works intended for the stage   3 the art of the writing and production of plays   4 a situation or sequence of events that is highly emotional, tragic, or turbulent [C17: from Late Latin: a play, from Greek: something performed, from drān to do]

■ drama-doc   n   informal a film which combines fact and fiction

■ drama queen   n   informal a person who tends to react to every situation in an overdramatic or exaggerated manner

■ dramatic (drəˈmætIk) or obsolete dramatical (drəˈmætIkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to drama   2 like a drama in suddenness, emotional impact, etc   3 striking; effective   4 acting or performed in a flamboyant way   5 music (of a voice) powerful and marked by a histrionic quality   > draˈmatically adv

■ dramatic irony   n   theatre the irony occurring when the implications of a situation, speech, etc, are understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play

■ dramaticism (drəˈmætIsIzəm)   n   a dramatic character or way of behaving

■ dramatics (drəˈmætIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular or plural)   a the art of acting or producing plays   b dramatic productions   2 (usually functioning as plural) histrionic behaviour

■ dramatist (ˈdræmətIst)   n   a writer of plays; playwright

■ dramatization or dramatisation (ˌdræmətaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the reconstruction of an event, novel, story, etc in a form suitable for dramatic presentation   2 the art or act of dramatizing

■ dramatize or dramatise (ˈdræməˌtaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to put into dramatic form   2 to express or represent (something) in a dramatic or exaggerated way: he dramatizes his illness   > ˈdramaˌtizable or ˈdramaˌtisable adj   > ˈdramaˌtizer or ˈdramaˌtiser n

■ dramatized or dramatised (ˈdræməˌtaIzd)   adj   adapted as a play

■ dramaturge (ˈdræməˌtɜːdʒ)   n   1 Also called: dramaturgist (ˈdræməˌtɜːdʒIst) a dramatist, esp one associated with a particular company or theatre   2 Also called: dramaturg (ˈdræməˌtɜːɡ) a literary adviser on the staff of a theatre, film corporation, etc, whose responsibilities may include selection and editing of texts, liaison with authors, preparation of printed programmes, and public relations work [C19: probably from French, from Greek dramatourgos playwright, from DRAMA + ergon work]

■ dramaturgy (ˈdræməˌtɜːdʒI)   n   the art and technique of the theatre; dramatics   > ˌdramaˈturgic or ˌdramaˈturgical adj   > ˌdramaˈturgically adv

Dramamine (ˈdræməˌmiːn)   n   a trademark for dimenhydrinate

dramatis personae (ˈdrɑːmətIs pəˈsəʊnaI)   pl n (often functioning as singular)   1 the characters or a list of characters in a play or story   2 the main personalities in any situation or event [C18: from New Latin]

Drambuie (dræmˈbjuːI)   n   trademark a liqueur based on Scotch whisky and made exclusively in Scotland from a recipe dating from the 18th century

dramedy (ˈdrɑːmIdI)   n, pl -dies   a television or film drama in which there are important elements of comedy [C20: from DRAM(A) + (COM)EDY]

drammach (ˈdræməx)   n   Scot a dish consisting of oatmeal mixed with cold water

Drammen (Norwegian ˈdramən)   n   a port in S Norway. Pop: 56 688 (2004 est)

Drancy (French drɑ̃si)   n   a residential suburb of NE Paris. Pop: 66 454 (2006)

drangway (ˈdræŋˌweI)   n   Southwest English dialect a narrow lane; passageway

drank (dræŋk)   vb   the past tense of drink

drant (drɑːnt)   vb (intr)   1 to drone or drawl   ▷ n   2 a droning sound

drap (dræp)   n, vb   a Scot word for drop

drape (dreIp)   vb   1 (tr) to hang or cover with flexible material or fabric, usually in folds; adorn   2 to hang or arrange or be hung or arranged, esp in folds   3 (tr) to place casually and loosely; hang: she draped her arm over the back of the chair   ▷ n   4 (often plural) a cloth or hanging that covers something in folds; drapery   5 the way in which fabric hangs [C15: from Old French draper, from drap piece of cloth; see DRAB^1]   > ˈdrapable or ˈdrapeable adj

■ drapability (ˌdreIpəˈbIlItI) or drapeability   n   the capacity to be draped

■ draper (ˈdreIpə)   n   Brit a dealer in fabrics and sewing materials

■ drapery (ˈdreIpərI)   n, pl -peries   1 fabric or clothing arranged and draped   2 (often plural) curtains or hangings that drape   3 Brit the occupation or shop of a draper   4 fabrics and cloth collectively   > ˈdraperied adj

■ drapes (dreIps) or draperies (ˈdreIpərIz)   pl n chiefly US and Canadian   curtains, esp ones of heavy fabric

■ drapey (ˈdreIpI)   adj   hanging in loose folds

Draper (ˈdreIpə)   n   1  Henry. 1837–82, US astronomer, who contributed to stellar classification and spectroscopy   2  his father, John William. 1811–82, US chemist and historian, born in England, made the first photograph of the moon

drapet (ˈdræpIt)   n   obsolete a cloth

drapier (ˈdreIpIə)   n   obsolete a draper

drappie (ˈdræpI) or drappy   n   Scot a little drop, esp a small amount of spirits

drastic (ˈdræstIk)   adj   extreme or forceful; severe [C17: from Greek drastikos, from dran to do, act]   > ˈdrastically adv

drat (dræt)   interj   slang an exclamation of annoyance (also in the phrases drat it! drat you! etc) [C19: probably alteration of God rot]

■ dratted (ˈdrætId)   adj   (prenominal) informal wretched; annoying

dratchell (ˈdrætʃəl)   n   dialect a scruffy woman; a slut; a drab

draught or US draft (drɑːft)   n   1 a current of air, esp one intruding into an enclosed space   2    a the act of pulling a load, as by a vehicle or animal   b (as modifier): a draught horse   3 the load or quantity drawn   4 a portion of liquid to be drunk, esp a dose of medicine   5 the act or an instance of drinking; a gulp or swallow   6 the act or process of drawing air, smoke, etc, into the lungs   7 the amount of air, smoke, etc, inhaled in one breath   8 on draught   a beer, wine, etc, stored in bulk, esp in a cask, as opposed to being bottled   b (as modifier): draught beer   c drawn from a cask or keg   9 Also called: draughtsman any one of the 12 flat thick discs used by each player in the game of draughts. US and Canadian equivalent: checker   10 the depth of a loaded vessel in the water, taken from the level of the waterline to the lowest point of the hull   11 feel the draught to be short of money [C14: probably from Old Norse drahtr, of Germanic origin; related to DRAW]   > ˈdraughter or US ˈdrafter n

■ draughtboard (ˈdrɑːftˌbɔːd)   n   a square board divided into 64 squares of alternating colours, used for playing draughts or chess

■ draughtman (ˈdrɑːftmən)   n, pl -men   another name for draughtsman

■ draughtproof (ˈdrɑːftpruːf)   adj   1 protected against draughts   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to protect (doors and windows) against draughts

■ draughtproofing (ˈdrɑːftpruːfIŋ)   n   treatment to keep out draughts

■ draughts (drɑːfts)   n   (functioning as singular) a game for two players using a draughtboard and 12 draughtsmen each. The object is to jump over and capture the opponent's pieces. US and Canadian name: checkers [C14: plural of DRAUGHT (in obsolete sense: a chess move)]

■ draughtsman or US draftsman (ˈdrɑːftsmən)   n, pl -men   1 Also called (feminine): draughtswoman a person who practises or is qualified in mechanical drawing, employed to prepare detailed scale drawings of machinery, buildings, devices, etc. Gender-neutral form: draughtsperson   2 Also called (feminine): draughtswoman a person skilled in drawing. Gender-neutral form: draughtsperson   3 Brit any of the 12 flat thick discs used by each player in the game of draughts. US and Canadian equivalent: checker   > ˈdraughtsmanˌship or US ˈdraftsmanˌship n

■ draughty or US drafty (ˈdrɑːftI)   adj draughtier, draughtiest or US draftier, draftiest   characterized by or exposed to draughts of air   > ˈdraughtily or US ˈdraftily adv   > ˈdraughtiness or US ˈdraftiness n

Drava or Drave (ˈdrɑːvə)   n   a river in S central Europe, rising in N Italy and flowing east through Austria, then southeast along the southern Hungarian border to join the River Danube. Length: 725 km (450 miles). German name: Drau (drau)

Dravida (drɑːˈvIdə)   n   1 any of the Dravidian languages. See Dravidian (sense 1)   2 another name for a Dravidian (sense 2)

Dravidian (drəˈvIdIən)   n   1 a family of languages spoken in S and central India and Sri Lanka, including Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Gondi   2 a member of one of the aboriginal races of India, pushed south by the Indo-Europeans and now mixed with them   ▷ adj   3 denoting, belonging to, or relating to this family of languages or these peoples

draw (drɔː)   vb draws, drawing, drew, drawn   1 to cause (a person or thing) to move towards or away by pulling   2 to bring, take, or pull (something) out, as from a drawer, holster, etc   3 (tr) to extract or pull or take out: to draw teeth; to draw a card from a pack   4 (tr; often foll by off) to take (liquid) out of a cask, keg, tank, etc, by means of a tap   5 (intr) to move, go, or proceed, esp in a specified direction: to draw alongside   6 (tr) to attract or elicit: to draw a crowd; draw attention   7 (tr) to cause to flow: to draw blood   8 to depict or sketch (a form, figure, picture, etc) in lines, as with a pencil or pen, esp without the use of colour; delineate   9 (tr) to make, formulate, or derive: to draw conclusions, comparisons, parallels   10 (tr) to write (a legal document) in proper form   11 (tr; sometimes foll by in) to suck or take in (air, liquid, etc): to draw a breath   12 (intr) to induce or allow a draught to carry off air, smoke, etc: the flue draws well   13 (tr) to take or receive from a source: to draw money from the bank   14 (tr) to earn: draw interest   15 (tr) finance to write out (a bill of exchange or promissory note): to draw a cheque   16 (tr) to choose at random: to draw lots   17 (tr) to reduce the diameter of (a wire or metal rod) by pulling it through a die   18 (tr) to shape (a sheet of metal or glass) by rolling, by pulling it through a die, or by stretching   19 archery to bend (a bow) by pulling the string   20 to steep (tea) or (of tea) to steep in boiling water   21 (tr) to disembowel: draw a chicken   22 (tr) to cause (pus, blood, etc) to discharge from an abscess or wound   23 (intr) (of two teams, contestants, etc) to finish a game with an equal number of points, goals, etc; tie   24 (tr) bridge, whist to keep leading a suit in order to force out (all outstanding cards)   25 draw trumps bridge, whist to play the trump suit until the opponents have none left   26 (tr) billiards to cause (the cue ball) to spin back after a direct impact with another ball by applying backspin when making the stroke   27 (tr) to search (a place) in order to find wild animals, game, etc, for hunting   28 golf to cause (a golf ball) to move with a controlled right-to-left trajectory or (of a golf ball) to veer gradually from right to left   29 (tr) curling to deliver (the stone) gently   30 (tr) nautical (of a vessel) to require (a certain depth) in which to float   31 draw a blank to get no results from something   32 draw and quarter to disembowel and dismember (a person) after hanging   33 draw stumps cricket to close play, as by pulling out the stumps   34 draw the line See line^1 (sense 51)   35 draw the short straw See short straw   36 draw the shot bowls to deliver the bowl in such a way that it approaches the jack   ▷ n   37 the act of drawing   38 US a sum of money advanced to finance anticipated expenses   39 an event, occasion, act, etc, that attracts a large audience   40 a raffle or lottery   41 something taken or chosen at random, as a ticket in a raffle or lottery   42 a contest or game ending in a tie   43 US and Canadian a small natural drainage way or gully   44 a defect found in metal castings due to the contraction of the metal on solidification [Old English dragan; related to Old Norse draga; Old Frisian draga, Old Saxon dragan, Old High German tragan to carry]   > ˈdrawable adj

■ drawback (ˈdrɔːˌbæk)   n   1 a disadvantage or hindrance   2 a refund of customs or excise duty paid on goods that are being exported or used in the production of manufactured exports   ▷ vb draw back (intr, adverb; often foll by from)   3 to retreat; move backwards   4 to turn aside from an undertaking

■ drawbar (ˈdrɔːˌbɑː)   n   a strong metal bar on a tractor, locomotive, etc, bearing a hook or link and pin to attach a trailer, wagon, etc

■ drawbore (ˈdrɔːˌbɔː)   n   1 (in joinery) a hole bored through a tenon, to allow a pin to draw the pieces closer together   2 the act of boring a hole through a tenon

■ drawbridge (ˈdrɔːˌbrIdʒ)   n   a bridge that may be raised to prevent access or to enable vessels to pass

■ drawcard (ˈdrɔːˌkɑːd)   n   chiefly Austral and NZ same as drawing card

■ drawdown (ˈdrɔːˌdaʊn)   n   1 a depletion or reduction, for example of supplies   2 a continuous decline in an investment or fund, usually expressed as a percentage between its highest and lowest levels   3 the intentional draining of a body of water such as a lake or reservoir, to a given depth

■ drawee (drɔːˈiː)   n   the person or organization on which a cheque or other order for payment is drawn

■ drawer (ˈdrɔːə)   n   1 a person or thing that draws, esp a draughtsman   2 a person who draws a cheque. See draw (sense 15)   3 a person who draws up a commercial paper   4 archaic a person who draws beer, etc, in a bar   5 (drɔː) a boxlike container in a chest, table, etc, made for sliding in and out

■ drawerful (ˈdrɔːərfʊl, ˈdrɔːfʊl)   n   the amount contained in a drawer

■ drawers (drɔːz)   pl n   a legged undergarment for either sex, worn below the waist. Also called: underdrawers

■ draw-gate   n   the valve that controls a sluice

■ draw gear   n   Brit an apparatus for coupling railway cars

■ draw in   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (of hours of daylight) to become shorter   2 (of a train) to arrive at a station

■ drawknife (ˈdrɔːˌnaIf) or drawshave   n, pl -knives or -shaves   a woodcutting tool with two handles at right angles to the blade, used to shave wood. US name: spokeshave

■ drawn (drɔːn)   adj   haggard, tired, or tense in appearance

■ drawn butter   n   melted butter often with seasonings

■ drawn-out   adj   protracted

■ drawn work or drawnwork (ˈdrɔːnˌwɜːk)   n   ornamental needlework done by drawing threads out of the fabric and using the remaining threads to form lacelike patterns. Also called: drawn-thread work

■ draw off   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to cause (a liquid) to flow from something   2 to withdraw (troops)

■ draw on   vb   1 (intr, preposition) to use or exploit (a source, fund, etc): to draw on one's experience   2 (intr, adverb) to come near: the time for his interview drew on   3 (tr, preposition) to withdraw (money) from (an account)   4 (tr, adverb) to put on (clothes)   5 (tr, adverb) to lead further; entice or encourage: the prospect of nearing her goal drew her on

■ draw out   vb (adverb)   1 to extend or cause to be extended: I drew out my stay   2 (tr) to cause (a person) to talk freely: she's been quiet all evening – see if you can draw her out   3 Also: draw from (tr; foll by of) to elicit (information) (from): he managed to draw out of his son where he had been   4 (tr) to withdraw (money) as from a bank account or a business   5 (intr) (of hours of daylight) to become longer   6 (intr) (of a train) to leave a station   7 (tr) to extend (troops) in line; lead from camp   8 (intr) (of troops) to proceed from camp

■ drawplate (ˈdrɔːˌpleIt)   n   a plate used to reduce the diameter of wire by drawing it through conical holes

■ draw-sheet   n   a sheet that can be easily removed from underneath a patient in a bed

■ drawstring (ˈdrɔːˌstrIŋ)   n     a a cord, ribbon, etc, run through a hem around an opening, as on the bottom of a sleeve or at the mouth of a bag, so that when it is pulled tighter, the opening closes   b (as modifier): a drawstring neckline

■ drawtube (ˈdrɔːˌtjuːb)   n   a tube, such as one of the component tubes of a telescope, fitting coaxially within another tube through which it can slide

■ draw up   vb (adverb)   1 to come or cause to come to a halt   2 (tr)   a to prepare a draft of (a legal document)   b to formulate and write out in appropriate form: to draw up a contract   3 (used reflexively) to straighten oneself   4 to form or arrange (a body of soldiers, etc) in order or formation

drawing (ˈdrɔːIŋ)   n   1 a picture or plan made by means of lines on a surface, esp one made with a pencil or pen without the use of colour   2 a sketch, plan, or outline   3 the art of making drawings; draughtsmanship

■ drawing account   n   US an account out of which an employee, partner, or salesman may make withdrawals to meet expenses or as advances against expected income

■ drawing board   n   1 a smooth flat rectangular board on which paper, canvas, etc, is placed for making drawings   2 back to the drawing board return to an earlier stage in an enterprise because a planned undertaking has failed

■ drawing card   n   US and Canadian theatre a performer, act, etc, certain to attract a large audience

■ drawing pin   n   Brit a short tack with a broad smooth head for fastening papers to a drawing board, etc. US and Canadian name: thumbtack

■ drawing room   n   1 a room where visitors are received and entertained; living room; sitting room   2 archaic a ceremonial or formal reception, esp at court

drawl (drɔːl)   vb   1 to speak or utter (words) slowly, esp prolonging the vowel sounds   ▷ n   2 the way of speech of someone who drawls [C16: probably frequentative of DRAW]   > ˈdrawler n   > ˈdrawling adj   > ˈdrawly adj

■ drawlingly (ˈdrɔːlIŋlI)   adv   in a drawling manner

■ drawlingness (ˈdrɔːlIŋnəs)   n   the quality or characteristic of a drawler

dray^1 (dreI)   n   1    a a low cart without fixed sides, used for carrying heavy loads   b (in combination): a drayman   2 any other vehicle or sledge used to carry a heavy load [Old English dræge dragnet; related to Old Norse draga load of timber carried on horseback and trailing on the ground; see DRAW]

■ drayage (ˈdreIIdʒ)   n   US   a the act of transporting something a short distance by lorry or other vehicle   b the charge made for such a transport

■ drayhorse (ˈdreIˌhɔːs)   n   a large powerful horse used for drawing a dray

■ drayman (ˈdreIˌhɔːs)   n, pl -men   a man who drives a dray

dray^2 (dreI)   n   a variant spelling of drey

Drayton (ˈdreItən)   n   Michael. 1563–1631, English poet. His work includes odes and pastorals, and Poly-Olbion (1613–22), on the topography of England

drazel (ˈdrɑːzəl)   n   dialect a slut; a drab

DRE   abbreviation for (in the US)   direct recording electronic: a system of voting in elections in which voters enter choices using an electronic device such as a touchscreen

dread (drɛd)   vb (tr)   1 to anticipate with apprehension or terror   2 to fear greatly   3 archaic to be in awe of   ▷ n   4 great fear; horror   5 an object of terror   6 slang a Rastafarian   7 archaic deep reverence   ▷ adj   8 literary awesome; awe-inspiring [Old English ondrǣdan; related to Old Saxon antdrādan, Old High German intrātan]

■ dreader (ˈdrɛdə)   n   a person who dreads

■ dreadful (ˈdrɛdfʊl)   adj   1 extremely disagreeable, shocking, or bad: what a dreadful play   2 (intensifier): this is a dreadful waste of time   3 causing dread; terrifying   4 archaic inspiring awe   > ˈdreadfulness n

■ dreadfully (ˈdrɛdfʊlI)   adv   1 in a shocking, or disagreeable manner   2 (intensifier): you're dreadfully kind

■ dreadless (ˈdrɛdlIs)   adj   having no apprehension, fear, or dread

■ dreadlessly (ˈdrɛdlIslI)   adv   in a dreadless manner

■ dreadlessness (ˈdrɛdlIsnəs)   n   the state or quality of being without fear or dread

■ dreadlock (ˈdrɛdˌlɒk)   n   a single strand of matted hair

■ dreadlocked (ˈdrɛdlɒkt)   adj   with dreadlocks

■ dreadlocks (ˈdrɛdˌlɒks)   pl n   hair worn in the Rastafarian style of long matted or tightly curled strands

■ dreadly (ˈdrɛdlI)   adj   obsolete dreadful

■ dreadnought or dreadnaught (ˈdrɛdˌnɔːt)   n   1 history a battleship armed with heavy guns of uniform calibre   2 archaic an overcoat made of heavy cloth   3 slang a heavyweight boxer   4 a person who fears nothing

dream (driːm)   n   1    a mental activity, usually in the form of an imagined series of events, occurring during certain phases of sleep   b (as modifier): a dream sequence   c (in combination): dreamland. Related adjective: oneiric   2    a a sequence of imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake; daydream; fantasy   b (as modifier): a dream world   3 a person or thing seen or occurring in a dream   4 a cherished hope; ambition; aspiration   5 a vain hope   6 a person or thing that is as pleasant, or seemingly unreal, as a dream   7 go like a dream to move, develop, or work very well   ▷ vb dreams, dreaming, dreamed or dreamt (drɛmt)   8 (may take a clause as object) to undergo or experience (a dream or dreams)   9 (intr) to indulge in daydreams   10 (intr) to suffer delusions; be unrealistic: you're dreaming if you think you can win   11 (when intr, foll by of or about) to have an image (of) or fantasy (about) in or as if in a dream   12 (intr; foll by of) to consider the possibility (of): I wouldn't dream of troubling you   ▷ adj   13 too good to be true; ideal: dream kitchen [Old English drēam song; related to Old High German troum, Old Norse draumr, Greek thrulos noise]   > ˈdreamful adj   > ˈdreamfully adv   > ˈdreaming n, adj   > ˈdreamingly adv   > ˈdreamless adj   > ˈdreamlessly adv   > ˈdreamlessness n   > ˈdreamˌlike adj

■ dreamboat (ˈdriːmˌbəʊt)   n   old-fashioned, slang an exceptionally attractive person or thing

■ dreamer (ˈdriːmə)   n   1 a person who dreams habitually   2 a person who lives in or escapes to a world of fantasy or illusion; escapist   3 (often capital) US informal a person who has lived in the US without official authorization since coming to the country as a minor but who meets certain conditions that make him or her eligible for special immigration status   4 archaic a prophet; visionary

■ dreamery (ˈdriːmərI)   n   literary the dream world

■ dreamfulness (ˈdriːmfʊlnəs)   n   the quality of being full of dreams

■ dreamhole (ˈdriːmˌhəʊl)   n   a light-admitting hole in a tower

■ dreamland (ˈdriːmlænd)   n   an ideal land existing in dreams or in the imagination

■ dream team   n   informal a group of people regarded as having the perfect combination of talents

■ dream ticket   n   a combination of two people, usually candidates in an election, that is considered to be ideal

■ Dreamtime (ˈdriːmtaIm)   n   1 Also called: alchera (ˈæltʃərə), alcheringa (in the mythology of Australian Aboriginal peoples) a mythical Golden Age of the past   2 Austral informal any remote period, out of touch with the actualities of the present

■ dream up   vb   (tr, adverb) to invent by ingenuity and imagination: to dream up an excuse for leaving

■ dreamwhile (ˈdriːmˌwaIl)   n   the duration of a dream

■ dreamworld (ˈdriːmˌwɜːld)   n   1 derogatory a world of fantasy   2 a dream-like world

■ dreamy (ˈdriːmI)   adj dreamier, dreamiest   1 vague or impractical   2 resembling a dream in quality   3 relaxing; gentle: dreamy music   4 informal wonderful   5 having dreams, esp daydreams   > ˈdreamily adv   > ˈdreaminess n

dreary (ˈdrIərI)   adj drearier, dreariest   1 sad or dull; dismal   2 wearying; boring   3 archaic miserable   ▶ Also (literary): drear [Old English drēorig gory; related to Old High German trūreg sad]   > ˈdrearily adv   > ˈdreariness n

■ drear (drIə)   adj   literary another word for dreary (sense 3)

■ drearihood (ˈdrIərIˌhʊd), drearihead or drerihead (ˈdrIərIˌhɛd)   n   obsolete sadness; dreariness

■ dreariment (ˈdrIərImənt)   n   archaic the condition or state of being dreary

■ drearing (ˈdrIərIŋ)   n   obsolete sorrow; grief

■ drearisome (ˈdrIərIsəm)   adj   dialect of a dreary disposition

dreck (drɛk)   n   slang, chiefly US rubbish; trash [from Yiddish drek filth, dregs]   > ˈdrecky adj

drecksill (ˈdrɛkˌsIl)   n   Southwest English dialect a doorstep

dredge^1 (drɛdʒ)   n   1 Also called: dredger a machine, in the form of a bucket ladder, grab, or suction device, used to remove material from a riverbed, channel, etc   ▷ vb   2 to remove (material) from a riverbed, channel, etc, by means of a dredge   3 (tr) to search for (a submerged object) with or as if with a dredge; drag [C16: perhaps ultimately from Old English dragan to DRAW; see DRAG]

■ dredger (ˈdrɛdʒə)   n   Also called: dredge a vessel used for dredging, often bargelike and sometimes equipped with retractable steel piles that are driven into the bottom for stability

■ dredge up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to bring to notice, esp with considerable effort and from an obscure, remote, or unlikely source: to dredge up worthless ideas   2 to raise with or as if with a dredge: they dredged up the corpse from the lake

■ dredging (ˈdrɛdʒIŋ)   n   the process of clearing a channel or harbour by using a dredge

dredge^2 (drɛdʒ)   vb   to sprinkle or coat (food) with flour, sugar, etc [C16: from Old French dragie, perhaps from Latin tragēmata spices, from Greek]

■ dredger (ˈdrɛdʒə)   n   a container with a perforated top for sprinkling flour, sugar, etc

dree (driː) Scot literary   vb drees, dreeing, dreed   1 (tr) to endure   2 dree one's weird to endure one's fate   ▷ adj   3 another word for dreich [Old English drēogan; related to Old Norse drӯgja to perpetrate]

D region or D layer   n   the lowest region of the ionosphere, extending from a height of about 60 kilometres to about 90 kilometres: contains a low concentration of free electrons and reflects low-frequency radio waves. See also ionosphere

dregs (drɛɡz)   pl n   1 solid particles that tend to settle at the bottom of some liquids, such as wine or coffee   2 residue or remains   3 Brit slang a despicable person [C14 dreg, from Old Norse dregg; compare Icelandic dreggjar dregs, Latin fracēs oil dregs]

■ dreg (drɛɡ)   n   a small quantity: not a dreg of pity

■ dregginess (ˈdrɛɡInəs)   n   the condition or quality of dregs

■ dreggish (ˈdrɛɡIʃ)   adj   resembling or containing dregs

■ dreggy (ˈdrɛɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   like or full of dregs

Dreibund German (ˈdraibʊnt)   n   a triple alliance, esp that formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (1882–1915) [from drei THREE + Bund union, alliance]

dreich, dreigh or driegh (driːx)   adj   Scot dialect dreary [Middle English dreig, drih enduring, from Old English drēog (unattested); see DREE]

dreidel (ˈdreIdəl)   n   a four sided spinning top, played with chiefly by children during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah

dreikanter (ˈdraIkæntə)   n   a pebble, common in desert areas, typically having three curved faces shaped by wind-blown sand [C20: from German: three-edged thing]

Dreiser (ˈdraIsə, -zə)   n   Theodore (Herman Albert). 1871–1945, US novelist; his works include Sister Carrie (1900) and An American Tragedy (1925)

drench (drɛntʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to make completely wet; soak   2 to give liquid medicine to (an animal), esp by force   ▷ n   3 the act or an instance of drenching   4 a dose of liquid medicine given to an animal [Old English drencan to cause to drink; related to Old High German trenken]   > ˈdrencher n   > ˈdrenching n, adj

drenched   adj     a completely wet; soaked   b (in combination): rain-drenched

Drenthe (Dutch ˈdrɛntə)   n   a province of the NE Netherlands: a low plateau, with many raised bogs, partially reclaimed; agricultural, with oil deposits. Capital: Assen. Pop: 481 000 (2003 est). Area: 2647 sq km (1032 sq miles)

drepanid (ˈdrɛpənId)   n   any moth of the superfamily Drepanoidae (family Drepanidae): it comprises the hook-tip moths

drepanium (drIˈpeInIəm)   n   botany a type of flower cluster shaped like a sickle

drerihead (ˈdrIərIˌhɛd)   n obsolete   another word for drearihood

Dresden (ˈdrɛzdən)   n   1 an industrial city in SE Germany, the capital of Saxony on the River Elbe: it was severely damaged in the Seven Years' War (1760); the baroque city was almost totally destroyed in World War II by Allied bombing (1945). Pop: 483 632 (2003 est)   ▷ adj   2 relating to, designating, or made of Dresden china

■ Dresden china   n   porcelain ware, esp delicate and elegantly decorative objects and figures of high quality, made at Meissen, near Dresden, since 1710

dress (drɛs)   vb   1 to put clothes on (oneself or another); attire   2 (intr)   a to change one's clothes   b to wear formal or evening clothes   3 (tr) to provide (someone) with clothing; clothe   4 (tr) to arrange merchandise in (a shop window) for effective display   5 (tr) to comb out or arrange (the hair) into position   6 (tr) to apply protective or therapeutic covering to (a wound, sore, etc)   7 (tr) to prepare (food, esp fowl and fish) for cooking or serving by cleaning, trimming, gutting, etc   8 (tr) to put a finish on (the surface of stone, metal, etc)   9 (tr) to till and cultivate (land), esp by applying manure, compost, or fertilizer   10 (tr) to prune and trim (trees, bushes, etc)   11 (tr) to groom (an animal, esp a horse)   12 (tr) to convert (tanned hides) into leather   13 (tr) archaic to spay or neuter (an animal)   14 angling to tie (a fly)   15 military to bring (troops) into line or (of troops) to come into line (esp in the phrase dress ranks)   16 dress ship nautical to decorate a vessel by displaying all signal flags on lines run from the bow to the stern over the mast trucks   ▷ n   17 a one-piece garment for a woman, consisting of a skirt and bodice   18 complete style of clothing; costume: formal dress; military dress   19 (modifier) suitable or required for a formal occasion: a dress shirt   20 the outer covering or appearance, esp of living things: trees in their spring dress of leaves [C14: from Old French drecier, ultimately from Latin dīrigere to DIRECT]

■ dress circle   n   a tier of seats in a theatre or other auditorium, usually the first gallery above the ground floor

■ dress coat   n   a man's formal tailcoat with a cutaway skirt

■ dress code   n   a set of rules or guidelines regarding the manner of dress acceptable in an office, restaurant, etc

■ dress down   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) informal to reprimand severely or scold (a person)   2 (intr) to dress in a casual or informal manner, esp at work

■ dress-down Friday   n   a policy adopted by some business organizations of promoting a relaxed atmosphere by allowing employees to wear informal clothing on a Friday

■ dressed (drɛst)   adj   1 having clothes on   2 wearing clothes of a particular colour or style: a woman dressed in black. See also well-dressed   3 tossed in oil and vinegar, or some other dressing   4 dressed to kill informal wearing very smart or fashionable clothes in order to be noticed and admired

■ dresser^1 (ˈdrɛsə)   n   1 a set of shelves, usually also with cupboards or drawers, for storing or displaying dishes, etc   2 US a chest of drawers for storing clothing in a bedroom or dressing room, often having a mirror on the top [C14 dressour, from Old French dreceore, from drecier to arrange; see DRESS]

■ dresser^2 (ˈdrɛsə)   n   1 a person who dresses in a specified way: a fashionable dresser   2 theatre a person employed to assist actors in putting on and taking off their costumes   3 a tool used for dressing stone or other materials   4 Brit a person who assists a surgeon during operations   5 Brit See window-dresser

■ dress form   n   an adjustable dummy used in dressmaking that can be made to conform to a person's figure

■ dressguard (ˈdrɛsˌɡɑːd)   n   an attachment for a wheel or cycle that prevents damage or the dirtying of clothes

■ dressing (ˈdrɛsIŋ)   n   1 a sauce for food, esp for salad   2 US and Canadian a mixture of chopped and seasoned ingredients with which poultry, meat, etc, is stuffed before cooking. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): stuffing   3 a covering for a wound, sore, etc   4 manure or artificial fertilizer spread on land   5 size used for stiffening textiles   6 the processes in the conversion of certain rough tanned hides into leather ready for use

■ dressing case   n   (esp formerly) a box or case fitted with all the articles necessary for dressing oneself, arranging one's hair, etc

■ dressing-down   n   informal a severe scolding or thrashing

■ dressing gown   n   a full robe worn before dressing or for lounging

■ dressing room   n   1 theatre a room backstage for an actor to change clothing and to make up   2 any room used for changing clothes, such as one at a sports ground or off a bedroom   3 (in sport, esp soccer) a sense of camaraderie or team spirit

■ dressings (ˈdrɛsIŋz)   pl n   dressed stonework, mouldings, and carved ornaments used to form quoins, keystones, sills, and similar features

■ dressing station   n   military a first-aid post close to a combat area

■ dressing table   n   a piece of bedroom furniture with a mirror and a set of drawers for clothes, cosmetics, etc

■ dressing-up   n   1 a children's play activity, consisting of putting on different outfits or costumes   2 the wearing of disguise, or of special clothes

■ dressmake (ˈdrɛsˌmeIk)   vb (intr)   to make dresses

■ dressmaker (ˈdrɛsˌmeIkə)   n   a person whose occupation is making clothes, esp for women   > ˈdressˌmaking n

■ dress parade   n   military a formal parade of sufficient ceremonial importance for the wearing of dress uniform

■ dress rehearsal   n   1 the last complete rehearsal of a play or other work, using costumes, scenery, lighting, etc, as for the first night   2 any full-scale practice

■ dress shield   n   a fabric pad worn under the armpits or attached to the armhole of a garment to prevent sweat from showing on or staining the clothing

■ dress shirt   n   a shirt, usually white, worn as part of formal evening dress, usually having a stiffened or decorative front

■ dress suit   n   an ensemble of matching formal evening wear

■ dress uniform   n   military formal ceremonial uniform

■ dress up   vb (adverb)   1 to attire (oneself or another) in one's best clothes   2 to put fancy dress, disguise, etc, on (oneself or another), as in children's games: let's dress up as ghosts!   3 (tr) to improve the appearance or impression of: it's no good trying to dress up the facts

■ dressy (ˈdrɛsI)   adj dressier, dressiest   1 (of clothes) elegant   2 (of persons) dressing stylishly   3 over-elegant   > ˈdressily adv   > ˈdressiness n

■ dressy casual   adj   (of clothes) informal, yet expensive, smart, or stylish

dressage (ˈdrɛsɑːʒ)   n   1 the method of training a horse to perform manoeuvres in response to the rider's body signals   2 the manoeuvres performed by a horse trained in this method [French: preparation, from Old French dresser to prepare; see DRESS]

drevill (ˈdrɛvIl)   n   archaic an offensive person

drew (druː)   vb   the past tense of draw

drey or dray (dreI)   n   a squirrel's nest [C17: of unknown origin]

Dreyfus (ˈdreIfəs; French drɛfys)   n   Alfred (alfrɛd). 1859–1935, French army officer, a Jew whose false imprisonment for treason (1894) raised issues of anti-semitism and militarism that dominated French politics until his release (1906)

drib (drIb)   vb   1 obsolete to flow or let flow in small drops or amounts   ▷ n   2 Scot a small drop or insignificant amount; driblet

■ dribber (ˈdrIbə)   n   obsolete a person who shoots arrows weakly

■ driblet or dribblet (ˈdrIblIt)   n   a small quantity or amount, as of liquid [C17: from obsolete drib to fall bit by bit + -LET]

■ dribs and drabs (drIbz)   pl n   small sporadic amounts

dribble (ˈdrIbəl)   vb   1 (usually intr) to flow or allow to flow in a thin stream or drops; trickle   2 (intr) to allow saliva to trickle from the mouth   3 (in soccer, basketball, hockey, etc) to propel (the ball) by repeatedly tapping it with the hand, foot, or stick   ▷ n   4 a small quantity of liquid falling in drops or flowing in a thin stream   5 a small quantity or supply   6 an act or instance of dribbling [C16: frequentative of drib, variant of DRIP]   > ˈdribbler n   > ˈdribbly adj

■ dribbling (ˈdrIblIŋ)   n   sport   a the act of propelling the ball with repeated kicks, taps, etc   b (as modifier): dribbling practice

drice (draIs)   n   frozen carbon dioxide [from DRY ICE]

dried (draId)   vb   the past tense and past participle of dry

■ dried-up   adj   1 informal old and dull   2 suffering from lack of water: dried-up grass   3 empty of water: a dried-up river bed

driegh (driːx)   adj   another spelling of dreich

drier^1 (ˈdraIə)   adj   a comparative of dry

drier^2 (ˈdraIə)   n   a variant spelling of dryer

Driesch (German driːʃ)   n   Hans Adolf Eduard (hans ˈaːdɔlf ˈɛdʊɑːd). 1867–1941, German zoologist and embryologist

driest (ˈdraIIst)   adj   a superlative of dry

drift (drIft)   vb (mainly intr)   1 (also tr) to be carried along by or as if by currents of air or water or (of a current) to carry (a vessel, etc) along   2 to move aimlessly from place to place or from one activity to another   3 to wander or move gradually away from a fixed course or point; stray   4 (also tr) (of snow, sand, etc) to accumulate in heaps or banks or to drive (snow, sand, etc) into heaps or banks   ▷ n   5 something piled up by the wind or current, such as a snowdrift   6 tendency, trend, meaning, or purport: the drift of the argument   7 a state of indecision or inaction   8 the extent to which a vessel, aircraft, projectile, etc is driven off its course by adverse winds, tide, or current   9 a general tendency of surface ocean water to flow in the direction of the prevailing winds: North Atlantic Drift   10 a driving movement, force, or influence; impulse   11 a controlled four-wheel skid, used by racing drivers to take bends at high speed   12 a loose unstratified deposit of sand, gravel, etc, esp one transported and deposited by a glacier or ice sheet   13 a horizontal passage in a mine that follows the mineral vein   14 something, esp a group of animals, driven along by human or natural agencies: a drift of cattle   15 Also called: driftpin a tapering steel tool driven into holes to enlarge or align them before bolting or riveting   16 an uncontrolled slow change in some operating characteristic of a piece of equipment, esp an electronic circuit or component   17 linguistics gradual change in a language, esp in so far as this is influenced by the internal structure of the language rather than by contact with other languages   18 South African a ford   19 engineering a copper or brass bar used as a punch [C13: from Old Norse: snowdrift; related to Old High German trift pasturage]   > ˈdrifty adj

■ driftage (ˈdrIftIdʒ)   n   1 the act of drifting   2 matter carried along or deposited by drifting   3 the amount by which an aircraft or vessel has drifted from its intended course

■ drift anchor   n   another term for sea anchor

■ drifted (ˈdrIftId)   adj   accumulated

■ drifter (ˈdrIftə)   n   1 a person or thing that drifts   2 a person who moves aimlessly from place to place, usually without a regular job   3 a boat used for drift-net fishing   4 nautical a large jib of thin material used in light breezes

■ drift ice   n   masses of ice floating in the open sea

■ drifting (ˈdrIftIŋ)   n   accumulation (of snow)

■ driftingly (ˈdrIftIŋlI)   adv   in a drifting manner

■ driftless (ˈdrIftlIs)   adj   1 archaic having no drift or purpose   2 geography lacking or free of (glacial) drift

■ drift net   n   a large fishing net supported by floats or attached to a drifter that is allowed to drift with the tide or current

■ driftpin (ˈdrIftˌpIn)   n   another name for a drift (sense 15)

■ drift transistor   n   a transistor in which the impurity concentration in the base increases from the collector-base junction to the emitter-base junction, producing a resistivity gradient that greatly increases its high-frequency response

■ drift tube   n   physics a hollow cylindrical electrode to which a radio-frequency voltage is applied in a linear accelerator

■ driftwood (ˈdrIftˌwʊd)   n   wood floating on or washed ashore by the sea or other body of water

drill^1 (drIl)   n   1 a rotating tool that is inserted into a drilling machine or tool for boring cylindrical holes   2 a hand tool, either manually or electrically operated, for drilling holes   3 military   a training in procedures or movements, as for ceremonial parades or the use of weapons   b (as modifier): drill hall   4 strict and often repetitious training or exercises used as a method of teaching   5 informal correct procedure or routine   6 a marine gastropod mollusc, Urosalpinx cinera, closely related to the whelk, that preys on oysters   ▷ vb   7 to pierce, bore, or cut (a hole) in (material) with or as if with a drill: to drill a hole; to drill metal   8 to instruct or be instructed in military procedures or movements   9 (tr) to teach by rigorous exercises or training   10 (tr) informal to hit (a ball) in a straight line at great speed   11 (tr) informal to riddle with bullets [C17: from Middle Dutch drillen; related to Old High German drāen to turn]   > ˈdrillable adj   > ˈdriller n

■ drillability (ˌdrIləˈbIlItI)   n   the capacity to be drilled

■ drill down   vb   (intr, adverb) to look at or examine something in depth: to drill down through financial data

■ drillhole (ˈdrIlˌhəʊl)   n   a hole drilled in the ground, usually for exploratory purposes

■ drilling mud   n   a mixture of clays, water, and chemicals pumped down the drill string while an oil well is being drilled to lubricate the mechanism, carry away rock cuttings, and maintain pressure so that oil or gas does not escape

■ drilling platform   n   a structure, either fixed to the sea bed or mobile, which supports the machinery and equipment (the drilling rig), together with the stores, required for digging an offshore oil well

■ drilling rig   n   1 the full name for rig^1 (sense 6)   2 a mobile drilling platform used for exploratory offshore drilling

■ drillmaster (ˈdrIlˌmɑːstə)   n   1 Also called: drill sergeant obsolete a military drill instructor   2 a person who instructs in a strict manner

■ drill press   n   a machine tool for boring holes, having a stand and work table with facilities for lowering the tool to the workpiece

■ drillship (ˈdrIlˌʃIp) or drilling ship   n   a ship provided with drilling equipment and used esp for carrying out test drills

■ drillstock (ˈdrIlˌstɒk)   n   the part of a machine tool that holds the shank of a drill or bit; chuck

■ drill string or drill pipe   n   (in the oil industry) a pipe made of lengths of steel tubing that is attached to the drilling tool and rotates during drilling to form a bore

drill^2 (drIl)   n   1 a machine for planting seeds in rows or depositing fertilizer   2 a small furrow in which seeds are sown   3 a row of seeds planted using a drill   ▷ vb   4 to plant (seeds) by means of a drill [C18: of uncertain origin; compare German Rille furrow]   > ˈdriller n

drill^3 (drIl) or drilling   n   a hard-wearing twill-weave cotton cloth, used for uniforms, etc [C18: variant of German Drillich, from Latin trilīx, from TRI- + līcium thread]

drill^4 (drIl)   n   an Old World monkey, Mandrillus leucophaeus, of W Africa, related to the mandrill but smaller and less brightly coloured [C17: from a West African word; compare MANDRILL]

drily or dryly (ˈdraIlI)   adv   in a dry manner

Drin (drIn)   n   a river in S Europe, rising in SW Macedonia and flowing north and west, through Albania, into the Adriatic Sea. Length: about 270 km (170 miles)

drink (drIŋk)   vb drinks, drinking, drank (dræŋk), drunk (drʌŋk)   1 to swallow (a liquid); imbibe   2 (tr) to take in or soak up (liquid); absorb: this plant drinks a lot of water   3 (tr; usually foll by in) to pay close attention (to); be fascinated (by): he drank in the speaker's every word   4 (tr) to bring (oneself) into a certain condition by consuming alcohol   5 (tr; often foll by away) to dispose of or ruin by excessive expenditure on alcohol: he drank away his fortune   6 (intr) to consume alcohol, esp to excess   7 (when intr, foll by to) to drink (a toast) in celebration, honour, or hope (of)   8 drink someone under the table to be able to drink more intoxicating beverage than someone   9 drink the health of to salute or celebrate with a toast   10 drink with the flies Austral informal to drink alone   ▷ n   11 liquid suitable for drinking; any beverage   12 alcohol or its habitual or excessive consumption   13 a portion of liquid for drinking; draught   14 the drink informal the sea [Old English drincan; related to Old Frisian drinka, Gothic drigkan, Old High German trinkan]   > ˈdrinkable adj

■ drinkability (ˌdrIŋkəˈbIlItI) or drinkableness (ˈdrIŋkəbəlnəs)   n   (of a drink) the quality of being drinkable or the capacity to be drunk

■ drinkably (ˈdrIŋkIblI)   adv   from the point of view of how drinkable something is

■ drink-drive   adj   Brit of or relating to driving while legally classified as under the influence of alcohol because of one's blood alcohol level: drink-drive offences

■ drink-driver   n   a person who drives while under the influence of alcohol

■ drink-driving   n     a driving a car after drinking alcohol   b (as modifier): drink-driving offences

■ drinker (ˈdrIŋkə)   n   1 a person who drinks, esp a person who drinks alcohol habitually   2 short for drinker moth

■ drinking (ˈdrIŋkIŋ)   n     a the act of consuming alcoholic beverages   b (as modifier): the country's drinking laws

■ drinking fountain   n   a device for providing a flow or jet of drinking water, usually in public places

■ drinking-up time   n   (in Britain) a short time allowed for finishing drinks before closing time in a public house

■ drinking water   n   water reserved or suitable for drinking

■ drinks (drIŋks)   pl n   (modifier) of or relating to alcoholic beverages: a drinks party

drinker moth   n   a large yellowish-brown bombycid eggar moth, Philudoria potatoria, having a stout hairy body, the larvae of which drink dew and feed on grasses. Also called: drinker

Drinkwater (ˈdrIŋkˌwɔːtə)   n   John. 1882–1937, English dramatist, poet, and critic; author of chronicle plays such as Abraham Lincoln (1918) and Mary Stuart (1921)

drip (drIp)   vb drips, dripping, dripped   1 to fall or let fall in drops   ▷ n   2 the formation and falling of drops of liquid   3 the sound made by falling drops   4 architect a projection at the front lower edge of a sill or cornice designed to throw water clear of the wall below   5 informal an inane, insipid person   6 med   a the usually intravenous drop-by-drop administration of a therapeutic solution, as of salt or sugar   b the solution administered   c the equipment used to administer a solution in this way [Old English dryppan, from dropa DROP]

■ drip-dry   adj   1 designating clothing or a fabric that will dry relatively free of creases if hung up when wet   ▷ vb -dries, -drying, -dried   2 to dry or become dry thus

■ drip-feed   n   1 another name for drip (sense 6)   ▷ vb drip feed (tr)   2 to administer a solution to (someone) by means of a drip-feed   3 to supply (information) constantly but in small amounts   4 informal to fund (a new company) in stages rather than by injecting a large sum at its inception   ▷ n   5 a constant supply of small amounts of information

■ dripless (ˈdrIplIs)   adj   having or producing no drips

■ dripper (ˈdrIpə)   n   something that drips

■ drippily (ˈdrIpIlI)   adv   in a drippy manner

■ dripping (ˈdrIpIŋ)   n   1 the fat exuded by roasting meat   2 (often plural) liquid that falls in drops   ▷ adv   3 (intensifier): dripping wet

■ dripping pan or drip pan   n   a shallow pan placed under roasting meat to catch the dripping

■ drippy (ˈdrIpI)   adj -pier, -piest   1 informal mawkish, insipid, or inane   2 tending to drip

■ dripstone (ˈdrIpˌstəʊn)   n   1 the form of calcium carbonate existing in stalactites or stalagmites   2 Also called: label, hood mould architect a drip made of stone

drisheen (drIˈʃiːn)   n   Irish a pudding made of sheep's intestines filled with meal and sheep's blood [C20: from Irish Gaelic drisín an animal's intestines]

drive (draIv)   vb drives, driving, drove (drəʊv), driven (ˈdrIvən)   1 to push, propel, or be pushed or propelled   2 to control and guide the movement of (a vehicle, draught animal, etc): to drive a car   3 (tr) to compel or urge to work or act, esp excessively   4 (tr) to goad or force into a specified attitude or state: work drove him to despair   5 (tr) to cause (an object) to make or form (a hole, crack, etc): his blow drove a hole in the wall   6 to move or cause to move rapidly by striking or throwing with force   7 sport to hit (a ball) very hard and straight, as (in cricket) with the bat swinging more or less vertically   8 golf to strike (the ball) with a driver, as in teeing off   9 (tr)   a to chase (game) from cover into more open ground   b to search (an area) for game   10 to transport or be transported in a driven vehicle   11 (intr) to rush or dash violently, esp against an obstacle or solid object: the waves drove against the rock   12 (tr) to carry through or transact with vigour (esp in the phrase drive a hard bargain)   13 (tr) to force (a component) into or out of its location by means of blows or a press   14 (tr) mining to excavate horizontally   15 (tr) NZ to fell (a tree or trees) by the impact of another felled tree   16 drive home   a to cause to penetrate to the fullest extent   b to make clear by special emphasis   ▷ n   17 the act of driving   18 a trip or journey in a driven vehicle   19    a a road for vehicles, esp a private road leading to a house   b (capital when part of a street name): Woodland Drive   20 vigorous or urgent pressure, as in business   21 a united effort, esp directed towards a common goal: a charity drive   22 Brit a large gathering of persons to play cards, etc. See beetle drive, whist drive   23 energy, ambition, or initiative   24 psychol a motive or interest, such as sex, hunger, or ambition, that actuates an organism to attain a goal   25 a sustained and powerful military offensive   26    a the means by which force, torque, motion, or power is transmitted in a mechanism: fluid drive   b (as modifier): a drive shaft   27 sport a hard straight shot or stroke   28 a search for and chasing of game towards waiting guns   29 electronics the signal applied to the input of an amplifier [Old English drīfan; related to Old Frisian drīva, Old Norse drīfa, Gothic dreiban, Old High German trīban]   > ˈdrivable or ˈdriveable adj   > ˌdrivaˈbility or ˌdriveaˈbility n

■ drive at   vb   (intr, preposition) informal to intend or mean: what are you driving at?

■ drive-by download   n   an incidence of an unwanted program being automatically downloaded to a computer, often without the user's knowledge

■ drive-by shooting or drive-by   n   an incident in which a person, building, or vehicle is shot at by someone in a moving vehicle

■ drive-in   adj   1 denoting a public facility or service designed to be used by patrons seated in their cars: a drive-in bank   ▷ n   2 chiefly US and Canadian a cinema designed to be used in such a manner

■ driveline (ˈdraIvlaIn)   n   another word for drivetrain

■ driven (ˈdrIvən)   vb   1 the past participle of drive   ▷ adj   2 determined and energetic

■ drivenness (ˈdrIvənnəs)   n   the quality of being driven

■ drive-off   n   informal   a the act or an instance of leaving a filling station without paying for one's fuel   b (as modifier): a drive-off theft

■ driver (ˈdraIvə)   n   1 a person who drives a vehicle   2 in the driver's seat in a position of control   3 a person who drives animals   4 a mechanical component that exerts a force on another to produce motion   5 golf a club, a No. 1 wood, with a large head and deep face for tee shots   6 electronics a circuit whose output provides the input of another circuit   7 computing a computer program that controls a device   8 something that creates and fuels activity, or gives force or impetus   > ˈdriverless adj

■ driver ant   n   any of various tropical African predatory ants of the subfamily Dorylinae, which live in temporary nests and travel in vast hordes preying on other animals. See also army ant

■ drive shaft or driveshaft (ˈdraIvˌʃɑːft)   n   another name for propeller shaft

■ drive-through or drive-thru   n   1 a takeaway restaurant, shop, etc designed so that customers can use it without leaving their cars   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a drive-through establishment: a drive-through burger bar

■ drive-time   n     a the time of day when many people are driving to or from work, regarded as a broadcasting slot   b (as modifier): the daily drive-time show

■ drivetrain (ˈdraIvˌtreIn)   n   the parts of a vehicle that are concerned with generating power and transmitting it to the wheels

■ driveway (ˈdraIvˌweI)   n   a private road for vehicles, often connecting a house or garage with a public road; drive

■ driving (ˈdraIvIŋ)   adj   1 having or moving with force and violence: driving rain   2 forceful or energetic   3 relating to the controlling of a motor vehicle in motion: driving test

■ driving chain   n   engineering a roller chain that transmits power from one toothed wheel to another. Also called: drive chain

■ driving force   n   the main factor that causes something to happen

■ driving licence   n   an official document or certificate authorizing a person to drive a motor vehicle

■ drivingly (ˈdraIvIŋlI)   adv   in a driving manner

■ driving wheel   n   1 a wheel, esp a gear wheel, that causes other wheels to rotate   2 any wheel of a vehicle that transforms torque into a tractive force

drivel (ˈdrIvəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   1 to allow (saliva) to flow from the mouth; dribble   2 (intr) to speak foolishly or childishly   ▷ n   3 foolish or senseless talk   4 saliva flowing from the mouth; slaver [Old English dreflian to slaver; see DRAFF]   > ˈdriveller or US ˈdriveler n

drizzle (ˈdrIzəl)   n   1 very light rain, specifically consisting of droplets less than 0.5 mm in diameter   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to rain lightly   3 (tr) to moisten with tiny droplets [Old English drēosan to fall; related to Old Saxon driosan, Gothic driusan, Norwegian drjōsa]   > ˈdrizzly adj

■ drizzle cake   n   a sponge cake that has syrup drizzled over it immediately after baking

■ drizzlingly (ˈdrIzəlIŋlI)   adv   in a drizzly manner

DRM   abbreviation for   digital rights management: technology used to prevent the illegal copying of software, films, music, etc

Drnovsek (dɜːˈnɒvʃɛk)   n   Janez. 1950–2008, Slovenian politician, president of Slovenia (2002–07)

Drobny (ˈdrɒbnI; Czech ˈdrɔbniː)   n   Jaroslav (ˈjærəʊˌslɑːv; Czech ˈjarɔslaf). 1921–2001, British tennis and ice-hockey player, born in Czechoslovakia: Wimbledon champion 1954: a member of the Czech ice-hockey team in the 1948 Olympic Games

droger (ˈdrəʊɡə)   n   a long-masted boat used in the West Indies

Drogheda (ˈdrɔIIdə)   n   a port in NE Republic of Ireland, in Co Louth near the mouth of the River Boyne: captured by Cromwell in 1649 and its inhabitants massacred. Pop: 31 020 (2002)

drogue (drəʊɡ)   n   1 any funnel-like device, esp one of canvas, used as a sea anchor   2    a a small parachute released behind a jet aircraft to reduce its landing speed   b a small parachute released before a heavier main parachute during the landing of a spacecraft   3 a device towed behind an aircraft as a target for firing practice   4 a funnel-shaped device on the end of the refuelling hose of a tanker aircraft, to assist stability and the location of the probe of the receiving aircraft   5 another name for windsock [C18: probably based ultimately on Old English dragan to DRAW]

droguet (drɒˈɡeI)   n   a woollen fabric

droich (drəʊx)   n   Scot obsolete a dwarf

■ droichy (ˈdrəʊxI)   adj -chier, -chiest   Scot obsolete having the qualities of a dwarf; dwarfish

droid (drɔId)   n   (in science fiction) a robot resembling a human being [C20: shortened from ANDROID]

droil (drɔIl)   vb (intr)   1 to carry out menial, toilsome work   ▷ n   2 obsolete a person who carries out menial and toilsome work

droit (drɔIt; French drwa)   n, pl droits (drɔIts; French drwa)   a legal or moral right or claim; due [C15: from French: legal right, from Medieval Latin dīrēctum law, from Latin: a straight line; see DIRECT]

■ droit de suite (French drwad sɥit)   n   a right recognized by the legislation of several member countries of the European Union whereby an artist, or his or her heirs, is entitled to a share of the price of a work of art if it is resold during the artist's lifetime or for 70 years after his or her death [from French, literally: the right of following]

■ droit du seigneur (French drwa dy sɛɲœr)   n   in feudal times, the right of a lord to have sexual intercourse with a vassal's bride on her wedding night [from French, literally: the right of the lord]

drole (drəʊl)   adj   1 another word for droll   ▷ n   2 a scoundrel

droll (drəʊl)   adj   amusing in a quaint or odd manner; comical [C17: from French drôle scamp, from Middle Dutch: imp]   > ˈdrollness n   > ˈdrolly adv

■ drollery (ˈdrəʊlərI)   n, pl -eries   1 humour; comedy   2 rare a droll act, story, or remark

■ drollish (ˈdrəʊlIʃ)   adj   somewhat droll

Drôme (French drom)   n   a department of SE France, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Valence. Pop: 452 652 (2003 est. Area: 6561 sq km (2559 sq miles)

-drome   n combining form   1 a course; racecourse: hippodrome   2 a large place for a special purpose: aerodrome [via Latin from Greek dromos race, course]

dromedary (ˈdrʌmədərI, -drI, ˈdrɒm-)   n, pl -daries   1 a type of Arabian camel bred for racing and riding, having a single hump and long slender legs   2 another name for Arabian camel [C14: from Late Latin dromedārius (camēlus), from Greek dromas running]

dromic (ˈdrəʊmIk)   adj   architect of, relating to, or resembling a racetrack

dromond (ˈdrɒmənd, ˈdrʌm-) or dromon (ˈdrɒmən, ˈdrʌm-)   n   a large swift sailing vessel of the 12th to 15th centuries [C13: from Anglo-French dromund, ultimately from Late Greek dromōn light swift ship, from dromos a running]

dromophobia (ˌdrəʊməˈfəʊbIə)   n   an irrational fear of crossing roads

dromos (ˈdrɒmɒs)   n   architect an entrance or passageway to a building or temple

-dromous   adj combining form   moving or running: anadromous; catadromous [via New Latin from Greek -dromos, from dromos a running]

drone^1 (drəʊn)   n   1 a male bee in a colony of social bees, whose sole function is to mate with the queen   2 Brit a person who lives off the work of others   3 a pilotless radio-controlled aircraft [Old English drān; related to Old High German treno drone, Gothic drunjus noise, Greek tenthrēnē wasp; see DRONE^2]   > ˈdronish adj

■ drone aircraft   n   a pilotless radio-controlled aircraft used for reconnaissance or bombing

drone^2 (drəʊn)   vb   1 (intr) to make a monotonous low dull sound; buzz or hum   2 (when intr, often foll by on) to utter (words) in a monotonous tone, esp to talk without stopping   ▷ n   3 a monotonous low dull sound   4 music   a a sustained bass note or chord of unvarying pitch accompanying a melody   b (as modifier): a drone bass   5 music one of the single-reed pipes in a set of bagpipes, used for accompanying the melody played on the chanter   6 a person who speaks in a low monotonous tone [C16: related to DRONE^1 and Middle Dutch drōnen, German dröhnen]   > ˈdroning adj   > ˈdroningly adv

■ droner (ˈdrəʊnə)   n   a person who drones

■ dronishly (ˈdrəʊnIʃlI)   adv   in a droning manner

■ dronishness (ˈdrəʊnIʃnəs)   n   the quality or capacity to drone

■ drony (ˈdrəʊnI)   adj -nier, -niest   resembling or characterized by a drone

drongo (ˈdrɒŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   1 Also called: drongo shrike any insectivorous songbird of the family Dicruridae, of the Old World tropics, having a glossy black plumage, a forked tail, and a stout bill   2 Austral and NZ slang a foolish person   3 Austral informal a new recruit in the Royal Australian Air Force [C19: from Malagasy]

dronklap (ˈdrɒŋkˌlæp)   n   South African a drunkard

dronkverdriet (ˌdrɒŋkfəˈdriːt)   adj   South African drunk and maudlin [Afrikaans, literally: drunk and remorseful]

droob (druːb)   n   Austral archaic, slang a pathetic person [C20: of unknown origin]

droog (druːɡ)   n   a member of a gang of thugs [coined by Anthony Burgess in A Clockwork Orange (1962); from Russian drug friend]

drook (drʊk)   vb   (tr) Scot a variant spelling of drouk

■ drookit (ˈdrʊkIt)   adj   Scot a variant spelling of droukit

drool (druːl)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by over) to show excessive enthusiasm (for) or pleasure (in); gloat (over)   ▷ vb, n   2 another word for drivel (sense 1), drivel (sense 2), drivel (sense 4) [C19: probably alteration of DRIVEL]

■ drooly (ˈdruːlI)   adj -lier, -liest   tending to drool

droolworthy (ˈdruːlˌwɜːðI)   adj   informal inspiring or likely to inspire excessive enthusiasm or pleasure; extremely attractive or desirable

droop (druːp)   vb   1 to sag or allow to sag, as from weakness or exhaustion; hang down; sink   2 (intr) to be overcome by weariness; languish; flag   3 (intr) to lose courage; become dejected   ▷ n   4 the act or state of drooping [C13: from Old Norse drūpa; see DROP]   > ˈdrooping adj   > ˈdroopingly adv

■ droopy (ˈdruːpI)   adj   hanging or sagging downwards: a droopy moustache   > ˈdroopily adv   > ˈdroopiness n

drop (drɒp)   n   1 a small quantity of liquid that forms or falls in a spherical or pear-shaped mass; globule   2 a very small quantity of liquid   3 a very small quantity of anything   4 something resembling a drop in shape or size, such as a decorative pendant or small sweet   5 the act or an instance of falling; descent   6 a decrease in amount or value; slump: a drop in prices   7 the vertical distance that anything may fall   8 a steep or sheer incline or slope   9 short for fruit drop   10 the act of unloading troops, equipment, or supplies by parachute   11 (in cable television) a short spur from a trunk cable that feeds signals to an individual house   12 theatre See drop curtain   13 another word for trapdoor, gallows   14 chiefly US and Canadian a slot or aperture through which an object can be dropped to fall into a receptacle   15 nautical the midships height of a sail bent to a fixed yard. Compare hoist (sense 6a)   16 Austral cricket slang a fall of the wicket: he came in at first drop   17 See drop shot   18 a drop in the bucket or a drop in the ocean an amount very small in relation to what is needed or desired   19 at the drop of a hat without hesitation or delay   20 have had a drop too much to be drunk   21 have the drop on someone US and NZ to have the advantage over someone   ▷ vb drops, dropping, dropped   22 (of liquids) to fall or allow to fall in globules   23 to fall or allow to fall vertically   24 (tr) to allow to fall by letting go of   25 to sink or fall or cause to sink or fall to the ground, as from a blow, wound, shot, weariness, etc   26 (intr; foll by back, behind, etc) to fall, move, or go in a specified manner, direction, etc   27 (intr; foll by in, by, etc) informal to pay a casual visit (to)   28 to decrease or cause to decrease in amount or value: the cost of living never drops   29 to sink or cause to sink to a lower position, as on a scale   30 to make or become less in strength, volume, etc   31 (intr) to sink or decline in health or condition   32 (intr; sometimes foll by into) to pass easily into a state or condition: to drop into a habit   33 (intr) to move along gently as with a current of water or air   34 (tr) to allow to pass casually in conversation: to drop a hint   35 (tr) to leave out (a word or letter)   36 (tr) to set down or unload (passengers or goods)   37 (tr) to send or post: drop me a line/text/email   38 (tr) to discontinue; terminate: let's drop the matter   39 (tr) to cease to associate or have to do with   40 (tr) slang, chiefly US to cease to employ: I was dropped from my job   41 (tr; sometimes foll by in, off, etc) informal to leave or deposit, esp at a specified place   42 (of animals) to give birth to (offspring)   43 slang, chiefly US and Canadian to lose (money), esp when gambling   44 (tr) to lengthen (a hem, etc)   45 (tr) to unload (troops, equipment, or supplies) by parachute   46 (tr) nautical to leave behind; sail out of sight of   47 (tr) sport to omit (a player) from a team   48 (tr) to lose (a score, game, or contest): the champion dropped his first service game   49 (tr) sport to hit or throw (a ball) into a goal: she dropped a 30 foot putt   50 (tr) to hit (a ball) with a drop shot   51 drop astern nautical to fall back to the stern (of another vessel)   52 (tr) motor racing slang to spin (the car) and (usually) crash out of the race   53 (tr) slang to swallow (a drug, esp a barbiturate or LSD)   54 drop dead! slang an exclamation of contempt   ▷ n, vb   55 rugby short for drop kick or drop-kick [Old English dropian; related to Old High German triofan to DRIP]

■ drop-add US education   n     a the period at the beginning of a term when students can sign up for new courses and drop courses for which they were previously registered   b (as modifier): the drop-add period

■ drop away   vb   (intr, adverb) to fall or go away gradually

■ drop bear   n   Austral jocular a mythical creature said to live in the outback; it resembles an oversized koala with sharp teeth and drops from trees to devour unwary passers-by

■ drop cannon   n   billiards a shot in which the first object ball joins or gathers with the cue ball and the other object ball, esp at the top of the table

■ dropcloth (ˈdrɒpˌklɒθ)   n   1 US a large cloth or sheet used to protect furniture and carpets from splashes and dust during redecoration. Usual Brit name:: dustsheet   2 another name for drop curtain

■ drop curtain   n   theatre a curtain that is suspended from the flies and can be raised and lowered onto the stage. Also called: drop cloth, drop

■ drop-dead   adv   informal outstandingly or exceptionally: drop-dead gorgeous

■ drop-dead date   n   an absolute deadline that cannot be missed

■ drop-dead fee   n   a fee paid to an organization lending money to a company that is hoping to use it to finance a takeover bid. The fee is only paid if the bid fails and interest charges are only incurred if the money is needed

■ drop-down menu   n   a menu that appears on a computer screen when its title is selected and remains on display until dismissed

■ dropfly (ˈdrɒpˌflaI)   n   obsolete (in angling) an artificial fly usually used as an extra fly

■ drop forge   n   1 Also called: drop hammer a device for forging metal between two dies, one of which is fixed, the other acting by gravity or by steam or hydraulic pressure   ▷ vb drop-forge (tr)   2 to forge (metal) into (a component) by the use of a drop forge

■ drop goal   n   rugby a goal scored with a drop kick during the run of play

■ drop hammer   n   another name for drop forge

■ drophead coupé   n   Brit a two-door four-seater car with a folding roof and a sloping back

■ drop in   vb (intr, adverb)   surfing to intrude on a wave that another surfer is already riding

■ drop-in centre   n   social welfare (in Britain) a daycentre run by the social services or a charity that clients may attend on an informal basis

■ drop kick   n   1 a kick in certain sports such as rugby, in which the ball is dropped and kicked as it bounces from the ground. Compare punt^2, place kick   2 wrestling an attacking manoeuvre, illegal in amateur wrestling, in which a wrestler leaps in the air and kicks an opponent in the face or body with both feet   3 Austral slang a stupid or worthless person   ▷ vb drop-kick   4 to kick (a ball, etc) using a drop kick   5 to kick (an opponent in wrestling) by the use of a drop kick

■ dropkicker (ˈdrɒpˌkIkə)   n   sport a person who drop-kicks

■ drop leaf   n     a a hinged flap on a table that can be raised and supported by a bracket or additional pivoted leg to extend the surface   b (as modifier): a drop-leaf table

■ droplet (ˈdrɒplIt)   n   a tiny drop

■ droplight (ˈdrɒpˌlaIt)   n   an electric light that may be raised or lowered by means of a pulley or other mechanism

■ droplock (ˈdrɒpˌlɒk)   n   finance a variable-rate bank loan used on international markets that is automatically replaced by a fixed-rate long-term bond if the long-term interest rates fall to a specified level; it thus combines the advantages of a bank loan with those of a bond

■ drop off   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to grow smaller or less; decline   2 (tr) to allow to alight; set down   3 (intr) informal to fall asleep   ▷ n drop-off   4 a steep or vertical descent   5 a sharp decrease

■ dropout (ˈdrɒpˌaʊt)   n   1 a student who fails to complete a school or college course   2 a person who rejects conventional society   3 drop-out rugby a drop kick taken by the defending team to restart play, as after a touchdown   4 drop-out electronics a momentary loss of signal in a magnetic recording medium as a result of an imperfection in its magnetic coating   ▷ vb drop out (intr, adverb; often foll by of)   5 to abandon or withdraw from (a school, social group, job, etc)

■ droppable (ˈdrɒpəbəl)   adj   that may be dropped; capable of being dropped

■ dropped sole   n   vet science a condition in which the foot of a horse is convex instead of concave. Also called: convex sole

■ dropper (ˈdrɒpə)   n   1 a small tube having a rubber bulb at one end for drawing up and dispensing drops of liquid   2 a person or thing that drops   3 angling a short length of monofilament by which a fly is attached to the main trace or leader above the tail fly   4 Austral and NZ a batten attached to the top wire of a fence to keep the wires apart

■ dropperful (ˈdrɒpərfʊl)   n   the amount contained in a dropper

■ droppings (ˈdrɒpIŋz)   pl n   the dung of certain animals, such as rabbits, sheep, and birds

■ drops (drɒps)   pl n   any liquid medication applied by means of a dropper

■ drop scone   n   a flat spongy cake made by dropping a spoonful of batter on a griddle. Also called: girdlecake, griddlecake, Scotch pancake, (Scot) pancake

■ drop shipment   n   a consignment invoiced to a wholesaler or other middleman but sent directly to the retailer by a manufacturer

■ drop shot or dropshot (ˈdrɒpˌʃɒt)   n   1    a tennis a softly-played return that drops abruptly after clearing the net, intended to give an opponent no chance of reaching the ball and usually achieved by imparting backspin   b squash a similar shot that stops abruptly after hitting the front wall of the court   2 a type of shot made by permitting molten metal to percolate through a sieve and then dropping it into a tank of water

■ dropstone (ˈdrɒpˌstəʊn)   n   1 obsolete an old name for stalactites   2 geology an isolated rock fragment deposited in sedimentary rock through the water column

■ drop tank   n   an external aircraft tank, usually containing fuel, that can be detached and dropped in flight

■ dropwise (ˈdrɒpˌwaIz)   adv   in the form of a drop

■ dropwort (ˈdrɒpˌwɜːt)   n   1 a Eurasian rosaceous plant, Filipendula vulgaris, with finely divided leaves and clusters of white or reddish flowers. See also meadowsweet (sense 1)   2 water dropwort any of several umbelliferous marsh plants of the genus Oenanthe, with umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers

dropple (ˈdrɒpəl)   n archaic   1 a trickle   2 a small drop

dropsonde (ˈdrɒpsɒnd)   n   meteorol a radiosonde dropped by parachute [C20: DROP + (RADIO)SONDE]

dropsy (ˈdrɒpsI)   n   1 pathol a condition characterized by an accumulation of watery fluid in the tissues or in a body cavity   2 slang a tip or bribe [C13: shortened from ydropesie, from Latin hydrōpisis, from Greek hudrōps, from hudōr water]   > dropsical (ˈdrɒpsIkəl) or ˈdropsied adj   > ˈdropsically adv

drosera (ˈdrɒsərə)   n   botany an insectivorous plant of the genus Drosera. Also called: sundew

■ droseraceous (ˌdrɒsəˈreIʃəs)   adj   botany of or relating to the genus of plants Drosera

droshky (ˈdrɒʃkI) or drosky (ˈdrɒskI)   n, pl -kies   an open four-wheeled horse-drawn passenger carriage, formerly used in Russia [C19: from Russian drozhki, diminutive of drogi a wagon, from droga shaft]

drosometer (drɒˈsɒmItə)   n   an instrument that measures the amount of dew deposited [C19: from Greek drosos dew + -METER]

drosophila (drɒˈsɒfIlə)   n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)   any small dipterous fly of the genus Drosophila, esp D. melanogaster, a species widely used in laboratory genetics studies: family Drosophilidae. They feed on plant sap, decaying fruit, etc. Also called: fruit fly, vinegar fly [C19: New Latin, from Greek drosos dew, water + -phila; see -PHILE]

dross (drɒs)   n   1 the scum formed, usually by oxidation, on the surfaces of molten metals   2 worthless matter; waste [Old English drōs dregs; related to Old High German truosana]   > ˈdrossy adj   > ˈdrossiness n

drostdy (ˈdrɒsdeI)   n   South African history the office and residence of a landdrost

drought (draʊt)   n   1 a prolonged period of scanty rainfall   2 a prolonged shortage   3 an archaic or dialect word for thirst. Archaic and Scot form: drouth [Old English drūgoth; related to Dutch droogte; see DRY]   > ˈdroughty adj

■ droughtiness (ˈdraʊtInəs)   n   the condition or state of being dry or arid

drouk or drook (drʊk)   vb   (tr) Scot to drench; soak [C16: of uncertain origin; compare Old Norse drukna to be drowned]

■ droukit or drookit (ˈdrʊkIt)   adj   Scot drenched; soaked [from DROUK]

drouth (druːθ)   n Scot   1 drought   2 Scot thirst

■ drouthiness (ˈdrʊθInəs)   n   Scot the state or condition of being thirsty or dry

■ drouthy (ˈdrʊθI)   adj   Scot thirsty or dry

drove^1 (drəʊv)   vb   the past tense of drive

drove^2 (drəʊv)   n   1 a herd of livestock being driven together   2 (often plural) a moving crowd of people   3 a narrow irrigation channel   4 Also called: drove chisel a chisel with a broad edge used for dressing stone   ▷ vb   5    a (tr) to drive (a group of livestock), usually for a considerable distance   b (intr) to be employed as a drover   6 to work (a stone surface) with a drove [Old English drāf herd; related to Middle Low German drēfwech cattle pasture; see DRIVE, DRIFT]

■ drover (ˈdrəʊvə)   n   a person whose occupation is the driving of sheep or cattle, esp to and from market

drow (draʊ)   n Scot archaic   1 a gust of wind and rain; squall   2 a fainting-fit; attack of illness

drown (draʊn)   vb   1 to die or kill by immersion in liquid   2 (tr) to destroy or get rid of as if by submerging: he drowned his sorrows in drink   3 (tr) to drench thoroughly; inundate; flood   4 (tr; sometimes foll by out) to render (a sound) inaudible by making a loud noise [C13: probably from Old English druncnian; related to Old Norse drukna to be drowned]   > ˈdrowner n

■ drowning (ˈdraʊnIŋ)   adj   1 on the verge of being drowned   2 a drowning man will clutch at a straw when hope of success is fading, people will try anything, no matter how unlikely it is that it will provide a solution   ▷ n   3 an instance of someone's dying when submerged in water and therefore unable to breathe   4 an instance of someone being deliberately submerged in water until they die

drowse (draʊz)   vb   1 to be or cause to be sleepy, dull, or sluggish   ▷ n   2 the state of being drowsy [C16: probably from Old English drūsian to sink; related to drēosan to fall]

■ drowsihead or drowsihed (ˈdraʊzIˌhɛd)   n   archaic drowsiness

■ drowsy (ˈdraʊzI)   adj drowsier, drowsiest   1 heavy with sleepiness; sleepy   2 inducing sleep; soporific   3 sluggish or lethargic; dull   > ˈdrowsily adv   > ˈdrowsiness n

drub (drʌb)   vb drubs, drubbing, drubbed (tr)   1 to beat as with a stick; cudgel; club   2 to defeat utterly, as in a contest   3 to drum or stamp (the feet)   4 to instil with force or repetition: the master drubbed Latin into the boys   ▷ n   5 a blow, as from a stick [C17: probably from Arabic dáraba to beat]

■ drubber (ˈdrʌbə)   n   a person who drubs or thrashes

■ drubbing (ˈdrʌbIŋ)   n   1 a beating, as with a stick, cudgel, etc   2 a comprehensive or heavy defeat, esp in a sporting competition

drucken (ˈdrʌkən)   adj   obsolete drunken

■ druckenness (ˈdrʌkənnIs)   n   obsolete the state of being drunk

drudge (drʌdʒ)   n   1 a person, such as a servant, who works hard at wearisome menial tasks   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to toil at such tasks [C16: perhaps from druggen to toil]   > ˈdrudger n   > ˈdrudgingly adv

■ drudgery (ˈdrʌdʒərI)   n, pl -eries   hard, menial, and monotonous work

■ drudgism (ˈdrʌdʒIzəm)   n   the work of a drudge

drug (drʌɡ)   n   1 any synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural chemical substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease, or for other medical reasons. Related adjective: pharmaceutical   2 a chemical substance, esp a narcotic, taken for the pleasant effects it produces   3 drug on the market a commodity available in excess of the demands of the market   ▷ vb drugs, drugging, drugged (tr)   4 to mix a drug with (food, drink, etc)   5 to administer a drug to   6 to stupefy or poison with or as if with a drug ▶ Related prefix: pharmaco- [C14: from Old French drogue, probably of Germanic origin]   > ˈdruggy adj

■ drug addict   n   any person who is abnormally dependent on narcotic drugs. See addiction

■ drug baron   n   the head of an organization that deals in illegal drugs

■ drug-driver   n   a person who drives while under the influence of drugs

■ drug-driving   n     a driving while under the influence of drugs, esp illegal drugs   b (as modifier): a drug-driving conviction

■ drugged (drʌɡd)   adj   1 (of food or drink) having had a substance added to it in order to stupefy or poison the person consuming it   2 under the influence of sedatives or narcotics   3 (of sleep) brought about by drugs

■ drugger (ˈdrʌɡə)   n   1 a person who administers drugs   2 informal a person who takes drugs

■ druggie (ˈdrʌɡI)   n   informal a drug addict. Also called: drugster

■ druggist (ˈdrʌɡIst)   n   US and Canadian a person qualified to prepare and dispense drugs. Also called: pharmacist

■ druggist's (ˈdrʌɡIsts)   n   US and Canadian a shop where medicines and prescription drugs are sold

■ drug-induced   adj   caused by recreational or medical drugs

■ druglord (ˈdrʌɡˌlɔːd)   n   a criminal who controls the distribution and sale of large quantities of illegal drugs

■ drugmaker (ˈdrʌɡˌmeIkə)   n   a manufacturer of drugs

■ drug-running   n   the activity of illegally taking recreational drugs into a country

■ drugstore (ˈdrʌɡˌstɔː)   n   US and Canadian a shop where medical prescriptions are made up and a wide variety of goods and sometimes light meals are sold

■ drug-taker   n   someone who takes illegal drugs

■ drug-taking   n   the activity of taking illegal drugs

drugget (ˈdrʌɡIt)   n   a coarse fabric used as a protective floor-covering, etc [C16: from French droguet useless fabric, from drogue trash]

druid (ˈdruːId)   n (sometimes capital)   1 a member of an ancient order of priests in Gaul, Britain, and Ireland in the pre-Christian era   2 a member of any of several modern movements attempting to revive druidism [C16: from Latin druides, of Gaulish origin; compare Old Irish druid wizards]   > druidess (ˈdruːIdIs) fem n   > druˈidic or druˈidical adj   > ˈdruidry n

■ druidism (ˈdruːIdIzəm)   n (often capital)   1 history the beliefs and religious system of the ancient druids   2 the beliefs of modern-day druids

drum^1 (drʌm)   n   1 music a percussion instrument sounded by striking a membrane stretched across the opening of a hollow cylinder or hemisphere   2 beat the drum for informal to attempt to arouse interest in   3 the sound produced by a drum or any similar sound   4 an object that resembles a drum in shape, such as a large spool or a cylindrical container   5 architect   a one of a number of cylindrical blocks of stone used to construct the shaft of a column   b the wall or structure supporting a dome or cupola   6 short for eardrum   7 Also called: drumfish any of various North American marine and freshwater sciaenid fishes, such as Equetus pulcher (striped drum), that utter a drumming sound   8 a type of hollow rotor for steam turbines or axial compressors   9 computing a rotating cylindrical device on which data may be stored for later retrieval: now mostly superseded by disks. See disk (sense 2)   10 archaic a drummer   11 the drum Austral informal the necessary information (esp in the phrase give (someone) the drum)   ▷ vb drums, drumming, drummed   12 to play (music) on or as if on a drum   13 to beat or tap (the fingers) rhythmically or regularly   14 (intr) (of birds) to produce a rhythmic sound, as by beating the bill against a tree, branch, etc   15 (tr; sometimes foll by up) to summon or call by drumming   16 (tr) to instil by constant repetition: to drum an idea into someone's head [C16: probably from Middle Dutch tromme, of imitative origin]

■ drumbeat (ˈdrʌmˌbiːt)   n   the sound made by beating a drum

■ drumbeater (ˈdrʌmˌbiːtə)   n   a person who strongly supports a cause publicly

■ drumbeating (ˈdrʌmˌbiːtIŋ)   n   the act of providing strong public support for a cause

■ drum brake   n   a type of brake used on the wheels of vehicles, consisting of two pivoted shoes that rub against the inside walls of the brake drum when the brake is applied

■ drumfire (ˈdrʌmˌfaIə)   n   heavy, rapid, and continuous gunfire, the sound of which resembles rapid drumbeats

■ drumfish (ˈdrʌmˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   another name for drum^1 (sense 7)

■ drumhead (ˈdrʌmˌhɛd)   n   1 music the part of a drum that is actually struck with a stick or the hand   2 the head of a capstan, pierced with holes for the capstan bars   3 another name for eardrum

■ drumhead court-martial   n   a military court convened to hear urgent charges of offences committed in action [C19: from the use of a drumhead as a table around which the court-martial was held]

■ drumhead service   n   a religious service attended by members of a military unit while in the field

■ drumlike (ˈdrʌmˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a drum in form or function

■ drum machine   n   a synthesizer specially programmed to reproduce the sound of drums and other percussion instruments in variable rhythms and combinations selected by the musician; the resulting beat is produced continually until stopped or changed

■ drum major   n   the noncommissioned officer, usually of warrant officer's rank, who is appointed to command the corps of drums of a military band and who is in command of both the drums and the band when paraded together

■ drum majorette   n   a girl who marches at the head of a procession, twirling a baton

■ drummer (ˈdrʌmə)   n   1 a person who plays a drum or set of drums   2 chiefly US a salesman, esp a travelling salesman   3 Austral and NZ slang the slowest shearer in a team

■ drumming (ˈdrʌmIŋ)   n   1 music the action and sound of playing the drums   2 the sound of continuous beating   3 the feeling of continuous beating

■ drummy (ˈdrʌmI)   n, pl -mies (in South Africa)   short for drum majorette

■ drum'n'bass or drum and bass   n     a a type of electronic dance music using mainly bass guitar and drum sounds   b (as modifier): a drum'n'bass backing

■ drum out   vb   (tr, adverb; usually foll by of)   a to expel from a club, association, etc   b (formerly) to dismiss from military service to the beat of a drum

■ drumroll (ˈdrʌmˌrəʊl)   n   a series of drum beats that follow each other so closely that they make a continuous sound

■ drums (drʌmz)   pl n   music a drum kit or set of drums

■ drumstick (ˈdrʌmˌstIk)   n   1 a stick used for playing a drum   2 the lower joint of the leg of a cooked fowl

■ drum up   vb   (tr, adverb) to evoke or obtain (support, business, etc) by solicitation or canvassing

drum^2 (drʌm)   n   Scot and Irish a narrow ridge or hill [C18: from Scottish Gaelic druim]

■ drumlin (ˈdrʌmlIn)   n   a streamlined mound of glacial drift, rounded or elongated in the direction of the original flow of ice [C19: from Irish Gaelic druim ridge + -lin -LING^1]

drumble (ˈdrʌmbəl)   vb (intr)   dialect to be inactive or sluggish

drumbledor (ˈdrʌmbəlˌdɔː)   n   another name for dumbledore

drumbledrane (ˈdrʌmbəlˌdreIn)   n   another name for dumbledore

drumly (ˈdrʌmlI)   adj -lier, -liest   Scot obsolete turbid; cloudy

Drummond of Hawthornden (ˈdrʌmənd ɒv ˈhɔːθɔːndən)   n   William. 1585–1649, Scottish poet, historian, and royalist pamphleteer

drunk (drʌŋk)   adj   1 intoxicated with alcohol to the extent of losing control over normal physical and mental functions   2 overwhelmed by strong influence or emotion: drunk with joy   ▷ n   3 a person who is drunk or drinks habitually to excess   4 informal a drinking bout [Old English druncen, past participle of drincan to drink; see DRINK]

■ drunkalogue (ˈdrʌŋkəˌlɒɡ)   n   informal an account of a person’s problems with alcohol

■ drunkard (ˈdrʌŋkəd)   n   a person who is frequently or habitually drunk

■ drunkathon (ˈdrʌŋkəˌθɒn)   n   informal a session in which excessive quantities of alcohol are consumed

■ drunk dialling or US drunk dialing   n   informal the practice of making a phone call while drunk, esp to someone about whom one has romantic notions [C21: on the model of DRUNK DRIVING]

■ drunken (ˈdrʌŋkən)   adj   1 intoxicated with or as if with alcohol   2 frequently or habitually drunk   3 (prenominal) caused by or relating to alcoholic intoxication: a drunken brawl   > ˈdrunkenly adv   > ˈdrunkenness n

■ drunkometer (drʌŋˈkɒmItə)   n   US a device for measuring how much alcohol there is on someone's breath

■ drunk tank   n   informal a large police cell used for detaining drunks overnight

drupe (druːp)   n   an indehiscent fruit consisting of outer epicarp, fleshy or fibrous mesocarp, and stony endocarp enclosing a single seed, as in the peach, plum, and cherry [C18: from Latin druppa wrinkled overripe olive, from Greek: olive]   > drupaceous (druːˈpeIʃəs) adj

■ drupelet (ˈdruːplIt) or drupel (ˈdruːpəl)   n   a small drupe, usually one of a number forming a compound fruit

Drury Lane (ˈdrʊərI)   n   a street in the West End of London, formerly famous for its theatres

druse (druːz)   n, pl druse or drusen   1 an aggregate of small crystals within a cavity, esp those lining a cavity in a rock or mineral   2 botany a globular mass of calcium oxalate crystals formed around an organic core, found in some plant cells [C19: from German, from Old High German druos bump]

■ drusy (ˈdruːzI)   adj -sier, -siest   covered with tiny crystals

Druse or Druze (druːz)   n, pl Druse or Druze     a a member of a religious sect, mainly living in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, having certain characteristics in common with Muslims   b (as modifier): Druse beliefs [C18: from Arabic Durūz the Druses, after Ismail al-Darazi Ismail the tailor, 11th-century Muslim leader who founded the sect]   > ˈDrusean, ˈDrusian, ˈDruzean or ˈDruzian adj

druthers (ˈdrʌðəz)   pl n   US informal, jocular wishes or preferences

druxy (ˈdrʌksI)   adj druxier, druxiest   (of wood) having decayed white spots

dry (draI)   adj drier, driest or dryer, dryest   1 lacking moisture; not damp or wet   2 having little or no rainfall   3 not in or under water: dry land   4 having the water drained away or evaporated: a dry river   5 not providing milk: a dry cow   6 (of the eyes) free from tears   7    a informal in need of a drink; thirsty   b causing thirst: dry work   8 eaten without butter, jam, etc: dry toast   9 (of a wine, cider, etc) not sweet   10 pathol not accompanied by or producing a mucous or watery discharge: a dry cough   11 consisting of solid as opposed to liquid substances or commodities   12 without adornment; plain: dry facts   13 lacking interest or stimulation: a dry book   14 lacking warmth or emotion; cold: a dry greeting   15 (of wit or humour) shrewd and keen in an impersonal, sarcastic, or laconic way   16 opposed to or prohibiting the sale of alcoholic liquor for human consumption: a dry area   17 NZ (of a ewe) without a lamb after the mating season   18 electronics (of a soldered electrical joint) imperfect because the solder has not adhered to the metal, thus reducing conductance   ▷ vb dries, drying, dried   19 (when intr, often foll by off) to make or become dry or free from moisture   20 (tr) to preserve (meat, vegetables, fruit, etc) by removing the moisture   ▷ n, pl drys or dries   21 Brit informal a Conservative politician who is considered to be a hard-liner. Compare wet (sense 10)   22 the dry Austral informal the dry season   23 US and Canadian an informal word for prohibitionist [Old English drӯge; related to Old High German truckan, Old Norse draugr dry wood]   > ˈdryable adj   > ˈdryness n

■ dry-as-dust   adj   completely lacking in interest and stimulation

■ dry battery   n   an electric battery consisting of two or more dry cells

■ drybeat (ˈdraIˌbiːt)   vb (tr)   to beat (someone) severely

■ dry-bone ore   n   a mining term for smithsonite

■ dry-bulb thermometer   n   an ordinary thermometer used alongside a wet-bulb thermometer to obtain relative humidity. See also psychrometer

■ dry cell   n   a primary cell in which the electrolyte is in the form of a paste or is treated in some way to prevent it from spilling. Compare wet cell

■ dry-clean   vb   (tr) to clean (clothing, fabrics, etc) with a solvent other than water, such as trichloroethylene   > ˌdry-ˈcleaner n   > ˌdry-ˈcleaning n

■ dry-cleaner's   n   another name for dry-cleaner

■ dry distillation   n   another name for destructive distillation

■ dry dock   n   1 a basin-like structure that is large enough to admit a ship and that can be pumped dry for work on the ship's bottom   ▷ vb dry-dock   2 to put (a ship) into a dry dock, or (of a ship) to go into a dry dock

■ dry drunk   n   an alcoholic who is not currently drinking alcohol but is still following an irregular undisciplined lifestyle like that of a drunkard

■ dryer^1 (ˈdraIə)   n   1 a person or thing that dries   2 an apparatus for removing moisture by forced draught, heating, or centrifuging   3 any of certain chemicals added to oils such as linseed oil to accelerate their drying when used as bases in paints, etc

■ dryer^2 (ˈdraIə)   adj   a variant spelling of drier^1

■ dry-eyed   adj   not weeping

■ dry farming   n   a system of growing crops in arid or semiarid regions without artificial irrigation, by reducing evaporation and by special methods of tillage   > dry farmer n

■ dry fly   n   angling   a an artificial fly designed and prepared to be floated or skimmed on the surface of the water   b (as modifier): dry-fly fishing. Compare wet fly

■ dry hole   n   (in the oil industry) a well that is drilled but does not produce oil or gas in commercially worthwhile amounts

■ dry-hump   vb (intr)   slang to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity

■ dry ice   n   solid carbon dioxide, which sublimes at –78.5°C: used as a refrigerant, and to create billows of smoke in stage shows. Also called: carbon dioxide snow

■ drying (ˈdraIIŋ)   n   1 the action or process of making or becoming dry   2 Also called (not now in technical usage): seasoning the processing of timber until it has a moisture content suitable for the purposes for which it is to be used   ▷ adj   3 causing dryness: a drying wind

■ drying oil   n   one of a number of animal or vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, that harden by oxidation on exposure to air: used as a base for some paints and varnishes

■ drying-up   n   1 to do the drying-up to dry dishes, cups, glasses, etc after they have been washed   2 the loss of water (in a lake, river, sea, etc)   3 the stopping of something such as a supply of something

■ dryish (ˈdraIIʃ)   adj   somewhat dry

■ dry kiln   n   an oven in which cut timber is dried and seasoned

■ dryland (ˈdraIˌlænd)   adj   of or relating to an arid area

■ dry law   n   chiefly US a law prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages

■ dry lightning   n   US lightning produced by a thunderstorm that is unaccompanied by rain

■ dryly (ˈdraIlI)   adv   a variant spelling of drily

■ dry martini   n   a cocktail of between four and ten parts gin to one part dry vermouth

■ dry measure   n   a unit or a system of units for measuring dry goods, such as fruit, grains, etc

■ drymouth (ˈdraIˌmaʊθ)   n   a condition of insufficient saliva, known medically as xerostomia

■ dry nurse   n   1 a nurse who cares for a child without suckling it. Compare wet nurse   ▷ vb dry-nurse   2 to care for (a baby or young child) without suckling

■ dry out   vb (adverb)   1 to make or become dry   2 to undergo or cause to undergo treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction

■ drypoint (ˈdraIˌpɔInt)   n   1 a technique of intaglio engraving with a hard steel needle, without acid, on a copper plate   2 the sharp steel needle used in this process   3 an engraving or print produced by this method

■ dry riser   n   a vertical pipe, not containing water, having connections on different floors of a building for a fireman's hose to be attached. A fire tender can be connected at the lowest level to make water rise under pressure within the pipe. Abbreviation: DR

■ dry-roasted   adj   roasted without oil

■ dry rot   n   1 crumbling and drying of timber, bulbs, potatoes, or fruit, caused by saprotrophic basidiomycetous fungi   2 any fungus causing this decay, esp of the genus Merulius   3 moral degeneration or corrupt practices, esp when previously unsuspected

■ dry run   n   1 military practice in weapon firing, a drill, or a manoeuvre without using live ammunition   2 informal a trial or practice, esp in simulated conditions; rehearsal

■ dry-salt   vb   to preserve (food) by salting and removing moisture

■ dry-shod   adv   with dry feet or shoes

■ dry slope   n   an artificial ski slope used for tuition and practice. Also called: dry-ski slope

■ dry steam   n   steam that does not contain droplets of water

■ dry stock   n   NZ cattle that are raised for meat

■ dry-stone   adj   (of a wall) made without mortar

■ drysuit or dry-suit (ˈdraIsuːt)   n   a suit worn by divers to keep them warm and dry

■ Dry Tortugas (tɔːˈtuːɡəz)   n   a group of eight coral islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico: part of Florida

■ dry up   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to become barren or unproductive; fail: in middle age his inspiration dried up   2 to dry (dishes, cutlery, etc) with a tea towel after they have been washed   3 (intr) informal to stop talking or speaking: when I got on the stage I just dried up; dry up!

■ dry valley   n   a valley originally produced by running water but now waterless

■ drywall (ˈdraIˌwɔːl)   n   1 a wall built without mortar   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to build a wall without mortar

■ drywell (ˈdraIˌwɛl)   n   a type of sewage or excess water disposal system

dryad (ˈdraIəd, -æd)   n, pl -ads or -ades (-əˌdiːz)   Greek myth a nymph or divinity of the woods [C14: from Latin Dryas, from Greek Druas, from drus tree]   > dryadic (draIˈædIk) adj

Dryden (ˈdraIdən)   n   John. 1631–1700, English poet, dramatist, and critic of the Augustan period, commonly regarded as the chief exponent of heroic tragedy. His major works include the tragedy All for Love (1677), the verse satire Absalom and Achitophel (1681), and the Essay of Dramatick Poesie (1668)

drylot (ˈdraIˌlɒt)   n   a bare outdoor enclosure for livestock

dryopithecine (ˌdraIəʊˈpIθəˌsiːn)   n   any extinct Old World ape of the genus Dryopithecus, common in Miocene and Pliocene times: thought to be the ancestors of modern apes [C20: from New Latin Dryopithēcus, from Greek drus tree + pithēkos ape]

drysalter (ˈdraIˌsɔːltə)   n   obsolete a dealer in certain chemical products, such as dyestuffs and gums, and in dried, tinned, or salted foods and edible oils

■ drysaltery (ˈdraIˌsɔːltərI)   n   archaic the business premises of a drysalter

Drysdale^1 (ˈdraIzdeIl)   n   Sir George Russell. 1912–81, Australian painter, esp of landscapes

Drysdale^2 (ˈdraIzdeIl)   n   a New Zealand breed of sheep with hair growing among its wool: bred for its coat which is used in making carpets

Ds   the chemical symbol for   darmstadtium

DS   abbreviation for   1 Also: ds music dal segno   2 Detective Sergeant

DSc   abbreviation for   Doctor of Science

DSC military   abbreviation for   Distinguished Service Cross

DSL   abbreviation for   digital subscriber line

DSM military   abbreviation for   Distinguished Service Medal

DSO military   abbreviation for   Distinguished Service Order

dsp   abbreviation for   decessit sine prole [Latin: died without issue]

DSS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   1 Director of Social Services   2 (formerly) Department of Social Security

DST   abbreviation for   Daylight Saving Time

DTI   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   Department of Trade and Industry

DTL electronics   abbreviation for   diode transistor logic: a stage in the development of electronic logic circuits

DTLR   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   Department of Transport, Local Government, and the Regions

DTP   abbreviation for   desktop publishing

DT's informal   abbreviation for   delirium tremens

DTT   abbreviation for   digital terrestrial television

DU   abbreviation for   depleted uranium

Du.   abbreviation for   1 Duke   2 Dutch

duad (ˈdjuːæd)   n   a rare word for pair^1 [C17: from Greek duas two, a pair]

dual (ˈdjuːəl)   adj   1 relating to or denoting two   2 twofold; double   3 (in the grammar of Old English, Ancient Greek, and certain other languages) denoting a form of a word indicating that exactly two referents are being referred to   4 maths, logic (of structures or expressions) having the property that the interchange of certain pairs of terms, and usually the distribution of negation, yields equivalent structures or expressions   ▷ n   5 grammar   a the dual number   b a dual form of a word   ▷ vb duals, dualling, dualled   6 (tr) Brit to make (a road) into a dual carriageway [C17: from Latin duālis concerning two, from duo two]   > ˈdually adv

■ Dual Alliance   n   1 the alliance between France and Russia (1893–1917)   2 the secret Austro-German alliance against Russia (1879) later expanded to the Triple Alliance

■ dual-band   adj   of or relating to mobile telephones that can operate on two GSM frequency bands

■ dual carriageway   n   Brit a road on which traffic travelling in opposite directions is separated by a central strip of turf, etc. US and Canadian name: divided highway

■ dual-control   adj   having dual controls

■ dual heritage   n     a an upbringing in which one's parents are of different ethnic or religious backgrounds   b (as modifier): dual-heritage adoptive families

■ dualism (ˈdjuːəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the state of being twofold or double   2 philosophy the doctrine, as opposed to idealism and materialism, that reality consists of two basic types of substance usually taken to be mind and matter or two basic types of entity, mental and physical. Compare monism   3    a the theory that the universe has been ruled from its origins by two conflicting powers, one good and one evil, both existing as equally ultimate first causes   b the theory that there are two personalities, one human and one divine, in Christ   > ˈdualist n   > ˌdualˈistic adj   > ˌdualˈistically adv

■ duality (djuːˈælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being two or in two parts; dichotomy   2 physics the principle that a wave-particle duality exists in microphysics in which wave theory and corpuscular theory are complementary. The propagation of electromagnetic radiation is analysed using wave theory but its interaction with matter is described in terms of photons. The condition of particles such as electrons, neutrons, and atoms is described in terms of de Broglie waves   3 geometry the interchangeability of the roles of the point and the plane in statements and theorems in projective geometry

■ dualize or dualise (ˈdjuːəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make or regard (something) as two parts

■ Dual Monarchy   n   the monarchy of Austria-Hungary from 1867 to 1918

■ dual-purpose   adj   having or serving two functions

■ dual sensory impairment   n   the condition of being affected by sight and hearing loss

Duala (dʊˈɑːlə, -lɑː)   n   1 (pl -la or -las) a member of a people of W Africa living chiefly in Cameroon   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family

dualin (ˈdjuːəlIn)   n   chem an explosive substance consisting of sawdust, nitre, and nitroglycerine

duan (ˈduːæn)   n   poetry a poem or song, or part of one

duar (ˈduːɑː)   n   1 a mountain pass   2 an Arab encampment

duathlon (djuːˈæθlɒn)   n   an athletic contest in which each athlete competes in running and cycling events [C20: from DUO- + Greek athlon contest]

dub^1 (dʌb)   vb dubs, dubbing, dubbed   1 (tr) to invest (a person) with knighthood by the ritual of tapping on the shoulder with a sword   2 (tr) to invest with a title, name, or nickname   3 (tr) to dress (leather) by rubbing   4 angling to dress (a fly)   ▷ n   5 the sound of a drum [Old English dubbian; related to Old Norse dubba to dub a knight, Old High German tubili plug, peg]

■ dubbing (ˈdʌbIŋ)   n   1 angling hair or fur spun on waxed silk and added to the body of an artificial fly to give it shape   2 a variant of dubbin

dub^2 (dʌb)   vb dubs, dubbing, dubbed films, television   1 to alter the soundtrack of (an old recording, film, etc)   2 (tr) to substitute for the soundtrack of (a film) a new soundtrack, esp in a different language   3 (tr) to provide (a film or tape) with a soundtrack   4 (tr) to alter (a taped soundtrack) by removing some parts and exaggerating others   ▷ n   5 films, television the new sounds added   6    a music a style of record production associated with reggae, involving the removal or exaggeration of instrumental parts, extensive use of echo, etc   b (as modifier): a dub mix [C20: shortened from DOUBLE]

■ dubbed (dʌbd)   adj   having had the soundtrack changed for one in a different language

■ dubber (ˈdʌbə)   n   a person who dubs

■ dubbing (ˈdʌbIŋ)   n films, television   1 the replacement of a soundtrack in one language by one in another language   2 the combination of several soundtracks into a single track   3 the addition of a soundtrack to a film or broadcast

■ dubstep (ˈdʌbˌstɛp)   n   a genre of electronic music conveying a dark and brooding atmosphere through prominent bass lines [C21: from DUB^1 (sense 6) + STEP]

dub^3 (dʌb)   vb dubs, dubbing, dubbed   Austral and NZ informal short for double-bank

dub^4 (dʌb) US and Canadian informal   n   1 a clumsy or awkward person or player   ▷ vb dubs, dubbing, dubbed   2 to bungle (a shot), as in golf [C19: of uncertain origin]

dub^5 (dʌb)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a pool of water; puddle [C16: Scottish dialect dubbe; related to Middle Low German dobbe]

dub^6 (dʌb)   vb dubs, dubbing, dubbed   (intr; foll by in, up, or out) slang to contribute to the cost of (something); pay [C19: of obscure origin]

Dubai (duːˈbaI)   n   a sheikhdom in the NE United Arab Emirates, consisting principally of the port of Dubai, on the Persian Gulf: oilfields. Pop: 1 026 000 (2005 est)

du Barry (djuː ˈbærI; French dy bari)   n   Comtesse (kɔ̃tɛs), original name Marie Jeanne Bécu. ?1743–93, mistress of Louis XV, guillotined in the French Revolution

dubbin (ˈdʌbIn) or dubbing   n   Brit a greasy mixture of tallow and oil applied to leather to soften it and make it waterproof [C18: from dub to dress leather; see DUB^1]

dubbo (ˈdʌbəʊ) Austral slang   adj   1 stupid   ▷ n, pl -bos   2 a stupid person [from Dubbo, a town in New South Wales, Australia]

Dubček (Czech ˈduptʃɛk)   n   Alexander (ˈaleksandə). 1921–92, Czechoslovak statesman. His reforms as first secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party prompted the Russian invasion of 1968

du Bellay (French dy bɛlɛ)   n   See Bellay

dubiety (djuːˈbaIItI) or dubiosity (ˌdjuːbIˈɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state of being doubtful   2 a doubtful matter [C18: from Late Latin dubietās, from Latin dubius DUBIOUS]

dubious (ˈdjuːbIəs)   adj   1 marked by or causing doubt: a dubious reply   2 unsettled in mind; uncertain; doubtful   3 of doubtful quality; untrustworthy: a dubious reputation   4 not certain in outcome [C16: from Latin dubius wavering]   > ˈdubiously adv   > ˈdubiousness n

dubitable (ˈdjuːbItəbəl)   adj   open to doubt [C17: from Latin dubitāre to DOUBT]   > ˈdubitably adv

■ dubitancy (ˈdjuːbItənsI)   n   doubt; uncertainty

■ dubitate (ˈdjuːbIteIt)   vb (intr)   to doubt or be uncertain

■ dubitation (ˌdjuːbIˈteIʃən)   n   another word for doubt

■ dubitative (ˈdjuːbItətIv)   adj   inclined to, or in a state of, doubt or uncertainty

■ dubitatively (ˈdjuːbItətIvlI)   adv   in a dubitative manner

Dublin (ˈdʌblIn)   n   1 the capital of the Republic of Ireland, on Dublin Bay: under English rule from 1171 until 1922; commercial and cultural centre; contains one of the world's largest breweries and exports whiskey, stout, and agricultural produce. Pop: 1 169 371 (2015 est). Gaelic name: Baile Átha Cliath   2 a county in E Republic of Ireland, in Leinster on the Irish Sea: mountainous in the south but low-lying in the north and centre. County seat: Dublin. Pop: 1 345 402 (2016). Area: 922 sq km (356 sq miles)

■ Dublin Bay prawn   n   a large prawn usually used in a dish of scampi

■ Dubliner (ˈdʌblInə)   n   a native or inhabitant of Dublin

Dubna (ˈdʌbnə)   n   a new town in W Russia, founded in 1956: site of the United Institute of Nuclear Research. Pop: 60 951 (2002)

dubnium (ˈdʌbnIəm)   n   a synthetic transactinide element produced in minute quantities by bombarding plutonium with high-energy neon ions. Symbol: Du; atomic no 105. See hahnium [C20: after DUBNA, where it was first reported]

Dubois (djuːˈbwɑː)   n   W(illiam) E(dward) B(urghardt). 1868–1963, US Black sociologist, writer, and political activist; a founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

dubonnet (djuːˈbɒneI)   n     a a dark purplish-red colour   b (as adjective): a dubonnet coat [from DUBONNET]

■ Dubonnet (djuːˈbɒneI)   n   trademark a sweet usually red apéritif wine flavoured with quinine and cinchona

Dubrovnik (dʊˈbrɒvnIk)   n   a port in W Croatia, on the Dalmatian coast: an important commercial centre in the Middle Ages; damaged in 1991 when it was shelled by Serbian artillery. Pop: 43 770 (2001). Former Italian name (until 1918): Ragusa

Dubuffet (French dybyfɛ)   n   Jean (ʒɑ̃). 1901–85, French painter, inspired by graffiti and the untrained art of children and people with psychosis

ducal (ˈdjuːkəl)   adj   of or relating to a duke or duchy [C16: from French, from Late Latin ducālis of a leader, from dux leader]   > ˈducally adv

ducat (ˈdʌkət)   n   1 any of various former European gold or silver coins, esp those used in Italy or the Netherlands   2 (often plural) any coin or money [C14: from Old French, from Old Italian ducato coin stamped with the doge's image, from duca doge, from Latin dux leader]

■ ducatoon (ˌdʌkəˈtuːn)   n   obsolete a silver coin formerly used in several European countries, worth varying amounts

Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian ˈduttʃo di buoninˈseɲɲa)   n   ?1255–?1318, Italian painter; founder of the Sienese school

ducdame (ˈduːkdəmI)   interj   a nonsensical refrain used in Shakespeare's As You Like It

duce (ˈduːtʃI; Italian ˈduːtʃe)   n   leader [C20: from Italian, from Latin dux]

■ Duce (Italian ˈduːtʃe)   n   Il Duce (il) the title assumed by Benito Mussolini as leader of Fascist Italy (1922–43)

Duchamp (French dyʃɑ̃)   n   Marcel (marsɛl). 1887–1968, US painter and sculptor, born in France; noted as a leading exponent of Dada. His best-known work is Nude Descending a Staircase (1912)

Duchenne dystrophy (duːˈʃɛn) or Duchenne muscular dystrophy   n   the most common form of muscular dystrophy, usually affecting only boys. Abbreviation: DMD [named after Guillaume Duchenne (1806–75), French neurologist]

duchess (ˈdʌtʃIs)   n   1 the wife or widow of a duke   2 a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right   ▷ vb (tr)   3 Austral informal to overwhelm with flattering attention [C14: from Old French duchesse, feminine of duc DUKE]

duchesse (ˈdʌtʃIs)   n   Austral and NZ a dressing table or chest of drawers with a mirror

duchy (ˈdʌtʃI)   n, pl duchies   the territory of a duke or duchess; dukedom [C14: from Old French duche, from duc DUKE]

duck^1 (dʌk)   n, pl ducks or duck   1 any of various small aquatic birds of the family Anatidae, typically having short legs, webbed feet, and a broad blunt bill: order Anseriformes   2 the flesh of this bird, used as food   3 the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (drake)   4 any other bird of the family Anatidae, including geese and swans   5 Also: ducks Brit informal dear or darling: used as a term of endearment or of general address. See also ducky   6 informal a person, esp one regarded as odd or endearing   7 cricket a score of nothing by a batsman   8 like water off a duck's back informal without effect   9 take to something like a duck to water informal to become adept at or attracted to something very quickly [Old English dūce duck, diver; related to DUCK^2]

■ duck-billed dinosaur   n   another name for hadrosaur

■ duck-billed platypus   n   an amphibious egg-laying mammal, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, of E Australia, having dense fur, a broad bill and tail, and webbed feet: family Ornithorhynchidae. Sometimes shortened to: duckbill, platypus. See also monotreme

■ duck-egg blue   n     a a pale greenish-blue colour   b (as adjective): duck-egg blue walls

■ duckfoot quote (ˈdʌkfʊt)   n   printing a chevron-shaped quotation mark (« or ») used in Europe. Also called: guillemet

■ duck hawk   n   a variety of peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus anatum, occurring in North America

■ duckling (ˈdʌklIŋ)   n   a young duck

■ duckpin (ˈdʌkˌpIn)   n   sport a short bowling pin used in a game of the same name, similar to ten-pin bowling, but the size of the balls thrown and pins is smaller

■ ducks and drakes   n (functioning as singular)   1 a game in which a flat stone is bounced across the surface of water   2 make ducks and drakes of, play ducks and drakes with or play at ducks and drakes with to use recklessly; squander or waste

■ duck's arse   n   a hairstyle in which the hair is swept back to a point at the nape of the neck, resembling a duck's tail. Also called: DA

■ duck soup   n   US slang something that is easy to do

■ ducktail (ˈdʌkˌteIl)   n   another name for duck's arse

■ duckwalk (ˈdʌkˌwɔːk)   n   a squatting, waddling walk that resembles that of a duck

■ duckweed (ˈdʌkˌwiːd)   n   any of various small stemless aquatic plants of the family Lemnaceae, esp any of the genus Lemna, that have rounded leaves and occur floating on still water in temperate regions

■ ducky or duckie (ˈdʌkI) informal   n, pl duckies   1 Brit darling or dear: used as a term of endearment   ▷ adj   2 delightful; fine

duck^2 (dʌk)   vb   1 to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away, esp so as to escape observation or evade a blow   2 to submerge or plunge suddenly and often briefly under water   3 (when intr, often foll by out) informal to dodge or escape (a person, duty, etc)   4 (intr) bridge to play a low card when possessing a higher one rather than try to win a trick   ▷ n   5 the act or an instance of ducking [C14: related to Old High German tūhhan to dive, Middle Dutch dūken]   > ˈducker n

■ duckboard (ˈdʌkˌbɔːd)   n   a board or boards laid so as to form a floor or path over wet or muddy ground

■ ducking (ˈdʌkIŋ)   n   1 an instance of being submerged under water   2 the hunting of wild ducks   3 ducking and diving or ducking and weaving evasiveness

■ ducking stool   n   history a chair or stool used for the punishment of offenders by plunging them into water

■ duckshove (ˈdʌkˌʃʌv)   vb   Austral and NZ informal to evade (responsibility or an issue)   > ˈduckˌshover n   > ˈduckˌshoving n

duck^3 (dʌk)   n   a heavy cotton fabric of plain weave, used for clothing, tents, etc [C17: from Middle Dutch doek; related to Old High German tuoh cloth]

■ ducks (dʌks)   pl n   clothing made of duck, esp white trousers for sports

duck^4 (dʌk)   n   an amphibious vehicle used in World War II [C20: from code name DUKW]

duct (dʌkt)   n   1 a tube, pipe, or canal by means of which a substance, esp a fluid or gas, is conveyed   2 any bodily passage, esp one conveying secretions or excretions   3 a narrow tubular cavity in plants, often containing resin or some other substance   4 Also called: conduit a channel or pipe carrying electric cable or wires   5 a passage through which air can flow, as in air conditioning   6 the ink reservoir in a printing press [C17: from Latin ductus a leading (in Medieval Latin: aqueduct), from dūcere to lead]   > ˈductless adj

■ ductal (ˈdʌktəl)   adj   med relating to a duct or tube-like structure in the body that carries bodily fluids

■ ductal carcinoma in situ (ˈdʌktəl)   n   a form of breast cancer originating in the breast itself rather than spreading from another site. Abbreviation: DCIS

■ ductile (ˈdʌktaIl)   adj   1 (of a metal, such as gold or copper) able to be drawn out into wire   2 able to be moulded; pliant; plastic   3 easily led or influenced; tractable [C14: from Old French, from Latin ductilis, from dūcere to lead]   > ˈductilely adv   > ductility (dʌkˈtIlItI) or ˈductileness n

■ ductless gland   n   anatomy See endocrine gland

■ duct tape   n   a type of strong waterproof adhesive silver-coloured cloth tape used for repairs by plumbers, electricians, etc

■ ductule (ˈdʌktjuːl)   n   anatomy, zoology a small duct

■ ductwork (ˈdʌktˌwɜːk)   n     a an arrangement of ducts or pipes for carrying fluid or gas, usually in a building   b (as modifier): a ductwork system

dud (dʌd) informal   n   1 a person or thing that proves ineffectual or a failure   2 a shell, etc, that fails to explode   3 (plural) old-fashioned clothes or other personal belongings   ▷ adj   4 failing in its purpose or function: a dud cheque [C15 (in the sense: an article of clothing, a thing, used disparagingly): of unknown origin]

dudder (ˈdʌdə)   vb (intr)   to tremble or shudder

duddery (ˈdʌdərI)   n, pl -ries   a place where fabric made of wool is produced or retailed

duddie (ˈdʌdI)   n   1 a friend or a chum   ▷ adj   2 frayed or in tatters

dude (duːd, djuːd)   n informal   1 Western US and Canadian a city dweller, esp one holidaying on a ranch   2 chiefly US and Canadian a dandy   3 US and Canadian a person: often used to any male in direct address [C19: of unknown origin]   > ˈdudish adj   > ˈdudishly adv

■ dude food   n   informal food such as hot dogs, burgers, etc, considered particularly appealing to men

■ dude ranch   n   US and Canadian a ranch used as a holiday resort offering activities such as riding and camping

■ dudism (ˈduːdIzəm)   n   the state of being or the characteristic behaviour or appearance of a dude

dudeen or dudheen (duːˈdiːn)   n   a clay pipe with a short stem [C19: from Irish dúidín a little pipe, from dúd pipe]

dudgeon^1 (ˈdʌdʒən)   n   anger or resentment (archaic, except in the phrase in high dudgeon) [C16: of unknown origin]

dudgeon^2 (ˈdʌdʒən)   n   1 obsolete a wood used in making the handles of knives, daggers, etc   2 archaic a dagger, knife, etc, with a dudgeon hilt [C15: from Anglo-Norman digeon, of obscure origin]

Dudley^1 (ˈdʌdlI)   n   1 a town in W central England, in Dudley unitary authority, West Midlands: wrought-iron industry. Pop: 194 919 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in W central England, in West Midlands. Pop: 304 800 (2003 est). Area: 98 sq km (38 sq miles)

Dudley^2 (ˈdʌdlI)   n   Robert. See (Earl of) Leicester^1

due (djuː)   adj   1 (postpositive) immediately payable   2 (postpositive) owed as a debt, irrespective of any date for payment   3 requisite; fitting; proper   4 (prenominal) adequate or sufficient; enough   5 (postpositive) expected or appointed to be present or arrive: the train is now due   6 due to attributable to or caused by   ▷ n   7 something that is owed, required, or due   8 give a person his or her due to give or allow a person what is deserved or right   ▷ adv   9 directly or exactly; straight: a course due west [C13: from Old French deu, from devoir to owe, from Latin debēre; see DEBT, DEBIT]

USAGE

The use of due to as a compound preposition (the performance has been cancelled due to bad weather) was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable

■ due bill   n   chiefly US a document acknowledging indebtedness, exchangeable for goods or services

■ dueful (ˈdjuːfʊl)   adj   fitting, due, or suitable

■ dueness (ˈdjuːnəs)   n   the condition of being due

■ due process of law   n   the administration of justice in accordance with established rules and principles

■ dues (djuːz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) charges, as for membership of a club or organization; fees: trade-union dues

■ duly (ˈdjuːlI)   adv   1 in a proper or fitting manner   2 at the proper time; punctually [C14: see DUE, -LY^2]

duecento (ˌdjuəˈtʃɛntəʊ)   n   the thirteenth century when referring to Italian art

duel (ˈdjuːəl)   n   1 a prearranged combat with deadly weapons between two people following a formal procedure in the presence of seconds and traditionally fought until one party was wounded or killed, usually to settle a quarrel involving a point of honour   2 a contest or conflict between two persons or parties   ▷ vb duels, duelling, duelled or US duels, dueling, dueled (intr)   3 to fight in a duel   4 to contest closely [C15: from Medieval Latin duellum, from Latin, poetical variant of bellum war; associated by folk etymology with Latin duo two]   > ˈdueller or US ˈdueler n   > ˈduellist or US ˈduelist n

■ duelsome (ˈdjuːəlsəm)   adj   having a propensity for duelling

duello (djuːˈɛləʊ)   n, pl -los   1 the art of duelling   2 the code of rules for duelling [C16: from Italian; see DUEL]

duende (duːˈɛndeI)   n   inspiration or passion, esp associated with flamenco [C20: Spanish, spirit]

duenna (djuːˈɛnə)   n   (in Spain and Portugal, etc) an elderly woman retained by a family to act as governess and chaperon to young girls [C17: from Spanish dueña, from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master]

■ duennaship (djuːˈɛnəʃIp)   n   the situation or occupation of a duenna

Duero (ˈduero)   n   the Spanish name for the Douro

duet (djuːˈɛt)   n   1 Also called (esp for instrumental compositions): duo a musical composition for two performers or voices   2 an action or activity performed by a pair of closely connected individuals   ▷ vb duets, duetting, duetted   3 (intr) to perform a duet [C18: from Italian duetto a little duet, from duo duet, from Latin: two]   > duˈettist n

duettino (ˌdjuːɛˈtiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   music a duet that is brief and to the point

duff^1 (dʌf)   n   1 a thick flour pudding, often flavoured with currants, citron, etc, and boiled in a cloth bag: plum duff   2 up the duff slang pregnant [C19: Northern English variant of DOUGH]

duff^2 (dʌf)   vb (tr)   1 slang to change the appearance of or give a false appearance to (old or stolen goods); fake   2 Austral slang to steal (cattle), altering the brand   3 Also: sclaff golf informal to bungle (a shot) by hitting the ground behind the ball   ▷ adj   4 Brit informal bad or useless, as by not working out or operating correctly; dud: a duff idea; a duff engine [C19: probably back formation from DUFFER]

duff^3 (dʌf)   n   slang the rump or buttocks [C20: special use of DUFF^1]

duffel or duffle (ˈdʌfəl)   n   1 a heavy woollen cloth with a thick nap   2 chiefly US and Canadian equipment or supplies, esp those of a camper [C17: after Duffel, Belgian town]

■ duffel bag   n   a cylindrical drawstring canvas bag, originally used esp by sailors for carrying personal articles

■ duffel coat   n   a knee-length or short wool coat, usually with a hood and fastened with toggles

duffer (ˈdʌfə)   n   1 informal a dull or incompetent person   2 slang something worthless   3 dialect a peddler or hawker   4 Austral slang   a a mine that proves unproductive   b a person who steals cattle [C19: of uncertain origin]

■ dufferdom (ˈdʌfərdəm)   n   the state of being or the characteristic appearance or behaviour of a duffer (in the sense of a useless and incompetent person)

duff up   vb   (tr, adverb) Brit slang to beat or thrash (a person) severely

Duffy (ˈdʌfI)   n   Dame Carol Ann. born 1955, British poet and writer; poet laureate from 2009, her collections include Standing Female Nude (1985), The World's Wife (1999), and Rapture (2005)

Du Fu (ˈduː ˈfuː) or Tu Fu   n   712–770 AD, Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty

Dufy (French dyfi)   n   Raoul (raul). 1877–1953, French painter and designer whose style is characterized by swift calligraphic draughtsmanship and bright colouring

dug^1 (dʌɡ)   vb   the past tense and past participle of dig

dug^2 (dʌɡ)   n   1 the nipple, teat, udder, or breast of a female mammal   2 a human breast, esp when old and withered [C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish dægge to coddle, Gothic daddjan to give suck]

dug^3 (dʌɡ)   n   a Scot word for dog

du Gard (French dy ɡar)   n   See Martin du Gard

dugite (ˈduːɡaIt)   n   a medium-sized venomous snake, Pseudonaja affinis, of Central and W Australia, having a small head and slender olive-coloured body with black specks

dugong (ˈduːɡɒŋ)   n   a whalelike sirenian mammal, Dugong dugon, occurring in shallow tropical waters from E Africa to Australia: family Dugongidae [C19: from Malay duyong]

dugout (ˈdʌɡˌaʊt)   n   1 a canoe made by hollowing out a log   2 military a covered excavation dug to provide shelter   3 slang a retired officer, former civil servant, etc, recalled to employment   4 (at a sports ground) the covered bench where managers, trainers, etc sit and players wait when not on the field   5 (in the Canadian prairies) a reservoir dug on a farm in which water from rain and snow is collected for use in irrigation, watering livestock, etc

Du Guesclin (French dy ɡeklɛ̃)   n   Bertrand (bɛrtrɑ̃). ?1320–80, French military leader; as constable of France (1370–80), he helped to drive the English from France

duh (dɜː)   interj   slang an ironic response to a question or statement, implying that the speaker is stupid or that the reply is obvious: how did you get in here? – through the door, duh

Duhamel (French dyamɛl)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ). 1884–1966, French novelist, poet, and dramatist; author of La Chronique des Pasquier (1933–45)

duhkha (ˈdukə)   n   another name for dukkha

DUI US law   abbreviation for   Driving Under the Influence: the crime of driving while classed as under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; drunk driving. Also called (in some US states): DWI

duiker or duyker (ˈdaIˌkə)   n, pl -kers or -ker   1 Also called: duikerbok (ˈdaIkəbɒk) any small antelope of the genera Cephalophus and Sylvicapra, occurring throughout Africa south of the Sahara, having short straight backward-pointing horns, pointed hooves, and an arched back   2 South African any of several cormorants, esp the long-tailed shag (Phalacrocorax africanus) [C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch duiker diver, from duiken to dive; see DUCK^2]

Duisburg (German ˈdyːsbʊrk)   n   an industrial city in NW Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia at the confluence of the Rivers Rhine and Ruhr: one of the world's largest and busiest inland ports; university (1972). Pop: 506 496 (2003 est)

Duisenberg (Dutch ˈdysːʊnˌberk)   n   Willem Frederik, known as Wim. 1935–2005, Dutch economist; president of the European Central Bank (1998–2003)

duit (dɔIt)   n   a Dutch coin that was in former use and was equivalent to two penning

du jour (duː ˈʒɔː; French dy ʒur)   adj   (postpositive) informal currently very fashionable or popular: the young writer du jour [C20: from French, literally: of the day (as used on restaurant menus of items that change daily)]

duka (ˈduːka)   n   E African a shop; store [C20: from Swahili]

Dukas (French dykɑ)   n   Paul (pɔl). 1865–1935, French composer best known for the orchestral scherzo The Sorcerer's Apprentice (1897)

duke (djuːk)   n   1 a nobleman of high rank: in the British Isles standing above the other grades of the nobility   2 the prince or ruler of a small principality or duchy ▶ Related adjective: ducal [C12: from Old French duc, from Latin dux leader]

■ dukedom (ˈdjuːkdəm)   n   1 another name for a duchy   2 the title, rank, or position of a duke

■ dukeling (ˈdjuːklIŋ)   n   1 an inferior or minor duke   2 the offspring of a duke

■ dukery (ˈdjuːkrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the domain of a duke   2 the home or property of a duke

■ dukes (djuːks)   pl n   slang the fists (esp in the phrase put your dukes up) [C19: from Duke of Yorks rhyming slang for forks (fingers)]

■ dukeship (ˈdjuːkʃIp)   n   the position or status of a duke

Dukhobor (ˈduːkəʊˌbɔː)   pl n   a variant spelling of Doukhobor

dukka or dukkah (ˈdʊkə)   n   a mix of ground roast nuts and spices, originating in Egypt, and used for sprinkling on meat or as a dip

dukkeripen (ˌdʊkəˈrIpən)   n   fortune-telling

dukkha (ˈdukə)   n   (in Theravada Buddhism) the belief that all things are suffering, due to the desire to seek permanence or recognize the self when neither exist: one of the three basic characteristics of existence. Sanskrit word: duhkha. Compare anata, anicca [Pali, literally: suffering, illness]

Dulbecco (dʌlˈbɛkəʊ; Italian dʌlˈbekko)   n   Renato. 1914–2012, US physician and molecular biologist, born in Italy: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1975) for cancer research

dulcamara (ˌdʌlkəˈmɑːrə)   n   1 a type of vine with orange fruit and purple flowers that is a member of the Solanaceae family   2 the stem of Solanum dulcamara when dried and used to expel urine and sedate

dulcet (ˈdʌlsIt)   adj   (of a sound) soothing or pleasant; sweet [C14: from Latin dulcis sweet]   > ˈdulcetly adv   > ˈdulcetness or dulcitude (ˈdʌlsIˌtjuːd) n

■ dulcifluous (dʌlˈsIflʊəs)   adj   coursing or flowing in a dulcet or gentle manner

■ dulcify (ˈdʌlsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 rare to make pleasant or agreeable   2 a rare word for sweeten [C16: from Late Latin dulcificāre, from Latin dulcis sweet + facere to make]   > ˌdulcifiˈcation n

■ dulciloquy (dʌlˈsIləkwI)   n   a way of speaking that is mellow and agreeable

dulcian (ˈdʌlsIən)   n music   1 an organ-stop consisting of pipes made of reeds   2 a group of reed pipes in a musical instrument that produce a sound similar to that made by a bassoon   3 a Renaissance wooden wind instrument that was the precursor to the bassoon

dulciana (ˌdʌlsIˈɑːnə)   n   a sweet-toned organ stop, controlling metal pipes of narrow scale [C18: from Latin dulcis sweet]

dulcimer (ˈdʌlsImə)   n music   1 a tuned percussion instrument consisting of a set of strings of graduated length stretched over a sounding board and struck with a pair of hammers   2 an instrument used in US folk music, consisting of an elliptical body, a fretted fingerboard, and usually three strings plucked with a goose quill [C15: from Old French doulcemer, from Old Italian dolcimelo, from dolce sweet, from Latin dulcis + -melo, perhaps from Greek melos song]

dulcinea (ˌdʌlsIˈnIə)   n   a sweetheart [C18: from the name of Don Quixote's mistress Dulcinea del Toboso in Cervantes' novel; from Spanish dulce sweet]

dulcite (ˈdʌlsaIt)   n   chem a sweet substance, called Madagascar manna in its unrefined condition and resembling mannite, that comes from several plants

dule (duːl)   n   1 a state of suffering or misery   2 a cause of suffering or misery

dulia (ˈdjuːlIə)   n   the veneration accorded to saints in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Churches, as contrasted with hyperdulia and latria [C17: from Medieval Latin: service, from Greek douleia slavery, from doulos slave]

dull (dʌl)   adj   1 slow to think or understand   2 lacking in interest   3 lacking in perception or the ability to respond; insensitive   4 lacking sharpness; blunt   5 not acute, intense, or piercing   6 (of weather) not bright or clear; cloudy   7 not active, busy, or brisk   8 lacking in spirit or animation; listless   9 (of colour) lacking brilliance or brightness; sombre   10 not loud or clear; muffled   11 med (of sound elicited by percussion, esp of the chest) not resonant   ▷ vb   12 to make or become dull [Old English dol; related to Old Norse dul conceit, Old High German tol foolish, Greek tholeros confused]   > ˈdullish adj   > ˈdullness or ˈdulness n   > ˈdully adv

■ dullard (ˈdʌləd)   n   an unintelligent person

■ dullishly (ˈdʌlIʃlI)   adv   in a slightly dull manner

■ dullsville (ˈdʌlzvIl)   n slang   1 a thing, place, or activity that is boring or dull   2 the state of being bored

■ dull-witted   adj   not clever or intelligent

Dulles (ˈdʌlIs)   n   John Foster. 1888–1959, US statesman and lawyer; secretary of state (1953–59)

dulocracy (duːˈlɒkrəsI)   n   a variant spelling of doulocracy

dulosis (djuːˈləʊsIs)   n   a practice of some ants, in which one species forces members of a different species to do the work of the colony. Also called: helotism [C20: from Greek: enslavement, from doulos slave]   > dulotic (djuːˈlɒtIk) adj

dulse (dʌls)   n   any of several seaweeds, esp Rhodymenia palmata, that occur on rocks and have large red edible fronds [C17: from Old Irish duilesc seaweed]

Duluth (dəˈluːθ)   n   a port in E Minnesota, at the W end of Lake Superior. Pop: 85 734 (2003 est)

Dulwich (ˈdʌlItʃ)   n   a residential district in the Greater London borough of Southwark: site of an art gallery and the public school, Dulwich College

duma or douma Russian (ˈduːmə)   n Russian history   1 (usually capital) the elective legislative assembly established by Tsar Nicholas II in 1905: overthrown by the Bolsheviks in 1917   2 (before 1917) any official assembly or council   3 short for State Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian parliament [C20: from duma thought, of Germanic origin; related to Gothic dōms judgment]

■ dumaist (ˈduːməIst)   n   a person who belongs to a duma or Russian council

Dumas (French dymɑ)   n   1  Alexandre (alɛksɑ̃drə), known as Dumas père. 1802–70, French novelist and dramatist, noted for his historical romances The Count of Monte Cristo (1844) and The Three Musketeers (1844)   2  his son, Alexandre, known as Dumas fils. 1824–95, French novelist and dramatist, noted esp for the play he adapted from an earlier novel, La Dame aux camélias (1852)   3  Jean-Baptiste André (ʒɑ̃batist ɑ̃dre). 1800–84, French chemist, noted for his research on vapour density and atomic weight   4  Marlene. born 1953, South African-born painter resident in the Netherlands; noted for her expressionist portraits and nudes

Du Maurier (djuː ˈmɒrIˌeI)   n   1  Dame Daphne. 1907–89, English novelist; author of Rebecca (1938) and My Cousin Rachel (1951)   2  her grandfather, George Louis Palmella Busson (ˈpæmɛlə ˈbjuːsən) 1834-96, British novelist and illustrator; author Trilby (1894)   3  his son, Sir Gerald (Hubert Edward). 1873–1934, British actor-manager: father of Daphne Du Maurier

dumb (dʌm)   adj   1 lacking the power of human speech: dumb animals   2 offensive lacking the power to speak, either because of defects in the vocal organs or because of hereditary deafness   3 temporarily lacking or bereft of the power to speak: struck dumb   4 refraining from speech; uncommunicative   5 producing no sound; silent: a dumb piano   6 made, done, or performed without speech   7 informal   a slow to understand   b foolish; stupid   8 (of a projectile or bomb) not guided to its target [Old English; related to Old Norse dumbr, Gothic dumbs, Old High German tump]   > ˈdumbly adv   > ˈdumbness n

■ dumb ague   n   an irregular form of malarial fever (ague) lacking the typically symptomatic chill

■ dumb-ass slang   n   1 a stupid person   ▷ adj   2 extremely stupid

■ dumbbell (ˈdʌmˌbɛl)   n   1 gymnastics, weightlifting an exercising weight consisting of a single bar with a heavy ball or disc at either end   2 a small wooden object shaped like this used in dog training for the dog to retrieve   3 slang, chiefly US and Canadian a foolish person

■ dumb-cane   n   a West Indian aroid plant, Dieffenbachia seguine, chewing the stem of which induces speechlessness by paralysing the throat muscles

■ dumb down   vb   (tr) to make or become less intellectually demanding or sophisticated: attempts to dumb down news coverage

■ dumbhead (ˈdʌmˌhɛd)   n   1    a a foolish person   b (as modifier): dumbhead antics on skates   2 a type of bench for holding work to be shaved

■ dumbshit (ˈdʌmˌʃIt) vulgar, slang   n   1 a foolish person   ▷ adj   2 extremely foolish

■ dumbshow (ˈdʌmˌʃəʊ)   n   1 a part of a play acted in pantomime, popular in early English drama   2 meaningful gestures; mime

■ dumbstruck (ˈdʌmˌstrʌk) or dumbstricken (ˈdʌmˌstrIkən)   adj   temporarily deprived of speech through shock or surprise

■ dumbwaiter (ˈdʌmˌweItə)   n   1 Brit   a a stand placed near a dining table to hold food   b a revolving circular tray placed on a table to hold food. US and Canadian name: lazy Susan   2 a lift for carrying food, rubbish, etc, between floors

Dumbarton (dʌmˈbɑːtən)   n   a town in W Scotland, in West Dunbartonshire near the confluence of the Rivers Leven and Clyde: centred around the Rock of Dumbarton, an important stronghold since ancient times; engineering and distilling. Pop: 20 527 (2001)

Dumbarton Oaks (ˈdʌmˌbɑːtən)   n   an estate in the District of Columbia in the US: scene of conferences in 1944 concerned with creating the United Nations

dumbfound or dumfound (dʌmˈfaʊnd)   vb   (tr) to strike dumb with astonishment; amaze. Also (archaic): dumbfounder, dumfounder [C17: from DUMB + (CON)FOUND]

■ dumbfounded (dʌmˈfaʊndId)   adj   astonished or amazed

dumbledore (ˈdʌmbəlˌdɔː)   n   English dialect a bumblebee. Also (Southwest English): drumbledrane [Old English dumble, variant of drumble to move sluggishly + dor humming insect]

dumbo (ˈdʌmbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   slang an unintelligent or foolish person [C20: after the flying elephant in Dumbo, the Walt Disney cartoon released in 1941]

dumdum (ˈdʌmˌdʌm)   n   a soft-nosed or hollow-nosed small-arms bullet that expands on impact and inflicts extensive laceration. Also called: dumdum bullet [C19: named after Dum-Dum, town near Kolkata (Calcutta) where these bullets were made]

dumela (dʊˈmɛlə)   sentence substitute   South African hello; good morning [Sotho]

Dumfries (dʌmˈfriːs)   n   a town in S Scotland on the River Nith, administrative centre of Dumfries and Galloway. Pop: 31 146 (2001)

■ Dumfries and Galloway   n   a council area in SW Scotland: created in 1975 from the counties of Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, and Wigtown; became a unitary authority in 1996; chiefly agricultural. Administrative centre: Dumfries. Pop: 147 210 (2003 est). Area: 6439 sq km (2486 sq miles)

■ Dumfriesshire (dʌmˈfriːsˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1975) a county in S Scotland, on the Solway Firth, now part of Dumfries and Galloway

dumka (ˈduːmkə)   n   music   a a piece of Slavonic music that typically has abrupt changes in mood from sadness to joy   b a Slavonic lyrical song   c (as modifier): the dancing dumka movement

dummelhead (ˈdʌməlˌhɛd)   n   Northern English dialect a foolish person

dummerer (ˈdʌmərə)   n   archaic a tramp who feigns that he or she is unable to speak

dummkopf (ˈdʊmˌkɒf)   n   1 another word for dumbhead   ▷ adj   2 relating to a foolish person or foolish behaviour [C19: from German dumm dumb + Kopf head]

dummy (ˈdʌmI)   n, pl -mies   1 a figure representing the human form, used for displaying clothes, in a ventriloquist's act, as a target, etc   2    a a copy or imitation of an object, often lacking some essential feature of the original   b (as modifier): a dummy drawer   3 slang a stupid person; fool   4 old-fashioned, slang, offensive a person without the power of speech; mute   5 informal a person who says or does nothing   6    a a person who appears to act for himself or herself while acting on behalf of another   b (as modifier): a dummy buyer   7 military a weighted round without explosives, used in drill and training   8 bridge   a the hand exposed on the table by the declarer's partner and played by the declarer   b the declarer's partner   9    a a prototype of a proposed book, indicating the general appearance and dimensions of the finished product   b a designer's layout of a page indicating the positions for illustrations, etc   10 a feigned pass or move in a sport such as football or rugby   11 Brit a rubber teat for babies to suck or bite on. US and Canadian equivalent: pacifier   12 (modifier) counterfeit; sham   13 (modifier) (of a card game) played with one hand exposed or unplayed   14 spit the dummy chiefly Austral slang to lose control of one's temper   ▷ vb -mies, -mying, -mied   15 to prepare a dummy of (a proposed book, page, etc)   16 Also: sell someone a dummy sport to use a dummy pass in order to trick (an opponent) [C16: see DUMB, -Y^3]

■ dumminess (ˈdʌmInəs)   n   the condition of being one who contributes nothing or has no comment to make on proceedings

■ dummy head   n   a model of the human head with a microphone in each ear intended to receive sound in binaural and surround sound reproduction and transmission

■ dummy load   n   a resistive component that absorbs all the output power of an electrical generator or radio transmitter in order to simulate working conditions for test purposes

■ dummy run   n   a practice or rehearsal; trial run

■ dummy variable   n   a variable appearing in a mathematical expression that can be replaced by any arbitrary variable, not occurring in the expression, without affecting the value of the whole

Du Mont (ˈdjuːˌmɒnt)   n   Allen Balcom. 1901–65, US inventor and electronics manufacturer. He developed the cathode-ray tube used in television sets and oscilloscopes

dumortierite (djuːˈmɔːtIəˌraIt)   n   a hard fibrous blue or green mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium borosilicate. Formula: Al_7O_3BO_3(SiO_4)3 [C19: named after Eugène Dumortier, 19th-century French palaeontologist who discovered it]

dumose (ˈdjuːˌməʊz)   adj   1 filled with bushes   2 botany having a bushlike manner of growing

■ dumosity (djuːˈmɒsItI)   n   the condition of being filled with bushes

dump^1 (dʌmp)   vb   1 to drop, fall, or let fall heavily or in a mass   2 (tr) to empty (objects or material) out of a container   3 to unload, empty, or make empty (a container), as by tilting or overturning   4 (tr) informal to dispose of   5 (tr) to dispose of (waste, esp radioactive nuclear waste) in the sea or on land   6 commerce   a to market (goods) in bulk and at low prices   b to offer for sale large quantities of (goods) on foreign markets at low prices in order to maintain a high price in the home market and obtain a share of the foreign markets   7 (tr) to store (supplies, arms, etc) temporarily   8 (intr) slang, chiefly US to defecate   9 (tr) surfing (of a wave) to hurl (a swimmer or surfer) down   10 (tr) Austral and NZ to compact (bales of wool) by hydraulic pressure   11 (tr) computing to record (the contents of part or all of the memory) on a storage device, such as magnetic tape, at a series of points during a computer run   ▷ n   12    a a place or area where waste materials are dumped   b (in combination): rubbish dump   13 a pile or accumulation of rubbish   14 the act of dumping   15 informal a dirty or unkempt place   16 military a place where weapons, supplies, etc, are stored   17 slang, chiefly US an act of defecation [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dumpa to fall suddenly, Middle Low German dumpeln to duck]   > ˈdumper n

■ dumpbin (ˈdʌmpˌbIn)   n   1 a free-standing unit in a bookshop in which the books of a particular publisher are displayed   2 a container in a shop in which goods are heaped, often in a disorderly fashion

■ dumpcart (ˈdʌmpˌkɑːt)   n   a cart which tips or has a rear opening to enable the emptying of the contents without touching them

■ dumpee (dʌmˈpiː)   n   informal a person who is rejected

■ dumping (ˈdʌmpIŋ)   n   1 the disposal (of waste) in the sea or on land   2 economics the offering for sale of large quantities (of goods) on foreign markets at low prices in order to maintain a high price in the home market and obtain a share of the foreign markets   3 the hasty selling (of stocks and shares) in the belief that prices will fall or continue falling

■ dumpishly (ˈdʌmpIʃlI)   adv   in a downhearted and despondent manner

■ dumpishness (ˈdʌmpIʃnəs)   n   the state of being downhearted and dejected

■ dump on   vb   (intr, preposition) informal, chiefly US to abuse or criticize

■ dump orbit   n   an earth orbit into which communications satellites may be moved at the end of their operational lives, where there is no risk of their interference or collision with working satellites in their normal orbits. Also called: graveyard orbit

■ dumps (dʌmps)   pl n   informal a state of melancholy or depression (esp in the phrase down in the dumps) [C16: probably from Middle Dutch domp haze, mist; see DAMP]

■ dumpsite (ˈdʌmpˌsaIt)   n   a dump where refuse is discarded

■ dumpster diving (ˈdʌmpstə)   n   US the practice of searching through dustbins for discarded but still usable or valuable objects such as food or clothes

■ dumptruck (ˈdʌmpˌtrʌk) or dumper-truck (ˈdʌmpə-)   n   a small truck used on building sites, having a load-bearing container at the front that can be tipped up to unload the contents

■ dumpy (ˈdʌmpI) or dumpish (ˈdʌmpIʃ)   adj   rare in low spirits; depressed; morose [C17: from C16 dump; see DUMPS]

dump^2 (dʌmp)   n   obsolete a mournful song; lament [C16: see DAMP]

dumple (ˈdʌmpəl)   vb (tr)   to form (something) into a short and fat shape

dumpling (ˈdʌmplIŋ)   n   1 a small ball of dough cooked and served with stew   2 a pudding consisting of a round pastry case filled with fruit: apple dumpling   3 informal a short plump person [C16: dump-, perhaps variant of LUMP^1 + -LING^1]

dumpy (ˈdʌmpI)   adj dumpier, dumpiest   short and plump; squat [C18: perhaps related to DUMPLING]   > ˈdumpily adv   > ˈdumpiness n

■ dumpy level   n   surveying a levelling instrument consisting of a horizontal telescope with various rotational arrangements and a spirit level

Dumyat (dʊmˈjæt)   n   the Arabic name for Damietta

dun^1 (dʌn)   vb duns, dunning, dunned   1 (tr) to press or importune (a debtor) for the payment of a debt   ▷ n   2 a person, esp a hired agent, who importunes another for the payment of a debt   3 a demand for payment, esp one in writing [C17: of unknown origin]

dun^2 (dʌn)   n   1 a brownish-grey colour   2 a horse of this colour   3 angling   a an immature adult mayfly (the subimago), esp one of the genus Ephemera   b an artificial fly imitating this or a similar fly   ▷ adj dunner, dunnest   4 of a dun colour   5 dark and gloomy [Old English dunn; related to Old Norse dunna wild duck, Middle Irish doun dark; see DUSK]

■ dunness (ˈdʌnnəs)   n   the condition of being dun, dull, or murky

■ dunnish (ˈdʌnIʃ)   adj   rather dull or greyish-brown in colour

Duna (ˈdunɔ)   n   the Hungarian name for the Danube

Dünaburg (ˈdyːnabʊrk)   n   the German name (until 1893) for Daugavpils

Dunaj (ˈdunaj)   n   the Czech name for the Danube

dunam (ˈdʊnəm)   n   a unit of land area measurement used in Israel equivalent to 1,000 square metres

Dunant (French dynɑ̃)   n   (Jean) (ʒɑ̃) Henri (ɑ̃ri). 1828–1910, Swiss humanitarian, founder of the International Red Cross (1864): shared the Nobel peace prize 1901

Dunărea (ˈdunərjɑ)   n   the Romanian name for the Danube

Dunbar^1 (dʌnˈbɑː)   n   a port and resort in SE Scotland, in East Lothian: scene of Cromwell's defeat of the Scots (1650). Pop: 6354 (2001)

Dunbar^2 (dʌnˈbɑː)   n   William. ?1460–?1520, Scottish poet, noted for his satirical, allegorical, and elegiac works

Dunbar's number (dʌnˈbɑː)   n   a hypothetical limit (usually considered to be approximately 150) to the number of people with whom an individual is able to sustain a meaningful social relationship [C21: after Robin Dunbar (born 1947), British anthropologist who proposed the theory]

Dunbartonshire (dʌnˈbɑːtənʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a historical county of W Scotland: became part of Strathclyde region in 1975; administered since 1996 by the council areas of East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire

Duncan (ˈdʌŋkən)   n   Isadora (ˌIzəˈdɔːrə). 1878–1927, US dancer and choreographer, who influenced modern ballet by introducing greater freedom of movement

Duncan I (ˈdʌŋkən)   n   died 1040, king of Scotland (1034–40); killed by Macbeth

Duncan Phyfe or Duncan Fife (ˈdʌŋkən ˌfaIf)   n   (modifier) US carpentry of or in the manner of Duncan Phyfe, esp in that which followed the Sheraton and Directoire styles

Duncan Smith (ˈdʌŋkən ˈsmIθ)   n   (George) Iain. born 1954, British politician; leader of the Conservative Party (2001–03); secretary of state for work and pensions (2010–2016)

dunce (dʌns)   n   a person who is slow to learn [C16: from Dunses or Dunsmen, term of ridicule applied to the followers of John DUNS SCOTUS, especially by 16th-century humanists]   > ˈdunceˌlike adj

■ dunce cap or dunce's cap   n   a conical paper hat, formerly placed on the head of a slower child at school

■ duncedom (ˈdʌnsdəm) or duncery (ˈdʌnsrI)   n   the characteristic behaviour or the realm of a dunce or a dullard

■ duncical (ˈdʌnsIkəl) or duncish (ˈdʌnsIʃ)   adj   relating to a dunce

■ duncishly (ˈdʌnsIʃlI)   adv   in the manner of a dunce

dunch (dʌntʃ)   n   1 a push or nudge with the elbow   2 an insubstantial meal that is eaten between lunch and dinner   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to push or nudge (a person) with the elbow

Dundalk (dʌnˈdɔːk)   n   a town in NE Republic of Ireland, on Dundalk Bay: county town of Co Louth. Pop: 32 505 (2002)

Dundee^1 (dʌnˈdiː)   n   1 a port in E Scotland, in City of Dundee council area, on the Firth of Tay: centre of the former British jute industry; university (1967). Pop: 154 674 (2001)   2 City of Dundee a council area in E Scotland. Pop: 143 090 (2003 est). Area: 65 sq km (25 sq miles)

■ Dundee cake   n   chiefly Brit a fairly rich fruit cake decorated with almonds

Dundee^2 (dʌnˈdiː)   n   1st Viscount, title of John Graham of Claverhouse. ?1649–89, Scottish Jacobite leader, who died from his wounds after winning the battle of Killiecrankie

dunder (ˈdʌndə)   n   brewing the deposit or sediment of cane-juice that contains yeast left over from making a quantity of rum that is used in the fermentation process in making a new quantity

dunderfunk (ˈdʌndəˌfʌŋk)   n   nautical a combination of ship's biscuit and molasses that is baked

dunderhead (ˈdʌndəˌhɛd)   n   informal a foolish person. Also called: dunderpate [C17: probably from Dutch donder thunder + HEAD; compare BLOCKHEAD]   > ˈdunderˌheaded adj   > ˈdunderˌheadedness n

■ dunderheadism (ˈdʌndəˌhɛdIzəm)   n   another term for dunderheadedness

dundrearies (dʌnˈdrIərIz)   pl n   an expression for long whiskers or side-burns on the side of the face when present without a beard

dune (djuːn)   n   a mound or ridge of drifted sand, occurring on the sea coast and in deserts [C18: via Old French from Middle Dutch dūne; see DOWN^3]

■ dune buggy   n   a recreational vehicle for going on beaches and over sand dunes

■ duneland (ˈdjuːnˌlænd)   n     a an area of land that is characterized by dunes   b (as modifier): the duneland masterpiece of Saunton Golf Club

■ dunelike (ˈdjuːnˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a dune or dunes

Dunedin (dʌnˈiːdIn)   n   a port in New Zealand, on SE South Island: founded (1848) by Scottish settlers. Pop: 119 100 (2013 est)

Dunfermline (dʌnˈfɜːmlIn)   n   a city in E Scotland, in SW Fife: ruined palace, a former residence of Scottish kings. Pop: 39 229 (2001)

dung (dʌŋ)   n   1    a excrement, esp of animals; manure   b (as modifier): dung cart   2 something filthy   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to cover (ground) with manure [Old English: prison; related to Old High German tunc cellar roofed with dung, Old Norse dyngja manure heap]   > ˈdungy adj

■ dung beetle or dung chafer   n   any of the various beetles of the family Scarabaeidae and related families that feed on or breed in dung

■ dung fly   n   any of various muscid flies of the subfamily Cordilurinae, such as the predatory yellow dung fly (Scatophaga stercoraria), that frequents cowpats to feed and lay its eggs

■ dung heap, dungheap (ˈdʌŋˌhiːp) or dunghill (ˈdʌŋˌhIl)   n   1 a heap of dung   2 a foul place, condition, or person

■ dungmere (ˈdʌŋˌmIə)   n   a hole or a trench for the collection of waste matter

Dungannon (dʌnˈɡænən)   n   a district of S Northern Ireland, in Co Tyrone. Pop: 48 695 (2003 est). Area: 783 sq km (302 sq miles)

dungaree (ˌdʌŋɡəˈriː)   n   1 a coarse cotton fabric used chiefly for work clothes, etc   2 (plural)   a a suit of workman's overalls made of this material consisting of trousers with a bib attached   b a casual garment resembling this, usually worn by women or children   3 US trousers [C17: from Hindi dungrī, after Dungrī, district of Mumbai, where this fabric originated]

■ dungareed (ˌdʌŋɡəˈriːd)   adj   wearing dungarees

Dungeness (ˌdʌndʒəˈnɛs)   n   a low shingle headland on the S coast of England, in Kent: two nuclear power stations (one operational, one decommissioned): automatic lighthouse

dungeon (ˈdʌndʒən)   n   1 a close prison cell, often underground   2 a variant of donjon [C14: from Old French donjon; related to Latin dominus master]

■ dungeoner (ˈdʌndʒənə)   n   a thing which or a jailer who confines in, or as if in, a dungeon

dunger (ˈdʌŋə) NZ informal   n   1 an old decrepit car   2 any old worn-out machine

dunite (ˈdʌnaIt)   n   an ultrabasic igneous rock consisting mainly of olivine [C19: named after Dun Mountain, a mountain in New Zealand where it is abundant]

■ dunitic (dəˈnItIk)   adj   relating to dunite

duniwassal, duniewassal or dunniewassal (ˈduːnIˌwɑːsəl)   n   (in Scotland) a minor nobleman [C16: from Gaelic duine man + uasal noble]

dunk (dʌŋk)   vb   1 to dip (bread, etc) in tea, soup, etc, before eating   2 to submerge or be submerged in liquid [C20: from Pennsylvania Dutch, from Middle High German dunken, from Old High German dunkōn; see DUCK^2, TINGE]   > ˈdunker n

Dunker (ˈdʌŋkə) or Dunkard (ˈdʌŋkəd)   n   a member of the German Baptist Brethren [C18: from German Tunker ducker]

Dunkerque (French dœ̃kɛrk)   n   a port in N France, on the Strait of Dover: scene of the evacuation of British and other Allied troops after the fall of France in 1940; industrial centre with an oil refinery and naval shipbuilding yards. Pop: 70 654 (2006). English name: Dunkirk (dʌnˈkɜːk)

■ Dunkirk spirit   n   Brit fortitude and stoicism in a demanding or dangerous situation

Dún Laoghaire (duːn ˈlIərI)   n   a port in E Republic of Ireland, on Dublin Bay. Pop: 24 447 (2002). Former names: (until 1821) Dunleary, (1821–1921) Kingstown

dunlin (ˈdʌnlIn)   n   a small sandpiper, Calidris (or Erolia) alpina, of northern and arctic regions, having a brown back and black breast in summer. Also called: red-backed sandpiper [C16: DUN^2 + -LING^1]

Dunlop (ˈdʌnlɒp)   n   John Boyd. 1840–1921, Scottish veterinary surgeon, who devised the first successful pneumatic tyre, which was manufactured by the company named after him

dunnage (ˈdʌnIdʒ)   n   loose material used for packing cargo [C14: of uncertain origin]

dunnakin (ˈdʌnəkIn)   n   dialect a lavatory. Also called: dunny [of obscure origin; but perhaps related to DUNG]

dunnart (ˈdʌnɑːt)   n   a mouselike insectivorous marsupial of the genus Sminthopsis of Australia and New Guinea [C20: from a native Australian language]

dunnite (ˈdʌnaIt)   n   an explosive containing ammonium picrate [C20: named after Colonel B. W. Dunn (1860–1936), American army officer who invented it]

dunno (dʌˈnəʊ, dʊ-, də-) slang   contraction of   (I) do not know

dunnock (ˈdʌnək)   n   another name for hedge sparrow [C15: from DUN^2 + -OCK]

dunny (ˈdʌnI)   n, pl -nies   1 Scot dialect a cellar or basement   2 dialect another word for dunnakin   3 Austral and NZ informal   a an outside lavatory   b (as modifier): a dunny roll; a dunny seat [C20: of obscure origin; but see DUNNAKIN]

■ dunny budgie   n   Austral informal a blowfly

Dunois (French dynwa)   n   Jean (ʒɑ̃), Comte de Dunois, known as the Bastard of Orléans. ?1403–68, French military commander, who defended Orléans against the English until the siege was raised by Joan of Arc (1429)

Dunoon (dəˈnuːn)   n   a town and resort in W Scotland, in Argyll and Bute, on the Firth of Clyde. Pop: 8251 (2001)

Dunsany (dʌnˈseInI)   n   18th Baron, title of Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett. 1878–1957, Irish dramatist and short-story writer

Dunsinane (dʌnˈsInən)   n   a hill in central Scotland, in the Sidlaw Hills: the ruined fort at its summit is regarded as Macbeth's castle. Height: 308 m (1012 ft)

USAGE

The pronunciation ˈdʌnsIˌneIn) is used in Shakespeare's Macbeth for the purposes of rhyme

Duns Scotus (ˈdʌnz ˈskɒtəs)   n   John. ?1265–1308, Scottish scholastic theologian and Franciscan priest: opposed the theology of St Thomas Aquinas. See also Scotism

Dunstable^1 (ˈdʌnstəbəl)   n   an industrial town in SE central England, in Bedfordshire. Pop: 50 775 (2001)

Dunstable^2 (ˈdʌnstəbəl)   n   John. died 1453, English composer, esp of motets and mass settings, noted for his innovations in harmony and rhythm

Dunstan (ˈdʌnstən)   n   Saint. ?909–988 AD, English prelate and statesman; archbishop of Canterbury (959–988). He revived monasticism in England on Benedictine lines and promoted education. Feast day: May 19

dunt (dʌnt, dʊnt) Scot and Northern English dialect   n   1 a blow; thump   2 the injury caused by such a blow   ▷ vb   3 to strike or hit [C15: perhaps variant of DINT]

Duntroon (dʌnˈtruːn)   n   a suburb of Canberra: seat of the Royal Military College of Australia

duo (ˈdjuːəʊ)   n, pl duos or dui (ˈdjuːiː)   1 music   a a pair of performers   b another word for duet   2 a pair of actors, entertainers, etc   3 informal a pair of closely connected individuals [C16: via Italian from Latin: two]

duo-   combining form   indicating two: duotone [from Latin]

duobinary (ˌdjuːəʊˈbaInərI)   adj   denoting a communications system for coding digital data in which three data bands are used, 0, +1, –1. Compare binary notation

duodecennial (ˌdjuːəʊdIˈsɛnIəl)   adj   relating to twelve years

duodecillion (ˌdjuːəʊdIˈsIljən)   n   a name for a number also known as sextilliard and equivalent to 10 to the power 39 in the short scale numerical system

duodecimal (ˌdjuːəʊˈdɛsIməl)   adj   1 relating to twelve or twelfths   ▷ n   2 a twelfth   3 one of the numbers used in a duodecimal number system   > ˌduoˈdecimally adv

duodecimo (ˌdjuːəʊˈdɛsIˌməʊ)   n, pl -mos   1 Also called: twelvemo a book size resulting from folding a sheet of paper into twelve leaves. Often written: 12mo, 12°   2 a book of this size [C17: from Latin phrase in duodecimō in twelfth, from duodecim twelve]

duodenary (ˌdjuːəˈdiːnərI)   adj   of or relating to the number 12; duodecimal [C17: from Latin duodēnārius containing twelve]

duodenum (ˌdjuːəʊˈdiːnəm)   n, pl -na (-nə) or -nums   the first part of the small intestine, between the stomach and the jejunum [C14: from Medieval Latin, shortened from intestinum duodenum digitorum intestine of twelve fingers' length, from Latin duodēnī twelve each]   > ˌduoˈdenal adj

■ duodenectomy (ˌdjuːədIˈnɛktəmI)   n, pl -tomies   surgery a complete or incomplete removal of the duodenum

■ duodenitis (ˌdjuːəʊdIˈnaItIs)   n   inflammation of the duodenum

duologue or sometimes US duolog (ˈdjuːəˌlɒɡ)   n   1 a part or all of a play in which the speaking roles are limited to two actors   2 a less common word for dialogue

duomo (ˈdwəʊməʊ)   n, pl -mos   an Italian cathedral

duopoly (djʊˈɒpəlI)   n, pl -lies   a situation in which control of a commodity or service in a particular market is vested in just two producers or suppliers   > duopolistic (ˌdjʊɒpəˈlIstIk) adj

duopsony (djuːˈɒpsənI)   n   a set of circumstances where two opposing buyers have an impact on sellers by forcing down their prices

Duo-Tang (ˈdjuːəˌtæŋ)   n trademark   Canadian a type of folder with flexible metal fasteners

duotone (ˈdjuːəˌtəʊn)   n printing   1 a process for producing halftone illustrations using two shades of a single colour or black and a colour   2 a picture produced by this process

dup (dʌp)   vb dups, dupping, dupped   (tr) archaic or dialect to open [C16: contraction of DO^1 + UP]

DUP   abbreviation for (in Northern Ireland)   Democratic Unionist Party

D up   vb (adverb)   Austral sport   a to set up a defence   b to mark an opponent

Duparc (French dypark)   n   Henri (ɑ̃ri), full name Marie Eugène Henri Fouques Duparc. 1848–1933, French composer of songs noted for their sad brooding quality

dupatta (dʊˈpʌtə) or dopatta (dəʊˈpʌtə)   n   a scarf worn in India

dupe (djuːp)   n   1 a person who is easily deceived   2 a person who unwittingly serves as the tool of another person or power   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to deceive, esp by trickery; make a dupe or tool of; cheat; fool [C17: from French, from Old French duppe, contraction of de huppe of (a) hoopoe (from Latin upupa); from the bird's reputation for extreme stupidity]   > ˈdupable adj   > ˌdupaˈbility n   > ˈduper n   > ˈdupery n

dupion (ˈdjuːpIən, djuˈpiːɒn)   n   a silk fabric made from the threads of double cocoons [C19: from French doupion, from Italian doppione double]

duple (ˈdjuːpəl)   adj   1 a less common word for double   2 music (of time or music) having two beats in a bar [C16: from Latin duplus twofold, double]

Dupleix (French dyplɛks)   n   Marquis Joseph François (ʒozɛf frɑ̃swa). 1697–1763, French governor general in India (1742–54). His plan to establish a French empire in India was frustrated by Clive

Duplessis-Mornay (French dyplɛsimɔrnɛ)   n   a variant of (Philippe de) Mornay

duplet (ˈdjuːplIt)   n   1 a pair of electrons shared between two atoms in a covalent bond   2 music a group of two notes played in the time of three

duple time   n   musical time with two beats in each bar

duplex (ˈdjuːplɛks)   n   1 US and Canadian a duplex apartment or house   2 a double-stranded region in a nucleic acid molecule   ▷ adj   3 having two parts   4 machinery having pairs of components of independent but identical function   5 permitting the transmission of simultaneous signals in both directions in a radio, telecommunications, or computer channel [C19: from Latin: twofold, from duo two + -plex -FOLD]   > duˈplexity n

■ duplex apartment   n   US and Canadian an apartment on two floors

■ duplex chain   n   engineering a roller chain having two sets of rollers linked together, used for heavy-duty applications

■ duplexer (ˈdjuːplɛksə)   n   an apparatus used in radio communications that allows the same antenna to be used for both transmitting and receiving signals

■ duplex house   n   US and Canadian a house divided into two separate dwellings. Also called (Brit): semidetached

duplicate   adj (ˈdjuːplIkIt)   1 copied exactly from an original   2 identical   3 existing as a pair or in pairs; twofold   ▷ n (ˈdjuːplIkIt)   4 an exact copy; double   5 something additional or supplementary of the same kind   6 two exact copies (esp in the phrase in duplicate)   ▷ vb (ˈdjuːplIˌkeIt)   7 (tr) to make a replica of   8 (tr) to do or make again   9 (tr) to make in a pair; make double   10 (intr) biology to reproduce by dividing into two identical parts: the chromosomes duplicated in mitosis [C15: from Latin duplicāre to double, from duo two + plicāre to fold]   > duplicable (ˈdjuːplIkəbəl) adj   > ˌduplicaˈbility n   > ˈduplicately adv   > ˈduplicative adj

■ duplicand (ˌdjuːplIˈkænd)   n   Scots law the twofold increase of feu-duty for the period of a year, or the feu-duty paid, as occasioned at specific times

■ duplicate bridge   n   a form of contract bridge, esp at clubs and in competitions, in which the hands are kept as dealt and played by different players. The partners with the highest average score are the winners. Also called: board bridge. Compare rubber bridge

■ duplicating machine or duplicator   n   a copying machine

■ duplication (ˌdjuːplIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of duplicating or the state of being duplicated   2 a copy; duplicate   3 genetics a mutation in which there are two or more copies of a gene or of a segment of a chromosome

■ duplicator (ˈdjuːplIˌkeItə)   n   an apparatus for making replicas of an original, such as a machine using a stencil wrapped on an ink-loaded drum

■ duplicature (ˈdjuːplIkətʃə)   n   anatomy a doubling over or a tuck (of the skin, muscle wall, etc)

duplicident (djuːˈplIsIdənt)   adj   (of certain animals, such as rabbits) having two pairs of incisors in the upper jaw

duplicity (djuːˈplIsItI)   n, pl -ties   deception; double-dealing [C15: from Old French duplicite, from Late Latin duplicitās a being double, from Latin DUPLEX]   > duˈplicitous adj

■ duplicitously (djuːˈplIsItəslI)   adv   in a deceitful manner

duply (djuːˈplaI) Scots law   n   1 a second or subsequent response   ▷ vb -plies, -plying, -plied (intr)   2 to give a second or subsequent response

dupondius (djuːˈpɒndIəs)   n, pl -dii (-dIˌaI)   a brass coin of ancient Rome worth half a sesterce [from Latin, from duo two + pondus weight]

duppy (ˈdʌpI)   n, pl -pies   Caribbean a spirit or ghost [C18: probably of African origin]

Dupré (French dypre)   n   Marcel (marsɛl). 1886–1971, French organist and composer, noted as an improviser

du Pré (duː preI)   n   Jacqueline. 1945–87, English cellist. Multiple sclerosis ended her performing career (1973) after which she became a cello teacher

Duque de Caxias (Portuguese ˈduki dʒi kaˈʃiəs)   n   a city in SE Brazil, near Rio de Janeiro. Pop: 116 000 (2005 est)

Dur.   abbreviation for   Durham

dura (ˈdjʊərə)   n   a short form of dura mater

■ dural (ˈdjʊərəl)   adj   relating to or affecting the dura mater

■ dura mater (ˈdjʊərə ˈmeItə)   n   the outermost and toughest of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Often shortened to: dura. See also meninges [C15: from Medieval Latin, hard mother]

durable (ˈdjʊərəbəl)   adj   long-lasting; enduring: a durable fabric [C14: from Old French, from Latin dūrābilis, from dūrāre to last; see ENDURE]   > ˌduraˈbility or ˈdurableness n   > ˈdurably adv

■ durable goods   pl n   goods, such as most producer goods and some consumer goods, that require infrequent replacement. Compare disposable goods, perishables. Also called: durables

■ durable press   n     a another term for permanent press   b (as modifier): durable-press skirts

Duralumin (djʊˈræljʊmIn)   n   trademark a light strong aluminium alloy containing 3.5–4.5 per cent of copper with small quantities of silicon, magnesium, and manganese; used in aircraft manufacture. Also called: duraluminium

duramen (djʊˈreImɛn)   n   another name for heartwood [C19: from Latin: hardness, from dūrāre to harden]

Durán (djʊˈræn)   n   Roberto. born 1951, Panamanian boxer: held world titles at four different weights, most notably lightweight (1972–79)

durance (ˈdjʊərəns)   n archaic or literary   1 imprisonment   2 duration [C15: from Old French, from durer to last, from Latin dūrāre]

Durance (French dyrɑ̃s)   n   a river in S France, rising in the Alps and flowing generally southwest into the Rhône. Length: 304 km (189 miles)

Durango (djʊˈræŋɡəʊ; Spanish duˈraŋɡo)   n   1 a state in N central Mexico: high plateau, with the Sierra Madre Occidental in the west; irrigated agriculture (esp cotton) and rich mineral resources. Capital: Durango. Pop: 1 448 661 (2000). Area: 119 648 sq km (46 662 sq miles)   2 a city in NW central Mexico, capital of Durango state: mining centre. Pop: 520 000 (2005 est). Official name: Victoria de Durango

durant (ˈdjʊərənt)   n   a type of fabric made of wool

■ durant (ˈdjʊərənt)   adj   continuing and ongoing

Durante (dəˈræntI)   n   Jimmy, known as Schnozzle. 1893–1980, US comedian

Duras (French dyra)   n   Marguerite, real name Marguerite Donnadieu. 1914–96, French novelist born in Giadinh, Indochina (now in Vietnam). Her works include The Sea Wall (1950), Practicalities (1990), Écrire (1993), and the script for the film Hiroshima mon amour (1960)

duration (djʊˈreIʃən)   n   the length of time that something lasts or continues [C14: from Medieval Latin dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāre to last]   > duˈrational adj

■ durative (ˈdjʊərətIv) grammar   adj   1 denoting an aspect of verbs that includes the imperfective and the progressive   ▷ n   2    a the durative aspect of a verb   b a verb in this aspect

Durazzo (duˈrattso)   n   the Italian name for Durrës

Durban (ˈdɜːbən)   n   a port in E South Africa, in E KwaZulu-Natal province on the Indian Ocean: University of Natal (1909); resort and industrial centre, with oil refineries, shipbuilding yards, etc. Pop: 595 061 (2011)

■ Durban poison   n   South African slang a particularly potent variety of cannabis grown in Natal

durbar (ˈdɜːbɑː, ˌdɜːˈbɑː)   n     a (formerly) the court of a native ruler or a governor in India and British Colonial West Africa   b a levee at such a court [C17: from Hindi darbār court, from Persian, from dar door + bār entry, audience]

durchkomponiert or durchkomponirt (German ˌdʊrçkɔmpoˈniːrt)   adj   music having a different tune for each section rather than having repeated melodies

dure (djʊə)   adj   1 difficult, harsh, or arduous   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to carry on or hold out   3 (tr) to put up with (something)

■ dureful (ˈdjʊəfʊl)   adj   enduring and ongoing

Düren (German ˈdyːrən)   n   a city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 92 966 (2003 est)

Dürer (German ˈdyːrər)   n   Albrecht (ˈalbrɛçt). 1471–1528, German painter and engraver, regarded as the greatest artist of the German Renaissance and noted particularly as a draughtsman and for his copper engravings and woodcuts

duress (djʊˈrɛs, djʊə-)   n   1 compulsion by use of force or threat; constraint; coercion (often in the phrase under duress)   2 law the illegal exercise of coercion   3 confinement; imprisonment [C14: from Old French duresse, from Latin dūritia hardness, from dūrus hard]

Durex (ˈdjʊərɛks)   n, pl -rex trademark   1 a brand of condom   2 Austral a brand of adhesive tape

Durga (ˈdʊəɡə)   n   Hinduism the goddess Parvati portrayed as a warrior: renowned for slaying the buffalo demon, Mahisha [from Sanskrit: the inaccessible one]

durgah (ˈdɜːɡɑː)   n   a variant spelling of dargah

durgan (ˈdɜːɡən)   n dialect   a stunted or dwarfish animal or person

Durga Puja (ˌdʊəɡə ˈpuːdʒə)   n   another name for Navaratri [from Sanskrit DURGA + puja worship]

Durgapur (ˈdɜːɡəˌpʊə)   n   a city in NE India, in West Bengal: heavy industry, including steelworks. Pop: 492 996 (2001)

durgy (ˈdɜːɡI)   adj   dialect dwarflike

Durham (ˈdʌrəm)   n   1 a former administrative county of NE England; became a unitary authority in 2009; on the North Sea: rises to the N Pennines in the west: the geographical and ceremonial county includes the unitary authorities of Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees (both part of Cleveland until 1996) and Darlington (created in 1997). Administrative centre: Durham. Pop (of Durham unitary authority): 494 200 (2003 est). Area (of Durham unitary authority): 2434 sq km (940 sq miles). Abbreviation: Dur.   2 a city in NE England, administrative centre of Co Durham, on the River Wear: Norman cathedral; 11th-century castle (founded by William the Conqueror), now occupied by the University of Durham (1832). Pop: 42 939 (2001)   3 a rare variety of shorthorn cattle. See shorthorn

durian or durion (ˈdjʊərIən)   n   1 a SE Asian bombacaceous tree, Durio zibethinus, having very large oval fruits with a hard spiny rind containing seeds surrounded by edible evil-smelling aril   2 the fruit of this tree, which has an offensive smell but a pleasant taste: supposedly an aphrodisiac [C16: from Malay, from duri thorn]

duricrust (ˈdjʊərIˌkrʌst)   n   another name for caliche (sense 2)

during (ˈdjʊərIŋ)   prep   1 concurrently with (some other activity): kindly don't sleep during my lectures!   2 within the limit of (a period of time): during the day [C14: from duren to last, ultimately from Latin dūrāre to last]

Durkan (ˈdɜːkən)   n   (John) Mark. born 1960, Northern Irish politician; leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) from 2001 to 2010

Durkheim (ˈdɜːkhaIm; French dyrkɛm)   n   Émile (emil). 1858–1917, French sociologist, whose pioneering works include De la Division du travail social (1893)

durmast or durmast oak (ˈdɜːˌmɑːst)   n   1 Also called: sessile oak a large Eurasian oak tree, Quercus petraea, with lobed leaves and sessile acorns. Compare pedunculate oak   2 the heavy elastic wood of this tree, used in building and cabinetwork [C18: probably alteration of dun mast; see DUN^2, MAST^2]

durn (dɜːn)   interj, adj, adv, n   a US variant of darn^2

duro (ˈdʊərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   the silver peso of Spain or Spanish America [from Spanish, shortened from peso duro hard peso, ultimately from Latin dūrus hard]

Duroc (ˈdjʊərɒk)   n   an American breed of red lard pig [C19: from Duroc, name of a stallion owned by the person who developed this breed]

durometer (dʊəˈrɒmItə)   n   1 a piece of equipment for measuring the hardness of a material, in particular plastic or rubber   2 the measurement of the hardness of a material, in particular plastic or rubber

duroy (ˈdʊərəʊI)   n   textiles a type of rough cloth made of wool and similar to tammy

durra (ˈdʌrə), doura or dourah (ˈdʊərə)   n   an Old World variety of sorghum, Sorghum vulgare durra, with erect hairy flower spikes and round seeds: cultivated for grain and fodder. Also called: Guinea corn, Indian millet [C18: from Arabic dhurah grain]

Durrell (ˈdʌrəl)   n   1  Gerald (Malcolm). 1925–95, British zoologist and writer: his books include The Bafut Beagles (1954), My Family and Other Animals (1956), and The Aye-aye and I (1992)   2  his brother, Lawrence (George). 1912–90, British poet and novelist; author of The Alexandria Quartet of novels, consisting of Justine (1957), Balthazar (1958), Mountolive (1958), and Clea (1960). Later works include The Avignon Quintet of novels (1974–85)

Dürrenmatt (ˈdyrənmat)   n   Friedrich (ˈfriːdrIç). 1921–90, Swiss dramatist and writer of detective stories, noted for his grotesque and paradoxical treatment of the modern world: author of The Visit (1956) and The Physicists (1962)

Durrës (ˈdurrəs)   n   a port in W Albania, on the Adriatic. Pop: 114 000 (2003 est). Italian name: Durazzo. Ancient names: Epidamnus (ˌɛpIˈdæmnəs), Dyrrachium (dəˈreIkIəm)

durrie (ˈdʌrI)   n   a cotton carpet made in India, often in rectangular pieces fringed at the ends: sometimes used as a sofa cover, wall hanging, etc [from Hindi darī]

durry (ˈdʌrI)   n, pl -ries   Austral slang a cigarette [from DURRIE a type of Indian carpet]

durst (dɜːst)   vb   a past tense of dare

Duruflé (French dyrufle)   n   Maurice (mɔris). 1902–86, French composer and organist, best known for his Requiem (1947)

durukuli (ˌduːruːˈkuːlI)   n   a variant spelling of douroucouli

durum or durum wheat (ˈdjʊərəm)   n   a variety of wheat, Triticum durum, with a high gluten content, cultivated mainly in the Mediterranean region, and used chiefly to make pastas [C20: short for New Latin trīticum dūrum, literally: hard wheat]

durzi (ˈdɜːzI)   n   an Indian tailor [C19: from Hindi, from Persian darzi from darz sewing]

Duse (Italian ˈduːze)   n   Eleonora (ˌɛlIəˈnɔːrə). 1858–1924, Italian actress, noted as a tragedienne

dush (dʌʃ)   n   1 a savage knock or punch   2 the noise such a punch makes   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to move fiercely into collision with something   4 (tr) to fiercely or savagely knock (a person or a thing) down

Dushanbe (duːˈʃɑːnbI)   n   the capital of Tajikistan; a cultural centre. Pop: 822 331 (2015 est). Former name (1929–61): Stalinabad

dusk (dʌsk)   n   1 twilight or the darker part of twilight   2 poetic gloom; shade   ▷ adj   3 poetic shady; gloomy   ▷ vb   4 poetic to make or become dark [Old English dox; related to Old Saxon dosan brown, Old High German tusin yellow, Norwegian dusmen misty, Latin fuscus dark brown]

■ dusken (ˈdʌskən)   vb   rare to (cause to) become shady or gloomy

■ duskish (ˈdʌskIʃ)   n   1 the time of day around dusk   ▷ adj   2 partially or not fully shady or gloomy   > ˈduskishly adv   > ˈduskishness n

■ duskly (ˈdʌsklI)   adv   another word for duskily

■ duskness (ˈdʌsknəs)   n   another word for duskiness

■ dusky (ˈdʌskI)   adj duskier, duskiest   1 dark in colour; swarthy or dark-skinned   2 dim   > ˈduskily adv   > ˈduskiness n

Düsseldorf (ˈdʊsəlˌdɔːf; German ˈdysəldɔrf)   n   an industrial city in W Germany, capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, on the Rhine: commercial centre of the Rhine-Ruhr industrial area. Pop: 572 511 (2003 est)

dust (dʌst)   n   1 dry fine powdery material, such as particles of dirt, earth or pollen   2 a cloud of such fine particles   3 the powdery particles to which something is thought to be reduced by death, decay, or disintegration   4    a the mortal body of humans   b the corpse of a dead person   5 the earth; ground   6 informal a disturbance; fuss (esp in the phrases kick up a dust, raise a dust)   7 something of little or no worth   8 informal (in mining parlance) silicosis or any similar respiratory disease   9 short for gold dust   10 ashes or household refuse   11 bite the dust   a to fail completely or cease to exist   b to fall down dead   12 dust and ashes something that is very disappointing   13 leave someone or something in the dust to outdo someone or something comprehensively or with ease: leaving their competitors in the dust   14 shake the dust off one's feet to depart angrily or contemptuously   15 throw dust in the eyes of to confuse or mislead   ▷ vb   16 (tr) to sprinkle or cover (something) with (dust or some other powdery substance): to dust a cake with sugar; to dust sugar onto a cake   17 to remove dust by wiping, sweeping, or brushing   18 archaic to make or become dirty with dust [Old English dūst; related to Danish dyst flour dust, Middle Dutch dūst dust, meal dust, Old High German tunst storm]   > ˈdustless adj

■ dust-bath   n   the action of a bird of driving dust into its feathers, which may dislodge parasites

■ dustbin (ˈdʌstˌbIn)   n   a large, usually cylindrical container for rubbish, esp one used by a household. US and Canadian names: garbage can, trash can

■ dust bowl   n   a semiarid area in which the surface soil is exposed to wind erosion and dust storms occur

■ Dust Bowl   n   the Dust Bowl the area of the south central US that became denuded of topsoil by wind erosion during the droughts of the mid-1930s

■ dust bunny   n   a small mass of fluff and dust

■ dustcart (ˈdʌstˌkɑːt)   n   a road vehicle for collecting domestic refuse. US and Canadian name: garbage truck

■ dustcloth (ˈdʌstˌklɒθ)   n   1 US a cloth used for dusting; a duster   2 another name for dustsheet

■ dustcoat (ˈdʌstˌkəʊt)   n   Brit a loose lightweight coat worn for early open motor-car riding. US name: duster

■ dust cover   n   1 another name for dustsheet   2 another name for dust jacket   3 a perspex cover for the turntable of a record player

■ dust devil   n   a strong miniature whirlwind that whips up dust, litter, leaves, etc into the air

■ dust down   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to remove dust from by brushing or wiping   2 to reprimand severely   > dusting down n

■ duster (ˈdʌstə)   n   1 a cloth used for dusting furniture, etc. US name: dust cloth   2 a machine for blowing out dust over trees or crops   3 a person or thing that dusts

■ duster coat   n   a woman's loose summer coat with wide sleeves and no buttons, popular in the mid-20th century

■ dust explosion   n   an explosion caused by the ignition of an inflammable dust, such as flour or sawdust, in the air

■ dustheap (ˈdʌstˌhiːp)   n   1 a refuse heap   2 the dustheap obscurity or oblivion

■ dusting (ˈdʌstIŋ)   n   1 the activity of removing dust from something, esp by wiping it with a cloth   2 a thin layer: a light dusting of grey on his hair

■ dusting-powder   n   fine powder (such as talcum powder) used to absorb moisture, etc

■ dust jacket or dust cover   n   a removable paper cover used to protect a bound book. Also called: book jacket, jacket

■ dustlike (ˈdʌstˌlaIk)   adj   resembling dust

■ dustman (ˈdʌstmən)   n, pl -men   Brit a man whose job is to collect domestic refuse

■ dust mite   n   either of two mites, Dermatophagoides farinae or D. pteronyssinus, that feed on shed human skill cells. Their excrement is a household allergen associated with respiratory allergies and asthma

■ dustoff (ˈdʌstɒf)   n   military   a a casualty evacuation helicopter   b (as modifier): a dustoff mission

■ dustpan (ˈdʌstˌpæn)   n   a short-handled hooded shovel into which dust is swept from floors, etc

■ dustproof (ˈdʌstpruːf)   adj   impermeable to dust

■ dustrag (ˈdʌstˌræɡ)   n   a piece of fabric that is used to dust surfaces

■ dustsheet (ˈdʌstˌʃiːt)   n   Brit a large cloth or sheet used for covering furniture to protect it from dust or from splashes during redecoration. Also called: dust cover, dustcloth

■ dust shot   n   the smallest size of shot for a shotgun

■ duststorm (ˈdʌstˌstɔːm)   n   a windstorm that whips up clouds of dust

■ dust-to-dust ecology   adj   1 (of the environmental impact of a manufactured item) taking into account all phases of the item's existence from construction to eventual disposal: the dust-to-dust cost of a car   ▷ n   2 the entire environmental impact of a manufactured item, from its construction to its disposal [C21: in allusion to a well-known phrase from the Book of Common Prayer, often used in Christian burial rites]

■ dust-up informal   n   1 a quarrel, fight, or argument   ▷ vb dust up   2 (tr, adverb) to attack or assault (someone)

■ dusty (ˈdʌstI)   adj dustier, dustiest   1 covered with or involving dust   2 like dust in appearance or colour   3 (of a colour) tinged with grey; pale: dusty pink   4 a dusty answer an unhelpful or bad-tempered reply   5 not so dusty informal not too bad; fairly well: often in response to the greeting how are you?   > ˈdustily adv   > ˈdustiness n

■ dusty miller   n   1 Also called: snow-in-summer a caryophyllaceous plant, Cerastium tomentosum, of SE Europe and Asia, having white flowers and downy stems and leaves: cultivated as a rock plant   2 a plant, Artemisia stelleriana, of NE Asia and E North America, having small yellow flower heads and downy stems and leaves: family Asteraceae (composites)   3 any of various other downy plants, such as the rose campion

dutch (dʌtʃ)   n   Cockney slang wife [C19: short for duchess]

Dutch (dʌtʃ)   n   1 the language of the Netherlands, belonging to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family and quite closely related to German and English. See also Flemish, Afrikaans   2 the Dutch (functioning as plural) the natives, citizens, or inhabitants of the Netherlands   3 See Pennsylvania Dutch   4 See double Dutch   5 in Dutch slang in trouble   ▷ adj   6 of, relating to, or characteristic of the Netherlands, its inhabitants, or their language   ▷ adv   7 go Dutch informal to share expenses equally

■ Dutch auction   n   an auction in which the price is lowered by stages until a buyer is found

■ Dutch barn   n   Brit a farm building consisting of a steel frame and a curved roof

■ Dutch cap   n   1 a woman's lace cap with triangular flaps, characteristic of Dutch national dress   2 a contraceptive device for women. See diaphragm (sense 2)

■ Dutch courage   n   1 false courage gained from drinking alcohol   2 alcoholic drink

■ Dutch disease   n   the deindustrialization of an economy as a result of the discovery of a natural resource, as that which occurred in Holland with the exploitation of North Sea gas, which raised the value of the Dutch currency, making its exports uncompetitive and causing its industry to decline

■ Dutch doll   n   a jointed wooden doll

■ Dutch door   n   US and Canadian a door with an upper and lower leaf that may be opened separately. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): stable door

■ Dutch East Indies   n   the Dutch East Indies a former name (1798–1945) of Indonesia. Also called: the Netherlands East Indies

■ Dutch elm   n   a widely planted hybrid elm tree, Ulmus hollandica, with spreading branches and a short trunk

■ Dutch elm disease   n   a disease of elm trees caused by the fungus Ceratocystis ulmi and characterized by withering of the foliage and stems and eventual death of the parts of the tree above ground

■ Dutch gold   n   another name for Dutch metal

■ Dutch Guiana or Netherlands Guiana   n   the former name of Suriname

■ Dutch guinea pig   n   a breed of two-tone short-haired guinea pig

■ Dutch hoe   n   a type of hoe in which the head consists of a two-edged cross-blade attached to two prongs or of a single pressing of this shape

■ Dutchman (ˈdʌtʃmən)   n, pl -men   1 a native, citizen, or inhabitant of the Netherlands   2 a piece of wood, metal, etc, used to repair or patch faulty workmanship   3 South African often derogatory an Afrikaner

■ Dutchman's-breeches   n   (functioning as singular) a North American plant, Dicentra cucullaria, with finely divided basal leaves and pink flowers: family Fumariaceae. Also called: colicweed

■ Dutchman's-pipe   n   a woody climbing plant, Aristolochia sipho, of the eastern US, cultivated for its greenish-brown mottled flowers, which are shaped like a curved pipe: family Aristolochiaceae

■ Dutch mattress   n   another name for mattress (sense 2)

■ Dutch medicine   n   South African patent medicine, esp made of herbs

■ Dutch metal or Dutch gold   n   a substitute for gold leaf, consisting of thin sheets of copper that have been turned yellow by exposure to the fumes of molten zinc

■ Dutch New Guinea   n   a former name (until 1963) of Papua

■ Dutch oven   n   1 an iron or earthenware container with a cover used for stews, etc   2 a metal box, open in front, for cooking in front of an open fire

■ Dutch Reformed Church   n   any of the three Calvinist Churches to which most Afrikaans-speaking South Africans belong

■ Dutch rise   n   NZ an increase in wages that is of no benefit to the recipient

■ Dutch rush   n   (sometimes not capital) a horsetail, Equisetum hyemale, whose siliceous stems have been used for polishing and scouring pots and pans. Also called: scouring rush

■ Dutch treat   n   informal an entertainment, meal, etc, where each person pays for himself or herself

■ Dutch uncle   n   informal a person who criticizes or reproves frankly and severely

■ Dutch West Indies   pl n   the Dutch West Indies a former name of the Netherlands Antilles

■ Dutch wife   n   a long hard bolster used, esp in the tropics, to support one's uppermost knee when sleeping on one's side

Dutton (ˈdʌtən)   n   Clarence Edward. 1841–1912, American geologist who first developed the theory of isostasy

duty (ˈdjuːtI)   n, pl -ties   1 a task or action that a person is bound to perform for moral or legal reasons   2 respect or obedience due to a superior, older persons, etc: filial duty   3 the force that binds one morally or legally to one's obligations   4 a government tax, esp on imports   5 Brit   a the quantity or intensity of work for which a machine is designed   b a measure of the efficiency of a machine   6 the quantity of water necessary to irrigate an area of land to grow a particular crop   7    a a job or service allocated   b (as modifier): duty rota   8 do duty for to act as a substitute for   9 off duty not at work   10 on duty at work [C13: from Anglo-French dueté, from Old French deu DUE]

■ duteous (ˈdjuːtIəs)   adj   formal or archaic dutiful; obedient   > ˈduteously adv   > ˈduteousness n

■ dutiable (ˈdjuːtIəbəl)   adj   (of goods) liable to duty   > ˌdutiaˈbility n

■ dutied (ˈdjuːtId)   adj   having a liability for duty to be applied

■ duties (ˈdjuːtIz)   pl n   tasks to be done as part of one's job. See also duty

■ dutiful (ˈdjuːtIfʊl)   adj   1 exhibiting or having a sense of duty   2 characterized by or resulting from a sense of duty: a dutiful answer   > ˈdutifully adv   > ˈdutifulness n

■ duty-bound   adj   morally obliged as a matter of duty

■ duty-free   adj, adv   1 with exemption from customs or excise duties   ▷ n   2 goods sold in a duty-free shop

■ duty-frees   pl n   Brit informal goods sold in a duty-free shop

■ duty-free shop   n   a shop, esp one at an airport or on board a ship, that sells perfume, tobacco, etc, at duty-free prices

■ duty officer   n   an officer (in the armed forces, police, etc) on duty at a particular time

duumvir (djuːˈʌmvə)   n, pl -virs or -viri (-vIˌriː)   1 Roman history one of two coequal magistrates or officers   2 either of two men who exercise a joint authority [C16: from Latin, from duo two + vir man]

■ duumviral (djuːˈʌmvərəl)   adj   relating to duumvirs

■ duumvirate (djuːˈʌmvIrIt)   n   the office of or government by duumvirs

Duvalier (French dyvalje)   n   1  François (frɑ̃swa), known as Papa Doc. 1907–71, president of Haiti (1957–71)   2  his son, Jean-Claude (ʒɑ̃klod), known as Baby Doc.1951–2014, Haitian statesman; president of Haiti 1971–86; deposed; lived in exile in France before returning to Haiti in 2011

duvet (ˈduːveI)   n   1 another name for continental quilt   2 Also called: duvet jacket a down-filled jacket used esp by mountaineers [C18: from French, from earlier dumet, from Old French dum DOWN^2]

■ duvet day   n   informal a day of leave from work that an employee is allowed to take at short notice [C20: from the idea of staying in bed rather than going to work]

duvetyn, duvetine or duvetyne (ˈdjuːvəˌtiːn)   n   a soft napped velvety fabric of cotton, silk, wool, or rayon [C20: from French duvetine, from duvet down + -INE^1]

Du Vigneaud (duː ˈviːnjəʊ)   n   Vincent. 1901–78, US biochemist: Nobel prize for chemistry (1955) for his synthesis of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin

dux (dʌks)   n   (in Scottish and certain other schools) the top pupil in a class or school [Latin: leader]

duxelles (dʌkˈsɛl, dʌkˈsɛlz)   n     a a mixture of finely diced mushrooms, shallots and parsley, or other herbs, used to flavour dishes   b (as modifier): duxelles stuffing

duyker (ˈdaIkə)   n   a variant spelling of duiker

DV   abbreviation for   1 Deo volente   2 Douay Version (of the Bible)   3 digital video [(sense 1) Latin: God willing]

dvandva (ˈdvɑːndvɑː)   n   1 a class of compound words consisting of two elements having a coordinate relationship as if connected by and   2 a compound word of this type, such as Austro-Hungarian, tragicomic [from Sanskrit dvamdva a pair, from the reduplication of dva TWO]

DVD   abbreviation for   digital versatile or digital video disk: an optical disk used to store audio, video, or computer data, esp feature films for home viewing

■ DVD-A   abbreviation for   DVD-Audio

■ DVD writer   n   a device on a computer for writing DVDs

DVI   abbreviation for   Digital Visual Interface: a standard for converting an analogue display into digital format

Dvina (Russian dviˈna)   n   1 Northern Dvina a river in NW Russia, formed by the confluence of the Sukhona and Yug Rivers and flowing northwest to Dvina Bay in the White Sea. Length: 750 km (466 miles). Russian name: Severnaya Dvina   2 Western Dvina a river rising in W Russia, in the Valdai Hills and flowing south and southwest then northwest to the Gulf of Riga. Length: 1021 km (634 miles). Russian name: Zapadnaya Dvina (ˈzapədnəjə). Latvian name: Daugava

■ Dvina Bay or Dvina Gulf   n   an inlet of the White Sea, off the coast of NW Russia

Dvinsk (dvinsk)   n   transliteration of the former Russian name for Daugavpils

DVLA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

DVM   abbreviation for   Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dvořák (ˈdvɔːʒæk; Czech ˈdvɔrʒaːk)   n   Antonín (ˈantɔnjiːn), sometimes known as Anton. 1841–1904, Czech composer, much of whose work reflects the influence of folk music. His best-known work is the Symphony No. 9 From the New World (1893)

dvornik (ˈdvɔːniːk)   n   a Russian doorkeeper, caretaker, or groundsman

DVR   abbreviation for   digital video recorder

DVT   abbreviation for   deep vein thrombosis

D/W   abbreviation for   dock warrant

dwaal (dwɑːl)   n   South African a state of befuddlement [Afrikaans]

dwale (dweIl)   n   another name for deadly nightshade [C14: perhaps of Scandinavian origin]

dwam, dwalm (dwɑːm) or dwaum (dwɔːm) Scot   n   1 a stupor or daydream (esp in the phrase in a dwam)   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to faint or fall ill [Old English dwolma confusion]

dwang (dwæŋ)   n   Scot and NZ another name for nogging (sense 1) [C19: Scot; compare Dutch dwang force, Middle Low German dwanc]

dwarf (dwɔːf)   n, pl dwarfs or dwarves (dwɔːvz)   1 an unusually short person   2    a an animal or plant much below the average height for the species   b (as modifier): a dwarf tree   3 (in folklore) a small ugly manlike creature, often possessing magical powers   4 astronomy short for dwarf star   ▷ vb   5 to become or cause to become comparatively small in size, importance, etc   6 (tr) to stunt the growth of [Old English dweorg; related to Old Norse dvergr, Old High German twerc]   > ˈdwarfish adj   > ˈdwarfishly adv   > ˈdwarfishness n

■ dwarf bean   n   another name for French bean

■ dwarf chestnut   n   1 the edible nut of the chinquapin tree   2 another name for chinquapin (sense 1)

■ dwarf cornel   n   an arctic and subarctic cornaceous plant Cornus suecica, having small purple flowers surrounded by white petal-like bracts

■ dwarfism (ˈdwɔːfIzəm) or dwarfness (ˈdwɔːfnəs)   n   the condition of being of having unusually short stature

■ dwarflike (ˈdwɔːfˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a dwarf

■ dwarf male   n   a male animal that is much smaller, and often internally simpler, than its female counterpart. Dwarf males are commonly carried by the female, as in species of angler fish

■ dwarf mallow   n   a European malvaceous plant, Malva neglecta (or M. rotundifolia), having rounded leaves and small pinkish-white flowers

■ dwarf planet   n   a celestial body in the solar system that has mass sufficient for its own gravity to have rendered it spherical or near-spherical, yet too small to have removed material around its orbit by gravitational disturbance or accretion. The five recognized dwarf planets are Ceres, Eris, Pluto, Haumea, and Makemake; more may exist beyond Neptune

■ dwarf star   n   any luminosity class V star, such as the sun, lying in the main sequence of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Also called: main-sequence star. See also red dwarf, white dwarf

dweeb (dwiːb)   n   slang, chiefly US a stupid or uninteresting person [C20: of unknown origin]

■ dweebish (ˈdwiːbIʃ)   adj   relating to a dweeb

■ dweeby (ˈdwiːbI)   adj dweebier, dweebiest   slang, chiefly US like or typical of a dweeb

dwell (dwɛl)   vb dwells, dwelling, dwelt (dwɛlt) or dwelled (intr)   1 formal, literary to live as a permanent resident   2 to live (in a specified state): to dwell in poverty   ▷ n   3 a regular pause in the operation of a machine   4 a flat or constant-radius portion on a linear or rotary cam enabling the cam follower to remain static for a brief time [Old English dwellan to seduce, get lost; related to Old Saxon bidwellian to prevent, Old Norse dvelja, Old High German twellen to prevent]   > ˈdweller n

■ dwelling (ˈdwɛlIŋ)   n   formal, literary a place of residence

■ dwell on or dwell upon   vb   (intr, preposition) to think, speak, or write at length: it's no good dwelling on your misfortunes

■ dwell time   n   marketing the amount of time a customer spends waiting in a queue

Dwem (dwɛm)   n acronym for   Dead White European Male

DWI US law   abbreviation for   Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired. Another name (in some US states) for DUI

dwile (dwaIl)   n   a cloth, rag, or mop used for various cleaning purposes around the house

dwindle (ˈdwIndəl)   vb   to grow or cause to grow less in size, intensity, or number; diminish or shrink gradually [C16: from Old English dwīnan to waste away; related to Old Norse dvīna to pine away]

■ dwindlement (ˈdwIndəlmənt)   n   the condition of decreasing or diminishing

■ dwindling (ˈdwIndəlIŋ)   adj   growing less in size, intensity, or number until there is nothing or almost nothing left; diminishing or shrinking gradually

dwine (dwaIn) Scot   n   1 the state or action of waning or failing   ▷ vb   2 to (cause to) decline, weaken, or fade away

DWP   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Department for Work and Pensions

dwt   abbreviation for   1 deadweight tonnage   2 Also: dwt obsolete pennyweight

DX telegraphy, telephony   symbol for   1 long distance   2 (of a radio station) indicating that it is far away

■ DX code   n   photog a code on a film cassette that automatically adjusts the film-speed setting on a suitably equipped camera to the correct ISO rating [C20: from d(aylight) (e)x(posure)]

Dy   the chemical symbol for   dysprosium

DY   abbreviation for   Benin (international car registration) [from Dahomey]

dyad (ˈdaIæd)   n   1 maths an operator that is the unspecified product of two vectors. It can operate on a vector to produce either a scalar or vector product   2 an atom or group that has a valency of two   3 a group of two; couple [C17: from Late Latin dyas, from Greek duas two, a pair]

■ dyadic (daIˈædIk)   adj   1 of or relating to a dyad   2 relating to or based on two; twofold   3 logic, maths (of a relation, predicate, etc) relating two terms; binary. Compare monadic, polyadic

■ dyadically (daIˈædIklI)   adv   in a dyadic manner

Dyak or Dayak (ˈdaIæk)   n, pl -aks or -ak   a member of a Malaysian people of the interior of Borneo: noted for their long houses [from Malay Dayak upcountry, from darat land]

dyarchy (ˈdaIɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   a variant spelling of diarchy   > dyˈarchic, dyˈarchical or dyˈarchal adj

dybbuk (ˈdIbək; Hebrew diˈbuk)   n, pl -buks or -bukkim (Hebrew -buˈkim)   Judaism (in the folklore of the cabala) the soul of a dead sinner that has transmigrated into the body of a living person [from Yiddish dibbūk devil, from Hebrew dibbūq; related to dābhaq to hang on, cling]

dye (daI)   n   1 a staining or colouring substance, such as a natural or synthetic pigment   2 a liquid that contains a colouring material and can be used to stain fabrics, skins, etc   3 the colour or shade produced by dyeing   ▷ vb dyes, dyeing, dyed   4 (tr) to impart a colour or stain to (something, such as fabric or hair) by or as if by the application of a dye [Old English dēagian, from dēag a dye; related to Old High German tugōn to change, Lettish dūkans dark]   > ˈdyable or ˈdyeable adj   > ˈdyer n

■ dyeability (ˌdaIəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to be dyed

■ dyed (daId)   adj   that has been coloured with dye

■ dyed-in-the-wool   adj   1 extreme or unchanging in attitude, opinion, etc   2 (of a fabric) made of dyed yarn

■ dyeing (ˈdaIIŋ)   n   the process or industry of colouring yarns, fabric, etc

■ dyeline (ˈdaIˌlaIn)   adj   another word for diazo (sense 2)

■ dyer's-greenweed or esp US dyer's-broom   n   a small Eurasian leguminous shrub, Genista tinctoria, whose yellow flowers yield a yellow dye, formerly mixed with woad to produce the colour Kendal green. Also called: dyeweed, woadwaxen, woodwaxen

■ dyer's rocket   n   a Eurasian resedaceous plant, Reseda luteola, with a spike of yellowish-green flowers and long narrow leaves: formerly cultivated as the source of a yellow dye, used with woad to make Lincoln green. Also called: weld

■ dyer's-weed   n   any of several plants that yield a dye, such as woad, dyer's rocket, and dyer's-greenweed

■ dyester (ˈdaIstə)   n   another word for dyer

■ dyestuff (ˈdaIˌstʌf)   n   a substance that can be used as a dye or from which a dye can be obtained

■ dyeweed (ˈdaIˌwiːd)   n   another name for dyer's-greenweed

■ dyewood (ˈdaIˌwʊd)   n   any wood, such as brazil, from which dyes and pigments can be obtained

■ dyeworks (ˈdaIwɜːks)   n   a factory producing dyes

Dyfed (ˈdʌvɛd)   n   a former county in SW Wales: created in 1974 from Cardiganshire, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire; in 1996 it was replaced by Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion

dying (ˈdaIIŋ)   vb   1 the present participle of die^1   ▷ adj   2 relating to or occurring at the moment of death: a dying wish

■ dyingly (ˈdaIIŋlI)   adv   in a dying manner

■ dyingness (ˈdaIIŋnəs)   n   the nature or condition of expiring or declining

dyke^1 or dike (daIk)   n   1 an embankment constructed to prevent flooding, keep out the sea, etc   2 a ditch or watercourse   3 a bank made of earth excavated for and placed alongside a ditch   4 Scot a wall, esp a dry-stone wall   5 a barrier or obstruction   6 a vertical or near-vertical wall-like body of igneous rock intruded into cracks in older rock   7 Austral and NZ informal   a a lavatory   b (as modifier): a dyke roll   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to protect, enclose, or drain (land) with a dyke [C13: modification of Old English dic ditch; compare Old Norse dīki ditch]

dyke^2 or dike (daIk)   n   offensive, slang a lesbian [C20: of unknown origin]

■ dykey (ˈdaIkI)   adj   offensive, slang characteristic of lesbians; suggestive of lesbianism

Dyke (daIk)   n   Greg(ory). born 1947, British television executive; director-general of the BBC (2000–04)

dykon (ˈdaIkɒn)   n   slang a celebrity much admired by lesbians [C21: from DYKE^2 + ICON]

Dylan (ˈdIlən)   n   Bob. real name Robert Allen Zimmerman. born 1941, US rock singer and songwriter, also noted for his acoustic protest songs in the early 1960s. His albums include The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963), Highway 61 Revisited (1965), Blonde on Blonde (1966), and Blood on the Tracks (1974). Nobel Prize for literature (2016)   > ˌDylanˈesque adj

dynameter (daIˈnæmItə)   n   an instrument for determining the magnifying power of telescopes

dynamic (daIˈnæmIk)   adj   1 of or concerned with energy or forces that produce motion, as opposed to static   2 of or concerned with dynamics   3 Also: dynamical characterized by force of personality, ambition, energy, new ideas, etc   4 music of, relating to, or indicating dynamics: dynamic marks   5 computing (of a memory) needing its contents refreshed periodically. Compare static (sense 8) [C19: from French dynamique, from Greek dunamikos powerful, from dunamis power, from dunasthai to be able]   > dyˈnamically adv

■ dynamicist (daIˈnæmIsIst)   n   a person who investigates and researches dynamics

■ dynamic link library   n   computing a set of programs that can be activated and then discarded by other programs. Abbreviation: DLL

■ dynamic pricing   n   commerce the practice of offering goods at a price that changes according to the level of demand, the type of customer, the state of the weather, etc

■ dynamic psychology   n   any system of psychology that emphasizes the interaction between different motives, emotions, and drives

■ dynamic range   n   the range of signal amplitudes over which an electronic communications channel can operate within acceptable limits of distortion. The range is determined by system noise at the lower end and by the onset of overload at the upper end

■ dynamics (daIˈnæmIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that change or produce the motions of bodies. Compare statics, kinematics   2 (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics that includes statics and kinetics. See statics, kinetics   3 (functioning as singular) the branch of any science concerned with forces   4 those forces that produce change in any field or system   5 music   a the various degrees of loudness called for in performance   b Also called: dynamic marks, dynamic markings directions and symbols used to indicate degrees of loudness

■ dynamism (ˈdaInəˌmIzəm)   n   1 philosophy any of several theories that attempt to explain phenomena in terms of an immanent force or energy. Compare mechanism (sense 5), vitalism   2 the forcefulness of an energetic personality   > ˈdynamist n   > ˌdynaˈmistic adj

■ dynamize or dynamise (ˈdaInəˌmaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make more powerful, vital, or energetic   2 med to make more powerful or effectual   3 to ensure that (a retirement pension) is worth more by basing it on factors that are more financially beneficial than the final-year salary   4 to make more monetarily powerful or effectual

dynamite (ˈdaInəˌmaIt)   n   1 an explosive consisting of nitroglycerine or ammonium nitrate mixed with kieselguhr, sawdust, or wood pulp   2 informal a spectacular or potentially dangerous person or thing   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to mine or blow up with dynamite [C19 (coined by Alfred Nobel): from DYNAMO- + -ITE^1]   > ˈdynaˌmiter n

■ dynamitard (ˈdaInəmIˌtɑːd)   n   another word for dynamiter

■ dynamitic (ˌdaInəˈmItIk)   adj   relating to dynamite

dynamo (ˈdaInəˌməʊ)   n, pl -mos   1 a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, esp one that produces direct current. Compare generator (sense 1)   2 informal an energetic hard-working person [C19: short for dynamoelectric machine]

dynamo- or sometimes before a vowel dynam-   combining form   indicating power: dynamoelectric; dynamite [from Greek, from dunamis power]

dynamoelectric (ˌdaInəməʊIˈlɛktrIk) or dynamoelectrical   adj   of or concerned with the interconversion of mechanical and electrical energy

dynamogenesis (ˌdaInəməʊˈdʒɛnIsIs) or dynamogeny (ˌdaInəˈmɒdʒInI)   n   the output of raised activity of the nervous system

dynamograph (ˈdaInəməʊˌɡrɑːf, ˈdaInəməʊˌɡræf)   n   a device for registering the quantity of force applied

dynamometer (ˌdaInəˈmɒmItə)   n   any of a number of instruments for measuring power or force

■ dynamometry (ˌdaInəˈmɒmItrI)   n   1 the science of power measurement   2 the manufacture and use of dynamometers   > dynamometric (ˌdaInəməʊˈmɛtrIk) or ˌdynamoˈmetrical adj

dynamotor (ˈdaInəˌməʊtə)   n   an electrical machine having a single magnetic field and two independent armature windings of which one acts as a motor and the other a generator: used to convert direct current from a battery into alternating current

dynast (ˈdInəst, -æst)   n   a ruler, esp a hereditary one [C17: from Latin dynastēs, from Greek dunastēs, from dunasthai to be powerful]

dynasty (ˈdInəstI)   n, pl -ties   1 a sequence of hereditary rulers: an Egyptian dynasty   2 any sequence of powerful leaders of the same family: the Kennedy dynasty [C15: via Late Latin from Greek dunasteia, from dunastēs DYNAST]   > dynastic (dIˈnæstIk) or dyˈnastical adj   > dyˈnastically (dIˈnæstIkəlI) adv

■ dynasticism (dIˈnæstIˌsIzəm)   n   a system of government in which the rulers are all drawn from the same family

dynatron oscillator (ˈdaInəˌtrɒn)   n   electronics an oscillator containing a tetrode in which the screen grid is more positive than the anode, causing the anode current to decrease as its voltage increases [C20: from DYNA(MO-) + -TRON]

dyne (daIn)   n   the cgs unit of force: the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 centimetre per second per second to a mass of 1 gram. 1 dyne is equivalent to 10-5 newton or 7.233 × 10-5 poundal [C19: from French, from Greek dunamis power, force]

dynein (ˈdaIniːn)   n   biochem   a type of protein present in cells that changes chemical energy into motor energy

Dynel (daIˈnɛl)   n trademark     a (also without capital) a synthetic co-polymer of acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride, used to create a textile similar to wool   b (as modifier): a Dynel wig

dynode (ˈdaInəʊd)   n   an electrode onto which a beam of electrons can fall, causing the emission of a greater number of electrons by secondary emission. They are used in photomultipliers to amplify the signal

dynorphin (daIˈnɔːfIn) med   n     a an opioid peptide produced in the brain, used as a form of pain relief and in the treatment of cocaine addiction   b (as modifier): dynorphin blockers

dyophysite (daIˈɒfəˌsaIt)   n   theol the presence of the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ

Dyothelete (daIˈɒθəˌliːt) or Dyothelite (daIˈɒθəˌlaIt) theol   n   1 a person who subscribes to the teaching that Christ had both a human and a divine will   ▷ adj   2 having a belief in the teaching that Christ had both a human and a divine will

■ Dyotheletic (ˌdaIɒθəˈlɛtIk), Dyotheletical or Dyothelitic (ˌdaIɒθəˈlItIk), Dyothelitical   adj   relating to Dyotheletes

■ Dyotheletism (ˌdaIəˈθɛləˌtIzəm) or Dyothelism (daIˈɒθəˌlIzəm)   n   theol (also without capital) the teaching that Christ had both a divine will and a human will

dys-   prefix   1 diseased, abnormal, or faulty: dysentery; dyslexia   2 difficult or painful: dysuria   3 unfavourable or bad: dyslogistic [via Latin from Greek dus-]

dysaesthesia (ˌdIsIsˈθiːzIə)   n     a pathol a disagreeable sensation such as burning or itching arising from impairment of the nervous system   b pathol a medical condition of which this is a manifestation

■ dysaesthetic (ˌdIsIsˈθɛtIk)   adj   pathol relating to or having dysaesthesia

dysarthria (dIsˈɑːθrIə)   n   imperfect articulation of speech caused by damage to the nervous system [from DYS- + arthria from Greek arthron articulation]

dysbindin (dIsˈbIndIn)   n   a gene associated with schizophrenia [C20: from dys(trobrevin-)bind(ing) (prote)in]

dyscalculia (ˌdIskælˈkjuːlIə)   n   severe difficulty in making simple mathematical calculations, due to cerebral disease or injury [C20: from DYS- + Latin calculare to calculate]

dyschroa (ˈdIskrəʊə)   n   an alteration of colour on the skin

dyscrasia (dIsˈkreIzIə)   n   obsolete any abnormal physiological condition, esp of the blood [C19: New Latin, from Medieval Latin: an imbalance of humours, from Greek, from DYS- + -krasia, from krasis a mixing]

■ dyscrasic (dIsˈkreIzIk)   adj   relating to, resulting from, or having dyscrasia

■ dyscratic (dIsˈkrætIk)   adj   having or having dyscrasia

dyscrasite (ˈdIskrəˌsaIt)   n   mineralogy an alloy of antimony and silver. Also called: antimonial silver

dysentery (ˈdIsəntrI)   n   infection of the intestine with bacteria or amoebae, marked chiefly by severe diarrhoea with the passage of mucus and blood [C14: via Latin from Greek dusenteria, from dusentera, literally: bad bowels, from DYS- + enteron intestine]   > dysenteric (ˌdIsənˈtɛrIk) adj

dysfunction (dIsˈfʌŋkʃən)   n   1 med any disturbance or abnormality in the function of an organ or part   2 (esp of a family) failure to show the characteristics or fulfil the purposes accepted as normal or beneficial

■ dysfunctional (dIsˈfʌŋkʃənəl)   adj   1 med (of an organ or part) not functioning normally   2 (esp of a family) characterized by a breakdown of normal or beneficial relationships between members of the group

dysgenesis (dIsˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   a condition of sterility or defective development and, in particular, the condition in which issue are sterile with each other but have the ability to engender sterile progeny with either parent

■ dysgenic (dIsˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or contributing to a degeneration or deterioration in the fitness and quality of a race or strain   2 of or relating to dysgenics

■ dysgenics (dIsˈdʒɛnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of factors capable of reducing the quality of a race or strain, esp the human race. Also called: cacogenics

dysgraphia (dIsˈɡræfIə)   n   inability to write correctly, caused by disease of part of the brain

■ dysgraphic (dIsˈɡræfIk) med   n   1 a person who has dysgraphia   ▷ adj   2 relating to dysgraphia

dysharmonic (ˌdIshɑːˈmɒnIk)   adj   relating to abnormal bone development

dyskinesia (dIskIˈniːzIə)   n   involuntary repetitive movements, such as those occurring in chorea [DYS- + -kinesia from Greek kinesis movement]

■ dyskinetic (ˌdIskIˈnɛtIk)   adj   relating to dyskinesia

dyslalia (dIsˈleIlIə)   n   defective speech characteristic of those affected by aphasia

dyslexia (dIsˈlɛksIə)   n   a developmental disorder which can cause learning difficulty in one or more of the areas of reading, writing, and numeracy. Nontechnical name: word blindness [from DYS- + -lexia from Greek lexis word]   > dyslectic (dIsˈlɛktIk) adj, n   > dysˈlexic adj

USAGE

Rather than talking about a person being dyslexic or about dyslexics, it is better to talk about a person with dyslexia, people with dyslexia

dyslogy (ˈdIslədʒI)   n   1 the fact of criticizing or condemning   2 the aspects suggested in processing information and liable to be at the root of mistakes made in thought processes

■ dyslogistic (ˌdIsləˈdʒIstIk)   adj   rare disapproving [C19: from DYS- + -logistic, as in eulogistic]   > ˌdysloˈgistically adv

dysmelia (dIsˈmiːlIə)   n   the condition of having missing, extra, or distorted limbs due to congenital factors

■ dysmelic (dIsˈmɛlIk)   adj   having or relating to dysmelia

dysmenorrhoea or esp US dysmenorrhea (ˌdIsmɛnəˈrIə, dIsˌmɛn-)   n   abnormally difficult or painful menstruation [C19: from DYS- + Greek mēn month + rhoiā a flowing ]   > ˌdysmenorˈrhoeal or esp US ˌdysmenorˈrheal adj

■ dysmenorrhoeic or esp US dysmenorrheic (ˌdIsmɛnəˈriːIk)   adj   another word for dysmenorrhoeal

dysmorphic (dIsˈmɔːfIk)   adj   med relating to or resulting in misshapenness of parts of the body

dysmorphophobia (dIsˌmɔːfəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   a former name for body dysmorphic disorder

■ dysmorphophobic (dIsˌmɔːfəʊˈfəʊbIk)   adj   psychol relating to or having dysmorphophobia

dysodil (ˈdIsəʊˌdIl)   n   a yellow or green mineral that is a form of bitumen and is present in limestone

Dyson (ˈdaIsən)   n   Sir James. born 1947, British businessman and industrial designer; inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner (1979–93)

dyspareunia (ˌdIspəˈruːnIə)   n   abnormally difficult or painful sexual intercourse

dyspathy (ˈdIspəθI)   n   the condition of hostility or opposition

■ dyspathetic (ˌdIspəˈθɛtIk)   adj   characterized by dyspathy

dyspepsia (dIsˈpɛpsIə) or dyspepsy (dIsˈpɛpsI)   n   indigestion or upset stomach [C18: from Latin, from Greek duspepsia, from DYS- + pepsis digestion]

■ dyspeptic (dIsˈpɛptIk)   adj also dyspeptical   1 relating to or suffering from dyspepsia   2 irritable   ▷ n   3 a person with dyspepsia   > dysˈpeptically adv

dysphagia (dIsˈfeIdʒIə)   n   difficulty in swallowing, caused by obstruction or spasm of the oesophagus [C18: New Latin, from DYS- + Greek -phagos; see PHAGO-]   > dysphagic (dIsˈfædʒIk) adj

dysphasia (dIsˈfeIzIə)   n   a disorder of language caused by a brain lesion [see DYS- + -PHASIA]   > dysˈphasic adj, n

dysphemism (ˈdIsfIˌmIzəm)   n   1 substitution of a derogatory or offensive word or phrase for an innocuous one   2 the word or phrase so substituted [C19: DYS- + EUPHEMISM]   > ˌdyspheˈmistic adj

dysphonia (dIsˈfəʊnIə)   n   any impairment in the ability to speak normally, as from spasm or strain of the vocal cords [C18: New Latin, from Greek: harshness of sound, from DYS- + -phōnia -PHONY]   > dysphonic (dIsˈfɒnIk) adj

dysphoria (dIsˈfɔːrIə)   n   a feeling of being ill at ease [C20: New Latin, from Greek DYS- + -phoria, from pherein to bear]   > dysphoric (dIsˈfɒrIk) adj

dysplasia (dIsˈpleIzIə)   n   abnormal development of an organ or part of the body, including congenital absence [C20: New Latin, from DYS- + -plasia, from Greek plasis a moulding]   > dysplastic (dIsˈplæstIk) adj

dyspnoea or US dyspnea (dIspˈniːə)   n   difficulty in breathing or in catching the breath. Compare eupnoea [C17: via Latin from Greek duspnoia, from DYS- + pnoē breath, from pnein to breathe]   > dyspˈnoeal, dyspˈnoeic or US dyspˈneal, dyspˈneic adj

■ dyspnoic (dIspˈnəʊIk)   adj   pathol another word for dyspnoeal

dyspraxia (dIsˈpræksIə)   n   pathol an impairment in the control of the motor system; it may be developmental or acquired, resulting from a cerebral lesion [DYS- + PRAX(IS) + -IA]   > dysˈpraxic adj

■ dyspractic (dIsˈpræktIk)   adj   a less common word for dyspraxic

dysprosium (dIsˈprəʊsIəm)   n   a soft silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series: used in laser materials and as a neutron absorber in nuclear control rods. Symbol: Dy; atomic no: 66; atomic wt: 162.50; valency: 3; relative density: 8.551; melting pt: 1412°C; boiling pt: 2567°C [C20: New Latin, from Greek dusprositos difficult to get near + -IUM]

dysrhythmia (dIsˈrIðmIə)   n   1 an irregular rhythm   2 an irregular and unusual rhythm of the heart   3 an unusual pattern of brain activity as registered by an electroencephalogram

■ dysrhythmic (dIsˈrIðmIk)   adj   1 having irregular rhythm   2 relating to or having dysrhythmia   ▷ n   3 a person with dysrhythmia

dyssynergia (dIsIˈnɜːdʒIə) or dyssynergy (dIˈsInɜːdʒI)   n   muscular incoordination caused by a brain disorder [from DYS- + Greek synergia cooperation]

■ dyssynergic (dIsIˈnɜːdʒIk)   adj   relating to or affected by dyssynergia

dystaxia (dIsˈtæksIə)   n   pathol lack of muscular coordination resulting in shaky limb movements and unsteady gait [from DYS- + Greek -taxia, from tassein to put in order]

■ dystaxic (dIsˈtæksIk)   adj   med relating to or affected by dystaxia

dystectic (dIsˈtɛktIk)   adj   chem relating to the process of turning a solid compound to liquid by the application of heat and in which the compound splits into its two constituent parts

dysteleology (ˌdIstɛlIˈɒlədʒI, -tiːlI-)   n   philosophy the denial of purpose in life. Compare teleology   > dysˌteleoˈlogical adj   > ˌdysteleˈologist n

dysthesia (dIsˈθiːzIə)   n   an unusual or disagreeable feeling in or on the body compared to crawling or burning

■ dysthetic (dIsˈθɛtIk)   adj   relating to dysthesia

dysthymia (dIsˈθaImIə)   n psychiatry   1 Also: dysthymic disorder. a former name for persistent depressive disorder   2 obsolete a relatively mild depression [C19: New Latin, from Greek dusthumia, from DYS- + thumos mind]   > dysˈthymic adj

dystocia (dIsˈtəʊʃə)   n   med abnormal, slow, or difficult childbirth, usually because of disordered or ineffective contractions of the uterus [New Latin, from Greek, from dus- (see DYS-) + tokos childbirth + -IA]   > dysˈtocial adj

dystonia (dIsˈtəʊnIə)   n   a neurological disorder, caused by disease of the basal ganglia, in which the muscles of the trunk, shoulders, and neck go into spasm, so that the head and limbs are held in unnatural positions [from DYS- + -tonia from Greek tonos tension, from teinen to stretch]

■ dystonic (dIsˈtəʊnIk)   adj   1 med relating to or affected by dystonia   2 chem relating to the dissolution of a compound into a saturated solution

dystopia (dIsˈtəʊpIə)   n   an imaginary place where everything is as bad as it can be [C19 (coined by John Stuart MILL): from DYS- + UTOPIA]   > dysˈtopian adj, n

dystrophin (ˈdIstrəfIn)   n   a protein, the absence of which is believed to cause muscular dystrophy

dystrophy (ˈdIstrəfI) or dystrophia (dIˈstrəʊfIə)   n   1 any of various bodily disorders, characterized by wasting of tissues. See also muscular dystrophy   2 ecology a condition of lake water when it is too acidic and poor in oxygen to support life, resulting from excessive humus content [C19: New Latin dystrophia, from DYS- + Greek trophē food]   > dystrophic (dIsˈtrɒfIk) adj

dysuria (dIsˈjʊərIə)   n   difficult or painful urination [C14: via Latin from Greek dusouria, from DYS- + -URIA]   > dysˈuric adj

dytiscid (dIˈtIsId, daI-)   n   1 any carnivorous aquatic beetle of the family Dytiscidae, having large flattened back legs used for swimming   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Dytiscidae [C19: from New Latin Dytiscus genus name, changed from Greek dutikos able to dive, from duein to dive]

Dyula (diːˈuːlə, ˈdjuːlə)   n   1 (pl -la or -las) a member of a people of W Africa, living chiefly in the rain forests of Côte d'Ivoire, where they farm rice, etc   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Mande branch of the Niger-Congo family

dyvour (ˈdaIvə)   n   Scot a person who is bankrupt, begs for money, or owes money

■ dyvoury (ˈdaIvərI)   n   the state of being bankrupt or exceptionally poor

dz   the internet domain name for   Algeria

DZ   abbreviation for   Algeria (international car registration) [from Arabic Djazïr]

Dzaudzhikau (dzaudʒiˈkau)   n   the former name (1944–54) of Vladikavkaz

dzeren (ˈdzIərən)   n   a native expression for the Mongolian antelope, Procapra guttarosa

Dzerzhinsk (Russian dzIrˈʒinsk)   n   an industrial city and port in W central Russia. Pop: 257 000 (2005 est)

Dzhambul (Russian dʒamˈbul)   n   a former name of Taraz

dziggetai (ˈdʒIɡIˌtaI)   n   a variant of chigetai

dzo (zəʊ)   n, pl dzos or dzo   a variant spelling of zo

Dzongka or Dzongkha (ˈzɒŋkə)   n   the official language of Bhutan: a dialect of Tibetan

Dzungaria (dzʊŋˈɡɛərIə, zʊŋ-)   n   another name for Junggar Pendi

Ee

e or E (iː)   n, pl e's, E's or Es   1 the fifth letter and second vowel of the modern English alphabet   2 any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in he, bet, or below

e   symbol for   1 maths a transcendental number, fundamental to mathematics, that is the limit of (1 + 1/n)n as n increases to infinity: used as the base of natural logarithms. Approximate value: 2.718 282…; relation to π: eπi = –1, where i = √–1   2 electron   3 chess See algebraic notation

E   symbol for   1 earth   2 East   3 English   4 Egypt(ian)   5 exa-   6 music   a a note having a frequency of 329.63 hertz (E above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the third note of the scale of C major   b a key, string, or pipe producing this note   c the major or minor key having this note as its tonic   7 physics   a energy   b electric field strength   c electromotive force   d Young's modulus (of elasticity)   8 logic a universal negative categorical proposition, such as no pigs can fly: often symbolized as SeP. Compare A, I^2, O^1   9    a a person without a regular income, or who is dependent on the state on a long-term basis because of unemployment, sickness, old age, etc   b (as modifier): E worker. See also occupation groupings   ▷ abbreviation for   10 Spain (international car registration)   11 informal the drug ecstasy [(sense 8) from Latin (n)e(go) I deny] [(sense 10) from Spanish España]

E.   abbreviation for   Earl

e-1   prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives   1 out: eviscerate; egest   2 away: elapse; elongate   3 outside: evaginate   4 completely: evaporate   5 without: ebracteate [from Latin ē away; related to EX-1]

e-2   prefix   electronic, indicating the involvement of the internet: e-business; e-money

E-   prefix   used with numbers indicating a standardized system within the European Union, as of recognized food additives or standard pack sizes. See also E number

ea.   abbreviation for   each

each (iːtʃ)   determiner   1    a every (one) of two or more considered individually: each day; each person   b (as pronoun): each gave according to his or her ability   ▷ adv   2 for, to, or from each one; apiece: four apples each [Old English ǣlc; related to Old High German ēogilīh, Old Frisian ellik, Dutch elk]

USAGE

Each is a singular pronoun and should be used with a singular form of a verb: each of the candidates was (not were) interviewed separately

■ each other   pron   used when the action, attribution, etc, is reciprocal: furious with each other

USAGE

Each other and one another are interchangeable in modern British usage

■ each way   adj, adv   horse racing, chiefly Brit (of a bet) made on the same runner or contestant to win or come second or third in a race. Also: both ways. US term: across-the-board

■ eachwhere (ˈiːtʃˌwɛə)   adv   all over or in every place

e-address   n   an email address

eadish (ˈiːdIʃ)   n   the growth (of grass) that remains or appears after cutting

Eadred (ˈɛdrId)   n   died 955 AD, king of England (946–55): regained Northumbria (954) from the Norwegian king Eric Bloodaxe

Eadwig (ˈɛdwIɡ) or Edwy (ˈɛdwI)   n   died 959 AD, king of England (955–57)

eager^1 (ˈiːɡə)   adj   1 (postpositive; often foll by to or for) impatiently desirous (of); anxious or avid (for): he was eager to see her departure   2 characterized by or feeling expectancy or great desire: an eager look   3 archaic tart or biting; sharp [C13: from Old French egre, from Latin acer sharp, keen]   > ˈeagerly adv   > ˈeagerness n

■ eager beaver   n   informal a person who displays conspicuous diligence, esp one who volunteers for extra work

eager^2 (ˈeIɡə)   n   a variant spelling of eagre

eagle (ˈiːɡəl)   n   1 any of various birds of prey of the genera Aquila, Harpia, etc, having large broad wings and strong soaring flight: family Accipitridae (hawks, etc). See also golden eagle, harpy eagle, sea eagle. Related adjective: aquiline   2 a representation of an eagle used as an emblem, etc, esp representing power: the Roman eagle   3 a standard, seal, etc, bearing the figure of an eagle   4 golf a score of two strokes under par for a hole   5 a former US gold coin worth ten dollars: withdrawn from circulation in 1934   6 the shoulder insignia worn by a US full colonel or equivalent rank   ▷ vb   7 golf to score two strokes under par for a hole [C14: from Old French aigle, from Old Provençal aigla, from Latin aquila, perhaps from aquilus dark]

■ eagle-eyed   adj   having keen or piercing eyesight

■ eagle-hawk   n   a large aggressive Australian eagle, Aquila audax. Also called: wedge-tailed eagle

■ eagle owl   n   a large owl, Bubo bubo, of Europe and Asia. It has brownish speckled plumage and large ear tufts

■ eagle ray   n   any of various rays of the family Myliobatidae, related to the stingrays but having narrower pectoral fins and a projecting snout with heavily browed eyes

■ eaglestone (ˈiːɡəlˌstəʊn)   n   a hollow oval nodule of clay ironstone, formerly thought to have magical properties

■ eaglet (ˈiːɡlIt)   n   a young eagle

■ eaglewood (ˈiːɡəlˌwʊd)   n   1 an Asian thymelaeaceous tree, Aquilaria agallocha, having fragrant wood that yields a resin used as a perfume   2 the wood of this tree   ▶ Also called: aloes, aloes wood, agalloch, lignaloes

eagre or eager (ˈeIɡə)   n   a tidal bore, esp of the Humber or Severn estuary [C17: perhaps from Old English ēagor flood; compare Old English ēa river, water]

EAK   abbreviation for   Kenya (international car registration) [from E(ast) A(frica) K(enya)]

Eakins (ˈiːkInz)   n   Thomas. 1844–1916, US painter of portraits and sporting life: a noted realist

ealdorman (ˈɔːldəmən)   n, pl -men   an official of Anglo-Saxon England, appointed by the king, who was responsible for law, order, and justice in his shire and for leading his local fyrd in battle [Old English ealdor lord + MAN]

eale^1 (iːl)   n   another word for ale

eale^2 (iːl)   vb   another word for ail

Ealing (ˈiːlIŋ)   n   a borough of W Greater London, formed in 1965 from Acton, Ealing, and Southall. Pop: 3 050 000 (2003 est). Area: 55 sq km (21 sq miles)

EAM   n   (in World War II) the leftist resistance in German-occupied Greece [C20: from Modern Greek Ethniko Apeleutherotiko Metopo National Liberation Front]

-ean   suffix forming adjectives   a variant of -an: Caesarean

E & OE   abbreviation for   errors and omissions excepted

eanling (ˈiːnlIŋ)   n   a newborn lamb

ear^1 (Iə)   n   1 the organ of hearing and balance in higher vertebrates and of balance only in fishes. In humans and other mammals it consists of three parts. See external ear, middle ear, internal ear. Related adjectives: aural, otic   2 the outermost cartilaginous part of the ear (pinna) in mammals, esp humans   3 the sense of hearing   4 sensitivity to musical sounds, poetic diction, etc: she has an ear for music   5 attention, esp favourable attention; consideration; heed (esp in the phrases give ear to, lend an ear)   6 an object resembling the external ear in shape or position, such as a handle on a jug   7 Also called (esp Brit): earpiece a display box at the head of a newspaper page, esp the front page, for advertisements, etc   8 all ears very attentive; listening carefully   9 by ear without reading from written music   10 chew someone's ear slang to reprimand severely   11 fall on deaf ears to be ignored or pass unnoticed   12 have hard ears Caribbean to be stubbornly disobedient   13 a flea in one's ear informal a sharp rebuke   14 have the ear of to be in a position to influence: he has the ear of the president   15 in one ear and out the other heard but unheeded   16 keep one's ear to the ground or have one's ear to the ground to be or try to be well informed about current trends and opinions   17 make a pig's ear of informal to ruin disastrously   18 one's ears are burning one is aware of being the topic of another's conversation   19 out on one's ear informal dismissed unceremoniously   20 play by ear   a to act according to the demands of a situation rather than to a plan; improvise   b to perform a musical piece on an instrument without written music   21 prick up one's ears to start to listen attentively; become interested   22 set by the ears to cause disagreement or commotion   23 a thick ear informal a blow on the ear delivered as punishment, in anger, etc   24 turn a deaf ear to be deliberately unresponsive   25 up to one's ears informal deeply involved, as in work or debt   26 wet behind the ears informal inexperienced; naive; immature [Old English ēare; related to Old Norse eyra, Old High German ōra, Gothic ausō, Greek ous, Latin auris]   > ˈearˌlike adj

■ earache (ˈIərˌeIk)   n   pain in the middle or inner ear. Technical name: otalgia. Compare otitis

■ earball (ˈIəˌbɔːl)   n   (in acupressure) a small ball kept in position in the ear and pressed when needed to relieve stress

■ earbash (ˈIəˌbæʃ)   vb   (intr) Austral and NZ slang to talk incessantly   > ˈearˌbasher n

■ earbashing (ˈIəˌbæʃIŋ)   n   Brit, Austral and NZ informal a scolding or lengthy and vituperative verbal attack

■ earbob (ˈIəˌbɒb)   n   Southern US a ring or ornamentation for the ear

■ earbud (ˈIəˌbʌd)   n   a small earphone worn in the ear for use with audio devices

■ earcon (ˈIəˌkɒn)   n   a short, organized sound sequence that stands for an object or an incident

■ eardrop (ˈIəˌdrɒp)   n   a pendant earring

■ eardrops (ˈIəˌdrɒps)   pl n   liquid medication for inserting into the external ear

■ eardrum (ˈIəˌdrʌm)   n   the nontechnical name for tympanic membrane

■ eared (Iəd)   adj     a having an ear or ears   b (in combination): long-eared; lop-eared

■ eared seal   n   any seal of the pinniped family Otariidae, typically having visible earflaps and conspicuous hind limbs that can be used for locomotion on land. Compare earless seal

■ earflap (ˈIəˌflæp)   n   1 Also called: earlap either of two pieces of fabric or fur attached to a cap, which can be let down to keep the ears warm   2 zoology a small flap of skin forming the pinna of such animals as seals

■ earful (ˈIəfʊl)   n informal   1 something heard or overheard   2 a rebuke or scolding, esp a lengthy or severe one

■ ear-grabbing   adj   informal (of music) immediately capturing and holding the attention of listeners

■ earhole (ˈIəhəʊl)   n   Brit informal the hole of the ear

■ earlap (ˈIəˌlæp)   n   1 another word for earflap (sense 1)   2 rare   a the external ear   b the ear lobe [C16: from EAR^1 + LAP^1]

■ earless (ˈIələs)   adj   without ears

■ earless seal   n   any seal of the pinniped family Phocidae, typically having rudimentary hind limbs, no external earflaps, and a body covering of hair with no underfur. Also called: hair seal. Compare eared seal

■ earlobe (ˈIəˌləʊb)   n   the fleshy lower part of the external ear

■ earlock (ˈIəˌlɒk)   n   a curl or lock of hair close to the ear

■ earmark (ˈIəˌmɑːk)   vb (tr)   1 to set aside or mark out for a specific purpose   2 to make an identification mark on the ear of (a domestic animal)   ▷ n   3 a mark of identification on the ear of a domestic animal   4 any distinguishing mark or characteristic

■ earmuff (ˈIəˌmʌf)   n   one of a pair of pads of fur or cloth, joined by a headband, for keeping the ears warm

■ earphone (ˈIəˌfəʊn)   n   a device for converting electric currents into sound waves, held close to or inserted into the ear

■ earphones (ˈIəfəʊnz)   pl n   a small piece of equipment worn over or inside the ears to allow a person to listen to recorded music without anyone else hearing

■ earpick (ˈIəˌpIk)   n   an implement for picking at the ear and removing earwax

■ earpiece (ˈIəˌpiːs)   n   the earphone in a telephone receiver

■ ear piercing   n   1 the making of a hole in the lobe of an ear, using a sterilized needle, so that an earring may be worn fastened in the hole   ▷ adj ear-piercing   2 another word for ear-splitting

■ earplug (ˈIəˌplʌɡ)   n   a small piece of soft material, such as wax, placed in the ear to keep out noise or water

■ earring (ˈIəˌrIŋ)   n   an ornament for the ear, usually clipped onto the lobe or fastened through a hole pierced in the lobe

■ earringed (ˈIəˌrIŋd)   adj   having or wearing earrings

■ ear shell   n   another name for the abalone

■ earshot (ˈIəˌʃɒt)   n   the range or distance within which sound may be heard (esp in the phrases within earshot, out of earshot)

■ ear-splitting   adj   so loud or shrill as to hurt the ears

■ ear-stone   n   anatomy a calcium carbonate crystal in the ear of vertebrates

■ ear trumpet   n   a trumpet-shaped instrument that amplifies sounds and is held to the ear: an old form of hearing aid

■ earwax (ˈIəˌwæks)   n   the nontechnical name for cerumen

■ earwitness (ˈIərˌwItnIs)   n     a a person who gives evidence or information about something heard rather than seen   b (as modifier): earwitness reports

■ earworm (ˈIəˌwɜːm)   n   informal an irritatingly catchy tune [C20: from German Ohrwurm earwig]

ear^2 (Iə)   n   1 the part of a cereal plant, such as wheat or barley, that contains the seeds, grains, or kernels   ▷ vb   2 (intr) (of cereal plants) to develop such parts [Old English ēar; related to Old High German ahar, Old Norse ax, Gothic ahs ear, Latin acus chaff, Greek akros pointed]

eard (ɜːrd) Scot   n, vb   another word for earth

Earhart (ˈɛəˌhɑːt)   n   Amelia. 1898–1937, US aviator: the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo (1932). She disappeared on a Pacific flight (1937)

earing (ˈIərIŋ)   n   nautical a line fastened to a corner of a sail for reefing [C17: from EAR^1 + -ING^1 or perhaps RING^1]

earl (ɜːl)   n   1 (in the British Isles) a nobleman ranking below a marquess and above a viscount. Female equivalent: countess   2 (in Anglo-Saxon England) a royal governor of any of the large divisions of the kingdom, such as Wessex [Old English eorl; related to Old Norse jarl chieftain, Old Saxon erl man]

■ earldom (ˈɜːldəm)   n   1 the rank, title, or dignity of an earl or countess   2 the lands of an earl or countess

■ Earl Grey   n   a variety of China tea flavoured with oil of bergamot

■ Earl Marshal   n   an officer of the English peerage who presides over the College of Heralds and organizes royal processions and other important ceremonies

■ earlship (ˈɜːlʃIp)   n   the title, rank, or position of an earl

early (ˈɜːlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 before the expected or usual time   2 occurring in or characteristic of the first part of a period or sequence   3 occurring in or characteristic of a period far back in time   4 occurring in the near future   5 at the earliest not before the time or date mentioned   6 early days too soon to tell how things will turn out   7 early doors Brit informal esp sport at an early stage   ▷ adv -lier, -liest   8 before the expected or usual time   9 near the first part of a period or sequence: I was talking to him earlier [Old English ǣrlīce, from ǣr ERE + -līce -LY^2; related to Old Norse arliga]   > ˈearliness n

■ earlierize or earlierise (ˈɜːlIəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to do at earlier date

■ early adopter   n   one of the first people or organizations to make use of a new technology

■ early bird   n   informal a person who rises early or arrives in good time

■ Early Bird   n   one of a number of communications satellites, the first of which was launched in 1965 into a stationary orbit and provided telephone channels between Europe and the US. See also Intelsat

■ Early Christian   adj   denoting or relating to the style of architecture that started in Italy in the 3rd century AD and spread through the Roman empire until the 5th century

■ early closing   n Brit   1    a the shutting of most of the shops in a town one afternoon each week   b (as adjective): early-closing day   2 the day on which this happens: Thursday is early closing in Aylesbury

■ Early English   n   a style of architecture used in England in the 12th and 13th centuries, characterized by lancet arches, narrow openings, and plate tracery

■ early-evening   adj   taking place or being presented in the early part of the evening

■ early-morning   adj   taking place or being presented in the early part of the morning

■ early music   n   1 music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, sometimes also including music of the baroque and early classical periods   ▷ modifier early-music   2 of or denoting an approach to musical performance emphasizing the use of period instruments and historically researched scores and playing techniques: the early-music movement

■ early-onset   adj   (of a medical condition) occurring early in a person's life, esp in relation to other people with the condition

■ early purple orchid   n   a Eurasian orchid, Orchis mascula, with purplish-crimson flowers and stems marked with blackish-purple spots

■ Early Renaissance   n   the Early Renaissance the period from about 1400 to 1500 in European, esp Italian, painting, sculpture, and architecture, when naturalistic styles and humanist theories were evolved from the study of classical sources, notably by Donatello, Masaccio, and Alberti

■ early-type star   n   astronomy any massive hot star of spectral type O, B, or A. Compare: late-type star [C20: from the mistaken belief that hot and old stars evolved into cool young stars]

■ early warning   n     a advance notice of some impending event or development   b (as modifier): an effective early-warning system

■ early warning system   n   1 a network of radar and communications units intended to detect at the earliest possible moment an attack by enemy aircraft or missiles   2 anything that gives advance notice of something

■ earlywood (ˈɜːlIˌwʊd)   n     a the light-coloured wood made by a tree in the spring that shows up in the yearly growth ring   b (as modifier): earlywood production

earn (ɜːn)   vb earns, earning, earned or earnt   1 to gain or be paid (money or other payment) in return for work or service   2 (tr) to acquire, merit, or deserve through behaviour or action: he has earned a name for duplicity   3 (tr) (of securities, investments, etc) to gain (interest, return, profit, etc) [Old English earnian; related to Old High German arnēn to reap, Old Saxon asna salary, tithe]

■ earned income   n   income derived from paid employment and comprising mainly wages and salaries

■ earner (ˈɜːnə)   n   1 a person who earns money   2 Brit and Austral informal an activity or thing that produces income, esp illicitly: a nice little earner

■ earnings (ˈɜːnIŋz)   pl n   1 money or other payment earned   2 the profits of an enterprise

■ earnings-related   adj   Brit calculated on the basis of the recipient's earnings

earnest^1 (ˈɜːnIst)   adj   1 serious in mind or intention: an earnest student   2 showing or characterized by sincerity of intention: an earnest promise   3 demanding or receiving serious attention   ▷ n   4 seriousness   5 in earnest with serious or sincere intentions [Old English eornost; related to Old High German ernust seriousness, Old Norse ern energetic, efficient, Gothic arniba secure]   > ˈearnestly adv   > ˈearnestness n

earnest^2 (ˈɜːnIst)   n   1 a part or portion of something given in advance as a guarantee of the remainder   2 Also called: earnest money contract law something given, usually a nominal sum of money, to confirm a contract   3 any token of something to follow; pledge; assurance [C13: from Old French erres pledges, plural of erre earnest money, from Latin arrha, shortened from arrabō pledge, from Greek arrabon, from Hebrew `ērābhōn pledge, from `ārabh he pledged]

EAROM (ˈIərɒm) computing   n acronym for   electrically alterable read-only memory

earst (ɜːst)   adv   a variant spelling of erst

earth (ɜːθ)   n   1 (sometimes capital) the third planet from the sun, the only planet on which life is known to exist. It is not quite spherical, being flattened at the poles, and consists of three geological zones, the core, mantle, and thin outer crust. The surface, covered with large areas of water, is enveloped by an atmosphere principally of nitrogen (78 per cent), oxygen (21 per cent), and some water vapour. The age is estimated at over four thousand million years. Distance from sun: 149.6 million km; equatorial diameter: 12 756 km; mass: 5.976 × 10^24 kg; sidereal period of axial rotation: 23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds; sidereal period of revolution about sun: 365.256 days. Related adjectives: terrestrial, tellurian, telluric, terrene   2 the inhabitants of this planet: the whole earth rejoiced   3 the dry surface of this planet as distinguished from sea or sky; land; ground   4 the loose soft material that makes up a large part of the surface of the ground and consists of disintegrated rock particles, mould, clay, etc; soil   5 worldly or temporal matters as opposed to the concerns of the spirit   6 the hole in which some species of burrowing animals, esp foxes, live   7 chem See rare earth, alkaline earth   8    a a connection between an electrical circuit or device and the earth, which is at zero potential   b a terminal to which this connection is made. US and Canadian equivalent: ground   9 Also called: earth colour any of various brown pigments composed chiefly of iron oxides   10 (modifier) astrology of or relating to a group of three signs of the zodiac, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Compare air (sense 20), fire (sense 24), water (sense 12)   11 cost the earth informal to be very expensive   12 come back to earth or come down to earth to return to reality from a fantasy or daydream   13 on earth used as an intensifier in such phrases as what on earth, who on earth, etc   14 run to earth   a to hunt (an animal, esp a fox) to its earth and trap it there   b to find (someone) after searching   ▷ vb   15 (intr) (of a hunted fox) to go to ground   16 (tr) to connect (a circuit, device, etc) to earth [Old English eorthe; related to Old Norse jorth, Old High German ertha, Gothic airtha, Greek erā]

■ Earth 2.0   n   a planet whose size and atmospheric conditions resemble those of the Earth: Earth 2.0 candidates

■ earthborn (ˈɜːθˌbɔːn)   adj chiefly poetic   1 of earthly origin   2 human; mortal

■ earthbound (ˈɜːθˌbaʊnd)   adj   1 confined to the earth   2 lacking in imagination; pedestrian or dull   3 moving or heading towards the earth

■ earth closet   n   a type of lavatory in which earth is used to cover excreta

■ earthed (ɜːθt)   adj   Brit electrical having an electrical connection to earth

■ earthen (ˈɜːθən)   adj (prenominal)   1 made of baked clay: an earthen pot   2 made of earth

■ earthenware (ˈɜːθənˌwɛə)   n     a vessels, etc, made of baked clay   b (as adjective): an earthenware pot

■ earthfall (ˈɜːθˌfɔːl)   n   a fall of earth or a landslide

■ earthfast (ˈɜːθˌfɑːst)   adj   relating to a method of building or to buildings that have no foundations but are supported by posts knocked into the ground

■ earthflax (ˈɜːθˌflæks)   n   an obsolete word for amianthus

■ earth-grazer   n   an asteroid in an orbit that takes it close to the earth. Also called: near-earth asteroid

■ earth inductor compass   n   a compass that depends on the current induced in a coil revolving in the earth's magnetic field. Also called: inductor compass

■ earthlight (ˈɜːθˌlaIt)   n   another name for earthshine

■ earthlike (ˈɜːθˌlaIk)   adj   1 having the same colour as earth   2 resembling the earth

■ earthling (ˈɜːθlIŋ)   n   (esp in poetry or science fiction) an inhabitant of the earth; human being [C16: from EARTH + LING^1]

■ earthly (ˈɜːθlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 of or characteristic of the earth as opposed to heaven; material or materialistic; worldly   2 (usually used with a negative) informal conceivable or possible; feasible (in such phrases as not an earthly (chance), etc)   > ˈearthliness n

■ earthman (ˈɜːθˌmæn)   n, pl -men   (esp in science fiction) an inhabitant or native of the earth

■ earth mother   n   1 (in various mythologies)   a a female goddess considered as the source of fertility and life   b the earth personified   2 informal a sensual or fecund woman

■ earthmover (ˈɜːθˌmuːvə)   n   a machine, such as a bulldozer, that is used for excavating and moving large quantities of earth

■ earthmoving (ˈɜːθˌmuːvIŋ)   adj   having great importance or consequence

■ earthnut (ˈɜːθˌnʌt)   n   1 Also called: pignut a perennial umbelliferous plant, Conopodium majus, of Europe and Asia, having edible dark brown tubers   2 any of various plants having an edible root, tuber, underground pod, or similar part, such as the peanut or truffle

■ earthpea (ˈɜːθˌpiː)   n   a plant or fruit of the plant family Fabaceae

■ earth pillar   n   a landform consisting of a column of clay or earth capped and protected from erosion by a boulder

■ earthquake (ˈɜːθˌkweIk)   n   a sudden release of energy in the earth's crust or upper mantle, usually caused by movement along a fault plane or by volcanic activity and resulting in the generation of seismic waves which can be destructive. Related adjective: seismic

■ earth return   n   the return path for an electrical circuit made by connections to earth at each end

■ earthrise (ˈɜːθˌraIz)   n   the apparent rising of the earth above the lunar horizon, as seen from a satellite or similar spacecraft emerging from the far side of the moon

■ earth science   n   any of various sciences, such as geology, geography, and geomorphology, that are concerned with the structure, age, and other aspects of the earth

■ earthset (ˈɜːθˌsɛt)   n   the apparent setting of the earth below the lunar horizon, as seen from a satellite or similar spacecraft emerging from the far side of the moon

■ Earthshaker (ˈɜːθˌʃeIkə)   n   the Earthshaker classical myth Poseidon (or Neptune) in his capacity as the bringer of earthquakes

■ earth-shattering or earthshaking (ˈɜːθˌʃeIkIŋ)   adj   informal of enormous importance or consequence; momentous

■ earthshine (ˈɜːθˌʃaIn) or earthlight   n   the ashen light reflected from the earth, which illuminates the new moon when it is not receiving light directly from the sun

■ earthstar (ˈɜːθˌstɑː)   n   any of various basidiomycetous saprotrophic woodland fungi of the genus Geastrum, whose brown onion-shaped reproductive body splits into a star shape to release the spores

■ earth up   vb   (tr, adverb) to cover (part of a plant, esp the stem) with soil in order to protect from frost, light, etc

■ earthward (ˈɜːθwəd)   adj   1 directed towards the earth   ▷ adv   2 a variant of earthwards

■ earthwards (ˈɜːθwədz) or earthward   adv   towards the earth

■ earth wax or earthwax (ˈɜːθˌwæks)   n   another name for ozocerite

■ earthwolf (ˈɜːθˌwʊlf)   n   another name for aardvark

■ earthwoman (ˈɜːθˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   (esp in science fiction) a woman who inhabits the planet earth

■ earthwork (ˈɜːθˌwɜːk)   n   1 excavation of earth, as in engineering construction   2 a fortification made of earth

■ earthworm (ˈɜːθˌwɜːm)   n   any of numerous oligochaete worms of the genera Lumbricus, Allolobophora, Eisenia, etc, which burrow in the soil and help aerate and break up the ground. Related adjective: lumbricoid

■ earthy (ˈɜːθI)   adj earthier, earthiest   1 of, composed of, or characteristic of earth   2 robust, lusty, or uninhibited   3 unrefined, coarse, or crude   4 an archaic word for worldly (sense 1)   5 electrical engineering on the earthed side of an electrical circuit, but not necessarily with a direct current connection to earth   > ˈearthily adv   > ˈearthiness n

earwig (ˈIəˌwIɡ)   n   1 any of various insects of the order Dermaptera, esp Forficula auricularia (common European earwig), which typically have an elongated body with small leathery forewings, semicircular membranous hindwings, and curved forceps at the tip of the abdomen   ▷ vb -wigs, -wigging, -wigged   2 informal to eavesdrop   3 (tr) archaic to attempt to influence (a person) by private insinuation [Old English ēarwicga, from ēare EAR^1 + wicga beetle, insect; probably from a superstition that the insect crept into human ears]

■ earwigging (ˈIəˌwIɡIŋ)   n   informal a scolding or harangue: I'll give him an earwigging about that

■ earwiggy (ˈIəˌwIɡI)   adj   1 having an infestation or a swarm of earwigs   2 resembling or similar to an earwig

EAS aeronautics   abbreviation for   equivalent air speed

ease (iːz)   n   1 freedom from discomfort, worry, or anxiety   2 lack of difficulty, labour, or awkwardness; facility   3 rest, leisure, or relaxation   4 freedom from poverty or financial embarrassment; affluence: a life of ease   5 lack of restraint, embarrassment, or stiffness: his ease of manner disarmed us   6 at ease military   a (of a standing soldier, etc) in a relaxed position with the feet apart and hands linked behind the back   b a command to adopt such a position   c in a relaxed attitude or frame of mind   ▷ vb   7 to make or become less burdensome   8 (tr) to relieve (a person) of worry or care; comfort   9 (tr) to make comfortable or give rest to   10 (tr) to make less difficult; facilitate   11 to move or cause to move into, out of, etc, with careful manipulation: to ease a car into a narrow space   12 (when intr, often foll by off or up) to lessen or cause to lessen in severity, pressure, tension, or strain; slacken, loosen, or abate   13 ease oneself or ease nature archaic, euphemistic to urinate or defecate   14 ease the helm nautical to relieve the pressure on the rudder of a vessel, esp by bringing the bow into the wind [C13: from Old French aise ease, opportunity, from Latin adjacēns neighbouring (area); see ADJACENT]   > ˈeaser n

■ easeful (ˈiːzfʊl)   adj   characterized by or bringing ease; peaceful; tranquil   > ˈeasefully adv   > ˈeasefulness n

■ easeless (ˈiːzlIs)   adj   1 having no peace or contentment   2 showing or giving no relief or easement   3 showing no naturalness or relaxedness

■ easement (ˈiːzmənt)   n   1 property law the right enjoyed by landowners of making limited use of their neighbour's land, as by crossing it to reach their own property   2 the act of easing or something that brings ease

■ easing (ˈiːzIŋ)   n   relaxation; the act of making something less severe or rigorous

easel (ˈiːzəl)   n   a frame, usually in the form of an upright tripod, used for supporting or displaying an artist's canvas, blackboard, etc [C17: from Dutch ezel ASS^1; related to Gothic asilus, German Esel, Latin asinus ass]

■ easeled (ˈiːzəld)   adj   having been set up or displayed on an easel

easle (ˈeIzəl)   n   a quantity of hot embers or ashes

eassel or eassil (ˈiːsəl)   adv   Scot in an easterly manner or direction. Also: easselgate, easselward

east (iːst)   n   1 one of the four cardinal points of the compass, 90° clockwise from north and 180° from west   2 the direction along a parallel towards the sunrise, at 90° to north; the direction of the earth's rotation   3 the east (often capital) any area lying in or towards the east. Related adjective: oriental   4 cards (usually capital) the player or position at the table corresponding to east on the compass   ▷ adj   5 situated in, moving towards, or facing the east   6 (esp of the wind) from the east   ▷ adv   7 in, to, or towards the east   8 archaic (of the wind) from the east   ▶ Symbol: E [Old English ēast; related to Old High German ōstar to the east, Old Norse austr, Latin aurora dawn, Greek eōs, Sanskrit usās dawn, morning]

■ East (iːst)   n the East   1 the continent of Asia regarded as culturally distinct from Europe and the West; the Orient   2 the countries under Communist rule and formerly under Communist rule, lying mainly in the E hemisphere. Compare West^1 (sense 2)   3 (in the US)   a the area north of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi   b the area north of Maryland and east of the Alleghenies   ▷ adj   4    a of or denoting the eastern part of a specified country, area, etc   b (as part of a name): East Sussex   > ˈEastern adj

■ eastabout (ˈiːstəˌbaʊt)   adv   in, to, or towards the east

■ East Africa   n   a region of Africa comprising Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania

■ East African   adj   1 of or relating to East Africa or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of East Africa

■ East African Community   n   an association established in 1967 by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to promote closer economic and social ties between member states: dissolved in 1977, but reformed in 1999, and joined in 2007 by Burundi and Rwanda

■ East Anglia   n   1 a region of E England south of the Wash: consists of Norfolk and Suffolk, and parts of Essex and Cambridgeshire   2 an Anglo-Saxon kingdom that consisted of Norfolk and Suffolk in the 6th century AD; became a dependency of Mercia in the 8th century

■ East Anglian   adj   1 of or relating to East Anglia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of East Anglia

■ East Ayrshire   n   a council area of SW Scotland, comprising the E part of the historical county of Ayrshire: part of Strathclyde region from 1975 to 1996: chiefly agricultural. Administrative centre: Kilmarnock. Pop: 119 530 (2003 est). Area: 1252 sq km (483 sq miles)

■ East Bengal   n   the part of the former Indian province of Bengal assigned to Pakistan in 1947 (now Bangladesh)

■ East Bengali   adj   1 of or relating to East Bengal (now Bangladesh) or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of East Bengal

■ East Berlin   n   (formerly) the part of Berlin under East German control

■ East Berliner   n   a native or inhabitant of the former East Berlin

■ eastbound (ˈiːstˌbaʊnd)   adj   going or leading towards the east

■ east by north   n   1 one point on the compass north of east, 78° 45′ clockwise from north   ▷ adj, adv   2 in, from, or towards this direction

■ east by south   n   1 one point on the compass south of east, 101° 15′ clockwise from north   ▷ adj, adv   2 in, from, or towards this direction

■ East Cape   n   1 the easternmost point of New Guinea, on Milne Bay   2 the easternmost point of New Zealand, on North Island   3 the former name for Cape Dezhnev

■ East China Sea   n   part of the N Pacific, between the E coast of China and the Ryukyu Islands

■ east coast fever   n   a disease of cattle, endemic in east and central Africa, caused by a parasite, Theileria parva, that is carried by ticks

■ East Dunbartonshire   n   a council area of central Scotland to the N of Glasgow: part of Strathclyde region from 1975 until 1996: mainly agricultural and residential. Administrative centre: Kirkintilloch. Pop: 106 970 (2003 est). Area: 172 sq km (66 sq miles)

■ East End   n   the East End a densely populated part of E London containing former industrial and dock areas, now extensively redeveloped for offices

■ East Ender   n   a native or inhabitant of the East End of London

■ easterling (ˈiːstərlIŋ)   n   1 a person who lives in an eastern area or an eastern country   ▷ adj   2 relating to a person who lives in an eastern area or an eastern country

■ easterly (ˈiːstəlI)   adj   1 of, relating to, or situated in the east   ▷ adv, adj   2 towards or in the direction of the east   3 from the east: an easterly wind   ▷ n, pl -lies   4 a wind from the east

■ east-facing   adj   facing towards the east

■ East Flanders   n   a province of W Belgium: low-lying, with reclaimed land in the northeast: textile industries. Capital: Ghent. Pop: 1 373 720 (2004 est). Area: 2979 sq km (1150 sq miles)

■ East German   adj   1 of or relating to the former republic of East Germany or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the former East Germany

■ East Germanic   n   a subbranch of the Germanic languages: now extinct. The only member of which records survive is Gothic

■ East Germany   n   a former republic in N central Europe: established in 1949 and declared a sovereign state by the Soviet Union in 1954; Communist regime replaced by a multiparty democracy in 1989; reunited with West Germany in 1990. Official name: German Democratic Republic, (Abbreviation) DDR, (Abbreviation) GDR. See also Germany

■ East India Company   n   1 the company chartered in 1600 by the British government to trade in the East Indies: after being driven out by the Dutch, it developed trade with India until the Indian Mutiny (1857), when the Crown took over the administration: the company was dissolved in 1874   2 any similar trading company, such as any of those founded by the Dutch, French, and Danes in the 17th and 18th centuries

■ East Indian   n   1 Caribbean an immigrant to the countries of the Caribbean (West Indies) who is of Indian origin; an Asian West Indian   ▷ adj   2 US and Canadian of, relating to, or originating in the East Indies

■ East Indies   pl n the East Indies   1 the Malay Archipelago, including or excluding the Philippines   2 old-fashioned SE Asia in general

■ easting (ˈiːstIŋ)   n   1 nautical the net distance eastwards made by a vessel moving towards the east   2 cartography   a the distance eastwards of a point from a given meridian indicated by the first half of a map grid reference   b a longitudinal grid line. Compare northing (sense 3)

■ East Kilbride (kIlˈbraId)   n   a town in W Scotland, in South Lanarkshire near Glasgow: designated a new town in 1947. Pop: 73 796 (2001)

■ eastland (ˈiːstˌlænd)   n   1 the land or lands that are situated in the east   2 the countries that adjoin the Baltic

■ eastlin (ˈiːstlIn) or eastling (ˈiːstlIŋ)   adj   Scot having or coming from an easterly direction

■ eastlins (ˈiːstlInz) or eastlings (ˈiːstlIŋz)   adv   Scot in an eastward direction

■ East London   n   a port in S South Africa, in S Eastern Cape province. Pop: 135 560 (2001)

■ East Lothian   n   a council area and historical county of E central Scotland, on the Firth of Forth and the North Sea: part of Lothian region from 1975 to 1996: chiefly agricultural. Administrative centre: Haddington. Pop: 91 090 (2003 est). Area: 678 sq km (262 sq miles)

■ eastmost (ˈiːstməʊst)   adj   another word for easternmost

■ east-northeast   n   1 the point on the compass or the direction midway between northeast and east, 67° 30′ clockwise from north   ▷ adj, adv   2 in, from, or towards this direction   ▶ Symbol: ENE

■ East Pakistan   n   the former name (until 1971) of Bangladesh

■ East Pakistani   adj   1 of or relating to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the former East Pakistan

■ East Prussia   n   a former province of NE Germany on the Baltic Sea: separated in 1919 from the rest of Germany by the Polish Corridor and Danzig: in 1945 Poland received the south part, the Soviet Union the north. German name: Ostpreussen (ostˈprɔysən)

■ East Prussian   adj   1 of or relating to the former German province of East Prussia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the former East Prussia

■ East Renfrewshire   n   a council area of W central Scotland, comprising part of the historical county of Renfrewshire; part of Strathclyde region from 1975 to 1996: chiefly agricultural and residential. Administrative centre: Giffnock. Pop: 89 680 (2003 est). Area: 173 sq km (67 sq miles)

■ East Riding of Yorkshire   n   a county of NE England, a historical division of Yorkshire on the North Sea and the Humber estuary: became part of Humberside in 1974; reinstated as an independent unitary authority in 1996, with a separate authority for Kingston upon Hull: chiefly agricultural and low-lying, with various industries in Hull. Administrative centre: Beverley. Pop (excluding Hull): 321 300 (2003 est). Area (excluding Hull): 748 sq km (675 sq miles)

■ East Sea   n   the Korean name for Sea of Japan

■ east-southeast   n   1 the point on the compass or the direction midway between east and southeast, 112° 30′ clockwise from north   ▷ adj, adv   2 in, from, or towards this direction   ▶ Symbol: ESE

■ East Sussex   n   a county of SE England comprising part of the former county of Sussex: mainly undulating agricultural land, with the South Downs and seaside resorts in the south: Brighton and Hove became an independent unitary authority in 1997 but is part of the geographical and ceremonial county. Administrative centre: Lewes. Pop (excluding Brighton and Hove): 496 100 (2003 est). Area (excluding Brighton and Hove): 1795 sq km (693 sq miles)

■ East Timor   n   a small country in SE Asia, comprising part of the island of Timor: colonized by Portugal in the 19th century; declared independence in 1975 but immediately invaded by Indonesia; under UN administration from 1999 and an independent state from 2002. It is mountainous with a monsoon climate; subsistence agriculture is the main occupation. Official languages: Portuguese and Tetun (a lingua franca); English and Indonesian are also spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: US dollar. Capital: Dili. Pop: 1 296 311 (2017 est). Area: 14 874 sq km (5743 sq miles). Official name: Timor-Leste

■ East Timorese   adj   1 of or relating to East Timor or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of East Timor

■ eastward (ˈiːstwəd)   adj   1 situated or directed towards the east   ▷ adv   2 a variant of eastwards   ▷ n   3 the eastward part, direction, etc   > ˈeastwardly adv, adj

■ eastwards (ˈiːstwədz) or eastward   adv   towards the east

Eastbourne (ˈiːstˌbɔːn)   n   a resort in SE England, in East Sussex on the English Channel. Pop: 106 592 (2001)

Easter (ˈiːstə)   n   1 the most important festival of the Christian Church, commemorating the Resurrection of Christ: falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox   2 Also called: Easter Sunday, Easter Day the day on which this festival is celebrated   3 the period between Good Friday and Easter Monday ▶ Related adjective: paschal [Old English ēastre, after a Germanic goddess Eostre; related to Old High German ōstarūn Easter, Old Norse austr to the EAST, Old Slavonic ustru like summer]

■ Easter bunny   n   a rabbit that according to tradition brings Easter eggs to good children. Austral equivalent: Easter bilby

■ Easter cactus   n   a Brazilian cactus, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, widely cultivated as an ornamental for its showy red flowers

■ Easter egg   n   1 an egg given to children at Easter, usually a chocolate egg or a hen's egg with its shell painted   2 a bonus or extra feature hidden inside a website, computer game, or DVD, that is only revealed after repeated or lengthy viewing or playing

■ Easter Island   n   an isolated volcanic island in the Pacific, 3700 km (2300 miles) west of Chile, of which it is a dependency: discovered on Easter Sunday, 1722; annexed by Chile in 1888; noted for the remains of an aboriginal culture, which includes gigantic stone figures. Pop: 3791 (2002). Area: 166 sq km (64 sq miles). Polynesian name: Rapa Nui. Spanish name: Isla de Pascua

■ Easter Islander   n   a native or inhabitant of Easter Island

■ Easter-ledges   n   1 (functioning as singular) another name for bistort (sense 1)   2 Northern English dialect a pudding made from the young leaves of the bistort

■ Easter lily   n   any of various lilies, esp Lilium longiflorum, that have large showy white flowers

■ Easter Rising   n   an armed insurrection in Dublin in 1916 against British rule in Ireland: the insurgents proclaimed the establishment of an independent Irish republic before surrendering, 16 of the leaders later being executed

■ Easter term   n   the term at the Inns of Court following the Hilary term

■ Eastertide (ˈiːstəˌtaId)   n   the Easter season

eastern (ˈiːstən)   adj   1 situated in or towards the east   2 facing or moving towards the east

■ Eastern bloc   n   the Eastern bloc politics (formerly) the Soviet bloc

■ Eastern Cape   n   a province of S South Africa; formed in 1994 from the E part of the former Cape Province: service industries, agriculture, and mining. Capital: Bhisho (formerly Bisho). Pop: 6 562 053 (2011 est). Area: 169 600 sq km (65 483 sq miles). Also called: Eastern Province

■ Eastern Church   n   1 any of the Christian Churches of the former Byzantine Empire   2 any Church owing allegiance to the Orthodox Church and in communion with the Greek patriarchal see of Constantinople   3 any Church, including Uniat Churches, having Eastern forms of liturgy and institutions

■ Easterner (ˈiːstənə)   n   (sometimes not capital) a native or inhabitant of the east of any specified region, esp of the Orient or of the eastern states of the US

■ Eastern Ghats   pl n   a mountain range in S India, parallel to the Bay of Bengal: united with the Western Ghats by the Nilgiri Hills; forms the E margin of the Deccan plateau

■ eastern hemisphere   n (often capitals)   1 that half of the globe containing Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, lying east of the Greenwich meridian   2 the lands in this, esp Asia

■ easternmost (ˈiːstənˌməʊst), eastermost (ˈiːstərməʊst) or eastmost (ˈiːstməʊst)   adj   situated or occurring farthest east

■ Eastern Orthodox Church   n   another name for the Orthodox Church

■ Eastern Province   n   another name for Eastern Cape

■ Eastern rite   n   the rite and liturgy of an Eastern Church or of a Uniat Church

■ Eastern Roman Empire   n   the eastern of the two empires created by the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD. See also Byzantine Empire

■ Eastern Standard Time   n   1 one of the standard times used in North America, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time   2 one of the standard times used in Australia   ▶ Abbreviation: EST

■ Eastern Townships   n   an area of central Canada, in S Quebec: consists of 11 townships south of the St Lawrence

■ Eastern tradition   n   any of the philosophies and teachings that derive from Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and other spiritual traditions of the East

Eastleigh (ˈiːstˌliː)   n   a town in S England, in S Hampshire: railway engineering industry. Pop: 52 894 (2001)

Eastman (ˈiːstmən)   n   George. 1854–1932, US manufacturer of photographic equipment: noted for the introduction of roll film and developments in colour photography

Eastwood (ˈiːstwʊd)   n   Clint. born 1930, US film actor and director. His films as an actor include The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966), Dirty Harry (1971), and as actor and director Play Misty for Me (1971), Unforgiven (1993), Mystic River (2003), Million Dollar Baby (2004), and Gran Torino (2008)

easy (ˈiːzI)   adj easier, easiest   1 not requiring much labour or effort; not difficult; simple: an easy job   2 free from pain, care, or anxiety: easy in one's mind   3 not harsh or restricting; lenient: easy laws   4 tolerant and undemanding; easy-going: an easy disposition   5 readily influenced or persuaded; pliant: she was an easy victim of his wiles   6 not tight or constricting; loose: an easy fit   7 not strained or extreme; moderate; gentle: an easy pace; an easy ascent   8 economics   a readily obtainable   b (of a market) characterized by low demand or excess supply with prices tending to fall. Compare tight (sense 10)   9 informal ready to fall in with any suggestion made; not predisposed: he is easy about what to do   10 slang sexually available   11 easy on the eye informal pleasant to look at; attractive, esp sexually   12 woman of easy virtue a sexually available woman, esp a prostitute   ▷ adv   13 informal in an easy or relaxed manner   14 easy does it informal go slowly and carefully; be careful   15 go easy on   a to use in moderation   b to treat leniently   16 stand easy military a command to soldiers standing at ease that they may relax further   17 take it easy   a to avoid stress or undue hurry   b to remain calm; not become agitated or angry   ▷ vb easies, easying, easied   18 Also: easy-oar (usually imperative) to stop rowing [C12: from Old French aisié, past participle of aisier to relieve, EASE]

USAGE

Easy is not used as an adverb by careful speakers and writers except in certain set phrases: to take it easy; easy does it. Where a fixed expression is not involved, the usual adverbial form of easily is preferred: this polish goes on more easily (not easier) than the other

■ easily (ˈiːzIlI)   adv   1 with ease; without difficulty or exertion   2 by far; beyond question; undoubtedly: she is easily the best in the contest   3 probably; almost certainly: he may easily come first

■ easiness (ˈiːzInIs)   n   1 the quality or condition of being easy to accomplish, do, obtain, etc   2 ease or relaxation of manner; nonchalance

■ easy-care   adj   (esp of a fabric or garment) hardwearing, practical, and requiring no special treatment during washing, cleaning, etc

■ easy chair   n   a comfortable upholstered armchair

■ easy game or easy mark   n   informal a person who is easily deceived or taken advantage of

■ easy-going (ˌiːzIˈɡəʊIŋ)   adj   1 relaxed in manner or attitude; inclined to be excessively tolerant   2 moving at a comfortable pace: an easy-going horse

■ easygoingness (ˌiːzIˈɡəʊIŋnəs)   n   the condition of being easy-going, sedentary, or laid-back

■ easy meat   n informal   1 someone easily seduced or deceived   2 something easy to get or do

■ easy money   n   1 money made with little effort, sometimes dishonestly   2 commerce money that can be borrowed at a low interest rate

■ easy-oar   vb (intr)   another word for easy

■ easy-peasy   adj   Brit informal very easy; presenting no difficulty at all

■ Easy Street   n   (sometimes not capitals) informal a state of financial security

eat (iːt)   vb eats, eating, ate, eaten   1 to take into the mouth and swallow (food, etc), esp after biting and chewing   2 (tr; often foll by away or up) to destroy as if by eating: the damp had eaten away the woodwork   3 (often foll by into) to use up or waste: taxes ate into his inheritance   4 (often foll by into or through) to make (a hole, passage, etc) by eating or gnawing: rats ate through the floor   5 to take or have (a meal or meals): we always eat at six   6 (tr) to include as part of one's diet: she doesn't eat fish   7 (tr) informal to cause to worry; make anxious: what's eating you?   8 (tr) vulgar, slang to perform cunnilingus or fellatio upon   9 I'll eat my hat if informal I will be greatly surprised if (something happens that proves me wrong)   10 eat one's heart out to brood or pine with grief or longing   11 eat one's words to take back something said; recant; retract   12 eat out of someone's hand to be entirely obedient to someone   13 eat someone out of house and home to ruin someone, esp one's parent or one's host, by consuming all his or her food [Old English etan; related to Gothic itan, Old High German ezzan, Latin edere, Greek edein, Sanskrit admi]   > ˈeater n

■ eatable (ˈiːtəbəl)   adj   fit or suitable for eating; edible

■ eatables (ˈiːtəbəlz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) food

■ eatage (ˈiːtIdʒ)   n   Northern English dialect grazing rights

■ eatery (ˈiːtərI) or eaterie   n, pl -eries (-ərIz)   informal a restaurant or eating house

■ eating (ˈiːtIŋ)   n   1 food, esp in relation to its quality or taste: this fruit makes excellent eating   ▷ adj   2 relating to or suitable for eating, esp uncooked: eating pears   3 relating to or for eating: an eating house

■ eat out   vb   (intr, adverb) to eat away from home, esp in a restaurant

■ eats (iːts)   pl n   informal articles of food; provisions

■ eat up   vb (adverb, mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to eat or consume entirely: often used as an exhortation to children   2 informal to listen to with enthusiasm or appreciation: the audience ate up the speaker's every word   3 (often passive) informal to affect grossly: she was eaten up by jealousy   4 informal to travel (a distance) quickly: we just ate up the miles

EAT   abbreviation for   Tanzania (international car registration) [from E(ast) A(frica) T(anzania)]

eatche (iːtʃ)   n   a wood-working tool that has a blade that bends towards the handle and is used for paring or shaving

eath (iːθ, ɛθ) or eathly (ˈiːθlI, ˈɛθlI) Scot   adj   1 not difficult   ▷ adv   2 in an easy manner or a manner that is not difficult

EAU   abbreviation for   Uganda (international car registration) [from E(ast) A(frica) U(ganda)]

eau de Cologne (əʊ də kəˈləʊn)   n   See cologne [French, literally: water of Cologne]

eau de Javelle (əʊ də ʒæˈvɛl, ʒə-; French od ʒavɛl)   n   another name for Javel water

eau de nil (əʊ də niːl)   n, adj     a a pale yellowish-green colour   b (as adjective): eau-de-nil walls [French, literally: water of (the) Nile]

eau de vie (əʊ də viː; French od vi)   n   brandy or other spirits [French, literally: water of life]

eaves (iːvz)   pl n   the edge of a roof that projects beyond the wall [Old English efes; related to Gothic ubizwa porch, Greek hupsos height]

■ eave (iːv)   adj   1 relating to the eaves of a building   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to give cover or protection under the eaves of a building

■ eaved (iːvd)   adj   having eaves

■ eavesdrip (ˈiːvzˌdrIp)   n   1 the falling or dripping of rainwater from the eaves of a building   2 the area around the edges of a building underneath the eaves where rainwater falls or drips down

■ eavestrough (ˈiːvzˌtrɒf)   n   Canadian a gutter at the eaves of a building

eavesdrop (ˈiːvzˌdrɒp)   vb -drops, -dropping, -dropped   (intr) to listen secretly to the private conversation of others [C17: back formation from earlier evesdropper, from Old English yfesdrype water dripping from the eaves; see EAVES, DROP; compare Old Norse upsardropi]   > ˈeavesˌdropper n

EBacc (ˈiːˌbæk)   n acronym for   English Baccalaureate: an educational qualification introduced in England in 2010, comprising English, mathematics, history or geography, science, and a language

e-banking   n   the use of the internet for banking transactions [C20: from E-2 + BANKING]

ebauche (eIˈbəʊʃ)   n   1 painting a rough sketch or initial version   2 horology a basic or uncompleted watch movement

eBay (ˈiːbeI)   n   trademark a website that people and companies can use to buy or sell goods; items may be bought for a fixed price, or sold to the buyer who offers the highest price

■ eBayer or ebayer (ˈiːˌbeIə)   n   any person who buys or sells using the internet auction site, eBay   > ˈeˌBaying or ˈeˌbaying n

ebb (ɛb)   vb (intr)   1 (of tide water) to flow back or recede. Compare flow (sense 9)   2 to fall away or decline   ▷ n   3    a the flowing back of the tide from high to low water or the period in which this takes place   b (as modifier): the ebb tide. Compare flood (sense 3)   4 at a low ebb in a state or period of weakness, lack of vigour, or decline [Old English ebba; related to Old Norse efja river bend, Gothic ibuks moving backwards, Old High German ippihōn to roll backwards, Middle Dutch ebbe ebb]

■ ebbless (ˈɛblIs)   adj   having no tendency to ebb or flow back

ebbet (ˈɛbIt)   n   the common green newt, Triturus viridescens, of the eastern US [from Middle English evete newt]

Ebbinghaus (ˈɛbIŋhaʊs)   n   Hermann (ˈhɛrman). 1850–1909, German experimental psychologist who undertook the first systematic and large-scale studies of memory and devised tests using nonsense syllables

Ebbw Vale (ˌɛbuː ˈveIl)   n   a town in S Wales, in Blaenau Gwent county borough: a former coal mining centre. Pop: 18 558 (2001)

EBCDIC (ˈɛbsIˌdIk)   n acronym for   extended binary-coded decimal-interchange code: a computer code for representing alphanumeric characters

Ebenezer (ˌɛbəˈniːzə)   n   1 Old Testament the stone that was erected by Samuel following the Mizpeh success   2 a state of emotion or fervour   3 Christianity the name for a chapel used by groups who follow a particular doctrine such as Methodists and Baptists

ébéniste French (ˌeIbeIˈniːst)   n   a cabinetmaker who finishes furniture with a layer of ebony

Eberhard (German ˈeːbərˌhart)   n   Johann August (joˈhan ˈaʊɡʊst). 1739–1809, German philosopher and lexicographer, best known for his German dictionary (1795–1802)

Ebert (German ˈeːbərt)   n   Friedrich (ˈfriːdrIç). 1871–1925, German Social Democratic statesman; first president of the German Republic (1919–25)

EBITDA   abbreviation for   earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization. Often shortened to: EBIT

Eblis (ˈɛblIs)   n   the chief evil jinni in Islamic mythology [Arabic Iblīs, from Greek diabolos slanderer, DEVIL]

E-boat   n   (in World War II) a fast German boat carrying guns and torpedoes [C20: from enemy boat]

Ebola virus disease (iːˈbəʊlə)   n   a severe infectious disease characterized by fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding. Compare Marburg disease [C20: named after the Ebola river, N Democratic Republic of the Congo, where an outbreak occurred in 1976]

ebon (ˈɛbən)   n, adj   a poetic word for ebony [C14: from Latin hebenus; see EBONY]

ebonics (IˈbɒnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) US another name for African-American Vernacular English [C20: from EBONY + PHONICS]

ebonite (ˈɛbəˌnaIt)   n   another name for vulcanite

ebony (ˈɛbənI)   n, pl -onies   1 any of various tropical and subtropical trees of the genus Diospyros, esp D. ebenum of S India, that have hard dark wood: family Ebenaceae. See also persimmon   2 the wood of such a tree, much used for cabinetwork   3    a a black colour, sometimes with a dark olive tinge   b (as adjective): an ebony skin [C16 hebeny, from Late Latin ebeninus from Greek ebeninos, from ebenos ebony, of Egyptian origin]

■ ebonist (ˈɛbənIst)   n   a person who carves or trades in ebony or other decorative wood

■ ebonize or ebonise (ˈɛbəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to stain or otherwise finish in imitation of ebony

Ebonyi (əˈbɒnjI)   n   a state of Nigeria, in the SE. Capital: Abakaliki. Pop: 2 173 501(2006). Area: 5670 sq km (2189 sq miles)

e-book   n   1 a book in electronic form   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to book (hospital appointments, airline tickets, etc) through the internet [C20: electronic book]   > ˈe-ˌbooking n

Ebor. (ˈiːbɔː)   abbreviation for   Eboracensis [Latin: (Archbishop) of York]

Eboracum (iːˈbɒrəkəm, ˌiːbɔːˈrɑːkəm)   n   the Roman name for York^1 (sense 1)

éboulement French (ebulmɑ̃)   n   1 fortifications the collapse or disintegration of the wall of a fortified building   2 geology a landslide or fall of rock in a hilly and rocky terrain

ebracteate (IˈbræktIˌeIt, -tIIt)   adj   (of plants) having no bracts [C19: from New Latin ebracteātus; see E-1, BRACTEATE]

ebracteolate (iːˈbræktIəlIt)   adj   botany having no bractlets

EBRD   abbreviation for   European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

ebriate (ˈiːbrIˌeIt)   adj   drunk

ebriety (IˈbraIətI)   n   1 the condition of being drunk   2 an occasion of being drunk   3 the state of being thrilled or exhilarated

ebrillade (ˌeIbriːˈjɑːd)   n   showjumping a tug on the rein when a horse will not turn

ebriose (ˈiːbrIəʊz)   adj   inebriated

ebriosity (ˌiːbrIˈɒsItI)   n   1 the state of being regularly drunk   2 a feeling of thrill or excitement

Ebro (ˈiːbrəʊ; Spanish ˈeβro)   n   the second largest river in Spain, rising in the Cantabrian Mountains and flowing southeast to the Mediterranean. Length: 910 km (565 miles)

EBS   abbreviation for   electronic braking system

EBU   abbreviation for   European Broadcasting Union

ebullient (Iˈbʌljənt, Iˈbʊl-)   adj   1 overflowing with enthusiasm or excitement; exuberant   2 boiling [C16: from Latin ēbullīre to bubble forth, be boisterous, from bullīre to BOIL^1]   > eˈbullience or eˈbulliency n   > eˈbulliently adv

ebulliometer (IˌbʌlIˈɒmItə, Iˌbʊl-) or ebullioscope (IˈbʌlIəˌskəʊp)   n   physics a device used to determine the boiling point of a solution   > eˌbulliˈometry n

ebullioscope (IˈbʌlIəˌskəʊp)   n   another name for ebulliometer

■ ebullioscopical (IˌbʌlIəˈskɒpIkəl)   adj   another word for ebullioscopic

■ ebullioscopy (IˌbʌlIˈɒskəpI, Iˌbʊl-)   n   chem a technique for finding molecular weights of substances by measuring the extent to which they change the boiling point of a solvent [C19: from ebullioscope, from Latin ebullire to boil over + -SCOPE]   > ebullioscopic (IˌbʌlIəˈskɒpIk, Iˌbʊl-) adj   > eˌbullioˈscopically adv

ebullition (ˌɛbəˈlIʃən)   n   1 the process of boiling   2 a sudden outburst, as of intense emotion [C16: from Late Latin ēbullītiō; see EBULLIENT]

eburnation (ˌiːbəˈneIʃən, ˌɛb-) or eburnification (ɛˌbɜːnIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   a degenerative condition of bone or cartilage characterized by unusual hardness and a polished appearance [C19: from Latin eburnus of ivory, from ebur ivory]

eburnean (ɛˈbɜːnIən) or eburneous (ɛˈbɜːnIəs)   adj   having a construction of ivory or like ivory in terms of colour and texture

e-business   n   1 a business which uses the internet to sell goods or services, esp one which does not also have shops or offices that people can visit or phone   2    a the act of buying, selling, and ordering goods and services using the internet   b (as modifier): proven e-business solutions

EBV   abbreviation for   Epstein-Barr virus

ec   the internet domain name for   Ecuador

EC   abbreviation for   1 European Community (now subsumed within the European Union)   2 (in London postal code) East Central   3 Ecuador (international car registration)

ec-   combining form   out from; away from: ecbolic; eccentric; ecdysis [from Greek ek (before a vowel ex) out of, away from; see EX-1]

ecad (ˈiːkæd)   n   an organism whose form has been affected by its environment [C20: from EC(OLOGY) + -AD^1]

e-car   n   a car powered by electricity [C20: electric car]

e-card (ˈiːkɑːd)   n   1 a pictorial greetings card sent via the internet   2 an identity card, credit card, etc containing coded information which may be read or written to electronically   3 a proof of membership etc recorded and identified electronically, rather than by means of a paper or plastic card [C20: E-2 + CARD^1]

ecardinate (iːˈkɑːdIˌneIt)   adj   (of a mollusc or the shell of a mollusc) having no hinges

ecarinate (iːˈkærInIt)   adj   biology having no carina or keel [E-1 + CARINATE]

écarté (eIˈkɑːteI; French ekarte)   n   1 a card game for two, played with 32 cards and king high   2 ballet   a a body position in which one arm and the same leg are extended at the side of the body   b (as adjective): the écarté position [C19: from French, from écarter to discard, from carte CARD^1]

ecaudate (iːˈkɔːdeIt)   adj   1 zoology having no tail or having only a very short tail   2 botany having no stem or projection

ECB   abbreviation for   European Central Bank

Ecbatana (ɛkˈbætənə)   n   an ancient city in Iran, on the site of modern Hamadān; capital of Media and royal residence of the Persians and Parthians

ecblastesis (ˌɛkblæˈstiːsIs)   n   botany a condition of flower production in plants in which buds occur within flowers and thereby produce extremely large blooms

ecbole (ˈɛkbəliː)   n   1 rhetoric a verbal aside or divergence in which a person utters words of his or her own making   2 music a term used in ancient Greek music that indicates a raised pitch

ecbolic (ɛkˈbɒlIk)   adj   1 hastening labour or abortion   ▷ n   2 a drug or agent that hastens labour or abortion [C18: from Greek ekbolē a throwing out, from ekballein to throw out, from ballein to throw]

eccaleobion (ɛˌkælIəʊˈbaIɒn)   n   a type of equipment that provides warmth used to assist in the hatching of eggs

ecce (ˈɛkeI, ˈɛtʃI)   vb (tr)   to look at

■ Ecce Homo (ˈɛkeI ˈhəʊməʊ, ˈɛksI)   n   a picture or sculpture of Christ crowned with thorns [Latin: behold the man, the words of Pontius Pilate to Christ's accusers (John 19:5)]

eccentric (IkˈsɛntrIk)   adj   1 deviating or departing from convention, esp in a bizarre manner; irregular or odd   2 situated away from the centre or the axis   3 not having a common centre: eccentric circles. Compare concentric   4 not precisely circular. Also: eccentrical (IkˈsɛntrIkəl)   ▷ n   5 a person who deviates from normal forms of behaviour, esp in a bizarre manner   6 a device for converting rotary motion to reciprocating motion [C16: from Medieval Latin eccentricus, from Greek ekkentros out of centre, from ek- EX-1 + kentron centre]   > ecˈcentrically adv

■ eccentricity (ˌɛksɛnˈtrIsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 unconventional or irregular behaviour   2 deviation from a circular path or orbit   3 a measure of the noncircularity of an elliptical orbit, the distance between the foci divided by the length of the major axis   4 geometry a number that expresses the shape of a conic section: the ratio of the distance of a point on the curve from a fixed point (the focus) to the distance of the point from a fixed line (the directrix)   5 the degree of displacement of the geometric centre of a rotating part from the true centre, esp of the axis of rotation of a wheel or shaft

ecchymosis (ˌɛkIˈməʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   discoloration of the skin through bruising [C16: from New Latin, from Greek ekkhumōsis, from ekkhumousthai to pour out, from khumos juice]   > ecchymosed (ˈɛkIˌməʊzd, -ˌməʊst) or ecchymotic (ˌɛkIˈmɒtIk) adj

eccl. or eccles.   abbreviation for   ecclesiastic(al)

Eccles^1 (ˈɛkəlz)   n   a town in NW England, in Salford unitary authority, Greater Manchester. Pop: 36 610 (2001)

■ Eccles cake   n   Brit a pastry with a filling of dried fruit

Eccles^2 (ˈɛkəlz)   n   Sir John Carew. 1903–97, Australian physiologist: shared the Nobel prize for physiology (1963) with A. L. Hodgkin and A. F. Huxley for their work on conduction of nervous impulses

Eccles. or Eccl. Bible   abbreviation for   Ecclesiastes

ecclesia (IˈkliːzIə)   n, pl -siae (-zIˌiː)   1 (in formal Church usage) a congregation   2 the assembly of citizens of an ancient Greek state [C16: from Medieval Latin, from Late Greek ekklēsia assembly, from ekklētos called, from ekkalein to call out, from kalein to call]

■ ecclesial (IˈkliːzIəl)   adj   another word for ecclesiastical

ecclesiarch (IˈkliːzIˌɑːk)   n   a ruler of or functionary in the church

ecclesiast (IˈkliːzIəst)   n   1 Old Testament the Book of Ecclesiasticus   2 Old Testament the writer or composer of the Book of Ecclesiastes   3 another name for ecclesiastic   4 a person who belongs to the Athenian Ecclesia

Ecclesiastes (IˌkliːzIˈæstiːz)   n   (functioning as singular) a book of the Old Testament, probably written about 250 BC [via Late Latin, from Greek ekklēsiastēs member of the assembly; see ECCLESIA]

ecclesiastic (IˌkliːzIˈæstIk)   n   1 a clergyman or other person in holy orders   ▷ adj   2 of or associated with the Christian Church or clergy

■ ecclesiastical (IˌkliːzIˈæstIkəl) or ecclesial (IˈkliːzIəl)   adj   of or relating to the Christian Church   > ecˌclesiˈastically adv

■ Ecclesiastical Commissioners   pl n   the administrators of the properties of the Church of England from 1836 to 1948, when they were combined with Queen Anne's Bounty to form the Church Commissioners

■ ecclesiasticism (IˌkliːzIˈæstIˌsIzəm)   n   exaggerated attachment to the practices or principles of the Christian Church

Ecclesiasticus (IˌkliːzIˈæstIkəs)   n   one of the books of the Apocrypha, written around 180 BC and also called the Wisdom of Jesus, the son of Sirach

ecclesiolatry (IˌkliːzIˈɒlətrI)   n   obsessional devotion to ecclesiastical traditions   > ecˌclesiˈolater n

ecclesiology (IˌkliːzIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of the Christian Church   2 the study of Church architecture and decoration   > ecclesiological (IˌkliːzIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ecˌclesioˈlogically adv   > ecˌclesiˈologist n

Ecclestone (ˈɛkəlstən)   n   Bernard, known as Bernie. born 1930, British businessman and sports administrator; head of Formula One motor racing (1995–2017)

Ecclus Bible   abbreviation for   Ecclesiasticus

ecco Italian (ˈeko)   interj   look there!

eccoprotic (ˌɛkəʊˈprɒtIk)   n   1 a laxative   ▷ adj   2 having a laxative effect

eccremocarpus (ˌɛkrəməˈkɑːpəs)   n   any plant of the evergreen climbing genus Eccremocarpus, esp E. scaber, grown for its decorative pinnate foliage and bright orange-red bell flowers: family Bignoniaceae [New Latin, from Greek ekkremēs suspended + karpos fruit]

eccrine (ˈɛkrIn)   adj   of or denoting glands that secrete externally, esp the numerous sweat glands on the human body. Compare apocrine [from Greek ekkrinein to secrete, from ek- EC- + krinein to separate]

■ eccrinology (ˌɛkrIˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with secretions of the eccrine glands

eccrisis (ɛkˈkraIsIs)   n med   1 the ejection or discharge of waste matter from the body   2 the waste matter that is ejected or discharged from the body

■ eccritic (ɛkˈkrItIk) med   n   1 a preparation or remedy that encourages the ejection or discharge of waste matter from the body   ▷ adj   2 encouraging the ejection or discharge of waste matter from the body

ecdemic (ɛkˈdɛmIk)   adj   not indigenous or endemic; foreign: an ecdemic disease

ecdysis (ˈɛkdIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   the periodic shedding of the cuticle in insects and other arthropods or the outer epidermal layer in reptiles. See also ecdysone [C19: New Latin, from Greek ekdusis, from ekduein to strip, from ek- EX-1 + duein to put on]   > ecˈdysial adj

■ ecdysiast (ɛkˈdIzIˌæst)   n   a facetious word for stripper (sense 1) [C20: (coined by H. L. Mencken) from ECDYSIS + -ast, variant of -IST]

ecdysone or ecdyson (ɛkˈdaIˌsəʊn)   n   a hormone secreted by the prothoracic gland of insects that controls ecdysis and stimulates metamorphosis [C20: from German ecdyson, from Greek ekdusis; see ECDYSIS]

ecesis (IˈsiːsIs)   n   the establishment of a plant in a new environment [C20: from Greek oikēsis a dwelling in, from oikein to inhabit; related to oikos a house]

■ ecesic (IˈsiːsIk)   adj   botany relating to ecesis

Ecevit (ˈɛʃəvIt)   n   Bülent (ˈbuːlənt). 1925–2006, Turkish politician and journalist: prime minister of Turkey (1974, 1977, 1978–79, 1998–2002)

ECG   abbreviation for   1 electrocardiogram   2 electrocardiograph

échappé (ˌeIʃæˈpeI)   n   ballet a leap in ballet in which the feet move from being next to each other to being apart

echard (ˈɛkɑːd)   n   water that is present in the soil but cannot be absorbed or otherwise utilized by plants [C20: from Greek ekhein to hold back + ardein to water]

eche (iːtʃ)   vb (tr)   to make more or bigger

Echegaray y Eizaguirre (Spanish etʃeɣaˈrai i ɛiθaˈɣirrɛ)   n   José (xoˈse). 1832–1916, Spanish dramatist, statesman, and mathematician. His plays include Madman or Saint (1877); Nobel prize for literature 1904

echelle (ɛˈʃɛl)   adj   1 relating to a type of optical grating that splits light into different beams that move in different directions   2 relating to a type of spectrograph

echelon (ˈɛʃəˌlɒn)   n   1 a level of command, responsibility, etc (esp in the phrase the upper echelons)   2 military   a a formation in which units follow one another but are offset sufficiently to allow each unit a line of fire ahead   b a group formed in this way   3 physics a type of diffraction grating used in spectroscopy consisting of a series of plates of equal thickness arranged stepwise with a constant offset   ▷ vb   4 to assemble in echelon [C18: from French échelon, literally: rung of a ladder, from Old French eschiele ladder, from Latin scāla; see SCALE^3]

echeveria (ˌɛtʃIˈvIərIə)   n   any of various tropical American crassulaceous plants of the genus Echeveria, cultivated for their colourful foliage [named after M. Echeveri, 19th-century Mexican botanical artist]

echidna (IˈkIdnə)   n, pl -nas or -nae (-niː)   any of the spine-covered monotreme mammals of the genera Tachyglossus of Australia and Zaglossus of New Guinea: family Tachyglossidae. They have a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites. Also called: spiny anteater [C19: from New Latin, from Latin: viper, from Greek ekhidna]

echidnine (ɛˈkIdnaIn)   n   the essential element contained in the poison of certain snakes or the poisonous secretion itself

echinacea (ˌɛkIˈneIʃIə)   n   1 Also called: purple coneflower either of the two N American plants of the genus Echinacea, having flower heads with purple rays and black centres: family Compositae (composites). See coneflower   2 the powdered root of either of these plants, used to stimulate the immune system [from New Latin, from Latin echīnātus prickly, from echīnus hedgehog]

echinate (ˈɛkIˌneIt) or echinated   adj   biology covered with spines, bristles, or bristle-like outgrowths

echino- or before a vowel echin-   combining form   indicating spiny or prickly: echinoderm [from New Latin, via Latin from Greek ekhinos sea urchin, hedgehog]

echinococcus (IˌkaInəˈkɒkəs)   n   any of the tapeworms constituting the genus Echinococcus, the larvae of which are parasitic in humans and domestic animals

■ echinococcosis (IˌkaInəkəˈkəʊsIs)   n   pathol a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcosis

echinoderm (IˈkaInəʊˌdɜːm)   n   any of the marine invertebrate animals constituting the phylum Echinodermata, characterized by tube feet, a calcite body-covering (test), and a five-part symmetrical body. The group includes the starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers   > eˌchinoˈdermal or eˌchinoˈdermatous adj

echinoid (IˈkaInɔId, ˈɛkə-)   n   1 any of the echinoderms constituting the class Echinoidea, typically having a rigid ovoid body. The class includes the sea urchins and sand dollars   ▷ adj   2 of or belonging to this class

echinus (IˈkaInəs)   n, pl -ni (-naI)   1 architect an ovolo moulding between the shaft and the abacus of a Doric column   2 any of the sea urchins of the genus Echinus, such as E. esculentus (edible sea urchin) of the Mediterranean [C14: from Latin, from Greek ekhinos]

echium (ˈɛkIəm)   n   any plant of the Eurasian and African genus Echium with bell-shaped flowers sometimes borne on single-sided spikes in a wide variety of colours; E. vulgare is viper's bugloss: family Boraginaceae [New Latin, from Greek echion, from echis viper, from its use as an antidote to a viper bite]

echiuroid (ˌɛkIˈjʊərɔId) or echiuran (ˌɛkIˈjʊərən)   n   1 any of the sea-inhabiting worms that belong to the phylum Echiura   ▷ adj   2 relating to any of the sea-inhabiting worms that belong to the phylum Echiura

echo (ˈɛkəʊ)   n, pl -oes   1    a the reflection of sound or other radiation by a reflecting medium, esp a solid object   b the sound so reflected   2 a repetition or imitation, esp an unoriginal reproduction of another's opinions   3 something that evokes memories, esp of a particular style or era   4 (sometimes plural) an effect that continues after the original cause has disappeared; repercussion: the echoes of the French Revolution   5 a person who copies another, esp one who obsequiously agrees with another's opinions   6    a the signal reflected by a radar target   b the trace produced by such a signal on a radar screen   7 the repetition of certain sounds or syllables in a verse line   8 the quiet repetition of a musical phrase   9 Also called: echo organ, echo stop a manual or stop on an organ that controls a set of quiet pipes that give the illusion of sounding at a distance   10 an electronic effect in recorded music that adds vibration or resonance   ▷ vb -oes, -oing, -oed   11 to resound or cause to resound with an echo: the cave echoed their shouts   12 (intr) (of sounds) to repeat or resound by echoes; reverberate   13 (tr) (of persons) to repeat (words, opinions, etc), in imitation, agreement, or flattery   14 (tr) (of things) to resemble or imitate (another style, earlier model, etc)   15 (tr) (of a computer) to display (a character) on the screen of a visual display unit as a response to receiving that character from a keyboard entry [C14: via Latin from Greek ēkhō; related to Greek ēkhē sound]   > ˈechoing adj   > ˈecholess adj   > ˈecho-ˌlike adj

■ echo chamber   n   1 a room with walls that reflect sound. It is used to make acoustic measurements and as a source of reverberant sound to be mixed with direct sound for recording or broadcasting. Also called: reverberation chamber   2 informal an environment, esp on a social media site, in which any statement of opinion is likely to be greeted with approval because it will only be read or heard by people who hold similar views

■ echoer (ˈɛkəʊə) or echoist (ˈɛkəʊIst)   n   a person who produces an echo

■ echoey (ˈɛkəʊI)   adj   having or producing an echo or repeated sound

■ echoic (ɛˈkəʊIk)   adj   1 characteristic of or resembling an echo   2 onomatopoeic; imitative

■ echoic memory   n   psychol the ability to recapture the exact impression of a sound shortly after the sound has finished. Compare iconic memory

■ echoism (ˈɛkəʊˌIzəm)   n   1 onomatopoeia as a source of word formation   2 phonetic assimilation of one vowel to the vowel in the preceding syllable

■ echoize or echoise (ˈɛkəʊaIz)   vb   to produce (words) that are evocative of sounds

■ echo plate   n   (in sound recording or broadcasting) an electromechanical device for producing echo and reverberation effects

■ echo sounder   n   a navigation and position-finding device that determines depth by measuring the time taken for a pulse of high-frequency sound to reach the sea bed or a submerged object and for the echo to return   > echo sounding n

Echo^1 (ˈɛkəʊ)   n   either of two US passive communications satellites, the first of which was launched in 1960

Echo^2 (ˈɛkəʊ)   n   Greek myth a nymph who, spurned by Narcissus, pined away until only her voice remained

Echo^3 (ˈɛkəʊ)   n   communications code word for the letter e

echocardiogram (ˌɛkəʊˈkɑːdIəʊˌɡræm)   n   a visual display or record produced using echocardiography

echocardiography (ˌɛkəʊkɑːdIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   examination of the heart using ultrasound techniques

echogram (ˈɛkəʊˌɡræm)   n   an image obtained by the use of reflected sound-waves, used as a medical diagnostic tool or for marine surveying

echography (ɛˈkɒɡrəfI)   n   medical examination of the internal structures of the body by means of ultrasound

■ echograph (ˈɛkəʊˌɡrɑːf)   n   a device that uses sonic waves to measure the depth of water

echolalia (ˌɛkəʊˈleIlIə)   n   psychiatry the tendency to repeat mechanically words just spoken by another person: can occur in cases of brain damage and psychiatric disorder [C19: from New Latin, from ECHO + Greek lalia talk, chatter, from lalein to chatter]   > echolalic (ˌɛkəʊˈlælIk) adj

echolocation (ˌɛkəʊləʊˈkeIʃən)   n   determination of the position of an object by measuring the time taken for an echo to return from it and its direction

echopraxia (ˌɛkəʊˈpræksIə) or echopraxis   n   the involuntary imitation of the actions of others

echovirus (ˈɛkəʊˌvaIrəs) or ECHO virus   n   any of a group of viruses that can cause symptoms of mild meningitis, the common cold, or infections of the intestinal and respiratory tracts [C20: from the initials of Enteric Cytopathic Human Orphan ("orphan" because originally believed to be unrelated to any disease) + VIRUS]

echt German (ɛçt; English ɛkt)   adj   real; genuine; authentic

e-cigarette   n   a handheld electronic vaporizer which dispenses inhalable nicotine, used to simulate the effect of smoking. Also called (in full): electronic cigarette. Often shortened to: informal e-cig [C21: from E-2 + CIGARETTE]

Eck (ɛk)   n   Johann (joˈhan), original name Johann Mayer. 1486–1543, German Roman Catholic theologian; opponent of Luther and the Reformation

Eckert (ˈɛkət)   n   John Presper. 1919–95, US electronics engineer: built the first electronic computer with John W. Mauchly in 1946

Eckhart (German ˈɛkhart)   n   Johannes (joˈhanəs), called Meister Eckhart. ?1260–?1327, German Dominican theologian, mystic, and preacher

éclair (eIˈklɛə, Iˈklɛə)   n   a finger-shaped cake of choux pastry, usually filled with cream and covered with chocolate [C19: from French, literally: lightning (probably so called because it does not last long), from éclairer, from Latin clārāre to make bright, from clārus bright]

éclaircissement French (eklɛrsismɑ̃)   n   an exposition or elucidation of something that is unclear

eclampsia (IˈklæmpsIə)   n   1 pathol a toxic condition of unknown cause that sometimes develops in the last three months of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal weight gain and convulsions. Compare pre-eclampsia   2 another name for milk fever (in cattle) [C19: from New Latin, from Greek eklampsis a shining forth, from eklampein, from lampein to shine]   > ecˈlamptic adj

éclat (eIˈklɑː; French ekla)   n   1 brilliant or conspicuous success, effect, etc   2 showy display; ostentation   3 social distinction   4 approval; acclaim; applause [C17: from French, from éclater to burst; related to Old French esclater to splinter, perhaps of Germanic origin; compare SLIT]

eclectic (IˈklɛktIk, ɛˈklɛk-)   adj   1 (in art, philosophy, etc) selecting what seems best from various styles, doctrines, ideas, methods, etc   2 composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources, styles, etc   ▷ n   3 a person who favours an eclectic approach, esp in art or philosophy [C17: from Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from legein to gather]   > ecˈlectically adv

■ eclecticism (IˈklɛktIˌsIzəm, ɛˈklɛk-)   n   1 an eclectic system or method   2 the use or advocacy of such a system

eclipse (IˈklIps)   n   1 the total or partial obscuring of reflected light from a celestial body as a result of its passage through the shadow of another. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the shadow of the earth. See also solar eclipse, total eclipse, partial eclipse, annular eclipse. Compare occultation   2 the period of time during which such a phenomenon occurs   3 any dimming or obstruction of light   4 a loss of importance, power, fame, etc, esp through overshadowing by another   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to cause an eclipse of   6 to cast a shadow upon; darken; obscure   7 to overshadow or surpass in importance, power, etc [C13: back formation from Old English eclypsis, from Latin eclīpsis, from Greek ekleipsis a forsaking, from ekleipein to abandon, from leipein to leave]   > eˈclipser n

■ eclipse plumage   n   seasonal plumage that occurs in certain birds after the breeding plumage and before the winter plumage: characterized by dull coloration

■ eclipsing binary or eclipsing variable   n   a binary star whose orbital plane lies in or near the line of sight so that one component is regularly eclipsed by its companion. See also variable star

eclipsis (IˈklIpsIs)   n linguistics   1 a rare word for ellipsis (sense 1)   2 (in Gaelic) phonetic change of an initial consonant under the influence of a preceding word. Unvoiced plosives become voiced, while voiced plosives are changed to nasals

ecliptic (IˈklIptIk)   n   1 astronomy   a the great circle on the celestial sphere representing the apparent annual path of the sun relative to the stars. It is inclined at 23.45° to the celestial equator. The poles of the ecliptic lie on the celestial sphere due north and south of the plane of the ecliptic   b (as modifier): the ecliptic plane   2 an equivalent great circle, opposite points of which pass through the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, on the terrestrial globe   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to an eclipse   > eˈcliptically adv

■ ecliptic latitude   n   astronomy another name for celestial latitude

■ ecliptic longitude   n   astronomy another name for celestial longitude

eclogite (ˈɛkləˌdʒaIt)   n   a rare coarse-grained basic rock consisting principally of garnet and pyroxene. Quartz, feldspar, etc, may also be present. It is thought to originate by metamorphism or igneous crystallization at extremely high pressure [C19: from Greek eklogē a selection]

eclogue (ˈɛklɒɡ)   n   a pastoral or idyllic poem, usually in the form of a conversation or soliloquy [C15: from Latin ecloga short poem, collection of extracts, from Greek eklogē selection, from eklegein to select; see ECLECTIC]

eclose (Iˈkləʊz)   vb (intr)   entomol (of an insect) to come out of the egg or the pupa case

■ eclosion (Iˈkləʊʒən)   n   the emergence of an insect larva from the egg or an adult from the pupal case [C19: from French éclosion, from éclore to hatch, ultimately from Latin exclūdere to shut out, EXCLUDE]

ECMO   abbreviation for   extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a method of life support used to oxygenate the blood in newborn babies with lung failure, using a machine incorporating membranes that are impermeable to blood but permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide

eco (ˈiːkəʊ)   n     a short for ecology   b (as modifier): an eco group

Eco (ˈɛkəʊ)   n   Umberto. 1932–2016, Italian semiologist and writer. His novels include The Name of the Rose (1981) and Foucault's Pendulum (1988)

eco-   combining form   denoting ecology or ecological: ecocide; ecosphere

eco-bling   n   informal equipment that is energy-efficient but less effective than simpler technology

eco-capitalism   n   the theory or practice of a free-market economy in which natural resources are regarded as capital and profits are partially dependent on environmental protection and sustainability

ecocatastrophe (ˌiːkəʊkəˈtæstrəfI)   n   a disaster caused by the behaviour of humankind that has great detrimental impact on the environment

ecocentric (ˌiːkəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   having a serious concern for environmental issues: ecocentric management

ecocide (ˈiːkəˌsaId, ˈɛkə-)   n   total destruction of an area of the natural environment, esp by human agency

■ ecocidal (ˌiːkəʊˈsaIdəl)   adj   having a detrimental or damaging effect on the environment, esp as a result of the purposeful or unthinking actions of human beings

ecoclimate (ˌiːkəʊˈklaImIt)   n   1 botany the climate of a particular group of plants   2 the local climate as an influence on ecological issues

ecofeminism (ˌiːkəʊˈfɛmIˌnIzəm)   n   a belief in and a movement that subscribes to the hypothesis that connects environmentalism and feminism

■ ecofeminist (ˌiːkəʊˈfɛmInIst)   n   1 a person who subscribes to the theory of ecofeminism   ▷ adj   2 relating to or promoting the theory of ecofeminism

Ecofin (ˈɛkəʊˌfIn)   n   the council of European finance ministers

ecofreak (ˈiːkəʊˌfriːk)   n   informal an environmentalist or a person who is devoted to environmental issues

ecofriendly (ˈiːkəʊˌfrɛndlI)   adj   having a beneficial effect on the environment or at least not causing environmental damage

ecol.   abbreviation for   1 ecological   2 ecology

eco-label   n   a label marking products which are produced in a way that limits damage to the environment

■ eco-labelling   n   the practice or system of using eco-labels

E. coli (ˌiːˈkəʊlaI)   n   short for Escherichia coli; see Escherichia

ecolodge (ˈiːkəʊˌlɒdʒ)   n   a tourist accommodation facility designed to have minimal impact on the environment, often constructed as part of an environmental project

ecology (IˈkɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment   2 the set of relationships of a particular organism with its environment   3 the study of the relationships between human groups and their physical environment   ▶ Also called (for senses 1, 2): bionomics [C19: from German Ökologie, from Greek oikos house (hence, environment)]   > eˈcologist n

■ ecological (ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ecologic   adj   1 of or relating to ecology   2 (of a practice, policy, product, etc) tending to benefit or cause minimal damage to the environment   > ˌecoˈlogically adv

■ ecological footprint   n   the amount of productive land appropriated on average by each person (in the world, a country, etc) for food, water, transport, housing, waste management, and other purposes

ecomap (ˈiːkəʊˌmæp)   n   a diagram showing the links between an individual and his or her community

e-commerce or ecommerce (ˈiːˌkɒmɜːs)   n   business transactions conducted on the internet [C20: from E-2 + COMMERCE]

ecomovement (ˈiːkəʊˌmuːvmənt)   n   an organized movement to deal with environmental issues, reduce emissions, etc

econ.   abbreviation for   1 economical   2 economics   3 economy

econobox (Iˈkɒnəʊˌbɒks)   n   a small vehicle that is basic and fuel-efficient and has no unnecessary extras

econometer (ˌiːkəˈnɒmətə, ˌɛkə-)   n   a device in a car that informs the driver of how much fuel the vehicle is consuming

econometrics (IˌkɒnəˈmɛtrIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to economic problems and theories   > eˌconoˈmetric or eˌconoˈmetrical adj   > eˌconoˈmetrically adv

■ econometrician (IˌkɒnəməˈtrIʃən) or econometrist (ˌiːkəˈnɒmətrIst)   n   an expert in econometrics

economic (ˌiːkəˈnɒmIk, ˌɛkə-)   adj   1 of or relating to an economy, economics, or finance: economic development; economic theories   2 Brit capable of being produced, operated, etc, for profit; profitable: the firm is barely economic   3 concerning or affecting material resources or welfare: economic pests   4 concerned with or relating to the necessities of life; utilitarian   5 a variant of economical   6 informal inexpensive; cheap

■ economic blockade   n   1 non-technical an embargo on trade with a country, esp one which prohibits receipt of exports from that country, with the intention of disrupting the country's economy   2 an embargo of all trade with a country or region, intended to damage or dislodge the government [C20: influenced by Spanish bloqueo BLOCKADE, used by the Cuban government to refer to the US embargo]

■ economic determinism   n   a doctrine that states that all cultural, social, political, and intellectual activities are a product of the economic organization of society

■ economic geography   n   the study of the geographical distribution of economic resources and their use

■ economic geology   n   the study of how geological deposits can be used as economic resources

■ economic indicator   n   a statistical measure representing an economic variable: the retail price index is an economic indicator of the actual level of prices

■ economic migrant   n   a person who moves from one region, place, or country to another in order to improve his or her standard of living

■ economic rationalism   n   Austral and NZ an economic policy based on the supposed efficiency of market forces, characterized by minimal government intervention, tax cuts, privatization, and deregulation of labour markets

■ economic rent   n   1 economics a payment to a factor of production (land, labour, or capital) in excess of that needed to keep it in its present use   2 (in Britain) the rent of a dwelling based on recouping the costs of providing it plus a profit sufficient to motivate the landlord to let it

■ economics (ˌiːkəˈnɒmIks, ˌɛkə-)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the social science concerned with the production and consumption of goods and services and the analysis of the commercial activities of a society. See also macroeconomics, microeconomics   2 (functioning as plural) financial aspects: the economics of the project are very doubtful

■ economic sanctions   pl n   any actions taken by one nation or group of nations to harm the economy of another nation or group, often to force a political change

■ economic zone   n   another term for exclusive economic zone

economical (ˌiːkəˈnɒmIkəl, ˌɛkə-)   adj   1 using the minimum required; not wasteful of time, effort, resources, etc: an economical car; an economical style   2 frugal; thrifty: she was economical by nature   3 a variant of economic (sense 1), economic (sense 2), economic (sense 3), economic (sense 4)   4 euphemistic deliberately withholding information (esp in the phrase economical with the truth)

■ economically (ˌiːkəˈnɒmIkəlI, ˌɛkə-)   adv   1 with economy or thrift; without waste   2 with regard to the economy of a person, country, etc

economist (IˈkɒnəmIst)   n   1 a specialist in economics   2 archaic a person who advocates or practises frugality

■ economism (IˈkɒnəˌmIzəm)   n   1    a a political theory that regards economics as the main factor in society, ignoring or reducing to simplistic economic terms other factors such as culture, nationality, etc   b the belief that the main aim of a political group, trade union, etc, is to improve the material living standards of its members   2 (often capital) (in Tsarist Russia) a political belief that the sole concern of the working classes should be with improving their living conditions and not with political reforms

■ economistic (IˌkɒnəˈmIstIk)   adj   of or relating to economics or finances: economistic issues

Economo's disease (Iˈkɒnəməʊz)   n   pathol another name for sleeping sickness (sense 2) [C20: named after K. von Economo (1876–1931), Austrian neurologist]

economy (IˈkɒnəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 careful management of resources to avoid unnecessary expenditure or waste; thrift   2 a means or instance of this; saving   3 sparing, restrained, or efficient use, esp to achieve the maximum effect for the minimum effort: economy of language   4    a the complex of human activities concerned with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services   b a particular type or branch of such production, distribution, and consumption: a socialist economy; an agricultural economy   5 the management of the resources, finances, income, and expenditure of a community, business enterprise, etc   6    a a class of travel in aircraft, providing less luxurious accommodation than first class at a lower fare   b (as modifier): economy class   7 (modifier) offering or purporting to offer a larger quantity for a lower price: economy pack   8 the orderly interplay between the parts of a system or structure: the economy of nature   9 philosophy the principle that, of two competing theories, the one with less ontological presupposition is to be preferred   10 archaic the management of household affairs; domestic economy [C16: via Latin from Greek oikonomia domestic management, from oikos house + -nomia, from nemein to manage]

■ economize or economise (IˈkɒnəˌmaIz)   vb   (often foll by on) to limit or reduce (expense, waste, etc)   > eˌconomiˈzation or eˌconomiˈsation n

■ economizer or economiser (IˈkɒnəˌmaIzə)   n   1 a device that uses the waste heat from a boiler flue to preheat the feed water   2 a person or thing that economizes

■ economy-class syndrome   n   (not in technical usage) the development of a deep-vein thrombosis in the legs or pelvis of a person travelling for a long period of time in cramped conditions [C20: reference to the restricted legroom of cheaper seats on passenger aircraft]

■ economy of scale   n   economics a fall in average costs resulting from an increase in the scale of production

econut (ˈiːkəʊˌnʌt)   n   derogatory a keen environmentalist

ecophobia (ˌiːkəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of one's home surroundings

ecophysiology (ˌiːkəʊˌfIzIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the physiology of organisms with respect to their adaptation to the environment

écorché (ˌeIkɔːˈʃeI)   n   an anatomical figure without the skin, so that the muscular structure is visible [C19: French, literally: skinned]

ecoregion (ˈiːkəʊˌriːdʒən)   n   an area defined by its environmental conditions, esp climate, landforms, and soil characteristics

ecospecies (ˈiːkəʊˌspiːʃiːz, -ˌspiːsiːz, ˈɛkəʊ-)   n   ecology a species of plant or animal that can be divided into several ecotypes [C20: from ECO(LOGY) + SPECIES]   > ecospecific (ˌiːkəʊspIˈsIfIk, ˌɛkəʊ-) adj

ecosphere (ˈiːkəʊˌsfIə, ˈɛkəʊ-)   n   the planetary ecosystem, consisting of all living organisms and their environment

écossaise (ˌeIkɒˈseIz; French ekɔsɛz)   n   1 a lively dance in two-four time   2 the tune for such a dance [C19: French, literally: Scottish (dance)]

ecostate (iːˈkɒsteIt, IˈkɒsteIt)   adj   botany (of a leaf) having neither ribs nor nerves

ecosystem (ˈiːkəʊˌsIstəm, ˈɛkəʊ-)   n   ecology a system involving the interactions between a community of living organisms in a particular area and its nonliving environment [C20: from ECO(LOGY) + SYSTEM]

■ ecosystem services   pl n   the important benefits for human beings that arise from healthily functioning ecosystems, notably production of oxygen, soil genesis, and water detoxification

ecotage (ˈiːkəʊˌtɑːʒ)   n   sabotage for ecological motives, usually directed towards major polluters of the environment

ecotarian (ˌiːkəʊˈtɛərIən)   n   1 a person who eats only food that has been produced in an environmentally friendly manner   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to an ecotarian: an ecotarian meal

■ ecotarianism (ˌiːkəʊˈtɛərIənIzəm)   n   the principle or practice of avoiding eating any foods whose production or transportation are considered ecologically damaging

eco-tax   n   a tax levied on services, products, etc that adversely affect the environment

ecotecture (ˈiːkəʊˌtɛktʃə)   n   a type of architecture based on concern for ecological principles such as sustainability and environmental impact

ecoterrorism (ˌiːkəʊˈtɛrəˌrIzəm)   n   terrorism aimed at preventing environmental destruction and hence usually targeting major polluters

■ ecoterrorist (ˈiːkəʊˌtɛrərIst)   n   a person who uses violence in order to achieve environmentalist aims [C20: from ECO- + TERRORIST]

ecotone (ˈiːkəˌtəʊn, ˈɛkə-)   n   the zone between two major ecological communities [C20: from ECO(LOGY) + -tone, from Greek tonos tension, TONE]   > ˈecoˌtonal adj

ecotour (ˈiːkəʊˌtʊə)   n   a holiday that either contributes to the protection of the environment or minimizes damage to it

■ ecotourism (ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərIzəm)   n   tourism that is designed to contribute to the protection of the environment or at least minimize damage to it, often involving travel to areas of natural interest in developing countries or participation in environmental projects   > ˈecoˌtourist n

ecotoxic (ˌiːkəʊˈtɒksIk)   adj   harmful to animals, plants, or the environment

ecotoxicology (ˌiːkəʊˌtɒksIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the effects of toxic substances on the environment

■ ecotoxicologist (ˌiːkəʊˌtɒksIˈkɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies ecotoxicology

ecotype (ˈiːkəˌtaIp, ˈɛkə-)   n   ecology a group of organisms within a species that is adapted to particular environmental conditions and therefore exhibits behavioural, structural, or physiological differences from other members of the species   > ecotypic (ˌiːkəˈtIpIk, ˌɛkə-) adj   > ˌecoˈtypically adv

eco-warrior   n   informal a person who zealously pursues environmentalist aims [C20: from ECO- + WARRIOR]

ECOWAS (ɛˈkəʊəs)   n acronym for   Economic Community of West African States; an economic association established in 1975 whose members are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Mauritania joined but withdrew in 2002

ecphonesis (ˌɛkfəʊˈniːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   rhetoric an emotional exclamation

ecphractic (ɛkˈfræktIk) med obsolete   adj   1 having the property of removing obstructions   ▷ n   2 an ecphractic drug

ECR   abbreviation for   efficient consumer response: the use of point-of-sale data to initiate the reordering of stock from a supplier

écraseur (ˌeIkrɑːˈzɜː)   n   a surgical device consisting of a heavy wire loop placed around a part to be removed and tightened until it cuts through [C19: from French, from écraser to crush]

e-crime   n   criminal activity that involves the use of computers or networks such as the internet [C20: E-2 + CRIME]

ecritoire (ˌeIkrIˈtwɑː)   n   another name for escritoire

e-CRM   n   customer relationship management carried out on the internet

ecru (ˈɛkruː, ˈeIkruː)   n   1 a greyish-yellow to a light greyish colour; the colour of unbleached linen   ▷ adj   2 of the colour ecru [C19: from French, from é- (intensive) + cru raw, from Latin crūdus; see CRUDE]

ECS   abbreviation for   European Communications Satellite

ECSC   abbreviation for   European Coal and Steel Community

ecstasy (ˈɛkstəsI)   n, pl -sies   1 (often plural) a state of exalted delight, joy, etc; rapture   2 intense emotion of any kind: an ecstasy of rage   3 psychol overpowering emotion characterized by loss of self-control and sometimes a temporary loss of consciousness: often associated with orgasm, religious mysticism, and the use of certain drugs   4 archaic a state of prophetic inspiration, esp of poetic rapture   5 slang 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine; MDMA: a powerful drug that acts as a stimulant and can produce hallucinations [C14: from Old French extasie, via Medieval Latin from Greek ekstasis displacement, trance, from existanai to displace, from ex- out + histanai to cause to stand]

■ ecstasize or ecstasise (ˈɛkstəˌsaIz)   vb   to make or become ecstatic

■ ecstatic (ɛkˈstætIk)   adj   1 in a trancelike state of great rapture or delight   2 showing or feeling great enthusiasm: ecstatic applause   ▷ n   3 a person who has periods of intense trancelike joy   > ecˈstatically adv

■ ecstatics (ɛkˈstætIks)   pl n   fits of delight or rapture

ECT   abbreviation for   electroconvulsive therapy

ectasia (ɛkˈteIzIə) or ectasis (ɛkˈteIsIs)   n   pathol the distension or dilation of a duct, vessel, or hollow viscus   > ecˈtatic adj

ecthlipsis (ɛkˈθlIpsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   prosody the elision of a syllable beginning with a short vowel and ending with an m when that syllable occurs at the end of a word and before another word beginning with either a vowel or an h

ecthyma (ˈɛkθImə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   pathol a local inflammation of the skin characterized by flat ulcerating pustules [C19: from New Latin, from Greek ekthuma pustule, from ekthuein to break out, from ek- out + thuein to seethe]

ecto-   combining form   indicating outer, outside, external: ectoplasm [from Greek ektos outside, from ek, ex out]

ectoblast (ˈɛktəʊˌblæst)   n   another name for ectoderm, epiblast   > ˌectoˈblastic adj

ectocrine (ˈɛktəʊˌkriːn, -krIn)   n   a substance that is released by an organism into the external environment and influences the development, behaviour, etc, of members of the same or different species [C20: from ECTO- + -crine, as in endocrine]

ectoderm (ˈɛktəʊˌdɜːm) or exoderm   n   the outer germ layer of an animal embryo, which gives rise to epidermis and nervous tissue. See also mesoderm, endoderm   > ˌectoˈdermal or ˌectoˈdermic adj

ectoenzyme (ˌɛktəʊˈɛnzaIm)   n   any of a group of enzymes secreted from the cells in which they are produced into the surrounding medium; extracellular enzyme. Also called: exoenzyme

ectogenesis (ˌɛktəʊˈdʒɛnəsIs)   n   the growth of an organism outside the body in which it would normally be found, such as the growth of an embryo outside the mother's body or the growth of bacteria outside the body of a host   > ˌectogeˈnetic, ˌectoˈgenic or ectogenous (ɛkˈtɒdʒInəs) adj   > ˌectoˈgenically adv

ectogeny (ɛkˈtɒdʒInI)   n   botany the effect of pollination and fertilization on the tissues of a plant

ectomere (ˈɛktəʊˌmIə)   n   embryol any of the blastomeres that later develop into ectoderm   > ectomeric (ˌɛktəʊˈmɛrIk) adj

ectomorph (ˈɛktəʊˌmɔːf)   n   a person with a thin body build: said to be correlated with cerebrotonia. Compare endomorph, mesomorph   > ˌectoˈmorphic adj   > ˈectoˌmorphy n

-ectomy   n combining form   indicating surgical excision of a part: appendectomy [from New Latin -ectomia, from Greek ek- out + -TOMY]

ectomycorrhiza (ˌɛktəʊˌmaIkəˈraIzə)   n   another name for ectotrophic mycorrhiza

ectoparasite (ˌɛktəʊˈpærəˌsaIt)   n   a parasite, such as the flea, that lives on the outer surface of its host. Also called: exoparasite   > ectoparasitic (ˌɛktəʊˌpærəˈsItIk) adj

ectophyte (ˈɛktəʊˌfaIt)   n   a parasitic plant that lives on the surface of its host   > ectophytic (ˌɛktəʊˈfItIk) adj

ectopia (ɛkˈtəʊpIə)   n   med congenital displacement or abnormal positioning of an organ or part [C19: from New Latin, from Greek ektopos out of position, from ek- out of + topos place]   > ectopic (ɛkˈtɒpIk) adj   > ecˈtopically adv

■ ectopic pregnancy   n   pathol the abnormal development of a fertilized egg outside the cavity of the uterus, usually within a Fallopian tube

ectoplasm (ˈɛktəʊˌplæzəm)   n   1 cytology the outer layer of cytoplasm in some cells, esp protozoa, which differs from the inner cytoplasm in being a clear gel. See also endoplasm   2 spiritualism the substance supposedly emanating from the body of a medium during trances   > ˌectoˈplasmic or ectoplastic (ˌɛktəʊˈplæstIk) adj

ectoproct (ˈɛktəʊˌprɒkt)   n, adj   another word for bryozoan [from ECTO- + -proct, from Greek prōktos rectum]

ectosarc (ˈɛktəʊˌsɑːk)   n   zoology the ectoplasm of an amoeba or any other protozoan [C19: ECTO- + -sarc, from Greek sarx flesh]   > ˌectoˈsarcous adj

ectotherm (ˈɛktəʊˌθɜːm)   n   zoology an animal whose body temperature is determined by ambient temperature, and hence any animal except birds and mammals

■ ectothermic (ˌɛktəʊˈθɜːmIk)   adj   zoology (of all animals except birds and mammals) having a body temperature that varies with the temperature of the surroundings

ectotrophic mycorrhiza (ˌɛktəʊˈtrɒfIk)   n   botany a type of mycorrhiza, typical of temperate and Boreal trees, in which the fungus forms a layer on the outside of the roots of the plant. Also called: ectomycorrhiza. Compare endotrophic mycorrhiza

ectozoon (ˌɛktəʊˈzəʊɒn)   n, pl -zoa (-ˈzəʊə)   zoology a parasitic organism that lives on the outside of its host

■ ectozoic (ˌɛktəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   zoology (of a parasite) living on the outside of a host

ectropion (ɛkˈtrəʊpIɒn)   n   med a condition in which the eyelid turns over, exposing some of the inner lid

■ ectropic (ɛkˈtrɒpIk)   adj   pertaining to ectropion

ectype (ˈɛkˌtaIp)   n   1 a copy as distinguished from a prototype   2 architect a cast embossed or in relief [C17: from Greek ektupos worked in relief, from ek- out of + tupos mould; see TYPE]   > ectypal (ˈɛktIpəl) adj

ectypography (ˌɛktaIˈpɒɡrəfI)   n   a form of etching or engraving in which the design is produced in relief

ECU (ˈeIkjuː, sometimes ˈiːˈsiːˈjuː)   n acronym for   European Currency Unit: a former unit of currency based on the composite value of several different currencies in the European Union and functioning as both the reserve asset and the accounting unit of the European Monetary System; replaced by the euro in 1999

écu (eIˈkjuː; French eky)   n   1 any of various former French gold or silver coins   2 a small shield [C18: from Old French escu, from Latin scūtum shield]

Ecua.   abbreviation for   Ecuador

Ecuador (ˈɛkwəˌdɔː)   n   a republic in South America, on the Pacific: under the Incas when Spanish colonization began in 1532; gained independence in 1822; declared a republic in 1830. It consists chiefly of a coastal plain in the west, separated from the densely forested upper Amazon basin (Oriente) by ranges and plateaus of the Andes. Official language: Spanish; Quechua is also widely spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: US dollar. Capital: Quito. Pop: 16 624 858 (2017 est). Area: 283 560 sq km (109 483 sq miles)

■ Ecuadorean (ˌɛkwəˈdɔːrIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Ecuador or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Ecuador

ecuelle (eIˈkwɛl)   n   a covered soup bowl with two handles

ecumenical, oecumenical (ˌiːkjʊˈmɛnIkəl, ˌɛk-) or ecumenic, oecumenic   adj   1 of or relating to the Christian Church throughout the world, esp with regard to its unity   2    a tending to promote unity among Churches   b of or relating to the international movement initiated among non-Catholic Churches in 1910 aimed at Christian unity: embodied, since 1937, in the World Council of Churches   3 rare universal; general; worldwide [C16: via Late Latin from Greek oikoumenikos, from oikein to inhabit, from oikos house]   > ˌecuˈmenically or ˌoecuˈmenically adv

■ ecumenical council   n   an assembly of bishops and other ecclesiastics representative of the Christian Church throughout the world. Roman Catholic canon law states that an ecumenical council must be convened by the pope

ecumenism (IˈkjuːməˌnIzəm, ˈɛkjʊm-), ecumenicism (ˌiːkjʊˈmɛnIˌsIzəm, ˌɛk-) or ecumenicalism   n   the aim of unity among all Christian churches throughout the world

■ ecumenicity (ˌiːkjʊmɛnˈIsItI, ˌɛkjʊmɛnˈIsItI)   n   ecumenism

■ ecumenist (IˈkjuːməˌnIst, ˈɛkjʊməˌnIst) or ecumenicist (ˌiːkjʊˈmɛnIsIst, ˌɛkjʊˈmɛnIsIst)   n   a supporter of ecumenism

écurie (French ekyri)   n   a team of motor-racing cars [C20: French, literally: a stable]

eCycling (ˈiːˌsaIklIŋ)   n US   the process of recycling electronic equipment or components [C21: from E(LECTRONIC) + (RE)CYLING]

eczema (ˈɛksImə, Iɡˈziːmə)   n   pathol a skin inflammation with lesions that scale, crust, or ooze a serous fluid, often accompanied by intense itching or burning [C18: from New Latin, from Greek ekzema, from ek- out + zein to boil; see YEAST]   > eczematous (ɛkˈsɛmətəs) adj

ed.   abbreviation for   1 edited   2 (pl eds) edition   3 (pl eds) editor

-ed^1   suffix   forming the past tense of most English verbs [Old English -de, -ede, -ode, -ade]

-ed^2   suffix   forming the past participle of most English verbs [Old English -ed, -od, -ad]

-ed^3   suffix forming adjectives   possessing or having the characteristics of: salaried; red-blooded [Old English -ede]

edacious (IˈdeIʃəs)   adj   chiefly jocular devoted to eating; voracious; greedy [C19: from Latin edāx voracious, from edere to eat]   > eˈdaciously adv   > edacity (IˈdæsItI) or eˈdaciousness n

Edam (ˈiːdæm; Dutch ˈeːdam)   n   1 a town in the NW Netherlands, in North Holland province, on the IJsselmeer: cheese, light manufacturing. Pop: 28 000 (2003 est; includes Volendam)   2 a hard round mild-tasting Dutch cheese, yellow in colour with a red outside covering

edamame (ˌɛdəˈmɑːmeI)   n   a Japanese dish of salted green soya beans boiled in their pods, typically served as an appetizer [Japanese: beans on a branch]

edaphic (IˈdæfIk)   adj   of or relating to the physical and chemical conditions of the soil, esp in relation to the plant and animal life it supports. Compare biotic (sense 2) [C20: from Greek edaphos bottom, soil]   > eˈdaphically adv

edaphology (ˌɛdəˈfɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the influence of soil on living things, esp plants

Edberg (ˈɛdbɜːɡ)   n   Stefan. born 1966, Swedish tennis player; winner of six Grand Slam singles titles: Wimbledon (1988, 1990), the US Open (1991–2), and the Australian Open (1985, 1987)

EDC   abbreviation for   European Defence Community

Edda (ˈɛdə)   n   1 Also called: Elder Edda, Poetic Edda a collection of mythological Old Norse poems made in the 12th century   2 Also called: Younger Edda, Prose Edda a treatise on versification together with a collection of Scandinavian myths, legends, and poems compiled by Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241), the Icelandic historian and poet [C18: Old Norse]   > Eddaic (ɛˈdeIIk) adj

Eddery (ˈɛdərI)   n   Patrick, known as Pat. 1952–2015 Irish jockey: Champion Jockey eleven times; rode three winners in the Derby (1975, 1982, 1990)

Eddington (ˈɛdIŋtən)   n   Sir Arthur Stanley. 1882–1944, English astronomer and physicist, noted for his research on the motion, internal constitution, and luminosity of stars and for his elucidation of the theory of relativity

■ Eddington limit (ˈɛdIŋtən)   n   astronomy the theoretical upper limit of luminosity that a star of a given mass can reach; occurs when the outward force of the radiation just balances the inward gravitational force [C20: named after A. S. Eddington (1882–1944), English astronomer and physicist]

eddish (ˈɛdIʃ)   n   Brit dialect pasture grass or stubble

eddo or Chinese eddo (ˈɛdəʊ)   n, pl eddoes   other names for taro

eddy (ˈɛdI)   n, pl -dies   1 a movement in a stream of air, water, or other fluid in which the current doubles back on itself causing a miniature whirlwind or whirlpool   2 a deviation from or disturbance in the main trend of thought, life, etc, esp one that is relatively unimportant   ▷ vb -dies, -dying, -died   3 to move or cause to move against the main current [C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse itha; related to Old English ed- again, back, Old High German it-]

■ eddy current   n   an electric current induced in a massive conductor, such as the core of an electromagnet, transformer, etc, by an alternating magnetic field. Also called: Foucault current

Eddy (ˈɛdI)   n   Mary Baker. 1821–1910, US religious leader; founder of the Christian Science movement (1866)

Eddystone Rocks (ˈɛdIstən)   n   a dangerous group of rocks at the W end of the English Channel, southwest of Plymouth: lighthouse

Ede (ˈeIdə)   n   a city in the central Netherlands, in Gelderland province. Pop: 105 000 (2003 est)

Edelman (ˈɛdəlmən)   n   Gerald Maurice. 1929–2014, US biochemist: he shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1972) with Rodney Porter for determining the structure of antibodies

edelweiss (ˈeIdəlˌvaIs)   n   a small alpine flowering plant, Leontopodium alpinum, having white woolly oblong leaves and a tuft of attractive floral leaves surrounding the flowers: family Asteraceae (composites) [C19: German, literally: noble white]

edema (Iˈdiːmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   the usual US spelling of oedema   > edematous (Iˈdɛmətəs) or eˈdemaˌtose adj

Eden^1 (ˈiːdən)   n   1 Also called: Garden of Eden Old Testament the garden in which Adam and Eve were placed at the Creation   2 a delightful place, region, dwelling, etc; paradise   3 a state of great delight, happiness, or contentment; bliss [C14: from Late Latin, from Hebrew `ēdhen place of pleasure]   > Edenic (iːˈdɛnIk) adj

■ Eden Project   n   an environmental complex containing the world's largest greenhouse, built in a disused clay pit near St Austell, Cornwall, to study plant populations in a variety of environments

Eden^2 (ˈiːdən)   n   Sir (Robert) Anthony, Earl of Avon. 1897–1977, British Conservative statesman; foreign secretary (1935–38; 1940–45; 1951–55) and prime minister (1955–57). He resigned after the controversy caused by the occupation of the Suez Canal zone by British and French forces (1956)

edental (iːˈdɛntəl)   adj   1 having few or no teeth   2 zoology belonging to the order Edentata, which includes anteaters, sloths, and armadillos

edentate (iːˈdɛnteIt)   n   1 any of the placental mammals that constitute the order Edentata, which inhabit tropical regions of Central and South America. The order includes anteaters, sloths, and armadillos   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the order Edentata [C19: from Latin ēdentātus lacking teeth, from ēdentāre to render toothless, from e- out + dēns tooth]

edentulous (iːˈdɛntʃʊləs) or edentulate (iːˈdɛntʃʊlIt)   adj   having no teeth

Edessa (Iˈdɛsə)   n   1 an ancient city on the N edge of the Syrian plateau, founded as a Macedonian colony by Seleucus I: a centre of early Christianity. Modern name: Urfa   2 a market town in Greece: ancient capital of Macedonia. Pop (municipality): 25 729 (2001). Ancient name: Aegae (ˈiːɡiː). Modern Greek name: Édhessa

Edgar (ˈɛdɡə)   n   1  944–975 AD, king of Mercia and Northumbria (957–975) and of England (959–975)   2  ?1074–1107, king of Scotland (1097–1107), fourth son of Malcolm III. He overthrew his uncle Donald to gain the throne   3  David. born 1948, British dramatist, noted for political plays such as Destiny (1976), Maydays (1983), and Albert Speer (1999): he adapted (1980) Nicholas Nickleby and (1991) Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for the RSC

Edgar Atheling (ˈæθIlIŋ)   n   ?1050–?1125, grandson of Edmund II; Anglo-Saxon pretender to the English throne in 1066

edge (ɛdʒ)   n   1 the border, brim, or margin of a surface, object, etc   2 a brink or verge: the edge of a cliff; the edge of a breakthrough   3 maths   a a line along which two faces or surfaces of a solid meet   b a line joining two vertices of a graph   4 the sharp cutting side of a blade   5 keenness, sharpness, or urgency: the walk gave an edge to his appetite   6 force, effectiveness, or incisiveness: the performance lacked edge   7 dialect   a a cliff, ridge, or hillside   b (capital) (in place names): Hade Edge   8 have the edge on or have the edge over to have a slight advantage or superiority over   9 on edge   a nervously irritable; tense   b nervously excited or eager   10 set someone's teeth on edge to make someone acutely irritated or uncomfortable   ▷ vb   11 (tr) to provide an edge or border for   12 (tr) to shape or trim (the edge or border of something), as with a knife or scissors: to edge a pie   13 to push (one's way, someone, something, etc) gradually, esp edgeways   14 (tr) cricket to hit (a bowled ball) with the edge of the bat   15 (tr) to tilt (a ski) sideways so that one edge digs into the snow   16 (tr) to sharpen (a knife, etc) [Old English ecg; related to Old Norse egg, Old High German ecka edge, Latin aciēs sharpness, Greek akis point]   > ˈedgeless adj   > ˈedger n

■ -edged   adj (in combination)   1 having a border of the material or colour specified: lace-edged; black-edged   2 (of a blade) having an edge with the degree of sharpness specified: a sharp-edged knife; a blunt-edged sword   3 (of a play or piece of writing) having a tone or attitude as specified: a sharp-edged satire

■ edge tool   n   a tool with one or more cutting edges

■ edgeways (ˈɛdʒˌweIz) or esp US and Canadian edgewise (ˈɛdʒˌwaIz)   adv   1 with the edge forwards or uppermost: they carried the piano in edgeways   2 on, by, with, or towards the edge: he held it edgeways   3 get a word in edgeways (usually used with a negative) to succeed in interrupting a conversation in which someone else is talking incessantly

■ edging (ˈɛdʒIŋ)   n   1 anything placed along an edge to finish it, esp as an ornament, fringe, or border on clothing or along a path in a garden   2 the act of making an edge   ▷ adj   3 relating to or used for making an edge: edging shears

■ edgy (ˈɛdʒI)   adj -ier, -iest   1 (usually postpositive) nervous, irritable, tense, or anxious   2 (of paintings, drawings, etc) excessively defined   3 innovative, or at the cutting edge, with the concomitant qualities of intensity and excitement   > ˈedgily adv   > ˈedginess n

edgebone (ˈɛdʒˌbəʊn)   n   another name for aitchbone

Edgehill (ˌɛdʒˈhIl)   n   a ridge in S Warwickshire: site of the indecisive first battle between Charles I and the Parliamentarians (1642) in the Civil War

Edgeworth (ˈɛdʒwɜːθ)   n   Maria. 1767–1849, Anglo-Irish novelist: her works include Castle Rackrent (1800) and The Absentee (1812)

edh (ɛð) or eth   n   a character of the runic alphabet (ð) used to represent the voiced dental fricative as in then, mother, bathe. It is used in modern phonetic transcription for the same purpose. Compare theta (sense 2), thorn (sense 5)

Édhessa (Greek ˈɛðɛsa)   n   transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Edessa

EDI   abbreviation for   electronic data interchange: an interactive electronic system that enables a supplier and a customer to communicate easily

Ediacaran (ˌiːdiːˈækərən)   adj   1 of, denoting, or formed in the last 50 million years of the Neoproterozoic era, during which a new texturally and chemically distinctive carbonate layer appeared, indicating climatic change   ▷ n   2 the Ediacaran the Ediacaran period or rock system [C20: named after the Ediacara Hills in the Flinders mountain range in South Australia]

edible (ˈɛdIbəl)   adj   fit to be eaten; eatable [C17: from Late Latin edibilis, from Latin edere to eat]   > ˌediˈbility or ˈedibleness n

■ edibles (ˈɛdIbəlz)   pl n   articles fit to eat; food

edict (ˈiːdIkt)   n   1 a decree, order, or ordinance issued by a sovereign, state, or any other holder of authority   2 any formal or authoritative command, proclamation, etc [C15: from Latin ēdictum, from ēdīcere to declare]   > eˈdictal adj   > eˈdictally adv

■ Edict of Nantes   n   the law granting religious and civil liberties to the French Protestants, promulgated by Henry IV in 1598 and revoked by Louis XIV in 1685

edifice (ˈɛdIfIs)   n   1 a building, esp a large or imposing one   2 a complex or elaborate institution or organization [C14: from Old French, from Latin aedificium, from aedificāre to build; see EDIFY]   > edificial (ˌɛdIˈfIʃəl) adj

edify (ˈɛdIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to improve the morality, intellect, etc, of, esp by instruction [C14: from Old French edifier, from Latin aedificāre to construct, from aedēs a dwelling, temple + facere to make]   > ˈediˌfier n   > ˈediˌfying adj   > ˈediˌfyingly adv

■ edification (ˌɛdIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 improvement, instruction, or enlightenment, esp when morally or spiritually uplifting   2 the act of edifying or state of being edified   > ˌedifiˈcatory adj

edile (ˈiːdaIl)   n   a variant spelling of aedile

Edinburgh^1 (ˈɛdInbərə, -brə)   n   1 the capital of Scotland and seat of the Scottish Parliament (from 1999), in City of Edinburgh council area on the S side of the Firth of Forth: became the capital in the 15th century; castle; three universities (including University of Edinburgh, 1583); commercial and cultural centre, noted for its annual festival. Pop: 482 640 (2012)   2 City of a council area in central Scotland, created from part of Lothian region in 1996. Pop: 448 370 (2003 est). Area: 262 sq km (101 sq miles)

Edinburgh^2 (ˈɛdInbərə, -brə)   n   Duke of, title of Prince Philip Mountbatten. born 1921, husband of Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Edirne (ɛˈdirnɛ)   n   a city in NW Turkey: a Thracian town, rebuilt and renamed by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Pop: 126 000 (2005 est). Former name: Adrianople

Edison (ˈɛdIsən)   n   Thomas Alva. 1847–1931, US inventor. He patented more than a thousand inventions, including the phonograph, the incandescent electric lamp, the microphone, and the kinetoscope

edit (ˈɛdIt)   vb (tr)   1 to prepare (text) for publication by checking and improving its accuracy, clarity, etc   2 to be in charge of (a publication, esp a periodical): he edits the local newspaper   3 to prepare (a film, tape, etc) by rearrangement, selection, or rejection of previously filmed or taped material   4 (tr) to modify (a computer file) by, for example, deleting, inserting, moving, or copying text   5 (often foll by out) to remove (incorrect or unwanted matter), as from a manuscript or film   ▷ n   6 informal an act of editing: give the book a final edit [C18: back formation from EDITOR]

■ editable (ˈɛdItəbəl)   adj   capable of being edited

■ editing (ˈɛdItIŋ)   n   1 the process of correcting and adapting a text, such as an article or book   2 the process of collecting together articles, etc, written by different writers, and preparing them for publishing   3 the process of preparing a film or a radio or television programme by selecting, rearranging, or rejecting previously filmed or taped material   4    a the modification of a computer file by, for example, deleting, inserting, moving, or copying text   b (as modifier): editing software

■ edition (IˈdIʃən)   n   1 printing   a the entire number of copies of a book, newspaper, or other publication printed at one time from a single setting of type   b a single copy from this number: a first edition; the evening edition   2 one of a number of printings of a book or other publication, issued at separate times with alterations, amendments, etc. Compare impression (sense 6)   3    a an issue of a work identified by its format: a leather-bound edition of Dickens   b an issue of a work identified by its editor or publisher: the Oxford edition of Shakespeare   4 a particular instance of a television or radio programme broadcast   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to produce multiple copies of (an original work of art) [C16: from Latin ēditiō a bringing forth, publishing, from ēdere to give out; see EDITOR]

■ editor (ˈɛdItə)   n   1 a person who edits written material for publication   2 a person in overall charge of the editing and often the policy of a newspaper or periodical   3 a person in charge of one section of a newspaper or periodical: the sports editor   4 films   a a person who makes a selection and arrangement of individual shots in order to construct the flowing sequence of images for a film   b a device for editing film, including a viewer and a splicer   5 television, radio a person in overall control of a programme that consists of various items, such as a news or magazine style programme   6 a computer program that facilitates the deletion or insertion of data within information already stored in a computer [C17: from Late Latin: producer, exhibitor, from ēdere to give out, publish, from ē- out + dāre to give]   > ˈeditorˌship n

■ editorial (ˌɛdIˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to editing or editors   2 of, relating to, or expressed in an editorial   3 of or relating to the content of a publication rather than its commercial aspects   ▷ n   4 an article in a newspaper, etc, expressing the opinion of the editor or the publishers   > ˌediˈtorialist n   > ˌediˈtorially adv

■ editorialize or editorialise (ˌɛdIˈtɔːrIəˌlaIz)   vb (intr)   1 to express an opinion in or as in an editorial   2 to insert one's personal opinions into an otherwise objective account   > ˌediˌtorialiˈzation or ˌediˌtorialiˈsation n   > ˌediˈtorialˌizer or ˌediˈtorialˌiser n

■ editor in chief   n   the controlling editor of a publication

■ editress (ˈɛdItrəs) or editrix (ˈɛdItrIks)   n   a female editor

editio princeps Latin (IˈdIʃIəʊ ˈprInsɛps)   n, pl editiones principes (IˌdIʃIˈəʊniːz ˈprInsIˌpiːz)   the first printed edition of a work

EDM   abbreviation for   1 electronic dance music   2 surveying electronic distance measurement

Edmonton (ˈɛdməntən)   n   a city in W Canada, capital of Alberta: oil industry. Pop: 812 201 (2011)

Edmund (ˈɛdmənd)   n   Saint, also called Saint Edmund Rich. 1175–1240, English churchman: archbishop of Canterbury (1234–40). Feast day: Nov 16.

Edmund I   n   ?922–946 AD, king of England (940–946)

Edmund II   n   called Edmund Ironside. ?980–1016, king of England in 1016. His succession was contested by Canute and they divided the kingdom between them

Edo^1 (ˈɛdəʊ)   n   the former name of Tokyo

Edo^2 (ˈɛdəʊ)   n   1 (pl Edo or Edos) a member of a people of SW Nigeria around Benin, noted for their 16th-century bronze sculptures   2 Also called: Bini the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family   3 a state of Nigeria, in the South. Capital: Benin City. Pop: 3 218 332 (2006). Area: 17 802 sq km (6873 sq miles)

Edom (ˈiːdəm)   n   1 another name for Esau   2 a nomadic people descended from Esau   3 the ancient kingdom of this people, situated between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba

■ Edomite (ˈiːdəˌmaIt)   n   1 an inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Edom, whose people were hostile to the Israelites in Old Testament times   2 the ancient Semitic language of this people, closely related to Hebrew   > ˈEdomˌitish or Edomitic (ˌiːdəˈmItIk) adj

edriophthalmous (ˌɛdrIɒfˈθælməs), edriophthalmian (ˌɛdrIɒfˈθælmIən) or edriophthalmic (ˌɛdrIɒfˈθælmIk)   adj   zoology (of certain crustaceans) having stalkless eyes

EDT   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   Eastern Daylight Time

EDTA   n   ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid; a colourless crystalline slightly soluble organic compound used in inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. It is a powerful chelating agent used to stabilize bleach in detergents. Formula: [(HOOCCH_2)2NCH_2]2

edu   the internet domain name for   an educational establishment

educate (ˈɛdjʊˌkeIt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to impart knowledge by formal instruction to (a pupil); teach   2 to provide schooling for (children): I have educated my children at the best schools   3 to improve or develop (a person, judgment, taste, skills, etc)   4 to train for some particular purpose or occupation [C15: from Latin ēducāre to rear, educate, from dūcere to lead]

■ educable (ˈɛdjʊkəbəl) or educatable (ˈɛdjʊˌkeItəbəl)   adj   capable of being trained or educated; able to learn   > ˌeducaˈbility or ˌeduˌcataˈbility n

■ educated (ˈɛdjʊˌkeItId)   adj   1 having an education, esp a good one   2 displaying culture, taste, and knowledge; cultivated   3 (prenominal) based on experience or information (esp in the phrase an educated guess)

■ educatedness (ˈɛdjʊˌkeItIdnəs)   n   the quality of being educated

■ education (ˌɛdjʊˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of acquiring knowledge, esp systematically during childhood and adolescence   2 the knowledge or training acquired by this process: his education has been invaluable to him   3 the act or process of imparting knowledge, esp at a school, college, or university: education is my profession   4 the theory of teaching and learning: a course in education   5 a particular kind of instruction or training: a university education; consumer education

■ educational (ˌɛdjʊˈkeIʃənəl)   adj   1 providing knowledge; instructive or informative: an educational toy   2 of or relating to education   > ˌeduˈcationally adv

■ educationalist (ˌɛdjʊˈkeIʃənəlIst) or educationist   n   a specialist in educational theory or administration

■ educational psychology   n   the study of methods of training and teaching and their effectiveness, and of the problems experienced in learning formal material; in particular, the study of how to help people, esp school children, with learning problems to overcome their difficulties

■ Educational Welfare Officer   n   (in Britain) a local education authority worker whose job it is to find out whether difficulties outside school are contributing to a child's classroom problems or irregular attendance and who may intervene to help the child to benefit more from schooling. Former names: school attendance officer, truancy officer

■ educationese (ˌɛdjʊˌkeIʃəˈniːz)   n informal   the jargon that is associated with education and teaching

■ educative (ˈɛdjʊkətIv)   adj   producing or resulting in education: an educative experience

■ educator (ˈɛdjʊˌkeItə)   n   1 a person who educates; teacher   2 a specialist in education; educationalist   3 (in South Africa) a school teacher

■ educatory (ˈɛdjʊkətərI, -trI, ˌɛdjʊˈkeItərI, -trI)   adj   educative or educational: an educatory procedure

educe (Iˈdjuːs)   vb (tr) rare   1 to evolve or develop, esp from a latent or potential state   2 to draw out or elicit (information, solutions, etc) [C15: from Latin ēdūcere to draw out, from ē- out + dūcere to lead]   > eˈducible adj   > eductive (IˈdʌktIv) adj

■ educement (Iˈdjuːsmənt)   n   the action of educing

■ eduction (Iˈdʌkʃən)   n   1 something educed   2 the act or process of educing   3 the exhaust stroke of a steam or internal-combustion engine. Compare induction [C17: from Latin ēductiō, from ēdūcere to EDUCE]

■ eductor (Iˈdʌktɔː)   n   a person or thing that educes

educt (ˈiːdʌkt)   n   a substance separated from another substance without chemical change. Compare product (sense 4) [C18: from Latin ēductus; see EDUCE]

edulcorate (IˈdʌlkəˌreIt)   vb   (tr) to free from soluble impurities by washing [C17: from Medieval Latin ēdulcorāre, from Late Latin dulcor sweetness]   > eˌdulcoˈration n

■ edulcorant (Iˈdʌlkərənt) or edulcorative (IˈdʌlkərətIv)   adj   tending to edulcorate

■ edulcorator (IˈdʌlkəˌreItə)   n   a device that supplies small quantities of a liquid to a mixture

Eduskunta (ˌeIdʊsˈkʊntɑː)   n   the Finnish parliament in Helsinki

edutainment (ˌɛdjʊˈteInmənt)   n   the presentation of informative or educational material in an entertaining style [C20: from EDU(CATION) + (ENTER)TAINMENT]

Edward^1 (ˈɛdwəd)   n   Lake Edward a lake in central Africa, between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Great Rift Valley: empties through the Semliki River into Lake Albert. Area: about 2150 sq km (830 sq miles). Former official name: Lake Amin

Edward^2 (ˈɛdwəd)   n   1  known as the Black Prince. 1330–76, Prince of Wales, the son of Edward III of England. He won victories over the French at Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356) in the Hundred Years' War   2  Prince. born 1964, Earl of Wessex, third son of Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In 1999 he married Sophie Rhys-Jones (born 1965); their daughter Louise was born in 2003 and their son James in 2007

Edward I   n   1239–1307, king of England (1272–1307); son of Henry III. He conquered Wales (1284) but failed to subdue Scotland

Edward II   n   1284–1327, king of England (1307–27); son of Edward I. He invaded Scotland but was defeated by Robert Bruce at Bannockburn (1314). He was deposed by his wife Isabella and Roger Mortimer; died in prison

Edward III   n   1312–77, king of England (1327–77); son of Edward II. His claim to the French throne in right of his mother Isabella provoked the Hundred Years' War (1337)

Edward IV   n   1442–83, king of England (1461–70; 1471–83); son of Richard, duke of York. He defeated Henry VI in the Wars of the Roses and became king (1461). In 1470 Henry was restored to the throne, but Edward recovered the crown by his victory at Tewkesbury

Edward V   n   1470–?83, king of England in 1483; son of Edward IV. He was deposed by his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Richard III), and is thought to have been murdered with his brother in the Tower of London

Edward VI   n   1537–53, king of England (1547–53), son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. His uncle the Duke of Somerset was regent until 1552, when he was executed. Edward then came under the control of Dudley, Duke of Northumberland

Edward VII   n   1841–1910, king of Great Britain and Ireland (1901–10); son of Queen Victoria

Edward VIII   n   1894–1972, king of Great Britain and Ireland in 1936; son of George V and brother of George VI. He abdicated in order to marry an American divorcée, Mrs Wallis Simpson (1896–1986); created Duke of Windsor (1937)

Edwardian (ɛdˈwɔːdIən)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or having the style of life, architecture, dress, etc, current in Britain during the reign of Edward VII   ▷ n   2 a person who lived during the reign of Edward VII   > Edˈwardianˌism n

Edwards (ˈɛdwədz)   n   1  Sir Gareth (Owen). born 1947, Welsh Rugby Union footballer: halfback for Wales (1967–78) and the British Lions (1968–74)   2  Jonathan. 1703–58, American Calvinist theologian and metaphysician; author of The Freedom of the Will (1754)   3  Jonathan. born 1966, British athlete: gold medallist in the triple jump at the Olympics (2000) and the World Championships (1995, 2001)

Edward the Confessor   n   Saint. ?1002–66, king of England (1042–66); son of Ethelred II; founder of Westminster Abbey. Feast day: Oct 13

Edward the Elder   n   died 924 AD, king of England (899–924), son of Alfred the Great

Edward the Martyr   n   Saint. ?963–978 AD, king of England (975–78), son of Edgar: murdered. Feast day: March 18

Edwin (ˈɛdwIn)   n   ?585–633 AD, king of Northumbria (617–633) and overlord of all England except Kent

ee^1 (iː)   n, pl een (iːn)   a Scot word for eye^1

ee^2   the internet domain name for   Estonia

EE   abbreviation for   1 Early English   2 electrical engineer(ing)   3 (in New Zealand) ewe equivalent

e.e.   abbreviation for   errors excepted

-ee   suffix forming nouns   1 indicating a person who is the recipient of an action (as opposed, esp in legal terminology, to the agent, indicated by -or or -er): assignee; grantee; lessee   2 indicating a person in a specified state or condition: absentee; employee   3 indicating a diminutive form of something: bootee [via Old French -e, -ee, past participial endings, from Latin -ātus, -āta -ATE^1]

EEA   abbreviation for   European Economic Area

EE & MP   abbreviation for   Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary

EEC   abbreviation for   European Economic Community (now subsumed within the European Union)

EEG   abbreviation for   1 electroencephalogram   2 electroencephalograph

eejit (ˈiːdʒIt)   n   a Scot and Irish word for idiot (sense 1)

EEK   abbreviation for   Estonian kroon: the former standard monetary unit of Estonia

eel (iːl)   n   1 any teleost fish of the order Apodes (or Anguilliformes), such as the European freshwater species Anguilla anguilla, having a long snakelike body, a smooth slimy skin, and reduced fins   2 any of various other animals with a long body and smooth skin, such as the mud eel and the electric eel   3 an evasive or untrustworthy person [Old English ǣl; related to Old Frisian ēl, Old Norse āll, Old High German āl]   > ˈeel-ˌlike adj   > ˈeely adj

eelfare (ˈiːlˌfɛə)   n   1 a young eel   2 a brood of young eels   3 the migration of young eels upriver

eelgrass (ˈiːlˌɡrɑːs)   n   1 any of several perennial submerged marine plants of the genus Zostera, esp Z. marina, having grasslike leaves: family Zosteraceae   2 another name for tape grass

eelpout (ˈiːlˌpaʊt)   n   1 any marine eel-like blennioid fish of the family Zoarcidae, such as Zoarces viviparus (viviparous eelpout or blenny)   2 another name for burbot [Old English ǣlepūte; related to Middle Dutch aalpuit]

eelworm (ˈiːlˌwɜːm)   n   any of various nematode worms, esp the wheatworm and the vinegar eel

eelwrack (ˈiːlˌræk)   n   another name for eelgrass

e'en (iːn)   adv, n poetic or archaic   a contraction of even^2, evening

e'er (ɛə)   adv   poetic or archaic a contraction of ever

-eer or -ier   suffix   1 (forming nouns) indicating a person who is concerned with or who does something specified: auctioneer; engineer; profiteer; mutineer   2 (forming verbs) to be concerned with something specified: electioneer [from Old French -ier, from Latin -arius -ARY]

eerie or eery (ˈIərI)   adj eerier, eeriest   (esp of places, an atmosphere, etc) mysteriously or uncannily frightening or disturbing; weird; ghostly [C13: originally Scottish and Northern English, probably from Old English earg cowardly, miserable]   > ˈeerily adv   > ˈeeriness n

EET   abbreviation for   Eastern European Time

eeven, eevn (ˈiːvən) or eevning (ˈiːvənIŋ)   n   archaic evening

ef (ɛf)   n   f, being the sixth letter and fourth consonant of the modern English alphabet

EFA   abbreviation for   1 essential fatty acid   2 European Fighter Aircraft

eff (ɛf)   vb   1 euphemism for the taboo word fuck: eff off   2 eff and blind slang to use obscene language   > ˈeffing n, adj, adv

EFF   abbreviation for (in South Africa)   Economic Freedom Fighters: a socialist party founded in 2013

effable (ˈɛfəbəl)   adj   archaic capable of being expressed in words [C17: from Old French, from Late Latin effābilis, from Latin effārī, from ex- out + fārī to speak]

efface (IˈfeIs)   vb (tr)   1 to obliterate or make dim: to efface a memory   2 to make (oneself) inconspicuous or humble through modesty, cowardice, or obsequiousness   3 to rub out (a line, drawing, etc); erase [C15: from French effacer, literally: to obliterate the face; see FACE]   > efˈfaceable adj   > efˈfacement n   > efˈfacer n

effect (Iˈfɛkt)   n   1 something that is produced by a cause or agent; result   2 power or ability to influence or produce a result; efficacy: with no effect   3 the condition of being operative (esp in the phrases in or into effect): the law comes into effect at midnight   4 take effect to become operative or begin to produce results   5 basic meaning or purpose (esp in the phrase to that effect)   6 an impression, usually one that is artificial or contrived (esp in the phrase for effect)   7 a scientific phenomenon: the Doppler effect   8 in effect   a in fact; actually   b for all practical purposes   9 the overall impression or result: the effect of a painting   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to cause to occur; bring about; accomplish [C14: from Latin effectus a performing, tendency, from efficere to accomplish, from facere to do]   > efˈfecter n   > efˈfectible adj

■ effective (IˈfɛktIv)   adj   1 productive of or capable of producing a result   2 in effect; operative: effective from midnight   3 producing a striking impression; impressive: an effective entrance   4 (prenominal) actual rather than theoretical; real: the effective income after deductions   5 (of a military force, etc) equipped and prepared for action   6 physics (of an alternating quantity) having a value that is the square root of the mean of the squares of the magnitude measured at each instant over a defined period of time, usually one cycle. See also root mean square   ▷ n   7 a serviceman who is equipped and prepared for action   > efˈfectively adv   > efˈfectiveness or effectivity (IˌfɛkˈtIvItI) n

■ effectless (IˈfɛktlIs)   adj   archaic having no effect; useless

■ effector or effecter (Iˈfɛktə)   n   physiol a nerve ending that terminates in a muscle or gland and provides neural stimulation causing contraction or secretion

■ effects (Iˈfɛkts)   pl n   1 Also called: personal effects personal property or belongings   2 lighting, sounds, etc, to accompany and enhance a stage, film, or broadcast production

■ effectual (Iˈfɛktjʊəl)   adj   1 capable of or successful in producing an intended result; effective   2 (of documents, agreements, etc) having legal force   > efˌfectuˈality or efˈfectualness n

■ effectually (IˈfɛktjʊəlI)   adv   1 with the intended effect; thoroughly   2 to all practical purposes; in effect

■ effectuate (IˈfɛktjʊˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to cause to happen; effect; accomplish   > efˌfectuˈation n

effeir (ɛˈfIə)   vb (intr)   archaic to suit or be appropriate for

effeminate (IˈfɛmInIt)   adj   1 (of a man or boy) displaying characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; not manly   2 lacking firmness or vigour: an effeminate piece of writing [C14: from Latin effēmināre to make into a woman, from fēmina woman]   > efˈfeminacy or efˈfeminateness n   > efˈfeminately adv

effeminize or effeminise (IˈfɛmIˌnaIz)   vb   to make or become like a woman

effendi (ɛˈfɛndI)   n, pl -dis   1 (in the Ottoman Empire) a title of respect used to address men of learning or social standing   2 (in Turkey since 1934) the oral title of address equivalent to Mr [C17: from Turkish efendi master, from Modern Greek aphentēs, from Greek authentēs lord, doer; see AUTHENTIC]

efferent (ˈɛfərənt)   adj   carrying or conducting outwards from a part or an organ of the body, esp from the brain or spinal cord. Compare afferent [C19: from Latin efferre to bear off, from ferre to bear]   > ˈefference n   > ˈefferently adv

effervesce (ˌɛfəˈvɛs)   vb (intr)   1 (of a liquid) to give off bubbles of gas   2 (of a gas) to issue in bubbles from a liquid   3 to exhibit great excitement, vivacity, etc [C18: from Latin effervescere to foam up, from fervescere to begin to boil, from fervēre to boil, ferment]   > ˌefferˈvescible adj   > ˌefferˈvescingly adv

■ effervescent (ˌɛfəˈvɛsənt)   adj   1 (of a liquid) giving off bubbles of gas; bubbling   2 high-spirited; vivacious   > ˌefferˈvescence or effervescency n   > ˌefferˈvescently adv

effete (Iˈfiːt)   adj   1 weak, ineffectual, or decadent as a result of overrefinement: an effete academic   2 exhausted of vitality or strength; worn out; spent   3 (of animals or plants) no longer capable of reproduction [C17: from Latin effētus having produced young, hence, exhausted by bearing, from fētus having brought forth; see FETUS]   > efˈfetely adv   > efˈfeteness n

efficacious (ˌɛfIˈkeIʃəs)   adj   capable of or successful in producing an intended result; effective as a means, remedy, etc [C16: from Latin efficāx powerful, efficient, from efficere to achieve; see EFFECT]   > ˌeffiˈcaciously adv

■ efficacy (ˈɛfIkəsI) or efficaciousness (ˌɛfIˈkeIʃəsnəs)   n   the quality of being successful in producing an intended result; effectiveness

efficient (IˈfIʃənt)   adj   1 functioning or producing effectively and with the least waste of effort; competent   2 philosophy producing a direct effect; causative [C14: from Latin efficiēns effecting]   > efˈficiently adv

■ efficiency (IˈfIʃənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the quality or state of being efficient; competence; effectiveness   2 the ratio of the useful work done by a machine, engine, device, etc, to the energy supplied to it, often expressed as a percentage. See also thermal efficiency

■ efficiency apartment   n   US a small flat or bedsit

■ efficient cause   n   philosophy that which produces an effect by a causal process. Compare final cause. See also cause (sense 7)

effierce (IˈfIəs)   vb (tr)   archaic to make fierce

effigurate (IˈfIɡəˌreIt)   adj   botany having a definite shape or form

effiguration (IˌfIɡəˈreIʃən)   n   rhetoric a detailed and elaborate description of something

effigy (ˈɛfIdʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 a portrait of a person, esp as a monument or architectural decoration   2 a crude representation of someone, used as a focus for contempt or ridicule and often hung up or burnt in public (often in the phrases burn or hang in effigy) [C18: from Latin effigiēs, from effingere to form, portray, from fingere to shape]   > effigial (IˈfIdʒIəl) adj

effleurage (ˌɛflɜːˈrɑːʒ)   n   1 a light stroking technique used in massage   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to massage using this movement [C19: from French effleurer to stroke lightly]

effloresce (ˌɛflɔːˈrɛs)   vb (intr)   1 to burst forth into or as if into flower; bloom   2 to become powdery by loss of water or crystallization   3 to become encrusted with powder or crystals as a result of chemical change or the evaporation of a solution [C18: from Latin efflōrēscere to blossom, from flōrēscere, from flōs flower]

■ efflorescence (ˌɛflɔːˈrɛsəns)   n   1 a bursting forth or flowering   2 chem, geology   a the process of efflorescing   b the powdery substance formed as a result of this process, esp on the surface of rocks   3 any skin rash or eruption   > ˌeffloˈrescent adj

effluent (ˈɛflʊənt)   n   1 liquid discharged as waste, as from an industrial plant or sewage works   2 radioactive waste released from a nuclear power station   3 a stream that flows out of another body of water   4 something that flows out or forth   ▷ adj   5 flowing out or forth [C18: from Latin effluere to run forth, from fluere to flow]

■ effluence (ˈɛflʊəns) or efflux (ˈɛflʌks)   n   1 the act or process of flowing out   2 something that flows out

effluvium (ɛˈfluːvIəm)   n, pl -via (-vIə) or -viums   an unpleasant smell or exhalation, as of gaseous waste or decaying matter [C17: from Latin: a flowing out; see EFFLUENT]   > efˈfluvial adj

efforce (Iˈfɔːs)   vb (tr)   obsolete to force

effort (ˈɛfət)   n   1 physical or mental exertion, usually considerable when unqualified: the rock was moved with effort   2 a determined attempt: our effort to save him failed   3 achievement; creation: a great literary effort   4 physics an applied force acting against inertia [C15: from Old French esfort, from esforcier to force, ultimately from Latin fortis strong; see FORCE^1]

■ effort bargain   n   a bargain in which the reward to an employee is based on the effort that the employee puts in

■ effortful (ˈɛfətfʊl)   adj   requiring effort

■ effortfully (ˈɛfətfʊlI)   adv   in an effortful manner

■ effortfulness (ˈɛfətfʊlnəs)   n   the quality of requiring effort

■ effortless (ˈɛfətlIs)   adj   1 requiring or involving little effort; easy   2 archaic making little effort; passive   > ˈeffortlessly adv   > ˈeffortlessness n

effrontery (IˈfrʌntərI)   n, pl -ies   shameless or insolent boldness; impudent presumption; audacity; temerity [C18: from French effronterie, from Old French esfront barefaced, shameless, from Late Latin effrons, literally: putting forth one's forehead; see FRONT]

effulge (Iˈfʌldʒ)   vb (intr)   to radiate or shine

effulgent (Iˈfʌldʒənt)   adj   radiant; brilliant [C18: from Latin effulgēre to shine forth, from fulgēre to shine]   > efˈfulgence n   > efˈfulgently adv

effuse   vb (Iˈfjuːz)   1 to pour or flow out   2 to spread out; diffuse   3 (intr) to talk profusely, esp in an excited manner   4 to cause (a gas) to flow or (of a gas) to flow under pressure   ▷ adj (Iˈfjuːs)   5 botany (esp of an inflorescence) spreading out loosely [C16: from Latin effūsus poured out, from effundere to shed, from fundere to pour]

■ effusion (Iˈfjuːʒən)   n   1 an unrestrained outpouring in speech or words   2 the act or process of being poured out   3 something that is poured out   4 the flow of a gas through a small aperture under pressure, esp when the density is such that the mean distance between molecules is large compared to the diameter of the aperture   5 med   a the escape of blood or other fluid into a body cavity or tissue   b the fluid that has escaped

■ effusive (IˈfjuːsIv)   adj   1 extravagantly demonstrative of emotion; gushing   2 (of rock) formed by the solidification of magma   > efˈfusively adv   > efˈfusiveness n

effusiometer (IˌfjuːzIˈɒmItə)   n   physics an apparatus for determining rates of effusion of gases, usually used for measuring molecular weights

Efik (ˈɛfIk)   n   1 (pl Efiks or Efik) a member of a subgroup of the Ibibio people of SE Nigeria   2 the language spoken by this people, variously classified as belonging to the Benue-Congo or Kwa divisions of the Niger-Congo family

EFIS aeronautics   abbreviation for   electronic flight information systems

E-FIT (ˈiːfIt)   n trademark   1 a technique which uses psychological principles and computer technology to generate a likeness of a face: used by the police to trace suspects from witnesses' descriptions   2 an image generated by this technique [C20: from Electronic Facial Identification Technique]

EFL   abbreviation for   English as a Foreign Language

eft^1 (ɛft)   n   1 a dialect or archaic name for a newt   2 any of certain terrestrial newts, such as Diemictylus viridescens (red eft) of eastern North America [Old English efeta]

eft^2 (ɛft)   adv   archaic   a again   b afterwards [Old English; see AFT, AFTER]

EFTA (ˈɛftə)   n acronym for   European Free Trade Association; established in 1960 to eliminate trade tariffs on industrial products; now comprises Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Free trade was established between EFTA and the EC (now EU) in 1984. In 1994 EFTA (excluding Switzerland) and the EU together created the European Economic Area (EEA)

eftest (ˈɛftIst)   adj   West Midland obsolete nearest or soonest

EFTPOS (ˈɛftpɒs)   n acronym for   electronic funds transfer at point of sale

EFTS computing   abbreviation for   electronic funds transfer system

eftsoons (ɛftˈsuːnz)   adv archaic   1 soon afterwards   2 repeatedly [Old English eft sōna, literally: afterwards soon]

eg   the internet domain name for   Egypt

Eg.   abbreviation for   1 Egypt(ian)   2 Egyptology

e.g., eg. or eg   abbreviation for   exempli gratia [Latin: for example]

egad (Iˈɡæd, iːˈɡæd)   interj   archaic a mild oath or expression of surprise [C17: probably variant of Ah God!]

egal (ˈiːɡəl)   adj   obsolete another word for equal

■ egally (ˈiːɡəlI)   adv   obsolete equally

egalitarian (IˌɡælIˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or upholding the doctrine of the equality of humankind and the desirability of political, social, and economic equality   ▷ n   2 an adherent of egalitarian principles [C19: alteration of equalitarian, through influence of French égal EQUAL]   > eˌgaliˈtarianˌism n

egalite or egality (iːˈɡælItI)   n   equality, esp political and social equality

égarement French (eɡarmɑ̃)   n   confusion

Egas Moniz (Portuguese ˈeɡəʃ muˈniʒ)   n   Antonio Caetanio de Abreu Freire. 1874–1955, Portuguese neurologist: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1949) with Walter Hess for their development of prefrontal leucotomy

Egbert (ˈɛɡbɜːt)   n   ?775–839 AD, king of Wessex (802–839); first overlord of all England (829–830)

egence (ˈiːdʒəns)   n   the state of needing

Eger   n   1 (Hungarian ˈɛɡɛr) a city in N central Hungary. Pop: 56 696 (2003 est)   2 (ˈeːɡər) the German name for Cheb

Egeria (IˈdʒIərIə)   n   a female adviser [C17: name of the mythical adviser of Numa Pompilius, king of Rome]

egest (iːˈdʒɛst)   vb   (tr) to excrete (waste material) [C17: from Latin ēgerere to carry out, from gerere to carry]   > eˈgestion n   > eˈgestive adj

■ egesta (iːˈdʒɛstə)   pl n   anything egested, as waste material from the body; excrement [C18: from Latin, literally: (things) carried out; see EGEST]

egg^1 (ɛɡ)   n   1 the oval or round reproductive body laid by the females of birds, reptiles, fishes, insects, and some other animals, consisting of a developing embryo, its food store, and sometimes jelly or albumen, all surrounded by an outer shell or membrane   2 Also called: egg cell any female gamete; ovum   3 the egg of the domestic hen used as food   4 something resembling an egg, esp in shape or in being in an early stage of development   5 bad egg old-fashioned, informal   a a bad person   b an exclamation of dismay   6 good egg old-fashioned, informal   a a good person   b an exclamation of delight   7 lay an egg slang, chiefly US and Canadian   a to make a joke or give a performance, etc, that fails completely   b (of a joke, performance, etc) to fail completely; flop   8 put all one's eggs in one basket or have all one's eggs in one basket to stake everything on a single venture   9 teach one's grandmother to suck eggs to presume to teach someone something that he or she knows already   10 with egg on one's face informal made to look ridiculous   ▷ vb (tr)   11 to dip (food) in beaten egg before cooking   12 informal to throw eggs at [C14: from Old Norse egg; related to Old English ǣg, Old High German ei]

■ egg and dart, egg and tongue or egg and anchor   n (in architecture and cabinetwork)     a an ornamental moulding in which a half egg shape alternates with a dart, tongue, or anchor shape   b (as modifier): egg-and-dart moulding

■ egg-and-spoon race   n   a race in which runners carry an egg balanced in a spoon

■ eggbeater (ˈɛɡˌbiːtə)   n   1 Also called: eggwhisk a kitchen utensil for beating eggs, whipping cream, etc; whisk   2 chiefly US and Canadian an informal name for helicopter

■ egg-binding   n   a condition with a variety of causes, such as lack of sunlight and a cold damp environment, that causes a female bird to be unable to lay an egg that she is carrying

■ egg-bound   adj   describing egg-bearing animals and birds that have difficulty passing their eggs

■ eggcorn (ˈɛɡˌkɔːn)   n   a malapropism or misspelling arising from similarity between the sound of the misspelled or misused word and the correct one in the accent of the person making the mistake [C21: based on the mishearing of ACORN as eggcorn, which was considered to be apposite]

■ eggcup (ˈɛɡˌkʌp)   n   a small cuplike container, used for holding a boiled egg while it is being eaten

■ eggery (ˈɛɡərI)   n, pl -ries   archaic a place where eggs are laid, such as an eyrie

■ eggfruit (ˈɛɡˌfruːt)   n   the fruit of the eggplant or aubergine, Solanum melongena

■ egghead (ˈɛɡˌhɛd)   n   1 informal an intellectual; highbrow   2 a person whose profile on a social networking site contains the set graphic provided by the site rather than a personal picture

■ eggheadedness (ˈɛɡˌhɛdIdnəs)   n   informal the state of being an egghead

■ eggless (ˈɛɡlIs)   adj   containing no eggs

■ eggmass (ˈɛɡˌmæs)   n   informal the intelligentsia

■ eggnog (ˌɛɡˈnɒɡ)   n   a drink that can be served hot or cold, made of eggs, milk, sugar, spice, and brandy, rum, or other spirit. Also called: egg flip [C19: from EGG^1 + NOG^1]

■ eggplant (ˈɛɡˌplɑːnt)   n   1 a tropical Old World solanaceous plant, Solanum melongena, widely cultivated for its egg-shaped typically dark purple fruit   2 the fruit of this plant, which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable   ▶ Also called: aubergine

■ egg roll   n   a Chinese-American dish consisting of egg dough filled with a minced mixture of pork, bamboo shoots, onions, etc, and browned in deep fat

■ eggs Benedict   pl n   a dish consisting of toast, covered with a slice of ham, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce

■ egg-shaped   adj   in the shape of an egg

■ eggshell (ˈɛɡˌʃɛl)   n   1 the hard porous protective outer layer of a bird's egg, consisting of calcite and protein   2 a yellowish-white colour   3 a type of paper with a slightly rough finish   4 (modifier) (of paint) having a very slight sheen: an eggshell finish   5 walk on eggshells to be very cautious or diplomatic for fear of upsetting someone   ▷ adj   6 of a yellowish-white colour: eggshell paint

■ eggshell porcelain or eggshell china   n   a type of very thin translucent porcelain originally made in China

■ egg slice   n   a spatula for removing omelettes, fried eggs, etc, from a pan

■ egg-slicer   n   a device used for slicing eggs

■ egg spoon   n   a small spoon for eating a boiled egg

■ egg timer   n   a device, typically a miniature hourglass, for timing the boiling of an egg

■ egg tooth   n   (in embryo birds and reptiles) a temporary tooth or (in birds) projection of the beak used for piercing the eggshell

■ eggwash (ˈɛɡˌwɒʃ)   n   cookery beaten egg, usually mixed with milk or water, for brushing on pastry

■ eggwhisk (ˈɛɡwIsk)   n   another word for eggbeater (sense 1)

■ egg white   n   the white of an egg; albumen

■ eggy (ˈɛɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   soaked in or tasting of egg, or resembling egg

egg^2 (ɛɡ)   vb   (tr; usually foll by on) to urge or incite, esp to daring or foolish acts [Old English eggian, from Old Norse eggja to urge; related to Old English ecg EDGE, Middle Low German eggen to harrow]

egger or eggar (ˈɛɡə)   n   any of various widely distributed moths of the family Lasiocampidae, such as Lasiocampa quercus (oak egger) of Europe, having brown bodies and wings [C18: from EGG^1, from the egg-shaped cocoon]

eggler (ˈɛɡlə)   n   archaic or dialect an egg dealer

Egham (ˈɛɡəm)   n   a town in S England, in N Surrey on the River Thames. Pop: 27 666 (2001)

egis (ˈiːdʒIs)   n   a rare spelling of aegis

eglandular (iːˈɡlændjʊlə) or eglandulose (iːˈɡlændjʊˌləʊs)   adj   having no glands [E-1 + GLANDULAR]

eglantine (ˈɛɡlənˌtaIn)   n   another name for sweetbrier [C14: from Old French aiglent, ultimately from Latin acus needle, from acer sharp, keen]

eglomise (ˈɛɡləʊˌmaIz)   n   the technique of gilding the back of a sheet of glass

EGM   abbreviation for   extraordinary general meeting

Egmont^1 (ˈɛɡmɒnt)   n   Mount Egmont an extinct volcano in New Zealand, in W central North Island in the Egmont National Park: an almost perfect cone. Height: 2518 m (8261 ft). Official name: Mount Taranaki

Egmont^2 (ˈɛɡmɒnt)   n   Lamoral (lamoˈral), Count of Egmont, Prince of Gavre. 1522–68, Flemish statesman and soldier. He attempted to secure limited reforms and religious tolerance in the Spanish government of the Netherlands, refused to join William the Silent's rebellion, but was nevertheless executed for treason by the Duke of Alva

ego (ˈiːɡəʊ, ˈɛɡəʊ)   n, pl egos   1 the self of an individual person; the conscious subject   2 psychoanal the conscious mind, based on perception of the environment from birth onwards: responsible for modifying the antisocial instincts of the id and itself modified by the conscience (superego)   3 one's image of oneself; morale: to boost one's ego   4 egotism; conceit [C19: from Latin: I]

■ ego boost   n   something such as praise, success, etc, that makes one feel better about oneself or raises one's morale

■ ego ideal   n   psychoanal an internal ideal of personal perfection that represents what one wants to be rather than what one ought to be and is derived from one's early relationship with one's parents. See also superego

■ egoism (ˈiːɡəʊˌIzəm, ˈɛɡ-)   n   1 concern for one's own interests and welfare   2 ethics the theory that the pursuit of one's own welfare is the highest good. Compare altruism   3 self-centredness; egotism

■ egoist (ˈiːɡəʊIst, ˈɛɡ-)   n   1 a person who is preoccupied with his or her own interests; a selfish person   2 a conceited person; egotist   3 ethics a person who lives by the values of egoism   > ˌegoˈistic or ˌegoˈistical adj   > ˌegoˈistically adv

■ egoity (iːˈɡəʊItI, ɛˈɡəʊItI)   n   the essence of the ego, or one's personality

■ egoless (ˈiːɡəʊlIs, ˈɛɡəʊlIs)   adj   having no ego, or not having an inflated view of one's self-importance

■ ego trip informal   n   1 something undertaken to boost or draw attention to a person's own image or appraisal of himself or herself   ▷ vb ego-trip (-trips, -tripping, -tripped) (intr)   2 to act in this way

egocentric (ˌiːɡəʊˈsɛntrIk, ˌɛɡ-) or egocentrical (ˌiːɡəʊˈsɛntrIkəl, ˌɛɡ-)   adj   1 regarding everything only in relation to oneself; self-centred; selfish   2 philosophy pertaining to a theory in which everything is considered in relation to the self: an egocentric universe   ▷ n   3 a self-centred person; egotist   > ˌegocenˈtricity n

■ egocentrically (ˌiːɡəʊˈsɛntrIklI, ˌɛɡəʊˈsɛntrIklI)   adv   in an egocentric manner

■ egocentrism (ˌiːɡəʊˈsɛntrIzəm, ˌɛɡəʊ-)   n   1 the condition or fact of being egocentric   2 psychol a stage in a child's development characterized by lack of awareness that other people's points of view differ from his or her own

Egoli (ɛˈɡəʊlI)   n   a local name for Johannesburg [from Zulu eGoli place of gold]

egomania (ˌiːɡəʊˈmeInIə, ˌɛɡ-)   n psychiatry   1 obsessive love for oneself and regard for one's own needs   2 any action dictated by this point of view   > ˌegoˈmaniˌac n   > egomaniacal (ˌiːɡəʊməˈnaIIkəl, ˌɛɡ-) adj

■ egomaniacally (ˌiːɡəʊməˈnaIIklI, ˌɛɡəʊməˈnaIIklI)   adv   in an egomaniacal manner

egosurf (ˈiːɡəʊˌsɜːf)   vb (intr)   informal to search for one's own name on the internet

egotheism (ˌiːɡəʊˈθiːIzəm, ˌɛɡəʊˈθiːIzəm)   n   the act of deifying the self or identifying oneself as God

egotism (ˈiːɡəˌtIzəm, ˈɛɡə-)   n   1 an inflated sense of self-importance or superiority; self-centredness   2 excessive reference to oneself [C18: from Latin ego I + -ISM]

■ egotist (ˈiːɡətIst, ˈɛɡ-)   n   1 a conceited boastful person   2 a self-interested person; egoist   > ˌegoˈtistic or ˌegoˈtistical adj   > ˌegoˈtistically adv

■ egotize or egotise (ˈiːɡəʊˌtaIz, ˈɛɡəʊˌtaIz)   vb (intr)   to talk or write in a self-important manner

e-government   n   the provision of government information and services by means of the internet and other computer resources [C20: electronic government]

egregious (Iˈɡriːdʒəs, -dʒIəs)   adj   1 outstandingly bad; flagrant: an egregious lie   2 archaic distinguished; eminent [C16: from Latin ēgregius outstanding (literally: standing out from the herd), from ē- out + grex flock, herd]   > eˈgregiously adv   > eˈgregiousness n

egress   n (ˈiːɡrɛs)   1 Also called: egression the act of going or coming out; emergence   2 a way out, such as a path; exit   3 the right or permission to go out or depart   4 astronomy another name for emersion (sense 2)   ▷ vb (Iˈɡrɛs) (intr)   5 to go forth; issue [C16: from Latin ēgredī to come forth, depart, from gradī to move, step]

■ egression (Iˈɡrɛʃən)   n   another term for egress (sense 1)

■ egressive (IˈɡrɛsIv)   n   linguistics a speech sound produced with an exhalation of breath

egret (ˈiːɡrIt)   n   any of various wading birds of the genera Egretta, Hydranassa, etc, that are similar to herons but usually have a white plumage and, in the breeding season, long feathery plumes: family Ardeidae, order Ciconiiformes. See also aigrette [C15: from Old French aigrette, from Old Provençal aigreta, from aigron heron, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heigaro HERON]

egurgitate (IˈɡɜːdʒIˌteIt)   vb (tr)   1 to vomit (something)   2 to utter

Egypt (ˈiːdʒIpt)   n   a republic in NE Africa, on the Mediterranean and Red Sea: its history dates back about 5000 years. Occupied by the British from 1882, it became an independent kingdom in 1922 and a republic in 1953. Over 96 per cent of the total area is desert, with the chief areas of habitation and cultivation in the Nile delta and valley. Cotton is the main export. Official language: Arabic. Official religion: Muslim; Sunni majority. Currency: pound. Capital: Cairo. Pop: 97 553 151 (2017 est). Area: 997 739 sq km (385 229 sq miles). Official name: Arab Republic of Egypt. Former official name (1958–71): United Arab Republic

■ Egyptian (IˈdʒIpʃən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Egypt, its inhabitants, or their dialect of Arabic   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient Egyptians, their language, or culture   3 (of type) having square slab serifs   4 archaic of or relating to the Gypsies   ▷ n   5 a native or inhabitant of Egypt   6 a member of an indigenous non-Semitic people who established an advanced civilization in Egypt that flourished from the late fourth millennium BC   7 the extinct language of the ancient Egyptians, belonging to the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. It is recorded in hieroglyphic inscriptions, the earliest of which date from before 3000 BC. It was extinct by the fourth century AD. See also Coptic   8 a large size of drawing paper   9 an archaic name for a Gypsy

■ Egyptian jasper   n   a type of jasper, generally with zones of colour, found in desert regions of Egypt

■ Egyptian Mau (maʊ)   n   a breed of medium-sized cat with a spotted coat of medium length [Arabic mau cat]

■ Egyptology (ˌiːdʒIpˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the archaeology and language of ancient Egypt   > Egyptological (IˌdʒIptəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌEgypˈtologist n

eh^1 (eI)   interj   an exclamation used to express questioning surprise or to seek the repetition or confirmation of a statement or question: Eh? What did you say?

eh^2   the internet domain name for   Western Sahara

EHF   abbreviation for   extremely high frequency

EHO   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Environmental Health Officer

E hoa (ɛ ˈhɒːə)   n NZ   1 friend; pal   ▷ sentence substitute   2 hello! [Māori]

Ehrenburg or Erenburg (ˈɛərənˌbɜːɡ; Russian erInˈburk)   n   Ilya Grigorievich (iljˈja ɡriˈɡɔrjIvitʃ). 1891–1967, Soviet novelist and journalist. His novel The Thaw (1954) was the first published in the Soviet Union to deal with repression under Stalin

Ehrlich (German ˈeːrlIç)   n   Paul (paul). 1854–1915, German bacteriologist, noted for his pioneering work in immunology and chemotherapy and for his discovery of a remedy for syphilis: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1908

EHV   abbreviation for   equine herpesvirus

EI   abbreviation for   1 East Indian   2 East Indies   3 social psychol emotional intelligence   4 (in Canada) Employment Insurance: a regular payment to a person who is out of work, funded by contributions from workers and employers

EIA   abbreviation for   equine infectious anaemia

EIB   abbreviation for   European Investment Bank

Eichendorff (German ˈaiçəndɔrf)   n   Joseph (ˈjoːzɛf), Freiherr von. 1788–1857, German poet and novelist, regarded as one of the greatest German romantic lyricists

Eichler (German ˈaiçlər)   n   August Wilhelm (ˈɑʊɡʊst ˈvilhɛlm). 1839–87, German botanist: devised the system on which modern plant classification is based

Eichmann (German ˈaiçman)   n   (Karl) Adolf (ˈaːdɔlf). 1902–62, Austrian Nazi official, who took a leading role in organizing the extermination of the European Jews. He escaped to Argentina after World War II, but was captured and executed in Israel as a war criminal

eicosanoid (aIˈkəʊsəˌnɔId)   n   biochem any of a group of compounds, including the leukotrienes and the prostglandins, which are produced by the oxygenation of essential fatty acids and which are involved in a range of physiological processes, including inflammation and immunity

Eid (iːd)   n   another name for Eid-ul-Fitr

eident (ˈaIdənt)   adj   Scot diligent

eider or eider duck (ˈaIdə)   n   any of several sea ducks of the genus Somateria, esp S. mollissima, and related genera, which occur in the N hemisphere. The male has black and white plumage, and the female is the source of eiderdown [C18: from Old Norse æthr; related to Swedish ejder, Dutch, German Eider]

■ eiderdown (ˈaIdəˌdaʊn)   n   1 the breast down of the female eider duck, with which it lines the nest, used for stuffing pillows, quilts, etc   2 a thick warm cover for a bed, made of two layers of material enclosing a soft filling   3 US a warm cotton fabric having a woollen nap

eidetic (aIˈdɛtIk)   adj psychol   1 (of visual, or sometimes auditory, images) exceptionally vivid and allowing detailed recall of something previously perceived: thought to be common in children   2 relating to or subject to such imagery [C20: from Greek eidētikos, from eidos shape, form]   > eiˈdetically adv

eidograph (ˈaIdəʊˌɡrɑːf)   n   a type of pantograph that was invented by the Scottish mathematician William Wallace in 1821 and which was more accurate than other pantographs

eidolon (aIˈdəʊlɒn)   n, pl -la (-lə) or -lons   1 an unsubstantial image; apparition; phantom   2 an ideal or idealized figure [C19: from Greek: phantom, IDOL]

■ eidolic (aIˈdɒlIk)   adj   relating to an eidolon

eidos (ˈaIdɒs)   n   anthropol the intellectual character of a culture or a social group

Eid-ul-Adha (ˈiːdʊlˌɑːdə)   n   an annual Muslim festival marking the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca. Animals are sacrificed and their meat shared among poor people [from Arabic id ul adha festival of sacrifice]

Eid-ul-Fitr (ˈiːdʊlˌfiːtə)   n   an annual Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan, involving the exchange of gifts and a festive meal. Also called: Eid [from Arabic id ul fitr festival of fast-breaking]

Eifel (ˈaIfəl; German ˈaifəl)   n   a plateau region in W Germany, between the River Moselle and the Belgian frontier: quarrying

Eiffel (ˈaIfəl; French ɛfɛl)   n   Alexandre Gustave (alɛksɑ̃drə ɡystav). 1832–1923, French engineer

■ Eiffel Tower   n   a tower in Paris: designed by A. G. Eiffel; erected for the 1889 Paris Exposition. Height: 300 m (984 ft), raised in 1959 to 321 m (1052 ft)

Eigen (German ˈaiɡən)   n   Manfred. born 1927, German physical chemist: shared the Nobel prize for chemistry (1967) for developing his relaxation technique for studying fast reactions

eigen-   combining form   characteristic; proper: eigenvalue [from German, literally: own]

eigenfrequency (ˈaIɡənˌfriːkwənsI)   n, pl -cies   physics a resonance frequency of a system

eigenfunction (ˈaIɡənˌfʌŋkʃən)   n   maths, physics a function satisfying a differential equation, esp an allowed function for a system in wave mechanics

eigenmode (ˈaIɡənˌməʊd)   n   physics a normal mode in an oscillating system, being one in which all parts of the system are oscillating with the same frequency

eigentone (ˈaIɡənˌtəʊn)   n   a characteristic acoustic resonance frequency of a system

eigenvalue (ˈaIɡənˌvæljuː)   n   maths, physics one of the particular values of a certain parameter for which a differential equation or matrix equation has an eigenfunction. In wave mechanics an eigenvalue is equivalent to the energy of a quantum state of a system

eigenvector (ˈaIɡənˌvɛktə)   n   maths, physics a vector x satisfying an equation Ax = λx, where A is a square matrix and λ is a constant

Eiger (German ˈaiɡər)   n   a mountain in central Switzerland, in the Bernese Alps. Height: 3967 m (13 015 ft)

eight (eIt)   n   1 the cardinal number that is the sum of one and seven and the product of two and four. See also number (sense 1)   2 a numeral, 8, VIII, etc, representing this number   3 music the numeral 8 used as the lower figure in a time signature to indicate that the beat is measured in quavers   4 the amount or quantity that is one greater than seven   5 something representing, represented by, or consisting of eight units, such as a playing card with eight symbols on it   6 rowing   a a racing shell propelled by eight oarsmen   b the crew of such a shell   7 Also called: eight o'clock eight hours after noon or midnight   8 have one over the eight slang to be drunk   9 See figure of eight   ▷ determiner   10    a amounting to eight   b (as pronoun): I could only find eight ▶ Related prefixes: octa-, octo- [Old English eahta; related to Old High German ahto, Old Norse ātta, Old Irish ocht, Latin octō, Greek okto, Sanskrit astau]

■ eightball (ˈeItˌbɔːl)   n US and Canadian   1 (in pool) the black ball, marked with the number eight   2 behind the eight ball in a difficult situation; snookered

■ eightfoil (ˈeItˌfɔIl)   n   heraldry an eight-leaved flower shape

■ eightfold (ˈeItˌfəʊld)   adj   1 equal to or having eight times as many or as much   2 composed of eight parts   ▷ adv   3 by or up to eight times as much

■ eightfoot (ˈeItˌfʊt)   adj   measuring eight feet

■ eightpence (ˈeItpəns)   n   the value of eight pennies

■ eightpenny (ˈeItpənI)   adj   costing eight pennies

■ eightscore (ˈeItˌskɔː)   determiner   archaic one hundred and sixty

■ eightsman (ˈeItsmən)   n, pl -men   rowing a member of an eight-person rowing crew

■ eightsome (ˈeItsəm)   n Scot   1 a group of eight people   2 dancing an eightsome reel

■ eightsome reel (ˈeItsəm)   n   a Scottish dance for eight people

eighteen (ˈeIˈtiːn)   n   1 the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and eight and the product of two and nine. See also number (sense 1)   2 a numeral, 18, XVIII, etc, representing this number   3 the amount or quantity that is eight more than ten   4 something represented by, representing, or consisting of 18 units   5 (functioning as singular or plural) a team of 18 players in Australian Rules football   ▷ determiner   6    a amounting to eighteen: eighteen weeks   b (as pronoun): eighteen of them knew [Old English eahtatēne; related to Old Norse attjan, Old High German ahtozehan]

eighteenmo (ˈeIˈtiːnməʊ)   n, pl -mos   1 Also called: octodecimo a book size resulting from folding a sheet of paper into 18 leaves or 36 pages. Often written: 18mo, 18°   2 a book of this size

eighteenth (ˈeIˈtiːnθ)   adj   1 (usually prenominal)   a coming after the seventeenth in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc; being the ordinal number of eighteen: often written 18th   b (as noun): come on the eighteenth   ▷ n   2    a one of 18 approximately equal parts of something   b (as modifier): an eighteenth part   3 the fraction that is equal to one divided by 18 (1⁄18)

■ eighteenthly (ˌeIˈtiːnθlI)   adv   in the eighteenth place

eighth (eItθ)   adj   1 (usually prenominal)   a coming after the seventh and before the ninth in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc; being the ordinal number of eight: often written 8th   b (as noun): the eighth in line   ▷ n   2    a one of eight equal or nearly equal parts of an object, quantity, measurement, etc   b (as modifier): an eighth part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by eight (1⁄8)   4 another word for octave   ▷ adv   5 Also: eighthly after the seventh person, position, event, etc

■ eighth grade   n   (in the US) the eighth year of school, when students are 12 to 14 years old   > ˌeighth-ˈgrader n

■ eighth note   n   US and Canadian music a note having the time value of an eighth of a semibreve. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): quaver

eightieth (ˈeItIIθ)   adj   1 (usually prenominal)   a being the ordinal number of eighty in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc: often written 80th   b (as noun): the eightieth in succession   ▷ n   2    a one of 80 approximately equal parts of something   b (as modifier): an eightieth part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by 80 (1⁄80)

eightvo (ˈeItvəʊ)   n, pl -vos   bookbinding another word for octavo

eighty (ˈeItI)   n, pl -ies   1 the cardinal number that is the product of ten and eight. See also number (sense 1)   2 a numeral, 80, LXXX, etc, representing this number   3 (plural) the numbers 80–89, esp a person's age or the year of a particular century   4 the amount or quantity that is eight times as big as ten   5 something represented by, representing, or consisting of 80 units   ▷ determiner   6    a amounting to eighty: eighty pages of nonsense   b (as pronoun): eighty are expected [Old English eahtatig; related to Old Frisian achtig, Old High German ahtozug]

■ eighty-seven   n   cricket a score traditionally regarded in Australia as being unlucky [possibly because 13 less than a century]

■ eighty-six   vb (tr)   US to eject (someone) from a place

eigne (eIn)   adj   law archaic first-born

Eijkman (Dutch ˈɛikmɑn)   n   Christiaan (ˈkriːstiːˌaːn). 1858–1930, Dutch physician, who discovered that beriberi is caused by nutritional deficiency: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1929

eikon (ˈaIkɒn)   n   a variant spelling of icon

Eilat, Elat or Elath (eIˈlɑːt)   n   a port in S Israel, on the Gulf of Aqaba: Israel's only outlet to the Red Sea. Pop: 43 500 (2003 est)

eild (eIld)   n   archaic another name for eld

eilding (ˈeIəldIŋ)   n   Scot dialect another name for eldin

Eilean Donan Castle (ˈeIlən ˈdɒnən)   n   a castle near the Kyle of Lochalsh in Highland, Scotland: built in the 13th century; famous for its picturesque setting

eina (ˈeIˌnɑː)   interj   South African an exclamation of sudden pain [C19: Afrikaans, from Khoikhoi]

Eindhoven (ˈaIntˌhəʊvən; Dutch ˈɛinthoːvə)   n   a city in the SE Netherlands, in North Brabant province: radio and electrical industry. Pop: 206 000 (2003 est)

eine (iːn, aIn)   pl n   obsolete eyes

einkorn (ˈaInˌkɔːn)   n   a variety of wheat, Triticum monococcum, of Greece and SW Asia, having pale red kernels, and cultivated in hilly regions as grain for horses [C20: from German, literally: one kernel]

Einstein (ˈaInstaIn)   n   Albert. 1879–1955, US physicist and mathematician, born in Germany. He formulated the special theory of relativity (1905) and the general theory of relativity (1916), and made major contributions to the quantum theory, for which he was awarded the Nobel prize for physics in 1921. He was noted also for his work for world peace   > Einˈsteinian adj

■ Einstein shift   n   astronomy a small displacement towards the red in the spectra, caused by the interaction between the radiation and the gravitational field of a massive body, such as the sun

■ Einstein's mass-energy law   n   the principle that mass (m) and energy (E) are equivalent according to the equation E = mc^2, where c is the velocity of light

■ Einstein's photoelectric law   n   the principle that the maximum energy of a photoelectron is hν – Φ, where ν is the frequency of the incident radiation, h is the Planck constant, and Φ is the work function

einsteinium (aInˈstaInIəm)   n   a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from plutonium. Symbol: Es; atomic no: 99; half-life of most stable isotope, 252Es: 276 days [C20: New Latin, named after Albert EINSTEIN]

Einthoven (Dutch ˈɛInthoːvə)   n   Willem. 1860–1927, Dutch physiologist. A pioneer of electrocardiography, he was awarded the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1924

eirack (ˈiːrək)   n   Scot a young hen in its first year

Eire (ˈɛərə)   n   1 the Irish Gaelic name for Ireland^1   2 a former official name (1937–49) for Republic of Ireland

eirenic (aIˈriːnIk)   adj   a variant spelling of irenic

eirenicon or irenicon (aIˈriːnIˌkɒn)   n   a proposition that attempts to harmonize conflicting viewpoints [C19: from Greek, from eirēnikos of or concerning peace, from eirēnē peace]

eisegesis (ˌaIsəˈdʒiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   the interpretation of a text, esp a biblical text, using one's own ideas. Compare exegesis [C19: from Greek eis into, in + -egesis, as in EXEGESIS]

eisel (ˈeIsəl, ˈiːsəl)   n   obsolete vinegar

Eisenach (German ˈaizənax)   n   a city in central Germany, in Thuringia: birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. Pop: 44 081 (2003 est)

Eisenhower (ˈaIzənˌhaʊə)   n   Dwight D(avid), known as Ike. 1890–1969, US general and Republican statesman; Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force (1943–45) and 34th president of the US (1953–61). He commanded Allied forces in Europe and North Africa (1942), directed the invasion of Italy (1943), and was Supreme Commander of the combined land forces of NATO (1950–52)

Eisenstadt (German ˈaizənʃtat)   n   a town in E Austria, capital of Burgenland province: Hungarian until 1921. Pop: 11 334 (2001)

Eisenstaedt (ˈaIzənˌstæt)   n   Alfred. 1898–1995, US photographer, born in Germany; noted for his photograph of a sailor kissing a woman in Times Square, New York on V-J Day in 1945

Eisenstein (ˈaIzənˌstaIn; Russian ejzInˈʃtjejn)   n   Sergei Mikhailovich (sIrˈɡjej miˈxajləvitʃ). 1898–1948, Soviet film director. His films include Battleship Potemkin (1925), Alexander Nevsky (1938), and Ivan the Terrible (1944)

eish (eIʃ)   interj   South African an exclamation expressive of surprise, agreement, disapproval, etc [from Zulu]

Eisk or Eysk (Russian jejsk)   n   variant transliterations of the Russian name for Yeisk

eisteddfod (aIˈstɛdfəd; Welsh aIˈstɛðvɔd)   n, pl -fods or -fodau (Welsh aIˌstɛðˈvɒdaI)   any of a number of annual festivals in Wales, esp the Royal National Eisteddfod, in which competitions are held in music, poetry, drama, and the fine arts [C19: from Welsh, literally: session, from eistedd to sit (from sedd seat) + -fod, from bod to be]   > ˌeisteddˈfodic adj

eiswein (ˈaIsˌvaIn)   n   a German dessert wine made from grapes which freeze on the vine and are pressed before being given time to defrost

either (ˈaIðə, ˈiːðə)   determiner   1    a one or the other (of two): either coat will do   b (as pronoun): either is acceptable   2 both one and the other: there were loudspeakers at either end of the hall   3 (coordinating) used preceding two or more possibilities joined by "or": you may have either cheese or a sweet   ▷ adv (sentence modifier)   4 (used with a negative) used to indicate that the clause immediately preceding is a partial reiteration of a previous clause: John isn't a liar, but he isn't exactly honest either [Old English ǣgther, short for ǣghwæther each of two; related to Old Frisian ēider, Old High German ēogihweder; see EACH, WHETHER]

USAGE

Either is followed by a singular verb in good usage: either is good; either of these books is useful. Care should be taken to avoid ambiguity when using either to mean both or each, as in the following sentence: a ship could be moored on either side of the channel. Agreement between the verb and its subject in either…or… constructions follows the pattern given for neither…nor…

■ either-or   adj   presenting an unavoidable need to choose between two alternatives: an either-or situation

Eivissa (eIˈβisə)   n   the Catalan name for Ibiza

ejaculate   vb (IˈdʒækjʊˌleIt)   1 to eject or discharge (semen) in orgasm   2 (tr) to utter abruptly; blurt out   ▷ n (IˈdʒækjʊlIt)   3 another word for semen [C16: from Latin ējaculārī to hurl out, from jaculum javelin, from jacere to throw]   > eˈjacuˌlator n

■ ejaculation (IˌdʒækjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 an abrupt emphatic utterance or exclamation   2 a discharge of semen   > eˈjaculatory or eˈjaculative adj

ejaculatio praecox (IˌdʒækjʊˈleIʃIəʊ ˈpriːkɒks)   n   premature ejaculation during sexual intercourse [Latin]

eject (Iˈdʒɛkt)   vb   1 (tr) to drive or force out; expel or emit   2 (tr) to compel (a person) to leave; evict; dispossess   3 (tr) to dismiss, as from office   4 (intr) to leave an aircraft rapidly, using an ejection seat or capsule   5 (tr) psychiatry to attribute (one's own motivations and characteristics) to others [C15: from Latin ejicere, from jacere to throw]   > eˈjection n

■ ejectable (Iˈdʒɛktəbəl)   adj   capable of being ejected

■ ejection seat or ejector seat   n   a seat, esp as fitted to military aircraft, that is fired by a cartridge or rocket to eject the occupant from the aircraft in an emergency

■ ejective (IˈdʒɛktIv)   adj   1 relating to or causing ejection   2 phonetics (of a plosive or fricative consonant, as in some African languages) pronounced with a glottal stop   ▷ n   3 phonetics an ejective consonant   > eˈjectively adv

■ ejectment (Iˈdʒɛktmənt)   n   1 property law (formerly) an action brought by a wrongfully dispossessed owner seeking to recover possession of his or her land   2 the act of ejecting or state of being ejected; dispossession

■ ejector (Iˈdʒɛktə)   n   1 a person or thing that ejects   2 the mechanism in a firearm that ejects the empty cartridge or shell after firing

ejecta (Iˈdʒɛktə) or ejectamenta (Iˈdʒɛktəˌmɛntə)   pl n   matter thrown out of a crater by an erupting volcano or during a meteorite impact [C19: Latin, literally: (things) ejected; see EJECT]

Ekaterinburg (Russian jIkətIrinˈburk)   n   a variant transliteration of the Russian name for Yekaterinburg

Ekaterinodar (Russian jIkətIrinaˈdar)   n   the former name (until 1920) of Krasnodar

Ekaterinoslav (Russian jIkətIrinaˈslaf)   n   a former name (1787–96, 1802–1926) of Dnipro

eke^1 (iːk)   vb   (tr) archaic to increase, enlarge, or lengthen [Old English eacan; related to Old Norse auka to increase, Latin augēre to increase]

■ eke out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to make (a supply) last, esp by frugal use: they eked out what little food was left   2 to support (existence) with difficulty and effort   3 to add to (something insufficient), esp with effort: to eke out an income with evening work

eke^2 (iːk)   sentence connector   archaic also; moreover [Old English eac; related to Old Norse, Gothic auk also, Old High German ouh, Latin autem but, aut or]

EKG   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   1 electrocardiogram   2 electrocardiograph

ekistics (IˈkIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the science or study of human settlements [C20: from Greek oikistikos of or concerning settlements, from oikizein to settle (a colony), from oikos a house]   > eˈkistic or eˈkistical adj   > ˌekisˈtician n

Ekiti (ɛˈkiːtI)   n   a state of Nigeria, in the SW. Capital: Ado-Ekiti. Pop: 2 384 212(2006). Area: 6353 sq km (2453 sq miles)

ekka (ˈɛkə)   n   Indian a type of small one-horse carriage

Ekman (Swedish ˈɛkman)   n   Vagn Walfrid (ˈvaɣən ˈwɑːlfriːd). 1874–1954, Swedish oceanographer: discoverer of the Ekman spiral (a complex interaction on the surface of the sea between wind, rotation of the earth, and friction forces) and the Ekman Layer (the thin top layer of the sea that flows at 90° to the wind direction)

■ Ekman layer (Swedish ˈɛkman)   n   the thin top layer of the sea that flows at 90° to the wind direction, discovered by Vagn Walfrid Ekman

■ Ekman spiral   n   a complex interaction on the surface of the sea between wind, rotation of the earth, and friction forces, discovered by Vagn Walfrid Ekman

ekphrasis (ˈɛkfrəsIs)   n, pl -rases (-rəˌsiːz)   rhetoric a description of a visual work of art

ekpwele (ɛkˈpweIleI) or ekuele (eIˈkweIleI)   n, pl -le (-leI)   a former monetary unit of Equatorial Guinea [from the native name in Equatorial Guinea]

ek se (ɛk seI)   sentence substitute   South African an expression used to seek agreement, for emphasis, etc [Afrikaans, literally: I say]

ektexine (ɛkˈtɛksIn, ɛkˈtɛksaIn)   n   botany the outer of the two layers that make up the exine

el (ɛl)   n   US informal a shortened form of elevated railway or railroad. See elevated railway

El Aaiún (ɛl aIˈjuːn)   n   a city in Western Sahara, controlled by Morocco: the capital of the former Spanish Sahara; port facilities for rich phosphate deposits nearby. Pop: 197 000 (2005 est). Moroccan (French) name: Laâyoune

elaborate   adj (IˈlæbərIt)   1 planned or executed with care and exactness; detailed   2 marked by complexity, ornateness, or detail   ▷ vb (IˈlæbəˌreIt)   3 (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to add information or detail (to an account); expand (upon)   4 (tr) to work out in detail; develop   5 (tr) to make more complicated or ornate   6 (tr) to produce by careful labour; create   7 (tr) physiol to change (food or simple substances) into more complex substances for use in the body [C16: from Latin ēlabōrāre to take pains, from labōrāre to toil]   > eˈlaborately adv   > eˈlaborateness n   > eˌlaboˈration n   > elaborative (IˈlæbərətIv) adj   > eˈlaboˌrator n

elaboratory (IˈlæbərətərI)   n   obsolete a laboratory

elaeolite (ɛˈliːəʊˌlaIt)   n   mineralogy a type of nepheline that has a greasy lustre

elaeoptene (ˌɛlIˈɒptiːn)   n   a variant spelling of eleoptene

Elagabalus (ˌɛləˈɡæbələs, ˌiːlə-)   n   same as Heliogabalus

elaiosome (IˈleIəˌsəʊm)   n   an oil-rich body on seeds or fruits that attracts ants, which act as dispersal agents [from Greek elaion oil + -SOME^3]

El Alamein (ɛl ˈæləˌmeIn) or Alamein   n   a village on the N coast of Egypt, about 112 km (70 miles) west of Alexandria: scene of a decisive Allied victory over the Axis forces (1942)

Elam (ˈiːləm)   n   an ancient kingdom east of the River Tigris: established before 4000 BC; probably inhabited by a non-Semitic people

■ Elamite (ˈiːləˌmaIt)   n   1 an inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Elam   2 Also called: Elamitic, Susian the extinct language of this people, of no known relationship, recorded in cuneiform inscriptions dating from the 25th to the 4th centuries BC   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Elam, its people, or their language

élan (eIˈlɑːn, eIˈlæn; French elɑ̃)   n   a combination of style and vigour: he performed the concerto with élan [C19: from French, from élancer to throw forth, ultimately from Latin lancea LANCE]

■ élan vital French (elɑ̃ vital)   n   a creative principle held by Henri Bergson to be present in all organisms and responsible for evolution. Compare Bergsonism [literally: vital impetus]

elance (Iˈlɑːns)   vb (tr)   archaic to throw (a spear, dart, or lance)

eland (ˈiːlənd)   n   1 a large spiral-horned antelope, Taurotragus oryx, inhabiting bushland in eastern and southern Africa. It has a dewlap and a hump on the shoulders and is light brown with vertical white stripes   2 giant eland a similar but larger animal, T. derbianus, living in wooded areas of central and W Africa [C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch eland elk; related to Old Slavonic jeleni stag, Greek ellos fawn]

elanet (ˈɛləˌnɛt)   n   any of four species of diurnal bird of prey of the genus Elanus and of the family Accipitridae

elaphine (ˈɛləfaIn)   adj   zoology relating to or resembling a red deer

elapid (ˈɛləpId)   n   1 any venomous snake of the mostly tropical family Elapidae, having fixed poison fangs at the front of the upper jaw and including the cobras, coral snakes, and mambas   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Elapidae [C19: from New Latin Elapidae, from Medieval Greek elaps, elops a fish, sea serpent; perhaps related to Greek lepis scale]

■ elapine (ˈɛləpaIn)   adj   zoology relating to or resembling an elapid

elapse (Iˈlæps)   vb   (intr) (of time) to pass by [C17: from Latin ēlābī to slip away, from lābī to slip, glide]

Elara (ɛˈlærə)   n   astronomy a small satellite of Jupiter in an intermediate orbit

elasmobranch (Iˈlæsməˌbræŋk, Iˈlæz-)   n   1 any cartilaginous fish of the subclass Elasmobranchii (or Selachii), which includes the sharks, rays, dogfish, and skates   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Elasmobranchii   ▶ Also called: selachian [C19: from New Latin elasmobranchii, from Greek elasmos metal plate + brankhia gills]

elasmosaur (Iˈlæzməˌsɔː)   n   a very long-necked extinct marine reptile: a type of plesiosaur [C19: from Greek elasmos metal plate + sauros lizard]

elastance (Iˈlæstəns)   n   physics the reciprocal of capacitance. It is measured in reciprocal farads (darafs) [C19: from ELASTIC + -ANCE]

elastane (IˈlæsteIn)   n   a synthetic fibre characterized by its ability to revert to its original shape after being stretched

elastase (IˈlæsteIs)   n   an enzyme that digests elastin

elastic (IˈlæstIk)   adj   1 (of a body or material) capable of returning to its original shape after compression, expansion, stretching, or other deformation   2 capable of adapting to change: an elastic schedule   3 quick to recover from fatigue, dejection, etc; buoyant   4 springy or resilient: an elastic walk   5 (of gases) capable of expanding spontaneously   6 physics (of collisions) involving no overall change in translational kinetic energy   7 made of elastic   ▷ n   8 tape, cord, or fabric containing interwoven strands of flexible rubber or similar substance allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape   9 chiefly US and Canadian something made of elastic, such as a rubber band or a garter [C17: from New Latin elasticus impulsive, from Greek elastikos, from elaunein to beat, drive]   > eˈlastically adv

■ elasticate (IˈlæstIˌkeIt)   vb   (tr) to insert elastic sections or thread into (a fabric or garment): an elasticated waistband   > eˌlastiˈcation n

■ elasticated (IˈlæstIkeItId)   adj   Brit (of clothes) having elastic inserted

■ elastic band   n   Brit another name for rubber band

■ elasticity (IlæˈstIsItI, ˌiːlæ-)   n   1 the property of a body or substance that enables it to resume its original shape or size when a distorting force is removed. See also elastic limit   2 the state or quality of being elastic; flexibility or buoyancy   3 a measure of the sensitivity of demand for goods or services to changes in price or other marketing variables, such as advertising

■ elasticize or elasticise (IˈlæstIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make elastic   2 another word for elasticate

■ elastic limit   n   the greatest stress that can be applied to a material without causing permanent deformation

■ elastic modulus   n   another name for modulus of elasticity

■ elasticness (IˈlæstIknəs)   n   the state or quality of being elastic

■ elastic rebound   n   geology a theory of earthquakes that envisages gradual deformation of the fault zone without fault slippage until friction is overcome, when the fault suddenly slips to produce the earthquake

elastin (IˈlæstIn)   n   biochem a fibrous scleroprotein constituting the major part of elastic tissue, such as the walls of arteries [C19: from ELASTIC + -IN]

elastomer (Iˈlæstəmə)   n   any material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, that is able to resume its original shape when a deforming force is removed [C20: from ELASTIC + -MER]   > elastomeric (IˌlæstəˈmɛrIk) adj

Elastoplast (Iˈlæstəˌplɑːst)   n   trademark a gauze surgical dressing backed by adhesive tape

Elat or Elath (eIˈlɑːt)   n   variant spellings of Eilat

elate (IˈleIt)   vb   (tr) to fill with high spirits, exhilaration, pride or optimism [C16: from Latin ēlāt- stem of past participle of efferre to bear away, from ferre to carry]

■ elated (IˈleItId)   adj   full of high spirits, exhilaration, pride or optimism; very happy   > eˈlatedly adv   > eˈlatedness n

■ elation (IˈleIʃən)   n   joyfulness or exaltation of spirit, as from success, pleasure, or relief; high spirits

elater (ˈɛlətə)   n   1 an elaterid beetle   2 botany a spirally thickened filament, occurring in liverwort capsules and horsetails, thought to aid dispersal of spores [C17: via New Latin from Greek: driver, from elaunein to beat, drive; compare ELASTIC]

elaterid (IˈlætərId)   n   1 any of the beetles constituting the widely distributed family Elateridae (click beetles). The group includes the wireworms and certain fireflies   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the family Elateridae [C19: from New Latin Elateridae, from ELATER]

elaterin (IˈlætərIn)   n   a white crystalline substance found in elaterium, used as a purgative [C19: from ELATERIUM + -IN]

elaterite (IˈlætəˌraIt)   n   a dark brown naturally occurring bitumen resembling rubber [C19: from ELATER + -ITE^1]

elaterium (ˌɛləˈtIərIəm)   n   a greenish sediment prepared from the juice of the squirting cucumber, used as a purgative [C16: from Latin, from Greek elatērion squirting cucumber, from elatērios purgative, from elaunein to drive]

elative (ˈiːlətIv)   adj   1 (in the grammar of Finnish and other languages) denoting a case of nouns expressing a relation of motion or direction, usually translated by the English prepositions out of or away from. Compare illative (sense 3)   ▷ n   2    a the elative case   b an elative word or speech element [C19: from Latin ēlātus, past participle of efferre to carry out; see ELATE]

E layer   n   another name for E region

Elba (ˈɛlbə)   n   a mountainous island off the W coast of Italy, in the Mediterranean: Napoleon Bonaparte's first place of exile (1814–15). Pop: 30 000 (latest est). Area: 223 sq km (86 sq miles)

Elbe (ɛlb; German ˈɛlbə)   n   a river in central Europe, rising in the N Czech Republic and flowing generally northwest through Germany to the North Sea at Hamburg. Length: 1165 km (724 miles). Czech name: Labe

Elbert (ˈɛlbət)   n   Mount Elbert a mountain in central Colorado, in the Sawatch range. Height: 4401 m (14 439 ft)

Elbląg (Polish ˈɛlblɔŋk)   n   a port in N Poland: metallurgical industries. Pop: 129 000 (2005 est). German name: Elbing (ˈɛlbIŋ)

elbow (ˈɛlbəʊ)   n   1 the joint between the upper arm and the forearm, formed by the junction of the radius and ulna with the humerus   2 the corresponding joint or bone of birds or mammals   3 the part of a garment that covers the elbow   4 something resembling an elbow, such as a sharp bend in a road or river   5 at one's elbow within easy reach   6 out at elbow or out at elbows ragged or impoverished   7 up to the elbows with or up to the elbows in busily occupied with; deeply immersed in   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to reject; dismiss. Also: give the elbow   9 to make (one's way) by shoving, jostling, etc   10 (tr) to knock or shove with or as if with the elbow [Old English elnboga; see ELL^2, BOW^2; related to Old Norse olbogi, Old High German elinbogo]

■ elbow grease   n   facetious vigorous physical labour, esp hard rubbing

■ elbow-rest   n   something designed for resting one's elbow on

■ elbowroom (ˈɛlbəʊˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   sufficient scope to move or function

Elbrus (Ilˈbruːs)   n   a mountain in SW Russia, on the border with Georgia, in the Caucasus Mountains, with two extinct volcanic peaks: the highest mountain in Europe. Height: 5642 m (18 510 ft)

Elburz Mountains (ɛlˈbʊəz)   pl n   a mountain range in N Iran, parallel to the SW and S shores of the Caspian Sea. Highest peak: Mount Demavend, 5671 m (18 606 ft)

El Capitan (ɛl ˌkapIˈtæn)   n   a mountain in E central California, in the Sierra Nevada: a monolith with a precipice rising over 1100 m (3600 ft) above the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Height: 2308 m (7572 ft)

Elche (Spanish ˈɛltʃe)   n   a town in S Spain, in Valencia: noted for Iberian and Roman archaeological finds and the medieval religious drama performed there annually: fruit growing, esp dates, pomegranates, figs. Pop: 207 163 (2003 est). Catalan name: Elx. Official name: Elche/Elx

elchee (ˈɛltʃiː)   n   an ambassador

El Cid Campeador (Spanish ɛl θið kampeaˈðɔr)   n   See Cid

eld (ɛld) or eild (eIld)   n archaic   1 old age   2 olden days; antiquity [Old English eldu; related to Old Norse elli; see OLD]

elder^1 (ˈɛldə)   adj   1 born earlier; senior. Compare older   2 (in piquet and similar card games) denoting or relating to the nondealer (the elder hand), who has certain advantages in the play   3 archaic   a prior in rank, position, or office   b of a previous time; former   ▷ n   4 an older person; one's senior   5 anthropol a senior member of a tribe who has influence or authority   6 (in certain Protestant Churches) a lay office having teaching, pastoral, or administrative functions   7 another word for presbyter [Old English eldra, comparative of eald OLD; related to Old Norse ellri, Old High German altiro, Gothic althiza]   > ˈelderˌship n

USAGE

The word elder is being increasingly used, as a more respectful way of referring to older people: elder care, elder abuse

■ Elder Brethren   pl n   the senior members of the governing body of Trinity House

■ eldercare (ˈɛldəˌkɛə)   n   US care of elderly people

■ elderly (ˈɛldəlI)   adj (of people)     a quite old; past middle age   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the elderly. Related adjective: geriatric   > ˈelderliness n

USAGE

Referring to any group using the formula the elderly, the disabled is felt to be inappropriate because it glosses over people's individuality and perpetuates stereotypes. It is preferable to use phrases such as disabled people and so forth. Many people also prefer to talk about older rather than elderly people for similar reasons

■ elder statesman   n   an old, experienced, and eminent person, esp a politician, whose advice is often sought

■ eldress (ˈɛldrIs)   n   Christianity a female elder

elder^2 (ˈɛldə)   n   1 Also called: elderberry any of various caprifoliaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Sambucus, having clusters of small white flowers and red, purple, or black berry-like fruits   2 any of various unrelated plants, such as box elder and marsh elder   ▶ Compare alder [Old English ellern; related to Old Norse elrir, Old High German erlīn, Old Slavonic jelǐcha, Latin alnus]

■ elderberry (ˈɛldəˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the berry-like fruit of the elder, used for making wines, jellies, etc   2 another name for elder^1 (sense 1)

■ elderflower (ˈɛldəflaʊə)   n   the flower of the elder tree used for making wine and cordial

Elder (ˈɛldə)   n   Sir Mark Philip. born 1947, British conductor; musical director of the English National Opera (1979–93) and of the Hallé Orchestra from 2000

eldest (ˈɛldIst)   adj   being the oldest, esp the oldest surviving child of the same parents [Old English eldesta, superlative of eald OLD]

eldin (ˈɛldIn) or eilding (ˈeIəldIŋ)   n   Scot dialect fuel or firewood

Eldon (ˈɛldən)   n   Earl of, title of John Scott. 1751–1838, British statesman and jurist; Lord Chancellor (1801–06, 1807–27): an inflexible opponent of parliamentary reform, Catholic emancipation, and the abolition of slavery

El Dorado (ɛl dɒˈrɑːdəʊ; Spanish ɛl doˈraðo)   n   1 a fabled city in South America, rich in treasure and sought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century   2 Also: eldorado any place of great riches or fabulous opportunity [C16: from Spanish, literally: the gilded (place)]

eldritch or eldrich (ˈɛldrItʃ)   adj   poetic, Scot unearthly; weird [C16: perhaps from Old English ælf ELF + rīce realm; see RICH]

Elea (ˈiːlIə)   n   (in ancient Italy) a Greek colony on the Tyrrhenian coast of Lucana

■ Eleatic (ˌɛlIˈætIk)   adj   1 denoting or relating to a school of philosophy founded in Elea in Greece in the 6th century BC by Xenophanes, Parmenides, and Zeno. It held that one pure immutable Being is the only object of knowledge and that information obtained by the senses is illusory   ▷ n   2 a follower of this school   > Eleaticism (ˌɛlIˈætIˌsIzəm) n

Eleanor of Aquitaine (ˈɛlInə, -ˌnɔː)   n   ?1122–1204, queen of France (1137–52) by her marriage to Louis VII and queen of England (1154–89) by her marriage to Henry II; mother of the English kings Richard I and John

Eleanor of Castile (ˈɛlInə, -ˌnɔː)   n   1246–90, Spanish wife of Edward I of England. Eleanor Crosses were erected at each place at which her body rested between Nottingham, where she died, and London, where she is buried

e-learning   n   an internet-based teaching system [C20: electronic learning]

elec   abbreviation for   1 electric   2 electricity

elecampane (ˌɛlIkæmˈpeIn)   n   a perennial flowering plant, Inula helenium, of Europe, Asia, and North America having large hairy leaves and narrow yellow petals: family Asteraceae (composites) [C16: from Medieval Latin enula campãna, from enula (from Greek helenion) + campãnus of the field]

elect (Iˈlɛkt)   vb   1 (tr) to choose (someone) to be (a representative or a public official) by voting: they elected him Mayor   2 to select; choose: to elect to die rather than surrender   3 (tr) (of God) to select or predestine for the grace of salvation   ▷ adj   4 (immediately postpositive) voted into office but not yet installed: the president elect   5    a chosen or choice; selected or elite   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the elect   6 Christianity   a selected or predestined by God to receive salvation; chosen   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the elect [C15: from Latin ēligere to select, from legere to choose]   > eˈlectable adj   > eˌlectaˈbility n

■ elected (IˈlɛktId)   adj   voted to a role in an election

■ electee (Iˌlɛkˈtiː)   n   a person who is elected

■ election (Iˈlɛkʃən)   n   1 the selection by vote of a person or persons from among candidates for a position, esp a political office   2 a public vote on an official proposition   3 the act or an instance of choosing   4 Christianity   a the doctrine of Calvin that God chooses certain individuals for salvation without reference to their faith or works   b the doctrine of Arminius and others that God chooses for salvation those who, by grace, persevere in faith and works

■ electioneer (IˌlɛkʃəˈnIə)   vb (intr)   1 to be active in a political election or campaign   ▷ n   2 Also called: electioneerer a person who engages in this activity   > eˌlectionˈeering n, adj

■ elective (IˈlɛktIv)   adj   1 of or based on selection by vote: elective procedure   2 selected by vote: an elective official   3 having the power to elect   4 open to choice; optional: an elective course of study   ▷ n   5 an optional course or hospital placement undertaken by a medical student   > eˈlectively adv   > electivity (ˌiːlɛkˈtIvItI) or eˈlectiveness n

■ elector (Iˈlɛktə)   n   1 someone who is eligible to vote in the election of a government   2 (often capital) a member of the US electoral college   3 (often capital) (in the Holy Roman Empire) any of the German princes entitled to take part in the election of a new emperor   > eˈlectorˌship n

■ electoral (Iˈlɛktərəl) or electorial (IˌlɛkˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   relating to or consisting of electors   > eˈlectorally adv

■ electoral college   n   1 (often capitals) US a body of electors chosen by the voters who formally elect the president and vice president   2 any body of electors with similar functions

■ electorate (IˈlɛktərIt)   n   1 the body of all qualified voters   2 the rank, position, or territory of an elector of the Holy Roman Empire   3 Austral and NZ the area represented by a Member of Parliament   4 Austral and NZ the voters in a constituency

■ electorate vote   n   (in New Zealand) a vote cast at a general election to determine the Member of Parliament for an electorate. Compare party vote

■ electress (IˈlɛktrIs) or electoress (IˈlɛktərIs)   n   a female elector

Electra (Iˈlɛktrə)   n   Greek myth the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. She persuaded her brother Orestes to avenge their father by killing his murderess Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus

■ Electra complex   n   psychoanal the sexual attachment of a female child to her father. See also penis envy

■ Electra paradox   n   logic the supposed paradox that one may know something to be true of an object under one description but not another, as when Electra knew that Orestes was her brother but not that the man before her was her brother although he was Orestes. This shows the predicate "knows" to be intensional, that Electra's knowledge here is de dicto, and that the statement of it yields an opaque context. See also de dicto

electret (Iˈlɛktrət)   n   a permanently polarized dielectric material; its electric field is similar to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet [C20: from electr(icity + magn)et]

electric (IˈlɛktrIk)   adj   1 of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricity: electric current; an electric cord; an electric blanket; an electric fence; an electric fire   2 (of a musical instrument) amplified electronically: an electric guitar; an electric mandolin   3 very tense or exciting; emotionally charged: an electric atmosphere   ▷ n   4 informal an electric train, car, etc   5 Brit informal electricity or electrical power   6 (plural) an electric circuit or electric appliances [C17: from New Latin electricus amber-like (because friction causes amber to become charged), from Latin ēlectrum amber, from Greek ēlektron, of obscure origin]

USAGE

See at electronic

■ electrical (IˈlɛktrIkəl)   adj   of, relating to, or concerned with electricity   > eˈlectrically adv

■ electrical engineering   n   the branch of engineering concerned with the practical applications of electricity   > electrical engineer n

■ electric-arc furnace   n   another name for arc furnace

■ electric-arc welding   n   another name for arc welding

■ electric blanket   n   a blanket that contains an electric heating element, used to warm a bed

■ electric blue   n     a a strong metallic blue colour   b (as adjective): an electric-blue evening dress

■ electric chair   n (in the US)   the electric chair   a an electrified chair for executing criminals   b execution by this method

■ electric charge   n   another name for charge (sense 25)

■ electric circuit   n   physics another name for circuit (sense 3a)

■ electric constant   n   the permittivity of free space, which has the value 8.854 187 × 10–12 farad per metre. Symbol: εo. Also called: absolute permittivity

■ electric current   n   another name for current (sense 8)

■ electric discharge   n   physics another name for discharge (sense 20b)

■ electric-discharge lamp   n   another name for fluorescent lamp

■ electric displacement   n   physics the electric flux density when an electric field exists in free space into which a dielectric is introduced. Symbol: D. Also called: electric flux density

■ electric eel   n   an eel-like freshwater cyprinoid fish, Electrophorus electricus, of N South America, having electric organs in the body: family Electrophoridae

■ electric eye   n   another name for photocell

■ electric field   n   a field of force surrounding a charged particle within which another charged particle experiences a force. Compare magnetic field

■ electric field strength   n   the strength or intensity of an electric field at any point, usually measured in volts per metre. Symbol: E

■ electric fire   n   a device that provides heat for a room from an incandescent electric element

■ electric flux   n   the product of the electric displacement and the area across which it is displaced in an electric field. Symbol: Ψ

■ electric flux density   n   another name for electric displacement

■ electric furnace   n   any furnace in which the heat is provided by an electric current

■ electric guitar   n   an electronically amplified guitar, used mainly in pop music. Compare acoustic guitar

■ electric hare   n   (in greyhound racing) a model of a hare, mounted on an electrified rail, which the dogs chase

■ electrician (IlɛkˈtrIʃən, ˌiːlɛk-)   n   a person whose occupation is the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical devices

■ electricity (IlɛkˈtrIsItI, ˌiːlɛk-)   n   1 any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles   2 the science concerned with electricity   3 an electric current or charge: a motor powered by electricity   4 emotional tension or excitement, esp between or among people

■ electric motor   n   a device that converts electrical energy to mechanical torque

■ electric needle   n   a surgical instrument for cutting tissue by the application of a high-frequency current

■ electric organ   n   1 music   a a pipe organ operated by electrical means   b another name for electronic organ   2 zoology a small group of modified muscle cells on the body of certain fishes, such as the electric eel, that gives an electric shock to any animal touching them

■ electric potential   n     a the work required to transfer a unit positive electric charge from an infinite distance to a given point against an electric field   b the potential difference between the point and some other reference point. Symbol: V, φ. Sometimes shortened to: potential

■ electric ray   n   any ray of the order Torpediniformes, of tropical and temperate seas, having a flat rounded body with an electric organ in each of the fins, close to the head

■ electric shock   n   the physiological reaction, characterized by pain and muscular spasm, to the passage of an electric current through the body. It can affect the respiratory system and heart rhythm. Sometimes shortened to: shock

■ electric storm   n   a violent atmospheric disturbance in which the air is highly charged with static electricity, causing a storm. Compare thunderstorm

■ electric strength   n   the maximum voltage sustainable by an insulating material, after which it loses its insulating properties

■ electric susceptibility   n   another name for susceptibility (sense 4a)

electrify (IˈlɛktrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to adapt or equip (a system, device, etc) for operation by electrical power   2 to charge with or subject to electricity   3 to startle or excite intensely; shock or thrill   > eˈlectriˌfiable adj   > eˌlectrifiˈcation n   > eˈlectriˌfier n

■ electrified (IˈlɛktrIfaId)   adj   1 charged with electricity   2 archaic subjected to electricity   3 intensely startled or excited; shocked or thrilled

■ electrifying (IˈlɛktrIfaIIŋ)   adj   thrilling

electrize or electrise (IˈlɛktraIz)   vb (tr)   rare to electrify

■ electrization or electrisation (IˌlɛktraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the action of electrifying

electro (Iˈlɛktrəʊ)   n, pl -tros   short for electroplate, electrotype

electro- or sometimes before a vowel electr-   combining form   1 electric or electrically: electrocardiograph; electrocute   2 electrolytic: electroanalysis [from New Latin, from Latin ēlectrum amber, from Greek ēlektron]

electroacoustics (IˌlɛktrəʊəˈkuːstIks)   n   another name for acoustoelectronics

■ electroacoustic (IˌlɛktrəʊəˈkuːstIk)   adj   another word for acoustoelectronic

electroactive (IˌlɛktrəʊˈæktIv)   adj   (of living tissue) exhibiting electrical activity or responsive to electrical stimuli   > eˌlectroacˈtivity n

electroacupuncture (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈækjʊpʌŋktʃə)   n   med the insertion into the body of one or more needles through which an electric current is passed

electroanalysis (IˌlɛktrəʊəˈnælIsIs)   n   chemical analysis by electrolysis or electrodeposition   > electroanalytic (IˌlɛktrəʊˌænəˈlItIk) or eˌlectroˌanaˈlytical adj

electrobiology (IˌlɛktrəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of electricity in living things

electrocardiogram (IˌlɛktrəʊˈkɑːdIəʊˌɡræm)   n   a tracing of the electric currents that initiate the heartbeat, used to diagnose possible heart disorders. Abbreviation: ECG

electrocardiograph (IˌlɛktrəʊˈkɑːdIəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   an instrument for recording the electrical activity of the heart. Abbreviation: ECG   > eˌlectroˌcardioˈgraphic adj   > eˌlectroˌcardioˈgraphically adv   > electrocardiography (IˌlɛktrəʊˌkɑːdIˈɒɡrəfI) n

electrocautery (IˌlɛktrəʊˈkɔːtərI)   n   vet science the use of an electrically heated metal instrument for cautery

electrocement (IˌlɛktrəʊsIˈmɛnt)   n   cement that is produced through the addition of lime to molten slag in an electric furnace

electrochemistry (IˌlɛktrəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the branch of chemistry concerned with the study of electric cells and electrolysis   > eˌlectroˈchemist n

■ electrochemical (IˌlɛktrəʊˈkɛmIkəl) or electrochemic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈkɛmIk)   adj   of or relating to electrochemistry   > eˌlectroˈchemically adv

■ electrochemical equivalent   n   the mass of an element liberated from its ions or converted into them by one coulomb of electric charge

■ electrochemical series   n   another name for electromotive series

electrochromatography (IˌlɛktrəʊkrəʊməˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   chromatography effected by the influence of an applied electric field   > eˌlectrochromatoˈgraphic adj

electroclash (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌklæʃ)   n     a a type of electronic music, originating in the first decade of the 21st century, that combines modern techno with synthesizer music characteristic of the 1980s   b (as modifier): the electroclash scene

electroconvulsive therapy (IˌlɛktrəʊkənˈvʌlsIv)   n   med the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by passing an electric current through the brain to induce coma or convulsions. Abbreviation: ECT. Also called: electroshock therapy. See also shock therapy

electrocorticogram (IˌlɛktrəʊˈkɔːtIkəʊˌɡræm)   n   a record of brain waves obtained by placing electrodes directly on the surface of the exposed cerebral cortex. Compare electroencephalogram, electroencephalograph

electroculture (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌkʌltʃə)   n   history the practice of using electricity in agriculture or horticulture in order to stimulate plant growth

electrocute (Iˈlɛktrəˌkjuːt)   vb (tr)   1 to kill as a result of an electric shock   2 US to execute in the electric chair [C19: from ELECTRO- + (exe)cute]   > eˌlectroˈcution n

electrocyte (IˈlɛktrəʊˌsaIt)   n   zoology a specialized muscle or nerve cell that generates electricity, as found in an electric organ

electrode (Iˈlɛktrəʊd)   n   1 a conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte, an electric arc, or an electronic valve or tube   2 an element in a semiconducting device that emits, collects, or controls the movement of electrons or holes

■ electrode efficiency   n   chem the ratio of the amount of metal deposited in an electrolytic cell to that theoretically deposited according to Faraday's laws

■ electrode potential   n   chem the potential difference developed when an electrode of an element is placed in a solution containing ions of that element

electrodeposit (IˌlɛktrəʊdIˈpɒzIt)   vb   1 (tr) to deposit (a metal) by electrolysis   ▷ n   2 the deposit so formed   > electrodeposition (IˌlɛktrəʊˌdɛpəˈzIʃən) n

electrodermal (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈdɜːməl)   adj   physiol relating to the electrical properties of skin

electrodialysis (IˌlɛktrəʊdaIˈælIsIs)   n   dialysis in which electrolytes are removed from a colloidal solution by a potential difference between two electrodes separated by one or more membranes

■ electrodialytic (IˌlɛktrəʊˌdaIəˈlItIk)   adj   relating to electrodialysis

electrodynamics (IˌlɛktrəʊdaIˈnæmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the interactions between electrical and mechanical forces

■ electrodynamic (IˌlɛktrəʊdaIˈnæmIk)   adj   1 operated by an electromotive force between current-carrying coils: an electrodynamic wattmeter   2 of or relating to electrodynamics

electrodynamometer (IˌlɛktrəʊˌdaInəˈmɒmItə)   n   an instrument that uses the interaction of the magnetic fields of two coils to measure electric current, voltage, or power

electroencephalogram (Iˌlɛktrəʊɛnˈsɛfələˌɡræm)   n   med the tracing obtained from an electroencephalograph. Abbreviation: EEG

electroencephalograph (Iˌlɛktrəʊɛnˈsɛfələˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   an instrument for recording the electrical activity of the brain, usually by means of electrodes placed on the scalp: used to diagnose tumours of the brain, to study brain waves, etc. Abbreviation: EEG. See also brain wave   > eˌlectroenˌcephaloˈgraphic adj   > eˌlectroenˌcephaloˈgraphically adv   > electroencephalography (IˌlɛktrəʊɛnˌsɛfəˈlɒɡrəfI) n

electroendosmosis (IˌlɛktrəʊˌɛndɒzˈməʊsIs, -dɒs-)   n   another name for electro-osmosis

electrofishing (IˈlɛktrəʊˌfIʃIŋ)   n   the practice of catching fish by stunning them with electric current or by attracting them through the use of electricity

electrofluor (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌfluːɔː)   n   physics a transparent material that stores electrical energy and subsequently releases it as light [C20: from ELECTRO- + FLUOR(ESCENCE)]

electroform (Iˈlɛktrəˌfɔːm)   vb   chem to form (a metallic object) by electrolytic deposition on a mould or matrix

■ electroforming (IˈlɛktrəʊˌfɔːmIŋ)   n   chem a process used to create a metallic object by electrolytic deposition on a mould or matrix

electro-funk   n   a type of electronic music, originating in the 1980s, characterized by the use of synthesizers with a heavy rhythm and punctuated bass, often influenced by the genres of funk and hip-hop

electrogen (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌdʒɛn)   n   a molecule that emits electrons when it is illuminated   > eˌlectroˈgenic adj

electrogenesis (IˌlɛktrəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   biology the production of electricity in the tissues of a living organism

electrogilding (IˌlɛktrəʊˈɡIldIŋ)   n   electroplating using gold

electrogram (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌɡræm)   n   med a record of an organ's electrical activity, measured by monitoring changes in electric potential

electrograph (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 an apparatus for engraving metal printing cylinders, esp in gravure printing   2 the equipment used for the electrical transmission of pictures   3    a a recording electrometer   b a graph produced by this instrument   4 a visual record of the surface composition of a metal, obtained by placing an electrolyte-soaked paper over the metal and passing a current through the paper to an electrode on the other side   > electrographic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈɡræfIk) adj   > eˌlectroˈgraphically adv   > electrography (IlɛkˈtrɒɡrəfI, ˌiːlɛk-) n

electrojet (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌdʒɛt)   n   a narrow belt of fast-moving ions in the ionosphere, under the influence of the earth's magnetic field, causing auroral displays

electrokinetics (IˌlɛktrəʊkIˈnɛtIks, -kaI-)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the motion of charged particles

■ electrokinetic (IˌlɛktrəʊkIˈnɛtIk, -kaI-)   adj   of or relating to the motion of charged particles and its effects

electroless (Iˈlɛktrəʊləs)   adj   manufacturing involving a plating process that is achieved by chemical, as opposed to electrical, means

electrolier (IˌlɛktrəʊˈlIə)   n   a chandelier which has electric lights

electrology (IlɛkˈtrɒlədʒI)   n   1 US the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons   2 history the branch of science concerned with electricity

■ electrologist (IlɛkˈtrɒlədʒIst)   n   1 US a person who removes hair, esp body hair, through the use of electrolysis   2 history a person who studies the branch of science concerned with electricity

electroluminescence (IˌlɛktrəʊˌluːmIˈnɛsəns)   n   physics   a the emission of light by a phosphor when activated by an alternating field or by a gas when activated by an electric discharge   b the light emitted by this process   > eˌlectroˌlumiˈnescent adj

electrolysis (IlɛkˈtrɒlIsIs)   n   1 the conduction of electricity by a solution or melt, esp the use of this process to induce chemical changes   2 the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons [C19: from ELECTRO- + -LYSIS]

■ electrolyse or US electrolyze (IˈlɛktrəʊˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to decompose (a chemical compound) by electrolysis   2 to destroy (living tissue, such as hair roots) by electrolysis [C19: back formation from ELECTROLYSIS on pattern of analyse]   > eˌlectrolyˈsation or US eˌlectrolyˈzation n   > eˈlectroˌlyser or US eˈlectroˌlyzer n

electrolyte (IˈlɛktrəʊˌlaIt)   n   1 a solution or molten substance that conducts electricity   2    a a chemical compound that dissociates in solution into ions   b any of the ions themselves

■ electrolytic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈlItIk)   adj   1 physics   a of, concerned with, or produced by electrolysis or electrodeposition   b of, relating to, or containing an electrolyte   ▷ n   2 Also called: electrolytic capacitor electronics a small capacitor consisting of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte   > eˌlectroˈlytically adv

■ electrolytic cell   n   any device in which electrolysis occurs. Sometimes shortened to: cell

■ electrolytic gas   n   a mixture of two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen by volume, formed by the electrolysis of water

electromagnet (IˌlɛktrəʊˈmæɡnIt)   n   a magnet consisting of an iron or steel core wound with a coil of wire, through which a current is passed

■ electromagnetic (IˌlɛktrəʊmæɡˈnɛtIk)   adj   1 of, containing, or operated by an electromagnet: an electromagnetic pump   2 of, relating to, or consisting of electromagnetism: electromagnetic moment   3 of or relating to electromagnetic radiation: the electromagnetic spectrum   > eˌlectromagˈnetically adv

■ electromagnetic field   n   a field of force associated with a moving electric charge equivalent to an electric field and a magnetic field at right angles to each other and to the direction of propagation

■ electromagnetic interaction or electromagnetic force   n   physics an interaction between charged particles arising from their electric and magnetic fields; its strength is about 100 times weaker than the strong interaction. See interaction (sense 2), electroweak interaction

■ electromagnetic moment   n   a measure of the magnetic strength of a magnet or current-carrying coil, expressed as the torque produced when the magnet or coil is set with its axis perpendicular to unit magnetic flux density. It is measured in ampere metres squared. Symbol: m. Also called: magnetic moment. Compare magnetic dipole moment

■ electromagnetic pulse   n   a surge of electromagnetic radiation, esp one resulting from a nuclear explosion, which can disrupt electronic devices and, occasionally, larger structures and equipment. Often abbreviated to: EMP

■ electromagnetic pump   n   a device for pumping liquid metals by placing a pipe between the poles of an electromagnet and passing a current through the liquid metal

■ electromagnetic radiation   n   radiation consisting of self-sustaining oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other and to the direction of propagation. It does not require a supporting medium and travels through empty space at the speed of light. See also photon

■ electromagnetics (IˌlɛktrəʊmæɡˈnɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) physics another name for electromagnetism (sense 2)

■ electromagnetic spectrum   n   the complete range of electromagnetic radiation from the longest radio waves (wavelength 10^5 metres) to the shortest gamma radiation (wavelength 10–13 metre)

■ electromagnetic unit   n   any unit that belongs to a system of electrical cgs units in which the magnetic constant is given the value of unity and is taken as a pure number. Abbreviation: EMU, e.m.u.. Compare electrostatic unit

■ electromagnetic wave   n   a wave of energy propagated in an electromagnetic field. See also electromagnetic radiation

■ electromagnetism (IˌlɛktrəʊˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   1 magnetism produced by an electric current   2 Also called: electromagnetics the branch of physics concerned with magnetism produced by electric currents and with the interaction of electric and magnetic fields

electromechanics (IˌlɛktrəʊmIˈkænIks)   n   the engineering aspects of devices that are controlled by either static or magnetic electric charges

■ electromechanical (IˌlɛktrəʊmIˈkænIkəl)   adj   of, relating to, or concerning an electrically operated mechanical device   > eˌlectromeˈchanically adv

electromer (Iˈlɛktrəmə)   n   chem one of two or more substances, each of which differs solely in the distribution of electrons within their atoms

■ electromeric (IˌlɛktrəˈmɛrIk)   adj   chem involving, or relating to, electromers

■ electromerism (IˌlɛktrəʊˈmɛrIzəm)   n   chem a type of tautomerism in which the isomers (electromers) differ in the distribution of charge in their molecules [C20: from ELECTRO- + (iso)merism]

electrometallurgy (IˌlɛktrəʊmIˈtælədʒI, -ˈmɛtəˌlɜːdʒI)   n   metallurgy involving the use of electric-arc furnaces, electrolysis, and other electrical operations   > eˌlectroˌmetalˈlurgical adj   > eˌlectrometˈallurgist n

electrometer (IlɛkˈtrɒmItə, ˌiːlɛk-)   n   an instrument for detecting or determining the magnitude of a potential difference or charge by the electrostatic forces between charged bodies   > electrometric (IˌlɛktrəʊˈmɛtrIk) or eˌlectroˈmetrical adj   > eˌlectroˈmetrically adv   > elecˈtrometry n

electromotance (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈməʊtəns)   n   physics an electromotive force

electromotive (IˌlɛktrəʊˈməʊtIv)   adj   of, concerned with, producing, or tending to produce an electric current

■ electromotive force   n   physics   a a source of energy that can cause a current to flow in an electrical circuit or device   b the rate at which energy is drawn from this source when unit current flows through the circuit or device, measured in volts. Abbreviation: emf, EMF. Symbol: E. Compare potential difference

■ electromotive series   n   chem a series of the metals, together with hydrogen, ranged in the order of their electrode potentials

electromotor (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌməʊtə)   n   an electric motor

electromyogram (IˌlɛktrəʊˈmaIəʊˌɡræm)   n   med a test for recording the electrical activity of muscles

electromyography (IˌlɛktrəʊmaIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   med a technique for recording the electrical activity of muscles: used in the diagnosis of nerve and muscle disorders

■ electromyograph (IˌlɛktrəʊˈmaIəˌɡrɑːf)   n   an instrument for recording the electrical activity of muscles

electron (Iˈlɛktrɒn)   n   a stable elementary particle present in all atoms, orbiting the nucleus in numbers equal to the atomic number of the element in the neutral atom; a lepton with a negative charge of 1.602 176 462 × 10–19 coulomb, a rest mass of 9.109 381 88 × 10–31 kilogram, a radius of 2.817 940 285 × 10–15 metre, and a spin of 1⁄2 [C19: from ELECTRO- + -ON]

■ electron affinity   n   a measure of the ability of an atom or molecule to form a negative ion, expressed as the energy released when an electron is attached. Symbol: A

■ electron capture   n physics   1 the transformation of an atomic nucleus in which an electron from the atom is spontaneously absorbed into the nucleus. A proton is changed into a neutron, thereby reducing the atomic number by 1. A neutrino is emitted. The process may be detected by the consequent emission of the characteristic X-rays of the resultant element. Former name: K-capture   2 the spontaneous or induced recombination of free electrons with ions or by transfer from other atoms or ions

■ electron gun   n   a heated cathode with an associated system of electrodes and coils for producing and focusing a beam of electrons, used esp in cathode-ray tubes

■ electron lens   n   a system, such as an arrangement of electrodes or magnets, that produces a field for focusing a beam of electrons

■ electron micrograph   n   a photograph or image of a specimen taken using an electron microscope

■ electron microscope   n   a powerful type of microscope that uses electrons, rather than light, and electron lenses to produce a magnified image

■ electron multiplier   n   physics a device for amplifying and measuring a flux of electrons. Each electron hits an anode surface and releases secondary electrons that are accelerated to a second surface; after several such stages a measurable pulse of current is obtained

■ electron optics   n   (functioning as singular) the study and use of beams of electrons and of their deflection and focusing by electric and magnetic fields

■ electron paramagnetic resonance   n   physics another name for electron spin resonance. Abbreviation: EPR

■ electron probe microanalysis   n   a technique for the analysis of a very small amount of material by bombarding it with a narrow beam of electrons and examining the resulting X-ray emission spectrum

■ electron spin resonance   n   a technique for investigating paramagnetic substances by subjecting them to high-frequency radiation in a strong magnetic field. Changes in the spin of unpaired electrons cause radiation to be absorbed at certain frequencies. Abbreviation: ESR. See also nuclear magnetic resonance

■ electron telescope   n   an astronomical telescope with an attachment for converting the infrared radiation emitted from the surface of planets into a visible image

■ electron transport   n   biochem the metabolic process in mitochondria or chloroplasts, in which electrons are transferred in stages from energy-rich compounds to molecular oxygen with liberation of energy

■ electron tube   n   an electrical device, such as a valve, in which a flow of electrons between electrodes takes place. Also called: vacuum tube. Sometimes shortened to: tube

■ electronvolt (Iˌlɛktrɒnˈvəʊlt)   n   a unit of energy equal to the work done on an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volt. 1 electronvolt is equivalent to 1.602 × 10–19 joule. Symbol: eV

electronegative (IˌlɛktrəʊˈnɛɡətIv)   adj   1 having a negative electric charge   2 (of an atom, group, molecule, etc) tending to gain or attract electrons and form negative ions or polarized bonds. Compare electropositive

■ electronegativity (IˌlɛktrəʊˌnɛɡəˈtIvItI)   n   1 the state of being electronegative   2 a measure of the ability of a specified atom to attract electrons in a molecule

electronic (IlɛkˈtrɒnIk, ˌiːlɛk-)   adj   1 of, concerned with, using, or operated by devices in which electrons are conducted through a semiconductor, free space, or gas   2 of or concerned with electronics   3 of or concerned with electrons or an electron: an electronic energy level in a molecule   4 involving or concerned with the representation, storage, or transmission of information by electronic systems: electronic mail; electronic shopping   > elecˈtronically adv

USAGE

Electronic is used to refer to equipment, such as television sets, computers, etc, in which the current is controlled by transistors, valves, and similar components and also to the components themselves. Electrical is used in a more general sense, often to refer to the use of electricity as a whole as opposed to other forms of energy: electrical engineering; an electrical appliance. Electric, in many cases used interchangeably with electrical, is often restricted to the description of particular devices or to concepts relating to the flow of current: electric fire; electric charge

■ electronic cigarette   n   the full form of e-cigarette

■ electronic configuration   n   chem the arrangement of electrons in the orbitals of an atom or molecule

■ electronic countermeasures   pl n   military (in electronic warfare) actions intended to interfere with an enemy's use of electromagnetic radiation equipment

■ electronic editing   n   radio, television editing of a sound or vision tape recording by electronic rerecording rather than by physical cutting

■ electronic file cabinet   n   computing a device, controlled by software, for the storage and retrieval of information

■ electronic flash   n   photog an electronic device for producing a very bright flash of light by means of an electric discharge in a gas-filled tube

■ electronic flight information systems   pl n   (in an aircraft) the computer-operated visual displays on the flight deck, showing information about the aircraft's state and performance in flight. Abbreviation: EFIS

■ electronic footprint   n   computing data that identifies a computer that has connected to a particular website

■ electronic funds transfer at point of sale   n   a system for debiting a retail sale direct to the customer's bank, building-society, or credit-card account by means of a computer link using the telephone network. Acronym: EFTPOS

■ electronic game   n   any of various small handheld computerized games, usually battery-operated, having a small screen on which graphics are displayed and buttons to operate the game

■ electronic graphics   n (functioning as singular)   (on television) the production of graphic designs and text by electronic means

■ electronic ignition   n   any system that uses an electronic circuit to supply the voltage to the sparking plugs of an internal-combustion engine

■ electronic ink   n   a material consisting of microscopic cells that can be turned from white to black and vice versa with the application of a small electric charge allowing electronically stored text to appear on a paper-like substance

■ electronic keyboard   n   1 a typewriter keyboard used to operate an electronic device such as a computer, word processor, etc   2 the full name for keyboard (sense 2)

■ electronic mail   n   the transmission and distribution of messages, information, facsimiles of documents, etc, from one computer terminal to another. Abbreviation: email, e-mail, E-mail

■ electronic mailbox   n   a device used to store electronic mail

■ electronic music   n   a form of music consisting of sounds produced by oscillating electric currents either controlled from an instrument panel or keyboard or prerecorded on magnetic tape

■ electronic office   n   integrated computer systems designed to handle office work

■ electronic organ   n   music an electrophonic instrument played by means of a keyboard, in which sounds are produced and amplified by any of various electronic or electrical means. See also synthesizer

■ electronic organizer   n   See personal organizer (sense 2)

■ electronic point of sale   n   a computerized system for recording sales in retail shops, using a laser scanner at the cash till to read bar codes on the packages of the items sold. Acronym: EPOS

■ electronic programme guide   n   an on-screen guide that enables viewers of digital television to select programmes using a handheld device. Abbreviation: EPG

■ electronic publishing   n   the publication of information on magnetic tape, disks, etc, so that it can be accessed by a computer

■ electronics (IlɛkˈtrɒnIks, ˌiːlɛk-)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the science and technology concerned with the development, behaviour, and applications of electronic devices and circuits   2 (functioning as plural) the circuits and devices of a piece of electronic equipment: the electronics of a hard drive

■ electronic signature   n   computing electronic proof of a person's identity

■ electronic surveillance   n   1 the use of such electronic devices as television monitors, video cameras, etc, to prevent burglary, shop lifting, break-ins, etc   2 monitoring events, conversations, etc, at a distance by electronic means, esp by such covert means as wiretapping or bugging

■ electronic tag   n   another name for tag^1 (sense 2)

■ electronic transfer of funds   n   the transfer of money from one bank or building-society account to another by means of a computer link using the telephone network. Abbreviation: ETF

■ electronic warfare   n   the military use of electronics to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use and to protect friendly use of electromagnetic radiation equipment

electronica (IlɛkˈtrɒnIkə, ˌiːlɛk-)   n   1 electronic equipment, systems, etc, collectively   2 popular music using electronic sounds, esp less dance-oriented styles

electro-osmosis   n   movement of liquid through a capillary tube or membrane under the influence of an electric field: used in controlling rising damp. Also called: electroendosmosis

■ electro-osmotic (IˌlɛktrəʊɒzˈmɒtIk)   adj   relating to electro-osmosis

electropalatography (IˌlɛktrəʊˌpæləˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the study of the movements of the tongue during speech using touch-sensitive electrodes in the mouth linked to a computer

electrophilic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈfIlIk)   adj   chem having or involving an affinity for negative charge. Electrophilic reagents (electrophiles) are atoms, molecules, and ions that behave as electron acceptors. Compare nucleophilic   > electrophile (IˈlɛktrəʊˌfaIl) n

electrophone (Iˈlɛktrəˌfəʊn)   n   music any instrument whose sound is produced by the oscillation of an electric current, such as an electronic organ, synthesizer, etc   > electrophonic (IˌlɛktrəˈfɒnIk) adj

electrophoresis (IˌlɛktrəʊfəˈriːsIs)   n   the motion of charged particles in a colloid under the influence of an applied electric field. Also called: cataphoresis   > electrophoretic (IˌlɛktrəʊfəˈrɛtIk) adj

■ electrophorese (Iˌlɛktrəʊfəˈriːz)   vb (tr)   biochem to subject to electrophoresis

electrophorus (Ilɛkˈtrɒfərəs, ˌiːlɛk-)   n   an apparatus for generating static electricity. It consists of an insulating plate charged by friction and used to charge a metal plate by induction [C18: from ELECTRO- + -phorus, from Greek -phoros bearing, from pherein to bear]

electrophotography (IˌlɛktrəʊfəˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   photography in which an image is transferred onto paper by means of electrical rather than chemical processes   > eˌlectroˌphotoˈgraphic adj

electrophysiology (IˌlɛktrəʊˌfIzIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the electrical activity associated with bodily processes   > eˌlectroˌphysioˈlogical adj   > eˌlectroˌphysiˈologist n

electroplate (IˈlɛktrəʊˌpleIt)   vb   1 (tr) to plate (an object) by electrolysis   ▷ n   2 electroplated articles collectively, esp when plated with silver   ▷ adj   3 Also: electroplated coated with metal by electrolysis   > eˈlectroˌplater n

■ electroplating (IˈlɛktrəʊˌpleItIŋ)   n   the process of plating (an object) by electrolysis

electropolar (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈpəʊlə)   adj   chem having, or relating to, electrical polarity

electropop (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌpɒp)   n   a genre of pop music characterized by the use of synthesizers

electropositive (IˌlɛktrəʊˈpɒzItIv)   adj   1 having a positive electric charge   2 (of an atom, group, molecule, etc) tending to release electrons and form positive ions or polarized bonds. Compare electronegative

electropuncture (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈpʌŋktʃə)   n   med a therapy in which a small electric current is passed through the body via electrodes placed on the skin

electroreceptor (IˈlɛktrəʊrIˌsɛptə)   n   zoology an organ, present in some fishes, that detects electrical discharges

electrorheology (IˌlɛktrəʊrIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of the flow of fluids under the influence of electric fields   2 the way in which fluid flow is influenced by an electric field   > eˌlectrorheoˈlogical adj

electroscope (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌskəʊp)   n   an apparatus for detecting an electric charge, typically consisting of a rod holding two gold foils that separate when a charge is applied   > electroscopic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈskɒpIk) adj

electroshock (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌʃɒk)   n   1 med   a an electric current passed through part of the body   b (as modifier): electroshock treatment   2 another name for electroconvulsive therapy

■ electroshock therapy (Iˈlɛktrəʊˌʃɒk)   n   another name for electroconvulsive therapy

electrosonde (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈsɒnd)   n   meteorol a sonde that measures the electric potential in the atmosphere

electrostatic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈstætIk)   adj   1 of, concerned with, producing, or caused by static electricity   2 concerned with electrostatics   > eˌlectroˈstatically adv

■ electrostatic field   n   an electric field associated with static electric charges

■ electrostatic generator   n   any device for producing a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity

■ electrostatic lens   n   an electron lens consisting of a system of metal electrodes, the electrostatic field of which focuses the charged particles

■ electrostatic precipitation   n   chem the removal of suspended solid particles from a gas by giving them an electric charge and attracting them to charged plates

■ electrostatics (IˌlɛktrəʊˈstætIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with static charges and the electrostatic field

■ electrostatic unit   n   any unit that belongs to a system of electrical cgs units in which the electric constant is given the value of unity and is taken as a pure number. Abbreviation: ESU, e.s.u.. Compare electromagnetic unit

electrostriction (IˌlɛktrəʊˈstrIkʃən)   n   the change in dimensions of a dielectric occurring as an elastic strain when an electric field is applied

electrosurgery (IˌlɛktrəʊˈsɜːdʒərI)   n   the surgical use of electricity, as in cauterization   > eˌlectroˈsurgical adj

electrotechnics (IˌlɛktrəʊˈtɛknIks)   n   (functioning as singular) another name for electrotechnology   > eˌlectroˈtechnical adj   > eˌlectrotechˈnician n

electrotechnology (IˌlɛktrəʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the technological use of electric power

■ electrotechnological (IˌlɛktrəʊˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   a variant form of electrotechnical

electrotherapeutics (IˌlɛktrəʊˌθɛrəˈpjuːtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of medical science concerned with the use of electrotherapy   > eˌlectroˌtheraˈpeutic or eˌlectroˌtheraˈpeutical adj

electrotherapy (IˌlɛktrəʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   treatment in which electric currents are passed through the tissues to stimulate muscle function in paralysed patients   > eˌlectroˈtherapist n

electrothermal (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈθɜːməl) or electrothermic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈθɜːmIk)   adj   concerned with both electricity and heat, esp the production of electricity by heat

■ electrothermal printer   n   computing a printer that produces characters by burning the image on specially coated paper. Also called: thermal printer

■ electrothermics (IˌlɛktrəʊˈθɜːmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of electricity and heat, or of electrically generated heat

■ electrothermy (IˌlɛktrəʊˈθɜːmI)   n   med the use of electrically produced heat for therapeutic purposes

electrotint (IˈlɛktrəʊˌtInt)   n   a printing block made by drawing on a metal plate with varnish and electrolytically depositing a layer of metal on the nonvarnished areas of the plate

electrotonus (Ilɛkˈtrɒtənəs, ˌiːlɛk-)   n   physiol the change in the state of irritability and conductivity of a nerve or muscle caused by the passage of an electric current [C19: from New Latin, from ELECTRO- + Latin tonus TONE]   > electrotonic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈtɒnIk) adj

electrotype (IˈlɛktrəʊˌtaIp)   n   1 a duplicate printing plate made by electrolytically depositing a layer of copper or nickel onto a mould of the original. Sometimes shortened to: electro   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make an electrotype of (printed matter, illustrations, etc)   > eˈlectroˌtyper or electrotypist n

■ electrotypic (IˌlɛktrəʊˈtIpIk)   adj   relating to, or resulting from, electrotypy

■ electrotypy (IˈlɛktrəʊˌtaIpI)   n   the process of producing electrotype plates by electrolytically depositing a layer of copper or nickel onto a mould of the original

electrovalency (IˌlɛktrəʊˈveIlənsI) or electrovalence   n   chem the valency of a substance in forming ions, equal to the number of electrons gained or lost   > eˌlectroˈvalent adj   > eˌlectroˈvalently adv

■ electrovalent bond   n   a type of chemical bond in which one atom loses an electron to form a positive ion and the other atom gains the electron to form a negative ion. The resulting ions are held together by electrostatic attraction. Also called: ionic bond. Compare covalent bond

electroweak (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈwiːk)   adj   physics combining both the electromagnetic and weak forces or interactions

■ electroweak interaction (Iˌlɛktrəʊˈwiːk)   n   physics a type of fundamental interaction combining both the electromagnetic interaction and the weak interaction. See also electromagnetic interaction, weak interaction

■ electroweak theory   n   another name for quantum flavourdynamics

electrowinning (IˌlɛktrəʊˈwInIŋ)   n   metallurgy a means of extracting metal from ore using electrolysis

electrum (Iˈlɛktrəm)   n   an alloy of gold (55–88 per cent) and silver used for jewellery and ornaments [C14: from Latin, from Greek ēlektron amber]

electuary (IˈlɛktjʊərI)   n, pl -aries   archaic a paste taken orally, containing a drug mixed with syrup or honey [C14: from Late Latin ēlēctuārium, probably from Greek ēkleikton electuary, from ekleikhein to lick out, from leikhein to lick]

eledoisin (ˌɛləˈdɔIsIn)   n   biochem a protein, C_54H_85N_13O_15S, found in the salivary glands of several small octopuses of the genus Eledone. It can be used as a vasodilator and also has other medical uses

eleemosynary (ˌɛlIiːˈmɒsInərI)   adj   1 of, concerned with, or dependent on charity   2 given as an act of charity [C17: from Church Latin eleēmosyna ALMS]

elegant (ˈɛlIɡənt)   adj   1 tasteful in dress, style, or design   2 dignified and graceful in appearance, behaviour, etc   3 cleverly simple; ingenious: an elegant solution to a problem [C16: from Latin ēlegāns tasteful, related to ēligere to select; see ELECT]   > ˈelegantly adv

■ elegance (ˈɛlIɡəns) or elegancy   n, pl -gances or -gancies   1 dignified grace in appearance, movement, or behaviour   2 good taste in design, style, arrangement, etc   3 something elegant; a refinement

elegit (IˈliːdʒIt)   n   English law a writ which delivered a debtor's property to a plaintiff until the debt was satisfied. This was abolished in 1956

elegy (ˈɛlIdʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 a mournful or plaintive poem or song, esp a lament for the dead   2 poetry or a poem written in elegiac couplets or stanzas [C16: via French and Latin from Greek elegeia, from elegos lament sung to flute accompaniment]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with eulogy

■ elegiac (ˌɛlIˈdʒaIək)   adj   1 resembling, characteristic of, relating to, or appropriate to an elegy   2 lamenting; mournful; plaintive   3 denoting or written in elegiac couplets or elegiac stanzas. Also (archaic): elegiacal   ▷ n   4 (often plural) an elegiac couplet or stanza   > ˌeleˈgiacally adv

■ elegiac couplet   n   classical prosody a couplet composed of a dactylic hexameter followed by a dactylic pentameter

■ elegiac stanza   n   prosody a quatrain in iambic pentameters with alternate lines rhyming

■ elegist (ˈɛlIdʒIst) or elegiast (ˌɛlIˈdʒaIæst)   n   a writer of elegies

■ elegize or elegise (ˈɛlIˌdʒaIz)   vb   1 to compose an elegy or elegies (in memory of)   2 (intr) to write elegiacally

Eleia (ˈiːlIə)   n   a variant spelling of Elia^1

element (ˈɛlImənt)   n   1 any of the 118 known substances (of which 93 occur naturally) that consist of atoms with the same number of protons in their nuclei. Compare compound^1 (sense 1)   2 one of the fundamental or irreducible components making up a whole   3 a cause that contributes to a result; factor   4 any group that is part of a larger unit, such as a military formation   5 a small amount; hint: an element of sarcasm in her voice   6 a distinguishable section of a social group: he belonged to the stable element in the expedition   7 the most favourable environment for an animal or plant   8 the situation in which a person is happiest or most effective (esp in the phrases in or out of one's element)   9 the resistance wire and its former, which constitute the electrical heater in a cooker, heater, etc   10 electronics another name for component (sense 2)   11 one of the four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the universe (earth, air, water, or fire)   12 (plural) atmospheric conditions or forces, esp wind, rain, and cold: exposed to the elements   13 (plural) the first principles of a subject   14 geometry a point, line, plane, or part of a geometric figure   15 maths   a any of the terms in a determinant or matrix   b one of the infinitesimally small quantities summed by an integral, often represented by the expression following the integral sign: in ∫baf(x)dx, f(x)dx is an element of area   16 maths, logic one of the objects or numbers that together constitute a set   17 Christianity the bread or wine consecrated in the Eucharist   18 astronomy any of the numerical quantities, such as the major axis or eccentricity, used in describing the orbit of a planet, satellite, etc   19 one of the vertical or horizontal rods forming a television or VHF radio receiving aerial   20 physics a component of a compound lens [C13: from Latin elementum a first principle, alphabet, element, of uncertain origin]

■ elemental (ˌɛlIˈmɛntəl)   adj   1 fundamental; basic; primal: the elemental needs of humans   2 motivated by or symbolic of primitive and powerful natural forces or passions: elemental rites of worship   3 of or relating to earth, air, water, and fire considered as elements   4 of or relating to atmospheric forces, esp wind, rain, and cold   5 of, relating to, or denoting a chemical element   ▷ n   6 rare a spirit or force that is said to appear in physical form   > ˌeleˈmentally adv   > ˌeleˈmentalˌism n

■ elementary (ˌɛlIˈmɛntərI, -trI)   adj   1 not difficult; simple; rudimentary   2 of or concerned with the first principles of a subject; introductory or fundamental   3 maths (of a function) having the form of an algebraic, exponential, trigonometric, or a logarithmic function, or any combination of these   4 chem another word for elemental (sense 5)   > ˌeleˈmentarily adv   > ˌeleˈmentariness n

■ elementary particle   n   any of several entities, such as electrons, neutrons, or protons, that are less complex than atoms and are regarded as the constituents of all matter. Also called: fundamental particle

■ elementary school   n   1 Brit a former name for primary school   2 Also called (in the US): grade school, grammar school US and Canadian a state school in which instruction is given for the first six to eight years of a child's education

elemi (ˈɛlImI)   n, pl -mis   any of various fragrant resins obtained from tropical trees, esp trees of the family Burseraceae: used in making varnishes, ointments, inks, etc [C16: via Spanish from Arabic al-lāmi the elemi]

elenchus (Iˈlɛŋkəs)   n, pl -chi (-kaI) logic   1 refutation of an argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion, esp syllogistically   2 Socratic elenchus the drawing out of the consequences of a position in order to show them to be contrary to some accepted position [C17: from Latin, from Greek elenkhos refutation, from elenkhein to put to shame, refute]

■ elench (Iˈlɛŋk)   n logic obsolete   1 a refutation of an argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion, esp syllogistically   2 an instance of sophistry

■ elenctic (IˈlɛŋktIk) or elenchic (IˈlɛŋkIk)   adj   logic refuting an argument by proving the falsehood of its conclusion. Compare deictic (sense 1)

eleoptene or elaeoptene (ˌɛlIˈɒptiːn)   n   the liquid part of a volatile oil [C20: from Greek elaion oil + ptēnos having wings, volatile; related to Greek petesthai to fly]

elephant (ˈɛlIfənt)   n, pl -phants or -phant   1 either of the two proboscidean mammals of the family Elephantidae. The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the larger species, with large flapping ears and a less humped back than the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus), of S and SE Asia   2 chiefly Brit a size of writing paper, 23 by 28 inches   3 elephant in the room an obvious truth deliberately ignored by all parties in a situation [C13: from Latin elephantus, from Greek elephas elephant, ivory, of uncertain origin]   > ˈelephanˌtoid adj

■ elephant bird   n   another name for aepyornis

■ elephant fish   n   a large marine fish, Callorhinchus milii, of southwest Pacific waters, having a snout resembling an elephant's trunk. Also called: reperepe

■ elephant grass   n   any of various stout tropical grasses or grasslike plants, esp Pennisetum purpureum, and Typha elephantina, a type of reed mace

■ elephant gun   n   1 a powerful gun used in the hunting of big game   2 Austral slang a surfboard for riding large waves

■ elephantine (ˌɛlIˈfæntaIn)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of an elephant or elephants   2 huge, clumsy, or ponderous

■ elephants (ˈɛlIfənts)   adj   Austral slang drunk; intoxicated [C20: shortened from elephant's trunk, rhyming slang for DRUNK]

■ elephant seal   n   either of two large earless seals, Mirounga leonina of southern oceans or M. angustirostris of the N Atlantic, the males of which have a long trunklike snout

■ elephant's-ear   n   1 any aroid plant of the genus Colocasia, of tropical Asia and Polynesia, having very large heart-shaped leaves: grown for ornament and for their edible tubers. See also taro   2 any of various cultivated begonias with large showy leaves

■ elephant's-foot or elephant foot   n   a monocotyledonous plant, Testudinaria elephantipes, of southern Africa, with a very large starchy tuberous stem, covered in corky scales: family Dioscoreaceae

■ elephant shrew   n   any small active African mammal of the family Macroscelididae and order Macroscelidea, having an elongated nose, large ears, and long hind legs

elephantiasis (ˌɛlIfənˈtaIəsIs)   n   pathol a complication of chronic filariasis, in which nematode worms block the lymphatic vessels, usually in the legs or scrotum, causing extreme enlargement of the affected area. See also filariasis [C16: via Latin from Greek, from elephas ELEPHANT + -IASIS]   > elephantiasic (ˌɛlIˌfæntIˈæsIk, ˌɛlIfənˈtaIəsIk) adj

Eleusis (IˈluːsIs)   n   a town in Greece, in Attica about 23 km (14 miles) west of Athens, of which it is now an industrial suburb. Modern Greek name: Elevsís   > Eleusinian (ˌɛljʊˈsInIən) n, adj

■ Eleusinian mysteries   pl n   a mystical religious festival, held in September at Eleusis in classical times, in which initiates celebrated Persephone, Demeter, and Dionysus

eleutherarch (ɛˈljuːθəˌrɑːk)   n   the chief of the eleutheri

eleutheri (ɛˈljuːθəˌraI)   pl n   a fictitious secret society of free thinkers

■ eleutherian (ˌɛljuːˈθIərIən)   adj   giving or protecting freedom

eleutherococcus (ɛˌljuːθərəʊˈkɒkəs)   n, pl eleutherococci   a shrub, Eleutherococcus senticosus, which is found in Siberia and which is used in herbal medicine. It supposedly increases stamina and boosts the immune system

eleutherodactyl (ɛˌljʊːθərəʊˈdæktIl)   adj   (of a bird) having the hind toe free

eleutheromania (ɛˌljuːθərəʊˈmeInIə)   n   a manic yearning for freedom

eleutherophobia (ɛˌljuːθərəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of freedom

■ eleutherophobic (ɛˌljuːθərəʊˈfəʊbIk)   adj   afraid of freedom

elevate (ˈɛlIˌveIt)   vb (tr)   1 to move to a higher place   2 to raise in rank or status; promote   3 to put in a cheerful mood; elate   4 to put on a higher cultural plane; uplift: to elevate the tone of a conversation   5 to raise the axis of a gun   6 to raise the intensity or pitch of (the voice)   7 RC Church to lift up (the Host) at Mass for adoration [C15: from Latin ēlevāre from levāre to raise, from levis (adj) light]   > ˌeleˈvatory adj

■ elevated (ˈɛlIˌveItId)   adj   1 raised to or being at a higher level   2 inflated or lofty; exalted: an elevated opinion of oneself   3 in a cheerful mood; elated   4 informal slightly drunk   ▷ n   5 US short for elevated railway. See elevated railway

■ elevated railway or elevated railroad   n   US an urban railway track built on supports above a road

■ elevation (ˌɛlIˈveIʃən)   n   1 the act of elevating or the state of being elevated   2 the height of something above a given or implied place, esp above sea level   3 a raised area; height   4 nobleness or grandeur; loftiness: elevation of thought   5 a drawing to scale of the external face of a building or structure. Compare plan (sense 3), ground plan (sense 1)   6 the external face of a building or structure   7 a ballet dancer's ability to leap high   8 RC Church the lifting up of the Host at Mass for adoration   9 astronomy another name for altitude (sense 3)   10 the angle formed between the muzzle of a gun and the horizontal   11 surveying the angular distance between the plane through a point of observation and an object above it. Compare depression (sense 7)   12 linguistics another term for amelioration   > ˌeleˈvational adj

■ elevator (ˈɛlIˌveItə)   n   1 a person or thing that elevates   2 chiefly US a mechanical hoist for raising something, esp grain or coal, often consisting of a chain of scoops linked together on a conveyor belt   3 chiefly US and Canadian a platform, compartment, or cage raised or lowered in a vertical shaft to transport persons or goods in a building. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): lift   4 chiefly US and Canadian a large granary equipped with an elevator and, usually, facilities for cleaning and grading the grain   5 any muscle that raises a part of the body   6 a surgical instrument for lifting a part of the body   7 a control surface on the tailplane of an aircraft, for making it climb or descend

■ elevator pitch   n   US and Canadian informal an informal an extremely short and pithy version of a sales pitch or business plan [C20: from the idea that the pitch should be so short that it could be delivered during an elevator ride]

eleven (Iˈlɛvən)   n   1 the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and one   2 a numeral 11, XI, etc, representing this number   3 something representing, represented by, or consisting of 11 units   4 (functioning as singular or plural) a team of 11 players in football, cricket, hockey, etc   5 Also called: eleven o'clock eleven hours after noon or midnight   ▷ determiner   6    a amounting to eleven: eleven chances   b (as pronoun): have another eleven today [Old English endleofan; related to Old Norse ellefo, Gothic ainlif, Old Frisian andlova, Old High German einlif]

■ eleven-plus   n   (esp formerly) an examination, taken by children aged 11 or 12, that determines the type of secondary education a child will be given

elevenses (IˈlɛvənzIz)   pl n   (sometimes functioning as singular) Brit informal a light snack, usually with tea or coffee, taken mid-morning

eleventh (Iˈlɛvənθ)   adj   1 (usually prenominal)   a coming after the tenth in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc; being the ordinal number of eleven: often written 11th   b (as pronoun): the eleventh in succession   ▷ n   2    a one of 11 equal or nearly equal parts of an object, quantity, measurement, etc   b (as modifier): an eleventh part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by 11 (1⁄11)   4 music   a an interval of one octave plus one fourth   b See eleventh chord

■ eleventh chord   n   a chord much used in jazz, consisting of a major or minor triad upon which are superimposed the seventh, ninth, and eleventh above the root

■ eleventh grade   n   (in the US) the eleventh year of school, when students are 16 or 17 years old   > eˌleventh-ˈgrader n

■ eleventh hour   n     a the latest possible time; last minute   b (as modifier): an eleventh-hour decision

■ eleventhly (IˈlɛvənθlI)   adv   in the eleventh place

elevon (ˈɛlIˌvɒn)   n   an aircraft control surface that combines the functions of an elevator and aileron, usually fitted to tailless or delta-wing aircraft [C20: from ELEV(ATOR) + (AILER)ON]

Elevsís (ˌɛlɛfˈsis)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Eleusis

elf (ɛlf)   n, pl elves (ɛlvz)   1 (in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous   2 a mischievous or whimsical child [Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white]   > ˈelfˌlike adj

■ elf-cup   n   any of various cup-shaped ascomycetous fungi of the order Pezizales, often strikingly coloured, such as the orange-peel elf-cup (Aleuria aurantia), which is bright orange inside and dirty white outside, and the scarlet elf-cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea)

■ elfhood (ˈɛlfhʊd)   n   the state of being an elf

■ elfin (ˈɛlfIn)   adj   1 of, relating to, or like an elf or elves   2 small, delicate, and charming

■ elfin forest or elfin woodland   n   the zone of stunted wind-blown trees growing at high altitudes just above the timberline on tropical mountains. Also called: krummholz

■ elfish (ˈɛlfIʃ) or elvish   adj   1 of, relating to, or like an elf or elves; charmingly mischievous or sprightly; impish   ▷ n   2 the supposed language of elves   > ˈelfishly or ˈelvishly adv   > ˈelfishness or ˈelvishness n

■ elfland (ˈɛlfˌlænd)   n   another name for fairyland

■ elflock (ˈɛlfˌlɒk)   n   a lock of hair, fancifully regarded as having been tangled by the elves

ELF   abbreviation for   extremely low frequency

El Faiyûm (ɛl faIˈjuːm) or Al Faiyûm (æl faIˈjuːm)   n   a city in N Egypt: a site of towns going back at least to the 12th dynasty. Pop: 311 000 (2005 est)

El Ferrol del Caudillo   n   a former name of Ferrol

Elgar (ˈɛlɡɑː)   n   Sir Edward (William). 1857–1934, English composer, whose works include the Enigma Variations (1899), the oratorio The Dream of Gerontius (1900), two symphonies, a cello concerto, and a violin concerto

Elgin (ˈɛlɡIn)   n   a market town in NE Scotland, the administrative centre of Moray, on the River Lossie: ruined 13th-century cathedral: distilling, engineering. Pop: 20 829 (2001)

Elgin marbles   pl n   a group of 5th-century BC Greek sculptures originally decorating the Parthenon in Athens, brought to England by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), and now at the British Museum

El Gîza (ɛl ˈɡiːzə) or Giza   n   a city in NE Egypt, on the W bank of the Nile opposite Cairo: nearby are the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) and the Sphinx. Pop: 2 221 868 (1996)

Elgon (ˈɛlɡɒn)   n   Mount Elgon an extinct volcano in E Africa, on the Kenya-Uganda border. Height: 4321m (14 178 ft)

El Greco (ɛl ˈɡrɛkəʊ)   n   real name Domenikos Theotocopoulos. 1541–1614, Spanish painter, born in Crete; noted for his elongated human forms and dramatic use of colour

elhi (ˈɛlhaI)   adj   US informal (of educational material) designed to be used by students in elementary school or high school

Eli (ˈiːlaI)   n   Old Testament the highest priest at Shiloh and teacher of Samuel (I Samuel 1–3)

Elia^1 or Eleia (ˈiːlIə)   n   a department of SW Greece, in the W Peloponnese: in ancient times most of the region formed the state of Elis. Pop: 183 521 (2001). Area: 2681 sq km (1035 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Ilía

Elia^2 (ˈiːlIə)   n   the pen name of (Charles) Lamb

eliad (ˈɛlIæd)   n   literary another name for oeillade

Eliade (Romanian eˈljaːde)   n   Mircea. 1907–86, Romanian scholar and writer, noted for his study of religious symbolism. His works include Patterns of Comparative Religion (1949)

Elias (IˈlaIəs)   n   Bible the Douay spelling of Elijah

eliche (Italian ˈelike)   pl n   pasta in the form of spirals [Italian, literally: propellers]

elicit (IˈlIsIt)   vb (tr)   1 to give rise to; evoke: to elicit a sharp retort   2 to bring to light: to elicit the truth [C17: from Latin ēlicere to lure forth, from licere to entice]   > eˈlicitable adj   > eˌliciˈtation n   > eˈlicitor n

elide (IˈlaId)   vb   phonetics to undergo or cause to undergo elision [C16: from Latin ēlīdere to knock, from laedere to hit, wound]   > eˈlidible adj

■ elision (IˈlIʒən)   n   1 the omission of a syllable or vowel at the beginning or end of a word, esp when a word ending with a vowel is next to one beginning with a vowel   2 any omission of a part or parts [C16: from Latin ēlīsiō, from ēlīdere to ELIDE]

eligible (ˈɛlIdʒəbəl)   adj   1 fit, worthy, or qualified, as for an office or function   2 desirable and worthy of being chosen, esp as a spouse: an eligible young man [C15: from Late Latin ēligibilis able to be chosen, from ēligere to ELECT]   > ˌeligiˈbility n   > ˈeligibly adv

Elijah (IˈlaIdʒə)   n   Old Testament a Hebrew prophet of the 9th century BC, who was persecuted for denouncing Ahab and Jezebel. (I Kings 17–21: 21; II Kings 1–2:18)

Elikón (ɛliˈkɔn)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Helicon

eliminate (IˈlImIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   1 to remove or take out; get rid of   2 to reject as trivial or irrelevant; omit from consideration   3 to remove (a competitor, team, etc) from a contest, usually by defeat   4 slang to murder in a cold-blooded manner   5 physiol to expel (waste matter) from the body   6 maths to remove (an unknown variable) from two or more simultaneous equations [C16: from Latin ēlīmināre to turn out of the house, from e- out + līmen threshold]   > eˈliminable adj   > eˌliminaˈbility n   > eˈliminant n   > eˈliminative or eˈliminatory adj   > eˈlimiˌnator n

USAGE

Eliminate is sometimes wrongly used to talk about avoiding the repetition of something undesirable: we must prevent (not eliminate) further mistakes of this kind

■ elimination (IˌlImIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act of eliminating or the state of being eliminated   2 logic (qualified by the name of an operation) a syntactic rule specifying the conditions under which a formula or statement containing the specified operation may permit the derivation of others that do not contain it: conjunction-elimination; universal elimination   3 chem a type of chemical reaction involving the loss of a simple molecule, such as water or carbon dioxide

■ eliminative materialism or eliminativism   n   (in philosophy of mind) the theory that people's common-sense understanding of the mind is false and that certain classes of mental states that most people believe in do not exist

elint (ˈiːlInt)   n   intelligence gathered by using electronic sensors to intercept electromagnetic signals, such as radio signals, from other countries

Eliot (ˈɛlIət)   n   1  George, real name Mary Ann Evans. 1819–80, English novelist, noted for her analysis of provincial Victorian society. Her best-known novels include Adam Bede (1859), The Mill on the Floss (1860), Silas Marner (1861), and Middlemarch (1872)   2  Sir John. 1592–1632, English statesman, a leader of parliamentary opposition to Charles I   3  T(homas) S(tearns). 1888–1965, British poet, dramatist, and critic, born in the US. His poetry includes Prufrock and Other Observations (1917), The Waste Land (1922), Ash Wednesday (1930), and Four Quartets (1943). Among his verse plays are Murder in the Cathedral (1935), The Family Reunion (1939), The Cocktail Party (1950), and The Confidential Clerk (1954): Nobel prize for literature 1948

Elis (ˈiːlIs)   n   an ancient city-state of SW Greece, in the NW Peloponnese: site of the ancient Olympic games

ELISA (IˈlaIzə)   n acronym for   enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: an immunological technique for accurately measuring the amount of a substance, for example in a blood sample

Elisabeth (IˈlIzəbəθ)   n   a variant spelling of Elizabeth^1 (sense 1)

Élisabethville (IˈlIzəbəθˌvIl)   n   the former name (until 1966) of Lubumbashi

Elisavetgrad (Russian jIlizaˈvjɛtɡrət)   n   a former name (until 1924) of Kropyvnyts’kyy

Elisavetpol (Russian jIlizaˈvjɛtpəlj)   n   a former name (until 1920) of Kirovabad

Elisha (IˈlaIʃə)   n   Old Testament a Hebrew prophet of the 9th century BC: successor of Elijah (II Kings 3–9)

elite or élite (Iˈliːt, eI-)   n   1 (sometimes functioning as plural) the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc   2 Also called: twelve pitch a typewriter type size having 12 characters to the inch   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or suitable for an elite; exclusive [C18: from French, from Old French eslit chosen, from eslire to choose, from Latin ēligere to ELECT]

■ elitism (IˈliːtIzəm, eI-)   n   1    a the belief that society should be governed by a select group of gifted and highly educated individuals   b such government   2 pride in or awareness of being one of an elite group   > eˈlitist adj, n

elixir (IˈlIksə)   n   1 an alchemical preparation supposed to be capable of prolonging life indefinitely (elixir of life) or of transmuting base metals into gold   2 anything that purports to be a sovereign remedy; panacea   3 an underlying principle; quintessence   4 a liquid containing a medicinal drug with syrup, glycerine, or alcohol added to mask its unpleasant taste [C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al iksīr the elixir, probably from Greek xērion powder used for drying wounds, from xēros dry]

Elizabeth^1 (IˈlIzəbəθ)   n   1 a city in NE New Jersey, on Newark Bay. Pop: 123 215 (2003 est)   2 a town in SE South Australia, part of Adelaide. Pop: 26 428 (2006)

Elizabeth^2 (IˈlIzəbəθ)   n   1 Saint Elizabeth or Saint Elisabeth New Testament the wife of Zacharias, mother of John the Baptist, and kinswoman of the Virgin Mary. Feast day: Nov 5 or 8   2  pen name Carmen Sylva. 1843–1916, queen of Romania (1881–1914) and author   3  Russian name Yelizaveta Petrovna. 1709–62, empress of Russia (1741–62); daughter of Peter the Great   4  title the Queen Mother; original name Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. 1900–2002, queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1936–52) as the wife of George VI; mother of Elizabeth II

Elizabeth I   n   1533–1603, queen of England (1558–1603); daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She established the Church of England (1559) and put an end to Catholic plots, notably by executing Mary Queen of Scots (1587) and defeating the Spanish Armada (1588). Her reign was notable for commercial growth, maritime expansion, and the flourishing of literature, music, and architecture

Elizabeth II   n   born 1926, queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1952; daughter of George VI

Elizabethan (IˌlIzəˈbiːθən)   adj   1 of, characteristic of, or relating to England or its culture in the age of Elizabeth I or to the United Kingdom or its culture in the age of Elizabeth II   2 of, relating to, or designating a style of architecture used in England during the reign of Elizabeth I, characterized by moulded and sculptured ornament based on German and Flemish models   ▷ n   3 a person who lived in England during the reign of Elizabeth I

■ Elizabethan sonnet   n   another term for Shakespearean sonnet

Elizabeth of Hungary   n   Saint. 1207–31, Hungarian princess who devoted herself to charity and asceticism. Feast day: Nov 17 and 19

elk (ɛlk)   n, pl elks or elk   1 a large deer, Alces alces, of N Europe and Asia, having large flattened palmate antlers: also occurs in North America, where it is called a moose   2 American elk another name for wapiti   3 a stout pliable waterproof leather made from calfskin or horsehide [Old English eolh; related to Old Norse elgr, Old High German elaho, Latin alcēs, Greek alkē, elaphos deer]

El Khalil (ɛl xɒˈliːl)   n   transliteration of the Arabic name for Hebron

elkhorn fern (ˈɛlkˌhɔːn)   n   a tropical fern, of the genus Platycerium, with a large leaf like an elk's horn

elkhound (ˈɛlkˌhaʊnd)   n   a powerful breed of dog of the spitz type with a thick grey coat and tightly curled tail. Also called: Norwegian elkhound

ell^1 (ɛl)   n   an obsolete unit of length equal to approximately 45 inches [Old English eln the forearm (the measure originally being from the elbow to the fingertips); related to Old High German elina, Latin ulna, Greek ōlenē]

ell^2 (ɛl)   n   1 an extension to a building, usually at right angles and located at one end   2 a pipe fitting, pipe, or tube with a sharp right-angle bend [C20: a spelling of L, indicating a right angle]

ellagic (ɛˈlædʒIk)   adj   chem (of an acid) derived from gallnuts

Ellan Vannin (ˈɛlən ˈvanIn)   n   the Manx name for Man^2

Ellás (ɛˈlas)   n   transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Greece

Ellenborough (ˈɛlənbrə)   n   Earl of, title of Edward Law. 1780–1871, British colonial administrator: governor general of India (1742–44)

Ellesmere Island (ˈɛlzmIə)   n   a Canadian island in the Arctic Ocean: part of Nunavut; mountainous, with many glaciers. Area: 212 688 sq km (82 119 sq miles)

Ellesmere Port   n   a port in NW England, in NW Cheshire on the Mersey estuary and Manchester Ship Canal. Pop: 66 265 (2001)

Ellice Islands (ˈɛlIs)   pl n   the former name (until 1975) of Tuvalu

Ellington (ˈɛlIŋtən)   n   Duke, nickname of Edward Kennedy Ellington. 1899–1974, US jazz composer, pianist, and conductor, famous for such works as "Mood Indigo" and "Creole Love Call"

ellipse (IˈlIps)   n   a closed conic section shaped like a flattened circle and formed by an inclined plane that does not cut the base of the cone. Standard equation x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1, where 2a and 2b are the lengths of the major and minor axes. Area: πab [C18: back formation from ELLIPSIS]

■ ellipsoid (IˈlIpsɔId)   n     a a geometric surface, symmetrical about the three coordinate axes, whose plane sections are ellipses or circles. Standard equation: x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 + z^2/c^2 = 1, where ±a, ±b, ±c are the intercepts on the x-, y-, and z- axes   b a solid having this shape: the earth is an ellipsoid   > ellipsoidal (IlIpˈsɔIdəl, ˌɛl-) adj

■ ellipsoid of revolution   n   a geometric surface produced by rotating an ellipse about one of its two axes and having circular plane surfaces perpendicular to the axis of revolution. Also called: spheroid

ellipsis (IˈlIpsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 Also called: eclipsis omission of parts of a word or sentence   2 printing a sequence of three dots (…) indicating an omission in text [C16: from Latin, from Greek elleipsis omission, from elleipein to leave out, from leipein to leave]

ellipsograph (IˈlIpsəʊˌɡrɑːf)   n   an instrument that draws ellipses

elliptical (IˈlIptIkəl) or elliptic   adj   1 relating to or having the shape of an ellipse   2 relating to or resulting from ellipsis   3 (of speech, literary style, etc)   a very condensed or concise, often so as to be obscure or ambiguous   b circumlocutory or long-winded   ▶ Also (for senses 1, 2): elliptic   > elˈliptically adv   > elˈlipticalness n

USAGE

The use of elliptical to mean circumlocutory should be avoided as it may be interpreted wrongly as meaning condensed or concise

■ elliptic geometry   n   another name for Riemannian geometry

■ ellipticity (IlIpˈtIsItI, ˌɛl-)   n   the degree of deviation from a circle or sphere of an elliptical or ellipsoidal shape or path, measured as the ratio of the major to the minor axes

Ellis (ˈɛlIs)   n   1  Alexander John. 1814–90, English philologist: made the first systematic survey of the phonology of British dialects   2  (Henry) Havelock (ˈhævlɒk). 1859–1939, English essayist: author of works on the psychology of sex

ellwand (ˈɛlˌwɒnd)   n   Scot a stick for measuring lengths

elm (ɛlm)   n   1 any ulmaceous tree of the genus Ulmus, occurring in the N hemisphere, having serrated leaves and winged fruits (samaras): cultivated for shade, ornament, and timber   2 the hard heavy wood of this tree   ▶ See also slippery elm, wahoo^1, wych-elm [Old English elm; related to Old Norse almr, Old High German elm, Latin ulmus]

■ elmen (ˈɛlmən)   adj   archaic relating to elm trees or made of the wood of an elm tree

■ elmwood (ˈɛlmˌwʊd)   n   the wood from an elm tree

■ elmy (ˈɛlmI)   adj -mier, -miest   relating to, or abounding in, elm trees

El Mansûra (ɛl mænˈsʊərə) or Al Mansûrah   n   a city in NE Egypt: scene of a battle (1250) in which the Crusaders were defeated by the Mamelukes and Louis IX of France was captured; cotton-manufacturing centre. Pop: 423 000 (2005 est)

El Minya (ɛl ˈmInjə) or Al Minya   n   a city in central Egypt, on the Nile. Pop: 225 000 (2005 est)

El Misti (ɛl ˈmiːstiː)   n   a volcano in S Peru, in the Andes. Height: 5822 m (19 101 ft)

El Niño (ɛl ˈniːnjəʊ)   n   meteorol a warming of the eastern tropical Pacific occurring every few years, which alters the weather pattern of the tropics [C20: from Spanish: The Child, i.e. Christ, referring to its original occurrence at Christmas time]

El Obeid (ɛl əʊˈbeId)   n   a city in central Sudan, in Kordofan province: scene of the defeat of a British and Egyptian army by the Mahdi (1883). Pop: 423 000 (2005 est)

elocution (ˌɛləˈkjuːʃən)   n   the art of public speaking, esp of voice production, delivery, and gesture [C15: from Latin ēlocūtiō a speaking out, from ēloquī, from loquī to speak]   > ˌeloˈcutionary or elocutory (ˌɛləˈkjuːtərI) adj   > ˌeloˈcutionist n

■ elocute (ˈɛləˌkjuːt)   vb   (intr) facetious to speak as if practising elocution; declaim [C19: back formation from ELOCUTION]

elodea (ɛˈləʊdIə)   n   any of several aquatic plants of the genus Elodea of the family Hydrocharidaceae that are native to both North and South America and which have grasslike leaves

elogist (ˈɛlədʒIst)   n   obsolete a person who delivers a eulogy

Elohim (ɛˈləʊhIm, ˌɛləʊˈhiːm)   n   Old Testament a Hebrew word for God or gods [C17: from Hebrew 'Elōhim, plural (used to indicate uniqueness) of 'Elōah God; probably related to 'El God]

Elohist (ɛˈləʊhIst)   n   Old Testament the supposed author or authors of one of the four main strands of text of the Pentateuch, identified chiefly by the use of the word Elohim for God instead of YHVH (Jehovah)

eloign or eloin (IˈlɔIn)   vb   (tr) archaic to remove (oneself, one's property, etc) to a distant place [C16: from Anglo-French esloigner to go far away; related to Latin longē (adv) far; compare ELONGATE]   > eˈloigner or eˈloiner n   > eˈloignment or eˈloinment n

elongate (ˈiːlɒŋɡeIt)   vb   1 to make or become longer; stretch   ▷ adj   2 long and narrow; slender: elongate leaves   3 lengthened or tapered [C16: from Late Latin ēlongāre to keep at a distance, from ē- away + Latin longē (adv) far, but also later: to lengthen, as if from ē- + Latin longus (adj) long]

■ elongated (ˈiːlɒŋɡeItId)   adj   1 long and narrow; slender   2 lengthened or tapered

■ elongation (ˌiːlɒŋˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 the act of elongating or state of being elongated; lengthening   2 something that is elongated   3 astronomy the difference between the celestial longitude of the sun and that of a planet or the moon

elope (Iˈləʊp)   vb   (intr) to run away secretly with a lover, esp in order to marry [C16: from Anglo-French aloper, perhaps from Middle Dutch lōpen to run; see LOPE]   > eˈlopement n   > eˈloper n

elops (ˈɛlɒps)   n, pl elops or elopses (ɛˈləʊpsiːz)   any of several fishes of the genus Elops of the Elopidae family that are related to the tarpons

eloquent (ˈɛləkwənt)   adj   1 (of speech, writing, etc) characterized by fluency and persuasiveness   2 visibly or vividly expressive, as of an emotion: an eloquent yawn [C14: from Latin ēloquēns, from ēloquī to speak out, from loquī to speak]   > ˈeloquently adv

■ eloquence (ˈɛləkwəns)   n   1 ease in using language to best effect   2 powerful and effective language   3 the quality of being persuasive or moving

El Paso (ɛl ˈpæsəʊ)   n   a city in W Texas, on the Rio Grande opposite Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Pop: 584 113 (2003 est)

elpee (ɛlˈpiː)   n   informal an LP

Els (ɛls)   n   Ernie, full name Theodore Ernest Els. born 1969; South African golfer: won the British Open Championship (2002, 2012) and the US Open Championship (1994, 1997)

El Salvador (ɛl ˈsælvəˌdɔː)   n   a republic in Central America, on the Pacific: colonized by the Spanish from 1524; declared independence in 1841, becoming a republic in 1856. It consists of coastal lowlands rising to a central plateau. Coffee constitutes over a third of the total exports. Official language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: US dollar. Capital: San Salvador. Pop: 6 377 853 (2017 est). Area: 21 393 sq km (8236 sq miles)

Elsan (ˈɛlsæn)   n   trademark a type of portable lavatory in which chemicals are used to kill bacteria and deodorize the sludge [C20: from the initials of E. L. Jackson, the manufacturer + SAN(ITATION)]

Elsass (ˈɛlzas)   n   the German name for Alsace

■ Elsass-Lothringen (ˈɛlzasˈloːtrIŋən)   n   the German name for Alsace-Lorraine

else (ɛls)   determiner (postpositive; used after an indefinite pronoun or an interrogative)   1 in addition; more: there is nobody else here   2 other; different: where else could he be?   ▷ adv   3 or else   a if not, then: go away or else I won't finish my work today   b or something terrible will result: used as a threat: sit down, or else! [Old English elles, genitive of el- strange, foreign; related to Old High German eli- other, Gothic alja, Latin alius, Greek allos]

■ elsewhere (ˌɛlsˈwɛə)   adv   in or to another place; somewhere else [Old English elles hwǣr; see ELSE, WHERE]

■ elsewhither (ˈɛlsˌwIðə)   adv   archaic to another place in a different direction

■ elsewise (ˈɛlsˌwaIz)   adv   otherwise

elshin (ˈɛlʃIn)   n   Scot a cobbler's awl

Elsinore (ˈɛlsIˌnɔː, ˌɛlsIˈnɔː)   n   the historical English name for Helsingør

ELT   abbreviation for   English Language Teaching: the teaching of English specifically to students whose native language is not English

Elton (ˈɛltən)   n   1  Ben(jamin) (Charles). born 1959, British comedian, scriptwriter, playwright, and novelist; his work includes the Blackadder series for television (1987–89), the play Gasping (1990), the novel High Society (2002), and the lyrics to the musical We Will Rock You (2002)   2  Charles Sutherland. 1900–91, British zoologist: initiated the study of animal ecology

Éluard (French elɥar)   n   Paul (pɔl), real name Eugène-Émile-Paul Grindel. 1895–1952, French surrealist poet, noted for his political and love poems

eluate (ˈɛljuːˌeIt)   n   a solution of adsorbed material in the eluent obtained during the process of elution

elucidate (IˈluːsIˌdeIt)   vb   to make clear (something obscure or difficult); clarify [C16: from Late Latin ēlūcidāre to enlighten; see LUCID]   > eˌluciˈdation n   > eˈluciˌdative or eˈluciˌdatory adj   > eˈluciˌdator n

elucubrate (IˈluːkjʊˌbreIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to work on (a literary work) in a dedicated manner at night-time

■ elucubration (IˌluːkjʊˈbreIʃən)   n   1 obsolete the practice of elucubrating   2 a literary work produced by elucubrating

elude (Iˈluːd)   vb (tr)   1 to escape or avoid (capture, one's pursuers, etc), esp by cunning   2 to avoid fulfilment of (a responsibility, obligation, etc); evade   3 to escape discovery, or understanding by; baffle: the solution eluded her [C16: from Latin ēlūdere to deceive, from lūdere to play]   > eˈluder n   > elusion (Iˈluːʒən) n

USAGE

Elude is sometimes wrongly used where allude is meant: he was alluding (not eluding) to his previous visit to the city

■ eludible (Iˈluːdəbəl)   adj   able to be eluded

eluent or eluant (ˈɛljuːənt)   n   a solvent used for eluting

Elul (ɛˈluːl)   n   (in the Jewish calendar) the sixth month of the year according to biblical reckoning and the twelfth month of the civil year, usually falling within August and September [from Hebrew]

elusive (IˈluːsIv)   adj   1 difficult to catch: an elusive thief   2 preferring or living in solitude and anonymity   3 difficult to remember: an elusive thought   > eˈlusively adv   > eˈlusiveness n

USAGE

See at illusory

elusory (IˈluːsərI)   adj   1 avoiding the issue; evasive: elusory arguments   2 difficult to grasp mentally; elusive: elusory ideas

■ elusoriness (IˈluːsərInəs)   n   the state or quality of being elusory

elute (iːˈluːt, Iˈluːt)   vb   (tr) to wash out (a substance) by the action of a solvent, as in chromatography [C18: from Latin ēlūtus rinsed out, from ēluere to wash clean, from luere to wash, LAVE]   > eˈlution n

■ elutor (iːˈluːtə)   n   a vessel used for elution

elutriate (IˈluːtrIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to purify or separate (a substance or mixture) by washing and straining or decanting [C18: from Latin ēlūtriāre to wash out, from ēluere, from ē- out + lavere to wash]   > eˌlutriˈation n   > eˈlutriˌator n

eluviate (IˈluːvIˌeIt)   vb (intr)   to undergo eluviation

■ eluviation (IˌluːvIˈeIʃən)   n   the process by which material suspended in water is removed from one layer of soil to another by the action of rainfall or chemical decomposition [C20: from ELUVIUM]

eluvium (IˈluːvIəm)   n, pl -via (-vIə)   a mass of sand, silt, etc: a product of the erosion of rocks that has remained in its place of origin [C19: New Latin, from Latin ēluere to wash out]   > eˈluvial adj

elvan (ˈɛlvən)   n   Cornish mining a hard rock, such as whinstone, that is resistant to a miner's pick

elver (ˈɛlvə)   n   a young eel, esp one migrating up a river from the sea. See also leptocephalus [C17: variant of eelfare migration of young eels, literally: eel-journey; see EEL, FARE]

elves (ɛlvz)   n   the plural of elf

elvish (ˈɛlvIʃ)   adj   a variant of elfish

Elx (eltʃ)   n   the Catalan name for Elche

Ely (ˈiːlI)   n   1 a cathedral city in E England, in E Cambridgeshire on the River Ouse. Pop: 13 954 (2001)   2 a former county of E England, part of Cambridgeshire since 1965

Elyot (ˈɛlIət)   n   Sir Thomas. ?1490–1546, English scholar and diplomat; author of The Boke named the Governour (1531), a treatise in English on education

Elysée (eIˈliːzeI)   n   a palace in Paris, in the Champs Elysées: official residence of the president of France

Elysium (IˈlIzIəm)   n   1 Also called: Elysian fields Greek myth the dwelling place of the blessed after death. See also Islands of the Blessed   2 a state or place of perfect bliss [C16: from Latin, from Greek Ēlusion pedion Elysian (that is, blessed) fields]

■ Elysian (IˈlIzIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Elysium   2 literary delightful; glorious; blissful

Elytis (ɛˈlaItIs)   n   Odysseus, real name Odysseus Alepoudelis. 1912–96, Greek poet, author of the long poems To Axion Esti (1959) and Maria Nefeli (1978): Nobel prize for literature 1979

elytriform (ˈɛlItrIˌfɔːm)   adj   having the form of an elytron

elytrigerous (ˌɛlIˈtrIdʒərəs)   adj   having elytra

elytron (ˈɛlIˌtrɒn) or elytrum (ˈɛlItrəm)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings [C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering]   > ˈelyˌtroid or ˈelytrous adj

■ elytral (ˈɛlItrəl)   adj   relating to a beetle's elytra

em (ɛm)   n printing   1 Also called: mutton, mut the square of a body of any size of type, used as a unit of measurement   2 Also called: pica em, pica a unit of measurement used in printing, equal to one sixth of an inch [C19: from the name of the letter M]

■ em dash or em rule   n   printing a dash (—) one em long

em-   prefix   before b, m, and p, a variant of en-1, en-2

'em (əm)   pron   an informal variant of them

emaciate (IˈmeIsIˌeIt)   vb   (usually tr) to become or cause to become abnormally thin [C17: from Latin ēmaciāre to make lean, from macer thin]   > eˌmaciˈation n

■ emaciated (IˈmeIsIˌeItId)   adj   abnormally thin

emacs (ˈiːmæks)   n, pl emacsen (ˈiːmæksən)   computing a powerful computer program used for creating and editing text, functioning primarily through keyboard commands [C20: from e(ditor mac(ro)s]

email or e-mail (ˈiːmeIl)   n   1 short for electronic mail   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to contact (a person) by electronic mail   3 to send (a message, document, etc) by electronic mail   > ˈemailer or ˈe-mailer n

emalangeni (ˌɛmɒːlɒːŋˈɡeInI)   pl n   the plural of lilangeni

emanate (ˈɛməˌneIt)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by from) to issue or proceed from or as from a source   2 (tr) to send forth; emit [C18: from Latin ēmānāre to flow out, from mānāre to flow]   > emanative (ˈɛmənətIv) adj   > ˈemaˌnator n   > emanatory (ˈɛməˌneItərI, -trI) adj

■ emanant (ˈɛmənənt)   adj   archaic issuing or proceeding from, or as from, a source

■ emanation (ˌɛməˈneIʃən)   n   1 an act or instance of emanating   2 something that emanates or is produced; effusion   3 a gaseous product of radioactive decay, such as radon   > ˌemaˈnational adj

■ emanatist (ˈɛmənətIst)   n   theol a person who believes that the universe derives its existence from the essence of God

emancipate (IˈmænsIˌpeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to free from restriction or restraint, esp social or legal restraint   2 (often passive) to free from the inhibitions imposed by conventional morality   3 to liberate (a slave) from bondage [C17: from Latin ēmancipāre to give independence (to a son), from mancipāre to transfer property, from manceps a purchaser; see MANCIPLE]   > eˈmanciˌpated adj   > eˈmanciˌpative adj   > eˈmanciˌpator or eˈmancipist n   > emancipatory (IˈmænsIpətərI, -trI) adj

■ emancipation (IˌmænsIˈpeIʃən)   n   1 the act of freeing or state of being freed; liberation   2 informal freedom from inhibition and convention   > eˌmanciˈpationist n

emarginate (IˈmɑːdʒIˌneIt) or emarginated   adj   having a notched tip or edge: emarginate leaves [C17: from Latin ēmargināre to deprive of its edge, from margō MARGIN]   > eˈmargiˌnately adv   > eˌmargiˈnation n

e-marketing   n   the practice of marketing by means of the internet [C20: electronic marketing]

emasculate   vb (IˈmæskjʊˌleIt) (tr)   1 to remove the testicles of; castrate; geld   2 to deprive of vigour, effectiveness, etc   3 botany to remove the stamens from (a flower) to prevent self-pollination for the purposes of plant breeding   ▷ adj (IˈmæskjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   4 castrated; gelded   5 deprived of strength, effectiveness, etc [C17: from Latin ēmasculāre, from masculus male; see MASCULINE]   > eˌmascuˈlation n   > eˈmasculative or eˈmasculatory adj   > eˈmascuˌlator n

embail (ImˈbeIl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to enclose in a circle

embale (ImˈbeIl)   vb (tr)   archaic to bind or wrap (goods) into a package or bale

emball (Imˈbɔːl)   vb (tr)   archaic to enclose in a circle

embalm (Imˈbɑːm)   vb (tr)   1 to treat (a dead body) with preservatives, as by injecting formaldehyde into the blood vessels, to retard putrefaction   2 to preserve or cherish the memory of   3 poetic to give a sweet fragrance to [C13: from Old French embaumer; see BALM]   > emˈbalmer n   > emˈbalmment n

■ embalming (ImˈbɑːmIŋ)   n   the act or process of embalming (a dead body). See also embalming fluid

■ embalming fluid   n   a liquid used to treat a dead body, which contains preservatives to retard putrefaction

embank (Imˈbæŋk)   vb   (tr) to protect, enclose, or confine (a waterway, road, etc) with an embankment

■ embanker (Imˈbæŋkə)   n   a person who makes an embankment

■ embankment (Imˈbæŋkmənt)   n   a man-made ridge of earth or stone that carries a road or railway or confines a waterway. See also levee^1

embar (Imˈbɑː)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to enclose with bars   2 to stop or impede

embarcadero (ɛmˌbɑːkəˈdɛərəʊ)   n   rare a quay or pier [C19: from Spanish embarcar to embark]

embargo (ɛmˈbɑːɡəʊ)   n, pl -goes   1 a government order prohibiting the departure or arrival of merchant ships in its ports   2 any legal stoppage of commerce: an embargo on arms shipments   3 a restraint, hindrance, or prohibition   ▷ vb -goes, -going, -goed (tr)   4 to lay an embargo upon   5 to seize for use by the state [C16: from Spanish, from embargar, from Latin IM- + barra BAR^1]

embark (ɛmˈbɑːk)   vb   1 to board (a ship or aircraft)   2 (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to commence or engage (in) a new project, venture, etc [C16: via French from Old Provençal embarcar, from EM- + barca boat, BARQUE]   > ˌembarˈkation or ˌembarˈcation n   > emˈbarkment n

embarquement (ɛmˈbɑːkmənt)   n   another word for embarkment

embarras de richesses French (ɑ̃bara də riʃɛs)   n   Also: embarras de choix (də ʃwa) a superfluous abundance of options, from which one finds it difficult to select [C18: literally: embarrassment of riches]

embarrass (Imˈbærəs)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to feel or cause to feel confusion or self-consciousness; disconcert; fluster   2 (usually passive) to involve in financial difficulties   3 archaic to make difficult; complicate   4 archaic to impede; obstruct; hamper [C17: (in the sense: to impede): via French and Spanish from Italian imbarrazzare, from imbarrare to confine within bars; see EN-1, BAR^1]   > emˈbarrassed adj   > emˈbarrassedly adv

■ embarrassable (Imˈbærəsəbəl)   adj   able to be embarrassed

■ embarrassing (ImˈbærəsIŋ)   adj   causing one to feel confusion or self-consciousness; disconcerting   > emˈbarrassingly adv

■ embarrassment (Imˈbærəsmənt)   n   1 the state of being embarrassed   2 something that embarrasses   3 a financial predicament   4 an excessive amount; superfluity

embase (ImˈbeIs)   vb (tr)   archaic to degrade or debase

■ embasement (ImˈbeIsmənt)   n   obsolete abasement

embassade (ˈɛmbəˌsɑːd)   n   obsolete an embassy

embassy (ˈɛmbəsI)   n, pl -sies   1 the residence or place of official business of an ambassador   2 an ambassador and his or her entourage collectively   3 the position, business, or mission of an ambassador   4 any important or official mission, duty, etc, esp one undertaken by an agent [C16: from Old French ambassee, from Old Italian ambasciata, from Old Provençal ambaisada, ultimately of Germanic origin; see AMBASSADOR]

■ embassador (ɛmˈbæsədə)   n   obsolete an ambassador

■ embassage (ˈɛmbəsIdʒ)   n archaic   1 the work of an ambassador, or the message conveyed by an ambassador   2 the position of an ambassador

embathe (ImˈbeIð)   vb (tr)   poetic to bathe with water

embattle (Imˈbætəl)   vb (tr)   1 to deploy (troops) for battle   2 to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc)   3 to provide (a building) with battlements [C14: from Old French embataillier; see EN-1, BATTLE]

■ embattled (Imˈbætəld)   adj   1 prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle   2 heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements

■ embattlement (Imˈbætəlmənt)   n   a battlement

embay (ImˈbeI)   vb (tr; usually passive)   1 to form into a bay   2 to enclose in or as if in a bay   3 (esp of the wind) to force (a ship, esp a sailing ship) into a bay

■ embayment (ImˈbeImənt)   n   a shape resembling a bay

Embden-Meyerhof pathway (ˈɛmdənˈmaIəˌhɒf)   n   the metabolic reaction sequence in glycolysis by which glucose is converted to pyruvic acid with production of ATP [C20: named after Gustav Embden (1874–1933) and Otto Meyerhof (1884–1951), German biochemists]

embed or imbed (Imˈbɛd)   vb -beds, -bedding, -bedded   1 (usually foll by in) to fix or become fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding solid mass: to embed a nail in wood   2 (tr) to surround closely: hard rock embeds the roots   3 (tr) to fix or retain (a thought, idea, etc) in the mind   4 (often foll by with) to assign a journalist or be assigned as one to accompany an active military unit   5 (tr) grammar to insert (a subordinate clause) into a sentence   ▷ n (ˈImbɛd)   6 a journalist accompanying an active military unit   > emˈbedment n

■ embedded (ImˈbɛdId)   adj   1 fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding solid mass   2 constituting a permanent and noticeable feature of something   3 journalism assigned to accompany an active military unit   4 grammar inserted into a sentence   5 computing (of a piece of software) made an integral part of other software

■ embedding (ImˈbɛdIŋ)   n   the practice of assigning a journalist or being assigned to accompany an active military unit

embellish (ImˈbɛlIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to improve or beautify by adding detail or ornament; adorn   2 to make (a story) more interesting by adding detail   3 to provide (a melody, part, etc) with ornaments. See ornament (sense 5) [C14: from Old French embelir, from bel beautiful, from Latin bellus]   > emˈbellisher n   > emˈbellishment n

■ embellishingly (ImˈbɛlIʃIŋlI)   adv   in an embellishing manner

ember (ˈɛmbə)   n   1 a glowing or smouldering piece of coal or wood, as in a dying fire   2 the fading remains of a past emotion: the embers of his love [Old English ǣmyrge; related to Old Norse eimyrja ember, eimr smoke, Old High German eimuria ember]

Ember days   pl n   RC Church, Anglican Church any of four groups of three days (always Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) of prayer and fasting, the groups occurring after Pentecost, after the first Sunday of Lent, after the feast of St Lucy (Dec 13), and after the feast of the Holy Cross (Sept 14) [Old English ymbrendǣg, from ymbren, perhaps from ymbryne a (recurring) period, from ymb around + ryne a course + dǣg day]

ember goose   n   (not in ornithological use) another name for the great northern diver [C18: from Norwegian emmer-gaas]

Ember week   n   a week in which Ember days fall

embezzle (Imˈbɛzəl)   vb   to convert (money or property entrusted to one) fraudulently to one's own use [C15: from Anglo-French embeseiller to destroy, from Old French beseiller to make away with, of uncertain origin]   > emˈbezzlement n   > emˈbezzler n

embitter (ImˈbItə)   vb (tr)   1 to make (a person) resentful or bitter   2 to aggravate (an already hostile feeling, difficult situation, etc)   > emˈbittered adj   > emˈbitterer n   > emˈbitterment n

■ embittering (ImˈbItərIŋ)   adj   having qualities that make a person feel bitter

emblaze (ImˈbleIz)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to cause to light up; illuminate   2 to set fire to

■ emblazer (ImˈbleIzə)   n   a person or thing that emblazes

emblazon (ImˈbleIzən)   vb (tr)   1 to describe, portray, or colour (arms) according to the conventions of heraldry   2 to portray heraldic arms on (a shield, one's notepaper, etc)   3 to make bright or splendid, as with colours, flowers, etc   4 to glorify, praise, or extol, often so as to attract great publicity: his feat was emblazoned on the front page   > emˈblazonment n

■ emblazoner (ImˈbleIzənə)   n   a person who emblazons

■ emblazonry (ImˈbleIzənrI)   n   another name for blazonry

emblem (ˈɛmbləm)   n   1 a visible object or representation that symbolizes a quality, type, group, etc, esp the concrete symbol of an abstract idea: the dove is an emblem of peace   2 an allegorical picture containing a moral lesson, often with an explanatory motto or verses, esp one printed in an emblem book [C15: from Latin emblēma raised decoration, mosaic, from Greek, literally: something inserted, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw]   > ˌemblemˈatic or ˌemblemˈatical adj   > ˌemblemˈatically adv

■ emblematist (ɛmˈblɛmətIst)   n   a person who designs emblems

■ emblematize (ɛmˈblɛməˌtaIz), emblemize (ˈɛmbləˌmaIz), emblematise or emblemise   vb (tr)   1 to function as an emblem of; symbolize   2 to represent by or as by an emblem

emblema (ɛmˈbliːmə)   n   a decoration for a mosaic which was made separately from the mosaic and then inserted as the central panel

emblements (ˈɛmbləmənts)   pl n law   1 annual crops and vegetable products cultivated by human labour   2 the profits from such crops [C15: from Old French emblaement, from emblaer to sow with grain, from Medieval Latin imblādāre, from blāda grain, of Germanic origin; compare Old English blǣd grain]

emblic (ˈɛmblIk)   n   1 a deciduous tree, Phyllanthus emblica, found in eastern India and belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, used for tanning   2 the edible fruit of the Phyllanthus emblica

embloom (Imˈbluːm)   vb (tr)   obsolete to adorn with blooms

emblossom (Imˈblɒsəm)   vb (tr)   to adorn with blossom

embody (ImˈbɒdI)   vb -bodies, -bodying, -bodied (tr)   1 to give a tangible, bodily, or concrete form to (an abstract concept)   2 to be an example of or express (an idea, principle, etc), esp in action: the new warship embodies the best of British technological innovation   3 (often foll by in) to collect or unite in a comprehensive whole, system, etc; comprise; include: all the different essays were embodied in one long article   4 to invest (a spiritual entity) with a body or with bodily form; render incarnate   > emˈbodiment n

■ embodier (ImˈbɒdIə)   n   a person or thing that embodies

embog (Imˈbɒɡ)   vb (tr)   to sink or plunge into a bog

embogue (Imˈbəʊɡ)   vb -bogues, -boguing, -bogued (intr)   obsolete same as disembogue

emboil (ImˈbɔIl)   vb   obsolete to enrage or be enraged

emboîtement French (ɑ̃bwatmɑ̃)   n   biology the theory, no longer believed, that an egg encases the germs of all future descendants that might develop from that egg, each germ being encased within another germ

embolden (Imˈbəʊldən)   vb   (tr) to encourage; make bold

■ emboldener (Imˈbəʊldənə)   n   a person or thing that emboldens

embolectomy (ˌɛmbəˈlɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical removal of an embolus that is blocking a blood vessel

embolic (ɛmˈbɒlIk)   adj   1 of or relating to an embolus or embolism   2 embryol of, relating to, or resulting from invagination

embolism (ˈɛmbəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus   2 botany the blocking of a xylem vessel by an air bubble   3 the insertion of one or more days into a calendar, esp the Jewish calendar; intercalation   4 RC Church a prayer inserted in the canon of the Mass between the Lord's Prayer and the breaking of the bread   5 another name (not in technical use) for embolus [C14: from Medieval Latin embolismus, from Late Greek embolismos intercalary; see EMBOLUS]   > ˌemboˈlismic adj

■ embolismal (ˌɛmbəˈlIzəməl)   adj   obsolete relating to embolism, being the insertion of one or more days into a calendar

■ embolize or embolise (ˈɛmbəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to cause embolism in (a blood vessel)   > ˌemboliˈzation or ˌemboliˈsation n

embolus (ˈɛmbələs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   material, such as part of a blood clot or an air bubble, that is transported by the blood stream until it becomes lodged within a small vessel and impedes the circulation. Compare thrombus [C17: via Latin from Greek embolos stopper, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw; see EMBLEM]

emboly (ˈɛmbəlI)   n, pl -lies   another name for invagination (sense 3) [C19: from Greek embolē an insertion, from emballein to throw in; see EMBLEM]

embonpoint French (ɑ̃bɔ̃pwɛ̃)   n   1 plumpness or stoutness   ▷ adj   2 plump; stout [C18: from phrase en bon point in good condition]

emborder (Imˈbɔːdə)   vb (tr)   obsolete to edge or border

emboscata (ˌɛmbɒˈskɑːtə)   n   archaic a sudden attack or raid

embosk (Imˈbɒsk)   vb (tr) archaic   to hide or cover, esp with greenery

embosom (Imˈbʊzəm)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to enclose or envelop, esp protectively   2 to clasp to the bosom; hug   3 to cherish

emboss (Imˈbɒs)   vb   1 to mould or carve (a decoration or design) on (a surface) so that it is raised above the surface in low relief   2 to cause to bulge; make protrude [C14: from Old French embocer, from EM- + boce BOSS^2]   > emˈbosser n   > emˈbossment n

■ embossable (Imˈbɒsəbəl)   adj   able to be embossed

■ embossed (Imˈbɒst)   adj   having a moulded or carved decoration or design on the surface so that it is raised above the surface in low relief

embothrium (ImˈbɒθrIəm)   n   any evergreen shrub of the genus Embothrium, esp E. coccineum, native to South America but widely cultivated as an ornamental for its scarlet flowers: family Proteaceae. Also called: Chilean firebush [C19: from EM- + Greek bothrion small pit (referring to its anthers)]

embouchure (ˌɒmbʊˈʃʊə)   n   1 the mouth of a river or valley   2 music   a the correct application of the lips and tongue in playing a wind instrument   b the mouthpiece of a wind instrument [C18: from French, from Old French emboucher to put to one's mouth, from bouche mouth, from Latin bucca cheek]

embound (Imˈbaʊnd)   vb (tr)   poetic to surround or encircle

embourgeoisement (French ɑ̃burʒwazmɑ̃)   n   the process of becoming middle-class; the assimilation into the middle class of traditionally working-class people [from French, from EN-1 + BOURGEOIS^1]

■ embourgeoise (Imˈbʊəʒwɑːz)   vb   (tr) to make bourgeois

embow (Imˈbəʊ)   vb   (tr) to design or create (a structure) in the form of an arch or vault   > emˈbowed adj   > emˈbowment n

embowel (Imˈbaʊəl)   vb obsolete   1 to bury or embed deeply   2 another word for disembowel

■ embowelment (Imˈbaʊəlmənt)   n   a disembowelment

embower (Imˈbaʊə)   vb   (tr) archaic to enclose in or as in a bower

■ embowerment (Imˈbaʊərmənt)   n   archaic the act of embowering

embox (Imˈbɒks)   vb (tr)   to put in a box

embrace^1 (ImˈbreIs)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) (of a person) to take or clasp (another person) in the arms, or (of two people) to clasp each other, as in affection, greeting, etc; hug   2 to accept (an opportunity, challenge, etc) willingly or eagerly   3 to take up (a new idea, faith, etc); adopt: to embrace Judaism   4 to comprise or include as an integral part: geology embraces the science of mineralogy   5 to encircle or enclose   ▷ n   6 the act of embracing   7 (often plural) euphemistic sexual intercourse [C14: from Old French embracier, from EM- + brace a pair of arms, from Latin bracchia arms]   > emˈbraceable adj   > emˈbracement n   > emˈbracer n

■ embracingly (ImˈbreIsIŋlI)   adv   in an embracing manner

■ embracingness (ImˈbreIsIŋnəs)   n   the quality of something that embraces

■ embracive (ImˈbreIsIv)   adj   1 embracing all, or comprehensive   2 fond of embracing

embrace^2 (ImˈbreIs)   vb   (tr) criminal law to commit or attempt to commit embracery against (a jury, etc) [C15: back formation from EMBRACEOR]

■ embraceor^1, embracer (ImˈbreIsə) or embrasor (ImˈbreIzə)   n   criminal law a person guilty of embracery [C15: from Old French embraseor, from embraser to instigate, literally: to set on fire, from braser to burn, from brese live coals]

■ embracery^2 (ImˈbreIsərI)   n   criminal law the offence of attempting by corrupt means to influence a jury or juror, as by bribery or threats

embraid (ImˈbreId)   vb (tr)   obsolete to braid or interweave

embranchment (Imˈbrɑːntʃmənt)   n   1 the process of branching out, esp by a river   2 a branching out or ramification, as of a river or mountain range

embrangle (Imˈbræŋɡəl)   vb   (tr) rare to confuse or entangle [C17: from EM- + obsolete brangle to wrangle, perhaps a blend of BRAWL^1 + WRANGLE]   > emˈbranglement n

embrasure (ImˈbreIʒə)   n   1 fortifications an opening or indentation, as in a battlement, for shooting through   2 an opening forming a door or window, having splayed sides that increase the width of the opening in the interior [C18: from French, from obsolete embraser to widen, of uncertain origin]   > emˈbrasured adj

embrave (ImˈbreIv)   vb (tr)   1 archaic to make brave and courageous   2 obsolete to adorn or decorate

embread (Imˈbrɛd)   vb (tr)   obsolete to braid

embreathe (Imˈbriːð)   vb (tr)   archaic to breathe in (air)

embrittle (ImˈbrItəl)   vb   archaic to make or become brittle

■ embrittlement (ImˈbrItəlmənt)   n   the act of making or becoming brittle

embrocate (ˈɛmbrəʊˌkeIt)   vb   (tr) to apply a liniment or lotion to (a part of the body) [C17: from Medieval Latin embrocāre, from embrocha poultice, from Greek embrokhē lotion, infusion, from brokhē a moistening]

■ embrocation (ˌɛmbrəʊˈkeIʃən)   n   a drug or agent for rubbing into the skin; liniment

embroider (ImˈbrɔIdə)   vb   1 to do decorative needlework (upon)   2 to add fictitious or fanciful detail to (a story)   3 to add exaggerated or improbable details to (an account of an event, etc) [C15: from Old French embroder; see em- EN-1, BROIDER]   > emˈbroiderer n

■ embroidery (ImˈbrɔIdərI)   n, pl -deries   1 decorative needlework done usually on loosely woven cloth or canvas, often being a picture or pattern   2 elaboration or exaggeration, esp in writing or reporting; embellishment

embroil (ImˈbrɔIl)   vb (tr)   1 to involve (a person, oneself, etc) in trouble, conflict, or argument   2 to throw (affairs) into a state of confusion or disorder; complicate; entangle [C17: from French embrouiller, from brouiller to mingle, confuse]   > emˈbroiler n   > emˈbroilment n

■ embroiled (ImˈbrɔIld)   adj   1 deeply involved in trouble, conflict or argument: the two countries are embroiled in a tangled legal battle over the tariffs   2 deeply involved in a problematic relationship

embrown (Imˈbraʊn)   vb (tr)   1 to make brown   2 poetic to make dark or darker

embrue (Imˈbruː)   vb -brues, -bruing, -brued   a variant spelling of imbrue   > emˈbruement n

embryectomy (ˌɛmbrIˈɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical removal of an embryo

embryo (ˈɛmbrIˌəʊ)   n, pl -bryos   1 an animal in the early stages of development following cleavage of the zygote and ending at birth or hatching   2 the human product of conception up to approximately the end of the second month of pregnancy. Compare fetus   3 a plant in the early stages of development: in higher plants, the plumule, cotyledons, and radicle within the seed   4 an undeveloped or rudimentary state (esp in the phrase in embryo)   5 something in an early stage of development: an embryo of an idea [C16: from Late Latin, from Greek embruon, from bruein to swell]   > ˈembryˌoid adj

■ embryonate (ˈɛmbrIəˌneIt)   adj   biology obsolete relating to, or having, an embryo

■ embryonated (ˈɛmbrIəˌneItId)   adj   (of a mineral) embedded in another material

■ embryonic (ˌɛmbrIˈɒnIk) or embryonal (ˈɛmbrIənəl)   adj   1 of or relating to an embryo   2 in an early stage; rudimentary; undeveloped   > ˌembryˈonically adv

■ embryo sac   n   the structure within a plant ovule that contains the egg cell: develops from the megaspore and contains the embryo plant and endosperm after fertilization

■ embryo vitrification   n   a method of in vitro fertilization in which the embryo is exposed to a vitreous solution and frozen before being thawed and implanted into the uterus

embryogeny (ˌɛmbrIˈɒdʒInI)   n   1 Also called: embryogenesis (ˌɛmbrIəʊˈdʒɛnəsIs) the formation and development of an embryo   2 the study of these processes   > embryogenic (ˌɛmbrIəʊˈdʒɛnIk) or embryogenetic (ˌɛmbrIˌəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj

embryol.   abbreviation for   embryology

embryology (ˌɛmbrIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the branch of science concerned with the study of embryos   2 the structure and development of the embryo of a particular organism   > embryological (ˌɛmbrIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌembryoˈlogic adj   > ˌembryoˈlogically adv   > ˌembryˈologist n

embryophyte (ˈɛmbrIəʊˌfaIt)   n   botany any of a subkingdom of plants, Embryophyta, that encompasses most land plants, such as trees, flowers and mosses

embryotomy (ˌɛmbrIˈɒtəmI)   n   surgery the act of cutting up a fetus in order to aid its removal from the uterus

embryulcia (ˌɛmbrIˈʌlʃIə)   n   the act of forcibly removing a fetus

embus (Imˈbʌs)   vb -buses, -busing, -bused or -busses, -bussing, -bussed   military to cause (troops) to board or (of troops) to board a transport vehicle

embusqué French (ɑ̃byske)   n, pl -qués (-ke)   a person who avoids military conscription by obtaining a government job [C20: from embusquer to lie in ambush, shirk]

embusy (ImˈbIzI)   vb -sies, -sying, -sied (tr)   obsolete to keep occupied

emcee (ˌɛmˈsiː) informal   n   1 a master of ceremonies   ▷ vb -cees, -ceeing, -ceed   2 to act as master of ceremonies (for or at) [C20: from the abbreviation MC]

Emden (German ˈɛmdən)   n   a port in NW Germany, in Lower Saxony at the mouth of the River Ems. Pop: 51 445 (2003 est)

-eme   suffix forming nouns   linguistics indicating a minimal distinctive unit of a specified type in a language: morpheme; phoneme [C20: via French, abstracted from PHONEME]

EMEA   abbreviation for   Europe, Middle East, and Africa

emend (Iˈmɛnd)   vb   (tr) to make corrections or improvements in (a text) by critical editing [C15: from Latin ēmendāre to correct, from ē- out + mendum a mistake]   > eˈmendable adj

■ emendate (ˈiːmɛndeIt)   vb (tr)   to make corrections to (a text)

■ emendation (ˌiːmɛnˈdeIʃən)   n   1 a correction or improvement in a text   2 the act or process of emending   > ˈemenˌdator n   > emendatory (IˈmɛndətərI, -trI) adj

■ emender (Iˈmɛndə)   n   a person who emends

emendals (Iˈmɛndəlz)   pl n   obsolete funds put aside for repairs

emerald (ˈɛmərəld, ˈɛmrəld)   n   1 a green transparent variety of beryl: highly valued as a gem   2    a the clear green colour of an emerald   b (as adjective): an emerald carpet   3 (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 6^1⁄2 point   4 short for emerald moth [C13: from Old French esmeraude, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos; related to Sanskrit marakata emerald]

■ Emerald Isle   n   a poetic name for Ireland^1

■ emerald moth   n   any of various green geometrid moths, esp the large emerald (Geometra papilionaria) a handsome pale green moth with white wavy markings

emerge (Iˈmɜːdʒ)   vb (intr; often foll by from)   1 to come up to the surface of or rise from water or other liquid   2 to come into view, as from concealment or obscurity: he emerged from the cave   3 (foll by from) to come out (of) or live (through a difficult experience): he emerged from his ordeal with dignity   4 to become apparent: several interesting things emerged from the report [C17: from Latin ēmergere to rise up from, from mergere to dip]   > eˈmerging adj

■ emergence (Iˈmɜːdʒəns)   n   1 the act or process of emerging   2 an outgrowth, such as a prickle, that contains no vascular tissue and does not develop into stem, leaf, etc

■ emergent (Iˈmɜːdʒənt)   adj   1 coming into being or notice: an emergent political structure   2 (of a nation) recently independent   ▷ n   3 an aquatic plant with stem and leaves above the water   > eˈmergently adv

■ emergent evolution   n   philosophy the doctrine that, in the course of evolution, some entirely new properties, such as life and consciousness, appear at certain critical points, usually because of an unpredictable rearrangement of the already existing entities

■ emerging market   n   a financial or consumer market in a newly developing country or former communist country

emergency (IˈmɜːdʒənsI)   n, pl -cies   1    a an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, esp of a danger demanding immediate remedy or action   b (as modifier): an emergency exit   2    a a patient requiring urgent treatment   b (as modifier): an emergency ward   3 state of emergency a condition, declared by a government, in which martial law applies, usually because of civil unrest or natural disaster   4 NZ a player selected to stand by to replace an injured member of a team; reserve

■ emergency medical technician   n   US a member of the emergency services who is trained to provide basic emergency medical care before a patient is taken to a hospital. Abbreviation: EMT

emerita (IˈmɛrItə)   adj   1 (of a woman) retired or honourably discharged from full-time work, but retaining her title on an honorary basis   ▷ n   2 a woman who is retired, esp from academia, but still retains an honorary title

emeritus (IˈmɛrItəs)   adj   (usually postpositive) retired or honourably discharged from full-time work, but retaining one's title on an honorary basis: a professor emeritus [C19: from Latin, from merēre to deserve; see MERIT]

emerod (ˈɛməˌrɒd)   n   a haemorrhoid

emersed (Iˈmɜːst)   adj   (of the leaves or stems of aquatic plants) protruding above the surface of the water

emersion (Iˈmɜːʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of emerging   2 Also called: egress astronomy the reappearance of a celestial body after an eclipse or occultation [C17: from Latin ēmersus, from ēmergere; see EMERGE]

Emerson (ˈɛməsən)   n   Ralph Waldo (rælf ˈwɔːldəʊ). 1803–82, US poet, essayist, and transcendentalist

emery (ˈɛmərI)   n     a a hard greyish-black mineral consisting of corundum with either magnetite or haematite: used as an abrasive and polishing agent, esp as a coating on paper, cloth, etc. Formula: Al_2O_3   b (as modifier): emery paper [C15: from Old French esmeril, ultimately from Greek smuris powder for rubbing]

■ emery board   n   a strip of cardboard or wood with a rough surface of crushed emery, for filing one's nails

■ emery wheel   n   a grinding or polishing wheel consisting of, or the surface of which is coated with, abrasive emery particles

emesis (ˈɛmIsIs)   n   the technical name for vomiting. See vomit [C19: via New Latin from Greek, from emein to vomit]

■ emetic (IˈmɛtIk)   adj   1 causing vomiting   ▷ n   2 an emetic agent or drug [C17: from Late Latin ēmeticus, from Greek emetikos, from emein to vomit]   > eˈmetically adv

emetine (ˈɛməˌtiːn, -tIn) or emetin (ˈɛmətIn)   n   a white bitter poisonous alkaloid obtained from ipecacuanha: the hydrochloride is used to treat amoebic infections. Formula: C_29H_40O_4N_2 [C19: from French émétine; see EMETIC, -INE^2]

emetophobia (IˌmɛtəˈfəʊbIə)   n   the fear of vomit or vomiting

emeute (Iˈmjuːt; French emøt)   n   an uprising or rebellion

emf or EMF   abbreviation for   electromotive force

-emia   n combining form   a US variant of -aemia

emic (ˈɛmIk)   adj   of or relating to the role specific elements play in a significant system (such as linguistics)

emicant (ˈɛmIkənt)   adj   darting, flashing

emicate (ˈɛmIˌkeIt)   vb (intr)   obsolete to spring up

■ emication (ˌɛmIˈkeIʃən)   n   the act of shining or sparkling

emiction (IˈmIkʃən)   n   the passing of urine

■ emictory (IˈmIktərI)   adj   relating to emiction, the passing of urine

emigrate (ˈɛmIˌɡreIt)   vb   (intr) to leave one place or country, esp one's native country, in order to settle in another. Compare immigrate [C18: from Latin ēmīgrāre, from mīgrāre to depart, MIGRATE]   > ˈemiˌgratory adj

■ emigrant (ˈɛmIɡrənt)   n     a a person who leaves one place or country, esp a native country, to settle in another. Compare immigrant   b (as modifier): an emigrant worker

■ emigration (ˌɛmIˈɡreIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of emigrating   2 emigrants considered collectively

■ emigrational (ˌɛmIˈɡreIʃənəl)   adj   relating to emigration

■ emigrationist (ˌɛmIˈɡreIʃənIst)   n   a person who promotes emigration

émigré or feminine émigrée (ˈɛmIˌɡreI; French emiɡre)   n   an emigrant, esp one forced to leave his or her native country for political reasons [C18: from French, from émigrer to EMIGRATE]

Emilia-Romagna (IˈmiːlIərəʊˈmɑːnjə; Italian eˈmiːliaroˈmaɲɲa)   n   a region of N central Italy, on the Adriatic: rises from the plains of the Po valley in the north to the Apennines in the south. Capital: Bologna. Pop: 4 030 220 (2003 est). Area: 22 123 sq km (8628 sq miles)

Emin (ˈɛmIn)   n   Tracey. born 1963, British artist, noted for provocative multimedia works such as Everyone I Have Ever Slept With (1995) and My Bed (1999)

Eminem (ˌɛmIˈnɛm)   n   real name Marshall Mathers III. born 1972, US White rap performer noted for his controversial lyrics; recordings include The Slim Shady LP (1999) and The Eminem Show (2002); he also starred in the film 8 Mile (2002)

éminence grise French (eminɑ̃s ɡriz)   n, pl éminences grises (eminɑ̃s ɡriz)   a person who wields power and influence unofficially or behind the scenes [C19: literally: grey eminence, originally applied to Père Joseph (François Le Clerc du Tremblay; died 1638), French monk, secretary of Cardinal Richelieu]

eminent (ˈɛmInənt)   adj   1 above others in rank, merit, or reputation; distinguished: an eminent scientist   2 (prenominal) noteworthy, conspicuous, or outstanding: eminent good sense   3 projecting or protruding; prominent [C15: from Latin ēminēre to project, stand out, from minēre to stand]

■ eminence (ˈɛmInəns)   n   1 a position of superiority, distinction, high rank, or fame   2 a high or raised piece of ground   3 anatomy a projection of an organ or part   ▶ Also called: eminency [C17: from French, from Latin ēminentia a standing out; see EMINENT]

■ Eminence (ˈɛmInəns) or Eminency   n, pl -nences or -nencies   (preceded by Your or His) a title used to address or refer to a cardinal

■ eminent domain   n   law the right of a state to confiscate private property for public use, payment usually being made to the owners in compensation

■ eminential (ˌɛmIˈnɛnʃəl)   adj   1 relating to the degree of elevation, height, altitude   2 relating to prominence

■ eminently (ˈɛmInəntlI)   adv   extremely: eminently sensible

emir (ɛˈmIə)   n (in the Islamic world)   1 an independent ruler or chieftain   2 a military commander or governor   3 a descendant of Mohammed   ▶ Also spelt: amir [C17: via French from Spanish emir, from Arabic `amīr commander]

■ emirate (ɛˈmIərIt, ˈɛmIrIt)   n   1 the rank or office of an emir   2 the government, jurisdiction, or territory of an emir

Emiscan (ˌɛmIˈskæn)   n   trademark a computerized radiological technique for examining the soft tissues of the body, esp the brain, to detect the presence of tumours, abscesses, etc

emissary (ˈɛmIsərI, -IsrI)   n, pl -saries   1    a an agent or messenger sent on a mission, esp one who represents a government or head of state   b (as modifier): an emissary delegation   2 an agent sent on a secret mission, as a spy   ▷ adj   3 (of veins) draining blood from sinuses in the dura mater to veins outside the skull [C17: from Latin ēmissārius emissary, spy, from ēmittere to send out; see EMIT]

emissile (IˈmIsaIl)   adj   able to be emitted

emission (IˈmIʃən)   n   1 the act of emitting or sending forth   2 energy, in the form of heat, light, radio waves, etc, emitted from a source   3 a substance, fluid, etc, that is emitted; discharge   4 a measure of the number of electrons emitted by a cathode or electron gun: at 1000°C the emission is 3 mA. See also secondary emission, thermionic emission   5 physiol any bodily discharge, esp an involuntary release of semen during sleep   6 an issue, as of currency [C17: from Latin ēmissiō, from ēmittere to send forth, EMIT]   > eˈmissive adj

■ emission nebula   n   a type of nebula that emits visible radiation. See nebula

■ emission spectrum   n   the continuous spectrum or pattern of bright lines or bands seen when the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a substance is passed into a spectrometer. The spectrum is characteristic of the emitting substance and the type of excitation to which it is subjected. Compare absorption spectrum

emissivity (ImIˈsIvItI, ˌɛm-)   n   a measure of the ability of a surface to radiate energy; the ratio of the radiant flux emitted per unit area to that emitted by a black body at the same temperature. Symbol: ε

emit (IˈmIt)   vb emits, emitting, emitted (tr)   1 to give or send forth; discharge: the pipe emitted a stream of water   2 to give voice to; utter: she emitted a shrill scream   3 physics to give off (radiation or particles)   4 to put (currency) into circulation [C17: from Latin ēmittere to send out, from mittere to send]

■ emittance (IˈmItəns)   n   the amount emitted

■ emitter (IˈmItə)   n   1 a person or thing that emits   2 a radioactive substance that emits radiation: a beta emitter   3 the region in a transistor in which the charge-carrying holes or electrons originate

emma (ˈɛmə)   n   communications former communications code for the letter M

Emmanuel (Iˈmænjʊəl)   n   a variant spelling of Immanuel

emmarble (Iˈmɑːbəl)   vb (tr)   to decorate with marble

Emmen (ˈɛmən; Dutch ˈɛmə)   n   a city in the NE Netherlands, in Drenthe province: a new town developed since World War II. Pop: 108 000 (2003 est)

emmenagogue (Iˈmɛnəˌɡɒɡ, -ˈmiː-)   n   1 a drug or agent that increases menstrual flow   ▷ adj also emmenagogic (IˌmɛnəˈɡɒdʒIk)   2 inducing or increasing menstrual flow [C18: from Greek emmēna menses, (from mēn month) + -AGOGUE]

emmenology (ˌɛmIˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the collective knowledge about menstruation and its disorders

Emmenthal, Emmental (ˈɛmənˌtɑːl) or Emmenthaler, Emmentaler   n   a hard Swiss cheese with holes in it, similar to Gruyère [C20: named after Emmenthal, a valley in Switzerland]

emmer (ˈɛmə)   n   a variety of wheat, Triticum dicoccum, grown in mountainous parts of Europe as a cereal crop and for livestock food: thought to be an ancestor of many other varieties of wheat [C20: from German; related to Old High German amari spelt]

emmet (ˈɛmIt)   n   1 Brit an archaic or dialect word for ant   2 Cornish dialect a tourist or holiday-maker [Old English ǣmette ANT; related to Old Norse meita, Old High German āmeiza, Gothic maitan]

Emmet (ˈɛmIt)   n   Robert. 1778–1803, Irish nationalist, executed for leading an uprising for Irish independence

emmetropia (ˌɛmIˈtrəʊpIə)   n   the normal condition of perfect vision, in which parallel light rays are focused on the retina without the need for accommodation [C19: from New Latin, from Greek emmetros in due measure + -OPIA]   > emmetropic (ˌɛmIˈtrɒpIk) adj

■ emmetrope (ˈɛmIˌtrəʊp)   n   a person whose vision is normal, or emmetropic

emmew (Iˈmjuː)   vb (tr)   to restrict

emmove (Iˈmuːv)   vb (tr)   to cause emotion in

Emmy (ˈɛmI)   n, pl -mys or -mies   (in the US) one of the gold-plated statuettes awarded annually for outstanding television performances and productions [C20: alteration of Immy, short for image orthicon tube]

emo (ˈiːməʊ)   n     a a type of music combining traditional hard rock with personal and emotional lyrics   b (as modifier): emo bands [C20: short for emotional rock]

emodin (IˈməʊdIn)   n   chem a chemical compound obtained from, primarily, rhubarb root

emoji (IˈməʊdʒI)   n   a small image used in electronic mail and text messaging to express an idea, such as a smiling face to express happiness [C20: from Japanese e picture + moji letter]

emollescence (ˌIməˈlɛsəns)   n   a state of softening before hardening

emolliate (IˈmɒlIeIt)   vb (tr)   to make soft or smooth

emollient (IˈmɒlIənt)   adj   1 softening or soothing, esp to the skin   2 helping to avoid confrontation; calming   ▷ n   3 any preparation or substance that has a softening or soothing effect, esp when applied to the skin [C17: from Latin ēmollīre to soften, from mollis soft]   > eˈmollience n

emollition (ˌIməˈlIʃən)   n   the action of becoming soft

emolument (Iˈmɒljʊmənt)   n   the profit arising from an office or employment, usually in the form of fees or wages [C15: from Latin ēmolumentum benefit; originally, fee paid to a miller, from ēmolere, from molere to grind]

■ emolumental (Iˌmɒljʊˈmɛntəl)   adj   relating to emolument

■ emolumentary (IˌmɒljʊˈmɛntərI)   adj   advantageous; tending towards emolument

emoticon (IˈməʊtIˌkɒn)   n   any of several combinations of symbols used in electronic mail and text messaging to indicate the state of mind of the writer, such as :-) to express happiness [C20: from EMOT(ION) + ICON]

emotion (Iˈməʊʃən)   n   any strong feeling, as of joy, sorrow, or fear [C16: from French, from Old French esmovoir to excite, from Latin ēmovēre to disturb, from movēre to MOVE]

■ emote (Iˈməʊt)   vb   (intr) to display exaggerated emotion, as in acting; behave theatrically [C20: back formation from EMOTION]   > eˈmoter n

■ emotionable (Iˈməʊʃənəbəl)   adj   a variant form of emotional

■ emotional (Iˈməʊʃənəl)   adj   1 of, characteristic of, or expressive of emotion   2 readily or excessively affected by emotion   3 appealing to or arousing emotion: an emotional piece of music   4 caused, determined, or actuated by emotion rather than reason: an emotional argument   > eˌmotionˈality n   > eˈmotionally adv

■ emotional correctness   n   pressure on an individual to be seen to feel the same emotion as others

■ emotional intelligence   n   awareness of one's own emotions and moods and those of others, esp in managing people

■ emotionalism (IˈməʊʃənəˌlIzəm)   n   1 emotional nature, character, or quality   2 a tendency to yield readily to the emotions   3 an appeal to the emotions, esp an excessive appeal, as to an audience   4 a doctrine stressing the value of deeply felt responses in ethics and the arts   > eˈmotionalist n   > eˌmotionalˈistic adj

■ emotionalize or emotionalise (IˈməʊʃənəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to make emotional; subject to emotional treatment   > eˌmotionaliˈzation or eˌmotionaliˈsation n

■ emotional labour   n   work that requires good interpersonal skills

■ emotional literacy   n   the ability to deal with one's emotions and recognize their causes

■ emotionless (Iˈməʊʃənləs)   adj   lacking any emotion

■ emotionlessly (IˈməʊʃənləslI)   adv   in an emotionless manner

■ emotionlessness (Iˈməʊʃənləsnəs)   n   the state of being emotionless

emotive (IˈməʊtIv)   adj   1 tending or designed to arouse emotion   2 of or characterized by emotion   > eˈmotively adv   > eˈmotiveness or ˌemoˈtivity n

USAGE

Emotional is preferred to emotive when describing a display of emotion: he was given an emotional (not emotive) welcome

■ emotivism (IˈməʊtIˌvIzəm)   n   ethics the theory that moral utterances do not have a truth value but express the feelings of the speaker, so that murder is wrong is equivalent to down with murder. Also called: boo-hurrah theory. Compare prescriptivism, descriptivism

emove (Iˈmuːv)   vb (tr)   to cause to feel emotion

empacket (ImˈpækIt)   vb (tr)   to wrap up

empaestic (ɛmˈpiːstIk)   adj   embossed

empale (ImˈpeIl)   vb   a less common spelling of impale   > emˈpalement n   > emˈpaler n

empanada (ˌɛmpəˈnɑːdə)   n   a Spanish or Latin-American stuffed pastry

empanel or impanel (Imˈpænəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled (tr) law   1 to enter on a list (names of persons to be summoned for jury service)   2 to select (a jury) from the names on such a list   > emˈpanelment or imˈpanelment n

empanoply (ImˈpænəplI)   vb -plies, -plying, -plied (tr)   to put armour on

emparadise (ImˈpærəˌdaIs)   vb (tr)   1 to turn (a place or state) into a paradise   2 to bring into absolute happiness

emparlaunce (ɛmˈpɑːləns)   n   archaic an act of parleying or conferring

empassionate (ImˈpæʃənIt) or empassioned (Imˈpæʃənd)   adj   intensely affected

empathy (ˈɛmpəθI)   n   1 the power of understanding and imaginatively entering into another person's feelings. See also identification (sense 3b)   2 the attribution to an object, such as a work of art, of one's own emotional or intellectual feelings about it [C20: from Greek empatheia affection, passion, intended as a rendering of German Einfühlung, literally: a feeling in; see EN-2, -PATHY]   > ˈempathist n

■ empathic (ɛmˈpæθIk) or empathetic (ˌɛmpəˈθɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to empathy   > emˈpathically or ˌempaˈthetically adv

■ empathize or empathise (ˈɛmpəˌθaIz)   vb   (intr) to engage in or feel empathy

empatron (ImˈpeItrən)   vb (tr)   to treat in the manner of a patron

Empedocles (ɛmˈpɛdəˌkliːz)   n   ?490–430 BC, Greek philosopher and scientist, who held that the world is composed of four elements, air, fire, earth, and water, which are governed by the opposing forces of love and discord

empennage (ɛmˈpɛnIdʒ; French ɑ̃pɛnaʒ)   n   the rear part of an aircraft, comprising the fin, rudder, and tailplane [C20: from French: feathering, from empenner to feather an arrow, from penne feather, from Latin pinna]

empeople (Imˈpiːpəl)   vb (tr) archaic   to bring people into

emperish (ImˈpɛrIʃ)   vb (tr) obsolete   to damage or harm

emperize or emperise (ˈɛmpəˌraIz)   vb (intr)   obsolete to act like an emperor over

emperor (ˈɛmpərə)   n   1 a monarch who rules or reigns over an empire   2 Also called: emperor moth any of several large saturniid moths with eyelike markings on each wing, esp Saturnia pavonia of Europe. See also giant peacock moth   3 See purple emperor [C13: from Old French empereor, from Latin imperātor commander-in-chief, from imperāre to command, from IM- + parāre to make ready]   > ˈemperorˌship n

■ emperor penguin   n   an Antarctic penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri, with orange-yellow patches on the neck: the largest penguin, reaching a height of 1.3 m (4 ft)

empery (ˈɛmpərI)   n, pl -peries   archaic dominion or power; empire [C13 (in the sense: the status of an emperor): from Anglo-French emperie, from Latin imperium power; see EMPIRE]

emphasis (ˈɛmfəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 special importance or significance   2 an object, idea, etc, that is given special importance or significance   3 stress made to fall on a particular syllable, word, or phrase in speaking   4 force or intensity of expression: he spoke with special emphasis on the subject of civil rights   5 sharpness or clarity of form or outline: the sunlight gave emphasis to the shape of the mountain [C16: via Latin from Greek: meaning, (in rhetoric) significant stress; see EMPHATIC]

■ emphasize or emphasise (ˈɛmfəˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to give emphasis or prominence to; stress

■ emphatic (ImˈfætIk)   adj   1 Also: emphatical expressed, spoken, or done with emphasis   2 forceful and positive; definite; direct: an emphatic personality   3 sharp or clear in form, contour, or outline   4 important or significant; stressed: the emphatic points in an argument   5 phonetics denoting certain dental consonants of Arabic that are pronounced with accompanying pharyngeal constriction   ▷ n   6 phonetics an emphatic consonant, as used in Arabic [C18: from Greek emphatikos expressive, forceful, from emphainein to exhibit, display, from phainein to show]

■ emphatically (ImˈfætIkəlI, -klI)   adv   1 with emphasis or force   2 definitely or unquestionably

■ emphaticalness (ImˈfætIkəlnəs)   n   the quality of being strongly expressive or emphatical

emphlysis (ˈɛmflIsIs)   n   obsolete the outbreak of blisters on the body

emphractic (ɛmˈfræktIk) med   n   1 medication that closes the pores of the skin   ▷ adj   2 able to obstruct

emphysema (ˌɛmfIˈsiːmə)   n pathol   1 Also called: pulmonary emphysema a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are grossly enlarged, causing breathlessness and wheezing   2 the abnormal presence of air in a tissue or part [C17: from New Latin, from Greek emphusēma, a swelling up, from emphusan to inflate, from phusan to blow]   > emphysematous (ˌɛmfIˈsɛmətəs, -ˈsiː-) adj

■ emphysemic (ˌɛmfIˈsiːmIk)   adj   relating to emphysema

emphyteusis (ˌɛmfIˈtjuːsIs)   n   property law a continual right in a property that belongs to another

■ emphyteutic (ˌɛmfIˈtjuːtIk)   adj   property law pertaining to emphyteusis

empiecement (ɛmˈpiːsmənt)   n   a decorative piece of material inserted in an item of clothing

empierce (ImˈpIəs)   vb (tr)   to pierce or cut

empight (ɛmˈpaIt)   vb (tr)   1 obsolete to attach or position   ▷ adj   2 obsolete fixed

empire (ˈɛmpaIə)   n   1 an aggregate of peoples and territories, often of great extent, under the rule of a single person, oligarchy, or sovereign state   2 any monarchy that for reasons of history, prestige, etc, has an emperor rather than a king as head of state   3 the period during which a particular empire exists   4 supreme power; sovereignty   5 a large industrial organization with many ramifications, esp a multinational corporation ▶ Related adjective: imperial [C13: from Old French, from Latin imperium rule, from imperāre to command, from parāre to prepare]

■ Empire (ˈɛmpaIə)   n the Empire   1 See British Empire   2 French history   a the period of imperial rule in France from 1804 to 1815 under Napoleon Bonaparte   b Also called: Second Empire the period from 1852 to 1870 when Napoleon III ruled as emperor   ▷ adj   3 denoting, characteristic of, or relating to the British Empire   4 denoting, characteristic of, or relating to either French Empire, esp the first: in particular, denoting the neoclassical style of architecture and furniture and the high-waisted style of women's dresses characteristic of the period

■ empire-builder   n   informal a person who seeks extra power for its own sake, esp by increasing the number of his or her subordinates or staff   > ˈempire-ˌbuilding n, adj

■ Empire Day   n   the former name of Commonwealth Day

■ Empire State   n   nickname of New York

empiric (ɛmˈpIrIk)   n   1 a person who relies on empirical methods   2 a medical quack; charlatan   ▷ adj   3 a variant of empirical [C16: from Latin empīricus, from Greek empeirikos practised, from peiran to attempt]

■ empirical (ɛmˈpIrIkəl), empiric (ɛmˈpIrIk) or empiricutic (ɛmˌpIrIˈkjuːtIk)   adj   1 derived from or relating to experiment and observation rather than theory   2 (of medical treatment) based on practical experience rather than scientific proof   3 philosophy   a (of knowledge) derived from experience rather than by logic from first principles. Compare a priori, a posteriori   b (of a proposition) subject, at least theoretically, to verification. Compare analytic (sense 4), synthetic (sense 4)   4 of or relating to medical quackery   ▷ n   5 statistics the posterior probability of an event derived on the basis of its observed frequency in a sample. Compare mathematical probability. See also posterior probability   > emˈpirically adv   > emˈpiricalness n

■ empirical formula   n   1 a chemical formula indicating the proportion of each element present in a molecule: C_6H_12O_6 is the molecular formula of sucrose whereas CH_2O is its empirical formula. Compare molecular formula, structural formula   2 a formula or expression obtained from experimental data rather than theory

■ empiricism (ɛmˈpIrIˌsIzəm)   n   1 philosophy the doctrine that all knowledge of matters of fact derives from experience and that the mind is not furnished with a set of concepts in advance of experience. Compare intuitionism, rationalism   2 the use of empirical methods   3 medical quackery; charlatanism   > emˈpiricist n, adj

emplace (ImˈpleIs)   vb   (tr) to put in place or position

■ emplacement (ImˈpleIsmənt)   n   1 a prepared position for the siting of a gun or other weapon   2 the act of putting or state of being put in place [C19: from French, from obsolete emplacer to put in position, from PLACE]

emplane (ImˈpleIn)   vb   to board or put on board an aircraft

emplaster (Imˈplɑːstə)   n   1 a plaster   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to cover with a plaster

emplastic (ImˈplæstIk)   adj   1 obsolete adhesive   ▷ n   2 obsolete a substance that functions to block up

emplastron (ɛmˈplæstrɒn) or emplastrum (ɛmˈplæstrəm)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   a plaster containing a balm or medication

emplecton (ɛmˈplɛktɒn)   n   archaic a type of masonry filled with rubbish

employ (ImˈplɔI)   vb (tr)   1 to engage or make use of the services of (a person) in return for money; hire   2 to provide work or occupation for; keep busy; occupy: violin practice employs a lot of her time   3 to use as a means: to employ secret measures to get one's ends   ▷ n   4 the state of being employed (esp in the phrase in someone's employ) [C15: from Old French emploier, from Latin implicāre to entangle, engage, from plicāre to fold]   > emˈployable adj   > emˌployaˈbility n

■ employee (ɛmˈplɔIiː, ˌɛmplɔIˈiː) or sometimes US employe   n   a person who is hired to work for another or for a business, firm, etc, in return for payment. Also called (esp formerly): employé

■ employee association   n   an organization, other than a trade union, whose members comprise employees of a single employing organization. The aims of the association may be social, recreational, or professional

■ employer (ImˈplɔIə)   n   1 a person, business, firm, etc, that employs workers   2 a person who employs; user

■ employers' association   n   a body of employers, usually from the same sector of the economy, associated to further the interests of member companies by conducting negotiations with trade unions, providing advice, making representations to other bodies, etc

■ employment (ImˈplɔImənt)   n   1 the act of employing or state of being employed   2 the work or occupation in which a person is employed   3 the purpose for which something is used

■ employment agency   n   a private firm whose business is placing people in jobs

■ employment equity   n   1 South African a policy or programme designed to reserve jobs for people formerly disadvantaged under apartheid   2 Canadian a policy or programme designed to ensure equal opportunity in employment

■ employment exchange   n   Brit a former name for employment office

■ employment office   n   Brit any of a number of government offices established to collect and supply to unemployed people information about job vacancies and to employers information about availability of prospective workers. Former names: employment exchange, labour exchange. See also Jobcentre

■ employment tribunal   n   (in England, Scotland, and Wales) a tribunal that rules on disputes between employers and employees regarding unfair dismissal, redundancy, etc. See also industrial tribunal

emplume (Imˈpluːm)   vb (tr)   to adorn with a plume

empoison (ImˈpɔIzən)   vb (tr)   1 rare to embitter or corrupt   2 an archaic word for poison (sense 6), poison (sense 7), poison (sense 8), poison (sense 9)   > emˈpoisonment n

empolder (Imˈpəʊldə)   vb   a variant spelling of impolder

emporium (ɛmˈpɔːrIəm)   n, pl -riums, -ria (-rIə)   a large and often ostentatious retail shop offering for sale a wide variety of merchandise [C16: from Latin, from Greek emporion, from emporos merchant, from poros a journey]

empoverish (ImˈpɒvərIʃ)   vb   an obsolete spelling of impoverish   > emˈpoverisher n   > emˈpoverishment n

empower (Imˈpaʊə)   vb (tr)   1 to give or delegate power or authority to; authorize   2 to give ability to; enable or permit

■ empowering (ImˈpaʊərIŋ)   adj   having qualities that give a person or a group of people the means to take more control of their lives and become stronger and more independent

■ empowerment (Imˈpaʊəmənt)   n   1 the giving or delegation of power or authority; authorization   2 the giving of an ability; enablement or permission   3 (in South Africa) a policy of providing special opportunities in employment, training, etc for Black people and others disadvantaged under apartheid

empress (ˈɛmprIs)   n   1 the wife or widow of an emperor   2 a woman who holds the rank of emperor in her own right   3 a woman of great power and influence [C12: from Old French empereriz, from Latin imperātrix feminine of imperātor EMPEROR]

empresse French (ɑ̃prese)   adj   keen; zealous

■ empressement French (ɑ̃prɛsmɑ̃)   n   unreserved cordiality

emprise (ɛmˈpraIz)   n archaic   1 a chivalrous or daring enterprise; adventure   2 chivalrous daring or prowess [C13: from Old French, from emprendre to undertake; see ENTERPRISE]

Empson (ˈɛmpsən)   n   Sir William. 1906–84, English poet and critic; author of Seven Types of Ambiguity (1930)

empt (ɛmpt, ɛmt)   vb   (tr) dialect to empty [from Old English ǣmtian to be without duties; compare EMPTY]

emptins (ˈɛmptInz)   pl n   US archaic ale yeast

emption (ˈɛmpʃən)   n   the process of buying something

■ emptional (ˈɛmpʃənəl)   adj   relating to emption

empty (ˈɛmptI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 containing nothing   2 without inhabitants; vacant or unoccupied   3 carrying no load, passengers, etc   4 without purpose, substance, or value: an empty life   5 insincere or trivial: empty words   6 not expressive or vital; vacant: she has an empty look   7 informal hungry   8 (postpositive; foll by of) devoid; destitute: a life empty of happiness   9 informal drained of energy or emotion: after the violent argument he felt very empty   10 maths, logic (of a set or class) containing no members   11 philosophy, logic (of a name or description) having no reference   ▷ vb -ties, -tying, -tied   12 to make or become empty   13 (when intr, foll by into) to discharge (contents)   14 (tr; often foll by of) to unburden or rid (oneself): to empty oneself of emotion   ▷ n, pl -ties   15 an empty container, esp a bottle [Old English ǣmtig, from æmetta free time, from æ- without + -metta, from mōtan to be obliged to; see MUST^1]   > ˈemptiable adj   > ˈemptier n   > ˈemptily adv   > ˈemptiness n

■ empty cow   n   a cow that does not produce calves during the breeding season

■ empty-handed   adj   1 carrying nothing in the hands   2 having gained nothing: they returned from the negotiations empty-handed

■ empty-headed   adj   lacking intelligence or sense; frivolous

■ empty-nester   n   informal a married person whose children have grown up and left home

■ empty-nest syndrome   n   informal a condition, often involving depression, loneliness, etc, experienced by parents living in a home from which the children have grown up and left

■ Empty Quarter   n   an English name for the Rub‘ al Khali

emptysis (ɛmpˈtiːsIs)   n   the act of spitting up blood

empurple (Imˈpɜːpəl)   vb (tr)   1 to make purple   2 to clothe in purple   ▶ Also called: impurple

empusa (ɛmˈpjuːzə)   n   Greek myth a female demon

empyema (ˌɛmpaIˈiːmə)   n, pl -emata (-ˈiːmətə) or -emas   a collection of pus in a body cavity, esp in the chest [C17: from Medieval Latin, from Greek empuēma abscess, from empuein to suppurate, from puon pus]   > ˌempyˈemic adj

empyesis (ˌɛmpaIˈiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a pus-filled boil on the skin

empyrean (ˌɛmpaIˈriːən)   n   1 archaic the highest part of the (supposedly spherical) heavens, thought in ancient times to contain the pure element of fire and by early Christians to be the abode of God and the angels   2 poetic the heavens or sky   ▷ adj also empyreal   3 of or relating to the sky, the heavens, or the empyrean   4 heavenly or sublime   5 archaic composed of fire [C17: from Medieval Latin empyreus, from Greek empuros fiery, from pur fire]

empyreuma (ˌɛmpIˈruːmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   the smell and taste associated with burning vegetable and animal matter [C17: from Greek, from empureuein to set on fire]

■ empyreumatic (ˌɛmpIruːˈmætIk) or empyreumatical (ˌɛmpIruːˈmætIkəl)   adj   relating to empyreuma

■ empyreumatize or empyreumatise (ˌɛmpIˈruːməˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to infect or spoil with empyreuma

Ems (ɛmz)   n   1 another name for Bad Ems   2 a river in W Germany, rising in the Teutoburger Wald and flowing generally north to the North Sea. Length: about 370 km (230 miles)

EMS   abbreviation for   1 European Monetary System   2 enhanced messaging service: a system used for sending text messages containing special text formatting, animations, etc, to and from mobile phones

EMT US   abbreviation for   emergency medical technician

emu (ˈiːmjuː)   n   a large Australian flightless bird, Dromaius novaehollandiae, similar to the ostrich but with three-toed feet and grey or brown plumage: order Casuariiformes. See also ratite [C17: changed from Portuguese ema ostrich, from Arabic Na-`amah ostrich]

■ emu-bob Austral informal   vb -bobs, -bobbing, -bobbed   1 (intr) to bend over to collect litter or small pieces of wood   ▷ n   2 Also called: emu parade a parade of soldiers or schoolchildren for litter collection   > ˈemu-ˌbobbing n

■ emu bush   n   any of various Australian shrubs, esp those of the genus Eremophila (family Myoporaceae), whose fruits are eaten by emus

■ emu oil   n   an oil obtained from the fat of the emu, traditionally used as an emollient by native Australians to relieve pain and speed the healing process

■ emu parade   n   1 Austral an army exercise devoted to emu-bobbing   2 Also called: emu walk an organized session of combing an area for clues, esp by the police

■ emu-wren   n   any Australian wren of the genus Stipiturus, having long plumy tail feathers

EMU   abbreviation for   1 European Monetary Union   2 Economic and Monetary Union   3 See e.m.u.

e.m.u. or EMU   abbreviation for   electromagnetic unit

emulate (ˈɛmjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr)   1 to attempt to equal or surpass, esp by imitation   2 to rival or compete with   3 to make one computer behave like (another different type of computer) so that the imitating system can operate on the same data and execute the same programs as the imitated system [C16: from Latin aemulārī, from aemulus competing with; probably related to imitārī to IMITATE]   > ˈemulative adj   > ˈemulatively adv   > ˈemuˌlator n

■ emulation (ˌɛmjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act of emulating or imitating   2 the effort or desire to equal or surpass another or others   3 archaic jealous rivalry

■ emulatress (ˈɛmjʊˌleItrIs)   n   a female imitator or emulator

emulge (Iˈmʌldʒ)   vb (tr)   to drain liquid from

■ emulgence (Iˈmʌldʒəns)   n   the act of draining

■ emulgent (Iˈmʌldʒənt)   n   1 medication that stimulates the flow of bile   ▷ adj   2 relating to draining (of the kidneys)

emulous (ˈɛmjʊləs)   adj   1 desiring or aiming to equal or surpass another; competitive   2 characterized by or arising from emulation or imitation   3 archaic envious or jealous [C14: from Latin aemulus rivalling; see EMULATE]   > ˈemulously adv   > ˈemulousness n

emulsify (IˈmʌlsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to make or form into an emulsion   > eˈmulsiˌfiable or eˈmulsible adj   > eˌmulsifiˈcation n

■ emulsifier (IˈmʌlsIˌfaIə)   n   an agent that forms or preserves an emulsion, esp any food additive, such as lecithin, that prevents separation of sauces or other processed foods

emulsin (IˈmʌlsIn)   n   a substance found in almonds

emulsion (Iˈmʌlʃən)   n   1 photog a light-sensitive coating on a base, such as paper or film, consisting of fine grains of silver bromide suspended in gelatine   2 chem a colloid in which both phases are liquids: an oil-in-water emulsion   3 Also called: emulsion paint a type of paint in which the pigment is suspended in a vehicle, usually a synthetic resin, that is dispersed in water as an emulsion. It usually gives a mat finish   4 pharmacol a mixture in which an oily medicine is dispersed in another liquid   5 cookery a class of sauces in which something fatty, such as an oil, is mixed with something acidic, such as vinegar or wine, and stabilized with an emulsifier   6 any liquid resembling milk [C17: from New Latin ēmulsiō, from Latin ēmulsus milked out, from ēmulgēre to milk out, drain out, from mulgēre to milk]   > eˈmulsive adj

■ emulsionize or emulsionise (IˈmʌlʃəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to turn into an emulsion

emulsoid (IˈmʌlsɔId)   n   chem a sol with a liquid disperse phase

■ emulsoidal (IˈmʌlsɔIdəl)   adj   of or relating to an emulsoid

emulsor (Iˈmʌlsə)   n   a device that emulsifies

emunction (Iˈmʌŋkʃən)   n   obsolete the act of nose-wiping

emunctory (IˈmʌŋktərI, -trI)   adj   1 of or relating to a bodily organ or duct having an excretory function   ▷ n, pl -ries   2 an excretory organ or duct, such as a skin pore [C16: from New Latin ēmunctōrium, from Latin ēmungere to wipe clean, from mungere to wipe]

emunge (Iˈmʌndʒ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to wipe or clean out

EMV   abbreviation for   expected monetary value: the product of the monetary outcome of a particular decision in a decision tree and the probability of this outcome happening

emyd (ˈɛmId)   n   informal a turtle from the family Emydidae

emys (ˈɛmIs)   n, pl emydes (ˈɛmIˌdiːz)   any freshwater turtle of the Emys genus

en (ɛn)   n   printing a unit of measurement, half the width of an em. Also called: nut. See also ennage

■ en dash (ˈɛnˌdæʃ) or en rule   n   printing a dash (–) one en long

EN   abbreviation for (in Britain)   1 enrolled nurse   2 English Nature

en-1 or em-   prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives   1 (from nouns)   a put in or on: entomb; enthrone   b go on or into: enplane   c surround or cover with: enmesh   d furnish with: empower   2 (from adjectives and nouns) cause to be in a certain condition: enable; encourage; enrich; enslave [via Old French from Latin in- IN-2]

en-2 or em-   prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives   in; into; inside: endemic [from Greek (often via Latin); compare IN-1, IN-2]

-en^1   suffix forming verbs   cause to be; become; cause to have: blacken; heighten [Old English -n-, as in fæst-n-ian to fasten, of common Germanic origin; compare Icelandic fastna]

-en^2   suffix forming adjectives   of; made of; resembling: ashen; earthen; wooden [Old English -en; related to Gothic -eins, Latin -īnus -INE^1]

enable (InˈeIbəl)   vb (tr)   1 to provide (someone) with adequate power, means, opportunity, or authority (to do something)   2 to make possible   3 to put (a digital electronic circuit element) into an operative condition by supplying a suitable input pulse   > enˈablement n   > enˈabler n

■ -enabled   adj   (in combination) computing functioning with the specified software

■ enabling (InˈeIbəlIŋ)   adj   providing the power, means, opportunity, or authority to allow someone to do something

■ enabling act   n   a legislative act conferring certain specified powers on a person or organization

enact (Inˈækt)   vb (tr)   1 to make into an act or statute   2 to establish by law; ordain or decree   3 to represent or perform in or as if in a play; to act out   > enˈactable adj   > enˈactive or enˈactory adj   > enˈactment, enˈaction or enacture n   > enˈactor n

enalapril (IˈnæləˌprIl)   n   an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure

enallage (IˈnæləɡI)   n   the act of using one grammatical form in place of another

enamel (Iˈnæməl)   n   1 a coloured glassy substance, translucent or opaque, fused to the surface of articles made of metal, glass, etc, for ornament or protection   2 an article or articles ornamented with enamel   3 an enamel-like paint or varnish   4 any smooth glossy coating resembling enamel   5 another word for nail polish   6 the hard white calcified substance that covers the crown of each tooth   7 (modifier)   a decorated or covered with enamel: an enamel ring   b made with enamel: enamel paste   ▷ vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled (tr)   8 to inlay, coat, or otherwise decorate with enamel   9 to ornament with glossy variegated colours, as if with enamel   10 to portray in enamel [C15: from Old French esmail, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German smalz lard; see SMELT^1]   > eˈnameller, eˈnamellist or US eˈnameler, eˈnamelist n   > eˈnamelˌwork n

■ enamelled or US enameled (Iˈnæməld)   adj   1 covered with enamel   2 decorated with enamel

■ enamelling or US enameling (IˈnæməlIŋ)   n   1 the art or process of decorating something such as jewellery in enamel   2 the decoration produced in this way

■ enamelware (Iˈnæməlwɛə)   n   1 kitchen utensils, such as saucepans, plates and mugs, coated in enamel   2 decorative objects covered or decorated in enamel

enamine (InˈeImiːn)   n   any of a class of unsaturated nitrogen compounds prepared by the condensation reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with a secondary amine

enamorado (Inæməˈrɑːdəʊ)   n   obsolete a beloved one; lover [C17: from Spanish enamorar to enamour]

enamour or US enamor (Inˈæmə)   vb   (tr; usually passive; and foll by of) to inspire with love; captivate; charm [C14: from Old French enamourer, from amour love, from Latin amor]

■ enamoured or US enamored (Inˈæməd)   adj   in love; captivated; charmed

enanthema (ˌɛnənˈθiːmə)   n   an ulcer on a mucous membrane

enantiodromia (ɛnˌæntIəʊˈdrəʊmIə)   n   the concept that an abundance of any force can cause an opposite reaction

■ enantiodromic (ɛnˌæntIəʊˈdrəʊmIk)   adj   relating to enantiodromia

enantiomer (ɛnˈæntIəmə)   n   chem a molecule that exhibits stereoisomerism because of the presence of one or more chiral centres

■ enantiomeric (ɛnˌæntIəˈmɛrIk)   adj   relating to enantiomers

enantiomorph (ɛnˈæntIəˌmɔːf)   n   either of the two crystal forms of a substance that are mirror images of each other [C19: from Greek enantios opposite + -MORPH]   > enˌantioˈmorphic or enˌantioˈmorphous adj   > enˌantioˈmorphˌism n

■ enantiomorphy (ɛnˈæntIəˌmɔːfI)   n   the state of being enantiomorphic

enantiopathy (ɛnˌæntIˈɒpəθI)   n   the treatment of disease by opposites; allopathy

enantiosis (ɛnˌæntIˈəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a figure of speech by which there is an opposite meaning to what is said

enantiostyly (ɛnˌæntIəʊˈstaIlI)   n   the asymmetrical deflection of the style, either to the left or to the right of the floral axis

■ enantiostylous (ɛnˌæntIəʊˈstaIləs)   adj   in the manner of enantiostyly

enantiotropy (ɛnˌæntIˈɒtrəpI)   n   the possibility for stable polymorphs to exist in different states on either side of a transition-point temperature

■ enantiotropic (ɛnˌæntIəʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   relating to enantiotropy

enargite (ˈɛnɑːɡaIt)   n   mineralogy a sulphide of copper and arsenic

enarm (Inˈɑːm)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to provide with arms or armour   2 heraldry to use colour to depict the arms (such as the hooves, tusks or bill) of a bird or beast   3 cookery to garnish with lard

enarration (ˌɛnəˈreIʃən)   n   a detailed narrative

enarthrosis (ˌɛnɑːˈθrəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   anatomy a ball-and-socket joint, such as that of the hip [C17: via New Latin from Greek, from arthrōsis, from arthron a joint + -OSIS]   > ˌenarˈthrodial adj

enate (ˈiːneIt)   adj also enatic (iːˈnætIk)   1 biology growing out or outwards   2 related on the side of the mother   ▷ n   3 a relative on the mother's side [C17: from Latin ēnātus, from ēnāscī to be born from, from nāscī to be born]

■ enation (iːˈneIʃən)   n   1 botany an epidermal outgrowth from a plant body or organ   2 the maternal line of descent

en attendant French (ɑ̃n atɑ̃dɑ̃)   adv   in the meantime; while waiting

enaunter (ɛnˈɔːntə)   conj   archaic in case that

en bloc French (ɑ̃ blɔk)   adv   in a lump or block; as a body or whole; all together

en brochette French (ɑ̃ brɔʃɛt)   adj, adv   (esp of meat) roasted or grilled on a skewer [literally: on a skewer]

en brosse French (ɑ̃ brɔs)   adj, adv   (of the hair) cut very short so that the hair stands up stiffly [literally: in the style of a brush]

enc.   abbreviation for   1 enclosed   2 enclosure

encaenia (ɛnˈsiːnIə)   n   rare a festival of dedication or commemoration [C14: via Late Latin from Greek enkainia, from kainos new]

encage or incage (InˈkeIdʒ)   vb   (tr) to confine in or as in a cage

encalm (Inˈkɑːm)   vb (tr)   obsolete to becalm, settle

encamp (Inˈkæmp)   vb   to lodge or cause to lodge in a camp

■ encamped (Inˈkæmpt)   adj   lodged in a camp

■ encampment (Inˈkæmpmənt)   n   1 the act of setting up a camp   2 the place where a camp, esp a military camp, is set up

encanthis (ɛnˈkænθIs)   n   a tumour of the eye

encapsulate, incapsulate (InˈkæpsjʊˌleIt) or encapsule (Inˈkæpsjuːl)   vb   1 to enclose or be enclosed in or as if in a capsule   2 (tr) to sum up in a short or concise form; condense; abridge   > enˌcapsuˈlation or inˌcapsuˈlation n

encarnalize or encarnalise (InˈkɑːnəˌlaIz)   vb (tr) rare   1 to provide with a bodily form; incarnate   2 to make carnal, gross, or sensual

encarpus (Inˈkɑːpəs)   n, pl -pi (-paI)   a decoration of fruit or flowers on a frieze

encase or incase (InˈkeIs)   vb   (tr) to place or enclose in or as if in a case   > enˈcasement or inˈcasement n

encash (Inˈkæʃ)   vb   (tr) Brit formal to exchange (a cheque) for cash   > enˈcashable adj   > enˈcashment n

encastré (ɛnˈkɑːstreI)   adj   civil engineering (of a beam) fixed at the ends; built into its supports [from French, past participle of encastrer, from Latin incastrare to cut in; see CASTRATE]

encaustic (InˈkɒstIk) ceramics   adj   1 decorated by any process involving burning in colours, esp by inlaying coloured clays and baking or by fusing wax colours to the surface   ▷ n   2 the process of burning in colours   3 a product of such a process [C17: from Latin encausticus, from Greek enkaustikos, from enkaiein to burn in, from kaiein to burn]   > enˈcaustically adv

-ence or -ency   suffix forming nouns   indicating an action, state, condition, or quality: benevolence; residence; patience [via Old French from Latin -entia, from -ēns, present participial ending]

enceinte^1 (ɒnˈsænt; French ɑ̃sɛ̃t)   adj   another word for pregnant [C17: from French, from Latin inciēns pregnant; related to Greek enkuos, from kuein to be pregnant]

enceinte^2 (ɒnˈsænt; French ɑ̃sɛ̃t)   n   1 a boundary wall enclosing a defended area   2 the area enclosed [C18: from French: enclosure, from enceindre to encompass, from Latin incingere, from cingere to gird]

Enceladus^1 (ɛnˈsɛlədəs)   n   Greek myth a giant who was punished for his rebellion against the gods by a fatal blow from a stone cast by Athena. He was believed to be buried under Mount Etna in Sicily

Enceladus^2   n   a very bright satellite of Saturn: diameter 505 km; surface made of ice, with water probably underneath; geologically active, with plumes of water vapour and ice particles venting from the south polar region; discovered by W. Herschel in 1789

encephalalgia (ɛnˌsɛfəˈlældʒIə)   n   med pain in the head; headache

encephalic (ˌɛnsIˈfælIk, ˌɛnkI-)   adj   of or relating to the brain

encephalin or encephaline (ɛnˈsɛfəˌliːn)   n   a variant of enkephalin

encephalitis (ˌɛnsɛfəˈlaItIs, ˌɛnkɛf-)   n   inflammation of the brain   ▶ Also called: cephalitis   > encephalitic (ˌɛnsɛfəˈlItIk) adj

■ encephalitis lethargica (lIˈθɑːdʒIkə)   n   pathol a technical name for sleeping sickness (sense 2)

encephalitogen (ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaItədʒən)   n   an agent that is able to produce encephalitis

encephalo- or before a vowel encephal-   combining form   indicating the brain: encephalogram; encephalitis [from New Latin, from Greek enkephalos, from en- in + kephalē head]

encephalocele (ɛnˈsɛfələʊˌsiːl)   n   a protrusion of brain matter through a congenital gap in the skull

encephalogram (ɛnˈsɛfələˌɡræm)   n   1 an X-ray photograph of the brain, esp one (a pneumoencephalogram) taken after replacing some of the cerebrospinal fluid with air or oxygen so that the brain cavities show clearly   2 short for electroencephalogram

encephalograph (ɛnˈsɛfələˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 short for electroencephalograph   2 any other apparatus used to produce an encephalogram

■ encephalography (ˌɛnsɛfəˈlɒɡrəfI)   n   1 the branch of medical science concerned with taking and analysing X-ray photographs of the brain   2 another name for electroencephalography. See electroencephalograph   > encephalographic (ɛnˌsɛfələˈɡræfIk) adj   > enˌcephaloˈgraphically adv

encephaloid (ɛnˈsɛfəˌlɔId)   adj   resembling the brain or brain matter

encephaloma (ˌɛnsɛfəˈləʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   a brain tumour

encephalomyelitis (ɛnˌsɛfələʊˌmaIəˈlaItIs)   n   acute inflammation of the brain and spinal cord   > encephalomyelitic (ɛnˌsɛfələʊˌmaIəˈlItIk) adj

encephalon (ɛnˈsɛfəˌlɒn)   n, pl -la (-lə)   a technical name for brain [C18: from New Latin, from Greek enkephalos brain (literally: that which is in the head), from EN-2 + kephalē head]   > enˈcephalous adj

encephalopathy (ɛnˌsɛfəˈlɒpəθI)   n   any degenerative disease of the brain, often associated with toxic conditions. See also BSE

■ encephalopathic (ɛnˌsɛfələˈpæθIk)   adj   relating to encephalopathy

encephalotomy (ˌɛnsɛfəˈlɒtəmI)   n, pl -tomies   1 the dissection of the brain   2 the anatomy of the brain

enchafe (InˈtʃeIf)   vb (tr) obsolete   to heat up; irritate

enchain (InˈtʃeIn)   vb (tr)   1 to bind with chains   2 to hold fast or captivate (the attention, etc)   > enˈchainment n

enchant (Inˈtʃɑːnt)   vb (tr)   1 to cast a spell on; bewitch   2 to delight or captivate utterly; fascinate; charm [C14: from Old French enchanter, from Latin incantāre to chant a spell, from cantāre to chant, from canere to sing]   > enˈchanter n   > enˈchantress fem n

■ enchanted (InˈtʃɑːntId)   adj   1 under a spell; bewitched; magical   2 utterly delighted or captivated; fascinated; charmed

■ enchanter's nightshade   n   any of several onagraceous plants of the genus Circaea, esp C. lutetiana, having small white flowers and bristly fruits

■ enchanting (InˈtʃɑːntIŋ)   adj   pleasant; delightful   > enˈchantingly adv

■ enchantment (Inˈtʃɑːntmənt)   n   1 the act of enchanting or state of being enchanted   2 a magic spell or act of witchcraft   3 great charm or fascination

encharge (Inˈtʃɑːdʒ)   n   1 a charge   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to entrust

encharm (Inˈtʃɑːm)   vb (tr)   to enchant; bewitch

enchase (InˈtʃeIs)   vb   (tr) a less common word for chase^1 (sense 3) [C15: from Old French enchasser to enclose, set, from EN-1 + casse CASE^2]   > enˈchaser n

encheason (ɛnˈtʃiːzən)   n obsolete   a reason

encheer (InˈtʃIə)   vb (tr)   to cheer up

enchilada (ˌɛntʃIˈlɑːdə)   n   a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla fried in hot fat, filled with meat, and served with a chilli sauce [C19: American Spanish, feminine of enchilado seasoned with chilli, from enchilar to spice with chilli, from chile CHILLI]

enchiridion or encheiridion (ˌɛŋkaIˈrIdIən)   n, pl -ions or -ia (-Iə)   rare a handbook or manual [C16: from Late Latin, from Greek enkheiridion, from EN-2 + kheir hand]

enchondroma (ˌɛnkənˈdrəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   pathol a benign cartilaginous tumour, most commonly in the bones of the hands or feet [C19: New Latin from Greek, from EN-2 + khondros cartilage]   > ˌenchonˈdromatous adj

enchorial (ɛnˈkɔːrIəl) or enchoric   adj   of or used in a particular country: used esp of the popular (demotic) writing of the ancient Egyptians [C19: via Late Latin from Greek enkhōrios, from EN-2 + khōra country]

-enchyma   n, combining form   denoting cellular tissue: aerenchyma [C20: abstracted from PARENCHYMA]

encierro (ˌɛnsIˈɛərəʊ)   n   the Spanish bull-run, in which bulls are driven through streets to a bullring

encina (ɛnˈsiːnə)   n   a type of oak, Quercus ilex

■ encinal (ɛnˈsiːnəl)   adj   relating to species of encina

encincture (InˈsIŋktʃə)   n   1 a cincture   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to encircle or encompass

encipher (InˈsaIfə)   vb   (tr) to convert (a message, document, etc) from plain text into code or cipher; encode   > enˈcipherer n   > enˈcipherment n

encircle (Inˈsɜːkəl)   vb   (tr) to form a circle around; enclose within a circle; surround   > enˈcirclement n   > enˈcircling adj

Encke (German ˈɛŋkə)   n   Johann Franz. 1791–1865, German astronomer, who discovered Encke's Division in the outer ring of Saturn

encl.   abbreviation for   1 enclosed   2 enclosure

en clair French (ɑ̃ klɛr)   adv, adj   in ordinary language; not in cipher [literally: in clear]

enclasp or inclasp (Inˈklɑːsp)   vb   (tr) to clasp; embrace

enclave (ˈɛnkleIv)   n   a part of a country entirely surrounded by foreign territory: viewed from the position of the surrounding territories. Compare exclave [C19: from French, from Old French enclaver to enclose, from Vulgar Latin inclāvāre (unattested) to lock up, from Latin IN-2 + clavis key]

enclitic (InˈklItIk)   adj   1    a denoting or relating to a monosyllabic word or form that is treated as a suffix of the preceding word, as Latin -que in populusque   b (in classical Greek) denoting or relating to a word that throws an accent back onto the preceding word   ▷ n   2 an enclitic word or linguistic form   ▶ Compare proclitic [C17: from Late Latin encliticus, from Greek enklitikos, from enklinein to cause to lean, from EN-2 + klinein to lean]   > enˈclitically adv

■ enclisis (InˈkliːsIs)   n   the state of being enclitic

encloister (InˈklɔIstə)   vb (tr)   to imprison or cloister

enclose or inclose (Inˈkləʊz)   vb (tr)   1 to close; hem in; surround   2 to surround (land) with or as if with a fence   3 to put in an envelope or wrapper, esp together with a letter   4 to contain or hold   > enˈclosable or inˈclosable adj   > enˈcloser or inˈcloser n

■ enclosed or inclosed (Inˈkləʊzd)   adj   1 completely surrounded by something, esp a wall or similar barrier   2 theol (of a religious community) not allowing its members to go into the outside world

■ enclosed order   n   a Christian religious order that does not permit its members to go into the outside world

■ enclosure or inclosure (Inˈkləʊʒə)   n   1 the act of enclosing or state of being enclosed   2 a region or area enclosed by or as if by a fence   3    a the act of appropriating land, esp common land, by putting a hedge or other barrier around it   b history such acts as were carried out at various periods in England, esp between the 12th and 14th centuries and finally in the 18th and 19th centuries   4 a fence, wall, etc, that serves to enclose   5 something, esp a supporting document, enclosed within an envelope or wrapper, esp together with a letter   6 Brit a section of a sports ground, racecourse, etc, allotted to certain spectators

enclothe (Inˈkləʊð)   vb (tr)   to clothe or cover

encloud (Inˈklaʊd)   vb (tr)   to hide with clouds; to darken

encode (Inˈkəʊd)   vb (tr)   1 to convert (a message) from plain text into code   2 computing to convert (characters and symbols) into a digital form as a series of impulses. Compare decode (sense 2)   3 to convert (an electrical signal) into a form suitable for transmission   4 to convert (a nerve signal) into a form that can be received by the brain   5 to use (a word, phrase, etc, esp of a foreign language) in the construction appropriate to it in that language   > enˈcodement n   > enˈcoder n

■ encodable (Inˈkəʊdəbəl)   adj   able to be encoded

■ encoding (InˈkəʊdIŋ)   n   1 the action of transforming a message into code   2 computing the action of converting (characters and symbols) into a digital form as a series of impulses   3 linguistics the action of expressing a message in another language

encoignure French (ɑ̃kɔɲyr)   n   an ornamental piece of furniture designed to fit in a corner

encolour (Inˈkʌlə)   vb (tr)   to give a colour to

encolpion (ɛnˈkɒlpIən)   n, pl -pia (-pIə)   theol a religious symbol worn on the breast

encolure (ˌɛnkəˈljʊə)   n   the mane of a horse

encomendero (ɛnˌkəʊmɛnˈdɛərəʊ)   n   the owner of an encomienda

encomienda (ɛnˌkəʊmIˈɛndə)   n   history (in colonial Latin America) a large estate under the control of a Spaniard

encomium (ɛnˈkəʊmIəm)   n, pl -miums or -mia (-mIə)   a formal expression of praise; eulogy; panegyric [C16: from Latin, from Greek enkōmion, from EN-2 + kōmos festivity]

■ encomiast (ɛnˈkəʊmIˌæst)   n   a person who speaks or writes an encomium [C17: from Greek enkōmiastēs, from enkōmiazein to utter an ENCOMIUM]   > enˌcomiˈastic or enˌcomiˈastical adj   > enˌcomiˈastically adv

encompass (Inˈkʌmpəs)   vb (tr)   1 to enclose within a circle; surround   2 to bring about; cause to happen; contrive: he encompassed the enemy's ruin   3 to include entirely or comprehensively: this book encompasses the whole range of knowledge   > enˈcompassment n

encopresis (ˌɛnkəʊˈpriːsIs)   n   involuntary discharge of faeces, esp when associated with psychiatric disturbance [C20: from New Latin, from Greek EN-2 + COPR(O)-, + -esis as in ENURESIS]   > encopretic (ˌɛnkəʊˈprɛtIk) adj

encore (ˈɒŋkɔː)   interj   1 again; once more: used by an audience to demand an extra or repeated performance   ▷ n   2 an extra or repeated performance given in response to enthusiastic demand   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to demand an extra or repeated performance of (a work, piece of music, etc) by (a performer) [C18: from French: still, again, perhaps from Latin in hanc hōram until this hour]

encounter (Inˈkaʊntə)   vb   1 to come upon or meet casually or unexpectedly   2 to come into conflict with (an enemy, army, etc) in battle or contest   3 (tr) to be faced with; contend with: he encounters many obstacles in his work   ▷ n   4 a meeting with a person or thing, esp when casual or unexpected   5 a hostile meeting; contest or conflict [C13: from Old French encontrer, from Vulgar Latin incontrāre (unattested), from Latin IN-2 + contrā against, opposite]   > enˈcounterer n

■ encounter group   n   a group of people who meet in order to develop self-awareness and mutual understanding by openly expressing their feelings, by confrontation, physical contact, etc

encourage (InˈkʌrIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to inspire (someone) with the courage or confidence (to do something)   2 to stimulate (something or someone to do something) by approval or help; support   > enˈcouragement n   > enˈcourager n   > enˈcouraging adj   > enˈcouragingly adv

■ encouraged (InˈkʌrIdʒd)   adj   inspired with confidence that something will happen or is true

encradle (InˈkreIdəl)   vb (tr)   to put in a cradle

encraty (ˈɛnkrətI)   n   the control of one's desires and actions

encrimson (InˈkrImzən)   vb (tr)   to make crimson

encrinite (ˈɛnkrIˌnaIt)   n   (in the US) a sedimentary rock formed almost exclusively from the skeletal plates of crinoids. Sometimes shortened to: crinite [C19: from New Latin encrinus (from Greek EN-2 + krinon lily) + -ITE^1]

■ encrinital (ˌɛnkrIˈnaItəl), encrinal (ˈɛnkrInəl), encrinic (ɛnˈkrInIk) or encrinitic (ˌɛnkrIˈnItIk)   adj   relating to encrinites

encroach (Inˈkrəʊtʃ)   vb (intr)   1 (often foll by on or upon) to intrude gradually, stealthily, or insidiously upon the rights, property, etc, of another   2 to advance beyond the usual or proper limits [C14: from Old French encrochier to seize, literally: fasten upon with hooks, from EN-1 + croc hook, of Germanic origin; see CROOK]   > enˈcroacher n   > enˈcroachingly adv   > enˈcroachment n

encrust or incrust (Inˈkrʌst)   vb   1 (tr) to cover or overlay with or as with a crust or hard coating   2 to form or cause to form a crust or hard coating   3 (tr) to decorate lavishly, as with jewels   > ˌencrusˈtation or ˌincrusˈtation n

■ encrusted or incrusted (InˈkrʌstId)   adj   1 covered or overlaid with a crust or hard coating: snow-encrusted mountain paths   2 lavishly and thickly decorated: a beautiful dress encrusted with jewels

■ encrustment or incrustment (Inˈkrʌstmənt)   n   an outer layer of crust

encrypt (InˈkrIpt)   vb (tr)   1 to put (a message) into code   2 to put (computer data) into a coded form   3 to distort (a television or other signal) so that it cannot be understood without the appropriate decryption equipment [C20: from EN-1 + crypt, as in CRYPTO-]   > enˈcrypted adj   > enˈcryption n

enculturate (ɛnˈkʌltʃʊˌreIt)   vb (intr)   to undergo the process of socialization

■ enculturation (ɛnˌkʌltʃʊˈreIʃən)   n   another word for socialization   > enculturative (ɛnˈkʌltʃʊrətIv) adj

encumber or incumber (Inˈkʌmbə)   vb (tr)   1 to hinder or impede; make difficult; hamper: encumbered with parcels after going shopping at Christmas; his stupidity encumbers his efforts to learn   2 to fill with superfluous or useless matter   3 to burden with debts, obligations, etc [C14: from Old French encombrer, from EN-1 + combre a barrier, from Late Latin combrus, of uncertain origin]   > enˈcumberingly or inˈcumberingly adv

■ encumberment (Inˈkʌmbəmənt)   n   the act of being encumbered

■ encumbrance or incumbrance (Inˈkʌmbrəns)   n   1 a thing that impedes or is burdensome; hindrance   2 law a burden or charge upon property, such as a mortgage or lien   3 rare a dependent person, esp a child

■ encumbrancer or incumbrancer (Inˈkʌmbrənsə)   n   law a person who holds an encumbrance on property belonging to another

encurtain (Inˈkɜːtən)   vb (tr)   to cover or surround with curtains or a veil

-ency   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -ence: fluency; permanency

encyclical (ɛnˈsIklIkəl)   n   1 a letter sent by the pope to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world   ▷ adj also encyclic   2 (of letters) intended for general or wide circulation [C17: from Late Latin encyclicus, from Greek enkuklios general, from kuklos circle]

encyclopedia or encyclopaedia (ɛnˌsaIkləʊˈpiːdIə)   n   a book, often in many volumes, containing articles on various topics, often arranged in alphabetical order, dealing either with the whole range of human knowledge or with one particular subject: a medical encyclopedia [C16: from New Latin encyclopaedia, erroneously for Greek enkuklios paideia general education, from enkuklios general (see ENCYCLICAL), + paideia education, from pais child]

■ encyclopedian (ɛnˌsaIkləʊˈpiːdIən)   adj   including a wide circle of learning

■ encyclopedic or encyclopaedic (ɛnˌsaIkləʊˈpiːdIk)   adj   1 of, characteristic of, or relating to an encyclopedia   2 covering a wide range of knowledge; comprehensive   > enˌcycloˈpedically or enˌcycloˈpaedically adv

■ encyclopedical or encyclopaedical (ɛnˌsaIkləʊˈpiːdIkəl)   adj   relating to an encyclopedia

■ encyclopedist or encyclopaedist (ɛnˌsaIkləʊˈpiːdIst)   n   a person who compiles or contributes to an encyclopedia   > enˌcycloˈpedism or enˌcycloˈpaedism n

encyst (ɛnˈsIst)   vb   biology to enclose or become enclosed by a cyst, thick membrane, or shell   > enˈcysted adj   > enˈcystment or ˌencysˈtation n

end^1 (ɛnd)   n   1 the extremity of the length of something, such as a road, line, etc   2 the surface at either extremity of a three-dimensional object   3 the extreme extent, limit, or degree of something   4 the most distant place or time that can be imagined: the ends of the earth   5 the time at which something is concluded   6    a the last section or part   b (as modifier): the end office. Related adjectives: final, terminal, ultimate   7 a share or part: his end of the bargain   8 (often plural) a remnant or fragment (esp in the phrase odds and ends)   9 a final state, esp death; destruction   10 the purpose of an action or existence   11 sport either of the two defended areas of a playing field, rink, etc   12 bowls, curling a section of play from one side of the rink to the other   13 American football a player at the extremity of the playing line; wing   14 all ends up totally or completely   15 a sticky end Brit informal an unpleasant death   16 at a loose end or US and Canadian at loose ends without purpose or occupation   17 at an end exhausted or completed   18 at the end of the day See day (sense 10)   19 come to an end to become completed or exhausted   20 end on   a with the end pointing towards one   b with the end adjacent to the end of another object   21 go off the deep end informal to lose one's temper; react angrily   22 get one's end away Brit vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse   23 in the end finally   24 keep one's end up   a to sustain one's part in a joint enterprise   b to hold one's own in an argument, contest, etc   25 make ends meet or make both ends meet to spend no more than the money one has   26 no end or no end of informal (intensifier): I had no end of work   27 on end   a upright   b without pause or interruption   28 the end informal   a the worst, esp something that goes beyond the limits of endurance   b chiefly US the best in quality   29 the end of the road the point beyond which survival or continuation is impossible   30 throw someone in at the deep end to put someone into a new situation, job, etc, without preparation or introduction   ▷ vb   31 to bring or come to a finish; conclude   32 to die or cause to die   33 (tr) to surpass; outdo: a novel to end all novels   34 end it all informal to die by suicide [Old English ende; related to Old Norse endir, Gothic andeis, Old High German endi, Latin antiae forelocks, Sanskrit antya last]   > ˈender n

■ end-all   n   short for be-all and end-all

■ end-blown   adj   music (of a recorder) held downwards and blown through one end

■ endbrain (ˈɛndˌbreIn)   n   anatomy another name for telencephalon

■ endgame (ˈɛndˌɡeIm)   n   1 Also called: ending the closing stage of a game of chess, in which only a few pieces are left on the board   2 the closing stage of any of certain other games

■ endgate (ˈɛndˌɡeIt)   n   the tailboard of a vehicle

■ ending (ˈɛndIŋ)   n   1 the act of bringing to or reaching an end   2 the last part of something, as a book, film, etc   3 the final part of a word, esp a suffix   4 chess another word for endgame

■ endleaf (ˈɛndˌliːf)   n   an endpaper (usually blank) in a book

■ endless (ˈɛndlIs)   adj   1 having or seeming to have no end; eternal or infinite   2 continuing too long or continually recurring   3 formed with the ends joined: an endless belt   > ˈendlessly adv   > ˈendlessness n

■ endlong (ˈɛndˌlɒŋ)   adv   archaic lengthways or on end

■ end matter   n   another name for back matter

■ endmost (ˈɛndˌməʊst)   adj   nearest the end; most distant

■ endnote (ˈɛndˌnəʊt)   n   a note at the end of a section of writing

■ end of steel   n Canadian   1 a point up to which railway tracks have been laid   2 a town located at such a point

■ end organ   n   anatomy the expanded end of a peripheral motor or sensory nerve

■ endpaper (ˈɛndˌpeIpə)   n   either of two leaves at the front and back of a book pasted to the inside of the board covers and the first leaf of the book to secure the binding

■ end pin   n   music the adjustable metal spike attached to the bottom of a cello, double bass, etc, that supports it while it is being played

■ endplate (ˈɛndˌpleIt)   n   1 any usually flat platelike structure at the end of something   2 physiol the flattened end of a motor nerve fibre, which transmits impulses to muscle

■ endplay (ˈɛndˌpleI) bridge   n   1 a way of playing the last few tricks in a hand so that an opponent is forced to make a particular lead   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to force (an opponent) to make a particular lead near the end of a hand: the declarer endplayed West for the jack of spades

■ end point or endpoint (ˈɛndˌpɔInt)   n   1 chem the point at which a titration is complete, usually marked by a change in colour of an indicator   2 the point at which anything is complete

■ end product   n   the final result or outcome of a process, series, endeavour, etc, esp in manufacturing

■ endship (ˈɛndʃIp)   n   a small village

■ end-stopped   adj   (of verse) having a pause at the end of each line

■ end up   vb (adverb)   1 (copula) to become eventually; turn out to be: he ended up a thief   2 (intr) to arrive, esp by a circuitous or lengthy route or process: he ended up living in New Zealand

■ end user   n   1    a (in international trading) the person, organization, or nation that will be the ultimate recipient of goods, esp such as arms or advanced technology   b (as modifier): an end-user certificate   2 computing the ultimate destination, such as a program or operator, of information that is being transferred within a system

■ endways (ˈɛndˌweIz) or esp US and Canadian endwise (ˈɛndˌwaIz)   adv   1 having the end forwards or upwards   ▷ adj   2 vertical or upright   3 lengthways   4 standing or lying end to end

■ endzone (ˈɛndˌzəʊn)   n   American football the area behind the goals at each end of the field that the ball must cross for a touchdown to be awarded

end^2 (ɛnd)   vb   (tr) Brit to put (hay or grain) into a barn or stack [Old English innian; related to Old High German innōn; see INN]

end-   combining form   a variant of endo-

-end   suffix forming nouns   See -and

endamage (ɛnˈdæmIdʒ)   vb   (tr) to cause injury to; damage   > enˈdamagement n

endamoeba or US endameba (ˌɛndəˈmiːbə)   n, pl -bae (-biː) or -bas   variants of entamoeba

■ endamoebic or US endamebic (ˌɛndəˈmiːbIk)   adj   relating to endamebae

endanger (InˈdeIndʒə)   vb   (tr) to put in danger or peril; imperil   > enˈdangerment n

■ endangered (InˈdeIndʒəd)   adj   in danger: used esp of animals in danger of extinction: the giant panda is an endangered species

■ endangerer (InˈdeIndʒərə)   n   a person who puts someone or something at risk

endarch (ˈɛndˌɑːk)   adj   botany (of a xylem strand) having the first-formed xylem internal to that formed later. Compare exarch^1 [C20: from ENDO- + Greek arkhē beginning]

endarchy (ˈɛndˌɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   a central government

endarterectomy (ɛnˌdɑːtəˈrɛktəmI)   n, pl -tomies   a surgical operation to removes blockages in an artery

endear (InˈdIə)   vb   (tr) to cause to be beloved or esteemed

■ endearing (InˈdIərIŋ)   adj   giving rise to love or esteem; charming   > enˈdearingly adv

■ endearingness (InˈdIərIŋnəs)   n   the quality of being endearing

■ endearment (InˈdIəmənt)   n   1 something that endears, such as an affectionate utterance   2 the act or process of endearing or the condition of being endeared

endeavour or US endeavor (Inˈdɛvə)   vb   1 to try (to do something)   ▷ n   2 an effort to do or attain something [C14: endeveren, from EN-1 + -deveren from dever duty, from Old French deveir; see DEVOIRS]   > enˈdeavourer or US enˈdeavorer n

■ endeavourment (Inˈdɛvəmənt)   n   the act of endeavouring

endecagon (ɛnˈdɛkəˌɡɒn)   n   a figure with eleven sides and angles

endeictic (ɛnˈdaIktIk)   adj   functioning to exhibit

endeixis (ɛnˈdaIksIs)   n   a sign or mark

endemic (ɛnˈdɛmIk)   adj also endemial (ɛnˈdɛmIəl), endemical   1 present within a localized area or peculiar to persons in such an area   ▷ n   2 an endemic disease or plant [C18: from New Latin endēmicus, from Greek endēmos native, from EN-2 + dēmos the people]   > enˈdemically adv   > ˈendemism or ˌendeˈmicity n

endemiology (ɛnˌdɛmIˈɒlədʒI, ɛnˌdiːmIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of endemic disease

endenizen (InˈdɛnIzən)   vb   to make or become a denizen

Enderby Land (ˈɛndəbI)   n   part of the coastal region of Antarctica, between Kemp Land and Queen Maud Land: the westernmost part of the Australian Antarctic Territory (claims are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty); discovered in 1831

endergonic (ˌɛndəˈɡɒnIk)   adj   (of a biochemical reaction) requiring energy to proceed. Compare exergonic [C20: from END(O-) + Greek ergon work + -IC]

endermic (ɛnˈdɜːmIk) or endermatic (ˌɛndɜːˈmætIk)   adj   (of a medicine) acting by absorption through the skin [C19: from EN-2 + Greek derma skin]

■ endermical (ɛnˈdɜːmIkəl)   adj   relating to an endermic process

Enders (ˈɛndəz)   n   John Franklin. 1897–1985, US microbiologist: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1954) with Frederick Robbins and Thomas Weller for their work on viruses

endexine (ɛnˈdɛksIn, ɛnˈdɛksaIn)   n   an inner layer of an exine

endive (ˈɛndaIv)   n   a plant, Cichorium endivia, cultivated for its crisp curly leaves, which are used in salads: family Asteraceae (composites). Compare chicory [C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin endīvia, variant of Latin intubus, entubus, of uncertain origin]

endo- or before a vowel end-   combining form   inside; within: endocrine [from Greek, from endon within]

endobiotic (ˌɛndəʊbaIˈɒtIk)   adj   formed within a host cell

endoblast (ˈɛndəʊˌblæst)   n   1 embryol a less common name for endoderm   2 another name for hypoblast (sense 1)   > ˌendoˈblastic adj

endocardium (ˌɛndəʊˈkɑːdIəm)   n, pl -dia (-dIə)   the membrane that lines the cavities of the heart and forms part of the valves [C19: from New Latin, from ENDO- + Greek kardia heart]

■ endocardial (ˌɛndəʊˈkɑːdIəl) or endocardiac   adj   1 of or relating to the endocardium   2 within the heart

■ endocarditis (ˌɛndəʊkɑːˈdaItIs)   n   inflammation of the endocardium   > endocarditic (ˌɛndəʊkɑːˈdItIk) adj

endocarp (ˈɛndəˌkɑːp)   n   the inner, usually woody, layer of the pericarp of a fruit, such as the stone of a peach or cherry   > ˌendoˈcarpal or ˌendoˈcarpic adj

endocast (ˈɛndəʊˌkɑːst)   n   a short form of endocranial cast

endocentric (ˌɛndəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   grammar (of a construction) fulfilling the grammatical role of one of its constituents; as in three blind mice, where the whole noun phrase fulfils the same role as its head noun mice. Compare exocentric

endochondral (ˌɛndəʊˈkɒndrəl)   adj   occurring, or present, in cartilage

endochylous (ɛnˈdɒkIləs)   adj   having water-storing cells

endocranium (ˌɛndəʊˈkreInIəm)   n, pl -nia (-nIə)   anatomy the thick fibrous membrane that lines the cranial cavity and forms the outermost layer of the dura mater

■ endocranial (ˌɛndəʊˈkreInIəl)   adj   relating to the endocranium

■ endocranial cast   n   a cast made of the inside of a cranial cavity to show the size and shape of the brain: used esp in anthropology. Sometimes shortened to: endocast

endocrine (ˈɛndəʊˌkraIn, -krIn)   adj   1 of or denoting endocrine glands or their secretions: endocrine disorders   ▷ n   2 an endocrine gland   ▶ Compare exocrine [C20: from ENDO- + -crine, from Greek krinein to separate]

■ endocrinal (ˌɛndəʊˈkraInəl), endocrinic (ˌɛndəʊˈkrInIk), endocrinous (ɛnˈdɒkrInəs) or endocritic (ˌɛndəʊˈkrItIk)   adj   relating to endocrine glands or their secretions

■ endocrine gland   n   any of the glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, testes, ovaries, and the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Also called: ductless gland

■ endocrinology (ˌɛndəʊkraIˈnɒlədʒI, -krI-)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the endocrine glands and their secretions   > endocrinologic (ˌɛndəʊˌkrInəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌendoˌcrinoˈlogical adj   > ˌendocriˈnologist n

■ endocrinopathy (ˌɛndəʊkrIˈnɒpəθI)   n   any disease due to disorder of the endocrine system   > endocrinopathic (ˌɛndəʊˌkrInəʊˈpæθIk) adj

endocuticle (ˈɛndəʊˌkjuːtIkəl)   n   the inner layer of the cuticle of an insect

endocytic (ˌɛndəʊˈsItIk) or endocytotic (ˌɛndəʊsaIˈtɒtIk)   adj   involving cellular absorption

endocytosis (ˌɛndəʊsaIˈtəʊsIs)   n   the process by which a living cell takes up molecules bound to its surface

endoderm (ˈɛndəʊˌdɜːm) or entoderm   n   the inner germ layer of an animal embryo, which gives rise to the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts. See also ectoderm, mesoderm   > ˌendoˈdermal, ˌendoˈdermic, ˌentoˈdermal or ˌentoˈdermic adj

endodermis (ˌɛndəʊˈdɜːmIs)   n   botany the specialized innermost layer of cortex in roots and some stems, which controls the passage of water and dissolved substances between the cortex and stele [C19: from New Latin, from ENDO- + Greek derma skin]

endodontics (ˌɛndəʊˈdɒntIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of dentistry concerned with diseases of the dental pulp [C19: from New Latin endodontia, from ENDO- + Greek odōn tooth]   > ˌendoˈdontal or ˌendoˈdontic adj   > ˌendoˈdontist n

■ endodontically (ˌɛndəʊˈdɒntIkəlI)   adv   according to the practice of endodontics

endoenzyme (ˌɛndəʊˈɛnzaIm)   n   any of a group of enzymes, esp endopeptidases, that act upon inner chemical bonds in a chain of molecules. Compare exoenzyme (sense 1)

endoergic (ˌɛndəʊˈɜːdʒIk)   adj   (of a nuclear reaction) occurring with absorption of energy, as opposed to exoergic. Compare endothermic [from ENDO- + -ergic from Greek ergon work]

endogamy (ɛnˈdɒɡəmI)   n   1 anthropol marriage within one's own tribe or similar unit. Compare exogamy (sense 1)   2 pollination between two flowers on the same plant   > enˈdogamous or endogamic (ˌɛndəʊˈɡæmIk) adj

endogen (ˈɛndəʊˌdʒɛn)   n   a former name for monocotyledon

■ endogenic (ˌɛndəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 biology formed or occurring internally   2 geology formed or occurring within the earth

■ endogenous (ɛnˈdɒdʒInəs)   adj   1 biology developing or originating within an organism or part of an organism: endogenous rhythms   2 having no apparent external cause: endogenous depression   > enˈdogenously adv   > enˈdogeny n

endolithic (ˌɛndəʊˈlIθIk)   adj   (of organisms, such as algae) growing inside rock

endolymph (ˈɛndəʊˌlImf)   n   the fluid that fills the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear   > endolymphatic (ˌɛndəʊlImˈfætIk) adj

endometriosis (ˌɛndəʊˌmiːtrIˈəʊsIs)   n   pathol the presence of endometrium in areas other than the lining of the uterus, as on the ovaries, resulting in premenstrual pain

endometritis (ˌɛndəʊmIˈtraItIs)   n   inflammation of the endometrium, which is caused by infection, as by bacteria, foreign bodies, etc

endometrium (ˌɛndəʊˈmiːtrIəm)   n, pl -tria (-trIə)   the mucous membrane that lines the uterus [C19: New Latin, from ENDO- + Greek mētra uterus]   > ˌendoˈmetrial adj

endomitosis (ˌɛndəʊmaIˈtəʊsIs)   n   biology the division of chromosomes but not of the cell nucleus, resulting in a polyploid cell

■ endomitotic (ˌɛndəʊmaIˈtɒtIk)   adj   relating to endomitosis

endomixis (ˌɛndəʊˈmIksIs)   n   the reorganization of certain nuclei with some protozoa

endomorph (ˈɛndəʊˌmɔːf)   n   1 a person with a fat and heavy body build: said to be correlated with viscerotonia. Compare ectomorph, mesomorph   2 a mineral that naturally occurs enclosed within another mineral, as within quartz   > ˌendoˈmorphic adj   > ˈendoˌmorphy n

■ endomorphism (ˌɛndəʊˈmɔːˌfIzəm)   n   geology changes in a cooling body of igneous rock brought about by assimilation of fragments of, or chemical reaction with, the surrounding country rock

endomycorrhiza (ˌɛndəʊˌmaIkəʊˈraIzə)   n   another name for endotrophic mycorrhiza

endoneurium (ˌɛndəʊˈnjʊərIəm)   n   the delicate connective tissue surrounding nerve fibres within a bundle [New Latin, from ENDO- + NEURO- + -IUM]

endonuclease (ˌɛndəʊˈnjuːklIˌeIz)   n   an enzyme that is responsible for scission of a nucleic acid chain, the action of which is not confined to the terminal nucleotide. Compare exonuclease

endonucleolytic (ˌɛndəʊˌnjuːklIəˈlItIk)   adj   relating to endonuclease

endoparasite (ˌɛndəʊˈpærəˌsaIt)   n   a parasite, such as the tapeworm, that lives within the body of its host   > endoparasitic (ˌɛndəʊˌpærəˈsItIk) adj

■ endoparasitism (ˌɛndəʊˈpærəsaIˌtIzəm)   n   the condition of a parasite living inside a host

endopeptidase (ˌɛndəʊˈpɛptIˌdeIz)   n   any proteolytic enzyme, such as pepsin, that splits a protein into smaller peptide fragments. Also called: proteinase. Compare exopeptidase

endoperoxide (ˌɛndəʊpəˈrɒksaId)   n   one of the substances formed in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins

endophagy (ɛnˈdɒfədʒI)   n   cannibalism within the same group or tribe

■ endophagous (ɛnˈdɒfəɡəs)   adj   relating to endophagy

endophitic (ˌɛndəʊˈfItIk)   adj   another word for endophytic

endophyllous (ɛnˈdɒfIləs)   adj   enclosed in a leaf or sheath

endophyte (ˈɛndəʊˌfaIt)   n   a fungus, or occasionally an alga or other organism, that lives within a plant   > endophytic (ˌɛndəʊˈfItIk) adj   > ˌendoˈphytically adv

endoplasm (ˈɛndəʊˌplæzəm)   n   cytology the inner cytoplasm in some cells, esp protozoa, which is more granular and fluid than the outer cytoplasm. See ectoplasm (sense 1)   > ˌendoˈplasmic adj

■ endoplasmic reticulum   n   an extensive intracellular membrane system whose functions include synthesis and transport of lipids and, in regions where ribosomes are attached, of proteins

endopleura (ˌɛndəʊˈplʊərə)   n   the internal coating of a seed

endopod (ˈɛndəʊˌpɒd) or endopodite (ɛnˈdɒpəˌdaIt)   n   the inner branch of a two-branched crustacean

endopolyploidy (ˌɛndəʊˈpɒlIˌplɔIdI)   n   a process involving cell multiplication without cell division

■ endopolyploid (ˌɛndəʊˈpɒlIˌplɔId)   adj   relating to endopolyploidy

endoproct (ˈɛndəʊˌprɒkt)   n   another word for entoproct

endoradiosonde (ˌɛndəʊˈreIdIəʊˌsɒnd)   n   an internally placed electronic device that relays information about conditions inside the body

endorhizal (ˌɛndəʊˈraIzəl)   adj   (of an embryo) having the radical covered by the cotyledon

endorphin (ɛnˈdɔːfIn)   n   any of a class of polypeptides, including enkephalin, occurring naturally in the brain, that bind to pain receptors and so block pain sensation [C20: from ENDO- + MORPHINE]

endorse or indorse (Inˈdɔːs)   vb (tr)   1 to give approval or sanction to   2 to sign (one's name) on the back of (a cheque, etc) to specify oneself as payee   3 commerce   a to sign the back of (a negotiable document) to transfer ownership of the rights to a specified payee   b to specify (a designated sum) as transferable to another as payee   4 to write (a qualifying comment, recommendation, etc) on the back of a document   5 to sign (a document), as when confirming receipt of payment   6 chiefly Brit to record (a conviction) on (a driving licence) [C16: from Old French endosser to put on the back, from EN-1 + dos back, from Latin dorsum]   > enˈdorsable or inˈdorsable adj   > enˈdorser, enˈdorsor, inˈdorser or inˈdorsor n

■ endorsation or indorsation (ˌɛndɔːˈseIʃən)   n   Canadian approval or support

■ endorsee (Inˌdɔːˈsiː, ˌɛndɔː-) or indorsee   n   the person in whose favour a negotiable instrument is endorsed

■ endorsement or indorsement (Inˈdɔːsmənt)   n   1 the act or an instance of endorsing   2 something that endorses, such as a signature or qualifying comment   3 approval or support   4 a record of a motoring offence on a driving licence   5 insurance a clause in or amendment to an insurance policy allowing for alteration of coverage

■ endorsive (InˈdɔːsIv)   adj   pertaining to endorsement

endoscope (ˈɛndəʊˌskəʊp)   n   a long slender medical instrument used for examining the interior of hollow organs including the lung, stomach, bladder, and bowel   > endoscopic (ˌɛndəʊˈskɒpIk) adj   > endoscopist (ɛnˈdɒskəpIst) n   > enˈdoscopy n

■ endoscopically (ˌɛndəʊˈskɒpIkəlI)   adv   from an endoscopic point of view

endoskeleton (ˌɛndəʊˈskɛlItən)   n   the internal skeleton of an animal, esp the bony or cartilaginous skeleton of vertebrates. Compare exoskeleton   > ˌendoˈskeletal adj

endosmosis (ˌɛndɒsˈməʊsIs, -dɒz-) or endosmose (ɛnˈdɒzməʊs)   n   biology osmosis in which water enters a cell or organism from the surrounding solution. Compare exosmosis   > endosmotic (ˌɛndɒsˈmɒtIk, -dɒz-) adj   > ˌendosˈmotically adv

■ endosmometer (ˌɛndɒzˈmɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the action of endosmosis

■ endosmometric (ˌɛndɒzməˈmɛtrIk)   adj   relating to the measurement of endosmotic action

endosome (ˈɛndəʊˌsəʊm)   n   a sac within a biological cell

endosperm (ˈɛndəʊˌspɜːm)   n   the tissue within the seed of a flowering plant that surrounds and nourishes the developing embryo   > ˌendoˈspermic adj

endospore (ˈɛndəʊˌspɔː)   n   1 a small asexual spore produced by some bacteria and algae   2 the innermost wall of a spore or pollen grain   > endosporous (ɛnˈdɒspərəs, ˌɛndəʊˈspɔːrəs) adj

endoss (Inˈdɒs)   vb (tr)   obsolete to endorse

endosteum (ɛnˈdɒstIəm)   n, pl -tea (-tIə)   a highly vascular membrane lining the marrow cavity of long bones, such as the femur and humerus [C19: New Latin, from ENDO- + Greek osteon bone]   > enˈdosteal adj

■ endosteally (ɛnˈdɒstIəlI)   adv   in the manner of the endosteum

endostosis (ˌɛndɒsˈtəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   the conversion of cartilage into bone

endostyle (ˌɛndəʊˈstaIl)   n   a groove or fold in the pharynx of various chordates

endosulfan (ˌɛndəʊˈsʌlfæn)   n   an insecticide used to control a variety of insects

endosymbiont (ˌɛndəʊˈsImbIˌɒnt)   n   an organism living symbiotically inside the cells or body of another

endosymbiosis (ˌɛndəʊˌsImbIˈəʊsIs)   n   a type of symbiosis in which one organism lives inside the other, the two typically behaving as a single organism. It is believed to be the means by which such organelles as mitochondria and chloroplasts arose within eukaryotic cells   > ˌendoˌsymbiˈotic adj

endothecium (ˌɛndəʊˈθiːʃIəm, -sIəm)   n, pl -cia (-ʃIə, -sIə) botany   1 the inner mass of cells of the developing capsule in mosses   2 the fibrous tissue of the inner wall of an anther [C19: New Latin, from ENDO- + Greek thēkion case; see THECA]   > ˌendoˈthecial adj

endothelioma (ˌɛndəʊˌθiːlIˈəʊmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   pathol a tumour originating in endothelial tissue, such as the lining of blood vessels

endothelium (ˌɛndəʊˈθiːlIəm)   n, pl -lia (-lIə)   a tissue consisting of a single layer of cells that lines the blood and lymph vessels, heart, and some other cavities [C19: New Latin, from ENDO- + -thelium, from Greek thēlē nipple]   > ˌendoˈthelial adj   > ˌendoˈtheliˌoid adj

endotherm (ˌɛndəʊˈθɜːm)   n   1 an animal with warm blood   2 chem the heat absorbed during a chemical reaction

■ endothermic (ˌɛndəʊˈθɜːmIk) or endothermal   adj   (of a chemical reaction or compound) occurring or formed with the absorption of heat. Compare exothermic, endoergic   > ˌendoˈthermically adv   > ˌendoˈthermism n

■ endothermy (ˈɛndəʊˌθɜːmI)   n   zoology a system of temperature control whereby an animal generates heat internally

endotoxin (ˌɛndəʊˈtɒksIn)   n   a toxin contained within the protoplasm of an organism, esp a bacterium, and liberated only at death   > ˌendoˈtoxic adj

endotracheal (ˌɛndəʊtrəˈkiːəl)   adj   within the trachea

■ endotracheal anaesthesia (ˌɛndəʊˈtrækIəl)   n   a method of administering gaseous anaesthetics to animals through a tube inserted into the trachea

endotrophic (ˌɛndəʊˈtrɒfIk)   adj   obtaining nourishment from within another plant

■ endotrophic mycorrhiza (ˌɛndəʊˈtrɒfIk)   n   botany the most widespread and common type of mycorrhiza, in which the fungus lives within the cells of the roots of the plant. Also called: endomycorrhiza, arbuscular mycorrhiza. Compare ectotrophic mycorrhiza

endow (Inˈdaʊ)   vb (tr)   1 to provide with or bequeath a source of permanent income   2 (usually foll by with) to provide (with qualities, characteristics, etc)   3 obsolete to provide with a dower [C14: from Old French endouer, from EN-1 + douer, from Latin dōtāre, from dōs dowry]   > enˈdower n

■ endowment (Inˈdaʊmənt)   n   1    a the source of income with which an institution, etc, is endowed   b the income itself   2 the act or process of endowing

■ endowment assurance or endowment insurance   n   a form of life insurance that provides for the payment of a specified sum directly to the policyholder at a designated date or to his or her beneficiary should the policyholder die before this date

■ endowment mortgage   n   an arrangement whereby a person takes out a mortgage and pays the capital repayment instalments into a life assurance policy and only the interest to the mortgagee during the term of the policy. The loan is repaid by the policy either when it matures or on the prior death of the policyholder

■ endowments (Inˈdaʊmənts)   pl n   1 a person's natural gifts, talents and qualities   2 euphemistic, slang the male genitals   3 euphemistic, slang a woman's breasts

endozoic (ˌɛndəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj botany   1 (of a plant) living within an animal   2 denoting seed dispersal in which the seeds are swallowed by an animal and subsequently pass out in the faeces

endrin (ˈɛndrIn)   n   a type of insecticide

endue or indue (Inˈdjuː)   vb -dues, -duing, -dued (tr)   1 (usually foll by with) to invest or provide, as with some quality or trait   2 rare (foll by with) to clothe or dress (in) [C15: from Old French enduire, from Latin indūcere, from dūcere to lead]

endungeon (Inˈdʌndʒən)   vb (tr)   to put in a dungeon

endure (Inˈdjʊə)   vb   1 to undergo (hardship, strain, privation, etc) without yielding; bear   2 (tr) to permit or tolerate   3 (intr) to last or continue to exist [C14: from Old French endurer, from Latin indūrāre to harden, from dūrus hard]   > enˈdurable adj   > enˌduraˈbility or enˈdurableness n   > enˈdurably adv

■ endurance (Inˈdjʊərəns)   n   1 the capacity, state, or an instance of enduring   2 something endured; a hardship, strain, or privation

■ endurer (Inˈdjʊərə)   n   someone or something that endures

■ enduring (InˈdjʊərIŋ)   adj   1 permanent; lasting   2 having forbearance; long-suffering   > enˈduringly adv   > enˈduringness n

enduro (Inˈdjʊərəʊ)   n, pl -os   a long-distance race for vehicles, intended to test endurance

Endymion (ɛnˈdImIən)   n   Greek myth a handsome youth who was visited every night by the moon goddess Selene, who loved him

endysis (ɛnˈdaIsIs)   n   zoology the formation of new layers of integument after ecdysis

ENE   symbol for   east-northeast

-ene   n combining form   (in chemistry) indicating an unsaturated compound containing double bonds: benzene; ethylene [from Greek -ēnē, feminine patronymic suffix]

enema (ˈɛnImə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə) med   1 the introduction of liquid into the rectum to evacuate the bowels, medicate, or nourish   2 the liquid so introduced [C15: from New Latin, from Greek: injection, from enienai to send in, from hienai to send]

enemy (ˈɛnəmI)   n, pl -mies   1 a person hostile or opposed to a policy, cause, person, or group, esp one who actively tries to do damage; opponent   2    a an armed adversary; opposing military force   b (as modifier): enemy aircraft   3    a a hostile nation or people   b (as modifier): an enemy alien   4 something that harms or opposes; adversary: courage is the enemy of failure ▶ Related adjective: inimical [C13: from Old French enemi, from Latin inimīcus hostile, from IN-1 + amīcus friend]

■ enemy-occupied   adj   occupied by a military enemy

energid (ˈɛnədʒId)   n   biology a nucleus and the cytoplasm associated with it in a syncytium [C19: adapted from German, from ENERGY + -ID^1]

energumen (ˌɛnəˈɡjuːmɛn)   n   1 a person thought to be possessed by an evil spirit   2 a fanatic or zealot [C18: via Late Latin from Greek energoumenos having been worked on, from energein to be in action, from energos effective; see ENERGY]

energy (ˈɛnədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 intensity or vitality of action or expression; forcefulness   2 capacity or tendency for intense activity; vigour   3 vigorous or intense action; exertion   4 physics   a the capacity of a body or system to do work   b a measure of this capacity, expressed as the work that it does in changing to some specified reference state. It is measured in joules (SI units). Symbol: E   5 a source of power. See also kinetic energy, potential energy [C16: from Late Latin energīa, from Greek energeia activity, from energos effective, from EN-2 + ergon work]

■ energetic (ˌɛnəˈdʒɛtIk)   adj   having or showing much energy or force; vigorous. Also: energic   > ˌenerˈgetically adv

■ energetical (ˌɛnəˈdʒɛtIkəl)   adj   showing force or energy

■ energetics (ˌɛnəˈdʒɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with energy and its transformations

■ energization or energisation (ˌɛnədʒaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the act of being energized

■ energize or energise (ˈɛnəˌdʒaIz)   vb   1 to have or cause to have energy; invigorate   2 (tr) to apply a source of electric current or electromotive force to (a circuit, field winding, etc)   > ˈenerˌgizer or ˈenerˌgiser n

■ energizing or energising (ˈɛnədʒaIzIŋ)   adj   that energizes someone

■ energy band   n   physics a range of energies associated with the quantum states of electrons in a crystalline solid. In a semiconductor or an insulator there is a valence band containing many states, most of which are occupied. Above this is a forbidden band with only a few isolated states caused by impurities. Above this is a conduction band containing many states most of which are empty. In a metal there is a continuous valence-conduction band. See also energy gap

■ energy conservation   n   1 the prevention of the wasteful use of energy, esp to ensure its continuing availability   2 physics the principle by which the total energy remains constant in an isolated system

■ energy conversion   n   the process of changing one form of energy into another, such as nuclear energy into heat or solar energy into electrical energy

■ energy crop   n   a crop that is grown because it can be used as fuel

■ energy drink   n   a soft drink containing ingredients designed to boost the drinker's energy, esp after exercise

■ energy-efficient or energy efficient   adj   using energy in an efficient manner

■ energy gap   n   physics the difference of energy between the bottom of the conduction band and the top of the valence band of the electrons in a crystalline solid. For values below about 2eV the substance is considered to be a semiconductor whilst for higher values it is considered to be an insulator

■ energy-giving   adj   containing ingredients designed to boost the eater's or drinker's energy, esp before, during, or after exercise

■ energy-intensive   adj   using large amount of energy

■ energy level   n physics   1 a constant value of energy in the distribution of energies among a number of atomic particles   2 the energy of a quantum state of a system. The terms energy level and energy state are often used loosely to mean quantum state. This is avoided in precise communication

■ energy obesity   n   the practice of being wasteful of energy in the form of electricity, fossil fuels, etc, in one's day-to-day life

■ energy-saving   adj   1 that promotes energy saving   2 that does not waste energy

■ energy-smart   adj   using electrical power in an efficient or economical way

enervate   vb (ˈɛnəˌveIt)   1 (tr) to deprive of strength or vitality; weaken physically or mentally; debilitate   ▷ adj (IˈnɜːvIt)   2 deprived of strength or vitality; weakened [C17: from Latin ēnervāre to remove the nerves from, from nervus nerve, sinew]   > ˌenerˈvation n   > ˈenerˌvative adj   > ˈenerˌvator n

■ enervated (ˈɛnəveItId)   adj   literary having been deprived of strength or vitality

■ enervating (ˈɛnəˌveItIŋ)   adj   tending to deprive of strength or vitality; physically or mentally weakening; debilitating

enerve (Iˈnɜːv)   vb   an obsolete word for enervate

Enesco (ɛˈnɛskəʊ)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ), original name George Enescu. 1881–1955, Romanian violinist and composer

enew (Iˈnjuː)   vb (tr)   obsolete to force (a bird) into water

Enewetak (ˌɛnəˈweItɒk, əˈniːwɛˌtɔːk)   n   another name for Eniwetok

enface (InˈfeIs)   vb   (tr) to write, print, or stamp (something) on the face of (a document)   > enˈfacement n

en face French (ɑ̃ fas)   adj   1 facing forwards   2 opposite; facing

en famille French (ɑ̃ famij)   adv   1 with one's family; at home   2 in a casual way; informally

enfant French (ɑ̃fɑ̃)   n   a French child

■ enfant sauvage French (ɑ̃fɑ̃ sovaʒ)   n, pl enfants sauvages (ɑ̃fɑ̃ sovaʒ)   a person given to naive, undisciplined, or unpredictable behaviour, largely because of youth and inexperience [C20: literally: wild child]

■ enfant terrible French (ɑ̃fɑ̃ tɛriblə)   n, pl enfants terribles (ɑ̃fɑ̃ tɛriblə)   a person given to unconventional conduct or indiscreet remarks [C19: literally: terrible child]

enfeeble (Inˈfiːbəl)   vb   (tr) to make weak; deprive of strength   > enˈfeeblement n   > enˈfeebler n

■ enfeebled (Inˈfiːbəld)   adj   1 (of a person) having been physically weakened   2 (of a person, organization, system, etc) having been weakened in some way

enfelon (Inˈfɛlən)   vb (tr) archaic   to infuriate

enfeoff (Inˈfiːf)   vb (tr)   1 property law to invest (a person) with possession of a freehold estate in land   2 (in feudal society) to take (someone) into vassalage by giving a fee or fief in return for certain services [C14: from Anglo-French enfeoffer; see FIEF]   > enˈfeoffment n

enfested (ɛnˈfɛstId) or archaic enfestered (ɛnˈfɛstəd)   adj obsolete   made bitter

en fête French (ɑ̃ fɛt)   adv, adj   1 dressed for a festivity   2 engaged in a festivity [C19: literally: in festival]

enfetter (Inˈfɛtə)   vb (tr)   to fetter

enfever (Inˈfiːvə)   vb (tr)   to make feverish

Enfield (ˈɛnfiːld)   n   a borough of Greater London: a N residential suburb. Pop: 280 300 (2003 est). Area: 55 sq km (31 sq miles)

■ Enfield rifle   n   1 a breech-loading bolt-action magazine rifle, usually .303 calibre, used by the British army until World War II and by other countries   2 a 19th-century muzzle-loading musket used by the British army [C19: from ENFIELD, where it was first made]

enfierce (InˈfIəs)   vb (tr) obsolete   to make ferocious

enfilade (ˌɛnfIˈleId) military   n   1 a position or formation subject to fire from a flank along the length of its front   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to subject (a position or formation) to fire from a flank   3 to position (troops or guns) so as to be able to fire at a flank [C18: from French: suite, from enfiler to thread on string, from fil thread]

enfiled (ɛnˈfaIld)   adj obsolete   pierced through

enfire (InˈfaIə)   vb (tr) obsolete   to set alight

enflesh (Inˈflɛʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to grow flesh or give a flesh-like form to   2 to ingrain

enfleurage French (ɑ̃flœraʒ)   n   the process of exposing odourless oils to the scent of fresh flowers, used in perfume-making [C19: literally: inflowering]

enflower (Inˈflaʊə)   vb (tr)   to decorate with flowers

enfold or infold (Inˈfəʊld)   vb (tr)   1 to cover by enclosing   2 to embrace   3 to form with or as with folds   > enˈfolder or inˈfolder n   > enˈfoldment or inˈfoldment n

enforce (Inˈfɔːs)   vb (tr)   1 to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc)   2 to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc) by or as by force   3 to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc)   > enˈforceable adj   > enˌforceaˈbility n   > enforcedly (InˈfɔːsIdlI) adv   > enˈforcement n   > enˈforcer n

■ enforced (Inˈfɔːst)   adj   imposed by force, despite efforts to prevent it

enforest (InˈfɒrIst)   vb (tr)   to make into a forest

enfouldered (ɛnˈfəʊldəd)   adj obsolete   charged with lightning

enframe (InˈfreIm)   vb (tr)   to put inside a frame

■ enframement (InˈfreImmənt)   n   elements that surround a door or window

enfranchise (InˈfræntʃaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to grant the power of voting to, esp as a right of citizenship   2 to liberate, as from servitude   3 (in England) to invest (a town, city, etc) with the right to be represented in Parliament   4 English law to convert (leasehold) to freehold   > enˈfranchisement n   > enˈfranchiser n

enfree (Inˈfriː)   vb (tr)   to release, make free

enfreeze (Inˈfriːz)   vb (tr) obsolete   to freeze

eng (ɛŋ)   n   phonetics another name for agma

ENG   abbreviation for   electronic news gathering: TV news obtained at the point of action by means of portable video and audio equipment

eng.   abbreviation for   1 engineer   2 engineering

Eng.   abbreviation for   1 England   2 English

Engadine (ˈɛŋɡəˌdiːn)   n   the upper part of the valley of the River Inn in Switzerland, in Graubünden canton: tourist and winter sports centre

engage (InˈɡeIdʒ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to secure the services of; employ   2 to secure for use; reserve: engage a room   3 to involve (a person or his or her attention) intensely; engross; occupy   4 to attract (the affection) of (a person): her innocence engaged him   5 to draw (somebody) into conversation   6 (intr) to take part; participate: he engages in many sports   7 to promise (to do something)   8 (also intr) military to begin an action with (an enemy)   9 to bring (a mechanism) into operation: he engaged the clutch   10 (also intr) to undergo or cause to undergo interlocking, as of the components of a driving mechanism, such as a gear train   11 machinery to locate (a locking device) in its operative position or to advance (a tool) into a workpiece to commence cutting [C15: from Old French engagier, from EN-1 + gage a pledge, see GAGE^1]   > enˈgager n

■ engaged (InˈɡeIdʒd)   adj   1 pledged to be married; betrothed   2 employed, occupied, or busy   3 architect built against or attached to a wall or similar structure: an engaged column   4 (of a telephone line) already in use   > engagedly (InˈɡeIdʒIdlI) adv

■ engaged tone   n   Brit a repeated single note heard on a telephone when the number called is already in use. US and Canadian equivalent: busy signal. Compare ringing tone, dialling tone

■ engagement (InˈɡeIdʒmənt)   n   1 a pledge of marriage; betrothal   2 an appointment or arrangement, esp for business or social purposes   3 the act of engaging or condition of being engaged   4 a promise, obligation, or other condition that binds   5 a period of employment, esp a limited period   6 an action; battle   7 (plural) financial obligations

■ engagement ring   n   a ring given as a token of betrothal

■ engaging (InˈɡeIdʒIŋ)   adj   pleasing, charming, or winning   > enˈgagingly adv   > enˈgagingness n

engagé French (ɑ̃ɡaʒe)   adj   (of a male writer or artist) morally or politically committed to some ideology

engagée French (ɑ̃ɡaʒe)   adj   (of a female writer or artist) morally or politically committed to some ideology

engaol (InˈdʒeIl)   vb (tr)   to put into gaol

en garde French (ɑ̃ ɡard)   interj   1 on guard; a call to a fencer to adopt a defensive stance in readiness for an attack or bout   ▷ adj   2 (of a fencer) in such a stance

engarland (Inˈɡɑːlənd)   vb (tr)   to cover or surround with a garland

engarrison (InˈɡærIsən)   vb (tr) obsolete   to set up as a garrison

Engels (German ˈɛŋəls)   n   Friedrich (ˈfriːdrIç). 1820–95, German socialist leader and political philosopher, in England from 1849. He collaborated with Marx on The Communist Manifesto (1848) and his own works include Condition of the Working Classes in England (1844) and The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State (1884)

engender (Inˈdʒɛndə)   vb   1 (tr) to bring about or give rise to; produce or cause   2 to be born or cause to be born; bring or come into being [C14: from Old French engendrer, from Latin ingenerāre, from generāre to beget]   > enˈgenderer n   > enˈgenderment n

■ engendure (Inˈdʒɛndjə) or engendrure (Inˈdʒɛndrʊə)   n   1 the act of engendering   2 parentage

engild (InˈɡIld)   vb (tr)   to cover with or as if with gold

engine (ˈɛndʒIn)   n   1 any machine designed to convert energy, esp heat energy, into mechanical work: a steam engine; a petrol engine   2    a a railway locomotive   b (as modifier): the engine cab   3 military any of various pieces of equipment formerly used in warfare, such as a battering ram or gun   4 obsolete any instrument or device: engines of torture [C13: from Old French engin, from Latin ingenium nature, talent, ingenious contrivance, from IN-2 + -genium, related to gignere to beget, produce]

■ -engined   adj   (in combination) equipped with an engine as specified: twin-engined; petrol-engined

■ engine driver   n   chiefly Brit a person who drives a railway locomotive; train driver

■ engine pod   n   aeronautics an aircraft turbojet unit comprising the engine and its cowling suspended by a pylon, often below the wing

■ engine room   n   a place where engines are housed, esp on a ship

■ enginery (ˈɛndʒInrI)   n, pl -ries   1 a collection or assembly of engines; machinery   2 engines employed in warfare   3 rare skilful manoeuvring or contrivance

engineer (ˌɛndʒIˈnIə)   n   1 a person trained in any branch of the profession of engineering   2 the originator or manager of a situation, system, etc   3 a mechanic; person who repairs or services machines   4 US and Canadian the driver of a railway locomotive   5 an officer responsible for a ship's engines   6 Informal name: sapper a member of the armed forces, esp the army, trained in engineering and construction work   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to originate, cause, or plan in a clever or devious manner: he engineered the minister's downfall   8 to design, plan, or construct as a professional engineer [C14: enginer, from Old French engigneor, from engignier to contrive, ultimately from Latin ingenium skill, talent; see ENGINE]

■ engineering (ˌɛndʒIˈnIərIŋ)   n   the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines, etc (mechanical engineering), buildings, bridges, roads, etc (civil engineering), electrical machines and communication systems (electrical engineering), chemical plant and machinery (chemical engineering), or aircraft (aeronautical engineering). See also military engineering

■ engineer officer   n   a ship's officer who is qualified to be in charge of the vessel's propulsion and other machinery

enginer (ˈɛndʒInə)   n   an inventor

enginous (ˈɛndʒInəs)   adj obsolete   ingenious or clever

engird (Inˈɡɜːd)   vb (tr)   to surround with a girdle, or as if with a girdle

englacial (InˈɡleIsIəl)   adj   embedded in, carried by, or running through a glacier: englacial drift; an englacial river   > enˈglacially adv

England (ˈIŋɡlənd)   n   the largest division of Great Britain, bordering on Scotland and Wales: unified in the mid-tenth century and conquered by the Normans in 1066; united with Wales in 1536 and Scotland in 1707; monarchy overthrown in 1649 but restored in 1660. Capital: London. Pop: 53 012 456 (2011 est). Area: 130 439 sq km (50 352 sq miles). See United Kingdom, Great Britain

Engler degrees (ˈɛŋlə)   n   (functioning as singular) a scale of measurement of viscosity based on the ratio of the time taken by a particular liquid to flow through a standard orifice to the time taken by water to flow through the same orifice [named after C. Engler (1842–1925), German chemist, who proposed it]

English^1 (ˈIŋɡlIʃ)   n   1 the official language of the United Kingdom, the US, most parts of the Commonwealth, and certain other countries. It is estimated to be the native language of some 360 million people and is acquired as a second language by many more. It is an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch. See also Old English, Middle English, Modern English   2 the English (functioning as plural) the natives or inhabitants of England collectively   3 (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 14 point   4 an old style of black-letter typeface   5 (often not capital) the usual US and Canadian term for side (sense 16)   ▷ adj   6 denoting, using, or relating to the English language   7 relating to or characteristic of England or the English   ▷ vb (tr)   8 archaic to translate or adapt into English. Related prefix: Anglo-   > ˈEnglishness n

■ English bond   n   a bond used in brickwork that has a course of headers alternating with a course of stretchers

■ English Canadian   n   a Canadian citizen, esp one of English descent, whose first language is English

■ English Channel   n   an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between S England and N France, linked with the North Sea by the Strait of Dover. Length: about 560 km (350 miles). Width: between 32 km (20 miles) and 161 km (100 miles). French name: La Manche

■ English flute   n   music another name for recorder (sense 4)

■ English Heritage   n   an organization, partly funded by government aid, that looks after ancient monuments and historic buildings in England. Official name: The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England

■ English horn   n   music another name for cor anglais

■ Englishism (ˈIŋɡlIˌʃIzəm)   n chiefly US   1 an English custom, practice, etc   2 a word or expression not found in forms of English other than British English; Anglicism   3 high regard for English customs, institutions, etc

■ Englishman (ˈIŋɡlIʃmən)   n, pl -men   a male native or inhabitant of England

■ Englishman's tie or Englishman's knot   n   a type of knot for tying together heavy ropes

■ Englishry (ˈIŋɡlIʃrI)   n rare   1 people of English descent, esp in Ireland   2 the fact or condition of being an Englishman or Englishwoman, esp by birth

■ English self   n   a breed of short-haired guinea pig that is a single colour throughout

■ English setter   n   a breed of setter having a white coat speckled with liver, brown, or yellowish markings

■ English springer spaniel   n   See springer spaniel

■ Englishwoman (ˈIŋɡlIʃˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female native or inhabitant of England

English^2 (ˈIŋɡlIʃ)   n   Simon (William), known as Bill. born 1961, New Zealand politician; prime minister (2016–17)

Eng Lit   abbreviation for   English Literature

englobe (Inˈɡləʊb)   vb (tr)   1 to surround as if in a globe   2 biology to absorb foreign bodies within a phagocyte

engloom (Inˈɡluːm)   vb (tr)   to make dull or dismal

englut (Inˈɡlʌt)   vb -gluts, -glutting, -glutted (tr) literary   1 to devour ravenously; swallow eagerly   2 to glut or sate (oneself); surfeit; satiate

engobe (ɛnˈɡəʊb)   n   a liquid put on pottery before glazing

engore (Inˈɡɔː)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to pierce or wound   2 to make bloody

engorge (Inˈɡɔːdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 pathol to congest with blood   2 to eat (food) ravenously or greedily   3 to gorge (oneself); glut; satiate   > enˈgorgement n

■ engorged (Inˈɡɔːdʒd)   adj   having been congested with blood

engouement or engoument (ˈɒnɡuːˌmɑː; French ɑ̃ɡumɑ̃)   n   infatuation

engouled (ɛnˈɡuːld)   adj   heraldry (of a cross, bend, etc) disappearing into the mouth of an animal

engr   abbreviation for   1 engineer   2 engraver

engrace (InˈɡreIs)   vb (tr)   to give grace to

engraft or ingraft (Inˈɡrɑːft)   vb (tr)   1 to graft (a shoot, bud, etc) onto a stock   2 to incorporate in a firm or permanent way; implant: they engrafted their principles into the document   > ˌengrafˈtation, ˌingrafˈtation, enˈgraftment or inˈgraftment n

engrail (InˈɡreIl)   vb   (tr) to decorate or mark (the edge of) (a coin) with small carved notches [C14: from Old French engresler, from EN-1 + gresle slim, from Latin gracilis slender, graceful]   > enˈgrailment n

engrain (InˈɡreIn)   vb   a variant spelling of ingrain

■ engrainer (InˈɡreInə)   n   a variant spelling of ingrainer

engram (ˈɛnɡræm)   n   psychol the physical basis of an individual memory in the brain. See also memory trace [C20: from German Engramm, from Greek en- IN + gramma letter]   > enˈgrammic or ˌengramˈmatic adj

engrasp (Inˈɡrɑːsp)   vb (tr)   to grasp or seize

engrave (InˈɡreIv)   vb (tr)   1 to inscribe (a design, writing, etc) onto (a block, plate, or other surface used for printing) by carving, etching with acid, or other process   2 to print (designs or characters) from a printing plate so made   3 to fix deeply or permanently in the mind [C16: from EN-1 + GRAVE^3, on the model of French engraver]   > enˈgraver n

■ engraved (InˈɡreIvd)   adj   1 (of an object or substance, such as silver, crystal, etc) having had a design cut into it   2 having a permanent place (in one's emotions or memory): her image is engraved upon my heart

■ engravery (InˈɡreIvərI)   n   the art of an engraver

■ engraving (InˈɡreIvIŋ)   n   1 the art of a person who engraves   2 a block, plate, or other surface that has been engraved   3 a print made from such a surface ▶ Related adjective: glyptic

engrenage (ˈɒnɡrəˌnɑːʒ; French ɑ̃ɡrənaʒ)   n   the act of putting into gear

engrieve (Inˈɡriːv)   vb (tr) obsolete   to cause grief to

engroove (Inˈɡruːv)   vb (tr)   to put a groove into; to fit into a groove

engross (Inˈɡrəʊs)   vb (tr)   1 to occupy one's attention completely; absorb   2 to write or copy (manuscript) in large legible handwriting   3 law to write or type out formally (a deed, agreement, or other document) preparatory to execution   4 another word for corner (sense 21b) [C14 (in the sense: to buy up wholesale): from Old French en gros in quantity; C15 (in the sense: to write in large letters): probably from Medieval Latin ingrossāre; both from Latin grossus thick, GROSS]   > enˈgrossed adj   > engrossedly (InˈɡrəʊsIdlI) adv   > enˈgrosser n

■ engrossing (InˈɡrəʊsIŋ)   adj   so interesting as to occupy one's attention completely; absorbing

■ engrossingly (InˈɡrəʊsIŋlI)   adv   in an engrossing way

■ engrossment (Inˈɡrəʊsmənt)   n   1 a deed or other document that has been engrossed   2 the state of being engrossed

enguard (Inˈɡɑːd)   vb (tr)   to protect or defend

engulf or ingulf (Inˈɡʌlf)   vb (tr)   1 to immerse, plunge, bury, or swallow up   2 (often passive) to overwhelm: engulfed by debts   > enˈgulfment n

engyscope (ˈɛndʒIˌskəʊp)   n   (in the 17th and 18th centuries) a microscope

enhalo (InˈheIləʊ)   vb (tr)   to surround with or as if with a halo

enhance (Inˈhɑːns)   vb   (tr) to intensify or increase in quality, value, power, etc; improve; augment [C14: from Old French enhaucier, from EN-1 + haucier to raise, from Vulgar Latin altiāre (unattested), from Latin altus high]   > enˈhancement n   > enˈhancer n   > enˈhancive adj

■ enhanced oil recovery   n   any of several techniques that make it possible to recover more oil than can be obtained by natural pressure, such as the injection of fluid or gases into an oilfield to force more oil to the surface

■ enhanced radiation weapon   n   a technical name for neutron bomb

enharmonic (ˌɛnhɑːˈmɒnIk)   adj music   1 denoting or relating to a small difference in pitch between two notes such as A flat and G sharp: not present in instruments of equal temperament such as the piano, but significant in the intonation of stringed and wind instruments   2 denoting or relating to enharmonic modulation [C17: from Latin enharmonicus, from Greek enarmonios, from EN-2 + harmonia; see HARMONY]   > ˌenharˈmonically adv

■ enharmonical (ˌɛnhɑːˈmɒnIkəl)   adj   relating to the enharmonic scale

■ enharmonic modulation   n   music a change of key achieved by regarding a note in one key as an equivalent note in another. Thus E flat in the key of A flat could be regarded as D sharp in the key of B major

enhearse (ɛnˈhɜːs)   vb (tr)   literary to put into a hearse, to bury

enhearten (Inˈhɑːtən)   vb (tr)   to give heart to, encourage

enhunger (Inˈhʌŋɡə)   vb (tr)   to cause to be hungry

enhydrite (ɛnˈhaIdraIt)   n   a type of mineral containing water

■ enhydritic (ˌɛnhaIˈdrItIk)   adj   pertaining to enhydrite

enhydros (ɛnˈhaIdrɒs)   n   a piece of chalcedony that contains water

enhypostasia (ɛnˌhaIpəˈsteIzIə)   n   1 theol personalities existing in union (Jesus Christ and God the Son)   2 a significant and substantial existence

■ enhypostatic (ɛnˌhaIpəˈstætIk)   adj   theol relating to enhypostasia

■ enhypostatize or enhypostatise (ˌɛnhaIˈpɒstəˌtaIz)   vb (intr)   theol to come together in one person or hypostasis

ENIAC (ˈɛnIæk)   n   an early type of computer built in the US in the 1940s [C20: acronym of Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer]

Enid (ˈiːnId)   n   (in Arthurian legend) the faithful wife of Geraint

enigma (IˈnIɡmə)   n   a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or ambiguous [C16: from Latin aenigma, from Greek ainigma, from ainissesthai to speak in riddles, from ainos fable, story]   > enigmatic (ˌɛnIɡˈmætIk) or ˌenigˈmatical adj   > ˌenigˈmatically adv

■ enigmatist (IˈnIɡmətIst)   n   1 someone who speaks enigmatically   2 someone who writes enigmas

■ enigmatize or enigmatise (IˈnIɡməˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to make enigmatic

enigmatography (IˌnIɡməˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the composing or collection of enigmas

enisle (InˈaIl)   vb   (tr) poetic to put on or make into an island

Eniwetok (ˌɛnəˈwiːtɒk, əˈniːwIˌtɔːk)   n   an atoll in the W Pacific Ocean, in the NW Marshall Islands: taken by the US from Japan in 1944; became a naval base and later a testing ground for atomic weapons. Pop: 820 (1999 est). Also called: Enewetak

enjamb (Inˈdʒæm)   vb (intr)   obsolete to encroach

enjambment or enjambement (Inˈdʒæmmənt; French ɑ̃ʒɑ̃bmɑ̃)   n   prosody the running over of a sentence from one line of verse into the next [C19: from French, literally: a straddling, from enjamber to straddle, from EN-1 + jambe leg; see JAMB]   > enˈjambed adj

enjoin (InˈdʒɔIn)   vb (tr)   1 to order (someone) to do (something); urge strongly; command   2 to impose or prescribe (a condition, mode of behaviour, etc)   3 law to require (a person) to do or refrain from doing (some act), esp by issuing an injunction [C13: from Old French enjoindre, from Latin injungere to fasten to, from IN-2 + jungere to JOIN]   > enˈjoiner n   > enˈjoinment n

enjoinder (InˈdʒɔIndə)   n   an order or obligation

enjoy (InˈdʒɔI)   vb (tr)   1 to receive pleasure from; take joy in   2 to have the benefit of; use with satisfaction   3 to have as a condition; experience: the land enjoyed a summer of rain   4 archaic to have sexual intercourse with   5 enjoy oneself to have a good time [C14: from Old French enjoir, from EN-1 + joir to find pleasure in, from Latin gaudēre to rejoice]   > enˈjoyable adj   > enˈjoyableness n   > enˈjoyably adv   > enˈjoyer n

■ enjoyment (InˈdʒɔImənt)   n   1 the act or condition of receiving pleasure from something   2 the use or possession of something that is satisfying or beneficial   3 something that provides joy or satisfaction   4 the possession or exercise of a legal right

enkephalin, enkephaline (ɛnˈkɛfəlIn) or encephalin, encephaline (ɛnˈsɛfəlIn)   n   a chemical occurring in the brain, having effects similar to those of morphine. See also endorphin

enkernel (Inˈkɜːnəl)   vb (tr) obsolete   to put inside a kernel

enkindle (InˈkIndəl)   vb (tr)   1 obsolete to set on fire; kindle   2 to excite to activity or ardour; arouse   > enˈkindler n

enlace (InˈleIs)   vb (tr)   1 to bind or encircle with or as with laces   2 to entangle; intertwine   > enˈlacement n

enlard (Inˈlɑːd)   vb (tr)   to cover with lard

enlarge (Inˈlɑːdʒ)   vb   1 to make or grow larger in size, scope, etc; increase or expand   2 (tr) to make (a photographic print) of a larger size than the negative   3 (intr; foll by on or upon) to speak or write (about) in greater detail; expatiate (on)   > enˈlargeable adj

■ enlarged (Inˈlɑːdʒd)   adj   1 made larger in size   2 med having become unhealthily large through disease

■ enlargedly (InˈlɑːdʒIdlI)   adv   in an enlarged manner

■ enlargedness (InˈlɑːdʒIdnəs)   n   the state of being enlarged

■ enlarged prostate   n   a condition in which the prostate gland increases in size, often leading to painful or irregular urination

■ enlargement (Inˈlɑːdʒmənt)   n   1 the act of enlarging or the condition of being enlarged   2 something that enlarges or is intended to enlarge   3 a photographic print that is larger than the negative from which it is made

■ enlarger (Inˈlɑːdʒə)   n   an optical instrument for making enlarged photographic prints in which a negative is brightly illuminated and its enlarged image is focused onto a sheet of sensitized paper

enlevé French (ɑ̃ləve)   adj   enhanced

enlevement (Inˈliːvmənt)   n   Scots law archaic an abduction

enlighten (InˈlaItən)   vb (tr)   1 to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify   2 to free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition   3 to give spiritual or religious revelation to   4 poetic to shed light on   > enˈlightener n   > enˈlightening adj

■ enlight (InˈlaIt)   vb (tr) archaic, rare   to light or shed light upon

■ enlightened (InˈlaItənd)   adj   1 factually well-informed, tolerant of alternative opinions, and guided by rational thought: an enlightened administration; enlightened self-interest   2 privy to or claiming a sense of spiritual or religious revelation of truth: the search for an enlightened spiritual master

■ enlightenment (InˈlaItənmənt)   n   1 the act or means of enlightening or the state of being enlightened   2 Buddhism the awakening to ultimate truth by which people are freed from the endless cycle of personal reincarnations to which they are otherwise subject   3 Hinduism a state of transcendent divine experience represented by Vishnu: regarded as a goal of all religion

■ Enlightenment (InˈlaItənmənt)   n   the Enlightenment an 18th-century philosophical movement stressing the importance of reason and the critical reappraisal of existing ideas and social institutions

enlink (InˈlIŋk)   vb (tr)   to link or connect closely

enlist (InˈlIst)   vb   1 to enter or persuade to enter into an engagement to serve in the armed forces   2 (tr) to engage or secure (a person, his or her services, or his or her support) for a venture, cause, etc   3 (intr; foll by in) to enter into or join an enterprise, cause, etc   > enˈlister n   > enˈlistment n

■ enlisted man   n   US a serviceman who holds neither a commission nor a warrant and is not under training for officer rank as a cadet or midshipman

■ enlistee (ˌɛnlIsˈtiː)   n   military, US someone who is enlisted into the armed forces

enliven (InˈlaIvən)   vb (tr)   1 to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate   2 to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten   > enˈlivener n   > enˈlivening adj   > enˈlivenment n

enlock (Inˈlɒk)   vb (tr)   to lock or secure

enlumine (ɛnˈljuːmIn, ɛnˈluːmIn)   vb (tr) obsolete   to illuminate

en masse (French ɑ̃ mas)   adv   in a group, body, or mass; as a whole; all together [C19: from French]

enmesh, inmesh (Inˈmɛʃ) or immesh   vb   (tr) to catch or involve in or as if in a net or snare; entangle   > enˈmeshment n

■ enmeshed (Inˈmɛʃt)   adj   unable to resolve a problem or escape from a bad situation: enmeshed in a debate over the wording of the resolution

enmity (ˈɛnmItI)   n, pl -ties   a feeling of hostility or ill will, as between enemies; antagonism [C13: from Old French enemistié, from enemi ENEMY]

enmossed (Inˈmɒst)   adj obsolete   having a covering of moss

ennage (ˈɛnIdʒ)   n   printing the total number of ens in a piece of matter to be set in type

ennead (ˈɛnIˌæd)   n   1 a group or series of nine   2 the sum of or number nine [C17: from Greek enneas, from ennea nine]   > ˌenneˈadic adj

enneagon (ˈɛnIəɡən)   n   another name for nonagon

■ enneagonal (ˌɛnIˈæɡənəl)   adj   having nine angles

enneagram (ˈɛnIəˌɡræm)   n   a system that analyses human personality by means of nine distinct but interconnected personality types

enneahedron (ˌɛnIəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having nine plane faces. See also polyhedron   > ˌenneaˈhedral adj

enneandrian (ˌɛnIˈændrIən) or enneandrous (ˌɛnIˈændrəs)   adj   having nine stamens

enneastyle (ˈɛnIəˌstaIl)   adj   having nine pillars

enneathlon (ˌɛnIˈæθlɒn)   n   sport an athletic contest in which each athlete competes in nine events

Ennerdale Water (ˈɛnəˌdeIl)   n   a lake in NW England, in Cumbria in the Lake District. Length: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Ennis (ˈɛnIs)   n   a town in the W Republic of Ireland, county town of Co Clare. Pop: 22 051 (2002)

Ennis-Hill (ˈɛnIsˈhIl)   n   Dame Jessica (née Ennis). born 1986, English athlete: won gold for Britain in the heptathlon at the World Championships (2009) and the Olympics (2012)

Enniskillen (ˌɛnIsˈkIlIn) or formerly Inniskilling   n   a town in SW Northern Ireland, in Fermanagh, on an island in the River Erne: scene of the defeat of James II's forces in 1689. Pop: 13 599 (2001)

Ennius (ˈɛnIəs)   n   Quintus (ˈkwIntəs). 239–169 BC, Roman epic poet and dramatist

ennoble (Iˈnəʊbəl)   vb (tr)   1 to make noble, honourable, or excellent; dignify; exalt   2 to raise to a noble rank; confer a title of nobility upon   > enˈnoblement n   > enˈnobler n   > enˈnobling adj

ennog (ˈɛnɒɡ)   n   Northern English dialect a back alley

ennui (ˈɒnwiː; French ɑ̃nɥi)   n   a feeling of listlessness and general dissatisfaction resulting from lack of activity or excitement [C18: from French: apathy, from Old French enui annoyance, vexation; see ANNOY]

■ ennuied, ennuyed (ˈɒnwiːd) or ennuyé (French ɑ̃nɥije)   adj   affected with ennui; bored

Eno (ˈiːnəʊ)   n   Brian (Peter George St Baptiste de la Salle). born 1948, English musician, noted esp as a member (1971–73) of Roxy Music, a collaborator with David Bowie (1977–79), a pioneer of ambient music, and record producer of acts such as U2 and Coldplay

ENO   abbreviation for   English National Opera

Enoch (ˈiːnɒk)   n Old Testament   1 the eldest son of Cain after whom the first city was named (Genesis 4:17)   2 the father of Methuselah: said to have walked with God and to have been taken by God at the end of his earthly life (Genesis 5:24)

enodal (Iˈnəʊdəl)   adj   having no nodes

enokitake (əˌnəʊkiːˈtɑːkiː)   n   a mushroom of the genus Flammulina, used in Asian cuisine

enol (ˈiːnɒl)   n   any organic compound containing the group -CH:CO-, often existing in chemical equilibrium with the corresponding keto form. See keto-enol tautomerism [C19: from -ENE + -OL^1]   > eˈnolic adj

enolase (ˈiːnəˌleIz)   n   an enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates

enology (iːˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the usual US spelling of oenology

enomoty (ɛˈnɒmətI)   n, pl -ties   history a division of the Spartan army in ancient Greece

enophile (ˈiːnəʊˌfaIl)   n   the usual US spelling of oenophile

enormity (IˈnɔːmItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality or character of being outrageous; extreme wickedness   2 an act of great wickedness; atrocity   3 informal vastness of size or extent [C15: from Old French enormite, from Late Latin ēnormitās hugeness; see ENORMOUS]

USAGE

In modern English, it is common to talk about the enormity of something such as a task or a problem, but one should not talk about the enormity of an object or area: distribution is a problem because of India's enormous size (not India's enormity)

enormous (Iˈnɔːməs)   adj   1 unusually large in size, extent, or degree; immense; vast   2 archaic extremely wicked; heinous [C16: from Latin ēnormis, from ē- out of, away from + norma rule, pattern]   > eˈnormously adv   > eˈnormousness n

Enos (ˈiːnɒs)   n   Old Testament a son of Seth (Genesis 4:26; 5:6)

e-nose (ˈiːnəʊz)   n   an electronic device which can detect bacteria, disease, etc by means of a computerized chemical sensing system [C20: E(LECTRONIC) + NOSE (sense 1)]

enosis (ˈɛnəʊsIs)   n   the union of Greece and Cyprus: the aim of a group of Greek Cypriots [C20: Modern Greek: from Greek henoun to unite, from heis one]

enough (Iˈnʌf)   determiner   1    a sufficient to answer a need, demand, supposition, or requirement; adequate: enough cake   b (as pronoun): enough is now known   2 that's enough! that will do: used to put an end to an action, speech, performance, etc   ▷ adv   3 so as to be adequate or sufficient; as much as necessary: you have worked hard enough   4 (not used with a negative) very or quite; rather: she was pleased enough to see me   5 (intensifier): oddly enough; surprisingly enough   6 just adequately; tolerably: he did it well enough [Old English genōh; related to Old Norse gnōgr, Gothic ganōhs, Old High German ginuog]

enounce (Iˈnaʊns)   vb (tr) formal   1 to enunciate   2 to pronounce [C19: from French énoncer, from Latin ēnuntiāre ENUNCIATE]   > eˈnouncement n

enow (Iˈnaʊ)   adj, adv   an archaic word for enough

en passant (ɒn pæˈsɑːnt; French ɑ̃ pasɑ̃)   adv   in passing: in chess, said of capturing a pawn that has made an initial move of two squares to its fourth rank, bypassing the square where an enemy pawn on its own fifth rank could capture it. The capture is made as if the captured pawn had moved one square instead of two [C17: from French]

en pension French (ɑ̃ pɑ̃sjɔ̃)   adv   in lodgings with all meals provided

enphytotic (ˌɛnfaIˈtɒtIk)   adj   (of plant diseases) causing a constant amount of damage each year [C20: from EN-2 + -PHYTE + -OTIC]

enplane (ɛnˈpleIn)   vb   to board or put on board an aircraft

en plein (French ɑ̃ plɛ̃)   adj, adv (postpositive)   (of a gambling bet) placed entirely on a single number, etc [from French: in full]

enprint (ˈɛnprInt)   n   a standard photographic print (5 × 3.5 in.) produced from a negative

en prise (French ɑ̃ priz)   adj, adv (postpositive)   (of a chess piece) exposed to capture [C19: from French; see PRIZE^1]

enqueue (Inˈkjuː)   vb   (tr) add (an item) to a queue of computing tasks

enquire (InˈkwaIə)   vb   a variant of inquire   > enˈquirer n

■ enquiration (ˌɛnkwIˈreIʃən)   n   dialect an inquiry

enrace (InˈreIs)   vb (tr) obsolete   to bring into a race of people

enrage (InˈreIdʒ)   vb   (tr) to provoke to fury; put into a rage; anger   > enˈraged adj   > enragedly (InˈreIdʒIdlI) adv   > enˈragement n

enranckle (Inˈræŋkəl)   vb (tr)   to upset, make irate

enrange (InˈreIndʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to arrange   2 to range

enrank (Inˈræŋk)   vb (tr)   to put in a row or rank

en rapport French (ɑ̃ rapɔr)   adj, adv (postpositive)   in sympathy, harmony, or accord

enrapt (Inˈræpt)   adj   showing delight

■ enrapture (Inˈræptʃə)   vb   (tr) to fill with delight; enchant

enravish (InˈrævIʃ)   vb (tr) rare   to enchant

enregiment (InˈrɛdʒImənt)   vb (tr)   to bring into discipline

enregister (InˈrɛdʒIstə)   vb (tr)   to put on record

enrheum (Inˈruːm)   vb (tr)   obsolete to pass a cold on to

enrich (InˈrItʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to increase the wealth of   2 to endow with fine or desirable qualities: to enrich one's experience by travelling   3 to make more beautiful; adorn; decorate: a robe enriched with jewels   4 to improve in quality, colour, flavour, etc   5 to increase the food value of by adding nutrients: to enrich dog biscuits with calcium   6 to make (soil) more productive, esp by adding fertilizer   7 physics to increase the concentration or abundance of one component or isotope in (a solution or mixture); concentrate: to enrich a solution by evaporation; enrich a nuclear fuel   > enˈriched adj   > enˈricher n   > enˈrichment n

■ enriching (InˈrItʃIŋ)   adj   giving increased enjoyment or appreciation

enridged (ɛnˈrIdʒd)   adj   poetic ridged

Enright (ˈɛnraIt)   n   D(ennis) J(oseph). 1920–2002, British poet, essayist, and editor

enring (InˈrIŋ)   vb (tr) poetic   to encircle; to put a ring on or round

enriven (ɛnˈrIvən)   adj   poetic ripped

enrobe (Inˈrəʊb)   vb   (tr) to dress in or as if in a robe; attire   > enˈrober n

enrol or US enroll (Inˈrəʊl)   vb -rols or US -rolls, -rolling, -rolled (mainly tr)   1 to record or note in a roll or list   2 (also intr) to become or cause to become a member; enlist; register   3 to put on record; record   4 rare to roll or wrap up   > ˌenrolˈlee n   > enˈroller n

■ enrolment or US enrollment (Inˈrəʊlmənt)   n   1 the act of enrolling or state of being enrolled   2 a list of people enrolled   3 the total number of people enrolled

enroot (Inˈruːt)   vb (tr; usually passive)   1 to establish (plants) by fixing their roots in the earth   2 to fix firmly, implant, or embed: to enroot an idea in the mind

enrough (Inˈrʌf)   vb (tr)   to roughen

enround (Inˈraʊnd)   vb (tr) obsolete   to encircle

en route (ɒn ˈruːt; French ɑ̃ rut)   adv   on or along the way; on the road [C18: from French]

ens (ɛnz)   n, pl entia (ˈɛnʃIə) metaphysics   1 being or existence in the most general abstract sense   2 a real thing, esp as opposed to an attribute; entity [C16: from Late Latin, literally: being, from Latin esse to be]

Ens.   abbreviation for   Ensign

ENSA (ˈɛnsə)   n acronym for   Entertainments National Service Association: a British organization providing entertainment for the armed forces during World War II

ensample (ɛnˈsɑːmpəl)   n   an archaic word for example

ensanguine (InˈsæŋɡwIn)   vb   (tr) literary to cover or stain with or as with blood

■ ensanguinated (InˈsænɡwIˌneItId)   adj   stained with blood

ensate (ˈɛnseIt)   adj botany   shaped like a sword

Enschede (Dutch ˈɛnsxədeː)   n   a city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province: a major centre of the Dutch cotton industry. Pop: 152 000 (2003 est)

enschedule (Inˈʃɛdjuːl, Inˈskɛdʒʊəl)   vb (tr)   to place in a schedule

ensconce (Inˈskɒns)   vb (tr; often passive)   1 to establish or settle firmly or comfortably: ensconced in a chair   2 to place in safety; hide [C16: see EN-1, SCONCE^2]

enseal (Inˈsiːl)   vb (tr)   archaic to seal up

enseam (Inˈsiːm)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to put a seam on   2 to grease

ensear (InˈsIə)   vb (tr) obsolete   to sear or dry up

ensemble (ɒnˈsɒmbəl; French ɑ̃sɑ̃blə)   n   1 all the parts of something considered together and in relation to the whole   2 a person's complete costume; outfit   3    a the cast of a play other than the principals; supporting players   b (as modifier): an ensemble role   4 music   a a group of soloists singing or playing together   b (as modifier): an ensemble passage   5 music the degree of precision and unity exhibited by a group of instrumentalists or singers performing together: the ensemble of the strings is good   6 the general or total effect of something made up of individual parts   7 physics   a a set of systems (such as a set of collections of atoms) that are identical in all respects apart from the motions of their constituents   b a single system (such as a collection of atoms) in which the properties are determined by the statistical behaviour of its constituents   ▷ adv   8 all together or at once   ▷ adj   9 (of a film or play) involving several separate but often interrelated story lines: ensemble comedy drama   10 involving no individual star but several actors whose roles are of equal importance: fine ensemble playing [C15: from French: together, from Latin insimul, from IN-2 + simul at the same time]

ensepulchre (Inˈsɛpəlkə)   vb (tr)   to place into a sepulchre

enserf (Inˈsɜːf)   vb (tr)   to make into, or treat like, a slave

■ enserfment (Inˈsɜːfmənt)   n   the act of making into, or treating like, a slave

enshelter (Inˈʃɛltə)   vb (tr) obsolete   to shelter

enshield (Inˈʃiːld)   vb (tr) rare   to protect

enshrine or inshrine (InˈʃraIn)   vb (tr)   1 to place or enclose in or as if in a shrine   2 to hold as sacred; cherish; treasure   3 chiefly US and Canadian to induct into a Hall of Fame   > enˈshrinement or inˈshrinement n

■ enshrinee (InˌʃraIˈniː)   n   chiefly US and Canadian someone who is inducted into a Hall of Fame

enshroud (Inˈʃraʊd)   vb   (tr) to cover or hide with or as if with a shroud: the sky was enshrouded in mist

ensiform (ˈɛnsIˌfɔːm)   adj   biology shaped like a sword blade: ensiform leaves [C16: from Latin ensis sword]

ensign (ˈɛnsaIn)   n   1 (also ˈɛnsən) a flag flown by a ship, branch of the armed forces, etc, to indicate nationality, allegiance, etc. See also Red Ensign, White Ensign   2 any flag, standard, or banner   3 a standard-bearer   4 a symbol, token, or emblem; sign   5 (in the US Navy) a commissioned officer of the lowest rank   6 (in the British infantry) a colours bearer   7 (formerly in the British infantry) a commissioned officer of the lowest rank [C14: from Old French enseigne, from Latin INSIGNIA]   > ˈensignˌship or ˈensigncy n

■ ensign-bearer   n   army obsolete a soldier whose responsibility was to carry a Company's ensign

ensile (ɛnˈsaIl, ˈɛnsaIl)   vb (tr)   1 to store and preserve (green fodder) in an enclosed pit or silo   2 to turn (green fodder) into silage by causing it to ferment in a closed pit or silo [C19: from French ensiler, from Spanish ensilar, from EN-1 + silo SILO]   > enˌsilaˈbility n

■ ensilage (ˈɛnsIlIdʒ)   n   1 the process of ensiling green fodder   2 a less common name for silage

ensky (InˈskaI)   vb -skies, -skying, -skied (tr)   to put in the sky

enslave (InˈsleIv)   vb   (tr) to make a slave of; reduce to slavery; subjugate   > enˈslavement n   > enˈslaver n

ensnare or insnare (Inˈsnɛə)   vb (tr)   1 to catch or trap in a snare   2 to trap or gain power over (someone) by dishonest or underhand means   > enˈsnarement n   > enˈsnarer n

ensnarl (Inˈsnɑːl)   vb (tr)   to become tangled in

Ensor (ˈɛnsɔː)   n   James (Sydney). 1860–1949, Belgian expressionist painter, noted for his macabre subjects

ensorcell (Inˈsɔːsəl)   vb (tr)   to enchant

■ ensorcellment (Inˈsɔːsəlmənt)   n   the act of enchanting

ensoul or insoul (Inˈsəʊl)   vb (tr)   1 to endow with a soul   2 to cherish within the soul   > enˈsoulment or inˈsoulment n

ensphere or insphere (InˈsfIə)   vb (tr)   1 to enclose in or as if in a sphere   2 to make spherical in form

enstamp (Inˈstæmp)   vb (tr)   to imprint with a stamp

enstatite (ˈɛnstəˌtaIt)   n   a grey, green, yellow, or brown pyroxene mineral consisting of magnesium silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. Formula: Mg_2Si_2O_6 [C19: from Greek enstatēs adversary (referring to its refractory quality) + -ITE^1]

ensteep (Inˈstiːp)   vb (tr) obsolete   to steep or immerse in water

enstructured (Inˈstrʌktʃəd)   adj   built into the structure of something

enstyle (InˈstaIl)   vb (tr)   1 to give a name to   2 to style

ensue (Inˈsjuː)   vb -sues, -suing, -sued   1 (intr) to follow; come next or afterwards   2 (intr) to follow or occur as a consequence; result   3 (tr) obsolete to pursue [C14: from Anglo-French ensuer, from Old French ensuivre, from EN-1 + suivre to follow, from Latin sequī]

■ ensuing (InˈsjuːIŋ)   adj   1 following subsequently or in order   2 following or occurring as a consequence; resulting

en suite French (ɑ̃ sɥit)   adv   as part of a set; forming a unit: a hotel room with bathroom en suite [C19: literally: in sequence]

ensure (ɛnˈʃʊə, -ˈʃɔː) or esp US insure   vb (tr)   1 (may take a clause as object) to make certain or sure; guarantee: this victory will ensure his happiness   2 to make safe or secure; protect   > enˈsurer n

enswathe (InˈsweIð)   vb   (tr) to bind or wrap; swathe   > enˈswathement n

ensweep (Inˈswiːp)   vb (tr)   to sweep across

ENT med   abbreviation for   ear, nose, and throat

-ent   suffix forming adjectives, suffix forming nouns   causing or performing an action or existing in a certain condition; the agent that performs an action: astringent; dependent [from Latin -ent-, -ens, present participial ending]

entablature (ɛnˈtæblətʃə)   n architect   1 the part of a classical temple above the columns, having an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice   2 any construction of similar form [C17: from French, from Italian intavolatura something put on a table, hence, something laid flat, from tavola table, from Latin tabula TABLE]

entablement (InˈteIbəlmənt)   n   the platform of a pedestal, above the dado, that supports a statue [C17: from Old French]

entail (InˈteIl)   vb (tr)   1 to bring about or impose by necessity; have as a necessary consequence: this task entails careful thought   2 property law to restrict (the descent of an estate) to a designated line of heirs   3 logic to have as a necessary consequence   ▷ n   4 property law   a the restriction imposed by entailing an estate   b an estate that has been entailed [C14: entaillen, from EN-1 + taille limitation, TAIL^2]   > enˈtailer n

■ entailment (InˈteIlmənt)   n   1 the act of entailing or the condition of being entailed   2 philosophy, logic   a a relationship between propositions such that one must be true if the others are   b a proposition whose truth depends on such a relationship. Usual symbol: ∋. See fish-hook (sense 2)

entame (InˈteIm)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to make tame   2 to make the first cut into

entamoeba (ˌɛntəˈmiːbə), endamoeba, US entameba or endameba   n, pl -bae (-biː) or -bas   any parasitic amoeba of the genus Entamoeba (or Endamoeba), esp E. histolytica, which lives in the intestines of humans and causes amoebic dysentery

entangle (Inˈtæŋɡəl)   vb (tr)   1 to catch or involve in or as if in a tangle; ensnare or enmesh   2 to make tangled or twisted; snarl   3 to make complicated; confuse   4 to involve in difficulties; entrap   > enˈtangler n

■ entangled (Inˈtæŋɡəld)   adj   1 caught in or as if in a tangle   2 involved in an undesirable situation from which it is difficult to escape: entangled in crime

■ entanglement (Inˈtæŋɡəlmənt)   n   1 something that entangles or is itself entangled   2 a sexual relationship regarded as unfortunate, damaging, or compromising

entasis (ˈɛntəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 a slightly convex curve given to the shaft of a column, pier, or similar structure, to correct the illusion of concavity produced by a straight shaft   2 Also called: entasia (ɛnˈteIzIə) physiol an involuntary or spasmodic muscular contraction [C18: from Greek, from enteinein to stretch tight, from teinein to stretch]

■ entastic (ɛnˈtæstIk)   adj   characterized by spasms

Entebbe (ɛnˈtɛbI)   n   a town in S Uganda, on Lake Victoria: British administrative centre of Uganda (1893–1958); international airport. Pop: 57 518 (2002 est)

entelechy (ɛnˈtɛlIkI)   n, pl -chies metaphysics   1 (in the philosophy of Aristotle) actuality as opposed to potentiality   2 (in the system of Leibnitz) the soul or principle of perfection of an object or person; a monad or basic constituent   3 something that contains or realizes a final cause, esp the vital force thought to direct the life of an organism [C17: from Late Latin entelechia, from Greek entelekheia, from EN-2 + telos goal, completion + ekhein to have]

entellus (ɛnˈtɛləs)   n   an Old World monkey, Presbytes entellus, of S Asia. This langur is regarded as sacred in India. Also called: hanuman [C19: New Latin, apparently from the name of the aged Sicilian character in Book V of Virgil's Aeneid]

entender (Inˈtɛndə)   vb (tr)   to make tender; weaken

entente (French ɑ̃tɑ̃t)   n   1 short for entente cordiale   2 the parties to an entente cordiale collectively [C19: French: understanding]

■ entente cordiale (French ɑ̃tɑ̃t kɔrdjal)   n   1 a friendly understanding between political powers: less formal than an alliance   2 (often capitals) the understanding reached by France and Britain in April 1904, which settled outstanding colonial disputes [C19: French: cordial understanding]

enter (ˈɛntə)   vb   1 to come or go into (a place, house, etc)   2 to penetrate or pierce   3 (tr) to introduce or insert   4 to join (a party, organization, etc)   5 (when intr, foll by into) to become involved or take part (in): to enter a game; to enter into an agreement   6 (tr) to record (an item such as a commercial transaction) in a journal, account, register, etc   7 (tr) to record (a name, etc) on a list   8 (tr) to present or submit: to enter a proposal   9 (intr) theatre to come on stage: used as a stage direction: enter Juliet   10 (when intr, often foll by into, on, or upon) to begin; start: to enter upon a new career   11 (intr; often foll by upon) to come into possession (of)   12 (tr) to place (evidence, a plea, etc) before a court of law or upon the court records   13 (tr) law   a to go onto and occupy (land)   b chiefly US to file a claim to (public lands) [C13: from Old French entrer, from Latin intrāre to go in, from intrā within]   > ˈenterable adj   > ˈenterer n

■ enter into   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to be considered as a necessary part of (one's plans, calculations, etc)   2 to be in sympathy with: he enters into his patient's problems

enterate (ˈɛntəˌreIt, ˈɛntərIt)   adj   having an intestine separate from the outer wall of the body

enterchaunge (ˌɛntəˈtʃɔːndʒ)   n, vb   a former word for interchange

enterdeale (ˌɛntəˈdiːl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to have dealings with (someone)

enterectomy (ˌɛntəˈrɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical excision of part of the intestine

enteric (ɛnˈtɛrIk) or enteral (ˈɛntərəl)   adj   intestinal [C19: from Greek enterikos, from enteron intestine]   > ˈenterally adv

■ enteric fever   n   another name for typhoid fever

enteritis (ˌɛntəˈraItIs)   n   inflammation of the small intestine

entero- or before a vowel enter-   combining form   indicating an intestine: enterovirus; enteritis [from New Latin, from Greek enteron intestine]

enterobacterium (ˌɛntərəʊbækˈtIərIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   any of a class of Gram-negative rodlike bacteria that occur in the gastrointestinal tract

■ enterobacterial (ˌɛntərəʊbækˈtIərIəl)   adj   relating to enterobacteria

enterobiasis (ˌɛntərəʊˈbaIəsIs)   n   a disease, common in children, caused by infestation of the large intestine with nematodes of the genus Enterobius, esp the pinworm (E. vermicularis)

enterocele (ˈɛntərəʊˌsiːl)   n   a hernia of the small intestine that protrudes into the vaginal space

enterocentesis (ˌɛntərəʊsɛnˈtiːsIs)   n   a procedure that involves puncturing the intestine to withdraw fluid or gas

enterococcus (ˌɛntərəʊˈkɒkəs)   n, pl -cocci (-ˈkɒkaI; US -ˈkɒksaI)   any of several streptococcus species present in the intestine

■ enterococcal (ˌɛntərəʊˈkɒkəl)   adj   relating to enterococci

enterocoele or enterocoel (ˈɛntərəʊˌsiːl)   n   a body cavity formed from an outgrowth of the archenteron wall

■ enterocoelic (ˌɛntərəʊˈsiːlIk) or enterocoelous (ˌɛntərəʊˈsiːləs)   adj   characterized by enterocoele

enterocolitis (ˌɛntərəʊkɒˈlaItIs)   n   inflammation of the small intestine and colon

enterogastrone (ˌɛntərəʊˈɡæstrəʊn)   n   a hormone liberated by the upper intestinal mucosa when stimulated by fat: reduces peristalsis and secretion in the stomach [C20: from ENTERO- + GASTRO- + (HORM)ONE]

enterohepatitis (ˌɛntərəʊˌhɛpəˈtaItIs)   n   dual inflammation of the intestine and liver

enterokinase (ˌɛntərəʊˈkaIneIz)   n   an enzyme in intestinal juice that converts trypsinogen to trypsin

enterolith (ˈɛntərəʊˌlIθ)   n   an intestinal stone

enteron (ˈɛntəˌrɒn)   n, pl -tera (-tərə)   the alimentary canal, esp of an embryo or a coelenterate [C19: via New Latin from Greek: intestine; related to Latin inter between]

enteropathy (ˌɛntəˈrɒpəθI)   n   any disease of the intestine

enteropneust (ˈɛntərɒpˌnjuːst)   n   a worm-like marine invertebrate. Also called: acorn worm

■ enteropneustal (ˌɛntərɒpˈnjuːstəl)   adj   relating to enteropneusts

enteroptosis (ˌɛntərɒpˈtəʊsIs)   n   an abnormal descent of the intestines into the abdominal cavity

enterostomy (ˌɛntəˈrɒstəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical formation of a permanent opening into the intestine through the abdominal wall, used as an artificial anus, for feeding, etc

■ enterostomal (ˌɛntəˈrɒstəməl)   adj   relating to enterostomy

enterotomy (ˌɛntəˈrɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical incision into the intestine

enterotoxin (ˌɛntərəʊˈtɒksIn)   n   a toxin that originates in the intestine, causing vomiting and diarrhoea

enterovirus (ˌɛntərəʊˈvaIrəs)   n, pl -viruses   any of a group of viruses that occur in and cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

■ enteroviral (ˌɛntərəʊˈvaIrəl)   adj   relating to the enterovirus

enterprise (ˈɛntəˌpraIz)   n   1 a project or undertaking, esp one that requires boldness or effort   2 participation in such projects   3 readiness to embark on new ventures; boldness and energy   4    a initiative in business   b (as modifier): the enterprise culture   5 a business unit; a company or firm [C15: from Old French entreprise (n), from entreprendre from entre- between (from Latin: INTER-) + prendre to take, from Latin prehendere to grasp]   > ˈenterˌpriser n

■ Enterprise Allowance Scheme   n   (formerly in Britain) a scheme to provide a weekly allowance to an unemployed person who wishes to set up a business and is willing to invest a specified amount in it during its first year

■ Enterprise Investment Scheme   n   (in Britain) a scheme to provide tax relief on investments in certain small companies: came into operation in 1994, when it replaced the Business Expansion Scheme

■ enterprise zone   n   a designated zone in a depressed area, esp an inner urban area, where firms are given tax concessions and various planning restrictions are lifted, in order to attract new industry and business to the area: first introduced in Britain in 1981

■ enterprising (ˈɛntəˌpraIzIŋ)   adj   ready to embark on new ventures; full of boldness and initiative   > ˈenterˌprisingly adv

entertain (ˌɛntəˈteIn)   vb   1 to provide amusement for (a person or audience)   2 to show hospitality to (guests)   3 (tr) to hold in the mind: to entertain an idea [C15: from Old French entretenir, from entre- mutually + tenir to hold, from Latin tenēre]

■ entertainer (ˌɛntəˈteInə)   n   1 a professional singer, comedian, or other performer who takes part in public entertainments   2 any person who entertains

■ entertaining (ˌɛntəˈteInIŋ)   adj   serving to entertain or give pleasure; diverting; amusing   > ˌenterˈtainingly adv

■ entertainment (ˌɛntəˈteInmənt)   n   1 the act or art of entertaining or state of being entertained   2 an act, production, etc, that entertains; diversion; amusement

entertake (ˌɛntəˈteIk)   vb (tr)   to entertain; to receive

entertissued (ˌɛntəˈtIsjuːd, ˌɛntəˈtIʃuːd)   adj   interwoven

entêté French (ɑ̃tɛte)   adj   stubborn

enthalpy (ˈɛnθəlpI, ɛnˈθæl-)   n   a thermodynamic property of a system equal to the sum of its internal energy and the product of its pressure and volume. Symbol: H. Also called: heat content, total heat [C20: from Greek enthalpein to warm in, from EN-2 + thalpein to warm]

enthetic (ɛnˈθɛtIk)   adj   (esp of infectious diseases) introduced into the body from without [C19: from Greek enthetikos, from entithenai to put in]

enthral or US enthrall (Inˈθrɔːl)   vb -thrals or US -thralls, -thralling, -thralled (tr)   1 to hold spellbound; enchant; captivate   2 obsolete to hold as thrall; enslave [C16: from EN-1 + THRALL]   > enˈthraller n   > enˈthralment or US enˈthrallment n

■ enthraldom (Inˈθrɔːldəm)   n   the condition of being enthralled

■ enthralled (Inˈθrɔːld)   adj   fascinated to the exclusion of anything else

■ enthralling (InˈθrɔːlIŋ)   adj   holding the attention completely; fascinating; spellbinding

enthrone (ɛnˈθrəʊn)   vb   1 to place on a throne   2 to honour or exalt   3 to assign authority to   > enˈthronement, enˌthroniˈsation or enˌthroniˈzation n

■ enthronize or enthronise (InˈθrəʊˌnaIz)   vb   an archaic word for enthrone

enthusiasm (InˈθjuːzIˌæzəm)   n   1 ardent and lively interest or eagerness   2 an object of keen interest; passion   3 archaic extravagant or unbalanced religious fervour   4 obsolete possession or inspiration by a god [C17: from Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be possessed by a god, from entheos inspired, from EN-2 + theos god]

■ enthuse (Inˈθjuːz)   vb   to feel or show or cause to feel or show enthusiasm

■ enthused (Inˈθjuːzd)   adj   having been filled with enthusiasm

■ enthusiast (InˈθjuːzIˌæst)   n   1 a person filled with or motivated by enthusiasm; fanatic   2 archaic a religious visionary, esp one whose zeal for religion is extravagant or unbalanced

■ enthusiastic (InˌθjuːzIˈæstIk)   adj   filled with or motivated by enthusiasm; fanatical; keen   > enˌthusiˈastically adv

■ enthusiastical (InˌθjuːzIˈæstIkəl)   adj   archaic another word for enthusiastic

enthymeme (ˈɛnθIˌmiːm)   n logic   1 an incomplete syllogism, in which one or more premises are unexpressed as their truth is considered to be self-evident   2 any argument some of whose premises are omitted as obvious [C16: via Latin from Greek enthumēma, from enthumeisthai to infer (literally: to have in the mind), from EN-2 + thumos mind]   > ˌenthymeˈmatic or ˌenthymeˈmatical adj

entice (InˈtaIs)   vb   (tr) to attract or draw towards oneself by exciting hope or desire; tempt; allure [C13: from Old French enticier, from Vulgar Latin intitiāre (unattested) to incite, from Latin titiō firebrand]   > enˈticement n   > enˈticer n   > enˈticing adj   > enˈticingly adv   > enˈticingness n

■ enticeable (InˈtaIsəbəl)   adj   able to be enticed

entire (InˈtaIə)   adj   1 (prenominal) whole; complete: the entire project is going well   2 (prenominal) without reservation or exception; total: you have my entire support   3 not broken or damaged; intact   4 consisting of a single piece or section; undivided; continuous   5 (of leaves, petals, etc) having a smooth margin not broken up into teeth or lobes   6 not castrated: an entire horse   7 obsolete of one substance or kind; unmixed; pure   ▷ n   8 a less common word for entirety   9 an uncastrated horse   10 on entire philately   a a complete item consisting of an envelope, postcard, or wrapper with stamps affixed   b (of a stamp) placed on an envelope, postcard, etc, and bearing postal directions [C14: from Old French entier, from Latin integer whole, from IN-1 + tangere to touch]   > enˈtireness n

■ entirely (InˈtaIəlI)   adv   1 without reservation or exception; wholly; completely   2 solely or exclusively; only

■ entirety (InˈtaIərItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state of being entire or whole; completeness   2 a thing, sum, amount, etc, that is entire; whole; total

entitle (InˈtaItəl)   vb (tr)   1 to give (a person) the right to do or have something; qualify; allow   2 to give a name or title to   3 to confer a title of rank or honour upon [C14: from Old French entituler, from Late Latin intitulāre, from Latin titulus TITLE]   > enˈtitlement n

■ entitled (InˈtaItəld)   adj   1 having a title or name   2 having the right or permission to do something

entity (ˈɛntItI)   n, pl -ties   1 something having real or distinct existence; a thing, esp when considered as independent of other things   2 existence or being   3 the essence or real nature [C16: from Medieval Latin entitās, from ēns being; see ENS]   > entitative (ˈɛntItətIv) adj

ento-   combining form   inside; within: entoderm [New Latin, from Greek entos within]

entoblast (ˈɛntəʊˌblæst)   n   1 embryol a less common name for endoderm   2 a less common name for hypoblast   > entoblastic (ˌɛntəʊˈblæstIk) adj

entoderm (ˈɛntəʊˌdɜːm)   n   embryol another name for endoderm   > ˌentoˈdermal or ˌentoˈdermic adj

entoil (InˈtɔIl)   vb   (tr) an archaic word for ensnare   > enˈtoilment n

entomb (Inˈtuːm)   vb (tr)   1 to place in or as if in a tomb; bury; inter   2 to serve as a tomb for   > enˈtombment n

entomic (ɛnˈtɒmIk)   adj   denoting or relating to insects [C19: from Greek entomon (see ENTOMO-) + -IC]

entomo-   combining form   indicating an insect: entomology [from Greek entomon insect (literally: creature cut into sections), from en- in + -tomon, from temnein to cut]

entomofauna (ɛnˈtɒməˌfɔːnə)   n   entomol the insect life of a region

entomol. or entom.   abbreviation for   entomology

entomology (ˌɛntəˈmɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of science concerned with the study of insects   > entomological (ˌɛntəməˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌentomoˈlogic adj   > ˌentomoˈlogically adv   > ˌentoˈmologist n

■ entomologize or entomologise (ˌɛntəˈmɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb   (intr) to collect or study insects

entomophagy (ˌɛntəˈmɒfædʒI)   n   the eating of insects as food

■ entomophagous (ˌɛntəˈmɒfəɡəs)   adj   feeding mainly on insects; insectivorous

entomophilous (ˌɛntəˈmɒfIləs)   adj   (of flowering plants) pollinated by insects. Compare anemophilous   > ˌentoˈmophily n

entomostracan (ˌɛntəˈmɒstrəkən)   n   1 any small crustacean of the group (formerly subclass) Entomostraca, including the branchiopods, ostracods, and copepods   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Entomostraca [C19: from New Latin ENTOMO- + Greek ostrakon shell; see OSTRACIZE]   > ˌentoˈmostracous adj

entophyte (ˈɛntəʊˌfaIt)   n   botany a variant of endophyte

■ entophytic (ˌɛntəʊˈfItIk), entophytal (ˌɛntəˈfaItəl) or entophytous (ɛnˈtɒfItəs, ˌɛntəˈfaItəs)   adj   relating to an entophyte

entopic (ɛnˈtɒpIk)   adj   anatomy situated in its normal place or position. See also ectopia [from Greek entopos in a place, from topos place]

entoplastron (ˈɛntəʊˌplæstrən)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   the median plate of a turtle's plastron

■ entoplastral (ˌɛntəˈplæstrəl)   adj   relating to an entoplastron

entoproct (ˈɛntəʊˌprɒkt)   n   a small, filter-feeding marine animal of the phylum Entoprocta

entoptic (ɛnˈtɒptIk)   adj   (of visual sensation) resulting from structures within the eye itself [ENTO- + OPTIC]

■ entoptics (ɛnˈtɒptIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of entoptic visions

entotic (ɛnˈtəʊtIk)   adj   of or relating to the inner ear

entourage (ˈɒntʊˌrɑːʒ; French ɑ̃turaʒ)   n   1 a group of attendants or retainers, esp such as surround an important person; retinue   2 surroundings or environment [C19: from French, from entourer to surround, from entour around, from tour circuit; see TOUR, TURN]

entozoon (ˌɛntəʊˈzəʊɒn) or entozoan   n, pl -zoa (-ˈzəʊə) or -zoans   any animal, such as a tapeworm, that lives within another animal, usually as a parasite

■ entozoal (ˌɛntəˈzəʊəl)   adj   relating to entozoon

■ entozoic (ˌɛntəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   1 of or relating to an entozoon   2 living inside an animal: entozoic fungi

entr'acte (ɒnˈtrækt; French ɑ̃trakt)   n   1 an interval between two acts of a play or opera   2 (esp formerly) an entertainment during an interval, such as dancing between acts of an opera [C19: French, literally: between-act]

entrail (InˈtreIl)   n   1 a twist or entanglement   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to twist or entangle

■ entrails (ˈɛntreIlz)   pl n   1 the internal organs of a person or animal; intestines; guts   2 the innermost parts of anything [C13: from Old French entrailles, from Medieval Latin intrālia, changed from Latin interānea intestines, ultimately from inter between]

entrain^1 (InˈtreIn)   vb   to board or put aboard a train   > enˈtrainment n

entrain^2 (InˈtreIn)   vb (tr)   1 (of a liquid or gas) to carry along (drops of liquid, bubbles, etc), as in certain distillations   2 to disperse (air bubbles) through concrete in order to increase its resistance to frost   3 zoology to adjust (an internal rhythm of an organism) so that it synchronizes with an external cycle, such as that of light and dark   > enˈtrainment n

■ entrainer (InˈtreInə)   n   a device that facilitates the saturation of a gas or steam current by means of liquid

entrainement (InˈtreInmənt; French ɑ̃trɛnmɑ̃)   n   the occurrence of one species of bacteria growing close to another acquiring characteristics of the other

entrammel (Inˈtræməl)   vb -mels, -melling, -melled or US -els, -eling, -eled   (tr) to hamper or obstruct by entangling

entrance^1 (ˈɛntrəns)   n   1 the act or an instance of entering; entry   2 a place for entering, such as a door or gate   3    a the power, liberty, or right of entering; admission   b (as modifier): an entrance fee   4 the coming of an actor or other performer onto a stage [C16: from French, from entrer to ENTER]

■ entranceway (ˈɛntrənsˌweI)   n   a place of entry

entrance^2 (Inˈtrɑːns)   vb (tr)   1 to fill with wonder and delight; enchant   2 to put into a trance; hypnotize   > enˈtrancement n   > enˈtrancing adj

■ entranced (Inˈtrɑːnst)   adj   having been filled with delight to the exclusion of anything else. See also entrance^2

■ entrancingly (InˈtrɑːnsIŋlI)   adv   in an entrancing manner

entrant (ˈɛntrənt)   n   1 a person who enters   2 a new member of a group, society, or association   3 a person who enters a competition or contest; competitor [C17: from French, literally: entering, from entrer to ENTER]

entrap (Inˈtræp)   vb -traps, -trapping, -trapped (tr)   1 to catch or snare in or as if in a trap   2 to lure or trick into danger, difficulty, or embarrassment   > enˈtrapper n

■ entrapment (Inˈtræpmənt)   n   the luring, by a police officer or journalist, of a person into committing a crime so that he or she may be prosecuted for it

entreasure (Inˈtrɛʒə)   vb (tr)   to keep in a treasury

entreat or intreat (Inˈtriːt)   vb   1 to ask (a person) earnestly; beg or plead with; implore   2 to make an earnest request or petition for (something)   3 an archaic word for treat (sense 4) [C15: from Old French entraiter, from EN-1 + traiter to TREAT]   > enˈtreatingly or inˈtreatingly adv   > enˈtreatment or inˈtreatment n

■ entreatable (Inˈtriːtəbəl)   adj   able to be entreated

■ entreating (InˈtriːtIŋ)   adj   1 that entreats   ▷ n   2 the act of entreating someone

■ entreative (InˈtriːtIv)   adj   pleading

■ entreaty (InˈtriːtI)   n, pl -treaties   an earnest request or petition; supplication; plea

entrechat (French ɑ̃trəʃa)   n   a leap in ballet during which the dancer repeatedly crosses his or her feet or beats them together [C18: from French, from earlier entrechase, changed by folk etymology from Italian (capriola) intrecciata, literally: entwined (caper), from intrecciare to interlace, from IN-2 + treccia TRESS]

entrecôte (French ɑ̃trəkot)   n   a beefsteak cut from between the ribs [C19: French entrecôte, from entre- INTER- + côte rib, from Latin costa]

Entre-Deux-Mers (French ɑ̃trədømɛr)   n   any wine produced in the area of the Gironde between the rivers Dordogne and Garonne in S France

entrée (ˈɒntreI)   n   1 a dish served before a main course   2 chiefly US the main course of a meal   3 the power or right of entry [C18: from French, from entrer to ENTER; in cookery, so called because formerly the course was served after an intermediate course called the relevé (remove)]

entremets (French ɑ̃trəmɛ)   n, pl -mets (French -mɛ)   1 a dessert   2 Also called: entremesse a light dish, formerly served at formal dinners between the main course and the dessert [C18: from French, from Old French entremes, from entre- between, INTER- + mes dish, MESS]

entrench or intrench (Inˈtrɛntʃ)   vb   1 (tr) to construct (a defensive position) by digging trenches around it   2 (tr) to fix or establish firmly, esp so as to prevent removal or change   3 (intr; foll by on or upon) to trespass or encroach; infringe   > enˈtrenched or inˈtrenched adj   > enˈtrencher or inˈtrencher n

■ entrenchment or intrenchment (Inˈtrɛntʃmənt)   n   1 the act of entrenching or state of being entrenched   2 a position protected by trenches   3 one of a series of deep trenches constructed as a shelter from gunfire

entre nous (French ɑ̃trə nu)   adv   between ourselves; in confidence [C17: from French]

entrepôt (French ɑ̃trəpo)   n   1 a warehouse for commercial goods   2    a a trading centre or port at a geographically convenient location, at which goods are imported and re-exported without incurring liability for duty   b (as modifier): an entrepôt trade [C18: French, from entreposer to put in, from entre- between, INTER- + poser to place (see POSE^1); formed on the model of DEPOT]

entrepreneur (ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜː; French ɑ̃trəprənœr)   n   1 the owner or manager of a business enterprise who, by risk and initiative, attempts to make profits   2 a middleman or commercial intermediary [C19: from French, from entreprendre to undertake; see ENTERPRISE]   > ˌentrepreˈneurial adj   > ˌentrepreˈneurship n

entrepreneuse (ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːz; French ɑ̃trəprənøz)   n   a female entrepreneur

entresol (ˌɒntrəˈsɒl; French ɑ̃trəsɔl)   n   another name for mezzanine (sense 1) [C18: from French, literally: between floors, from entre- INTER- + sol floor, ground, from Latin solum]

entrez (ɒnˈtreI; French ɑ̃tre)   interj   enter

entrist (ˈɛntrIst)   n   another name for entryist

entrold (Inˈtrəʊld)   adj   surrounded

entropion (ɛnˈtrəʊpIən, ɛnˈtrəʊpIˌɒn)   n   the turning inwards of the edge of the eyelid

entropy (ˈɛntrəpI)   n, pl -pies   1 a thermodynamic quantity that changes in a reversible process by an amount equal to the heat absorbed or emitted divided by the thermodynamic temperature. It is measured in joules per kelvin. Symbol: S. See also law of thermodynamics   2 a statistical measure of the disorder of a closed system expressed by S = klog P + c where P is the probability that a particular state of the system exists, k is the Boltzmann constant, and c is another constant   3 lack of pattern or organization; disorder   4 a measure of the efficiency of a system, such as a code or language, in transmitting information [C19: from EN-2 + -TROPE]

■ entropic (ɛnˈtrɒpIk)   adj   pertaining to entropy

■ entropically (ɛnˈtrɒpIkəlI)   adv   in an entropic manner

entrust or intrust (Inˈtrʌst)   vb (tr)   1 (usually foll by with) to invest or charge (with a duty, responsibility, etc)   2 (often foll by to) to put into the care or protection of someone   > enˈtrustment or inˈtrustment n

USAGE

It is usually considered incorrect to talk about entrusting someone to do something: the army cannot be trusted (not entrusted) to carry out orders

entry (ˈɛntrI)   n, pl -tries   1 the act or an instance of entering; entrance   2 a point or place for entering, such as a door, gate, etc   3    a the right or liberty of entering; admission; access   b (as modifier): an entry permit   4 the act of recording an item, such as a commercial transaction, in a journal, account, register, etc   5 an item recorded, as in a diary, dictionary, or account   6    a a person, horse, car, etc, entering a competition or contest; competitor   b (as modifier): an entry fee   7 the competitors entering a contest considered collectively: a good entry this year for the speed trials   8 the people admitted at one time to a school, college, or course of study, etc, considered collectively; intake   9 the action of an actor in going on stage or his or her manner of doing this   10 criminal law the act of unlawfully going onto the premises of another with the intention of committing a crime   11 property law the act of going upon another person's land with the intention of asserting the right to possession   12 any point in a piece of music, esp a fugue, at which a performer commences or resumes playing or singing   13 cards a card that enables one to transfer the lead from one's own hand to that of one's partner or to the dummy hand   14 English dialect a passage between the backs of two rows of terraced houses [C13: from Old French entree, past participle of entrer to ENTER]

■ entryism (ˈɛntrIIzəm)   n   the policy or practice of members of a particular political group joining an existing political party with the intention of changing its principles and policies, instead of forming a new party   > ˈentryist n, adj

■ entry-level   adj   1 (of a job or worker) at the most elementary level in a career structure   2 (of a product) characterized by being at the most appropriate level for use by a beginner: an entry-level camera

■ entryway (ˈɛntrIweI)   n   chiefly US the way into a building

ents (ɛnts)   pl n   Brit informal entertainments

entwine or intwine (InˈtwaIn)   vb   (of two or more things) to twine together or (of one or more things) to twine around (something else)   > enˈtwinement or inˈtwinement n

entwist (InˈtwIst)   vb (tr)   to twist together or around

enucleate   vb (IˈnjuːklIˌeIt) (tr)   1 biology to remove the nucleus from (a cell)   2 surgery to remove (a tumour or other structure) from its capsule without rupturing it   3 archaic to explain or disclose   ▷ adj (IˈnjuːklIIt, -ˌeIt)   4 (of cells) deprived of their nuclei [C16: from Latin ēnūcleāre to remove the kernel, from nūcleus kernel]   > eˌnucleˈation n

Enugu (ɛˈnuːɡuː)   n   1 a state of S Nigeria. Capital: Enugu. Pop: 3 257 298 (2006). Area: 7161 sq km (2765 sq miles)   2 a city in S Nigeria, capital of Enugu state: capital of the former Eastern region and of the breakaway state of Biafra during the Civil War (1967–70): coal-mining. Pop: 549 000 (2005 est)

E number   n   any of a series of numbers with the prefix E indicating a specific food additive recognized by the European Union and used on labels of processed food

enumerate (IˈnjuːməˌreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to mention separately or in order; name one by one; list   2 (tr) to determine the number of; count   3 Canadian to compile or enter (a name or names) in a voting list for an area [C17: from Latin ēnumerāre, from numerāre to count, reckon; see NUMBER]   > eˈnumerable adj   > eˌnumeraˈbility n   > eˌnumerˈation n   > eˈnumerative adj

■ enumerator (IˈnjuːməˌreItə)   n   1 a person or thing that enumerates   2 Canadian a person who compiles the voting list for an area   3 Brit a person who issues and retrieves forms during a census of population

enunciate (IˈnʌnsIˌeIt)   vb   1 to articulate or pronounce (words), esp clearly and distinctly   2 (tr) to state precisely or formally [C17: from Latin ēnuntiāre to declare, from nuntiāre to announce, from nuntius messenger]   > eˌnunciˈation n   > eˈnunciative or eˈnunciatory adj   > eˈnunciatively adv   > eˈnunciˌator n

■ enunciable (IˈnʌnsIəbəl)   adj   capable of being enunciated

enure (Iˈnjʊə)   vb   a variant spelling of inure   > enˈurement n

enuresis (ˌɛnjʊˈriːsIs)   n   involuntary discharge of urine, esp during sleep [C19: from New Latin, from Greek EN-2 + ourein to urinate, from ouron urine]   > enuretic (ˌɛnjʊˈrɛtIk) adj, n

envassal (Inˈvæsəl)   vb (tr)   to make a vassal of

envault (Inˈvɔːlt)   vb (tr)   to enclose in a vault; entomb

envelop (Inˈvɛləp)   vb -lops, -loping, -loped (tr)   1 to wrap or enclose in or as if in a covering   2 to conceal or obscure, as from sight or understanding: a plan enveloped in mystery   3 to surround or partially surround (an enemy force) [C14: from Old French envoluper, from EN-1 + voluper, voloper, of obscure origin]   > enˈvelopment n

■ enveloper (Inˈvɛləpə)   n   a person or thing that envelops

envelope (ˈɛnvəˌləʊp, ˈɒn-)   n   1 a flat covering of paper, usually rectangular in shape and with a flap that can be folded over and sealed, used to enclose a letter, etc   2 any covering or wrapper   3 biology any enclosing structure, such as a membrane, shell, or skin   4 the bag enclosing the gas in a balloon   5 maths a curve or surface that is tangent to each one of a group of curves or surfaces   6 electronics the sealed glass or metal housing of a valve, electric light, etc   7 telecomm the outer shape of a modulated wave, formed by the peaks of successive cycles of the carrier wave   8 push the envelope informal to push the boundaries of what is possible [C18: from French enveloppe, from envelopper to wrap around; see ENVELOP; sense 8 from aeronautics jargon, referring to graphs of aircraft performance]

envenom (Inˈvɛnəm)   vb (tr)   1 to fill or impregnate with venom; make poisonous   2 to fill with bitterness or malice

■ envenomization or envenomisation (InˌvɛnəmaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the introduction of poison into a body

envermeil (InˈvɜːmIl)   vb (tr)   literary to colour or dye with vermilion; give a reddish colour to

Enver Pasha (ˈɛnvə ˈpɑːʃə)   n   1881–1922, Turkish soldier and leader of the Young Turks: minister of war (1914–18)

enviro (InˈvaIrəʊ)   n, pl enviros   informal an environmentalist

environ (InˈvaIrən)   vb   (tr) to encircle or surround [C14: from Old French environner to surround, from environ around, from EN-1 + viron a circle, from virer to turn, VEER^1]

environics (ˌɛnvaIˈrɒnIks)   n   the study of human and natural forces that determine an environment

environment (InˈvaIrənmənt)   n   1 external conditions or surroundings, esp those in which people live or work   2 ecology the external surroundings in which a plant or animal lives, which tend to influence its development and behaviour   3 the state of being environed; encirclement   4 computing an operating system, program, or integrated suite of programs that provides all the facilities necessary for a particular application: a coding environment   > enˌvironˈmental adj   > enˌvironˈmentally adv

■ environmental audit   n   the systematic examination of an organization's interaction with the environment, to assess the success of its conservation or antipollution programme

■ Environmental Health Officer   n   (in Britain) an employee of the Environmental Health Service. Former names: public health inspector, sanitary inspector

■ Environmental Health Service   n   (in Britain) a service provided by a local authority, which deals with prevention of the spread of communicable diseases, food safety and hygiene, control of infestation by insects or rodents, etc

■ environmentalism (InˌvaIrənˈmɛntəˌlIzəm)   n   psychol the belief that a person's behaviour is affected chiefly by his or her environment. Compare hereditarianism

■ environmentalist (InˌvaIrənˈmɛntəlIst)   n   1 an adherent of environmentalism   2 a person who is concerned with the maintenance of ecological balance and the conservation of the environment   3 a person concerned with issues that affect the environment, such as pollution

■ environmentally friendly or environment-friendly   adj   that has no or the least possible impact on the environment

environs (InˈvaIrənz)   pl n   a surrounding area or region, esp the suburbs or outskirts of a town or city; vicinity

envisage (InˈvIzIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to form a mental image of; visualize; contemplate   2 to conceive of as a possibility in the future; foresee   3 archaic to look in the face of; confront [C19: from French envisager, from EN-1 + visage face, VISAGE]   > enˈvisagement n

USAGE

It was formerly considered incorrect to use a clause after envisage as in it is envisaged that the new centre will cost £40 million, but this use is now acceptable

envision (InˈvIʒən)   vb   (tr) to conceive of as a possibility, esp in the future; foresee

envoy^1 (ˈɛnvɔI)   n   1 Formal name: envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary a diplomat of the second class, ranking between an ambassador and a minister resident   2 an accredited messenger, agent, or representative [C17: from French envoyé, literally: sent, from envoyer to send, from Vulgar Latin inviāre (unattested) to send on a journey, from IN-2 + via road]   > ˈenvoyship n

envoy^2 or envoi (ˈɛnvɔI)   n   1 a brief dedicatory or explanatory stanza concluding certain forms of poetry, notably ballades   2 a postscript in other forms of verse or prose [C14: from Old French envoye, from envoyer to send; see ENVOY^1]

envy (ˈɛnvI)   n, pl -vies   1 a feeling of grudging or somewhat admiring discontent aroused by the possessions, achievements, or qualities of another   2 the desire to have for oneself something possessed by another; covetousness   3 an object of envy   ▷ vb -vies, -vying, -vied   4 to be envious of (a person or thing) [C13: via Old French from Latin invidia, from invidēre to eye maliciously, from IN-2 + vidēre to see]   > ˈenvier n   > ˈenvyingly adv

■ enviable (ˈɛnvIəbəl)   adj   exciting envy; fortunate or privileged   > ˈenviableness n   > ˈenviably adv

■ envious (ˈɛnvIəs)   adj   feeling, showing, or resulting from envy [C13: from Anglo-Norman, ultimately from Latin invidiōsus full of envy, INVIDIOUS; see ENVY]   > ˈenviously adv   > ˈenviousness n

■ envyings (ˈɛnvIIŋz)   pl n   jealousies

enwall (Inˈwɔːl)   vb (tr)   to wall in; enclose

enwallow (Inˈwɒləʊ)   vb (tr) obsolete   to plunge or roll around in

enwind (InˈwaInd)   vb -winds, -winding, -wound   (tr) to wind or coil around; encircle

enwomb (Inˈwuːm)   vb   (tr; often passive) to enclose in or as if in a womb

enwrap or inwrap (Inˈræp)   vb -wraps, -wrapping, -wrapped (tr)   1 to wrap or cover up; envelop   2 (usually passive) to engross or absorb: enwrapped in thought

■ enwrapment or inwrapment (Inˈræpmənt)   n   the action of enwrapping

■ enwrappings or inwrappings (InˈræpIŋz)   pl n   any hidden things, both tangible and intangible

enwreath (Inˈriːð)   vb   (tr) to surround or encircle with or as with a wreath or wreaths

Enzed (ˌɛnˈzɛd)   n Austral and NZ informal   1 New Zealand   2 Also called: Enzedder a New Zealander

enzian (ˈɛntsIən)   n   1 a plant from the gentian family   2 a liqueur flavoured with gentian root

enzone (Inˈzəʊn)   vb (tr)   to enclose in a zone

enzootic (ˌɛnzəʊˈɒtIk)   adj   1 (of diseases) affecting animals within a limited region   ▷ n   2 an enzootic disease   ▶ Compare epizootic [C19: from EN-2 + Greek zōion animal + -OTIC]   > ˌenzoˈotically adv

enzyme (ˈɛnzaIm)   n   any of a group of complex proteins or conjugated proteins that are produced by living cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions [C19: from Medieval Greek enzumos leavened, from Greek EN-2 + zumē leaven]   > enzymatic (ˌɛnzaIˈmætIk, -zI-) or enzymic (ɛnˈzaImIk, -ˈzIm-) adj

■ enzymatically (ˌɛnzaIˈmætIkəlI) or enzymically (ɛnˈzaImIkəlI)   adv   in the manner of enzymes

■ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ˌImjʊnəʊˈsɔːbənt)   n   the full name for ELISA

enzymology (ˌɛnzaIˈmɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of science concerned with the study of enzymes   > enzymological (ˌɛnzaIməˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌenzyˈmologist n

enzymolysis (ˌɛnzaIˈmɒlIsIs)   n   a biochemical decomposition, such as a fermentation, that is catalysed by an enzyme   > enzymolytic (ˌɛnzaIməˈlItIk) adj

eo-   combining form   early or primeval: Eocene; eohippus [from Greek, from ēōs dawn]

e.o.   abbreviation for   ex officio

eoan (iːˈəʊən)   adj   of, or relating to, the dawn

eobiont (ˌiːəʊˈbaIənt)   n   a hypothetical chemical precursor of a living cell [C20: from EO- + Greek biōnt stem of present participle of biōn to live, from bios life]

EOC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Equal Opportunities Commission

Eocene (ˈiːəʊˌsiːn)   adj   1 of, denoting, or formed in the second epoch of the Tertiary period, which lasted for 20 000 000 years, during which hooved mammals appeared   ▷ n   2 the Eocene the Eocene epoch or rock series [C19: from EO- + -CENE]

Eogene (ˈiːəʊˌdʒiːn)   adj, n   another word for Palaeogene

eohippus (ˌiːəʊˈhIpəs)   n, pl -puses   the earliest horse: an extinct Eocene dog-sized animal of the genus with four-toed forelegs, three-toed hindlegs, and teeth specialized for browsing [C19: New Latin, from EO- + Greek hippos horse]

Eolian (iːˈəʊlIən)   adj, n   a variant spelling of Aeolian

Eolic (iːˈɒlIk, IˈəʊlIk)   adj, n   a variant spelling of Aeolic

eolienne (iːˌəʊlIˈɛn, ˌeIɒˈljɛn)   n   a type of fine cloth

eolipile (iːˈɒlIˌpaIl)   n   a variant spelling of aeolipile

eolith (ˈiːəʊˌlIθ)   n   a stone, usually crudely broken, used as a primitive tool in Eolithic times

Eolithic (ˌiːəʊˈlIθIk)   adj   denoting, relating to, or characteristic of the early part of the Stone Age, characterized by the use of crude stone tools

e.o.m. commerce   abbreviation for   end of the month

eon (ˈiːən, ˈiːɒn)   n   the usual US spelling of aeon

■ eonian (iːˈəʊnIən)   adj   the usual US spelling of aeonian

eonism (ˈiːəˌnIzəm)   n   psychiatry the adoption of traditionally female dress and behaviour by a man. See also transvestite [C19: named after Charles Éon de Beaumont (died 1810), French transvestite]

eorl (ɜːl)   n   history an Anglo-Saxon nobleman

Eos (ˈiːɒs)   n   Greek myth the winged goddess of the dawn, the daughter of Hyperion. Roman counterpart: Aurora

eosin (ˈiːəʊsIn) or eosine (ˈiːəʊsIn, -ˌsiːn)   n   1 Also called: bromeosin a red crystalline water-insoluble derivative of fluorescein. Its soluble salts are used as dyes. Formula: C_20H_8Br_4O_5   2 any of several similar dyes [C19: from Greek ēōs dawn + -IN; referring to the colour it gives to silk]   > ˌeoˈsinic adj   > ˈeosin-ˌlike adj

eosinophil (ˌiːəʊˈsInəˌfIl) or eosinophile (ˌiːəʊˈsInəˌfaIl)   n   a leucocyte with a multilobed nucleus and coarse granular cytoplasm that stains readily with acidic dyes such as eosin   > ˌeoˌsinoˈphilic or eosinophilous (ˌiːəʊsIˈnɒfIləs) adj

eosinophilia (ˌiːəʊˌsInəˈfIlIə)   n   the presence of abnormally large numbers of eosinophils in the blood, occurring in various diseases and in response to certain drugs

eothen (iːˈəʊθɛn)   adv   literary from the East

Eötvös (ˈɜːtvɔs)   n   Baron Roland von. 1848–1919, Hungarian physicist noted for his studies of gravity and surface tension

-eous   suffix forming adjectives   relating to or having the nature of: gaseous. Compare -ious [from Latin -eus]

Eozoic (ˌiːəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   archaic of or formed in the part of the Precambrian era, during which life first appeared

ep (ɛp)   abbreviation for   episode

EP   n   1 an extended-play single, one of the formats in which music is sold, usually comprising four or five tracks   ▷ abbreviation for   2 Eastern (Cape) Province

Ep.   abbreviation for   Epistle

ep-   prefix   variant of epi-: epexegesis

EPA   abbreviation for   1 eicosapentaenoic acid: a fatty acid, found in certain fish oils, that can reduce blood cholesterol   2 (in the US) Environmental Protection Agency

epacrid (IpˈækrId)   n   a type of heath-like plant of the family Epacridaceae

epacris (ɛˈpækrIs, ˈɛpəˌkrIs)   n   the genus of the epacrids

epact (ˈiːpækt)   n   1 the difference in time, about 11 days, between the solar year and the lunar year   2 the number of days between the beginning of the calendar year and the new moon immediately preceding this   3 the difference in time between the calendar month and the synodic month [C16: via Late Latin from Greek epaktē, from epagein to bring in, intercalate, from agein to lead]

epaenetic (ˌɛpIˈnɛtIk)   adj   eulogistic

epagoge (ˌɛpəˈɡəʊɡiː, ˌɛpəˈɡəʊdʒiː)   n   inductive reasoning

■ epagogic (ˌɛpəˈɡɒɡIk)   adj   relating to inductive reasoning

epagomenal (ˌɛpəˈɡɒmənəl)   adj   inserted at intervals; intercalary

Epaminondas (ɛˌpæmIˈnɒndæs)   n   ?418–362 BC, Greek Theban statesman and general: defeated the Spartans at Leuctra (371) and Mantinea (362) and restored power in Greece to Thebes

epanadiplosis (IˌpænədIˈpləʊsIs)   n   a figure of speech involving the same word being used at the beginning and the end

epanalepsis (IˌpænəˈlɛpsIs)   n   rhetoric the repetition, after a more or less lengthy passage of subordinate or parenthetic text, of a word or clause that was used before [C16: from Greek, from EPI- + ANA- + lēpis taking, from lambanein to take up]   > ˌepanaˈleptic adj

epanaphora (ˌɛpəˈnæfərə)   n   rhetoric another word for anaphora   > ˌepanˈaphoral adj

epanodos (ɛˈpænədɒs)   n   a return to the main theme after a digression

epanorthosis (IˌpænɔːˈθəʊsIs)   n   rhetoric the almost immediate replacement of a preceding word or phrase by a more correct or more emphatic one, as for example in thousands, nay, millions [C16: from Greek: correction, from EPI- + ANA- + orthos straight]   > ˌepanorˈthotic adj

eparch (ˈɛpɑːk)   n   1 a bishop or metropolitan in charge of an eparchy (sense 1)   2 a government official in charge of an eparchy (senses 2 or 3) [C17: from Greek eparkhos, from epi- over, on + -ARCH]

■ eparchy (ˈɛpɑːkI) or eparchate (ˈɛpɑːkIt)   n, pl -chies or -chates   1 a diocese of the Eastern Christian Church   2 (in ancient Greece) a province   3 (in modern Greece) a subdivision of a province   > epˈarchial adj

e-passport   n   a passport with an embedded microchip carrying information about the holder [C20: from E-2 + PASSPORT]

épatant French (epatɑ̃)   adj   startling or shocking, esp through being unconventional [C20: from present participle of épater to flabbergast]

epaule (ɛˈpɔːl)   n   the shoulder of a fortification

■ epaulement (ɛˈpɔːlmənt)   n   1 fortifications a construction to protect troops from attack   2 ballet a pose in which a dancer stands at an angle to the audience

epaulette or US epaulet (ˈɛpəˌlɛt, -lIt)   n   a piece of ornamental material on the shoulder of a garment, esp a military uniform [C18: from French épaulette, from épaule shoulder, from Latin spatula shoulder blade; see SPATULA]

■ epauletted or US epauleted (ˈɛpəˌlɛtId)   adj   wearing epaulettes

epaxial (IpˈæksIəl)   adj   situated above the axis of the skeleton

e-payment   n   a digital payment for a transaction made on the internet

epazote (ˈɛpəˌzəʊt)   n   1 a common name for Dysphania ambrosioides   2 the leaves of this plant, which are used in Mexican cooking

epedaphic (ˌɛpIˈdæfIk)   adj   of or relating to atmospheric conditions

épée (ˈɛpeI; French epe)   n   a sword similar to the foil but with a larger guard and a heavier blade of triangular cross section [C19: from French: sword, from Latin spatha, from Greek spathē blade; see SPADE^1]

■ épéeist (ˈɛpeIIst)   n   fencing a person who uses or specializes in using an épée

epeiric (IˈpaIrIk)   adj   geology in, of, or relating to a continent: an epeiric sea [C20: from Greek ēpeiros continent + -IC]

epeirid (ɛˈpaIərId)   n   a spider of the family Argiopidae

epeirogeny (ˌɛpaIˈrɒdʒInI) or epeirogenesis (IˌpaIrəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   the formation and submergence of continents by broad relatively slow displacements of the earth's crust. Also called: epirogeny [C19: from Greek ēpeiros continent + -GENY]   > epeirogenic (IˌpaIrəʊˈdʒɛnIk) or epeirogenetic (IˌpaIrəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj

■ epeirogenically (IˌpaIrəʊˈdʒɛnIkəlI)   adv   in the manner of epeirogeny

epencephalon (ˌɛpɛnˈsɛfəˌlɒn)   n, pl -la (-lə) anatomy   1 the cerebellum and pons Varolii   2 the part of the embryonic brain that develops into this; metencephalon [C19: New Latin; see EPI-, ENCEPHALON]   > ˌepencephalic (ˌɛpɛnsɛˈfælIk) adj

ependyma (IˈpɛndImə)   n   the membrane lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord   > eˈpendymal adj

epenthesis (ɛˈpɛnθIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   the insertion of a sound or letter into a word [C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from epentithenai to insert, from EPI- + EN-2 + tithenai to place]   > epenthetic (ˌɛpɛnˈθɛtIk) adj

epeolatry (ˌɛpIˈɒlətrI)   n   the worship of words

éperdu or feminine éperdue French (epɛrdy)   adj   distracted

epergne (Iˈpɜːn)   n   an ornamental centrepiece for a table: a stand with holders for sweetmeats, fruit, flowers, etc [C18: probably from French épargne a saving, from épargner to economize, of Germanic origin; compare SPARE]

epexegesis (ɛˌpɛksIˈdʒiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz) rhetoric   1 the addition of a phrase, clause, or sentence to a text to provide further explanation   2 the phrase, clause, or sentence added for this purpose [C17: from Greek; see EPI-, EXEGESIS]   > epexegetic (ɛˌpɛksIˈdʒɛtIk) or epˌexeˈgetical adj   > epˌexeˈgetically adv

EPG   abbreviation for   electronic programme guide

Eph. or Ephes. Bible   abbreviation for   Ephesians

eph-   prefix   a variant of epi-: ephedra; ephedrine

ephah or epha (ˈiːfə)   n   a Hebrew unit of dry measure equal to approximately one bushel or about 33 litres [C16: from Hebrew `ephāh, of Egyptian origin]

ephebe (Iˈfiːb, ˈɛfiːb)   n   (in ancient Greece) a youth about to enter full citizenship, esp one undergoing military training [C19: from Latin ephēbus, from Greek ephēbos, from hēbē young manhood]   > eˈphebic adj

ephebophilia (IˌfiːbəˈfIlIə)   n   the condition of being sexually attracted to adolescents [C19: from Greek ephēbos young man + -PHILIA]   > eˈpheboˌphile n

ephedra (Iˈfɛdrə)   n   any gymnosperm shrub of the genus Ephedra, of warm regions of America and Eurasia: the source of ephedrine: family Ephedraceae, phylum Gnetophyta [C18: New Latin, from Latin, from Greek ephedros a sitting upon, from EPI- + hedra seat]

ephedrine or ephedrin (IˈfɛdrIn, ˈɛfIˌdriːn, -drIn)   n   a white crystalline alkaloid obtained from plants of the genus Ephedra: used for the treatment of asthma and hay fever; l-phenyl-2-methylaminopropanol. Formula: C_6H_5CH(OH)CH(NHCH_3)CH_3 [C19: from New Latin EPHEDRA + -INE^2]

ephelis (ɛˈfiːlIs)   n, pl -ides (-Iˌdiːz)   a freckle; skin discoloration

ephemera (Iˈfɛmərə)   n, pl -eras or -erae (-əˌriː)   1 a mayfly, esp one of the genus Ephemera   2 something transitory or short-lived   3 (functioning as plural) a class of collectable items not originally intended to last for more than a short time, such as tickets, posters, postcards, or labels   4 a plural of ephemeron [C16; see EPHEMERAL]

■ ephemeral (Iˈfɛmərəl)   adj   1 lasting for only a short time; transitory; short-lived: ephemeral pleasure   ▷ n   2 a short-lived organism, such as the mayfly   3 a plant that completes its life cycle in less than one year, usually less than six months [C16: from Greek ephēmeros lasting only a day, from hēmera day]   > eˈphemerally adv   > eˌphemerˈality or eˈphemeralness n

■ ephemeridian (IˌfɛməˈrIdIən)   adj   relating to ephemera

■ ephemerist (IˈfɛmərIst)   n   zoology one who collects or studies ephemera

■ ephemerist (IˈfɛmərIst)   n   astronomy one who makes or studies an ephemeris

ephemerid (IˈfɛmərId)   n   any insect of the order Ephemeroptera (or Ephemerida), which comprises the mayflies. Also called: ephemeropteran [C19: from New Latin Ephēmerida, from Greek ephēmeros short-lived + -ID^2]

ephemeris (IˈfɛmərIs)   n, pl ephemerides (ˌɛfIˈmɛrIˌdiːz)   1 a table giving the future positions of a planet, comet, or satellite   2 an annual publication giving the positions of the sun, moon, and planets during the course of a year, information concerning eclipses, astronomical constants, etc   3 obsolete a diary or almanac [C16: from Latin, from Greek: diary, journal; see EPHEMERAL]

■ ephemeris time   n   time that is based on the orbit of the earth around the sun rather than the axial rotation of the earth, one ephemeris second being 1/31 556 925.9747 of the tropical year 1900. It was used from 1960 to 1983 as an astronomical timescale but has been replaced by terrestrial dynamical time and barycentric dynamic time

ephemeron (Iˈfɛməˌrɒn)   n, pl -era (-ərə) or -erons   (usually plural) something transitory or short-lived [C16: see EPHEMERAL]

■ ephemerous (Iˈfɛmərəs)   adj   1 zoology relating to an ephemeron   2 short-lived

ephemeropteran (iːˌfɛməˈrɒptərən)   n   1 another word for ephemerid   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Ephemeroptera

Ephesians (Iˈfiːʒənz)   n   (functioning as singular) a book of the New Testament (in full The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians), containing an exposition of the divine plan for the world and the consummation of this in Christ

Ephesus (ˈɛfIsəs)   n   (in ancient Greece) a major trading city on the W coast of Asia Minor: famous for its temple of Artemis (Diana); sacked by the Goths (262 AD)

■ Ephesian (Iˈfiːʒən)   adj   1 of or relating to Ephesus   ▷ n   2 an inhabitant or native of Ephesus

ephialtes (ˌɛfIˈæltiːz)   n   1 a nightmare   2 the demon Incubus that supposedly causes a nightmare

ephod (ˈiːfɒd)   n   Old Testament an embroidered vestment believed to resemble an apron with shoulder straps, worn by priests in ancient Israel [C14: from Hebrew ēphōdh]

ephor (ˈɛfɔː)   n, pl -ors or -ori (-əˌraI)   (in ancient Greece) one of a board of senior magistrates in any of several Dorian states, esp the five Spartan ephors, who were elected by vote of all full citizens and who wielded effective power [C16: from Greek ephoros, from ephoran to supervise, from EPI- + horan to look]   > ˈephoral adj   > ˈephorate n

■ ephoralty (ˈɛfərəltI)   n   an ephor's office

Ephraim (ˈiːfreIIm)   n Old Testament   1    a the younger son of Joseph, who received the principal blessing of his grandfather Jacob (Genesis 48:8–22)   b the tribe descended from him   c the territory of this tribe, west of the River Jordan   2 the northern kingdom of Israel after the kingdom of Solomon had been divided into two

■ Ephraimite (ˈiːfreIIˌmaIt)   n   a member of the tribe of Ephraim

epi-, eph- or before a vowel ep-   prefix   1 on; upon; above; over: epidermis; epicentre   2 in addition to: epiphenomenon   3 after: epigenesis; epilogue   4 near; close to: epicalyx [from Greek, from epi (prep)]

epibiosis (ˌɛpIbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   any relationship between two organisms in which one grows on the other but is not parasitic on it. See also epiphyte, epizoite   > epibiotic (ˌɛpIbaIˈɒtIk) adj

epiblast (ˈɛpIˌblæst)   n   embryol the outermost layer of an embryo, which becomes the ectoderm at gastrulation. Also called: ectoblast   > ˌepiˈblastic adj

epiblem (ˈɛpIˌblɛm)   n   botany the outermost cell layer of a root; epidermis

epiboly (IˈpIbəlI)   n, pl -lies   embryol a process that occurs during gastrulation in vertebrates, in which cells on one side of the blastula grow over and surround the remaining cells and yolk and eventually form the ectoderm [C19: from Greek epibolē a laying on, from epiballein to throw on, from EPI- + ballein to throw]   > epibolic (ˌɛpIˈbɒlIk) adj

epic (ˈɛpIk)   n   1 a long narrative poem recounting in elevated style the deeds of a legendary hero, esp one originating in oral folk tradition   2 the genre of epic poetry   3 any work of literature, film, etc, having heroic deeds for its subject matter or having other qualities associated with the epic: a Hollywood epic   4 a real-life episode in which heroic deeds are performed or attempted: the epic of Scott's expedition to the South Pole   ▷ adj   5 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of an epic or epics   6 of heroic or impressive proportions: an epic voyage [C16: from Latin epicus, from Greek epikos, from epos speech, word, song]

■ epical (ˈɛpIkəl)   adj   characterized by an epic

■ epically (ˈɛpIkəlI)   adv   in the style of an epic

■ epic fail   n   informal (esp in the language of social media) a complete failure; used frequently as an interjection [from a message displayed in a Japanese computer game after a player has failed to complete the game successfully]

■ epicism (ˈɛpIsIzəm)   n   a style or trope characteristic of epics

■ epicist (ˈɛpIsIst)   n   one who writes epic poems

■ epic-like   adj   resembling or reminiscent of an epic

■ epic simile   n   an extended simile, as used in the epic poetry of Homer and other writers

epicalyx (ˌɛpIˈkeIlIks, -ˈkæl-)   n, pl -lyxes or -lyces (-lIˌsiːz)   botany a series of small sepal-like bracts forming an outer calyx beneath the true calyx in some flowers

epicanthus (ˌɛpIˈkænθəs)   n, pl -thi (-θaI)   a fold of skin extending vertically over the inner angle of the eye: characteristic of Mongolian peoples and a congenital anomaly among other races. Also called: epicanthic fold [C19: New Latin, from EPI- + Latin canthus corner of the eye, from Greek kanthos]   > ˌepiˈcanthic adj

epicardium (ˌɛpIˈkɑːdIəm)   n, pl -dia (-dIə)   anatomy the innermost layer of the pericardium, in direct contact with the heart [C19: New Latin, from EPI- + Greek kardia heart]   > ˌepiˈcardiac or ˌepiˈcardial adj

epicarp (ˈɛpIˌkɑːp) or exocarp   n   the outermost layer of the pericarp of fruits: forms the skin of a peach or grape [C19: from French épicarpe, from EPI- + Greek karpos fruit]

epicedium (ˌɛpIˈsiːdIəm) or epicedian (ˌɛpIˈsiːdIən)   n, pl -dia (-dIə), -dians   rare a funeral ode [C16: Latin, from Greek epikēdeion, from EPI- + kédos care]

■ epicedial (ˌɛpIˈsiːdIəl)   adj   funereal

epicene (ˈɛpIˌsiːn)   adj   1 having the characteristics of both sexes; hermaphroditic   2 of neither sex; sexless   3 effeminate   4 grammar   a denoting a noun that may refer to a male or a female, such as teacher as opposed to businessman or shepherd   b (in Latin, Greek, etc) denoting a noun that retains the same grammatical gender regardless of the sex of the referent   ▷ n   5 an epicene person or creature   6 an epicene noun [C15: from Latin epicoenus of both genders, from Greek epikoinos common to many, from koinos common]   > ˌepiˈcenism n

epicentre or US epicenter (ˈɛpIˌsɛntə)   n   1 Also called: epicentrum the point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake or underground nuclear explosion. Compare focus (sense 6)   2 informal the absolute centre of something: the epicentre of world sprinting [C19: from New Latin epicentrum, from Greek epikentros over the centre, from EPI- + kentron needle; see CENTRE]   > ˌepiˈcentral adj

epicheirema (ˌɛpIkaIˈriːmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   a syllogism supported by an incidental proposition

epichlorohydrin (ˌɛpIˌklɔːrəʊˈhaIdrIn)   n   an organic compound used as a solvent in resin-making

épicier French (episje)   n   a grocer

epiclesis (ˌɛpIˈkliːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   Christianity the invocation of the Holy Spirit to consecrate the bread and wine of the Eucharist [C19: from Greek, from EPI- + klēsis a prayer, from kalein to call]

epicondyle (ˌɛpIˈkɒndIl)   n   a bone projection above a condyle

■ epicondylitis (ˌɛpIˌkɒndIˈlaItIs)   n   med the inflammation of an epicondyle or tissues around it

epicontinental (ˌɛpIˌkɒntIˈnɛntəl)   adj   (esp of a sea) situated on a continental shelf or continent

epicormic (ˌɛpIˈkɔːmIk)   adj   (of a tree shoot or branch) growing from a dormant bud below the bark

epicotyl (ˌɛpIˈkɒtIl)   n   the part of an embryo plant stem above the cotyledons but beneath the terminal bud [C19: from EPI- + Greek kotulē; see COTYLEDON]

epicranium (ˌɛpIˈkreInIəm)   n, pl -niums or -nia (-nIə)   1 anatomy all that covers the cranium   2 entomol the upper surface of the head of insects

epicrisis (ˈɛpIˌkraIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   pathol a secondary crisis occurring in the course of a disease [C20: from EPI- + CRISIS]

epicritic (ˌɛpIˈkrItIk)   adj   (of certain nerve fibres of the skin) serving to perceive and distinguish fine variations of temperature or touch [C20: from Greek epikritikos decisive, from epikrinein to decide, from EPI- + krinein to judge]

Epictetus (ˌɛpIkˈtiːtəs)   n   ?50–?120 AD, Greek Stoic philosopher, who stressed self-renunciation and the brotherhood of man

epicure (ˈɛpIˌkjʊə)   n   1 a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink; gourmet   2 a person devoted to sensual pleasures [C16: from Medieval Latin epicūrus, after Epicurus; see EPICUREAN]   > ˈepicurˌism n

■ epicurean (ˌɛpIkjʊˈriːən)   adj   1 devoted to sensual pleasures, esp food and drink; hedonistic   2 suitable for an epicure: an epicurean feast   ▷ n   3 an epicure; gourmet   > ˌepicuˈreanˌism n

■ epicurize or epicurise (ˌɛpIˈkjʊəraIz)   vb (intr)   to act as an epicure

Epicurus (ˌɛpIˈkjʊərəs)   n   341–270 BC, Greek philosopher, who held that the highest good is pleasure and that the world is a series of fortuitous combinations of atoms

■ Epicurean (ˌɛpIkjʊˈriːən)   adj   1 of or relating to the philosophy of Epicurus   ▷ n   2 a follower of the philosophy of Epicurus   > ˌEpicuˈreanˌism n

epicuticle (ˈɛpIˌkjuːtIkəl)   n   1 botany a waxy layer on the surface of the cuticle   2 zoology the outermost lipoprotein layer of the insect cuticle

■ epicuticular (ˌɛpIkjuːˈtIkjʊlə)   adj   pertaining to the epicuticle

epicycle (ˈɛpIˌsaIkəl)   n   1 astronomy (in the Ptolemaic system) a small circle, around which a planet was thought to revolve, whose centre describes a larger circle (the deferent) centred on the earth   2 a circle that rolls around the inside or outside of another circle, so generating an epicycloid or hypocycloid [C14: from Late Latin epicyclus, from Greek epikuklos; see EPI-, CYCLE]   > epicyclic (ˌɛpIˈsaIklIk, -ˈsIklIk) or ˌepiˈcyclical adj

■ epicyclic train   n   a cluster of gears consisting of a central gearwheel with external teeth (the sun), a coaxial gearwheel of greater diameter with internal teeth (the annulus), and one or more planetary gears engaging with both of them to provide a large gear ratio in a compact space

epicycloid (ˌɛpIˈsaIklɔId)   n   the curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as this circle rolls around the outside of another fixed circle, the two circles being coplanar. Compare hypocycloid, cycloid (sense 4)   > ˌepicyˈcloidal adj

■ epicycloidal wheel   n   one of the planetary gears of an epicyclic train

Epidaurus (ˌɛpIˈdɔːrəs; Greek ɛˈpiðavrɔs)   n   an ancient port in Greece, in the NE Peloponnese, in Argolis on the Saronic Gulf

epideictic (ˌɛpIˈdaIktIk) or epideictical (ˌɛpIˈdaIktIkəl)   adj   designed to display something, esp the skill of the speaker in rhetoric. Also: epidictic (ˌɛpIˈdIktIk) [C18: from Greek epideiktikos, from epideiknunai to display, show off, from deiknunai to show]

epidemic (ˌɛpIˈdɛmIk)   adj   1 (esp of a disease) attacking or affecting many persons simultaneously in a community or area   ▷ n   2 a widespread occurrence of a disease: an influenza epidemic   3 a rapid development, spread, or growth of something, esp something unpleasant: an epidemic of strikes [C17: from French épidémique, via Late Latin from Greek epidēmia literally: among the people, from EPI- + dēmos people]   > ˌepiˈdemically adv

■ epidemical (ˌɛpIˈdɛmIkəl)   adj   characteristic of an epidemic

■ epidemic encephalitis   n   pathol a technical name for sleeping sickness (sense 2)

■ epidemicity (ˌɛpIdəˈmIsItI)   n   the state of being epidemic

■ epidemic meningitis   n   another name for cerebrospinal meningitis

■ epidemic parotitis   n   another name for mumps

epidemiology (ˌɛpIˌdiːmIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the occurrence, transmission, and control of epidemic diseases   > epidemiological (ˌɛpIˌdiːmIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌepiˌdemioˈlogic adj   > ˌepiˌdemioˈlogically adv   > ˌepiˌdemiˈologist n

epidendrum (ˌɛpIˈdɛndrəm) or epidendrone (ˌɛpIˈdɛndrəʊn)   n   an orchid belonging to the Epidendrum genus

epidermis (ˌɛpIˈdɜːmIs)   n   1 Also called: cuticle the thin protective outer layer of the skin, composed of stratified epithelial tissue   2 the outer layer of cells of an invertebrate   3 the outer protective layer of cells of a plant, which may be thickened by a cuticle [C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from EPI- + derma skin]   > ˌepiˈdermal, ˌepiˈdermic or ˌepiˈdermoid adj

epidermolysis bullosa (ˌɛpIdɜːˈmɒlIsIs bʊˈləʊzə)   n   a group of genetic disorders causing blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. In simple cases the blistering is induced by injury, but in serious cases it occurs spontaneously

epidiascope (ˌɛpIˈdaIəˌskəʊp)   n   an optical device for projecting a magnified image onto a screen. See also episcope

epidictic (ˌɛpIˈdIktIk)   adj   a variant form of epideictic

epididymis (ˌɛpIˈdIdImIs)   n, pl -didymides (-dIˈdImIˌdiːz)   anatomy a convoluted tube situated along the posterior margin of each testis, in which spermatozoa are stored and conveyed to the vas deferens [C17: from Greek epididumis, from EPI- + didumos twin, testicle; see DIDYMOUS]   > ˌepiˈdidymal adj

■ epididymitis (ˌɛpIˌdIdIˈmaItIs)   n   an inflamed epididymis

epidiorite (ˌɛpIˈdaIəˌraIt)   n   archaic metamorphosed diorite, with a fibrous amphibole component

epidosite (ɛˈpIdəˌsaIt)   n   a rock formed of quartz and epidote

epidote (ˈɛpIˌdəʊt)   n   a green mineral consisting of hydrated calcium iron aluminium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form: common in metamorphic rocks. Formula: Ca_2(Al,Fe)3(SiO_4)3(OH) [C19: from French épidote, ultimately from Greek epididonai to increase, from didonai to give; so called because two sides of its crystal are longer than the other two sides]   > epidotic (ˌɛpIˈdɒtIk) adj

■ epidotization or epidotisation (ˌɛpIdəʊtaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of changing into epidote

■ epidotized or epidotised (ˈɛpIdəʊˌtaIzd, ɛˈpIdəˌtaIzd)   adj   changed into epidote

epidural (ˌɛpIˈdjʊərəl)   adj   1 Also: extradural upon or outside the dura mater   ▷ n   2 Also called: epidural anaesthesia   a injection of anaesthetic into the space outside the dura mater enveloping the spinal cord   b anaesthesia induced by this method [C19: from EPI- + DUR(A MATER) + -AL^1]

epifauna (ˈɛpIˌfɔːnə)   n   zoology animals that live on the seabed surface

■ epifaunal (ˈɛpIˌfɔːnəl)   adj   zoology relating to epifauna

epifocal (ˌɛpIˈfəʊkəl)   adj   geology situated or occurring at an epicentre

epigamic (ˌɛpIˈɡæmIk)   adj   zoology attractive to the opposite sex: epigamic coloration

epigastrium (ˌɛpIˈɡæstrIəm)   n, pl -tria (-trIə)   the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the navel and below the breast [C17: from New Latin, from Greek EPI- + gastrion, from gastēr stomach]   > ˌepiˈgastric or ˌepiˈgastrial adj

epigeal (ˌɛpIˈdʒiːəl), epigean or epigeous   adj   1 of or relating to seed germination in which the cotyledons appear above the ground because of the growth of the hypocotyl   2 living or growing on or close to the surface of the ground [C19: from Greek epigeios of the earth, from EPI- + gē earth]

epigene (ˈɛpIˌdʒiːn)   adj   formed or taking place at or near the surface of the earth. Compare hypogene [C19: from French épigène, ultimately from Greek epigignesthai to be born after, from gignesthai to be born]

epigenesis (ˌɛpIˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   1 the widely accepted theory that an individual animal or plant develops by the gradual differentiation and elaboration of a fertilized egg cell. Compare preformation (sense 2)   2 the formation or alteration of rocks after the surrounding rock has been formed   3 alteration of the mineral composition of a rock by external agents: a type of metamorphism   > ˌepiˈgenesist or epigenist (IˈpIdʒInIst) n

■ epigenetic (ˌɛpIdʒIˈnɛtIk)   adj   1 of or relating to epigenesis   2 denoting processes by which heritable modifications in gene function occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA   > ˌepigeˈnetically adv

■ epigeneticist (ˌɛpIdʒIˈnɛtIsIst)   n   a person who studies epigenetics

■ epigenetics (ˌɛpIdʒIˈnɛtIks)   n (functioning as sing)   the study of heritable changes that occur without a change in the DNA sequence

■ epigenic (ˌɛpIˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   of or pertaining to the theory of epigenesis

epigenous (IˈpIdʒInəs)   adj   biology growing on the surface, esp the upper surface, of an organism or part: an epigenous fungus

epigeous (ˌɛpIˈdʒiːəs)   adj   a variant of epigeal

epiglottis (ˌɛpIˈɡlɒtIs)   n, pl -tises or -tides (-tIˌdiːz)   a thin cartilaginous flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea   > ˌepiˈglottal or ˌepiˈglottic adj

epignathous (ˌɛpIɡˈneIθəs)   adj   zoology having a protruding upper jaw

epigone (ˈɛpIˌɡəʊn) or epigon (ˈɛpIˌɡɒn)   n   rare an inferior follower or imitator [C19: from Greek epigonos one born after, from epigignesthai; see EPIGENE]

■ epigonic (ˌɛpIˈɡɒnIk) or epigonous (ɛˈpIɡənəs)   adj   of an epigone

■ epigonism (ˈɛpIɡənIzəm)   n   1 an imitation of an artist by a subsequent generation   2 the work of an epigone

Epigoni (IˈpIɡəˌnaI)   pl n, sing -onus (-ənəs)   Greek myth the descendants of the Seven against Thebes, who undertook a second expedition against the city and eventually captured and destroyed it [C20: from Greek epigonoi those born after]

epigram (ˈɛpIˌɡræm)   n   1 a witty, often paradoxical remark, concisely expressed   2 a short, pungent, and often satirical poem, esp one having a witty and ingenious ending [C15: from Latin epigramma, from Greek: inscription, from epigraphein to write upon, from graphein to write]   > ˌepigramˈmatic or ˌepigramˈmatical adj   > ˌepigramˈmatically adv

■ epigrammatize or epigrammatise (ˌɛpIˈɡræməˌtaIz)   vb   to make an epigram or epigrams (about)   > ˌepiˈgrammatism n   > ˌepiˈgrammatist n

■ epigrammatizer or epigrammatiser (ˌɛpIˈɡræməˌtaIzə)   n   someone who epigrammatizes

epigraph (ˈɛpIˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc, suggesting its theme   2 an inscription on a monument or building [C17: from Greek epigraphē; see EPIGRAM]   > epigraphic (ˌɛpIˈɡræfIk) or ˌepiˈgraphical adj   > ˌepiˈgraphically adv

■ epigraphy (IˈpIɡrəfI)   n   1 the study of ancient inscriptions   2 epigraphs collectively   > eˈpigraphist or eˈpigrapher n

epigynous (IˈpIdʒInəs)   adj   (of flowers) having the receptacle enclosing and fused with the gynoecium so that the other floral parts arise above it [C19: from EPI- + Greek gunē (female organ, pistil) + -OUS]   > eˈpigyny n

epilate (ˈɛpIˌleIt)   vb   (tr) rare to remove hair from [C19: from French épiler (modelled on dépiler DEPILATE) + -ATE^1]   > ˌepiˈlation n

■ epilator (ˈɛpIˌleItə)   n   an electrical appliance consisting of a metal spiral head that rotates at high speed, plucking unwanted hair

epilepsy (ˈɛpIˌlɛpsI)   n   a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions. In some cases it is due to brain damage but in others the cause is unknown. See also grand mal, petit mal [C16: from Late Latin epilēpsia, from Greek, from epilambanein to attack, seize, from lambanein to take]

■ epileptic (ˌɛpIˈlɛptIk)   adj also epileptical   1 of, relating to, or having epilepsy   ▷ n   2 a person who has epilepsy   > ˌepiˈleptically adv

USAGE

Rather than talking about an epileptic or epileptics, it is better to talk about a person with epilepsy and people with epilepsy

epileptogenic (ˌɛpIˌlɛptəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   causing an epileptic attack

epileptoid (ˌɛpIˈlɛptɔId) or epileptiform (ˌɛpIˈlɛptIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling epilepsy

epilimnion (ˌɛpIˈlImnIən)   n, pl -nions or -nia (-nIə)   the upper layer of water in a lake [C20: from EPI- + Greek limnion, diminutive of limnē lake]

epilithic (ˌɛpIˈlIθIk)   adj   (of plants) growing on the surface of rock

epilobium (ˌɛpIˈləʊbIəm)   n   a plant from the genus Epilobium, such as willow-herb

epilogue or US epilog (ˈɛpIˌlɒɡ)   n   1    a a speech, usually in verse, addressed to the audience by an actor at the end of a play   b the actor speaking this   2 a short postscript to any literary work, such as a brief description of the fates of the characters in a novel   3 Brit (formerly) the concluding programme of the day on a radio or television station, often having a religious content [C15: from Latin epilogus, from Greek epilogos, from logos word, speech]   > epilogist (IˈpIlədʒIst) n

■ epilogic (ˌɛpIˈlɒdʒIk) or epilogistic (ˌɛpIləˈdʒIstIk)   adj   relating to an epilogue

■ epilogize or epilogise (ɛˈpIləˌdʒaIz)   vb (intr)   to write or deliver an epilogue. Also called: epiloguize, epiloguise (ˈɛpIləˌɡaIz)

■ epilogued (ˈɛpIlɒɡd)   adj   followed by an epilogue

epimeletic (ˌɛpIməˈlɛtIk)   adj   relating to altruistic behaviour in which a healthy animal cares for an injured, ill, or dead individual

epimer (IˈpIməˌrIzəm) chem   n   1 either of two optical isomers differing from each other only in the configuration of the atoms about one asymmetric carbon atom   ▷ n   2 either of two isomers differentiated by the position of the atoms around a single asymmetric carbon atom

■ epimerase (ˈɛpIməˌreIz)   n   chem an enzyme that catalyses the interconversion of epimers

■ epimerism (IˈpIməˌrIzəm)   n   optical isomerism in which isomers (epimers) can form about asymmetric atoms within the molecule, esp in carbohydrates [C20: German Epimer (see EPI-, -MER) + -ISM]   > epimeric (ˌɛpIˈmɛrIk) adj

■ epimerize or epimerise (ˈɛpIməˌraIz)   vb   (tr) to change (a chemical compound) into an epimer

epimere (ˈɛpIˌmIə)   n   embryol the dorsal part of the mesoderm of a vertebrate embryo, consisting of a series of segments (somites)

epimorphosis (ˌɛpImɔːˈfəʊsIs)   n   a type of development in animals, such as certain insect larvae, in which segmentation of the body is complete before hatching   > ˌepiˈmorphic adj

epimysium (ˌɛpIˈmIzIəm)   n, pl -sia (-zIə)   anatomy the sheath of connective tissue that encloses a skeletal muscle [from New Latin, from EPI- + Greek mus mouse, MUSCLE]

epinaos (ˌɛpIˈneIɒs)   n   a rear vestibule

epinasty (ˈɛpIˌnæstI)   n, pl -ties   increased growth of the upper surface of a plant part, such as a leaf, resulting in a downward bending of the part. Compare hyponasty [C19: from EPI- + -nasty, from Greek nastos pressed down, from nassein to press]   > ˌepiˈnastic adj

■ epinastically (ˌɛpIˈnæstIkəlI)   adv   in an epinastic manner

epinephrine (ˌɛpIˈnɛfrIn, -riːn) or epinephrin   n   a US name for adrenaline [C19: from EPI- + nephro- + -INE^2]

epineural (ˌɛpIˈnjʊərəl)   adj   situated above the radial nerve

epineurium (ˌɛpIˈnjʊərIəm)   n, pl -neuria (-ˈnjʊərIə)   a sheath of connective tissue around two or more bundles of nerve fibres [C19: from New Latin, from EPI- + Greek neuron nerve + -IUM]   > ˌepiˈneurial adj

epinicion (ˌɛpIˈnIsIən, ˌɛpIˈnIʃIən) or epinikian (ˌɛpIˈnIkIən)   n   a victory song

■ epinician (ˌɛpIˈnIsIən, ˌɛpIˈnIʃIən)   adj   relating to an epinicion; celebrating triumph

epinosic (ˌɛpIˈnɒsIk)   adj   unhealthy

epipelagic (ˌɛpIpəˈlædʒIk)   adj   of, relating to, or inhabiting the upper zone of the ocean from just below the surface to approximately 100 metres deep

EpiPen (ˈɛpIˌpɛn)   n trademark   a device used to inject a measured dose of epinephrine to treat cases of severe allergic reaction [C20: from EPI(NEPHRINE) + PEN^1, alluding to its shape]

epipetalous (ˌɛpIˈpɛtələs)   adj   botany (of stamens) attached to the petals

Epiph.   abbreviation for   Epiphany

epiphany (IˈpIfənI)   n, pl -nies   1 the manifestation of a supernatural or divine reality   2 any moment of great or sudden revelation [C17: via Church Latin from Greek epiphaneia an appearing, from EPI- + phainein to show]   > epiphanic (ˌɛpIˈfænIk) adj

■ epiphanous (IˈpIfənəs)   adj   showing an epiphany

■ Epiphany (IˈpIfənI)   n, pl -nies   a Christian festival held on Jan 6, commemorating, in the Western Church, the manifestation of Christ to the Magi and, in the Eastern Church, the baptism of Christ

epiphenomenon (ˌɛpIfIˈnɒmInən)   n, pl -na (-nə)   1 a secondary or additional phenomenon; by-product   2 pathol an unexpected or atypical symptom or occurrence during the course of a disease   > ˌepipheˈnomenal adj   > ˌepipheˈnomenally adv

■ epiphenomenalism (ˌɛpIfIˈnɒmInəˌlIzəm)   n   the dualistic doctrine that consciousness is merely a by-product of physiological processes and has no power to affect them. Compare interactionism, parallelism   > ˌepipheˈnomenalist n, adj

epiphonema (ˌɛpIfəʊˈniːmə)   n   an exclamation that concludes a discourse

epiphragm (ˈɛpIˌfræm)   n   a disc of calcium phosphate and mucilage secreted by snails over the aperture of their shells before hibernation [C19: via New Latin from Greek epiphragma a lid, from epiphrassein, from EPI- + phrassein to place in an enclosure]

epiphyllous (ˌɛpIˈfIləs)   adj   botany (of plants) growing on, or attached to, the leaf of another plant

epiphysis (IˈpIfIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 the end of a long bone, initially separated from the shaft (diaphysis) by a section of cartilage that eventually ossifies so that the two portions fuse together   2 Also called: epiphysis cerebri (ˈsɛrIˌbraI). the technical name for pineal gland [C17: via New Latin from Greek: a growth upon, from EPI- + phusis growth, from phuein to bring forth, produce]   > epiphyseal or epiphysial (ˌɛpIˈfIzIəl) adj

epiphyte (ˈɛpIˌfaIt)   n   a plant that grows on another plant but is not parasitic on it   > epiphytic (ˌɛpIˈfItIk), ˌepiˈphytal or ˌepiˈphytical adj   > ˌepiˈphytically adv

■ epiphytism (ˈɛpIfIˌtIzəm, ˈɛpIfaIˌtIzəm)   n   the condition of being an epiphyte

epiphytology (ˌɛpIfaIˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of epiphytes

epiphytotic (ˌɛpIfaIˈtɒtIk)   adj   (of plant diseases and parasites) affecting plants over a wide geographical region [from EPI- + -PHYTE + -OTIC]

epiplastron (ˌɛpIˈplæstrən)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   a lateral plate in the plastron of a turtle

■ epiplastral (ˌɛpIˈplæstrəl)   adj   relating to the epiplastron

epiploon (ɛˈpIpləʊˌɒn)   n, pl -ploa (-pləʊˌə)   the greater omentum

■ epiploic (ˌɛpIˈpləʊIk)   adj   relating to the epiploon

epipolism (IˈpIpəˌlIzəm)   n   fluorescence

■ epipolic (ˌɛpIˈpɒlIk)   adj   1 relating to epipolism   2 relating to the surface

epirogeny (ˌɛpaIˈrɒdʒInI)   n   a variant spelling of epeirogeny   > epirogenic (IˌpaIrəʊˈdʒɛnIk) or epirogenetic (IˌpaIrəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj

epirrhema (ˌɛpIˈriːmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə)   literary the address in Greek comedy

■ epirrhematic (ˌɛpIriːˈmætIk)   adj   literary relating to epirrhema

Epirus (IˈpaIərəs)   n   1 a region of NW Greece, part of ancient Epirus ceded to Greece after independence in 1830   2 (in ancient Greece) a region between the Pindus mountains and the Ionian Sea, straddling the modern border with Albania

Epis. Bible   abbreviation for   Epistle. Also: Epist.

episcia (IˈpIʃIə, IˈpIʃə)   n   a creeping plant of the genus Episcia

episcopal (IˈpIskəpəl)   adj   of, denoting, governed by, or relating to a bishop or bishops [C15: from Church Latin episcopālis, from episcopus BISHOP]   > eˈpiscopally adv

■ episcopacy (IˈpIskəpəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 government of a Church by bishops   2 another word for episcopate

■ Episcopal (IˈpIskəpəl)   adj   belonging to or denoting the Episcopal Church   > Eˈpiscopally adv

■ Episcopal Church   n   an autonomous branch of the Anglican Communion in Scotland and the US

■ episcopalian (IˌpIskəˈpeIlIən)   adj also episcopal   1 practising or advocating the principle of Church government by bishops   ▷ n   2 an advocate of such Church government   > eˌpiscoˈpalianˌism n

■ Episcopalian (IˌpIskəˈpeIlIən)   adj   1 belonging to or denoting the Episcopal Church   ▷ n   2 a member or adherent of this Church

■ episcopalism (IˈpIskəpəˌlIzəm)   n   the belief that a Church should be governed by bishops

■ episcopant (ɛˈpIskəpənt)   n   a bishop

■ episcopate (IˈpIskəpIt, -ˌpeIt)   n   1 the office, status, or term of office of a bishop   2 bishops collectively

■ episcopize or episcopise (ɛˈpIskəˌpaIz)   vb   to make, rule as, or perform the duties of a bishop

■ episcopy (ɛˈpIskəpI)   n   1 superintendence   2 episcopacy

episcope (ˈɛpIˌskəʊp)   n   Brit an optical device that projects an enlarged image of an opaque object, such as a printed page or photographic print, onto a screen by means of reflected light. US and Canadian name: opaque projector. See also epidiascope

episematic (ˌɛpIsIˈmætIk)   adj   zoology (esp of coloration) aiding recognition between animals of the same species

episemon (ˌɛpIˈsiːmən)   n   an emblem

episepalous (ˌɛpIˈsɛpələs)   adj   growing upon a sepal

episiotomy (əˌpiːzIˈɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical incision into the perineum during the late stages of labour to prevent its laceration during childbirth and to make delivery easier [C20: from episio-, from Greek epision pubic region + -TOMY]

episode (ˈɛpIˌsəʊd)   n   1 an incident, event, or series of events   2 any one of the sections into which a serialized novel or radio or television programme is divided   3 an incident, sequence, or scene that forms part of a narrative but may be a digression from the main story   4 (in ancient Greek tragedy) a section between two choric songs   5 music a contrasting section between statements of the subject, as in a fugue or rondo [C17: from Greek epeisodion something added, from epi- (in addition) + eisodios coming in, from eis- in + hodos road]

■ episodic (ˌɛpIˈsɒdIk) or episodical   adj   1 resembling or relating to an episode   2 divided into or composed of episodes   3 irregular, occasional, or sporadic   > ˌepiˈsodically adv

■ episodic memory   n   the recollection of events within their historical setting. Compare semantic memory

episome (ˈɛpIˌsəʊm)   n   a unit of genetic material (DNA) in bacteria, such as a plasmid, that can either replicate independently or can be integrated into the host chromosome

■ episomal (ˌɛpIˈsəʊməl)   adj   having the characteristics of an episome

■ episomally (ˌɛpIˈsəʊməlI)   adv   in the manner of an episome

epispastic (ˌɛpIˈspæstIk) med   adj   1 producing a serous discharge or a blister   ▷ n   2 an epispastic agent [C17: from Greek epispastikos, from epispan to attract, from span to draw; alluding to the ancient belief that blisters consisted of humours drawn to the surface of the skin]

episperm (ˌɛpIˈspɜːm)   n   the protective outer layer of certain seeds

epispore (ˌɛpIˈspɔː)   n   the outer layer of certain spores

Epist. or Epis. Bible   abbreviation for   Epistle

epistasis (IˈpIstəsIs)   n   1 obsolete scum on the surface of a liquid, esp on an old specimen of urine   2 med the arrest or checking of a bodily discharge, esp bleeding   3 Also called: hypostasis genetics the suppression by a gene of the effect of another gene that is not its allele [C19: from Greek: a stopping, from ephistanai to stop, from EPI- + histanai to put]   > epistatic (ˌɛpIˈstætIk) adj

epistaxis (ˌɛpIˈstæksIs)   n, pl -xes   the technical name for nosebleed [C18: from Greek: a dropping, from epistazein to drop on, from stazein to drip]

epistemic (ˌɛpIˈstiːmIk)   adj   1 of or relating to knowledge or epistemology   2 denoting the branch of modal logic that deals with the formalization of certain epistemological concepts, such as knowledge, certainty, and ignorance.. See also doxastic [C20: from Greek epistēmē knowledge]   > ˌepisˈtemically adv

■ epistemics (ˌɛpIˈstiːmIks, -ˈstɛm-)   n   (functioning as singular) chiefly Brit the interdisciplinary study of knowledge and human information-processing, using the formal techniques of logic, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology. Compare artificial intelligence

epistemology (IˌpIstIˈmɒlədʒI)   n   the theory of knowledge, esp the critical study of its validity, methods, and scope [C19: from Greek epistēmē knowledge]   > eˌpisteˈmologist n

■ epistemological (IˌpIstIməˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   1 concerned with or arising from epistemology   2 (of a philosophical problem) requiring an account of how knowledge of the given subject could be obtained   > eˌpistemoˈlogically adv

episternum (ˌɛpIˈstɜːnəm)   n, pl -na (-nə)   1 the manubrium of the sternum in mammals   2 another name for interclavicle   > ˌepiˈsternal adj

epistilbite (ˌɛpIˈstIlbaIt)   n   a transparent, zeolitic mineral

epistle (IˈpIsəl)   n   1 a letter, esp one that is long, formal, or didactic   2 a literary work in letter form, esp a dedicatory verse letter of a type originated by Horace [Old English epistol, via Latin from Greek epistolē, from epistellein to send to, from stellein to prepare, send]

■ Epistle (IˈpIsəl)   n   1 New Testament any of the apostolic letters of Saints Paul, Peter, James, Jude, or John   2 a reading from one of the Epistles, forming part of the Eucharistic service in many Christian Churches

■ epistler (IˈpIslə, IˈpIstlə) or epistoler (IˈpIstələ)   n (often capital)   1 a writer of an epistle or epistles   2 the person who reads the Epistle in a Christian religious service

■ epistolic (ˌɛpIˈstɒlIk) or epistolical (ˌɛpIˈstɒlIkəl)   adj   having the characteristics of an epistle

■ epistolist (IˈpIstəˌlIst)   n   someone who writes epistles

■ epistolize or epistolise (IˈpIstəˌlaIz)   vb (intr) rare   to compose a letter

epistolarian (IˌpIstəˈlɛərIən)   n   1 one who writes letters   ▷ adj   2 occupied in letter writing

epistolary (IˈpIstələrI) or archaic epistolatory   adj   1 relating to, denoting, conducted by, or contained in letters   2 (of a novel or other work) constructed in the form of a series of letters

epistolet (IˈpIstələt)   n   a short letter

epistolography (IˌpIstəˈlɒɡrəfI)   n   the art, or practice, of letter-writing

epistome (ˈɛpIˌstəʊm)   n   the area between the mouth and antennae of crustaceans and some insects

epistrophe (IˈpIstrəfI)   n   rhetoric repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences [C17: New Latin, from Greek, from EPI- + strophē a turning]

epistyle (ˈɛpIˌstaIl)   n   another name for architrave (sense 1) [C17: via Latin epistӯlium from Greek epistulion, from EPI- + stulos column, STYLE]

epitaph (ˈɛpIˌtɑːf, -ˌtæf)   n   1 a commemorative inscription on a tombstone or monument   2 a speech or written passage composed in commemoration of a dead person   3 a final judgment on a person or thing [C14: via Latin from Greek epitaphion, from epitaphios over a tomb, from EPI- + taphos tomb]   > epitaphic (ˌɛpIˈtæfIk) adj   > ˈepiˌtaphist n

■ epitapher (ˈɛpIˌtɑːfə)   n   one who writes epitaphs

■ epitaphial (ˌɛpIˈtæfIəl) or epitaphian (ˌɛpIˈtæfIən)   adj   characterized by an epitaph

epitasis (IˈpItəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   (in classical drama) the part of a play in which the main action develops. Compare protasis (sense 2), catastrophe (sense 2) [C16: from Greek: a stretching, intensification, from teinein to stretch]

epitaxy (ˈɛpIˌtæksI) or epitaxis   n   the growth of a thin layer on the surface of a crystal so that the layer has the same structure as the underlying crystal   > epitaxial (ˌɛpIˈtæksIəl) or epitaxic (ˌɛpIˈtæksIk) adj

■ epitaxially (ˌɛpIˈtæksIəlI)   adv   by means of an epitaxial process

■ epitaxial transistor (ˌɛpIˈtæksIəl)   n   a transistor made by depositing a thin pure layer of semiconductor material (epitaxial layer) onto a crystalline support by epitaxy. The layer acts as one of the electrode regions, usually the collector

epithalamium (ˌɛpIθəˈleImIəm) or epithalamion   n, pl -mia (-mIə)   a poem or song written to celebrate a marriage; nuptial ode [C17: from Latin, from Greek epithalamion marriage song, from thalamos bridal chamber]   > epithalamic (ˌɛpIθəˈlæmIk) adj

epitheca (ˌɛpIˈθiːkə)   n, pl -cae (-siː)   the outer and older layer of the cell wall of a diatom. Compare hypotheca [C19: from EPI- + THECA]

epithelium (ˌɛpIˈθiːlIəm)   n, pl -liums or -lia (-lIə)   an animal tissue consisting of one or more layers of closely packed cells covering the external and internal surfaces of the body. The cells vary in structure according to their function, which may be protective, secretory, or absorptive [C18: New Latin, from EPI- + Greek thēlē nipple]   > ˌepiˈthelial adj

■ epithelialize or epithelialise (ˌɛpIˈθiːlIəˌlaIz)   vb   to cover or be covered with epithelial tissue. Also: epithelize, epithelise (ˌɛpəˈθiːlaIz)

■ epithelioid (ˌɛpIˈθiːlIˌɔId)   adj   of the nature of epithelium

■ epithelioma (ˌɛpIˌθiːlIˈəʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   pathol a malignant tumour of epithelial tissue   > epitheliomatous (ˌɛpIˌθiːlIˈɒmətəs) adj

■ epithelization or epithelisation (ˌɛpəˌθiːlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of epithelializing

epithem (ˈɛpIˌθɛm)   n   an external topical application

epithema (ˌɛpəˈθiːmə, IˈpIθImə)   n   a horny outgrowth on the beaks of birds

epithermal (ˌɛpIˈθɜːməl)   adj   1 mineralogy relating to minerals formed from warm, shallow water   2 physics having energy above that of thermal agitation

epithesis (ˌɛpIˈθiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   1 linguistics the addition of a letter to the end of a word, so that its sense does not change   2 a splint   3 surgery an orthopaedic modification to a deformed extremity

epithet (ˈɛpIˌθɛt)   n   a descriptive word or phrase added to or substituted for a person's name: "Lackland" is an epithet for King John [C16: from Latin epitheton, from Greek, from epitithenai to add, from tithenai to put]   > ˌepiˈthetic or ˌepiˈthetical adj

epithymetic (ˌɛpIθIˈmɛtIk)   adj   characterized by desire

epitome (IˈpItəmI)   n   1 a typical example of a characteristic or class; embodiment; personification: he is the epitome of sloth   2 a summary of a written work; abstract [C16: via Latin from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to abridge, from EPI- + temnein to cut]   > epitomical (ˌɛpIˈtɒmIkəl) or ˌepiˈtomic adj

■ epitomize or epitomise (IˈpItəˌmaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to be a personification of; typify   2 to make an epitome of   > eˈpitomist n   > eˌpitomiˈzation or eˌpitomiˈsation n   > eˈpitoˌmizer or eˈpitoˌmiser n

epitonic (ˌɛpIˈtɒnIk)   adj   undergoing too great a strain

epitope (ˈɛpIˌtəʊp)   n   the site on an antigen at which a specific antibody becomes attached

epitrachelion (ˌɛpItrəˈkiːlIən)   n   RC Church a stole-like vestment worn as a symbol of priesthood

epitrite (ˈɛpIˌtraIt)   n   prosody a metrical foot with three long syllables and one short one

epitrochoid (ˌɛpIˈtrəʊkɔId)   n   geometry a geometric curve traced by a fixed point in one circle rotating around another fixed circle

epizeuxis (ˌɛpIˈzjuːksIs)   n, pl -xes (-ksiːz)   the deliberate repetition of a word

epizoon (ˌɛpIˈzəʊɒn)   n, pl -zoa (-ˈzəʊə)   an animal, such as a parasite, that lives on the body of another animal [C19: New Latin, from EPI- + Greek zōion animal]   > ˌepiˈzoan adj

■ epizoic (ˌɛpIˈzəʊIk)   adj   1 (of an animal or plant) growing or living on the exterior of a living animal   2 (of plants) having seeds or fruit dispersed by animals   > ˌepiˈzoism n

■ epizoite (ˌɛpIˈzəʊIt)   n   an organism that lives on an animal but is not parasitic on it

epizootic (ˌɛpIzəʊˈɒtIk)   adj   1 (of a disease) suddenly and temporarily affecting a large number of animals over a large area   ▷ n   2 an epizootic disease. Compare enzootic   > ˌepizoˈotically adv

■ epizooty (ˌɛpIˈzəʊətI)   n   vet science an epizootic disease

epizootiology (ˌɛpIˌzəʊətIˈɒlədʒI)   n   vet science the study of the systems that govern disease dynamics in animals

■ epizootiologic (ˌɛpIzəʊˌɒtIəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   vet science relating to epizootiology

e pluribus unum Latin (eI ˈplʊərIbʊs ˈuːnʊm)     one out of many: the motto of the USA

EPNS   abbreviation for   electroplated nickel silver

EPO   abbreviation for   erythropoietin

epoch (ˈiːpɒk)   n   1 a point in time beginning a new or distinctive period: the invention of nuclear weapons marked an epoch in the history of warfare   2 a long period of time marked by some predominant or typical characteristic; era   3 astronomy a precise date to which information, such as coordinates, relating to a celestial body is referred   4 geology a unit of geological time within a period during which a series of rocks is formed: the Pleistocene epoch   5 physics the displacement of an oscillating or vibrating body at zero time [C17: from New Latin epocha, from Greek epokhē cessation; related to ekhein to hold, have]   > epochal (ˈɛpˌɒkəl) adj   > ˈepˌochally adv

■ epoch-making   adj   of great importance; momentous

epode (ˈɛpəʊd)   n Greek prosody   1 the part of a lyric ode that follows the strophe and the antistrophe   2 a type of lyric poem composed of couplets in which a long line is followed by a shorter one, invented by Archilochus [C16: via Latin from Greek epōidos a singing after, from epaidein to sing after, from aidein to sing]

■ epodic (IˈpɒdIk)   adj   Greek prosody pertaining to an epode

eponychium (ˌɛpəˈnIkIəm)   n   the quick, or cuticle at the base of the nail

eponym (ˈɛpəˌnIm)   n   1 a name, esp a place name, derived from the name of a real or mythical person, as for example Constantinople from Constantine I   2 the name of the person from which such a name is derived: in the Middle Ages, "Brutus" was thought to be the eponym of "Britain" [C19: from Greek epōnumos giving a significant name]   > ˌepoˈnymic adj

■ eponymous (IˈpɒnIməs)   adj   1 (of a person) being the person after whom a literary work, film, etc, is named: the eponymous heroine in the film of Jane Eyre   2 (of a literary work, film, etc) named after its central character or creator: Beyoncé's eponymous album   > eˈponymously adv

■ eponymy (IˈpɒnImI)   n   the derivation of names of places, etc, from those of persons

epopee (ˈɛpəʊˌpiː; French epɔpe) or epopoeia (ˌɛpəˈpiːə)   n   1 an epic poem   2 epic poetry in general [C17: from French épopée, from Greek epopoiia, from EPOS + poiein to make]

epopt (ˈɛpɒpt)   n   Greek history one initiated into the Eleusinian mysteries

epos (ˈɛpɒs)   n   1 a body of poetry in which the tradition of a people is conveyed, esp a group of poems concerned with a common epic theme   2 another word for epic (sense 1) [C19: via Latin from Greek: speech, word, epic poem, song; related to Latin vōx VOICE]

EPOS (ˈiːpɒs)   n acronym for   electronic point of sale

epoxide (IˈpɒksaId)   n     a a compound containing an oxygen atom joined to two different groups that are themselves joined to other groups   b (as modifier): epoxide resin [C20: from EPI- + OXIDE]

■ epoxidation (IpˌɒksIˈdeIʃən)   n   chem the formation of an epoxide

■ epoxidize or epoxidise (IpˈɒksIˌdaIz)   vb (tr)   chem to convert into an epoxide

epoxy (IˈpɒksI)   adj chem   1 of, consisting of, or containing an oxygen atom joined to two different groups that are themselves joined to other groups: epoxy group   2 of, relating to, or consisting of an epoxy resin   ▷ n, pl epoxies   3 short for epoxy resin [C20: from EPI- + OXY-2]

■ epoxy resin or epoxide resin   n   any of various tough resistant thermosetting synthetic resins containing epoxy groups: used in surface coatings, laminates, and adhesives

EPP   abbreviation for   1 executive pension plan   2 European People's Party: a mainstream centre and centre-right political group in the European Parliament

Epping (ˈɛpIŋ)   n   a town in E England, in Essex, on the edge of Epping Forest: a residential centre for London. Pop: 9889 (2001)

■ Epping Forest   n   a forest in E England, northeast of London: formerly a royal hunting ground

EPR   abbreviation for   electron paramagnetic resonance

épris (eIˈpriː; French epri)   adj   enamoured

EPROM (ˈiːprɒm) computing   n acronym for   erasable programmable read-only memory

éprouvette (ˌeIpruːˈvɛt; French epruvɛt)   n   a device for assessing the strength of gunpowder

eps   abbreviation for   earnings per share

epsilon (ˈɛpsIˌlɒn, ɛpˈsaIlən)   n   the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ε, ε), a short vowel, transliterated as e [Greek e psilon, literally: simple e]

■ Epsilon (ˈɛpsIˌlɒn, ɛpˈsaIlən)   n   (foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) the fifth brightest star in a constellation: Epsilon Aurigae

■ epsilonic (ˌɛpsIˈlɒnIk)   adj   1 relating to the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet   2 of or relating to an arbitrary small quantity

Epsom (ˈɛpsəm)   n   a town in SE England, in Surrey: famous for its mineral springs and for horse racing. Pop (with Ewell): 64 492 (2001)

■ Epsom salts   n   (functioning as singular or plural) a medicinal preparation of hydrated magnesium sulphate, used as a purgative [C18: named after EPSOM, where they occur naturally in the water]

epsomite (ˈɛpsəmˌaIt)   n   mineralogy a sulphate of magnesium

Epstein (ˈɛpstaIn)   n   Sir Jacob. 1880–1959, British sculptor, born in the US of Russo-Polish parents

Epstein-Barr virus (ˈɛpstaIn ˈbɑː)   n   a virus belonging to the herpes family that causes infectious mononucleosis; it is also implicated in the development of Burkitt's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease. Abbreviation: EBV [C20: named after Sir M. A. Epstein (born 1921), and Yvonne M. Barr (1932–2016), British pathologists who discovered the virus]

épuisé (ˌeIpwiːˈzeI; French epɥize)   adj   exhausted

epulation (ˌɛpjuːˈleIʃən)   n   the act of feasting

■ epulary (ˈɛpjuːlərI)   adj   of or relating to feasting

epulis (ɛˈpuːlIs)   n   1 pathol a swelling of the gum, usually as a result of fibrous hyperplasia   2 vet science a benign tumour attached to the jaw of an animal, esp a dog

epulotic (ˌɛpjuːˈlɒtIk)   n   1 a substance that promotes the formation of scar tissue   ▷ adj   2 having the ability to heal a wound

epurate (ˈɛpjʊəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   to purify

■ epuration (ˌɛpjʊəˈreIʃən)   n   purification

epyllion (IˈpIlIən)   n, pl -lia (-lIə)   a miniature epic [C19: from Greek, diminutive of EPOS]

EPZ   abbreviation for   export processing zone: an industrial area in a developing country containing many foreign-owned factories

EQ   abbreviation for   1 emotional quotient, a (notional) measure of a person's adequacy in such areas as self-awareness, empathy, and dealing sensitively with other people   2 equalization, the electronic balancing of sound frequencies on audio recording equipment or hi-fi to reduce distortion or achieve a specific effect [(sense 1) late C20: by analogy with IQ]

eq.   abbreviation for   1 equal   2 equation   3 equivalent

EQC   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Earthquake Commission

equable (ˈɛkwəbəl)   adj   1 even-tempered; placid   2 unvarying; uniform: an equable climate [C17: from Latin aequābilis, from aequāre to make equal]   > ˌequaˈbility or ˈequableness n   > ˈequably adv

equal (ˈiːkwəl)   adj   1 (often foll by to or with) identical in size, quantity, degree, intensity, etc; the same (as)   2 having identical privileges, rights, status, etc: everyone is equal before the law   3 having uniform effect or application: equal opportunities   4 evenly balanced or proportioned: the game was equal between the teams   5 (usually foll by to) having the necessary or adequate strength, ability, means, etc (for): to be equal to one's work   6 another word for equivalent (sense 3a)   ▷ n   7 a person or thing equal to another, esp in merit, ability, etc: he has no equal when it comes to boxing   ▷ vb equals, equalling, equalled or US equals, equaling, equaled   8 (tr) to be equal to; correspond to; match: my offer equals his   9 (intr; usually foll by out) to become equal or level   10 (tr) to make, perform, or do something equal to: to equal the world record   11 (tr) archaic to make equal [C14: from Latin aequālis, from aequus level, of obscure origin]   > ˈequally adv

USAGE

The use of more equal as in from now on their relationship will be a more equal one is acceptable in modern English usage. Equally is preferred to equally as in sentences such as reassuring the victims is equally important. Just as is preferred to equally as in sentences such as their surprise was just as great as his

■ equal-area   n   (modifier) (of a map projection) showing area accurately and therefore distorting shape and direction. Also: homolographic

■ equality (IˈkwɒlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state of being equal   2 maths a statement, usually an equation, indicating that quantities or expressions on either side of an equal sign are equal in value

■ Equality and Human Rights Commission   n   (in Britain) a body appointed by the Government to enforce the provisions of the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. Abbreviation: EHRC

■ equalness (ˈiːkwəlnəs)   n   equality

■ equal opportunity   n     a the offering of employment, pay, or promotion equally to all, without discrimination as to sex, race, colour, disability, etc   b (as modifier): our equal-opportunity policy; an equal-opportunities employer

■ equal pay   n   the right of a man or woman to receive the same pay as a person of the opposite sex doing the same or similar work for the same or a similar employer

■ equal sign or equals sign   n   the symbol =, used to indicate a mathematical equality

equali (IˈkwɑːlI)   pl n   music pieces for a group of instruments of the same kind: Beethoven's Equali for four trombones [Italian: old pl form of uguale equal]

equalitarian (IˌkwɒlIˈtɛərIən)   adj, n   a less common word for egalitarian   > eˌqualiˈtarianˌism n

equalize or equalise (ˈiːkwəˌlaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to make equal or uniform; regularize   2 (intr) (in sports) to reach the same score as one's opponent or opponents   > ˌequaliˈzation or ˌequaliˈsation n

■ equalization payment or equalization grant   n   Canadian a financial grant made by the federal government to a poorer province in order to facilitate a level of services equal to that of a richer province

■ equalizer or equaliser (ˈiːkwəˌlaIzə)   n   1 a person or thing that equalizes, esp a device to counterbalance opposing forces   2 an electronic network introduced into a transmission circuit to alter its response, esp to reduce distortion by equalizing its response over a specified frequency range   3 sport a goal, point, etc, that levels the score   4 US slang a weapon, esp a gun

equanimity (ˌiːkwəˈnImItI, ˌɛkwə-)   n   calmness of mind or temper; composure [C17: from Latin aequanimitās, from aequus even, EQUAL + animus mind, spirit]   > equanimous (IˈkwænIməs) adj   > eˈquanimously adv

equant (ˈiːkwənt)   n   astronomy a circle in which a planet was formerly believed to move

equate (IˈkweIt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to make or regard as equivalent or similar, esp in order to compare or balance   2 maths to indicate the equality of; form an equation from   3 (intr) to be equal; correspond [C15: from Latin aequāre to make EQUAL]   > eˈquatable adj   > eˌquataˈbility n

■ equation (IˈkweIʒən, -ʃən)   n   1 a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal: it is either an identity in which the variables can assume any value, or a conditional equation in which the variables have only certain values (roots)   2 the act of regarding as equal; equating   3 the act of making equal or balanced; equalization   4 a situation, esp one regarded as having a number of conflicting elements: what you want doesn't come into the equation   5 the state of being equal, equivalent, or equally balanced   6 a situation or problem in which a number of factors need to be considered   7 See chemical equation   8 astronomy See personal equation   > eˈquational adj   > eˈquationally adv

■ equation of state   n   any equation that expresses the relationship between the temperature, pressure, and volume of a substance

■ equation of time   n   the difference between apparent solar time and mean solar time, being at a maximum in February (over 14 minutes) and November (over 16 minutes)

■ equative (ˈɛkwətIv)   adj   grammar denoting the equivalence or identity of two terms

equator (IˈkweItə)   n   1 the great circle of the earth with a latitude of 0°, lying equidistant from the poles; dividing the N and S hemispheres   2 a circle dividing a sphere or other surface into two equal symmetrical parts   3 See magnetic equator   4 astronomy See celestial equator [C14: from Medieval Latin (circulus) aequātor (diei et noctis) (circle) that equalizes (the day and night), from Latin aequāre to make EQUAL]

■ equatorial (ˌɛkwəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   1 of, like, or existing at or near the equator   2 astronautics (of a telescope) mounted on the perpendicular axes, one of which is parallel to the earth's axis: an equatorial orbit   3 astronomy of or referring to the celestial equator: equatorial coordinates   ▷ n   4 an equatorial mounting for a telescope   > ˌequaˈtorially adv

■ Equatorial Guinea   n   a republic of W Africa, consisting of Río Muni on the mainland and the island of Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea, with four smaller islands: ceded by Portugal to Spain in 1778; gained independence in 1968. Official languages: Spanish and French. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: franc. Capital: Malabo. Pop: 1 267 689 (2017 est). Area: 28 049 sq km (10 830 sq miles). Former name (until 1964): Spanish Guinea

■ equatorial mounting   n   an astronomical telescope mounting that allows motion of the telescope about two mutually perpendicular axes, one of which is parallel to the earth's axis

■ equatorward (IˈkweItəwʊd)   adj   towards the equator

equerry (ˈɛkwərI, at the British court IˈkwɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 an officer attendant upon the British sovereign   2 (formerly) an officer in a royal household responsible for the horses [C16: alteration (through influence of Latin equus horse) of earlier escuirie, from Old French: stable, group of squires, from escuyer SQUIRE]

equestrian (IˈkwɛstrIən)   adj   1 of or relating to horses and riding   2 on horseback; mounted   3 depicting or representing a person on horseback: an equestrian statue   4 of, relating to, or composed of Roman equites   5 of, relating to, or composed of knights, esp the imperial free knights of the Holy Roman Empire   ▷ n   6 a person skilled in riding and horsemanship [C17: from Latin equestris, from eques horseman, knight, from equus horse]   > eˈquestrianˌism n

equestrienne (IˌkwɛstrIˈɛn)   n   a female rider on horseback, esp one in a circus who performs acrobatics

equi-   combining form   equal or equally: equidistant; equilateral

equiangular (ˌiːkwIˈæŋɡjʊlə)   adj   having all angles equal

■ equiangularity (ˌiːkwIˌæŋɡjʊˈlærItI, ˌɛkwIˌæŋɡjʊˈlærItI)   n   the state of being equiangular

equibalance (ˌiːkwIˈbæləns, ˌɛkwIˈbæləns)   n   1 an equal weight or balance   ▷ vb (tr)   2 obsolete to balance equally

equicaloric (ˌiːkwIkəˈlɔːrIk, ˌɛkwIkəˈlɔːrIk)   adj   equal in terms of calories

equid (ˈɛkwId)   n   any animal of the horse family

equidifferent (ˌiːkwIˈdIfərənt, ˌiːkwIˈdIfrənt, ˌɛkwIˈdIfərənt, ˌɛkwIˈdIfrənt)   adj   equilateral; having differences that are equal

equidistant (ˌiːkwIˈdIstənt)   adj   distant by equal amounts from two or more places   > ˌequiˈdistance n   > ˌequiˈdistantly adv

equifinal (ˌɛkwIˈfaInəl)   adj   having the same end or result

equilateral (ˌiːkwIˈlætərəl)   adj   1 having all sides of equal length: an equilateral triangle   ▷ n   2 a geometric figure having all its sides of equal length   3 a side that is equal in length to other sides   > ˌequiˈlaterally adv

equilibrant (IˈkwIlIbrənt)   n   a force capable of balancing another force and producing equilibrium

equilibrate (ˌiːkwIˈlaIbreIt, IˈkwIlIˌbreIt)   vb   to bring to or be in equilibrium; balance [C17: from Late Latin aequilībrāre, from aequilībris in balance; see EQUILIBRIUM]   > equilibration (ˌiːkwIlaIˈbreIʃən, IˌkwIlI-) n   > equilibrator (IˈkwIlIˌbreItə) n

■ equilibratory (ˌɛkwIˈlIbrətərI)   adj   inclined to produce equilibrium

equilibrist (IˈkwIlIbrIst)   n   a person who performs balancing feats, esp on a high wire   > eˌquiliˈbristic adj

equilibrium (ˌiːkwIˈlIbrIəm)   n, pl -riums or -ria (-rIə)   1 a stable condition in which forces cancel one another   2 a state or feeling of mental balance; composure   3 any unchanging condition or state of a body, system, etc, resulting from the balance or cancelling out of the influences or processes to which it is subjected. See thermodynamic equilibrium   4 physics a state of rest or uniform motion in which there is no resultant force on a body   5 chem the condition existing when a chemical reaction and its reverse reaction take place at equal rates   6 physics the condition of a system that has its total energy distributed among its component parts in the statistically most probable manner   7 physiol a state of bodily balance, maintained primarily by special receptors in the inner ear   8 the economic condition in which there is neither excess demand nor excess supply in a market [C17: from Latin aequilībrium, from aequi- EQUI- + lībra pound, balance]

■ equilibrity (ˌɛkwIˈlIbrItI)   n   the state of being in equilibrium

equimolal (ˌiːkwIˈməʊləl, ˌɛkwIˈməʊləl)   adj   having an equal number of molecules

equimolecular (ˌiːkwIməˈlɛkjʊlə)   adj   (of substances, solutions, etc) containing equal numbers of molecules

equimultiple (ˌiːkwIˈmʌltIpəl, ˌɛkwIˈmʌltIpəl) maths   n   1 one of a series of amounts or numbers that each consist of another amount or number an equal number of times   ▷ adj   2 multiplied by an equal quantity or number

equine (ˈɛkwaIn)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling a horse   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the family Equidae, which comprises horses, zebras, and asses [C18: from Latin equīnus, from equus horse]   > ˈequinely adv

■ equine distemper   n   another name for strangles

■ equine herpesvirus   n   vet science a viral disease of horses that may cause respiratory signs, abortion, neonatal death, and paresis. A vaccine is available against this disease. Abbreviation: EHV

■ equine infectious anaemia   n   vet science a viral disease of horses, donkeys, and mules characterized by fever, anaemia, jaundice, depression, and weight loss. Abbreviation: EIA

■ equine influenza   n   vet science a respiratory disease of horses, caused by the Orthomyxoviridae type A virus, characterized by a fever and persistent cough

■ equinity (IˈkwInItI)   n   a horse-like nature

equinia (IˈkwInIə)   n   vet science glanders (disease)

equinox (ˈiːkwIˌnɒks, ˈɛkwIˌnɒks)   n   1 either of the two occasions, six months apart, when day and night are of equal length. See vernal equinox, autumnal equinox   2 another name for equinoctial point [C14: from Medieval Latin equinoxium, changed from Latin aequinoctium, from aequi- EQUI- + nox night]

■ equinoctial (ˌiːkwIˈnɒkʃəl)   adj   1 relating to or occurring at either or both equinoxes   2 (of a plant) having flowers that open and close at specific regular times   3 astronomy of or relating to the celestial equator   ▷ n   4 a storm or gale at or near an equinox   5 another name for celestial equator [C14: from Latin aequinoctiālis concerning the EQUINOX]

■ equinoctial circle or equinoctial line   n   another name for celestial equator

■ equinoctially (ˌɛkwIˈnɒkʃəlI)   adv   in the direction of the equinoctial, or celestial equator

■ equinoctial point   n   either of the two points at which the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic

equinumerous (ˌiːkwIˈnjuːmərəs)   adj   logic having the same number of members

equip (IˈkwIp)   vb equips, equipping, equipped (tr)   1 to furnish with (necessary supplies, etc)   2 (usually passive) to provide with abilities, understanding, etc: her son was never equipped to be a scholar   3 to dress out; attire [C16: from Old French eschiper to embark, fit out (a ship), of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse skipa to put in order, skip SHIP]   > eˈquipper n

■ equipment (IˈkwIpmənt)   n   1 an act or instance of equipping   2 the items so provided   3 a set of tools, devices, kit, etc, assembled for a specific purpose, such as a soldier's kit and weapons

■ equipped (IˈkwIpt)   adj   1 provided with equipment: a modern kitchen equipped with all the latest cooking aids   2 qualified: he was ideally equipped for this task

equipage (ˈɛkwIpIdʒ)   n   1 a horse-drawn carriage, esp one elegantly equipped and attended by liveried footmen   2 (formerly) the stores and equipment of a military unit   3 archaic   a a set of useful articles   b a group of attendants; retinue

equiparate (IˈkwIpərət)   adj   1 obsolete equivalent   ▷ vb (tr)   2 obsolete to treat or regard as the same; to level; to compare

■ equiparation (IˌkwIpəˈreIʃən)   n   the act of regarding as the same; the act of comparing

equipartition (ˌɛkwIpɑːˈtIʃən)   n   the equal division of the energy of a system in thermal equilibrium between different degrees of freedom. This principle was assumed to be exact in classical physics, but quantum theory shows that it is true only in certain special cases

équipe (eIˈkiːp)   n   (esp in motor racing) a team [French]

equipoise (ˈɛkwIˌpɔIz)   n   1 even balance of weight or other forces; equilibrium   2 a counterbalance; counterpoise   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to offset or balance in weight or force; balance

equipollent (ˌiːkwIˈpɒlənt)   adj   1 equal or equivalent in significance, power, or effect   2 logic (of two propositions) logically deducible from each other; equivalent   3 maths, logic (of two classes) having the same cardinality   ▷ n   4 something that is equipollent [C15: from Latin aequipollēns of equal importance, from EQUI- + pollēre to be able, be strong]   > ˌequiˈpollence or ˌequiˈpollency n   > ˌequiˈpollently adv

equiponderate (ˌiːkwIˈpɒndəˌreIt)   vb   (tr) to equal or balance in weight, power, force, etc; offset; counterbalance [C17: from Medieval Latin aequiponderāre, from Latin EQUI- + ponderāre to weigh]   > ˌequiˈponderance or ˌequiˈponderancy n   > ˌequiˈponderant adj

equipotent (ˌiːkwIˈpəʊtənt)   adj   rare equivalent in power or effect

equipotential (ˌiːkwIpəˈtɛnʃəl)   adj   1 having the same electric potential or uniform electric potential   2 Also: equipotent (ˌiːkwIˈpəʊtənt) equivalent in power or effect   ▷ n   3 an equipotential line or surface   > ˌequipoˌtentiˈality n

equiprobable (ˌiːkwIˈprɒbəbəl)   adj   equally probable   > ˌequiˌprobaˈbility n

equisetaceous (ˌɛkwIsIˈteIʃəs)   adj   botany belonging to the family Equisetaceae

equisetum (ˌɛkwIˈsiːtəm)   n, pl -tums or -ta (-tə)   any tracheophyte plant of the genus Equisetum, which comprises the horsetails [C19: New Latin, changed from Latin equisaetum, from equus horse + saeta bristle]

■ equisetic (ˌɛkwIˈsiːtIk)   adj   chem derived from equisetum

■ equisetiform (ˌɛkwIˈsiːtIˌfɔːm)   adj   botany having the form of equisetum

equitable (ˈɛkwItəbəl)   adj   1 impartial or reasonable; fair; just: an equitable decision   2 law relating to or valid in equity, as distinct from common law or statute law   3 law (formerly) recognized in a court of equity only, as claims, rights, etc [C17: from French équitable, from équité EQUITY]   > ˈequitableness n   > ˈequitably adv

■ equitability (ˌɛkwItəˈbIlItI)   n   another word for equitableness

equitant (ˈɛkwItənt)   adj   (of a leaf) having the base folded around the stem so that it overlaps the leaf above and opposite [C19: from Latin equitāns riding, from equitāre to ride, from equus horse]

equitation (ˌɛkwIˈteIʃən)   n   the study and practice of riding and horsemanship [C16: from Latin equitātiō, from equitāre to ride, from equus horse]

equites (ˈɛkwIˌtiːz)   pl n (in ancient Rome)   1 the cavalry   2 Also called: knights members of a social order distinguished by wealth and ranking just below the senators [from Latin, plural of eques horseman, from equus horse]

equity (ˈɛkwItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the quality of being impartial or reasonable; fairness   2 an impartial or fair act, decision, etc   3 law a system of jurisprudence founded on principles of natural justice and fair conduct. It supplements the common law and mitigates its inflexibility, as by providing a remedy where none exists at law   4 law an equitable right or claim: equity of redemption   5 the interest of ordinary shareholders in a company   6 the market value of a debtor's property in excess of all debts to which it is liable [C14: from Old French equite, from Latin aequitās, from aequus level, EQUAL]

■ equities (ˈɛkwItIz)   pl n   another name for ordinary shares

■ Equity (ˈɛkwItI)   n   the actors' trade union. Full name: Actors' Equity Association

■ equity capital   n   the part of the share capital of a company owned by ordinary shareholders or in certain circumstances by other classes of shareholder

■ equity-linked policy   n   an insurance or assurance policy in which premiums are invested partially or wholly in ordinary shares for the eventual benefit of the beneficiaries of the policy

■ equity of redemption   n   property law the right that a mortgager has in equity to redeem his or her property on payment of the sum owing, even though the sum is overdue. See also foreclose

■ equity weighting   n   the practice of assigning different values to currencies according to factors such as geographical location and climate

equiv.   abbreviation for   equivalent

equivalency (ˌɛkwIˈveIlənsI) or equivalence   n   chem the state of having equal valencies   > ˌequiˈvalent adj

equivalent (IˈkwIvələnt)   adj   1 equal or interchangeable in value, quantity, significance, etc   2 having the same or a similar effect or meaning   3 maths   a having a particular property in common; equal   b (of two equations or inequalities) having the same set of solutions   c (of two sets) having the same cardinal number   4 maths, logic (of two propositions) having an equivalence between them   ▷ n   5 something that is equivalent   6 short for equivalent weight [C15: from Late Latin aequivalēns, from aequivalēre to be equally significant, from Latin aequi- EQUI- + valēre to be worth]   > eˈquivalently adv

■ equivalence (IˈkwIvələns) or equivalency   n   1 the state of being equivalent or interchangeable   2 maths, logic   a the relationship between two statements, each of which implies the other   b Also called: biconditional the binary truth-function that takes the value true when both component sentences are true or when both are false, corresponding to English if and only if. Symbol: ≡ or ↔, as in –(p ∧ q) ≡ –p ∨ –q

■ equivalence relation   n   logic, maths a relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive: it imposes a partition on its domain of definition so that two elements belong to the same subset if and only if the relation holds between them

■ equivalent air speed   n   the speed at sea level that would produce the same Pitot-static tube reading as that measured at altitude

■ equivalent circuit   n   an arrangement of simple electrical components that is electrically equivalent to a complex circuit and is used to simplify circuit analysis

■ equivalent focal length   n   optics the ratio of the size of an image of a small distant object near the optical axis to the angular distance of the object in radians

■ equivalent weight   n   the weight of an element or compound that will combine with or displace 8 grams of oxygen or 1.007 97 grams of hydrogen. Also called: gram equivalent

equivalve (ˈɛkwIˌvælv)   adj   equipped with identical valves (as with the bivalve mollusc)

equivocal (IˈkwIvəkəl)   adj   1 capable of varying interpretations; ambiguous   2 deliberately misleading or vague; evasive   3 of doubtful character or sincerity; dubious [C17: from Late Latin aequivocus, from Latin EQUI- + vōx voice]   > eˈquivocally adv   > eˌquivoˈcality or eˈquivocalness n

equivocate (IˈkwIvəˌkeIt)   vb   (intr) to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge [C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, EQUIVOCAL]   > eˈquivoˌcatingly adv   > eˈquivoˌcator n   > eˈquivocatory adj

■ equivocation (IˌkwIvəˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of equivocating   2 logic a fallacy based on the use of the same term in different senses, esp as the middle term of a syllogism, as the badger lives in the bank, and the bank is in the High Street, so the badger lives in the High Street

equivoque or equivoke (ˈɛkwIˌvəʊk)   n   1 a play on words; pun   2 an ambiguous phrase or expression   3 double meaning; ambiguity [C14: equivoc EQUIVOCAL]

Equuleus (ɛˈkwʊlIəs)   n, Latin genitive Equulei (ɛˈkwʊlIˌaI)   a small faint constellation in the N hemisphere between Pegasus and Aquarius [from Latin: a young horse, from equus horse]

er^1 (ə, ɜː)   interj   a sound made when hesitating in speech

er^2   the internet domain name for   Eritrea

Er   the chemical symbol for   erbium

ER   abbreviation for   1 (in the US) Emergency Room (in hospitals)   2 Elizabeth Regina   3 Eduardus Rex [Latin: Queen Elizabeth]

-er^1   suffix forming nouns   1 a person or thing that performs a specified action: reader; decanter; lighter   2 a person engaged in a profession, occupation, etc: writer; baker; bootlegger   3 a native or inhabitant of: islander; Londoner; villager   4 a person or thing having a certain characteristic: newcomer; double-decker; fiver [Old English -ere; related to German -er, Latin -ārius]

-er^2   suffix   forming the comparative degree of adjectives (deeper, freer, sunnier, etc) and adverbs (faster, slower, etc) [Old English -rd, -re (adj), -or (adv)]

era (ˈIərə)   n   1 a period of time considered as being of a distinctive character; epoch   2 an extended period of time the years of which are numbered from a fixed point or event: the Christian era   3 a point in time, esp one beginning a new or distinctive period: the discovery of antibiotics marked an era in modern medicine   4 geology a major division of geological time, divided into several periods: the Mesozoic era [C17: from Latin aera counters, plural of aes brass, pieces of brass money]

ERA (ˈiːrə)   n acronym for   1 (in Britain) Education Reform Act: the 1988 act which established the key elements of the National Curriculum   2 (in the US) Equal Rights Amendment: a proposed amendment to the US Constitution enshrining equality between the sexes

eradiate (IˈreIdIˌeIt)   vb   a less common word for radiate. Compare irradiate   > eˌradiˈation n

eradicate (IˈrædIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to obliterate; stamp out   2 to pull or tear up by the roots [C16: from Latin ērādīcāre to uproot, from EX-1 + rādīx root]   > eˈradicable adj   > eˈradicably adv   > eˌradiˈcation n   > eˈradicative adj   > eˈradiˌcator n

■ eradicant (IˈrædIkənt)   n   1 something that eradicates   ▷ adj   2 relating to something that eradicates

erase (IˈreIz)   vb   1 to obliterate or rub out (something written, typed, etc)   2 (tr) to destroy all traces of; remove completely: time erases grief   3 to remove (a recording) from (magnetic tape)   4 (tr) computing to replace (data) on a storage device with characters representing an absence of data [C17: from Latin ērādere to scrape off, from EX-1 + rādere to scratch, scrape]   > eˈrasable adj

■ erasability (IˌreIzəˈbIlItI)   n   the state of being erasable

■ erasement (IˈreIzmənt)   n   the act of erasing; demolition

■ eraser (IˈreIzə)   n   an object, such as a piece of rubber or felt, used for erasing something written, typed, etc: a pencil eraser

■ erasion (IˈreIʒən)   n   1 the act of erasing; erasure   2 the surgical scraping away of tissue, esp of bone

■ erasure (IˈreIʒə)   n   1 the act or an instance of erasing   2 the place or mark, as on a piece of paper, where something has been erased

Erasmus (Iˈræzməs)   n   Desiderius (ˌdɛzIˈdIərIəs), real name Gerhard Gerhards. ?1466–1536, Dutch humanist, the leading scholar of the Renaissance in northern Europe. He published the first Greek edition of the New Testament in 1516; his other works include the satirical Encomium Moriae (1509); Colloquia (1519), a series of dialogues; and an attack on the theology of Luther, De Libero Arbitrio (1524)

Erastianism (IˈræstIəˌnIzəm)   n   the theory that the state should have authority over the church in ecclesiastical matters [C17: named after Thomas Erastus (1524–83), Swiss theologian to whom such views were attributed]   > Eˈrastian n, adj

erathem (ˈIərəˌθɛm)   n   geology the stratum of rocks representing a specific geological era

Erato (ˈɛrəˌtəʊ)   n   Greek myth the Muse of love poetry

Eratosthenes (ˌɛrəˈtɒsθIˌniːz)   n   ?276–?194 BC, Greek mathematician and astronomer, who calculated the circumference of the earth by observing the angle of the sun's rays at different places

erbia (ˈɜːbIə)   n   chem an oxide of erbium

Erbil, Irbil (ˈɜːbIl) or Arbil   n   a city in N Iraq; important in Assyrian times; de facto capital of Iraq's Kurdistan region. Pop: 850 000 (2015 est). Ancient name: Arbela

erbium (ˈɜːbIəm)   n   a soft malleable silvery-white element of the lanthanide series of metals: used in special alloys, room-temperature lasers, and as a pigment. Symbol: Er; atomic no: 68; atomic wt: 167.26; valency: 3; relative density: 9.006; melting pt: 1529°C; boiling pt: 2868°C [C19: from New Latin, from (Ytt)erb(y), Sweden, where it was first found + -IUM]

Erciyes Daği or Erciyas Daği (Turkish ˈɛrdʒijɑs dɑːˈi)   n   an extinct volcano in central Turkey. Height 3917 m (12 851 ft)

ERCP   abbreviation for   endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

ERDF   abbreviation for   European Regional Development Fund: a fund to provide money for specific projects for work on the infrastructure in countries of the European Union

Erdoğan (ˈɛərdəwæn)   n   Recep Tayyip (reˈdʒep tɑjˈjip). born 1954, Turkish statesman; prime minister (2003–14); president from 2014

ere (ɛə)   conj, prep   a poetic word for before [Old English ǣr; related to Old Norse ār early, Gothic airis earlier, Old High German ēr earlier, Greek ēri early]

e-reader   n   a portable device that allows users to download and read texts in electronic form [C21: from E-2 + READER]

Erebus^1 (ˈɛrIbəs)   n   Mount Erebus a volcano in Antarctica, on Ross Island: discovered by Sir James Ross in 1841 and named after his ship. Height: 3794 m (12 448 ft)

Erebus^2 (ˈɛrIbəs)   n Greek myth   1 the god of darkness, son of Chaos and brother of Night   2 the darkness below the earth, thought to be the abode of the dead or the region they pass through on their way to Hades

Erechtheum (IˈrɛkθIəm, ˌɛrəkˈθiːəm) or Erechtheion (IˈrɛkθIən, ˌɛrəkˈθiːən)   n   a temple on the Acropolis at Athens, which has a porch of caryatids

Erechtheus (ɛˈrɛkθjuːs, -θIəs)   n   Greek myth a king of Athens who sacrificed one of his daughters because the oracle at Delphi said this was the only way to win the war against the Eleusinians

erect (Iˈrɛkt)   adj   1 upright in posture or position; not bent or leaning: an erect stance   2 (of an optical image) having the same orientation as the object; not inverted   3 physiol (of the penis, clitoris, or nipples) firm or rigid after swelling with blood, esp as a result of sexual excitement   4 (of plant parts) growing vertically or at right angles to the parts from which they arise   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   5 to put up; construct; build   6 to raise to an upright position; lift up: to erect a flagpole   7 to found or form; set up   8 (also intr) physiol to become or cause to become firm or rigid by filling with blood   9 to hold up as an ideal; exalt   10 optics to change (an inverted image) to an upright position   11 to draw or construct (a line, figure, etc) on a given line or figure, esp at right angles to it [C14: from Latin ērigere to set up, from regere to control, govern]   > eˈrectable adj   > eˈrectly adv   > eˈrectness n

■ erectile (IˈrɛktaIl)   adj   1 physiol (of tissues or organs, such as the penis or clitoris) capable of becoming rigid or erect as the result of being filled with blood   2 capable of being erected   > erectility (IrɛkˈtIlItI, ˌiːrɛk-) n

■ erectile impotence   n   impotence caused by the inability of the penis to become sufficiently firm to penetrate the vagina

■ erection (Iˈrɛkʃən)   n   1 the act of erecting or the state of being erected   2 something that has been erected; a building or construction   3 physiol the enlarged state or condition of erectile tissues or organs, esp the penis, when filled with blood   4 an erect penis

■ erective (IˈrɛktIv)   adj   producing erections; tending to erect

■ erector or erecter (Iˈrɛktə)   n   1 anatomy any muscle that raises a part or makes it erect   2 a person or thing that erects

E region or E layer   n   a region of the ionosphere, extending from a height of 90 to about 150 kilometres. It reflects radio waves of medium wavelength. Also called: Heaviside layer, Kennelly-Heaviside layer. See also ionosphere

erelong (ɛəˈlɒŋ)   adv   archaic or poetic before long; soon

eremacausis (ˌɛrIməˈkɔːsIs)   n   chem a slow oxidation caused by exposure to water and air

eremic (ɛˈriːmIk)   adj   pertaining to deserts

eremite (ˈɛrIˌmaIt)   n   a Christian hermit or recluse. Compare coenobite [C13: see HERMIT]   > eremitic (ˌɛrIˈmItIk) or ˌereˈmitical adj   > eremitism (ˈɛrImaIˌtIzəm) n

■ eremital (ˈɛrIˌmaItəl)   adj   ecclesiast of, or relating to, an eremite

■ eremitish (ˈɛrIˌmaItIʃ)   adj   resembling an eremite

eremurus (ˌɛrIˈmjʊərəs)   n   a type of herb from the Liliaceae family

Erenburg (ˈɛrənbɜːɡ; Russian erInˈburk)   n   a variant spelling of (Ilya Grigorievich) Ehrenburg

erenow (ˌɛəˈnaʊ)   adv   obsolete before the present

erepsin (IˈrɛpsIn)   n   a mixture of proteolytic enzymes secreted by the small intestine [C20 er-, from Latin ēripere to snatch (from rapere to seize) + (P)EPSIN]

erethism (ˈɛrIˌθIzəm)   n   1 physiol an abnormally high degree of irritability or sensitivity in any part of the body   2 psychiatry   a a personality disorder resulting from mercury poisoning   b an abnormal tendency to become aroused quickly, esp sexually, as the result of a verbal or psychic stimulus [C18: from French éréthisme, from Greek erethismos irritation, from erethizein to excite, irritate]   > ˌereˈthismic, ˌereˈthistic, ˌereˈthitic or ˈerethic adj

Eretria (IˈrɛtrIə)   n   an ancient city in Greece, on the S coast of Euboea: founded as an Ionian colony; destroyed by the Persians in 490 BC following which it never regained its former significance

Eretz Yisrael or Eretz Israel Hebrew (ˈɛrets jisˈrɑeIl; Yiddish ˈɛrets jisrɑˈeIl)   n Judaism   1 the Holy Land; Israel   2 the concept, favoured by some extreme Zionists, of a Jewish state the territory of which matched the largest expanse of biblical Israel [literally: Land of Israel]

erev (ˈɛrɛv)   n   (in combination) Judaism the day before; the eve of: erev Shabbat (the Sabbath eve, i.e., Friday); erev Pesach (the day before Passover) [from Hebrew]

Erevan (Russian jIrIˈvan)   n   a variant spelling of Yerevan

erewhile (ɛəˈwaIl) or erewhiles   adv   archaic a short time ago; a little while before

erf (ɜːf)   n, pl erven (ˈɜːvən)   South African a plot of land, usually urban, marked off for building purposes [Afrikaans]

Erf (ɜːf)   n acronym for   electrorheological fluid: a man-made liquid that thickens or solidifies when an electric current passes through it and returns to a liquid when the current ceases

Erfurt (German ˈɛrfʊrt)   n   an industrial city in central Germany, the capital of Thuringia: university (1392). Pop: 201 645 (2003 est)

erg^1 (ɜːɡ)   n   the cgs unit of work or energy. 1 erg is equivalent to 10–7 joule [C19: from Greek ergon work]

erg^2 (ɜːɡ)   n, pl ergs or areg   an area of shifting sand dunes in a desert, esp the Sahara [C19: from Arabic `irj]

erg^3 (ɜːɡ)   n   informal short for ergometer (sense 2)

ergastic (ɜːˈɡæstIk)   adj   biology consisting of the non-living by-products of protoplasmic activity

ergastoplasm (ɜːˈɡæstəˌplæzəm)   n   biology endoplasm that is associated with protein synthesis

■ ergastoplasmic (ɜːˌɡæstəˈplæzmIk)   adj   biology relating to endoplasm that is associated with protein synthesis

ergatandromorph (ˌɜːɡəˈtændrəˌmɔːf)   n   entomol an ant with the characteristics of both worker and male

ergataner (ˌɜːɡəˈteInə, ˌɜːɡəˈtɑːnə)   n   entomol a wingless male ant

ergate (ˈɜːɡeIt)   n   entomol a worker ant

ergative (ˈɜːɡətIv) linguistics   adj   1 denoting a type of verb that takes the same noun as either direct object or as subject, with equivalent meaning. Thus, "fuse" is an ergative verb: "He fused the lights" and "The lights fused" have equivalent meaning   2 denoting a case of nouns in certain languages, for example, Inuktitut or Basque, marking a noun used interchangeably as either the direct object of a transitive verb or the subject of an intransitive verb   3 denoting a language that has ergative verbs or ergative nouns   ▷ n   4 an ergative verb   5 an ergative noun or case of nouns [C20: from Greek ergatēs a workman + -IVE]

■ ergativity (ˌɜːɡəˈtIvItI)   n   grammar the state of being ergative

ergatocracy (ˌɜːɡəˈtɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   rare government by the workers [C20: from Greek ergatēs a workman, from ergon work, deed + -CRACY]

ergatogyne (ˌɜːɡətəˈdʒaInI)   n   entomol a wingless, worker-like ant with female characteristics

ergatoid (ˈɜːɡəˌtɔId) entomol   n   1 a wingless, worker-like ant with sexual capability   ▷ adj   2 having the characteristics of a wingless, worker-like ant with sexual capability

ergatomorph (ˈɜːɡətəˌmɔːf)   n   entomol an ergatoid ant

■ ergatomorphic (ˌɜːɡətəˈmɔːfIk)   adj   entomol pertaining to an ergatomorph

ergo^1 (ˈɜːɡəʊ)   sentence connector   therefore; hence [C14: from Latin: therefore]

ergo^2 (ˈɜːɡəʊ)   n   informal short for ergometer (sense 2)

ergodic (ɜːˈɡɒdIk)   adj   maths of or relating to the probability that any state will recur

■ ergodicity (ˌɜːɡəˈdIsItI)   n   maths the state of being ergodic

ergogenic (ˌɜːɡəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   giving energy

ergogram (ˌɜːɡəʊˈɡræm)   n   a tracing produced by an ergograph

ergograph (ˈɜːɡəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   an instrument that measures and records the amount of work a muscle does during contraction, its rate of fatigue, etc

ergomania (ˌɜːɡəʊˈmeInIə)   n   an excessive desire to work or exercise

■ ergomaniac (ˌɜːɡəʊˈmeInIæk)   n   one with an excessive desire to work or exercise

ergometer (ɜːˈɡɒmItə)   n   1 a dynamometer   2 Also called: (informal) erg, ergo a type of exercise machine in which the action of rowing is simulated by the pulling of a strong flexible cord wound round a flywheel [C20: from Greek ergon work + -METER]

■ ergometric (ˌɜːɡəʊˈmɛtrIk)   adj   relating to a measure of work or energy

■ ergometry (ɜːˈɡɒmətrI)   n   a measure of work or energy

ergon (ˈɜːɡɒn)   n   a unit of work or energy

ergonomics (ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the relationship between workers and their environment, esp the equipment they use. Also called: biotechnology [C20: from Greek ergon work + (ECO)NOMICS]   > ergonomist (ɜːˈɡɒnəmIst) n

■ ergonomic (ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmIk)   adj   1 of or relating to ergonomics   2 designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency

■ ergonomically (ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmIkəlI)   adv   in a way that minimizes physical effort or discomfort and maximizes efficiency

ergonovine (ɜːˈɡɒnəˌvaIn)   n   med an alkaloid from ergot that is used to treat migraines

ergophobia (ˌɜːɡəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   an irrational and persistent fear of work

ergosterol (ɜːˈɡɒstəˌrɒl)   n   a plant sterol that is converted into vitamin D by the action of ultraviolet radiation. Formula: C_28H_43OH

ergot (ˈɜːɡət, -ɡɒt)   n   1 a disease of cereals and other grasses caused by ascomycete fungi of the genus Claviceps, esp C. purpurea, in which the seeds or grain of the plants are replaced by the spore-containing bodies (sclerotia) of the fungus   2 any fungus causing this disease   3 the dried sclerotia of C. purpurea, used as the source of certain alkaloids used to treat haemorrhage, facilitate uterine contraction in childbirth, etc [C17: from French: spur (of a cock), of unknown origin]

■ ergotic (ɜːˈɡɒtIk)   adj   relating to ergot

■ ergotism (ˈɜːɡəˌtIzəm)   n   ergot poisoning, producing either burning pains and eventually gangrene in the limbs or itching skin and convulsions. Also called: Saint Anthony's fire

■ ergotize or ergotise (ˈɜːɡəˌtaIz)   vb   1 (tr) plant pathol to affect with ergot   2 (intr) to dispute angrily

ergotamine (ɜːˈɡɒtəˌmiːn)   n   med an alkaloid from ergot that is used to treat migraines

Erhard (German ˈeːrhart)   n   Ludwig (ˈluːtvIç). 1897–1977, German statesman: chief architect of the Wirtschaftswunder ("economic miracle") of West Germany's recovery after World War II; chancellor (1963–66)

erhu (ˈɜːhuː)   n   a two-stringed Chinese musical instrument

eric or eriach (ˈɛrIk)   n   (in old Irish law) a fine paid by a murderer to the family of his or her victim. Compare wergild [C16: from Irish eiric]

Eric XIV (ˈɛrIk)   n   1533–77, king of Sweden (1560–68). His attempts to dominate the Baltic led to war with Denmark (1563–70); deposed and imprisoned

erica (ˈɛrIkə)   n   any shrub of the ericaceous genus Erica, including the heaths and some heathers [C19: via Latin from Greek ereikē heath]

■ ericaceous (ˌɛrIˈkeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Ericaceae, a family of trees and shrubs with typically bell-shaped flowers: includes heather, rhododendron, azalea, and arbutus [C19: from New Latin Erīcāceae, from Latin erīca heath, from Greek ereikē]

ericoid (ˈɛrIˌkɔId)   adj   botany (of leaves) small and tough, resembling those of heather

Ericson or Ericsson (ˈɛrIksən)   n   Leif (liːf). 10th–11th centuries AD, Norse navigator, who discovered Vinland (?1000), variously identified as the coast of New England, Labrador, or Newfoundland; son of Eric the Red

Eric the Red (ˈɛrIk)   n   ?940–?1010 AD, Norse navigator: discovered and colonized Greenland; father of Leif Ericson

Eridanus (ɛˈrIdənəs)   n, Latin genitive Eridani (ɛˈrIdəˌnaI)   a long twisting constellation in the S hemisphere extending from Orion to Hydrus and containing the first magnitude star Achernar [from Greek Eridanos river in Italy (sometimes identified with the Po) into which, according to legend, Phaëthon fell]

Erie^1 (ˈIərI)   n   1 (pl Eries or Erie) a member of a Native American people formerly living south of Lake Erie   2 the language of this people, possibly belonging to the Iroquoian family

Erie^2 (ˈIərI)   n   1 Lake Erie a lake between the US and Canada: the southernmost and the shallowest of the Great Lakes; empties by the Niagara River into Lake Ontario. Area: 25 718 sq km (9930 sq miles)   2 a port in NW Pennsylvania, on Lake Erie. Pop: 101 373 (2003 est)

■ Erie Canal   n   a canal in New York State between Albany and Buffalo, linking the Hudson River with Lake Erie. Length: 579 km (360 miles)

Erigena (ˌɛrIˈdʒiːnə)   n   John Scotus. ?800–?877 AD, Irish Neo-Platonist philosopher

erigeron (IˈrIdʒərən, -ˈrIɡ-)   n   any plant of the genus Erigeron, whose flowers resemble asters but have narrower rays: family Asteraceae (composites). See also fleabane (sense 1) [C17: via Latin from Greek, from ēri early + gerōn old man; from the white down characteristic of some species]

Eriksson (ˈɛrIksən)   n   Sven-Goran (ˈsfɛnˈɡɜːrən). born 1948, Swedish football manager; honours as a club manager include the UEFA Cup (1982) with Gothenburg, three Portuguese league titles with Benfica (1983, 1984, 1990), and the Italian league with Lazio (2000); head coach of the England national team (2001–06)

Erin (ˈIərIn, ˈɛərIn)   n   an archaic or poetic name for Ireland^1 [from Irish Gaelic Éirinn, dative of Ériu Ireland]

erinaceous (ˌɛrIˈneIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling hedgehogs [C18: from Latin ērināceus hedgehog]

eringo (IˈrIŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -goes or -gos   a variant spelling of eryngo

erinite (ˈɛrIˌnaIt)   n   mineralogy an arsenate of copper

erinus (IˈraInəs)   n   any plant of the scrophulariaceous genus Erinus, native to S Africa and S Europe, esp E. alpinus, grown as a rock plant for its white, purple, or carmine flowers [New Latin, from Greek erinos, an unidentified plant]

Erinyes (IˈrInIˌiːz)   pl n, sing Erinys (IˈrInIs, IˈraI-)   myth another name for the Furies

eriometer (ˌɛrIˈɒmətə)   n   optics a device for measuring the diameters of minute particles or fibres

erionite (ˈɛrIəˌnaIt)   n   mineralogy a common form of zeolite

eriophorum (ˌɛrIˈɒfərəm)   n   cotton grass

■ eriophorous (ˌɛrIˈɒfərəs)   adj   relating to cotton grass

eriophyid (ˌɛrIˈɒfIId)   n   plant pathol a type of microscopic mite that causes plant damage

eriostemon (ɛrIˈɒstəmən)   n   Austral any rutaceous shrub of the mainly Australian genus Eriostemon, having waxy white or pink flowers. Also called: wax flower [New Latin, from Greek erion wool + stemon stamen]

Eris^1 (ˈɛrIs)   n   the second-largest dwarf planet in the solar system, located beyond the Kuiper belt; discovered in 2005, it has a diameter of 2326 km

Eris^2 (ˈɛrIs)   n   Greek myth the goddess of discord, sister of Ares

Eriskay pony (ˌɛrIsˈkeI)   n   a breed of medium-sized pony, typically grey, with a dense waterproof coat. The Eriskay is the only surviving variety of the native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland

eristic (ɛˈrIstIk)   adj also eristical   1 of, relating, or given to controversy or logical disputation, esp for its own sake   ▷ n   2 a person who engages in logical disputes; a controversialist   3 the art or practice of logical disputation, esp if specious [C17: from Greek eristikos, from erizein to wrangle, from eris discord]

■ eristically (ɛˈrIstIkəlI)   adv   in an eristic manner

Eritrea (ˌɛrIˈtreIə)   n   a small country in NE Africa, on the Red Sea: became an Italian colony in 1890; federated with Ethiopia (1952–93); an independence movement was engaged in war with the Ethiopian government from 1961 until independence was gained in 1993; consists of hot and arid coastal lowlands, rising to the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands. Languages: Tigrinya, Arabic, English, Afar, and others. Religions: Muslim and Christian. Currency: nakfa. Capital: Asmara. Pop: 5 068 831 (2017 est). Area: 117 400 sq km (45 300 sq miles)

■ Eritrean (ˌɛrIˈtreIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Eritrea or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Eritrea

Erivan (Russian jIrIˈvan)   n   a variant spelling of Yerevan

erk (ɜːk)   n   Brit slang an aircraftman or naval rating [C20: perhaps a corruption of AC (aircraftman)]

erlang (ˈɜːlæŋ)   n   a unit of traffic intensity in a telephone system equal to the intensity for a specific period when the average number of simultaneous calls is unity. Abbreviation: e [C20: named after A. K. Erlang (1878–1929), Danish mathematician]

Erlangen (German ˈɛrlaŋən)   n   a town in central Germany, in Bavaria: university (1743). Pop: 102 449 (2003 est)

Erlanger (ˈɜːlæŋə)   n   Joseph. 1874–1965, US physiologist. He shared a Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1944) with Gasser for their work on the electrical signs of nervous activity

Erlenmeyer flask (ˈɜːlənˌmaIə)   n   a flask, for use in a laboratory, with a narrow neck, wide base, and conical shape; conical flask [C19: named after Emil Erlenmeyer (1825–1909), German chemist]

erlking (ˈɜːlˌkIŋ)   n   German myth a malevolent spirit who carries children off to death [C18: from German Erlkönig, literally: alder king, coined in 1778 by Herder, a mistranslation of Danish ellerkonge king of the elves]

ERM   abbreviation for   Exchange Rate Mechanism

Ermanaric (əˈmænərIk)   n   died ?375 AD, king of the Ostrogoths: ruled an extensive empire in eastern Europe, which was overrun by the Huns in the 370s

ermelin (ˈɜːməlIn)   n archaic   1 an ermine   2 the fur of the ermine

ermine (ˈɜːmIn)   n, pl -mines or -mine   1 the stoat in northern regions, where it has a white winter coat with a black-tipped tail   2 the fur of this animal   3 one of the two principal furs used on heraldic shields, conventionally represented by a white field flecked with black ermine tails. Compare vair   4 the dignity or office of a judge, noble, or king   5 short for ermine moth [C12: from Old French hermine, from Medieval Latin Armenius (mūs) Armenian (mouse)]

■ ermined (ˈɜːmInd)   adj   clad in the fur of the ermine

■ ermine moth   n   1 Also called: ermine an arctiid moth of the genus Spilosoma, characterized by dark spots on the light coloured wings, and producing woolly bear caterpillars   2 small ermine an unrelated micro, Yponomeuta padella

Ermite (ˈɜːmaIt)   n   a salty blue cheese made in Quebec, Canada [via Canadian French from French ermite hermit, the cheese being made originally by monks]

Ermoupoli (ɛrˈmupɔli)   n   the modern Greek name for Hermoupolis

erne or ern (ɜːn)   n   another name for the (European) sea eagle [Old English earn; related to Old Norse örn eagle, Old High German aro eagle, Greek ornis bird]

Erne (ɜːn)   n   a river in N central Republic of Ireland, rising in County Cavan and flowing north across the border, through Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne and then west to Donegal Bay. Length: about 96 km (60 miles)

Ernie (ˈɜːnI)   n   (in Britain) the computer that randomly selects winning numbers of Premium Bonds [C20: acronym of Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment]

Ernst (German ɛrnst)   n   Max (maks). 1891–1976, German painter, resident in France and the US, a prominent exponent of Dada and surrealism: developed the technique of collage

ERO   abbreviation for (in New Zealand)   Education Review Office

erode (Iˈrəʊd)   vb   1 to grind or wear down or away or become ground or worn down or away   2 to deteriorate or cause to deteriorate: jealousy eroded the relationship   3 (tr; usually passive) pathol to remove (tissue) by ulceration [C17: from Latin ērōdere, from EX-1 + rōdere to gnaw]   > eˈrodent adj, n   > eˈrodible or eˈrodable adj

■ erodibility (IˌrəʊdəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to erode

■ erosible (IˈrəʊzIbəl)   adj   able to be eroded

■ erosion (Iˈrəʊʒən)   n   1 the wearing away of rocks and other deposits on the earth's surface by the action of water, ice, wind, etc   2 the act or process of eroding or the state of being eroded   > eˈrosive or eˈrosional adj

■ erosivity (ˌiːrəʊˈzIvItI) or erosiveness (IˈrəʊzIvnəs)   n   1 the ability to cause erosion   2 the susceptibility to erosion

erodium (IˈrəʊdIəm)   n   a geranium of the genus Erodium

erogenous (IˈrɒdʒInəs) or erogenic (ˌɛrəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 sensitive to sexual stimulation: erogenous zones of the body   2 arousing sexual desire or giving sexual pleasure [C19: from Greek erōs love, desire + -GENOUS]   > erogeneity (ˌɛrədʒIˈniːItI) n

Eros (ˈIərɒs, ˈɛrɒs)   n   1 Greek myth the god of love, son of Aphrodite. Roman counterpart: Cupid   2 Also called: life instinct (in Freudian theory) the group of instincts, esp sexual, that govern acts of self-preservation and that tend towards uninhibited enjoyment of life. Compare Thanatos [Greek: desire, sexual love]

Eros-433   n   an asteroid with an orbital period around the sun of 1.76 years. The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft made the first asteroid landing on Eros on 12 Feb 2001

erose (Iˈrəʊs, -ˈrəʊz)   adj   jagged or uneven, as though gnawed or bitten: erose leaves [C18: from Latin ērōsus eaten away, from ērōdere to ERODE]   > eˈrosely adv

erostrate (IˈrɒsˌtreIt)   adj   botany without a beak

erotema (ˌɛrəʊˈtiːmə), eroteme (ˈɛrəʊˌtiːm) or erotesis (ˌɛrəʊˈtiːsIs)   n   rhetoric a rhetorical question [C16: New Latin, from Greek, from erōtain to ask]

■ erotetic (ˌɛrəʊˈtɛtIk)   adj   1 rhetoric pertaining to a rhetorical question   2 grammar, philosophy pertaining to questions; interrogative

erotic (IˈrɒtIk)   adj also erotical   1 of, concerning, or arousing sexual desire or giving sexual pleasure   2 marked by strong sexual desire or being especially sensitive to sexual stimulation   ▷ n   3 a person who has strong sexual desires or is especially responsive to sexual stimulation [C17: from Greek erōtikos of love, from erōs love]   > eˈrotically adv

■ erotica (IˈrɒtIkə)   pl n   explicitly sexual literature or art [C19: from Greek erōtika, neuter plural of erōtikos EROTIC]

■ eroticism (IˈrɒtIˌsIzəm) or erotism (ˈɛrəˌtIzəm)   n   1 erotic quality or nature   2 the use of sexually arousing or pleasing symbolism in literature or art   3 sexual excitement or desire   4 a tendency to exalt sex   5 psychol an overt display of sexual behaviour

■ eroticist (IˈrɒtIsIst)   n   1 one who indulges in eroticism   2 art, literature one who uses erotic imagery in art or literature

■ eroticize or eroticise (IˈrɒtIˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to regard or present in a sexual way   > eˌroticiˈzation or eˌroticiˈsation n

■ erotization or erotisation (ˌɛrətaIˈzeIʃən, ˌɛrətIˈzeIʃən)   n   the action or generation of sexual arousal

■ erotize or erotise (ˈɛrəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to transform into erotic feeling

eroto-   combining form   denoting erotic desire, excitement, etc: erotogenic; erotology [from Greek erōt-, erōs love]

erotogenic (IˌrɒtəˈdʒɛnIk) or erotogenous (ˌɛrəˈtɒdʒInəs)   adj   originating from or causing sexual stimulation; erogenous

erotology (ˌɛrəˈtɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of erotic stimuli and sexual behaviour   2 a description of such stimuli and behaviour   > erotological (ˌɛrətəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌerotˈologist n

erotomania (IˌrɒtəʊˈmeInIə)   n   1 abnormally strong sexual desire   2 a condition in which a person is obsessed with another person and groundlessly believes that person to be in love with him or her   > eˌrotoˈmaniac n

erotophobia (IˌrɒtəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   an abnormal fear of sexuality

err (ɜː)   vb (intr)   1 to make a mistake; be incorrect   2 to stray from the right course or accepted standards; sin   3 to act with bias, esp favourable bias: to err on the side of justice [C14: erren to wander, stray, from Old French errer, from Latin errāre]

■ errable (ˈɛrəbəl)   adj   capable of making a mistake

■ erring (ˈɜːrIŋ)   adj   1 straying from the right moral course or accepted standards   2 unfaithful

■ erringly (ˈɜːrIŋlI)   adv   in an erring way

errand (ˈɛrənd)   n   1 a short trip undertaken to perform a necessary task or commission (esp in the phrase run errands)   2 the purpose or object of such a trip [Old English ǣrende; related to ār messenger, Old Norse erendi message, Old High German ārunti, Swedish ärende]

■ errand boy   n   (in Britain, esp formerly) a boy employed by a shopkeeper to deliver goods and run other errands

errant (ˈɛrənt)   adj (often postpositive)   1 archaic or literary wandering in search of adventure   2 erring or straying from the right course or accepted standards [C14: from Old French: journeying, from Vulgar Latin iterāre (unattested), from Latin iter journey; influenced by Latin errāre to ERR]   > ˈerrantly adv

■ errancy (ˈɛrənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the state or an instance of erring or a tendency to err   2 Christianity the holding of views at variance with accepted doctrine

■ errantry (ˈɛrəntrI)   n, pl -ries   the way of life of a knight errant

errata (Iˈrɑːtə)   n   the plural of erratum

erratic (IˈrætIk)   adj also erratical   1 irregular in performance, behaviour, or attitude; inconsistent and unpredictable   2 having no fixed or regular course; wandering   ▷ n   3 a piece of rock that differs in composition, shape, etc, from the rock surrounding it, having been transported from its place of origin, esp by glacial action   4 an erratic person or thing [C14: from Latin errāticus, from errāre to wander, ERR]   > erˈratically adv

■ erraticism (IˈrætIsIzəm)   n   the action or tendency to be erratic

erratum (Iˈrɑːtəm)   n, pl -ta (-tə)   1 an error in writing or printing   2 another name for corrigendum [C16: from Latin: mistake, from errāre to ERR]

errhine (ˈɛraIn, ˈɛrIn) med obsolete   adj   1 causing nasal secretion   ▷ n   2 an errhine drug or agent [C17: from Greek errhinos, from EN-2 + rhis nose]

Er Rif (ɛə rIf)   n   a mountainous region of N Morocco, near the Mediterranean coast

erroneous (IˈrəʊnIəs)   adj   based on or containing error; mistaken; incorrect [C14: (in the sense: deviating from what is right), from Latin errōneus, from errāre to wander]   > erˈroneously adv   > erˈroneousness n

error (ˈɛrə)   n   1 a mistake or inaccuracy, as in action or speech: a typing error   2 an incorrect belief or wrong judgment   3 the condition of deviating from accuracy or correctness, as in belief, action, or speech: he was in error about the train times   4 deviation from a moral standard; wrongdoing: he saw the error of his ways   5 maths, statistics a measure of the difference between some quantity and an approximation to or estimate of it, often expressed as a percentage: an error of 5%   6 statistics See type I error, type II error [C13: from Latin, from errāre to ERR]   > ˌerror-ˈfree adj

■ error correction   n   computing the automatic correction of errors in data that arise from missing or distorted digital pulses

■ errorist (ˈɛrərIst)   n   one who makes errors

■ errorless (ˈɛrəlIs)   adj   without error

■ error message   n computing   a message displayed on a visual display unit, printout, etc, indicating that an incorrect instruction has been given to the computer

■ error of closure   n   surveying the amount by which a computed, plotted, or observed quantity or position differs from the true or established one, esp when plotting a closed traverse. Also called: closing error

ERS   abbreviation for   Earnings Related Supplement

ersatz (ˈɛəzæts, ˈɜː-)   adj   1 made in imitation of some natural or genuine product; artificial   ▷ n   2 an ersatz substance or article [C20: German, from ersetzen to substitute]

Erse (ɜːs)   n   1 another name for Irish Gaelic   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Irish Gaelic language [C14: from Lowland Scots Erisch Irish; Irish being regarded as the literary form of Gaelic]

Ershad (ˈɜːʃæd)   n   Hussain Mohammed. born 1930, Bangladeshi soldier and statesman. He seized power in a coup in 1982, becoming president in 1983. He was deposed in 1990 and has served prison sentences for corruption

Erskine (ˈɜːskIn)   n   Thomas, 1st Baron. 1750–1823, Scottish lawyer: noted as a defence advocate, esp in cases involving civil liberties

erst or earst (ɜːst)   adv archaic   1 long ago; formerly   2 at first [Old English ǣrest earliest, superlative of ǣr early; see ERE; related to Old High German ērist, Dutch eerst]

erstwhile (ˈɜːstˌwaIl)   adj   1 former; one-time: my erstwhile companions   ▷ adv   2 archaic long ago; formerly

Erté (ɛrte)   n   real name Romain de Tirtoff. 1892–1990, French fashion illustrator and designer, born in Russia, noted for his extravagant costumes and tableaux for the Folies-Bergère in Paris

erubescence (ˌɛrʊˈbɛsəns) or erubescency (ˌɛrʊˈbɛsənsI)   n   the process of growing red or a condition of redness [C18: from Latin ērubescentia blushing, from rubēscere to grow red, from ruber red]   > ˌeruˈbescent adj

erubescite (ˌɛrʊˈbɛsaIt)   n   mineralogy a copper ore that tarnishes to purple when exposed to oxygen

erucic acid (IˈruːsIk)   n   a crystalline fatty acid derived from the oils of rapeseed, mustard seed, and wallflower seed

eruciform (IˈruːsIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a caterpillar

eruct (Iˈrʌkt) or eructate   vb   1 to raise (gas and often a small quantity of acid) from the stomach; belch   2 (of a volcano) to pour out (fumes or volcanic matter) [C17: from Latin ēructāre, from ructāre to belch]   > eructation (IrʌkˈteIʃən, ˌiːrʌk-) n   > eructative (IˈrʌktətIv) adj

erudite (ˈɛrʊˌdaIt)   adj   having or showing extensive scholarship; learned [C15: from Latin ērudītus, from ērudīre to polish, from EX-1 + rudis unpolished, rough]   > ˈeruˌditely adv   > erudition (ˌɛrʊˈdIʃən) or ˈeruˌditeness n

erugo (Iˈruːɡəʊ)   n   verdigris

erumpent (Iˈrʌmpənt)   adj   bursting out or (esp of plant parts) developing as though bursting through an overlying structure [C17: from Latin ērumpere to burst forth, from rumpere to shatter, burst]

erupt (Iˈrʌpt)   vb   1 to eject (steam, water, and volcanic material such as lava and ash) violently or (of volcanic material, etc) to be so ejected   2 (intr) (of a skin blemish) to appear on the skin; break out   3 (intr) (of a tooth) to emerge through the gum and become visible during the normal process of tooth development   4 (intr) to burst forth suddenly and violently, as from restraint: to erupt in anger [C17: from Latin ēruptus having burst forth, from ērumpere, from rumpere to burst]   > eˈruptible adj   > eˈruption n

■ eruptional (Iˈrʌpʃənəl)   adj   relating to volcanic eruption

■ eruptive (IˈrʌptIv)   adj   1 erupting or tending to erupt   2 resembling or of the nature of an eruption   3 (of rocks) formed from such products as ash and lava resulting from volcanic eruptions   4 (of a disease) characterized by skin eruptions   > eˈruptively adv   > eˌrupˈtivity or eˈruptiveness n

eruv (ˈɛəruːv, ˈɛruːv)   n   Judaism an area, circumscribed by a symbolic line, within which certain activities forbidden to Orthodox Jews on the Sabbath are permitted [C20: from Hebrew, literally: mixture, mixing]

ervalenta (ˌɜːvəˈlɛntə)   n   a former name for revalenta

ervil (ˈɜːvIl)   n   a type of vetch, Vicia ervilia

-ery or -ry   suffix forming nouns   1 indicating a place of business or some other activity: bakery; brewery; refinery   2 indicating a class or collection of things: cutlery; greenery   3 indicating qualities or actions collectively: snobbery; trickery   4 indicating a practice or occupation: husbandry   5 indicating a state or condition: slavery [from Old French -erie; see -ER^1, -Y^3]

Erymanthus (ˌɛrIˈmænθəs)   n   Mount Erymanthus a mountain in SW Greece, in the NW Peloponnese. Height: 2224 m (7297 ft). Modern Greek name: Erímanthos (eˈrimanθɔs)

■ Erymanthian boar (ˌɛrIˈmænθIən)   n   Greek myth a wild boar that ravaged the district around Mount Erymanthus: captured by Hercules as his fourth labour

eryngium (IˈrIndʒIəm)   n   any plant of the temperate and subtropical perennial umbelliferous genus Eryngium, with distinctive spiny foliage, metallic blue flower heads, and bluish stems, several species of which are grown as garden plants. See also sea holly [New Latin, from Latin ēryngion, from Greek ērungion a species of thistle]

eryngo (IˈrIŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -goes or -gos   any umbelliferous plant of the genus Eryngium, such as the sea holly, having toothed or lobed leaves. Also called: eringo [C16: from Latin ēryngion variety of thistle, from Greek ērungion, diminutive of ērungos thistle]

erysipelas (ˌɛrIˈsIpIləs)   n   an acute streptococcal infectious disease of the skin, characterized by fever, headache, vomiting, and purplish raised lesions, esp on the face. Also called: Saint Anthony's fire [C16: from Latin, from Greek erusipelas, from Greek erusi- red + -pelas skin]   > erysipelatous (ˌɛrIsIˈpɛlətəs) adj

erysipeloid (ˌɛrIˈsIpIˌlɔId)   n   an infective dermatitis mainly affecting the hands, characterized by inflammation and caused by the microorganism Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae on contaminated meat, poultry, or fish: most prevalent among fishermen and butchers

erythema (ˌɛrIˈθiːmə)   n   pathol redness of the skin, usually occurring in patches, caused by irritation or injury to the tissue [C18: from New Latin, from Greek eruthēma, from eruthros red]   > erythematic (ˌɛrIθIˈmætIk), erythematous (ˌɛrIˈθiːmətəs) or ˌeryˈthemal adj

■ erythemic (ˌɛrIˈθiːmIk)   adj   having the characteristics of erythema

erythorbate (ˌɛrIˈθɔːbeIt)   n   chem erythorbic acid: a food additive used as an antioxidant

erythraemia or esp US erythremia (ˌɛrIˈθriːmIə)   n   med polycythaemia vera. See polycythaemia

erythrina (ˌɛrIˈθraInə)   n   any tropical tree of the genus Erythrina with red flowers

erythrism (IˈrIθrIzəm)   n   abnormal red coloration, as in plumage or hair   > erythrismal (ˌɛrIˈθrIzməl) adj

■ erythristic (ˌɛrIˈθrIstIk)   adj   displaying erythrism

erythrite (IˈrIθraIt)   n   1 Also called: cobalt bloom a pink to purple secondary mineral consisting of hydrated cobalt arsenate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: Co_3(AsO_4)2.8H_2O   2 another name for erythritol

■ erythritic (ˌɛrIˈθrItIk)   adj   mineralogy relating to erythrite

erythritol (IˈrIθrIˌtɒl) or erythrite   n   a sweet crystalline compound extracted from certain algae and lichens and used in medicine to dilate the blood vessels of the heart; 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol. Formula: C_4H_10O_4

erythro- or erythr-   combining form   red: erythrocyte [from Greek eruthros red]

erythroblast (IˈrIθrəʊˌblæst)   n   a nucleated cell in bone marrow that develops into an erythrocyte   > eˌrythroˈblastic adj

■ erythroblastosis (IˌrIθrəʊblæˈstəʊsIs)   n   1 the abnormal presence of erythroblasts in the circulating blood   2 Also called: erythroblastosis fetalis an anaemic blood disease of a fetus or newborn child, characterized by erythroblasts in the circulating blood: caused by a blood incompatibility between mother and fetus

erythrocyte (IˈrIθrəʊˌsaIt)   n   a blood cell of vertebrates that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide, combined with the red pigment haemoglobin, to and from the tissues. Also called: red blood cell   > erythrocytic (IˌrIθrəʊˈsItIk) adj

erythrocytometer (IˌrIθrəʊsaIˈtɒmItə)   n   an instrument for counting the number or measuring the size of red blood cells in a sample of blood   > eˌrythrocyˈtometry n

erythroid (IˈrIθrɔId)   adj   1 red or reddish   2 biochem relating to erythrocytes

erythromelalgia (IˌrIθrəʊmɛlˈældʒə)   n   a condition resulting from excessive dilation of the blood vessels, usually affecting the extremities, which feel hot and painful

erythromycin (IˌrIθrəʊˈmaIsIn)   n   an antibiotic used in treating certain infections,sometimes as an alternative to penicillin. It is obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces erythreus. Formula: C_37M_67NO_13 [C20: from ERYTHRO- + Greek mukēs fungus + -IN]

erythron (IˈrIθrɒn)   n   biology red blood cells and their related tissues

erythronium (ˌɛrIˈθrəʊnIəm)   n   any plant of the bulbous genus Erythronium, with decoratively mottled leaves and cyclamen-like yellow, rose, purple, or white flowers: family Liliaceae. See also dogtooth violet [New Latin, from Greek erythros red]

erythropenia (IˌrIθrəʊˈpiːnIə)   n   the presence of decreased numbers of erythrocytes in the blood, as occurs in some forms of anaemia. Also called: erythrocytopenia [from ERYTHRO- + Greek penia poverty]

erythrophobia (IˌrIθrəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   1 the fear of blushing   2 an irrational fear of the colour red

erythropoiesis (IˌrIθrəʊpɔIˈiːsIs)   n   physiol the formation of red blood cells [C19: from ERYTHRO- + Greek poiēsis a making, from poiein to make]   > eˌrythropoiˈetic adj

erythropoietin (IˌrIθrəʊpɔIˈiːtIn)   n   a hormone, secreted by the kidney in response to low levels of oxygen in the tissues, that increases the rate of erythropoiesis. It has been used as a performance-enhancing drug for athletes and racehorses. Abbreviation: EPO

erythropsia (ˌɛrIˈθrɒpsIə)   n   med a defect of vision in which objects appear red

erythrosine (IˌrIθrəʊˈsaIn) or erythrosin (IˈrIθrəʊˌsIn)   n   chem a fluorone, tetraiodo-fluorescein, which is used as a red food colouring (E127) and in biological staining

Erzgebirge (German ˈeːrtsɡəbIrɡə)   pl n   a mountain range on the border between Germany and the Czech Republic: formerly rich in mineral resources. Highest peak: Mount Klínovec (Keilberg), 1244 m (4081 ft). Czech name: Krušné Hory. Also called: Ore Mountains

Erzurum (ˈɛəzʊrʊm)   n   a city in E Turkey: a strategic centre; scene of two major battles against Russian forces (1877 and 1916); important military base. Pop: 436 000 (2005 est)

es   the internet domain name for   Spain

Es   the chemical symbol for   einsteinium

ES   abbreviation for   El Salvador (international car registration)

-es   suffix   1 for nouns ending in ch, s, sh, z, postconsonantal y, for some nouns ending in a vowel, and nouns in f with v in the plural, a variant of -s^1: ashes; heroes; calves   2 for verbs ending in ch, s, sh, z, postconsonantal y, or a vowel, a variant of -s^1: preaches; steadies; echoes

ESA   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Environmentally Sensitive Area: an area that contains a natural feature, such as the habitat of a rare species, and which is protected by government regulations   2 European Space Agency

Esaki diode (IˈsɑːkI)   n   another name for tunnel diode [named after L. Esaki (born 1925), its Japanese designer]

Esau (ˈiːsɔː)   n   Bible son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob, to whom he sold his birthright (Genesis 25)

ESB   abbreviation for   electrical stimulation of the brain

Esbjerg (Danish ˈɛsbjɛr)   n   a port in SW Denmark, in Jutland on the North Sea: Denmark's chief fishing port. Pop: 72 550 (2004 est)

escabeche (ˌɛskəˈbɛtʃI)   n   (in Mexican cookery) pickled vegetables such as onions, carrots, jalapeño peppers, and garlic, typically served with fish [Spanish: pickled]

escadrille (ˌɛskəˈdrIl; French ɛskadrij)   n   1 a French squadron of aircraft, esp in World War I   2 a small squadron of ships [from French: flotilla, from Spanish escuadrilla, from escuadra SQUADRON]

escalade (ˌɛskəˈleId)   n   1 an assault by the use of ladders, esp on a fortification   ▷ vb   2 to gain access to (a place) by the use of ladders [C16: from French, from Italian scalata, from scalare to mount, SCALE^3]   > ˌescaˈlader n

escalado (ˌɛskəˈlɑːdəʊ)   n   a variant form of escalade (sense 1)

escalate (ˈɛskəˌleIt)   vb   to increase or be increased in extent, intensity, or magnitude: to escalate a war; prices escalated because of inflation [C20: back formation from ESCALATOR]   > ˌescaˈlation n

■ escalating (ˈɛskəˌleItIŋ)   adj   increasing in extent, intensity, or magnitude

■ escalatory (ˌɛskəˈleItərI)   adj   tending to escalate

escalator (ˈɛskəˌleItə)   n   1 a moving staircase consisting of stair treads fixed to a conveyor belt, for transporting passengers between levels, esp between the floors of a building   2 short for escalator clause [C20: originally a trademark]

■ escalator clause   n   a clause in a contract stipulating an adjustment in wages, prices, etc, in the event of specified changes in conditions, such as a large rise in the cost of living or price of raw materials

escalier (ˌɛskæˈljeI; French ɛskalje)   n   a staircase

escallonia (ˌɛskəˈləʊnIə)   n   any evergreen shrub of the South American saxifragaceous genus Escallonia, with white or red flowers: cultivated for ornament [C19: from Escallon, 18th-century Spanish traveller who discovered it]

escallop (ɛˈskɒləp, ɛˈskæl-)   n, vb   another word for scallop

escalope (ˈɛskəˌlɒp)   n   a thin slice of meat, usually veal, coated with egg and breadcrumbs, fried, and served with a rich sauce [C19: from Old French: shell]

escamotage (ɛˌskæməˈtɑːdʒ; French ɛskamɔtaʒ)   n   juggling; trickery

escapade (ˈɛskəˌpeId, ˌɛskəˈpeId)   n   1 a wild or exciting adventure, esp one that is mischievous or unlawful; scrape   2 any lighthearted or carefree episode; prank; romp [C17: from French, from Old Italian scappata, from Vulgar Latin ex-cappāre (unattested) to ESCAPE]

escapado (ˌɛskəˈpɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -dos   an escaped criminal [C19: from Spanish escapar to escape]

escape (IˈskeIp)   vb   1 to get away or break free from (confinements, captors, etc): the lion escaped from the zoo   2 to manage to avoid (imminent danger, punishment, evil, etc): to escape death   3 (intr; usually foll by from) (of gases, liquids, etc) to issue gradually, as from a crack or fissure; seep; leak: water was escaping from the dam   4 (tr) to elude; be forgotten by: the actual figure escapes me   5 (tr) to be articulated inadvertently or involuntarily: a roar escaped his lips   6 (intr) (of cultivated plants) to grow wild   ▷ n   7 the act of escaping or state of having escaped   8 avoidance of injury, harm, etc: a narrow escape   9    a a means or way of escape   b (as modifier): an escape route   10 a means of distraction or relief, esp from reality or boredom: angling provides an escape for many city dwellers   11 a gradual outflow; leakage; seepage   12 Also called: escape valve, escape cock a valve that releases air, steam, etc, above a certain pressure; relief valve or safety valve   13 a plant that was originally cultivated but is now growing wild [C14: from Old Northern French escaper, from Vulgar Latin excappāre (unattested) to escape (literally: to remove one's cloak, hence free oneself), from EX-1 + Late Latin cappa cloak]   > esˈcapable adj   > esˈcaper n

■ escape clause   n   a clause in a contract freeing one of the parties from his or her obligations in certain circumstances

■ escaped (IˈskeIpt)   adj   having broken free from confinement

■ escapee (IˌskeIˈpiː)   n   a person who has escaped, esp an escaped prisoner

■ escape hatch   n   a means of escape in an emergency, esp from a submarine

■ escapeless (IˈskeIplIs)   adj   with no escape

■ escape mechanism   n   psychol any emotional or mental mechanism that enables a person to avoid acknowledging unpleasant or threatening realities. See also escapism

■ escapement (IˈskeIpmənt)   n   1 horology a mechanism consisting of an escape wheel and anchor, used in timepieces to provide periodic impulses to the pendulum or balance   2 any similar mechanism that regulates movement, usually consisting of toothed wheels engaged by rocking levers   3 (in a piano) the mechanism that allows the hammer to clear the string after striking, so that the string can vibrate   4 an overflow channel   5 rare an act or means of escaping

■ escape pipe   n   a pipe for overflowing water, escaping steam, etc

■ escape road   n   a road, usually ending in a pile of sand, provided on a hill for drivers to drive into if their brakes fail or on a bend if they lose control of the turn

■ escape routine   n   computing a means of leaving a computer-program sequence before its end, in order to commence another sequence

■ escape shaft   n   a shaft in a mine through which miners can escape if the regular shaft is blocked

■ escape velocity   n   the minimum velocity that a body must have in order to escape from the gravitational field of the earth or other celestial body

■ escape wheel   n   horology a toothed wheel that engages intermittently with a balance wheel or pendulum, causing the mechanism to oscillate and thereby moving the hands of a clock or watch. Also called: scapewheel

■ escapism (IˈskeIpIzəm)   n   an inclination to or habit of retreating from unpleasant or unacceptable reality, as through diversion or fantasy   > esˈcapist n, adj

escapologist (ˌɛskəˈpɒlədʒIst)   n   an entertainer who specializes in freeing himself or herself from confinement. Also called: escape artist   > ˌescaˈpology n

escargot French (ɛskarɡo)   n   a variety of edible snail, usually eaten with a sauce made of melted butter and garlic

escarmouche (ɛˈskɑːmʊʃ)   n   archaic a skirmish

escarole (ˈɛskərəʊl)   n   US and Canadian a variety of endive with broad leaves, used in salads [C20: French from Italian scar(i)ola, from Latin esca food]

escarp (Iˈskɑːp)   n   1 fortifications the inner side of the ditch separating besiegers and besieged. Compare counterscarp   ▷ vb   2 a rare word for scarp (sense 3) [C17: from French escarpe; see SCARP]

escarpment (Iˈskɑːpmənt)   n   1    a the long continuous steep face of a ridge or plateau formed by erosion; scarp   b any steep slope, such as one resulting from faulting   2 a steep artificial slope immediately in front of the rampart of a fortified place

Escaut (ɛsko)   n   the French name for the Scheldt

-escent   suffix forming adjectives   beginning to be, do, show, etc: convalescent; luminescent [via Old French from Latin -ēscent-, stem of present participial suffix of -ēscere, ending of inceptive verbs]   > -escence suffix forming nouns

eschalot (ˈɛʃəˌlɒt, ˌɛʃəˈlɒt)   n   another name for a shallot [C18: from Old French eschalotte a little SCALLION]

eschar (ˈɛskɑː)   n   a dry scab or slough, esp one following a burn or cauterization of the skin [C16: from Late Latin eschara scab, from Greek eskhara hearth, pan of hot coals (which could inflict burns); see SCAR^1]

escharotic (ˌɛskəˈrɒtIk) med   adj   1 capable of producing an eschar   ▷ n   2 a caustic or corrosive agent

eschatologic (ˌɛskətəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   another word for eschatological

eschatology (ˌɛskəˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of theology or biblical exegesis concerned with the end of the world [C19: from Greek eskhatos last]   > eschatological (ˌɛskətəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌeschatoˈlogic adj   > ˌeschatoˈlogically adv   > ˌeschaˈtologist n

escheat (Isˈtʃiːt) law   n   1 (in England before 1926) the reversion of property to the Crown in the absence of legal heirs   2 (in feudal times) the reversion of property to the feudal lord in the absence of legal heirs or upon outlawry of the tenant   3 the property so reverting   ▷ vb   4 to take (land) by escheat or (of land) to revert by escheat [C14: from Old French eschete, from escheoir to fall to the lot of, from Late Latin excadere (unattested), from Latin cadere to fall]   > esˈcheatable adj   > esˈcheatage n

■ escheatment (Isˈtʃiːtmənt)   n   law the process of submitting abandoned or unclaimed funds or property to the state

■ escheator (Isˈtʃiːtə)   n   law a person appointed to deal with escheats

Escher figure (ˈɛʃə)   n   another name for impossible figure [named after M. C. Escher (1898–1970), Dutch graphic artist who produced many such drawings]

Escherichia (ˌɛʃəˈrIkIə)   n   a genus of Gram-negative rodlike bacteria that are found in the intestines of humans and many animals, esp E. coli, which is sometimes pathogenic and is widely used in genetic research [C19: named after Theodor Escherich (1857–1911), German paediatrician who first described E. coli]

eschew (Isˈtʃuː)   vb   (tr) to keep clear of or abstain from (something disliked, injurious, etc); shun; avoid [C14: from Old French eschiver, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German skiuhan to frighten away; see SHY^1, SKEW]   > esˈchewal n   > esˈchewer n

eschscholtzia or eschscholzia (ɛˈʃɒltsIə)   n   See California poppy [named after J. F. von Eschscholtz (1743–1831), German naturalist]

esclandre French (ɛsklɑ̃dr)   n   a scandal or notoriety

Escoffier (French ɛskɔfje)   n   (Georges) Auguste (oɡyst). 1846–1935, French chef at the Savoy Hotel, London (1890–99)

escolar (ˌɛskəˈlɑː)   n, pl -lars or -lar   any slender spiny-finned fish of the family Gempylidae, of warm and tropical seas: similar and closely related to the scombroid fishes. Also called: snake mackerel [from Spanish: SCHOLAR; so called from the rings round its eyes, suggestive of spectacles]

escopette (ˌɛskəʊˈpɛt)   n   US a carbine

Escorial (ˌɛskɒrIˈɑːl, ɛˈskɔːrIəl) or Escurial   n   a village in central Spain, northwest of Madrid: site of an architectural complex containing a monastery, palace, and college, built by Philip II between 1563 and 1584

escort   n (ˈɛskɔːt)   1 one or more persons, soldiers, vehicles, etc, accompanying another or others for protection, guidance, restraint, or as a mark of honour   2 a man or youth who accompanies a woman or girl: he was her escort for the evening   3    a a person, esp a young woman, who may be hired to accompany another for entertainment, etc   b (as modifier): an escort agency   ▷ vb (Isˈkɔːt)   4 (tr) to accompany or attend as an escort [C16: from French escorte, from Italian scorta, from scorgere to guide, from Latin corrigere to straighten; see CORRECT]

■ escortage (IsˈkɔːtIdʒ)   n   the act of escorting

escot (ɛˈskɒt)   vb (tr)   to maintain or pay for

escribano (ˌeIskrIˈbɑːnəʊ)   n   a clerk or scribe

escribe (IˈskraIb)   vb   (tr) to draw (a circle) so that it is tangential to one side of a triangle and to the other two sides produced [C16 (meaning: to write out): from EX-1 + Latin scrībere to write]

escritoire (ˌɛskrIˈtwɑː) or ecritoire (ˌeIkrIˈtwɑː)   n   a writing desk with compartments and drawers, concealed by a hinged flap, on a chest of drawers or plain stand [C18: from French, from Medieval Latin scriptōrium writing room in a monastery, from Latin scrībere to write]

■ escritorial (ˌɛskrIˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   relating to an escritoire

escroc (ɛsˈkrəʊ)   n   a con man

escroll (ɛsˈkrəʊl)   n   a scroll

escrow (ˈɛskrəʊ, ɛˈskrəʊ) law   n   1 money, goods, or a written document, such as a contract bond, delivered to a third party and held by him or her pending fulfilment of some condition   2 the state or condition of being an escrow (esp in the phrase in escrow)   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to place (money, a document, etc) in escrow [C16: from Old French escroe, of Germanic origin; see SCREED, SHRED, SCROLL]

escuage (ˈɛskjʊIdʒ)   n   (in medieval Europe) another word for scutage [C16: from Old French, from escu shield, from Latin scūtum]

escudo (ɛˈskuːdəʊ; Portuguese iʃˈkudu)   n, pl -dos (-dəʊz; Portuguese -duʃ)   1 the standard monetary unit of Cape Verde, divided into 100 centavos   2 the former standard monetary unit of Portugal, divided into 100 centavos; replaced by the euro in 2002   3 a former monetary unit of Chile, divided into 100 centesimos   4 an old Spanish silver coin worth 10 reals [C19: Spanish, literally: shield, from Latin scūtum]

esculent (ˈɛskjʊlənt)   n   1 any edible substance   ▷ adj   2 edible [C17: from Latin ēsculentus good to eat, from ēsca food, from edere to eat]

Escurial (ɛˌskjʊərIˈɑːl, ɛˈskjʊərIəl)   n   a variant of Escorial

escutcheon (Iˈskʌtʃən)   n   1 a shield, esp a heraldic one that displays a coat of arms   2 Also called: escutcheon plate a plate or shield that surrounds a keyhole, door handle, light switch, etc, esp an ornamental one protecting a door or wall surface   3 the place on the stern or transom of a vessel where the name is shown   4 blot on one's escutcheon a stain on one's honour [C15: from Old Northern French escuchon, ultimately from Latin scūtum shield]   > esˈcutcheoned adj

Esd. Bible   abbreviation for   Esdras

ESDA or Esda (ˈɛzdə)   n acronym for   Electrostatic Deposition Analysis: a technique used to check the sequence in which a statement written in police custody was made. The chronology of the statement is arrived at by the examination of indentations on subsequent pages

Esdraelon (ˌɛsdreIˈiːlɒn)   n   a plain in N Israel, east of Mount Carmel. Also called: Plain of Jezreel

Esdras (ˈɛzdræs)   n   1 either of two books of the Apocrypha, I and II Esdras, called III and IV Esdras, in the Douay Bible   2 either of two books of the Douay Bible Old Testament, I and II Esdras corresponding to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Authorized Version

ESE   symbol for   east-southeast

-ese   suffix forming adjectives, suffix forming nouns   indicating place of origin, language, or style: Cantonese; Japanese; journalese

esemplastic (ˌɛsɛmˈplæstIk)   adj   literature making into one; unifying [C19 (first used by Samuel Taylor Coleridge): from Greek es, eis into + em, from hen, neuter of heis one + -PLASTIC]

■ esemplasy (ɛsˈɛmpləsI)   n   unification

Esenin (jɛˈsɛnIn) or Yesenin   n   Sergey Aleksandrovich. 1895–1925, Soviet poet, author of Confessions of a Hooligan (1924): married to Isadora Duncan

eserine (ˈɛsəriːn, -rIn)   n   another name for physostigmine [C19 eser-, of African origin + -INE^2]

e-service   n   the use of electronic technology by an organization to provide services to its customers [C20: from E-2 + SERVICE]

Eşfahān (ˌɛʃfəˈhɑːn)   n   a variant transliteration of the Persian name for Isfahan

Esher (ˈiːʃə)   n   a town in SE England, in NE Surrey near London: racecourse. Pop: 25 172 (2001)

esile (ˈeIsIl)   n   vinegar

esker (ˈɛskə) or eskar (ˈɛskɑː, -kə)   n   a long winding ridge of gravel, sand, etc, originally deposited by a meltwater stream running under a glacier. Also called: os [C19: from Old Irish escir ridge]

Eskilstuna (Swedish ˈɛskilstuːna)   n   an industrial city in SE Sweden. Pop: 91 137 (2004 est)

Eskimo (ˈɛskIˌməʊ) often offensive   n   1 (pl -mos or -mo) a member of a group of peoples inhabiting N Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and E Siberia, having a material culture adapted to an extremely cold climate   2 the language of these peoples   3 a family of languages that includes Eskimo and Aleut   ▷ adj   4 relating to, denoting, or characteristic of the Eskimos   ▶ Former spelling: Esquimau. See also Inuit, Inuktitut [C18 from Algonquian Esquimawes]

USAGE

Eskimo is considered by many to be offensive, and in North America the term Inuit is usually preferred. Inuit, however, can be accurately applied only to those Aboriginal peoples inhabiting parts of Northern Canada, Alaska, and Greenland (as distinguished from those in Asia or the Aleutian Islands)

■ Eskimo dog   n   a large powerful breed of sled dog with a long thick coat and curled tail

■ Eskimo roll   n   a manoeuvre that causes a kayak to return to an upright position after capsizing

Eskişehir (Turkish ɛsˈkiʃɛˌhir)   n   an industrial city in NW Turkey: founded around hot springs in Byzantine times. Pop: 519 000 (2005 est)

Esky (ˈɛskI)   n, pl -kies   (sometimes not capital) Austral trademark a portable insulated container for keeping food and drink cool [C20: from ESKIMO]

ESL   abbreviation for   English as a second language

ESN   abbreviation for   educationally subnormal; formerly used to designate a person of limited intelligence who needs special schooling

esne (ˈɛznI)   n   a household slave

esnecy (ˈɛznIsI)   n   the right of the eldest daughter to make the first choice when dividing inheritance

ESO   abbreviation for   European Southern Observatory: a European astronomical research organization whose observatories are located in Chile

esophagus (iːˈsɒfəɡəs)   n, pl -gi (-ˌdʒaI) or -guses   the US spelling of oesophagus   > esophageal (iːˌsɒfəˈdʒiːəl) adj

esoteric (ˌɛsəʊˈtɛrIk)   adj   1 restricted to or intended for an enlightened or initiated minority, esp because of abstruseness or obscurity: an esoteric cult. Compare exoteric   2 difficult to understand; abstruse: an esoteric statement   3 not openly admitted; private: esoteric aims [C17: from Greek esōterikos, from esōterō inner]   > ˌesoˈterically adv   > ˌesoˈteriˌcism or ˌeˈsoteˌrism n

■ esoterica (ˌɛsəʊˈtɛrIkə)   pl n   esoteric items

■ esotericist (ˌɛsəʊˈtɛrIsIst)   n   someone who holds esoteric opinions

■ esotery (ˈɛsəʊtərI)   n   esoteric or secret wisdom

esotropia (ˌɛsəˈtrəʊpIə)   n   med a condition in which the eye or eyes turn inwards

■ esotropic (ˌɛsəˈtrɒpIk)   adj   med (of an eye) turning inwards

esp   abbreviation for   especially

ESP   abbreviation for   1 extrasensory perception   2 English for Specific (or Special) Purposes: the technique of teaching English to students who need it for a particular purpose, such as business dealings   3 electronic stability programme: an electronic system that automatically stabilizes a road vehicle that is being oversteered or is in danger of rolling over by selectively applying individual brakes

espada (eˈspɑːdə)   n   a sword

espadrille (ˌɛspəˈdrIl)   n   a light shoe with a canvas upper, esp with a braided cord sole [C19: from French, from Provençal espardilho, diminutive of espart ESPARTO; so called from the use of esparto for the soles of such shoes]

espagnole (ˌɛspænˈjɒl; French ɛspaɲɔl)   n   a tomato and sherry sauce

espagnolette (ɛˌspænjəˈlɛt; French ɛspaɲɔlɛt)   n   architect the fastening device on a French window

espalier (Iˈspæljə)   n   1 an ornamental shrub or fruit tree that has been trained to grow flat, as against a wall   2 the trellis, framework, or arrangement of stakes on which such plants are trained   3 the method used to produce such plants   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to train (a plant) on an espalier [C17: from French: trellis, from Old Italian: shoulder supports, from spalla shoulder, from Late Latin SPATULA]

España (esˈpaɲa)   n   the Spanish name for Spain

español (ˌɛspænˈjɒl)   n   a Spanish person

esparto or esparto grass (ɛˈspɑːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   any of various grasses, esp Stipa tenacissima of S Europe and N Africa, that yield a fibre used to make ropes, mats, etc. Also called: halfa [C18: from Spanish, via Latin from Greek sparton rope made of rushes, from spartos a kind of rush]

especial (Iˈspɛʃəl)   adj (prenominal)   1 unusual; notable; exceptional: he paid especial attention to her that evening   2 applying to one person or thing in particular; not general; specific; peculiar: he had an especial dislike of relatives [C14: from Old French, from Latin speciālis individual; see SPECIAL]

USAGE

Especial and especially have a more limited use than special and specially. Special is always used in preference to especial when the sense is one of being out of the ordinary: a special lesson; he has been specially trained. Special is also used when something is referred to as being for a particular purpose: the word was specially underlined for you. Where an idea of pre-eminence or individuality is involved, either especial or special may be used: he is my especial (or special) friend; he is especially (or specially) good at his job. In informal English, however, special is usually preferred in all contexts

■ especially (IˈspɛʃəlI)   adv   1 in particular; specifically: for everyone's sake, especially your children's   2 very much: especially useful for vegans

esperance (ˈɛspərəns)   n   archaic hope or expectation [C15: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin sperantia (unattested), from Latin spērāre to hope, from spēs hope]

Esperanto (ˌɛspəˈræntəʊ)   n   an international artificial language based on words common to the chief European languages, invented in 1887 [C19: literally: the one who hopes, pseudonym of Dr. L. L. ZAMENHOF, who invented it]   > ˌEspeˈrantist n, adj

espial (IˈspaIəl)   n archaic   1 the act or fact of being seen or discovered   2 the act of noticing   3 the act of spying upon; secret observation

espiègle French (ɛspjɛɡlə)   adj   playful

■ espièglerie French (ɛspjɛɡləri)   n   playfulness

espionage (ˈɛspIəˌnɑːʒ, ˌɛspIəˈnɑːʒ, ˈɛspIənIdʒ)   n   1 the systematic use of spies to obtain secret information, esp by governments to discover military or political secrets   2 the act or practice of spying [C18: from French espionnage, from espionner to spy, from espion spy, from Old Italian spione, of Germanic origin; compare German spähen to SPY]

Espírito Santo (Portuguese Iʃˈpiritu ˈsə̃tu)   n   a state of E Brazil, on the Atlantic: swampy coastal plain with mountains in the west; heavily forested. Capital: Vitória. Pop: 3 201 722 (2002). Area: 45 597 sq km (17 601 sq miles)

Espiritu Santo (ɛsˈpIrItuː ˈsæntəʊ)   n   an island in the SW Pacific: the largest and westernmost of the Vanuatu islands. Area: 4856 sq km (1875 sq miles)

esplanade (ˌɛspləˈneId, -ˈnɑːd)   n   1 a long open level stretch of ground for walking along, esp beside the seashore. Compare promenade (sense 1)   2 an open area in front of a fortified place, in which attackers are exposed to the defenders' fire [C17: from French, from Old Italian spianata, from spianare to make level, from Latin explānāre; see EXPLAIN]

Espoo (Finnish ˈɛspoː)   n   a city in S Finland. Pop: 224 231 (2003 est)

espouse (Iˈspaʊz)   vb (tr)   1 to adopt or give support to (a cause, ideal, etc): to espouse socialism   2 archaic (esp of a man) to take as spouse; marry [C15: from Old French espouser, from Latin spōnsāre to affiance, espouse]   > esˈpouser n

■ espousal (Iˈspaʊzəl)   n   1 adoption or support: an espousal of new beliefs   2 (sometimes plural) archaic a marriage or betrothal ceremony

espressivo (ˌɛsprɛˈsiːvəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be performed) in an expressive manner [Italian]

espresso (ɛˈsprɛsəʊ)   n, pl -sos   1 strong coffee made by forcing steam or boiling water through ground coffee beans   2 an apparatus for making coffee in this way [C20: Italian, short for caffè espresso, literally: pressed coffee]

esprit (ɛˈspriː)   n   spirit and liveliness, esp in wit [C16: from French, from Latin spīritus a breathing, SPIRIT^1]

■ esprit de corps (ɛˈspriː də ˈkɔː; French ɛspri də kɔr)   n   consciousness of and pride in belonging to a particular group; the sense of shared purpose and fellowship

espumoso (ˌɛspuːˈməʊsəʊ)   n   sparkling wine

espy (IˈspaI)   vb -pies, -pying, -pied   (tr) to catch sight of or perceive (something distant or previously unnoticed); detect: to espy a ship on the horizon [C14: from Old French espier to SPY, of Germanic origin]   > esˈpier n

Esq.   abbreviation for   esquire: used esp in correspondence

-esque   suffix forming adjectives   indicating a specified character, manner, style, or resemblance: picturesque; Romanesque; statuesque; Chaplinesque [via French from Italian -esco, of Germanic origin; compare -ISH]

Esquiline (ˈɛskwəˌlaIn)   n   one of the seven hills on which ancient Rome was built

Esquimau (ˈɛskIˌməʊ)   n, pl -maus or -mauadj   a former spelling of Eskimo

esquire (IˈskwaIə)   n   1 chiefly Brit a title of respect, usually abbreviated Esq, placed after a man's name   2 (in medieval times) the attendant and shield bearer of a knight, subsequently often knighted himself   3 rare a male escort [C15: from Old French escuier, from Late Latin scūtārius shield bearer, from Latin scūtum shield]

esquisse (ɛˈskiːs)   n   an outline or sketch

ESR   abbreviation for   1 electron spin resonance   2 erythrocyte sedimentation rate: the rate at which red blood cells settle in a vertical tube, used to detect the presence of disease

ESRC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Economic and Social Research Council

-ess   suffix forming nouns   indicating a female: waitress; lioness [via Old French from Late Latin -issa, from Greek]

USAGE

The suffix -ess in such words as poetess, authoress is now almost invariably regarded as disparaging or extremely old-fashioned; a gender-neutral term poet, author is preferred

Essaouira (ˌɛsəˈwIərə)   n   a port in SW Morocco on the Atlantic. Pop: 84 000 (2003). Former name (until 1956): Mogador

essay   n (ˈɛseI, for senses 2, 3 also ɛˈseI)   1 a short literary composition dealing with a subject analytically or speculatively   2 an attempt or endeavour; effort   3 a test or trial   ▷ vb (ɛˈseI) (tr)   4 to attempt or endeavour; try   5 to test or try out [C15: from Old French essaier to attempt, from essai an attempt, from Late Latin exagium a weighing, from Latin agere to do, compel, influenced by exigere to investigate]

■ essayer (ˈɛseIə)   n   a person who attempts or tries

■ essayette (ˌɛseIˈɛt)   n   a short essay

■ essayish (ˈɛseIIʃ)   adj   resembling an essay

■ essayist (ˈɛseIIst)   n   a person who writes essays

■ essayistic (ˌɛseIˈIstIk)   adj   resembling or relating to an essay

esse (ˈɛsI)   n philosophy   1 existence   2 essential nature; essence [C17: from Latin: to be]

Essen (German ˈɛsən)   n   a city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: the leading administrative centre of the Ruhr; university. Pop: 589 499 (2003 est)

essence (ˈɛsəns)   n   1 the characteristic or intrinsic feature of a thing, which determines its identity; fundamental nature   2 the most distinctive element of a thing: the essence of a problem   3 a perfect or complete form of something, esp a person who typifies an abstract quality: he was the essence of gentility   4 philosophy   a the unchanging and unchangeable nature of something which is necessary to its being the thing it is; its necessary properties. Compare accident (sense 4)   b the properties in virtue of which something is called by its name   c the nature of something as distinct from, and logically prior to, its existence   5 theol an immaterial or spiritual entity   6    a the constituent of a plant, usually an oil, alkaloid, or glycoside, that determines its chemical or pharmacological properties   b an alcoholic solution of such a substance   7 a substance, usually a liquid, containing the properties of a plant or foodstuff in concentrated form: vanilla essence   8 a rare word for perfume   9 in essence essentially; fundamentally   10 of the essence indispensable; vitally important [C14: from Medieval Latin essentia, from Latin: the being (of something), from esse to be]

■ essential (Iˈsɛnʃəl)   adj   1 vitally important; absolutely necessary   2 basic; fundamental: the essential feature   3 completely realized; absolute; perfect: essential beauty   4 biochem (of an amino acid or a fatty acid) necessary for the normal growth of an organism but not synthesized by the organism and therefore required in the diet   5 derived from or relating to an extract of a plant, drug, etc: an essential oil   6 logic (of a property) guaranteed by the identity of the subject; necessary. Thus, if having the atomic number 79 is an essential property of gold, nothing can be gold unless it has that atomic number   7 music denoting or relating to a note that belongs to the fundamental harmony of a chord or piece   8 pathol (of a disease) having no obvious external cause: essential hypertension   9 geology (of a mineral constituent of a rock) necessary for defining the classification of a rock. Its absence alters the rock's name and classification   ▷ n   10 something fundamental or indispensable: a sharp eye is an essential for a printer   11 music an essential note   > essentiality (IˌsɛnʃIˈælItI) or esˈsentialness n

■ essential element   n   biochem any chemical element required by an organism for healthy growth. It may be required in large amounts (macronutrient) or in very small amounts (trace element). See also macronutrient, trace element

■ essential fatty acid   n   biochem any fatty acid required by the body in manufacturing prostaglandins, found in such foods as oily fish and nuts. Abbreviation: EFA

■ essentialism (IˈsɛnʃəˌlIzəm)   n   1 philosophy one of a number of related doctrines which hold that there are necessary properties of things, that these are logically prior to the existence of the individuals which instantiate them, and that their classification depends upon their satisfaction of sets of necessary conditions   2 the doctrine that education should concentrate on teaching basic skills and encouraging intellectual self-discipline   > esˈsentialist n

■ essentialize or essentialise (IˈsɛnʃəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to render essential

■ essentially (IˈsɛnʃəlI)   adv   in a fundamental or basic way; in essence

■ essential oil   n   any of various volatile organic oils present in plants, usually containing terpenes and esters and having the odour or flavour of the plant from which they are extracted: used in flavouring and perfumery. Compare fixed oil. See also oleoresin

Essene (ˈɛsiːn, ɛˈsiːn)   n   Judaism a member of an ascetic sect that flourished in Palestine from the second century BC to the second century AD, living in strictly organized communities   > Essenian (ɛˈsiːnIən) or Essenic (ɛˈsɛnIk) adj

Essequibo (ˌɛsIˈkwiːbəʊ)   n   a river in Guyana, rising near the Brazilian border and flowing north to the Atlantic: drains over half of Guyana. Length: 1014 km (630 miles)

Essex^1 (ˈɛsIks)   n   1 a county of SE England, on the North Sea and the Thames estuary; the geographical and ceremonial county includes Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea, which became independent unitary authorities in 1998. Administrative centre: Chelmsford. Pop (excluding unitary authorities): 1 324 100 (2003 est). Area (excluding unitary authorities): 3446 sq km (1310 sq miles)   2 an Anglo-Saxon kingdom that in the early 7th century AD comprised the modern county of Essex and much of Hertfordshire and Surrey. By the late 8th century, Essex had become a dependency of the kingdom of Mercia

■ Essex girl   n   informal, derogatory a characterization of a young woman from the Essex area, supposed as being materialistic and lacking in taste

■ Essex man   n   informal, derogatory a characterization of a man who flaunts his new-found success and status, thought typical in SE England in the 1980s

Essex^2 (ˈɛsIks)   n   2nd Earl of, title of Robert Devereux. ?1566–1601, English soldier and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I; executed for treason

essive (ˈɛsIv)   n   grammar a grammatical case denoting a state of being

Esslingen (ˈɛslIŋən)   n   a town in SW Germany, on the River Neckar: Gothic church, medieval buildings: wines, light industry. Pop: 91 980 (2003 est)

essoin (ɛˈsɔIn)   n   1 an excuse or exemption   2 law an excuse for not appearing in court   ▷ vb (tr)   3 law to excuse for not appearing in court

■ essoiner (ɛˈsɔInə)   n   law a person who essoins

essonite (ˈɛsəˌnaIt)   n   a variant spelling of hessonite

Essonne (French ɛsɔn)   n   a department of N France, south of Paris in Île-de-France region: formed in 1964. Capital: Évry. Pop: 1 153 434 (2003 est). Area: 1811 sq km (706 sq miles)

est^1 (ɛst)   n   a treatment intended to help people towards psychological growth, in which they spend many hours in large groups, deprived of food and water and hectored by stewards [Erhard Seminars Training; after Werner Erhard, American businessman, who devised the system]

est^2   abbreviation for   1 Also: estab established   2 estimate(d)

EST   abbreviation for   1 Eastern Standard Time   2 electric-shock treatment   3 Estonia (international car registration)

-est^1   suffix   forming the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs: shortest; fastest [Old English -est, -ost]

-est^2 or -st   suffix   forming the archaic second person singular present and past indicative tense of verbs: thou goest; thou hadst [Old English -est, -ast]

establish (IˈstæblIʃ)   vb (usually tr)   1 to make secure or permanent in a certain place, condition, job, etc: to establish one's usefulness; to establish a house   2 to create or set up (an organization, etc) on or as if on a permanent basis: to establish a company   3 to prove correct or free from doubt; validate: to establish a fact   4 to cause (a principle, theory, etc) to be widely or permanently accepted: to establish a precedent   5 to give (a Church) the status of a national institution   6 (of a person) to become recognized and accepted: he established himself as a reliable GP   7 (in works of imagination) to cause (a character, place, etc) to be credible and recognized: the first scene established the period   8 cards to make winners of (the remaining cards of a suit) by forcing out opponents' top cards   9 (also intr) botany   a to cause (a plant) to grow or (of a plant) to grow in a new place: the birch scrub has established over the past 25 years   b to become or cause to become a sapling or adult plant from a seedling [C14: from Old French establir, from Latin stabilīre to make firm, from stabilis STABLE^2]   > esˈtablisher n

■ establishable (IˈstæblIʃəbəl)   adj   able to be established or secured

■ established (IˈstæblIʃt)   adj   1 widely or permanently accepted   2 officially recognized or well respected

■ Established Church   n   a Church that is officially recognized as a national institution, esp the Church of England

■ establishment (IˈstæblIʃmənt)   n   1 the act of establishing or state of being established   2    a a business organization or other large institution   b the place where a business is carried on   3 the staff and equipment of a commercial or other organization   4 the approved size, composition, and equipment of a military unit, government department, business division, etc, as formally promulgated   5 any large organization, institution, or system   6 a household or place of residence   7 a body of employees or servants   8 (modifier) belonging to or characteristic of the Establishment; orthodox or conservative: the establishment view of history

■ Establishment (IˈstæblIʃmənt)   n   the Establishment a group or class of people having institutional authority within a society, esp those who control the civil service, the government, the armed forces, and the Church: usually identified with a conservative outlook

■ establishmentarian (IˌstæblIʃmənˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 denoting or relating to an Established Church, esp the Church of England   2 denoting or relating to the principle of a Church being officially recognized as a national institution   ▷ n   3 an upholder of this principle, esp as applied to the Church of England   > esˌtablishmenˈtarianism n

estacade (ˌɛstəˈkeId)   n   a defensive arrangement of stakes

estafette (ˌɛstəˈfɛt)   n   a military courier

estaminet French (ɛstaminɛ)   n   a small café, bar, or bistro, esp a shabby one [C19: from French, perhaps from Walloon dialect staminet manger]

estancia (IˈstænsIə; Spanish esˈtansia)   n   (in Spanish America) a large estate or cattle ranch [C18: from American Spanish, from Spanish: dwelling, from Vulgar Latin stantia (unattested) a remaining, from Latin stāre to stand]

estanciero (ˌɛstɑːnˈsjɛərəʊ)   n, pl -ros   (in Spanish America) a cattle farmer

estate (IˈsteIt)   n   1 a large piece of landed property, esp in the country   2 chiefly Brit a large area of property development, esp of new houses or (trading estate) of factories   3 property law   a property or possessions   b the nature of interest that a person has in land or other property, esp in relation to the right of others   c the total extent of the real and personal property of a deceased person or bankrupt   4 Also called: estate of the realm an order or class of persons in a political community, regarded collectively as a part of the body politic: usually regarded as being the lords temporal (peers), lords spiritual, and commons. See also States General, fourth estate   5 state, period, or position in life, esp with regard to wealth or social standing: youth's estate; a poor man's estate [C13: from Old French estat, from Latin status condition, STATE]

■ estate agent   n   1 Brit an agent concerned with the valuation, management, lease, and sale of property. Usual US and Canadian name: real-estate agent   2 the administrator of a large landed property, acting on behalf of its owner; estate manager

■ estate car   n   Brit a car with a comparatively long body containing a large carrying space, reached through a rear door: usually the back seats can be folded forward to increase the carrying space. Also called (esp US, Canadian, Austral, and NZ): station wagon

■ estate duty   n   another name for death duty

■ Estates General   n   See States General

■ estatesman (IˈsteItsmən)   n, pl -men   Northern English a statesman

estd. or est'd.   abbreviation for   established

Este (ˈɛstI)   n   a noble family of Italy founded by Alberto Azzo II (996–1097), who was invested with the town of Este in NE Italy as a fief of the Holy Roman Empire. The family governed Ferrara (13th–16th centuries), Modena, and Reggio (13th–18th centuries)

esteem (Iˈstiːm)   vb (tr)   1 to have great respect or high regard for: to esteem a colleague   2 formal to judge or consider; deem: to esteem an idea improper   ▷ n   3 high regard or respect; good opinion   4 archaic judgment; opinion [C15: from Old French estimer, from Latin aestimāre ESTIMATE]   > esˈteemed adj

ester (ˈɛstə)   n   chem any of a class of compounds produced by reaction between acids and alcohols with the elimination of water. Esters with low molecular weights, such as ethyl acetate, are usually volatile fragrant liquids; fats are solid esters [C19: from German, probably a contraction of Essigäther acetic ether, from Essig vinegar (ultimately from Latin acētum) + Äther ETHER]

■ esterase (ˈɛstəˌreIs, -ˌreIz)   n   any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse esters into alcohols and acids

■ esterify (ɛˈstɛrəˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   chem to change or cause to change into an ester   > esˌterifiˈcation n

Esterházy (ˈɛstəˌhɑːzI)   n   a noble Hungarian family that produced many soldiers, diplomats, and patrons of the arts. Prince Miklós József Esterházy (1714–90) rebuilt the family castle of Esterháza and employed Haydn as his musical director (1766–90)

Esth. Bible   abbreviation for   Esther

Esther (ˈɛstə)   n Old Testament   1 a beautiful Jewish woman who became queen of Persia and saved her people from massacre   2 the book in which this episode is recounted

esthesia (iːsˈθiːzIə)   n   a US spelling of aesthesia

esthesiogen (ɛsˈθiːzIədʒən, iːsˈθiːzIədʒən)   n   a US spelling of aesthesiogen

esthesis (ɛsˈθiːsIs, iːsˈθiːsIs)   n   a US name for aesthesia

esthete (ˈiːsθiːt)   n   a US spelling of aesthete   > esthetic (ɛsˈθɛtIk) or esˈthetical adj   > esˈthetically adv   > esthetician (ˌiːsθIˈtIʃən) n   > esˈthetiˌcism n   > esˈthetics n

Esthonia (ɛˈstəʊnIə, ɛˈsθəʊ-)   n   a former spelling of Estonia

Estienne or Étienne (French etjɛn)   n   a family of French printers, scholars, and dealers in books, including Henri (ɑ̃ri), ?1460–1520, who founded the printing business in Paris, his son Robert (rɔbɛr), 1503–59, and his grandson Henri, 1528–98

estimable (ˈɛstIməbəl)   adj   worthy of respect; deserving of admiration: my estimable companion   > ˈestimableness n   > ˈestimably adv

estimate   vb (ˈɛstIˌmeIt)   1 to form an approximate idea of (distance, size, cost, etc); calculate roughly; gauge   2 (tr; may take a clause as object) to form an opinion about; judge: to estimate one's chances   3 to submit (an approximate price) for (a job) to a prospective client   4 (tr) statistics to assign a value (a point estimate) or range of values (an interval estimate) to a parameter of a population on the basis of sampling statistics. See estimator   ▷ n (ˈɛstImIt)   5 an approximate calculation   6 a statement indicating the likely charge for or cost of certain work   7 a judgment; appraisal; opinion [C16: from Latin aestimāre to assess the worth of, of obscure origin]   > ˈestimative adj

■ estimated (ˈɛstImeItId)   adj   approximate; roughly calculated

■ estimation (ˌɛstIˈmeIʃən)   n   1 a considered opinion; judgment: what is your estimation of the situation?   2 esteem; respect   3 the act of estimating

■ estimator (ˈɛstIˌmeItə)   n   1 a person or thing that estimates   2 statistics a derived random variable that generates estimates of a parameter of a given distribution, such as ̄X, the mean of a number of identically distributed random variables Xi. If ̄X is unbiased, ̄x, the observed value should be close to E(Xi). See also sampling statistic

estipulate (IˈstIpjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   a variant of exstipulate

estival (iːˈstaIvəl, ˈɛstI-)   adj   the usual US spelling of aestival

estivate (ˈiːstIˌveIt, ˈɛs-)   vb   (intr) the usual US spelling of aestivate   > ˈestiˌvator n

■ estivation (ˌiːstIˈveIʃən, ˌɛs-)   n   the usual US spelling of aestivation

estoc (ɛˈstɒk)   n   a short stabbing sword

estoile (ɛsˈtwɑːl)   n   heraldry a heraldic star with wavy points

Estonia (ɛˈstəʊnIə) or formerly Esthonia (ɛˈstəʊnIə, ɛˈsθəʊ-)   n   a republic in NE Europe, on the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic: low-lying with many lakes and forests, it includes numerous islands in the Baltic Sea. It was under Scandinavian and Teutonic rule from the 13th century to 1721, when it passed to Russia: it was an independent republic from 1920 to 1940, when it was annexed by the Soviet Union; became independent in 1991 and joined the EU in 2004. Official language: Estonian. Religion: believers are mostly Christian. Currency: euro. Capital: Tallinn. Pop: 1 309 632 (2017 est). Area: 45 227 sq km (17 462 sq miles)

■ Estonian (ɛˈstəʊnIən) or Esthonian (ɛˈstəʊnIən, ɛˈsθəʊ-)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Estonia, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 the official language of Estonia: belongs to the Finno-Ugric family   3 a native or inhabitant of Estonia

estop (Iˈstɒp)   vb -tops, -topping, -topped (tr)   1 law to preclude by estoppel   2 archaic to stop [C15: from Old French estoper to plug, ultimately from Latin stuppa tow; see STOP]   > esˈtoppage n

estoppel (Iˈstɒpəl)   n   law a rule of evidence whereby a person is precluded from denying the truth of a statement of facts he or she has previously asserted. See also conclusion [C16: from Old French estoupail plug, from estoper to stop up; see ESTOP]

Estoril (ˈɛʃtɔːˌriːl)   n   a resort in W Portugal, near Lisbon, on the Atlantic Ocean: noted esp for a famous avenue of palm trees leading to the seafront. Pop: 23 769 (2001)

estovers (ɛˈstəʊvəz)   pl n   law a right allowed by law to tenants of land to cut timber, esp for fuel and repairs [C15: from Anglo-French, plural of estover, n use of Old French estovoir to be necessary, from Latin est opus there is need]

estrade (Isˈtrɑːd)   n   a dais or raised platform [C17: from French, from Spanish estrado carpeted floor, from Latin: STRATUM]

estradiol (ˌɛstrəˈdaIɒl, ˌiːstrə-)   n   the US spelling of oestradiol

estragon (ˈɛstrəˌɡɒn)   n   another name for tarragon

estramazone (ɛˈstræməˌzəʊn)   n   fencing a slashing move in fencing

estrange (IˈstreIndʒ)   vb (tr)   1 (usually passive; often foll by from) to separate and live apart from (one's spouse): he is estranged from his wife   2 (usually passive; often foll by from) to antagonize or lose the affection of (someone previously friendly); alienate [C15: from Old French estranger, from Late Latin extrāneāre to treat as a stranger, from Latin extrāneus foreign; see STRANGE]   > esˈtrangement n

■ estranged (IˈstreIndʒd)   adj   1 separated and living apart from one's spouse   2 no longer friendly; alienated

■ estrangedness (IˈstreIndʒədnəs)   n   the state of being estranged

■ estranger (IˈstreIndʒə)   n   a thing which, or a person who, causes estrangement

estranghelo (Iˈstræŋɡəˌləʊ) or estrangelo (Iˈstrændʒəˌləʊ)   n   an archaic, cursive form of the Syriac alphabet

estrapade (ˌɛstrəˈpeId)   n   showjumping an attempt by a horse to throw its rider

estray (IˈstreI)   n   law a stray domestic animal of unknown ownership [C16: from Anglo-French, from Old French estraier to STRAY]

estreat (Iˈstriːt) law   n   1 a true copy of or extract from a court record   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to enforce (a recognizance that has been forfeited) by sending an extract of the court record to the proper authority [C14: from Old French estraite, feminine of estrait extracted, from estraire to EXTRACT]

Estrela mountain dog (IsˈtreIlə)   n   a sturdy well-built dog of a Portuguese breed with a long thick coat and a thick tuft of hair round the neck, often used as a guard dog [C20: after the Estrela mountain range in Portugal]

estrepe (ɛsˈtriːp)   vb (tr)   law to lay waste, esp on rented land

■ estrepement (ɛsˈtriːpmənt)   n   law the laying of waste, esp on rented land

estributor (ˈiːˌstrIbjʊtə)   n   a person or organization that helps an author publish and distribute his or her own work in electronic form [C21: from E(LECTRONIC) + (DI)STRIBUTOR]

estrich (ˈɛstrItʃ) or estridge (ˈɛstrIdʒ)   n   obsolete ostrich

estrildid (ɛˈstrIldId)   n   a weaver finch

estrin (ˈɛstrIn, ˈiːstrIn)   n   the US spelling of oestrin

estriol (ˈɛstrIˌɒl, ˈiːstrI-)   n   the usual US spelling of oestriol

estro (ˈɛstrəʊ)   n   poetic inspiration

estrogen (ˈɛstrədʒən, ˈiːstrə-)   n   the usual US spelling of oestrogen   > estrogenic (ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnIk, ˌiːstrə-) adj   > ˌestroˈgenically adv

estrone (ˈɛstrəʊn, ˈiːstrəʊn)   n   the usual US spelling of oestrone

estrus (ˈɛstrəs, ˈiːstrəs)   n   the usual US spelling of oestrus   > ˈestrous or estrual (ˈɛstruːəl, ˈiːstruːəl) adj

estuary (ˈɛstjʊərI)   n, pl -aries   1 the widening channel of a river where it nears the sea, with a mixing of fresh water and salt (tidal) water   2 an inlet of the sea [C16: from Latin aestuārium marsh, channel, from aestus tide, billowing movement, related to aestās summer]   > estuarial (ˌɛstjʊˈɛərIəl) adj

■ estuarian (ˌɛstjuːˈɛərIən)   adj   relating to an estuary

■ estuarine (ˈɛstjʊəˌraIn, -rIn)   adj   1 formed or deposited in an estuary: estuarine muds   2 growing in, inhabiting, or found in an estuary: an estuarine fauna

■ estuary English   n   a variety of standard British English in which the pronunciation reflects various features characteristic of London and the Southeast of England [C20: from the area around the Thames ESTUARY where it originated]

e.s.u. or ESU   abbreviation for   electrostatic unit

esurient (IˈsjʊərIənt)   adj   greedy; voracious [C17: from Latin ēsurīre to be hungry, from edere to eat]   > eˈsurience or eˈsuriency n   > eˈsuriently adv

eSwatini (ɛˈswɑːtiːnI)   n   a kingdom in southern Africa: made a protectorate of the Transvaal by Britain in 1894; gained independence in 1968; a member of the Commonwealth. Official languages: Swazi and English. Religion: Christian majority, traditional beliefs. Currency: lilangeni (plural emalangeni) and South African rand. Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (legislative). Pop: 1 367 254 (2017 est). Area: 17 363 sq km (6704 sq miles). Former name (until 2018): Swaziland

et   the internet domain name for   Ethiopia

Et   the chemical symbol for   ethyl

ET   abbreviation for   1 Egypt (international car registration)   2 (formerly) Employment Training: a UK government scheme offering training in technological and business skills to unemployed people

-et   suffix forming nouns   small or lesser: islet; baronet [from Old French -et, -ete]

eta^1 (ˈiːtə)   n   the seventh letter in the Greek alphabet (Η, η), a long vowel sound, transliterated as e or ē [Greek, of Phoenician origin; compare Hebrew HETH]

eta^2 (ˈeItə)   n, pl eta or etas   (in Japan, formerly) a member of a class of outcasts who did menial and dirty tasks [C19: Japanese]

ETA^1   abbreviation for   estimated time of arrival

ETA^2 (ˈɛtə)   n acronym for   Euskadi ta Askatsuna: an organization of militant Basque nationalists attempting to gain independence for the Basques, esp those ruled by Spain, by means of guerrilla warfare [Basque, literally: Basque Nation and Liberty]

etacism (ˈiːtəsIzəm)   n   phonetics the pronunciation of eta as a long vowel sound

etaerio (ɛˈtIərIəʊ)   n   an aggregate fruit, as one consisting of drupes (raspberry) or achenes (traveller's joy) [C19: from French etairion, from Greek hetaireia association]

étage (eIˈtɑːʒ; French etaʒ)   n   a floor in a multistorey building

étagère French (etaʒɛr)   n   a stand with open shelves for displaying ornaments, etc [C19: from French, from étage shelf; see STAGE]

e-tail (ˈiːˌteIl) or e-tailing (ˈiːˌteIlIŋ)   n   retail conducted via the internet [C20: E-2 + (RE)TAIL]   > ˈe-ˌtailer n

et al.   abbreviation for   1 et alibi   2 et alii

étalage (ˌeItæˈlɑːʒ; French etalaʒ)   n   a display

etalon (ˈɛtəˌlɒn)   n   physics a device used in spectroscopy to measure wavelengths by interference effects produced by multiple reflections between parallel half-silvered glass or quartz plates [C20: French étalon a fixed standard of weights and measures, from Old French estalon; see also STALLION]

etamine (ˈɛtəˌmiːn) or etamin (ˈɛtəmIn)   n   a cotton or worsted fabric of loose weave, used for clothing, curtains, etc [C18: from French, from Latin stāminea, from stāmineus made of threads, from stamen thread, warp]

étape French (etap)   n   1 a storehouse   2 military rations issued to troops

état (eIˈtæt)   n   a rank or state

■ étatisme (ˌeItæˈtiːzm; French etatizm)   n   the authoritarian control by the state

■ étatist (eIˈtætIst) or étatiste (eIˈtætiːst)   adj   having the characteristics of étatisme

etc.   abbreviation for   et cetera

et cetera or etcetera (It ˈsɛtrə)     1 and the rest; and others; and so forth: used at the end of a list to indicate that other items of the same class or type should be considered or included   2 or the like; or something else similar   ▶ Abbreviation: etc., &c [from Latin, from et and + cetera the other (things)]

USAGE

It is unnecessary to use and before etc as etc (et cetera) already means and other things. The repetition of etc, as in he brought paper, ink, notebooks, etc, etc, is avoided except in informal contexts

etceteras (Itˈsɛtrəz)   pl n   miscellaneous extra things or persons

etch (ɛtʃ)   vb   1 (tr) to wear away the surface of (a metal, glass, etc) by chemical action, esp the action of an acid   2 to cut or corrode (a design, decoration, etc) on (a metal or other plate to be used for printing) by using the action of acid on parts not covered by wax or other acid-resistant coating   3 (tr) to cut with or as if with a sharp implement: he etched his name on the table   4 (tr; usually passive) to imprint vividly: the event was etched on her memory [C17: from Dutch etsen, from Old High German azzen to feed, bite]   > ˈetcher n

■ etchant (ˈɛtʃənt)   n   any acid or corrosive used for etching

■ etched (ɛtʃt)   adj   1 imprinted vividly on someone's mind or memory   2 (of a feeling) clearly visible on someone's face

■ etching (ˈɛtʃIŋ)   n   1 the art, act, or process of preparing etched surfaces or of printing designs from them   2 an etched plate   3 an impression made from an etched plate

ETD   abbreviation for   estimated time of departure

eten (ˈɛtən)   n   archaic a giant

Eteocles (Iˈtiːəˌkliːz, ˈɛtIə-)   n   Greek myth a son of Oedipus and Jocasta. He expelled his brother Polynices from Thebes; they killed each other in single combat when Polynices returned as leader of the Seven against Thebes

etepimeletic (ɛˌtɛpIməˈlɛtIk)   adj   (of behaviour in young animals) care-seeking

eternal (Iˈtɜːnəl)   adj   1    a without beginning or end; lasting for ever: eternal life   b (as noun): the eternal   2 (often capital) denoting or relating to that which is without beginning and end, regarded as an attribute of God   3 unchanged by time, esp being true or valid for all time; immutable: eternal truths   4 seemingly unceasing; occurring again and again: eternal bickering [C14: from Late Latin aeternālis, from Latin aeternus; related to Latin aevum age]   > ˌeterˈnality or eˈternalness n   > eˈternally adv

■ Eternal City   n   the Eternal City Rome

■ eternalist (IˈtɜːnəlIst)   n   philosophy a person who believes in the eternal existence of matter or the world

■ eternalize, eternalise (IˈtɜːnəˌlaIz) or eternize, eternise (IˈtɜːnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make eternal   2 to make famous for ever; immortalize   > eˌternaliˈzation, eˌterniˈzation, eˌternaliˈsation or eˌterniˈsation n

■ eternal triangle   n   an emotional relationship in which there are conflicts involving three people

eterne (Iˈtɜːn)   adj   an archaic or poetic word for eternal [C14: from Old French, from Latin aeternus]

eternity (IˈtɜːnItI)   n, pl -ties   1 endless or infinite time   2 the quality, state, or condition of being eternal   3 (usually plural) any of the aspects of life and thought that are considered to be timeless, esp timeless and true   4 theol the condition of timeless existence, believed by some to characterize the afterlife   5 a seemingly endless period of time: an eternity of waiting

■ eternity ring   n   a ring given as a token of lasting affection, esp one set all around with stones to symbolize continuity

etesian (IˈtiːʒIən)   adj   (of NW winds) recurring annually in the summer in the E Mediterranean [C17: from Latin etēsius yearly, from Greek etēsios, from etos year]

ETF   abbreviation for   electronic transfer of funds

eth (ɛð, ɛθ)   n   a variant of edh

ETH   abbreviation for   Ethiopia (international car registration)

Eth.   abbreviation for   Ethiopia(n)

-eth^1   suffix   forming the archaic third person singular present indicative tense of verbs: goeth; taketh; pitieth [Old English -eth, -th]

-eth^2 or -th   suffix forming ordinal numbers   a variant of -th^2: twentieth

ethal (ˈiːθæl)   n   chem cetyl alcohol

ethambutol (ɛˈθæmbjʊˌtɒl)   n   a compound used in the treatment of tuberculosis [from ETH(YLENE) + AM(INE) + BUT(AN)OL]

ethanal (ˈɛθəˌnæl, ˈiːθə-)   n   the modern name for acetaldehyde

ethane (ˈiːθeIn, ˈɛθ-)   n   a colourless odourless flammable gaseous alkane obtained from natural gas and petroleum: used as a fuel and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C_2H_6 [C19: from ETH(YL) + -ANE]

ethanedioic acid (ˌiːθeIndaIˈəʊIk, ˌɛθ-)   n   the technical name for oxalic acid [C20: from ETHANE + DI-1 + -O- + -IC]

ethanediol (ˈiːθeInˌdaIɒl, ˈɛθ-)   n   a clear colourless syrupy soluble liquid substance, used as an antifreeze and solvent. Formula: CH_2OHCH_2OH. Also called: glycol, ethylene glycol [C20: from ETHANE + DI-1 + -OL^1]

ethanoate (ˈɛθənəʊˌeIt, ˈiːθənəʊˌeIt)   n   the systematic name for acetate (sense 1)

ethanoic acid (ˌɛθəˈnəʊIk, ˌiːθə-)   n   the modern name for acetic acid

ethanol (ˈɛθəˌnɒl, ˈiːθə-)   n   the technical name for alcohol (sense 1)

ethanolamine (ˌɛθəˈnɒləˌmiːn)   n   chem an organic chemical compound used in industry

ethanoyl (ˈɛθəˌnɔIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH_3CO-: ethanoyl group or radical [C20: from ETH(YL) + -OYL]

■ ethanoyl chloride   n   another name for acetyl chloride

ethe (iːθ)   adj   easy

Ethelbert (ˈɛθəlˌbɜːt) or Æthelbert (ˈæθəlˌbɜːt)   n   Saint. ?552–616 AD, king of Kent (560–616): converted to Christianity by St Augustine; issued the earliest known code of English laws. Feast day: Feb 24 or 25

Ethelred I (ˈɛθəlˌrɛd) or Æthelred I (ˈæθəlˌrɛd)   n   died 871, king of Wessex (866–71). He led resistance to the Danish invasion of England; died following his victory at Ashdown

Ethelred II or Æthelred II   n   known as Ethelred the Unready. ?968–1016 AD, king of England (978–1016). He was temporarily deposed by the Danish king Sweyn (1013) but was recalled on Sweyn's death (1014)

Ethelwulf (ˈɛθəlˌwʊlf) or Æthelwulf (ˈæθəlˌwʊlf)   n   died 858 AD, king of Wessex (839–858)

ethene (ˈɛθiːn)   n   the technical name for ethylene

etheostomine (ˌɛθIˈɒstəmIn, ˌɛθIˈɒstəmiːn, ˌɛθIˈɒstəmaIn)   adj   relating to small freshwater fish in the genus Etheostoma

ethephon (ˈɛθəˌfɒn)   n   a synthetic plant-growth regulator

ether (ˈiːθə)   n   1 Also called: diethyl ether, ethyl ether, ethoxyethane a colourless volatile highly flammable liquid with a characteristic sweetish odour, made by the reaction of sulphuric acid with ethanol: used as a solvent and anaesthetic. Formula: C_2H_5OC_2H_5   2 any of a class of organic compounds with the general formula ROR′ where R and R′ are alkyl groups, as in diethyl ether C_2H_5OC_2H_5   3 the ether the hypothetical medium formerly believed to fill all space and to support the propagation of electromagnetic waves   4 Greek myth the upper regions of the atmosphere; clear sky or heaven   5 a rare word for air   ▶ Also (for senses 3–5): aether [C17: from Latin aether, from Greek aithēr, from aithein to burn]   > etheric (iːˈθɛrIk) adj

■ etherical (iːˈθɛrIkəl) or etherish (ˈiːθərIʃ)   adj   relating to ether

■ etherism (ˈiːθərIzəm)   n   1 an addiction to ether   2 the condition resulting from the use of ether

■ etherist (ˈiːθərIst)   n   1 a person who administers ether   2 a person who uses ether as a stimulant or intoxicant

■ etherize or etherise (ˈiːθəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) obsolete to subject (a person) to the anaesthetic influence of ether fumes; anaesthetize   > ˌetheriˈzation or ˌetheriˈsation n   > ˈetherˌizer or ˈetherˌiser n

ethercap (ˈɛðəˌkæp)   n Northern English dialect   a spider

ethereal (IˈθIərIəl)   adj   1 extremely delicate or refined; exquisite   2 almost as light as air; impalpable; airy   3 celestial or spiritual   4 of, containing, or dissolved in an ether, esp diethyl ether: an ethereal solution   5 of or relating to the ether [C16: from Latin aethereus, from Greek aitherios, from aithēr ETHER]   > eˌthereˈality or eˈtherealness n   > eˈthereally adv

■ etherealize or etherealise (IˈθIərIəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make or regard as being ethereal   2 to add ether to or make into ether or something resembling ether   > eˌtherealiˈzation or eˌtherealiˈsation n

Etherege (ˈɛθərIdʒ)   n   Sir George. ?1635–?92, English Restoration dramatist; author of the comedies The Comical Revenge (1664), She would if she could (1668), and The Man of Mode (1676)

etherify (ˈiːθərIˌfaI, iːˈθɛrI-)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to change (a compound, such as an alcohol) into an ether   > eˌtherifiˈcation n

etherion (IˈθIərIɒn)   n   a gas formerly believed to exist in air

Ethernet (ˈiːθəˌnɛt)   n   trademark computing a widely used type of local area network

etheromania (ˌiːθərəʊˈmeInIə)   n   the condition of being addicted to ether

■ etheromaniac (ˌiːθərəʊˈmeInIæk)   n   a person who is addicted to ether

ethic (ˈɛθIk)   n   1 a moral principle or set of moral values held by an individual or group: the Puritan ethic   ▷ adj   2 another word for ethical [C15: from Latin ēthicus, from Greek ēthikos, from ēthos custom; see ETHOS]

■ ethical (ˈɛθIkəl)   adj   1 in accordance with principles of conduct that are considered correct, esp those of a given profession or group   2 of or relating to ethics   3 (of a medicinal agent) available legally only with a doctor's prescription or consent   > ˈethically adv   > ˈethicalness or ˌethiˈcality n

■ ethical investment   n   an investment in a company whose activities or products are not considered by the investor to be unethical

■ ethicism (ˈɛθIsIzəm)   n   devotion to ethical principles

■ ethicize or ethicise (ˈɛθIˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to make or consider as ethical

■ ethics (ˈɛθIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the philosophical study of the moral value of human conduct and of the rules and principles that ought to govern it; moral philosophy. See also meta-ethics   2 (functioning as plural) a social, religious, or civil code of behaviour considered correct, esp that of a particular group, profession, or individual   3 (functioning as plural) the moral fitness of a decision, course of action, etc: he doubted the ethics of their verdict   > ˈethicist or eˈthician n

ethion (ˈiːθIɒn)   n   a type of liquid pesticide

ethionamide (ˌiːθIˈɒnəˌmaId)   n   med an antibiotic used in treating tuberculosis

ethionine (ɛˈθiːəˌniːn)   n   chem a type of amino acid that is the biological antagonist of methionine

Ethiop (ˈiːθIˌɒp) or Ethiope (ˈiːθIˌəʊp)   adj   archaic words for Black

Ethiopia (ˌiːθIˈəʊpIə)   n   a state in NE Africa, on the Red Sea: consolidated as an empire under Menelik II (1889–1913); federated with Eritrea from 1952 until 1993; Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed by the military in 1974 and the monarchy was abolished in 1975; an independence movement in Eritrea was engaged in war with the government from 1961 until 1993. It lies along the Great Rift Valley and consists of deserts in the southeast and northeast and a high central plateau with many rivers (including the Blue Nile) and mountains rising over 4500 m (15 000 ft); the main export is coffee. Language: Amharic; Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya are also spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: birr. Capital: Addis Ababa. Pop: 104 957 438 (2017 est). Area: 1 128 215 sq km (435 614 sq miles). Former name: Abyssinia

■ Ethiopian (ˌiːθIˈəʊpIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Ethiopia, its people, or any of their languages   2 of or denoting a zoogeographical region consisting of Africa south of the Sahara   3 anthropol obsolete of or belonging to a postulated racial group characterized by dark skin, an oval elongated face, and thin lips, living chiefly in Africa south of the Sahara   ▷ n   4 a native or inhabitant of Ethiopia   5 any of the languages of Ethiopia, esp Amharic   ▷ n, adj   6 an archaic word for Black

■ Ethiopic (ˌiːθIˈɒpIk, -ˈəʊpIk)   n   1 the ancient language of Ethiopia, belonging to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family: a Christian liturgical language. See also Ge'ez   2 the group of languages developed from this language, including Amharic, Tigre, and Tigrinya   ▷ adj   3 denoting or relating to this language or group of languages   4 a less common word for Ethiopian

ethiops (ˈiːθIɒps)   n   chem obsolete a dark-coloured chemical compound

ethmoid (ˈɛθmɔId) anatomy   adj also ethmoidal (ˈɛθmɔIdəl)   1 denoting or relating to a bone of the skull that forms part of the eye socket and the nasal cavity   ▷ n   2 the ethmoid bone [C18: from Greek ēthmoeidēs like a sieve, from ēthmos sieve, from ēthein to sift]

ethnarch (ˈɛθnɑːk)   n   the ruler of a people or province, as in parts of the Roman and Byzantine Empires [C17: from Greek ethnarkhēs, from ethnos nation + arkhein to rule]   > ˈethnarchy n

ethnic (ˈɛθnIk) or ethnical   adj   1 relating to or characteristic of a human group having racial, religious, linguistic, and certain other traits in common   2 relating to the classification of humankind into groups, esp on the basis of racial characteristics   3 denoting or deriving from the cultural traditions of a group of people: the ethnic dances of Slovakia   4 characteristic of another culture: the ethnic look; ethnic food   ▷ n   5 sometimes offensive a member of an ethnic group, esp a minority group [C14 (in the senses: heathen, Gentile): from Late Latin ethnicus, from Greek ethnikos, from ethnos race]   > ˈethnically adv   > ethnicity (ɛθˈnIsItI) n

USAGE

Referring to a person as an ethnic is broadly acceptable in the US, Australia, and Canada, but could well cause offence in the UK and elsewhere

■ ethnic cleansing   n   euphemistic the violent removal by one ethnic group of other ethnic groups from the population of a particular area

■ ethnicism (ˈɛθnIsIzəm)   n   paganism

■ ethnic minority   n   an immigrant or racial group regarded by those claiming to speak for the cultural majority as distinct and unassimilated

ethno-   combining form   indicating race, people, or culture: ethnology [via French from Greek ethnos race]

ethnobiology (ˌɛθnəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of biology involving the study of the uses of plants and animals in various human societies

ethnobotany (ˌɛθnəʊˈbɒtənI)   n   the branch of botany concerned with the use of plants in folklore, religion, etc   > ˌethnoˈbotanist n

■ ethnobotanical (ˌɛθnəʊbəˈtænIkəl)   adj   botany pertaining to ethnobotany

ethnocentrism (ˌɛθnəʊˈsɛnˌtrIzəm)   n   belief in the intrinsic superiority of the nation, culture, or group to which one belongs, often accompanied by feelings of dislike for other groups   > ˌethnoˈcentric adj   > ˌethnoˈcentrically adv   > ˌethnocenˈtricity n

ethnocide (ˈɛθnəʊˌsaId)   n   the extermination of a race

ethnogeny (ɛθˈnɒdʒInI)   n   the branch of ethnology that deals with the origin of races or peoples   > ethnogenic (ˌɛθnəʊˈdʒɛnIk) adj   > ethˈnogenist n

ethnography (ɛθˈnɒɡrəfI)   n   the branch of anthropology that deals with the scientific description of individual human societies   > ˌethˈnographer n   > ethnographic (ˌɛθnəʊˈɡræfIk) or ˌethnoˈgraphical adj   > ˌethnoˈgraphically adv

■ ethnographica (ˌɛθnəˈɡræfIkə)   n   (functioning as singular) a collection of ethnographic items

ethnohistory (ˌɛθnəʊˈhIstrI, ˌɛθnəʊˈhIstərI)   n   the study of the history of culture or race

■ ethnohistorian (ˌɛθnəʊhIˈstɔːrIən)   n   a person who studies ethnohistory

■ ethnohistoric (ˌɛθnəʊhIˈstɒrIk) or ethnohistorical (ˌɛθnəʊhIˈstɒrIkəl)   adj   relating to ethnohistory

ethnolinguistics (ˌɛθnəʊlIŋˈɡwIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) a field of anthropological linguistics which deals with the study of the languages of particular ethnic groups and the relationships between language and culture

■ ethnolinguist (ˌɛθnəʊˈlIŋɡwIst)   n   a person who studies ethnolinguistics

■ ethnolinguistic (ˌɛθnəʊlIŋˈɡwIstIk)   adj   relating to ethnolinguistics

ethnology (ɛθˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of anthropology that deals with races and peoples, their relations to one another, their origins, and their distinctive characteristics   > ethnologic (ˌɛθnəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌethnoˈlogical adj   > ˌethnoˈlogically adv   > ethˈnologist n

ethnomedicine (ˈɛθnəʊˌmɛdIsIn)   n   the study of different cultural approaches to health, disease, and illness, and of the nature of local healing systems

ethnomethodology (ˌɛθnəʊmɛθəˈdɒlədʒI)   n   a method of studying linguistic communication that emphasizes common-sense views of conversation and the world. Compare phenomenology

ethnomusicology (ˌɛθnəʊmjuːzIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the music of different cultures   > ˌethnomusiˈcologist n

ethnonym (ˈɛθnəˌnIm)   n   the name of an ethnic group

ethnos (ˈɛθnɒs)   n, pl ethne (ˈɛθneI)   an ethnic group

ethnoscience (ˌɛθnəʊˈsaIəns)   n   another name for ethnography

ethogram (ˈiːθəˌɡræm)   n   a description of an animal's behaviour

ethology (IˈθɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the behaviour of animals in their normal environment [C17 (in the obsolete sense: mimicry): via Latin from Greek ēthologia, from ēthos character; current sense, C19]   > ethological (ˌɛθəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌethoˈlogic adj   > ˌethoˈlogically adv   > eˈthologist n

ethonone (ˈɛθəˌnəʊn)   n   another name for ketene

ethos (ˈiːθɒs)   n   the distinctive character, spirit, and attitudes of a people, culture, era, etc: the revolutionary ethos [C19: from Late Latin: habit, from Greek]

ethoxide (iːθˈɒksaId)   n   any of a class of saltlike compounds with the formula MOC_2H_5, where M is a metal atom. Also called: ethylate [C20: from ethox(yl) (from ETH(YL) + OX(YGEN) + -YL) + -IDE]

ethoxyethane (ɛˌθɒksIˈiːθeIn)   n   the technical name for ether (sense 1) [C20: from ETH(YL) + OXY-2 + ETHANE]

ethoxyl (ɛˈθɒksIl) or ethoxy (ɛˈθɒksI)   n   chem a univalent radical

ethyl (ˈiːθaIl, ˈɛθIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C_2H5-: ethyl group or radical [C19: from ETH(ER) + -YL]   > ethylic (IˈθIlIk) adj

■ ethyl acetate   n   a colourless volatile flammable fragrant liquid ester, made from acetic acid and ethanol: used in perfumes and flavourings and as a solvent for plastics, etc. Formula: CH_3COOC_2H_5

■ ethyl alcohol   n   another name for alcohol (sense 1)

■ ethyl carbamate   n   a colourless odourless crystalline ester that is used in the manufacture of pesticides, fungicides, and pharmaceuticals. Formula: CO(NH_2)OC_2H_5. Also called: urethane

■ ethyl ether   n   a more formal name for ether (sense 1)

ethylamine (ˈiːθaIləˌmaIn)   n   chem a colourless compound with an ammonia-like odour

ethylate (ˈɛθIˌleIt)   vb   1 to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction in which an ethyl group is introduced into a molecule   ▷ n   2 another name for an ethoxide   > ˌethylˈation n

ethylbenzene (ˌɛθIlˈbɛnziːn, ˌiːθaIlˈbɛnziːn)   n   chem a hydrocarbon compound

ethylene (ˈɛθIˌliːn)   n   a colourless flammable gaseous alkene with a sweet odour, obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in the manufacture of polythene and many other chemicals. Formula: CH_2:CH_2. Also called: ethene   > ethylenic (ˌɛθIˈliːnIk) adj

■ ethylene glycol   n   another name for ethanediol

■ ethylene group or ethylene radical   n   chem the divalent group, -CH_2CH_2-, derived from ethylene

■ ethylene series   n   chem the homologous series of unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain one double bond and have the general formula, CnH2n; alkene series

ethyne (ˈiːθaIn, ˈɛθaIn)   n   another name for acetylene [C20: from ETHYL + -INE^2]

ethynyl (ɛˈθaInIl)   n   chem a univalent radical

etic (ˈiːtIk)   adj   relating to a nonstructural approach to the description of linguistics and behavioural science

e-ticket   n   a right to travel, enter an attraction, attend an event, etc, that is recorded electronically and is not printed on paper [C20: from E-2 + TICKET]

Étienne (French etjɛn)   n   a variant spelling of Estienne

etiolate (ˈiːtIəʊˌleIt)   vb   1 botany to whiten (a green plant) through lack of sunlight   2 to become or cause to become pale and weak, as from malnutrition [C18: from French étioler to make pale, probably from Old French estuble straw, from Latin stipula]   > ˌetioˈlation n

■ etiolated (ˈiːtIəleItId)   adj   1 botany whitened through lack of sunlight   2 literary weakened; no longer at full strength   3 literary having a pale or sickly appearance

etiolin (ˈiːtIəlIn)   n   a yellow form of chlorophyll particular to plants grown in the dark

etiology (ˌiːtIˈɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   a variant spelling of aetiology   > etiological (ˌiːtIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or etiologic (ˌiːtIəˈlɒdʒIk) adj   > ˌetioˈlogically adv   > ˌetiˈologist n

etiquette (ˈɛtIˌkɛt, ˌɛtIˈkɛt)   n   1 the customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life   2 a conventional but unwritten code of practice followed by members of any of certain professions or groups: medical etiquette [C18: from French, from Old French estiquette label, from estiquier to attach; see STICK^2]

Etna (ˈɛtnə)   n   Mount Etna an active volcano in E Sicily: the highest volcano in Europe and the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps. Height: 3323 m (10 902 ft)

étoile (eIˈtwɑːl)   n   1 a star   2 a star-shaped object

Eton (ˈiːtən)   n   1 a town in S England, in Windsor and Maidenhead unitary authority, Berkshire, near the River Thames: site of Eton College, a public school for boys founded in 1440. Pop: 3821 (2001 est)   2 this college

■ Eton collar   n   a broad stiff white collar worn outside an Eton jacket

■ Eton crop   n   a short mannish hairstyle worn by women in the 1920s

■ Etonian (iːˈtəʊnIən)   n   1 a pupil of Eton College   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Eton College

■ Eton jacket   n   a waist-length jacket with a V-shaped back, open in front, formerly worn by pupils of Eton College

■ Eton mess   n   a dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, cream, and crushed meringue [C19: originally served at Eton College ]

etonogestrel (Iˌtɒnəʊˈdʒɛstrəl)   n   a progestogen used as a male contraceptive, released from two tiny rods placed under the skin

étouffée French (etufe)   n   a spicy Cajun stew

étourderie French (eturdəri)   n   thoughtlessness, blundering

étourdi French (eturdi)   adj   foolish

étranger French (etrɑ̃ʒe)   n   1 a foreigner   ▷ adj   2 foreign

étrennes French (etren)   n   (functioning as singular) a New Year's gift

étrier (French etrije)   n   mountaineering a short portable ladder or set of webbing loops that can be attached to a karabiner or fifi hook. US name: stirrup [C20: from French: stirrup]

Etruria (IˈtrʊərIə)   n   1 an ancient country of central Italy, between the Rivers Arno and Tiber, roughly corresponding to present-day Tuscany and part of Umbria   2 a factory established in Staffordshire by Josiah Wedgwood in 1769

Etruscan (Iˈtrʌskən) or Etrurian (IˈtrʊərIən)   n   1 a member of an ancient people of central Italy whose civilization influenced the Romans, who had suppressed them by about 200 BC   2 the non-Indo-European language of the ancient Etruscans, whose few surviving records have not been fully interpreted   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or characteristic of Etruria, the Etruscans, their culture, or their language

et seq.   abbreviation for   1 et sequens   2 Also: et seqq et sequentia

-ette   suffix forming nouns   1 small: cigarette; kitchenette   2 female: majorette; suffragette   3 (esp in trade names) imitation: Leatherette [from French, feminine of -ET]

ettercap (ˈɛtəˌkæp)   n Scot and Northern English dialect   1 a spider   2 an ill-natured person

ettin (ˈɛtIn)   n   a giant

ettle (ˈɛtəl)   n   1 an intention or purpose   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to intend or aspire

étude (ˈeItjuːd; French etyd)   n   a short musical composition for a solo instrument, esp one designed as an exercise or exploiting technical virtuosity [C19: from French: STUDY]

étui (ɛˈtwiː)   n, pl étuis   a small usually ornamented case for holding needles, cosmetics, or other small articles [C17: from French, from Old French estuier to enclose; see TWEEZERS]

ety., etym. or etymol.   abbreviation for   1 etymological   2 etymology

etymologicum (ˌɛtIməˈlɒdʒIkəm) or etymologicon (ˌɛtIməˈlɒdʒIkən)   n   an etymological dictionary

etymology (ˌɛtIˈmɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 the study of the sources and development of words and morphemes   2 an account of the source and development of a word or morpheme [C14: via Latin from Greek etumologia; see ETYMON, -LOGY]   > etymological (ˌɛtIməˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌetymoˈlogically adv   > ˌetyˈmologist n

■ etymologize or etymologise (ˌɛtIˈmɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb   to trace, state, or suggest the etymology of (a word)

etymon (ˈɛtIˌmɒn)   n, pl -mons or -ma (-mə)   a form of a word or morpheme, usually the earliest recorded form or a reconstructed form, from which another word or morpheme is derived: the etymon of English "ewe" is Indo-European "*owi" [C16: via Latin, from Greek etumon basic meaning, from etumos true, actual]

■ etymic (ɛˈtImIk)   adj   relating to an etymon

e-type   n   informal a person who works in or is interested in electronics [C20: electronics]

etypic (iːˈtIpIk)   adj   unable to conform to type

Etzel (ˈɛtsəl)   n   German legend a great king who, according to the Nibelungenlied, was the second husband of Kriemhild after the death of Siegfried: identified with Attila the Hun. Compare Atli

eu   the internet domain name for   the European Union

Eu   the chemical symbol for   europium

EU   abbreviation for   European Union

■ EU-wide   adj   1 (of a policy, etc) applying to all the countries of the European Union   ▷ adv   2 throughout all the countries of the European Union

eu-   combining form   well, pleasant, or good: eupeptic; euphony [via Latin from Greek, from eus good]

eubacteria (ˌjuːbækˈtIərIə)   pl n, sing -rium (-rIəm)   a large group of bacteria characterized by a rigid cell wall and, in motile types, flagella; the true bacteria [C20: via New Latin from Greek, from EU- (in the sense: true) + BACTERIUM]

Euboea (juːˈbIə)   n   an island in the W Aegean Sea: the largest island after Crete of the Greek archipelago; linked with the mainland by a bridge across the Euripus channel. Capital: Chalcis. Pop: 198 130 (2001). Area: 3908 sq km (1509 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Évvoia. Former English name: Negropont

■ Euboean (juːˈbIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Greek island of Euboea   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Euboea

eucaine (juːˈkeIn)   n   a crystalline optically active substance formerly used as a local anaesthetic. Formula: C_15H_21NO_2

eucalyptol (ˌjuːkəˈlIptɒl) or eucalyptole (ˌjuːkəˈlIptəʊl)   n   a colourless oily liquid with a camphor-like odour and a spicy taste; it is obtained from eucalyptus oil and used in perfumery and as a flavouring. Formula: C_10H_18O. Also called: cineol

eucalyptus (ˌjuːkəˈlIptəs) or eucalypt (ˈjuːkəˌlIpt)   n, pl -lyptuses or -lypti (-ˈlIptaI) or -lypts   any myrtaceous tree of the mostly Australian genus Eucalyptus, such as the blue gum and ironbark, widely cultivated for the medicinal oil in their leaves (eucalyptus oil), timber, and ornament [C19: New Latin, from EU- + Greek kaluptos covered, from kaluptein to cover, hide]

eucaryote (juːˈkærIˌɒt)   n   a variant spelling of eukaryote

eucharis (ˈjuːkərIs)   n, pl -ses   any amaryllidaceous plant of the South American genus Eucharis, cultivated for their large white fragrant flowers [C19: New Latin, from Late Latin: charming, from Greek eukharis, from EU- + kharis grace]

Eucharist (ˈjuːkərIst)   n   1 the Christian sacrament in which Christ's Last Supper is commemorated by the consecration of bread and wine   2 the consecrated elements of bread and wine offered in the sacrament   3 Mass, esp when regarded as the service where the sacrament of the Eucharist is administered [C14: via Church Latin from Greek eukharistia, from eukharistos thankful, from EU- + kharizesthai to show favour, from kharis favour]   > ˌEuchaˈristic or ˌEuchaˈristical adj   > ˌEuchaˈristically adv

euchlorine (juːˈklɔːriːn) or euchlorin (juːˈklɔːrIn)   n   an explosive gaseous mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide

■ euchloric (juːˈklɔːrIk)   adj   chem relating to euchlorine

euchologion (ˌjuːkəˈləʊdʒIɒn) or euchology (juːˈkɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gia or -gies   a collection of prayers

euchre (ˈjuːkə)   n   1 a US and Canadian card game similar to écarté for two to four players, using a poker pack with joker   2 an instance of euchring another player, preventing him or her from making his contracted tricks   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to prevent (a player) from making his or her contracted tricks   4 (usually foll by out) US, Canadian, Austral and NZ informal to outwit or cheat   5 Austral and NZ informal to ruin or exhaust [C19: of unknown origin]

euchromatin (juːˈkrəʊmətIn)   n   the part of a chromosome that constitutes the major genes and does not stain strongly with basic dyes when the cell is not dividing. Compare heterochromatin   > euchromatic (ˌjuːkrəʊˈmætIk) adj

Eucken (German ˈɔykən)   n   Rudolph Christoph (ˈruːdɔlf ˈkrIstɔf). 1846–1926, German idealist philosopher: Nobel prize for literature 1908

euclase (ˈjuːkleIs)   n   mineralogy a brittle green gem

Euclid (ˈjuːklId)   n   1  3rd century BC, Greek mathematician of Alexandria; author of Elements, which sets out the principles of geometry and remained a text until the 19th century at least   2 the works of Euclid, esp his system of geometry   > Euclidean or Euclidian (juːˈklIdIən) adj

eucrite (ˈjuːkraIt)   n   a type of stony meteorite

■ eucritic (juːˈkrItIk)   adj   relating to eucrite

eucryphia (juːˈkrIfIə)   n   any tree or shrub of the mostly evergreen genus Eucryphia, native to Australia and S America, having leaves of a dark lustrous green and white flowers: family Eucryphiaceae [from Greek eu well + kryphios hidden, from kryptein to hide, referring to the sepals being joined at the top]

eucyclic (juːˈsIklIk, juːˈsaIklIk)   adj   botany having the same number of leaves in each whorl

eudaimonism (juːˈdiːməˌnIzəm, juːˈdaIməˌnIzəm)   n   another name for eudemonism

eudemon or eudaemon (juːˈdiːmən)   n   a benevolent spirit or demon [C17: from Greek eudaimōn, from EU- + daimōn in-dwelling spirit; see DEMON]

eudemonia or eudaemonia (ˌjuːdIˈməʊnIə)   n   happiness, esp (in the philosophy of Aristotle) that resulting from a rational active life

eudemonics or eudaemonics (ˌjuːdIˈmɒnIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the art or theory of happiness   2 another word for eudemonism   > ˌeudeˈmonic or ˌeudaeˈmonic adj

eudemonism or eudaemonism (juːˈdiːməˌnIzəm)   n   philosophy an ethical doctrine holding that the value of moral action lies in its capacity to produce happiness   > euˈdemonist or euˈdaemonist n   > euˌdemonˈistic, euˌdaemonˈistic, euˌdemonˈistical or euˌdaemonˈistical adj   > euˌdemonˈistically or euˌdaemonˈistically adv

eudialyte (juːˈdaIəˌlaIt)   n   mineralogy a brownish-red mineral easily dissolved by acids

eudicotyledon (ˌjuːdaIˌkɒtIˈliːdən)   n   any plant belonging to one of the two major groups of flowering plants, comprising over 60 per cent of all plants, normally having net-veined leaves and two cotyledons in the seed

eudiometer (ˌjuːdIˈɒmItə)   n   a graduated glass tube used in the study and volumetric analysis of gas reactions [C18: from Greek eudios, literally: clear skied (from EU- + Dios, genitive of Zeus god of the heavens) + -METER]   > eudiometric (ˌjuːdIəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌeudioˈmetrical adj   > ˌeudioˈmetrically adv   > ˌeudiˈometry n

Eudoxus of Cnidus (juːˈdɒksəs, ˈnaIdəs)   n   ?406–?355 BC, Greek astronomer and mathematician; believed to have calculated the length of the solar year

eugarie (ˈjuːɡərI)   n   Queensland dialect another name for pipi

euge (ˈjuːdʒI)   interj   well done!

Eugène (French øʒɛn)   n   Prince, title of François Eugène de Savoie-Carignan. 1663–1736, Austrian general, born in France: with Marlborough defeated the French at Blenheim (1704), Oudenaarde (1708), and Malplaquet (1709)

eugenia (juːˈdʒiːnIə)   n   a plant of the clove genus Eugenia

eugenics (juːˈdʒɛnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of methods of improving the quality of the human race, esp by selective breeding [C19: from Greek eugenēs well-born, from EU- + -genēs born; see -GEN]   > euˈgenic or euˈgenical adj   > euˈgenically adv   > euˈgenicist or euˈgenecist n   > eugenist (ˈjuːdʒənIst) n, adj

■ eugenism (ˈjuːdʒIˌnIzəm)   n   genetics the practice or advocacy of eugenics

Eugénie (French øʒeni)   n   original name Eugenia María de Montijo de Guzmán, Comtesse de Téba. 1826–1920, Empress of France (1853–71) as wife of Napoleon III

eugenol (ˈjuːdʒIˌnɒl)   n   a colourless or pale yellow oily liquid substance with a spicy taste and an odour of cloves, used in perfumery; 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol. Formula: C_10H_12O_2 [C19: eugen-, from Eugenia caryophyllata kind of clove from which oil may be obtained + -OL^1]

eugeosyncline (ˌjuːdʒiːəʊˈsIŋˌklaIn)   n   geology a geosyncline characterized by lithology typical of deep ocean environments

■ eugeosynclinal (ˌjuːdʒiːəʊˌsIŋˈklaInəl)   adj   geology of or relating to a eugeosyncline

euglena (juːˈɡliːnə)   n   any freshwater unicellular organism of the genus Euglena, moving by means of flagella and typically having holophytic nutrition. It has been variously regarded as an alga or a protozoan but is now usually classified as a protoctist (phylum Euglenophyta) [C19: from New Latin, from EU- + Greek glēnē eyeball, socket of a joint]   > euˈglenoid adj, n

euglobulin (juːˈɡlɒbjʊlIn)   n   biochem a fraction of serum globulin which is soluble in saline solutions and insoluble in distilled water

euharmonic (ˌjuːhɑːˈmɒnIk)   adj   producing perfect concord or harmony

euhemerism (juːˈhiːməˌrIzəm)   n   1 the theory that gods arose out of the deification of historical heroes   2 any interpretation of myths that derives the gods from outstanding men and seeks the source of mythology in history [C19: named after Euhemerus (?300 BC), Greek philosopher who propounded this theory]   > euˈhemerist n   > euˌhemerˈistic adj   > euˌhemerˈistically adv

■ euhemerize or euhemerise (juːˈhiːməˌraIz)   vb   to deal with or explain (myths) by euhemerism

euk or ewk (juːk)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect to itch

eukaryote or eucaryote (juːˈkærIˌɒt)   n   any member of the Eukarya, a domain of organisms having cells each with a distinct nucleus within which the genetic material is contained. Eukaryotes include protoctists, fungi, plants, and animals. Compare prokaryote [from EU- + KARYO- + -ote as in zygote]   > eukaryotic or eucaryotic (ˌjuːkærIˈɒtIk) adj

Eula (ˈjuːlə)   n acronym for   end-user licence agreement: the agreement made by a user before being granted permission to use computer software

eulachon (ˈjuːləˌkɒn) or eulachan   n, pl -chons, -chon or -chans, -chan   another name for candlefish [from Chinook Jargon ulâkân]

Eulenspiegel (ˈɔIlənˌʃpiːɡəl)   n   See Till Eulenspiegel

Euler (German ˈɔIlər)   n   1  Leonhard (ˈleːɔnhart). 1707–83, Swiss mathematician, noted esp for his work on the calculus of variation: considered the founder of modern mathematical analysis   2  Ulf (Svante) von (ʊlf fɔn). 1905–83, Swedish physiologist: shared the Nobel prize (1970) for physiology or medicine with Julius Axelrod and Bernard Katz for their work on the catecholamines: son of Hans von Euler-Chelpin

■ Euler's circles (ˈɔIləz)   pl n   logic a diagram in which the terms of categorial statements are represented by circles whose inclusion in one another represents the inclusion of the extensions of the terms in one another. Compare Venn diagram [named after Leonhard EULER]

Euler-Chelpin (German ˈɔIlər ˈkɛlpiːn)   n   Hans (Karl August) von. 1873–1964, Swedish biochemist, born in Germany: shared the Nobel prize for chemistry (1929) with Sir Arthur Harden for their work on enzymes: father of Ulf von Euler

eulogia (juːˈləʊdʒIə)   n   1 Eastern Churches blessed bread distributed to members of the congregation after the liturgy, esp to those who have not communed   2 archaic a blessing or something blessed [C18: from Greek: blessing; see EULOGY]

eulogy (ˈjuːlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 a formal speech or piece of writing praising a person or thing, esp a person who has recently died   2 high praise or commendation   ▶ Also called (archaic): eulogium (juːˈləʊdʒIəm) [C16: from Late Latin eulogia, from Greek: praise, from EU- + -LOGY; influenced by Latin ēlogium short saying, inscription]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with elegy

■ eulogize or eulogise (ˈjuːləˌdʒaIz)   vb   to praise (a person or thing) highly in speech or writing   > ˈeulogist, ˈeuloˌgizer or ˈeuloˌgiser n   > ˌeuloˈgistic or ˌeuloˈgistical adj   > ˌeuloˈgistically adv

eumelanin (juːˈmɛlənIn)   n   a form of melanin found in human skin and hair, more common in people with dark skin

Eumenides (juːˈmɛnIˌdiːz)   pl n   another name for the Furies, used by the Greeks as a euphemism [from Greek, literally: the benevolent ones, from eumenēs benevolent, from EU- + menos spirit]

eumerism (ˈjuːməˌrIzəm)   n   a biologic collection of similar parts

eumung (ˈjuːmʌŋ) or eumong (ˈjuːmɒŋ)   n   any of various Australian acacias [from a native Australian language]

eunuch (ˈjuːnək)   n   1 a man who has been castrated, esp (formerly) for some office such as a guard in a harem   2 informal an ineffective person: a political eunuch [C15: via Latin from Greek eunoukhos attendant of the bedchamber, from eunē bed + ekhein to have, keep]

■ eunuchism (ˈjuːnəˌkIzəm)   n   1 the tradition or practice of castrating males   2 the condition of being a eunuch

■ eunuchize or eunuchise (ˈjuːnəˌkaIz)   vb (tr)   to castrate; to emasculate

eunuchoid (ˈjuːnəˌkɔId)   n   1 a person who resembles a eunuch (either physically or in character)   ▷ adj   2 resembling a eunuch (either physically or in character)

■ eunuchoidism (ˈjuːnəkɔIˌdIzəm)   n   pathol a condition characterized by a lack of sexual characteristics caused by a hormonal imbalance

euoi (juːˈɔI)   interj   a variant of evoe

euonymin (juːˈɒnImIn)   n   an extract obtained from the bark of the spindle tree (Euonymus atropurpureus)

euonymus (juːˈɒnIməs) or evonymus   n   any tree or shrub of the N temperate genus Euonymus, such as the spindle tree, whose seeds are each enclosed in a fleshy, typically red, aril: family Celastraceae [C18: from Latin: spindle tree, from Greek euōnumos fortunately named, from EU- + onoma NAME]

euouae (juːˈuːI)   n   music (in medieval music) a mnemonic used to recall the sequence of tones in a particular passage of the Gloria Patri

eupad (ˈjuːpæd)   n   pharmacol an antiseptic powder containing chlorinated lime and boric acid

eupatorium (ˌjuːpəˈtɔːrIəm)   n   any plant of the genus Eupatorium, of N temperate regions and tropical America: cultivated for their ornamental clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites) [C16: from New Latin, from Greek eupatorion hemp agrimony, from Eupator surname of Mithridates VI, king of Pontus and traditionally the first to have used it medicinally]

eupatrid (juːˈpætrId)   n, pl -patridae (-ˈpætrIˌdiː) or -patrids   (in ancient Greece) a hereditary noble or landowner [C19: via Latin from Greek eupatridēs, literally: having a good father, from EU- + patēr father]

Eupen and Malmédy (French øpɛn, malmedi)   n   a region of Belgium in Liège province: ceded by Germany in 1919. Pop: 29 372 (2004 est)

eupepsia (juːˈpɛpsIə), eupepsy (juːˈpɛpsI) or eupepticity (ˌjuːpɛpˈtIsItI)   n   physiol good digestion [C18: from New Latin, from Greek, from EU- + pepsis digestion, from peptein to digest]   > eupeptic (juːˈpɛptIk) adj

euphausiacean (juːˌfɔːzIˈeIʃən)   n   a member of the Euphausiacea order of small shrimplike crustaceans

euphausiid (juːˈfɔːzIId) or euphausid (-zId)   n   any small pelagic shrimplike crustacean of the order Euphausiacea: an important constituent of krill [C19: from New Latin Euphausiacea, perhaps from Greek EU- + pha- from phainein to reveal, show + ousia substance, stuff]

euphemism (ˈjuːfIˌmIzəm)   n   1 an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate   2 the use of such inoffensive words or phrases [C17: from Greek euphēmismos, from EU- + phēmē speech]   > ˌeupheˈmistic adj   > ˌeupheˈmistically adv

■ euphemist (ˈjuːfəmIst)   n   a person who uses euphemisms

■ euphemize or euphemise (ˈjuːfIˌmaIz)   vb   to speak in euphemisms or refer to by means of a euphemism   > ˈeupheˌmizer or ˈeupheˌmiser n

euphenics (juːˈfɛnIks)   n   the study of biological improvement

■ euphenic (juːˈfɛnIk)   adj   biology of or relating to biological or physical improvement, esp of humans

euphobia (juːˈfəʊbIə)   n   a fear of good news

euphon (ˈjuːfɒn)   n   a glass harmonica

euphonium (juːˈfəʊnIəm)   n   a brass musical instrument with four valves; the tenor of the tuba family. It is used mainly in brass bands [C19: New Latin, from EUPH(ONY + HARM)ONIUM]

euphony (ˈjuːfənI)   n, pl -nies   1 the alteration of speech sounds, esp by assimilation, so as to make them easier to pronounce   2 a pleasing sound, esp in speech [C17: from Late Latin euphōnia, from Greek, from EU- + phōnē voice]

■ euphonic (juːˈfɒnIk) or euphonious (juːˈfəʊnIəs)   adj   1 denoting or relating to euphony; pleasing to the ear   2 (of speech sounds) altered for ease of pronunciation   > euˈphonically or euˈphoniously adv   > euˈphoniousness n

■ euphonism (ˈjuːfəˌnIzəm)   n   the use of pleasant-sounding words or phrases

■ euphonize or euphonise (ˈjuːfəˌnaIz)   vb   1 to make pleasant to hear; render euphonious   2 to change (speech sounds) so as to facilitate pronunciation

euphorbia (juːˈfɔːbIə)   n   any plant of the genus Euphorbia, such as the spurges and poinsettia: family Euphorbiaceae [C14 euforbia: from Latin euphorbea African plant named after Euphorbus, first-century AD Greek physician]

euphorbiaceous (juːˌfɔːbIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Euphorbiaceae, a family of plants typically having capsular fruits: includes the spurges, the castor oil and cassava plants, cascarilla, and poinsettia

euphorbium (juːˈfɔːbIəm)   n   an acrid resin obtained from several species of Euphorbia, formerly used in medicine as a purgative and emetic

euphoria (juːˈfɔːrIə)   n   a feeling of great elation, esp when exaggerated [C19: from Greek: good ability to endure, from EU- + pherein to bear]   > euphoric (juːˈfɒrIk) adj   > euˈphorically adv

■ euphoriant (juːˈfɔːrIənt)   adj   1 relating to or able to produce euphoria   ▷ n   2 a euphoriant drug or agent

euphotic (juːˈfəʊtIk, -ˈfɒt-)   adj   ecology denoting or relating to the uppermost part of a sea or lake down to about 100 metres depth, which receives enough light to enable photosynthesis to take place [C20: from EU- + PHOTIC]

euphrasy (ˈjuːfrəsI) or euphrasia (-sIə)   n, pl -sies or -sias   another name for eyebright [C15 eufrasie: from Medieval Latin eufrasia, from Greek euphrasia gladness, from euphrainein to make glad, from EU- + phrēn mind]

Euphrates (juːˈfreItiːz)   n   a river in SW Asia, rising in E Turkey and flowing south across Syria and Iraq to join the Tigris, forming the Shatt al Arab, which flows to the head of the Persian Gulf: important in ancient times for the extensive irrigation of its valley (in Mesopotamia). Length: 3598 km (2235 miles)

euphroe or uphroe (ˈjuːfrəʊ, -vrəʊ)   n   nautical a wooden block with holes through which the lines of a crowfoot are rove [C19: from Dutch juffrouw maiden, earlier joncfrouwe (from jonc YOUNG + frouwe woman)]

Euphrosyne (juːˈfrɒzIˌniː)   n   Greek myth one of the three Graces [from Greek: mirth, merriment]

euphuism (ˈjuːfjuːˌIzəm)   n   1 an artificial prose style of the Elizabethan period, marked by extreme use of antithesis, alliteration, and extended similes and allusions   2 any stylish affectation in speech or writing, esp a rhetorical device or expression [C16: after Euphues, prose romance by John Lyly]   > ˈeuphuist n   > ˌeuphuˈistic or ˌeuphuˈistical adj   > ˌeuphuˈistically adv

■ euphuize or euphuise (ˈjuːfjuːˌaIz)   vb (intr)   obsolete to write or speak in an affected style

euplastic (juːˈplæstIk)   adj   healing quickly and well [C19: from Greek euplastos readily moulded; see EU-, PLASTIC]

■ euplastics (juːˈplæstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the art of healing well

euploid (ˈjuːplɔId)   adj   1 having chromosomes present in an exact multiple of the haploid number   ▷ n   2 a euploid cell or individual   ▶ Compare aneuploid [C20: from EU- + -ploid, as in HAPLOID]   > ˈeuploidy n

eupnoea or US eupnea (juːpˈnIə)   n   physiol normal relaxed breathing. Compare dyspnoea [C18: from New Latin, from Greek eupnoia, from eupnous breathing easily, from EU- + pnoē, from pnein to breathe]   > eupˈnoeic or US eupˈneic adj

eur-   combining form   a variant of euro-

Eurasia (jʊəˈreIʃə, -ʒə)   n   the continents of Europe and Asia considered as a whole

■ Eurasian (jʊəˈreIʃən, -ʒən)   adj   1 of or relating to Eurasia   2 of mixed European and Asian descent   ▷ n   3 a person of mixed European and Asian descent

Euratom (jʊəˈrætəm)   n   short for European Atomic Energy Community; an authority established by the European Economic Community (now the European Union) to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy

Eure (French œr)   n   a department of N France, in Normandie region. Capital: Évreux. Pop: 550 056 (2003 est). Area: 6037 sq km (2354 sq miles)

■ Eure-et-Loir (French œrelwar)   n   a department of N central France, in Centre-Val de Loire region. Capital: Chartres. Pop: 412 094 (2003 est). Area: 5940 sq km (2317 sq miles)

eureka (jʊˈriːkə)   interj   an exclamation of triumph on discovering or solving something [C17: from Greek heurēka I have found (it), from heuriskein to find; traditionally the exclamation of Archimedes when he realized, during bathing, that the volume of an irregular solid could be calculated by measuring the water displaced when it was immersed]

■ eureka moment   n informal   a moment at which a person realizes or solves something

■ Eureka Stockade   n   a violent incident in Ballarat, Australia, in 1854 between gold miners and the military, as a result of which the miners won their democratic rights in the state parliament

eurhythmy or esp US eurythmy (juːˈrIðmI)   n   1 rhythmic movement   2 harmonious structure [C17: from Latin eurythmia, from Greek eurhuthmia, from EU- + rhuthmos proportion, RHYTHM]

■ eurhythmic (juːˈrIðmIk), eurhythmical (juːˈrIðmIkəl) or esp US eurythmic, eurythmical   adj   1 having a pleasing and harmonious rhythm, order, or structure   2 of or relating to eurhythmics

■ eurhythmics or esp US eurythmics (juːˈrIðmIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 a system of training through physical movement to music, originally taught by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, to develop grace and musical understanding   2 dancing of this style, expressing the rhythm and spirit of the music through body movements

■ eurhythmist or eurythmist (juːˈrIðmIst)   n   a person who teaches or practises eurhythmics

Euripides (jʊˈrIpIˌdiːz)   n   ?480–406 BC, Greek tragic dramatist. His plays, 18 of which are extant, include Alcestis, Medea, Hippolytus, Hecuba, Trojan Women, Electra, Iphigeneia in Tauris, Iphigeneia in Aulis, and Bacchae

euripus (jʊˈraIpəs)   n, pl -pi (-paI)   a strait or channel with a strong current or tide [C17: from Latin, from Greek Euripos the strait between Boeotia and Euboea, from ripē force, rush]

euro (ˈjʊərəʊ)   n, pl -os   the official currency unit, divided into 100 cents, of the member countries of the European Union who have adopted European Monetary Union; these are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portgual, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain; also used by Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Kosovo, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Montenegro, Réunion, San Marino, and the Vatican City

euro- (ˈjʊərəʊ-) or before a vowel eur-   combining form (sometimes capital)   Europe or European: eurodollar

euro-ad (ˈjʊərəʊˌæd)   n   an advertisement designed to be suitable for all countries in the European Union

Eurobeach (ˈjʊərəʊˌbiːtʃ)   n   a beach that has been designated as suitable for bathing from because it meets the limits set by European Union regulations for bacteria in bathing areas

eurobond (ˈjʊərəʊˌbɒnd)   n   (sometimes capital) a bond issued in a eurocurrency

Eurocentric (ˌjʊərəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   chiefly concerned with or concentrating on Europe and European culture: the Eurocentric curriculum

eurocheque (ˈjʊərəʊˌtʃɛk)   n   (sometimes capital) (formerly) a cheque drawn on a European bank that can be cashed at any bank or bureau de change displaying the EC sign or that can be used to pay for goods or services at any outlet displaying this sign

Euroclydon (jʊˈrɒklIˌdɒn)   n   1 a stormy wind from the north or northeast that occurs in the Levant, which caused the ship in which St Paul was travelling to be wrecked (Acts 27:14)   2 any stormy wind [C17: from Greek eurokludōn, from Euros EURUS + Greek akulōn (unattested) north wind, from Latin aquilō]

euro-commercial paper (ˌjuːrəʊkəˈmɜːʃəl)   n   commercial paper issued in a eurocurrency

Eurocommunism (ˌjʊərəʊˈkɒmjʊˌnIzəm)   n   the policies, doctrines, and practices of Communist Parties in Western Europe in the 1970s and 1980s, esp those rejecting democratic centralism and favouring nonalignment with the Soviet Union and China   > ˌEuroˈcommunist n, adj

eurocrat (ˈjʊərəˌkræt)   n   (sometimes capital) informal, derogatory a member, esp a senior member, of the administration of the European Union

eurocredit (ˈjʊərəʊˌkrɛdIt)   n   banking a loan in which the currency of the loan is different from the national currency of the lending bank

eurocreep (ˈjʊərəʊˌkriːp)   n   informal the gradual introduction of the euro into use in EU countries that still have their own currencies

eurocurrency (ˈjʊərəʊˌkʌrənsI)   n   (sometimes capital)   a the currency of any country held on deposit in Europe outside its home market: used as a source of short- or medium-term finance, esp in international trade, because of easy convertibility   b (as modifier): the eurocurrency market

eurodeposit (ˌjʊərəʊdIˈpɒzIt)   n   (sometimes capital) a deposit of the currency of any country in the eurocurrency market

eurodollar (ˈjʊərəʊˌdɒlə)   n   (sometimes capital) a US dollar as part of a European holding. See eurocurrency

euroky (jʊəˈrəʊkI)   n   biology the ability of an organism to live under variable conditions

■ eurokous (jʊəˈrəʊkəs)   adj   biology of or relating to euroky

Euroland (ˈjʊərəʊˌlænd)   n   another name for Eurozone

euromarket (ˈjʊərəʊˌmɑːkIt)   n   1 a market for financing international trade backed by the central banks and commercial banks of the European Union   2 the European Union treated as one large market for the sale of goods and services

Euro MP   n   informal a member of the European Parliament

Euronext (ˈjʊərəʊˌnɛkst)   n   a European stock exchange formed by the amalgamation of various European bourses

euronote (ˈjuːrəʊˌnəʊt)   n   a form of euro-commercial paper consisting of short-term negotiable bearer notes

Europa^1 (jʊˈrəʊpə)   n   Greek myth a Phoenician princess who had three children by Zeus in Crete, where he had taken her after assuming the guise of a white bull. Their offspring were Rhadamanthus, Minos, and Sarpedon

Europa^2 (jʊˈrəʊpə)   n   the smallest of the four Galilean satellites of Jupiter. Diameter: 3138 km; orbital radius: 671 000 km

Europe (ˈjʊərəp)   n   1 the second smallest continent, forming the W extension of Eurasia: the border with Asia runs from the Urals to the Caspian and the Black Sea. The coastline is generally extremely indented and there are several peninsulas (notably Scandinavia, Italy, and Iberia) and offshore islands (including the British Isles and Iceland). It contains a series of great mountain systems in the south (Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Carpathians, Caucasus), a large central plain, and a N region of lakes and mountains in Scandinavia. Pop: 739 165 030 (2011 est). Area: about 10 400 000 sq km (4 000 000 sq miles)   2 Brit the continent of Europe except for the British Isles: we're going to Europe for our holiday   3 Brit the European Union: when did Croatia go into Europe?   4 a type of dinghy, designed to be sailed by one person

■ European (ˌjʊərəˈpIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Europe or its inhabitants   2 native to or derived from Europe   ▷ n   3 a native or inhabitant of Europe   4 a person of European descent   5 a supporter of the European Union or of political union of the countries of Europe or a part of it   > ˌEuroˈpeanˌism n

■ European Central Bank   n   the central bank of the European Union, established in 1998 to oversee the process of European Monetary Union and subsequently to direct monetary policy within the countries using the euro. Abbreviation: ECB

■ European Commission   n   the executive body of the European Union formed in 1967, which initiates action in the EU and mediates between member governments. Former name (until 1993): Commission of the European Communities

■ European Community or European Communities   n   an economic and political association of European States that came into being in 1967, when the legislative and executive bodies of the European Economic Community merged with those of the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Atomic Energy Community: subsumed into the European Union in 1993. Abbreviation: EC

■ European Council   n   an executive body of the European Union, made up of the President of the European Commission and representatives of the member states, including the foreign and other ministers. The Council acts at the request of the Commission

■ European Currency Unit   n   See ECU

■ European Economic Area   n   a free-trade area created in 1994 by an agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), excluding Switzerland, and the European Union (EU). Abbreviation: EEA

■ European Economic Community   n   the former W European economic association created by the Treaty of Rome in 1957; in 1967 its executive and legislative bodies merged with those of the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Atomic Energy Community to form the European Community (now part of the European Union). Informal name: Common Market. Abbreviation: EEC

■ European Free Trade Association   n   See EFTA

■ Europeanize or Europeanise (ˌjʊərəˈpIəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make European in culture, dress, etc   2 to integrate (a country, economy, etc) into the European Union   > ˌEuroˌpeaniˈzation or ˌEuroˌpeaniˈsation n

■ European Monetary Institute   n   an organization set up in 1991 to coordinate economic and monetary policy within the European Union: superseded by the European Central Bank in 1998

■ European Monetary System   n   the system used in the European Union for stabilizing exchange rates between the currencies of member states and financing the balance-of-payments support mechanism. The original Exchange Rate Mechanism was formed in 1979 but superseded in 1999 when the euro was adopted as official currency of 11 EU member states. A new exchange rate mechanism (ERM II) based on the euro is used to regulate the currencies of participating states that have not adopted the euro. Abbreviation: EMS

■ European Monetary Union   n   the agreement between some members of the European Union to establish a common currency. Abbreviation: EMU

■ European Parliament   n   the assembly of the European Union in Strasbourg. It consists of 626 directly elected members and its role is largely advisory

■ European plan   n   US a hotel rate of charging covering room and service but not meals. Compare American plan

■ European Recovery Programme   n   the official name for the Marshall Plan

■ European Union   n   an organization created in 1993 with the aim of achieving closer economic and political union between member states of the European Community. The current members are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden; the UK voted by referendum (2016) to leave. Abbreviation: EU

■ European wasp   n   Austral a large black-and-yellow banded wasp, Vespula germanica, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, now established in Australasia and the US

Europhile (ˈjʊərəʊˌfaIl) sometimes not capital   n   1 a person who admires Europe, Europeans, or the European Union   ▷ adj   2 marked by or possessing admiration for Europe, Europeans, or the European Union

■ Europhilia (ˌjʊərəʊˈfIlIə)   n (sometimes not capital)   admiration for Europe, Europeans, or the European Union

Europhobia (ˌjʊərəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n (sometimes not capital)   dislike for or hostility to Europe, Europeans, or the European Union

■ Europhobic (ˌjʊərəʊˈfəʊbIk)   adj (sometimes not capital)   hostile to Europe, Europeans, or the European Union

europium (jʊˈrəʊpIəm)   n   a soft ductile reactive silvery-white element of the lanthanide series of metals: used as the red phosphor in colour television and in lasers. Symbol: Eu; atomic no: 63; atomic wt: 151.965; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 5.244; melting pt: 822°C; boiling pt: 1527°C [C20: named after EUROPE + -IUM]

Europol (ˈjʊərəʊˌpɒl)   n acronym for   European Police Office, an international association devoted to fighting cross-border organized crime within the European Union

Europoort (Dutch ˈøːroːpoːrt)   n   a port in the Netherlands near Rotterdam: developed in the 1960s; handles chiefly oil

europop (ˈjʊərəʊˌpɒp)   n   popular music from continental Europe with simple melodies and lyrics usually sung in English

Eurosceptic (ˌ jʊərəʊˈskɛptIk)   n   1 a person who is opposed to increasing the powers of the European Union   ▷ adj   2 opposed to increasing the powers of the European Union: Eurosceptic MPs

Eurostat (ˈjʊərəʊˌstæt)   n   an organization within the European Union that collects and collates statistical information relating to member states. Full name: Statistical Office of the European Communities

Eurosterling (ˈjʊərəʊˌstɜːlIŋ)   n   sterling as part of a European holding. See eurocurrency

Eurotax (ˈjʊərəʊˌtæks)   n   a tax imposed by the European Union

euroterminal (ˈjʊərəʊˌtɜːmInəl)   n   a railway terminus from which trans-European trains operate

Eurotrack (ˈjʊərəʊˌtræk)   n   short for Financial Times Stock Exchange Eurotrack 100 Index

Eurotunnel (ˈjʊərəʊˌtʌnəl)   n   another name for Channel Tunnel

Eurovision (ˈjʊərəʊˌvIʒən)   n     a the network of the European Broadcasting Union for the exchange of news and television programmes amongst its member organizations and for the relay of news and programmes from outside the network   b (as modifier): the Eurovision song contest

Eurozone (ˈjʊərəʊˌzəʊn)   n   the geographical area containing the countries that have joined the European single currency

Eurus (ˈjʊərəs)   n   Greek myth the east or southeast wind personified [Latin, from Greek euros]

eury-   combining form   broad or wide: eurythermal [New Latin, from Greek, from eurus wide]

Euryale (jʊˈraIəlI)   n   Greek myth one of the three Gorgons

eurybath (ˈjʊərIˌbæθ)   n   zoology an aquatic organism that can live at different depths

■ eurybathic (ˌjʊərIˈbæθIk)   adj   zoology (of an aquatic organism) able to live at different depths

Eurydice (jʊˈrIdIsI)   n   Greek myth a dryad married to Orpheus, who sought her in Hades after she died. She could have left Hades with him had he not broken his pact and looked back at her

euryhaline (ˌjʊərIˈheIliːn, -laIn)   adj   (of certain aquatic animals) able to tolerate a wide range of salinity. Compare stenohaline

euryoecious (ˌjʊərIˈiːʃəs)   adj   zoology (of an organism) able to live under variable conditions

eurypterid (jʊˈrIptərId)   n   any large extinct scorpion-like aquatic arthropod of the group Eurypterida, of Palaeozoic times, thought to be related to the horseshoe crabs [C19: from New Latin Eurypterida, from EURY- + Greek pteron wing, feather]

■ eurypteroid (jʊəˈrIpθəˌrɔId)   adj   zoology of, relating to or resembling a eurypterid or eurypterids

Eurystheus (jʊˈrIsθjuːs, -θIəs)   n   Greek myth a grandson of Perseus, who, through the favour of Hera, inherited the kingship of Mycenae, which Zeus had intended for Hercules

eurythermal (ˌjʊərIˈθɜːməl), eurythermic or eurythermous   adj   (of organisms) able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures in the environment. Compare stenothermal

■ eurytherm (ˈjʊərIˌθɜːm)   n   zoology an organism that can live at a wide range of temperatures

eurythmics (juːˈrIðmIks)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of eurhythmics   > euˈrythmic or euˈrythmical adj   > euˈrythmy n

eurytopic (ˌjʊərIˈtɒpIk)   adj   1 ecology (of a species) able to tolerate a wide range of environments   2 ecology having a wide geographical distribution. Compare stenotopic [C20: from EURY- + top from Greek topos place + -IC]

Eusebio (juːˈseIbIəʊ)   n   Silva Ferreira da (ˈsIlvə fɛrˈeIrə də). 1942–2014, Portuguese footballer; played for Benfica (1960–75) and Portugal, for whom he scored 41 goals in 64 games; European Footballer of the Year (1965)

Eusebius (juːˈsiːbIəs)   n   ?265–?340 AD, bishop of Caesarea: author of a history of the Christian Church to 324 AD

eusocial (juːˈsəʊʃəl)   adj   zoology of or relating to the society of certain animals in which workers provide for reproductive individuals, esp that of certain insects

eusol (ˈjuːsɒl)   n   pharmacol an antiseptic solution of chlorinated lime and boric acid

eusporangiate (ˌjuːspɔːˈrændʒIIt)   adj   (of ferns) having each sporangium developing from a group of cells, rather than a single cell, and with no specialized dispersal of spores. Compare leptosporangiate [from New Latin eusporangiātus (unattested), from EU- + SPORANGIUM]

Eustachian tube (juːˈsteIʃən)   n   a tube that connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizes the pressure between the two sides of the eardrum [C18: named after Bartolomeo Eustachio, 16th-century Italian anatomist]

eustatic (juːˈstætIk)   adj   denoting or relating to worldwide changes in sea level, caused by the melting of ice sheets, movements of the ocean floor, sedimentation, etc [C20: from Greek, from EU- + STATIC]   > eustasy or eustacy (ˈjuːstəsI) n   > euˈstatically adv

eustele (ˈjuːˌstiːl)   n   botany a type of stele found in most seed plants, consisting of a central pith surrounded by the primary vascular tissue

eustyle (ˈjuːˌstaIl) architect   n   1 a distance between successive columns equal to two-and-a-quarter diameters of a column   ▷ adj   2 (of a colonnade) having a distance of two-and-a-quarter diameters of a column between successive columns

eutaxia (juːˈtæksIə)   n   engineering the condition of being easily melted

eutaxite (juːˈtæksaIt)   n   geology a type of banded volcanic rock

■ eutaxitic (ˌjuːtækˈsItIk)   adj   geology resembling eutaxite in form

eutaxy (ˈjuːtæksI)   n   obsolete a state of good order

eutectic (juːˈtɛktIk)   adj   1 (of a mixture of substances, esp an alloy) having the lowest freezing point of all possible mixtures of the substances   2 concerned with or suitable for the formation of eutectic mixtures   ▷ n   3 a eutectic mixture   4 the temperature on a phase diagram at which a eutectic mixture forms [C19: from Greek eutēktos melting readily, from EU- + tēkein to melt]

eutectoid (juːˈtɛktɔId)   n   1 a mixture of substances similar to a eutectic, but forming two or three constituents from a solid instead of from a melt   ▷ adj   2 concerned with or suitable for eutectoid mixtures [C20: from EUTECT(IC) + -OID]

Euterpe (juːˈtɜːpI)   n   Greek myth the Muse of lyric poetry and music   > Euˈterpean adj

euthanasia (ˌjuːθəˈneIzIə) or euthanasy (juːˈθænəsI)   n   the act of killing someone painlessly, esp to relieve suffering from an incurable illness. Also called: mercy killing [C17: via New Latin from Greek: easy death, from EU- + thanatos death]

■ euthanasiast (ˌjuːθəˈneIzIæst)   n   a person who advocates euthanasia

■ euthanasic (ˌjuːθəˈneIzIk, ˌjuːθəˈneIsIk)   adj   of or relating to euthanasia

■ euthanatise (juːˈθænəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   another word for euthanize

■ euthanize, euthanise (ˈjuːθəˌnaIz) or Austral euthanaze, euthanase (ˈjuːθəˌneIz)   vb   (tr) to kill (a person or animal) painlessly, esp to relieve suffering from an incurable illness   ▶ Also called: euthanatize [C20: back formation from EUTHANASIA]

euthenics (juːˈθɛnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the control of the environment, esp with a view to improving the health and living standards of the human race [C20: from Greek euthēnein to thrive]   > euˈthenist n

eutherian (juːˈθIərIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Eutheria, a subclass of mammals all of which have a placenta and reach an advanced state of development before birth. The group includes all mammals except monotremes and marsupials   ▷ n   2 any eutherian mammal   ▶ Compare metatherian, prototherian [C19: from New Latin Euthēria, from Greek EU- + thēria, plural of thērion beast]

euthymia (juːˈθImIə)   n   psychol a pleasant state of mind [EU- + -THYMIA]

euthyroid (juːˈθaIrɔId)   adj   med having a thyroid gland that functions normally

eutrapelia (ˌjuːtrəˈpiːlIə) or eutrapely (juːˈtræpəlI)   n   the quality of being skilled in conversation; wit; urbanity

eutrophic (juːˈtrɒfIk, -ˈtrəʊ-)   adj   (of lakes and similar habitats) rich in organic and mineral nutrients and supporting an abundant plant life, which in the process of decaying depletes the oxygen supply for animal life. Compare oligotrophic [C18: probably from eutrophy, from Greek eutrophia sound nutrition, from eutrophos well-fed, from EU- + trephein to nourish]   > ˈeutrophy n

■ eutrophication (juːˌtrɒfIˈkeIʃən)   n   a process by which pollution from such sources as sewage effluent or leachate from fertilized fields causes a lake, pond, or fen to become overrich in organic and mineral nutrients, so that algae and cyanobacteria grow rapidly and deplete the oxygen supply

eutropic (juːˈtrɒpIk)   adj   1 chem of, relating to or characterized by eutropy   2 botany (of a plant) turning to face the sun

eutropous (ˈjuːtrəpəs)   adj   biology (of an insect or plant) adapted for pollination

eutropy (ˈjuːtrəpI)   n   chem a regular variation of the crystalline structure of a series of compounds according to atomic number

euxenite (ˈjuːksIˌnaIt)   n   a rare brownish-black mineral containing erbium, cerium, uranium, columbium, and yttrium [C19: from Greek euxenos hospitable (literally: well-disposed to strangers), from EU- + xenos stranger; from its containing a number of rare elements]

Euxine Sea (ˈjuːksaIn)   n   an ancient name for the Black Sea

eV   abbreviation for   electronvolt

EV   abbreviation for   1 electric vehicle   2 English Version (of the Bible)

EVA astronautics   abbreviation for   extravehicular activity

evacuate (IˈvækjʊˌeIt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to withdraw or cause to withdraw from (a place of danger) to a place of greater safety   2 to make empty by removing the contents of   3 (also intr) physiol   a to eliminate or excrete (faeces); defecate   b to discharge (any waste product) from (a part of the body)   4 (tr) to create a vacuum in (a bulb, flask, reaction vessel, etc) [C16: from Latin ēvacuāre to void, from vacuus empty]   > eˌvacuˈation n   > eˈvacuative adj   > eˈvacuˌator n

■ evacuant (Iˈvækjʊənt)   adj   1 serving to promote excretion, esp of the bowels   ▷ n   2 an evacuant agent

■ evacuee (Iˌvækjʊˈiː)   n   a person evacuated from a place of danger, esp in wartime

evade (IˈveId)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to get away from or avoid (imprisonment, captors, etc); escape   2 to get around, shirk, or dodge (the law, a duty, etc)   3 (also intr) to avoid answering (a question) [C16: from French évader, from Latin ēvādere to go forth, from vādere to go]   > eˈvadable or eˈvadible adj   > eˈvader n   > eˈvadingly adv

evagation (ˌiːvəˈɡeIʃən)   n   1 the act of wandering or roving   2 (in speech) the act of digressing

evaginate (IˈvædʒIˌneIt)   vb   (tr) med to turn (an organ or part) inside out; turn the outer surface of (an organ or part) back on itself [C17: from Late Latin ēvāgīnāre to unsheathe, from vāgīna sheath]   > eˌvagiˈnation n

evaluate (IˈvæljʊˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to ascertain or set the amount or value of   2 to judge or assess the worth of; appraise   3 maths, logic to determine the unique member of the range of a function corresponding to a given member of its domain [C19: back formation from evaluation, from French, from evaluer to evaluate; see VALUE]   > eˌvaluˈation n   > eˈvaluˌator n

■ evaluable (Iˈvæljʊəbəl)   adj   able to be evaluated

■ evaluative (IˈvæljʊətIv)   adj   1 of, denoting, or based on an act of evaluating   2 philosophy expressing an attitude or value judgment; emotive

evanesce (ˌɛvəˈnɛs)   vb   (intr) (of smoke, mist, etc) to fade gradually from sight; vanish [C19: from Latin ēvānēscere to disappear; see VANISH]

■ evanescent (ˌɛvəˈnɛsənt)   adj   1 passing out of sight; fading away; vanishing   2 ephemeral or transitory   > ˌevaˈnescence n   > ˌevaˈnescently adv

evangel (Iˈvændʒəl)   n   1 archaic the gospel of Christianity   2 (often capital) any of the four Gospels of the New Testament   3 any body of teachings regarded as central or basic   4 US an evangelist [C14: from Church Latin ēvangelium, from Greek evangelion good news, from EU- + angelos messenger; see ANGEL]

■ evangelic (ˌiːvænˈdʒɛlIk)   adj   1 Christianity of, relating to, or following from the Christian gospel or four gospels of the New Testament   2 characterized by extreme enthusiasm; zealous

■ evangelical (ˌiːvænˈdʒɛlIkəl) Christianity   adj   1 of, based upon, or following from the Gospels   2 denoting or relating to any of certain Protestant sects or parties, which emphasize the importance of personal conversion and faith in atonement through the death of Christ as a means of salvation   3 another word for evangelistic   ▷ n   4 an upholder of evangelical doctrines or a member of an evangelical sect or party, esp the Low-Church party of the Church of England   > ˌevanˈgelicalism n   > evangelicism (ˌiːvænˈdʒəlIˌsIzəm) n   > ˌevanˈgelically adv

■ evangelicalness (ˌiːvænˈdʒɛlIkəlnəs)   n   the state or quality of being evangelical

■ evangelism (IˈvændʒIˌlIzəm)   n   1 (in Protestant churches) the practice of spreading the Christian gospel. RC Church term: evangelization, evangelisation   2 ardent or missionary zeal for a cause   3 the work, methods, or characteristic outlook of a revivalist or evangelist preacher   4 a less common word for evangelicalism. See evangelicalism

■ evangelist (IˈvændʒIlIst)   n   1 an occasional preacher, sometimes itinerant and often preaching at meetings in the open air   2 a preacher of the Christian gospel   3 any zealous advocate of a cause   4 another word for revivalist (sense 1)

■ Evangelist (IˈvændʒIlIst)   n   1 any of the writers of the New Testament Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John   2 a senior official or dignitary of the Mormon Church

■ evangelistic (IˌvændʒIˈlIstIk)   adj   1 denoting, resembling, or relating to evangelists or their methods and attitudes: evangelistic zeal   2 zealously advocating a cause   3 (often capital) of or relating to all or any of the four Evangelists   > eˌvangeˈlistically adv

■ evangelize or evangelise (IˈvændʒIˌlaIz)   vb   1 to preach the Christian gospel or a particular interpretation of it (to)   2 (intr) to advocate a cause with the object of making converts   > eˌvangeliˈzation or eˌvangeliˈsation n   > eˈvangeˌlizer or eˈvangeˌliser n

evangelistary (IˌvændʒəˈlIstərI)   n, pl -ries   a book containing passages from the gospels to be used as part of the liturgy   ▶ Also called: evangeliar, evangeliarion, evangelarium, evangeliary, evangelistarion

evangely (IˈvændʒəlI)   n   an obsolete name for evangel (sense 1)

evanish (IˈvænIʃ)   vb   a poetic word for vanish [C15: from Old French esvanir, from Latin ēvānēscere to VANISH]   > eˈvanishment n

■ evanition (ˌɛvəˈnIʃən)   n   another word for evanishment

Evans (ˈɛvənz)   n   1  Sir Arthur (John). 1851–1941, British archaeologist, whose excavations of the palace of Knossos in Crete provided evidence for the existence of the Minoan civilization   2  Dame Edith (Mary Booth). 1888–1976, British actress   3  Sir Geraint (Llewellyn). 1922–92, Welsh operatic baritone   4  Herbert McLean. 1882–1971, US anatomist and embryologist; discoverer of vitamin E (1922)   5 Mary Ann. real name of (George) Eliot (sense 1)   6  Oliver. 1755–1819, US engineer: invented the continuous production line and a high-pressure steam engine   7  Walker. 1903–75, US photographer, noted esp for his studies of rural poverty in the Great Depression

Evanston (ˈɛvənstən)   n   a city in NE Illinois, on Lake Michigan north of Chicago: Northwestern University (1851). Pop: 74 360 (2003 est)

Evansville (ˈɛvənzˌvIl)   n   a city in SW Indiana, on the Ohio River. Pop: 117 881 (2003 est)

evaporate (IˈvæpəˌreIt)   vb   1 to change or cause to change from a liquid or solid state to a vapour. Compare boil^1 (sense 1)   2 to lose or cause to lose liquid by vaporization, leaving a more concentrated residue   3 to disappear or cause to disappear; fade away or cause to fade away: all her doubts evaporated   4 (tr) to deposit (a film, metal, etc) by vaporization of a liquid or solid and the subsequent condensation of its vapour [C16: from Late Latin ēvapōrāre, from Latin vapor steam; see VAPOUR]   > eˈvaporable adj   > eˌvaporaˈbility n   > eˌvapoˈration n   > eˈvaporative adj   > eˈvapoˌrator n

■ evaporated milk   n   thick unsweetened tinned milk from which some of the water has been evaporated

evaporimeter (IˌvæpəˈrImItə) or evaporometer (IˌvæpəˈrɒmItə)   n   another name for atmometer

evaporite (IˈvæpəˌraIt)   n   any sedimentary rock, such as rock salt, gypsum, or anhydrite, formed by evaporation of former seas or salt-water lakes [C20: EVAPORATION + -ITE^1]

■ evaporitic (IˌvæpəˈrItIk)   adj   geology of or relating to an evaporite

evaporograph (Iˈvæpərəˌɡrɑːf)   n   an instrument which measures and records the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere

evapotranspiration (IˌvæpəʊˌtrænspəˈreIʃən)   n   the return of water vapour to the atmosphere by evaporation from land and water surfaces and by the transpiration of vegetation

evasion (IˈveIʒən)   n   1 the act of evading or escaping, esp from a distasteful duty, responsibility, etc, by trickery, cunning, or illegal means: tax evasion   2 trickery, cunning, or deception used to dodge a question, duty, etc; means of evading [C15: from Late Latin ēvāsiō, from Latin ēvādere to go forth; see EVADE]

■ evasible (IˈveIzəbəl)   adj   able to be evaded

■ evasive (IˈveIsIv)   adj   1 tending or seeking to evade; avoiding the issue; not straightforward   2 avoiding or seeking to avoid trouble or difficulties: to take evasive action   3 hard to catch or obtain; elusive   > eˈvasively adv   > eˈvasiveness n

Evatt (ˈɛvæt)   n   Herbert Vere. 1894–1965, Australian jurist and Labor political leader, president of the General Assembly of the United Nations 1948–49

eve (iːv)   n   1    a the evening or day before some special event or festival   b (capital when part of a name): New Year's Eve   2 the period immediately before an event: on the eve of civil war   3 an archaic word for evening [C13: variant of EVEN^2]

Eve (iːv)   n   Old Testament the first woman; mother of the human race, fashioned by God from the rib of Adam (Genesis 2:18-25)

■ Eve's pudding   n   Brit a baked sponge pudding with a layer of apple at the bottom

■ Eve teasing   n   Indian offensive sexual harassment of a woman or women, esp verbally, usually in a public place [from the Biblical EVE + TEASE]

evection (Iˈvɛkʃən)   n   irregularity in the moon's motion caused by perturbations of the sun and planets [C17: from Latin ēvectiō a going up, from ēvehere to lead forth, from vehere to carry]   > eˈvectional adj

evejar (ˈiːvˌdʒɑː)   n   the nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus

Evelyn (ˈiːvlIn, ˈɛv-)   n   John. 1620–1706, English author, noted chiefly for his diary (1640–1706)

even^1 (ˈiːvən)   adj   1 level and regular; flat: an even surface   2 (postpositive; foll by with) on the same level or in the same plane (as): one surface even with another   3 without variation or fluctuation; regular; constant: an even rate of progress   4 not readily moved or excited; placid; calm: an even temper   5 equally balanced between two sides: an even game   6 equal or identical in number, quantity, etc: two even spoonfuls of sugar   7    a (of a number) divisible by two   b characterized or indicated by such a number: maps are on the even pages. Compare odd (sense 4)   8 relating to or denoting two or either of two alternatives, events, etc, that have an equal probability: an even chance of missing or catching a train   9 having no balance of debt; neither owing nor being owed   10 just and impartial; fair: an even division   11 exact in number, amount, or extent: an even pound   12 equal, as in score; level: now the teams are even   13 maths (of a function) unchanged in value when the sign of the independent variable is changed, as in y = z^2. See odd (sense 8)   14 even money   a a bet in which the winnings are the same as the amount staked   b (as modifier): the even-money favourite   15 get even informal to exact revenge (on); settle accounts (with)   16 of even date law formal or obsolete of the same or today's date   ▷ adv   17 (intensifier; used to suggest that the content of a statement is unexpected or paradoxical): even an idiot can do that   18 (intensifier; used with comparative forms): this is even better   19 notwithstanding; in spite of: even having started late she soon caught him up   20 used to introduce a more precise version of a word, phrase, or statement: her work is gloomy, even morbid   21 used preceding a clause of supposition or hypothesis to emphasize the implication that whether or not the condition in it is fulfilled, the statement in the main clause remains valid: even if she died he wouldn't care   22 archaic that is to say; namely (used for emphasis): he, even he, hath spoken these things   23 archaic all the way; fully: I love thee even unto death   24 even as (conjunction) at the very same moment or in the very same way that: even as I spoke, it thundered   25 even so in spite of any assertion to the contrary: nevertheless   ▷ vb   26 to make or become even   ▶ See also break even [Old English efen; related to Old Norse jafn even, equal, Gothic ibns, Old High German eban]   > ˈevener n   > ˈevenly adv   > ˈevenness n

■ even-handed   adj   dealing fairly with all; impartial   > ˌeven-ˈhandedly adv   > ˌeven-ˈhandedness n

■ even out   vb   (adverb) to make or become even, as by the removal of bumps, inequalities, etc: the land evens out beyond that rise

■ evens (ˈiːvənz)   adj, adv   1 (of a bet) winning the same as the amount staked if successful   2 (of a runner) offered at such odds

■ even-steven or even-stevens Brit and Austral   adj informal   1 having no balance of debt; neither owing or being owed: just buy me a drink and we're even-steven   2 sport with an equal score   3 evenly matched   ▷ adv   4 sport informal with an equal score

■ even-tempered   adj   not easily angered or excited; calm

■ even up   vb   (adverb) to make or become equal, esp in respect of claims or debts; settle or balance

even^2 (ˈiːvən)   n   an archaic word for eve, evening [Old English ǣfen; related to Old Frisian ēvend, Old High German āband]

■ evenfall (ˈiːvənˌfɔːl)   n   archaic early evening; dusk

■ evensong (ˈiːvənˌsɒŋ)   n   1 Also called: Evening Prayer, vespers Church of England the daily evening service of Bible readings and prayers prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer   2 archaic another name for vespers   3 an archaic or poetic word for evening

■ eventide (ˈiːvənˌtaId)   n   archaic or poetic another word for evening

■ eventide home   n   euphemistic a retirement home

événement French (evenmɑ̃)   n   obsolete an occurrence, an event

evening (ˈiːvnIŋ)   n   1 the latter part of the day, esp from late afternoon until nightfall   2 the latter or concluding period: the evening of one's life   3 the early part of the night spent in a specified way: an evening at the theatre   4 an entertainment, meeting, or reception held in the early part of the night   5 Southern US and Brit dialect the period between noon and sunset   6 (modifier) of, used, or occurring in the evening: the evening papers [Old English ǣfnung; related to Old Frisian ēvend, Old High German āband]

■ evening class   n   a class held in the evenings at certain colleges, normally for adults

■ evening dress   n   attire for wearing at a formal occasion during the evening, esp (for men) a dinner jacket and black tie, or (less commonly, for women) a floor-length gown

■ evening primrose   n   any onagraceous plant of the genus Oenothera, native to North America but widely cultivated and naturalized, typically having yellow flowers that open in the evening

■ evening primrose oil   n   an oil, obtained from the seeds of the evening primrose, that is claimed to stimulate the production of prostaglandins

■ evenings (ˈiːvnIŋz)   adv   informal in the evening, esp regularly

■ evening star   n   a planet, usually Venus, seen just after sunset during the time that the planet is east of the sun. Compare morning star

Evenki (əˈvɛŋkI)   n   1 (pl Evenki) a Tungus people of E Siberia   2 the language of this people

event (Iˈvɛnt)   n   1 anything that takes place or happens, esp something important; happening; incident   2 the actual or final outcome; result (esp in the phrases in the event, after the event)   3 any one contest in a programme of sporting or other contests: the high jump is his event   4 philosophy   a an occurrence regarded as a bare instant of space-time as contrasted with an object which fills space and has endurance   b an occurrence regarded in isolation from, or contrasted with, human agency. Compare act (sense 8)   5 in any event or at all events regardless of circumstances; in any case   6 in the event of in case of; if (such a thing) happens: in the event of rain the race will be cancelled   7 in the event that if it should happen that   ▷ vb   8 to take part or ride (a horse) in eventing [C16: from Latin ēventus a happening, from ēvenīre to come forth, happen, from venīre to come]

■ eventful (Iˈvɛntfʊl)   adj   full of events or incidents: an eventful day   > eˈventfully adv   > eˈventfulness n

■ event horizon   n   astronomy the surface around a black hole enclosing the space from which electromagnetic radiation cannot escape due to gravitational attraction. For a non-rotating black hole, the radius is proportional to the mass of the black hole

■ eventing (IˈvɛntIŋ)   n   the sport of taking part in equestrian competitions (esp three-day events), usually consisting of three sections: dressage, cross-country riding, and showjumping   > eˈventer n

■ eventless (Iˈvɛntləs)   adj   without any event or incident worth noting

■ event television   n   television programmes focusing on events that attract media attention and high ratings

■ event theatre   n   spectacular and extravagantly mounted theatrical productions collectively

eventrate (IˈvɛntreIt)   vb   (tr) to open the belly of

■ eventration (ˌiːvɛnˈtreIʃən)   n   pathol protrusion of the bowel through the abdomen

eventual (Iˈvɛntʃʊəl)   adj   (prenominal) happening in due course of time; ultimate: the eventual outcome was his defeat

■ eventuality (IˌvɛntʃʊˈælItI)   n, pl -ties   a possible event, occurrence, or result; contingency

■ eventualize or eventualise (IˈvɛntʃʊəˌlaIz)   vb (intr)   to come into being, to materialize

■ eventually (IˈvɛntʃʊəlI)   adv   1 at the very end; finally   2 (as sentence modifier) after a long time or long delay: eventually, he arrived

eventuate (IˈvɛntʃʊˌeIt)   vb (intr)   1 (often foll by in) to result ultimately (in)   2 to come about as a result: famine eventuated from the crop failure   > eˌventuˈation n

ever (ˈɛvə)   adv   1 at any time: have you ever seen it?   2 by any chance; in any case: how did you ever find out?   3 at all times; always: ever busy   4 in any possible way or manner: come as fast as ever you can   5 informal, chiefly Brit (intensifier, in the phrases ever so, ever such, and ever such a): ever so good; ever such bad luck; ever such a waste   6 ever and again or ever and anon archaic now and then; from time to time   7 is he ever! or is she ever! esp US and Canadian slang he or she displays the quality concerned in abundance   ▶ See also forever [Old English ǣfre, of uncertain origin]

■ everblooming (ˈɛvəˌbluːmIŋ)   adj   botany (of a plant) blooming repeatedly during the growing season

■ everduring (ˌɛvəˈdjʊərIŋ)   adj   archaic everlasting

■ evergreen (ˈɛvəˌɡriːn)   adj   1 (of certain trees and shrubs) bearing foliage throughout the year; continually shedding and replacing leaves. Compare deciduous   2 remaining fresh and vital   ▷ n   3 an evergreen tree or shrub

■ evergreen fund   n   a fund that provides capital for new companies and makes regular injections of capital to support their development

■ everlasting (ˌɛvəˈlɑːstIŋ)   adj   1 never coming to an end; eternal   2 lasting for an indefinitely long period   3 lasting so long or occurring so often as to become tedious; incessant: I cannot bear her everlasting complaints   ▷ n   4 endless duration; eternity   5 Also called: everlasting flower. another name for immortelle. See also cat's-foot   > ˌeverˈlastingly adv   > ˌeverˈlastingness n

■ evermore (ˌɛvəˈmɔː)   adv   (often preceded by for) all time to come

■ everwhere (ˈɛvəˌwɛə)   adv   obsolete everywhere

Everest (ˈɛvərIst)   n   1 Mount Everest a mountain in S Asia on the border between Nepal and Tibet, in the Himalayas: the highest mountain in the world; first climbed by members of a British-led expedition (1953). Height: 8848 m (29 028 ft). Nepalese name: Sagarmatha. Chinese names: Qomolangma, Chomolungma   2 any high point of ambition or achievement [C19: named after Sir G. Everest (1790–1866), Surveyor-General of India]

everglade (ˈɛvəˌɡleId)   n   a large area of submerged marshland

■ Everglades (ˈɛvəˌɡleIdz)   pl n   the Everglades a subtropical marshy region of Florida, south of Lake Okeechobee: contains the Everglades National Park established to preserve the flora and fauna of the swamps. Area: over 13 000 sq km (5000 sq miles)

Everly Brothers (ˈɛvəlI)   pl n   the Everly Brothers. US pop singing duo comprising Don Everly (born 1937) and Phil Everly (1939–2014), noted for their close harmonies

evernet (ˈɛvəˌnɛt)   n   a hypothetical form of internet that is continuously accessible using a wide variety of devices [C20: from EVER + (INTER)NET]

evert (Iˈvɜːt)   vb   (tr) to turn (an eyelid, the intestines, or some other bodily part) outwards or inside out [C16: from Latin ēvertere to overthrow, from vertere to turn]   > eˈversible adj   > eˈversion n

■ evertor (Iˈvɜːtə)   n   any muscle that turns a part outwards

Evert (ˈɛvət)   n   Chris(tine). born 1954, US tennis player: winner of eighteen Grand Slam singles titles (1974–86), including the French Open a record seven times, the US Open six times, and Wimbledon three times

every (ˈɛvrI)   determiner   1 each one (of the class specified), without exception: every child knows it   2 (not used with a negative) the greatest or best possible: every hope of success   3 each: used before a noun phrase to indicate the recurrent, intermittent, or serial nature of a thing: every third day; every now and then; every so often   4 every bit (used in comparisons with as) quite; just; equally: every bit as funny as the other show   5 every other each alternate; every second: every other day   6 every which way   a in all directions; everywhere: I looked every which way for you   b US and Canadian from all sides: stones coming at me every which way [C15 everich, from Old English ǣfre ǣlc, from ǣfre EVER + ǣlc EACH]

■ everybody (ˈɛvrIˌbɒdI)   pron   every person; everyone

■ everyday (ˈɛvrIˌdeI)   adj   1 happening each day; daily   2 commonplace or usual; ordinary   3 suitable for or used on ordinary days as distinct from Sundays or special days

■ everydayness (ˌɛvrIˈdeInəs)   n   the quality of being everyday; ordinariness, commonness

■ Everyman (ˈɛvrIˌmæn)   n   1 a medieval English morality play in which the central figure represents humankind, whose earthly destiny is dramatized from the Christian viewpoint   2 (often not capital) the ordinary person; common man

■ everyone (ˈɛvrIˌwʌn, -wən)   pron   every person; everybody

USAGE

Everyone and everybody are interchangeable, as are no one and nobody, and someone and somebody. Care should be taken to distinguish between everyone as a single word and every one as two words, the latter form correctly being used to refer to each individual person or thing in a particular group: every one of them is wrong

■ every one   pron   each person or thing in a group, without exception: every one of the large cats is a fast runner

■ everyplace (ˈɛvrIˌpleIs)   adv   US an informal word for everywhere

■ everything (ˈɛvrIθIŋ)   pron   1 the entirety of a specified or implied class: she lost everything in the War   2 a great deal, esp of something very important: she means everything to me

■ everyway (ˈɛvrIˌweI)   adv   1 in every respect   2 in every direction

■ everywhen (ˈɛvrIˌwɛn)   adv   always, at all times

■ everywhence (ˈɛvrIˌwɛns)   adv   from all directions

■ everywhere (ˈɛvrIˌwɛə)   adv   to or in all parts or places

■ everywhither (ˈɛvrIˌwIðə)   adv   in all directions

■ everywoman (ˈɛvrIˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   1 a woman who exemplifies all women in some way   2 an ordinary woman

Evesham (ˈiːvʃəm)   n   a town in W central England, in W Worcestershire, on the River Avon: scene of the Battle of Evesham in 1265 (Lord Edward's defeat of Simon de Montfort and the barons); centre of the Vale of Evesham, famous for market gardens and orchards. Pop: 22 179 (2001)

evet (ˈɛvIt)   n   another word for eft^1

evhoe (iːˈviː, iːˈvəʊI)   interj   a variant spelling of evoe

Évian-les-Bains (French evjã̃lebɛ̃) or Évian   n   a resort and spa town in E France, on Lake Geneva opposite Lausanne; noted for its bottled mineral waters. Pop: 8064 (2006)

evict (IˈvIkt)   vb (tr)   1 to expel (a tenant) from property by process of law; turn out   2 to recover (property or the title to property) by judicial process or by virtue of a superior title [C15: from Late Latin ēvincere, from Latin: to vanquish utterly, from vincere to conquer]   > eˈviction n   > eˈvictor n   > eˌvicˈtee n

evident (ˈɛvIdənt)   adj   easy to see or understand; readily apparent [C14: from Latin ēvidēns, from vidēre to see]

■ evidence (ˈɛvIdəns)   n   1 ground for belief or disbelief; data on which to base proof or to establish truth or falsehood   2 a mark or sign that makes evident; indication: his pallor was evidence of ill health   3 law matter produced before a court of law in an attempt to prove or disprove a point in issue, such as the statements of witnesses, documents, material objects, etc. See also circumstantial evidence, direct evidence   4 turn queen's evidence, turn king's evidence or turn state's evidence (of an accomplice) to act as witness for the prosecution and testify against those associated with him or her in crime   5 in evidence on display; apparent; conspicuous: her new ring was in evidence   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to make evident; show clearly   7 to give proof of or evidence for

■ evidential (ˌɛvIˈdɛnʃəl)   adj   relating to, serving as, or based on evidence   > ˌeviˈdentially adv

■ evidentiary (ˌɛvIˈdɛnʃərI)   adj   of or relating to evidence; evidential

■ evidently (ˈɛvIdəntlI)   adv   1 without question; clearly; undoubtedly   2 to all appearances; apparently: they are evidently related

evil (ˈiːvəl)   adj   1 morally wrong or bad; wicked: an evil ruler   2 causing harm or injury; harmful: an evil plan   3 marked or accompanied by misfortune; unlucky: an evil fate   4 (of temper, disposition, etc) characterized by anger or spite   5 not in high esteem; infamous: an evil reputation   6 offensive or unpleasant: an evil smell   7 slang good; excellent   ▷ n   8 the quality or an instance of being morally wrong; wickedness: the evils of war   9 (sometimes capital) a force or power that brings about wickedness or harm: evil is strong in the world   10 archaic an illness or disease, esp scrofula (the king's evil)   ▷ adv   11 (now usually in combination) in an evil manner; badly: evil-smelling [Old English yfel, of Germanic origin; compare Old Frisian evel, Old High German ubil evil, Old Irish adbal excessive]   > ˈevilly adv   > ˈevilness n

■ evildoer (ˈiːvəlˌduːə)   n   a person who does evil   > ˈevilˌdoing n

■ evil eye   n the evil eye   1 a look or glance superstitiously supposed to have the power of inflicting harm or injury   2 the power to inflict harm, etc, by such a look   > ˌevil-ˈeyed adj

■ evil-minded   adj   inclined to evil thoughts; wicked; malicious or spiteful   > ˌevil-ˈmindedly adv   > ˌevil-ˈmindedness n

■ Evil One   n   the Evil One the devil; Satan

■ evil-smelling   adj   having an very offensive smell

■ evil twin   n   informal a hidden wireless internet access point operating near a legitimate one, used by cybercriminals to divert sensitive information such as account numbers and passwords

evince (IˈvIns)   vb   (tr) to make evident; show (something, such as an emotion) clearly [C17: from Latin ēvincere to overcome; see EVICT]   > eˈvincible adj   > eˈvincibly adv   > eˈvincive adj

USAGE

Evince is sometimes wrongly used where evoke is meant: the proposal evoked (not evinced) a storm of protest

■ evincement (IˈvInsmənt)   n   the act of evincing; proof

evirate (ˈiːvIˌreIt, ˈɛvIˌreIt)   vb (tr)   to emasculate; to castrate

eviscerate (IˈvIsəˌreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to remove the internal organs of; disembowel   2 (tr) to deprive of meaning or significance   3 (tr) surgery to remove the contents of (the eyeball or other organ)   4 (intr) surgery (of the viscera) to protrude through a weakened abdominal incision after an operation   ▷ adj (IˈvIsərIt)   5 having been disembowelled [C17: from Latin ēviscerāre to disembowel, from viscera entrails]   > eˌviscerˈation n   > eˈviscerˌator n

evitable (ˈɛvItəbəl)   adj   rare able to be avoided [C16: from Latin ēvītābilis, from ēvītāre, from vītāre to avoid]

■ evitation (ˌɛvIˈteIʃən)   n   archaic the act of avoiding

■ evite (IˈvaIt)   vb   an archaic word for avoid

eviternal (ˌiːvIˈtɜːnəl)   adj   obsolete eternal, everlasting

■ eviternally (ˌiːvIˈtɜːnəlI)   adv   obsolete in an eviternal manner; eternally

■ eviternity (ˌiːvIˈtɜːnItI)   n   obsolete an eternal duration; everlastingness

evo (ˈiːvəʊ)   n   Austral an informal word for evening

evocation (ˌɛvəˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of evoking   2 French law the transference of a case from an inferior court for adjudication by a higher tribunal   3 another word for induction (sense 6) [C17: from Latin ēvocātiō a calling forth, from ēvocāre to EVOKE]   > evocable (ˈɛvəkəbəl) adj

■ evocate (ˈɛvəʊˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   another word for evoke

■ evocative (IˈvɒkətIv) or evocatory (IˈvɒkətərI)   adj   tending or serving to evoke   > eˈvocatively adv   > eˈvocativeness n

■ evocator (ˈɛvəˌkeItə)   n   1 a person or thing that evokes   2 embryol a substance or tissue that induces morphogenesis

evoe, evohe (iːˈviː, iːˈvəʊiː) or evhoe (iːˈviː, iːˈvəʊI)   interj   archaic an exclamation of Bacchic frenzy

evoke (Iˈvəʊk)   vb (tr)   1 to call or summon up (a memory, feeling, etc), esp from the past   2 to call forth or provoke; produce; elicit: his words evoked an angry reply   3 to cause (spirits) to appear; conjure up [C17: from Latin ēvocāre to call forth, from vocāre to call]   > eˈvoker n

USAGE

See at evince, invoke

évolué French (evɔlɥe)   n   (in the former African colonies of Belgium and France) an African person educated according to European principles

evolute (ˈɛvəˌluːt)   n   1 a geometric curve that describes the locus of the centres of curvature of another curve (the involute). The tangents to the evolute are at right angles to the involute   ▷ adj   2 biology having the margins rolled outwards [C19: from Latin ēvolūtus unrolled, from ēvolvere to roll out, EVOLVE]

evolution (ˌiːvəˈluːʃən)   n   1 biology a gradual change in the characteristics of a population of animals or plants over successive generations: accounts for the origin of existing species from ancestors unlike them. See also natural selection   2 a gradual development, esp to a more complex form: the evolution of modern art   3 the act of throwing off, as heat, gas, vapour, etc   4 a pattern formed by a series of movements or something similar   5 an algebraic operation in which the root of a number, expression, etc, is extracted. Compare involution (sense 6)   6 military an exercise carried out in accordance with a set procedure or plan [C17: from Latin ēvolūtiō an unrolling, from ēvolvere to EVOLVE]   > ˌevoˈlutionary or ˌevoˈlutional adj

■ evolutionarily (ˌiːvəˈluːʃənərIlI, ˌɛvə-)   adv   in an evolutionary manner

■ evolutionary algorithm   n   computing a computer program that is designed to evolve and improve in response to input

■ evolutionist (ˌiːvəˈluːʃənIst)   n   1 a person who believes in a theory of evolution, esp Darwin's theory of the evolution of plant and animal species   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a theory of evolution   > ˌevoˈlutionˌism n   > ˌevolutionˈistic adj

■ evolutive (IˈvɒljʊtIv)   adj   relating to, tending to, or promoting evolution

evolve (Iˈvɒlv)   vb   1 to develop or cause to develop gradually   2 (intr) (of animal or plant species) to undergo evolution   3 (tr) to yield, emit, or give off (heat, gas, vapour, etc) [C17: from Latin ēvolvere to unfold, from volvere to roll]   > eˈvolvable adj   > eˈvolvement n   > eˈvolver n

evolvent (Iˈvɒlvənt)   n   1 geometry an involute curve   ▷ adj   2 evolving

evonymus (ɛˈvɒnIməs)   n   a variant of euonymus

Évora (Portuguese ˈɛvurə)   n   a city in S central Portugal: ancient Roman settlement; occupied by the Moors from 712 to 1166; residence of the Portuguese court in 15th and 16th centuries. Pop: 56 525 (2001). Ancient name: Ebora (ˈiːbərə)

e-voting   n   the application of electronic technology to cast and count votes in an election

evovae (Iˈvəʊviː)   n   another name for euouae

Évreux (French evrø)   n   an industrial town in NW France: severely damaged in World War II; cathedral (12th–16th centuries). Pop: 50 772 (2008)

Évros (ˈɛvrɔs)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for the Maritsa

evulgate (iːˈvʌlɡeIt)   vb (tr)   archaic to make public; to divulge

evulse (Iˈvʌls, iːˈvʌls)   vb (tr)   to pluck out; to remove by force

■ evulsion (Iˈvʌlʃən)   n   rare the act of extracting by force [C17: from Latin ēvulsiō, from ēvellere, from vellere to pluck]

Évvoia (ˈɛvia)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Euboea

evzone (ˈɛvzəʊn)   n   a soldier in an elite Greek infantry regiment [C19: from Modern Greek, from Greek euzōnos literally: well-girt, from EU- + zōne girdle]

EW   abbreviation for   Estonia (international car registration) [from E(esti) W(abariik)]

e-wallet   n   computer software in which digital cash may be stored for use in paying for transactions on the internet

Ewart (ˈjuːət)   n   Gavin (Buchanan). 1916–95, British poet, noted for his light satirical verse

e-waste   n   waste material consisting of unwanted electronic products [C21: electronic waste]

ewe (juː)   n     a a female sheep   b (as modifier): a ewe lamb [Old English ēowu; related to Old Norse ǣr ewe, Old High German ou, Latin ovis sheep, Sanskrit avi]

■ ewe equivalent   n   NZ the basic measure for calculating stock units: one Jersey cow is equal to 6.5 ewe equivalents

■ ewe-neck   n   1 a condition in horses in which the neck is straight and sagging rather than arched   2 a horse or other animal with this condition   > ˈewe-ˌnecked adj

Ewe (ˈɛwɛ)   n   1 (pl Ewe or Ewes) a member of a people of W Africa living chiefly in the forests of E Ghana, Togo, and Benin   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family

ewer (ˈjuːə)   n   a large jug or pitcher with a wide mouth [C14: from Old French evier, from Latin aquārius water carrier, from aqua water]

ewhow (ˈeIˌwaʊ)   interj   Scot dialect an expression of regret or pity

Ewing's sarcoma (ˈjuːIŋz)   n   a form of malignant bone tumour most commonly found in children and young people. Also called: peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour [C20: named after James Ewing (1866–1943), US pathologist who first described it]

ewk or euk (juːk)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect to itch

EWO   abbreviation for   Educational Welfare Officer

ex^1 (ɛks)   prep   1 finance not participating in; excluding; without: ex bonus; ex dividend; ex rights   2 commerce without charge to the buyer until removed from: ex quay; ex ship; ex works [C19: from Latin: out of, from]

■ ex all   adv   finance without the right to any benefits: shares quoted ex all

ex^2 (ɛks)   n   1 informal (a person's) former wife, husband, etc   2 Canadian short for examination

Ex. Bible   abbreviation for   Exodus

ex-1   prefix   1 out of; outside of; from: exclosure; exurbia   2 former: ex-wife [from Latin, from ex (prep), identical in meaning and origin with Greek ex, ek; see EC-]

ex-2   combining form   a variant of exo-: exergonic

exa-   prefix   denoting 10^18: exametres. Symbol: E

exabyte (ˈɛksəˌbaIt)   n   computing 10^18 or 2^60 bytes

exacerbate (IɡˈzæsəˌbeIt, Ikˈsæs-)   vb (tr)   1 to make (pain, disease, emotion, etc) more intense; aggravate   2 to exasperate or irritate (a person) [C17: from Latin exacerbāre to irritate, from acerbus bitter]   > exˌacerˈbation n

exacerbescence (Ikˌsæsəˈbɛsəns, Iɡˌzæsəˈbɛsəns)   n   obsolete an obsolete word for exacerbation

exact (Iɡˈzækt)   adj   1 correct in every detail; strictly accurate: an exact copy   2 precise, as opposed to approximate; neither more nor less: the exact sum   3 (prenominal) specific; particular: this exact spot   4 operating with very great precision: exact instruments   5 allowing no deviation from a standard; rigorous; strict: an exact mind   6 based mainly on measurement and the formulation of laws, as opposed to description and classification: physics is an exact science   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to force or compel (payment or performance); extort: to exact tribute   8 to demand as a right; insist upon: to exact respect from one's employees   9 to call for or require: this work exacts careful effort [C16: from Latin exactus driven out, from exigere to drive forth, from agere to drive]   > exˈactable adj   > exˈactness n   > exˈactor or exˈacter n

■ exacting (IɡˈzæktIŋ)   adj   making rigorous or excessive demands: an exacting job   > exˈactingly adv   > exˈactingness n

■ exaction (Iɡˈzækʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of exacting, esp money   2 an excessive or harsh demand, esp for money; extortion   3 a sum or payment exacted

■ exactitude (IɡˈzæktIˌtjuːd)   n   the quality of being exact; precision; accuracy

■ exactly (IɡˈzæktlI)   adv   1 in an exact manner; accurately or precisely   2 in every respect; just: it is exactly what I want   3 not exactly ironic not at all; by no means   ▷ sentence substitute   4 just so! precisely!

■ exactment (Iɡˈzæktmənt)   n   another word for exaction

■ exactress (ɛksˈæktrəs)   n   a female exactor

exacta (Ikˈsæktə, Iɡˈzæktə)   n   gambling a horse-racing bet in which the first and second horses are predicted in order

exacum (ˈɛksəkəm)   n   any plant of the annual or perennial tropical genus Exacum; some are grown as greenhouse biennials for their bluish-purple platter-shaped flowers: family Gentianaceae [Latin, a name for centaury, from ex out + agere to drive]

exaggerate (IɡˈzædʒəˌreIt)   vb   1 to regard or represent as larger or greater, more important or more successful, etc, than is true   2 (tr) to make greater, more noticeable, etc, than usual: his new clothes exaggerated his awkwardness [C16: from Latin exaggerāre to magnify, from aggerāre to heap, from agger heap]   > exˈaggerˌatingly adv   > exˌaggerˈation n   > exˈaggerative or exˈaggeratory adj   > exˈaggerˌator n

■ exaggerated (IɡˈzædʒəˌreItId)   adj   1 unduly or excessively magnified; enlarged beyond truth or reasonableness   2 pathol abnormally enlarged: an exaggerated spleen   > exˈaggerˌatedly adv

■ exaggeratedness (IɡˈzædʒəˌreItIdnəs)   n   the quality of being exaggerated

exahertz (ˌɛksəˈhɜːts)   n   a very large unit of frequency equal to one quintillion hertz

exalbuminous (ˌɛksælˈbjuːmInəs)   adj   botany (of a seed embryo) having no albumen

exalt (Iɡˈzɔːlt)   vb (tr)   1 to raise or elevate in rank, position, dignity, etc   2 to praise highly; glorify; extol   3 to stimulate the mind or imagination of; excite   4 to increase the intensity of (a colour, etc)   5 to fill with joy or delight; elate   6 obsolete to lift up physically [C15: from Latin exaltāre to raise, from altus high]   > exˈalter n

USAGE

Exalt is sometimes wrongly used where exult is meant: he was exulting (not exalting) in his win earlier that day

■ exaltation (ˌɛɡzɔːlˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of exalting or state of being exalted   2 a feeling of intense well-being or exhilaration; elation; rapture   3 a flock of larks

■ exalted (IɡˈzɔːltId)   adj   1 high or elevated in rank, position, dignity, etc   2 elevated in character; noble; lofty: an exalted ideal   3 informal excessively high; inflated: he has an exalted opinion of himself   4 intensely excited; elated   > exˈaltedly adv   > exˈaltedness n

exam (Iɡˈzæm)   n   short for examination

examen (IɡˈzeImɛn)   n   RC Church an examination of conscience, usually made daily by Jesuits and others [C17: from Latin: tongue of a balance, from exigere to thrust out, from agere to thrust]

examine (IɡˈzæmIn)   vb (tr)   1 to look at, inspect, or scrutinize carefully or in detail; investigate   2 education to test the knowledge or skill of (a candidate) in (a subject or activity) by written or oral questions or by practical tests   3 law to interrogate (a witness or accused person) formally on oath   4 med to investigate the state of health of (a patient) [C14: from Old French examiner, from Latin exāmināre to weigh, from exāmen means of weighing; see EXAMEN]   > exˈaminable adj   > exˌamˈinaˈbility n   > exˈaminer n   > exˈamining adj

■ examinant (IɡˈzæmInənt)   n   a person who examines, esp academically or in a court of law; an examiner

■ examinate (IɡˈzæmIˌneIt)   n   a person being examined, esp academically or in a court of law; an examinee

■ examination (IɡˌzæmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act of examining or state of being examined   2 education   a written exercises, oral questions, or practical tasks, set to test a candidate's knowledge and skill   b (as modifier): an examination paper   3 med   a physical inspection of a patient or parts of his or her body, in order to verify health or diagnose disease   b laboratory study of secretory or excretory products, tissue samples, etc, esp in order to diagnose disease   4 law the formal interrogation of a person on oath, esp of an accused or a witness   > exˌamiˈnational adj

■ examination for discovery   n   Canadian a pretrial meeting to disclose evidence that will be presented later

■ examinator (IɡˈzæmIˌneItə)   n   another name for examiner

■ examinee (IɡˌzæmIˈniː)   n   a person who takes an examination

■ examine-in-chief   vb   (tr) law to examine (one's own witness) in attempting to adduce a case. Compare cross-examine   > exˈamiˌnation-in-ˈchief n

■ examiner (IɡˈzæmInə)   n   1 one who examines or inspects   2 a person who sets or marks an examination   3 law (in the Republic of Ireland) a person appointed by a court to ensure the survival of an Irish public limited company

■ examinership (IɡˈzæmInəˌʃIp)   n law (in the Republic of Ireland)   1 the office or function of an examiner   2 the condition of being administered by an examiner

example (Iɡˈzɑːmpəl)   n   1 a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample   2 a person, action, thing, etc, that is worthy of imitation; pattern: you must set an example to the younger children   3 a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model: an example in a maths book   4 a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning: the headmaster made an example of him   5 for example as an illustration; for instance   ▷ vb   6 (tr; now usually passive) to present an example of; exemplify [C14: from Old French, from Latin exemplum pattern, from eximere to take out, from EX-1 + emere to purchase]

exanimate (IɡˈzænImIt, -ˌmeIt)   adj   rare lacking life; inanimate [C16: from Latin exanimāre to deprive of air, kill, from anima breath, spirit]   > exˌaniˈmation n

ex ante (ɛks ˈæntI)   adj, adv   based on what is expected to happen: ex ante risks [Latin ex from + ante before]

exanthema (ˌɛksænˈθiːmə) or exanthem (ɛkˈsænθəm)   n, pl -themata (-ˈθiːmətə) or -themas, -thems   a skin eruption or rash occurring as a symptom in a disease such as measles or scarlet fever [C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from exanthein to burst forth, from anthein to blossom, from anthos flower]   > exanthematous (ˌɛksænˈθɛmətəs) or exanthematic (ɛkˌsænθIˈmætIk) adj

exapted (ɛkˈsæptId, IɡˈzæptId) or exaptive (ɛkˈsæptIv, IɡˈzæptIv)   adj biology   1 (of a particular feature) having a function that was not brought about by natural selection   2 (of a particular feature) having a function different to that for which it evolved

exarate (ˈɛksəˌreIt)   adj   (of the pupa of such insects as ants and bees) having the legs, wings, antennae, etc, free and movable [C19: from Latin exārātus, literally: ploughed up (apparently referring to the way this type of pupa throws off the larval skin), from exārāre, from ārā plough]

exaration (ˌɛksəˈreIʃən)   n   1 obsolete the act of ploughing   2 the act of writing   3 a piece of writing

exarch^1 (ˈɛksɑːk)   n   1 the head of certain autonomous Orthodox Christian Churches, such as that of Bulgaria and Cyprus   2 any of certain Eastern Orthodox bishops, lower in rank than a patriarch but higher than a metropolitan   3 the governor of a province in the Byzantine Empire [C16: from Late Latin exarchus overseer, from Greek exarkhos, from exarkhein to take the lead, from arkhein to rule]   > exˈarchal adj

■ exarchate (ˈɛksɑːˌkeIt, ɛkˈsɑːkeIt) or exarchy (ˈɛksɑːkI)   n, pl -chates or -chies   the office, rank, or jurisdiction of an exarch

■ exarchist (ɛksˈɑːkIst)   n   a supporter of an exarch, esp the Exarch of Bulgaria

exarch^2 (ˈɛksɑːk)   adj   botany (of a xylem strand) having the first-formed xylem external to that formed later. Compare endarch, mesarch [C19: from EX-1 (outside) + Greek arkhē beginning, origin]

exasperate (IɡˈzɑːspəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to cause great irritation or anger to; infuriate   2 to cause (an unpleasant feeling, condition, etc) to worsen; aggravate   ▷ adj   3 botany having a rough prickly surface because of the presence of hard projecting points [C16: from Latin exasperāre to make rough, from asper rough]   > exˈasperˌatedly adv   > exˈasperˌater or exˈasperˌator n   > exˈasperˌating adj   > exˈasperˌatingly adv   > exˌasperˈation n

■ exasperated (IɡˈzɑːspəreItId)   adj   greatly irritated or annoyed; infuriated

■ exasperative (IɡˈzæspəˌreItIv)   adj   having an exasperating or irritating nature

exbi-   combining form   computing denoting 2 to the power 60 [C20: from EX(A-) + BI(NARY)]

Exc.   abbreviation for   Excellency

Excalibur (ɛkˈskælIbə)   n   (in Arthurian legend) the magic sword of King Arthur [C14: from Old French Escalibor, from Medieval Latin Caliburnus, from Welsh Caledvwlch, perhaps related to Irish Caladbolg a legendary sword (literally: hard belly, hence, voracious)]

excamb (ɛksˈkæm)   vb (tr)   Scots law to exchange

■ excambion (ɛksˈkæmbIən)   n   Scots law an exchange, esp of land

excarnate (ɛksˈkɑːnIt, ɛksˈkɑːneIt)   adj   1 with the flesh removed   2 ecclesiast divested of a human form   ▷ vb   3 to lose or remove flesh

■ excarnation (ˌɛkskɑːˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act of removing flesh, esp from a corpse   2 ecclesiast the act of (a soul) leaving the body after death

ex cathedra (ɛks kəˈθiːdrə)   adj, adv   1 with authority   2 RC Church (of doctrines of faith or morals) defined by the pope as infallibly true, to be accepted by all Catholics [Latin, literally: from the chair]

excaudate (ɛksˈkɔːdeIt)   adj   zoology having no tail or tail-like process; tailless

excavate (ˈɛkskəˌveIt)   vb   1 to remove (soil, earth, etc) by digging; dig out   2 to make (a hole, cavity, or tunnel) in (solid matter) by hollowing or removing the centre or inner part: to excavate a tooth   3 to unearth (buried objects) methodically in an attempt to discover information about the past [C16: from Latin excavāre, from cavāre to make hollow, from cavus hollow]   > ˌexcaˈvation n   > ˌexcaˈvational adj

■ excavator (ˈɛkskəˌveItə)   n   1 a powered machine for digging earth, gravel, sand, etc, esp a caterpillar tractor so equipped   2 any person, animal, or thing that excavates

exceed (Ikˈsiːd)   vb   1 to be superior to (a person or thing), esp in size or quality; excel   2 (tr) to go beyond the limit or bounds of: to exceed one's income; exceed a speed limit   3 to be greater in degree or quantity than (a person or thing) [C14: from Latin excēdere to go beyond, from cēdere to go]   > exˈceedable adj   > exˈceeder n

■ exceeding (IkˈsiːdIŋ)   adj   1 very great; exceptional or excessive   ▷ adv   2 an archaic word for exceedingly

■ exceedingly (IkˈsiːdIŋlI)   adv   to a very great or unusual degree; extremely; exceptionally

excel (Ikˈsɛl)   vb -cels, -celling, -celled   1 to be superior to (another or others); surpass   2 (intr; foll by in or at) to be outstandingly good or proficient: he excels at tennis [C15: from Latin excellere to rise up]

Excellency (ˈɛksələnsI) or Excellence   n, pl -lencies or -lences   1 (usually preceded by Your, His, or Her) a title used to address or refer to a high-ranking official, such as an ambassador or governor   2 RC Church a title of bishops and archbishops in many non-English-speaking countries

excellent (ˈɛksələnt)   adj   exceptionally good; extremely meritorious; superior   > ˈexcellently adv

■ excellence (ˈɛksələns)   n   1 the state or quality of excelling or being exceptionally good; extreme merit; superiority   2 an action, characteristic, feature, etc, in which a person excels

excelsior (IkˈsɛlsIˌɔː)   interj, adv, n   1 excellent: used as a motto, in the names of hotels, and as a trademark for various products, esp in the US for fine wood shavings used for packing breakable objects   2 upwards [C19: from Latin: higher]

except (Ikˈsɛpt)   prep   1 Also: except for other than; apart from; with the exception of: he likes everyone except you; except for this mistake, you did very well   2 except that (conjunction) but for the fact that; were it not true that   ▷ conj   3 an archaic word for unless   4 informal except that; but for the fact that: I would have arrived earlier, except I lost my way   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to leave out; omit; exclude   6 (intr; often foll by to) rare to take exception; object [C14: from Old French excepter to leave out, from Latin exceptāre, from excipere to take out, from capere to take]

■ exceptant (Ikˈsɛptənt)   n   1 a person who excepts or takes exception, esp in a court of law   ▷ adj   2 having excepted; taking exception

■ excepted (IkˈsɛptId)   prep   formal used after mentioning a person or thing to show that they are not included in the statement

■ excepting (IkˈsɛptIŋ)   prep   1 excluding; except; except for (esp in the phrase not excepting)   ▷ conj   2 an archaic word for unless

USAGE

The use of excepting is considered by many people to be acceptable only after not, only, or without. Elsewhere except is preferred: every country agreed to the proposal except (not excepting) Spain; he was well again except for (not excepting) a slight pain in his chest

■ exception (Ikˈsɛpʃən)   n   1 the act of excepting or fact of being excepted; omission   2 anything excluded from or not in conformance with a general rule, principle, class, etc   3 criticism, esp when it is adverse; objection   4 law (formerly) a formal objection in the course of legal proceedings   5 law a clause or term in a document that restricts the usual legal effect of the document   6 take exception   a (usually foll by to) to make objections (to); demur (at)   b (often foll by at) to be offended (by); be resentful (at)

■ exceptionable (Ikˈsɛpʃənəbəl)   adj   open to or subject to objection; objectionable   > exˈceptionableness n   > exˈceptionably adv

■ exceptional (Ikˈsɛpʃənəl)   adj   1 forming an exception; not ordinary   2 having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill   > exˈceptionally adv

■ exceptionalism (IkˈsɛpʃənəlIzəm)   n   an attitude to other countries, cultures, etc based on the idea of being quite distinct from, and often superior to, them in vital ways

■ exceptionality (IkˌsɛpʃənˈælItI) or exceptionalness (Ikˈsɛpʃənəlnəs)   n   the quality of being exceptional

■ exceptious (Ikˈsɛptəs)   adj   prone to taking exception or raising objections

■ exceptive (IkˈsɛptIv)   adj   relating to or forming an exception

■ exceptless (Ikˈsɛptləs)   adj   obsolete without exception

■ exceptor (Ikˈsɛptə)   n obsolete   1 a person who excepts or takes exception (to something)   2 a reporter or recorder

excerpt   n (ˈɛksɜːpt)   1 a part or passage taken from a book, speech, play, etc, and considered on its own; extract   ▷ vb (ɛkˈsɜːpt)   2 (tr) to take (a part or passage) from a book, speech, play, etc [C17: from Latin excerptum, literally: (something) picked out, from excerpere to select, from carpere to pluck]   > exˈcerptible adj   > exˈcerption n

■ excerpter or excerptor (ɛkˈsɜːptə)   n   a person who excerpts (parts or passages from a book, play, etc)

■ excerptings (ɛkˈsɜːptIŋz)   pl n   a number of excerpted parts or passages (from a book, play, etc)

excerptum (ɛkˈsɜːptəm)   n   (from Latin) an excerpt

excess   n (Ikˈsɛs, ˈɛksɛs)   1 the state or act of going beyond normal, sufficient, or permitted limits   2 an immoderate or abnormal amount, number, extent, or degree too much or too many: an excess of toys   3 the amount, number, extent, or degree by which one thing exceeds another   4 chem a quantity of a reagent that is greater than the quantity required to complete a reaction: add an excess of acid   5 overindulgence or intemperance   6 insurance, chiefly Brit a specified contribution towards the cost of a claim, stipulated on certain insurance policies as being payable by the policyholder   7 in excess of of more than; over   8 to excess to an inordinate extent; immoderately: he drinks to excess   ▷ adj (ˈɛksɛs, Ikˈsɛs) (usually prenominal)   9 more than normal, necessary, or permitted; surplus: excess weight   10 payable as a result of previous underpayment: excess postage; an excess fare for a railway journey [C14: from Latin excessus, from excēdere to go beyond; see EXCEED]

■ excess demand   n   economics a situation in which the market demand for a commodity is greater than its market supply, thus causing its market price to rise

■ excessive (IkˈsɛsIv)   adj   exceeding the normal or permitted extents or limits; immoderate; inordinate   > exˈcessively adv   > exˈcessiveness n

■ excess luggage or excess baggage   n   luggage that is greater in weight or in number of pieces than an airline, etc, will carry free

■ excess supply   n   economics a situation in which the market supply of a commodity is greater than the market demand for it, thus causing its market price to fall

exchange (IksˈtʃeIndʒ)   vb   1 (tr) to give up, part with, or transfer (one thing) for an equivalent: to exchange gifts; to exchange Swiss francs for dollars   2 (tr) to give and receive (information, ideas, etc); interchange   3 (tr) to replace (one thing) with another, esp to replace unsatisfactory goods   4 to transfer or hand over (goods) in return for the equivalent value in kind rather than in money; barter; trade   5 (tr) chess to capture and surrender (pieces, usually of the same value) in a single sequence of moves   ▷ n   6 the act or process of exchanging   7    a anything given or received as an equivalent, replacement, or substitute for something else   b (as modifier): an exchange student   8 an argument or quarrel; altercation: the two men had a bitter exchange   9 Also called: telephone exchange a switching centre in which telephone lines are interconnected   10    a a place where securities or commodities are sold, bought, or traded, esp by brokers or merchants: a stock exchange; a corn exchange   b (as modifier): an exchange broker   11    a the system by which commercial debts between parties in different places are settled by commercial documents, esp bills of exchange, instead of by direct payment of money   b the percentage or fee charged for accepting payment in this manner   12 a transfer or interchange of sums of money of equivalent value, as between different national currencies or different issues of the same currency   13 (often plural) the cheques, drafts, bills, etc, exchanged or settled between banks in a clearing house   14 chess the capture by both players of pieces of equal value, usually on consecutive moves   15 lose the exchange chess to lose a rook in return for a bishop or knight   16 win the exchange chess to win a rook in return for a bishop or knight   17 med another word for transfusion (sense 2)   18 physics a process in which a particle is transferred between two nucleons, such as the transfer of a meson between two nucleons   ▶ See also bill of exchange, foreign exchange, labour exchange [C14: from Anglo-French eschaungier, from Vulgar Latin excambiāre (unattested), from Latin cambīre to barter]   > exˈchangeable adj   > exˌchangeaˈbility n   > exˈchangeably adv

■ exchange force   n physics   1 a force between two elementary particles resulting from the exchange of a virtual particle   2 the force causing the alignment of the magnetic dipole moments of atoms in ferromagnetic materials

■ exchanger (IksˈtʃeIndʒə)   n   a person or thing that exchanges

■ exchange rate   n   the rate at which the currency unit of one country may be exchanged for that of another

■ Exchange Rate Mechanism   n   1 the mechanism formerly used in the European Monetary System in which participating governments committed themselves to maintain the values of their currencies in relation to the ECU. Abbreviation: ERM   2 Also: Exchange Rate Mechanism II the mechanism used to stabilize the currencies of European Union states that have not adopted the euro but wish to maintain the value of their currency in relation to it. Abbreviation: ERM II

exchequer (Iksˈtʃɛkə)   n   1 (often capital) government (in Britain and certain other countries) the accounting department of the Treasury, responsible for receiving and issuing funds   2 informal personal funds; finances [C13 (in the sense: chessboard, counting table): from Old French eschequier, from eschec CHECK]

■ Exchequer (Iksˈtʃɛkə)   n   See Court of Exchequer

excide (IkˈsaId)   vb   (tr) rare to cut out; excise [C18: from Latin excīdere to cut off, from caedere to cut]

excimer (ˈɛkˌsaImə)   n   physics an excited dimer formed by the association of excited and unexcited molecules, which would remain dissociated in the ground state

excipient (IkˈsIpIənt)   n   a substance, such as sugar or gum, used to prepare a drug or drugs in a form suitable for administration [C18: from Latin excipiēns excepting, from excipere to EXCEPT]

exciple (ˈeksIpəl)   n   botany a layer of cells enclosing the apothecium of most lichens

excise^1   n (ˈɛksaIz, ɛkˈsaIz)   1 Also called: excise tax a tax on goods, such as spirits, produced for the home market   2 a tax paid for a licence to carry out various trades, sports, etc   3 Brit that section of the government service responsible for the collection of excise, now part of HMRC [C15: probably from Middle Dutch excijs, probably from Old French assise a sitting, assessment, from Latin assidēre to sit beside, assist in judging, from sedēre to sit]

■ excisable (IkˈsaIzəbəl)   adj   liable to an excise tax

■ exciseman (ˈɛksaIzˌmæn)   n, pl -men   Brit (formerly) a government agent whose function was to collect excise and prevent smuggling

excise^2 (IkˈsaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to delete (a passage, sentence, etc); expunge   2 to remove (an organ, structure, or part) surgically [C16: from Latin excīdere to cut down; see EXCIDE]   > excision (IkˈsIʒən) n

■ excisable (IkˈsaIzəbəl)   adj   suitable for deletion

■ excisional (IkˈsIʒənəl)   adj   of or relating to an excision

excite (IkˈsaIt)   vb (tr)   1 to arouse (a person) to strong feeling, esp to pleasurable anticipation or nervous agitation   2 to arouse or elicit (an emotion, response, etc); evoke: her answers excited curiosity   3 to cause or bring about; stir up: to excite a rebellion   4 to arouse sexually   5 physiol to cause a response in or increase the activity of (an organ, tissue, or part); stimulate   6 to raise (an atom, molecule, electron, nucleus, etc) from the ground state to a higher energy level   7 to supply electricity to (the coils of a generator or motor) in order to create a magnetic field   8 to supply a signal to a stage of an active electronic circuit [C14: from Latin excitāre, from exciēre to stimulate, from ciēre to set in motion, rouse]

■ excitable (IkˈsaItəbəl)   adj   1 easily excited; volatile   2 (esp of a nerve) ready to respond to a stimulus   > exˌcitaˈbility or exˈcitableness n   > exˈcitably adv

■ excitancy (ˈɛksItənsI)   n   the ability to excite or stimulate

■ excitant (IkˈsaItənt, ˈɛksItənt)   adj also excitative (IkˈsaItətIv), excitatory (IkˈsaItətərI, -trI)   1 able to excite or stimulate   ▷ n   2 something, such as a drug or other agent, able to excite; stimulant

■ excitation (ˌɛksIˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of exciting or state of being excited   2 a means of exciting or cause of excitement   3    a the current in a field coil of a generator, motor, etc, or the magnetizing current in a transformer   b (as modifier): an excitation current   4 the action of a stimulus on an animal or plant organ, inducing it to respond

■ excited (IkˈsaItId)   adj   1 emotionally aroused, esp to pleasure or agitation   2 characterized by excitement: an excited dance   3 sexually aroused   4 (of an atom, molecule, etc) occupying an energy level above the ground state   > exˈcitedly adv   > exˈcitedness n

■ excitement (IkˈsaItmənt)   n   1 the state of being excited   2 a person or thing that excites; stimulation or thrill

■ exciter (IkˈsaItə)   n   1 a person or thing that excites   2 a small generator that excites a larger machine   3 an oscillator producing a transmitter's carrier wave

■ exciting (IkˈsaItIŋ)   adj   causing excitement; stirring; stimulating   > exˈcitingly adv

■ excitor (IkˈsaItə)   n   1 a nerve that, when stimulated, causes increased activity in the organ or part it supplies   2 a variant spelling of exciter

exciton (ˈɛksaIˌtɒn)   n physics   a mobile neutral entity in a crystalline solid consisting of an excited electron bound to the hole produced by its excitation [C20: from EXCIT(ATION) + -ON]

■ excitonic (ˌɛksaIˈtɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to an exciton or excitons

excl.   abbreviation for   excluding

exclaim (IkˈskleIm)   vb   to cry out or speak suddenly or excitedly, as from surprise, delight, horror, etc [C16: from Latin exclāmāre, from clāmāre to shout]   > exˈclaimer n

■ exclamation (ˌɛkskləˈmeIʃən)   n   1 an abrupt, emphatic, or excited cry or utterance; interjection; ejaculation   2 the act of exclaiming   > ˌexclaˈmational adj

■ exclamation mark or US exclamation point   n   1 the punctuation mark ! used after exclamations and vehement commands   2 this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to an obvious mistake, in road warning signs, (in chess commentaries) beside the notation of a move considered a good one, (in mathematics) as a symbol of the factorial function, or (in logic) occurring with an existential quantifier

■ exclamative (IksˈklæmətIv)   n   1 a word or sentence that denotes an exclamation   ▷ adj   2 containing an exclamation; exclamatory

■ exclamatory (IkˈsklæmətərI, -trI)   adj   using, containing, or relating to exclamations   > exˈclamatorily adv

exclaustration (ˌɛksklɔːˈstreIʃən)   n   the return of a monk or nun to the outside world after being released from his or her religious vows [from EX-1 + Latin claustrum cloister]

exclave (ˈɛkskleIv)   n   a part of a country entirely surrounded by foreign territory: viewed from the position of the home country. Compare enclave [C20: from EX-1 + -clave, on the model of ENCLAVE]

exclosure (Ikˈskləʊʒə)   n   an area of land, esp in a forest, fenced round to keep out unwanted animals

exclude (Ikˈskluːd)   vb (tr)   1 to keep out; prevent from entering   2 to reject or not consider; leave out   3 to expel forcibly; eject   4 to debar from school, either temporarily or permanently, as a form of punishment [C14: from Latin exclūdere, from claudere to shut]   > exˈcludable or exˈcludible adj   > exˈcluder n

■ excludability (IkˌskluːdəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being able to be excluded

■ excluded middle   n   logic the principle that every proposition is either true or false, so that there is no third truth-value and no statements lack truth-value

■ excludee (ˌɛkskluːˈdiː)   n   a person who has been excluded

■ excluding (IkˈskluːdIŋ)   prep   excepting

■ exclusion (Ikˈskluːʒən)   n   the act or an instance of excluding or the state of being excluded   > exˈclusionary adj

■ exclusionist (IkˈskluːʒənIst)   adj   1 chiefly US denoting or relating to a policy of excluding various types of immigrants, imports, etc   ▷ n   2 a supporter of a policy of exclusion   > exˈclusionˌism n

■ exclusion principle   n   See Pauli exclusion principle

■ exclusive (IkˈskluːsIv)   adj   1 excluding all else; rejecting other considerations, possibilities, events, etc: an exclusive preoccupation with money   2 belonging to a particular individual or group and to no other; not shared: exclusive rights; an exclusive story   3 belonging to or catering for a privileged minority, esp a fashionable clique: an exclusive restaurant   4 (postpositive; foll by to) limited (to); found only (in): this model is exclusive to Harrods   5 single; unique; only: the exclusive means of transport on the island was the bicycle   6 separate and incompatible: mutually exclusive principles   7 (immediately postpositive) not including the numbers, dates, letters, etc, mentioned: 1980–84 exclusive   8 (postpositive; foll by of) except (for); not taking account (of): exclusive of bonus payments, you will earn this amount   9 commerce (of a contract, agreement, etc) binding the parties to do business only with each other with respect to a class of goods or services   10 logic (of a disjunction) true if only one rather than both of its component propositions is true. Compare inclusive (sense 5)   ▷ n   11 an exclusive story; a story reported in only one newspaper   > exˈclusively adv   > exclusivity (ˌɛkskluːˈsIvItI) or exˈclusiveness n

■ Exclusive Brethren   pl n   one of the two main divisions of the Plymouth Brethren, which, in contrast to the Open Brethren, restricts its members' contacts with those outside the sect

■ exclusive economic zone   n   the coastal water and sea bed around a country's shores, to which it claims exclusive rights for fishing, oil exploration, etc. Sometimes shortened to: economic zone

■ exclusive or   n   logic the connective that gives the value true to a disjunction if one or other, but not both, of the disjuncts are true. Also called: exclusive disjunction. Compare inclusive or

■ exclusive OR circuit or exclusive OR gate   n   electronics a computer logic circuit having two or more input wires and one output wire and giving a high-voltage output signal if a low-voltage signal is fed to one or more, but not all, of the input wires. Compare OR circuit

■ exclusivism (IkˈskluːsIˌvIzəm)   n   the practice of being exclusive

■ exclusivist (IkˈskluːsIvIst)   n   1 a person who practises or advocates exclusivism   ▷ adj   2 relating to or characterized by exclusivism

■ exclusory (IkˈskluːsərI)   adj   acting to exclude; tending to exclude; exclusive

excogitate (ɛksˈkɒdʒIˌteIt)   vb (tr)   1 to devise, invent, or contrive   2 to think out in detail [C16: from Latin excōgitāre, from cōgitāre to ponder, COGITATE]   > exˈcogitable adj   > exˌcogiˈtation n   > exˈcogitative adj   > exˈcogiˌtator n

excommunicate RC Church   vb (ˌɛkskəˈmjuːnIˌkeIt)   1 (tr) to sentence (a member of the Church) to exclusion from the communion of believers and from the privileges and public prayers of the Church   ▷ adj (ˌɛkskəˈmjuːnIkIt, -ˌkeIt)   2 having incurred such a sentence   ▷ n (ˌɛkskəˈmjuːnIkIt, -ˌkeIt)   3 an excommunicated person [C15: from Late Latin excommūnicāre, literally: to exclude from the community, from Latin commūnis COMMON]   > ˌexcomˈmunicable adj   > ˌexcomˌmuniˈcation n   > ˌexcomˈmunicative or ˌexcomˈmunicatory adj   > ˌexcomˈmunicator n

excommunion (ˌɛkskəˈmjuːnjən)   n   an obsolete term for excommunication

ex-con   n   informal a former prisoner

ex-convict (ˌɛksˈkɒnvIkt)   n   a former prisoner

excoriate (IkˈskɔːrIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to strip (the skin) from (a person or animal); flay   2 med to lose (a superficial area of skin), as by scratching, the application of chemicals, etc   3 to denounce vehemently; censure severely [C15: from Late Latin excoriāre to strip, flay, from Latin corium skin, hide]   > exˌcoriˈation n

excorticate (ɛksˈkɔːtIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   to strip off the outer layer (of bark, shell, skin, etc) from (a tree, seed, nut, etc)

■ excortication (ɛksˌkɔːtIˈkeIʃən)   n   the act of stripping off the outer layer, esp the bark from a tree

excrement (ˈɛkskrImənt)   n   waste matter discharged from the body, esp faeces; excreta [C16: from Latin excrēmentum, from excernere to sift, EXCRETE]   > excremental (ˌɛkskrIˈmɛntəl), excrementitial (ˌɛkskrəmɛnˈtIʃəl) or excrementitious (ˌɛkskrImɛnˈtIʃəs) adj

excrementum (ˌɛkskrIˈmɛntəm)   n   an item of waste material or rubbish

excrescence (Ikˈskrɛsəns)   n   a projection or protuberance, esp an outgrowth from an organ or part of the body   > excrescential (ˌɛkskrIˈsɛnʃəl) adj

■ excrescency (IkˈskrɛsənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the state or condition of being excrescent   2 another word for excrescence

■ excrescent (Ikˈskrɛsənt)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or resembling an abnormal outgrowth   2 uselessly added; not essential; superfluous   3 denoting or relating to a speech sound or letter inserted into a word without etymological justification, such as the b in nimble [C17: from Latin excrēscēns, from excrēscere, from crēscere to grow]   > exˈcrescently adv

excreta (Ikˈskriːtə)   pl n   waste matter, such as urine, faeces, or sweat, discharged from the body; excrement [C19: New Latin, from Latin excernere to EXCRETE]   > exˈcretal adj

excrete (Ikˈskriːt)   vb   1 to discharge (waste matter, such as urine, sweat, carbon dioxide, or faeces) from the body through the kidneys, skin, lungs, bowels, etc   2 (of plants) to eliminate (waste matter, such as carbon dioxide and salts) through the leaves, roots, etc [C17: from Latin excernere to separate, discharge, from cernere to sift]   > exˈcreter n   > exˈcretion n   > exˈcretive or exˈcretory adj

excruciate (IkˈskruːʃIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to inflict mental suffering on; torment   2 obsolete to inflict physical pain on; torture [C16: from Latin excruciāre, from cruciāre to crucify, from crux cross]   > exˌcruciˈation n

■ excruciating (IkˈskruːʃIˌeItIŋ)   adj   1 unbearably painful; agonizing   2 intense; extreme: he took excruciating pains to do it well   3 informal irritating; trying   4 jocular very bad: an excruciating pun   > exˈcruciˌatingly adv

excubant (ˈɛkskjuːbənt)   adj   keeping watch; on guard

excudit Latin (ɛksˈkjuːdIt, ɛksˈkuːdIt)     (he or she) made it: used formerly on works of art next to the artist's name. Abbreviation: exc.

exculpate (ˈɛkskʌlˌpeIt, IkˈskʌlpeIt)   vb   (tr) to free from blame or guilt; vindicate or exonerate [C17: from Medieval Latin exculpāre, from Latin EX-1 + culpāre to blame, from culpa fault, blame]   > exculpable (Ikˈskʌlpəbəl) adj   > ˌexculˈpation n   > exˈculpatory adj

excurrent (ɛkˈskʌrənt)   adj   1 zoology having an outward flow, as certain pores in sponges, ducts, etc   2 botany   a (of veins) extending beyond the margin of the leaf   b having an undivided main stem or trunk, as the spruce and other conifers   3 flowing or running in an outward direction [C19: from Latin excurrere to run forth; see EXCURSION]

excurse (ɛksˈkɜːs)   vb (intr)   1 to digress, to wander   2 to go on an excursion

excursion (Ikˈskɜːʃən, -ʒən)   n   1 a short outward and return journey, esp for relaxation, sightseeing, etc; outing   2 a group of people going on such a journey   3 (modifier) of or relating to special reduced rates offered on certain journeys by rail: an excursion ticket   4 a digression or deviation; diversion: an excursion into politics   5 (formerly) a raid or attack   6 physics   a a movement from an equilibrium position, as in an oscillation   b the magnitude of this displacement   7 the normal movement of a movable bodily organ or part from its resting position, such as the lateral movement of the lower jaw   8 machinery the locus of a point on a moving part, esp the deflection of a whirling shaft [C16: from Latin excursiō an attack, from excurrere to run out, from currere to run]

■ excursionist (IkˈskɜːʃənIst, -ʒənIst)   n   a person who goes on an excursion

■ excursionize or excursionise (IkˈskɜːʃəˌnaIz)   vb (intr)   to go on an excursion or excursions

excursive (IkˈskɜːsIv)   adj   1 tending to digress   2 involving detours; rambling [C17: from Latin excursus, from excurrere to run forth]   > exˈcursively adv   > exˈcursiveness n

excursus (ɛkˈskɜːsəs)   n, pl -suses or -sus   an incidental digression from the main topic under discussion or from the main story in a narrative [C19: from Latin: a running forth, from excurrere to run out]

excuse   vb (Ikˈskjuːz) (tr)   1 to pardon or forgive: he always excuses her tardiness   2 to seek pardon or exemption for (a person, esp oneself): to excuse oneself for one's mistakes   3 to make allowances for; judge leniently: to excuse someone's ignorance   4 to serve as an apology or explanation for; vindicate or justify: her age excuses her behaviour   5 to exempt from a task, obligation, etc: you are excused making breakfast   6 to dismiss or allow to leave: he asked them to excuse him   7 to seek permission for (someone, esp oneself) to leave: she excused herself and left   8 be excused euphemistic to go to the lavatory   9 excuse me! an expression used to catch someone's attention or to apologize for an interruption, disagreement, or social indiscretion   ▷ n (Ikˈskjuːs)   10 an explanation offered in defence of some fault or offensive behaviour or as a reason for not fulfilling an obligation, etc: he gave no excuse for his rudeness   11 informal an inferior example of something specified; makeshift; substitute: a poor excuse for a hotel   12 the act of excusing [C13: from Latin excusāre, from EX-1 + -cūsare, from causa cause, accusation]   > exˈcusable adj   > exˈcusableness n   > exˈcusably adv

■ excusal (Iksˈkjuːzəl)   n   the act of excusing

■ excusatory (IkˈskjuːzətərI, -trI)   adj   tending to or intended to excuse; apologetic

■ excuse-me   n   a dance in which a person may take another's partner

■ excuser (Iksˈkjuːzə)   n   a person who excuses

■ excusive (IksˈkjuːsIv)   adj   tending to excuse; excusing

ex-directory   adj   chiefly Brit not listed in a telephone directory, by request, and not disclosed to inquirers. US and Canadian term: unlisted

ex div.   abbreviation for   ex dividend

ex dividend   adv   without the right to the current dividend: to quote shares ex dividend. Compare cum dividend

exeat (ˈɛksIət)   n Brit   1 leave of absence from school or some other institution   2 RC Church a bishop's permission for a priest to leave his diocese in order to take up an appointment elsewhere [C18: Latin, literally: he may go out, from exīre]

exec.   abbreviation for   1 executive   2 executor

execrable (ˈɛksIkrəbəl)   adj   1 deserving to be execrated; abhorrent   2 of very poor quality: an execrable meal [C14: from Latin exsecrābilis, from exsecrārī to EXECRATE]   > ˈexecrableness n   > ˈexecrably adv

execrate (ˈɛksIˌkreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to loathe; detest; abhor   2 (tr) to profess great abhorrence for; denounce; deplore   3 to curse (a person or thing); damn [C16: from Latin exsecrārī to curse, from EX-1 + -secrārī from sacer SACRED]   > ˌexeˈcration n   > ˈexeˌcrative or ˈexeˌcratory adj   > ˈexeˌcratively adv

■ execrator (ˈɛksIˌkreItə)   n   a person who execrates or makes an execration

executant (Iɡˈzɛkjʊtənt)   n   a performer, esp of musical works

■ executancy (IɡˈzɛkjʊtənsI)   n   the qualification or skill of an executant

executary (IɡˈzɛkjʊtərI, -trI)   n, pl -aries   a person whose job comprises tasks appropriate to a middle-management executive as well as those traditionally carried out by a secretary [C20: from EXECU(TIVE) + (SECRE)TARY]

execute (ˈɛksIˌkjuːt)   vb (tr)   1 to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon   2 to carry out; complete; perform; do: to execute an order   3 to perform; accomplish; effect: to execute a pirouette   4 to make or produce: to execute a drawing   5 to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc); enforce   6 law to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering   7 to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities   8 to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc) [C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur EXECUTOR]   > ˈexeˌcuter n

■ executable (ˈɛksIˌkjuːtəbəl)   adj   1 (of a computer program) able to be run   ▷ n   2 a file containing a program that will run as soon as it is opened

■ execution (ˌɛksIˈkjuːʃən)   n   1 the act or process of executing   2 the carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death   3 the style or manner in which something is accomplished or performed; technique: as a pianist his execution is poor   4    a the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law   b the writ ordering such enforcement

■ executioner (ˌɛksIˈkjuːʃənə)   n   1 an official charged with carrying out the death sentence passed upon a condemned person   2 an assassin, esp one appointed by a political or criminal organization

■ executor (Iɡˈzɛkjʊtə)   n   1 law a person appointed by a testator to carry out the wishes expressed in his or her will   2 a person who executes [C13: from Anglo-French executour, from Latin execūtor, from EX-1 + sequi follow]   > exˌecuˈtorial adj   > exˈecutorˌship n

■ executory (IɡˈzɛkjʊtərI, -trI)   adj   1 (of a law, agreement, etc) coming into operation at a future date; not yet effective: an executory contract   2 executive; administrative

■ executress (IɡˈzɛkjʊtrIs)   n   another name for executrix

■ executrix (IɡˈzɛkjʊtrIks)   n, pl executrices (IɡˌzɛkjʊˈtraIsiːz) or executrixes   law a female executor. Gender-neutral form: executor

■ executry (IɡˈzɛkjʊtrI)   n, pl -ries Scots law   1 the office or activities of an executor; an executorship   2 the estate of a deceased person

executive (IɡˈzɛkjʊtIv)   n   1    a a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business   b (as modifier): executive duties; an executive position   2    a the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc; administration   b any administration. Compare judiciary, legislature   ▷ adj   3 having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc, into practical effect   4 of, relating to, or designed for an executive: the executive suite   5 informal of the most expensive or exclusive type: executive housing; executive class   > exˈecutively adv

■ Executive Council   n   (in Australia and New Zealand) a body consisting of ministers of the Crown presided over by the Governor or Governor-General that formally approves Cabinet decisions, etc

■ executive director   n   a member of the board of directors of a company who is also an employee (usually full-time) of that company and who often has a specified area of responsibility, such as finance or production. Compare nonexecutive director

■ executive officer   n   1 the second-in-command of any of certain military units. Abbreviation: (US) XO   2 a specialist seaman officer, responsible under the captain for the routine efficient running of the ship in the US, British (formerly), and certain other navies

■ executive session   n US government   a session of the Senate for the discussion of executive business, such as the ratification of treaties: formerly held in secret

exedra (ˈɛksIdrə, ɛkˈsiː-)   n, pl -drae (-ˌdriː)   1 a building, room, portico, or apse containing a continuous bench, used in ancient Greece and Rome for holding discussions   2 an outdoor bench in a recess [C18: via Latin from Greek, from hedra seat]

exegesis (ˌɛksIˈdʒiːsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   explanation or critical interpretation of a text, esp of the Bible. Compare eisegesis [C17: from Greek, from exēgeisthai to interpret, from EX-1 + hēgeisthai to guide]

■ exegete (ˈɛksIˌdʒiːt) or exegetist (ˌɛksIˈdʒiːtIst, -ˈdʒɛt-)   n   a person who practises exegesis [C18: from Greek exēgētēs, from exēgeisthai to interpret; see EXEGESIS]

■ exegetic (ˌɛksIˈdʒɛtIk) or exegetical   adj   of or relating to exegesis; expository   > ˌexeˈgetically adv

■ exegetics (ˌɛksIˈdʒɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the scientific study of exegesis and exegetical methods

exeme (ɛkˈsiːm)   vb (tr)   Scot obsolete to set free (from a duty or obligation); to exempt

exemplar (Iɡˈzɛmplə, -plɑː)   n   1 a person or thing to be copied or imitated; model   2 a typical specimen or instance; example   3 a copy of a book or text on which further printings have been based [C14: from Latin exemplarium model, from exemplum EXAMPLE]

■ exemplarity (ˌIɡzɛmˈplærItI)   n   the quality of being exemplary

■ exemplary (IɡˈzɛmplərI)   adj   1 fit for imitation; model: an exemplary performance   2 serving as a warning; admonitory: an exemplary jail sentence   3 representative; typical: an action exemplary of his conduct   > exˈemplarily adv   > exˈemplariness n

■ exemplary damages   pl n   law damages awarded to a plaintiff above the value of actual loss sustained so that they serve also as a punishment to the defendant and a deterrent to others

exemplify (IɡˈzɛmplIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to show by example   2 to serve as an example of   3 law   a to make an official copy of (a document from public records) under seal   b to transcribe (a legal document) [C15: via Old French from Medieval Latin exemplificāre, from Latin exemplum EXAMPLE + facere to make]   > exˈempliˌfiable adj   > exˌemplifiˈcation n   > exˈemplifiˌcative adj   > exˈempliˌfier n

exempli gratia Latin (IɡˈzɛmplaI ˈɡrɑːtIˌɑː)     for the sake of example. Abbreviation: e.g., eg., eg

exemplum (Iɡˈzɛmpləm)   n, pl -pla (-plə)   1 an anecdote that supports a moral point or sustains an argument, used esp in medieval sermons   2 an example or illustration [from Latin: EXAMPLE]

exempt (Iɡˈzɛmpt)   vb   1 (tr) to release from an obligation, liability, tax, etc; excuse: to exempt a soldier from drill   ▷ adj (sometimes postpositive)   2 freed from or not subject to an obligation, liability, tax, etc; excused: exempt gilts; tax-exempt bonus   3 obsolete set apart; remote   ▷ n   4 a person who is exempt from an obligation, tax, etc [C14: from Latin exemptus removed, from eximere to take out, from emere to buy, obtain]   > exˈemption n

■ exemptive (IɡˈzɛmptIv)   adj   tending to bring about exemption; providing exemption, esp in law

exenterate   vb (IɡˈzɛntəˌreIt) (tr)   1 surgery to remove (internal organs, an eyeball, etc); eviscerate   2 a rare word for disembowel   ▷ adj (IɡˈzɛntəˌreIt, -rIt)   3 rare having been disembowelled [C17: from Latin exenterāre, from EX-1 + Greek enteron intestine]   > exˌenterˈation n

exequatur (ˌɛksIˈkweItə)   n   1 an official authorization issued by a host country to a consular agent, permitting him or her to perform his or her official duties   2 an act by which the civil governments of certain nations permit the laws of the Roman Catholic Church to take effect in their territories [C18: from Latin, literally: let him perform, from exequī to perform, from EX-1 + sequī to follow]

exequies (ˈɛksIkwIz)   pl n, sing -quy   the rites and ceremonies used at funerals [C14: from Latin exequiae (plural) funeral procession, rites, from exequī to follow to the end, from sequī to follow]

■ exequial (ɛkˈsiːkwIəl)   adj   of or relating to exequies

exercise (ˈɛksəˌsaIz)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to put into use; employ: to exercise tact   2 (intr) to take exercise or perform exercises; exert one's muscles, etc, esp in order to keep fit   3 to practise using in order to develop or train: to exercise one's voice   4 to perform or make proper use of: to exercise one's rights   5 to bring to bear; exert: to exercise one's influence   6 (often passive) to occupy the attentions of, esp so as to worry or vex: to be exercised about a decision   7 military to carry out or cause to carry out, manoeuvres, simulated combat operations, etc   ▷ n   8 physical exertion, esp for the purpose of development, training, or keeping fit   9 mental or other activity or practice, esp in order to develop a skill   10 a set of movements, questions, tasks, etc, designed to train, improve, or test one's ability in a particular field: piano exercises   11 a performance or work of art done as practice or to demonstrate a technique   12 the performance of a function; discharge: the exercise of one's rights; the object of the exercise is to win   13 (sometimes plural) military a manoeuvre or simulated combat operation carried out for training and evaluation   14 (usually plural) US and Canadian a ceremony or formal routine, esp at a school or college: opening exercises; graduation exercises   15 gymnastics a particular type of event, such as performing on the horizontal bar [C14: from Old French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercēre to drill, from EX-1 + arcēre to ward off]   > ˈexerˌcisable adj

■ exercise bike or exercise cycle   n   a stationary exercise machine that is pedalled like a bicycle as a method of increasing cardiovascular fitness

■ exercise book   n   a notebook used by pupils and students

■ exercise price   n   stock exchange the price at which the holder of a traded option may exercise his or her right to buy (or sell) a security

■ exerciser (ˈɛksəˌsaIzə)   n   1 a device with springs or elasticated cords for muscular exercise   2 a person or thing that exercises

exercitation (IɡˌzɜːsIˈteIʃən)   n   a rare word for exercise [C14: from Latin exercitātiō, from exercitāre frequentative of exercēre to EXERCISE]

exergaming (ˈɛksəˌɡeImIŋ)   n   the playing of video games that require rigorous physical exercise and are intended as a work-out, such as those in which players race a virtual bicycle on-screen by pedalling a simulator resembling an exercise bike [C21: from EXERCISE + GAMING]

exergonic (ˌɛksəˈɡɒnIk)   adj   (of a biochemical reaction) producing energy and therefore occurring spontaneously. Compare endergonic [C20: from EX(O)- + Greek ergon work + -IC]

exergue (ɛkˈsɜːɡ)   n   a space on the reverse of a coin or medal below the central design, often containing the date, place of minting, etc [C17: from French, from Medieval Latin exergum, from Greek ex outside + ergon work]   > exˈergual adj

exergy (ˈɛksɜːdʒI)   n   physics the maximum amount of useful work that can be obtained from a system

exert (Iɡˈzɜːt)   vb (tr)   1 to use (influence, authority, etc) forcefully or effectively   2 to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort [C17 (in the sense: push forth, emit): from Latin exserere to thrust out, from EX-1 + serere to bind together, entwine]   > exˈertion n   > exˈertive adj

■ exertions (Iɡˈzɜːʃənz)   pl n   great mental or physical efforts

exertainment (ˌɛksəˈteInmənt)   n   another name for exergaming

Exeter (ˈɛksItə)   n   a city in SW England, administrative centre of Devon; university (1955). Pop: 106 772 (2001)

exeunt Latin (ˈɛksIˌʌnt)     they go out: used as a stage direction

■ exeunt omnes Latin (ˈɛksIˌʌnt ˈɒmneIz)     they all go out: used as a stage direction

exfiltrate (ˈɛksfIlˌtreIt)   vb   1 (tr) military to remove or withdraw (an intelligence agent, soldier, etc) surreptitiously from an enemy-held area. Sometimes shortened to: exfil   2 (tr; sometimes passive) to remove (data) from a computer, network, etc surreptitiously and without permission or unlawfully

exfoliant (ɛksˈfəʊlIənt)   n   a gently abrasive cosmetic product designed to remove dead cells from the skin's surface [C20: from EXFOLIATE + -ANT]

exfoliate (ɛksˈfəʊlIˌeIt)   vb   1 (tr) to wash (a part of the body) with a granular cosmetic preparation in order to remove dead cells from the skin's surface   2 (of bark, skin, etc) to peel off in (layers, flakes, or scales)   3 (intr) (of rocks or minerals) to shed the thin outermost layer because of weathering or heating   4 (of some minerals, esp mica) to split or cause to split into thin flakes: a factory to exfoliate vermiculite [C17: from Late Latin exfoliāre to strip off leaves, from Latin folium leaf]   > exˌfoliˈation n   > exˈfoliative adj

■ exfoliator (ɛksˈfəʊlIˌeItə)   n   another name for exfoliant

ex gratia (ˈɡreIʃə)   adj   given as a favour or gratuitously where no legal obligation exists: an ex gratia payment [New Latin, literally: out of kindness]

exhale (ɛksˈheIl, IɡˈzeIl)   vb   1 to expel (breath, tobacco smoke, etc) from the lungs; breathe out   2 to give off (air, vapour, fumes, etc) or (of air, vapour, etc) to be given off; emanate [C14: from Latin exhālāre to breathe out, from hālāre to breathe]   > exˈhalable adj   > ˌexhaˈlation n

■ exhalant (ɛksˈheIlənt, IɡˈzeI-)   adj   1 emitting a vapour or liquid; exhaling: an exhalant siphon; exhalant duct   ▷ n   2 an organ or vessel that emits a vapour or liquid

exhaust (Iɡˈzɔːst)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to drain the energy of; tire out: to exhaust someone by constant questioning   2 to deprive of resources, etc: a nation exhausted by war   3 to deplete totally; expend; consume: to exhaust food supplies   4 to empty (a container) by drawing off or pumping out (the contents)   5 to develop or discuss thoroughly so that no further interest remains: to exhaust a topic of conversation   6 to remove gas from (a vessel, etc) in order to reduce the pressure or create a vacuum; evacuate   7 to remove or use up the active ingredients from (a drug, solution, etc)   8 to destroy the fertility of (soil) by excessive cultivation   9 (intr) (of steam or other gases) to be emitted or to escape from an engine after being expanded   ▷ n   10 gases ejected from an engine as waste products   11    a the expulsion of expanded gas or steam from an engine   b (as modifier): exhaust stroke   12    a the parts of an engine through which the exhausted gases or steam pass   b (as modifier): exhaust valve; exhaust pipe [C16: from Latin exhaustus made empty, from exhaurīre to draw out, from haurīre to draw, drain]   > exˈhausted adj   > exˈhauster n   > exˈhaustible adj   > exˌhaustiˈbility n   > exˈhausting adj

■ exhaustion (Iɡˈzɔːstʃən)   n   1 extreme tiredness; fatigue   2 the condition of being used up; consumption: exhaustion of the earth's resources   3 the act of exhausting or the state of being exhausted

■ exhaustive (IɡˈzɔːstIv)   adj   1 comprehensive in scope; thorough: an exhaustive survey   2 tending to exhaust   > exˈhaustively adv   > exˈhaustiveness or exˌhausˈtivity n

■ exhaustivity (ɛɡˌzɔːˈstIvItI)   n   another word for exhaustiveness

■ exhaustless (Iɡˈzɔːstləs)   adj   unable to be exhausted

■ exhaustlessly (IɡˈzɔːstləslI)   adv   in an exhaustless manner

■ exhaustlessness (Iɡˈzɔːstləsnəs)   n   the quality of being exhaustless

■ exhaust stroke   n   another name for scavenge stroke

exheredate (ɛksˈhɛrIˌdeIt)   vb (tr)   to disinherit

■ exheredation (ɛksˌhɛrIˈdeIʃən)   n   the act of exheredating

exhibit (IɡˈzIbIt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to display (something) to the public for interest or instruction: this artist exhibits all over the world   2 to manifest; display; show: the child exhibited signs of distress   3 law to produce (a document or object) in court to serve as evidence   ▷ n   4 an object or collection exhibited to the public   5 law a document or object produced in court and referred to or identified by a witness in giving evidence [C15: from Latin exhibēre to hold forth, from habēre to have]   > exˈhibitory adj

■ exhibiter (IɡˈzIbItə)   n   another spelling of exhibitor

■ exhibition (ˌɛksIˈbIʃən)   n   1 a public display of art, products, skills, activities, etc: a judo exhibition   2 the act of exhibiting or the state of being exhibited   3 make an exhibition of oneself to behave so foolishly in public that one excites notice or ridicule   4 Brit an allowance or scholarship awarded to a student at a university or school

■ exhibitioner (ˌɛksIˈbIʃənə)   n   Brit a student who has been awarded an exhibition

■ exhibitionism (ˌɛksIˈbIʃəˌnIzəm)   n   1 a compulsive desire to attract attention to oneself, esp by absurd or exaggerated behaviour or boasting   2 psychiatry a compulsive desire to expose one's genital organs publicly   > ˌexhiˈbitionist n, adj   > ˌexhiˌbitionˈistic adj

■ exhibition killing   n   the murder of a hostage by terrorists, filmed for broadcasting on television or the internet

■ exhibitive (IɡˈzIbItIv)   adj   (usually postpositive; and foll by of) illustrative or demonstrative: a masterpiece exhibitive of his talent   > exˈhibitively adv

■ exhibitor (IɡˈzIbItə)   n   1 a person or thing that exhibits   2 an individual or company that shows films, esp the manager or owner of a cinema

exhilarate (IɡˈzIləˌreIt)   vb   (tr) to make lively and cheerful; gladden; elate [C16: from Latin exhilarāre, from hilarāre to cheer; see HILARIOUS]   > exˌhilaˈration n   > exˈhilarative or exˈhilaratory adj

■ exhilarant (IɡˈzIlərənt)   adj   1 exhilarating; invigorating   ▷ n   2 something that exhilarates

■ exhilarated (IɡˈzIləreItId)   adj   very happy and excited

■ exhilarating (IɡˈzIləˌreItIŋ)   adj   causing strong feelings of excitement and happiness: an exhilarating helicopter trip   > exˈhilaˌratingly adv

■ exhilarator (IɡˈzIləˌreItə)   n   a person who, or thing which, exhilarates

exhort (Iɡˈzɔːt)   vb   to urge or persuade (someone) earnestly; advise strongly [C14: from Latin exhortārī, from hortārī to urge]   > exhortative (IɡˈzɔːtətIv) or exˈhortatory adj   > exˈhorter n

■ exhortation (ˌɛɡzɔːˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of exhorting   2 a speech or written passage intended to persuade, inspire, or encourage

exhume (ɛksˈhjuːm)   vb (tr)   1 to dig up (something buried, esp a corpse); disinter   2 to reveal; disclose; unearth: don't exhume that old argument [C18: from Medieval Latin exhumāre, from Latin EX-1 + humāre to bury, from humus the ground]   > exhumation (ˌɛkshjʊˈmeIʃən) n   > exˈhumer n

ex-husband   n   a former husband

ex hypothesi (ɛks haIˈpɒθəsI)   adv   in accordance with or following from the hypothesis stated [C17: New Latin]

exies (ˈɛkseIz)   n   Scot dialect a fit of shaking, shivering or hysterics; ague

exigeant French (ɛksiʒɑ̃)   adj   exacting

exigent (ˈɛksIdʒənt)   adj   1 urgent; pressing   2 exacting; demanding [C15: from Latin exigere to drive out, weigh out, from agere to drive, compel]   > ˈexigently adv

■ exigency (ˈɛksIdʒənsI, IɡˈzIdʒənsI) or exigence (ˈɛksIdʒəns)   n, pl -gencies or -gences   1 the state of being exigent; urgency   2 (often plural) an urgent demand; pressing requirement   3 an emergency

exigible (ˈɛksIdʒəbəl)   adj   liable to be exacted or required: part of the debt is exigible this month [C17: from French, from exiger to demand, from Latin exigere; see EXIGENT]

exiguous (IɡˈzIɡjʊəs, IkˈsIɡ-)   adj   scanty or slender; meagre: an exiguous income [C17: from Latin exiguus, from exigere to weigh out; see EXIGENT]   > exiguity (ˌɛksIˈɡjuːItI) or exˈiguousness n   > exˈiguously adv

exile (ˈɛɡzaIl, ˈɛksaIl)   n   1 a prolonged, usually enforced absence from one's home or country; banishment   2 the expulsion of a person from his or her native land by official decree   3 a person banished or living away from his or her home or country; expatriate   ▷ vb   4 to expel from home or country, esp by official decree as a punishment; banish [C13: from Latin exsilium banishment, from exsul banished person; perhaps related to Greek alasthai to wander]   > exilic (ɛɡˈzIlIk, ɛkˈsIlIk) or exˈilian adj

■ exilable (ˈɛɡzaIləbəl, ˈɛksaIləbəl)   adj   1 (of a crime or wrongdoing) punishable by exile   2 able to be exiled

■ Exile (ˈɛɡzaIl, ˈɛksaIl)   n   the Exile another name for Babylonian captivity

■ exiled (ˈɛksaIld)   adj   (of a person) living in a foreign country because they cannot live in their own country, usually for political reasons

■ exiler (ˈɛɡzaIlə, ˈɛksaIlə)   n   obsolete a person who, or thing which, exiles

exility (ɛkˈsIlItI)   n   the condition of being shrunken or meagre; the quality of being thin or slender

eximious (ɛɡˈzImIəs)   adj   rare select and distinguished; eminent [C16: from Latin eximius, from eximere to take out, from emere to purchase]   > exˈimiously adv

exine (ˈɛksIn, -aIn) or extine (ˈɛkstIn, -tiːn, -taIn)   n   botany the outermost coat of a pollen grain or a spore. Compare intine

exist (IɡˈzIst)   vb (intr)   1 to have being or reality; to be   2 to eke out a living; stay alive; survive: I can barely exist on this wage   3 to be living; live   4 to be present under specified conditions or in a specified place: sharks exist in the Pacific   5 philosophy   a to be actual rather than merely possible   b to be a member of the domain of some theory, an element of some possible world, etc   c to have contingent being while free, responsible, and aware of one's situation [C17: from Latin exsistere to step forth, from EX-1 + sistere to stand]   > exˈisting adj

■ existence (IɡˈzIstəns)   n   1 the fact or state of existing; being   2 the continuance or maintenance of life; living, esp in adverse circumstances: a struggle for existence; she has a wretched existence   3 something that exists; a being or entity   4 everything that exists, esp that is living

■ existent (IɡˈzIstənt)   adj   1 in existence; extant; current   2 having existence; living   ▷ n   3 a person or a thing that exists

existential (ˌɛɡzIˈstɛnʃəl)   adj   1 of or relating to existence, esp human existence   2 philosophy pertaining to what exists, and is thus known by experience rather than reason; empirical as opposed to theoretical   3 logic denoting or relating to a formula or proposition asserting the existence of at least one object fulfilling a given condition; containing an existential quantifier   4 of or relating to existentialism   ▷ n logic   5    a an existential statement or formula   b short for existential quantifier   > ˌexisˈtentially adv

■ existentialism (ˌɛɡzIˈstɛnʃəˌlIzəm)   n   a modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of personal experience and responsibility and the demands that they make on the individual, who is seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe   > ˌexisˈtentialist adj, n

■ existential quantifier   n   logic a formal device, for which the conventional symbol is ∃, which indicates that the open sentence that follows is true of at least one member of the relevant universe of interpretation, as (∃x) Fx meaning "something is (an) F," "something Fs," or "there are (some) Fs."

exit (ˈɛɡzIt, ˈɛksIt)   n   1 a way out; door or gate by which people may leave   2 the act or an instance of going out; departure   3    a the act of leaving or right to leave a particular place   b (as modifier): an exit visa   4 departure from life; death   5 theatre the act of going offstage   6 (in Britain) a point at which vehicles may leave or join a motorway   7 bridge   a the act of losing the lead deliberately   b a card enabling one to do this   ▷ vb (intr)   8 to go away or out; depart; leave   9 theatre to go offstage: used as a stage direction: exit Hamlet   10 bridge to lose the lead deliberately   11 (sometimes tr) computing to leave (a computer program or system) [C17: from Latin exitus a departure, from exīre to go out, from EX-1 + īre to go]

■ Exit (ˈɛɡzIt, ˈɛksIt)   n   (in Britain) a society that seeks to promote the legitimization of voluntary euthanasia

■ exitless (ˈɛksItləs)   adj   having no exit

■ exit poll   n   a poll taken by an organization by asking people how they voted in an election as they leave a polling station

■ exit pupil   n   the smallest cross section of the beam of light from the eyepiece of a telescope through which all the light from the eyepiece passes. Its diameter is equal to the ratio of the focal length of the eyepiece to the focal ratio of the telescope

■ exit strategy   n   1 a method or plan for extricating oneself from an undesirable situation   2 a plan and timetable for withdrawal from a military engagement   3 the method by which an investor intends to cash out of an investment

■ exit wound   n   a wound caused by a missile, esp a bullet, leaving a person's body

exitance (ˈɛksItəns)   n   a measure of the ability of a surface to emit radiation. See luminous exitance, radiant exitance [C20: from EXIT + -ANCE]

ex lib.   abbreviation for   ex libris

ex libris (ɛks ˈliːbrIs)   adj   1 from the collection or library of: frequently printed on bookplates   ▷ n ex-libris   2 a bookplate bearing the owner's name, coat of arms, etc [C19: from Latin, literally: from the books (of)]

Exmoor (ˈɛksˌmʊə, -ˌmɔː)   n   1 a high moorland in SW England, in W Somerset and N Devon: chiefly grazing ground for Exmoor ponies, sheep, and red deer   2 a small stocky breed of pony with a fawn-coloured nose, originally from Exmoor

Exmouth (ˈɛksməθ)   n   a town in SW England, in Devon, at the mouth of the River Exe: tourism, fishing. Pop: 32 972 (2001)

ex new   adv, adj   (of shares, etc) without the right to take up any scrip issue or rights issue. Compare cum new

ex nihilo   adv   formal out of nothing

exo (ˈɛksəʊ)   adj   Austral an informal word for excellent

exo-   combining form   external, outside, or beyond: exobiology; exothermal [from Greek exō outside]

exobiology (ˌɛksəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   another name for astrobiology   > ˌexobiˈologist n

■ exobiological (ˌɛksəʊˌbaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   biology of or relating to exobiology

exocarp (ˈɛksəʊˌkɑːp)   n   another name for epicarp

exocentric (ˌɛksəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   grammar (of a construction) not fulfilling the grammatical role of any of its constituents; as in until last Easter, where the constituents are prepositional, adjectival, and nominal, while the whole construction is adverbial. Compare endocentric

Exocet (ˈɛksəʊˌsɛt)   n   trademark a tactical missile with a high-explosive warhead, which is guided by computer and radar, travels at a very low altitude at high subsonic speed, and has a range of up to 70 km. It may be launched from a ship, aircraft, or submarine [C20: from French, from New Latin Exocoetus volitans flying fish]

exocrine (ˈɛksəʊˌkraIn, -krIn)   adj   1 of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions   ▷ n   2 an exocrine gland   ▶ Compare endocrine [C20: EXO- + -crine from Greek krinein to separate]

■ exocrine gland   n   any gland, such as a salivary or sweat gland, that secretes its products through a duct onto an epithelial surface

exocuticle (ˈɛksəʊˌkjuːtIkəl)   n   the layer of an insect's cuticle between the epicuticle and the endocuticle, which is often hard and dark in colour

exocyclic (ˌɛksəʊˈsaIklIk)   adj   1 chem (of a cyclic compound) situated outside the ring   2 zoology (of a sea urchin) having the anus situated outside the apical disc

exocytose (ˌɛksəʊˈsaItəʊs, ˌɛksəʊˈsaItəʊz)   vb (intr)   biochem (of a cell) to secrete a substance from within

■ exocytosis (ˌɛksəʊsaIˈtəʊsIs)   n   a process by which material is exported from a biological cell

■ exocytotic (ˌɛksəʊsaIˈtɒtIk) or exocytic (ˌɛksəʊˈsItIk)   adj   biochem of, relating to or characterized by exocytosis

Exod. Bible   abbreviation for   Exodus

exode (ˈɛksəʊd)   n   1 Old Testament obsolete the book of Exodus from the Old Testament   2 theatre (in Greek and Roman drama) the exodium or concluding part

exoderm (ˈɛksəʊˌdɜːm)   n   embryol another name for ectoderm

exodermal (ˌɛksəʊˈdɜːməl)   adj   botany of or relating to the protective outer layer (exodermis) of a plant root

exodontics (ˌɛksəʊˈdɒntIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of dental surgery concerned with the extraction of teeth. Also called: exodontia (ˌɛksəʊˈdɒnʃə) [C20: New Latin, from EX-1 + -odontia, from Greek odōn tooth]   > ˌexoˈdontist n

exodos (ˈɛksəˌdɒs)   n, pl -doi (-dɔI)   theatre (in Greek drama) the concluding scene or exit song

exodus (ˈɛksədəs)   n   the act or an instance of going out [C17: via Latin from Greek exodos from EX-1 + hodos way]

■ exodic (ɛkˈsɒdIk)   adj   1 of or relating to an exodus   2 physiol (of the motor or efferent nerves) transporting influences away from the spinal cord

■ exodist (ˈɛksədIst)   n   a person who makes an exodus; an emigrant

■ Exodus (ˈɛksədəs)   n   1 the Exodus the departure of the Israelites from Egypt led by Moses   2 the second book of the Old Testament, recounting the events connected with this and the divine visitation of Moses at Mount Sinai

exoenzyme (ˌɛksəʊˈɛnzaIm)   n   1 any enzyme, esp an exopeptidase, that acts upon terminal chemical bonds in a chain of molecules. Compare endoenzyme   2 another name for ectoenzyme

exoergic (ˌɛksəʊˈɜːdʒIk)   adj   (of a nuclear reaction) occurring with evolution of energy. Compare endoergic, exothermic [EXO- + -ergic, from Greek ergon work]

exoerythrocytic (ˌɛksəʊIˌrIθrəˈsItIk)   adj   med occurring outside the red blood cells, esp of a developmental stage of protozoan parasites

ex off.   abbreviation for   ex officio

ex officio (ˈɛks əˈfIʃIəʊ, əˈfIsIəʊ)   adv, adj   by right of position or office. Abbreviation: ex off [Latin]

exogamy (ɛkˈsɒɡəmI)   n   1 sociol, anthropol the custom or an act of marrying a person belonging to another tribe, clan, or similar social unit. Compare endogamy   2 biology fusion of gametes from parents that are not closely related   > exogamous (ɛkˈsɒɡəməs) or exogamic (ˌɛksəʊˈɡæmIk) adj

exogen (ˈɛksədʒən)   n   1 botany a plant with a stem that develops through new growth on its outside   2 physiol a stage in hair growth in which the hair exits the follicle

exogenetic (ˌɛksədʒəˈnɛtIk)   adj   1 pathol (of a disease) having an external origin   2 geology (of rock) formed by the action of external forces   3 geology (of a geological process) occurring at or near the surface of the earth

exogenous (ɛkˈsɒdʒInəs)   adj   1 having an external origin   2 biology   a developing or originating outside an organism or part of an organism   b of or relating to external factors, such as light, that influence an organism   3 psychiatry (of a mental illness) caused by external factors   > exˈogenously adv

exomis (ɛkˈsəʊmIs)   n   1 Roman history a sleeveless vest, often worn by slaves or artisans   2 Greek history a tunic, often worn by soldiers or workers

exon^1 (ˈɛksɒn)   n   Brit one of the four officers who command the Yeomen of the Guard [C17: a pronunciation spelling of French exempt EXEMPT]

exon^2 (ˈɛksɒn)   n   any segment of a discontinuous gene the segments of which are separated by introns. Compare intron [C20: from EX-1 + -ON]   > exˈonic adj

exonerate (IɡˈzɒnəˌreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to clear or absolve from blame or a criminal charge   2 to relieve from an obligation or task; exempt [C16: from Latin exonerāre to free from a burden, from onus a burden]   > exˌonerˈation n   > exˈonerative adj   > exˈonerˌator n

exonuclease (ˌɛksəʊˈnjuːklIˌeIz)   n   an enzyme that is capable of detaching the terminal nucleotide from a nucleic acid chain. Compare endonuclease

exonumia (ˌɛksəʊˈnjuːmIə, ˌɛksəʊˈnuːmIə)   pl n   any non-monetary object of interest to numismatists, such as medals, tokens, etc

■ exonumist (ˌɛksəʊˈnjuːmIst, ˌɛksəʊˈnuːmIst)   n   a collector of exonumia

exonym (ˈɛksəˌnIm)   n   a name given to a place by foreigners: Londres is an exonym of London [C20: from Greek EX-1 + -ONYM]

exoparasite (ˌɛksəʊˈpærəˌsaIt)   n   another word for ectoparasite   > exoparasitic (ˌɛksəʊˌpærəˈsItIk) adj

exopeptidase (ˌɛksəʊˈpɛptIˌdeIz)   n   any proteolytic enzyme, such as erepsin, that acts on the terminal bonds in a peptide chain. Compare endopeptidase

exophagy (ɛkˈsɒfədʒI)   n   the practice of cannibalism outside of the tribe or family

■ exophagous (ɛkˈsɒfəɡəs)   adj   1 entomol (of an insect larva) living on the outside of, and feeding upon, the host   2 practising cannibalism outside of the tribe or family

exophoric (ˌɛksəʊˈfɒrIk)   adj   grammar denoting or relating to a pronoun such as "I" or "you", the meaning of which is determined by reference outside the discourse rather than by a preceding or following expression. Compare anaphora [from EXO- + Greek pherein to carry]

exophthalmos (ˌɛksɒfˈθælmɒs), exophthalmus (ˌɛksɒfˈθælməs) or exophthalmia (ˌɛksɒfˈθælmIə)   n   abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, as caused by hyperthyroidism. Also called: proptosis, ocular proptosis [C19: via New Latin from Greek, from EX-1 + ophthalmos eye]   > ˌexophˈthalmic adj

■ exophthalmic goitre   n   a form of hyperthyroidism characterized by enlargement of the thyroid gland, protrusion of the eyeballs, increased basal metabolic rate, and weight loss. Also called: Graves' disease

exoplanet (ˈɛksəʊˌplænIt)   n   a planet that orbits a star in a solar system other than that of Earth

exoplasm (ˈɛksəʊˌplæzəm)   n   another name for ectoplasm

exopodite (ɛkˈsɒpəˌdaIt)   n   zoology the outermost of the two projections on the hind legs of certain crustaceans

■ exopoditic (ɛkˌsɒpəˈdItIk)   adj   zoology of or relating to the exopodite of certain crustaceans

exor. (ˈɛksɔː) Brit   abbreviation for   executor

exorable (ˈɛksərəbəl)   adj   able to be persuaded or moved by pleading [C16: from Latin exōrābilis, from exōrāre to persuade, from ōrāre to beseech]   > ˌexoraˈbility n

exoration (ˌɛksɔːˈreIʃən)   n   obsolete a plea or entreaty

exorbitant (IɡˈzɔːbItənt)   adj   (of prices, demands, etc) in excess of what is reasonable; excessive; extravagant; immoderate [C15: from Late Latin exorbitāre to deviate, from Latin orbita track]   > exˈorbitance or exˈorbitancy n   > exˈorbitantly adv

exorbitate (IɡˈzɔːbIˌteIt)   vb (intr)   to deviate from the normal path or course

exorcize or exorcise (ˈɛksɔːˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to expel or attempt to expel (one or more evil spirits) from (a person or place believed to be possessed or haunted), by prayers, adjurations, and religious rites [C15: from Late Latin exorcizāre, from Greek exorkizein, from EX-1 + horkizein to adjure]   > ˈexorˌcizer or ˈexorˌciser n   > ˈexorcism n   > ˈexorcist n

■ exorcistic (ˌɛksɔːˈsIstIk) or exorcistical (ˌɛksɔːˈsIstIkəl)   adj   of or relating to an exorcist or exorcism

exordium (ɛkˈsɔːdIəm)   n, pl -diums, -dia (-dIə)   an introductory part or beginning, esp of an oration or discourse [C16: from Latin, from exōrdīrī to begin, from ōrdīrī to begin]   > exˈordial adj

exoskeleton (ˌɛksəʊˈskɛlItən)   n   the protective or supporting structure covering the outside of the body of many animals, such as the thick cuticle of arthropods. Compare endoskeleton   > ˌexoˈskeletal adj

exosmosis (ˌɛksɒzˈməʊsIs, -sɒs-)   n   biology osmosis in which water flows from a cell or organism into the surrounding solution. Compare endosmosis   > exosmotic (ˌɛksɒzˈmɒtIk, -sɒs-) or exosmic (ɛkˈsɒzmIk, -ˈsɒs-) adj

exosphere (ˈɛksəʊˌsfIə)   n   the outermost layer of the earth's atmosphere. It extends from about 400 km above the earth's surface

■ exospheric (ˌɛksəʊˈsfɛrIk) or exospherical (ˌɛksəʊˈsfɛrIkəl)   adj   of or relating to the exosphere

exospore (ˈɛksəʊˌspɔː)   n   the outer layer of the spores of some algae and fungi   > ˌexoˈsporous adj

■ exosporal (ˌɛksəʊˈspɔːrəl)   adj   of or relating to the exospores of algae or fungi

exosporium (ˌɛksəʊˈspɔːrIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   another name for exine

exostosis (ˌɛksɒˈstəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   an abnormal bony outgrowth from the surface of a bone [C18: via New Latin from Greek, from EX-1 + osteon bone]

exoteric (ˌɛksəʊˈtɛrIk) or exoterical (ˌɛksəʊˈtɛrIkəl)   adj   1 intelligible to or intended for more than a select or initiated minority: an exoteric account of a philosophical doctrine   2 external; exterior [C17: from Latin exōtericus external, from Greek exōterikos, from exōterō further outside; see EXO-]   > ˌexoˈterically adv   > ˌexoˈteriˌcism n

exothermic (ˌɛksəʊˈθɜːmIk) or exothermal   adj   (of a chemical reaction or compound) occurring or formed with the evolution of heat. Compare endothermic, exoergic   > ˌexoˈthermically or ˌexoˈthermally adv

■ exothermicity (ˌɛksəʊˌθɜːˈmIsItI)   n   chem the release of heat during a chemical reaction

exotic (IɡˈzɒtIk)   adj   1 originating in a foreign country, esp one in the tropics; not native: an exotic plant   2 having a strange or bizarre allure, beauty, or quality   3 NZ (of trees, esp pine trees) native to the northern hemisphere but cultivated in New Zealand: an exotic forest   4 of or relating to striptease   ▷ n   5 an exotic person or thing [C16: from Latin exōticus, from Greek exōtikos foreign, from exō outside]   > exˈotically adv   > exˈotiˌcism n   > exˈoticness n

■ exotica (IɡˈzɒtIkə)   pl n   exotic objects, esp when forming a collection [C19: Latin, neuter plural of exōticus; see EXOTIC]

■ exotic dancer   n   a striptease dancer or belly dancer

■ exoticist (IɡˈzɒtIsIst)   n   1 a person or thing which makes something (more) exotic   ▷ adj   2 tending to make (more) exotic

■ exoticize or exoticise (IɡˈzɒtIˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to regard or present as exotic

■ exotism (ˈɛɡzəˌtIzəm)   n   a variant form of exoticism

exotoxin (ˌɛksəʊˈtɒksIn)   n   a toxin produced by a microorganism and secreted into the surrounding medium   > ˌexoˈtoxic adj

exotropia (ˌɛksəˈtrəʊpIə)   n   med a condition in which the eye or eyes turn outwards

■ exotropic (ˌɛksəʊˈtrɒpIk)   adj   med (of an eye) turning outwards

exp maths   symbol for   exponential (sense 2)

expand (Ikˈspænd)   vb   1 to make or become greater in extent, volume, size, or scope; increase   2 to spread out or be spread out; unfold; stretch out   3 (intr; often foll by on) to enlarge or expatiate on (a story, topic, etc) in detail   4 (intr) to become increasingly relaxed, friendly, or talkative   5 maths to express (a function or expression) as the sum or product of terms [C15: from Latin expandere to spread out, from pandere to spread, extend]   > exˈpandable adj

■ expandability (IkˌspændəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being able to expand or to be expanded; expansibility

■ expanded (IkˈspændId)   adj   1 Also: extended (of printer's type) wider than usual for a particular height. Compare condensed   2 (of a plastic) having been foamed during manufacture by the introduction of a gas in order to make a light packaging material or heat insulator: expanded polystyrene. See also expanded metal

■ expanded metal   n   an open mesh of metal produced by stamping out alternating slots in a metal sheet and stretching it into an open pattern. It is used for reinforcing brittle or friable materials and in fencing

■ expander (Ikˈspændə)   n   1 a device for exercising and developing the muscles of the body: a chest expander   2 an electronic device for increasing the variations in signal amplitude in a transmission system according to a specified law. Compare compressor (sense 5), compander

■ expanding (IkˈspændIŋ)   adj   becoming, or capable of becoming, greater in extent, volume, size, or scope

■ expanding universe theory   n   the theory, developed from the observed red shifts of celestial bodies, that the space between galaxies is expanding, so that they appear to recede from us at velocities that increase with their distance. See also oscillating universe theory

■ expansible (Ikˈspænsəbəl)   adj   able to expand or be expanded   > exˌpansiˈbility n

■ expansibly (IkˈspænsəblI)   adv   in an expansible manner

■ expansion (Ikˈspænʃən)   n   1 the act of expanding or the state of being expanded   2 something expanded; an expanded surface or part   3 the degree, extent, or amount by which something expands   4 an increase, enlargement, or development, esp in the activities of a company   5 maths   a the form of an expression or function when it is written as the sum or product of its terms   b the act or process of determining this expanded form   6 the part of an engine cycle in which the working fluid does useful work by increasing in volume   7 the increase in the dimensions of a body or substance when subjected to an increase in temperature, internal pressure, etc   > exˈpansionary adj

■ expansional (Ikˈspænʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to expansion

■ expansion bend   n   engineering a loop in a pipe conveying hot fluid that provides flexibility which takes up thermal expansion and thus reduces temperature-induced stress in the pipe to an acceptable level

■ expansion bolt   n   a bolt that expands on tightening, enabling it to be secured into an unthreaded hole

■ expansionism (IkˈspænʃəˌnIzəm)   n   the doctrine or practice of expanding the economy or territory of a country   > exˈpansionist n, adj   > exˌpansionˈistic adj

■ expansion joint   n   engineering a gap in steel or concrete to allow for thermal expansion

■ expansion slot   n   a physical electronic interface provided in a computer system to enable extra facilities to be added easily at a later date

expanse (Ikˈspæns)   n   1 an uninterrupted surface of something that spreads or extends, esp over a wide area; stretch: an expanse of water   2 expansion or extension [C17: from New Latin expansum the heavens, from Latin expansus spread out, from expandere to EXPAND]

expansile (IkˈspænsaIl)   adj   1 able to expand or cause expansion   2 of or relating to expansion

expansive (IkˈspænsIv)   adj   1 able or tending to expand or characterized by expansion   2 wide; extensive   3 friendly, open, or talkative: an expansive person   4 grand or extravagant: an expansive way of life   5 psychiatry lacking restraint in the expression of feelings, esp in having delusions of grandeur or being inclined to overvalue oneself or one's work   > exˈpansively adv   > exˈpansiveness n

■ expansivity (ˌɛkspænˈsIvItI)   n   1 the quality of being expansive   2 another name for coefficient of expansion

ex parte (ɛks ˈpɑːtI)   adj   law (of an application in a judicial proceeding) on behalf of one side or party only: an ex parte injunction [Latin]

expat (ˌɛksˈpæt)   n, adj   informal short for expatriate

expatiate (IkˈspeIʃIˌeIt)   vb (intr)   1 (foll by on or upon) to enlarge (on a theme, topic, etc) at length or in detail; elaborate (on)   2 rare to wander about [C16: from Latin exspatiārī to digress, from spatiārī to walk about]   > exˌpatiˈation n   > exˈpatiˌator n

■ expatiative (IkˈspeIʃIətIv)   adj   literary tending to spread; expansive

■ expatiatory (IkˈspeIʃIətərI)   adj   relating to or characterized by expatiation

expatriate   adj (ɛksˈpætrIIt, -ˌeIt)   1 resident in a foreign country   2 exiled or banished from one's native country: an expatriate American   ▷ n (ɛksˈpætrIIt, -ˌeIt)   3 a person who lives in a foreign country   4 an exile; expatriate person   ▷ vb (ɛksˈpætrIˌeIt) (tr)   5 to exile (oneself) from one's native country or cause (another) to go into exile   6 to deprive (oneself or another) of citizenship [C18: from Medieval Latin expatriāre, from Latin EX-1 + patria native land]   > exˌpatriˈation n

■ expatriatism (ɛksˈpætrIəˌtIzəm)   n   the state or condition of being an expatriate

expect (Ikˈspɛkt)   vb (tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive)   1 to regard as probable or likely; anticipate: she expects to win   2 to look forward to or be waiting for: we expect good news today   3 to decide that (something) is requisite or necessary; require: the boss expects us to work late today [C16: from Latin exspectāre to watch for, from spectāre to look at]   > exˈpectable adj   > exˈpectably adv

■ expectancy (IkˈspɛktənsI) or expectance   n   1 something expected, esp on the basis of a norm or average: his life expectancy was 30 years   2 anticipation; expectation   3 the prospect of a future interest or possession, esp in property: an estate in expectancy

■ expectant (Ikˈspɛktənt)   adj   1 expecting, anticipating, or hopeful: an expectant glance   2 having expectations, esp of possession of something or prosperity   3 pregnant: an expectant mother   ▷ n   4 a person who expects something   5 obsolete a candidate for office, esp for ecclesiastical preferment   > exˈpectantly adv

■ expectation (ˌɛkspɛkˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or state of expecting or the state of being expected   2 (usually plural) something looked forward to, whether feared or hoped for: we have great expectations for his future; their worst expectations   3 an attitude of expectancy or hope; anticipation: to regard something with expectation   4 statistics   a the numerical probability that an event will occur   b another term for expected value   > expectative (IkˈspɛktətIv) adj

■ expectational (ˌɛkˌspɛkˈteIʃənəl)   adj   of or relating to an expectation or expectations

■ expected (IkˈspɛktId)   adj   anticipated

■ expected frequency   n   statistics the number of occasions on which an event may be presumed to occur on average in a given number of trials

■ expectedly (IkˈspɛktIdlI)   adv   in the expected manner

■ expectedness (IkˈspɛktIdnəs)   n   the quality or state of being expected

■ expected utility   n   statistics the weighted average utility of the possible outcomes of a probabilistic situation; the sum or integral of the product of the probability distribution and the utility function

■ expected value   n   statistics the sum or integral of all possible values of a random variable, or any given function of it, multiplied by the respective probabilities of the values of the variable. Symbol: E(X). E(X) is the mean of the distribution; E(X–c) = E(X)–c where c is a constant. Also called: mathematical expectation

■ expecter (Ikˈspɛktə)   n   a person who expects

■ expecting (IkˈspɛktIŋ)   adj   informal pregnant

■ expectingly (IkˈspɛktIŋlI)   adv   in an expecting manner

expectorate (IkˈspɛktəˌreIt)   vb   to cough up and spit out (sputum from the respiratory passages) [C17: from Latin expectorāre, literally: to drive from the breast, expel, from pectus breast]   > exˌpectoˈration n   > exˈpectoˌrator n

■ expectorant (Ikˈspɛktərənt) med   adj   1 promoting the secretion, liquefaction, or expulsion of sputum from the respiratory passages   ▷ n   2 an expectorant drug or agent

■ expectorative (IkˈspɛktəˌreItIv) med   n   1 an expectorant medicine   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to expectoration

expedient (IkˈspiːdIənt)   adj   1 suitable to the circumstances; appropriate   2 inclined towards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or just   ▷ n also expediency   3 something suitable or appropriate, esp something used during an urgent situation [C14: from Latin expediēns setting free; see EXPEDITE]   > exˈpediently adv

■ expediency (IkˈspiːdIənsI) or expedience   n, pl -encies or -ences   1 appropriateness; suitability   2 the use of or inclination towards methods that are advantageous rather than fair or just   3 another word for expedient (sense 3)

■ expediential (IkˌspiːdIˈɛnʃəl)   adj   denoting, based on, or involving expediency   > exˌpediˈentially adv

expeditate (ɛksˈpɛdIˌteIt)   vb (tr)   to remove the claws or the balls of the forefeet from (a dog); to declaw

■ expeditation (ɛksˌpɛdIˈteIʃən)   n   the act of expeditating a dog

expedite (ˈɛkspIˌdaIt)   vb (tr)   1 to hasten the progress of; hasten or assist   2 to do or process (something, such as business matters) with speed and efficiency   3 rare to dispatch (documents, messages, etc)   ▷ adj obsolete   4 unimpeded or prompt; expeditious   5 alert or prepared [C17: from Latin expedīre, literally: to free the feet (as from a snare), hence, liberate, from EX-1 + pēs foot]

■ expeditely (ˈɛkspIˌdaItlI)   adv   obsolete in an expedite manner

■ expediter or expeditor (ˈɛkspIˌdaItə)   n   a person who expedites something, esp a person employed in an industry to ensure that work on each job progresses efficiently

expedition (ˌɛkspIˈdIʃən)   n   1 an organized journey or voyage for a specific purpose, esp for exploration or for a scientific or military purpose   2 the people and equipment comprising an expedition   3 a pleasure trip; excursion   4 promptness in acting; dispatch [C15: from Latin expedītiō, from expedīre to prepare, EXPEDITE]

■ expeditionary (ˌɛkspIˈdIʃənərI)   adj   relating to or constituting an expedition, esp a military one: an expeditionary force

■ expeditious (ˌɛkspIˈdIʃəs)   adj   characterized by or done with speed and efficiency; prompt; quick   > ˌexpeˈditiously adv   > ˌexpeˈditiousness n

■ expeditive (IksˈpɛdItIv)   adj   obsolete acting with expedition; expeditious

expel (Ikˈspɛl)   vb -pels, -pelling, -pelled (tr)   1 to eject or drive out with force   2 to deprive of participation in or membership of a school, club, etc [C14: from Latin expellere to drive out, from pellere to thrust, drive]   > exˈpellable adj   > expellee (ˌɛkspɛˈliː) n   > exˈpeller n

■ expellant or expellent (Ikˈspɛlənt)   adj   1 forcing out or having the capacity to force out   ▷ n   2 a medicine used to expel undesirable substances or organisms from the body, esp worms from the digestive tract

■ expellers (Ikˈspɛləz)   pl n   the residue remaining after an oilseed has been crushed to expel the oil, used for animal fodder: groundnut expellers. Compare extractions

expend (Ikˈspɛnd)   vb (tr)   1 to spend; disburse   2 to consume or use up [C15: from Latin expendere, from pendere to weigh]   > exˈpender n

■ expendable (Ikˈspɛndəbəl)   adj   1 that may be expended or used up   2 not essential; not worth preserving   3 able to be sacrificed to achieve an objective, esp a military one   ▷ n   4 something that is expendable   > exˌpendaˈbility n

■ expenditure (IkˈspɛndItʃə)   n   1 something expended, such as time or money   2 the act of expending

expense (Ikˈspɛns)   n   1 a particular payment of money; expenditure   2 money needed for individual purchases; cost; charge   3 (plural) incidental money spent in the performance of a job, commission, etc, usually reimbursed by an employer or allowable against tax   4 something requiring money for its purchase or upkeep: the car was more of an expense than he had expected   5 at the expense of to the detriment of: he succeeded at the expense of his health   ▷ vb   6 (tr) US and Canadian to treat as an expense for book-keeping or tax purposes [C14: from Late Latin expēnsa, from Latin expēnsus weighed out; see EXPEND]

■ expense account   n   1 an arrangement by which expenses incurred in the course of a person's work are refunded by the employer or deducted from his or her income for tax purposes   2 a record of such expenses   3 (modifier) informal paid for by an employer or by money allowable against tax: an expense-account lunch

■ expensive (IkˈspɛnsIv)   adj   high-priced; costly; dear   > exˈpensively adv   > exˈpensiveness n

experience (IkˈspIərIəns)   n   1 direct personal participation or observation; actual knowledge or contact: experience of prison life   2 a particular incident, feeling, etc, that a person has undergone: an experience to remember   3 accumulated knowledge, esp of practical matters: a man of experience   4    a the totality of characteristics, both past and present, that make up the particular quality of a person, place, or people   b the impact made on an individual by the culture of a people, nation, etc: the American experience   5 philosophy   a the content of a perception regarded as independent of whether the apparent object actually exists. Compare sense datum   b the faculty by which a person acquires knowledge of contingent facts about the world, as contrasted with reason   c the totality of a person's perceptions, feelings, and memories   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to participate in or undergo   7 to be emotionally or aesthetically moved by; feel: to experience beauty [C14: from Latin experientia, from experīrī to prove; related to Latin perīculum PERIL]   > exˈperienceable adj

■ experienced (IkˈspIərIənst)   adj   having become skilful or knowledgeable from extensive contact or participation or observation

■ experienceless (IkˈspIərIənsləs)   adj   without experience; inexperienced

■ experience table   n   insurance an actuarial table, esp a mortality table based on past statistics

■ experiential (IkˌspIərIˈɛnʃəl)   adj   philosophy relating to or derived from experience; empirical   > exˌperiˈentially adv

■ experientialism (IkˌspIərIˈɛnʃəˌlIzəm)   n   philosophy the belief or doctrine that knowledge is based on experience

■ experientialist (IkˌspIərIˈɛnʃəlIst)   n   philosophy an advocate of experientialism

experiment   n (IkˈspɛrImənt)   1 a test or investigation, esp one planned to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis: a scientific experiment   2 the act of conducting such an investigation or test; experimentation; research   3 an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original: a poetic experiment   4 an obsolete word for experience   ▷ vb (IkˈspɛrIˌmɛnt)   5 (intr) to make an experiment or experiments [C14: from Latin experīmentum proof, trial, from experīrī to test; see EXPERIENCE]   > exˈperiˌmenter n

■ experimental (IkˌspɛrIˈmɛntəl)   adj   1 relating to, based on, or having the nature of experiment: an experimental study   2 based on or derived from experience; empirical: experimental evidence   3 tending to experiment: an experimental artist   4 tentative or provisional: an experimental rule in football   > exˌperiˈmentally adv

■ experimental condition   n   statistics one of the distinct states of affairs or values of the independent variable for which the dependent variable is measured in order to carry out statistical tests or calculations. Also called: condition

■ experimentalism (IkˌspɛrIˈmɛntəˌlIzəm)   n   employment of or reliance upon experiments; empiricism   > exˌperiˈmentalist n

■ experimentalize or experimentalise (IkˌspɛrIˈmɛntəˌlaIz)   vb   (intr) to engage in experiments

■ experimental psychology   n   the scientific study of the individual behaviour of humans and other animals, esp of perception, learning, memory, motor skills, and thinking

■ experimentation (IkˌspɛrImɛnˈteIʃən)   n   the act, process, or practice of experimenting

■ experimentative (IkˌspɛrIˈmɛntətIv)   adj   having a tendency to experiment; experimental; of the nature of an experiment

■ experimenter effect   n   psychol the influence of an experimenter's expectations on his or her results

■ experimentist (IkˈspɛrIˌmɛntIst)   n   another name for experimenter

expert (ˈɛkspɜːt)   n   1 a person who has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field   ▷ adj   2 skilful or knowledgeable   3 of, involving, or done by an expert: an expert job [C14: from Latin expertus known by experience, from experīrī to test; see EXPERIENCE]   > ˈexpertly adv   > ˈexpertness n

■ expertism (ˈɛkspɜːˌtIzəm)   n   the quality of being an expert

■ expertize or expertise (ˈɛkspɜːˌtaIz)   vb   US to act as an expert or give an expert opinion (on)

■ expert system   n   a computer program that can offer intelligent advice or make intelligent decisions using rule-based programs

expertise (ˌɛkspɜːˈtiːz)   n   special skill, knowledge, or judgment; expertness [C19: from French: expert skill, from EXPERT]

expiate (ˈɛkspIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to atone for or redress (sin or wrongdoing); make amends for [C16: from Latin expiāre, from pius dutiful; see PIOUS]   > ˈexpiˌator n

■ expiable (ˈɛkspIəbəl)   adj   capable of being expiated or atoned for

■ expiation (ˌɛkspIˈeIʃən)   n   the act, process, or a means of expiating; atonement

■ expiatory (ˈɛkspIətərI, -trI)   adj   1 capable of making expiation   2 given or offered in expiation

expire (IkˈspaIə)   vb   1 (intr) to finish or run out; cease; come to an end   2 to breathe out (air); exhale   3 (intr) to die [C15: from Old French expirer, from Latin exspīrāre to breathe out, from spīrāre to breathe]   > exˈpirer n

■ expirable (IkˈspaIərəbəl)   adj   capable of expiring or ending

■ expirant (IkˈspaIərənt)   n   a person who expires

■ expiration (ˌɛkspIˈreIʃən)   n   1 the finish of something; ending; expiry   2 the act, process, or sound of breathing out   3 rare a last breath; death

■ expiratory (IkˈspaIərətərI, -trI)   adj   relating to the expulsion of air from the lungs during respiration

■ expiry (IkˈspaIərI)   n, pl -ries   1    a a coming to an end, esp of a contract period; termination: expiry of a lease   b (as modifier): the expiry date   2 death

expiscate (ˈɛkspIˌskeIt)   vb (tr)   to fish out; to find out by investigation

■ expiscation (ˌɛkspIˈskeIʃən)   n   the act of fishing out or finding out by investigation

■ expiscatory (ɛksˈpIskətərI)   adj   acting to expiscate; tending to expiscate

explain (IkˈspleIn)   vb   1 (when tr, may take a clause as object) to make (something) comprehensible, esp by giving a clear and detailed account of the relevant structure, operation, surrounding circumstances, etc   2 (tr) to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words [C15: from Latin explānāre to flatten, from plānus level]   > exˈplainable adj   > exˈplainer n

■ explain away   vb   (tr, adverb) to offer excuses or reasons for (bad conduct, mistakes, etc)

■ explanation (ˌɛkspləˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of explaining   2 a statement or occurrence that explains   3 a clarification of disputed terms or points; reconciliation

■ explanatively (IkˈsplænətIvlI)   adv   in an explanative manner

■ explanatory (IkˈsplænətərI, -trI) or explanative   adj   serving or intended to serve as an explanation   > exˈplanatorily adv

explant (ɛksˈplɑːnt)   vb   1 to transfer (living tissue) from its natural site to a new site or to a culture medium   ▷ n   2 a piece of tissue treated in this way   > ˌexplanˈtation n

expletive (IkˈspliːtIv)   n   1 an exclamation or swearword; an oath or a sound expressing an emotional reaction rather than any particular meaning   2 any syllable, word, or phrase conveying no independent meaning, esp one inserted in a line of verse for the sake of the metre   ▷ adj also expletory (IkˈspliːtərI)   3 expressing no particular meaning, esp when filling out a line of verse [C17: from Late Latin explētīvus for filling out, from explēre, from plēre to fill]   > exˈpletively adv

explicate (ˈɛksplIˌkeIt)   vb (tr) formal   1 to make clear or explicit; explain   2 to formulate or develop (a theory, hypothesis, etc) [C16: from Latin explicāre to unfold, from plicāre to fold]   > explicative (IkˈsplIkətIv) or explicatory (IkˈsplIkətərI, -trI) adj   > ˈexpliˌcator n

■ explicable (ˈɛksplIkəbəl, IkˈsplIk-)   adj   capable of being explained

■ explicably (IkˈsplIkəblI)   adv   formal in an explicable manner

■ explication (ˌɛksplIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of explicating   2 analysis or interpretation, esp of a literary passage or work or philosophical doctrine   3 a comprehensive exposition or description

■ explicatively (IkˈsplIkətIvlI)   adv   in an explicative or explanatory manner

explication de texte French (ɛksplikɑsjɔ̃ də tɛkst)   n, pl explications de texte (ɛksplikɑsjɔ̃ də tɛkst)   a close textual analysis of a literary work [literally: explanation of (the) text]

explicit^1 (IkˈsplIsIt)   adj   1 precisely and clearly expressed, leaving nothing to implication; fully stated: explicit instructions   2 graphically detailed, leaving little to the imagination: sexually explicit scenes   3 openly expressed without reservations; unreserved   4 maths (of a function) having an equation of the form y=f(x), in which y is expressed directly in terms of x, as in y=x^4 + x + z. Compare implicit (sense 4) [C17: from Latin explicitus unfolded, from explicāre; see EXPLICATE]   > exˈplicitly adv   > exˈplicitness n

explicit^2 (IkˈsplIsIt)     the end; an indication, used esp by medieval scribes, of the end of a book, part of a manuscript, etc [Late Latin, probably short for explicitus est liber the book is unfolded (or complete); shortened by analogy with INCIPIT]

explode (Ikˈspləʊd)   vb   1 to burst or cause to burst with great violence as a result of internal pressure, esp through the detonation of an explosive; blow up   2 to destroy or be destroyed in this manner: to explode a bridge   3 (of a gas) to undergo or cause (a gas) to undergo a sudden violent expansion, accompanied by heat, light, a shock wave, and a loud noise, as a result of a fast uncontrolled exothermic chemical or nuclear reaction   4 (intr) to react suddenly or violently with emotion, etc: to explode with anger   5 (intr) (esp of a population) to increase rapidly   6 (tr) to show (a theory, etc) to be baseless; refute and make obsolete   7 (tr) phonetics to pronounce (a stop) with audible plosion   ▶ Compare implode [C16: from Latin explōdere to drive off by clapping, hiss (an actor) off, from EX-1 + plaudere to clap]   > exˈploder n

■ exploded view   n   a drawing or photograph of a complicated mechanism that shows the individual parts separately, usually indicating their relative positions

■ exploding star   n   an irregular variable star, such as a nova, supernova, or flare star, in which rapid increases in luminosity occur, caused by some form of explosion

exploit   n (ˈɛksplɔIt)   1 a notable deed or feat, esp one that is noble or heroic   ▷ vb (IkˈsplɔIt) (tr)   2 to take advantage of (a person, situation, etc), esp unethically or unjustly for one's own ends   3 to make the best use of: to exploit natural resources [C14: from Old French: accomplishment, from Latin explicitum (something) unfolded, from explicāre to EXPLICATE]   > exˈploitable adj   > ˌexploiˈtation or exˈploitage n   > exˈploitive or exˈploitative adj

■ exploitatively (IkˈsplɔItətIvlI)   adv   in an exploitative manner

■ exploiter (IkˈsplɔItə)   n   1 a person who exploits other people in an unfair and cruel way   2 a person who develops resources or raw materials so that they can be used for industry or commercial activities   3 a person who makes the best use of an opportunity

explore (Ikˈsplɔː)   vb   1 (tr) to examine or investigate, esp systematically   2 to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp for organized scientific purposes   3 (tr) med to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes   4 (tr) obsolete to search for or out [C16: from Latin explōrāre, from EX-1 + plōrāre to cry aloud; probably from the shouts of hunters sighting prey]   > exˈplorer n

■ exploration (ˌɛkspləˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of exploring   2 med examination of an organ or part for diagnostic purposes   3 an organized trip into unfamiliar regions, esp for scientific purposes; expedition   > exploratory (IkˈsplɒrətərI, -trI) or exˈplorative adj

■ explorational (ˌɛkspləˈreIʃənəl)   adj   of, relating to or involving exploration

■ explorationist (ˌɛkspləˈreIʃənIst)   n   a person involved in exploration, esp of oil, gas, etc

■ exploratively (IkˈsplɒrətIvlI)   adv   in an explorative manner

■ Explorer^1 (Ikˈsplɔːrə)   n   US a member of the senior branch of the Scouts. Brit equivalent: Venture Scout

■ Explorer^2 (Ikˈsplɔːrə)   n   any of the first series of US satellites. Explorer 1, launched in 1958, confirmed the existence of intense radiation belts around the earth

explosion (Ikˈspləʊʒən)   n   1 the act or an instance of exploding   2 a violent release of energy resulting from a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction, esp one that produces a shock wave, loud noise, heat, and light. Compare implosion (sense 1)   3 a sudden or violent outburst of activity, noise, emotion, etc   4 a rapid increase, esp in a population   5 phonetics another word for plosion [C17: from Latin explōsiō, from explōdere to EXPLODE]

■ explosible (Ikˈspləʊzəbəl)   adj   capable of exploding or being exploded

■ explosion welding   n   engineering the welding of two parts forced together by a controlled explosion

■ explosive (IkˈspləʊsIv)   adj   1 of, involving, or characterized by an explosion or explosions   2 capable of exploding or tending to explode   3 potentially violent or hazardous; dangerous: an explosive situation   4 phonetics another word for plosive   ▷ n   5 a substance that decomposes rapidly under certain conditions with the production of gases, which expand by the heat of the reaction. The energy released is used in firearms, blasting, and rocket propulsion   6 a plosive consonant; stop   > exˈplosively adv   > exˈplosiveness n

■ explosive cyclogenesis   n   meteorol a rapid drop in pressure at the centre of a storm system, causing it to become greatly intensified. Informal name: weather bomb

■ explosive forming   n   engineering a rapid method of forming a metal object in which components are made by subjecting the metal to very high pressures generated by a controlled explosion

expo (ˈɛkspəʊ)   n, pl -pos   short for exposition (sense 3)

exponent (Ikˈspəʊnənt)   n   1 (usually foll by of) a person or thing that acts as an advocate (of an idea, cause, etc)   2 a person or thing that explains or interprets   3 a performer or interpretive artist, esp a musician   4 Also called: power, index maths a number or variable placed as a superscript to the right of another number or quantity indicating the number of times the number or quantity is to be multiplied by itself   ▷ adj   5 offering a declaration, explanation, or interpretation [C16: from Latin expōnere to set out, expound, from pōnere to set, place]

■ exponentiation (ˌɛkspəˌnɛnʃIˈeIʃən)   n   maths (in a mathematical equation) the use of an exponent to raise the value of the base number to a power

exponential (ˌɛkspəʊˈnɛnʃəl)   adj   1 maths (of a function, curve, series, or equation) of, containing, or involving one or more numbers or quantities raised to an exponent, esp ex   2 maths raised to the power of e, the base of natural logarithms. Symbol: exp   3 of or involving an exponent or exponents   4 informal very rapid   ▷ n   5 maths an exponential function, etc   > ˌexpoˈnentially adv

■ exponential distribution   n   statistics a continuous single-parameter distribution used esp when making statements about the length of life of certain materials or waiting times between randomly occurring events. Its density function is p(x) = λe–λx for positive λ and nonnegative x, and it is a special case of the gamma distribution

■ exponential horn   n   a horn for the radiation of acoustic or high-frequency electromagnetic waves, of which the cross-sectional area increases exponentially with the length

exponible (ɛkˈspəʊnIbəl)   adj   requiring further explanation, esp (in logic) of a proposition

export   n (ˈɛkspɔːt)   1    a (often plural) goods (visible exports) or services (invisible exports) sold to a foreign country or countries   b (as modifier): an export licence; export finance   ▷ vb (Ikˈspɔːt, ˈɛkspɔːt)   2 to sell (goods or services) or ship (goods) to a foreign country or countries   3 (tr) to transmit or spread (an idea, social institution, etc) abroad   ▶ Compare import [C15: from Latin exportāre to carry away, from portāre to carry]   > exˈportable adj   > exˌportaˈbility n   > exˈporter n

■ exportation (ˌɛkspɔːˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act, business, or process of exporting goods or services   2 chiefly US an exported product or service

■ export-orientated or export-oriented   adj   commerce (of an industry, company, etc) mainly concerned with the export of goods or services

■ export reject   n   an article that fails to meet a standard of quality required for export and that is sold on the home market

expose (Ikˈspəʊz)   vb (tr)   1 to display for viewing; exhibit   2 to bring to public notice; disclose; reveal: to expose the facts   3 to divulge the identity of; unmask   4 (foll by to) to make subject or susceptible (to attack, criticism, etc)   5 to abandon (a child, animal, etc) in the open to die   6 (foll by to) to introduce (to) or acquaint (with): she was exposed to the classics at an early age   7 photog to subject (a photographic film or plate) to light, X-rays, or some other type of actinic radiation   8 RC Church to exhibit (the consecrated Eucharistic Host or a relic) for public veneration   9 expose oneself to display one's sexual organs in public [C15: from Old French exposer, from Latin expōnere to set out; see EXPONENT]   > exˈposable adj   > exˈposal n   > exˈposer n

■ exposed (Ikˈspəʊzd)   adj   1 not concealed; displayed for viewing   2 without shelter from the elements   3 susceptible to attack or criticism; vulnerable   4 mountaineering (of a climb, pitch, or move) performed on a high, sheer, and unsheltered rock face   > exposedness (IkˈspəʊzIdnIs) n

exposé (ɛksˈpəʊzeI)   n   1 the act or an instance of bringing a scandal, crime, etc, to public notice   2 an article, book, or statement that discloses a scandal, crime, etc

exposit (IksˈpɒzIt)   vb (tr)   to expound; to demonstrate clearly

■ expositor (IkˈspɒzItə)   n   a person who expounds

■ expository (IkˈspɒzItərI, -trI) or expositive   adj   of, involving, or assisting in exposition; explanatory   > exˈpositorily or exˈpositively adv

■ expositress (IksˈpɒzItrəs)   n   a female expositor

exposition (ˌɛkspəˈzIʃən)   n   1 a systematic, usually written statement about, commentary on, or explanation of a specific subject   2 the act of expounding or setting forth information or a viewpoint   3 a large public exhibition, esp of industrial products or arts and crafts   4 the act of exposing or the state of being exposed   5 the part of a play, novel, etc, in which the theme and main characters are introduced   6 music the first statement of the subjects or themes of a movement in sonata form or a fugue   7 RC Church the exhibiting of the consecrated Eucharistic Host or a relic for public veneration [C14: from Latin expositiō a setting forth, from expōnere to display; see EXPONENT]   > ˌexpoˈsitional adj

exposome (ˈɛkspəʊˌsəʊm)   n   a collection of environmental factors, such as stress and diet, to which an individual is exposed and which can have an effect on health

ex post facto (ɛks pəʊst ˈfæktəʊ)   adj   having retrospective effect: an ex post facto law [C17: from Latin ex from + post afterwards + factus done, from facere to do]

expostulate (IkˈspɒstjʊˌleIt)   vb   (intr; usually foll by with) to argue or reason (with), esp in order to dissuade from an action or intention [C16: from Latin expostulāre to require, from postulāre to demand; see POSTULATE]   > exˌpostuˈlation n   > exˈpostuˌlator n   > exˈpostulatory or exˈpostulative adj

■ expostulating (IkˈspɒstjʊˌleItIŋ)   adj   formal expressing strong disagreement with someone   > exˈpostuˌlatingly adv

exposture (ɛksˈpɒstʃə)   n   another name for exposure

exposure (Ikˈspəʊʒə)   n   1 the act of exposing or the condition of being exposed   2 the position or outlook of a house, building, etc; aspect: the bedroom has a southern exposure   3 lack of shelter from the weather, esp the cold: to die of exposure   4 a surface that is exposed: an exposure of granite   5 mountaineering the degree to which a climb, etc is exposed. See exposed (sense 4)   6 photog   a the act of exposing a photographic film or plate to light, X-rays, etc   b an area on a film or plate that has been exposed to light, etc   c (as modifier): exposure control   7 photog   a the intensity of light falling on a photographic film or plate multiplied by the time for which it is exposed   b a combination of lens aperture and shutter speed used in taking a photograph: he used the wrong exposure   8 appearance or presentation before the public, as in a theatre, on television, or in films   9 See indecent exposure

■ exposure meter   n   photog an instrument for measuring the intensity of light, usually by means of a photocell, so that the suitable camera settings of shutter speed and f-number (or lens aperture) can be determined. Also called: light meter

expound (Ikˈspaʊnd)   vb   (when intr, foll by on or about) to explain or set forth (an argument, theory, etc) in detail: to expound on one's theories; she expounded her reasoning [C13: from Old French espondre, from Latin expōnere to set forth, from pōnere to put]   > exˈpounder n

ex-president   n   politics a former chief executive or head of state of a republic

express (Ikˈsprɛs)   vb (tr)   1 to transform (ideas) into words; utter; verbalize   2 to show or reveal; indicate: tears express grief   3 to communicate (emotion, etc) without words, as through music, painting, etc   4 to indicate through a symbol, formula, etc   5 to force or squeeze out: to express the juice from an orange   6 to send by rapid transport or special messenger   7 express oneself to communicate one's thoughts or ideas   ▷ adj (prenominal)   8 clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated: an express wish   9 done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular: an express purpose   10 of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc: express delivery; an express depot   ▷ n   11    a a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc, rapidly   b merchandise, mail, etc, conveyed by such a system   c chiefly US and Canadian an enterprise operating such a system   12 Also called: express train a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini   13 See express rifle   ▷ adv   14 by means of a special delivery or express delivery: it went express [C14: from Latin expressus, literally: squeezed out, hence, prominent, from exprimere to force out, from EX-1 + premere to press]   > exˈpresser n   > exˈpressible adj

■ expressage (IkˈsprɛsIdʒ)   n   1 the conveyance of merchandise by express   2 the fee charged for such conveyance

■ expression (Ikˈsprɛʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of transforming ideas into words   2 a manifestation of an emotion, feeling, etc, without words: tears are an expression of grief   3 communication of emotion through music, painting, etc   4 a look on the face that indicates mood or emotion: a joyful expression   5 the choice of words, phrases, syntax, intonation, etc, in communicating   6 a particular phrase used conventionally to express something: a dialect expression   7 the act or process of forcing or squeezing out a liquid   8 maths a variable, function, or some combination of constants, variables, or functions   9 genetics the effect of a particular gene on the phenotype   > exˈpressional adj   > exˈpressionless adj   > exˈpressionlessly adv

■ expressionism (IkˈsprɛʃəˌnIzəm)   n   (sometimes capital) an artistic and literary movement originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, which sought to express emotions rather than to represent external reality: characterized by the use of symbolism and of exaggeration and distortion   > exˈpressionist n, adj   > exˌpressionˈistic adj

■ expression mark   n   one of a set of musical directions, usually in Italian, indicating how a piece or passage is to be performed

■ expressive (IkˈsprɛsIv)   adj   1 of, involving, or full of expression   2 (postpositive; foll by of) indicative or suggestive (of): a look expressive of love   3 having a particular meaning, feeling, or force; significant   > exˈpressively adv   > exˈpressiveness n

■ expressivity (ˌɛksprɛˈsIvItI)   n   1 (esp of a work of art) the quality of being expressive   2 genetics the strength of the effect of a gene on the phenotype

■ expressly (IkˈsprɛslI)   adv   1 for an express purpose; with specific intentions   2 plainly, exactly, or unmistakably

■ expressman (Ikˈsprɛsmæn)   n, pl expressmen   US a person who collects and delivers goods

■ expressness (Ikˈsprɛsnəs)   n   the quality of being express; exactness; specificity

■ express rifle   n   a high-velocity hunting rifle for big game shooting

■ expressway (IkˈsprɛsˌweI)   n   a motorway

expresso (Ikˈsprɛsəʊ)   n   a nonstandard variant of espresso

expressure (ɛksˈprɛʃə)   n   obsolete the act of expressing

exprobrate (ˈɛksprəʊˌbreIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to reproach or rebuke

■ exprobration (ˌɛksprəʊˈbreIʃən)   n   obsolete the act of reproaching

■ exprobrative (ɛksˈprəʊbrətIv)   adj   obsolete signifying reproach, reproachful

■ exprobratory (ɛksˈprəʊbrətərI)   adj   obsolete acting as a reproach

expromission (ˌɛksprəʊˈmIʃən)   n   civil law the act of (a creditor) accepting a new debtor as being responsible for the debt of another person

expromissor (ˌɛksprəʊˈmIsə)   n   civil law a person who agrees to undertake the debt of another person

expropriate (ɛksˈprəʊprIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   to deprive (an owner) of (property), esp by taking it for public use. See also eminent domain [C17: from Medieval Latin expropriāre to deprive of possessions, from proprius own]   > exˈpropriable adj   > exˌpropriˈation n   > exˈpropriˌator n

exptl   abbreviation for   experimental

expugn (Ikˈspjuːn)   vb (tr)   obsolete to storm; to take by force

■ expugnable (Ikˈspjuːnəbəl)   adj   obsolete able to be expugned or taken by force

■ expugnation (ˌIkspʌɡˈneIʃən)   n   obsolete the act of storming or taking by force

expulse (Iksˈpʌls)   vb (tr)   obsolete to expel or drive out, esp in a violent manner

■ expulsive (IkˈspʌlsIv)   adj   tending or serving to expel

expulsion (Ikˈspʌlʃən)   n   the act of expelling or the fact or condition of being expelled [C14: from Latin expulsiō a driving out, from expellere to EXPEL]

expunge (Ikˈspʌndʒ) or expunct (Ikˈspʌŋkt)   vb (tr)   1 to delete or erase; blot out; obliterate   2 to wipe out or destroy [C17: from Latin expungere to blot out, from pungere to prick]   > expunction (Ikˈspʌŋkʃən) n   > exˈpunger n

expurgate (ˈɛkspəˌɡeIt)   vb   (tr) to amend (a book, text, etc) by removing (obscene or offensive sections) [C17: from Latin expurgāre to clean out, from purgāre to purify; see PURGE]   > ˌexpurˈgation n   > ˈexpurˌgator n   > expurgatory (ɛksˈpɜːɡətərI, -trI) or expurgatorial (ɛkˌspɜːɡəˈtɔːrIəl) adj

■ expurgated (ˈɛkspəˌɡeItId)   adj   publishing amended by the removal of offensive material

expurge (ɛksˈpɜːdʒ)   vb (tr)   to purify; to purge

exquisite (IkˈskwIzIt, ˈɛkskwIzIt)   adj   1 possessing qualities of unusual delicacy and fine craftsmanship: jewels in an exquisite setting   2 extremely beautiful and pleasing: an exquisite face   3 outstanding or excellent: an exquisite victory   4 sensitive; discriminating: exquisite taste   5 fastidious and refined   6 intense or sharp in feeling: exquisite pleasure; exquisite pain   ▷ n   7 obsolete a dandy [C15: from Latin exquīsītus excellent, from exquīrere to search out, from quaerere to seek]   > exˈquisitely adv   > exˈquisiteness n

exr   abbreviation for   executor

exsanguinate (IkˈsæŋɡwIneIt)   vb   (tr) rare to drain the blood from [C19: from Latin exsanguināre]   > exˌsanguinˈation n

exsanguine (IkˈsæŋɡwIn) or exsanguineous (ˌɛksæŋˈɡwInIəs)   adj   without blood; bloodless or anaemic [C17: from Latin exsanguis, from sanguis blood]   > ˌexsanˈguinity n

■ exsanguined (IkˈsæŋɡwInd)   adj   without blood; anaemic

exscind (ɛkˈsInd)   vb   (tr) to cut off or out; excise [C17: exscind, from Latin exscindere to extirpate, destroy, from scindere to cut, tear, split]

exsecant (ɛksˈsiːkənt)   n   maths a trigonometric function related to the secant function

exsect (ɛkˈsɛkt)   vb   (tr) to cut out [C17: exsect, from Latin exsecāre to cut away, from secāre to cut]   > exsection (ɛkˈsɛkʃən) n

exsert (ɛkˈsɜːt)   vb   1 (tr) to thrust out; protrude   ▷ adj also exserted   2 protruded, stretched out, or (esp of stamens) projecting beyond the corolla of a flower [C19: from Latin exserere to thrust out; see EXERT]   > exˈsertion n   > exsertile (ɛkˈsɜːtaIl) adj

ex-service   adj   having formerly served in the armed forces

■ ex-serviceman   n, pl -men   a man who has served in the army, navy, or air force

■ ex-servicewoman   n, pl -women   a woman who has served in the army, navy, or air force

exsiccate (ˈɛksIˌkeIt)   vb   to dry up; desiccate [C15: from Latin exsiccāre, from siccus dry]   > ˌexsicˈcation n   > ˈexsiccative adj   > ˈexsicˌcator n

■ exsiccant (ɛkˈsIkənt) med   n   1 a medicine which causes drying or desiccation   ▷ adj   2 having the ability to dry or desiccate

ex silentio Latin (ɛks sIˈlɛnʃIˌəʊ)   adv, adj   (of a theory, assumption, etc) based on a lack of evidence to the contrary [literally: from silence]

exsolution (ˌɛksəˈluːʃən)   n   geology the process by which a homogenous solid solution, esp molten rock, separates into its constituent minerals upon cooling

exstipulate (ɛkˈstIpjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) or estipulate   adj   (of a flowering plant) having no stipules

exstrophy (ˈɛkstrəfI)   n   med congenital eversion of a hollow organ, esp the urinary bladder [C19: from Greek EX-1 + strophein to turn]

exsuccous (ɛkˈsʌkəs)   adj   having no sap or juice

exsufflate (ɛkˈsʌfleIt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to blow out or blow upon, esp in order to exorcize or renounce

■ exsufflation (ˌɛksʌfˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act of blowing out or blowing upon   2 med (in medicine) the expiration of air from the lungs or other body cavity, either manually or mechanically

exsufflicate (ɛkˈsʌflIˌkeIt)   adj   obsolete (in the works of Shakespeare) inflated, full of nothing but air, empty

ext   abbreviation for   1 extinct   2 extract

extant (ɛkˈstænt, ˈɛkstənt)   adj   1 still in existence; surviving   2 archaic standing out; protruding [C16: from Latin exstāns standing out, from exstāre, from stāre to stand]

USAGE

Extant is sometimes wrongly used simply to say that something exists, without any connotation of survival: plutonium is perhaps the deadliest element in existence (not the deadliest element extant)

extemporal (ɛksˈtɛmpərəl)   adj   archaic done or said without premeditation, impromptu

■ extemporally (ɛksˈtɛmpərəlI)   adv   archaic in an extemporal manner

extemporaneous (IkˌstɛmpəˈreInIəs) or extemporary (IkˈstɛmpərərI, -prərI)   adj   1 spoken, performed, etc, without planning or preparation; impromptu; extempore   2 done in a temporary manner; improvised   > exˌtempoˈraneously or exˈtemporarily adv   > exˌtempoˈraneousness or exˈtemporariness n

■ extemporaneity (IksˌtɛmpərəˈneIItI)   n   archaic the quality of being extemporaneous

extempore (IkˈstɛmpərI)   adv, adj   without planning or preparation; impromptu [C16: from Latin ex tempore instantaneously, from EX-1 out of + tempus time]

■ extemporize or extemporise (IkˈstɛmpəˌraIz)   vb   1 to perform, speak, or compose (an act, speech, piece of music, etc) without planning or preparation   2 to use (a temporary solution) for an immediate need; improvise   > exˌtemporiˈzation or exˌtemporiˈsation n   > exˈtempoˌrizer or exˈtempoˌriser n

extend (Ikˈstɛnd)   vb   1 to draw out or be drawn out; stretch   2 to last for a certain time: his schooling extended for three years   3 (intr) to reach a certain point in time or distance: the land extends five miles   4 (intr) to exist or occur: the trees extended throughout the area   5 (tr) to increase (a building, etc) in size or area; add to or enlarge   6 (tr) to broaden the meaning or scope of: the law was extended   7 (tr) to put forth, present, or offer: to extend greetings   8 to stretch forth (an arm, etc)   9 (tr) to lay out (a body) at full length   10 (tr) to strain or exert (a person or animal) to the maximum   11 (tr) to prolong (the time originally set) for payment of (a debt or loan), completion of (a task), etc   12 (tr) accounting   a to carry forward   b to calculate the amount of (a total, balance, etc)   13 (tr) law (formerly in England) to value or assess (land) [C14: from Latin extendere to stretch out, from tendere to stretch]   > exˈtendible or exˈtendable adj   > exˌtendiˈbility or exˌtendaˈbility n

■ extended (IkˈstɛndId)   adj   1 stretched out in time, space, influence, application, etc   2 (of a horse's pace) free-moving and with long steps: an extended trot   3 printing another word for expanded (sense 1)   > exˈtendedly adv   > exˈtendedness n

■ extended family   n   sociol, anthropol a social unit that contains the nuclear family together with blood relatives, often spanning three or more generations

■ extended-play   adj   denoting an EP record

■ extender (Ikˈstɛndə)   n   1 a person or thing that extends   2 a substance, such as French chalk or china clay, added to paints to give them body and decrease their rate of settlement   3 a substance added to glues and resins to dilute them or to modify their viscosity   4 a substance added to elastomers to assist the plasticizer   5 printing the part of certain lower-case letters that extends either above (the ascender) or below (the descender) the body of the letter

extendant (Ikˈstɛndənt)   adj   (in heraldry) with wings spread

extense (Iksˈtɛns)   n   1 obsolete an extension, an expanse   ▷ adj   2 obsolete extended, extensive

extension (Ikˈstɛnʃən)   n   1 the act of extending or the condition of being extended   2 something that can be extended or that extends another object   3 the length, range, etc, over which something is extended; extent   4 an additional telephone set connected to the same telephone line as another set or other sets   5 a room or rooms added to an existing building   6 a delay, esp one agreed by all parties, in the date originally set for payment of a debt or completion of a contract   7 the property of matter by which it occupies space; size   8    a the act of straightening or extending an arm or leg   b its position after being straightened or extended   9 med a steady pull applied to a fractured or dislocated arm or leg to restore it to its normal position. See also traction (sense 3)   10    a a service by which some of the facilities of an educational establishment, library, etc, are offered to outsiders   b (as modifier): a university extension course   11 conservative extension logic   a the class of entities to which a given word correctly applies: thus, the extension of satellite of Mars is the set containing only Deimos and Phobos. Compare intension (sense 1a)   b a formal theory that includes among its theorems all the theorems of a given theory [C14: from Late Latin extensiō a stretching out; see EXTEND]

■ extensible (Ikˈstɛnsəbəl) or extensile (IkˈstɛnsaIl)   adj   capable of being extended   > exˌtensiˈbility or exˈtensibleness n

■ extensification (IkˌstɛnsIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the action of making (something) more extensive   2 the spread of a technology across an area, esp in agriculture

■ extensional (Ikˈstɛnʃənəl)   adj   1 relating to or characterized by extension   2 logic explicable solely in terms of extensions; ignoring differences of meaning that do not affect the extension. See also extensionality, substitutivity, transparent context   > exˈtensionally adv   > exˈtensionalism n

■ extensionality (IkˌstɛnʃəˈnælItI)   n   logic the principle that sets are definable in terms of their elements alone, whatever way they may have been selected. Thus {a, b}={b, a}={first two letters of the alphabet}

■ extensionist (IkˈstɛnʃənIst)   n   a person who supports or advocates extension

■ extension ring or extension tube   n   photog a spacer element that can be fixed between the camera body and the lens to increase the distance between film and lens and allow closer focus than would be possible without it

extensity (IkˈstɛnsItI)   n   1 psychol that part of sensory perception relating to the spatial aspect of objects   2 rare the condition of being extensive or extended

extensive (IkˈstɛnsIv)   adj   1 having a large extent, area, scope, degree, etc; vast: extensive deserts; an extensive inheritance   2 widespread: extensive coverage in the press   3 agriculture involving or farmed with minimum expenditure of capital or labour, esp depending on a large area of land. Compare intensive (sense 3)   4 physics of or relating to a property, measurement, etc, of a macroscopic system that is proportional to the size of the system: heat is an extensive property. Compare intensive (sense 7)   5 logic   a of or relating to logical extension   b (of a definition) in terms of the objects to which the term applies rather than its meaning   > exˈtensively adv   > exˈtensiveness n

■ extensivization or extensivisation (IkˌstɛnsIvaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process of (something) becoming more extensive, esp in agriculture

extensometer (ˌɛkstɛnˈsɒmItə) or extensimeter (ˌɛkstɛnˈsImItə)   n   an apparatus for studying small changes of length, as in the thermal expansion or mechanical compression of a solid

extensor (Ikˈstɛnsə, -sɔː)   n   any muscle that stretches or extends an arm, leg, or other bodily part. Compare flexor [C18: from New Latin, from Latin extensus stretched out]

extent (Ikˈstɛnt)   n   1 the range over which something extends; scope: the extent of the damage   2 an area or volume: a vast extent of concrete   3 US law a writ authorizing a person to whom a debt is due to assume temporary possession of his or her debtor's lands   4 logic another word for extension (sense 11) [C14: from Old French extente, from Latin extentus extensive, from extendere to EXTEND]

extenuate (IkˈstɛnjʊˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to represent (an offence, a fault, etc) as being less serious than it appears, as by showing mitigating circumstances   2 to cause to be or appear less serious; mitigate   3 to underestimate or make light of   4 archaic   a to emaciate or weaken   b to dilute or thin out [C16: from Latin extenuāre to make thin, from tenuis thin, frail]   > exˈtenuˌating adj   > exˈtenuˌatingly adv   > exˌtenuˈation n   > exˈtenuˌator n   > exˈtenuatory adj

■ extenuative (IkˈstɛnjʊˌeItIv)   n   1 a thing which lessens the seriousness (of a crime or wrongdoing)   2 med a medicine which causes thinness or emaciation   ▷ adj   3 lessening the seriousness (of a crime or wrongdoing)   4 med causing thinness or emaciation

exterior (IkˈstIərIə)   n   1 a part, surface, or region that is on the outside   2 the observable outward behaviour or appearance of a person   3 a film or scene shot outside a studio   ▷ adj   4 of, situated on, or suitable for the outside: exterior cleaning   5 coming or acting from without; external: exterior complications   6 of or involving foreign nations [C16: from Latin, comparative of exterus on the outside, from ex out of]   > exˈteriorly adv

■ exterior angle   n   1 an angle of a polygon contained between one side extended and the adjacent side   2 any of the four angles made by a transversal that are outside the region between the two intersected lines

■ exteriority (IkˌstIərIˈɒrItI)   n   the state of being outside or external

■ exteriorize or exteriorise (IkˈstIərIəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 surgery to expose (an attached organ or part) outside a body cavity, esp in order to remove it from an operating area   2 another word for externalize   > exˌterioriˈzation or exˌterioriˈsation n

exterminate (IkˈstɜːmIˌneIt) or extermine (IkˈstɜːmIn)   vb   (tr) to destroy (living things, esp pests or vermin) completely; annihilate; eliminate [C16: from Latin extermināre to drive away, from terminus boundary]   > exˈterminable adj   > exˌtermiˈnation n   > exˈterminative or exˈterminatory adj   > exˈtermiˌnator n

extern or externe (ˈɛkstɜːn, Ikˈstɜːn)   n   US a person, such as a physician at a hospital, who has an official connection with an institution but does not reside in it [C16: from Latin externus EXTERNAL]

external (Ikˈstɜːnəl)   adj   1 of, situated on, or suitable for the outside; outer   2 coming or acting from without: external evidence from an independent source   3 of or involving foreign nations; foreign   4 of, relating to, or designating a medicine that is applied to the outside of the body   5 anatomy situated on or near the outside of the body: the external ear   6 education denoting assessment by examiners who are not employed at the candidate's place of study   7 Austral and NZ (of a student) studying a university subject extramurally   8 philosophy (of objects, etc) taken to exist independently of a perceiving mind   ▷ n   9 (often plural) an external circumstance or aspect, esp one that is superficial or inessential   10 Austral and NZ a student taking an extramural subject [C15: from Latin externus outward, from exterus on the outside, from ex out of]   > exˈternally adv

■ External Affairs   n (functioning as singular)   (formerly) the Canadian federal Foreign Affairs department

■ external-combustion engine   n   a heat engine in which the working fluid is heated in an external boiler or heat exchanger and is thus isolated from the process of fuel combustion

■ external ear   n   the part of the ear consisting of the auricle and the auditory canal

■ externalism (IkˈstɜːnəˌlIzəm)   n   1 exaggerated emphasis on outward form, esp in religious worship   2 a philosophical doctrine holding that only objects that can be perceived by the senses are real; phenomenalism   > exˈternalist n

■ externality (ˌɛkstɜːˈnælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or condition of being external   2 something external   3 philosophy the quality of existing independently of a perceiving mind   4 an economic effect that results from an economic choice but is not reflected in market prices

■ externalize (IkˈstɜːnəˌlaIz), exteriorize (IkˈstIərIəˌraIz), externalise or exteriorise   vb (tr)   1 to make external; give outward shape to   2 psychol to attribute (one's own feelings) to one's surroundings   > exˌternaliˈzation, exˌterioriˈzation, exˌternaliˈsation or exˌterioriˈsation n

externat French (eksterna)   n   a day school

externship (ˈɛkstɜːnˌʃIp)   n   a form of work experience offered by educational institutions in which a student observes a professional in their place of work

exteroceptor (ˈɛkstərəʊˌsɛptə)   n   any sensory organ or part of the body, such as the eye, able to receive stimuli from outside the body. Compare interoceptor, proprioceptor [C20 extero-, from Latin exterus EXTERIOR + (RE)CEPTOR]   > ˌexteroˈceptive adj

exterritorial (ˌɛkstɛrIˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   a variant of extraterritorial   > exˌterriˌtoriˈality n   > ˌexterriˈtorially adv

extinct (IkˈstIŋkt)   adj   1 (of an animal or plant species) having no living representative; having died out   2 quenched or extinguished   3 (of a volcano) no longer liable to erupt; inactive   4 void or obsolete: an extinct political office [C15: from Latin exstinctus quenched, from exstinguere to EXTINGUISH]

■ extinction (IkˈstIŋkʃən) or extincture (IksˈtIŋktʃə)   n   1 the act of making extinct or the state of being extinct   2 the act of extinguishing or the state of being extinguished   3 complete destruction; annihilation   4 physics reduction of the intensity of radiation as a result of absorption or scattering by matter   5 astronomy the dimming of light from a celestial body as it passes through an absorbing or scattering medium, such as the earth's atmosphere or interstellar dust   6 psychol a process in which the frequency or intensity of a learned response is decreased as a result of reinforcement being withdrawn. Compare habituation

■ extinctive (IkˈstIŋktIv)   adj   tending or serving to extinguish or make extinct

extine (ˈɛkstIn, -tiːn, -taIn)   n   another name for exine [C19: from Latin extimus outermost + -INE^1]

extinguish (IkˈstIŋɡwIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to put out or quench (a light, flames, etc)   2 to remove or destroy entirely; annihilate   3 archaic to eclipse or obscure by or as if by superior brilliance   4 law to discharge (a debt) [C16: from Latin exstinguere, from stinguere to quench]   > exˈtinguishable adj   > exˈtinguisher n   > exˈtinguishment n

■ extinguishant (IkˈstIŋɡwIʃənt)   n   a substance, such as a liquid, foam, powder, etc, used in extinguishing fires

extirp (ɛksˈtɜːp)   vb (tr)   obsolete to uproot (vegetation), to extirpate

■ extirpable (ɛksˈtɜːpəbəl)   adj   obsolete able to be extirpated

extirpate (ˈɛkstəˌpeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to remove or destroy completely   2 to pull up or out; uproot   3 to remove (an organ or part) surgically [C16: from Latin exstirpāre to root out, from stirps root, stock]   > ˌextirˈpation n   > ˈextirˌpative adj   > ˈextirˌpator n

■ extirpatory (ɛksˈtɜːpətərI)   adj   another word for extirpative

extn telecomm   abbreviation for   extension

extol or US extoll (Ikˈstəʊl)   vb -tols, -tolling, -tolled or US -tolls, -tolling, -tolled   (tr) to praise lavishly; exalt [C15: from Latin extollere to elevate, from tollere to raise]   > exˈtoller n   > exˈtollingly adv   > exˈtolment n

extort (Ikˈstɔːt)   vb (tr)   1 to secure (money, favours, etc) by intimidation, violence, or the misuse of influence or authority   2 to obtain by importunate demands: the children extorted a promise of a trip to the zoo   3 to overcharge for (something, esp interest on a loan) [C16: from Latin extortus wrenched out, from extorquēre to wrest away, from torquēre to twist, wrench]   > exˈtorter n   > exˈtortive adj

■ extorsive (IkˈstɔːsIv)   adj   acting or tending to extort

■ extorsively (IkˈstɔːsIvlI)   adv   in an extorsive manner

■ extortion (Ikˈstɔːʃən)   n   the act of securing money, favours, etc by intimidation or violence; blackmail   > exˈtortioner or exˈtortionist n

■ extortionary (IkˈstɔːʃənərI)   adj   characterized by or prone to extortion

■ extortionate (IkˈstɔːʃənIt)   adj   1 (of prices, etc) excessive; exorbitant   2 (of persons) using extortion   > exˈtortionately adv

extra (ˈɛkstrə)   adj   1 being more than what is usual or expected; additional   ▷ n   2 a person or thing that is additional   3 something for which an additional charge is made: the new car had many extras   4 an additional edition of a newspaper, esp to report a new development or crisis   5 films an actor or person temporarily engaged, usually for crowd scenes   6 cricket a run not scored from the bat, such as a wide, no-ball, bye, or leg bye   7 US something that is better than usual in quality   ▷ adv   8 unusually; exceptionally: an extra fast car [C18: perhaps shortened from EXTRAORDINARY]

■ extra cover   n   cricket a fielding position between cover and mid-off

■ extra time   n   sport an additional period played at the end of a match, to compensate for time lost through injury or (in certain circumstances) to allow the teams to achieve a conclusive result

extra-   prefix   outside or beyond an area or scope: extrasensory; extraterritorial [from Latin extrā outside, beyond, changed from extera, from exterus outward]

extrabold (ˌɛkstrəˈbəʊld)   n   a font with very bold characters

extracanonical (ˌɛkstrəkəˈnɒnIkəl)   adj   Christianity not included in the canon of Scripture

extracellular (ˌɛkstrəˈsɛljʊlə)   adj   biology situated or occurring outside a cell or cells   > ˌextraˈcellularly adv

extracorporeal (ˌɛkstrəkɔːˈpɔːrIəl)   adj   outside the body

extracranial (ˌɛkstrəˈkreInIəl)   adj   on the exterior of the skull, outside the skull

extract   vb (Ikˈstrækt) (tr)   1 to withdraw, pull out, or uproot by force   2 to remove or separate   3 to derive (pleasure, information, etc) from some source or situation   4 to deduce or develop (a doctrine, policy, etc)   5 informal to extort (money, etc)   6 to obtain (a substance) from a mixture or material by a chemical or physical process, such as digestion, distillation, the action of a solvent, or mechanical separation   7 to cut out or copy out (an article, passage, quotation, etc) from a publication   8 to determine the value of (the root of a number)   ▷ n (ˈɛkstrækt)   9 something extracted, such as a part or passage from a book, speech, etc   10 a preparation containing the active principle or concentrated essence of a material: beef extract; yeast extract   11 pharmacol a solution of plant or animal tissue containing the active principle [C15: from Latin extractus drawn forth, from extrahere, from trahere to drag]   > exˈtractable adj   > exˌtractaˈbility n

USAGE

Extract is sometimes wrongly used where extricate would be better: he will find it difficult extricating (not extracting) himself from this situation

■ extractant (Ikˈstræktənt)   n   a solvent used in the extraction of a substance from a liquid

■ extractible (Ikˈstræktəbəl)   adj   another spelling of extractable

■ extraction (Ikˈstrækʃən)   n   1 the act of extracting or the condition of being extracted   2 something extracted; an extract   3    a the act or an instance of extracting a tooth or teeth   b a tooth or teeth extracted   4 origin, descent, lineage, or ancestry: of German extraction

■ extractions (Ikˈstrækʃənz)   pl n   the residue remaining after an oilseed has had the oil extracted by a solvent. Used as a feed for animals: groundnut extractions. Compare expellers

■ extractive (IkˈstræktIv)   adj   1 tending or serving to extract   2 of, involving, or capable of extraction   ▷ n   3 something extracted or capable of being extracted   4 the part of an extract that is insoluble

■ extractively (IkˈstræktIvlI)   adv   in an extractive manner

■ extractor (Ikˈstræktə)   n   1 a person or thing that extracts   2 an instrument for pulling something out or removing tight-fitting components   3 a device for extracting liquid from a solid, esp a centrifugal dryer   4 short for extractor fan   5 a fitting in many firearms for removing spent cartridges from the chamber

■ extractor fan or extraction fan   n   a fan used in kitchens, bathrooms, workshops, etc, to remove stale air or fumes

extracurricular (ˌɛkstrəkəˈrIkjʊlə)   adj   1 taking place outside the normal school timetable: extracurricular activities   2 beyond the regular duties, schedule, etc

extradite (ˈɛkstrəˌdaIt)   vb (tr)   1 to surrender (an alleged offender) for trial to a foreign state   2 to procure the extradition of [C19: back formation from EXTRADITION]

■ extraditable (ˈɛkstrəˌdaItəbəl)   adj   1 (of a crime) rendering the offender liable to extradition: an extraditable offence   2 (of a person) subject to extradition

■ extradition (ˌɛkstrəˈdIʃən)   n   the surrender of an alleged offender or fugitive to the state in whose territory the alleged offence was committed [C19: from French, from Latin trāditiō a handing over; see TRADITION]

extrados (ɛkˈstreIdɒs)   n, pl -dos (-dəʊz) or -doses   architect the outer curve or surface of an arch or vault. Compare intrados [C18: from French, from EXTRA- + dos back, from Latin dorsum]

extradotal (ˌɛkstrəˈdəʊtəl)   adj   law obsolete (of a wife's property) not forming part of the dowry

extradural (ˌɛkstrəˈdjʊərəl)   adj   another word for epidural (sense 1)

extraembryonic (ˌɛkstrəˌɛmbrIˈɒnIk)   adj   biology outside the embryo

extrafloral (ˌɛkstrəˈflɒrəl)   adj   produced or occurring outside a flower: extrafloral nectar; extrafloral nectary

extraforaneous (ˌɛkstrəfəˈreInIəs)   adj   outdoor, outside

extragalactic (ˌɛkstrəɡəˈlæktIk)   adj   occurring or existing beyond the Galaxy

■ extragalactic nebula   n   the former name for galaxy

extrahepatic (ˌɛkstrəhIˈpætIk)   adj   outside the liver

extrait (ɛksˈtreI)   n   an extract, esp in perfumery

extrajudicial (ˌɛkstrədʒuːˈdIʃəl)   adj   1 outside the ordinary course of legal proceedings: extrajudicial evidence   2 beyond the jurisdiction or authority of the court: an extrajudicial opinion   > ˌextrajuˈdicially adv

extralegal (ˌɛkstrəˈliːɡəl)   adj   not governed or regulated by law

■ extralegally (ˌɛkstrəˈliːɡəlI)   adv   from an extralegal point of view

extralimitary (ˌɛkstrəˈlImItərI) or extralimital (ˌɛkstrəˈlImItəl)   adj   outside the limits or borders of an area

extralinguistic (ˌɛkstrəlIŋˈɡwIstIk)   adj   not involving language

extraliterary (ˌɛkstrəˈlItrərI)   adj   outside of literature

extrality (IkˈstrælItI)   n   another word for extraterritoriality

extralogical (ˌɛkstrəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   outside the limits of logic

extramarital (ˌɛkstrəˈmærItəl)   adj   (esp of sexual relations) occurring outside marriage

extrametrical (ˌɛkstrəˈmɛtrIkəl)   adj   poetry exceeding the number of syllables normally used in a given metre

extramundane (ˌɛkstrəˈmʌndeIn)   adj   not of the physical world or universe

extramural (ˌɛkstrəˈmjʊərəl)   adj   1 connected with but outside the normal courses or programme of a university, college, etc: extramural studies   2 located beyond the boundaries or walls of a city, castle, etc   > ˌextraˈmurally adv

extramusical (ˌɛkstrəˈmjuːzIkəl)   adj   outside the field or scope of music

extraneous (IkˈstreInIəs)   adj   1 not essential   2 not pertinent or applicable; irrelevant   3 coming from without; of external origin   4 not belonging; unrelated to that to which it is added or in which it is contained [C17: from Latin extrāneus external, from extrā outside]   > exˈtraneously adv   > exˈtraneousness n

■ extraneity (ˌɛkstrəˈneIItI)   n   the state or quality of being extraneous

extranet (ˈɛkstrəˌnɛt)   n   computing an intranet that is modified to allow outsiders access to it, esp one belonging to a business that allows access to customers [C20: from EXTRA- + NET^1 (sense 8), modelled on INTRANET]

extranuclear (ˌɛkstrəˈnjuːklIə)   adj   biology situated or occurring in part of a cell outside the nucleus

extraordinaire (ɛksˌtrɔːdIˈnɛə)   adj   (coming after a noun) literary, jocular outstanding

extraordinary (IkˈstrɔːdənrI, -dənərI)   adj   1 very unusual, remarkable, or surprising   2 not in an established manner, course, or order   3 employed for particular events or purposes   4 (usually postpositive) (of an official, etc) additional or subordinate to the usual one: a minister extraordinary [C15: from Latin extraordinārius beyond what is usual; see ORDINARY]   > exˈtraordinarily adv   > exˈtraordinariness n

■ extraordinaries (IkˈstrɔːdənrIz, -dənərIz)   pl n   things that exceed the usual order, kind, or method

■ extraordinary general meeting   n   a meeting specially called to discuss a particular item of a company's business, usually one of some importance. The meeting may be called by a group of shareholders or by the directors. Abbreviation: EGM

■ extraordinary ray   n   optics the plane-polarized ray of light that does not obey the laws of refraction in a doubly refracting crystal. Compare double refraction, ordinary ray

■ extraordinary rendition   n   the process by which a country seizes a person assumed to be involved in terrorist activity and then transports him or her for interrogation to a country where due process of law is unlikely to be respected

extrapolate (IkˈstræpəˌleIt)   vb   1 maths to estimate (a value of a function or measurement) beyond the values already known, by the extension of a curve. Compare interpolate (sense 4)   2 to infer (something not known) by using but not strictly deducing from the known facts [C19: EXTRA- + -polate, as in INTERPOLATE]   > exˌtrapoˈlation n   > exˈtrapolative or exˈtrapolatory adj   > exˈtrapoˌlator n

extraposition (ˌɛkstrəpəˈzIʃən)   n   1 placement of something outside something else   2 transformational grammar a rule that moves embedded clauses out to the end of the main clause, converting, for example, A man who will help has just arrived into A man has just arrived who will help

■ extrapose (ˌɛkstrəˈpəʊz)   vb (tr)   grammar to move a word or words to the end of, or outside, a clause or sentence without altering its sense

extrapyramidal (ˌɛkstrəˈpIrəˌmIdəl, ˌɛkstrəpIˈræmIdəl)   adj   anatomy outside the pyramidal tract of the cerebral cortex and spinal cord

extrasensory (ˌɛkstrəˈsɛnsərI)   adj   of or relating to extrasensory perception

■ extrasensory perception   n   the supposed ability of certain individuals to obtain information about the environment without the use of normal sensory channels. Also called: cryptaesthesia. Abbreviation: ESP. See also clairvoyance (sense 1), telepathy

extrasolar (ˌɛkstrəˈsəʊlə)   adj   occurring or existing beyond the earth's solar system

extra-special   adj   particular; exceptional

extra-strong   adj   stronger than average; very strong

extrasystole (ˌɛkstrəˈsIstəlI)   n   pathol an abnormal heartbeat

extraterrestrial (ˌɛkstrətIˈrɛstrIəl)   adj   1 occurring or existing beyond the earth's atmosphere   ▷ n   2 (in science fiction) a being from beyond the earth's atmosphere

extraterritorial (ˌɛkstrəˌtɛrIˈtɔːrIəl) or exterritorial   adj   1 beyond the limits of a country's territory   2 of, relating to, or possessing extraterritoriality   > ˌextraˌterriˈtorially or ˌexterriˈtorially adv

■ extraterritoriality (ˌɛkstrəˌtɛrIˌtɔːrIˈælItI) or extrality (IkˈstrælItI)   n international law   1 the privilege granted to some aliens, esp diplomats, of being exempt from the jurisdiction of the state in which they reside   2 the right or privilege of a state to exercise authority in certain circumstances beyond the limits of its territory

extratextual (ˌɛkstrəˈtɛkstjʊəl)   adj   outside the text; outside that which has been written

extratropical (ˌɛkstrəˈtrɒpIkəl)   adj   (esp of meteorological phenomena) occurring or forming outside the tropics

extrauterine (ˌɛkstrəˈjuːtəˌraIn)   adj   situated or developing outside the cavity of the uterus

extravagant (Ikˈstrævəɡənt)   adj   1 spending money excessively or immoderately   2 going beyond usual bounds; unrestrained: extravagant praise   3 ostentatious; showy   4 exorbitant in price; overpriced [C14: from Medieval Latin extravagāns, from Latin EXTRA- + vagārī to wander]   > exˈtravagantly adv

■ extravagance (Ikˈstrævəɡəns) or extravagancy (IkˈstrævəɡənsI)   n   1 excessive outlay of money; wasteful spending   2 immoderate or absurd speech or behaviour

Extravagantes (Ikˌstrævəˈɡæntiːz)   pl n   RC Church decretals circulating outside some recognized collection of canon law. Those of John XXII and the so-called Extravagantes communes form part of the Corpus Juris Canonici [Latin: wandering, circulating]

extravaganza (Ikˌstrævəˈɡænzə)   n   1 an elaborately staged and costumed light entertainment   2 any lavish or fanciful display, literary or other composition, etc [C18: from Italian: EXTRAVAGANCE]

extravagate (IkˈstrævəˌɡeIt)   vb (intr) archaic   1 to exceed normal limits or propriety   2 to roam at will [C17: from Latin extravagārī; see EXTRAVAGANT]   > exˌtravaˈgation n

extravasate (IkˈstrævəˌseIt)   vb   1 pathol to cause (blood or lymph) to escape or (of blood or lymph) to escape into the surrounding tissues from their proper vessels   2 to exude (molten material, such as lava) or (of molten material) to be exuded   ▷ n   3 pathol the material extravasated [C17: from Latin EXTRA- + vās vessel]

■ extravasation (IkˌstrævəˈseIʃən)   n   the escape of blood or lymph from their proper vessels into surrounding tissues. Compare intravasation

extravascular (ˌɛkstrəˈvæskjʊlə)   adj   anatomy situated or occurring outside a lymph or blood vessel

extravehicular (ˌɛkstrəvIˈhIkjʊlə)   adj   occurring or used outside a spacecraft: extravehicular activity

extraversion (ˌɛkstrəˈvɜːʃən)   n   a variant spelling of extroversion   > ˌextraˈversive adj

■ extravert (ˈɛkstrəˌvɜːt)   n, adj   a variant spelling of extrovert

extra virgin   adj   (of olive oil) of the highest quality, extracted by cold pressing rather than chemical treatment

extreat (ɛksˈtriːt)   n obsolete   1 an extraction   2 law an estreat   ▷ vb (tr) obsolete   3 to extract or eliminate (something)   4 law to estreat

Extremadura (Spanish estremaˈðura)   n   a region of W Spain: arid and sparsely populated except in the valleys of the Tagus and Guadiana rivers. Area: 41 593 sq km (16 059 sq miles)

extremal (Ikˈstriːməl)   n   maths, logic the clause in a recursive definition that specifies that no items other than those generated by the stated rules fall within the definition, as in 1 is an integer, if n is an integer so is n+1, and nothing else is

extreme (Ikˈstriːm)   adj   1 being of a high or of the highest degree or intensity: extreme cold; extreme difficulty   2 exceeding what is usual or reasonable; immoderate: extreme behaviour   3 very strict, rigid, or severe; drastic: an extreme measure   4 (prenominal) farthest or outermost in direction: the extreme boundary   5 meteorol of, relating to, or characteristic of a continental climate   ▷ n   6 the highest or furthest degree (often in the phrases in the extreme, go to extremes)   7 (often plural) either of the two limits or ends of a scale or range of possibilities: extremes of temperature   8 maths   a the first or last term of a series or a proportion   b a maximum or minimum value of a function   9 logic the subject or predicate of the conclusion of a syllogism [C15: from Latin extrēmus outermost, from exterus on the outside; see EXTERIOR]   > exˈtremeness n

■ extreme fighting   n   a combat sport incorporating techniques from a range of martial arts, with little if any regulation of the types of blows permissible

■ extremely (IkˈstriːmlI)   adv   1 to the extreme; exceedingly   2 (intensifier): I behaved extremely badly

USAGE

In strict usage adverbs of degree such as extremely, too, quite, really, and very are used only to qualify adjectives: he is very happy; she is extremely sad. By this rule, these words should not be used to qualify past participles that follow the verb to be, since they would then be technically qualifying verbs. With the exception of certain participles, such as tired or disappointed, that have come to be regarded as adjectives, all other past participles are qualified by adverbs such as much, greatly, seriously, or excessively: he has been much (not extremely) inconvenienced; she has been excessively (not too) criticized

■ extremely high frequency   n   a radio frequency between 30 000 and 300 000 megahertz. Abbreviation: EHF

■ extremely low frequency   n   a radio frequency or radio-frequency band below 3 kilohertz. Abbreviation: ELF

■ extreme programming   n   a discipline of software engineering following a specific structure, designed to simplify and speed up the development process. Abbreviation: XP

■ extreme sport   n   a sport that is physically hazardous, such as snowboarding

■ extreme unction   n   RC Church a former name for anointing of the sick

■ extremist (IkˈstriːmIst)   n   1 a person who favours or resorts to immoderate, uncompromising, or fanatical methods or behaviour, esp in being politically radical   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characterized by immoderate or excessive actions, opinions, etc   > exˈtremism n

■ extremity (IkˈstrɛmItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the farthest or outermost point or section; termination   2 the greatest or most intense degree   3 an extreme condition or state, as of adversity or disease   4 a limb, such as a leg, arm, or wing, or the part of such a limb farthest from the trunk   5 (usually plural) archaic a drastic or severe measure

extremophile (IkˈstrɛməˌfaIl)   n   a microbe that lives in an environment once thought to be uninhabitable, for example in boiling or frozen water

extremum (Ikˈstriːməm)   n, pl -mums or -ma (-mə)   1 an extreme point   2 maths the maximum or minimum value of a mathematical function

extricate (ˈɛkstrIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   to remove or free from complication, hindrance, or difficulty; disentangle [C17: from Latin extrīcāre to disentangle, from EX-1 + trīcae trifles, vexations]   > ˈextricable adj   > ˌextriˈcation n

USAGE

See at extract

extrinsic (ɛkˈstrInsIk)   adj   1 not contained or included within; extraneous   2 originating or acting from outside; external [C16: from Late Latin extrinsecus (adj) outward, from Latin (adv) from without, on the outward side, from exter outward + secus alongside, related to sequī to follow]   > exˈtrinsically adv

■ extrinsical (IkˈstrInsIkəl)   n   1 obsolete an extrinsic thing   ▷ adj   2 extrinsic

■ extrinsicality (IkˈstrInsIˈkælItI)   n   the state of being extrinsic

extrorse (ɛkˈstrɔːs) or extrorsal   adj   botany turned or opening outwards or away from the axis: extrorse anthers [C19: from Late Latin extrorsus in an outward direction, from Latin EXTRA- + versus turned towards]

extroversion or extraversion (ˌɛkstrəˈvɜːʃən)   n   1 psychol the directing of one's interest outwards, esp towards social contacts   2 pathol a turning inside out of an organ or part   ▶ Compare introversion [C17: from extro- (variant of EXTRA-, contrasting with INTRO-) + -version, from Latin vertere to turn]   > ˌextroˈversive or ˌextraˈversive adj   > ˌextroˈversively or ˌextraˈversively adv

■ extrovert or extravert (ˈɛkstrəˌvɜːt) psychol   n   1 a person concerned more with external reality than inner feelings   ▷ adj   2 of or characterized by extroversion: extrovert tendencies   ▶ Compare introvert [C20: from extro- (variant of EXTRA-, contrasting with INTRO-) + -vert, from Latin vertere to turn]   > ˈextroˌverted or ˈextraˌverted adj

■ extrovertly or extravertly (ˈɛkstrəvɜːtlI)   adv   in a showy or extrovert manner

extrude (Ikˈstruːd)   vb   1 (tr) to squeeze or force out   2 (tr) to produce (moulded sections of plastic, metal, etc) by ejection under pressure through a suitably shaped nozzle or die   3 (tr) to chop up or pulverize (an item of food) and re-form it to look like a whole: wholegrain extruded cereals   4 a less common word for protrude [C16: from Latin extrūdere to thrust out, from trūdere to push, thrust]   > exˈtruded adj

■ extrudability (IkˌstruːdəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being extrudable

■ extrudable (Ikˈstruːdəbəl)   adj   able to be extruded

■ extruder (Ikˈstruːdə)   n   1 a machine that extrudes metal, plastic or clay through a die   2 typography an ascender or descender

■ extrusile (IkˈstuːsaIl)   adj   being thrust or forced out

■ extrusion (Ikˈstruːʒən)   n   1 the act or process of extruding   2    a the movement of magma onto the surface of the earth through volcano craters and cracks in the earth's crust, forming igneous rock   b any igneous rock formed in this way   3 a component or length of material formed by the process of extruding [C16: from Medieval Latin extrūsiō, from extrūdere to EXTRUDE]   > exˈtrusible adj

■ extrusive (IkˈstruːsIv)   adj   1 tending to extrude   2 (of igneous rocks) formed from magma issuing from volcanoes or cracks in the earth's crust; volcanic. Compare intrusive (sense 2)

■ extrusory (IkˈstruːzərI)   adj   another word for extrusive (sense 1)

extubate (ˈɛkstjuːˌbeIt)   vb (tr)   surgery to remove a tube which has been inserted into a hollow organ

exuberant (Iɡˈzjuːbərənt)   adj   1 abounding in vigour and high spirits; full of vitality   2 lavish or effusive; excessively elaborate: exuberant compliments   3 growing luxuriantly or in profusion [C15: from Latin exūberāns, from ūberāre to be fruitful, from ūber fertile]   > exˈuberance n   > exˈuberantly adv

■ exuberancy (IɡˈzjuːbərənsI)   n   another word for exuberance

exuberate (IɡˈzjuːbəˌreIt)   vb (intr) rare   1 to be exuberant   2 to abound or grow in profusion [C15: from Latin exūberāre to be abundant; see EXUBERANT]

exude (Iɡˈzjuːd)   vb   1 to release or be released through pores, incisions, etc, as sweat from the body or sap from trees   2 (tr) to make apparent by mood or behaviour: she exuded confidence [C16: from Latin exsūdāre, from sūdāre to sweat]

■ exudation (ˌɛksjʊˈdeIʃən)   n   1 the act of exuding or oozing out   2 Also called: exudate (ˈɛksjʊˌdeIt) a fluid with a high content of protein in a body cavity. Compare transudate   > exudative (IɡˈzjuːdətIv) adj

exul (ˈɛksʊl)   n obsolete   1 an exile, a person who has been banished   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to exile, to banish

exulcerate (IɡˈzʌlsəˌreIt)   adj obsolete   1 med ulcerated   2 exasperated, inflamed   ▷ vb (tr)   3 med obsolete to ulcerate   4 archaic to exasperate, to inflame

■ exulceration (IɡˌzʌlsəˈreIʃən)   n   1 med the process of ulceration   2 the state of being exasperated or inflamed   3 a sore, an ulcerated area

exult (Iɡˈzʌlt)   vb (intr)   1 to be joyful or jubilant, esp because of triumph or success; rejoice   2 (often foll by over) to triumph (over); show or take delight in the defeat or discomfiture (of) [C16: from Latin exsultāre to jump or leap for joy, from saltāre to leap]   > exultation (ˌɛɡzʌlˈteIʃən) n   > exˈultingly adv

USAGE

See at exalt

■ exultant (Iɡˈzʌltənt)   adj   elated or jubilant, esp because of triumph or success   > exˈultance or exˈultancy n   > exˈultantly adv

exurb (ˈɛksɜːb)   n   US dialect a residential area beyond the suburbs of a city

■ exurbanite (ɛksˈɜːbəˌnaIt)   n   a resident of an exurb

■ exurbia (ɛksˈɜːbIə)   n   chiefly US the region outside the suburbs of a city, consisting of residential areas (exurbs) that are occupied predominantly by rich commuters (exurbanites). Compare stockbroker belt [C20: from EX-1 + Latin urbs city, on pattern of suburbia]   > exˈurban adj

exuviae (IɡˈzjuːvIˌiː)   pl n, sing exuvia (-vIə)   layers of skin or cuticle shed by animals during ecdysis [C17: from Latin: things stripped off (the body), from exuere to strip off]   > exˈuvial adj

exuviate (IɡˈzjuːvIˌeIt)   vb   to shed (a skin or similar outer covering)   > exˌuviˈation n

exuvium (IɡˈzjuːvIəm)   n   something that is cast off, such as the exoskeleton of an animal

ex voto Latin (ɛks ˈvəʊtəʊ)   adv, adj   1 in accordance with a vow   ▷ n   2 an offering made in fulfilment of a vow

ex-wife   n   a former wife

ex works   adv, adj   (ex-works when prenominal) Brit (of a price, value, etc) excluding the cost of delivery from the factory and sometimes excluding the commission or profit of the distributor or retailer: the price is £500 ex works

-ey   suffix   a variant of -y^1, -y^2

eyalet (eIˈjɑːlɛt)   n   (formerly) a province of the Ottoman Empire, now known as a vilayet

Eyam (iːm)   n   a village in N central England, in Derbyshire. When plague reached the village in 1665 the inhabitants, led by the Rev. Mompesson, isolated themselves to prevent it spreading further: as a result most of them died, including Mompesson's family

eyas (ˈaIəs)   n, pl -asses   a nestling hawk or falcon, esp one reared for training in falconry [C15: mistaken division of earlier a nyas, from Old French niais nestling, from Latin nīdus nest]

Eyck (aIk)   n   See van Eyck

eye^1 (aI)   n   1 the organ of sight of animals, containing light-sensitive cells associated with nerve fibres, so that light entering the eye is converted to nervous impulses that reach the brain. In humans and other vertebrates the iris controls the amount of light entering the eye and the lens focuses the light onto the retina. Related adjectives: ocular, oculate, ophthalmic, optic   2 (often plural) the ability to see; sense of vision: weak eyes   3 the visible external part of an eye, often including the area around it: heavy-lidded eyes; piercing eyes   4 a look, glance, expression, or gaze: a stern eye   5 a sexually inviting or provocative look (esp in the phrases give (someone) the (glad) eye, make eyes at)   6 attention or observation (often in the phrases catch someone's eye, keep an eye on, cast an eye over)   7 ability to recognize, judge, or appreciate: an eye for antiques   8 (often plural) opinion, judgment, point of view, or authority: in the eyes of the law   9 a structure or marking having the appearance of an eye, such as the bud on a twig or potato tuber or a spot on a butterfly wing   10 a small loop or hole, as at one end of a needle   11 a small area of low pressure and calm in the centre of a tornado or cyclone   12 See photocell   13 informal See private eye   14 all eyes informal acutely vigilant or observant: the children were all eyes   15 my eye or all my eye informal rubbish; nonsense   16 an eye for an eye retributive or vengeful justice; retaliation   17 cut one's eye after someone, cut one's eye at someone or cut one's eye on someone Caribbean to look rudely at a person and then turn one's face away sharply while closing one's eyes: a gesture of contempt   18 eyes out NZ with every possible effort: he went at the job eyes out   19 get one's eye in chiefly sport to become accustomed to the conditions, light, etc, with a consequent improvement in one's performance   20 half an eye   a a modicum of perceptiveness: anyone with half an eye can see she's in love   b continuing unobtrusive observation or awareness: the dog had half an eye on the sheep   21 have eyes for to be interested in: she has eyes only for him   22 in one's mind's eye pictured within the mind; imagined or remembered vividly   23 in the public eye exposed to public curiosity or publicity   24 keep an eye open or keep an eye out to watch with special attention (for)   25 keep one's eyes peeled or keep one's eyes skinned to watch vigilantly (for)   26 look someone in the eye to look at someone openly and without shame or embarrassment   27 make eyes or make sheep's eyes old-fashioned to ogle amorously   28 more than meets the eye hidden motives, meaning, or facts   29 pick the eyes out Austral and NZ to select the best parts or pieces (of)   30 see eye to eye to agree (with)   31 set eyes on, lay eyes on or clap eyes on (usually used with a negative) to see: she had never laid eyes on him before   32 the eye of the wind nautical the direction from which the wind is blowing   33 turn a blind eye to or close one's eyes to to pretend not to notice or ignore deliberately   34 up to one's eyes extremely busy (with)   35 with a … eye in a … manner: he regards our success with a jealous eye   36 with an eye to or having an eye to (preposition)   a regarding; with reference to: with an eye to one's own interests   b with the intention or purpose of: with an eye to reaching agreement   37 with one's eyes open in the full knowledge of all relevant facts   38 with one's eyes shut   a with great ease, esp as a result of thorough familiarity: I could drive home with my eyes shut   b without being aware of all the facts   ▷ vb eyes, eyeing or eying, eyed (tr)   39 to look at carefully or warily   40 Also: eye up to look at in a manner indicating sexual interest; ogle [Old English ēage; related to Old Norse auga, Old High German ouga, Sanskrit aksi]   > ˈeyeless adj   > ˈeyeˌlike adj

■ eyeable (ˈaIəbəl)   adj   1 able to be seen   2 pleasant to look at; sightly

■ eyeball (ˈaIˌbɔːl)   n   1 the entire ball-shaped part of the eye   2 marketing slang (plural) viewers of a television programme or website, esp seen as potential customers, advertisers, etc: The site's goal was to get more eyeballs for advertisers   3 eyeball to eyeball in close confrontation   ▷ vb   4 (tr) slang to stare at

■ eyebank (ˈaIˌbæŋk)   n   a place in which corneas are stored for use in corneal grafts

■ eyebar (ˈaIˌbɑː)   n   civil engineering a metal bar with a hole or ring at each end, used in bridge construction

■ eyebath (ˈaIˌbɑːθ)   n   a small vessel with a rim shaped to fit round the eye, used for applying medicated or cleansing solutions to the eyeball. Also called (US and Canadian): eyecup

■ eyebeam (ˈaIˌbiːm)   n   a glance

■ eyeblack (ˈaIˌblæk)   n   another name for mascara

■ eyeblink (ˈaIˌblIŋk)   n   1 a single blink of the eyes   2 a very small amount of time; an instant

■ eyebolt (ˈaIˌbəʊlt)   n   a threaded bolt, the head of which is formed into a ring or eye for lifting, pulling, or securing

■ eyebright (ˈaIˌbraIt)   n   any scrophulariaceous annual plant of the genus Euphrasia, esp E. nemorosa, having small white-and-purple two-lipped flowers: formerly used in the treatment of eye disorders. Also called: euphrasy

■ eyebrow (ˈaIˌbraʊ)   n   1 the transverse bony ridge over each eye   2 the arch of hair that covers this ridge. Related adjective: superciliary   3 raise an eyebrow See raise (sense 32)

■ eyebrowless (ˈaIˌbraʊlIs)   adj   having no eyebrows

■ eyebrow pencil   n   a cosmetic in pencil form for applying colour and shape to the eyebrows

■ eye candy   n informal   1 a person who is or people considered highly attractive to look at, often with the implication that they are lacking in intelligence or depth   2 something intended to be attractive to the eye without being demanding or contributing anything essential

■ eye-catching   adj   tending to attract attention; striking   > ˈeye-ˌcatcher n

■ eye contact   n   a direct look between two people; meeting of eyes: he maintained eye contact with his interrogator

■ eyecup (ˈaIˌkʌp)   n   US and Canadian a small vessel with a rim shaped to fit round the eye, used for applying medicated or cleansing solutions to the eyeball. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): eyebath

■ eyed (aId)   adj     a having an eye or eyes (as specified)   b (in combination): one-eyed; brown-eyed

■ eyedness (ˈaIdnIs)   n   the favouring of one eye over the other, as when aiming a weapon

■ eye dog   n   NZ a dog trained to control sheep by staring fixedly at them. Also called: strong-eye dog. See also seeing-eye dog

■ eyedropper (ˈaIˌdrɒpə)   n   a small tube with a nipple at one end, used to administer eyedrops

■ eyedrops (ˈaIˌdrɒps)   pl n   medicine put into the eye in small drops

■ eyefold (ˈaIˌfəʊld)   n   the epicanthus

■ eyeful (ˈaIfʊl)   n informal   1 a view, glance, or gaze: he got an eyeful of the secret before they blindfolded him   2 a very beautiful or attractive sight, esp a woman

■ eyeglass (ˈaIˌɡlɑːs)   n   1 a lens for aiding or correcting defective vision, esp a monocle   2 another word for eyepiece

■ eyeglasses (ˈaIˌɡlɑːsIz)   pl n   chiefly US another word for spectacles

■ eyehole (ˈaIˌhəʊl)   n   1 a hole through which something, such as a rope, hook, or bar, is passed   2 the cavity that contains the eyeball; eye socket   3 another word for peephole

■ eyehook (ˈaIˌhʊk)   n   a hook attached to a ring at the extremity of a rope or chain

■ eyelash (ˈaIˌlæʃ)   n   1 any one of the short curved hairs that grow from the edge of the eyelids   2 a row or fringe of these hairs ▶ Related adjective: ciliary

■ eyelevel (ˈaIˌlɛvəl)   adj   level with a person's eyes when looking straight ahead: an eyelevel grill

■ eyelid (ˈaIˌlId)   n   1 either of the two muscular folds of skin that can be moved to cover the exposed portion of the eyeball. Related adjective: palpebral   2 Also called: clamshell aeronautics a set of movable parts at the rear of a jet engine that redirect the exhaust flow to assist braking during landing

■ eyelift (ˈaIˌlIft)   n   a cosmetic surgical procedure in which the skin around the eyes is tightened

■ eyeliner (ˈaIˌlaInə)   n   a cosmetic used to outline the eyes

■ eye of day   n   poetic the sun

■ eye-opener   n informal   1 something startling or revealing   2 US and Canadian an alcoholic drink taken early in the morning

■ eyepiece (ˈaIˌpiːs)   n   the lens or combination of lenses in an optical instrument nearest the eye of the observer

■ eyepoint (ˈaIˌpɔInt)   n   photog the optimum position for the eye when using a camera or optical instrument

■ eyepopper (ˈaIˌpɒpə)   n   informal a very exciting thing

■ eye-popping   adj   informal so amazing or astonishing as to make one's eyes protrude: an eye-popping spending spree

■ eyer (ˈaIə)   n   a person who eyes; observer

■ eye rhyme   n   a rhyme involving words that are similar in spelling but not in sound, such as stone and none

■ eyes (aIz)   pl n   nautical the part of the bows of a ship that are furthest forward at the level of the main deck

■ eyes front   interj   1 military a command to troops to look ahead   2 a demand for attention

■ eyeshade (ˈaIˌʃeId)   n   an opaque or tinted translucent visor, worn on the head like a cap to protect the eyes from glare

■ eyeshadow (ˈaIˌʃædəʊ)   n   a coloured cosmetic put around the eyes so as to enhance their colour or shape

■ eyeshine (ˈaIˌʃaIn)   n   the reflection of light from an animal's eye at night

■ eyeshot (ˈaIˌʃɒt)   n   range of vision; view

■ eyesight (ˈaIˌsaIt)   n   the ability to see; faculty of sight

■ eyes left   interj   military a command to troops to look left, esp as a salute when marching

■ eye socket   n   the nontechnical name for orbit (sense 3)

■ eyesome (ˈaIsəm)   adj   poetic pleasing to the eye

■ eyesore (ˈaIˌsɔː)   n   something very ugly

■ eye splice   n   an eye formed in a rope by splicing the end into its standing part

■ eyespot (ˈaIˌspɒt)   n   1 a small area of light-sensitive pigment in some protozoans, algae, and other simple organisms   2 an eyelike marking, as on the wings of certain butterflies

■ eyes right   interj   military a command to troops to look right, esp as a salute when marching

■ eyestalk (ˈaIˌstɔːk)   n   a movable stalk bearing a compound eye at its tip: occurs in crustaceans and some molluscs

■ eyestone (ˈaIˌstəʊn)   n   1 med a small lens-shaped device for removing foreign substances from the eye   2 mineralogy a type of agate with concentric markings

■ eyestrain (ˈaIˌstreIn)   n   fatigue or irritation of the eyes, resulting from excessive use, as from prolonged reading of small print, or uncorrected defects of vision

■ eyestrings (ˈaIˌstrIŋz)   pl n   tendons formerly believed to be present in the eye and to break at the onset of death or blindness

■ eyetooth (ˌaIˈtuːθ)   n, pl -teeth   1 either of the two canine teeth in the upper jaw   2 give one's eyeteeth for to go to any lengths to achieve or obtain (something): I'd give my eyeteeth for a car like that

■ eyewash (ˈaIˌwɒʃ)   n   1 a mild solution for applying to the eyes for relief of irritation, etc   2 informal nonsense; rubbish

■ eyewater (ˈaIˌwɔːtə)   n   a lotion for the eyes

■ eye-watering   adj   painful or extremely unpleasant: eye-watering electricity bills   > ˈeye-ˌwateringly adv

■ eyewear (ˈaIˌwɛə)   n   glasses, esp when regarded as an item of fashion

■ eyewink (ˈaIˌwIŋk)   n   1 a wink of the eye   2 a very small amount of time

■ eyewitness (ˈaIˌwItnIs)   n     a a person present at an event who can describe what happened   b (as modifier): an eyewitness account

eye^2 (aI)   n   another word for nye

eyelet (ˈaIlIt)   n   1 a small hole for a lace or cord to be passed through or for a hook to be inserted into   2 a small metal ring or tube with flared ends bent back, reinforcing an eyehole in fabric   3 a chink or small opening, such as a peephole in a wall   4 embroidery   a a small hole with finely stitched edges, forming part of an ornamental pattern   b Also called: eyelet embroidery a piece of embroidery decorated with such work   5 fabric decorated with such work produced by machine   6 a small eye or eyelike marking   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to supply with an eyelet or eyelets [C14: from Old French oillet, literally: a little eye, from oill eye, from Latin oculus eye; see EYE^1]

■ eyeleteer (ˌaIlIˈtIə)   n   a small bodkin or other pointed tool for making eyelet holes

eyen (ˈaIən)   pl n   archaic the eyes

Eyetie (ˈaItaI)   n, adj   Brit offensive, slang Italian [C20: based on a jocular mispronunciation of Italian]

Eyjafjallajökull (ˈeIːjaˌfjatlaˌjœːkytl)   n   a cone-shaped ice cap in south Iceland that covers an active volcano. The volcano’s eruption in 2010 resulted in large high-altitude clouds of volcanic ash that caused major disruption to European passenger air traffic. Height: 1666 m (5466 ft)

eyot (aIt)   n   Brit rare island [variant of AIT]

eyra (ˈɛərə, ˈaIərə)   n   a reddish-brown variety of the jaguarondi [C19: from American Spanish, from Tupi eirara]

eyre (ɛə)   n English legal history   1 any of the circuit courts held in each shire from 1176 until the late 13th century   2 justices in eyre the justices travelling on circuit and presiding over such courts [C13: from Old French erre journey, from errer to travel, from Latin errāre to wander]

Eyre^1 (ɛə)   n   Lake Eyre a shallow salt lake or salt flat in NE central South Australia, about 11 m (35 ft) below sea level, divided into two areas (North and South); it usually contains little or no water. Maximum area: 9600 sq km (3700 sq miles). Official name: Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre [C19: named after Edward John EYRE]

Eyre^2 (ɛə)   n   1  Edward John. 1815–1901, British explorer and colonial administrator. He was governor of Jamaica (1864–66) until his authorization of 400 executions to suppress an uprising led to his recall   2  Sir Richard. born 1943, British theatre director: director of the Royal National Theatre (1988–97)

■ Eyre Peninsula   n   a peninsula of South Australia, between the Great Australian Bight and Spencer Gulf [C19: named after Edward John EYRE]

eyrie (ˈIərI, ˈɛərI, ˈaIərI) or aerie   n   1 the nest of an eagle or other bird of prey, built in a high inaccessible place   2 the brood of a bird of prey, esp an eagle   3 any high isolated position or place [C16: from Medieval Latin airea, from Latin ārea open field, hence nest]

eyrir (ˈeIrIə)   n, pl aurar (ˈɔːrɑː)   an Icelandic monetary unit worth one hundredth of a krona [Old Norse: ounce (of silver), money; related to Latin aureus golden]

Eysenck (ˈaIzɛŋk)   n   Hans Jürgen (hænz ˈjɜːɡən). 1916–97, British psychologist, born in Germany, who developed a dimensional theory of personality that stressed the influence of heredity

Ez. or Ezr. Bible   abbreviation for   Ezra

Ezek. Bible   abbreviation for   Ezekiel

Ezekiel (IˈziːkIəl)   n Old Testament   1 a Hebrew prophet of the 6th century BC, exiled to Babylon in 597 BC   2 the book containing his oracles, which describe the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem and their subsequent restoration   ▶ Douay spelling: Ezechiel

ezine or e-zine (ˈiːziːn)   n   a magazine available only in electronic form, for example on the internet

Ezra (ˈɛzrə)   n Old Testament   1 a Jewish priest of the 5th century BC, who was sent from Babylon by the Persian king Artaxerxes I to reconstitute observance of the Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem after the captivity   2 the book recounting his efforts to perform this task

Ff

f or F (ɛf)   n, pl f's, F's or Fs   1 the sixth letter and fourth consonant of the modern English alphabet   2 a speech sound represented by this letter, usually a voiceless labio-dental fricative, as in fat

f   symbol for   1 music forte: an instruction to play loudly   2 physics frequency   3 (formerly in the Netherlands) guilder   4 maths function (of)   5 physics femto-   6 chess See algebraic notation [(sense 3) from Dutch: florin]

f, f/ or f:   symbol for   f-number

■ F-factor   n   informal the quality of being sexually attractive [C20: from fanciability factor]

■ f-number or f number   n   photog the numerical value of the relative aperture. If the relative aperture is f8, 8 is the f-number and indicates that the focal length of the lens is 8 times the size of the lens aperture. See also T-number

■ f-stop   n   any of the settings for the f-number of a camera

■ f-word   n   the f-word (sometimes capital) a euphemistic way of referring to the taboo word fuck

F   symbol for   1 music   a a note having a frequency of 349.23 hertz (F above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the fourth note of the scale of C major   b a key, string, or pipe producing this note   c the major or minor key having this note as its tonic   2 Fahrenheit   3 Fellow   4 chem fluorine   5 Helmholtz function   6 physics force   7 franc(s)   8 farad(s)   9 genetics a generation of filial offspring, F_1 being the first generation of offspring, F_2 being the second generation, etc   ▷ abbreviation for   10 France (international car registration)

■ F clef   n   another name for bass clef

f. or F.   abbreviation for   1 fathom(s)   2 female   3 grammar feminine   4 (pl ff. or FF.) folio   5 (pl ff.) following (page)

F-   abbreviation for   fighter: F-106

fa (fɑː)   n   music a variant spelling of fah

FA   abbreviation for   1 military field artillery   2 (in Britain) Football Association

■ FA Cup   n soccer (in England)   1 an annual knockout competition for a silver trophy, open to all member teams of the Football Association   2 the trophy itself

f.a. or FA   abbreviation for   fanny adams

faa or fa' (fɔː)   vb   a Scot word for fall

FAA   abbreviation for   1 Fleet Air Arm   2 (in the US) Federal Aviation Administration   3 Fellow of the Australian Academy (of Science)

fab (fæb) informal, chiefly Brit   adj   1 short for fabulous   ▷ interj   2 an expression of approval or enthusiasm

FAB   abbreviation for   1 flavoured alcoholic beverage   2 fuel air bomb

F.A.B.   interj   Brit an expression of agreement to, or acknowledgment of, a command [C20: from British television series Thunderbirds]

fabaceous (fəˈbeIʃəs)   adj   a less common term for leguminous [C18: from Late Latin fabāceus of beans, from Latin faba bean]

Fabergé (ˈfæbəˌʒeI)   n   Peter Carl. 1846–1920, Russian goldsmith and jeweller, known for the golden Easter eggs and other ornate and fanciful objects that he created for the Russian and other royal families

Fabian (ˈfeIbIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling the delaying tactics of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus; cautious; circumspect   ▷ n   2 a member of or sympathizer with the Fabian Society [C19: from Latin Fabiānus of Fabius]

■ Fabianism (ˈfeIbIəˌnIzəm)   n   the beliefs, principles, or practices of the Fabian Society   > ˈFabianist n, adj

■ Fabian Society   n   an association of British socialists advocating the establishment of democratic socialism by gradual reforms within the law: founded in 1884

Fabius Maximus (ˈfeIbIəs ˈmæksIməs)   n   full name Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, called Cunctator (the delayer). died 203 BC, Roman general and statesman. As commander of the Roman army during the Second Punic War, he withstood Hannibal by his strategy of harassing the Carthaginians while avoiding a pitched battle

fable (ˈfeIbəl)   n   1 a short moral story, esp one with animals as characters   2 a false, fictitious, or improbable account; fiction or lie   3 a story or legend about supernatural or mythical characters or events   4 legends or myths collectively. Related adjective: fabulous   5 archaic the plot of a play or of an epic or dramatic poem   ▷ vb   6 to relate or tell (fables)   7 (intr) to speak untruthfully; tell lies   8 (tr) to talk about or describe in the manner of a fable: ghosts are fabled to appear at midnight [C13: from Latin fābula story, narrative, from fārī to speak, say]   > ˈfabler n

■ fabled (ˈfeIbəld)   adj   1 made famous in fable   2 fictitious

fablet (ˈfæblIt)   n   computing informal a large smartphone that is able to perform many of the functions of a tablet computer [C21: blend of FAB and TABLET]

fabliau (ˈfæblIˌəʊ; French fɑblijo)   n, pl fabliaux (ˈfæblIˌəʊz; French fɑblijo)   a comic, usually ribald, verse tale, of a kind popular in France in the 12th and 13th centuries [C19: from French: a little tale, from fable tale]

Fablon (ˈfæblən, -lɒn)   n   trademark a brand of adhesive-backed plastic material used to cover and decorate shelves, worktops, etc, and for handicraft purposes

Fabre (French fabrə)   n   Jean-Henri (ʒɑ̃ ɑ̃ri). 1823–1915, French entomologist; author of many works on insect life, remarkable for their vivid and minute observation, esp Souvenirs Entomologiques (1879–1907). Nobel prize for literature 1910

fabric (ˈfæbrIk)   n   1 any cloth made from yarn or fibres by weaving, knitting, felting, etc   2 the texture of a cloth   3 a structure or framework: the fabric of society   4 a style or method of construction   5 rare a building   6 the texture, arrangement, and orientation of the constituents of a rock [C15: from Latin fabrica workshop, from faber craftsman]

■ fabricking (ˈfæbrIkIŋ)   n   the action of building or constructing

fabricate (ˈfæbrIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   1 to make, build, or construct   2 to devise, invent, or concoct (a story, lie, etc)   3 to fake or forge [C15: from Latin fabricāre to build, make, from fabrica workshop; see FABRIC]   > ˌfabriˈcation n   > ˈfabricative adj   > ˈfabriˌcator n

■ fabricant (ˈfæbrIkənt)   n   archaic a manufacturer

■ fabricated (ˈfæbrIkeItId)   adj   invented

Fabrikoid (ˈfæbrIˌkɔId)   n   trademark a waterproof fabric made of cloth coated with pyroxylin

Fabry (French fabri)   n   Charles (ʃarl). 1867–1945, French physicist: discovered ozone in the upper atmosphere

fabular (ˈfæbjʊlə)   adj   relating to or resembling a fable or fables, legendary

fabulate (ˈfæbjʊˌleIt)   vb   to invent (fables or stories)

■ fabulator (ˈfæbjʊˌleItə)   n   a person who fabulates, a story-teller

fabulist (ˈfæbjʊlIst)   n   1 a person who invents or recounts fables   2 a person who lies or falsifies

■ fabulistic (ˌfæbjʊˈlIstIk)   adj   of the nature of a fable or fabulist

fabulize or fabulise (ˈfæbjʊˌlaIz)   vb   to invent (fables)

fabulous (ˈfæbjʊləs)   adj   1 almost unbelievable; astounding; legendary: fabulous wealth   2 informal extremely good: a fabulous time at the party   3 of, relating to, or based upon fable: a fabulous beast [C15: from Latin fābulōsus celebrated in fable, from fābula FABLE]   > ˈfabulously adv   > ˈfabulousness n

■ fabulosity (ˌfæbjʊˈlɒsItI)   n   the state or quality of being fabulous

faburden (ˈfæbədən)   n   obsolete an early system of musical harmonization

façade or facade (fəˈsɑːd, fæ-)   n   1 the face of a building, esp the main front   2 a front or outer appearance, esp a deceptive one [C17: from French, from Italian facciata, from faccia FACE]

face (feIs)   n   1    a the front of the head from the forehead to the lower jaw; visage   b (as modifier): face flannel; face cream   2    a the expression of the countenance; look: a sad face   b a distorted expression, esp to indicate disgust; grimace: she made a face   3 informal make-up (esp in the phrase put one's face on)   4 outward appearance: the face of the countryside is changing   5 appearance or pretence (esp in the phrases put a bold, good, bad, etc, face on)   6 worth in the eyes of others; dignity (esp in the phrases lose or save face)   7 informal impudence or effrontery   8 the main side of an object, building, etc, or the front: the face of a palace; a cliff face   9 the marked surface of an instrument, esp the dial of a timepiece   10 the functional or working side of an object, as of a tool or playing card   11    a the exposed area of a mine from which coal, ore, etc, may be mined   b (as modifier): face worker   12 the uppermost part or surface: the face of the earth   13 Also called: side any one of the plane surfaces of a crystal or other solid figure   14 mountaineering a steep side of a mountain, bounded by ridges   15 either of the surfaces of a coin, esp the one that bears the head of a ruler   16 Brit slang a well-known or important person   17 Also called: typeface printing   a the printing surface of any type character   b the style, the design, or sometimes the size of any type fount   c the print made from type   18 nautical, aeronautics the aft or near side of a propeller blade   19 fly in the face of to act in defiance of   20 in one's face directly opposite or against one   21 in face of or in the face of despite   22 look someone in the face to look directly at a person without fear or shame   23 on the face of it to all appearances   24 set one's face against to oppose with determination   25 show one's face to make an appearance   26 shut one's face slang (often imperative) to be silent   27 to someone's face in someone's presence; directly and openly: I told him the truth to his face   28 until one is blue in the face informal to the utmost degree; indefinitely   ▷ vb   29 (when intr, often foll by to, towards, or on) to look or be situated or placed (in a specified direction): the house faces on the square   30 to be opposite: facing page 9   31 (tr) to meet or be confronted by: in his work he faces many problems   32 (tr) to accept or deal with something: let's face it, you're finished   33 (tr) to provide with a surface of a different material: the cuffs were faced with velvet   34 to dress the surface of (stone or other material)   35 (tr) to expose (a card) with the face uppermost   36 military, chiefly US to order (a formation) to turn in a certain direction or (of a formation) to turn as required: right face!   37 ice hockey   a (of the referee) to drop (the puck) between two opposing players, as when starting or restarting play. See also face-off   b to start or restart play in this manner   38 face the music informal to confront the consequences of one's actions [C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin facia (unattested), from Latin faciēs form, related to facere to make]   > ˈfaceable adj

■ face-ache   n   1 neuralgia   2 slang an ugly or miserable-looking person

■ facebar (ˈfeIsˌbɑː)   n   a wrestling hold in which a wrestler stretches the skin on an opponent's face backwards

■ Facebook (ˈfeIsˌbʊk)   n trademark   1 a popular social networking website   ▷ vb   2 (tr; sometimes not capital) to search for (a person's profile) on the Facebook website   3 (intr; sometimes not capital) to use the Facebook website   > ˈFaceˌbooker n

■ face card   n   (in a pack of playing cards) a king, queen, or jack of any suit. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): court card

■ face-centred   adj   (of a crystal) having a lattice point at the centre of each face of each unit cell as well as at the corners. Compare body-centred

■ facecloth (ˈfeIsklɒθ) or face flannel   n   Brit a small piece of cloth used to wash the face and hands. US equivalent: washcloth

■ -faced   adj   (in combination) with the face or expression specified: grim-faced; thin-faced

■ facedown (ˈfeIsˌdaʊn, ˌfeIsˈdaʊn)   adj   1 with the face, surface or front downwards   ▷ adv   2 in a facedown manner

■ face down   vb (tr, adverb)   to confront and force (someone or something) to back down

■ face fly   n   a dipterous fly (Musca autumnalis) that feeds on the eye secretions of cattle

■ face furniture   n   Brit and Austral jocular anything worn on the face to change a person's appearance, such as facial hair, spectacles, or jewellery

■ face-harden   vb   (tr) to harden the surface of (steel or iron) by the addition of carbon at high temperature

■ faceless (ˈfeIslIs)   adj   1 without a face   2 without identity; anonymous   > ˈfacelessness n

■ face-lift   n   1 a cosmetic surgical operation for tightening sagging skin and smoothing unwanted wrinkles on the face   2 any improvement or renovation, as of a building, etc   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to improve the appearance of, as by a face-lift

■ facemail (ˈfeIsˌmeIl)   n   a computer program which uses an electronically generated face to deliver messages on screen

■ faceman (ˈfeIsmən) or faceworker (ˈfeIsˌwɜːkə)   n, pl -men or -workers   a miner who works at the coalface, esp one who uses explosives

■ facemask (ˈfeIsˌmɑːsk)   n   1 a mask worn to prevent the inhalation of fumes, or to avoid spreading germs   2 cosmetics, chiefly US a cream treatment that cleanses and tones the skin

■ face-off   n   1 ice hockey the method of starting a game, in which the referee drops the puck, etc between two opposing players   2 a confrontation   ▷ vb face off (adverb)   3 to start play by (a face-off)

■ face out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to endure (trouble)   2 to defy or act boldly in spite of (criticism, blame, etc)   3 to cause to concede by a bold stare. Also (esp US and Canadian): face down

■ face pack   n   a cream treatment that cleanses and tones the skin

■ facepalm (ˈfeIsˌpɑːm) informal   n   1 a gesture in which the palm of one's hand is brought to one's face as an expression of dismay   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to bring the palm of one's hand to one's face as an expression of dismay

■ faceplant (ˈfeIsˌplɑːnt) informal   vb   1 (intr) to fall onto one's face   ▷ n   2 an act or instance of falling onto one's face

■ faceplate (ˈfeIsˌpleIt)   n   1 a perforated circular metal plate that can be attached to the headstock of a lathe in order to hold flat or irregularly shaped workpieces   2 Also called: surface plate a flat rigid plate used to check the flatness and squareness of the faces of a component   3 the part of a cathode-ray tube carrying the phosphor screen

■ face powder   n   a flesh-tinted cosmetic powder worn to make the face look less shiny, softer, etc

■ faceprint (ˈfeIsˌprInt)   n   a digitally recorded representation of a person's face that can be used for security purposes because it is as individual as a fingerprint

■ facer (ˈfeIsə)   n   1 a person or thing that faces   2 a lathe tool used to turn a face perpendicular to the axis of rotation   3 Brit informal a difficulty or problem

■ face recognition   n   the ability of a computer to scan, store, and recognize human faces for use in identifying people

■ face-saver   n   something that serves to maintain the dignity or prestige of someone or something

■ face-saving   adj   maintaining dignity or prestige

■ FaceTime (ˈfeIsˌtaIm)   n   1 trademark an application for a mobile communications device that enables people to speak to each other while simultaneously observing each other on a video display   ▷ vb (usually not capitals)   2 to speak to someone using this application

■ face time   n   the time spent dealing with someone else face to face, esp in a place of work

■ face to face   adv, adj (face-to-face as adjective)   1 opposite one another   2 in confrontation

■ faceup (ˌfeIsˈʌp)   adj   1 with the face, surface or front upwards   ▷ adv   2 in a faceup manner

■ face up to   vb   (intr, adverb; + preposition) to accept (an unpleasant fact, reality, etc)

■ face validity   n   psychol the extent to which a psychological test appears to measure what it is intended to measure

■ face value   n   1 the value written or stamped on the face of a commercial paper or coin   2 apparent worth or value, as opposed to real worth

■ facial (ˈfeIʃəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the face   ▷ n   2 a beauty treatment for the face, involving cleansing, massage, and cosmetic packs   > ˈfacially adv

■ facial angle   n   the angle formed between a line from the base of the nose to the opening of the ear and a line from the base of the nose to the most prominent part of the forehead: often used in comparative anthropology

■ facial eczema   n   a disease of sheep and cattle, occurring in warm areas of North Island, New Zealand. It is caused by a fungus, Pithomyces chartarum, and causes impairment of liver function and reddening, itching, scab formation, and swelling of the skin, esp on the face

■ facial index   n   the ratio of the length of the face to the width of the face multiplied by 100: often used in comparative anthropology. Compare cranial index

■ facialist (ˈfeIʃəlIst)   n   a beautician who specializes in treatments for the face

■ facial nerve   n   the seventh cranial nerve, supplying the muscles controlling facial expression, glands of the palate and nose, and the taste buds in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

FACE   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Australian College of Education

facet (ˈfæsIt)   n   1 any of the surfaces of a cut gemstone   2 an aspect or phase, as of a subject or personality   3 architect the raised surface between the flutes of a column   4 any of the lenses that make up the compound eye of an insect or other arthropod   5 anatomy any small smooth area on a hard surface, as on a bone   ▷ vb -ets, -eting, -eted or -ets, -etting, -etted   6 (tr) to cut facets in (a gemstone) [C17: from French facette a little FACE]

■ faceted (ˈfæsItId)   adj   having facets

facete (fəˈsiːt)   adj   an archaic word for facetious

■ facetely (fɑːˈsiːtlI)   adv   another word for facetiously

facetiae (fəˈsiːʃIˌiː)   pl n   1 humorous or witty sayings   2 obscene or coarsely witty books [C17: from Latin: jests, plural of facētia witticism, from facētus elegant]

facetious (fəˈsiːʃəs)   adj   1 characterized by levity of attitude and love of joking: a facetious person   2 jocular or amusing, esp at inappropriate times: facetious remarks [C16: from Old French facetieux, from facetie witty saying; see FACETIAE]   > faˈcetiously adv   > faˈcetiousness n

facia (ˈfeIʃIə)   n   a variant spelling of fascia   > ˈfacial adj

faciend (ˈfæsIˌɛnd)   n   maths the multiplicand in an equation (also referred to as the facient)

-facient   suffix forming adjectives, suffix forming nouns   indicating a state or quality: absorbefacient; rubefacient [from Latin facient-, faciēns, present participle of facere to do]

facies (ˈfeIʃIˌiːz)   n, pl -cies   1 the general form and appearance of an individual or a group of plants or animals   2 the characteristics of a rock or series of rocks reflecting their appearance, composition, and conditions of formation   3 med the general facial expression of a patient, esp when typical of a specific disease or disorder. See Hippocratic facies [C17: from Latin: appearance, FACE]

facile (ˈfæsaIl)   adj   1 easy to perform or achieve   2 working or moving easily or smoothly   3 without depth; superficial: a facile solution   4 archaic relaxed in manner; easygoing [C15: from Latin facilis easy, from facere to do]   > ˈfacilely adv   > ˈfacileness n

facile princeps Latin (ˈfæsIlI ˈprInsɛps)   n   an obvious leader [literally: easily first]

facilitate (fəˈsIlIˌteIt)   vb   (tr) to make easier; assist the progress of   > faˈcilitative adj   > faˈciliˌtator n

■ facilitation (fəˌsIlIˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of facilitating   2 physiol the increased ease of transmission of impulses in a nerve fibre, caused by prior excitation

■ facilitatory (fəˌsIlIˈteItərI)   adj   med acting to induce or assist the facilitation of neural activity

facility (fəˈsIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 ease of action or performance; freedom from difficulty   2 ready skill or ease deriving from practice or familiarity   3 (often plural) the means or equipment facilitating the performance of an action   4 rare easy-going disposition   5 military an organization or building offering supporting capability   6 (usually plural) a euphemistic word for lavatory [C15: from Latin facilitās, from facilis easy; see FACILE]

facinerious (ˌfæsInˈIərIəs)   adj   obsolete (in the works of Shakespeare) extremely wicked

facing (ˈfeIsIŋ)   n   1 a piece of material used esp to conceal the seam of a garment and prevent fraying   2 (usually plural) a piece of additional cloth, esp in a different colour, on the collar, cuffs, etc, of the jacket of a military uniform, formerly used to denote the regiment   3 an outer layer or coat of material applied to the surface of a wall   4 marketing an area of retail shelf space

facinorous (fəˈsInərəs)   adj   obsolete extremely wicked

■ facinorousness (fəˈsInərəsnəs)   n   the quality of being facinorous

façonné or faconne (ˈfæsəˌneI)   adj   1 denoting a fabric with the design woven in   ▷ n   2 such a fabric [C19: French, from façonner to fashion]

facsimile (fækˈsImIlI)   n   1    a an exact copy or reproduction   b (as modifier): a facsimile publication   2 an image produced by facsimile transmission   ▷ vb -les, -leing, -led   3 (tr) to make an exact copy of [C17: from Latin fac simile! make something like it!, from facere to make + similis similar, like]

■ facsimile machine   n   a machine which transmits and receives documents in facsimile transmission. Often shortened to: fax, fax machine

■ facsimile transmission   n   an international system of transmitting a written, printed, or pictorial document over the telephone system by scanning it photoelectrically and reproducing the image after transmission. Often shortened to: fax

■ facsimilist (fækˈsImIlIst)   n   a person who makes facsimiles

fact (fækt)   n   1 an event or thing known to have happened or existed   2 a truth verifiable from experience or observation   3 a piece of information: get me all the facts of this case   4 law (often plural) an actual event, happening, etc, as distinguished from its legal consequences. Questions of fact are decided by the jury, questions of law by the court or judge   5 philosophy a proposition that may be either true or false, as contrasted with an evaluative statement   6 after the fact criminal law after the commission of the offence: an accessory after the fact   7 before the fact criminal law before the commission of the offence   8 as a matter of fact, in fact or in point of fact in reality or actuality   9 fact of life an inescapable truth, esp an unpleasant one   10 the fact of the matter the truth [C16: from Latin factum something done, from factus made, from facere to make]   > ˈfactful adj

■ fact-finding   adj   having the purpose of ascertaining facts: a fact-finding tour of the Northeast

■ factive (ˈfæktIv)   adj   logic, linguistics, philosophy (of a linguistic context) giving rise to the presupposition that a sentence occurring in that context is true, as John regrets that Mary did not attend

■ factoid (ˈfæktɔId)   n   a piece of unreliable information believed to be true because of the way it is presented or repeated in print [C20 (coined by Norman MAILER): from FACT + -OID]

■ factoidal (fækˈtɔIdəl)   adj   of or resembling a factoid; (of a piece of writing) comprising facts and factoids

■ facts and figures   pl n   details; precise information

■ fact sheet or factsheet   n   a printed sheet containing information

■ facts of life   pl n   the facts of life the details of sexual behaviour and reproduction, esp as told to children

■ factual (ˈfæktʃʊəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characterized by facts   2 of the nature of fact; real; actual   > ˈfactualism n   > ˈfactualist n   > ˌfactualˈistic adj   > ˈfactually adv   > ˈfactualness or ˌfactuˈality n

factice (ˈfæktIs)   n   a soft rubbery material made by reacting sulphur or sulphur chloride with vegetable oil [C19: from Greek faktis from Latin factīcius FACTITIOUS]

facticity (fækˈtIsItI)   n   the quality or state of being a fact

faction^1 (ˈfækʃən)   n   1 a group of people forming a minority within a larger body, esp a dissentious group   2 strife or dissension within a group [C16: from Latin factiō a making, from facere to make, do]   > ˈfactional adj   > ˈfactionalˌism n   > ˈfactionalist n

■ factionalize or factionalise (ˈfækʃənəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   rare to split into factions

■ factionally (ˈfækʃənəlI)   adv   in a factional manner

■ factionary (ˈfækʃənərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a member of a faction   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a faction or factions

■ faction fight   n   South African a fight between rival groups, usually originating in tribal or clan feuds

■ factionist (ˈfækʃənIst)   n   1 the leader or representative of a faction   2 a member of a faction

■ factious (ˈfækʃəs)   adj   given to, producing, or characterized by faction   > ˈfactiously adv   > ˈfactiousness n

USAGE

Fractious is sometimes wrongly used where factious is meant: this factious (not fractious) dispute has split the party still further

faction^2 (ˈfækʃən)   n   a television programme, film, or literary work comprising a dramatized presentation of actual events [C20: a blend of FACT and FICTION]

factitious (fækˈtIʃəs)   adj   1 artificial rather than natural: factitious demands created by the mass media   2 not genuine; sham: factitious enthusiasm [C17: from Latin factīcius, from facere to make, do]   > facˈtitiously adv   > facˈtitiousness n

factitive (ˈfæktItIv)   adj   grammar denoting a verb taking a direct object as well as a noun in apposition, as for example elect in they elected John president, where John is the direct object and president is the complement [C19: from New Latin factitīvus, from Latin factitāre to do frequently, from facere to do]   > ˈfactitively adv

factor (ˈfæktə)   n   1 an element or cause that contributes to a result   2 maths   a one of two or more integers or polynomials whose product is a given integer or polynomial: 2 and 3 are factors of 6   b an integer or polynomial that can be exactly divided into another integer or polynomial: 1, 2, 3, and 6 are all factors of 6   3 (foll by identifying numeral) med any of several substances that participate in the clotting of blood: factor VIII   4 a person who acts on another's behalf, esp one who transacts business for another   5 commerce a business that makes loans in return for or on security of trade debts   6 former name for a gene   7 commercial law a person to whom goods are consigned for sale and who is paid a factorage   8 (in Scotland) the manager of an estate   ▷ vb   9 (intr) to engage in the business of a factor [C15: from Latin: one who acts, from facere to do]   > ˈfactorable adj   > ˌfactoraˈbility n   > ˈfactorˌship n

USAGE

Factor (sense 1) should only be used to refer to something which contributes to a result. It should not be used to refer to a part of something such as a plan or arrangement; instead a word such as component or element should be used

■ factor VIII   n   a protein that participates in the clotting of blood. It is extracted from donated serum and used in the treatment of the commonest type of haemophilia, in which it is absent

■ factorage (ˈfæktərIdʒ)   n   the commission payable to a factor

■ factor analysis   n   statistics any of several techniques for deriving from a number of given variables a smaller number of different, more useful, variables

■ factor cost   n   (in social accounting) valuation of goods and services at their overall commercial cost, including markups but excluding indirect taxes and subsidies

■ factorial (fækˈtɔːrIəl) maths   n   1 the product of all the positive integers from one up to and including a given integer. Factorial zero is assigned the value of one: factorial four is 1 × 2 × 3 × 4. Symbol: n!, where n is the given integer   ▷ adj   2 of or involving factorials or factors   > facˈtorially adv

■ factor in   vb   (tr, adverb) chiefly US to take account of (something) when making a calculation

■ factoring (ˈfæktərIŋ)   n   1 the business of a factor   2 the business of purchasing debts from clients at a discount and making a profit from their collection

■ factorize or factorise (ˈfæktəˌraIz)   vb   (tr) maths to resolve (an integer or polynomial) into factors   > ˌfactoriˈzation or ˌfactoriˈsation n

■ factor of production   n   a resource or input entering the production of wealth, such as land, labour, capital, etc. Also called: agent of production

■ factor of safety   n   the ratio of the breaking stress of a material or structure to the calculated maximum stress when in use. Also called: safety factor

factory (ˈfæktərI)   n, pl -ries   1    a a building or group of buildings containing a plant assembly for the manufacture of goods   b (as modifier): a factory worker   2 rare a trading station maintained by factors in a foreign country   3 Canadian (formerly) a main trading station for the exchange and transshipment of furs [C16: from Late Latin factorium; see FACTOR]   > ˈfactory-ˌlike adj

■ factory farm   n   a farm in which animals are bred and fattened using modern industrial methods   > factory farming n

■ factory-fresh   adj   coming directly from the factory; brand new

■ factory outlet or factory shop   n   a usually low-rent site leased by a factory to sell its end-of-line or damaged stock direct to the customer at reduced prices

■ factory ship   n   a fishing boat that processes the fish that are caught

factotum (fækˈtəʊtəm)   n   a person employed to do all kinds of work [C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin fac! do! + tōtum, from tōtus (adj) all]

factum (ˈfæktəm)   n   1 civil law the act or deed of a person   2 law a statement of facts and argument filed by each party in a court case   3 obsolete the product in a mathematical equation

facture (ˈfæktʃə)   n rare   1 construction   2 workmanship; quality [C15: from Old French, from Latin factūra]

facula (ˈfækjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   any of the bright areas on the sun's surface, usually appearing just before a sunspot and subject to the same 11-year cycle [C18: from Latin: little torch, from fax torch]   > ˈfacular adj

facultative (ˈfækəltətIv)   adj   1 empowering but not compelling the doing of an act   2 philosophy that may or may not occur   3 insurance denoting a form of reinsurance in which the reinsurer has no obligation to accept a particular risk nor the insurer to reinsure, terms and conditions being negotiated for each reinsurance   4 biology able to exist under more than one set of environmental conditions: a facultative parasite can exist as a parasite or a saprotroph. Compare obligate (sense 4)   5 of or relating to a faculty   > ˈfacultatively adv

faculty (ˈfækəltI)   n, pl -ties   1 one of the inherent powers of the mind or body, such as reason, memory, sight, or hearing   2 any ability or power, whether acquired or inherent   3 a conferred power or right   4    a a department within a university or college devoted to a particular branch of knowledge   b the staff of such a department   c chiefly US and Canadian all the teaching staff at a university, college, school, etc   5 all members of a learned profession   6 archaic occupation [C14 (in the sense: department of learning): from Latin facultās capability; related to Latin facilis easy]

■ Faculty of Advocates   n   law the college or society of advocates in Scotland

facundity (fəˈkʌndItI)   n   archaic the quality of eloquence

fad (fæd)   n informal   1 an intense but short-lived fashion; craze   2 a personal idiosyncrasy or whim [C19: of uncertain origin]   > ˈfaddish adj   > ˈfaddishness n   > ˈfaddism n   > ˈfaddist n

■ faddiness (ˈfædInəs)   n   1 the state or quality of being excessively fussy, esp with food   2 the state or quality of being briefly fashionable

■ faddishly (ˈfædIʃlI)   adv   in a faddish manner

■ faddy (ˈfædI)   adj -dier, -diest   of, having, or involving personal and often transitory whims, esp about food

■ fadlike (ˈfædˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a fad

FAD   n   biochem flavin adenine dinucleotide: an ester of riboflavin with ADP that acts as the prosthetic group for many flavoproteins. See also FMN

fadaise (fæˈdɛz)   n   a silly or meaningless remark

Fadden (ˈfædən)   n   Sir Arthur William. 1895–1973, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1941)

faddle (ˈfædəl) dialect   n   1 a nonsensical or trifling thing   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to toy or play with

fade (feId)   vb   1 to lose or cause to lose brightness, colour, or clarity   2 (intr) to lose freshness, vigour, or youth; wither   3 (intr; usually foll by away or out) to vanish slowly; die out   4    a to decrease the brightness or volume of (a television or radio programme or film sequence) or (of a television programme, etc) to decrease in this way   b to decrease the volume of (a sound) in a recording system or (of a sound) to be so reduced in volume   5 (intr) (of the brakes of a vehicle) to lose power   6 to cause (a golf ball) to move with a controlled left-to-right trajectory or (of a golf ball) to veer gradually from left to right   ▷ n   7 the act or an instance of fading [C14: from fade (adj) dull, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin fatidus (unattested), probably blend of Latin vapidus VAPID + Latin fatuus FATUOUS]   > ˈfadable adj   > ˈfadedness n   > ˈfader n

■ fadeaway (ˈfeIdəˌweI)   n   1 a baseball pitch that slows and dips as it reaches the batter   2 a basketball shot made while jumping back from the direction of the basket in order to evade an opponent

■ faded (ˈfeIdId)   adj   less colourful than previously

■ fadedly (ˈfeIdIdlI)   adv   in a faded manner

■ fade-in   n   1 films an optical effect in which a shot appears gradually out of darkness   2 a gradual increase in the volume in a radio or television broadcast   ▷ vb fade in (adverb)   3 Also: fade up to increase or cause to increase gradually, as vision or sound in a film or broadcast

■ fadeless (ˈfeIdlIs)   adj   not subject to fading

■ fadelessly (ˈfeIdləslI)   adv   in a fadeless manner

■ fade-out   n   1 films an optical effect in which a shot slowly disappears into darkness   2 a gradual reduction in signal strength in a radio or television broadcast   3 a gradual and temporary loss of a received radio or television signal due to atmospheric disturbances, magnetic storms, etc   4 a slow or gradual disappearance   ▷ vb fade out (adverb)   5 to decrease or cause to decrease gradually, as vision or sound in a film or broadcast

■ fading (ˈfeIdIŋ)   n   a variation in the strength of received radio signals due to variations in the conditions of the transmission medium

■ fady (ˈfeIdI)   adj -dier, -diest   having a tendency to fade

fadeur (fæˈdɜː)   n   the quality of being bland or insipid

fadge (fædʒ)   vb (intr) archaic or dialect   1 to agree   2 to succeed   ▷ n   3 NZ a package of wool in a wool-bale that weighs less than 100 kilograms [C16: of uncertain origin]

fado Portuguese (ˈfɑːdu)   n   a type of melancholy Portuguese folk song [literally: FATE]

fadometer (fəˈdɒmItə)   n   chem an instrument used to determine the resistance to fading of a pigment or dye

fae (feI)   prep   a Scot word for from

faeces or esp US feces (ˈfiːsiːz)   pl n   bodily waste matter derived from ingested food and the secretions of the intestines and discharged through the anus [C15: from Latin faecēs, plural of faex sediment, dregs]

■ faecal or esp US fecal (ˈfiːkəl)   adj   of, relating to, or consisting of faeces

faena Spanish (faˈena)   n   bullfighting the matador's final series of passes with sword and cape before the kill [literally: task, from obsolete Catalan (modern feina), from Latin facienda things to be done, from facere to do]

Faenza (Italian faˈɛntsa)   n   a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna: famous in the 15th and 16th centuries for its majolica earthenware, esp faïence. Pop: 53 641 (2001)

faerie or faery (ˈfeIərI, ˈfɛərI)   n, pl -ries archaic or poetic   1 the land of fairies   2 enchantment   ▷ adj, n   3 a variant of fairy

Faeroes or Faroes (ˈfɛərəʊz)   pl n   a group of 21 basalt islands in the North Atlantic between Iceland and the Shetland Islands: a self-governing community within the kingdom of Denmark; fishing. Capital: Thorshavn. Pop: 49 290 (2017 est). Area: 1400 sq km (540 sq miles). Also called: Faeroe Islands, Faroe Islands

■ Faeroese or Faroese (ˌfɛərəʊˈiːz)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of the Faeroes, their inhabitants, or their language   ▷ n   2 the chief language of the Faeroes, closely related to Icelandic, although they are not mutually intelligible   3 (pl -ese) a native or inhabitant of the Faeroes

faff (fæf)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by about) Brit informal to dither or fuss   ▷ n   2 a thing that is awkward or time-consuming to do: changing the bulb was a bit of a faff [C19: of obscure origin]

■ faffy (ˈfæfI)   adj   Brit informal awkward and time-consuming to do or use

Fafnir (ˈfæfnIə, ˈfæv-)   n   Norse myth the son of Hreidmar, whom he killed to gain the cursed treasure of Andvari. He became a dragon and was slain by Sigurd while guarding the treasure

fag^1 (fæɡ)   n   1 informal a boring or wearisome task: it's a fag having to walk all that way   2 Brit (esp formerly) a young public school boy who performs menial chores for an older boy or prefect   ▷ vb fags, fagging, fagged   3 (when tr, often foll by out) informal to become or cause to become exhausted by hard toil or work   4 (usually intr) Brit to do or cause to do menial chores in a public school: he fags for one of the prefects [C18: of obscure origin]

■ fagged (fæɡd)   adj   1 Brit informal tired   2 I can't be fagged I can't be bothered

■ faggery (ˈfæɡərI)   n   the practice of fagging in public schools

fag^2 (fæɡ)   n   1 Brit a slang word for cigarette   2 a fag end, as of cloth [C16 (in the sense: something hanging loose, flap): of obscure origin]

■ fag end   n   1 the last and worst part, esp when it is of little use   2 Brit informal the stub of a cigarette [C17: see FAG^2]

fag^3 (fæɡ)   n   offensive, slang, chiefly US and Canadian short for faggot^2   > ˈfaggy adj

■ faggery (ˈfæɡərI)   n offensive, slang   male homosexuality

■ fag hag   n   slang, usually derogatory or offensive a heterosexual woman who prefers the company of homosexual men

fagaceous (fəˈɡeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Fagaceae, a family of trees, including beech, oak, and chestnut, whose fruit is partly or wholly enclosed in a husk (cupule) [C19: from New Latin Fāgāceae, from Latin fāgus beech]

Fagatogo (ˌfɑːŋɡəˈtəʊɡəʊ)   n   the capital of American Samoa, a village within the port of Pago Pago. Pop: 1667 (2012)

faggot^1 or esp US fagot (ˈfæɡət)   n   1 a bundle of sticks or twigs, esp when bound together and used as fuel   2 a bundle of iron bars, esp a box formed by four pieces of wrought iron and filled with scrap to be forged into wrought iron   3 a ball of chopped meat, usually pork liver, bound with herbs and bread and eaten fried   4 a bundle of anything   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to collect into a bundle or bundles   6 needlework to do faggoting on (a garment, piece of cloth, etc) [C14: from Old French, perhaps from Greek phakelos bundle]

■ faggoting or esp US fagoting (ˈfæɡətIŋ)   n   1 decorative needlework done by tying vertical threads together in bundles   2 a decorative way of joining two hems by crisscross stitches

faggot^2 (ˈfæɡət)   n   offensive, slang, chiefly US and Canadian a homosexual man. Often shortened to: fag [C20: special use of FAGGOT^1]   > ˈfaggoty adj

■ faggotry (ˈfæɡətrI)   n   offensive, slang male homosexuality

faggot vote   n   (formerly) a vote created by the allotting of property to a person to give him or her the status of an elector [C19: perhaps from the former use of FAGGOT^1 meaning a person spuriously entered on a military roll]

fagin (ˈfeIɡIn)   n   a criminal, esp one who instructs other criminals

fagotto (fəˈɡɒtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a bassoon [Italian]

■ fagottist (fəˈɡɒtIst)   n   a bassoonist

fah or fa (fɑː)   n music   1 (in the fixed system of solmization) the note F   2 (in tonic sol-fa) the fourth degree of any major scale; subdominant [C14: see GAMUT]

FAHA   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities

Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz (fɑːd ˈIbən ˈæbdʊl əˈziːz)   n   1923–2005, king of Saudi Arabia (1982–2005)

fahlband (ˈfɑːlˌbænd)   n   a thin bed of schistose rock impregnated with metallic sulphides [C19: from German: pale band]

fahlerz (ˈfɑːlɜːts) or fahlore (ˈfɑːlˌɔː)   n   mineralogy a grey or black copper ore; tennantite

Fahrenheit^1 (ˈfærənˌhaIt)   adj   of or measured according to the Fahrenheit scale of temperature. Symbol: F

■ Fahrenheit scale   n   a scale of temperatures in which 32° represents the melting point of ice and 212° represents the boiling point of pure water under standard atmospheric pressure. Compare Celsius scale

Fahrenheit^2 (German ˈfaːrənhait)   n   Gabriel Daniel (ˈɡaːbrieːl ˈdaːnieːl). 1686–1736, German physicist, who invented the mercury thermometer and devised the temperature scale that bears his name

Fa-hsien (ˈfɑːˈsjɛn)   n   a variant transliteration of Fa Xian

FAI   abbreviation for   1 Fédération aéronautique internationale   2 Football Association of Ireland [(sense 1) French: International Aeronautical Federation]

Faial or Fayal (Portuguese faˈjal)   n   an island in the central Azores archipelago. Chief town: Horta. Area: 171 sq km (66 sq miles)

Faidherbe (French fɛdɛrb)   n   Louis Léon César. 1818–89, French soldier and governor of Senegal (1854–65); founder of Dakar

faïence (faIˈɑːns, feI-)   n     a tin-glazed earthenware, usually that of French, German, Italian, or Scandinavian origin   b (as modifier): a faïence cup [C18: from French, strictly: pottery from FAENZA]

faik (feIk)   n   1 Scot dialect a fold or pleat   2 zoology the manyplies of an animal   ▷ vb (tr) Scot dialect   3 to fold   4 to abate or lessen

fail^1 (feIl)   vb   1 to be unsuccessful in an attempt (at something or to do something)   2 (intr) to stop operating or working properly: the steering failed suddenly   3 to judge or be judged as being below the officially accepted standard required for success in (a course, examination, etc)   4 (tr) to prove disappointing, undependable, or useless to (someone)   5 (tr) to neglect or be unable (to do something)   6 (intr) to prove partly or completely insufficient in quantity, duration, or extent   7 (intr) to weaken; fade away   8 (intr) to go bankrupt or become insolvent   ▷ n   9 a failure to attain the required standard, as in an examination   10 without fail definitely; with certainty [C13: from Old French faillir, ultimately from Latin fallere to disappoint; probably related to Greek phēlos deceitful]

■ failed (feIld)   adj   1 unsuccessful; abortive   2 that has broken down

■ failed state   n   a weak state where social and political structures have collapsed to the point where the government has little or no control

■ failing (ˈfeIlIŋ)   n   1 a weak point; flaw   ▷ prep   2 (used to express a condition) in default of: failing a solution this afternoon, the problem will have to wait until Monday   > ˈfailingly adv

■ fail-safe   adj   1 designed to return to a safe condition in the event of a failure or malfunction   2 (of a nuclear weapon) capable of being deactivated in the event of a failure or accident   3 unlikely to fail; foolproof   ▷ vb   4 (intr) to return to a safe condition in the event of a failure or malfunction

■ failure (ˈfeIljə)   n   1 the act or an instance of failing   2 a person or thing that is unsuccessful or disappointing: the evening was a failure   3 nonperformance of something required or expected: failure to attend will be punished   4 cessation of normal operation; breakdown: a power failure   5 an insufficiency or shortage: a crop failure   6 a decline or loss, as in health or strength   7 the fact of not reaching the required standard in an examination, test, course, etc   8 the act or process of becoming bankrupt or the state of being bankrupt

fail^2 (fel)   n   Scot a turf; sod [perhaps from Scottish Gaelic fàl]

faille (feIl; French faj)   n   a soft light ribbed fabric of silk, rayon, or taffeta [C16: from French: head covering, hence, fabric used for this, of obscure origin]

fain (feIn)   adv   1 (usually with would) archaic willingly; gladly: she would fain be dead   ▷ adj   2 obsolete   a willing or eager   b compelled [Old English fægen; related to Old Norse fegiun happy, Old High German gifehan to be glad, Gothic fahehs joy; see FAWN^2]

■ fainly (ˈfeInlI)   adv   in a willing or eager manner

■ fainness (ˈfeInnəs)   n   Scot dialect the quality of being willing or eager

fainéant (ˈfeInIənt; French fɛneɑ̃)   n   1 a lazy person; idler   ▷ adj   2 indolent [C17: from French, modification of earlier fait-nient (he) does nothing, by folk etymology from Old French faignant shirker, from faindre to be lazy]   > ˈfaineance or ˈfaineancy n

■ faineantise (ˌfeIneIənˈtiːz)   n   the quality of being lazy or indolent

fainites (ˈfeInaIts) or fains (feInz)   interj   dialect a cry for truce or respite from the rules of a game [C19: from fains I I decline, from feine feign, from Old French se feindre in the sense: back out, esp of battle]

fáinne (ˈfaːɲə)   n   Irish a small ring-shaped metal badge worn by advocates of the Irish language [Irish Gaelic, literally: ring]

faint (feInt)   adj   1 lacking clarity, brightness, volume, etc: a faint noise   2 lacking conviction or force; weak: faint praise   3 feeling dizzy or weak as if about to lose consciousness   4 without boldness or courage; timid (esp in the combination faint-hearted)   5 not the faintest, not the faintest idea or not the faintest notion no idea whatsoever: I haven't the faintest   ▷ vb (intr)   6 to lose consciousness, esp momentarily, as through weakness   7 archaic or poetic to fail or become weak, esp in hope or courage   ▷ n   8 a sudden spontaneous loss of consciousness, usually momentary, caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the brain. Technical name: syncope [C13: from Old French, from faindre to be idle]   > ˈfainter n   > ˈfaintingly adv   > ˈfaintish adj   > ˈfaintishness n   > ˈfaintly adv   > ˈfaintness n

■ faint-hearted or fainthearted   n   1 the faint-hearted people of a nervous disposition   2 not for the faint-hearted extreme or very unusual, and unsuitable for people who like only safe and familiar things   ▷ adj   3 lacking in courage

■ faint-heartedly or faintheartedly (ˌfeIntˈhɑːtIdlI)   adv   nervously

■ faint-heartedness or faintheartedness (ˌfeIntˈhɑːtIdnIs)   n   lack of courage

■ fainty (ˈfeIntI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 (of a person) inclined to faint   2 causing faintness or sickness

faints (feInts)   pl n   a variant spelling of feints

fair^1 (fɛə)   adj   1 free from discrimination, dishonesty, etc; just; impartial   2 in conformity with rules or standards; legitimate: a fair fight   3 (of the hair or complexion) light in colour   4 beautiful or lovely to look at   5 moderately or quite good: a fair piece of work   6 unblemished; untainted   7 (of the tide or wind) favourable to the passage of a vessel   8 sunny, fine, or cloudless   9 (prenominal) informal thorough; real: a fair battle to get to the counter   10 pleasant or courteous   11 apparently good or valuable, but really false: fair words   12 open or unobstructed: a fair passage   13 Austral (of handwriting) clear and legible   14 a fair crack of the whip, Austral a fair shake of the dice or a fair go informal a fair opportunity; fair chance   15 fair and square in a correct or just way   16 fair do's   a equal shares or treatment   b an expression of appeal for equal shares or treatment   17 fair enough! an expression of agreement   18 fair go! Austral and NZ informal come off it!; I don't believe it!   19 fair to middling about average   ▷ adv   20 in a fair way; correctly: act fair, now!   21 absolutely or squarely; quite: the question caught him fair off his guard   22 dialect really or very: fair tired   ▷ vb   23 (intr) dialect (of the weather) to become fine and mild   ▷ n   24 archaic a person or thing that is beautiful or valuable, esp a woman [Old English fæger; related to Old Norse fagr, Old Saxon, Old High German fagar, Gothic fagrs suitable]   > ˈfairness n

■ fair copy   n   a clean copy of a document on which all corrections have been made

■ fairfaced (ˈfɛəˌfeIst)   adj   (of brickwork) having a neat smooth unplastered surface

■ fair game   n   1 a legitimate object for ridicule or attack   2 hunting archaic quarry that may legitimately be pursued according to the rules of a particular sport

■ fair-haired   adj   having blonde or light-coloured hair

■ fair-haired boy   n   the usual US name for blue-eyed boy

■ fairing^1 (ˈfɛərIŋ)   n   an external metal structure fitted around parts of an aircraft, car, vessel, etc, to reduce drag. Also called: fillet. Compare cowling [C20: FAIR^1 + -ING^1]

■ fairing^2 (ˈfɛərIŋ)   n   1 archaic a present, esp from a fair   2 a sweet circular biscuit made with butter

■ fairish (ˈfɛərIʃ)   adj   1 moderately good, well, etc   2 (of the hair, complexion, etc) moderately light in colour

■ fairishly (ˈfɛərIʃlI)   adv   in a fairish manner

■ fairlead (ˈfɛəˌliːd) or fairleader   n   nautical a block or ring through which a line is rove to keep it clear of obstructions, prevent chafing, or maintain it at an angle. Also called: leader

■ fairly (ˈfɛəlI)   adv   1 (not used with a negative) moderately   2 as deserved; justly   3 (not used with a negative) positively; absolutely: the hall fairly rang with applause   4 archaic clearly   5 obsolete courteously

■ fairly-traded   adv   bought from the producer at a guaranteed price

■ fair-minded   adj   just or impartial   > ˌfair-ˈmindedness n

■ fair play   n   1 an established standard of decency, honesty, etc   2 abidance by this standard

■ fair rent   n   (in Britain) the rent for a private tenancy, fixed and registered by a rent officer, and based on the size, condition, and usefulness of the property, but not its scarcity value

■ fair sex   n   the fair sex old-fashioned women collectively

■ fair-sized   adj   quite big

■ fair-skinned   adj   having pale skin; pale-complexioned

■ fair-spoken   adj   civil, courteous, or elegant in speech   > ˌfair-ˈspokenness n

■ fair trade   n     a the practice of directly benefiting producers in the developing world by buying straight from them at a guaranteed price   b (as modifier): fair-trade coffee

■ fairway (ˈfɛəˌweI)   n   1 (on a golf course) the areas of shorter grass between the tees and greens, esp the avenue approaching a green bordered by rough   2 nautical   a the navigable part of a river, harbour, etc   b the customary course followed by vessels

■ fair-weather   adj   1 suitable for use in fair weather only   2 not reliable or present in situations of hardship or difficulty (esp in the phrase fair-weather friend)

fair^2 (fɛə)   n   1 a travelling entertainment with sideshows, rides, etc, esp one that visits places at the same time each year   2 a gathering of producers of and dealers in a given class of products to facilitate business: a book fair   3 an event including amusements and the sale of goods, esp for a charity; bazaar   4 a regular assembly at a specific place for the sale of goods, esp livestock [C13: from Old French feire, from Late Latin fēria holiday, from Latin fēriae days of rest: related to festus FESTAL]

■ fairgoer (ˈfɛəˌɡəʊə)   n   a person attending a fair

■ fairground (ˈfɛəˌɡraʊnd)   n   an open space used for a fair or exhibition

Fairbanks^1 (ˈfɛəˌbæŋks)   n   a city in central Alaska, at the terminus of the Alaska Highway. Pop: 30 970 (2003 est)

Fairbanks^2 (ˈfɛəˌbæŋks)   n   1  Douglas (Elton), real name Julius Ullman. 1883–1939, US film actor and producer   2  his son, Douglas, Jnr. 1909–2000, US film actor

Fairfax (ˈfɛəfæks)   n   Thomas, 3rd Baron Fairfax. 1612–71, English general and statesman: commanded the Parliamentary army (1645–50), defeating Charles I at Naseby (1645). He was instrumental in restoring Charles II to the throne (1660)

Fair Isle   n   an intricate multicoloured pattern knitted with Shetland wool into various garments, such as sweaters [C19: named after one of the Shetland Islands where the pattern originated]

fairnitickle, fairniticle, fairnytickle or fairnyticle (ˈfɛənIˌtIkəl)   n   Scot dialect a freckle resembling a fern seed

Fairweather (ˈfɛəˌwɛðə)   n   Mount Fairweather a mountain in W North America, on the border between Alaska and British Columbia. Height: 4671 m (15 324 ft)

fairy (ˈfɛərI)   n, pl fairies   1 an imaginary supernatural being, usually represented in diminutive human form and characterized as clever, playful, and having magical powers   2 offensive, slang a homosexual man   3 away with the fairies informal out of touch with reality   ▷ adj (prenominal)   4 of or relating to a fairy or fairies   5 resembling a fairy or fairies, esp in being enchanted or delicate [C14: from Old French faerie fairyland, from feie fairy, from Latin Fāta the Fates; see FATE, FAY^1]   > ˈfairy-ˌlike adj

■ fairily (ˈfɛərIlI)   adv   in the manner of a fairy

■ fairy bread   n Austral and NZ   slices of white bread covered with small beads of brightly coloured sugar, served as a children’s snack

■ fairy cycle   n   a child's bicycle

■ fairyfloss (ˈfɛərIˌflɒs)   n   Austral a very light fluffy confection made from coloured spun sugar, usually held on a stick. Also called: (chiefly Brit) candyfloss, (US and Canadian) cotton candy

■ fairy godmother   n   1 a character in certain fairy stories who brings unexpected benefits to the hero or heroine   2 any benefactress, esp an unknown one

■ fairyhood (ˈfɛərIˌhʊd)   n   1 the state of being a fairy or of being enchanted by fairies   2 a collective term for fairies

■ fairyism (ˈfɛərIˌIzəm)   n   1 the qualities or powers of a fairy; the condition of being a fairy   2 a belief in fairies or fairy stories

■ fairyland (ˈfɛərIˌlænd) or fairydom (ˈfɛərIdəm)   n   1 the imaginary domain of the fairies; an enchanted or wonderful place   2 a fantasy world, esp one resulting from a person's wild imaginings

■ fairy lights   pl n   small coloured electric bulbs strung together and used for decoration, esp on a Christmas tree

■ fairy penguin   n   a small penguin, Eudyptula minor, with a bluish head and back, found on the Australian coast. Also called: little penguin, blue penguin, korora

■ fairy ring   n   1 a ring of dark luxuriant vegetation in grassy ground corresponding to the edge of an underground fungal mycelium: popularly associated with the dancing of fairies: seasonally marked by a ring of mushrooms   2 short for fairy ring mushroom, Marasmius oreades, a dainty buff-coloured edible basidiomycetous fungus, characteristically forming rings in grassland

■ fairy shrimp   n   any small freshwater branchiopod crustacean of the genera Chirocephalus, Artemia, etc, having a transparent body with many appendages and habitually swimming on its back: order Anostraca

■ fairy swallow   n   (sometimes capitals) a variety of domestic fancy pigeon having blue-and-white plumage and heavily muffed feet

■ fairy tale or fairy story   n   1 a story about fairies or other mythical or magical beings, esp one of traditional origin told to children   2 a highly improbable account

■ fairy-tale   adj   1 of or relating to a fairy tale   2 resembling a fairy tale, esp in being extremely happy or fortunate: a true story with a fairy-tale ending   3 highly improbable: he came out with a fairy-tale account of his achievements

Faisal I or Feisal I (ˈfaIsəl)   n   1885–1933, king of Syria (1920) and first king of Iraq (1921–33): a leader of the Arab revolt against the Turks (1916–18)

Faisal II or Feisal II   n   1935–58, last king of Iraq (1939–58)

Faisalabad (faIˈʒɑːləˌbɑːd)   n   a city in NE Pakistan: commercial and manufacturing centre of a cotton- and wheat-growing region; university (1961). Pop: 2 533 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1979): Lyallpur

Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz (ˈIbən æbˈdʊl æˈziːz)   n   1905–75, king of Saudi Arabia (1964–75)

fait accompli French (fɛt akɔ̃pli)   n, pl faits accomplis (fɛz akɔ̃pli)   something already done and beyond alteration [literally: accomplished fact]

faites vos jeux French (fɛt vo ʒø)     place your bets! (a phrase used by croupiers in roulette and other casino gambling games)

faith (feIθ)   n   1 strong or unshakeable belief in something, esp without proof or evidence   2 a specific system of religious beliefs: the Jewish faith   3 Christianity trust in God and in his actions and promises   4 a conviction of the truth of certain doctrines of religion, esp when this is not based on reason   5 complete confidence or trust in a person, remedy, etc   6 any set of firmly held principles or beliefs   7 allegiance or loyalty, as to a person or cause (esp in the phrases keep faith, break faith)   8 bad faith insincerity or dishonesty   9 good faith honesty or sincerity, as of intention in business (esp in the phrase in good faith)   ▷ interj   10 archaic indeed; really (also in the phrases by my faith, in faith) [C12: from Anglo-French feid, from Latin fidēs trust, confidence]

■ faith community   n   a community of people sharing the same religious faith

■ faithcure (ˈfeIθˌkjʊə)   n   a cure or healing through prayer or faith in God

■ faithed (feIθd)   adj   1 having faith or a faith   2 obsolete honest or sincere

■ faithful (ˈfeIθfʊl)   adj   1 having faith; remaining true, constant, or loyal   2 maintaining sexual loyalty to one's lover or spouse   3 consistently reliable: a faithful worker   4 reliable or truthful: a faithful source   5 accurate in detail: a faithful translation   ▷ n   6 the faithful   a the believers in and loyal adherents of a religious faith, esp Christianity   b any group of loyal and steadfast followers   > ˈfaithfully adv   > ˈfaithfulness n

■ faith hate   n     a prejudice against a particular group on religious grounds   b (as modifier): a faith-hate crime

■ faith healing   n   treatment of a sick person through the supposed power of religious faith   > faith healer n

■ faithing (ˈfeIθIŋ)   n   the practice of a faith

■ faithless (ˈfeIθlIs)   adj   1 unreliable or treacherous   2 dishonest or disloyal   3 having no faith or trust   4 lacking faith, esp religious faith   > ˈfaithlessly adv   > ˈfaithlessness n

■ faith school   n   Brit a school that provides a general education within a framework of a specific religious belief

■ faithworthiness (ˈfeIθˌwɜːðInəs)   n   the quality of being faithworthy

■ faithworthy (ˈfeIθˌwɜːðI)   adj   worthy of faith, trustworthy

faither (ˈfeðər)   n   a Scot word for father

faitour or faitor (ˈfeItə)   n   obsolete an impostor [C14: from Anglo-French: cheat, from Old French faitor, from Latin: FACTOR]

faix (feIks)   n   obsolete an exclamation of affirmation or surprise equivalent to 'faith'

Faiyûm or Fayum (faIˈjuːm)   n   See El Faiyûm

fajitas (fəˈhiːtəz)   pl n   a Mexican dish of soft tortillas wrapped around fried strips of meat, vegetables, etc [Mexican Spanish]

fake^1 (feIk)   vb   1 (tr) to cause (something inferior or not genuine) to appear more valuable, desirable, or real by fraud or pretence   2 to pretend to have (an illness, emotion, etc): to fake a headache   3 to improvise (music, stage dialogue, etc)   ▷ n   4 an object, person, or act that is not genuine; sham, counterfeit, or forgery   ▷ adj   5 not genuine; spurious [originally (C18) thieves' slang to mug or do someone; probably via Polari from Italian facciare to make or do]   > ˈfaker n   > ˈfakery n

■ faked (feIkt)   adj   informal not genuine; spurious

■ fakement (ˈfeIkmənt)   n   slang a swindle or contrivance

■ fake news   n   false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting

■ fakey (ˈfeIkI)   n   1 a skateboarding position in which the skateboarder faces the opposite direction to that which they would normally. Also called: fakie   ▷ adj   2 informal phoney, fake

fake^2 (feIk) nautical   vb   1 (tr; usually foll by down) to coil (a rope) on deck   ▷ n   2 one round of a coil of rope [Middle English faken, perhaps via Lingua Franca from Italian facciare to make or do; see FAKE^1]

fakir, faqir (fəˈkIə, ˈfeIkə) or fakeer (fəˈkIə)   n   1 a Muslim ascetic who rejects worldly possessions   2 a Hindu ascetic mendicant or holy man [C17: from Arabic faqīr poor]

■ fakirism (fəˈkIərIzəm, ˈfeIkIərˌIzəm)   n   the beliefs and practices of fakirs

fa-la or fal la (fɑːˈlɑː)   n   (esp in 16th-century songs) a refrain sung to the syllables fa-la-la

falafel or felafel (fəlˈɑːfəl)   n   a ball or cake of ground spiced chickpeas, deep-fried and often served with pitta bread [C20: from Arabic felāfil]

falaj (ˈfælˌædʒ)   n   a qanat or water channel, esp in the United Arab Emirates or Oman

Falange (ˈfælændʒ; Spanish faˈlanxe)   n   the Fascist movement founded in Spain in 1933; the one legal party in Spain under the regime of Franco [Spanish: PHALANX]   > Faˈlangist n, adj

■ falangism (fæˈlændʒIzəm)   n   (often capital) the ideology and practices of the Falange political party

Falasha (fəˈlæʃə)   n, pl -sha or -shas   a member of a tribe of Black Ethiopian Jews [from Amharic, from fälasi stranger]

falbala (ˈfælbələ)   n   a gathered flounce, frill, or ruffle [C18: from French, from (dialect) ferbelà; see FURBELOW]

falcade (fælˈkeId, fælˈkɑːd)   n   dressage a horse movement in which the animal throws itself on its haunches two or three times

falcate (ˈfælkeIt) or falciform (ˈfælsIˌfɔːm)   adj   biology shaped like a sickle [C19: from Latin falcātus, from falx sickle]

■ falcation (fælˈkeIʃən)   n   biology obsolete the state of being falcate, a falcate appendage

falchion (ˈfɔːltʃən, ˈfɔːlʃən)   n   1 a short and slightly curved medieval sword broader towards the point   2 an archaic word for sword [C14: from Italian falcione, from falce, from Latin falx sickle]

falcon (ˈfɔːlkən, ˈfɔːkən)   n   1 any diurnal bird of prey of the family Falconidae, esp any of the genus Falco (gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, etc), typically having pointed wings and a long tail   2    a any of these or related birds, trained to hunt small game   b the female of such a bird. Compare tercel. Related adjective: falconine   3 a light-medium cannon used from the 15th to 17th centuries [C13: from Old French faucon, from Late Latin falcō hawk, probably of Germanic origin; perhaps related to Latin falx sickle]

■ falconer (ˈfɔːlkənə, ˈfɔːkə-)   n   a person who breeds or trains hawks or who follows the sport of falconry

■ falconet (ˈfɔːlkəˌnɛt, ˈfɔːkə-)   n   1 any of various small falcons, esp any of the Asiatic genus Microhierax   2 a small light cannon used from the 15th to 17th centuries

■ falcon-gentle or falcon-gentil   n   falconry a female falcon, esp a female peregrine falcon [C14: from Old French faucon-gentil literally: noble falcon]

■ falconiform (fælˈkəʊnIˌfɔːm)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the order Falconiformes, which includes the vultures, hawks, eagles, buzzards, and falcons

■ falconine (ˈfɔːlkəˌnaIn, ˈfɔːkə-)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling a falcon   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the family Falconidae, which includes the falcons

■ falconry (ˈfɔːlkənrI, ˈfɔːkən-)   n   1 the art of keeping falcons and training them to return from flight to a lure or to hunt quarry   2 the sport of causing falcons to return from flight to their trainer and to hunt quarry under his or her direction

falconoid (ˈfɔːlkəˌnɔId)   n   an antioxidant compound found in tea and thought to resist cancer

falcula (ˈfælkjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   zoology a sharp curved claw, esp of a bird   > ˈfalculate adj

faldage (ˈfɔːldIdʒ, ˈfældIdʒ)   n   feudal law the right of a lord of the manor to the manure of his tenant's sheep

falderal (ˈfældIˌræl), falderol (ˈfældIˌrɒl) or folderol (ˈfɒldIˌrɒl)   n   1 a showy but worthless trifle   2 foolish nonsense   3 a nonsensical refrain in old songs

faldetta (fɑːlˈdɛtə)   n   a hooded cape worn by Maltese women

faldistory (ˈfɔːldIstərI)   n, pl -ries   obsolete a bishop's seat or throne

Faldo (ˈfældəʊ)   n   Sir Nick , full name Nicholas Alexander Faldo, born 1957, English golfer: winner of the British Open Championship (1987, 1990, 1992) and the US Masters (1989, 1990, 1996)

faldstool (ˈfɔːldˌstuːl)   n   a backless seat, sometimes capable of being folded, used by bishops and certain other prelates [C11 fyldestol, probably a translation of Medieval Latin faldistolium folding stool, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German faldstuol]

Falerii (fəˈlIərIˌaI)   n   an ancient city of S Italy, in Latium: important in pre-Roman times

Faliraki (ˌfælIˈrɑːkI)   n   a coastal resort in SE Greece, on Rhodes. Pop: 400 (2000 est)

Faliscan (fəˈlIskən)   n   an ancient language of Italy, spoken in the area north of the Tiber. It was closely related to Latin, which displaced it before 200 BC

Falkirk (ˈfɔːlkɜːk)   n   1 a town in Scotland, the administrative centre of Falkirk council area: scene of Edward I's defeat of Wallace (1298) and Prince Charles Edward's defeat of General Hawley (1746); formerly a major iron and steel centre; the Falkirk Wheel, an innovative rotating canal boat lift, is nearby. Pop: 32 379 (2001)   2 a council area in central Scotland, on the Firth of Forth: created in 1996 from part of Central Region: largely agricultural, with heavy industry in Falkirk and Grangemouth. Administrative centre: Falkirk. Pop: 145 920 (2003 est). Area: 299 sq km (115 sq miles)

Falkland Islands (ˈfɔːlklənd)   pl n   a group of over 100 islands in the S Atlantic: a UK Overseas Territory; invaded by Argentina, who had long laid claim to the islands, on 2 April 1982; recaptured by a British expeditionary force on 14 June 1982. Chief town: Stanley. Pop: 3140 (2008 est). Area: about 12 200 sq km (4700 sq miles). Spanish name: Islas Malvinas

■ Falkland Islands Dependencies   pl n   the former name (until 1985) for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Falkner (ˈfɔːknə)   n   a variant spelling of (William) Faulkner

fall (fɔːl)   vb falls, falling, fell (fɛl), fallen (ˈfɔːlən) (mainly intr)   1 to descend by the force of gravity from a higher to a lower place   2 to drop suddenly from an erect position   3 to collapse to the ground, esp in pieces   4 to become less or lower in number, quality, etc: prices fell in the summer   5 to become lower in pitch   6 to extend downwards: her hair fell to her waist   7 to be badly wounded or killed   8 to slope in a downward direction   9 Christianity to yield to temptation or sin   10 to diminish in status, estimation, etc   11 to yield to attack: the city fell under the assault   12 to lose power: the government fell after the riots   13 to pass into or take on a specified condition: to fall asleep; fall in love   14 to adopt a despondent expression: her face fell   15 to be averted: her gaze fell   16 to come by chance or presumption: suspicion fell on the rebel soldiers   17 to occur; take place: night fell; Easter falls early this year   18 (of payments) to be due   19 to be directed to a specific point   20 (foll by back, behind, etc) to move in a specified direction   21 to occur at a specified place: the accent falls on the last syllable   22 (foll by to) to return (to); be inherited (by): the estate falls to the three children   23 (often foll by into, under, etc) to be classified or included: the subject falls into two main areas   24 to issue forth: a curse fell from her lips   25 (of animals, esp lambs) to be born   26 Brit dialect to become pregnant   27 (tr) Austral and NZ dialect to fell (trees)   28 cricket (of a batsman's wicket) to be taken by the bowling side: the sixth wicket fell for 96   29 archaic to begin to do: fall a-doing; fall to doing   30 fall flat to fail to achieve a desired effect   31 fall foul of   a to come into conflict with   b nautical to come into collision with   32 fall short   a to prove inadequate   b (often foll by of) to fail to reach or measure up to (a standard)   ▷ n   33 an act or instance of falling   34 something that falls: a fall of snow   35 chiefly US autumn   36 the distance that something falls: a hundred-foot fall   37 a sudden drop from an upright position   38 (often plural)   a a waterfall or cataract   b (capital when part of a name): Niagara Falls   39 a downward slope or decline   40 a decrease in value, number, etc   41 a decline in status or importance   42 a moral lapse or failing   43 a capture or overthrow: the fall of the city   44 a long false hairpiece; switch   45 a piece of loosely hanging material, such as a veil on a hat   46 machinery, nautical the end of a tackle to which power is applied to hoist it   47 nautical one of the lines of a davit for holding, lowering, or raising a boat   48 Also called: pinfall wrestling a scoring move, pinning both shoulders of one's opponent to the floor for a specified period   49 hunting   a another word for deadfall   b (as modifier): a fall trap   50    a the birth of an animal   b the animals produced at a single birth   51 take the fall slang, chiefly US to be blamed, punished, or imprisoned [Old English feallan; related to Old Norse falla, Old Saxon, Old High German fallan to fall; see FELL^2]

■ fall about   vb   (intr, adverb) to laugh in an uncontrolled manner: we fell about when we saw him

■ fall among   vb   (intr, preposition) to enter the company of (a group of people), esp by chance: he fell among thieves

■ fall apart   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to break owing to long use or poor construction: the chassis is falling apart   2 to become disorganized and ineffective: since you resigned, the office has fallen apart

■ fallaway (ˈfɔːləˌweI)   n   a shot in basketball made while moving away from the basket

■ fall away   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (of friendship) to be withdrawn   2 to slope down

■ fall back   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to recede or retreat   2 (foll by on or upon) to have recourse (to)   ▷ n fallback   3 a retreat   4 a reserve, esp money, that can be called upon in need   5    a anything to which one can have recourse as a second choice   b (as modifier): a fallback position

■ fall behind   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to drop back; fail to keep up   2 to be in arrears, as with a payment

■ fallboard (ˈfɔːlˌbɔːd)   n   1 the hinged cover for a piano keyboard   2 a shutter with hinges at the bottom

■ fall down   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to drop suddenly or collapse   2 (often foll by on) informal to prove unsuccessful; fail

■ fallen (ˈfɔːlən)   vb   1 the past participle of fall   ▷ adj   2 having sunk in reputation or honour: a fallen idol   3 killed in battle with glory: our fallen heroes   4 defeated

■ fallen arch   n   collapse of the arch formed by the instep of the foot, resulting in flat feet

■ faller (ˈfɔːlə)   n   1 any device that falls or operates machinery by falling, as in a spinning machine   2 one that falls, esp a horse that falls at a fence in a steeplechase   3 US and Canadian a person who fells trees

■ fallfish (ˈfɔːlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a large North American freshwater cyprinid fish, Semotilus corporalis, resembling the chub

■ fall for   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to become infatuated with (a person)   2 to allow oneself to be deceived by (a lie, trick, etc)

■ fall guy   n informal   1 a person who is the victim of a confidence trick   2 a scapegoat

■ fall in   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to collapse; no longer act as a support   2 to adopt a military formation, esp as a soldier taking his or her place in a line   3 (of a lease) to expire   4 (of land) to come into the owner's possession on the expiry of the lease   5 (often foll by with)   a to meet and join   b to agree with or support a person, suggestion, etc   6 Austral and NZ to make a mistake or come to grief   7 NZ to become pregnant   ▷ sentence substitute   8 the order to adopt a military formation

■ falling (ˈfɔːlIŋ)   adj   1 declining; deteriorating   2 coming down from a higher level

■ falling band   n   a man's large flat collar, often lace-trimmed, worn during the 17th century

■ falling-off   n   a decrease in amount or quality

■ falling-out   n   informal a quarrel

■ falling sickness or falling evil   n   a former name (nontechnical) for epilepsy

■ falling star   n   an informal name for meteor

■ fall line   n   1 skiing the natural downward course between two points on a slope   2 the edge of a plateau

■ fall off   vb (intr)   1 to drop unintentionally to the ground from (a high object, bicycle, etc), esp after losing one's balance   2 (adverb) to diminish in size, intensity, etc; decline or weaken: business fell off after Christmas   3 (adverb) nautical to allow or cause a vessel to sail downwind of her former heading   ▷ n fall-off   4 a decline or drop

■ fall-off   n   another name for falling-off

■ fall on   vb (intr, preposition)   1 Also: fall upon to attack or snatch (an army, booty, etc)   2 fall flat on one's face to fail, esp in a ridiculous or humiliating manner   3 fall on one's feet to emerge unexpectedly well from a difficult situation

■ fallout (ˈfɔːlˌaʊt)   n   1 the descent of solid material in the atmosphere onto the earth, esp of radioactive material following a nuclear explosion   2 any solid particles that so descend   3 informal side-effects; secondary consequences   ▷ vb fall out (intr, adverb)   4 informal to quarrel or disagree   5 (intr) to happen or occur   6 military to leave a parade or disciplinary formation   ▷ sentence substitute   7 military the order to leave a parade or disciplinary formation

■ fall over   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to lose one's balance and collapse to the ground   2 to fall from an upright position: the vase fell over   3 fall over oneself to do everything within one's power: he fell over himself to be as helpful as possible

■ falls (fɔːlz)   pl n   a waterfall

■ fall through   vb   (intr, adverb) to miscarry or fail

■ fall to   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) to begin some activity, as eating, working, or fighting   2 (preposition) to devolve on (a person): the task fell to me   3 fall to the ground (of a plan, theory, etc) to be rendered invalid, esp because of lack of necessary information

Fall (fɔːl)   n   the Fall theol Adam's sin of disobedience and the state of innate sinfulness ensuing from this for himself and all humankind. See also original sin

Falla (Spanish ˈfaʎa)   n   Manuel de (maˈnwɛl de). 1876–1946, Spanish composer and pianist, composer of the opera La Vida Breve (1905), the ballet The Three-Cornered Hat (1919), guitar and piano music, and songs

fallacy (ˈfæləsI)   n, pl -cies   1 an incorrect or misleading notion or opinion based on inaccurate facts or invalid reasoning   2 unsound or invalid reasoning   3 the tendency to mislead   4 logic an error in reasoning that renders an argument logically invalid [C15: from Latin fallācia, from fallax deceitful, from fallere to deceive]

■ fallacious (fəˈleIʃəs)   adj   1 containing or involving a fallacy; illogical; erroneous   2 tending to mislead   3 delusive or disappointing: a fallacious hope   > falˈlaciously adv   > falˈlaciousness n

■ fallacy of many questions   n   logic the rhetorical trick of asking a question that cannot be answered without admitting a presupposition that may be false, as have you stopped beating your wife?

fallal (fælˈlæl)   n   a showy ornament, trinket, or article of dress [C18: perhaps based on FALBALA]   > falˈlalery n

■ fallalish (fælˈlælIʃ)   adj   foppish

■ fallalishly (fælˈlælIʃlI)   adv   in a slightly affected manner

fallible (ˈfælIbəl)   adj   1 capable of being mistaken; erring   2 liable to mislead [C15: from Medieval Latin fallibilis, from Latin fallere to deceive]   > ˌfalliˈbility or ˈfallibleness n   > ˈfallibly adv

■ fallibilism (ˈfælIbəlˌIzəm)   n   the philosophical doctrine that knowledge is hypothetical rather than certain

■ fallibilist (ˈfælIbəlIst)   n   1 a supporter of fallibilism   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to fallibilism

Fall Line   n   a natural junction, running parallel to the E coast of the US, between the hard rocks of the Appalachians and the softer coastal plain, along which rivers form falls and rapids

Fallopian tube (fəˈləʊpIən)   n   either of a pair of slender tubes through which ova pass from the ovaries to the uterus in female mammals. See oviduct. Related adjectives: oviducal, oviductal [C18: named after Gabriello Fallopio (1523–62), Italian anatomist who first described the tubes]

Fallot's tetralogy (ˈfæləʊz)   n   a congenital heart disease in which there are four defects: pulmonary stenosis, enlarged right ventricle, a ventricular septal defect, and an aorta whose origin lies over the septal defect. In babies with this disease the defects can be corrected by surgery [C20: named after E. L. A. Fallot (1850–1911), French physician]

fallow^1 (ˈfæləʊ)   adj   1 (of land) left unseeded after being ploughed and harrowed to regain fertility for a crop   2 (of an idea, state of mind, etc) undeveloped or inactive, but potentially useful   ▷ n   3 land treated in this way   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to leave (land) unseeded after ploughing and harrowing it [Old English fealga; related to Greek polos ploughed field]   > ˈfallowness n

fallow^2 (ˈfæləʊ)   adj   of a light yellowish-brown colour [Old English fealu; related to Old Norse fölr, Old Saxon, Old High German falo, Latin pallidus Greek polios grey]

■ fallow deer   n   either of two deer, Dama dama or D. mesopotamica, native to the Mediterranean region and Persia respectively. The antlers are flattened and the summer coat is reddish with white spots

Fallujah (fəˈlʊdʒə)   n   a town in central Iraq, about 60 km west of Baghdad; a centre of resistance against the US-led invasion (2003) of Iraq. Pop: 223 000 (2005 est)

Falmouth (ˈfælməθ)   n   a port and resort in SW England, in S Cornwall. Pop: 21 635 (2001)

false (fɔːls)   adj   1 not in accordance with the truth or facts   2 irregular or invalid: a false start   3 untruthful or lying: a false account   4 not genuine, real, or natural; artificial; fake: false eyelashes   5 being or intended to be misleading or deceptive: a false rumour   6 disloyal or treacherous: a false friend   7 based on mistaken or irrelevant ideas or facts: false pride; a false argument   8 (prenominal) (esp of plants) superficially resembling the species specified: false hellebore   9 serving to supplement or replace, often temporarily: a false keel   10 music   a (of a note, interval, etc) out of tune   b (of the interval of a perfect fourth or fifth) decreased by a semitone   c (of a cadence) interrupted or imperfect   ▷ adv   11 in a false or dishonest manner (esp in the phrase play (someone) false) [Old English fals, from Latin falsus, from fallere to deceive]   > ˈfalsely adv   > ˈfalseness n

■ false acacia   n   the locust tree. See locust (sense 2)

■ false alarm   n   1 a needless alarm given in error or with intent to deceive   2 an occasion on which danger is perceived but fails to materialize

■ false ankylosis   n   a nontechnical name for pseudoarthrosis

■ false bedding   n   another name for cross bedding

■ false-card   vb   (intr) bridge to play a misleading card, esp a high loser, in order to deceive an opponent

■ false cirrus   n   a type of thick cirrus cloud spreading from the top of a cumulonimbus cloud

■ false colour   n   colour used in a computer or photographic display to help in interpreting the image, as in the use of red to show high temperatures and blue to show low temperatures in an infrared image converter

■ false colours   pl n   1 a flag to which one is not entitled, flown esp in order to deceive: the ship was sailing under false colours   2 an assumed or misleading name or guise: to trade under false colours

■ false dawn   n   zodiacal light appearing just before sunrise

■ false diamond   n   any of a number of semiprecious stones that resemble diamond, such as zircon and white topaz

■ falseface (ˈfɔːlsˌfeIs)   n   1 a mask   2 a deceitful person, a hypocrite

■ false flag   n   another name for false colours

■ false friend   n   a word or expression in one language that, because it resembles one in another language, is often wrongly taken to have the same meaning, for example, the French agenda which means diary, not agenda

■ false fruit   n   another name for pseudocarp

■ false-hearted   adj   literary treacherous

■ falsehood (ˈfɔːlsˌhʊd)   n   1 the quality of being untrue   2 an untrue statement; lie   3 the act of deceiving or lying

■ false imprisonment   n   law the restraint of a person's liberty without lawful authority

■ false joint   n   a nontechnical name for pseudoarthrosis

■ false keel   n   an extension to the keel of a vessel either for protecting the keel from damage or for reducing leeway

■ false memory syndrome   n   an alleged condition in which a person undergoing psychotherapy erroneously believes in traumatic events in his or her childhood. See also recovered memory

■ false negative   n   1 a result in a medical test that wrongly indicates the absence of the condition being tested for   2 a person from whom such a result is obtained

■ false nine   n   soccer a centre-forward who frequently retreats into midfield to become involved in creative play rather than concentrating solely on scoring goals [C21: referring to the shirt number 9 traditionally worn by a centre-forward]

■ false position   n   a situation in which a person is forced to act or seems to be acting against his or her principles or interests

■ false positive   n   1 a result in a medical test that wrongly indicates the presence of the condition being tested for   2 a person from whom such a result is obtained

■ false pregnancy   n   another name for phantom pregnancy

■ false pretences   pl n   1 criminal law a former name for deception. See obtaining by deception   2 a similar misrepresentation used to obtain anything, such as trust or affection (esp in the phrase under false pretences)

■ false relation   n   music a harmonic clash that occurs when a note in one part sounds simultaneously with or immediately before or after its chromatically altered (sharpened or flattened) equivalent appearing in another part. Also called (esp US): cross relation

■ false ribs   pl n   any of the lower five pairs of ribs in humans, attached behind to the thoracic vertebrae but in front not attached directly to the breastbone. See floating rib

■ falsers (ˈfɔːlsəz)   pl n   informal a colloquial term for false teeth

■ false scorpion   n   any small predatory arachnid of the order Pseudoscorpionida, which includes the book scorpion and is named from the claw-shaped palps, which are poison organs. See also book scorpion

■ false start   n   1 sport an illegal start to a race, caused by a competitor beginning to move before the prescribed signal   2 any premature attempt to begin an activity   ▷ vb false-start   3 (intr) to make a false start

■ false step   n   1 an unwise action   2 a stumble; slip

■ false teeth   pl n   a denture, esp a removable complete set of artificial teeth for one or both jaws

■ false vampire   n   any large insectivorous bat of the family Megadermatidae, of Africa, S and SE Asia, and Australia. They eat insects and small vertebrates but do not feed on blood

■ falsework (ˈfɔːlsˌwɜːk)   n   a framework supporting something under construction

■ falsidical (fɔːlˈsIdIkəl)   adj   based on a falsehood

■ falsies (ˈfɔːlsIz)   pl n   informal pads of soft material, such as foam rubber, worn to exaggerate the size of or simulate the appearance of a woman's breasts

■ falsifiability (ˌfɔːlsIˌfaIəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being falsifiable

■ falsify (ˈfɔːlsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to make (a report, evidence, accounts, etc) false or inaccurate by alteration, esp in order to deceive   2 to prove false; disprove [C15: from Old French falsifier, from Late Latin falsificāre, from Latin falsus FALSE + facere to make]   > ˈfalsiˌfiable adj   > falsification (ˌfɔːlsIfIˈkeIʃən) n   > ˈfalsiˌfier n

■ falsish (ˈfɔːlsIʃ)   adj   reasonably false

■ falsism (ˈfɔːlsIzəm)   n   a statement which is clearly false

■ falsity (ˈfɔːlsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state of being false or untrue   2 something false; a lie or deception

False Bay   n   a bay in SW South Africa, near the Cape of Good Hope

falsetto (fɔːlˈsɛtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a form of vocal production used by male singers to extend their range upwards beyond its natural compass by limiting the vibration of the vocal cords [C18: from Italian, from falso FALSE]

Falstaffian (fɔːlˈstɑːfIən)   adj   jovial, plump, and dissolute [C19: after Sir John Falstaff, a character in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts I–II (1597)]

Falster (ˈfɑːlstə)   n   an island in the Baltic Sea, part of SE Denmark. Chief town: Nykøbing. Pop: 43 537 (2003 est). Area: 513 sq km (198 sq miles)

faltboat (ˈfæltˌbəʊt)   n   a collapsible boat made of waterproof material stretched over a light framework [German Faltboot, from falten to FOLD^1 + Boot BOAT]

falter (ˈfɔːltə)   vb   1 (intr) to be hesitant, weak, or unsure; waver   2 (intr) to move unsteadily or hesitantly; stumble   3 to utter haltingly or hesitantly; stammer   ▷ n   4 uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action   5 a quavering or irregular sound [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic faltrast]   > ˈfalterer n

■ faltering (ˈfɔːltərIŋ)   adj   1 unsteady; shaky   2 not fluent; hesitant   3 experiencing difficulties; struggling   > ˈfalteringly adv

Falun (ˌfɑːˈlʌn)   n   a city in central Sweden: iron and pyrites mines. Pop: 55 009 (2004 est)

Falun Gong (ˌfæluːn ˈɡuːŋ)   n   a modern religious movement combining aspects of Buddhism and Taoism, esp the practice of qi gong, founded by Li Hongzhi in 1992 [C20: from Chinese, falun dharma wheel (from fa law, lun wheel) + gong practice]

falx (fælks)   n   1 any sickle-shaped anatomical structure   2 a sickle-shaped tool or weapon

Famagusta (ˌfæməˈɡʊstə)   n   a port in E Cyprus, on Famagusta Bay: became one of the richest cities in Christendom in the 14th century. Pop: 35 453 (2006)

fame (feIm)   n   1 the state of being widely known or recognized; renown; celebrity   2 archaic rumour or public report   ▷ vb   3 (tr; now usually passive) to make known or famous; celebrate: the area was famed for its beauty [C13: from Latin fāma report; related to fārī to say]   > famed adj

■ fameless (ˈfeImləs)   adj   without fame, unknown

familiar (fəˈmIlIə)   adj   1 well-known; easily recognized: a familiar figure   2 frequent or customary: a familiar excuse   3 (postpositive; foll by with) acquainted   4 friendly; informal   5 close; intimate   6 more intimate than is acceptable; presumptuous   7 an archaic word for familial   ▷ n   8 Also called: familiar spirit a supernatural spirit often assuming animal form, supposed to attend and aid a witch, wizard, etc   9 a person, attached to the household of the pope or a bishop, who renders service in return for support   10 an officer of the Inquisition who arrested accused persons   11 a friend or frequent companion [C14: from Latin familiāris domestic, from familia FAMILY]   > faˈmiliarly adv   > faˈmiliarness n

■ familiarity (fəˌmIlIˈærItI)   n, pl -ties   1 reasonable knowledge or acquaintance, as with a subject or place   2 close acquaintanceship or intimacy   3 undue intimacy   4 (sometimes plural) an instance of unwarranted intimacy

■ familiarize or familiarise (fəˈmIljəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to make (oneself or someone else) familiar, as with a particular subject   2 to make (something) generally known or accepted   > faˌmiliariˈzation or faˌmiliariˈsation n   > faˈmiliarˌizer or faˈmiliarˌiser n

Familist (ˈfæmIlIst)   n   a member of the Family of Love, a mystical Christian religious sect of the 16th and 17th centuries based upon love   > ˈFamiˌlism n

familistic (ˌfæmIˈlIstIk)   adj   1 Christianity of or relating to Familists or Familism   2 relating to a family unit

famille French (famij)   n   a type of Chinese porcelain characterized either by a design on a background of yellow (famille jaune) or black (famille noire) or by a design in which the predominant colour is pink (famille rose) or green (famille verte) [C19: literally: family]

family (ˈfæmIlI, ˈfæmlI)   n, pl -lies   1    a a primary social group consisting of parents and their offspring, the principal function of which is provision for its members   b (as modifier): family quarrels; a family unit   2 one's wife or husband and one's children   3 one's children, as distinguished from one's husband or wife   4 a group of persons related by blood; a group descended from a common ancestor. Compare extended family   5 all the persons living together in one household   6 any group of related things or beings, esp when scientifically categorized   7 biology any of the taxonomic groups into which an order is divided and which contains one or more genera. Felidae (cat family) and Canidae (dog family) are two families of the order Carnivora   8 ecology a group of organisms of the same species living together in a community   9 a group of historically related languages assumed to derive from one original language   10 chiefly US an independent local group of the Mafia   11 maths a group of curves or surfaces whose equations differ from a given equation only in the values assigned to one or more constants in each curve: a family of concentric circles   12 physics the isotopes, collectively, that comprise a radioactive series   13 in the family way informal pregnant [C15: from Latin familia a household, servants of the house, from famulus servant]

■ familial (fəˈmIlIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the family   2 occurring in the members of a family: a familial disease

■ family allowance   n   (in some countries) a regular government payment to the parents of children up to a certain age

■ family balancing   n   US the choosing of the sex of a future child on the basis of how many children of each sex a family already has

■ family Bible   n   a large Bible used for family worship in which births, marriages, and deaths are recorded

■ family circle   n   1 members of a family regarded as a closed group   2 chiefly US the cheap seating area in a theatre behind or above the dress circle

■ Family Compact   n Canadian   1 the Family Compact the ruling oligarchy in Upper Canada in the early 19th century   2 (often not capitals) any influential clique

■ family credit   n   (formerly, in Britain) a means-tested allowance paid to low-earning families with one or more dependent children and one or both parents in work: replaced by Working Families' Tax Credit in 1999

■ Family Division   n   Brit law a division of the High Court of Justice dealing with divorce, the rights of access to children, etc

■ family doctor   n   See general practitioner

■ family grouping   n   a system, used usually in the infant school, of grouping children of various ages together, esp for project work. Also called: vertical grouping

■ family jewels   pl n   slang a man's genitals

■ family man   n   a man who has a partner and children, esp one who is devoted to his family

■ family-minded   adj   devoted to one's family

■ family name   n   1 a surname, esp when regarded as representing the family honour   2 a first or middle name frequently used in a family, often originally a surname

■ family planning   n   the control of the number of children in a family and of the intervals between them, esp by the use of contraceptives. See also birth control

■ family skeleton   n   a closely guarded family secret

■ family support   n   NZ a means-tested allowance for families in need

■ family therapy   n   a form of psychotherapy in which the members of a family participate, with the aim of improving communications between them and the ways in which they relate to each other

■ family tree   n   a chart showing the genealogical relationships and lines of descent of a family. Also called: genealogical tree

famine (ˈfæmIn)   n   1 a severe shortage of food, as through crop failure or overpopulation   2 acute shortage of anything   3 violent hunger [C14: from Old French, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin famēs hunger]

famish (ˈfæmIʃ)   vb   1 (now usually passive) to be or make very hungry or weak   2 archaic to die or cause to die from starvation   3 Irish to make very cold: I was famished with the cold [C14: from Old French afamer, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin famēs FAMINE]   > ˈfamishment n

■ famished (ˈfæmIʃt)   adj   1 informal very hungry or weak   2 suffering from starvation

famous (ˈfeIməs)   adj   1 known to or recognized by many people; renowned   2 informal excellent; splendid   3 archaic of ill repute [C14: from Latin fāmōsus; see FAME]   > ˈfamousness n

■ famously (ˈfeIməslI)   adv   1 well-known: her famously relaxed manner   2 very well: the two got on famously

famulus (ˈfæmjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   (formerly) the attendant of a sorcerer or scholar [C19: from Latin: servant]

fan^1 (fæn)   n   1    a any device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or number of surfaces, esp a rotating device consisting of a number of blades attached to a central hub   b a machine that rotates such a device   2 any of various hand-agitated devices for cooling oneself, esp a collapsible semicircular series of flat segments of paper, ivory, etc   3 something shaped like such a fan, such as the tail of certain birds   4 agriculture   a a kind of basket formerly used for winnowing grain   b a machine equipped with a fan for winnowing or cleaning grain   ▷ vb fans, fanning, fanned (mainly tr)   5 to cause a current of air, esp cool air, to blow upon, as by means of a fan: to fan one's face   6 to agitate or move (air, smoke, etc) with or as if with a fan   7 to make fiercer, more ardent, etc: fan one's passion   8 (also intr; often foll by out) to spread out or cause to spread out in the shape of a fan   9    a to fire (an automatic gun) continuously by keeping the trigger depressed   b to fire (a nonautomatic gun) several times by repeatedly chopping back the hammer with the palm   10 to winnow (grain) by blowing the chaff away from it [Old English fann, from Latin vannus]   > ˈfanlike adj   > ˈfanner n

■ fan belt   n   any belt that drives a fan, esp the belt that drives a cooling fan together with a dynamo or alternator in a car engine

■ fan dance   n   a dance in which large fans are manipulated in front of the body, partially revealing or suggesting nakedness

■ fanfold (ˈfænfəʊld)   vb (tr)   to fold (paper) in the manner of a fan

■ fan heater   n   a space heater consisting of an electrically heated element with an electrically driven fan to disperse the heat by forced convection

■ fanjet (ˈfænˌdʒɛt)   n   another name for turbofan (sense 1), turbofan (sense 2)

■ fanlight (ˈfænˌlaIt)   n   1 a semicircular window over a door or window, often having sash bars like the ribs of a fan   2 a small rectangular window over a door. US name: transom   3 another name for skylight

■ fan palm   n   any of various palm trees, such as the talipot and palmetto, that have fan-shaped leaves. Compare feather palm

■ fan-shaped   adj   shaped like a fan

■ fantail (ˈfænˌteIl)   n   1 a breed of domestic pigeon having a large tail that can be opened like a fan   2 any Old World flycatcher of the genus Rhipidura, of Australia, New Zealand, and SE Asia, having a broad fan-shaped tail   3 a tail shaped like an outspread fan   4 architect a part or structure having a number of components radiating from a common centre   5 a burner that ejects fuel to produce a wide flat flame in a lamp or furnace   6 a flat jet of air and coal dust projected into the air stream of a pulverized-coal furnace   7 an auxiliary sail on the upper portion of a windmill that turns the mill to face the wind   8 US a curved part of the deck projecting aft of the sternpost of a ship   > ˈfan-ˌtailed adj

■ fan tracery   n   architect the carved ornamentation on fan vaulting

■ fan vaulting   n   architect vaulting having ribs that radiate like those of a fan and spring from the top of a capital or corbel. Also called: palm vaulting

■ fanwise (ˈfænˌwaIz)   adj   1 resembling an open fan   ▷ adv   2 in the manner of an open fan

■ fan worm   n   any tube-dwelling polychaete worm of the family Sabellidae, having long tentacles that spread into a fan when the worm emerges from its tube

■ fanwort (ˈfænˌwɜːt)   n   an aquatic plant of the family Cabombaceae with fan-shaped leaves, often used in aquaria

fan^2 (fæn)   n   1 an ardent admirer of a pop star, film actor, football team, etc   2 a devotee of a sport, hobby, etc [C17, re-formed C19: from FAN(ATIC)]

■ fanbase (ˈfænˌbeIs)   n   the body of admirers of a particular pop singer, football team, etc

■ fanboy (ˈfænˌbɔI)   n   informal an overly obsessive male fan of music, film, etc.

■ fan club   n   1 an organized group of admirers of a particular pop singer, film star, etc   2 be a member of someone's fan club informal to approve of someone strongly

■ fandom (ˈfændəm)   n   1 a collection of fans or enthusiasts   2 the realm of fans and enthusiasts   3 the state of being a fan or enthusiast

■ fan fiction   n   fiction written by a fan of, and involving characters featured in, a particular film, television series, etc

■ fangirl (ˈfænˌɡɜːl)   n   informal an overly obsessive female fan of music, film, etc.

■ fan mail   n   mail sent to a famous person, such as a pop musician or film star, by admirers

■ fansite, fan-site or fan site (ˈfænsaIt)   n   a website dedicated to a particular person or subject and run by a fan or fans of the person or subject

■ fanzine (ˈfænˌziːn)   n   a small-circulation magazine produced by amateurs for fans of a specific interest, pop group, etc [C20: from FAN^2 + (MAGA)ZINE]

■ fan zone   n   a public area where refreshments and entertainment are provided to fans before and during a nearby event

Fanagalo (ˈfænəɡələʊ) or Fanakalo (ˈfænəkələʊ)   n   (in South Africa) a Zulu-based pidgin with English and Afrikaans components, esp associated with the mines [C20: from Fanagalo fana go lo, literally: to be like this; compare Zulu fand to be like, ka-lo of this]

fanal (ˈfeInəl)   n   obsolete a lighthouse or beacon

fanatic (fəˈnætIk)   n   1 a person whose enthusiasm or zeal for something is extreme or beyond normal limits   2 informal a person devoted to a particular hobby or pastime; fan: a jazz fanatic   ▷ adj   3 a variant of fanatical [C16: from Latin fānāticus belonging to a temple, hence, inspired by a god, frenzied, from fānum temple]

■ fanatical (fəˈnætIkəl)   adj   surpassing what is normal or accepted in enthusiasm for or belief in something; excessively or unusually dedicated or devoted   > faˈnatically adv

■ fanaticalness (fəˈnætIkəlnəs)   n   the quality of being fanatical, fanaticism

■ fanaticism (fəˈnætIˌsIzəm)   n   wildly excessive or irrational devotion, dedication, or enthusiasm

■ fanaticization or fanaticisation (fəˌnætIsaIˈzeIʃən)   n rare   1 the act or an instance of making people fanatical   2 the act or an instance of becoming fanatical

■ fanaticize or fanaticise (fəˈnætIˌsaIz)   vb   to make or become fanatical

Fanconi anaemia (fænˈkəʊnI)   n   a rare genetic disorder that can cause bone marrow failure, leukaemia, and tumours [C20: after Guido Fanconi (1892–1979), Swiss doctor who first described the disorder]

fancy (ˈfænsI)   adj -cier, -ciest   1 not plain; ornamented or decorative: a fancy cake; fancy clothes   2 requiring skill to perform; intricate: a fancy dance routine   3 arising in the imagination; capricious or illusory   4 (often used ironically) superior in quality or impressive: a fancy course in business administration   5 higher than expected: fancy prices   6 (of a domestic animal) bred for particular qualities   ▷ n, pl -cies   7 a sudden capricious idea; whim   8 a sudden or irrational liking for a person or thing   9 the power to conceive and represent decorative and novel imagery, esp in poetry. Fancy was held by Coleridge to be more casual and superficial than imagination. See imagination (sense 4)   10 an idea or thing produced by this   11 a mental image   12 taste or judgment, as in art of dress   13 Also called: fantasy, fantasia music a composition for solo lute, keyboard, etc, current during the 16th and 17th centuries   14 the fancy archaic those who follow a particular sport, esp prize fighting   ▷ vb -cies, -cying, -cied (tr)   15 to picture in the imagination   16 to suppose; imagine: I fancy it will rain   17 (often used with a negative) to like: I don't fancy your chances!   18 (reflexive) to have a high or ill-founded opinion of oneself: he fancied himself as a doctor   19 informal to have a wish for; desire: she fancied some chocolate   20 Brit informal to be physically attracted to (another person)   21 to breed (animals) for particular characteristics   ▷ interj   22 Also: fancy that! an exclamation of surprise or disbelief [C15 fantsy, shortened from fantasie; see FANTASY]   > ˈfancily adv   > ˈfanciness n

■ fanciable (ˈfænsIəbəl)   adj   Brit informal physically attractive

■ fancied (ˈfænsId)   adj   1 imaginary; unreal   2 thought likely to win or succeed: a fancied runner

■ fancier (ˈfænsIə)   n   1 a person with a special interest in something   2 a person who breeds plants or animals, often as a pastime: a bird fancier

■ fanciful (ˈfænsIfʊl)   adj   1 not based on fact; dubious or imaginary: fanciful notions   2 made or designed in a curious, intricate, or imaginative way   3 indulging in or influenced by fancy; whimsical   > ˈfancifully adv   > ˈfancifulness n

■ fancify (ˈfænsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to imagine (something)   2 to make more fancy

■ fanciless (ˈfænsIləs)   adj   without fancy or imagination

■ fancy dress   n     a costume worn at masquerades, etc, usually representing a particular role, historical figure, etc   b (as modifier): a fancy-dress ball

■ fancy-free   adj   having no commitments; carefree

■ fancy goods   pl n   small decorative gifts; knick-knacks

■ fancy man   n slang   1 a person's male lover   2 a pimp

■ fancy woman   n slang   1 a person's female lover   2 a prostitute

■ fancywork (ˈfænsIˌwɜːk)   n   any ornamental needlework, such as embroidery or crochet

fand (fænd)   n obsolete   1 the act of trying or testing   2 a trial or test   ▷ vb (tr)   3 obsolete to try or test

fandabidozi (ˈfændæbIˌdəʊzI)   interj   informal an expression of admiration or enthusiasm [C20: altered from FANTASTIC; popularized by The Krankies, a Scottish comedy duo ]

fandangle (fænˈdæŋɡəl)   n informal   1 elaborate ornament   2 nonsense [C19: perhaps from FANDANGO]

fandango (fænˈdæŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   1 an old Spanish courtship dance in triple time between a couple who dance closely and provocatively   2 a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance [C18: from Spanish, of uncertain origin]

fane (feIn)   n   archaic or poetic a temple or shrine [C14: from Latin fānum]

fanega (fæˈneIɡə)   n   a unit of capacity, mass or land area used in Spanish-speaking countries, its value dependent on the country in which it is being used

fanegada (ˌfænəˈɡɑːdə)   n   a unit of land area used in Spanish-speaking countries, originally equivalent to the amount of land required to sow a fanega of wheat (6425 square metres)

fanfare (ˈfænfɛə)   n   1 a flourish or short tune played on brass instruments, used as a military signal, at a ceremonial event, etc   2 an ostentatious flourish or display   ▶ Also called: fanfarade [C17: from French, back formation from fanfarer to play a flourish on trumpets; see FANFARONADE]

fanfaron (ˈfænfəˌrɒn)   n   a boaster, a braggart

fanfarona (ˌfænfəˈrəʊnə)   n   a gold chain

fanfaronade (ˌfænfərəˈnɑːd)   n   rare boasting or flaunting behaviour; bluster [C17: via French from Spanish fanfarronada, from fanfarrón boaster, from Arabic farfār garrulous]

fanfic (ˈfænˌfIk)   n   short for fan fiction

fang^1 (fæŋ)   n   1 the long pointed hollow or grooved tooth of a venomous snake through which venom is injected   2 any large pointed tooth, esp the canine or carnassial tooth of a carnivorous mammal   3 the root of a tooth   4 (usually plural) Brit informal tooth: clean your fangs [Old English fang what is caught, prey; related to Old Norse fang a grip, German Fang booty]   > fanged adj   > ˈfangless adj   > ˈfangˌlike adj

fang^2 (fæŋ) Austral informal   vb (intr)   1 to drive at great speed   ▷ n   2 an act or instance of driving in such a way: we took the car for a fang [C20: from Juan Manuel FANGIO]

Fang (fæŋ, fɑːŋ)   n   1 (pl Fangs or Fang) a member of a people of W Africa, living chiefly in the rain forests of Gabon and Rio Muni: noted for their use of iron and copper money and for their sculpture   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family

Fangio (Spanish ˈfaŋxjo)   n   Juan Manuel (xwan maˈnwɛl). 1911–95, Argentinian racing driver who won the Formula One World Championship five times between 1951 and 1957

fangle (ˈfæŋɡəl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to fashion or invent

Fang Lizhi (fæŋ ˈliːˈdʒI)   n   1936–2012, Chinese astrophysicist and human-rights campaigner, lived in the US from 1990

fango (ˈfæŋɡəʊ)   n   mud from thermal springs in Italy, used in the treatment of rheumatic disease [from Italian]

Fa Ngum (ˈfɑː ˈŋʊm)   n   1316–74, founder and first king of Lan Xang (1354–73), a kingdom that included the present-day republic of Laos; abdicated

fanion (ˈfænjən)   n   a small flag used by surveyors to mark stations [C18: from French, from fanon maniple, of Germanic origin]

fank (fæŋk) Scot dialect   n   1 a sheep pen   2 a coil or noose (of rope)   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to put sheep in a pen, to securely contain

fankle (ˈfæŋkəl) Scot dialect   vb (tr)   1 to entangle   ▷ n   2 a tangle; confusion [from fank a coil of rope, from fang, obsolete variant of VANG]

fannel (ˈfænəl)   n   another name for fanon

Fannie Mae (ˈfænI meI)   n   (in the US) an informal name for the Federal National Mortgage Association: a private company that buys and sells mortgage debt [C20: altered from the initials FNMA]

fanny (ˈfænI)   n, pl -nies slang   1 vulgar, Brit the female genitals   2 chiefly US and Canadian the buttocks [C20: perhaps from Fanny, pet name from Frances]

USAGE

Despite the theory that this word derives from the name 'Fanny', its use in British English is still considered vulgar by many people, and it could cause offence. In the US the word refers to the buttocks. Serious misunderstanding may therefore arise when what people in Britain know as a 'bumbag' is referred to in the US as a 'fanny pack'

fanny adams   n Brit slang   1 (usually preceded by sweet) absolutely nothing at all. Often shortened to: f.a., FA, SFA   2 chiefly nautical (formerly) tinned meat, esp mutton [C19: for sense 1: a euphemism for the taboo expression fuck all for sense 2: from the name of a young murder victim whose body was cut up into small pieces. ]

fanon (ˈfænən)   n RC Church   1 a collar-shaped vestment worn by the pope when celebrating mass   2 (formerly) various pieces of embroidered fabric used in the liturgy [Middle English, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German fano cloth]

fansub (ˈfænsʌb)   n   the subtitling of foreign, esp animated, films by fans [C21: from FAN^2 + SUB(TITLE)]

fantabulous (fænˈtæbjʊləs)   adj   informal very good; excellent

fantad (ˈfæntɑːd)   n   another word for fantod

fan-tan   n   1 a Chinese gambling game in which a random number of counters are placed under a bowl and wagers laid on how many will remain after they have been divided by four   2 a card game played in sequence, the winner being the first to use up all his or her cards [C19: from Chinese (Cantonese) fan t'an repeated divisions, from fan times + t'an division]

fantasia (fænˈteIzIə, ˌfæntəˈzIə)   n   1 any musical composition of a free or improvisatory nature   2 a potpourri of popular tunes woven freely into a loosely bound composition   3 another word for fancy (sense 13) [C18: from Italian: fancy; see FANTASY]

fantasm (ˈfæntæzəm)   n   an archaic spelling of phantasm   > fanˈtasmal or fanˈtasmic adj   > fanˈtasmally or fanˈtasmically adv

fantasque (ˌfænˈtæsk)   n   1 obsolete a fantasy, a fancy   ▷ adj   2 archaic fantastic, fanciful

fantast (ˈfæntæst)   n   a dreamer or visionary [C16: from German Phantast, from Greek phantastēs boaster; English word influenced in meaning by FANTASTIC]

fantastic (fænˈtæstIk)   adj also fantastical   1 strange, weird, or fanciful in appearance, conception, etc   2 created in the mind; illusory   3 extravagantly fanciful; unrealistic: fantastic plans   4 incredible or preposterous; absurd: a fantastic verdict   5 informal very large or extreme; great: a fantastic fortune; he suffered fantastic pain   6 informal very good; excellent   7 of, given to, or characterized by fantasy   8 not constant; capricious; fitful: given to fantastic moods   ▷ n   9 archaic a person who dresses or behaves eccentrically [C14 fantastik imaginary, via Late Latin from Greek phantastikos capable of imagining, from phantazein to make visible]   > ˌfantastiˈcality or fanˈtasticalness n

■ fantastically (fænˈtæstIkəlI)   adv   1 in a fantastic manner   2 informal (intensifier): it's fantastically cheap

■ fantasticate (fænˈtæstIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   to make fantastic

■ fantastication (fænˈtæstIˌkeIʃən)   n   the act of making fantastic

■ fantasticism (fænˈtæstIˈsIzəm)   n   1 the quality of being fantastic   2 the use of fantasy in art or literature

fantastico (fænˈtæstIˌkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   obsolete a whimsical or irrational person

fantastry (ˈfæntəstrI)   n, pl -ries   obsolete a fantastic or ostentatious display

fantasy or phantasy (ˈfæntəsI)   n, pl -sies   1    a imagination unrestricted by reality   b (as modifier): a fantasy world   2 a creation of the imagination, esp a weird or bizarre one   3 psychol   a a series of pleasing mental images, usually serving to fulfil a need not gratified in reality   b the activity of forming such images   4 a whimsical or far-fetched notion   5 an illusion, hallucination, or phantom   6 a highly elaborate imaginative design or creation   7 music another word for fantasia, fancy (sense 13), (rarely) development (sense 5)   8    a literature having a large fantasy content   b a prose or dramatic composition of this type   9 (modifier) of or relating to a competition, often in a newspaper, in which a participant selects players for an imaginary ideal team, and points are awarded according to the actual performances of the chosen players: fantasy football   ▷ vb -sies, -sying, -sied   10 a less common word for fantasize [C14 fantasie, from Latin phantasia, from Greek phantazein to make visible]

■ fantasist (ˈfæntəsIst)   n   1 a person who indulges in fantasies   2 a person who writes musical or literary fantasies

■ fantasize or fantasise (ˈfæntəˌsaIz)   vb   1 (when tr, takes a clause as object) to conceive extravagant or whimsical ideas, images, etc   2 (intr) to conceive pleasant or satisfying mental images

■ fantasizer or fantasiser (ˈfæntəˌsaIzə)   n   a person who fantasizes, a fantasist

■ fantasyland (ˈfæntəsIˌlænd)   n   an imagined, idealized place

fanteeg (ˌfænˈtiːɡ)   n   dialect an anxious or excited state

Fanti (ˈfæntI)   n   1 a language of Ghana: one of the two chief dialects of Akan. Compare Twi   2 (pl -tis or -ti) a member of a people who speak this language, inhabiting the rain forests of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire

Fantin-Latour (French fɑ̃tɛ̃latur)   n   (Ignace) Henri (Joseph Théodore) (ɑ̃ri). 1836–1904, French painter, noted for his still lifes and portrait groups

fantoccini (ˌfæntəˈtʃiːnI)   pl n   1 marionettes   2 puppet shows in which they are used [C18: from Italian: little puppets, plural of fantoccino, from fantoccio puppet, from fante boy, from Latin infāns INFANT]

fantod (ˈfæntəd) or fantad (ˈfæntɑːd)   n   1 crotchety or faddish behaviour   2 (pl) a state of restlessness or unease [C19: of uncertain origin]

fantom (ˈfæntəm)   n   an archaic spelling of phantom

fantoosh (fænˈtuːʃ)   adj   Scot pretentious; ostentatious [C20: origin uncertain but perhaps from French fantoche or Italian fantoccino puppet]

fanum (ˈfɑːnəm)   n   a temple or sacred place

FANY (ˈfænI)   n acronym for   1 First Aid Nursing Yeomanry   2 Also called: Fany, Fanny (pl FANYs, Fanys, Fannies) a member of this organization

FAO   abbreviation for   1 Food and Agriculture Organization (of the United Nations)   2 for the attention of

fap (fæp)   adj   obsolete drunk or confused

FAQ computing   abbreviation for   frequently asked question or questions: a text file containing basic information on a particular subject

f.a.q. commerce   abbreviation for   fair average quality

faqir (fəˈkIə, ˈfeIkə)   n   a variant spelling of fakir

far (fɑː)   adv farther or further, farthest or furthest   1 at, to, or from a great distance   2 at or to a remote time: far in the future   3 to a considerable degree; very much: a far better plan   4 as far as   a to the degree or extent that   b to the distance or place of   c informal with reference to; as for   5 by far by a considerable margin   6 far and away by a very great margin   7 far and wide over great distances; everywhere   8 far be it from me I would not presume; on no account: far be it from me to tell you what to do   9 far gone   a in an advanced state of deterioration   b informal extremely drunk   10 go far   a to be successful; achieve much: your son will go far   b to be sufficient or last long: the wine didn't go far   11 go too far to exceed reasonable limits   12 how far? to what extent, distance, or degree?   13 in so far as to the degree or extent that   14 so far   a up to the present moment   b up to a certain point, extent, degree, etc   15 so far, so good an expression of satisfaction with progress made   ▷ adj (prenominal)   16 remote in space or time: a far country; in the far past   17 extending a great distance; long   18 more distant: the far end of the room   19 a far cry   a a long way   b something very different   20 far from in a degree, state, etc, remote from: we are far from finished [Old English feorr; related to Old Frisian fīr, Old High German ferro, Latin porro forwards, Greek pera further]   > ˈfarness n

■ faraway (ˈfɑːrəˌweI)   adj (far away when postpositive)   1 very distant; remote   2 dreamy or absent-minded

■ farawayness (ˌfɑːrəˈweInəs)   n   the state of being faraway

■ Far East   n   the Far East the countries of E Asia, usually including China, Japan, North and South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines: sometimes extended to include all territories east of Afghanistan

■ Far Eastern   adj   of or relating to the Far East (E Asia) or its inhabitants

■ far-fetched   adj   improbable in nature; unlikely

■ farfetchedness (ˌfɑːˈfɛtʃIdnəs, ˌfɑːˈfɛtʃtnəs)   n   the quality of being far-fetched

■ far-flung   adj   1 widely distributed   2 far distant; remote

■ far-left   adj   politics of or relating to the extreme left wing

■ farmost (ˈfɑːˌməʊst)   adj   farthest, most distant

■ Far North   n   the Far North the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the world

■ far-off   adj (far off when postpositive)   remote in space or time; distant

■ far-out slang   adj (far out when postpositive)   1 bizarre or avant-garde   2 excellent; wonderful   ▷ interj far out   3 an expression of amazement or delight

■ far-reaching   adj   extensive in influence, effect, or range

■ far-right   adj   politics of or relating to the extreme right wing

■ far-seeing   adj   having shrewd judgment; far-sighted

■ farside (ˈfɑːˌsaId)   n   the farthest side, esp the side of the Moon which faces away from the Earth

■ far-sighted   adj   1 possessing prudence and foresight   2 med of, relating to, or having hyperopia   3 another word for long-sighted   > ˌfar-ˈsightedly adv   > ˌfar-ˈsightedness n

farad (ˈfærəd, -æd)   n   physics the derived SI unit of electric capacitance; the capacitance of a capacitor between the plates of which a potential of 1 volt is created by a charge of 1 coulomb. Symbol: F [C19: named after Michael FARADAY]

Faraday (ˈfærəˌdeI)   n   Michael. 1791–1867, English physicist and chemist who discovered electromagnetic induction, leading to the invention of the dynamo. He also carried out research into the principles of electrolysis

■ faraday (ˈfærəˌdeI)   n   a quantity of electricity, used in electrochemical calculations, equivalent to unit amount of substance of electrons. It is equal to the product of the Avogadro number and the charge on the electron and has the value 96 487 coulombs per mole. Symbol: F [C20: named after Michael FARADAY]

■ Faraday cage   n   an earthed conducting cage or container used to protect electrical equipment against electric fields [C20: named after Michael FARADAY]

faradic (fəˈrædIk) or faradaic (ˌfærəˈdeIIk)   adj   of or concerned with an intermittent asymmetric alternating current such as that induced in the secondary winding of an induction coil [C19: from French faradique, from Michael FARADAY]

■ faradism (ˈfærəˌdIzəm)   n   the therapeutic use of faradic currents

■ faradize or faradise (ˈfærəˌdaIz)   vb   (tr) obsolete to treat (an organ or part) with faradic currents   > ˌfaradiˈzation or ˌfaradiˈsation n   > ˈfaraˌdizer or ˈfaraˌdiser n

Farage (ˈfærɑːʒ)   n   Nigel (Paul). born 1964, British politician; leader of UKIP (2006–09 and 2010–2016); member of the European Parliament from 1999

Farah (ˈfærə)   n   Sir Mo(hamed). born 1983, British long-distance runner, born in Somalia: winner of the 5000 metres and the 10,000 metres at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics

-farand   adj   (in combination) having a specified manner or appearance: evil-farand

farandine (ˈfærəndiːn)   n   obsolete a cloth made from silk and wool (or silk and hair)

farandole (ˈfærənˌdəʊl; French farɑ̃dɔl)   n   1 a lively dance in six-eight or four-four time from Provence   2 a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance [C19: from French, from Provençal farandoulo, of uncertain origin; compare Spanish farándula itinerant group of actors]

farang (fəˈlɑːŋ)   n   (in Thailand) a foreigner [C20: Thai]

farborough (ˈfɑːbərə)   n   not standard an under-constable of a township [C16: coined by Shakespeare in Love's Labours Lost (1594) as a solecism for THIRDBOROUGH]

FARC (fɑːk)   n acronym for   Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a Marxist revolutionary guerrilla force that engaged in armed struggle against the government of Colombia from 1964 to 2016

farce (fɑːs)   n   1 a broadly humorous play based on the exploitation of improbable situations   2 the genre of comedy represented by works of this kind   3 a ludicrous situation or action   4 Also: farcemeat. another name for forcemeat   ▷ vb (tr) obsolete   5 to enliven (a speech, etc) with jokes   6 to stuff (meat, fowl, etc) with forcemeat [C14 (in the sense: stuffing): from Old French, from Latin farcīre to stuff, interpolate passages (in the mass, in religious plays, etc)]

■ farceur French (farsœr)   n   1 a writer of or performer in farces   2 a joker   > farˈceuse fem n

■ farcical (ˈfɑːsIkəl)   adj   1 ludicrous; absurd   2 of or relating to farce   > ˌfarciˈcality or ˈfarcicalness n   > ˈfarcically adv

■ farcify (ˈfɑːsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to make into a farce

farci (fɑːˈsiː)   adj   (of food) stuffed [French: stuffed; see FARCE]

farcy (ˈfɑːsI)   n, pl -cies   vet science a form of glanders in which lymph vessels near the skin become thickened, with skin lesions and abscess-forming nodules, caused by a bacterium, Burkholderia mallei. Also called: farcin [C15: from Old French farcin, from Late Latin farcīminum glanders, from Latin farcīmen a sausage, from farcīre to stuff]

■ farcied (ˈfɑːsiːd)   adj   vet science (of a horse) afflicted with farcy

fard (fɑːd)   n   archaic paint for the face, esp white paint [C15: from Old French farder to use facial cosmetics, of Germanic origin]

fardage (ˈfɑːdIdʒ)   n   another name for dunnage

fardel (ˈfɑːdəl)   n   archaic a bundle or burden [C13: from Old French farde, ultimately from Arabic fardah]

farden (ˈfɑːdən)   n   a dialect word for farthing

fare (fɛə)   n   1 the sum charged or paid for conveyance in a bus, train, aeroplane, etc   2 a paying passenger, esp when carried by taxi   3 a range of food and drink; diet   ▷ vb (intr)   4 to get on (as specified); manage: he fared well   5 (with it as a subject) to turn out or happen as specified: the film fared badly with the critics   6 archaic to eat: we fared sumptuously   7 (often foll by forth) archaic to go or travel [Old English faran; related to Old Norse fara to travel, Old High German faran to go, Greek poros ford]   > ˈfarer n

■ farebox (ˈfɛəˌbɒks)   n   a box with a slot at the top where money for the fare is placed, esp on a bus

■ fare-dodger   n   Brit a person who tries to travel on public transport without paying the fare

■ fare-dodging   n   Brit the practice of trying to travel on public transport without paying the fare

■ fare stage   n   1 a section of a bus journey for which a set charge is made   2 a bus stop marking the end of such a section

■ fare-thee-well or fare-you-well   n   informal, chiefly US a state of perfection: the steak was cooked to a fare-thee-well

■ farewell (ˌfɛəˈwɛl)   sentence substitute   1 goodbye; adieu   ▷ n   2 a parting salutation   3 an act of departure; leave-taking   4 (modifier) expressing leave-taking: a farewell speech   ▷ vb (tr)   5 Austral and NZ to honour (a person) at his or her departure, retirement, etc

Fareham (ˈfɛərəm)   n   a market town in S England, in S Hampshire. Pop: 37 440 (2001 est)

farfalle (fɑːˈfæleI, -lI)   n   pasta in the shape of bow ties or butterflies [C20: Italian, literally: butterflies]

farfet (ˈfɑːˌfɛt)   adj   an obsolete word for far-fetched

Fargo (ˈfɑːɡəʊ)   n   William. 1818–81, US businessman: founded (1852) with Henry Wells the express mail service Wells, Fargo and Company

Farhi (ˈfɑːhI)   n   Nicole. born 1946, French fashion designer based in Britain: married to Sir David Hare

Faridabad (fæˈrIdəbæd)   n   a city in NE India, in Haryana: industrial centre. Pop: 1 054 981 (2001)

farina (fəˈriːnə)   n   1 flour or meal made from any kind of cereal grain   2 chiefly Brit starch, esp prepared from potato flour [C18: from Latin fār spelt, coarse meal]

■ farinaceous (ˌfærIˈneIʃəs)   adj   1 consisting or made of starch, such as bread, macaroni, and potatoes   2 having a mealy texture or appearance   3 containing starch: farinaceous seeds

■ farinose (ˈfærIˌnəʊs, -ˌnəʊz)   adj   1 similar to or yielding farina   2 botany covered with very short hairs resembling a whitish mealy dust   > ˈfariˌnosely adv

farinha (fəˈriːnjə)   n   another name for cassava (sense 2)

farkleberry (ˈfɑːkəlˌbɛrI)   n   US dialect a shrub or small tree (Vaccinium arboreum) bearing black berries, native to southern parts of North America. Also called: sparkleberry

farl or farle (fɑːl)   n   a thin cake of oatmeal, often triangular in shape [C18: from earlier fardel fourth part, from Old English fēortha fourth + Middle English del part]

farm (fɑːm)   n   1    a a tract of land, usually with house and buildings, cultivated as a unit or used to rear livestock   b (as modifier): farm produce   c (in combination): farmland   2 a unit of land or water devoted to the growing or rearing of some particular type of vegetable, fruit, animal, or fish: a fish farm   3 an installation for storage   4 a district of which one or more taxes are leased   5 history   a a fixed sum paid by an individual or group for the right of collecting and retaining taxes, rents, etc   b a fixed sum paid regularly by a town, county, etc, in lieu of taxes   c the leasing of a source of revenue to an individual or group   d a fixed tax, rent, etc, paid regularly   ▷ vb   6 (tr)   a to cultivate (land)   b to rear (stock, etc) on a farm   7 (intr) to engage in agricultural work, esp as a way of life   8 (tr) to look after a child for a fixed sum   9    a to collect the moneys due and retain the profits from (a tax district, business, etc) for a specified period on payment of a sum or sums   b to operate (a franchise) under similar conditions [C13: from Old French ferme rented land, ultimately from Latin firmāre to settle]   > ˈfarmable adj

■ farm-bike   n   NZ a motorcycle built for off-road travel

■ farmed (fɑːmd)   adj   (of fish and game) reared on a farm rather than caught in the wild

■ farmer (ˈfɑːmə)   n   1 a person who operates or manages a farm   2 a person who obtains the right to collect and retain a tax, rent, etc, or operate a franchise for a specified period on payment of a fee   3 a person who looks after a child for a fixed sum

■ farmeress (ˌfɑːmərˈɛs)   n   1 a woman farmer   2 the wife of a farmer

■ farmerette (ˌfɑːmərˈɛt)   n   US dialect a woman or girl who works on a farm

■ farmer-general   n, pl farmers-general   (in France before 1789) a member of a group allowed to farm certain taxes   > ˈfarmer-ˈgeneralˌship n

■ farmer's lung   n   inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs caused by an allergic response to fungal spores in hay

■ farmers' market   n   a market at which farm produce is sold directly to the public by the producer

■ farmery (ˈfɑːmərI)   n   1 (pl -ries) a group of farm buildings   2 the practice of farming   ▷ adj   3 resembling that of a farmer

■ farm-gate sale   n   NZ the sale of produce direct from the producer

■ farmhand (ˈfɑːmˌhænd)   n   a person who is hired to work on a farm

■ farmhouse (ˈfɑːmˌhaʊs)   n   1 a house attached to a farm, esp the dwelling from which the farm is managed   2 Also called: farmhouse loaf Brit a large white loaf, baked in a tin, with slightly curved sides and top

■ farming (ˈfɑːmIŋ)   n     a the business, art, or skill of agriculture   b (as modifier): farming methods

■ farmland (ˈfɑːmˌlænd)   n   land used or suitable for farming

■ farm out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to send (work) to be done by another person, firm, etc; subcontract   2 to put (a child, etc) into the care of a private individual; foster   3 to lease to another for a rent or fee the right to operate (a business for profit, land, etc) or the right to collect (taxes)

■ farmstead (ˈfɑːmˌstɛd)   n   a farm or the part of a farm comprising its main buildings together with adjacent grounds

■ farm team   n   US and Canadian a sports team in a smaller or lower league that is affiliated to one in a larger or higher league

■ farm-toun (ˈfærmˌtʊn, ˈfɑːmˌtʊn)   n   Scot a farmhouse together with its outbuildings

■ farmwife (ˈfɑːmˌwaIf)   n   the wife of a farmer

■ farmwork (ˈfɑːmˌwɜːk)   n   any form of labour carried out on a farm

■ farmyard (ˈfɑːmˌjɑːd)   n     a an area surrounded by or adjacent to farm buildings   b (as modifier): farmyard animals

Farmer (ˈfɑːmə)   n   John. ?1565–1605, English madrigal composer and organist

farnarkel (ˈfɑːnɑːkəl)   vb   (intr; often foll by around) Austral slang to spend time or act in a careless or inconsequential manner; waste time [C20: coined by the New Zealand-born comedian John Clarke (born 1948) as the name of a fictitious sport of doing nothing for which he commentated in an Australian TV series]   > ˈfarnarkeling n

Farnborough (ˈfɑːnbərə, -brə)   n   a town in S England, in NE Hampshire: military base, with an aeronautical research centre. Pop: 57 147 (2001)

Farnese (Italian farˈneːse)   n   1  Alesandro (alesˈsandro). original name of Pope Paul III. See also Paul III   2  Alessandro, duke of Parma and Piacenza. 1545–92, Italian general, statesman, and diplomat in the service of Philip II of Spain. As governor of the Netherlands (1578–92), he successfully suppressed revolts against Spanish rule

farnesol (ˈfɑːnIˌsɒl)   n   a colourless aromatic sesquiterpene alcohol found in many essential oils and used in the form of its derivatives in perfumery; 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrienol. Formula: C_15H_26O [C20: from New Latin (Acacia) farnesiāna; named after Odoardo Farnese, C17 Italian cardinal]

Farnham (ˈfɑːnəm)   n   a town in S England, in NW Surrey. Pop: 36 296 (2001)

faro (ˈfɛərəʊ)   n   a gambling game in which players bet against the dealer on what cards he or she will turn up [C18: probably spelling variant of Pharaoh]

Faro (ˈfɑːrəʊ)   n   a port and resort in S Portugal: destroyed by earthquakes in 1722 and 1755. Pop: 58 051 (2001)

Faroes (ˈfɛərəʊz)   n   a variant spelling of Faeroes

Faroese (ˌfɛərəʊˈiːz)   adj, n   a variant spelling of Faeroese

farolito (ˌfærəˈliːtəʊ)   n   a paper lantern used by Hispanic people in Christmas processions

farouche French (faruʃ)   adj   1 sullen or shy   2 socially inept [C18: from French, from Old French faroche, from Late Latin forasticus from without, from Latin foras out of doors]

Farouk I or Faruk I (fəˈruːk)   n   1920–65, last king of Egypt (1936–52). He was forced to abdicate (1952)

Farquhar (ˈfɑːkwə, -kə)   n   George. 1678–1707, Irish-born dramatist; author of comedies such as The Recruiting Officer (1706) and The Beaux' Stratagem (1707)

Farquhar Islands (ˈfɑːkwə, -kə)   pl n   an island group in the Indian Ocean: administratively part of the Seychelles

farrago (fəˈrɑːɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos or -goes   a hotchpotch [C17: from Latin: mash for cattle (hence, a mixture), from fār spelt]   > farraginous (fəˈrædʒInəs) adj

Farrell (ˈfærəl)   n   1  Colin (James). born 1976, Irish film actor; he appeared in the TV series Ballykissangel before starring in the films Tigerland (2000), Minority Report (2002), Alexander (2004), and In Bruges (2008)   2  J(ames) G(ordon) 1935–79, British novelist: author of Troubles (1970), The Siege of Krishnapur (1973), and The Singapore Grip (1978)   3  James T(homas) 1904–79, US writer. His works include the trilogy Young (1932), The Young Manhood of Studs Lonigan (1934), and Judgment Day (1935)

farren (ˈfærən)   n   obsolete an allotted area of land

farrier (ˈfærIə)   n chiefly Brit   1 a person who shoes horses   2 archaic another name for veterinary surgeon   3 military a noncommissioned officer who looks after horses [C16: from Old French ferrier, from Latin ferrārius smith, from ferrum iron]

■ farriery (ˈfærIərI)   n, pl -eries   chiefly Brit the art, work, or establishment of a farrier

farrow^1 (ˈfærəʊ)   n   1 a litter of piglets   ▷ vb   2 (of a sow) to give birth to (a litter) [Old English fearh; related to Old High German farah young pig, Latin porcus pig, Greek porkos]

farrow^2 (ˈfærəʊ)   adj   (of a cow) not calving in a given year [C15: from Middle Dutch verwe- (unattested) cow that has ceased to bear; compare Old English fearr ox]

farruca (fəˈruːkə)   n   music a form of flamenco music, the accompanying dance being traditionally performed by men

farse (fɑːs) ecclesiast   n   1 an explanatory paraphrase inserted into Latin liturgy   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to insert an explanatory paraphrase into (liturgy)

Farsi (ˈfɑːsiː)   n   another name for Persian (sense 4)

fart (fɑːt) slang   n   1 an emission of intestinal gas from the anus, esp an audible one   2 a contemptible person   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to expel intestinal gas from the anus; to break wind   4 fart about or fart around   a to behave foolishly or aimlessly   b to waste time [Middle English farten; related to Old Norse freta, Old High German ferzan to break wind, Sanskrit pardatē he breaks wind]

farther (ˈfɑːðə)   adv   1 to or at a greater distance in space or time   2 in addition   ▷ adj   3 more distant or remote in space or time   4 additional [C13: see FAR, FURTHER]

USAGE

Farther, farthest, further, and furthest can all be used to refer to literal distance, but further and furthest are regarded as more correct for figurative senses denoting greater or additional amount, time, etc: further to my letter. Further and furthest are also preferred for figurative distance

■ farthermore (ˌfɑːðəˈmɔː)   adv   an obsolete word for furthermore

■ farthermost (ˈfɑːðəˌməʊst)   adj   most distant or remote

farthest (ˈfɑːðIst)   adv   1 to or at the greatest distance in space or time   ▷ adj   2 most distant in space or time   3 most extended [C14 ferthest, from ferther FURTHER]

farthing (ˈfɑːðIŋ)   n   1 a former British bronze coin, worth a quarter of an old penny, that ceased to be legal tender in 1961   2 something of negligible value; jot [Old English fēorthing from fēortha FOURTH + -ING^1]

■ farthingland (ˈfɑːðIŋˌlænd)   n   obsolete a unit of land area, sometimes described as being equivalent to thirty acres

■ farthingless (ˈfɑːðIŋləs)   adj   archaic without a farthing, having no money

■ farthingsworth (ˈfɑːðIŋzˌwɜːθ)   n   the amount that can be bought with a farthing; a small amount

farthingale (ˈfɑːðIŋˌɡeIl)   n   a hoop or framework worn under skirts, esp in the Elizabethan period, to shape and spread them [C16: from French verdugale, from Old Spanish verdugado, from verdugo rod]

fartlek (ˈfɑːtlɛk)   n   sport another name for interval training [Swedish, literally: speed play]

Faruk I (fəˈruːk)   n   a variant spelling of Farouk I

FAS or f.a.s.   abbreviation for   free alongside ship

fasces (ˈfæsiːz)   pl n, sing -cis (-sIs)   1 (in ancient Rome) one or more bundles of rods containing an axe with its blade protruding; a symbol of a magistrate's power   2 (in modern Italy) such an object used as the symbol of Fascism [C16: from Latin, plural of fascis bundle]

fascia or facia (ˈfeIʃIə)   n, pl -ciae (-ʃIˌiː)   1 the flat surface above a shop window   2 architect a flat band or surface, esp a part of an architrave or cornice   3 (ˈfæʃIə) fibrous connective tissue occurring in sheets beneath the surface of the skin and between muscles and groups of muscles   4 biology a distinctive band of colour, as on an insect or plant   5 Brit a less common name for dashboard (sense 1)   6 a casing that fits over a mobile phone, with spaces for the buttons [C16: from Latin: band: related to fascis bundle; see FASCES]   > ˈfascial or ˈfacial adj

■ fasciate (ˈfæʃIˌeIt) or fasciated   adj   1 botany   a (of stems and branches) abnormally flattened due to coalescence   b growing in a bundle   2 (of birds, insects, etc) marked by distinct bands of colour [C17: probably from New Latin fasciātus (unattested) having bands; see FASCIA]   > ˈfasciˌately adv

■ fasciation (ˌfæʃIˈeIʃən)   n   botany an abnormal flattening of stems due to failure of the lateral branches to separate from the main stem

■ fasciitis (ˌfæʃIˈaItIs)   n   inflammation of the fascia of a muscle

fascicle (ˈfæsIkəl)   n   1 a bundle or cluster of branches, leaves, etc   2 Also called: fasciculus anatomy a small bundle of fibres, esp nerve fibres   3 printing another name for fascicule   4 any small bundle or cluster [C15: from Latin fasciculus a small bundle, from fascis a bundle]   > ˈfascicled adj   > fascicular (fəˈsIkjʊlə) or fasciculate (fəˈsIkjʊˌleIt, -lIt) adj   > fasˈciculately adv   > fasˌcicuˈlation n

■ fascicularly (fəˈsIkjʊləlI)   adv   in a fascicular manner

fascicule (ˈfæsIˌkjuːl)   n   one part of a printed work that is published in instalments. Also called: fascicle, fasciculus

fasciculus (fəˈsIkjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   another name for fascicle (sense 2), fascicule

fascinate (ˈfæsIˌneIt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to attract and delight by arousing interest or curiosity: his stories fascinated me for hours   2 to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe   3 archaic to put under a spell [C16: from Latin fascināre, from fascinum a bewitching]   > ˌfasciˈnation n   > ˈfascinative adj

USAGE

A person can be fascinated by or with another person or thing. It is correct to speak of someone's fascination with a person or thing; one can also say a person or thing has a fascination for someone

■ fascinated (ˈfæsIneItId)   adj   attracted and delighted   > ˈfasciˌnatedly adv

■ fascinating (ˈfæsIˌneItIŋ)   adj   1 arousing great interest   2 enchanting or alluring: a fascinating woman   > ˈfasciˌnatingly adv

■ fascinator (ˈfæsIˌneItə)   n   a lightweight, decorative head covering worn by women on formal occasions

fascine (fæˈsiːn, fə-)   n   a bundle of long sticks used for filling in ditches and in the construction of embankments, roads, fortifications, etc [C17: from French, from Latin fascīna; see FASCES]

fascio (ˈfɑːʃəʊ)   n   an organized political group, esp in 19th-century Italy

fasciola (ˌfæsIˈəʊlə)   n   1 a band or strip   2 biology a genus of parasitic trematodes or liver flukes

■ fascioliasis (ˌfæsIəʊˈlaIəsIs)   n   an infection in humans and animals caused by liver flukes (either Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica)

fasciole (ˈfæsIˌəʊl)   n   zoology one of the spine-bearing bands of tubercles found on spatangoid sea-urchins

fascism (ˈfæʃIzəm)   n (sometimes capital)   1 any ideology or movement inspired by Italian Fascism, such as German National Socialism; any right-wing nationalist ideology or movement with an authoritarian and hierarchical structure that is fundamentally opposed to democracy and liberalism   2 any ideology, movement, programme, tendency, etc, that may be characterized as excessively prescriptive or authoritarian   3 prejudice in relation to the subject specified: body fascism [C20: from Italian fascismo, from fascio political group, from Latin fascis bundle; see FASCES]

■ Fascism (ˈfæʃIzəm)   n   the political movement, doctrine, system, or regime of Benito Mussolini in Italy, which encouraged militarism and nationalism, organizing the country along hierarchical authoritarian lines

■ fascist (ˈfæʃIst) sometimes capital   n   1 an adherent or practitioner of fascism   2 any person regarded as having excessively authoritarian views   ▷ adj also fascistic (fəˈʃIstIk)   3 characteristic of or relating to fascism   > faˈscistically adv

■ Fascist (ˈfæʃIst)   n   1 a supporter or member of the Italian Fascist movement   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Italian Fascism

fash (fæʃ) Scot   n   1 worry; trouble; bother   ▷ vb   2 to trouble; bother; annoy [C16: from obsolete French fascher to annoy, ultimately from Latin fastīdium disgust, aversion]

■ fashery (ˈfæʃərI)   n, pl -ries   Scot dialect a trouble or difficulty; a thing which causes worry

■ fashious (ˈfæʃəs)   adj   Scot dialect troublesome, causing worry

■ fashiousness (ˈfæʃəsnəs)   n   the quality of being fashious; troublesomeness

fashion (ˈfæʃən)   n   1    a style in clothes, cosmetics, behaviour, etc, esp the latest or most admired style   b (as modifier): a fashion magazine   2 (modifier) (esp of accessories) designed to be in the current fashion, but not necessarily to last   3    a manner of performance; mode; way: in a striking fashion   b (in combination): crab-fashion   4 a way of life that revolves around the activities, dress, interests, etc, that are most fashionable   5 shape, appearance, or form   6 sort; kind; type   7 after a fashion or in a fashion   a in some manner, but not very well: I mended it, after a fashion   b of a low order; of a sort: he is a poet, after a fashion   8 after the fashion of like; similar to   9 of fashion of high social standing   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to give a particular form to   11 to make suitable or fitting   12 obsolete to contrive; manage [C13 facioun form, manner, from Old French faceon, from Latin factiō a making, from facere to make]   > ˈfashioner n

■ fashionable (ˈfæʃənəbəl)   adj   1 conforming to fashion; in vogue   2 of, characteristic of, or patronized by people of fashion: a fashionable café   3 (usually foll by with) patronized (by); popular (with)   > ˌfashionaˈbility or ˈfashionableness n   > ˈfashionably adv

■ fashion-conscious   adj   interested in, and wanting to wear, fashionable clothes

■ fashion-forward   adj   relating to, anticipating, or reflecting the most up-to-date fashion trends

■ fashion house   n   an establishment in which fashionable clothes are designed, made, and sold

■ fashion icon   n   a person or thing that is very well known as being highly fashionable

■ fashionist (ˈfæʃəˌnIst)   n   1 a person who follows or conforms to the current fashion   2 a person at the forefront of fashion

■ fashionista (ˌfæʃəˈniːstə)   n   informal a person who follows trends in the fashion industry obsessively and strives continually to adopt the latest fashions [C20: from FASHION + -ista as in SANDINISTA]

■ fashionmonger (ˈfæʃənˌmʌŋɡə)   n   a person who analyses and follows fashion; a fashion consultant

■ fashionmonging (ˈfæʃənˌmʌŋIŋ)   adj archaic   excessively concerned with fashion; foppish [coined by Shakespeare in Much Ado about Nothing (1598)]

■ fashion plate   n   1 an illustration of the latest fashion in dress   2 a fashionably dressed person

■ fashion victim   n   informal a person who slavishly follows fashion

■ fashiony (ˈfæʃənI)   adj   informal of or relating to fashion; fashionable; trendy: a more upbeat fashiony look

Fashoda (fəˈʃəʊdə)   n   a small town in SE Sudan: scene of a diplomatic incident (1898) in which French occupation of the fort at Fashoda caused a crisis between France and Great Britain. Modern name: Kodok

fash pack   n informal   people who are influential in the fashion industry

Faslane (fæzˈleIn)   n   a naval base in Gare Loch, north of the Firth of Clyde, 40 km (25 miles) west of Glasgow; home to the Royal Navy's fleet of nuclear submarines

FASSA   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia

Fassbinder (German ˈfasbIndər)   n   Rainer Werner (ˈrainər ˈvɛrnər). 1946–82, West German film director. His films include The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972), Fear Eats the Soul (1974), and The Marriage of Maria Braun (1978)

fast^1 (fɑːst)   adj   1 acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly; swift   2 accomplished in or lasting a short time: fast work; a fast visit   3 (prenominal) adapted to or facilitating rapid movement: the fast lane of a motorway   4 requiring rapidity of action or movement: a fast sport   5 (of a clock, etc) indicating a time in advance of the correct time   6 given to an active dissipated life   7 of or characteristic of such activity: a fast life   8 not easily moved; firmly fixed; secure   9 firmly fastened, secured, or shut   10 steadfast; constant (esp in the phrase fast friends)   11 sport (of a playing surface, running track, etc) conducive to rapid speed, as of a ball used on it or of competitors playing or racing on it   12 that will not fade or change colour readily: a fast dye   13    a proof against fading: the colour is fast to sunlight   b (in combination): washfast   14 photog   a requiring a relatively short time of exposure to produce a given density: a fast film   b permitting a short exposure time: a fast shutter   15 cricket (of a bowler) characteristically delivering the ball rapidly   16 informal glib or unreliable; deceptive: a fast talker   17 archaic sound; deep: a fast sleep   18 informal a deceptive or unscrupulous trick (esp in the phrase pull a fast one)   19 fast worker a person who achieves results quickly, esp in seductions   ▷ adv   20 quickly; rapidly   21 soundly; deeply: fast asleep   22 firmly; tightly   23 in quick succession   24 in advance of the correct time: my watch is running fast   25 in a reckless or dissipated way   26 fast by or fast beside archaic close or hard by; very near   27 play fast and loose informal to behave in an insincere or unreliable manner   ▷ interj   28 archery (said by the field captain to archers) stop shooting! [Old English fæst strong, tight; related to Old High German festi firm, Old Norse fastr]

■ fast-acting   adj   taking effect quickly

■ fast-action   adj   1 taking effect quickly   2 having a fast-moving plot and usually containing scenes of violence

■ fastback (ˈfɑːstˌbæk)   n   1 a car having a back that forms one continuous slope from roof to rear   2 Brit a type of pig developed from the landrace or large white and bred for lean meat

■ fastball (ˈfɑːstˌbɔːl)   n   baseball a ball pitched at the pitcher's top speed

■ fastballer (ˈfɑːstˌbɔːlə)   n   a baseball pitcher who throws fastballs

■ fast-breeder reactor   n   a nuclear reactor that uses little or no moderator and produces more fissionable material than it consumes. See also breeder reactor, fast reactor

■ fast casual   n   a style of fast food involving healthier, fresher, and more varied dishes than traditional fast food, served in more attractive surroundings

■ fast fashion   n   the reproduction of highly fashionable clothes at high speed and low cost

■ fast-flowing   adj   flowing rapidly

■ fast follower   n   a company that is quick to pick up good new ideas from other companies

■ fast food   n   1 food that requires little preparation before being served   ▷ adj fast-food   2 (of a restaurant, café, etc) serving such food

■ fast-forward   n   1 (sometimes not hyphenated) the control on a tape deck or video recorder used to wind the tape or video forward at speed   2 informal a state of urgency or rapid progress: my mind went into fast forward   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to wind (a video or tape) forward using the fast-forward control   4 to deal with speedily: fast-forward the trials of the new drug   5 (intr) to move forward through a tape or video using the fast-forward control   6 (usually foll by to) to direct one's attention towards a particular time or event, ignoring intervening material: fast-forward to the following year [C20: from the fast-forward wind control in a tape deck]

■ fast-growing   adj   1 growing very quickly   2 expanding very quickly

■ fastie (ˈfɑːstI)   n Austral slang   1 a deceitful act   2 pull a fastie to play a sly trick

■ fastish (ˈfɑːstIʃ)   adj   reasonably fast

■ fast lane   n   1 the outside lane on a motorway or dual carriageway for vehicles overtaking or travelling at high speed   2 informal the quickest but most competitive route to success

■ fastly (ˈfɑːstlI)   adv   in a fast manner

■ fast motion   n   films action that appears to have occurred at a faster speed than that at which it was filmed. Compare slow motion (sense 1)

■ fast-moving   adj   moving or capable of moving quickly

■ fastness (ˈfɑːstnIs)   n   1 a stronghold; fortress   2 the state or quality of being firm or secure   3 the ability of a dye to remain permanent and not run or fade   4 archaic swiftness [Old English fæstnes; see FAST^1]

■ fast neutron   n   physics   a a neutron produced by nuclear fission that has lost little energy by collision; a neutron with a kinetic energy in excess of 0.1 MeV   b a neutron with a kinetic energy in excess of 1.5 MeV, the fission threshold of uranium-238

■ fast reactor   n   a nuclear reactor using little or no moderator, fission being caused by fast neutrons

■ fast-selling   adj   selling quickly and in large quantities

■ fast talk slang   n   1 fervent, deceptive patter   ▷ vb fast-talk   2 to influence (a person) by means of such patter

■ fast-track   adj   1 denoting the quickest or most direct route or system: fast-track executives; a fast-track procedure for libel claims   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to speed up the progress of (a project or person)

■ fast-tracker   n   a person who is being fast-tracked for promotion

■ fast-tracking   n   the practice of speeding up the progress of a project or person

fast^2 (fɑːst)   vb   1 (intr) to abstain from eating all or certain foods or meals, esp as a religious observance   ▷ n   2    a an act or period of fasting   b (as modifier): a fast day [Old English fæstan; related to Old High German fastēn to fast, Gothic fastan]   > ˈfaster n

■ fasting (ˈfɑːstIŋ)   n   the act of fasting

fasten (ˈfɑːsən)   vb   1 to make or become fast or secure   2 to make or become attached or joined   3 to close or become closed by fixing firmly in place, locking, etc   4 (tr; foll by in or up) to enclose or imprison   5 (tr; usually foll by on) to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)   6 (usually foll by on or upon) to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix: she fastened her gaze on the painting   7 (intr; usually foll by on) take firm hold (of) [Old English fæstnian; related to Old Norse fastna to pledge, Old High German fastinōn to make fast; see FAST^1]   > ˈfastener n

■ fastening (ˈfɑːsənIŋ)   n   something that fastens, such as a clasp or lock

fasti (ˈfæstiː, ˈfæstaI)   pl n   an ancient Roman calendar indicating the days when legal business could legitimately be carried out

fastidious (fæˈstIdIəs)   adj   1 very critical; hard to please   2 excessively particular about details   3 exceedingly delicate; easily disgusted [C15: from Latin fastīdiōsus scornful, from fastīdium loathing, from fastus pride + taedium weariness]   > fasˈtidiously adv   > fasˈtidiousness n

fastigiate (fæˈstIdʒIIt, -ˌeIt) or fastigiated   adj biology   1 (of plants) having erect branches, often appearing to form a single column with the stem   2 (of parts or organs) united in a tapering group [C17: from Medieval Latin fastīgiātus lofty, from Latin fastīgium height]

fastigium (fæˈstIdʒIəm)   n   1 the apex or highest point   2 (of an illness) the period of greatest intensity

fastuous (ˈfæstjʊəs)   adj   arrogant, proud, haughty

fat (fæt)   n   1 any of a class of naturally occurring soft greasy solids that are esters of glycerol and certain fatty acids. They are present in some plants and in the adipose tissue of animals, forming a reserve energy source, and are used in making soap and paint and in the food industry. See also oil (sense 1)   2 vegetable or animal tissue containing fat. Related adjectives: adipose, lipoid, stearic   3 corpulence, obesity, or plumpness   4 the best or richest part of something   5 a part in a play that gives an actor a good opportunity to show his or her talents   6 chew the fat slang   a to argue over a point   b to talk idly; gossip   7 the fat is in the fire an irrevocable action has been taken, esp one from which dire consequences are expected   8 the fat of the land the best that is obtainable   ▷ adj fatter, fattest   9 having much or too much flesh or fat   10 consisting of or containing fat; greasy: fat pork   11 profitable; lucrative: a fat year   12 affording great opportunities: a fat part in the play   13 fertile or productive: a fat land   14 thick, broad, or extended: a fat log of wood   15 having a high content of a particular material or ingredient, such as resin in wood or oil in paint   16 plentifully supplied: a fat larder   17 slang empty; stupid: get this into your fat head   18 slang very little or none; minimal (in phrases such as a fat chance, a fat lot of good, etc)   ▷ vb fats, fatting, fatted   19 to make or become fat; fatten [Old English fǣtt, past participle of fǣtan to cram; related to Old Norse feita, Old High German feizen to fatten; compare Gothic fētjan to adorn]   > ˈfatless adj   > ˈfatˌlike adj   > ˈfatly adv   > ˈfatness n   > ˈfattish adj

■ fat-ass US offensive, slang   n   1 a fat person   ▷ adj   2 fat

■ fatback (ˈfætˌbæk)   n   the fat, usually salted, from the upper part of a side of pork

■ fatbird (ˈfætˌbɜːd)   n   1 another name for oilbird   2 US dialect a small wading bird (Calidris melanotos) native to N America and Asia. Also called: pectoral sandpiper

■ fat body   n zoology   1 a mass of fatty tissue in insects, used as an energy source during hibernation and metamorphosis   2 a similar tissue mass in amphibians and reptiles

■ fatbrained (ˈfætˌbreInd)   adj   slang foolish

■ fat camp   n   a residential camp at which children undergo a programme of exercise, diet change, etc, intended to help them lose weight

■ fat cat   n   slang   a a very wealthy or influential person   b (as modifier): a fat-cat industrialist

■ fat farm   n   slang a health farm or similar establishment to which people go to lose weight

■ fat-finger   vb (intr) informal   1 to make a mistake by pressing the wrong key on a keyboard or number pad   2 to make an error that causes further problems

■ fat-free   adj   containing no fat or very little fat

■ fathead (ˈfætˌhɛd)   n   slang a foolish person   > ˈfatˌheaded adj

■ fatheadedly (ˌfætˈhɛdIdlI)   adv   slang in a fatheaded manner

■ fatheadedness (ˌfætˈhɛdIdnəs)   n   slang the quality of being fatheaded

■ fat hen   n   a common plant, Chenopodium album, with small green flowers and whitish scales on the stem and leaves: family Chenopodiaceae (chenopods). Also called (US): pigweed, lamb's-quarters

■ fat lamb   n   Austral and NZ a lamb bred for its tender meat, esp for export trade

■ fatling (ˈfætlIŋ)   n   a young farm animal fattened for killing

■ fat mouse   n   any nocturnal African mouse of the genus Steatomys, of dry regions: eaten as a delicacy by Africans because of their high fat content: family Muridae

■ fat-soluble   adj   soluble in nonpolar substances, such as ether, chloroform, and oils. Fat-soluble compounds are often insoluble in water

■ fatstock (ˈfætˌstɒk)   n   livestock fattened and ready for market

■ fat tail   n   finance a tail on a probability distribution that indicates a high level of risk

■ fat tax   n   informal a tax levied in the form of higher duties or VAT on foods with a high fat content

■ fatten (ˈfætən)   vb   1 to grow or cause to grow fat or fatter   2 (tr) to cause (an animal or fowl) to become fat by feeding it   3 (tr) to make fuller or richer   4 (tr) to enrich (soil) by adding fertilizing agents   > ˈfattenable adj   > ˈfattener n   > ˈfattening adj

■ fattism (ˈfætIzəm)   n   discrimination on the basis of weight, esp prejudice against those considered to be overweight [C20: from FAT + -ISM, on the model of RACISM]   > ˈfattist n, adj

■ fatty (ˈfætI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 containing, consisting of, or derived from fat   2 having the properties of fat; greasy; oily   3 (esp of tissues, organs, etc) characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat   ▷ n, pl -ties   4 informal a fat person   > ˈfattily adv   > ˈfattiness n

■ fatty acid   n   1 any of a class of aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, that form part of a lipid molecule   2 another name for carboxylic acid, used esp of a naturally occurring one

■ fatty degeneration   n   pathol the abnormal formation of tiny globules of fat within the cytoplasm of a cell

■ fatty oil   n   another name for fixed oil

■ fatwood (ˈfætˌwʊd)   n   US dialect any wood used for kindling, esp the resinous wood from the stump of a pine tree. Also called: lightwood

Fatah (ˈfætə)   n   Al Fatah a Palestinian terrorist organization, founded in 1956, with the aim of destroying the state of Israel: it has splintered into rival factions since 1988

fatal (ˈfeItəl)   adj   1 resulting in or capable of causing death: a fatal accident   2 bringing ruin; disastrous   3 decisively important; fateful   4 decreed by fate; destined; inevitable [C14: from Old French fatal or Latin fātālis, from fātum, see FATE]

■ fatalism (ˈfeItəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the philosophical doctrine that all events are predetermined so that people are powerless to alter their destinies   2 the acceptance of and submission to this doctrine   3 a lack of effort or action in the face of difficulty   > ˈfatalist n   > ˌfatalˈistic adj   > ˌfatalˈistically adv

■ fatality (fəˈtælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 an accident or disaster resulting in death   2 a person killed in an accident or disaster   3 the power of causing death or disaster; deadliness   4 the quality or condition of being fated   5 something caused or dictated by fate

■ fatally (ˈfeItəlI)   adv   1 resulting in death or disaster: fatally wounded in battle   2 as decreed by fate; inevitably

■ fatalness (ˈfeItəlnəs)   n   the quality of being fatal

Fata Morgana (ˈfɑːtə mɔːˈɡɑːnə; Italian ˈfaːta mɔrˈɡaːna)   n   a mirage, esp one in the Strait of Messina attributed to the sorcery of Morgan le Fay [C19: from Italian: MORGAN LE FAY]

fatberg (ˈfætbɜːɡ)   n   a large mass of fat and waste material in a sewerage system [C21: from FAT + (ICE)BERG]

fate (feIt)   n   1 the ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events   2 the inevitable fortune that befalls a person or thing; destiny   3 the end or final result   4 a calamitous or unfavourable outcome or result; death, destruction, or downfall   ▷ vb   5 (tr; usually passive) to predetermine; doom: he was fated to lose the game [C14: from Latin fātum oracular utterance, from fārī to speak]

■ fated (ˈfeItId)   adj   1 destined   2 doomed to death or destruction

■ fateful (ˈfeItfʊl)   adj   1 having important consequences; decisively important   2 bringing death or disaster   3 controlled by or as if by fate   4 prophetic   > ˈfatefully adv   > ˈfatefulness n

■ Fates (feIts)   pl n   1 Greek myth the three goddesses who control the destinies of the lives of humankind, which are likened to skeins of thread that they spin, measure out, and at last cut. See Atropos, Clotho, Lachesis   2 Norse myth the Norns. See Norn^1

fath.   abbreviation for   fathom

father (ˈfɑːðə)   n   1 a male parent   2 a person who founds a line or family; forefather   3 any male acting in a paternal capacity. Related adjective: paternal   4 (often capital) a respectful term of address for an old man   5 a male who originates something: the father of modern psychology   6 a leader of an association, council, etc; elder: a city father   7 Brit the eldest or most senior member in a society, profession, etc: father of the bar   8 (often plural) a senator or patrician in ancient Rome   9 the father of informal a very large, severe, etc, example of a specified kind: the father of an argument   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to procreate or generate (offspring); beget   11 to create, found, originate, etc   12 to act as a father to   13 to acknowledge oneself as father or originator of   14 (foll by on or upon) to impose or place without a just reason [Old English fæder; related to Old Norse fathir, Old Frisian feder, Old High German fater, Latin pater, Greek patēr, Sanskrit pitr]   > ˈfathering n

■ Father (ˈfɑːðə)   n   1 God, esp when considered as the first person of the Christian Trinity   2 Also called: Church Father any of the writers on Christian doctrine of the pre-Scholastic period   3 a title used for Christian priests

■ Father Christmas   n   another name for Santa Claus

■ father confessor   n   1 Christianity a priest who hears confessions and advises on religious or moral matters   2 any person to whom one tells private matters

■ fatherhood (ˈfɑːðəˌhʊd)   n   the state or responsibility of being a father

■ father-in-law   n, pl fathers-in-law   the father of one's wife or husband

■ fatherland (ˈfɑːðəˌlænd)   n   1 a person's native country   2 the country of a person's ancestors

■ father lasher   n   a large sea scorpion, Myoxocephalus scorpius, occurring in British and European coastal waters. Also called: short-spined sea scorpion

■ fatherless (ˈfɑːðəlIs)   adj   having no father

■ fatherlessness (ˈfɑːðələsnəs)   n   the state of being fatherless

■ fatherlike (ˈfɑːðəˌlaIk)   adj   1 having a quality or qualities typical of a father; fatherly   ▷ adv   2 in a fatherly manner

■ fatherly (ˈfɑːðəlI)   adj   of, resembling, or suitable to a father   > ˈfatherliness n

■ father of the chapel   n   (in British trade unions in the publishing and printing industries) a shop steward. Abbreviation: FoC

■ Father of the House   n   (in Britain) the longest-serving member of the House of Commons

■ Father's Day   n   a day observed as a day in honour of fathers; in Britain the third Sunday in June

■ fathership (ˈfɑːðəˌʃIp)   n   the position or state of being a father; fatherhood

■ Father Time   n   time personified as an old bearded man, usually carrying a scythe and an hourglass

fathom (ˈfæðəm)   n   1 a unit of length equal to six feet (1.829 metres), used to measure depths of water   2 mining a unit of volume usually equal to six cubic feet, used in measuring ore bodies   3 forestry a unit of volume equal to six cubic feet, used for measuring timber   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to measure the depth of, esp with a sounding line; sound   5 to penetrate (a mystery, problem, etc); discover the meaning of [Old English fæthm; related to Old Frisian fethem outstretched arms, Old Norse fathmr embrace, Old High German fadum cubit, Latin patēre to gape]   > ˈfathomable adj   > ˈfathomer n

■ Fathometer (fəˈðɒmItə)   n   trademark a type of echo sounder used for measuring the depth of water

■ fathomless (ˈfæðəmlIs)   adj   another word for unfathomable   > ˈfathomlessly adv   > ˈfathomlessness n

fatidic (feIˈtIdIk) or fatidical   adj   rare prophetic [C17: from Latin fātidicus, from fātum FATE + dīcere to say]   > faˈtidically adv

fatigue (fəˈtiːɡ)   n   1 physical or mental exhaustion due to exertion   2 a tiring activity or effort   3 physiol the temporary inability of an organ or part to respond to a stimulus because of overactivity   4 the progressive cracking of a material subjected to alternating stresses, esp vibrations   5 the temporary inability to respond to a situation or perform a function, because of overexposure or overactivity: compassion fatigue   6    a any of the mainly domestic duties performed by military personnel, esp as a punishment   b (as modifier): fatigue duties   7 (plural) special clothing worn by military personnel to carry out such duties   ▷ vb -tigues, -tiguing, -tigued   8 to make or become weary or exhausted   9 to crack or break (a material or part) by inducing fluctuating stresses in it, or (of a metal or part) to become weakened or fail as a result of fluctuating stresses [C17: from French, from fatiguer to tire, from Latin fatīgāre]   > fatigable (ˈfætIɡəbəl) adj   > faˈtigueless adj

■ fatigability (ˌfætIɡəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being susceptible to fatigue

■ fatigableness or fatiguableness (ˈfætIɡəbəlnəs)   n   the quality of being fatigable

■ fatigate (ˈfætIˌɡeIt)   vb   an obsolete word for fatigue

■ fatiguable (ˈfætIɡəbəl)   adj   another spelling of fatigable

■ fatigued (fəˈtiːɡd)   adj   weary or exhausted

■ fatiguing (fəˈtiːɡIŋ)   adj   wearying or exhausting

■ fatiguingly (fəˈtiːɡIŋlI)   adv   in a fatiguing manner

Fatima (ˈfætImə)   n   ?606–632 AD daughter of Mohammed; wife of Ali

■ Fatimid (ˈfætImId)   n   1 a member of the Muslim dynasty, descended from Fatima, daughter of Mohammed, and Ali, her husband, that ruled over North Africa and parts of Egypt and Syria (909–1171)   2 Also called: Fatimite (ˈfætIˌmaIt) a descendant of Fatima and Ali

Fátima (Portuguese ˈfatimə)   n   a village in central Portugal: Roman Catholic shrine and pilgrimage centre

fatiscent (feIˈtIsənt, fəˈtIsənt)   adj   having cracks or chinks

■ fatiscence (feIˈtIsəns, fəˈtIsəns)   n   the state of having cracks or chinks

Fatshan (ˈfɑːtˈʃɑːn)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Foshan

fatshedera (fætsˈhɛdərə)   n   an evergreen garden shrub with shiny green leaves and umbels of pale green flowers; a bigeneric hybrid between Fatsia japonica moseri and Hedera hibernica: family Araliaceae

fatsia (ˈfætsIə)   n   any shrub of the araliaceous genus Fatsia, esp F. japonica, with large deeply palmate leaves and umbels of white flowers [New Latin, from the Japanese name]

fatso (ˈfætsəʊ)   n, pl -sos or -soes   slang a fat person: used as an insulting or disparaging term of address

fattrels (ˈfætrəlz)   n   Scot dialect a collection of ribbon-ends

fatuous (ˈfætjʊəs)   adj   complacently or inanely foolish [C17: from Latin fatuus; related to fatiscere to gape]   > ˈfatuously adv   > ˈfatuousness n

■ fatuity (fəˈtjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 complacent foolishness; inanity   2 a fatuous remark, act, sentiment, etc   3 archaic idiocy   > faˈtuitous adj

fatwa or fatwah (ˈfætwɑː)   n   a non-binding judgment on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized religious authority [Arabic]

faubourg (ˈfəʊbʊəɡ; French fobur)   n   a suburb or quarter, esp of a French city [C15: from French fauxbourg, perhaps a modification through folk etymology of Old French forsborc, from Latin foris outside + Old French borc BURG]

fauces (ˈfɔːsiːz)   n, pl -ces   anatomy the area between the cavity of the mouth and the pharynx, including the surrounding tissues [C16: from Latin: throat]

■ faucal (ˈfɔːkəl) or faucial (ˈfɔːʃəl)   adj   1 anatomy of or relating to the fauces   2 phonetics articulated in that part of the vocal tract between the back of the mouth and the larynx; pharyngeal

faucet (ˈfɔːsIt)   n   1 a tap fitted to a barrel   2 US and Canadian a valve by which a fluid flow from a pipe can be controlled by opening and closing an orifice. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): tap [C14: from Old French fausset, from Provençal falset, from falsar to bore]

fauchion (ˈfɔːʃən, ˈfɔːtʃən)   n   another name for falchion

faugh (fɔː)   interj   an exclamation of disgust, scorn, etc

fauld (fɔːld)   n   1 a piece of armour attached to the bottom of the breastplate, normally constructed of horizontal lames and designed to protect the midriff and hips   2 the tymp arch of a blast furnace

Faulkner or Falkner (ˈfɔːknə)   n   William. 1897–1962, US novelist and short-story writer. Most of his works portray the problems of the southern US, esp the novels set in the imaginary county of Yoknapatawpha in Mississippi. Other novels include The Sound and the Fury (1929) and Light in August (1932): Nobel prize for literature 1949   > Faulknerian (fɔːkˈnIərIən) adj

fault (fɔːlt)   n   1 an imperfection; failing or defect; flaw   2 a mistake or error   3 an offence; misdeed   4 responsibility for a mistake or misdeed; culpability   5 electronics a defect in a circuit, component, or line, such as a short circuit   6 geology a fracture in the earth's crust resulting in the relative displacement and loss of continuity of the rocks on either side of it   7 tennis, squash, badminton an invalid serve, such as one that lands outside a prescribed area   8 (in showjumping) a penalty mark given for failing to clear or refusing a fence, exceeding a time limit, etc   9 hunting an instance of the hounds losing the scent   10 deficiency; lack; want   11 at fault   a guilty of error; culpable   b perplexed   c (of hounds) having temporarily lost the scent   12 find fault to seek out minor imperfections or errors (in); carp (at)   13 to a fault excessively   ▷ vb   14 geology to undergo or cause to undergo a fault   15 (tr) to find a fault in, criticize, or blame   16 (intr) to commit a fault [C13: from Old French faute, from Vulgar Latin fallita (unattested), ultimately from Latin fallere to fail]

■ fault-find   vb (intr)   to seek out minor imperfections or errors; carp

■ fault-finding   n   1 continual and usually trivial criticism   2 the systematic investigation of malfunctions in electronic apparatus   ▷ adj   3 given to finding fault   > ˈfault-ˌfinder n

■ faultful (ˈfɔːltfʊl)   adv   full of faults, faulty

■ faultless (ˈfɔːltlIs)   adj   without fault; perfect or blameless   > ˈfaultlessly adv   > ˈfaultlessness n

■ faultline (ˈfɔːltˌlaIn)   n   1 Also called: fault plane geology the surface of a fault fracture along which the rocks have been displaced   2 a potentially disruptive division or area of contention: the main faultline of misunderstanding between the parties

■ fault-tolerant   adj   computing designed to return to a safe condition in the event of a failure or malfunction

■ fault tree   n   a diagram providing a model of the interactions between the components of a system when a failure occurs

■ faulty (ˈfɔːltI)   adj faultier, faultiest   1 defective or imperfect   2 archaic culpable   > ˈfaultily adv   > ˈfaultiness n

faun (fɔːn)   n   (in Roman legend) a rural deity represented as a man with a goat's ears, horns, tail, and hind legs [C14: back formation from Faunes (plural), from Latin FAUNUS]   > ˈfaunˌlike adj

fauna (ˈfɔːnə)   n, pl -nas or -nae (-niː)   1 all the animal life of a given place or time, esp when distinguished from the plant life (flora)   2 a descriptive list of such animals [C18: from New Latin, from Late Latin Fauna a goddess, sister of FAUNUS]   > ˈfaunal adj   > ˈfaunally adv

■ faunist (ˈfɔːnIst)   n   a person who studies fauna, a naturalist

■ faunistic (ˌfɔːˈnIstIk)   adj   of or relating to fauna or a faunist

■ faunistically (fɔːˈnIstIkəlI)   adv   in a faunistic manner

faunula (ˈfɔːnjʊlə) or faunule (ˈfɔːnjuːl)   n, pl -ulae (-jʊliː) or -ules   1 the fauna of a small single environment   2 fossil fauna, dominated by representatives of a single community, found in a single stratum or in several thin adjacent strata [C20: from FAUNA + -ULE]

Faunus (ˈfɔːnəs)   n   an ancient Italian deity of pastures and forests, later identified with the Greek Pan

faur (fɔːr)   adj   a Scot word for far

faurd (fɔːd; Scottish fɔːrd)   adj   Scot favoured

Fauré (ˈfɔːreI; French fore)   n   Gabriel (Urbain) (ɡabriɛl). 1845–1924, French composer and teacher, noted particularly for his song settings of French poems, esp those of Verlaine, his piano music, and his Messe de Requiem (1887)

Faust (faʊst) or Faustus (ˈfaʊstəs)   n   German legend a magician and alchemist who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power

■ Faustian (ˈfaʊstIən)   adj   of or relating to Faust, esp reminiscent of his bargain with the devil

faut (fɔːt)   n, vb   a Scot word for fault

faute de mieux French (fot də mjø; English ˌfəʊt də ˈmjɜː)     for lack of anything better

fauteuil (ˈfəʊtɜːI; French fotœj)   n   an armchair, the sides of which are not upholstered [C18: from French, from Old French faudestuel, folding chair, of Germanic origin; see FALDSTOOL]

fautor (ˈfɔːtə)   n   archaic a supporter or patron

Fauve (French fov)   n   1 one of a group of French painters prominent from 1905, including Matisse, Vlaminck, and Derain, characterized by the use of bright colours and simplified forms   ▷ adj   2 (often not capital) of this group or its style [C20: from French, literally: wild beast, alluding to the violence of colours, etc]   > ˈFauvism n   > ˈFauvist n, adj

fauvette (fəʊˈvɛt)   n   the French name, used by some English writers, for a family of birds more commonly known as warblers

faux (fəʊ)   adj   false, counterfeit or imitation, esp when used in compounds, for example faux-leather

■ faux-naïf French (fonaif)   adj   1 appearing or seeking to appear simple and unsophisticated: a faux-naïf narration   ▷ n   2 a person who pretends to be naïve [French: false naïve]

■ faux pas (ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː; French fo pɑ)   n, pl faux pas (ˌfəʊ ˈpɑːz; French fo pɑ)   a social blunder or indiscretion [C17: from French: false step]

fauxmance   n   informal a fake romance between two celebrities in order to gain press coverage

fava bean or fava (ˈfɑːvə)   n US and Canadian   1 an erect annual Eurasian bean plant, Vicia faba, cultivated for its large edible flattened seeds, used as a vegetable   2 the seed of this plant   ▶ Also called: broad bean [C20: Italian fava from Latin faba bean]

fave (feIv)   adj, n   informal short for favourite (sense 1), favourite (sense 2)

favel (ˈfeIvəl)   n   obsolete a fallow-coloured horse

favela (fɑːˈveIlə)   n   (in Brazil) a shanty or shantytown [C20: from Portuguese]

favella (fəˈvɛlə)   n   a mass of spores covered by a thin gelatinous envelope, as seen in certain red algae

faveolate (fəˈviːəˌleIt) or favose (ˈfævəʊs)   adj   pitted with cell-like cavities [C19: from New Latin faveolus a little honeycomb, blend of Latin favus honeycomb + alveolus a small hollow]

favicon (ˈfævIˌkɒn)   n   a 16 x 16-pixel icon associated with a particular website, usually displayed before the URL in a web browser [C21: from FAV(OURITE) + ICON]

favism (ˈfɑːvIzəm)   n   med a form of anaemia caused by contact with broad beans

favonian (fəˈvəʊnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the west wind   2 poetic favourable [C17: from Latin Favōniānus]

favour or US favor (ˈfeIvə)   n   1 an approving attitude; good will   2 an act performed out of good will, generosity, or mercy   3 prejudice and partiality; favouritism   4 a condition of being regarded with approval or good will (esp in the phrases in favour, out of favour)   5 archaic leave; permission   6 a token of love, goodwill, etc   7 a small gift or toy given to a guest at a party   8 history a badge or ribbon worn or given to indicate loyalty, often bestowed on a knight by a lady   9 obsolete, chiefly Brit a communication, esp a business letter   10 archaic appearance   11 find favour with to be approved of by someone   12 in favour of   a approving   b to the benefit of   c (of a cheque, etc) made out to   d in order to show preference for: I rejected him in favour of another   ▷ vb (tr)   13 to regard with especial kindness or approval   14 to treat with partiality or favouritism   15 to support; advocate   16 to perform a favour for; oblige   17 to help; facilitate   18 informal to resemble: he favours his father   19 to wear habitually: she favours red   20 to treat gingerly or with tenderness; spare: a footballer favouring an injured leg [C14: from Latin, from favēre to protect]   > ˈfavourer or US ˈfavorer n   > ˈfavouringly or US favoringly adv

■ favourable or US favorable (ˈfeIvərəbəl, ˈfeIvrə-)   adj   1 advantageous, encouraging, or promising   2 giving consent   > ˈfavourableness or US ˈfavorableness n   > ˈfavourably or US favorably adv

■ favourable pressure gradient   n   engineering a decrease of pressure in the direction of flow

■ -favoured   adj   (in combination) having an appearance (as specified): ill-favoured

■ favouredness or US favoredness (ˈfeIvədnəs)   n   the quality of or extent to which something is favoured

■ favourite or US favorite (ˈfeIvərIt, ˈfeIvrIt)   adj   1 (prenominal) most liked; preferred above all others   ▷ n   2    a a person or thing regarded with especial preference or liking   b (as modifier): a favourite book   3 sport a competitor thought likely to win   4 (pl) computing a place on certain browsers that allows internet users to list the addresses of websites they find and like with a click of the mouse so that they can revisit them merely by opening the list and clicking on the address   5 play favourites to display favouritism [C16: from Italian favorito, from favorire to favour, from Latin favēre]

■ favouritism or US favoritism (ˈfeIvərIˌtIzəm, ˈfeIvrI-)   n   1 the practice of giving special treatment to a person or group   2 the state of being treated as a favourite

■ favourless or US favorless (ˈfeIvələs)   adj   obsolete without favour, unfortunate

■ favours or US favors (ˈfeIvəz)   pl n   old-fashioned sexual intimacy, as when consented to by a woman

favous (ˈfeIvəs)   adj   resembling a honeycomb

Favrile glass (fəˈvriːl)   n   (also without capital) a type of iridescent glass developed by L.C. Tiffany

favus (ˈfeIvəs)   n   an infectious fungal skin disease of humans and some domestic animals, characterized by formation of a honeycomb-like mass of roundish dry cup-shaped crusts [C19: from New Latin, from Latin: honeycomb]

faw (fɔː)   n   a gypsy

Fawcett (ˈfɔːsIt)   n   Dame Millicent Garrett. 1847–1929, British suffragette

Fawkes (fɔːks)   n   Guy. 1570–1606, English conspirator, executed for his part in the Gunpowder Plot to blow up King James I and VI and the Houses of Parliament (1605). Effigies of him (guys) are burnt in Britain on Guy Fawkes Day (Nov 5)

fawn^1 (fɔːn)   n   1 a young deer of either sex aged under one year   2    a a light greyish-brown colour   b (as adjective): a fawn raincoat   3 in fawn (of deer) pregnant   ▷ vb   4 (of deer) to bear (young) [C14: from Old French faon, from Latin fētus offspring; see FETUS]   > ˈfawnˌlike adj

■ fawn lily   n   another name for dogtooth violet

■ fawny (ˈfɔːnI)   adj -nier, -niest   of a fawn colour

fawn^2 (fɔːn)   vb (intr; often foll by on or upon)   1 to seek attention and admiration (from) by cringing and flattering   2 (of animals, esp dogs) to try to please by a show of extreme friendliness and fondness (towards) [Old English fægnian to be glad, from fægen glad; see FAIN]   > ˈfawner n   > ˈfawning adj   > ˈfawningly adv   > ˈfawningness n

fax (fæks)   n   1 Also: fax machine. short for facsimile machine   2 short for facsimile transmission   3 a message or document sent by fax   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to send (a message, document, etc) by fax

Fa Xian (ˈfɑː ˈʃjɑːn) or Fa-hsien   n   original name Sehi. 5th century AD, Chinese Buddhist monk: his pilgrimage to India (399–414) began relations between China and India

fay^1 (feI)   n   1 a fairy or sprite   ▷ adj   2 of or resembling a fay   3 informal pretentious or precious [C14: from Old French feie, ultimately from Latin fātum FATE]

fay^2 (feI)   vb   to fit or be fitted closely or tightly [Old English fēgan to join; related to Old High German fuogen, Latin pangere to fasten]

fay^3 (feI)   n   an obsolete word for faith [C13: from Anglo-French feid; see FAITH]

Fayal (Portuguese faˈjal)   n   a variant spelling of Faial

fayalite (ˈfeIəˌlaIt, faIˈɑːlaIt)   n   a rare brown or black mineral of the olivine group, consisting of iron silicate. Formula: Fe_2SiO_4 [C19: named after FAYAL]

fayne (feIn)   vb   an archaic spelling of feign

fayre (fɛə)   n   a pseudo-archaic spelling of fair^2, fare

Fayum (faIˈjuːm)   n   See El Faiyûm

faze (feIz)   vb   (tr) to disconcert; worry; disturb [C19: variant of FEEZE]

■ fazed (feIzd)   adj   disconcerted; worried; disturbed

fazenda (fəˈzɛndə)   n   a ranch or large estate, esp a coffee estate in Brazil in the nineteenth century

■ fazendeiro (ˌfæzɛnˈdeIrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   an owner of a fazenda

FB slang   abbreviation for   the taboo term fuck buddy

FBA   abbreviation for   Fellow of the British Academy

FBI   abbreviation for (in the US)   Federal Bureau of Investigation; an agency of the Justice Department responsible for investigating violations of Federal laws

FBL   abbreviation for   fly-by-light

f-bomb   n   drop an f-bomb informal to use the taboo word fuck in a situation where it will cause great offence [C20: a play on A-BOMB and H-BOMB, alluding to their explosive impact]

FBW aeronautics   abbreviation for   fly-by-wire

fc printing   abbreviation for   follow copy

FC   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Football Club   2 (in Canada) Federal Court   3 text messaging fingers crossed

FCA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants

fcap   abbreviation for   foolscap

FCC   abbreviation for (in the US)   Federal Communications Commission

FCCA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants

FCII   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute

FCO   abbreviation for   Foreign and Commonwealth Office

FD   abbreviation for   Fidei Defensor [Latin: Defender of the Faith]

FDA   abbreviation for (in the US)   Food and Drug Administration: a federal agency responsible for monitoring trading and safety standards in the food and drug industries

F distribution   n   statistics a continuous distribution obtained from the ratio of two chi-square distributions and used esp to test the equality of the variances of two normally distributed variances

fdm   abbreviation for   frequency-division multiplex. See multiplex

FDP   abbreviation for   Freie Demokratische Partei: a liberal political party in Germany [German: Free Democratic Party]

FDR   abbreviation for   Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Fe   the chemical symbol for   iron [from New Latin ferrum]

feague (fiːɡ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to whip or beat

feal (fiːl)   adj   an archaic word for faithful [C16: from Old French feeil, from Latin fidēlis]

■ fealty (ˈfiːəltI)   n, pl -ties   (in feudal society) the loyalty sworn to one's lord on becoming his vassal. See homage (sense 2) [C14: from Old French fealte, from Latin fidēlitās FIDELITY]

fear (fIə)   n   1 a feeling of distress, apprehension, or alarm caused by impending danger, pain, etc   2 a cause of this feeling   3 awe; reverence: fear of God   4 concern; anxiety   5 possibility; chance: there is no fear of that happening   6 for fear of, for fear that or for fear lest to forestall or avoid   7 no fear certainly not   8 put the fear of God into to frighten   ▷ vb   9 to be afraid (to do something) or of (a person or thing); dread   10 (tr) to revere; respect   11 (tr; takes a clause as object) to be sorry: used to lessen the effect of an unpleasant statement: I fear that you have not won   12 (intr; foll by for) to feel anxiety about something   13 an archaic word for frighten [Old English fǣr; related to Old High German fāra, Old Norse fār hostility, Latin perīculum danger]   > ˈfearer n   > ˈfearless adj   > ˈfearlessly adv   > ˈfearlessness n

■ fearful (ˈfIəfʊl)   adj   1 having fear; afraid   2 causing fear; frightening   3 informal very unpleasant or annoying: a fearful cold   > ˈfearfulness n

■ fearfully (ˈfIəfʊlI)   adv   1 in a fearful manner   2 (intensifier): you're fearfully kind

■ fearmonger (ˈfIəˌmʌŋɡə)   n   a person who spreads fear   > ˈfearˌmongering n

■ fearnought or fearnaught (ˈfIəˌnɔːt)   n   1 a heavy woollen fabric   2 a coat made of such fabric

■ fearsome (ˈfIəsəm)   adj   1 frightening   2 timorous; afraid   > ˈfearsomely adv   > ˈfearsomeness n

feare (fIə)   n   a variant form of fere

feart (fIət; Scottish fiːrt)   adj   Scot afraid

feasance (ˈfiːzəns)   n   obsolete the execution of an action, condition or obligation

fease (fiːz)   vb (tr)   obsolete to execute an action, condition or obligation

feasible (ˈfiːzəbəl)   adj   1 able to be done or put into effect; possible   2 likely; probable: a feasible excuse [C15: from Anglo-French faisable, from faire to do, from Latin facere]   > ˌfeasiˈbility or ˈfeasibleness n   > ˈfeasibly adv

■ feasibility study   n   a study designed to determine the practicability of a system or plan

feast (fiːst)   n   1 a large and sumptuous meal, usually given as an entertainment for several people   2 a periodic religious celebration   3 something extremely pleasing or sumptuous: a feast for the eyes   4 movable feast a festival or other event of variable date   ▷ vb   5 (intr)   a to eat a feast   b (usually foll by on) to enjoy the eating (of), as if feasting: to feast on cakes   6 (tr) to give a feast to   7 (intr; foll by on) to take great delight (in): to feast on beautiful paintings   8 (tr) to regale or delight: to feast one's mind or one's eyes [C13: from Old French feste, from Latin festa, neuter plural (later assumed to be feminine singular) of festus joyful; related to Latin fānum temple, fēriae festivals]   > ˈfeaster n

■ feastful (ˈfiːstfʊl)   adj   archaic festive, occupied with feasting

■ feasting (ˈfiːstIŋ)   n   the act or an instance of feasting

■ feastless (ˈfiːstləs)   adj   without a feast

■ Feast of Dedication   n   Judaism a literal translation of Chanukah

■ Feast of Lanterns   n   1 Hinduism another name for Diwali   2 Also called: Festival of Lanterns Japanese Buddhism another name for Bon^1

■ Feast of Lights   n   Judaism an English name for Hanukkah

■ Feast of Tabernacles   n   Judaism a literal translation of Sukkoth

■ Feast of Weeks   n   Judaism a literal translation of Shavuot

feat^1 (fiːt)   n   a remarkable, skilful, or daring action; exploit; achievement: feats of strength [C14: from Anglo-French fait, from Latin factum deed; see FACT]

feat^2 (fiːt)   adj archaic   1 another word for skilful   2 another word for neat^1, suitable [C14: from Old French fet, from Latin factus made, from facere to make]

■ featly (ˈfiːtlI)   adv archaic   1 neatly   2 fitly   > ˈfeatliness n

feateous (ˈfiːtIəs)   adj   obsolete (of people or dress) well-formed, handsome, aesthetically pleasing

■ feateously (ˈfiːtIəslI)   adv   obsolete in a featous manner

feather (ˈfɛðə)   n   1 any of the flat light waterproof epidermal structures forming the plumage of birds, each consisting of a hollow shaft having a vane of barbs on either side. They are essential for flight and help maintain body temperature   2 something resembling a feather, such as a tuft of hair or grass   3 archery   a a bird's feather or artificial substitute fitted to an arrow to direct its flight   b the feathered end of an arrow, opposite the head   4 a strip, spline, or tongue of wood fitted into a groove   5 the wake created on the surface of the water by the raised periscope of a submarine   6 rowing the position of an oar turned parallel to the water between strokes. Compare square (sense 8)   7 a step in ballroom dancing in which a couple maintain the conventional hold but dance side by side   8 condition of spirits; fettle: in fine feather   9 something of negligible value; jot: I don't care a feather   10 birds of a feather people of the same type, character, or interests   11 feather in one's cap a cause for pleasure at one's achievements: your promotion is a feather in your cap   12 not take a feather out of someone or not knock a feather out of someone Irish to fail to upset or injure someone: it didn't take a feather out of him   ▷ vb   13 (tr) to fit, cover, or supply with feathers   14 (tr) to touch lightly   15 rowing to turn (an oar) parallel to the water during recovery between strokes, principally in order to lessen wind resistance. Compare square (sense 41)   16 (in canoeing) to turn (a paddle) parallel to the direction of the canoe between strokes, while keeping it in the water, principally in order to move silently   17 to change the pitch of (an aircraft propeller) so that the chord lines of the blades are in line with the airflow   18 (tr) to join (two boards) by means of a tongue-and-groove joint   19 (intr) (of a bird) to grow feathers   20 (intr) to move or grow like feathers   21 feather one's nest to provide oneself with comforts, esp financial [Old English fether; related to Old Frisian fethere, Old Norse fjöthr feather, Old High German fedara wing, Greek petesthai to fly, Sanskrit patati he flies]   > ˈfeatherless adj   > ˈfeather-ˌlike adj   > ˈfeathery adj

■ feather bed   n   1 a mattress filled with feathers or down   ▷ vb featherbed (-beds, -bedding, -bedded)   2 (tr) to pamper; spoil   3 (intr) US to be subject to or engage in featherbedding

■ featherbedding (ˈfɛðəˌbɛdIŋ)   n   the practice of limiting production, duplicating work, or overmanning, esp in accordance with a union contract, in order to prevent redundancies or create jobs

■ featherbrain (ˈfɛðəˌbreIn) or featherhead   n   a frivolous or forgetful person   > ˈfeatherˌbrained or ˈfeatherˌheaded adj

■ feathered (ˈfɛðəd)   adj   adorned with feathers

■ featheredge (ˈfɛðərˌɛdʒ)   n   a board or plank that tapers to a thin edge at one side   > ˈfeatherˌedged adj

■ feather grass   n   a perennial grass, Stipa pennata, native to the steppes of Europe and N Asia, cultivated as an ornament for its feathery inflorescence

■ featheriness (ˈfɛðərInəs)   n   the quality of resembling feathers, extreme lightness

■ feathering (ˈfɛðərIŋ)   n   1 the plumage of a bird; feathers   2 another word for feathers (sense 2)   3 printing   a an imperfection in print caused by the spreading of ink   b the use of additional space between lines in typesetting in order to fill the page

■ featherlight (ˈfɛðəˌlaIt)   adj   extremely light

■ feather palm   n   any of various palm trees, such as the wax palm and date palm, that have pinnate or feather-like leaves. Compare fan palm

■ feathers (ˈfɛðəz)   pl n   1 the plumage of a bird   2 Also called: feathering the long hair on the legs or tail of certain breeds of horses and dogs   3 informal dress; attire: her best feathers   4 ruffle feathers to cause upset or offence

■ feather star   n   any free-swimming crinoid echinoderm of the genus Antedon and related genera, living on muddy sea bottoms and having ten feathery arms radiating from a small central disc

■ featherstitch (ˈfɛðəˌstItʃ)   n   1 a zigzag embroidery stitch   ▷ vb   2 to decorate (cloth) with featherstitch

■ feather-veined   adj   (of a leaf) having a network of veins branching from the midrib to the margin

■ featherweight (ˈfɛðəˌweIt)   n   1    a something very light or of little importance   b (as modifier): featherweight considerations   2    a a professional boxer weighing 118–126 pounds (53.5–57 kg)   b an amateur boxer weighing 54–57 kg (119–126 pounds)   c (as modifier): the featherweight challenger   3 a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 126–139 pounds (57–63 kg))

feature (ˈfiːtʃə)   n   1 any one of the parts of the face, such as the nose, chin, or mouth   2 a prominent or distinctive part or aspect, as of a landscape, building, book, etc   3 the principal film in a programme at a cinema   4 an item or article appearing regularly in a newspaper, magazine, etc: a gardening feature   5 Also called: feature story a prominent story in a newspaper, etc: a feature on prison reform   6 a programme given special prominence on radio or television as indicated by attendant publicity   7 an article offered for sale as a special attraction, as in a large retail establishment   8 archaic general form or make-up   9 linguistics a quality of a linguistic unit at some level of description: grammatical feature; semantic feature   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to have as a feature or make a feature of   11 to give prominence to (an actor, famous event, etc) in a film or (of an actor, etc) to have prominence in a film   12 (tr) US informal to imagine; consider: I can't feature that happening [C14: from Anglo-French feture, from Latin factūra a making, from facere to make]

■ featured   adj   (in combination) having features as specified: heavy-featured

■ feature-length   adj   (of a film or programme) similar in extent to a feature although not classed as such

■ featureless (ˈfiːtʃəlIs)   adj   without distinctive points or qualities; undistinguished   > ˈfeaturelessness n

■ featurely (ˈfiːtʃəlI)   adj   having strongly defined features or characteristics, handsome

■ featurette (ˌfiːtʃərˈɛt)   n   a short film

feaze^1 (fiːz)   vb   nautical to make or become unravelled or frayed [C16: perhaps from obsolete Dutch vese fringe, from Middle Dutch vese, veze fringe; related to Old English fæs]

feaze^2 (fiːz)   vb, n   a variant of feeze, faze

Feb   abbreviation for   February

feblesse (ˈfiːblɛs)   n   obsolete feebleness, poor health

febri-   combining form   indicating fever: febrifuge [from Latin febris fever]

febricity (fIˈbrIsItI)   n   rare the condition of having a fever [C19: from Medieval Latin febricitās, from Latin febris fever]

febricula (fIˈbrIkjʊlə)   n   a mild and transient fever

febrifacient (ˌfɛbrIˈfeIʃənt)   adj   1 producing fever   ▷ n   2 something that produces fever

febrific (fIˈbrIfIk) or febriferous   adj   causing or having a fever

febrifuge (ˈfɛbrIˌfjuːdʒ)   n   1 any drug or agent for reducing fever   ▷ adj   2 serving to reduce fever [C17: from Medieval Latin febrifugia feverfew; see FEBRI-, -FUGE]   > febrifugal (fIˈbrIfjʊɡəl, ˌfɛbrIˈfjuːɡəl) adj

febrile (ˈfiːbraIl)   adj   of or relating to fever; feverish [C17: from medical Latin febrīlis, from Latin febris fever]   > febrility (fIˈbrIlItI) n

February (ˈfɛbrʊərI)   n, pl -aries   the second month of the year, consisting of 28 or (in a leap year) 29 days [C13: from Latin Februārius mēnsis month of expiation, from februa Roman festival of purification held on February 15, from plural of februum a purgation]

■ February Revolution   n   another name for the Russian Revolution (sense 1)

fec.   abbreviation for   fecit

feces (ˈfiːsiːz)   pl n   the usual US spelling of faeces

■ fecal (ˈfiːkəl)   adj   the usual US spelling of faecal

Fechner (German ˈfɛçnər)   n   Gustav Theodor (ˈɡʊstaf ˈteːodoːr). 1801–87, German physicist, philosopher, and psychologist, noted particularly for his work on psychophysics, Elemente der Psychophysik (1860)

fecht (fɛxt)   vb, n   a Scot word for fight   > ˈfechter n

fecial (ˈfiːʃəl)   n, adj   a variant spelling of fetial

fecit Latin (ˈfeIkIt)     (he or she) made it: used formerly on works of art next to the artist's name. Abbreviation: fec.

feck^1 (fɛk)   n   Scot obsolete   a worth; value   b amount; quantity   c the greater part; the majority [C15 (Scottish dialect) fek, short for EFFECT]

■ feckly (ˈfɛklI)   adv   dialect almost, mostly

feck^2 (fɛk)   vb, n, interj   slang a variant of the taboo word fuck

■ fecking (ˈfɛkIŋ) or feckin (ˈfɛkIn)   adj, adv   slang (intensifier): a fecking eejit [C20: a euphemism for the taboo word FUCKING]

feckless (ˈfɛklIs)   adj   feeble; weak; ineffectual; irresponsible [C16: from obsolete feck value, effect + -LESS]   > ˈfecklessly adv   > ˈfecklessness n

fecula (ˈfɛkjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   1 starch obtained by washing the crushed parts of plants, such as the potato   2 faecal material, esp of insects [C17: from Latin: burnt tartar, appearing as a crust in wine, from faex sediment]

feculent (ˈfɛkjʊlənt)   adj   1 filthy, scummy, muddy, or foul   2 of the nature of or containing waste matter [C15: from Latin faeculentus; see FAECES]   > ˈfeculence n

■ feculency (ˈfɛkjʊlənsI)   n   obsolete an impurity

fecund (ˈfiːkənd, ˈfɛk-)   adj   1 greatly productive; fertile   2 intellectually productive; prolific [C14: from Latin fēcundus; related to Latin fētus offspring]

■ fecundate (ˈfiːkənˌdeIt, ˈfɛk-)   vb (tr)   1 to make fruitful   2 to fertilize; impregnate [C17: from Latin fēcundāre to fertilize]   > ˌfecunˈdation n   > ˈfecunˌdator n   > fecundatory (fIˈkʌndətərI, -trI) adj

■ fecundity (fIˈkʌndItI)   n   1 fertility; fruitfulness   2 intellectual fruitfulness; creativity

fed^1 (fɛd)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of feed   2 fed to death, fed to the teeth, fed up to the teeth, fed to the back teeth or fed up to the back teeth informal bored or annoyed

■ fed up   adj   (usually postpositive) informal annoyed, discontented, or bored: I'm fed up with your behaviour

fed^2 (fɛd)   n   US slang an agent of the FBI

Fed (fɛd)   n   the Fed US informal the Federal Reserve Bank or Federal Reserve Board

Fed. or fed.   abbreviation for   1 Federal   2 Federation   3 Federated

fedarie (ˈfiːdərI)   n   obsolete an accomplice

fedayee (fəˈdɑːjiː)   n, pl -yeen (-jiːn)   (sometimes capital) (in Arab states) a commando, esp one fighting against Israel [from Arabic fidā'i one who risks his life in a cause, from fidā' redemption]

fedelini (ˌfɛdəˈliːnI)   n   a type of pasta similar to vermicelli but somewhat thicker

federal (ˈfɛdərəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a form of government or a country in which power is divided between one central and several regional governments   2 of or relating to a treaty between provinces, states, etc, that establishes a political unit in which power is so divided   3 of or relating to the central government of a federation   4 of or relating to any union or association of parties or groups that retain some autonomy   5 (of a university) comprising relatively independent colleges   ▷ n   6 a supporter of federal union or federation [C17: from Latin foedus league]   > ˈfederally adv

■ federacy (ˈfɛdərəsI)   n   1 the state of being united by a treaty   2 (pl -ries) an alliance

■ Federal (ˈfɛdərəl)   adj   1    a of or relating to the Federalist party or Federalism   b characteristic of or supporting the Union government during the American Civil War   ▷ n   2    a a supporter of the Union government during the American Civil War   b a Federalist

■ Federal Bureau of Investigation   n   See FBI

■ Federal Capital Territory   n   1 an administrative division of Nigeria, in the centre. Capital: Abuja (also national capital). Pop: 1 405 201 (2006). Area: 7315 sq km (2824 sq miles)   2 the former name of Australian Capital Territory

■ Federal court   n   1 (in the US) a court which rules on cases involving the Constitution, federal laws and interstate crimes   2 (in Canada) a court which rules on cases involving certain areas of federal law, including maritime and intellectual property law

■ federal district or federal territory   n   an area used as the seat of central government in a federal system

■ federalese (ˌfɛdərəˈliːz)   n   unnecessarily obscure bureaucratic language

■ Federal Government   n   the national government of a federated state, such as that of Australia located in Canberra

■ federalism (ˈfɛdərəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the principle or a system of federal union   2 advocacy of federal union   > ˈfederalist n, adj   > ˌfederalˈistic adj

■ Federalism (ˈfɛdərəˌlIzəm)   n   US history the principles and policies of the Federalist party

■ Federalist (ˈfɛdərəlIst) US history   n   1 a supporter or member of the Federalist party   ▷ adj also Federalistic (ˌfɛdərəˈlIstIk)   2 characteristic of the Federalists

■ Federalist Party or Federal Party   n   the American political party founded in 1787 and led initially by Alexander Hamilton. It took an active part in the shaping of the US Constitution and thereafter favoured strong centralized government and business interests

■ federalize or federalise (ˈfɛdərəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to unite in a federation or federal union; federate   2 to subject to federal control   > ˌfederaliˈzation or ˌfederaliˈsation n

■ Federal Republic of Germany   n   the official name of Germany, formerly used to refer to West Germany

■ Federal Reserve note   n   a bank note issued by the Federal Reserve Banks and now serving as the prevailing paper currency in circulation in the US

■ Federal Reserve System   n   (in the US) a banking system consisting of twelve Federal Reserve Districts, each containing member banks regulated and served by a Federal Reserve Bank. It operates under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board and performs functions similar to those of the Bank of England

■ federate   vb (ˈfɛdəˌreIt)   1 to unite or cause to unite in a federal union   ▷ adj (ˈfɛdərIt)   2 federal; federated   > ˈfederative adj

■ federated (ˈfɛdəreItId)   adj   (of a country) having a federal system of government

■ Federated Malay States   pl n   See Malay States

■ federation (ˌfɛdəˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act of federating   2 the union of several provinces, states, etc, to form a federal union   3 a political unit formed in such a way   4 any league, alliance, or confederacy   5 a union of several parties, groups, etc   6 any association or union for common action

■ Federation (ˌfɛdəˈreIʃən)   n Austral   1 the Federation the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901   2 a style of domestic architecture of that period, characterized by red brick, terracotta roof tiles, sinuous curves, and heavy window frames

■ Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland   n   a federation (1953–63) of Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland

■ Federation wheat   n   Austral an early-maturing drought-resistant variety of wheat developed by William Farrar in 1902

■ federatively (ˈfɛdərətIvlI)   adv   from a federative point of view

■ federator (ˈfɛdəˌreItə)   n   a person or thing which creates or constitutes a federation

Federer (ˈfɛdərə)   n   Roger. born 1981, Swiss tennis player: winner of a record twenty Grand Slam singles titles (2003–17), including eight at Wimbledon

fedex (ˈfɛdˌɛks)   vb (tr)   to send by courier, specifically when using the services of the FedEx company

fedora (fIˈdɔːrə)   n   a soft felt or velvet medium-brimmed hat, usually with a band [C19: allegedly named after Fédora (1882), play by French dramatist Victorien Sardou (1831–1908)]

fee (fiː)   n   1 a payment asked by professional people or public servants for their services: a doctor's fee; school fees   2 a charge made for a privilege: an entrance fee   3 property law   a an interest in land capable of being inherited. See fee simple, fee tail   b the land held in fee   4 (in feudal Europe) the land granted by a lord to his vassal   5 an obsolete word for a gratuity   6 in fee   a law (of land) in absolute ownership   b archaic in complete subjection   ▷ vb fees, feeing, feed   7 rare to give a fee to   8 chiefly Scot to hire for a fee [C14: from Old French fie, of Germanic origin; see FIEF]   > ˈfeeless adj

■ fee-paying   adj   1 (of a pupil or student) required to pay for a place at an educational establishment   2 (of a school) charging fees to parents of pupils

■ fee simple   n   property law an absolute interest in land over which the holder has complete freedom of disposition during his or her life. Compare fee tail [C15: from Anglo-French: fee (or fief) simple]

■ fee-splitting   n   US giving to a colleague who makes the referral part of the fee charged to a referred client or patient

■ fee tail   n   property law   a a freehold interest in land restricted to a particular line of heirs   b an estate in land subject to such restriction. Compare fee simple [C15: from Anglo-French fee tailé fee (or fief) determined, from taillier to cut]

feeb (fiːb)   n   US slang a feeble-minded or contemptible person

feeble (ˈfiːbəl)   adj   1 lacking in physical or mental strength; frail; weak   2 inadequate; unconvincing: feeble excuses   3 easily influenced or indecisive [C12: from Old French feble, fleible, from Latin flēbilis to be lamented, from flēre to weep]   > ˈfeebleness n   > ˈfeebly adv

■ feeble-minded   adj   1 lacking in intelligence   2 old-fashioned, offensive of below average intelligence   3 lacking decision; irresolute   > ˌfeeble-ˈmindedly adv   > ˌfeeble-ˈmindedness n

■ feeblish (ˈfiːblIʃ)   adj   somewhat feeble

feed (fiːd)   vb feeds, feeding, fed (fɛd) (mainly tr)   1 to give food to: to feed the cat   2 to give as food: to feed meat to the cat   3 (intr) to eat food: the horses feed at noon   4 to provide food for: these supplies can feed 10 million people   5 to provide what is necessary for the existence or development of: to feed one's imagination   6 to gratify; satisfy: to feed one's eyes on a beautiful sight   7 (also intr) to supply (a machine, furnace, etc) with (the necessary materials or fuel) for its operation, or (of such materials) to flow or move forwards into a machine, etc   8 to use (land) as grazing   9 theatre informal to cue (an actor, esp a comedian) with lines or actions   10 sport to pass a ball to (a team-mate)   11 electronics to introduce (electrical energy) into a circuit, esp by means of a feeder   12 (also intr; foll by on or upon) to eat or cause to eat   ▷ n   13 the act or an instance of feeding   14 food, esp that of animals or babies   15 the process of supplying a machine or furnace with a material or fuel   16 the quantity of material or fuel so supplied   17 computing a facility allowing web users to receive news headlines and updates on their browser from a website as soon as they are published   18 the rate of advance of a cutting tool in a lathe, drill, etc   19 a mechanism that supplies material or fuel or controls the rate of advance of a cutting tool   20 theatre informal a performer, esp a straight man, who provides cues   21 informal a meal [Old English fēdan; related to Old Norse fœtha to feed, Old High German fuotan, Gothic fōthjan; see FOOD, FODDER]   > ˈfeedable adj

■ feedback (ˈfiːdˌbæk)   n   1    a the return of part of the output of an electronic circuit, device, or mechanical system to its input, so modifying its characteristics. In negative feedback a rise in output energy reduces the input energy; in positive feedback an increase in output energy reinforces the input energy   b that part of the output signal fed back into the input   2 the return of part of the sound output by a loudspeaker to the microphone or pick-up so that a high-pitched whistle is produced   3 the whistling noise so produced   4    a the effect of the product of a biological pathway on the rate of an earlier step in that pathway   b the substance or reaction causing such an effect, such as the release of a hormone in a biochemical pathway   5 information in response to an inquiry, experiment, etc: there was little feedback from our questionnaire   ▷ vb, adv feed back   6 (tr) to return (part of the output of a system) to its input   7 to offer or suggest (information, ideas, etc) in reaction to an inquiry, experiment, etc

■ feedbag (ˈfiːdˌbæɡ)   n   1 any bag in which feed for livestock is sacked   2 US and Canadian a bag, fastened around the head of a horse and covering the nose, in which feed is placed. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): nosebag

■ feedbox (ˈfiːdˌbɒks)   n   a box or other container, for example a trough, to hold fodder

■ feeder (ˈfiːdə)   n   1 a person or thing that feeds or is fed   2 a child's feeding bottle or bib   3 agriculture, chiefly US and Canadian a head of livestock being fattened for slaughter   4 a person or device that feeds the working material into a system or machine   5 a tributary channel, esp one that supplies a reservoir or canal with water   6    a a road, service, etc, that links secondary areas to the main traffic network   b (as modifier): a feeder bus   7    a a transmission line connecting an aerial to a transmitter or receiver   b a power line for transmitting electrical power from a generating station to a distribution network

■ feedgrain (ˈfiːdˌɡreIn)   n   any cereal grown to feed livestock

■ feedhole (ˈfiːdˌhəʊl)   n   a small opening through which something passes, for instance a cable

■ feeding (ˈfiːdIŋ)   n   the act of giving food to a person or an animal

■ feeding bottle   n   a bottle fitted with a rubber teat from which infants or young animals suck liquids. Also called: nursing bottle

■ feeding frenzy   n   1 a phenomenon in which aquatic predators, esp sharks, become so excited when eating that they attack each other   2 a period of intense excitement over or interest in a person or thing: the media erupt into a feeding frenzy

■ feed-in tariff   n   a payment above the market rate paid to a small-scale producer of renewable energy by a large energy provider

■ feedlot (ˈfiːdˌlɒt)   n   an area or building where livestock are fattened rapidly for market

■ feedpipe (ˈfiːdpaIp)   n   a pipe through which something is supplied to a machine or system, for instance steam to an engine, or oil to a tank

■ feedstock (ˈfiːdˌstɒk)   n   the main raw material used in the manufacture of a product

■ feedstuff (ˈfiːdˌstʌf) or feedingstuff (ˈfiːdIŋˌstʌf)   n   any material used as a food, esp for animals

■ feedthrough (ˈfiːdˌθruː)   n   electronics a conductor used to connect two sides of a part, such as a printed circuit board

■ feedwater (ˈfiːdˌwɔːtə)   n   water, previously purified to prevent scale deposit or corrosion, that is fed to boilers for steam generation

■ feedyard (ˈfiːdˌjɑːd)   n   an area where cattle are kept and fed when being fattened for market

feel (fiːl)   vb feels, feeling, felt (fɛlt)   1 to perceive (something) by touching   2 to have a physical or emotional sensation of (something): to feel heat; to feel anger   3 (tr) to examine (something) by touch   4 (tr) to find (one's way) by testing or cautious exploration   5 (copula) to seem or appear in respect of the sensation given: I feel tired; it feels warm   6 to have an indistinct, esp emotional conviction; sense (esp in the phrase feel in one's bones)   7 (intr; foll by for) to show sympathy or compassion (towards): I feel for you in your sorrow   8 to believe, think, or be of the opinion (that): he feels he must resign   9 (tr; often foll by up) slang to pass one's hands over the sexual organs of   10 feel like to have an inclination (for something or doing something): I don't feel like going to the cinema   11 feel oneself or feel quite oneself to be fit and sure of oneself   12 feel up to (usually used with a negative or in a question) to be fit enough for (something or doing something): I don't feel up to going out tonight   ▷ n   13 the act or an instance of feeling, esp by touching   14 the quality of or an impression from something perceived through feeling: the house has a homely feel about it   15 the sense of touch: the fabric is rough to the feel   16 an instinctive aptitude; knack: she's got a feel for this sort of work [Old English fēlan; related to Old High German fuolen, Old Norse fālma to grope, Latin palma PALM^1]

■ feel-bad   adj   causing or characterized by feelings of unhappiness or depression

■ feeler (ˈfiːlə)   n   1 a person or thing that feels   2 an organ in certain animals, such as an antenna or tentacle, that is sensitive to touch   3 a remark designed to probe the reactions or intentions of other people

■ feeler gauge   n   a thin metal strip of known thickness used to measure a narrow gap or to set a gap between two parts

■ feel-good   adj   causing or characterized by a feeling of self-satisfaction: feel-good factor

■ feeling (ˈfiːlIŋ)   n   1 the sense of touch   2    a the ability to experience physical sensations, such as heat, pain, etc   b the sensation so experienced   3 a state of mind   4 a physical or mental impression: a feeling of warmth   5 fondness; sympathy: to have a great deal of feeling for someone   6 an ability to feel deeply: a person of feeling   7 a sentiment: a feeling that the project is feasible   8 an impression or mood; atmosphere: the feeling of a foreign city   9 an emotional disturbance, esp anger or dislike: a lot of bad feeling about the increase in taxes   10 intuitive appreciation and understanding: a feeling for words   11 sensibility in the performance of something   12 (plural) emotional or moral sensitivity, as in relation to principles or personal dignity (esp in the phrase hurt or injure the feelings of)   13 have feelings for to be emotionally or sexually attracted to   ▷ adj   14 sentient; sensitive   15 expressing or containing emotion   16 warm-hearted; sympathetic   > ˈfeelingly adv

■ feelingless (ˈfiːlIŋləs)   adj   without feeling, unfeeling

■ feelingness (ˈfiːlIŋnəs)   n   an emotional character or quality

feen (fiːn)   n   Irish dialect an informal word for man

feer (fIə)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect to plough or mark a furrow, esp in the case of the first furrow made as a guide

■ feerin (ˈfIərIn)   n   Scot dialect a furrow ploughed as a guide to subsequent work

feerie (ˈfeIərI)   n   theatre a theatrical production, often opera or ballet, involving fairies and depicting fairy scenes and landscapes, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries

feet (fiːt)   n   1 the plural of foot   2 at someone's feet as someone's disciple   3 be run off one's feet or be rushed off one's feet to be very busy   4 carry off one's feet or sweep off one's feet to fill with enthusiasm   5 feet of clay a weakness that is not widely known   6 get one's feet wet to begin to participate in something   7 have one's feet on the ground or keep one's feet on the ground to be practical and reliable   8 on one's feet or on its feet   a standing up   b in good health   c (of a business, company, etc) thriving   9 put one's feet up to rest   10 stand on one's own feet to be independent   > ˈfeetless adj

■ feetfirst (ˈfiːtˈfɜːst)   adv   in a manner where the feet come first

feeze, feaze or feese (fiːz) dialect   vb   1 (tr) to beat   2 to drive off   3 chiefly US to disconcert; worry   ▷ n   4 a rush   5 chiefly US a state of agitation [Old English fēsian]

feg (fɛɡ)   n   another name for fig^1 (sense 6)

feh (fɛ)   interj   an expression of disgust, contempt or disapproval

fehm (feIm)   n   a variant form of vehm

■ fehmic (ˈfeImIk)   adj   a variant form of vehmic

FEI   abbreviation for   Fédération Équestre Internationale: the international governing body of equestrian sports [from French]

feign (feIn)   vb   1 to put on a show of (a quality or emotion); pretend: to feign innocence   2 (tr) to make up; invent: to feign an excuse   3 (tr) to copy; imitate: to feign someone's laugh [C13: from Old French feindre to pretend, from Latin fingere to form, shape, invent]   > ˈfeigner n   > ˈfeigningly adv

■ feigned (feInd)   adj   (of a gesture, statement or emotion) not real

■ feignedly (ˈfeInIdlI)   adv   in a feigned manner

■ feignedness (ˈfeInIdnəs)   n   the quality of or extent to which something is feigned

feijoa (fiːˈdʒəʊə)   n   1 an evergreen myrtaceous shrub, Feijoa sellowiana, of South America   2 the fruit of this shrub [C19: from New Latin, named after J. da Silva Feijo, 19th-century Spanish botanist]

feijoada (ˌfeIʒʊˈɑːdə)   n   a Brazilian stew containing black beans, meat, and vegetables

Feininger (ˈfaInIŋə)   n   Lyonel. 1871–1956, US artist, who worked at the Bauhaus, noted for his use of superimposed translucent planes of colour

feint^1 (feInt)   n   1 a mock attack or movement designed to distract an adversary, as in a military manoeuvre or in boxing, fencing, etc   2 a misleading action or appearance   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to make a feint [C17: from French feinte, from feint pretended, from Old French feindre to FEIGN]

feint^2 (feInt)   n   printing the narrowest rule used in the production of ruled paper [C19: variant of FAINT]

feints or faints (feInts)   pl n   the leavings of the second distillation of Scotch malt whisky

feirie (ˈfIərI)   adj   Scot dialect active, vigorous, nimble

feis (fɛʃ)   n   an Irish or Scottish festival of music and dance

Feisal I (ˈfaIsəl)   n   a variant spelling of Faisal I

Feisal II   n   a variant spelling of Faisal II

feisty (ˈfaIstI)   adj feistier, feistiest informal   1 lively, resilient, and self-reliant   2 US and Canadian frisky   3 US and Canadian irritable [C19: from dialect feist, fist small dog; related to Old English fīsting breaking wind]

■ feist (faIst)   n   US informal, dialect a small dog

■ feistily (ˈfaIstIlI)   adv   in a feisty manner

■ feistiness (ˈfaIstInəs)   n   the quality or extent of being feisty

felafel (fəlˈɑːfəl)   n   a variant spelling of falafel

felch (fɛltʃ)   vb   taboo, slang to suck semen from the vagina or anus of (a sexual partner)

Feldenkrais method (ˈfɛldənˌkraIs)   n   a system of gentle movements that promote flexibility, coordination, and self-awareness [C20: after Moshe Feldenkrais (1904–84), Russian-born engineer who developed it]

feldgrau (ˈfɛltˌɡraʊ)   n   the shade of grey worn by German soldiers in World War II

feldsher, feldscher or feldschar (ˈfɛldʃə)   n   (in Russia) a medical doctor's assistant [C19: Russian, from German Feldscher a field surgeon, from Feld field + Scherer surgeon, from scheren to shear]

feldspar (ˈfɛldˌspɑː, ˈfɛlˌspɑː) or felspar   n   any of a group of hard rock-forming minerals consisting of aluminium silicates of potassium, sodium, calcium, or barium: the principal constituents of igneous rocks. The group includes orthoclase, microcline, and the plagioclase minerals [C18: from German feldspat(h), from feld field + spat(h) SPAR^3]   > feldspathic (fɛldˈspæθIk, fɛlˈspæθ-), felˈspathic, ˈfeldspathˌose or ˈfelspathˌose adj

feldspathoid (ˈfɛldspəˌθɔId) or felspathoid (ˈfɛlspəˌθɔId)   n   any of a group of rock-forming minerals, such as leucite and sodalite, that are similar to feldspars but contain less silica

felicia (fəˈlIʃIə)   n   a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae)

felicific (ˌfiːlIˈsIfIk)   adj   making or tending to make happy [C19: from Latin fēlix happy + facere to make]

feliciter Latin (fIˈlIsItɜː)   adv   happily; successfully

felicity (fIˈlIsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 happiness; joy   2 a cause of happiness   3 an appropriate expression or style   4 the quality or display of such expressions or style   5 philosophy appropriateness (of a speech act). The performative I appoint you ambassador can only possess felicity if uttered by one in whom the authority for such appointments is vested [C14: from Latin fēlīcitās happiness, from fēlix happy]

■ felicitate (fIˈlIsIˌteIt)   vb   to wish joy to; congratulate   > feˈliciˌtator n

■ felicitation (fIˌlIsIˈteIʃən)   n   a rare word for congratulation

■ felicitations (fIˌlIsIˈteIʃənz)   pl n, sentence substitute   a less common word for congratulations

■ felicitous (fIˈlIsItəs)   adj   1 well-chosen; apt   2 possessing an agreeable style   3 producing or marked by happiness   > feˈlicitously adv   > feˈlicitousness n

felid (ˈfiːlId)   n   any animal belonging to the cat family

feline (ˈfiːlaIn)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Felidae, a family of predatory mammals, including cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, typically having a round head and retractile claws: order Carnivora (carnivores)   2 resembling or suggestive of a cat, esp in stealth or grace   ▷ n also felid (ˈfiːlId)   3 any animal belonging to the family Felidae; a cat [C17: from Latin fēlīnus, from fēlēs cat]   > ˈfelinely adv   > ˈfelineness or felinity (fIˈlInItI) n

Felipe VI (Spanish felipe)   n   born 1968, king of Spain from 2014; succeeded his father Juan Carlos, who abdicated

Felixstowe (ˈfiːlIkˌstəʊ)   n   a port and resort in E England, in Suffolk. Pop: 29 349 (2001)

fell^1 (fɛl)   vb (tr)   1 to cut or knock down: to fell a tree; to fell an opponent   2 needlework to fold under and sew flat (the edges of a seam)   ▷ n   3 US and Canadian the timber felled in one season   4 a seam finished by felling [Old English fellan; related to Old Norse fella, Old High German fellen; see FALL]   > ˈfellable adj

■ feller (ˈfɛlə)   n   1 a person or thing that fells   2 an attachment on a sewing machine for felling seams

fell^2 (fɛl)   adj   1 archaic cruel or fierce; terrible   2 archaic destructive or deadly: a fell disease   3 one fell swoop a single hasty action or occurrence [C13 fel, from Old French: cruel, from Medieval Latin fellō villain; see FELON^1]   > ˈfellness n

fell^3 (fɛl)   vb   the past tense of fall

fell^4 (fɛl)   n   an animal skin or hide [Old English; related to Old High German fel skin, Old Norse berfjall bearskin, Latin pellis skin; see PEEL^1]

■ fellmonger (ˈfɛlˌmʌŋɡə)   n   a person who deals in animal skins or hides   > ˈfellˌmongering or ˈfellˌmongery n

fell^5 (fɛl)   n   (often plural) Northern English and Scot   a a mountain, hill, or tract of upland moor   b (in combination): fell-walking [C13: from Old Norse fjall; related to Old High German felis rock]

■ fell pony   n   a British breed of large and heavy ponies, found in the hills of N England

■ fellwalker (ˈfɛlˌwɔːkə)   n   Brit a person who hikes over fells

■ fell-walking   n   Brit the sport of hiking over fells

feller (ˈfɛlə)   n   a nonstandard variant of fellow

fella (ˈfɛlə)   n   a nonstandard variant of fellow

fellah (ˈfɛlə)   n, pl fellahs, fellahin or fellaheen (ˌfɛləˈhiːn)   a peasant in Arab countries [C18: from Arabic, dialect variant of fallāh, from falaha to cultivate]

fellatio (fIˈleIʃIəʊ, fɛ-) or fellation   n   a sexual activity in which the penis is stimulated by the partner's mouth. Compare cunnilingus [C19: New Latin, from Latin fellāre to suck]   > felˈlator n   > felˈlatrix fem n

■ fellate (fɛˈleIt, fI-)   vb   (tr) to perform fellatio on (a person) [C20: back formation from FELLATIO]

Felling (ˈfɛlIŋ)   n   a town in NE England, in Gateshead unitary authority, Tyne and Wear; formerly noted for coal mining. Pop: 34 196 (2001)

Fellini (Italian fɛlˈliːnI)   n   Federico (fedeˈriko). 1920–93, Italian film director. His films include La Dolce Vita (1959), 8½ (1963), Satyricon (1969), and Intervista (1987)

■ Felliniesque (fəˈliːnIˌɛsk)   adj   referring to or reminiscent of the films of Federico Fellini

felloe (ˈfɛləʊ) or felly (ˈfɛlI)   n, pl -loes or -lies   a segment or the whole rim of a wooden wheel to which the spokes are attached and onto which a metal tyre is usually shrunk [Old English felge; related to Old High German felga, Middle Dutch velge, of unknown origin]

fellow (ˈfɛləʊ)   n   1 a man or boy   2 an informal word for boyfriend   3 informal one or oneself: a fellow has to eat   4 a person considered to be of little importance or worth   5    a (often plural) a companion; comrade; associate   b (as modifier): fellow travellers   6 (at Oxford and Cambridge universities) a member of the governing body of a college, who is usually a member of the teaching staff   7 a member of the governing body or established teaching staff at any of various universities or colleges   8 a postgraduate student employed, esp for a fixed period, to undertake research and, often, to do some teaching   9    a a person in the same group, class, or condition: if in doubt, ask your fellows their opinions   b (as modifier): fellow students; a fellow sufferer   10 one of a pair; counterpart; mate: looking for the glove's fellow [Old English fēolaga, from Old Norse fēlagi, one who lays down money, from fē money + lag a laying down]

■ Fellow (ˈfɛləʊ)   n   a member of any of various learned societies: Fellow of the British Academy

■ fellow feeling   n   1 mutual sympathy or friendship   2 an opinion held in common

■ fellowly (ˈfɛləʊlI)   adj   friendly, sociable, companionable

■ fellowman (ˈfɛləʊˌmæn)   n, pl -men   companion

■ fellowship (ˈfɛləʊˌʃIp)   n   1 the state of sharing mutual interests, experiences, activities, etc   2 a society of people sharing mutual interests, experiences, activities, etc; club   3 companionship; friendship   4 the state or relationship of being a fellow   5    a mutual trust and charitableness between Christians   b a Church or religious association   6 education   a a financed research post providing study facilities, privileges, etc, often in return for teaching services   b a foundation endowed to support a postgraduate research student   c an honorary title carrying certain privileges awarded to a postgraduate student   7 (often capital) the body of fellows in a college, university, etc

■ fellow traveller   n   1 a companion on a journey   2 a non-Communist who sympathizes with Communism

felo de se (ˈfiːləʊ dI ˈsiː, ˈfɛləʊ)   n, pl felones de se (ˈfiːləʊˌniːz dI ˈsiː, ˈfɛl-) or felos de se   law   a suicide   b a person who dies by suicide [C17: from Anglo-Latin, from felō felon + Latin dē of + sē oneself]

felon^1 (ˈfɛlən)   n   1 criminal law (formerly) a person who has committed a felony   2 obsolete a wicked person   ▷ adj   3 archaic or poetic evil; cruel [C13: from Old French: villain, from Medieval Latin fellō, of uncertain origin]

■ felonious (fIˈləʊnIəs)   adj   1 criminal law of, involving, or constituting a felony   2 obsolete wicked; base   > feˈloniously adv   > feˈloniousness n

■ felonous (ˈfɛlənəs)   adj   obsolete wicked, evil; of the character of a felon

■ felonry (ˈfɛlənrI)   n, pl -ries   1 felons collectively   2 (formerly) the convict population of a penal colony, esp in Australia

■ felony (ˈfɛlənI)   n, pl -nies   (formerly) a serious crime, such as murder or arson. All distinctions between felony and misdemeanour were abolished in England and Wales in 1967

felon^2 (ˈfɛlən)   n   a purulent inflammation of the end joint of a finger, sometimes affecting the bone [C12: from Medieval Latin fellō sore, perhaps from Latin fel poison]

felsic (ˈfɛlsIk)   adj   (of minerals) predominantly composed of feldspars or silicates

felsite (ˈfɛlsaIt) or felstone (ˈfɛlˌstəʊn)   n   any fine-grained igneous rock consisting essentially of quartz and feldspar [C18: FELS(PAR) + -ITE^1]   > felsitic (fɛlˈsItIk) adj

felspar (ˈfɛlˌspɑː)   n   a variant (esp Brit) of feldspar   > felspathic (fɛlˈspæθIk) or ˈfelspathˌose adj

■ felspathoid (ˈfɛlspəˌθɔId)   n   a variant (esp Brit) of feldspathoid

felt^1 (fɛlt)   vb   the past tense and past participle of feel

felt^2 (fɛlt)   n   1    a a matted fabric of wool, hair, etc, made by working the fibres together under pressure or by heat or chemical action   b (as modifier): a felt hat   2 any material, such as asbestos, made by a similar process of matting   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make into or cover with felt   4 (intr) to become matted [Old English; related to Old Saxon filt, Old High German filz felt, Latin pellere to beat, Greek pelas close; see ANVIL, FILTER]

■ felter (ˈfɛltə)   vb (tr)   obsolete (of hair or similar) to tangle or mat together

■ felting (ˈfɛltIŋ)   n   1 felted material; felt   2 the process of making felt   3 materials for making felt

■ feltlike (ˈfɛltˌlaIk)   adj   resembling felt

■ felt-tip pen   n   a pen having a writing point made from pressed fibres. Also called: fibre-tip pen

■ felty (ˈfɛltI)   adj -tier, -tiest   resembling felt

felucca (fɛˈlʌkə)   n   a narrow lateen-rigged vessel of the Mediterranean [C17: from Italian felucca, probably from obsolete Spanish faluca, probably from Arabic fulūk ships, from Greek epholkion small boat, from ephelkein to tow]

felwort (ˈfɛlˌwɜːt)   n   a biennial gentianaceous plant, Gentianella amarella, of Europe and SW China, having purple flowers and rosettes of leaves [Old English feldwyrt; see FIELD, WORT]

fem   abbreviation for   1 female   2 feminine

FEMA (ˈfiːmə)   n acronym for   Federal Emergency Management Agency: a US government body intended to coordinate responses to a disaster in the US itself

femal (ˈfiːməl)   adj   1 effeminate   ▷ n   2 an effeminate person

■ femality (fiːˈmælItI)   n   feminine nature, qualities, or characteristics

female (ˈfiːmeIl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or designating the sex producing gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes (spermatozoa)   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of a women or female animals: female colleagues   3 for or composed of women or girls: female suffrage; a female choir   4 (of reproductive organs such as the ovary and carpel) capable of producing female gametes   5 (of gametes such as the ovum) capable of being fertilized by a male gamete in sexual reproduction   6 (of flowers) lacking, or having nonfunctional, stamens   7 having an internal cavity into which a projecting male counterpart can be fitted: a female thread   ▷ n   8    a a female animal or plant   b sometimes derogatory a woman or girl [C14: from earlier femelle (influenced by male), from Latin fēmella a young woman, from fēmina a woman]   > ˈfemaleness n

■ female circumcision   n   another name for female genital mutilation

■ female genital mutilation   n   the practice observed in some cultures of removing part or all of a woman's or girl's genitalia. Abbreviation: FGM

■ female impersonator   n   a male theatrical performer who acts as a woman

■ female suffrage   n   chiefly US another name for women's suffrage

feme (fɛm)   n   law a woman or wife [C16: from Anglo-French, ultimately from Latin fēmina woman]

■ feme covert   n   law a married woman [C16: from Anglo-French: a covered woman, one protected by marriage]

■ feme sole   n law   1 a single woman, whether spinster, widow, or divorcee   2 a woman whose marriage has been annulled or is otherwise independent of her spouse, as by owning her own property [C16: from Anglo-French: a woman alone]

femerall or femerell (ˈfɛmərəl)   n   a ventilator or smoke outlet in a roof

femicide (ˈfɛmIˌsaId)   n   the killing of females because of their gender

feminacy (ˈfɛmInəsI)   n   feminine nature, qualities or characteristics

feminal (ˈfɛmInəl)   adj   feminine, female

■ feminality (ˌfɛmIˈnælItI)   n   feminine nature, qualities or characteristics

feminazi (ˌfɛmIˈnɑːtsI)   n   derogatory, offensive a radical or militant feminist

femineity (ˌfɛmIˈneIItI)   n   the quality of being feminine; womanliness

feminie (ˈfɛmInI)   n   archaic womankind; women collectively

feminility (ˌfɛmIˈnIlItI)   n   feminine nature, qualities or characteristics

feminine (ˈfɛmInIn)   adj   1 suitable to or characteristic of a woman: a feminine fashion   2 possessing qualities or characteristics considered typical of or appropriate to a woman   3 effeminate; womanish   4 grammar   a denoting or belonging to a gender of nouns, occurring in many inflected languages, that includes all kinds of referents as well as some female animate referents   b (as noun): German Zeit 'time' and Ehe 'marriage' are feminines [C14: from Latin fēminīnus, from fēmina woman]   > ˈfemininely adv   > ˈfeminineness n

■ feminine ending   n   prosody an unstressed syllable at the end of a line of verse

■ feminine rhyme   n   prosody a rhyme between words in which one, two, or more unstressed syllables follow a stressed one, as in elation, nation or merrily, verily. Compare masculine rhyme

■ femininism (ˈfɛmInIˌnIzəm)   n   the state of quality of being feminine

■ femininity (ˌfɛmIˈnInItI)   n   1 the quality of being feminine   2 womanhood

■ feminism (ˈfɛmIˌnIzəm)   n   a doctrine or movement that advocates equal rights for women

■ feminist (ˈfɛmInIst)   n   1 a person who advocates equal rights for women   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or advocating feminism

■ feministic (ˌfɛmIˈnIstIk)   adj   another word for feminist (sense 2)

■ feminize or feminise (ˈfɛmIˌnaIz)   vb   1 to make or become feminine   2 to cause (a male animal) to develop female characteristics   > ˌfeminiˈzation or ˌfeminiˈsation n

feminity (fɛˈmInItI)   n   feminine nature, qualities or characteristics

femme (French fam; English fɛm)   n   1 a woman or wife   2 (fɛm) a lesbian who is regarded as having traditionally feminine traits

■ femme de chambre French (fam də ʃɑ̃brə)   n, pl femmes de chambre (fam də ʃɑ̃brə)   1 a chambermaid   2 rare a personal maid [C18: woman of the bedroom]

■ femme fatale French (fam fatal; English ˈfɛm fəˈtæl, -ˈtɑːl)   n, pl femmes fatales (fam fatal; English ˈfɛm fəˈtælz, -ˈtɑːlz)   an alluring or seductive woman, esp one who causes men to love her to their own distress [fatal woman]

■ femmy (ˈfɛmI)   adj -mier, -miest informal   markedly or exaggeratedly feminine in appearance, manner, etc

femto-   prefix   denoting 10–15: femtometer. Symbol: f [from Danish or Norwegian femten fifteen]

femtosecond (ˈfɛmtəʊˌsɛkənd)   n   one millionth of a nanosecond

femur (ˈfiːmə)   n, pl femurs or femora (ˈfɛmərə)   1 the longest thickest bone of the human skeleton, articulating with the pelvis above and the knee below. Nontechnical name: thighbone   2 the corresponding bone in other vertebrates   3 the segment of an insect's leg nearest to the body [C18: from Latin: thigh]

■ femoral (ˈfɛmərəl)   adj   of or relating to the thigh or femur

fen^1 (fɛn)   n   low-lying flat land that is marshy or artificially drained [Old English fenn; related to Old High German fenna, Old Norse fen, Gothic fani clay, Sanskrit panka mud]

■ fenland (ˈfɛnˌlænd)   n   a marsh or area of land covered by shallow water

■ fenman (ˈfɛnmən)   n, pl -men   an inhabitant of a fen

■ fennish (ˈfɛnIʃ)   adj   resembling or belonging to a fen

■ fenny (ˈfɛnI)   adj   1 boggy or marshy: fenny country   2 found in, characteristic of, or growing in fens

■ Fens (fɛnz)   pl n   the Fens a flat low-lying area of E England, west and south of the Wash: consisted of marshes until reclaimed in the 17th to 19th centuries

fen^2 (fɛn)   n, pl fen   a monetary unit of the People's Republic of China, worth one hundredth of a yuan [from Mandarin Chinese]

fence (fɛns)   n   1 a structure that serves to enclose an area such as a garden or field, usually made of posts of timber, concrete, or metal connected by wire, netting, rails, or boards   2 slang a dealer in stolen property   3 an obstacle for a horse to jump in steeplechasing or showjumping   4 machinery a guard or guide, esp in a circular saw or plane   5 a projection usually fitted to the top surface of a sweptback aircraft wing to prevent movement of the airflow towards the wing tips   6 mend one's fences   a chiefly US and Canadian to restore a position or reputation that has been damaged, esp in politics   b to re-establish friendly relations (with someone)   7 on the fence unable or unwilling to commit oneself   8 over the fence Austral and NZ informal unreasonable, unfair, or unjust   9 sit on the fence to be unable or unwilling to commit oneself   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to construct a fence on or around (a piece of land, etc)   11 (tr; foll by in or off) to close (in) or separate (off) with or as if with a fence: he fenced in the livestock   12 (intr) to fight using swords or foils   13 (intr) to evade a question or argument, esp by quibbling over minor points   14 (intr) to engage in skilful or witty debate, repartee, etc   15 (intr) slang to receive stolen property   16 (tr) archaic to ward off or keep out [C14 fens, shortened from defens DEFENCE]   > ˈfenceless adj   > ˈfenceˌlike adj

■ fenced (fɛnst)   adj   surrounded by a fence

■ fencelessness (ˈfɛnsləsnəs)   n   the state of being without fences

■ fence-mending   n   the action of trying to end a disagreement or quarrel with another person, organization or country

■ fencer (ˈfɛnsə)   n   1 a person who fights with a sword, esp one who practises the art of fencing   2 chiefly Austral and NZ a person who erects and repairs fences

■ fencerow (ˈfɛnsˌrəʊ)   n   a row of uncultivated vegetation which grows under and around a fence

■ fencing (ˈfɛnsIŋ)   n   1 the practice, art, or sport of fighting with swords, esp the sport of using foils, épées, or sabres under a set of rules to score points   2    a wire, stakes, etc, used as fences   b fences collectively   3 skilful or witty debate   4 the avoidance of direct answers; evasiveness   5 slang the business of buying and selling stolen property

■ fencing wire   n   a heavy-gauge galvanized wire used for farm fences

fencible (ˈfɛnsəbəl)   adj   1 a Scot word for defensible   ▷ n   2 (formerly) a man who undertook military service in immediate defence of his homeland only

fend (fɛnd)   vb   1 (intr; foll by for) to give support (to someone, esp oneself); provide (for)   2 (tr; usually foll by off) to ward off or turn aside (blows, questions, attackers, etc)   3 (tr) archaic to defend or resist   4 (intr) Scot and Northern English dialect to struggle; strive   ▷ n   5 Scot and Northern English dialect a shift or effort [C13 fenden, shortened from defenden to DEFEND]

Fendalton tractor (ˌfɛnˈdɔːltən)   n   NZ informal a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle. Also called: Fendalton shopping cart [from the name of a wealthy suburb of Christchurch]

fender (ˈfɛndə)   n   1 a low metal frame which confines falling coals to the hearth   2 chiefly US a metal frame fitted to the front of locomotives to absorb shock, clear the track, etc   3 a cushion-like device, such as a car tyre hung over the side of a vessel to reduce damage resulting from accidental contact or collision   4 US and Canadian the part of a car body that surrounds the wheels. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): wing   > ˈfendered adj

■ fender-bender   n   US informal a minor collision between motor vehicles

■ fenderless (ˈfɛndələs)   adj   without fenders

■ fender pile   n   an upright, usually freestanding, pile driven into the sea bed or a riverbed beside a berth to protect the dock wall or wharf from the impact of vessels

Fender (ˈfɛndə)   n   trademark a guitar made by the Fender company, esp a solid-body electric guitar [C20: named after Leo Fender (1909-91), US inventor of the first solid-body electric guitar (1951)]

fendy (ˈfɛndI)   adj   dialect thrifty, resourceful

Fénelon (French fenlɔ̃)   n   François de Salignac de La Mothe (frɑ̃swa də saliɲak də la mɔt). 1651–1715, French theologian and writer; author of Maximes des saints (1697), a defence of quietism, and Les aventures de Télémaque (1699), which was construed as criticizing the government of Louis XIV

fenestella (ˌfɛnIˈstɛlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   1 RC Church a small aperture in the front of an altar, containing relics   2 ecclesiast a niche in the side wall of a chancel, in which the credence or piscina are set   3 architect a small window or an opening in a wall [C18: from Latin: a little window, from fenestra window]

fenestra (fIˈnɛstrə)   n, pl -trae (-triː)   1 biology a small opening in or between bones, esp one of the openings between the middle and inner ears   2 zoology a transparent marking or spot, as on the wings of moths   3 architect a window or window-like opening in the outside wall of a building [C19: via New Latin from Latin: wall opening, window]   > feˈnestral adj

■ fenestrated (fIˈnɛsˌtreItId, ˈfɛnIˌstreItId) or fenestrate   adj   1 architect having windows or window-like openings   2 biology perforated or having fenestrae

■ fenestration (ˌfɛnIˈstreIʃən)   n   1 the arrangement and design of windows in a building   2 a surgical operation to restore hearing by making an artificial opening into the labyrinth of the ear

F Eng   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Fellowship of Engineering

feng shui (ˈfʌŋ ˈʃweI)   n   the Chinese art of determining the most propitious design and placement of a grave, building, room, etc, so that the maximum harmony is achieved between the flow of chi of the environment and that of the user, believed to bring good fortune [C20: from Chinese feng wind + shui water]

feni (ˈfɛnI)   n   an alcoholic liquor made from coconut or from the juice of the cashew apple, originating in Goa, India

Fenian (ˈfiːnIən)   n   1 (formerly) a member of an Irish revolutionary organization founded in the US in the 19th century to fight for an independent Ireland   2 Irish myth one of the Fianna   3 derogatory, offensive an Irish Catholic or a person of Irish Catholic descent   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to the Fenians [C19: from Irish Gaelic fēinne, plural of fian band of warriors]   > ˈFenianism n

fenks (fɛŋks)   pl n   1 the parts of the blubber of a whale which contain the oil   2 the refuse from melted blubber, used as manure

fennec (ˈfɛnɛk)   n   a very small nocturnal fox, Fennecus zerda, inhabiting deserts of N Africa and Arabia, having pale fur and enormous ears [C18: from Arabic fenek fox]

fennel (ˈfɛnəl)   n   1 a strong-smelling yellow-flowered umbelliferous plant, Foeniculum vulgare, whose seeds and feathery leaves are used to season and flavour food. See also finocchio   2 another name for mayweed [Old English fenol, from Latin faeniculum fennel, diminutive of faenum hay]

■ fennelflower (ˈfɛnəlˌflaʊə)   n   any of various Mediterranean ranunculaceous plants of the genus Nigella, having finely divided leaves and white, blue, or yellow flowers. See also love-in-a-mist

Fenrir (ˈfɛnrIə), Fenris (ˈfɛnrIs) or Fenriswolf (ˈfɛnrIsˌwʊlf)   n   Norse myth an enormous wolf, fathered by Loki, which killed Odin

fent (fɛnt)   n   1 a piece of waste fabric   2 dialect an opening in a robe, particularly at the throat, or a binding of a dress

fentanyl (ˈfɛntəˌnaIl)   n   a narcotic drug used in medicine to relieve pain

fenthion (ˈfɛnθIˌɒn)   n   a type of insecticide

Fenton (ˈfɛntən)   n   James (Martin). born 1949, British poet, journalist, and critic. His poetry includes the collections A German Requiem (1980) and Out of Danger (1993)

fenugreek (ˈfɛnjʊˌɡriːk)   n   an annual heavily scented Mediterranean leguminous plant, Trigonella foenum-graecum, with hairy stems and white flowers: cultivated for forage and for its medicinal seeds [Old English fēnogrēcum, from Latin fenum Graecum literally: Greek hay]

fenuron (ˈfɛnjəˌrɒn)   n   a type of herbicide

feodal (ˈfjuːdəl)   adj   another term for feudal^1

feodary (ˈfjuːdərI)   adj   a variant spelling of feudary

feoff (fiːf) medieval history   n   1 a variant spelling of fief   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to invest with a benefice or fief [C13: from Anglo-French feoffer, from feoff a FIEF]   > ˈfeoffor or ˈfeoffer n

■ feoffee (fɛˈfiː, fiːˈfiː)   n   (in feudal society) a vassal granted a fief by his lord

■ feoffment (ˈfiːfmənt)   n   (in medieval Europe) a lord's act of granting a fief to his man

-fer   n combining form   indicating a person or thing that bears something specified: crucifer; conifer [from Latin, from ferre to bear]

feracious (fIˈreIʃəs)   adj   highly fruitful, prolific

■ feracity (fIˈræsItI)   n   the quality of being feracious

feral^1 (ˈfIərəl, ˈfɛr-)   adj   1 Also: ferine (of animals and plants) existing in a wild or uncultivated state, esp after being domestic or cultivated   2 Also: ferine savage; brutal   3 Austral derogatory, slang (of a person) tending to be interested in environmental issues and having a rugged, unkempt appearance   ▷ n   4 Austral derogatory, slang a person who displays such tendencies and appearance   5 Austral slang disgusting   6 Austral slang excellent [C17: from Medieval Latin ferālis, from Latin fera a wild beast, from ferus savage]

■ feral child   n   a neglected child who engages in lawless or anti-social behaviour

■ feralized or feralised (ˈfɛrəˌlaIzd)   adj   having once been domesticated but subsequently returned to wildness

■ ferity (ˈfɛrItI)   n, pl -ties rare   1 the state of being wild or uncultivated   2 savagery; ferocity [C16: from Latin feritās, from ferus savage, untamed]

feral^2 (ˈfIərəl, ˈfɛr-)   adj archaic   1 astrology associated with death   2 gloomy; funereal [C17: from Latin fērālis relating to corpses; perhaps related to ferre to carry]

ferbam (ˈfɜːbæm)   n   a black slightly water-soluble fluffy powder used as a fungicide. Formula: [(CH_3)2NCSS]3Fe [C20: from fer(ric dimethyldithiocar)bam(ate)]

fer-de-lance (ˌfɛədəˈlɑːns)   n   a large highly venomous tropical American snake, Trimeresurus (or Bothops) atrox, with a greyish-brown mottled coloration: family Crotalidae (pit vipers) [C19: from French, literally: iron (head) of a lance]

Ferdinand (ˈfɜːdIˌnænd; German ˈfɛrdinant)   n   See Franz Ferdinand

Ferdinand I (ˈfɜːdIˌnænd)   n   1  known as Ferdinand the Great. ?1016–65, king of Castile (1035–65) and León (1037–65): achieved control of the Moorish kings of Saragossa, Seville, and Toledo   2  1503–64, king of Hungary and Bohemia (1526–64); Holy Roman Emperor (1558–64), bringing years of religious warfare to an end   3  1751–1825, king of the Two Sicilies (1816–25); king of Naples (1759–1806; 1815–25), as Ferdinand IV, being dispossessed by Napoleon (1806–15)   4  1793–1875, king of Hungary (1830–48) and emperor of Austria (1835–48); abdicated after the Revolution of 1848 in favour of his nephew, Franz Josef I   5  1861–1948, ruling prince of Bulgaria (1887–1908) and tsar from 1908 until his abdication in 1918   6  1865–1927, king of Romania (1914–27); sided with the Allies in World War I

Ferdinand II   n   1  1578–1637, Holy Roman Emperor (1619–37); king of Bohemia (1617–19; 1620–37) and of Hungary (1617–37). His anti-Protestant policies led to the Thirty Years' War   2 title as king of Aragon and Sicily of Ferdinand V

Ferdinand III   n   1  1608–57, Holy Roman Emperor (1637–57) and king of Hungary (1625–57); son of Ferdinand II   2 title as king of Naples of Ferdinand V

Ferdinand V   n   known as Ferdinand the Catholic. 1452–1516, king of Castile (1474–1504); as Ferdinand II, king of Aragon (1479–1516) and Sicily (1468–1516); as Ferdinand III, king of Naples (1504–16). His marriage to Isabella I of Castile (1469) led to the union of Aragon and Castile and his reconquest of Granada from the Moors (1492) completed the unification of Spain. He introduced the Inquisition (1478), expelled the Jews from Spain (1492), and financed Columbus' voyage to the New World

Ferdinand VII   n   1784–1833, king of Spain (1808; 1814–33). He precipitated the Carlist Wars by excluding his brother Don Carlos as his successor

fere (fIə; Scottish fiːr)   n Scot   1 a companion   2 Also: fier a husband or wife [Old English gefēra, from fēran to travel; see FARE]

feretory (ˈfɛrItərI, -trI)   n, pl -ries chiefly RC Church   1 a shrine, usually portable, for a saint's relics   2 the chapel in which a shrine is kept [C14: from Middle French fiertre, from Latin feretrum a bier, from Greek pheretron, from pherein to bear]

Fergana or Ferghana (fəˈɡɑːnə)   n   1 a region of W central Asia, surrounded by high mountains and accessible only from the west; mainly in Uzbekistan and partly in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan   2 the chief city of this region, in E Uzbekistan. Pop: 230 000 (2005 est)

Fergus (ˈfɜːɡəs)   n   (in Irish legend) a warrior king of Ulster, who was supplanted by Conchobar

Ferguson (ˈfɜːɡəsən)   n   Sir Alex(ander) Chapman. born 1941, Scottish footballer and manager: manager of Aberdeen (1978–86) with whom he won the European Cup Winners' Cup (1983); manager of Manchester United (1986–2013) with whom he won thirteen English league titles, five FA Cups, and the Champions League twice (1999, 2008)

feria (ˈfIərIə)   n, pl -rias or -riae (-rIˌiː)   RC Church a weekday, other than Saturday, on which no feast occurs [C19: from Late Latin: day of the week (as in prīma fēria Sunday), singular of Latin fēriae festivals]

■ ferial (ˈfIərIəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a feria   2 rare of or relating to a holiday

ferine (ˈfIəraIn)   adj   another word for feral^1 (sense 1), feral^1 (sense 2) [C17: from Latin ferīnus, of wild animals, from fera wild beast]

Ferlinghetti (fɜːlIŋˈɡɛtI)   n   Lawrence. born 1919, US poet of the Beat Generation. His poetry includes the collections Pictures of the Gone World (1955) and When I Look at Pictures (1990)

ferly (ˈfɛrlI) Scot   adj   1 wonderful; strange   ▷ n, pl -lies   2 a wonder; something strange or marvellous   ▷ vb -lies, -lying, -lied (intr)   3 to wonder; be surprised [Old English færlic sudden]

Fermanagh (fəˈmænə)   n   a district and historical county of SW Northern Ireland: contains the Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Pop: 58 705 (2003 est). Area (excluding water): 1700 sq km (656 sq miles)

Fermat (fɜːˈmæt; French fɛrma)   n   Pierre de (pjɛr də). 1601–65, French mathematician, regarded as the founder of the modern theory of numbers. He studied the properties of whole numbers and, with Pascal, investigated the theory of probability

■ Fermat's last theorem (fɜːˈmæts)   n   (in number theory) the hypothesis that the equation xn + yn = zn has no integral solutions for n greater than two

■ Fermat's principle   n   physics the principle that a ray of light passes from one point to another in such a way that the time taken is a minimum

fermata (fəˈmɑːtə)   n, pl -tas or -te (-tI)   music another word for pause (sense 7) [from Italian, from fermare to stop, from Latin firmāre to establish; see FIRM^1]

ferment   n (ˈfɜːmɛnt)   1 any agent or substance, such as a bacterium, mould, yeast, or enzyme, that causes fermentation   2 another word for fermentation   3 commotion; unrest   ▷ vb (fəˈmɛnt)   4 to undergo or cause to undergo fermentation   5 to stir up or seethe with excitement [C15: from Latin fermentum yeast, from fervēre to seethe]   > ferˈmentable adj   > ferˌmentaˈbility n   > ferˈmenter n

USAGE

See at foment

■ fermentation (ˌfɜːmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   a chemical reaction in which a ferment causes an organic molecule to split into simpler substances, esp the anaerobic conversion of sugar to ethyl alcohol by yeast. Also called: ferment. Related adjective: zymotic   > ferˈmentative adj   > ferˈmentatively adv   > ferˈmentativeness n

■ fermentation lock   n   a valve placed on the top of bottles of fermenting wine to allow bubbles to escape

■ fermentescible (ˌfɜːmɛnˈtɛsIbəl)   adj   1 capable of causing fermentation   2 able to be fermented

■ fermentitious (ˌfɜːmɛnˈtIʃəs)   adj   of a fermenting nature

■ fermentive (fəˈmɛntIv)   adj   tending to cause fermentation

■ fermentor (fəˈmɛntə)   n   another spelling of fermenter

Fermi (ˈfɜːmI; Italian ˈfɛrmi)   n   Enrico (enˈriːko). 1901-54, Italian nuclear physicist, in the US from 1939. He was awarded a Nobel prize for physics in 1938 for his work on radioactive substances and nuclear bombardment and headed the group that produced the first controlled nuclear reaction (1942)

■ fermi (ˈfɜːmI)   n   a unit of length used in nuclear physics equal to 10–15 metre [C20: named after Enrico FERMI]

■ Fermi-Dirac statistics   n   physics the branch of quantum statistics used to calculate the permitted energy arrangements of the particles in a system in terms of the exclusion principle. Compare Bose-Einstein statistics [C20: named after Enrico FERMI and Paul DIRAC]

■ Fermi energy or Fermi level   n   the level in the distribution of electron energies in a solid at which a quantum state is equally likely to be occupied or empty [C20: named after Enrico FERMI]

■ fermion (ˈfɜːmIˌɒn)   n   any of a group of elementary particles, such as a nucleon, that has half-integral spin and obeys Fermi-Dirac statistics. Compare boson [C20: named after Enrico FERMI; see -ON]

■ fermionic (ˌfɜːmIˈɒnIk)   adj   of or pertaining to fermions

■ fermium (ˈfɜːmIəm)   n   a transuranic element artificially produced by neutron bombardment of plutonium. Symbol: Fm; atomic no: 100; half-life of most stable isotope, 257Fm: 80 days (approx.) [C20: named after Enrico FERMI]

Fermor (ˈfɜːmɔː)   n   Sir Patrick (Michael) Leigh. 1915–2011, British traveller and author, noted esp for the travel books A Time of Gifts (1977) and Between the Woods and the Water (1986)

fern (fɜːn)   n   1 any tracheophyte plant of the phylum Filicinophyta, having roots, stems, and fronds and reproducing by spores formed in structures (sori) on the fronds. See also tree fern   2 any of certain similar but unrelated plants, such as the sweet fern [Old English fearn; related to Old High German farn, Sanskrit parná leaf]   > ˈfernˌlike adj   > ˈferny adj

■ fernbird (ˈfɜːnˌbɜːd)   n   a small brown and white New Zealand swamp bird, Bowdleria punctata, with a fernlike tail. Also called: (NZ) matata

■ fernery (ˈfɜːnərI)   n, pl -eries   1 a place where ferns are grown   2 a collection of ferns grown in such a place

■ ferning (ˈfɜːnIŋ)   n   med (of cervical mucus) the formation of a fern-like pattern

■ fernless (ˈfɜːnləs)   adj   devoid of ferns

■ fern root   n   another name for aruhe

■ fern seed   n   the minute particles by which ferns reproduce themselves, formerly thought to be invisible. Possession of them was thought to make a person invisible

■ fernshaw (ˈfɜːnˌʃɔː)   n   a thicket of ferns

fernally (ˌfɜːnˈælaI)   n   a seedless plant that is not a true fern

Fernandel (French fɛrnɑ̃dɛl)   n   real name Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin. 1903–71, French comic film actor

Fernando de Noronha (Portuguese ferˈnə̃du dʒi noˈroɲa)   n   a volcanic island in the S Atlantic northeast of Cape São Roque: constitutes a federal territory of Brazil; a penal colony since the 18th century; inhabited by military personnel. Area: 26 sq km (10 sq miles)

Fernando Po (fəˈnændəʊ pəʊ)   n   a former name (until 1973) of Bioko

ferntickle or fernticle (ˈfɜːnˌtIkəl)   n   Scot dialect a freckle. Also: fernitickle, ferniticle, fernytickle, fernyticle (ˈfɜːnIˌtIkəl)

ferocious (fəˈrəʊʃəs)   adj   savagely fierce or cruel: a ferocious tiger; a ferocious argument [C17: from Latin ferox fierce, untamable, warlike]   > feˈrociously adv   > ferocity (fəˈrɒsItI) or feˈrociousness n

-ferous   adj combining form   bearing or producing: coniferous; crystalliferous. Compare -gerous [from -FER + -OUS]

Ferrar (ˈfɛrə)   n   Nicholas. 1592–1637, English mystic. He founded (1625) an Anglican religious community at Little Gidding, Huntingdonshire

Ferrara (fəˈrɑːrə; Italian ferˈrara)   n   a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna: a centre of the Renaissance under the House of Este; university (1391). Pop: 130 992 (2001)

Ferrari (Italian fɛrˈraːrI)   n   Enzo (ˈɛntso). 1898–1988, Italian designer and manufacturer of racing cars

ferrate (ˈfɛreIt)   n   a salt containing the divalent ion, FeO_42–. Ferrates are derivatives of the hypothetical acid H_2FeO_4 [C19: from Latin ferrum iron]

ferredoxin (ˌfɛrIˈdɒksIn)   n   an iron- and sulphur-containing protein found in plants and microorganisms and involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation

ferreous (ˈfɛrIəs)   adj   containing or resembling iron: a ferreous alloy; a ferreous substance [C17: from Latin ferreus made of iron, from ferrum iron]

ferret^1 (ˈfɛrIt)   n   1 a domesticated albino variety of the polecat Mustela putorius, bred for hunting rats, rabbits, etc   2 an assiduous searcher   3 black-footed ferret a musteline mammal, Mustela nigripes, of W North America, closely related to the weasels   ▷ vb -rets, -reting, -reted   4 to hunt (rabbits, rats, etc) with ferrets   5 (tr; usually foll by out) to drive from hiding: to ferret out snipers   6 (tr; usually foll by out) to find by persistent investigation   7 (intr) to search around [C14: from Old French furet, from Latin fur thief]   > ˈferreter n   > ˈferrety adj

■ ferret badger   n   any small badger of the genus Melogale, of SE Asia, resembling a ferret in appearance and smell

ferret^2 (ˈfɛrIt) or ferreting   n   silk binding tape [C16: from Italian fioretti floss silk, plural of fioretto: a little flower, from fiore flower, from Latin flōs]

ferri-   combining form   indicating the presence of iron, esp in the trivalent state: ferricyanide; ferriferous. Compare ferro- [from Latin ferrum iron]

ferric (ˈfɛrIk)   adj   of or containing iron in the trivalent state: ferric oxide; designating an iron (III) compound [C18: from Latin ferrum iron]

■ ferric oxide   n   a red crystalline insoluble oxide of iron that occurs as haematite and rust and is made by heating ferrous sulphate: used as a pigment and metal polish (jeweller's rouge), and as a sensitive coating on magnetic tape. Formula: Fe_2O_3. Systematic name: iron (III) oxide

ferricyanic (ˌfɛrIsaIˈænIk)   adj   chem pertaining to or derived from a ferricyanide

■ ferricyanic acid (ˌfɛrIsaIˈænIk)   n   a brown soluble unstable solid tribasic acid, usually known in the form of ferricyanide salts. Formula: H_3Fe(CN)6

■ ferricyanide (ˌfɛrIˈsaIəˌnaId)   n   any salt of ferricyanic acid

■ ferricyanogen (ˌfɛrIsaIˈænədʒən)   n   a ferricyanide radical

Ferrier (ˈfɛrIə)   n   Kathleen. 1912–53, British contralto; noted for her expressive voice

ferriferous (fɛˈrIfərəs)   adj   producing or yielding iron; iron-bearing: a ferriferous rock

ferrimagnetism (ˌfɛrIˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   a phenomenon exhibited by certain substances, such as ferrites, in which the magnetic moments of neighbouring ions are antiparallel and unequal in magnitude. The substances behave like ferromagnetic materials. See also antiferromagnetism   > ferrimagnetic (ˌfɛrImæɡˈnɛtIk) adj

■ ferrimagnet (ˌfɛrIˈmæɡnət)   n   a ferrimagnetic substance such as magnetite

Ferris wheel (ˈfɛrIs)   n   a fairground wheel having seats freely suspended from its rim; the seats remain horizontal throughout its rotation [C19: named after G.W.G. Ferris (1859–96), American engineer]

ferrite (ˈfɛraIt)   n   1 any of a group of ferromagnetic highly resistive ceramic compounds with the formula MFe_2O_4, where M is usually a metal such as cobalt or zinc   2 any of the body-centred cubic allotropes of iron, such as alpha iron, occurring in steel, cast iron, etc   3 any of various microscopic grains, probably composed of iron compounds, in certain igneous rocks [C19: from FERRI- + -ITE^1]

■ ferrite-rod aerial   n   a type of aerial, normally used in radio reception, consisting of a small coil of wire mounted on a ferrite core, the coil serving as a tuning inductance

■ ferritic (fɛˈrItIk)   adj   composed of or characteristic of ferrite

■ ferritin (ˈfɛrItIn)   n   biochem a protein that contains iron and plays a part in the storage of iron in the body. It occurs in the liver and spleen [C20: from FERRITE + -IN]

ferro-   combining form   1 indicating a property of iron or the presence of iron: ferromagnetism; ferromanganese   2 indicating the presence of iron in the divalent state: ferrocyanide. Compare ferri- [from Latin ferrum iron]

ferrocene (ˈfɛrəʊˌsiːn)   n   a reddish-orange insoluble crystalline compound. Its molecules have an iron atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadiene rings. Formula: Fe(C_5H_5)2 [C20: from FERRO- + C(YCLOPENTADI)ENE]

ferrochromium (ˌfɛrəʊˈkrəʊmIəm) or ferrochrome   n   an alloy of iron and chromium (60–72 per cent), used in the production of very hard steel

ferroconcrete (ˌfɛrəʊˈkɒŋkriːt)   n   another name for reinforced concrete

ferrocyanic (ˌfɛrəʊsaIˈænIk)   adj   chem pertaining to or derived from a ferrocyanide

■ ferrocyanic acid (ˌfɛrəʊsaIˈænIk)   n   a white volatile unstable solid tetrabasic acid, usually known in the form of ferrocyanide salts. Formula: H_4Fe(CN)6

■ ferrocyanide (ˌfɛrəʊˈsaIəˌnaId)   n   any salt of ferrocyanic acid, such as potassium ferrocyanide, K_4Fe(CN)6

■ ferrocyanogen (ˌfɛrəʊsaIˈænədʒən)   n   a ferrocyanide radical

ferroelectric (ˌfɛrəʊIˈlɛktrIk)   adj   1 (of a substance) exhibiting spontaneous polarization that can be reversed by the application of a suitable electric field   2 of or relating to ferroelectric substances   ▷ n   3 a ferroelectric substance   > ˌferroeˈlectrically adv   > ferroelectricity (ˌfɛrəʊIlɛkˈtrIsItI, -ˌiːlɛk-) n

ferrogram (ˈfɛrəʊˌɡræm)   n   a slide prepared to illustrate the suspended iron particles in the lubricant of a machine

ferrography (fɛˈrɒɡrəfI)   n   the analysis of iron in lubricants in order to assess the extent of wear in a machine

Ferrol (Spanish fɛˈrrɔl)   n   a port in NW Spain, on the Atlantic: fortified naval base, with a deep natural harbour. Pop: 78 764 (2003 est). Former name: El Ferrol del Caudillo

ferromagnesian (ˌfɛrəʊmæɡˈniːʒən)   adj   (of minerals such as biotite) containing a high proportion of iron and magnesium

ferromagnetism (ˌfɛrəʊˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   the phenomenon exhibited by substances, such as iron, that have relative permeabilities much greater than unity and increasing magnetization with applied magnetizing field. Certain of these substances retain their magnetization in the absence of the applied field. The effect is caused by the alignment of electron spin in regions called domains. Compare diamagnetism, paramagnetism. See also magnet, Curie-Weiss law   > ferromagnetic (ˌfɛrəʊmæɡˈnɛtIk) adj

■ ferromagnet (ˌfɛrəʊˈmæɡnət)   n   a ferromagnetic substance

ferromanganese (ˌfɛrəʊˈmæŋɡəˌniːz)   n   an alloy of iron and manganese, used in making additions of manganese to cast iron and steel

ferromolybdenum (ˌfɛrəʊmɒˈlIbdInəm)   n   an alloy of iron and molybdenum used in making alloy steels

ferronickel (ˌfɛrəʊˈnIkəl)   n   an alloy of iron and nickel used in making nickel steels

ferronière (ˌfɛrɒnˈjɛə)   n   a jewel on a chain, worn on the forehead

ferroprussiate (ˌfɛrəʊˈprʌʃIˌeIt, ˌfɛrəʊˈprʌsIˌeIt)   n   chem another name for ferrocyanide

ferrosilicon (ˌfɛrəʊˈsIlIkən)   n   an alloy of iron and silicon, used in making cast iron and steel

ferrosoferric (ˌfɛrəʊsəˈfɛrIk)   adj   chem containing both a ferrous compound and a ferric compound

ferrotype (ˈfɛrəʊˌtaIp)   n   1 a photographic print produced directly in a camera by exposing a sheet of iron or tin coated with a sensitized enamel   2 the process by which such a print is produced   ▶ Systematic name: tintype

ferrous (ˈfɛrəs)   adj   of or containing iron in the divalent state; designating an iron (II) compound [C19: from FERRI- + -OUS]

■ ferrous sulphate   n   an iron salt with a saline taste, usually obtained as greenish crystals of the heptahydrate, which are converted to the white monohydrate above 100°C: used in inks, tanning, water purification, and in the treatment of anaemia. Formula: FeSO_4. Systematic name: iron (II) sulphate. Also called: copperas, green vitriol

ferruginous (fɛˈruːdʒInəs)   adj   1 (of minerals, rocks, etc) containing iron: a ferruginous clay   2 rust-coloured [C17: from Latin ferrūgineus of a rusty colour, from ferrūgō iron rust, from ferrum iron]

■ ferruginous duck   n   a common European duck, Aythyra nyroca, having reddish-brown plumage with white wing bars

■ ferrugo (fɛˈruːɡəʊ)   n   plant pathol a disease of plants, commonly known as the rust due to the colour of the fungus by which it is caused

ferrule or ferule (ˈfɛruːl, -rəl)   n   1 a metal ring, tube, or cap placed over the end of a stick, handle, or post for added strength or stability or to increase wear   2 a side opening in a pipe that gives access for inspection or cleaning   3 a bush, gland, small length of tube, etc, esp one used for making a joint   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to equip (a stick, etc) with a ferrule [C17: from Middle English virole, from Old French virol, from Latin viriola a little bracelet, from viria bracelet; influenced by Latin ferrum iron]

ferry (ˈfɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 Also called: ferryboat a vessel for transporting passengers and usually vehicles across a body of water, esp as a regular service   2    a such a service   b (in combination): a ferryman   3 a legal right to charge for transporting passengers by boat   4 the act or method of delivering aircraft by flying them to their destination   ▷ vb -ries, -rying, -ried   5 to transport or go by ferry   6 to deliver (an aircraft) by flying it to its destination   7 (tr) to convey (passengers, goods, etc): the guests were ferried to the church in taxis [Old English ferian to carry, bring; related to Old Norse ferja to transport, Gothic farjan; see FARE]

■ ferriage (ˈfɛrIIdʒ)   n   1 transportation by ferry   2 the fee charged for passage on a ferry

■ ferryman (ˈfɛrImən)   n, pl -men   a man who operates a ferry

fertigate (ˈfɜːtIˌɡeIt)   vb -ates, -ating, -ated   to fertilize and irrigate at the same time, by adding fertilizers to the water supply [C20: from FERTILIZE + IRRIGATE]   > ˌfertiˈgation n

fertile (ˈfɜːtaIl)   adj   1 capable of producing offspring   2    a (of land) having nutrients capable of sustaining an abundant growth of plants   b (of farm animals) capable of breeding stock   3 biology   a capable of undergoing growth and development: fertile seeds; fertile eggs   b (of plants) capable of producing gametes, spores, seeds, or fruits   4 producing many offspring; prolific   5 highly productive; rich; abundant: a fertile brain   6 physics (of a substance) able to be transformed into fissile or fissionable material, esp in a nuclear reactor   7 conducive to productiveness: fertile rain [C15: from Latin fertilis, from ferre to bear]   > ˈfertilely adv   > ˈfertileness n

■ Fertile Crescent   n   an area of fertile land in the Middle East, extending around the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates in a semicircle from Israel to the Persian Gulf, where the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Phoenician, and Hebrew civilizations flourished

■ fertility (fɜːˈtIlItI)   n   1 the ability to produce offspring, esp abundantly   2 the state or quality of being fertile

■ fertility cult   n   the practice in some settled agricultural communities of performing religious or magical rites to ensure good weather and crops and the perpetuity of the tribe

■ fertility drug   n   any of a group of preparations used to stimulate ovulation in women hitherto infertile

■ fertility symbol   n   an object, esp a phallic symbol, used in fertility-cult ceremonies to symbolize regeneration

■ fertilization or fertilisation (ˌfɜːtIlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the union of male and female gametes, during sexual reproduction, to form a zygote   2 the act or process of fertilizing   3 the state of being fertilized

■ fertilize or fertilise (ˈfɜːtIˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to provide (an animal, plant, or egg cell) with sperm or pollen to bring about fertilization   2 to supply (soil or water) with mineral and organic nutrients to aid the growth of plants   3 to make fertile or productive   > ˈfertiˌlizable or ˈfertiˌlisable adj

■ fertilizer or fertiliser (ˈfɜːtIˌlaIzə)   n   1 any substance, such as manure or a mixture of nitrates, added to soil or water to increase its productivity   2 an object or organism such as an insect that fertilizes an animal or plant

ferula (ˈfɛrʊlə, ˈfɛrjʊ-)   n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)   1 any large umbelliferous plant of the Mediterranean genus Ferula, having thick stems and dissected leaves: cultivated as the source of several strongly scented gum resins, such as galbanum   2 a rare word for ferule^1 [C14: from Latin: giant fennel]   > ferulaceous (ˌfɛruːˈleIʃəs, ˌfɛrjuː-) adj

ferule^1 (ˈfɛruːl, -rəl)   n   1 a flat piece of wood, such as a ruler, used in some schools to cane children on the hand   ▷ vb   2 (tr) rare to punish with a ferule [C16: from Latin ferula giant fennel, whip, rod; the stalk of the plant was used for punishment]

ferule^2 (ˈfɛruːl, -rəl)   n   a variant spelling of ferrule

fervent (ˈfɜːvənt) or fervid (ˈfɜːvId)   adj   1 intensely passionate; ardent: a fervent desire to change society   2 archaic or poetic boiling, burning, or glowing: fervent heat [C14: from Latin fervēre to boil, glow]   > ˈfervently or ˈfervidly adv   > ˈferventness or ˈfervidness n

■ fervency (ˈfɜːvənsI)   n, pl -cies   another word for fervour

■ fervidity (fɜːˈvIdItI)   n   the quality or extent of being fervid

fervescent (fɜːˈvɛsənt)   adj   becoming hot

Fervidor French (fɛrvidɔr)   n   another name for Thermidor [probably from ferveur heat + THERMIDOR]

fervour or US fervor (ˈfɜːvə)   n   1 great intensity of feeling or belief; ardour; zeal   2 rare intense heat [C14: from Latin fervor heat, from fervēre to glow, boil]

■ fervorous (ˈfɜːvərəs)   adj   full of fervour, ardent

Fès (fɛs) or Fez   n   a city in N central Morocco, traditional capital of the north: became an independent kingdom in the 11th century, at its height in the 14th century; religious centre; university (850). Pop: 664 000 (2003)

Fescennine (ˈfɛsIˌnaIn)   adj   rare scurrilous or obscene [C17: from Latin Fescennīnus of Fescennia, a city in Etruria noted for the production of mocking or obscene verse]

fescue (ˈfɛskjuː) or fescue grass   n   any grass of the genus Festuca: widely cultivated as pasture and lawn grasses, having stiff narrow leaves. See also meadow fescue, sheep's fescue [C14: from Old French festu, ultimately from Latin festūca stem, straw]

fess (fɛs)   vb   (intr; foll by up) informal, chiefly US to make a confession [C19: shortened from CONFESS]

fesse or fess (fɛs)   n   heraldry an ordinary consisting of a horizontal band across a shield, conventionally occupying a third of its length and being wider than a bar [C15: from Anglo-French fesse, from Latin fascia band, fillet]

■ fesse point   n   heraldry the midpoint of a shield

■ fesswise (ˈfɛsˌwaIz)   adv   (of a charge on a coat of arms) oriented horizontally

Fessenden (ˈfesənˌdən)   n   Reginald (Aubrey). 1866–1932, Canadian physicist and radio engineer; a pioneer of radio transmission, he made the first sound broadcast in North America (1906)

fest (fɛst)   n     a a meeting or event at which the emphasis is on a particular activity: a fashion fest   b (in combination): schmaltz-fest; lovefest [C19: from German Fest festival]

festa (ˈfɛstə)   n   a festival or feast day

festal (ˈfɛstəl)   adj   another word for festive [C15: from Latin festum holiday, banquet; see FEAST]   > ˈfestally adv

fester (ˈfɛstə)   vb   1 to form or cause to form pus   2 (intr) to become rotten; decay   3 to become or cause to become bitter, irritated, etc, esp over a long period of time; rankle: resentment festered his imagination   4 (intr) informal to be idle or inactive   ▷ n   5 a small ulcer or sore containing pus [C13: from Old French festre suppurating sore, from Latin: FISTULA]

festilogy (fɛsˈtIlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   ecclesiast a treatise on the subject of church festivals

festina lente Latin (fɛsˈtiːnə ˈlɛntI)     hasten slowly

festination (ˌfɛstIˈneIʃən)   n   an involuntary quickening of gait, as in some persons with Parkinson's disease [C16: from Latin festīnātiō, from festīnāre to hasten]

■ festinate (ˈfɛstIˌneIt)   vb (intr)   obsolete to hurry, hasten

■ festinately (ˈfɛstIˌneItlI)   adv   in a hasty manner

festival (ˈfɛstIvəl)   n   1 a day or period set aside for celebration or feasting, esp one of religious significance   2 any occasion for celebration, esp one which commemorates an anniversary or other significant event   3 an organized series of special events and performances, usually in one place: a festival of drama   4 archaic a time of revelry; merrymaking   5 (modifier) relating to or characteristic of a festival [C14: from Church Latin fēstivālis of a feast, from Latin festīvus FESTIVE]

■ festivalgoer (ˈfɛstIvəlˌɡəʊə)   n   a person attending a festival

■ Festival Hall   n   a concert hall in London, on the South Bank of the Thames: constructed for the 1951 Festival of Britain; completed 1964–65. Official name: Royal Festival Hall

festive (ˈfɛstIv) or festivous (ˈfɛstIvəs)   adj   appropriate to or characteristic of a holiday, etc; merry [C17: from Latin festīvus joyful, from festus of a FEAST]   > ˈfestively adv   > ˈfestiveness n

■ festive season   n   the period immediately leading up to Christmas and ending just after New Year

■ festivity (fɛsˈtIvItI)   n, pl -ties   1 merriment characteristic of a festival, party, etc   2 any festival or other celebration   3 (plural) festive proceedings; celebrations

festoon (fɛˈstuːn)   n   1 a decorative chain of flowers, ribbons, etc, suspended in loops; garland   2 a carved or painted representation of this, as in architecture, furniture, or pottery   3    a the scalloped appearance of the gums where they meet the teeth   b a design carved on the base material of a denture to simulate this   4    a either of two Zerynthia species of white pierid butterfly of southern Europe, typically mottled red, yellow, and brown   b an ochreous brown moth, Apoda avellana the unusual sluglike larvae of which feed on oak leaves   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to decorate or join together with festoons   6 to form into festoons [C17: from French feston, from Italian festone ornament for a feast, from festa FEAST]

■ festoon blind   n   a window blind consisting of vertical rows of horizontally gathered fabric that may be drawn up to form a series of ruches

■ festoonery (fɛˈstuːnərI)   n   an arrangement of festoons

festschrift (ˈfɛstˌʃrIft)   n, pl -schriften (-ˌʃrIftən) or -schrifts   a collection of essays or learned papers contributed by a number of people to honour an eminent scholar, esp a colleague [German, from Fest celebration, FEAST + Schrift writing]

festy (ˈfɛstI)   adj Austral slang   1 dirty; malodorous   2 very bad [C20: shortened form of festering]

FET   abbreviation for   field-effect transistor

feta (ˈfɛtə)   n   a white sheep or goat cheese popular in Greece [Modern Greek, from the phrase turi pheta, from turi cheese + pheta, from Italian fetta a slice]

fetch^1 (fɛtʃ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to go after and bring back; get: to fetch help   2 to cause to come; bring or draw forth: the noise fetched him from the cellar   3 (also intr) to cost or sell for (a certain price): the table fetched six hundred pounds   4 to utter (a sigh, groan, etc)   5 informal to deal (a blow, slap, etc)   6 (also intr) nautical to arrive at or proceed by sailing   7 informal to attract: to be fetched by an idea   8 (used esp as a command to dogs) to retrieve (shot game, an object thrown, etc)   9 rare to draw in (a breath, gasp, etc), esp with difficulty   10 fetch and carry to perform menial tasks or run errands   ▷ n   11 the reach, stretch, etc, of a mechanism   12 a trick or stratagem   13 the distance in the direction of the prevailing wind that air or water can travel continuously without obstruction [Old English feccan; related to Old Norse feta to step, Old High German sih fazzōn to climb]

■ fetcher (ˈfɛtʃə)   n   1 a person or animal that fetches   2 rugby informal a flanker who specializes in winning the ball rather than running with it

■ fetching (ˈfɛtʃIŋ)   adj informal   1 attractively befitting: a fetching hat   2 charming: a fetching personality   > ˈfetchingly adv

■ fetch up   vb (adverb)   1 (intr; usually foll by at or in) informal to arrive (at) or end up (in): to fetch up in New York   2 (intr) nautical to stop suddenly, as from running aground: to fetch up on a rock   3 slang to vomit (food, etc)   4 (tr) Brit dialect to rear (children, animals, etc)

fetch^2 (fɛtʃ)   n   the ghost or apparition of a living person [C18: of unknown origin]

fête or fete (feIt)   n   1 a gala, bazaar, or similar entertainment, esp one held outdoors in aid of charity   2 a feast day or holiday, esp one of religious significance   3 Caribbean informal an organized group entertainment, esp a party or a dance   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to honour or entertain with or as if with a fête: the author was fêted by the publisher   5 (intr) Caribbean informal to join in a fête [C18: from French: FEAST]

■ fête champêtre French (fɛt ʃɑ̃pɛtrə)   n, pl fêtes champêtres (fɛt ʃɑ̃pɛtrə)   1 a garden party, picnic, or similar outdoor entertainment   2 Also: fête galante (fɛt ɡalɑ̃t) arts   a a genre of painting popular in France from the early 18th century, characterized by the depiction of figures in pastoral settings. Watteau was its most famous exponent   b a painting in this genre [C18: from French, literally: country festival]

■ fêted or feted (feIt)   adj   celebrated or honoured

■ fête galante   n   another name for fête champêtre (sense 2)

feterita (ˌfɛtəˈriːtə)   n   a name for a type of grass of the genus Sorghum, native to Sudan and cultivated for grain

fetial (ˈfiːʃəl)   n, pl fetiales (ˌfiːʃIˈeIliːz)   1 (in ancient Rome) any of the 20 priestly heralds involved in declarations of war and in peace negotiations   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the fetiales   3 a less common word for heraldic [C16: from Latin fētiālis, probably from Old Latin fētis treaty]

■ fetialis (ˌfiːtIˈɑːlIs)   n   (in Ancient Rome) a priest who was responsible for the sanctioning of treaties and making declarations of war or peace

fetid or foetid (ˈfɛtId, ˈfiː-)   adj   having a stale nauseating smell, as of decay [C16: from Latin fētidus, from fētēre to stink; related to fūmus smoke]   > ˈfetidly or ˈfoetidly adv   > ˈfetidness or ˈfoetidness n

■ fetidity (fɛˈtIdətI)   n   the state or quality of being fetid

fetish or fetich (ˈfɛtIʃ, ˈfiːtIʃ)   n   1 something, esp an inanimate object, that is believed in certain cultures to be the embodiment or habitation of a spirit or magical powers   2    a a form of behaviour involving fetishism   b any object that is involved in fetishism   3 any object, activity, etc, to which one is excessively or irrationally devoted: to make a fetish of cleanliness [C17: from French fétiche, from Portuguese feitiço (n) sorcery, from adj: artificial, from Latin factīcius made by art, FACTITIOUS]   > ˈfetish-ˌlike or ˈfetich-ˌlike adj

■ fetichize (ˈfɛtIˌʃaIz)   vb (intr)   another word for fetishize

■ fetishism or fetichism (ˈfɛtIˌʃIzəm, ˈfiː-)   n   1 a condition in which the handling of an inanimate object or a specific part of the body other than the sexual organs is a source of sexual satisfaction   2 belief in or recourse to a fetish for magical purposes   3 excessive attention or attachment to something   > ˈfetishist or ˈfetichist n   > ˌfetishˈistic or ˌfetichˈistic adj

■ fetishistically (ˌfɛtIˈʃIstIkəlI)   adv   in a fetishistic manner

■ fetishize, fetishise or fetichize (ˈfɛtIʃˌaIz)   vb   (tr) to be excessively or irrationally devoted to (an object, activity, etc)   > ˌfetishiˈzation or ˌfetishiˈsation n

fetlock (ˈfɛtˌlɒk) or fetterlock   n   1 a projection behind and above a horse's hoof: the part of the leg between the cannon bone and the pastern   2 Also called: fetlock joint the joint at this part of the leg   3 the tuft of hair growing from this part [C14 fetlak; related to Middle High German vizzeloch fetlock, from vizzel pastern + -och; see FOOT]

■ fetlocked (ˈfɛtˌlɒkt)   adj   having a fetlock or fetlocks

fetor or foetor (ˈfiːtə, -tɔː)   n   an offensive stale or putrid odour; stench [C15: from Latin, from fētēre to stink]

fetter (ˈfɛtə)   n   1 (often plural) a chain or bond fastened round the ankle; shackle   2 (usually plural) a check or restraint: the fetters of social convention   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to restrict or confine   4 to bind in fetters [Old English fetor; related to Old Norse fjöturr fetter, Old High German fezzera, Latin pedica fetter, impedīre to hinder]   > ˈfetterer n   > ˈfetterless adj

fetter bone   n   another name for pastern (sense 2)

fetterlock (ˈfɛtəˌlɒk)   n   another name for fetlock

fettle (ˈfɛtəl)   vb (tr)   1 to remove (excess moulding material and casting irregularities) from a cast component   2 to line or repair (the walls of a furnace)   3 Brit dialect   a to prepare or arrange (a thing, oneself, etc), esp to put a finishing touch to   b to repair or mend (something)   ▷ n   4 state of health, spirits, etc (esp in the phrase in fine fettle)   5 another name for fettling [C14 (in the sense: to put in order): back formation from fetled girded up, from Old English fetel belt]

■ fettler (ˈfɛtlə)   n   Brit and Austral a person employed to maintain railway tracks

■ fettling (ˈfɛtlIŋ)   n   a refractory material used to line the hearth of puddling furnaces. Also called: fettle

fettucine, fettuccine or fettucini (ˌfɛtuːˈtʃiːnI)   n   a type of pasta in the form of narrow ribbons [Italian fettuccine, plural of fettuccina, diminutive of fetta slice]

fetus or foetus (ˈfiːtəs)   n, pl -tuses   the embryo of a mammal in the later stages of development, when it shows all the main recognizable features of the mature animal, esp a human embryo from the end of the second month of pregnancy until birth. Compare embryo (sense 2) [C14: from Latin: offspring, brood]

■ fetal or foetal (ˈfiːtəl)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a fetus

■ fetal alcohol syndrome   n   a condition in newborn babies caused by excessive intake of alcohol by the mother during pregnancy: characterized by poor mental and physical development

■ fetal diagnosis   n   prenatal determination of genetic or chemical abnormalities in a fetus, esp by amniocentesis

■ fetal position   n   a bodily position similar to that of a fetus in the womb, with the knees up towards the chest and the head bent forward

■ fetation or foetation (fiːˈteIʃən)   n   1 the state of pregnancy   2 the process of development of a fetus

■ feticide or foeticide (ˈfiːtIˌsaId)   n   the destruction of a fetus in the uterus; aborticide   > ˌfetiˈcidal or ˌfoetiˈcidal adj

■ fetiparous or foetiparous (fIˈtIpərəs)   adj   (of marsupials, such as the kangaroo) giving birth to incompletely developed offspring [C19: from FETUS + -PAROUS]

■ fetologist (fiːˈtɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies or practises fetology

■ fetology (fiːˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medicine concerned with the fetus in the uterus

■ fetoprotein (ˈfiːtəʊˌprəʊtiːn)   n   biochem a glycoprotein normally found in a fetus

■ fetoscope (ˈfiːtəʊˌskəʊp)   n   a fibreoptic instrument that can be passed through the abdomen of a pregnant woman to enable examination of the fetus and withdrawal of blood for sampling in prenatal diagnosis

■ fetoscopy or foetoscopy (fiːˈtɒskəpI)   n, pl -pies   med a procedure that permits observation of a fetus in the uterus

feu (fjuː)   n   1 Scot legal history   a a feudal tenure of land for which rent was paid in money or grain instead of by the performance of military service   b the land so held   2 Scots law a right to the use of land in return for a fixed annual payment (feu duty) [C15: from Old French; see FEE]

■ feuar (fjʊə)   n   Scot the tenant of a feu

Feuchtwanger (German ˈfɔIçtvaŋər)   n   Lion (ˈliːɔn). 1884–1958, German novelist and dramatist, lived in the US (1940–58): noted for his historical novels, including Die hässliche Herzogin (1923) and Jud Süss (1925)

feud^1 (fjuːd)   n   1 long and bitter hostility between two families, clans, or individuals; vendetta   2 a quarrel or dispute   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to take part in or carry on a feud [C13 fede, from Old French feide, from Old High German fēhida; related to Old English fæhth hostility; see FOE]

■ feudist (ˈfjuːdIst)   n   US a person who takes part in a feud or quarrel

feud^2 or feod (fjuːd)   n   feudal law land held in return for service [C17: from Medieval Latin feodum, of Germanic origin; see FEE]

feudal^1 (ˈfjuːdəl)   adj   1 of, resembling, relating to, or characteristic of feudalism or its institutions   2 of, characteristic of, or relating to a fief. Compare allodial   3 derogatory old-fashioned, reactionary, etc [C17: from Medieval Latin feudālis, from feudum FEUD^2]

■ feudalism (ˈfjuːdəˌlIzəm)   n   1 Also called: feudal system the legal and social system that evolved in W Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries, in which vassals were protected and maintained by their lords, usually through the granting of fiefs, and were required to serve under them in war. See also vassalage, fief   2 any social system or society, such as medieval Japan or Ptolemaic Egypt, that resembles medieval European feudalism   > ˈfeudalist n   > ˌfeudalˈistic adj

■ feudality (fjuːˈdælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being feudal   2 a fief or fee

■ feudalize or feudalise (ˈfjuːdəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to make feudal; create feudal institutions in (a society)   > ˌfeudaliˈzation or ˌfeudaliˈsation n

■ feudally (ˈfjuːdəlI)   adv   from a feudal point of view

feudal^2 (ˈfjuːdəl)   adj   of or relating to a feud or quarrel

feudary (ˈfjuːdərI)   n, pl -ries   a feudal tenant, one who holds the lands of an overlord on condition of fealty

feudatory (ˈfjuːdətərI, in feudal Europe -trI)   n   1 a person holding a fief; vassal   ▷ adj   2 relating to or characteristic of the relationship between lord and vassal   3 (esp of a kingdom) under the overlordship of another sovereign [C16: from Medieval Latin feudātor]

feu de joie French (fø də ʒwa)   n, pl feux de joie (fø)   a salute of musketry fired successively by each person in turn along a line and back [C18: literally: fire of joy]

Feuerbach (German ˈfɔIərbax)   n   Ludwig Andreas (ˈluːtvIç anˈdreːas). 1804–72, German materialist philosopher: in The Essence of Christianity (1841), translated into English by George Eliot (1853), he maintained that God is merely an outward projection of man's inner self

Feuillant French (fœjɑ̃)   n   French history a member of a club formed in 1791 by Lafayette advocating a limited constitutional monarchy: forced to disband in 1792 as the revolution became more violent and antimonarchical [from the convent of Notre Dame des Feuillants, where meetings were held]

feuilleté French (fœjte)   n   a puff pastry case with a savoury filling

feuilleton (ˈfʊIˌtɒn; French fœjtɔ̃)   n   1 the part of a European newspaper carrying reviews, serialized fiction, etc   2 such a review or article [C19: from French, from feuillet sheet of paper, diminutive of feuille leaf, from Latin folium]   > ˈfeuilletonism n   > ˈfeuilletonist n   > ˌfeuilletonˈistic adj

feutre (ˈfjʊtə)   n   1 obsolete a rest for a lance or spear, attached to a knight's saddle   ▷ vb (tr)   2 obsolete to place (a lance or spear) into its rest

fever (ˈfiːvə)   n   1 an abnormally high body temperature, accompanied by a fast pulse rate, dry skin, etc. Related adjectives: febrile, pyretic   2 any of various diseases, such as yellow fever or scarlet fever, characterized by a high temperature   3 intense nervous excitement or agitation: she was in a fever about her party   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to affect with or as if with fever [Old English fēfor, from Latin febris]   > ˈfevered adj   > ˈfeverless adj

■ fever blister or fever sore   n   another name for cold sore

■ feverfew (ˈfiːvəˌfjuː)   n   a bushy European strong-scented perennial plant, Tanacetum parthenium, with white flower heads, formerly used medicinally: family Asteraceae (composites) [Old English feferfuge, from Late Latin febrifugia, from Latin febris fever + fugāre to put to flight]

■ feverish (ˈfiːvərIʃ) or feverous   adj   1 suffering from fever, esp a slight fever   2 in a state of restless excitement   3 of, relating to, caused by, or causing fever   > ˈfeverishly or ˈfeverously adv   > ˈfeverishness n

■ fever pitch   n   a state of intense excitement: things were at fever pitch with the election coming up

■ feverroot (ˈfiːvəˌruːt)   n   a name for flowering plants of the genus Triosteum, native to north America, also known as horse gentian, Tinker's root, or feverwort

■ fever therapy   n   a former method of treating disease by raising the body temperature. Compare cryotherapy

■ fever tree   n US   1 any of several trees that produce a febrifuge or tonic, esp Pinckneya pubens, a rubiaceous tree of SE North America   2 a tall leguminous swamp tree, Acacia xanthophloea, of southern Africa, with fragrant yellow flowers

■ feverweed (ˈfiːvəˌwiːd)   n   a name given to several plants thought to have medicinal properties, including those of the genuses Eryngium and Eupatorium

■ feverwort (ˈfiːvəˌwɜːt)   n   US any of several plants considered to have medicinal properties, such as horse gentian and boneset

few (fjuː)   determiner   1    a a small number of; hardly any: few men are so cruel   b (as pronoun; functioning as plural): many are called but few are chosen   2 (preceded by a)   a a small number of: a few drinks   b (as pronoun; functioning as plural): a few of you will progress to the next round   3 a good few informal several   4 few and far between   a at great intervals; widely spaced   b not abundant; scarce   5 have a few or have a few too many to consume several (or too many) alcoholic drinks   6 not a few or quite a few informal several   ▷ n   7 the few a small number of people considered as a class: the few who fell at Thermopylae. Compare many (sense 4) [Old English fēawa; related to Old High German fao little, Old Norse fār little, silent]   > ˈfewness n

USAGE

See at less

fewtrils (ˈfjuːtrIlz)   pl n   dialect trifles; things of little value

fey (feI)   adj   1 interested in or believing in the supernatural   2 attuned to the supernatural; clairvoyant; visionary   3 chiefly Scot fated to die; doomed   4 chiefly Scot in a state of high spirits or unusual excitement, formerly believed to presage death [Old English fæge marked out for death; related to Old Norse feigr doomed, Old High German feigi]   > ˈfeyness n

■ feyly (ˈfeIlI)   adv   in a fey manner

Feydeau (French fɛdo)   n   Georges (ʒɔrʒ). 1862–1921, French dramatist, noted for his farces, esp La Dame de chez Maxim (1899) and Occupe-toi d'Amélie (1908)

Feynman (ˈfaInmən)   n   Richard. 1918–88, US physicist, noted for his research on quantum electrodynamics; shared the Nobel prize for physics in 1965

■ Feynman diagram (ˈfaInmən)   n   physics a graphical representation of the interactions between elementary particles

fez (fɛz)   n, pl fezzes   an originally Turkish brimless felt or wool cap, shaped like a truncated cone, usually red and with a tassel [C19: via French from Turkish, from FEZ]   > fezzed adj

■ fezzy (ˈfɛzI)   adj   informal wearing a fez

Fez (fɛz)   n   a variant of Fès

Fezzan (fɛˈzɑːn)   n   a region of SW Libya, in the Sahara: a former province (until 1963)

ff   symbol for   1 folios   2 following (pages, lines, etc)   3 music fortissimo: an instruction to play very loudly

ffa commerce   abbreviation for   free from alongside (ship)

Ffestiniog (fɛsˈtInjɒɡ)   n   a town in N Wales, in Gwynedd: tourist attractions include former slate quarries and a narrow-gauge railway at nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog. Pop: 4830 (2001)

FGM   abbreviation for   female genital mutilation

fi   the internet domain name for   Finland

FI   abbreviation for   Falkland Islands

FIA   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries   2 motor racing Fédération Internationale l'Automobile, Formula One's governing body [(for sense 2) from French]

fiacre (fIˈɑːkrə)   n   a small four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, usually with a folding roof [C17: named after the Hotel de St Fiacre, Paris, where these vehicles were first hired out]

fiançailles French (fjɑ̃sɑj)   pl n   obsolete a betrothal, engagement

fiancé (fIˈɒnseI)   n   a man who is engaged to be married [C19: from French, from Old French fiancier to promise, betroth, from fiance a vow, from fier to trust, from Latin fīdere]

■ fiancée (fIˈɒnseI)   n   a woman who is engaged to be married

fianchetto (ˌfIənˈtʃɛtəʊ, -ˈkɛtəʊ) chess   n, pl -tos, -ti (-tiː)   1 the development of a bishop on the second rank of the neighbouring knight's file or the third rank of the nearer rook's file   ▷ vb -toes, -toing, -toed   2 to develop (a bishop) thus [C19: from Italian diminutive of fianco FLANK]

Fianna (ˈfiːənə)   pl n   a legendary band of Irish warriors noted for their heroic exploits, attributed to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Also called: Fenians

■ Fianna Fáil (ˈfIənə ˈfɑːl)   n   one of the major Irish political parties, founded by de Valera in 1926 as a republican party [from Irish Gaelic Fianna warriors + Fáil of Ireland, from Fál an ancient and poetic name for Ireland]

fiar (ˈfiːə)   n   Scot dialect the owner of a property

fiars (fIəz; Scottish ˈfiːərz)   pl n   (in Scotland) the legally fixed prices for corn

fiasco (fIˈæskəʊ)   n, pl -cos or -coes   a complete failure, esp one that is ignominious or humiliating [C19: from Italian, literally: FLASK; sense development obscure]

fiat (ˈfaIət, -æt)   n   1 official sanction; authoritative permission   2 an arbitrary order or decree   3 chiefly literary any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about [C17: from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fierī to become]

■ fiat money   n   chiefly US money declared by a government to be legal tender though it is not convertible into standard specie

fiaunt (ˈfiːɔːnt)   n   a warrant issued to the Court of Chancery in Ireland in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries

fib (fIb)   n   1 a trivial and harmless lie   ▷ vb fibs, fibbing, fibbed   2 (intr) to tell such a lie [C17: perhaps from fibble-fable an unlikely story; see FABLE]   > ˈfibber n

■ fibbery (ˈfIbərI)   n   the practice of lying or deceiving, spreading falsehood

■ fibster (ˈfIbstə)   n   a fibber; someone who lies

fiber (ˈfaIbə)   n   the usual US spelling of fibre

■ fiberization or fiberisation (ˌfaIbəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process or practice of breaking into fibres

■ fiberize or fiberise (ˈfaIbəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to break into fibres

Fibiger (Danish ˈfibiɡər)   n   Johannes Andreas Grib (joˈhanəs anˈdreːas ɡrIb). 1867–1928, Danish physician: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1926) for his work in cancer research

Fibonacci (Italian fiboˈnattʃi)   n   Leonardo (leoˈnardo), also called Leonardo of Pisa. ?1170–?1250, Italian mathematician: popularized the decimal system in Europe

■ Fibonacci sequence or Fibonacci series (ˌfIbəˈnɑːtʃI)   n   the infinite sequence of numbers, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc, in which each member (Fibonacci number) is the sum of the previous two [named after Leonardo FIBONACCI]

fibranne (ˈfaIˌbræn, ˌfaIˈbræn)   n   a synthetic fabric resembling linen, made from rayon

fibrate (ˈfaIbreIt)   n   any of a class of drugs used to lower fat levels in the body

fibre or US fiber (ˈfaIbə)   n   1 a natural or synthetic filament that may be spun into yarn, such as cotton or nylon   2 cloth or other material made from such yarn   3 a long fine continuous thread or filament   4 the structure of any material or substance made of or as if of fibres; texture   5 essential substance or nature: all the fibres of his being were stirred   6 strength of character (esp in the phrase moral fibre)   7 See dietary fibre   8 botany   a a narrow elongated thick-walled cell: a constituent of sclerenchyma tissue   b such tissue extracted from flax, hemp, etc, used to make linen, rope, etc   c a very small root or twig   9 anatomy any thread-shaped structure, such as a nerve fibre [C14: from Latin fibra filament, entrails]   > ˈfibred or US ˈfibered adj   > ˈfibreless or US ˈfiberless adj

■ fibreboard or US fiberboard (ˈfaIbəˌbɔːd)   n   a building material made of compressed wood or other plant fibres, esp one in the form of a thin semirigid sheet

■ fibrefill or US fiberfill (ˈfaIbəˌfIl)   n   a synthetic fibre used as a filling for pillows, quilted materials, etc

■ fibreglass or US fiberglass (ˈfaIbəˌɡlɑːs)   n   1 material consisting of matted fine glass fibres, used as insulation in buildings, in fireproof fabrics, etc   2 a fabric woven from this material or a light strong material made by bonding fibreglass with a synthetic resin; used for car bodies, boat hulls, etc   ▶ Also called: glass fibre

■ fibrelike or US fiberlike (ˈfaIbəˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a fibre or fibres

■ fibre optics   n   (functioning as singular) the transmission of information modulated on light carried down very thin flexible fibres of glass. See also optical fibre   > ˌfibreˈoptic adj

■ fibrescope or US fiberscope (ˈfaIbəˌskəʊp)   n   an endoscope that transmits images of the interior of a hollow organ by fibre optics

■ fibre-tip or US fiber-tip   n   another name for felt-tip pen

■ fibriform (ˈfaIbrIˌfɔːm, ˈfIb-)   adj   having the form of a fibre or fibres

■ fibroid (ˈfaIbrɔId)   adj   1 anatomy (of structures or tissues) containing or resembling fibres   ▷ n   2 a benign tumour, composed of fibrous and muscular tissue, occurring in the wall of the uterus and often causing heavy menstruation

■ fibroma (faIˈbrəʊmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə) or -mas   a benign tumour derived from fibrous connective tissue   > fibromatous (faIˈbrɒmətəs) adj

■ fibrose (faIˈbrəʊs)   vb (intr)   to become fibrous, to form fibrous tissue

■ fibrosis (faIˈbrəʊsIs)   n   the formation of an abnormal amount of fibrous tissue in an organ or part as the result of inflammation, irritation, or healing   > fibrotic (faIˈbrɒtIk) adj

■ fibrositis (ˌfaIbrəˈsaItIs)   n   inflammation of white fibrous tissue, esp that of muscle sheaths

■ fibrous (ˈfaIbrəs)   adj   consisting of, containing, or resembling fibres: fibrous tissue   > ˈfibrously adv   > ˈfibrousness n

fibril (ˈfaIbrIl) or fibrilla (faIˈbrIlə, fI-)   n, pl -brils or -brillae (-ˈbrIliː)   1 a small fibre or part of a fibre   2 biology a threadlike structure, such as a root hair or a thread of muscle tissue [C17: from New Latin fibrilla a little FIBRE]   > ˈfibrilar, fiˈbrillar or fiˈbrillose adj   > fiˈbrilliˌform adj

■ fibrillary (ˈfaIbrIlərI)   adj   1 exhibiting fibrillation   2 another word for fibrilar

■ fibrillate (ˈfIbrəˌleIt)   vb   to form or break down into fibres

■ fibrillation (ˌfaIbrIˈleIʃən, ˌfIb-)   n   1 a local and uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibres, esp of the heart, not affecting the entire muscle. Atrial fibrillation results in rapid and irregular heart and pulse rate. In ventricular fibrillation, the heart stops beating   2 irregular twitchings of the muscular wall of the heart, often interfering with the normal rhythmic contractions

■ fibrillin (ˈfIbrIlIn)   n   biology a glycoprotein responsible for the formation of elastic fibres in connective tissue

■ fibrillous (ˈfIbrIləs)   adj   obsolete composed of small fibres

fibrin (ˈfIbrIn)   n   a white insoluble elastic protein formed from fibrinogen when blood clots: forms a network that traps red cells and platelets

■ fibrinogen (fIˈbrInədʒən)   n   a soluble protein, a globulin, in blood plasma, converted to fibrin by the action of the enzyme thrombin when blood clots   > fibrinogenic (ˌfaIbrInəʊˈdʒɛnIk) or fibrinogenous (ˌfaIbrIˈnɒdʒənəs) adj

■ fibrinoid (ˈfaIbrInɔId)   adj   exhibiting characteristics similar to those of fibrin

■ fibrinolysin (ˌfaIbrIˈnɒləsIn)   n   an enzyme which inactivates fibrin, sometimes used to assist the healing of minor wounds or burns

■ fibrinolysis (ˌfIbrIˈnɒlIsIs)   n   the breakdown of fibrin in blood clots, esp by enzymes   > fibrinolytic (ˌfaIbrInəʊˈlItIk) adj

■ fibrinopeptide (ˌfIbrInəʊˈpɛptaId)   n   a peptide which combines to form fibrin during blood-clotting

■ fibrinous (ˈfIbrInəs)   adj   of, containing, or resembling fibrin

fibro (ˈfaIbrəʊ)   n Austral informal   1    a short for fibrocement   b (as modifier): a fibro shack   2 a house built of fibrocement

fibro-   combining form   1 indicating fibrous tissue: fibroin; fibrosis   2 indicating fibre: fibrocement [from Latin fibra FIBRE]

fibroblast (ˈfaIbrəʊˌblæst)   n   a cell in connective tissue that synthesizes collagen   > ˌfibroˈblastic adj

fibrocartilage (ˌfaIbrəʊˈkɑːtIlIdʒ)   n   anatomy an elastic material exhibiting characteristics both of fibrous tissue and of cartilage

fibrocement (ˌfaIbrəʊsIˈmɛnt)   n   (formerly) cement combined with asbestos fibre, used esp in sheets for building

fibrocystic (ˌfaIbrəʊˈsIstIk)   adj   (of a tumour) consisting of fibrous tissue and cysts

fibrocyte (ˈfaIbrəˌsaIt)   n   biology an inactive fibroblast

fibroin (ˈfaIbrəʊIn)   n   a tough elastic protein that is the principal component of spiders' webs and raw silk

fibroline (ˈfaIbrəliːn)   n   a yarn made from waste products at cotton factories

Fibrolite (ˈfaIbrəlaIt)   n   NZ trademark a type of building board containing asbestos and cement

fibromyalgia (ˌfaIbrəʊmaIˈældʒIə)   n   a rheumatoid disorder characterized by muscle pain and headaches

fibronectin (ˌfaIbrəʊˈnɛktIn)   n   biology a glycoprotein which plays a major role in cell growth

fibrosarcoma (ˌfaIbrəʊsɑːˈkəʊmə)   n   biology a form of malignant tumour derived from fibrous connective tissue

fibrovascular (ˌfaIbrəʊˈvæskjʊlə)   adj   botany (of a vascular bundle) surrounded by sclerenchyma or within sclerenchymatous tissue

fibula (ˈfIbjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː) or -las   1 the outer and thinner of the two bones between the knee and ankle of the human leg. Compare tibia   2 the corresponding bone in other vertebrates   3 a metal brooch resembling a safety pin, often highly decorated, common in Europe after 1300 BC [C17: from Latin: clasp, probably from fīgere to fasten]   > ˈfibular adj

-fic   suffix forming adjectives   causing, making, or producing: honorific [from Latin -ficus, from facere to do, make]

ficain (ˈfaIseIn)   n   another name for ficin

fice (faIs)   n   US dialect a small aggressive dog

fiche (fiːʃ)   n   See microfiche, ultrafiche

Fichte (German ˈfIçtə)   n   Johann Gottlieb (joˈhan ˈɡɔtliːp). 1762–1814, German philosopher: expounded ethical idealism

fichu (ˈfiːʃuː)   n   a woman's shawl or scarf of some light material, worn esp in the 18th century [C19: from French: small shawl, from ficher to fix with a pin, from Latin fīgere to fasten, FIX]

ficin (ˈfaIsIn)   n   an enzyme derived from the latex of the fig tree

Ficino (Italian fiˈtʃiːno)   n   Marsilio (marˈsiːlio). 1433–99, Italian Neoplatonist philosopher: attempted to integrate Platonism with Christianity

fickle (ˈfIkəl)   adj   changeable in purpose, affections, etc; capricious [Old English ficol deceitful; related to fician to wheedle, befician to deceive]   > ˈfickleness n

■ fickly (ˈfIkəlI)   adv   obsolete in a fickle manner

fico (ˈfiːkəʊ)   n, pl -coes archaic   1 a worthless trifle   2 another word for fig^1 (sense 7) [C16: from Italian: FIG^1]

fictile (ˈfIktaIl)   adj   1 moulded or capable of being moulded from clay; plastic   2 made of clay by a potter   3 relating to the craft of pottery [C17: from Latin fictilis that can be moulded, hence, made of clay, from fingere to shape]

fiction (ˈfIkʃən)   n   1 literary works invented by the imagination, such as novels or short stories   2 an invented story or explanation; lie   3 the act of inventing a story or explanation   4 law something assumed to be true for the sake of convenience, though probably false [C14: from Latin fictiō a fashioning, hence something imaginary, from fingere to shape]   > ˈfictional adj   > ˈfictionally adv   > ˌfictionˈeer or ˈfictionist n

■ fictionality (ˌfIkʃəˈnælItI)   n   the quality of being fictional

■ fictionalize or fictionalise (ˈfIkʃənəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to make into fiction or give a fictional aspect to   > ˌfictionaliˈzation or ˌfictionaliˈsation n

■ fictionization or fictionisation (ˌfIkʃənaIˈzeIʃən)   n   another word for fictionalization

■ fictitious (fIkˈtIʃəs)   adj   1 not genuine or authentic; assumed; false: to give a fictitious address   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction; created by the imagination   > ficˈtitiously adv   > ficˈtitiousness n

■ fictive (ˈfIktIv)   adj   1 of, relating to, or able to create fiction   2 a rare word for fictitious   > ˈfictively adv

■ fictiveness (ˈfIktIvnəs)   n   the quality of being fictive

fictor (ˈfIktə)   n   obsolete a sculptor or carver

ficus (ˈfiːkəs)   n   any plant of the genus Ficus, which includes the edible fig and several greenhouse and house plants. See rubber plant, weeping ivy

fid (fId)   n nautical   1 a spike for separating strands of rope in splicing   2 a wooden or metal bar for supporting the heel of a topmast [C17: of unknown origin]

-fid   adj combining form   divided into parts or lobes: bifid; pinnatifid [from Latin -fidus, from findere to split]

Fid. Def. or FID DEF   abbreviation for   Fidei Defensor

fiddious (ˈfIdIəs)   vb (tr)   literary to treat (someone) as Coriolanus, in the eponymous play, treated Aufidius

fiddle (ˈfIdəl)   n   1 informal any instrument of the viol or violin family, esp the violin   2 a violin played as a folk instrument   3 time-wasting or trifling behaviour; nonsense; triviality   4 nautical a small railing around the top of a table to prevent objects from falling off it in bad weather   5 Brit informal an illegal or fraudulent transaction or arrangement   6 Brit informal a manually delicate or tricky operation   7 at the fiddle or on the fiddle informal engaged in an illegal or fraudulent undertaking   8 face as long as a fiddle informal a dismal or gloomy facial expression   9 fit as a fiddle informal in very good health   10 play second fiddle informal to be subordinate; play a minor part   ▷ vb   11 to play (a tune) on the fiddle   12 (intr; often foll by with) to make restless or aimless movements with the hands   13 (when intr, often foll by about or around) informal to spend (time) or act in a careless or inconsequential manner; waste (time)   14 (often foll by with) informal to tamper or interfere (with)   15 informal to contrive to do (something) by illicit means or deception: they fiddled their way into a position of trust   16 (tr) informal to falsify (accounts, etc); swindle [Old English fithele, probably from Medieval Latin vītula, from Latin vītulārī to celebrate; compare Old High German fidula fiddle; see VIOLA^1]

■ fiddle-back   n   1 a chair with a fiddle-shaped back   2 a chasuble with a fiddle-shaped front

■ fiddle-de-dee, fiddlededee or fiddledeedee (ˌfIdəldIˈdiː)   interj   rare an exclamation of impatience, disbelief, or disagreement

■ fiddle-faddle (ˈfIdəlˌfædəl)   n, interj   1 trivial matter; nonsense   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to fuss or waste time, esp over trivial matters [C16: reduplication of FIDDLE]   > ˈfiddle-ˌfaddler n

■ fiddlehead (ˈfIdəlˌhɛd) or fiddleneck   n   1 nautical an ornamental carving, in the shape of the scroll at the head end of a fiddle, fitted to the top of the stem or cutwater   2 US and Canadian the edible coiled tip of a young fern frond

■ fiddle pattern   n   the style of a spoon or fork with a violin-shaped handle

■ fiddler (ˈfIdlə)   n   1 a person who plays the fiddle, esp in folk music   2 See fiddler crab   3 a person who wastes time or acts aimlessly   4 informal a cheat or petty rogue

■ fiddler crab   n   any of various burrowing crabs of the genus Uca of American coastal regions, the males of which have one of their anterior pincer-like claws very much enlarged [C19: referring to the rapid fiddling movement of the enlarged anterior claw of the males, used to attract females]

■ fiddlestick (ˈfIdəlˌstIk)   n   1 informal a violin bow   2 any meaningless or inconsequential thing; trifle   3 fiddlesticks! an expression of annoyance or disagreement

■ fiddlewood (ˈfIdəlˌwʊd)   n   1 any of various tropical American verbenaceous trees of the genus Citharexylum and related genera   2 the hard durable wood of any of these trees

■ fiddling (ˈfIdlIŋ)   adj   1 trifling or insignificant; petty   2 another word for fiddly

■ fiddly (ˈfIdlI)   adj -dlier, -dliest   small and awkward to do or handle

fiddley (ˈfIdəlI)   n   nautical the vertical space above a vessel's engine room extending into its stack, usually covered by an iron grating. Also applied to the framework around the opening itself

FIDE   abbreviation for   Fédération Internationale des Échecs: International Chess Federation

fideicommissum (ˌfIdIaIkəˈmIsəm)   n, pl -sa (-sə)   civil law a gift of property, usually by will, to be held on behalf of another who cannot receive the gift directly [C18: from Late Latin: (something) bequeathed in trust, from Latin fidēs trust, faith + committere to entrust]

■ fideicommissary (ˌfIdIaIˈkɒmIsərI)   n, pl -saries   1 a person who receives a fideicommissum   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or resembling a fideicommissum

Fidei Defensor Latin (ˈfaIdIˌaI dIˈfɛnsɔː)   n   defender of the faith; a title given to Henry VIII by Pope Leo X, and appearing on Brit coins as FID DEF or FD

fideism (ˈfiːdeIˌIzəm)   n   the theological doctrine that religious truth is a matter of faith and cannot be established by reason. Compare natural theology [C19: from Latin fidēs faith]   > ˈfideist n   > ˌfideˈistic adj

Fidelism (fiːˈdɛlIzəm) or fidelismo (ˌfiːdɛˈlIzməʊ)   n   belief in, adherence to, or advocacy of the principles of Fidel Castro. Also called: Castroism   > Fiˈdelist n

fidelista (ˌfiːdɛˈlIstə)   n   another term for Fidelist

fidelity (fIˈdɛlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 devotion to duties, obligations, etc; faithfulness   2 loyalty or devotion, as to a person or cause   3 faithfulness to one's spouse, lover, etc   4 adherence to truth; accuracy in reporting detail   5 electronics the degree to which the output of a system, such as an amplifier or radio, accurately reproduces the characteristics of the input signal. See also high fidelity [C15: from Latin fidēlitās, from fidēlis faithful, from fidēs faith, loyalty]

fidge (fIdʒ)   vb   (intr) an obsolete word for fidget [C18: probably variant of dialect fitch to FIDGET]

fidget (ˈfIdʒIt)   vb   1 (intr) to move about restlessly   2 (intr; often foll by with) to make restless or uneasy movements (with something); fiddle: she fidgeted with her pen   3 (tr) to cause to fidget   4 (tr) to cause to worry; make uneasy   ▷ n   5 (often plural) a state of restlessness or unease, esp as expressed in continual motion: he's got the fidgets   6 a person who fidgets [C17: from earlier fidge, probably from Old Norse fīkjast to desire eagerly]   > ˈfidgety adj

■ fidgeter (ˈfIdʒItə)   n   a person who fidgets

■ fidgetiness (ˈfIdʒItInəs)   n   restlessness, the state of or tendency to be fidgety

■ fidgeting (ˈfIdʒItIŋ)   adj   1 (of a person) moving about restlessly   2 (of a person) fiddling with something   > ˈfidgetingly adv

■ fidget spinner   n   a small toy comprising two or three prongs arranged around a central bearing, designed to be spun by the fingers as means of improving concentration or relieving stress

fidibus (ˈfIdIbəs)   n   a kind of match used to light pipes or candles

fido (ˈfaIdəʊ)   n   1 jocular a generic name for a dog   2 (pl -dos) an incorrectly minted coin, often valued by collectors

fiducial (fIˈdjuːʃIəl)   adj   1 physics used as a standard of reference or measurement: a fiducial point   2 of or based on trust or faith   3 law a less common word for fiduciary [C17: from Late Latin fīdūciālis , from Latin fīdūcia confidence, reliance, from fīdere to trust]   > fiˈducially adv

fiduciary (fIˈduːʃIərI) law   n, pl -aries   1 a person bound to act for another's benefit, as a trustee in relation to his or her beneficiary   ▷ adj   2    a having the nature of a trust   b of or relating to a trust or trustee [C17: from Latin fīdūciārius relating to something held in trust, from fīdūcia trust; see FIDUCIAL]   > fiˈduciarily adv

■ fiduciary issue   n   an issue of banknotes not backed by gold

fidus Achates (ˈfaIdəs əˈkeItiːz)   n   a faithful friend or companion [Latin, literally: faithful Achates, the name of the faithful companion of Aeneas in Virgil's Aeneid]

fie (faI)   interj   obsolete or facetious an exclamation of distaste or mock dismay [C13: from Old French fi, from Latin fī, exclamation of disgust]

fief or feoff (fiːf)   n   (in feudal Europe) the property or fee granted to a vassal for his maintenance by his lord in return for service [C17: from Old French fie, of Germanic origin; compare Old English fēo cattle, money, Latin pecus cattle, pecūnia money, Greek pokos fleece]

■ fiefdom (ˈfiːfdəm)   n   1 (in feudal Europe) the property owned by a lord   2 an area over which a person or organization exerts authority or influence

field (fiːld)   n   1 an open tract of uncultivated grassland; meadow. Related adjective: campestral   2 a piece of land cleared of trees and undergrowth, usually enclosed with a fence or hedge and used for pasture or growing crops: a field of barley   3 a limited or marked off area, usually of mown grass, on which any of various sports, athletic competitions, etc, are held: a soccer field   4 an area that is rich in minerals or other natural resources: a coalfield   5 short for battlefield, airfield   6 the mounted followers that hunt with a pack of hounds   7    a all the runners in a particular race or competitors in a competition   b the runners in a race or competitors in a competition excluding the favourite   8 cricket the fielders collectively, esp with regard to their positions   9 a wide or open expanse: a field of snow   10    a an area of human activity: the field of human knowledge   b a sphere or division of knowledge, interest, etc: his field is physics   11    a a place away from the laboratory, office, library, etc, usually out of doors, where practical work is done or original material or data collected   b (as modifier): a field course   12 the surface or background, as of a flag, coin, or heraldic shield, on which a design is displayed   13 Also called: field of view the area within which an object may be observed with a telescope, microscope, etc   14 physics   a See field of force   b a region of space that is a vector field   c a region of space under the influence of some scalar quantity, such as temperature   15 maths a set of entities subject to two binary operations, addition and multiplication, such that the set is a commutative group under addition and the set, minus the zero, is a commutative group under multiplication and multiplication is distributive over addition   16 maths, logic the set of elements that are either arguments or values of a function; the union of its domain and range   17 computing   a a set of one or more characters comprising a unit of information   b a predetermined section of a record   18 television one of two or more sets of scanning lines which when interlaced form the complete picture   19 obsolete the open country: beasts of the field   20 hold the field or keep the field to maintain one's position in the face of opposition   21 in the field   a military in an area in which operations are in progress   b actively or closely involved with or working on something (rather than being in a more remote or administrative position)   22 lead the field to be in the leading or most pre-eminent position   23 leave the field informal to back out of a competition, contest, etc   24 take the field to begin or carry on activity, esp in sport or military operations   25 play the field informal to disperse one's interests or attentions among a number of activities, people, or objects   26 (modifier) military of or relating to equipment, personnel, etc, specifically designed or trained for operations in the field: a field gun; a field army   ▷ vb   27 (tr) sport to stop, catch, or return (the ball) as a fielder   28 (tr) sport to send (a player or team) onto the field to play   29 (intr) sport (of a player or team) to act or take turn as a fielder or fielders   30 (tr) military to put (an army, a unit, etc) in the field   31 (tr) to enter (a person) in a competition: each party fielded a candidate   32 (tr) informal to deal with or handle, esp adequately and by making a reciprocal gesture: to field a question [Old English feld; related to Old Saxon, Old High German feld, Old English fold earth, Greek platus broad]

■ field ambulance   n   military a mobile medical unit that accepts casualties from forward units, treating the lightly wounded and stabilizing the condition of the seriously wounded before evacuating them to a hospital

■ field army   n   military the largest formation of a land force, usually consisting of two or more corps with supporting arms and services

■ field artillery   n   artillery capable of deployment in support of front-line troops, due mainly to its mobility

■ field battery   n   a small unit of usually four field guns

■ fieldboot (ˈfiːldˌbuːt)   n   a close-fitting knee-length boot

■ field captain   n   the senior official at an archery meeting, responsible for safety

■ field centre   n   a research centre equipped for field studies, usually located in or near an area of scientific interest

■ field corn   n   US any variety of corn that is grown as a feed for livestock

■ field cornet   n   South African a commander of burgher troops called up in time of war or in an emergency, esp during the 19th century. Often shortened to: cornet

■ fieldcraft (ˈfiːldˌkrɑːft)   n   ability and experience in matters concerned with living out-of-doors, esp in a wild area

■ field day   n   1 a day spent in some special outdoor activity, such as nature study or sport   2 a day-long competition between amateur radio operators using battery or generator power, the aim being to make the most contacts with other operators around the world   3 military a day devoted to manoeuvres or exercises, esp before an audience   4 informal a day or time of exciting or successful activity: the children had a field day with their new toys   5 Austral   a a day or series of days devoted to the demonstration of farm machinery in country centres   b a combined open day and sale on a stud property

■ field drain or field tile   n   an underground earthenware pipe used for draining fields

■ field-effect transistor   n   a unipolar transistor consisting of three or more electrode regions, the source, one or more gates, and the drain. A current flowing in a channel between the highly doped source and drain is controlled by the electric field arising from a voltage applied between source and gate. Abbreviation: FET. See also JFET, IGFET

■ field emission   n   the emission of electrons from a solid or liquid subjected to a high electric field

■ fielder (ˈfiːldə)   n   cricket, baseball   a a player in the field   b a member of the fielding rather than the batting side

■ field event   n   a competition, such as the discus, high jump, etc, that takes place on a field or similar area as opposed to those on the running track

■ fieldfare (ˈfiːldˌfɛə)   n   a large Old World thrush, Turdus pilaris, having a pale grey head and rump, brown wings and back, and a blackish tail [Old English feldefare; see FIELD, FARE]

■ field glass   n   1 a small telescope often incorporating a prism and held in one hand   2 a former name for field glasses

■ field glasses   pl n   another name for binoculars

■ field goal   n   1 basketball a goal scored while the ball is in normal play rather than from a free throw   2 American football a score of three points made by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts above the crossbar

■ field guidance   n   a method of guiding a missile to a point within a gravitational or radio field by means of the properties of the field

■ field gun   n   a gun specially designed for service in direct support of front-line troops

■ field hockey   n   US and Canadian hockey played on a field, as distinguished from ice hockey

■ field-holler   n   a cry employing falsetto, portamento, and sudden changes of pitch, used in African-American work songs, later integrated into the techniques of the blues

■ field hospital   n   a temporary hospital set up near a battlefield equipped to provide remedial surgery and post-operative care

■ field layer   n   See layer (sense 2)

■ field magnet   n   a permanent magnet or an electromagnet that produces the magnetic field in a generator, electric motor, or similar device

■ field marshal   n   an officer holding the highest rank in the British and certain other armies

■ fieldmouse (ˈfiːldˌmaʊs)   n, pl -mice   1 any nocturnal mouse of the genus Apodemus, inhabiting woods, fields, and gardens of the Old World: family Muridae. They have yellowish-brown fur and feed on fruit, vegetables, seeds, etc   2 a former name for vole^1

■ field officer   n   an officer holding field rank, namely that of major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel

■ field of fire   n   the area that a weapon or group of weapons can cover with fire from a given position

■ field of force   n   the region of space surrounding a body, such as a charged particle or a magnet, within which it can exert a force on another similar body not in contact with it. See also electric field, magnetic field, gravitational field

■ field of honour   n   the place or scene of a battle or duel, esp of jousting tournaments in medieval times

■ fieldpiece (ˈfiːldˌpiːs)   n   a former name for field gun

■ field poppy   n   another name for corn poppy

■ field post office   n   a place to which mail intended for military units in the field is sent to be sorted and forwarded. Abbreviation: FPO

■ fieldsman (ˈfiːldzmən)   n, pl -men   cricket another name for fielder

■ Fields Medal   n   a prize, founded in 1936 and awarded every four years, awarded for outstanding achievements in mathematics [C20: after JC Fields (1863–1932), Canadian mathematician who helped establish the award]

■ field spaniel   n   a robust, low-slung breed of spaniel developed by crossing the cocker spaniel with the Sussex spaniel

■ field sports   pl n   sports carried on in the open countryside, such as hunting, shooting, or fishing

■ fieldstone (ˈfiːldˌstəʊn)   n   building stone found in fields

■ field strength   n   1 radio, television the intensity of an electromagnetic wave at any point in the area covered by a radio or television transmitter   2 physics the intensity of an electric or magnetic field. See intensity

■ fieldstrip (ˈfiːldstrIp)   vb (tr)   military, US to take apart (a firearm) for cleaning, oiling, or repairing

■ field study   n   (often plural) a research project carried out in the field. See field (sense 11)

■ field-test   vb (tr)   to test a new piece of equipment in a real, natural environment

■ field tile   n   Brit and NZ an earthenware drain used in farm drainage

■ field-to-wheel   adj   relating to all phases of biofuel production and use from growing to combustion [C21: modelled on well-to-wheel relating to the total efficiency of fossil oil]

■ field trial   n   1 hunting a test of or contest between gun dogs to determine their proficiency and standard of training in retrieving or pointing   2 (often plural) a test to display performance, efficiency, or durability, as of a vehicle or invention

■ field trip   n   an expedition, as by a group of students or research workers, to study something at first hand

■ fieldvole (ˈfiːldˌvəʊl)   n   a small rodent, Microtus agrestis. Also called: short-tailed vole

■ fieldward (ˈfiːldwəd)   adv   towards a field or fields

■ field winding (ˈwaIndIŋ)   n   the insulated current-carrying coils on a field magnet that produce the magnetic field intensity required to set up the electrical excitation in a generator or motor

■ fieldwork (ˈfiːldˌwɜːk)   n   1 military a temporary structure used in defending or fortifying a place or position   2 an investigation or search for material, data, etc, made in the field as opposed to the classroom, laboratory, or official headquarters   > ˈfieldˌworker n

Field (fiːld)   n   John. 1782–1837, Irish composer and pianist, lived in Russia from 1803: invented the nocturne

Fielding (ˈfiːldIŋ)   n   Henry. 1707–54, English novelist and dramatist, noted particularly for his picaresque novel Tom Jones (1749) and for Joseph Andrews (1742), which starts as a parody of Richardson's Pamela: also noted as an enlightened magistrate and a founder of the Bow Street runners (1749)

Fields (fiːldz)   n   1  Dame Gracie. real name Grace Stansfield. 1898–1979, English popular singer and entertainer   2  W. C. real name William Claude Dukenfield. 1880–1946, US film actor, noted for his portrayal of comic roles

fiend (fiːnd)   n   1 an evil spirit; demon; devil   2 a person who is extremely wicked, esp in being very cruel or brutal   3 informal   a a person who is intensely interested in or fond of something: a fresh-air fiend; he is a fiend for cards   b an addict: a drug fiend   4 (informal) a mischievous or spiteful person, esp a child [Old English fēond; related to Old Norse fjāndi enemy, Gothic fijands, Old High German fīant]   > ˈfiendˌlike adj

■ Fiend (fiːnd)   n   the Fiend the devil; Satan

■ fiendish (ˈfiːndIʃ)   adj   1 of or like a fiend   2 diabolically wicked or cruel   3 informal extremely difficult or unpleasant: a fiendish problem   > ˈfiendishly adv   > ˈfiendishness n

Fiennes (fiːnz)   n   1  Ralph (Nathanial). born 1962, British actor; his films include Schindler's List (1993), The English Patient (1997), The End of the Affair (2000), Spider (2002), and three films (2005–11) in the Harry Potter series   2  Sir Ranulph (Twistleton-Wykeham-). born 1944, British explorer; led the first surface journey around the earth's polar axis (1979–82); unsupported crossing of Antarctica (1992–93); in 2003 he raised money for a heart charity by running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents

fient (fiːnt)   n   Scot dialect a fiend

fier or fiere (fiːr)   n   Scot variant spellings of fere

fierce (fIəs)   adj   1 having a violent and unrestrained nature; savage: a fierce dog   2 wild or turbulent in force, action, or intensity: a fierce storm   3 vehement, intense, or strong: fierce competition   4 informal very disagreeable or unpleasant [C13: from Old French fiers, from Latin ferus]   > ˈfiercely adv   > ˈfierceness n

fieri facias (ˈfaIəˌraI ˈfeIʃIəs)   n   law a writ ordering a levy on the belongings of an adjudged debtor to satisfy the debt [C15: from Latin, literally: cause (it) to be done]

fiery (ˈfaIərI)   adj fierier, fieriest   1 of, containing, or composed of fire   2 resembling fire in heat, colour, ardour, etc: a fiery desert wind; a fiery speaker   3 easily angered or aroused: a fiery temper   4 (of food) producing a burning sensation: a fiery curry   5 (of the skin or a sore) inflamed   6 flammable or containing flammable gas   7 (of a cricket pitch) making the ball bounce dangerously high   > ˈfierily adv   > ˈfieriness n

■ fiery cross   n   1 a burning cross, used as a symbol by the Ku Klux Klan   2 a wooden cross with ends charred or dipped in blood formerly used by Scottish Highlanders to summon the clans to battle

■ fiery-tempered   adj   easily angered

Fiesole^1 (Italian ˈfiɛːzole)   n   a town in central Italy, in Tuscany near Florence: Etruscan and Roman remains. Pop: 14 085 (2001). Ancient name: Faesulae (ˈfiːsʊliː)

Fiesole^2 (Italian ˈfiɛːzole)   n   Giovanni da the monastic name of (Fra) Angelico

fiesta (fIˈɛstə; Spanish ˈfjesta)   n   1 a religious festival or celebration, esp on a saint's day   2 a holiday or carnival [Spanish, from Latin festa, plural of festum festival; see FEAST]

FIFA (ˈfiːfə)   n acronym for   Fédération Internationale de Football Association: the international governing body of association football [from French]

fife (faIf)   n   1 a small high-pitched flute similar to the piccolo and usually having no keys, used esp in military bands   ▷ vb   2 to play (music) on a fife [C16: from Old High German pfīfa; see PIPE^1]   > ˈfifer n

Fife^1 (faIf)   n   a council area and historical county of E central Scotland, bordering on the North Sea between the Firths of Tay and Forth: coastal lowlands in the north and east, with several ranges of hills; mainly agricultural. Administrative centre: Glenrothes. Pop: 352 040 (2003 est). Area: 1323 sq km (511 sq miles)

Fife^2 (faIf)   n   Duncan. See Duncan Phyfe

fife rail   n   nautical a rail at the base of a mast of a sailing vessel, fitted with pins for belaying running rigging. Compare pin rail [C18: of unknown origin]

fifi hook (ˈfiːfiː)   n   mountaineering a metal hook at the top of an étrier for attaching it to a peg and also connected by a cord to the climber's harness to pull the étrier up and prevent it being dropped. Also called: fifi [C20: of unknown origin]

FIFO (ˈfaIfəʊ)   n acronym for   1 first in, first out (as an accounting principle in costing stock). Compare LIFO   2 Austral and NZ fly-in, fly-out: referring to an employee who commutes by air to a remote location

fifteen (ˈfIfˈtiːn)   n   1 the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and five   2 a numeral, 15, XV, etc, representing this number   3 something represented by, representing, or consisting of 15 units   4 a rugby union football team   ▷ determiner   5    a amounting to fifteen: fifteen jokes   b (as pronoun): fifteen of us went on the trip [Old English fīftēne]

■ Fifteen (ˈfIfˈtiːn)   n   the Fifteen Brit history the Jacobite rising of 1715

■ fifteener (ˌfIfˈtiːnə)   n   1 a fifteen-syllable line of poetry   2 a book printed in the fifteenth century

fifteenth (ˈfIfˈtiːnθ)   adj   1    a coming after the fourteenth in order, position, time, etc. Often written: 15th   b (as noun): the fifteenth of the month   ▷ n   2    a one of 15 equal or nearly equal parts of something   b (as modifier): a fifteenth part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by 15 (1⁄15)   4    a an interval of two octaves   b one of two notes constituting such an interval in relation to the other, esp the one higher in pitch   c an organ stop of diapason quality sounding a note two octaves higher than that normally produced by the key depressed; a two-foot stop

■ fifteenthly (ˌfIfˈtiːnθlI)   adv   in the fifteenth place or position

fifth (fIfθ)   adj (usually prenominal)   1    a coming after the fourth in order, position, time, etc. Often written: 5th   b (as noun): he came on the fifth   ▷ n   2    a one of five equal or nearly equal parts of an object, quantity, measurement, etc   b (as modifier): a fifth part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by five (1⁄5)   4 music   a the interval between one note and another five notes away from it counting inclusively along the diatonic scale   b one of two notes constituting such an interval in relation to the other. See also perfect (sense 9), diminished (sense 2), interval (sense 5)   5 an additional high gear fitted to some motor vehicles   ▷ adv   6 Also: fifthly after the fourth person, position, event, etc   ▷ sentence connector   7 Also: fifthly as the fifth point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument [Old English fīfta]

■ Fifth Amendment   n   1 an amendment to the US Constitution stating that people may not be compelled to testify against themselves and that no person may be tried for a second time on a charge for which he or she has already been acquitted   2 take the fifth or take the fifth amendment US to refuse to answer a question on the grounds that it might incriminate oneself

■ fifth column   n   1 (originally) a group of Falangist sympathizers in Madrid during the Spanish Civil War who were prepared to join the four columns of insurgents marching on the city   2 any group of hostile or subversive infiltrators; an enemy in one's midst   > fifth columnist n

■ fifth disease   n   a mild infectious disease of childhood, caused by a virus, characterized by fever and a red rash spreading from the cheeks to the limbs and trunk. Also called: slapped-cheek disease. Technical name: erythema infectiosum [C20: from its being among the five most common childhood infections]

■ fifth force   n   a hypothetical non-Newtonian repulsive component of the force of gravity, postulated as an addition to the four known fundamental forces (gravitational, electromagnetic, strong, and weak)

■ fifth-generation   adj   denoting developments in computer design to produce machines with artificial intelligence

■ fifth grade   n   (in the US) the fifth year of school, when children are ten or eleven years old   > ˌfifth-ˈgrader n

■ fifthly (ˈfIfθlI)   adv, sentence connector   another word for fifth (sense 6), fifth (sense 7)

■ Fifth Republic   n   the French republic established in 1958 as the successor to the Fourth Republic. Its constitution is characterized by the strong position of the president

■ fifth wheel   n   1 a spare wheel for a four-wheeled vehicle   2    a the coupling table of an articulated vehicle   b a steering bearing that enables the front axle of a horse-drawn vehicle to rotate relative to the body   3 a superfluous or unnecessary person or thing

fiftieth (ˈfIftIIθ)   adj   1    a being the ordinal number of fifty in order, position, time, etc. Often written: 50th   b (as noun): the fiftieth in the series   ▷ n   2    a one of 50 equal or approximately equal parts of something   b (as modifier): a fiftieth part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by 50 (1⁄50)

fifty (ˈfIftI)   n, pl -ties   1 the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five   2 a numeral, 50, L, etc, representing this number   3 something represented by, representing, or consisting of 50 units   ▷ determiner   4    a amounting to fifty: fifty people   b (as pronoun): fifty should be sufficient [Old English fīftig]

■ fifty-fifty   adj, adv   informal shared or sharing equally; in equal parts

■ fiftyish (ˈfIftIˌIʃ)   adj   approximately fifty

fig^1 (fIɡ)   n   1 any moraceous tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical genus Ficus, in which the flowers are borne inside a pear-shaped receptacle   2 the fruit of any of these trees, esp of F. carica, which develops from the receptacle and has sweet flesh containing numerous seedlike structures   3 any of various plants or trees having a fruit similar to this   4 Hottentot fig or sour fig a succulent plant, Mesembryanthemum edule, of southern Africa, having a capsular fruit containing edible pulp: family Aizoaceae   5 (used with a negative) something of negligible value; jot: I don't care a fig for your opinion   6 Also: feg dialect a piece or segment from an orange   7 Also called: fico an insulting gesture made with the thumb between the first two fingers or under the upper teeth [C13: from Old French figue, from Old Provençal figa, from Latin fīcus fig tree]

■ fig-bird   n   any Australian oriole of the genus Sphecotheres, feeding on figs and other fruit

■ figeater (ˈfIɡˌiːtə)   n   a large beetle, Cotinis mutabilis, of the dung beetle family (Scarabaeidae), which feed on soft fruits

■ figgy (ˈfIɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   resembling, containing, or tasting like figs

■ fig leaf   n   1 a leaf from a fig tree   2 a representation of a leaf, usually a vine leaf rather than an actual fig leaf, used in painting or sculpture to cover the genitals of nude figures   3 a device intended to conceal something regarded as shameful or indecent

■ fig marigold   n   an erect species of mesembryanthemum, M. tricolor, grown as a garden annual for its red-orange flowers with yellow centres

■ figwort (ˈfIɡˌwɜːt)   n   any scrophulariaceous plant of the N temperate genus Scrophularia, having square stems and small brown or greenish flowers

fig^2 (fIɡ) slang   vb figs, figging, figged (tr)   1 (foll by out or up) to dress (up) or rig (out)   2 to administer stimulating drugs to (a horse)   ▷ n   3 dress, appearance, or array (esp in the phrase in full fig)   4 physical condition or form: in bad fig [C17 feague, of uncertain origin]

fig.   abbreviation for   1 figurative(ly)   2 figure

figgery (ˈfIɡərI)   n   adornments of dress

fight (faIt)   vb fights, fighting, fought   1 to oppose or struggle against (an enemy) in battle   2 to oppose or struggle against (a person, thing, cause, etc) in any manner   3 (tr) to engage in or carry on (a battle, contest, etc)   4 (when intr often foll by for) to uphold or maintain (a cause, ideal, etc) by fighting or struggling: to fight for freedom   5 (tr) to make or achieve (a way) by fighting   6 (intr) boxing   a to box, as for a living   b to use aggressive rough tactics   7 to engage (another or others) in combat   8 fight it out to contend or struggle until a decisive result is obtained   9 fight shy of to keep aloof from   ▷ n   10 a battle, struggle, or physical combat   11 a quarrel, dispute, or contest   12 resistance (esp in the phrase to put up a fight)   13 the desire to take part in physical combat (esp in the phrase to show fight)   14 a boxing match [Old English feohtan; related to Old Frisian fiuchta, Old Saxon, Old High German fehtan to fight]   > ˈfighting n, adj

■ fightable (ˈfaItəbəl)   adj   able or ready to fight

■ fight back   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to resist an attack   2 (intr) to counterattack   3 (tr) to struggle to repress: she tried to fight back her tears   ▷ n fightback   4 an act or campaign of resistance   5 a counterattack

■ fighter (ˈfaItə)   n   1 a person who fights, esp a professional boxer   2 a person who has determination   3 military an armed aircraft designed for destroying other aircraft

■ fighter-bomber   n   a high-performance aircraft that combines the roles of fighter and bomber

■ fighting chance   n   a slight chance of success dependent on a struggle

■ fighting cock   n   1 another name for gamecock   2 a pugnacious person

■ fighting fish   n   any of various labyrinth fishes of the genus Betta, esp the Siamese fighting fish

■ fighting top   n   one of the gun platforms on the lower masts of sailing men-of-war, used in attacking the crew of an enemy ship with swivel guns and muskets

■ fight off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to repulse; repel   2 to struggle to avoid or repress: to fight off a cold

■ fight-or-flight   n   (modifier) involving or relating to an involuntary response to stress in which the hormone adrenaline is secreted into the blood in readiness for physical action, such as fighting or running away

figjam (ˈfIɡˌdʒæm)   n   Austral slang a very conceited person [C20: from f(uck) I('m) g(ood) j(ust) a(sk) m(e)]

figment (ˈfIɡmənt)   n   a fantastic notion, invention, or fabrication: a figment of the imagination [C15: from Late Latin figmentum a fiction, from Latin fingere to shape]

figuline (ˈfIɡjʊˌlaIn) rare   adj   1 of or resembling clay   ▷ n   2 an article made of clay [C17: from Latin figulīnus of a potter, from figulus a potter, from fingere to mould]

figure (ˈfIɡə; US ˈfIɡjər)   n   1 any written symbol other than a letter, esp a whole number   2 another name for digit (sense 2)   3 an amount expressed numerically: a figure of 1800 was suggested   4 (plural) calculations with numbers: the candidate must be good at figures   5 visible shape or form; outline   6 the human form, esp as regards size or shape: a girl with a slender figure   7 a slim bodily shape (esp in the phrases keep or lose one's figure)   8 a character or personage, esp a prominent or notable one; personality: a figure in politics   9 the impression created by a person through behaviour (esp in the phrase to cut a fine, bold, etc, figure)   10    a a person as impressed on the mind: the figure of Napoleon   b (in combination): father-figure   11 a representation in painting or sculpture, esp of the human form   12 an illustration or explanatory diagram in a text   13 a representative object or symbol; emblem   14 a pattern or design, as on fabric or in wood   15 a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating   16 geometry any combination of points, lines, curves, or planes. A plane figure, such as a circle, encloses an area; a solid figure such as a sphere, encloses a volume   17 rhetoric See figure of speech   18 logic one of the four possible arrangements of the three terms in the premises of a syllogism. Compare mood^2 (sense 2)   19 music   a a numeral written above or below a note in a part. See figured bass, thorough bass   b a characteristic short pattern of notes   ▷ vb   20 (when tr, often foll by up) to calculate or compute (sums, amounts, etc)   21 (tr; usually takes a clause as object) informal, chiefly US, Canadian and NZ to think or conclude; consider   22 (tr) to represent by a diagram or illustration   23 (tr) to pattern or mark with a design   24 (tr) to depict or portray in a painting, etc   25 (tr) rhetoric to express by means of a figure of speech   26 (tr) to imagine   27 (tr) music   a to decorate (a melody line or part) with ornamentation   b to provide figures above or below (a bass part) as an indication of the accompanying harmonies required. See figured bass, thorough bass   28 (intr; usually foll by in) to be included: his name figures in the article   29 (intr) informal to accord with expectation; be logical: it figures that he wouldn't come   30 go figure informal an expression of surprise, astonishment, wonder, etc [C13: from Latin figūra a shape, from fingere to mould]   > ˈfigureless adj   > ˈfigurer n

■ figurability (ˌfIɡjʊrəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality of being figurable

■ figurable (ˈfIɡjʊrəbəl)   adj   1 able to receive a definite form   2 able to be represented figuratively

■ figural (ˈfIɡərəl)   adj   composed of or relating to human or animal figures

■ figurally (ˈfIɡərəlI)   adv   obsolete figuratively, by means of a figure

■ figurant (ˈfIɡjʊrənt)   n   1 a ballet dancer who does group work but no solo roles   2 theatre a minor character, esp one who does not speak [C18: from French, from figurer to represent, appear, FIGURE]   > figurante (ˌfIɡjʊˈrɒnt) fem n

■ figurate (ˈfIɡjʊrIt)   adj   1 music exhibiting or produced by figuration; florid or decorative   2 having a definite or particular shape or figure [C15: from Latin figūrāre to shape]   > ˈfigurately adv

■ figuration (ˌfIɡəˈreIʃən)   n   1 music   a the employment of characteristic patterns of notes, esp in variations on a theme   b decoration or florid ornamentation in general   2 the act or an instance of representing figuratively, as by means of allegory or emblem   3 a figurative or emblematic representation   4 the act of decorating with a design

■ figurative (ˈfIɡərətIv)   adj   1 of the nature of, resembling, or involving a figure of speech; not literal; metaphorical   2 using or filled with figures of speech   3 representing by means of an emblem, likeness, figure, etc   4 (in painting, sculpture, etc) of, relating to, or characterized by the naturalistic representation of the external world   > ˈfiguratively adv   > ˈfigurativeness n

■ figure-conscious   adj   concerned to keep an attractively slim body shape

■ figured (ˈfIɡəd)   adj   1 depicted as a figure in graphic art, painting, or sculpture   2 decorated or patterned with a design   3 having a form   4 music   a ornamental   b (of a bass part) provided with numerals indicating accompanying harmonies

■ figured bass (beIs)   n   a shorthand method of indicating a thorough-bass part in which each bass note is accompanied by figures indicating the intervals to be played in the chord above it in the realization

■ figuredly (ˈfIɡədlI)   adv   in a figured manner

■ figure-ground phenomenon   n   the division of the perceptual field into background and objects that appear to stand out against it. The concept was evolved by the Gestalt psychologists, who invented ambiguous figures in which the same part could be seen either as figure or ground

■ figurehead (ˈfIɡəˌhɛd)   n   1 a person nominally having a prominent position, but no real authority   2 a carved bust or full-length figure at the upper end of the stems of some sailing vessels

■ figure-hugging   adj   tight-fitting so as to show the contours of the body

■ figure of eight or figure eight   n   1 an outline of the number 8 traced on ice by a skater   2 a flight manoeuvre by an aircraft outlining a figure 8   3    a a knot in the shape of a figure 8 made to prevent the unreeving of a rope   b a climber's knot in the shape of a figure 8 made with a doubled rope to provide a secure loop   c an angler's knot sometimes used to attach a fly to a leader or dropper

■ figure of merit   n   1 aeronautics a measure of the efficiency of a helicopter in hover   2 electrical engineering a measure of the efficiency of a component, such as a circuit

■ figure of speech   n   an expression of language, such as simile, metaphor, or personification, by which the usual or literal meaning of a word is not employed

■ figure on or figure upon   vb (intr, preposition) informal, chiefly US and Canadian   1 to depend on (support or help)   2 to take into consideration

■ figure out   vb (tr, adverb; may take a clause as object) informal   1 to calculate or reckon   2 to understand

■ figure-skate   vb (intr)   sport to take part in figure skating

■ figure skating   n   1 ice skating in which the skater traces outlines of selected patterns   2 the whole art of skating, as distinct from skating at speed   > figure skater n

■ figurework (ˈfIɡəˌwɜːk)   n   work with figures or numbers

■ figurine (ˌfIɡəˈriːn)   n   a small carved or moulded figure; statuette [C19: from French, from Italian figurina a little FIGURE]

■ figurist (ˈfIɡərIst)   n   a person who uses figures or numbers

Fiji (ˈfiːdʒiː, fiːˈdʒiː)   n   1 an independent republic, consisting of 844 islands (chiefly Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) in the SW Pacific: a British colony (1874–1970); a member of the Commonwealth (1970–87 and from 1997); the large islands are of volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; smaller ones are of coral. Official language: English; Fijian and Fiji Hindustani are also spoken. Religion: Christian and Hindu. Currency: dollar. Capital: Suva. Pop: 905 502 (2017 est). Area: 18 272 sq km (7055 sq miles)   ▷ n, adj   2 another word for Fijian

■ Fijian (fiːˈdʒiːən)   n   1 a member of the indigenous people of mixed Melanesian and Polynesian descent inhabiting Fiji   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or characteristic of Fiji or its inhabitants   ▶ Also: Fiji

fike (faIk)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect to fidget, fuss, be restless

■ fikery (ˈfaIkərI)   n   Scot dialect fidgetiness, fussiness, restlessness

■ fikish (ˈfaIkIʃ) or fiky (ˈfaIkI)   adj   Scot dialect fidgety, fussy, restless

filacer (ˈfIləsə)   n   (in former times) a legal officer of the British superior courts

filaggrin (ˈfIləˌɡrIn)   n   a protein found in skin cells

filagree (ˈfIləˌɡriː)   n, adj, vb   a less common variant of filigree

filament (ˈfIləmənt)   n   1 the thin wire, usually tungsten, inside a light bulb that emits light when heated to incandescence by an electric current   2 electronics a high-resistance wire or ribbon, forming the cathode in some valves   3 a single strand of a natural or synthetic fibre; fibril   4 botany   a the stalk of a stamen   b any of the long slender chains of cells into which some algae and fungi are divided   5 ornithol the barb of a down feather   6 anatomy any slender structure or part, such as the tail of a spermatozoon; filum   7 astronomy   a a long structure of relatively cool material in the solar corona   b a long large-scale cluster of galaxies [C16: from New Latin fīlāmentum, from Medieval Latin fīlāre to spin, from Latin fīlum thread]   > filamentary (ˌfIləˈmɛntərI, -trI) or ˌfilaˈmentous adj

filander (fIˈlændə)   n   a former name for the pademelon, a small wallaby of the genus Thylogale

filaree (ˌfIləˈriː)   n   a name given to the genus of plants Erodium, esp those species found in America

filaria (fIˈlɛərIə)   n, pl -iae (-Iˌiː)   any parasitic nematode worm of the family Filariidae, living in the blood and tissues of vertebrates and transmitted by insects: the cause of filariasis [C19: New Latin (former name of genus), from Latin fīlum thread]   > fiˈlarial or fiˈlarian adj

■ filariasis (ˌfIləˈraIəsIs, fIˌlɛərIˈeIsIs)   n   a disease common in tropical and subtropical countries resulting from infestation of the lymphatic system with the nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi, transmitted by mosquitoes: characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels. See also elephantiasis [C19: from New Latin; see FILARIA]

■ filariid (fIˈlɛərIId)   adj   of or relating to a family of parasitic roundworms Filariidae

filasse (fIˈlæs)   n   a vegetable fibre such as jute or ramie, processed for manufacture into yarn

filatory (ˈfIlətərI)   n, pl -ries   a machine for spinning thread

filature (ˈfIlətʃə)   n   1 the act or process of spinning silk, etc, into threads   2 the reel used for this   3 a place where such spinning or reeling is done [C18: from Medieval Latin fīlātūra the art of spinning, from fīlāre to spin thread; see FILAMENT]

filbert (ˈfIlbət)   n   1 any of several N temperate shrubs of the genus Corylus, esp C. maxima, that have edible rounded brown nuts: family Corylaceae   2 Also called: hazelnut, cobnut the nut of any of these shrubs   ▶ See also hazel (sense 1), hazel (sense 3) [C14: named after St Philbert, 7th-century Frankish abbot, because the nuts are ripe around his feast day, Aug 22]

filch (fIltʃ)   vb   (tr) to steal or take surreptitiously in small amounts; pilfer [C16 filchen to steal, attack, perhaps from Old English gefylce band of men]   > ˈfilcher n

■ filchingly (ˈfIltʃIŋlI)   adv   obsolete in a filching manner

file^1 (faIl)   n   1 a folder, box, etc, used to keep documents or other items in order   2 the documents, etc, kept in this way   3 documents or information about a specific subject, person, etc: we have a file on every known thief   4 an orderly line or row   5 a line of people in marching formation, one behind another. Compare rank^1 (sense 6)   6 any of the eight vertical rows of squares on a chessboard   7 computing a named collection of information, in the form of text, programs, graphics, etc, held on a permanent storage device such as a magnetic disk   8 obsolete a list or catalogue   9 Canadian a group of problems or responsibilities, esp in government, associated with a particular topic: the environment file   10 on file recorded or catalogued for reference, as in a file   ▷ vb   11 to place (a document, letter, etc) in a file   12 (tr) to put on record, esp to place (a legal document) on public or official record; register   13 (tr) to bring (a suit, esp a divorce suit) in a court of law   14 (tr) to submit (copy) to a newspaper or news agency   15 (intr) to march or walk in a file or files: the ants filed down the hill [C16 (in the sense: string on which documents are hung): from Old French filer, from Medieval Latin fīlāre; see FILAMENT]   > ˈfiler n

■ fileable (ˈfaIləbəl)   adj   able to be filed

■ filecard (ˈfaIlˌkɑːd)   n   a type of brush with sharp steel bristles, used for cleaning the teeth of a file

■ filename (ˈfaIlˌneIm)   n   an arrangement of characters that enables a computer system to permit the user to have access to a particular file

■ file server   n   computing the central unit of a local area network that controls its operation and provides access to separately stored data files

■ file sharing   n     a the practice of sharing computer data or space on a network   b (as modifier): a file-sharing application

■ file transfer protocol   n   See FTP

■ filing (ˈfaIlIŋ)   n   1 the work of filing documents   2 US something that is filed   3 US a submission to a court or other authority

■ filing clerk   n   an employee who maintains office files

file^2 (faIl)   n   1 a hand tool consisting essentially of a steel blade with small cutting teeth on some or all of its faces. It is used for shaping or smoothing metal, wood, etc   2 rare, Brit slang a cunning or deceitful person   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to shape or smooth (a surface) with a file [Old English fīl; related to Old Saxon fīla, Old High German fīhala file, Greek pikros bitter, sharp]   > ˈfiler n

■ filefish (ˈfaIlˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any tropical triggerfish, such as Alutera scripta, having a narrow compressed body and a very long dorsal spine [C18: referring to its file-like scales]

■ filings (ˈfaIlIŋz)   pl n   shavings or particles removed by a file: iron filings

file^3 (faIl)   vb   (tr) obsolete to pollute or defile [Old English fӯlan; related to Middle Low German vülen; see DEFILE^1, FILTH, FOUL]

filemot (ˈfIlIˌmɒt)   n   a brown colour like that of a dead leaf

filet (ˈfIlIt, ˈfIleI; French filɛ)   n   a variant spelling of fillet (sense 1), fillet (sense 2), fillet (sense 3) [C20: from French: net, from Old Provençal filat, from fil thread, from Latin fīlum]

■ filet mignon (ˈfIleI ˈmiːnjɒn)   n   a small tender boneless cut of beef from the inside of the loin [from French, literally: dainty fillet]

filial (ˈfIljəl)   adj   1 of, resembling, or suitable to a son or daughter: filial affection   2 genetics designating any of the generations following the parental generation; F_1 indicates the first filial generation, F_2 the second, etc. Abbreviation: F [C15: from Late Latin fīliālis, from Latin fīlius son]   > ˈfilially adv   > ˈfilialness n

filiate (ˈfIlIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   1 law to fix judicially the paternity of (a child, esp one born out of wedlock)   2 law a less common word for affiliate   3 archaic to affiliate or associate [C18: from Medieval Latin fīliātus acknowledged as a son, from Latin fīlius son]

■ filiation (ˌfIlIˈeIʃən)   n   1 line of descent; lineage; derivation   2 the fact of being the child of certain parents   3 law the act or process of filiating   4 law a less common word for affiliation order   5 the set of rules governing the attachment of children to their parents and its social consequences

filibeg, fillibeg or philibeg (ˈfIlIˌbɛɡ)   n   the kilt worn by Scottish Highlanders [C18: from Scottish Gaelic fēileadhbeag, from fēileadh kilt + beag small]

filibuster (ˈfIlIˌbʌstə)   n   1 the process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of long speeches and other delaying tactics   2 Also called: filibusterer a legislator who engages in such obstruction   3 a buccaneer, freebooter, or irregular military adventurer, esp a revolutionary in a foreign country   ▷ vb   4 to obstruct (legislation) with delaying tactics   5 (intr) to engage in unlawful and private military action [C16: from Spanish filibustero, from French flibustier probably from Dutch vrijbuiter pirate, literally: one plundering freely; see FREEBOOTER]   > ˈfiliˌbusterer n   > ˈfiliˌbusterism n

■ filibusterous (ˌfIlIˈbʌstərəs)   adj   resembling a filibuster or the actions of a filibuster

filicide (ˈfIlIˌsaId)   n   1 the act of killing one's own son or daughter   2 a person who does this [C17: from Latin fīlius son or fīlia daughter + -CIDE]   > ˌfiliˈcidal adj

filicinean (ˌfIlIˈsInIən)   adj   of or relating to ferns

filigree (ˈfIlIˌɡriː), filagree, fillagree or filigrain (ˈfIlIˌɡreIn)   n   1 delicate ornamental work of twisted gold, silver, or other wire   2 any fanciful delicate ornamentation   ▷ adj   3 made of or as if with filigree   ▷ vb -grees, -greeing, -greed   4 (tr) to decorate with or as if with filigree [C17: from earlier filigreen, from French filigrane, from Latin fīlum thread + grānum GRAIN]   > ˈfiliˌgreed adj

filiopietistic (ˌfIlIəʊˌpaIəˈtIstIk)   adj   exhibiting an extreme reverence for one's ancestors

filioque (ˌfIlIˈəʊkwI)   n   theol a Latin word meaning 'and from the Son', included in the Western version of the Nicene Creed

filipendulous (ˌfIlIˈpɛndjʊləs)   adj   hanging by a thread

Filipino (ˌfIlIˈpiːnəʊ)   n   1 (pl -nos) a native or inhabitant of the Philippines. Also (feminine): Filipina   2 another name for Tagalog   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to the Philippines or their inhabitants

filius Latin (ˈfiːlIəs)   n   a son

fill (fIl)   vb (mainly tr; often foll by up)   1 (also intr) to make or become full: to fill up a bottle; the bath fills in two minutes   2 to occupy the whole of: the party filled two floors of the house   3 to plug (a gap, crevice, cavity, etc)   4 to meet (a requirement or need) satisfactorily   5 to cover (a page or blank space) with writing, drawing, etc   6 to hold and perform the duties of (an office or position)   7 to appoint or elect an occupant to (an office or position)   8 building trades to build up (ground) with fill   9 (also intr) to swell or cause to swell with wind, as in manoeuvring the sails of a sailing vessel   10 to increase the bulk of by adding an inferior substance   11 poker to complete (a full house, etc) by drawing the cards needed   12 chiefly US and Canadian to put together the necessary materials for (a prescription or order)   13 fill the bill informal to serve or perform adequately   ▷ n   14 material such as gravel, stones, etc, used to bring an area of ground up to a required level   15 one's fill the quantity needed to satisfy one: to eat your fill [Old English fyllan; related to Old Frisian fella, Old Norse fylla, Gothic fulljan, Old High German fullen; see FULL^1, FULFIL]

■ fillable (ˈfIləbəl)   adj   able to be filled

■ fill away   vb   (intr, adverb) nautical to cause a vessel's sails to fill, either by steering it off the wind or by bracing the yards

■ -filled   adj   (in combination) filled with the specified object: flower-filled; smoke-filled

■ filled gold   n   another name (esp US) for rolled gold

■ filler (ˈfIlə)   n   1 a person or thing that fills   2 an object or substance used to add weight or size to something or to fill in a gap   3 a paste, used for filling in cracks, holes, etc, in a surface before painting   4 architect a small joist inserted between and supported by two beams   5    a the inner portion of a cigar   b the cut tobacco for making cigarettes   6 journalism articles, photographs, etc, to fill space between more important articles in the layout of a newspaper or magazine   7 informal something, such as a musical selection, to fill time in a broadcast or stage presentation   8 a small radio or television transmitter used to fill a gap in coverage

■ filler cap   n   a device sealing the filling pipe to the petrol tank in a motor vehicle

■ filler metal   n   metal supplied in the form of a welding rod, sometimes flux coated, melted by an arc or a flame into a joint between components to be joined

■ fill in   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to complete (a form, drawing, etc)   2 (intr) to act as a substitute: a temp is filling in while the receptionist is away   3 (tr) to put material into (a hole or cavity), esp so as to make it level with a surface   4 (tr) informal to inform with facts or news   5 (tr) Brit slang to attack and injure severely   ▷ n fill-in   6 a substitute   7 US informal a briefing to complete one's understanding   ▷ adj fill-in   8 photog that supplements the main lighting and e.g. reduces shadows   9 informal acting as a temporary substitute for someone or something

■ filling (ˈfIlIŋ)   n   1 the substance or thing used to fill a space or container: pie filling   2 dentistry   a any of various substances (metal, plastic, etc) for inserting into the prepared cavity of a tooth   b the cavity of a tooth so filled   3 textiles another term for weft   ▷ adj   4 (of food or a meal) substantial and satisfying

■ filling station   n   a place where petrol and other supplies for motorists are sold

■ fill light   n   photog a light that supplements the key light without changing its character, used esp to lighten shadows

■ fill out   vb (adverb)   1 to make or become fuller, thicker, or rounder: the plants have filled out considerably this spring   2 to make more substantial: the writers were asked to fill their stories out   3 (tr) to complete (a form, application, etc)

■ fill up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to complete (a form, application, etc)   2 to make or become completely full   ▷ n fill-up   3 the act of filling something completely, esp the petrol tank of a car

fillagree (ˈfIləˌɡriː)   n, adj, vb   a less common variant of filigree

fille (fiː)   n   a girl or young woman

■ fille de joie French (fij də ʒwa)   n, pl filles de joie (fij də ʒwa)   a prostitute [girl of pleasure]

fillet (ˈfIlIt)   n   1    a Also called: fillet steak a strip of boneless meat, esp the undercut of a sirloin of beef   b the boned side of a fish   c the white meat of breast and wing of a chicken   2 a narrow strip of any material   3 a thin strip of ribbon, lace, etc, worn in the hair or around the neck   4 a narrow flat moulding, esp one between other mouldings   5 a narrow band between two adjacent flutings on the shaft of a column   6 Also called: fillet weld a narrow strip of welded metal of approximately triangular cross-section used to join steel members at right angles   7 heraldry a horizontal division of a shield, one quarter of the depth of the chief   8 Also called: listel, list the top member of a cornice   9 anatomy a band of sensory nerve fibres in the brain connected to the thalamus. Technical name: lemniscus   10    a a narrow decorative line, impressed on the cover of a book   b a wheel tool used to impress such lines   11 another name for fairing   ▷ vb -lets, -leting, -leted (tr)   12 to cut or prepare (meat or fish) as a fillet   13 to cut fillets from (meat or fish)   14 anatomy to surgically remove a bone from (part of the body) so that only soft tissue remains   15 to bind or decorate with or as if with a fillet   ▶ Also (for senses 1–3): filet [C14: from Old French filet, from fil thread, from Latin fīlum]

fillip (ˈfIlIp)   n   1 something that adds stimulation or enjoyment   2 the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound   3 a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to stimulate or excite   5 (tr) to strike or project sharply with a fillip   6 (intr) to make a fillip [C15 philippe, of imitative origin]

fillipeen (ˌfIləˈpiːn)   n   another word for philopena

fillister, filister or fillester (ˈfIlIstə)   n   1 Also called: fillister plane an adjustable plane for cutting rabbets, grooves, etc   2 Also called: sash fillister a rabbet or groove, esp one in a window sash bar for a pane of glass [C19: of unknown origin]

Fillmore (ˈfIlmɔː)   n   Millard. 1800-74, 13th president of the US (1850-53); a leader of the Whig Party

filly (ˈfIlI)   n, pl -lies   1 a female horse or pony under the age of four   2 informal, rare a spirited girl or young woman [C15: from Old Norse fylja; related to Old High German fulihha; see FOAL]

film (fIlm)   n   1    a a sequence of images of moving objects photographed by a camera and providing the optical illusion of continuous movement when projected onto a screen   b a form of entertainment, information, etc, composed of such a sequence of images and shown in a cinema, etc   c (as modifier): film techniques   2 a thin flexible strip of cellulose coated with a photographic emulsion, used to make negatives and transparencies   3 a thin coating or layer   4 a thin sheet of any material, as of plastic for packaging   5 a fine haze, mist, or blur   6 a gauzy web of filaments or fine threads   7 pathol an abnormally opaque tissue, such as the cornea in some eye diseases   ▷ vb   8    a to photograph with a cine camera   b to make a film of (a screenplay, event, etc)   9 (often foll by over) to cover or become covered or coated with a film [Old English filmen membrane; related to Old Frisian filmene, Greek pelma sole of the foot; see FELL^4]

■ filmable (ˈfIlməbəl)   adj   films able or well-suited to be filmed

■ filmcard (ˈfIlmˌkɑːd)   n   a cinema loyalty card

■ film colour   n   physiol a misty appearance produced when no lines or edges are present in the visual field

■ filmdom (ˈfIlmdəm)   n   jocular the cinema industry

■ filmer (ˈfIlmə)   n   a film-maker

■ filmgoer (ˈfIlmɡəʊə)   n   esp Brit a person who goes to see a film or films

■ filmgoing (ˈfIlmˌɡəʊIŋ)   n   esp Brit the activity of going to see films

■ filmi (ˈfilmI)   adj Hinglish   1 of or relating to the Indian film industry or Indian films   2 containing the high drama typical of Indian films [Hindi]

■ filmic (ˈfIlmIk)   adj   1 of or relating to films or the cinema   2 having characteristics that are suggestive of films or the cinema   > ˈfilmically adv

■ filming (ˈfIlmIŋ)   n   esp Brit the activity of shooting the scenes of a film

■ filmish (ˈfIlmIʃ)   adj   resembling a film

■ filmland (ˈfIlmˌlænd)   n   Brit jocular the cinema industry

■ filmless (ˈfIlmləs)   adj   without film

■ film library   n   a collection of films as archives or for loan or hire

■ film-maker   n   a person who directs or produces films for the cinema or television

■ film-making   n   esp Brit the activity or business of producing and directing films

■ film noir (nwɑː)   n   a gangster thriller, made esp in the 1940s in Hollywood characterized by contrasty lighting and often somewhat impenetrable plots [C20: French, literally: black film]

■ filmography (fIlˈmɒɡrəfI)   n   1 a list of the films made by a particular director, actor, etc   2 any writing that deals with films or the cinema

■ film pack   n   a box containing several sheets of film for use in a plate camera

■ filmset (ˈfIlmˌsɛt)   vb -sets, -setting, -set   (tr) to set (type matter) by filmsetting   > ˈfilmˌsetter n

■ film set   n   the scenery and props as arranged for shooting a film

■ filmsetting (ˈfIlmˌsɛtIŋ)   n   printing typesetting by exposing type characters onto photographic film from which printing plates are made

■ film speed   n   1 the sensitivity to light of a photographic film, specified in terms of the film's ISO rating   2 the rate at which the film passes through a motion picture camera or projector

■ film star   n   a popular film actor or actress

■ filmstrip (ˈfIlmˌstrIp)   n   a strip of film composed of different images projected separately as slides

■ filmy (ˈfIlmI)   adj filmier, filmiest   1 composed of or resembling film; transparent or gauzy   2 covered with or as if with a film; hazy; blurred   > ˈfilmily adv   > ˈfilminess n

■ filmy fern   n   any fern of the family Hymenophyllaceae, growing in humid regions and having thin translucent leaves

filo (ˈfiːləʊ)   n   a type of Greek flaky pastry in very thin sheets [C20: Modern Greek phullon leaf]

Filofax (ˈfaIləʊˌfæks)   n   trademark a type of loose-leaf ring binder with sets of different-coloured paper, used as a portable personal filing system, including appointments, addresses, etc

filoplume (ˈfIləˌpluːm, ˈfaI-)   n   ornithol any of the hairlike feathers that lack vanes and occur between the contour feathers [C19: from New Latin fīloplūma, from Latin fīlum thread + plūma feather]

filopodia (ˌfIləˈpəʊdIə)   pl n, sing -dium (-dIəm)   zoology thin projections extending from the edge of migrating cells

filoselle (ˌfIləʊˈsɛl)   n   soft silk thread, used esp for embroidery [C17: from French: silk, silkworm, from Italian filosello, perhaps from Latin folliculus little bag]

filovirus (ˈfaIləʊˌvaIrəs)   n   any member of a family of viruses that includes the agents responsible for Ebola virus disease and Marburg disease [C20: from Latin filum thread + VIRUS]

fils^1 French (fis)     an addition to a French surname to specify the son rather than the father of the same name: a book by Dumas fils. Compare père [French: son]

fils^2 (fIls) or fil (fIl)   n, pl fils     a a fractional monetary unit of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait, worth one thousandth of a dinar   b a fractional monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates, worth one hundredth of a dirham   c a fractional monetary unit of Yemen, worth one hundredth of a riyal [from Arabic]

filter (ˈfIltə)   n   1 a porous substance, such as paper or sand, that allows fluid to pass but retains suspended solid particles: used to clean fluids or collect solid particles   2 any device containing such a porous substance for separating suspensions from fluids   3 any of various porous substances built into the mouth end of a cigarette or cigar for absorbing impurities such as tar   4 any electronic, optical, or acoustic device that blocks signals or radiations of certain frequencies while allowing others to pass. See also band-pass filter   5 a computer program that processes data in order to remove items that correspond to certain criteria: a spam filter   6 any transparent disc of gelatine or glass used to eliminate or reduce the intensity of given frequencies from the light leaving a lamp, entering a camera, etc   7 Brit a traffic signal at a road junction consisting of a green arrow which when illuminated permits vehicles to turn either left or right when the main signals are red   8 informal a notional process by which a person is able to modify socially unacceptable thoughts into socially acceptable speech or behaviour   ▷ vb   9 (often foll by out) to remove or separate (suspended particles, wavelengths of radiation, etc) from (a liquid, gas, radiation, etc) by the action of a filter   10 (tr) to obtain by filtering   11 (intr; foll by through) to pass (through a filter or something like a filter): dust filtered through the screen   12 (intr) to flow slowly; trickle [C16 filtre from Medieval Latin filtrum piece of felt used as a filter, of Germanic origin; see FELT^2]

■ filterable (ˈfIltərəbəl) or filtrable (ˈfIltrəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being filtered   2 (of most viruses and certain bacteria) capable of passing through the pores of a fine filter   > ˌfilteraˈbility, ˌfiltraˈbility, ˈfilterableness or ˈfiltrableness n

■ filter bed   n   1 a layer of sand or gravel in a tank or reservoir through which a liquid is passed so as to purify it. Compare bacteria bed   2 any layer of material through which a liquid is passed so as to filter it

■ filter cake   n   chem the solid material accumulated by a filter press

■ filterer (ˈfIltərə)   n   a thing which filters or acts as a filter

■ filter feeding   n   zoology a method of feeding occurring in some aquatic animals, such as planktonic invertebrates and whalebone whales, in which minute food particles are filtered from the surrounding water   > filter feeder n

■ filter out or filter through   vb   (intr, adverb) to become known gradually; leak: rumours filtered out about the divorce

■ filter paper   n   a porous paper used for filtering liquids

■ filter press   n   an apparatus used for filtration consisting of a set of frames covered with filter cloth on both sides, between which the liquid to be filtered is pumped

■ filter pump   n   a vacuum pump used to assist laboratory filtrations in which a jet of water inside a glass tube entrains air molecules from the system to be evacuated

■ filter tip   n   1 an attachment to the mouth end of a cigarette for trapping impurities such as tar during smoking. It consists of any of various dense porous substances, such as cotton   2 a cigarette having such an attachment   > ˈfilter-ˌtipped adj

■ filtrability (ˌfIltrəˈbIlItI)   n   the quality or extent of being filtrable

■ filtrate (ˈfIltreIt)   n   1 a liquid or gas that has been filtered   ▷ vb   2 another name for filter (sense 9) [C17: from Medieval Latin filtrāre to FILTER]   > ˈfiltratable adj

■ filtration (fIlˈtreIʃən)   n   the act or process of filtering

filth (fIlθ)   n   1 foul or disgusting dirt; refuse   2 extreme physical or moral uncleanliness; pollution   3 vulgarity or obscenity, as in language   4 the filth derogatory, slang the police [Old English fӯlth; related to Old Saxon, Old High German fūlitha; see FOUL, DEFILE]

■ filthy (ˈfIlθI)   adj filthier, filthiest   1 characterized by or full of filth; very dirty or obscene   2 offensive or vicious: that was a filthy trick to play   3 informal, chiefly Brit extremely unpleasant: filthy weather   ▷ adv   4 extremely; disgustingly: filthy rich   > ˈfilthily adv   > ˈfilthiness n

filum (ˈfaIləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   anatomy any threadlike structure or part [Latin: thread, cord, fibre]

■ filaceous (fIˈleIʃəs)   adj   obsolete composed of threads

■ filar (ˈfaIlə)   adj   1 of thread   2 (of an optical instrument) having fine threads across the eyepiece forming a reticle or set of cross wires [C19: from Latin fīlum thread]

■ filiform (ˈfIlIˌfɔːm, ˈfaI-)   adj   biology having the form of a thread [C18: from Latin fīlum thread]

■ filose (ˈfaIləʊs, -ləʊz)   adj   biology resembling or possessing a thread or threadlike process: filose pseudopodia [C19: from Latin fīlum thread]

fimble (ˈfImbəl)   n   the male plant of the hemp, which matures before the female plant [C15: from Middle Dutch femeel, from Old French chanvre femelle female hemp, from chanvre hemp + femelle FEMALE]

fimbria (ˈfImbrIə)   n, pl -briae (-brIˌiː)   anatomy a fringe or fringelike margin or border, esp at the opening of the Fallopian tubes [C18: from Late Latin, from Latin fimbriae threads, shreds]   > ˈfimbrial adj

■ fimbriate (ˈfImbrIIt, -ˌeIt), fimbriated or fimbrillate (ˈfImbrIlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   having a fringed margin, as some petals, antennae, etc   > ˌfimbriˈation n

fimicolous (fIˈmIkələs)   adj   biology (esp of fungi) growing in or on dung [C19: from Latin fimus dung + colere to inhabit]

fin^1 (fIn)   n   1 any of the firm appendages that are the organs of locomotion and balance in fishes and some other aquatic animals. Most fishes have paired and unpaired fins, the former corresponding to the limbs of higher vertebrates   2 a part or appendage that resembles a fin   3    a Brit a vertical surface to which the rudder is attached, usually placed at the rear of an aeroplane to give stability about the vertical axis. US name: vertical stabilizer   b a tail surface fixed to a rocket or missile to give stability   4 nautical a fixed or adjustable blade projecting under water from the hull of a vessel to give it stability or control   5 a projecting rib to dissipate heat from the surface of an engine cylinder, motor casing, or radiator   6 (often plural) another name for flipper (sense 2)   ▷ vb fins, finning, finned   7 (tr) to provide with fins   8 (tr) to remove the fins from (a dead fish)   9 (intr) (esp of a whale) to agitate the fins violently in the water [Old English finn; related to Middle Dutch vinne, Old Swedish fina, Latin pinna wing]   > ˈfinless adj

■ finback (ˈfInˌbæk)   n   another name for rorqual

■ finfish (ˈfInˌfIʃ)   n   1 fish with fins, as opposed to shellfish   2 one of several names given to the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and also to some other whales of the genus Balaenoptera

■ finfoot (ˈfInˌfʊt)   n, pl -foots   any aquatic bird of the tropical and subtropical family Heliornithidae, having broadly lobed toes, a long slender head and neck, and pale brown plumage: order Gruiformes (cranes, rails etc). Also called: sungrebe

■ fin keel   n   a projection from the keel of a vessel to give it additional stability

■ finlike (ˈfInˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a fin

■ finned (fInd)   adj   having one or more fins or finlike parts

■ finner (ˈfInə)   n   another name for rorqual [C18: from FIN^1 + -ER^1]

■ finny (ˈfInI)   adj -nier, -niest   1 poetic relating to or containing many fishes   2 having or resembling a fin or fins

fin^2 (fIn)   n   US slang a five-dollar bill [from Yiddish finf five, ultimately from Old High German funf, finf]

Fin   abbreviation for   1 Finland   2 Finnish

FIN   abbreviation for   Finland (international car registration)

fin.   abbreviation for   1 finance   2 financial

finagle (fIˈneIɡəl)   vb informal   1 (tr) to get or achieve by trickery, craftiness, or persuasion; wangle   2 to use trickery or craftiness on (a person) [C20: probably changed from dialect fainaigue]   > fiˈnagler n

■ finagling (fIˈneIɡlIŋ)   n   the use of trickery or craftiness to achieve one's aims

final (ˈfaInəl)   adj   1 of or occurring at the end; concluding; ultimate; last   2 having no possibility for further discussion, action, or change; conclusive; decisive: a final decree of judgment   3 relating to or constituting an end or purpose: a final clause may be introduced by 'in order to'   4 phonetics at the end of a word: 'cat' has a final 't'. Compare medial (sense 1), initial (sense 1)   5 music another word for perfect (sense 9b)   ▷ n   6 a terminal or last thing; end   7 a deciding contest between the winners of previous rounds in a competition   8 music the tonic note of a church mode [C14: from Latin fīnālis, from fīnis limit, boundary]

■ final cause   n   philosophy the end or purpose of a thing or process, as opposed to its efficient cause. See cause (sense 7)

■ finalism (ˈfaInəˌlIzəm)   n   philosophy the doctrine that final causes determine the course of all events   > ˌfinaˈlistic adj

■ finalist (ˈfaInəlIst)   n   a contestant who has reached the last and decisive stage of a sports or other competition

■ finality (faIˈnælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the condition or quality of being final or settled; conclusiveness: the finality of death   2 a final or conclusive act   3 metaphysics the doctrine of the efficacy of final causes. Compare teleology

■ finalize or finalise (ˈfaInəˌlaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to put into final form; settle: to finalize plans for the merger   2 (intr) to complete arrangements or negotiations; reach agreement on a transaction   > ˌfinaliˈzation or ˌfinaliˈsation n

USAGE

Although finalize has been in widespread use for some time, many speakers and writers still prefer to use complete, conclude, or make final, esp in formal contexts

■ finalizer or finaliser (ˈfaInəˌlaIzə)   n   1 a person, thing or event which finalizes a situation or process   2 computing a function in some programming languages which is run upon garbage collection

■ finally (ˈfaInəlI)   adv   1 after a long delay; at last; eventually   2 at the end or final point; lastly   3 completely; conclusively; irrevocably   ▷ sentence connector   4 in the end; lastly: finally, he put his tie on   5 as the last or final point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument

■ finals (ˈfaInəlz)   pl n   1 the deciding part or parts of a sports or other competition   2 education the last examination series in an academic or professional course

■ final-salary   adj   another name for defined-benefit

finale (fIˈnɑːlI)   n   1 the concluding part of any performance or presentation   2 the closing section or movement of a musical composition [C18: from Italian, n use of adj finale, from Latin fīnālis FINAL]

finalis (fiːˈnɑːlIs)   n   music the final note in a modal melody

finance (fIˈnæns, ˈfaInæns)   n   1 the system of money, credit, etc, esp with respect to government revenues and expenditures   2 funds or the provision of funds   3 (plural) funds; financial condition   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to provide or obtain funds, capital, or credit for   5 (intr) to manage or secure financial resources [C14: from Old French, from finer to end, settle by payment]

■ finance bill   n   a legislative bill providing money for the public treasury

■ finance company or finance house   n   an enterprise engaged in the loan of money against collateral or speculatively to manufacturers and retailers, esp one specializing in the financing of hire-purchase contracts

■ finances (ˈfaInænsIz)   pl n   funds; financial condition

■ financial (fIˈnænʃəl, faI-)   adj   1 of or relating to finance or finances   2 of or relating to persons who manage money, capital, or credit   3 Austral and NZ informal having money; in funds   4 Austral and NZ (of a club member) fully paid-up   > fiˈnancially adv

■ financial doping   n sport   1 the situation in which a sports franchise borrows heavily in order to contract and pay high-performing players, jeopardizing their long-term financial future   2 the situation in which the owner of a sports franchise invests his or her own personal wealth into securing high-performing players, rather than relying on the revenue the franchise is able to generate for itself

■ financial futures   pl n   futures in a stock-exchange index, currency exchange rate, or interest rate enabling banks, building societies, brokers, and speculators to hedge their involvement in these markets

■ financialist (faIˈnænʃəlIst, fIˈnænʃəlIst)   n   another name for financier

■ Financial Ombudsman   n   any of five British ombudsmen: the Banking Ombudsman, set up in 1986 to investigate complaints from bank customers; the Building Society Ombudsman, set up in 1987 to investigate complaints from building society customers; the Insurance Ombudsman, set up in 1981 to investigate complaints by policyholders (since 1988 this ombudsman has also operated a Unit Trust Ombudsman scheme); the Investment Ombudsman set up in 1989 to investigate complaints by investors (the Personal Investment Authority Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints by personal investors); and the Pensions Ombudsman, set up in 1993 to investigate complaints regarding pension schemes

■ financials (fIˈnænʃəlz, faI-)   pl n   1 reports and statements about the financial performance of a business   2 financial organizations considered collectively

■ Financial Services Authority   n   (from 2001 until 2013) a regulatory body that oversaw London's financial markets, each of which had its own self-regulatory organization: it succeeded the Securities and Investments Board. Abbreviation: FSA

■ Financial Times Industrial Ordinary Share Index   n   an index of share prices produced by the Financial Times, designed to reflect general price trends: based on the average price of thirty British shares

■ Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index   n   an index of share prices produced by the Financial Times based on an average of 100 securities and giving the best indication of daily movements. Abbreviation: FTSE 100 Index. Informal name: Footsie

■ Financial Times Stock Exchange Eurotrack 100 Index   n   an index of share prices produced by the Financial Times of 100 companies from Continental Europe, designed to reflect the wider European market. Usually shortened to: Eurotrack

■ financial year   n Brit   1 any annual period at the end of which a firm's accounts are made up   2 the annual period ending April 5, over which Budget estimates are made by the British Government and which functions as the income-tax year   ▶ US and Canadian equivalent: fiscal year

■ financier (fIˈnænsIə, faI-)   n   a person who is engaged or skilled in large-scale financial operations

■ financing (ˈfaInænsIŋ)   n   1    a the provision of funds for an operation, project, etc   b (as modifier): the company's financing decisions   2 money received or provided to finance something

■ financing gap   n   the difference between a country's requirements for foreign exchange to finance its debts and imports and its income from overseas

finca (ˈfIŋkə)   n   a villa, estate or ranch (in Spain or Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas)

finch (fIntʃ)   n   1 any songbird of the family Fringillidae, having a short stout bill for feeding on seeds and, in most species, a bright plumage in the male. Common examples are the goldfinch, bullfinch, chaffinch, siskin, and canary   2 any of various similar or related birds ▶ Related adjective: fringilline [Old English finc; related to Old High German finko, Middle Dutch vinker, Greek spingos]

finched (fIntʃt)   adj   (of cattle) having white streaks or spots along the back

Finchley (ˈfIntʃlI)   n   a residential district of N London, part of the Greater London borough of Barnet from 1965

find (faInd)   vb finds, finding, found (faʊnd) (mainly tr)   1 to meet with or discover by chance   2 to discover or obtain, esp by search or effort: to find happiness   3 (may take a clause as object) to become aware of; realize: he found that nobody knew   4 (may take a clause as object) to regard as being; consider: I find this wine a little sour   5 to look for and point out (something to be criticized): to find fault   6 (also intr) law to determine an issue after judicial inquiry and pronounce a verdict (upon): the court found the accused guilty   7 to regain (something lost or not functioning): to find one's tongue   8 to reach (a target): the bullet found its mark   9 to provide, esp with difficulty: we'll find room for you too   10 to be able to pay: I can't find that amount of money   11 find oneself to realize and accept one's real character; discover one's true vocation   12 find one's feet to become capable or confident, as in a new job   ▷ n   13 a person, thing, etc, that is found, esp a valuable or fortunate discovery [Old English findan; related to Old Norse finna, Gothic finthan, Old High German fintan to find]   > ˈfindable adj

■ finder (ˈfaIndə)   n   1 a person or thing that finds   2 physics a small low-power wide-angle telescope fitted to a more powerful larger telescope, used to locate celestial objects to be studied by the larger instrument   3 photog short for viewfinder   4 finders keepers informal whoever finds something has the right to keep it

■ finding (ˈfaIndIŋ)   n   1 a thing that is found or discovered   2 law the conclusion reached after a judicial inquiry; verdict   3 (plural) US the tools and equipment of an artisan

■ findings (ˈfaIndIŋz)   pl n   US the tools and equipment of an artisan

■ find out   vb (adverb)   1 to gain knowledge of (something); learn: he found out what he wanted   2 to detect the crime, deception, etc, of (someone)

■ find the lady   n   another name for three-card trick

fin de siècle French (fɛ̃ də sjɛklə)   n   1 the end of the 19th century, when traditional social, moral, and artistic values were in transition   ▷ adj fin-de-siècle   2 of or relating to the close of a century, esp the 19th century   3 decadent, esp in artistic tastes

fine^1 (faIn)   adj   1 excellent or choice in quality; very good of its kind: a fine speech   2 superior in skill, ability, or accomplishment: a fine violinist   3 (of weather) clear and dry   4 enjoyable or satisfying: a fine time   5 (postpositive) informal quite well; in satisfactory health: I feel fine   6 satisfactory; acceptable: that's fine by me   7 of delicate composition or careful workmanship: fine crystal   8 (of precious metals) pure or having a high or specified degree of purity: fine silver; gold 98 per cent fine   9 subtle in perception; discriminating: a fine eye for antique brasses   10 abstruse or subtle: a fine point in argument   11 very thin or slender: fine hair   12 very small: fine dust; fine print   13 (of edges, blades, etc) sharp; keen   14 ornate, showy, or smart   15 good-looking; handsome: a fine young woman   16 polished, elegant, or refined: a fine gentleman   17 morally upright and commendable: a fine man   18 cricket (of a fielding position) oblique to and behind the wicket: fine leg   19 (prenominal) informal disappointing or terrible: a fine mess   ▷ adv   20 informal quite well; all right: that suits me fine   21 a nonstandard word for finely   22 billiards, snooker (of a stroke on the cue ball) so as to merely brush the object ball   23 cut it fine to allow little margin of time, space, etc   ▷ vb   24 to make or become finer; refine   25 (often foll by down or away) to make or become smaller   26 (tr) to clarify (wine, etc) by adding finings   27 (tr) billiards, snooker to hit (a cue ball) fine   28 (intr; foll by up) Austral and NZ informal (of the weather) to become fine [C13: from Old French fin, from Latin fīnis end, boundary, as in fīnis honōrum the highest degree of honour]

■ fine art   n   1 art produced chiefly for its aesthetic value, as opposed to applied art   2 Also called: beaux arts (often plural) any of the fields in which such art is produced, such as painting, sculpture, and engraving

■ fine-cut   adj   (of tobacco) finely cut or shredded

■ fine-draw   vb -draws, -drawing, -drew, -drawn (tr)   1 to sew together so finely that the join is scarcely noticeable   2 to carry out the last drawing-out operation on (wire, tube, etc) to reduce its diameter

■ fine-drawn   adj   1 (of arguments, distinctions, etc) precise or subtle   2 (of wire) drawn out until very fine; attenuated   3 (of features) delicate or refined

■ fine-grain   adj   photog having or producing an image with grain of inconspicuous size: a fine-grain image; a fine-grain developer

■ fine-grained   adj   1 (of wood, leather, etc) having a fine smooth even grain   2 detailed, in-depth, or involving fine detail

■ fineish (ˈfaInIʃ)   adj   somewhat fine

■ fine leg   n   cricket   a a fielding position between long leg and square leg   b a fielder in this position

■ finely (ˈfaInlI)   adv   1 into small pieces; minutely   2 precisely or subtly   3 splendidly or delicately

■ fineness (ˈfaInnIs)   n   1 the state or quality of being fine   2 a measurement of the purity of precious metal, expressed as the number of parts per thousand that is precious metal

■ fine print   n   matter set in small type, as in a contract, esp considered as containing unfavourable conditions that the signer might overlook. Also called: small print

■ finery^1 (ˈfaInərI)   n   elaborate or showy decoration, esp clothing and jewellery

■ finery^2 (ˈfaInərI)   n, pl -eries   a hearth for converting cast iron into wrought iron [C17: from Old French finerie, from finer to refine; see FINE^1]

■ finespun (ˈfaInˈspʌn)   adj   1 spun or drawn out to a fine thread   2 excessively subtle or refined; not practical

■ fine structure   n   the splitting of a spectral line into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction between the spin and orbital angular momenta of the atomic electrons. Compare hyperfine structure

■ fine-tooth comb or fine-toothed comb   n   1 a comb with fine teeth set closely together   2 go over with a fine-tooth comb, go over with a fine-toothed comb, go through with a fine-tooth comb or go through with a fine-toothed comb to examine very thoroughly

■ fine-tune   vb   (tr) to make fine adjustments to (something) in order to obtain optimum performance

■ fine-tuning   n   delicate adjustment

■ fining (ˈfaInIŋ)   n   1 the process of removing undissolved gas bubbles from molten glass   2 the process of clarifying liquors by the addition of a coagulant   3 (plural) a substance, such as isinglass, added to wine, beer, etc, to clarify it [C17: from FINE^1 (in the sense: to clarify, refine)]

■ finings (ˈfaInIŋz)   pl n   a substance, such as isinglass, added to wine, beer, etc, to clarify it

fine^2 (faIn)   n   1 a certain amount of money exacted as a penalty: a parking fine   2 a payment made by a tenant at the start of his or her tenancy to reduce the subsequent rent; premium   3 feudal law a sum of money paid by a man to his lord, esp for the privilege of transferring his land to another   4 a method of transferring land in England by bringing a fictitious law suit: abolished 1833   5 in fine   a in short; briefly   b in conclusion; finally   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to impose a fine on [C12 (in the sense: conclusion, settlement): from Old French fin; see FINE^1]

■ finable or fineable (ˈfaInəbəl)   adj   liable to a fine   > ˈfinableness or ˈfineableness n

■ fineable (ˈfaInəbəl)   adj   a variant spelling of finable   > ˈfineableness n

■ fineless (ˈfaInləs)   adj   literary unlimited, infinite

fine^3 (ˈfiːneI)   n music   1 the point at which a piece is to end, usually after a da capo or dal segno   2 an ending or finale [Italian, from Latin fīnis end]

fine^4 French (fin)   n   brandy of ordinary quality [literally: fine]

Fine Gael (ˈfInə ˈɡɛːl)   n   one of the major political parties in the Republic of Ireland, formed in 1933 [from Irish Gaelic fine tribe, race + Gael of the Gaels]

fines herbes (French finz ɛrb)   pl n   a mixture of finely chopped herbs, used to flavour omelettes, salads, etc

finesse (fIˈnɛs)   n   1 elegant skill in style or performance   2 subtlety and tact in handling difficult situations   3 bridge, whist an attempt to win a trick when opponents hold a high card in the suit led by playing a lower card, hoping the opponent who has already played holds the missing card   4 a trick, artifice, or strategy   ▷ vb   5 to manage or bring about with finesse   6 to play (a card) as a finesse [C15: from Old French, from fin fine, delicate; see FINE^1]

■ finesser (fIˈnɛsə)   n   1 a person or thing which finesses   2 someone who schemes or manipulates

Fingal's Cave (ˈfIŋɡəlz)   n   a cave in W Scotland, on the Isle of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides: basaltic pillars. Length: 69 m (227 ft). Height: 36 m (117 ft)

finger (ˈfIŋɡə)   n   1    a any of the digits of the hand, often excluding the thumb. Technical name: digitus manus   b (as modifier): a finger bowl   c (in combination): a fingernail. Related adjective: digital   2 the part of a glove made to cover a finger   3 something that resembles a finger in shape or function: a finger of land   4 Also called: digit the length or width of a finger used as a unit of measurement   5 a quantity of liquid in a glass, etc, as deep as a finger is wide; tot   6 a projecting machine part, esp one serving as an indicator, guide, or guard   7 burn one's fingers to suffer from having meddled or been rash   8 get one's finger out or pull one's finger out Brit informal to begin or speed up activity, esp after initial delay or slackness   9 have a finger in the pie or have one's finger in the pie   a to have an interest in or take part in some activity   b to meddle or interfere   10 lay a finger on (usually negative) to harm   11 lay one's finger on or put one's finger on to indicate, identify, or locate accurately   12 let slip through one's fingers to allow to escape; miss narrowly   13 not lift a finger or not raise a finger (foll by an infinitive) not to make any effort (to do something)   14 point the finger at to accuse or blame   15 put the finger on informal   a to inform on or identify, esp for the police   b to choose (the victim or location of an intended crime)   16 twist around one's little finger or wrap around one's little finger to have easy and complete control or influence over   ▷ vb   17 (tr) to touch or manipulate with the fingers; handle   18 (tr) informal, chiefly US to identify as a criminal or suspect   19 (intr) to extend like a finger   20 to use one's fingers in playing (an instrument, such as a piano or clarinet)   21 to indicate on (a composition or part) the fingering required by a pianist, harpsichordist, etc   22 (tr; usually passive) to arrange the keys of (a clarinet, flute, etc) for playing in a certain way [Old English; related to Old Norse fingr, Gothic figgrs, Old High German fingar; see FIVE, FIST]   > ˈfingerer n   > ˈfingerless adj

■ fingerboard (ˈfIŋɡəˌbɔːd)   n   the long strip of hard wood on a violin, guitar, or related stringed instrument upon which the strings are stopped by the fingers

■ fingerbowl (ˈfIŋɡəˌbəʊl)   n   a small bowl filled with water for rinsing the fingers at the table after a meal

■ fingerbreadth (ˈfIŋɡəˌbrɛdθ, -ˌbrɛtθ) or finger's breadth   n   the width of a finger, used as an indication of length

■ finger buffet (ˈbʊfeI)   n   a buffet meal at which food that may be picked up with the fingers (finger food), such as canapés or vol-au-vents, is served

■ finger-dry   vb -dries, -drying, -dried (tr)   to dry hair by lifting it and running it between the fingers from roots to ends

■ fingered (ˈfIŋɡəd)   adj   1 marked or dirtied by handling   2    a having a finger or fingers   b (in combination): nine-fingered; red-fingered   3 (of a musical part) having numerals indicating the necessary fingering

■ fingerglass (ˈfIŋɡəˌɡlɑːs)   n   another name for fingerbowl

■ fingerguard (ˈfIŋɡəˌɡɑːd)   n   something that protects the fingers

■ fingerhold (ˈfIŋɡəˌhəʊld)   n   something onto which the fingers can hold

■ fingerhole (ˈfIŋɡəˌhəʊl)   n   a hole through which a finger can be inserted

■ fingering (ˈfIŋɡərIŋ)   n   1 the technique or art of using one's fingers in playing a musical instrument, esp the piano   2 the numerals in a musical part indicating this

fingering (ˈfIŋɡərIŋ)   n   fine wool for knitting [C17: from earlier fingram, perhaps from Old French fin grain fine grain]

■ fingerlike (ˈfIŋɡəˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a finger

■ fingerling (ˈfIŋɡəlIŋ)   n   1 a very young fish, esp the parr of salmon or trout   2 a diminutive creature or object

■ fingermark (ˈfIŋɡəˌmɑːk)   n   a mark left by dirty or greasy fingers on paintwork, walls, etc

■ fingernail (ˈfIŋɡəˌneIl)   n   a thin horny translucent plate covering part of the dorsal surface of the end joint of each finger. Related adjectives: ungual, ungular

■ finger painting   n   1 the process or art of painting with finger paints of starch, glycerine, and pigments, using the fingers, hand, or arm   2 a painting made in this way

■ fingerpick (ˈfIŋɡəˌpIk)   vb (intr)   1 to pluck the strings of an instrument with the fingers   ▷ n   2 a plectrum worn on the finger (rather than on the thumb)

■ fingerplate (ˈfIŋɡəˌpleIt)   n   a metal plate fixed to a door next to the handle or keyhole to protect the surface

■ fingerpost (ˈfIŋɡəˌpəst)   n   a signpost showing a pointing finger or hand

■ fingerprint (ˈfIŋɡəˌprInt)   n   1 an impression of the pattern of ridges on the palmar surface of the end joint of each finger and thumb   2 any identifying characteristic   3 biochem the pattern of fragments obtained when a protein is digested by a proteolytic enzyme, usually observed following two-dimensional separation by chromatography and electrophoresis   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to take an inked impression of the fingerprints of (a person)   5 to take a sample of (a person's) DNA

■ fingerstall (ˈfIŋɡəˌstɔːl)   n   a protective covering for a finger. Also called: cot, fingertip

■ finger tight   adj   made as tight as possible by hand

■ fingertip (ˈfIŋɡəˌtIp)   n   1 the end joint or tip of a finger   2 another term for fingerstall   3 at one's fingertips readily available and within one's mental grasp

■ fingertip search   n   a detailed search made by passing the fingers over the scene of a crime or incident

■ finger trouble   n   computing trouble caused by operator error, such as striking the wrong key

■ finger wave   n   hairdressing a wave set in wet hair by using fingers and comb only

Fingo (ˈfIŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -go or -gos   a member of a Xhosa-speaking people settled in southern Africa in the Ciskei and Transkei: originally refugees from the Zulu wars of conquest

fini French (fini)   adj   finished; over

finial (ˈfaInIəl)   n   1 an ornament on top of a spire, gable, etc, esp in the form of a foliated fleur-de-lys   2 an ornament at the top of a piece of furniture, etc [C14: from finial (adj), variant of FINAL]   > ˈfinialed adj

finical (ˈfInIkəl)   adj   another word for finicky   > ˌfiniˈcality n   > ˈfinically adv   > ˈfinicalness n

finickety (fIˈnIkItI)   adj   informal fussy or exacting; a cross between finicky and pernickety

finicky (ˈfInIkI) or finicking   adj   1 excessively particular, as in tastes or standards; fussy   2 full of trivial detail; overelaborate [C19: from FINICAL]

■ finickiness (ˈfInIkInəs)   n   the quality of being finicky, fussiness over details

finis (ˈfInIs)   n   the end; finish: used at the end of books, films, etc [C15: from Latin]

finish (ˈfInIʃ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to bring to an end; complete, conclude, or stop   2 (intr; sometimes foll by up) to be at or come to the end; use up   3 to bring to a desired or complete condition   4 to put a particular surface texture on (wood, cloth, etc)   5 (often foll by off) to destroy or defeat completely   6 to train (a person) in social graces and talents   7 (intr; foll by with)   a to end a relationship or association   b to stop punishing a person: I haven't finished with you yet!   ▷ n   8 the final or last stage or part; end   9    a the death, destruction, or absolute defeat of a person or one side in a conflict: a fight to the finish   b the person, event, or thing that brings this about   10    a the surface texture or appearance of wood, cloth, etc: a rough finish   b a preparation, such as varnish, used to produce such a texture   11 a thing, event, etc, that completes   12 completeness and high quality of workmanship   13 refinement in social graces   14 sport ability to sprint at the end of a race: he has a good finish [C14: from Old French finir, from Latin fīnīre see FINE^1]

■ finished (ˈfInIʃt)   adj   1 perfected   2 (predicative) at the end of a task, activity, etc: they were finished by four   3 (predicative) without further hope of success or continuation: she was finished as a prima ballerina

■ finisher (ˈfInIʃə)   n   1 a craftsman who carries out the final tasks in a manufacturing process   2 boxing a knockout blow

■ finishing (ˈfInIʃIŋ)   n   football the act or skill of goal scoring: the striker's finishing is deadly

■ finishing school   n   a private school for girls that prepares them for society by teaching social graces and accomplishments

Finistère (ˌfInIˈstɛə; French finistɛr)   n   a department of NW France, at the tip of the Breton peninsula. Capital: Quimper. Pop: 863 798 (2003 est). Area: 7029 sq km (2741 sq miles)

Finisterre (ˌfInIˈstɛə)   n   1 Cape Finisterre a headland in NW Spain: the westernmost point of the Spanish mainland   2 an English name for Finistère

finite (ˈfaInaIt)   adj   1 bounded in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent: a finite difference   2 maths, logic having a number of elements that is a natural number; able to be counted using the natural numbers less than some natural number. Compare denumerable, infinite (sense 4)   3    a limited or restricted in nature: human existence is finite   b (as noun): the finite   4 denoting any form or occurrence of a verb inflected for grammatical features such as person, number, and tense [C15: from Latin fīnītus limited, from fīnīre to limit, end]   > ˈfinitely adv   > ˈfiniteness n

■ finitism (ˈfaInaItˌIzəm)   n   philosophy, logic the view that only those entities may be admitted to mathematics that can be constructed in a finite number of steps, and only those propositions entertained whose truth can be proved in a finite number of steps. Compare intuitionism

■ finitude (ˈfInIˌtjuːd)   n   formal the quality or state of being finite or limited

finito (fIˈniːtəʊ)   adj   informal finished, terminated, completed

finjan (fInˈdʒɑːn)   n   a small, handleless coffee cup used predominantly in the Levant region

fink (fIŋk) slang, chiefly US and Canadian   n   1 a strikebreaker; blackleg   2 an informer, such as one working for the police; spy   3 an unpleasant, disappointing, or contemptible person   ▷ vb   4 (intr; often foll by on) to inform (on someone), as to the police [C20: of uncertain origin]

■ fink out   vb   (intr, adverb) slang, chiefly US to fail to carry something out or through; give up

Finland (ˈfInlənd)   n   1 a republic in N Europe, on the Baltic Sea: ceded to Russia by Sweden in 1809; gained independence in 1917; Soviet invasion successfully withstood in 1939–40, with the loss of Karelia; a member of the European Union. It is generally low-lying, with about 50 000 lakes, extensive forests, and peat bogs. Official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Religion: Christian, Lutheran majority. Currency: euro. Capital: Helsinki. Pop: 5 523 231 (2017 est). Area: 337 000 sq km (130 120 sq miles). Finnish name: Suomi   2 Gulf of Finland an arm of the Baltic Sea between Finland, Estonia, and Russia

■ Finlandization or Finlandisation (ˌfInləndaIˈzeIʃən)   n   neutralization of a small country by a superpower, using conciliation, as the former Soviet Union did in relation to Finland

Finlay (ˈfInlI)   n   Carlos Juan (ˈkarlos xwan). 1833–1915, Cuban physician: discovered that the mosquito was the vector of yellow fever

finlit (ˈfInlIt)   n informal   the understanding of the concepts and terminology associated with finance [shortened from financial literacy]

finmark (ˈfInˌmɑːk)   n   1 a former unit of currency in Finland (prior to the introduction of the Euro), also called the markka   2 another name for Finnmark

Finn^1 (fIn)   n   1 a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Finland   2 a speaker of a Finnic language, esp one of the original inhabitants of Russia, who were pushed northwards during the Slav migrations   3 a type of dinghy, designed to be sailed by one person [Old English Finnas (plural); related to Old Norse Finnr Finn, Latin Fennī the Finns, Greek Phinnoi]

■ Finnic (ˈfInIk)   n   1 one of the two branches of the Finno-Ugric family of languages, including Finnish and several languages of NE Europe. Compare Ugric   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this group of languages or to the Finns

■ Finnish (ˈfInIʃ)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Finland, the Finns, or their language   ▷ n   2 the official language of Finland, also spoken in Estonia and NW Russia, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family

Finn^2 (fIn)   n   known as Finn MacCool. (in Irish legend) chief of the Fianna, father of the heroic poet Ossian

Finn^3 (fIn)   n   Neil (Mullane). born 1958, New Zealand singer and songwriter; lead singer with the group Crowded House (from 1985) with whom he recorded the albums Crowded House (1986), Woodface (1991), and Time on Earth (2007). Solo albums include Try Whistling This (1998)

finnan haddock (ˈfInən) or finnan haddie (ˈhædI)   n   smoked haddock [C18: finnan after Findon, a village in Scotland south of Aberdeen + HADDOCK]

finnesko (ˈfInɛsˌkəʊ)   pl n   boots made from reindeer-skin with the fur on the outside

Finney (ˈfInI)   n   1  Albert. born 1936, British stage and film actor: his films include Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), and The Gathering Storm (2002)   2  Sir Tom. 1922–2014, English footballer: a winger, he played for Preston North End (1946–60) and won 76 caps for England, scoring 30 goals

Finnmark (ˈfInˌmɑːk)   n   a county of N Norway: the largest, northernmost, and least populated county; mostly a barren plateau. Capital: Vadsø. Pop: 73 210 (2004 est). Area: 48 649 sq km (18 779 sq miles)

finnock (ˈfInək)   n   a young sea trout on its first return to fresh water [originally Scot: from Gaelic fionnag, from fionn white]

Finno-Ugric (ˈfInəʊˈuːɡrIk, -ˈjuː-) or Finno-Ugrian   n   1 a family of languages spoken in Scandinavia, Hungary, and NE Europe, including Finnish, Estonian, Hungarian, Ostyak, and Vogul: generally regarded as a subfamily of Uralic. See also Ural-Altaic   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, speaking, or belonging to this family of languages

fino (ˈfiːnəʊ)   n   a very dry sherry [from Spanish: FINE^1]

finocchio or finochio (fIˈnɒkIˌəʊ)   n   a variety of fennel, Foeniculum vulgare dulce, with thickened stalks that resemble celery and are eaten as a vegetable, esp in S Europe. Also called: Florence fennel [C18: from Italian: FENNEL]

Finsen (Danish ˈfensən)   n   Niels Ryberg (neːls ˈryber). 1860–1904, Danish physician; founder of phototherapy: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1903

Finsteraarhorn (German ˌfInstərˈaːrhɔrn)   n   a mountain in S central Switzerland: highest peak in the Bernese Alps. Height: 4274 m (14 022 ft)

fintech (ˈfInˌtɛk)   n     a digital technology used to support banking and financial services   b (as modifier): a fintech startup adviser [C21: from fin(ancial) tech(nology) ]

Finzi (ˈfInzI)   n   Gerald. 1901–56, British composer. His works include the cantata Dies Natalis (1940)

fiord (fjɔːd)   n   a variant spelling of fjord

fiorin (ˈfaIərIn)   n   a temperate perennial grass, Agrostis stolonifera. Also called: creeping bent grass. See bentgrass [C19: from Irish Gaelic fiorthann wheat grass]

fioritura (ˌfjɔːrIˈtʊərə, ˌfiːərI-)   n, pl -ture (-ˈtʊəreI)   music embellishment, esp ornamentation added by the performer [Italian: a blossoming]

fippence (ˈfIpəns)   n   informal, dialect fivepence

fipple (ˈfIpəl)   n   1 a wooden plug forming a flue in the end of a pipe, as the mouthpiece of a recorder   2 a similar device in an organ pipe with a flutelike tone [C17: of unknown origin]

■ fipple flute   n   an end-blown flute provided with a fipple, such as the recorder or flageolet

fiqh (fiːk)   n   the study of the Islamic legal code [Arabic, literally: understanding]

fique (fiːk)   n   textiles a tough natural fibre made from the leaves of the plant Furcraea andina, similar to hemp

fir (fɜː)   n   1 any pyramidal coniferous tree of the N temperate genus Abies, having single needle-like leaves and erect cones: family Pinaceae. See also red fir, silver fir, balsam fir   2 any of various other trees of the family Pinaceae, such as the Douglas fir   3 the wood of any of these trees [Old English furh; related to Old Norse fura, Old High German foraha fir, Latin quercus oak]

■ firry (ˈfɜːrI)   adj   1 of, relating to, or made from fir trees   2 abounding in or dominated by firs

■ firwood (ˈfɜːˌwʊd)   n   the wood of the fir tree

Firbank (ˈfɜːbæŋk)   n   (Arthur Annesley) Ronald. 1886–1926, English novelist, whose works include Valmouth (1919), The Flower beneath the Foot (1923), and Concerning the Eccentricities of Cardinal Pirelli (1926)

Firdausi (fIəˈdaʊsI) or Firdusi (fIəˈduːsI)   n   pen name of Abul Qasim Mansur ?935–1020 AD, Persian epic poet; author of Shah Nama (The Book of Kings), a chronicle of the legends and history of Persia

fire (faIə)   n   1 the state of combustion in which inflammable material burns, producing heat, flames, and often smoke   2    a a mass of burning coal, wood, etc, used esp in a hearth to heat a room   b (in combination): firewood; firelighter   3 a destructive conflagration, as of a forest, building, etc   4 a device for heating a room, etc   5 something resembling a fire in light or brilliance: a diamond's fire   6 a flash or spark of or as if of fire   7    a the act of discharging weapons, artillery, etc   b the shells, etc, fired   8 a burst or rapid volley: a fire of questions   9 intense passion; ardour   10 liveliness, as of imagination, thought, etc   11 a burning sensation sometimes produced by drinking strong alcoholic liquor   12 fever and inflammation   13 a severe trial or torment (esp in the phrase go through fire and water)   14 catch fire to ignite   15 draw someone's fire to attract the criticism or censure of someone   16 hang fire   a to delay firing   b to delay or be delayed   17 no smoke without fire the evidence strongly suggests something has indeed happened   18 on fire   a in a state of ignition   b ardent or eager   c informal playing or performing at the height of one's abilities   19 open fire to start firing a gun, artillery, etc   20 play with fire to be involved in something risky   21 set fire to or set on fire Brit   a to ignite   b to arouse or excite   22 set the world on fire, Brit set the Thames on fire or Scot set the heather on fire informal to cause a great sensation   23 under fire being attacked, as by weapons or by harsh criticism   24 (modifier) astrology of or relating to a group of three signs of the zodiac, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Compare earth (sense 10), air (sense 20), water (sense 12)   ▷ vb   25 to discharge (a firearm or projectile) or (of a firearm, etc) to be discharged   26 to detonate (an explosive charge or device) or (of such a charge or device) to be detonated   27 (tr) informal to dismiss from employment   28 (tr) ceramics to bake in a kiln to harden the clay, fix the glaze, etc   29 to kindle or be kindled; ignite   30 (tr) to provide with fuel: oil fires the heating system   31 (intr) to tend a fire   32 (tr) to subject to heat   33 (tr) to heat slowly so as to dry   34 (tr) to arouse to strong emotion   35 to glow or cause to glow   36 (intr) (of an internal-combustion engine) to ignite   37 (intr) (of grain) to become blotchy or yellow before maturity   38 vet science another word for cauterize   39 (intr) Austral informal (of a sportsman, etc) to play well or with enthusiasm   ▷ sentence substitute   40 a cry to warn others of a fire   41 the order to begin firing a gun, artillery, etc [Old English fӯr; related to Old Saxon fiur, Old Norse fūrr, Old High German fūir, Greek pur]   > ˈfireable adj   > ˈfireless adj   > ˈfirer n

■ fire alarm   n   1 a device to give warning of fire, esp a bell, siren, or hooter   2 a shout to warn that a fire has broken out

■ fire-and-brimstone   adj   (of a sermon, preacher, etc) zealous, esp in threatening eternal damnation

■ fire-and-forget   adj   military used to describe a type of missile that, once fired, is able to guide itself to its target

■ fire ant   n   any mound-building predatory ant of the genus Solenopsis, of tropical and subtropical America, that can inflict a painful sting

■ fire appliance   n   another name for fire engine

■ firearm (ˈfaIərˌɑːm)   n   a weapon, esp a portable gun or pistol, from which a projectile can be discharged by an explosion caused by igniting gunpowder, etc

■ firearmed (ˈfaIərˌɑːmd)   adj   carrying firearms, equipped with a firearm or firearms

■ fire away   vb   (intr, adverb; often imperative) informal to begin to speak or to ask questions

■ fireback (ˈfaIəˌbæk)   n   1 Also called: reredos an ornamental iron slab against the back wall of a hearth   2 any pheasant of the genus Lophura, of SE Asia

■ fireball (ˈfaIəˌbɔːl)   n   1 a ball-shaped discharge of lightning   2 the bright spherical region of hot ionized gas at the centre of a nuclear explosion   3 astronomy another name for bolide   4 slang an energetic person

■ fireballer (ˈfaIəˌbɔːlə)   n   informal a baseball pitcher who can throw a baseball remarkably fast

■ firebase (ˈfaIəˌbeIs)   n   an artillery base supporting advancing troops

■ firebird (ˈfaIəˌbɜːd)   n   chiefly US any of various songbirds having a bright red plumage, esp the Baltimore oriole

■ fire blanket   n   a large blanket-like piece of fire-resistant material such as fibreglass used in smothering a fire

■ fire blight   n   a disease of apples, pears, and similar fruit trees, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora and characterized by blackening of the blossoms and leaves, and cankers on the branches

■ fireboard (ˈfaIəˌbɔːd)   n   1 US a mantelpiece   2 a board used to close off a fireplace when it is not in use   3 civil engineering a type of board used to encase e.g. structural steelwork as insulation against heat or fire

■ fireboat (ˈfaIəˌbəʊt)   n   a motor vessel with fire-fighting apparatus

■ firebomb (ˈfaIəˌbɒm)   n   1 another name for incendiary (sense 6)   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to attack with incendiary bombs   > ˈfireˌbomber n

■ firebox (ˈfaIəˌbɒks)   n   1 the furnace chamber of a boiler in a steam locomotive   2 an obsolete word for tinderbox

■ firebrand (ˈfaIəˌbrænd)   n   1 a piece of burning or glowing wood or other material   2 a person who causes unrest or is very energetic

■ firebrat (ˈfaIəˌbræt)   n   a small primitive wingless insect, Thermobia domestica, that occurs in warm buildings, feeding on starchy food scraps, fabric, etc: order Thysanura (bristletails)

■ firebreak (ˈfaIəˌbreIk)   n   1 Also: fireguard, fire line a strip of open land in a forest or on a prairie, to arrest the advance of a fire   2 a measure taken to arrest the advance of anything dangerous or harmful

■ firebrick (ˈfaIəˌbrIk)   n   a refractory brick made of fire clay, used for lining furnaces, flues, etc

■ fire brigade   n   chiefly Brit an organized body of firefighters

■ firebug (ˈfaIəˌbʌɡ)   n   informal a person who deliberately sets fire to property

■ fireclay (ˈfaIəˌkleI)   n   a heat-resistant clay used in the making of firebricks, furnace linings, etc

■ fire company   n   1 an insurance company selling policies relating to fire risk   2 US an organized body of firemen

■ fire control   n   military the procedures by which weapons are brought to engage a target

■ firecracker (ˈfaIəˌkrækə)   n   1 a small cardboard container filled with explosive powder and lit by a fuse   ▷ adj   2 impressively energetic: a firecracker start to the race

■ firecrest (ˈfaIəˌkrɛst)   n   a small European warbler, Regulus ignicapillus, having a crown striped with yellow, black, and white

■ fire-cure   vb   (tr) to cure (tobacco) by exposure to the smoke and heat of an open fire

■ -fired   adj   (in combination) provided with a specified type of fuel: a coal-fired boiler; gas-fired central heating

■ fire-damaged   adj   damaged by fire or in a fire

■ firedamp (ˈfaIəˌdæmp)   n   a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, formed in coal mines. It forms explosive mixtures with air. See also afterdamp

■ fire department   n   US and Canadian the department of a local authority responsible for the prevention and extinguishing of fires

■ firedog (ˈfaIəˌdɒɡ)   n   either of a pair of decorative metal stands used to support logs in an open fire

■ fire door   n   1 a door made of noncombustible material, the purpose of which is to prevent a fire from spreading within a building   2 a similar door, leading to the outside of a building, that can be easily opened from inside; emergency exit

■ firedrake (ˈfaIəˌdreIk) or firedragon (ˈfaIəˌdræɡən)   n   myth a fire-breathing dragon

■ fire drill   n   a rehearsal of duties or escape procedures to be followed in case of fire

■ fire-eater   n   1 a performer who simulates the swallowing of fire   2 a belligerent person   > ˈfire-ˌeating n, adj

■ fire engine   n   a heavy road vehicle that carries firefighters and firefighting equipment to a fire

■ fire escape   n   a means of evacuating people from a building in the event of fire, esp a metal staircase outside the building

■ fire-extinguisher   n   a portable device for extinguishing fires, usually consisting of a canister with a directional nozzle used to direct a spray of water, chemically generated foam, inert gas, or fine powder onto the fire

■ firefang (ˈfaIəˌfæŋ)   n   1 agriculture combustion taking place in compost due to the heat produced by decomposition   2 archaic the condition of being firefanged or set ablaze   ▷ vb   3 (intr) agriculture (of compost heaps etc) to combust due to the heat produced through decomposition   4 (tr) archaic to scorch, to cause to catch on fire, to set ablaze

■ firefight (ˈfaIəˌfaIt)   n   a brief small-scale engagement between opposing military ground forces using short-range light weapons

■ firefighter (ˈfaIəˌfaItə)   n   a person who fights fires, usually a public employee or trained volunteer

■ firefighting (ˈfaIəˌfaItIŋ)   n   1    a the occupation of attempting to control and extinguish fires   b (as modifier): firefighting equipment   2 the practice of reacting to urgent problems as they arise, as opposed to planning for the future

■ firefloat (ˈfaIəˌfləʊt)   n   a boat used for firefighting

■ fireflood (ˈfaIəˌflʌd)   n   a method of extracting oil from a well by burning some of the oil to increase the rate of flow

■ firefly (ˈfaIəˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   1 any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organs. See also glow-worm   2 any tropical American click beetle of the genus Pyrophorus, esp P. noctiluca, that have luminescent thoracic organs

■ fireguard (ˈfaIəˌɡɑːd)   n   1 Also called: fire screen a metal panel or meshed frame put before an open fire to protect against falling logs, sparks, etc   2 a less common word for firebreak

■ firehall (ˈfaIəˌhɔːl)   n   US and Canadian a fire station

■ firehouse (ˈfaIəhaʊs)   n   US another name for fire station

■ fire hydrant   n   a hydrant for use as an emergency supply for fighting fires, esp one in a street. Also called (esp US and NZ): fireplug

■ fire insurance   n   insurance covering damage or loss caused by fire or lightning

■ fire irons   pl n   metal fireside implements, such as poker, shovel, and tongs

■ fireless cooker   n   an insulated container that retains enough heat to cook food or keep it warm

■ firelight (ˈfaIəlaIt)   n   the light cast by a burning fire

■ firelighter (ˈfaIəˌlaItə)   n   an object made from an easily combustible substance such as paraffin wax that can be put amongst the coals of a fire or barbecue to get it to light more easily

■ firelit (ˈfaIəˌlIt)   adj   lit by firelight

■ firelock (ˈfaIəˌlɒk)   n   1 an obsolete type of gunlock with a priming mechanism ignited by sparks   2 a gun or musket having such a lock

■ fireman (ˈfaIəmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man who fights fires, usually a public employee or trained volunteer. Gender-neutral form: firefighter   2    a (on steam locomotives) the man who stokes the fire and controls the injectors feeding water to the boiler   b (on diesel and electric locomotives) the driver's assistant   3 a man who tends furnaces; stoker   4 Also called: deputy a mine official responsible for safety precautions. US equivalent: fire boss   5 US navy a junior rating who works on marine engineering equipment   6 informal any employee who is dispatched to deal with trouble at short notice

■ firemanic (ˈfaIəmənIk)   adj   of or pertaining to firemen

■ firemark (ˈfaIəˌmɑːk)   n   a plaque mounted on the outside of a building indicating the insurance company by which that building is insured

■ fire marshal   n US   1 a public official responsible for investigating the causes of fires, enforcing fire prevention laws, etc   2 the head of a fire prevention organization

■ fire opal   n   an orange-red translucent variety of opal, valued as a gemstone

■ firepan (ˈfaIəˌpæn)   n   a metal container for a fire in a room

■ firepink (ˈfaIəˌpIŋk)   n   a herbaceous wildflower with scarlet flowers, Silene virginica, belonging to the pink family and native to the Eastern US

■ fireplace (ˈfaIəˌpleIs)   n   1 an open recess in a wall of a room, at the base of a chimney, etc, for a fire; hearth   2 Austral an authorized place or installation for outside cooking, esp by a roadside

■ fireplug (ˈfaIəˌplʌɡ)   n   another name (esp US and NZ) for fire hydrant

■ firepot (ˈfaIəˌpɒt)   n   1 a small clay pot filled with combustible materials, formerly used as a missile   2 a container in which fire is held, either within a furnace or to carry the fire   3 a vessel used to hold substances which are to be treated at high temperatures, a crucible   4 a Chinese or Mongolian fondue-like cooking pot   5 a culinary dish made using such a pot

■ firepower or fire power (ˈfaIəpaʊə)   n   1 the amount of fire that can be delivered by a particular weapon or military force   2 the amount of attacking strength that can be brought to bear against an opponent in a contest

■ fire power   n military   1 the amount of fire that may be delivered by a unit or weapon   2 the capability of delivering fire

■ fireproof (ˈfaIəˌpruːf)   adj   1 capable of resisting damage by fire   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make resistant to fire

■ fire raiser   n   a person who deliberately sets fire to property   > fire raising n

■ fire-retardant   adj   (of a substance or material) able to slow down the spread of fire

■ fireroom (ˈfaIəˌrʊm)   n   another name for stokehold

■ fire sale   n   1 a sale of goods at reduced prices after a fire at a shop or factory   2    a any instance of offering goods or assets at greatly reduced prices to ensure a quick sale   b (as modifier): fire-sale prices

■ firescape (ˈfaIəˌskeIp)   vb (tr)   to arrange the features of (a garden or other area of land) in a way that inhibits the spread of fire, for example by increasing the amount of open space and cultivating fire-resistant plants   > ˈfirescaping n

■ firescreen (ˈfaIəˌskriːn)   n   1 a decorative screen placed in the hearth when there is no fire   2 a screen placed before a fire to protect the face from intense heat

■ fireship (ˈfaIəˌʃIp)   n   a vessel loaded with explosives and used, esp formerly, as a bomb by igniting it and directing it to drift among an enemy's warships

■ fireside (ˈfaIəˌsaId)   n   1 the hearth   2 family life; the home

■ fire station   n   a building where firefighting vehicles and equipment are stationed and where firefighters on duty wait. Also called (US): firehouse, station house

■ firestone (ˈfaIəˌstəʊn)   n   a sandstone that withstands intense heat, esp one used for lining kilns, furnaces, etc

■ firestorm (ˈfaIəˌstɔːm)   n   an uncontrollable blaze sustained by violent winds that are drawn into the column of rising hot air over the burning area: often the result of heavy bombing

■ firethorn (ˈfaIəˌθɔːn)   n   any rosaceous evergreen spiny shrub of the genus Pyracantha, of SE Europe and Asia, having bright red or orange fruits: cultivated for ornament

■ fire trail   n   Austral a permanent track cleared through the bush to provide access for fire-fighting

■ firetrap (ˈfaIəˌtræp)   n   a building that would burn easily or one without fire escapes

■ firetruck (ˈfaIəˌtrʌk)   n   US a vehicle equipped for fighting fires

■ fire walking   n   a religious rite in which people walk barefoot over white-hot ashes, stones, etc

■ firewall   n   1 a fireproof wall or partition used to impede the progress of a fire, as from one room or compartment to another   2 computing a computer system that isolates another computer from the internet in order to prevent unauthorized access

■ firewarden (ˈfaIəˌwɔːdən)   n   US and Canadian an officer responsible for fire prevention and control in an area, esp in a forest

■ fire watcher   n   a person who watches for fires, esp those caused by aerial bombardment

■ firewater (ˈfaIəˌwɔːtə)   n   any strong spirit, esp whisky

■ fireweed (ˈfaIəˌwiːd)   n   1 any of various plants that appear as first vegetation in burnt-over areas, esp rosebay willowherb   2 Also called: pilewort a weedy North American plant, Erechtites hieracifolia, having small white or greenish flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)   3 an Australian rainforest tree, Stenocarpus sinuatus, having whorls of bright red flowers

■ FireWire (ˈfaIəˌwaIə)   n   trademark computing a proprietary name for the internationally agreed standard IEEE1394, a high-performance interface which allows for the connection of peripherals such as modems, printers, and mass storage devices

■ firewoman (ˈfaIəˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female firefighter

■ firewood (ˈfaIəwʊd)   n   wood that is suitable for burning on a fire

■ firework (ˈfaIəˌwɜːk)   n   a device, such as a Catherine wheel, Roman candle, or rocket, in which combustible materials are ignited and produce coloured flames, sparks, and smoke, sometimes accompanied by bangs

■ fireworks (ˈfaIəˌwɜːks)   pl n   1 a show in which large numbers of fireworks are let off simultaneously   2 informal an exciting or spectacular exhibition, as of musical virtuosity or wit   3 informal a burst of temper

■ fireworm (ˈfaIəˌwɜːm)   n   any of several varieties of segmented marine-dwelling worm of the genus Polychaeta, commonly red or orange in colour, with bristles which produce a highly irritating toxin

■ firie (ˈfaIərI)   n   Austral informal a firefighter

■ firing (ˈfaIərIŋ)   n   1 the process of baking ceramics, etc, in a kiln or furnace: a second firing   2 the act of stoking a fire or furnace   3 a discharge of a firearm   4 something used as fuel, such as coal or wood   5 US a scorching of plants, as a result of disease, drought, or heat

■ firing line   n   1 military   a the positions from which fire is delivered   b the soldiers occupying these positions   2 the leading or most advanced position in an activity

■ firing order   n   the sequence of ignition in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine

■ firing party   n   1 a military detachment detailed to fire a salute at a funeral   2 another name for firing squad

■ firing pin   n   the part of the firing mechanism of a firearm that ignites the charge by striking the primer

■ firing squad   n   a small military detachment formed to implement a death sentence by shooting

Firenze (fiˈrɛntse)   n   the Italian name for Florence

firk (fɜːk)   n archaic   1 a sudden stroke, blow   2 a dodge, trick, prank   3 a dance   ▷ vb archaic   4 (intr) to dance about, frisk   5 (tr) to beat, whip   6 (tr) to spur onwards, drive onwards or away, hasten   7 (tr) to carry, lead onwards

firkin (ˈfɜːkIn)   n   1 a small wooden barrel or similar container   2 Brit a unit of capacity equal to nine gallons [C14 fir, from Middle Dutch vierde FOURTH + -KIN]

firlot (ˈfɜːlət)   n   1 one of two different Scottish units of measurement for grain, the first (for measuring commodities sold by level measure, such as wheat) roughly equal to an imperial bushel, the second (for measuring commodities sold by heaped measure, such as barley or corn) roughly half as large again   2 the quantity of grain that can be contained in a firlot

firm^1 (fɜːm)   adj   1 not soft or yielding to a touch or pressure; rigid; solid   2 securely in position; stable or stationary   3 definitely established; decided; settled   4 enduring or steady; constant   5 having determination or strength; resolute   6 (of prices, markets, etc) tending to rise   ▷ adv   7 in a secure, stable, or unyielding manner: he stood firm over his obligation to pay   ▷ vb   8 (sometimes foll by up) to make or become firm   9 (intr) Austral horse racing (of a horse) to shorten in odds [C14: from Latin firmus]   > ˈfirmly adv   > ˈfirmness n

■ firmer chisel (ˈfɜːmə)   n   a chisel or gouge with a thin blade, used on wood. Sometimes shortened to: firmer

■ firmless (ˈfɜːmləs)   adj   archaic unstable, unsteady, not firmly fixed

■ firmware (ˈfɜːmˌwɛə)   n   computing a fixed form of software programmed into a read-only memory

firm^2 (fɜːm)   n   1 a business partnership   2 any commercial enterprise   3 a team of doctors and their assistants   4 Brit slang   a a gang of criminals   b a gang of football hooligans [C16 (in the sense: signature): from Spanish firma signature, title of a partnership or business concern, from firmar to sign, from Latin firmāre to confirm, from firmus firm]

firmament (ˈfɜːməmənt)   n   the expanse of the sky; heavens [C13: from Late Latin firmāmentum sky (considered as fixed above the earth), from Latin: prop, support, from firmāre to make FIRM^1]   > firmamental (ˌfɜːməˈmɛntəl) adj

firman (fɜːˈmɑːn, ˈfɜː-)   n   1 an edict of an Oriental sovereign   2 any authoritative grant of permission [C17: from Persian fermān]

firn (fIən)   n   another name for névé (sense 1) [C19: from German (Swiss dialect) firn of the previous year, from Old High German firni old]

■ firn line   n   1 Also called: firn limit the zone of a glacier between the lower region of solid ice and the upper region of névé, above which ablation occurs   2 the snow line on a glacier

firring (ˈfɜːrIŋ)   n   another name for furring

first (fɜːst)   adj (usually prenominal)   1    a coming before all others; earliest, best, or foremost   b (as noun): I was the first to arrive   2 preceding all others in numbering or counting order; the ordinal number of one. Often written: 1st   3 rated, graded, or ranked above all other levels   4 denoting the lowest forward ratio of a gearbox in a motor vehicle   5 music   a denoting the highest part assigned to one of the voice parts in a chorus or one of the sections of an orchestra: first soprano; the first violins   b denoting the principal player in a specific orchestral section: he plays first horn   6 first thing as the first action of the day: I'll see you first thing tomorrow   7 first things first things must be done in order of priority   8 the first thing (in negative constructions) even one thing: he doesn't know the first thing about me   ▷ n   9 the beginning; outset: I knew you were a rogue from the first; I couldn't see at first because of the mist   10 education, chiefly Brit an honours degree of the highest class. Full term: first-class honours degree   11 something which has not occurred before: a first for the company   12 the lowest forward ratio of a gearbox in a motor vehicle; low gear   13 music   a the highest part in a particular section of a chorus or orchestra   b the instrument or voice taking such a part   c the chief or leading player in a section of an orchestra; principal   14 music a rare word for prime (sense 11)   ▷ adv   15 before anything else in order, time, preference, importance, etc: do this first; first, remove the head and tail of the fish   16 first and last on the whole; overall   17 from first to last throughout   18 for the first time: I've loved you since I first saw you   19 (sentence modifier) in the first place or beginning of a series of actions: first I want to talk about criminality [Old English fyrest; related to Old Saxon furist, Old Norse fyrstr, German Fürst prince, one who is first in rank]

■ first aid   n   1    a immediate medical assistance given in an emergency   b (as modifier): first-aid box   2 (in Barbados) a small shop that sells domestic items after hours

■ first base   n   1 baseball   a the base that a runner must reach safely to score a hit, and the first of the three bases the runner must reach safely on the way to home plate in order to score a run   b the fielding position nearest this base   2 get to first base informal, chiefly US and Canadian to accomplish the first step of an undertaking

■ first blood   n   1 the first killing or wounding in a fight or war   2 the first damage or reverse inflicted on an opponent in a conflict

■ first-born   adj   1 eldest of the children in a family   ▷ n   2 the eldest child in a family

■ first cause   n   1 a source or cause of something   2 (often capitals) (esp in philosophy) God considered as the uncaused creator of all beings apart from Himself

■ first class   n   1 the class or grade of the best or highest value, quality, etc   ▷ adj (first-class when prenominal)   2 of the best or highest class or grade: a first-class citizen   3 excellent; first-rate   4 of or denoting the most comfortable and expensive class of accommodation in a hotel, aircraft, train, etc   5    a (in Britain) of or relating to mail that is processed most quickly   b (in the US and Canada) of or relating to mail that consists mainly of written letters, cards, etc   6 education See first (sense 10)   ▷ adv first-class   7 by first-class mail, means of transportation, etc

■ first-day cover   n   philately a cover, usually an envelope, postmarked on the first day of the issue of its stamps

■ first-degree burn   n   pathol See burn^1 (sense 23)

■ First Empire   n   the period of imperial rule in France (1804–14) under Napoleon Bonaparte

■ first estate   n   the first of the three estates of the realm, such as the Lords Spiritual in England or the clergy in France until the revolution

■ First Fleet   n   Austral the fleet of convict ships that arrived at Port Jackson in 1788   > First Fleeter n

■ first floor   n   1 Brit the floor or storey of a building immediately above the ground floor. US and Canadian term: second floor   2 US and Canadian another term for ground floor

■ first-foot chiefly Scot   n also first-footer   1 the first person to enter a household in the New Year. By Hogmanay tradition a dark-haired man who crosses the threshold at midnight brings good luck   ▷ vb   2 to enter (a house) as first-foot   > ˈfirst-ˈfooting n

■ first four ships   pl n NZ   1 the earliest settlers' ships to arrive in the Canterbury Province   2 come with the first four ships to be a founder member of Canterbury

■ first fruits or firstfruits (ˈfɜːstˌfruːts)   pl n   1 the first results, products, or profits of an undertaking   2 fruit that ripens first

■ first-generation   adj   1 belonging to the first generation of people who go to live in another country   2 of the first type of a particular machine or piece of equipment to be produced

■ first grade   n   US the first school year after kindergarten when children are six or seven years old   > ˌfirst-ˈgrader n

■ first-hand   adj, adv   1 from the original source; direct or directly: first-hand news; he got the news first-hand   2 at first hand from the original source; directly

■ First International   n   an association of socialists and labour leaders founded in London in 1864 and dissolved in Philadelphia in 1876. Official name: International Workingmen's Association

■ first lady   n (often capitals)   1 (in the US) the wife or official hostess of a chief executive, esp of a state governor or a president   2 a woman considered to be at the top of her profession or art: the first lady of jazz

■ first language   n   a person's native language

■ first lieutenant   n   1 the officer responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a warship, esp the executive officer of a smaller ship in the Royal Navy   2 an officer holding commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or in certain other forces, senior to a second lieutenant and junior to a captain

■ first light   n   the time when light first appears in the morning; dawn

■ first-line   adj   acting or used as a first resort: first-line treatment; first-line batsmen

■ firstling (ˈfɜːstlIŋ)   n   the first, esp the first offspring

■ first-loss policy   n   an insurance policy for goods in which a total loss is extremely unlikely and the insurer agrees to provide cover for a sum less than the total value of the property

■ firstly (ˈfɜːstlI)   adv   coming before other points, questions, etc

■ first mate   n   an officer second in command to the captain of a merchant ship. Also called: first officer

■ First Minister   n   the chief minister of the Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly, or National Assembly for Wales

■ first mortgage   n   a mortgage that has priority over other mortgages on the same property, except for taxation and other statutory liabilities

■ First Mover   n   the Aristotelian conception of God as the unmoved mover of everything else

■ first name   n   a name given to a person at birth, as opposed to a surname. Also called: Christian name, forename, given name

■ first-named   n   the first-named formal something that is specified or named first

■ First Nation   n (also without capitals)   Canadian another name for band^1 (sense 5)

■ firstness (ˈfɜːstnəs)   n   the condition or quality of being first

■ first night   n     a the first public performance of a play or other production   b (as modifier): first-night nerves

■ first-nighter   n   a member of an opening night audience, esp one who habitually attends first nights

■ first offender   n   a person convicted of any criminal offence for the first time

■ first officer   n   1 another name for first mate   2 the member of an aircraft crew who is second in command to the captain

■ first-order   adj   logic quantifying only over individuals and not over predicates or clauses: first-order predicate calculus studies the logical properties of such quantification

■ first-past-the-post   n   (modifier) of or relating to a voting system in which a candidate may be elected by a simple majority rather than an absolute majority. Compare proportional representation

■ First Peoples   pl n   Canadian a collective term for the Native Canadian peoples, the Inuit, and the Métis

■ first person   n     a a grammatical category of pronouns and verbs used by the speaker to refer to or talk about himself or herself, either alone (first person singular) or together with others (first person plural)   b (as modifier): a first-person narrative

■ first-person shooter   n   a type of computer game in which the player aims and shoots at targets, and the graphics displayed are seen from the viewpoint of the shooter. Abbreviation: FPS

■ first post   n   Brit the first of two military bugle calls ordering or giving notice of the time to retire for the night. The second is called last post

■ first principle   n (usually plural)   1 one of the fundamental assumptions on which a particular theory or procedure is thought to be based   2 an axiom of a mathematical or scientific theory

■ first quarter   n   one of the four principal phases of the moon, occurring between new moon and full moon, when half of the lighted surface is visible from earth. Compare last quarter

■ first-rate   adj   1 of the best or highest rated class or quality   2 informal very good; excellent   ▷ adv   3 not standard very well; excellently

■ first reading   n   the introduction of a bill in a legislative assembly

■ first refusal   n   the chance of buying a house, merchandise, etc, before the offer is made to other potential buyers

■ First Republic   n   the republic in France, which lasted from the abolition of the monarchy in 1792 until Napoleon Bonaparte proclaimed himself emperor in 1804

■ first responder   n   1 chiefly Brit a person who is trained to provide basic life support in a medical emergency   2 chiefly US a person whose job is to deal with emergencies when they occur, esp a firefighter, police officer, or member of the ambulance service

■ firsts (fɜːsts)   pl n   saleable goods of the highest quality

■ first school   n   Brit a school for children aged between 5 and 8 or 9. Compare middle school

■ First Secretary   n   the chief minister of the National Assembly for Wales

■ first-strike   adj   (of a nuclear missile) intended for use in an opening attack calculated to destroy the enemy's nuclear weapons

■ first string   n   1 the top player of a team in an individual sport, such as squash   ▷ adj first-string   2 being a regular member of a team rather than a substitute or reserve   3 being the top player of a team in an individual sport   4 of high rating; first-class

■ first-timer   n   someone who is doing something for the first time

■ first water   n   1 the finest quality of diamond or other precious stone   2 the highest grade or best quality   3 the most extreme kind: a fool of the first water

■ First World   n   1 the economically advanced countries of North America, Europe, Australia, E Asia, etc   ▷ modifier   2 belonging to the First World: wealthy First World countries

■ first-world problem   n   informal a relatively minor inconvenience affecting an affluent person, in contrast with a serious problem concerning personal survival that may be experienced by people in the developing world

■ First World War   n   another name for World War I

firth (fɜːθ) or frith   n   a relatively narrow inlet of the sea, esp in Scotland [C15: from Old Norse fjörthr FIORD]

fisc (fIsk)   n   rare a state or royal treasury [C16: from Latin fiscus treasury, originally money-bag]

fiscal (ˈfIskəl)   adj   1 of or relating to government finances, esp tax revenues   2 of or involving financial matters   ▷ n   3    a (in some countries) a public prosecutor   b Scot short for procurator fiscal   4 a postage or other stamp signifying payment of a tax [C16: from Latin fiscālis concerning the state treasury, from fiscus public money; see FISC]   > ˈfiscally adv

■ fiscal cliff   n   informal a situation in which sudden changes in government expenditure and taxation have a profound effect on a country's economy

■ fiscal drag   n   economics the process by which, during inflation, rising incomes draw people into higher tax brackets, so that their real incomes may fall; this acts as a restraint on the expansion of the economy

■ fiscalist (ˈfIskəlIst)   n   someone who believes that fiscal policy is of paramount importance in economic regulation

■ fiscal year   n US and Canadian   1 any annual period at the end of which a firm's accounts are made up   2 the annual period ending April 5, over which Budget estimates are made by the British Government and which functions as the income-tax year   ▶ Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): financial year

Fischer (ˈfIʃər)   n   1  Emil Hermann (ˈeːmiːl ˈhɛrman). 1852–1919, German chemist, noted particularly for his work on synthetic sugars and the purine group: Nobel prize for chemistry 1902   2  Ernst Otto. 1918–94, German chemist: shared the Nobel prize for chemistry in 1973 with Geoffrey Wilkinson for his work on inorganic complexes   3  Hans (hans). 1881–1945, German chemist, noted particularly for his work on chlorophyll, haemin, and the porphyrins: Nobel prize for chemistry 1930   4  Robert James, known as Bobby. 1943–2008, US chess player; world champion 1972–75

Fischer-Dieskau (German -ˈdiːskau)   n   Dietrich (ˈdiːtrIç). 1925–2012, German baritone, noted particularly for his interpretation of Schubert's song cycles

Fischer von Erlach (German ˈfIʃər fɔn ˈerlax)   n   Johann Bernhard (joˈhan ˈbernhart). 1656–1723, Austrian architect: a leading exponent of the German baroque

fish (fIʃ)   n, pl fish or fishes   1    a any of a large group of cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates having jaws, gills, and usually fins and a skin covered in scales: includes the sharks and rays (class Chondrichthyes: cartilaginous fishes) and the teleosts, lungfish, etc (class Osteichthyes: bony fishes)   b (in combination): fishpond. Related adjectives: ichthyic, ichthyoid, piscine   2 any of various similar but jawless vertebrates, such as the hagfish and lamprey   3 (not in technical use) any of various aquatic invertebrates, such as the cuttlefish, jellyfish, and crayfish   4 the flesh of fish used as food   5 informal a person of little emotion or intelligence: a poor fish   6 short for fishplate   7 Also called: tin fish. an informal word for torpedo (sense 1)   8 a fine kettle of fish an awkward situation; mess   9 drink like a fish to drink (esp alcohol) to excess   10 have other fish to fry to have other activities to do, esp more important ones   11 like a fish out of water out of one's usual place   12 make fish of one and flesh of another Irish to discriminate unfairly between people   13 neither fish, flesh, nor fowl neither this nor that   ▷ vb   14 (intr) to attempt to catch fish, as with a line and hook or with nets, traps, etc   15 (tr) to fish in (a particular area of water)   16 to search (a body of water) for something or to search for something, esp in a body of water   17 (intr; foll by for) to seek something indirectly: to fish for compliments [Old English fisc; related to Old Norse fiskr, Gothic fiscs, Russian piskar, Latin piscis]   > ˈfishable adj   > ˈfishˌlike adj

■ fishability (ˌfIʃəˈbIlətI)   n   the quality of being fishable

■ fish and brewis   n   Canadian a Newfoundland dish of cooked salt cod and soaked hard bread

■ fish and chips   n   fish fillets coated with batter and deep-fried, eaten with potato chips

■ fish-and-chip shop   n   (esp in Britain) a place where fish and chips are cooked and sold

■ fishball (ˈfIʃˌbɔːl)   n   a food item popular in Asia, consisting of a ball made from flaked fish and varying other ingredients

■ fishbolt (ˈfIʃˌbəʊlt)   n   a bolt used for fastening a fishplate to a rail

■ fishbone (ˈfIʃbəʊn)   n   a bone from a fish

■ fishbone fern   n   a common Australian fern, Nephrolepsis cordifolia, having fronds with many pinnae

■ fishbowl (ˈfIʃˌbəʊl)   n   another name for goldfish bowl

■ fishburger (ˈfIʃˌbɜːɡə)   n   a fishcake served inside a bun

■ fishcake (ˈfIʃˌkeIk)   n   a fried ball of flaked fish mixed with mashed potatoes

■ fish eagle   n   another name for the osprey

■ fisher (ˈfIʃə)   n   1 a person who fishes; fisherman   2 Also called: pekan   a a large North American marten, Martes pennanti, having thick dark brown fur   b the fur of this animal   3 fisher of men an evangelist

■ fisherfolk (ˈfIʃəˌfəʊk)   pl n   people who earn their living by fishing; fishermen and women collectively

■ fisherman (ˈfIʃəmən)   n, pl -men   1 a person who fishes as a profession or for sport   2 a vessel used for fishing

■ fisherman's bend   n   a knot used to fasten a rope to an anchor, ring, or spar

■ fisherman's knot   n   a knot for joining two ropes of equal thickness consisting of an overhand knot or double overhand knot by each rope round the other, so that the two knots jam when pulled tight

■ fisherwoman (ˈfIʃəˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female fisherman

■ fishery (ˈfIʃərI)   n, pl -eries   1    a the industry of catching, processing, and selling fish   b a place where this is carried on   2 a place where fish are reared   3 a fishing ground   4 another word for piscary (sense 2)

■ Fishes (ˈfIʃIz)   n   the Fishes the constellation Pisces, the twelfth sign of the zodiac

■ fish-eye   n   a very small lens in a door that enables a person inside to see a visitor

■ fisheye lens (ˈfIʃˌaI)   n   photog a lens of small focal length, having a highly curved protruding front element, that covers an angle of view of almost 180°. It yields a circular image having considerable linear distortion

■ fishfinger (ˈfIʃˈfIŋɡə) or US and Canadian fish stick   n   an oblong piece of filleted or minced fish coated in breadcrumbs

■ fish flake   n   Canadian a platform on which fish are dried

■ fishful (ˈfIʃfʊl)   adj   teeming with fish, full of fish

■ fish hawk   n   another name for the osprey

■ fish-hook   n   1 a sharp hook used in angling, esp one with a barb   2 logic a symbol (∋) for entailment

■ fishify (ˈfIʃIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   literary to change (flesh) into fish

■ fish joint   n   a connection formed by fishplates at the meeting point of two rails, beams, etc, as on a railway

■ fishkill (ˈfIʃˌkIl)   n   ecology a mass death among the fish population of a given area caused by pollution or other contaminants

■ fish ladder   n   a row of ascending pools or weirs connected by short falls to allow fish to pass barrages or dams

■ fishless (ˈfIʃləs)   adj   without fish, lacking fish

■ fishline (ˈfIʃˌlaIn)   n   another name for fishing line

■ fish louse   n   any small flat rounded crustacean of the subclass Branchiura, having sucking mouth parts: parasites of fish

■ fishmeal (ˈfIʃˌmiːl)   n   ground dried fish used as feed for farm animals, as a fertilizer, etc

■ fishmonger (ˈfIʃˌmʌŋɡə)   n   chiefly Brit a retailer of fish

■ fishmonger's (ˈfIʃˌmʌŋɡəz) or fishmonger's shop   n   a shop that sells fish

■ fishnet (ˈfIʃˌnɛt)   n   1 chiefly US and Canadian a net for catching fish   2    a an open mesh fabric resembling netting   b (as modifier): fishnet tights

■ fish out   vb   (tr, adverb) to find or extract (something): to fish keys out of a pocket

■ fishplate (ˈfIʃˌpleIt)   n   a flat piece of metal joining one rail, stanchion, or beam to another

■ fish-pole   n   US a long tapered flexible pole, often in jointed sections, for use with a fishing line and, usually, a reel

■ fish pond or fishpond   n   1 an ornamental pond in a garden, which has fish in it   2 an area of water used in fish farming

■ fishskin (ˈfIʃˌskIn)   n   1 the skin of a fish   2 informal short for fishskin disease

■ fishskin disease   n   pathol a nontechnical name for ichthyosis

■ fishtail (ˈfIʃˌteIl)   n   1 an aeroplane manoeuvre in which the tail is moved from side to side to reduce speed   2 a nozzle having a long narrow slot at the top, placed over a Bunsen burner to produce a thin fanlike flame   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to slow an aeroplane by moving the tail from side to side   4 to drive with the rear of the vehicle moving from side to side in an uncontrolled fashion

■ fish tail   n   a step in ballroom dancing in which the feet are quickly crossed

■ fishway (ˈfIʃˌweI)   n   US and Canadian another name for fish ladder

■ fishwife (ˈfIʃˌwaIf)   n, pl -wives   1 a woman who sells fish   2 derogatory a coarse scolding woman   > ˈfishˌwifely adj

■ fishworm (ˈfIʃˌwɜːm)   n   an earthworm used by anglers as fishing bait

■ fishy (ˈfIʃI)   adj fishier, fishiest   1 of, involving, or suggestive of fish   2 abounding in fish   3 informal suspicious, doubtful, or questionable: their leaving at the same time looked fishy   4 dull and lifeless: a fishy look   > ˈfishily adv   > ˈfishiness n

■ fishyback (ˈfIʃIˌbæk)   n   informal a cargo supply chain involving container transfer from lorry to ship

FISH (fIʃ)   n acronym for   fluorescence in situ hybridization, a technique for detecting and locating gene mutations and chromosome abnormalities

Fisher (ˈfIʃə)   n   1  Andrew. 1862–1928, Australian statesman, born in Scotland: prime minister of Australia (1908–09; 1910–13; 1914–15)   2  Saint John. ?1469–1535, English prelate and scholar: executed for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as supreme head of the church. Feast day: June 22   3  John Arbuthnot 1st Baron Fisher of Kilverstone. 1841–1920, British admiral; First Sea Lord (1904–10; 1914–15); introduced the dreadnought

fishgig (ˈfIʃˌɡIɡ)   n   a pole with barbed prongs for impaling fish. Also: fizgig [C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps altered from Spanish fisga harpoon]

Fishguard (ˈfIʃˌɡɑːd)   n   a port and resort in SW Wales, in Pembrokeshire: ferry connection to Ireland. Pop: 5407 (2011)

fishing (ˈfIʃIŋ)   n   1    a the occupation of catching fish   b (as modifier): a fishing match   2 another word for piscary (sense 2) ▶ Related adjective: piscatorial

■ fishing ground   n   an area of water that is good for fishing

■ fishing line   n   a line of nylon or silk, attached to a hook, used for catching fish

■ fishing rod   n   a long tapered flexible pole, often in jointed sections, for use with a fishing line and, usually, a reel

■ fishing tackle   n   all the equipment, such as rods, lines, bait, etc, used in angling

fisk (fIsk)   vb   slang to refute or criticize (a journalistic article or blog) point by point [C21: after the use of this technique by Robert Fisk (born 1946), British journalist, to criticize articles ]

fisnomie (ˈfIzˌnɒmI)   n   archaic an archaic spelling of physiognomy

fissate (ˈfIseIt)   adj   entomol split, divided, with fissures

fissi-   combining form   indicating a splitting or cleft: fissirostral [from Latin fissus, past participle of findere to split]

fissicostate (ˌfIsIˈkɒsteIt)   adj   anatomy having divided or separated ribs

fissile (ˈfIsaIl)   adj   1 Brit capable of undergoing nuclear fission as a result of the impact of slow neutrons   2 US and Canadian another word for fissionable   3 tending to split or capable of being split [C17: from Latin fissilis, from fissus split; see FISSI-]   > fissility (fIˈsIlItI) n

fissilingual (ˌfIsIˈlIŋɡwəl)   adj   zoology having a forked tongue

fission (ˈfIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of splitting or breaking into parts   2 biology a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled animals and plants involving a division into two or more equal parts that develop into new cells   3 short for nuclear fission [C19: from Latin fissiō a cleaving]

■ fissionable (ˈfIʃənəbəl)   adj   capable of undergoing nuclear fission as a result of any process. Compare fissile (sense 1)   > ˌfissionaˈbility n

■ fissional (ˈfIʃənəl)   adj   of or pertaining to fission

■ fission bomb   n   a bomb in which the energy is supplied by nuclear fission. See atomic bomb

■ fissioned (ˈfIʃənd)   adj   split or broken into parts

■ fission-fusion bomb   n   another name for fusion bomb

■ fission product   n   a nuclide produced either directly by nuclear fission or by the radioactive decay of such a nuclide

■ fission reactor   n   a nuclear reactor in which a fission reaction takes place

■ fission-track dating   n   the dating of samples of minerals by comparing the tracks in them by fission fragments of the uranium nuclei they contain, before and after irradiation by neutrons

■ fissive (ˈfIsIv)   adj   of the nature of fission, relating to fission

fissipalmate (ˌfIsIˈpælmeIt)   adj   (of some birds' feet) partially webbed, having lobes and fringes on separate toes

fissiparous (fIˈsIpərəs)   adj   1 biology reproducing by fission   2 having a tendency to divide into groups or factions   > fisˈsiparously adv   > fisˈsiparousness n

■ fissiparism (fIˈsIpəˌrIzəm)   n   zoology the process of reproduction by division

■ fissiparity (ˌfIsIˈpærətI)   n   zoology the quality of being fissiparous

fissiped (ˈfIsIˌpɛd) or fissipede (ˈfIsIˌpiːd)   adj also fissipedal (fIˈsIpIdəl, ˌfIsIˈpiːdəl)   1 having toes that are separated from one another, as dogs, cats, bears, and similar carnivores   ▷ n   2 a fissiped animal   ▶ Compare pinniped

fissirostral (ˌfIsIˈrɒstrəl)   adj   1 (of the beaks of some birds) broad and deeply cleft   2 having such a beak, as swifts and swallows

fissle (ˈfIsəl)   n   1 Scot bustle   ▷ vb (intr) Scot   2 to rustle; make a crackling noise   3 to fidget; move or shift uncomfortably

fissure (ˈfIʃə)   n   1 any long narrow cleft or crack, esp in a rock   2 a weakness or flaw indicating impending disruption or discord: fissures in a decaying empire   3 anatomy a narrow split or groove that divides an organ such as the brain, lung, or liver into lobes. See also sulcus   4 a small unnatural crack in the skin or mucous membrane, as between the toes or at the anus   5 a minute crack in the surface of a tooth, caused by imperfect joining of enamel during development   ▷ vb   6 to crack or split apart [C14: from medical Latin fissūra, from Latin fissus split]

■ fissural (ˈfIʃərəl)   adj   geology of or relating to fissures, having fissures

■ fissured (ˈfIʃəd)   adj   1 having deep lines or cracks   2 divided through disagreement

■ fissure eruption   n   the emergence of lava from a fissure in the ground rather than from a volcanic cone or vent

■ fissure of Rolando (rəʊˈlændəʊ)   n   another name for central sulcus [C19: named after L. Rolando (died 1831), Italian anatomist]

■ fissure of Sylvius (ˈsIlvIəs)   n   a deep horizontal cleft in each cerebral hemisphere: marks the separation of the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes [named after Franciscus Sylvius (died 1652), German anatomist]

fist (fIst)   n   1 a hand with the fingers clenched into the palm, as for hitting   2 Also called: fistful the quantity that can be held in a fist or hand   3 an informal word for hand, index (sense 9)   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to hit with the fist [Old English fӯst; related to Old Frisian fest, Old Saxon, Old High German fūst; see FIVE]

■ fist bump   n   a gesture of congratulation or greeting in which two people briefly connect clenched fists together

■ fistfight or fist fight (ˈfIstfaIt)   n   a fight in which people hit each other with their fists

■ fistful (ˈfIstfʊl)   n   the amount that can be held in the fist

■ fistiana (ˌfIstIˈɑːnə)   n   the world of boxing

■ fistic (ˈfIstIk) or fistical (ˈfIstIkəl)   adj   of or relating to fisticuffs or boxing

■ fisticuff (ˈfIstIˌkʌf)   adj   1 of fisticuffs   ▷ vb   2 to fight or strike with the fists

■ fisticuffs (ˈfIstIˌkʌfs)   pl n   combat with the fists [C17: probably from fisty with the fist + CUFF^2]

■ fistmele (ˈfIstˌmiːl)   n   archery a measure of the width of a hand and the extended thumb, used to calculate the approximate height of the string of a braced bow [C17: from FIST + mele, variant of obsolete meal measure]

■ fistnote (ˈfIstˌnəʊt)   n   a note or comment in printed text preceded by the symbol of a fist with the index finger extended, which is used to highlight or draw attention to the text

■ fisty (ˈfIstI)   adj   relating to boxing or the use of fists

fistula (ˈfIstjʊlə)   n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)   1 pathol an abnormal opening between one hollow organ and another or between a hollow organ and the surface of the skin, caused by ulceration, congenital malformation, etc   2 obsolete any musical wind instrument; a pipe [C14: from Latin: pipe, tube, hollow reed, ulcer]

■ fistulous (ˈfIstjʊləs), fistular (ˈfIstjʊlə) or fistulate (ˈfIstjʊlIt)   adj   1 pathol containing, relating to, or resembling a fistula   2 hollow, esp slender and hollow; reedlike or tubular   3 containing tubes or tubelike parts

fit^1 (fIt)   vb fits, fitting, fitted or US fit   1 to be appropriate or suitable for (a situation, etc)   2 to be of the correct size or shape for (a connection, container, etc)   3 (tr) to adjust in order to render appropriate: they had to fit the idea to their philosophy   4 (tr) to supply with that which is needed   5 (tr) to try clothes on (someone) in order to make adjustments if necessary   6 (tr) to make competent or ready: the experience helped to fit him for the task   7 (tr) to locate with care   8 (intr) to correspond with the facts or circumstances   ▷ adj fitter, fittest   9 suitable to a purpose or design; appropriate   10 having the right qualifications; qualifying   11 in good health   12 worthy or deserving: a book fit to be read   13 (foll by an infinitive) in such an extreme condition that a specified consequence is likely: she was fit to scream; you look fit to drop   14 chiefly Brit informal (of a person) sexually attractive   ▷ n   15 the manner in which something fits   16 the act or process of fitting   17 statistics the correspondence between observed and predicted characteristics of a distribution or model. See goodness of fit [C14: probably from Middle Dutch vitten; related to Old Norse fitja to knit]   > ˈfittable adj

■ fit in   vb   1 (tr) to give a place or time to: if my schedule allows it, I'll fit you in   2 (intr, adverb) to belong or conform, esp after adjustment: he didn't fit in with their plans

■ fitly (ˈfItlI)   adv   in a proper manner or place or at a proper time

■ fitment (ˈfItmənt)   n   1 machinery an accessory attached to an assembly of parts   2 chiefly Brit a detachable part of the furnishings of a room

■ fitness (ˈfItnIs)   n   1 the state of being fit   2 biology   a the degree of adaptation of an organism to its environment, determined by its genetic constitution   b the ability of an organism to produce viable offspring capable of surviving to the next generation

■ fit note   n   a medical note for an employer setting out the work an employee is able to perform, taking into account his or her health condition

■ fit out   vb   1 (tr, adverb) to equip; supply with necessary or new equipment, clothes, etc   ▷ n fit-out   2 the act of equipping or supplying with necessary or new equipment; refurbishment

■ fitted (ˈfItId)   adj   1 designed for excellent fit: a fitted suit   2 (of a carpet) cut, sewn, or otherwise adapted to cover a floor completely   3    a (of furniture) built to fit a particular space: a fitted cupboard   b (of a room) equipped with fitted furniture: a fitted kitchen   4 (of sheets) having ends that are elasticated and shaped to fit tightly over a mattress   5 having accessory parts

■ fitter (ˈfItə)   n   1 a person who fits a garment, esp when it is made for a particular person   2 a person who is skilled in the assembly and adjustment of machinery, esp of a specified sort: an electrical fitter   3 a person who supplies something for an expedition, activity, etc

■ fitting (ˈfItIŋ)   adj   1 appropriate or proper; suitable   ▷ n   2 an accessory or part: an electrical fitting   3 (plural) furnishings or accessories in a building   4 work carried out by a fitter   5 the act of trying on clothes so that they can be adjusted to fit   6 Brit size in clothes or shoes: a narrow fitting   > ˈfittingly adv   > ˈfittingness n

■ fittings (ˈfItIŋz)   pl n   pieces of domestic equipment which are fixed to something but which can be removed and taken to another house if necessary

■ fit up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 (often foll by with) to equip or provide: the optician will soon fit you up with a new pair of glasses   2 Brit slang to incriminate (someone) on a false charge; frame: he was fitted up for the bank job   ▷ n fit-up   3 theatre slang a stage and accessories that can be erected quickly for plays   4 Brit slang a deliberate attempt to make an innocent person seem guilty of a crime

fit^2 (fIt)   n   1 pathol a sudden attack or convulsion, such as an epileptic seizure   2 a sudden spell of emotion: a fit of anger   3 an impulsive period of activity or lack of activity; mood: a fit of laziness   4 give a person a fit to surprise a person in an outrageous manner   5 have a fit or throw a fit informal to become very angry or excited   6 in fits and starts or by fits and starts in spasmodic spells; irregularly   ▷ vb fits, fitting, fitted   7 (intr) informal to have a sudden attack or convulsion, such as an epileptic seizure [Old English fitt conflict; see FIT^3]

■ fitful (ˈfItfʊl)   adj   characterized by or occurring in irregular spells: fitful sleep   > ˈfitfully adv   > ˈfitfulness n

fit^3 (fIt)   n   archaic a story or song or a section of a story or song [Old English fitt; related to Old Norse fit hem, Old High German fizza yarn]

fitch (fItʃ) or fitchet (ˈfItʃIt)   n   1 another name for polecat (sense 1)   2 the fur of the polecat or ferret [C16: probably from ficheux FITCHEW]

■ fitchew (ˈfItʃuː)   n   an archaic name for polecat [C14 ficheux, from Old French ficheau, from Middle Dutch vitsau, of obscure origin]

fitché (ˈfItʃeI)   adj   heraldry (of a cross on a heraldic shield) pointed at the bottom

fitna (ˈfItnɑː)   n   a state of trouble or chaos [Arabic]

fitt^1 (fIt)   n   a variant spelling of fit^3

fitt^2 (fIt)   vb (tr)   dialect to load (coal) onto a ship or to load (a ship) with coal

Fittipaldi (ˌfItIˈpældI)   n   Emerson. born 1946, Brazilian motor-racing driver: Formula One world champion (1972,1974)

Fitzgerald (fItsˈdʒɛrəld)   n   1  Edward. 1809–83, English poet, noted particularly for his free translation of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám (1859)   2  Ella. 1918–96, US jazz singer, noted esp for her vocal range and scat singing   3  F(rancis) Scott (Key). 1896–1940, US novelist and short-story writer, noted particularly for his portrayal of the 1920s in The Great Gatsby (1925) and Tender is the Night (1934)   4  Garret. 1926–2011, Irish politician; leader of Fine Gael Party (1977–87); prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1981–82 and 1982–87)

■ Fitzgerald-Lorentz contraction (fItsˈdʒɛrəldlɔːˈrɛnts)   n   physics the contraction that a moving body exhibits when its velocity approaches that of light [C19: named after G. F. Fitzgerald (1851–1901), Irish physicist, and H. A. LORENTZ]

Fitzpatrick (fItsˈpætrIk)   n   Sean (ʃɔːn). born 1963, New Zealand Rugby Union footballer; played in 92 test matches (1986–97), 51 as captain

Fitzrovia (fItsˈrəʊvIə)   n   informal the district north of Oxford Street, London, around Fitzroy Square and its pubs, noted in the 1930s and 40s as a haunt of poets

Fitzsimmons (ˌfItˈsImənz)   n   Bob. 1862–1917, New Zealand boxer, born in England: world middleweight (1891–97), heavyweight (1897–99), and light-heavyweight (1903–05) champion

Fitzwilliam Museum (ˌfItzˈwIljəm)   n   a museum, attached to Cambridge University and founded in 1816, noted esp for its paintings and collections devoted to the applied arts [C19: named after the 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion, who donated the first collection]

Fiume (ˈfiuːme)   n   the Italian name for Rijeka

FIV   abbreviation for   feline immunodeficiency virus, a disease affecting the immune system of cats

five (faIv)   n   1 the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one   2 a numeral, 5, V, etc, representing this number   3 the amount or quantity that is one greater than four   4 something representing, represented by, or consisting of five units, such as a playing card with five symbols on it   ▷ determiner   5    a amounting to five: five minutes; five nights   b (as pronoun): choose any five you like. Related prefixes: penta-, quinque- [Old English fīf; related to Old Norse fimm, Gothic fimf, Old High German finf, Latin quinque, Greek pente, Sanskrit pañca]

■ five-a-day   n   the five portions of fruit and vegetables that people are recommended to eat every day as part of a healthy diet

■ five-and-dime or five-and-ten   n   US a shop that sells a wide variety of things at a cheap price

■ five-a-side   n     a a version of soccer with five players on each side   b (as modifier): a five-a-side tournament

■ five by five   interj   an expression used in telecommunications to state that a signal is being received clearly

■ five-by-five   adj   US informal excellent

■ five-door   n   a car with five doors

■ five-eighth   n   1 Austral (in rugby) a player positioned between the scrum-half and the inside-centre   2 NZ (in rugby) either of two players positioned between the halfback and the centre

■ five-faced bishop   n   Brit another name for moschatel

■ five-finger or fivefingers (ˈfaIvˌfIŋɡəz)   n   any of various plants having five-petalled flowers or five lobed leaves, such as cinquefoil and Virginia creeper

■ fivefold (ˈfaIvˌfəʊld)   adj   1 equal to or having five times as many or as much   2 composed of five parts   ▷ adv   3 by or up to five times as many or as much

■ five hundred   n   a card game for three players, with 500 points for game

■ five Ks   pl n   the five Ks items traditionally worn or carried by Sikhs, each possessing a symbolic importance. See Kachera, Kangha, Kara, Kesh, Kirpan [translation of Punjabi panch kakke]

■ Five Nations   pl n   (formerly) a confederacy of Native American peoples living mainly in and around present-day New York state, consisting of the Cayugas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, and Senecas. Also called: Iroquois. See also Six Nations

■ Five Nations Championship   n   rugby Union a former annual competition involving the national sides of England, France, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales; replaced by the Six Nations Championship in 2000

■ five-o'clock shadow   n   beard growth visible late in the day on a man's shaven face

■ fivepence (ˈfaIvpəns)   n   money with a value equal to that of five pennies

■ fivepenny (ˈfaIvpənI)   adj   (prenominal) US (of a nail) one and three-quarters of an inch in length

■ fivepins (ˈfaIvˌpInz)   n   (functioning as singular) a bowling game using five pins, played esp in Canada. Also called: five-pin bowling   > ˈfiveˌpin adj

■ fiver (ˈfaIvə)   n informal   1 (in Britain) a five-pound note   2 (in the US) a five-dollar bill

■ fives (faIvz)   n   (functioning as singular) a ball game similar to squash but played with bats or the hands

■ five-spot   n   (in the US) a five-dollar bill

■ five-star   adj   (of a hotel) first-class, top-quality, or offering exceptional luxury

■ five stones   n   the game of jacks played with five stones

■ Five Towns   n   the Five Towns the name given in his fiction by Arnold Bennett to the Potteries towns (actually six in number) of Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke-upon-Trent, and Tunstall, now part of the city of Stoke-on-Trent

■ five-year   adj   happening over a period of five years

■ Five-Year Plan   n   (formerly in socialist economies) a government plan for economic development over a period of five years

5BX   n   a fitness exercise programme originally devised in the Canadian Air Force [from 5b(asic) (e)x(ercises)]

fix (fIks)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to make or become firm, stable, or secure   2 to attach or place permanently: fix the mirror to the wall   3 (often foll by up) to settle definitely; decide: let us fix a date   4 to hold or direct (eyes, attention, etc) steadily: he fixed his gaze on the horizon   5 to call to attention or rivet   6 to make rigid: to fix one's jaw   7 to place or ascribe: to fix the blame on someone   8 to mend or repair   9 informal to provide with: how are you fixed for supplies?   10 informal to influence (a person, outcome of a contest, etc) unfairly, as by bribery   11 slang to take revenge on; get even with, esp by killing   12 informal to give (someone) his or her just deserts: that'll fix him   13 informal to arrange or put in order: to fix one's hair   14 informal to prepare: to fix a meal   15 dialect or informal to spay or castrate (an animal)   16 US dialect or informal to prepare oneself: I'm fixing to go out   17 photog to treat (a film, plate, or paper) with fixer to make permanent the image rendered visible by developer   18 cytology to kill, preserve, and harden (tissue, cells, etc) for subsequent microscopic study   19    a to convert (atmospheric nitrogen) into nitrogen compounds, as in the manufacture of fertilizers or the action of bacteria in the soil   b to convert (carbon dioxide) into organic compounds, esp carbohydrates, as occurs in photosynthesis in plants and some microorganisms   20 to reduce (a substance) to a solid or condensed state or a less volatile state   21 (intr) slang to inject a drug   ▷ n   22 informal a predicament; dilemma   23 the ascertaining of the navigational position, as of a ship, by radar, observation, etc   24 slang an intravenous injection of a drug, esp heroin   25 informal an act or instance of bribery [C15: from Medieval Latin fixāre, from Latin fixus fixed, from Latin fīgere]   > ˈfixable adj

■ fixate (ˈfIkseIt)   vb   1 to become or cause to become fixed   2 to direct the eye or eyes at a point in space so that the image of the point falls on the centre (fovea) of the eye or eyes   3 psychol to engage in fixation   4 (tr; usually passive) informal to obsess or preoccupy [C19: from Latin fixus fixed + -ATE^1]

■ -fixated   adj (in combination)   1 psychol obsessed by someone or something   2 thinking too much about something

■ fixation (fIkˈseIʃən)   n   1 the act of fixing or the state of being fixed   2 a preoccupation or obsession   3 psychol   a the act of fixating   b (in psychoanalytical schools) a strong attachment of a person to another person or an object in early life   4 chem   a the conversion of nitrogen in the air into a compound, esp a fertilizer   b the conversion of a free element into one of its compounds   5 the reduction of a substance from a volatile or fluid form to a nonvolatile or solid form

■ fixative (ˈfIksətIv)   adj   1 serving or tending to fix   ▷ n   2 a fluid usually consisting of a transparent resin, such as shellac, dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over drawings to prevent smudging   3 cytology a fluid, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study   4 a substance added to a liquid, such as a perfume, to make it less volatile

■ fixature (ˈfIksətʃə)   n   1 formal anything that holds an object in place, whether by physical or chemical means   2 a gel, spray or other agent for fixing hair in place

■ fixer (ˈfIksə)   n   1 a person or thing that fixes   2 photog a solution containing one or more chemical compounds that is used, in fixing, to dissolve unexposed silver halides. It sometimes has an additive to stop the action of developer   3 slang a person who makes arrangements, esp by underhand or illegal means

■ fixing (ˈfIksIŋ)   n   a means of attaching one thing to another, as a pipe to a wall, slate to a roof, etc

■ fixings (ˈfIksIŋz)   pl n chiefly US and Canadian   1 apparatus or equipment   2 accompaniments for a dish; trimmings

■ fixit (ˈfIksIt)   n informal   1 a person who fixes a specific difficult problem, or fixes things in general; often preceded by a title such as Mr, Mrs, Prof   2 a solution to a complex problem or difficult situation, often a slightly underhand solution   ▷ adj   3 informal that fixes things

■ fixity (ˈfIksItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or quality of being fixed; stability   2 something that is fixed; a fixture

■ fixive (ˈfIksIv)   adj   serving or tending to fix

■ fixt (fIkst)   adj   an archaic or literary spelling of fixed

■ fixture (ˈfIkstʃə)   n   1 an object firmly fixed in place, esp a household appliance   2 a person or thing regarded as fixed in a particular place or position   3 property law an article attached to land and regarded as part of it   4 a device to secure a workpiece in a machine tool   5 chiefly Brit   a a sports match or social occasion   b the date of such an event   6 rare the act of fixing [C17: from Late Latin fixūra a fastening (with -t- by analogy with mixture)]   > ˈfixtureless adj

■ fix up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to arrange: let's fix up a date   2 (often foll by with) to provide: I'm sure we can fix you up with a room   3 informal to repair or rearrange: to fix up one's house

■ fixure (ˈfIksjə)   n   archaic firmness, fixedness

fixed (fIkst)   adj   1 attached or placed so as to be immovable   2 not subject to change; stable: fixed prices   3 steadily directed: a fixed expression   4 established as to relative position: a fixed point   5 not fluctuating; always at the same time: a fixed holiday   6 (of ideas, notions, etc) firmly maintained   7 (of an element) held in chemical combination: fixed nitrogen   8 (of a substance) nonvolatile   9 arranged   10 astrology of, relating to, or belonging to the group consisting of the four signs of the zodiac Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, which are associated with stability. Compare cardinal (sense 9), mutable (sense 2)   11 informal equipped or provided for, as with money, possessions, etc   12 informal illegally arranged: a fixed trial   > fixedly (ˈfIksIdlI) adv   > ˈfixedness n

■ fixed assets   pl n   nontrading business assets of a relatively permanent nature, such as plant, fixtures, or goodwill. Also called: capital assets. Compare current assets

■ fixed charge   n   1 an invariable expense usually at regular intervals, such as rent   2 a legal charge on specific assets or property, as of a company

■ fixed costs   pl n   1 another name for overheads   2 costs that do not vary with output

■ fixed-head coupé   n   another name (esp Brit) for coupé (sense 1)

■ fixed idea   n   an idea, esp one of an obsessional nature, that is persistently maintained and not subject to change. Also: idée fixe

■ fixed link   n   Canadian a permanent transport link, esp a bridge, between two geographical areas separated by water

■ fixed oil   n   a natural animal or vegetable oil that is not volatile: a mixture of esters of fatty acids, usually triglycerides. Also called: fatty oil. Compare essential oil

■ fixed point   n   1 physics a reproducible invariant temperature; the boiling point, freezing point, or triple point of a substance, such as water, that is used to calibrate a thermometer or define a temperature scale   2 maths a point that is not moved by a given transformation

■ fixed-point representation   n   computing the representation of numbers by a single set of digits such that the radix point has a predetermined location, the value of the number depending on the position of each digit relative to the radix point. Compare floating-point representation

■ fixed-price   adj   having a price that does not change

■ fixed satellite   n   a satellite in a geostationary orbit

■ fixed star   n   1 any of the stars in the Ptolemaic system, all of which were thought to be attached to an outer crystal sphere thus explaining their apparent lack of movement   2 an extremely distant star whose position appears to be almost stationary over a long period of time

fizgig (ˈfIzˌɡIɡ)   n   1 a frivolous or flirtatious girl   2 a firework or whirling top that fizzes as it moves   3 a variant of fishgig   4 Austral slang a police informer   ▷ vb   5 (intr) Austral slang to inform on criminals to the police [C16: probably from obsolete fise a breaking of wind + gig girl]

fizz (fIz)   vb (intr)   1 to make a hissing or bubbling sound   2 (of a drink) to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide, either through fermentation or aeration   ▷ n   3 a hissing or bubbling sound   4 the bubbly quality of a drink; effervescence   5 any effervescent drink [C17: of imitative origin]   > ˈfizzy adj   > ˈfizziness n

■ fizzer (ˈfIzə)   n   1 anything that fizzes   2 Austral slang a person or thing that disappoints, fails to succeed, etc: the horse proved to be a fizzer

fizzenless (ˈfIzənləs)   adj   Scot weak, feeble, ineffectual

fizzle (ˈfIzəl)   vb (intr)   1 to make a hissing or bubbling sound   2 (often foll by out) informal to fail or die out, esp after a promising start   ▷ n   3 a hissing or bubbling sound; fizz   4 informal an outright failure; fiasco [C16: probably from obsolete fist to break wind]

fj   the internet domain name for   Fiji

fjeld or field (fjɛld)   n   a high rocky plateau with little vegetation in Scandinavian countries [C19: Norwegian; related to Old Norse fjall mountain; see FELL^5]

FJI   abbreviation for   Fiji (international car registration)

fjord or fiord (fjɔːd)   n   (esp on the coast of Norway) a long narrow inlet of the sea between high steep cliffs formed by glacial action [C17: from Norwegian, from Old Norse fjörthr; see FIRTH, FORD]

■ fjordic (ˈfjɔːdIk)   adj   geography of or pertaining to a fjord, containing fjords

fk   the internet domain name for   Falkland Islands

Fl   the chemical symbol for   flerovium

FL   abbreviation for   1 Flight Lieutenant   2 Florida   3 Liechtenstein (international car registration) [(for sense 3) from German Fürstentum Liechtenstein Principality of Liechtenstein]

fl.   abbreviation for   1 floruit   ▷ symbol for   2 (formerly in the Netherlands) guilder

Fla.   abbreviation for   Florida

flabbergast (ˈflæbəˌɡɑːst)   vb (tr)   informal to overcome with astonishment; amaze utterly; astound [C18: of uncertain origin]

■ flabbergasted (ˈflæbəˌɡɑːstId)   adj   informal overcome with astonishment; amazed; astounded

flabby (ˈflæbI)   adj -bier, -biest   1 lacking firmness; loose or yielding: flabby muscles   2 having flabby flesh, esp through being overweight   3 lacking vitality; weak; ineffectual [C17: alteration of flappy, from FLAP + -Y^1; compare Dutch flabbe drooping lip]   > ˈflabbily adv   > ˈflabbiness n

■ flab (flæb)   n   unsightly or unwanted fat on the body; flabbiness [C20: back formation from FLABBY]

flabellum (fləˈbɛləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   1 a fan-shaped organ or part, such as the tip of the proboscis of a honeybee   2 RC Church a large ceremonial fan [C19: from Latin: small fan, from flābra breezes, from flāre to blow]

■ flabellate (fləˈbɛlIt, -eIt) or flabelliform (fləˈbɛlIˌfɔːm)   adj   biology shaped like a fan

■ flabellation (ˌflæbəˈleIʃən)   n   surgery the act of fanning a wound to keep it cool

flaccid (ˈflæsId, ˈflæksId)   adj   lacking firmness; soft and limp; flabby [C17: from Latin flaccidus, from flaccus]   > flacˈcidity or ˈflaccidness n   > ˈflaccidly adv

flack^1 (flæk)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a press or publicity agent [C20: of unknown origin]

■ flackery (ˈflækərI)   n   journalism the action of press agents, promotional activity

flack^2 (flæk)   n   a variant spelling of flak

flacker (ˈflækə)   vb   archaic, dialect to flap (one's wings)

flacket^1 (ˈflækIt)   n   a flagon, bottle, or flask for holding alcohol

flacket^2 (ˈflækIt)   vb (intr)   dialect to flap, flutter about, esp of women with fluttering clothing

flacon (French flakɔ̃)   n   a small stoppered bottle or flask, such as one used for perfume [C19: from French; see FLAGON]

flaff (flæf)   n   1 Scot a flapping or fluttering   ▷ vb   2 Scot to flap (one's wings)

■ flaffer (ˈflæfə)   vb (intr)   Northern English and Scot to flutter

flag^1 (flæɡ)   n   1 a piece of cloth, esp bunting, often attached to a pole or staff, decorated with a design and used as an emblem, symbol, or standard or as a means of signalling   2 a small paper flag, emblem, or sticker sold on flag days   3 computing an indicator, that may be set or unset, used to indicate a condition or to stimulate a particular reaction in the execution of a computer program   4 informal short for flag officer, flagship   5 journalism another name for masthead (sense 2)   6 the fringe of long hair, tapering towards the tip, on the underside of the tail of certain breeds of dog, such as setters   7 the conspicuously marked tail of a deer   8 a less common name for bookmark   9 Austral and NZ the part of a taximeter that is raised when a taxi is for hire   10 the pennant-shaped pattern that is formed when a price fluctuation is plotted on a chart, interrupting the steady rise or fall that precedes and then follows it   11 the flag (in Victoria, Australia) the Australian Rules premiership   12 fly the flag to represent or show support for one's country, an organization, etc   13 show the flag   a to assert a claim, as to a territory or stretch of water, by military presence   b informal to be present; make an appearance   14 strike the flag or lower the flag   a to relinquish command, esp of a ship   b to submit or surrender   ▷ vb flags, flagging, flagged (tr)   15 to decorate or mark with a flag or flags   16 (often foll by down) to warn or signal (a vehicle) to stop   17 to send or communicate (messages, information, etc) by flag   18 to decoy (game or wild animals) by waving a flag or similar object so as to attract their attention   19 to mark (a page in a book, card, etc) for attention by attaching a small tab or flag   20 chiefly Austral to draw attention to (something)   21 (foll by away or by) NZ to consider unimportant; brush aside [C16: of uncertain origin]   > ˈflagger n   > ˈflagless adj

■ flag captain   n   the captain of a flagship

■ flag day   n   Brit a day on which money is collected by a charity and small flags, emblems, or stickers are given to contributors

■ Flag Day   n   June 14, the annual holiday in the US to celebrate the adoption in 1777 of the Stars and Stripes

■ flag fall   n   Austral the minimum charge for hiring a taxi, to which the rate per kilometre is added

■ flag lieutenant   n   an admiral's ADC

■ flagman (ˈflæɡmən)   n, pl -men   a person who has charge of, carries, or signals with a flag, esp a railway employee

■ flag of convenience   n   a national flag flown by a ship registered in that country to gain financial or legal advantage

■ flag officer   n   1 an officer in certain navies of the rank of rear admiral or above and entitled to fly its flag   2 the head of a boat or yacht club

■ flag of truce   n   a white flag indicating the peaceful intent of its bearer or an invitation to an enemy to negotiate

■ flag out   vb   (adverb) to register (a commercial vehicle) in a country other than the one in which it operates, usually in order to take advantage of favourable rates of taxation

■ flagpole (ˈflæɡˌpəʊl) or flagstaff (ˈflæɡˌstɑːf)   n, pl -poles, -staffs or -staves (-ˌsteIvz)   1 a pole or staff on which a flag is hoisted and displayed   2 run something up the flagpole to pursue a tentative course of action in order to gauge the reaction it receives

■ flag rank   n   the rank of a flag officer

■ flagship (ˈflæɡˌʃIp)   n   1 a ship, esp in a fleet, aboard which the commander of the fleet is quartered   2 the most important ship belonging to a shipping company   3 a single item from a related group considered as the most important, often in establishing a public image: the evening news is the flagship of many broadcasters

■ flagstick (ˈflæɡˌstIk)   n   in golf, a pole with a flag at the top, used to indicate the position of a hole

■ flag up   vb   (tr; adverb) to bring (something) to someone's attention; point out

■ flag-waving   n   informal   a an emotional appeal or display intended to arouse patriotic or nationalistic feeling   b (as modifier): a flag-waving speech   > ˈflag-ˌwaver n

flag^2 (flæɡ)   vb flags, flagging, flagged (intr)   1 to hang down; become limp; droop   2 to decline in strength or vigour; become weak or tired [C16: of unknown origin]

■ flagginess (ˈflæɡInəs)   n   1 the state of being tired   2 the condition of being limp or droopy

■ flaggingly (ˈflæɡIŋlI)   adv   in a tired or flagging manner

■ flaggy (ˈflæɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   drooping; limp

flag^3 (flæɡ)   n   1 any of various plants that have long swordlike leaves, esp the iris Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag)   2 the leaf of any such plant   ▶ See also sweet flag [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Dutch flag, Danish flæg yellow iris]

flag^4 (flæɡ)   n   1 short for flagstone   ▷ vb flags, flagging, flagged   2 (tr) to furnish (a floor) with flagstones

■ flagged (flæɡd)   adj   paved

■ flagging (ˈflæɡIŋ)   n   flagstones or a flagged area

■ flaggy (ˈflæɡI)   adj   made of or similar to flagstone

flagellum (fləˈdʒɛləm)   n, pl -la (-lə) or -lums   1 biology a long whiplike outgrowth from a cell that acts as an organ of locomotion: occurs in some protozoans, gametes, spores, etc   2 botany a long thin supple shoot or runner   3 zoology the terminal whiplike part of an arthropod's appendage, esp of the antenna of many insects [C19: from Latin: a little whip, from flagrum a whip, lash]   > flaˈgellar adj

■ flagellant (ˈflædʒIlənt, fləˈdʒɛlənt) or flagellator (ˈflædʒIˌleItə)   n   1 a person who practises flagellation   2 (often capital) (in medieval Europe) a member of a religious sect who whipped themselves in public [C16: from Latin flagellāre to whip, from FLAGELLUM]   > ˈflagellantˌism n

■ flagellate   vb (ˈflædʒIˌleIt)   1 (tr) to whip; scourge; flog   ▷ adj (ˈflædʒIlIt, -ˌleIt) also flagellated   2 possessing one or more flagella   3 resembling a flagellum; whiplike   ▷ n (ˈflædʒIlIt, -ˌleIt)   4 a flagellate organism, esp any protozoan of the phylum Zoomastigina

■ flagellation   n (ˌflædʒIˈleIʃən)   whipping or flogging, esp as part of a religious penance or for sexual gratification

■ flagellatory (ˈflædʒIlətərI)   adj   relating to flagellation

■ flagelliferous (ˌflædʒəˈlIfərəs)   adj   zoology, botany bearing a flagellum

■ flagelliform (fləˈdʒɛlIˌfɔːm)   adj   slender, tapering, and whiplike, as the antennae of certain insects

■ flagellin (fləˈdʒɛlIn)   n   the structural protein of bacterial flagella

■ flagellomania (fləˌdʒɛləʊˈmeInIə)   n   psychol enthusiasm for whipping or being whipped

■ flagellomaniac (fləˌdʒɛləʊˈmeInIæk) psychol   n   1 a person who is enthusiastic about or derives (sexual) pleasure from whipping or being whipped   ▷ adj   2 enthusiastic about or deriving (sexual) pleasure from whipping or being whipped

flageolet^1 (ˌflædʒəˈlɛt)   n   a high-pitched musical instrument of the recorder family having six or eight finger holes [C17: from French, modification of Old French flajolet a little flute, from flajol flute, from Vulgar Latin flabeolum (unattested), from Latin flāre to blow]

flageolet^2 or flageolet bean (ˈflædʒəˌleI)   n   the pale green immature seed of a haricot bean, cooked and eaten as a vegetable [C19: from French fageolet, from Latin phaseolus bean; perhaps influenced by FLAGEOLET^1]

flagitate (ˈflædʒIˌteIt)   vb (tr)   formal to importune (someone), to demand of or entreat (someone) with passion and earnestness

■ flagitation (ˌflædʒIˈteIʃən)   n   formal the act of flagitating

flagitious (fləˈdʒIʃəs)   adj   atrociously wicked; vicious; outrageous [C14: from Latin flāgitiōsus infamous, from flāgitium a shameful act; related to Latin flagrum whip]   > flaˈgitiously adv   > flaˈgitiousness n

flagon (ˈflæɡən)   n   1 a large bottle of wine, cider, etc   2 a vessel having a handle, spout, and narrow neck [C15: from Old French flascon, from Late Latin flascō, probably of Germanic origin; see FLASK]

flagrant (ˈfleIɡrənt)   adj   1 openly outrageous   2 obsolete burning or blazing [C15: from Latin flagrāre to blaze, burn]   > ˈflagrancy, ˈflagrance or ˈflagrantness n   > ˈflagrantly adv

flagrante delicto (fləˈɡræntI dIˈlIktəʊ)   adv   See in flagrante delicto

flags (flæɡz)   pl n   rare the long feathers on the leg of a hawk or falcon

Flagstad (ˈflæɡstæd; Norwegian ˈflaksta)   n   Kirsten (ˈçirstən). 1895–1962, Norwegian operatic soprano, noted particularly for her interpretations of Wagner

flagstone (ˈflæɡˌstəʊn) or flag   n   1 a hard fine-textured rock, such as a sandstone or shale, that can be split up into slabs for paving   2 a slab of such a rock [C15 flag (in the sense: sod, turf), from Old Norse flaga slab; compare Old English flæcg plaster, poultice]

Flaherty (ˈflæhətI)   n   Robert (Joseph). 1884–1951, US film director, a pioneer of documentary film; his work includes Nanook of the North (1922) and Elephant Boy (1935)

flail (fleIl)   n   1 an implement used for threshing grain, consisting of a wooden handle with a free-swinging metal or wooden bar attached to it   2 a weapon so shaped used in the Middle Ages   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to beat or thrash with or as if with a flail   4 to move or be moved like a flail; thresh about: with arms flailing [C12 fleil, ultimately from Late Latin flagellum flail, from Latin: whip]

flair^1 (flɛə)   n   1 natural ability; talent; aptitude   2 instinctive discernment; perceptiveness   3 stylishness or elegance; dash: to dress with flair   4 hunting rare   a the scent left by quarry   b the sense of smell of a hound [C19: from French, literally: sense of smell, from Old French: scent, from flairier to give off a smell, ultimately from Latin frāgrāre to smell sweet; see FRAGRANT]

flair^2 (fleIr)   n   a Scot word for floor

flak or flack (flæk)   n   1 anti-aircraft fire or artillery   2 informal a great deal of adverse criticism [C20: from German Fl(ieger)a(bwehr)k(anone), literally: aircraft defence gun]

■ flak jacket   n   a reinforced sleeveless jacket for protection against gunfire or shrapnel worn by soldiers, policemen, etc

flake^1 (fleIk)   n   1 a small thin piece or layer chipped off or detached from an object or substance; scale   2 a small piece or particle: a flake of snow   3 a thin layer or stratum   4 archaeol   a a fragment removed by chipping or hammering from a larger stone used as a tool or weapon. See also blade   b (as modifier): flake tool   5 slang, chiefly US an eccentric or unreliable person   ▷ vb   6 to peel or cause to peel off in flakes; chip   7 to cover or become covered with or as with flakes   8 (tr) to form into flakes [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flak disc, Middle Dutch vlacken to flutter]   > ˈflaker n

■ flake out   vb (intr, adverb)   informal to collapse or fall asleep as through extreme exhaustion

■ flake white   n   a pigment made from flakes of white lead

■ flakies (ˈfleIkIz)   pl n   dandruff

■ flaky or flakey (ˈfleIkI)   adj flakier, flakiest   1 like or made of flakes   2 tending to peel off or break easily into flakes   3 US slang eccentric; crazy   > ˈflakily adv   > ˈflakiness n

■ flaky pastry   n   a rich pastry in the form of very thin layers, used for making pies, small cakes, etc

flake^2 (fleIk)   n   a rack or platform for drying fish or other produce [C14: from Old Norse flaki; related to Dutch vlaak hurdle]

flake^3 (fleIk)   vb   nautical another word for fake^1

flake^4 (fleIk)   n   (in Australia) the commercial name for the meat of the gummy shark

flam^1 (flæm) chiefly dialect   n   1 a falsehood, deception, or sham   2 nonsense; drivel   ▷ vb flams, flamming, flammed   3 (tr) to cheat or deceive [C16: probably short for FLIMFLAM]

flam^2 (flæm)   n   a drumbeat in which both sticks strike the head almost simultaneously but are heard to do so separately [C18: probably imitative of the sound]

flambé or flambée (ˈflɑːmbeI, ˈflæm-; French flɑ̃be)   adj   1 (of food, such as steak or pancakes) served in flaming brandy   ▷ vb -béing, -béeing, -béd, -béed   2 (tr) to pour brandy over (food) and ignite it [French, past participle of flamber to FLAME]

flambeau (ˈflæmbəʊ)   n, pl -beaux (-bəʊ, -bəʊz) or -beaus   1 a burning torch, as used in night processions   2 a large ornamental candlestick [C17: from Old French: torch, literally: a little flame, from flambe FLAME]

Flamborough Head (ˈflæmbərə, -brə)   n   a chalk promontory in NE England, on the coast of the East Riding of Yorkshire

flamboyant (flæmˈbɔIənt)   adj   1 elaborate or extravagant; florid; showy   2 rich or brilliant in colour; resplendent   3 exuberant or ostentatious   4 of, denoting, or relating to the French Gothic style of architecture characterized by flamelike tracery and elaborate carving   ▷ n   5 Also called: flamboyante. another name for royal poinciana [C19: from French: flaming, from flamboyer to FLAME]   > flamˈboyance or flamˈboyancy n   > flamˈboyantly adv

flame (fleIm)   n   1 a hot usually luminous body of burning gas often containing small incandescent particles, typically emanating in flickering streams from burning material or produced by a jet of ignited gas   2 (often plural) the state or condition of burning with flames: to burst into flames   3 a brilliant light; fiery glow   4    a a strong reddish-orange colour   b (as adjective): a flame carpet   5 intense passion or ardour; burning emotion   6 informal a lover or sweetheart (esp in the phrase an old flame)   7 informal an abusive message posted online or sent by electronic mail, esp to express anger or criticism   ▷ vb   8 to burn or cause to burn brightly; give off or cause to give off flame   9 (intr) to burn or glow as if with fire; become red or fiery: his face flamed with anger   10 (intr) to show great emotion; become angry or excited   11 (tr) to apply a flame to (something)   12 (tr) archaic to set on fire, either physically or with emotion   13 informal to post an abusive comment online or send an abusive email [C14: from Anglo-French flaume, from Old French flambe, modification of flamble, from Latin flammula a little flame, from flamma flame]   > ˈflameless adj   > ˈflamelet n   > ˈflameˌlike adj   > ˈflamer n   > ˈflamy adj

■ flame-arc light   n   electrical engineering an arc light that uses flame carbons to colour the arc

■ flame carbon   n   electrical engineering a carbon electrode containing metallic salts that colour the arc in a flame-arc light

■ flame cell   n   an organ of excretion in flatworms: a hollow cup-shaped cell containing a bunch of cilia, whose movement draws in waste products and wafts them to the outside through a connecting tubule

■ flame-coloured   adj   having a strong reddish-orange colour

■ flame cutting   n   engineering a method of cutting ferrous metals in which the metal is heated by a torch to about 800°C and is oxidized by a stream of oxygen from the torch

■ flame gun   n   a type of flame-thrower for destroying garden weeds

■ flame hardening   n   engineering the surface hardening of ferrous metals by heating the metal with an oxyacetylene flame followed by rapid cooling

■ flame lamp   n   electrical engineering a filament lamp in which the bulb resembles the shape of a flame

■ flame-of-the-forest   n   1 (esp in Malaysia) another name for royal poinciana   2 a leguminous tree, Butea frondosa, native to E India and Myanmar, having hanging clusters of scarlet flowers

■ flameout (ˈfleImˌaʊt)   n   1 the failure of an aircraft jet engine in flight due to extinction of the flame   2 a complete failure   ▷ vb flame out (adverb)   3 (of a jet engine) to fail in flight or to cause (a jet engine) to fail in flight

■ flameproof (ˈfleImˌpruːf)   adj   1 not liable to catch fire or be damaged by fire   2 (of electrical apparatus) designed so that an internal explosion will not ignite external flammable gas

■ flameproofer (ˈfleImˌpruːfə)   n   any agent which renders something flameproof

■ flame-red   adj   of a bright orange-red colour

■ flame-retardant   adj   (of a substance or material) having the effect of slowing down the spread of fire

■ flame retarder   n   a material that, while not incombustible, does not itself maintain combustion without an external heat source and therefore retards the spread of fire

■ flame test   n   a test for detecting the presence of certain metals in compounds by the coloration they give to a flame. Sodium, for example, turns a flame yellow

■ flame-thrower   n   a weapon that ejects a stream or spray of burning fluid

■ flame tree   n   any of various tropical trees with red or orange flowers, such as flame-of-the-forest

■ flaming (ˈfleImIŋ)   adj   1 burning with or emitting flames   2 glowing brightly; brilliant   3 intense or ardent; vehement; passionate: a flaming temper   4 informal (intensifier): you flaming idiot   5 an obsolete word for flagrant   > ˈflamingly adv

flamen (ˈfleImɛn)   n, pl flamens or flamines (ˈflæmIˌniːz)   (in ancient Rome) any of 15 priests who each served a particular deity [C14: from Latin; probably related to Old English blōtan to sacrifice, Gothic blotan to worship]

■ flaminical (fləˈmInIkəl)   adj   theol relating to a flamen

flamenco (fləˈmɛŋkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   1 a type of dance music for vocal soloist and guitar, characterized by elaborate melody and sad mood   2 the dance performed to such music [from Spanish: like a gipsy, literally: Fleming, from Middle Dutch Vlaminc Fleming]

flamfew (ˈflæmˌfjuː)   n   archaic a gaudy ornament, a dazzling trifle, something pretty and of little value

flamingo (fləˈmIŋɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos or -goes   1 any large wading bird of the family Phoenicopteridae, having a pink-and-red plumage and downward-bent bill and inhabiting brackish lakes: order Ciconiiformes   2    a a reddish-orange colour   b (as adjective): flamingo gloves [C16: from Portuguese flamengo, from Provençal flamenc, from Latin flamma flame + Germanic suffix -ing denoting descent from or membership of; compare -ING^3]

Flamininus (ˌflæmIˈnaInəs)   n   Titus Quinctius (ˈtaItəs ˈkwIŋktIəs). ?230–?174 BC, Roman general and statesman: defeated Macedonia (197) and proclaimed the independence of the Greek states (196)

Flaminius (fləˈmInIəs)   n   Gaius (ˈɡaIəs). died 217 BC, Roman statesman and general: built the Flaminian Way; defeated by Hannibal at Trasimene (217)

■ Flaminian Way (fləˈmInIən)   n   an ancient road in Italy, extending north from Rome to Rimini: constructed in 220 BC by Gaius Flaminius. Length: over 322 km (200 miles). Latin name: Via Flaminia

flammable (ˈflæməbəl)   adj   liable to catch fire; readily combustible; inflammable   > ˌflammaˈbility n

USAGE

Flammable and inflammable are interchangeable when used of the properties of materials. Flammable is, however, often preferred for warning labels as there is less likelihood of misunderstanding (inflammable being sometimes taken to mean not flammable). Inflammable is preferred in figurative contexts: this could prove to be an inflammable situation

flammiferous (flæˈmIfərəs)   adj   formal flame-producing

flammule (ˈflæmjuːl)   n   1 a small flame   2 a flame-shaped edging on a flag, a flame-shaped flag   3 zoology a small flame-shaped marking on a mollusc shell

■ flammulated (ˈflæmjʊˌleItId)   adj   reddish in colour

■ flammulation (ˌflæmjʊˈleIʃən)   n   a small flame-shaped marking, esp those seen on some birds

Flamsteed (ˈflæmˌstiːd)   n   John. 1646–1719, English astronomer: the first Astronomer Royal and first director of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich (1675). He increased the accuracy of existing stellar catalogues, greatly aiding navigation

flan (flæn)   n   1 an open pastry or sponge tart filled with fruit or a savoury mixture   2 a piece of metal ready to receive the die or stamp in the production of coins; shaped blank; planchet [C19: from French, from Old French flaon, from Late Latin fladō flat cake, of Germanic origin]

Flanagan (ˈflænIɡən)   n   Richard (Miller). born 1961, Australian writer. His novels include Wanting (2008) and the 2014 Booker prizewinner The Narrow Road to the Deep North

flancard (ˈflænkəd)   n   1 a piece of armour covering a horse's flank   2 a piece of armour covering a soldier's thigh

flanch (flæntʃ)   n   a variant of flaunch

flanconade (ˌflæŋkəˈneId)   n   in fencing, a thrust in the side

Flanders (ˈflɑːndəz)   n   a powerful medieval principality in the SW part of the Low Countries, now in the Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders, the Netherlands province of Zeeland, and the French department of the Nord; scene of battles in many wars

■ Flanders poppy   n   another name for corn poppy

flane (flæn)   vb   (intr) to walk idly; saunter

flânerie French (flɑnri)   n   aimless strolling or lounging; idleness [C19: from flâner to stroll, dawdle, ultimately from Old Norse flana to wander about]

■ flâneur French (flɑnœr)   n   an idler or loafer [C19: see FLÂNERIE]

flange (flændʒ)   n   1 a projecting disc-shaped collar or rim on an object for locating or strengthening it or for attaching it to another object   2 a flat outer face of a rolled-steel joist, esp of an I- or H-beam   3 a tool for forming a flange   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to attach or provide (a component) with a flange   5 (intr) to take the form of a flange [C17: probably changed from earlier flaunche curved segment at side of a heraldic field, from French flanc FLANK]   > flanged adj   > ˈflangeless adj   > ˈflanger n

■ flange coupling   n   engineering a driving coupling between rotating shafts that consists of flanges (or half couplings) one of which is fixed at the end of each shaft, the two flanges being bolted together with a ring of bolts to complete the drive

■ flanged rail   n   another name for flat-bottomed rail

■ flanging (ˈflændʒIŋ)   n   an audio effect that results when the same signal is played from two sources with a minute but variable time delay between them

flank (flæŋk)   n   1 the side of a human or animal between the ribs and the hip   2 (loosely) the outer part of the human thigh   3 a cut of beef from the flank   4 the side of anything, such as a mountain or building   5 the side of a naval or military formation   ▷ vb   6 (when intr, often foll by on or upon) to be located at the side of (an object, building, etc)   7 military to position or guard on or beside the flank of (a formation, etc)   8 military to move past or go round (a flank) [C12: from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin]

■ flanken (ˈflæŋkən, ˈflɑːŋkən)   n   1 a cut of meat, also known as short ribs of beef   2 a dish made from this cut of beef

■ flanker (ˈflæŋkə)   n   1 one of a detachment of soldiers detailed to guard the flanks, esp of a formation   2 a projecting fortification, used esp to protect or threaten a flank   3 rugby a wing forward

flannel (ˈflænəl)   n   1 a soft light woollen fabric with a slight nap, used for clothing   2 (plural) trousers or other garments made of flannel   3 See cotton flannel   4 Brit a small piece of cloth used to wash the face and hands; face cloth. US and Canadian equivalent: washcloth   5 Brit informal indirect or evasive talk; deceiving flattery   ▷ vb -nels, -nelling, -nelled, US -nels, -neling, -neled (tr)   6 to cover or wrap with flannel   7 to rub, clean, or polish with flannel   8 Brit informal to talk evasively to; flatter in order to mislead [C14: probably variant of flanen sackcloth, from Welsh gwlanen woollen fabric, from gwlân wool]   > ˈflannelly adj

■ flannelboard (ˈflænəlˌbɔːd) or flannelgraph (ˈflænəlˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   a visual aid used in teaching consisting of a board covered with flannel to which pictures, diagrams, etc will stick when pressed on

■ flannelette or flannelet (ˌflænəˈlɛt)   n   a cotton imitation of flannel

■ flannel flower   n   any Australian plant of the umbelliferous genus Actinotus having white flannel-like bracts beneath the flowers

■ flannelled (ˈflænəld)   adj Brit   1 dressed in flannel trousers   2 flannelled fool derogatory a cricketer

■ flannelmouthed (ˈflænəlˌmaʊðd)   adj US   1 speaking indistinctly and in a muffled way   2 speaking too loudly or too much

■ flannels (ˈflænəlz)   pl n   trousers made of flannel

■ flannen (ˈflænən)   adj   made of flannel

Flannery (ˈflænərI)   n   Tim, full name Timothy Fridtjof Flannery. born 1956, Australian zoologist, palaeontologist and environmentalist. His books include The Weather Makers (2006)

flanny or flannie (ˈflænI)   n, pl flannies   Austral slang a garment made of flannel or flannelette

flap (flæp)   vb flaps, flapping, flapped   1 to move (wings or arms) up and down, esp in or as if in flying, or (of wings or arms) to move in this way   2 to move or cause to move noisily back and forth or up and down: the curtains flapped in the breeze   3 (intr) informal to become agitated or flustered; panic   4 to deal (a person or thing) a blow with a broad flexible object   5 (tr; sometimes foll by down) to toss, fling, slam, etc, abruptly or noisily   6 (tr) phonetics to pronounce (an (r) sound) by allowing the tongue to give a single light tap against the alveolar ridge or uvula   ▷ n   7 the action, motion, or noise made by flapping: with one flap of its wings the bird was off   8 a piece of material, etc, attached at one edge and usually used to cover an opening, as on a tent, envelope, or pocket   9 a blow dealt with a flat object; slap   10 a movable surface fixed to the trailing edge of an aircraft wing that increases lift during takeoff and drag during landing   11 surgery a piece of tissue partially connected to the body, either following an amputation or to be used as a graft   12 informal a state of panic, distress, or agitation   13 phonetics an (r) produced by allowing the tongue to give a single light tap against the alveolar ridge or uvula [C14: probably of imitative origin]

■ flapdoodle (ˈflæpˌduːdəl)   n   slang foolish talk; nonsense [C19: of unknown origin]

■ flaperon (ˈflæpəˌrɒn)   n   a control flap on an aircraft wing

■ flapjack (ˈflæpˌdʒæk)   n   1 a chewy biscuit made with rolled oats   2 US, Canadian and NZ another word for pancake [C17: from FLAP (in the sense: toss) + JACK^1]

■ flapless (ˈflæpləs)   adj   not having a flap or flaps

■ flappable (ˈflæpəbəl)   adj   1 informal easily upset or agitated   2 (of wings) able to be flapped

■ flapper (ˈflæpə)   n   1 a person or thing that flaps   2 (in the 1920s) a young woman, esp one flaunting her unconventional dress and behaviour

■ flapperhood (ˈflæpəˌhʊd)   n   informal (in the 1920s) the condition of flappers, the state of being a flapper

■ flapperish (ˈflæpərIʃ)   adj   in the style of a flapper

■ flappy (ˈflæpI)   adj -pier, -piest   1 loose; flapping; tending to flap   2 dialect giddy; unsteady

■ flaptrack (ˈflæpˌtræk)   n   (in an aircraft wing) a track along which the wing flap runs when it is being deployed

flare (flɛə)   vb   1 to burn or cause to burn with an unsteady or sudden bright flame   2 to spread or cause to spread outwards from a narrow to a wider shape   3 (tr) to make a conspicuous display of   4 to increase the temperature of (a molten metal or alloy) until a gaseous constituent of the melt burns with a characteristic flame or (of a molten metal or alloy) to show such a flame   5 (tr; sometimes foll by off) (in the oil industry) to burn off (unwanted gas) at an oil well   ▷ n   6 an unsteady flame   7 a sudden burst of flame   8    a a blaze of light or fire used to illuminate, identify, alert, signal distress, etc   b the device producing such a blaze   9 a spreading shape or anything with a spreading shape: a skirt with a flare   10 a sudden outburst, as of emotion   11 optics   a the unwanted light reaching the image region of an optical device by reflections inside the instrument, etc   b the fogged area formed on a negative by such reflections. See also solar flare   12 astronomy short for solar flare   13 aeronautics the final transition phase of an aircraft landing, from the steady descent path to touchdown   14 an open flame used to burn off unwanted gas at an oil well [C16 (to spread out): of unknown origin]   > flared adj

■ flareback (ˈflɛəˌbæk)   n   1 a flame ignited in the breech of a gun when the gun is fired, caused by the burning of residual flammable gases   2 US a negative, often unexpected, consequence of an action   3 a brief return to a negative state after a marked improvement

■ flare path   n   an airstrip illuminated for use at night or in bad weather

■ flares (flɛəz)   pl n   informal trousers with legs that widen below the knee

■ flare star   n   a red dwarf star in which outbursts, thought to be analogous to solar flares, occur, increasing the luminosity by several magnitudes in a few minutes

■ flare-up   n   1 a sudden burst of fire or light   2 informal a sudden burst of emotion or violence   ▷ vb flare up (intr, adverb)   3 to burst suddenly into fire or light   4 informal to burst into anger

■ flaringly (ˈflɛərIŋlI)   adv   in a flaring manner

■ flary (ˈflɛərI)   adj -rier, -riest   1 dazzling; gaudy; flashy   2 informal (of clothing) flared; flaring outwards in shape

flaser (ˈflɑːzə)   n   geology a type of pattern or structure in sedimentary rock, caused by intermittent flows within the rock and characterized by alternate layers of larger particles and fine particles

flash (flæʃ)   n   1 a sudden short blaze of intense light or flame: a flash of sunlight   2 a sudden occurrence or display, esp one suggestive of brilliance: a flash of understanding   3 a very brief space of time: over in a flash   4 an ostentatious display: a flash of her diamonds   5 Also called: newsflash a short news announcement concerning a new event   6 Also called: patch chiefly Brit an insignia or emblem worn on a uniform, vehicle, etc, to identify its military formation   7 a patch of bright colour on a dark background, such as light marking on an animal   8 a volatile mixture of inorganic salts used to produce a glaze on bricks or tiles   9    a a sudden rush of water down a river or watercourse   b a device, such as a sluice, for producing such a rush   10 photog informal short for flashlight (sense 2), flash photography   11 a ridge of thin metal or plastic formed on a moulded object by the extrusion of excess material between dies   12 Yorkshire and Lancashire dialect a pond, esp one produced as a consequence of subsidence   13 (modifier) involving, using, or produced by a flash of heat, light, etc: flash blindness; flash distillation   14 flash in the pan a project, person, etc, that enjoys only short-lived success, notoriety, etc   ▷ adj   15 informal ostentatious or vulgar   16 informal of or relating to gamblers and followers of boxing and racing   17 sham or counterfeit   18 informal relating to or characteristic of the criminal underworld   19 brief and rapid: flash freezing   ▷ vb   20 to burst or cause to burst suddenly or intermittently into flame   21 to emit or reflect or cause to emit or reflect light suddenly or intermittently   22 (intr) to move very fast: he flashed by on his bicycle   23 (intr) to come rapidly (into the mind or vision)   24 (intr; foll by out or up) to appear like a sudden light: his anger really flashes out at times   25    a to signal or communicate very fast: to flash a message   b to signal by use of a light, such as car headlights   26 (tr) informal to display ostentatiously: to flash money around   27 (tr) informal to show suddenly and briefly   28 (intr) Brit slang to expose oneself indecently   29 (tr) to cover (a roof) with flashing   30 to send a sudden rush of water down (a river, etc), or to carry (a vessel) down by this method   31 (in the making of glass) to coat (glass) with a thin layer of glass of a different colour   32 (tr) to subject to a brief pulse of heat or radiation   33 (tr) to change (a liquid) to a gas by causing it to hit a hot surface   34 obsolete to splash or dash (water) [C14 (in the sense: to rush, as of water): of unknown origin]

■ flashback (ˈflæʃˌbæk)   n   1 a transition in a novel, film, etc, to an earlier scene or event   ▷ vb flash back   2 (intr, adverb) to return in a novel, film, etc, to a past event

■ flashbang (ˈflæʃˌbæŋ)   n   same as stun grenade

■ flashboard (ˈflæʃˌbɔːd)   n   a board or boarding that is placed along the top of a dam to increase its height and capacity. Also called: stop log, stop plank

■ flashbulb (ˈflæʃˌbʌlb)   n   photog a small expendable glass light bulb formerly used to produce a bright flash of light. Also called: photoflash. Compare electronic flash

■ flashbulb memory   n   psychol the clear recollections that a person may have of the circumstances associated with a dramatic event

■ flash burn   n   pathol a burn caused by momentary exposure to intense radiant heat

■ flashcard (ˈflæʃˌkɑːd)   n   a card on which are written or printed words for children to look at briefly, used as an aid to learning

■ flashcube (ˈflæʃkjuːb)   n   a cube-shaped device containing four flashbulbs for use with a camera

■ flash drive   n   a pocket-sized portable computer hard drive and data storage device. See also key drive, pen drive, thumb drive, USB drive

■ flash eliminator or flash suppressor   n   a device fitted to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce the flash made by the ignited propellant gases

■ flasher (ˈflæʃə)   n   1 something that flashes, such as a direction indicator on a vehicle   2 Brit slang a man who indecently exposes himself

■ flash fiction   n   a genre of fiction in which stories are characterized by extreme brevity

■ flash flood   n   a sudden short-lived torrent, usually caused by a heavy storm, esp in desert regions

■ flashforward (ˈflæʃˌfɔːwəd)   n   a transition in a novel, film, etc, to a scene or event in the future

■ flash-fry   vb -fries, -frying, -fried (tr)   to fry something very quickly by placing it in a pan on a very high heat

■ flashgun (ˈflæʃˌɡʌn)   n   a type of electronic flash, attachable to or sometimes incorporated in a camera, that emits a very brief flash of light when the shutter is open

■ flashing (ˈflæʃIŋ)   n   a weatherproof material, esp thin sheet metal, used to cover the valleys between the slopes of a roof, the junction between a chimney and a roof, etc

■ flashlamp (ˈflæʃˌlæmp)   n   an electric lamp, usually containing xenon or another noble gas, used to produce a brief flash or pulsed flashes of intense light, such as that used in a camera flash

■ flashlight (ˈflæʃˌlaIt)   n   1 chiefly US and Canadian a small portable electric lamp powered by one or more dry batteries. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): torch   2 photog the brief bright light emitted by an electronic flash unit. Sometimes shortened to: flash   3 chiefly US and Canadian a light that flashes, used for signalling, in a lighthouse, etc

■ flash mob   n   a group of people coordinated by email and social media to meet to perform some predetermined action at a particular place and time and then disperse quickly   > ˈflashˌmobbing n

■ flashover (ˈflæʃˌəʊvə)   n   1 an electric discharge over or around the surface of an insulator   2 the sudden and rapid spread of fire through the air, caused by the ignition of smoke or fumes from surrounding objects

■ flashpacker (ˈflæʃˌpækə)   n   informal a backpacker who has a considerable disposable income [C21: from FLASH (sense 15) + (BACK)PACKER]

■ flash photography   n   photography in which a flashbulb or electronic flash is used to provide momentary illumination of a dark or insufficiently lit subject

■ flash photolysis   n   physics a technique for producing and investigating free radicals. A low-pressure gas is subjected to a flash of radiation to produce the radicals, subsequent flashes being used to identify them and assess their lifetimes by absorption spectroscopy

■ flashpoint (ˈflæʃpɔInt) or flashing point   n   1 the lowest temperature at which the vapour above a liquid can be ignited in air   2 a critical moment beyond which a situation will inevitably erupt into violence: the political mood has reached flashpoint

■ flash set   n   civil engineering undesirably rapid setting of cement in concrete

■ flash smelting   n   a smelting process for sulphur-containing ores in which the dried and powdered ore, mixed with oxygen, is ignited on discharge from a nozzle, melts, and drops to the bottom of a settling chamber. Sulphur is released mainly in its solid form, thus reducing atmospheric pollution

■ flashtube (ˈflæʃˌtjuːb)   n   electrical the gas-discharge tube used in a flashlamp

■ flashy (ˈflæʃI)   adj flashier, flashiest   1 brilliant and dazzling, esp for a short time or in a superficial way   2 cheap and ostentatious   > ˈflashily adv   > ˈflashiness n

flask (flɑːsk)   n   1 a bottle with a narrow neck, esp used in a laboratory or for wine, oil, etc   2 Also called: hip flask a small flattened container of glass or metal designed to be carried in a pocket, esp for liquor   3 See powder flask   4 a container packed with sand to form a mould in a foundry   5 See vacuum flask   6 Also called: cask, coffin engineering a container used for transporting irradiated nuclear fuel [C14: from Old French flasque, flaske, from Medieval Latin flasca, flasco, perhaps of Germanic origin; compare Old English flasce, flaxe]

■ flasket (ˈflɑːskIt)   n   1 a long shallow basket   2 a small flask [C15: from Old French flasquet a little FLASK]

flat^1 (flæt)   adj flatter, flattest   1 horizontal; level: flat ground; a flat roof   2 even or smooth, without projections or depressions: a flat surface   3 lying stretched out at full length; prostrate: he lay flat on the ground   4 having little depth or thickness; shallow: a flat dish   5 (postpositive; often foll by against) having a surface or side in complete contact with another surface: flat against the wall   6 spread out, unrolled, or levelled   7 (of a tyre) deflated, either partially or completely   8 (of shoes) having an unraised or only slightly raised heel   9 chiefly Brit   a (of races, racetracks, or racecourses) not having obstacles to be jumped   b of, relating to, or connected with flat racing as opposed to steeplechasing and hurdling: flat jockeys earn more   10 without qualification; total: a flat denial   11 without possibility of change; fixed: a flat rate   12 (prenominal or immediately postpositive) neither more nor less; exact: he did the journey in thirty minutes flat; a flat thirty minutes   13 unexciting or lacking point or interest: a flat joke   14 without variation or resonance; monotonous: a flat voice   15 (of food) stale or tasteless   16 (of beer, sparkling wines, etc) having lost effervescence, as by exposure to air   17 (of trade, business, a market, etc) commercially inactive; sluggish   18 (of a battery) fully discharged; dead   19 (of a print, photograph, or painting) lacking contrast or shading between tones   20 (of paint) without gloss or lustre; matt   21 (of a painting) lacking perspective   22 (of lighting) diffuse   23 music   a (immediately postpositive) denoting a note of a given letter name (or the sound it represents) that has been lowered in pitch by one chromatic semitone: B flat   b (of an instrument, voice, etc) out of tune by being too low in pitch. Compare sharp (sense 12)   24 phonetics another word for lenis   25 flat a phonetics the vowel sound of a as in the usual US or S Brit pronunciation of hand, cat, usually represented by the symbol (æ)   ▷ adv   26 in or into a prostrate, level, or flat state or position: he held his hand out flat   27 completely or utterly; absolutely: he went flat against the rules   28 exactly; precisely: in three minutes flat   29 music   a lower than a standard pitch   b too low in pitch: she sings flat. Compare sharp (sense 18)   30 fall flat to fail to achieve a desired effect, etc   31 flat out informal   a with the maximum speed or effort   b totally exhausted   ▷ n   32 a flat object, surface, or part   33 (often plural) a low-lying tract of land, esp a marsh or swamp   34 (often plural) a mud bank exposed at low tide   35 music   a an accidental that lowers the pitch of the following note by one chromatic semitone. Usual symbol: ♭   b a note affected by this accidental. Compare sharp (sense 19)   36 theatre a rectangular wooden frame covered with painted canvas, etc, used to form part of a stage setting   37 a punctured car tyre   38 the flat chiefly Brit (often capital)   a flat racing, esp as opposed to steeplechasing and hurdling   b the season of flat racing   39 nautical a flatboat or lighter   40 US and Canadian a shallow box or container, used for holding plants, growing seedlings, etc   ▷ vb flats, flatting, flatted   41 to make or become flat   42 music the usual US word for flatten (sense 3) [C14: from Old Norse flatr; related to Old High German flaz flat, Greek platus flat, broad]   > ˈflatly adv   > ˈflatness n

■ flatback (ˈflætˌbæk)   n   1 a short name for the flatback turtle, Natator depressa, which is native to Australasia and characterized by the flatness of its back   2 med a short name for flatback syndrome, a condition in which curvature has been lost from the spine   ▷ adj   3 having a flat back, defined or characterized by the flatness of the back

■ flatbed (ˈflætbɛd)   n   1 a flat carrying area on a truck, trailer, etc   2 short for flatbed lorry

■ flatbed lorry   n   a lorry with a flat platform for its body

■ flatbed press   n   a printing machine on which the type forme is carried on a flat bed under a revolving paper-bearing cylinder. Also called: cylinder press

■ flatbed scanner   n   a computer-controlled device which electronically scans images placed on its flat plate, allowing them to be stored in digital form

■ flatbed truck   n   a truck with a flat platform for its body

■ flatboat (ˈflætˌbəʊt)   n   any boat with a flat bottom, usually for transporting goods on a canal or river

■ flat-bottomed rail   n   railways a rail having a cross section like an inverted T, with the top extremity enlarged slightly to form the head. Also called: flanged rail

■ flatbread (ˈflætˌbrɛd)   n   a type of thin unleavened bread

■ flat cap or flatcap (ˈflætˈkæp)   n   1 another name for cloth cap (sense 1)   2 an Elizabethan man's hat with a narrow down-turned brim

■ flatcar (ˈflætˌkɑː)   n   US a railroad car without raised sides or ends

■ flat-chested   adj   having a small and not-prominent bosom

■ flat-coated retriever   n   a medium-sized variety of retriever having a dense flat black or liver-coloured coat with feathered legs and tail

■ flat dog   n   Austral another name for crocodile

■ flat-earther   n   informal a person who does not accept or is out of touch with the realities of modern life

■ flatfish (ˈflætˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any marine spiny-finned fish of the order Heterosomata, including the halibut, plaice, turbot, and sole, all of which (when adult) swim along the sea floor on one side of the body, which is highly compressed and has both eyes on the uppermost side

■ flatfoot (ˈflætˌfʊt)   n   1 Also called: splayfoot a condition in which the entire sole of the foot is able to touch the ground because of flattening of the instep arch   2 (pl -foots or -feet) a slang word (usually derogatory) for a policeman

■ flat-footed (ˌflætˈfʊtId)   adj   1 having flatfoot   2 Brit informal   a clumsy or awkward   b downright and uncompromising   3 informal off guard or unawares (often in the phrase catch flat-footed)   > ˌflat-ˈfootedly adv   > ˌflat-ˈfootedness n

■ flatform (ˈflætfɔːm)   n   1 a thick, level sole on a shoe   2 (as modifier): flatform shoes [C20: blend of FLAT^1 and PLATFORM]

■ flathead (ˈflætˌhɛd)   n, pl -head or -heads   any Pacific scorpaenoid food fish of the family Platycephalidae, which resemble gurnards

■ flatiron (ˈflætˌaIən)   n   (formerly) an iron for pressing clothes that was heated by being placed on a stove, etc

■ flat knot   n   another name for reef knot

■ flatland (ˈflætˌlænd)   n   an area of land notable for its levelness or flatness

■ flatlander (ˈflætˌlændə)   n   US derogatory a term used in various hilly or mountainous regions of North America, particularly Vermont, to denote an outsider

■ flatline (ˈflætˌlaIn)   vb (intr) informal   1 to die or be so near death that the display of one's vital signs on medical monitoring equipment shows a flat line rather than peaks and troughs   2 to remain at a continuous low level

■ flatliner (ˈflætˌlaInə)   n   1 informal a person whose cardiac or brain activity registers as a flatline, and who is therefore dead   2 a cocktail containing sambuca, tequila and Tabasco sauce

■ flatling (ˈflætlIŋ) archaic or dialect   adv   1 in a flat or prostrate position   ▷ adj, adv   2 with the flat side, as of a sword. Also (for adv): flatlings

■ flatlong (ˈflætˌlɒŋ)   adv archaic   1 prostrate, flat side down   2 with or along the flat side; with the flat sides together

■ flat-out   adj informal   1 done at maximum speed   2 US downright; complete and utter   ▷ adv   3 US simply; completely and utterly

■ flat pack or flatpack   n   Brit a piece of furniture, equipment or other construction supplied in pieces packed into a flat box for assembly by the buyer

■ flat-pack   adj   (of a piece of furniture, equipment, or other construction) supplied in pieces packed into a flat box for assembly by the buyer

■ flat-packed   adj   Brit (of a piece of furniture, equipment, or other construction) supplied in pieces packed into a flat box for assembly by the buyer

■ flatpick (ˈflætˌpIk)   n   1 a plectrum   ▷ vb   2 to play (a guitar, banjo, etc) by plucking individual strings with a plectrum

■ flat racing   n     a the racing of horses on racecourses without jumps   b (as modifier): the flat-racing season

■ flats (flæts) or flatties (ˈflætIz)   pl n   shoes with flat heels or no heels

■ flatscreen (ˈflætˌskriːn)   n     a a slimline television set or computer monitor with a flat screen   b (as modifier): a flatscreen television

■ flat-share   n   1 the state of living in a flat where each occupant shares the facilities and expenses   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to live in a flat with other people who are not relatives

■ flat spin   n   1 an aircraft spin in which the longitudinal axis is more nearly horizontal than vertical   2 informal a state of confusion; dither

■ flat spot   n   1 engineering a region of poor acceleration over a narrow range of throttle openings, caused by a weak mixture in the carburettor   2 any narrow region of poor performance in a mechanical device

■ flatstick (ˈflætˌstik)   adv South African slang   with great speed or effort

■ flatten (ˈflætən)   vb   1 (sometimes foll by out) to make or become flat or flatter   2 (tr) informal   a to knock down or injure; prostrate   b to crush or subdue: failure will flatten his self-esteem   3 (tr) music to lower the pitch of (a note) by one chromatic semitone. Usual US word: flat   4 (intr; foll by out) to manoeuvre an aircraft into horizontal flight, esp after a dive   > ˈflattener n

■ flattie (ˈflætI)   n   NZ informal a flounder or other flatfish

■ flatting (ˈflætIŋ)   n   1 metallurgy the process of flattening metal into a sheet by rolling   2 NZ the practice of sharing a house with people who are not members of one's own family   ▷ vb   3 NZ to leave the parental home and live independently in a flat, usually with people of the same age group

■ flattish (ˈflætIʃ)   adj   somewhat flat

■ flattop (ˈflætˌtɒp)   n   US an informal name for aircraft carrier

■ flat top   n   a style of haircut in which the hair is cut shortest on the top of the head so that it stands up from the scalp and appears flat from the crown to the forehead

■ flat-track bully informal   n   a sportsperson who dominates inferior opposition, but who cannot beat top-level opponents

■ flat tuning   n   the condition of a radio receiver that does not discriminate sharply between signals on different frequencies

■ flatty (ˈflætI)   n, pl flatties informal   1 a flat shoe; a shoe without heels   2 a flathead fish   3 a flat-bottomed boat   4 dialect, slang a policeman

■ flatware (ˈflætˌwɛə)   n US and Canadian   1 cutlery   2 any relatively flat tableware such as plates, saucers, etc. Compare hollowware

■ flatwash (ˈflætˌwɒʃ)   n   1 an area of solid colour, whether in artwork or scenery   2 the act of painting something all one colour   ▷ adj   3 used for the purpose of creating a flatwash of colour

■ flatways (ˈflætˌweIz) or US flatwise   adv   with the flat or broad side down or in contact with another surface

■ flat white   n   a drink prepared by pouring steamed milk over espresso coffee

■ flatwork (ˈflætˌwɜːk) or flatwash (ˈflætˌwɒʃ)   n   laundry that can be ironed mechanically

■ flatworm (ˈflætˌwɜːm)   n   any parasitic or free-living invertebrate of the phylum Platyhelminthes, including planarians, flukes, and tapeworms, having a flattened body with no circulatory system and only one opening to the intestine

■ flat-woven   adj   (of a carpet) woven without pile

flat^2 (flæt)   n   1 a set of rooms comprising a residence entirely on one floor of a building. Usual US and Canadian name: apartment   2 Brit and NZ a portion of a house used as separate living quarters   3 NZ a house shared with people who are not members of one's own family   ▷ vb flats, flatting, flatted (intr)   4 Austral and NZ to live in a flat (with someone) [Old English flett floor, hall, house; related to FLAT^1]

■ flatette (ˌflætˈɛt)   n   Austral a very small flat

■ flat-hunting   n   the activity of looking for a flat in which to live

■ flatlet (ˈflætlIt)   n   a flat having only a few rooms

■ flatmate (ˈflætˌmeIt)   n   Brit a person with whom one shares a flat

■ flatty (ˈflætI)   n, pl flatties informal   a flatmate

flatter^1 (ˈflætə)   vb   1 to praise insincerely, esp in order to win favour or reward   2 to show to advantage: that dress flatters her   3 (tr) to make to appear more attractive, etc, than in reality   4 to play upon or gratify the vanity of (a person): it flatters her to be remembered   5 (tr) to beguile with hope; encourage, esp falsely: this success flattered him into believing himself a champion   6 (tr) to congratulate or deceive (oneself): I flatter myself that I am the best [C13: probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin]   > ˈflatterable adj   > ˈflatterer n

■ flattering (ˈflætərIŋ)   adj   1 insincerely praising   2 gratifying to the ego; pleasing: it's flattering to be considered for such a role   3 that shows someone or something to advantage: a refreshing new look that's flattering to skins of all ages   > ˈflatteringly adv

■ flatterous (ˈflætərəs)   adj   archaic flattering

■ flatterously (ˈflætərəslI)   adv   archaic in a flatterous manner

■ flattery (ˈflætərI)   n, pl -teries   1 the act of flattering   2 excessive or insincere praise

flatter^2 (ˈflætə)   n   1 a blacksmith's tool, resembling a flat-faced hammer, that is placed on forged work and struck to smooth the surface of the forging   2 a die with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat sections

flatulent (ˈflætjʊlənt)   adj   1 suffering from or caused by an excessive amount of gas in the alimentary canal, producing uncomfortable distension   2 generating excessive gas in the alimentary canal   3 pretentious or windy in style. Also (archaic): flatuous [C16: from New Latin flātulentus, from Latin: FLATUS]   > ˈflatulence or ˈflatulency n   > ˈflatulently adv

flatus (ˈfleItəs)   n, pl -tuses   gas generated in the alimentary canal [C17: from Latin: a blowing, snorting, from flāre to breathe, blow]

Flaubert (ˈfləʊbɛə; French flobɛr)   n   Gustave (ɡystav). 1821–80, French novelist and short-story writer, regarded as a leader of the 19th-century naturalist school. His most famous novel, Madame Bovary (1857), for which he was prosecuted (and acquitted) on charges of immorality, and L'Éducation sentimentale (1869) deal with the conflict of romantic attitudes and bourgeois society. His other major works include Salammbô (1862), La Tentation de Saint Antoine (1874), and Trois contes (1877)

flaught (flɔːt) Scot   n   1 a flake, esp of snow   2 a movement as if preparing for flight   3 a flock (of birds)   4 a lock of hair or wool   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to card (wool) into flaughts   ▷ adv literary   6 eagerly   7 with wings spread

flaughter (ˈflɔːtə) Scot   n   1 a fluttering   2 agriculture a thin cut or paring of turf   ▷ vb   3 to (cause to) flutter   4 (tr) agriculture to cut (turf)

flaunch (flɔːntʃ)   n   a cement or mortar slope around a chimney top, manhole, etc, to throw off water. Also called: flaunching [C18: variant of FLANGE]

flaunt (flɔːnt)   vb   1 to display (possessions, oneself, etc) ostentatiously; show off   2 to wave or cause to wave freely; flutter   ▷ n   3 the act of flaunting [C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta to wander about]   > ˈflaunter n   > ˈflauntingly adv

USAGE

Flaunt is sometimes wrongly used where flout is meant: they must be prevented from flouting (not flaunting) the law

■ flaunty (ˈflɔːntI)   adj flauntier, flauntiest   chiefly US characterized by or inclined to ostentatious display or flaunting   > ˈflauntily adv   > ˈflauntiness n

flauta (ˈflaʊtə)   n   a Mexican food item consisting of a tortilla rolled around a filling and then fried

flautist (ˈflɔːtIst) or US and Canadian flutist (ˈfluːtIst)   n   a player of the flute [C19: from Italian flautista, from flauto FLUTE]

flava (ˈfleIvə)   n   Black slang a distinctive individual style

flavanol (ˈfleIvəˌnɒl)   n   biochem a type of flavonoid found in cocoa

flavanone (ˈfleIvəˌnəʊn)   n   chem a chemical compound, C_15H_12O_2, derived from flavone

flavescent (fləˈvɛsənt)   adj   turning yellow; yellowish [C19: from Latin flāvēscere to become yellow, from flāvēre to be yellow, from flāvus yellow]

flavin or flavine (ˈfleIvIn)   n   1 a heterocyclic ketone that forms the nucleus of certain natural yellow pigments, such as riboflavin. Formula: C_10H_6N_4O_2. See flavoprotein   2 any yellow pigment based on flavin   3 another name for quercetin [C19: from Latin flāvus yellow]

flavine (ˈfleIvIn)   n   1 another name for acriflavine hydrochloride   2 a variant spelling of flavin

flavivirus (ˈfleIvIˌvaIrəs)   n   a type of arbovirus that causes a wide range of diseases in humans, including yellow fever, dengue, and West Nile fever. It is spread by ticks or mosquitoes

flavone (ˈfleIvəʊn)   n   1 a crystalline compound occurring in plants. Formula: C_15H_10O_2   2 any of a class of yellow plant pigments derived from flavone [C19: from German Flavon, from Latin flāvus yellow + -ONE]

■ flavonoid (ˈfleIvəˌnɔId)   n   any of a group of organic compounds that occur as pigments in fruit and flowers [C20: from FLAVONE + -OID]

■ flavonol (ˈfleIvəˌnɒl)   n   a flavonoid that occurs in red wine and is said to offer protection against heart disease

flavoprotein (ˌfleIvəʊˈprəʊtiːn)   n   any of a group of enzymes that contain a derivative of riboflavin linked to a protein and catalyse oxidation in cells. Also called: cytochrome reductase. See also FMN, FAD [C20: from FLAVIN + PROTEIN]

flavopurpurin (ˌfleIvəʊˈpɜːpjʊrIn)   n   a yellow crystalline dye derived from anthraquinone. Formula: C_14H_5O_2(OH)3 [C20: from Latin flāvus yellow + PURPURIN]

flavour or US flavor (ˈfleIvə)   n   1 taste perceived in food or liquid in the mouth   2 a substance added to food, etc, to impart a specific taste   3 a distinctive quality or atmosphere; suggestion: a poem with an Elizabethan flavour   4 a type or variety: various flavours of graphical interface   5 physics a property of quarks that enables them to be differentiated into six types: up, down, strange, charm, bottom (or beauty), and top (or truth)   6 flavour of the month a person or thing that is the most popular at a certain time   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to impart a flavour, taste, or quality to [C14: from Old French flaour, from Late Latin flātor (unattested) bad smell, breath, from Latin flāre to blow]   > ˈflavourer or US ˈflavorer n   > ˈflavourless or US ˈflavorless adj   > ˈflavoursome or US ˈflavorsome adj

■ flavorous (ˈfleIvərəs)   adj   having flavour; tasty

■ -flavoured or US -flavored   adj   (in combination) having the flavour of the thing specified: strawberry-flavoured; fruit-flavoured sparkling water; vanilla-flavoured

■ flavour enhancer   n   another term for monosodium glutamate

■ flavourful or US flavorful (ˈfleIvəfʊl)   adj   having a full pleasant taste or flavour   > ˈflavourfully or US ˈflavorfully adv

■ flavouring or US flavoring (ˈfleIvərIŋ)   n   a substance used to impart a particular flavour to food: rum flavouring

■ flavourist or US flavorist (ˈfleIvərIst)   n   chem a chemist who blends ingredients to create artificial flavours or scents, for food or perfume

■ flavoury or US flavory (ˈfleIvərI)   adj   another word for flavoursome

flaw^1 (flɔː)   n   1 an imperfection, defect, or blemish   2 a crack, breach, or rift   3 law an invalidating fault or defect in a document or proceeding   ▷ vb   4 to make or become blemished, defective, or imperfect [C14: probably from Old Norse flaga stone slab; related to Swedish flaga chip, flake, flaw]   > ˈflawless adj   > ˈflawlessly adv   > ˈflawlessness n

■ flawed (flɔːd)   adj   characterized by a defect or imperfection: the scheme is fundamentally flawed

flaw^2 (flɔː)   n   1    a a sudden short gust of wind; squall   b a spell of bad, esp windy, weather   2 obsolete an outburst of strong feeling [C16: of Scandinavian origin; related to Norwegian flaga squall, gust, Middle Dutch vlāghe]   > ˈflawy adj

flax (flæks)   n   1 any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus Linum, esp L. usitatissimum, which has blue flowers and is cultivated for its seeds (flaxseed) and for the fibres of its stems: family Linaceae   2 the fibre of this plant, made into thread and woven into linen fabrics   3 any of various similar plants   4 Also called: harakeke NZ a swamp plant producing a fibre that is used by Māoris for decorative work, baskets, etc [Old English fleax; related to Old Frisian flax, Old High German flahs flax, Greek plekein to plait]

■ flaxen (ˈflæksən) or flaxy   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling flax   2 of a soft yellow colour: flaxen hair

■ flax kit   n   NZ a basket woven from flax fibres

■ flaxseed (ˈflæksˌsiːd)   n   the seed of the flax plant, which yields linseed oil. Also called: linseed

Flaxman (ˈflæksmən)   n   John. 1755–1826, English neoclassical sculptor and draughtsman, noted particularly for his monuments and his engraved illustrations for the Iliad, the Odyssey, and works by Dante and Aeschylus

flay (fleI)   vb (tr)   1 to strip off the skin or outer covering of, esp by whipping; skin   2 to attack with savage criticism   3 to strip of money or goods, esp by cheating or extortion [Old English flēan; related to Old Norse flā to peel, Lithuanian plešti to tear]   > ˈflayer n

flaysome (ˈfleIsəm)   adj   Northern English dialect frightening

fld   abbreviation for   field

fl. dr.   abbreviation for   fluid dram

flea (fliː)   n   1 any small wingless parasitic blood-sucking insect of the order Siphonaptera, living on the skin of mammals and birds and noted for its power of leaping   2 any of various invertebrates that resemble fleas, such as the water flea and flea beetle   3 flea in one's ear informal a sharp rebuke [Old English flēah; related to Old Norse flō, Old High German flōh]

■ fleabag (ˈfliːˌbæɡ)   n slang   1 Brit a dirty or unkempt person   2 US a cheap or dirty hotel

■ fleabane (ˈfliːˌbeIn)   n   1 any of several plants of the genus Erigeron, such as E. acer, having purplish tubular flower heads with orange centres: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 any of several plants of the related genus Pulicaria, esp the Eurasian P. dysenterica, which has yellow daisy-like flower heads   3 Canadian fleabane a related plant, Conyza (or Erigeron) canadensis, with small white tubular flower heads. US name: horseweed   4 any of various other plants reputed to ward off fleas

■ flea beetle   n   any small common beetle of the genera Phyllotreta, Chalcoides, etc, having enlarged hind legs and capable of jumping: family Chrysomelidae. The larvae of many species are very destructive to turnips and other cruciferous vegetables

■ fleabite (ˈfliːˌbaIt)   n   1 the bite of a flea   2 a slight or trifling annoyance or discomfort

■ flea-bitten   adj   1 bitten by or infested with fleas   2 informal shabby or decrepit; mean   3 (of the coat of a horse) having reddish-brown spots on a lighter background

■ fleahopper (ˈfliːˌhɒpə)   n   either of two varieties of small, jumping insects which feed on crops and garden plants. The two main varieties are the garden fleahopper Halticus bractatus and the cotton fleahopper Pseudatomoscelis seriatus

■ flea market   n   an open-air market selling cheap and often second-hand goods

■ fleapit (ˈfliːˌpIt)   n   informal a shabby cinema or theatre

■ flea-ridden   adj   infested with fleas

■ fleasome (ˈfliːsəm)   adj   jocular having fleas; flea-ridden

■ fleawort (ˈfliːˌwɜːt)   n   1 any of various plants of the genus Senecio, esp S. integrifolius, a European species with yellow daisy-like flowers and rosettes of downy leaves: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 a Eurasian plantain, Plantago psyllium (or P. indica), whose seeds resemble fleas and were formerly used as a flea repellent   3 another name for ploughman's spikenard

fleadh (flɑː)   n   a festival of Irish music, dancing, and culture

fleam (fliːm)   n   archaic a lancet used for letting blood [C16: from Old French flieme, alteration of Late Latin phlebotomus lancet (literally: vein cutter); see PHLEBOTOMY]

flèche (fleIʃ, flɛʃ)   n   1 Also called: spirelet a slender spire, esp over the intersection of the nave and transept ridges of a church roof   2 a pointed part of a fortification directed towards the attackers   3 fencing a short running attack [C18: from French: spire (literally: arrow), probably of Germanic origin; related to Middle Low German flieke long arrow]

■ fléchette (fleIˈʃɛt)   n   a steel dart or missile dropped from an aircraft, as in World War I [from French; see FLÈCHE]

fleck (flɛk)   n   1 a small marking or streak; speckle   2 a small particle; speck: a fleck of dust   ▷ vb   3 Also: flecker (tr) to mark or cover with flecks; speckle [C16: probably from Old Norse flekkr stain, spot; related to Old High German flec spot, plot of land]

■ -flecked   adj   (in combination) having flecks of the specified substance or colour on or in it

■ fleckless (ˈflɛkləs)   adj   without flecks; spotless

■ flecky (ˈflɛkI)   adj fleckier, fleckiest   covered in or full of flecks or spots

Flecker (ˈflɛkə)   n   James Elroy. 1884–1915, English poet and dramatist; author of Hassan (1922)

flection (ˈflɛkʃən)   n   1 the act of bending or the state of being bent   2 something bent; bend   3 grammar a less common word for inflection   ▶ See also flexion [C17: from Latin flexiō a bending, from flectere to curve, bow]   > ˈflectional adj   > ˈflectionless adj

fled (flɛd)   vb   the past tense and past participle of flee^1

fledge (flɛdʒ)   vb   1 (tr) to feed and care for (a young bird) until it is able to fly   2 Also called: fletch (tr) to fit (something, esp an arrow) with a feather or feathers   3 (intr) (of a young bird) to grow feathers   4 (tr) to cover or adorn with or as if with feathers [Old English -flycge, as in unflycge unfledged; related to Old High German flucki able to fly; see FLY^1]

■ fledged (flɛdʒd)   adj   See fully fledged

■ fledgling or fledgeling (ˈflɛdʒlIŋ)   n   1 a young bird that has just fledged   2    a a young and inexperienced or untried person, organization or system   b (as modifier): a fledgling government

■ fledgy (ˈflɛdʒI)   adj fledgier, fledgiest   rare feathery or feathered

flee^1 (fliː)   vb flees, fleeing, fled   1 to run away from (a place, danger, etc); fly: to flee the country   2 (intr) to run or move quickly; rush; speed: she fled to the door [Old English flēon; related to Old Frisian fliā, Old High German fliohan, Gothic thliuhan]   > ˈfleer n

flee^2 (fliː)   vb   1 a Scot word for fly^1   ▷ n   2 a Scot word for fly^2

■ fleein' (ˈfliːIn)   adj   Scot dialect drunk [literally: flying, from FLEE^2]

fleece (fliːs)   n   1 the coat of wool that covers the body of a sheep or similar animal and consists of a mass of crinkly hairs   2 the wool removed from a single sheep   3 something resembling a fleece in texture or warmth   4 sheepskin or a fabric with soft pile, used as a lining for coats, etc   5 a warm polyester fabric with a brushed nap, used for outdoor garments   6 a jacket or top made from such a fabric   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to defraud or charge exorbitantly; swindle   8 another term for shear (sense 1) [Old English flēos; related to Middle High German vlius, Dutch vlies fleece, Latin plūma feather, down]

■ fleeceless (ˈfliːsləs)   adj   without a fleece; lacking a fleece

■ fleece-lined   adj   lined with fleece

■ fleecer (ˈfliːsə)   n   a person who fleeces

■ fleecie (ˈfliːsI)   n   NZ a person who collects fleeces after shearing and prepares them for baling. Also called: fleece-oh

■ fleecy (ˈfliːsI)   adj fleecier, fleeciest   of or resembling fleece; woolly   > ˈfleecily adv   > ˈfleeciness n

fleech (fliːtʃ) Scot   n   1 flattery   ▷ vb   2 to speak flatteringly or coaxingly (to)

■ fleechment (ˈfliːtʃmənt)   n   Northern English and Scot flattery; cajolery; coaxing

fleer (flIə) archaic   vb   1 to grin or laugh at; scoff; sneer   ▷ n   2 a derisory glance or grin [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flire to snigger]   > ˈfleeringly adv

■ fleerer (ˈflIərə)   n   archaic a person who fleers

fleet^1 (fliːt)   n   1 a number of warships organized as a tactical unit   2 all the warships of a nation   3 a number of aircraft, ships, buses, etc, operating together or under the same ownership [Old English flēot ship, flowing water, from flēotan to FLOAT]

■ fleet admiral   n   an officer holding the most senior commissioned rank in the US and certain other navies

■ Fleet Air Arm   n   the aviation branch of the Royal Navy. Abbreviation: FAA

■ fleet chief petty officer   n   a noncommissioned officer in the Royal Navy comparable in rank to a warrant officer in the British Army or Royal Air Force

■ fleeter (ˈfliːtə)   n   1 fishing a person engaged in fleeting or trawling   2 archaic a deserter; a fugitive   3 nautical a person who sails with a fleet of ships, esp those who sailed as colonists to Australia with the early fleets

■ fleet rate or fleet rating   n   a reduced rate quoted by an insurance company to underwrite the risks to a fleet of vehicles, aircraft, etc

fleet^2 (fliːt)   adj   1 rapid in movement; swift   2 poetic fleeting; transient   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to move rapidly   4 (intr) archaic to fade away smoothly; glide   5 (tr) nautical   a to change the position of (a hawser)   b to pass (a messenger or lead) to a hawser from a winch for hauling in   c to spread apart (the blocks of a tackle)   6 (intr) obsolete to float or swim   7 (tr) obsolete to cause (time) to pass rapidly [probably Old English flēotan to float, glide rapidly; related to Old High German fliozzan to flow, Latin pluere to rain]   > ˈfleetly adv   > ˈfleetness n

■ fleeting (ˈfliːtIŋ)   adj   rapid and transient: a fleeting glimpse of the sea   > ˈfleetingly adv   > ˈfleetingness n

fleet^3 (fliːt)   n   chiefly Southeast English a small coastal inlet; creek [Old English flēot flowing water; see FLEET^1]

Fleet (fliːt)   n the Fleet   1 a stream that formerly ran into the Thames between Ludgate Hill and Fleet Street and is now a covered sewer   2 Also called: Fleet Prison (formerly) a London prison, esp used for holding debtors

Fleet Street   n   1 a street in central London in which many newspaper offices were formerly situated   2 British journalism or journalists collectively

Fleetwood (ˈfliːtˌwʊd)   n   a fishing port in NW England, in Lancashire. Pop: 26 841 (2001)

fleg (flɛɡ) Scot   n   1 a scare; a fright   2 a blow; a stroke   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to run away; to flee   4 (tr) to scare or frighten

flehmen (ˈfleImən)   n   zoology a curling of the upper lip and raising of the head in certain mammals in response to olfactory stimuli, which behaviour allows the scents better to reach an olfactory organ deep within the animal's nose

fleishik or fleishig (ˈfleIʃIk, ˈflaI-)   adj   Judaism (of food) containing or derived from meat or meat products and therefore to be prepared and eaten separately from dairy foods. Also: meaty. Compare milchik. See also kashruth

Flem.   abbreviation for   Flemish

Flémalle (French flemal)   n   Master of. See (Robert) Campin

fleme (fliːm)   n archaic   1 exile; flight   2 a fugitive; an exile   ▷ vb   3 archaic to (cause to) flee

Fleming^1 (ˈflɛmIŋ)   n   a native or inhabitant of Flanders or a Flemish-speaking Belgian. Compare Walloon [C14: from Middle Dutch Vlaminc]

Fleming^2 (ˈflɛmIŋ)   n   1  Sir Alexander. 1881–1955, Scottish bacteriologist: discovered lysozyme (1922) and penicillin (1928): shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1945   2  Ian (Lancaster). 1908–64, English author of spy novels; creator of the secret agent James Bond   3  Sir John Ambrose. 1849–1945, English electrical engineer: invented the thermionic valve (1904)   4  Renée. born 1959, US operatic soprano and songwriter

■ Fleming's rules   pl n   physics two rules used as mnemonics for the relationship between the directions of current flow, motion, and magnetic field in electromagnetic induction. The hand is held with the thumb, first, and second fingers at right angles, respectively indicating the directions of motion, field, and electric current. The left hand is used for electric motors and the right hand for dynamos [C19: named after Sir John Ambrose FLEMING, who devised them]

Flemish (ˈflɛmIʃ)   n   1 one of the two official languages of Belgium, almost identical in form with Dutch   2 the Flemish (functioning as plural) the Flemings collectively   ▷ adj   3 of, relating to, or characteristic of Flanders, the Flemings, or their language

■ Flemish bond   n   a bond used in brickwork that has alternating stretchers and headers in each course, each header being placed centrally over a stretcher

■ Flemish Brabant   n   a province of central Belgium, formed in 1995 from the N part of Brabant province: densely populated and intensively farmed, with large industrial centres. Pop: 1 031 904 (2004 est). Area: 2106 sq km (813 sq miles)

Flensburg (German ˈflɛnsbʊrk)   n   a port in N Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein: taken from Denmark by Prussia in 1864; voted to remain German in 1920. Pop: 85 300 (2003 est)

flense (flɛns), flench (flɛntʃ) or flinch (flIntʃ)   vb   (tr) to strip (a whale, seal, etc) of (its blubber or skin) [C19: from Danish flense; related to Dutch flensen]   > ˈflenser, ˈflencher or ˈflincher n

flerovium (flɛˈrɔːvIəm)   n   a transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with calcium-48 atoms. Symbol: Fl; atomic no: 114; atomic wt: 298 [C21: named after G. N. Flerov (1913–90), Soviet physicist ]

flesh (flɛʃ)   n   1 the soft part of the body of an animal or human, esp muscular tissue, as distinct from bone and viscera. Related adjective: sarcoid   2 informal excess weight; fat   3 archaic the edible tissue of animals as opposed to that of fish or, sometimes, fowl; meat   4 the thick usually soft part of a fruit or vegetable, as distinct from the skin, core, stone, etc   5 the human body and its physical or sensual nature as opposed to the soul or spirit. Related adjective: carnal   6 humankind in general   7 animate creatures in general   8 one's own family; kin (esp in the phrase one's own flesh and blood)   9 a yellowish-pink to greyish-yellow colour   10 Christian Science belief on the physical plane which is considered erroneous, esp the belief that matter has sensation   11 (modifier) tanning of or relating to the inner or under layer of a skin or hide: a flesh split   12 in the flesh in person; actually present   13 make one's flesh creep (esp of something ghostly) to frighten and horrify one   14 press the flesh informal to shake hands, usually with large numbers of people, esp in political campaigning   ▷ vb   15 (tr) hunting to stimulate the hunting instinct of (hounds or falcons) by giving them small quantities of raw flesh   16 to wound the flesh of with a weapon   17 archaic or poetic to accustom or incite to bloodshed or battle by initial experience   18 tanning to remove the flesh layer of (a hide or skin)   19 to fatten; fill out [Old English flǣsc; related to Old Norse flesk ham, Old High German fleisk meat, flesh]

■ flesh-and-blood   adj   human or actually existing and present

■ flesh-coloured   adj   art of a yellowish-pink to yellowish-grey colour, roughly that of the skin of a White person

■ flesher (ˈflɛʃə)   n   1 a person or machine that fleshes hides or skins   2 Scot a person who sells meat; butcher

■ flesh fly   n   any dipterous fly of the genus Sarcophaga, esp S. carnaria, whose larvae feed on carrion or the tissues of living animals: family Calliphoridae

■ fleshhood (ˈflɛʃˌhʊd)   n   archaic Christianity the state of being in the flesh or having flesh (as opposed to being purely spiritual)

■ fleshily (ˈflɛʃIlI)   adv   with respect to flesh; in a fleshy manner

■ fleshings (ˈflɛʃIŋz)   pl n   1 flesh-coloured tights   2 bits of flesh scraped from the hides or skins of animals

■ fleshless (ˈflɛʃləs)   adj   1 without flesh; not having flesh; incorporeal   2 without excess flesh; thin; lean

■ fleshling (ˈflɛʃlIŋ)   n   archaic Christianity a person whose mind is fixed on fleshly things (usually as opposed to spiritual matters)

■ fleshly (ˈflɛʃlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 relating to the body, esp its sensual nature; carnal: fleshly desire   2 worldly as opposed to spiritual   3 fleshy; fat   > ˈfleshliness n

■ fleshment (ˈflɛʃmənt)   n archaic   1 the act of fattening   2 excitement or stimulation via previous experience

■ fleshmonger (ˈflɛʃˌmʌŋɡə)   n   1 cookery a person who deals in animal flesh   2 a person who deals in human 'flesh'   3 archaic a person who procures sexual partners for others

■ flesh out   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to give substance to (an argument, description, etc)   2 (intr) to expand or become more substantial

■ fleshpot (ˈflɛʃˌpɒt)   n   a pot in which meat is cooked

■ fleshpots (ˈflɛʃˌpɒts)   pl n often facetious   1 luxurious or self-indulgent living   2 places, such as striptease clubs, where bodily desires are gratified or titillated [C16: from the Biblical use as applied to Egypt (Exodus 16:3)]

■ fleshworm (ˈflɛʃˌwɜːm)   n   1 a flesh-eating worm, specifically the parasitic larva of any member of the genus Sarcophagidae   2 archaic a person with their mind fixed on fleshly things

■ flesh wound (wuːnd)   n   a wound affecting superficial tissues

■ fleshy (ˈflɛʃI)   adj fleshier, fleshiest   1 fat; plump   2 related to or resembling flesh   3 botany (of some fruits, leaves, etc) thick and pulpy   > ˈfleshiness n

fletcher (ˈflɛtʃə)   n   a person who makes arrows [C14: from Old French flechier, from fleche arrow; see FLÈCHE]

■ fletch (flɛtʃ)   vb   another word for fledge (sense 2) [C17: probably back formation from FLETCHER]

■ fletchings (ˈflɛtʃIŋz)   pl n   arrow feathers [plural of fletching, from FLETCH]

Fletcher (ˈflɛtʃə)   n   John. 1579–1625, English Jacobean dramatist, noted for his romantic tragicomedies written in collaboration with Francis Beaumont, esp Philaster (1610) and The Maid's Tragedy (1611)

■ Fletcherism (ˈflɛtʃəˌrIzəm)   n   the practice of chewing food thoroughly and drinking liquids in small sips to aid digestion [C20: named after Horace Fletcher (1849–1919), American nutritionist]

fletton (ˈflɛtən)   n   building trades a type of relatively soft and porous brick made from Oxford clay, of which a large amount comes from near Fletton in Cambridgeshire

fleur-de-lys or fleur-de-lis (ˌflɜːdəˈliː)   n, pl fleurs-de-lys or fleurs-de-lis (ˌflɜːdəˈliːz)   1 heraldry a charge representing a lily with three distinct petals   2 another name for iris (sense 2) [C19: from Old French flor de lis, literally: lily flower]

fleurette or fleuret (flʊəˈrɛt, flɜː-)   n   an ornament resembling a flower [C19: French, literally: a small flower, from fleur flower]

fleuron (ˈflʊərɒn, -rən, ˈflɜː-)   n   1 another name for flower (sense 8)   2 cookery a decorative piece of pastry [C14: from French, from Old French floron, from flor FLOWER]

Fleury (French flœri)   n   André Hercule de (ɑ̃dre ɛrkyl də). 1653–1743, French cardinal and statesman: Louis XV's chief adviser and virtual ruler of France (1726–43)

Flevoland (Dutch ˈfleːvolant)   n   a province of the central Netherlands, created in 1986 on land reclaimed from the IJsselmeer (formerly the Zuiderzee); entirely below sea level. Capital: Lelystad. Pop: 352 000 (2003 est). Area: 1420 sq km (548 sq miles)

flew^1 (fluː)   vb   the past tense of fly^1

flew^2 (fluː)   n   a variant spelling of flue^3

flews (fluːz)   pl n   the fleshy hanging upper lip of a bloodhound or similar dog [C16: of unknown origin]

■ flewed (fluːd)   adj   (of hounds) having flews

flex (flɛks)   n   1 Brit a flexible insulated electric cable, used esp to connect appliances to mains. US and Canadian name: cord   2 informal flexibility or pliability   ▷ vb   3 to bend or be bent: he flexed his arm; his arm flexed   4 to contract (a muscle) or (of a muscle) to contract   5 (intr) to work according to flexitime   6 to test or display (one's authority or strength) [C16: from Latin flexus bent, winding, from flectere to bend, bow]

■ flexagon (ˈflɛksəˌɡɒn)   n   geometry a flat model consisting of a single pliable strip of paper which can be folded and flexed in various ways to expose different hidden faces

■ flex-fuel   adj   relating to cars or engines that can run on more than one type of fuel, usually petrol and ethanol

■ flexible (ˈflɛksIbəl)   adj   1 Also: flexile (ˈflɛksaIl) able to be bent easily without breaking; pliable   2 adaptable or variable: flexible working hours   3 able to be persuaded easily; tractable   > ˌflexiˈbility or ˈflexibleness n   > ˈflexibly adv

■ flexihours (ˈflɛksIˌaʊəz)   pl n   hours of work under flexitime

■ flexion (ˈflɛkʃən)   n   1 the act of bending a joint or limb   2 the condition of the joint or limb so bent   3 a variant spelling of flection   > ˈflexional adj   > ˈflexionless adj

■ flexitime (ˈflɛksIˌtaIm) or flextime (ˈflɛksˌtaIm)   n   a system permitting flexibility of working hours at the beginning or end of the day, provided an agreed period of each day (core time) is spent at work. Also called (informal): flexi

■ flexography (flɛkˈsɒɡrəfI)   n   1 a method of rotary letterpress printing using a resilient printing plate and solvent-based ink: used characteristically for printing on metal foil or plastic   2 matter printed by this method   ▶ Abbreviation: flexo   > flexographic (ˌflɛksəˈɡræfIk) adj   > ˌflexoˈgraphically adv

■ flexor (ˈflɛksə)   n   any muscle whose contraction serves to bend a joint or limb. Compare extensor [C17: New Latin; see FLEX]

■ flextimer (ˈflɛksˌtaImə)   n   a person who works flexitime

■ flexuous (ˈflɛksjʊəs) or flexuose (ˈflɛksjʊˌəʊs)   adj   1 full of bends or curves; winding   2 variable; unsteady [C17: from Latin flexuōsus full of bends, tortuous, from flexus a bending; see FLEX]   > ˈflexuously adv

■ flexure (ˈflɛkʃə)   n   1 the act of flexing or the state of being flexed   2 a bend, turn, or fold   > ˈflexural adj

■ flex-wing   n   aeronautics a collapsible fabric delta wing, as used with hang-gliders

flexecutive (flɛɡˈzɛkjʊtIv)   n   an executive to whom the employer allows flexibility about times and locations of working [C20: from FLEX(IBLE)+ (EX)ECUTIVE]

flexicurity (ˌflɛksIˈkjʊərItI)   n, pl -ties   a welfare-state model, originating in Denmark in the 1990s, that combines labour-market flexibility, social security, and a proactive labour market [C21: from FLEXI(BLE) + (SE)CURITY]

flexitarian (ˌflɛksIˈtɛərIən)   n   1 a person who eats a predominantly vegetarian diet, but who eats meat or fish occasionally   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a flexitarian: flexitarian fare [C21: from FLEXI(BLE) + (VEGE)TARIAN]   > ˌflexiˈtarianˌism n

flexo (ˈflɛksəʊ)   n, adj, adv   short for flexography, flexographic or flexographically. See flexography

fley or flay (fleI)   vb Scot and Northern English dialect   1 to be afraid or cause to be afraid   2 (tr) to frighten away; scare [Old English āflēgan to put to flight; related to Old Norse fleygja]

flibbert (ˈflIbət)   n   Southwest English dialect a small piece or bit

flibbertigibbet (ˈflIbətIˌdʒIbIt)   n   an irresponsible, silly, or gossipy person [C15: of uncertain origin]

flic (fliːk)   n   police a French police officer

flichter (ˈflIxtə) Scot   n   1 a flicker   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to flutter; to quiver   3 (tr) archaic to bind; to fetter

flick^1 (flIk)   vb   1 (tr) to touch with or as if with the finger or hand in a quick jerky movement   2 (tr) to propel or remove by a quick jerky movement, usually of the fingers or hand: to flick a piece of paper at someone   3 to move or cause to move quickly or jerkily   4 (intr; foll by through) to read or look at (a book, newspaper, etc) quickly or idly   5 to snap or click (the fingers) to produce a sharp sound   ▷ n   6 a tap or quick stroke with the fingers, a whip, etc   7 the sound made by such a stroke   8 a fleck, streak, or particle   9 give someone the flick informal to dismiss someone from consideration [C15: of imitative origin; compare French flicflac]

■ flickable (ˈflIkəbəl)   adj   able to be flicked

■ flick knife   n   a knife with a retractable blade that springs out when a button is pressed. US and Canadian word: switchblade

■ flick-on   n   a manoeuvre in which a player receives an incoming pass and flicks it on with a gentle header or kick to another player.

■ flick-pass   n   1 rugby a movement in which the ball is passed quickly to another player by flicking it out of the hand; often performed with only one hand   2 hockey, ice hockey an instance of passing the puck using a short backhand movement, esp over the stick of a defender   3 Austral an instance of passing of undesirable or unwanted duties, responsibility, etc, to someone else   ▷ vb flick-pass (tr)   4 rugby, hockey, ice hockey to pass (a ball or puck) quickly with a flick-pass   5 Austral to pass (undesirable or unwanted duties, responsibility, etc) to someone else

flick^2 (flIk)   n slang   1 a cinema film   2 the flicks the cinema: what's on at the flicks tonight?

flicker^1 (ˈflIkə)   vb   1 (intr) to shine with an unsteady or intermittent light: a candle flickers   2 (intr) to move quickly to and fro; quiver, flutter, or vibrate   3 (tr) to cause to flicker   ▷ n   4 an unsteady or brief light or flame   5 a swift quivering or fluttering movement   6 a visual sensation, often seen in a television image, produced by periodic fluctuations in the brightness of light at a frequency below that covered by the persistence of vision   7 the flickers (plural) the US equivalent of flick^2 (sense 2) [Old English flicorian; related to Dutch flikkeren, Old Norse flökra to flutter]   > ˈflickery adj

■ flickering (ˈflIkərIŋ)   adj   1 shining with an unsteady light   2 moving swiftly, esp back and forth   > ˈflickeringly adv

flicker^2 (ˈflIkə)   n   any North American woodpecker of the genus Colaptes, esp C. auratus (yellow-shafted flicker), which has a yellow undersurface to the wings and tail [C19: perhaps imitative of the bird's call]

flickertail (ˈflIkəˌteIl)   n   another name for Richardson's ground squirrel

flier (ˈflaIə)   n   a variant spelling of flyer

flight^1 (flaIt)   n   1 the act, skill, or manner of flying   2 a journey made by a flying animal or object   3    a a scheduled airline journey   b an aircraft flying on such a journey   4 a group of flying birds or aircraft: a flight of swallows   5 the basic tactical unit of a military air force   6 a journey through space, esp of a spacecraft   7 rapid movement or progress   8 a soaring mental journey above or beyond the normal everyday world: a flight of fancy   9    a a single line of hurdles across a track in a race   b a series of such hurdles   10 a bird's wing or tail feather; flight feather   11 a feather or plastic attachment fitted to an arrow or dart to give it stability in flight   12 See flight arrow   13 the distance covered by a flight arrow   14 sport, esp cricket   a a flighted movement imparted to a ball, dart, etc   b the ability to flight a ball   15 angling a device on a spinning lure that revolves rapidly   16 a set of steps or stairs between one landing or floor and the next   17 a large enclosed area attached to an aviary or pigeon loft where the birds may fly but not escape   ▷ vb   18 (tr) sport to cause (a ball, dart, etc) to float slowly or deceptively towards its target   19 (intr) (of wild fowl) to fly in groups   20 (tr) to shoot (a bird) in flight   21 (tr) to fledge (an arrow or a dart) [Old English flyht; related to Middle Dutch vlucht, Old Saxon fluht]

■ flight arrow   n   a long thin arrow used for shooting long distances. Often shortened to: flight

■ flight attendant   n   a person who attends to the needs of passengers on a commercial flight

■ flight deck   n   1 the crew compartment in an airliner. Compare cockpit (sense 1)   2 the upper deck of an aircraft carrier from which aircraft take off and on which they land

■ flight engineer   n   the member of an aircraft crew who is responsible for the operation of the aircraft's systems, including the engines, during flight

■ flight feather   n   any of the large stiff feathers that cover the wings and tail of a bird and are adapted for flying

■ flight formation   n   two or more aircraft flying together in a set pattern

■ flightless (ˈflaItlIs)   adj   (of certain birds and insects) unable to fly. See also ratite

■ flight level   n   aeronautics a specified height at which an aircraft is allowed to fly

■ flight lieutenant   n   an officer holding a commissioned rank senior to a flying officer and junior to a squadron leader in the RAF and certain other air forces

■ flight line   n   an area of an airfield or airport on which aircraft, esp military aircraft, are parked and serviced

■ flight management systems   pl n   a suite of computer programs in a computer on board an aircraft used to calculate the most economical flying speeds and altitudes during a flight and to identify possible choices in emergencies

■ flight path   n   the course through the air of an aircraft, rocket, or projectile. Compare approach (sense 10), glidepath

■ flight plan   n   a written statement of the details of a proposed aircraft flight

■ flight recorder   n   an electronic device fitted to an aircraft for storing information concerning its performance in flight. It is often used to determine the cause of a crash. Also called: black box

■ flight sergeant   n   a noncommissioned officer in the Royal Air Force junior in rank to a master aircrew

■ flight simulator   n   a ground-training device that reproduces exactly the conditions experienced on the flight deck of an aircraft. Compare Link trainer

■ flight strip   n   1 a strip of cleared land used as an emergency runway for aircraft   2 another name for runway (sense 1)   3 a strip of continuous aerial photographs

■ flight surgeon   n   a medical officer specializing in aviation medicine in the US and certain other air forces

■ flighty (ˈflaItI)   adj flightier, flightiest   1 frivolous and irresponsible; capricious; volatile   2 mentally erratic, unstable, or wandering   3 flirtatious; coquettish   > ˈflightily adv   > ˈflightiness n

flight^2 (flaIt)   n   1 the act of fleeing or running away, as from danger   2 put to flight to cause to run away; rout   3 take flight or take to flight to run away or withdraw hastily; flee [Old English flyht (unattested); related to Old Frisian flecht, Old High German fluht, Old Norse flōtti]

■ flight capital   n   funds transferred abroad in order to avoid high taxes or to provide for a person's needs if flight from the country becomes necessary

flim (flIm)   n   Northern English dialect a five-pound note

flimflam (ˈflImˌflæm) informal   n   1    a nonsense; foolishness   b (as modifier): flimflam arguments   2 a deception; swindle   ▷ vb -flams, -flamming, -flammed   3 (tr) US to deceive; trick; swindle; cheat [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse flīm mockery, Norwegian flire to giggle]   > ˈflimˌflammer n

■ flimflammery (ˈflImˌflæmərI)   n   US the behaviour of a flimflammer

flimp (flImp)   vb (tr)   police slang to steal from (a person) by the method of one partner hustling or pushing the victim while the other robs him or her

flimsy (ˈflImzI)   adj -sier, -siest   1 not strong or substantial; fragile: a flimsy building   2 light and thin: a flimsy dress   3 unconvincing or inadequate; weak: a flimsy excuse   ▷ n   4 thin paper used for making carbon copies of a letter, etc   5 a copy made on such paper   6 a slang word for banknote [C17: of uncertain origin]   > ˈflimsily adv   > ˈflimsiness n

flinch^1 (flIntʃ)   vb (intr)   1 to draw back suddenly, as from pain, shock, etc; wince: he flinched as the cold water struck him   2 (often foll by from) to avoid contact (with); shy away: she never flinched from her duty   ▷ n   3 the act or an instance of drawing back   4 a card game in which players build sequences [C16: from Old French flenchir; related to Middle High German lenken to bend, direct]   > ˈflincher n   > ˈflinchingly adv

flinch^2 (flIntʃ)   vb   a variant of flense

flinder (ˈflIndə)   n Southeast English   1 a piece or fragment   2 a butterfly   ▷ vb Scot   3 (intr) to scamper about flutteringly   4 (tr) to break (something) into flinders

■ flinders (ˈflIndəz)   pl n   rare small fragments or splinters (esp in the phrase fly into flinders) [C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flindra thin piece of stone]

Flinders bar (ˈflIndəz)   n   nautical a bar of soft iron mounted on a binnacle to compensate for local magnetism causing error to the compass [C19: named after Matthew Flinders (died 1814), English navigator]

flindersia (flInˈdɜːzIə)   n   a genus of tree native to Australasia, containing fourteen species

Flinders Island   n   an island off the coast of NE Tasmania: the largest of the Furneaux Islands. Pop: 850 (2004 est). Area: 2077 sq km (802 sq miles)

Flinders Range   n   a mountain range in E South Australia, between Lake Torrens and Lake Frome. Highest peak: 1188 m (3898 ft)

fling (flIŋ)   vb flings, flinging, flung (flʌŋ) (mainly tr)   1 to throw, esp with force or abandon; hurl or toss   2 to put or send without warning or preparation: to fling someone into jail   3 (also intr) to move (oneself or a part of the body) with abandon or speed: he flung himself into a chair   4 (usually foll by into) to apply (oneself) diligently and with vigour (to)   5 to cast aside; disregard: she flung away her scruples   6 to utter violently or offensively   7 poetic to give out; emit   ▷ n   8 the act or an instance of flinging; toss; throw   9 a period or occasion of unrestrained, impulsive, or extravagant behaviour: to have a fling   10 any of various vigorous Scottish reels full of leaps and turns, such as the Highland fling   11 a trial; try: to have a fling at something different [C13: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse flengja to flog, Swedish flänga, Danish flænge]   > ˈflinger n

flinkite (ˈflIŋkaIt)   n   mineralogy a greenish brown transparent mineral of the anhydrous phosphate group, with chemical formula Mn_2+2Mn_3+(AsO_4)(OH)4

flint (flInt)   n   1 an impure opaque microcrystalline greyish-black form of quartz that occurs in chalk. It produces sparks when struck with steel and is used in the manufacture of pottery, flint glass, and road-construction materials. Formula: SiO_2   2 any piece of flint, esp one used as a primitive tool or for striking fire   3 a small cylindrical piece of an iron alloy, used in cigarette lighters   4 Also called: flint glass, white flint colourless glass other than plate glass   5 See optical flint   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to fit or provide with a flint [Old English; related to Old High German flins, Old Swedish flinta splinter of stone, Latin splendēre to shine]

■ flint glass   n   another name for optical flint, flint (sense 4)

■ flinthead (ˈflIntˌhɛd)   n   a type of large American wading bird, Mycteria Americana, similar to the stork. Also called: wood ibis, wood stork

■ flintify (ˈflIntIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (intr)   to turn to flint

■ flintlike (ˈflIntˌlaIk)   adj   resembling flint

■ flintlock (ˈflIntˌlɒk)   n   1 an obsolete gunlock in which the charge is ignited by a spark produced by a flint in the hammer   2 a firearm having such a lock

■ flinty (ˈflIntI)   adj flintier, flintiest   1 of, relating to, or resembling flint   2 hard or cruel; obdurate; unyielding   > ˈflintily adv   > ˈflintiness n

Flint (flInt)   n   1 a town in NE Wales, in Flintshire, on the Dee estuary. Pop: 11 936 (2001)   2 a city in SE Michigan: closure of the car production plants led to a high level of unemployment. Pop: 120 292 (2003 est)

■ Flintshire (ˈflIntˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of NE Wales, on the Irish Sea and the Dee estuary: became part of Clwyd in 1974, reinstated with reduced borders in 1996: includes the industrialized Deeside region in the E and the Clwydian Hills in the SW. Administrative centre: Mold. Pop: 149 400 (2003 est). Area: 437 sq km (169 sq miles)

Flintoff (ˈflIntɒf)   n   Andrew. born 1977, English cricketer; an all-rounder, he played 79 test matches for England (1998–2009)

flip (flIp)   vb flips, flipping, flipped   1 to throw (something light or small) carelessly or briskly; toss: she flipped me an envelope   2 to throw or flick (an object such as a coin) so that it turns or spins in the air   3 to propel by a sudden movement of the finger; flick: to flip a crumb across the room   4 (foll by through) to read or look at (a book, newspaper, etc) quickly, idly, or incompletely   5 (intr) (of small objects) to move or bounce jerkily   6 (intr) to make a snapping movement or noise with the finger and thumb   7 (intr) slang to fly into a rage or an emotional outburst (also in the phrases flip one's lid, flip one's top, flip out)   8 (intr) slang to become ecstatic or very excited: he flipped over the jazz group   ▷ n   9 a snap or tap, usually with the fingers   10 a rapid jerk   11 a somersault, esp one performed in the air, as in a dive, rather than from a standing position   12 same as nog^1 (sense 1)   ▷ adj   13 informal impertinent, flippant, or pert [C16: probably of imitative origin; see FILLIP]

■ flipboard (ˈflIpˌbɔːd)   n   a piece of office equipment consisting of a board to which a flip chart or some other pad can be attached

■ flipbook (ˈflIpˌbʊk)   n   US a book of drawings which change only gradually through the book, intended to be made to seem animated by flipping pages rapidly

■ flip chart or flipchart (ˈflIptʃɑːt)   n   a pad, containing large sheets of paper that can be easily turned over, mounted on a stand and used to present reports, data, etc

■ flip-flop   n   1 a backward handspring   2 Also called: bistable an electronic device or circuit that can assume either of two stable states by the application of a suitable pulse   3 informal a complete change of opinion, policy, etc   4 a repeated flapping or banging noise   5 Also called (US, Canadian, Austral, and NZ): thong a rubber-soled sandal attached to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the next toe   ▷ vb -flops, -flopping, -flopped (intr)   6 informal to make a complete change of opinion, policy, etc   7 to move with repeated flaps   ▷ adv   8 with repeated flappings: to go flip-flop [C16: reduplication of FLIP]

■ flip-flopper   n   US informal a person who makes a complete change of policy, opinion, etc

■ flippant (ˈflIpənt)   adj   1 marked by inappropriate levity; frivolous or offhand   2 impertinent; saucy   3 obsolete talkative or nimble [C17: perhaps from FLIP]   > ˈflippancy n   > ˈflippantly adv

■ flippantness (ˈflIpəntnəs)   n   another word for flippancy

■ flipper (ˈflIpə)   n   1 the flat broad limb of seals, whales, penguins, and other aquatic animals, specialized for swimming   2 Also called: fin (often plural) either of a pair of rubber paddle-like devices worn on the feet as an aid in swimming, esp underwater   3 cricket a ball bowled with backspin imparted by the action of the bowler's wrist

■ flipping (ˈflIpIŋ)   adj, adv   Brit slang (intensifier): a flipping idiot; it's flipping cold [C19: perhaps a euphemism for the taboo word FUCKING]

■ flippy (ˈflIpI)   adj -pier, -piest informal   (of clothes) tending to move to and fro as the wearer walks: little flippy skirts

■ flipside (ˈflIpˌsaId)   n   1 another term for B-side   2 another, less familiar aspect of a person or thing: the flipside of fame

■ flip-top   adj   with a top that is able to be opened by being flipped upwards

■ flip-up   adj (prenominal)   able to be opened by being flipped upwards

flir (flɜː)   n   the abbreviation for forward looking infrared radar

flirt (flɜːt)   vb   1 (intr) to behave or act amorously without emotional commitment; toy or play with another's affections; dally   2 (intr; usually foll by with) to deal playfully or carelessly (with something dangerous or serious); trifle: the motorcyclist flirted with death   3 (intr; usually foll by with) to think casually (about); toy (with): to flirt with the idea of leaving   4 (intr) to move jerkily; dart; flit   5 (tr) to subject to a sudden swift motion; flick or toss   ▷ n   6 a person who acts flirtatiously [C16: of uncertain origin]   > ˈflirter n   > ˈflirty adj   > ˈflirtingly adv

■ flirtation (flɜːˈteIʃən)   n   1 behaviour intended to arouse sexual feelings or advances without emotional commitment; coquetry   2 any casual involvement without commitment: a flirtation with journalism

■ flirtatious (flɜːˈteIʃəs)   adj   1 given to flirtation   2 expressive of playful sexual invitation: a flirtatious glance   > flirˈtatiously adv   > flirˈtatiousness n

■ flirtish (ˈflɜːtIʃ)   adj   of the nature of or characterizing a flirt

flisk (flIsk) Scot   n   1 archaic a whim; a fancy   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to skip or frisk about; to frolic   3 (tr) to unsettle; to make uneasy

■ flisky (ˈflIskI)   adj -kier, -kiest   Scot skittish; frisking; flighty

flit (flIt)   vb flits, flitting, flitted (intr)   1 to move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart   2 to fly rapidly and lightly; flutter   3 to pass quickly; fleet: a memory flitted into his mind   4 Scot and Northern English dialect to move house   5 Brit informal to depart hurriedly and stealthily in order to avoid obligations   6 an informal word for elope   ▷ n   7 the act or an instance of flitting   8 offensive, slang, chiefly US a homosexual man   9 Brit informal a hurried and stealthy departure in order to avoid obligations (esp in the phrase do a flit)   10 See moonlight flit [C12: from Old Norse flytja to carry]   > ˈflitter n

■ flitting or flyting (ˈflItIŋ)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a move to another house

flitch (flItʃ)   n   1 a side of pork salted and cured   2 a steak cut from the side of certain fishes, esp halibut   3 a piece of timber cut lengthways from a tree trunk, esp one that is larger than 4 by 12 inches   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to cut (a tree trunk) into flitches [Old English flicce; related to Old Norse flikki, Middle Low German vlicke, Norwegian flika; see FLESH]

flite or flyte (flaIt; Scottish fləIt) Scot and Northern English dialect   vb   1 (tr) to scold or rail at   ▷ n   2 a dispute or scolding [Old English flītan to wrangle, of Germanic origin; related to Old Frisian flīt strife, Old High German flīz strife]

flitt (flIt)   vb   another spelling of flit

flitter (ˈflItə)   vb   a less common word for flutter

■ flittermouse (ˈflItəˌmaʊs)   n, pl -mice   a dialect name for bat^2 (sense 1) [C16: translation of German Fledermaus; see FLITTER, MOUSE]

flittern (ˈflItɜːn)   n   the bark of a young oak tree

flivver (ˈflIvə)   n   an old, cheap, or battered car [C20: of unknown origin]

flix (flIks)   n   1 fur   2 med archaic, informal dysentery

float (fləʊt)   vb   1 to rest or cause to rest on the surface of a fluid or in a fluid or space without sinking; be buoyant or cause to exhibit buoyancy: oil floats on water; to float a ship   2 to move or cause to move buoyantly, lightly, or freely across a surface or through air, water, etc; drift: fog floated across the road   3 to move about aimlessly, esp in the mind: thoughts floated before him   4 to suspend or be suspended without falling; hang: lights floated above them   5 (tr)   a to launch or establish (a commercial enterprise, etc)   b to offer for sale (stock or bond issues, etc) on the stock market   6 (tr) finance to allow (a currency) to fluctuate against other currencies in accordance with market forces   7 (tr) to flood, inundate, or irrigate (land), either artificially or naturally   8 (tr) to spread, smooth, or level (a surface of plaster, rendering, etc)   ▷ n   9 something that floats   10 angling an indicator attached to a baited line that sits on the water and moves when a fish bites   11 a small hand tool with a rectangular blade used for floating plaster, etc   12 chiefly US any buoyant object, such as a platform or inflated tube, used offshore by swimmers or, when moored alongside a pier, as a dock by vessels   13 Also called: paddle a blade of a paddle wheel   14 Brit a buoyant garment or device to aid a person in staying afloat   15 a hollow watertight structure fitted to the underside of an aircraft to allow it to land on water   16 another name for air bladder (sense 2)   17 an exhibit carried in a parade, esp a religious parade   18 a motor vehicle used to carry a tableau or exhibit in a parade, esp a civic parade   19 a small delivery vehicle, esp one powered by batteries: a milk float   20 Austral and NZ a vehicle for transporting horses   21 banking, chiefly US the total value of uncollected cheques and other commercial papers   22 chiefly US and Canadian a sum to be applied to minor expenses; petty cash   23 a sum of money used by shopkeepers to provide change at the start of the day's business, this sum being subtracted from the total at the end of the day when calculating the day's takings   24 the hollow floating ball of a ballcock   25 engineering a hollow cylindrical structure in a carburettor that actuates the fuel valve   26 chiefly US and Canadian a carbonated soft drink with a scoop of ice cream in it   27 (in textiles) a single thread brought to or above the surface of a woven fabric, esp to form a pattern   28 forestry a measure of timber equal to eighteen loads [Old English flotian; related to Old Norse flota , Old Saxon flotōn; see FLEET^2]   > ˈfloatable adj   > ˌfloataˈbility n

■ floatage (ˈfləʊtIdʒ)   n   a variant spelling of flotage

■ floatant (ˈfləʊtənt)   n   a substance used in fly-fishing to help dry flies to float

■ floatation (fləʊˈteIʃən)   n   a variant spelling of flotation

■ float chamber   n   a chamber in a carburettor in which a floating valve controls the entry and level of petrol

■ floatcut file (ˈfləʊtˌkʌt)   n   engineering a file having rows of parallel teeth

■ floater (ˈfləʊtə)   n   1 a person or thing that floats   2 any of a number of dark spots that appear in one's vision as a result of dead cells or fragments in the lens or vitreous humour of the eye   3 US and Canadian   a a person of no fixed political opinion   b a person who votes illegally in more than one district at one election   c a voter who can be bribed   4 Also called: floating policy US and Canadian insurance a policy covering loss or theft of or damage to movable property, such as jewels or furs, regardless of its location   5 US informal a person who often changes employment, residence, etc; drifter   6 Austral a loose gold- or opal-bearing rock   7 Austral (esp in Adelaide) a meat pie in a plate of pea soup

■ float-feed   adj   (of a fuel system) controlled by a float operating a needle valve

■ float glass   n   a type of flat polished transparent glass made by allowing the molten glass to harden as it floats on liquid of higher density

■ float off   vb (tr, adverb)   to offer (shares in a subsidiary company) for sale on the stock market separately from the main company

■ floatplane (ˈfləʊtˌpleIn)   n   a US name for seaplane

■ floats (fləʊts)   pl n   theatre another word for footlights

■ floaty (ˈfləʊtI)   adj floatier, floatiest   1 filmy and light: floaty material   2 capable of floating; buoyant   3 (of a vessel) riding high in the water; of shallow draught

floatel (fləʊˈtɛl)   n   a variant spelling of flotel

floating (ˈfləʊtIŋ)   adj   1 having little or no attachment   2 (of an organ or part) displaced from the normal position or abnormally movable: a floating kidney   3 not definitely attached to one place or policy; uncommitted or unfixed: the floating vote   4 finance   a (of capital) not allocated or invested; available for current use   b (of debt) short-term and unfunded, usually raised by a government or company to meet current expenses   c (of a currency) free to fluctuate against other currencies in accordance with market forces   5 machinery operating smoothly through being free from external constraints   6 (of an electronic circuit or device) not connected to a source of voltage   > ˈfloatingly adv

■ floating assets   pl n   another term for current assets

■ floating charge   n   chiefly Brit an unsecured charge on the assets of an enterprise that allows such assets to be used commercially until the enterprise ceases to operate or the creditor intervenes to demand collateral

■ floating debt   n   short-term government borrowing, esp by the issue of three-month Treasury bills

■ floating dock   n   a large boxlike structure that can be submerged to allow a vessel to enter it and then floated to raise the vessel out of the water for maintenance or repair. Also called: floating dry dock

■ floating heart   n   any perennial aquatic freshwater plant of the genus Nymphoides, esp N. lacunosum, having floating heart-shaped leaves: family Menyanthaceae

■ floating island   n   a floating mass of soil held together by vegetation

■ floating-point representation   n   computing the representation of numbers by two sets of digits (a, b), the set a indicating the significant digits, the set b giving the position of the radix point. The number is the product arb, where r is the base of the number system used. Compare fixed-point representation

■ floating policy   n   1 (in marine insurance) a policy covering loss of or damage to specified goods irrespective of the ship in which they are consigned   2 another term for floater (sense 4)

■ floating-rate note   n   a eurobond, often issued as a negotiable bearer bond, that has a floating rate of interest

■ floating rib   n   any rib of the lower two pairs of ribs in humans, which are not attached to the breastbone

■ floating voter   n   a person who does not vote consistently for any single political party

flob (flɒb)   vb flobs, flobbing, flobbed (intr)   Brit informal to spit [C20: probably of imitative origin]

floc (flɒk)   n   another word for floccule [C20: from Latin floccus a tuft of wool, FLOCK^2]

floccule (ˈflɒkjuːl), flocculus, flock or floc   n   1 a small aggregate of flocculent material   2 something resembling a tuft of wool [C19: from Late Latin flocculus a little tuft; see FLOCK^2]

■ flocculant (ˈflɒkjʊlənt)   n   a substance added to a suspension to enhance aggregation of the suspended particles

■ flocculate (ˈflɒkjʊˌleIt)   vb   to form or be formed into an aggregated flocculent mass   > ˌfloccuˈlation n

■ flocculator (ˈflɒkjʊˌleItə)   n   commerce something, esp an apparatus, that flocculates; something that causes (something) to be formed into lumps or masses

■ flocculent (ˈflɒkjʊlənt)   adj   1 like wool; fleecy   2 chem aggregated in woolly cloudlike masses: a flocculent precipitate   3 biology covered with tufts or flakes of a waxy or wool-like substance   > ˈflocculence or ˈflocculency n   > ˈflocculently adv

flocculus (ˈflɒkjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   1 a marking on the sun's surface or in its atmosphere, as seen on a spectroheliogram. It consists of calcium when lighter than the surroundings and of hydrogen when darker   2 anatomy a tiny ovoid prominence on each side of the cerebellum   3 another word for floccule

■ floccular (ˈflɒkjʊlə)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the flocculus of the cerebellum

floccus (ˈflɒkəs)   n, pl flocci (ˈflɒksaI)   1 a downy or woolly covering, as on the young of certain birds   2 a small woolly tuft of hair   ▷ adj   3 (of a cloud) having the appearance of woolly tufts at odd intervals in its structure [C19: from Latin: tuft of hair or wool, FLOCK^2]

■ floccillation (ˌflɒksIˈleIʃən)   n   another name for carphology

■ floccose (ˈflɒkəʊs)   adj   consisting of or covered with woolly tufts or hairs: floccose growths of bacteria [C18: from Latin floccōsus full of flocks of wool]

flock^1 (flɒk)   n (sometimes functioning as plural)   1 a group of animals of one kind, esp sheep or birds   2 a large number of people; crowd   3 a body of Christians regarded as the pastoral charge of a priest, a bishop, the pope, etc   4 rare a band of people; group   ▷ vb (intr)   5 to gather together or move in a flock   6 to go in large numbers: people flocked to the church [Old English flocc; related to Old Norse flokkr crowd, Middle Low German vlocke]

■ flockless (ˈflɒkləs)   adj   without a flock

flock^2 (flɒk)   n   1 a tuft, as of wool, hair, cotton, etc   2    a waste from fabrics such as cotton, wool, or other cloth used for stuffing mattresses, upholstered chairs, etc   b (as modifier): flock mattress   3 very small tufts of wool applied to fabrics, wallpaper, etc, to give a raised pattern   4 another word for floccule   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to fill, cover, or ornament with flock [C13: from Old French floc, from Latin floccus; probably related to Old High German floccho down, Norwegian flugsa snowflake]   > ˈflocky adj

■ flock paper   n   a type of wallpaper with a raised pattern. See also flock^2 (sense 3)

Flodden (ˈflɒdən)   n   a hill in Northumberland where invading Scots were defeated by the English in 1513 and James IV of Scotland was killed. Also called: Flodden Field

floe (fləʊ)   n   See ice floe [C19: probably from Norwegian flo slab, layer, from Old Norse; see FLAW^1]

flog (flɒɡ)   vb flogs, flogging, flogged   1 (tr) to beat harshly, esp with a whip, strap, etc   2 (tr) Brit slang to sell   3 (intr) (of a sail) to flap noisily in the wind   4 (intr) to make progress by painful work   5 NZ to steal   6 flog a dead horse chiefly Brit   a to harp on some long discarded subject   b to pursue the solution of a problem long realized to be insoluble   7 flog to death to persuade a person so persistently of the value of (an idea or venture) that he or she loses interest in it [C17: probably from Latin flagellāre; see FLAGELLANT]   > ˈflogger n   > ˈflogging n

■ floggable (ˈflɒɡəbəl)   adj   that ought to be flogged; deserving of flogging

flokati (fləˈkɑːtI)   n   a Greek hand-woven shaggy woollen rug [C20: from Modern Greek phlokatē a peasant's blanket]

flong (flɒŋ)   n   1 printing a material, usually pulped paper or cardboard, used for making moulds in stereotyping   2 journalism slang material that is not urgently topical [C20: variant of FLAN]

flood (flʌd)   n   1    a the inundation of land that is normally dry through the overflowing of a body of water, esp a river   b the state of a river that is at an abnormally high level (esp in the phrase in flood). Related adjective: diluvial   2 a great outpouring or flow: a flood of words   3    a the rising of the tide from low to high water   b (as modifier): the flood tide. Compare ebb (sense 3)   4 theatre short for floodlight   5 archaic a large body of water, as the sea or a river   ▷ vb   6 (of water) to inundate or submerge (land) or (of land) to be inundated or submerged   7 to fill or be filled to overflowing, as with a flood: the children's home was flooded with gifts   8 (intr) to flow; surge: relief flooded through him   9 to supply an excessive quantity of petrol to (a carburettor or petrol engine) or (of a carburettor, etc) to be supplied with such an excess   10 (intr) to rise to a flood; overflow   11 (intr)   a to bleed profusely from the uterus, as following childbirth   b to have an abnormally heavy flow of blood during a menstrual period [Old English flōd; related to Old Norse flōth, Gothic flōdus, Old High German fluot flood, Greek plōtos navigable; see FLOW, FLOAT]   > ˈfloodable adj   > ˈflooder n   > ˈfloodless adj

■ Flood (flʌd)   n   the Flood Old Testament the flood extending over all the earth from which Noah and his family and livestock were saved in the ark. (Genesis 7–8); the Deluge

Flood (flʌd)   n   Henry. 1732–91, Anglo-Irish politician: leader of the parliamentary opposition to English rule

■ flood basalt   n   a very extensive lava flow of basaltic composition that has issued from a fissure, often to be found as part of a series of such flows one on top of another, forming a plateau. See fissure eruption

■ flood control   n   the technique or practice of preventing or controlling floods with dams, artificial channels, etc

■ flooded gum   n   any of various eucalyptus trees of Australia, esp Eucalyptus saligna (the Sydney blue gum), that grow in damp soil

■ floodgate (ˈflʌdˌɡeIt)   n   1 Also called: head gate, water gate a gate in a sluice that is used to control the flow of water. See also sluicegate   2 (often plural) a control or barrier against an outpouring or flow: to open the floodgates to immigration

■ flooding (ˈflʌdIŋ)   n   1 the submerging of land under water, esp due to heavy rain, a lake or river overflowing, etc   2 pathol excessive bleeding from the uterus, as following childbirth   3 psychol a method of eliminating anxiety in a given situation, by exposing a person to the situation until the anxiety subsides

■ floodlight (ˈflʌdˌlaIt)   n   1 a broad intense beam of artificial light, esp as used in the theatre or to illuminate the exterior of buildings   2 the lamp or source producing such light   ▷ vb -lights, -lighting, -lit   3 (tr) to illuminate by or as if by a floodlight

■ floodlighting (ˈflʌdˌlaItIŋ)   n   the act or process of illuminating something using floodlights

■ floodmark (ˈflʌdˌmɑːk)   n   a high-water mark

■ floodplain (ˈflʌdˌpleIn)   n   the flat area bordering a river, composed of sediment deposited during flooding

■ floodtide (ˈflʌdˌtaId)   n   the tide when it has risen from low to high water

■ floodwall (ˈflʌdˌwɔːl)   n   a wall built as a defence against floods

■ floodwater (ˈflʌdˌwɔːtə)   n   water that overflows from a river, lake, etc during a flood

■ floodway (ˈflʌdˌweI)   n   the path along which floodwater travels

flooey (ˈfluːI)   adj   US informal, old-fashioned awry

floor (flɔː)   n   1 Also called: flooring the inner lower surface of a room   2 a storey of a building: the second floor   3 a flat bottom surface in or on any structure: the floor of a lift; a dance floor   4 the bottom surface of a tunnel, cave, river, sea, etc   5 mining an underlying stratum   6 nautical the bottom, or the lowermost framing members at the bottom, of a vessel   7 that part of a legislative hall in which debate and other business is conducted   8 the right to speak in a legislative or deliberative body (esp in the phrases get, have, or be given the floor)   9 the room in a stock exchange where trading takes place   10 the earth; ground   11 a minimum price charged or paid: a wage floor   12 take the floor to begin dancing on a dance floor   ▷ vb   13 to cover with or construct a floor   14 (tr) to knock to the floor or ground   15 (tr) informal to disconcert, confound, or defeat: to be floored by a problem [Old English flōr; related to Old Norse flōrr, Middle Low German vlōr floor, Latin plānus level, Greek planan to cause to wander]

■ floorage (ˈflɔːrIdʒ)   n   an area of floor; floor space

■ floorboard (ˈflɔːˌbɔːd)   n   one of the boards forming a floor

■ floorcloth (ˈflɔːklɒθ)   n   a cloth or rag for cleaning a floor

■ -floored   adj   (in combination) having a floor of a specified kind

■ floorer (ˈflɔːrə)   n informal   1 a heavy blow   2 a conclusive or irrefutable argument

■ floor-filler   n informal   a dance recording that is so catchy and popular that everyone in the place where it is played wants to dance

■ floorhead (ˈflɔːˌhɛd)   n   nautical the upper side of a floor timber on a boat or ship

■ flooring (ˈflɔːrIŋ)   n   1 the material used in making a floor, esp the surface material   2 another word for floor (sense 1)

■ flooring saw   n   a type of saw curved at the end for cutting through floorboards

■ floor leader   n   US government a member of a legislative body who organizes his or her party's activities

■ floorless (ˈflɔːləs)   adj   without a floor, lacking a floor

■ floor manager   n   1 the stage manager employed in the production of a television programme   2 a person in overall charge of one floor of a large shop or department store

■ floor plan   n   a drawing to scale of the arrangement of rooms on one floor of a building. Compare elevation (sense 5)

■ floorshow (ˈflɔːˌʃəʊ)   n   a series of entertainments, such as singing, dancing, and comedy acts, performed in a nightclub

■ floor trading   n   trading by personal contact on the floor of a market or exchange. Compare screen trading

■ floorwalker (ˈflɔːˌwɔːkə)   n   the US name for shopwalker

floordrobe (ˈflɔːˌdrəʊb)   n   informal a pile of clothes left on the floor of a room [C21: blend of FLOOR and WARDROBE ]

floozy, floozie or floosie (ˈfluːzI)   n, pl -zies or -sies   derogatory, slang a woman who engages in casual sexual activity [C20: of unknown origin]

flop (flɒp)   vb flops, flopping, flopped   1 (intr) to bend, fall, or collapse loosely or carelessly: his head flopped backwards   2 (when intr, often foll by into, onto, etc) to fall, cause to fall, or move with a sudden noise: the books flopped onto the floor   3 (intr) informal to fail; be unsuccessful: the scheme flopped   4 (intr) to fall flat onto the surface of water, hitting it with the front of the body   5 (intr; often foll by out) slang to go to sleep   ▷ n   6 the act of flopping   7 informal a complete failure   8 US and Canadian slang a place to sleep   9 athletics See Fosbury flop   10 the flop poker the first three community cards dealt face-up in a round of any of several varieties of poker, including Texas hold 'em [C17: variant of FLAP]

■ flophouse (ˈflɒpˌhaʊs)   n   US and Canadian slang a cheap lodging house, esp one used by tramps. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): dosshouse

■ flopover (ˈflɒpəʊvə)   n   US television informal the constant vertical fluctuation of the image on a television screen caused by faulty tuning

■ flopper (ˈflɒpə)   n US   1 slang (in politics) a person who deserts his or her own side in favour of another   2 informal (in basketball) a player who deliberately allows him or herself to fall when pushed by another player in order to make the opposing team take a penalty for a foul   3 slang a fraudster of various kinds; a flimflammer, esp someone who deliberately falls in order to claim damages for injuries sustained

■ floppy (ˈflɒpI)   adj -pier, -piest   1 limp or hanging loosely: a dog with floppy ears   ▷ n, pl -pies   2 short for floppy disk   > ˈfloppily adv   > ˈfloppiness n

■ floppy disk   n   a flexible removable magnetic disk that stores information and can be used to store data for use in a microprocessor. Also called: diskette, flexible disk

■ flop sweat   n   informal a sudden heavy perspiration caused by embarrassment

flops or FLOPS   n acronym for   floating-point operations per second: used as a measure of computer processing power (in combination with a prefix): megaflops; gigaflops

floptical (ˈflɒptIkəl)   n   computing a type of floppy disk invented in 1991, which combines optical and magnetic technology in order to produce greater storage density

flor.   abbreviation for   floruit

flora (ˈflɔːrə)   n, pl -ras or -rae (-riː)   1 all the plant life of a given place or time   2 a descriptive list of such plants, often including a key for identification   3 short for intestinal flora [C18: from New Latin, from Latin Flōra goddess of flowers, from flōs FLOWER]

■ floral (ˈflɔːrəl)   adj   1 decorated with or consisting of flowers or patterns of flowers   2 of, relating to, or associated with flowers: floral leaves   > ˈflorally adv

■ floral envelope   n   the part of a flower that surrounds the stamens and pistil: the calyx and corolla (considered together) or the perianth

■ floret (ˈflɔːrIt)   n   a small flower, esp one of many making up the head of a composite flower [C17: from Old French florete a little flower, from flor FLOWER]

■ florist (ˈflɒrIst)   n   a person who grows or deals in flowers

■ floristic (flɒˈrIstIk)   adj   of or relating to flowers or a flora   > floˈristically adv

■ floristics (flɒˈrIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of botany concerned with the types, numbers, and distribution of plant species in a particular area

■ floristry (ˈflɒrIstrI)   n   the art or skill of a florist; the flower trade

■ florist's (ˈflɒrIsts) or florist's shop   n   Brit a shop where flowers and house plants are sold

■ -florous   adj combining form   indicating number or type of flowers: tubuliflorous

Flora (ˈflɔːrə)   n   the Roman goddess of flowers [C16: from Latin, from flōs flower]

Floréal French (flɔreal)   n   the month of flowers: the eighth month of the French revolutionary calendar, extending from April 21 to May 20 [C19: ultimately from Latin flōreus of flowers, from flōs a flower]

floreat Latin (ˈflɒrIæt)   vb, pl floreant (intr)   may (a person, institution, etc) flourish: floreat Oxonia!

floreated (ˈflɔːrIˌeItId)   adj   a variant spelling of floriated

Florence (ˈflɒrəns)   n   a city in central Italy, on the River Arno in Tuscany: became an independent republic in the 14th century; under Austrian and other rule intermittently from 1737 to 1859; capital of Italy 1865–70. It was the major cultural and artistic centre of the Renaissance and is still one of the world's chief art centres. Pop: 356 118 (2001). Ancient name: Florentia (flɒˈrɛntsIə, -ˈrɛntIə). Italian name: Firenze

■ Florence fennel   n   another name for finocchio

■ Florence flask   n   a round flat-bottomed glass flask with a long neck, used in chemical experiments

■ Florentine (ˈflɒrənˌtaIn)   adj   1 of or relating to Florence   2 (usually postpositive) (of food) served or prepared with spinach   ▷ n   3 a native or inhabitant of Florence   4 a biscuit containing nuts and dried fruit and coated with chocolate   5 a type of domestic fancy pigeon somewhat resembling the Modena

Flores (ˈflɔːrɛs)   n   1 an island in Indonesia, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, between the Flores Sea and the Savu Sea: mountainous, with active volcanoes and unexplored forests. Chief town: Ende. Area: 17 150 sq km (6622 sq miles)   2 (Portuguese ˈflorəʃ) an island in the Atlantic, the westernmost of the Azores. Chief town: Santa Cruz. Area: 142 sq km (55 sq miles)

■ Flores Sea   n   a part of the Pacific Ocean in Indonesia between Celebes and the Lesser Sunda Islands

florescent (flɔːˈrɛsənt)   adj   flowering; bursting into flower

■ florescence (flɔːˈrɛsəns)   n   the process, state, or period of flowering [C18: from New Latin flōrēscentia, from Latin flōrēscere to come into flower]

Florey (ˈflɔːrI)   n   Howard Walter, Baron Florey. 1898–1968, Australian pathologist: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1945) with E. B. Chain and Alexander Fleming for their work on penicillin

Florianópolis (Portuguese floriəˈnɔpuliʃ)   n   a port in S Brazil, capital of Santa Catarina state, on the W coast of Santa Catarina Island. Pop: 884 000 (2005 est)

floriated or floreated (ˈflɔːrIˌeItId)   adj   architect having ornamentation based on flowers and leaves [C19: from Latin flōs FLOWER]

■ floriation (ˌflɔː rIˈeIʃən)   n   a floral ornamentation; a flowery decoration or addition

floribunda (ˌflɔːrIˈbʌndə)   n   any of several varieties of cultivated hybrid roses whose flowers grow in large sprays [C19: from New Latin, feminine of flōribundus flowering freely]

floricane (ˈflɔːrIˌkeIn)   n   a flowering and fruiting stem or cane of a plant such as the bramble

floriculture (ˈflɔːrIˌkʌltʃə)   n   the cultivation of flowering plants   > ˌfloriˈcultural adj   > ˌfloriˈculturist n

florid (ˈflɒrId)   adj   1 having a red or flushed complexion   2 excessively ornate; flowery: florid architecture   3 an archaic word for flowery [C17: from Latin flōridus blooming]   > floˈridity or ˈfloridness n   > ˈfloridly adv

Florida (ˈflɒrIdə)   n   1 a state of the southeastern US, between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico: consists mostly of a low-lying peninsula ending in the Florida Keys a chain of small islands off the coast of S Florida, extending southwest for over 160 km (100 miles). Capital: Tallahassee. Pop: 17 019 068 (2003 est). Area: 143 900 sq km (55 560 sq miles). Abbreviation: Fla., (with zip code) FL   2 Straits of Florida a sea passage between the Florida Keys and Cuba, linking the Atlantic with the Gulf of Mexico

■ Floridian (flɒˈrIdIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Florida   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Florida or its inhabitants

floridean (flɒˈrIdIən)   adj   of or relating to members of the botanical genus Florideae (red algae)

florideous (flɒˈrIdIəs)   adj   belonging to the Florideae family of algae, or having the characteristics thereof

floriferous (flɔːˈrIfərəs)   adj   bearing or capable of bearing many flowers

■ floriferousness (flɔːˈrIfərəsnəs)   n   the quality of being floriferous

floriform (ˈflɔːrIˌfɔːm)   adj   formal flower-shaped

florigen (ˈflɒrIdʒən)   n   the hypothetical plant hormone that induces flowering, thought to be synthesized in the leaves as a photoperiodic response and transmitted to the flower buds [C20: from Latin flōr-, flōs FLOWER + -GEN]

■ florigenic (ˌflɒrIˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   of or relating to the plant hormone florigen

florilegium (ˌflɔːrIˈliːdʒIəm)   n, pl -gia (-dʒIə)   1 (formerly) a lavishly illustrated book on flowers   2 rare an anthology [C17: Modern Latin, from Latin florilegus flower-collecting, from flōs flower + legere to collect]

florin (ˈflɒrIn)   n   1 a former British coin, originally silver and later cupronickel, equivalent to ten (new) pence   2 the standard monetary unit of Aruba, divided into 100 cents   3 (formerly) another name for guilder (sense 1)   4 any of various gold coins of Florence, Britain, or Austria [C14: from French, from Old Italian fiorino Florentine coin, from fiore flower, from Latin flōs]

Florio (ˈflɔːrIˌəʊ)   n   John. ?1553–?1625, English lexicographer, noted for his translation of Montaigne's Essays (1603)

floruit Latin (ˈflɒruːIt)   vb   (he or she) flourished: used to indicate the period when a historical figure, whose birth and death dates are unknown, was most active. Abbreviation: fl., flor.

florula (ˈflɒrjʊlə) or florule (ˈflɒrjuːl)   n, pl -ulae (-jʊliː) or -ules   1 the flora of a small single environment   2 a fossil flower found in a single stratum or in several thin adjacent strata [C19: FLORA + -ULE]

flory (ˈflɔːrI) or fleury (ˈflʊərI, ˈflɜːrI)   adj   (usually postpositive) heraldry containing a fleur-de-lys [C15: from Old French floré, from flor FLOWER]

floscule (ˈflɒskjuːl)   n   a floret; a single blossom of a composite flower

■ floscular (ˈflɒskjʊlə)   adj   consisting or composed of floscules

■ flosculous (ˈflɒskjʊləs)   adj   1 botany another word for floscular   2 archaic flowery; abounding in flowers

flos ferri (ˈflɒs ˈfɛrI)   n   a variety of aragonite that is deposited from hot springs in the form of a white branching mass [C18: from New Latin, literally: flower of iron]

flosh (flɒʃ)   n   1 metallurgy a hopper-shaped (funnel-shaped) box into which ore is placed so that it may be stamped (crushed) as part of its processing   2 dialect a pool, esp a stagnant pool or swamp

floss (flɒs)   n   1 the mass of fine silky fibres obtained from cotton and similar plants   2 any similar fine silky material, such as the hairlike styles and stigmas of maize or the fibres prepared from silkworm cocoons   3 untwisted silk thread used in embroidery, etc   4 See dental floss   ▷ vb   5 to clean (between one's teeth) with dental floss [C18: perhaps from Old French flosche down]

■ flosser (ˈflɒsə)   n   1 dentistry an implement which flosses the teeth or facilitates flossing   2 angling a person who catches fish illegally using a hook baited with a piece of brightly coloured string attached to a weight. The weight drags the string through the fish's mouth until the hook pierces the mouth from the outside

■ flossily (ˈflɒsIlI)   adv   US and Canadian informal showily

■ flossy (ˈflɒsI)   adj flossier, flossiest   1 consisting of or resembling floss   2 US and Canadian informal (esp of dress) showy

flota (ˈfləʊtə)   n   the Spanish commercial fleet of the 15th century onwards, which brought back to Spain treasures from the New World

■ flotilla (fləˈtIlə)   n   a small fleet or a fleet of small vessels [C18: from Spanish flota fleet, from French flotte, ultimately from Old Norse floti]

flotage or floatage (ˈfləʊtIdʒ)   n   1 the act or state of floating; flotation   2 buoyancy; power or ability to float   3 objects or material that float on the surface of the water; flotsam

flotant (ˈfləʊtənt)   adj   (in heraldry) flying in the air

flotation or floatation (fləʊˈteIʃən)   n   1    a the launching or financing of a commercial enterprise by bond or share issues   b the raising of a loan or new capital by bond or share issues   2 power or ability to float; buoyancy   3 Also called: froth flotation a process to concentrate the valuable ore in low-grade ores. The ore is ground to a powder, mixed with water containing surface-active chemicals, and vigorously aerated. The bubbles formed trap the required ore fragments and carry them to the surface froth, which is then skimmed off

■ flotation bags   pl n   bags inflated to keep a spacecraft or helicopter afloat and upright when it lands in the sea

■ flotation tank or flotation chamber   n   an enclosed ventilated tank filled with a saline solution at body temperature, in which a person floats in darkness in order to relax or meditate

flote (fləʊt) archaic   n   1 a flotilla; a fleet   2 a troop; a shoal; a herd   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to skim (e.g. milk)

flote grass (fləʊt)   n   an aquatic perennial grass, Glyceria fluitans, whose metre-long stems and pale green leaves are often seen floating in still or sluggish water. The related sweet grass (G. plicata) has broader, darker leaves and owes its name to the fact that cattle like to eat it [C16: flote obsolete spelling of FLOAT]

flotel or floatel (fləʊˈtɛl)   n   an oil rig or boat used as accommodation for workers in offshore oilfields [C20: from float + hotel]

Flotow (German ˈfloːto)   n   Friedrich von (ˈfriːdrIç fɔn). 1812–83, German composer of operas, esp Martha (1847)

flotsam (ˈflɒtsəm)   n   1 wreckage from a ship found floating. Compare jetsam (sense 1), lagan   2 useless or discarded objects; odds and ends (esp in the phrase flotsam and jetsam)   3 vagrants [C16: from Anglo-French floteson, from floter to FLOAT]

FLOTUS (ˈfləʊtəs) informal   n acronym for   (in the US) First Lady of the United States

flounce^1 (flaʊns)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by about, away, out, etc) to move or go with emphatic or impatient movements   ▷ n   2 the act of flouncing [C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flunsa to hurry, Swedish flunsa to splash]

flounce^2 (flaʊns)   n   an ornamental gathered ruffle sewn to a garment by its top edge [C18: from Old French fronce wrinkle, from froncir to wrinkle, of Germanic origin]

■ flounced (flaʊnst)   adj   having a flounce or flounces

■ flouncing (ˈflaʊnsIŋ)   n   material, such as lace or embroidered fabric, used for making flounces

■ flouncy (ˈflaʊnsI)   adj -cier, -ciest   having flounces

flounder^1 (ˈflaʊndə)   vb (intr)   1 to struggle; to move with difficulty, as in mud   2 to behave awkwardly; make mistakes   ▷ n   3 the act of floundering [C16: probably a blend of FOUNDER^2 + BLUNDER; perhaps influenced by FLOUNDER^2]

USAGE

Flounder is sometimes wrongly used where founder is meant: the project foundered (not floundered) because of a lack of funds

flounder^2 (ˈflaʊndə)   n, pl -der or -ders   1 Also called: fluke a European flatfish, Platichthys flesus having a greyish-brown body covered with prickly scales: family Pleuronectidae: an important food fish   2 US and Canadian any flatfish of the families Bothidae (turbot, etc) and Pleuronectidae (plaice, halibut, sand dab, etc) [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse flythra, Norwegian flundra]

flour (ˈflaʊə)   n   1 a powder, which may be either fine or coarse, prepared by sifting and grinding the meal of a grass, esp wheat   2 any finely powdered substance   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make (grain) into flour   4 (tr) to dredge or sprinkle (food or cooking utensils) with flour   5 (of mercury) to break into fine particles on the surface of a metal rather than amalgamating, or to produce such an effect on (a metal). The effect is caused by impurities, esp sulphur [C13 flur finer portion of meal, FLOWER]   > ˈfloury adj

■ flourless (ˈflaʊələs)   adj   made without flour

■ flour mite   n   any of several mites that infest flour and other stored organic materials and may be a serious pest; some may cause itching in persons handling infected material

■ flour moth   n   a pyralid moth, Ephestia Kuehniella, the larvae of which are an important pest of flour mills and granaries

flourish (ˈflʌrIʃ)   vb   1 (intr) to thrive; prosper   2 (intr) to be at the peak of condition   3 (intr) to be healthy: plants flourish in the light   4 to wave or cause to wave in the air with sweeping strokes   5 to display or make a display   6 to play (a fanfare, etc) on a musical instrument   7 (intr) to embellish writing, characters, etc, with ornamental strokes   8 to add decorations or embellishments to (speech or writing)   9 (intr) an obsolete word for blossom   ▷ n   10 the act of waving or brandishing   11 a showy gesture: he entered with a flourish   12 an ornamental embellishment in writing   13 a display of ornamental language or speech   14 a grandiose passage of music   15 an ostentatious display or parade   16 obsolete   a the state of flourishing   b the state of flowering [C13: from Old French florir, ultimately from Latin flōrēre to flower, from flōs a flower]   > ˈflourisher n

■ flourishing (ˈflʌrIʃIŋ)   adj   thriving; prospering; doing well

■ flourishingly (ˈflʌrIʃIŋlI)   adv   in a flourishing fashion

■ flourishy (ˈflʌrIʃI)   adj   containing flourishes; fancy; like a flourish in nature

flouse (flaʊs)   vb   dialect to splash or make a splash

flout (flaʊt)   vb   (when intr, usually foll by at) to show contempt (for); scoff or jeer (at) [C16: perhaps from Middle English flouten to play the flute, from Old French flauter compare Dutch fluiten; see FLUTE]   > ˈflouter n   > ˈfloutingly adv

USAGE

See at flaunt

■ floutingstock (ˈflaʊtIŋˌstɒk)   n   a laughing-stock; the object of mockery or flouting

flow (fləʊ)   vb (mainly intr)   1 (of liquids) to move or be conveyed as in a stream   2 (of blood) to circulate around the body   3 to move or progress freely as if in a stream: the crowd flowed into the building   4 to proceed or be produced continuously and effortlessly: ideas flowed from her pen   5 to show or be marked by smooth or easy movement   6 to hang freely or loosely: her hair flowed down her back   7 to be present in abundance: wine flows at their parties   8 an informal word for menstruate   9 (of tide water) to advance or rise. Compare ebb (sense 1)   10 (tr) to cover or swamp with liquid; flood   11 (of rocks such as slate) to yield to pressure without breaking so that the structure and arrangement of the constituent minerals are altered   ▷ n   12 the act, rate, or manner of flowing: a fast flow   13 a continuous stream or discharge   14 continuous progression   15 the advancing of the tide   16 a stream of molten or solidified lava   17 the amount of liquid that flows in a given time   18 an informal word for menstruation   19 Scot   a a marsh or swamp   b an inlet or basin of the sea   c (capital when part of a name): Scapa Flow   20 flow of spirits natural happiness [Old English flōwan; related to Old Norse flōa, Middle Low German vlōien, Greek plein to float, Sanskrit plavate he swims]

■ flowage (ˈfləʊIdʒ)   n   1 the act of flowing or overflowing or the state of having overflowed   2 the liquid that flows or overflows   3 a gradual deformation or motion of certain solids, such as asphalt, which flow without fracture

■ flowchart (ˈfləʊˌtʃɑːt) or flow sheet   n   a diagrammatic representation of the sequence of operations or equipment in an industrial process, computer program, etc

■ Flow Country   n   an area of moorland and peat bogs in northern Scotland known for its wildlife, now partly afforested

■ flowing (ˈfləʊIŋ)   adj   1 (of liquids) moving as in a stream   2 (of tide water) advancing or rising   3 hanging freely or loosely   4 marked by smooth or easy movement. See also fast-flowing

■ flowingly (ˈfləʊIŋlI)   adv   in a flowing manner

■ flowingness (ˈfləʊIŋnəs)   n   the quality of being flowing

■ flowmeter (ˈfləʊˌmiːtə)   n   an instrument that measures the rate of flow of a liquid or gas within a pipe or tube

■ flow-on   adj   an Austral and NZ variant of knock-on

■ flow sheet   n   another name for flowchart

■ flowstone (ˈfləʊˌstəʊn)   n   geology a type of cave formation consisting of sheets of calcite deposited as water flows down the cave walls; flowstone is the most common type of speleothem

flower (ˈflaʊə)   n   1    a a bloom or blossom on a plant   b a plant that bears blooms or blossoms   2 the reproductive structure of angiosperm plants, consisting normally of stamens and carpels surrounded by petals and sepals all borne on the receptacle (one or more of these structures may be absent). In some plants it is conspicuous and brightly coloured and attracts insects or other animals for pollination. Related adjective: floral. Related prefix: antho-   3 any similar reproductive structure in other plants   4 the prime; peak: in the flower of his youth   5 the choice or finest product, part, or representative: the flower of the young men   6 a decoration or embellishment   7 printing a type ornament, used with others in borders, chapter headings, etc   8 Also called: fleuron an embellishment or ornamental symbol depicting a flower   9 (plural) fine powder, usually produced by sublimation: flowers of sulphur   ▷ vb   10 (intr) to produce flowers; bloom   11 (intr) to reach full growth or maturity   12 (tr) to deck or decorate with flowers or floral designs [C13: from Old French flor, from Latin flōs; see BLOW^3]   > ˈflower-ˌlike adj

■ flowerage (ˈflaʊərIdʒ)   n rare   1 a mass of flowers   2 the process or act of flowering

■ flowerbed (ˈflaʊəˌbɛd)   n   a plot of ground in which flowers are grown in a garden, park, etc

■ flower bug   n   any of a number of bugs of the family Cimicidae, related to the debris bugs but frequenting flowers and feeding on the small insects found there

■ flower-de-luce (ˈflaʊədəˈluːs)   n, pl flowers-de-luce   an archaic name for iris (sense 2), lily (sense 1) [C16: anglicized variant of French fleur de lis]

■ flowered (ˈflaʊəd)   adj   1 having or abounding in flowers   2 decorated with flowers or a floral design

■ flowerer (ˈflaʊərə)   n   a plant that flowers at a specified time or in a specified way: a late flowerer

■ floweret or flowerette (ˈflaʊərIt)   n   another name for floret

■ flowerful (ˈflaʊəfʊl)   adj   having plentiful flowers

■ flower girl   n   1 a girl or woman who sells flowers in the street   2 US and Scot a young girl who carries flowers in a procession, esp at weddings

■ flower head   n   an inflorescence in which stalkless florets are crowded together at the tip of the stem

■ flowerhorn fish (ˈflaʊəˌhɔːn)   n   a brightly coloured cichlid fish with a large protuberance on the head

■ flowerily (ˈflaʊərIlI)   adv   in a flowery fashion

■ flowering (ˈflaʊərIŋ)   adj   (of certain species of plants) capable of producing conspicuous flowers: a flowering ash

■ flowering currant   n   an ornamental shrub, Ribes sanguineum, growing to 2 to 3 metres (6 to 9ft) in height, with red, crimson, yellow, or white flowers: family Saxifragaceae

■ flowering maple   n   any tropical shrub of the malvaceous genus Abutilon, esp A. hybridum, having lobed leaves like those of the maple and brightly coloured flowers

■ flowerless (ˈflaʊəlIs)   adj   designating any plant that does not produce seeds. See cryptogam

■ flower-of-an-hour   n   a malvaceous Old World herbaceous plant, Hibiscus trionum, having pale yellow flowers with a bladder-like calyx. Also called: bladder ketmia

■ flower-pecker   n   any small songbird of the family Dicaeidae, of SE Asia and Australasia, typically feeding on nectar, berries, and insects

■ flowerpot (ˈflaʊəˌpɒt)   n   a pot in which plants are grown

■ flower power   n   informal a youth cult of the late 1960s advocating peace and love, using the flower as a symbol; associated with drug-taking. Its adherents were known as flower children or flower people

■ flowers of sulphur   pl n   minute crystals of sulphur obtained by condensing sulphur vapour on a cold surface

■ flowery (ˈflaʊərI)   adj   1 abounding in flowers   2 decorated with flowers or floral patterns   3 like or suggestive of flowers: a flowery scent   4 (of language or style) elaborate; ornate   > ˈfloweriness n

flown^1 (fləʊn)   vb   the past participle of fly^1

flown^2 (fləʊn)   adj   relating to coloured (usually blue) decoration on porcelain that, during firing, has melted into the surrounding glaze giving a halo-like effect [probably from the obsolete past participle of FLOW]

flox silk (flɒks)   n   another name for floss (sense 3)

fl. oz.   abbreviation for   fluid ounce

FLQ   abbreviation for (in Canada)   Front de Libération du Québec: a Quebec separatist organization using terrorist tactics, esp in the 1960s and 1970s

flu (fluː)   n informal   1 the flu short for influenza   2 any of various viral infections, esp a respiratory or intestinal infection

■ fluey (ˈfluːI)   adj   informal involved in, caused by, or like influenza

■ fluish (ˈfluːIʃ)   adj   1 having flu-like symptoms; like someone who has the flu   2 archaic weak; feeble; haggard

fluate (ˈfluːeIt)   n   chem obsolete a former name for fluoride

flub (flʌb) informal   n   1 an embarrassing mistake or blunder   ▷ vb flubs, flubbing, flubbed   2 (intr) to blunder or make an embarrassing mistake [C20: of origin unknown]

■ flubber (ˈflʌbə)   n   US informal a bungler

flubdub (ˈflʌbˌdʌb)   n   US informal nonsense; inept speech; empty talk; bunkum

fluctuate (ˈflʌktjʊˌeIt)   vb   1 to change or cause to change position constantly; be or make unstable; waver or vary   2 (intr) to rise and fall like a wave; undulate [C17: from Latin fluctuāre, from fluctus a wave, from fluere to flow]

■ fluctuant (ˈflʌktjʊənt)   adj   inclined to vary or fluctuate; unstable

■ fluctuation (ˌflʌktjʊˈeIʃən)   n   1 constant change; vacillation; instability   2 undulation   3 a variation in an animal or plant that is determined by environment rather than heredity

■ fluctuational (ˌflʌktjʊˈeIʃənəl)   adj   of or pertaining to fluctuation

flue^1 (fluː)   n   1 a shaft, tube, or pipe, esp as used in a chimney, to carry off smoke, gas, etc   2 music the passage in an organ pipe or flute within which a vibrating air column is set up. See also flue pipe [C16: of unknown origin]

■ flue-cure   vb   (tr) to cure (tobacco) by means of radiant heat from pipes or flues connected to a furnace

■ flue gas   n   the smoke in the uptake of a boiler fire: it consists mainly of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen

■ flue pipe or flue   n   an organ pipe or tubular instrument of the flute family whose sound is produced by the passage of air across a sharp-edged fissure in the side. This sets in motion a vibrating air column within the pipe or instrument

■ flue stop   n   an organ stop controlling a set of flue pipes

■ fluework (ˈfluːˌwɜːk)   n   music the flue stops of an organ collectively

flue^2 (fluː)   n   loose fluffy matter; down [C16: from Flemish vluwe, from Old French velu shaggy]

flue^3 or flew (fluː)   n   a type of fishing net [Middle English, from Middle Dutch vlūwe]

flue^4 (fluː)   n   another word for fluke^1 (sense 1), fluke^1 (sense 3)   > flued adj

fluellen or fluellin (flʊˈɛlən)   n   1 either of two weedy scrophulariaceous annuals related to the toadflaxes, round-leaved fluellen (Kickxia spuria) and sharp-leaved fluellen (K. elatine)   2 obsolete any of several speedwells, esp Veronica officinalis [C16: shortened from Welsh Ilysiau Llewelyn Llewelyn's flower]

fluent (ˈfluːənt)   adj   1 able to speak or write a specified foreign language with facility   2 spoken or written with facility: his French is fluent   3 easy and graceful in motion or shape   4 flowing or able to flow freely [C16: from Latin: flowing, from fluere to flow]   > ˈfluently adv

■ fluence (ˈfluːəns)   n   1 physics particle density or energy density, used to describe the output of a radiation field or of a laser beam   2 archaic a flow; flowing   3 archaic fluency   4 put the fluence on someone informal to apply hypnotic or mystical influence to a person

■ fluency (ˈfluːənsI)   n   the quality of being fluent, esp facility in speech or writing

■ fluentness (ˈfluːəntnəs)   n   another word for fluency

fluerics (ˈfluːərIks)   n   (functioning as singular) another name for fluidics   > fluˈeric adj

fluff (flʌf)   n   1 soft light particles, such as the down or nap of cotton or wool   2 any light downy substance   3 an object, matter, etc, of little importance; trifle   4 informal a mistake, esp in speaking or reading lines or performing music   5 informal, offensive a young woman (esp in the phrase a bit of fluff)   ▷ vb   6 to make or become soft and puffy by shaking or patting; puff up   7 informal to make a mistake in performing (an action, dramatic speech, music, etc) [C18: perhaps from FLUE^2]

■ fluffer (ˈflʌfə)   n   a person employed on a pornographic film set to ensure that male actors are kept aroused

■ fluffy (ˈflʌfI)   adj fluffier, fluffiest   1 of, resembling, or covered with fluff   2 soft and light: fluffy hair   3    a sentimental or overromantic; not very intelligent   b characterized by nonviolent methods: fluffy environmentalist protestors   > ˈfluffily adv   > ˈfluffiness n

flugel (ˈfluːɡəl)   n   1 a harpsichord in the 18th and early 19th centuries or a grand piano in the late 19th century   2 another name for flugelhorn

flugelhorn (ˈfluːɡəlˌhɔːn)   n   a type of valved brass instrument consisting of a tube of conical bore with a cup-shaped mouthpiece, used esp in brass bands. It is a transposing instrument in B flat or C, and has the same range as the cornet in B flat [German Flügelhorn, from Flügel wing + Horn HORN]

■ flugelhornist (ˈfluːɡəlˌhɔːnIst)   n   a person who plays the flugelhorn

fluid (ˈfluːId)   n   1 a substance, such as a liquid or gas, that can flow, has no fixed shape, and offers little resistance to an external stress   ▷ adj   2 capable of flowing and easily changing shape   3 of, concerned with, or using a fluid or fluids   4 constantly changing or apt to change   5 smooth in shape or movement; flowing [C15: from Latin fluidus, from fluere to flow]   > ˈfluidal adj   > ˈfluidness n   > ˈfluidly or ˈfluidally adv

■ fluid dram   n   another name for drachm (sense 1)

■ fluid drive   n   a type of coupling for transmitting power from the engine of a motor vehicle to the transmission, using a torque converter. Also called: fluid coupling, fluid clutch, fluid flywheel

■ fluidextract (ˈfluːIdˈɛkstrækt)   n   an alcoholic solution of a vegetable drug, one millilitre of which has an activity equivalent to one gram of the powdered drug

■ fluidics (fluːˈIdIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study and use of systems in which the flow of fluids in tubes simulates the flow of electricity in conductors. Such systems are used in place of electronics in certain applications, such as the control of apparatus   > fluˈidic adj

■ fluidify (fluːˈIdIfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to make fluid; to cause to become fluid

■ fluidity (fluːˈIdItI)   n   1 the state of being fluid   2 physics the reciprocal of viscosity

■ fluidize or fluidise (ˈfluːIˌdaIz)   vb   (tr) to make fluid, esp to make (solids) fluid by pulverizing them so that they can be transported in a stream of gas as if they were liquids: fluidized coal   > ˌfluidiˈzation or ˌfluidiˈsation n   > ˈfluidˌizer or ˈfluidˌiser n

■ fluidized bed   n   chemical engineering a bed of fluidized solids used as a heat exchanger or mass transfer medium

■ fluidlike (ˈfluːIdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling fluid

■ fluid lubrication   n   engineering lubrication in which bearing surfaces are separated by an oil film sustained by the motion of the parts

■ fluid mechanics   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the mechanical and flow properties of fluids, esp as they apply to practical engineering. Also called: hydraulics. See also hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, hydrokinetics

■ fluid ounce   n   a unit of capacity equal to the volume of one avoirdupois ounce of distilled water at 62°F: there are twenty fluid ounces in an Imperial pint and sixteen in a US pint

■ fluid pressure   n   the pressure exerted by a fluid at any point inside it. The difference of pressure between two levels is determined by the product of the difference of height, the density, and the acceleration of free fall

fluidram (ˈfluːIdˌræm)   n   another name for drachm (sense 1)

fluke^1 (fluːk)   n   1 Also called: flue a flat bladelike projection at the end of the arm of an anchor   2 either of the two lobes of the tail of a whale or related animal   3 Also called: flue the barb or barbed head of a harpoon, arrow, etc [C16: perhaps a special use of FLUKE^3 (in the sense: a flounder)]

fluke^2 (fluːk)   n   1 an accidental stroke of luck   2 any chance happening   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to gain, make, or hit by a fluke [C19: of unknown origin]

■ flukily (ˈfluːkIlI)   adv   in a fluky way; by chance

■ fluky or flukey (ˈfluːkI)   adj flukier, flukiest informal   1 done or gained by an accident, esp a lucky one   2 variable; uncertain: fluky weather   > ˈflukiness n

fluke^3 (fluːk)   n   1 any parasitic flatworm, such as the blood fluke and liver fluke, of the classes Monogenea and Digenea (formerly united in a single class Trematoda)   2 another name for flounder^2 (sense 1) [Old English flōc; related to Old Norse flōki flounder, Old Saxon flaka sole, Old High German flah smooth]

flume (fluːm)   n   1 a ravine through which a stream flows   2 a narrow artificial channel made for providing water for power, floating logs, etc   3 a slide in the form of a long and winding tube with a stream of water running through it that descends into a purpose-built pool   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to transport (logs) in a flume [C12: from Old French flum, ultimately from Latin flūmen stream, from fluere to flow]

flummery (ˈflʌmərI)   n, pl -meries   1 informal meaningless flattery; nonsense   2 chiefly Brit a cold pudding of oatmeal, etc [C17: from Welsh llymru]

flummox (ˈflʌməks)   vb   (tr) to perplex or bewilder [C19: of unknown origin]

■ flummoxed (ˈflʌməkst)   adj   perplexed or bewildered

flump (flʌmp) informal   n   1 an onomatopoeic word used to describe a dull, thudding sound produced by flumping   ▷ vb   2 to (cause to) fall heavily with a dull thudding noise

flung (flʌŋ)   vb   the past tense and past participle of fling

flunitrazepam (ˌfluːnaIˈtræzəˌpæm)   n   a drug similar to diazepam, used in treating long-term insomnia

flunk (flʌŋk) informal, chiefly US, Canadian and NZ   vb   1 to fail or cause to fail to reach the required standard in (an examination, course, etc)   2 (intr; foll by out) to be dismissed from a school or college through failure in examinations   ▷ n   3 a low grade below the pass standard [C19: perhaps from FLINCH^1 + FUNK^1]

■ flunker (ˈflʌŋkə)   n US   1 a person who flunks an examination   2 an examiner who causes an exam candidate to flunk

flunky or flunkey (ˈflʌŋkI)   n, pl flunkies or flunkeys   1 a servile or fawning person   2 a person who performs menial tasks   3 usually derogatory a manservant in livery [C18: of unknown origin]

■ flunkeydom (ˈflʌŋkIˌdəm)   n   1 the body of flunkeys; flunkeys collectively   2 the behaviour characteristic of a flunkey

■ flunkeyish (ˈflʌŋkIIʃ)   adj   informal resembling a flunkey

■ flunkeyism or flunkyism (ˈflʌŋkIˌIzəm)   n   1 the state of being a flunkey or servant   2 the behaviour or a trait characteristic of a flunkey

Fluon (ˈfluːɒn)   n   a trademark for polytetrafluoroethylene

fluor (ˈfluːɔː)   n   another name for fluorspar [C17: from Latin: a flowing; so called from its use as a metallurgical flux]

fluor-   combining form   a variant of fluoro-: fluorene; fluorine

fluorapatite (ˌflʊəˈræpətaIt)   n   a mineral consisting of calcium fluorophosphate; the most common form of apatite

fluorene (ˈflʊəriːn)   n   a white insoluble crystalline solid used in making dyes. Formula: (C_6H_4)2CH_2

fluorescence (ˌflʊəˈrɛsəns)   n   1 physics   a the emission of light or other radiation from atoms or molecules that are bombarded by particles, such as electrons, or by radiation from a separate source. The bombarding radiation produces excited atoms, molecules, or ions and these emit photons as they fall back to the ground state   b such an emission of photons that ceases as soon as the bombarding radiation is discontinued   c such an emission of photons for which the average lifetime of the excited atoms and molecules is less than about 10–8 seconds   2 the radiation emitted as a result of fluorescence. Compare phosphorescence [C19: FLUOR + -escence (as in opalescence)]

■ fluoresce (ˌflʊəˈrɛs)   vb   (intr) to exhibit fluorescence [C19: back formation from FLUORESCENCE]

■ fluorescein or fluoresceine (ˌflʊəˈrɛsIIn)   n   an orange-red crystalline compound that in aqueous solution exhibits a greenish-yellow fluorescence in reflected light and is reddish-orange in transmitted light: used as a marker in sea water and as an indicator. Formula: C_20H_12O_5

■ fluorescent (ˌflʊəˈrɛsənt)   adj   exhibiting or having the property of fluorescence

■ fluorescent lamp   n   1 a type of lamp in which an electrical gas discharge is maintained in a tube with a thin layer of phosphor on its inside surface. The gas, which is often mercury vapour, emits ultraviolet radiation causing the phosphor to fluoresce   2 a type of lamp in which an electrical discharge is maintained in a tube containing a gas such as neon, mercury vapour, or sodium vapour at low pressure. Gas atoms in the discharge are struck by electrons and fluoresce

■ fluorescent screen   n   a transparent screen coated on one side with a phosphor that fluoresces when exposed to X-rays or cathode rays

■ fluorescer (ˌflʊəˈrɛsə)   n   chem something that fluoresces; a fluorescent substance

fluoric (fluːˈɔːrIk)   adj   of, concerned with, or produced from fluorine or fluorspar

fluoride (ˈflʊəˌraId)   n   1 any salt of hydrofluoric acid, containing the fluoride ion, F–   2 any compound containing fluorine, such as methyl fluoride

■ fluoridate (ˈflʊərIˌdeIt)   vb   to subject (water) to fluoridation. Also: fluoridize, fluoridise (ˈflʊərIˌdaIz)

■ fluoridation (ˌflʊərIˈdeIʃən)   n   the addition of about one part per million of fluorides to the public water supply as a protection against tooth decay

fluorine (ˈflʊəriːn) or fluorin (ˈflʊərIn)   n   a toxic pungent pale yellow gas of the halogen group that is the most electronegative and reactive of all the elements, occurring principally in fluorspar and cryolite: used in the production of uranium, fluorocarbons, and other chemicals. Symbol: F; atomic no: 9; atomic wt: 18.9984032; valency: 1; density: 1.696 kg/m^3; relative density: 1.108; freezing pt: –219.62°C; boiling pt: –188.13°C

■ fluorinate (ˈflʊərIˌneIt)   vb   to treat or combine with fluorine   > ˌfluoriˈnation n

fluorite (ˈflʊəraIt)   n   US and Canadian a white or colourless mineral sometimes fluorescent and often tinted by impurities, found in veins and as deposits from hot gases. It is used in the manufacture of glass, enamel, and jewellery, and is the chief ore of fluorine. Composition: calcium fluoride. Formula: CaF_2. Crystal structure: cubic. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): fluorspar, fluor

fluoro- or before a vowel fluor-   combining form   1 indicating the presence of fluorine: fluorocarbon   2 indicating fluorescence: fluoroscope

fluoroacetate (ˌflʊərəʊˈæsIˌteIt)   n   chem a toxic chemical compound, C_2H_2FNaO_2, occurring naturally in certain plants, and commonly used as rat poison

fluorocarbon (ˌflʊərəʊˈkɑːbən)   n   any compound derived by replacing all or some of the hydrogen atoms in hydrocarbons by fluorine atoms. Many of them are used as lubricants, solvents, and coatings. See also Freon, polytetrafluoroethylene, CFC

fluorochrome (ˈflʊərəʊˌkrəʊm)   n   a chemical entity, such as a molecule or group, that exhibits fluorescence

fluorography (flʊəˈrɒɡrəfI)   n   the photographic recording of fluoroscopic images

■ fluorographic (ˌflʊərəˈɡræfIk)   adj   of or pertaining to fluorography

fluorometer (ˌflʊəˈrɒmItə) or fluorimeter (ˌflʊəˈrImItə)   n   1 an instrument for inducing fluorescence by irradiation and for examination of the emission spectrum of the resulting fluorescent light   2 a device for detecting and measuring ultraviolet radiation by determining the amount of fluorescence that it produces from a phosphor   > fluorometric (ˌflʊərəʊˈmɛtrIk) or fluorimetric (ˌflʊərIˈmɛtrIk) adj   > ˌfluoˈrometry or ˌfluoˈrimetry n

fluorophore (ˈflʊərəʊˌfɔː)   n   a chemical group responsible for fluorescence

fluoroscope (ˈflʊərəˌskəʊp)   n   a device consisting of a fluorescent screen and an X-ray source that enables an X-ray image of an object, person, or part to be observed directly   > fluoroscopic (ˌflʊərəˈskɒpIk) adj   > ˌfluoroˈscopically adv

■ fluoroscopist (flʊəˈrɒskəpIst)   n   a person who performs a fluoroscopy

■ fluoroscopy (flʊəˈrɒskəpI)   n   examination of a person or object by means of a fluoroscope

fluorosis (flʊəˈrəʊsIs)   n   fluoride poisoning, due to ingestion of too much fluoride in drinking water over a long period or to ingestion of pesticides containing fluoride salts. Chronic fluorosis results in mottling of the teeth of children

■ fluorotic (flʊəˈrɒtIk)   adj   of or pertaining to fluorosis

fluorotype (ˈflʊərəʊˌtaIp)   n   an early form of photograph produced on paper treated with sodium fluoride

fluorouracil (ˌflʊərəʊˈjʊərəsIl)   n   a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of cancer, which operates by interfering with the abnormal growth of cells

fluorspar (ˈflʊəˌspɑː) or fluor   n   a white or colourless mineral sometimes fluorescent and often tinted by impurities, found in veins and as deposits from hot gases. It is used in the manufacture of glass, enamel, and jewellery, and is the chief ore of fluorine. Composition: calcium fluoride. Formula: CaF_2. Crystal structure: cubic. Also: (US and Canadian) fluorite

fluoxetine (fluːˈɒksIˌtiːn)   n   a drug that prolongs the action of serotonin in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant

fluphenazine (fluːˈfɛnəˌziːn)   n   a powerful antipsychotic drug used to treat various psychoses including schizophrenia and extreme bipolar disorder

flurr (flɜː)   n   1 a whir; a fluttering; a flurry   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to fly; to flutter   3 (tr) to scatter; to toss around

flurry (ˈflʌrI)   n, pl -ries   1 a sudden commotion or burst of activity   2 a light gust of wind or rain or fall of snow   3 stock exchange a sudden brief increase in trading or fluctuation in stock prices   4 the death spasms of a harpooned whale   ▷ vb -ries, -rying, -ried   5 to confuse or bewilder or be confused or bewildered [C17: from obsolete flurr to scatter, perhaps formed on analogy with HURRY]

■ flurried (ˈflʌrId)   adj   characterized by haste, commotion or confusion

flush^1 (flʌʃ)   vb   1 to blush or cause to blush   2 to flow or flood or cause to flow or flood with or as if with water   3 to glow or shine or cause to glow or shine with a rosy colour   4 to send a volume of water quickly through (a pipe, channel, etc) or into (a toilet) for the purpose of cleansing, emptying, etc   5 to cause (soluble substances in the soil) to be washed towards the surface, as by the action of underground springs, or (of such substances) to be washed towards the soil surface   6 (tr; usually passive) to excite or elate   ▷ n   7 a rosy colour, esp in the cheeks; blush   8 a sudden flow or gush, as of water   9 a feeling of excitement or elation: the flush of success   10 early bloom; freshness: the flush of youth   11 redness of the skin, esp of the face, as from the effects of a fever, alcohol, etc   12 ecology an area of boggy land fed by ground water   ▷ adj   13 having a ruddy or heightened colour [C16 (in the sense: to gush forth): perhaps from FLUSH^3]   > ˈflusher n

■ flushable (ˈflʌʃəbəl)   adj   able or intended to be flushed

■ flushed (flʌʃt)   adj   1 temporarily showing a rosy colour, esp in the cheeks; blushing   2 flushed with something very excited because of some success or triumph

■ flushy (ˈflʌʃI)   adj flushier, flushiest   1 ruddy; reddish   2 tending to flush

flush^2 (flʌʃ)   adj (usually postpositive)   1 level or even with another surface   2 directly adjacent; continuous   3 informal having plenty of money   4 informal abundant or plentiful, as money   5 full of vigour   6 full to the brim or to the point of overflowing   7 printing having an even margin, right or left, with no indentations   8 (of a blow) accurately delivered   9 (of a vessel) having no superstructure built above the flat level of the deck   ▷ adv   10 so as to be level or even   11 directly or squarely   ▷ vb (tr)   12 to cause (surfaces) to be on the same level or in the same plane   13 to enrich the diet of (a ewe) during the breeding season   ▷ n   14 a period of fresh growth of leaves, shoots, etc [C18: probably from FLUSH^1 (in the sense: spring out)]   > ˈflushness n

■ flushing (ˈflʌʃIŋ)   n   an extra feeding given to ewes before mating to increase the lambing percentage

■ flushwork (ˈflʌʃˌwɜːk)   n   architect decorative treatment of the surface of an outside wall with flints split to show their smooth black surface, combined with dressed stone to form patterns such as tracery or initials

flush^3 (flʌʃ)   vb   (tr) to rouse (game, wild creatures, etc) and put to flight [C13 flusshen, perhaps of imitative origin]

flush^4 (flʌʃ)   n   (in poker and similar games) a hand containing only one suit [C16: from Old French flus, from Latin fluxus FLUX]

Flushing (ˈflʌʃIŋ)   n   a port in the SW Netherlands, in Zeeland province, on Walcheren Island, at the mouth of the West Scheldt river: the first Dutch city to throw off Spanish rule (1572). Pop: 45 000 (2003 est). Dutch name: Vlissingen

fluster (ˈflʌstə)   vb   1 to make or become confused, nervous, or upset   ▷ n   2 a state of confusion or agitation [C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic flaustr to hurry, flaustra to bustle]

■ flustered (ˈflʌstəd)   adj   in a state of confusion or agitation

■ flusteredly (ˈflʌstədlI)   adv   in a flustered manner

■ flusterment (ˈflʌstəmənt)   n   the state of being flustered

■ flustery (ˈflʌstərI)   adj   flustered or inclined to become flustered

flustrate (ˈflʌstreIt)   vb (tr)   jocular another word for fluster

■ flustration (flʌsˈtreIʃən)   n   jocular the state of being flustrated or flustered

flute (fluːt)   n   1 a wind instrument consisting of an open cylindrical tube of wood or metal having holes in the side stopped either by the fingers or by pads controlled by keys. The breath is directed across a mouth hole cut in the side, causing the air in the tube to vibrate. Range: about three octaves upwards from middle C   2 any pipe blown directly on the principle of a flue pipe, either by means of a mouth hole or through a fipple   3 architect a rounded shallow concave groove on the shaft of a column, pilaster, etc   4 a groove or furrow in cloth, etc   5 a tall narrow wineglass   6 anything shaped like a flute   ▷ vb   7 to produce or utter (sounds) in the manner or tone of a flute   8 (tr) to make grooves or furrows in [C14: from Old French flahute, via Old Provençal, from Vulgar Latin flabeolum (unattested); perhaps also influenced by Old Provençal laut lute; see FLAGEOLET]   > ˈfluteˌlike adj   > ˈfluty or ˈflutey adj

■ fluted (ˈfluːtId)   adj   1 (esp of the shaft of a column) having flutes   2 sounding like a flute

■ flutemouth (ˈfluːtˌmaʊθ)   n   any of several fish with a tubular snout

■ fluter (ˈfluːtə)   n   1 a craftsman who makes flutes or fluting   2 a tool used to make flutes or fluting   3 a less common word, used esp in folk music, for flautist

■ fluting (ˈfluːtIŋ)   n   1 a design or decoration of flutes on a column, pilaster, etc   2 grooves or furrows, as in cloth

■ flutist (ˈfluːtIst)   n   chiefly US and Canadian a variant of flautist

flutina (fluːˈtiːnə)   n   an early type of accordion, similar in internal construction to a concertina

flutter (ˈflʌtə)   vb   1 to wave or cause to wave rapidly; flap   2 (intr) (of birds, butterflies, etc) to flap the wings   3 (intr) to move, esp downwards, with an irregular motion   4 (intr) pathol (of the auricles of the heart) to beat abnormally rapidly, esp in a regular rhythm   5 to be or make nervous or restless   6 (intr) to move about restlessly   7 swimming to cause (the legs) to move up and down in a flutter kick or (of the legs) to move in this way   8 (tr) Brit informal to wager or gamble (a small amount of money)   ▷ n   9 a quick flapping or vibrating motion   10 a state of nervous excitement or confusion   11 excited interest; sensation; stir   12 Brit informal a modest bet or wager   13 pathol an abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (200 to 400 beats per minute), esp in a regular rhythm, sometimes resulting in heart block   14 electronics a slow variation in pitch in a sound-reproducing system, similar to wow but occurring at higher frequencies   15 a potentially dangerous oscillation of an aircraft, or part of an aircraft, caused by the interaction of aerodynamic forces, structural elastic reactions, and inertia   16 swimming See flutter kick   17 Also called: flutter tonguing music a method of sounding a wind instrument, esp the flute, with a rolling movement of the tongue [Old English floterian to float to and fro; related to German flattern; see FLOAT]   > ˈflutterer n   > ˈflutteringly adv

■ flutterboard (ˈflʌtəˌbɔːd)   n   US and Canadian an oblong board or piece of polystyrene plastic used by swimmers in training or practice. Brit word: float

■ flutter kick   n   a type of kick used in certain swimming strokes, such as the crawl, in which the legs are held straight and alternately moved up and down rapidly in the water

■ fluttery (ˈflʌtərI)   adj   1 flapping rapidly; fluttering   2 showing nervousness or excitement   3 light or insubstantial

fluvial (ˈfluːvIəl) or fluviatile (ˈfluːvIəˌtaIl, -tIl)   adj   of, relating to, or occurring in a river: fluvial deposits [C14: from Latin fluviālis, from fluvius river, from fluere to flow]

■ fluvialist (ˈfluːvIəlIst)   n   geology a person who explains geological or geographical phenomena by the action of streams

fluviatic (ˌfluːvIˈætIk)   adj   living or growing in streams

fluviomarine (ˌfluːvIˌəʊməˈriːn)   adj   1 (of deposits) formed by joint action of the sea and a river or stream   2 (esp of fish) able to live in both rivers and the sea [C19: fluvio-, from Latin fluvius river + MARINE]

fluvioterrestrial (ˌfluːvIəʊtəˈrɛstrIəl)   adj   (of animals) able to live in rivers and on land

fluvoxamine (fluːˈvɒksəmiːn)   n   an antidepressant drug that acts by preventing the re-uptake after release of serotonin in the brain, thereby prolonging its action. See SSRI

flux (flʌks)   n   1 a flow or discharge   2 continuous change; instability   3 a substance, such as borax or salt, that gives a low melting-point mixture with a metal oxide. It is used for cleaning metal surfaces during soldering, etc, and for protecting the surfaces of liquid metals   4 metallurgy a chemical used to increase the fluidity of refining slags in order to promote the rate of chemical reaction   5 a similar substance used in the making of glass   6 physics   a the rate of flow of particles, energy, or a fluid, through a specified area, such as that of neutrons (neutron flux) or of light energy (luminous flux)   b the strength of a field in a given area expressed as the product of the area and the component of the field strength at right angles to the area: magnetic flux; electric flux   7 pathol an excessive discharge of fluid from the body, such as watery faeces in diarrhoea   8 the act or process of melting; fusion   9 (in the philosophy of Heraclitus) the state of constant change in which all things exist   ▷ vb   10 to make or become fluid   11 (tr) to apply flux to (a metal, soldered joint, etc)   12 (tr) an obsolete word for purge [C14: from Latin fluxus a flow, from fluere to flow]

■ flux density   n   physics the amount of flux per unit of cross-sectional area

■ fluxive (ˈflʌksIv)   adj   obsolete flowing; fluid; variable

■ fluxmeter (ˈflʌksˌmiːtə)   n   any instrument for measuring magnetic flux, usually by measuring the charge that flows through a coil when the flux changes

fluxgate (ˈflʌksˌɡeIt)   n   a type of magnetometer, commonly used for archaeological prospection

fluxion (ˈflʌkʃən)   n   1 maths obsolete the rate of change of a function, esp the instantaneous velocity of a moving body; derivative   2 a less common word for flux (sense 1), flux (sense 2) [C16: from Late Latin fluxiō a flowing]   > ˈfluxional or ˈfluxionary adj   > ˈfluxionally adv

■ fluxionist (ˈflʌkʃənIst)   n   a person who uses mathematical fluxions

fluyt Dutch (flœt)   n   nautical a Dutch type of cargo ship, originating in the 16th century

fly^1 (flaI)   vb flies, flying, flew, flown   1 (intr) (of birds, aircraft, etc) to move through the air in a controlled manner using aerodynamic forces   2 to travel over (an area of land or sea) in an aircraft   3 to operate (an aircraft or spacecraft)   4 to float, flutter, or be displayed in the air or cause to float, etc, in this way: to fly a kite; they flew the flag   5 to transport or be transported by or through the air by aircraft, wind, etc   6 (intr) to move or be moved very quickly, forcibly, or suddenly: she came flying towards me; the door flew open   7 (intr) to pass swiftly: time flies   8 to escape from (an enemy, place, etc); flee: he flew the country   9 (intr; may be foll by at or upon) to attack a person   10 (intr) to have a sudden outburst: he flew into a rage again   11 (intr) (of money, etc) to vanish rapidly   12 (tr) falconry (of hawks) to fly at (quarry) in attack: peregrines fly rooks   13 (tr) theatre to suspend (scenery) above the stage so that it may be lowered into view   14 fly a kite   a to procure money by an accommodation bill   b to release information or take a step in order to test public opinion   15 fly high informal   a to have a high aim   b to prosper or flourish   16 fly in the face of See face (sense 19)   17 fly off the handle informal to lose one's temper   18 fly the coop US and Canadian informal to leave suddenly   19 go fly a kite US and Canadian informal go away   20 let fly informal   a to lose one's temper (with a person): she really let fly at him   b to shoot or throw (an object)   ▷ n, pl flies   21 Also called: fly front (often plural) a closure that conceals a zip, buttons, or other fastening, by having one side overlapping, as on trousers   22 Also called: flysheet   a a flap forming the entrance to a tent   b a piece of canvas drawn over the ridgepole of a tent to form an outer roof   23 a small air brake used to control the chiming of large clocks   24 the horizontal weighted arm of a fly press   25    a the outer edge of a flag   b the distance from the outer edge of a flag to the staff. Compare hoist (sense 9)   26 Brit a light one-horse covered carriage formerly let out on hire   27 Austral and NZ an attempt: I'll give it a fly   28 printing   a a device for transferring printed sheets from the press to a flat pile   b Also called: flyhand a person who collects and stacks printed matter from a printing press   c a piece of paper folded once to make four pages, with printing only on the first page   29 (plural) theatre the space above the stage out of view of the audience, used for storing scenery, etc   30 rare the act of flying   31 on the fly informal without coming to a stop [Old English flēogan; related to Old Frisian fliāga, Old High German fliogan, Old Norse fljūga]   > ˈflyable adj

■ fly ash   n   fine solid particles of ash carried into the air during combustion, esp the combustion of pulverized fuel in power stations

■ flyaway (ˈflaIəˌweI)   adj   1 (of hair or clothing) loose and fluttering   2 frivolous or flighty; giddy   ▷ n   3 a person who is frivolous or flighty

■ flyback (ˈflaIˌbæk)   n   the fast return of the spot on a cathode-ray tube after completion of each trace

■ flyboy (ˈflaIbɔI)   n   US informal a pilot or any member of an airforce

■ flybridge (ˈflaIˌbrIdʒ)   n   the highest navigational bridge on a ship. Also called: flying bridge

■ flyby (ˈflaIˌbaI)   n, pl -bys   a flight past a particular position or target, esp the close approach of a spacecraft to a planet or satellite for investigation of conditions

■ fly-by-light   n   aircraft control through systems operated by optical fibres rather than mechanical rods. Abbreviation: FBL

■ fly-by-night informal   adj   1 unreliable or untrustworthy, esp in finance   2 brief; impermanent   ▷ n also fly-by-nighter   3 an untrustworthy person, esp one who departs secretly or by night to avoid paying debts   4 a person who goes out at night to places of entertainment

■ fly-by-wire   n   aircraft control through systems operated by electronic circuits rather than mechanical rods. Abbreviation: FBW

■ fly-drive   adj, adv   describing a type of package-deal holiday in which the price includes outward and return flights and car hire while away

■ flyer or flier (ˈflaIə)   n   1 a person or thing that flies or moves very fast   2 an aviator or pilot   3 informal a long flying leap; bound   4 a fast-moving machine part, esp one having periodic motion   5 a rectangular step in a straight flight of stairs. Compare winder (sense 5)   6 athletics an informal word for flying start   7 chiefly US a speculative business transaction   8 a small handbill

■ fly half   n   rugby another name for stand-off half

■ flyleaf (ˈflaIˌliːf)   n, pl -leaves   the inner leaf of the endpaper of a book, pasted to the first leaf

■ flyman (ˈflaImən)   n, pl -men   theatre a stagehand who operates the scenery, curtains, etc, in the flies

■ flyoff (ˈflaIˌɒf)   n   the total volume of water transferred from the earth to the atmosphere

■ flyover (ˈflaIˌəʊvə)   n   1 Also called: overpass Brit   a an intersection of two roads at which one is carried over the other by a bridge   b such a bridge   2 the US name for fly-past

■ fly-past   n   a ceremonial flight of aircraft over a given area. Also called (esp US): flyover

■ fly press   n   a hand-operated press in which a horizontal beam with heavy steel balls attached to the ends gives additional momentum to the descending member used to punch or compress material

■ flysheet (ˈflaIˌʃiːt)   n   1 another name for fly^1 (sense 22)   2 a short handbill or circular

■ fly-to-let   n   informal same as jet-to-let [C21: modelled on BUY-TO-LET]

■ flyway (ˈflaIˌweI)   n   the usual route used by birds when migrating

■ flywheel (ˈflaIˌwiːl)   n   a heavy wheel that stores kinetic energy and smooths the operation of a reciprocating engine by maintaining a constant speed of rotation over the whole cycle

fly^2 (flaI)   n, pl flies   1 any dipterous insect, esp the housefly, characterized by active flight. See also horsefly, blowfly, tsetse fly, crane fly   2 any of various similar but unrelated insects, such as the caddis fly, firefly, dragonfly, and chalcid fly   3 angling a lure made from a fish-hook dressed with feathers, tinsel, etc, to resemble any of various flies or nymphs: used in fly-fishing. See also dry fly, wet fly   4 (in southern Africa) an area that is infested with the tsetse fly   5 drink with the flies Austral slang to drink alone   6 fly in amber See amber (sense 2)   7 fly in the ointment informal a slight flaw that detracts from value, completeness, or enjoyment   8 fly on the wall a person who watches others, while not being noticed himself or herself   9 there are no flies on me informal I am no fool [Old English flēoge; related to Old Norse fluga Old High German flioga; see FLY^1]   > ˈflyless adj

■ fly agaric   n   a saprotrophic agaricaceous woodland fungus, Amanita muscaria, having a scarlet cap with white warts and white gills: poisonous but rarely fatal. See also amanita [so named from its use as a poison on flypaper]

■ flybane (ˈflaIˌbeIn)   n   1 a common name for the plant Lychnis viscaria   2 a common name for some plant species of the genus Silene

■ flybelt (ˈflaIˌbɛlt)   n   an area of land infested with a large number of tsetse flies

■ flyblow (ˈflaIˌbləʊ)   vb -blows, -blowing, -blew, -blown   1 (tr) to contaminate, esp with the eggs or larvae of the blowfly; taint   ▷ n   2 (usually plural) the egg or young larva of a blowfly, deposited on meat, paper, etc

■ flyblown (ˈflaIˌbləʊn)   adj   1 covered with flyblows   2 contaminated; tainted

■ flybook (ˈflaIˌbʊk)   n   a small case or wallet used by anglers for storing artificial flies

■ flycatcher (ˈflaIˌkætʃə)   n   1 any small insectivorous songbird of the Old World subfamily Muscicapinae, having small slender bills fringed with bristles: family Muscicapidae. See also spotted flycatcher   2 any American passerine bird of the family Tyrannidae

■ fly-fish   vb   (intr) angling to fish using artificial flies as lures. See dry fly, wet fly   > ˈfly-ˌfisher n   > ˈfly-ˌfishing n

■ flymaker (ˈflaIˌmeIkə)   n   a person who makes fishing flies

■ fly orchid   n   a European orchid, Ophrys insectifera, whose flowers resemble and attract certain wasps: found in wood margins and scrub on lime-rich soils

■ flypaper (ˈflaIˌpeIpə)   n   paper with a sticky and poisonous coating, usually hung from the ceiling to trap flies

■ fly rod   n   a light flexible rod, now usually made of fibreglass or split cane, used in fly-fishing

■ flyrodder (ˈflaIˌrɒdə)   n   an angler using an artificial fly

■ flyscreen (ˈflaIˌskriːn)   n   a wire-mesh screen over a window to prevent flies from entering a room

■ flyspeck (ˈflaIˌspɛk)   n   1 the small speck of the excrement of a fly   2 a small spot or speck   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to mark with flyspecks

■ flyspray (ˈflaIˌspreI)   n   a liquid used to destroy flies and other insects, sprayed from an aerosol

■ flystrike (ˈflaIˌstraIk)   n   the infestation of wounded sheep by blowflies or maggots

■ flyswatter (ˈflaIˌswɒtə)   n   a device for killing flies, esp a flat mesh attached to a handle

■ flytier (ˈflaIˌtaIə)   n   a person who makes his or her own fishing flies

■ flytrap (ˈflaIˌtræp)   n   1 any of various insectivorous plants, esp Venus's flytrap   2 a device for catching flies

■ flyweight (ˈflaIˌweIt)   n   1    a a professional boxer weighing not more than 112 pounds (51 kg)   b an amateur boxer weighing 48–51 kg (106–112 pounds)   c (as modifier): a flyweight contest   2 (in Olympic wrestling) a wrestler weighing not more than 115 pounds (52 kg)

fly^3 (flaI)   adj flyer, flyest slang   1 chiefly Brit knowing and sharp; smart   2 chiefly Scot furtive or sneaky   ▷ n   3 on the fly chiefly Scot in secret; sneakily [C19: of uncertain origin]

■ flypitch (ˈflaIˌpItʃ)   n   informal an area for unlicensed stalls at markets

■ flypitcher (ˈflaIˌpItʃə)   n   informal a person who has a flypitch

■ flyposter (ˈflaIˌpəʊstə)   n   Brit a poster, esp unauthorized, put up to publicize something

■ flyposting (ˈflaIˌpəʊstIŋ)   n   Brit the posting of advertising or political bills, posters, etc in unauthorized places

■ fly-tipper   n   a person who deliberately dumps rubbish in an unauthorized place

■ fly-tipping   n   the deliberate dumping of rubbish in an unauthorized place

flyboat (ˈflaIˌbəʊt)   n   any small swift boat

flying (ˈflaIIŋ)   adj   1 (prenominal) hurried; fleeting: a flying visit   2 (prenominal) designed for fast action   3 (prenominal) moving or passing quickly on or as if on wings: a flying leap; the flying hours   4 hanging, waving, or floating freely: flying hair   5 nautical (of a sail) not hauled in tight against the wind   ▷ n   6 the act of piloting, navigating, or travelling in an aircraft   7 (modifier) relating to, capable of, accustomed to, or adapted for flight: a flying machine ▶ Related adjective: volant

■ flying boat   n   a seaplane in which the fuselage consists of a hull that provides buoyancy in the water

■ flying bomb   n   another name for the V-1

■ flying bridge   n   an auxiliary bridge of a vessel, usually built above or far outboard of the main bridge

■ flying buttress   n   a buttress supporting a wall or other structure by an arch or part of an arch that transmits the thrust outwards and downwards. Also called: arc-boutant

■ flying circus   n   1 an exhibition of aircraft aerobatics   2 the aircraft and men who take part in such exhibitions

■ flying colours   pl n   conspicuous success; triumph: you passed the test with flying colours

■ flying doctor   n   (in areas of sparse or scattered population) a doctor who visits patients by aircraft

■ Flying Dutchman   n   1 legend   a a phantom ship sighted in bad weather, esp off the Cape of Good Hope   b the captain of this ship   2 a type of dinghy, designed to be crewed by two people

■ flying field   n   a small airport; an airfield

■ flying fish   n   any marine teleost fish of the family Exocoetidae, common in warm and tropical seas, having enlarged winglike pectoral fins used for gliding above the surface of the water

■ flying fox   n   1 any large fruit bat, esp any of the genus Pteropus of tropical Africa and Asia: family Pteropodidae   2 Austral and NZ a cable mechanism used for transportation across a river, gorge, etc   3 a cable mechanism ridden for fun at an adventure playground, etc

■ flying frog   n   any of several tropical frogs of the family Rhacophoridae, esp Rhacophorus reinwardtii of Malaya, that glide between trees by means of long webbed digits

■ flying gurnard   n   any marine spiny-finned gurnard-like fish of the mostly tropical family Dactylopteridae, having enlarged fan-shaped pectoral fins used to glide above the surface of the sea

■ flying jib   n   the jib set furthest forward or outboard on a vessel with two or more jibs

■ flying lemur   n   either of the two arboreal mammals of the genus Cynocephalus, family Cynocephalidae, and order Dermoptera, of S and SE Asia. They resemble lemurs but have a fold of skin between the limbs enabling movement by gliding leaps. Also called: colugo

■ flying lizard or flying dragon   n   any lizard of the genus Draco, of S and SE Asia, having an extensible fold of skin on each side of the body, used to make gliding leaps: family Agamidae (agamas)

■ flying mare   n   a wrestling throw in which a wrestler seizes an opponent's arm or head (flying head mare) and turns to throw the opponent over his or her shoulder

■ flying officer   n   an officer holding commissioned rank senior to a pilot officer but junior to a flight lieutenant in the British and certain other air forces

■ flying phalanger   n   any nocturnal arboreal phalanger of the genus Petaurus, of E Australia and New Guinea, having black-striped greyish fur and moving with gliding leaps using folds of skin between the hind limbs and forelimbs. Also called: glider

■ flying picket   n   (in industrial disputes) a member of a group of pickets organized to be able to move quickly from place to place

■ flying saucer   n   any disc-shaped flying object alleged to come from outer space

■ Flying Scotsman   n   the Flying Scotsman a British steam locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley (1876–1941) and built in 1923; first steam locomotive (1934) to reach 100mph

■ flying-spot   adj   denoting an electronic system in which a rapidly moving spot of light is used to encode or decode data, for example to obtain a television signal by scanning a photographic film or slide

■ flying squad   n   a small group of police, soldiers, etc, ready to move into action quickly

■ flying squirrel   n   any nocturnal sciurine rodent of the subfamily Petauristinae, of Asia and North America. Furry folds of skin between the forelegs and hind legs enable these animals to move by gliding leaps

■ flying start   n   1 Also called (informal): flyer (in sprinting) a start by a competitor anticipating the starting signal   2 a start to a race or time trial in which the competitor is already travelling at speed as he or she passes the starting line   3 any promising beginning   4 an initial advantage over others

■ flying wing   n   1 an aircraft consisting mainly of one large wing and no fuselage or tailplane   2 (in Canadian football) the twelfth player, who has a variable position behind the scrimmage line

Flynn (flIn)   n   1  Errol. 1909–59, Australian-born Hollywood actor, who was noted for his swashbuckling roles; his films included Captain Blood (1935), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and Too Much Too Soon (1958)   2  Rev. John. 1880–1951, founder of the Australian flying doctor service

flype (flaIp)   n   1 a flap or fold   2 a kind of knot move involving a twisting of rope   ▷ vb (tr)   3 Scot to peel or strip off (something, esp skin)

Fly River   n   a river in W Papua New Guinea, flowing southeast to the Gulf of Papua. Length: about 1300 km (800 miles)

Flysch (flIʃ)   n   (sometimes not capital) a marine sedimentary facies consisting of a sequence of sandstones, conglomerates, marls, shales, and clays that were formed by erosion during a period of mountain building and subsequently deformed as the mountain building continued. The phenomenon was first observed in the Alps [Swiss German]

flyte (flaIt; Scottish fləIt)   vb   a variant spelling of flite

fm   abbreviation for   1 fathom   2 from   ▷ the internet domain name for   3 Micronesia

Fm   the chemical symbol for   fermium

FM   abbreviation for   1 Field Marshal   2 aeronautics figure of merit   3 (in the UK's devolved governments) First Minister   4 frequency modulation

FMCG   abbreviation for   fast-moving consumer goods

FMD   abbreviation for   foot-and-mouth disease

FMN   n   biochem flavin mononucleotide; a phosphoric ester of riboflavin that acts as the prosthetic group for many flavoproteins. See also FAD

FMRI   abbreviation for   functional magnetic resonance imaging: a technique that directly measures the blood flow in the brain, thereby providing information on brain activity

FMS aeronautics   abbreviation for   flight management systems

FN   abbreviation for   (in Canada) First Nation

fo   the internet domain name for   Faeroe Islands

Fo (fəʊ)   n   Dario (ˈdærIəʊ). 1926–2016, Italian playwright and actor. His plays include The Accidental Death of an Anarchist (1970), Trumpets and Raspberries (1984), and The Tricks of the Trade (1991): Nobel prize for literature 1997

FO   abbreviation for   1 army Field Officer   2 air force Flying Officer   3 Foreign Office   4 Faeroe Islands (international car registration) [(for sense 4) from Faeroese Fōroyar]

fo.   abbreviation for   folio

foal (fəʊl)   n   1 the young of a horse or related animal   ▷ vb   2 to give birth to (a foal) [Old English fola; related to Old Frisian fola, Old High German folo foal, Latin pullus young creature, Greek pōlos foal]

■ foalfoot (ˈfəʊlˌfʊt)   n   another name for coltsfoot

foam (fəʊm)   n   1 a mass of small bubbles of gas formed on the surface of a liquid, such as the froth produced by agitating a solution of soap or detergent in water   2 frothy saliva sometimes formed in and expelled from the mouth, as in rabies   3 the frothy sweat of a horse or similar animal   4    a any of a number of light cellular solids made by creating bubbles of gas in the liquid material and solidifying it: used as insulators and in packaging   b (as modifier): foam rubber; foam plastic   5 a colloid consisting of a gas suspended in a liquid   6 a mixture of chemicals sprayed from a fire extinguisher onto a burning substance to create a stable layer of bubbles which smothers the flames   7 a poetic word for the sea   ▷ vb   8 to produce or cause to produce foam; froth   9 (intr) to be very angry (esp in the phrase foam at the mouth) [Old English fām; related to Old High German feim, Latin spūma, Sanskrit phena]   > ˈfoamless adj   > ˈfoamˌlike adj

■ foamable (ˈfəʊməbəl)   adj   capable of foaming

■ foam-backed   adj   having a backing made of foam rubber

■ foamer (ˈfəʊmə)   n   1 a (possibly obsessive) enthusiast   2 something that generates foam

■ foamflower (ˈfəʊmˌflaʊə)   n   a perennial saxifragaceous plant, Tiarella cordifolia, of North America and Asia, having spring-blooming white flowers

■ foamingly (ˈfəʊmIŋlI)   adv   in a foaming manner

■ foamy (ˈfəʊmI)   adj foamier, foamiest   of, resembling, consisting of, or covered with foam   > ˈfoamily adv   > ˈfoaminess n

fob^1 (fɒb)   n   1 a chain or ribbon by which a pocket watch is attached to a waistcoat   2 any ornament hung on such a chain   3 a small pocket in a waistcoat, for holding a watch   4 a metal or plastic tab on a key ring [C17: probably of Germanic origin; compare German dialect Fuppe pocket]

fob^2 (fɒb)   vb fobs, fobbing, fobbed   an archaic word for cheat [C15: probably from German foppen to trick]

■ fob off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to appease or trick (a person) with lies or excuses   2 to dispose of (goods) by trickery

fob^3 (fɒb)   n slang, sometimes derogatory   1 US an immigrant who has newly arrived   2 NZ a Pacific Islander who has newly arrived in New Zealand [C20: from f(resh) o(ff) (the) b(oat)]

f.o.b. or FOB commerce   abbreviation for   free on board

FoC   abbreviation for   father of the chapel

focaccia (fəˈkætʃə)   n   a flat Italian bread made with olive oil and yeast [from Italian]

Foch (French fɔʃ)   n   Ferdinand (fɛrdinɑ̃). 1851–1929, marshal of France; commander in chief of Allied armies on the Western front in World War I (1918)

focometer (fəʊˈkɒmItə) or focimeter (fəʊˈsImItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the focal length of a lens

fo'c's'le or fo'c'sle (ˈfəʊksəl)   n   a variant spelling of forecastle

focus (ˈfəʊkəs)   n, pl -cuses or -ci (-saI, -kaI, -kiː)   1 a point of convergence of light or other electromagnetic radiation, particles, sound waves, etc, or a point from which they appear to diverge   2 another name for focal point (sense 1), focal length   3 optics the state of an optical image when it is distinct and clearly defined or the state of an instrument producing this image: the picture is in focus; the telescope is out of focus   4 a point upon which attention, activity, etc, is directed or concentrated   5 geometry a fixed reference point on the concave side of a conic section, used when defining its eccentricity   6 the point beneath the earth's surface at which an earthquake or underground nuclear explosion originates. Compare epicentre   7 pathol the main site of an infection or a localized region of diseased tissue   ▷ vb -cuses, -cusing, -cused or -cusses, -cussing, -cussed   8 to bring or come to a focus or into focus   9 (tr; often foll by on) to fix attention (on); concentrate [C17: via New Latin from Latin: hearth, fireplace]   > ˈfocusable adj   > ˈfocuser n

■ focal (ˈfəʊkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to a focus   2 situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus   > ˈfocally adv

■ focal infection   n   a bacterial infection limited to a specific part of the body, such as the tonsils or a gland

■ focalize or focalise (ˈfəʊkəˌlaIz)   vb   a less common word for focus   > ˌfocaliˈzation or ˌfocaliˈsation n

■ focal length or focal distance   n   the distance from the focal point of a lens or mirror to the reflecting surface of the mirror or the centre point of the lens

■ focal plane   n   1 the plane that is perpendicular to the axis of a lens or mirror and passes through the focal point   2 the plane in a telescope, camera, or other optical instrument in which a real image is in focus

■ focal point   n   1 Also called: principal focus, focus the point on the axis of a lens or mirror to which parallel rays of light converge or from which they appear to diverge after refraction or reflection   2 a central point of attention or interest

■ focal ratio   n   photog another name for f-number

■ focused or focussed (ˈfəʊkəst)   adj   having or showing a clear and definite purpose

■ focused strategy   n   a business strategy in which an organization divests itself of all but its core activities, using the funds raised to enhance the distinctive abilities that give it an advantage over its rivals

■ focus group   n   a group of people brought together to give their opinions on a particular issue or product, often for the purpose of market research

■ focusless (ˈfəʊkəsləs)   adj   lacking focus

■ focus puller   n   films the member of a camera crew who adjusts the focus of the lens as the camera is tracked in or out

fodder (ˈfɒdə)   n   1 bulk feed for livestock, esp hay, straw, etc   2 raw experience or material: fodder for the imagination   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to supply (livestock) with fodder [Old English fōdor; related to Old Norse fōthr, Old High German fuotar; see FOOD, FORAGE]

■ fodderer (ˈfɒdərə)   n   a person who feeds cattle

fodgel (ˈfɒdʒəl)   adj   Scot buxom

FODMAP (ˈfɒdˌmæp)   n   one of a group of compounds (mainly carbohydrates) thought to contribute to the symptoms of various gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome; the term is usually used to refer to a diet that is low in these compounds [C21: from fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols]

foe (fəʊ)   n   formal or literary another word for enemy [Old English fāh hostile; related to Old High German fēhan to hate, Old Norse feikn dreadful; see FEUD^1]

■ foeman (ˈfəʊmən)   n, pl -men   archaic or poetic an enemy in war; foe

FoE or FOE   abbreviation for   Friends of the Earth

foederatus (ˌfɛdəˈreItəs; Latin ˌfɔIdɛˈrɑːtʊs)   n   an ally or mercenary in ancient Rome

foefie slide (ˈfuːfiː)   n   South African a rope, fixed at an incline, along which a person suspended on a pulley may traverse a space, esp across a river [C20: Afrikaans foefie stunt]

foehn (fɜːn; German føːn)   n   meteorol a variant spelling of föhn

foetor (ˈfiːtə)   n   a variant spelling of fetor

■ foetid (ˈfɛtId, ˈfiː-)   adj   a variant spelling of fetid   > ˈfoetidly adv   > ˈfoetidness n

foetus (ˈfiːtəs)   n, pl -tuses   a variant spelling of fetus

■ foetal (ˈfiːtəl)   adj   a variant spelling of fetal

■ foetation (fiːˈteIʃən)   n   a variant spelling of fetation

■ foeticide (ˈfiːtIˌsaId)   n   a variant spelling of feticide   > ˌfoetiˈcidal adj

fog^1 (fɒɡ)   n   1 a mass of droplets of condensed water vapour suspended in the air, often greatly reducing visibility, corresponding to a cloud but at a lower level   2 a cloud of any substance in the atmosphere reducing visibility   3 a state of mental uncertainty or obscurity   4 photog a blurred or discoloured area on a developed negative, print, or transparency caused by the action of extraneous light, incorrect development, etc   5 a colloid or suspension consisting of liquid particles dispersed in a gas   ▷ vb fogs, fogging, fogged   6 to envelop or become enveloped with or as if with fog   7 to confuse or become confused: to fog an issue   8 photog to produce fog on (a negative, print, or transparency) or (of a negative, print, or transparency) to be affected by fog [C16: perhaps back formation from foggy damp, boggy, from FOG^2]

■ fog bank   n   a distinct mass of fog, esp at sea

■ fogbound (ˈfɒɡˌbaʊnd)   adj   1 prevented from operation by fog: the airport was fogbound   2 obscured by or enveloped in fog: the skyscraper was fogbound

■ fogbow (ˈfɒɡˌbəʊ)   n   a faint arc of light sometimes seen in a fog bank. Also called: seadog, white rainbow

■ fogdog (ˈfɒɡˌdɒɡ)   n   a whitish spot sometimes seen in fog near the horizon. Also called: seadog

■ fog fever   n   vet science an acute respiratory disease of cattle, with a high mortality, that can occur after grazing fog

■ fogged (fɒɡd) or foggy   adj   photog affected or obscured by fog

■ fogger (ˈfɒɡə)   n   a device that generates a fog

■ foggy (ˈfɒɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   1 thick with fog   2 obscure or confused   3 another word for fogged   4 not the foggiest, not the foggiest idea or not the foggiest notion no idea whatsoever: I haven't the foggiest   > ˈfoggily adv   > ˈfogginess n

■ foghorn (ˈfɒɡˌhɔːn)   n   1 a mechanical instrument sounded at intervals to serve as a warning to vessels in fog   2 informal a loud deep resounding voice

■ fog lamp   n   a powerful light for use in foggy conditions, usually positioned low down on the front or rear of a road vehicle

■ fogless (ˈfɒɡləs)   adj   without fog; clear

■ fog level   n   the density produced by the development of photographic materials that have not been exposed to light or other actinic radiation. It forms part of the characteristic curve of a particular material

■ fog light   n   another word for fog lamp

■ fogman (ˈfɒɡmən)   n, pl -men   a person in charge of railway fog-signals

■ fog signal   n   a signal used to warn railway engine drivers in fog, consisting of a detonator placed on the line

fog^2 (fɒɡ)   n     a a second growth of grass after the first mowing   b grass left to grow long in winter [C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian fogg rank grass]

■ fogfruit (ˈfɒɡˌfruːt)   n   a wildflower of the Verbena family

■ foggage (ˈfɒɡIdʒ)   n   grass grown for winter grazing

Fogarty (ˈfɒɡətI)   n   Carl (George). born 1965, British racing motorcyclist; Superbike world champion 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999

fogash (ˈfɒɡɒʃ)   n   a type of Hungarian pikeperch

fogey or fogy (ˈfəʊɡI)   n, pl -geys or -gies   an extremely fussy, old-fashioned, or conservative person (esp in the phrase old fogey) [C18: of unknown origin]   > ˈfogeyish or ˈfogyish adj   > ˈfogeyism or ˈfogyism n

■ fogeydom or fogydom (ˈfəʊɡIdəm)   n   the state or disposition of a fogey

Foggia (Italian ˈfɔddʒa)   n   a city in SE Italy, in Apulia: seat of Emperor Frederick II; centre for Carbonari revolutionary societies in the revolts of 1820, 1848, and 1860. Pop: 155 203 (2001)

fogle (ˈfəʊɡəl)   n   informal a silk handkerchief

fogou (ˈfəʊɡuː)   n   a subterranean building found in Cornwall

fogram (ˈfəʊɡrəm)   n   a fogey

■ fogramity (fəʊˈɡræmItI) or fogramite (ˈfəʊɡrəˌmaIt)   n, pl -ties, -ites   a fogey or antiquated thing

foh (fəʊ)   interj   an expression of disgust

föhn or foehn (fɜːn; German føːn)   n   a warm dry wind blowing down the northern slopes of the Alps. It originates as moist air blowing from the Mediterranean, rising on reaching the Alps and cooling at the saturated adiabatic lapse rate, and descending on the leeward side, warming at the dry adiabatic lapse rate, thus gaining heat. See also lapse rate [German, from Old High German phōnno, from Latin favōnius; related to fovēre to warm]

FOI   abbreviation for   freedom of information

foible (ˈfɔIbəl)   n   1 a slight peculiarity or minor weakness; idiosyncrasy   2 the most vulnerable part of a sword's blade, from the middle to the tip. Compare forte^1 (sense 2) [C17: from obsolete French, from obsolete adj: FEEBLE]

foid (fɔId)   n   a rock-forming mineral similar to feldspar

foie gras (French fwa ɡrɑ)   n   See pâté de foie gras

foil^1 (fɔIl)   vb (tr)   1 to baffle or frustrate (a person, attempt, etc)   2 hunting (of hounds, hunters, etc) to obliterate the scent left by a hunted animal or (of a hunted animal) to run back over its own trail   3 archaic to repulse or defeat (an attack or assailant)   ▷ n   4 hunting any scent that obscures the trail left by a hunted animal   5 archaic a setback or defeat [C13 foilen to trample, from Old French fouler, from Old French fuler tread down, FULL^2]   > ˈfoilable adj

foil^2 (fɔIl)   n   1 metal in the form of very thin sheets: gold foil; tin foil   2 the thin metallic sheet forming the backing of a mirror   3 a thin leaf of shiny metal set under a gemstone to add brightness or colour   4 a person or thing that gives contrast to another   5 architect a small arc between cusps, esp as used in Gothic window tracery   6 short for aerofoil, hydrofoil   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to back or cover with foil   8 Also: foliate architect to ornament (windows) with foils [C14: from Old French foille, from Latin folia leaves, plural of folium]

■ foilborne (ˈfɔIlˌbɔːn)   adj   moving by means of hydrofoils

foil^3 (fɔIl)   n   a light slender flexible sword tipped by a button and usually having a bell-shaped guard [C16: of unknown origin]

■ foilsman (ˈfɔIlzmən)   n, pl -men   fencing a person who uses or specializes in using a foil

■ foilswoman (ˈfɔIlzˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   fencing a woman who uses or specializes in using a foil

foin (fɔIn) archaic   n   1 a thrust or lunge with a weapon   ▷ vb   2 to thrust with a weapon [C14: probably from Old French foine, from Latin fuscina trident]

■ foiningly (ˈfɔInIŋlI)   adv   by means of a thrust or push

Foism (ˈfəʊˌIzəm)   n   Chinese Buddhism, the version introduced from India from the 4th century AD onwards and essentially belonging to the Mahayana school [from Mandarin Chinese fo BUDDHA]   > ˈFoist n, adj

foison (ˈfɔIzən)   n   archaic or poetic a plentiful supply or yield [C13: from Old French, from Latin fūsiō a pouring out, from fundere to pour; see FUSION]

■ foisonless (ˈfɔIzənləs)   adj   Scot dialect without strength; weak

foist (fɔIst)   vb (tr)   1 (often foll by off or on) to sell or pass off (something, esp an inferior article) as genuine, valuable, etc   2 (usually foll by in or into) to insert surreptitiously or wrongfully [C16: probably from obsolete Dutch vuisten to enclose in one's hand, from Middle Dutch vuist fist]

■ foister (ˈfɔIstə)   n   a person who foists

Fokine (Russian ˈfɔkin; French fɔkin)   n   Michel (miʃɛl). 1880–1942, US choreographer, born in Russia, regarded as the creator of modern ballet. He worked with Diaghilev as director of the Ballets Russes (1909–15), producing works such as Les Sylphides and Petrushka

Fokker (ˈfɒkə; Dutch ˈfɔkər)   n   Anthony Herman Gerard (ɑnˈtoːniː ˈhɛrman ˈxeːrɑrt). 1890–1939, Dutch designer and builder of aircraft, born in Java

fol.   abbreviation for   1 folio   2 following

folacin (ˈfɒləsIn)   n   another name for folic acid [C20: from FOL(IC) AC(ID) + -IN]

folate (ˈfəʊleIt)   n   a salt of folic acid

fold^1 (fəʊld)   vb   1 to bend or be bent double so that one part covers another: to fold a sheet of paper   2 (tr) to bring together and intertwine (the arms, legs, etc): she folded her hands   3 (tr) (of birds, insects, etc) to close (the wings) together from an extended position   4 (tr; often foll by up or in) to enclose in or as if in a surrounding material   5 (tr; foll by in) to clasp (a person) in the arms   6 (tr; usually foll by round, about, etc) to wind (around); entwine   7 (tr) poetic to cover completely: night folded the earth   8 Also: fold in (tr) to mix (a whisked mixture) with other ingredients by gently turning one part over the other with a spoon   9 to produce a bend (in stratified rock) or (of stratified rock) to display a bend   10 (intr; often foll by up) informal to collapse; fail: the business folded   ▷ n   11 a piece or section that has been folded: a fold of cloth   12 a mark, crease, or hollow made by folding   13 a hollow in undulating terrain   14 a bend in stratified rocks that results from movements within the earth's crust and produces such structures as anticlines and synclines   15 anatomy another word for plica (sense 1)   16 a coil, as in a rope, etc   17 an act of folding [Old English fealdan; related to Old Norse falda , Old High German faldan, Latin duplus double, Greek haploos simple]   > ˈfoldable adj

■ fold-and-thrust belt   n   geology a linear or arcuate region of the earth's surface that has been subjected to severe folding and thrust faulting

■ foldaway (ˈfəʊldəˌweI)   adj   (prenominal) (of a bed) able to be folded and put away when not in use

■ foldback (ˈfəʊldˌbæk)   n   (in multitrack recording) a process for returning a signal to a performer instantly. Also called: cueing

■ foldboat (ˈfəʊldˌbəʊt)   n   another name for faltboat

■ folded dipole   n   a type of aerial, widely used with television and VHF radio receivers, consisting of two parallel dipoles connected together at their outer ends and fed at the centre of one of them. The length is usually half the operating wavelength

■ folder (ˈfəʊldə)   n   1 a binder or file for holding loose papers, etc   2 a folded circular   3 a machine for folding printed sheets   4 a person or thing that folds   5 computing another name for directory (sense 5)

■ folding (ˈfəʊldIŋ)   adj   1 able to be folded   ▷ n   2 geology bends in stratified rocks that result from movements within the earth's crust and produce such structures as anticlines and synclines

■ folding door   n   a door in the form of two or more vertical hinged leaves that can be folded one against another

■ folding money   n   informal paper money

■ folding press   n   a fall in wrestling won by folding one's opponent's legs up to his or her head and pressing his or her shoulders to the floor

■ foldout (ˈfəʊldˌaʊt)   n   printing another name for gatefold

■ fold up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to make smaller or more compact   2 (intr) to collapse, as with laughter or pain

■ fold-up   adj   able to be folded up

fold^2 (fəʊld)   n   1    a a small enclosure or pen for sheep or other livestock, where they can be gathered   b the sheep or other livestock gathered in such an enclosure   c a flock of sheep   d a herd of Highland cattle   2 a church or the members of it   3 any group or community sharing a way of life or holding the same values   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to gather or confine (sheep or other livestock) in a fold [Old English falod; related to Old Saxon faled, Middle Dutch vaelt]

-fold   suffix forming adjectives, suffix forming adverbs   having so many parts, being so many times as much or as many, or multiplied by so much or so many: threefold; three-hundredfold [Old English -fald, -feald]

folderol (ˈfɒldəˌrɒl)   n   a variant of falderal

foley or foley artist (ˈfəʊlI)   n   films the US name for footsteps editor [C20: named after J.D. Foley (1891-1967), US sound editor]

folia (ˈfəʊlIə)   n   the plural of folium

folic acid (ˈfəʊlIk, ˈfɒl-)   n   any of a group of vitamins of the B complex, including pteroylglutamic acid and its derivatives: used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia. Also called: folacin [C20: from Latin folium leaf; so called because it may be obtained from green leaves]

folie (fɒˈliː)   n   madness

■ folie à deux (ˈfɒlI æ ˈdɜː)   n   psychiatry mental illness occurring simultaneously in two intimately related persons who share some of the elements of the illness, such as delusions [French: madness involving two (people)]

■ folie de grandeur French (fɔli də ɡrɑ̃dœr)   n   delusions of grandeur [literally: madness of grandeur]

folio (ˈfəʊlIəʊ)   n, pl -lios   1 a sheet of paper folded in half to make two leaves for a book or manuscript   2 a book or manuscript of the largest common size made up of such sheets   3 a leaf of paper or parchment numbered on the front side only   4 a page number in a book   5 law a unit of measurement of the length of legal documents, determined by the number of words, generally 72 or 90 in Britain and 100 in the US   6 NZ a collection of related material   ▷ adj   7 relating to or having the format of a folio: a folio edition   ▷ vb -lios, -lioing, -lioed   8 (tr) to number the leaves of (a book) consecutively [C16: from Latin phrase in foliō in a leaf, from folium leaf]

foliole (ˈfəʊlIəʊəl)   n   1 botany a part of a compound leaf   2 zoology an appendage resembling a small leaf

■ foliolate (ˈfəʊlIəˌleIt, fəʊˈlIəlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   botany possessing or relating to leaflets [C19: from Late Latin foliolum little leaf, from Latin folium leaf]

■ foliolose (ˈfəʊlIəˌləʊs, ˈfəʊlIəˌləʊz)   adj   botany with leaves composed of folioles

folious^1 (ˈfɒlIəs)   adj   obsolete foolish

folious^2 (ˈfəʊlIəs)   adj   botany foliose

folium (ˈfəʊlIəm)   n, pl -lia (-lIə)   1 a plane geometrical curve consisting of a loop whose two ends, intersecting at a node, are asymptotic to the same line. Standard equation: x^3 + y^3=3axy where x=y+a is the equation of the line   2 any thin leaflike layer, esp of some metamorphic rocks [C19: from Latin, literally: leaf]

■ foliaceous (ˌfəʊlIˈeIʃəs)   adj   1 having the appearance of the leaf of a plant   2 bearing leaves or leaflike structures   3 geology (of certain rocks, esp schists) consisting of thin layers; foliated [C17: from Latin foliāceus]

■ foliage (ˈfəʊlIIdʒ)   n   1 the green leaves of a plant   2 sprays of leaves used for decoration   3 an ornamental leaflike design [C15: from Old French fuellage, from fuelle leaf; influenced in form by Latin folium]   > ˈfoliaged adj

■ foliar (ˈfəʊlIə)   adj   of or relating to a leaf or leaves [C19: from French foliaire, from Latin folium leaf]

■ foliate   adj (ˈfəʊlIIt, -ˌeIt)   1    a relating to, possessing, or resembling leaves   b in combination: trifoliate   2 (of certain metamorphic rocks, esp schists) having the constituent minerals arranged in thin leaflike layers   ▷ vb (ˈfəʊlIˌeIt)   3 (tr) to ornament with foliage or with leaf forms such as foils   4 to hammer or cut (metal) into thin plates or foil   5 (tr) to coat or back (glass, etc) with metal foil   6 (tr) to number the leaves of (a book, manuscript, etc). Compare paginate   7 (intr) (of plants) to grow leaves [C17: from Latin foliātus leaved, leafy]

■ foliated (ˈfəʊlIˌeItId)   adj   1 architect ornamented with or made up of foliage or foils   2 (of rocks and minerals, esp schists) composed of thin easily separable layers   3 (esp of parts of animals or plants) resembling a leaf

■ foliation (ˌfəʊlIˈeIʃən)   n   1 botany   a the process of producing leaves   b the state of being in leaf   c the arrangement of leaves in a leaf bud; vernation   2 architect   a ornamentation consisting of foliage   b ornamentation consisting of cusps and foils   3 any decoration with foliage   4 the consecutive numbering of the leaves of a book   5 geology the arrangement of the constituents of a rock in leaflike layers, as in schists

■ foliature (ˈfəʊlIətjə, ˈfəʊlIətjʊə)   n   foliage

■ foliose (ˈfəʊlIˌəʊs, -ˌəʊz)   adj   another word for foliaceous (sense 1), foliaceous (sense 2) [C18: from Latin foliōsus full of leaves]

folk (fəʊk)   n, pl folk or folks   1 (functioning as plural; often plural in form) people in general, esp those of a particular group or class: country folk   2 (functioning as plural; usually plural in form) informal members of a family   3 (functioning as singular) informal short for folk music   4 a people or tribe   5 (modifier) relating to, originating from, or traditional to the common people of a country: a folk song [Old English folc; related to Old Saxon, Old Norse, Old High German folk]   > ˈfolkish adj   > ˈfolkishness n

■ folk art   n   the visual arts, music, drama, dance, or literature originating from, or traditional to, the common people of a country

■ folk dance   n   1 any of various traditional rustic dances often originating from festivals or rituals   2 a piece of music composed for such a dance   ▷ vb folk-dance (intr)   3 to perform a folk dance   > folk dancing n

■ folk etymology   n   1 the gradual change in the form of a word through the influence of a more familiar word or phrase with which it becomes associated, as for example sparrow-grass for asparagus   2 a popular but erroneous conception of the origin of a word

■ folkie or folky (ˈfəʊkI)   n, pl -ies   informal a devotee of folk music

■ folkland (ˈfəʊkˌlænd)   n   property law a former type of land tenure

■ folklife (ˈfəʊkˌlaIf)   n   traditional customs, arts, crafts, and other forms of cultural expression of a people

■ folklike (ˈfəʊkˌlaIk)   adj   of the nature of folk

■ folklore (ˈfəʊkˌlɔː)   n   1 the unwritten literature of a people as expressed in folk tales, proverbs, riddles, songs, etc   2 the body of stories and legends attached to a particular place, group, activity, etc: Hollywood folklore; rugby folklore   3 the anthropological discipline concerned with the study of folkloric materials   > ˈfolkˌloric adj   > ˈfolkˌlorist n, adj   > ˌfolklorˈistic adj

■ folklorish (ˈfəʊkˌlɔːrIʃ)   adj   similar to folklore

■ folk medicine   n   the traditional art of medicine as practised among rustic communities and primitive peoples, consisting typically of the use of herbal remedies, fruits and vegetables thought to have healing power, etc

■ folk memory   n   the memory of past events as preserved in a community

■ folk music   n   1 music that is passed on from generation to generation by oral tradition. Compare art music   2 any music composed in the idiom of this oral tradition

■ folk-rock   n   a style of rock music influenced by folk, including traditional material arranged for electric instruments

■ folksily (ˈfəʊksIlI)   adv   in a folksy manner

■ folksinger (ˈfəʊkˌsIŋə)   n   a person who sings folk songs or other songs in the folk idiom   > ˈfolkˌsinging n

■ folk song or folksong (ˈfəʊkˌsɒŋ)   n   1 a song of which the music and text have been handed down by oral tradition among the common people   2 a modern song which employs or reflects the folk idiom

■ folksonomy (fəʊkˈsɒnəmI)   n   a system of classification that makes use of terms that occur naturally in the language of users of the system [C21: from FOLK + TAXONOMY]

■ folksy (ˈfəʊksI)   adj -sier, -siest   1 of or like ordinary people; sometimes used derogatorily to describe affected simplicity   2 informal, chiefly US and Canadian friendly; affable   3 of or relating to folk art   > ˈfolksiness n

■ folktale (ˈfəʊkˌteIl) or folk story   n   a tale or legend originating among a people and typically becoming part of an oral tradition

■ folkways (ˈfəʊkˌweIz)   pl n   sociol traditional and customary ways of living

■ folk weave   n   a type of fabric with a loose weave

Folkestone (ˈfəʊkstən)   n   a port and resort in SE England, in E Kent. Pop: 45 273 (2001)

Folketing (ˈfəʊlkətIŋ; Danish ˈfɔlɡəteŋ)   n   the unicameral Danish parliament in Copenhagen [Danish, from folk the people, FOLK + Old Norse thing assembly]

folkmoot (ˈfəʊkˌmuːt), folkmote or folkmot (ˈfəʊkˌməʊt)   n   (in early medieval England) an assembly of the people of a district, town, or shire [Old English folcmōt, from folc FOLK + mōt from mǣtan to MEET^1]

folktronica (ˌfəʊkˈtrɒnIkə)   n   a musical genre that combines elements from folk and electronic music

foll.   abbreviation for   followed

follicle (ˈfɒlIkəl)   n   1 any small sac or cavity in the body having an excretory, secretory, or protective function: a hair follicle   2 botany a dry fruit, formed from a single carpel, that splits along one side only to release its seeds: occurs in larkspur and columbine [C17: from Latin folliculus small bag, from follis pair of bellows, leather money-bag]   > follicular (fɒˈlIkjʊlə), folliculate (fɒˈlIkjʊˌleIt) or folˈlicuˌlated adj

■ follicle-stimulating hormone   n   a gonadotrophic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates maturation of ovarian follicles in female mammals and growth of seminiferous tubules in males. Abbreviation: FSH. See also luteinizing hormone, prolactin

■ folliculin (fɒˈlIkjʊlIn)   n   another name for oestrone

■ folliculitis (fəˌlIkjʊˈlaItIs)   n   med inflammation of a follicle or follicles, esp hair follicles

■ folliculose (fɒˈlIkjʊˌləʊs)   adj   anatomy having or resembling follicles

■ folliculous (fɒˈlIkjʊləs)   adj   anatomy having or producing follicles

follis (ˈfɒlIs)   n   Roman history a Roman coin of bronze or copper

follow (ˈfɒləʊ)   vb   1 to go or come after in the same direction: he followed his friend home   2 (tr) to accompany; attend: she followed her sister everywhere   3 to come after as a logical or natural consequence   4 (tr) to keep to the course or track of: she followed the towpath   5 (tr) to act in accordance with; obey: to follow instructions   6 (tr) to accept the ideas or beliefs of (a previous authority, etc): he followed Donne in most of his teachings   7 to understand (an explanation, argument, etc): the lesson was difficult to follow   8 to watch closely or continuously: she followed his progress carefully   9 (tr) to have a keen interest in: to follow athletics   10 (tr) to help in the cause of or accept the leadership of: the men who followed Napoleon   11 (tr) to choose to receive messages posted by (a blogger or microblogger): I've been following her online   12 (tr) rare to earn a living at or in: to follow the Navy   13 follow suit cards   a to play a card of the same suit as the card played immediately before it   b to do the same as someone else   ▷ n   14 billiards, snooker   a a forward spin imparted to a cue ball causing it to roll after the object ball   b a shot made in this way [Old English folgian; related to Old Frisian folgia, Old Saxon folgōn, Old High German folgēn]   > ˈfollowable adj

■ follower (ˈfɒləʊə)   n   1 a person who accepts the teachings of another; disciple; adherent: a follower of Marx   2 an attendant or henchman   3 an enthusiast or supporter, as of a sport or team   4 (esp formerly) a male admirer   5 rare a pursuer   6 a machine part that derives its motion by following the motion of another part

■ followership (ˈfɒləʊəˌʃIp)   n   the act of following rather than leading

■ following (ˈfɒləʊIŋ)   adj   1    a (prenominal) about to be mentioned, specified, etc: the following items   b (as noun): will the following please raise their hands?   2 (of winds, currents, etc) moving in the same direction as the course of a vessel   ▷ n   3 a group of supporters or enthusiasts: he attracted a large following wherever he played   ▷ prep   4 as a result of: the thief was arrested following a tip-off

USAGE

The use of following to mean as a result of is very common in journalism, but should be avoided in other kinds of writing

■ follow-my-leader   n   a game in which the players must repeat the actions of the leader. US, Canadian, and Irish name: follow-the-leader

■ follow-on cricket   n   1 an immediate second innings forced on a team scoring a prescribed number of runs fewer than its opponents in the first innings   ▷ vb follow on   2 (intr, adverb) (of a team) to play a follow-on

■ follow out   vb   (tr, adverb) to implement (an idea or action) to a conclusion

■ followship (ˈfɒləʊʃIp)   n   the practice of doing what other people suggest, rather than taking the lead

■ follow through   vb (adverb)   1 sport to complete (a stroke or shot) by continuing the movement to the end of its arc   2 (tr) to pursue (an aim) to a conclusion   ▷ n follow-through   3 sport   a the act of following through   b the part of the stroke after the ball has been hit   4 the completion of a procedure, esp after a first action

■ follow up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to pursue or investigate (a person, evidence, etc) closely   2 to continue (action) after a beginning, esp to increase its effect   ▷ n follow-up   3    a something done to reinforce an initial action   b (as modifier): a follow-up letter   4 med a routine examination of a patient at various intervals after medical or surgical treatment

folly (ˈfɒlI)   n, pl -lies   1 the state or quality of being foolish; stupidity; rashness   2 a foolish action, mistake, idea, etc   3 a building in the form of a castle, temple, etc, built to satisfy a fancy or conceit, often of an eccentric kind   4 (plural) theatre an elaborately costumed revue   5 archaic   a evil; wickedness   b lewdness; wantonness [C13: from Old French folie madness, from fou mad; see FOOL^1]

Folsom man (ˈfɒlsəm)   n   a type of early human from a North American culture of the Pleistocene period, thought to have used flint tools and to have subsisted mainly by hunting bison [C20: named after Folsom, a settlement in New Mexico, where archaeological evidence was found]

Fomalhaut (ˈfəʊməˌləʊt)   n   the brightest star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus, possessing a protoplanetary disc. Distance: 25 light years. Spectral type A3V [C16: from Arabic fum'l-hūt mouth of the fish, referring to its position in the constellation]

foment (fəˈmɛnt)   vb (tr)   1 to encourage or instigate (trouble, discord, etc); stir up   2 med to apply heat and moisture to (a part of the body) to relieve pain and inflammation [C15: from Late Latin fōmentāre, from Latin fōmentum a poultice, ultimately from fovēre to foster]   > fomentation (ˌfəʊmɛnˈteIʃən) n   > foˈmenter n

USAGE

Both foment and ferment can be used to talk about stirring up trouble: he was accused of fomenting/fermenting unrest. Only ferment can be used intransitively or as a noun: his anger continued to ferment (not foment); rural areas were unaffected by the ferment in the cities

fomes (ˈfəʊmiːz)   n, pl -mites (-mItiːz)   med any material, such as bedding or clothing, that may harbour pathogens and therefore convey disease [C18: from Latin fōmes tinder]

■ fomite (ˈfəʊmaIt)   n   biology an inanimate substance or object that can transfer a pathogen to a host

FOMO (ˈfəʊməʊ)   n acronym for   fear of missing out: anxiety arising from the belief that other people are leading more active and fulfilled lives

fon (fɒn)   n obsolete   1 a fool   ▷ adj   2 foolish   ▷ vb   3 to make or become a fool

■ fonly (ˈfɒnlI)   adv   obsolete foolishly

fonctionnaire French (fɔ̃ksjɔnɛr)   n   a civil servant

fond^1 (fɒnd)   adj   1 (postpositive; foll by of) predisposed (to); having a liking (for)   2 loving; tender: a fond embrace   3 indulgent; doting: a fond mother   4 (of hopes, wishes, etc) cherished but unlikely to be realized: I had fond hopes of starting my own business   5 archaic or dialect   a foolish   b credulous [C14 fonned, from fonnen to be foolish, from fonne a fool]   > ˈfondly adv   > ˈfondness n

fond^2 (fɒnd; French fɔ̃)   n   1 the background of a design, as in lace   2 obsolete fund; stock [C17: from French, from Latin fundus bottom; see FUND]

Fonda (ˈfɒndə)   n   1  Henry. 1905–82, US film actor. His many films include Young Mr Lincoln (1939), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Twelve Angry Men (1957), and On Golden Pond (1981) for which he won an Oscar   2  his daughter Jane. born 1937, US film actress. Her films include Klute (1971) for which she won an Oscar, Julia (1977), The China Syndrome (1979), On Golden Pond (1981), and Old Gringo (1989)   3  her brother, Peter. born 1939, US film actor, who made his name in Easy Rider (1969); later films include Ulee's Gold (1997) and 3:10 to Yuma (2007)

fondant (ˈfɒndənt)   n   1 a thick flavoured paste of sugar and water, used in sweets and icings   2 a sweet made of this mixture   ▷ adj   3 (of a colour) soft; pastel [C19: from French, literally: melting, from fondre to melt, from Latin fundere; see FOUND^3]

fondle (ˈfɒndəl)   vb   1 (tr) to touch or stroke tenderly; caress   2 (intr) archaic to act in a loving manner [C17: from (obsolete) vb fond to fondle; see FOND^1]   > ˈfondler n   > ˈfondlingly adv

fondu (fɒnˈduː; French fɔ̃ndy)   n   ballet a ballet movement in which the dancer lowers the body by bending the leg(s)

fondue (ˈfɒndjuː; French fɔ̃dy)   n   a Swiss dish, consisting of cheese melted in white wine or cider, into which small pieces of bread are dipped and then eaten [C19: from French, feminine of fondu melted, from fondre to melt; see FONDANT]

■ fondue Bourguignonne (ˈbʊəɡIˌnjɒn; French burɡiɲɔn)   n   a dish consisting of pieces of steak impaled on forks, cooked in oil at the table and dipped in sauces [French: Burgundy fondue]

fone   n   an informal spelling of phone^1

Fonseca (Spanish fɔnˈseka)   n   Gulf of Fonseca an inlet of the Pacific Ocean in W Central America

fons et origo Latin (fɒnz ɛt ˈɒrIɡəʊ)   n   the source and origin

font^1 (fɒnt)   n   1    a a large bowl for baptismal water, usually mounted on a pedestal   b a receptacle for holy water   2 the reservoir for oil in an oil lamp   3 archaic or poetic a fountain or well [Old English, from Church Latin fons, from Latin: fountain]   > ˈfontal adj

■ fontlet (ˈfɒntlət)   n   1 a small fountain   2 a small baptismal font

font^2 (fɒnt)   n   printing a complete set of type of one style and size. Also called: fount [C16: from Old French fonte a founding, casting, from Vulgar Latin funditus (unattested) a casting, from Latin fundere to melt; see FOUND^3]

Fontainebleau (ˈfɒntInˌbləʊ; French fɔ̃tɛnblo)   n   a town in N France, in the Forest of Fontainebleau: famous for its palace (now a museum), one of the largest royal residences in France, built largely by Francis I (16th century). Pop: 16 236 (2006)

Fontane (German fɔnˈtaːnə)   n   Theodor (ˈteodoːr). 1819–98, German novelist and journalist; his novels include Vor dem Sturm (1878) and Effi Briest (1898)

fontanelle or chiefly US fontanel (ˌfɒntəˈnɛl)   n   anatomy any of several soft membranous gaps between the bones of the skull in a fetus or infant [C16 (in the sense: hollow between muscles): from Old French fontanele, literally: a little spring, from fontaine FOUNTAIN]

fontange French (fɔ̃tɑ̃ʒ)   n   clothing a tall headdress fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries

Fontenelle (French fɔ̃tənɛl)   n   Bernard le Bovier de (bɛrnar lə bɔvje də). 1657–1757, French philosopher. His writings include Digressions sur les anciens et les modernes (1688) and Éléments de la géométrie de l'infini (1727)

Fonteyn (fɒnˈteIn)   n   Dame Margot. real name Margaret Hookham. 1919–91, English classical ballerina

Fonthill Abbey (ˈfɒnthIl)   n   a ruined Gothic Revival mansion in Wiltshire: rebuilt (1790–1810) for William Beckford by James Wyatt; the main tower collapsed in 1800 and, after rebuilding, again in 1827

fonticulus (fɒnˈtIkjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   anatomy a fontanelle of the cranium

fontina (fɒnˈtiːnə)   n   a semihard, pale yellow, mild Italian cheese made from cows' milk [C20: from Italian dialect, of unknown origin]

fontinalis (ˌfɒntIˈneIlIs)   n   a type of aquatic moss

Foochow (ˈfuːˈtʃaʊ)   n   a former spelling of Fuzhou

food (fuːd)   n   1 any substance containing nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that can be ingested by a living organism and metabolized into energy and body tissue. Related adjective: alimentary   2 nourishment in more or less solid form as opposed to liquid form: food and drink   3 anything that provides mental nourishment or stimulus: food for thought [Old English fōda; related to Old Frisian fōdia to nourish, feed, Old Norse fœthi, Gothic fōdeins food; see FEED, FODDER]   > ˈfoodless adj

■ food additive   n   any of various natural or synthetic substances, such as salt, monosodium glutamate, or citric acid, used in the commercial processing of food as preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, etc, in order to preserve or add flavour, colour, or texture to processed food

■ foodbank (ˈfuːdˌbæŋk) or food bank   n   a charitable organization which distributes food aid to people in financial difficulty

■ food body   n   botany a mass of nutrients attached to a seed coat, which attracts ants and thus aids dispersal of the seed

■ food chain   n   1 ecology a sequence of organisms in an ecosystem in which each species is the food of the next member of the chain   2 informal the hierarchy in an organization or society

■ food coma   n   informal the feeling of sleepiness experienced after eating certain types of food, esp carbohydrates

■ food combining   n   the practice of keeping carbohydrates separate from proteins in one's daily diet, as a way of losing weight and also for some medical conditions

■ food conversion ratio   n   a ratio expressing the weight of food required to produce a unit gain in the live weight of an animal

■ foodful (ˈfuːdfʊl)   adj   supplying abundant food

■ food group   n   any of the categories into which different foods may be placed according to the type of nourishment they supply, such as carbohydrates or proteins

■ foodie or foody (ˈfuːdI)   n, pl -ies   a person having an enthusiastic interest in the preparation and consumption of good food

■ foodism (ˈfuːdIzəm)   n   US enthusiasm for and interest in the preparation and consumption of good food

■ foodlessness (ˈfuːdləsnəs)   n   the state of being foodless

■ food mile   n   a unit used to measure the distance that a food product travels from where it is produced to where it is sold or consumed

■ food poisoning   n   an acute illness typically characterized by gastrointestinal inflammation, vomiting, and diarrhoea, caused by food that is either naturally poisonous or contaminated by pathogenic bacteria (esp Salmonella)

■ food pollen   n   infertile pollen produced by some plants that attracts insects and thus aids pollination

■ food processor   n   cookery an electric domestic appliance designed to speed the preparation and mixing of ingredients by automatic chopping, grating, blending, etc

■ foodshed (ˈfuːdˌʃɛd)   n   the area through which food is transported from farm to consumer

■ foodstuff (ˈfuːdˌstʌf)   n   any material, substance, etc, that can be used as food

■ food stylist   n   a person who prepares food for photographs used in magazines, cookery books, etc

■ food vacuole   n   biology a cavity surrounding ingested food particles in some protozoans

■ foodways (ˈfuːdˌweIz)   pl n   the customs and traditions relating to food and its preparation

■ food web   n   a combination of food chains that integrate to form a network

foodoir (ˈfuːdwɑː)   n   a book or blog that combines a personal memoir with a series of recipes [from FOOD + MEMOIR]

foofaraw (ˈfuːfəˌrɔː)   n   rare a fuss over something trivial

fool^1 (fuːl)   n   1 a person who lacks sense or judgment   2 a person who is made to appear ridiculous   3 (formerly) a professional jester living in a royal or noble household   4 obsolete a person with a learning disability   5 form the fool Caribbean to play the fool or behave irritatingly   6 no fool a wise or sensible person   7 play the fool or act the fool to deliberately act foolishly; indulge in buffoonery   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to deceive (someone), esp in order to make him or her look ridiculous   9 (intr; sometimes foll by with, around with, or about with) informal to act or play (with) irresponsibly or aimlessly: fooling around in the classroom   10 (intr) to speak or act in a playful, teasing, or jesting manner   11 (tr; foll by away) to squander; fritter: he fooled away a fortune   12 fool along US to move or proceed in a leisurely way   ▷ adj   13 informal short for foolish [C13: from Old French fol mad person, from Late Latin follis empty-headed fellow, from Latin: bellows; related to Latin flāre to blow]

■ foolbegged (ˈfuːlˌbɛɡd)   adj   obsolete foolish

■ foolery (ˈfuːlərI)   n, pl -eries   1 foolish behaviour   2 an instance of this, esp a prank or trick

■ foolfish (ˈfuːlˌfIʃ)   n   US a common name for the orange filefish or winter flounder

■ foolhardy (ˈfuːlˌhɑːdI)   adj -hardier, -hardiest   heedlessly rash or adventurous [C13: from Old French fol hardi, from fol foolish + hardi bold]   > ˈfoolˌhardily adv   > ˈfoolˌhardiness n

■ foolish (ˈfuːlIʃ)   adj   1 unwise; silly   2 resulting from folly or stupidity   3 ridiculous or absurd; not worthy of consideration   4 lacking in intelligence   5 an archaic word for insignificant   > ˈfoolishly adv   > ˈfoolishness n

■ foolproof (ˈfuːlˌpruːf)   adj   1 proof against failure; infallible: a foolproof idea   2 (esp of machines) proof against human misuse, error, etc

■ foolscap (ˈfuːlzˌkæp)   n   1 chiefly Brit a size of writing or printing paper, 13^1⁄2 by 17 inches or 13^1⁄4 by 16^1⁄2 inches   2 a book size, 4^1⁄4 by 6^3⁄4 inches (foolscap octavo) or (chiefly Brit) 6^3⁄4 by 8^1⁄2 inches (foolscap quarto)   3 a variant spelling of fool's cap [C17: see FOOL^1, CAP^1; so called from the watermark formerly used on this kind of paper]

■ fool's cap   n   1 a hood or cap with bells or tassels, worn by court jesters   2 a dunce's cap

■ fool's errand   n   a fruitless undertaking

■ fool's gold   n   any of various yellow minerals, esp pyrite or chalcopyrite, that can be mistaken for gold

■ fool's mate   n   chess a checkmate achieved by Black's second move: the quickest possible mate

■ fool's paradise   n   illusory happiness

■ fool's-parsley   n   an evil-smelling Eurasian umbelliferous plant, Aethusa cynapium, with small white flowers: contains the poison coniine

fool^2 (fuːl)   n   chiefly Brit a dessert made from a purée of fruit with cream or custard: gooseberry fool [C16: perhaps from FOOL^1]

foo-pah (ˈfuːˌpɑː)   n   an Irish word for faux pas

foosball (ˈfuːsˌbɔːl)   n   US and Canadian a game, often played in bars, in which opponents on either side of a purpose-built table attempt to strike a ball into the other side's goal by moving horizontal bars to which miniatures of footballers are attached. Also called (esp in Britain): table football

foot (fʊt)   n, pl feet (fiːt)   1 the part of the vertebrate leg below the ankle joint that is in contact with the ground during standing and walking. Related adjective: pedal   2 the part of a garment that covers a foot   3 any of various organs of locomotion or attachment in invertebrates, including molluscs   4 botany the lower part of some plant structures, as of a developing moss sporophyte embedded in the parental tissue   5    a a unit of length equal to one third of a yard or 12 inches. 1 Imperial foot is equivalent to 0.3048 metre. Abbreviation: ft   b any of various units of length used at different times and places, typically about 10 per cent greater than the Imperial foot   6 any part resembling a foot in form or function: the foot of a chair   7 the lower part of something; base; bottom: the foot of the page; the foot of a hill   8 the end of a series or group: the foot of the list   9 manner of walking or moving; tread; step: a heavy foot   10    a infantry, esp in the British army   b (as modifier): a foot soldier   11 any of various attachments on a sewing machine that hold the fabric in position, such as a presser foot for ordinary sewing and a zipper foot   12 music   a a unit used in classifying organ pipes according to their pitch, in terms of the length of an equivalent column of air   b this unit applied to stops and registers on other instruments   13 printing   a the margin at the bottom of a page   b the undersurface of a piece of type   14 prosody a group of two or more syllables in which one syllable has the major stress, forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm   15 a foot in the door an action, appointment, etc, that provides an initial step towards a desired goal, esp one that is not easily attainable   16 kick with the wrong foot Scot and Irish to be of the opposite religion to that which is regarded as acceptable or to that of the person who is speaking   17 my foot! an expression of disbelief, often of the speaker's own preceding statement: he didn't know, my foot! Of course he did!   18 of foot archaic in manner of movement: fleet of foot   19 on foot   a walking or running   b in progress; astir; afoot   20 one foot in the grave informal near to death   21 on the right foot informal in an auspicious manner   22 on the wrong foot informal in an inauspicious manner   23 put a foot wrong to make a mistake   24 put one's best foot forward   a to try to do one's best   b to hurry   25 put one's foot down informal   a to act firmly   b to increase speed (in a motor vehicle) by pressing down on the accelerator   26 put one's foot in it informal to blunder   27 set on foot to initiate or start (something)   28 tread under foot to oppress   29 under foot on the ground; beneath one's feet   ▷ vb   30 to dance to music (esp in the phrase foot it)   31 (tr) to walk over or set foot on; traverse (esp in the phrase foot it)   32 (tr) to pay the entire cost of (esp in the phrase foot the bill)   33 (usually foll by up) archaic or dialect to add up   ▶ See also feet [Old English fōt; related to Old Norse fōtr, Gothic fōtus, Old High German fuoz, Latin pēs, Greek pous, Sanskrit pad]   > ˈfootless adj

USAGE

In front of another noun, the plural for the unit of length is foot: a 20-foot putt; his 70-foot ketch. Foot can also be used instead of feet when mentioning a quantity and in front of words like tall: four foot of snow; he is at least six foot tall

■ footage (ˈfʊtIdʒ)   n   1 a length or distance measured in feet   2    a the extent of film material shot and exposed   b the sequences of filmed material   3    a payment, by the linear foot of work done   b the amount paid

■ foot-and-mouth disease or foot-and-mouth   n   an acute highly infectious viral disease of cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, characterized by the formation of vesicular eruptions in the mouth and on the feet, esp around the hoofs. Also called: hoof-and-mouth disease, aphtha, aphthous fever. Technical name: contagious stomatitis

■ footbag (ˈfʊtˌbæɡ)   n US   1 the sport of keeping a small round object, usually a beanbag, off the ground by kicking it   2 a small beanbag that is kicked around

■ footbar (ˈfʊtˌbɑː)   n   any bar designed as a footrest or to be operated by the foot

■ footbath (ˈfʊtbɑːθ)   n   1 the act or an instance of washing the feet   2 a small shallow receptacle or area for washing the feet

■ footboard (ˈfʊtˌbɔːd)   n   1 a treadle or foot-operated lever on a machine   2 a vertical board at the foot of a bed

■ footboy (ˈfʊtˌbɔI)   n   a boy servant; page

■ footbrake (ˈfʊtˌbreIk)   n   a brake operated by applying pressure to a foot pedal. Also called: pedal brake

■ footbreadth (ˈfʊtˌbrɛdθ)   n   a measurement equalling a breadth of a foot

■ footbridge (ˈfʊtˌbrIdʒ)   n   a narrow bridge for the use of pedestrians

■ foot-candle   n   a former unit of illumination, equal to one lumen per square foot or 10.764 lux

■ footcloth (ˈfʊtˌklɒθ)   n   an obsolete word for caparison (sense 1)

■ footdragger (ˈfʊtˌdræɡə)   n   informal a person who is slow to take action

■ footdragging (ˈfʊtˌdræɡIŋ)   n   informal the act or practice of acting with deliberate slowness

■ -footed   adj (in combination)   1 having a foot or feet as specified: four-footed   2 having a tread as specified: heavy-footed

■ footfall (ˈfʊtˌfɔːl)   n   1 the sound of a footstep   2 the number of visitors to a shop or tourist attraction

■ foot fault or footfault (ˈfʊtˌfɔːlt)   n   tennis a fault that occurs when the server fails to keep both feet behind the baseline until he or she has served

■ footgear (ˈfʊtˌɡIə)   n   another name for footwear

■ footguards (ˈfʊtˌɡɑːdz)   n   foot soldiers with ceremonial duties

■ foothill (ˈfʊtˌhIl)   n   (often plural) a lower slope of a mountain or a relatively low hill at the foot of a mountain

■ foothold (ˈfʊtˌhəʊld)   n   1 a ledge, hollow, or other place affording a secure grip for the foot, as during climbing   2 a secure position from which further progress may be made: a foothold for a successful career

■ footie (ˈfʊtI)   n   a variant spelling of footy

■ footing (ˈfʊtIŋ)   n   1 the basis or foundation on which something is established: the business was on a secure footing   2 the relationship or status existing between two persons, groups, etc: the two countries were on a friendly footing   3 a secure grip by or for the feet   4 Also called: footings the lower part of a foundation of a column, wall, building, etc   5 chiefly US   a the act of adding a column of figures   b the total obtained   6 rare a fee paid upon entrance into a craft, society, etc, or such an entrance itself

■ foot-lambert   n   a former unit of luminance equal to the luminance of a surface emitting or reflecting 1 lumen per square foot. A completely reflecting surface illuminated by 1 foot-candle has a luminance of 1 foot-lambert. Abbreviation: ft-L

■ footlessly (ˈfʊtləslI)   adv   in a footless manner; ineptly

■ footlessness (ˈfʊtləsnəs)   n   the state of being footless

■ footlight (ˈfʊtˌlaIt)   n   a single light in a set of footlights

■ footlights (ˈfʊtˌlaIts)   pl n theatre   1 lights set in a row along the front of the stage floor and shielded on the audience side   2 informal the acting profession; the stage

■ footlike (ˈfʊtˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a foot

■ footlocker (ˈfʊtlɒkə)   n   US a long trunk at the foot of a bed, where personal possessions are kept, esp in an army barracks

■ footloose (ˈfʊtˌluːs)   adj   1 free to go or do as one wishes   2 eager to travel; restless: to feel footloose

■ footman (ˈfʊtmən)   n, pl -men   1 a male servant, esp one in livery   2 a low four-legged metal stand used in a fireplace for utensils, etc   3 (formerly) a foot soldier   4 any of several arctiid moths related to the tiger moths, esp the common footman (Eilema lurideola), with yellowish hind wings and brown forewings with a yellow front stripe; they produce woolly bear larvae

■ footmark (ˈfʊtˌmɑːk)   n   a mark or trace of mud, wetness, etc, left by a person's foot on a surface

■ footmuff (ˈfʊtˌmʌf)   n   a muff used to keep the feet warm

■ footnote (ˈfʊtˌnəʊt)   n   1 a note printed at the bottom of a page, to which attention is drawn by means of a reference mark in the body of the text   2 an additional comment, as to a main statement   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to supply (a page, book, etc) with footnotes

■ footpace (ˈfʊtˌpeIs)   n   1 a normal or walking pace   2 Also called (in the Roman Catholic Church): predella the platform immediately before an altar at the top of the altar steps

■ footpad (ˈfʊtˌpæd)   n   archaic a robber or highwayman, on foot rather than horseback

■ footpage (ˈfʊtˌpeIdʒ)   n   an errand-boy

■ footpath (ˈfʊtˌpɑːθ)   n   1 a narrow path for walkers only   2 chiefly Brit, Austral and NZ another word for pavement

■ footplate (ˈfʊtˌpleIt)   n   chiefly Brit   a a platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the crew stand to operate the controls   b (as modifier): a footplate worker

■ footplateman (ˈfʊtˌpleItmən)   n, pl -men   Brit a member of a locomotive crew who stands on the footplate to operate the controls

■ footplatewoman (ˈfʊtˌpleItˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female footplate worker

■ footpost (ˈfʊtˌpəʊst)   n   1 post or messages delivered on foot   2 a person who delivers post or messages on foot

■ foot-pound   n   an fps unit of work or energy equal to the work done when a force of 1 pound moves through a distance of 1 foot. Abbreviation: ft-lb

■ foot-poundal   n   a unit of work or energy equal to the work done when a force of one poundal moves through a distance of one foot: it is equal to 0.042 14 joule

■ foot-pound-second   n   See fps units

■ footprint (ˈfʊtˌprInt)   n   1 an indentation or outline of the foot of a person or animal on a surface   2 the shape and size of the area something occupies: enlarging the footprint of the building; a computer with a small footprint   3 impact on the environment   4 a presence: a military footprint in Europe   5 computing the amount of resources, such as disk space and memory, that an application requires. See also electronic footprint   6 an identifying characteristic on land or water, such as the area in which an aircraft's sonic boom can be heard or the area covered by the down-blast of a hovercraft   7 the area in which the signal from a direct broadcasting satellite is receivable

■ footpump (ˈfʊtpʌmp)   n   a pump that is operated by foot

■ footrace (ˈfʊtˌreIs)   n   a race by foot

■ footrest (ˈfʊtˌrɛst)   n   something that provides a support for the feet, such as a low stool, rail, etc

■ footrope (ˈfʊtˌrəʊp)   n nautical   1 the part of a boltrope to which the foot of a sail is stitched   2 a rope fixed so as to hang below a yard to serve as a foothold

■ foot rot   n   vet science See rot^1 (sense 11)

■ foot rule or footrule (ˈfʊtˌruːl)   n   a rigid measure, one foot in length

■ foots (fʊts)   pl n   (sometimes singular) the sediment that accumulates at the bottom of a vessel containing any of certain liquids, such as vegetable oil or varnish; dregs

■ footsie (ˈfʊtsI)   n   informal flirtation involving the touching together of feet, knees, etc (esp in the phrase play footsie)

■ Footsie (ˈfʊtsI)   n   an informal name for Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index

■ footslog (ˈfʊtˌslɒɡ)   vb -slogs, -slogging, -slogged   (intr) to march; tramp   > ˈfootˌslogger n

■ foot soldier   n   an infantryman

■ footsore (ˈfʊtˌsɔː)   adj   having sore or tired feet, esp from much walking   > ˈfootˌsoreness n

■ footstalk (ˈfʊtˌstɔːk)   n   a small supporting stalk in animals and plants; a pedicel, peduncle, or pedicle

■ footstall (ˈfʊtˌstɔːl)   n   1 the pedestal, plinth, or base of a column, pier, or statue   2 the stirrup on a sidesaddle

■ footstep (ˈfʊtˌstɛp)   n   1 the action of taking a step in walking   2 the sound made by stepping or walking   3 the distance covered with a step; pace   4 a footmark   5 a single stair; step   6 to continue the tradition or example of another

■ footsteps editor   n   Brit films the technician who adds sound effects, such as doors closing, rain falling, etc, during the postproduction sound-dubbing process. US name: foley, foley artist

■ footstock (ˈfʊtˌstɒk)   n   another name for tailstock

■ footstone (ˈfʊtˌstəʊn)   n   a memorial stone at the foot of a grave

■ footstool (ˈfʊtˌstuːl)   n   a low stool used for supporting or resting the feet of a seated person

■ foot-ton   n   a unit of work or energy equal to 2240 foot-pounds

■ foot traffic   n   1 the wear and tear caused to a surface by people walking on it   2 US and Canadian the activity of pedestrians in a particular area

■ foot valve   n   1 another name for suction valve   2 a nonreturn valve at the inlet end of a pipe

■ footwall (ˈfʊtˌwɔːl)   n   the rocks on the lower side of an inclined fault plane or mineral vein. Compare hanging wall

■ footway (ˈfʊtˌweI)   n   a way or path for pedestrians, such as a raised walk along the edge of a bridge

■ footwear (ˈfʊtˌwɛə)   n   anything worn to cover the feet

■ footwell (ˈfʊtˌwɛl)   n   the part of a vehicle in which the foot pedals are located

■ footwork (ˈfʊtˌwɜːk)   n   1 skilful use of the feet, as in sports, dancing, etc   2 informal clever manoeuvring: deft political footwork   3 informal preliminary groundwork: many estate agents now do the footwork – you only need to visit

■ footworn (ˈfʊtˌwɔːn)   adj   1 Also: footweary footsore   2 worn away by the feet: a footworn staircase

■ footy or footie (ˈfʊtI)   n   informal   a football   b (as modifier): footy boots

Foot (fʊt)   n   Michael (Mackintosh). 1913–2010, British Labour politician and journalist; secretary of state for employment (1974–76); leader of the House of Commons (1976–79); leader of the Labour Party (1980–83)

football (ˈfʊtˌbɔːl)   n   1    a any of various games played with a round or oval ball and usually based on two teams competing to kick, head, carry, or otherwise propel the ball into each other's goal, territory, etc. See association football, rugby, Australian Rules, American football, Gaelic football   b (as modifier): a football ground; a football supporter   2 the ball used in any of these games or their variants   3 a problem, issue, etc, that is continually passed from one group or person to another and treated as a pretext for argument instead of being resolved: he accused the government of using the strike as a political football   > ˈfootˌballer n

■ footballing (ˈfʊtˌbɔːlIŋ)   adj   Brit of or relating to playing football

■ footballist (ˈfʊtˌbɔːlIst)   n   a (rare) variant form of footballer

footballene (ˈfʊtbɔːlˌiːn)   n   another name for buckminsterfullerene

footer^1 (ˈfʊtə)   n   1 archaic a person who goes on foot; walker   2 (in combination) a person or thing of a specified length or height in feet: a six-footer

footer^2 (ˈfʊtə)   n   Brit informal short for football (sense 1)

footer^3 or fouter (ˈfuːtər, ˈfuːtə) Scot   vb (intr)   1 to potter; occupy oneself trivially or to little effect   ▷ n   2 a person who footers [perhaps from French foutre; see FOOTLE]

footle (ˈfuːtəl) informal   vb (intr)   1 (often foll by around or about) to loiter aimlessly; potter   2 to talk nonsense   ▷ n   3 rare foolishness [C19: probably from French foutre to copulate with, from Latin futuere]

■ footler (ˈfuːtələ)   n   a person who footles

■ footling (ˈfuːtlIŋ)   adj   informal silly, trivial, or petty

foo yong (ˈfuː ˈjɒŋ), foo yoong (ˈfuː ˈjʊŋ), foo yung or fu yung (ˈfuː ˈjʌŋ)   n   a Chinese dish made of eggs mixed with chicken, crab meat, etc, and cooked like an omelette [from Chinese fu yung hibiscus]

foozle (ˈfuːzəl) chiefly golf   vb   1 to bungle (a shot)   ▷ n   2 a bungled shot [C19: perhaps from German dialect fuseln to do slipshod work]   > ˈfoozler n

fop (fɒp)   n   a man who is excessively concerned with fashion and elegance [C15: related to German foppen to trick; see FOB^2]   > ˈfoppish adj   > ˈfoppishly adv   > ˈfoppishness n

■ fopling (ˈfɒplIŋ)   n   a vain, affected person

■ foppery (ˈfɒpərI)   n, pl -peries   the clothes, affectations, obsessions, etc, of or befitting a fop

for (fɔː, unstressed fə)   prep   1 intended to reach; directed or belonging to: there's a phone call for you   2 to the advantage of: I only did it for you   3 in the direction of: heading for the border   4 over a span of (time or distance): working for six days; the river ran for six miles   5 in favour of; in support of: those for the proposal; vote for me   6 in order to get or achieve: I do it for money; he does it for pleasure; what did you do that for?   7 appropriate to; designed to meet the needs of; meant to be used in: these kennels are for puppies   8 in exchange for; at a cost of; to the amount of: I got it for hardly any money   9 such as explains or results in: his reason for changing his job was not given   10 in place of: a substitute for the injured player   11 because of; through: she wept for pure relief   12 with regard or consideration to the usual characteristics of: he's short for a man; it's cool for this time of year   13 concerning; as regards: desire for money   14 as being: we took him for the owner; I know that for a fact   15 at a specified time: a date for the next evening   16 to do or partake of: set aside time for relaxing   17 in the duty or task of: that's for him to say   18 to allow of: too big a job for us to handle   19 despite; notwithstanding: she's a good person, for all her eccentricities   20 in order to preserve, retain, etc: to fight for survival   21 as a direct equivalent to: word for word; weight for weight   22 in order to become or enter: to go for a soldier; to train for the priesthood   23 in recompense for: I paid for it last week; he took the punishment for his crime   24 for it Brit informal liable for punishment or blame: you'll be for it if she catches you   25 nothing for it no choice; no other course   ▷ conj   26 (coordinating) for the following reason; because; seeing that: I couldn't stay, for the area was violent [Old English; related to Old Norse fyr for, Old High German fora before, Latin per through, prō before, Greek pro before, in front]

■ forasmuch as (fərəzˈmʌtʃ)   conj   (subordinating) archaic or law seeing that; since

■ forever (fɔːˈrɛvə, fə-)   adv   1 Also: for ever without end; everlastingly; eternally   2 at all times; incessantly   3 informal for a very long time: he went on speaking forever   ▷ n   4 (as object) informal a very long time: it took him forever to reply   5 …forever! an exclamation expressing support or loyalty: Scotland forever!

USAGE

Forever and for ever can both be used to say that something is without end. For all other meanings, forever is the preferred form

■ for evermore or forevermore (fɔːˌrɛvəˈmɔː, fə-)   adv   a more emphatic or emotive term for forever

■ foreverness (fəˈrɛvərnəs)   n   the state of lasting forever

■ forwhy (fɔːˈwaI) archaic   adv   1 for what reason; why   ▷ conj   2 (subordinating) because [Old English for hwī]

for-   prefix   1 indicating rejection or prohibition: forbear; forbid   2 indicating falsity or wrongness: forswear   3 used to give intensive force: forgive; forlorn [Old English for-; related to German ver-, Latin per-, Greek peri-]

f.o.r. or FOR commerce   abbreviation for   free on rail

forage (ˈfɒrIdʒ)   n   1 food for horses or cattle, esp hay or straw   2 the act of searching for food or provisions   3 military a raid or incursion   ▷ vb   4 to search (the countryside or a town) for food, provisions, etc   5 (intr) military to carry out a raid   6 (tr) to obtain by searching about   7 (tr) to give food or other provisions to   8 (tr) to feed (cattle or horses) with such food [C14: from Old French fourrage, probably of Germanic origin; see FOOD, FODDER]   > ˈforager n

■ forage cap   n   a soldier's undress cap

■ forage mite   n   a mite normally occurring in forage but sometimes infesting the skin of mammals, esp horses, and birds

foramen (fɒˈreImɛn)   n, pl -ramina (-ˈræmInə) or -ramens   a natural hole, esp one in a bone through which nerves and blood vessels pass [C17: from Latin, from forāre to bore, pierce]   > foraminal (fɒˈræmInəl) adj

■ foram (ˈɔːræm)   n   another name for foraminifer

■ foramen magnum   n   the large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes [New Latin: large hole]

■ foraminated (fɒˈræmIˌneItId) or foraminous (fɒˈræmInəs)   adj   porous; perforated with small holes

■ foraminifer (ˌfɒrəˈmInIfə)   n   any marine protozoan of the phylum Foraminifera, having a shell with numerous openings through which cytoplasmic processes protrude. Often shortened to: foram. See also globigerina, nummulite [C19: from New Latin, from FORAMEN + -FER]   > foraminiferal (fɒˌræmIˈnIfərəl) or foˌramiˈniferous adj

■ foraminiferan (fəˌræmIˈnIfərən)   n   a kind of protozoan with a calcareous, often perforated, shell

foray (ˈfɒreI)   n   1 a short raid or incursion   2 a first attempt or new undertaking   ▷ vb   3 to raid or ravage (a town, district, etc) [C14: from forrayen to pillage, from Old French forreier, from forrier forager, from fuerre fodder; see FORAGE]   > ˈforayer n

forb (fɔːb)   n   any herbaceous plant that is not a grass [C20: from Greek phorbē food, from pherbein to graze]

forbade (fəˈbæd, -ˈbeId) or forbad (fəˈbæd)   vb   the past tense of forbid

forbear^1 (fɔːˈbɛə)   vb -bears, -bearing, -bore, -borne   1 (when intr, often foll by from or an infinitive) to cease or refrain (from doing something)   2 archaic to tolerate or endure (misbehaviour, mistakes, etc) [Old English forberan; related to Gothic frabairan to endure]   > forˈbearer n

■ forbearance (fɔːˈbɛərəns)   n   1 the act of forbearing   2 self-control; patience   3 law abstention from or postponement of the enforcement of a legal right, esp by a creditor allowing his or her debtor time to pay

■ forbearing (fɔːˈbɛərIŋ)   adj   formal showing self-control and patience. Also (rare): forbearant   > forˈbearingly adv

forbear^2 (ˈfɔːˌbɛə)   n   a variant spelling of forebear

Forbes (fɔːbz)   n   George William. 1869–1947, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1930–35)

forbid (fəˈbId)   vb -bids, -bidding, -bade or -bad, -bidden or -bid (tr)   1 to prohibit (a person) in a forceful or authoritative manner (from doing something or having something)   2 to make impossible; hinder   3 to shut out or exclude   4 God forbid! may it not happen [Old English forbēodan; related to Old High German farbiotan, Gothic faurbiudan; see FOR-, BID]   > forˈbiddance or forbiddal n   > forˈbidder n

■ forbidden (fəˈbIdən)   adj   1 not permitted by order or law   2 physics involving a change in quantum numbers that is not permitted by certain rules derived from quantum mechanics, esp rules for changes in the electrical dipole moment of the system

USAGE

It was formerly considered incorrect to talk of forbidding someone from doing something, but in modern usage either from or to can be used: he was forbidden from entering/to enter the building

■ forbidden band   n   See energy band

■ Forbidden City   n the Forbidden City   1 Lhasa, Tibet: once famed for its inaccessibility and hostility to strangers   2 a walled section of Beijing, China, enclosing the Imperial Palace and associated buildings of the former Chinese Empire

■ forbidden fruit   n   any pleasure or enjoyment regarded as illicit, esp sexual indulgence

■ forbiddenly (fəˈbIdənlI)   adv   in a forbidden manner; illegally

■ forbidden transition   n   physics an electronic transition in an atom, molecule, etc, that is not permitted by electric dipole selection rules

■ forbidding (fəˈbIdIŋ)   adj   1 hostile or unfriendly   2 dangerous or ominous   > forˈbiddingly adv   > forˈbiddingness n

forbode (fɔːˈbəʊd)   n   1 a forbidding   ▷ vb (tr)   2 obsolete to forbid

forbore (fɔːˈbɔː)   vb   the past tense of forbear^1

forborne (fɔːˈbɔːn)   vb   the past participle of forbear^1

forby or forbye (fɔːˈbaI; Scottish fərˈbaI)   prep, adv Scot   1 besides; in addition (to)   2 obsolete near; nearby

forçat French (fɔˈsa)   n   a convict

force^1 (fɔːs)   n   1 strength or energy; might; power: the force of the blow; a gale of great force   2 exertion or the use of exertion against a person or thing that resists; coercion   3 physics   a a dynamic influence that changes a body from a state of rest to one of motion or changes its rate of motion. The magnitude of the force is equal to the product of the mass of the body and its acceleration   b a static influence that produces an elastic strain in a body or system or bears weight. Symbol: F   4 physics any operating influence that produces or tends to produce a change in a physical quantity: electromotive force; coercive force   5    a intellectual, social, political, or moral influence or strength: the force of her argument; the forces of evil   b a person or thing with such influence: he was a force in the land   6 vehemence or intensity: she spoke with great force   7 a group of persons organized for military or police functions: armed forces   8 the force (sometimes capital) informal the police force   9 a group of persons organized for particular duties or tasks: a workforce   10 criminal law violence unlawfully committed or threatened   11 philosophy, logic that which an expression is normally used to achieve. See speech act, illocution, perlocution   12 in force   a (of a law) having legal validity or binding effect   b in great strength or numbers   13 join forces to combine strengths, efforts, etc   ▷ vb (tr)   14 to compel or cause (a person, group, etc) to do something through effort, superior strength, etc; coerce   15 to acquire, secure, or produce through effort, superior strength, etc: to force a confession   16 to propel or drive despite resistance: to force a nail into wood   17 to break down or open (a lock, safe, door, etc)   18 to impose or inflict: he forced his views on them   19 to cause (plants or farm animals) to grow or fatten artificially at an increased rate   20 to strain or exert to the utmost: to force the voice   21 to rape; ravish   22 cards   a to compel (a player) to trump in order to take a trick   b to compel a player by the lead of a particular suit to play (a certain card)   c (in bridge) to induce (a bid) from one's partner by bidding in a certain way   23 force a smile to make oneself smile   24 force down to compel an aircraft to land   25 force the pace to adopt a high speed or rate of procedure [C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin fortia (unattested), from Latin fortis strong]   > ˈforceable adj   > ˈforceless adj   > ˈforcer n   > ˈforcingly adv

■ forced (fɔːst)   adj   1 done because of force; compulsory: forced labour   2 false or unnatural: a forced smile   3 due to an emergency or necessity: a forced landing   4 physics caused by an external agency: a forced vibration; a forced draught   > forcedly (ˈfɔːsIdlI) adv   > ˈforcedness n

■ forced development   n   the processing of underexposed photographic film to increase the image density

■ force de frappe (French fɔrs də frap)   n   a military strike force, esp the independent nuclear strike force of France [C20: literally: striking force]

■ forced march   n   military a march in which normal needs are subordinated to the need for speed

■ forced perspective   n   the use of objects or images that are larger or smaller than they should be, to suggest that they are nearer or further away than they really are

■ force-feed   vb -feeds, -feeding, -fed (tr)   1 to force (a person or animal) to eat or swallow food   2 to force (someone) to receive opinions, propaganda, etc   ▷ n force feed   3 a method of lubrication in which a pump forces oil into the bearings of an engine, etc

■ force-field analysis   n   a decision-making technique, often presented graphically, that identifies all the positive and negative forces impinging on a problem

■ forceful (ˈfɔːsfʊl)   adj   1 powerful   2 persuasive or effective   > ˈforcefully adv   > ˈforcefulness n

■ force majeure (ˈfɔːs mæˈʒɜː, -ˈdʒʊə)   n   law irresistible force or compulsion such as will excuse a party from performing his or her part of a contract [from French: superior force]

■ force pump   n   a pump that ejects fluid under pressure. Compare lift pump

■ force-ripe Caribbean   adj   1 (of fruit) prematurely picked and ripened by squeezing or warm storage   2 precocious, esp sexually   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to ripen (prematurely picked fruit) by squeezing or warm storage

■ Forces (ˈfɔːsIz)   pl n   the Forces the armed services of a nation

■ forcible (ˈfɔːsəbəl)   adj   1 done by, involving, or having force   2 convincing or effective: a forcible argument   > ˈforcibleness or ˌforciˈbility n   > ˈforcibly adv

■ forcing bid   n   contract bridge a bid, often at a higher level than is required, that is understood to oblige the bidder's partner to reply

■ forcing frequency   n   physics the frequency of an oscillating force applied to a system. Compare natural frequency

■ forcing house   n   a place where growth or maturity (as of fruit, animals, etc) is artificially hastened

force^2 (fɔːs)   n   (in northern England) a waterfall [C17: from Old Norse fors]

forcemeat (ˈfɔːsˌmiːt)   n   a mixture of chopped or minced ingredients used for stuffing. Also called: farce, farcemeat [C17: from force (see FARCE) + MEAT]

forceps (ˈfɔːsIps)   n, pl -ceps or -cipes (-sIˌpiːz)   1    a a surgical instrument in the form of a pair of pincers, used esp in the delivery of babies   b (as modifier): a forceps baby   2 any pincer-like instrument   3 any part or structure of an organism shaped like a forceps [C17: from Latin, from formus hot + capere to seize]   > ˈforceps-ˌlike adj

forcipate (ˈfɔːsIˌpeIt)   adj   botany, zoology resembling a forceps

■ forcipation (ˌfɔːsIˈpeIʃən)   n   1 botany, zoology the state or condition of being forcipated   2 a form of torture involving pinching with forceps

ford (fɔːd)   n   1 a shallow area in a river that can be crossed by car, horseback, etc   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to cross (a river, brook, etc) over a shallow area [Old English; related to Old Frisian forda, Old High German furt ford, Latin porta door, portus PORT^1]   > ˈfordable adj

■ fordless (ˈfɔːdləs)   adj   lacking a ford

Ford (fɔːd)   n   1  Ford Maddox (ˈmædəks) original name Ford Madox Hueffer. 1873–1939, English novelist, editor, and critic; works include The Good Soldier (1915) and the war tetralogy Parade's End (1924–28)   2  Gerald R(udolph). 1913–2006, US politician; 38th president of the US (1974–77)   3  Harrison. born 1942, US film actor. His films include Star Wars (1977) and its sequels, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and its sequels, Bladerunner (1982), Clear and Present Danger (1994), and What Lies Beneath (2000)   4  Henry. 1863–1947, US car manufacturer, who pioneered mass production   5  John. 1586–?1639, English dramatist; author of revenge tragedies such as 'Tis Pity She's a Whore (1633)   6  John, real name Sean O'Feeney. 1895–1973, US film director, esp of Westerns such as Stagecoach (1939) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)

Forde (fɔːd)   n   Frank, full name Francis Michael Forde. 1890–1983, Australian politician; prime minister of Australia for eight days (1945)

fordo or foredo (fɔːˈduː)   vb -does, -doing, -did, -done (tr) archaic   1 to destroy   2 to exhaust [Old English fordōn; related to Old Saxon fardōn, Old High German fartuon, Dutch verdoen; see FOR-, DO^1]

■ fordonne (fɔːˈdʌn)   adj   archaic in a state of exhaustion

fore^1 (fɔː)   adj   1 (usually in combination) located at, in, or towards the front: the forelegs of a horse   ▷ n   2 the front part   3 something located at, in, or towards the front   4 short for foremast   5 fore and aft located at or directed towards both ends of a vessel: a fore-and-aft rig   6 to the fore   a to or into the front or conspicuous position   b Scot and Irish alive or active: is your grandfather still to the fore?   ▷ adv   7 at or towards a ship's bow   8 obsolete before   ▷ prep, conj   9 a less common word for before [Old English; related to Old Saxon, Old High German fora, Gothic faura, Greek para, Sanskrit pura]

■ fore-   prefix   1 before in time or rank: foresight; forefather; foreman   2 at or near the front; before in place: forehead; forecourt [Old English, from fore (adv)]

■ fore-and-after   n nautical   1 any vessel with a fore-and-aft rig   2 a double-ended vessel

■ foreanent (fərəˈnɛnt)   prep   Scot and Northern English opposite to

■ forearm^1 (ˈfɔːrˌɑːm)   n   the part of the arm from the elbow to the wrist. Related adjectives: cubital, radial [C18: from FORE- + ARM^1]

■ forearm^2 (fɔːrˈɑːm)   vb   (tr) to prepare or arm (someone, esp oneself) in advance [C16: from FORE- + ARM^2]

■ forearmed (fɔːrˈɑːmd)   adj   See forewarn

■ forearm smash (ˈfɔːrˌɑːm)   n   a blow like a punch delivered with the forearm in certain types of wrestling

■ forebay (ˈfɔːˌbeI)   n   a reservoir or canal from which water is taken to operate equipment

■ forebear or forbear (ˈfɔːˌbɛə)   n   an ancestor; forefather

■ forebitt (ˈfɔːˌbIt)   n   nautical a post at a ship's foremast for securing cables

■ forebitter (ˈfɔːˌbItə)   n   a sea shanty

■ forebode (fɔːˈbəʊd)   vb   1 to warn of or indicate (an event, result, etc) in advance   2 to have an intuition or premonition of (an event)   > foreˈboder n

■ forebodement (fɔːˈbəʊdmənt)   n   the action of foreboding

■ foreboding (fɔːˈbəʊdIŋ)   n   1 a feeling of impending evil, disaster, etc   2 an omen or portent   ▷ adj   3 presaging something   > foreˈbodingly adv   > foreˈbodingness n

■ forebody (ˈfɔːˌbɒdI)   n, pl -dies   nautical the part of a ship forward of the foremast

■ foreboom (ˈfɔːˌbuːm)   n   nautical the boom of a foremast

■ forebrain (ˈfɔːˌbreIn)   n   the nontechnical name for prosencephalon

■ forecabin (ˈfɔːˌkæbIn)   n   nautical the forward cabin on a vessel

■ forecar (ˈfɔːˌkɑː)   n   old-fashioned a small car to carry a passenger in front of a motorcycle (now obsolete as a vehicle)

■ forecarriage (ˈfɔːˌkærIdʒ)   n   the front part of a carriage

■ forecast (ˈfɔːˌkɑːst)   vb -casts, -casting, -cast or -casted   1 to predict or calculate (weather, events, etc), in advance   2 (tr) to serve as an early indication of   3 (tr) to plan in advance   ▷ n   4 a statement of probable future weather conditions calculated from meteorological data   5 a prophecy or prediction   6 the practice or power of forecasting   > ˈforeˌcaster n

■ forecastable (ˈfɔːˌkɑːstəbəl)   adj   able to be forecast

■ forecastle, fo'c's'le or fo'c'sle (ˈfəʊksəl)   n   the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc, may be stowed

■ forecheck (ˈfɔːˌtʃɛk) ice hockey   n   1 the act of gaining control of the puck while at the opponents' end of the rink   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to try to gain control of the puck while at the opponents' end of the rink

■ forechecker (ˈfɔːˌtʃɛkə)   n   ice hockey a player who forechecks

■ forechosen (fɔːˈtʃəʊzən)   adj   pre-selected

■ foreclose (fɔːˈkləʊz)   vb   1 law to deprive (a mortgagor, etc) of the right to redeem (a mortgage or pledge)   2 (tr) to shut out; bar   3 (tr) to prevent or hinder   4 (tr) to answer or settle (an obligation, promise, etc) in advance   5 (tr) to make an exclusive claim to [C15: from Old French forclore, from for- out + clore to close, from Latin claudere]   > foreˈclosable adj   > foreclosure (fɔːˈkləʊʒə) n

■ forecloth (ˈfɔːˌklɒθ)   n   a cloth hung over the front of something, esp an altar

■ forecourse (ˈfɔːˌkɔːs)   n   nautical the lowest foresail on a square-rigged vessel

■ forecourt (ˈfɔːˌkɔːt)   n   1 a courtyard in front of a building, as one in a filling station   2 Also called: front court the front section of the court in tennis, badminton, etc, esp the area between the service line and the net

■ foredamned (fɔːˈdæmd)   adj   ecclesiast condemned at some earlier time to eternal damnation

■ foredate (fɔːˈdeIt)   vb (tr)   to date (e.g. a cheque) before the actual date,

■ foredeck (ˈfɔːˌdɛk)   n   nautical the deck between the bridge and the forecastle

■ foredo (fɔːˈduː)   vb -does, -doing, -did, -done   (tr) a variant spelling of fordo

■ foredoom (fɔːˈduːm)   vb   (tr) literary to doom or condemn beforehand

■ foredoomed (fɔːˈduːmd)   adj   literary doomed or condemned beforehand

■ fore-edge   n   the outer edge of the pages of a book

■ foreface (ˈfɔːˌfeIs)   n   the muzzle of an animal

■ forefather (ˈfɔːˌfɑːðə)   n   an ancestor, esp a male   > ˈforeˌfatherly adj

■ forefeel (fɔːˈfiːl)   vb -feels, -feeling, -felt (tr)   to have a premonition of

■ forefeelingly (fɔːˈfiːlIŋlI)   adv   by way of forefeeling

■ forefinger (ˈfɔːˌfIŋɡə)   n   the finger next to the thumb. Also called: index finger

■ forefoot (ˈfɔːˌfʊt)   n, pl -feet   1 either of the front feet of a quadruped   2 nautical the forward end of the keel

■ forefront (ˈfɔːˌfrʌnt)   n   1 the extreme front   2 the position of most prominence, responsibility, or action

■ foregather or forgather (fɔːˈɡæðə)   vb (intr)   1 to gather together; assemble   2 rare to meet, esp unexpectedly   3 (foll by with) to socialize

■ foregleam (ˈfɔːˌɡliːm)   n   an early or premonitory inkling or indication

■ forego^3 (fɔːˈɡəʊ)   vb -goes, -going, -went, -gone   to precede in time, place, etc [Old English foregān]   > foreˈgoer n

■ forego^4 (fɔːˈɡəʊ)   vb -goes, -going, -went, -gone   (tr) a variant spelling of forgo   > foreˈgoer n

■ foregoing (fɔːˈɡəʊIŋ)   adj   (prenominal) (esp of writing or speech) going before; preceding

■ foregone (fɔːˈɡɒn, ˈfɔːˌɡɒn)   adj   gone or completed; past   > foreˈgoneness n

■ foregone conclusion   n   an inevitable result or conclusion

■ foreground (ˈfɔːˌɡraʊnd)   n   1 the part of a scene situated towards the front or nearest to the viewer   2 the area of space in a perspective picture, depicted as nearest the viewer   3 a conspicuous or active position   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to emphasize (an issue, idea, or word)

■ foregut (ˈfɔːˌɡʌt)   n   1 the anterior part of the digestive tract of vertebrates, between the buccal cavity and the bile duct   2 the anterior part of the digestive tract of arthropods   ▶ See also midgut, hindgut

■ forehand (ˈfɔːˌhænd)   adj (prenominal)   1 sport   a (of a stroke) made with the racket held so that the wrist is facing the direction of the stroke   b of or relating to the right side of a right-handed player or the left side of a left-handed player   2 foremost or paramount   3 done or given beforehand   ▷ n   4 sport   a a forehand stroke   b the side on which such strokes are made   5 the part of a horse in front of the saddle   6 a frontal position   ▷ adv   7 sport with a forehand stroke   ▷ vb   8 sport to play (a shot) forehand

■ forehanded (ˌfɔːˈhændId)   adj   1 US   a thrifty   b well-off   ▷ adv, adj   2 sport a less common word for forehand   > ˌforeˈhandedly adv   > ˌforeˈhandedness n

■ forehead (ˈfɒrId, ˈfɔːˌhɛd)   n   the part of the face between the natural hairline and the eyes, formed skeletally by the frontal bone of the skull; brow. Related adjective: frontal [Old English forhēafod; related to Old Frisian forhāfd, Middle Low German vorhōved]

■ forehent (fɔːˈhɛnt)   vb (tr)   obsolete to seize in advance

■ forehock (ˈfɔːˌhɒk)   n   a foreleg cut of bacon or pork

■ forehoof (ˈfɔːˌhuːf)   n   an ungulate's front hoof

■ forejudge^5 (fɔːˈdʒʌdʒ)   vb   to judge (someone or an event, circumstance, etc) before the facts are known; prejudge

■ forejudge^6 (fɔːˈdʒʌdʒ)   vb   law a variant spelling of forjudge   > foreˈjudgment n

■ forejudgement (fɔːˈdʒʌdʒmənt)   n   another spelling of forejudgment

■ foreking (ˈfɔːˌkIŋ)   n   a previous king

■ foreknow (fɔːˈnəʊ)   vb -knows, -knowing, -knew, -known   (tr) to know in advance   > foreˈknowable adj   > foreˈknowledge n   > foreˈknowingly adv

■ forelady (ˈfɔːˌleIdI)   n, pl -ies US   1 law a woman who manages other women in a matron's jury   2 a woman who manages other women in a department, shop, or factory

■ foreland (ˈfɔːlənd)   n   1 a headland, cape, or coastal promontory   2 land lying in front of something, such as water

■ Foreland (ˈfɔːlənd)   n   either of two headlands (North Foreland and South Foreland) in SE England, on the coast of Kent

■ foreleg (ˈfɔːˌlɛɡ)   n   either of the front legs of a horse, sheep, or other quadruped

■ forelend (fɔːˈlɛnd)   vb -lends, -lending, -lent   (tr) archaic to give or grant beforehand

■ forelie (fɔːˈlaI)   vb -lies, -lying, -lay, -lain (tr)   to lie in front of

■ forelift (fɔːˈlIft)   vb (tr)   to lift up in front

■ forelimb (ˈfɔːˌlIm)   n   either of the front or anterior limbs of a four-limbed vertebrate: a foreleg, flipper, or wing

■ forelock (ˈfɔːˌlɒk)   n   1 a lock of hair growing or falling over the forehead   2 a lock of a horse's mane that grows forwards between the ears   3 a wedge or peg passed through the tip of a bolt to prevent withdrawal   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to secure (a bolt) by means of a forelock

■ foreman (ˈfɔːmən)   n, pl -men   1 a male worker, often experienced, who supervises other workers. Gender-neutral form: supervisor   2 law the principal juror, who presides at the deliberations of a jury. Female equivalent: forewoman   > ˈforemanˌship n

■ foremast (ˈfɔːˌmɑːst, nautical ˈfɔːməst)   n   the mast nearest the bow on vessels with two or more masts

■ foremastman (ˈfɔːˌmɑːstmən, ˈfɔːməstmən)   n, pl -men   nautical a sailor positioned before the foremast

■ foremean (fɔːˈmiːn)   vb -means, -meaning, -meant (tr)   obsolete to intend in advance

■ forementioned (ˈfɔːˌmɛnʃənd)   adj   mentioned previously

■ foremilk (ˈfɔːˌmIlk)   n   1 another word for colostrum   2 the first milk drawn from a cow's udder prior to milking

■ foremost (ˈfɔːˌməʊst)   adj, adv   first in time, place, rank, etc [Old English formest, from forma first; related to Old Saxon formo first, Old High German fruma advantage]

■ foremother (ˈfɔːˌmʌðə)   n   a female ancestor

■ forename (ˈfɔːˌneIm)   n   a first or Christian name

■ forenamed (ˈfɔːˌneImd)   adj   (prenominal) named or mentioned previously; aforesaid

■ forenight (ˈfɔːˌnaIt)   n   Scot the early part of the evening

■ forenoon (ˈfɔːˌnuːn)   n     a the daylight hours before or just before noon   b (as modifier): a forenoon conference

■ foreordain (ˌfɔːrɔːˈdeIn)   vb   (tr; may take a clause as object) to determine (events, results, etc) in the future   > ˌforeorˈdainment or foreordination (ˌfɔːrɔːdIˈneIʃən) n

■ foreordained (ˌfɔːrɔːˈdeInd)   adj   inevitable; predestined or established beforehand

■ forepart (ˈfɔːˌpɑːt)   n   the first or front part in place, order, or time

■ forepast (ˈfɔːˌpɑːst)   adj   obsolete bygone

■ forepaw (ˈfɔːˌpɔː)   n   either of the front feet of most land mammals that do not have hoofs

■ forepayment (fɔːˈpeImənt)   n   prepayment

■ forepeak (ˈfɔːˌpiːk)   n   nautical the interior part of a vessel that is furthest forward

■ foreplan (fɔːˈplæn)   vb (tr)   to plan in advance

■ foreplay (ˈfɔːˌpleI)   n   mutual sexual stimulation preceding sexual intercourse

■ forepoint (fɔːˈpɔInt)   vb (tr)   to predetermine or indicate in advance

■ forequarter (ˈfɔːˌkwɔːtə)   n   the front portion, including the leg, of half of a carcass, as of beef or lamb

■ forequarters (ˈfɔːˌkwɔːtəz)   pl n   the part of the body of a horse or similar quadruped that consists of the forelegs, shoulders, and adjoining parts

■ forerank (ˈfɔːˌræŋk)   n   the first rank

■ forereach (fɔːˈriːtʃ)   vb   1 (intr) nautical to keep moving under momentum without engine or sails   2 (tr) to surpass or outdo

■ foreread (fɔːˈriːd)   vb (tr)   another word for foretell

■ forerun (fɔːˈrʌn)   vb -runs, -running, -ran, -run (tr)   1 to serve as a herald for   2 to go before; precede   3 to prevent or forestall

■ forerunner (ˈfɔːˌrʌnə)   n   1 a person or thing that precedes another; precursor   2 a person or thing coming in advance to herald the arrival of someone or something; harbinger   3 an indication beforehand of something to follow; omen; portent

■ foresaid (ˈfɔːˌsɛd)   adj   a less common word for aforesaid

■ foresail (ˈfɔːˌseIl, nautical ˈfɔːsəl)   n nautical   1 the aftermost headsail of a fore-and-aft rigged vessel   2 the lowest sail set on the foremast of a square-rigged vessel

■ foresay (fɔːˈseI)   vb -says, -saying, -said (tr)   another word for foretell

■ foresee (fɔːˈsiː)   vb -sees, -seeing, -saw, -seen   (tr; may take a clause as object) to see or know beforehand: he did not foresee that   > foreˈseeable adj   > foreˈseer n

■ foreseeability (fɔːˌsiːəˈbIlətI)   n   the ability to foresee

■ foreseeingly (fɔːˈsiːIŋlI)   adv   by way of foreseeing

■ foreshadow (fɔːˈʃædəʊ)   vb   (tr) to show, indicate, or suggest in advance; presage   > foreˈshadower n

■ foreshank (ˈfɔːˌʃæŋk)   n   1 the top of the front leg of an animal   2 a cut of meat from this part

■ foresheet (ˈfɔːˌʃiːt)   n   1 the sheet of a foresail   2 (plural) the part forward of the foremost thwart of a boat

■ foreship (ˈfɔːˌʃIp)   n   nautical the prow or forepart of a ship

■ foreshock (ˈfɔːˌʃɒk)   n   a relatively small earthquake heralding the arrival of a much larger one. Some large earthquakes are preceded by a series of foreshocks. Compare aftershock

■ foreshore (ˈfɔːˌʃɔː)   n   1 the part of the shore that lies between the limits for high and low tides   2 the part of the shore that lies just above the high-water mark

■ foreshorten (fɔːˈʃɔːtən)   vb (tr)   1 to represent (a line, form, object, etc) as shorter than actual length in order to give an illusion of recession or projection, in accordance with the laws of linear perspective   2 to make shorter or more condensed; reduce or abridge

■ foreshortening (fɔːˈʃɔːtnIŋ)   n   1 the representation of a line, form, object, etc as shorter than actual length in order to give an illusion of recession or projection, in accordance with the laws of linear perspective   2 the shortening or condensing of something

■ foreshow (fɔːˈʃəʊ)   vb -shows, -showing, -showed, -shown   (tr) archaic to indicate in advance; foreshadow

■ foreside (ˈfɔːˌsaId)   n   1 the front or upper side or part   2 US land extending along the sea

■ foresight (ˈfɔːˌsaIt)   n   1 provision for or insight into future problems, needs, etc   2 the act or ability of foreseeing   3 the act of looking forward   4 surveying a reading taken looking forwards to a new station, esp in levelling from a point of known elevation to a point the elevation of which is to be determined. Compare backsight   5 the front sight on a firearm   > ˌforeˈsighted adj   > ˌforeˈsightedly adv   > ˌforeˈsightedness n

■ foresightful (ˈfɔːˌsaItfʊl)   adj   possessing foresight

■ foresightless (ˈfɔːˌsaItləs)   adj   lacking foresight

■ foresignify (fɔːˈsIɡnIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   to signify in advance

■ foreskin (ˈfɔːˌskIn)   n   anatomy the nontechnical name for prepuce (sense 1). Related adjective: preputial

■ foreskirt (ˈfɔːˌskɜːt)   n   the front skirt of an article of clothing (as opposed to the train)

■ forespeak (fɔːˈspiːk)   vb -speaks, -speaking, -spoke, -spoken (tr) rare   1 to predict; foresee   2 to arrange or speak of in advance

■ forespent (fɔːˈspɛnt)   adj   a variant spelling of forspent

■ forestair (ˈfɔːˌstɛə)   n   an external staircase

■ forestall (fɔːˈstɔːl)   vb (tr)   1 to delay, stop, or guard against beforehand   2 to anticipate   3    a to prevent or hinder sales at (a market, etc) by buying up merchandise in advance, etc   b to buy up (merchandise) for profitable resale. Compare corner (sense 21) [C14 forestallen to waylay, from Old English foresteall an ambush, from fore- in front of + steall place]   > foreˈstaller n   > foreˈstalment or esp US foreˈstallment n

■ forestay (ˈfɔːˌsteI)   n   nautical an adjustable stay leading from the truck of the foremast to the deck, stem, or bowsprit, for controlling the motion or bending of the mast

■ forestaysail (fɔːˈsteIˌseIl, nautical fɔːˈsteIsəl)   n   nautical the triangular headsail set aftermost on a vessel

■ foreswear (fɔːˈswɛə)   vb -swears, -swearing, -swore, -sworn   another word for forswear

■ foretaste   n (ˈfɔːˌteIst)   1 an early but limited experience or awareness of something to come   ▷ vb (fɔːˈteIst)   2 (tr) to have a foretaste of

■ foreteach (fɔːˈtiːtʃ)   vb -teaches, -teaching, -taught (tr)   to teach (something) ahead of time

■ foretell (fɔːˈtɛl)   vb -tells, -telling, -told   (tr; may take a clause as object) to tell or indicate (an event, a result, etc) beforehand; predict   > foreˈteller n

■ forethink (fɔːˈθIŋk)   vb -thinks, -thinking, -thought (tr)   to have prescience of

■ forethinker (fɔːˈθIŋkə)   n   someone who forethinks

■ forethought (ˈfɔːˌθɔːt)   n   1 advance consideration or deliberation   2 thoughtful anticipation of future events   > foreˈthoughtful adj   > foreˈthoughtfully adv   > foreˈthoughtfulness n

■ foretime (ˈfɔːˌtaIm)   n   time already gone; the past

■ foretoken   n (ˈfɔːˌtəʊkən)   1 a sign of a future event   ▷ vb (fɔːˈtəʊkən)   2 (tr) to foreshadow

■ foretooth (ˈfɔːˌtuːθ)   n, pl -teeth (-ˌtiːθ)   dentistry another word for incisor

■ foretop (ˈfɔːˌtɒp, nautical ˈfɔːtəp)   n   nautical a platform at the top of the foremast

■ fore-topgallant (ˌfɔːtɒpˈɡælənt, nautical ˌfɔːtəˈɡælənt)   adj   nautical of, relating to, or being the topmost portion of a foremast, above the topmast: the fore-topgallant mast

■ foretopman (ˌfɔːˈtɒpmən)   n, pl -men   nautical the lookout person on the foretop of a ship

■ fore-topmast (fɔːˈtɒpˌmɑːst, nautical fɔːˈtɒpməst)   n   nautical a mast stepped above a foremast

■ fore-topsail (fɔːˈtɒpˌseIl, nautical fɔːˈtɒpsəl)   n   nautical a sail set on a fore-topmast

■ foretriangle (ˈfɔːtraIˌæŋɡəl)   n   the triangular area formed by the deck, foremast, and headstay of a sailing vessel

■ forevouched (ˈfɔːˌvaʊtʃt)   adj   previously avowed

■ foreward (ˈfɔːˌwɔːd) obsolete   n   1 a vanguard   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to guard (something) in front

■ forewarn (fɔːˈwɔːn)   vb (tr)   1 to warn beforehand   2 forewarned is forearmed if one says 'Forewarned is forearmed', one is saying that if one knows about a problem or situation in advance, one will be able to deal with it when one needs to   > foreˈwarner n   > foreˈwarningly adv

■ foreweigh (fɔːˈweI)   vb (tr)   to assess in advance

■ forewent (fɔːˈwɛnt)   vb   the past tense of forego

■ forewind (ˈfɔːˌwInd)   n   nautical a favourable wind

■ forewing (ˈfɔːˌwIŋ)   n   either wing of the anterior pair of an insect's two pairs of wings

■ forewoman (ˈfɔːˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   1 commerce a female supervisor of a group of workers   2 law a woman principal juror, who presides at the deliberations of a jury

■ foreword (ˈfɔːˌwɜːd)   n   an introductory statement to a book [C19: literal translation of German Vorwort]

■ foreyard (ˈfɔːˌjɑːd)   n   nautical a yard for supporting the foresail of a square-rigger

■ forestage^7 or fore-stage (ˈfɔːˌsteIdʒ)   n   theatre the part of a stage in front of the curtain

fore^2 (fɔː)   interj   (in golf) a warning shout made by a player about to make a shot [C19: probably short for BEFORE]

■ forecaddie or forecaddy (ˈfɔːˌkædI)   n   golf a caddie who keeps track of all balls in play

forefend (fɔːˈfɛnd)   vb   (tr) a variant spelling of forfend

foreign (ˈfɒrIn)   adj   1 of, involving, located in, or coming from another country, area, people, etc: a foreign resident   2 dealing or concerned with another country, area, people, etc: a foreign office   3 not pertinent or related: a matter foreign to the discussion   4 not familiar; strange   5 in an abnormal place or position: foreign matter; foreign bodies   6 law outside the jurisdiction of a particular state; alien [C13: from Old French forain, from Vulgar Latin forānus (unattested) situated on the outside, from Latin foris outside]   > ˈforeignly adv   > ˈforeignness n

■ foreign affairs   pl n   1 matters abroad that involve the homeland, such as relations with another country   2 matters that do not involve the homeland

■ foreign aid   n   economic and other assistance given by one country to another

■ foreign bill or foreign draft   n   a bill of exchange that is drawn in one country and made payable in another: used extensively in foreign trade. Compare inland bill

■ foreign-born   adj   born in a foreign country; not born in one's resident country

■ foreign correspondent   n   journalism a reporter who visits or resides in a foreign country in order to report on its affairs

■ foreigner (ˈfɒrInə)   n   1 a person from a foreign country; alien   2 an outsider or interloper   3 something from a foreign country, such as a ship or product

■ foreign exchange   n   1 the system by which one currency is converted into another, enabling international transactions to take place without the physical transportation of gold   2 foreign bills and currencies

■ foreignism (ˈfɒrIˌnIzəm)   n   1 a custom, mannerism, idiom, etc, that is foreign   2 imitation of something foreign

■ foreign legion   n   a body of foreign volunteers serving in an army, esp that of France

■ foreign minister or foreign secretary   n   (often capitals) a cabinet minister who is responsible for a country's dealings with other countries. US equivalent: secretary of state   > foreign ministry n

■ foreign mission   n   1 a body of persons sent to a non-Christian country in order to propagate Christianity   2 a diplomatic or other mission sent by one country to another

■ Foreign Office   n   the UK government department dealing with foreign affairs. Official name: Foreign and Commonwealth Office

■ foreign-owned   adj   economics, commerce owned by an individual who is resident in a different country or by a company whose headquarters are in a different country

■ foreign service   n   chiefly US the diplomatic and usually consular personnel of a foreign affairs ministry or foreign office collectively who represent their country abroad, deal with foreign diplomats at home, etc

forel (ˈfɒrəl) obsolete   n   1 a type of parchment used to cover books   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to cover (a book) with parchment

Foreman (ˈfɔːmən)   n   George. born 1949, US boxer: world heavyweight champion (1973–74); retired in 1977 but re-entered the ring in 1987 and won the heavyweight championship in 1994 at age 45; also noted for the grilling appliance that bears his name

forensic (fəˈrɛnsIk)   adj   relating to, used in, or connected with a court of law: forensic science [C17: from Latin forēnsis public, from FORUM]   > forensicality (fəˌrɛnsIˈkælItI) n   > foˈrensically adv

■ forensic accountant   n   an accountant who specializes in applying accountancy skills to the purposes of the law

■ forensic medicine   n   the applied use of medical knowledge or practice, esp pathology, to the purposes of the law, as in determining the cause of death. Also called: medical jurisprudence, legal medicine

■ forensics (fəˈrɛnsIks)   n   (functioning as singular or plural) the art or study of formal debating

forest (ˈfɒrIst)   n   1 a large wooded area having a thick growth of trees and plants   2 the trees of such an area   3 NZ an area planted with exotic pines or similar trees. Compare bush^1 (sense 4)   4 something resembling a large wooded area, esp in density: a forest of telegraph poles   5 law (formerly) an area of woodland, esp one owned by the sovereign and set apart as a hunting ground with its own laws and officers. Compare park (sense 5)   6 (modifier) of, involving, or living in a forest or forests: a forest glade   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to create a forest (in); plant with trees [C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin forestis unfenced woodland, from Latin foris outside]   > ˈforestal, foresteal or forestial (fəˈrɛstIəl) adj   > ˈforested adj   > ˈforestless adj   > ˈforest-ˌlike adj

■ forestage (ˈfɒrIstIdʒ)   n   (in ancient times) a duty paid to a king by foresters

■ forestation (ˌfɒrIˈsteIʃən)   n   the planting of trees over a wide area

■ forester (ˈfɒrIstə)   n   1 a person skilled in forestry or in charge of a forest   2 any of various Old World moths of the genus Ino, characterized by brilliant metallic green wings: family Zygaenidae   3 a person or animal that lives in a forest   4 (capital) a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a friendly society

■ forestine (ˈfɒrIstiːn)   adj   relating to forests

■ forestland (ˈfɒrIstˌlænd)   n   wooded land

■ forest park   n   NZ a recreational reserve which may include bush and exotic trees

■ forest ranger   n   a government official who patrols and protects forests, wildlife, etc

■ forestry (ˈfɒrIstrI)   n   1 the science of planting and caring for trees   2 the planting and management of forests   3 rare forest land

Forester (ˈfɒrIstə)   n   C(ecil) S(cott) 1899–1966, English novelist; creator of Captain Horatio Hornblower in a series of novels on the Napoleonic Wars

4EVA text messaging   abbreviation for   for ever

forex (ˈfɒrɛks)   n   short for foreign exchange

forfair (fəˈfɛə)   vb (intr)   obsolete to perish

■ forfairn Scottish (fərˈfɛərn)   adj   obsolete worn out

forfaiting (ˈfɔːˌfeItIŋ)   n   the financial service of discounting, without recourse, a promissory note, bill of exchange, letter of credit, etc, received from an overseas buyer by an exporter; a form of debt discounting [C20: from French forfaire to forfeit or surrender]

■ forfaiter (ˈfɔːˌfeItə)   n   a person or company engaging in forfaiting

Forfar (ˈfɔːfər, -fɑː)   n   a market town in E Scotland, the administrative centre of Angus: site of a castle, residence of Scottish kings between the 11th and 14th centuries. Pop: 13 206 (2001)

forfeit (ˈfɔːfIt)   n   1 something lost or given up as a penalty for a fault, mistake, etc   2 the act of losing or surrendering something in this manner   3 law something confiscated as a penalty for an offence, breach of contract, etc   4 (sometimes plural)   a a game in which a player has to give up an object, perform a specified action, etc, if he or she commits a fault   b an object so given up   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to lose or be liable to lose in consequence of a mistake, fault, etc   6 (tr) law   a to confiscate as punishment   b to surrender (something exacted as a penalty)   ▷ adj   7 surrendered or liable to be surrendered as a penalty [C13: from Old French forfet offence, from forfaire to commit a crime, from Medieval Latin foris facere to act outside (what is lawful), from Latin foris outside + facere to do]   > ˈforfeitable adj   > ˈforfeiter n

■ forfeiture (ˈfɔːfItʃə)   n   1 something forfeited   2 the act of forfeiting or paying a penalty

forfend or forefend (fɔːˈfɛnd)   vb (tr)   1 US to protect or secure   2 obsolete to prohibit or prevent

forfeuchen (fərˈfjuːxən), forfoughen (fərˈfɒxən) or forfoughten (fərˈfɒxtən)   adj   Scottish dialect worn out; exhausted

forfex (ˈfɔːfɛks)   n   entomol a pair of pincers, esp the paired terminal appendages of an earwig [C18: Latin: a pair of scissors]

forficate (ˈfɔːfIkIt, -ˌkeIt)   adj   (esp of the tails of certain birds) deeply forked [C19: from Latin forfex scissors]

forficulate (fɔːˈfIkjʊlət)   adj   entomol resembling scissors

forfochen (fərˈfoxən)   adj   Scot exhausted [a variant of earlier forfoughten worn out by fighting]

forgather (fɔːˈɡæðə)   vb   a variant spelling of foregather

forgave (fəˈɡeIv)   vb   the past tense of forgive

forge^1 (fɔːdʒ)   n   1 a place in which metal is worked by heating and hammering; smithy   2 a hearth or furnace used for heating metal   3 a machine used to shape metals by hammering   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to shape (metal) by heating and hammering   5 (tr) to form, shape, make, or fashion (objects, articles, etc)   6 (tr) to invent or devise (an agreement, understanding, etc)   7 to make or produce a fraudulent imitation of (a signature, banknote, etc) or to commit forgery [C14: from Old French forgier to construct, from Latin fabricāre, from faber craftsman]   > ˈforgeable adj   > ˈforger n

■ forgeability (ˌfɔːdʒəˈbIlətI)   adj   the suitability of a substance for forging

■ forged (fɔːdʒd)   adj   1 of or relating to metals that have been shaped by heating and hammering   2 of or relating to that which has been fraudulently imitated

■ forgeman (ˈfɔːdʒmən)   n, pl -men   another name for a forger

■ forgery (ˈfɔːdʒərI)   n, pl -geries   1 the act of reproducing something for a deceitful or fraudulent purpose   2 something forged, such as a work of art or an antique   3 criminal law   a the false making or altering of any document, such as a cheque or character reference (and including a postage stamp), or any tape or disc on which information is stored, intending that people shall accept it as genuine and so act to their or another's prejudice   b something forged   4 criminal law the counterfeiting of a seal or die with intention to defraud

■ forgetive (ˈfɔːdʒəˌtIv)   adj   poetic imaginative and inventive

■ forging (ˈfɔːdʒIŋ)   n   1 the process of producing a metal component by hammering   2 the act of a forger   3 a metal component produced by this process   4 the collision of a horse's hind shoe and fore shoe

forge^2 (fɔːdʒ)   vb (intr)   1 to move at a steady and persevering pace   2 to increase speed; spurt [C17: of unknown origin]

forget (fəˈɡɛt)   vb -gets, -getting, -got, -gotten or archaic, dialect -got   1 (when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to fail to recall (someone or something once known); be unable to remember   2 (tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to neglect, usually as the result of an unintentional error   3 (tr) to leave behind by mistake   4 (tr) to disregard intentionally   5 (when tr, may take a clause as object) to fail to mention   6 forget oneself   a to act in an improper manner   b to be unselfish   c to be deep in thought   7 forget it! an exclamation of annoyed or forgiving dismissal of a matter or topic [Old English forgietan; related to Old Frisian forgeta, Old Saxon fargetan, Old High German firgezzan]   > forˈgettable adj   > forˈgetter n

■ forgat (fəˈɡæt)   vb   archaic a past tense of forget

■ forgetful (fəˈɡɛtfʊl)   adj   1 tending to forget   2 (often postpositive; foll by of) inattentive (to) or neglectful (of)   3 poetic causing loss of memory   > forˈgetfully adv   > forˈgetfulness n

■ forget-me-not   n   any temperate low-growing plant of the mainly European boraginaceous genus Myosotis, having clusters of small typically blue flowers. Also called: scorpion grass

■ forgettery (fəˈɡɛtərI)   n   jocular the inclination to forget

■ forgettingly (fəˈɡɛtIŋlI)   adv   another word for forgetfully

■ forgottenness (fəˈɡɒtənəs)   n   the status of being forgotten

forgive (fəˈɡIv)   vb -gives, -giving, -gave, -given   1 to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)   2 to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc)   3 (tr) to free or pardon (someone) from penalty   4 (tr) to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc) [Old English forgiefan; see FOR-, GIVE]   > forˈgivable adj   > forˈgivably adv   > forˈgiver n

■ forgiveness (fəˈɡIvnIs)   n   1 the act of forgiving or the state of being forgiven   2 willingness to forgive

■ forgiving (fəˈɡIvIŋ)   adj   willing to forgive; merciful   > forˈgivingly adv   > forˈgivingness n

forgo or forego (fɔːˈɡəʊ)   vb -goes, -going, -went, -gone (tr)   1 to give up or do without   2 archaic to leave [Old English forgān; see FOR-, GO^1]   > forˈgoer or foreˈgoer n

forgot (fəˈɡɒt)   vb   1 the past tense of forget   2 archaic or dialect a past participle of forget

forgotten (fəˈɡɒtən)   vb   a past participle of forget

forhaile (fɔːˈheIl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to distress

forhoo (fəˈhuː)   vb (tr)   Scot to forsake

forinsec (fəˈrInsIk) or forinsecal (fəˈrInsIkəl)   adj   obsolete foreign

forint (Hungarian ˈforint)   n   the standard monetary unit of Hungary, divided into 100 fillér [from Hungarian, from Italian fiorino FLORIN]

forisfamiliate (ˌfɒrIsfəˈmIlIˌeIt)   vb (tr)   to free from paternal authority

forjaskit Scottish (fərˈdʒæskIt)   adj   exhausted

forjudge or forejudge (fɔːˈdʒʌdʒ)   vb (tr) law   1 to deprive of a right by the judgment of a court   2 chiefly US to expel (an officer or attorney) from court for misconduct   > forˈjudgment or foreˈjudgment n

fork (fɔːk)   n   1 a small usually metal implement consisting of two, three, or four long thin prongs on the end of a handle, used for lifting food to the mouth or turning it in cooking, etc   2 an agricultural tool consisting of a handle and three or four metal prongs, used for lifting, digging, etc   3 a pronged part of any machine, device, etc   4 (of a road, river, etc)   a a division into two or more branches   b the point where the division begins   c such a branch   5 chiefly US the main tributary of a river   6 chess a position in which two pieces are forked   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to pick up, dig, etc, with a fork   8 (tr) chess to place (two enemy pieces) under attack with one of one's own pieces, esp a knight   9 (tr) to make into the shape of a fork   10 (intr) to be divided into two or more branches   11 to take one or other branch at a fork in a road, river, etc [Old English forca, from Latin furca]   > ˈforkful n

■ forkball (ˈfɔːkˌbɔːl)   n   a method of pitching in baseball

■ forked (fɔːkt, ˈfɔːkId)   adj   1    a having a fork or forklike parts   b (in combination): two-forked   2 having sharp angles; zigzag   3 insincere or equivocal (esp in the phrase forked tongue)   > forkedly (ˈfɔːkIdlI) adv   > ˈforkedness n

■ forked lightning   n   a zigzag form of lightning. Also called: chain lightning

■ forker (ˈfɔːkə)   n   informal a worker who uses a fork

■ forkhead (ˈfɔːkˌhɛd)   n   the head of an arrow

■ forkiness (ˈfɔːkInəs)   n   the state of being forky

■ forkless (ˈfɔːkləs)   adj   without a fork

■ fork-lift truck   n   a vehicle having two power-operated horizontal prongs that can be raised and lowered for loading, transporting, and unloading goods, esp goods that are stacked on wooden pallets. Sometimes shortened to: forklift

■ forklike (ˈfɔːkˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a fork

■ fork out, fork over or fork up   vb   (adverb) slang to pay (money, goods, etc), esp with reluctance

■ forktail (ˈfɔːkˌteIl)   n   a name used for various fish and bird species having a forked tail

■ forky (ˈfɔːkI)   adj -kier, -kiest   forked

forlana (fɔːˈlɑːnə)   n   dancing a traditional Venetian dance

forlese (fɔːˈliːz)   vb (tr) obsolete   1 to lose   2 to forsake   3 to destroy

Forlì (Italian forˈli)   n   a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna. Pop: 108 335 (2001). Ancient name: Forum Livii (ˈlIvIaI)

forlorn (fəˈlɔːn)   adj   1 miserable, wretched, or cheerless; desolate   2 deserted; forsaken   3 (postpositive; foll by of) destitute; bereft: forlorn of hope   4 desperate: the last forlorn attempt [Old English forloren lost, from forlēosan to lose; related to Old Saxon farliosan, Gothic fraliusan, Greek luein to release]   > forˈlornly adv   > forˈlornness n

■ forlorn hope   n   1 a hopeless or desperate enterprise   2 a faint hope   3 obsolete a group of soldiers assigned to an extremely dangerous duty [C16 (in the obsolete sense): changed (by folk etymology) from Dutch verloren hoop lost troop, from verloren, past participle of verliezen to lose + hoop troop (literally: heap)]

form (fɔːm)   n   1 the shape or configuration of something as distinct from its colour, texture, etc   2 the particular mode, appearance, etc, in which a thing or person manifests itself: water in the form of ice; in the form of a bat   3 a type or kind: imprisonment is a form of punishment   4    a a printed document, esp one with spaces in which to insert facts or answers: an application form   b (as modifier): a form letter   5 physical or mental condition, esp good condition, with reference to ability to perform: off form   6 the previous record of a horse, athlete, etc, esp with regard to fitness   7 Brit slang a criminal record   8 style, arrangement, or design in the arts, as opposed to content   9 a fixed mode of artistic expression or representation in literary, musical, or other artistic works: sonata form; sonnet form   10 a mould, frame, etc, that gives shape to something   11 organized structure or order, as in an artistic work   12 education, chiefly Brit a group of children who are taught together; class   13 manner, method, or style of doing something, esp with regard to recognized standards   14 behaviour or procedure, esp as governed by custom or etiquette: good form   15 formality or ceremony   16 a prescribed set or order of words, terms, etc, as in a religious ceremony or legal document   17 philosophy   a the structure of anything as opposed to its constitution or content   b essence as opposed to matter   c (often capital) (in the philosophy of Plato) the ideal universal that exists independently of the particulars which fall under it. See also Form   d (in the philosophy of Aristotle) the constitution of matter to form a substance; by virtue of this its nature can be understood   18 See logical form   19 Brit a bench, esp one that is long, low, and backless   20 the nest or hollow in which a hare lives   21 a group of organisms within a species that differ from similar groups by trivial differences, as of colour   22 linguistics   a the phonological or orthographic shape or appearance of a linguistic element, such as a word   b a linguistic element considered from the point of view of its shape or sound rather than, for example, its meaning   23 crystallog See crystal form   24 taxonomy a group distinguished from other groups by a single characteristic: ranked below a variety   ▷ vb   25 to give shape or form to or to take shape or form, esp a specified or particular shape   26 to come or bring into existence: a scum formed on the surface   27 to make, produce, or construct or be made, produced, or constructed   28 to construct or develop in the mind: to form an opinion   29 (tr) to train, develop, or mould by instruction, discipline, or example   30 (tr) to acquire, contract, or develop: to form a habit   31 (tr) to be an element of, serve as, or constitute: this plank will form a bridge   32 (tr) to draw up; organize: to form a club [C13: from Old French forme, from Latin forma shape, model]   > ˈformable adj

■ Form (fɔːm)   n   (in the philosophy of Plato) an ideal archetype existing independently of those individuals which fall under it, supposedly explaining their common properties and serving as the only objects of true knowledge as opposed to the mere opinion obtainable of matters of fact. Also called: Idea

■ -form   adj combining form   having the shape or form of or resembling: cruciform; vermiform [from New Latin -formis, from Latin, from fōrma FORM]

■ formability (ˌfɔːməˈbIlətI)   n   the potential for formation

■ formably (ˈfɔːməblI)   adv   obsolete formally

■ formant (ˈfɔːmənt)   n   acoustics, phonetics any of several frequency ranges within which the partials of a sound, esp a vowel sound, are at their strongest, thus imparting to the sound its own special quality, tone colour, or timbre

■ formation (fɔːˈmeIʃən)   n   1 the act of giving or taking form, shape, or existence   2 something that is formed   3 the manner in which something is formed or arranged   4    a a formal arrangement of a number of persons or things acting as a unit, such as a troop of soldiers, aircraft in flight, or a football team   b (as modifier): formation dancing   5 geology   a the fundamental lithostratigraphic unit   b a series of rocks with certain characteristics in common   6 ecology a community of plants, such as a tropical rainforest, extending over a very large area   > forˈmational adj

■ formation dance   n   any dance in which a number of couples form a certain arrangement, such as two facing lines or a circle, and perform a series of figures within or based on that arrangement   > formation dancing n

■ formation rules   pl n   logic the set of rules that specify the syntax of a formal system; the algorithm that generates the well-formed formulae

■ formative (ˈfɔːmətIv)   adj   1 of or relating to formation, development, or growth: formative years   2 shaping; moulding: a formative experience   3 (of tissues and cells in certain parts of an organism) capable of growth and differentiation   4 functioning in the formation of derived, inflected, or compound words   ▷ n   5 an inflectional or derivational affix   6 (in generative grammar) any of the minimum units of a sentence that have syntactic function   > ˈformatively adv   > ˈformativeness n

■ formative assessment   n   ongoing assessment of a pupil's educational development within a particular subject area. Compare summative assessment

■ form class   n   1 another term for part of speech   2 a group of words distinguished by common inflections, such as the weak verbs of English

■ form criticism   n   literary criticism concerned esp with analysing the Bible in terms of the literary forms used, such as proverbs, songs, or stories, and relating them to their historical forms and background   > form critic n   > form critical adj

■ form drag   n   the drag on a body moving through a fluid as a result of the shape of the body. It can be reduced by streamlining

■ -formed   adj   (in combination) made or grown in the specified manner or to the specified extent: well-formed; half-formed

■ formfitting (ˈfɔːmˌfItIŋ)   adj   figure-hugging

■ formful (ˈfɔːmfʊl)   adj   1 imaginative   2 shapely

■ form genus   n   a group of species (form species) that have similar structural characteristics but are not closely related

■ formless (ˈfɔːmlIs)   adj   without a definite shape or form; amorphous   > ˈformlessly adv   > ˈformlessness n

■ form letter   n   a single copy of a letter that has been mechanically reproduced in large numbers for circulation

■ formwork (ˈfɔːmˌwɜːk)   n   an arrangement of wooden boards, bolts, etc, used to shape reinforced concrete while it is setting. Also called (esp Brit): shuttering

formal^1 (ˈfɔːməl)   adj   1 of, according to, or following established or prescribed forms, conventions, etc: a formal document   2 characterized by observation of conventional forms of ceremony, behaviour, dress, etc: a formal dinner   3 methodical, precise, or stiff   4 suitable for occasions organized according to conventional ceremony: formal dress   5 denoting or characterized by idiom, vocabulary, etc, used by educated speakers and writers of a language   6 acquired by study in academic institutions: a formal education   7 regular or symmetrical in form: a formal garden   8 of or relating to the appearance, form, etc, of something as distinguished from its substance   9 logically deductive: formal proof   10 philosophy   a of or relating to form as opposed to matter or content   b pertaining to the essence or nature of something: formal cause   c (in the writings of Descartes) pertaining to the correspondence between an image or idea and its object   d being in the formal mode   11 denoting a second-person pronoun in some languages used when the addressee is a stranger, social superior, etc: in French the pronoun 'vous' is formal, while 'tu' is informal [C14: from Latin formālis]   > ˈformally adv   > ˈformalness n

■ formal equivalence   n   logic the relation that holds between two open sentences when their universal closures are materially equivalent

■ formalism (ˈfɔːməˌlIzəm)   n   1 scrupulous or excessive adherence to outward form at the expense of inner reality or content   2    a the mathematical or logical structure of a scientific argument as distinguished from its subject matter   b the notation, and its structure, in which information is expressed   3 theatre a stylized mode of production   4 (in Marxist criticism) excessive concern with artistic technique at the expense of social values, etc   5 the philosophical theory that a mathematical statement has no meaning but that its symbols, regarded as physical objects, exhibit a structure that has useful applications. Compare logicism, intuitionism   > ˈformalist n   > ˌformalˈistic adj   > ˌformalˈistically adv

■ formality (fɔːˈmælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc   2 the condition or quality of being formal or conventional   3 strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc   4 an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure

■ formalizable or formalisable (ˈfɔːməˌlaIzəbəl)   adj   able to be formalized

■ formalize or formalise (ˈfɔːməˌlaIz)   vb   1 to be or make formal   2 (tr) to make official or valid   3 (tr) to give a definite shape or form to   4 logic to extract the logical form of (an expression), to express in the symbols of some formal system   > ˌformaliˈzation or ˌformaliˈsation n   > ˈformalˌizer or ˈformalˌiser n

■ formal language   n   1 a language designed for use in situations in which natural language is unsuitable, as for example in mathematics, logic, or computer programming. The symbols and formulas of such languages stand in precisely specified syntactic and semantic relations to one another   2 logic a logistic system for which an interpretation is provided: distinguished from formal calculus in that the semantics enable it to be regarded as about some subject matter

■ formal logic   n   1 Also called: symbolic logic the study of systems of deductive argument in which symbols are used to represent precisely defined categories of expressions. Compare philosophical logic   2 a specific formal system that can be interpreted as representing a fragment of natural argument

■ formal mode   n   philosophy the style in which words are explicitly mentioned rather than used of their subject matter. "Fido" is a dog's name is in the formal mode, while "Fido is a dog" is in the material mode. See also mention (sense 7)

■ formal system   n   logic an uninterpreted symbolic system whose syntax is precisely defined, and on which a relation of deducibility is defined in purely syntactic terms; a logistic system. Also called: formal theory, formal calculus. Compare formal language

formal^2 (ˈfɔːmæl)   n   another name for methylal [C19: from FORM(IC) + -AL^3]

■ formaldehyde (fɔːˈmældIˌhaId)   n   a colourless poisonous irritating gas with a pungent characteristic odour, made by the oxidation of methanol and used as formalin and in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: HCHO. Systematic name: methanal [C19: FORM(IC) + ALDEHYDE; on the model of German Formaldehyd]

■ formalin, formaline (ˈfɔːməlIn) or formol (ˈfɔːmɒl)   n   a 40 per cent solution of formaldehyde in water, used as a disinfectant, preservative for biological specimens, etc

formaliter Latin (fɔːˈmælIˌtɜː)   adv   formally

formamide (ˈfɔːməˌmaId)   n   chem an amide derived from formic acid. Also called: methanamide

Forman (ˈfɔːmən)   n   Miloš (ˈmiːləʊʃ). 1932–2018, Czech film director who worked in the USA from 1968. His films include One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest (1976), Amadeus (1985), and The People vs Larry Flynt (1996)

format (ˈfɔːmæt)   n   1 the general appearance of a publication, including type style, paper, binding, etc   2 an approximate indication of the size of a publication as determined by the number of times the original sheet of paper is folded to make a leaf. See also duodecimo, quarto   3 style, plan, or arrangement, as of a television programme   4 computing   a the defined arrangement of data encoded in a file or for example on magnetic disk or CD-ROM, essential for the correct recording and recovery of data on different devices   b the arrangement of text on printed output or a display screen, or a coded description of such an arrangement   ▷ vb -mats, -matting, -matted (tr)   5 to arrange (a book, page, etc) into a specified format [C19: via French from German, from Latin liber formātus volume formed]

■ formatter (ˈfɔːmætə)   n   a computer program used for formatting

■ formatting (ˈfɔːmætIŋ)   n   the style of the format of a computer document

formate (ˈfɔːmeIt)   n   any salt or ester of formic acid containing the ion HCOO– or the group HCOO– [C19: from FORM(IC) + -ATE^1]

Formby (ˈfɔːmbI)   n   George. Real name George Booth. 1904–61, British comedian. He made many musical films in the 1930s, accompanying his songs on the ukulele

forme or US form (fɔːm)   n   printing type matter, blocks, etc, assembled in a chase and ready for printing [C15: from French: FORM]

formée (fɔːˈmeI)   n   heraldry a type of heraldic cross

former^1 (ˈfɔːmə)   adj (prenominal)   1 belonging to or occurring in an earlier time: former glory   2 having been at a previous time: a former colleague   3 denoting the first or first mentioned of two: in the former case   4 near the beginning   ▷ n   5 the former the first or first mentioned of two: distinguished from latter

■ formerly (ˈfɔːməlI)   adv   1 at or in a former time; in the past   2 obsolete in the immediate past; just now

former^2 (ˈfɔːmə)   n   1 a person or thing that forms or shapes   2 electrical engineering a tool for giving a coil or winding the required shape, sometimes consisting of a frame on which the wire can be wound, the frame then being removed

formic (ˈfɔːmIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or derived from ants   2 of, containing, or derived from formic acid [C18: from Latin formīca ant; the acid occurs naturally in ants]

■ formic acid   n   a colourless corrosive liquid carboxylic acid found in some insects, esp ants, and many plants: used in dyeing textiles and the manufacture of insecticides and refrigerants. Formula: HCOOH. Systematic name: methanoic acid

■ formicary (ˈfɔːmIkərI) or formicarium (ˌfɔːmIˈkɛərIəm)   n, pl -caries, -caria (-ˈkɛərIə)   less common names for ant hill [C19: from Medieval Latin formīcārium see FORMIC]

■ formicate (ˈfɔːmIˌkeIt)   vb (intr) rare   1 to crawl around like ants   2 to swarm with ants or other crawling things [C17: from Latin formīcāre, from formīca ant]

■ formication (ˌfɔːmIˈkeIʃən)   n   a sensation of insects crawling on the skin; symptom of a nerve disorder

■ formyl (ˈfɔːmaIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CHO-: a formyl group or radical [C19: from FORM(IC) + -YL]

Formica (fɔːˈmaIkə)   n   trademark any of various laminated plastic sheets, containing melamine, used esp for heat-resistant surfaces that can be easily cleaned

formicant (ˈfɔːmIkənt)   adj   (of a pulse) low-tension

formidable (ˈfɔːmIdəbəl)   adj   1 arousing or likely to inspire fear or dread   2 extremely difficult to defeat, overcome, manage, etc: a formidable problem   3 tending to inspire awe or admiration because of great size, strength, excellence, etc [C15: from Latin formīdābilis, from formīdāre to dread, from formīdō fear]   > ˌformidaˈbility or ˈformidableness n   > ˈformidably adv

Formosa (fɔːˈməʊsə)   n   the former name of Taiwan

■ Formosa Strait   n   another name for Taiwan Strait

formula (ˈfɔːmjʊlə)   n, pl -las, -lae (-ˌliː)   1 an established form or set of words, as used in religious ceremonies, legal proceedings, etc   2 maths, physics a general relationship, principle, or rule stated, often as an equation, in the form of symbols   3 chem a representation of molecules, radicals, ions, etc, expressed in the symbols of the atoms of their constituent elements. See molecular formula, empirical formula, structural formula   4    a a method, pattern, or rule for doing or producing something, often one proved to be successful   b (as modifier): formula fiction   5    a a prescription for making up a medicine, baby's food, etc   b a substance prepared according to such a prescription   6 motor racing the specific category in which a particular type of car competes, judged according to engine size, weight, and fuel capacity [C17: from Latin: diminutive of forma FORM]   > formulaic (ˌfɔːmjʊˈleIIk) adj

■ formulaically (ˌfɔːmjʊˈleIIkəlI)   adv   by a formulaic process

■ Formula One   n   1 the top class of professional motor racing   2 the most important world championship in motor racing

■ formular (ˈfɔːmjʊlə)   n   1 a model or set form   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to formulas   3 formal

■ formularistic (ˌfɔːmjʊləˈrIstIk)   adj   relating to formularization

■ formularize or formularise (ˈfɔːmjʊləˌraIz)   vb   a less common word for formulate (sense 1)   > ˌformulariˈzation or ˌformulariˈsation n   > ˈformularˌizer or ˈformularˌiser n

■ formulary (ˈfɔːmjʊlərI)   n, pl -laries   1 a book or system of prescribed formulas, esp relating to religious procedure or doctrine   2 a formula   3 pharmacol a book containing a list of pharmaceutical products, with their formulas and means of preparation   ▷ adj   4 of, relating to, or of the nature of a formula

■ formulate (ˈfɔːmjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr)   1 to put into or express in systematic terms; express in or as if in a formula   2 to devise   > ˈformuˌlator n

■ formulation (ˌfɔːmjʊˈleIʃən)   n (tr)   1 the act or process of formulating   2 any mixture or substance prepared according to a particular formula   3 a medicinal preparation administered in a specific form, such as a tablet, linctus, ointment, or injection

■ formulism (ˈfɔːmjʊˌlIzəm)   n   adherence to or belief in formulas   > ˈformulist n, adj   > ˌformuˈlistic adj

■ formulize or formulise (ˈfɔːmjʊˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to express (something) in a formula

Fornax (ˈfɔːnæks)   n, Latin genitive Fornacis (fɔːˈneIsIs, -ˈnæs-)   a faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Cetus and Phoenix [Latin: oven, kiln]

fornenst (fɔːˈnɛnst)   prep   Scot and Northeast English dialect situated against or facing towards [from Scottish, from FORE^1 + anenst a variant of archaic ANENT]

fornicate^1 (ˈfɔːnIˌkeIt)   vb   (intr) to indulge in or commit fornication [C16: from Late Latin fornicārī, from Latin fornix vault, brothel situated therein]   > ˈforniˌcator n

■ fornication (ˌfɔːnIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 voluntary sexual intercourse outside marriage   2 law voluntary sexual intercourse between two persons where one is or both are unmarried   3 Bible sexual immorality in general, esp adultery

■ fornicatress (ˈfɔːnIˌkeItrəs)   n   a female fornicator

fornicate^2 (ˈfɔːnIkIt, -ˌkeIt) or fornicated   adj   biology arched or hoodlike in form [C19: from Latin fornicātus arched, from fornix vault]

fornix (ˈfɔːnIks)   n, pl -nices (-nIˌsiːz)   anatomy any archlike structure, esp the arched band of white fibres at the base of the brain [C17: from Latin; see FORNICATE^2]   > ˈfornical adj

forpet (ˈfɔːpət)   n Scot and Northern English dialect   1 a fourth part   2 a quarter of a peck

forpine (fɔːˈpaIn)   vb (tr) obsolete   to cause to waste away or pine

forrad (ˈfɒrəd) Scot dialect   n   forward

forrarder (ˈfɒrədə)   adv   Scot dialect further forward

forren (ˈfɒrən, ˈfɒrIn)   adj   obsolete foreign

Forrest (ˈfɒrIst)   n   John, 1st Baron Forrest 1847–1918, Australian statesman and explorer; first premier of Western Australia (1890–1901)

forrit (ˈfɒrIt, ˈfɒrət)   adv   Scot forward(s)

forsake (fəˈseIk)   vb -sakes, -saking, -sook (-ˈsʊk), -saken (-ˈseIkən) (tr)   1 to abandon   2 to give up (something valued or enjoyed) [Old English forsacan]   > forˈsaker n

■ forsaken (fəˈseIkən)   vb   1 the past participle of forsake   ▷ adj   2 completely deserted or helpless; abandoned   > forˈsakenly adv   > forˈsakenness n

forsay (fɔːˈseI)   vb -says, -saying, -said (tr)   obsolete to renounce

forslack (fɔːˈslæk)   vb   obsolete to neglect or be neglectful

forslow (fɔːˈsləʊ)   vb obsolete   1 (tr) to hinder or delay   2 (intr) to be slow

forsook (fəˈsʊk)   vb   the past tense of forsake

forsooth (fəˈsuːθ)   adv   archaic in truth; indeed [Old English forsōth]

forspeak (fɔːˈspiːk)   vb -speaks, -speaking, -spoke, -spoken   (tr) Scot archaic to bewitch

forspend (fɔːˈspɛnd)   vb -spends, -spending, -spent (tr) obsolete   to exhaust financially

forspent or forespent (fɔːˈspɛnt)   adj   archaic tired out; exhausted

Forster (ˈfɔːstə)   n   E(dward) M(organ). 1879–1970, English novelist, short-story writer, and essayist. His best-known novels are A Room with a View (1908), Howard's End (1910), and A Passage to India (1924), in all of which he stresses the need for sincerity and sensitivity in human relationships and criticizes English middle-class values

forsterite (ˈfɔːstəˌraIt)   n   a white, yellow, or green mineral of the olivine group consisting of magnesium silicate. Formula: Mg_2SiO_4 [C19: named after J. R. Forster (1729–98), German naturalist]

forswatt (fɔːˈswɒt, fɔːˈswɔːt)   adj   obsolete sweat-covered

forswear (fɔːˈswɛə)   vb -swears, -swearing, -swore, -sworn   1 (tr) to reject or renounce with determination or as upon oath   2 (tr) to deny or disavow absolutely or upon oath: he forswore any knowledge of the crime   3 to perjure (oneself) [Old English forswearian]   > forˈswearer n

forswink (fɔːˈswIŋk)   vb (tr)   obsolete to exhaust through toil

forsworn (fɔːˈswɔːn)   vb   the past participle of forswear   > forˈswornness n

forswunk (fɔːˈswʌŋk)   adj   obsolete overworked

Forsyth (ˈfɔːsaIθ)   n   1  Bill. born 1947, Scottish writer and director. His films include Gregory's Girl (1981) and Local Hero (1983)   2  Frederick born 1938, British thriller writer. His books include The Day of the Jackal (1970), The Odessa File (1972), and The Fourth Protocol (1984)

forsythia (fɔːˈsaIθIə)   n   any oleaceous shrub of the genus Forsythia, native to China, Japan, and SE Europe but widely cultivated for its showy yellow bell-shaped flowers, which appear in spring before the foliage [C19: New Latin, named after William Forsyth (1737–1804), English botanist]

fort (fɔːt)   n   1 a fortified enclosure, building, or position able to be defended against an enemy   2 hold the fort informal to maintain or guard something temporarily [C15: from Old French, from fort (adj) strong, from Latin fortis]

■ fortlet (ˈfɔːtlət)   n   a small fort

Fortaleza (Portuguese fortaˈleza)   n   a port in NE Brazil, capital of Ceará state. Pop: 3 261 000 (2005 est). Also called: Ceará

fortalice (ˈfɔːtəlIs)   n   a small fort or outwork of a fortification [C15: from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong; see FORTRESS]

Fort-de-France (French fɔrdəfrɑ̃s)   n   the capital of Martinique, a port on the W coast: commercial centre of the French Antilles. Pop: 91 249 (2007)

forte^1 (fɔːt, ˈfɔːteI)   n   1 something at which a person excels; strong point: cooking is my forte   2 fencing the stronger section of a sword blade, between the hilt and the middle. Compare foible [C17: from French fort, from fort (adj) strong, from Latin fortis]

forte^2 (ˈfɔːtI) music   adj, adv   1 loud or loudly. Symbol: f   ▷ n   2 a loud passage in music [C18: from Italian, from Latin fortis strong]

■ fortepianist (ˌfɔːteIˈpIənIst)   n   the player of a fortepiano

■ fortepiano (ˌfɔːtIpIˈænəʊ)   n   an early type of piano popular in the late 18th century [from Italian, loud-soft]

■ forte-piano (ˌfɔːtIˈpjɑːnəʊ) music   adj, adv   1 loud and then immediately soft. Symbol: fp   ▷ n   2 a note played in this way

■ fortissimo (fɔːˈtIsIˌməʊ) music   adj, adv   1 very loud. Symbol: ff   ▷ n   2 a very loud passage in music [C18: from Italian, from Latin fortissimus, from fortis strong]

■ fortississimo (ˌfɔːtIˈsIsIməʊ)   adj, adv   louder than fortissimo; as loud as possible

forth (fɔːθ)   adv   1 forward in place, time, order, or degree   2 out, as from concealment, seclusion, or inaction   3 away, as from a place or country   4 and so on; et cetera   ▷ prep   5 archaic out of; away from [Old English; related to Middle High German vort; see FOR, FURTHER]

■ forthcome (fɔːθˈkʌm)   vb (intr)   obsolete to come forth

■ forthcoming (ˌfɔːθˈkʌmIŋ)   adj   1 approaching in time: the forthcoming debate   2 about to appear: his forthcoming book   3 available or ready: the money wasn't forthcoming   4 open or sociable   > ˌforthˈcomingness n

■ forthgoing (ˈfɔːθˌɡəʊIŋ)   n   an instance of going forth

■ forthright   adj (ˈfɔːθˌraIt)   1 direct and outspoken   ▷ adv (ˌfɔːθˈraIt, ˈfɔːθˌraIt) also forthrightly   2 in a direct manner; frankly   3 at once   > ˈforthˌrightness n

■ forthwith (ˌfɔːθˈwIθ, -ˈwIð)   adv   at once; immediately

■ forthy (fɔːˈðaI) obsolete   adj   1 forward; unrestrained   ▷ conj   2 therefore

Forth (fɔːθ)   n   1 Firth of Forth an inlet of the North Sea in SE Scotland: spanned by a cantilever railway bridge 1600 m (almost exactly 1 mile) long (1889), and by a road bridge (1964)   2 a river in S Scotland, flowing generally east to the Firth of Forth. Length: about 104 km (65 miles)

forthink (fɔːˈθIŋk)   vb -thinks, -thinking, -thought obsolete   1 (tr) to regret or rethink   2 (intr) to change one's mind

fortieth (ˈfɔːtIIθ)   adj   1    a being the ordinal number of forty in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc. Often written: 40th   b (as noun): he was the fortieth   ▷ n   2    a one of 40 approximately equal parts of something   b (as modifier): a fortieth part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by 40 (1⁄40) [Old English fēowertigotha]

fortify (ˈfɔːtIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to make (a place) defensible, as by building walls, digging trenches, etc   2 to strengthen physically, mentally, or morally   3 to strengthen, support, or reinforce (a garment, structure, etc)   4 to add spirits or alcohol to (wine), in order to produce sherry, port, etc   5 to increase the nutritious value of (a food), as by adding vitamins and minerals   6 to support or confirm: to fortify an argument with facts [C15: from Old French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificāre, from Latin fortis strong + facere to make]   > ˈfortiˌfiable adj   > ˈfortiˌfier n   > ˈfortiˌfyingly adv

■ fortification (ˌfɔːtIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act, art, or science of fortifying or strengthening   2    a a wall, mound, etc, used to fortify a place   b such works collectively   3 any place that can be militarily defended

■ fortified (ˈfɔːtIˌfaId)   adj   1 (of a place) defensible, due to walls, trenches, etc   2 strengthened physically, mentally, or morally   3 (of a garment, structure, etc) strengthened, supported, or reinforced   4 (of wine) having spirits or alcohol added in order to produce sherry, port, etc   5 (of food) having increased nutritious value due to added vitamins and minerals   6 supported or confirmed

■ fortified pa   n   NZ history a Māori hilltop dwelling with trenches and palisades for defensive occupation

■ fortified wine   n   wine treated by the addition of brandy or alcohol, such as port, marsala, and sherry

fortilage (ˈfɔːtIlIdʒ)   n   another name for fortalice

fortis (ˈfɔːtIs) phonetics   adj   1 (of a consonant) articulated with considerable muscular tension of the speech organs or with a great deal of breath pressure or plosion   ▷ n, pl -tes (-tiːz)   2 a consonant, such as English p or f, pronounced with considerable muscular force or breath pressure   ▶ Compare lenis [Latin: strong]

fortitude (ˈfɔːtIˌtjuːd)   n   strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance [C15: from Latin fortitūdō courage]   > ˌfortiˈtudinous adj

Fort Knox (nɒks)   n   a military reservation in N Kentucky: site of the US Gold Bullion Depository. Pop: 12 377 (2000)

Fort Lamy (ˈfɔːt ˈlɑːmI; French fɔr lami)   n   the former name (until 1973) of Ndjamena

Fort Lauderdale (ˈlɔːdəˌdeIl)   n   a city in SE Florida, on the Atlantic. Pop: 162 917 (2003 est)

fortnight (ˈfɔːtˌnaIt)   n   a period of 14 consecutive days; two weeks [Old English fēowertīene niht fourteen nights]

■ fortnightly (ˈfɔːtˌnaItlI) chiefly Brit   adj   1 occurring or appearing once each fortnight   ▷ adv   2 once a fortnight   ▷ n, pl -lies   3 a publication issued at intervals of two weeks

FORTRAN or Fortran (ˈfɔːtræn)   n   a high-level computer programming language for mathematical and scientific purposes, designed to facilitate and speed up the solving of complex problems [C20: from for(mula) tran(slation)]

fortress (ˈfɔːtrIs)   n   1 a large fort or fortified town   2 a place or source of refuge or support   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to protect with or as if with a fortress [C13: from Old French forteresse, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong]

■ fortresslike (ˈfɔːtrəsˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a fortress

Fort Sumter (ˈsʌmtə)   n   a fort in SE South Carolina, guarding Charleston Harbour. Its capture by Confederate forces (1861) was the first action of the Civil War

fortuitous (fɔːˈtjuːItəs)   adj   happening by chance, esp by a lucky chance; unplanned; accidental [C17: from Latin fortuitus happening by chance, from forte by chance, from fors chance, luck]   > forˈtuitously adv   > forˈtuitousness n

■ fortuitism (fɔːˈtjuːIˌtIzəm)   n   philosophy the doctrine that evolutionary adaptations are the result of chance. Compare tychism   > forˈtuitist n, adj

■ fortuity (fɔːˈtjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a chance or accidental occurrence   2 fortuitousness   3 chance or accident

fortune (ˈfɔːtʃən)   n   1 an amount of wealth or material prosperity, esp, when unqualified; a great amount   2 small fortune a large sum of money   3 a power or force, often personalized, regarded as being responsible for human affairs; chance   4 luck, esp when favourable   5 (often plural) a person's lot or destiny   ▷ vb   6 archaic   a (tr) to endow with great wealth   b (intr) to happen by chance [C13: from Old French, from Latin fortūna, from fors chance]   > ˈfortuneless adj

■ Fortuna (fɔːˈtjuːnə)   n   the Roman goddess of fortune and good luck. Greek counterpart: Tyche

■ fortunate (ˈfɔːtʃənIt)   adj   1 having good luck; lucky   2 occurring by or bringing good fortune or luck; auspicious   > ˈfortunateness n

■ fortunately (ˈfɔːtʃənItlI)   adv   1 (sentence modifier) it is fortunate that; luckily   2 in a fortunate manner

■ fortune-hunter   n   a person who seeks to secure a fortune, esp through marriage   > ˈfortune-ˌhunting adj, n

■ fortune-teller   n   a person who makes predictions about the future as by looking into a crystal ball, reading palms, etc   > ˈfortune-ˌtelling adj, n

■ fortunize or fortunise (ˈfɔːtjʊˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   obsolete to make happy or fortunate

Fort Wayne (weIn)   n   a city in NE Indiana. Pop: 219 495 (2003 est)

Fort William (ˈwIljəm)   n   a town in W Scotland, in Highland at the head of Loch Linnhe: tourist centre; the fort itself, built in 1655 and renamed after William III in 1690, was demolished in 1866. Pop: 9908 (2001)

Fort Worth (wɜːθ)   n   a city in N Texas, at the junction of the Clear and West forks of the Trinity River: aircraft works, electronics. Pop: 585 122 (2003 est)

forty (ˈfɔːtI)   n, pl -ties   1 the cardinal number that is the product of ten and four. See also number (sense 1)   2 a numeral, 40, XL, etc, representing this number   3 something representing, represented by, or consisting of 40 units   ▷ determiner   4    a amounting to forty: forty thieves   b (as pronoun): there were forty in the herd [Old English fēowertig]

■ forty-five   n   1 a gramophone record played at 45 revolutions per minute   2 US and Canadian a pistol having .45 calibre

■ Forty-Five   n   the Forty-Five Brit history another name for Jacobite Rebellion (sense 2)

■ fortyish (ˈfɔːtIIʃ)   adj   looking about forty years of age

■ forty-niner   n   1 (sometimes capital) US history a prospector who took part in the California gold rush of 1849   2 49er a type of dinghy, designed to be crewed by two people

■ forty-ninth parallel   n   Canadian an informal name for the Canadian border with the USA, which is in part delineated by the parallel line of latitude at 49°N

■ forty winks   n   (functioning as singular or plural) informal a short light sleep; nap

forum (ˈfɔːrəm)   n, pl -rums, -ra (-rə)   1 a meeting or assembly for the open discussion of subjects of public interest   2 a medium for open discussion, such as a magazine   3 a public meeting place for open discussion   4 a court; tribunal   5 (in South Africa) a pressure group of leaders or representatives, esp Black leaders or representatives   6 (in ancient Italy) an open space, usually rectangular in shape, serving as a city's marketplace and centre of public business [C15: from Latin: public place; related to Latin foris outside]

■ Forum or Forum Romanum (rəʊˈmɑːnəm)   n   the Forum the main forum of ancient Rome, situated between the Capitoline and the Palatine Hills

forwander (fəˈwɒndə)   vb (intr)   archaic to wander far

forward (ˈfɔːwəd)   adj   1 directed or moving ahead   2 lying or situated in or near the front part of something   3 presumptuous, pert, or impudent: a forward remark   4 well developed or advanced, esp in physical, material, or intellectual growth or development: forward ideas   5 archaic (often postpositive) ready, eager, or willing   6    a of or relating to the future or favouring change; progressive   b (in combination): forward-looking   7 finance relating to fulfilment at a future date   8 NZ (of an animal) in good condition   ▷ n   9    a an email that has been sent to one recipient and then forwarded to another   b (in American football) a lineman   10 an attacking player in any of various sports, such as soccer, hockey, or basketball   ▷ adv   11 a variant of forwards   12 (ˈfɔːwəd, nautical history ˈfɒrəd) towards the front or bow of an aircraft or ship   13 into prominence or a position of being subject to public scrutiny; out; forth: the witness came forward   ▷ vb (tr)   14 to send forward or pass on to an ultimate destination: the letter was forwarded from a previous address   15 to advance, help, or promote: to forward one's career   16 bookbinding to prepare (a book) for the finisher [Old English foreweard]   > ˈforwardly adv

■ forward bias or forward voltage   n   a voltage applied to a circuit or device, esp a semiconductor device, in the direction that produces the larger current

■ forward delivery   n   (in commerce) delivery at a future date

■ forwarder (ˈfɔːwədə)   n   1 a person or thing that forwards   2 a person engaged in the bookbinding process of forwarding   3 See forwarding agent

■ forwarding (ˈfɔːwədIŋ)   n   all the processes involved in the binding of a book subsequent to cutting and up to the fitting of its cover

■ forwarding agent   n   a person, agency, or enterprise engaged in the collection, shipment, and delivery of goods

■ forward market   n   a market in which contracts are made to buy or sell currencies, commodities, etc, at some future date at a price fixed at the date of the contract. Compare spot market

■ forwardness (ˈfɔːwədnIs)   n   1 lack of modesty; presumption; boldness   2 willing readiness; eagerness   3 a state or condition of advanced progress or development

■ forward pass   n   rugby an illegal pass towards the opponent's dead-ball line. Also called: throw-forward

■ forward quotation   n   (in commerce) the price quoted for goods sent on forward delivery

■ forward roll   n   a gymnastic movement in which the body is turned heels over head with the back of the neck resting on the ground

■ forwards (ˈfɔːwədz) or forward   adv   1 towards or at a place ahead or in advance, esp in space but also in time   2 towards the front

forwaste (fɔːˈweIst)   vb (tr)   obsolete to waste completely

forweary (fɔːˈwIərI)   vb -ries, -rying, -ried (tr) obsolete   to exhaust

forwent (fɔːˈwɛnt)   vb   the past tense of forgo

forworn or foreworn (fɔːˈwɔːn)   adj   archaic weary [C16: past participle of obsolete forwear to wear out, from Middle English forweren to hollow out]

forza (ˈfɔːtsə)   n   music force [C19: Italian, literally: force]

■ forzando (fɔːˈtsændəʊ)   adj, adv, n   another word for sforzando

FOS   abbreviation for   fructooligosaccharide: a chain polymer of fructose found in a variety of plants, vegetables, and fruits and used as a sweetener

Fosbury flop (ˈfɒzbərI, -brI)   n   athletics a modern high-jumping technique whereby the jumper clears the bar headfirst and backwards [C20: named after Dick Fosbury (born 1947), US winner of men's high jump at Mexico Olympics in 1968, who perfected the technique]

foscarnet (fɒsˈkɑːnɛt)   n   a drug used to treat herpes viruses

Foscolo (Italian ˈfɔskolo)   n   Ugo (ˈuːɡo), real name Niccolò Foscolo. 1778–1827, Italian poet and writer; his patriotic verse includes Dei sepolcri (1807)

Foshan (ˈfɔːˈʃɑːn) or Fatshan   n   a city in SE China, in W Guangdong province. Pop: 483 000 (2005 est). Also called: Namhoi

fossa^1 (ˈfɒsə)   n, pl -sae (-siː)   an anatomical depression, trench, or hollow area [C19: from Latin: ditch, from fossus dug up, from fodere to dig up]

■ fossate (ˈfɒseIt)   adj   having cavities or depressions

■ fossula (ˈfɒsjʊlə)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   anatomy a small depression

■ fossulate (ˈfɒsjʊlət)   adj   anatomy hollowed; grooved

fossa^2 (ˈfɒsə)   n   a large primitive catlike viverrine mammal, Cryptoprocta ferox, inhabiting the forests of Madagascar: order Carnivora (carnivores). It has thick reddish-brown fur and preys on lemurs, poultry, etc [from Malagasy]

fosse or foss (fɒs)   n   a ditch or moat, esp one dug as a fortification [C14: from Old French, from Latin fossa; see FOSSA^1]

■ fossed (fɒst)   adj   having a ditch or moat

■ fossette (fɒˈsɛt)   n   1 anatomy a small depression or fossa, as in a bone   2 pathol a small deep ulcer of the cornea [C19: from French: dimple, from fosse ditch]

Fosse Way (fɒs)   n   a Roman road in Britain between Lincoln and Exeter, with a fosse on each side

fossick (ˈfɒsIk)   vb Austral and NZ   1 (intr) to search for gold or precious stones in abandoned workings, rivers, etc   2 to rummage or search for (something) [C19: Australian, probably from English dialect fussock to bustle about, from FUSS]   > ˈfossicker n

fossil (ˈfɒsəl)   n   1    a a relic, remnant, or representation of an organism that existed in a past geological age, or of the activity of such an organism, occurring in the form of mineralized bones, shells, etc, as casts, impressions, and moulds, and as frozen perfectly preserved organisms   b (as modifier): fossil insects   2 informal, derogatory   a a person, idea, thing, etc, that is outdated or incapable of change   b (as modifier): fossil politicians   3 linguistics a form once current but now appearing only in one or two special contexts, as for example stead, which is found now only in instead (of) and in phrases like in my stead   4 obsolete any rock or mineral dug out of the earth [C17: from Latin fossilis dug up, from fodere to dig]

■ fossil energy   n   heat energy released by burning fossil fuel

■ fossil fuel   n   any naturally occurring carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, such as coal, petroleum, peat, and natural gas, formed by the decomposition of prehistoric organisms

■ fossiliferous (ˌfɒsIˈlIfərəs)   adj   (of sedimentary rocks) containing fossils

■ fossilize or fossilise (ˈfɒsIˌlaIz)   vb   1 to convert or be converted into a fossil   2 to become or cause to become antiquated or inflexible   > ˈfossilˌizable or ˈfossilˌisable adj   > ˌfossiliˈzation or ˌfossiliˈsation n

■ fossilized or fossilised (ˈfɒsIˌlaIzd)   adj   1 preserved in fossil form   2 unable to adapt or change, esp because of long tradition or bureaucracy

fossor (ˈfɒsə)   n   obsolete a gravedigger

■ fossorial (fɒˈsɔːrIəl)   adj   1 (of the forelimbs and skeleton of burrowing animals) adapted for digging   2 (of burrowing animals, such as the mole and armadillo) having limbs of this type [C19: from Medieval Latin fossōrius from Latin fossor digger, from fodere to dig]

foster (ˈfɒstə)   vb (tr)   1 to promote the growth or development of   2 to bring up (a child, etc); rear   3 to cherish (a plan, hope, etc) in one's mind   4 chiefly Brit   a to place (a child) in the care of foster parents   b to bring up under fosterage   ▷ adj   5 (in combination) indicating relationship through fostering and not through birth: foster mother; foster child   6 (in combination) of or involved in the rearing of a child by persons other than the child's natural or adopted parents: foster home [Old English fōstrian to feed, from fōstor FOOD]   > ˈfosterer n   > ˈfostering n

■ fosterage (ˈfɒstərIdʒ)   n   1 the act of caring for or bringing up a foster child   2 the condition or state of being a foster child   3 the act of encouraging or promoting

■ foster child   n   a child looked after temporarily or brought up by people other than its natural or adoptive parents

■ foster father   n   a man who looks after or brings up a child or children as a father, in place of the natural or adoptive father

■ fosterling (ˈfɒstəlIŋ)   n   a less common word for foster child

■ foster mother   n   a woman who looks after or brings up a child or children as a mother, in place of the natural or adoptive mother

■ fostress (ˈfɒstrəs)   n   a female fosterer

Foster (ˈfɒstə)   n   1  Arlene (Isabel). born 1970, Northern Irish politician; leader of the Democratic Unionist Party from 2015; first minister of Northern Ireland (2016–17)   2  Jodie. born 1962, US film actress and director: her films include Taxi Driver (1976), The Accused (1988), The Silence of the Lambs (1990), Little Man Tate (1991; also directed), Nell (1995), and Panic Room (2002)   3  Norman, Baron. born 1935, British architect. His works include the Willis Faber building (1978) in Ipswich, Stansted Airport, Essex (1991), Chek Lap Kok Airport, Hong Kong (1998), the renovation of the Reichstag, Berlin (1999), and City Hall, London (2002)   4  Stephen Collins. 1826–64, US composer of songs such as The Old Folks at Home and Oh Susanna

fother (ˈfɒðə)   n   1 (in England) a measure of a quantity of lead   2 a cart-load; a large quantity   ▷ vb (intr)   3 nautical to stop a leak in a ship's hull

fothergilla (ˌfɒðəˈɡIlə)   n   any of the deciduous shrub species in the witch-hazel family. Also called: witch alder

Fotheringhay (ˈfɒðərIŋˌɡeI)   n   a village in E England, in NE Northamptonshire: ruined castle, scene of the imprisonment and execution of Mary Queen of Scots (1587)

fou (fuː)   adj Scot   1 full   2 drunk [perhaps a Scot variant of full]

■ fouth (fʊθ, fuːth)   n   Scot dialect an abundance or fullness

fouat (ˈfuːət)   n   Scot a succulent pink-flowered plant. Also called: houseleek

Foucault (French fuko)   n   1  Jean Bernard Léon (ʒɑ̃ bɛrnar leɔ̃). 1819–68, French physicist. He determined the velocity of light and proved that light travels more slowly in water than in air (1850). He demonstrated by means of the pendulum named after him the rotation of the earth on its axis (1851) and invented the gyroscope (1852)   2  Michel. 1926–84, French philosopher and historian of ideas. His publications include Histoire de la folie (1961) and Les Mots et les choses (1966)

■ Foucault current (French fuko)   n   another name for eddy current [named after J. B. L. FOUCAULT]

Foucquet (French fukɛ)   n   a variant spelling of (Nicolas) Fouquet

foud (faʊd)   n   Orkney & Shetland dialect a sheriff

■ foudrie (ˈfaʊdrI)   n   Orkney & Shetland dialect a foud's district or office

foudroyant (fuːˈdrɔIənt)   adj   1 (of a disease) occurring suddenly and with great severity   2 rare stunning, dazzling, or overwhelming [C19: from French, from foudroyer to strike with lightning, from Old French foudre lightning, from Latin fulgur]

fouet (ˈfuːeI)   n   obsolete a whip

■ fouetté French (fwete)   n   a step in ballet in which the dancer stands on one foot and makes a whiplike movement with the other [C19: French, past participle of fouetter to whip, from fouet a whip]

fougade (fuːˈɡɑːd)   n   1 a booby-trapped pit   2 a type of mine

fougasse (fuːˈɡɑːs)   n   1 a type of bread made with olive oil   2 military a fougade

fought (fɔːt)   vb   the past tense and past participle of fight

foughty (ˈfaʊtI, ˈfuːtI)   adj   dialect musty

foul (faʊl)   adj   1 offensive to the senses; revolting   2 offensive in odour; stinking   3 charged with or full of dirt or offensive matter; filthy   4 (of food) putrid; rotten   5 morally or spiritually offensive; wicked; vile   6 obscene; vulgar: foul language   7 not in accordance with accepted standards or established rules; unfair: to resort to foul means   8 (esp of weather) unpleasant or adverse   9 blocked or obstructed with dirt or foreign matter: a foul drain   10 entangled or impeded: a foul anchor   11 (of the bottom of a vessel) covered with barnacles and other growth that slow forward motion   12 informal unsatisfactory or uninteresting; bad: a foul book   13 archaic ugly   ▷ n   14 sport   a a violation of the rules   b (as modifier): a foul shot; a foul blow   15 something foul   16 an entanglement or collision, esp in sailing or fishing   ▷ vb   17 to make or become dirty or polluted   18 to become or cause to become entangled or snarled   19 (tr) to disgrace or dishonour   20 to become or cause to become clogged or choked   21 (tr) nautical (of underwater growth) to cling to (the bottom of a vessel) so as to slow its motion   22 (tr) sport to commit a foul against (an opponent)   23 (tr) baseball to hit (a ball) in an illegal manner   24 (intr) sport to infringe the rules   25 (tr) (of an animal, esp a dog) to defecate on: do not let your dog foul the footpath   26 to collide with (a boat, etc)   ▷ adv   27 in a foul or unfair manner   28 fall foul of   a to come into conflict with   b nautical to come into collision with [Old English fūl; related to Old Norse fūll, Gothic fūls smelling offensively, Latin pūs PUS, Greek puol pus]   > ˈfoully adv

■ foulbrood (ˈfaʊlˌbruːd)   n   a disease of honeybees

■ foulie (ˈfaʊlI)   n   Austral informal a bad mood [C20: from FOUL]

■ foulmart (ˈfʊlmət)   n   a former name for polecat

■ foul marten   n   another name for polecat (sense 1). See also sweet marten

■ foul-mouthed   adj   given to using obscene, abusive, or blasphemous language

■ foulness (ˈfaʊlnIs)   n   1 the state or quality of being foul   2 obscenity; vulgarity   3 viciousness or inhumanity   4 foul matter; filth

■ foul play   n   1 unfair or treacherous conduct esp with violence   2 a violation of the rules in a game or sport

■ foul shot   n   basketball an unimpeded shot at the basket from the free-throw line given for a technical fault (one free shot) or a foul (two free shots). Also called: free throw

■ foul-smelling   adj   having a very unpleasant smell

■ foul-tasting   adj   having a very unpleasant taste

■ foul-tempered   adj   frequently and unnecessarily sullen or angry

■ foul up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to bungle; mismanage   2 (tr) to make dirty; contaminate   3 to be or cause to be blocked, choked, or entangled   ▷ n foul-up   4 a state of confusion or muddle caused by bungling

foulard (fuːˈlɑːd, ˈfuːlɑː)   n   1 a soft light fabric of plain-weave or twill-weave silk or rayon, usually with a printed design   2 something made of this fabric, esp a scarf or handkerchief [C19: from French, of unknown origin]

foulder (ˈfaʊldə)   vb (intr)   to thunder or flash like lightning

foulé (ˈfuːleI)   n   a woollen, smooth fabric used in dressmaking

Foulness (faʊlˈnɛs)   n   a flat marshy island in SE England, in Essex north of the Thames estuary

foumart (ˈfuːmɑːt, -mət)   n   a former name for polecat (sense 1) [C15 folmarde: from Old English fūl foul + mearth a marten]

found^1 (faʊnd)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of find   ▷ adj   2 furnished, or fitted out: the boat is well found   3 Brit with meals, heating, bed linen, etc, provided without extra charge (esp in the phrase all found)

■ foundling (ˈfaʊndlIŋ)   n   an abandoned infant whose parents are not known [C13: foundeling; see FIND]

■ found object   n   another name for objet trouvé

found^2 (faʊnd)   vb   1 (tr) to bring into being, set up, or establish (something, such as an institution, society, etc)   2 (tr) to build or establish the foundation or basis of   3 (also intr; foll by on or upon) to have a basis (in); depend (on) [C13: from Old French fonder, from Latin fundāre, from fundus bottom]

■ foundation (faʊnˈdeIʃən)   n   1 that on which something is founded; basis   2 (often plural) a construction below the ground that distributes the load of a building, wall, etc   3 the base on which something stands   4 the act of founding or establishing or the state of being founded or established   5 on the foundation   a an endowment or legacy for the perpetual support of an institution such as a school or hospital   b entitled to benefit from the funds of a foundation   6 an institution supported by an endowment, often one that provides funds for charities, research, etc   7 the charter incorporating or establishing a society or institution and the statutes or rules governing its affairs   8 a cosmetic in cream or cake form used as a base for make-up   9 See foundation garment   10 cards a card on which a sequence may be built   > founˈdational adj   > founˈdationally adv   > founˈdationary adj

■ foundationer (faʊnˈdeIʃənə)   n   a person supported by funds from a foundation, or serving as a member of a foundation

■ foundation garment   n   a woman's undergarment worn to shape and support the figure; brassiere or corset

■ foundationless (faʊnˈdeIʃənləs)   adj   lacking foundation

■ foundation stone   n   a stone laid at a ceremony to mark the foundation of a new building

■ foundation subjects   pl n   Brit education the subjects studied as part of the National Curriculum, including the compulsory core subjects

■ founding (ˈfaʊndIŋ)   n   1 the activity or process of beginning an institution; foundation   ▷ adj   2 first or original; present at the foundation: a founding director

■ founding father   n   (often capitals) a person who founds or establishes an important institution, esp a member of the US Constitutional Convention (1787)

■ foundress (ˈfaʊndrəs)   n   a female founder

found^3 (faʊnd)   vb (tr)   1 to cast (a material, such as metal or glass) by melting and pouring into a mould   2 to shape or make (articles) in this way; cast [C14: from Old French fondre, from Latin fundere to melt]

■ foundry (ˈfaʊndrI)   n, pl -ries   1 a place in which metal castings are produced   2 the science or practice of casting metal   3 cast-metal articles collectively [C17: from Old French fonderie, from fondre; see FOUND^3]

■ foundry proof   n   printing a proof taken from a forme before duplicate plates are made from it

■ foundry sand   n   silica-based sand mixed with clay, oil, etc, to improve its cohesive strength, used in moulding

founder^1 (ˈfaʊndə)   n   a person who establishes an institution, company, society, etc [C14: see FOUND^2]

■ founders' shares   pl n   shares awarded to the founders of a company and often granting special privileges

founder^2 (ˈfaʊndə)   vb (intr)   1 (of a ship) to sink   2 to break down or fail: the project foundered   3 to sink into or become stuck in soft ground   4 to fall in or give way; collapse   5 (of a horse) to stumble or go lame   6 archaic (of animals, esp livestock) to become ill from overeating   ▷ n   7 vet science another name for laminitis [C13: from Old French fondrer to submerge, from Latin fundus bottom; see FOUND^2]

USAGE

Founder is sometimes wrongly used where flounder is meant: this unexpected turn of events left him floundering (not foundering)

■ founderous (ˈfaʊndərəs)   adj   causing to founder

founder^3 (ˈfaʊndə)   n     a a person who makes metal castings   b (in combination): an iron founder [C15: see FOUND^3]

■ founder's type   n   printing special type cast by a type founder for hand composition, as opposed to type cast in a mechanical composing machine

fount^1 (faʊnt)   n   1 poetic a spring or fountain   2 source or origin [C16: back formation from FOUNTAIN]

fount^2 (faʊnt, fɒnt)   n   printing another word for font^2 [C16: from Old French fonte a founding, casting, from Vulgar Latin funditus (unattested) a casting, from Latin fundere to melt; see FOUND^3]

fountain (ˈfaʊntIn)   n   1 a jet or spray of water or some other liquid   2 a structure from which such a jet or a number of such jets spurt, often incorporating figures, basins, etc   3 a natural spring of water, esp the source of a stream   4 a stream, jet, or cascade of sparks, lava, etc   5 a principal source or origin   6 a reservoir or supply chamber, as for oil in a lamp   7 short for drinking fountain, soda fountain [C15: from Old French fontaine, from Late Latin fontāna, from Latin fons spring, source]   > ˈfountained adj   > ˈfountainless adj   > ˈfountain-ˌlike adj

■ fountainhead (ˈfaʊntInˌhɛd)   n   1 a spring that is the source of a stream   2 a principal or original source

■ fountain pen   n   a pen the nib of which is supplied with ink from a cartridge or a reservoir in its barrel

■ Fountains Abbey (ˈfaʊntIns)   n   a ruined Cistercian abbey near Ripon in Yorkshire: founded 1132, dissolved 1539; landscaped 1720

■ fountful (ˈfaʊntfʊl)   adj   poetic full of springs or founts

Fouqué (German fuˈkeː)   n   Friedrich Heinrich Karl (ˈfriːdrIç ˈhainrIç karl), Baron de la Motte. 1777–1843, German romantic writer; author of Undine (1811)

Fouquet (French fukɛ)   n   1  Jean (ʒɑ̃). ?1420–?80, French painter and miniaturist   2 Also: Foucquet Nicolas (nikɔlɑ), Marquis de Belle-Isle. 1615–80, French statesman; superintendent of finance (1653–61) under Louis XIV. He was imprisoned for embezzlement, having been denounced by Colbert

Fouquier-Tinville (French fukjetɛ̃vil)   n   Antoine Quentin (ɑ̃twan kɑ̃tɛ̃). 1746–95, French revolutionary; as public prosecutor (1793–94) during the Reign of Terror, he sanctioned the guillotining of Desmoulins, Danton, and Robespierre

four (fɔː)   n   1 the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one   2 a numeral, 4, IV, etc, representing this number   3 something representing, represented by, or consisting of four units, such as a playing card with four symbols on it   4 Also called: four o'clock four hours after noon or midnight   5 cricket   a a shot that crosses the boundary after hitting the ground   b the four runs scored for such a shot   6 rowing   a a racing shell propelled by four oarsmen pulling one oar each, with or without a cox   b the crew of such a shell   ▷ determiner   7    a amounting to four: four thousand eggs; four times   b (as pronoun): four are ready ▶ Related prefixes: quadri-, tetra- [Old English fēower; related to Old Frisian fiūwer, Old Norse fjōrir, Old High German fior, Latin quattuor, Greek tessares, Sanskrit catur]

■ fourball (ˈfɔːbɔːl)   n   golf a match for two pairs in which each player uses his or her own ball, the better score of each pair being counted at every hole. Compare foursome (sense 2), greensome

■ four-by-four   n   a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive

■ four-by-two   n   Austral and NZ a piece of timber with a cross section that measures 4 inches by 2 inches

■ four-colour   n   (modifier) (of a print or photographic process) using the principle in which four colours (magenta, cyan, yellow, and black) are used in combination to produce almost any other colour

■ four-cycle   adj   US and Canadian relating to or designating an internal-combustion engine in which the piston makes four strokes for every explosion. Equivalent term (in Britain and certain other countries): four-stroke. Compare two-stroke

■ four-deal bridge   n   a version of bridge in which four hands only are played, the players then cutting for new partners

■ four-dimensional   adj   having or specified by four dimensions, esp the three spatial dimensions and the dimension of time: a four-dimensional continuum

■ four-door   adj   1 (of a vehicle) having two doors on each side   ▷ n   2 a vehicle with four doors

■ four-engined   adj   (of an aircraft) having four engines

■ four-eyed fish   n   either of two viviparous tropical American freshwater cyprinodont fishes, Anableps anableps or A. microlepis, that swim at the surface of the water and have half of each eye specialized for seeing in air, the other half for seeing in water

■ four-eyes   n   a disparaging term of address for a person wearing spectacles   > ˈfour-ˌeyed adj

■ four eyes principle   n   the requirement that a business transaction be approved by at least two individuals

■ four flush   n   1 a useless poker hand, containing four of a suit and one odd card   ▷ vb four-flush (intr)   2 to bid confidently on a poor hand such as a four flush   3 US and Canadian a slang word for bluff^1

■ four-flusher (ˈfɔːˌflʌʃə)   n   US and Canadian slang a person who bluffs or attempts to deceive

■ fourfold (ˈfɔːˌfəʊld)   adj   1 equal to or having four times as many or as much   2 composed of four parts   ▷ adv   3 by or up to four times as many or as much

■ fourfoldness (ˈfɔːˌfəʊldnəs)   n   1 the quality of consisting of four parts   2 the quality of being multiplied by four

■ four-footed or four-legged   adj   (of animals) having or walking on four feet

■ four-four time   n   music a form of simple quadruple time in which there are four crotchets to the bar, indicated by the time signature 4_4. Often shortened to: four-four. Also called: common time

■ four-handed   adj   1 (of a card game) arranged for four players   2 (of a musical composition) written for two performers at the same piano   > ˌfour-ˈhandedly adv

■ Four Hundred   n   the Four Hundred US the most exclusive or affluent social clique in a particular place

■ four-in-hand   n   1 Also called: tally-ho a road vehicle drawn by four horses and driven by one driver   2 a four-horse team in a coach or carriage   3 a long narrow tie formerly worn tied in a flat slipknot with the ends dangling

■ four-leaf clover or four-leaved clover   n   1 a clover with four leaves rather than three, supposed to bring good luck   2 another name for cloverleaf (sense 1)

■ four-letter word   n   any of several short English words referring to sex or excrement: often used as swearwords and regarded generally as offensive or obscene

■ four-o'clock   n   1 Also called: marvel-of-Peru a tropical American nyctaginaceous plant, Mirabilis jalapa, cultivated for its tubular yellow, red, or white flowers that open in late afternoon   2 Austral another name for friarbird, esp the noisy friarbird (Philemon corniculatus): so called because of its cry

■ four-part   adj   music arranged for four voices or instruments

■ fourpence (ˈfɔːpəns)   n   a former English silver coin then worth four pennies

■ fourpenny (ˈfɔːpənI)   adj fourpenny one   Brit slang a blow, esp with the fist

■ fourplay (ˈfɔːˌpleI)   n   the supply to a customer by one provider of television, internet, and both fixed-line and mobile telephony. Also called: quadplay

■ fourplex (ˈfɔːplɛks)   n   US dialect a residential building containing four separate units

■ four-poster   n   a bed with posts at each corner supporting a canopy and curtains. Also called: four-poster bed

■ fourscore (ˌfɔːˈskɔː)   determiner   an archaic word for eighty

■ fourscorth (ˈfɔːskɔːθ)   adj   obsolete eightieth

■ four-seater   n   a vehicle providing seats for four people

■ fourses (ˈfɔːzIz)   n   1 a snack eaten at around four o'clock in the afternoon   2 fourses cake English dialect a traditional English bread made with lard, dried fruit, and spices. Also called: lardy bread, lardy cake

■ foursome (ˈfɔːsəm)   n   1 a set or company of four   2 sport a game between two pairs of players, esp a form of golf in which each partner in a pair takes alternate strokes at the same ball. Compare fourball, greensome   3 (modifier) of or performed by a company of four: a foursome competition

■ foursquare (ˌfɔːˈskwɛə)   adv   1 squarely; firmly   ▷ adj   2 solid and strong   3 forthright; honest   4 a rare word for square   > ˌfourˈsquarely adv   > ˌfourˈsquareness n

■ four-star   adj   of high, or of the highest, quality

■ four-star petrol or four-star   n   Brit petrol containing lead, formerly sold in the UK

■ four-stroke   adj   relating to or designating an internal-combustion engine in which the piston makes four strokes for every explosion. US and Canadian name: four-cycle. Compare two-stroke

■ four-way   adj (usually prenominal)   1 giving passage in four directions   2 made up of four elements

■ four-wheel drive   n   a system used in motor vehicles in which all four wheels are connected to the source of power

fourchee (fʊəˈʃeI)   n   a type of heraldic cross

fourchette (fʊəˈʃɛt)   n   1 anatomy the bandlike fold of skin, about one inch from the anus, forming the posterior margin of the vulva   2 a less common name for furcula, frog^3 [C18: from French: a little fork, from Old French forche , from Latin furca FORK]

Fourdrinier (fʊəˈdrInIə)   n   a particular type of paper-making machine that forms the paper in a continuous web [C19: named after Henry (died 1854) and Sealy (died 1847) Fourdrinier, English paper makers]

4G   abbreviation for   fourth generation: a stage in mobile phone technology when data can be provided more quickly and on broader bandwidths than previously

fourgon French (furɡɔ̃)   n   a long covered wagon, used mainly for carrying baggage, supplies, etc [C19: from French: from Old French forgon poker, from furgier to search, ultimately from Latin fūr thief]

Fourier (ˈfʊərIˌeI; French furje)   n   1  (François Marie) Charles (ʃarl). 1772–1837, French social reformer: propounded a system of cooperatives known as Fourierism, esp in his work Le Nouveau monde industriel (1829–30)   2  Jean Baptiste Joseph (ʒɑ̃ batist ʒozɛf). 1768–1830, French mathematician, Egyptologist, and administrator, noted particularly for his research on the theory of heat and the method of analysis named after him

■ Fourier analysis (ˈfʊərIˌeI)   n   the analysis of a periodic function into its simple sinusoidal or harmonic components, whose sum forms a Fourier series

■ Fourierism (ˈfʊərIəˌrIzəm)   n   the system of Charles Fourier under which society was to be organized into self-sufficient cooperatives   > ˈFourierist or Fourierite (ˈfʊərIəˌraIt) n, adj   > ˌFourierˈistic adj

■ Fourier series   n   an infinite trigonometric series of the form 1⁄2a_0 + a_1cos x + b_1sin x + a_2cos 2x + b_2sin 2x + …, where a_0, a_1, b_1, a_2, b_2 … are the Fourier coefficients. It is used, esp in mathematics and physics, to represent or approximate any periodic function by assigning suitable values to the coefficients [C19: named after Jean Baptiste Joseph FOURIER]

■ Fourier transform   n   an integral transform, used in many branches of science, of the form F(x) = [1/√(2π)]∫eixyf(y)dy, where the limits of integration are from –∞ to +∞ and the function F is the transform of the function f

Fournier (French furnje)   n   See Alain-Fournier

404 (ˌfɔːəʊˈfɔː)   n   slang a stupid or ineffectual person [C21: from the Internet error message '404 Not Found']

411 (ˌfɔːwʌnˈwʌn)   n   US informal information; gen

fourragère (ˈfʊərəˌʒɛə; French furaʒɛr)   n   an ornamental cord worn on the shoulder of a uniform for identification or as an award, esp in the US and French Armies [French, feminine adj of fourrager relating to forage, from fourrage FORAGE]

fourteen (ˈfɔːˈtiːn)   n   1 the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and four   2 a numeral, 14, XIV, etc, representing this number   3 something represented by, representing, or consisting of 14 units   ▷ determiner   4    a amounting to fourteen: fourteen cats   b (as pronoun): the fourteen who remained [Old English fēowertīene]

■ fourteener (ˌfɔːˈtiːnə)   n   1 poetry a line of poetry with fourteen syllables   2 poetry a poem with fourteen lines   3 US dialect a mountain that is higher than 14,000 feet

■ Fourteen Points   pl n   the principles expounded by President Wilson in 1918 as war aims of the US

fourteenth (ˈfɔːˈtiːnθ)   adj   1    a coming after the thirteenth in order, position, time etc. Often written: 14th   b (as noun): the fourteenth in succession   ▷ n   2    a one of 14 equal or nearly equal parts of something   b (as modifier): a fourteenth part   3 the fraction equal to one divided by 14 (1⁄14)

■ fourteenthly (ˌfɔːˈtiːnθlI)   adv   in (the) fourteenth place

fourth (fɔːθ)   adj (usually prenominal)   1    a coming after the third in order, position, time, etc. Often written: 4th   b (as noun): the fourth in succession   2 denoting the fourth forward ratio of a gearbox in motor vehicles   ▷ n   3 music   a the interval between one note and another four notes away from it counting inclusively along the diatonic scale   b one of two notes constituting such an interval in relation to the other. See also perfect (sense 9), interval (sense 5), diminished (sense 2)   4 the fourth forward ratio of a gearbox in a motor vehicle: he changed into fourth as soon as he had passed me   5 a less common word for quarter (sense 2)   ▷ adv also fourthly   6 after the third person, position, event, etc   ▷ sentence connector also fourthly   7 as the fourth point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument

■ fourth-class US   adj   1 of or relating to mail that is carried at the lowest rate   ▷ adv   2 by fourth-class mail

■ fourth dimension   n   1 the dimension of time, which is necessary in addition to three spatial dimensions to specify fully the position and behaviour of a point or particle   2 the concept in science fiction of a dimension in addition to three spatial dimensions, used to explain supernatural phenomena, events, etc   > ˌfourth-diˈmensional adj

■ fourth estate   n   (sometimes capitals) journalists or their profession; the press. See estate (sense 4)

■ fourth grade   n   (in the US) the fourth year of school, when children are nine or ten years old   > ˌfourth-ˈgrader n

■ Fourth International   n   another name for Trotskyist International

■ fourthly (ˈfɔːθlI)   adv   as a fourth item

■ Fourth of July   n   the Fourth of July a holiday in the United States, traditionally celebrated with fireworks: the day of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Official name: Independence Day

■ fourth-rate   adj   of very low quality, value, or rank

■ Fourth Republic   n   the fourth period of republican government in France or the republic itself (1945–58)

■ fourth wall   n   1 an imaginary barrier between a television programme, film, or play and its audience   2 break the fourth wall (esp of a character in a television programme, film, or play) to refer to, acknowledge, or address the audience, usually for comedic effect or as an avante-garde technique [C19: referring to the three visible walls of a stage, television, or (sometimes) film set]

■ Fourth World   n   1 the poorest countries in the most undeveloped parts of the world in Africa, Asia, and Latin America   2 the poorest people in developed countries

foussa (ˈfuːsə)   n   another name for fossa^2

foutra (ˈfuːtrə) or foutre (ˈfuːtə)   n   Brit dialect a fig, used as an expression of contempt

foutre (ˈfuːtə)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect to mess around; to footer

fovea (ˈfəʊvIə)   n, pl -veae (-vIˌiː)   1 anatomy any small pit or depression in the surface of a bodily organ or part   2 See fovea centralis [C19: from Latin: a small pit]   > ˈfoveal adj   > ˈfoveate or ˈfoveˌated adj

■ fovea centralis (sɛnˈtrɑːlIs)   n   a small depression in the centre of the retina that contains only cone cells and is therefore the area of sharpest vision [C19: from New Latin: central fovea]

■ foveiform (ˈfəʊviːIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a small pit or depression

■ foveola (fəʊˈviːələ)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː)   biology a small fovea [C19: from New Latin, diminutive of FOVEA]   > foˈveolar adj   > foveolate (ˈfəʊvIəˌleIt) or ˈfoveoˌlated adj

Fowey (fɔI)   n   a resort and fishing village in SW England, in Cornwall, linked administratively with St Austell from 1968 to 1974. Pop: 2064 (2001)

fowl (faʊl)   n   1 See domestic fowl   2 any other bird, esp any gallinaceous bird, that is used as food or hunted as game. See also waterfowl, wildfowl   3 the flesh or meat of fowl, esp of chicken   4 an archaic word for any bird   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to hunt or snare wildfowl [Old English fugol; related to Old Frisian fugel, Old Norse fogl, Gothic fugls, Old High German fogal]

■ fowl cholera   n   vet science a contagious disease of poultry and other fowl, usually resulting in sudden death; caused by the organism Pasteurella multocida

■ fowling (ˈfaʊlIŋ)   n   the shooting or trapping of birds for sport or as a livelihood   > ˈfowler n

■ fowl mite   n   any of various mites parasitic in birds, usually bloodsucking and including the red fowl mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum), both pests of poultry

■ fowl pest   n   1 an acute and usually fatal viral disease of domestic fowl, characterized by refusal to eat, high temperature, and discoloration of the comb and wattles   2 another name for Newcastle disease

■ fowlpox (ˈfaʊlˌpɒks)   n   a viral infection affecting poultry and other birds, spread either by biting insects or by inhalation

Fowler (ˈfaʊlə)   n   Henry Watson. 1858–1933, English lexicographer and grammarian; compiler of Modern English Usage (1926)

Fowles (faʊlz)   n   John (Martin). 1926–2005, British novelist. His books include The Collector (1963), The Magus (1966), The French Lieutenant's Woman (1969), and The Tree (1991)

Fowliang or Fou-liang (ˈfuːˈljæŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Jingdezhen

fox (fɒks)   n, pl foxes or fox   1 any canine mammal of the genus Vulpes and related genera. They are mostly predators that do not hunt in packs and typically have large pointed ears, a pointed muzzle, and a bushy tail. Related adjective: vulpine   2 the fur of any of these animals, usually reddish-brown or grey in colour   3 a person who is cunning and sly   4 slang, chiefly US a sexually attractive woman   5 Bible   a a jackal   b an image of a false prophet   6 nautical small stuff made from yarns twisted together and then tarred   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to perplex or confound: to fox a person with a problem   8 to cause (paper, wood, etc) to become discoloured with spots, or (of paper, etc) to become discoloured, as through mildew   9 (tr) to trick; deceive   10 (intr) to act deceitfully or craftily   11 (tr) Austral informal to pursue stealthily; tail   12 (tr) Austral informal to chase and retrieve (a ball)   13 (tr) obsolete to befuddle with alcoholic drink [Old English; related to Old High German fuhs, Old Norse fōa fox, Sanskrit puccha tail; see VIXEN]   > ˈfoxˌlike adj

■ foxberry (ˈfɒksˌbɛrI)   n   another name for bearberry

■ foxed (fɒkst)   adj   marked with spots or discolouration, as from age

■ foxfire (ˈfɒksˌfaIə)   n   a luminescent glow emitted by certain fungi on rotting wood. See also bioluminescence

■ foxfish (ˈfɒksˌfIʃ)   n   1 a wrasse, Bodianus frenchii of the genus Bodianus native to Australian waters   2 a species of thresher shark, also known as the fox shark

■ foxglove (ˈfɒksˌɡlʌv)   n   any Eurasian scrophulariaceous plant of the genus Digitalis, esp D. purpurea, having spikes of purple or white thimble-like flowers. The soft wrinkled leaves are a source of digitalis [Old English]

■ fox grape   n   a common wild grape, Vitis labrusca of the northern US, having purplish-black fruit and woolly leaves: the source of many cultivated grapes, including the catawba

■ foxhole (ˈfɒksˌhəʊl)   n   military a small pit dug during an action to provide individual shelter against hostile fire

■ foxhound (ˈfɒksˌhaʊnd)   n   either of two breeds (the English and the American) of dog having a short smooth coat and pendent ears. Though not large (height about 60 cm or 23 in.) they have great stamina and are usually kept for hunting foxes

■ fox hunt or foxhunt (ˈfɒksˌhʌnt)   n   1    a the hunting of foxes with hounds   b an instance of this   2 an organization for fox-hunting within a particular area

■ fox-hunting   n   a sport in which hunters follow a pack of hounds in pursuit of a fox   > ˈfox-ˌhunter n

■ foxie (ˈfɒksI)   n   Austral an informal name for fox terrier

■ fox moth   n   a coppery-brown European eggar moth, Macrothylacia rubi, whose black-and-yellow woolly larvae are commonly found on heather and bramble

■ foxshark (ˈfɒksˌʃɑːk)   n   another name for thresher (sense 3)

■ foxship (ˈfɒksʃIp)   n   the quality of being cunning; the character of a fox

■ foxskin (ˈfɒksˌskIn)   n   the skin of a fox

■ fox squirrel   n   a large squirrel, Sciurus niger, occurring in E North America

■ foxtail (ˈfɒksˌteIl)   n   1 any grass of the genus Alopecurus, esp A. pratensis, of Europe, Asia, and South America, having soft cylindrical spikes of flowers: cultivated as a pasture grass   2 any of various similar and related grasses, esp any of the genus Setaria

■ fox terrier   n   either of two breeds of small terrier, the wire-haired and the smooth, having a white coat with markings of black or tan or both

■ foxtrot (ˈfɒksˌtrɒt)   n   1 a ballroom dance in quadruple time, combining short and long steps in various sequences   ▷ vb -trots, -trotting, -trotted   2 (intr) to perform this dance

■ Foxtrot (ˈfɒksˌtrɒt)   n   communications a code word for the letter f

■ foxy (ˈfɒksI)   adj foxier, foxiest   1 of or resembling a fox, esp in craftiness   2 smelling strongly like a fox   3 of a reddish-brown colour   4 (of paper, wood, etc) spotted, esp by mildew   5 (of wine) having the flavour of fox grapes   6 (of oats) having a musty smell as a result of getting wet, fermenting, and drying out   7 slang sexy; sexually attractive   > ˈfoxily adv   > ˈfoxiness n

Fox^1 (fɒks)   n   1 (pl Fox or Foxes) a member of a Native American people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family

Fox^2 (fɒks)   n   1  Charles James. 1749–1806, British Whig statesman and orator. He opposed North over taxation of the American colonies and Pitt over British intervention against the French Revolution. He advocated parliamentary reform and the abolition of the slave trade   2  George. 1624–91, English religious leader; founder (1647) of the Society of Friends (Quakers)   3  Terry, full name Terrance Stanley Fox (1958–81). Canadian athlete: he lost a leg to cancer and subsequently attempted a coast-to-coast run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research   4  Vicente (Spanish viˈθɛnte). born 1942, Mexican politician; president of Mexico (2000-06)   5  Sir William. 1812–93, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1856; 1861–62; 1869–72; 1873)

Foxe (fɒks)   n   John. 1516–87, English Protestant clergyman; author of History of the Acts and Monuments of the Church (1563), popularly known as the Book of Martyrs

Foxe Basin (fɒks)   n   an arm of the Atlantic in NE Canada, between Melville Peninsula and Baffin Island

foxing (ˈfɒksIŋ)   n   a piece of leather used to reinforce or trim part of the upper of a shoe

Fox Talbot (ˈtɔːlbət)   n   William Henry. See Talbot

foy (fɔI)   n   1 obsolete the quality of allegiance or loyalty   2 Scot dialect a parting gift or entertainment, esp for a woman on the eve of her marriage or to celebrate the end of a particular season (fishing, harvest, etc)   ▷ vb (intr)   3 nautical dialect to assist a ship in distress

■ foyboat (ˈfɔIˌbəʊt)   n   Tyneside dialect   a a small rowing boat   b (in combination): a foyboatman [C19: from foy to provide aid for ships, esp those in distress]

foyer (ˈfɔIeI, ˈfɔIə)   n   1 a hall, lobby, or anteroom, used for reception and as a meeting place, as in a hotel, theatre, cinema, etc   2 (in Britain) a centre providing accommodation and employment training, etc. for homeless young people [C19: from French: fireplace, from Medieval Latin focārius, from Latin focus fire]

fozy (ˈfəʊzI)   adj -zier, -ziest Scot dialect   1 spongy; having a loose texture   2 spiritless; dull

■ foziness (ˈfəʊzInəs)   n   Scot dialect the state or quality of being fozy

fp   abbreviation for   1 fine point   ▷ symbol for   2 music fortepiano

FP or fp   abbreviation for   1 former pupil   2 freezing point   3 fully paid

FPA   abbreviation for   Family Planning Association

FPO   abbreviation for   field post office

fps   abbreviation for   1 feet per second   2 foot-pound-second   3 photog frames per second

■ fps units   pl n   an Imperial system of units based on the foot, pound, and second as the units of length, mass, and time. For scientific and most technical purposes these units have been replaced by SI units

FPS   abbreviation for   first-person shooter

fr   the internet domain name for   France

Fr   abbreviation for   1 Christianity   a Frater   b Father   ▷ the chemical symbol for   2 francium [(for sense 1a) Latin: brother]

FR   abbreviation for   Faeroes (international car registration)

fr.   abbreviation for   franc

Fr.   abbreviation for   1 Christianity Father   2 France   3 French   4 the German equivalent of Mrs [(sense 4) from German Frau]

Fra (frɑː)   n   brother: a title given to an Italian monk or friar [Italian, short for frate brother (in either natural or religious sense), from Latin frāter BROTHER]

frab (fræb)   vb (tr)   dialect to harass; to nag

■ frabbit (ˈfræbIt)   adj   dialect peevish; irritable

frabjous (ˈfræbdʒəs)   adj   splendid; joyous

■ frabjously (ˈfræbdʒəslI)   adv   in a frabjous or splendid manner

fracas (ˈfrækɑː)   n   a noisy quarrel; brawl [C18: from French, from fracasser to shatter, from Latin frangere to break, influenced by quassāre to shatter]

fracking (ˈfrækIŋ)   n   a method of releasing oil or gas from rock by forcing liquid at high pressure into the rock [C20: shortened from fracturing (see FRACTURE) ]

■ frack (fræk)   vb   1 (intr) to undertake fracking   2 (tr) to release (oil or gas) from (rock) by forcing liquid at high pressure into the rock

frack (fræk)   adj   1 eager; keen; ready   2 Scot dialect strong; hearty   ▷ vb (intr)   3 Scot obsolete to move quickly or with agility

FRACP   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians

FRACS   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

fract (frækt) obsolete   adj   1 broken or cracked   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to break or crack

fractal (ˈfræktəl) maths   n   1 a figure or surface generated by successive subdivisions of a simpler polygon or polyhedron, according to some iterative process   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or involving such a process: fractal geometry; fractal curve [C20: from Latin frāctus past participle of frangere to break]

■ fractality (frækˈtælItI)   n   maths the quality of being fractal or subdivided

fraction (ˈfrækʃən)   n   1 maths   a a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero   b any rational number that is not an integer   2 any part or subdivision: a substantial fraction of the nation   3 a small piece; fragment   4 chem a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation   5 Christianity the formal breaking of the bread in Communion   6 the act of breaking   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to divide [C14: from Late Latin fractiō a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break]

■ fractional (ˈfrækʃənəl) or fractionary (ˈfrækʃənərI)   adj   1 relating to, containing, or constituting one or more fractions   2 of or denoting a process in which components of a mixture are separated by exploiting differences in their physical properties, such as boiling points, solubility, etc: fractional distillation; fractional crystallization   3 very small or insignificant   4 broken up; fragmented   > ˈfractionally adv

■ fractional crystallization   n   chem the process of separating the components of a solution on the basis of their different solubilities, by means of evaporating the solution until the least soluble component crystallizes out

■ fractional currency   n   paper or metal money of smaller denomination than the standard monetary unit

■ fractional distillation   n   1 the process of separating the constituents of a liquid mixture by heating it and condensing separately the components according to their different boiling points   2 a distillation in which the vapour is brought into contact with a countercurrent of condensed liquid to increase the purity of the final products   ▶ Sometimes shortened to: distillation

■ fractionalism (ˈfrækʃənəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the state of being separate or inharmonious   2 politics the doctrine of a fraction of a political party, esp the Communist Party

■ fractionalist (ˈfrækʃənəlIst)   n   politics an advocate or supporter of fractionalism

■ fractionalize or fractionalise (ˈfrækʃənəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to break into separate parts

■ fractionate (ˈfrækʃəˌneIt)   vb   1 to separate or cause to separate into constituents or into fractions containing concentrated constituents   2 (tr) chem to obtain (a constituent of a mixture) by a fractional process   > ˌfractionˈation n   > ˈfractionˌator n

■ fractionating column   n   chem a long vertical cylinder used in fractional distillation, in which internal reflux enables separation of high and low boiling fractions to take place

■ fractionize or fractionise (ˈfrækʃəˌnaIz)   vb   to divide (a number or quantity) into fractions   > ˌfractioniˈzation or ˌfractioniˈsation n

■ fractionlet (ˈfrækʃənlət)   n   a small piece

fractious (ˈfrækʃəs)   adj   1 irritable   2 unruly [C18: from (obsolete) fraction discord + -OUS]   > ˈfractiously adv   > ˈfractiousness n

USAGE

Fractious is sometimes wrongly used where factious is meant: this factious (not fractious) dispute has split the party still further

fractocumulus (ˌfræktəʊˈkjuːmjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   low ragged slightly bulbous cloud, often appearing below nimbostratus clouds during rain. Also called: fractocumulus cloud [C19: from Latin fractus broken + CUMULUS]

fractography (frækˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   engineering the study of fractures or cracks in a material, esp metal, in order to predict or identify the cause of a failure in a structure

fractostratus (ˌfræktəʊˈstrɑːtəs, -ˈstræt-)   n, pl -ti (-taI)   low ragged layered cloud often appearing below nimbostratus clouds during rain [C19: from Latin fractus broken + STRATUS]

fracture (ˈfræktʃə)   n   1 the act of breaking or the state of being broken   2    a the breaking or cracking of a bone or the tearing of a cartilage   b the resulting condition. See also Colles' fracture, comminuted fracture, compound fracture, greenstick fracture, impacted (sense 2)   3 a division, split, or breach   4 mineralogy   a the characteristic appearance of the surface of a freshly broken mineral or rock   b the way in which a mineral or rock naturally breaks   ▷ vb   5 to break or cause to break; split   6 to break or crack (a bone) or (of a bone) to become broken or cracked   7 to tear (a cartilage) or (of a cartilage) to become torn [C15: from Old French, from Latin fractūra, from frangere to break]   > ˈfracturable adj   > ˈfractural adj

■ fractured (ˈfræktʃəd)   adj   1 med (of bones or cartilage) broken or torn   2 divided or split into parts

■ fracturer (ˈfræktʃərə)   n   a person who, or thing which, fractures (something)

fractus (ˈfræktəs)   n   meteorol a type of cloud formation with a fragmented or shredded appearance

frae (freI)   prep   a Scot word for from

fraenum or frenum (ˈfriːnəm)   n, pl -na (-nə)   a fold of membrane or skin, such as the fold beneath the tongue, that supports an organ [C18: from Latin: bridle]

frag (fræɡ)   vb frags, fragging, fragged   (tr) US military slang to kill or wound (a fellow soldier or superior officer) deliberately with an explosive device [C20: short for fragmentation grenade, as used in Vietnam]   > ˈfragging n

fragile (ˈfrædʒaIl)   adj   1 able to be broken easily   2 in a weakened physical state   3 delicate; light: a fragile touch   4 slight; tenuous: a fragile link with the past [C17: from Latin fragilis, from frangere to break]   > ˈfragilely adv   > fragility (frəˈdʒIlItI) or fragileness n

■ fragile-X syndrome   n   an inherited condition characterized by learning disability: affected individuals have an X-chromosome that is easily damaged under certain conditions

fragment   n (ˈfræɡmənt)   1 a piece broken off or detached: fragments of rock   2 an incomplete piece; portion: fragments of a novel   3 a scrap; morsel; bit   ▷ vb (fræɡˈmɛnt) also US fragmentize (ˈfræɡmənˌtaIz)   4 to break or cause to break into fragments [C15: from Latin fragmentum, from frangere to break]

■ fragmental (fræɡˈmɛntəl)   adj   1 (of rocks or deposits) composed of fragments of pre-existing rocks and minerals   2 another word for fragmentary   > fragˈmentally adv

■ fragmentary (ˈfræɡməntərI, -trI)   adj   made up of fragments; disconnected; incomplete. Also: fragmental   > ˈfragmentarily adv   > ˈfragmentariness n

■ fragmentation (ˌfræɡmɛnˈteIʃən)   n   1 the act of fragmenting or the state of being fragmented   2 the disintegration of norms regulating behaviour, thought, and social relationships   3 the steel particles of an exploded projectile   4 (modifier) of or relating to a weapon designed to explode into many small pieces, esp as an antipersonnel weapon: a fragmentation bomb

■ fragmented (fræɡˈmɛntId)   adj   existing in separate parts, pieces or factions; divided

■ fragmentize, fragmentise (ˈfræɡmənˌtaIz) or fragmentate (ˈfræɡmənˌteIt)   vb (tr)   to break into pieces

Fragonard (French fraɡɔnar)   n   Jean-Honoré (ʒɑ̃ ɔnɔre). 1732–1806, French artist, noted for richly coloured paintings typifying the frivolity of 18th-century French court life

fragor (ˈfreIɡɔː)   n obsolete   1 a sudden loud noise; a crash   2 a fragrance or aroma

fragrant (ˈfreIɡrənt)   adj   having a pleasant or sweet smell [C15: from Latin frāgrāns, from frāgrāre to emit a smell]   > ˈfragrantly adv

■ fragrance (ˈfreIɡrəns) or fragrancy   n, pl -grances or -grancies   1 a pleasant or sweet odour; scent; perfume   2 the state of being fragrant

■ fragrance-free   adj   (of a product) without added scent or perfume

■ fragrantness (ˈfreIɡrəntnəs)   n   obsolete the quality of being fragrant

■ fragrant orchid   n   another name for scented orchid

fraîcheur French (frɛʃœr)   n   freshness

fraidy-cat   n   US baby talk someone who frightens easily or is afraid of many things

frail^1 (freIl)   adj   1 physically weak and delicate   2 fragile: a frail craft   3 easily corrupted or tempted [C13: from Old French frele, from Latin fragilis, FRAGILE]   > ˈfrailly adv   > ˈfrailness n

■ frailish (ˈfreIlIʃ)   adj   reasonably frail

■ frailty (ˈfreIltI)   n, pl -ties   1 physical or moral weakness   2 (often plural) a fault symptomatic of moral weakness

frail^2 (freIl)   n   1 a rush basket for figs or raisins   2 a quantity of raisins or figs equal to between 50 and 75 pounds [C13: from Old French fraiel, of uncertain origin]

fraim (freIm)   adj   another word for fremd

fraise (freIz)   n   1 a neck ruff worn during the 16th century   2 a sloping or horizontal rampart of pointed stakes   3    a a tool for enlarging a drill hole   b a tool for cutting teeth on watch wheels [C18: from French: mesentery of a calf, from Old French fraiser to remove a shell, from Latin frendere to crush]

Fraktur (German frakˈtuːr)   n   a style of typeface, formerly used in German typesetting for many printed works [German, from Latin fractūra a breaking, FRACTURE; from the curlicues that seem to interrupt the continuous line of a word]

framboesia or US frambesia (fræmˈbiːzIə)   n   pathol another name for yaws [C19: from New Latin, from French framboise raspberry; see FRAMBOISE; so called because of its raspberry-like excrescences]

framboise French (frɑ̃bwaz)   n   a brandy distilled from raspberries in the Alsace-Lorraine region [C16: from Old French: raspberry, probably of Germanic origin]

frame (freIm)   n   1 an open structure that gives shape and support to something, such as the transverse stiffening ribs of a ship's hull or an aircraft's fuselage or the skeletal beams and uprights of a building   2 an enclosing case or border into which something is fitted: the frame of a picture   3 the system around which something is built up: the frame of government   4 the structure of the human body   5 a condition; state (esp in the phrase frame of mind)   6    a one of a series of individual exposures on a strip of film used in making motion pictures   b an individual exposure on a film used in still photography   c an individual picture in a comic strip   7    a a television picture scanned by one or more electron beams at a particular frequency   b the area of the picture so formed   8 billiards, snooker   a the wooden triangle used to set up the balls   b the balls when set up   c a single game finished when all the balls have been potted. US and Canadian equivalent (for senses 8a, 8b): rack   9 computing (on a website) a self-contained section that functions independently from other parts; by using frames, a website designer can make some areas of a website remain constant while others change according to the choices made by the internet user   10 short for cold frame   11 one of the sections of which a beehive is composed, esp one designed to hold a honeycomb   12 a machine or part of a machine over which yarn is stretched in the production of textiles   13 (in language teaching, etc) a syntactic construction with a gap in it, used for assigning words to syntactic classes by seeing which words may fill the gap   14 statistics an enumeration of a population for the purposes of sampling, esp as the basis of a stratified sample   15 (in telecommunications, computers, etc) one cycle of a regularly recurring number of pulses in a pulse train   16 slang another word for frame-up   17 obsolete shape; form   18 in the frame likely to be awarded or to achieve: I'm in the frame for the top job   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   19 to construct by fitting parts together   20 to draw up the plans or basic details for; outline: to frame a policy   21 to compose, contrive, or conceive: to frame a reply   22 to provide, support, or enclose with a frame: to frame a picture   23 to form (words) with the lips, esp silently   24 slang to conspire to incriminate (someone) on a false charge   25 slang to contrive the dishonest outcome of (a contest, match, etc); rig   26 (intr) Yorkshire and Northeast English dialect   a (usually imperative or dependent imperative) to make an effort   b to have ability [Old English framiae to avail; related to Old Frisian framia to carry out, Old Norse frama]   > ˈframable or ˈframeable adj   > ˈframeless adj   > ˈframer n

■ frame aerial   n   another name for loop aerial

■ frame house   n   a house that has a timber framework and cladding

■ frame line   n   films a black horizontal bar appearing between successive picture images

■ frame of reference   n   1 a set of basic assumptions or standards that determines and sanctions behaviour   2 any set of planes or curves, such as the three coordinate axes, used to locate or measure movement of a point in space

■ frames (freImz)   pl n   the frame for a pair of eyeglasses

■ frame saw   n   a saw with a thin blade held in a specially shaped frame. Also called: span saw

■ frameshift (ˈfreImˌʃIft)   n   a frameshift mutation is a genetic mutation in which a number of nucleotides not divisible by three are either inserted into or deleted from a nucleic acid sequence

■ frame-up   n slang   1 a conspiracy to incriminate someone on a false charge   2 a plot to bring about a dishonest result, as in a contest

■ framework (ˈfreImˌwɜːk)   n   1 a structural plan or basis of a project   2 a structure or frame supporting or containing something   3 frames collectively   4 work such as embroidery or weaving done in or on a frame

■ framing (ˈfreImIŋ)   n   1 a frame, framework, or system of frames   2 the way in which something is framed   3 adjustment of the longitudinal position of the film in a projector gate to secure proper vertical positioning of the picture on the screen

Frame (freIm)   n   Janet. 1924–2004, New Zealand writer: author of the novels Owls Do Cry (1957) and Faces in the Water (1961), the collection of verse The Pocket (1967), and volumes of autobiography including An Angel at My Table (1984), which was made into a film in 1990

frampler (ˈfræmplə)   n   archaic a quarrelsome person; a brawler

frampold (ˈfræmpəʊld, ˈfræmpəld)   adj   obsolete bad-tempered; peevish

franc (fræŋk; French frɑ̃)   n   1 Also called: French franc the former standard monetary unit of France, most French dependencies, Andorra, and Monaco, divided into 100 centimes; replaced by the euro in 2002   2 the former standard monetary unit of Belgium (Belgian franc) and Luxembourg (Luxembourg franc), divided into 100 centimes; replaced by the euro in 2002   3 Also called: Swiss franc the standard monetary unit of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, divided into 100 centimes   4 Also called: franc CFA, CFA franc, franc of the African financial community the standard monetary unit, comprising 100 centimes, of the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo   5 the standard monetary unit of Burundi (Burundi franc), Comoros (Comorian franc), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congolese franc), Djibouti (Djibouti franc), Guinea (Guinea franc), Madagascar (franc malgache), Rwanda (Rwanda franc), and French Polynesia and New Caledonia (French Pacific franc)

France^1 (frɑːns)   n   a republic in W Europe, between the English Channel, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic: the largest country wholly in Europe; became a republic in 1793 after the French Revolution and an empire in 1804 under Napoleon; reverted to a monarchy (1815–48), followed by the Second Republic (1848–52), the Second Empire (1852–70), the Third Republic (1870–1940), and the Fourth and Fifth Republics (1946 and 1958); a member of the European Union. It is generally flat or undulating in the north and west and mountainous in the south and east. Official language: French. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: euro. Capital: Paris. Pop: 64 979 548 (2017 est). Area: (including Corsica) 551 600 sq km (212 973 sq miles). Related adjectives: French, Gallic

France^2 (French frɑ̃s)   n   Anatole (anatɔl), real name Anatole François Thibault. 1844–1924, French novelist, short-story writer, and critic. His works include Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard (1881), L'Île des Pingouins (1908), and La Révolte des anges (1914): Nobel prize for literature 1921

Francesca (Italian franˈtʃeska)   n   See Piero della Francesca

Franche-Comté (French frɑ̃ʃkɔ̃te)   n   a former region of E France, covering the Jura and the low country east of the Saône: part of the Kingdom of Burgundy (6th century AD–1137); autonomous as the Free County of Burgundy (1137–1384); under Burgundian rule again (1384–1477) and Hapsburg rule (1493–1674); annexed by France (1678)

franchise (ˈfræntʃaIz)   n   1 the franchise the right to vote, esp for representatives in a legislative body; suffrage   2 any exemption, privilege, or right granted to an individual or group by a public authority, such as the right to use public property for a business   3 commerce   a authorization granted by a manufacturing or entertainment enterprise to market its products   b an organization that holds such an authorization   4 the full rights of citizenship   5 a film, video game, etc that is or has the potential to be part of a series and lends itself to merchandising   6 (in marine insurance) a sum or percentage stated in a policy, below which the insurer disclaims all liability   ▷ vb   7 (tr) commerce, chiefly US and Canadian to grant (a person, firm, etc) a franchise   8 an obsolete word for enfranchise [C13: from Old French, from franchir to set free, from franc free; see FRANK]   > ˈfranchiˌsee n   > ˈfranchiser or ˈfranchisor n   > franchisement (ˈfræntʃIzmənt) n

Francis (ˈfrɑːnsIs)   n   1  original name Jorge Mario Bergoglio. born 1936 in Argentina, pope from 2013   2  Dick, full name Richard Stanley Francis. 1920–2010, British thriller writer, formerly a champion jockey. His books include Dead Cert (1962), The Edge (1988), and Come to Grief (1995)   3  Sir Philip. 1740–1818, British politician; probable author of the Letters of Junius (1769–72). He played an important part in the impeachment of Warren Hastings (1788–95)

Francis I   n   1  1494–1547, king of France (1515–47). His reign was dominated by his rivalry with Emperor Charles V for the control of Italy. He was a noted patron of the arts and learning   2  1708–65, duke of Lorraine (1729–37), grand duke of Tuscany (1737–65), and Holy Roman Emperor (1745–65). His marriage (1736) to Maria Theresa led to the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48)   3 title as emperor of Austria of Francis II

Francis II   n   1  1544–60, king of France (1559–60); son of Henry II and Catherine de' Medici; first husband of Mary, Queen of Scots   2  1768–1835, last Holy Roman Emperor (1792–1806) and, as Francis I, first emperor of Austria (1804–35). The Holy Roman Empire was dissolved (1806) following his defeat by Napoleon at Austerlitz

Franciscan (frænˈsIskən)   n     a a member of any of several Christian religious orders of mendicant friars or nuns tracing their origins back to Saint Francis of Assisi; a Grey Friar   b (as modifier): a Franciscan friar

Francis of Assisi   n   Saint original name Giovanni di Bernardone. ?1181–1226, Italian monk; founder of the Franciscan order of friars. He is remembered for his humility and love for all creation and was the first person to exhibit stigmata (1224). Feast day: Oct 4

Francis of Sales (seIlz; French sal)   n   Saint. 1567–1622, French ecclesiastic and theologian; bishop of Geneva (1602–22) and an opponent of Calvinism; author of Introduction to a Devout Life (1609) and founder of the Order of the Visitation (1610). Feast day: Jan 24

Francis turbine (ˈfrɑːnsIs)   n   a water turbine designed to produce high flow from a low head of pressure: used esp in hydroelectric power generation [named after J. B. Francis (1815–92), English-born hydraulic engineer, who invented it]

Francis Xavier (ˈzeIvIə)   n   Saint Francis Xavier See Xavier

francium (ˈfrænsIəm)   n   an unstable radioactive element of the alkali-metal group, occurring in minute amounts in uranium ores. Symbol: Fr; atomic no: 87; half-life of most stable isotope, 223Fr: 22 minutes; valency: 1; melting pt: 27°C; boiling pt: 677°C [C20: from New Latin, from FRANCE + -IUM; so-called because first found in France]

francize or francise (ˈfrænsaIz)   vb   Canadian to make or become French-speaking   > ˌfranciˈzation or ˌfranciˈsation n

Franck   n   1 (French frɑ̃k) César (Auguste) (sezar). 1822–90, French composer, organist, and teacher, born in Belgium. His works, some of which make use of cyclic form, include a violin sonata, a string quartet, the Symphony in D Minor (1888), and much organ music   2 (fræŋk) James. 1882–1964, US physicist, born in Germany: shared a Nobel prize for physics with Gustav Hertz (1925) for work on the quantum theory, particularly the effects of bombarding atoms with electrons

Franco (ˈfræŋkəʊ; Spanish ˈfraŋko)   n   Francisco (franˈθisko), called el Caudillo. 1892–1975, Spanish general and statesman; head of state (1939–1975). He was commander-in-chief of the Falangists in the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), defeating the republican government and establishing a dictatorship (1939). He kept Spain neutral in World War II

Franco- (ˈfræŋkəʊ-)   combining form   indicating France or French: Franco-Prussian [from Medieval Latin Francus, from Late Latin: FRANK]

francolin (ˈfræŋkəʊlIn)   n   any African or Asian partridge of the genus Francolinus [C17: from French, from Old Italian francolino, of unknown origin]

francomania (ˌfræŋkəʊˈmeInIə)   n   an obsession with France or French things

Franconia (fræŋˈkəʊnIə)   n   a medieval duchy of Germany, inhabited by the Franks from the 7th century, now chiefly in Bavaria, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg

■ Franconian (fræŋˈkəʊnIən)   n   1 a group of medieval Germanic dialects spoken by the Franks in an area from N Bavaria and Alsace to the mouth of the Rhine. Low Franconian developed into Dutch, while Upper Franconian contributed to High German, of which it remains a recognizable dialect. See also Old Low German, Old High German, Frankish   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Franconia, the Franks, or their languages

Francophile (ˈfræŋkəʊˌfaIl) or Francophil (ˈfræŋkəʊfIl) sometimes not capital   n   1 a person who admires France and the French   ▷ adj   2 marked by or possessing admiration of France and the French

Francophobia (ˌfræŋkəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   (sometimes not capital) the phenomenon of hating French speakers, culture, or people

■ Francophobe (ˈfræŋkəʊˌfəʊb)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 a person who hates or despises France or its people   2 Canadian a person who hates or fears Canadian Francophones

Francophone (ˈfræŋkəʊˌfəʊn) often not capital   n   1 a person who speaks French, esp a native speaker   ▷ adj   2 speaking French as a native language   3 using French as a lingua franca   ▶ Compare Anglophone

Franco-Prussian War   n   the war of 1870–71 between France and Prussia culminating in the fall of the French Second Empire and the founding of the German empire

franc-tireur French (frɑ̃tirœr)   n   1 a sniper   2 a guerrilla or irregular soldier [C19: from franc free + tireur shooter, from tirer to shoot, of unknown origin]

franger (ˈfræŋə)   n   Austral slang a condom [C20: perhaps related to FRENCH LETTER]

frangible (ˈfrændʒIbəl)   adj   breakable or fragile [C15: from Old French, ultimately from Latin frangere to break]   > ˌfrangiˈbility or ˈfrangibleness n

frangipane (ˈfrændʒIˌpeIn)   n   1    a a pastry filled with cream and flavoured with almonds   b a rich cake mixture containing ground almonds   2 a variant of frangipani (sense 2)

frangipani (ˌfrændʒIˈpɑːnI)   n, pl -panis, -pani   1 any tropical American apocynaceous shrub of the genus Plumeria, esp P. rubra, cultivated for its waxy typically white or pink flowers, which have a sweet overpowering scent   2 a perfume prepared from this plant or resembling the odour of its flowers   3 native frangipani Austral an Australian evergreen tree, Hymenosporum flavum, with large fragrant yellow flowers: family Pittosporaceae [C17: via French from Italian: perfume for scenting gloves, named after the Marquis Muzio Frangipani, 16th-century Roman nobleman who invented it]

Franglais (French frɑ̃ɡlɛ)   n   informal French containing a high proportion of words of English origin [C20: from French français French + anglais English]

franion (ˈfrænjən)   n   obsolete a paramour; a lover

frank (fræŋk)   adj   1 honest and straightforward in speech or attitude: a frank person   2 outspoken or blunt   3 open and avowed; undisguised: frank interest   4 an obsolete word for free, generous   ▷ vb (tr)   5 chiefly Brit to put a mark on (a letter, parcel, etc), either cancelling the postage stamp or in place of a stamp, ensuring free carriage. See also postmark   6 to mark (a letter, parcel, etc) with an official mark or signature, indicating the right of free delivery   7 to facilitate or assist (a person) to come and go, pass, or enter easily   8 to obtain immunity for or exempt (a person)   ▷ n   9 an official mark or signature affixed to a letter, parcel, etc, ensuring free delivery or delivery without stamps   10 the privilege, issued to certain people and establishments, entitling them to delivery without postage stamps [C13: from Old French franc, from Medieval Latin francus free; identical with FRANK (in Frankish Gaul only members of this people enjoyed full freedom)]   > ˈfrankable adj   > ˈfranker n   > ˈfrankness n

■ franked investment income   n   (formerly) dividends from one UK company received by another on which the paying company had paid corporation tax so that the receiving company had no corporation tax to pay: discontinued from 1999

■ frankly (ˈfræŋklI)   adv   1 (sentence modifier) in truth; to be honest: frankly, I can't bear him   2 in a frank manner

■ frankpledge (ˈfræŋkˌplɛdʒ)   n (in medieval England)   1 the corporate responsibility of members of a tithing for the good behaviour of each other   2 a member of a tithing   3 a tithing itself [C15: via Anglo-French from Old French franc free (see FRANK) + plege PLEDGE]

Frank^1 (fræŋk)   n   a member of a group of West Germanic peoples who spread from the east bank of the middle Rhine into the Roman Empire in the late 4th century AD, gradually conquering most of Gaul and Germany. The Franks achieved their greatest power under Charlemagne [Old English Franca; related to Old High German Franko; perhaps from the name of a typical Frankish weapon (compare Old English franca javelin)]

■ Frankish (ˈfræŋkIʃ)   n   1 the ancient West Germanic language of the Franks, esp the dialect that contributed to the vocabulary of modern French. See also Franconian, Old High German   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Franks or their language

Frank^2   n   1 (Dutch fraŋk) Anne. 1929–45, German Jew, whose Diary (1947) recorded the experiences of her family while in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam (1942–44). They were betrayed and she died in a concentration camp   2 (fræŋk) Robert. born 1924, US photographer and film maker, born in Switzerland; best known for his photographic book The Americans (1959)

frankalmoign (ˈfræŋkəlˌmɔIn)   n   English legal history a form of tenure by which religious bodies held lands, esp on condition of praying for the soul of the donor [C16: from Anglo-French fraunke almoigne, from fraunke FRANK + almoign church treasury, alms chest]

Frankenstein (ˈfræŋkInˌstaIn)   n   1 a person who creates something that brings about his or her ruin   2 Also called: Frankenstein's monster a thing that destroys its creator [C19: after Baron Frankenstein, who created a destructive monster from parts of corpses in the novel by Mary Shelley (1818)]   > ˌFrankenˈsteinian adj

■ Frankenstein food or Frankenfood (ˈfræŋkənˌfuːd)   n   facetious any foodstuff that has been genetically modified [C20: from FRANKENSTEIN, alluding to its unnatural origin]

Frankfort (ˈfræŋkfət)   n   1 a city in N Kentucky: the state capital. Pop: 27 408 (2003 est)   2 rare an English spelling of Frankfurt^1

Frankfurt^1 or Frankfurt am Main (German ˈfraŋkfʊrt (am ˈmain))   n   a city in central Germany, in Hesse on the Main River: a Roman settlement in the 1st century; a free imperial city (1372–1806); seat of the federal assembly (1815–66); university (1914); trade fairs since the 13th century. Pop: 643 432 (2003 est)

■ frankfurter (ˈfræŋkˌfɜːtə)   n   a light brown smoked sausage, made of finely minced pork or beef, often served in a bread roll [C20: short for German Frankfurter Wurst sausage from FRANKFURT (AM MAIN)]

■ Frankfurter (ˈfræŋkˌfɜːtə)   n   an inhabitant or native of Frankfurt

■ Frankfurt School   n   philosophy a school of thought, founded at the University of Frankfurt in 1923 by Theodor Adorno, Herbert Marcuse and others, derived from Marxist, Freudian, and Hegelian theory

Frankfurt^2 or Frankfurt an der Oder (German ˈfraŋkfʊrt (an der ˈoːdər))   n   a city in E Germany on the Polish border: member of the Hanseatic League (1368–1450). Pop: 67 014 (2003 est)

frankincense (ˈfræŋkInˌsɛns)   n   an aromatic gum resin obtained from trees of the burseraceous genus Boswellia, which occur in Asia and Africa. Also called: olibanum [C14: from Old French franc free, pure + encens INCENSE^1; see FRANK]

franklin (ˈfræŋklIn)   n   (in 14th- and 15th-century England) a substantial landholder of free but not noble birth [C13: from Anglo-French fraunclein, from Old French franc free, on the model of CHAMBERLAIN]

Franklin (ˈfræŋklIn)   n   1  Aretha (əˈriːθə) 1942–2018, US soul, pop, and gospel singer; noted for her songs "Respect" (1967), "I Say a Little Prayer" (1968), and, with George Michael, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" (1987)   2  Benjamin 1706–90, American statesman, scientist, and author. He helped draw up the Declaration of Independence (1776) and, as ambassador to France (1776–85), he negotiated an alliance with France and a peace settlement with Britain. As a scientist, he is noted particularly for his researches in electricity, esp his invention of the lightning conductor   3  Sir John. 1786–1847, English explorer of the Arctic: lieutenant-governor of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) (1836–43): died while on a voyage to discover the Northwest Passage   4  Rosalind. 1920–58, British x-ray crystallographer. She contributed to the discovery of the structure of DNA, before her premature death from cancer

franklinite (ˈfræŋklIˌnaIt)   n   a black mineral consisting of an oxide of iron, manganese, and zinc: a source of iron and zinc. Formula: (Fe,Mn,Zn) (Fe,Mn)2O_4 [C19: from Franklin, New Jersey, where it is found, + -ITE^1]

franseria (frænˈsIərIə)   n   any shrub of the genus Franseria native to western parts of North America

frantic (ˈfræntIk)   adj   1 distracted with fear, pain, joy, etc   2 marked by or showing frenzy: frantic efforts   3 archaic insane [C14: from Old French frenetique, from Latin phrenēticus mad, FRENETIC]   > ˈfrantically or ˈfranticly adv   > ˈfranticness n

Franz Ferdinand (German frants ˈfɛrdinant)   n   English name Francis Ferdinand. 1863–1914, archduke of Austria; heir apparent of Franz Josef I. His assassination contributed to the outbreak of World War I

Franz Josef I (German frants ˈjoːzɛf)   n   English name Francis Joseph I. 1830–1916, emperor of Austria (1848–1916) and king of Hungary (1867–1916)

■ Franz Josef Land (German frants ˈjoːzɛf)   n   an archipelago of over 100 islands in the Arctic Ocean, administratively part of Russia. Area: about 21 000 sq km (8000 sq miles). Russian name: Zemlya Frantsa-Iosifa (zjiˈmlja ˈfrantsəˈjɔsifə)

franzy (ˈfrænzI)   adj -zier, -ziest   Midland English dialect irritable; peevish

frap (fræp)   vb fraps, frapping, frapped   (tr) nautical to lash down or together [C14: from Old French fraper to hit, probably of imitative origin]

frape^1 (freIp)   adj   Southwest English dialect tightly bound [see FRAP]

frape^2 (freIp) slang   vb   1 to alter information in a person's profile on a social networking website without his or her permission   ▷ n also frapeage   2 the practice of altering information in a person's profile on a social networking website without his or her permission [from FACEBOOK +RAPE^1]

frappant French (frapã̃)   adj   striking; vivid

frappé (ˈfræpeI; French frape)   n   1 a drink consisting of a liqueur, etc, poured over crushed ice   ▷ adj   2 (postpositive) (esp of drinks) chilled; iced [C19: from French, from frapper to strike, hence, chill; see FRAP]

Frascati (fræˈskɑːtI)   n   a dry or semisweet white wine from the Lazio region of Italy

Fraser^1 (ˈfreIzə)   n   a river in SW Canada, in S central British Columbia, flowing northwest, south, and west through spectacular canyons in the Coast Mountains to the Strait of Georgia. Length: 1370 km (850 miles)

Fraser^2 (ˈfreIzə)   n   1  (John) Malcolm.1930–2015, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1975–83)   2  Peter. 1884–1950, New Zealand statesman, born in Scotland; prime minister (1940–49)   3  Simon. (1776–1862), Canadian explorer: explored British Columbia and the river which was named after him

Fraser Island (ˈfreIzə)   n   an island off the south-east coast of Queensland and the largest sand island in the world; contains rainforests, heathlands, and freshwater lakes; a national park (since 1976) and a World Heritage site (since 1992). Area: 1840 sq km (710 sq miles). Pop: 194 (2011)

frass (fræs)   n   excrement or other refuse left by insects and insect larvae [C19: from German, from fressen to devour]

frat (fræt)   n   US slang   a a fraternity   b (as modifier): the frat kid

fratch (frætʃ)   n   English dialect a quarrel [C19: from obsolete fratch to make a harsh noise; perhaps of imitative origin]   > ˈfratchy adj

frate (ˈfrɑːteI)   n   obsolete RC Church a monk or friar

frater^1 (ˈfreItə)   n   a mendicant friar or a lay brother in a monastery or priory [C16: from Latin: BROTHER]

■ fraternal (frəˈtɜːnəl)   adj   1 of or suitable to a brother; brotherly   2 of or relating to a fraternity   3 designating either or both of a pair of twins of the same or opposite sex that developed from two separate fertilized ova. Compare identical (sense 3) [C15: from Latin frāternus, from frāter brother]   > fraˈternalism n   > fraˈternally adv

■ fraternity (frəˈtɜːnItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a body of people united in interests, aims, etc: the teaching fraternity. Gender-neutral form: community   2 brotherhood   3 US and Canadian a society joined by male students, usually functioning as a social club

■ fraternize or fraternise (ˈfrætəˌnaIz)   vb   (intr; often foll by with) to associate on friendly terms   > ˌfraterniˈzation or ˌfraterniˈsation n   > ˈfraterˌnizer or ˈfraterˌniser n

■ fratery (ˈfreItərI) or fratry (ˈfreItrI)   n, pl -ries   obsolete a convent of monks or friars

■ fratricide (ˈfrætrIˌsaId, ˈfreI-)   n   1 the act of killing one's brother   2 a person who kills his or her brother   3 military the destruction of or interference with a nuclear missile before it can strike its target caused by the earlier explosion of a warhead at a nearby target [C15: from Latin frātricīda; see FRATER^1, -CIDE]   > ˌfratriˈcidal adj

frater^2 (ˈfreItə)   n   archaic a refectory [C13: from Old French fraiteur, aphetic variant of refreitor, from Late Latin rēfectōrium REFECTORY]

Frau (fraʊ)   n, pl Frauen (ˈfraʊən) or Fraus   a married German woman: usually used as a title equivalent to Mrs and sometimes extended to older unmarried women [from Old High German frouwa; related to Dutch vrouw]

■ Fräulein (German ˈfrɔylain; English ˈfrɔːlaIn, ˈfraʊ-)   n, pl -lein or English -leins   1 an unmarried German woman: formerly used as a title equivalent to Miss. Abbreviation: Frl   2 fraulein informal any young German woman [from Middle High German vrouwelīn, diminutive of vrouwe lady]

fraud (frɔːd)   n   1 deliberate deception, trickery, or cheating intended to gain an advantage   2 an act or instance of such deception   3 something false or spurious: his explanation was a fraud   4 informal a person who acts in a false or deceitful way [C14: from Old French fraude, from Latin fraus deception]

■ fraudful (ˈfrɔːdfʊl)   adj   rare fraudulent; deceptive

■ fraudfully (ˈfrɔːdfʊlI)   adv   rare in a fraudful manner

■ fraudsman (ˈfrɔːdzmən)   n, pl -men   rare a fraudster; a cheat

■ Fraud Squad   n   (in Britain) the department of a police force that is concerned with criminal fraud

■ fraudster (ˈfrɔːdstə)   n   a swindler

■ fraudulent (ˈfrɔːdjʊlənt)   adj   1 acting with or having the intent to deceive   2 relating to or proceeding from fraud or dishonest action [C15: from Latin fraudulentus deceitful]   > ˈfraudulence or ˈfraudulency n   > ˈfraudulently adv

■ fraudulentness (ˈfrɔːdjʊləntnəs)   n   the quality of being fraudulent

Frauenfeld (German ˈfrauənfɛlt)   n   a town in NE Switzerland, capital of Thurgau canton. Pop: 21 954 (2000)

fraughan (ˈfrɒhən)   n   an Irish word for whortleberry (sense 1), whortleberry (sense 2) [from Irish Gaelic fraochán, diminutive of fraoch heather]

fraught (frɔːt)   adj   1 (usually postpositive; and foll by with) filled or charged; attended: a venture fraught with peril   2 informal showing or producing tension or anxiety: she looks rather fraught; a fraught situation   3 archaic (usually postpositive; and foll by with) freighted   ▷ n   4 an obsolete word for freight [C14: from Middle Dutch vrachten, from vracht FREIGHT]

■ fraughtage (ˈfrɔːtIdʒ)   n   obsolete another name for freightage

Fraunhofer (German ˈfraunhoːfər)   n   Joseph von (ˈjoːzɛf fɔn). 1787–1826, German physicist and optician, who investigated spectra of the sun, planets, and fixed stars, and improved telescopes and other optical instruments

■ Fraunhofer lines (German ˈfraunhoːfər)   pl n   a set of dark lines appearing in the continuous emission spectrum of the sun. It is caused by the absorption of light of certain wavelengths coming from the hotter region of the sun by elements in the cooler outer atmosphere [named after J. von Fraunhofer (1787–1826), German physicist]

frautage (ˈfrɔːtIdʒ)   n   archaic cargo

frawzey (ˈfrɔːzI)   n   Southwest English dialect a celebration; treat

fraxinella (ˌfræksIˈnɛlə)   n   another name for gas plant [C17: from New Latin: a little ash tree, from Latin frāxinus ash]

fray^1 (freI)   n   1 a noisy quarrel   2 a fight or brawl   3 an archaic word for fright   ▷ vb archaic   4 (tr) to frighten [C14: short for AFFRAY]

fray^2 (freI)   vb   1 to wear or cause to wear away into tatters or loose threads, esp at an edge or end   2 to make or become strained or irritated   3 to rub or chafe (another object) or (of two objects) to rub against one another   ▷ n   4 a frayed place, as in cloth [C14: from French frayer to rub, from Latin fricāre; see FRICTION, FRIABLE]

■ frayed (freId)   adj   1 (of fabrics or clothing) unravelling at the edges from damage or wear   2 (of temper, nerves, patience, etc) under great strain

Fray Bentos (ˌfreI ˈbɛntɒs)   n   a port in W Uruguay, on the River Uruguay: noted for meat-packing. Pop: 23 122 (2004 est)

Frayn (freIn)   n   Michael. born 1933, British playwright, novelist, and translator; his plays include The Two of Us (1970), Noises Off (1982), Copenhagen (1998), and Democracy (2004); novels include A Landing on the Sun (1991) and Spies (2002)

Frazer (ˈfreIzə)   n   Sir James George. 1854–1941, Scottish anthropologist; author of many works on primitive religion, and magic, esp The Golden Bough (1890)

Frazier (ˈfreIʒə)   n   Joe. 1944–2011, US boxer: won the world heavyweight title in 1970 and was the first to beat Muhammad Ali professionally (1971)

frazil (ˈfreIzIl)   n   small pieces of ice that form in water moving turbulently enough to prevent the formation of a sheet of ice [C19: from Canadian French frasil, from French fraisil cinders, ultimately from Latin fax torch]

frazzle (ˈfræzəl)   vb   1 informal to make or become exhausted or weary; tire out   2 a less common word for fray^2 (sense 1)   ▷ n   3 informal the state of being frazzled or exhausted   4 a frayed end or remnant   5 to a frazzle informal absolutely; completely (esp in the phrase burnt to a frazzle) [C19: probably from Middle English faselen to fray, from fasel fringe; influenced by FRAY^2]

FRCM   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal College of Music

FRCO   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal College of Organists

FRCP   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians

FRCS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons

FRCVS   abbreviation for   (in Britain) Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

freak^1 (friːk)   n   1 a person, animal, or plant that is abnormal or deformed; monstrosity   2    a an object, event, etc, that is abnormal or extremely unusual   b (as modifier): a freak storm   3 a personal whim or caprice   4 informal a person who acts or dresses in a markedly unconventional or strange way   5 informal a person who is obsessed with something specified: a jazz freak   ▷ vb   6 See freak out [C16: of obscure origin]

■ freakish (ˈfriːkIʃ)   adj   1 of, related to, or characteristic of a freak; abnormal or unusual   2 unpredictable or changeable: freakish weather   > ˈfreakishly adv   > ˈfreakishness n

■ freak out   vb (adverb)   informal to be or cause to be in a heightened emotional state, such as that of fear, anger, or excitement

■ freak-out   n   informal an episode of bizarre experience or behaviour

■ freaky (ˈfriːkI)   adj freakier, freakiest   1 slang strange; unconventional; bizarre   2 another word for freakish   > ˈfreakily adv   > ˈfreakiness n

freak^2 (friːk) rare   n   1 a fleck or streak of colour   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to streak with colour; variegate [C17: from earlier freaked, probably coined by Milton, based on STREAK^1 + obsolete freckt freckled; see FRECKLE]

freaking (ˈfriːkIŋ)   adj, adv (prenominal)   slang, chiefly US (intensifier): his freaking mother; this is freaking weird [C20: euphemism for the taboo word FUCKING]

freckle (ˈfrɛkəl)   n   1 a small brownish spot on the skin: a localized deposit of the pigment melanin, developed by exposure to sunlight. Technical name: lentigo   2 any small area of discoloration; a spot   3 Austral slang the anus   ▷ vb   4 to mark or become marked with freckles or spots [C14: from Old Norse freknur freckles; related to Swedish fräkne, Danish fregne]   > ˈfreckled or ˈfreckly adj

fredaine French (frəden)   n   a prank; a practical joke

Freddy Mac (ˈfrɛdI mæk)   n   (in the US) an informal name for the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, a private company that buys and sells mortgage debt [C20: altered from the initials FHLMC; influenced by FANNIE MAE]

Fredericia (Danish frɛðəˈrɛdʃæ)   n   a port in Denmark, in E Jutland at the N end of the Little Belt. Pop: 37 054 (2004 est)

Frederick I (ˈfrɛdrIk)   n   1 See Frederick Barbarossa   2  1657–1713, first king of Prussia (1701–13); son of Frederick William

Frederick II   n   1  1194–1250, Holy Roman Emperor (1220–50), king of Germany (1212–50), and king of Sicily (1198–1250)   2 See Frederick the Great

Frederick III   n   1  1415–93, Holy Roman Emperor (1452–93) and, as Frederick IV, king of Germany (1440–93)   2  called the Wise. 1463–1525, elector of Saxony (1486–1525). He protected Martin Luther in Wartburg Castle after the Diet of Worms (1521)

Frederick IV   n   See Frederick III (sense 1)

Frederick V   n   called the Winter King. 1596–1632, elector of the Palatinate (1610–23) and king of Bohemia (1619–20). He led the revolt of Bohemian Protestants at the beginning of the Thirty Years' War

Frederick IX   n   1899–1972, king of Denmark (1947–72)

Frederick Barbarossa (ˌbɑːbəˈrɒsə)   n   official title Frederick I. ?1123–90, Holy Roman Emperor (1155–90), king of Germany (1152–90). His attempt to assert imperial rights in Italy ended in his defeat at Legnano (1176) and the independence of the Lombard cities (1183)

Frederick Henry   n   1584–1647, prince of Orange and count of Nassau; son of William (I) the Silent

Frederick the Great   n   official title Frederick II. 1712–86, king of Prussia (1740–86); son of Frederick William I. He gained Silesia during the War of Austrian Succession (1740–48) and his military genius during the Seven Years' War (1756–63) established Prussia as a European power. He was also a noted patron of the arts

Frederick William   n   called the Great Elector. 1620–88, elector of Brandenburg (1640–88)

Frederick William I   n   1688–1740, king of Prussia (1713–40); son of Frederick I: reformed the Prussian army

Frederick William II   n   1744–97, king of Prussia (1786–97)

Frederick William III   n   1770–1840, king of Prussia (1797–1840)

Frederick William IV   n   1795–1861, king of Prussia (1840–61). He submitted to the 1848 Revolution but refused the imperial crown offered by the Frankfurt Parliament (1849). In 1857 he became insane and his brother, William I, became regent (1858–61)

Fredericton (ˈfrɛdrIktən)   n   a city in SE Canada, capital of New Brunswick, on the St John River. Pop: 56 224 (2011)

Frederiksberg (Danish frɛðreɡsˈbɛr)   n   a city in E Denmark, within the area of greater Copenhagen: founded in 1651 by King Frederick III. Pop: 91 721 (2004 est)

Fredrikstad (Norwegian ˈfrɛdrikstad)   n   a port in SE Norway at the entrance to Oslo Fjord. Pop: 69 867 (2004 est)

free (friː)   adj freer, freest   1 able to act at will; not under compulsion or restraint   2    a having personal rights or liberty; not enslaved or confined   b (as noun): land of the free   3 (often postpositive; and foll by from) not subject (to) or restricted (by some regulation, constraint, etc); exempt: a free market; free from pain   4 (of a country, etc) autonomous or independent   5 exempt from external direction or restriction; not forced or induced: free will   6 not subject to conventional constraints: free verse   7 (of jazz) totally improvised, with no preset melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic basis   8 not exact or literal: a free translation   9 costing nothing; provided without charge: free entertainment   10 law (of property)   a not subject to payment of rent or performance of services; freehold   b not subject to any burden or charge, such as a mortgage or lien; unencumbered   11 (postpositive; often foll by of or with) ready or generous in using or giving; liberal; lavish: free with advice   12 unrestrained by propriety or good manners; licentious   13 not occupied or in use; available: a free cubicle   14 not occupied or busy; without previous engagements: I'm not free until Wednesday   15 open or available to all; public   16 without charge to the subscriber or user: freepost; freephone   17 not fixed or joined; loose: the free end of a chain   18 without obstruction or impediment: free passage   19 chem chemically uncombined: free nitrogen   20 phonetics denoting a vowel that can occur in an open syllable, such as the vowel in see as opposed to the vowel in cat   21 grammar denoting a morpheme that can occur as a separate word. Compare bound^1 (sense 8a)   22 logic denoting an occurrence of a variable not bound by a quantifier. Compare bound^1 (sense 9)   23 (of some materials, such as certain kinds of stone) easily worked   24 nautical (of the wind) blowing from the quarter   25 feel free (usually imperative) to regard oneself as having permission to perform a specified action   26 for free not standard without charge or cost   27 free and easy casual or tolerant; easy-going   28 make free with to take liberties with; behave too familiarly towards   ▷ adv   29 in a free manner; freely   30 without charge or cost   31 nautical with the wind blowing from the quarter: a yacht sailing free   ▷ vb frees, freeing, freed (tr)   32 (sometimes foll by up) to set at liberty; release   33 to remove obstructions, attachments, or impediments from; disengage   34 (often foll by of or from) to relieve or rid (of obstacles, pain, etc)   ▷ n   35 informal a freesheet [Old English frēo; related to Old Saxon, Old High German frī, Gothic freis free, Sanskrit priya dear]   > ˈfreely adv   > ˈfreeness n   > ˈfreer n

■ -free   adj combining form   free from: trouble-free; lead-free petrol

■ free agent   n   a person whose actions are not constrained by others

■ free alongside ship   adj   (of a shipment of goods) delivered to the dock without charge to the buyer, but excluding the cost of loading onto the vessel. Abbreviation: FAS, f.a.s. Also: free alongside vessel. Compare free on board

■ free association   n   1 psychoanal a method of exploring a person's unconscious by eliciting words and thoughts that are associated with key words provided by a psychoanalyst   2 a spontaneous mental process whereby ideas, words, or images suggest other ideas, etc, in a nonlogical chain reaction

■ freebase (ˈfriːˌbeIs)   n   1 slang cocaine that has been refined by heating it in ether or some other solvent   ▷ vb freebases, freebasing, freebased   2 to refine (cocaine) in this way   3 to smoke or inhale the fumes from (refined cocaine)

■ freebaser (ˈfriːˌbeIsə)   n   a person who prepares or uses freebase cocaine

■ freebie (ˈfriːbI) slang   n   1 something provided without charge   ▷ adj   2 without charge; free

■ freeboard (ˈfriːˌbɔːd)   n   the space or distance between the deck of a vessel and the waterline

■ freeborn (ˈfriːˌbɔːn)   adj   1 not born in slavery   2 of, relating to, or suitable for people not born in slavery

■ Free Church   n   chiefly Brit   a any Protestant Church, esp the Presbyterian, other than the Established Church   b (as modifier): Free-Church attitudes

■ free city   n   a sovereign or autonomous city; city-state

■ free climbing   n   mountaineering climbing without using pitons, étriers, etc, as direct aids to ascent, but using ropes, belays, etc, at discretion for security. Compare aid climbing

■ free coinage   n   US coinage of bullion brought to the mint by any individual

■ free companion   n   (in medieval Europe) a member of a company of mercenary soldiers

■ free company   n   European history a band of mercenary soldiers during the Middle Ages

■ freecooling (ˈfriːˌkuːlIŋ)   n   a system that uses low ambient air temperature to chill water, esp for use in air conditioning

■ Freecycle (ˈfriːˌsaIkəl)   n trademark   1 a network of citizens who cooperate online to promote recycling by offering one another unwanted items free of charge   ▷ vb (usually not capital)   2 (tr) to recycle (an unwanted item) by offering it to someone free of charge

■ freediving (ˈfriːdaIvIŋ)   n   the sport or activity of diving without the aid of breathing apparatus   > freediver n

■ freedman (ˈfriːdˌmæn) or feminine freedwoman   n, pl -men or -women   a person who has been freed from slavery

■ freedom (ˈfriːdəm)   n   1 personal liberty, as from slavery, bondage, serfdom, etc   2 liberation or deliverance, as from confinement or bondage   3 the quality or state of being free, esp to enjoy political and civil liberties   4 (usually foll by from) the state of being without something unpleasant or bad; exemption or immunity: freedom from taxation   5 the right or privilege of unrestricted use or access: the freedom of a city   6 autonomy, self-government, or independence   7 the power or liberty to order one's own actions   8 philosophy the quality, esp of the will or the individual, of not being totally constrained; able to choose between alternative actions in identical circumstances   9 ease or frankness of manner; candour: she talked with complete freedom   10 excessive familiarity of manner; boldness   11 ease and grace, as of movement; lack of effort [Old English frēodōm]

■ freedom fighter   n   a militant revolutionary

■ Freedom Food   n   (in Britain) food that is produced by farmers conforming to the guidelines for humane farming set by the Freedom Food programme set up by the RSPCA in conjunction with some major supermarkets

■ Freedomites (ˈfriːdəˌmaIts)   pl n   another name for Sons of Freedom

■ freedom of the seas   n international law   1 the right of ships of all nations to sail the high seas in peacetime   2 (in wartime) the immunity accorded to neutral ships from attack   3 the exclusive jurisdiction possessed by a state over its own ships sailing the high seas in peacetime

■ freedom rider   n   US a person who participated, esp in the 1960s, in an organized tour, usually by public transport in the South, in order to protest against racism and put federal laws on integration to the test

■ free electron   n   any electron that is not attached to an ion, atom, or molecule and is free to move under the influence of an applied electric or magnetic field

■ free energy   n   a thermodynamic property that expresses the capacity of a system to perform work under certain conditions. See Gibbs function, Helmholtz function

■ free enterprise   n   an economic system in which commercial organizations compete for profit with little state control

■ free fall   n   1 free descent of a body in which the gravitational force is the only force acting on it   2 the part of a parachute descent before the parachute opens

■ freefall parachuting   n   a variety of parachuting in which the jumper manoeuvres in free fall before opening the parachute

■ free flight   n   the flight of a rocket, missile, etc, when its engine has ceased to produce thrust

■ free-floating   adj   unattached or uncommitted, as to a cause, a party, etc   > ˌfree-ˈfloater n

■ free-floating anxiety   n   psychiatry chronic anxiety occurring for no identifiable cause

■ Freefone (ˈfriːˌfəʊn)   n   Brit trademark a system of telephone use in which the cost of calls in response to an advertisement is borne by the advertiser

■ free-for-all   n   informal a disorganized brawl or argument, usually involving all those present

■ free form arts   n   1 an irregular flowing shape, often used in industrial or fabric design   ▷ adj free-form   2 freely flowing, spontaneous

■ free gift   n   something given away, esp as an incentive to a purchaser

■ free gold   n   1 gold, uncombined with other minerals, found in a pure state   2 US the excess of gold held by the Federal Reserve Banks over the legal reserve

■ free hand   n   1 unrestricted freedom to act (esp in the phrase give (someone) a free hand)   ▷ adj, adv freehand   2 (done) by hand without the use of guiding instruments: a freehand drawing

■ free-handed   adj   generous or liberal; unstinting   > ˌfree-ˈhandedly adv   > ˌfree-ˈhandedness n

■ free-hearted   adj   frank and spontaneous; open; generous   > ˌfree-ˈheartedly adv   > ˌfree-ˈheartedness n

■ freehold (ˈfriːˌhəʊld) property law   n   1    a tenure by which land is held in fee simple, fee tail, or for life   b an estate held by such tenure   ▷ adj   2 relating to or having the nature of freehold

■ freeholder (ˈfriːˌhəʊldə)   n   property law a person in possession of a freehold building or estate in land

■ free house   n   Brit a public house not bound to sell only one brewer's products

■ free kick   n   soccer a place kick awarded for a foul or infringement, either direct, from which a goal may be scored, or indirect, from which the ball must be touched by at least one other player for a goal to be allowed

■ free labour   n   1 the labour of workers who are not members of trade unions   2 such workers collectively

■ freelance (ˈfriːˌlɑːns)   n   1    a Also called: freelancer a self-employed person, esp a writer or artist, who is not employed continuously but hired to do specific assignments   b (as modifier): a freelance journalist   2 a person, esp a politician, who supports several causes or parties without total commitment to any one   3 (in medieval Europe) a mercenary soldier or adventurer   ▷ vb   4 to work as a freelance on (an assignment, etc)   ▷ adv   5 as a freelance [C19 (in sense 3): later applied to politicians, writers, etc]

■ free list   n   1 commerce, chiefly US a list of commodities not subject to tariffs   2 a list of people admitted free

■ free-living   adj   1 given to ready indulgence of the appetites   2 (of animals and plants) not parasitic; existing independently   > ˌfree-ˈliver n

■ freeload (ˈfriːˌləʊd)   vb   (intr) slang to act as a freeloader; sponge

■ freeloader (ˈfriːˌləʊdə)   n   slang a person who habitually depends on the charity of others for food, shelter, etc   > ˈfreeˌloading n

■ free love   n   the practice of sexual relationships without fidelity to a single partner or without formal or legal ties

■ freeman (ˈfriːmən)   n, pl -men   1 a person who is not a slave or in bondage   2 a person who enjoys political and civil liberties; citizen   3 a person who enjoys a privilege or franchise, such as the freedom of a city

■ free market   n     a an economic system that allows supply and demand to regulate prices, wages, etc, rather than government policy   b (as modifier): a free-market economy

■ free-marketeer   n   economics a person who is in favour of a free market

■ freemartin (ˈfriːˌmɑːtIn)   n   the female of a pair of twin calves of unlike sex that is imperfectly developed and sterile, probably due to the influence of the male hormones of its twin during development in the uterus [C17: of uncertain origin]

■ freemason (ˈfriːˌmeIsən)   n   medieval history a member of a guild of itinerant skilled stonemasons, who had a system of secret signs and passwords with which they recognized each other   > freemasonic (ˌfriːməˈsɒnIk) adj

■ Freemason (ˈfriːˌmeIsən)   n   a member of the widespread secret order, constituted in London in 1717, of Free and Accepted Masons, pledged to brotherly love, faith, and charity. Sometimes shortened to: Mason   > Freemasonic (ˌfriːməˈsɒnIk) adj

■ freemasonry (ˈfriːˌmeIsənrI)   n   natural or tacit sympathy and understanding

■ Freemasonry (ˈfriːˌmeIsənrI)   n   1 the institutions, rites, practices, etc, of Freemasons   2 Freemasons collectively

■ free on board   adj   (of a shipment of goods) delivered on board ship or other carrier without charge to the buyer. Abbreviation: FOB, f.o.b. Compare free alongside ship

■ free on rail   adj   (of a consignment of goods) delivered to a railway station and loaded onto a train without charge to the buyer. Abbreviation: FOR, f.o.r.

■ Freeper (ˈfriːpə)   n   chiefly US and Canadian informal an active member of the Free Republic website, an American right-wing news and discussion forum

■ freephone (ˈfriːˌfəʊn)   n   a common spelling of Freefone

■ free port   n   1 a port open to all commercial vessels on equal terms   2 Also called: free zone a zone adjoining a port that permits the duty-free entry of foreign goods intended for re-export

■ Freepost (ˈfriːˌpəʊst)   n   Brit trademark a method of postage by which the cost of replies to an advertisement is borne by the advertiser

■ free radical   n   an atom or group of atoms containing at least one unpaired electron and existing for a brief period of time before reacting to produce a stable molecule. Sometimes shortened to: radical. Compare group (sense 10)

■ free-range   adj   chiefly Brit kept or produced in natural nonintensive conditions: free-range hens; free-range eggs

■ free recall   n   psychol the recollection of the members of a list of items without regard to their serial order

■ freeride (ˈfriːˌraId)   n   a style of skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking with no set rules

■ free running   n   another name for parkour

■ free-running   adj   1 (of a mechanism, material, etc) moving smoothly and uninterruptedly   2 electronics of or relating to a periodic signal that is not synchronized to a timing source: free-running interference produces moving patterns on a television screen

■ free-select   vb   (tr) Austral history to select (areas of crown land) and acquire the freehold by a series of annual payments   > ˌfree-seˈlection n   > ˌfree-seˈlector n

■ freesheet (ˈfriːˌʃiːt)   n   a newspaper that is distributed free, paid for by its advertisers. Also called: giveaway

■ free silver   n   the unlimited minting of silver coins, esp when at a fixed ratio to gold

■ free skating   n   either the short programme of specified movements or the long programme chosen by a skater in a figure-skating competition

■ Free Soil Party   n   a former US political party opposing slavery from 1848 until 1854 when it merged with the Republican party

■ free space   n   a region that has no gravitational and electromagnetic fields: used as an absolute standard. Also called (no longer in technical usage): vacuum

■ free speech   n   the right to express one's opinions publicly

■ free-spirited   adj   characterized by independence and unconventionality

■ free-spoken   adj   speaking frankly or without restraint   > ˌfree-ˈspokenly adv   > ˌfree-ˈspokenness n

■ freestanding (ˌfriːˈstændIŋ)   adj   1 standing apart; not attached to or supported by another object   2 (in systemic grammar) denoting a clause that can stand alone as a sentence; denoting or being a main clause. Compare bound^1 (sense 8b)

■ Free State   n   1 a province of central South Africa; replaced the former province of Orange Free State in 1994: gold and uranium mining. Capital: Bloemfontein. Pop: 2 745 590 (2011 est). Area: 129 480 sq km (49 992 sq miles)   2 US history (before the Civil War) any state prohibiting slavery   3 short for Irish Free State

■ freestone (ˈfriːˌstəʊn)   n   1    a any fine-grained stone, esp sandstone or limestone, that can be cut and worked in any direction without breaking   b (as modifier): a freestone house   2 botany   a a fruit, such as a peach, in which the flesh separates readily from the stone   b (as modifier): a freestone peach. Compare clingstone

■ freestyle (ˈfriːˌstaIl)   n   1 a competition or race, as in swimming, in which each participant may use a style of his or her choice instead of a specified style   2    a an amateur style of wrestling with an agreed set of rules   b Also called: all-in wrestling a style of professional wrestling with no internationally agreed set of rules   3 a series of acrobatics performed in skiing, etc   4 (as modifier): a freestyle event

■ freestyler (ˈfriːˌstaIlə)   n   a person who specializes or competes in a freestyle sporting event

■ freestyling (ˈfriːˌstaIlIŋ)   n   the practice of improvising scenes when making a film or performing a play

■ free-swimming   adj   (of aquatic animals or larvae) not sessile or attached to any object and therefore able to swim freely in the water   > ˌfree-ˈswimmer n

■ freethinker (ˌfriːˈθIŋkə)   n   a person who forms his or her ideas and opinions independently of authority or accepted views, esp in matters of religion   > ˌfreeˈthinking n, adj

■ free thought   n   thought unrestrained and uninfluenced by dogma or authority, esp in religious matters

■ free throw   n   basketball an unimpeded shot at the basket from the free-throw line given for a technical fault (one free shot) or a foul (two free shots)

■ free-to-air   n     a a system of television for which viewers do not have to subscribe or pay   b (as modifier): free-to-air networks. Compare pay-per-view, pay television

■ free trade   n   1 international trade that is free of such government interference as import quotas, export subsidies, protective tariffs, etc. Compare protection (sense 3)   2 archaic illicit trade; smuggling

■ free-trader   n   1 a person who supports or advocates free trade   2 archaic a smuggler or smuggling vessel

■ free verse   n   unrhymed verse without a metrical pattern

■ free vibration   n   the vibration of a structure that occurs at its natural frequency, as opposed to a forced vibration

■ Freeview (ˈfriːˌvjuː)   n   trademark (in Britain) a free service providing digital terrestrial television

■ free vote   n   chiefly Brit a parliamentary division in which members are not constrained by a party whip

■ freeware (ˈfriːˌwɛə)   n   computer software that may be distributed and used without payment

■ freeway (ˈfriːˌweI)   n US   1 another name for expressway   2 a major road that can be used without paying a toll

■ freewheel (ˌfriːˈwiːl)   n   1 a ratchet device in the rear hub of a bicycle wheel that permits the wheel to rotate freely while the pedals are stationary   2 a device in the transmission of some vehicles that automatically disengages the drive shaft when it rotates more rapidly than the engine shaft, so that the drive shaft can turn freely   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to coast in a vehicle or on a bicycle using the freewheel

■ freewheeler (ˌfriːˈwiːlə)   n   a person who is free of restraints, carefree, or uninhibited

■ freewheeling (ˌfriːˈwiːlIŋ)   adj   1 relating to, operating as, or having a freewheel; coasting   2 informal free of restraints; carefree or uninhibited

■ freewheelingly (ˌfriːˈwiːlIŋlI)   adv   in a freewheeling or unconstrained manner

■ free will   n   1    a the apparent human ability to make choices that are not externally determined   b the doctrine that such human freedom of choice is not illusory. Compare determinism (sense 1)   c (as modifier): a free-will decision   2 the ability to make a choice without coercion: he left of his own free will: I did not influence him

■ freewoman (ˈfriːˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   1 a woman who is free or at liberty, esp one who is not a slave or serf   2 a woman who has been granted the freedom of a town, city, etc

■ Free World   n   the Free World the non-Communist countries collectively, esp those that are actively anti-Communist

■ freewrite (ˈfriːˌraIt)   vb -writes, -writing, -wrote, -written (tr)   to write (something) freely without stopping or thinking

■ freewriting (ˈfriːˌraItIŋ)   n   a free and unstructured style of writing

■ free zone   n   an area at a port where certain customs restrictions are not implemented. See also free port

freebooter (ˈfriːˌbuːtə)   n   1 a person, such as a pirate, living from plunder   2 informal a person, esp an itinerant, who seeks pleasure, wealth, etc, without responsibility [C16: from Dutch vrijbuiter, from vrijbuit booty; see FILIBUSTER]

■ freeboot (ˈfriːˌbuːt)   vb   (intr) to act as a freebooter; pillage

■ freebootery (ˈfriːˌbuːtərI)   n   the practices of a freebooter

■ freebooting (ˈfriːˌbuːtIŋ)   n   1 history the practice of living from plunder or piracy   2 informal the practice of seeking pleasure, wealth, etc, without responsibility   ▷ adj   3 history of or relating to plunder or piracy   4 informal of or relating to the seeking of pleasure, wealth, etc, without responsibility

■ freebooty (ˈfriːˌbuːtI)   n   1 any plunder taken by force   2 the practices of a freebooter

freegan (ˈfriːɡən)   n   a person who, through opposition to capitalism and consumerism, attempts to live without buying consumer goods, recycling discarded goods instead [C20: from FREE + (VE)GAN]   > ˈfreeganism n

freekeh (ˈfriːkeI)   n   a cereal prepared by roasting wheat that has been harvested while the grains are still green [Arabic]

Freeman (ˈfriːmən)   n   Cathy, full name Catherine Astrid Salome Freeman. born 1973, Australian sprinter; winner of the 200m and 400m in the 1994 Commonwealth Games and the 400m in the 2000 Olympic Games

freemium (ˈfriːmIəm)   n     a a business model in which a basic service is provided free of charge, with extra services available to paying subscribers   b (as modifier): a freemium game [C21: blend of FREE and PREMIUM]

freesia (ˈfriːzIə, ˈfriːʒə)   n   any iridaceous plant of the genus Freesia, of southern Africa, cultivated for their white, yellow, or pink tubular fragrant flowers [C19: New Latin, named after F. H. T. Freese (died 1876), German physician]

freet (friːt)   n Scot dialect   1 an omen or superstition   2 a superstitious object

Freetown (ˈfriːˌtaʊn)   n   the capital and chief port of Sierra Leone: founded in 1787 for slaves freed and destitute in England. Pop: 1 007 140 (2015 est)

freeze (friːz)   vb freezes, freezing, froze (frəʊz), frozen (ˈfrəʊzən)   1 to change (a liquid) into a solid as a result of a reduction in temperature, or (of a liquid) to solidify in this way, esp to convert or be converted into ice   2 (when intr, sometimes foll by over or up) to cover, clog, or harden with ice, or become so covered, clogged, or hardened: the lake froze over last week   3 to fix fast or become fixed (to something) because of the action of frost   4 (tr) to preserve (food) by subjection to extreme cold, as in a freezer   5 to feel or cause to feel the sensation or effects of extreme cold   6 to die or cause to die of frost or extreme cold   7 to become or cause to become paralysed, fixed, or motionless, esp through fear, shock, etc: he froze in his tracks   8 (tr) to cause (moving film) to stop at a particular frame   9 to decrease or cause to decrease in animation or vigour   10 to make or become formal, haughty, etc, in manner   11 (tr) to fix (prices, incomes, etc) at a particular level, usually by government direction   12 (tr) to forbid by law the exchange, liquidation, or collection of (loans, assets, etc)   13 (tr) to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or use of (something specified)   14 (tr) to stop (a process) at a particular stage of development   15 (tr) informal to render (tissue or a part of the body) insensitive, as by the application or injection of a local anaesthetic   16 (intr; foll by onto) informal, chiefly US to cling   ▷ n   17 the act of freezing or state of being frozen   18 meteorol a spell of temperatures below freezing point, usually over a wide area   19 the fixing of incomes, prices, etc, by legislation   20 another word for frost   ▷ sentence substitute   21 chiefly US a command to stop still instantly or risk being shot [Old English frēosan; related to Old Norse frjōsa, Old High German friosan, Latin prūrīre to itch; see FROST]   > ˈfreezable adj

■ freeze-dried   adj   preserved by rapid freezing and subsequent drying in a vacuum

■ freeze-dry   vb -dries, -drying, -dried   (tr) to preserve (a substance) by rapid freezing and subsequently drying in a vacuum

■ freeze-frame   n   1 films, television a single frame of a film repeated to give an effect like a still photograph   2 a single frame of a video recording viewed as a still by stopping the tape   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make a freeze-frame of (an image)

■ freeze out   vb   (tr, adverb) informal to force out or exclude, as by unfriendly behaviour, boycotting, etc

■ freezer (ˈfriːzə)   n   1 a device that freezes or chills, esp an insulated cold-storage cabinet for long-term storage of perishable foodstuffs. Also called: deepfreeze   2 a former name for refrigerator

■ freeze-up   n informal   1 a period of freezing or extremely cold weather   2 US and Canadian   a the freezing of lakes, rivers, and topsoil in autumn or early winter   b the time of year when this occurs

freezing (ˈfriːzIŋ)   adj   informal extremely cold

■ freezing injunction   n   law an order enabling the court to freeze the assets of a defendant, esp to prevent him or her taking them abroad. Formerly called: Mareva injunction

■ freezingly (ˈfriːzIŋlI)   adv   in a freezing manner

■ freezing mixture   n   a mixture of two substances, usually salt and ice, to give a temperature below 0°C

■ freezing point   n   the temperature below which a liquid turns into a solid. It is equal to the melting point

■ freezing works   n   Austral and NZ a slaughterhouse at which animal carcasses are frozen for export. See also chamber (sense 10)

Frege (German ˈfreːɡə)   n   Gottlob. 1848–1925, German logician and philosopher, who laid the foundations of modern formal logic and semantics in his Begriffsschrift (1879)

F region   n   the highest region of the ionosphere, extending from a height of about 150 kilometres to about 1000 kilometres. It contains the highest proportion of free electrons and is the most useful region for long-range radio transmission. Also called: Appleton layer. See also ionosphere

Freiburg (German ˈfraibʊrk)   n   1 a city in SW Germany, in SW Baden-Württemberg: under Austrian rule (1368–1805); university (1457). Pop: 212 495 (2003 est). Official name: Freiburg im Breisgau (Im ˈbraisɡau)   2 the German name for Fribourg

freight (freIt)   n   1    a commercial transport that is slower and cheaper than express   b the price charged for such transport   c goods transported by this means   d (as modifier): freight transport   2 chiefly Brit a ship's cargo or part of it   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to load with goods for transport   4 chiefly US and Canadian to convey commercially as or by freight   5 to load or burden; charge [C16: from Middle Dutch vrecht; related to French fret, Spanish flete, Portuguese frete]   > ˈfreightless adj

■ freightage (ˈfreItIdʒ)   n   1 the commercial conveyance of goods   2 the goods so transported   3 the price charged for such conveyance. Also called (obsolete): fraughtage (ˈfrɔːtIdʒ)

■ freighted (ˈfreItId)   adj   literary loaded, burdened or charged (with something)

■ freighter (ˈfreItə)   n   1 a ship or aircraft designed for transporting cargo   2 a person concerned with the loading or chartering of a ship

■ Freightliner (ˈfreItˌlaInə)   n trademark   1 a goods train carrying containers that can be transferred onto lorries or ships   2 (in Britain) a containerized transportation service involving both rail and road

■ freight ton   n   the full name for ton^1 (sense 4)

freity or freety (ˈfriːtI)   adj   Scot dialect superstitious

Fremantle (ˈfriːˌmæntəl)   n   a port in SW Western Australia, on the Indian Ocean. Pop: 25 197 (2001)

■ Fremantle doctor   n   Austral informal a strong SW breeze blowing in SW Western Australia

fremd (frɛmd, freImd)   adj   archaic alien or strange [Old English fremde; related to Old High German fremidi]

fremescent (frəˈmɛsənt)   adj   rumbling; beginning to roar

■ fremescence (frəˈmɛsəns)   n   a dull or incipient rumbling or roaring sound

fremitus (ˈfrɛmItəs)   n, pl -tus   med a vibration felt by the hand when placed on a part of the body, esp the chest, when the patient is speaking or coughing [C19: from Latin: a roaring sound, a humming, from fremere to make a low roaring, murmur]

French^1 (frɛntʃ)   n   1 the official language of France: also an official language of Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and certain other countries. It is the native language of approximately 75 million people; also used for diplomacy. Historically, French is an Indo-European language belonging to the Romance group. See also Old French, Anglo-French   2 the French (functioning as plural) the natives, citizens, or inhabitants of France collectively   3 See French vermouth   ▷ adj   4 relating to, denoting, or characteristic of France, the French, or their language. Related prefixes: Franco-, Gallo-   5 (in Canada) of or relating to French Canadians [Old English Frencisc French, Frankish; see FRANK]   > ˈFrenchness n

■ French Academy   n   an association of 40 French scholars and writers, founded by Cardinal Richelieu in 1635, devoted chiefly to preserving the purity of the French language

■ French and Indian War   n   the war (1755–60) between the French and British, each aided by different Indian tribes, that formed part of the North American Seven Years' War

■ French bean   n   1 a small twining bushy or annual bean plant, Phaseolus vulgaris, with white or lilac flowers and slender green edible pods   2 the pod of this plant. See also haricot   ▶ Also called: dwarf bean, kidney bean

■ French bread   n   white bread in a long slender loaf that is made from a water dough and has a crisp brown crust

■ French bulldog   n   a small stocky breed of dog with a sleek coat, usually brindled or pied, a large square head, and large erect rounded ears

■ French Cameroons   pl n   the part of Cameroon formerly administered by France (1919–60)

■ French Canada   n   the areas of Canada, esp in the province of Quebec, where French Canadians predominate

■ French Canadian   n   1 a Canadian citizen whose native language is French   ▷ adj French-Canadian   2 of or relating to French Canadians or their language

■ French chalk   n   a compact variety of talc used to mark cloth or remove grease stains from materials

■ French Community   n   an international association consisting of France and a number of former French colonies: founded in 1958 as a successor to the French Union

■ French cricket   n   a child's game resembling cricket, in which the batsman's legs are used as the wicket

■ French cuff   n   a double cuff formed by a backward fold of the material

■ French curve   n   a thin plastic sheet with profiles of several curves, used by draughtsmen for drawing curves

■ French doors   pl n   US and Canadian a pair of casement windows extending to floor level and opening onto a balcony, garden, etc. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): French windows

■ French dressing   n   a salad dressing made from oil and vinegar with seasonings; vinaigrette

■ French Equatorial Africa   n   the former French overseas territories of Chad, Gabon, Middle Congo, and Ubangi-Shari (1910–58)

■ French fact   n   (in Canada) the presence of French Canada as a distinct cultural force within the Confederation

■ French Foreign Legion   n   a unit of the French Army formerly serving esp in French North African colonies. It is largely recruited from foreigners, with French senior officers

■ French fried potatoes   pl n   a more formal name for chips. Also called (esp US and Canadian): French fries. See chip (sense 4)

■ French Guiana   n   a French overseas region and department in NE South America, on the Atlantic: colonized by the French in about 1637; tropical forests. Capital: Cayenne. Pop: 229 000 (2009 est). Area: about 91 000 sq km (23 000 sq miles)

■ French Guianese or French Guianan   adj   1 of or relating to French Guiana or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of French Guiana

■ French Guinea   n   a former French territory of French West Africa: became independent as Guinea in 1958

■ French heel   n   a fairly high and narrow-waisted heel on women's shoes   > ˌFrench-ˈheeled adj

■ French horn   n   music a valved brass instrument with a funnel-shaped mouthpiece and a tube of conical bore coiled into a spiral. It is a transposing instrument in F. Range: about three and a half octaves upwards from B on the second leger line below the bass staff. See horn

■ Frenchify (ˈfrɛntʃIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   informal to make or become French in appearance, behaviour, etc   > ˌFrenchifiˈcation n

■ French India   n   a former French overseas territory in India, including Chandernagore and Pondicherry (now Puducherry): restored to India between 1949 and 1954

■ French Indochina   n   the territories of SE Asia that were colonized by France and held mostly until 1954: included Cochin China, Annam, and Tonkin (now largely Vietnam), Cambodia, Laos, and Kuang-Chou Wan (returned to China in 1945, now Zhanjiang)

■ French kiss   n   a kiss involving insertion of the tongue into the partner's mouth

■ French knickers   pl n   women's wide-legged underpants

■ French knot   n   an ornamental stitch made by looping the thread three or four times around the needle before putting it into the fabric

■ French leave   n   an unauthorized or unannounced absence or departure [C18: alluding to a custom in France of leaving without saying goodbye to one's host or hostess]

■ French letter   n   Brit a slang term for condom

■ French lilac   n   another name for goat's-rue (sense 1)

■ Frenchman (ˈfrɛntʃmən) or feminine Frenchwoman   n, pl -men or -women   a native, citizen, or inhabitant of France

■ French Morocco   n   a former French protectorate in NW Africa, united in 1956 with Spanish Morocco and Tangier to form the kingdom of Morocco

■ French mustard   n   a mild mustard paste made with vinegar rather than water

■ French navy   n     a a dark dull navy blue   b (as adjective): a French-navy dress

■ French North Africa   n   the former French possessions of Algeria, French Morocco, and Tunisia

■ French Oceania   n   a former name (until 1958) of French Polynesia

■ French paradox   n   the theory that the lower incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean countries compared to that in the US is a consequence of the larger intake of flavonoids from red wine in these countries

■ French pastry   n   a rich pastry made esp from puff pastry and filled with cream, fruit, etc

■ French pleat or French roll   n   a woman's hair style with the hair gathered at the back into a cylindrical roll

■ French polish   n   1 a varnish for wood consisting of shellac dissolved in alcohol   2 the gloss finish produced by repeated applications of this polish

■ French-polish   vb   to treat with French polish or give a French polish (to)

■ French Polynesia   n   a French Overseas Country (formerly Territory) in the S Pacific Ocean, including the Society Islands, the Tuamotu group, the Gambier group, the Tubuai Islands, and the Marquesas Islands. Capital: Papeete, on Tahiti. Pop: 277 293 (2013 est). Area: about 4000 sq km (1500 sq miles). Former name (until 1958): French Oceania

■ French Revolution   n   the anticlerical and republican revolution in France from 1789 until 1799, when Napoleon seized power

■ French Revolutionary calendar   n   the full name for Revolutionary calendar

■ French seam   n   a seam in which the edges are not visible

■ French sixth   n   (in musical harmony) an augmented sixth chord having a major third and an augmented fourth between the root and the augmented sixth

■ French Somaliland   n   a former name (until 1967) of Djibouti

■ French Southern and Antarctic Lands   pl n   a French overseas territory, comprising Adélie Land in Antarctica, the islands of Amsterdam and St Paul and the Kerguelen and Crozet archipelagos in the S Indian Ocean, and (from 2007), the Îles Éparses ("scattered islands") previously administered from Réunion, consisting of Bassas da India, Europa, the Glorioso Islands (Îles Glorieuses), Juan de Nova, and Tromelin Island; no permanent population: all claims to the mainland of Antarctica are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959

■ French stick   n   Brit a long straight notched stick loaf. Also called: French stick loaf

■ French Sudan   n   a former name (1898–1959) of Mali

■ French toast   n   1 Brit toast cooked on one side only   2 bread dipped in beaten egg and lightly fried

■ French Togoland   n   a former United Nations Trust Territory in W Africa, administered by France (1946–60), now the independent republic of Togo

■ French Union   n   a union of France with its dependencies (1946–58): replaced by the French Community

■ French vermouth   n   a dry aromatic white wine. Also called: French

■ French West Africa   n   a former group (1895–1958) of French Overseas Territories: consisted of Senegal, Mauritania, French Sudan, (now Mali), Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Niger, French Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Dahomey (now Benin)

■ French West Indies   pl n   the French West Indies various islands in the Lesser Antilles, administered by France; chiefly Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy and the French part of Saint Martin. Pop: 838 000 (2004 est). Area: 2792 sq km (1077 sq miles)

■ French windows   pl n   (sometimes singular) Brit a pair of casement windows extending to floor level and opening onto a balcony, garden, etc. US and Canadian name: French doors

■ Frenchy (ˈfrɛntʃI) informal   adj   1 characteristic of or resembling the French   ▷ n, pl -ies   2 a name for a French person

French^2 (frɛntʃ)   n   Sir John Denton Pinkstone, 1st Earl of Ypres. 1852–1925, British field marshal in World War I: commanded the British Expeditionary Force in France and Belgium (1914–15); Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1918–21)

Freneau (ˈfrɛnəʊ)   n   Philip. 1752–1832, US poet, journalist, and patriot; editor of the National Gazette (1791–93)

frenemy (ˈfrɛnəmI)   n, pl -mies informal   1 a supposed friend who behaves in a treacherous manner   2 a person who is considered as both a friend and a rival [C20: blend of FRIEND and ENEMY ]

frenetic (frIˈnɛtIk) or frenetical (frIˈnɛtIkəl)   adj   distracted or frantic; frenzied [C14: via Old French frenetique from Latin phrenēticus, from Greek phrenētikos, from phrenitis insanity, from phrēn mind]   > freˈnetically adv   > freˈneticness n

■ freneticism (frIˈnɛtIˌsIzəm)   n   the state or quality of being frenetic

Frenkel defect (ˈfrɛnkəl)   n   physics a crystal defect in which a lattice ion has moved to an interstitial position leaving a vacant lattice site [C20: named after I. I. Frenkel (1894–1952), Russian physicist]

frenulum (ˈfrɛnjʊləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   1 a strong bristle or group of bristles on the hind wing of some moths and other insects, by which the forewing and hind wing are united during flight   2 a small fraenum [C18: New Latin, diminutive of Latin frēnum bridle]

■ frenular (ˈfriːnjʊlə)   adj   1 anatomy of or relating to a fraenum   2 entomol of or relating to the frenulum of certain moths and insects

frenum (ˈfriːnəm)   n, pl -na (-nə)   a variant spelling (esp US) of fraenum

frenzy (ˈfrɛnzI)   n, pl -zies   1 violent mental derangement   2 wild excitement or agitation; distraction   3 a bout of wild or agitated activity: a frenzy of preparations   ▷ vb -zies, -zying, -zied   4 (tr) to make frantic; drive into a frenzy [C14: from Old French frenesie, from Late Latin phrēnēsis madness, delirium, from Late Greek, ultimately from Greek phrēn mind; compare FRENETIC]

■ frenzical (ˈfrɛnzIkəl)   adj   obsolete characterized by or resembling a frenzy; frenzied; wild; frantic

■ frenzied (ˈfrɛnzId)   adj   filled with or as if with frenzy; wild; frantic   > ˈfrenziedly adv

■ frenzily (ˈfrɛnzIlI)   adv   obsolete in a frenzied or frantic manner

Freon (ˈfriːɒn)   n   trademark any of a group of chemically unreactive chlorofluorocarbons used as aerosol propellants, refrigerants, and solvents

frequent   adj (ˈfriːkwənt)   1 recurring at short intervals   2 constant or habitual   ▷ vb (frIˈkwɛnt)   3 (tr) to visit repeatedly or habitually [C16: from Latin frequēns numerous; perhaps related to Latin farcīre to stuff]   > freˈquentable adj   > freˈquenter n   > ˈfrequently adv   > ˈfrequentness n

■ frequency (ˈfriːkwənsI)   n, pl -cies   1 the state of being frequent; frequent occurrence   2 the number of times that an event occurs within a given period; rate of recurrence   3 physics the number of times that a periodic function or vibration repeats itself in a specified time, often 1 second. It is usually measured in hertz. Symbol: ν, f   4 statistics   a the number of individuals in a class (absolute frequency)   b the ratio of this number to the total number of individuals under survey (relative frequency)   5 ecology   a the number of individuals of a species within a given area   b the percentage of quadrats that contains individuals of a species   ▶ Also called (for senses 1, 2): frequence [C16: from Latin frequentia a large gathering, from frequēns numerous, crowded]

■ frequency band   n   a continuous range of frequencies, esp in the radio spectrum, between two limiting frequencies

■ frequency distribution   n   statistics the function of the distribution of a sample corresponding to the probability density function of the underlying population and tending to it as the sample size increases, the set of relative frequencies of sample points falling within given intervals of the range of the random variable

■ frequency-division multiplex   n   See multiplex (sense 1)

■ frequency modulation   n   a method of transmitting information using a radio-frequency carrier wave. The frequency of the carrier wave is varied in accordance with the amplitude and polarity of the input signal, the amplitude of the carrier remaining unchanged. Abbreviation: FM. Compare amplitude modulation

■ frequentation (ˌfriːkwɛnˈteIʃən)   n   the act or practice of frequenting or visiting often

■ frequentative (frIˈkwɛntətIv) grammar   adj   1 denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to express repeated or habitual action   2 (in English) denoting a verb or an affix having meaning that involves repeated or habitual action, such as the verb wrestle, from wrest   ▷ n   3    a a frequentative verb or affix   b the frequentative aspect of verbs

■ frequent flyer   n   a person who often makes journeys by aeroplane

frere (frɛə)   n   an archaic word for friar

frescade (frɛsˈkeId)   n   1 a shaded walkway   2 a cool walk

fresco (ˈfrɛskəʊ)   n, pl -coes or -cos   1 a very durable method of wall-painting using watercolours on wet plaster or, less properly, dry plaster (fresco secco), with a less durable result   2 a painting done in this way [C16: from Italian: fresh plaster, coolness, from fresco (adj) fresh, cool, of Germanic origin]

■ frescoer (ˈfrɛskəʊə) or frescoist (ˈfrɛskəʊIst)   n   a person who paints in fresco

Frescobaldi (Italian freskoˈbaldi)   n   Girolamo (dʒiˈrɔːlamo). 1583–1643, Italian organist and composer, noted esp for his organ and harpsichord music

fresh (frɛʃ)   adj   1 not stale or deteriorated; newly made, harvested, etc: fresh bread; fresh strawberries   2 newly acquired, created, found, etc: fresh publications   3 novel; original: a fresh outlook   4 latest; most recent: fresh developments   5 further; additional; more: fresh supplies   6 not canned, frozen, or otherwise preserved: fresh fruit   7 (of water) not salt   8 bright or clear: a fresh morning   9 chilly or invigorating: a fresh breeze   10 not tired; alert; refreshed   11 not worn or faded: fresh colours   12 having a healthy or ruddy appearance   13 newly or just arrived; straight: fresh from the presses   14 youthful or inexperienced   15 chiefly US designating a female farm animal, esp a cow, that has recently given birth   16 informal presumptuous or disrespectful; forward   17 Northern English dialect partially intoxicated; tipsy   ▷ n   18 the fresh part or time of something   19 another name for freshet   ▷ vb   20 obsolete to make or become fresh; freshen   ▷ adv   21 in a fresh manner; freshly   22 fresh out of informal having just run out of supplies of [Old English fersc fresh, unsalted; related to Old High German frisc, Old French freis, Old Norse ferskr]   > ˈfreshly adv   > ˈfreshness n

■ fresh breeze   n   a fairly strong breeze of force five on the Beaufort scale

■ freshen (ˈfrɛʃən)   vb   1 to make or become fresh or fresher   2 (often foll by up) to refresh (oneself), esp by washing   3 (intr) (of the wind) to increase   4 to lose or cause to lose saltiness   5 (intr) chiefly US   a (of farm animals) to give birth   b (of cows) to commence giving milk after calving   > ˈfreshener n

■ fresher (ˈfrɛʃə) or freshman (ˈfrɛʃmən)   n, pl -ers or -men   a first-year student at college or university

■ fresherdom (ˈfrɛʃədəm)   n   the state of being a fresher

■ freshet (ˈfrɛʃIt)   n   1 the sudden overflowing of a river caused by heavy rain or melting snow   2 a stream of fresh water emptying into the sea

■ fresh-faced   adj   1 having a healthy or ruddy appearance   2 having an air of youthfulness or inexperience

■ fresh gale   n   a gale of force eight on the Beaufort scale

■ freshie (ˈfrɛʃI)   n   Hinglish informal, sometimes offensive a new immigrant to the UK from the Asian subcontinent [C21: from fresh off the boat]

■ freshish (ˈfrɛʃIʃ)   adj   informal reasonably fresh

■ freshmanship (ˈfrɛʃmənˌʃIp)   n   the state of being a freshman; the period during which a student is considered to be a freshman

■ fresh-run   adj   (of fish) newly migrated upstream from the sea, esp to spawn

■ freshwater (ˈfrɛʃˌwɔːtə)   n (modifier)   1 of, relating to, or living in fresh water   2 (esp of a sailor who has not sailed on the sea) unskilled or inexperienced   3 US small and little known: a freshwater school

Fresnel (French frɛnɛl)   n   Augustin Jean (oɡystɛ̃ ʒɑ̃). 1788–1827, French physicist: worked on the interference of light, contributing to the wave theory of light

■ fresnel (ˈfreInɛl; French frɛnɛl)   n   a unit of frequency equivalent to 10^12 hertz [C20: named after Augustin Jean Fresnel (1788–1827), French physicist]

■ Fresnel lens   n   a lens consisting of a number of smaller lenses arranged to give a flat surface of short focal length [C20: named after Augustin Jean Fresnel (1788–1827), French physicist]

Fresno (ˈfrɛznəʊ)   n   a city in central California, in the San Joaquin Valley. Pop: 451 455 (2003 est)

fret^1 (frɛt)   vb frets, fretting, fretted   1 to distress or be distressed; worry   2 to rub or wear away   3 to irritate or be irritated; feel or give annoyance or vexation   4 to eat away or be eaten away by chemical action; corrode   5 (intr) (of a road surface) to become loose so that potholes develop; scab   6 to agitate (water) or (of water) to be agitated   7 (tr) to make by wearing away; erode   ▷ n   8 a state of irritation or anxiety   9 the result of fretting; corrosion   10 a hole or channel caused by fretting [Old English fretan to EAT; related to Old High German frezzan, Gothic fraitan, Latin peredere]

■ fretful (ˈfrɛtfʊl)   adj   peevish, irritable, or upset   > ˈfretfully adv   > ˈfretfulness n

■ fretsome (ˈfrɛtsəm)   adj   1 causing (a person) to fret; vexing   2 tending to fret; fretful

■ fretter (ˈfrɛtə)   n   a person who, or thing which, frets

■ fretty (ˈfrɛtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 tending to fret; fretful   2 heraldry decorated with interlacing frets

fret^2 (frɛt)   n   1 a repetitive geometrical figure, esp one used as an ornamental border   2 such a pattern made in relief and with numerous small openings; fretwork   3 heraldry a charge on a shield consisting of a mascle crossed by a saltire   ▷ vb frets, fretting, fretted   4 (tr) to ornament with fret or fretwork [C14: from Old French frete interlaced design used on a shield, probably of Germanic origin]   > ˈfretless adj

■ fret saw or fretsaw (ˈfrɛtsɔː)   n   a fine-toothed saw with a long thin narrow blade, used for cutting designs in thin wood or metal

■ fretted (ˈfrɛtId)   adj   1 ornamented with angular designs or frets   2 decorated with fretwork

■ fretwork (ˈfrɛtˌwɜːk)   n   1 decorative geometrical carving or openwork   2 any similar pattern of light and dark   3 ornamental work of three-dimensional frets

fret^3 (frɛt)   n   any of several small metal bars set across the fingerboard of a musical instrument of the lute, guitar, or viol family at various points along its length so as to produce the desired notes when the strings are stopped by the fingers [C16: of unknown origin]   > ˈfretless adj

■ fretboard (ˈfrɛtbɔːd)   n   a fingerboard with frets on a stringed musical instrument

fret^4 (frɛt)   n   short for sea fret

Freud (frɔId)   n   1  Anna. 1895–1982, Austrian psychiatrist: daughter of Sigmund Freud and pioneer of child psychoanalysis   2  Sir Clement. 1924–2009, British broadcaster, writer, politician, and chef; best known as a panellist on the radio game show Just a Minute; grandson of Sigmund Freud   3  Lucian. 1922–2011, British painter, esp of nudes and portraits; grandson of Sigmund Freud   4  Sigmund (ˈziːkmʊnt). 1856–1939, Austrian psychiatrist; originator of psychoanalysis, based on free association of ideas and analysis of dreams. He stressed the importance of infantile sexuality in later development, evolving the concept of the Oedipus complex. His works include The Interpretation of Dreams (1900) and The Ego and the Id (1923)

■ Freudian (ˈfrɔIdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Sigmund Freud or his ideas   ▷ n   2 a person who follows or believes in the basic ideas of Sigmund Freud   > ˈFreudianˌism n

■ Freudian slip   n   any action, such as a slip of the tongue, that may reveal an unconscious thought

Frey (freI) or Freyr (ˈfreIə)   n   Norse myth the god of earth's fertility and dispenser of prosperity

Freya or Freyja (ˈfreIə)   n   Norse myth the goddess of love and fecundity, sister of Frey

Freytag (German ˈfraitaːk)   n   Gustav (ˈɡʊstaf). 1816–95, German novelist and dramatist; author of the comedy Die Journalisten (1853) and Soll und Haben (1855), a novel about German commercial life

FRG   abbreviation for   Federal Republic of Germany

FRGS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society

Fri.   abbreviation for   Friday

friable (ˈfraIəbəl)   adj   easily broken up; crumbly [C16: from Latin friābilis, from friāre to crumble; related to Latin fricāre to rub down]   > ˌfriaˈbility or ˈfriableness n

friand (ˈfriːænd; French frijɑ̃)   n   1 chiefly Austral a small rich cake traditionally made with almond-meal and flavoured with fruit   2 obsolete a person with refined taste in food; an epicure [from French (adj): dainty]

friar (ˈfraIə)   n   a member of any of various chiefly mendicant religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church, the main orders being Black Friars (Dominicans), Grey Friars (Franciscans), White Friars (Carmelites), and Austin Friars (Augustinians). See also Black Friar, Grey Friar, White Friar, Augustinian [C13 frere, from Old French: brother, from Latin frāter BROTHER]   > ˈfriarly adj

■ friarbird (ˈfraIəˌbɜːd)   n   any of various Australian honeyeaters of the genus Philemon, having a naked head

■ Friar Minor   n, pl Friars Minor   Christianity a member of either of two of the three orders into which the order founded by St Francis of Assisi came to be divided, namely the Order of Friars Minor and the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Compare Capuchin

■ friar's balsam   n   a compound containing benzoin, mixed with hot water, and used as an inhalant to relieve colds and sore throats

■ friar's lantern   n   another name for will-o'-the-wisp

■ Friar Tuck   n   English legend a jolly friar who joined Robin Hood's band and aided their exploits

■ friary (ˈfraIərI)   n, pl -aries   Christianity a convent or house of friars

frib (frIb)   n   Austral and NZ a short heavy-conditioned piece of wool removed from a fleece during classing [of unknown origin]

fribble (ˈfrIbəl)   vb   1 (tr) to fritter away; waste   2 (intr) to act frivolously; trifle   ▷ n   3 a wasteful or frivolous person or action   ▷ adj   4 frivolous; trifling [C17: of unknown origin]   > ˈfribbler n

■ fribblish (ˈfrIbəlIʃ)   adj   having the quality of a fribble

Fribourg (French fribur)   n   1 a canton in W Switzerland. Capital: Fribourg. Pop: 242 700 (2002 est). Area: 1676 sq km (645 sq miles)   2 a town in W Switzerland, capital of Fribourg canton: university (1889). Pop: 35 547 (2000)   ▶ German name: Freiburg

fricandeau or fricando (ˈfrIkənˌdəʊ)   n, pl -deaus, -deaux or -does (-ˌdəʊz)   a larded and braised veal fillet [C18: from Old French, probably based on FRICASSEE]

fricassee (ˌfrIkəˈsiː, ˈfrIkəsI, ˈfrIkəˌseI)   n   1 stewed meat, esp chicken or veal, and vegetables, served in a thick white sauce   ▷ vb -sees, -seeing, -seed   2 (tr) to prepare (meat) as a fricassee [C16: from Old French, from fricasser to fricassee; probably related to frire to FRY^1]

fricative (ˈfrIkətIv)   n   1 a continuant consonant produced by partial occlusion of the airstream, such as (f) or (z)   ▷ adj   2 relating to or denoting a fricative [C19: from New Latin fricātivus, from Latin fricāre to rub]

fricht (frIxt) Scot dialect   n   1 a fright   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to frighten; to scare

fricking (ˈfrIkIŋ)   adj   slang (intensifier): surrounded by fricking idiots [C20: euphemism for the taboo word FUCKING]

FRICS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

friction (ˈfrIkʃən)   n   1 a resistance encountered when one body moves relative to another body with which it is in contact   2 the act, effect, or an instance of rubbing one object against another   3 disagreement or conflict; discord   4 phonetics the hissing element of a speech sound, such as a fricative   5 perfumed alcohol used on the hair to stimulate the scalp [C16: from French, from Latin frictiō a rubbing, from fricāre to rub, rub down; related to Latin friāre to crumble]   > ˈfrictional adj   > ˈfrictionless adj

■ frictionally (ˈfrIkʃənəlI)   adv   in a frictional manner

■ frictional soil   n   another term for cohesionless soil

■ frictional unemployment   n   those people who are in the process of moving from one job to another and who therefore appear in the unemployment statistics collected at any given time

■ friction clutch   n   a mechanical clutch in which the drive is transmitted by the friction between surfaces, lined with cork, asbestos, or other fibrous materials, attached to the driving and driven shafts

■ friction layer   n   the atmospheric layer extending up to about 600 m, in which the aerodynamic effects of surface friction are appreciable

■ frictionlessly (ˈfrIkʃənləslI)   adv   in a frictionless manner

■ friction match   n   a match that ignites as a result of the heat produced by friction when it is struck on a rough surface. See also safety match

■ friction rub or friction murmur   n   med the sound, heard through a stethoscope, made by the rubbing together of the two inflamed layers of pericardium in patients with pericarditis or of pleura in patients with pleurisy

■ friction tape   n   US and Canadian adhesive tape, impregnated with a moisture-repelling substance, used to insulate exposed electrical conductors. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): insulating tape

■ friction welding   n   a form of welding in which the welding heat is generated by pressure and relative movement at the interface in the area of the weld

Friday (ˈfraIdI, -deI)   n   1 the sixth day of the week; fifth day of the working week   2 See girl Friday, man Friday [Old English Frīgedæg, literally: Freya's day; related to Old Frisian frīadei, Old High German frīatag]

fridge (frIdʒ)   n   informal short for refrigerator

■ fridge-freezer   n   Brit a domestic electrical appliance which comprises a fridge and a freezer compartment

fried (fraId)   vb   the past tense and past participle of fry^1

■ friedcake (ˈfraIdˌkeIk)   n   US dialect a small deep-fried cake or pastry, often ring-shaped

Friedan (ˈfriːdən)   n   Betty. 1921–2006, US feminist, founder and first president (1966–70) of the National Organization for Women. Her books include The Feminine Mystique (1963), The Second Stage (1982), and The Fountain of Life (1993)

Friedman (ˈfriːdmən)   n   Milton. 1912–2006. US economist, particularly associated with monetarism; a forceful advocate of free-market capitalism; Nobel Prize for Economics (1976)   > ˈFriedmanˌite n, adj

Friedrich (German ˈfriːdrIç)   n   Caspar David (ˈkaspar ˈdaːfIt). 1774–1840, German romantic landscape painter, noted for his skill in rendering changing effects of light

friend (frɛnd)   n   1 a person known well to another and regarded with liking, affection, and loyalty; an intimate   2 an acquaintance or associate   3 an ally in a fight or cause; supporter   4 a fellow member of a party, society, etc   5 a patron or supporter: a friend of the opera   6 be friends to be friendly (with)   7 make friends to become friendly (with)   ▷ vb (tr)   8 to add (a person) to one's list of contacts on a social networking website   9 an archaic word for befriend [Old English frēond; related to Old Saxon friund, Old Norse frǣndi, Gothic frijōnds, Old High German friunt]   > ˈfriendless adj   > ˈfriendlessness n   > ˈfriendship n

■ Friend^1 (frɛnd)   n   a member of the Religious Society of Friends; Quaker

■ Friend^2 (frɛnd)   n   trademark mountaineering a device consisting of a shaft with double-headed spring-loaded cams that can be wedged in a crack to provide an anchor point

■ friend at court   n   an influential acquaintance who can promote one's interests

■ friendly (ˈfrɛndlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 showing or expressing liking, goodwill, or trust: a friendly smile   2 on the same side; not hostile   3 tending or disposed to help or support; favourable: a friendly breeze helped them escape   ▷ n, pl -lies   4 Also called: friendly match sport a match played for its own sake, and not as part of a competition, etc   > ˈfriendlily adv   > ˈfriendliness n

■ -friendly   adj combining form   helpful, easy, or good for the person or thing specified: ozone-friendly

■ friendly fire   n   military firing by one's own side, esp when it harms one's own personnel

■ Friendly Islands   pl n   another name for Tonga^2

■ friendly society   n   Brit an association of people who pay regular dues or other sums in return for old-age pensions, sickness benefits, etc. US term: benefit society

■ friend of Dorothy (ˈdɒrəθI)   n   informal a homosexual man [C20: after a character in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz played by Judy GARLAND, who has a large gay following]

■ Friends of the Earth   n   (functioning as singular or plural) an organization of environmentalists and conservationists whose aim is to promote the sustainable use of the earth's resources. Abbreviations: FoE, FOE

frier (ˈfraIə)   n   a variant spelling of fryer

fries (fraIz)   pl n   another name for French fried potatoes

Friese-Greene (ˌfriːzˈɡriːn)   n   William. 1855–1921, British photographer. He invented (with Mortimer Evans) the first practicable motion-picture camera

Friesian^1 (ˈfriːʒən)   n   Brit any of several breeds of black-and-white dairy cattle having a high milk yield. Usual US and Canadian name: Holstein

Friesian^2 (ˈfriːʒən)   n, adj   a variant of Frisian

Friesland (ˈfriːzlənd; Dutch ˈfriːslɑnt)   n   1 a province of the N Netherlands, on the IJsselmeer and the North Sea: includes four of the West Frisian Islands; flat, with sand dunes and fens (under reclamation), canals, and lakes. Capital: Leeuwarden. Pop: 640 000 (2003 est). Area: 3319 sq km (1294 sq miles). Official and Frisian name: Fryslân   2 an area comprising the province of Friesland in the Netherlands along with the regions of East Friesland and North Friesland in Germany

frieze^1 (friːz)   n   1 architect   a the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice of a classical entablature, esp one that is decorated with sculpture   b the upper part of the wall of a room, below the cornice, esp one that is decorated   2 any ornamental band or strip on a wall [C16: from French frise, perhaps from Medieval Latin frisium, changed from Latin Phrygium Phrygian (work), from Phrygia Phrygia, famous for embroidery in gold]

■ friezelike (ˈfriːzˌlaIk)   adj   architect resembling, or reminiscent of, a frieze

frieze^2 (friːz)   n   a heavy woollen fabric with a long nap, used for coats, etc [C15: from Old French frise, from Middle Dutch friese, vriese, perhaps from Vriese Frisian]

frig (frIɡ)   vb frigs, frigging, frigged vulgar, slang   1 to have sexual intercourse (with)   2 to masturbate   3 (intr; foll by around, about, etc) to behave foolishly or aimlessly [C15 (in the sense: to wriggle): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to obsolete frike strong, or to Old English frīgan to love]

■ frigger (ˈfrIɡə)   n vulgar, slang   1 a despicable or obnoxious person   2  a person who frigs

frigger (ˈfrIɡə)   n   a small glass ornament, esp one which serves to demonstrate the skill of the glassmaker

■ frigging (ˈfrIɡIŋ)   adj, adv (prenominal)   slang (intensifier): it's only a frigging game; frigging hopeless [C20: euphemism for the taboo word FUCKING]

frigate (ˈfrIɡIt)   n   1 a medium-sized square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries   2    a Brit a warship larger than a corvette and smaller than a destroyer   b US (formerly) a warship larger than a destroyer and smaller than a cruiser   c US a small escort vessel [C16: from French frégate, from Italian fregata, of unknown origin]

■ frigate bird   n   any bird of the genus Fregata and family Fregatidae, of tropical and subtropical seas, having a long bill with a downturned tip, a wide wingspan, and a forked tail: order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc). Also called: man-of-war bird

■ frigatoon (ˌfrIɡəˈtuːn)   n   a Venetian sailing ship with a square stern

Frigg (frIɡ) or Frigga (ˈfrIɡə)   n   Norse myth the wife of Odin; goddess of the heavens and married love

fright (fraIt)   n   1 sudden intense fear or alarm   2 a sudden alarming shock   3 informal a horrifying, grotesque, or ludicrous person or thing: she looks a fright in that hat   4 take fright to become frightened   ▷ vb   5 a poetic word for frighten [Old English fryhto; related to Gothic faurhtei, Old Frisian fruchte, Old High German forhta]

■ frighten (ˈfraItən)   vb (tr)   1 to cause fear in; terrify; scare   2 to drive or force to go (away, off, out, in, etc) by making afraid   > ˈfrightened adj   > ˈfrightening adj   > ˈfrighteningly adv

■ frightener (ˈfraItənə)   n   1 a person or thing that causes fear   2 put the frighteners on Brit informal to intimidate

■ frightful (ˈfraItfʊl)   adj   1 very alarming, distressing, or horrifying   2 unpleasant, annoying, or extreme: a frightful hurry   > ˈfrightfulness n

■ frightfully (ˈfraItfəlI)   adv   (intensifier): I'm frightfully glad

■ frightsome (ˈfraItsəm)   adj   1 causing fright; frightful   2 experiencing fright

■ fright wig   n     a a wig with frizzy hair standing straight up from the surface   b a hairstyle resembling this

frigid (ˈfrIdʒId)   adj   1 formal or stiff in behaviour or temperament; lacking in affection or warmth   2 (esp of a woman)   a lacking sexual responsiveness   b averse to sexual intercourse or unable to achieve orgasm during intercourse   3 characterized by physical coldness: a frigid zone [C15: from Latin frigidus cold, from frīgēre to be cold, freeze; related to Latin frīgus frost]   > friˈgidity or ˈfrigidness n   > ˈfrigidly adv

■ frigidarium (ˌfrIdʒIˈdɛərIəm)   n   the cold room in an ancient Roman bathhouse, normally with a cold plunge-pool

■ Frigid Zone   n   archaic the cold region inside the Arctic or Antarctic Circle where the sun's rays are very oblique

frigorific (ˌfrIɡəˈrIfIk)   adj   obsolete causing cold or freezing [C17: from French frigorifique, from Latin frīgorificus, from frīgus cold, coldness + facere to make]

■ frigorifico (ˌfrIɡəˈrIfIkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   (in Spanish speaking countries) a meat storage plant attached to a slaughterhouse, esp one where meat is chilled or frozen before being exported

frijol (ˈfriːhəʊl; Spanish friˈxol)   n, pl -joles (-həʊlz; Spanish -ˈxoles)   a variety of bean, esp of the French bean, extensively cultivated for food in Mexico [C16: from Spanish, ultimately from Latin phaseolus, diminutive of phasēlus, from Greek phasēlos bean with edible pod]

frikkadel (ˈfrIkəˌdɛl)   n   South African dialect cookery a South African meatball

frill (frIl)   n   1 a gathered, ruched, or pleated strip of cloth sewn on at one edge only, as on garments, as ornament, or to give extra body   2 a ruff of hair or feathers around the neck of a dog or bird or a fold of skin around the neck of a reptile or amphibian   3 (often capital) a variety of domestic fancy pigeon having a ruff of curled feathers on the chest and crop. Full name: oriental frill   4 photog a wrinkling or loosening of the emulsion at the edges of a negative or print   5 (often plural) informal a superfluous or pretentious thing or manner; affectation: he made a plain speech with no frills   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to adorn or fit with a frill or frills   7 to form into a frill or frills   8 (intr) photog (of an emulsion) to develop a frill [C14: perhaps of Flemish origin]   > ˈfrilliness n   > ˈfrilly adj

■ frilled (frIld)   adj   clothing having frills

■ friller (ˈfrIlə)   n   a person who, or thing which, frills (something)

■ frillies (ˈfrIlIz)   pl n   informal women's underwear, esp when particularly frilly

■ frill-necked lizard   n   a large arboreal insectivorous Australian lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingi, having an erectile fold of skin around the neck: family Agamidae (agamas). Also called: frilled lizard

Frimaire French (frimɛr)   n   the frosty month: the third month of the French Revolutionary calendar, extending from Nov 22 to Dec 21 [C19: from French, from frimas hoarfrost, from Old French frim, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse hrīm RIME^1]

fringe (frIndʒ)   n   1 an edging consisting of hanging threads, tassels, etc   2    a an outer edge; periphery   b (as modifier): fringe dwellers; a fringe area   3 (modifier) unofficial; not conventional in form: fringe theatre   4 chiefly Brit a section of the front hair cut short over the forehead   5 an ornamental border or margin   6 physics any of the light and dark or coloured bands produced by diffraction or interference of light   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to adorn or fit with a fringe or fringes   8 to be a fringe for: fur fringes the satin [C14: from Old French frenge, ultimately from Latin fimbria fringe, border; see FIMBRIA]   > ˈfringeless adj

■ fringe benefit   n   an incidental or additional advantage, esp a benefit provided by an employer to supplement an employee's regular pay, such as a pension, company car, luncheon vouchers, etc

■ fringed (frIndʒd)   adj   1 decorated with fringes   2 fringed with something having a specified thing around the edge

■ fringed orchis   n   any orchid of the genus Habenaria, having yellow, white, purple, or greenish flowers with fringed petals. See also purple-fringed orchid

■ fringe tree   n   either of two ornamental oleaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Chionanthus, of North America and China, having clusters of white narrow-petalled flowers

■ fringing reef   n   a coral reef close to the shore to which it is attached, having a steep seaward edge

■ fringy (ˈfrIndʒI)   adj -gier, -giest   1 resembling a fringe   2 having a fringe or fringes

fringilliform (frInˈdʒIlIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a finch

fringilline (frInˈdʒIlaIn, -In), fringillid (frInˈdʒIlId) or fringillaceous (ˌfrIndʒIˈleIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Fringillidae, a family of songbirds that includes the finches [C19: from New Latin Fringilla type genus, from Latin fringilla a small bird, perhaps a chaffinch]

Frink (frIŋk)   n   Dame Elisabeth. 1930–93, British sculptor

fripon French (fripɔ̃)   n   obsolete a knave; a rogue

■ friponnerie (frIˌpɒnəˈriː; French fripɔnəri)   n   archaic an act of roguery

fripper (ˈfrIpə)   n   a dealer in old clothes

frippery (ˈfrIpərI)   n, pl -peries   1 ornate or showy clothing or adornment   2 showiness; ostentation   3 unimportant considerations; trifles; trivia [C16: from Old French freperie, from frepe frill, rag, old garment, from Medieval Latin faluppa a straw, splinter, of obscure origin]

frippet (ˈfrIpIt)   n   Brit old-fashioned, informal a frivolous or flamboyant young woman

fris (friːz)   n   obsolete a fine frieze-like fabric. Also called: frizado

Frisbee (ˈfrIzbiː)   n   trademark a light plastic disc, usually 20–25 centimetres in diameter, thrown with a spinning motion for recreation or in competition

Frisch (frIʃ)   n   1  Karl von. 1886–1982, Austrian zoologist; studied animal behaviour, esp of bees; shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1973   2  Max (maks). 1911–91, Swiss dramatist and novelist. His works are predominantly satirical and include the plays Biedermann und die Brandstifter (1953) and Andorra (1961), and the novel Stiller (1954)   3  Otto. 1904–79, British nuclear physicist, born in Austria, who contributed to the development of the first atomic bomb   4  Ragnar (Anton Kittil). 1895–1973, Norwegian economist, who pioneered the study of econometrics and greatly influenced the management of the Norwegian economy from 1945: shared the first Nobel prize for economics (1969) with Jan Tinbergen

Frisches Haff (ˈfrIʃəs ˈhaf)   n   the German name for Vistula (sense 2)

frisé (ˈfriːzeI)   n   a fabric with a long normally uncut nap used for upholstery and rugs [from French, literally: curled]

■ frisette or frizette (frIˈzɛt)   n   a curly or frizzed fringe, often an artificial hairpiece, worn by women on the forehead [C19: from French, literally: little curl, from friser to curl, shrivel up, probably from frire to FRY^1]

frisee (friːˈzeI)   n   an endive, Cichorium endivia, often used in salads

friseur French (frizœr)   n   a hairdresser [C18: literally: one who curls (hair); see FRISETTE]

Frisian (ˈfrIʒən) or Friesian   n   1 a language spoken in the NW Netherlands, parts of N Germany, and adjacent islands, belonging to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family: the nearest relative of the English language; it has three main dialects   2 a native or inhabitant of Friesland or a speaker of the Frisian language   ▷ adj   3    a of or relating to the Frisian language or its speakers   b of or relating to Friesland or its peoples and culture [C16: from Latin Frīsiī people of northern Germany]

■ Frisian Islands   pl n   a chain of islands in the North Sea along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark: separated from the mainland by shallows

frisk (frIsk)   vb   1 (intr) to leap, move about, or act in a playful manner; frolic   2 (tr) (esp of animals) to whisk or wave briskly: the dog frisked its tail   3 (tr)   a to search (someone) by feeling for concealed weapons, etc   b to rob by searching in this way   ▷ n   4 a playful antic or movement; frolic   5 the act or an instance of frisking a person [C16: from Old French frisque, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German frisc lively, FRESH]   > ˈfrisker n   > ˈfriskingly adv

■ frisky (ˈfrIskI)   adj friskier, friskiest   lively, high-spirited, or playful. Also (rare): friskful   > ˈfriskily adv   > ˈfriskiness n

friska (ˈfrIʃkɔː)   n   a fast section in the music of a Hungarian folk dance or in a piece of music of this style

frisket (ˈfrIskIt)   n   printing a light rectangular frame, attached to the tympan of a hand printing press, that carries a parchment sheet to protect the nonprinting areas [C17: from French frisquette, of obscure origin]

frisson French (frisɔ̃)   n   a shudder or shiver; thrill [C18 (but in common use only from C20): literally: shiver]

frisure (friːˈzʊə; French frizyr)   n   a method of curling hair

frit or fritt (frIt)   n   1    a the basic materials, partially or wholly fused, for making glass, glazes for pottery, enamel, etc   b a glassy substance used in some soft-paste porcelain   2 the material used for making the glaze for artificial teeth   ▷ vb frits or fritts, fritting, fritted   3 (tr) to fuse (materials) in making frit [C17: from Italian fritta, literally: fried, from friggere to fry, from Latin frīgere]

frites French (frit)   pl n   chipped potatoes

fritfly (ˈfrItˌflaI)   n   a small black dipterous fly, Oscinella frit, whose larvae are destructive to barley, wheat, rye, oats, etc: family Chloropidae

frith (frIθ)   n   a variant of firth

frithborh (ˌfrIθˈbɒrx)   n   English law obsolete (from Old English) a frankpledge

frithsoken (ˌfrIθˈsɒkən)   n   obsolete (from Old English) a refuge; a sanctuary

frithstool (ˈfrIθˌstuːl)   n   ecclesiast obsolete (from Old English) a seat in a church which provided protection to a person seeking sanctuary

fritillary (frIˈtIlərI)   n, pl -laries   1 Also called: fritillaria any N temperate liliaceous plant of the genus Fritillaria, having purple or white drooping bell-shaped flowers, typically marked in a chequered pattern. See also snake's head   2 any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genera Argynnis, Boloria, etc, having brownish wings chequered with black and silver [C17: from New Latin fritillāria, from Latin fritillus dice box; probably with reference to the spotted markings]

frittata (frIˈtɑːtə)   n   an Italian dish made with eggs and chopped vegetables or meat, resembling a flat thick omelette [C20: Italian, from fritto, past participle of friggere to fry]

fritter^1 (ˈfrItə)   vb (tr)   1 (usually foll by away) to waste or squander: to fritter away time   2 to break or tear into small pieces; shred   ▷ n   3 a small piece; shred [C18: probably from obsolete fitter to break into small pieces, ultimately from Old English fitt a piece]   > ˈfritterer n

fritter^2 (ˈfrItə)   n   a piece of food, such as apple or clam, that is dipped in batter and fried in deep fat [C14: from Old French friture, from Latin frictus fried, roasted, from frīgere to fry, parch]

fritz (frIts) US informal   n   1 on the fritz (of an appliance, etc) broken or malfunctioning   ▷ vb (intr)   2 (of an appliance, etc) to become broken or start malfunctioning

Friuli (Italian friˈuːli)   n   a historic region of SW Europe, between the Carnic Alps and the Gulf of Venice: the W part (Venetian Friuli) was ceded by Austria to Italy in 1866 and Eastern Friuli in 1919; in 1947 Eastern Friuli (except Gorizia) was ceded to Yugoslavia

■ Friulian (frIˈuːlIən)   n   1 the Rhaetian dialect spoken in parts of Friuli. See also Ladin, Romansch   2 an inhabitant of Friuli or a speaker of Friulian   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Friuli, its inhabitants, or their language

■ Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italian ˈdʒuːlja)   n   a region of NE Italy, formed in 1947 from Venetian Friuli and part of Eastern Friuli. Capital: Trieste. Pop: 1 191 588 (2003 est). Area: 7851 sq km (3031 sq miles)

frivolous (ˈfrIvələs)   adj   1 not serious or sensible in content, attitude, or behaviour; silly: a frivolous remark   2 unworthy of serious or sensible treatment; unimportant: frivolous details [C15: from Latin frīvolus silly, worthless]   > ˈfrivolously adv   > ˈfrivolousness or frivolity (frIˈvɒlItI) n

■ frivol (ˈfrIvəl)   vb -ols, -olling, -olled or US -ols, -oling, -oled informal   1 (intr) to behave frivolously; trifle   2 (tr; often foll by away) to waste on frivolous pursuits [C19: back formation from FRIVOLOUS]   > ˈfrivoller or US ˈfrivoler n

frize (friːz)   n obsolete   1 textiles a woollen fabric with a long normally uncut nap. Also called: frisé   2 architect a frieze   ▷ vb obsolete   3 to frizz   4 (tr) to give a bur to (the nap of a cloth); to frieze

■ frizer (ˈfriːzə)   n   obsolete a person who gives a bur to the nap of a cloth

frizette (frIˈzɛt)   n   a variant spelling of frisette

frizz (frIz)   vb   1 (of the hair, nap, etc) to form or cause (the hair, etc) to form tight wiry curls or crisp tufts   ▷ n   2 hair that has been frizzed   3 the state of being frizzed [C19: from French friser to curl, shrivel up (see FRISETTE): influenced by FRIZZLE^1]   > ˈfrizzer n

■ frizzies (ˈfrIzIz)   pl n   the frizzies the condition of having frizzy hair

■ frizzy (ˈfrIzI) or frizzly (ˈfrIzlI)   adj -zier, -ziest or -zlier, -zliest   (of the hair) in tight crisp wiry curls   > ˈfrizzily adv   > ˈfrizziness or ˈfrizzliness n

frizzante (frIˈzæntI; Italian fridˈdzante)   adj   (of wine) slightly effervescent [Italian, from frizzare to sparkle]

frizzle^1 (ˈfrIzəl)   vb   1 to form (the hair) into tight crisp curls; frizz   ▷ n   2 a tight crisp curl [C16: probably related to Old English frīs curly, Old Frisian frēsle curl, ringlet]   > ˈfrizzler n

frizzle^2 (ˈfrIzəl)   vb   1 to scorch or be scorched, esp with a sizzling noise   2 (tr) to fry (bacon, etc) until crisp [C16: probably blend of FRY^1 + SIZZLE]

Frl.   abbreviation for   Fräulein [German: Miss]

fro^1 (frəʊ)   adv   back or from. See to and fro [C12: from Old Norse frā; related to Old English fram FROM]

fro^2 or 'fro (frəʊ)   n, pl fros or 'fros   short for Afro

Frobisher (ˈfrəʊbIʃə)   n   Sir Martin. ?1535–94, English navigator and explorer: made three unsuccessful voyages in search of the Northwest Passage (1576; 1577; 1578), visiting Labrador and Baffin Island

■ Frobisher Bay (ˈfrəʊbIʃə)   n   1 an inlet of the Atlantic in NE Canada, in the SE coast of Baffin Island   2 the former name of Iqaluit

frock (frɒk)   n   1 a girl's or woman's dress   2 a loose garment of several types, such as a peasant's smock   3 a coarse wide-sleeved outer garment worn by members of some religious orders   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to invest (a person) with the office or status of a cleric [C14: from Old French froc; related to Old Saxon, Old High German hroc coat]

■ frock coat   n   a single- or double-breasted skirted coat, as worn in the 19th century

■ frocking (ˈfrɒkIŋ)   n   coarse material suitable for making frocks or work clothes

■ frockless (ˈfrɒkləs)   adj   with no frock

■ frock tart   n   NZ slang a person who makes or designs costumes for films or television

Fröding (Swedish ˈfrøːdIŋ)   n   Gustaf (ˈɡʊstav). 1860–1911, Swedish poet. His popular lyric verse includes the collections Guitar and Concertina (1891), New Poems (1894), and Splashes and Rags (1896)

froe or frow (frəʊ)   n   a cutting tool with handle and blade at right angles, used for stripping young trees, etc [C16: from frower, from froward (in the sense: turned away)]

Froebel or Fröbel (German ˈfrøːbəl)   n   1  Friedrich (Wilhelm August) (ˈfriːdrIç). 1782–1852, German educator: founded the first kindergarten (1840)   ▷ adj   2 of, denoting, or relating to a system of kindergarten education developed by him or to the training and qualification of teachers to use this system

frog^1 (frɒɡ)   n   1 any insectivorous anuran amphibian of the family Ranidae, such as Rana temporaria of Europe, having a short squat tailless body with a moist smooth skin and very long hind legs specialized for hopping   2 any of various similar amphibians of related families, such as the tree frog. Related adjective: batrachian   3 any spiked or perforated object used to support plant stems in a flower arrangement   4 a recess in a brick to reduce its weight   5 a frog in one's throat phlegm on the vocal cords that affects one's speech   ▷ vb frogs, frogging, frogged   6 (intr) to hunt or catch frogs [Old English frogga; related to Old Norse froskr, Old High German forsk]

■ Frog (frɒɡ) or Froggy (ˈfrɒɡI)   n, pl Frogs or Froggies offensive   a derogatory word for a French person

■ frog-bit   n   a floating aquatic Eurasian plant, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, with heart-shaped leaves and white flowers: family Hydrocharitaceae

■ frogeye (ˈfrɒɡˌaI)   n   a fungal plant disease causing leaf spots

■ frogeyed (ˈfrɒɡˌaId)   adj   1 US informal (of a person) having a bulging eye or bulging eyes   2 (of a plant) affected by frogeye

■ frogfish (ˈfrɒɡˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any angler (fish) of the family Antennariidae, in which the body is covered with fleshy processes, including a fleshy lure on top of the head

■ froggery (ˈfrɒɡərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a collection of frogs   2 a place where frogs are kept

■ froggy (ˈfrɒɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   of, like, or relating to frogs; full of frogs

■ froghopper (ˈfrɒɡˌhɒpə)   n   any small leaping herbivorous homopterous insect of the family Cercopidae, whose larvae secrete a protective spittle-like substance around themselves. Also called: spittle insect, spittlebug

■ frog kick   n   a type of kick used in swimming, as in the breast stroke, in which the legs are simultaneously drawn towards the body and bent at the knees with the feet together, straightened out with the legs apart, and then brought together again quickly

■ froglet (ˈfrɒɡlət) or frogling (ˈfrɒɡlIŋ)   n   a small or immature frog

■ froglike (ˈfrɒɡˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a frog; resembling that of a frog

■ frogman (ˈfrɒɡmən)   n, pl -men   a swimmer equipped with a rubber suit, flippers, and breathing equipment for working underwater

■ frogmarch (ˈfrɒɡˌmɑːtʃ)   n   1 a method of carrying a resisting person in which each limb is held by one person and the victim is carried horizontally and face downwards   2 any method of making a resisting person move forward against his or her will   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to carry in a frogmarch or cause to move forward unwillingly

■ frogmouth (ˈfrɒɡˌmaʊθ)   n   any nocturnal insectivorous bird of the genera Podargus and Batrachostomus, of SE Asia and Australia, similar to the nightjars: family Podargidae, order Caprimulgiformes

■ frog orchid   n   any of several orchids having greenish flowers thought to resemble small frogs, esp Coeloglossum viride of calcareous turf

■ frog pad   n   a rubber or leather cushion fixed to a leather sole and fitted under a horseshoe to reduce shock to a horse's foot

■ frogspawn (ˈfrɒɡˌspɔːn)   n   a mass of fertilized frogs' eggs or developing tadpoles, each egg being surrounded by a protective nutrient jelly

■ frog spit or frog spittle   n   1 another name for cuckoo spit   2 a foamy mass of threadlike green algae floating on ponds

frog^2 (frɒɡ)   n   1 (often plural) a decorative fastening of looped braid or cord, as on the front of a 19th-century military uniform   2 a loop or other attachment on a belt to hold the scabbard of a sword, etc   3 music, US and Canadian   a the ledge or ridge at the upper end of the fingerboard of a violin, cello, etc, over which the strings pass to the tuning pegs   b the end of a violin bow that is held by the player. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): nut [C18: perhaps ultimately from Latin floccus tuft of hair, FLOCK^2]

■ frogged (frɒɡd)   adj   (of a coat) fitted with ornamental frogs

■ frogging (ˈfrɒɡIŋ)   n   the ornamental frogs on a coat collectively

frog^3 (frɒɡ)   n   a tough elastic horny material in the centre of the sole of a horse's foot [C17: of uncertain origin]

frog^4 (frɒɡ)   n   a grooved plate of iron or steel placed to guide train wheels over an intersection of railway lines [C19: of uncertain origin; perhaps a special use of FROG^1]

froideur (frwæˈdɜː; French frwɑdœr)   n   a coldness of manner; an aloofness

froise (frɔIz)   n   a type of pancake often made with bacon

Froissart (French frwasar)   n   Jean (ʒɑ̃). ?1333–?1400, French chronicler and poet, noted for his Chronique, a vivid history of Europe from 1325 to 1400

frolic (ˈfrɒlIk)   n   1 a light-hearted entertainment or occasion   2 light-hearted activity; gaiety; merriment   ▷ vb -ics, -icking, -icked   3 (intr) to caper about; act or behave playfully   ▷ adj   4 archaic or literary full of merriment or fun [C16: from Dutch vrolijk, from Middle Dutch vro happy, glad; related to Old High German frō happy]   > ˈfrolicker n

■ frolicsome (ˈfrɒlIksəm) or frolicky   adj   given to frolicking; merry and playful   > ˈfrolicsomely adv   > ˈfrolicsomeness n

from (frɒm, unstressed frəm)   prep   1 used to indicate the original location, situation, etc: from Paris to Rome; from behind the bushes; from childhood to adulthood   2 in a period of time starting at: she lived from 1910 to 1970   3 used to indicate the distance between two things or places: a hundred miles from here   4 used to indicate a lower amount: from five to fifty people   5 showing the model of: painted from life   6 used with the gerund to mark prohibition, restraint, etc: nothing prevents her from leaving   7 because of: exhausted from his walk [Old English fram; related to Old Norse frā, Old Saxon, Old High German, Gothic fram from, Greek promos foremost]

fromage frais (ˈfrɒmɑːʒ ˈfreI)   n   a low-fat soft cheese with a smooth light texture [French, literally: fresh cheese]

Frome (frəʊm)   n   Lake Frome a shallow salt lake in NE South Australia: intermittently filled with water. Length: 100 km (60 miles). Width: 48 km (30 miles)

fromenty (ˈfrəʊməntI)   n   a variant of frumenty

Fromm (frɒm)   n   Erich (ˈɛrIk). 1900–80, US psychologist and philosopher, born in Germany. His works include The Art of Loving (1956) and To Have and To Be (1976)

frond (frɒnd)   n   1 a large compound leaf, esp of a fern   2 the thallus of a seaweed or a lichen [C18: from Latin frōns]   > ˈfronded adj   > ˈfrondless adj

■ frondage (ˈfrɒndIdʒ)   n   1 (collectively) the fronds (of a plant)   2 not standard the foliage (of a plant)

■ frondent (ˈfrɒndənt)   adj   abounding in fronds; leafy

■ frondescence (frɒnˈdɛsəns)   n   1 rare the process or state of producing leaves   2 a less common name for foliage [C19: from New Latin frondēscentia, from Latin frondēscere to put forth leaves, from frōns foliage; see FROND]   > fronˈdescent, ˈfrondose or ˈfrondous adj

■ frondiferous (frɒnˈdIfərəs)   adj   frond-bearing; leaf-bearing

Fronde (frɒnd; French frɔ̃d)   n   French history either of two rebellious movements against the ministry of Cardinal Mazarin in the reign of Louis XIV, the first led by the parlement of Paris (1648–49) and the second by the princes (1650–53) [C18: from French, literally: sling, the insurgent parliamentarians being likened to naughty schoolboys using slings]

■ Frondeur (frɒnˈdɜː; French frɔ̃dœr)   n   1 French history a member of the Fronde   2 any malcontent or troublemaker

frons (frɒnz)   n, pl frontes (ˈfrɒntiːz)   an anterior cuticular plate on the head of some insects, in front of the clypeus [C19: from Latin: forehead, brow, FRONT]

front (frʌnt)   n   1 that part or side that is forward, prominent, or most often seen or used   2 a position or place directly before or ahead: a fountain stood at the front of the building   3 the beginning, opening, or first part: the front of the book   4 the position of leadership; forefront; vanguard: in the front of scientific knowledge   5 land bordering a lake, street, etc   6 land along a seashore or large lake, esp a promenade   7 military   a the total area in which opposing armies face each other   b the lateral space in which a military unit or formation is operating: to advance on a broad front   c the direction in which troops are facing when in a formed line   8 meteorol the dividing line or plane between two air masses or water masses of different origins and having different characteristics. See also warm front, cold front   9 outward aspect or bearing, as when dealing with a situation: a bold front   10 assurance, overconfidence, or effrontery   11 informal a business or other activity serving as a respectable cover for another, usually criminal, organization   12 chiefly US a nominal leader of an organization, etc, who lacks real power or authority; figurehead   13 informal outward appearance of rank or wealth   14 a particular field of activity involving some kind of struggle: on the wages front   15 a group of people with a common goal: a national liberation front   16 a false shirt front; a dicky   17 archaic the forehead or the face   ▷ adj (prenominal)   18 of, at, or in the front: a front seat   19 phonetics of, relating to, or denoting a vowel articulated with the blade of the tongue brought forward and raised towards the hard palate, as for the sound of ee in English see or a in English hat   20 on the front foot at an advantage, outclassing and outmanoeuvring one's opponents   ▷ vb   21 (when intr, foll by on or onto) to be opposite (to); face (onto): this house fronts the river   22 (tr) to be a front of or for   23 (tr) informal to appear as a presenter in (a television show)   24 (tr) to be the lead singer or player in (a band)   25 (tr) to confront, esp in hostility or opposition   26 (tr) to supply a front for   27 (intr; often foll by up) Austral and NZ informal to appear (at): to front up at the police station [C13 (in the sense: forehead, face): from Latin frōns forehead, foremost part]   > ˈfrontless adj

■ front.   abbreviation for   frontispiece

■ frontage (ˈfrʌntIdʒ)   n   1 the façade of a building or the front of a plot of ground   2 the extent of the front of a shop, plot of land, etc, esp along a street, river, etc   3 the direction in which a building faces: a frontage on the river

■ frontager (ˈfrʌntIdʒə)   n   an owner of property or land which immediately faces a beach or street

■ frontal (ˈfrʌntəl)   adj   1 of, at, or in the front   2 of or relating to the forehead: frontal artery   3 of or relating to the anterior part of a body or organ   4 meteorol of, relating to, or resulting from a front or its passage: frontal rainfall   ▷ n   5 a decorative hanging for the front of an altar   6 See frontal lobe, frontal bone   7 another name for frontlet (sense 1) [C14 (in the sense: adornment for forehead, altar cloth): via Old French frontel, from Latin frontālia (pl) ornament worn on forehead, frontellum altar cloth, both from frōns forehead, FRONT]   > ˈfrontally adv

■ frontal bone   n   the bone forming the forehead and the upper parts of the orbits. It contains several air spaces

■ frontality (frənˈtælItI)   n   fine arts a frontal view, as in a painting or other work of art

■ frontal lobe   n   anatomy the anterior portion of each cerebral hemisphere, situated in front of the central sulcus

■ front bench   n   1 Brit   a the foremost bench of either the Government or Opposition in the House of Commons   b the leadership (frontbenchers) of either group, who occupy this bench   c (as modifier): a front-bench decision   2 the leadership of the government or opposition in various legislative assemblies

■ front bottom   n   Brit informal the female genitals [C20]

■ frontcourt (ˈfrʌntˌkɔːt)   n   1 (in volleyball and racquet sports) the part of the court nearest to the net or front wall   2 (in basketball) the half of the court defended by the opposing team, or the offensive players who play in this half of the court

■ front door   n   1 the main entrance to a house   2 an open legitimate means of obtaining a job, position, etc: to get in by the front door

■ front-end   adj   (of money, costs, etc) required or incurred in advance of a project in order to get it under way

■ front-end load   n   commission and other expenses paid for as a large proportion of the early payments made by an investor in an insurance policy or a long-term investment plan   > front-end loading n

■ front-end processor   n   a small computer that receives data from input devices and performs some initial processing tasks on it before passing it to a more powerful computer for final processing

■ frontispiece (ˈfrʌntIsˌpiːs)   n   1 an illustration facing the title page of a book   2 the principal façade of a building; front   3 a pediment, esp an ornamented one, over a door, window, etc [C16 frontispice, from French, from Late Latin frontispicium façade, inspection of the forehead, from Latin frōns forehead + specere to look at; influenced by PIECE]

■ frontlessly (ˈˈfrʌntləslI)   adv   in a frontless or shameless manner

■ frontlet (ˈfrʌntlIt)   n   1 Also called: frontal a small decorative loop worn on a woman's forehead, projecting from under her headdress, in the 15th century   2 the forehead of an animal, esp of a bird when it is a different colour from the rest of the head   3 the decorated border of an altar frontal   4 Judaism a phylactery worn on the forehead. See also tefillah [C15: from Old French frontelet a little FRONTAL]

■ front line   n   1 military the most advanced military units or elements in a battle   2 the most advanced, exposed, or conspicuous element in any activity or situation   3 frontline, front-line (modifier)   a of, relating to, or suitable for the front line of a military formation: frontline troops   b Brit of, relating to, or suitable for public service and business employees who are in direct contact with the public: frontline staff   c to the fore; advanced, conspicuous, etc: frontline news   d of or relating to a country bordering on or close to a hostile country or scene of armed conflict: leaders of the frontline states attended the summit

■ frontlist (ˈfrʌntˌlIst)   n     a a publisher's list of forthcoming books   b (as modifier): a frontlist writer. See also backlist, mid-list

■ front loader   n   a washing machine with a door at the front which opens one side of the drum into which washing is placed

■ front man or frontman (ˈfrʌntˌmæn)   n, pl -men informal   1 a nominal leader of an organization, etc, who lacks real power or authority, esp one who lends respectability to some nefarious activity. Gender-neutral form: figurehead   2 the leader or visual focus of a group of musicians, usually the singer   ▶ Also called: front person

■ front matter   n   another name for prelims (sense 1)

■ front of house   n   the areas of a theatre, opera house, etc, used by the audience

■ frontogenesis (ˌfrʌntəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   meteorol the formation or development of a front through the meeting of air or water masses from different origins   > frontogenetic (ˌfrʌntəʊdʒəˈnɛtIk) adj   > ˌfrontogeˈnetically adv

■ frontolysis (frʌnˈtɒlIsIs)   n   meteorol the weakening or dissipation of a front

■ front-page   n   (modifier) important or newsworthy enough to be put on the front page of a newspaper

■ front-rank   adj   foremost; most important; prominent

■ front row   n (functioning as singular or plural)   rugby Union   a the forwards at the front of a scrum   b (as modifier): perhaps the finest front-row forward in the world

■ frontrunner (ˈfrʌntˌrʌnə)   n   informal the leader or a favoured contestant in a race, election, etc

■ frontrunning (ˈfrʌntˌrʌnIŋ)   n   stock exchange the practice by market makers of using advance information provided by their own investment analysts before it has been given to clients

■ front up   vb informal   1 (tr) to pay (money) at the beginning of a business arrangement   2 to give one's best effort, esp in a physical contest: we have to front up in the scrum if we want to beat the All Blacks

■ frontwards (ˈfrʌntwədz), frontward or frontways (ˈfrʌntˌweIz)   adv   towards the front

Frontenac or Frontenac et Palluau (French frɔ̃tnak (e palyo))   n   Comte de (kɔ̃t də). title of Louis de Buade. 1620–98, governor of New France (1672–82; 1689–98)

frontenis (frʌnˈtɛnIs, frɒnˈtɛnIs)   n   sport a variation of the Basque ball game of pelota played on a large court with a tennis-style racquet

fronter (ˈfrʌntə)   n   1 obsolete a frontier   2 Scot dialect a three-year-old animal, esp a sheep

frontier (ˈfrʌntIə, frʌnˈtIə)   n   1    a the region of a country bordering on another or a line, barrier, etc, marking such a boundary   b (as modifier): a frontier post   2 US and Canadian   a the edge of the settled area of a country   b (as modifier): the frontier spirit   3 (often plural) the limit of knowledge in a particular field: the frontiers of physics have been pushed back [C14: from Old French frontiere, from front (in the sense: part which is opposite); see FRONT]

■ frontier orbital   n   chem the highest-energy occupied orbital or lowest-energy unoccupied orbital in a molecule. Such orbitals have a large influence on chemical properties

■ frontiersman (ˈfrʌntIəzmən, frʌnˈtIəz-)   n, pl -men   (formerly) a man living on a frontier, esp in a newly pioneered territory of the US

■ frontierswoman (ˈfrʌntIəzwʊmən, frʌnˈtIəz-)   n, pl -women   (formerly) a woman living on a frontier, esp in a newly pioneered territory of the US

fronton (ˈfrɒntɒn, frɒnˈtɒn)   n   a wall against which pelota or jai alai is played [C17: from Spanish frontón, from frente forehead, from Latin frōns]

frore (frɔː) or frory (ˈfrɔːrI)   adj   archaic very cold or frosty [C13 froren, past participle of Old English frēosan to FREEZE]

frosh (frɒʃ)   n   US and Canadian slang a freshman [C20: altered from FRESHMAN]

frost (frɒst)   n   1 a white deposit of ice particles, esp one formed on objects out of doors at night. See also hoarfrost   2 an atmospheric temperature of below freezing point, characterized by the production of this deposit   3 degrees below freezing point: eight degrees of frost indicates a temperature of either –8°C or 24°F   4 informal something given a cold reception; failure   5 informal coolness of manner   6 the act of freezing   ▷ vb   7 to cover or be covered with frost   8 (tr) to give a frostlike appearance to (glass, etc), as by means of a fine-grained surface   9 (tr) chiefly US and Canadian to decorate (cakes, etc) with icing or frosting   10 (tr) to kill or damage (crops, etc) with frost [Old English frost; related to Old Norse, Old Saxon, Old High German frost; see FREEZE]   > ˈfrostˌlike adj

■ frostbite (ˈfrɒstˌbaIt)   n   1 destruction of tissues, esp those of the fingers, ears, toes, and nose, by freezing, characterized by tingling, blister formation, and gangrene   2 NZ a type of small sailing dinghy

■ frostbitten (ˈfrɒstˌbItən)   adj   of or affected with frostbite

■ frostbound (ˈfrɒstbaʊnd)   adj   (of ground) hardened by frost

■ frosted (ˈfrɒstId)   adj   1 covered or injured by frost   2 covered with icing, as a cake   3 (of glass, etc) having a surface roughened, as if covered with frost, to prevent clear vision through it

■ frostfish (ˈfrɒstˌfIʃ)   n   1 the tomcod, Microgadus tomcod, found in North American coastal waters in frosty weather   2 the ribbonfish, Lepidopus caudatus, found in waters around New Zealand and Southern Australia in frosty weather. Also called: scabbard-fish

■ frost-free   adj   of a fridge that regularly and automatically defrosts itself

■ frost heave   n   the upthrust and cracking of a ground surface through the freezing and expansion of water underneath. Also called: frost heaving

■ frost hollow   n   a depression in a hilly area in which cold air collects, becoming very cold at night

■ frosting (ˈfrɒstIŋ)   n   1 a soft icing based on sugar and egg whites   2 Also called: icing a sugar preparation, variously flavoured and coloured, for coating and decorating cakes, biscuits, etc   3 a rough or matt finish on glass, silver, etc   4 slang the practice of stealing a car while the owner has left it idling to defrost the windows and heat the engine

■ frostless (ˈfrɒstləs)   adj   with no frost

■ frostline (ˈfrɒstˌlaIn)   n   1 the deepest point in the ground to which frost will penetrate   2 the limit towards the equator beyond which frosts do not occur

■ frostnip (ˈfrɒstˌnIp)   n   the preliminary stage of frostbite

■ frost stud   n   an antislip device fitted to a horse's shoe. Also called: frost cog

■ frostwork (ˈfrɒstˌwɜːk)   n   1 the patterns made by frost on glass, metal, etc   2 similar artificial ornamentation

■ frosty (ˈfrɒstI)   adj frostier, frostiest   1 characterized by frost: a frosty night   2 covered by or decorated with frost   3 lacking warmth or enthusiasm: the new plan had a frosty reception   4 like frost in appearance or colour; hoary   > ˈfrostily adv   > ˈfrostiness n

Frost (frɒst)   n   1  Sir David (Paradine). 1939–2013, British television presenter and executive, noted esp for political interviews   2  Robert (Lee). 1874–1963, US poet, noted for his lyrical verse on country life in New England. His books include A Boy's Will (1913), North of Boston (1914), and New Hampshire (1923)

froth (frɒθ)   n   1 a mass of small bubbles of air or a gas in a liquid, produced by fermentation, detergent, etc   2 a mixture of saliva and air bubbles formed at the lips in certain diseases, such as rabies   3 trivial ideas, talk, or entertainment   ▷ vb   4 to produce or cause to produce froth   5 (tr) to give out in the form of froth   6 (tr) to cover with froth [C14: from Old Norse frotha or frauth; related to Old English āfrēothan to foam, Sanskrit prothati he snorts]   > ˈfrothy adj   > ˈfrothily adv   > ˈfrothiness n

■ frother (ˈfrɒθə)   n   1 cookery a utensil or substance which is used to froth a liquid, esp a utensil for frothing milk   2 informal an excitable or easily provoked person

■ frothery (ˈfrɒθərI)   n, pl -ries   an insubstantial thing; a triviality

■ froth flotation   n   another name for flotation (sense 3)

■ frothless (ˈfrɒθləs)   adj   without froth

frottage (ˈfrɒtɑːʒ; French frɔtaʒ)   n   1 the act or process of taking a rubbing from a rough surface, such as wood, for a work of art   2 sexual excitement obtained by rubbing against another person's clothed body [French, from frotter to rub]

■ frotteur (frɒˈtɜː; French frɔtœr)   n   a person who rubs against another person's body for sexual gratification

Froude (fruːd)   n   1  James Anthony. 1818–94, English historian; author of a controversial biography (1882–84) of Carlyle.   2  his brother William. 1810–79, English civil engineer

■ Froude number (fraʊd)   n   a dimensionless number used in hydrodynamics for model simulation of actual conditions [named after William Froude (1810–79), English civil engineer]

froufrou (ˈfruːˌfruː)   n   1 a swishing sound, as made by a long silk dress   2 elaborate dress or ornamentation, esp worn by women [C19: from French, of imitative origin]

froughy (ˈfrəʊI, ˈfraʊI)   adj dialect   1 musty; rancid   2 (of timber) soft; brittle

frounce (fraʊns) obsolete   n   1 a wrinkle or crease; a pleat; a frown   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to wrinkle or crease; to pleat   3 (intr) to frown

frow (frəʊ)   n   a variant spelling of froe

froward (ˈfrəʊəd)   adj   archaic obstinate; contrary [C14: see FRO, -WARD]   > ˈfrowardly adv   > ˈfrowardness n

frown (fraʊn)   vb   1 (intr) to draw the brows together and wrinkle the forehead, esp in worry, anger, or concentration   2 (intr; foll by on or upon) to have a dislike (of); look disapprovingly (upon): the club frowned upon political activity by its members   3 (tr) to express (worry, etc) by frowning   4 (tr; often foll by down) to force, silence, etc, by a frowning look   ▷ n   5 the act of frowning   6 a show of dislike or displeasure [C14: from Old French froigner, of Celtic origin; compare Welsh ffroen nostril, Middle Breton froan]   > ˈfrowner n

■ frowning (ˈfraʊnIŋ)   adj   1 drawing the brows together and wrinkling the forehead, esp in worry, anger, or concentration   2 disapproving or disliking   > ˈfrowningly adv

frowst (fraʊst)   n   Brit informal a hot and stale atmosphere; fug [C19: back formation from frowsty musty, stuffy, variant of FROWZY]

■ frowster (ˈfraʊstə)   n   Brit informal a person who enjoys being in a hot and stale atmosphere

■ frowsty (ˈfraʊstI)   adj -stier, -stiest   ill-smelling; stale; musty   > ˈfrowstiness n

frowzy, frouzy or frowsy (ˈfraʊzI)   adj frowzier, frowziest, frouzier, frouziest, frowsier, frowsiest   1 untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby   2 ill-smelling; frowsty [C17: of unknown origin]   > ˈfrowziness, ˈfrouziness or ˈfrowsiness n

■ frowzily, frouzily or frowsily (ˈfraʊzIlI)   adv   in a frowzy or unkempt manner

froze (frəʊz)   vb   the past tense of freeze

frozen (ˈfrəʊzən)   vb   1 the past participle of freeze   ▷ adj   2 turned into or covered with ice   3 obstructed or blocked by ice   4 killed, injured, or stiffened by extreme cold   5 (of a region or climate) icy or snowy   6 (of food) preserved by a freezing process   7    a (of prices, wages, etc) arbitrarily pegged at a certain level   b (of business assets) not convertible into cash, as by government direction or business conditions   8 frigid, unfeeling, or disdainful in manner   9 motionless or unyielding: he was frozen with horror   > ˈfrozenly adv   > ˈfrozenness n

■ frozen shoulder   n   pathol a painful stiffness in a shoulder joint

FRPS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society

FRS   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal Society

FRSC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry

FRSNZ   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand

frt   abbreviation for   freight

fructan (ˈfrʌktən)   n   a type of polymer of fructose, present in certain fruits

fructed (ˈfrʌktId)   adj   (of a tree or plant in heraldry) portrayed with fruit

Fructidor French (fryktidɔr)   n   the month of fruit: the twelfth month of the French Revolutionary calendar, extending from Aug 19 to Sept 22 [C18: from Latin frūctus fruit + Greek dōron gift]

fructify (ˈfrʌktIˌfaI, ˈfrʊk-)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 to bear or cause to bear fruit   2 to make or become productive or fruitful [C14: from Old French fructifier, from Late Latin frūctificāre to bear fruit, from Latin frūctus fruit + facere to make, produce]   > ˈfructiˌfier n

■ fructiferous (frʌkˈtIfərəs, frʊk-)   adj   (of plants or trees) bearing or yielding fruit   > frucˈtiferously adv

■ fructification (ˌfrʌktIfIˈkeIʃən, ˌfrʊk-)   n   1 the act or state of fructifying   2 the fruit of a seed-bearing plant   3 any spore-bearing structure in ferns, mosses, fungi, etc

fructive (ˈfrʌktIv)   adj   obsolete fruitful

fructivorous (frʌkˈtIvərəs)   adj   zoology fruit-eating; frugivorous

fructose (ˈfrʌktəʊs, -təʊz, ˈfrʊk-)   n   a white crystalline water-soluble sugar occurring in honey and many fruits. Formula: C_6H_12O_6. Also called: laevulose, fruit sugar [C19: from Latin frūctus fruit + -OSE^2]

fructuary (ˈfrʌktjuːərI)   n, pl -ries   1 obsolete a person who enjoys the fruits or rewards (of something)   ▷ adj   2 (in Roman Law) of or relating to usufruct

fructuate (ˈfrʌktjuːeIt)   vb (intr)   obsolete to bear fruit

■ fructuation (ˌfrʌktjuːˈeIʃən)   n obsolete   1 the process of producing fruit   2 the fruit or produce of (something)

fructuous (ˈfrʌktjʊəs, ˈfrʊk-)   adj   productive or fruitful; fertile [C14: from Latin frūctuōsus, from frūctus fruit + -OUS]   > ˈfructuously adv   > ˈfructuousness n

frug (fruːɡ)   n   1 a type of dance popular in the 1960s   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to dance in such a style

frugal (ˈfruːɡəl)   adj   1 practising economy; living without waste; thrifty   2 not costly; meagre [C16: from Latin frūgālis, from frūgī useful, temperate, from frux fruit]   > fruˈgality or ˈfrugalness n   > ˈfrugally adv

■ frugalist (ˈfruːɡəlIst)   n   a person who is frugal or thrifty

frugalista (ˌfruːɡəˈlIstə)   n   informal a person who tries to stay fashionably dressed on a budget [C21: a blend of FRUGAL + FASHIONISTA]

frugiferous (fruːˈdʒIfərəs)   adj   bearing fruit; fruitful

frugivorous (fruːˈdʒIvərəs)   adj   feeding on fruit; fruit-eating [C18: from frugi- (as in FRUGAL) + -VOROUS]

■ frugivore (ˈfruːdʒIˌvɔː)   n   zoology an animal that feeds primarily on fruit

fruit (fruːt)   n   1 botany the ripened ovary of a flowering plant, containing one or more seeds. It may be dry, as in the poppy, or fleshy, as in the peach   2 any fleshy part of a plant, other than the above structure, that supports the seeds and is edible, such as the strawberry   3 the specialized spore-producing structure of plants that do not bear seeds   4 any plant product useful to humans, including grain, vegetables, etc   5 (often plural) the result or consequence of an action or effort   6 Brit old-fashioned, slang chap; fellow: used as a term of address   7 slang, chiefly Brit a person considered to be eccentric or mad   8 offensive, slang, chiefly US and Canadian a homosexual man   9 archaic offspring of humans or animals; progeny   ▷ vb   10 to bear or cause to bear fruit [C12: from Old French, from Latin frūctus enjoyment, profit, fruit, from frūī to enjoy]   > ˈfruitˌlike adj

■ fruitage (ˈfruːtIdʒ)   n   1 the process, state, or season of producing fruit   2 fruit collectively

■ fruitarian (fruːˈtɛərIən)   n   1 a person who eats only fruit   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to a fruitarian: a fruitarian diet   > fruiˈtarianˌism n

■ fruit bat   n   any large Old World bat of the suborder Megachiroptera, occurring in tropical and subtropical regions and feeding on fruit. Compare insectivorous bat

■ fruit body   n   a variant of fruiting body

■ fruitcake (ˈfruːtˌkeIk)   n   1 a rich cake containing mixed dried fruit, lemon peel, nuts, etc   2 slang, chiefly Brit a person considered to be eccentric or mad

■ fruit cocktail   n   fruit salad consisting of small or diced fruits

■ fruit cup   n   a variety of fruits served in a cup or glass as an appetizer or dessert

■ fruit drop   n   1 the premature shedding of fruit from a tree before fully ripe   2 a boiled sweet with a fruity flavour

■ fruiter (ˈfruːtə)   n   1 a fruit grower   2 any tree that bears fruit, esp edible fruit

■ fruiterer (ˈfruːtərə)   n   chiefly Brit a fruit dealer or seller

■ fruiteress (ˈfruːtərəs)   n   a female fruit dealer or seller

■ fruitery (ˈfruːtərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a collection or crop of fruit   2 obsolete a place where fruit is stored

■ fruit fly   n   1 any small dipterous fly of the family Trypetidae, which feed on and lay their eggs in plant tissues. See also gallfly   2 any dipterous fly of the genus Drosophila. See drosophila

■ fruitful (ˈfruːtfʊl)   adj   1 bearing fruit in abundance   2 productive or prolific, esp in bearing offspring   3 causing or assisting prolific growth   4 producing results or profits: a fruitful discussion   > ˈfruitfully adv   > ˈfruitfulness n

■ fruiting body   n   the part of a fungus in which the spores are produced. Also: fruit body

■ fruition (fruːˈIʃən)   n   1 the attainment or realization of something worked for or desired; fulfilment   2 enjoyment of this   3 the act or condition of bearing fruit [C15: from Late Latin fruitiō enjoyment, from Latin fruī to enjoy]

■ fruitive (ˈfruːtIv)   adj   giving enjoyment; enjoying

■ fruit knife   n   a small stainless knife for cutting fruit

■ fruitless (ˈfruːtlIs)   adj   1 yielding nothing or nothing of value; unproductive; ineffectual   2 without fruit   > ˈfruitlessly adv   > ˈfruitlessness n

■ fruitlet (ˈfruːtlət)   n   a small fruit, esp one that is part of an aggregate fruit

■ fruit machine   n   Brit a gambling machine that pays out when certain combinations of diagrams, usually of fruit, are displayed

■ fruit-picker   n   a person or a tool that picks fruit from trees

■ fruit salad   n   a dish consisting of sweet fruits cut up and served in a syrup: often sold canned

■ fruit sugar   n   another name for fructose

■ fruit tree   n   any tree that bears edible fruit

■ fruitwood (ˈfruːtˌwʊd)   n   the wood of a fruit tree, esp when used in furniture making

■ fruity (ˈfruːtI)   adj fruitier, fruitiest   1 of or resembling fruit   2 (of a voice) mellow or rich   3 ingratiating or unctuous   4 informal, chiefly Brit erotically stimulating; salacious   5 slang eccentric or mad   6 chiefly US and Canadian an offensive slang word for homosexual   > ˈfruitily adv   > ˈfruitiness n

frumenty (ˈfruːməntI), fromenty, furmenty or furmity   n   Brit a kind of porridge made from hulled wheat boiled with milk, sweetened, and spiced [C14: from Old French frumentee, from frument grain, from Latin frūmentum]

■ frumentaceous (ˌfruːmɛnˈteIʃəs)   adj   resembling or made of wheat or similar grain [C17: from Late Latin frūmentāceus, from Latin frūmentum corn, grain]

■ frumentarious (ˌfruːmənˈtɛərIəs)   adj   rare of or relating to wheat or a similar grain

■ frumentation (ˌfruːmənˈteIʃən)   n   (in ancient Rome) a public donation of grain, often given to citizens during times of unease

frump (frʌmp)   n   a woman who is dowdy, drab, or unattractive [C16 (in the sense: to be sullen; C19: dowdy woman): from Middle Dutch verrompelen to wrinkle, RUMPLE]

■ frumpy (ˈfrʌmpI) or frumpish (ˈfrʌmpIʃ)   adj   (of a woman, clothes, etc) dowdy, drab, or unattractive   > ˈfrumpily or ˈfrumpishly adv   > ˈfrumpiness or ˈfrumpishness n

frumple (ˈfrʌmpəl)   n   1 obsolete a wrinkle or crease   ▷ vb (tr)   2 dialect to wrinkle or crease

Frunze (Russian ˈfrunzI)   n   the former name (until 1991) of Bishkek

frusemide (ˈfrʌsəˌmaId) or furosemide (ˈfjʊərˌəʊsəˌmaId)   n   a diuretic used to relieve oedema, for example caused by heart or kidney disease

frush^1 (frʌʃ)   n Scot dialect   1 a crashing or clattering noise   2 a collection of splinters or fragments   ▷ adj   3 Scot dialect easily broken; brittle; fragile   ▷ vb (tr)   4 obsolete to break into pieces; to crush or bruise

frush^2 (frʌʃ)   n dialect   1 the frog of a horse's foot   2 Also (more fully): running frush a disease affecting the frog of a horse's foot

frust (frʌst)   n   obsolete a fragment

frustrate (frʌˈstreIt)   vb (tr)   1 to hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of; thwart   2 to upset, agitate, or tire: her constant complaints began to frustrate him   ▷ adj   3 archaic frustrated or thwarted; baffled [C15: from Latin frustrāre to cheat, from frustrā in error]   > frusˈtrater n

■ frustrated (frʌˈstreItId)   adj   having feelings of dissatisfaction or lack of fulfilment

■ frustrating (frʌˈstreItIŋ)   adj   upsetting, difficult, tiring, or annoying

■ frustratingly (frʌˈstreItIŋlI)   adv   in a frustrating manner

■ frustration (frʌˈstreIʃən)   n   1 the condition of being frustrated   2 something that frustrates   3 psychol   a the prevention or hindering of a potentially satisfying activity   b the emotional reaction to such prevention that may involve aggression

frustule (ˈfrʌstjuːl)   n   botany the hard siliceous cell wall of a diatom [C19: from French, from Late Latin frustulum a small piece, from frustum a bit]

frustum (ˈfrʌstəm)   n, pl -tums or -ta (-tə)   1 geometry   a the part of a solid, such as a cone or pyramid, contained between the base and a plane parallel to the base that intersects the solid   b the part of such a solid contained between two parallel planes intersecting the solid   2 architect a single drum of a column or a single stone used to construct a pier [C17: from Latin: piece; probably related to Old English brӯsan to crush, BRUISE]

frutex ( ˈfruːtɛks)   n   botany a plant or shrub with a woody stem

■ frutescent (fruːˈtɛsənt) or fruticose (ˈfruːtIˌkəʊs, -ˌkəʊz)   adj   having the appearance or habit of a shrub; shrubby [C18: from Latin frutex shrub, bush]   > fruˈtescence n

frutify (ˈfruːtIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   a malapropism for notify

fry^1 (fraI)   vb fries, frying, fried   1 (when tr, sometimes foll by up) to cook or be cooked in fat, oil, etc, usually over direct heat   2 (intr) informal to be excessively hot   3 slang, chiefly US to kill or be killed by electrocution, esp in the electric chair   ▷ n, pl fries   4 a dish of something fried, esp the offal of a specified animal: pig's fry   5 US and Canadian a social occasion, often outdoors, at which the chief food is fried   6 Brit informal the act of preparing a mixed fried dish or the dish itself [C13: from Old French frire, from Latin frīgere to roast, fry]

■ fryable (ˈfraIəbəl)   adj   1 (of food) able to be fried   2 an archaic word for friable

■ frybread (ˈfraIˌbrɛd)   n   US dialect a Native American fried bread made with wheat or corn flour, often served on special occasions

■ fryer or frier (ˈfraIə)   n   1 a person or thing that fries   2 a young chicken suitable for frying

■ frying (ˈfraIIŋ)   n     a the act of cooking or being cooked in fat, oil, etc, usually over direct heat   b (as modifier): frying steak

■ frying pan or esp US fry-pan   n   1 a long-handled shallow pan used for frying   2 out of the frying pan into the fire from a bad situation to a worse one

■ fry-up   n   Brit informal a dish, usually breakfast, which contains a mixture of fried or cooked foods, such as sausages, eggs, bacon and tomatoes

fry^2 (fraI)   pl n   1 the young of various species of fish   2 the young of certain other animals, such as frogs   3 young children. See also small fry [C14 (in the sense: young, offspring): perhaps via Norman French from Old French freier to spawn, rub, from Latin fricāre to rub]

Fry (fraI)   n   1  Christopher. 1907–2005, English dramatist; author of the verse dramas A Phoenix Too Frequent (1946), The Lady's Not For Burning (1948), and Venus Observed (1950)   2  Elizabeth. 1780–1845, English prison reformer and Quaker   3  Roger Eliot. 1866–1934, English art critic and painter who helped to introduce the postimpressionists to Britain. His books include Vision and Design (1920) and Cézanne (1927)   4  Stephen (John). born 1957, British writer, actor, and comedian; his novels include The Liar (1991) and The Stars' Tennis Balls (2000)

f.s.   abbreviation for   foot-second

FSA   abbreviation for   1 Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries   2 (in Britain from 2001 to 2013) Financial Services Authority   3 (in Britain) Food Standards Agency

FSB   abbreviation for   the Russian Federal Security Service, founded in 1995 [C20: Russian Federalnaya sluzhba bezopasnosti]

FSH   abbreviation for   follicle-stimulating hormone

ft   abbreviation for   1 foot or feet   2 fortification

■ ft-l   abbreviation for   foot-lambert

■ ft-lb   abbreviation for   foot-pound

Ft   abbreviation for   Fort

FT   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Financial Times

■ FT-SE 100 Index   abbreviation for   Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index

■ FT Share Indexes   pl n   any of a number of share indexes published by the Financial Times to reflect various aspects of stock exchange prices. See Financial Times Industrial Ordinary Share Index, Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index

fth. or fthm.   abbreviation for   fathom

FTP or ftp   n   1 file transfer protocol; the standard protocol used to transfer files across the internet, or a similar network, between computer systems   2 the program implementing this   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to transfer (a file) in this way

Fuad I (fuːˈɑːd)   n   original name Ahmed Fuad Pasha. 1868–1936, sultan of Egypt (1917–22) and king (1922–36)

fub (fʌb)   vb   an archaic word for cheat

■ fubbery (ˈfʌbərI)   n, pl -ries   obsolete an act of cheating; a deception

fubar or foobar (ˈfʊːbɑː)   adj   slang irreparably damaged or bungled [C20: acronym for f(ucked) u(p) b(eyond) a(ll) r(epair)]

fubsy (ˈfʌbzI) or fubby (ˈfʌbI)   adj -sier, -siest, -bbier, -bbiest   archaic or dialect short and stout; squat [C18: from obsolete fubs plump person]

Fu-chou (ˈfuːˈtʃaʊ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Fuzhou

Fuchs (fʊks, fuːks)   n   1  Klaus Emil (klaus ˈeːmiːl). 1911–88, East German physicist. He was born in Germany, became a British citizen (1942), and was imprisoned (1950–59) for giving secret atomic research information to the Soviet Union   2  Sir Vivian Ernest. 1908–99, English explorer and geologist: led the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1955–58)

fuchsia (ˈfjuːʃə)   n   1 any onagraceous shrub of the mostly tropical genus Fuchsia, widely cultivated for their showy drooping purple, red, or white flowers   2 Also called: California fuchsia a North American onagraceous plant, Zauschneria californica, with tubular scarlet flowers   3    a a reddish-purple to purplish-pink colour   b (as adjective): a fuchsia dress [C18: from New Latin, named after Leonhard Fuchs (1501–66), German botanist]

■ fuchsin (ˈfuːksIn) or fuchsine (ˈfuːksiːn, -sIn)   n   a greenish crystalline substance, the quaternary chloride of rosaniline, forming a red solution in water: used as a textile dye and a biological stain. Formula: C_20H_19N_3HCl. Also called: magenta [C19: from FUCHS(IA) + -IN; from its similarity in colour to the flower]

fuchsite (ˈfuːksaIt)   n   mineralogy a green-coloured variety of muscovite rich in chromium

fuck (fʌk) taboo, slang   vb   1 to have sexual intercourse with (someone)   ▷ n   2 an act of sexual intercourse   3 a partner in sexual intercourse, esp one of specified competence or experience   4 not care a fuck or not give a fuck not to care at all   ▷ interj   5 an expression of strong disgust or anger (often in exclamatory phrases such as fuck you! fuck it! etc) [C16: of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch fokken to strike]

USAGE

The use and overuse of fuck in the everyday speech of many people has led, to some extent, to a lessening of its impact as an expletive. However, the word still retains its shock value, although it is less now than it was when the critic Kenneth Tynan caused controversy by saying it on British television in 1965

■ fuck about or fuck around   vb (adverb) taboo, slang   1 (intr) to act in a stupid or aimless manner   2 (tr) to treat (someone) in an inconsiderate or selfish way

■ fuck-all   n   Brit taboo, slang absolutely nothing

■ fuck buddy   n   taboo, slang a person with whom another person has a relationship based on casual sex only

■ fucker (ˈfʌkə)   n derogatory, slang, taboo   1 a despicable or obnoxious person   2 a person; fellow   3 a person who fucks

■ fuckhead (ˈfʌkˌhɛd)   n   derogatory, slang, taboo a stupid or contemptible person

■ fucking (ˈfʌkIŋ)   adj, adv (prenominal) taboo, slang   (intensifier): turn off that fucking phone; a fucking good time

■ fucking A   interj   taboo, slang, US an emphatic exclamation of approval

■ fuckoff (ˈfʌkˌɒf)   n   US derogatory, military slang, taboo a person who avoids responsibility; a shirker, esp in the military

■ fuck off taboo, slang   interj   1 a forceful expression of dismissal or contempt   ▷ vb (adverb)   2 (intr) to go away   3 (tr) to irritate or annoy (a person)   ▷ adj   4 (prenominal) very large or impressive: a huge fuck-off cigar

■ fuck up taboo, slang   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to damage or bungle: to fuck up a machine   2 to make confused   ▷ n fuck-up   3 an act or an instance of bungling

■ fuckwit (ˈfʌkˌwIt)   n   derogatory, slang, taboo a foolish person

fucose (ˈfjuːkəʊs, ˈfjuːkəʊz)   n   biochem a hexose deoxy sugar found in certain glycans and polysaccharides

fucoxanthin (ˌfjuːkəʊˈzænθIn)   n   a carotenoid pigment that gives brown algae and diatoms their colour: functions in photosynthesis. Formula: C_40H_56O_6 or C_40H_60O_6

fucus (ˈfjuːkəs)   n, pl -ci (-saI) or -cuses   any seaweed of the genus Fucus, common in the intertidal regions of many shores and typically having greenish-brown slimy fronds. See also wrack^2 (sense 2) [C16: from Latin: rock lichen, from Greek phukos seaweed, dye, of Semitic origin]

■ fucivorous (fjuːˈkIvərəs)   adj   zoology feeding on seaweed [C19: from Greek phukos seaweed + -VOROUS]

■ fucoid (ˈfjuːkɔId)   adj also fucoidal, fucous (ˈfjuːkəs)   1 of, relating to, or resembling seaweeds of the genus Fucus   ▷ n   2 any seaweed of the genus Fucus

fucused (ˈfjuːkəst)   adj   obsolete adorned with cosmetics; painted

fud (fʌd)   n Scot   1 dialect the tail of a rabbit, hare, etc   2 dialect the buttocks   3 vulgar, slang the female genitals   4 Technical, slang female pubic hair

fuddle (ˈfʌdəl)   vb   1 (tr; often passive) to cause to be confused or intoxicated   2 (intr) to drink excessively; tipple   ▷ n   3 a muddled or confused state [C16: of unknown origin]

■ fuddled (ˈfʌdəld)   adj   1 in a muddled or confused state   2 confused or intoxicated

■ fuddler (ˈfʌdələ)   n   a person who fuddles; a drinker

fuddy (ˈfʌdI)   adj -dier, -diest   informal old-fashioned; conservative; dull

fuddy-duddy (ˈfʌdIˌdʌdI)   n, pl -dies   informal a person, esp an elderly one, who is extremely conservative or dull [C20: of uncertain origin]

fudge^1 (fʌdʒ)   n   a soft variously flavoured sweet made from sugar, butter, cream, etc [C19: of unknown origin]

fudge^2 (fʌdʒ)   n   1 foolishness; nonsense   ▷ interj   2 a mild exclamation of annoyance   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to talk foolishly or emptily [C18: of uncertain origin]

fudge^3 (fʌdʒ)   n   1 a small section of type matter in a box in a newspaper allowing late news to be included without the whole page having to be remade   2 the box in which such type matter is placed   3 the late news so inserted   4 a machine attached to a newspaper press for printing this   5 an unsatisfactory compromise reached to evade a difficult problem or controversial issue   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to make or adjust in a false or clumsy way   7 (tr) to misrepresent; falsify   8 to evade (a problem, issue, etc); dodge; avoid [C19: see FADGE]

Fuegian (fjuːˈiːdʒIən, ˈfweIdʒ-)   adj   1 of or relating to Tierra del Fuego or its indigenous peoples   ▷ n   2 a native of Tierra del Fuego

fuel (fjʊəl)   n   1 any substance burned as a source of heat or power, such as coal or petrol   2    a the material, containing a fissile substance, such as uranium-235, that produces energy in a nuclear reactor   b a substance that releases energy in a fusion reactor   3 something that nourishes or builds up emotion, action, etc   ▷ vb fuels, fuelling, fuelled or US fuels, fueling, fueled   4 to supply with or receive fuel [C14: from Old French feuaile, from feu fire, ultimately from Latin focus fireplace, hearth]   > ˈfueller or US ˈfueler n

■ fuel air bomb   n   a type of bomb that spreads a cloud of gas, which is then detonated, over the target area, causing extensive destruction

■ fuel cell   n   a cell in which the energy produced by oxidation of a fuel is converted directly into electrical energy

■ fuel-efficient   adj   (of a vehicle, etc) using the least or a lower than usual amount of fuel in proportion to the number of miles travelled

■ fuel element   n   a can containing nuclear fuel for use in a fission reactor

■ fuel injection   n   a system for introducing atomized liquid fuel under pressure directly into the combustion chambers of an internal-combustion engine without the use of a carburettor

■ -fuelled   adj   (in combination) energized or caused by the thing specified: adrenaline-fuelled; drug-fuelled

■ fuel oil   n   a liquid petroleum product having a flash point above 37.8°C: used as a substitute for coal in industrial furnaces, domestic heaters, ships, and locomotives

■ fuel poverty   n   the state of being unable to afford to heat one's home adequately

■ fuel rod   n   a long tube, often made of a zirconium alloy and containing uranium-oxide pellets, that is stacked in bundles of about 200 to provide the fuel in certain types of nuclear reactor

■ fuel-saving   adj   (of a vehicle) using less fuel for a further distance

■ fuelwood (ˈfjʊəlˌwʊd)   n   any wood used as a fuel; firewood

Fuentes (ˈfwɛnteIs)   n   Carlos. 1928–2012, Mexican novelist and writer. His novels include A Change of Skin (1967), Terra Nostra (1975), and Cristóbal Nonato (1987)

fuero (ˈfweIrəʊ; Spanish fwero)   n   Spanish history a Spanish charter or code of laws

Fuerteventura (fwerteβenˈtura)   n   the second largest of the Canary Islands; tourism, fishing. Pop: 74 983 (2003 est). Area: 1,660 sq km (640 sq miles)

fuff (fʌf) Scot dialect   n   1 a puff (of wind, smoke, etc) or a sound similar to this   2 the hiss of a cat or other feline   3 a fit of bad temper   ▷ vb   4 (intr) (of wind) to puff   5 (intr) (of a person) to be out of breath; to fume with rage   6 (intr) (of a cat or other feline) to hiss   7 (intr) (foll by off or away) to leave suddenly   8 (tr) to puff (a pipe)   9 (tr) (foll by out) to emit (steam, smoke, etc)   ▷ interj   10 an expression of contempt

■ fuffy (ˈfʌfI)   adj -fier, -fiest Scot dialect   1 soft; puffy   2 (of a person) huffy; sensitive

fug (fʌɡ)   n   chiefly Brit a hot, stale, or suffocating atmosphere [C19: perhaps variant of FOG^1]   > ˈfuggy adj

■ fuggily (ˈfʌɡIlI)   adv   dialect in a fuggy or stuffy manner

■ fugginess (ˈfʌɡInIs)   n   the state or condition of being fuggy

fugacious (fjuːˈɡeIʃəs)   adj   1 passing quickly away; transitory; fleeting   2 botany lasting for only a short time: fugacious petals [C17: from Latin fugax inclined to flee, swift, from fugere to flee; see FUGITIVE]   > fuˈgaciously adv   > fuˈgaciousness n

■ fugacity (fjuːˈɡæsItI)   n   1 Also called: escaping tendency thermodynamics a property of a gas, related to its partial pressure, that expresses its tendency to escape or expand, given by d(logef) = dμ/RT, where μ is the chemical potential, R the gas constant, and T the thermodynamic temperature. Symbol: f   2 the state or quality of being fugacious

Fugard (ˈfuːɡɑːd)   n   Athol (ˈæθəl). born 1932, South African dramatist, theatre director, and novelist. His plays include The Blood-Knot (1961), Sizwe Bansi is Dead (1972), Statements after an Arrest under the Immorality Act (1974), and The Captain's Tiger (1999). The film of his novel Tsotsi won an Academy Award for best foreign language film (2006)

fugato (fjʊˈɡɑːtəʊ) music   adv, adj   1 in the manner or style of a fugue   ▷ n   2 a movement, section, or piece in this style [C19: from Italian, from fugare to compose in the style of a FUGUE]

-fuge   n combining form   indicating an agent or substance that expels or drives away: vermifuge [from Latin fugāre to expel, put to flight]   > -fugal adj combining form

Fugger (German ˈfʊɡər)   n   a German family of merchants and bankers, prominent in 15th- and 16th-century Europe

fughetta (fjuːˈɡɛtə; Italian fuːˈɡeta)   n   music a short fugue

fugie (ˈfjuːɡI)   n Scot obsolete   1 a cock that runs from a fight   2 a coward

fugio (ˈfjuːdʒIəʊ)   n, pl -gios   a former US copper coin worth one dollar, the first authorized by Congress (1787) [C18: Latin: I flee; one of the words inscribed on the coin]

fugitive (ˈfjuːdʒItIv)   n   1 a person who flees   2 a thing that is elusive or fleeting   ▷ adj   3 fleeing, esp from arrest or pursuit   4 not permanent; fleeting; transient   5 moving or roving about [C14: from Latin fugitīvus fleeing away, from fugere to take flight, run away]   > ˈfugitively adv   > ˈfugitiveness n

■ fugitation (ˌfjuːdʒIˈteIʃən)   n   1 Scots law a sentence given to an accused person who does not appear for trial, declaring them to be an outlaw and fugitive   2 the act of running away

fugitometer (ˌfjuːdʒIˈtɒmItə)   n   an instrument used for measuring the fastness to light of dyed materials

fugleman (ˈfjuːɡəlmən)   n, pl -men   1 (formerly) a soldier used as an example for those learning drill   2 any person who acts as a leader or example [C19: from German Flügelmann, from Flügel wing, flank + Mann MAN]

■ fugle (ˈfjuːɡəl)   vb (intr)   1 to act as a fugleman or guide   2 to make signals; to gesticulate

fugly (ˈfʌɡlI)   adj -lier, -liest   slang extremely ugly [C20: the taboo word FUCKING + UGLY]

fugu (ˈfuːɡuː)   n   any of various marine pufferfish of the genus Tetraodontidae, eaten as a delicacy in Japan once certain poisonous and potentially lethal parts have been removed [Japanese]

fugue (fjuːɡ)   n   1 a musical form consisting essentially of a theme repeated a fifth above or a fourth below the continuing first statement   2 psychiatry a dreamlike altered state of consciousness, lasting from a few hours to several days, during which a person loses his or her memory for his or her previous life and often wanders away from home [C16: from French, from Italian fuga, from Latin: a running away, flight]   > ˈfugueˌlike adj

■ fugal (ˈfjuːɡəl)   adj   of, relating to, or in the style of a fugue   > ˈfugally adv

■ fuguist (ˈfjuːɡIst)   n   a composer of fugues

Führer or Fuehrer German (ˈfyːrər; English ˈfjʊərə)   n   a leader: applied esp to Adolf Hitler (der Führer) while he was Chancellor [German, from führen to lead]

Fuji (ˈfuːdʒI)   n   Mount Fuji an extinct volcano in central Japan, in S central Honshu: the highest mountain in Japan, famous for its symmetrical snow-capped cone. Height: 3776 m (12 388 ft). Also known as: Fujiyama, Fuji-san

Fujian or Fukien (ˈfuːˈkjɛn)   n   1 a province of SE China: mountainous and forested, drained chiefly by the Min River; noted for the production of flower-scented teas. Capital: Fuzhou. Pop: 34 880 000 (2003 est). Area: 123 000 sq km (47 970 sq miles)   2 any of the Chinese dialects of this province. See also Min

Fujita scale (fuːˈdʒiːtə)   n   a scale for expressing the intensity of a tornado, ranging from F0 (light damage) to F5 (incredible damage) [C20: named after Tetsuya Fujita, Japanese meteorologist]

Fukuoka (ˌfuːkuːˈəʊkə)   n   an industrial city and port in SW Japan, in N Kyushu: an important port in ancient times; site of Kyushu university. Pop: 1 302 454 (2002 est)

Fukushima (ˌfuːkuːˈʃiːmə)   n   a city in Japan, in N Honshu: noted for production of silk; site of a serious nuclear power station accident following an earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Pop: 290 064 (2011 est)

Fukuyama (ˌfuːkuːˈjɑːmə)   n   a city in Japan, in SW Honshu: industrial and commercial centre. Pop: 381 098 (2002 est)

-ful   suffix   1 (forming adjectives) full of or characterized by: painful; spiteful; restful   2 (forming adjectives) able or tending to: helpful; useful   3 (forming nouns) indicating as much as will fill the thing specified: mouthful; spoonful [Old English -ful, -full, from FULL^1]

USAGE

Where the amount held by a spoon, etc, is used as a rough unit of measurement, the correct form is spoonful, etc: take a spoonful of this medicine every day. Spoon full is used in a sentence such as he held out a spoon full of dark liquid, where full of describes the spoon. A plural form such as spoonfuls is preferred by many speakers and writers to spoonsful

Fula (ˈfuːlə) or Fulah (ˈfuːlɑː)   n   1 (pl -la, -las or -lah, -lahs) a member of a pastoral nomadic people of W and central Africa, living chiefly in the sub-Sahara region from Senegal to N Cameroon: a racial mixture of light-skinned Berber peoples of the North and darker-skinned W Africans   2 the language of this people; Fulani

■ Fulani (fuːˈlɑːnI, ˈfuːlənI)   n   1 the language of the Fula, belonging to the West Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo family, widely used as a trade pidgin in W Africa   2 (pl -nis, -ni) another name for Fula (sense 1)   3 (pl -nis, -ni) a humped breed of cattle from W Africa   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to the Fula or their language

fulcrum (ˈfʊlkrəm, ˈfʌl-)   n, pl -crums or -cra (-krə)   1 the pivot about which a lever turns   2 something that supports or sustains; prop   3 a spinelike scale occurring in rows along the anterior edge of the fins in primitive bony fishes such as the sturgeon [C17: from Latin: foot of a couch, bedpost, from fulcire to prop up]

■ fulcrate (ˈfʌlkreIt)   adj   botany having or supported by fulcra

fulfil or US fulfill (fʊlˈfIl)   vb -fils or US -fills, -filling, -filled (tr)   1 to bring about the completion or achievement of (a desire, promise, etc)   2 to carry out or execute (a request, etc)   3 to conform with or satisfy (regulations, demands, etc)   4 to finish or reach the end of: he fulfilled his prison sentence   5 fulfil oneself to achieve one's potential or desires [Old English fulfyllan]   > fulˈfiller n   > fulˈfilment or US fulˈfillment n

■ fulfilled (fʊlˈfIld)   adj   1 completed or achieved   2 carried out or executed   3 possessing the feeling of having reached one's potential

■ fulfilling (fʊlˈfIlIŋ)   adj   satisfying; worthwhile

fulgent (ˈfʌldʒənt) or fulgid (ˈfʌldʒId)   adj   poetic shining brilliantly; resplendent; gleaming [C15: from Latin fulgēre to shine, flash]   > ˈfulgently adv

■ fulgency (ˈfʌldʒənsI)   n   obsolete the quality of being fulgent; resplendence; brightness

fulgor (ˈfʌlɡə, ˈfʌlɡɔː)   n   archaic a brilliant or dazzling light; splendour; brightness

■ fulgorous (ˈfʌlɡərəs)   adj   poetic brilliant; dazzling

fulgurate (ˈfʌlɡjʊˌreIt)   vb   (intr) rare to flash like lightning [C17: from Latin fulgurāre, from fulgur lightning]   > fulgurant (ˈfʌlɡjʊrənt) adj

■ fulgural (ˈfʌlɡjʊrəl)   adj   poetic of or relating to lightning

■ fulgurating (ˈfʌlɡjʊˌreItIŋ)   adj   1 pathol (of pain) sudden and sharp; piercing   2 surgery of or relating to fulguration

■ fulguration (ˌfʌlɡjʊˈreIʃən)   n   surgery destruction of tissue by means of high-frequency (more than 10 000 per second) electric sparks

■ fulgurite (ˈfʌlɡjʊˌraIt)   n   a tube of glassy mineral matter found in sand and rock, formed by the action of lightning [C19: from Latin fulgur lightning]

■ fulgurous (ˈfʌlɡjʊrəs)   adj   rare flashing like or resembling lightning; fulgurant [C17: from Latin fulgur lightning]

Fulham (ˈfʊləm)   n   a district of the Greater London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (since 1965): contains Fulham Palace (16th century), residence of the Bishop of London

fuliginous (fjuːˈlIdʒInəs)   adj   1 sooty or smoky   2 of the colour of soot; dull greyish-black or brown [C16: from Late Latin fūlīginōsus full of soot, from Latin fūlīgō soot]   > fuˈliginously adv   > fuˈliginousness or fuliginosity (fjuːˌlIdʒIˈnɒsItI) n

full^1 (fʊl)   adj   1 holding or containing as much as possible; filled to capacity or near capacity   2 abundant in supply, quantity, number, etc: full of energy   3 having consumed enough food or drink   4 (esp of the face or figure) rounded or plump; not thin   5 (prenominal) with no part lacking; complete: a full dozen   6 (prenominal) with all privileges, rights, etc; not restricted: a full member   7 (prenominal) of, relating to, or designating a relationship established by descent from the same parents: full brother   8 filled with emotion or sentiment: a full heart   9 (postpositive; foll by of) occupied or engrossed (with): full of his own projects   10 music   a powerful or rich in volume and sound   b completing a piece or section; concluding: a full close   11 (of a garment, esp a skirt) containing a large amount of fabric; of ample cut   12 (of sails, etc) distended by wind   13 (of wine, such as a burgundy) having a heavy body   14 (of a colour) containing a large quantity of pure hue as opposed to white or grey; rich; saturated   15 informal drunk   16 full and by nautical another term for close-hauled   17 full of oneself full of pride or conceit; egoistic   18 full up filled to capacity: the cinema was full up   19 in full cry (esp of a pack of hounds) in hot pursuit of quarry   20 in full swing at the height of activity: the party was in full swing   ▷ adv   21    a completely; entirely   b (in combination): full-grown; full-fledged   22 exactly; directly; right: the boxer was hit full in the stomach   23 very; extremely (esp in the phrase full well)   24 full out with maximum effort or speed   ▷ n   25 the greatest degree, extent, etc   26 Brit a ridge of sand or shingle along a seashore   27 in full without omitting, decreasing, or shortening: we paid in full for our mistake   28 to the full to the greatest extent; thoroughly; fully   ▷ vb   29 (tr) needlework to gather or tuck   30 (intr) (of the moon) to be fully illuminated [Old English; related to Old Norse fullr, Old High German foll, Latin plēnus, Greek plērēs; see FILL]   > ˈfullness or esp US ˈfulness n

■ fullback (ˈfʊlˌbæk)   n   1 soccer, hockey one of two defensive players positioned in front of the goalkeeper   2 rugby a defensive player positioned behind the other backs   3 the position held by any of these players

■ full blood   n   1 Also: fullblood an individual, esp a horse or similar domestic animal, of unmixed race or breed   2 the relationship between individuals having the same parents

■ full-blooded   adj   1 (esp of horses) of unmixed ancestry; thoroughbred   2 having great vigour or health; hearty; virile   > ˌfull-ˈbloodedness n

■ full-blown   adj   1 characterized by the fullest, strongest, or best development   2 in full bloom

■ full board   n     a the provision by a hotel of a bed and all meals   b (as modifier): full board accommodation

■ full-bodied   adj   having a full rich flavour or quality

■ full-bottomed   adj   (of a wig) long at the back

■ full-court press   n   basketball the tactic of harrying the opposing team in all areas of the court, as opposed to the more usual practice of trying to defend one's own basket

■ full-cream   adj   denoting or made with whole unskimmed milk

■ full dress   n     a a formal or ceremonial style of dress, such as white tie and tails for a man and a full-length evening dress for a woman   b (as modifier): full-dress uniform

■ full-dress   adj   1 clothing appropriate to a public ceremony, a formal dinner, or evening party: full-dress uniform   2 complete; exhaustive; thorough: they had a full-dress discussion on what should be done

■ full employment   n   a state in which the labour force and other economic resources of a country are utilized to their maximum

■ full-faced   adj   1 having a round full face   2 Also: full face facing towards the viewer, with the entire face visible   3 another name for bold face   > ˈfullˈface n, adv

■ full-fare   adj   at a price without any discounts

■ full-fashioned   adj   the US equivalent of fully fashioned

■ full-featured   adj   another word for fully-featured

■ full-fledged   adj   See fully fledged

■ full forward   n   Australian rules football, Gaelic football an attacking player who plays in the centre of the forward line

■ full-frontal   adj   1 informal (of a nude person or a photograph of a nude person) exposing the genitals to full view   2 all-out; unrestrained   ▷ n full frontal   3 a full-frontal photograph

■ full-grown   adj   (of a person or animal) fully matured; at full size; no longer growing

■ full house   n   1 poker a hand with three cards of the same value and another pair   2 a theatre, etc, filled to capacity   3 (in bingo, etc) the set of numbers needed to win

■ fullish (ˈfʊlIʃ)   adj   reasonably full

■ full-length   n (modifier)   1 extending to or showing the complete length: a full-length mirror   2 of the original length; not abridged

■ full monty (ˈmɒntI)   n   the full monty informal something in its entirety [of unknown origin]

■ full moon   n   1 one of the four phases of the moon, occurring when the earth lies between the sun and the moon so that the moon is visible as a fully illuminated disc   2 the moon in this phase   3 the time at which this occurs

■ full-mouthed   adj   1 (of livestock) having a full adult set of teeth   2 uttered loudly: a full-mouthed oath

■ full nelson   n   a wrestling hold, illegal in amateur wrestling, in which a wrestler places both arms under an opponent's arms from behind and exerts pressure with both palms on the back of the neck. Compare half-nelson

■ full-on   adj   informal complete; unrestrained: full-on military intervention; full-on hard rock

■ full-page   adj   (of an advertisement, article, picture, etc) occupying a whole page

■ full pitch   n   cricket another term for full toss

■ full professor   n   US and Canadian a university teacher of the highest academic rank

■ full radiator   n   physics another name for black body

■ full-rigged   adj   (of a sailing vessel) having three or more masts rigged square

■ full sail   adv   1 at top speed   ▷ adj, adv (postpositive)   2 with all sails set   > ˌfull-ˈsailed adj

■ full-scale   n (modifier)   1 (of a plan, etc) of actual size; having the same dimensions as the original   2 done with thoroughness or urgency; using all resources; all-out

■ full score   n   the entire score of a musical composition, showing each part separately

■ full-sized or full-size   adj   1 of actual size; life-sized   2 of a large or the largest size

■ full stop or full point   n   the punctuation mark (.) used at the end of a sentence that is not a question or exclamation, after abbreviations, etc. Also called (esp US and Canadian): period

■ full-strength   adj   1 undiluted or unadulterated; of the highest concentration   2 (of a sports team) having the correct or standard amount of players; having all team members

■ full-term   adj   of or relating to a pregnancy that lasted the full nine months

■ full-throated   adj   (of a voice, laugh, shout, etc) using the full range or power

■ full time   n   the end of a football or other match. Compare half-time

■ full-time   adj   1 for the entire time appropriate to an activity: a full-time job; a full-time student   ▷ adv full time   2 on a full-time basis: he works full time   ▶ Compare part-time   > ˌfull-ˈtimer n

■ full toss or full pitch   n   cricket a bowled ball that reaches the batsman without bouncing

■ full-wave rectifier   n   an electronic circuit in which both half-cycles of incoming alternating current furnish the direct current output

■ fully (ˈfʊlI)   adv   1 to the greatest degree or extent; totally; entirely   2 amply; sufficiently; adequately: they were fully fed   3 at least: it was fully an hour before she came

■ fully fashioned Brit or full-fashioned US   adj   (of stockings, knitwear, etc) shaped and seamed so as to fit closely

■ fully-featured or full-featured   adj   having a full range of features or functions

■ fully fledged or full-fledged   adj   1 (of a young bird) having acquired its adult feathers and thus able to fly   2 developed or matured to the fullest degree   3 of full rank or status

full^2 (fʊl)   vb   (of cloth, yarn, etc) to become or to make (cloth, yarn, etc) heavier and more compact during manufacture through shrinking and beating or pressing [C14: from Old French fouler, ultimately from Latin fullō a FULLER^1]

■ fullage (ˈfʊlIdʒ)   n   1 the litter or sweepings collected from the ground   2 obsolete a charge for fulling cloth

■ fuller (ˈfʊlə)   n   a person who fulls cloth for his or her living [Old English fullere, from Latin fullō]

■ fuller's earth   n   a natural absorbent clay used, after heating, for decolorizing oils and fats, fulling cloth, etc

■ fuller's teasel   n   1 a Eurasian teasel plant, Dipsacus fullonum, whose prickly flower heads are used for raising the nap on woollen cloth   2 a similar and related plant, Dipsacus sativum

■ fullery (ˈfʊlərI)   n, pl -ries   obsolete a place where fulling takes place

fuller (ˈfʊlə)   n   1 Also called: fullering tool a tool for forging a groove   2 a tool for caulking a riveted joint   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to forge (a groove) or caulk (a riveted joint) with a fuller [C19: perhaps from the name Fuller]

Fuller (ˈfʊlə)   n   1  (Richard) Buckminster. 1895–1983, US architect and engineer: developed the geodesic dome   2  Roy (Broadbent). 1912–91, British poet and writer, whose collections include The Middle of a War (1942) and A Lost Season (1944), both of which are concerned with World War II, Epitaphs and Occasions (1949), and Available for Dreams (1989)   3  Thomas. 1608–61, English clergyman and antiquarian; author of The Worthies of England (1662)

■ fullerene (ˈfʊləˌriːn)   n   any of various carbon molecules with a polyhedral structure similar to that of buckminsterfullerene, such as C_70, C_76, and C_84. See also buckminsterfullerene

■ fulleride (ˈfʊləˌraId)   n   a compound of a fullerene in which atoms are trapped inside the cage of carbon atoms

■ fullerite (ˈfʊləˌraIt)   n   a crystalline form of a fullerene

fulmar (ˈfʊlmə)   n   any heavily built short-tailed oceanic bird of the genus Fulmarus and related genera, of polar regions: family Procellariidae, order Procellariiformes (petrels) [C17: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse fūlmār, from fūll foul + mār gull]

fulminate (ˈfʌlmIˌneIt, ˈfʊl-)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by against) to make criticisms or denunciations; rail   2 to explode with noise and violence   3 (intr) archaic to thunder and lighten   ▷ n   4 any salt or ester of fulminic acid, esp the mercury salt, which is used as a detonator [C15: from Medieval Latin fulmināre; see FULMINANT]   > ˌfulmiˈnation n   > ˈfulmiˌnator n   > ˈfulmiˌnatory adj

■ fulminant (ˈfʌlmInənt, ˈfʊl-)   adj   1 sudden and violent; fulminating   2 pathol (of pain) sudden and sharp; piercing [C17: from Latin fulmināre to cause lightning, from fulmen lightning that strikes]

■ fulminating powder   n   powder that detonates by percussion

■ fulmine (ˈfʌlmIn)   vb   archaic an archaic word for fulminate

■ fulminic acid (fʌlˈmInIk, fʊl-)   n   an unstable volatile acid known only in solution and in the form of its salts and esters. Formula: HONC. Compare cyanic acid [C19: from Latin fulmen lightning]

■ fulminous (ˈfʌlmInəs, ˈfʊl-)   adj rare   1 harshly critical   2 of, involving, or resembling thunder and lightning

fulsome (ˈfʊlsəm)   adj   1 excessive or insincere, esp in an offensive or distasteful way: fulsome compliments   2 not standard extremely complimentary   3 informal full, rich or abundant: a fulsome figure; a fulsome flavour; fulsome detail   4 archaic disgusting; loathsome   > ˈfulsomely adv   > ˈfulsomeness n

USAGE

The use of fulsome to mean extremely complimentary or full, rich or abundant is common in journalism, but should be avoided in other kinds of writing

Fulton (ˈfʊltən)   n   Robert. 1765–1815, US engineer: designed the first successful steamboat (1807) and steam warship (1814)

fulvous (ˈfʌlvəs, ˈfʊl-)   adj   of a dull brownish-yellow colour; tawny [C17: from Latin fulvus reddish yellow, gold-coloured, tawny; probably related to fulgēre to shine]

fum (fʌm)   n   (in Chinese mythology) the phoenix

fumado (fjuːˈmeIdəʊ)   n, pl -dos   a smoked fish

fumarase (ˈfjuːməˌreIs, ˈfjuːməˌreIz)   n   biochem an enzyme found in liver and muscle which acts as a catalyst in the inter-conversion of fumarate and malate

fumarate (ˈfjuːməˌreIt)   n   biochem a salt of fumaric acid produced during the urea cycle

fumaric acid (fjuːˈmærIk)   n   a colourless crystalline acid with a fruity taste, found in some plants and manufactured from benzene; trans-butenedioic acid: used esp in synthetic resins. Formula: HCOOCH:CHCOOH [C19: from New Latin Fumāria name of genus, from Late Latin: fumitory, from Latin fūmus smoke]

fumarole (ˈfjuːməˌrəʊl)   n   a vent in or near a volcano from which hot gases, esp steam, are emitted [C19: from French fumerolle, from Late Latin fūmāriolum smoke hole, from Latin fūmus smoke]   > fumarolic (ˌfjuːməˈrɒlIk) adj

fumatorium (ˌfjuːməˈtɔːrIəm)   n, pl -riums or -ria (-rIə)   an airtight chamber in which insects and fungi on organic matter or plants are destroyed by fumigation. Also called: fumatory [New Latin, from Latin fūmāre to smoke]

■ fumatory (ˈfjuːmətərI, -trI)   adj   1 of or relating to smoking or fumigation   ▷ n, pl -ries   2 another name for fumatorium

fumble (ˈfʌmbəl)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by for or with) to grope about clumsily or blindly, esp in searching: She was fumbling in the dark for the money she had dropped   2 (intr; foll by at or with) to finger or play with, esp in an absent-minded way   3 to say or do hesitantly or awkwardly: he fumbled the introduction badly   4 to fail to catch or grasp (a ball, etc) cleanly   ▷ n   5 the act of fumbling [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Swedish fumla]   > ˈfumbler n   > ˈfumblingly adv   > ˈfumblingness n

fume (fjuːm)   vb   1 (intr) to be overcome with anger or fury; rage   2 to give off (fumes) or (of fumes) to be given off, esp during a chemical reaction   3 (tr) to subject to or treat with fumes; fumigate   ▷ n   4 (often plural) a pungent or toxic vapour   5 a sharp or pungent odour   6 a condition of anger [C14: from Old French fum, from Latin fūmus smoke, vapour]   > ˈfumeless adj   > ˈfumeˌlike adj   > ˈfumer n   > ˈfumingly adv   > ˈfumy adj

■ fumage (ˈfjuːmIdʒ)   n   1 history a tax upon hearths. Also called: hearth-money   2 art an artistic technique in which images are created on canvas or paper using smoke from a candle or lamp

■ fume cupboard   n   a ventilated enclosure for storing or experimenting with chemicals with harmful vapours

■ fumed (fjuːmd)   adj   (of wood, esp oak) having a dark colour and distinctive grain from exposure to ammonia fumes

■ fume-filled   adj   filled with pungent or toxic vapours

■ fuming sulphuric acid   n   a mixture of pyrosulphuric acid, H_2S_2O_7, and other condensed acids, made by dissolving sulphur trioxide in concentrated sulphuric acid. Also called: oleum, Nordhausen acid (ˈnɔːdhaʊzən)

■ fumosity (fjuːˈmɒsItI)   adj   obsolete the quality or state of being fumous or fumy

■ fumous (ˈfjuːməs)   adj   1 obsolete full of gas, smoke, or fumes; emitting gas, smoke, or fumes   2 relating to smoke or smoking   3 obsolete passionate; furious

■ fumulus (ˈfjuːmjʊləs)   n   meteorol a type of thin smoke-like cloud

fumet^1 (fjuːˈmɛt)   n   a strong-flavoured liquor from cooking fish, meat, or game: used to flavour sauces [French, literally: aroma]

fumet^2 (ˈfjuːmət)   n   (often plural) archaic the dropping of a deer [C16 fewmet: probably via Old French from Latin fimāre to spread dung on, from fimus dung]

fumetto (fuːˈmɛtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   a speech balloon in a comic or cartoon

fumigate (ˈfjuːmIˌɡeIt)   vb   to treat (something contaminated or infected) with fumes or smoke [C16: from Latin fūmigāre to smoke, steam, from fūmus smoke + agere to drive, produce]   > ˌfumiˈgation n   > ˈfumiˌgator n

■ fumigant (ˈfjuːmIɡənt)   n   a substance used for fumigating

■ fumigatory (ˈfjuːmIɡəˌtərI)   adj   having the ability to fumigate; relating to fumigation

fumitory (ˈfjuːmItərI, -trI)   n, pl -ries   any plant of the chiefly European genus Fumaria, esp F. officinalis, having spurred flowers and formerly used medicinally: family Fumariaceae [C14: from Old French fumetere, from Medieval Latin fūmus terrae, literally: smoke of the earth; see FUME]

fun (fʌn)   n   1 a source of enjoyment, amusement, diversion, etc   2 pleasure, gaiety, or merriment   3 jest or sport (esp in the phrases in or for fun)   4 fun and games facetious, ironic amusement; frivolous activity   5 like fun informal   a (adverb) quickly; vigorously   b (interjection) not at all! certainly not!   6 make fun of or poke fun at to ridicule or deride   7 (modifier) full of amusement, diversion, gaiety, etc: a fun sport   ▷ vb funs, funning, funned   8 (intr) informal to act in a joking or sporting manner [C17: perhaps from obsolete fon to make a fool of; see FOND^1]

■ funboard (ˈfʌnˌbɔːd)   n   a type of medium-sized surfboard

■ funfair (ˈfʌnˌfɛə)   n   Brit an amusement park or fairground

■ funfest (ˈfʌnˌfɛst)   n   1 US dialect a festival or gathering for the purposes of enjoyment   2 an enjoyable experience

■ fun fur   n   1 a relatively inexpensive synthetic fur garment   2 obsolete an inexpensive fur garment made from a common, easily obtainable source, such as rabbit, often dyed various colours, worn as an alternative to more expensive furs, such as mink

■ funhouse (ˈfʌnˌhaʊs)   n   US an attraction at a funfair, carnival, etc, with a variety of entertainments such as clowns and distorting mirrors

■ fun-loving   adj   enjoying the good or fun things in life

■ fun run   n   a long run or part-marathon run for exercise and pleasure, often by large numbers of people

■ funster (ˈfʌnstə)   n   informal a joker; an entertainer

Funafuti (ˌfuːnəˈfuːti)   n   the capital of Tuvalu, situated on an atoll of the same name. Pop: 6025 (2012)

funambulist (fjuːˈnæmbjʊlIst)   n   a tightrope walker. Also called (obsolete): funambulator [C18: from Latin fūnambulus rope dancer, from fūnis rope + ambulāre to walk]   > fuˈnambulism or fuˌnambuˈlation obsolete n

■ funambulate (fjuːˈnæmbjʊˌleIt)   vb (intr)   to walk on a tightrope

■ funambulatory (fjuːˈnæmbjʊlətərI)   adj   1 relating to tightrope-walking   2 (of a path, track, etc) narrow

Funchal (Portuguese fũˈʃal)   n   the capital and chief port of the Madeira Islands, on the S coast of Madeira. Pop: 103 962 (2001)

function (ˈfʌŋkʃən)   n   1 the natural action or intended purpose of a person or thing in a specific role: the function of a hammer is to hit nails into wood   2 an official or formal social gathering or ceremony   3 a factor dependent upon another or other factors: the length of the flight is a function of the weather   4 Also called: map, mapping maths, logic a relation between two sets that associates a unique element (the value) of the second (the range) with each element (the argument) of the first (the domain): a many-one relation. Symbol: f(x) The value of f(x) for x = 2 is f(2)   ▷ vb (intr)   5 to operate or perform as specified; work properly   6 (foll by as) to perform the action or role (of something or someone else): a coin may function as a screwdriver [C16: from Latin functiō, from fungī to perform, discharge]   > ˈfunctionless adj

■ functional (ˈfʌŋkʃənəl)   adj   1 of, involving, or containing a function or functions   2 practical rather than decorative; utilitarian: functional architecture   3 capable of functioning; working   4 med affecting a function of an organ without structural change   5 psychol   a relating to the purpose or context of a behaviour   b denoting a psychosis such as schizophrenia assumed not to have a direct organic cause, like deterioration or poisoning of the brain. Compare organic psychosis   ▷ n   6 maths a function whose domain is a set of functions and whose range is a set of functions or a set of numbers   > ˈfunctionally adv

■ functional calculus   n   another name for predicate calculus

■ functional disease   n   a disease in which there is no observable change in the structure of an organ or part. Compare organic disease

■ functional food   n   a food containing additives which provide extra nutritional value. Also called: nutraceutical

■ functional group   n   chem the group of atoms in a compound, such as the hydroxyl group in an alcohol, that determines the chemical behaviour of the compound

■ functional illiterate   n   a person whose literacy is insufficient for most work and normal daily situations   > functional illiteracy n

■ functionalism (ˈfʌŋkʃənəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the theory of design that the form of a thing should be determined by its use   2 any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose   3 psychol a system of thought based on the premise that all mental processes derive from their usefulness to the organism in adapting to the environment   > ˈfunctionalist n, adj

■ functionalistic (ˌfʌŋkʃənəˈlIstIk)   adj   1 architect of or relating to the theory of design that the form of a thing should be determined by its use   2 psychol of or relating to functionalism

■ functionality (ˌfʌŋkʃənˈælItI)   n, pl -ities   1 the quality of being functional   2 computing a function or range of functions in a computer, program, package, etc

■ functional water   n   water containing additives that provide extra nutritional value. Also called: aquaceutical

■ functionary (ˈfʌŋkʃənərI)   n, pl -aries   1 a person acting in an official capacity, as for a government; an official   ▷ adj   2 a less common word for functional, official

■ functionate (ˈfʌŋkʃəˌneIt)   vb (intr)   to perform a function; to carry out one's work or duty

■ function creep   n   the gradual widening of the use of a technology or system beyond the purpose for which it was originally intended, esp when this leads to potential invasion of privacy

■ function key   n   computing a key on the keyboard of a microcomputer, etc. that gives special commands to the computer

■ function shift or function change   n   1 grammar a change in the syntactic function of a word, as when the noun mushroom is used as an intransitive verb   2 linguistics sound change involving a realignment of the phonemic system of a language

■ function word   n   grammar a word, such as the, with a particular grammatical role but little identifiable meaning. Compare content word, grammatical meaning

■ functor (ˈfʌŋktə)   n   1 (in grammar) a function word or form word   2 (in mathematics) a function that maps elements of one set to those of another

fund (fʌnd)   n   1 a reserve of money, etc, set aside for a certain purpose   2 a supply or store of something; stock: it exhausted his fund of wisdom   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to furnish money to in the form of a fund   4 to place or store up in a fund   5 to convert (short-term floating debt) into long-term debt bearing fixed interest and represented by bonds   6 to provide a fund for the redemption of principal or payment of interest of   7 to accumulate a fund for the discharge of (a recurrent liability): to fund a pension plan   8 to invest (money) in government securities [C17: from Latin fundus the bottom, piece of land, estate; compare FOND^2]   > ˈfunder n

■ fundable (ˈfʌndəbəl)   adj   able to be funded

■ funded debt   n   the part of the national debt, consisting mostly of consols, that the government has no obligation to repay by a specified date

■ fundholding (ˈfʌndˌhəʊldIŋ)   n   (formerly, in the National Health Service in Britain) the system enabling general practitioners to receive a fixed budget from which to pay for primary care, drugs, and nonurgent hospital treatment for patients   > ˈfundˌholder n

■ funding (ˈfʌndIŋ)   n   money provided in the form of a fund

■ funding operations   pl n   finance the conversion of government floating stock or short-term debt into holdings of long-term bonds

■ fundless (ˈfʌndləs)   adj   with no funds

■ fund manager   n   an employee of an insurance company, pension fund, investment trust, etc, who manages its fund of investments

■ fundraise (ˈfʌndˌreIz)   vb (intr)   to raise money for a cause   > ˈfundˌraising n, adj

■ fundraiser (ˈfʌndˌreIzə)   n   1 a person who raises money for a cause   2 an event held to raise money for a cause

■ funds (fʌndz)   pl n   1 money that is readily available   2 British government securities representing national debt

■ fund supermarket   n   an online facility offering discounted investment opportunities and advice

fundament (ˈfʌndəmənt)   n   1 euphemistic or facetious the buttocks   2 the natural features of the earth's surface, unaltered by humans   3 a base or foundation, esp of a building   4 a theory, principle, or underlying basis [C13: from Latin fundāmentum foundation, from fundāre to FOUND^2]

fundamental (ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəl)   adj   1 of, involving, or comprising a foundation; basic   2 of, involving, or comprising a source; primary   3 music denoting or relating to the principal or lowest note of a harmonic series   4 of or concerned with the component of lowest frequency in a complex vibration   ▷ n   5 a principle, law, etc, that serves as the basis of an idea or system: teaching small children the fundamentals of road safety   6    a the principal or lowest note of a harmonic series   b the bass note of a chord in root position   7 Also called: fundamental frequency, first harmonic physics   a the component of lowest frequency in a complex vibration   b the frequency of this component   > ˌfundamenˈtality or ˌfundaˈmentalness n

■ fundamental constant   n   a physical constant, such as the gravitational constant or speed of light, that plays a fundamental role in physics and chemistry and usually has an accurately known value

■ fundamental interaction   n   any of the four basic interactions that occur in nature: the gravitational, electromagnetic, strong, and weak interactions

■ fundamentalism (ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəˌlIzəm)   n   1 Christianity (esp among certain Protestant sects) the belief that every word of the Bible is divinely inspired and therefore true   2 Islam a movement favouring strict observance of the teachings of the Koran and Islamic law   3 strict adherence to the fundamental principles of any set of beliefs   > ˌfundaˈmentalist n, adj   > ˌfundaˌmentalˈistic adj

■ fundamental law   n   the law determining the constitution of the government of a state; organic law

■ fundamentally (ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəlI)   adv   1 in a way that affects the basis or essentials; utterly: the terms of engagement have been fundamentally altered   2 (sentence modifier) in essence; at heart: fundamentally, we want our lives to be safe

■ fundamental particle   n   another name for elementary particle

■ fundamental unit   n   one of a set of unrelated units that form the basis of a system of units. For example, the metre, kilogram, and second are fundamental units of the SI system

■ fundie (ˈfʌndI)   n   Austral derogatory, slang a fundamentalist Christian

fundi^1 (ˈfʊndiː)   n   E African a person skilled in repairing or maintaining machinery; mechanic [C20: from Swahili]

fundi^2 (ˈfʊndiː)   n   South African an expert [C20: from Nguni umfindisi a teacher]

fundus (ˈfʌndəs)   n, pl -di (-daI)   anatomy the base of an organ or the part farthest away from its opening [C18: from Latin, literally: the bottom, a farm, estate]   > ˈfundic adj

Fundy (ˈfʌndI)   n   Bay of Fundy an inlet of the Atlantic in SE Canada, between S New Brunswick and W Nova Scotia: remarkable for its swift tides of up to 21 m (70 ft)

funèbre French (fynɛbr)   adj   funereal or mournful

Funen (ˈfuːnən)   n   the second largest island of Denmark, between the Jutland peninsula and the island of Zealand. Pop: 441 795 (2003 est). Area: 3481 sq km (1344 sq miles). Danish name: Fyn. German name: Fünen

funeral (ˈfjuːnərəl)   n   1    a a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated   b (as modifier): a funeral service   2 a procession of people escorting a corpse to burial   3 informal worry; concern; affair: that's your funeral [C14: from Medieval Latin fūnerālia, from Late Latin fūnerālis (adj), from Latin fūnus funeral]

■ funeral director   n   an undertaker

■ funeral parlour   n   a place where the dead are prepared for burial or cremation. Usual US name: funeral home

■ funerary (ˈfjuːnərərI)   adj   of, relating to, or for a funeral

■ funereal (fjuːˈnIərIəl)   adj   suggestive of a funeral; gloomy or mournful. Also: funebrial (fjuːˈniːbrIəl) [C18: from Latin fūnereus]   > fuˈnereally adv

funest (fjuːˈnɛst)   adj   presaging evil or death; calamitous; deadly; lamentable

fungible (ˈfʌndʒIbəl) law   n   1 (often plural) moveable perishable goods of a sort that may be estimated by number or weight, such as grain, wine, etc   ▷ adj   2 having the nature or quality of fungibles [C18: from Medieval Latin fungibilis, from Latin fungī to perform; see FUNCTION]   > ˌfungiˈbility n

■ fungible issue   n   finance a bond issued by a company on the same terms as a bond previously issued by that company, although the redemption yield will probably be different

fungo (ˈfʌŋɡəʊ) baseball   n, pl -goes or -gos   1 the act of tossing the ball upwards and hitting it as it descends   2 a ball hit in this manner   3 a light bat designed to be used to hit fungoes   ▷ vb   4 to hit (a ball) high into the air   5 to toss (a ball) upwards and hit it as it descends

fungus (ˈfʌŋɡəs)   n, pl fungi (ˈfʌŋɡaI, ˈfʌndʒaI, ˈfʌndʒI) or funguses   1 any member of a kingdom of organisms (Fungi) that lack chlorophyll, leaves, true stems, and roots, reproduce by spores, and live as saprotrophs or parasites. The group includes moulds, mildews, rusts, yeasts, and mushrooms   2 something resembling a fungus, esp in suddenly growing and spreading rapidly   3 pathol any soft tumorous growth [C16: from Latin: mushroom, fungus; probably related to Greek spongos SPONGE]   > fungic (ˈfʌndʒIk) adj   > ˈfungus-ˌlike adj

■ fungal (ˈfʌŋɡəl)   adj   of, derived from, or caused by a fungus or fungi: fungal spores; a fungal disease

■ fungi- or before a vowel fung-   combining form   fungus: fungicide; fungoid

■ fungicidally (ˌfʌndʒIˈsaIdəlI)   adv   in a fungicidal manner

■ fungicide (ˈfʌndʒIˌsaId)   n   a substance or agent that destroys or is capable of destroying fungi   > ˌfungiˈcidal adj

■ fungiform (ˈfʌndʒIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a mushroom or similar fungus: the fungiform papillae of the tongue

■ fungistat (ˈfʌndʒIˌstæt)   n   a substance that inhibits the growth of fungi   > ˌfungiˈstatic adj

■ fungistatically (ˌfʌndʒIˈstætIkəlI)   adv   in a fungistatic manner

■ fungoid (ˈfʌŋɡɔId)   adj   resembling a fungus or fungi: a fungoid growth

■ fungoidal (fʌŋˈɡɔIdəl)   adj   of, relating to, or caused by a fungus or fungi; resembling a fungus or fungi; fungoid

■ fungosity (fʌŋˈɡɒsItI)   n   1 the quality of being fungous or fungal   2 (pl -ties) a fungous or fungal growth

■ fungous (ˈfʌŋɡəs)   adj   1 appearing suddenly and spreading quickly like a fungus, but not lasting   2 a less common word for fungal

funicle (ˈfjuːnIkəl)   n   botany the stalk that attaches an ovule or seed to the wall of the ovary. Also called: funiculus [C17: from Latin fūniculus a thin rope, from fūnis rope]   > funiculate (fjʊˈnIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt) adj

funicular (fjuːˈnIkjʊlə)   n   1 Also called: funicular railway a railway up the side of a mountain, consisting of a counterbalanced car sat either end of a cable passing round a driving wheel at the summit   ▷ adj   2 relating to or operated by a rope, cable, etc   3 of or relating to a funicle

funiculus (fjuːˈnIkjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   1 anatomy a cordlike part or structure, esp a small bundle of nerve fibres in the spinal cord   2 a variant of funicle [C17: from Latin; see FUNICLE]

funk^1 (fʌŋk) informal, chiefly Brit   n   1 Also called: blue funk a state of nervousness, fear, or depression (esp in the phrase in a funk)   2 a coward   ▷ vb   3 to flinch from (responsibility) through fear   4 (tr; usually passive) to make afraid [C18: university slang, perhaps related to FUNK^2]   > ˈfunker n

■ funkhole (ˈfʌŋkˌhəʊl)   n informal   1 military a dugout   2 a job that affords exemption from military service

funk^2 (fʌŋk)   n   US slang a strong foul odour [C17 (in the sense: tobacco smoke): from funk (vb) to smoke (tobacco), probably of French dialect origin; compare Old French funkier to smoke, from Latin fūmigāre]

■ funky (ˈfʌŋkI)   adj funkier, funkiest   slang, chiefly US evil-smelling; foul [C18: from FUNK^2]

funk^3 (fʌŋk)   n   informal a type of polyrhythmic Black dance music with heavy syncopation [C20: back formation from FUNKY^1]

■ funkily (ˈfʌŋkIlI)   adv   in a funky manner

■ funkiness (ˈfʌŋkInəs)   n   the state or quality of being funky

■ funkster (ˈfʌŋkstə)   n   1 a performer or fan of funk music   2 someone who follows the latest trends in music, ideas, or fashion

■ funky (ˈfʌŋkI)   adj funkier, funkiest informal   1 (of music) passionate, soulful; of or pertaining to funk   2 authentic; earthy   3 stylish and exciting; cool: funky jeans [C20: from FUNK^2, perhaps alluding to music that was smelly, that is, earthy (like the early blues)]

Funk (fʌŋk)   n   Casimir (ˈkæzIˌmIə). 1884–1967, US biochemist, born in Poland: studied and named vitamins

funkia or funckia (ˈfʊŋkIə)   n   another name for hosta

funnel (ˈfʌnəl)   n   1 a hollow utensil with a wide mouth tapering to a small hole, used for pouring liquids, powders, etc, into a narrow-necked vessel   2 something resembling this in shape or function   3 a smokestack for smoke and exhaust gases, as on a steamship or steam locomotive   4 a shaft or tube, as in a building, for ventilation   ▷ vb -nels, -nelling, -nelled or US -nels, -neling, -neled   5 to move or cause to move or pour through or as if through a funnel   6 to concentrate or focus or be concentrated or focused in a particular direction: they funnelled their attention on the problem   7 (intr) to take on a funnel-like shape [C15: from Old Provençal fonilh, ultimately from Latin infundibulum funnel, hopper (in a mill), from infundere to pour in]   > ˈfunnel-ˌlike adj

■ funnel cap   n   any of various basidiomycetous fungi of the genus Clitocybe, characterized by the funnel-shaped caps and, usually, markedly decurrent gills

■ funnel cloud   n   a whirling column of cloud extending downwards from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud: part of a waterspout or tornado

■ funnelform (ˈfʌnəlˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like a funnel

■ funnel-web   n   Austral any large poisonous black spider of the family Dipluridae, constructing funnel-shaped webs

funny (ˈfʌnI)   adj -nier, -niest   1 causing amusement or laughter; humorous; comical   2 peculiar; odd   3 suspicious or dubious (esp in the phrase funny business)   4 informal faint or ill: to feel funny   ▷ n, pl -nies   5 informal a joke or witticism   > ˈfunnily adv   > ˈfunniness n

■ funnies (ˈfʌnIz)   pl n   US and Canadian informal comic strips in a newspaper

■ funny bone   n   the area near the elbow where the ulnar nerve is close to the surface of the skin: when it is struck, a sharp tingling sensation is experienced along the forearm and hand. Also called (US): crazy bone

■ funny farm   n   slang, offensive a psychiatric hospital

■ funnyman (ˈfʌnImæn)   n, pl -men   a man who is funny or who is a comedian

■ funny money   n   1 a sum of money so large as to be considered unreal   2 counterfeit money   3 derogatory foreign currency

■ funny paper   n   US and Canadian a section or separate supplement of a newspaper, etc, containing comic strips

funplex (ˈfʌnˌplɛks)   n   a large amusement or entertainment centre

fur (fɜː)   n   1 the dense coat of fine silky hairs on such mammals as the cat, seal, and mink   2    a the dressed skin of certain fur-bearing animals, with the hair left on   b (as modifier): a fur coat   3 a garment made of fur, such as a coat or stole   4    a a pile fabric made in imitation of animal fur   b a garment made from such a fabric   5 heraldry any of various stylized representations of animal pelts or their tinctures, esp ermine or vair, used in coats of arms   6 informal a whitish coating of cellular debris on the tongue, caused by excessive smoking, an upset stomach, etc   7 Brit a whitish-grey deposit consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate precipitated from hard water onto the insides of pipes, boilers, and kettles   8 make the fur fly to cause a scene or disturbance   ▷ vb furs, furring, furred   9 (tr) to line or trim a garment, etc, with fur   10 (often foll by up) to cover or become covered with a furlike lining or deposit   11 (tr) to clothe (a person) in a fur garment or garments [C14: from Old French forrer to line a garment, from fuerre sheath, of Germanic origin; related to Old English fōdder case, Old Frisian fōder coat lining]   > ˈfurless adj

■ furbearer (ˈfɜːˌbɛərə)   n   any mammal that is hunted for its fur

■ fur brigade   n   Canadian (formerly) a convoy of canoes, horses, or dog sleighs that transported furs and other goods between trading posts and towns or factories

■ furkid (ˈfɜːkId)   n   chiefly US an animal kept for companionship [C20: from FUR + KID^1 (child)]

USAGE

Some people who are concerned with the rights of animals consider the term furkid to be more acceptable than pet

■ furred (fɜːd)   adj   1 made of, lined with, or covered in fur   2 wearing fur   3 (of animals) having fur   4 another word for furry (sense 4)   5 Also: furry provided with furring strips   6 (of a pipe, kettle, etc) lined with hard lime or other salts deposited from water

■ furrier (ˈfʌrIə)   n   a person whose occupation is selling, making, dressing, or repairing fur garments [C14: furour, from Old French fourrer to trim or line with FUR]

■ furriery (ˈfʌrIərI)   n, pl -eries   1 the occupation of a furrier   2 furs worn as a garment or trim collectively

■ furring (ˈfɜːrIŋ)   n   1    a short for furring strip   b the fixing of furring strips   c furring strips collectively   2 the formation of fur on the tongue   3 trimming of animal fur, as on a coat or other garment, or furs collectively

■ furring strip   n   a strip of wood or metal fixed to a wall, floor, or ceiling to provide a surface for the fixing of plasterboard, floorboards, etc. Sometimes shortened to: furring

■ furry (ˈfɜːrI)   adj -rier, -riest   1 covered with fur or something furlike   2 of, relating to, or resembling fur   3 another word for furred (sense 5)   4 Also: furred (of the tongue) coated with whitish cellular debris   > ˈfurrily adv   > ˈfurriness n

■ fur seal   n   any of various eared seals, esp of the genus Arctocephalus, that have a fine dense underfur and are hunted as a source of sealskin

■ Fur Seal Islands   pl n   another name for Pribilof Islands

fur.   abbreviation for   furlong

furacious (fjʊˈreIʃəs)   adj   literary given to stealing; thievish

■ furaciousness (fjʊˈreIʃəsnəs) or furacity (fjʊˈræsItI)   n   literary the quality of being furacious or thievish

fural (ˈfjʊərəl)   n   another name for furfuraldehyde

furaldehyde (fjʊəˈrældəˌhaId)   n   either of two aldehydes derived from furan, esp 2-furaldehyde. See furfuraldehyde [C20: shortened from furfuraldehyde, from furfurol (see FURFUR, -OL^1) + ALDEHYDE]

furan (ˈfjʊəræn, fjʊəˈræn)   n   a colourless flammable toxic liquid heterocyclic compound, used in the manufacture of cotton textiles and in the synthesis of nylon. Formula: C_4H_4O. Also called: furfuran [C19: shortened form of furfuran, from FURFUR]

■ furanose (ˈfjʊərænəʊz, ˈfjʊərænəʊs)   n   chem a monosaccharide sugar containing a five-membered furan ring

■ furanoside (fjʊˈrænəˌsaId)   n   chem any glycoside compound in the furanose form

furazolidone (ˌfjʊrəˈzɒlIˌdəʊn)   n   an antibiotic drug used in the treatment of diarrhoea and enteritis

furbelow (ˈfɜːbIˌləʊ)   n   1 a flounce, ruffle, or other ornamental trim   2 (often plural) showy ornamentation   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to put a furbelow on (a garment) [C18: by folk etymology from French dialect farbella; see FALBALA]

furbish (ˈfɜːbIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to make bright by polishing; burnish   2 (often foll by up) to improve the appearance or condition of; renovate; restore [C14: from Old French fourbir to polish, of Germanic origin]   > ˈfurbisher n

furca (ˈfɜːkə)   n, pl -cae (-kiː)   zoology any forklike structure, esp in insects [Latin: fork]   > ˈfurcal adj

■ furcate   vb (ˈfɜːkeIt)   1 to divide into two parts; fork   ▷ adj (ˈfɜːkeIt, -kIt) also furcated   2 forked; divided: furcate branches [C19: from Late Latin furcātus forked, from Latin furca a fork]   > furˈcation n

■ furcately (ˈfɜːkeItlI)   adv   in a furcate manner

■ furciferous (fɜːˈsIfərəs)   adj   1 rascally; roguish   2 entomol (of certain butterfly larvae) having a forked process

■ furcula (ˈfɜːkjʊlə) or furculum (ˈfɜːkjʊləm)   n, pl -lae (-ˌliː), -la (-lə)   any forklike part or organ, esp the fused clavicles (wishbone) of birds [C19: from Latin: a forked support for a wall, diminutive of furca fork]

■ furcular (ˈfɜːkjʊlə)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the furcula

furcraea (fɜːˈkriːə)   n   a member of a genus of succulent plants of the family Agavaceae native to tropical parts of Central and South America

fureur French (fyrœr)   n   another term for furore

furfur (ˈfɜːfə)   n, pl furfures (ˈfɜːfjʊˌriːz, -fəˌriːz)   1 a scaling of the skin; dandruff   2 any scale of the epidermis [C17: from Latin: bran, scurf]

■ furfuraceous (ˌfɜːfjʊˈreIʃəs, -fəˈreI-)   adj   1 relating to or resembling bran   2 med resembling dandruff; scaly   > ˌfurfuˈraceously adv

■ furfuraldehyde (ˌfɜːfjəˈrældəˌhaId)   n   a colourless flammable soluble mobile liquid with a penetrating odour, present in oat and rice hulls; 2-furaldehyde: used as a solvent and in the manufacture of resins. Formula: C_5H_4O_2. Also called: furfural, furfur, fural

■ furfuran (ˈfɜːfəˌræn, ˈfɜːfjʊ-)   n   another name for furan

■ furfurous (ˈfɜːfjərəs)   adj   containing or consisting of bran; resembling bran

furioso (ˌfjʊərIˈəʊsəʊ) music   adj, adv   1 in a frantically rushing manner   ▷ n, pl -sos   2 a passage or piece to be performed in this way [C19: Italian, literally: furious; see FURY]

furl (fɜːl)   vb   1 to roll up (an umbrella, a flag, etc) neatly and securely or (of an umbrella, flag, etc) to be rolled up in this way   2 (tr) nautical to gather in (a square sail)   ▷ n   3 the act or an instance of furling   4 a single rolled-up section [C16: from Old French ferlier to bind tightly, from ferm tight (from Latin firmus FIRM^1) + lier to tie, bind, from Latin ligāre]   > ˈfurlable adj   > ˈfurler n

furlong (ˈfɜːˌlɒŋ)   n   a unit of length equal to 220 yards (201.168 metres) [Old English furlang, from furh FURROW + lang LONG^1]

furlough (ˈfɜːləʊ)   n   1 leave of absence from military duty   2 US a temporary laying-off of employees, usually because there is insufficient work to occupy them   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to grant a furlough to   4 US to lay off (staff) temporarily [C17: from Dutch verlof, from ver- FOR- + lof leave, permission; related to Swedish förlof]

furmenty (ˈfɜːməntI) or furmity (ˈfɜːmItI)   n   variants of frumenty

furnace (ˈfɜːnIs)   n   1 an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to generate steam, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc   2 a very hot or stifling place [C13: from Old French fornais, from Latin fornax oven, furnace; related to Latin formus warm]   > ˈfurnace-ˌlike adj

Furness (ˈfɜːnIs)   n   a region in NW England in Cumbria, forming a peninsula between the Irish Sea and Morecambe Bay

furnish (ˈfɜːnIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to provide (a house, room, etc) with furniture, carpets, etc   2 to equip with what is necessary; fit out   3 to give; supply: the records furnished the information required [C15: from Old French fournir, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German frummen to carry out]   > ˈfurnisher n

■ furniment (ˈfɜːnImənt)   n obsolete   1 the state or quality of being furnished   2 an article of furniture

■ furnished (ˈfɜːnIʃt)   adj   (of a house, room, etc) provided with furniture, carpets, etc

■ furnishings (ˈfɜːnIʃIŋz)   pl n   1 furniture and accessories, including carpets and curtains, with which a room, house, etc, is furnished   2 US and Canadian articles of dress and accessories

■ furnishment (ˈfɜːnIʃmənt)   n   1 the act of furnishing; the quality of being furnished   2 an article or articles of furniture

furniture (ˈfɜːnItʃə)   n   1 the movable, generally functional, articles that equip a room, house, etc   2 the equipment necessary for a ship, factory, etc   3 printing lengths of wood, plastic, or metal, used in assembling formes to create the blank areas and to surround the type   4 the wooden parts of a rifle   5 obsolete the full armour, trappings, etc, for a mounted soldier and horse   6 the attitudes or characteristics that are typical of a person or thing: the furniture of the murderer's mind   7 part of the furniture informal someone or something that is so long established in an environment as to be accepted as an integral part of it: he has been here so long that he is part of the furniture   8 See door furniture, street furniture [C16: from French fourniture, from fournir to equip, FURNISH]

■ furniture beetle   n   See anobiid

Furnivall (ˈfɜːnIvəl)   n   Frederick James. 1825–1910, English philologist: founder of the Early English Text Society and one of the founders of the Oxford English Dictionary

furore (fjʊˈrɔːrI) or esp US furor (ˈfjʊərɔː)   n   1 a public outburst, esp of protest; uproar   2 a sudden widespread enthusiasm for something; craze   3 frenzy; rage; madness [C15: from Latin: frenzy, rage, from furere to rave]

furphy (ˈfɜːfI)   n, pl -phies   Austral slang a rumour or fictitious story [C20: from Furphy carts (used for water or sewage in World War I), made at a foundry established by the Furphy family]

Furphy (ˈfɜːfI)   n   Joseph, pen name Tom Collins. 1843–1912, Australian author. His works include the classic Australian novel Such is Life (1903) and The Buln-Buln and the Brolga (1948)

furr (fɜː) obsolete   n   1 a furrow   ▷ vb   2 to furrow or plough (land, soil, etc)   3 (tr) to make furrows in (stone, fabric, etc)

furriner (ˈfʌrInə)   n   a dialectal rendering of foreigner, often used humorously

furrow (ˈfʌrəʊ)   n   1 a long narrow trench made in the ground by a plough or a trench resembling this   2 any long deep groove, esp a deep wrinkle on the forehead   ▷ vb   3 to develop or cause to develop furrows or wrinkles   4 to make a furrow or furrows in (land) [Old English furh; related to Old Frisian furch, Old Norse for, Old High German furuh furrow, Latin porca ridge between furrows]   > ˈfurrower n   > ˈfurrowless adj   > ˈfurrow-ˌlike or ˈfurrowy adj

furshlugginer (ˌfɜːˈʃlʌɡInə)   adj   US informal crazy; foolish [C20: from Yiddish]

furth (fʌrθ)   adv   Scot out; outside; to the outside [a Scot variant of FORTH]

Fürth (German fyːrt)   n   a city in S central Germany, in Bavaria northwest of Nuremberg: Pop: 111 892 (2003 est)

furthcoming (ˌfʌrθˈkʌmIŋ)   n   Scots law an action raised to recover property which has been arrested in the hands of a third party

further (ˈfɜːðə)   adv   1 in addition; furthermore   2 to a greater degree or extent   3 to or at a more advanced point   4 to or at a greater distance in time or space; farther   ▷ adj   5 additional; more   6 more distant or remote in time or space; farther   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to assist the progress of; promote   ▶ See also far, furthest [Old English furthor; related to Old Frisian further, Old Saxon furthor, Old High German furdar; see FORTH]   > ˈfurtherer n

USAGE

See at farther

■ furtherance (ˈfɜːðərəns)   n   1 the act of furthering; advancement   2 something that furthers or advances

■ further education   n   (in Britain) formal education beyond school other than at a university or polytechnic

■ furthermore (ˈfɜːðəˌmɔː)   adv   in addition; moreover

■ furthermost (ˈfɜːðəˌməʊst)   adj   most distant; furthest

■ furthersome (ˈfɜːðəsəm)   adj   1 tending to further or promote; helpful   2 tending to rush forward; impatient; rash

furthest (ˈfɜːðIst)   adv   1 to the greatest degree or extent   2 to or at the greatest distance in time or space; farthest   ▷ adj   3 most distant or remote in time or space; farthest

furtive (ˈfɜːtIv)   adj   characterized by stealth; sly and secretive [C15: from Latin furtīvus stolen, clandestine, from furtum a theft, from fūr a thief; related to Greek phōr thief]   > ˈfurtively adv   > ˈfurtiveness n

Furtwängler (German ˈfʊrtvɛŋlər)   n   Wilhelm (ˈvIlhɛlm). 1886–1954, German conductor, noted for his interpretations of Wagner

furuncle (ˈfjʊərʌŋkəl)   n   pathol the technical name for boil^2 [C17: from Latin fūrunculus pilferer, petty thief, sore on the body, from fūr thief]   > furuncular (fjʊˈrʌŋkjʊlə) or fuˈrunculous adj

■ furunculosis (fjʊˌrʌŋkjʊˈləʊsIs)   n   1 a skin condition characterized by the presence of multiple boils   2 an infectious ulcerative disease of salmon and trout caused by the bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida

fury (ˈfjʊərI)   n, pl -ries   1 violent or uncontrolled anger; wild rage   2 an outburst of such anger   3 uncontrolled violence: the fury of the storm   4 a person, esp a woman, with a violent temper   5 See Furies   6 like fury informal violently; furiously: they rode like fury [C14: from Latin furia rage, from furere to be furious]

■ furibund (ˈfjʊərIˌbʌnd)   adj   furious; irate

■ Furies (ˈfjʊərIz)   pl n, sing Fury   classical myth the snake-haired goddesses of vengeance, usually three in number, who pursued unpunished criminals. Also called: Erinyes, Eumenides

■ furiosity (ˌfjʊrIˈɒsItI)   n   1 the state or quality of being furious   2 the state of (a person) being insane, esp in Scottish Law

■ furious (ˈfjʊərIəs)   adj   1 extremely angry or annoyed; raging   2 violent, wild, or unrestrained, as in speed, vigour, energy, etc   > ˈfuriously adv   > ˈfuriousness n

furze (fɜːz)   n   another name for gorse [Old English fyrs]   > ˈfurzy adj

fusain (fjuːˈzeIn; French fyzɛ̃)   n   1 a fine charcoal pencil or stick made from the spindle tree   2 a drawing done with such a pencil   3 a dull black brittle form of carbon resembling charcoal, found in certain coals [C19: from French: spindle tree or charcoal made from it, from Vulgar Latin fūsāgō (unattested) a spindle (generally made from the spindle tree), from Latin fūsus]

fusarium (fjuːˈzɛərIəm)   n   any filamentous fungus of the genus Fusarium, some of which produce toxins which are harmful to plants, animals and humans

fusarole (ˈfjuːzəˌrəʊl, ˈfjuːsə-)   n   architect a type of architectural moulding often found below the echinus or quarter round of a column

fusc (fʌsk)   adj   rare dark-brown; dusky-brown

■ fuscous (ˈfʌskəs)   adj   of a brownish-grey colour [C17: from Latin fuscus dark, swarthy, tawny]

fuse^1 or US fuze (fjuːz)   n   1 a lead of combustible black powder in a waterproof covering (safety fuse), or a lead containing an explosive (detonating fuse), used to fire an explosive charge   2 any device by which an explosive charge is ignited   3 blow a fuse See blow^1 (sense 12)   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to provide or equip with such a fuse [C17: from Italian fuso spindle, from Latin fūsus]   > ˈfuseless adj

■ fusee or fuzee (fjuːˈziː)   n   1 (in early clocks and watches) a spirally grooved spindle, functioning as an equalizing force on the unwinding of the mainspring   2 a friction match with a large head, capable of remaining alight in a wind   3 an explosive fuse [C16: from French fusée spindleful of thread, from Old French fus spindle, from Latin fūsus]

■ fuselike (ˈfjuːzˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a fuse; acting like a fuse

fuse^2 (fjuːz)   vb   1 to unite or become united by melting, esp by the action of heat: to fuse borax and copper sulphate at a high temperature   2 to become or cause to become liquid, esp by the action of heat; melt   3 to join or become combined; integrate   4 (tr) to equip (an electric circuit, plug, etc) with a fuse   5 Brit to fail or cause to fail as a result of the blowing of a fuse: the lights fused   ▷ n   6 a protective device for safeguarding electric circuits, etc, containing a wire that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a certain value [C17: from Latin fūsus melted, cast, poured out, from fundere to pour out, shed; sense 5 influenced by FUSE^1]

■ fuse box   n   a housing for electric fuses

■ fused (fjuːzd)   adj   having a protective device for safeguarding electric circuits, etc, containing a wire that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a certain value

■ fusible (ˈfjuːzəbəl)   adj   capable of being fused or melted   > ˌfusiˈbility or ˈfusibleness n   > ˈfusibly adv

■ fusible metal or fusible alloy   n   any of various alloys with low melting points that contain bismuth, lead, and tin. They are used as solders and in safety devices

■ fusile (ˈfjuːzaIl) or fusil (ˈfjuːzIl)   adj   1 easily melted; fusible   2 formed by casting or melting; founded [C14: from Latin fūsilis molten, from fundere to pour out, melt]

■ fusion (ˈfjuːʒən)   n   1 the act or process of fusing or melting together; union   2 the state of being fused   3 something produced by fusing   4 See nuclear fusion   5 the merging of juxtaposed speech sounds, morphemes, or words   6 a coalition of political parties or other groups, esp to support common candidates at an election   7 a kind of popular music that is a blend of two or more styles, such as jazz and funk   8 psychol the processing by the mind of elements falling on the two eyes so that they yield a single percept   9 (modifier) relating to a style of cooking which combines traditional Western techniques and ingredients with those used in Eastern cuisine: fusion cuisine; fusion food [C16: from Latin fūsiō a pouring out, melting, casting, from fundere to pour out, FOUND^3]

■ fusional (ˈfjuːʒənəl)   adj   1 of or relating to fusion   2 (of a language) being one in which morphemes are combined in a way which is often difficult to decipher

■ fusion bomb   n   a type of bomb in which most of the energy is provided by nuclear fusion, esp the fusion of hydrogen isotopes. Also called: thermonuclear bomb, fission-fusion bomb. See also hydrogen bomb

■ fusionism (ˈfjuːʒəˌnIzəm)   n   the favouring of coalitions among political groups   > ˈfusionist n, adj

■ fusionless (ˈfjuːʒənləs)   adj   without fusion

■ fusion reactor   n   a nuclear reactor in which a thermonuclear fusion reaction takes place

fuselage (ˈfjuːzIˌlɑːʒ)   n   the main body of an aircraft, excluding the wings, tailplane, and fin [C20: from French, from fuseler to shape like a spindle, from Old French fusel spindle; see FUSEE]

Fuseli (ˈfjuːzəlI)   n   Henry. original name Johann Heinrich Füssli. 1741–1825, British painter, born in Switzerland. His paintings include Nightmare (1782)

fusel oil or fusel (ˈfjuːzəl)   n   a mixture of amyl alcohols, propanol, and butanol: a by-product in the distillation of fermented liquors used as a source of amyl alcohols [C19: from German Fusel bad spirits]

Fushih or Fu-shih (ˈfuːˈʃiː)   n   another name for Yanan

fushion (ˈfʊʒən, ˈfʊʃən)   n   Scot dialect the quality of being strong or spirited

■ fushionless (ˈfʊʒənləs, ˈfʊʃənləs)   adj   Scot dialect lacking strength or spirit

Fushun (ˈfuːˈʃʌn)   n   a city in NE China, in central Liaoning province near Shenyang: situated on one of the richest coalfields in the world; site of the largest thermal power plant in NE Asia. Pop: 1 425 000 (2005 est)

fusidic acid (fjuːˈsIdIk)   adj   an antibiotic substance used to treat skin infections

fusiform (ˈfjuːzIˌfɔːm)   adj   elongated and tapering at both ends; spindle-shaped [C18: from Latin fūsus spindle]

fusil^1 (ˈfjuːzIl)   n   a light flintlock musket [C16 (in the sense: steel for a tinderbox): from Old French fuisil, from Vulgar Latin focīlis (unattested), from Latin focus fire]

■ fusilier (ˌfjuːzIˈlIə)   n   1 (formerly) an infantryman armed with a light musket   2 Also: fusileer   a a soldier, esp a private, serving in any of certain British or other infantry regiments   b (pl; cap. when part of a name): the Royal Welch Fusiliers [C17: from French; see FUSIL^1]

■ fusillade (ˌfjuːzIˈleId, -ˈlɑːd)   n   1 a simultaneous or rapid continual discharge of firearms   2 a sudden outburst, as of criticism   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to attack with a fusillade [C19: from French, from fusiller to shoot; see FUSIL^1]

■ fusillation (ˌfjuːzIˈleIʃən)   n   rare the use of shooting as a method of capital punishment, esp during warfare

fusil^2 (ˈfjuːzIl)   n   heraldry a charge shaped like a lengthened lozenge [C15: from Old French fusel, ultimately from Latin fūsus spindle, FUSE^1 (the heraldic lozenge originally represented a spindle covered with tow for spinning)]

fusilli (fʊˈziːlI, fjʊˈziːlI)   n   pasta in the form of short spirals [C20: Italian, literally: little spindles, from fuso a spindle]

fusker (ˈfʌskə)   n   1 a piece of software that generates obvious passwords and filenames in order to extract data that is held on free websites   ▷ vb also fusk   2 (tr) to obtain data from (a website) by using a fusker

fuss (fʌs)   n   1 nervous activity or agitation, esp when disproportionate or unnecessary   2 complaint or objection: he made a fuss over the bill   3 an exhibition of affection or admiration, esp if excessive: they made a great fuss over the new baby   4 a quarrel; dispute   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to worry unnecessarily   6 (intr) to be excessively concerned over trifles   7 (when intr, usually foll by over) to show great or excessive concern, affection, etc (for)   8 (intr; foll by with) Jamaican to quarrel violently   9 (tr) to bother (a person) [C18: of uncertain origin]   > ˈfusser n

■ fussbudget (ˈfʌsˌbʌdʒIt)   n   informal the US equivalent of fusspot

■ fussbudgety (ˈfʌsˌbʌdʒItI)   adj   US informal in the manner of a fussbudget; fussy

■ fussed (fʌst)   adj   Brit bothered or perturbed

■ fusspot (ˈfʌsˌpɒt)   n   Brit informal a person who fusses unnecessarily

■ fussy (ˈfʌsI)   adj fussier, fussiest   1 inclined to fuss over minor points   2 very particular about detail   3 characterized by overelaborate detail: the furniture was too fussy to be elegant   > ˈfussily adv   > ˈfussiness n

fust (fʌst)   n   1 obsolete a strong mouldy odour   2 a type of cheese   3 architect dialect the ridge of a roof   ▷ adj   4 a dialectal version of first   ▷ vb (intr)   5 dialect to become mouldy; to become stale or stale-smelling   ▷ adv   6 a dialectal version of first

fustanella (ˌfʌstəˈnɛlə) or fustanelle   n   a white knee-length pleated skirt worn by men in Greece and Albania [C19: from Italian, from Modern Greek phoustani, probably from Italian fustagno FUSTIAN]

fustet (ˈfʌstət)   n   the wood of the Rhus Cotinus shrub, native to Southern European areas, from which a yellow-orange dye is obtained

fustian (ˈfʌstIən)   n   1    a a hard-wearing fabric of cotton mixed with flax or wool with a slight nap   b (as modifier): a fustian jacket   2 pompous or pretentious talk or writing   ▷ adj   3 cheap; worthless   4 pompous; bombastic [C12: from Old French fustaigne, from Medieval Latin fustāneum, from Latin fustis cudgel]

■ fustianist (ˈfʌstʃənIst)   n   a person who uses pompous or bombastic language

■ fustianize or fustianise (ˈfʌstʃəˌnaIz)   vb (intr)   to use pompous or bombastic language

fustic (ˈfʌstIk)   n   1 Also called: old fustic a large tropical American moraceous tree, Chlorophora tinctoria   2 the yellow dye obtained from the wood of this tree   3 any of various trees or shrubs that yield a similar dye, esp Rhus cotinus (young fustic), a European sumach [C15: from French fustoc, from Spanish, from Arabic fustuq, from Greek pistakē pistachio tree]

fustigate (ˈfʌstIˌɡeIt)   vb   (tr) archaic to beat; cudgel [C17: from Late Latin fūstīgāre to cudgel to death, from Latin fūstis cudgel]   > ˌfustiˈgation n   > ˈfustiˌgator n   > ˈfustiˌgatory adj

fustilirian (ˌfʌstIˈlIrIən), fustillirian (ˌfʌstIˈlIrIən) or fustilarian (ˌfʌstIˈlɛərIən)   n   obsolete a person who uses a cudgel rather than a sword; hence, a lowly person or a commoner (from Henry IV by William Shakespeare)

fusty (ˈfʌstI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 smelling of damp or mould; musty   2 old-fashioned in attitude [C14: from fust wine cask, from Old French: cask, tree trunk, from Latin fūstis cudgel, club]   > ˈfustily adv   > ˈfustiness n

■ fustilugs (ˈfʌstIˌlʌɡz)   n   obsolete a fat, gross, or frowzy person, esp a woman

fusulinid (ˌfjuːzəˈlaInId)   n   palaeontol an extinct group of single-celled foraminifera

fusuma (ˈfuːsuːmɑː)   n   architect a sliding paper-covered door or partition in Japanese architecture

futchel (ˈfʌtʃəl)   n   a supporting piece of timber in a carriage

futhark, futharc (ˈfuːθɑːk) or futhorc, futhork (ˈfuːθɔːk)   n   a phonetic alphabet consisting of runes [C19: from the first six letters: f, u, th, a, r, k; compare ALPHABET]

futile (ˈfjuːtaIl)   adj   1 having no effective result; unsuccessful   2 pointless; unimportant; trifling   3 inane or foolish: don't be so futile! [C16: from Latin futtilis pouring out easily, worthless, from fundere to pour out]   > ˈfutilely adv   > ˈfutileness n

■ futility (fjuːˈtIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 lack of effectiveness or success   2 lack of purpose or meaning   3 something futile

futilitarian (fjuːˌtIlIˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the belief that human endeavour can serve no useful purpose   ▷ n   2 one who holds this belief [C19: facetious coinage from FUTILE + UTILITARIAN]   > fuˌtiliˈtarianˌism n

futon (ˈfuːˌtɒn)   n   a Japanese padded quilt, laid on the floor for use as a bed, or on a frame for use as a chair [C19: from Japanese]

futsal (ˈfʊtˌsæl)   n   a form of association football, played indoors with five players on each side [C20: Spanish from futbol football + sala indoor]

futtock (ˈfʌtək)   n   nautical one of the ribs in the frame of a wooden vessel [C13: perhaps variant of foothook]

■ futtock plate   n   nautical a horizontal metal disc fixed at the top of a lower mast for holding the futtock shrouds

■ futtock shroud   n   nautical any of several metal rods serving as a brace between the futtock plate on a lower mast and the topmast

future (ˈfjuːtʃə)   n   1 the time yet to come   2 undetermined events that will occur in that time   3 the condition of a person or thing at a later date: the future of the school is undecided   4 likelihood of later improvement or advancement: he has a future as a singer   5 grammar   a a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is to occur after the time of utterance   b a verb in this tense   6 in future from now on; henceforth   ▷ adj   7 that is yet to come or be   8 of or expressing time yet to come   9 (prenominal) destined to become: a future president   10 grammar in or denoting the future as a tense of verbs [C14: from Latin fūtūrus about to be, from esse to be]   > ˈfutureless adj

■ futural (ˈfjuːtʃərəl)   adj   of or relating to the future

■ futurelessness (ˈfjuːtʃələsnəs)   n   the state or quality of being futureless

■ future life   n   a life after death; afterlife

■ future perfect grammar   adj   1 denoting a tense of verbs describing an action that will have been performed by a certain time. In English this is formed with will have or shall have plus the past participle   ▷ n   2    a the future perfect tense   b a verb in this tense

■ future-proof   adj   (of a system, computer, program, etc) guaranteed not to be superseded by future versions, developments, etc

■ futures (ˈfjuːtʃəz)   pl n     a commodities or other financial products bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date. See also financial futures   b (as modifier): futures contract; futures market

■ future value   n   the value that a sum of money invested at compound interest will have after a specified period

■ futurism (ˈfjuːtʃəˌrIzəm)   n   an artistic movement that arose in Italy in 1909 to replace traditional aesthetic values with the characteristics of the machine age   > ˈfuturist n, adj

■ futuristic (ˌfjuːtʃəˈrIstIk)   adj   1 denoting or relating to design, technology, etc, that is thought likely to be current or fashionable at some future time; ultramodern   2 of or relating to futurism   > ˌfuturˈistically adv

■ futuristics (ˌfjuːtʃəˈrIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) another name for futurology

■ futurity (fjuːˈtjʊərItI) or futurition (ˌfjuːtʃəˈrIʃən)   n, pl -ties   1 a less common word for future   2 the quality of being in the future   3 a future event

■ futurological (ˌfjuːtʃərəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to futurology

■ futurology (ˌfjuːtʃəˈrɒlədʒI)   n   the study or prediction of the future of humankind   > ˌfuturˈologist n

futz (fʌts)   vb (intr)   US slang to waste time; to idle (often used in phrases such as futz around or futz about)

fuze (fjuːz)   n   chiefly US a variant spelling of fuse^1

fuzee (fjuːˈziː)   n   a variant spelling of fusee

Fuzhou (ˈfuːˈdʒəʊ) or Fuchou   n   a port in SE China, capital of Fujian province on the Min Jiang: one of the original five treaty ports (1842). Pop: 1 398 000 (2005 est). Former spelling: Foochow

fuzz^1 (fʌz)   n   1 a mass or covering of fine or curly hairs, fibres, etc   2 a blur   ▷ vb   3 to make or become fuzzy   4 to make or become indistinct; blur [C17: perhaps from Low German fussig loose]

■ fuzzbox (ˈfʌzˌbɒks)   n   music an electronic device that breaks up the sound passing through it, used esp by guitarists

■ fuzztone (ˈfʌzˌtəʊn)   n music   1 an effects pedal which distorts electric guitar sound. Also called: fuzzbox   2 the distorted guitar sound achieved with a fuzztone pedal

■ fuzzy (ˈfʌzI)   adj fuzzier, fuzziest   1 of, resembling, or covered with fuzz   2 indistinct; unclear or distorted   3 not clearly thought out or expressed   4 (of the hair) tightly curled or very wavy   5 maths of or relating to a form of set theory in which set membership depends on a likelihood function: fuzzy set; fuzzy logic   6 (of a computer program or system) designed to operate according to the principles of fuzzy logic, so as to be able to deal with data which is imprecise or has uncertain boundaries   > ˈfuzzily adv   > ˈfuzziness n

■ fuzzy logic   n   a branch of logic designed to allow degrees of imprecision in reasoning and knowledge, typified by terms such as 'very', 'quite possibly', and 'unlikely', to be represented in such a way that the information can be processed by computer

■ fuzzy-wuzzy (ˈfʌzIˌwʌzI)   n, pl -wuzzies or -wuzzy   archaic, offensive, slang a Black native of any of various countries, esp one with curled hair

■ fuzzy-wuzzy angel   n   Austral informal any native of Papua New Guinea who assisted as a stretcher-bearer in World War II

fuzz^2 (fʌz)   n   a slang word for police, policeman [C20: of uncertain origin]

fuzzle (ˈfʌzəl)   vb (tr)   obsolete to make drunk; to confuse; to befuddle

fv   abbreviation for   folio verso [Latin: on the reverse (that is left-hand) page]

FWA   n   flexible working arrangement: an agreement between an employer and employee that the employee's working hours may be adapted to suit his or her particular needs

fwd   abbreviation for   forward

FWD text messaging   abbreviation for   forward

f.w.d.   abbreviation for   1 four-wheel drive   2 front-wheel drive

FWIW text messaging   abbreviation for   for what it's worth

FX   n   1 films informal short for special effects   ▷ abbreviation for   2 US and Canadian foreign exchange

-fy   suffix forming verbs   to make or become: beautify; simplify; liquefy [from Old French -fier, from Latin -ficāre, verbal ending formed from -ficus -FIC]

FYI text messaging   abbreviation for   for your information

fyke (faIk)   n   US a fish trap consisting of a net suspended over a series of hoops, laid horizontally in the water [C19: from Middle Dutch fuycke]

Fylde (faIld)   n   a region in NW England in Lancashire between the Wyre and Ribble estuaries

fylfot (ˈfaIlfɒt)   n   a rare word for swastika [C16 (apparently meaning: a sign or device for the lower part or foot of a painted window): from fillen to FILL + fot FOOT]

Fylingdales (ˈfaIlIŋˌdeIlz)   n   a Royal Air Force radar station in the North York Moors

Fyn (Danish fyːn)   n   the Danish name for Funen

fynbos (ˈfeInbɒs)   n   a type of vegetation unique to the Mediterranean-climate region of southern and southwestern South Africa, characterized by evergreen hard-leaved shrubs and almost no trees [Afrikaans: fine bush]

fyrd (fIəd, faIəd)   n   history the local militia of an Anglo-Saxon shire, in which all freemen had to serve

FYROM   abbreviation for   Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

fytte (fIt)   n   obsolete a section of a song

FZS   abbreviation for   Fellow of the Zoological Society

Gg

g or G (dʒiː)   n, pl g's, G's or Gs   1 the seventh letter and fifth consonant of the modern English alphabet   2 a speech sound represented by this letter, in English usually either a voiced velar stop, as in grass, or a voiced palato-alveolar affricate, as in page

g   symbol for   1 gallon(s)   2 gram(s)   3 acceleration of free fall (due to gravity) near the surface of the earth   4 grav   5 chess See algebraic notation

G   symbol for   1 music   a a note having a frequency of 392 hertz (G above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the fifth note of the scale of C major   b a key, string, or pipe producing this note   c the major or minor key having this note as its tonic   2 gauss   3 gravitational constant   4 physics conductance   5 biochem guanine   6 German   7 Gibbs function   8 giga   9 good   10 slang, chiefly US grand (a thousand dollars or pounds)   11 (in Australia)   a general exhibition (used to describe a category of film certified as suitable for viewing by anyone)   b (as modifier): a G film

■ G2   n   informal the USA and the People’s Republic of China, considered as the world’s two most important economies [C21: modelled on G7, G10, etc]

■ G3   abbreviation for   Group of Three

■ G5   abbreviation for   Group of Five

■ G7   abbreviation for   Group of Seven

■ G8   abbreviation for   Group of Eight

■ G9 text messaging   abbreviation for   genius

■ G10   abbreviation for   Group of Ten

■ G20   abbreviation for   Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors

■ G24   abbreviation for   Group of Twenty-Four

■ G77   abbreviation for   Group of Seventy-Seven

■ G clef   n   another name for treble clef

■ G-cramp   n   another name for cramp^2 (sense 2)

G. or g.   abbreviation for   1 Gulf   2 guilder(s)   3 guinea(s)

ga   the internet domain name for   Gabon

Ga^1   the chemical symbol for   gallium

Ga^2 or Gã (ɡɑː)   n   1 (pl Ga, Gas or Gã, Gãs) a member of a people of W Africa living chiefly in S Ghana   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family

GA   abbreviation for   1 General Assembly (of the United Nations)   2 general average   3 Georgia

Ga.   abbreviation for   Georgia

GAA   abbreviation for (in Ireland)   Gaelic Athletic Association

gab^1 (ɡæb) informal   vb gabs, gabbing, gabbed   1 (intr) to talk excessively or idly, esp about trivial matters; gossip; chatter   ▷ n   2 idle or trivial talk   3 gift of the gab ability to speak effortlessly, glibly, or persuasively [C18: variant of Northern dialect gob mouth, probably from Irish Gaelic gob beak, mouth]   > ˈgabber n

■ gabby (ˈɡæbI)   adj -bier, -biest   informal inclined to chatter; talkative   > ˈgabbiness n

■ gabfest (ˈɡæbfɛst)   n informal, chiefly US and Canadian   1 prolonged gossiping or conversation   2 an informal gathering for conversation [C19: from GAB^1 + FEST]

gab^2 (ɡæb)   n   1 a hook or open notch in a rod or lever that drops over the spindle of a valve to form a temporary connection for operating the valve   2 a pointed tool used in masonry [C18: probably from Flemish gabbe notch, gash]

GAB   abbreviation for   Gabon (international car registration)

GABA (ˈɡæbə)   n acronym for   gamma-aminobutyric acid: a biologically active substance found in plants and in brain and other animal tissues; it is a neurotransmitter that inhibits activation of neurones

gabapentin (ˌɡæbəˈpɛntIn)   n   an antiepileptic drug that is also used to control neurological pain

Gabar (ˈɡɑːbə), Gheber or Ghebre   n   1 a member of an Iranian religious sect practising a modern version of Zoroastrianism   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characterizing the Gabar sect or its beliefs

gabardine or gaberdine (ˈɡæbəˌdiːn, ˌɡæbəˈdiːn)   n   1 a twill-weave worsted, cotton, or spun-rayon fabric   2 an ankle-length loose coat or frock worn by men, esp by Jews, in the Middle Ages   3 any of various other garments made of gabardine, esp a child's raincoat [C16: from Old French gauvardine pilgrim's garment, from Middle High German wallewart pilgrimage; related to Spanish gabardina]

gabba (ˈɡæbə)   n   a type of electronic dance music

Gabba (ˈɡæbə)   n   the Gabba Austral informal the Queensland Cricket Association ground at Woolloongabba, Brisbane

gabbart (ˈɡæbət)   n   Scot dialect a traditional Scottish sailing vessel designed for use on inland waterways; a barge

gabble (ˈɡæbəl)   vb   1 to utter (words, etc) rapidly and indistinctly; jabber   2 (intr) (of geese and some other birds or animals) to utter rapid cackling noises   ▷ n   3 rapid and indistinct speech or noises [C17: from Middle Dutch gabbelen, of imitative origin]   > ˈgabbler n

■ gabblement (ˈɡæbəlmənt)   n   a gabbling noise

gabbro (ˈɡæbrəʊ)   n, pl -bros   a dark coarse-grained basic plutonic igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and often olivine [C19: from Italian, probably from Latin glaber smooth, bald]   > gabˈbroic or ˌgabbroˈitic adj

■ gabbroid (ˈɡæbrɔId)   adj   gabbro-like, esp of a rock in the petrographic clan which contains the gabbro family

gabelle (ɡæˈbɛl)   n   French history a salt tax levied until 1790 [C15: from Old Italian gabella, from Arabic qabālah tribute, from qabala he received]   > gaˈbelled adj

■ gabeller (ɡæˈbɛlə)   n   French history a person who collected the gabelle; a tax-collector

gaberdine (ˈɡæbəˌdiːn, ˌɡæbəˈdiːn)   n   a variant spelling of gabardine

gaberlunzie (ˌɡæbəˈlʌnzI, -ˈluːnjI)   n   Scot archaic or literary a wandering beggar. Also called: gaberlunzie-man [C16: variant of earlier gaberlungy]

Gaberones (ˌɡæbəˈrəʊnɛs)   n   the former name for Gaborone

Gabès (ˈɡɑːbɛs; French ɡabɛs)   n   1 a port in E Tunisia. Pop: 116 000 (2005 est)   2 Gulf of Gabès an inlet of the Mediterranean on the E coast of Tunisia   ▶ Ancient name: Syrtis Minor. Arabic name: Qabis

gabion (ˈɡeIbIən)   n   1 a cylindrical metal container filled with stones, used in the construction of underwater foundations   2 a wickerwork basket filled with stones or earth, used (esp formerly) as part of a fortification [C16: from French: basket, from Italian gabbione, from gabbia cage, from Latin cavea; see CAGE]

■ gabionade or gabionnade (ˌɡeIbIəˈneId)   n   1 a row of gabions submerged in a waterway, stream, river, etc, to control the flow of water   2 a fortification constructed of gabions

■ gabionage (ˈɡeIbIənIdʒ)   n   a structure or fortification built with gabions

gable (ˈɡeIbəl)   n   1 the triangular upper part of a wall between the sloping ends of a pitched roof   2 a triangular ornamental feature in the form of a gable, esp as used over a door or window   3 the triangular wall on both ends of a gambrel roof [C14: Old French gable, probably from Old Norse gafl; related to Old English geafol fork, Old High German gibil gable]   > ˈgabled adj   > ˈgable-ˌlike adj

■ gable end   n   the end wall of a building on the side which is topped by a gable

■ gablet (ˈɡeIblIt)   n   a small gable

■ gable window   n   a window positioned in a gable or having a small gable over it

Gable (ˈɡeIbəl)   n   (William) Clark. 1901–60, US film actor. His films include It Happened One Night (1934), San Francisco (1936), Gone with the Wind (1939), Mogambo (1953), and The Misfits (1960)

gabnash (ˈɡæbˌnæʃ)   n   Scot dialect the act of chattering

Gabo (ˈɡɑːbəʊ, -bə)   n   Naum (naʊm), original name Naum Neemia Pevsner. 1890–1977, US sculptor, born in Russia: a leading constructivist

Gabon (ɡəˈbɒn; French ɡabɔ̃)   n   a republic in W central Africa, on the Atlantic: settled by the French in 1839; made part of the French Congo in 1888; became independent in 1960; almost wholly forested. Official language: French. Religion: Christian majority; Muslim and animist minorities. Currency: franc. Capital: Libreville. Pop: 2 025 137 (2017 est). Area: 267 675 sq km (103 350 sq miles). Former English spelling: Gaboon

■ Gabonese (ˌɡæbəˈniːz)   adj   1 of or relating to Gabon or its inhabitants   ▷ n, pl -ese   2 a native or inhabitant of Gabon

gaboon (ɡəˈbuːn)   n   the dark mahogany-like wood from a western and central African burseraceous tree, Aucoumea klaineana, used in plywood, for furniture, and as a veneer [C20: altered from GABON]

■ gaboon viper   n   a large venomous viper, Bitis gabonica, that occurs in African rainforests. It has brown and purple markings and hornlike projections on its snout

Gabor (ɡəˈbɔː)   n   Dennis. 1900–79, British electrical engineer, born in Hungary. He invented holography: Nobel prize for physics 1971

Gaborone (ˌhæbəˈrəʊnI)   n   the capital of Botswana (since 1964), in the extreme southeast. Pop: 211 000 (2005 est). Former name: Gaberones

Gabriel^1 (ˈɡeIbrIəl)   n   Bible one of the archangels, the messenger of good news (Daniel 8:16–26; Luke 1:11–20, 26–38)

Gabriel^2 (French ɡabriɛl)   n   Jacques-Ange (ʒakɑ̃ʒ). 1698–1782, French architect: designed the Petit Trianon at Versailles

Gabrieli (Italian ɡabrIˈɛli) or Gabrielli   n   1  Andrea (anˈdrɛːa). 1520–86, Italian organist and composer; chief organist of St Mark's, Venice   2  his nephew, Giovanni (dʒoˈvanni). 1558–1612, Italian organist and composer

gaby (ˈɡeIbI)   n, pl -bies   archaic or dialect an unintelligent person [C18: of unknown origin]

gad^1 (ɡæd)   vb gads, gadding, gadded   1 (intr; often foll by about or around) to go out in search of pleasure, esp in an aimless manner; gallivant   ▷ n   2 carefree adventure (esp in the phrase on or upon the gad) [C15: back formation from obsolete gadling companion, from Old English, from gæd fellowship; related to Old High German gatuling]   > ˈgadder n

■ gadabout (ˈɡædəˌbaʊt)   n   informal a person who restlessly seeks amusement

gad^2 (ɡæd)   n   1 mining a short chisel-like instrument for breaking rock or coal from the face   2 a goad for driving cattle   3 a western US word for spur (sense 1)   ▷ vb gads, gadding, gadded   4 (tr) mining to break up or loosen with a gad [C13: from Old Norse gaddr spike; related to Old High German gart, Gothic gazds spike]

■ gadfly (ˈɡædˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   1 any of various large dipterous flies, esp the horsefly, that annoy livestock by sucking their blood   2 a constantly irritating or harassing person [C16: from GAD^2 (sting) + FLY^2]

■ gadling (ˈɡædlIŋ)   n   1 one of the metal spikes on the knuckles of a gauntlet   2 obsolete a vagabond, a wanderer

■ gadsman (ˈɡædzmən) or gadman (ˈɡædmən)   n, pl -men   Scot obsolete a person who uses a gad to drive animals

Gad^1 (ɡæd)   n, interj   an archaic euphemism for God: by Gad!

Gad^2 (ɡæd)   n Old Testament   1    a Jacob's sixth son, whose mother was Zilpah, Leah's maid   b the Israelite tribe descended from him   c the territory of this tribe, lying to the east of the Jordan and extending southwards from the Sea of Galilee   2 a prophet and admonisher of David (I Samuel 22; II Samuel 24)

Gadarene (ˈɡædəˌriːn)   adj   relating to or engaged in a headlong rush [C19: via Late Latin from Greek Gadarēnos, of Gadara (Palestine), alluding to the Biblical Gadarene swine (Matthew 8:28ff.)]

Gaddafi or Qaddafi (ɡəˈdɑːfI)   n   Mu'ammar Muhammad al- (ˈməʊəˌmɑː æl), 1942–2011, Libyan army officer and statesman; head of state 1969–2011; deposed and executed 2011

gaddi (ˈɡɑːdI)   n   a variant of gadi

gadget (ˈɡædʒIt)   n   1 a small mechanical device or appliance   2 any object that is interesting for its ingenuity or novelty rather than for its practical use [C19: perhaps from French gâchette lock catch, trigger, diminutive of gâche staple]   > ˈgadgety adj

■ gadgeteer (ˌɡædʒIˈtIə)   n   a person who delights in gadgetry

■ gadgetry (ˈɡædʒItrI)   n   1 gadgets collectively   2 use of or preoccupation with gadgets and their design

gadgie (ˈɡædʒI) or gadge (ɡædʒ)   n   Brit dialect a fellow [from Romany]

Gadhelic (ɡædˈhɛlIk)   n, adj   another term for Goidelic [C19: from Old Irish Gaídelc, Goídelc the Gaelic language]

gadi (ˈɡɑːdI)   n   a cushioned Indian throne

gadid (ˈɡeIdId)   n   1 any marine teleost fish of the family Gadidae, which includes the cod, haddock, whiting, and pollack   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Gadidae [C19: see GADOID]

gadjo (ˈɡædʒəʊ)   n, pl -jos   1 a non-ethnic Romany   2 an ethnic Romany who does not follow the Romany code

gado-gado (ˈɡɑːdəʊˈɡɑːdəʊ)   n   an Indonesian dish of cooked mixed vegetables and hard-boiled eggs served with a peanut sauce [Indonesian]

gadoid (ˈɡeIdɔId)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Anacanthini, an order of marine soft-finned fishes typically having the pectoral and pelvic fins close together and small cycloid scales. The group includes gadid fishes and hake   ▷ n   2 any gadoid fish [C19: from New Latin Gadidae, from gadus cod; see -OID]

gadolinite (ˈɡædəlIˌnaIt)   n   a rare brown or black mineral consisting of a silicate of iron, beryllium, and yttrium in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: 2BeO.FeO.Y_2O_3.2SiO_2. Also called: ytterbite [C19: named after Johan Gadolin (1760–1852), Finnish mineralogist]

gadolinium (ˌɡædəˈlInIəm)   n   a ductile malleable silvery-white ferromagnetic element of the lanthanide series of metals: occurs principally in monazite and bastnaesite. Symbol: Gd; atomic no: 64; atomic wt: 157.25; valency: 3; relative density: 7.901; melting pt: 1313±°C; boiling pt: 3273°C (approx.) [C19: New Latin, from GADOLINITE]   > ˌgadoˈlinic adj

gadroon or godroon (ɡəˈdruːn)   n   1 a moulding composed of a series of convex flutes and curves joined to form a decorative pattern, used esp as an edge to silver articles   2 architect a carved ornamental moulding having a convex cross section [C18: from French godron, perhaps from Old French godet cup, goblet, drinking vessel]   > gaˈdrooned or goˈdrooned adj

Gadsden Purchase (ˈɡædzdən)   n   an area of about 77 000 sq km (30 000 sq miles) in present-day Arizona and New Mexico, bought by the US from Mexico for 10 million dollars in 1853. The purchase was negotiated by James Gadsden (1788–1858), US diplomat

gadso (ˈɡædsəʊ)   interj   archaic an expression of surprise

gadwall (ˈɡædˌwɔːl)   n, pl -walls or -wall   a duck, Anas strepera, related to the mallard. The male has a grey body and black tail [C17: of unknown origin]

gadzooks (ɡædˈzuːks)   interj   archaic a mild oath [C17: perhaps from God's hooks (the nails of the cross); see GAD^1]

■ gadzookery (ɡædˈzuːkərI)   n   Brit dialect the use of archaic words or expressions, esp in historical novels

gae (ɡe)   vb gaes, gaun, gaed, gane   a Scot word for go^1

Gaea (ˈdʒiːə)   n   Greek myth a variant of Gaia

Gaekwar or Gaikwar (ˈɡaIkwɑː)   n   history the title of the ruler of the former native state of Baroda in India [C19: from Marathi Gaekvād, literally: Guardian of the Cows, from Sanskrit gauh cow + -vad guardian]

Gael (ɡeIl)   n   a person who speaks a Gaelic language, esp a Highland Scot or an Irishman [C19: from Gaelic Gaidheal; related to Old Irish goidel, Old Welsh gwyddel Irishman]   > ˈGaeldom n

■ Gaelic (ˈɡeIlIk, ˈɡæl-)   n   1 any of the closely related languages of the Celts in Ireland, Scotland, or (formerly) the Isle of Man. Compare Goidelic   ▷ adj   2 of, denoting, or relating to the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man or their language or customs

■ Gaelic coffee   n   another name for Irish coffee

■ Gaelic football   n   an Irish game played with 15 players on each side and goals resembling rugby posts with a net on the bottom part. Players are allowed to kick, punch, and bounce the ball and attempt to get it over the bar or in the net

■ gaelicism (ˈɡeIlIˌsIzəm)   n   1 a word, phrase or idiom peculiar to the Gaelic language   2 the quality or condition of being Gaelic

■ gaelicize or gaelicise (ˈɡeIlIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   to adapt (a word) so that it conforms to the conventions of Gaelic spelling and pronunciation; to make Gaelic

■ Gaeltacht (ˈɡɛːltəxt) or Gaedhealtacht (ˈɡeIlˌtæxt, ˈɡaɛl-)   n   any of the regions in Ireland in which Irish Gaelic is the vernacular speech. The form Gaeltacht is sometimes also used to mean the region of Scotland in which Scottish Gaelic is spoken. See also Gaidhealtachd [C20: from Irish Gaelic]

gaff^1 (ɡæf)   n   1 angling a stiff pole with a stout prong or hook attached for landing large fish   2 nautical a boom hoisted aft of a mast to support a gaffsail   3 a metal spur fixed to the leg of a gamecock   ▷ vb (tr)   4 angling to hook or land (a fish) with a gaff   5 slang to cheat; hoax [C13: from French gaffe, from Provençal gaf boathook]

■ gaff-rigged   adj   (of a sailing vessel) rigged with one or more gaffsails

■ gaffsail (ˈɡæfˌseIl, -səl)   n   a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail on a sailing vessel

■ gaff-topsail   n   a sail set above a gaffsail

gaff^2 (ɡæf)   n   1 slang foolish talk; nonsense   2 blow the gaff Brit slang to divulge a secret   3 stand the gaff slang, chiefly US and Canadian to endure ridicule, difficulties, etc [C19: of unknown origin]

gaff^3 (ɡæf)   n Brit slang, archaic   1 a person's home, esp a flat   2 Also called: penny-gaff a cheap or low-class place of entertainment, esp a cheap theatre or music hall in Victorian England [C18: of unknown origin]

gaffe (ɡæf)   n   a social blunder, esp a tactless remark [C19: from French]

gaffer (ˈɡæfə)   n   1 an old man, esp one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizingly. Compare gammer   2 informal, chiefly Brit a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, mine, etc   3 the senior electrician on a television or film set [C16: alteration of GODFATHER]

■ gaffer tape   n   Brit strong adhesive tape used in electrical repairs

gag^1 (ɡæɡ)   vb gags, gagging, gagged   1 (tr) to stop up (a person's mouth), esp with a piece of cloth, etc, to prevent him or her from speaking or crying out   2 (tr) to suppress or censor (free expression, information, etc)   3 to retch or cause to retch   4 (intr) to struggle for breath; choke   5 (tr) to hold (the jaws) of (a person or animal) apart with a surgical gag   6 (tr) to apply a gag-bit to (a horse)   7 be gagging for or be gagging to slang to be very eager to have or do something   ▷ n   8 a piece of cloth, rope, etc, stuffed into or tied across the mouth   9 any restraint on or suppression of information, free speech, etc   10 a surgical device for keeping the jaws apart, as during a tonsillectomy   11 parliamentary procedure another word for closure (sense 4) [C15 gaggen; perhaps imitative of a gasping sound]

■ gag-bit   n   a powerful type of bit used in breaking horses

■ gagger (ˈɡæɡə)   n   1 a person or thing that gags   2 a wedge for a core in a casting mould

■ gag rule, gag resolution or gag law   n   US any closure regulation adopted by a deliberative body

gag^2 (ɡæɡ) informal   n   1 a joke or humorous story, esp one told by a professional comedian   2 a hoax, practical joke, etc: he did it for a gag   ▷ vb gags, gagging, gagged   3 (intr) to tell jokes or funny stories, as comedians in nightclubs, etc   4 (often foll by up) theatre   a to interpolate lines or business not in the actor's stage part, usually comic and improvised   b to perform a stage jest, either spoken or based on movement [C19: perhaps special use of GAG^1]

■ gaggery (ˈɡæɡərI)   n   the practice of telling jokes

■ gagman (ˈɡæɡˌmæn)   n, pl -men   1 a person who writes gags for a comedian   2 US a comedian

■ gagster (ˈɡæɡstə)   n   another name for gagman

gaga (ˈɡɑːɡɑː)   adj informal   1 mentally infirm, esp on account of old age   2 slightly crazy [C20: from French, of imitative origin]

gagaku (ˈɡɑːɡɑːkuː)   n   a traditional style of Japanese music performed at the Imperial court

Gagarin (Russian ɡaˈɡarin)   n   Yuri (ˈjurI). 1934–68, Soviet cosmonaut: made the first manned space flight (1961)

Gagauzi (ɡəˈɡɔːzI)   n   a language spoken chiefly in Ukraine, on the NW coast of the Black Sea, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family

gage^1 (ɡeIdʒ)   n   1 something deposited as security against the fulfilment of an obligation; pledge   2 (formerly) a glove or other object thrown down to indicate a challenge to combat   ▷ vb   3 (tr) archaic to stake, pledge, or wager [C14: from Old French gage, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic wadi pledge]

gage^2 (ɡeIdʒ)   n   short for greengage

gage^3 (ɡeIdʒ)   n   US old-fashioned, slang marijuana [C20: of uncertain origin; compare GANJA]

gage^4 (ɡeIdʒ)   n, vb   US a variant spelling (esp in technical senses) of gauge

Gage (ɡeIdʒ)   n   Thomas. 1721–87, British general and governor in America; commander in chief of British forces at Bunker Hill (1775)

gager (ˈɡeIdʒə)   n   a variant spelling of gauger

gaggle (ˈɡæɡəl)   vb   1 (intr) (of geese) to cackle   ▷ n   2 a flock of geese   3 informal a disorderly group of people   4 a gabbling or cackling sound [C14: of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse gagl gosling, Dutch gaggelen to cackle, all of imitative origin]

gahnite (ˈɡɑːnaIt)   n   a dark green mineral of the spinel group consisting of zinc aluminium oxide. Formula: ZnAl_2O_4 [C19: named after J. G. Gahn (1745–1818), Swedish chemist; see -ITE^1]

GAI   abbreviation for (in Canada)   Guaranteed Annual Income

Gaia (ˈɡeIə), Gaea or Ge   n   the goddess of the earth, who bore Uranus and by him Oceanus, Cronus, and the Titans [from Greek gaia earth]

■ Gaia hypothesis or Gaia theory (ˈɡaIə)   n   the theory, formulated by English scientist James Lovelock (born 1919), that the earth and everything on it constitutes a single self-regulating living entity

Gaidhealtachd (ˈɡeIlˌtæxt, ˈɡaɛlˌtaxɡ)   n   1 the area of Scotland in which Scottish Gaelic is the vernacular speech. See also Gaeltacht   2 the culture and traditions of the Scottish Gaels [Scottish Gaelic]

gaiety (ˈɡeIətI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state or condition of being merry, bright, or lively   2 festivity; merrymaking   ▶ Also (esp US): gayety

USAGE

See at gay

gaijin (ɡaIˈdʒIn)   n, pl -jin   (in Japan) a foreigner [C20: Japanese, a contraction of gaikoku-jin, from gaikoku foreign country + jin person]

Gaikwar (ˈɡaIkwɑː)   n   a variant spelling of Gaekwar

Gaillard Cut (ɡIlˈjɑːd, ˈɡeIlɑːd)   n   the former name of the Culebra Cut [C19: named after David Du Bose Gaillard (1859–1913), US army engineer in charge of the work]

gaillardia (ɡeIˈlɑːdIə)   n   any plant of the North American genus Gaillardia, having ornamental flower heads with yellow or red rays and purple discs: family Asteraceae (composites) [C19: from New Latin, named after Gaillard de Marentonneau, 18th-century French amateur botanist]

gain^1 (ɡeIn)   vb   1 (tr) to acquire (something desirable); obtain   2 (tr) to win in competition: to gain the victory   3 to increase, improve, or advance: the car gained speed; the shares gained in value   4 (tr) to earn (a wage, living, etc)   5 (intr; usually foll by on or upon)   a to get nearer (to) or catch up (on)   b to get farther away (from)   6 (tr) (esp of ships) to get to; reach: the steamer gained port   7 (of a timepiece) to operate too fast, so as to indicate a time ahead of the true time or to run fast by a specified amount: this watch gains; it gains ten minutes a day   8 gain ground to make progress or obtain an advantage   9 gain time   a to obtain extra time by a delay or postponement   b (of a timepiece) to operate too fast   ▷ n   10 something won, acquired, earned, etc; profit; advantage   11 an increase in size, amount, etc   12 the act of gaining; attainment; acquisition   13 Also called: amplification electronics the ratio of the output signal of an amplifier to the input signal, usually measured in decibels [C15: from Old French gaaignier, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German weidenen to forage, hunt]   > ˈgainable adj

■ gainer (ˈɡeInə)   n   1 a person or thing that gains   2 Also called: full gainer a type of dive in which the diver leaves the board facing forward and completes a full backward somersault to enter the water feet first with the back to the diving board. Compare half gainer

■ gainful (ˈɡeInfʊl)   adj   profitable; lucrative: gainful employment   > ˈgainfully adv   > ˈgainfulness n

■ gainings (ˈɡeInIŋz)   pl n   profits or earnings

■ gainless (ˈɡeInləs)   adj   providing no gain; unprofitable   > ˈgainlessness n

■ gainly (ˈɡeInlI) obsolete or dialect   adj   1 graceful or well-formed; shapely   ▷ adv   2 conveniently or suitably   > ˈgainliness n

■ gains (ɡeInz)   pl n   profits or winnings: ill-gotten gains

gain^2 (ɡeIn)   n   1 a notch, mortise, or groove, esp one cut to take the flap of a butt hinge   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to cut a gain or gains in [C17: of obscure origin]

GAIN (ɡeIn)   n acronym for (in Canada)   Guaranteed Annual Income

gaingiving (ˈɡeInˌɡIvIŋ)   n   archaic a misgiving, a doubt

gainsay (ɡeInˈseI)   vb -says, -saying, -said   (tr) archaic or literary to deny (an allegation, a statement, etc); contradict [C13 gainsaien, from gain- AGAINST + saien to SAY^1]   > gainˈsayer n

Gainsborough (ˈɡeInzbərə, -brə)   n   Thomas. 1727–88, English painter, noted particularly for his informal portraits and for his naturalistic landscapes

gainsharing (ˈɡeInˌʃɛərIŋ)   n   commerce   a a system in which employees are financially rewarded for reducing operating costs and working more efficiently. The reward may or may not be in relation to individual performance   b (as modifier): a gainsharing scheme [C19: on the model of PROFIT-SHARING]

'gainst or gainst (ɡɛnst, ɡeInst)   prep   poetic short for against

gainstrive (ɡeInˈstraIv)   vb   obsolete to resist; to oppose

gair (ɡɛə; Scottish ɡɛr)   n   Scot dialect a strip or patch of fertile grass

Gaiseric (ˈɡaIzərIk)   n   same as Genseric

gait (ɡeIt)   n   1 manner of walking or running; bearing   2 (used esp of horses and dogs) the pattern of footsteps at various speeds, as the walk, trot, canter, etc, each pattern being distinguished by a particular rhythm and footfall   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to teach (a horse) a particular gait [C16: variant of GATE^1]

■ -gaited (ˈɡeItId)   adj   (in combination) having a gait as specified: slow-gaited

gaita (ˈɡaItə)   n   a type of Spanish bagpipe

gaiter (ˈɡeItə)   n (often plural)   1 a cloth or leather covering for the leg or ankle buttoned on one side and usually strapped under the foot   2 Also called: spat a similar covering extending from the ankle to the instep   3 a waterproof covering for the ankle worn by climbers and walkers to prevent snow, mud, or gravel entering over the top of the boot [C18: from French guêtre, probably of Germanic origin and related to WRIST]   > ˈgaiterless adj

■ gaitered (ˈɡeItəd)   adj   wearing gaiters

Gaitskell (ˈɡeItskIl)   n   Hugh (Todd Naylor). 1906–63, British politician; leader of the Labour Party (1955–63)

Gaius (ˈɡaIəs) or Caius   n   1  ?110–?180 AD, Roman jurist. His Institutes were later used as the basis for those of Justinian   2 Gaius Caesar. See Caligula

gak (ɡæk)   n   slang cocaine

gal^1 (ɡæl)   n   informal a girl

■ gal pal   n informal   1 a female friend   2 a lesbian lover

gal^2 (ɡæl)   n   a unit of acceleration equal to 1 centimetre per second per second [C20: named after GALILEO]

GAL text messaging   abbreviation for   get a life

gal. or gall.   abbreviation for   gallon

Gal. Bible   abbreviation for   Galatians

gala (ˈɡɑːlə, ˈɡeIlə)   n   1    a a celebration; festive occasion   b (as modifier): a gala occasion   2 chiefly Brit a sporting occasion involving competitions in several events: a swimming gala [C17: from French or Italian, from Old French gale pleasure, from Old French galer to make merry, probably of Germanic origin; compare GALLANT]

galactagogue (ɡəˈlæktəˌɡɒɡ)   adj   1 inducing milk secretion   ▷ n   2 a galactagogue agent [C19: from Greek gala, galaktos, milk + -AGOGUE]

galactic (ɡəˈlæktIk)   adj   1 astronomy of or relating to a galaxy, esp the Galaxy: the galactic plane   2 med of or relating to milk [C19: from Greek galaktikos; see GALAXY]

■ galactic equator or galactic circle   n   the great circle on the celestial sphere containing the galactic plane

■ galactic halo   n   astronomy a spheroidal aggregation of globular clusters, individual stars, dust, and gas that surrounds the Galaxy

■ galactic plane   n   the plane passing through the spiral arms of the Galaxy

■ galactic poles   pl n   the two points on the celestial sphere, diametrically opposite each other, that can be joined by an imaginary line perpendicular to the galactic plane

Galactico (ɡəˈlæktIˌkəʊ)   n   informal a famous and highly paid footballer [C21: from Spanish Los Galácticos the nickname of the expensively assembled Real Madrid team of the early years of the 21st century; galáctico someone from another galaxy, denoting their superstar status]

galacto- or before a vowel galact-   combining form   milk or milky: galactometer [from Greek galakt-, gala]

galactometer (ˌɡæləkˈtɒmItə)   n   an instrument, similar to a hydrometer, for measuring the relative density of milk. It is used to determine the fat content   > ˌgalacˈtometry n

galactophorous (ɡəlækˈtɒfərəs)   adj   conveying milk; lactiferous

galactopoietic (ɡəˌlæktəʊpɔIˈɛtIk)   adj   1 inducing or increasing the secretion of milk   ▷ n   2 a galactopoietic agent   > galactopoiesis (ɡəˌlæktəʊpɔIˈiːsIs) n

galactorrhoea (ɡəˌlæktəˈrIə)   n   med an abnormal production of breast milk

galactose (ɡəˈlæktəʊz, -əʊs)   n   a white water-soluble monosaccharide found in lactose. Formula: C_6H_12O_6

■ galactosaemia or galactosemia (ɡəˌlæktəˈsiːmIə)   n   med a genetic disorder which affects a person's ability to metabolize galactose, identifiable by the presence of galactose in the blood

■ galactosaemic or galactosemic (ɡəˌlæktəʊˈsiːmIk)   adj   med of, relating to, or affected by galactosaemia

■ galactosamine (ɡəlækˈtəʊsəˌmiːn, ɡəlækˈtəʊzəˌmiːn)   n   any amino sugar derived from galactose, esp chondrosamine

■ galactosidase (ɡəlækˈtəʊsIˌdeIz)   n   any of several enzymes that act as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of galactoside

■ galactoside (ɡəˈlæktəˌsaId)   n   any of several glycosides that contain galactose

■ galactosyl (ɡəˈlæktəˌsIl)   n   the glycosyl radical of galactose

galago (ɡəˈlɑːɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   another name for bushbaby [C19: from New Latin, perhaps from Wolof golokh monkey]

galah (ɡəˈlɑː)   n   1 an Australian cockatoo, Kakatoe roseicapilla, having grey wings, back, and crest and a pink body   2 Austral slang a foolish person [C19: from a native Australian language]

■ galah session   n   Austral informal an occasion on which people from remote areas converse with each other by radio

Galahad (ˈɡæləˌhæd)   n   1 Sir Galahad (in Arthurian legend) the most virtuous knight of the Round Table, destined to regain the Holy Grail; son of Lancelot and Elaine   2 a pure or noble man

galangal (ɡəˈlæŋɡəl)   n   1 another name for galingale   2 a zingiberaceous plant, Alpinia officinarum, of China and the East Indies   3 the pungent aromatic root of this plant, dried and used as a seasoning and in medicine

galant (ɡəˈlɑːnt)   n   an 18th-century style of music characterized by homophony and elaborate ornamentation [C17: from Old French galant, from galer to make merry, from gale enjoyment, pleasure]

galantamine (ɡəˈlæntəˌmiːn)   n   a drug that, by blocking the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the cortex of the brain, has been used to slow down the cognitive decline that characterizes Alzheimer's disease

galantine (ˈɡælənˌtiːn)   n   a cold dish of meat or poultry, which is boned, cooked, stuffed, then pressed into a neat shape and glazed [C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin galatina, probably from Latin gelātus frozen, set; see GELATINE]

galanty show (ɡəˈlæntI)   n   (formerly) a pantomime shadow play, esp one in miniature using figures cut from paper [C19: perhaps from Italian galante GALLANT]

galapago (ɡəˈlæpəˌɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   the Galapagos giant tortoise

Galápagos Islands (ɡəˈlæpəɡəs; Spanish ɡaˈlapaɣɔs)   pl n   a group of 15 islands in the Pacific west of Ecuador, of which they form a province: discovered (1535) by the Spanish; main settlement on San Cristóbal. Pop: 18 640 (2001). Area: 7844 sq km (3028 sq miles). Official Spanish name: Archipiélago de Colón

Galashiels (ˌɡæləˈʃiːlz)   n   a town in SE Scotland, in central Scottish Borders. Pop: 14 361 (2001)

Galata (ˈɡælətə)   n   a port in NW Turkey, a suburb and the chief business section of Istanbul

galatea (ˌɡæləˈtIə)   n   a strong twill-weave cotton fabric, striped or plain, for clothing [C19: named after the man-of-war HMS Galatea (the fabric was at one time in demand for children's sailor suits)]

Galatea (ˌɡæləˈtIə)   n   Greek myth a statue of a maiden brought to life by Aphrodite in response to the prayers of the sculptor Pygmalion, who had fallen in love with his creation

Galaţi (Romanian ɡaˈlatsj)   n   an inland port in SE Romania, on the River Danube. Pop: 251 000 (2005 est)

Galatia (ɡəˈleIʃə, -ʃIə)   n   an ancient region in central Asia Minor, conquered by Gauls 278–277 BC: later a Roman province

■ Galatian (ɡəˈleIʃən, -ʃIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Galatia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Galatia

■ Galatians (ɡəˈleIʃənz, -ʃIənz)   n   (functioning as singular) a book of the New Testament (in full The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians)

galax (ˈɡeIlæks)   n   an evergreen flowering plant of the family Diapensiaceae, native to south-eastern parts of North America

galaxy (ˈɡæləksI)   n, pl -axies   1 any of a vast number of star systems held together by gravitational attraction in an asymmetric shape (an irregular galaxy) or, more usually, in a symmetrical shape (a regular galaxy), which is either a spiral or an ellipse. Former names: island universe, extragalactic nebula. Related adjective: galactic   2 a splendid gathering, esp one of famous or distinguished people [C14 (in the sense: the Milky Way), from Medieval Latin galaxia, from Latin galaxias, from Greek, from gala milk; related to Latin lac milk]

■ Galaxy (ˈɡæləksI)   n   the Galaxy the spiral galaxy, approximately 100 000 light years in diameter, that contains the solar system about three fifths of the distance from its centre. Also known as: the Milky Way System. See also Magellanic Cloud

Galba (ˈɡælbə)   n   Servius Sulpicius (ˈsɜːvIəs sʌlˈpIʃəs). ?3 BC–69 AD, Roman emperor (68–69) after the assassination of Nero

galbanum (ˈɡælbənəm)   n   a bitter aromatic gum resin extracted from any of several Asian umbelliferous plants of the genus Ferula, esp F. galbaniflua, and used in incense and medicinally as a counterirritant [C14: from Latin, from Greek khalbanē, from Hebrew helbenāh]

Galbraith (ɡælˈbreIθ)   n   John Kenneth. 1908–2006, US economist and diplomat born in Canada; author of The Affluent Society (1958), The New Industrial State (1967), and The Culture of Contentment (1992)   > Galˈbraithian adj

gale^1 (ɡeIl)   n   1 a strong wind, specifically one of force seven to ten on the Beaufort scale or from 45 to 90 kilometres per hour   2 (often plural) a loud outburst, esp of laughter   3 archaic, poetic a gentle breeze [C16: of unknown origin]

gale^2 (ɡeIl)   n   short for sweet gale [Old English gagel; related to Middle Low German gagel]

galea (ˈɡeIlIə)   n, pl -leae (-lIˌiː)   a part or organ shaped like a helmet or hood, such as the petals of certain flowers [C18: from Latin: helmet]   > ˈgaleˌate or ˈgaleˌated adj   > ˈgaleiˌform adj

Galen (ˈɡeIlən)   n   Latin name Claudius Galenus. ?130–?200 AD, Greek physician, anatomist, and physiologist. He codified existing medical knowledge and his authority continued until the Renaissance

■ Galenic (ɡeIˈlɛnIk, ɡə-)   adj   of or relating to Galen or his teachings or methods

■ galenical (ɡeIˈlɛnIkəl, ɡə-) pharmacol   n   1 any drug prepared from plant or animal tissue, esp vegetables, rather than being chemically synthesized   ▷ adj   2 denoting or belonging to this group of drugs

■ Galenism (ˈɡeIlIˌnIzəm)   n   a system of medicine based on the 84 surviving technical treatises of Galen, including the theory of the four bodily humours   > ˈGalenist adj, n

galena (ɡəˈliːnə) or galenite (ɡəˈliːnaIt)   n   a grey mineral, found in hydrothermal veins. It is the chief source of lead. Composition: lead sulphide. Formula: PbS. Crystal structure: cubic [C17: from Latin: lead ore, dross left after melting lead]

■ galenoid (ɡəˈliːnɔId)   adj   relating to or resembling galena

galeopithecine (ˌɡeIlIəʊˈpIθIˌsiːn, -ˌsaIn)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling the flying lemur (Galeopithecus). Also: galeopithecoid (ˌɡælIəʊpIˈθiːkɔId)

galère French (ɡalɛr)   n   1 a group of people having a common interest, esp a coterie of undesirable people   2 an unpleasant situation [C18: literally: a galley]

Galerius (ɡəˈlɛərIəs)   n   full name Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus. ?250–311 AD, Eastern Roman Emperor (305–311): noted for his persecution of Christians

galette (ɡəˈlɛt)   n   a round flat pastry or pancake

Galibi (ɡɑːˈliːbI)   n   1 (pl -bi or -bis) a member of an indigenous people of French Guiana   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Carib family

Galicia   n   1 (ɡəˈlIʃIə, -ˈlIʃə) a region of E central Europe on the N side of the Carpathians, now in SE Poland and Ukraine   2 (Spanish ɡaˈliθja) an autonomous region and former kingdom of NW Spain, on the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic. Pop: 1 969 000 (2003 est)

■ Galician (ɡəˈlIʃIən, -ʃən)   adj   1 of or relating to Galicia in E central Europe   2 of or relating to Galicia in NW Spain   ▷ n   3 a native or inhabitant of either Galicia   4 the Romance language or dialect of Spanish Galicia, sometimes regarded as a dialect of Spanish, although historically it is more closely related to Portuguese

Galilee (ˈɡælIˌliː)   n   1 Sea of Galilee, Lake Tiberias or Lake Kinneret a lake in NE Israel, 209 m (686 ft) below sea level, through which the River Jordan flows. Area: 165 sq km (64 sq miles)   2 a northern region of Israel: scene of Christ's early ministry

■ Galilean (ˌɡælIˈliːən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Galilee   2 the Galilean   a an epithet of Jesus Christ   b (often plural) a Christian   ▷ adj   3 of Galilee

■ galilee (ˈɡælIˌliː)   n   a porch or chapel at the entrance to some medieval churches and cathedrals in England

Galileo^1 (ˌɡælIˈleIəʊ)   n   full name Galileo Galilei. 1564–1642, Italian mathematician, astronomer, and physicist. He discovered the isochronism of the pendulum and demonstrated that falling bodies of different weights descend at the same rate. He perfected the refracting telescope, which led to his discovery of Jupiter's satellites, sunspots, and craters on the Earth's moon. He was forced by the Inquisition to recant his support of the Copernican system

■ Galilean (ˌɡælIˈleIən)   adj   of or relating to Galileo

■ Galilean satellite   n   any of the four large satellites of the planet Jupiter – Io, Europa, Ganymede, or Callisto – discovered in 1610 by Galileo

■ Galilean telescope   n   a type of telescope with a convex objective lens and a concave eyepiece; it produces an erect image and is suitable for terrestrial use

Galileo^2 (ˌɡælIˈleIəʊ)   n   a US spacecraft, launched 1989, that entered orbit around Jupiter in late 1995 to study the planet and its major satellites; burned up in the planet's atmosphere in 2003

galimatias (ˌɡælIˈmeIʃIəs, -ˈmætIəs)   n   rare confused talk; gibberish [C17: from French, of unknown origin]

galingale (ˈɡælIŋˌɡeIl) or galangal   n   a European cyperaceous plant, Cyperus longus, with rough-edged leaves, reddish spikelets of flowers, and aromatic roots [C13: from Old French galingal, from Arabic khalanjān, from Chinese kaoliang-chiang, from Kaoliang district in Guangdong province + chiang ginger]

galiongee (ˌɡæljənˈdʒiː)   n   (formerly) a Turkish sailor

galiot or galliot (ˈɡælIət)   n   1 a small swift galley formerly sailed on the Mediterranean   2 a shallow-draught ketch formerly used along the coasts of Germany and the Netherlands [C14: from Old French galiote, from Italian galeotta, from Medieval Latin galea GALLEY]

galipot or gallipot (ˈɡælIˌpɒt)   n   a resin obtained from several species of pine, esp from the S European Pinus pinaster [C18: from French, of unknown origin]

gall^1 (ɡɔːl)   n   1 informal impudence   2 bitterness; rancour   3 something bitter or disagreeable   4 physiol an obsolete term for bile^1   5 an obsolete term for gallbladder [from Old Norse, replacing Old English gealla; related to Old High German galla, Greek kholē]

■ gallbladder   n   a muscular pear-shaped sac, lying underneath the right lobe of the liver, that stores bile and ejects it into the duodenum through the common bile duct

■ gallsickness (ˈɡɔːlˌsIknIs)   n   a disease of cattle and sheep, caused by infection with rickettsiae of the genus Anaplasma, resulting in anaemia and jaundice. Also called: anaplasmosis

■ gallstone (ˈɡɔːlˌstəʊn)   n   pathol a small hard concretion of cholesterol, bile pigments, and lime salts, formed in the gall bladder or its ducts. Also called: bilestone

■ gally (ˈɡɔːlI)   adj gallier, galliest   obsolete gall-like, bitter

gall^2 (ɡɔːl)   n   1 a sore on the skin caused by chafing   2 something that causes vexation or annoyance: a gall to the spirits   3 irritation; exasperation   ▷ vb   4 pathol to abrade (the skin, etc) as by rubbing   5 (tr) to irritate or annoy; vex [C14: of Germanic origin; related to Old English gealla sore on a horse, and perhaps to GALL^1]

■ galling (ˈɡɔːlIŋ)   adj   1 irritating, exasperating, or bitterly humiliating   2 obsolete rubbing painfully; chafing   > ˈgallingly adv

■ gally (ˈɡɔːlI)   adj gallier, galliest   obsolete (of land) damp or barren

gall^3 (ɡɔːl)   n   an abnormal outgrowth in plant tissue caused by certain parasitic insects, fungi, bacteria, or mechanical injury [C14: from Old French galle, from Latin galla]

■ gallfly (ˈɡɔːlˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   any of several small insects that produce galls in plant tissues, such as the gall wasp and gall midge

■ gallic acid   n   a colourless crystalline compound obtained from tannin: used as a tanning agent and in making inks, paper, and pyrogallol; 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid. Formula: C_6H_2(OH)3COOH

■ gall midge   n   any of various small fragile mosquito-like dipterous flies constituting the widely distributed family Cecidomyidae, many of which have larvae that produce galls on plants. Also called: gallfly, gall gnat. See also Hessian fly

■ gall mite   n   any of various plant-feeding mites of the family Phytoptidae that cause galls or blisters on buds, leaves, or fruit

■ gallnut (ˈɡɔːlˌnʌt) or gall-apple   n   a type of plant gall that resembles a nut

■ gall wasp   n   any small solitary wasp of the family Cynipidae and related families that produces galls in plant tissue, which provide shelter and food for the larvae

■ gallic (ˈɡælIk)   adj   of, relating to, or derived from plant galls [C18: from French gallique; see GALL^3]

gally (ˈɡælI)   vb -lies, -lying, -lied (tr)   dialect to frighten; scare

gall. or gal.   abbreviation for   gallon

Galla (ˈɡælə)   n offensive   another name (not used by the people of themselves) for Oromo

gallamine (ˈɡæləˌmiːn)   n   1 pharmacol a neuromuscular blocking agent used in anaesthesia. In full: gallamine triethiodide   2 gallamine blue a type of mordant dye

gallant   adj (ˈɡælənt)   1 brave and high-spirited; courageous and honourable; dashing: a gallant warrior   2 (ɡəˈlænt, ˈɡælənt) (of a man) attentive to women; chivalrous   3 imposing; dignified; stately: a gallant ship   4 archaic showy in dress   ▷ n (ˈɡælənt, ɡəˈlænt) archaic   5 a woman's lover or suitor   6 a dashing or fashionable young man, esp one who pursues women   7 a brave, high-spirited, or adventurous man   ▷ vb (ɡəˈlænt, ˈɡælənt) rare   8 (when intr, usually foll by with) to court or flirt (with)   9 (tr) to attend or escort (a woman) [C15: from Old French galant, from galer to make merry, from gale enjoyment, pleasure, of Germanic origin; related to Old English wela WEAL^2]   > ˈgallantly adv   > ˈgallantness n

■ gallantry (ˈɡæləntrI)   n, pl -ries   1 conspicuous courage, esp in war: the gallantry of the troops   2 polite attentiveness to women   3 a gallant action, speech, etc

■ gallant soldier   n   a South American plant, Galinsoga parviflora, widely distributed as a weed, having small daisy-like flowers surrounded by silvery scales: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: Joey Hooker [C20: by folk etymology from New Latin Galinsoga]

gallate (ˈɡæleIt)   n   chem any salt of gallic acid

Galle (ɡɔːl)   n   a port in SW Sri Lanka; along with other coastal settlements, it suffered badly in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Pop: 90 270 (2001). Former name: Point de Galle

galleass or galliass (ˈɡælIˌæs)   n   nautical a three-masted lateen-rigged galley used as a warship in the Mediterranean from the 15th to the 18th centuries [C16: from French galleasse, from Italian galeazza, from galea GALLEY]

gallein (ˈɡælIIn)   n   chem a brown or green dye, used to colour textiles and as a pH indicator

galleon (ˈɡælIən)   n   nautical a large sailing ship having three or more masts, lateen-rigged on the after masts and square-rigged on the foremast and mainmast, used as a warship or trader from the 15th to the 18th centuries [C16: from Spanish galeón, from French galion, from Old French galie GALLEY]

galleria (ˌɡæləˈriːə)   n   a central court through several storeys of a shopping centre or department store onto which shops or departments open at each level [C20: from Italian; see GALLERY]

gallery (ˈɡælərI)   n, pl -leries   1 a room or building for exhibiting works of art   2 a covered passageway open on one side or on both sides. See also colonnade (sense 1)   3    a a balcony running along or around the inside wall of a church, hall, etc   b a covered balcony, sometimes with columns on the outside   4 theatre   a an upper floor that projects from the rear over the main floor and contains the cheapest seats   b the seats there   c the audience seated there   5 a long narrow room, esp one used for a specific purpose: a shooting gallery   6 chiefly US a building or room where articles are sold at auction   7 an underground passage, as in a mine, the burrow of an animal, etc   8 theatre a narrow raised platform at the side or along the back of the stage for the use of technicians and stagehands   9 (in a TV studio) a glass-fronted soundproof room high up to one side of the studio looking into it. One gallery is used by the director and an assistant and one is for lighting, etc   10 nautical a balcony or platform at the quarter or stern of a ship, sometimes used as a gun emplacement   11 a small ornamental metal or wooden balustrade or railing on a piece of furniture, esp one surrounding the top of a desk, table, etc   12 any group of spectators, as at a golf match   13 play to the gallery to try to gain popular favour, esp by crude appeals [C15: from Old French galerie, from Medieval Latin galeria, probably from galilea GALILEE, a porch or chapel at entrance to medieval church]

■ galleried (ˈɡælərId)   adj   having a gallery or galleries

■ gallerist (ˈɡælərIst)   n   a person who owns or runs an art gallery

■ gallery forest   n   a stretch of forest along a river in an area of otherwise open country

■ gallerygoer (ˈɡælərIˌɡəʊə)   n   a person visiting an art gallery, esp one who does so habitually

■ galleryite (ˈɡælərIˌaIt)   n   a person sitting in the gallery of a theatre

■ gallery tray   n   a tray usually of silver with a raised rim, used for serving drinks

gallet (ˈɡælət)   n   1 building trades a stone chip, esp (in roofing) small pieces of slate fixed with mortar at the head of a slate which support the slate above   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to fill with gallets

galleta (ɡəˈjɛtə)   n   a member of a genus of coarse grasses of the family Poaceae, native to southern parts of North America

galley (ˈɡælI)   n   1 any of various kinds of ship propelled by oars or sails used in ancient or medieval times as a warship or as a trader   2 the kitchen of a ship, boat, or aircraft   3 any of various long rowing boats   4 printing   a (in hot-metal composition) a tray open at one end for holding composed type   b short for galley proof [C13: from Old French galie, from Medieval Latin galea, from Greek galaia, of unknown origin; the sense development apparently is due to the association of a galley or slave ship with a ship's kitchen and hence with a hot furnace, trough, printer's tray, etc]

■ galley proof   n   a printer's proof, esp one taken on a long strip of paper from type in a galley, used to make corrections before the matter has been split into pages. Often shortened to: galley

■ galley slave   n   1 a criminal or slave condemned to row in a galley   2 informal a drudge

galley-west   adv   slang, chiefly US into confusion, inaction, or unconsciousness (esp in the phrase knock (someone or something) galley-west) [C19: from English dialect colly-west awry, perhaps from Collyweston, a village in Northamptonshire]

Gallia (ˈɡælIə)   n   the Latin name of Gaul

galliambic (ˌɡælIˈæmbIk) prosody   adj   1 of or relating to a metre consisting of four lesser Ionics, used by Callimachus and Catullus and imitated by Tennyson in Boadicea   ▷ n   2 a verse in this metre [C19: from Latin galliambus song of the Galli (priests of Cybele)]

galliard (ˈɡæljəd)   n   1 a spirited dance in triple time for two persons, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries   2 a piece of music composed for this dance   ▷ adj   3 archaic lively; spirited [C14: from Old French gaillard valiant, perhaps of Celtic origin]

■ galliardise (ˈɡæljədiːz, ˈɡæljədaIz)   n   archaic the state of being gay or merry

Gallic (ˈɡælIk)   adj   1 of or relating to France   2 of or relating to ancient Gaul or the Gauls

■ Gallican (ˈɡælIkən)   adj   1 of or relating to Gallicanism   ▷ n   2 an upholder of Gallicanism

■ Gallicanism (ˈɡælIkəˌnIzəm)   n   a movement among French Roman Catholic clergy that favoured the restriction of papal control and greater autonomy for the French church. Compare ultramontanism

■ Gallice (ˈɡælIsI)   adv   in French [C19: from Latin]

■ Gallicism (ˈɡælIˌsIzəm)   n   a word or idiom borrowed from French

■ Gallicize or Gallicise (ˈɡælIˌsaIz)   vb   to make or become French in attitude, language, etc   > ˌGalliciˈzation or ˌGalliciˈsation n   > ˈGalliˌcizer or ˈGalliˌciser n

gallica (ˈɡælIkə)   n   a variety of rose (Rosa gallica) native to southern parts of Europe

galligaskins or gallygaskins (ˌɡælIˈɡæskInz)   pl n   1 loose wide breeches or hose, esp as worn by men in the 17th century   2 leather leggings, as worn in the 19th century [C16: from obsolete French garguesques, from Italian grechesco Greek, from Latin Graecus]

gallimaufry (ˌɡælIˈmɔːfrI)   n, pl -fries   a jumble; hotchpotch [C16: from French galimafrée ragout, hash, of unknown origin]

gallinaceous (ˌɡælIˈneIʃəs)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the Galliformes, an order of birds, including domestic fowl, pheasants, grouse, etc, having a heavy rounded body, short bill, and strong legs   2 of, relating to, or resembling the domestic fowl [C18: from Latin gallīnāceus, from gallīna hen]

■ gallinacean (ˌɡælIˈneIʃən)   n   any gallinaceous bird

Gallinas Point (ɡɑːˈjiːnəs)   n   a cape in NE Colombia: the northernmost point of South America. Spanish name: Punta Gallinas (ˈpunta ɡaˈʎinas)

gallinazo (ˌɡælIˈnɑːzəʊ)   n, pl -zos   any of several types of vulture [Spanish, from Latin gallina hen]

gallinipper (ˈɡælIˌnIpə)   n   US dialect any biting insect, esp a large mosquito

gallinule (ˈɡælIˌnjuːl)   n   1 any of various aquatic birds of the genera Porphyrio and Porphyrula, typically having a dark plumage, red bill, and a red shield above the bill: family Rallidae (rails)   2 common gallinule the US name for moorhen (sense 1) [C18: from New Latin Gallīnula genus name, from Late Latin: pullet, chicken, from Latin gallīna hen]

galliot (ˈɡælIət)   n   a variant spelling of galiot

Gallipoli (ɡəˈlIpəlI)   n   1 a peninsula in NW Turkey, between the Dardanelles and the Gulf of Saros: scene of a costly but unsuccessful Allied campaign in 1915   2 a port in NW Turkey, at the entrance to the Sea of Marmara: historically important for its strategic position. Pop: 22 000 (latest est)   ▶ Turkish name: Gelibolu

gallipot^1 (ˈɡælIˌpɒt)   n   a small earthenware pot used by pharmacists as a container for ointments, etc [C16: probably from GALLEY + POT^1; so called because imported in galleys]

gallipot^2 (ˈɡælIˌpɒt)   n   a variant spelling of galipot

gallisize or gallisise (ˈɡælIˌsaIz)   vb   a variant of gallize

gallium (ˈɡælIəm)   n   a silvery metallic element that is liquid for a wide temperature range. It occurs in trace amounts in some ores and is used in high-temperature thermometers and low-melting alloys. Gallium arsenide is a semiconductor. Symbol: Ga; atomic no: 31; atomic wt: 69.723; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 5.904; melting pt: 29.77°C; boiling pt: 2205°C [C19: from New Latin, from Latin gallus cock, translation of French coq in the name of its discoverer, Lecoq de Boisbaudran, 19th-century French chemist]

■ gallic (ˈɡælIk)   adj   of or containing gallium in the trivalent state [C18: from GALL(IUM) + -IC]

■ gallous (ˈɡæləs)   adj   of or containing gallium in the divalent state

gallivant, galivant or galavant (ˈɡælIˌvænt)   vb   (intr) to go about in search of pleasure; gad about [C19: perhaps whimsical modification of GALLANT]

Gällivare (Swedish ˈjɛlivɑːrə)   n   a town in N Sweden, within the Arctic Circle: iron mines. Pop: 19 191 (2004 est)

gallivat (ˈɡælIˌvæt)   n   obsolete an armed vessel with sails and oars, formerly used in Asian waters

galliwasp (ˈɡælIˌwɒsp)   n   any lizard of the Central American genus Diploglossus, esp D. monotropis of the Caribbean: family Anguidae [C18: of unknown origin]

gallize or gallise (ˈɡælaIz)   vb (tr)   winemaking to add water and sugar to unfermented grape juice in order to increase the quantity of wine produced

Gallo- (ˈɡæləʊ)   combining form   denoting Gaul or France: Gallo-Roman [from Latin Gallus a Gaul]

■ Gallo-Romance or Gallo-Roman   n   1 the vernacular language or group of dialects, of which few records survive, spoken in France between about 600 AD and 900 AD; the intermediate stage between Vulgar Latin and Old French   ▷ adj   2 denoting or relating to this language or the period during which it was spoken

gallock (ˈɡælək)   adj Northern English dialect   1 left-handed   2 left-footed [perhaps related to French gauche awkward, left]

galloglass or gallowglass (ˈɡæləʊˌɡlɑːs)   n   a heavily armed mercenary soldier, originally Hebridean (Gaelic-Norse), maintained by Irish and some other Celtic chiefs from about 1235 to the 16th century [C16: from Irish Gaelic gallóglach, from gall foreigner + óglach, young warrior-servant, from og young + -lach a noun suffix]

gallon (ˈɡælən)   n   1 Also called: imperial gallon Brit a unit of capacity equal to 277.42 cubic inches. 1 Brit gallon is equivalent to 1.20 US gallons or 4.55 litres   2 US a unit of capacity equal to 231 cubic inches. 1 US gallon is equivalent to 0.83 imperial gallon or 3.79 litres   3 (plural) great quantities [C13: from Old Northern French galon (Old French jalon), perhaps of Celtic origin]

■ gallonage (ˈɡælənIdʒ)   n   1 a capacity measured in gallons   2 the rate of pumping, transmission, or consumption of a fluid in gallons per unit of time

galloon (ɡəˈluːn)   n   a narrow band of cord, embroidery, silver or gold braid, etc, used on clothes and furniture [C17: from French galon, from Old French galonner to trim with braid, of unknown origin]   > galˈlooned adj

galloot (ɡəˈluːt)   n   a variant spelling of galoot

gallop (ˈɡæləp)   vb -lops, -loping, -loped   1 (intr) (of a horse or other quadruped) to run fast with a two-beat stride in which all four legs are off the ground at once   2 to ride (a horse, etc) at a gallop   3 (intr) to move, read, talk, etc, rapidly; hurry   ▷ n   4 the fast two-beat gait of horses and other quadrupeds   5 an instance of galloping [C16: from Old French galoper, of uncertain origin]   > ˈgalloper n

■ gallopade or galopade (ˌɡæləˈpeId)   n   another word for galop

■ galloping (ˈɡæləpIŋ)   adj   (prenominal) progressing at or as if at a gallop: galloping consumption

gallow (ˈɡæləʊ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to frighten

Galloway (ˈɡæləˌweI)   n   1 an area of SW Scotland, on the Solway Firth: consists of the former counties of Kirkcudbright and Wigtown, now part of Dumfries and Galloway; in the west is a large peninsula, the Rhins of Galloway, with the Mull of Galloway, a promontory, at the south end of it (the southernmost point of Scotland)   2 a breed of hardy beef cattle, usually black, originally bred in Galloway

■ Gallovidian (ˌɡæləʊˈvIdIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Galloway   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Galloway   ▶ Also called: Galwegian

gallows (ˈɡæləʊz)   n, pl -lowses or -lows   1 a wooden structure usually consisting of two upright posts with a crossbeam from which a rope is suspended, used for hanging criminals   2 any timber structure resembling this, such as (in Australia and New Zealand) a frame for hoisting up the bodies of slaughtered cattle   3 the gallows execution by hanging [C13: from Old Norse galgi, replacing Old English gealga; related to Old High German galgo]

■ gallows bird   n   informal a person considered deserving of hanging

■ gallows humour   n   sinister and ironic humour

■ gallowsness (ˈɡæləʊznəs)   n   archaic the quality of being bold or reckless

■ gallows tree or gallow tree   n   another name for gallows (sense 1)

Gallup (ˈɡæləp)   n   George Horace. 1901–84, US statistician: devised the Gallup Poll; founded the American Institute of Public Opinion (1935) and its British counterpart (1936)

■ Gallup Poll (ˈɡæləp)   n   a sampling by the American Institute of Public Opinion or its British counterpart of the views of a representative cross section of the population, used esp as a means of forecasting voting

gallus (ˈɡæləs)   adj   Scot bold; daring; reckless [a variant of gallows used as an adjective, meaning fit for the gallows]

galluses (ˈɡæləsIz)   pl n   dialect braces for trousers [C18: variant spelling of gallowses, from GALLOWS (in the obsolete sense: braces)]

■ gallused (ˈɡæləst)   adj   dialect held up by galluses; having galluses

Galois theory (ˈɡælwɑː)   n   maths the theory applying group theory to solving algebraic equations [C19: named after Évariste Galois (1811–32), French mathematician]

galoot or galloot (ɡəˈluːt)   n   slang, chiefly US a clumsy or uncouth person [C19: of unknown origin]

galop (ˈɡæləp)   n   1 a 19th-century couple dance in quick duple time   2 a piece of music composed for this dance   ▶ Also called: gallopade [C19: from French; see GALLOP]

galopin (ˈɡæləpIn)   n   obsolete an errand-boy, esp one who works for a cook

galore (ɡəˈlɔː)   determiner   (immediately postpositive) in great numbers or quantity: there were daffodils galore in the park [C17: from Irish Gaelic go leór to sufficiency]

galoshes or goloshes (ɡəˈlɒʃIz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) a pair of waterproof overshoes [C14 (in the sense: wooden shoe): from Old French galoche, from Late Latin gallicula Gallic shoe]

Galsworthy (ˈɡɔːlzˌwɜːðI)   n   John. 1867–1933, English novelist and dramatist, noted for The Forsyte Saga (1906–28): Nobel prize for literature 1932

Galt (ɡɔːlt)   n   John. 1779–1839, Scottish novelist, noted for his ironic humour, esp in Annals of the Parish (1821), The Provost (1822), and The Entail (1823)

Galton (ˈɡɔːltən)   n   Sir Francis. 1822–1911, English explorer and scientist, a cousin of Charles Darwin, noted for his researches in heredity, meteorology, and statistics. He founded the study of eugenics and the theory of anticyclones

■ galtonia (ɡɔːlˈtəʊnIə)   n   any plant of the bulbous genus Galtonia, esp G. candicans, with lanceolate leaves, drooping racemes of waxy white flowers, and a fragrant scent: family Liliaceae [named after Sir Francis Galton]

galumph (ɡəˈlʌmpf, -ˈlʌmf)   vb   (intr) informal to leap or move about clumsily or joyfully [C19 (coined by Lewis Carroll): probably a blend of GALLOP + TRIUMPH]

■ galumpher (ɡəˈlʌmfə)   n   informal a person or animal that leaps or moves heavily or clumsily

■ galumphing (ɡəˈlʌmfIŋ)   adj   clumsy; inelegant

galuth or galut Hebrew (ɡɑːˈluːt)   n   the exile of Jews, esp from Palestine

Galvani (Italian ɡalˈvaːni)   n   Luigi (luˈiːdʒi). 1737–98, Italian physiologist: observed that muscles contracted on contact with dissimilar metals. This led to the galvanic cell and the electrical theory of muscle control by nerves

■ galvanic (ɡælˈvænIk) or galvanical   adj   1 Also: voltaic of, producing, or concerned with an electric current, esp a direct current produced chemically: a galvanic cell   2 informal resembling the effect of an electric shock; convulsive, startling, or energetic: galvanic reflexes   > galˈvanically adv

■ galvanic pile   n   another name for voltaic pile

■ galvanic skin response   n   a change in the electrical resistance of the skin occurring in moments of strong emotion; measurements of this change are used in lie detector tests. Abbreviation: GSR

■ galvanism (ˈɡælvəˌnIzəm)   n   1 obsolete electricity, esp when produced by chemical means as in a cell or battery   2 med treatment involving the application of electric currents to tissues [C18: via French from Italian galvanismo, after Luigi Galvani]

■ galvanist (ˈɡælvənIst)   n   med a person who studies or practises galvanism

■ galvanize or galvanise (ˈɡælvəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to stimulate to action; excite; startle   2 to cover (iron, steel, etc) with a protective zinc coating by dipping into molten zinc or by electrodeposition   3 to stimulate by application of an electric current   ▷ n   4 Caribbean galvanized iron, usually in the form of corrugated sheets as used in roofing   > ˌgalvaniˈzation or ˌgalvaniˈsation n   > ˈgalvaˌnizer or ˈgalvaˌniser n

■ galvanized or galvanised (ˈɡælvəˌnaIzd)   adj   1 stimulated to action; excited; startled   2 (of iron, steel, etc) covered with a protective zinc coating   3 stimulated by application of an electric current

■ galvanized iron or galvanised iron   n   building trades iron, esp a sheet of corrugated iron, covered with a protective coating of zinc

galvano-   combining form   indicating a galvanic current: galvanometer

galvanometer (ˌɡælvəˈnɒmItə)   n   any sensitive instrument for detecting or measuring small electric currents   > galvanometric (ˌɡælvənəʊˈmɛtrIk, ɡælˌvænə-) or ˌgalvanoˈmetrical adj   > ˌgalvanoˈmetrically adv   > ˌgalvaˈnometry n

galvanoplasty (ˈɡælvənəʊˌplæstI)   n   metallurgy the process of galvanizing a material

■ galvanoplastic (ˌɡælvənəˈplæstIk)   adj   metallurgy of or relating to galvanoplasty

galvanoscope (ˈɡælvənəˌskəʊp, ɡælˈvænə-)   n   a galvanometer that depends for its action on the deflection of a magnetic needle in a magnetic field produced by the electric current that is to be detected   > galvanoscopic (ˌɡælvənəˈskɒpIk, ɡælˌvænə-) adj   > ˌgalvaˈnoscopy n

galvanotropism (ˌɡælvəˈnɒtrəˌpIzəm)   n   the directional growth of an organism, esp a plant, in response to an electrical stimulus   > galvanotropic (ˌɡælvənəʊˈtrɒpIk, ɡælˌvænəʊ-) adj

Galveston plan (ˈɡælvIstən)   n   another term for commission plan

galvo (ˈɡælvəʊ)   n, pl -vos   an informal name for a galvanometer

Galway (ˈɡɔːlweI)   n   1 a county of W Republic of Ireland, in S Connacht, on Galway Bay and the Atlantic: it has a deeply indented coastline and many offshore islands, including the Aran Islands. County town: Galway. Pop: 209 077 (2002). Area: 5939 sq km (2293 sq miles)   2 a port in W Republic of Ireland, county town of Co Galway, on Galway Bay: important fisheries (esp for salmon). Pop: 66 163 (2002)   3 a breed of sheep with long wool, originally from W Ireland. Former name: Roscommon

Galwegian (ɡælˈwiːdʒən)   n   1 another word for Gallovidian (sense 1)   2 a native or inhabitant of the town or county of Galway in W Republic of Ireland   ▷ adj   3 another word for Gallovidian (sense 2) [C18: influenced by Norway, Norwegian]

galyak or galyac (ˈɡæljæk, ɡælˈjæk)   n   a smooth glossy fur obtained from the skins of newborn or premature lambs and kids [from Russian (Uzbek dialect)]

gam^1 (ɡæm)   n   1 a school of whales   2 nautical an informal visit between crew members of whalers   3 NZ a flock of large sea birds   ▷ vb gams, gamming, gammed   4 (intr) (of whales) to form a school   5 nautical (of members of the crews of whalers) to visit (each other) informally   6 (tr) US to visit or exchange visits with [C19: perhaps dialect variant of GAME^1]

gam^2 (ɡæm)   n   slang a leg, esp a woman's shapely leg [C18: probably from Old Northern French gambe or Lingua Franca gambe; see JAMB]

Gama (ˈɡɑːmə)   n   Vasco da (ˈvæskəʊ də). ?1469–1524, Portuguese navigator, who discovered the sea route from Portugal to India around the Cape of Good Hope (1498)

gama grass (ˈɡɑːmə)   n   a tall perennial grass, Tripsacum dactyloides, of SE North America: cultivated for fodder [C19: gama, probably changed from GRAMA]

gamahuche (ˈɡæməˌhuːʃ) or gamaruche (ˈɡæməˌruːʃ) vulgar, slang   vb (tr)   1 to practise cunnilingus or fellatio on   ▷ n   2 cunnilingus or fellatio [C19: from French gamahucher]

gamash (ɡəˈmæʃ)   n   dialect a type of long protective legging

gamay (ɡæˈmeI)   n   1 a purple-coloured grape variety native to the Beaujolais region of France   2 the vine on which this grape is grown   3 the wine made from this grape

gamb (ɡæmb)   n   heraldry the foreleg of an animal

gamba (ˈɡæmbə)   n   short for viola da gamba

■ gamba stop   n   an organ stop with a tone resembling that of stringed instruments

■ gambist (ˈɡæmbIst)   n   a person who plays the viola da gamba

gambado^1 (ɡæmˈbeIdəʊ)   n, pl -dos or -does   1 either of two leather holders for the feet attached to a horse's saddle-like stirrups   2 either of a pair of leggings [C17: from Italian gamba leg, from Late Latin: leg, hoof; see JAMB]

gambado^2 (ɡæmˈbeIdəʊ) or gambade (ɡæmˈbeId, -ˈbɑːd)   n, pl -bados, -badoes or -bades   1 dressage another word for curvet   2 a leap or gambol; caper [C19: from French gambade spring (of a horse), ultimately from Spanish or Italian gamba leg]

gambeson (ˈɡæmbIsən)   n   a quilted and padded or stuffed leather or cloth garment worn under chain mail in the Middle Ages and later as a doublet by men and women [C13: from Old French, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wamba belly; see WOMB]

gambet (ˈɡæmbIt)   n   1 Also called: tattlers any shore bird of the genus Totanus   2 Also called: redshank one of two species of wading bird of the genus Tringa characterized by their long red legs

Gambetta (ɡæmˈbɛtə; French ɡɑ̃bɛta)   n   Léon (leɔ̃). 1838–82, French statesman; prime minister (1881–82). He organized resistance during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) and was a founder of the Third Republic (1871)

Gambia (ˈɡæmbIə)   n   The Gambia a republic in W Africa, entirely surrounded by Senegal except for an outlet to the Atlantic: sold to English merchants by the Portuguese in 1588; became a British colony in 1843; gained independence and was a member of the Commonwealth between 1965 and 2013; joined with Senegal to form the Confederation of Senegambia (1982–89); consists of a strip of land about 16 km (10 miles) wide, on both banks of the Gambia River, extending inland for about 480 km (300 miles). Official language: English. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: dalasi. Capital: Banjul. Pop: 2 100 568 (2017 est). Area: 11 295 sq km (4361 sq miles)

■ Gambian (ˈɡæmbIən)   adj   1 of or relating to The Gambia or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of The Gambia

gambier or gambir (ˈɡæmbIə)   n   an astringent resinous substance obtained from a rubiaceous tropical Asian woody climbing plant, Uncaria gambir (or U. gambier): used as an astringent and tonic and in tanning [C19: from Malay]

Gambier Islands (ˈɡæmbIə)   pl n   a group of islands in the S Pacific Ocean, in French Polynesia. Chief settlement: Rikitéa. Pop: 1097 (2002). Area: 30 sq km (11 sq miles)

gambit (ˈɡæmbIt)   n   1 chess an opening move in which a chessman, usually a pawn, is sacrificed to secure an advantageous position   2 an opening comment, manoeuvre, etc, intended to secure an advantage or promote a point of view [C17: from French, from Italian gambetto a tripping up, from gamba leg]

gamble (ˈɡæmbəl)   vb   1 (intr) to play games of chance to win money   2 to risk or bet (money) on the outcome of an event, sport, etc   3 (intr; often foll by on) to act with the expectation of: to gamble on its being a sunny day   4 (often foll by away) to lose by or as if by betting; squander   ▷ n   5 a risky act or venture   6 a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain [C18: probably variant of GAME^1]   > ˈgambler n   > ˈgambling n

■ gamblers' fallacy   n   psychol the fallacy that in a series of chance events the probability of one event occurring increases with the number of times another event has occurred in succession

gambo (ˈɡæmbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   Welsh dialect a simple farm cart

gamboge (ɡæmˈbəʊdʒ, -ˈbuːʒ) or camboge (ˌkæmˈbəʊʒ, ˌkæmˈbəʊdʒ)   n   1    a a gum resin used as the source of a yellow pigment and as a purgative   b the pigment made from this resin   2 gamboge tree any of several tropical Asian trees of the genus Garcinia, esp G. hanburyi, that yield this resin: family Clusiaceae   3 a strong yellow colour   ▶ Also called (for senses 1, 2): cambogia [C18: from New Latin gambaugium, from CAMBODIA]   > gamˈbogian adj

■ gambogic (ɡæmˈbəʊdʒIk)   adj   of or derived from gamboge

gambol (ˈɡæmbəl)   vb -bols, -bolling, -bolled or US -bols, -boling, -boled   1 (intr) to skip or jump about in a playful manner; frolic   ▷ n   2 a playful antic; frolic [C16: from French gambade; see GAMBADO^2, JAMB]

gambrel (ˈɡæmbrəl)   n   1 the hock of a horse or similar animal   2 a frame of wood or metal shaped like a horse's hind leg, used by butchers for suspending carcasses of meat [C16: from Old Northern French gamberel, from gambe leg]

■ gambrel roof   n   1 chiefly Brit a hipped roof having a small gable at both ends   2 chiefly US and Canadian a roof having two slopes on both sides, the lower slopes being steeper than the upper. Compare mansard (sense 1)   ▶ Sometimes shortened to: gambrel   > ˈgambrel-ˌroofed adj

Gambrinus (ɡæmˈbraInəs)   n   a legendary Flemish king who was said to have invented beer

gambroon (ɡæmˈbruːn)   n   a type of twilled linen cloth, often used for lining clothes

gambusia (ɡæmˈbjuːzIə)   n   1 a member of a genus of small primarily freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae, widely used in aquaria   2 the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

game^1 (ɡeIm)   n   1 an amusement or pastime; diversion   2 a contest with rules, the result being determined by skill, strength, or chance   3 a single period of play in such a contest, sport, etc   4 the score needed to win a contest   5 a single contest in a series; match   6 (plural; often capital) an event consisting of various sporting contests, esp in athletics: Olympic Games; Highland Games   7 equipment needed for playing certain games   8 short for video game, computer game   9 style or ability in playing a game: she is a keen player but her game is not good   10 a scheme, proceeding, etc, practised like a game: the game of politics   11 an activity undertaken in a spirit of levity; joke: marriage is just a game to you   12    a wild animals, including birds and fish, hunted for sport, food, or profit   b (as modifier): game laws   13 the flesh of such animals, used as food: generally taken not to include fish   14 an object of pursuit; quarry; prey (esp in the phrase fair game)   15 informal work or occupation   16 informal a trick, strategy, or device: I can see through your little game   17 obsolete pluck or courage; bravery   18 slang, chiefly Brit prostitution (esp in the phrase on the game)   19 give the game away to reveal one's intentions or a secret   20 make game of or make a game of to make fun of; ridicule; mock   21 off one's game playing badly   22 on one's game playing well   23 play the game to behave fairly or in accordance with rules   24 the game is up there is no longer a chance of success   ▷ adj   25 informal full of fighting spirit; plucky; brave   26 game as Ned Kelly or as game as Ned Kelly Austral informal extremely brave; indomitable   27 (usually foll by for) informal prepared or ready; willing: I'm game for a try   ▷ vb   28 (intr) to play games of chance for money, stakes, etc; gamble   29 (intr) to play video games   30 (tr) to act strategically in order to exploit the defects of (a system, law, etc) [Old English gamen; related to Old Norse gaman, Old High German gaman amusement]   > ˈgameˌlike adj

■ gamebag (ˈɡeImbæɡ)   n   a leather or canvas bag for carrying hunted game (esp birds)

■ game-ball   adj Irish   1 (of a person) in perfect health   2 (of an arrangement, plan, etc) excellent

■ game bird   n   a bird of any species hunted as game

■ gamebreaker (ˈɡeImˌbreIkə)   n   a person who makes a significant contribution to a team's sporting success

■ game-changer   n   informal a person or thing that significantly affects the outcome of something

■ game-changing   adj   having the potential to change significantly the outcome of something

■ game chips   pl n   round thin potato chips served with game

■ gamecock (ˈɡeImˌkɒk)   n   a cock bred and trained for fighting. Also called: fighting cock

■ game face   n   a facial expression that suggests a strong determination to succeed

■ game fish   n   any fish providing sport for the angler

■ game fowl   n   any of several breeds of domestic fowl reared for cockfighting

■ gamekeeper (ˈɡeImˌkiːpə)   n   a person employed to take care of game and wildlife, as on an estate   > ˈgameˌkeeping n

■ game laws   pl n   laws governing the hunting and preservation of game

■ gamely (ˈɡeImlI)   adv   in a brave or sporting manner

■ gameness (ˈɡeImnIs)   n   courage or bravery; pluck

■ game park   n   (esp in Africa) a large area of country set aside as a reserve for wild animals

■ game plan   n   1 a strategy   2 a plan of campaign, esp in politics

■ gameplay (ˈɡeImˌpleI)   n   the plot of a computer or video game or the way that it is played

■ game point   n   tennis, squash, badminton a stage at which winning one further point would enable one player or side to win a game

■ gamer (ˈɡeImə)   n   a person who plays computer games or participates in a role-playing game

■ games (ɡeImz)   pl n   physical education or sports at a school

■ games console   n   an electronic device used in playing computer games on the screen of a television to which it is connected

■ gamesmanship (ˈɡeImzmənˌʃIp)   n   informal the art of winning games or defeating opponents by clever or cunning practices without actually cheating   > ˈgamesman n

■ gamesome (ˈɡeImsəm)   adj   full of merriment; sportive   > ˈgamesomely adv   > ˈgamesomeness n

■ gamester (ˈɡeImstə)   n   a person who habitually plays games for money; gambler

■ gamesy (ˈɡeImzI)   adj gamesier, gamesiest   sporty; keen on sport

■ game theory   n   mathematical theory concerned with the optimum choice of strategy in situations involving a conflict of interest. Also called: theory of games   > ˌgame-ˌtheoˈretic adj

■ game warden   n   a person who looks after game, as in a game reserve

■ gamey or gamy (ˈɡeImI)   adj gamier, gamiest   1 having the smell or flavour of game, esp high game   2 informal spirited; plucky; brave   > ˈgamily adv   > ˈgaminess, ˈgameyness or ˈgamyness n

■ gamify (ˈɡeImIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to adapt (a task) so that it takes on the form of a game   > ˌgamifiˈcation n

■ gaming (ˈɡeImIŋ)   n     a gambling on games of chance   b (as modifier): gaming house; gaming losses

■ gamyness (ˈɡeImInəs)   n   the quality of being gamy

game^2 (ɡeIm)   adj   a less common word for lame^1: game leg [C18: probably from Irish cam crooked]

gamelan (ˈɡæmIˌlæn)   n   a type of percussion orchestra common in the East Indies [from Javanese]

gametangium (ˌɡæmIˈtændʒIəm)   n, pl -gia (-dʒIə)   biology an organ or cell in which gametes are produced, esp in algae and fungi [C19: New Latin, from GAMETO- + Greek angeion vessel]   > ˌgameˈtangial adj

gamete (ˈɡæmiːt, ɡəˈmiːt)   n   a haploid germ cell, such as a spermatozoon or ovum, that fuses with another germ cell during fertilization [C19: from New Latin, from Greek gametē wife, from gamos marriage]   > gaˈmetal or gametic (ɡəˈmɛtIk) adj

■ gamete intrafallopian transfer (ˌIntrəfəˈləʊpIən)   n   the full name for GIFT

■ gametically (ɡəˈmɛtIkəlI)   adv   biology in a gametic manner

gameto- or sometimes before a vowel gamet-   combining form   gamete: gametocyte

gametocyte (ɡəˈmiːtəʊˌsaIt)   n   an animal or plant cell that develops into gametes by meiosis. See also oocyte, spermatocyte

gametogenesis (ˌɡæmItəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs) or gametogeny (ˌɡæmIˈtɒdʒInI)   n   the formation and maturation of gametes. See also spermatogenesis, oogenesis   > ˌgametoˈgenic or ˌgameˈtogenous adj

gametophore (ɡəˈmiːtəʊˌfɔː)   n   the part of a plant that bears the reproductive organs   > gaˌmetoˈphoric adj

gametophyte (ɡəˈmiːtəʊˌfaIt)   n   the plant body, in species showing alternation of generations, that produces the gametes. Compare sporophyte   > gametophytic (ˌɡæmItəʊˈfItIk) adj

gamgee tissue (ˈɡæmdʒiː)   n   a type of dressing for wounds

gamic (ˈɡæmIk)   adj   (esp of reproduction) requiring the fusion of gametes; sexual [C19: from Greek gamikos of marriage; see GAMETE]

gamin (ˈɡæmIn; French ɡamɛ̃)   n   a street urchin; waif [from French]

■ gamine (ˈɡæmiːn; French ɡamin)   n     a a slim and boyish girl or young woman; an elfish tomboy   b (as modifier): a gamine style of haircut

■ gaminerie (ˈɡæmInrI)   n   the impish or mischievous behaviour of a gamin or gamine

■ gaminesque (ˌɡæmiːnˈɛsk, ˌɡæmInˈɛsk)   adj   resembling or typical of a gamin or gamine; impish, mischievous

gamma (ˈɡæmə)   n   1 the third letter in the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ), a consonant, transliterated as g. When double, it is transcribed and pronounced as ng   2 the third highest grade or mark, as in an examination   3 a unit of magnetic field strength equal to 10–5 oersted. 1 gamma is equivalent to 0.795 775 × 10–3 ampere per metre   4 photog, television the numerical value of the slope of the characteristic curve of a photographic emulsion or television camera; a measure of the contrast reproduced in a photographic or television image   5 (modifier)   a involving or relating to photons of very high energy: a gamma detector   b relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid: gamma iron   c relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound, esp one in which a group is attached to the carbon atom next but one to the atom to which the principal group is attached [C14: from Greek; related to Hebrew gīmel third letter of the Hebrew alphabet (probably: camel)]

■ Gamma (ˈɡæmə)   n   (foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) the third brightest star in a constellation: Gamma Leonis

■ gamma-aminobutyric acid (ˌɡæməəˌmiːnəʊbjʊˈtIrIk)   n   the full name for GABA

■ gamma camera   n   a medical apparatus that detects gamma rays emitted from a person's body after the administration of a radioactive drug and so produces images of the organ being investigated

■ gamma-carotene   n   one of the forms of the pigment carotene

■ gamma distribution   n   statistics a continuous two-parameter distribution from which the chi-square and exponential distributions are derived, written Gamma (α. β), where α and β are greater than zero, and defined in terms of the gamma function

■ gamma function   n   maths a function defined by Γ(x) = ∫0∞tx–1e–tdt, where x is real and greater than zero

■ gamma globulin   n   any of a group of proteins in blood plasma that includes most known antibodies

■ gamma hydroxybutyrate (ˌɡæməhaIˌdrɒksIˈbjuːtIreIt)   n   a substance that occurs naturally in the brain, used medically as a sedative but also as a recreational drug and alleged aphrodisiac: known as 'liquid ecstasy' when mixed with alcohol. Abbreviation: GHB

■ gamma iron   n   an allotrope of iron that is nonmagnetic and exists between 910°C and 1400°C

■ gamma knife   n   a machine that uses radiation with extreme accuracy to destroy abnormal tissue, esp in the brain

■ gamma radiation   n   1 electromagnetic radiation emitted by atomic nuclei; the wavelength is generally in the range 1 × 10–10 to 2 × 10–13 metres   2 electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength emitted by any source, esp the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength less than about 1 × 10–11 metres

■ gamma-ray astronomy   n   the investigation of cosmic gamma rays, such as those from quasars

■ gamma-ray burst   n   astronomy an intense but short-lived burst of gamma rays from an unknown celestial source. First detected in 1970, they have since been found to be widely distributed in the sky

■ gamma rays   pl n   streams of gamma radiation

■ gamma stock   n   any of the third rank of active securities on the London Stock Exchange. Prices displayed by market makers are given as an indication rather than an offer to buy or sell

gammadion (ɡæˈmeIdIən)   n, pl -dia (-dIə)   a decorative figure composed of a number of Greek capital gammas, esp radiating from a centre, as in a swastika [C19: from Late Greek, literally: little GAMMA]

gammat (ˈxamat)   n   South African offensive a reference to the accent of Cape Coloured people [C20: corruption of Achmet, a common Arabic name]

gamme (ɡæm)   n   an obsolete variant of gamut (sense 2)

gammer (ˈɡæmə)   n   rare, chiefly Brit a dialect word for an old woman: now chiefly humorous or contemptuous. Compare gaffer (sense 1) [C16: probably alteration of GODMOTHER or GRANDMOTHER]

gammerstang (ˈɡæməˌstæŋ)   n Brit dialect   1 an awkwardly tall person, esp a woman   2 a rude or idle girl

gammock (ˈɡæmək) dialect   n   1 a piece of fun, a frolic   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to frolic, to clown around

gammon^1 (ˈɡæmən)   n   1 a cured or smoked ham   2 the hindquarter of a side of bacon, cooked either whole or cut into large rashers [C15: from Old Northern French gambon, from gambe leg; see GAMBREL]

gammon^2 (ˈɡæmən)   n   1 a double victory in backgammon in which one player throws off all his or her pieces before his or her opponent throws any   2 archaic the game of backgammon   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to score a gammon over [C18: probably special use of Middle English gamen GAME^1]

gammon^3 (ˈɡæmən) Brit informal   n   1 deceitful nonsense; humbug   ▷ vb   2 to deceive (a person) [C18: perhaps special use of GAMMON^2]   > ˈgammoner n

gammon^4 (ˈɡæmən)   vb   (tr) nautical to fix (a bowsprit) to the stemhead of a vessel [C18: perhaps related to GAMMON^1, with reference to the tying up of a ham]

gammy (ˈɡæmI)   adj -mier, -miest   Brit slang (esp of the leg) malfunctioning, injured, or lame; game. US equivalent: gimpy [C19: from Shelta gyamyath bad, altered form of Irish cam crooked; see GAME^2]

gamo- or before a vowel gam-   combining form   1 indicating sexual union or reproduction: gamogenesis   2 united or fused: gamopetalous [from Greek gamos marriage]

gamodeme (ˈɡæməˌdiːm)   n   ecology an isolated breeding population

gamogenesis (ˌɡæməʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   another name for sexual reproduction   > gamogenetic (ˌɡæməʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) or ˌgamogeˈnetical adj   > ˌgamogeˈnetically adv

gamone (ˈɡæməʊn)   n   botany any chemical substance secreted by a gamete that attracts another gamete during sexual reproduction

gamopetalous (ˌɡæməʊˈpɛtələs)   adj   (of flowers) having petals that are united or partly united, as the primrose. Also: sympetalous. Compare polypetalous

gamophyllous (ˌɡæməʊˈfIləs)   adj   (of flowers) having united leaves or perianth segments

gamosepalous (ˌɡæməʊˈsɛpələs)   adj   (of flowers) having united or partly united sepals, as the primrose. Compare polysepalous

gamotropism (ˌɡæməˈtrəʊpIzəm)   n   biology the tendency of gametes to attract each other

■ gamotropic (ˌɡæməˈtrɒpIk)   adj   biology of or relating to gamotropism

gamp (ɡæmp)   n   Brit informal an umbrella [C19: after Mrs Sarah Gamp, a nurse in Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit, who carried a faded cotton umbrella]

■ gampish (ˈɡæmpIʃ)   adj   (of an umbrella) bulging and loosely tied

gamut (ˈɡæmət)   n   1 entire range or scale, as of emotions   2 music   a a scale, esp (in medieval theory) one starting on the G on the bottom line of the bass staff   b the whole range of notes   3 physics the range of chromaticities that can be obtained by mixing three colours [C15: from Medieval Latin, changed from gamma ut, from gamma, the lowest note of the hexachord as established by Guido d'Arezzo + ut (now, doh), the first of the notes of the scale ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si, derived from a Latin hymn to St John: Ut queant laxis resonare fibris, Mira gestorum famuli tuorum, Solve polluti labi reatum, Sancte Iohannes]

-gamy   n combining form   denoting marriage or sexual union: bigamy [from Greek -gamia, from gamos marriage]

■ -gamous   adj combining form   denoting marrying or uniting sexually: monogamous

gan^1 (ɡæn)   vb   archaic or poetic the past tense of gin^3

gan^2 (ɡæn)   vb gans, ganning, ganned   (intr) Northeast English dialect to go [from Old English gangan; related to Old Norse ganga. See GANG^2]

ganache (ɡəˈnæʃ)   n   a smooth mixture of chocolate and cream, used in cakes, truffles, and chocolates [C20: from French]

Gäncä (ˈɡænʒə)   n   a city in NW Azerbaijan: annexed by the Russians in 1804; centre of a cotton-growing region. Pop: 314 000 (2005 est). Russian name: Gandzha. Former names: (1813–1920) Yelisavetpol, (1936–91) Kirovabad

Gance (French ɡɑ̃s)   n   Abel (abɛl). 1889–1981, French film director, whose works include J'accuse (1919, 1937) and Napoléon (1927), which introduced the split-screen technique

ganch (ɡɑːntʃ) obsolete   n   1 the spiked or hooked apparatus used to impale a criminal   2 an injury inflicted by the tusk of a boar   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to impale (a person) on spikes or hooks as a form of punishment   4 (of a boar) to injure (a person or another animal) with the tusk

Gand (ɡɑ̃)   n   the French name for Ghent

Ganda (ˈɡændə)   n   1 (pl -das or -da) a member of the Buganda people of Uganda, whose kingdom was formerly the largest in E Africa. See also Luganda   2 the Luganda language of this people

gander (ˈɡændə)   n   1 a male goose   2 informal a quick look (esp in the phrase take (or have) a gander)   3 informal an unintelligent person [Old English gandra, ganra; related to Low German and Dutch gander and to GANNET]

■ ganderism (ˈɡændərˌIzəm)   n   foolish behaviour

Gandhi (ˈɡændI)   n   1  Indira (Priyadarshini) (InˈdIərə, ˈIndərə), daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru. 1917–84, Indian stateswoman; prime minister of India (1966–77; 1980–84); assassinated   2  Mohandas Karamchand (ˌməʊhənˈdʌs ˌkʌrəmˈtʃʌnd), known as Mahatma Gandhi. 1869–1948, Indian political and spiritual leader and social reformer. He played a major part in India's struggle for home rule and was frequently imprisoned by the British for organizing acts of civil disobedience. He advocated passive resistance and hunger strikes as means of achieving reform, campaigned for the Dalit, and attempted to unite Muslims and Hindus. He was assassinated by a Hindu extremist   3  Rajiv (ræˈdʒiːv), son of Indira Gandhi. 1944–91, Indian statesman; prime minister of India (1984–89); assassinated

■ Gandhian (ˈɡændIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Mahatma Gandhi or his ideas   ▷ n   2 a follower of Gandhi or his ideas

■ Gandhi cap   n   a cap made of white hand-woven cloth worn by some men in India

■ Gandhiism (ˈɡændIˌIzəm) or Gandhism (ˈɡænˌdIzəm)   n   the political principles of Mahatma Gandhi, esp civil disobedience and passive resistance as means of achieving reform

G & S   abbreviation for   Gilbert and Sullivan

G & T or G and T   abbreviation for   gin and tonic

gandy dancer (ˈɡændI)   n   slang a railway track maintenance worker [C20: of uncertain origin]

Gandzha (ɡanˈdʒa)   n   the Russian name for Gäncä

gane (ɡen)   vb   the past participle of gae

ganef, ganev, ganof (ˈɡɑːnəf) or gonif, gonof   n US slang   an unscrupulous opportunist who stoops to sharp practice [from Yiddish, from Hebrew gannābh thief, from gānnabh he stole]

Ganesh (ɡæˈniːʃ)   n   the Hindu god of prophecy, represented as having an elephant's head

gang^1 (ɡæŋ)   n   1 a group of people who associate together or act as an organized body, esp for criminal or illegal purposes   2 an organized group of workmen   3 a herd of buffaloes or elks or a pack of wild dogs   4 NZ a group of shearers who travel to different shearing sheds, shearing, classing, and baling wool   5    a a series of similar tools arranged to work simultaneously in parallel   b (as modifier): a gang saw   ▷ vb   6 to form into, become part of, or act as a gang   7 (tr) electronics to mount (two or more components, such as variable capacitors) on the same shaft, permitting adjustment by a single control [Old English gang journey; related to Old Norse gangr, Old High German gang, Sanskrit jangha foot]   > ganged adj

■ gangbang (ˈɡæŋˌbæŋ) slang   n   1 an instance of sexual intercourse between a person and several men one after the other, esp against their will   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to force (a person) to take part in a gangbang   3 (intr) to take part in a gangbang   ▶ Former term: gangshag (ˈɡæŋˌʃæɡ)

■ gang-banger   n   US slang a member of a street gang   > ˈgang-ˌbanging n

■ gangbuster (ˈɡæŋˌbʌstə) US dialect   n   1 an officer of the law who specializes in detecting and breaking up criminal organizations, often forcefully or violently   2 a success; hit   ▷ adj   3 extremely successful; fantastic   4 (of a person) driven; determined

■ gangbusters (ˈɡæŋbʌstəz) US informal   pl n   1 like gangbusters very energetically and aggressively   ▷ adv   2 go gangbusters to perform strongly

■ gangbusting (ˈɡæŋˌbʌstIŋ) US dialect   n   1 the activity of a gangbuster   ▷ adj   2 acting to detect or break up criminal organizations   3 extremely successful; fantastic

■ ganger (ˈɡæŋə)   n   chiefly Brit the foreman of a gang of labourers

■ gangland (ˈɡæŋˌlænd, -lənd)   n   the criminal underworld

■ gangmaster (ˈɡæŋˌmɑːstə)   n   a person who recruits and manages temporary or migratory labourers, esp for seasonal agricultural work

■ Gangnail (ˈɡæŋˌneIl)   n   trademark a particular arrangement of nails on a metal plate, used as a connecting piece in strong timber joints

■ Gang of Four   n   the Gang of Four a radical faction within the Chinese Communist Party that emerged as a political force in the spring of 1976 and was suppressed later that year. Its members, Zhang Chunqiao, Wang Hongwen, Yao Wenyuan, and Jiang Qing, were tried and imprisoned (1981)

■ gang plough or esp US gangplow   n   a plough having two or more shares, coulters, and mouldboards designed to work simultaneously

■ gang saw   n   a saw having several parallel blades making simultaneous cuts   > gang sawyer n

■ gangsman (ˈɡæŋzmən)   n, pl -men   1 the foreman of a gang of workers   2 a member of a criminal gang; gangster

■ gang up   vb   (often foll by on or against) informal to combine in a group (against)

gang^2 (ɡæŋ)   vb   Scot to go [Old English gangan to GO^1]

■ gangplank (ˈɡæŋˌplæŋk), gangway or gangboard (ˈɡæŋˌbɔːd)   n   nautical a portable bridge for boarding and leaving a vessel at dockside

■ gangway (ˈɡæŋˌweI)   n   1 an opening in a ship's side to take a gangplank   2 another word for gangplank   3 Brit an aisle between rows of seats   4 Also called: logway chiefly US a ramp for logs leading into a sawmill   5 a main passage in a mine   6 temporary planks over mud or earth, as on a building site   ▷ sentence substitute   7 clear a path!

gang^3 (ɡæŋ)   n   a variant spelling of gangue

Ganga (ˈɡʌŋɡə, ˈɡɑːŋ-)   n   the Hindi name for the Ganges

■ Ganga jal (ˈɡʌŋɡɑː dʒʌl)   n   sacred water from the River Ganges in India [Hindi, from Ganga GANGES + jal water]

gangbo (ˈɡæŋˌbəʊ)   n informal   (in England and Wales) a civil order restricting the activities of a gang member [from GANG^1 + ASBO]

Ganges (ˈɡændʒiːz)   n   the great river of N India and central Bangladesh: rises in two headstreams in the Himalayas and flows southeast to Allahabad, where it is joined by the Jumna; continues southeast into Bangladesh, where it enters the Bay of Bengal in a great delta; the most sacred river to Hindus, with many places of pilgrimage, esp Varanasi. Length: 2507 km (1557 miles). Hindi name: Ganga (ˈɡʌŋɡə, ˈɡɑːŋ-)

■ Gangetic (ɡænˈdʒɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to the river Ganges

gang-gang (ˈɡæŋˌɡæŋ)   n   a small black cockatoo, Callocephalon fimbriatum, of SE Australia, the male of which has a scarlet head [C19: from a native Australian language]

gangling (ˈɡæŋɡlIŋ) or gangly (ˈɡæŋɡlI)   adj   tall, lanky, and awkward in movement [perhaps related to GANGREL; see GANG^2]

ganglion (ˈɡæŋɡlIən)   n, pl -glia (-ɡlIə) or -glions   1 an encapsulated collection of nerve-cell bodies, usually located outside the brain and spinal cord   2 any concentration of energy, activity, or strength   3 a cystic tumour on a tendon sheath or joint capsule [C17: from Late Latin: swelling, from Greek: cystic tumour]   > ˈganglial or ˈgangliar adj   > ˌgangliˈonic, ˈganglionˌated, ˈgangliate or ˈgangliˌated adj

■ gangliform (ˈɡæŋɡlIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling a ganglion

ganglioside (ˈɡæŋɡlIəʊˌsaId)   n   biochem any of several glycolipids found in the plasma membrane of certain cells

gangrel (ˈɡæŋɡrəl, ˈɡæŋrəl)   n Scot archaic or literary   1 a wandering beggar   2 a child just able to walk; toddler [C16: from Old English gangan to GO^1]

gangrene (ˈɡæŋɡriːn)   n   1 death and decay of tissue as the result of interrupted blood supply, disease, or injury   2 moral decay or corruption   ▷ vb   3 to become or cause to become affected with gangrene [C16: from Latin gangraena, from Greek gangraina an eating sore; related to Greek gran to gnaw]   > gangrenous (ˈɡæŋɡrInəs) adj

gangsta (ˈɡæŋstə) African-American dialect   n   1 a member of a criminal gang   2 a type of rap music   3 a gangsta rapper   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to gangs or members of a gang   5 of or relating to gangsta rap [C20: phonetic rendering of GANGSTER]

■ gangsta rap   n   a style of rap music, usually characterized by lyrics about Black street gangs in the US, often with violent, nihilistic, and misogynistic themes   > gangsta rapper n

gangster (ˈɡæŋstə)   n   a member of an organized gang of criminals, esp one who resorts to violence

■ gangster chic   n   a cinematic or literary genre which seeks to glamorize the criminal underworld

■ gangsterdom (ˈɡæŋstədəm)   n   the world of gangsters; gangland

■ gangsterish (ˈɡæŋstərIʃ)   adj   resembling a gangster; characteristic of a gangster or gangsters

■ gangsterism (ˈɡæŋstərIzəm)   n   the culture of belonging to organized gangs of criminals, esp involving violence

■ gangsterland (ˈɡæŋstəˌlænd)   n   1 an area controlled by gangsters   2 the world of gangsters; gangsterdom

Gangtok (ˈɡʌŋtɒk)   n   a town in NE India: capital of Sikkim state. Pop: 29 162 (2001)

gangue or gang (ɡæŋ)   n   valueless and undesirable material, such as quartz in small quantities, in an ore [C19: from French gangue, from German Gang vein of metal, course; see GANG^1]

ganister or gannister (ˈɡænIstə)   n   1 a highly refractory siliceous sedimentary rock occurring beneath coal seams: used for lining furnaces   2 a similar material synthesized from ground quartz and fireclay [C19: of unknown origin]

ganja (ˈɡɑːndʒə)   n   a highly potent form of cannabis, usually used for smoking [from Hindi gājā, from Sanskrit grñja]

gannet (ˈɡænIt)   n   1 any of several heavily built marine birds of the genus Morus (or Sula), having a long stout bill and typically white plumage with dark markings: family Sulidae, order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc). See also booby (sense 3)   2 slang a gluttonous or greedy person [Old English ganot; related to Old High German gannazzo gander]

■ gannetry (ˈɡænItrI)   n, pl -ries   a gannet breeding-ground

ganof (ˈɡɑːnəf)   n   a variant spelling of ganef

ganoid (ˈɡænɔId) ichthyol   adj   1 (of the scales of certain fishes) consisting of an inner bony layer and an outer layer of an enamel-like substance (ganoin)   2 denoting fishes, including the sturgeon and bowfin, having such scales   ▷ n   3 a ganoid fish [C19: from French ganoïde, from Greek ganos brightness + -OID]

■ ganoin (ˈɡænəʊIn)   n   ichthyol the enamel-like substance that forms the outer layer of the scales of certain fish

gansey (ˈɡænzI)   n   dialect a jersey or pullover [from the island of GUERNSEY]

Gansu (ˈɡænˈsuː) or Kansu   n   a province of NW China, between Tibet and Inner Mongolia: mountainous, with desert regions; forms a corridor, the Old Silk Road, much used in early and medieval times for trade with Turkestan, India, and Persia. Capital: Lanzhou. Pop: 26 030 000 (2003 est). Area: 366 500 sq km (141 500 sq miles)

gant (ɡɑːnt) Scot dialect   n   1 a yawn   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to yawn

gantlet^1 (ˈɡæntlIt, ˈɡɔːnt-)   n   1 a section of a railway where two tracks overlap   2 US a variant spelling of gauntlet^2 [C17 gantlope (modern spelling influenced by GAUNTLET^1), from Swedish gatlopp, literally: passageway, from gata way (related to GATE^3) + lop course]

gantlet^2 (ˈɡæntlIt, ˈɡɔːnt-)   n   a variant of gauntlet^1

gantline (ˈɡæntˌlaIn, -lIn)   n   nautical a line rove through a sheave for hoisting men or gear [C19: variant of girtline; see GIRT^1, LINE]

gantry (ˈɡæntrI) or gauntry   n, pl -tries   1 a bridgelike framework used to support a travelling crane, signals over a railway track, etc   2 Also called: gantry scaffold the framework tower used to attend to a large rocket on its launching pad   3 a supporting framework for a barrel or cask   4    a the area behind a bar where bottles, esp spirit bottles mounted in optics, are kept for use or display   b the range or quality of the spirits on view: this pub's got a good gantry [C16 (in the sense: wooden platform for barrels): from Old French chantier, from Medieval Latin cantārius, changed from Latin canthērius supporting frame, pack ass; related to Greek kanthēlios pack ass]

Gantt chart (ɡænt)   n   a chart showing, in horizontal lines, activity planned to take place during specified periods, which are indicated in vertical bands [C20: named after Henry L. Gantt (1861–1919), US management consultant]

Ganymede^1 (ˈɡænIˌmiːd)   n   classical myth a beautiful Trojan youth who was abducted by Zeus to Olympus and made the cupbearer of the gods

Ganymede^2 (ˈɡænIˌmiːd)   n   the brightest and largest of the four Galilean satellites of Jupiter, and the largest in the solar system. Diameter: 5262 km; orbital radius: 1 070 000 km

Gao (ˈɡɑːəʊ, ɡaʊ)   n   a town in E Mali, on the River Niger: a small river port. Pop: 57 978 (2005 est)

gaol (dʒeIl)   n, vb   Brit a variant spelling of jail   > ˈgaoler n   > ˈgaoleˌress fem n

■ gaolbreak (ˈdʒeIlˌbreIk)   n   Brit a variant spelling of jailbreak

Gao Xingjian (ɡaʊ ˈʃIŋˈdʒjæn)   n   born 1940, Chinese dramatist, novelist, and dissident, living in France from 1987; his works include the play Chezhan (Bus Stop, 1983) and the novel Lingshan (Soul Mountain, 1989): Nobel prize for literature 2000

Gaoxiong (ˌjaʊəˈʃɒŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Kaohsiung

gap (ɡæp)   n   1 a break or opening in a wall, fence, etc   2 a break in continuity; interruption; hiatus: there is a serious gap in the accounts   3 a break in a line of hills or mountains affording a route through   4 chiefly US a gorge or ravine   5 a divergence or difference; disparity: there is a gap between his version of the event and hers; the generation gap   6 electronics   a a break in a magnetic circuit that increases the inductance and saturation point of the circuit   b See spark gap   7 bridge a gap, close a gap, fill a gap or stop a gap to remedy a deficiency   ▷ vb gaps, gapping, gapped   8 (tr) to make a breach or opening in [C14: from Old Norse gap chasm; related to gapa to GAPE, Swedish gap, Danish gab open mouth, opening]   > ˈgapless adj   > ˈgappy adj

■ gaposis (ɡæpˈəʊsIs)   n   informal a gap between closed fastenings on a garment

■ gapped scale   n   music a scale, such as a pentatonic scale, containing fewer than seven notes

■ gapper (ˈɡæpə)   n   Brit a person who is taking a gap year

■ gapping (ˈɡæpIŋ)   n   1 (in transformational grammar) a rule that deletes repetitions of a verb, as in the sentence Bill voted for Smith, Sam for McKay, and Dave for Harris   2 the act or practice of taking a gap year

■ gap-toothed   adj   having wide spaces between the teeth

■ gap year   n   Brit a year's break taken by a student between leaving school and starting college or university

gape (ɡeIp)   vb (intr)   1 to stare in wonder or amazement, esp with the mouth open   2 to open the mouth wide, esp involuntarily, as in yawning or hunger   3 to be or become wide open: the crater gaped under his feet   ▷ n   4 the act of gaping   5 a wide opening; breach   6 the width of the widely opened mouth of a vertebrate   7 a stare or expression of astonishment [C13: from Old Norse gapa; related to Middle Dutch gapen, Danish gabe]   > ˈgapy adj

■ gaper (ˈɡeIpə)   n   1 a person or thing that gapes   2 any of various large marine bivalve molluscs of the genera Mya and Lutraria that burrow in muddy sand. M. arenaria is the American soft-shelled clam and the two species of Lutraria are the otter shells. The valves have a permanent gap at the hind end

■ gapes (ɡeIps)   n (functioning as singular)   1 a disease of young domestic fowl, characterized by gaping or gasping for breath and caused by gapeworms   2 informal a fit of yawning   > ˈgapy adj

■ gapeseed (ˈɡeIpˌsiːd)   n   1 a thing which is stared at; an unusual sight   2 a person who stares at something in a gaping manner   3 to sow gapeseed or to buy gapeseed to stare in a gaping manner instead of attending to business

■ gapeworm (ˈɡeIpˌwɜːm)   n   a parasitic nematode worm, Syngamus trachea, that lives in the trachea of birds and causes gapes in domestic fowl: family Syngamidae

■ gaping (ˈɡeIpIŋ)   adj   wide open; extremely wide: a gaping hole   > ˈgapingly adv

gapo (ɡɑːˈpəʊ)   n   (in South America) a forest near a river, esp one which becomes flooded during the rainy season

gar^1 (ɡɑː)   n, pl gar or gars   short for garpike, garfish

gar^2 (ɡɑːr)   vb   (tr) Scot to cause or compel [from Old Norse]

garage (ˈɡærɑːʒ, -rIdʒ)   n   1 a building or part of a building used to house a motor vehicle   2 a commercial establishment in which motor vehicles are repaired, serviced, bought, and sold, and which usually also sells motor fuels   3    a a rough-and-ready style of rock music   b a type of disco music based on soul   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to put into, keep in, or take to a garage [C20: from French, from garer to dock (a ship), from Old French: to protect, from Old High German warōn; see BEWARE]

■ garage band   n   a rough-and-ready amateurish rock group [perhaps from the practice of such bands rehearsing in a garage]

■ garageman (ˈɡærɑːʒmən)   n, pl -men   a person who works in a garage

■ garage sale   n   a sale of personal belongings or household effects held at a person's home, usually in the garage

■ garagey (ˈɡærIdʒI)   adj   (of rock music) in a rough-and-ready style

■ garaging (ˈɡærədʒIŋ)   n   accommodation for housing a motor vehicle: there is garaging for two cars

■ garagist (ˈɡɑːrədʒIst)   n   1 a person who owns a commercial garage   2 a garage worker

■ garagiste (ˌɡærɑːˈʒiːst)   n   1 a small-scale entrepreneurial wine-maker, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, esp one who does not adhere to the traditions of wine-making   2 a person who owns a commercial garage

garam masala (ˈɡɑːrəm mɑːˈsɑːlə)   n   an aromatic mixture of spices, extensively used in curries [from Hindi]

Garamond (ˈɡærəmɒnd)   n   a typeface, designed by Claude Garamond (?1480–1561), French type founder

Garand rifle (ˈɡærənd, ɡəˈrænd)   n   another name for M-1 rifle [C20: named after John C. Garand (1888–1974), US gun designer]

garb (ɡɑːb)   n   1 clothes, esp the distinctive attire of an occupation or profession: clerical garb   2 style of dress; fashion   3 external appearance, covering, or attire   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to clothe or cover; attire [C16: from Old French garbe graceful contour, from Old Italian garbo grace, probably of Germanic origin]   > ˈgarbless adj

garbage (ˈɡɑːbIdʒ)   n   1 worthless, useless, or unwanted matter   2 Also called: rubbish discarded or waste matter; refuse   3 computing invalid data   4 informal nonsense [C15: probably from Anglo-French garbelage removal of discarded matter, of uncertain origin; compare Old Italian garbuglio confusion]

■ garbage can   n   US and Canadian a large, usually cylindrical, container for refuse, esp one used by a household. Also called: ash bin, ash can, trash can, (in Britain (and certain other countries)) dustbin

■ garbage collection   n   computing a systems routine for eliminating invalid or out-of-date data and releasing storage locations

■ garbageman (ˈɡɑːbIdʒˌmæn)   n, pl -men   US a man whose job is to collect domestic refuse

■ garbage truck   n   US and Canadian a road vehicle for collecting domestic refuse. Also called (in Britain): (dated) dustcart

■ garbagey or garbagy (ˈɡɑːbIdʒI)   adj   1 resembling garbage; worthless; of poor quality   2 full of garbage

garbanzo (ɡɑːˈbænzəʊ)   n, pl -zos   another name for chickpea [C18: from Spanish, from arvanço, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German araweiz pea]

garbe (ɡɑːb)   n   heraldry a wheat-sheaf

garble (ˈɡɑːbəl)   vb (tr)   1 to jumble (a story, quotation, etc), esp unintentionally   2 to distort the meaning of (an account, text, etc), as by making misleading omissions; corrupt   3 rare to select the best part of   ▷ n   4    a the act of garbling   b garbled matter [C15: from Old Italian garbellare to strain, sift, from Arabic gharbala, from ghirbāl sieve, from Late Latin crībellum small sieve, from crībrum sieve]   > ˈgarbler n

■ garbled (ˈɡɑːbəld)   adj   jumbled or unclear because of distortion or omissions

garbo (ˈɡɑːbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   Austral informal a dustman [C20: from GARBAGE]

Garbo (ˈɡɑːbəʊ)   n   Greta (ˈɡrɛtə), real name Greta Lovisa Gustafson. 1905–90, US film actress, born in Sweden. Her films include Grand Hotel (1932), Queen Christina (1933), Anna Karenina (1935), Camille (1936), and Ninotchka (1939)

garboard (ˈɡɑːˌbɔːd)   n   nautical the bottommost plank of a vessel's hull. Also called: garboard plank, garboard strake [C17: from Dutch gaarboord, probably from Middle Dutch gaderen to GATHER + boord BOARD]

garboil (ˈɡɑːbɔIl)   n   archaic confusion or disturbance; uproar [C16: from Old French garbouil, from Old Italian garbuglio, ultimately from Latin bullīre to boil, hence, seethe with indignation]

garbology (ɡɑːˈbɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the contents of domestic dustbins to analyse the consumption patterns of households [C20: from GARB(AGE) + -LOGY]   > garˈbologist n

garburator (ˈɡɑːbəˌreItə)   n   Canadian an electrically operated device in the plughole of a kitchen sink that breaks up food refuse so that it can travel down the waste pipe

garbure (ɡɑːˈbjʊə)   n   cookery a thick soup usually made with bacon, cabbage, and other vegetables, originally from Béarn in SW France

García Lorca (Spanish ɡarˈθia ˈlɔrka)   n   See Lorca^1

García Márquez (Spanish ɡarˈsia ˈmarkes)   n   Gabriel. 1927–2014, Colombian novelist and short-story writer. His novels include One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967), The Autumn of the Patriarch (1977), Love in the Time of Cholera (1985), and News of a Kidnapping (1996). Nobel prize for literature 1982

garcinia (ɡɑːˈsInIə)   n   1 any member of a genus of evergreen trees, shrubs, and flowering plants of the family Clusiaceae, native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia   2 an extract from the fruit of Garcinia cambogia thought to act as an appetite suppressant, often used in weight-loss treatments. Also called: hydroxycitric acid, HCA

garçon (ˈɡɑːsɒn; French ɡarsɔ̃)   n   a waiter or male servant, esp if French [C19: from Old French gars lad, probably of Germanic origin]

Gard (French ɡar)   n   a department of S France, in Occitanie region. Capital: Nîmes. Pop: 648 522 (2003 est). Area: 5881 sq km (2294 sq miles)

Garda (ˈɡɑːdə)   n   Lake Garda a lake in N Italy: the largest lake in the country. Area: 370 sq km (143 sq miles)

gardant (ˈɡɑːdənt)   adj   a less common spelling of guardant

Garda Síochána (ˈɡɑːrdə ˌʃIəˈxɑːnə)   n   the police force of the Republic of Ireland [C20: from Irish Gaelic garda guard + síochána of the peace, from síocháin peace]

■ garda (ˈɡɑːrdə)   n, pl gardaí (ˈɡɑːrdiː)   a member of Garda Síochána

garden (ˈɡɑːdən)   n   1 Brit   a an area of land, usually planted with grass, trees, flowerbeds, etc, adjoining a house. US and Canadian word: yard   b (as modifier): a garden chair   2    a an area of land used for the cultivation of ornamental plants, herbs, fruit, vegetables, trees, etc   b (as modifier): garden tools. Related adjective: horticultural   3 (often plural) such an area of land that is open to the public, sometimes part of a park: botanical gardens   4    a a fertile and beautiful region   b (as modifier): a garden paradise   5 (modifier) provided with or surrounded by a garden or gardens: a garden flat   6 lead a person up the garden path informal to mislead or deceive a person   ▷ adj   7 common or garden informal ordinary; unexceptional   ▷ vb   8 to work in, cultivate, or take care of (a garden, plot of land, etc) [C14: from Old French gardin, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German gart enclosure; see YARD^2 (sense 1)]   > ˈgardenless adj   > ˈgarden-ˌlike adj

■ garden centre   n   a place where gardening tools and equipment, plants, seeds, etc, are sold

■ garden city   n   Brit a planned town of limited size with broad streets and spacious layout, containing trees and open spaces and surrounded by a rural belt. See also garden suburb

■ garden cress   n   a pungent-tasting plant, Lepidium sativum, with white or reddish flowers: cultivated for salads, as a garnish, etc: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

■ gardener (ˈɡɑːdnə)   n   1 a person who works in or takes care of a garden as an occupation or pastime   2 any bowerbird of the genus Amblyornis

■ garden flat   n   a flat with direct access to a garden: typically, a garden flat consists of basement accommodation in prewar property, but some are in purpose-built blocks in urban areas

■ garden frame   n   another name for a cold frame

■ gardenful (ˈɡɑːdənfʊl)   n   a quantity that will fill a garden

■ gardening (ˈɡɑːdənIŋ)   n     a the planning and cultivation of a garden   b (as modifier): gardening gloves

■ gardening leave or garden leave   n   Brit informal a period during which an employee who is about to leave a company continues to receive a salary but does not work

■ Garden of Eden   n   the full name for Eden^1

■ garden orache or orach   n   a plant of the goosefoot family, Atriplex hortensis, which is cultivated as a vegetable and used like spinach

■ garden party   n   a social gathering held in the grounds of a house, school, etc, usually with light refreshments

■ gardens (ˈɡɑːdənz)   pl n   1 an area of land used for the cultivation of ornamental plants, etc, that is open to the public, sometimes part of a park   2 an area of land surrounding a large house, usually planted with grass, trees, flowerbeds, etc

■ garden snail   n   any of several land snails common in gardens, where they may become pests, esp Helix aspersa, and sometimes including Cepaea nemoralis, common in woods and hedgerows

■ garden suburb   n   Brit a suburb of a large established town or city, planned along the lines of a garden city

■ garden-variety   adj   US ordinary

■ garden warbler   n   any of several small brownish-grey European songbirds of the genus Sylvia (warblers), esp S. borin, common in woods and hedges: in some parts of Europe they are esteemed as a delicacy

gardenia (ɡɑːˈdiːnIə)   n   1 any evergreen shrub or tree of the Old World tropical rubiaceous genus Gardenia, cultivated for their large fragrant waxlike typically white flowers   2 the flower of any of these shrubs [C18: New Latin, named after Dr Alexander Garden (1730–91), American botanist]

garderobe (ˈɡɑːdˌrəʊb)   n archaic   1 a wardrobe or the contents of a wardrobe   2 a bedroom or private room   3 a privy [C14: from French, from garder to keep + robe dress, clothing; see WARDROBE]

Gardiner (ˈɡɑːdnə)   n   1  Sir John Eliot. born 1943, British conductor, noted for performances using period instruments; founded the Monteverdi Choir in 1965, the English Baroque Soloists in 1978, and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique in 1990   2  Stephen. ?1483–1555, English bishop and statesman; lord chancellor (1553–55). He opposed Protestantism, supporting the anti-Reformation policies of Mary I

Gardner (ˈɡɑːdnə)   n   Ava. 1922–90, US film actress. Her films include The Killers (1946), The Sun also Rises (1957), and The Night of the Iguana (1964)

gardyloo (ˈɡɑːdIˌluː)   n   archaic a warning cry given before throwing dirty water from a window

gare (ɡɑː)   n   1 a dock-basin on a waterway   2 a pier or wharf   3 a train station   ▷ adj Scot dialect   4 greedy; covetous   5 mean; miserly

garefowl (ˈɡɛəˌfaʊl)   n   an extinct species of seabird (Alca impennis). Also called: great auk

Garfield (ˈɡɑːˌfiːld)   n   James Abram. 1831–81, 20th president of the US (1881); assassinated in office

garfish (ˈɡɑːˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 another name for garpike (sense 1)   2 an elongated European marine teleost fish, Belone belone, with long toothed jaws: related to the flying fishes   3 any of various marine or estuarine fish with a long needle-like lower jaw [Old English gār spear + FISH]

garganey (ˈɡɑːɡənI)   n   a small Eurasian duck, Anas querquedula, closely related to the mallard. The male has a white stripe over each eye [C17: from Italian dialect garganei, of imitative origin]

Gargantua (ɡɑːˈɡæntjʊə)   n   a gigantic king noted for his great capacity for food and drink, in Rabelais' satire Gargantua and Pantagruel (1534)

■ gargantuan (ɡɑːˈɡæntjʊən)   adj   (sometimes capital) huge; enormous

USAGE

Some people think that gargantuan should only be used to describe things connected with food: a gargantuan meal; his gargantuan appetite

gargarize or gargarise (ˈɡɑːɡəˌraIz)   vb   obsolete to gargle

■ gargarism (ˈɡɑːɡəˌrIzəm)   n   a gargle

garget (ˈɡɑːɡIt)   n   archaic inflammation of the mammary gland of domestic animals, esp cattle [C16 (in the sense: throat): from Old French gargate, perhaps from Latin gurges gulf]   > ˈgargety adj

gargle (ˈɡɑːɡəl)   vb   1 to rinse (the mouth and throat) with a liquid, esp a medicinal fluid, by slowly breathing out through the liquid   2 to utter (words, sounds, etc) with the throaty bubbling noise of gargling   ▷ n   3 the liquid used for gargling   4 the sound produced by gargling   5 Brit informal an alcoholic drink: what was her favourite gargle? [C16: from Old French gargouiller to gargle, make a gurgling sound, from gargouille throat, perhaps of imitative origin]   > ˈgargler n

gargoyle (ˈɡɑːɡɔIl)   n   1 a waterspout carved in the form of a grotesque face or creature and projecting from a roof gutter, esp of a Gothic church   2 any grotesque ornament or projection, esp on a building   3 a person with a grotesque appearance [C15: from Old French gargouille gargoyle, throat; see GARGLE]   > ˈgargoyled adj

■ gargoylism (ˈɡɑːɡɔIlIzəm)   n   an old-fashioned name for Hurler's syndrome

gari (ˈɡɑːrI)   n   thinly sliced pickled ginger, often served with sushi [C20: Japanese]

Garibaldi (ˌɡærIˈbɔːldI)   n   Giuseppe (dʒuˈzɛppe). 1807–82, Italian patriot; a leader of the Risorgimento. He fought against the Austrians and French in Italy (1848–49; 1859) and, with 1000 volunteers, conquered Sicily and Naples for the emerging kingdom of Italy (1860)

■ garibaldi (ˌɡærIˈbɔːldI)   n   1 a woman's loose blouse with long sleeves popular in the 1860s, copied from the red flannel shirt worn by Garibaldi's soldiers   2 Brit a type of biscuit having a layer of currants in the centre

garigue or garrigue French (ɡariɡ)   n   open shrubby vegetation of dry Mediterranean regions, consisting of spiny or aromatic dwarf shrubs interspersed with colourful ephemeral species

garish (ˈɡɛərIʃ)   adj   gay or colourful in a crude or vulgar manner; gaudy [C16: from earlier gaure to stare + -ISH]   > ˈgarishly adv   > ˈgarishness n

garland (ˈɡɑːlənd)   n   1 a wreath or festoon of flowers, leaves, etc, worn round the head or neck or hung up   2 a representation of such a wreath, as in painting, sculpture, etc   3 a collection of short literary pieces, such as ballads or poems; miscellany or anthology   4 nautical a ring or grommet of rope   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to deck or adorn with a garland or garlands [C14: from Old French garlande, perhaps of Germanic origin]

■ garlandage (ˈɡɑːləndIdʒ)   n   an arrangement of garlands

■ garlandless (ˈɡɑːləndləs)   adj   without a garland or garlands

■ garlandry (ˈɡɑːləndrI)   n, pl -ries   a collection of garlands

Garland (ˈɡɑːlənd)   n   Judy, real name Frances Gumm. 1922–69, US singer and film actress. Already a child star, she achieved international fame with The Wizard of Oz (1939). Later films included Meet Me in St Louis (1944) and A Star is Born (1954)

garlic (ˈɡɑːlIk)   n   1 a hardy widely cultivated Asian alliaceous plant, Allium sativum, having a stem bearing whitish flowers and bulbils   2    a the bulb of this plant, made up of small segments (cloves) that have a strong odour and pungent taste and are used in cooking   b (as modifier): a garlic taste   3 any of various other plants of the genus Allium [Old English gārlēac, from gār spear + lēac LEEK]

■ garlicked (ˈɡɑːlIkt)   adj   flavoured with garlic

■ garlicky (ˈɡɑːlIkI)   adj   containing or resembling the taste or odour of garlic

■ garlic mustard   n   a plant, Alliaria petiolata, of N temperate regions, with small white flowers and an odour of garlic: family Brassicaceae (crucifers). Also called: jack-by-the-hedge, hedge garlic

garment (ˈɡɑːmənt)   n   1 (often plural) an article of clothing   2 outer covering   ▷ vb   3 (tr; usually passive) to cover or clothe [C14: from Old French garniment, from garnir to equip; see GARNISH]   > ˈgarmentless adj

■ garmenture (ˈɡɑːməntjʊə)   n   archaic the clothing (of a person)

garms (ɡɑːmz)   pl n   slang garments

garner (ˈɡɑːnə)   vb (tr)   1 to gather or store in or as if in a granary   ▷ n   2 an archaic word for granary   3 archaic a place for storage or safekeeping [C12: from Old French gernier granary, from Latin grānārium, from grānum grain]

Garner (ˈɡɑːnə)   n   1  Erroll. 1921–77, US jazz pianist and composer, noted for the jazz standard 'Misty' (1954)   2  Helen. born 1942. Australian novelist and journalist. Her books include the novels Monkey Grip (1977), The Idea of Perfection (2002), The Children's Bach (1984), and The Spare Room (2008), and the nonfiction The First Stone (1995)

garnet^1 (ˈɡɑːnIt)   n   any of a group of hard glassy red, yellow, or green minerals consisting of the silicates of calcium, iron, manganese, chromium, magnesium, and aluminium in cubic crystalline form: used as a gemstone and abrasive. Formula: A_3B_2(SiO_4)3 where A is a divalent metal and B is a trivalent metal [C13: from Old French grenat, from grenat (adj) red, from pome grenate POMEGRANATE]   > ˈgarnet-ˌlike adj

■ garnetiferous (ˌɡɑːnəˈtIfərəs)   adj   bearing garnets

■ garnet paper   n   sandpaper having powdered garnet as the abrasive

garnet^2 (ˈɡɑːnIt)   n   nautical a tackle used for lifting cargo [C15: probably from Middle Dutch garnaat]

Garnett (ˈɡɑːnIt)   n   1  Constance. 1862–1946, British translator of Russian novels   2  her son, David. 1892–1981, British novelist and editor. His novels include Lady Into Fox (1922) and Aspects of Love (1955)

garni (ˈɡɑːniː)   adj   garnished

garnierite (ˈɡɑːnIəˌraIt)   n   a green amorphous mineral consisting of hydrated nickel magnesium silicate: a source of nickel [C19: named after Jules Garnier (died 1904), French geologist]

garnish (ˈɡɑːnIʃ)   vb (tr)   1 to decorate; trim   2 to add something to (food) in order to improve its appearance or flavour   3 law   a to serve with notice of proceedings; warn   b obsolete to summon to proceedings already in progress   c to attach (a debt)   4 slang to extort money from   ▷ n   5 a decoration; trimming   6 something, such as parsley, added to a dish for its flavour or decorative effect   7 obsolete, slang a payment illegally extorted, as from a prisoner by his or her jailer [C14: from Old French garnir to adorn, equip, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German warnōn to pay heed]   > ˈgarnisher or ˈgarnishor n

■ garnishee (ˌɡɑːnIˈʃiː) law   n   1 a person upon whom a garnishment has been served   ▷ vb -nishees, -nisheeing, -nisheed (tr)   2 to attach (a debt or other property) by garnishment   3 to serve (a person) with a garnishment

■ garnisheement (ˌɡɑːnIˈʃiːmənt)   n   law the process of arresting a debtor's money or property from the hands of a third party

■ garnishing (ˈɡɑːnIʃIŋ)   n   food that is added to a plate for decoration

■ garnishment (ˈɡɑːnIʃmənt)   n   1 the act of garnishing   2 decoration or embellishment; garnish   3 law   a a notice or warning   b obsolete a summons to court proceedings already in progress   c a notice warning a person holding money or property belonging to a debtor whose debt has been attached to hold such property until directed by the court to apply it

■ garnishry (ˈɡɑːnIʃrI)   n   an adornment or decoration

garniture (ˈɡɑːnItʃə)   n   decoration or embellishment [C16: from French, from garnir to GARNISH]

Garonne (French ɡarɔn)   n   a river in SW France, rising in the central Pyrenees in Spain and flowing northeast then northwest into the Gironde estuary. Length: 580 km (360 miles)

garotte (ɡəˈrɒt)   n, vb   a variant spelling of garrotte   > gaˈrotter n

garoupa (ɡəˈruːpə)   n   (in Chinese and SE Asian cookery) another name for groper

garpike (ˈɡɑːˌpaIk)   n   1 Also called: garfish, gar any primitive freshwater elongated bony fish of the genus Lepisosteus, of North and Central America, having very long toothed jaws and a body covering of thick scales   2 another name for garfish (sense 2)

garre (ɡɑːr)   vb   1 (tr) Scot dialect to compel; cause   2 (intr) obsolete to growl   3 (intr) obsolete to chatter or chirp

garret (ˈɡærIt)   n   another word for attic (sense 1) [C14: from Old French garite watchtower, from garir to protect, of Germanic origin; see WARY]

■ garreted (ˈɡærItId)   adj   1 having a garret or garrets   2 residing in a garret

■ garreteer (ˌɡærəˈtIə)   n   a person who lives in a garret, esp a penniless writer

■ garret window   n   a skylight that lies along the slope of the roof

Garrett (ˈɡærət)   n   Lesley. born 1955, British soprano; principal soprano with the English National Opera (1984–98)

Garrick (ˈɡærIk)   n   David. 1717–79, English actor and theatre manager

garrigue French (ɡariɡ)   n   a variant spelling of garigue

garrison (ˈɡærIsən)   n   1 the troops who maintain and guard a base or fortified place   2    a the place itself   b (as modifier): a garrison town   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to station (troops) in (a fort) [C13: from Old French garison, from garir to defend, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse verja to defend, Old English, Old High German werian]

garron (ˈɡærən)   n   a small sturdy pony bred and used chiefly in Scotland and Ireland [C16: from Gaelic gearran]

garrot^1 (ˈɡærət)   n   the goldeneye duck, Clangula glaucion

garrot^2 (ˈɡærət)   n   surgery a stick or cylinder used to tighten a bandage in order to prevent blood loss from a wounded limb

garrotte, garrote or garotte (ɡəˈrɒt)   n   1 a Spanish method of execution by strangulation or by breaking the neck   2 the device, usually an iron collar, used in such executions   3 obsolete strangulation of one's victim while committing robbery   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to execute by means of the garrotte   5 to strangle, esp in order to commit robbery [C17: from Spanish garrote, perhaps from Old French garrot cudgel; of obscure origin]   > garˈrotter, garˈroter or gaˈrotter n

garrulous (ˈɡærʊləs)   adj   1 given to constant and frivolous chatter; loquacious; talkative   2 wordy or diffuse; prolix [C17: from Latin garrulus, from garrīre to chatter]   > ˈgarrulously adv   > ˈgarrulousness or garrulity (ɡæˈruːlItI) n

garrya (ˈɡærIə)   n   any ornamental catkin-bearing evergreen shrub of the North American genus Garrya: family Garryaceae [C19: named after Nicholas Garry (1781–1856), an officer of the Hudson's Bay Company]

garryowen (ˌɡærIˈəʊIn)   n   (in rugby union) another term for up-and-under [C20: named after Garryowen RFC, Ireland]

gart (ɡɑːrt)   vb   a past tense and past participle of gar^2

garter (ˈɡɑːtə)   n   1 a band, usually of elastic, worn round the arm or leg to hold up a shirtsleeve, sock, or stocking   2 US and Canadian   a an elastic strap attached to a belt or corset having a fastener at the end, for holding up women's stockings   b a similar fastener attached to a garter belt worn by men in order to support socks. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): suspender   3 have someone's guts for garters See gut (sense 10)   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to fasten, support, or secure with or as if with a garter [C14: from Old Northern French gartier, from garet bend of the knee, probably of Celtic origin]

■ garter snake   n   any nonvenomous North American colubrid snake of the genus Thamnophis, typically marked with longitudinal stripes

■ garter stitch   n   knitting in which all the rows are knitted in plain stitch instead of alternating with purl rows

Garter (ˈɡɑːtə)   n the Garter   1 See Order of the Garter   2 (sometimes not capital)   a the badge of this Order   b membership of this Order

garth^1 (ɡɑːθ)   n   1 a courtyard surrounded by a cloister   2 archaic a yard or garden [C14: from Old Norse garthr; related to Old English geard YARD^2]

garth^2 (ɡɑːθ)   n   Northern English dialect a child's hoop, often the rim of a bicycle wheel [dialect variant of GIRTH]

garuda (ɡəˈruːdə)   n   1 Hindu myth a deity, half-bird, half-man, that serves as Vishnu's steed   2 the eagle in the coat of arms of Indonesia

garum (ˈɡɛərəm)   n   (in ancient Rome) a fermented fish sauce

Garvey (ˈɡɑːvI)   n   Marcus. 1887–1940, Jamaican Black nationalist leader, active in the US. He founded (1914) the Universal Negro Improvement Association and led the Back-to-Africa movement: jailed for fraud (1925–27)

garvie (ˈɡɑːvI) or garvock (ˈɡɑːvək)   n   Scot dialect a sprat

Gary (ˈɡærI)   n   a port in NW Indiana, on Lake Michigan: a major world steel producer. Pop: 99 961 (2003 est)

gas (ɡæs)   n, pl gases or gasses   1 a substance in a physical state in which it does not resist change of shape and will expand indefinitely to fill any container. If very high pressure is applied a gas may become liquid or solid, otherwise its density tends towards that of the condensed phase. Compare liquid (sense 1), solid (sense 1)   2 any substance that is gaseous at room temperature and atmospheric pressure   3 any gaseous substance that is above its critical temperature and therefore not liquefiable by pressure alone. Compare vapour (sense 2)   4    a a fossil fuel in the form of a gas, used as a source of domestic and industrial heat. See also coal gas, natural gas   b (as modifier): a gas cooker; gas fire   5 a gaseous anaesthetic, such as nitrous oxide   6 mining firedamp or the explosive mixture of firedamp and air   7 the usual US, Canadian, and New Zealand word for petrol. See also gasoline   8 step on the gas informal   a to increase the speed of a motor vehicle; accelerate   b to hurry   9 a toxic or suffocating substance in suspension in air used against an enemy   10 informal idle talk or boasting   11 slang a delightful or successful person or thing: his latest record is a gas   12 US an informal name for flatus   ▷ vb gases or gasses, gassing, gassed   13 (tr) to provide or fill with gas   14 (tr) to subject to gas fumes, esp so as to asphyxiate or render unconscious   15 (intr) to give off gas, as in the charging of a battery   16 (tr) (in textiles) to singe (fabric) with a flame from a gas burner to remove unwanted fibres   17 (intr; foll by to) informal to talk in an idle or boastful way (to a person)   18 (tr) slang, chiefly US and Canadian to thrill or delight [C17 (coined by J. B. van Helmont (1577–1644), Flemish chemist): modification of Greek khaos atmosphere]   > ˈgasless adj

■ gasahol (ˈɡæsəˌhɒl)   n   a variant spelling of gasohol

■ gasbag (ˈɡæsˌbæɡ) informal   n   1 a person who talks in a voluble way, esp about unimportant matters   ▷ vb -bags, -bagging, -bagged   2 (intr) Irish to talk in a voluble way, esp about unimportant matters

■ gas black   n   finely powdered carbon produced by burning natural gas. It is used as a pigment in paints, etc

■ gas burner   n   1 Also called: gas jet a jet or nozzle from which a combustible gas issues in order to form a stable flame   2 an assembly of such jets or nozzles, used esp in cooking

■ gas chamber or gas oven   n   an airtight room into which poison gas is introduced to kill people or animals

■ gas chromatography   n   a technique for analysing a mixture of volatile substances in which the mixture is carried by an inert gas through a column packed with a selective adsorbent and a detector records on a moving strip the conductivity of the gas leaving the tube. Peaks on the resulting graph indicate the presence of a particular component. Also called: gas-liquid chromatography

■ gas coal   n   coal that is rich in volatile hydrocarbons, making it a suitable source of domestic gas

■ gas constant   n   the constant in the gas equation. It is equal to 8.31472 joules per kelvin per mole. Symbol: R. Also called: universal gas constant

■ gas-cooled reactor   n   a nuclear reactor using a gas as the coolant. In the Mark I type the coolant is carbon dioxide, the moderator is graphite, and the fuel is uranium cased in magnox. See also advanced gas-cooled reactor

■ gas-discharge tube   n   electronics any tube in which an electric discharge takes place through a gas

■ gaseity (ɡəˈseIItI)   n   the state of being gaseous

■ gas engine   n   a type of internal-combustion engine using a flammable gas, such as coal gas or natural gas, as fuel

■ gaseous (ˈɡæsIəs, -ʃəs, -ʃIəs, ˈɡeI-)   adj   of, concerned with, or having the characteristics of a gas   > ˈgaseousness n

■ gas equation   n   an equation that equates the product of the pressure and the volume of one mole of a gas to the product of its thermodynamic temperature and the gas constant. The equation is exact for an ideal gas and is a good approximation for real gases at low pressures. Also called: ideal gas equation, ideal gas law

■ gasfield (ˈɡæsˌfiːld)   n   a subterranean area where natural gas is found

■ gas-fired   adj   heated by the combustion of gas

■ gas gangrene   n   gangrene resulting from infection of a wound by anaerobic bacteria (esp Clostridium welchii) that cause gas bubbles and swelling in the surrounding tissues

■ gas giant   n   one of the four planets in our solar system that are composed chiefly of hydrogen and helium, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune [C20: coined by James Blish (1921–75), US science fiction writer]

■ gas guzzler   n   informal a large car with very high petrol consumption

■ gasholder (ˈɡæsˌhəʊldə)   n   1 Also called: gasometer a large tank for storing coal gas or natural gas prior to distribution to users   2 any vessel for storing or measuring a gas

■ gashouse (ˈɡæsˌhaʊs)   n   US dialect a gasworks

■ gasiform (ˈɡæsIˌfɔːm)   adj   in a gaseous form

■ gasify (ˈɡæsIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 to make into or become a gas   2 to subject (coal, etc) to destructive distillation to produce gas, esp for use as a fuel   > ˈgasiˌfiable adj   > ˌgasifiˈcation n   > ˈgasiˌfier n

■ gas laws   pl n   the physical laws obeyed by gases, esp Boyle's law and Charles' law. See also gas equation

■ gaslight (ˈɡæsˌlaIt)   n   1 a type of lamp in which the illumination is produced by an incandescent mantle heated by a jet of gas   2 the light produced by such a lamp   ▷ vb -lights, -lighting, -lighted or -lit   3 (tr) informal to attempt to manipulate (a person) by continually presenting them with false information until they doubt their sanity [sense 3 from Patrick Hamilton's play Gas Light (1938), in which a husband attempts to drive his wife insane by insisting that the gaslight in their home is not becoming dimmer]

■ gas lighter   n   1 a device for igniting a jet of gas   2 a cigarette lighter using a gas as fuel

■ gas-liquid chromatography   n   another name for gas chromatography

■ gaslit (ˈɡæslIt)   adj   lit by gaslight

■ gas main   n   a large pipeline in which gas is carried for distribution through smaller pipes to consumers

■ gasman (ˈɡæsˌmæn)   n, pl -men   a man employed to read household gas meters, supervise gas fittings, etc

■ gas mantle   n   a mantle for use in a gaslight. See mantle (sense 4)

■ gas mask   n   a mask fitted with a chemical filter to enable the wearer to breathe air free of poisonous or corrosive gases: used for military or industrial purposes. Also called (in Britain): respirator

■ gas meter   n   an apparatus for measuring and recording the amount of gas passed through it

■ gas oil   n   a fuel oil obtained in the distillation of petroleum, intermediate in viscosity and boiling point between paraffin and lubricating oils. It boils above about 250°C

■ gasometer (ɡæsˈɒmItə)   n   a nontechnical name for gasholder

■ gasometry (ɡæsˈɒmItrI)   n   the measurement of quantities of gases   > gasometric (ˌɡæsəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌgasoˈmetrical adj

■ gas oven   n   1 a domestic oven heated by gas   2 a gas-fuelled cremation chamber   3 another name for gas chamber

■ gas-permeable lens   n   a contact lens made of rigid plastic that is more permeable to air than a standard hard lens. Abbreviation: GP. Compare hard lens, soft lens

■ gas plant   n   an aromatic white-flowered Eurasian rutaceous plant, Dictamnus albus, that emits a vapour capable of being ignited. Also called: burning bush, dittany, fraxinella

■ gas poker   n   a long tubular gas burner used to kindle a fire

■ gas ring   n   a circular assembly of gas jets, used esp for cooking

■ gassed (ɡæst)   adj   slang drunk

■ gasser (ˈɡæsə)   n   a drilling or well that yields natural gas

■ gassily (ˈɡæsIlI)   adv   in a gassy manner

■ gassing (ˈɡæsIŋ)   n   1 the act or process of supplying or treating with gas   2 the affecting or poisoning of people with gas or fumes   3 the evolution of a gas, esp in electrolysis

■ gas station   n   chiefly US and Canadian another term for filling station

■ gassy (ˈɡæsI)   adj -sier, -siest   1 filled with, containing, or resembling gas   2 informal full of idle or vapid talk   > ˈgassily adv   > ˈgassiness n

■ gas thermometer   n   a device for measuring temperature by observing the pressure of gas at a constant volume or the volume of a gas kept at a constant pressure

■ gastight (ˈɡæsˌtaIt)   adj   not allowing gas to enter or escape

■ gastightness (ˈɡæsˌtaItnəs)   n   the state or quality of being gastight

■ gas turbine   n   an internal-combustion engine in which the expanding gases emerging from one or more combustion chambers drive a turbine. A rotary compressor driven by the turbine compresses the air used for combustion, power being taken either as torque from the turbine or thrust from the expanding gases

■ gas vacuole   n   biology a gas-filled structure that provides buoyancy in some aquatic bacteria

■ gas welding   n   a method of welding in which a combination of gases, usually oxyacetylene, is used to provide a hot flame

■ gas well   n   a well for obtaining natural gas

■ gasworks (ˈɡæsˌwɜːks)   n   (functioning as singular) a plant in which gas, esp coal gas, is made

Gascoigne (ˈɡæskɔIn)   n   Paul, known as Gazza. born 1967, English footballer: won 57 caps for England (1988–98); his clubs included Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, and Rangers

gascon (ˈɡæskən)   n   rare a boaster; braggart [C14: from Old French gascoun; compare Latin Vasconēs Basque]

■ gasconade (ˌɡæskəˈneId) rare   n   1 boastful talk, bragging, or bluster   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to boast, brag, or bluster [C18: from French gasconnade, from gasconner to chatter, boast like a GASCON]   > ˌgasconˈader n

■ gasconism (ˈɡæskəˌnIzəm)   n   the quality of being boastful; boastfulness

Gascony (ˈɡæskənI)   n   a former province of SW France. French name: Gascogne (ɡaskɔɲ)

■ Gascon (ˈɡæskən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Gascony   2 the dialect of French spoken in Gascony   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Gascony, its inhabitants, or their dialect of French

gaselier (ˌɡæsəˈlIə)   n   a variant spelling of gasolier

gash^1 (ɡæʃ)   vb   1 (tr) to make a long deep cut or wound in; slash   ▷ n   2 a long deep cut or wound [C16: from Old French garser to scratch, wound, from Vulgar Latin charissāre (unattested), from Greek kharassein to scratch]

gash^2 (ɡæʃ)   adj   slang surplus to requirements; unnecessary, extra, or spare [C20: of unknown origin]

gashly (ˈɡæʃlI) dialect   adj -lier, -liest   1 Also: gashful (ˈɡæʃfʊl) hideous; ghastly   ▷ adv   2 in a hideous or ghastly manner

■ gashliness (ˈɡæʃlInəs)   n   dialect the quality of being gashly; ghastliness

Gaskell (ˈɡæskəl)   n   Mrs. married name of Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson. 1810–65, English novelist. Her novels include Mary Barton (1848), an account of industrial life in Manchester, and Cranford (1853), a social study of a country village

gasket (ˈɡæskIt)   n   1 a compressible packing piece of paper, rubber, asbestos, etc, sandwiched between the faces or flanges of a joint to provide a seal   2 nautical a piece of line used as a sail stop   3 blow a gasket slang to burst out in anger [C17 (in the sense: rope lashing a furled sail): probably from French garcette rope's end, literally: little girl, from Old French garce girl, feminine of gars boy, servant]

gaskin (ˈɡæskIn)   n   the lower part of a horse's thigh, between the hock and the stifle [C16: perhaps shortened from GALLIGASKINS]

gasogene (ˈɡæsəˌdʒiːn)   n   obsolete a Victorian device for carbonating liquid

gasohol (ˈɡæsəˌhɒl)   n   a mixture of 80% or 90% petrol with 20% or 10% ethyl alcohol, for use as a fuel in internal-combustion engines

gasolier or gaselier (ˌɡæsəˈlIə)   n   a branched hanging fitting for gaslights [C19: from GAS + (CHAND)ELIER]

gasoline or gasolene (ˈɡæsəˌliːn)   n   US and Canadian any one of various volatile flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, mainly hexane, heptane, and octane, obtained from petroleum and used as a solvent and a fuel for internal-combustion engines. Usually petrol also contains additives such as antiknock compounds and corrosion inhibitors. Also called (esp in Britain): petrol   > gasolinic (ˌɡæsəˈlInIk) adj

■ gasoline-powered   adj   using gasoline as fuel

gasp (ɡɑːsp)   vb   1 (intr) to draw in the breath sharply, convulsively, or with effort, esp in expressing awe, horror, etc   2 (intr; foll by after or for) to crave   3 (tr; often foll by out) to utter or emit breathlessly   ▷ n   4 a short convulsive intake of breath   5 a short convulsive burst of speech   6 at the last gasp   a at the point of death   b at the last moment [C14: from Old Norse geispa to yawn; related to Swedish dialect gispa, Danish gispe]   > ˈgaspingly adv

■ gasper (ˈɡɑːspə)   n   1 a person who gasps   2 Brit old-fashioned, slang a cheap cigarette   3 informal something that shocks one or causes one to gasp in astonishment

■ gaspiness (ˈɡɑːspInəs)   n   the quality or state of being gaspy

■ gaspy (ˈɡɑːspI)   adj gaspier, gaspiest   tending to gasp

Gaspar (ˈɡæspə, ˈɡæspɑː)   n   a variant of Caspar

Gasparovic (ɡæsˈpærəvItʃ)   n   Ivan. born 1941, Slovakian politician, president of Slovakia (2004–14)

Gaspé Peninsula (ɡæˈspeI; French ɡaspe)   n   a peninsula in E Canada, in SE Quebec between the St Lawrence River and New Brunswick: mountainous and wooded with many lakes and rivers. Area: about 29 500 sq km (11 400 sq miles). Also called: the Gaspé

gaspereau (ˈɡæspərəʊ)   n   Canadian another name for alewife [from Canadian French]

Gassendi (French ɡasɑ̃di)   n   Pierre. 1592–1655, French physicist and philosopher, who promoted an atomic theory of matter

Gasser (ˈɡæsə)   n   Herbert Spencer. 1888–1963, US physiologist: shared a Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1944) with Erlanger for work on electrical signs of nervous activity

gast (ɡɑːst)   n   1 Scot dialect a fright   ▷ adj   2 obsolete afraid; frightened   ▷ vb (tr)   3 obsolete to frighten; scare

■ gaster (ˈɡɑːstə)   vb (tr)   obsolete to frighten; scare

■ gastfull (ˈɡɑːstfʊl)   adj   dismal; dreary

■ gastness (ˈɡɑːstnəs)   n   the state or quality of being gast; fearfulness or dread

gasteropod (ˈɡæstərəˌpɒd)   n, adj   a variant of gastropod

■ gasteropodous (ˌɡæstəˈrɒpədəs)   adj   a variant of gastropodous

gastraea (ɡæsˈtriːə)   n   biology a primeval double-walled sac-like form whose existence was hypothesized by Ernst Haeckel, who proposed that all animals were descended from it

gastraeum (ɡæsˈtriːəm)   n   the underside of the body, esp of a bird

gastral (ˈɡæstrəl)   adj   of or relating to the stomach

gastralgia (ɡæsˈtrældʒIə)   n   pain in the stomach   > gasˈtralgic adj

gastrectomy (ɡæsˈtrɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of all or part of the stomach

gastric (ˈɡæstrIk)   adj   of, relating to, near, or involving the stomach: gastric pains

■ gastric balloon   n   an inflatable rubber bag placed in the stomach to reduce its capacity as an aid to losing weight

■ gastric band   n   an adjustable band fitted inside the stomach to reduce its capacity as an aid to losing weight

■ gastric juice   n   a digestive fluid secreted by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid, pepsin, rennin, etc

■ gastric ulcer   n   an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining the stomach. Compare peptic ulcer

gastrin (ˈɡæstrIn)   n   a polypeptide hormone secreted by the stomach: stimulates secretion of gastric juice

gastritis (ɡæsˈtraItIs)   n   inflammation of the lining of the stomach   > gastritic (ɡæsˈtrItIk) adj

gastro- or often before a vowel gastr-   combining form   stomach: gastroenteritis; gastritis [from Greek gastēr]

gastrocnemius (ˌɡæstrɒkˈniːmIəs)   n   anatomy the largest muscle of the calf of the leg

gastrocolic (ˌɡæstrəʊˈkɒlIk)   adj   of or relating to the stomach and colon: gastrocolic reflex

gastroduodenal (ˌɡæstrəʊˌdjuːəʊˈdiːnəl)   adj   of or relating to the stomach and the duodenum

gastroduodenostomy (ˌɡæstrəʊˌdjuːəʊdiːˈnɒstəmI)   n, pl -mies   a surgical operation in which the duodenum is joined to a new opening in the stomach, esp to bypass an obstruction

gastroenteric (ˌɡæstrəʊɛnˈtɛrIk)   adj   another word for gastrointestinal

gastroenteritis (ˌɡæstrəʊˌɛntəˈraItIs)   n   inflammation of the stomach and intestines   > gastroenteritic (ˌɡæstrəʊˌɛntəˈrItIk) adj

gastroenterology (ˌɡæstrəʊˌɛntəˈrɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with diseases of the stomach and intestines   > ˌgastroˌenteˈrologist n

gastroenterostomy (ˌɡæstrəʊˌɛntəˈrɒstəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical formation of an artificial opening between the stomach and the small intestine

gastrointestinal (ˌɡæstrəʊInˈtɛstInəl)   adj   of or relating to the stomach and intestinal tract

gastrolith (ˈɡæstrəlIθ)   n   pathol a stone in the stomach; gastric calculus

gastrology (ɡæsˈtrɒlədʒI)   n   a former name for gastroenterology   > gastrological (ˌɡæstrəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > gasˈtrologist or gasˈtrologer n

gastromancy (ˈɡæstrəʊˌmænsI)   n obsolete   1 a form of divination by interpreting words and sounds seeming to come from the stomach   2 a form of divination by interpreting images within a bulbous water-filled glass

gastronomy (ɡæsˈtrɒnəmI)   n   1 the art of good eating   2 the type of cookery of a particular region: the gastronomy of Provence [C19: from French gastronomie, from Greek gastronomia, from gastēr stomach; see -NOMY]

■ gastronome (ˈɡæstrəˌnəʊm), gastronomer (ɡæsˈtrɒnəmə) or gastronomist   n   less common words for gourmet

■ gastronomic (ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmIk) or gastronomical   adj   of or relating to food and cookery, esp the art of good eating   > ˌgastroˈnomically adv

■ gastronomics (ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmIks)   n   the cooking style typical of a region or country

gastropod (ˈɡæstrəˌpɒd) or gasteropod   n   1 any mollusc of the class Gastropoda, typically having a flattened muscular foot for locomotion and a head that bears stalked eyes. The class includes the snails, whelks, limpets, and slugs   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Gastropoda   > gastropodan (ɡæsˈtrɒpədən) adj, n   > gasˈtropodous adj

gastroporn (ˈɡæstrəʊˌpɔːn)   n   the representation of food in a highly sensual manner [C21: from GASTRO(NOMY) + PORN]

gastro-pub   n   a pub serving restaurant-quality food

gastroscope (ˈɡæstrəˌskəʊp)   n   a medical instrument for examining the interior of the stomach   > gastroscopic (ˌɡæstrəˈskɒpIk) adj   > gastroscopist (ɡæsˈtrɒskəpIst) n   > gasˈtroscopy n

gastrosophy (ɡæsˈtrɒsəfI)   n   the science or art of good eating

■ gastrosoph (ˈɡæstrəʊˌsɒf) or gastrosopher (ɡæsˈtrɒsəfə)   n   a person skilled in the art of good eating

gastrostomy (ɡæsˈtrɒstəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical formation of an artificial opening into the stomach from the skin surface: used for feeding

gastrotomy (ɡæsˈtrɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical incision into the stomach

gastrotrich (ˈɡæstrətrIk)   n   any minute aquatic multicellular animal of the phylum Gastrotricha, having a wormlike body covered with cilia and bristles [from New Latin gastrotricha, from GASTRO- + Greek -trichos -haired: see TRICHO-]

gastrovascular (ˌɡæstrəʊˈvæskjʊlə)   adj   (esp of the body cavities of coelenterates) functioning in digestion and circulation

gastrula (ˈɡæstrʊlə)   n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)   a saclike animal embryo consisting of three layers of cells (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) surrounding a central cavity (archenteron) with a small opening (blastopore) to the exterior. See also ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm [C19: New Latin: little stomach, from Greek gastēr belly]   > ˈgastrular adj

■ gastrulate (ˈɡæstrʊˌleIt)   vb (intr)   to form a gastrula

■ gastrulation (ˌɡæstrʊˈleIʃən)   n   embryol the process in which a gastrula is formed from a blastula by the inward migration of cells

gat^1 (ɡæt)   vb   archaic a past tense of get

gat^2 (ɡæt)   n   slang, chiefly US a pistol or revolver [C20: shortened from GATLING GUN]

gat^3 (ɡæt)   n   a narrow channel of water [C18: probably from Old Norse gat passage; related to GATE^1]

gate^1 (ɡeIt)   n   1 a movable barrier, usually hinged, for closing an opening in a wall, fence, etc   2 an opening to allow passage into or out of an enclosed place   3 any means of entrance or access   4 a mountain pass or gap, esp one providing entry into another country or region   5    a the number of people admitted to a sporting event or entertainment   b the total entrance money received from them   6 (in a large airport) any of the numbered exits leading to the airfield or aircraft: passengers for Paris should proceed to gate 14   7 horse racing short for starting gate   8 electronics   a a logic circuit having one or more input terminals and one output terminal, the output being switched between two voltage levels determined by the combination of input signals   b a circuit used in radar that allows only a fraction of the input signal to pass   9 the electrode region or regions in a field-effect transistor that is biased to control the conductivity of the channel between the source and drain   10 a component in a motion-picture camera or projector that holds each frame flat and momentarily stationary behind the lens   11 a slotted metal frame that controls the positions of the gear lever in a motor vehicle   12 rowing a hinged clasp to prevent the oar from jumping out of a rowlock   13 a frame surrounding the blade or blades of a saw   ▷ vb (tr)   14 to provide with a gate or gates   15 Brit to restrict (a student) to the school or college grounds as a punishment   16 to select (part of a waveform) in terms of amplitude or time [Old English geat; related to Old Frisian jet opening, Old Norse gat opening, passage]   > ˈgateless adj   > ˈgateˌlike adj

■ gate-crash   vb   to gain entry to (a party, concert, etc) without invitation or payment   > ˈgate-ˌcrasher n

■ gatefold (ˈɡeItˌfəʊld)   n   an oversize page in a book or magazine that is folded in. Also called: foldout

■ gatefold sleeve   n   a record sleeve that opens out like a book

■ gatehouse (ˈɡeItˌhaʊs)   n   1 a building above or beside an entrance gate to a city, university, etc, often housing a porter or guard, or (formerly) used as a fortification   2 a small house at the entrance to the grounds of a country mansion   3 a structure that houses the controls operating lock gates or dam sluices

■ gatekeeper (ˈɡeItˌkiːpə)   n   1 a person who has charge of a gate and controls who may pass through it   2 any of several Eurasian butterflies of the genus Pyronia, esp P. tithonus, having brown-bordered orange wings with a black-and-white eyespot on each forewing: family Satyridae   3 a manager in a large organization who controls the flow of information, esp to parent and subsidiary companies

■ gatekeeping (ˈɡeItˌkiːpIŋ)   n   1 the work of a gatekeeper   2 the practice of controlling access to information, advanced levels of study, elite sections of society, etc

■ gateleg table (ˈɡeItˌlɛɡ) or gate-legged table   n   a table with one or two drop leaves that are supported when in use by a hinged leg swung out from the frame

■ gateman (ˈɡeItmən)   n, pl -men   a person who controls a gate; gatekeeper

■ gate money   n   the total receipts taken for admission to a sporting event or other entertainment

■ gatepost (ˈɡeItˌpəʊst)   n   1    a the post on which a gate is hung   b the post to which a gate is fastened when closed   2 between you, me, and the gatepost confidentially   3 logic another name for turnstile (sense 3)

■ gate valve   n   a valve in a pipe or channel having a sliding plate that controls the flow

■ gateway (ˈɡeItˌweI)   n   1 an entrance that may be closed by or as by a gate   2 a means of entry or access: Mumbai, gateway to India   3 (modifier) allowing entry, access, or progress to a more extreme form: gateway drug; gateway drink   4 computing hardware and software that connect incompatible computer networks, allowing information to be passed from one to another   5 a software utility that enables text messages to be sent and received over digital cellular telephone networks

gate^2 (ɡeIt)   n dialect   1 the channels by which molten metal is poured into a mould   2 the metal that solidifies in such channels [C17: probably related to Old English gyte a pouring out, geotan to pour]

gate^3 (ɡeIt)   n Scot and Northern English dialect   1 a way, road, street, or path   2 a way or method of doing something [C13: from Old Norse gata path; related to Old High German gazza road, street]

-gate   n combining form   indicating a person or thing that has been the cause of, or is associated with, a public scandal: Irangate; Camillagate [C20: on the analogy of WATERGATE]

gateau or gâteau (ˈɡætəʊ)   n, pl -teaux (-təʊz)   any of various elaborate cakes, usually layered with cream and richly decorated [French: cake]

gater (ˈɡeItə)   n   a variant of gator

Gates (ɡeIts)   n   1  Bill, full name William Henry Gates. born 1955, US computer-software executive and philanthropist; founder (1976) of Microsoft Corporation   2  Henry Louis. born 1950, US scholar and critic, who pioneered African-American studies in such works as Figures in Black (1987)   3  Horatio. ?1728–1806, American Revolutionary general: defeated the British at Saratoga (1777)

Gateshead (ˈɡeItsˌhɛd)   n   1 a port in NE England, in Gateshead unitary authority, Tyne and Wear: engineering works, cultural centre. Pop: 78 403 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in NE England, in Tyne and Wear. Pop: 191 000 (2003 est). Area: 142 sq km (55 sq miles)

Gath (ɡæθ)   n   Old Testament one of the five cities of the Philistines, from which Goliath came (I Samuel 17:4) and near which Saul fell in battle (II Samuel 1:20). Douay spelling: Geth (ɡɛθ)

Gatha (ˈɡɑːtə)   n   Zoroastrianism any of a number of versified sermons in the Avesta that are in a more ancient dialect than the rest [from Avestan gāthā-; related to Sanskrit gāthā song]

gather (ˈɡæðə)   vb   1 to assemble or cause to assemble   2 to collect or be collected gradually; muster   3 (tr) to learn from information given; conclude or assume   4 (tr) to pick or harvest (flowers, fruit, etc)   5 (tr; foll by to or into) to clasp or embrace: the mother gathered the child into her arms   6 (tr) to bring close (to) or wrap (around): she gathered her shawl about her shoulders   7 to increase or cause to increase gradually, as in force, speed, intensity, etc   8 to contract (the brow) or (of the brow) to become contracted into wrinkles; knit   9 (tr) to assemble (sections of a book) in the correct sequence for binding   10 (tr) to collect by making a selection   11 (tr) to prepare or make ready: to gather one's wits   12 to draw (material) into a series of small tucks or folds by passing a thread through it and then pulling it tight   13 (intr) (of a boil or other sore) to come to a head; form pus   ▷ n   14    a the act of gathering   b the amount gathered   15 a small fold in material, as made by a tightly pulled stitch; tuck   16 printing an informal name for section (sense 17) [Old English gadrian; related to Old Frisian gaderia, Middle Low German gaderen]   > ˈgatherable adj   > ˈgatherer n

■ gathering (ˈɡæðərIŋ)   n   1 a group of people, things, etc, that are gathered together; assembly   2 sewing a gather or series of gathers in material   3    a the formation of pus in a boil   b the pus so formed   4 printing an informal name for section (sense 17)

Gatling gun (ˈɡætlIŋ)   n   (sometimes not capital) a hand-cranked automatic machine gun equipped with a rotating cluster of barrels that are fired in succession using brass cartridges [C19: named after R. J. Gatling (1818–1903), its US inventor]

gator or gater (ˈɡeItə)   n   chiefly US informal an alligator [C19]

GATT (ɡæt)   n acronym for   General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade: a multilateral international treaty signed in 1947 to promote trade, esp by means of the reduction and elimination of tariffs and import quotas; replaced in 1995 by the World Trade Organization

Gatún Lake (Spanish ɡaˈtun)   n   a lake in Panama, part of the Panama Canal: formed in 1912 on the completion of the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River. Area: 424 sq km (164 sq miles)

gatvol (ˈxʌtˌfɒl)   adj   South African rare annoyed; fed up [Afrikaans, literally: completely full]

gau (ɡaʊ)   n   history an administrative district in ancient and medieval Germany, revived by the Nazi Party during the Third Reich

gauche (ɡəʊʃ)   adj   lacking ease of manner; tactless [C18: French: awkward, left, from Old French gauchir to swerve, ultimately of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wankōn to stagger]   > ˈgauchely adv   > ˈgaucheness n

■ gaucherie (ˌɡəʊʃəˈriː, ˈɡəʊʃərI; French ɡoʃri)   n   1 the quality of being gauche   2 a gauche act

gaucho (ˈɡaʊtʃəʊ)   n, pl -chos   a cowboy of the South American pampas, usually one of mixed racial descent [C19: from American Spanish, probably from Quechuan wáhcha orphan, vagabond]

■ gauchesco (ɡaʊˈtʃɛskəʊ)   adj   of or relating to gauchos

gaucy (ˈɡɔːsI)   adj gaucier, gauciest Scot dialect   1 plump; portly   2 jolly

gaud (ɡɔːd)   n   an article of cheap finery; trinket; bauble [C14: probably from Old French gaudir to be joyful, from Latin gaudēre]

■ gaudery (ˈɡɔːdərI)   n, pl -eries   cheap finery or display

gaudeamus (ˌɡaʊdIˈɑːməs)   n   a university students' gathering or merry-making

gaudeamus igitur Latin (ˌɡaʊdIˈɑːmʊs ˈIɡIˌtʊə, ˌɡɔːdIˈeIməs ˈIdʒItə)   interj   let us therefore rejoice [from a medieval student song]

Gaudí (ˈɡaʊdI; Spanish ɡauˈði)   n   Antonio (anˈtonjo). 1852–1926, Spanish architect, regarded as one of the most original exponents of Art Nouveau in Europe and noted esp for the church of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Gaudier-Brzeska (French ɡodjebʒɛska)   n   Henri (ɑ̃ri), original name Henri Gaudier. 1891–1915, French vorticist sculptor

gaudy^1 (ˈɡɔːdI)   adj gaudier, gaudiest   gay, bright, or colourful in a crude or vulgar manner; garish [C16: from GAUD]   > ˈgaudily adv   > ˈgaudiness n

gaudy^2 (ˈɡɔːdI)   n, pl gaudies   Brit a celebratory festival or feast held at some schools and colleges [C16: from Latin gaudium joy, from gaudēre to rejoice]

gaufer (ˈɡɔːfə)   n   dialect a waffle

gauffer (ˈɡəʊfə)   n, vb   a less common spelling of goffer

gauge or gage (ɡeIdʒ)   vb (tr)   1 to measure or determine the amount, quantity, size, condition, etc, of   2 to estimate or appraise; judge   3 to check for conformity or bring into conformity with a standard measurement, dimension, etc   ▷ n   4 a standard measurement, dimension, capacity, or quantity   5 any of various instruments for measuring a quantity: a pressure gauge   6 any of various devices used to check for conformity with a standard measurement   7 a standard or means for assessing; test; criterion   8 scope, capacity, or extent   9 the diameter of the barrel of a gun, esp a shotgun   10 the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of wire   11 the distance between the rails of a railway track: in Britain 4 ft 8^1⁄2 in. (1.435 m)   12 the distance between two wheels on the same axle of a vehicle, truck, etc   13 nautical the position of a vessel in relation to the wind and another vessel. One vessel may be windward (weather gauge) or leeward (lee gauge) of the other   14 the proportion of plaster of Paris added to mortar to accelerate its setting   15 the distance between the nails securing the slates, tiles, etc, of a roof   16 a measure of the fineness of woven or knitted fabric, usually expressed as the number of needles used per inch   17 the width of motion-picture film or magnetic tape   ▷ adj   18 (of a pressure measurement) measured on a pressure gauge that registers zero at atmospheric pressure; above or below atmospheric pressure: 5 bar gauge. See also absolute (sense 10) [C15: from Old Northern French, probably of Germanic origin]   > ˈgaugeable or ˈgageable adj   > ˈgaugeably or ˈgageably adv

■ gauge boson   n   physics a boson that mediates the interaction between elementary particles. There are several types: photons for electromagnetic interactions, W and Z intermediate vector bosons for weak interactions, and gravitons for gravitational interactions

■ gauger or gager (ˈɡeIdʒə)   n   1 a person or thing that gauges   2 chiefly Brit a customs officer who inspects bulk merchandise, esp liquor casks, for excise duty purposes   3 a collector of excise taxes

■ gauge theory   n   physics a type of theory of elementary particles designed to explain the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions in terms of exchange of virtual particles

Gauguin (French ɡoɡɛ̃)   n   Paul (pɔl). 1848–1903, French postimpressionist painter, who worked in the South Pacific from 1891. Inspired by primitive art, his work is characterized by flat contrasting areas of pure colours

Gauhati (ɡaʊˈhɑːtI)   n   a city in NE India, in Assam on the River Brahmaputra: centre of British administration in Assam (1826–74). Pop: 808 021 (2001)

Gaul (ɡɔːl)   n   1 an ancient region of W Europe corresponding to N Italy, France, Belgium, part of Germany, and the S Netherlands: divided into Cisalpine Gaul, which became a Roman province before 100 BC, and Transalpine Gaul, which was conquered by Julius Caesar (58–51 BC). Latin name: Gallia   2 a native of ancient Gaul   3 a French person

■ Gaulish (ˈɡɔːlIʃ)   n   1 the extinct language of the pre-Roman Gauls, belonging to the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to ancient Gaul, the Gauls, or their language

Gauleiter (ˈɡaʊˌlaItə)   n   1 a provincial governor in Germany under Hitler   2 (sometimes not capital) informal a person in a position of petty or local authority who behaves in an overbearing authoritarian manner [from German, from Gau district + Leiter LEADER]

Gaulle (ɡəʊl, ɡɔːl; French ɡol)   n   See de Gaulle

■ Gaullism (ˈɡəʊlIzəm, ˈɡɔː-)   n   1 the conservative French nationalist policies and principles associated with General Charles de Gaulle   2 a political movement founded on and supporting General de Gaulle's principles and policies

■ Gaullist (ˈɡəʊlIst, ˈɡɔː-)   n   1 a supporter of Gaullism   ▷ adj   2 of, characteristic of, supporting, or relating to Gaullism

gault (ɡɔːlt)   n   a stiff compact clay or thick heavy clayey soil [C16: of obscure origin]

■ Gault (ɡɔːlt)   n   the Gault the Lower Cretaceous clay formation in eastern England

■ gaulter (ˈɡɔːltə)   n   dialect a person who digs gault

gaultheria (ɡɔːlˈθIərIə)   n   any aromatic evergreen shrub of the ericaceous genus Gaultheria, of America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, esp the wintergreen [C19: New Latin, after Jean-François Gaultier, 18th-century Canadian physician and botanist]

Gaultier (French ɡotje)   n   Jean-Paul (ʒɑ̃pɔl). born 1952, French fashion designer

gaum (ɡɔːm) Brit dialect   n   1 the act of paying attention or understanding   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to stare in a vacant manner   3 (tr) to handle (a person or object) in a reckless or improper manner   4 (tr) to smear (a sticky substance) on an object

■ gaumy (ˈɡɔːmI)   adj gaumier, gaumiest   dialect sticky; smeared

gaumless (ˈɡɔːmlIs)   adj   a variant spelling of gormless

gaun (ɡɔːn)   vb   the present participle of gae

gaunt (ɡɔːnt)   adj   1 bony and emaciated in appearance   2 (of places) bleak or desolate [C15: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect gand tall lean person]   > ˈgauntly adv   > ˈgauntness n

gauntlet^1 (ˈɡɔːntlIt) or gantlet   n   1 a medieval armoured leather glove   2 a heavy glove with a long cuff   3 take up the gauntlet to accept a challenge   4 throw down the gauntlet to offer a challenge [C15: from Old French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, of Germanic origin]

gauntlet^2 (ˈɡɔːntlIt)   n   1 a punishment in which victims are forced to run between two rows of people who strike at them as they pass: formerly a military punishment   2 run the gauntlet   a to suffer this punishment   b to endure an onslaught or ordeal, as of criticism   3 a testing ordeal; trial   4 a variant spelling of gantlet^1 (sense 1) [C15: changed (through influence of GAUNTLET^1) from earlier gantlope; see GANTLET^1]

gauntry (ˈɡɔːntrI)   n, pl -tries   a variant of gantry

gaup (ɡɔːp)   vb   a variant spelling of gawp

■ gauper (ˈɡɔːpə)   n   a variant spelling of gawper

gaur (ˈɡaʊə)   n   a large wild member of the cattle tribe, Bos gaurus, inhabiting mountainous regions of S Asia [C19: from Hindi, from Sanskrit gāŭra]

Gause's principle (ˈɡaʊzəz)   n   ecology the principle that similar species cannot coexist for long in the same ecological niche [named after G. F. Gause, 20th-century Soviet biologist]

Gauss (German ɡaus)   n   Karl Friedrich (karl ˈfriːdrIç). 1777–1855, German mathematician: developed the theory of numbers and applied mathematics to astronomy, electricity and magnetism, and geodesy   > Gaussian (ˈɡaʊsIən) adj

■ gauss (ɡaʊs)   n, pl gauss   the cgs unit of magnetic flux density; the flux density that will induce an emf of 1 abvolt (10–8 volt) per centimetre in a wire moving across the field at a velocity of 1 centimetre per second. 1 gauss is equivalent to 10–4 tesla

■ Gaussian distribution   n   another name for normal distribution

■ gaussmeter (ˈɡaʊsˌmiːtə)   n   an instrument for measuring the intensity of a magnetic field

Gautama (ˈɡaʊtəmə)   n   the Sanskrit form of the family name of Siddhartha, the historical Buddha

Gauteng (xaʊˈtɛŋ)   n   a province of N South Africa; formed in 1994 from part of the former province of Transvaal: service industries, mining, and manufacturing. Capital: Johannesburg. Pop: 12 272 263 (2011 est). Area: 18 810 sq km (7262 sq miles)

Gautier (French ɡotje)   n   Théophile (teɔfil). 1811–72, French poet, novelist, and critic. His early extravagant romanticism gave way to a preoccupation with poetic form and expression that anticipated the Parnassians

gauze (ɡɔːz)   n   1    a a transparent cloth of loose plain or leno weave   b (as modifier): a gauze veil   2 a surgical dressing of muslin or similar material   3 any thin openwork material, such as wire   4 a fine mist or haze [C16: from French gaze, perhaps from GAZA, where it was believed to originate]

■ gauzelike (ˈɡɔːzˌlaIk)   adj   resembling gauze

■ gauzy (ˈɡɔːzI)   adj gauzier, gauziest   resembling gauze; thin and transparent   > ˈgauzily adv   > ˈgauziness n

gavage (ˈɡævɑːʒ)   n   forced feeding by means of a tube inserted into the stomach through the mouth [C19: from French, from gaver, from Old French (dialect) gave throat]

Gavaskar (ɡæˈvæskɑː)   n   Sunil Manohar (ˈsʊnIl ˈmænəʊhɑː). born 1949, Indian cricketer: played in 125 test matches (1971–87), 47 as captain; first batsman to score more than 10,000 test runs

gave (ɡeIv)   vb   the past tense of give

gavel (ˈɡævəl)   n   1 a small hammer used by a chairman, auctioneer, etc, to call for order or attention   2 a hammer used by masons to trim rough edges off stones [C19: of unknown origin]

gavelkind (ˈɡævəlˌkaInd)   n   1 a former system of land tenure peculiar to Kent based on the payment of rent to the lord instead of the performance of services by the tenant   2 the land subject to such tenure   3 English law (formerly) land held under this system [C13: from Old English gafol tribute + gecynd KIND^2]

gavelman (ˈɡævəlmən)   n, pl -men   obsolete a gavelkind tenant

gavelock (ˈɡævələk)   n obsolete   1 a spear or javelin   2 an iron crowbar

gavial (ˈɡeIvIəl), gharial or garial (ˈɡærIəl)   n   1 a large fish-eating Indian crocodilian, Gavialis gangeticus, with a very long slender snout: family Gavialidae   2 false gavial a SE Asian crocodile, Tomistoma schlegeli, similar to but smaller than the gavial [C19: from French, from Hindi ghariyāl]

■ gavialoid (ˈɡeIvIəˌlɔId)   adj   of or resembling gavials

Gävle (Swedish ˈjɛːvlə)   n   a port in E Sweden, on an inlet of the Gulf of Bothnia. Pop: 92 025 (2004 est)

gavotte or gavot (ɡəˈvɒt)   n   1 an old formal dance in quadruple time   2 a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance [C17: from French, from Provençal gavoto, from gavot mountaineer, dweller in the Alps (where the dance originated), from gava goitre (widespread in the Alps), from Old Latin gaba (unattested) throat]

gawk (ɡɔːk)   n   1 a clumsy stupid person; lout   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to stare in a stupid way; gape [C18: from Old Danish gaukr; probably related to GAPE]

■ gawker (ˈɡɔːkə)   n   a person who stares

■ gawkihood (ˈɡɔːkIhʊd)   n   1 the state of being gawky   2 the period during which a person is considered to be gawky

■ gawky (ˈɡɔːkI) or gawkish   adj gawkier, gawkiest   1 clumsy or ungainly; awkward   2 West Yorkshire dialect left-handed   > ˈgawkily or ˈgawkishly adv   > ˈgawkiness or ˈgawkishness n

gawp or gaup (ɡɔːp)   vb   (intr; often foll by at) Brit slang to stare stupidly; gape [C14 galpen; probably related to Old English gielpan to boast, YELP. Compare Dutch galpen to yelp]   > ˈgawper n

gawpus (ˈɡɔːpəs)   n   dialect a clumsy or silly person

gay (ɡeI)   adj   1    a homosexual   b of or for homosexuals: a gay club   2    a carefree and merry: a gay temperament   b brightly coloured; brilliant: a gay hat   c given to pleasure, esp in social entertainment: a gay life   ▷ n   3 a homosexual person [C13: from Old French gai, from Old Provençal, of Germanic origin]   > ˈgayness n

USAGE

Gayness is the word used to refer to homosexuality. The noun which refers to being carefree and merry is gaiety

■ gaily (ˈɡeIlI)   adv   1 in a lively manner; cheerfully   2 with bright colours; showily

■ gayety (ˈɡeIItI)   n   esp US a variant spelling of gaiety

■ gay-friendly   adj   welcoming to homosexual people

■ Gay Gordons (ˈɡɔːdənz)   n   (functioning as singular) Brit an energetic old-time dance

■ gayly (ˈɡeIlI)   adv   a variant spelling of gaily

■ gaysome (ˈɡeIsəm)   adj   full of merriment; cheerful

■ gaywings (ˈɡeIˌwIŋz)   n   a perennial spring-flowering plant (Polygala paucifolia) of the family Polygalaceae

Gay (ɡeI)   n   John. 1685–1732, English poet and dramatist; author of The Beggar's Opera (1728)

Gaya (ˈɡɑːjə, ˈɡaIə)   n   a city in NE India, in Bihar: Hindu place of pilgrimage and one of the holiest sites of Buddhism. Pop: 383 197 (2001)

gayal (ɡəˈjæl)   n, pl gayal or gayals   an ox of India and Myanmar, Bibos frontalis, possibly a semidomesticated variety of gaur, black or brown with white stockings [C19: from Bengali gayāl, from Sanskrit gāŭra; compare GAUR]

gaycation (ˌɡeIˈkeIʃən)   n   a holiday specifically designed for the gay market [from GAY + (VA)CATION]

gaydar (ˈɡeIdɑː)   n   informal the supposed ability of a person to recognize whether another person is homosexual [C20 from GAY + (RA)DAR]

Gaye (ɡeI)   n   Marvin. 1939–84, US soul singer and songwriter; recordings include "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1969), What's Going On (1971), and "Sexual Healing" (1982): shot dead by his father

Gay-Lussac (ˈɡeIˈluːsæk; French ɡɛlysak)   n   Joseph Louis (ʒozɛf lwi). 1778–1850, French physicist and chemist: discovered the law named after him (1808), investigated the effects of terrestrial magnetism, isolated boron and cyanogen, and discovered methods of manufacturing sulphuric and oxalic acids

■ Gay-Lussac's law (ˈɡeIˈluːsæks)   n   1 the principle that gases react together in volumes (measured at the same temperature and pressure) that bear a simple ratio to each other and to the gaseous products   2 another name for Charles' law

Gayomart (ɡɑːˈjəʊmɑːt)   n   Zoroastrianism the first man, whose seed was buried in the earth for 40 years and then produced the first human couple

Gaza (ˈɡɑːzə)   n   a city in the Gaza Strip: a Philistine city in biblical times. It was under Egyptian administration from 1949 until occupied by Israel (1967). Pop: 787 000 (2005 est). Arabic name: Ghazzah

■ Gaza Strip   n   a coastal region on the SE corner of the Mediterranean: administered by Egypt from 1949; occupied by Israel from 1967; granted autonomy in 1993 and administered by the Palestinian National Authority from 1994. Pop: 1 763 387 (2013 est). Area: 363 sq km (140 sq miles)

gazabo (ɡəˈzeIbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   US slang a fellow; guy

gazang (ɡəˈzæŋ)   vb   informal (of the seller of a house) to inconvenience (a potential buyer) by withdrawing from an agreement to sell shortly before the purchase is completed [from GAZ(UMP) + (H)ANG]

gazania (ɡəˈzeInIə)   n   any plant of the S African genus Gazania, grown for their rayed flowers in variegated colours; the flowers close in the afternoon: family Asteraceae. Also called: treasure flower [named after Theodore of Gaza, (1398–1478), translator of the botanical treatises of Theophrastus]

Gazankulu (ˌɡazaŋˈkuːluː)   n   (formerly) a Bantu homeland in South Africa; abolished in 1993. Capital: Giyani

gazar (ɡəˈzɑː)   n   a crisp transparent silk. Also called: silk organza

gaze (ɡeIz)   vb   1 (intr) to look long and fixedly, esp in wonder or admiration   ▷ n   2 a fixed look; stare [C14: from Swedish dialect gasa to gape at]   > ˈgazer n

■ gazeful (ˈɡeIzfʊl)   adj   obsolete gazing intently

■ gazehound (ˈɡeIzˌhaʊnd)   n   1 a hound such as a greyhound that hunts by sight rather than by scent   2 another name for a Saluki

■ gazement (ˈɡeIzmənt)   n   a stare; look; view

■ gazy (ˈɡeIzI)   adj gazier, gaziest   tending to gaze

gazebo (ɡəˈziːbəʊ)   n, pl -bos or -boes   a summerhouse, garden pavilion, or belvedere, sited to command a view [C18: perhaps a pseudo-Latin coinage based on GAZE]

gazelle (ɡəˈzɛl)   n, pl -zelles or -zelle   any small graceful usually fawn-coloured antelope of the genera Gazella and Procapra, of Africa and Asia, such as G. thomsoni (Thomson's gazelle) [C17: from Old French, from Arabic ghazāl]   > gaˈzelle-ˌlike adj

■ gazelle hound   n   another name for Saluki

gazette (ɡəˈzɛt)   n   1    a a newspaper or official journal   b (capital when part of the name of a newspaper): the Thame Gazette   2 Brit an official document containing public notices, appointments, etc. Abbreviation: gaz   ▷ vb   3 (tr) Brit to announce or report (facts or an event) in a gazette [C17: from French, from Italian gazzetta, from Venetian dialect gazeta news-sheet costing one gazet, small copper coin, perhaps from gaza magpie, from Latin gaia, gaius jay]

■ gazetted officer   n   (in India) a senior official whose appointment is published in the government gazette

■ gazetteer (ˌɡæzIˈtIə)   n   1 a book or section of a book that lists and describes places. Abbreviation: gaz   2 archaic a writer for a gazette or newspaper; journalist

■ gazetteerish (ˌɡæzIˈtIərIʃ)   adj   in the style of a gazetteer

Gaziantep (ˌɡɑːziːɑːnˈtɛp)   n   a city in S Turkey: base for Ibrahim Pasha's campaign against the Turks (1839) and centre of Turkish resistance to French forces (1921). Pop: 1 004 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1921): Aintab

gazillion (ɡəˈzIljən) informal   n, pl -lions or -lion   1 (often pl) an extremely large but unspecified number, quantity, or amount: gazillions of people turned up   ▷ determiner   2    a amounting to a gazillion: a gazillion types to choose from   b (as pronoun): I found a gazillion under the sink [C20: on the model of million]

■ gazillionaire (ɡəˌzIljəˈnɛə)   n   informal a person who is enormously rich

gazon (ɡəˈzuːn)   n   fortifications a piece of turf used to cover a parapet

gazoo (ɡəˈzuː)   n   a variant form of kazoo

gazpacho (ɡəzˈpɑːtʃəʊ, ɡæs-)   n   a Spanish soup made from tomatoes, peppers, etc, and served cold [from Spanish]

gazump (ɡəˈzʌmp) Brit   vb   1 to raise the price of something, esp a house, after agreeing a price verbally with (an intending buyer)   2 (tr) to swindle or overcharge   ▷ n   3 the act or an instance of gazumping [C20: of uncertain origin]   > gaˈzumper n

gazunder (ɡəˈzʌndə) Brit   vb   1 to reduce an offer on a property immediately before exchanging contracts, having previously agreed a higher price with (the seller)   ▷ n   2 an act or instance of gazundering [C20: modelled on GAZUMP]   > gaˈzunderer n

Gb   symbol for   1 gilbert   ▷ abbreviation for   2 Also: GB gigabyte

GB   abbreviation for   1 Great Britain   2 Also: Gb gigabyte   3 Great Britain (international car registration)

GBA   abbreviation for   Alderney (international car registration) [From G(reat) B(ritain) A(lderney)]

GBE   abbreviation for   (in Britain) (Knight or Dame) Grand Cross of the British Empire

GBG   abbreviation for   Guernsey (international car registration) [from G(reat) B(ritain) G(uernsey)]

GBH   abbreviation for   1 grievous bodily harm   2 gamma-hydroxybentyrate

GBJ   abbreviation for   Jersey (international car registration) [from G(reat) B(ritain) J(ersey)]

GBL   abbreviation for   gamma butyrolactone: a dangerous chemical which may illegally be contained in some dietary supplements and which the body converts to GHB

GBM   abbreviation for   Isle of Man (international car registration) [from G(reat) B(ritain Isle of) M(an)]

GBS   abbreviation for   George Bernard Shaw

GBZ   abbreviation for   Gibraltar (international car registration) [from G(reat) B(ritain) + Z (in place of G, which was already used in GUERNSEY)]

GC   abbreviation for   George Cross (a Brit award for bravery)

GCA   abbreviation for   1 aeronautics ground control approach   2 Guatemala (international car registration)

GCB   abbreviation for   (in Britain) (Knight) Grand Cross of the Bath

GCE   abbreviation for   General Certificate of Education: a public examination in specified subjects taken in English and Welsh schools at the ages of 17 and 18. The GCSE has replaced the former GCE O-level for 16-year-olds. See also AS level, S level

GCF or gcf   abbreviation for   greatest common factor

GCHQ   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Government Communications Headquarters

GCMG   abbreviation for   (in Britain) (Knight or Dame) Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George

GCSE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   General Certificate of Secondary Education: a public examination in specified subjects for 16-year-old schoolchildren. It replaced the GCE O-level and CSE

GCVO   abbreviation for   (in Britain) (Knight or Dame) Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order

gd   the internet domain name for   Grenada

Gd   the chemical symbol for   gadolinium

Gdańsk (Polish ɡdaɲsk)   n   1 the chief port of Poland, on the Baltic: a member of the Hanseatic league; under Prussian rule (1793–1807 and 1814–1919); a free city under the League of Nations from 1919 until annexed by Germany in 1939; returned to Poland in 1945. Pop: 851 000 (2005 est). German name: Danzig   2 Bay of Gdańsk a wide inlet of the Baltic Sea on the N coast of Poland

g'day or gidday (ɡəˈdaI)   sentence substitute   an Austral and NZ informal variant of good day

gdn   abbreviation for   garden

Gdns   abbreviation for   Gardens

GDP or gdp   abbreviation for   gross domestic product

GDPR   abbreviation for   General Data Protection Regulation: European Union legislation introduced in 2018 with the aim of giving individuals more control over personal information held by companies

GDR   abbreviation for   German Democratic Republic (East Germany; DDR)

gds   abbreviation for   goods

Gdynia (Polish ˈɡdIɲa)   n   a port in N Poland, near Gdańsk: developed 1924–39 as the outlet for trade through the Polish Corridor; naval base. Pop: 251 183 (2007 est)

ge   the internet domain name for   Georgia

Ge^1 (dʒiː)   n   another name for Gaia

Ge^2   the chemical symbol for   germanium

GE   abbreviation for   Georgia (international car registration)

geal (dʒiːl)   vb (intr)   dialect to stiffen; congeal

gean (ɡiːn)   n   1 Also called: wild cherry a white-flowered rosaceous tree, Prunus avium, of Europe, W Asia, and N Africa, the ancestor of the cultivated sweet cherries   2 See sweet cherry (sense 2) [C16: from Old French guine]

geanticline (dʒiːˈæntIˌklaIn)   n   a gently sloping anticline covering a large area [C19: from Greek gē earth, land + ANTICLINE]   > geˌantiˈclinal adj

gear (ɡIə)   n   1 a toothed wheel that engages with another toothed wheel or with a rack in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion   2 a mechanism for transmitting motion by gears, esp for a specific purpose: the steering gear of a boat   3 the engagement or specific ratio of a system of gears: in gear; high gear   4 personal equipment and accoutrements; belongings   5 equipment and supplies for a particular operation, sport, etc: fishing gear   6 nautical all equipment or appurtenances belonging to a certain vessel, sailor, etc   7 short for landing gear   8 informal up-to-date clothes and accessories, esp those bought by young people   9 slang   a stolen goods   b illegal drugs   10 a less common word for harness (sense 1)   11 in gear working or performing effectively or properly   12 out of gear out of order; not functioning properly   ▷ vb   13 (tr) to adjust or adapt (one thing) so as to fit in or work with another: to gear our output to current demand   14 (tr) to equip with or connect by gears   15 (intr) to be in or come into gear   16 (tr) to equip with harness [C13: from Old Norse gervi; related to Old High German garawī equipment, Old English gearwe]   > ˈgearless adj

■ gearbox (ˈɡIəˌbɒks)   n   1 the metal casing within which a train of gears is sealed   2 this metal casing and its contents, esp in a motor vehicle

■ gearcase (ˈɡIəˌkeIs)   n   a protective casing for the gear mechanism of a vehicle or piece of machinery

■ gearchange (ˈɡIəˌtʃeIndʒ)   n   Brit a change to a higher or lower gear

■ gear cluster   n   engineering an assembly of gears permanently attached to a shaft

■ gear down   vb   (tr, adverb) to adapt to a new situation by decreasing output, intensity of operations, etc

■ gearhead (ˈɡIəˌhɛd)   n   1 a mechanical device which increases the torque of a gear mechanism   2 informal a technology enthusiast

■ gearing (ˈɡIərIŋ)   n   1 an assembly of gears designed to transmit motion   2 the act or technique of providing gears to transmit motion   3 Also called: capital gearing accounting, Brit the ratio of a company's debt capital to its equity capital. US word: leverage

■ gear knob   n   Brit a gear lever

■ gear lever or US and Canadian gearshift (ˈɡIəˌʃIft)   n   a lever used to move gearwheels relative to each other, esp in a motor vehicle

■ gear train   n   engineering a system of gears that transmits power from one shaft to another

■ gear up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to equip with gears   2 to prepare, esp for greater efficiency: is our industry geared up for these new challenges?

■ gearwheel (ˈɡIəˌwiːl)   n   another name for gear (sense 1)

geason (ˈɡiːzən)   adj   obsolete rare; uncommon

geat (dʒiːt)   n   (in casting) the channel, spout, or hole through which molten metal runs into a mould

Geber (ˈdʒiːbə)   n   Latinized form of Jabir, assumed in honour of Jabir ibn Hayyan by a 14th-century alchemist, probably Spanish: he described the preparation of nitric and sulphuric acids

Gebrselassie (ˌɡɛbrəsəˈlæsI)   n   Haile (ˈhaIlI). born 1973, Ethiopian athlete; won gold medals in the 10,000 metres at the Olympics (1996, 2000) and in four consecutive World Championships (1993–99)

gebur (ɡəˈbʊə)   n   obsolete a tenant farmer [OE gebūr]

geck (ɡɛk) dialect   n   1 Scot an expression of derision or contempt   2 an object of derision; fool   ▷ vb Scot   3 (tr) to deride; mock; cheat   4 (intr) to jeer; mock

gecko (ˈɡɛkəʊ)   n, pl -os or -oes   any small insectivorous terrestrial lizard of the family Gekkonidae, of warm regions. Their digits have adhesive pads, which enable these animals to climb on smooth surfaces [C18: from Malay ge'kok, of imitative origin]

gedact (ɡəˈdɑːkt, -ˈdækt) or gedeckt (ɡəˈdɛkt)   n   music a flutelike stopped metal diapason organ pipe [(gedeckt) from German: covered, from decken to cover]

geddit (ˈɡɛdIt)   interj   slang an exclamation meaning do you understand it?: they nicknamed him 'Treasure', because of his sunken chest, geddit? [C20: from Do you get it? from GET understand]

gee^1 (dʒiː)   interj   1 Also: gee up! an exclamation, as to a horse or draught animal, to encourage it to turn to the right, go on, or go faster   ▷ vb gees, geeing, geed   2 (usually foll by up) to move (an animal, esp a horse) ahead; urge on   3 (foll by up) to encourage (someone) to greater effort or activity [C17: origin uncertain]

■ gee-gee (ˈdʒiːˌdʒiː)   n   slang a horse [C19: reduplication of GEE^1]

gee^2 (dʒiː)   interj   US and Canadian informal a mild exclamation of surprise, admiration, etc. Also: gee whizz [C20: euphemism for JESUS]

■ gee-whiz   adj   informal impressive or amazing: gee-whiz special effects

Gee (dʒiː)   n   Maurice. born 1931, New Zealand writer, noted for his trilogy of novels Plumb (1978), Meg (1981), and Sole Survivior (1983)

geebag (ˈɡiːˌbæɡ)   n   Irish derogatory, slang a disagreeable woman

geebung (ˈdʒiːbʌŋ)   n   1 any of various trees and shrubs of the genus Persoonia of Australia having an edible but tasteless fruit   2 the fruit of these trees   3 (in the 19th century) an uncultivated Australian from the country districts [from a native Australian language]

geechee (ˈɡiːtʃiː)   n US   1 a dialect combining elements of English and native African languages, originally spoken by Black slaves in the area of the Ogeechee river in the south of the USA   2 a person who speaks this dialect   3 slang an offensive term for a Black person from the south of the USA

geek (ɡiːk)   n slang   1 a person who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a specific subject   2 a boring and unattractive social misfit [C19: probably variant of Scottish geck fool, from Middle Low German geck]   > ˈgeeky adj

■ geek chic   n   a fashion style believed to be characteristic of geeks, including the wearing of heavy-rimmed glasses and T-shirts with humorous slogans

■ geekdom (ˈɡiːkdəm)   n   1 the state of being a geek   2 the world inhabited by geeks   3 a collective term for geeks

■ geeked (ɡiːkt)   adj   US slang (often with up or out) highly excited

■ geekery (ˈɡiːkərI)   n   preoccupation with, or great knowledge about, a subject, esp a very specialized one

■ geekiness (ˈɡiːkInəs)   n   the state or quality of being geeky

■ geekism (ˈɡiːkIzəm)   n   a preoccupation with subjects that are generally considered as unfashionable or boring

■ geekspeak (ˈɡiːkˌspiːk)   n   slang jargon used by geeks, esp computer enthusiasts

geelbek (ˈxIəlˌbɛk)   n   South African a yellow-jawed edible marine fish [from Afrikaans geel yellow + bek mouth]

Geelong (dʒəˈlɒŋ)   n   a port in SE Australia, in S Victoria on Port Phillip Bay. Pop: 130 194 (2001)

geep (ɡiːp)   n   an artificially created hybrid of a goat and a sheep

geepound (ˈdʒiːˌpaʊnd)   n   another name for slug^2 (sense 1) [C20: from gee, representing G(RAVITY) + POUND^2]

geese (ɡiːs)   n   the plural of goose^1

geest (ɡiːst)   n   an area of sandy heathland in N Germany and adjacent areas [C19: Low German Geest dry soil]

Ge'ez (ˈɡiːɛz)   n   the classical form of the ancient Ethiopic language, having an extensive Christian literature and still used in Ethiopia as a liturgical language

geezah (ˈɡiːzə)   n   a variant spelling of geezer

geezer (ˈɡiːzə)   n informal   a man [C19: probably from dialect pronunciation of guiser, from GUISE + -ER^1]

gefilte fish or gefüllte fish (ɡəˈfIltə)   n   Jewish cookery a dish consisting of fish and matzo meal rolled into balls and poached, formerly served stuffed into the skin of a fish [Yiddish, literally: filled fish]

gegenschein (ˈɡeIɡənˌʃaIn)   n   a faint glow in the sky, just visible at a position opposite to that of the sun and having a similar origin to zodiacal light. Also called: counterglow [German, from gegen against, opposite + Schein light; see SHINE]

geggie (ˈɡɛɡI)   n   a Scottish, esp Glaswegian, slang word for mouth (sense 1)

Gehenna (ɡIˈhɛnə)   n   1 Old Testament the valley below Jerusalem, where children were sacrificed and where idolatry was practised (II Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 19:6) and where later offal and refuse were slowly burned   2 New Testament, Judaism a place where the wicked are punished after death   3 a place or state of pain and torment [C16: from Late Latin, from Greek Geena, from Hebrew Gê' Hinnōm, literally: valley of Hinnom, symbolic of hell]

gehlenite (ˈɡeIləˌnaIt)   n   a green mineral consisting of calcium aluminium silicate in tetragonal crystalline form. Formula: Ca_2Al_2SiO_7 [named after A. F. Gehlen (1775–1815), German chemist; see -ITE^1]

Gehry (ˈɡeIrI)   n   Frank O(wen). born 1929, US architect and furniture designer, born in Canada; best known for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain (1997)

Geiger (ˈɡaIɡə)   n   Hans (hans). 1882–1945, German physicist: developed the Geiger counter

■ Geiger counter or Geiger-Müller counter (ˈɡaIɡəˈmʊlə)   n   an instrument for detecting and measuring the intensity of ionizing radiation. It consists of a gas-filled tube containing a fine wire anode along the axis of a cylindrical cathode with a potential difference of several hundred volts. Any particle or photon which ionizes any number of gas molecules in the tube causes a discharge which is registered by electronic equipment. The magnitude of the discharge does not depend upon the nature or the energy of the ionizing particle. Compare proportional counter [C20: named after Hans GEIGER and W. Müller, 20th-century German physicist]

Geikie (ˈɡiːkI)   n   Sir Archibald. 1835–1924, Scottish geologist noted for his study of British volcanic rocks

geisha (ˈɡeIʃə)   n, pl -sha or -shas   a professional female companion for men in Japan, trained in music, dancing, and the art of conversation [C19: from Japanese, from gei art + sha person, from Ancient Chinese ngi and che]

Geissler tube (ˈɡaIslə)   n   a glass or quartz vessel, usually having two bulbs containing electrodes separated by a capillary tube, for maintaining an electric discharge in a low-pressure gas as a source of visible or ultraviolet light for spectroscopy [C19: named after Heinrich Geissler (1814–79), German mechanic]

geist (ɡaIst)   n   1 a spirit or ghost   2 the quality of being spirited, motivated, or intelligent

geit (ɡaIt) Scot obsolete   n   1 a border on clothing   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to put a border on (an article of clothing)

geitonogamy (ˌɡaItəˈnɒɡəmI)   n   botany the transfer of pollen to a stigma of a different flower on the same plant [C19: from Greek geitōn neighbour + -GAMY]

■ geitonogamous (ˌɡaItəˈnɒɡəməs)   adj   botany of or relating to geitonogamy

gel (dʒɛl)   n   1 a semirigid jelly-like colloid in which a liquid is dispersed in a solid: nondrip paint is a gel   2 See hair gel   3 theatre informal See gelatine (sense 4)   ▷ vb gels, gelling, gelled   4 to become or cause to become a gel   5 a variant spelling of jell [C19: by shortening from GELATINE]

■ gelable (ˈdʒɛləbəl)   adj   capable of setting or congealing

■ gelate (ˈdʒɛleIt)   vb (intr)   to form a gel

■ gelled (dʒɛld)   adj   hairdressing styled with gel

gelada (ˈdʒɛlədə, ˈɡɛl-, dʒIˈlɑːdə, ɡI-)   n   a NE African baboon, Theropithecus gelada, with dark brown hair forming a mane over the shoulders, a bare red chest, and a ridged muzzle: family Cercopithecidae. Also called: gelada baboon [probably from Arabic qilādah mane]

Geländesprung (ɡəˈlɛndəˌʃprʊŋ) or gelände jump (ɡəˈlɛndə)   n   (sometimes not capital) skiing a jump made in downhill skiing, usually over an obstacle [German, from Gelände terrain + Sprung jump]

gelastic (dʒəˈlæstIk)   adj   relating to or causing laughter

gelatine (ˈdʒɛləˌtiːn) or gelatin (ˈdʒɛlətIn)   n   1 a colourless or yellowish water-soluble protein prepared by boiling animal hides and bones: used in foods, glue, photographic emulsions, etc   2 an edible jelly made of this substance, sweetened and flavoured   3 any of various substances that resemble gelatine   4 Also called (informal): gel a translucent substance used for colour effects in theatrical lighting [C19: from French gélatine, from Medieval Latin gelātina, from Latin gelāre to freeze]

■ gelatinate (dʒəˈlætIˌneIt)   vb   another word for gelatinize

■ gelatination (dʒəˌlætIˈneIʃən)   n   another word for gelatinization

■ gelatinize or gelatinise (dʒIˈlætIˌnaIz)   vb   1 to make or become gelatinous   2 (tr) photog to coat (glass, paper, etc) with gelatine   > geˌlatiniˈzation or geˌlatiniˈsation n   > geˈlatiˌnizer or geˈlatiˌniser n

■ gelatinoid (dʒIˈlætIˌnɔId)   adj   1 resembling gelatine   ▷ n   2 a gelatinoid substance, such as collagen

■ gelatinous (dʒIˈlætInəs)   adj   1 consisting of or resembling jelly; viscous   2 of, containing, or resembling gelatine   > geˈlatinously adv   > geˈlatinousness n

gelation^1 (dʒIˈleIʃən)   n   the act or process of freezing a liquid [C19: from Latin gelātiō a freezing; see GELATINE]

gelation^2 (dʒIˈleIʃən)   n   the act or process of forming into a gel [C20: from GEL]

gelato (dʒəˈlɑːtəʊ)   n, pl -ti   Italian ice-cream [C20: Italian, literally: frozen]

gelcap (ˈdʒɛlˌkæp)   n   a dose of medicine enclosed in a soluble case of gelatine [C20: from GEL(ATINE) + CAP(SULE)]

geld^1 (ɡɛld)   vb gelds, gelding, gelded or gelt (tr)   1 to castrate (a horse or other animal)   2 to deprive of virility or vitality; emasculate; weaken [C13: from Old Norse gelda, from geldr barren]   > ˈgelder n

■ gelding (ˈɡɛldIŋ)   n   a castrated male horse [C14: from Old Norse geldingr; see GELD^1, -ING^1]

geld^2 (ɡɛld)   n   a tax on land levied in late Anglo-Saxon and Norman England [Old English gield service, tax; related to Old Norse gjald tribute, Old Frisian jeld, Old High German gelt retribution, income]

Gelderland or Guelderland (ˈɡɛldəˌlænd; Dutch ˈxɛldərlɑnt)   n   a province of the E Netherlands: formerly a duchy, belonging successively to several different European powers. Capital: Arnhem. Pop: 1 960 000 (2003 est). Area: 5014 sq km (1955 sq miles). Also called: Guelders

Geldof (ˈɡɛldɒf)   n   Bob. Full name Robert Frederick Zenon Geldof. born 1954, Irish rock singer and philanthropist: lead vocalist with the Boomtown Rats: organizer of the Band Aid charity (from 1984) for famine relief in Africa. He received an honorary knighthood in 1986

gelee (ʒəˈleI)   n   1 (in cookery) a jelly   2 (in cosmetics) a gel

Gelée (French ʒəle)   n   Claude (klod). the original name of Claude Lorrain

Gelibolu (ɡɛˈlibɔlu)   n   the Turkish name for Gallipoli

gelid (ˈdʒɛlId)   adj   very cold, icy, or frosty [C17: from Latin gelidus icy cold, from gelu frost]   > geˈlidity or ˈgelidness n   > ˈgelidly adv

gelignite (ˈdʒɛlIɡˌnaIt)   n   a type of dynamite in which the nitrogelatine is absorbed in a base of wood pulp and potassium or sodium nitrate. Also called (informal): gelly (ˈdʒɛlI) [C19: from GEL(ATINE) + Latin ignis fire + -ITE^1]

gellant (ˈdʒɛlənt)   n   a substance which causes gelling

gelliflowre (ˈdʒɛlIˌflaʊə)   n   an obsolete spelling of gillyflower

Gelligaer (Welsh ˌɡɛhliːˈɡaIr)   n   a town in S Wales, in Caerphilly county borough. Pop (including Ystrad Mynach): 17 185 (2001)

Gell-Mann (ˈɡɛlˈmæn)   n   Murray. born 1929, US physicist, noted for his research on the interaction and classification of elementary particles: Nobel prize for physics in 1969

gelsemium (dʒɛlˈsiːmIəm)   n, pl -miums or -mia (-mIə)   1 any climbing shrub of the loganiaceous genus Gelsemium, of SE Asia and North America, esp the yellow jasmine, having fragrant yellow flowers   2 the powdered root of the yellow jasmine, formerly used as a sedative [C19: New Latin, from Italian gelsomino JASMINE]

■ gelsemine (ˈdʒɛlsəˌmiːn) or gelseminine (dʒɛlˈsɛmIˌniːn)   n   chem a bitter crystalline alkaloid obtained from the yellow jasmine vine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

Gelsenkirchen (German ɡɛlzənˈkIrçən)   n   an industrial city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 272 445 (2003 est)

gelt^1 (ɡɛlt)   vb   archaic or dialect a past tense and past participle of geld^1

gelt^2 (ɡɛlt)   n   slang, chiefly US cash or funds; money [C19: from Yiddish, from Old High German gelt reward]

gem (dʒɛm)   n   1 a precious or semiprecious stone used in jewellery as a decoration; jewel   2 a person or thing held to be a perfect example; treasure   3 a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 4 point   4 NZ a type of small sweet cake   ▷ vb gems, gemming, gemmed   5 (tr) to set or ornament with gems [C14: from Old French gemme, from Latin gemma bud, precious stone]   > ˈgemˌlike adj   > ˈgemmy adj

■ gemclip (ˈdʒɛmˌklIp)   n   South African a paperclip

■ gem iron   n   NZ a heavy, usually cast-iron oven dish used for baking small cakes (gems)

■ gemmeous (ˈdʒɛmIəs)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a gem

■ gemmery (ˈdʒɛmərI)   n   a collective term for gems

■ gemmily (ˈdʒɛmIlI)   adv   in a gemmy or glittering manner

■ gemminess (ˈdʒɛmInəs)   n   the state or quality of being gemmy or gemlike

■ gemology or gemmology (dʒɛˈmɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of mineralogy that is concerned with gems and gemstones   > gemological or gemmological (ˌdʒɛməˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > gemˈologist or gemˈmologist n

■ gemstone (ˈdʒɛmˌstəʊn)   n   a precious or semiprecious stone, esp one cut and polished for setting in jewellery. Related adjective: lapidary

Gemara (ɡɛˈmɔrə; Hebrew ɡɛmaˈra)   n   Judaism the main body of the Talmud, consisting of a record of ancient rabbinical debates about the interpretation of the Mishna and constituting the primary source of Jewish religious law. See also Talmud [C17: from Aramaic gemārā completion, from gemār to complete]   > Geˈmaric adj   > Geˈmarist n

gematria (ɡəˈmeItrIə)   n   Judaism a system of assigning numerical values to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, esp when used by cabbalists to interpret the Hebrew scriptures

gemeinschaft (German ɡəˈmainʃaft)   n, pl -schaften (German -ʃaftən)   (often capital) a social group united by common beliefs, family ties, etc. Compare gesellschaft [German, literally: community]

gemel (ˈdʒɛməl)   n   obsolete a twin; one of a pair

■ gemels (ˈdʒɛməlz)   pl n   heraldry a pair of parallel bars or barrulets

gemfibrozil (dʒɛmˈfaIbrəʊzIl)   n   a drug that lowers the concentration of low-density lipoproteins in the blood and is therefore used to treat patients with hyperlipoproteinaemia

gemfish (ˈdʒɛmˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a food fish, Rexea solandri, of Australia, having a delicate flavour

Geminga (ɡɛˈmiːŋɡa, dʒəˈmiːŋɡə)   n   astronomy one of the brightest and nearest gamma-ray sources, situated in the constellation Gemini. A pulsar, it is believed to be a spinning neutron star [C20: from GEMINI + gamma ray]

Gemini (ˈdʒɛmIˌnaI, -ˌniː)   n, Latin genitive Geminorum (ˌdʒɛmIˈnɔːrəm)   1 astronomy a zodiacal constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Taurus and Cancer on the ecliptic and containing the stars Castor and Pollux   2 classical myth another name for Castor and Pollux   3 astronautics any of a series of manned US spacecraft launched between the Mercury and Apollo projects to improve orbital rendezvous and docking techniques   4 astrology   a Also called: the Twins the third sign of the zodiac, symbol ♊, having a mutable air classification and ruled by the planet Mercury. The sun is in this sign between about May 21 and June 20   b a person born when the sun is in this sign   ▷ adj   5 astrology born under or characteristic of Gemini   ▶ Also (for senses 4b, 5): Geminian (ˌdʒɛmIˈnaIən)

■ Geminid (ˈdʒɛmIˌnId)   n   a member of a shower of meteors (the Geminids) occurring annually around December 13

■ Gemini telescope   n   either of two identical 8-metre telescopes for optical and near-infrared observations built by an international consortium. Gemini North is in Hawaii at an altitude of 4200 m on Mauna Kea and Gemini South is in Chile at 2715 m on Cerro Pachón

geminy (ˈdʒɛmInI)   n, pl -nies   a pair

■ geminal (ˈdʒɛmInəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or having a pair (of elements)   2 chem (of an atom) having two functioning groups

■ geminally (ˈdʒɛmInəlI)   adv   in a geminal manner

■ geminate   adj (ˈdʒɛmInIt, -ˌneIt) also geminated   1 combined in pairs; doubled: a geminate leaf; a geminate consonant   ▷ vb (ˈdʒɛmIˌneIt)   2 to arrange or be arranged in pairs: the 't's in 'fitted' are geminated [C17: from Latin gemināre to double, from geminus born at the same time, twin]   > ˈgeminately adv

■ gemination (ˌdʒɛmIˈneIʃən)   n   1 the act or state of being doubled or paired   2 the doubling of a consonant   3 the immediate repetition of a word, phrase, or clause for rhetorical effect

■ geminous (ˈdʒɛmInəs)   adj   found in pairs

gemma (ˈdʒɛmə)   n, pl -mae (-miː)   1 a small asexual reproductive structure in liverworts, mosses, etc, that becomes detached from the parent and develops into a new individual   2 zoology another name for gemmule (sense 1) [C18: from Latin: bud, GEM]   > gemmaceous (dʒɛˈmeIʃəs) adj

■ gemmate (ˈdʒɛmeIt)   adj   1 (of some plants and animals) having or reproducing by gemmae   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to produce or reproduce by gemmae   > gemˈmation n

■ gemmative (ˈdʒɛmətIv)   adj   relating to gemmation

■ gemmiparous (dʒɛˈmIpərəs)   adj   (of plants and animals) reproducing by gemmae or buds. Also: gemmiferous (dʒɛˈmIfərəs)   > gemˈmiparously adv

gemmule (ˈdʒɛmjuːl)   n   1 zoology a cell or mass of cells produced asexually by sponges and developing into a new individual; bud   2 botany a small gemma   3 a small hereditary particle postulated by Darwin in his theory of pangenesis [C19: from French, from Latin gemmula a little bud; see GEM]

■ gemmulation (ˌdʒɛmjʊˈleIʃən)   n   the process of reproducing by or bearing gemmules

gemot or gemote (ɡIˈməʊt)   n   (in Anglo-Saxon England) a legal or administrative assembly of a community, such as a shire or hundred [Old English gemōt MOOT]

gemsbok or gemsbuck (ˈɡɛmzˌbʌk)   n, pl -bok, -boks or -buck, -bucks   South African another word for oryx [C18: from Afrikaans, from German Gemsbock, from Gemse chamois + Bock BUCK^1]

gemshorn (ˈɡɛmʃˌhɔːn)   n   1 a type of horn with carved tone holes, traditionally made from the horn of the chamois   2 a type of organ stop with conical pipes

gemütlich German (ɡəˈmyːtlIç)   adj   having a feeling or atmosphere of warmth and friendliness; cosy

■ Gemütlichkeit German (ɡəˈmyːtlIçˌkaIt)   n   the quality of being gemütlich

gen (dʒɛn)   n   informal information: give me the gen on your latest project [C20: from gen(eral information)]

■ gen up   vb gens up, genning up, genned up   (adverb; often passive; when intr, usually foll by on) Brit informal to brief (someone) or study (something) in detail; make or become fully conversant with: I can only take over this job if I am properly genned up

Gen.   abbreviation for   1 General   2 Bible Genesis

-gen   suffix forming nouns   1 producing or that which produces: hydrogen   2 something produced: carcinogen [via French -gène, from Greek -genēs born]

gena (ˈdʒiːnə)   n   anatomy the cheek or side of the head

■ genal (ˈdʒiːnəl)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the cheek or cheeks

genappe (dʒəˈnæp)   n   a smooth worsted yarn used for braid, etc [C19: from Genappe, Belgium, where originally manufactured]

Genck (Flemish xɛŋk)   n   a former spelling of Genk

gendarme (ˈʒɒndɑːm; French ʒɑ̃darm)   n   1 a member of the police force in France or in countries formerly influenced or controlled by France   2 a slang word for a policeman   3 a sharp pinnacle of rock on a mountain ridge, esp in the Alps [C16: from French, from gens d'armes people of arms]

■ gendarmerie or gendarmery (ʒɒnˈdɑːmərI; French ʒɑ̃darməri)   n   1 the whole corps of gendarmes   2 the headquarters or barracks of a body of gendarmes

gender (ˈdʒɛndə)   n   1 the state of being male or female with reference to socially and culturally defined characteristics of masculinity or femininity   2 informal all the members of one sex: the female gender   3 informal the state of being male, female, or neuter   4 a set of two or more grammatical categories into which the nouns of certain languages are divided, sometimes but not necessarily corresponding to the sex of the referent when animate. See also natural gender   5 any of the categories, such as masculine, feminine, neuter, or common, within such a set [C14: from Old French gendre, from Latin genus kind]   > ˈgenderless adj

■ gender-bender   n   1 informal, often offensive a person who expresses themselves in ways other than the traditional norms associated with being a man or woman   2 a male-male or female-female adaptor, used esp for computer hardware

■ gender-bending   adj informal   1 chem causing a change of sex: gender-bending chemicals   2 expressing oneself in ways other than the traditional norms associated with being a man or woman

■ gender-blind   adj   not discriminating on the basis of gender, or not making a distinction between genders

■ gender disappointment   n   a feeling of depression or anxiety experienced by an expectant parent when the sex of the baby does not match his or her preference

■ gender dysphoria   n   a condition in which a person feels uncertainty or anxiety about the assumed gender assigned to them at birth

■ gendered (ˈdʒɛndəd)   adj sociol   1 relating to or involving one particular gender   2 determined or limited by gender

■ gender-fluid   adj   informal not identifying exclusively with any gender

■ gender identity   n   a person's understanding of having a particular gender, which may or may not correspond with the assumed gender assigned to them at birth

■ genderize or genderise (ˈdʒɛndəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   to make distinctions in (a group) according to gender

■ gender-neutral   adj   1 applicable to, common to, or suitable for both female and male genders: gender-neutral toys   2 indicating a word or term that cannot be regarded as referring to one gender only: gender-neutral language

■ genderqueer (ˈdʒɛndəˌkwIə)   adj   1 of or relating to a person who does not subscribe to traditional gender differences but identifies with both, neither, or a mixture of female and male genders   ▷ n   2 such a person

■ gender reassignment   n   male-to-female or female-to-male transformation involving surgery and hormone treatment

gene (dʒiːn)   n   a unit of heredity composed of DNA occupying a fixed position on a chromosome (some viral genes are composed of RNA). A gene may determine a characteristic of an individual by specifying a polypeptide chain that forms a protein or part of a protein (structural gene); or encode an RNA molecule; or regulate the operation of other genes or repress such operation. See also operon [C20: from German Gen, shortened from Pangen; see PAN-, -GEN]

■ gene bank   n botany   1 a collection of seeds, plants, tissue cultures, etc, of potentially useful species, esp species containing genes of significance to the breeding of crops   2 another name for gene library

■ gene clone   n   See clone (sense 2)

■ genecology (ˌdʒɛnIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the gene frequency of a species in relation to its population distribution within a particular environment

■ gene doping   n   a form of drug abuse in sport in which genetic material is injected into muscle to enhance performance or stimulate muscle growth

■ gene editing   n   same as genome editing

■ gene flow   n   the movement and exchange of genes between interbreeding populations

■ gene frequency   n   the frequency of occurrence of a particular allele in a population

■ gene library   n   a collection of gene clones that represents the genetic material of an organism: used in genetic engineering. Also called: gene bank

■ gene pool   n   the sum of all the genes in an interbreeding population

■ gene therapy   n   the replacement or alteration of defective genes in order to prevent the occurrence of such inherited diseases as haemophilia. Effected by genetic engineering techniques, it is still at the experimental stage

■ genic (ˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   of or relating to a gene or genes

■ genically (ˈdʒɛnIkəlI)   adv   biology by a genic process

-gene   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -gen

geneal.   abbreviation for   genealogy

genealogy (ˌdʒiːnIˈælədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 the direct descent of an individual or group from an ancestor   2 the study of the evolutionary development of animals and plants from earlier forms   3 a chart showing the relationships and descent of an individual, group, genes, etc [C13: from Old French genealogie, from Late Latin geneālogia, from Greek, from genea race]   > genealogical (ˌdʒiːnIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌgeneaˈlogic adj   > ˌgeneaˈlogically adv   > ˌgeneˈalogist n

■ genealogical tree   n   another name for family tree

■ genealogize or genealogise (ˌdʒiːnIˈæləˌdʒaIz)   vb (intr)   to investigate genealogy

genera (ˈdʒɛnərə)   n   a plural of genus

generable (ˈdʒɛnərəbəl)   adj   able to be generated [C15: from Late Latin generābilis, from Latin generāre to beget]

general (ˈdʒɛnərəl, ˈdʒɛnrəl)   adj   1 common; widespread: a general feeling of horror at the crime   2 of, including, applying to, or participated in by all or most of the members of a group, category, or community   3 relating to various branches of an activity, profession, etc; not specialized: general office work   4 including various or miscellaneous items: general knowledge; a general store   5 not specific as to detail; overall: a general description of the merchandise   6 not definite; vague: give me a general idea of when you will finish   7 applicable or true in most cases; usual   8 (prenominal or immediately postpositive) having superior or extended authority or rank: general manager; consul general   9 Also: pass designating a degree awarded at some universities, studied at a lower academic standard than an honours degree. See honours (sense 2)   10 med relating to or involving the entire body or many of its parts; systemic   11 logic (of a statement) not specifying an individual subject but quantifying over a domain   ▷ n   12 an officer of a rank senior to lieutenant general, esp one who commands a large military formation   13 any person acting as a leader and applying strategy or tactics   14 a general condition or principle: opposed to particular   15 a title for the head of a religious order, congregation, etc   16 med short for general anaesthetic   17 archaic the people; public   18 in general generally; mostly or usually [C13: from Latin generālis of a particular kind, from genus kind]   > ˈgeneralness n

■ general anaesthetic   n   a drug producing anaesthesia of the entire body, with loss of consciousness

■ General Assembly   n   1 the deliberative assembly of the United Nations. Abbreviation: GA   2 the former name for the parliament of New Zealand   3 the supreme governing body of certain religious denominations, esp of the Presbyterian Church

■ generalate (ˈdʒɛnərəˌleIt, ˈdʒɛnrəˌleIt)   n   1 the rank or office of a military general   2 the rank or office of an ecclesiastical general

■ general average   n   insurance loss or damage to a ship or its cargo that is shared among the shipowners and all the cargo owners. Abbreviation: GA. Compare particular average

■ General Certificate of Education   n   See GCE

■ General Certificate of Secondary Education   n   See GCSE

■ generalcy (ˈdʒɛnərəlsI, ˈdʒɛnrəlsI)   n   1 the rank or office of a military general   2 the rank or office of an ecclesiastical general   3 (pl -cies) generals as a group

■ general delivery   n US and Canadian   1 an address on mail indicating that it should be kept at a specified post office until collected by the addressee   2 the mail-delivery service or post-office department that handles mail having this address   ▶ Also called (not in the US or Canada): poste restante

■ general election   n   1 an election in which representatives are chosen in all constituencies of a state   2 US a final election from which successful candidates are sent to a legislative body. Compare primary (sense 13)   3 (in the US) a national or state election or (in Canada) a federal or provincial election in contrast to a local election

■ general hospital   n   a hospital not specializing in the treatment of particular illnesses or of patients of a particular sex or age group

■ generalia (ˌdʒɛnəˈreIlIə)   pl n   generalities

■ generalism (ˈdʒɛnərəˌlIzəm)   n   the practice of studying many different things rather than specializing in one subject

■ generalissimo (ˌdʒɛnərəˈlIsIˌməʊ, ˌdʒɛnrə-)   n, pl -mos   a supreme commander of combined military, naval, and air forces, esp one who wields political as well as military power [C17: from Italian, superlative of generale GENERAL]

■ generalist (ˈdʒɛnərəlIst, ˈdʒɛnrə-)   n   1    a a person who is knowledgeable in many fields of study   b (as modifier): a generalist profession   2 ecology an organism able to utilize many food sources and therefore able to flourish in many habitats. Compare specialist (sense 3)

■ generality (ˌdʒɛnəˈrælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a principle or observation having general application, esp when imprecise or unable to be proved   2 the state or quality of being general   3 archaic the majority

■ generalizable or generalisable (ˈdʒɛnrəˌlaIzəbəl)   adj   able to be generalized

■ generalization or generalisation (ˌdʒɛnrəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 a principle, theory, etc, with general application   2 the act or an instance of generalizing   3 psychol the evoking of a response learned to one stimulus by a different but similar stimulus. See also conditioning   4 logic the derivation of a general statement from a particular one, formally by prefixing a quantifier and replacing a subject term by a bound variable. If the quantifier is universal (universal generalization) the argument is not in general valid; if it is existential (existential generalization) it is valid   5 logic any statement ascribing a property to every member of a class (universal generalization) or to one or more members (existential generalization)

■ generalize or generalise (ˈdʒɛnrəˌlaIz)   vb   1 to form (general principles or conclusions) from (detailed facts, experience, etc); infer   2 (intr) to think or speak in generalities, esp in a prejudiced way   3 (tr; usually passive) to cause to become widely used or known   4 (intr) (of a disease)   a to spread throughout the body   b to change from a localized infection or condition to a systemic one: generalized infection   > ˈgeneralˌizer or ˈgeneralˌiser n

■ generalized or generalised (ˈdʒɛnrəˌlaIzd)   adj   1 general; non-specific   2 med affecting the whole body

■ generalized anxiety disorder   n   a condition characterized by excessive anxiety about a range of issues over an extended period of time

■ generalized other   n   psychol an individual's concept of other people

■ generally (ˈdʒɛnrəlI)   adv   1 usually; as a rule   2 commonly or widely   3 without reference to specific details or facts; broadly

■ general officer   n   an officer holding a commission of brigadier's rank or above in the army, air force, or marine corps

■ general paralysis of the insane   n   a disease of the central nervous system: a late manifestation of syphilis, often occurring up to 15 years after the original infection, characterized by mental deterioration, speech defects, and progressive paralysis. Abbreviation: GPI. Also called: general paresis, dementia paralytica

■ General Post Office   n   1 (in Britain until 1969) the department of the central government that provided postal and telephone services   2 the main post office in a locality

■ general practitioner   n   a physician who does not specialize but has a medical practice (general practice) in which he or she deals with all illnesses. Informal name: family doctor. Abbreviation: GP

■ general-purpose   adj   having a range of uses or applications; not restricted to one function

■ general semantics   n   (functioning as singular) a school of thought, founded by Alfred Korzybski, that stresses the arbitrary nature of language and other symbols and the problems that result from misunderstanding their nature

■ generalship (ˈdʒɛnrəlˌʃIp)   n   1 the art or duties of exercising command of a major military formation or formations   2 tactical or administrative skill

■ general staff   n   officers assigned to advise commanders in the planning and execution of military operations

■ general strike   n   a strike by all or most of the workers of a country, province, city, etc, esp (caps.) such a strike that took place in Britain in 1926

■ General Synod   n   the governing body, under Parliament, of the Church of England, made up of the bishops and elected clerical and lay representatives

■ general theory of relativity   n   the theory of gravitation, developed by Einstein in 1916, extending the special theory of relativity to include acceleration and leading to the conclusion that gravitational forces are equivalent to forces caused by acceleration

■ general will   n   (in the philosophy of Rousseau) the source of legitimate authority residing in the collective will as contrasted with individual interests

generate (ˈdʒɛnəˌreIt)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to produce or bring into being; create   2 (also intr) to produce (electricity), esp in a power station   3 to produce (a substance) by a chemical process   4 maths, linguistics to provide a precise criterion or specification for membership in (a set): these rules will generate all the noun phrases in English   5 geometry to trace or form by moving a point, line, or plane in a specific way: circular motion of a line generates a cylinder [C16: from Latin generāre to beget, from genus kind]

■ generant (ˈdʒɛnərənt)   n   1 something that generates   2 maths a generatrix   ▷ adj   3 generative

■ generation (ˌdʒɛnəˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of bringing into being; production or reproduction, esp of offspring   2    a a successive stage in natural descent of organisms: the time between when an organism comes into being and when it reproduces   b the individuals produced at each stage   3 the normal or average time between two such generations of a species: about 35 years for humans   4 a phase or form in the life cycle of a plant or animal characterized by a particular type of reproduction: the gametophyte generation   5 all the people of approximately the same age, esp when considered as sharing certain attitudes, etc   6 production of electricity, heat, etc   7 physics a set of nuclei formed directly from a preceding set in a chain reaction   8 (modifier, in combination)   a belonging to a generation specified as having been born in or as having parents, grandparents, etc, born in a given country: a third-generation American   b belonging to a specified stage of development in manufacture, usually implying improvement: a second-generation computer   > ˌgenerˈational adj

■ generationally (ˌdʒɛnəˈreIʃənəlI)   adv   by a generational process

■ Generation C   n   the people who create and publish material such as blogs, podcasts, videos, etc, on the internet [C21: C stands for CONTENT]

■ generation gap   n   the years separating one generation from the generation that precedes or follows it, esp when regarded as representing the difference in outlook and the lack of understanding between them

■ generationism (ˌdʒɛnəˈreIʃənIzəm)   n   1 the belief that some generations are superior to others   2 theol traducianism

■ Generation Jones   n   members of the generation of people born in the Western world between the mid-1950s and the mid-1960s [C20: from US slang jones, a strong desire for something]

■ Generation X   n   members of the generation of people born between the mid-1960s and the mid-1970s who are seen as being highly educated and underemployed, reject consumer culture, and have little hope for the future [C20: from the novel Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland]   > ˌGeneration ˈXer n

■ Generation XL   n   informal, facetious overweight children or young adults of the generation that spends a great deal of time on sedentary pursuits such as surfing the internet and playing computer games

■ Generation Y   n   members of the generation of people born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s who are seen as being discerning consumers with a high disposable income

■ Generation Z   n   members of the generation of people born since the mid-1990s who are seen as confident users of new technology

■ generative (ˈdʒɛnərətIv)   adj   1 of or relating to the production of offspring, parts, etc: a generative cell   2 capable of producing or originating

■ generative grammar   n   a description of a language in terms of explicit rules that ideally generate all and only the grammatical sentences of the language. Compare transformational grammar

■ generative semantics   n   (functioning as singular) a school of semantic theory based on the doctrine that syntactic and semantic structure are of the same formal nature and that there is a single system of rules that relates surface structure to meaning. Compare interpretive semantics

■ generator (ˈdʒɛnəˌreItə)   n   1 physics   a any device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction, esp a large one as in a power station   b a device for producing a voltage electrostatically   c any device that converts one form of energy into another form: an acoustic generator   2 an apparatus for producing a gas   3 a person or thing that generates

■ generatrix (ˈdʒɛnəˌreItrIks)   n, pl generatrices (ˈdʒɛnəˌreItrIˌsiːz)   maths a point, line, or plane that is moved in a specific way to produce a geometric figure

generic (dʒIˈnɛrIk) or generical   adj   1 applicable or referring to a whole class or group; general   2 biology of, relating to, or belonging to a genus: the generic name   3 denoting the nonproprietary name of a drug, food product, etc   ▷ n   4 a drug, food product, etc, that does not have a trademark [C17: from French; see GENUS]   > geˈnerically adv

■ genericness (dʒIˈnɛrIknəs)   n   1 the state or quality of being generic   2 generic properties

generous (ˈdʒɛnərəs, ˈdʒɛnrəs)   adj   1 willing and liberal in giving away one's money, time, etc; munificent   2 free from pettiness in character and mind   3 full or plentiful: a generous portion   4 (of wine) rich in alcohol   5 (of a soil type) fertile [C16: via Old French from Latin generōsus nobly born, from genus race; see GENUS]   > ˈgenerously adv   > ˈgenerousness n

■ generosity (ˌdʒɛnəˈrɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   1 willingness and liberality in giving away one's money, time, etc; magnanimity   2 freedom from pettiness in character and mind   3 a generous act   4 abundance; plenty

genesis (ˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   a beginning or origin of anything [Old English: via Latin from Greek; related to Greek gignesthai to be born]

■ Genesis (ˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   the first book of the Old Testament recounting the events from the Creation of the world to the sojourning of the Israelites in Egypt

-genesis   n combining form   indicating genesis, development, or generation: biogenesis; parthenogenesis [New Latin, from Latin: GENESIS]   > -genetic or -genic adj combining form

genet^1 (ˈdʒɛnIt) or genette (dʒIˈnɛt)   n   1 any agile catlike viverrine mammal of the genus Genetta, inhabiting wooded regions of Africa and S Europe, having an elongated head, thick spotted or blotched fur, and a very long tail   2 the fur of such an animal [C15: from Old French genette, from Arabic jarnayt]

genet^2 (ˈdʒɛnIt)   n   an obsolete spelling of jennet

Genet (French ʒənɛ)   n   Jean (ʒɑ̃). 1910–86, French dramatist and novelist; his novels include Notre-Dame des Fleurs (1944) and his plays Les Bonnes (1947) and Le Balcon (1956)

genethliac (dʒIˈnɛθlIæk)   n   1 Also: genethliacon a birthday poem   2 astrology a person who casts horoscopes   ▷ adj also genethliacal   3 astrology obsolete relating to nativity or the casting of horoscopes

■ genethliacally (ˌdʒɛnIθˈlaIəkəlI)   adv   astrology obsolete from a genethliac point of view

genethlialogy (dʒIˌnɛθlIˈælədʒI)   n   astrology obsolete the science of casting horoscopes

■ genethlialogic (dʒIˌnɛθlIəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   astrology obsolete relating to the science of casting horoscopes

genetic (dʒIˈnɛtIk) or genetical   adj   of or relating to genetics, genes, or the origin of something [C19: from GENESIS]   > geˈnetically adv

■ genetically modified   adj   denoting or derived from an organism whose DNA has been altered for the purpose of improvement or correction of defects: genetically modified food. Abbreviation: GM   > genetic modification n

■ genetic code   n   biochem the order in which the nitrogenous bases of DNA are arranged in the molecule, which determines the type and amount of protein synthesized in the cell. The four bases are arranged in groups of three in a specific order, each group acting as a unit (codon), which specifies a particular amino acid. See also messenger RNA, transfer RNA

■ genetic counselling   n   the provision of advice for couples with a history of inherited disorders who wish to have children, including the likelihood of having affected children and the course and management of the disorder, etc

■ genetic engineering   n   alteration of the DNA of a cell for purposes of research, as a means of manufacturing animal proteins, correcting genetic defects, or making improvements to plants and animals bred by humans

■ genetic fingerprint   n   the pattern of DNA unique to each individual that can be analysed in a sample of blood, saliva, or tissue: used as a means of identification

■ geneticist (dʒIˈnɛtIsIst)   n   a person who studies or specializes in genetics

■ genetic map   n   a graphic representation of the order of genes within chromosomes by means of detailed analysis of the DNA. See also chromosome map   > genetic mapping n

■ genetic marker   n   a gene with two or more alternative forms, producing readily identifiable variations in a particular character, used in studies of linkage, genetic mapping, and identification of the presence of other genes that are closely linked to, and therefore usually inherited with, it

■ genetics (dʒIˈnɛtIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the branch of biology concerned with the study of heredity and variation in organisms   2 the genetic features and constitution of a single organism, species, or group

genetotrophic (ˌdʒɛnətəʊˈtrɒfIk, dʒəˌnɛtəʊ-, -ˈtrəʊfIk)   adj   pertaining to nutrition and genetics

genetrix (ˈdʒɛnItrIks)   n   archaic a female progenitor

Geneva (dʒIˈniːvə)   n   1 a city in SW Switzerland, in the Rhône valley on Lake Geneva: centre of Calvinism; headquarters of the International Red Cross (1864), the International Labour Office (1925), the League of Nations (1929–46), the World Health Organization, and the European office of the United Nations; banking centre. Pop: 177 500 (2002 est)   2 a canton in SW Switzerland. Capital: Geneva. Pop: 419 300 (2002 est). Area: 282 sq km (109 sq miles). French name: Genève. German name: Genf   3 Lake Geneva a lake between SW Switzerland and E France: fed and drained by the River Rhône, it is the largest of the Alpine lakes; the surface is subject to considerable changes of level. Area: 580 sq km (224 sq miles). French name: Lac Léman. German name: Genfersee

■ Geneva bands   pl n   a pair of white lawn or linen strips hanging from the front of the neck or collar of some ecclesiastical and academic robes [C19: named after GENEVA, where originally worn by Swiss Calvinist clergy]

■ Geneva Convention   n   the international agreement, first formulated in 1864 at Geneva, establishing a code for wartime treatment of the sick or wounded: revised and extended on several occasions to cover maritime warfare and prisoners of war

■ Geneva gown   n   a long loose black gown with very wide sleeves worn by academics or Protestant clerics [C19: named after GENEVA; see GENEVA BANDS]

■ Genevan (dʒIˈniːvən) or Genevese (ˌdʒɛnIˈviːz)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Geneva   2 of, adhering to, or relating to the teachings of Calvin or the Calvinists   ▷ n, pl -vans or -vese   3 a native or inhabitant of Geneva   4 a less common name for Calvinist

■ Geneva Protocol   n   the agreement in 1925 to ban the use of asphyxiating, poisonous, or other gases in war. It does not ban the development or manufacture of such gases

Genève (ʒənɛv)   n   the French name for Geneva

Geneviève (ˈdʒɛnIˌviːv; French ʒənvjɛv)   n   Saint. ?422–?512 AD, French nun; patron saint of Paris. Feast day: Jan 3

genevrette (ˌdʒɛnəvˈrɛt)   n   a fruity wine flavoured with juniper berries

Genf (ɡɛnf)   n   the German name for Geneva (sense 1), Geneva (sense 2)

■ Genfersee (ˈɡɛnfərzeː)   n   the German name for (Lake) Geneva

Genghis Khan (ˈdʒɛŋɡIs kɑːn)   n   original name Temuchin or Temujin. ?1162–1227, Mongol ruler, whose empire stretched from the Black Sea to the Pacific. Also: Jinghis Khan, Jenghis Khan

genial^1 (ˈdʒiːnjəl, -nIəl)   adj   1 cheerful, easy-going, and warm in manner or behaviour   2 pleasantly warm, so as to give life, growth, or health: the genial sunshine [C16: from Latin geniālis relating to birth or marriage, from genius tutelary deity; see GENIUS]   > geniality (ˌdʒiːnIˈælItI) or ˈgenialness n   > ˈgenially adv

■ genialize or genialise (ˈdʒiːnjəˌlaIz, ˈdʒiːnIəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make genial

genial^2 (dʒIˈniːəl)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the chin [C19: from Greek geneion, from genus jaw]

-genic   adj combining form   1 relating to production or generation: carcinogenic   2 well suited to or suitable for: photogenic [from -GEN + -IC]

genicular (dʒIˈnIkjʊlə)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the knee: genicular artery [C19: from Latin genu knee]

geniculate (dʒIˈnIkjʊlIt, -ˌleIt)   adj   1 biology bent at a sharp angle: geniculate antennae   2 having a joint or joints capable of bending sharply [C17: from Latin geniculātus jointed, from geniculum a little knee, small joint, from genu knee]   > geˈniculately adv   > geˌnicuˈlation n

genie (ˈdʒiːnI)   n   1 (in fairy tales and stories) a servant who appears by magic and fulfils a person's wishes   2 another word for jinni [C18: from French génie, from Arabic jinni demon, influenced by Latin genius attendant spirit; see GENIUS]

Genie (ˈdʒiːnI)   n   Canadian an award given by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television in recognition of Canadian cinematic achievements

genii (ˈdʒiːnIˌaI)   n   the plural of genius (sense 5), genius (sense 6)

genip (ˈdʒɛnIp)   n   another word for genipap [C18: from Spanish genipa, from French, from Guarani]

genipap (ˈdʒɛnIˌpæp) or genip   n   1 an evergreen Caribbean rubiaceous tree, Genipa americana, with reddish-brown edible orange-like fruits   2 the fruit of this tree [C17: from Portuguese genipapo, from Tupi]

genista (dʒIˈnIstə)   n   botany a genus that includes many species of broom

genistein (ˈdʒɛnIˌstiːn)   n   an oestrogen that occurs naturally in soya beans and is believed to inhibit the growth of certain tumours

genit.   abbreviation for   genitive

genital (ˈdʒɛnItəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the sexual organs or to reproduction   2 psychoanal relating to the mature stage of psychosexual development in which an affectionate relationship with one's sex partner is established. Compare anal (sense 2), oral (sense 7), phallic (sense 2) [C14: from Latin genitālis concerning birth, from gignere to beget]

■ genital herpes   n   a sexually transmitted disease caused by a variety of the herpes simplex virus in which painful blisters occur in the genital region

■ genitalial (ˌdʒɛnIˈteIlIəl)   adj   relating to genitalia

■ genitally (ˈdʒɛnItəlI)   adv   from a genital point of view

■ genitals (ˈdʒɛnItəlz) or genitalia (ˌdʒɛnIˈteIlIə, -ˈteIljə)   pl n   the sexual organs; the testicles and penis of a male or the labia, clitoris, and vagina of a female. Related adjective: venereal   > genitalic (ˌdʒɛnIˈtælIk) adj

genitive (ˈdʒɛnItIv) grammar   adj   1 denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages used to indicate a relation of ownership or association, usually translated by English of   ▷ n   2    a the genitive case   b a word or speech element in this case [C14: from Latin genetīvus relating to birth, from gignere to produce]   > genitival (ˌdʒɛnIˈtaIvəl) adj   > ˌgeniˈtivally or ˈgenitively adv

genitor (ˈdʒɛnItə, -tɔː)   n   the biological father as distinguished from the pater or legal father [C15: from Latin, from gignere to beget]

genitourinary (ˌdʒɛnItəʊˈjʊərInərI)   adj   of or relating to both the reproductive and excretory organs; urogenital

■ genitourinary medicine   n   the branch of medical science concerned with the study and treatment of diseases of the genital and urinary organs, esp sexually transmitted diseases. Abbreviation: GUM

geniture (ˈdʒɛnItʃə)   n   obsolete birth or nativity

genius (ˈdʒiːnIəs, -njəs)   n, pl -uses or for senses 5, 6 genii (ˈdʒiːnIˌaI)   1 a person with exceptional ability, esp of a highly original kind   2 such ability or capacity: Mozart's musical genius   3 the distinctive spirit or creative nature of a nation, era, language, etc   4 a person considered as exerting great influence of a certain sort: an evil genius   5 Roman myth   a the guiding spirit who attends a person from birth to death   b the guardian spirit of a place, group of people, or institution   6 Arabian myth (usually plural) a demon; jinn   ▷ adj   7 informal clever and original [C16: from Latin, from gignere to beget]

■ genius loci Latin (ˈdʒiːnIəs ˈləʊsaI)   n   1 the guardian spirit of a place   2 the special atmosphere of a particular place [genius of the place]

genizah (ɡɛˈniːzə)   n, pl genizahs or genizoth (ɡɛˈniːzəθ)   Judaism a repository (usually in a synagogue) for books and other sacred objects which can no longer be used but which may not be destroyed [C19: from Hebrew, literally: a hiding place, from gānaz to hide, set aside]

Genk (Flemish xɛŋk)   n   a town in NE Belgium, in Limburg province: coal-mining. Pop: 106 213 (2004 est). Former spelling: Genck

Genl or genl   abbreviation for   General or general

genlock (ˈdʒɛnˌlɒk)   n   a method of synchronizing cameras by using an external signal

gennaker (ˈdʒɛnIkə)   n   a type of sail used for downwind sailing

Genoa (ˈdʒɛnəʊə)   n   a port in NW Italy, capital of Liguria, on the Gulf of Genoa: Italy's main port; an independent commercial city with many colonies in the Middle Ages; university (1243); heavy industries. Pop: 610 307 (2001). Italian name: Genova

■ genoa (ˈdʒɛnəʊə)   n   yachting a large triangular jib sail, often with a foot that extends as far aft as the clew of the mainsail. Also called: genoa jib. Sometimes shortened to: genny, jenny

■ Genoa cake   n   a rich fruit cake, usually decorated with almonds

■ Genoese (ˌdʒɛnəʊˈiːz) or Genovese (ˌdʒɛnəˈviːz)   n, pl -ese or -vese   1 a native or inhabitant of Genoa   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Genoa or its inhabitants

genocidaire French (ʒenɔsidɛr)   n   a person who is guilty of genocide

genocide (ˈdʒɛnəʊˌsaId)   n   the policy of deliberately killing a nationality or ethnic group [C20: from geno-, from Greek genos race + -CIDE]   > ˌgenoˈcidal adj

genogram (ˈdʒɛnəˌɡræm, ˈdʒiːnə-)   n   an expanded family tree used to detect patterns of behaviour

genoise (dʒeIˈnwɑːz, dʒɛˈnwɑːz)   n   cookery a rich sponge cake

genome or genom (ˈdʒiːnəʊm)   n   1 the full complement of genetic material within an organism   2 all the genes comprising a haploid set of chromosomes [C20: from German Genom, from Gen GENE + (CHROMOS)OME]   > genomic (dʒIˈnɒmIk) adj

■ genome editing   n   the insertion or removal of DNA at a specific site on a genome using artificially engineered nucleases

■ genomics (dʒIˈnɒmIks)   n (functioning as singular)   the branch of molecular genetics concerned with the study of genomes, specifically the identification and sequencing of their constituent genes and the application of this knowledge in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, etc

genophobia (ˌdʒɛnəˈfəʊbIə, ˌdʒiːnəʊ-)   n   the fear of sexual intercourse

genotoxic (ˌdʒɛnəʊˈtɒksIk)   adj   harmful to genetic material

genotype (ˈdʒɛnəʊˌtaIp)   n   1 the genetic constitution of an organism   2 a group of organisms with the same genetic constitution   ▶ Compare phenotype   > genotypic (ˌdʒɛnəʊˈtIpIk) or ˌgenoˈtypical adj   > ˌgenoˈtypically adv   > genotypicity (ˌdʒɛnəʊtIˈpIsItI) n

genouillere French (ʒənujɛr)   n   armour jointed armour for protecting the knees

-genous   adj combining form   1 yielding or generating: androgenous; erogenous   2 generated by or issuing from: endogenous [from -GEN + -OUS]

Genova (ˈdʒɛːnova)   n   the Italian name for Genoa

genre (ˈʒɑːnrə)   n   1    a kind, category, or sort, esp of literary or artistic work   b (as modifier): genre fiction   2    a a category of painting in which domestic scenes or incidents from everyday life are depicted   b (as modifier): genre painting [C19: from French, from Old French gendre; see GENDER]

■ genre-busting   adj   not conforming to established patterns, styles, etc

genro (ˈɡɛnˈrəʊ)   n   1 (functioning as singular or plural) a group of highly respected elder statesmen in late 19th- and early 20th-century Japan   2 a member of this group [C20: from Japanese, from Ancient Chinese nguan lao, from nguan first + lao elder]

gens (dʒɛnz)   n, pl gentes (ˈdʒɛntiːz)   1 (in ancient Rome) any of a group of aristocratic families, having a common name and claiming descent from a common ancestor in the male line   2 anthropol a group based on descent in the male line [C19: from Latin: race; compare GENUS, GENDER]

Genseric (ˈɡɛnsərIk, ˈdʒɛn-) or Gaiseric   n   ?390–477 AD, king of the Vandals (428–77). He seized Roman lands, esp extensive parts of N Africa, and sacked Rome (455)

gent (dʒɛnt)   n   informal short for gentleman

Gent (xɛnt)   n   the Flemish name for Ghent

gentamicin (ˌdʒɛntəˈmaIsIn)   n   a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of serious infections [C20: from genta (of unknown origin) + -MYCIN]

genteel (dʒɛnˈtiːl)   adj   1 affectedly proper or refined; excessively polite   2 respectable, polite, and well-bred: a genteel old lady   3 appropriate to polite or fashionable society: genteel behaviour [C16: from French gentil well-born; see GENTLE]   > genˈteelly adv   > genˈteelness n

■ genteelish (dʒɛnˈtiːlIʃ)   adj   genteel-like

■ genteelism (dʒɛnˈtiːlIzəm)   n   a word or phrase used in place of a less genteel one

■ genteelize or genteelise (dʒɛnˈtiːˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to make genteel

gentian (ˈdʒɛnʃən)   n   1 any gentianaceous plant of the genera Gentiana or Gentianella, having blue, yellow, white, or red showy flowers   2 the bitter-tasting dried rhizome and roots of Gentiana lutea (European or yellow gentian), which can be used as a tonic   3 any of several similar plants, such as the horse gentian [C14: from Latin gentiāna; perhaps named after Gentius, a second-century BC Illyrian king, reputedly the first to use it medicinally]

■ gentianaceous (ˌdʒɛnʃIəˈneIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Gentianaceae, a family of flowering plants that includes centaury, felwort, and gentian

■ gentian blue   n     a a purplish-blue colour   b (as adjective): gentian-blue shoes

■ gentianella (ˌdʒɛnʃəˈnɛlə, -ʃIə-)   n   1 any of various gentianaceous plants, esp the alpine species Gentiana acaulis, which has showy blue flowers   2 any of several related plants of the genus Gentianella [C17: from New Latin, literally: a little GENTIAN]

■ gentian violet   n   a greenish crystalline substance, obtained from rosaniline, that forms a violet solution in water, used as an indicator, antiseptic, and in the treatment of burns. Also called: crystal violet

gentil (ˈdʒɛntIl)   adj   obsolete gentle [French]

gentile (ˈdʒɛntaIl)   adj   1 denoting an adjective or proper noun used to designate a place or the inhabitants of a place, as Spanish and Spaniard   2 of or relating to a tribe or people [C14: from Late Latin gentīlis, from Latin: one belonging to the same tribe or family; see GENS]

■ Gentile (ˈdʒɛntaIl)   n   1 a person who is not a Jew   2 a Christian, as contrasted with a Jew   3 a person who is not a member of one's own church: used esp by Mormons   4 a heathen or pagan   ▷ adj   5 of or relating to a race or religion that is not Jewish   6 Christian, as contrasted with Jewish   7 not being a member of one's own church: used esp by Mormons   8 pagan or heathen

Gentile (Italian dʒenˈtiːle)   n   Giovanni (dʒoˈvanni). 1875–1944, Italian Idealist philosopher and Fascist politician: minister of education (1922–24)

■ gentilic (dʒɛnˈtIlIk)   adj   derived from a place name that depicts the residents of that place

■ gentilish (ˈdʒɛntaIlIʃ)   adj   heathenish

■ gentilism (ˈdʒɛntIlIzəm)   n   heathenism

■ gentilitial (ˌdʒɛntIˈlIʃəl), gentilitian (ˌdʒɛntIˈlIʃən) or gentilitious (ˌdʒɛntIˈlIʃəs)   adj   1 relating to a gens or family   2 relating to a nation

■ gentilize or gentilise (ˈdʒɛntaIˌlaIz, ˈdʒɛntIˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   archaic to make like a gentile

Gentile da Fabriano (Italian dʒenˈtiːle da fabriˈɑːno)   n   original name Niccolo di Giovanni di Massio. ?1370–1427, Italian painter. His works, in the International Gothic style, include the Adoration of the Magi (1423)

gentilesse (ˈdʒɛntəˌlɛs)   n   archaic politeness or good breeding [C14: from Old French gentillesse; see GENTEEL]

gentilhomme French (ʒɑ̃tijom)   n   a gentleman [French]

gentility (dʒɛnˈtIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 respectability and polite good breeding   2 affected politeness   3 noble birth or ancestry   4 people of noble birth [C14: from Old French gentilite, from Latin gentīlitās relationship of those belonging to the same tribe or family; see GENS]

gentle (ˈdʒɛntəl)   adj   1 having a mild or kindly nature or character   2 soft or temperate; mild; moderate: a gentle scolding   3 gradual: a gentle slope   4 easily controlled; tame: a gentle horse   5 archaic of good breeding; noble: gentle blood   6 archaic gallant; chivalrous   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to tame or subdue (a horse)   8 to appease or mollify   9 obsolete to ennoble or dignify   ▷ n   10 a maggot, esp when used as bait in fishing   11 archaic a person who is of good breeding [C13: from Old French gentil noble, from Latin gentīlis belonging to the same family; see GENS]   > ˈgently adv

■ gentle breeze   n   meteorol a light breeze of force three on the Beaufort scale, blowing at 8–12 mph

■ gentlefolk (ˈdʒɛntəlˌfəʊk) or gentlefolks   pl n   people regarded as being of good breeding

■ gentlehood (ˈdʒɛntəlhʊd)   n   archaic a position attached to gentle birth

■ gentleman (ˈdʒɛntəlmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man regarded as having qualities of refinement associated with a good family   2 a man who is cultured, courteous, and well-educated   3 a polite name for a man   4 the personal servant of a gentleman (esp in the phrase gentleman's gentleman)   5 Brit history a man of gentle birth, who was entitled to bear arms, ranking above a yeoman in social position   6 (formerly) a smuggler   > ˈgentlemanly adj   > ˈgentlemanliness n

■ gentleman-at-arms   n, pl gentlemen-at-arms   a member of the guard who attend the British sovereign on ceremonial and state occasions

■ gentleman-farmer   n, pl gentlemen-farmers   1 a man who engages in farming but does not depend on it for his living   2 a person who owns farmland but does not farm it personally

■ gentlemanhood (ˈdʒɛntəlmənhʊd)   n   the nature or position of a gentleman

■ gentleman-in-waiting   n, pl gentlemen-in-waiting   a man who comes from a family of high social standing and who is attached to a royal household or to the household of a person of high rank

■ gentlemanlike (ˈdʒɛntəlmənˌlaIk)   adj   having the characteristics of a gentleman

■ gentlemanship (ˈdʒɛntəlmənʃIp)   n   another name for gentlemanhood

■ gentlemen's agreement or gentleman's agreement   n   a personal understanding or arrangement based on honour and not legally binding

■ gentleness (ˈdʒɛntəlnIs)   n   1 the quality of being gentle   2 physics a property of elementary particles, conserved in certain strong interactions. See also charm^1 (sense 7)

■ gentlenesse (ˈdʒɛntəlˌnɛs)   n   a variant of gentilesse

■ gentleperson (ˈdʒɛntəlˌpɜːsən)   n   a lady or gentleman; a person of good breeding

■ gentlewoman (ˈdʒɛntəlˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   1 archaic a woman regarded as being of good family or breeding; lady   2 rare a woman who is cultured, courteous, and well-educated   3 history a woman in personal attendance on a high-ranking lady   > ˈgentleˌwomanly adj   > ˈgentleˌwomanliness n

Gentoo (ˈdʒɛntuː)   n, pl -toos   (sometimes not capital) archaic a Hindu, esp as distinguished from a Muslim [C17: from Portuguese gentio pagan (literally: GENTILE)]

■ gentoo (ˈdʒɛntuː)   n   a tall penguin, Pygoscelis papua, of subantarctic islands, with a white triangular patch above the eye

gentrice (ˈdʒɛntrIs)   n   1 gentility   ▷ adj   2 genteel

gentry (ˈdʒɛntrI)   n   1 persons of high birth or social standing; aristocracy   2 Brit persons just below the nobility in social rank   3 informal, often derogatory people, esp of a particular group or kind [C14: from Old French genterie, from gentil GENTLE]

■ gentrification (ˌdʒɛntrIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   Brit a process by which middle-class people take up residence in a traditionally working-class area of a city, changing the character of the area

■ gentrify (ˈdʒɛntrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to make (an area) a more expensive place to live through wealthy people moving into the area and buying the houses where people with less money used to live   > ˈgentriˌfied adj   > ˈgentriˌfier n

gents (dʒɛnts)   n   (functioning as singular) Brit informal a men's public lavatory

genty (ˈdʒɛntI)   adj gentier, gentiest   neat

genu (ˈdʒɛnjuː)   n, pl genua (ˈdʒɛnjʊə) anatomy   1 the technical name for the knee   2 any kneelike bend in a structure or part [Latin: knee]

genuflect (ˈdʒɛnjʊˌflɛkt)   vb (intr)   1 to act in a servile or deferential manner   2 RC Church to bend one or both knees as a sign of reverence, esp when passing before the Blessed Sacrament [C17: from Medieval Latin genūflectere, from Latin genu knee + flectere to bend]   > ˌgenuˈflection or esp Brit ˌgenuˈflexion n   > ˈgenuˌflector n

genuine (ˈdʒɛnjʊIn)   adj   1 not fake or counterfeit; original; real; authentic   2 not pretending; frank; sincere   3 being of authentic or original stock [C16: from Latin genuīnus inborn, hence (in Late Latin) authentic, from gignere to produce]   > ˈgenuinely adv   > ˈgenuineness n

genus (ˈdʒiːnəs)   n, pl genera (ˈdʒɛnərə) or genuses   1 biology any of the taxonomic groups into which a family is divided and which contains one or more species. For example, Vulpes (foxes) is a genus of the dog family (Canidae)   2 logic a class of objects or individuals that can be divided into two or more groups or species   3 a class, group, etc, with common characteristics   4 maths a number characterizing a closed surface in topology equal to the number of handles added to a sphere to form the surface. A sphere has genus 0, a torus, genus 1, etc [C16: from Latin: race]

-geny   n combining form   indicating origin or manner of development: phylogeny [from Greek -geneia, from -genēs born]   > -genic adj combining form

geo or gio (ˈdʒiːəʊ)   n, pl geos or gios   (esp in Shetland) a small fjord or gully [C18: from Old Norse gjā ravine; related to Old English gionian to YAWN]

geo-   combining form   indicating earth: geomorphology [from Greek, from gē earth]

geobotany (ˌdʒiːəʊˈbɒtənI)   n   the study of plants in relation to their geological habitat

■ geobotanical (ˌdʒiːəʊbəˈtænIkəl) or geobotanic (ˌdʒiːəʊbəˈtænIk)   adj   of or relating to geobotany

■ geobotanist (ˌdʒiːəʊˈbɒtənIst)   n   a person who studies geobotany

geocaching (ˈdʒiːəʊˌkæʃIŋ)   n   a game in which the object is to identify and find items deposited by other players, using GPS navigation [C20: from GEO(GRAPHY) + caching]

geocarpy (ˈdʒiːəʊˌkɑːpI)   n   botany the ripening of fruits below ground, as occurs in the peanut

■ geocarpic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈkɑːpIk)   adj   pertaining to geocarpy

geocentric (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsɛntrIk) or geocentrical (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsɛntrIkəl)   adj   1 having the earth at its centre: the Ptolemaic system postulated a geocentric universe   2 measured from or relating to the centre of the earth   > ˌgeoˈcentrically adv

■ geocentricism (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsɛntrIsIzəm)   n   the belief that the earth lies at the centre of the universe

■ geocentric parallax   n   See parallax (sense 2)

geochemistry (ˌdʒiːəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the geology and chemistry concerned with the chemical composition of, and chemical reactions taking place within, the earth's crust   > geochemical (ˌdʒiːəʊˈkɛmIkəl) adj   > geochemically (ˌdʒiːəʊˈkɛmIklI) adv   > ˌgeoˈchemist n

geochronology (ˌdʒiːəʊkrəˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of geology concerned with ordering and dating of events in the earth's history, including the origin of the earth itself   > geochronological (ˌdʒiːəʊˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or geochronologic (ˌdʒiːəʊˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒIk) adj

■ geochronologist (ˌdʒiːəʊkrəˈnɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies geochronology

geocode (ˈdʒiːəʊˌkəʊd)   n   1 a digital code that matches geographical coordinates to the name of a location   ▷ vb   2 to assign geographical coordinates to a physical location using a digital code

geocorona (ˌdʒiːəʊkəˈrəʊnə)   n   the outer layer of the earth's atmosphere

geod.   abbreviation for   1 geodesy   2 geodetic

geodata (ˈdʒiːəʊˌdeItə, -ˌdɑːtə)   n   information about geographical location held in a digital format

geode (ˈdʒiːəʊd)   n   a cavity, usually lined with crystals, within a rock mass or nodule [C17: from Latin geōdēs a precious stone, from Greek: earthlike; see GEO-, -ODE^1]   > geodic (dʒIˈɒdIk) adj

geodemographics (ˌdʒiːəʊdɛməˈɡræfIks)   pl n   (functioning as singular) the study and grouping of the people in a geographical area according to socioeconomic criteria, esp for market research

geodesy (dʒIˈɒdIsI) or geodetics (ˌdʒiːəʊˈdɛtIks)   n   the branch of science concerned with determining the exact position of geographical points and the shape and size of the earth [C16: from French géodésie, from Greek geōdaisia, from GEO- + daiein to divide]   > geˈodesist n

■ geodesic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈdɛsIk, -ˈdiː-)   adj   1 Also: geodetic, geodetical, geodesical relating to or involving the geometry of curved surfaces   ▷ n   2 Also called: geodesic line the shortest line between two points on a curved or plane surface

■ geodesic dome   n   a light structural framework arranged as a set of polygons in the form of a shell and covered with sheeting made of plastic, plywood, metal, etc; developed by Buckminster Fuller

■ geodetic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈdɛtIk)   adj   1 of or relating to geodesy   2 another word for geodesic   > ˌgeoˈdetically adv

■ geodetic surveying   n   the surveying of the earth's surface, making allowance for its curvature and giving an accurate framework for smaller-scale surveys

geoduck (ˈdʒiːəʊˌdʌk)   n   Canadian a large edible clam [from Chinook jargon]

geodynamics (ˌdʒiːəʊdaIˈnæmIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of geology concerned with the forces and processes, esp large-scale, of the earth's interior, particularly as regards their effects on the crust or lithosphere   > ˌgeodyˈnamic or ˌgeodyˈnamical adj   > ˌgeodyˈnamicist n

geoengineering (ˌdʒiːəʊˌɛndʒIˈnIərIŋ)   n   the application of scientific processes to affect the global environment, esp in order to counter the effects of climate change

geofact (ˈdʒiːəʊˌfækt)   n   geology a rock shaped by natural forces, as opposed to a man-made artefact

Geoffrey of Monmouth (ˈdʒɛfrI)   n   ?1100–54, Welsh bishop and chronicler; author of Historia Regum Britanniae, the chief source of Arthurian legends

geog.   abbreviation for   1 geographic(al)   2 geography

geognosy (dʒIˈɒɡnəsI)   n   the study of the origin and distribution of minerals and rocks in the earth's crust: superseded generally by the term geology [C18: from French géognosie, from GEO- + Greek gnōsis a seeking to know, knowledge]   > geognostic (ˌdʒiːɒɡˈnɒstIk) or geognostical (ˌdʒiːɒɡˈnɒstIkəl) adj

■ geognost (ˈdʒiːəɡˌnɒst)   n   a student of, or expert in, geognosy

■ geognostically (ˌdʒiːɒɡˈnɒstIklI)   adv   geology with reference to a knowledge of the structure of the earth

geogony (dʒiːˈɒɡənI)   n   the science of the earth's formation

■ geogonic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈɡɒnIk)   adj   relating to geogony

geography (dʒIˈɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1 the study of the natural features of the earth's surface, including topography, climate, soil, vegetation, etc, and humankind's response to them   2 the natural features of a region   3 an arrangement of constituent parts; plan; layout   > geˈographer n   > geographical (ˌdʒIəˈɡræfIkəl) or ˌgeoˈgraphic adj   > ˌgeoˈgraphically adv

■ geographical determinism   n   sociol the theory that human activity is determined by geographical conditions

■ geographical mile   n   a former name for nautical mile

■ geographic north   n   another name for true north

geohydrology (ˌdʒiːəʊhaIˈdrɒlədʒI)   n   the study of groundwater in the earth's crust

■ geohydrologic (ˌdʒiːəʊˌhaIdrəˈlɒdʒIk)   adj   relating to geohydrology

■ geohydrologist (ˌdʒiːəʊhaIˈdrɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies geohydrology

geoid (ˈdʒiːɔId)   n   1 a hypothetical surface that corresponds to mean sea level and extends at the same level under the continents   2 the shape of the earth

■ geoidal (dʒiːˈɔIdəl)   adj   relating to a geoid

geol.   abbreviation for   1 geologic(al)   2 geology

geolatry (dʒiːˈɒlətrI)   n   the worship of the earth

geolinguistics (ˌdʒiːəʊlIŋˈɡwIstIks)   n   the study of the geographical distribution of languages

geolocation (ˌdʒiːəʊləʊˈkeIʃən)   n   the use of technology to identify the geographical location of an internet user

geology (dʒIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the scientific study of the origin, history, structure, and composition of the earth   2 the geological features of a district or country   > geological (ˌdʒIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌgeoˈlogic adj   > ˌgeoˈlogically adv   > geˈologist or geˈologer n

■ geologian (dʒiːəˈləʊdʒən)   n   an obsolete form of geologist

■ geological cycle   n   the series of events in which a rock of one type is converted to one or more other types and then back to the original type. Also called: rock cycle

■ Geological Survey   n   a government-sponsored organization working in the field of geology, such as the US Geological Survey, the Geological Survey of India, or the Institute of Geological Sciences (UK)

■ geological timescale   n   any division of geological time into chronological units, whether relative (with units in the correct temporal sequence) or absolute (with numerical ages attached)

■ geologize or geologise (dʒIˈɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb   to study the geological features of (an area)

geom.   abbreviation for   1 geometric(al)   2 geometry

geomagnetism (ˌdʒiːəʊˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   1 the magnetic field of the earth   2 the branch of physics concerned with this   > geomagnetic (ˌdʒiːəʊmæɡˈnɛtIk) adj

■ geomagnetically (ˌdʒiːəʊmæɡˈnɛtIklI)   adv   from a geomagnetic point of view

■ geomagnetist (ˌdʒiːəʊˈmæɡnətIst)   n   someone who studies, or is an expert in, geomagnetism

geomancy (ˈdʒiːəʊˌmænsI)   n   prophecy from the pattern made when a handful of earth is cast down or dots are drawn at random and connected with lines   > ˈgeoˌmancer n   > ˌgeoˈmantic adj

■ geomant (ˈdʒiːəʊˌmænt)   n   obsolete a geomancer

geomechanics (ˌdʒiːəʊmIˈkænIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study and application of rock and soil mechanics

geomedicine (ˌdʒiːəʊˈmɛdIsIn)   n   the study of the effect of geographical environment on diseases

■ geomedical (ˌdʒiːəʊˈmɛdIkəl)   adj   relating to geomedicine

geometry (dʒIˈɒmItrI)   n   1 the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties, relationships, and measurement of points, lines, curves, and surfaces. See also analytical geometry, non-Euclidean geometry   2    a any branch of geometry using a particular notation or set of assumptions: analytical geometry   b any branch of geometry referring to a particular set of objects: solid geometry   3 a shape, configuration, or arrangement   4 arts the shape of a solid or a surface [C14: from Latin geōmetria, from Greek, from geōmetrein to measure the land]

■ geometer (dʒIˈɒmItə) or geometrician (dʒIˌɒmIˈtrIʃən, ˌdʒiːəʊmI-)   n   a person who is practised in or who studies geometry

■ geometric (ˌdʒIəˈmɛtrIk) or geometrical   adj   1 of, relating to, or following the methods and principles of geometry   2 consisting of, formed by, or characterized by points, lines, curves, or surfaces: a geometric figure   3 (of design or ornamentation) composed predominantly of simple geometric forms, such as circles, rectangles, triangles, etc   > ˌgeoˈmetrically adv

■ geometric distribution   n   statistics the distribution of the number, x, of independent trials required to obtain a first success: where the probability in each is p, the probability that x = r is p(1-p)r–1, where r = 1, 2, 3, …, with mean 1/p. See also Bernoulli trial

■ geometric mean   n   the average value of a set of n integers, terms, or quantities, expressed as the nth root of their product. Compare arithmetic mean

■ geometric pace   n   a modern form of a Roman pace, a measure of length taken as 5 feet

■ geometric progression   n   a sequence of numbers, each of which differs from the succeeding one by a constant ratio, as 1, 2, 4, 8, …. Compare arithmetic progression

■ geometric series   n   a geometric progression written as a sum, as in 1 + 2 + 4 + 8

■ geometrid (dʒIˈɒmItrId)   n   1 any moth of the family Geometridae, the larvae of which are called measuring worms, inchworms, or loopers   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Geometridae [C19: from New Latin Geōmetridae, from Latin, from Greek geometrēs: land measurer, from the looping gait of the larvae]

■ geometrist (dʒiːˈɒmItrIst)   n   another name for a geometer

■ geometrization or geometrisation (dʒIˌɒmətraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the application of geometrical concepts to a different field

■ geometrize or geometrise (dʒIˈɒmIˌtraIz)   vb   1 to use or apply geometric methods or principles (to)   2 (tr) to represent in geometric form

geomorphic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈmɔːfIk)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling the earth's surface

geomorphology (ˌdʒiːəʊmɔːˈfɒlədʒI) or geomorphogeny (ˌdʒiːəʊmɔːˈfɒdʒənI)   n   the branch of geology that is concerned with the structure, origin, and development of the topographical features of the earth's surface   > geomorphological (ˌdʒiːəʊˌmɔːfəˈlɒdʒIkəl), ˌgeoˌmorphoˈlogic or geomorphogenic (ˌdʒiːəʊˌmɔːfəˈdʒiːnIk) adj   > ˌgeoˌmorphoˈlogically adv

■ geomorphologist (ˌdʒiːəʊmɔːˈfɒlədʒIst) or geomorphogenist (ˌdʒiːəʊmɔːˈfɒdʒənIst)   n   a person who studies geomorphology

geomyoid (ˌdʒiːəʊˈmaIɔId)   adj   relating to burrowing rodents of the genus Geomys

geonomics (ˌdʒiːəʊˈnɒmIks)   n   economics a doctrine holding that humans own what is created by them, but that those things found in nature, such as land, belong to no one person but instead belong equally to all humankind

geophagy (dʒIˈɒfədʒI), geophagia (ˌdʒIəˈfeIdʒə, -dʒIə) or geophagism (dʒIˈɒfədʒIzəm)   n   1 the practice of eating earth, clay, chalk, etc, found in some primitive tribes   2 zoology the habit of some animals, esp earthworms, of eating soil   > geˈophagist n   > geophagous (dʒIˈɒfəɡəs) adj

geophilic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈfIlIk) or geophilous (dʒiːˈɒfIləs)   adj   1 soil-loving   2 spending life, or a stage of life, underground

geophone (ˈdʒiːəʊˌfəʊn)   n   geology a device for recording seismic movement

geophysics (ˌdʒiːəʊˈfIzIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of the earth's physical properties and of the physical processes acting upon, above, and within the earth. It includes seismology, geomagnetism, meteorology, and oceanography   > ˌgeoˈphysicist n

■ geophysical (ˌdʒiːəʊˈfIzIkəl)   adj   of or relating to geophysics

■ geophysically (ˌdʒiːəʊˈfIzIklI)   adv   geology from a geophysical point of view

geophyte (ˈdʒiːəʊˌfaIt)   n   a perennial plant that propagates by means of buds below the soil surface   > geophytic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈfItIk) adj

geopolitics (ˌdʒiːəʊˈpɒlItIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the study of the effect of geographical factors on politics, esp international politics; political geography   2 (functioning as plural) the combination of geographical and political factors affecting a country or area   3 (functioning as plural) politics as they affect the whole world; global politics   > ˌgeoˌpoliˈtician n

■ geopolitical (ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlItIkəl)   adj   of or relating to geopolitics   > ˌgeopoˈlitically adv

geoponics (ˌdʒiːəʊˈpɒnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the science of agriculture

■ geoponic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈpɒnIk)   adj   1 of or relating to agriculture, esp as a science   2 rural; rustic [C17: from Greek geōponikos concerning land cultivation, from geōponein to till the soil, from GEO- + ponein to labour]

■ geoponical (ˌdʒiːəʊˈpɒnIkəl)   adj   agricultural

geopressured (ˌdʒiːəʊˈprɛʃəd)   adj   relating to the pressure within the earth

geoprobe (ˈdʒiːəʊˌprəʊb)   n   geology a probing device used for sampling soil

Geordie (ˈdʒɔːdI) Brit   n   1 a person who comes from or lives in Tyneside   2 the dialect spoken by these people   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to these people or their dialect [C19: a diminutive of George]

George^1 (dʒɔːdʒ)   n   1 David Lloyd. See Lloyd George   2  Sir Edward (Alan John), known as Eddie. 1938–2009, British economist, governor of the Bank of England (1993–2003)   3  Henry. 1839–97, US economist: advocated a single tax on land values, esp in Progress and Poverty (1879)   4  Saint. died ?303 AD, Christian martyr, the patron saint of England; the hero of a legend in which he slew a dragon. Feast day: April 23   5 (German ɡeˈɔrɡə) Stefan (Anton) (ˈʃtɛfan). 1868–1933, German poet and aesthete. Influenced by the French Symbolists, esp Mallarmé and later by Nietzsche, he aimed for an idealized purity of form in his verse. He refused Nazi honours and went into exile in 1933

George^2 (dʒɔːdʒ)   n   Brit informal the automatic pilot in an aircraft [C20: originally a slang name for an airman]

George I   n   1660–1727, first Hanoverian king of Great Britain and Ireland (1714–27) and elector of Hanover (1698–1727). His dependence in domestic affairs on his ministers led to the emergence of Walpole as the first prime minister

George II   n   1  1683–1760, king of Great Britain and Ireland and elector of Hanover (1727–60); son of George I. His victory over the French at Dettingen (1743) in the War of the Austrian Succession was the last appearance on a battlefield by a British king   2  1890–1947, king of Greece (1922–24; 1935–47). He was overthrown by the republicans (1924) and exiled during the German occupation of Greece (1941–45)

George III   n   1738–1820, king of Great Britain and Ireland (1760–1820) and of Hanover (1814–20). During his reign the American colonies were lost. He became insane in 1811 as a result of porphyria, and his son acted as regent for the rest of the reign

George IV   n   1762–1830, king of Great Britain and Ireland and also of Hanover (1820–30); regent (1811–20). His father (George III) disapproved of his profligate ways, which undermined the prestige of the crown, and of his association with the Whig opposition

George V   n   1865–1936, king of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and emperor of India (1910–36)

George VI   n   1895–1952, king of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1936–52) and emperor of India (1936–47). The second son of George V, he succeeded to the throne after the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII

George Cross   n   a British award for bravery, esp of civilians: instituted 1940. Abbreviation: GC

Georgetown (ˈdʒɔːdʒˌtaʊn)   n   the capital and chief port of Guyana, at the mouth of the Demerara River: became capital of the Dutch colonies of Essequibo and Demerara in 1784; seat of the University of Guyana. Pop: 237 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1812): Stabroek

George Town   n   1 Also called: Penang a port in NW Malaysia, capital of Penang state, in NE Penang Island: the first chartered city of the Malayan federation. Pop: 162 000 (2005 est)   2 the capital of the Cayman Islands: a port on Grand Cayman Island. Pop: 30 600 (2004 est)

georgette or georgette crepe (dʒɔːˈdʒɛt)   n     a a thin silk or cotton crepe fabric with a matt finish   b (as modifier): a georgette blouse [C20: from the name Mme Georgette, a French modiste]

Georgia (ˈdʒɔːdʒjə)   n   1 a republic in NW Asia, on the Black Sea: an independent kingdom during the Middle Ages, it was divided by Turkey and Persia in 1555; became part of Russia in 1918 and a separate Soviet republic in 1936; its independence was recognized internationally in 1992. It is rich in minerals and has hydroelectric resources. Official language: Georgian. Religion: Orthodox Christian majority, Muslim minority. Currency: lari. Capital: Tbilisi. Pop: 3 912 061 (2017 est). Area: 69 493 sq km (26 831 sq miles)   2 a state of the southeastern US, on the Atlantic: consists of coastal plains with forests and swamps, rising to the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachians in the northwest. Capital: Atlanta. Pop: 8 684 715 (2003 est). Area: 152 489 sq km (58 876 sq miles). Abbreviation: Ga, (with zip code) GA

■ Georgian (ˈdʒɔːdʒjən)   adj   1 of, characteristic of, or relating to any or all of the four kings who ruled Great Britain and Ireland from 1714 to 1830, or to their reigns   2 of or relating to George V of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or his reign (1910–36): the Georgian poets   3 of or relating to the republic of Georgia, its people, or their language   4 of or relating to the American State of Georgia or its inhabitants   5 in or imitative of the style prevalent in England during the 18th century (reigns of George I, II, and III); in architecture, dominated by the ideas of Palladio, and in furniture, represented typically by the designs of Sheraton   ▷ n   6 the official language of Georgia, belonging to the South Caucasian family   7 a native or inhabitant of Georgia   8 an aboriginal inhabitant of the Caucasus   9 a native or inhabitant of the American State of Georgia   10 a person belonging to or imitating the styles of either of the Georgian periods in England

■ Georgian Bay   n   a bay in S central Canada, in Ontario, containing many small islands: the NE part of Lake Huron. Area: 15 000 sq km (5800 sq miles)

georgic (ˈdʒɔːdʒIk)   adj   1 literary agricultural   ▷ n   2 a poem about rural or agricultural life [C16: from Latin geōrgicus, from Greek geōrgikos, from geōrgos farmer, from gē land, earth + -ourgos, from ergon work]

geoscience (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsaIəns)   n   1 any science, such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or geodesy, concerned with the earth; an earth science   2 these sciences collectively

■ geoscientific (ˌdʒiːəʊˌsaIənˈtIfIk)   adj   relating to geoscience

■ geoscientist (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsaIəntIst)   n   a specialist in any earth science

geospatial (ˌdʒiːəʊˈspeIʃəl)   adj   of or relating to the relative position of things on the earth's surface

geosphere (ˈdʒiːəʊˌsfIə)   n   another name for lithosphere

geostatics (ˌdʒiːəʊˈstætIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the statics of rigid bodies, esp the balance of forces within the earth

■ geostatic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈstætIk)   adj   1 Also: lithostatic denoting or relating to the pressure exerted by a mass of rock or a similar substance   2 (of a construction) able to resist the pressure of a mass of earth or similar material

geostationary (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsteIʃənərI)   adj   (of a satellite) in a circular equatorial orbit in which it circles the earth once per sidereal day so that it appears stationary in relation to the earth's surface. Also: geosynchronous

geostrategy (ˌdʒiːəʊˈstrætədʒI)   n   the study of geopolitics and strategics, esp as they affect the analysis of a region

■ geostrategic (ˌdʒiːəʊstrəˈtiːdʒIk) or geostrategical (ˌdʒiːəʊstrəˈtiːdʒIkəl)   adj   relating to geostrategy

■ geostrategist (ˌdʒiːəʊˈstrætIdʒIst)   n   a person who studies or is an expert in geostrategy

geostrophic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈstrɒfIk)   adj   of, relating to, or caused by the force produced by the rotation of the earth: geostrophic wind

■ geostrophically (ˌdʒiːəʊˈstrɒfIklI)   adv   in a geostrophic manner

geosynchronous (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsIŋkrənəs)   adj   another word for geostationary

geosyncline (ˌdʒiːəʊˈsIŋklaIn)   n   a broad elongated depression in the earth's crust containing great thicknesses of sediment   > ˌgeosynˈclinal adj

geotag (ˈdʒiːəʊˌtæɡ)   n   1 an electronic code that assigns a geographical location to online data such as videos, photographs, or social-media postings   ▷ vb -tags, -tagging, -tagged   2 (tr) to assign a geotag to (online data)

geotaxis (ˌdʒiːəʊˈtæksIs)   n   movement of an organism in response to the stimulus of gravity   > ˌgeoˈtactic or ˌgeoˈtactical adj   > ˌgeoˈtactically adv

geotechnics (ˌdʒiːəʊˈtɛknIks)   n   the application of science in order to utilize the earth's natural resources in engineering projects

■ geotechnic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈtɛknIk)   adj   relating to geotechnics

■ geotechnical (ˌdʒiːəʊˈtɛknIkəl)   adj   relating to the application of technology to engineering problems caused by geological factors

geotechnology (ˌdʒiːəʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the application of science and technology in order to utilize the earth's natural resources

geotectonic (ˌdʒiːəʊtɛkˈtɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to the formation, arrangement, and structure of the rocks of the earth's crust

■ geotectonically (ˌdʒiːəʊtɛkˈtɒnIklI)   adv   from a geotectonic point of view

geotextile (ˌdʒiːəʊˈtɛkstaIl)   n   any strong synthetic fabric used in civil engineering, as to retain an embankment

geotherm (ˈdʒiːəʊˌθɜːm)   n   1 a line or surface within or on the earth connecting points of equal temperature   2 the representation of such a line or surface on a map or diagram

■ geothermal (ˌdʒiːəʊˈθɜːməl) or geothermic   adj   of or relating to the heat in the interior of the earth

■ geothermally (ˌdʒiːəʊˈθɜːməlI)   adv   in a geothermal manner

■ geothermal power   n   power generated using steam produced by heat emanating from the molten core of the earth

■ geothermometer (ˌdʒiːəʊθəˈmɒmItə)   n   a thermometer for measuring temperatures below the surface of the earth

geotropism (ˌdʒiːəʊˈtrəʊpIzəm)   n   the response of a plant part to the stimulus of gravity. Plant stems, which grow upwards irrespective of the position in which they are placed, show negative geotropism   > geotropic (ˌdʒiːəʊˈtrəʊpIk) adj   > ˌgeoˈtropically adv

ger.   abbreviation for   1 gerund   2 gerundive

Ger.   abbreviation for   1 German   2 Germany

Gera (German ˈɡeːra)   n   an industrial city in E central Germany, in Thuringia. Pop: 106 365 (2003 est)

gerah (ˈɡIərə)   n   1 an ancient Hebrew unit of weight   2 an ancient Hebrew coin equal to one twentieth of a shekel [C16: from Hebrew gērāh bean]

Geraldton waxflower (ˈdʒɛrəldtən ˈwæksˌflaʊə)   n   an evergreen shrub, Chamelaucium uncinatum, native to W Australia, cultivated for its pale pink flowers. Also called: Geraldton wax [named after Geraldton, a port in W Australia]

geraniaceous (dʒIˌreInIˈeIʃəs)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Geraniaceae, a family of plants with typically hairy stems and beaklike fruits: includes the geranium, pelargonium, storksbill, and cranesbill [C19: from New Latin Geraniāceae; see GERANIUM]

geranial (dʒIˈreInIəl)   n   the cis- isomer of citral [C19: from GERANI(UM) + AL(DEHYDE)]

geraniol (dʒIˈreInIˌɒl, dʒIˈrɑː-)   n   a colourless or pale yellow terpine alcohol with an odour of roses, found in many essential oils: used in perfumery. Formula: C_10H_18O [C19: from GERANI(UM + ALCOH)OL]

geranium (dʒIˈreInIəm)   n   1 any cultivated geraniaceous plant of the genus Pelargonium, having scarlet, pink, or white showy flowers. See also pelargonium, rose geranium, lemon geranium   2 any geraniaceous plant of the genus Geranium, such as cranesbill and herb Robert, having divided leaves and pink or purplish flowers   3 a strong red to a moderate or strong pink colour [C16: from Latin: cranesbill, from Greek geranion, from geranos CRANE]

Gérard (French ʒerar)   n   François (Pascal Simon), Baron. 1770–1837, French painter, court painter to Napoleon I and Louis XVIII

gerardia (dʒəˈrɑːdIə)   n   any plant of the genus Gerardia

geratology (ˌdʒɛrəˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medicine concerned with elderly people and the phenomena associated with ageing; geriatrics and gerontology [C19: from gerato-, from Greek gēras old age + -LOGY]   > geratological (ˌdʒɛrətəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌgeraˈtologist n

gerbera (ˈdʒɜːbərə)   n   any plant of the perennial genus Gerbera, esp the Barberton daisy from S Africa, G. jamesonii, grown, usually as a greenhouse plant, for its large brightly coloured daisy-like flowers: family Asteraceae [named after Traugott Gerber (died 1743), German naturalist]

gerbil or gerbille (ˈdʒɜːbIl)   n   any burrowing rodent of the subfamily Gerbillinae, inhabiting hot dry regions of Asia and Africa and having soft pale fur: family Cricetidae [C19: from French gerbille, from New Latin gerbillus a little JERBOA]

gerent (ˈdʒɛrənt)   n   rare a person who rules or manages [C16: from Latin gerēns managing, from gerere to bear]

gerenuk (ˈɡɛrIˌnʊk)   n   a slender E African antelope, Litocranius walleri, with a long thin neck and backward-curving horns [from Somali garanug]

gerfalcon (ˈdʒɜːˌfɔːlkən, -ˌfɔːkən)   n   a variant spelling of gyrfalcon

Gergiev (ˈɡɛədʒjɛf)   n   Valery Abesalovich. born 1953, Russian conductor; musical director of the Kirov (now the Mariinsky) Opera from 1988; principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra (2007–15)

geriatrics (ˌdʒɛrIˈætrIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting older people. Compare gerontology

USAGE

The term geriatric medicine is often used in preference to geriatrics

■ geriatric (ˌdʒɛrIˈætrIk)   adj   1 of or relating to geriatric medicine or to older people   2 informal (of people or machines) old, obsolescent, worn out, or useless   ▷ n   3 old-fashioned, offensive an older person   ▶ See also psychogeriatric [C20: from Greek gēras old age + IATRIC]

■ geriatrician (ˌdʒɛrIəˈtrIʃən) or geriatrist (ˌdʒɛrIˈætrIst)   n   a physician who specializes in geriatric medicine

Géricault (French ʒeriko)   n   (Jean Louis André) Théodore (teɔdɔr). 1791–1824, French romantic painter, noted for his skill in capturing movement, esp of horses

Gerlachovský Peak (Slovak ˈɡɛrlaxɔfski)   n   a mountain in N Slovakia, in the Tatra Mountains: the highest peak of the Carpathian Mountains. Height: 2655 m (8711 ft)

germ (dʒɜːm)   n   1 a microorganism, esp one that produces disease in animals or plants   2 (often plural) the rudimentary or initial form of something: the germs of revolution   3 a simple structure, such as a fertilized egg, that is capable of developing into a complete organism [C17: from French germe, from Latin germen sprig, bud, sprout, seed]

■ germ cell   n   a sexual reproductive cell; gamete. Compare somatic cell

■ germ-free   adj   not carrying microorganisms, esp ones that produce disease in animals or plants

■ germicide (ˈdʒɜːmIˌsaId)   n   any substance that kills germs or other microorganisms   > ˌgermiˈcidal adj

■ germiness (ˈdʒɜːmInəs)   n   the state of being germy

■ germ-killer   n   any substance that kills microorganisms

■ germ layer   n   embryol any of the three layers of cells formed during gastrulation. See ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm

■ germ-like   adj   resembling a germ

■ germ line   n   the lineage of cells culminating in the germ cells

■ germplasm (ˈdʒɜːmˌplæzəm)   n     a the part of a germ cell that contains hereditary material; the chromosomes and genes   b the germ cells collectively. Compare somatoplasm

■ germproof (ˈdʒɜːmpruːf)   adj   impervious to, or unable to be affected by, microorganisms

■ germ theory   n   1 the theory that all infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms   2 the theory that living organisms develop from other living organisms by the growth and differentiation of germ cells

■ germ tube   n   botany a tube produced by a germinating spore, such as the pollen tube produced by a pollen grain

■ germ warfare   n   the military use of disease-spreading bacteria against an enemy. Also called: bacteriological warfare

■ germy (ˈdʒɜːmI)   adj germier, germiest   full of germs

german^1 (ˈdʒɜːmən)   n   US a dance consisting of complicated figures and changes of partners [C19: shortened from German cotillion]

german^2 (ˈdʒɜːmən)   adj   1 (used in combination)   a having the same parents as oneself: a brother-german   b having a parent that is a brother or sister of either of one's own parents: cousin-german   2 a less common word for germane [C14: via Old French germain, from Latin germānus of the same race, from germen sprout, offshoot]

German (ˈdʒɜːmən)   n   1 the official language of Germany and Austria and one of the official languages of Switzerland; the native language of approximately 100 million people. It is an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch, closely related to English and Dutch. There is considerable diversity of dialects; modern standard German is a development of Old High German, influenced by Martin Luther's translation of the Bible. See also High German, Low German   2 a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Germany   3 a person whose native language is German: Swiss Germans; Volga Germans   ▷ adj   4 denoting, relating to, or using the German language   5 relating to, denoting, or characteristic of any German state or its people ▶ Related prefixes: Germano-, Teuto-

■ German Baptist Brethren   pl n   a Protestant sect founded in 1708 in Germany but who migrated to the US in 1719–29, the members of which (Dunkers) insist on adult baptism by total immersion. Also called: Church of the Brethren

■ German cockroach   n   a small cockroach, Blattella germanica: a common household pest. Also called (US): Croton bug

■ German Democratic Republic   n   (formerly) the official name of East Germany. Abbreviations: GDR, DDR

■ German East Africa   n   a former German territory in E Africa, consisting of Tanganyika and Ruanda-Urundi: divided in 1919 between Great Britain and Belgium; now in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi

■ Germanic (dʒɜːˈmænIk)   n   1 a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes English, Dutch, German, the Scandinavian languages, and Gothic. Abbreviation: Gmc. See East Germanic, West Germanic, North Germanic   2 the unrecorded language from which all of these languages developed; Proto-Germanic   ▷ adj   3 of, denoting, or relating to this group of languages   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of Germany, the German language, or any people that speaks a Germanic language

■ Germanism (ˈdʒɜːməˌnIzəm)   n   1 a word or idiom borrowed from or modelled on German   2 a German custom, trait, practice, etc   3 attachment to or high regard for German customs, institutions, etc

■ Germanize or Germanise (ˈdʒɜːməˌnaIz)   vb   to adopt or cause to adopt German customs, speech, institutions, etc   > ˌGermaniˈzation or ˌGermaniˈsation n   > ˈGermanˌizer or ˈGermanˌiser n

■ German measles   n   (functioning as singular) a nontechnical name for rubella

■ German Ocean   n   a former name for the North Sea

■ Germanophile (dʒɜːˈmænəˌfaIl) or Germanophil (dʒɜːˈmænəˌfIl)   n   a person having admiration for or devotion to Germany and the Germans   > Germanophilia (dʒɜːˌmænəˈfIlIə) n

■ Germanophobe (dʒɜːˈmænəˌfəʊb)   n   a person who hates Germany or its people   > Gerˌmanoˈphobia n

■ German shepherd, German shepherd dog or German sheep dog   n   another name for Alsatian (sense 1)

■ German short-haired pointer   n   a medium-sized short-haired variety of pointer having a liver-coloured or black coat, sometimes with white markings

■ German silver   n   another name for nickel silver

■ German sixth   n   (in musical harmony) an augmented sixth chord having a major third and a perfect fifth between the root and the augmented sixth. Compare Italian sixth, French sixth

■ German wire-haired pointer   n   a medium-sized powerfully-built variety of pointer with a wiry coat in liver, liver and white, or black and white, and a short beard

germander (dʒɜːˈmændə)   n   any of several plants of the genus Teucrium, esp T. chamaedrys (wall germander) of Europe, having two-lipped flowers with a very small upper lip: family Lamiaceae (labiates) [C15: from Medieval Latin germandrea, from Late Greek khamandrua, from Greek khamaidrus, from khamai on the ground + drus oak tree]

■ germander speedwell   n   a creeping scrophulariaceous Eurasian plant, Veronica chamaedrys, naturalized in North America, having small bright blue flowers with white centres. Usual US name: bird's-eye speedwell

germane (dʒɜːˈmeIn)   adj   (postpositive; usually foll by to) related (to the topic being considered); akin; relevant: an idea germane to the conversation [variant of GERMAN^2]   > gerˈmanely adv   > gerˈmaneness n

Germanicus Caesar (dʒɜːˈmænIkəs)   n   15 BC–19 AD, Roman general; nephew of the emperor Tiberius; waged decisive campaigns against the Germans (14–16)

germanite (ˈdʒɜːməˌnaIt)   n   a mineral consisting of a complex copper arsenic sulphide containing germanium, gallium, iron, zinc, and lead: an ore of germanium and gallium [from GERMANIUM + -ITE^1]

germanium (dʒɜːˈmeInIəm)   n   a brittle crystalline grey element that is a semiconducting metalloid, occurring principally in zinc ores and argyrodite: used in transistors, as a catalyst, and to strengthen and harden alloys. Symbol: Ge; atomic no: 32; atomic wt: 72.61; valency: 2 or 4; relative density: 5.323; melting pt: 938.35°C; boiling pt: 2834°C [C19: New Latin, named after GERMANY]

■ germanic (dʒɜːˈmænIk)   adj   of or containing germanium in the tetravalent state

■ germanous (dʒɜːˈmænəs)   adj   of or containing germanium in the divalent state

Germany (ˈdʒɜːmənI)   n   a country in central Europe: in the Middle Ages the centre of the Holy Roman Empire; dissolved into numerous principalities; united under the leadership of Prussia in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War; became a republic with reduced size in 1919 after being defeated in World War I; under the dictatorship of Hitler from 1933 to 1945; defeated in World War II and divided by the Allied Powers into four zones, which became established as East and West Germany in the late 1940s; reunified in 1990: a member of the European Union. It is flat and low-lying in the north with plateaus and uplands (including the Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps) in the centre and south. Official language: German. Religion: Christianity. Currency: euro. Capital: Berlin. Pop: 82 114 224 (2017 est). Area: 357 041 sq km (137 825 sq miles). German name: Deutschland. Official name: Federal Republic of Germany. See also East Germany, West Germany. Related adjective: Teutonic

germen (ˈdʒɜːmən)   n, pl -mens or -mina (-mInə)   biology rare the mass of undifferentiated cells that gives rise to the germ cells [C17: from Latin; see GERM]

germinal (ˈdʒɜːmInəl)   adj   1 of, relating to, or like germs or a germ cell   2 of, or in the earliest stage of development; embryonic [C19: from New Latin germinālis, from Latin germen bud; see GERM]   > ˈgerminally adv

■ germinal vesicle   n   biology the large nucleus of an oocyte before it develops into an ovum

Germinal French (ʒɛrminal)   n   the month of buds: the seventh month of the French revolutionary calendar, from March 22 to April 20

germinate (ˈdʒɜːmIˌneIt)   vb   1 to cause (seeds or spores) to sprout or (of seeds or spores) to sprout or form new tissue following increased metabolism   2 to grow or cause to grow; develop   3 to come or bring into existence; originate: the idea germinated with me [C17: from Latin germināre to sprout; see GERM]   > ˈgerminable or ˈgerminative adj   > ˌgermiˈnation n   > ˈgermiˌnator n

■ germinability (ˌdʒɜːmInəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability of a seed to germinate

■ germinant (ˈdʒɜːmInənt)   adj   in the process of germinating; sprouting

Germiston (ˈdʒɜːmIstən)   n   a city in South Africa, southeast of Johannesburg: industrial centre, with the world's largest gold refinery, serving the Witwatersrand mines. Pop: 139 721 (2001)

gerne (ɡɜːn)   vb (intr)   to grin

Gerona (Spanish xeˈrona)   n   a city in NE Spain: city walls and 14th-century cathedral; often besieged, in particular by the French (1809). Pop: 81 220 (2003 est). Catalan name: Girona. Ancient name: Gerunda (dʒəˈruːndə)

Geronimo (dʒəˈrɒnIˌməʊ)   n   1  1829–1909, Apache chieftain: led a campaign against the White settlers until his final capture in 1886   ▷ interj   2 US a shout given by paratroopers as they jump into battle   3 an exclamation expressing exhilaration, esp when jumping from a great height

gerontic (dʒɛˈrɒntIk)   adj   biology of or relating to the senescence of an organism

geronto- or before a vowel geront-   combining form   indicating old age: gerontology; gerontophilia [from Greek gerōn, geront- old man]

gerontocracy (ˌdʒɛrɒnˈtɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 government by old people   2 a governing body of old people   > geˈrontoˌcrat n   > gerontocratic (dʒəˌrɒntəˈkrætIk) adj

gerontology (ˌdʒɛrɒnˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of ageing and the problems associated with older people. Compare geriatrics   > gerontological (dʒɛˌrɒntəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or gerontologic (dʒɛˌrɒntəˈlɒdʒIk) adj   > ˌgeronˈtologist n

gerontomorphic (dʒəˌrɒntəʊˈmɔːfIk)   adj   relating to mature masculine characteristics

gerontophilia (dʒɛˌrɒntəˈfIlIə)   n   sexual attraction towards old people

■ gerontophil (dʒɛˈrɒntəˌfIl)   adj   experiencing sexual attraction to old people

■ gerontophile (dʒɛˈrɒntəˌfaIl)   n   someone who is sexually attracted to old people

gerontophobia (dʒɛˌrɒntəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an abnormal fear or hatred of old people or the idea of growing old

■ gerontophobe (dʒɛˈrɒntəˌfəʊb)   n   a person who fears or hates old people or the idea of growing old

geropiga (ˌdʒɛrəʊˈpiːɡə)   n   a grape syrup used to sweeten inferior port wines

-gerous   adj combining form   bearing or producing: armigerous. Compare -ferous [from Latin -ger bearing + -OUS]

gerrymander (ˈdʒɛrIˌmændə)   vb   1 to divide the constituencies of (a voting area) so as to give one party an unfair advantage   2 to manipulate or adapt to one's advantage   ▷ n   3 an act or result of gerrymandering [C19: from Elbridge Gerry, US politician + (SALA)MANDER; from the salamander-like outline of an electoral district reshaped (1812) for political purposes while Gerry was governor of Massachusetts]   > ˌgerryˈmandering n

■ gerrymanderer (ˌdʒɛrIˈmændərə)   n   a person who gerrymanders

Gers (French ʒɛr)   n   a department of SW France, in Occitanie region. Capital: Auch. Pop: 175 055 (2003 est). Area: 6291 sq km (2453 sq miles)

Gershwin (ˈɡɜːʃwIn)   n   1  George, original name Jacob Gershvin. 1898–1937, US composer: incorporated jazz into works such as Rhapsody in Blue (1924) for piano and jazz band and the opera Porgy and Bess (1935)   2  Ira, original name Israel Gershvin. 1896–1983, US song lyricist, noted esp for his collaboration with his brother, George Gershwin

gert (ɡɜːt)   adv   English dialect great or very big

gertcha (ˈɡɜːtʃə)   interj   slang get out of here!

gerund (ˈdʒɛrənd)   n   a noun formed from a verb, denoting an action or state. In English, the gerund, like the present participle, is formed in -ing: the living is easy [C16: from Late Latin gerundium, from Latin gerundum something to be carried on, from gerere to wage]   > gerundial (dʒIˈrʌndIəl) adj

gerundive (dʒIˈrʌndIv)   n   1 (in Latin grammar) an adjective formed from a verb, expressing the desirability of the activity denoted by the verb   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the gerund or gerundive [C17: from Late Latin gerundīvus, from gerundium GERUND]   > gerundival (ˌdʒɛrənˈdaIvəl) adj   > geˈrundively adv

Gervais (dʒəˈveIz)   n   Ricky. born 1961, British comedian, writer, and actor; his TV series include The Office (2001–03), and Extras (2005–07)

Geryon (ˈɡɛrIən)   n   Greek myth a winged monster with three bodies joined at the waist, killed by Hercules, who stole the monster's cattle as his tenth labour

gesellschaft (German ɡəˈzɛlʃaft)   n, pl -schaften (German -ʃaftən)   (often capital) a social group held together by practical concerns, formal and impersonal relationships, etc. Compare gemeinschaft [German, literally: society]

gesneria (ɡɛsˈnIərIə, dʒɛs-)   n   any plant of the mostly tuberous-rooted S American genus Gesneria, grown as a greenhouse plant for its large leaves and showy tubular flowers in a range of bright colours: family Gesneriaceae [named after Conrad Gesner, 1516–65, Swiss naturalist]

■ gesneriad (ɡɛsˈnIərIæd, dʒɛs-)   n   a tropical plant of the genus Gesneria

gesso (ˈdʒɛsəʊ)   n   1 a white ground of plaster and size, used esp in the Middle Ages and Renaissance to prepare panels or canvas for painting or gilding   2 any white substance, esp plaster of Paris, that forms a ground when mixed with water [C16: from Italian: chalk, GYPSUM]

gest or geste (dʒɛst)   n archaic   1 a notable deed or exploit   2 a tale of adventure or romance, esp in verse. See also chanson de geste [C14: from Old French, from Latin gesta deeds, from gerere to carry out]

Gestalt (ɡəˈʃtælt)   n, pl -stalts or -stalten (-ˈʃtæltən)   (sometimes not capital) a perceptual pattern or structure possessing qualities as a whole that cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts [C20: German: form, from Old High German stellen to shape]

■ gestaltism (ɡəˈʃtæltIzəm)   n   psychol Gestalt psychology

■ gestaltist (ɡəˈʃtæltIst)   n   psychol one who believes in, or practises, Gestalt psychology

■ Gestalt psychology   n   a system of thought, derived from experiments carried out by German psychologists, that regards all mental phenomena as being arranged in Gestalts

■ Gestalt psychotherapy   n   a therapy devised in the US in the 1960s in which patients are encouraged to concentrate on the immediate present and to express their true feelings

gestant (ˈdʒɛstənt)   adj   rare laden or burdened

Gestapo (ɡɛˈstɑːpəʊ; German ɡeˈʃtaːpo)   n   the secret state police in Nazi Germany, noted for its brutal methods of interrogation [from German Ge(heime) Sta(ats)po(lizei), literally: secret state police]

Gesta Romanorum (ˈdʒɛstə ˌrəʊməˈnɔːrəm)   n   a popular collection of tales in Latin with moral applications, compiled in the late 13th century as a manual for preachers [Latin: deeds of the Romans]

gestate (dʒɛˈsteIt)   vb   1 (tr) to carry (developing young) in the uterus during pregnancy   2 (tr) to develop (a plan or idea) in the mind   3 (intr) to be in the process of gestating [C19: back formation from GESTATION]

■ gestation (dʒɛˈsteIʃən)   n   1    a the development of the embryo of a viviparous mammal, between conception and birth: about 266 days in humans, 624 days in elephants, and 63 days in cats   b (as modifier): gestation period   2 the development of an idea or plan in the mind   3 the period of such a development [C16: from Latin gestātiō a bearing, from gestāre to bear, frequentative of gerere to carry]   > gesˈtational or gestative (ˈdʒɛstətIv, dʒɛˈsteI-) adj   > ˈgestatory adj

gestatorial chair (ˌdʒɛstəˈtɔːrIəl)   n   a ceremonial chair on which the pope is carried

gestic (ˈdʒɛstIk) or gestical (ˈdʒɛstIkəl)   adj   relating to gestures or body movements

gesticulate (dʒɛˈstIkjʊˌleIt)   vb   to express by or make gestures [C17: from Latin gesticulārī, from Latin gesticulus (unattested except in Late Latin) gesture, diminutive of gestus gesture, from gerere to bear, conduct]   > gesˈticulative adj   > gesˈticuˌlator n

■ gesticulant (dʒɛˈstIkjʊlənt)   adj   making gestures

■ gesticulation (dʒɛˌstIkjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act of gesticulating   2 an animated or expressive gesture   > gesˈticulatory adj

gesture (ˈdʒɛstʃə)   n   1 a motion of the hands, head, or body to emphasize an idea or emotion, esp while speaking   2 something said or done as a formality or as an indication of intention: a political gesture   3 obsolete the manner in which a person bears himself or herself; posture   ▷ vb   4 to express by or make gestures; gesticulate [C15: from Medieval Latin gestūra bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere to bear]   > ˈgestural adj   > ˈgesturer n

■ gesturally (ˈdʒɛstʃərəlI)   adv   in a gestural manner

Gesualdo (Italian dʒezuˈaldo)   n   Carlo (ˈkarlo), Prince of Venosa. ?1560–1613, Italian composer, esp of madrigals

gesundheit German (ɡəˈzʊnthait)   sentence substitute   an expression used to wish good health to someone who has just sneezed [from gesund healthy + -heit -HOOD; see SOUND^2]

get (ɡɛt)   vb gets, getting, got (ɡɒt), got or esp US gotten (mainly tr)   1 to come into possession of; receive or earn   2 to bring or fetch   3 to contract or be affected by: he got a chill at the picnic   4 to capture or seize: the police finally got him   5 (also intr) to become or cause to become or act as specified: to get a window open; get one's hair cut; get wet   6 (intr; foll by a preposition or adverbial particle) to succeed in going, coming, leaving, etc: get off the bus   7 (takes an infinitive) to manage or contrive: how did you get to be captain?   8 to make ready or prepare: to get a meal   9 to hear, notice, or understand: I didn't get your meaning   10 US and Canadian informal to learn or master by study   11 (intr; often foll by to) to come (to) or arrive (at): we got home safely; to get to Beijing   12 to catch or enter: to get a train   13 to induce or persuade: get him to leave at once   14 to reach by calculation: add 2 and 2 and you will get 4   15 to receive (a broadcast signal)   16 to communicate with (a person or place), as by telephone   17 (also intr; foll by to) informal to have an emotional effect (on): that music really gets me   18 informal to annoy or irritate: her high voice gets me   19 informal to bring a person into a difficult position from which he or she cannot escape   20 informal to puzzle; baffle   21 informal to hit: the blow got him in the back   22 informal to be revenged on, esp by killing   23 US slang   a (foll by to) to gain access (to a person) with the purpose of bribing him or her   b (often foll by to) to obtain access (to someone) and kill or silence him or her   24 informal to have the better of: your extravagant habits will get you in the end   25 (intr; foll by present participle) informal to begin: get moving   26 (used as a command) informal go! leave now!   27 archaic to beget or conceive   28 get even with See even^1 (sense 15)   29 get it or get it in the neck informal to be reprimanded or punished severely   30 get with it slang to allow oneself to respond to new ideas, styles, etc   31 get with child archaic to make pregnant   ▷ n   32 rare the act of begetting   33 rare something begotten; offspring   34 Brit slang a variant of git   35 informal (in tennis, squash, etc) a successful return of a shot that was difficult to reach   ▶ See also got, gotten [Old English gietan; related to Old Norse geta to get, learn, Old High German bigezzan to obtain]   > ˈgetable or ˈgettable adj

USAGE

The use of off after get as in I got this chair off an antique dealer is acceptable in conversation, but should not be used in formal writing

■ get about or get around   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to move around, as when recovering from an illness   2 to be socially active   3 (of news, a rumour, etc) to become known; spread

■ get across   vb   1 to cross or cause or help to cross   2 (adverb) to be or cause to be readily understood   3 (intr, preposition) informal to annoy: her constant interference really got across him

■ get ahead   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to be successful; prosper   2 (foll by of) to surpass or excel

■ get along   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (often foll by with) to be friendly or compatible: my brother gets along well with everybody   2 to manage, cope, or fare: how are you getting along in your job?   3 (also preposition; often imperative) to go or move away; leave   ▷ interj   4 Brit informal an exclamation indicating mild disbelief

■ get around   vb   See get about, get round

■ get at   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to gain access to: the dog could not get at the meat on the high shelf   2 to mean or intend: what are you getting at when you look at me like that?   3 to irritate or annoy persistently; criticize: she is always getting at him   4 to influence or seek to influence, esp illegally by bribery, intimidation, etc: someone had got at the witness before the trial

■ get-at-able   adj   informal accessible

■ get away   vb (adverb, mainly intr)   1 to make an escape; leave   2 to make a start   3 get away with   a to steal and escape (with money, goods, etc)   b to do (something wrong, illegal, etc) without being discovered or punished or with only a minor punishment   ▷ interj   4 an exclamation indicating mild disbelief   ▷ n getaway   5 the act of escaping, esp by criminals   6 a start or acceleration   7 (modifier) used for escaping: a getaway route

■ get back   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to recover or retrieve   2 (intr; often foll by to) to return, esp to a former position or activity: let's get back to the original question   3 (intr; foll by at) to retaliate (against); wreak vengeance (on)   4 get one's own back informal to obtain one's revenge

■ get by   vb   1 to pass; go past or overtake   2 (intr, adverb) informal to manage, esp in spite of difficulties: I can get by with little money   3 (intr) to be accepted or permitted: that book will never get by the authorities

■ get down   vb (mainly adverb)   1 (intr; also preposition) to dismount or descend   2 (tr; also preposition) to bring down: we could not get the wardrobe down the stairs   3 (tr) to write down   4 (tr) to make depressed: your nagging gets me down   5 (tr) to swallow: he couldn't get the meal down   6 (intr; foll by to) to attend seriously (to); concentrate (on) (esp in the phrases get down to business or brass tacks)   7 (intr) informal, chiefly US to enjoy oneself uninhibitedly, esp by dancing

■ get-go   n   from the get-go informal from the beginning: I've been your friend from the get-go

■ get in   vb (mainly adverb)   1 (intr) to enter a car, train, etc   2 (intr) to arrive, esp at one's home or place of work: I got in at midnight   3 (tr) to bring in or inside: get the milk in   4 (tr) to insert or slip in: he got his suggestion in before anyone else   5 (tr) to gather or collect (crops, debts, etc)   6 (tr) to ask (a person, esp a specialist) to give a service: shall I get the doctor in?   7 to be elected or cause to be elected: she got in by 400 votes   8 (tr) to succeed in doing (something), esp during a specified period: I doubt if I can get this task in today   9 (intr) to obtain a place at university, college, etc   10 (foll by on) to join or cause to join (an activity or organization)   11 get in with to be or cause to be on friendly terms with (a person)   12 (preposition) See get into   ▷ n get-in   13 theatre the process of moving into a theatre the scenery, props, and costumes for a production

■ get into   vb (preposition)   1 (intr) to enter   2 (intr) to reach (a destination): the train got into London at noon   3 to get dressed in (clothes)   4 (intr) to preoccupy or obsess (a person's emotions or thoughts): what's got into them tonight?   5 to assume or cause to assume (a specified condition, habit, etc): to get into debt; get a person into a mess   6 to be elected to or cause to be elected to: to get into Parliament   7 (usually intr) informal to become or cause to become familiar with (a skill): once you get into driving you'll enjoy it   8 (usually intr) informal to develop or cause to develop an absorbing interest in (a hobby, subject, or book)

■ get off   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to escape the consequences of an action: he got off very lightly in the accident   2 (adverb) to be or cause to be acquitted: a good lawyer got the suspect off   3 (adverb) to depart or cause to depart: to get the children off to school   4 (intr) to descend (from a bus, train, etc); dismount: she got off at the terminus   5 to move or cause to move to a distance (from): get off the field   6 (tr, adverb) to remove; take off: get your coat off   7 (adverb) to go or send to sleep   8 (adverb) to send (letters) or (of letters) to be sent   9 (intr, adverb) slang to become high on or as on heroin or some other drug   10 get off with Brit informal to establish an amorous or sexual relationship with   11 tell someone where to get off informal to rebuke or criticize someone harshly

■ get on   vb (mainly adverb)   1 to board or cause or help to board (a bus, train, etc). Also (when preposition): get onto   2 (tr) to dress in (clothes as specified)   3 (intr) to grow late or (of time) to elapse: it's getting on and I must go   4 (intr) (of a person) to grow old   5 (intr; foll by for) to approach (a time, age, amount, etc): she is getting on for seventy   6 (intr) to make progress, manage, or fare: how did you get on in your exam?   7 (intr; often foll by with) to establish a friendly relationship: he gets on well with other people   8 (intr; foll by with) to continue to do: get on with your homework!   ▷ interj   9 I don't believe you!

■ get onto   vb (preposition)   1 Also: get on to board or cause or help to board (a bus, train, etc)   2 (intr) to make contact with; communicate with   3 (intr) to become aware of (something illicit or secret): the boss will get onto their pilfering unless they're careful   4 (intr) to deliver a demand, request, or rebuke to: I'll get onto the manufacturers to replace these damaged goods   ▶ See usage note at onto

■ get out   vb (adverb)   1 to leave or escape or cause to leave or escape: used in the imperative when dismissing a person   2 to make or become known; publish or be published   3 (tr) to express with difficulty   4 (tr; often foll by of) to extract (information or money) (from a person): to get a confession out of a criminal   5 (tr) to gain or receive something, esp something of significance or value: you get out of life what you put into it   6 (foll by of) to avoid or cause to avoid: she always gets out of swimming   7 (tr) to solve (a puzzle or problem) successfully   8 cricket to dismiss or be dismissed   ▷ n get-out   9 an escape, as from a difficult situation   10 theatre the process of moving out of a theatre the scenery, props, and costumes after a production

■ get over   vb   1 to cross or surmount (something): the children got over the fence   2 (intr, preposition) to recover from (an illness, shock, etc)   3 (intr, preposition) to overcome or master (a problem): you'll soon get over your shyness   4 (intr, preposition) to appreciate fully: I just can't get over seeing you again   5 (tr, adverb) to communicate effectively: he had difficulty getting the message over   6 (tr, adverb; sometimes foll by with) to bring (something necessary but unpleasant) to an end: let's get this job over with quickly

■ get round or get around   vb (intr)   1 (preposition) to circumvent or overcome: he got round the problem by an ingenious trick   2 (preposition) informal to have one's way with; cajole: that girl can get round anyone   3 (preposition) to evade (a law or rules)   4 (adverb; foll by to) to reach or come to at length: I'll get round to that job in an hour

■ getter (ˈɡɛtə)   n   1 a person or thing that gets   2 a substance, usually a metal such as titanium, evaporated onto the walls of a vacuum tube, vessel, etc, to adsorb the residual gas and lower the pressure   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to remove (a gas) by the action of a getter

■ get through   vb   1 to succeed or cause or help to succeed in an examination, test, etc   2 to bring or come to a destination, esp after overcoming problems: we got through the blizzards to the survivors   3 (intr, adverb) to contact, as by telephone   4 (intr, preposition) to use, spend, or consume (money, supplies, etc)   5 to complete or cause to complete (a task, process, etc): to get a bill through Parliament   6 (adverb; foll by to) to reach the awareness and understanding (of a person): I just can't get the message through to him   7 (intr, adverb) US slang to obtain illegal drugs

■ get-together   n   1 informal a small informal meeting or social gathering   ▷ vb get together (adverb)   2 (tr) to gather or collect   3 (intr) (of people) to meet socially   4 (intr) to discuss, esp in order to reach an agreement   5 get it together informal   a to achieve one's full potential, either generally as a person or in a particular field of activity   b to achieve a harmonious frame of mind

■ get up   vb (mainly adverb)   1 to wake and rise from one's bed or cause to wake and rise from bed   2 (intr) to rise to one's feet; stand up   3 (also preposition) to ascend or cause to ascend: the old van couldn't get up the hill   4 to mount or help to mount (a bicycle, horse, etc)   5 to increase or cause to increase in strength: the wind got up at noon   6 (tr) informal to dress (oneself) in a particular way, esp showily or elaborately   7 (tr) informal to devise or create: to get up an entertainment for Christmas   8 (tr) informal to study or improve one's knowledge of: I must get up my history   9 (intr; foll by to) informal to be involved in: he's always getting up to mischief   10 (intr) Austral informal to win, esp in a sporting event   ▷ n get-up   11 informal a costume or outfit, esp one that is striking or bizarre   12 informal the arrangement or production of a book, etc

■ get-up-and-go   n   informal energy, drive, or ambition

GeT   abbreviation for   Greenwich Electronic Time

geta (ˈɡeItə)   n   a type of Japanese wooden sandal

Gethsemane (ɡɛθˈsɛmənI)   n   New Testament the garden in Jerusalem where Christ was betrayed on the night before his Crucifixion (Matthew 26:36–56)

Getty (ˈɡɛtI)   n   J(ean) Paul. 1892–1976, US oil executive, millionaire, and art collector

Gettysburg (ˈɡɛtIzˌbɜːɡ)   n   a small town in S Pennsylvania, southwest of Harrisburg: scene of a crucial battle (1863) during the American Civil War, in which Meade's Union forces defeated Lee's Confederate army; site of the national cemetery dedicated by President Lincoln. Pop: 7825 (2003 est)

■ Gettysburg Address   n   US history the speech made by President Lincoln at the dedication of the national cemetery on the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg in Nov 1863

Getz (ɡɛts)   n   Stanley, known as Stan. 1927–91, US jazz saxophonist: leader of his own group from 1949

geum (ˈdʒiːəm)   n   any herbaceous plant of the rosaceous genus Geum, having compound leaves and red, orange, or white flowers. See also avens [C19: New Latin, from Latin: herb bennet, avens]

GeV   abbreviation for   giga-electronvolts (10^9 electronvolts). Sometimes written (esp US and Canadian): (billion electronvolts) BeV

gewgaw (ˈɡjuːɡɔː, ˈɡuː-)   n   1 a showy but valueless trinket   ▷ adj   2 showy and valueless; gaudy [C15: of unknown origin]

■ gewgawed (ˈɡjuːˌɡɔːd)   adj   decorated gaudily

Gewürztraminer (ɡəˌvɜːtsˈtræmInə; German ɡəˌvyrtsˈtraminər)   n   1 (sometimes not capital) a white grape grown in Alsace, Germany, and elsewhere, used for making wine   2 any of various fragrant white wines made from this grape [German, from Gewürz spice, seasoning + Traminer a variety of grape first grown in the Tramin area of the South Tyrol]

gey (ɡaI; Scottish ɡəI)   adv   Scot and Northumbrian dialect (intensifier): it's gey cold [variant of GAY]

■ geyan (ˈɡeIən)   adv   Scot somewhat

geyser (ˈɡiːzə; US ˈɡaIzər)   n   1 a spring that discharges steam and hot water   2 Brit a domestic gas water heater [C18: from Icelandic Geysir, from Old Norse geysa to gush]

■ geyserite (ˈɡiːzəˌraIt)   n   a mineral form of hydrated silica resembling opal, deposited from the waters of geysers and hot springs. Formula: SiO_2.nH_2O

Gezira (dʒəˈzIərə)   n   a region of E central Sudan between the Blue and White Niles: site of a large-scale irrigation system

gf   the internet domain name for   French Guiana

GF or gf informal   abbreviation for   girlfriend

GFE   abbreviation for   girlfriend experience

G-force   n   the force of gravity

gg   the internet domain name for   Guernsey

GG   abbreviation for   1 Girl Guides   2 Governor General   3 text messaging good game

gh   the internet domain name for   Ghana

GH   abbreviation for   Ghana (international car registration)

Ghan (ɡæn)   n Austral   1 short for Afghan (sense 3)   2 the Ghan the train connecting Adelaide and Alice Springs [from the number of Afghan camelmen at the Oodnadatta railhead]

Ghana (ˈɡɑːnə)   n   a republic in W Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: a powerful empire from the 4th to the 13th centuries; a major source of gold and slaves for Europeans after 1471; British colony of the Gold Coast established in 1874; united with British Togoland in 1957 and became a republic and a member of the Commonwealth in 1960. Official language: English. Religions: Christian majority; Muslim and animist minorities. Currency: cedi. Capital: Accra. Pop: 28 833 629 (2017 est). Area: 238 539 sq km (92 100 sq miles)

■ Ghanaian (ɡɑːˈneIən) or Ghanian (ˈɡɑːnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Ghana or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Ghana

gharial (ˈɡærIəl)   n   another name for gavial

gharry or gharri (ˈɡærI)   n, pl -ries   (in India) a horse-drawn vehicle available for hire [C19: from Hindi gārī]

ghast (ɡɑːst)   vb (tr)   archaic to terrify

■ ghastful (ˈɡɑːstfʊl)   adj   dismal; afraid

■ ghastfully (ˈɡɑːstfʊlI)   adv   in a ghastful manner

■ ghastness (ˈɡɑːstnəs)   n   dread

ghastly (ˈɡɑːstlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 informal very bad or unpleasant   2 deathly pale; wan   3 informal extremely unwell; ill: they felt ghastly after the party   4 terrifying; horrible   ▷ adv   5 unhealthily; sickly: ghastly pale   6 archaic in a horrible or hideous manner [Old English gāstlīc spiritual; see GHOSTLY]   > ˈghastliness n

ghat (ɡɔːt)   n (in India)   1 stairs or a passage leading down to a river   2 a mountain pass or mountain range   3 a place of cremation [C17: from Hindi ghāt, from Sanskrit ghatta]

■ Ghats (ɡɔːts)   pl n   See Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats

ghaut (ɡʌt)   n   Caribbean a small cleft in a hill through which a rivulet runs down to the sea [C17 gaot, a mountain pass, from Hindi: GHAT]

ghazal (ˈɡæzæl)   n   an Arabic love poem with a recurring rhyme and a limited number of stanzas

Ghazali (ˈɡɑːzˌɑːlI)   n   al-. 1058–1111, Muslim theologian, philosopher, and mystic

ghazi (ˈɡɑːzI)   n, pl -zis   1 a Muslim fighter against infidels   2 (often capital) a Turkish warrior of high rank [C18: from Arabic, from ghazā he made war]

Ghazzah (ˈɡɑːzə, ˈɡʌzə)   n   transliteration of the Arabic name for Gaza

GHB   abbreviation for   gamma hydroxybutyrate. Also called: liquid ecstasy

Gheber or Ghebre (ˈɡeIbə, ˈɡiː-)   n   other words for Gabar

ghee (ɡiː)   n   butter, clarified by boiling, used in Indian cookery [C17: from Hindi ghī, from Sanskrit ghri sprinkle]

Ghent (ɡɛnt)   n   an industrial city and port in NW Belgium, capital of East Flanders province, at the confluence of the Rivers Lys and Scheldt: formerly famous for its cloth industry; university (1816). Pop: 229 344 (2004 est). Flemish name: Gent. French name: Gand

Gheorghiu (ˈdʒɔːdʒu)   n   Angela. born 1965, Romanian soprano: noted for her performances and recordings of Italian opera

gherao (ɡɛˈraʊ)   n   (in India) a form of industrial action in which workers imprison their employers on the premises until their demands are met [from Hindi gherna to besiege]

gherkin (ˈɡɜːkIn)   n   1 the immature fruit of any of various cucumbers, used for pickling   2    a a tropical American cucurbitaceous climbing plant, Cucumis anguria   b the small edible fruit of this plant [C17: from early modern Dutch agurkkijn, diminutive of gurk, from Slavonic, ultimately from Greek angourion]

Gherkin (ˈɡɜːkIn)   n   the Gherkin the nickname of a bluish cigar-shaped office block in the City of London; height 180 m (585 ft); opened in in 2004

ghetto (ˈɡɛtəʊ)   n, pl -tos or -toes   1 sociol a densely populated slum area of a city inhabited by a socially and economically deprived minority   2 an area in a European city in which Jews were formerly required to live   3 a group or class of people that is segregated in some way [C17: from Italian, perhaps shortened from borghetto, diminutive of borgo settlement outside a walled city; or from the Venetian ghetto the medieval iron-founding district, largely inhabited by Jews]

■ ghetto blaster   n   informal a large portable cassette recorder or CD player with built-in speakers

■ ghetto fabulous   adj   (of fashion) characterized by gaudy, extravagant, and often sexually alluring clothes

■ ghettoize or ghettoise (ˈɡɛtəʊˌaIz)   vb   (tr) to confine or restrict to a particular area, activity, or category: to ghettoize computer hackers as troublemakers   > ˌghettoiˈzation or ˌghettoiˈsation n

Ghibelline (ˈɡIbIˌlaIn, -ˌliːn)   n   1 a member of the political faction in medieval Italy originally based on support for the German emperor   2 (modifier) of or relating to the Ghibellines. Compare Guelph^1 [C16: from Italian Ghibellino, probably from Middle High German Waiblingen, a Hohenstaufen estate]   > ˈGhibelˌlinism n

Ghiberti (Italian ɡiˈbɛrti)   n   Lorenzo (loˈrɛntso). 1378–1455, Italian sculptor, painter, and goldsmith of the quattrocento: noted esp for the bronze doors of the baptistry of Florence Cathedral

ghibli or gibli (ˈɡIblI)   n   a fiercely hot wind of North Africa [C20: from Arabic gibliy south wind]

ghillie (ˈɡIlI)   n   1 a type of tongueless shoe with lacing up the instep, originally worn by the Scots   2 a variant spelling of gillie [from Scottish Gaelic gille boy]

Ghirlandaio or Ghirlandajo (Italian ɡirlanˈdaːjo)   n   Domenico (doˈmeːniko). original name Domenico Bigordi. 1449–94, Italian painter of frescoes

ghost (ɡəʊst)   n   1 the disembodied spirit of a dead person, supposed to haunt the living as a pale or shadowy vision; phantom. Related adjective: spectral   2 a haunting memory: the ghost of his former life rose up before him   3 a faint trace or possibility of something; glimmer: a ghost of a smile   4 the spirit; soul (archaic, except in the phrase the Holy Ghost)   5 physics   a a faint secondary image produced by an optical system   b a similar image on a television screen, formed by reflection of the transmitting waves or by a defect in the receiver   6 See ghost word   7 Also called: ghost edition an entry recorded in a bibliography of which no actual proof exists   8 another name for ghostwriter   9 (modifier) falsely recorded as doing a particular job or fulfilling a particular function in order that some benefit, esp money, may be obtained: a ghost worker   10 give up the ghost   a to die   b (of a machine) to stop working   ▷ vb   11 another word for ghostwrite   12 (tr) to haunt   13 (intr) to move effortlessly and smoothly, esp unnoticed: he ghosted into the penalty area   14 (tr) informal to end a romantic relationship with (a person) by not responding to his or her attempts to communicate [Old English gāst; related to Old Frisian jēst, Old High German geist spirit, Sanskrit hēda fury, anger]   > ˈghostˌlike adj

■ ghost car   n   Canadian an unmarked police car

■ ghost dance   n   a religious dance of certain Native American tribes, connected with a political movement (from about 1888) that looked to reunion with the dead and a return to an idealized state of affairs before Europeans came

■ ghost estate   n   (esp in Ireland) a housing estate built during an economic boom but unfinished or unoccupied during a recession

■ ghost fishing   n   the continued trapping and killing of marine life by a discarded fishing net floating at sea

■ ghost gum   n   Austral a eucalyptus tree with white trunk and branches

■ ghosting (ˈɡəʊstIŋ)   n   informal the act or an instance of ending a romantic relationship by not responding to attempts to communicate by the other party

■ ghostly (ˈɡəʊstlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 of or resembling a ghost; spectral: a ghostly face appeared at the window   2 suggesting the presence of ghosts; eerie   3 archaic of or relating to the soul or spirit   > ˈghostliness n

■ ghost moth   n   any of various large pale moths of the family Hepialidae that are active at dusk

■ ghost prisoner   n   informal a prisoner, esp one held in US military captivity, whose detention is not publicly acknowledged

■ ghost town   n   a deserted town, esp one in the western US that was formerly a boom town

■ ghost word   n   a word that has entered the language through the perpetuation, in dictionaries, etc, of an error

■ ghostwrite (ˈɡəʊstˌraIt)   vb -writes, -writing, -wrote, -written   to write (an autobiographical or other article) on behalf of a person who is then credited as author. Often shortened to: ghost   > ˈghostˌwriter n

■ ghosty (ˈɡəʊstI)   adj ghostier, ghostiest   informal pertaining to ghosts

ghoul (ɡuːl)   n   1 a malevolent spirit or ghost   2 a person interested in morbid or disgusting things   3 a person who robs graves   4 (in Muslim legend) an evil demon thought to eat human bodies, either stolen corpses or children [C18: from Arabic ghūl, from ghāla he seized]

■ ghoulie (ˈɡuːlI)   n   a goblin

■ ghoulish (ˈɡuːlIʃ)   adj   of or relating to ghouls; morbid or disgusting; unhealthily interested in death   > ˈghoulishly adv   > ˈghoulishness n

GHQ military   abbreviation for   General Headquarters

ghrelin (ˈɡrɛlIn)   n   a hormone produced in the body that stimulates appetite [C20: from g(rowth) h(ormone) rel(easing) + -IN]

ghubar numeral (ˈɡuːbɑː)   n   another name for gobar numeral

ghyll (ɡIl)   n   a variant spelling of gill^3

gi^1 (ɡiː)   n   a loose-fitting white suit worn in judo, karate, and other martial arts: a karate gi [from Japanese -gi costume, from ki to wear]

gi^2   the internet domain name for   Gibraltar

Gi electronics   abbreviation for   gilbert

GI^1   n US informal   1 (pl GIs or GI's) a soldier in the US Army, esp an enlisted man   ▷ adj   2 conforming to US Army regulations; of standard government issue [C20: abbrev. of government issue]

■ GI Joe   n   US informal a US enlisted soldier; a GI

GI^2 or g.i.   abbreviation for   1 gastrointestinal   2 glycaemic index

Giacometti (Italian dʒakoˈmetti)   n   Alberto (alˈbɛrto). 1901–66, Swiss sculptor and painter, noted particularly for his long skeletal statues of isolated figures

giambeux (ˈdʒæmbəʊ)   pl n   an obsolete plural form of jambeau

Giambologna (Italian dʒamboˈlɔŋa)   n   original name Giovanni da Bologna or Jean de Boulogne. 1529–1608, Italian mannerist sculptor, born in Flanders: noted for his fountains and such works as Samson Slaying a Philistine (1565)

giant (ˈdʒaIənt)   n   1 a mythical figure of superhuman size and strength, esp in folklore or fairy tales. Also (feminine): giantess (ˈdʒaIəntIs)   2 a person or thing of exceptional size, reputation, etc: a giant in nuclear physics   3 Greek myth any of the large and powerful offspring of Uranus (sky) and Gaea (earth) who rebelled against the Olympian gods but were defeated in battle   4 pathol a person with gigantism   5 astronomy See giant star   6 mining another word for monitor (sense 8)   ▷ adj   7 remarkably or supernaturally large   8 architect another word for colossal [C13: from Old French geant, from Vulgar Latin gagās (unattested), from Latin gigās, gigant-, from Greek]   > ˈgiant-ˌlike adj

■ giant cell   n   histology an exceptionally large cell, often possessing several nuclei, such as an osteoclast

■ giant hogweed   n   an umbelliferous garden escape, Heracleum mantegazzianum, a tall species of cow parsley that grows up to 3^1⁄2 metres (10 ft) and whose irritant hairs and sap can cause a severe reaction if handled. Also called: cartwheel flower

■ gianthood (ˈdʒaIənthʊd)   n   the condition of being a giant

■ giantism (ˈdʒaIənˌtIzəm)   n   another term for gigantism

■ giant killer   n   a person, sports team, etc, that defeats an apparently superior opponent

■ giant-killing   n   the unexpected defeat of a sportsman, sportswoman, or sports team by an apparently inferior opponent

■ giantly (ˈdʒaIəntlI)   adj   another word for giant-like

■ giant panda   n   See panda (sense 1)

■ giant peacock moth   n   the largest European moth, an emperor, Saturnia pyri, reaching 15 cm (6 in.) in wingspan. It is mottled brown with a prominent ocellus on each wing and being night-flying can be mistaken for a bat

■ giant planet   n   any of the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, characterized by large mass, low density, and an extensive atmosphere

■ giant powder   n   dynamite composed of trinitroglycerine absorbed in kieselguhr

■ giantry (ˈdʒaIəntrI)   n   giants as a group

■ Giant's Causeway   n   a promontory of columnar basalt on the N coast of Northern Ireland, in Antrim: consists of several thousand pillars, mostly hexagonal, that were formed by the rapid cooling of lava and the inward contraction of the lava flow

■ giantship (ˈdʒaIəntʃIp)   n   the character, condition, or personality of a giant

■ giant-sized or giant size   adj   (of an object) much bigger than objects of its kind usually are: a giant-sized TV

■ giant slalom   n   skiing a type of slalom in which the course is longer and the obstacles are further apart than in a standard slalom

■ giant star   n   any of a class of stars, such as Capella and Arcturus, that have swelled and brightened considerably as they approach the end of their life, their energy supply having changed. Sometimes shortened to: giant. Compare supergiant

■ giant tortoise   n   any of various very large tortoises of the genus Testudo, of the Galápagos, Seychelles, and certain other islands, weighing up to 225 kilograms (495 lbs.)

giaour (ˈdʒaʊə)   n   a derogatory term for a non-Muslim, esp a Christian, used esp by the Turks [C16: from Turkish giaur unbeliever, from Persian gaur, variant of gäbr]

giardia (dʒaIˈɑːdIə)   n   bacteriol one of a species of parasite infecting the small intestine of mammals

■ giardiasis (ˌdʒaIɑːˈdaIəsIs)   n   infection with the parasitic protozoan Giardia lamblia, which can cause severe diarrhoea

gib^1 (ɡIb)   n   1 a metal wedge, pad, or thrust bearing, esp a brass plate let into a steam engine crosshead   ▷ vb gibs, gibbing, gibbed   2 (tr) to fasten or supply with a gib [C18: of unknown origin]

gib^2 (ɡIb)   n   a male cat, esp a castrated one [C14: probably a shortening and alteration of the proper name Gilbert]

Gib (dʒIb)   n   an informal name for Gibraltar

■ Gib board   n   NZ informal short for Gibraltar board

gibber^1 (ˈdʒIbə)   vb   1 to utter rapidly and unintelligibly; prattle   2 (intr) (of monkeys and related animals) to make characteristic chattering sounds   ▷ n   3 a less common word for gibberish [C17: of imitative origin]

■ gibberish (ˈdʒIbərIʃ)   n   1 rapid chatter like that of monkeys   2 incomprehensible talk; nonsense

gibber^2 (ˈɡIbə)   n Austral   1 a stone or boulder   2 (modifier) of or relating to a dry flat area of land covered with wind-polished stones: gibber plains [C19: from a native Australian language]

Gibberd (ˈɡIbəd)   n   Sir Frederick. 1908–84, British architect and town planner. His buildings include the Liverpool Roman Catholic cathedral (1960–67) and the Regent's Park Mosque in London (1977). Harlow in the UK and Santa Teresa in Venezuela were built to his plans

gibberellic acid (ˌdʒIbəˈrɛlIk)   n   a slightly soluble crystalline plant hormone first isolated from the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi: a gibberellin. Formula: C_19H_22O_6 [C20: from New Latin Gibberella, literally: a little hump, from Latin gibber hump + -IC]

gibberellin (ˌdʒIbəˈrɛlIn)   n   any of several plant hormones, including gibberellic acid, whose main action is to cause elongation of the stem: used in promoting the growth of plants, in the malting of barley, etc

gibbet (ˈdʒIbIt)   n   1    a a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view   b a gallows   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to put to death by hanging on a gibbet   3 to hang (a corpse) on a gibbet   4 to expose to public ridicule [C13: from Old French gibet gallows, literally: little cudgel, from gibe cudgel; of uncertain origin]

gibbon (ˈɡIbən)   n   any small agile arboreal anthropoid ape of the genus Hylobates, inhabiting forests in S Asia [C18: from French, probably from an Indian dialect word]

Gibbon (ˈɡIbən)   n   1  Edward. 1737–94, English historian; author of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776–88), controversial in its historical criticism of Christianity   2  Lewis Grassic (ˈɡræsIk), real name James Leslie Mitchell. 1901–35, Scottish writer: best known for his trilogy of novels A Scots Quair (1932–34)

Gibbons (ˈɡIbənz)   n   1  Grinling. 1648–1721, English sculptor and woodcarver, noted for his delicate carvings of fruit, flowers, birds, etc   2  Orlando. 1583–1625, English organist and composer, esp of anthems, motets, and madrigals

gibbous (ˈɡIbəs) or gibbose (ˈɡIbəʊs)   adj   1 (of the moon or a planet) more than half but less than fully illuminated   2 having a hunchback; hunchbacked   3 bulging [C17: from Late Latin gibbōsus humpbacked, from Latin gibba hump]   > ˈgibbously adv   > ˈgibbousness n

■ gibbosity (ɡIˈbɒsItI)   n, pl -ties rare   1 the state of being gibbous   2 biology a bulge or protuberance

Gibbs (ɡIbz)   n   1  James. 1682–1754, British architect; his buildings include St Martin's-in-the-Fields, London (1722–26), and the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford (1737–49)   2  Josiah Willard. 1839–1903, US physicist and mathematician: founder of chemical thermodynamics

■ Gibbs function   n   a thermodynamic property of a system equal to the difference between its enthalpy and the product of its temperature and its entropy. It is usually measured in joules. Symbol: G, (esp US) F. Also called: Gibbs free energy, free enthalpy. Compare Helmholtz function [C19: named after Josiah Willard Gibbs]

gibbsite (ˈɡIbzaIt)   n   a mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium oxide: a constituent of bauxite and a source of alumina. Formula: Al(OH)3 [C19: named after George Gibbs (died 1833), American mineralogist]

gibe^1 or jibe (dʒaIb)   vb   1 to make jeering or scoffing remarks (at); taunt   ▷ n   2 a derisive or provoking remark [C16: perhaps from Old French giber to treat roughly, of uncertain origin]   > ˈgiber or ˈjiber n   > ˈgibingly or ˈjibingly adv

gibe^2 (dʒaIb)   vb, n nautical   a variant spelling of gybe

gibel (ˈɡIbəl)   n   a carp of Europe and N Asia

Gibeon (ˈɡIbIən)   n   an ancient town of Palestine: the excavated site thought to be its remains lies about 9 kilometres (6 miles) northwest of Jerusalem

■ Gibeonite (ˈɡIbIəˌnaIt)   n   Old Testament one of the inhabitants of the town of Gibeon, who were compelled by Joshua to serve the Hebrews (Joshua 9)

giblets (ˈdʒIblIts)   pl n   (sometimes singular) the gizzard, liver, heart, and neck of a fowl [C14: from Old French gibelet stew of game birds, probably from gibier game, of Germanic origin]

■ giblet (ˈdʒIblIt)   adj   made from giblets

gibli (ˈɡIblI)   n   a variant spelling of ghibli

Gibraltar (dʒIˈbrɔːltə)   n   1 City of Gibraltar a city on the Rock of Gibraltar, a limestone promontory at the tip of S Spain: settled by Moors in 711 and taken by Spain in 1462; ceded to Britain in 1713; a former British crown colony (1830–1969), and still a United Kingdom Overseas Territory; a naval and air base of strategic importance. Pop: 29 111 (2013 est). Area: 6.5 sq km (2.5 sq miles). Ancient name: Calpe   2 Strait of Gibraltar a narrow strait between the S tip of Spain and the NW tip of Africa, linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic

■ Gibraltar board   n   trademark NZ a type of lining board with a cardboard surface and a gypsum core

■ Gibraltarian (ˌdʒIbrɔːlˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Gibraltar or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Gibraltar

Gibran (dʒIˈbrɑːn)   n   Kahlil (ˈkɑːliːl). 1883–1931, Syro-Lebanese poet, mystic, and painter, resident in the US after 1910; author of The Prophet (1923)

Gibson^1 (ˈɡIbsən)   n   chiefly US a cocktail consisting of four or more parts dry gin and one part dry vermouth, iced and served with a pickled pearl onion

Gibson^2 (ˈɡIbsən)   n   1  Guy (Penrose). 1918–1944, British pilot during World War II; led the Dam Busters raid on the Ruhr dams (1943)   2  Mel. born 1956, Australian film actor and director: his films include Mad Max (1979), Hamlet (1990), Braveheart (1996; also directed), The Passion of the Christ (2004; director only), and Apocalypto (2006; director and co-writer)

Gibson Desert   n   a desert in W central Australia, between the Great Sandy Desert and the Victoria Desert: salt marshes, salt lakes, and scrub. Area: about 220 000 sq km (85 000 sq miles)

Gibson girl   n   the ideal fashionable American girl of the late 1890s and early 1900s, as portrayed in the drawings of Charles Dana Gibson, 1867–1944, US illustrator

gibus (ˈdʒaIbəs)   n   another name for opera hat [C19: named after Gibus, 19th-century Frenchman who invented it]

GIC   abbreviation for (in Canada)   Guaranteed Investment Certificate: a form of investment that earns interest but is guaranteed not to incur loss

gid (ɡId)   n   a disease of sheep characterized by an unsteady gait and staggering, caused by infestation of the brain with tapeworms (Taenia caenuris) [C17: back formation from GIDDY]

giddap (ɡIˈdæp) or giddy-up (ˌɡIdIˈʌp)   interj   an exclamation used to make a horse go faster [C20: colloquial form of get up]

gidday (ɡəˈdaI)   sentence substitute   a variant spelling of g'day

giddy (ˈɡIdI)   adj -dier, -diest   1 affected with a reeling sensation and feeling as if about to fall; dizzy   2 causing or tending to cause vertigo   3 impulsive; scatterbrained   4 my giddy aunt an exclamation of surprise   ▷ vb -dies, -dying, -died   5 to make or become giddy [Old English gydig mad, frenzied, possessed by God; related to GOD]   > ˈgiddily adv   > ˈgiddiness n

Gide (French ʒid)   n   André (ɑ̃dre). 1869–1951, French novelist, dramatist, critic, diarist, and translator, noted particularly for his exploration of the conflict between self-fulfilment and conventional morality. His novels include L'Immoraliste (1902), La Porte étroite (1909), and Les Faux-Monnayeurs (1926): Nobel prize for literature 1947

Gideon (ˈɡIdIən)   n   Old Testament a Hebrew judge who led the Israelites to victory over their Midianite oppressors (Judges 6:11–8:35)

■ Gideon Bible   n   a Bible purchased by members of a Christian organization (Gideons International) and placed in a hotel room, hospital ward, etc

gidgee or gidjee (ˈɡIdʒiː)   n   Austral any of various small acacia trees, Acacia cambagei, which at times emit an unpleasant smell [C19: from a native Australian language]

gie (ɡiː)   vb   a Scot word for give

Gielgud (ˈɡiːlɡʊd)   n   Sir John. 1904–2000, English stage, film, and television actor and director

Giessen (German ˈɡiːsən)   n   a city in central Germany, in Hesse: university (1607). Pop: 74 001 (2003 est)

GIF (ɡIf)   n computing     a a standard compressed file format used for pictures   b a picture held in this format [C20: from g(raphic) i(nterchange) f(ormat)]

gift (ɡIft)   n   1 something given; a present   2 a special aptitude, ability, or power; talent   3 the power or right to give or bestow (esp in the phrases in the gift of, in (someone's) gift)   4 the act or process of giving   5 look a gift-horse in the mouth (usually negative) to find fault with a free gift or chance benefit   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to present (something) as a gift to (a person)   7 (often foll by with) to present (someone) with a gift   8 rare to endow with; bestow [Old English gift payment for a wife, dowry; related to Old Norse gipt, Old High German gift, Gothic fragifts endowment, engagement; see GIVE]   > ˈgiftless adj

■ giftable (ˈɡIftəbəl)   adj   1 suitable as a gift   ▷ n   2 something suitable as a gift

■ Gift Aid or not standard Gift-Aid   n   (in Britain) a scheme which allows charities to reclaim the basic rate of tax on donations made by taxpayers, increasing the size of the donation. Higher-rate taxpayers can also claim tax relief on their donations

■ gift-aid   vb     a to increase the value of a charitable donation by using the Gift Aid scheme: Payments can be gift-aided if the donor is a standard-rate taxpayer   b (often foll by it) to make a donation under the Gift Aid scheme   c (tr) to donate goods under the Gift Aid scheme; the charity may then reclaim basic rate tax on the declared value of the donated goods: The equipment can be gift-aided and we can write off the costs

■ gifted (ˈɡIftId)   adj   having or showing natural talent or aptitude: a gifted musician; a gifted performance   > ˈgiftedly adv   > ˈgiftedness n

■ giftee (ɡIfˈtiː)   n   a person who receives a gift

■ gift of tongues   n   an utterance, partly or wholly unintelligible, believed by some to be produced under the influence of ecstatic religious emotion and conceived to be a manifestation of the Holy Ghost: practised in certain Christian churches, usually called Pentecostal. Also called: glossolalia

■ giftshop (ˈɡIftˌʃɒp)   n   a shop that sells items that are suitable for giving as presents

■ gift tax   n   another name for (the former) capital transfer tax

■ giftware (ˈɡIftˌwɛə)   n   anything that may be given as a present

■ giftwrap (ˈɡIftˌræp)   vb -wraps, -wrapping, -wrapped   to wrap (an article intended as a gift) attractively   > ˈgiftˌwrapped adj   > ˈgiftˌwrapping n

GIFT (ɡIft)   n acronym for   gamete intrafallopian transfer: a technique, similar to in vitro fertilization, that enables some women who are unable to conceive to bear children. Egg cells are removed from the woman's ovary, mixed with sperm, and introduced into one of her Fallopian tubes

Gifu (ˈɡiːfuː)   n   a city in Japan, on central Honshu: hot springs, textile and paper lantern manufacturing. Pop: 401 269 (2002 est)

gig^1 (ɡIɡ)   n   1 a light two-wheeled one-horse carriage without a hood   2 nautical a light tender for a vessel, often for the personal use of the captain   3 a long light rowing boat, used esp for racing   4 a machine for raising the nap of a fabric   ▷ vb gigs, gigging, gigged   5 (intr) to travel in a gig   6 (tr) to raise the nap of (fabric) [C13 (in the sense: flighty girl, spinning top): perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish gig top, Norwegian giga to shake about]

■ gig-lamps   pl n   an old-fashioned slang term for spectacles

■ gigman (ˈɡIɡmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man who drives a gig   2 a philistine

■ gigmanity (ɡIɡˈmænItI)   n   the state or quality of being a gigman

gig^2 (ɡIɡ)   n   1 a cluster of barbless hooks drawn through a shoal of fish to try to impale them   2 short for fishgig   ▷ vb gigs, gigging, gigged   3 to catch (fish) with a gig [C18: shortened from FISHGIG]

gig^3 (ɡIɡ) informal   n   1 a job, esp a single booking for a musician, comedian, etc, to perform at a concert or club   2 the performance itself   ▷ vb gigs, gigging, gigged   3 (intr) to perform at a gig or gigs [C20: of unknown origin]

■ gig economy   n   informal an economy in which there are few permanent employees and most jobs are assigned to temporary or freelance workers

gig^4 (ɡIɡ)   n   informal short for gigabyte

giga- (ˈɡIɡə, ˈɡaIɡə)   combining form   1 denoting 10^9: gigavolt. Symbol: G   2 (in computer technology) denoting 2^30: gigabyte [from Greek gigas GIANT]

gigabit (ˈɡIɡəˌbIt, ˈɡaIɡəˌbIt)   n   computing one million bits

gigabyte (ˈɡIɡəˌbaIt, ˈɡaIɡəˌbaIt)   n   computing one thousand and twenty-four megabytes. See also giga- (sense 2)

gigaflop (ˈɡIɡəˌflɒp, ˈɡaIɡəˌflɒp)   n   computing a measure of processing speed, consisting of a thousand million floating-point operations a second [C20: from GIGA- + flo(ating) p(oint)]

gigahertz (ˈɡIɡəˌhɜːts, ˈdʒIɡ-)   n, pl -hertz   a unit of frequency equal to 10^9 hertz. Symbol: GHz

gigantean (ˌdʒaIɡænˈtiːən)   adj   gigantic

gigantesque (ˌdʒaIɡænˈtɛsk)   adj   another word for gigantic (sense 2)

gigantic (dʒaIˈɡæntIk)   adj   1 very large; enormous: a gigantic error   2 Also: gigantesque (ˌdʒaIɡænˈtɛsk) of or suitable for giants [C17: from Greek gigantikos, from gigas GIANT]   > giˈgantically adv   > giˈganticness n

giganticide (dʒaIˈɡæntIˌsaId)   n   the slaughter of giants

gigantism (ˈdʒaIɡænˌtIzəm, dʒaIˈɡæntIzəm)   n   1 Also called: giantism excessive growth of the entire body, caused by over-production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland during childhood or adolescence. Compare acromegaly   2 the state or quality of being gigantic

gigantology (ˌdʒaIɡænˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study or description of giants

gigantomachy (ˌdʒaIɡænˈtɒməkI) or gigantomachia (dʒaIˌɡæntəʊˈmeIkIə)   n, pl -chies or -chias   1 Greek myth the war fought between the gods of Olympus and the rebelling giants. See giant (sense 3)   2 any battle fought between or as if between giants [C17: from Greek gigantomakhia, from gigas giant + makhē battle]

gigaton (ˈɡIɡəˌtʌn)   n   a unit of explosive force equal to 10^9 tons

gigawatt (ˈɡIɡəˌwɒt)   n   a unit of power equal to one thousand million watts

giggit (ˈɡIɡIt)   vb (intr)   US to move quickly

giggle (ˈɡIɡəl)   vb   1 (intr) to laugh nervously or foolishly   ▷ n   2 such a laugh   3 informal something or someone that provokes amusement   4 the giggles a fit of prolonged and uncontrollable giggling   5 for a giggle informal as a joke or prank; not seriously [C16: of imitative origin]   > ˈgiggler n   > ˈgiggling n, adj   > ˈgigglingly adv   > ˈgiggly adj

■ gigglesome (ˈɡIɡəlsʌm)   adj   having a tendency to giggle

giglet (ˈɡIɡlIt)   n   a flighty or giggly girl

Gigli (Italian ˈdʒiʎði)   n   Beniamino (benjaˈmiːno). 1890–1957, Italian operatic tenor

GIGO (ˈɡaIɡəʊ) computing slang   n acronym for   garbage in, garbage out

gigolo (ˈʒIɡəˌləʊ)   n, pl -los   1 a man who is kept by a woman, esp an older woman   2 a man who is paid to dance with or escort women [C20: from French, back formation from gigolette girl for hire as a dancing partner, prostitute, from giguer to dance, from gigue a fiddle; compare GIGOT, GIGUE, JIG]

gigot (ˈʒiːɡəʊ, ˈdʒIɡət)   n   1 a leg of lamb or mutton   2 a leg-of-mutton sleeve [C16: from Old French: leg, a small fiddle, from gigue a fiddle, of Germanic origin]

gigue (ʒiːɡ)   n   1 a piece of music, usually in six-eight time and often fugal, incorporated into the classical suite   2 a formal couple dance of the 16th and 17th centuries, derived from the jig [C17: from French, from Italian giga, literally: a fiddle; see GIGOT]

Gijón (ɡiːˈhɔːn; Spanish xiˈxɔn)   n   a port in NW Spain, on the Bay of Biscay: capital of the kingdom of Asturias until 791. Pop: 270 875 (2003 est). Asturian name: Xixón. Official name: Gijón/Xixón. Ancient name: Gigia

Gila monster (ˈhiːlə)   n   a large venomous brightly coloured lizard, Heloderma suspectum, inhabiting deserts of the southwestern US and Mexico and feeding mostly on eggs and small mammals: family Helodermatidae. Also called: Gila [C19: after the Gila, a river in New Mexico and Arizona]

Gilbert (ˈɡIlbət)   n   1  Grove Karl. 1843–1918, US geologist who pioneered the study of river development and valley erosion   2  Sir Humphrey. ?1539–83, English navigator: founded the colony at St John's, Newfoundland (1583)   3  William. 1540–1603, English physician and physicist, noted for his study of terrestrial magnetism in De Magnete (1600)   4  Sir W(illiam) S(chwenck). 1836–1911, English dramatist, humorist, and librettist. He collaborated (1871–96) with Arthur Sullivan on the famous series of comic operettas, including The Pirates of Penzance (1879), Iolanthe (1882), and The Mikado (1885)

■ gilbert (ˈɡIlbət)   n   a unit of magnetomotive force; the magnetomotive force resulting from the passage of 4π abamperes through one turn of a coil. 1 gilbert is equivalent to 10⁄4π = 0.795 775 ampere-turn. Symbols: Gb, Gi [C19: named after William Gilbert]

■ Gilbertian (ɡIlˈbɜːtIən)   adj   characteristic of or resembling the style or whimsical humour of W. S. Gilbert

Gilbert and George   n   a team of artists, Gilbert Proesch, Italian, born 1942, and George Passmore, British, born 1943: noted esp for their photomontages and performance works

Gilbertine (ˈɡIlbətaIn, -tIn)   n   1 a member of a Christian order founded in approximately 1135 by St Gilbert of Sempringham, composed of nuns who followed the Cistercian rule and Augustinian canons who ministered to them. It was the only religious order of English origin and never spread to Europe   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to this order

Gilbert Islands   pl n   a group of islands in the W Pacific: with Banaba, the Phoenix Islands, and three of the Line Islands they constitute the independent state of Kiribati; until 1975 they formed part of the British colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands; achieved full independence in 1979. Pop: 82 902 (2005). Area: 295 sq km (114 sq miles)

Gilchrist (ˈɡIlkrIst)   n   Adam (Craig). born 1971, Australian cricketer; a wicketkeeper-batsman, he took an Australian-record 416 dismissals in tests (1999–2008) and a world-record 472 dismissals in ODIs (1996–2008); his 33 international centuries is a record for a wicketkeeper

gild^1 (ɡIld)   vb gilds, gilding, gilded or gilt (ɡIlt) (tr)   1 to cover with or as if with gold   2 gild the lily   a to adorn unnecessarily something already beautiful   b to praise someone inordinately   3 to give a falsely attractive or valuable appearance to   4 archaic to smear with blood [Old English gyldan, from gold GOLD; related to Old Norse gylla, Middle High German vergülden]   > ˈgilder n

■ gilden (ˈɡIldən)   adj   obsolete gilded

■ gilding (ˈɡIldIŋ)   n   1 the act or art of applying gilt to a surface   2 the surface so produced   3 another word for gilt^1 (sense 2)

gild^2 (ɡIld)   n   a variant spelling of guild (sense 2)   > ˈgildsman n

■ gildhall (ˈɡIldˌhɔːl)   n   a variant spelling of guildhall (sense 2)

gilder (ˈɡIldə)   n   a variant spelling of guilder

Gilead^1 (ˈɡIlIˌæd)   n   a historic mountainous region east of the River Jordan, rising over 1200 m (4000 ft)

■ Gileadite (ˈɡIlIəˌdaIt)   n   an inhabitant of Gilead

Gilead^2 (ˈɡIlIˌæd)   n   Old Testament a grandson of Manasseh; ancestor of the Coileadites (Numbers 26: 29–30)

■ Gileadite (ˈɡIlIəˌdaIt)   n   a descendant of Gilead

Giles (dʒaIlz)   n   1  Saint. 7th century AD, Greek hermit in France; patron saint of crippled people, beggars, and people with leprosy. Feast day: Sept 1   2  William Ernest Powell. 1835–97, Australian explorer, born in England. He was noted esp for his exploration of the western desert (1875–76)

gilet (dʒIˈleI)   n   1 a waist- or hip-length garment, usually sleeveless, fastening up the front; sometimes made from a quilted fabric, and designed to be worn over a blouse, shirt, etc   2 a bodice resembling a waistcoat in a woman's dress   3 such a bodice as part of a ballet dancer's costume [C19: French, literally: waistcoat]

gilgai (ˈɡIlɡaI)   n   Austral a natural water hole [C19: from a native Australian language]

Gilgamesh (ˈɡIlɡəˌmɛʃ)   n   a legendary Sumerian king

gilgie (ˈdʒIlɡI)   n   Austral a freshwater crayfish

gill^1 (ɡIl)   n   1 the respiratory organ in many aquatic animals, consisting of a membrane or outgrowth well supplied with blood vessels. External gills occur in tadpoles, some molluscs, etc; internal gills, within gill slits, occur in most fishes. Related adjective: branchial   2 any of the radiating leaflike spore-producing structures on the undersurface of the cap of a mushroom   ▷ vb   3 to catch (fish) or (of fish) to be caught in a gill net   4 (tr) to gut (fish) [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish gäl, Danish gjælle, Greek khelunē lip]   > gilled adj   > ˈgill-less adj   > ˈgill-ˌlike adj

■ giller (ˈɡIlə)   n   a person who guts fish

■ gill fungus   n   any fungus of the basidiomycetous family Agaricaceae, in which the spores are produced on gills underneath a cap. See also agaric

■ gillnet (ˈɡIlˌnɛt)   vb (tr)   to catch fish using a gill net

■ gill net   n   fishing a net suspended vertically in the water to trap fish by their gills in its meshes

■ gillnetter (ˈɡIlˌnɛtə)   n   one who uses a gill net

■ gill pouch   n   any of a series of paired linear pouches in chordate embryos, arising as outgrowths of the wall of the pharynx. In fish and some amphibians they become the gill slits

■ gills (ɡIlz)   pl n   1 (sometimes singular) the wattle of birds such as domestic fowl   2 green around the gills or green about the gills informal looking or feeling nauseated

■ gill slit   n   any of a series of paired linear openings to the exterior from the sides of the pharynx in fishes and some amphibians. They contain the gills

gill^2 (dʒIl)   n   1 a unit of liquid measure equal to one quarter of a pint   2 Northern English dialect half a pint, esp of beer [C14: from Old French gille vat, tub, from Late Latin gillō cooling vessel for liquids, of obscure origin]

gill^3 or ghyll (ɡIl)   n dialect   1 a narrow stream; rivulet   2 a wooded ravine   3 (capital when part of place name) a deep natural hole in rock; pothole: Gaping Gill [C11: from Old Norse gil steep-sided valley]

gill^4 (dʒIl)   n   1 archaic a girl or sweetheart   2 dialect a female ferret. Also spelt: jill   3 an archaic or dialect name for ground ivy [C15: special use of Gill, short for Gillian, girl's name]

■ gillflirt (ˈdʒIlˌflɜːt)   n   archaic a flirtatious woman

Gill (ɡIl)   n   (Arthur) Eric (Rowton). 1882–1940, British sculptor, engraver, and typographer: his sculptures include the Stations of the Cross in Westminster Cathedral, London

Gillard (ˈdʒIlɑːd)   n   Julia (Eileen). born 1961. Australian Labor politician, born in Wales: Deputy Prime Minister (2007–10); Prime Minister (2010–13)

gillaroo (ˌɡIləˈruː)   n   Irish a type of brown trout

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (dʒiːl də læ tʊəˈrɛt)   n   another name for Tourette syndrome

Gillespie (ɡIˈlɛspI)   n   Dizzy, nickname of John Birks Gillespie. 1917–93, US jazz trumpeter

gillet (ˈdʒIlIt)   n obsolete   1 Scot a mare   2 a flighty young woman

gillie, ghillie or gilly (ˈɡIlI)   n, pl -lies Scot   1 an attendant or guide for hunting or fishing   2 (formerly) a Highland chieftain's male attendant or personal servant [C17: from Scottish Gaelic gille boy, servant]

Gillingham (ˈdʒIlIŋəm)   n   a town in SE England, in Medway unitary authority, Kent, on the Medway estuary: former dockyards. Pop: 98 403 (2001)

gillion (ˈdʒIljən)   n   Brit (no longer in technical use) one thousand million. US and Canadian equivalent: billion [C20: from G(IGA-) + (M)ILLION]

gillravage (ɡIlˈrævIdʒ) or gillravitch (ɡəlˈrævItʃ)   n   variant forms of gilravage

Gillray (ˈɡIlreI)   n   James. 1757–1815, English caricaturist

gillyflower or gilliflower (ˈdʒIlIˌflaʊə)   n   1 any of several plants having fragrant flowers, such as the stock and wallflower   2 an archaic name for carnation [C14: changed (through influence of flower) from gilofre, from Old French girofle, from Medieval Latin, from Greek karuophullon clove tree, from karuon nut + phullon leaf]

gillyvor (ˈdʒIlIvə)   n   another name for gillyflower

Gilolo (dʒaIˈləʊləʊ, dʒI-)   n   See Halmahera

gilpey (ˈɡIlpI)   n   Scot a mischievous, frolicsome boy or girl

gilravage (ɡəlˈrævIdʒ) or gilravitch (ɡəlˈrævItʃ) Scot   n   1 riotous festivity   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to make merry, esp to excess

■ gilravager (ɡəlˈrævIdʒə)   n   Scot someone who makes merry, esp to excess

Gilsonite (ˈɡIlsəˌnaIt)   n   trademark a very pure form of asphalt found in Utah and Colorado; used for making paints, varnishes, and linoleum [C19: named after S. H. Gilson of Salt Lake City, Utah, who discovered it]

gilt^1 (ɡIlt)   vb   1 a past tense and past participle of gild^1   ▷ n   2 gold or a substance simulating it, applied in gilding   3 another word for gilding (sense 1), gilding (sense 2)   4 superficial or false appearance of excellence; glamour   5 a gilt-edged security   6 take the gilt off the gingerbread to destroy the part of something that gives it its appeal   ▷ adj   7 covered with or as if with gold or gilt; gilded

■ giltcup (ˈɡIltˌkʌp)   n   a buttercup

■ gilt-edged   adj   1 stock exchange denoting government securities on which interest payments will certainly be met and that will certainly be repaid at par on the due date   2 of the highest quality: the last track on the album is a gilt-edged classic   3 (of books, papers, etc) having gilded edges

■ gilthead (ˈɡIltˌhɛd)   n   1 a sparid fish, Sparus aurata, of Mediterranean and European Atlantic waters, having a gold-coloured band between the eyes   2 any similar or related fish

■ giltwood (ˈɡIltˌwʊd)   adj   made of wood and gilded

gilt^2 (ɡIlt)   n   a young female pig, esp one that has not had a litter [C15: from Old Norse gyltr; related to Old English gelte, Old High German gelza, Middle Low German gelte]

gimbals (ˈdʒImbəlz, ˈɡIm-)   pl n   a device, consisting of two or three pivoted rings at right angles to each other, that provides free suspension in all planes for an object such as a gyroscope, compass, chronometer, etc. Also called: gimbal ring [C16: variant of earlier gimmal finger ring, from Old French gemel, from Latin gemellus, diminutive of geminus twin]

■ gimbal (ˈdʒImbəl)   vb gimbals, gimballing, gimballed (tr)   to support on gimbals

gimcrack (ˈdʒImˌkræk)   adj   1 cheap; shoddy   ▷ n   2 a cheap showy trifle or gadget [C18: changed from C14 gibecrake little ornament, of unknown origin]   > ˈgimˌcrackery n

gimel (ˈɡIməl; Hebrew ˈɡiːmɛl)   n   the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ג) transliterated as g or, when final, gh [literally: camel]

gimlet (ˈɡImlIt)   n   1 a small hand tool consisting of a pointed spiral tip attached at right angles to a handle, used for boring small holes in wood   2 US a cocktail consisting of half gin or vodka and half lime juice   3 a eucalyptus of W Australia having a twisted bole   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to make holes in (wood) using a gimlet   ▷ adj   5 penetrating; piercing (esp in the phrase gimlet-eyed) [C15: from Old French guimbelet, of Germanic origin, see WIMBLE]

gimmal (ˈdʒIməl)   n   1 a ring composed of interlocking rings   2 a joint in any mechanism

■ gimmalled (ˈdʒIməld)   adj   (of a mechanism) jointed

gimme or gimmie (ˈɡImiː)   interj   1 slang give me!   ▷ n   2 golf a short putt that one is excused by one's opponent from playing because it is considered too easy to miss   3 informal something that is easily achieved or obtained

■ gimme birdie or gimmie birdie   n   golf a birdie in which the final putt is a gimme [from GIMME (sense 2) + BIRDIE]

gimmer (ˈɡImə)   n   a year-old ewe

gimmick (ˈɡImIk)   n   1 something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity   2 any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive   3 chiefly US a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience [C20: originally US slang, of unknown origin]   > ˈgimmickry n   > ˈgimmicky adj

gimmor (ˈdʒImə)   n   a variant form of gimmal

gimp^1 or guimpe (ɡImp)   n   a tapelike trimming of silk, wool, or cotton, often stiffened with wire [C17: probably from Dutch gimp, of unknown origin]

gimp^2 (ɡImp)   n slang   1 US and Canadian offensive a physically disabled person, esp one who is lame   2 a sexual fetishist who likes to be dominated and who dresses in a leather or rubber body suit with mask, zips, and chains [C20: of unknown origin]

gimpy (ˈɡImpI)   adj   the US equivalent of gammy

gin^1 (dʒIn)   n   1 an alcoholic drink obtained by distillation and rectification of the grain of malted barley, rye, or maize, flavoured with juniper berries   2 any of various grain spirits flavoured with other fruit or aromatic essences: sloe gin   3 an alcoholic drink made from any rectified spirit [C18: shortened from Dutch genever juniper, via Old French from Latin jūniperus JUNIPER]

■ ginny (ˈdʒInI)   adj -nier, -niest   relating to or characterized by gin

■ gin palace (dʒIn)   n   (formerly) a gaudy drinking house

■ gin rummy (dʒIn)   n   a version of rummy in which players may go out if the odd cards outside their sequences total less than ten points. Often shortened to: gin [C20: from GIN^1 + RUMMY^1, apparently from a humorous allusion to gin and rum]

■ ginshop (ˈdʒInˌʃɒp)   n   archaic a tavern where gin is mainly sold

■ gin sling (dʒIn)   n   an iced drink made from gin and water, sweetened, and flavoured with lemon or lime juice

gin^2 (dʒIn)   n   1 a primitive engine in which a vertical shaft is turned by horses driving a horizontal beam or yoke in a circle   2 Also called: cotton gin a machine of this type used for separating seeds from raw cotton   3 a trap for catching small mammals, consisting of a noose of thin strong wire   4 a hand-operated hoist that consists of a drum winder turned by a crank   ▷ vb gins, ginning, ginned (tr)   5 to free (cotton) of seeds with a gin   6 to trap or snare (game) with a gin [C13 gyn, shortened from ENGINE]   > ˈginner n

■ ginhouse (ˈdʒInˌhaʊs)   n   a building in which cotton is ginned

gin^3 (ɡIn)   vb gins, ginning, gan, gun   an archaic word for begin

gin^4 (ɡIn)   conj   Scot if [perhaps related to gif, an earlier form of if]

gin^5 (dʒIn)   n   Austral offensive, slang an Aboriginal woman [C19: from a native Australian language]

ging (ɡIŋ)   n   Austral slang a child's catapult [of unknown origin]

gingal (ˈdʒInɡɔːl)   n   a type of musket mounted on a swivel

ginge (dʒIndʒ)   n   informal a person with ginger hair

ginger (ˈdʒIndʒə)   n   1 any of several zingiberaceous plants of the genus Zingiber, esp Z. officinale of the East Indies, cultivated throughout the tropics for its spicy hot-tasting underground stem. See also galangal. Compare wild ginger   2 the underground stem of this plant, which is used fresh or powdered as a flavouring or crystallized as a sweetmeat   3 any of certain related plants   4    a a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown colour   b (as adjective): ginger hair   5 informal liveliness; vigour   6 (ˈɡIŋə) informal, derogatory a person with ginger hair   ▷ vb   7 (tr) to add the spice ginger to (a dish) [C13: from Old French gingivre, from Medieval Latin gingiber, from Latin zinziberi, from Greek zingiberis, probably from Sanskrit śr̄ngaveram, from śr̄nga- horn + vera- body, referring to its shape]

■ gingerade (ˌdʒIndʒəˈreId)   n   another name for ginger ale

■ ginger ale   n   a sweetened effervescent nonalcoholic drink flavoured with ginger extract

■ ginger beer   n   a slightly alcoholic drink made by fermenting a mixture of syrup and root ginger

■ gingerbread (ˈdʒIndʒəˌbrɛd)   n   1 a moist brown cake, flavoured with ginger and treacle or syrup   2    a a rolled biscuit, similarly flavoured, cut into various shapes and sometimes covered with icing   b (as modifier): gingerbread man   3    a an elaborate but unsubstantial ornamentation   b (as modifier): gingerbread style of architecture

■ gingerbreaded (ˈdʒIndʒəˌbrɛdId)   adj   flavoured with gingerbread

■ gingerbread tree   n   a W African tree, Parinari macrophyllum, with large mealy edible fruits (gingerbread plums): family Chrysobalanaceae

■ gingerbready (ˈdʒIndʒəˌbrɛdI)   adj   resembling gingerbread

■ ginger group   n   chiefly Brit and Austral a group within a party, association, etc, that enlivens or radicalizes its parent body

■ ginger-haired   adj   having ginger hair

■ ginger nut or gingersnap (ˈdʒIndʒəˌsnæp)   n   a crisp biscuit flavoured with ginger

■ gingerous (ˈdʒIndʒərəs)   adj   (of hair) reddish

■ gingerroot (ˈdʒIndʒəˌruːt)   n   a rhizome of the ginger plant, used in cooking

■ ginger up   vb   (tr, adverb) to enliven (an activity, group, etc)

■ ginger wine   n   an alcoholic drink made from fermented bruised ginger, sugar, and water

■ gingery (ˈdʒIndʒərI)   adj   1 like or tasting of ginger   2 of or like the colour ginger   3 full of vigour; high-spirited   4 pointed; biting: a gingery remark

gingerly (ˈdʒIndʒəlI)   adv   1 in a cautious, reluctant, or timid manner   ▷ adj   2 cautious, reluctant, or timid [C16: perhaps from Old French gensor dainty, from gent of noble birth; see GENTLE]   > ˈgingerliness n

gingham (ˈɡIŋəm)   n   textiles   a a cotton fabric, usually woven of two coloured yarns in a checked or striped design   b (as modifier): a gingham dress [C17: from French guingan, from Malay ginggang striped cloth]

gingili, gingelli or gingelly (ˈdʒIndʒIlI)   n   1 the oil obtained from sesame seeds   2 another name for sesame [C18: from Hindi jingalī]

gingiva (ˈdʒIndʒIvə, dʒInˈdʒaIvə)   n, pl -givae (-dʒIˌviː, -ˈdʒaIviː)   anatomy the technical name for gum^2 [from Latin]   > ˈgingival adj

■ gingivectomy (ˌdʒIndʒIˈvɛktəmI)   n   surgical removal of the gingiva

■ gingivitis (ˌdʒIndʒIˈvaItIs)   n   inflammation of the gums

ginglymus (ˈdʒIŋɡlIməs, ˈɡIŋ-)   n, pl -mi (-ˌmaI)   anatomy a hinge joint. See hinge (sense 2) [C17: New Latin, from Greek ginglumos hinge]

■ ginglimoid (ˈdʒIŋɡlIˌmɔId, ˈɡIŋ-)   adj   anatomy relating to the ginglymus

gink^1 (ɡIŋk)   n   slang a man or boy, esp one considered to be odd [C20: of unknown origin]

gink^2 (ɡIŋk)   n NZ informal   a look, esp a brief one, at something

ginkgo (ˈɡIŋkɡəʊ) or gingko (ˈɡIŋkəʊ)   n, pl -goes or -koes   a widely planted ornamental Chinese gymnosperm tree, Ginkgo biloba, with fan-shaped deciduous leaves and fleshy yellow fruit: phylum Ginkgophyta. It is used in herbal remedies and as a food supplement. Also called: maidenhair tree [C18: from Japanese ginkyō, from Ancient Chinese yin silver + hang apricot]

ginnel (ˈɡInəl, ˈdʒIn-)   n   Northern English dialect a narrow passageway between buildings [C17: perhaps a corruption of CHANNEL^1]

ginormous (dʒaIˈnɔːməs)   adj   informal very large [C20: blend of giant or gigantic and enormous]

Ginsberg (ˈɡInzbɜːɡ)   n   Allen. 1926–97, US poet of the Beat Generation. His poetry includes Howl (1956) and Kaddish (1961)

ginseng (ˈdʒInsɛŋ)   n   1 either of two araliaceous plants, Panax schinseng of China or P. quinquefolius of North America, whose forked aromatic roots are used medicinally   2 the root of either of these plants or a substance obtained from the roots, believed to possess stimulant, tonic, and energy-giving properties [C17: from Mandarin Chinese jen shen, from jen man (from a resemblance of the roots to human legs) + shen ginseng]

Ginzburg (Italian ˈɡindzbʊrɡ)   n   Natalia (nataˈliːa). 1916–91, Italian writer and dramatist. Her books include The Road to the City (1942), Voices in the Evening (1961), and Family Sayings (1963)

ginzo (ˈɡInzəʊ)   n, pl -zos   US offensive a disparaging term for a person of Italian descent

gio (ˈdʒiːəʊ)   n   an older variant of geo

Gioconda (Italian dʒoˈkonda)   n   La Gioconda See Mona Lisa [Italian: the smiling (lady)]

giocoso (dʒɒˈkəʊsəʊ)   adj   music joyful or playful

Giorgione (Italian dʒorˈdʒoːne)   n   Il. original name Giorgio Barbarelli. ?1478–1511, Italian painter of the Venetian school, who introduced a new unity between figures and landscape

Giorgi system (ˈdʒɔːdʒI)   n   a system of units based on the metre, kilogram, second, and ampere, in which the magnetic constant has the value 4π × 10–7 henries per metre. It was used as a basis for SI units. Also called: MKSA system [C20: named after Giovanni Giorgi (1871–1950), Italian physicist]

Giotto^1 (Italian ˈdʒɔtto)   n   also known as Giotto di Bondone. ?1267–1337, Florentine painter, who broke away from the stiff linear design of the Byzantine tradition and developed the more dramatic and naturalistic style characteristic of the Renaissance: his work includes cycles of frescoes in Assisi, the Arena Chapel in Padua, and the Church of Santa Croce, Florence

Giotto^2 (ˈdʒɒtəʊ)   n   a European spacecraft that intercepted the path of Halley's comet in March 1986, gathering data and recording images, esp of the comet's nucleus

gip (dʒIp)   vb gips, gipping, gipped   1 a variant spelling of gyp^1   2 Northern English informal to vomit or feel like vomiting   ▷ n   3 a variant spelling of gyp^2

gipon (dʒIˈpɒn, ˈdʒIpɒn)   n   another word for jupon

gippo (ˈdʒIpəʊ)   n, pl gippoes   offensive a Gypsy

Gippsland (ˈɡIpsˌlænd)   n   a fertile region of SE Australia, in SE Victoria, extending east along the coast from Melbourne to the New South Wales border. Area: 35 200 sq km (13 600 sq miles)

gippy^1 (ˈdʒIpI) slang   n, pl -pies   1 an Egyptian person or thing   2 Also called: gippo (pl -poes) offensive a Gypsy   ▷ adj   3 Egyptian   4 gippy tummy diarrhoea, esp as experienced by visitors to hot climates [C19: from GYPSY and EGYPTIAN]

gippy^2 (ˈɡIpI)   n, pl -ies   Northern English dialect a starling

Gipsy (ˈdʒIpsI)   n, pl -sies   (sometimes not capital) a variant spelling of Gypsy   > ˈGipsyish adj   > ˈGipsydom n   > ˈGipsyˌhood n   > ˈGipsy-ˌlike adj

■ gipsy moth   n   a European moth, Lymantria dispar, introduced into North America, where it is a serious pest of shade trees: family Lymantriidae (or Liparidae). See also tussock moth

■ gipsywort (ˈdʒIpsIˌwɜːt)   n   a hairy Eurasian plant, Lycopus europaeus, having two-lipped white flowers with purple dots on the lower lip: family Lamiaceae (labiates). See also bugleweed (sense 1)

giraffe (dʒIˈrɑːf, -ˈræf)   n, pl -raffes or -raffe   a large ruminant mammal, Giraffa camelopardalis, inhabiting savannas of tropical Africa: the tallest mammal, with very long legs and neck and a colouring of regular reddish-brown patches on a beige ground: family Giraffidae [C17: from Italian giraffa, from Arabic zarāfah, probably of African origin]

■ giraffid (dʒIˈræfId)   n   1 a member of the Giraffidae family   ▷ adj   2 giraffe-like

■ giraffine (dʒIˈræfaIn) or giraffoid (dʒIˈræfɔId)   adj   relating to the giraffe

Giraldus Cambrensis (dʒIˈrældəs kæmˈbrɛnsIs)   n   literary name of Gerald de Barri. ?1146–?1223, Welsh chronicler and churchman, noted for his accounts of his travels in Ireland and Wales

girandole (ˈdʒIrənˌdəʊl) or girandola (dʒIˈrændələ)   n   1 an ornamental branched wall candleholder, usually incorporating a mirror   2 an earring or pendant having a central gem surrounded by smaller ones   3 a kind of revolving firework   4 artillery a group of connected mines [C17: from French, from Italian girandola, from girare to revolve, from Latin gӯrāre to GYRATE]

girasol, girosol or girasole (ˈdʒIrəˌsɒl, -ˌsəʊl)   n   a type of opal that has a red or pink glow in bright light; fire opal [C16: from Italian, from girare to revolve (see GYRATE) + sole the sun, from Latin sōl]

Giraud (French ʒiro)   n   Henri Honoré (ɑ̃ri ɔnɔre). 1879–1949, French general, who commanded French forces in North Africa (1942–43)

Giraudoux (French ʒirodu)   n   (Hippolyte) Jean (ʒɑ̃). 1882–1944, French dramatist. His works include the novel Suzanne et le Pacifique (1921) and the plays Amphitryon 38 (1929) and La Guerre de Troie n'aura pas lieu (1935)

gird^1 (ɡɜːd)   vb girds, girding, girded or girt (tr)   1 to put a belt, girdle, etc, around (the waist or hips)   2 to bind or secure with or as if with a belt: to gird on one's armour   3 to surround; encircle   4 to prepare (oneself) for action (esp in the phrase gird (up) one's loins)   5 to endow with a rank, attribute, etc, esp knighthood [Old English gyrdan, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse gyrtha, Old High German gurten]

gird^2 (ɡɜːd) Northern English dialect   vb   1 (when intr, foll by at) to jeer (at someone); mock   2 (tr) to strike (a blow at someone)   3 (intr) to move at high speed   ▷ n   4    a a blow or stroke   b a taunt; gibe   5 a display of bad temper or anger (esp in the phrases in a gird; throw a gird) [C13 girden to strike, cut, of unknown origin]

gird^3 (ɡIrd)   n   Scot a hoop, esp a child's hoop. Also: girr [a Scot variant of GIRTH]

girder (ˈɡɜːdə)   n   1 a large beam, esp one made of steel, used in the construction of bridges, buildings, etc   2 botany the structure composed of tissue providing mechanical support for a stem or leaf

girdle^1 (ˈɡɜːdəl)   n   1 a woman's elastic corset covering the waist to the thigh   2 anything that surrounds or encircles   3 a belt or sash   4 jewellery the outer edge of a gem   5 anatomy any encircling structure or part. See pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle   6 the mark left on a tree trunk after the removal of a ring of bark   ▷ vb (tr)   7 to put a girdle on or around   8 to surround or encircle   9 to remove a ring of bark from (a tree or branch), thus causing it to die [Old English gyrdel, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse gyrthill, Old Frisian gerdel, Old High German gurtila; see GIRD^1]   > ˈgirdle-ˌlike adj

■ girdler (ˈɡɜːdlə)   n   1 a person or thing that girdles   2 a maker of girdles   3 any insect, such as the twig girdler, that bores circular grooves around the stems or twigs in which it lays its eggs

■ girdlestead (ˈɡɜːdəlˌstɛd)   n   obsolete the waist

■ girdle traverse   n   mountaineering a climb that consists of a complete traverse of a face or crag

girdle^2 (ˈɡɜːdəl)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect another word for griddle

■ girdlescone (ˈɡɜːdəlˌskəʊn, -ˌskɒn), girdle scone or girdlecake (ˈɡɜːdəlˌkeIk)   n   less common names for drop scone

Girgenti (Italian dʒirˈdʒɛnti)   n   a former name (until 1927) of Agrigento

girl (ɡɜːl)   n   1 a female child from birth to young womanhood   2 a young unmarried woman; lass; maid   3 informal a sweetheart or girlfriend   4 informal a woman of any age   5 an informal word for daughter   6 a female employee, esp a female servant   7 South African derogatory a Black female servant of any age   8 the girls (usually plural) informal a group of women, esp acquaintances [C13: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Low German Göre boy, girl]

USAGE

The use of girl as in meaning 4, to refer to a woman of any age, is highly likely to be considered old-fashioned or to cause offence

■ girl band   n   an all-female vocal pop group created to appeal to a young audience

■ girl Friday   n   a female employee who has a wide range of duties, usually including secretarial and clerical work [C20: coined on the pattern of MAN FRIDAY]

■ girlfriend (ˈɡɜːlˌfrɛnd)   n   1 a female friend with whom a person is romantically or sexually involved; sweetheart or lover   2 any female friend

■ girlfriend experience   n   a service provided by a prostitute that includes more personal activity, such as kissing, than provided traditionally by sex workers. Abbreviation: GFE

■ Girl Guide   n   See Guide

■ girlhood (ˈɡɜːlˌhʊd)   n   the state or time of being a girl

■ girlie or girly (ˈɡɜːlI)   n   1 a little girl   ▷ adj   2 displaying or featuring nude or scantily dressed women: a girlie magazine   3 suited to or designed to appeal to young women: a girlie night out

■ girlish (ˈɡɜːlIʃ)   adj   of or like a girl in looks, behaviour, innocence, etc   > ˈgirlishly adv   > ˈgirlishness n

■ Girls' Brigade   n   (in Britain) an organization for girls, founded in 1893, with the aim of promoting self-discipline and self-respect

■ Girl Scout   n   US a member of the equivalent organization for girls to the Scouts. Brit equivalent: Guide

■ girl-watching   n   US the activity of looking at young women to enjoy their attractiveness, perhaps with a view to starting a relationship

girn (ɡərn, ɡɜːn)   vb (intr) Scot and Northern English dialect   1 to snarl   2 to grimace; pull grotesque faces   3 to complain fretfully or peevishly [C14: a variant of GRIN]

■ girner (ˈɡɜːnə)   n   a person who girns

■ girnie (ˈɡɜːnI)   adj   Scot peevish

girnel (ˈɡɜːnɛl)   n   Scot obsolete a large chest for storing meal

giro (ˈdʒaIrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   1 a system of transferring money within the financial institutions of a country, such as banks and post offices, by which bills, etc, may be paid by filling in a giro form authorizing the debit of a specified sum from one's own account to the credit of the payee's account   2 Brit informal an unemployment or income support payment by giro cheque, posted fortnightly [C20: ultimately from Greek guros circuit]

girolle (ʒiːˈrɒl)   n   another word for chanterelle [C20: French]

giron or gyron (ˈdʒaIrɒn)   n   heraldry a charge consisting of the lower half of a diagonally divided quarter, usually in the top left corner of the shield [C16: from Old French giron a triangular piece of material, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German gēro triangular object; compare GORE^3]

■ gironny or gyronny (dʒaIˈrɒnI)   adj   (usually postpositive) heraldry divided into segments from the fesse point

Girona (dʒiˈrona)   n   the Catalan name for Gerona

Gironde (French ʒirɔ̃d)   n   1 a department of SW France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: Bordeaux. Pop: 1 330 683 (2003 est). Area: 10 726 sq km (4183 sq miles)   2 an estuary in SW France, formed by the confluence of the Rivers Garonne and Dordogne. Length: 72 km (45 miles)

■ Girondist (dʒIˈrɒndIst)   n   1 a member of a party of moderate republicans during the French Revolution, many of whom came from Gironde: overthrown (1793) by their rivals the Jacobins. See also Jacobin (sense 1)   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Girondists or their principles   > Giˈrondism n

girosol (ˈdʒIrəˌsɒl, -ˌsəʊl)   n   a variant spelling of girasol

girr (ɡIr)   n   Scot a variant of gird^3

girsh (ɡɜːʃ)   n   a variant spelling of gursh

girt^1 (ɡɜːt)   vb   1 a past tense and past participle of gird^1   ▷ adj   2 nautical moored securely to prevent swinging

girt^2 (ɡɜːt)   vb   1 (tr) to bind or encircle; gird   2 to measure the girth of (something)

girth (ɡɜːθ)   n   1 the distance around something; circumference   2 size or bulk: a man of great girth   3 a band around a horse's belly to keep the saddle in position   ▷ vb   4 (usually foll by up) to fasten a girth on (a horse)   5 (tr) to encircle or surround [C14: from Old Norse gjörth belt; related to Gothic gairda GIRDLE^1; see GIRD^1]

girtline (ˈɡɜːtˌlaIn)   n   nautical a gantline

GIS   abbreviation for   1 geographic(al) information system: a system for storing, editing, and displaying geographical information on computer   2 (in Canada) guaranteed income supplement

gisarme (ɡIˈzɑːm)   n   a long-shafted battle-axe with a sharp point on the back of the axe head [C13: from Old French guisarme, probably from Old High German getīsarn weeding tool, from getan to weed + īsarn IRON]

Gisborne (ˈɡIzbən)   n   a port in N New Zealand, on E North Island on Poverty Bay. Pop: 44 900 (2004 est)

Giscard d'Estaing (French ʒiskardɛstɛ̃)   n   Valéry (valeri). born 1926, French politician; minister of finance and economic affairs (1962–66; 1969–74); president (1974–81)

Gish (ɡIʃ)   n   1  Dorothy. 1898–1968, US film actress, chiefly in silent films   2  her sister, Lillian. 1896–1993, US film and stage actress, noted esp for her roles in such silent films as The Birth of a Nation (1915) and Intolerance (1916)

gism (ˈdʒIzəm)   n   vulgar, slang a variant spelling of jism

Gissing (ˈɡIsIŋ)   n   George (Robert). 1857–1903, English novelist, noted for his depiction of middle-class poverty. His works include Demos (1886) and New Grub Street (1891)

gist (dʒIst)   n   1 the point or substance of an argument, speech, etc   2 law the essential point of an action [C18: from Anglo-French, as in cest action gist en this action consists in, literally: lies in, from Old French gésir to lie, from Latin jacēre, from jacere to throw]

git (ɡIt)   n Brit slang   1 a contemptible person   2 a child of unmarried parents [C20: from GET (in the sense: to beget, hence an illegitimate child, fool)]

gitana (dʒIˈtɑːnə)   n   a female Gypsy

gitano (dʒIˈtɑːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   a male Gypsy

gîte (ʒiːt)   n   a self-catering holiday cottage for let in France [C20: French]

Gitmo (ˈɡItməʊ)   n   informal, chiefly US Guantánamo: referring more specifically to the detainment camp run there by the US military, in which suspected terrorists are detained and questioned

gittarone (ˌɡItəˈrəʊnI)   n   music an acoustic bass guitar

gittern (ˈɡItɜːn)   n   music an obsolete medieval stringed instrument resembling the guitar. Compare cittern [C14: from Old French guiterne, ultimately from Old Spanish guitarra GUITAR; see CITTERN]

gittin (ˈɡItən)   n   Judaism a divorce

Giulini (Italian dʒuˈliːni)   n   Carlo Maria (ˈkarlo maˈriːa). 1914–2005, Italian orchestral conductor, esp of opera

Giulio Romano (Italian ˈdʒuːljo roˈmaːno)   n   ?1499–1546, Italian architect and painter; a founder of mannerism

giusto (ˈdʒuːstəʊ) music   adv   1 (of a tempo marking)   a to be observed strictly   b to be observed appropriately: allegro giusto   ▷ adj   2 (of a tempo)   a exact; strict   b suitable [Italian: just, proper]

give (ɡIv)   vb gives, giving, gave (ɡeIv), given (ˈɡIvən) (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to present or deliver voluntarily (something that is one's own) to the permanent possession of another or others   2 (often foll by for) to transfer (something that is one's own, esp money) to the possession of another as part of an exchange: to give fifty pounds for a painting   3 to place in the temporary possession of another: I gave him my watch while I went swimming   4 (when intr, foll by of) to grant, provide, or bestow: give me some advice   5 to administer: to give a reprimand   6 to award or attribute: to give blame, praise, etc   7 to be a source of: he gives no trouble   8 to impart or communicate: to give news; give a person a cold   9 to utter or emit: to give a shout   10 to perform, make, or do: the car gave a jolt and stopped   11 to sacrifice or devote: he gave his life for his country   12 to surrender: to give place to others   13 to concede or yield: I will give you this game   14 (intr) informal to happen: what gives?   15 (often foll by to) to cause; lead: she gave me to believe that she would come   16 (foll by for) to value (something) at: I don't give anything for his promises   17 to perform or present as an entertainment: to give a play   18 to propose as a toast: I give you the Queen   19 (intr) to yield or break under force or pressure: this surface will give if you sit on it; his courage will never give   20 give as good as one gets to respond to verbal or bodily blows to at least an equal extent as those received   21 give battle to commence fighting   22 give birth (often foll by to)   a to bear (offspring)   b to produce, originate, or create (an idea, plan, etc)   23 give a person five or give a person some skin slang to greet or congratulate someone by slapping raised hands   24 give ground to draw back or retreat   25 give me informal I prefer: give me hot weather any day!   26 give someone one Brit vulgar, slang to have sex with someone   27 give or take plus or minus: three thousand people came, give or take a few hundred   28 give rise to to be the cause of   29 give it up for someone slang to applaud someone   30 give way See way (sense 24)   31 give a person what for informal to punish or reprimand a person severely   ▷ n   32 a tendency to yield under pressure; resilience: there's bound to be some give in a long plank; there is no give in his moral views [Old English giefan; related to Old Norse gefa, Gothic giban, Old High German geban, Swedish giva]   > ˈgivable or ˈgiveable adj   > ˈgiver n

■ give-and-take   n   1 mutual concessions, shared benefits, and cooperation   2 a smoothly flowing exchange of ideas and talk   ▷ vb give and take (intr)   3 to make mutual concessions

■ give away   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to donate or bestow as a gift, prize, etc   2 to sell very cheaply   3 to reveal or betray (esp in the phrases give the game or show away)   4 to fail to use (an opportunity) through folly or neglect   5 to present (a bride) formally to her spouse in a marriage ceremony   6 Austral and NZ informal to give up or abandon (something)   ▷ n giveaway   7 a betrayal or disclosure of information, esp when unintentional   8 chiefly US and Canadian something given, esp with articles on sale, at little or no charge to increase sales, attract publicity, etc   9 journalism another name for freesheet   10 chiefly US and Canadian a radio or television programme characterized by the award of money and prizes   11 (modifier)   a very cheap (esp in the phrase giveaway prices)   b free of charge: a giveaway property magazine

■ giveback (ˈɡIvˌbæk)   n   commerce, US a reduction in wages in return for some other benefit, in time of recession

■ give in   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to yield; admit defeat   2 (tr) to submit or deliver (a document)

■ given (ˈɡIvən)   vb   1 the past participle of give   ▷ adj   2 (postpositive; foll by to) tending (to); inclined or addicted (to)   3 specific or previously stated   4 assumed as a premise   5 maths known or determined independently: a given volume   6 (on official documents) issued or executed, as on a stated date   ▷ n   7 an assumed fact   8 philosophy the supposed raw data of experience. See also sense datum

■ given name   n   another term for first name

■ givenness (ˈɡIvənˌnIs)   n   the actuality of being given

■ give off   vb   (tr, adverb) to emit or discharge: the mothballs gave off an acrid odour

■ give onto   vb   (intr; preposition) to afford a view or prospect of: their new house gives onto the sea

■ give out   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to emit or discharge   2 (tr) to publish or make known: the chairperson gave out that she would resign   3 (tr) to hand out or distribute: they gave out free chewing gum on the street   4 (intr) to become exhausted; fail: the supply of candles gave out   5 (intr; foll by to) Irish informal to reprimand (someone) at length   6 (tr) cricket (of an umpire) to declare (a batsman) dismissed

■ give over   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to transfer, esp to the care or custody of another   2 (tr) to assign or resign to a specific purpose or function: the day was given over to pleasure   3 informal to cease (an activity): give over fighting, will you!

■ give up   vb (adverb)   1 to abandon hope (for)   2 (tr) to renounce (an activity, belief, etc): I have given up smoking   3 (tr) to relinquish or resign from: he gave up the presidency   4 (tr; usually reflexive) to surrender: the escaped convict gave himself up   5 (tr) to reveal or disclose (information)   6 (intr) to admit one's defeat or inability to do something   7 (tr; often passive or reflexive) to devote completely (to): she gave herself up to caring for sick people

■ giving (ˈɡIvIŋ)   adj   affectionate and generous where one's feelings are concerned

Giza (ˈɡiːzə)   n   See El Gîza

gizmo or gismo (ˈɡIzməʊ)   n, pl -mos   slang a device; gadget [C20: of unknown origin]

■ gizmology (ɡIzˈmɒlədʒI)   n   gadgetry; gadgets collectively

gizz (dʒIz)   n   Scot a wig

gizzard (ˈɡIzəd)   n   1 the thick-walled part of a bird's stomach, in which hard food is broken up by muscular action and contact with grit and small stones   2 a similar structure in many invertebrates   3 informal the stomach and entrails generally [C14: from Old North French guisier fowl's liver, alteration of Latin gigēria entrails of poultry when cooked, of uncertain origin]

gizzen (ˈɡIzən)   vb (intr)   1 (of casks) to warp or wither   ▷ adj   2 leaky

gjetost (ˈjɛtəʊst)   n   a Norwegian goat's milk cheese

gju (ɡjuː)   n   a type of violin used in Shetland

Gk   abbreviation for   Greek

gl   the internet domain name for   Greenland

GL   abbreviation for   glycaemic load

GLA   abbreviation for   Greater London Authority, established in 2000

glabella (ɡləˈbɛlə)   n, pl -lae (-liː)   anatomy a smooth elevation of the frontal bone just above the bridge of the nose: a reference point in physical anthropology or craniometry [C19: New Latin, from Latin glabellus smooth, from glaber bald, smooth]   > glaˈbellar adj

glabrescent (ɡleIˈbrɛsənt)   adj botany   1 becoming hairless at maturity: glabrescent stems   2 nearly hairless [C19: from Latin glabrescere to become smooth]

glabrous (ˈɡleIbrəs) or glabrate (ˈɡleIbreIt, -brIt)   adj   biology without hair or a similar growth; smooth: a glabrous stem [C17 glabrous, from Latin glaber]   > ˈglabrousness n

glace (ɡlæs)   n obsolete   1 ice   2 a wound   3 a swift blow

glacé (ˈɡlæsI)   adj   1 crystallized or candied: glacé cherries   2 covered in icing   3 (of leather, silk, etc) having a glossy finish   4 chiefly US frozen or iced   ▷ vb -cés, -céing, -céed   5 (tr) to ice or candy (cakes, fruits, etc) [C19: from French glacé, literally: iced, from glacer to freeze, from glace ice, from Latin glaciēs]

glacial (ˈɡleIsIəl, -ʃəl)   adj   1 characterized by the presence of masses of ice   2 relating to, caused by, or deposited by a glacier   3 extremely cold; icy   4 cold or hostile in manner: a glacial look   5 (of a chemical compound) of or tending to form crystals that resemble ice: glacial acetic acid   6 very slow in progress: a glacial pace   > ˈglacially adv

■ glacial acetic acid   n   pure acetic acid (more than 99.8 per cent)

■ glacial period   n   1 any period of time during which a large part of the earth's surface was covered with ice, due to the advance of glaciers, as in the late Carboniferous period, and during most of the Pleistocene; glaciation   2 (often capitals) the Pleistocene epoch   ▶ Brit equivalent: glacial epoch, ice age

glaciate (ˈɡleIsIˌeIt)   vb   1 to cover or become covered with glaciers or masses of ice   2 (tr) to subject to the effects of glaciers, such as denudation and erosion   > ˌglaciˈation n

■ glaciated (ˈɡleIsIˌeItId)   adj   1 covered with glaciers or masses of ice   2 subjected to the effects of glaciers, such as denudation and erosion

glacier (ˈɡlæsIə, ˈɡleIs-)   n   a slowly moving mass of ice originating from an accumulation of snow. It can either spread out from a central mass (continental glacier) or descend from a high valley (alpine glacier) [C18: from French (Savoy dialect), from Old French glace ice, from Late Latin glacia, from Latin glaciēs ice]

■ glacier cream   n   mountaineering a barrier cream, esp against ultraviolet radiation, used when climbing above the snow line

■ glaciered (ˈɡlæsIəd)   adj   covered by, or coming from, glaciers

■ glacier milk   n   water flowing in a stream from the snout of a glacier and containing particles of rock

■ glacier table   n   a rock sitting on a pillar of ice on top of a glacier, as a result of the ice immediately beneath the rock being protected from the heat of the sun and not melting

glaciology (ˌɡlæsIˈɒlədʒI, ˌɡleI-)   n   the study of the distribution, character, and effects of glaciers   > glaciological (ˌɡlæsIəˈlɒdʒIkəl, ˌɡleI-) or ˌglacioˈlogic adj   > ˌglaciˈologist or ˈglacialist n

glacis (ˈɡlæsIs, ˈɡlæsI, ˈɡleI-)   n, pl -ises or -is (-iːz, -Iz)   1 a slight incline; slope   2 an open slope in front of a fortified place   3 short for glacis plate [C17: from French, from Old French glacier to freeze, slip, from Latin glaciāre, from glaciēs ice]

■ glacis plate   n   1 the frontal plate armour on a tank   2 a section of armour plate shielding an opening on a naval vessel

glad^1 (ɡlæd)   adj gladder, gladdest   1 happy and pleased; contented   2 causing happiness or contentment   3 (postpositive; foll by to) very willing: he was glad to help   4 (postpositive; foll by of) happy or pleased to have: glad of her help   ▷ vb glads, gladding, gladded   5 an archaic word for gladden [Old English glǣd; related to Old Norse glathr, Old High German glat smooth, shining, Latin glaber smooth, Lithuanian glodùs fitting closely]   > ˈgladly adv   > ˈgladness n

■ gladden (ˈɡlædən)   vb   to make or become glad and joyful   > ˈgladdener n

■ glad eye   n   informal an inviting or seductive glance (esp in the phrase give (someone) the glad eye)

■ gladful (ˈɡlædfʊl)   adj   full of gladness

■ gladfulness (ˈɡlædfʊlnəs)   n   the state of being full of gladness

■ glad hand   n   1    a a welcoming hand   b a welcome   ▷ vb glad-hand   2 (tr) to welcome by or as if by offering a hand

■ glad rags   pl n   informal best clothes or clothes used on special occasions

■ gladsome (ˈɡlædsəm)   adj   an archaic word for glad^1   > ˈgladsomely adv   > ˈgladsomeness n

glad^2 (ɡlæd)   n   informal short for gladiolus. Also called (Austral): gladdie (ˈɡlædI)

Gladbeck (German ˈɡlatbɛk)   n   a city in NW Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 77 166 (2003 est)

gladdon (ˈɡlædən)   n   another name for stinking iris [Old English, of uncertain origin]

glade (ɡleId)   n   an open place in a forest; clearing [C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to GLAD^1 (in obsolete sense: bright); see GLEAM]   > ˈgladeˌlike adj

■ glady (ˈɡleIdI)   adj gladier, gladiest   resembling a glade

gladiate (ˈɡlædIIt, -ˌeIt, ˈɡleI-)   adj   botany shaped like a sword: gladiate leaves [C18: from Latin gladius sword]

gladiator (ˈɡlædIˌeItə)   n   1 (in ancient Rome and Etruria) a man trained to fight in arenas to provide entertainment   2 a person who supports and fights publicly for a cause [C16: from Latin: swordsman, from gladius sword]

■ gladiatorial (ˌɡlædIəˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of, characteristic of, or relating to gladiators, combat, etc

■ gladiatorian (ˌɡlædIəˈtəʊrIən)   adj   obsolete having the characteristics of a gladiator

■ gladiatorship (ˈɡlædIˌeItəʃIp)   n   the work of a gladiator

■ gladiatory (ˈɡlædIˌeItərI)   adj   another word for gladiatorian

gladiolus (ˌɡlædIˈəʊləs)   n, pl -lus, -li (-laI) or -luses   1 Also called: sword lily, gladiola any iridaceous plant of the widely cultivated genus Gladiolus, having sword-shaped leaves and spikes of funnel-shaped brightly coloured flowers   2 anatomy the large central part of the breastbone [C16: from Latin: a small sword, sword lily, from gladius a sword]

gladius (ˈɡlædIəs, ˈɡleIdIəs)   n, pl -diuses   1 Roman history a short sword used by Roman legionaries   2 a swordfish

Gladstone (ˈɡlædstən)   n   1  William Ewart. 1809–98, British statesman. He became leader of the Liberal Party in 1867 and was four times prime minister (1868–74; 1880–85; 1886; 1892–94). In his first ministry he disestablished the Irish Church (1869) and introduced educational reform (1870) and the secret ballot (1872). He succeeded in carrying the Reform Act of 1884 but failed to gain support for a Home Rule Bill for Ireland, to which he devoted much of the latter part of his career   2 a light four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle

■ Gladstone bag   n   a piece of hand luggage consisting of two equal-sized hinged compartments [C19: named after W. E. Gladstone]

Gladwrap (ˈɡlædˌræp)   n trademark NZ (sometimes not capital)   1 a thin polythene material that clings closely to any surface around which it is placed: used for wrapping food   ▷ vb -wraps, -wrapping, -wrapped   2 (tr) to cover (food) with Gladwrap

Glagolitic (ˌɡlæɡəˈlItIk)   adj   of, relating to, or denoting a Slavic alphabet whose invention is attributed to Saint Cyril, preserved only in certain Roman Catholic liturgical books found in Dalmatia [C19: from New Latin glagoliticus, from Serbo-Croat glagolica the Glagolitic alphabet; related to Old Church Slavonic glagolŭ word]

glaik (ɡleIk)   n   Scot obsolete a flash of light

glaikit or glaiket (ˈɡleIkIt)   adj   Scot foolish; silly; thoughtless: a glaiket expression [C15: of obscure origin]   > ˈglaikitness or ˈglaiketness n

glair (ɡlɛə)   n   1 white of egg, esp when used as a size, glaze, or adhesive, usually in bookbinding   2 any substance resembling this   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to apply glair to (something) [C14: from Old French glaire, from Vulgar Latin clāria (unattested) CLEAR, from Latin clārus]   > ˈglairy or ˈglaireous adj   > ˈglairiness n

■ glairin (ˈɡlɛərIn)   n   an organic deposit found in some mineral waters

glaive (ɡleIv)   n   an archaic word for sword [C13: from Old French: javelin, from Latin gladius sword]   > glaived adj

glam (ɡlæm)   adj   informal short for glamorous

■ glam rock   n   a style of rock music of the early 1970s, characterized by the glittery flamboyance and androgynous image of its performers

Glamis Castle (ɡlɑːmz)   n   a castle near Glamis in Angus, Scotland: ancestral seat of the Lyons family, forebears of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; famous for its legend of a secret chamber

glammy (ˈɡlæmI)   adj glammier, glammiest   informal glamorous

Glamorgan (ɡləˈmɔːɡən) or Glamorganshire (ɡləˈmɔːɡənˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a former county of SE Wales: divided into West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, and South Glamorgan in 1974; since 1996 administered by the county of Swansea and the county boroughs of Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Vale of Glamorgan, Merthyr Tydfil, and part of Caerphilly

glamour or sometimes US glamor (ˈɡlæmə)   n   1 charm and allure; fascination   2    a fascinating or voluptuous beauty, often dependent on artifice   b (as modifier): a glamour shot   3 archaic a magic spell; charm [C18: Scottish variant of GRAMMAR (hence a magic spell, because occult practices were popularly associated with learning)]

■ glamorize, glamorise (ˈɡlæməˌraIz) or sometimes glamourize, glamourise   vb   (tr) to cause to be or seem glamorous; romanticize or beautify   > ˌglamoriˈzation or ˌglamoriˈsation n   > ˈglamorˌizer or ˈglamorˌiser n

■ glamorous or glamourous (ˈɡlæmərəs)   adj   1 possessing glamour; alluring and fascinating: a glamorous career   2 beautiful and smart, esp in a showy way: a glamorous woman   > ˈglamorously or ˈglamourously adv   > ˈglamorousness or ˈglamourousness n

■ glamoured (ˈɡlæməd)   adj   archaic bewitched

■ glamourless (ˈɡlæməlIs)   adj   without glamour

■ glamourpuss (ˈɡlæməpʊs)   n   informal a glamorous person, esp a woman

glamping (ˈɡlæmpIŋ)   n   a form of camping in which participants enjoy physical comforts associated with more luxurious types of holiday [C21: blend of GLAMOROUS + CAMPING]

glance^1 (ɡlɑːns)   vb   1 (intr) to look hastily or briefly   2 (intr; foll by over, through, etc) to look over briefly: to glance through a report   3 (intr) to reflect, glint, or gleam: the sun glanced on the water   4 (intr; usually foll by off) to depart (from an object struck) at an oblique angle: the arrow glanced off the tree   5 (tr) to strike at an oblique angle: the arrow glanced the tree   ▷ n   6 a hasty or brief look; peep   7 at a glance from one's first look; immediately   8 a flash or glint of light; gleam   9 the act or an instance of an object glancing or glancing off another   10 a brief allusion or reference   11 cricket a stroke in which the ball is deflected off the bat to the leg side; glide [C15: modification of glacen to strike obliquely, from Old French glacier to slide (see GLACIS); compare Middle English glenten to make a rapid sideways movement, GLINT]   > ˈglancing adj   > ˈglancingly adv

USAGE

Glance is sometimes wrongly used where glimpse is meant: he caught a glimpse (not glance) of her making her way through the crowd

■ glancer (ˈɡlɑːnsə)   n   informal a person who glances

glance^2 (ɡlɑːns)   n   any mineral having a metallic lustre, esp a simple sulphide: copper glance [C19: from German Glanz brightness, lustre]

gland^1 (ɡlænd)   n   1 a cell or organ in humans and other animals that synthesizes chemical substances and secretes them for the body to use or eliminate, either through a duct (exocrine gland) or directly into the bloodstream (endocrine gland). See also exocrine gland, endocrine gland   2 a structure, such as a lymph node, that resembles a gland in form   3 a cell or organ in plants that synthesizes and secretes a particular substance ▶ Related adjective: adenoid [C17: from Latin glāns acorn]   > ˈglandˌlike adj

■ glanders (ˈɡlændəz)   n   (functioning as singular) a highly infectious bacterial disease of horses, sometimes transmitted to humans, caused by Actinobacillus mallei and characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes of the air passages, skin, and lymph glands [C16: from Old French glandres enlarged glands, from Latin glandulae, literally: little acorns, from glāns acorn; see GLAND^1]   > ˈglandered adj   > ˈglanderous adj

■ glandiferous (ɡlænˈdIfərəs)   adj   bearing nuts or acorns

■ glandiform (ˈɡlændIˌfɔːm)   adj   shaped like an acorn

■ glandless (ˈɡlændlIs)   adj   without glands

■ glandular (ˈɡlændjʊlə) or glandulous (ˈɡlændjʊləs)   adj   of, relating to, containing, functioning as, or affecting a gland: glandular tissue [C18: from Latin glandula, literally: a little acorn; see GLANDERS]   > ˈglandularly or ˈglandulously adv

■ glandular fever   n   another name for infectious mononucleosis

■ glandule (ˈɡlændjuːl)   n   a small gland

■ glanduliferous (ˌɡlændjʊˈlIfərəs)   adj   having glands or glandules

gland^2 (ɡlænd)   n   a device that prevents leakage of fluid along a rotating shaft or reciprocating rod passing through a boundary between areas of high and low pressure. It often consists of a flanged metal sleeve bedding into a stuffing box [C19: of unknown origin]

glans (ɡlænz)   n, pl glandes (ˈɡlændiːz)   anatomy any small rounded body or glandlike mass, such as the head of the penis (glans penis) [C17: from Latin: acorn; see GLAND^1]

glare^1 (ɡlɛə)   vb   1 (intr) to stare angrily; glower   2 (tr) to express by glowering   3 (intr) (of light, colour, etc) to be very bright and intense   4 (intr) to be dazzlingly ornamented or garish   ▷ n   5 an angry stare   6 a dazzling light or brilliance   7 garish ornamentation or appearance; gaudiness [C13: probably from Middle Low German, Middle Dutch glaren to gleam; probably related to Old English glæren glassy; see GLASS]   > ˈglareless adj   > ˈglary adj

■ glariness (ˈɡlɛərInəs)   n   the state of being full of glare or dazzling

■ glaring (ˈɡlɛərIŋ)   adj   1 conspicuous: a glaring omission   2 dazzling or garish   > ˈglaringly adv   > ˈglaringness n

glare^2 (ɡlɛə)   adj   chiefly US and Canadian smooth and glassy: glare ice [C16: special use of GLARE^1]

glareal (ˈɡlɛərIəl)   adj   botany growing on dry and exposed land

glareous (ˈɡlɛərIəs)   adj   1 a variant of glairy   2 botany growing in gravel

Glarus (German ˈɡlaːrʊs)   n   1 an Alpine canton of E central Switzerland. Capital: Glarus. Pop: 38 400 (2002 est). Area 684 sq km (264 sq miles)   2 a town in E central Switzerland, the capital of Glarus canton. Pop: 5556 (2000)   ▶ French name: Glaris (ɡlari)

Glaser (ˈɡleIzə)   n   Donald Arthur. 1926–2013, US physicist: invented the bubble chamber; Nobel prize for physics 1960

Glasgow (ˈɡlɑːzɡəʊ, ˈɡlæz-)   n   1 a city in W central Scotland, in City of Glasgow council area on the River Clyde: the largest city in Scotland; centre of a major industrial region, formerly an important port; universities (1451, 1964, 1992). Pop: 598 830 (2011). Related adjective: Glaswegian   2 City of Glasgow a council area in W central Scotland. Pop: 593 000 (2010 est). Area: 175 sq km (68 sq miles)

glasnost (ˈɡlæsˌnɒst)   n   the policy of public frankness and accountability developed in the former Soviet Union under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev [C20: Russian, literally: openness]

■ glasnostic (ɡlæsˈnɒstIk) or glasnostian (ɡlæsˈnɒstIən)   adj   relating to the policy of glasnost

glass (ɡlɑːs)   n   1    a a hard brittle transparent or translucent noncrystalline solid, consisting of metal silicates or similar compounds. It is made from a fused mixture of oxides, such as lime, silicon dioxide, etc, and is used for making windows, mirrors, bottles, etc   b (as modifier): a glass bottle. Related adjectives: vitreous, vitric   2 any compound that has solidified from a molten state into a noncrystalline form   3 something made of glass, esp a drinking vessel, a barometer, or a mirror   4 Also called: glassful the amount contained in a drinking glass   5 glassware collectively   6 See volcanic glass   7 See fibreglass   ▷ vb (tr)   8 to cover with, enclose in, or fit with glass   9 informal to hit (someone) in the face with a glass or a bottle [Old English glæs; related to Old Norse gler, Old High German glas, Middle High German glast brightness; see GLARE^1]   > ˈglassless adj   > ˈglassˌlike adj

■ glass-blowing   n   the process of shaping a mass of molten or softened glass into a vessel, shape, etc, by blowing air into it through a tube   > ˈglass-ˌblower n

■ glass can   n   Austral slang a short squat beer bottle

■ glass ceiling   n   a situation in which progress, esp promotion, appears to be possible but restrictions or discrimination create a barrier that prevents it

■ glasscloth (ˈɡlɑːsˌklɒθ)   n   a cloth for cleaning glass, which does not leave fibres behind

■ glasscutter (ˈɡlɑːsˌkʌtə)   n   1 a small hand tool that is specially designed for cutting sheets of glass, having a cutting wheel of steel or tungsten carbide and notches for snapping the glass   2 a person whose job is to cut glass to the correct size and shape required

■ glassed-in or glassed   adj   having walls made mostly of glass

■ glassen (ˈɡlɑːsən)   adj   archaic glassy

■ glasses (ˈɡlɑːsIz)   pl n   a pair of lenses for correcting faulty vision, in a frame that rests on the bridge of the nose and hooks behind the ears. Also called: spectacles, eyeglasses

■ glass eye   n   an artificial eye made of glass

■ glass fibre   n   another name for fibreglass

■ glass harmonica   n   a musical instrument of the 18th century consisting of a set of glass bowls of graduated pitches, played by rubbing the fingers over the moistened rims or by a keyboard mechanism. Sometimes shortened to: harmonica. Also called: musical glasses

■ glasshouse (ˈɡlɑːsˌhaʊs)   n   1 Brit a glass building, esp a greenhouse, used for growing plants in protected or controlled conditions   2 obsolete, informal, chiefly Brit a military detention centre   3 US another word for glassworks

■ glassify (ˈɡlɑːsIfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   1 (intr) to become glass or glass-like   2 (tr) to cause to become like glass

■ glassine (ɡlæˈsiːn)   n   a glazed translucent paper used for book jackets

■ glass jaw   n   boxing informal a jaw that is excessively fragile or susceptible to punches

■ glass-maker   n   a person who makes glass or glass objects   > ˈglass-ˌmaking n

■ glassman (ˈɡlɑːsmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man whose work is making or selling glassware   2 a less common word for glazier

■ glasspaper (ˈɡlɑːsˌpeIpə)   n   1 strong paper coated with powdered glass or other abrasive material for smoothing and polishing   ▷ vb   2 to smooth or polish with glasspaper

■ glass snake   n   any snakelike lizard of the genus Ophisaurus, of Europe, Asia, and North America, with vestigial hind limbs and a tail that breaks off easily: family Anguidae

■ glass string   n   the string of a kite used in kite fighting that has an abrasive coating of glue and crushed glass

■ glassware (ˈɡlɑːsˌwɛə)   n   articles made of glass

■ glass wool   n   fine spun glass massed into a wool-like bulk, used in insulation, filtering, etc

■ glasswork (ˈɡlɑːsˌwɜːk)   n   1 the production of glassware   2 the fitting of glass   3 articles of glass   > ˈglass-ˌworker n

■ glassworks (ˈɡlɑːsˌwɜːks)   n   (functioning as singular) a factory for the moulding of glass

■ glassworm (ˈɡlɑːsˌwɜːm)   n   a gnat larva

■ glasswort (ˈɡlɑːsˌwɜːt)   n   1 Also called: marsh samphire any plant of the chenopodiaceous genus Salicornia, of salt marshes, having fleshy stems and scalelike leaves: formerly used as a source of soda for glass-making   2 another name for saltwort (sense 1)

■ glassy (ˈɡlɑːsI)   adj glassier, glassiest   1 resembling glass, esp in smoothness, slipperiness, or transparency   2 void of expression, life, or warmth: a glassy stare   > ˈglassily adv   > ˈglassiness n

■ glassy-eyed   adj   having eyes that are void of expression, life, or warmth, esp because of drugs or alcohol

■ glassyheaded (ˌɡlɑːsIˈhɛdId)   adj   smooth; bald

Glass (ɡlɑːs)   n   Philip. born 1937, US composer noted for his minimalist style: his works include Music in Fifths (1970), Akhnaten (1984), The Voyage (1992), and Monsters of Grace (1998); his film music includes scores for Kundun (1998), The Truman Show (1999), and The Hours (2002)

Glastonbury (ˈɡlæstənbərI, -brI)   n   a town in SW England, in Somerset: remains of prehistoric lake villages; the reputed burial place of King Arthur; site of a ruined Benedictine abbey, probably the oldest in England; the Glastonbury Festival of music and other arts is held most summers in nearby Pilton. Pop: 8429 (2001)

Glaswegian (ɡlæzˈwiːdʒən)   adj   1 of or relating to Glasgow or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Glasgow [C19: influenced by Norway, Norwegian]

glauberite (ˈɡlɔːbəˌraIt)   n   mineralogy a sulphate of sodium and calcium

Glauber's salt (ˈɡlaʊbəz) or Glauber salt (ˈɡlaʊbə)   n   the crystalline decahydrate of sodium sulphate [C18: named after J. R. Glauber (1604–68), German chemist]

Glauce (ˈɡlɔːsI)   n Greek myth   1 the second bride of Jason, murdered on her wedding day by Medea, whom Jason had deserted   2 a sea nymph, one of the Nereids

glaucescence (ɡlɔːˈsɛsəns)   n botany   1 the state of having bluish-green coloration   2 the process of becoming bluish-green in colour

■ glaucescent (ɡlɔːˈsɛsənt)   adj   botany characterized by glaucescence

glaucoma (ɡlɔːˈkəʊmə)   n   a disease of the eye in which pressure within the eyeball damages the optic disc, impairing vision, sometimes progressing to blindness [C17: from Latin, from Greek glaukōma, from glaukos; see GLAUCOUS]   > glauˈcomatous adj

glauconite (ˈɡlɔːkəˌnaIt)   n   a green mineral consisting of the hydrated silicate of iron, potassium, aluminium, and magnesium: found in greensand and other similar rocks. Formula: (K,Na,Ca)0.5-1(Fe,Al,Mg)2(Si,Al)4O_10(OH)2.nH_2O [C19: from Greek glaukon, neuter of glaukos bluish-green + -ITE^1; see GLAUCOUS]   > glauconitic (ˌɡlɔːkəˈnItIk) adj

glaucous (ˈɡlɔːkəs)   adj   1 botany covered with a bluish waxy or powdery bloom   2 bluish-green [C17: from Latin glaucus silvery, bluish-green, from Greek glaukos]   > ˈglaucously adv

■ glaucous gull   n   a gull, Larus hyperboreus, of northern and arctic regions, with a white head and tail and pale grey back and wings

■ glaucousness (ˈɡlɔːkəsnəs)   n   botany the state of being glaucous

glaum (ɡlɔːm)   vb (intr)   Scot to snatch at something

glaur (ɡlɔːr)   n   Scot mud or mire [C16: of unknown origin]   > ˈglaury adj

glaze (ɡleIz)   vb   1 (tr) to fit or cover with glass   2 (tr) ceramics to cover with a vitreous solution, rendering impervious to liquid and smooth to the touch   3 (tr) to cover (a painting) with a layer of semitransparent colour to modify the tones   4 (tr) to cover (foods) with a shiny coating by applying beaten egg, sugar, etc   5 (tr) to make glossy or shiny   6 (when intr, often foll by over) to become or cause to become glassy: his eyes were glazing over   ▷ n   7 ceramics   a a vitreous or glossy coating   b the substance used to produce such a coating   8 a semitransparent coating applied to a painting to modify the tones   9 a smooth lustrous finish on a fabric produced by applying various chemicals   10 something used to give a glossy surface to foods: a syrup glaze [C14 glasen, from glas GLASS]   > glazed adj   > ˈglazer n   > ˈglazy adj

■ glaze ice or glazed frost   n   Brit a thin clear layer of ice caused by the freezing of rain or water droplets in the air on impact with a cool surface or by refreezing after a thaw. Also called: silver frost. US term: glaze

■ glazen (ˈɡleIzən)   adj   obsolete glazed

■ glazier (ˈɡleIzIə)   n   a person who glazes windows, etc   > ˈglaziery n

■ glazily (ˈɡleIzIlI)   adv   in a glazy manner

■ glaziness (ˈɡleIzInəs)   n   the state of being glazy

■ glazing (ˈɡleIzIŋ)   n   1 the surface of a glazed object   2 glass fitted, or to be fitted, in a door, frame, etc

■ glazing-bar   n   a supporting or strengthening bar for a glass window, door, etc. Usual US word: muntin

Glazunov (ˈɡlæzʊnɒf; Russian ɡləzuˈnɔf)   n   Aleksandr Konstantinovich (alIkˈsandr kənstanˈtinəvitʃ). 1865–1936, Russian composer, in France from 1928. A pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov, he wrote eight symphonies and concertos for piano and for violin among other works

GLC   abbreviation for   Greater London Council, abolished 1986

gld   abbreviation for   guilder

gleam (ɡliːm)   n   1 a small beam or glow of light, esp reflected light   2 a brief or dim indication: a gleam of hope   ▷ vb (intr)   3 to send forth or reflect a beam of light   4 to appear, esp briefly: intelligence gleamed in his eyes [Old English glǣm; related to Old Norse gljā to flicker, Old High German gleimo glow-worm, glīmo brightness, Old Irish glē bright]   > ˈgleaming adj   > ˈgleamingly adv   > ˈgleamy adj

■ gleamer (ˈɡliːmə)   n   a mirror used to cheat in card games

glean (ɡliːn)   vb   1 to gather (something) slowly and carefully in small pieces: to glean information from the newspapers   2 to gather (the useful remnants of a crop) from the field after harvesting [C14: from Old French glener, from Late Latin glennāre, probably of Celtic origin]   > ˈgleanable adj   > ˈgleaner n

■ gleanings (ˈɡliːnIŋz)   pl n   the useful remnants of a crop that can be gathered from the field after harvesting

gleba (ˈɡliːbə)   n   botany the spore-bearing tissue of various funguses

glebe (ɡliːb)   n   1 Brit land granted to a member of the clergy as part of a benefice   2 poetic land, esp when regarded as the source of growing things [C14: from Latin glaeba]

■ glebeless (ˈɡliːblIs)   adj   without glebe

■ glebous (ˈɡliːbəs)   adj   clod-like; earthy

■ gleby (ˈɡliːbI)   adj glebier, glebiest   archaic clod-like

glede (ɡliːd) or gled (ɡlɛd)   n   a former Brit name for the red kite. See kite^1 (sense 4) [Old English glida; related to Old Norse gletha, Middle Low German glede]

gledge (ɡlɛdʒ) Scot   n   1 a sideways glance   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to glance sideways

glee (ɡliː)   n   1 great merriment or delight, often caused by someone else's misfortune   2 a type of song originating in 18th-century England, sung by three or more unaccompanied voices. Compare madrigal (sense 1) [Old English gléo; related to Old Norse glӯ]

■ glee club   n   chiefly US and Canadian a club or society organized for the singing of choral music

■ gleeful (ˈɡliːfʊl)   adj   full of glee; merry   > ˈgleefully adv   > ˈgleefulness n

■ gleemaiden (ˈɡliːˌmeIdən)   n   obsolete a female minstrel

■ gleeman (ˈɡliːmən)   n, pl -men   obsolete a minstrel

■ gleesome (ˈɡliːsʌm)   adj   archaic full of glee

gleed (ɡliːd)   n   archaic or dialect a burning ember or hot coal [Old English glēd; related to German Glut, Dutch gloed, Swedish glöd]

gleek (ɡliːk)   n   1 a jest or trick   ▷ vb   2 to play a trick (on)

gleenie (ˈɡliːnI)   n   Southwest English dialect a guinea fowl

gleet (ɡliːt)   n   1 inflammation of the urethra with a slight discharge of thin pus and mucus: a stage of chronic gonorrhoea   2 the pus and mucus discharged [C14: from Old French glette slime, from Latin glittus sticky]   > ˈgleety adj

gleg (ɡlɛɡ)   adj   Scot and Northern English dialect quick; clever

■ glegly (ˈɡlɛɡlI)   adv   Scot and Northern English dialect quickly; cleverly

■ glegness (ˈɡlɛɡnəs)   n   quickness

Gleichschaltung (ˈɡlaIkˌʃæltʊŋ)   n   the enforcement of standardization and the elimination of all opposition within the political, economic, and cultural institutions of a state [C20: German]

Gleiwitz (ˈɡlaIvIts)   n   the German name for Gliwice

glen (ɡlɛn)   n   a narrow and deep mountain valley, esp in Scotland or Ireland [C15: from Scottish Gaelic gleann, from Old Irish glend]   > ˈglenˌlike adj

Glen Albyn (ˈælbIn, ˈɔːl-)   n   another name for the Great Glen

Glen Coe (kəʊ)   n   a glen in W Scotland, in S Highland: site of a massacre of MacDonalds by Campbells and English troops (1692)

glendoveer (ˌɡlɛndəʊˈvIə)   n   myth a heavenly sprite

Glendower (ɡlɛnˈdaʊə)   n   Owen, Welsh name Owain Glyndŵr. ?1350–?1416, Welsh chieftain, who led a revolt against Henry IV's rule in Wales (1400–15)

glengarry (ɡlɛnˈɡærI)   n, pl -ries   a brimless Scottish woollen cap with a crease down the crown, often with ribbons dangling at the back. Also called: glengarry bonnet [C19: after Glengarry, Scotland]

Glen More (mɔː)   n   another name for the Great Glen

Glenn (ɡlɛn)   n   John. 1921–2016, US astronaut and politician. The first American to orbit the earth (Feb, 1962), he later became a senator (1975–99) and in 1998 returned to space at the age of 77

Glennie (ˈɡlɛnI)   n   Dame Evelyn (Elizabeth Ann). born 1965, Scottish percussionist and composer; profoundly deaf since the age of twelve

Glen of Imaal terrier (Iˈmɑːl)   n   a strongly-built medium-sized variety of terrier with a medium-length coat and short forelegs

glenoid (ˈɡliːnɔId) or glenoidal (ɡliːˈnɔIdəl)   adj anatomy   1 resembling or having a shallow cavity   2 denoting the cavity in the shoulder blade into which the head of the upper arm bone fits [C18: from Greek glēnoeidēs, from glēnē socket of a joint]

Glenrothes (ɡlɛnˈrɒθIs)   n   a new town in E central Scotland, the administrative centre of Fife: founded in 1948. Pop: 38 679 (2001)

gley or glei (ɡleI)   n   a bluish-grey compact sticky soil occurring in certain humid regions [C20: from Russian glei clay]

■ gleization or gleisation (ɡleIˈzeIʃən)   n   the formation of gley

glia (ˈɡliːə)   n   the delicate web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports nerve cells. Also called: neuroglia   > ˈglial adj

■ gliosis (ɡlaIˈəʊsIs)   n   med a process leading to scarring in the central nervous system

gliadin (ˈɡlaIədIn) or gliadine (ˈɡlaIəˌdiːn, -dIn)   n   a protein of cereals, esp wheat, with a high proline content: forms a sticky mass with water that binds flour into dough. Compare glutelin [C19: from Italian gliadina, from Greek glia glue]

glib (ɡlIb)   adj glibber, glibbest   fluent and easy, often in an insincere or deceptive way [C16: probably from Middle Low German glibberich slippery]   > ˈglibly adv   > ˈglibness n

■ glibbery (ˈɡlIbərI)   adj   obsolete slippery; untrustworthy

■ glib ice   n   Canadian ice that is particularly smooth and slippery

glid (ɡlId)   adj   Scot dialect moving smoothly and easily

■ gliddery (ˈɡlIdərI)   adj   Scot dialect slippery

glide (ɡlaId)   vb   1 to move or cause to move easily without jerks or hesitations: to glide in a boat down the river   2 (intr) to pass slowly or without perceptible change: to glide into sleep   3 to cause (an aircraft) to come in to land without engine power, or (of an aircraft) to land in this way   4 (intr) to fly a glider   5 (intr) music to execute a portamento from one note to another   6 (intr) phonetics to produce a glide   ▷ n   7 a smooth easy movement   8    a any of various dances featuring gliding steps   b a step in such a dance   9 a manoeuvre in which an aircraft makes a gentle descent without engine power. See also glidepath   10 the act or process of gliding   11 music   a a long portion of tubing slipped in and out of a trombone to increase its length for the production of lower harmonic series. See also valve (sense 5)   b a portamento or slur   12 phonetics   a a transitional sound as the speech organs pass from the articulatory position of one speech sound to that of the next, as the (w) sound in some pronunciations of the word doing   b another word for semivowel   13 crystallog another name for slip^1 (sense 33)   14 cricket another word for glance^1 (sense 11) [Old English glīdan; related to Old High German glītan]   > ˈglidingly adv

■ glidepath (ˈɡlaIdˌpɑːθ) or glide slope   n   the approach path of an aircraft when landing, usually defined by a radar beam

■ glider (ˈɡlaIdə)   n   1 an aircraft capable of gliding and soaring in air currents without the use of an engine. See also sailplane   2 a person or thing that glides   3 another name for flying phalanger

■ glide time   n   NZ a system permitting flexibility of working hours at the beginning or end of the day, provided an agreed period of each day (core time) is spent at work. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): flexitime

■ gliding (ˈɡlaIdIŋ)   n   the sport of flying in a glider

gliff (ɡlIf)   n Scot dialect   1 a fright   2 a moment   3 a glance

glift (ɡlIft)   n   obsolete a moment

glim (ɡlIm)   n slang   1 a light or lamp   2 an eye [C17: probably short for GLIMMER; compare GLIMPSE]

glime (ɡlaIm) Northern English dialect   n   1 a sideways glance   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to glance sideways

glimmer (ˈɡlImə)   vb (intr)   1 (of a light, candle, etc) to glow faintly or flickeringly   2 to be indicated faintly: hope glimmered in his face   ▷ n   3 a glow or twinkle of light   4 a faint indication [C14: compare Middle High German glimmern, Swedish glimra, Danish glimre]

■ glimmering (ˈɡlImərIŋ)   n   1 a faint sign: a glimmering of understanding   ▷ adj   2 glowing or twinkling   > ˈglimmeringly adv

■ glimmery (ˈɡlImərI)   adj -merier, -meriest   tending to glimmer

glimpse (ɡlImps)   n   1 a brief or incomplete view: to catch a glimpse of the sea   2 a vague indication: he had a glimpse of what the lecturer meant   3 archaic a glimmer of light   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to catch sight of briefly or momentarily   5 (intr; usually foll by at) chiefly US to look (at) briefly or cursorily; glance (at)   6 (intr) archaic to shine faintly; glimmer [C14: of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German glimsen to glimmer]   > ˈglimpser n

USAGE

Glimpse is sometimes wrongly used where glance is meant: he gave a quick glance (not glimpse) at his watch

Glinka (Russian ˈɡlinkə)   n   Mikhail Ivanovich (mixaˈil iˈvanəvitʃ). 1804–57, Russian composer who pioneered the Russian national school of music. His works include the operas A Life for the Tsar (1836) and Russlan and Ludmilla (1842)

glint (ɡlInt)   vb   1 to gleam or cause to gleam brightly   ▷ n   2 a bright gleam or flash   3 brightness or gloss   4 a brief indication [C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dialect glänta, glinta to gleam]

■ glinty (ˈɡlIntI)   adj glintier, glintiest   shiny

glioblastoma (ˌɡlaIəʊblæsˈtəʊmə, ˌɡliːəʊ-)   n, pl -mata or -mas   med a malignant tumour of the central nervous system

glioma (ɡlaIˈəʊmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə) or -mas   a tumour of the brain and spinal cord, composed of neuroglia cells and fibres [C19: from New Latin, from Greek glia glue + -OMA]   > gliˈomatous adj

■ gliomatosis (ˌɡlaIəʊməˈtəʊsIs, ˌɡliːəʊ-)   n   med excessive growth of neuroglia in the brain or spinal cord

glisk (ɡlIsk)   n   Scot a glimpse

glissade (ɡlIˈsɑːd, -ˈseId)   n   1 a gliding step in ballet, in which one foot slides forwards, sideways, or backwards   2 a controlled slide down a snow slope   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to perform a glissade [C19: from French, from glisser to slip, from Old French glicier, of Frankish origin; compare Old High German glītan to GLIDE]   > glisˈsader n

glissando (ɡlIˈsændəʊ)   n, pl -di (-diː) or -dos   1 a rapidly executed series of notes on the harp or piano, each note of which is discretely audible   2 a portamento, esp as executed on the violin, viola, etc [C19: probably Italianized variant of GLISSADE]

glisten (ˈɡlIsən)   vb (intr)   1 (of a wet or glossy surface) to gleam by reflecting light: wet leaves glisten in the sunlight   2 (of light) to reflect with brightness: the sunlight glistens on wet leaves   ▷ n   3 rare a gleam or gloss [Old English glisnian; related to glisian to glitter, Middle High German glistern]   > ˈglisteningly adv

glister (ˈɡlIstə)   vb, n   an archaic word for glitter [C14: probably from Middle Dutch glisteren]   > ˈglisteringly adv

glit (ɡlIt)   n   obsolete slimy matter

glitch (ɡlItʃ)   n   1 a sudden instance of malfunctioning or irregularity in an electronic system   2 a change in the rotation rate of a pulsar [C20: of unknown origin]

■ glitchy (ˈɡlItʃI)   adj glitchier, glitchiest   informal (of an electronic system) prone to sudden instances of malfunctioning or irregularity

glitter (ˈɡlItə)   vb (intr)   1 (of a hard, wet, or polished surface) to reflect light in bright flashes   2 (of light) to be reflected in bright flashes   3 (usually foll by with) to be decorated or enhanced by the glamour (of): the show glitters with famous actors   ▷ n   4 sparkle or brilliance   5 show and glamour   6 tiny pieces of shiny decorative material used for ornamentation, as on the skin   7 Also called: silver thaw Canadian ice formed from freezing rain [C14: from Old Norse glitra; related to Old High German glīzan to shine]   > ˈglittery adj

■ glitterand (ˈɡlItəˌrænd)   adj   glittering

■ glitterati (ˌɡlItəˈrɑːtiː)   pl n   informal the leaders of society, esp the rich and beautiful; fashionable celebrities [C20: from GLITTER + -ati as in LITERATI]

■ glittering (ˈɡlItərIŋ)   adj   1 successful, impressive: a glittering academic career   2 glamorous: a glittering occasion   3 sparkling   > ˈglitteringly adv

glitzy (ˈɡlItsI)   adj glitzier, glitziest   informal showily attractive; flashy or glittery [C20: originally US, probably via Yiddish from German glitzern to glitter]

■ glitz (ɡlIts)   n   ostentatious showiness; gaudiness or glitter [C20: back formation from GLITZY]

■ glitzily (ˈɡlItsIlI)   adv   in a glitzy manner

■ glitziness (ˈɡlItsInIs)   n   informal the state or quality of being glitzy

Gliwice (Polish ɡliˈvitsɛ)   n   an industrial city in S Poland. Pop: 197 874 (2007 est). German name: Gleiwitz

gloaming (ˈɡləʊmIŋ) or gloam (ɡləʊm)   n   poetic twilight or dusk [Old English glōmung, from glōm; related to Old Norse glāmr moon]

gloat (ɡləʊt)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by over) to dwell (on) with malevolent smugness or exultation   ▷ n   2 the act of gloating [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse glotta to grin, Middle High German glotzen to stare]   > ˈgloater n

■ gloating (ˈɡləʊtIŋ)   n   1 the act or process of dwelling on something with malevolent smugness or exultation   ▷ adj   2 dwelling on something with malevolent smugness or exultation; smug   > ˈgloatingly adv

glob (ɡlɒb)   n   informal a rounded mass of some thick fluid or pliable substance: a glob of cream [C20: probably from GLOBE, influenced by BLOB]

■ globby (ˈɡlɒbI)   adj globbier, globbiest   thick and lumpy

globe (ɡləʊb)   n   1 a sphere on which a map of the world or the heavens is drawn or represented   2 the globe the world; the earth   3 a planet or some other astronomical body   4 an object shaped like a sphere, such as a glass lampshade or fish-bowl   5 Austral, NZ and South African an electric light bulb   6 an orb, usually of gold, symbolic of authority or sovereignty   ▷ vb   7 to form or cause to form into a globe [C16: from Old French, from Latin globus]   > ˈglobeˌlike adj

■ global (ˈɡləʊbəl)   adj   1 covering, influencing, or relating to the whole world   2 comprehensive   > ˈglobally adv

■ global community   n   the people or nations of the world, considered as being closely connected by modern telecommunications and as being economically, socially, and politically interdependent

■ global dimming   n   a decrease in the amount of sunlight reaching the surface of the earth, believed to be caused by pollution in the atmosphere

■ globalism (ˈɡləʊbəlIzəm)   n   a policy that is worldwide in scope

■ globalist (ˈɡləʊbəlIst)   n   one who advocates globalism

■ globalization or globalisation (ˌɡləʊbəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the process enabling financial and investment markets to operate internationally, largely as a result of deregulation and improved communications   2 the emergence since the 1980s of a single world market dominated by multinational companies, leading to a diminishing capacity for national governments to control their economies   3 the process by which a company, etc, expands to operate internationally

■ globalize or globalise (ˈɡləʊbəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to put into effect or spread worldwide

■ global positioning system   n   a system of earth-orbiting satellites, transmitting signals continuously towards the earth, that enables the position of a receiving device on or near the earth's surface to be accurately estimated from the difference in arrival times of the signals. Abbreviation: GPS

■ global product   n   a commercial product that is marketed throughout the world under the same brand name

■ global rule   n   (in transformational grammar) a rule that makes reference to nonconsecutive stages of a derivation

■ global search   n   a word-processing operation in which a complete computer file or set of files is searched for every occurrence of a particular word or other sequence of characters

■ global village   n   the whole world considered as being closely connected by modern telecommunications and as being interdependent economically, socially, and politically [C20: coined by Marshall MCLUHAN]

■ global warming   n   an increase in the average temperature worldwide believed to be caused by the greenhouse effect

■ globate (ˈɡləʊbeIt) or globated (ˈɡləʊbeItId)   adj   shaped like a globe

■ globe artichoke   n   See artichoke (sense 1), artichoke (sense 2)

■ globefish (ˈɡləʊbˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   another name for puffer (sense 2), porcupine fish

■ globeflower (ˈɡləʊbˌflaʊə)   n   any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Trollius, having pale yellow, white, or orange globe-shaped flowers

■ globe-trot or globetrot   vb (intr)   informal to travel worldwide habitually

■ globetrotter (ˈɡləʊbˌtrɒtə)   n   a habitual worldwide traveller, esp a tourist or businessperson   > ˈglobeˌtrotting n, adj

■ Globish (ˈɡləʊbIʃ)   n   a simplified version of English used by non-native speakers, consisting of the most common words and phrases only [C20: a blend of GLOBE and ENGLISH]

■ globoid (ˈɡləʊbɔId)   adj   1 shaped approximately like a globe   ▷ n   2 a globoid body, such as any of those occurring in certain plant granules

■ globy (ˈɡləʊbI)   adj globier, globiest   round; globular

globesity (ˌɡləʊˈbiːsItI)   n   informal obesity seen as a worldwide social problem [C21: a blend of GLOBAL + OBESITY]

globigerina (ɡləʊˌbIdʒəˈraInə)   n, pl -nas or -nae (-niː)   1 any marine protozoan of the genus Globigerina, having a rounded shell with spiny processes: phylum Foraminifera (foraminifers)   2 globigerina ooze a deposit on the ocean floor consisting of the shells of these protozoans [C19: from New Latin, from Latin globus GLOBE + gerere to carry, bear]

globin (ˈɡləʊbIn)   n   biochem the protein component of the pigments myoglobin and haemoglobin [C19: from Latin globus ball, sphere + -IN]

globose (ˈɡləʊbəʊs, ɡləʊˈbəʊs) or globous (ˈɡləʊbəs)   adj   spherical or approximately spherical [C15: from Latin globōsus; see GLOBE]   > ˈglobosely adv   > globosity (ɡləʊˈbɒsItI) or ˈgloboseness n

globule (ˈɡlɒbjuːl)   n   1 a small globe, esp a drop of liquid   2 astronomy a small dark nebula thought to be a site of star formation [C17: from Latin globulus, diminutive of globus GLOBE]

■ globular (ˈɡlɒbjʊlə) or globulous   adj   1 shaped like a globe or globule   2 having or consisting of globules   > globularity (ˌɡlɒbjʊˈlærItI) or ˈglobularness n   > ˈglobularly adv

■ globular cluster   n   astronomy a densely populated spheroidal star cluster with the highest concentration of stars near its centre, found in the galactic halo and in other galaxies

■ globulet (ˈɡlɒbjʊlIt)   n   a small globule

■ globuliferous (ˌɡlɒbjʊˈlIfərəs)   adj   producing, containing, or having globules

globulin (ˈɡlɒbjʊlIn)   n   any of a group of simple proteins, including gamma globulin, that are generally insoluble in water but soluble in salt solutions and coagulated by heat [C19: from GLOBULE + -IN]

globulite (ˈɡlɒbjʊˌlaIt)   n   mineralogy a spherical form of crystallite

globus (ˈɡləʊbəs)   n   anatomy any spherelike structure

■ globus hystericus (hIˈstɛrIkəs)   n   the technical name for a lump in the throat. See lump^1 (sense 8)

glochidium (ɡləʊˈkIdIəm)   n, pl -chidia (-ˈkIdIə)   1 Also called: glochid (ˈɡləʊkId) a barbed hair, esp among the spore masses of water ferns and on certain other plants   2 a parasitic larva of certain freshwater mussels that attaches itself to the fins or gills of fish by hooks or suckers [C19: from New Latin, from Greek glōkhis projecting point]   > gloˈchidiate adj

Glock (ɡlɒk)   n   trademark a type of pistol [C20: named after Gaston Glock (born 1929), Austrian manufacturer]

glockenspiel (ˈɡlɒkənˌspiːl, -ˌʃpiːl)   n   a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned metal plates played with a pair of small hammers [C19: German, from Glocken bells + Spiel play]

glogg (ɡlɒɡ)   n   a hot alcoholic mixed drink, originally from Sweden, consisting of sweetened brandy, red wine, bitters or other flavourings, and blanched almonds [from Swedish glögg, from glödga to burn]

gloire French (ɡlwar)   n   glory

glom (ɡlɒm)   vb gloms, glomming, glommed slang   1 (tr; foll by on to) to attach oneself to or associate oneself with   2 US to acquire, esp without paying [C20: from Scots glaum]

glomerate (ˈɡlɒmərIt)   adj   1 gathered into a compact rounded mass   2 wound up like a ball of thread   3 anatomy (esp of glands) conglomerate in structure [C18: from Latin glomerāre to wind into a ball, from glomus ball]

■ glomeration (ˌɡlɒməˈreIʃən)   n   a conglomeration or cluster

glomerule (ˈɡlɒməˌruːl)   n botany   1 a cymose inflorescence in the form of a ball-like cluster of flowers   2 a ball-like cluster of spores [C18: from New Latin GLOMERULUS]   > glomerulate (ɡlɒˈmɛrʊlIt, -ˌleIt) adj

glomerulonephritis (ɡlɒˌmɛrʊləʊnIˈfraItIs)   n   any of various kidney diseases in which the glomeruli are affected

glomerulus (ɡlɒˈmɛrʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   1 a knot of blood vessels in the kidney projecting into the capsular end of a urine-secreting tubule   2 any cluster or coil of blood vessels, nerve fibres, etc, in the body [C18: from New Latin, diminutive of glomus ball]   > gloˈmerular adj

Glomma (Norwegian ˈɡlɔma)   n   a river in SE Norway, rising near the border with Sweden and flowing generally south to the Skagerrak: the largest river in Scandinavia; important for hydroelectric power and floating timber. Length: 588 km (365 miles)

glomus (ˈɡləʊməs)   n   anatomy a small anastomosis in an artery or vein

glonoin (ɡlɒˈnəʊIn)   n   med nitroglycerin

gloom (ɡluːm)   n   1 partial or total darkness   2 a state of depression or melancholy   3 an appearance or expression of despondency or melancholy   4 poetic a dim or dark place   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to look sullen or depressed   6 to make or become dark or gloomy [C14 gloumben to look sullen; related to Norwegian dialect glome to eye suspiciously]   > ˈgloomful adj   > ˈgloomfully adv   > ˈgloomless adj

■ gloomy (ˈɡluːmI)   adj gloomier, gloomiest   1 dark or dismal   2 causing depression, dejection, or gloom: gloomy news   3 despairing; sad   > ˈgloomily adv   > ˈgloominess n

gloop (ɡluːp) or esp US glop (ɡlɒp)   n   informal any messy sticky fluid or substance [C20: of uncertain origin]   > ˈgloopy or esp US ˈgloppy adj

Glooscap, Gluscap or Gluskap (ˈɡluːskæp)   n   (among the Micmac and other Native North American peoples) a traditional trickster hero [of Algonquian origin]

gloria (ˈɡlɔːrIə)   n   1 a silk, wool, cotton, or nylon fabric used esp for umbrellas   2 a halo or nimbus, esp as represented in art [C16: from Latin: GLORY]

■ Gloria (ˈɡlɔːrIə, -ˌɑː)   n   1 any of several doxologies beginning with the word Gloria, esp the Greater and the Lesser Doxologies   2 a musical setting of one of these

■ Gloria in Excelsis Deo (ˈɡlɔːrIə In ɛkˈsɛlsIs ˈdeIəʊ, ˈɡlɔːrIˌɑː, ɛksˈtʃɛlsIs)   n   1 the Greater Doxology, beginning in Latin with these words. See doxology   2 a musical setting of this, usually incorporated into the Ordinary of the Mass   ▶ Often shortened to: Gloria [literally: glory to God in the highest]

■ Gloria Patri (ˈɡlɔːrIə ˈpɑːtrI, ˈɡlɔːrIˌɑː, ˈpæt-)   n   1 the Lesser Doxology, beginning in Latin with these words. See doxology   2 a musical setting of this [literally: glory to the father]

glorify (ˈɡlɔːrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to make glorious   2 to make more splendid; adorn   3 to worship, exalt, or adore   4 to extol   5 to cause to seem more splendid or imposing than reality   > ˈgloriˌfiable adj   > ˈgloriˌfier n

■ glorification (ˌɡlɔːrIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of glorifying or state of being glorified   2 informal an enhanced or favourably exaggerated version or account   3 Brit informal a celebration

■ glorified (ˈɡlɔːrIˌfaId)   adj   1 caused to seem more important or splendid than reality: a glorified secretary   2 worshipped, praised, or extolled

gloriole (ˈɡlɔːrIˌəʊl)   n   another name for halo, nimbus (sense 2), nimbus (sense 3) [C19: from Latin glōriola, literally: a small GLORY]

gloriosa (ˌɡləʊrIˈəʊsə)   n   any plant of the bulbous tropical African genus Gloriosa, some species of which are grown as ornamental greenhouse climbers for their showy flowers of yellow, orange, and red: family Liliaceae. Also called: glory lily [New Latin, from Latin gloriosus glorious]

glory (ˈɡlɔːrI)   n, pl -ries   1 exaltation, praise, or honour, as that accorded by general consent: the glory for the exploit went to the captain   2 something that brings or is worthy of praise (esp in the phrase crowning glory)   3 thanksgiving, adoration, or worship: glory be to God   4 pomp; splendour: the glory of the king's reign   5 radiant beauty; resplendence: the glory of the sunset   6 the beauty and bliss of heaven   7 a state of extreme happiness or prosperity   8 another word for halo, nimbus   ▷ vb -ries, -rying, -ried   9 (intr; often foll by in) to triumph or exult   10 (intr) obsolete to brag   ▷ interj   11 informal a mild interjection to express pleasure or surprise (often in the exclamatory phrase glory be!) [C13: from Old French glorie, from Latin glōria, of obscure origin]

■ glorious (ˈɡlɔːrIəs)   adj   1 having or full of glory; illustrious   2 conferring glory or renown: a glorious victory   3 brilliantly beautiful   4 delightful or enjoyable   5 informal drunk   > ˈgloriously adv   > ˈgloriousness n

■ Glorious Revolution   n   the events of 1688–89 in England that resulted in the ousting of James II and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. Also called: Bloodless Revolution

■ glory box   n   Austral and NZ informal a box in which a young woman stores clothes, etc, in preparation for marriage

■ glory hole   n   1 informal a room, cupboard, or other storage space that contains an untidy and miscellaneous collection of objects   2 nautical another term for lazaretto (sense 1)

■ glory-of-the-snow   n   a small W Asian liliaceous plant, Chionodoxa luciliae, cultivated for its early-blooming blue flowers

Glos   abbreviation for   Gloucestershire

gloss^1 (ɡlɒs)   n   1    a lustre or sheen, as of a smooth surface   b (as modifier): gloss paint   2 a superficially attractive appearance   3 See gloss paint   4 a cosmetic preparation applied to the skin to give it a faint sheen: lip gloss   ▷ vb   5 to give a gloss to or obtain a gloss [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic glossi flame, Middle High German glosen to glow]   > ˈglosser n   > ˈglossless adj

■ gloss over   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to hide under a deceptively attractive surface or appearance   2 to deal with (unpleasant facts) rapidly and cursorily, or to omit them altogether from an account of something

■ gloss paint   n   a type of paint composed of pigments ground up in a varnish medium, which produces a hard, shiny, and usually durable finish. Also called: gloss

■ glossy (ˈɡlɒsI)   adj glossier, glossiest   1 smooth and shiny; lustrous   2 superficially attractive; plausible   3 (of a magazine) lavishly produced on shiny paper and usually with many colour photographs   ▷ n, pl glossies   4 Also called (US): slick an expensively produced magazine, typically a sophisticated fashion or glamour magazine, printed on shiny paper and containing high-quality colour photography. Compare pulp (sense 3)   5 a photograph printed on paper that has a smooth shiny surface   > ˈglossily adv   > ˈglossiness n

gloss^2 (ɡlɒs)   n   1 a short or expanded explanation or interpretation of a word, expression, or foreign phrase in the margin or text of a manuscript, etc   2 an intentionally misleading explanation or interpretation   3 short for glossary   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to add glosses to [C16: from Latin glōssa unusual word requiring explanatory note, from Ionic Greek]   > ˈglosser n   > ˈglossingly adv

■ glossator (ɡlɒˈseItə)   n   1 Also called: glossarist, glossist, glossographer a writer of glosses and commentaries, esp (in the Middle Ages) an interpreter of Roman and Canon Law   2 a compiler of a glossary

gloss.   abbreviation for   glossary

glossa (ˈɡlɒsə)   n, pl -sae (-siː) or -sas   1 anatomy a technical word for tongue (sense 1)   2 a paired tonguelike lobe in the labium of an insect   > ˈglossal adj

■ glossectomy (ɡlɒˈsɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of all or part of the tongue

■ glossitis (ɡlɒˈsaItIs)   n   inflammation of the tongue   > glossitic (ɡlɒˈsItIk) adj

glossary (ˈɡlɒsərI)   n, pl -ries   an alphabetical list of terms peculiar to a field of knowledge with definitions or explanations. Sometimes called: gloss [C14: from Late Latin glossārium; see GLOSS^2]   > glossarial (ɡlɒˈsɛərIəl) adj   > glosˈsarially adv   > ˈglossarist n

glosseme (ˈɡlɒsiːm)   n   the smallest meaningful unit of a language, such as stress, form, etc [C20: from Greek glōssēma; see GLOSS^2, -EME]

■ glossematics (ˌɡlɒsəˈmætIks)   n   linguistics the study of glossemes

glossina (ɡlɒˈsaInə)   n   the tsetse fly

glosso- or before a vowel gloss-   combining form   indicating a tongue or language: glossolaryngeal [from Greek glossa tongue]

glossodynia (ˌɡlɒsəʊˈdInIə)   n   med a condition characterized by a burning or tingling mouth region

glossography (ɡlɒˈsɒɡrəfI)   n   the art of writing textual glosses or commentaries   > glosˈsographer n

■ glossographical (ˌɡlɒsəˈɡræfIkəl)   adj   relating to glossography

glossolalia (ˌɡlɒsəˈleIlIə)   n   1 another term for gift of tongues   2 psychol babbling in a nonexistent language [C19: New Latin, from GLOSSO- + Greek lalein to speak, babble]

■ glossolalist (ɡlɒˈsɒləlIst)   n   one who speaks in tongues

glossology (ɡlɒˈsɒlədʒI)   n   an obsolete term for linguistics   > glossological (ˌɡlɒsəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > glosˈsologist n

glossopharyngeal nerve (ˌɡlɒsəʊˌfærInˈdʒiːəl)   n   the ninth cranial nerve, which supplies the muscles of the pharynx, the tongue, the middle ear, and the parotid gland

glost (ɡlɒst)   n   the principal glaze used for pottery

glottal (ˈɡlɒtəl)   adj   1 of or relating to the glottis   2 phonetics articulated or pronounced at or with the glottis

■ glottal stop   n   a plosive speech sound produced as the sudden onset of a vowel in several languages, such as German, by first tightly closing the glottis and then allowing the air pressure to build up in the trachea before opening the glottis, causing the air to escape with force

glottis (ˈɡlɒtIs)   n, pl -tises or -tides (-tIˌdiːz)   the vocal apparatus of the larynx, consisting of the two true vocal cords and the opening between them [C16: from New Latin, from Greek glōttis, from glōtta, Attic form of Ionic glōssa tongue; see GLOSS^2]   > glottidean (ɡlɒˈtIdIən) adj

■ glottic (ˈɡlɒtIk)   adj   of or relating to the tongue or the glottis

glottochronology (ˌɡlɒtəʊkrəˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the use of lexicostatistics to establish that languages are historically related [C20 glotto-, from Greek glōtta tongue]

glottogonic (ˌɡlɒtəˈɡɒnIk)   adj   relating to the origin of language

glottology (ɡlɒˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the history or science of language

Gloucester^1 (ˈɡlɒstə)   n   a city in SW England, administrative centre of Gloucestershire, on the River Severn; cathedral (founded 1100). Pop: 123 205 (2001). Latin name: Glevum (ˈɡliːvʊm)

■ Gloucester Old Spot   n   a hardy rare breed of pig, white with a few black markings, that originally lived off windfalls in orchards in the Severn valley

■ Gloucestershire (ˈɡlɒstəˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of SW England, situated around the lower Severn valley: contains the Forest of Dean and the main part of the Cotswold Hills: the geographical and ceremonial county includes the unitary authority of South Gloucestershire (part of Avon county from 1974 to 1996). Administrative centre: Gloucester. Pop (excluding South Gloucestershire): 568 500 (2003 est). Area (excluding South Gloucestershire): 2643 sq km (1020 sq miles). Abbreviation: Glos

Gloucester^2 (ˈɡlɒstə)   n   1  Humphrey, Duke of. 1391–1447, English soldier and statesman; son of Henry IV. He acted as protector during Henry VI's minority (1422–29) and was noted for his patronage of humanists   2 Duke of. See Richard III   3 Duke of. See Thomas of Woodstock

glout (ɡlaʊt)   n   1 a frown or scowl   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to look sullen

glove (ɡlʌv)   n   1 (often plural) a shaped covering for the hand with individual sheaths for the fingers and thumb, made of leather, fabric, etc. See also gauntlet^1 (sense 2)   2 any of various large protective hand covers worn in sports, such as a boxing glove   3 hand in glove informal in an intimate relationship or close association   4 handle with kid gloves informal to treat with extreme care   5 with the gloves off informal (of a dispute, argument, etc) conducted mercilessly and in earnest, with no reservations   ▷ vb   6 (tr; usually passive) to cover or provide with or as if with gloves [Old English glōfe; related to Old Norse glōfi]   > gloved adj   > ˈgloveless adj

■ glove box   n   a closed box in which toxic or radioactive substances can be handled by an operator who places his or her hands through protective gloves sealed to the box

■ glove compartment   n   a small compartment in a car dashboard for the storage of miscellaneous articles

■ glove puppet   n   a small figure of a person or animal that fits over and is manipulated by the hand

■ glover (ˈɡlʌvə)   n   a person who makes or sells gloves

glow (ɡləʊ)   n   1 light emitted by a substance or object at a high temperature   2 a steady even light without flames   3 brilliance or vividness of colour   4 brightness or ruddiness of complexion   5 a feeling of wellbeing or satisfaction   6 intensity of emotion; ardour   ▷ vb (intr)   7 to emit a steady even light without flames   8 to shine intensely, as if from great heat   9 to be exuberant or high-spirited, as from excellent health or intense emotion   10 to experience a feeling of wellbeing or satisfaction: to glow with pride   11 (esp of the complexion) to show a strong bright colour, esp a shade of red   12 to be very hot [Old English glōwan; related to Old Norse glōa, Old High German gluoen, Icelandic glōra to sparkle]

■ glow discharge   n   a silent luminous discharge of electricity through a low-pressure gas

■ glowfly (ˈɡləʊˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a firefly

■ glowing (ˈɡləʊIŋ)   adj   1 emitting a steady bright light without flames: glowing embers   2 warm and rich in colour: the room was decorated in glowing shades of gold and orange   3 flushed and rosy, as from exercise or excitement: glowing cheeks   4 displaying or indicative of extreme satisfaction, pride, or emotion: he gave a glowing account of his children's achievements   > ˈglowingly adv

■ glowlamp (ˈɡləʊˌlæmp)   n   a small light consisting of two or more electrodes in an inert gas, such as neon, at low pressure, across which an electrical discharge occurs when the voltage applied to the electrodes exceeds the ionization potential

■ glow plug   n   one of usually four plugs fitted to the cylinder block of a diesel engine that warms the engine chamber to facilitate starting in cold weather. Also called: heater plug

■ glowstick (ˈɡləʊˌstIk)   n   a plastic tube containing a luminescent material, waved or held aloft esp at gigs, raves, etc

■ glow-worm   n   1 a European beetle, Lampyris noctiluca, the females and larvae of which bear luminescent organs producing a greenish light: family Lampyridae   2 any of various other beetles or larvae of the family Lampyridae   ▶ See also firefly (sense 1)

glower (ˈɡlaʊə)   vb   1 (intr) to stare hard and angrily   ▷ n   2 a sullen or angry stare [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Middle Low German glūren to watch]

■ glowering (ˈɡlaʊərIŋ)   adj   staring angrily; moody   > ˈgloweringly adv

gloxinia (ɡlɒkˈsInIə)   n   any of several tropical plants of the genus Sinningia, esp the South American S. speciosa, cultivated for its large white, red, or purple bell-shaped flowers: family Gesneriaceae [C19: named after Benjamin P. Gloxin, 18th-century German physician and botanist who first described it]

gloze (ɡləʊz) archaic   vb   1 (tr; often foll by over) to explain away; minimize the effect or importance of   2 to make explanatory notes or glosses on (a text)   3 to use flattery (on)   ▷ n   4 flattery or deceit   5 an explanatory note or gloss   6 specious or deceptive talk or action [C13: from Old French glosser to comment; see GLOSS^2]

glucagon (ˈɡluːkəˌɡɒn, -ɡən)   n   a polypeptide hormone, produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, that stimulates the release of glucose into the blood. Compare insulin [C20: from GLUC(OSE) + -agon, perhaps from Greek agein to lead]

glucan (ˈɡluːˌkæn)   n   any polysaccharide consisting of a polymer of glucose, such as cellulose or starch

glucinum (ɡluːˈsaInəm) or glucinium (ɡluːˈsInIəm)   n   a former name for beryllium [C19: New Latin glucina beryllium oxide, from Greek glukus sweet + -IN; alluding to the sweet taste of some of the salts]

■ glucina (ɡluːˈsaInə)   n   an oxide of glucinum

■ glucinic (ɡluːˈsInIk)   adj   relating to glucinium

Gluck (German ɡlʊk)   n   Christoph Willibald von (ˈkrIstɔf ˈvIlibalt fɔn). 1714–87, German composer, esp of operas, including Orfeo ed Euridice (1762) and Alceste (1767)

glucocorticoid (ˌɡluːkəʊˈkɔːtIˌkɔId)   n   any of a class of corticosteroids that control carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and have anti-inflammatory activity

glucokinase (ˌɡluːkəʊˈkaIneIz)   n   biochem an enzyme that regulates carbohydrate metabolism

gluconate (ˈɡluːkəˌneIt)   n   chem a salt of gluconic acid

gluconeogenesis (ˌɡluːkəʊˌniːəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   biochem the sequence of metabolic reactions by which glucose is synthesized, esp in the liver, from noncarbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, pyruvic acid, or glycerol. Also called: glyconeogenesis

■ gluconeogenic (ˌɡluːkəʊˌniːəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   biochem describing the process of gluconeogenesis

gluconic acid   n   chem an acid that occurs naturally in fruit and wine. Formula C_6H_12O_7

glucophore (ˈɡluːkəʊˌfɔː)   n   a chemical group responsible for sweetness of taste

glucoprotein (ˌɡluːkəʊˈprəʊtiːn)   n   another name for glycoprotein

glucosamine (ɡluːˈkəʊzəˌmiːn)   n   the amino derivative of glucose that occurs in chitin. It has been used in some herbal remedies

■ glucosamine sulphate   n   a compound used in some herbal remedies and dietary supplements, esp to strengthen joint cartilage

glucose (ˈɡluːkəʊz, -kəʊs)   n   1 a white crystalline monosaccharide sugar that has several optically active forms, the most abundant being dextrose: a major energy source in metabolism. Formula: C_6H_12O_6   2 a yellowish syrup (or, after desiccation, a solid) containing dextrose, maltose, and dextrin, obtained by incomplete hydrolysis of starch: used in confectionery, fermentation, etc [C19: from French, from Greek gleukos sweet wine; related to Greek glukus sweet]   > glucosic (ɡluːˈkɒsIk) adj

glucoside (ˈɡluːkəʊˌsaId)   n   biochem any of a large group of glycosides that yield glucose on hydrolysis   > ˌglucoˈsidal or glucosidic (ˌɡluːkəʊˈsIdIk) adj

■ glucosidase (ɡluːˈkəʊsIˌdeIz)   n   biochem an enzyme that catalyses glucoside hydrolysis

glucosuria (ˌɡluːkəʊˈsjʊərIə)   n   pathol a less common word for glycosuria   > ˌglucoˈsuric adj

glucuronic acid (ˌɡluːkjʊˈrɒnIk)   n   chem a soluble compound derived from glucose. Formula C_6H_10O_7

glucuronide (ɡluːˈkjʊərəˌnaId)   n   biochem a compound formed from glucuronic acid

■ glucuronidase (ˌɡluːkjʊˈrɒnIˌdeIz)   n   biochem an enzyme that catalyzes glucuronide hydrolysis

glue (ɡluː)   n   1 any natural or synthetic adhesive, esp a sticky gelatinous substance prepared by boiling animal products such as bones, skin, and horns   2 any other sticky or adhesive substance   ▷ vb glues, gluing or glueing, glued   3 (tr) to join or stick together with or as if with glue [C14: from Old French glu, from Late Latin glūs; compare Greek gloios]   > ˈglueˌlike adj   > ˈgluer n   > ˈgluey or ˈglueish adj   > ˈgluily adv   > ˈglueyness or ˈgluiness n

■ glueball (ˈɡluːˌbɔːl)   n   a hypothetical composite subatomic particle

■ glue ear   n   accumulation of fluid in the middle ear in children, caused by infection and sometimes resulting in deafness

■ gluepot (ˈɡluːˌpɒt)   n   1 a container for holding or melting glue   2 a muddy place

■ glue-sniffing   n   the practice of inhaling the fumes of certain types of glue to produce intoxicating or hallucinatory effects   > ˈglue-ˌsniffer n

■ glueyness (ˈɡluːInəs)   n   the state of being gluey

■ gluily (ˈɡluːIlI)   adv   in a gluey manner

■ gluiness (ˈɡluːInəs)   n   the state of being gluey

glug (ɡlʌɡ)   n   a word representing a gurgling sound, as of liquid being poured from a bottle or swallowed [C19: of imitative origin]

■ gluggable (ˈɡlʌɡəbəl)   adj   informal (of wine) easy and pleasant to drink

gluhwein (ˈɡluːˌvaIn)   n   mulled wine [German]

glum (ɡlʌm)   adj glummer, glummest   silent or sullen, as from gloom [C16: variant of GLOOM]   > ˈglumly adv   > ˈglumness n

■ glum bum   n   Austral slang a pessimistic person

■ glums (ɡlʌmz)   pl n   the glums gloomy feelings

glume (ɡluːm)   n   1 botany one of a pair of dry membranous bracts at the base of the spikelet of grasses   2 the bract beneath each flower in a sedge or related plant [C18: from Latin glūma husk of corn; related to Latin glūbere to remove the bark from]   > gluˈmaceous adj   > ˈglumeˌlike adj

■ glumiferous (ɡluːˈmIfərəs)   adj   botany having glumes

glumella (ɡluːˈmɛlə)   n   botany a palea

glumps (ɡlʌmps)   n   archaic a state of sulking

■ glumpily (ˈɡlʌmpIlI)   adv   in a glumpy manner

■ glumpish (ˈɡlʌmpIʃ)   adj   archaic glum

■ glumpy (ˈɡlʌmpI)   adj glumpier, glumpiest   archaic sullen

glunch (ɡlʌntʃ) Scot   n   1 a frown   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to look sullen

gluon (ˈɡluːɒn)   n   a hypothetical particle believed to be exchanged between quarks in order to bind them together to form particles [C20: from GLUE + -ON]

glurge (ɡlɜːdʒ)   n   stories, often sent by email, that are supposed to be true and uplifting, but which are often fabricated and sentimental [C20: of unknown origin]

glut (ɡlʌt)   n   1 an excessive amount, as in the production of a crop, often leading to a fall in price   2 the act of glutting or state of being glutted   ▷ vb gluts, glutting, glutted (tr)   3 to feed or supply beyond capacity   4 to supply (a market) with a commodity in excess of the demand for it   5 to cram full or choke up: to glut a passage [C14: probably from Old French gloutir, from Latin gluttīre; see GLUTTON^1]   > ˈgluttingly adv

■ glutted (ˈɡlʌtId)   adj   1 fed or supplied beyond capacity   2 supplied with a commodity in excess of the demand for it   3 crammed full or choked up

glutamate (ˈɡluːtəˌmeIt)   n   any salt of glutamic acid, esp its sodium salt. See monosodium glutamate [C19: from GLUTAM(IC ACID) + -ATE^1]

■ glutamic (ɡluːˈtæmIk)   adj   of, derived from, or relating to glutamic acid

■ glutamic acid (ɡluːˈtæmIk) or glutaminic acid (ˌɡluːtəˈmInIk)   n   a nonessential amino acid, occurring in proteins, that acts as a neurotransmitter and plays a part in nitrogen metabolism

glutamine (ˈɡluːtəˌmiːn, -mIn)   n   a nonessential amino acid occurring in proteins: plays an important role in protein metabolism [C19: from GLUT(EN) + -AMINE]

■ glutaminase (ɡluːˈtæmIˌneIz, ˈɡluːtəmIˌneIz)   n   biochem an enzyme used to treat cancer

■ glutaminic (ˌɡluːtəˈmInIk)   adj   biochem derived from glutamine

glutaraldehyde (ˌɡluːtəˈrældIˌhaId)   n   a water-soluble oil used as a disinfectant, tanning agent, and in resins. Formula: C_5H_8O_2

glutathione (ˌɡluːtəˈθaIəʊn, -θaIˈəʊn)   n   biochem a tripeptide consisting of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine: important in biological oxidations and the activation of some enzymes. Formula: C_10H_17N_3O_6S [C20: from GLUTA(MIC ACID) + THI- + -ONE]

glute (ɡluːt)   n   informal short for gluteus [C20]

glutelin (ˈɡluːtIlIn)   n   any of a group of water-insoluble plant proteins found in cereals. They are precipitated by alcohol and are not coagulated by heat. Compare gliadin [C20: See GLUTEN, -IN]

gluten (ˈɡluːtən)   n   a protein consisting of a mixture of glutelin and gliadin, present in cereal grains, esp wheat. A gluten-free diet is necessary in cases of coeliac disease [C16: from Latin: GLUE]   > ˈglutenous adj

■ gluten bread   n   bread made from flour containing a high proportion of gluten

■ gluten-free   adj   (of food, a diet, etc) not containing gluten

■ glutenin (ˈɡluːtənIn)   n   biochem a type of protein found in certain cereals

glutethimide (ɡluːˈtɛθIˌmaId)   n   med a compound with hypnotic properties

gluteus or glutaeus (ɡlʊˈtiːəs)   n, pl -tei or -taei (-ˈtiːaI)   any one of the three large muscles that form the human buttock and move the thigh, esp the gluteus maximus [C17: from New Latin, from Greek gloutos buttock, rump]   > gluˈteal or gluˈtaeal adj

glutinous (ˈɡluːtInəs)   adj   resembling glue in texture; sticky   > ˈglutinously adv   > ˈglutinousness or glutinosity (ˌɡluːtIˈnɒsItI) n

glutton^1 (ˈɡlʌtən)   n   1 a person devoted to eating and drinking to excess; greedy person   2 often ironic a person who has or appears to have a voracious appetite for something: a glutton for punishment [C13: from Old French glouton, from Latin glutto, from gluttīre to swallow]   > ˈgluttonous or ˈgluttonish adj   > ˈgluttonously adv

■ gluttonize or gluttonise (ˈɡlʌtəˌnaIz)   vb (intr)   to eat excessively

■ gluttony (ˈɡlʌtənI) or gluttonousness   n   the act or practice of eating to excess

glutton^2 (ˈɡlʌtən)   n   another name for wolverine [C17: from GLUTTON^1, apparently translating German Vielfrass great eater]

glycaemia or US glycemia (ˌɡlaIˈsiːmIə)   n   the presence of glucose in blood [C20: from GLYCO- + -AEMIA]   > glycaemic or US glycemic (ˌɡlaIˈsiːmIk) adj

■ glycaemic index or US glycemic index   n   an index indicating the effects of various foods on blood sugar. Fast-releasing foods that raise blood sugar levels quickly are high on the index, while slow-releasing foods, at the bottom of the index, give a slow but sustained release of sugar. Abbreviation: GI

■ glycaemic load or US glycemic load   n   an index indicating the amount of carbohydrate contained in a specified serving of a particular food. It is calculated by multiplying the food's glycaemic index by its carbohydrate content in grams and then dividing by 100. Abbreviation: GL

glycan (ˈɡlaIkæn)   n   another name for a polysaccharide

glycation (ɡlaIˈkeIʃən)   n biochem   1 the bonding of a sugar molecule to a protein or lipid   2 a compound produced by such bonding

glyceraldehyde (ˌɡlIsəˈrældəˌhaId)   n   biochem a sweet crystalline compound involved in carbohydrate metabolism

glyceria (ɡlIˈsIərIə)   n   any aquatic grass species in the genus Glyceria

glyceric (ɡlIˈsɛrIk)   adj   of, containing, or derived from glycerol

■ glyceric acid   n   a viscous liquid carboxylic acid produced by the oxidation of glycerol; 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid. Formula: C_3H_6O_4

glyceride (ˈɡlIsəˌraId)   n   any fatty-acid ester of glycerol

■ glyceridic (ˌɡlIsəˈrIdIk)   adj   relating to glyceride

glycerine (ˈɡlIsərIn, ˌɡlIsəˈriːn) or glycerin (ˈɡlIsərIn)   n   another name (not in technical usage) for glycerol [C19: from French glycérine, from Greek glukeros sweet + -ine -IN; related to Greek glukus sweet]

■ glycerinate (ˈɡlIsərIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   to administer glycerine to

glycerol (ˈɡlIsəˌrɒl)   n   a colourless or pale yellow odourless sweet-tasting syrupy liquid; 1,2,3-propanetriol: a by-product of soap manufacture, used as a solvent, antifreeze, plasticizer, and sweetener (E422). Formula: C_3H_8O_3. Also called (not in technical usage): glycerine, glycerin [C19: from GLYCER(INE) + -OL^1]

glyceryl (ˈɡlIsərIl)   n   (modifier) derived from glycerol by replacing or removing one or more of its hydroxyl groups: a glyceryl group or radical

■ glyceryl trinitrate   n   another name for nitroglycerine

glycine (ˈɡlaIsiːn, ɡlaIˈsiːn) or glycin (ˈɡlaIsIn)   n   a nonessential amino acid occurring in most proteins that acts as a neurotransmitter; aminoacetic acid [C19: GLYCO- + -INE^2]

glyco- or before a vowel glyc-   combining form   indicating sugar: glycogen [from Greek glukus sweet]

glycocoll (ˈɡlaIkəˌkɒl)   n   chem glycine

glycogen (ˈɡlaIkəʊdʒən, -dʒɛn)   n   a polysaccharide consisting of glucose units: the form in which carbohydrate is stored in the liver and muscles in humans and animals. It can easily be hydrolysed to glucose. Also called: animal starch   > glycogenic (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈdʒɛnIk) adj

■ glycogenesis (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   the formation of sugar, esp (in animals) from glycogen   > glycogenetic (ˌɡlaIkəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj

■ glycogenolysis (ˌɡlaIkəʊdʒəˈnɒlIsIs)   n   the breakdown of glycogen into glucose

■ glycogenolytic (ˌɡlaIkəʊˌdʒɛnəˈlItIk)   adj   relating to, or causing, glycogenolysis

glycol (ˈɡlaIkɒl)   n   another name (not in technical usage) for ethanediol, diol   > glycolic or glycollic (ɡlaIˈkɒlIk) adj

■ glycolic acid   n   a colourless crystalline soluble hygroscopic compound found in sugar cane and sugar beet: used in tanning and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and adhesives; hydroxyacetic acid. Formula: CH_2(OH)COOH

glycolipid (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈlIpId)   n   any of a group of lipids containing a carbohydrate group, commonly glucose or galactose

glycolysis (ɡlaIˈkɒlIsIs)   n   biochem the breakdown of glucose by enzymes into pyruvic and lactic acids with the liberation of energy

■ glycolytic (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈlItIk)   adj   biochem relating to glycolysis

glyconeogenesis (ˌɡlaIkəʊˌniːəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   another name for gluconeogenesis

glyconic (ɡlaIˈkɒnIk) poetry   adj   1 (of a line of verse) consisting of three trochees and one dactyl   ▷ n   2 a form of Classical verse using glyconic lines

glycophyte (ˈɡlaIkəʊˌfaIt)   n   any plant that will only grow healthily in soils with a low content of sodium salts   > glycophytic (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈfItIk) adj

glycoprotein (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈprəʊtiːn), glucoprotein or glycopeptide (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈpɛptaId)   n   any of a group of conjugated proteins containing small amounts of carbohydrates as prosthetic groups. See also mucoprotein

glycose (ˈɡlaIkəʊz, -kəʊs)   n   1 an older word for glucose   2 any of various monosaccharides

glycoside (ˈɡlaIkəʊˌsaId)   n   any of a group of substances, such as digitoxin, derived from monosaccharides by replacing the hydroxyl group by another group. Many are important medicinal drugs. See also glucoside   > glycosidic (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈsIdIk) adj

■ glycosidase (ɡlaIˈkəʊsIˌdeIz)   n   an enzyme that breaks down glycosidic bonds

■ glycosidically (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈsIdIklI)   adv   in the manner of a glycoside

glycosuria (ˌɡlaIkəʊˈsjʊərIə) or glucosuria   n   the presence of excess sugar in the urine, as in diabetes [C19: from New Latin, from French glycose GLUCOSE + -URIA]   > ˌglycoˈsuric or ˌglucoˈsuric adj

glycosyl (ˈɡlaIkəˌsIl)   n   biochem a glucose-derived radical

■ glycosylate (ɡlaIˈkɒsIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   to make glycoprotein

■ glycosylation (ˌɡlaIkəsəˈleIʃən)   n   the process by which sugars are chemically attached to proteins to form glycoproteins [from glycosyl radical derived from glycose + -ATION]

glycyl (ˈɡlaIsIl)   n   chem a radical of glycine

Glyndebourne (ˈɡlaIndˌbɔːn)   n   an estate in SE England, in East Sussex: site of a famous annual festival of opera founded in 1934 by John Christie

glyoxaline (ɡlaIˈɒksəlIn)   n   another name (not in technical usage) for imidazole

glyph (ɡlIf)   n   1 a carved channel or groove, esp a vertical one as used on a Doric frieze   2 rare another word for hieroglyphic   3 any computer-generated character regarded in terms of its shape and bit pattern [C18: from French glyphe, from Greek gluphē carving, from gluphein to carve]   > ˈglyphic adj

glyphography (ɡlIˈfɒɡrəfI)   n   a plate-making process in which an electrotype is made from an engraved copper plate [C19: from Greek gluphē carving + -GRAPHY]   > glyphograph (ˈɡlIfəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf) n   > glyˈphographer n   > glyphographic (ˌɡlIfəˈɡræfIk) or ˌglyphoˈgraphical adj

glyphosate (ˈɡlaIfəʊˌseIt)   n   a synthetic compound widely used as a herbicide. Formula: C_3H_8NO_5P

glyptal (ˈɡlIptəl)   n   an alkyd resin obtained from polyhydric alcohols and polybasic organic acids or their anhydrides; used for surface coatings [C20: a trademark, perhaps from GLY(CEROL) + P(H)T(H)AL(IC)]

glyptics (ˈɡlIptIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the art of engraving precious stones

■ glyptic (ˈɡlIptIk)   adj   of or relating to engraving or carving, esp on precious stones [C19: from French glyptique, from Greek gluptikos, from gluptos, from gluphein to carve]

glyptodont (ˈɡlIptəˌdɒnt)   n   any extinct late Cenozoic edentate mammal of the genus Glyptodon and related genera, of South America, which resembled giant armadillos [C19: from Greek gluptos carved + -ODONT]

glyptography (ɡlIpˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the art of engraving precious stones   > glypˈtographer n   > glyptographic (ˌɡlIptəˈɡræfIk) or ˌglyptoˈgraphical adj

glyptotheca (ˌɡlIptəʊˈθiːkə)   n, pl -cae (-siː)   art a space devoted to sculpture

gm   the internet domain name for   The Gambia

GM   abbreviation for   1 general manager   2 genetically modified   3 (in Britain) George Medal   4 Grand Master   5 grant-maintained

G-man   n, pl G-men   1 US slang an FBI agent   2 Irish a political detective

GMB   abbreviation for   1 Grand Master Bowman; the highest standard of archer   2 General, Municipal, and Boilermakers (trades union)

GmbH   abbreviation for (in Germany)   Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; a limited company [German: company with limited liabilities]

Gmc   abbreviation for   Germanic

GMC   abbreviation for   1 general management committee   2 General Medical Council

GMDSS   abbreviation for   Global Marine Distress and Safety System: a worldwide satellite communication system used for transmitting messages (esp distress messages) at sea; officially superseded Morse code in 1999

gmelinite (ˈɡmɛlIˌnaIt, ˈmɛlI-)   n   a zeolitic mineral

GMO   abbreviation for   genetically modified organism

GMT   abbreviation for   Greenwich Mean Time

GMTA text messaging   abbreviation for   great minds think alike

gn   the internet domain name for   Guinea

gnamma hole (ˈnæmə)   n   a variant spelling of namma hole

gnaphalium (næˈfeIlIəm)   n   a plant of the genus Gnaphalium, cudweeds

gnarl^1 (nɑːl)   n   1 any knotty protuberance or swelling on a tree   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to knot or cause to knot [C19: back formation from gnarled, probably variant of knurled; see KNURL]

■ gnarled (nɑːld)   adj   1 having gnarls   2 (esp of hands) rough, twisted, and weather-beaten in appearance   3 perverse or ill-tempered

■ gnarly (ˈnɑːlI)   adj gnarlier, gnarliest   1 another word for gnarled   2 NZ informal good; great   3 surfing slang difficult and dangerous

gnarl^2 (nɑːl) or gnar (nɑː)   vb   (intr) obsolete to growl or snarl [C16: of imitative origin]

gnash (næʃ)   vb   1 to grind (the teeth) together, as in pain or anger   2 (tr) to bite or chew as by grinding the teeth   ▷ n   3 the act of gnashing the teeth [C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gnastan gnashing of teeth, gnesta to clatter]

■ gnasher (ˈnæʃə)   n   1 a tooth   2 one who gnashes

■ gnashers (ˈnæʃəz)   pl n   slang teeth, esp false ones

■ gnashing (ˈnæʃIŋ)   n   1 the act of grinding (the teeth) as in pain or anger   2 the act of chewing food by grinding the teeth   ▷ adj   3 (of teeth) grinding, as in pain or anger   4 chewing (by the grinding of teeth)   > ˈgnashingly adv

gnat (næt)   n   any of various small fragile biting dipterous insects of the suborder Nematocera, esp Culex pipiens (common gnat), which abounds near stagnant water [Old English gnætt; related to Middle High German gnaz scurf, German dialect Gnitze gnat]   > ˈgnatˌlike adj

■ gnatcatcher (ˈnætˌkætʃə)   n   any of various small American songbirds of the genus Polioptila and related genera, typically having a long tail and a pale bluish-grey plumage: family Muscicapidae (Old World flycatchers, etc)

■ gnatling (ˈnætlIŋ)   n   1 a small gnat   2 an insignificant person or thing

■ gnatty (ˈnætI)   adj gnattier, gnattiest   resembling, or infested with, gnats

■ gnatwren (ˈnætˌrɛn)   n   a small bird of the gnatcatcher family

gnathic (ˈnæθIk) or gnathal (ˈnæθəl)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the jaw [C19: from Greek gnathos jaw]

gnathion (ˈneIθIˌɒn, ˈnæθ-)   n   the lowest point of the midline of the lower jaw: a reference point in craniometry [C19: from New Latin, from Greek gnathos jaw]

gnathite (ˈneIθaIt, ˈnæθ-)   n   zoology an appendage of an arthropod that is specialized for grasping or chewing; mouthpart [C19: from Greek gnathos jaw]

gnathonic (næˈθɒnIk) or gnathonical (næˈθɒnIkəl)   adj   literary deceitfully flattering; sycophantic [C17: from Latin gnathōnicus, from Gnathō, such a character in the Eunuchus, Roman comedy by Terence]   > gnaˈthonically adv

gnathostome (ˈneIθəʊˌstəʊm)   n   any vertebrate of the superclass Gnathostomata, having a mouth with jaws, including all vertebrates except the agnathans [from New Latin Gnathostomata, from Greek gnathos jaw + stoma mouth]   > ˌgnathoˈstomatous adj

-gnathous   adj combining form   indicating or having a jaw of a specified kind: prognathous [from New Latin -gnathus, from Greek gnathos jaw]

gnaw (nɔː)   vb gnaws, gnawing, gnawed, gnawed or gnawn (nɔːn)   1 (when intr, often foll by at or upon) to bite (at) or chew (upon) constantly so as to wear away little by little   2 (tr) to form by gnawing: to gnaw a hole   3 to cause erosion of (something)   4 (when intr, often foll by at) to cause constant distress or anxiety (to)   ▷ n   5 the act or an instance of gnawing [Old English gnagan; related to Old Norse gnaga, Old High German gnagan]   > ˈgnawable adj   > ˈgnawer n   > ˈgnawing adj, n   > ˈgnawingly adv

GNC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   General Nursing Council

gneiss (naIs)   n   any coarse-grained metamorphic rock that is banded and foliated: represents the last stage in the metamorphism of rocks before melting [C18: from German Gneis, probably from Middle High German ganeist spark; related to Old Norse gneista to give off sparks]   > ˈgneissic, ˈgneissoid, ˈgneissose or gneiˈssitic adj

gnetophyte (ˈniːtəʊˌfaIt)   n   any gymnosperm plant of the phylum Genetophyta, which includes three genera: Gnetum, consisting of small tropical trees and vines, Ephedra (see ephedra), and Welwitschia (see welwitschia)

gnocchi (ˈnɒkI, ɡəˈnɒkI, ˈɡnɒkI)   pl n   dumplings made of pieces of semolina pasta, or sometimes potato, used to garnish soup or served alone with sauce [Italian, plural of gnocco lump, probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German knoche bone]

gnome^1 (nəʊm)   n   1 one of a species of legendary creatures, usually resembling small misshapen old men, said to live in the depths of the earth and guard buried treasure   2 the statue of a gnome, esp in a garden   3 a very small or ugly person   4 facetious or derogatory an international banker or financier (esp in the phrase gnomes of Zürich) [C18: from French, from New Latin gnomus, coined by Paracelsus, of obscure origin]   > ˈgnomish or ˈgnome-like adj

gnome^2 (nəʊm)   n   a short pithy saying or maxim expressing a general truth or principle [C16: from Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know]

■ gnomic (ˈnəʊmIk, ˈnɒm-) or gnomical   adj   1 consisting of, containing, or relating to gnomes or aphorisms   2 of or relating to a writer of such sayings   > ˈgnomically adv

■ gnomist (ˈnəʊmIst)   n   a writer of pithy sayings

■ gnomonology (ˌnəʊmɒnˈɒlədʒI)   n   an exposition on gnomic writing

gnomon (ˈnəʊmɒn)   n   1 the stationary arm that projects the shadow on a sundial   2 a geometric figure remaining after a parallelogram has been removed from one corner of a larger parallelogram [C16: from Latin, from Greek: interpreter, from gignōskein to know]   > gnoˈmonic or gnoˈmonical adj   > gnoˈmonically adv

gnosis (ˈnəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   supposedly revealed knowledge of various spiritual truths, esp that said to have been possessed by ancient Gnostics [C18: ultimately from Greek: knowledge, from gignōskein to know]

■ gnosiology or gnoseology (ˌnəʊzIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the philosophy of knowledge and cognition

-gnosis   n combining form   (esp in medicine) recognition or knowledge: prognosis; diagnosis [via Latin from Greek: GNOSIS]   > -gnostic adj combining form

gnostic (ˈnɒstIk) or gnostical   adj   of, relating to, or possessing knowledge, esp esoteric spiritual knowledge   > ˈgnostically adv

Gnostic (ˈnɒstIk)   n   1 an adherent of Gnosticism   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Gnostics or to Gnosticism [C16: from Late Latin Gnosticī the Gnostics, from Greek gnōstikos relating to knowledge, from gnōstos known, from gignōskein to know]

■ Gnosticism (ˈnɒstIˌsIzəm)   n   a religious movement characterized by a belief in gnosis, through which the spiritual element in humankind could be released from its bondage in matter: regarded as a heresy by the Christian Church

■ Gnosticize or Gnosticise (ˈnɒstIˌsaIz)   vb   1 (intr) to maintain or profess Gnostic views   2 to put a Gnostic interpretation upon (something)   > ˈGnostiˌcizer or ˈGnostiˌciser n

gnotobiology (ˌnəʊtəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   another name for gnotobiotics

■ gnotobiological (ˌnəʊtəʊˌbaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   relating to gnotobiology

gnotobiotics (ˌnəʊtəʊbaIˈɒtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the study of organisms living in germ-free conditions or when inoculated with known microorganisms [C20: from Greek, from gnōtos, from gignōskein to know + bios known life]   > ˌgnotobiˈotic adj   > ˌgnotobiˈotically adv

■ gnotobiosis (ˌnəʊtəʊbaIˈəʊsIs)   n   the state of being gnotobiotic

■ gnotobiote (ˌnəʊtəʊˈbaIəʊt)   n   a gnotobiotic creature

gnow (naʊ)   n   W Austral another name for mallee fowl

GNP   abbreviation for   gross national product

GnRH biochem   abbreviation for   gonadotrophin-releasing hormone: a peptide that is released from the brain and stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete gonadotrophic hormones that act in turn on the sex glands

gns.   abbreviation for   guineas

gnu (nuː)   n, pl gnus or gnu   either of two sturdy antelopes, Connochaetes taurinus (brindled gnu) or the much rarer C. gnou (white-tailed gnu), inhabiting the savannas of Africa, having an oxlike head and a long tufted tail. Also called: wildebeest [C18: from Xhosa nqu]

GNVQ   abbreviation for (in Britain)   general national vocational qualification: a qualification which rewards the development of skills which are likely to be of use to employers

go^1 (ɡəʊ)   vb goes, going, went, gone (mainly intr)   1 to move or proceed, esp to or from a point or in a certain direction: to go to India; to go home   2 (tr; takes an infinitive, often with to omitted or replaced by and) to proceed towards a particular person or place with some specified intention or purpose: I must go and get that book   3 to depart: we'll have to go at eleven   4 to start, as in a race: often used in commands   5 to make regular journeys: this train service goes to the east coast   6 to operate or function effectively: the radio won't go   7 (copula) to become: his face went red with embarrassment   8 to make a noise as specified: the gun went bang   9 to enter into a specified state or condition: to go into hysterics; to go into action   10 to be or continue to be in a specified state or condition: to go in rags; to go in poverty   11 to lead, extend, or afford access: this route goes to the north   12 to proceed towards an activity: to go to supper; to go to sleep   13 (tr; takes an infinitive) to serve or contribute: this letter goes to prove my point   14 to follow a course as specified; fare: the lecture went badly   15 to be applied or allotted to a particular purpose or recipient: her wealth went to her son; his money went on drink   16 to be sold or otherwise transferred to a recipient: the necklace went for three thousand pounds   17 to be ranked; compare: this meal is good as my meals go   18 to blend or harmonize: these chairs won't go with the rest of your furniture   19 (foll by by or under) to be known (by a name or disguise)   20 to fit or extend: that skirt won't go round your waist   21 to have a usual or proper place: those books go on this shelf   22 (of music, poetry, etc) to be sounded, expressed, etc: how does that song go?   23 to fail or give way: my eyesight is going   24 to break down or collapse abruptly: the ladder went at the critical moment   25 to die: the old man went at 2 am   26 (often foll by by)   a (of time) to elapse: the hours go by so slowly at the office   b to travel past: the train goes by her house at four   c to be guided (by)   27 to occur: happiness does not always go with riches   28 to be eliminated, abolished, or given up: this entry must go to save space   29 to be spent or finished: all his money has gone   30 to circulate or be transmitted: the infection went around the whole community   31 to attend: go to school; go to church   32 to join a stated profession: go to the bar; go on the stage   33 (foll by to) to have recourse (to); turn: to go to arbitration   34 (foll by to) to subject or put oneself (to): he goes to great pains to please them   35 to proceed, esp up to or beyond certain limits: you will go too far one day and then you will be punished   36 to be acceptable or tolerated: anything goes in this place   37 to carry the weight of final authority: what the boss says goes   38 (foll by into) to be contained in: four goes into twelve three times   39 (often foll by for) to endure or last out: we can't go for much longer without water in this heat   40 (tr) cards to bet or bid: I go two hearts   41 (tr) informal, chiefly US to have as one's weight: I went 112 pounds a year ago   42 US and Canadian (usually used in commands; takes an infinitive without to)   a to start to act so as to: go shut the door   b to leave so as to: go see if he needs help   43 informal to perform well; be successful: that group can really go   44 (tr) not standard to say: widely used, esp in the historic present, in reporting dialogue: Then she goes, 'Give it to me!' and she just snatched it   45 go and informal to be so foolish or unlucky as to: then she had to go and lose her hat   46 be going to intend or be about to start (to do or be doing something): often used as an alternative future construction: what's going to happen to us?   47 go ape slang to become enraged or out of control   48 go ape over slang to become extremely enthusiastic about   49 go astray to be mislaid; go missing   50 go bail to act as surety   51 go bush See bush^1 (sense 14)   52 go halves See half (sense 15)   53 go hard (often foll by with) to cause trouble or unhappiness (to)   54 go it slang to do something or move energetically   55 go it alone informal to act or proceed without allies or help   56 go much on informal to approve of or be in agreement with (something): usually used in the negative: I don't go much on the idea   57 go one better informal to surpass or outdo (someone)   58 go the whole hog informal See hog (sense 9)   59 let go   a to relax one's hold (on); release   b euphemistic to dismiss (from employment)   c to discuss or consider no further   60 let oneself go   a to act in an uninhibited manner   b to lose interest in one's appearance, manners, etc   61 to go   a remaining   b US and Canadian informal (of food served by a restaurant) for taking away   ▷ n, pl goes   62 the act of going   63 informal   a an attempt or try: he had a go at the stamp business   b an attempt at stopping a person suspected of a crime: the police are not always in favour of the public having a go   c an attack, esp verbal: she had a real go at them   64 a turn: it's my go next   65 informal the quality of being active and energetic: she has much more go than I   66 informal hard or energetic work: it's all go   67 informal a successful venture or achievement: he made a go of it   68 informal a bout or attack (of an illness): he had a bad go of flu last winter   69 informal an unforeseen, usually embarrassing or awkward, turn of events: here's a rum go   70 informal a bargain or agreement   71 all the go informal very popular; in fashion   72 from the word go informal from the very beginning   73 See get-up-and-go   74 no go informal impossible; abortive or futile: it's no go, I'm afraid   75 on the go informal active and energetic   ▷ adj   76 (postpositive) informal functioning properly and ready for action: esp used in astronautics: all systems are go [Old English gān; related to Old High German gēn, Greek kikhanein to reach, Sanskrit jahāti he forsakes]

■ go about   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) to move from place to place   2 (preposition) to busy oneself with: to go about one's duties   3 (preposition) to tackle (a problem or task)   4 (preposition) to be actively and constantly engaged in (doing something): he went about doing good   5 to circulate (in): there's a lot of flu going about   6 (adverb) (of a sailing ship) to change from one tack to another

■ go against   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to be contrary to (principles or beliefs)   2 to be unfavourable to (a person): the case went against him

■ go ahead   vb   1 (intr, adverb) to start or continue, often after obtaining permission   ▷ n go-ahead   2 the go-ahead informal permission to proceed   ▷ adj go-ahead   3 enterprising or ambitious

■ go along   vb   (intr, adverb; often foll by with) to refrain from disagreement; assent

■ go around or go round   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) to move about   2 (adverb; foll by with) to frequent the society (of a person or group of people): she went around with a bad crowd   3 (adverb) to be sufficient: are there enough sweets to go round?   4 to circulate (in): measles is going round the school   5 (preposition) to be actively and constantly engaged in (doing something): she went around caring for sick people   6 to be long enough to encircle: will that belt go round you?

■ go at   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to make an energetic attempt at (something)   2 to attack vehemently

■ go away   vb   (intr, adverb) to leave, as when starting from home on holiday

■ go-away bird   n   South African a common name for a grey-plumaged lourie of the genus Corythaixoides. See also lourie [C19: imitative of its call]

■ go back   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to return   2 (often foll by to) to originate (in): the links with France go back to the Norman Conquest   3 (foll by on) to change one's mind about; repudiate (esp in the phrase go back on one's word)   4 (of clocks and watches) to be set to an earlier time, as during British Summer Time: when do the clocks go back this year?

■ go-between   n   a person who acts as agent or intermediary for two people or groups in a transaction or dealing

■ go by   vb (intr)   1 to pass: the cars went by; as the years go by we all get older; don't let those opportunities go by!   2 (preposition) to be guided by: in the darkness we could only go by the stars   3 (preposition) to use as a basis for forming an opinion or judgment: it's wise not to go only by appearances

■ go-by   n   slang a deliberate snub or slight (esp in the phrase give (a person) the go-by)

■ go-cart   n   1 chiefly US and Canadian a small wagon for young children to ride in or pull   2 chiefly US and Canadian a light frame on casters or wheels that supports a baby learning to walk. Brit word: baby-walker   3 motor racing See kart   4 another word for handcart

■ go-carting or go-cart racing   n   another name for go-karting

■ go down   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 (also preposition) to move or lead to or as if to a lower place or level; sink, decline, decrease, etc: the ship went down this morning; prices are going down; the path goes down to the sea   2 to be defeated; lose   3 to be remembered or recorded (esp in the phrase go down in history)   4 to be received: his speech went down well   5 (of food) to be swallowed   6 bridge to fail to make the number of tricks previously contracted for   7 Brit to leave a college or university at the end of a term or the academic year   8 (usually foll by with) to fall ill; be infected   9 (of a celestial body) to sink or set: the sun went down before we arrived   10 Brit slang to go to prison, esp for a specified period: he went down for six months   11 slang, chiefly US to happen   12 go down on slang to perform cunnilingus or fellatio on

■ goer (ˈɡəʊə)   n   1    a a person who attends something regularly   b (in combination): filmgoer   2 an energetic person   3 informal an acceptable or feasible idea, proposal, etc   4 Austral and NZ informal a person trying to succeed

■ go-faster stripe   n   informal a decorative line, intended to be suggestive of high speed, on the bodywork of a car

■ go for   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to go somewhere in order to have or fetch: he went for a drink; shall I go for a doctor?   2 to seek to obtain: I'd go for that job if I were you   3 to apply to: what I told him goes for you too   4 to prefer or choose; like: I really go for that new idea of yours   5 to be to the advantage of: you'll have great things going for you in the New Year   6 to make a physical or verbal attack on   7 to be considered to be of a stated importance or value: his twenty years went for nothing when he was made redundant   8 go for it informal to make the maximum effort to achieve a particular goal

■ go forth   vb (intr, adverb) archaic or formal   1 to be issued: the command went forth that taxes should be collected   2 to go out: the army went forth to battle

■ go-forward   n   forward momentum, esp of a sports team during a match

■ go-getter   n   informal an ambitious enterprising person   > ˈgo-ˌgetting adj

■ go in   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 to enter   2 (preposition) See go into   3 (of the sun) to become hidden behind a cloud   4 to be assimilated or grasped: nothing much goes in if I try to read in the evenings   5 cricket to begin an innings   6 go in for   a to enter as a competitor or contestant   b to adopt as an activity, interest, or guiding principle: she went in for nursing; some people go in for football in a big way

■ going (ˈɡəʊIŋ)   n   1 a departure or farewell   2 the condition of a surface such as a road or field with regard to walking, riding, etc: muddy going   3 informal speed, progress, etc: we made good going on the trip   ▷ adj   4 thriving (esp in the phrase a going concern)   5 current or accepted, as from past negotiations or commercial operation: the going rate for electricians; the going value of the firm   6 (postpositive) available: the best going   7 going, going, gone! a statement by an auctioneer that the bidding has finished

■ going-over   n, pl goings-over informal   1 a check, examination, or investigation   2 a castigation or thrashing

■ goings-on   pl n informal   1 actions or conduct, esp when regarded with disapproval   2 happenings or events, esp when mysterious or suspicious: there were strange goings-on up at the Hall

■ go into   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to enter   2 to start a career in: to go into publishing   3 to investigate or examine: to go into the problem of price increases   4 to discuss: we won't go into that now   5 to dress oneself differently in: to go into mourning   6 to hit: the car had gone into a lamppost   7 to go to live in or be admitted to, esp temporarily: she went into hospital on Tuesday   8 to enter a specified state: she went into fits of laughter

■ go-juice   n   informal fuel for an engine, esp petrol

■ go-kart or go-cart   n   See kart

■ go-karting   n   the sport of racing or riding on karts

■ go off   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) (of power, a water supply, etc) to cease to be available, running, or functioning: the lights suddenly went off   2 (adverb) to be discharged or activated; explode   3 (adverb) to occur as specified: the meeting went off well   4 to leave (a place): the actors went off stage   5 (adverb) (of a sensation) to gradually cease to be felt or perceived   6 (adverb) to fall asleep   7 (adverb) to enter a specified state or condition: she went off into hysterics   8 (adverb; foll by with) to abscond (with)   9 (adverb) (of concrete, mortar, etc) to harden   10 (adverb) Brit informal (of food, milk, etc) to become stale or rotten   11 (preposition) Brit informal to cease to like: she went off him after their marriage   12 (adverb) informal to become bad-tempered   13 (adverb) vulgar, slang to have an orgasm   14 (adverb) Austral slang (of premises) to be raided by the police   15 (adverb) Austral slang (of a racehorse) to win a fixed race   16 (adverb) Austral slang to be stolen

■ go on   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 to continue or proceed   2 to happen or take place: there's something peculiar going on here   3 (of power, a water supply, etc) to start to be available, running, or functioning   4 (preposition) to mount or board and ride on, esp as a treat: children love to go on donkeys at the seaside   5 theatre to make an entrance on stage   6 to act or behave: he goes on as though he's rich   7 to talk excessively; chatter   8 to continue talking, esp after a short pause: 'When I am Prime Minister,' he went on, 'we shall abolish taxes.'   9 (foll by at) to criticize or nag: stop going on at me all the time!   10 (preposition) to use as a basis for further thought or action: the police had no evidence at all to go on in the murder case   11 (foll by for) Brit to approach (a time, age, amount, etc): he's going on for his hundredth birthday   12 cricket to start to bowl   13 to take one's turn   14 (of clothes) to be capable of being put on   15 go much on (used with a negative) Brit to care for; like   16 something to go on or something to be going on with something that is adequate for the present time   ▷ interj   17 I don't believe what you're saying

■ go out   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to depart from a room, house, country, etc   2 to cease to illuminate, burn, or function: the fire has gone out   3 to cease to be fashionable or popular: that style went out ages ago!   4 to become unconscious or fall asleep: she went out like a light   5 (of a broadcast) to be transmitted   6 to go to entertainments, social functions, etc   7 (usually foll by with or together) to associate (with a person to whom one is romantically attached) regularly; date   8 (of workers) to begin to strike   9 (foll by to) to be extended (to): our sympathy went out to her on the death of her sister   10 cards to get rid of the last card, token, etc, in one's hand   11 go all out to make a great effort to achieve or obtain something: he went all out to pass the exam

■ go over   vb (intr)   1 to be received in a specified manner: the concert went over very well   2 Also: go through (preposition) to examine and revise as necessary: he went over the accounts   3 Also: go through (preposition) to clean: she went over the room before her mother came   4 (preposition) to check and repair: can you go over my car please?   5 Also: go through (preposition) to rehearse: I'll go over my lines before the play   6 (adverb; foll by to)   a to change (to a different practice or system): will Britain ever go over to driving on the right?   b to change one's allegiances   7 (preposition) slang to do physical violence to: they went over him with an iron bar

■ Go-Ped (ˈɡəʊˌpɛd)   n   trademark a motorized vehicle consisting of a low footboard on wheels, steered by handlebars

■ go round   vb (intr)   same as go around

■ go-slow   n   1 Brit   a a deliberate slackening of the rate of production by organized labour as a tactic in industrial conflict   b (as modifier): go-slow tactics. US and Canadian equivalent: slowdown   ▷ vb go slow   2 (intr) to work deliberately slowly as a tactic in industrial conflict

■ go through   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) to be approved or accepted: the amendment went through   2 (preposition) to consume; exhaust: we went through our supplies in a day; some men go through a pair of socks in no time   3 Also: go over (preposition) to examine and revise as necessary: they went through the figures   4 (preposition) to suffer: she went through tremendous pain   5 Also: go over (preposition) to rehearse: let's just go through the details again   6 Also: go over (preposition) to clean: I went through the cupboards in the spring-cleaning   7 (preposition) to participate in: she went through the degree ceremony without getting too nervous   8 (adverb; foll by with) to bring to a successful conclusion, often by persistence   9 (preposition) (of a book) to be published in: that book has gone through three printings this year alone   10 to proceed to the next round of a competition

■ go to   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to be awarded to: the Nobel prize last year went to a Scot   2 go to it to tackle a task vigorously   ▷ interj   3 archaic an exclamation expressing surprise, encouragement, etc   ▷ adj go-to   4    a (of a person) extremely dependable: the go-to guy in the team   b (of a place) popularly visited: go-to destinations

■ go together   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to be mutually suited; harmonize: the colours go well together   2 informal (of two people) to have a romantic or sexual relationship: they had been going together for two years

■ go under   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 (also preposition) to sink below (a surface)   2 to founder or drown   3 to be conquered or overwhelmed: the firm went under in the economic crisis

■ go up   vb (intr, mainly adverb)   1 (also preposition) to move or lead to or as if to a higher place or level; rise; increase: prices are always going up; the curtain goes up at eight o'clock; new buildings are going up all around us   2 to be destroyed: the house went up in flames   3 Brit to go or return (to college or university) at the beginning of a term or academic year

■ go with   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to accompany   2 to blend or harmonize: that new wallpaper goes well with the furniture   3 to be a normal part of: three acres of land go with the house   4 to be of the same opinion as: I'm sorry I can't go with you on your new plan   5 (of two people) to associate frequently with (each other)

■ go without   vb (intr)   1 chiefly Brit to be denied or deprived of (something, esp food): if you don't like your tea you can go without   2 that goes without saying that is obvious or self-evident

go^2 (ɡəʊ) or I-go   n   a game for two players in which stones are placed on a board marked with a grid, the object being to capture territory on the board [from Japanese]

■ goban (ˌɡəʊˈbæn)   n   a board on which the game go is played

GO military   abbreviation for   general order

goa (ˈɡəʊə)   n   a gazelle, Procapra picticaudata, inhabiting the plains of the Tibetan plateau, having a brownish-grey coat and backward-curving horns [C19: from Tibetan dgoba]

Goa (ˈɡəʊə)   n   a state on the W coast of India: a Portuguese overseas territory from 1510 until annexed by India in 1961. Capital: Panjim (or Panaji). Pop: 1 343 998 (2001). Area: 3702 sq km (1430 sq miles)

■ Goa powder   n   another name for araroba (sense 2)

goad (ɡəʊd)   n   1 a sharp pointed stick for urging on cattle, etc   2 anything that acts as a spur or incitement   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to drive with or as if with a goad; spur; incite [Old English gād, of Germanic origin, related to Old English gār, Old Norse geirr spear]   > ˈgoadˌlike adj

■ goadsman (ˈɡəʊdzmən)   n, pl -men   a person who uses a goad

■ goadster (ˈɡəʊdstə)   n   a goadsman

Goa, Daman, and Diu   n   a former Union Territory of India consisting of the widely separated districts of Goa and Daman and the island of Diu. Capital: Panjim (or Panaji). Area: 3814 sq km (1472 sq miles)

goaf (ɡəʊf)   n   mining the waste left in old mine workings

goal (ɡəʊl)   n   1 the aim or object towards which an endeavour is directed   2 the terminal point of a journey or race   3 (in various sports) the net, basket, etc, into or over which players try to propel the ball, puck, etc, to score   4 sport   a a successful attempt at scoring   b the score so made   5 (in soccer, hockey, etc) the position of goalkeeper [C16: perhaps related to Middle English gol boundary, Old English gǣlan to hinder, impede]   > ˈgoalless adj

■ goal area   n   soccer a rectangular area to the sides and front of the goal, measuring 20 × 6 yards on a full-sized pitch, from which goal kicks are taken. Also called: six-yard area

■ goalball (ˈɡəʊlˌbɔːl)   n   1 a game played by two teams who compete to score goals by throwing a ball that emits audible sound when in motion. Players, who may be blind or sighted, are blindfolded during play   2 the ball used in this game

■ goalie (ˈɡəʊlI)   n   informal short for goalkeeper

■ goalkeeper (ˈɡəʊlˌkiːpə)   n   sport a player in the goal whose duty is to prevent the ball, puck, etc, from entering or crossing it   > ˈgoalˌkeeping n

■ goal kick   n   1 soccer a kick taken from the six-yard line by the defending team after the ball has been put out of play by an opposing player   2 rugby an attempt to kick a goal

■ goalkicker (ˈɡəʊlˌkIkə)   n   sport a person who makes a goal kick

■ goalkicking (ˈɡəʊlˌkIkIŋ)   n   sport the act of taking a goal kick

■ goal line   n   sport the line marking each end of the pitch, on which the goals stand

■ goalmouth (ˈɡəʊlˌmaʊθ)   n   sport the area in front of the goal

■ goalpost (ˈɡəʊlˌpəʊst)   n   1 either of two upright posts supporting the crossbar of a goal   2 move the goalposts to change the aims of an activity to ensure the desired results

■ goaltender (ˈɡəʊlˌtɛndə)   n   ice hockey, US a goalkeeper

■ goaltending (ˈɡəʊlˌtɛndIŋ)   n   ice hockey, US the act of defending the goal

■ goalward (ˈɡəʊlwəd)   adj   1 relating to a move towards a goal   ▷ adv   2 towards a goal

■ goalwards (ˈɡəʊlwədz)   adv   toward or in the direction of the opposing team's goal

goanna (ɡəʊˈænə)   n   1 any of various Australian monitor lizards   2 Austral slang a piano [C19: sense 1 changed from IGUANA; sense 2 from rhyming slang pianna]

goat (ɡəʊt)   n   1 any sure-footed agile bovid mammal of the genus Capra, naturally inhabiting rough stony ground in Europe, Asia, and N Africa, typically having a brown-grey colouring and a beard. Domesticated varieties (C. hircus) are reared for milk, meat, and wool. Related adjectives: caprine, hircine   2 short for Rocky Mountain goat   3 informal a lecherous man   4 a bad or inferior member of any group (esp in the phrase separate the sheep from the goats)   5 short for scapegoat   6 act the goat, act the giddy goat, play the goat or play the giddy goat to fool around   7 get someone's goat slang to cause annoyance to someone [Old English gāt; related to Old Norse geit, Old High German geiz, Latin haedus kid]   > ˈgoatˌlike adj

■ Goat (ɡəʊt)   n   the Goat the constellation Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac

■ goat antelope   n   any bovid mammal of the tribe Rupicaprini, including the chamois, goral, serow, and Rocky Mountain goat, having characteristics of both goats and antelopes

■ goatee (ɡəʊˈtiː)   n   a pointed tuftlike beard on the chin [C19: from GOAT + -ee (see -Y^2)]   > goatˈeed adj

■ goatfish (ˈɡəʊtˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   the US name for red mullet

■ goatherd (ˈɡəʊtˌhɜːd)   n   a person employed to tend or herd goats

■ goatish (ˈɡəʊtIʃ)   adj   1 of, like, or relating to a goat   2 archaic or literary lustful or lecherous   > ˈgoatishly adv   > ˈgoatishness n

■ goatling (ˈɡəʊtlIŋ)   n   a young goat

■ goat moth   n   a large European moth, Cossus cossus, with pale brownish-grey variably marked wings: family Cossidae

■ goatsbeard or goat's-beard (ˈɡəʊtsˌbIəd)   n   1 Also called: Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon a Eurasian plant, Tragopogon pratensis, with woolly stems and large heads of yellow rayed flowers surrounded by large green bracts: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 an American rosaceous plant, Aruncus sylvester, with long spikes of small white flowers

■ goatskin (ˈɡəʊtˌskIn)   n   1 the hide of a goat   2    a something made from the hide of a goat, such as leather or a container for wine   b (as modifier): a goatskin rug

■ goat's-rue   n   1 Also called: French lilac a Eurasian leguminous plant, Galega officinalis, cultivated for its white, mauve, or pinkish flowers: formerly used medicinally   2 a North American leguminous plant, Tephrosia virginiana, with pink-and-yellow flowers

■ goatsucker (ˈɡəʊtˌsʌkə)   n   US and Canadian any nocturnal bird of the family Caprimulgidae, esp Caprimulgus europaeus (European nightjar): order Caprimulgiformes. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): nightjar

■ goatweed (ˈɡəʊtˌwiːd)   n   a plant of the genus Capraria

■ goaty (ˈɡəʊtI)   n, pl goaties   1 a variant spelling of goatee   ▷ adj goatier, goatiest   2 goat-like

GOAT informal, chiefly US sport   abbreviation for   greatest of all time

goatse (ˈɡəʊtsɛ)   n   informal a deliberately shocking and offensive, usually pornographic, image placed maliciously by someone into a website [C21: perhaps a word play on the phrase goat sex ]

gob^1 (ɡɒb)   n   1 a lump or chunk, esp of a soft substance   2 (often plural) informal a great quantity or amount   3 mining   a waste material such as clay, shale, etc   b a worked-out area in a mine often packed with this   4 a lump of molten glass used to make a piece of glassware   5 informal a globule of spittle or saliva   ▷ vb gobs, gobbing, gobbed   6 (intr) Brit informal to spit [C14: from Old French gobe lump, from gober to gulp down; see GOBBET]

gob^2 (ɡɒb)   n   US slang an enlisted ordinary seaman in the US Navy [C20: of unknown origin]

gob^3 (ɡɒb)   n   a slang word (esp Brit) for the mouth [C16: perhaps from Gaelic gob]

■ gobby (ˈɡɒbI)   adj -bier, -biest   informal loudmouthed and offensive

■ gobshite (ˈɡɒbˌʃaIt)   n   slang a stupid person [C20: from GOB^3 + shite excrement; see SHIT]

■ gobsmacked (ˈɡɒbˌsmækt)   adj   Brit slang astounded; astonished [C20: from GOB^3 + SMACK^2]

■ gobstopper (ˈɡɒbˌstɒpə)   n   Brit a large hard sweet consisting of different coloured concentric layers that are revealed as it is sucked

gobang (ˌɡəʊˈbæŋ)   n   a Japanese board-game

gobar numeral (ˈɡəʊbɑː)   n   any of a set of ancient numerals derived from Hindu numerals

gobbet (ˈɡɒbIt)   n   a chunk, lump, or fragment, esp of raw meat [C14: from Old French gobet, from gober to gulp down]

Gobbi (Italian ˈɡɔbbi)   n   Tito (ˈtiːto). 1915–84, Italian operatic baritone

gobble^1 (ˈɡɒbəl)   vb   1 (when tr, often foll by up) to eat or swallow (food) hastily and in large mouthfuls   2 (tr; often foll by up) informal to snatch [C17: probably from GOB^1]

gobble^2 (ˈɡɒbəl)   n   1 the loud rapid gurgling sound made by male turkeys   ▷ interj   2 an imitation of this sound   ▷ vb   3 (intr) (of a turkey) to make this sound [C17: probably of imitative origin]

■ gobbledegook or gobbledygook (ˈɡɒbəldIˌɡuːk)   n   pretentious or unintelligible jargon, such as that used by officials [C20: whimsical formation from GOBBLE^2]

■ gobbler (ˈɡɒblə)   n   informal a male turkey

gobbo (ˈɡɒbəʊ)   n, pl -bi   a hunchback [Italian]

Gobelin (ˈɡəʊbəlIn; French ɡɔblɛ̃)   adj   1 of or resembling tapestry made at the Gobelins' factory in Paris, having vivid pictorial scenes   ▷ n   2 a tapestry of this kind [C19: from the Gobelin family, who founded the factory]

Gobi (ˈɡəʊbI) or Gobi Desert (ˈɡəʊbI ˈdɛzət)   n   a desert in E Asia, mostly in Mongolia and the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region of China: sometimes considered to include all the arid regions east of the Pamirs and north of the plateau of Tibet and the Great Wall of China: one of the largest deserts in the world. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles). Width: about 1000 km (625 miles). Average height: 900 m (3000 ft). Chinese name: Shamo

■ Gobian (ˈɡəʊbIən)   adj   of or relating to the Gobi desert

gobiid (ˈɡəʊbIId)   n   1 a goby   ▷ adj   2 ichthyol belonging to the family Gobiidae

Gobind Singh (ˈɡəʊbInd sIŋ) or Govind Singh   n   1666–1708, tenth and last guru of the Sikhs (1675–1708): assassinated

gobioid (ˈɡəʊbIˌɔId)   adj   1 of or relating to the Gobioidea, a suborder of spiny-finned teleost fishes that includes gobies and mudskippers (family Gobiidae) and sleepers (family Eleotridae)   ▷ n   2 any gobioid fish [C19: from New Latin Gobioidea, from Latin gōbius gudgeon]

goblet (ˈɡɒblIt)   n   1 a vessel for drinking, usually of glass or metal, with a base and stem but without handles   2 archaic a large drinking cup shaped like a bowl [C14: from Old French gobelet a little cup, from gobel ultimately of Celtic origin]

goblin (ˈɡɒblIn)   n   (in folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature, regarded as malevolent towards human beings [C14: from Old French, from Middle High German kobolt; compare COBALT]

gobo (ˈɡəʊbəʊ)   n, pl -bos or -boes   1 a shield placed around a microphone to exclude unwanted sounds   2 a black screen placed around a camera lens, television lens, etc, to reduce the incident light [C20: of unknown origin]

gobony (ɡəˈbəʊnI)   adj   heraldry composed of a row of small, alternately coloured, squares

goburra (ɡəˈbʌrə)   n   Austral a kookaburra

goby (ˈɡəʊbI)   n, pl -by or -bies   1 any small spiny-finned fish of the family Gobiidae, of coastal or brackish waters, having a large head, an elongated tapering body, and the ventral fins modified as a sucker   2 any other gobioid fish [C18: from Latin gōbius gudgeon, fish of little value, from Greek kōbios]

GOC or GOC-in-C   abbreviation for   General Officer Commanding(-in-Chief)

god (ɡɒd)   n   1 a supernatural being, who is worshipped as the controller of some part of the universe or some aspect of life in the world or is the personification of some force. Related adjective: divine   2 an image, idol, or symbolic representation of such a deity   3 any person or thing to which excessive attention is given: money was his god   4 a man who has qualities regarded as making him superior to other men   5 (in plural) the gallery of a theatre [Old English god; related to Old Norse goth, Old High German got, Old Irish guth voice]

■ God (ɡɒd)   n   1 theol the sole Supreme Being, eternal, spiritual, and transcendent, who is the Creator and ruler of all and is infinite in all attributes; the object of worship in monotheistic religions   2 play God to behave in an imperious or superior manner   ▷ interj   3 an oath or exclamation used to indicate surprise, annoyance, etc (and in such expressions as My God! or God Almighty!)

■ god-awful   adj   informal very unpleasant

■ God-botherer (ˈɡɒdˌbɒðərə)   n   informal an over-zealous Christian

■ Godcast (ˈɡɒdˌkɑːst)   n   a religious service or sermon that has been converted to MP3 format for download from the internet for play on a computer or MP3 player [C21: GOD + (POD)CAST]

■ godchild (ˈɡɒdˌtʃaIld)   n, pl -children (-ˌtʃIldrən)   a person, usually an infant, who is sponsored by adults at baptism

■ goddam (ˈɡɒdæm)   adj, adv, interj   a variant spelling of goddamn

■ goddammit (ɡɒˈdæmIt)   interj   informal an oath expressing anger, surprise, irritation, etc

■ goddamn (ˈɡɒdˈdæm) informal, chiefly US and Canadian   interj also God damn   1 an oath expressing anger, surprise, etc   ▷ adv also goddam, goddammed, goddamned   2 (intensifier): a goddamn fool

■ goddamned (ˈɡɒdæmd)   adj   a variant of goddamn

■ goddaughter (ˈɡɒdˌdɔːtə)   n   a female godchild

■ goddess (ˈɡɒdIs)   n   1 a female divinity   2 a woman who is adored or idealized   > ˈgoddessˌhood or ˈgoddess-ˌship n

■ godfather (ˈɡɒdˌfɑːðə)   n   1 a male godparent   2 the head of a Mafia family or other organized criminal ring   3 an originator or leading exponent: the godfather of South African pop

■ godfather offer   n   informal a takeover bid pitched so high that the management of the target company is unable to dissuade shareholders from accepting it [C20: from the 1972 film The Godfather, in which a character was made an offer he could not refuse by a threatening mafioso]

■ God-fearing   adj   pious; devout: a God-fearing people

■ godforsaken (ˈɡɒdfəˌseIkən, ˌɡɒdfəˈseIkən)   adj (sometimes capital)   1 (usually prenominal) desolate; dreary; forlorn   2 wicked

■ god game   n   informal a computer roleplaying game in which the player controls the destiny of one or more avatars within a large virtual environment

■ Godhead (ˈɡɒdˌhɛd)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 the essential nature and condition of being God   2 the Godhead God

■ godhood (ˈɡɒdˌhʊd)   n   the state of being divine

■ godless (ˈɡɒdlIs)   adj   1 wicked or unprincipled   2 lacking a god   3 refusing to acknowledge God   > ˈgodlessly adv   > ˈgodlessness n

■ godlike (ˈɡɒdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling or befitting a god or God; divine

■ godlikeness (ˈɡɒdˌlaIknəs)   n   the state of resembling, or having the qualities of, a god

■ godling (ˈɡɒdlIŋ)   n   a little god

■ godly (ˈɡɒdlI)   adj -lier, -liest   having a religious character; pious; devout: a godly man   > ˈgodlily adv   > ˈgodliness n

■ God man   n   a person, such as Jesus Christ, who unites humanity with God

■ godmother (ˈɡɒdˌmʌðə)   n   a female godparent

■ godparent (ˈɡɒdˌpɛərənt)   n   a person who stands sponsor to another at baptism

■ God particle   n   an informal name for Higgs boson

■ God's acre   n   literary a churchyard or burial ground [C17: translation of German Gottesacker]

■ godsend (ˈɡɒdˌsɛnd)   n   a person or thing that comes unexpectedly but is particularly welcome [C19: changed from C17 God's send, alteration of goddes sand God's message, from Old English sand; see SEND^1]

■ godship (ˈɡɒdʃIp)   n   the quality or character of a god; divinity

■ godslot (ˈɡɒdˌslɒt)   n   informal a time in a television or radio schedule traditionally reserved for religious broadcasts

■ godson (ˈɡɒdˌsʌn)   n   a male godchild

■ Godspeed (ˈɡɒdˈspiːd)   interj, n   an expression of one's good wishes for a person's success and safety [C15: from God spede may God prosper (you)]

■ godsquad (ˈɡɒdˌskwɒd)   n   informal, derogatory any group of evangelical Christians, members of which are regarded as intrusive and exuberantly pious

■ godward (ˈɡɒdwəd)   adv   1 towards God   ▷ adj   2 tending towards God

■ Godzone (ˈɡɒdˌzəʊn)   n   Austral informal one's home country [from God's own country]

Godard (French ɡɔdar)   n   Jean-Luc (ʒɑ̃lyk). born 1930, French film director and writer associated with the New Wave of the 1960s. His works include À bout de souffle (1960), Weekend (1967), Sauve qui peut (1980), Nouvelle Vague (1990), and Éloge de l'amour (2003)

Godavari (ɡəʊˈdɑːvərI)   n   a river in central India, rising in the Western Ghats and flowing southeast to the Bay of Bengal: extensive delta, linked by canal with the Krishna delta; a sacred river to Hindus. Length: about 1500 km (900 miles)

Goddard (ˈɡɒdɑːd)   n   Robert Hutchings. 1882–1945, US physicist. He made the first workable liquid-fuelled rocket

godden (ˈɡɒdən)   n   archaic an evening greeting

Godefroy de Bouillon (French ɡɔdfrwa də bujɔ̃)   n   ?1060–1100, French leader of the First Crusade (1096–99), becoming first ruler of the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem

Gödel (ˈɡɜːdəl)   n   Kurt (kʊrt). 1906–78, US logician and mathematician, born in Austria-Hungary. He showed (Gödel's proof) that in a formal axiomatic system, such as logic or mathematics, it is impossible to prove consistency without using methods from outside the system

Goderich (ˈɡəʊdrItʃ)   n   Viscount, title of Frederick John Robinson, 1st Earl of Ripon. 1782–1859, British statesman; prime minister (1827–28)

Godesberg (German ˈɡoːdəsbɛrk)   n   a town and spa in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia on the Rhine: a SE suburb of Bonn. Official name: Bad Godesberg

godet (ˈɡəʊdeI, ɡəʊˈdɛt)   n   a triangular piece of material inserted into a garment, such as into a skirt to create a flare [C19: from French]

godetia (ɡəˈdiːʃə)   n   any plant of the American onagraceous genus Godetia, esp one grown as a showy-flowered annual garden plant [C19: named after C. H. Godet (died 1879), Swiss botanist]

Godiva (ɡəˈdaIvə)   n   Lady. ?1040–1080, wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to legend, she rode naked through Coventry in order to obtain remission for the townspeople from the heavy taxes imposed by her husband

Godolphin (ɡəˈdɒlfIn)   n   Sidney. 1st Earl of Godolphin. 1645–1712, English statesman; as Lord Treasurer, he managed the financing of Marlborough's campaigns in the War of the Spanish Succession

godown (ˈɡəʊˌdaʊn)   n   (in East Asia and India) a warehouse [C16: from Malay godong]

Godoy (Spanish ɡoˈðɔI)   n   Manuel de. 1767–1851, Spanish statesman: Charles IV's unpopular chief minister (1792–97; 1801–08)

godroon (ɡəˈdruːn)   n   a variant spelling of gadroon   > goˈdrooned adj

Godthaab or Godthåb (ˈɡɔdhɔːb)   n   the Danish and former official name for Nuuk

Godunov (ˈɡɒdəˌnɒf, ˈɡʊd-; Russian ɡəduˈnɔf)   n   Boris Fyodorovich (baˈris ˈfjɔdərəvitʃ). ?1551–1605, Russian regent (1584–98) and tsar (1598–1605)

Godwin (ˈɡɒdwIn)   n   1  died 1053, Earl of Wessex. He was chief adviser to Canute and Edward the Confessor. His son succeeded Edward to the throne as Harold II   2 Mary. See (Mary) Wollstonecraft   3  William. 1756–1836, British political philosopher and novelist. In An Enquiry concerning Political Justice (1793), he rejected government and social institutions, including marriage. His views greatly influenced English romantic writers

Godwin-Austen   n   another name for K2

godwit (ˈɡɒdwIt)   n   any large shore bird of the genus Limosa, of northern and arctic regions, having long legs and a long upturned bill: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes [C16: of unknown origin]

Goebbels (German ˈɡœbəls)   n   Paul Joseph (paul ˈjoːzɛf). 1897–1945, German Nazi politician; minister of propaganda (1933–45)

goel (ˈɡəʊɛl)   n   (in Jewish law) a blood-avenger

Goering (German ˈɡøːrIŋ)   n   See Göring

Goes (ɡuːs)   n   Hugo van der. ?1440–82, Flemish painter: works include the Pontinari Altarpiece and The Death of a Virgin

goest (ˈɡəʊIst)   vb   an archaic form of the second person singular of go^1

goeth (ˈɡəʊIθ)   vb   an archaic form of the third person singular of go^1

Goethe (German ˈɡøːtə)   n   Johann Wolfgang von (joˈhan ˈvɔlfɡaŋ fɔn). 1749–1832, German poet, novelist, and dramatist, who settled in Weimar in 1775. His early works of the Sturm und Drang period include the play Götz von Berlichingen (1773) and the novel The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774). After a journey to Italy (1786–88) his writings, such as the epic play Iphigenie auf Tauris (1787) and the epic idyll Hermann und Dorothea (1797), showed the influence of classicism. Other works include the Wilhelm Meister novels (1796–1829) and his greatest masterpiece Faust (1808; 1832)

■ goethite or göthite (ˈɡəʊθaIt; German ˈɡøːtiːt)   n   a black, brown, or yellow mineral consisting of hydrated iron oxide in the form of orthorhombic crystals or fibrous masses. Formula: FeO(OH) [C19: named after GOETHE]

goety (ˈɡəʊətI)   n   witchcraft

■ goetic (ɡəʊˈɛtIk)   adj   relating to witchcraft

goey (ˈɡəʊI)   adj   slang (of a person) go-ahead

gofer (ˈɡəʊfə)   n   slang, chiefly US and Canadian an employee or assistant whose duties include menial tasks such as running errands [C20: originally US: alteration of go for]

goffer or gauffer (ˈɡəʊfə)   vb (tr)   1 to press pleats into (a frill)   2 to decorate (the gilt edges of a book) with a repeating pattern   ▷ n   3 an ornamental frill made by pressing pleats   4 the decoration formed by goffering books   5 the iron or tool used in making goffers [C18: from French gaufrer to impress a pattern, from gaufre, from Middle Low German wāfel; see WAFFLE^1, WAFER]

Gog and Magog (ɡɒɡ, ˈmeIɡɒɡ)   n   1 Old Testament a hostile prince and the land from which he comes to attack Israel (Ezekiel 38)   2 New Testament two kings, who are to attack the Church in a climactic battle, but are then to be destroyed by God (Revelation 20:8–10)   3 Brit folklore two giants, the only survivors of a race of giants destroyed by Brutus, the legendary founder of Britain

gogga (ˈxɒxə)   n   South African informal any small animal that crawls or flies, esp an insect [C20: from Khoikhoi xoxon insects collectively]

goggle (ˈɡɒɡəl)   vb   1 (intr) to stare stupidly or fixedly, as in astonishment   2 to cause (the eyes) to roll or bulge or (of the eyes) to roll or bulge   ▷ n   3 a fixed or bulging stare   4 (plural) spectacles, often of coloured glass or covered with gauze: used to protect the eyes [C14: from gogelen to look aside, of uncertain origin; see AGOG]   > ˈgoggly adj

■ gogglebox (ˈɡɒɡəlˌbɒks)   n   Brit slang a television set

■ goggle-eyed   adj   (often postpositive) with a surprised, staring, or fixed expression

■ goggler (ˈɡɒɡlə)   n   1 an eye   2 someone with goggle eyes   3 a big-eyed scad   4 an avid television watcher

Gogh (ɡɒx; Dutch xɔx)   n   See Van Gogh

goglet (ˈɡɒɡlIt) or gurglet   n   a long-necked water-cooling vessel of porous earthenware, used esp in India. Also called: guglet (ˈɡʌɡlIt) [C17: from Portuguese gorgoleta a little throat, from gorja throat; related to French gargoule; see GARGLE]

gogo (ˈɡɒɡɒ)   n South African   grandmother [from Zulu]

go-go   adj informal, chiefly US and Canadian   1 of or relating to a type of nightclub or disco where dancers perform, or the lively music and dancing performed in them   2 dynamic or forceful [C20: altered from French à-gogo aplenty, ad lib: sense influenced by English verb go]

■ go-go dancer   n   a dancer, usually scantily dressed, who performs rhythmic and often erotic modern dance routines, esp in a nightclub or disco

Gogol (ˈɡəʊɡɒl; Russian ˈɡɔɡəlj)   n   Nikolai Vasilievich (nikaˈlaj vaˈsiljIvitʃ). 1809–52, Russian novelist, dramatist, and short-story writer. His best-known works are The Government Inspector (1836), a comedy satirizing bureaucracy, and the novel Dead Souls (1842)   > ˌGoˈgolian adj

Gogra (ˈɡɒɡrə)   n   a river in N India, rising in Tibet, in the Himalayas, and flowing southeast through Nepal as the Karnali, then through Uttar Pradesh to join the Ganges. Length: about 1000 km (600 miles)

gohonzon (ɡəʊˈhɒnzɒn)   n   (in Nichiren Buddhism) the paper scroll to which devotional chanting is directed [from Japanese go an honorific prefix + honzon object of respect]

Goiânia (ɡɔIˈɑːnIə; Portuguese ɡoˈjə̃nia)   n   a city in central Brazil, capital of Goiás state: planned in 1933 to replace the old capital, Goiás; two universities. Pop: 1 878 000 (2005 est)

Goiás (Portuguese ɡɔˈjas)   n   a state of central Brazil, in the Brazilian Highlands: contains Brasília, the capital of Brazil. Capital: Goiânia. Pop: 5 210 335 (2002). Area: 341 289 sq km (131 772 sq miles)

Goidel (ˈɡɔIdəl)   n   a Celt who speaks a Goidelic language; Gael. Compare Brython

■ Goidelic, Goidhelic (ɡɔIˈdɛlIk) or Gadhelic   n   1 the N group of Celtic languages, consisting of Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Compare Brythonic   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of this group of languages [C19: from Old Irish Goidel a Celt, from Old Welsh gwyddel, from gwydd savage]

goitre or US goiter (ˈɡɔItə)   n   pathol a swelling of the thyroid gland, in some cases nearly doubling the size of the neck, usually caused by under- or overproduction of hormone by the gland [C17: from French goitre, from Old French goitron, ultimately from Latin guttur throat]   > ˈgoitred or US ˈgoitered adj   > ˈgoitrous adj

■ goitrogen (ˈɡɔItrədʒən)   n   pathol a substance that causes the formation of goitre

■ goitrogenic (ˌɡɔItrəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   pathol causing goitre

■ goitrogenicity (ˌɡɔItrədʒəˈnIsItI)   n   pathol the potential to cause goitre

goji (ˈɡəʊdʒI)   n   the berry of either of two plants of the genus Lycium, valued for its nutritional qualities. Also called: wolfberry

Golan Heights (ˈɡəʊˌlæn)   pl n   a range of hills in the Middle East, possession of which is disputed between Israel and Syria: under Syrian control until 1967 when they were stormed by Israeli forces; Jewish settlements have since been established. Highest peak: Mount Hermon, 2814 m (9232 ft)

Golconda (ɡɒlˈkɒndə)   n   1 a ruined town and fortress in S central India, in W Andhra Pradesh near Hyderabad city: capital of one of the five Muslim kingdoms of the Deccan from 1512 to 1687, then annexed to the Mogul empire; renowned for its diamonds   2 (sometimes not capital) a source of wealth or riches, esp a mine

gold (ɡəʊld)   n   1    a a dense inert bright yellow element that is the most malleable and ductile metal, occurring in rocks and alluvial deposits: used as a monetary standard and in jewellery, dentistry, and plating. The radioisotope gold-198 (radiogold), with a half-life of 2.69 days, is used in radiotherapy. Symbol: Au; atomic no: 79; atomic wt: 196.96654; valency: 1 or 3; relative density: 19.3; melting pt: 1064.43°C; boiling pt: 2857°C. Related adjectives: aurous, auric   b (as modifier): a gold mine   2 a coin or coins made of this metal   3 money; wealth   4 something precious, beautiful, etc, such as a noble nature (esp in the phrase heart of gold)   5    a a deep yellow colour, sometimes with a brownish tinge   b (as adjective): a gold carpet   6 archery the bull's eye of a target, scoring nine points   7 short for gold medal [Old English gold; related to Old Norse gull, Gothic gulth, Old High German gold]

■ gold basis   n   the gold standard as a criterion for the determination of prices

■ goldbeater's skin (ˈɡəʊldˌbiːtəz)   n   animal membrane used to separate sheets of gold that are being hammered into gold leaf

■ gold-beating   n   the act, process, or skill of hammering sheets of gold into gold leaf   > ˈgold-ˌbeater n

■ gold beetle or goldbug (ˈɡəʊldˌbʌɡ)   n   any American beetle of the family Chrysomelidae having a bright metallic lustre

■ goldbrick (ˈɡəʊldˌbrIk)   vb (intr)   US informal to avoid performing work or duties; shirk

■ gold brick   n   1 something with only a superficial appearance of value   2 US informal an idler or shirker

■ gold card   n   a credit card issued by credit-card companies to favoured clients, entitling them to high unsecured overdrafts, some insurance cover, etc

■ gold certificate   n (in the US)   1 a currency note issued exclusively to the Federal Reserve Banks by the US Treasury. It forms a claim on gold reserves deposited by the Federal Reserve Banks at the Treasury and is used to transfer interbank balances within the Federal Reserve System   2 Also called: gold note (formerly) a banknote issued by the US Treasury to the public and redeemable in gold

■ Gold Coast   n   1 the former name (until 1957) of Ghana   2 a city comprising a line of beach resorts in E Australia, extending for over 30 km (20 miles) along the SE coast of Queensland and the NE coast of New South Wales. Pop: 527 828 (2010)

■ goldcrest (ˈɡəʊldˌkrɛst)   n   a small Old World warbler, Regulus regulus, having a greenish plumage and a bright yellow-and-black crown

■ gold-digger   n   1 a person who prospects or digs for gold   2 informal, derogatory a woman who uses her sexual attractions to accumulate gifts and wealth or advance her social position   > ˈgold-ˌdigging n

■ gold disc   n     a (in Britain) an album certified to have sold 250 000 copies or a single certified to have sold 500 000 copies   b (in the US) an album or single certified to have sold 1 000 000 copies or a single certified to have sold 500 000 copies. Compare silver disc, platinum disc

■ gold dust   n   1 gold in the form of small particles or powder, as found in placer-mining   2 a valuable or rare thing: tickets for this match are gold dust

■ gold-exchange standard   n   a monetary system by which one country's currency, which is not itself based on the gold standard, is kept at a par with another currency that is based on the gold standard

■ goldeye (ˈɡəʊldˌaI)   n, pl -eyes or -eye   a North American clupeoid fish, Hiodon alosoides, with yellowish eyes, silvery sides, and a dark blue back: family Hiodontidae (mooneyes)

■ gold farming   n   the practice of selling virtual assets gained in a computer game for real money

■ goldfield (ˈɡəʊldfiːld)   n   an area of land where gold is found

■ gold-filled   adj   covered with a layer of gold

■ goldfinch (ˈɡəʊldˌfIntʃ)   n   1 a common European finch, Carduelis carduelis, the adult of which has a red-and-white face and yellow-and-black wings   2 any of several North American finches of the genus Spinus, esp the yellow-and-black species S. tristis

■ goldfinny (ˈɡəʊldˌfInI)   n, pl -nies   another name for goldsinny

■ goldfish (ˈɡəʊldˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 a freshwater cyprinid fish, Carassius auratus, of E Europe and Asia, esp China, widely introduced as a pond or aquarium fish. It resembles the carp and has a typically golden or orange-red coloration   2 any of certain similar ornamental fishes, esp the golden orfe. See orfe

■ goldfish bowl   n   1 Also called: fishbowl a glass bowl, typically spherical, in which fish are kept as pets   2 a place or situation open to observation by onlookers

■ gold foil   n   thin gold sheet that is thicker than gold leaf

■ goldish (ˈɡəʊldIʃ)   adj   fairly golden

■ gold leaf   n   very thin gold sheet with a thickness usually between 0.076 and 0.127 micrometre, produced by rolling or hammering gold and used for gilding woodwork, etc

■ goldless (ˈɡəʊldlIs)   adj   lacking gold

■ gold medal   n   a medal of gold, awarded to the winner of a competition or race. Compare silver medal, bronze medal

■ gold mine   n   1 a place where gold ore is mined   2 a source of great wealth, profit, etc   > ˈgold-ˌminer n   > ˈgold-ˌmining n

■ gold note   n   (in the US) another name for gold certificate

■ gold-of-pleasure   n   a yellow-flowered Eurasian plant, Camelina sativa, widespread as a weed, esp in flax fields, and formerly cultivated for its oil-rich seeds: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

■ gold plate   n   1 a thin coating of gold, usually produced by electroplating   2 vessels or utensils made of gold

■ gold-plate   vb   (tr) to coat (other metal) with gold, usually by electroplating

■ gold-plated   adj   coated with gold

■ gold point   n   finance either of two exchange rates (the gold export point and the gold import point) at which it is as cheap to settle international accounts by exporting or importing gold bullion as by selling or buying bills of exchange. Also called: specie point

■ gold record   n   a former name for gold disc

■ gold reserve   n   the gold reserved by a central bank to support domestic credit expansion, to cover balance of payments deficits, and to protect currency

■ gold-rimmed   adj   having a gold-coloured rim or edge

■ gold rush   n   a large-scale migration of people to a territory where gold has been found

■ goldsinny (ˈɡəʊldˌsInI)   n, pl -nies   any of various small European wrasses, esp the brightly coloured Ctenolabrus rupestris. Also called: goldfinny [origin obscure, but probably has reference to the colour of the fins and tail]

■ goldsize (ˈɡəʊldˌsaIz)   n   an adhesive used to fix gold leaf to a surface

■ goldsmith (ˈɡəʊldˌsmIθ)   n   1    a a dealer in articles made of gold   b an artisan who makes such articles   2 (formerly) a dealer or manufacturer of gold articles who also engaged in banking or other financial business   3 (in Malaysia) a Chinese jeweller

■ goldsmith beetle   n   any of various scarabaeid beetles that have a metallic golden lustre, esp the rose chafer

■ goldsmithery (ˈɡəʊldˌsmIθərI)   n   1 the occupation of a goldsmith   2 the items made by a goldsmith

■ goldspink (ˈɡəʊldˌspIŋk)   n   Scot dialect a goldfinch

■ gold standard   n   1 a monetary system in which the unit of currency is defined with reference to gold   2 the supreme example of something against which others are judged or measured: the current gold standard for breast cancer detection

■ goldstick (ˈɡəʊldˌstIk)   n (sometimes capital)   1 a gilt rod carried by the colonel of the Life Guards or the captain of the gentlemen-at-arms   2 the bearer of this rod

■ goldstone (ˈɡəʊldˌstəʊn)   n   another name for aventurine (sense 2), aventurine (sense 3)

■ goldtail moth (ˈɡəʊldˌteIl)   n   a European moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea (or similis), having white wings and a soft white furry body with a yellow tail tuft: its hairy caterpillars are known as palmer worms: family Lymantriidae. Also called: yellowtail, yellowtail moth

■ goldthread (ˈɡəʊldˌθrɛd)   n   1 a North American woodland ranunculaceous plant, Coptis trifolia (or C. groenlandica), with slender yellow roots   2 the root of this plant, which yields a medicinal tonic and a dye

■ goldtone (ˈɡəʊldˌtəʊn)   adj   1 gold-coloured   ▷ n   2 photog a photographic image printed on a glass-plate with a painted golden backing

■ gold tranche   n   former name for reserve tranche

■ goldwork (ˈɡəʊldˌwɜːk)   n   gold objects collectively

■ goldy (ˈɡəʊldI)   n, pl goldies   1 informal a goldfinch   ▷ adj -dier, -diest   2 gold-like in colour

Gold (ɡəʊld)   n   Thomas. 1920–2004, Austrian-born astronomer, working in England and the US: with Bondi and Hoyle he proposed the steady-state theory of the universe

goldarn (ɡɒlˈdɑːn)   interj, adv   US and Canadian slang a euphemistic variant of goddamn

Goldbach's conjecture (ˈɡəʊldˌbɑːxs)   n   the conjecture that every even number greater than two is the sum of two prime numbers [named after C. Goldbach (1690–1764), German mathematician]

golden (ˈɡəʊldən)   adj   1 of the yellowish or brownish-yellow metallic colour of gold: golden hair   2 made from or largely consisting of gold: a golden statue   3 happy or prosperous: golden days   4 (sometimes capital) (of anniversaries) the 50th in a series: Golden Jubilee; golden wedding   5 informal very successful or destined for success: the golden girl of tennis   6 extremely valuable or advantageous: a golden opportunity   > ˈgoldenly adv   > ˈgoldenness n

■ golden age   n   1 classical myth the first and best age of humankind, when existence was happy, prosperous, and innocent   2 the most flourishing and outstanding period, esp in the history of an art or nation: the golden age of poetry   3 the great classical period of Latin literature, occupying approximately the 1st century BC and represented by such writers as Cicero and Virgil

■ golden aster   n   any North American plant of the genus Chrysopsis, esp C. mariana of the eastern US, having yellow rayed flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ goldenberry (ˈɡəʊldənbərI)   n, pl -ries   the Cape gooseberry

■ golden-brown   adj   of brown with a golden tinge

■ golden calf   n   1 Old Testament   a an idol made by Aaron and set up for the Israelites to worship (Exodus 32)   b either of two similar idols set up by Jeroboam I at Dan and Bethel in the northern kingdom (I Kings 12:28–30)   2 informal the pursuit or idolization of material wealth

■ golden chain   n   another name for laburnum

■ golden circle   n   another name for Magic Circle

■ Golden Delicious or Golden Delicious apple   n   a variety of eating apple having sweet flesh and greenish-yellow skin

■ golden eagle   n   a large eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, of mountainous regions of the N hemisphere, having a plumage that is golden brown on the back and brown elsewhere

■ goldeneye (ˈɡəʊldənˌaI)   n, pl -eyes or -eye   1 either of two black-and-white diving ducks, Bucephala clangula or B. islandica, of northern regions   2 any lacewing of the family Chrysopidae that has a greenish body and eyes of a metallic lustre

■ Golden Fleece   n   Greek myth the fleece of a winged ram that rescued Phrixus and brought him to Colchis, where he sacrificed it to Zeus. Phrixus gave the fleece to King Aeëtes who kept it in a sacred grove, whence Jason and the Argonauts stole it with the help of Aeëtes' daughter. See also Phrixus

■ Golden Gate   n   a strait between the Pacific and San Francisco Bay: crossed by the Golden Gate Bridge, with a central span of 1280 m (4200 ft)

■ golden goal   n   soccer (in certain matches) the first goal scored in extra time, which wins the match for the side scoring it

■ golden goose   n   a goose in folklore that laid a golden egg a day until its greedy owner killed it in an attempt to get all the gold at once

■ golden handcuffs   pl n   informal payments deferred over a number of years that induce a person to stay with a particular company or in a particular job

■ golden handshake   n   informal a sum of money, usually large, given to an employee, either on retirement in recognition of long or excellent service or as compensation for loss of employment

■ golden hello   n   informal a payment made to a sought-after recruit on signing a contract of employment with a company

■ Golden Horde   n   the Mongol horde that devastated E Europe in the early 13th century. It established the westernmost Mongol khanate, which at its height ruled most of European Russia. Defeated by the power of Muscovy (1380), the realm split into four smaller khanates in 1405

■ Golden Horn   n   an inlet of the Bosporus in NW Turkey, forming the harbour of Istanbul. Turkish name: Haliç

■ golden hour   n   the first hour after a serious accident, when it is crucial that the victim receives medical treatment in order to have a chance of surviving

■ golden mean   n   1 the middle course between extremes   2 another term for golden section

■ golden number   n   a number between 1 and 19, used to indicate the position of any year in the Metonic cycle, calculated as the remainder when 1 is added to the given year and the sum is divided by 19. If the remainder is zero the number is 19: the golden number of 1984 is 9

■ golden oldie   n   something old or long-established, esp a hit record or song that has remained popular or is enjoying a revival. Also called: oldie

■ golden oriole   n   a European oriole, Oriolus oriolus, the male of which has a bright yellow head and body with black wings and tail. Also called: loriot

■ golden parachute   n   informal a clause in the employment contract of a senior executive providing for special benefits if the executive's employment is terminated as a result of a takeover

■ golden perch   n   another name for callop

■ golden pheasant   n   a brightly coloured pheasant, Chrysolophus pictus, of the mountainous regions of W and central Asia, the males of which have a crest and ruff

■ golden plover   n   any of several plovers of the genus Pluvialis, such as P. apricaria of Europe and Asia, that have golden brown back, head, and wings

■ golden ratio   n   the ratio of two lengths, equal in value to (1 + √5)/2, and given by b/a = (b + a)/b; it is the reciprocal of the golden section and also equal to (1 + golden section). Symbol: Φ. Compare golden section

■ golden retriever   n   a compact large breed of dog having a silky coat of flat or wavy hair of a gold or dark-cream colour, well-feathered on the legs and tail

■ goldenrod (ˌɡəʊldənˈrɒd)   n   1 any plant of the genus Solidago, of North America, Europe, and Asia, having spikes made up of inflorescences of minute yellow florets: family Asteraceae (composites). See also yellowweed   2 any of various similar related plants, such as Brachychaeta sphacelata (false goldenrod) of the southern US

■ golden rule   n   1 any of a number of rules of fair conduct, such as Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them (Matthew 7:12) or thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Leviticus 19:28)   2 any important principle: a golden rule of sailing is to wear a life jacket   3 another name for rule of three

■ goldenseal (ˌɡəʊldənˈsiːl)   n   a ranunculaceous woodland plant, Hydrastis canadensis, of E North America, whose thick yellow rootstock contains such alkaloids as berberine and hydrastine and was formerly used medicinally

■ golden section or golden mean   n   the proportion of the two divisions of a straight line or the two dimensions of a plane figure such that the smaller is to the larger as the larger is to the sum of the two. If the sides of a rectangle are in this proportion and a square is constructed internally on the shorter side, the rectangle that remains will also have sides in the same proportion. Compare golden ratio

■ golden share   n   a share in a company that controls at least 51% of the voting rights, esp one retained by the UK government in some privatization issues

■ golden Spaniard   n   another name for taramea. Also called: golden spear grass

■ Golden Starfish   n   an award given to a bathing beach that meets EU standards of cleanliness

■ golden syrup   n   Brit a light golden-coloured treacle produced by the evaporation of cane sugar juice, used to sweeten and flavour cakes, puddings, etc

■ golden triangle   n   1 the Golden Triangle an opium-producing area of SE Asia, comprising parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand   2 any more or less triangular area or region noted for its success, prosperity, influence, etc   3 maths a triangle which has two 72-degree angles and one 36-degree angle

■ golden wattle   n   1 an Australian yellow-flowered leguminous plant, Acacia pycnantha, that yields a useful gum and bark   2 any of several similar and related plants, esp Acacia longifolia of Australia

■ golden years   pl n   informal the years that follow retirement from work

Goldenhar's syndrome (ˈɡəʊldənˌhɑːz)   n   a congenital disorder in which one side of the face is malformed, often with an enlargement of one side of the mouth. There may also be hearing loss, curvature of the spine, and learning difficulties. Technical name: oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia [C20: named after Maurice Goldenhar, Swiss physician]

goldilocks (ˈɡəʊldIˌlɒks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 a Eurasian plant, Aster linosyris (or Linosyris vulgaris), with clusters of small yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 a Eurasian ranunculaceous woodland plant, Ranunculus auricomus, with yellow flowers. See also buttercup   3 (sometimes capital) a person, esp a girl, with light blond hair   4 (modifier; sometimes capital) not prone to extremes of temperature, volatility, etc: a goldilocks planet; a goldilocks economy [(for sense 4): C20: from the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in which the heroine prefers the porridge that is neither too hot nor too cold]

Golding (ˈɡəʊldIŋ)   n   Sir William (Gerald). 1911–93, English novelist noted for his allegories of humankind's proclivity for evil. His novels include Lord of the Flies (1954), Darkness Visible (1979), Rites of Passage (1980), Close Quarters (1987), and Fire Down Below (1989). Nobel prize for literature 1983

Goldoni (Italian ɡolˈdoːni)   n   Carlo (ˈkarlo). 1707–93, Italian dramatist; author of over 250 plays in Italian or French, including La Locandiera (1753). His work introduced realistic Italian comedy, superseding the commedia dell'arte

Goldschmidt (ˈɡəʊldˌʃmIt)   n   Richard Benedikt. 1878–1958, US geneticist, born in Germany. He advanced the theory that heredity is determined by the chemical configuration of the chromosome molecule rather than by the qualities of the individual genes

Goldsmith (ˈɡəʊldˌsmIθ)   n   Oliver. ?1730–74, Irish poet, dramatist, and novelist. His works include the novel The Vicar of Wakefield (1766), the poem The Deserted Village (1770), and the comedy She Stoops to Conquer (1773)

golem (ˈɡəʊlɛm)   n   (in Jewish legend) an artificially created human being brought to life by supernatural means [from Yiddish goylem, from Hebrew gōlem formless thing]

golf (ɡɒlf)   n   1    a a game played on a large open course, the object of which is to hit a ball using clubs, with as few strokes as possible, into each of usually 18 holes   b (as modifier): a golf bag   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to play golf [C15: perhaps from Middle Dutch colf CLUB]

■ Golf (ɡɒlf)   n   communications a code word for the letter g

■ golf ball   n   1 a small resilient, usually white, ball of either two-piece or three-piece construction, the former consisting of a solid inner core with a thick covering of toughened material, the latter consisting of a liquid centre, rubber-wound core, and a thin layer of balata   2 (in some electric typewriters) a small detachable metal sphere, around the surface of which type characters are arranged

■ golf cart   n   1 a small motorized vehicle for transporting golfers and their equipment round a golf course   2 a two-wheeled trolley with a long handle used for carrying golf clubs

■ golf club   n   1 any of various long-shafted clubs with wood or metal heads used to strike a golf ball   2    a an association of golf players, usually having its own course and facilities   b the premises of such an association

■ golf course   n   a general term for an area of ground laid out for the playing of golf

■ golfer (ˈɡɒlfə)   n   1 a person who plays golf   2 a type of cardigan

■ golfer's elbow   n   a painful inflammation of the muscles on the inside of the forearm caused by exertion in playing golf

■ golfiana (ɡɒlfIˈɑːnə)   pl n   golfing collectibles

■ golfing (ˈɡɒlfIŋ)   n   1 the activity of playing golf   ▷ adj   2 relating to, involving, or used while playing golf

■ golf links   pl n   a large open undulating stretch of land beside the sea laid out for the playing of golf. See also links

Golgi (Italian ˈɡɔldʒi)   n   Camillo (kaˈmillo). 1844–1926, Italian neurologist and histologist, noted for his work on the central nervous system and his discovery in animal cells of the bodies known by his name: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1906

■ Golgi body, Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex   n   a membranous complex of vesicles, vacuoles, and flattened sacs in the cytoplasm of most cells: involved in intracellular secretion and transport

Golgotha (ˈɡɒlɡəθə)   n   1 another name for Calvary   2 (sometimes not capital) rare a place of burial [C17: from Late Latin, from Greek, from Aramaic, based on Hebrew gulgōleth skull]

goliard (ˈɡəʊljəd)   n   one of a number of wandering scholars in 12th- and 13th-century Europe famed for their riotous behaviour, intemperance, and composition of satirical and ribald Latin verse [C15: from Old French goliart glutton, from Latin gula gluttony]   > goliardic (ɡəʊlˈjɑːdIk) adj

■ goliardery (ɡəʊlˈjɑːdərI) or goliardy (ˈɡəʊljədI)   n   the poems of the goliards

golias (ˈɡəʊlIəs)   vb (intr)   to behave outrageously

Goliath (ɡəˈlaIəθ)   n   Old Testament a Philistine giant from Gath who terrorized the Hebrews until he was killed by David with a stone from his sling (I Samuel 17)

■ Goliathan (ɡəˈlaIəθən)   adj   huge; gigantic

■ goliath beetle   n   any very large tropical scarabaeid beetle of the genus Goliathus, esp G. giganteus of Africa, which may grow to a length of 20 centimetres

■ goliath frog   n   the largest living frog, Rana goliath, which occurs in the Congo region of Africa and can grow to a length of 30 centimetres

■ goliathize or goliathise (ɡəˈlaIəθaIz)   vb (intr)   to exaggerate extravagantly

gollan (ˈɡɒlən)   n   Scot dialect a yellow flower

goller (ˈɡɒlə) Scot   n   1 a loud gurgling sound   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to gurgle loudly

golliwog or golliwogg (ˈɡɒlIˌwɒɡ)   n   a soft doll with a black face, usually made of cloth or rags [C19: from the name of a doll character in children's books by Bertha Upton (died 1912), US writer, and Florence Upton (died 1922), US illustrator]

gollop (ˈɡɒləp)   vb   to eat or drink (something) quickly or greedily [dialect variant of GULP]   > ˈgolloper n

golly^1 (ˈɡɒlI)   interj   an exclamation of mild surprise or wonder [C19: originally a euphemism for GOD]

golly^2 (ˈɡɒlI)   n, pl -lies   Brit informal short for golliwog

golly^3 (ˈɡɒlI) Austral slang   vb -lies, -lying, -lied   1 to spit   ▷ n, pl -lies   2 a gob of spit [C20: altered from gollion a gob of phlegm, probably of imitative origin]

golomynka (ˌɡɒləˈmIŋkə)   n   an oily fish found only in Lake Baikal

goloptious (ɡəˈlɒpʃəs)   adj   slang voluptuous

goloshes (ɡəˈlɒʃIz)   pl n   a less common spelling of galoshes

golpe (ɡɒlp)   n   heraldry a purple circle

goluptious (ɡəˈlʌpʃəs)   adj   a variant form of goloptious

GOM   abbreviation for   Grand Old Man: used to describe an old and respected person or institution

Gombe (ˈɡɒmbeI)   n   a state of Nigeria, in the NE. Capital: Gombe. Pop: 2 353 879 (2006). Area: 18 768 sq km (7246 sq miles)

gombeen (ˈɡɒmbiːn)   n   Irish usury [C19: from Irish Gaelic gaimbín interest on a loan, from Middle English cambie exchange, barter, from Latin cambium]

■ gombeenism (ˈɡɒmbiːnIzəm)   n   Irish the practice of usury

■ gombeen-man (ˈɡɒmbiːnˌmæn)   n, pl -men   Irish a shopkeeper who practises usury

Gomberg (ˈɡɒmbɜːɡ)   n   Moses. 1866–1947, US chemist, born in Russia, noted for his work on free radicals

gombroon (ɡɒmˈbruːn)   n   Persian and Chinese pottery and porcelain wares [C17: named after Gombroon, Iran, from which it was originally exported]

Gomel (Russian ˈɡɔmIlj)   n   an industrial city in SE Belarus, on the River Sozh; an industrial centre. Pop: 480 000 (2005 est)

gomer (ˈɡəʊmə)   n US   1 a disagreeable hospital patient   2 military slang an inept colleague or trainee

gomeril (ˈɡɒmərIl)   n   Scot an ignorant or foolish person [C19: of uncertain origin]

Gomorrah or Gomorrha (ɡəˈmɒrə)   n   1 Old Testament one of two ancient cities near the Dead Sea, the other being Sodom, that were destroyed by God as a punishment for the wickedness of their inhabitants (Genesis 19:24)   2 any place notorious for vice and depravity   > Goˈmorrean or Goˈmorrhean adj

gompa (ˈɡɒmpə)   n   Buddhism a Tibetan monastery or temple

Gompers (ˈɡɒmpəz)   n   Samuel. 1850–1924, US labour leader, born in England; a founder of the American Federation of Labor and its president (1886–94; 1896–1924)

gomphosis (ɡɒmˈfəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   anatomy a form of immovable articulation in which a peglike part fits into a cavity, as in the setting of a tooth in its socket [C16: from New Latin, from Greek gomphoein to bolt together, from gomphos tooth, peg]

Gomulka (ɡəˈmʊlkə)   n   Władysław (vwaˈdiswaf). 1905–82, Polish statesman; first secretary of the Polish Communist Party (1956–70)

gomuti or gomuti palm (ɡəˈmuːtI)   n, pl gomutis or gomuti palms   1 an East Indian feather palm, Arenga pinnata, whose sweet sap is a source of sugar   2 a black wiry fibre obtained from the leafstalks of this plant, used for making rope, etc   3 a Malaysian sago palm, Metroxylon sagu [from Malay gĕmuti]

gon-   combining form   a variant of gono-: gonidium

-gon   n combining form   indicating a figure having a specified number of angles: pentagon [from Greek -gōnon, from gōnia angle]

gonad (ˈɡəʊnæd)   n   1 an animal organ in which gametes are produced, such as a testis or an ovary   2 slang a foolish person [C19: from New Latin gonas, from Greek gonos seed]   > ˈgonadal, gonadial (ɡɒˈneIdIəl) or goˈnadic adj

■ gonadectomized or gonadectomised (ˌɡəʊnəˈdɛktəˌmaIzd)   adj   surgery having been castrated

■ gonadectomy (ˌɡəʊnəˈdɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgery castration

gonadotrophin (ˌɡɒnədəʊˈtrəʊfIn) or gonadotropin (ˌɡɒnədəʊˈtrəʊpIn)   n   any of several glycoprotein hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and placenta that stimulate the gonads and control reproductive activity. See chorionic gonadotrophin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin   > ˌgonadoˈtrophic or ˌgonadoˈtropic adj

Gonaïves (French ɡɔnaiv)   n   a port in W Haiti, on the Gulf of Gonaïves; scene of the proclamation of Haiti's independence (1804). Pop: 104 825 (2003)

Goncharov (ˌɡʌntʃəˈrɔf)   n   Ivan Aleksandrovich (Iˈvan alɛksanˈdrɔvItʃ). 1812–91, Russian novelist: his best-known work is Oblomov (1859)

Goncourt (French ɡɔ̃kur)   n   Edmond Louis Antoine Huot de (ɛdmɔ̃ lwi ɑ̃twan ɥo də), 1822–96, and his brother, Jules Alfred Huot de (ʒyl alfrɛd), 1830–70, French writers, noted for their collaboration, esp on their Journal, and for the Académie Goncourt founded by Edmond's will

Gond (ɡɒnd)   n   a member of a formerly tribal people now living in scattered enclaves throughout S central India

Gondar (ˈɡɒndɑː)   n   a city in NW Ethiopia: capital of Ethiopia from the 17th century until 1868. Pop: 191 000 (2005 est)

Gondi (ˈɡɒndI)   n   the language or group of languages spoken by the Gonds, belonging to the Dravidian family of languages

gondola (ˈɡɒndələ)   n   1 a long narrow flat-bottomed boat with a high ornamented stem and a platform at the stern where an oarsman stands and propels the boat by sculling or punting: traditionally used on the canals of Venice   2    a a car or cabin suspended from an airship or balloon   b a moving cabin suspended from a cable across a valley, etc   3 a flat-bottomed barge used on canals and rivers of the US as far west as the Mississippi   4 US and Canadian a low open flat-bottomed railway goods wagon   5 a set of island shelves in a self-service shop: used for displaying goods   6 Canadian a broadcasting booth built close to the roof over an ice-hockey arena, used by commentators [C16: from Italian (Venetian dialect), from Medieval Latin gondula, perhaps ultimately from Greek kondu drinking vessel]

■ gondolier (ˌɡɒndəˈlIə)   n   a person who propels a gondola

Gondwanaland (ɡɒndˈwɑːnəˌlænd) or Gondwana   n   one of the two ancient supercontinents produced by the first split of the even larger supercontinent Pangaea about 200 million years ago, comprising chiefly what is now Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and the Indian subcontinent [C19: from Gondwana region in central north India, where the rock series was originally found]

gone (ɡɒn)   vb   1 the past participle of go^1   ▷ adj (usually postpositive)   2 ended; past   3 lost; ruined (esp in the phrases gone goose or gosling)   4 dead or near to death   5 spent; consumed; used up   6 informal faint or weak   7 informal having been pregnant (for a specified time): six months gone   8 (usually foll by on) slang in love (with)   9 slang in an exhilarated state, as through music or the use of drugs   10 gone out informal blank and without comprehension, as if stupefied in surprise   ▷ adv   11 past: it's gone midnight

■ goneness (ˈɡɒnnəs)   n   faintness from hunger

■ goner (ˈɡɒnə)   n   slang a person or thing beyond help or recovery, esp a person who is dead or about to die

gonfalon (ˈɡɒnfələn) or gonfanon (ˈɡɒnfənən)   n   1 a banner hanging from a crossbar, used esp by certain medieval Italian republics or in ecclesiastical processions   2 a battle flag suspended crosswise on a staff, usually having a serrated edge to give the appearance of streamers [C16: from Old Italian gonfalone, from Old French gonfalon, of Germanic origin; compare Old English gūthfana war banner, Old Norse gunnfani]

■ gonfalonier (ˌɡɒnfələˈnIə)   n   the chief magistrate or other official of a medieval Italian republic, esp the bearer of the republic's gonfalon

gong (ɡɒŋ)   n   1 Also called: tam-tam a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch, consisting of a metal platelike disc struck with a soft-headed drumstick   2 a rimmed metal disc, hollow metal hemisphere, or metal strip, tube, or wire that produces a note when struck. It may be used to give alarm signals when operated electromagnetically   3 a fixed saucer-shaped bell, as on an alarm clock, struck by a mechanically operated hammer   4 Brit slang a medal, esp a military one   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to sound a gong   6 (tr) (of traffic police) to summon (a driver) to stop by sounding a gong [C17: from Malay, of imitative origin]   > ˈgongˌlike adj

■ gongster (ˈɡɒŋstə)   n   a person who strikes a gong

Góngora y Argote (Spanish ˈɡɔnɡora i arˈɣote)   n   Luis de (lwis de). 1561–1627, Spanish lyric poet, noted for the exaggerated pedantic style of works such as Las Soledades

Gongorism (ˈɡɒŋɡəˌrIzəm)   n   1 an affected literary style characterized by intricate language and obscurity   2 an example of this [C19: from Spanish gongorismo; see GÓNGORA Y ARGOTE]   > ˈGongorist n   > ˌGongoˈristic adj

gongyo (ˈɡɒnɡjəʊ)   n   (in Nichiren Buddhism) a ceremony, performed twice a day, involving reciting parts of the Lotus Sutra and chanting the Daimoku to the Gohonzon [from Japanese, literally: assiduous practice]

goniatite (ˈɡəʊnIəˌtaIt)   n   any extinct cephalopod mollusc of the genus Goniatites and related genera, similar to ammonites: a common fossil of Devonian and Carboniferous rocks [C19: from Greek gōnia angle, referring to the angular sutures in some species + -ITE^1]

■ goniatitoid (ˌɡəʊnIəˈtaItɔId)   adj   relating to goniatite

gonidium (ɡəˈnIdIəm)   n, pl -ia (-Iə)   1 a green algal cell in the thallus of a lichen   2 an asexual reproductive cell in some colonial algae [C19: from New Latin, diminutive from GONO-]   > goˈnidial or goˈnidic adj

gonimoblast (ˈɡɒnIməʊˌblæst)   n   botany a spore-bearing filament in the carpogonium of red algae

goniometer (ˌɡəʊnIˈɒmItə)   n   1 an instrument for measuring the angles between the faces of a crystal   2 an instrument consisting of a transformer circuit connected to two directional aerials, used to determine the bearing of a distant radio station [C18: via French from Greek gōnia angle]   > goniometric (ˌɡəʊnIəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌgonioˈmetrical adj   > ˌgonioˈmetrically adv   > ˌgoniˈometry n

gonion (ˈɡəʊnIən)   n, pl -nia (-nIə)   anatomy the point or apex of the angle of the lower jaw [C19: from New Latin, from Greek gōnia angle]

gonioscope (ˈɡəʊnIəʊˌskəʊp)   n   an instrument used for examining the structures of the eye between the cornea and the lens that are not directly visible

-gonium   n combining form   indicating a seed or reproductive cell: archegonium [from New Latin gonium, from Greek gonos seed]

gonk (ɡɒŋk)   n   a stuffed toy, often used as a mascot

gonna (ˈɡɒnə) slang   vb, contraction of   going to

gono- or before a vowel gon-   combining form   sexual or reproductive: gonorrhoea [New Latin, from Greek gonos seed]

gonococcus (ˌɡɒnəʊˈkɒkəs)   n, pl -cocci (-ˈkɒksaI)   a spherical Gram-negative bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that causes gonorrhoea: family Neisseriaceae   > ˌgonoˈcoccal or ˌgonoˈcoccic adj   > ˌgonoˈcoccoid adj

gonocyte (ˈɡɒnəʊˌsaIt)   n   an oocyte or spermatocyte

gonoduct (ˈɡɒnəʊˌdʌkt)   n   zoology a duct leading from a gonad to the exterior, through which gametes pass

gonof or gonif (ˈɡɒnəf)   n   a variant of ganef

gonophore (ˈɡɒnəʊˌfɔː)   n   1 zoology a polyp in certain coelenterates that bears gonads   2 botany an elongated structure in certain flowers that bears the stamens and pistil above the level of the other flower parts   > gonophoric (ˌɡɒnəʊˈfɒrIk) or gonophorous (ɡəʊˈnɒfərəs) adj

gonopod (ˈɡɒnəʊˌpɒd)   n   zoology either member of a pair of appendages that are the external reproductive organs of insects and some other arthropods

gonopore (ˈɡɒnəˌpɔː)   n   an external pore in insects, earthworms, etc, through which the gametes are extruded

gonorrhoea or esp US gonorrhea (ˌɡɒnəˈrIə)   n   a sexually transmitted infection caused by a gonococcus, characterized by a burning sensation when urinating and a mucopurulent discharge from the urethra or vagina [C16: from Late Latin, from Greek, from gonos seed + rhoia flux, flow]   > ˌgonorˈrhoeal, ˌgonorˈrhoeic or esp US ˌgonorˈrheal, ˌgonorˈrheic adj

gonosome (ˈɡɒnəʊˌsəʊm)   n   zoology the individuals, collectively, in a colonial animal that are involved with reproduction

-gony   n combining form   genesis, origin, or production: cosmogony [from Latin -gonia, from Greek -goneia, from gonos seed, procreation]

gonys (ˈɡɒnIs)   n   the lower outline of a bird's bill

González (Spanish ɡɔnˈθalɛθ)   n   Julio (ˈxuljo). 1876–1942, Spanish sculptor: one of the first to create abstract geometric forms with soldered iron

González Márquez (Spanish ɡɔnˈθalɛθ ˈmarkɛθ)   n   Felipe (feˈlipe). born 1942, Spanish statesman; prime minister of Spain (1982–96)

gonzo (ˈɡɒnzəʊ) slang   adj   1 wild or crazy   2 (of journalism) explicitly including the writer's feelings at the time of witnessing the events or undergoing the experiences written about   ▷ n, pl gonzos   3 a wild or crazy person [C20: perhaps from Italian, literally: fool, or Spanish ganso idiot, bumpkin (literally: goose)]

goo (ɡuː)   n informal   1 a sticky or viscous substance   2 coy or sentimental language or ideas [C20: of uncertain origin]

goober or goober pea (ˈɡuːbə)   n   another name for peanut [C19: of African (Angolan) origin; related to Kongo nguba]

gooby (ˈɡuːbI)   n, pl goobies   NZ informal spittle

Gooch (ɡuːtʃ)   n   Graham (Alan). born 1953, English cricketer: played in 118 test matches (1975–95), 34 as captain; scored 8,900 test runs

good (ɡʊd)   adj better, best   1 having admirable, pleasing, superior, or positive qualities; not negative, bad, or mediocre: a good idea; a good teacher   2    a morally excellent or admirable; virtuous; righteous: a good man   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the good   3 suitable or efficient for a purpose: a good driver; a good winter coat   4 beneficial or advantageous: vegetables are good for you   5 not ruined or decayed; sound or whole: the meat is still good   6 kindly, generous, or approving: you are good to him   7 right or acceptable: your qualifications are good for the job   8 rich and fertile: good land   9 valid or genuine: I would not do this without good reason   10 honourable or held in high esteem: a good family   11 commercially or financially secure, sound, or safe: good securities; a good investment   12 (of a draft) drawn for a stated sum   13 (of debts) expected to be fully paid   14 clever, competent, or talented: she's good at science   15 obedient or well-behaved: a good dog   16 reliable, safe, or recommended: a good make of clothes   17 affording material pleasure or indulgence: the good things in life; the good life   18 having a well-proportioned, beautiful, or generally fine appearance: a good figure; a good complexion   19 complete; full: I took a good look round the house   20 propitious; opportune: a good time to ask the manager for a rise   21 satisfying or gratifying: a good rest   22 comfortable: did you have a good night?   23 newest or of the best quality: to keep the good plates for important guests   24 fairly large, extensive, or long: a good distance away   25 sufficient; ample: we have a good supply of food   26 US (of meat) of the third government grade, above standard and below choice   27 serious or intellectual: good music   28 used in a traditional description: the good ship 'America'   29 used in polite or patronizing phrases or to express anger (often intended ironically): how is your good lady?; look here, my good man!   30 a good one   a an unbelievable assertion   b a very funny joke   31 as good as virtually; practically: it's as good as finished   32 as good as gold excellent; very good indeed   33 be as good as to or be so good as to would you please   34 come good to recover and perform well after a bad start or setback   35 good and informal (intensifier): good and mad   36 (intensifier; used in mild oaths): good grief!; good heavens!   ▷ interj   37 an exclamation of approval, agreement, pleasure, etc   ▷ n   38 moral or material advantage or use; benefit or profit: for the good of our workers; what is the good of worrying?   39 positive moral qualities; goodness; virtue; righteousness; piety   40 (sometimes capital) moral qualities seen as a single abstract entity: we must pursue the Good   41 a good thing   42 economics a commodity or service that satisfies a human need   43 for good or for good and all for ever; permanently: I have left them for good   44 make good   a to recompense or repair damage or injury   b to be successful   c to demonstrate or prove the truth of (a statement or accusation)   d to secure and retain (a position)   e to effect or fulfil (something intended or promised)   45 good on you or good for you well done, well said, etc: a term of congratulation   46 get any good of or get some good of Irish   a to handle to good effect: I never got any good of this machine   b to understand properly: I could never get any good of him   c to receive cooperation from [Old English gōd; related to Old Norse gōthr, Old High German guot good]   > ˈgoodish adj

■ good afternoon   sentence substitute   a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used in the afternoon

■ Good Book   n   a name for the Bible. Also called: the Book

■ goodbye (ˌɡʊdˈbaI)   sentence substitute   1 farewell: a conventional expression used at leave-taking or parting with people and at the loss or rejection of things or ideas   ▷ n   2 a leave-taking; parting: they prolonged their goodbyes for a few more minutes   3 a farewell: they said goodbyes to each other [C16: contraction of God be with ye]

■ good cholesterol   n   a nontechnical name for high-density lipoprotein

■ good day   sentence substitute   a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used during the day

■ good evening   sentence substitute   a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used in the evening

■ goodfaced (ˈɡʊdˌfeIst)   adj   with a handsome face

■ goodfella (ˈɡʊdˌfɛlə)   n   informal a gangster, esp one in the Mafia

■ goodfellow (ˈɡʊdˌfɛləʊ)   n   a cheerful companion

■ goodfellowship (ˌɡʊdˈfɛləʊʃIp)   n   cheerful company

■ good-for-nothing   n   1 an irresponsible or worthless person   ▷ adj   2 irresponsible; worthless

■ Good Friday   n   the Friday before Easter, observed as a commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus

■ good hair   n   African-American and Caribbean hair that resembles that of a non-Black person or shows evidence of mixed African and European ancestry, esp in being relaxed rather than tightly curled

■ good-hearted   adj   (of a person) kind, caring, and generous

■ good-heartedness   n   the quality of being good-hearted

■ good-humoured   adj   being in or expressing a pleasant, tolerant, and kindly state of mind   > ˌgood-ˈhumouredly adv   > ˌgood-ˈhumouredness n

■ goodie (ˈɡʊdI)   n   a variant spelling of goody^1 (sense 3)

■ goodies (ˈɡʊdIz)   pl n   any objects, rewards, prizes, etc, considered particularly desirable, attractive, or pleasurable

■ goodiness (ˈɡʊdInəs)   n   the quality of being a goody

■ Good King Henry   n   a weedy edible chenopodiaceous plant, Chenopodium bonus-henricus, of N Europe, W Asia, and North America, having arrow-shaped leaves and clusters of small green flowers

■ goodlihead (ˈɡʊdlIˌhɛd)   n   obsolete goodness; good appearance

■ good-looker   n   a handsome or pretty person

■ good-looking   adj   handsome or pretty

■ good looks   pl n   personal attractiveness or beauty

■ goodly (ˈɡʊdlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 considerable: a goodly amount of money   2 obsolete attractive, pleasing, or fine: a goodly man   > ˈgoodliness n

■ goodman (ˈɡʊdmən)   n, pl -men archaic   1 a husband   2 a man not of gentle birth: used as a title   3 a master of a household

■ good morning   sentence substitute   a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used in the morning

■ good-natured   adj   of a tolerant and kindly disposition   > ˌgood-ˈnaturedly adv   > ˌgood-ˈnaturedness n

■ goodness (ˈɡʊdnIs)   n   1 the state or quality of being good   2 generosity; kindness   3 moral excellence; piety; virtue   ▷ interj   4 a euphemism for God: goodness knows!; thank goodness!

■ goodness of fit   n   statistics the extent to which observed sample values of a variable approximate to values derived from a theoretical density, often measured by a chi-square test

■ goodnight (ˌɡʊdˈnaIt)   sentence substitute   a conventional expression of farewell, or, rarely, of greeting, used in the late afternoon, the evening, or at night, esp when departing to bed

■ good-oh or good-o (ˈɡʊdˈəʊ) informal   interj   1 Brit and Austral an exclamation of pleasure, agreement, approval, etc   ▷ adj, adv   2 Austral all right: it was good-oh; I was getting on good-oh

■ good oil   n   the good oil Austral slang true or reliable facts, information, etc

■ good ol' boy   n US informal     a a man considered as being trustworthy and dependable because of his ordinary and down-to-earth background and upbringing   b (as modifier): he was expected to bring some good-ol'-boy informality to the White House

■ good people   pl n   the good people folklore fairies

■ good question   n   a question that is hard to answer immediately

■ goods (ɡʊdz)   pl n   1 possessions and personal property   2 (sometimes singular) economics commodities that are tangible, usually movable, and generally not consumed at the same time as they are produced. Compare services   3 articles of commerce; merchandise   4 chiefly Brit   a merchandise when transported, esp by rail; freight   b (as modifier): a goods train   5 the goods   a informal that which is expected or promised: to deliver the goods   b slang the real thing   c US and Canadian slang incriminating evidence (esp in the phrase have the goods on someone)   6 a piece of goods slang a person

■ Good Samaritan   n   1 New Testament a figure in one of Christ's parables (Luke 10:30–37) who is an example of compassion towards those in distress   2 a kindly person who helps another in difficulty or distress

■ goods and chattels   pl n   any property that is not freehold, usually limited to include only moveable property

■ Good Shepherd   n   New Testament a title given to Jesus Christ in John 10:11–12

■ goodsire (ˈɡʊdˌsaIə)   n   obsolete a grandfather

■ good-sized   adj   quite large

■ good sort   n informal   1 a person of a kindly and likable disposition   2 Austral an agreeable or attractive woman

■ good-tempered   adj   of a kindly and generous disposition

■ good-time   adj   (of a person) wildly seeking pleasure

■ good turn   n   a helpful and friendly act; good deed; favour

■ goodwife (ˈɡʊdˌwaIf)   n, pl -wives archaic   1 the mistress of a household   2 a woman not of gentle birth: used as a title

■ goodwill (ˌɡʊdˈwIl)   n   1 a feeling of benevolence, approval, and kindly interest   2 (modifier) resulting from, showing, or designed to show goodwill: the government sent a goodwill mission to Moscow   3 willingness or acquiescence   4 accounting an intangible asset taken into account in assessing the value of an enterprise and reflecting its commercial reputation, customer connections, etc

■ goodwilled (ˌɡʊdˈwIld)   adj   possessing goodwill

Good Hope   n   Cape of Good Hope See Cape of Good Hope

Goodman (ˈɡʊdmən)   n   Benny, full name Benjamin David Goodman. 1909–86, US jazz clarinet player and bandleader, whose treatment of popular songs created the jazz idiom known as swing

Goodwin (ˈɡʊdwIn)   n   Fred(erick Anderson). born 1958, Scottish banker; CEO of Royal Bank of Scotland (2001–2009); losses in 2008 of £24 billion led to the bank's effective nationalization; his knighthood (2004) was annulled in 2012

Goodwin Sands (ˈɡʊdwIn)   pl n   a dangerous stretch of shoals at the entrance to the Strait of Dover: separated from the E coast of Kent by the Downs roadstead

Goodwood (ˈɡʊdˌwʊd)   n   an area in SE England, in Sussex: site of a famous racecourse and of Goodwood House, built 1780–1800

goody^1 (ˈɡʊdI)   interj   1 a child's exclamation of pleasure and approval   ▷ n, pl goodies   2 short for goody-goody   3 informal the hero in a film, book, etc   4 something particularly pleasant to have or (often) to eat. See also goodies

■ goody-goody   n, pl -goodies   1 a smugly virtuous or sanctimonious person   ▷ adj   2 smug and sanctimonious

goody^2 (ˈɡʊdI)   n, pl goodies   archaic or literary a married woman of low rank: used as a title: Goody Osborne [C16: shortened from GOODWIFE]

Goodyear (ˈɡʊdˌjIə)   n   Charles. 1800–60, US inventor of vulcanized rubber

gooey (ˈɡuːI)   adj gooier, gooiest informal   1 sticky, soft, and often sweet   2 oversweet and sentimental   > ˈgooily adv

■ gooeyness or gooiness (ˈɡuːInəs)   n   the state or quality of being gooey

goof (ɡuːf) informal   n   1 a foolish error or mistake   2 a foolish person   ▷ vb   3 to bungle (something); botch   4 (intr; often foll by about or around) to fool (around); mess (about)   5 (tr) to dope with drugs   6 (intr; often foll by off) US and Canadian to waste time; idle [C20: probably from (dialect) goff simpleton, from Old French goffe clumsy, from Italian goffo, of obscure origin]

■ goofball (ˈɡuːfˌbɔːl)   n US and Canadian slang   1 a barbiturate sleeping pill   2 a foolish person

■ goofy (ˈɡuːfI)   adj goofier, goofiest informal   1 foolish; silly; stupid   2 Brit (of teeth) sticking out; protruding   > ˈgoofily adv   > ˈgoofiness n

■ goofy-footer   n   informal a surfboard rider or snowboarder who stands with the right foot forward instead of the left foot forward

goog (ɡʊɡ)   n Austral informal   1 an egg   2 full as a goog drunk

Google (ˈɡuːɡəl)   n trademark   1 a popular search engine on the internet   ▷ vb (not capital)   2 to search for (something on the internet) using a search engine   3 to check (the credentials of someone) by searching for websites containing his or her name [C20: a play on GOOGOL]

■ google-bombing   n   informal the practice of attempting to affect the ranking of websites provided by the Google website

■ Googleganger (ˈɡuːɡəlˌɡæŋə)   n   informal a person with whom one shares one’s name, discovered when typing one’s name into an internet search engine

■ googlewhack (ˈɡuːɡəlˌwæk)   n   a search of the internet, using the Google search engine and without using quote marks, for a combination of two legitimate words that yields only one result [C21: from GOOGLE + whack attempt]

googly (ˈɡuːɡlI)   n, pl -lies   cricket an off break bowled with a leg break action [C20: Australian, of unknown origin]

googol (ˈɡuːɡɒl, -ɡəl)   n   the number represented as one followed by 100 zeros (10^100) [C20: coined by E. Kasner (1878–1955), American mathematician]

■ googolplex (ˈɡuːɡɒlˌplɛks, -ɡəl-)   n   the number represented as one followed by a googol (10^100) of zeros [C20: from GOOGOL + (DU)PLEX]

goo-goo eyes (ˈɡuːˌɡuː)   pl n   make goo-goo eyes at US informal, jocular to look at (someone) in a sentimental and embarrassing way

gook (ɡʊk, ɡuːk)   n US   1 slang an offensive word for a person from a Far Eastern country   2 informal a messy sticky substance; muck [C20: of uncertain origin]

■ gooky (ˈɡʊkI)   adj gookier, gookiest   sticky and messy

gool (ɡuːl)   n   Scot dialect the corn marigold

Goolagong (ˈɡuːləˌɡɒŋ)   n   Evonne. See (Evonne) Cawley

Goole (ɡuːl)   n   an inland port in NE England, in the East Riding of Yorkshire at the confluence of the Ouse and Don Rivers, 75 km (47 miles) from the North Sea. Pop: 18 741 (2001)

goolie or gooly (ˈɡuːlI)   n, pl -lies slang   1 (usually plural) vulgar, slang a testicle   2 Austral a stone or pebble [from Hindustani goli a ball, bullet]

USAGE

The first sense of this word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in older editions of Collins English Dictionary. However, it has become acceptable in speech, although more conservative people may object to its use

goombah (ˈɡʊmbə)   n US slang   1 a patron or mentor   2 a member of an organized group of criminals

goombay (ˈɡʊmbeI, ˈɡuːm-)   n   a kind of Bahamian drum

goon^1 (ɡuːn)   n   1 a stupid or deliberately foolish person   2 US informal a thug hired to commit acts of violence or intimidation, esp in an industrial dispute [C20: partly from dialect gooney fool, partly after the character Alice the Goon, created by E. C. Segar (1894–1938), American cartoonist]

goon^2 (ɡuːn)   n   Austral informal cheap wine packaged in casks or boxed

■ goon bag   n   Austral informal the plastic bladder inside a box of (usually cheap) wine [from GOON^2 + BAG]

goonda (ˈɡuːndə)   n   Indian a hired thug or criminal

gooney or goony (ˈɡuːnI)   n, pl -neys or -nies   1 an albatross   2 dialect a foolish person

■ gooneybird (ˈɡuːnIˌbɜːd)   n   an informal name for the albatross, esp the black-footed albatross (Diomedea nigripes) [C19 gony (originally sailors' slang), probably from dialect gooney fool, of obscure origin; compare GOON^1]

goop (ɡuːp)   n US and Canadian slang   1 a rude or ill-mannered person   2 any sticky or semiliquid substance [C20: coined by G. Burgess (1866–1951), American humorist]   > ˈgoopy adj

■ gooped up (ɡuːpt)   adj   sticky with goop

■ goopiness (ˈɡuːpInIs)   n   the quality of being goopy

goorie or goory (ˈɡuːrI)   n, pl -ries   See kuri

goosander (ɡuːˈsændə)   n   a common merganser (a duck), Mergus merganser, of Europe and North America, having a dark head and white body in the male [C17: probably from GOOSE^1 + Old Norse önd (genitive andar) duck]

goose^1 (ɡuːs)   n, pl geese (ɡiːs)   1 any of various web-footed long-necked birds of the family Anatidae: order Anseriformes. They are typically larger and less aquatic than ducks and are gregarious and migratory. See also brent goose, barnacle goose, greylag, snow goose. Related adjective: anserine   2 the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (gander)   3 informal a silly person   4 (pl gooses) a pressing iron with a long curving handle, used esp by tailors   5 the flesh of the goose, used as food   6 all his or her geese are swans he or she constantly exaggerates the importance of a person or thing   7 cook someone's goose informal   a to spoil someone's plans   b to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc   8 kill the goose that lays the golden eggs to sacrifice future benefits for the sake of momentary present needs. See also golden goose [Old English gōs; related to Old Norse gās, Old High German gans, Old Irish gēiss swan, Greek khēn, Sanskrit hainsas]

■ goose barnacle   n   any barnacle of the genus Lepas, living attached by a stalk to pieces of wood, having long feathery appendages (cirri) and flattened shells

■ gooseberry (ˈɡʊzbərI, -brI)   n, pl -ries   1 a Eurasian shrub, Ribes uva-crispa (or R. grossularia), having greenish, purple-tinged flowers and ovoid yellow-green or red-purple berries: family Grossulariaceae. See also currant (sense 2)   2    a the berry of this plant   b (as modifier): gooseberry jam   3 Brit informal an unwanted single person in a group of couples, esp a third person with a couple (often in the phrase play gooseberry)   4 Cape gooseberry a tropical American solanaceous plant, Physalis peruviana, naturalized in southern Africa, having yellow flowers and edible yellow berries. See also ground cherry

■ gooseberry bush   n   1 See gooseberry (sense 1)   2 under a gooseberry bush used humorously in answering children's questions regarding their birth

■ gooseberry stone   n   another name for grossularite

■ goosefish (ˈɡuːsˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   US another name for monkfish (sense 1)

■ gooseflesh (ˈɡuːsˌflɛʃ)   n   the bumpy condition of the skin induced by cold, fear, etc, caused by contraction of the muscles at the base of the hair follicles with consequent erection of papillae: so called because of the resemblance to the skin of a freshly-plucked fowl. Also called: goose bumps, goose pimples, goose skin

■ goosefoot (ˈɡuːsˌfʊt)   n, pl -foots   any typically weedy chenopodiaceous plant of the genus Chenopodium, having small greenish flowers and leaves shaped like a goose's foot. See also Good King Henry, fat hen

■ goosegog (ˈɡʊzɡɒɡ) or goosegob (ˈɡʊzɡɒb)   n   Brit a dialect or informal word for gooseberry [from goose in GOOSEBERRY + gog, variant of GOB^1]

■ goosegrass (ˈɡuːsˌɡrɑːs)   n   another name for cleavers

■ gooseherd (ˈɡuːsˌhɜːd)   n   a person who herds geese

■ gooseneck (ˈɡuːsˌnɛk)   n   1 nautical a pivot between the forward end of a boom and a mast, to allow the boom to swing freely   2 something in the form of a neck of a goose   > ˈgooseˌnecked adj

■ goosery (ˈɡuːsərI)   n, pl -ries   a place for keeping geese

■ goose step   n   1 a military march step in which the leg is swung rigidly to an exaggerated height, esp as in the German army in the Third Reich   2 an abnormal gait in animals   ▷ vb goose-step (-steps, -stepping, -stepped)   3 (intr) to march in goose step

■ goosy or goosey (ˈɡuːsI)   adj goosier, goosiest   1 of or like a goose   2 having goose flesh   3 silly and foolish   > ˈgoosiness n

goose^2 (ɡuːs) slang   vb   1 (tr) to prod (a person) playfully in the behind   ▷ n, pl gooses   2 a playful prod in the behind [C19: from GOOSE^1, probably from a comparison with the jabbing of a goose's bill]

Goosen (ˈɡuːsən)   n   Retief. born 1969, South African golfer: winner of the US Open Championship (2001, 2004)

Goossens (ˈɡuːsənz)   n   1  Sir Eugene. 1893–1962, British composer and conductor, born in Belgium   2  his brother, Leon. 1896–1988, British oboist

GOP   abbreviation for (in the US)   Grand Old Party: a nickname for the Republican Party

gopak (ˈɡəʊˌpæk)   n   a spectacular high-leaping Russian peasant dance for men [from Russian, from Ukrainian hopak, from hop! a cry in the dance, from German hopp!]

gopher (ˈɡəʊfə)   n   1 Also called: pocket gopher any burrowing rodent of the family Geomyidae, of North and Central America, having a thickset body, short legs, and cheek pouches   2 another name for ground squirrel   3 any burrowing tortoise of the genus Gopherus, of SE North America   4 gopher snake another name for bull snake [C19: shortened from earlier megopher or magopher, of obscure origin]

gopher wood   n   the wood used in the construction of Noah's ark, thought to be a type of cypress (Genesis 6:14) [from Hebrew gōpher]

■ gopherwood (ˈɡəʊfəˌwʊd)   n   US another name for yellowwood (sense 1)

gopik (ˈɡəʊpIk)   n   a monetary unit of Azerbaijan, worth one hundredth of a manat

gopura (ˈɡəʊpʊrə)   n   a gateway tower of an Indian temple

gor (ɡɔː)   interj   1 God!   ▷ n   2 a seagull

gora (ˈɡɔːrə)   n   Hinglish informal a White or fair-skinned male [C21: from Hindi]

Gorakhpur (ˈɡɔːrəkˌpʊə)   n   a city in N India, in SE Uttar Pradesh: formerly an important Muslim garrison. Pop: 624 570 (2001)

goral (ˈɡɔːrəl)   n   a small goat antelope, Naemorhedus goral, inhabiting mountainous regions of S Asia. It has a yellowish-grey and black coat and small conical horns [C19: from Hindi, probably of Sanskrit origin]

Gorbachev or Gorbachov (ɡərbaˈtʃɒf)   n   Mikhail Sergeevich (mixaˈil sirˈɡjejivitʃ). born 1931, Soviet statesman; general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party (1985–91): president (1988–91). Nobel peace prize 1990. His reforms ended the Communist monopoly of power and led to the break-up of the Soviet Union

Gorbals (ˈɡɔːbəlz)   n   the Gorbals a district of Glasgow, formerly known for its slums

gorbelly (ˈɡɔːˌbɛlI)   n, pl -lies obsolete   1 a large belly   2 a person with a large belly

gorblimey (ɡɔːˈblaImI)   interj   a variant of cor blimey

gorcock (ˈɡɔːˌkɒk)   n   the male of the red grouse [C17: gor- (of unknown origin) + COCK^1]

gorcrow (ˈɡɔːˌkrəʊ)   n   a carrion crow

Gordian knot (ˈɡɔːdIən)   n   1 (in Greek legend) a complicated knot, tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, that Alexander the Great cut with a sword   2 a complicated and intricate problem (esp in the phrase cut the Gordian knot)

Gordimer (ˈɡɔːdImə)   n   Nadine. 1923–2014, South African novelist. Her books include The Lying Days (1952), The Conservationist (1974), which won the Booker prize, None to Accompany Me (1994), and The House Gun (1998). Her works were banned in South Africa for their condemnation of apartheid. Nobel prize for literature 1991

gordita (ɡɔːˈdiːtə)   n   cookery a small thick tortilla

Gordon (ˈɡɔːdən)   n   1  Adam Lindsay. 1833–70, Australian poet and horseman, born in the Azores, who developed the bush ballad as a literary form, esp in Bush Ballads and Galloping Rhymes (1870)   2  Charles George, known as Chinese Gordon. 1833–85, British general and administrator. He helped to crush the Taiping rebellion (1863–64), and was governor of Sudan (1877–80), returning in 1884 to aid Egyptian forces against the Mahdi. He was killed in the siege of Khartoum   3  Dexter (Keith). 1923–90, US jazz tenor saxophonist   4  Sir Donald. born 1930, South African businessman   5  Lord George. 1751–93, English religious agitator. He led the Protestant opposition to legislation relieving Roman Catholics of certain disabilities, which culminated in the Gordon riots (1780)   6 George Hamilton. See (4th Earl of) Aberdeen^2

Gordon Bennett (ˈɡɔːdən ˈbɛnIt)   interj   Brit slang an exclamation of surprise [C20: euphemistic for God!; after James Gordon Bennett (1841–1918), US journalist and sponsor of balloon races ]

Gordon setter   n   a breed of large setter originating in Scotland, with a black-and-tan coat [C19: named after Alexander Gordon (1743–1827), Scottish nobleman who promoted this breed]

gore^1 (ɡɔː)   n   1 blood shed from a wound, esp when coagulated   2 informal killing, fighting, etc [Old English gor dirt; related to Old Norse gor half-digested food, Middle Low German göre, Dutch goor]

■ gorehound (ˈɡɔːˌhaʊnd)   n   an enthusiast of gory horror films

■ gory (ˈɡɔːrI)   adj gorier, goriest   1 horrific or bloodthirsty: a gory story   2 involving bloodshed and killing: a gory battle   3 covered in gore   > ˈgorily adv   > ˈgoriness n

gore^2 (ɡɔː)   vb   (tr) (of an animal, such as a bull) to pierce or stab (a person or another animal) with a horn or tusk [C16: probably from Old English gār spear]

gore^3 (ɡɔː)   n   1 a tapering or triangular piece of material used in making a shaped skirt, umbrella, etc   2 a similarly shaped piece, esp of land   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make into or with a gore or gores [Old English gāra; related to Old Norse geiri gore, Old High German gēro]   > gored adj

Gore (ɡɔː)   n   Al(bert) Jr. born 1948, US Democrat politician; vice president of the US (1993–2001); defeated in the disputed presidential election of 2000; leading environmental campaigner; shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with the Intergovernmental Panel For Climate Change

Górecki (ɡɔˈrɛkI)   n   Henryk (Mikołaj). 1933–2010, Polish composer, best known for his sombre third symphony (1979)

Gore-Tex (ˈɡɔːˌtɛks)   n   trademark a type of synthetic fabric which is waterproof yet allows the wearer's skin to breathe; used for sportswear

Gorey (ˈɡɔːrI)   n   Edward St John. 1925–2000, US illustrator and author, noted for his bizarre humour in such works as The Unstrung Harp (1953) and The Wuggly Ump (1963)

gorge (ɡɔːdʒ)   n   1 a deep ravine, esp one through which a river runs   2 the contents of the stomach   3 feelings of disgust or resentment (esp in the phrase one's gorge rises)   4 an obstructing mass: an ice gorge   5 fortifications   a a narrow rear entrance to a work   b the narrow part of a bastion or outwork   6 archaic the throat or gullet   ▷ vb also engorge   7 (intr) falconry (of hawks) to eat until the crop is completely full   8 to swallow (food) ravenously   9 (tr) to stuff (oneself) with food [C14: from Old French gorger to stuff, from gorge throat, from Late Latin gurga, modification of Latin gurges whirlpool]   > ˈgorgeable adj   > ˈgorger n

gorgeous (ˈɡɔːdʒəs)   adj   1 strikingly beautiful or magnificent: gorgeous array; a gorgeous picture   2 informal extremely pleasing, fine, or good: gorgeous weather [C15: from Old French gorgias elegant, from gorgias wimple, from gorge; see GORGE]   > ˈgorgeously adv   > ˈgorgeousness n

gorgerin (ˈɡɔːdʒərIn)   n   architect another name for necking [C17: from French, from gorge throat; see GORGE]

gorget (ˈɡɔːdʒIt)   n   1 a collar-like piece of armour worn to protect the throat   2 a part of a wimple worn by women to cover the throat and chest, esp in the 14th century   3 a band of distinctive colour on the throat of an animal, esp a bird [C15: from Old French, from gorge; see GORGE]   > ˈgorgeted adj

gorgia (ˈɡɔːdʒə)   n   an improvised sung passage of music

Gorgias (ˈɡɔːdʒIəs)   n   ?485–?380 BC, Greek sophist and rhetorician, subject of a dialogue by Plato

Gorgio (ˈɡɔːdʒəʊ, -dʒIəʊ)   n, pl -gios   (sometimes not capital) a word used by Gypsies for a non-Gypsy [from Romany]

Gorgon (ˈɡɔːɡən)   n   1 Greek myth any of three winged monstrous sisters, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, who had live snakes for hair, huge teeth, and brazen claws   2 (often not capital) informal a fierce or unpleasant woman [via Latin Gorgō from Greek, from gorgos terrible]

■ gorgoneion (ˌɡɔːɡəˈniːɒn)   n, pl -neia (-ˈniːə)   a representation of a Gorgon's head, esp Medusa's [C19: from Greek, from gorgoneios of a GORGON]

■ gorgonian (ɡɔːˈɡəʊnIən)   n   1 any coral of the order Gorgonacea, having a horny or calcareous branching skeleton: includes the sea fans and red corals   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Gorgonacea

■ Gorgonian (ɡɔːˈɡəʊnIən)   adj   of or resembling a Gorgon

■ gorgonize or gorgonise (ˈɡɔːɡəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to turn to stone

Gorgonzola or Gorgonzola cheese (ˌɡɔːɡənˈzəʊlə)   n   a semihard blue-veined cheese of sharp flavour, made from pressed milk [C19: named after Gorgonzola, Italian town where it originated]

gorhen (ˈɡɔːˌhɛn)   n   a female red grouse

gori (ˈɡɔːriː)   n   Hinglish informal a White or fair-skinned girl or woman [C21: Hindi]

Gorica (ˈɡɔritsa)   n   the Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian name for Gorizia

gorilla (ɡəˈrIlə)   n   1 the largest anthropoid ape, Gorilla gorilla, inhabiting the forests of central W Africa. It is stocky and massive, with a short muzzle and coarse dark hair   2 informal a large, strong, and brutal-looking man [C19: New Latin, from Greek Gorillai, an African tribe renowned for their hirsute appearance]   > goˈrilla-ˌlike adj   > goˈrillian or gorilline (ɡəˈrIlaIn) adj   > goˈrilloid adj

■ gorillagram (ɡəˈrIləˌɡræm)   n   informal a jocular greetings message delivered to someone celebrating a birthday, engagement, etc, by a person dressed as a gorilla [C20: from GORILLA + (TELE)GRAM]

Göring or Goering (German ˈɡøːrIŋ)   n   Hermann Wilhelm (ˈhɛrman ˈvIlhɛlm). 1893–1946, German Nazi leader and field marshal. He commanded Hitler's storm troops (1923) and as Prussian prime minister and German commissioner for aviation (1933–45) he founded the Gestapo and mobilized Germany for war. Sentenced to death at Nuremberg, he committed suicide

Gorizia (Italian ɡoˈrittsja)   n   a city in NE Italy, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, on the Isonzo River: cultural centre under the Hapsburgs. Pop: 35 667 (2001). German name: Görz. Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian name: Gorica

Gorki^1 or Gorky (Russian ˈɡɔrjkij)   n   the former name (until 1991) of Nizhni Novgorod

Gorki^2 or Gorky (Russian ˈɡɔrjkij)   n   Maxim (makˈsim), pen name of Aleksey Maximovich Peshkov. 1868–1936, Russian novelist, dramatist, and short-story writer, noted for his depiction of the outcasts of society. His works include the play The Lower Depths (1902), the novel Mother (1907), and an autobiographical trilogy (1913–23)

Gorky (ˈɡɔːkI)   n   Arshile (ˈɑːʃIl). 1904–48, US abstract expressionist painter, born in Armenia. Influenced by Picasso and Miró, his style is characterized by fluid lines and resonant colours

Gorlin syndrome (ˈɡɔːlIn)   n   a rare congenital disorder in which cancer destroys the facial skin and causes blindness; skeletal anomalies can also occur [C20: named after R. J. Gorlin (1923–2006), US oral pathologist]

Görlitz (German ˈɡœrlIts)   n   a city in E Germany, in Saxony on the Neisse River: divided in 1945, the area on the E bank of the river becoming the Polish town of Zgorzelec. Pop: 58 518 (2003 est)

Gorlovka (Russian ˈɡɔrləfkə)   n   a city in SE Ukraine in the centre of the Donets Basin: a major coal-mining centre. Pop: 280 000 (2005 est)

gorm (ɡɔːm)   n   Northern English dialect a foolish person

gormand (ˈɡɔːmənd)   n   a less common variant of gourmand

■ gormandism (ˈɡɔːməndIzəm)   n   a variant spelling of gourmandism

■ gormandize or gormandise   vb (ˈɡɔːmənˌdaIz)   1 to eat (food) greedily and voraciously   ▷ n (ˈɡɔːmənˌdiːz)   2 a less common variant of gourmandise   > ˈgormandˌizer or ˈgormandˌiser n

gormless (ˈɡɔːmlIs)   adj   Brit informal stupid; dull [C19: variant of C18 gaumless, from dialect gome, from Old English gom, gome, from Old Norse gaumr heed]

Gormley (ˈɡɔːmlI)   n   Sir Antony. born 1950, British sculptor, noted for Angel of the North (1998) and Another Place (1997), an installation of cast-iron figures facing out to sea on Crosby beach, near Liverpool

gormy (ˈɡɔːmI)   adj gormier, gormiest   slang gormless

Gorno-Altai Republic (ˈɡɔːnəʊælˈtaI, -ˈæltaI)   n   a constituent republic of S Russia: mountainous, rising over 4350 m (14 500 ft) in the Altai Mountains of the south. Capital: Gorno-Altaisk. Pop: 202 900 (2002). Area: 92 600 sq km (35 740 sq miles). Also called: Altai Republic

Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Republic (-bəˈdækʃɑːn)   n   an administrative division of Tajikistan: generally mountainous and inaccessible. Capital: Khorog. Pop: 206 000 (2000 est). Area: 63 700 sq km (24 590 sq miles). Also called: Badakhshan

gorse (ɡɔːs)   n   any evergreen shrub of the leguminous genus Ulex, esp the European species U. europeaus, which has yellow flowers and thick green spines instead of leaves. Also called: furze, whin [Old English gors; related to Old Irish garb rough, Latin horrēre to bristle, Old High German gersta barley, Greek khēr hedgehog]   > ˈgorsy adj

Gorsedd (ˈɡɔːsɛð)   n   (in Wales) the bardic institution associated with the eisteddfod, esp a meeting of bards and druids held daily before the eisteddfod [from Welsh, literally: throne]

gorsoon (ɡɔːˈsuːn)   n   a variant form of gossoon

Gorton (ˈɡɔːtən)   n   Sir John Grey. 1911–2002, Australian statesman; prime minister (1968–71)

Görz (ɡœrts)   n   the German name for Gorizia

gosh (ɡɒʃ)   interj   an exclamation of mild surprise or wonder [C18: euphemistic for God, as in by gosh!]

goshawk (ˈɡɒsˌhɔːk)   n   a large hawk, Accipiter gentilis, of Europe, Asia, and North America, having a bluish-grey back and wings and paler underparts: used in falconry [Old English gōshafoc; see GOOSE^1, HAWK^1]

Goshen (ˈɡəʊʃən)   n   1 a region of ancient Egypt, east of the Nile delta: granted to Jacob and his descendants by the king of Egypt and inhabited by them until the Exodus (Genesis 45:10)   2 a place of comfort and plenty

gosht (ɡɒʃt)   n   Indian cookery a meat dish

Goslar (ˈɡɒslɑː)   n   a city in N central Germany, in Lower Saxony: imperial palace and other medieval buildings, silver mines. Pop: 43 727 (2003 est)

■ goslarite (ˈɡɒsləˌraIt)   n   mineralogy hydrated zinc sulphate

goslet (ˈɡɒzlət)   n   a pygmy goose

gosling (ˈɡɒzlIŋ)   n   1 a young goose   2 an inexperienced or youthful person [C15: from Old Norse gæslingr; related to Danish gäsling; see GOOSE^1, -LING^1]

gospel (ˈɡɒspəl)   n   1 Also called: gospel truth an unquestionable truth: to take someone's word as gospel   2 a doctrine maintained to be of great importance   3 Black religious music originating in the churches of the Southern states of the United States   4 the message or doctrine of a religious teacher   5    a the story of Christ's life and teachings as narrated in the Gospels   b the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ   c (as modifier): the gospel story [Old English gōdspell, from gōd GOOD + spell message; see SPELL^2; compare Old Norse guthspjall, Old High German guotspell]

■ Gospel (ˈɡɒspəl)   n   1 any of the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John   2 a reading from one of these in a religious service

■ gospelize, gospelise, gospellize or gospellise (ˈɡɒspəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to evangelize

■ gospeller (ˈɡɒspələ)   n   1 a person who reads or chants the Gospel in a religious service   2 a person who professes to preach a gospel held exclusively by him or her and others of a like mind

■ gospelly (ˈɡɒspəlI)   adv   obsolete in the spirit of the gospel

■ gospel oath   n   an oath sworn on the Gospels

Gosplan (ˈɡɒsˌplæn)   n   the state planning commission of the former Soviet Union or any of its constituent republics: it was responsible for coordination and development of the economy, social services, etc [C20: from Russian Gos(udarstvennaya) Plan(ovaya Comissiya) State Planning Committee]

gospodar (ˈɡɒspəˌdɑː)   n   a hospodar; a master

gospodin Russian (ɡəspaˈdin)   n, pl -poda (-paˈda)   a Russian title of address, often indicating respect, equivalent to sir when used alone or to Mr when before a name [literally: lord]

Gosport (ˈɡɒsˌpɔːt)   n   a town in S England, in Hampshire on Portsmouth harbour: naval base since the 16th century. Pop: 69 348 (2001)

goss^1 (ɡɒs)   vb (intr)   English dialect to spit

goss^2 (ɡɒs)   n   informal short for gossip

gossamer (ˈɡɒsəmə)   n   1 a gauze or silk fabric of the very finest texture   2 a filmy cobweb often seen on foliage or floating in the air   3 anything resembling gossamer in fineness or filminess   4 (modifier) made of or resembling gossamer: gossamer wings [C14 (in the sense: a filmy cobweb): probably from gos GOOSE^1 + somer SUMMER^1; the phrase refers to St Martin's summer, a period in November when goose was traditionally eaten; from the prevalence of the cobweb in the autumn; compare German Gänsemonat, literally: goosemonth, used for November]   > ˈgossamery adj

gossan (ˈɡɒsən)   n   an oxidized portion of a mineral vein in rock

Gosse (ɡɒs)   n   Sir Edmund William. 1849–1928, English critic and poet, noted particularly for his autobiographical work Father and Son (1907)

gossib (ˈɡɒsIb)   n   archaic gossip

gossip (ˈɡɒsIp)   n   1 casual and idle chat: to have a gossip with a friend   2 a conversation involving malicious chatter or rumours about other people: a gossip about the neighbours   3 Also called: gossipmonger a person who habitually talks about others, esp maliciously   4 light easy communication: to write a letter full of gossip   5 archaic a close woman friend   ▷ vb -sips, -siping, -siped   6 (intr; often foll by about) to talk casually or maliciously (about other people) [Old English godsibb godparent, from GOD + SIB; the term came to be applied to familiar friends, esp a woman's female friends at the birth of a child, hence a person, esp a woman, fond of light talk]   > ˈgossiper or ˈgossipper n   > ˈgossiping n, adj   > ˈgossipingly adv   > ˈgossipy adj

■ gossip mill   n   another name for rumour mill

■ gossipmonger (ˈɡɒsIpˌmʌŋɡə)   n   another word for gossip (sense 3)

■ gossipry (ˈɡɒsIprI)   n   idle talk

gossoon (ɡɒˈsuːn)   n   Irish a boy, esp a servant boy [C17: from Old French garçon]

gossypine (ˈɡɒsIˌpaIn)   adj   relating to cotton

gossypol (ˈɡɒsIˌpɒl)   n   a toxic crystalline pigment that is a constituent of cottonseed oil [C19: from Modern Latin gossypium cotton plant + -OL^1]

goster (ˈɡɒstə)   vb (intr) Northern English dialect   1 to laugh uncontrollably   2 to gossip [C18: from earlier gauster, from Middle English galstre, of obscure origin]

got (ɡɒt)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of get   2 have got   a to possess: he has got a shopping bag   b (takes an infinitive) used as an auxiliary to express compulsion felt to be imposed by or upon the speaker: I've got to get a new coat   3 have got it bad or have got it badly informal to be infatuated

Göta (Swedish ˈjøːta)   n   a river in S Sweden, draining Lake Vänern and flowing south-southwest to the Kattegat: forms part of the Göta Canal, which links Göteborg in the west with Stockholm in the east. Length: 93 km (58 miles)

Gotama (ˈɡəʊtəmə)   n   the Pali form of the name Gautama

gotcha (ˈɡɒtʃə)   interj informal   1 expressing delight at having beaten, caught, or tricked someone   2 expressing understanding of what someone has said

■ gotcha lizard (ˈɡɒtʃə)   n   Austral another name for crocodile

Göteborg (Swedish jœtəˈbɔrj) or Gothenburg   n   a port in SW Sweden, at the mouth of the Göta River: the largest port and second largest city in the country; developed through the Swedish East India Company and grew through Napoleon's continental blockade and with the opening of the Göta Canal (1832); university (1891). Pop: 481 523 (2004 est)

Goth (ɡɒθ)   n   1 a member of an East Germanic people from Scandinavia who settled south of the Baltic early in the first millennium AD. They moved on to the Ukrainian steppes and raided and later invaded many parts of the Roman Empire from the 3rd to the 5th century. See also Ostrogoth, Visigoth   2 a rude or barbaric person   3 (sometimes not capital) an aficionado of Goth music and fashion   ▷ adj   4 Also: Gothic (sometimes not capital)   a (of music) in a style of guitar-based rock with some similarities to heavy metal and punk and usually characterized by depressing or mournful lyrics   b (of fashion) characterized by black clothes and heavy make-up, often creating a ghostly appearance [C14: from Late Latin (plural) Gothī from Greek Gothoi]

■ Gothic (ˈɡɒθIk)   adj   1 denoting, relating to, or resembling the style of architecture that was used in W Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries, characterized by the lancet arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress. See also Gothic Revival   2 of or relating to the style of sculpture, painting, or other arts as practised in W Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries   3 (sometimes not capital) of or relating to a literary style characterized by gloom, the grotesque, and the supernatural, popular esp in the late 18th century. When used of modern literature, films, etc, sometimes spelt: Gothick   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of the Goths or their language   5 (sometimes not capital) primitive and barbarous in style, behaviour, etc   6 of or relating to the Middle Ages   7 another word for Goth (sense 4)   ▷ n   8 Gothic architecture or art   9 the extinct language of the ancient Goths, known mainly from fragments of a translation of the Bible made in the 4th century by Bishop Wulfila. See also East Germanic   10 Also called (esp Brit): black letter the family of heavy script typefaces   11 another word for Goth (sense 3)   > ˈGothically adv

■ Gothic arch   n   another name for lancet arch

■ Gothicism (ˈɡɒθIˌsIzəm)   n   1 conformity to, use of, or imitation of the Gothic style, esp in architecture   2 crudeness of manner or style

■ Gothicize or Gothicise (ˈɡɒθIˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to make Gothic in style   > ˈGothiˌcizer or ˈGothiˌciser n

■ Gothic Revival   n   a Gothic style of architecture popular between the late 18th and late 19th centuries, exemplified by the Houses of Parliament in London (1840). Also called: neogothic

Gotha (ˈɡəʊθə; German ˈɡoːta)   n   a town in central Germany, in Thuringia on the N edge of the Thuringian forest: capital of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1826–1918); noted for the Almanach de Gotha (a record of the royal and noble houses of Europe, first published in 1764). Pop: 47 158 (2003 est)

Gotham (ˈɡɒθəm)   n   US an informal name for New York

■ Gothamite (ˈɡɒθəˌmaIt)   n   US a native or inhabitant of New York City

Gothenburg (ˈɡɒθənˌbɜːɡ)   n   the English name for Göteborg

Gotland (ˈɡɒtlənd; Swedish ˈɡɔtlant), Gothland (ˈɡɒθlənd) or Gottland (ˈɡɒtlənd)   n   an island in the Baltic Sea, off the SE coast of Sweden: important trading centre since the Bronze Age; long disputed between Sweden and Denmark, finally becoming Swedish in 1645; tourism and agriculture now important. Capital: Visby. Pop: (including associated islands) 57 677 (2004 est). Area: 3140 sq km (1212 sq miles)

gotta (ˈɡɒtə) slang   vb, contraction of   got to

gotten (ˈɡɒtən)   vb US   1 a past participle of get   2 have gotten (not usually in the infinitive)   a to have obtained: he had gotten a car for his 21st birthday   b to have become: I've gotten sick of your constant bickering

Götterdämmerung (ˌɡɒtəˈdɛməˌrʊŋ; German ɡœtərˈdɛmərʊŋ)   n   German myth the twilight of the gods; their ultimate destruction in a battle with the forces of evil. Norse equivalent: Ragnarök

Gottfried von Strassburg (German ˈɡɔtfriːt fɔn ˈʃtraːsbʊrk)   n   early 13th-century German poet; author of the incomplete epic Tristan and Isolde, the version of the legend that served as the basis of Wagner's opera

Göttingen (ˈɡœtIŋən)   n   a city in central Germany, in Lower Saxony: important member of the Hanseatic League (14th century); university, founded in 1734 by George II of England. Pop: 122 883 (2003 est)

Gottsched (German ˈɡɔtʃɛd)   n   Johann Christoph. 1700–66, German critic, dramatist, and translator

Götz von Berlichingen (German ɡœts fɔn ˈbɛrlIçIŋən)   n   See Berlichingen

gouache (ɡʊˈɑːʃ)   n   1 Also called: body colour a painting technique using opaque watercolour paint in which the pigments are bound with glue and the lighter tones contain white   2 the paint used in this technique   3 a painting done by this method [C19: from French, from Italian guazzo puddle, from Latin aquātiō a watering place, from aqua water]

gouch out (ɡaʊtʃ)   vb (intr)   slang to become drowsy or lethargic under the influence of narcotics

Gouda (ˈɡaʊdə; Dutch ˈxɔudaː)   n   1 a town in the W Netherlands, in South Holland province: important medieval cloth trade; famous for its cheese. Pop: 72 000 (2003 est)   2 a large round Dutch cheese, mild and similar in taste to Edam

gouge (ɡaʊdʒ)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (usually foll by out) to scoop or force (something) out of its position, esp with the fingers or a pointed instrument   2 (sometimes foll by out) to cut (a hole or groove) in (something) with a sharp instrument or tool   3 US and Canadian informal to extort from   4 (also intr) Austral to dig for (opal)   ▷ n   5 a type of chisel with a blade that has a concavo-convex section   6 a mark or groove made with, or as if with, a gouge   7 geology a fine deposit of rock fragments, esp clay, occurring between the walls of a fault or mineral vein   8 US and Canadian informal extortion; swindling [C15: from French, from Late Latin gulbia a chisel, of Celtic origin]

■ gouger (ˈɡaʊdʒə)   n   1 a person or tool that gouges   2 Irish dialect a low-class city lout

gougere (ɡuːˈʒɛə)   n   a choux pastry flavoured with cheese

goujon (ˈɡuːʒɒn)   n   a small strip of fish or chicken, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried [French, literally: gudgeon]

goulash (ˈɡuːlæʃ)   n   1 Also called: Hungarian goulash a rich stew, originating in Hungary, made of beef, lamb, or veal highly seasoned with paprika   2 bridge a method of dealing in threes and fours without first shuffling the cards, to produce freak hands [C19: from Hungarian gulyás hus herdsman's meat, from gulya herd]

Gould (ɡuːld)   n   1  Benjamin Apthorp. 1824–96, US astronomer: the first to use the telegraph to determine longitudes; founded the Astronomical Journal (1849)   2  Glenn. 1932–82, Canadian pianist

Gouldian finch (ˈɡuːldIən)   n   a multicoloured finch, Chloebia gouldiae, of tropical N Australia [named after Elizabeth Gould (1804–41), British natural history artist]

Gounod (ˈɡuːnəʊ; French ɡuno)   n   Charles François (ʃarl frɑ̃swa). 1818–93, French composer of the operas Faust (1859) and Romeo and Juliet (1867)

goura (ˈɡaʊrə)   n   any of several species of large, crested ground pigeons found in New Guinea

gourami (ˈɡʊərəmI)   n, pl -mi or -mis   1 a large SE Asian labyrinth fish, Osphronemus goramy, used for food and (when young) as an aquarium fish   2 any of various other labyrinth fishes, such as Helostoma temmincki (kissing gourami), many of which are brightly coloured and popular aquarium fishes [from Malay gurami]

gourd (ɡʊəd)   n   1 the fruit of any of various cucurbitaceous or similar plants, esp the bottle gourd and some squashes, whose dried shells are used for ornament, drinking cups, etc   2 any plant that bears this fruit. See also sour gourd, dishcloth gourd, calabash   3 a bottle or flask made from the dried shell of the bottle gourd   4 a small bottle shaped like a gourd [C14: from Old French gourde, ultimately from Latin cucurbita]   > ˈgourdˌlike adj   > ˈgourd-ˌshaped adj

gourde (ɡʊəd)   n   the standard monetary unit of Haiti, divided into 100 centimes [C19: from French, feminine of gourd heavy, from Latin gurdus a stupid person]

gourdy (ˈɡʊədI)   adj gourdier, gourdiest   (of horses) swollen-legged

■ gourdiness (ˈɡʊədInəs)   n   the state of being gourdy

gourmand (ˈɡʊəmənd; French ɡurmɑ̃) or gormand   n   a person devoted to eating and drinking, esp to excess [C15: from Old French gourmant, of uncertain origin]   > ˈgourmandˌism n

■ gourmandise (ˌɡʊəmənˈdiːz) or gormandize   n   a love of and taste for good food

gourmet (ˈɡʊəmeI; French ɡurmɛ)   n   a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink [C19: from French, from Old French gromet serving boy]

Gourmont (French ɡurmɔ̃)   n   Remy de (rəmi də). 1858–1915, French symbolist critic and novelist

goustrous (ˈɡaʊstrəs)   adj   Scot dialect boisterous

gousty (ˈɡaʊstI)   adj goustier, goustiest   Scot dialect dismal; empty

gout (ɡaʊt)   n   1 a metabolic disease characterized by painful inflammation of certain joints, esp of the big toe and foot, caused by deposits of sodium urate in them   2 archaic a drop or splash, esp of blood [C13: from Old French goute gout (thought to result from drops of humours), from Latin gutta a drop]   > ˈgouty adj   > ˈgoutily adv   > ˈgoutiness n

■ goutfly (ˈɡaʊtˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a fly whose larvae infect crops

■ goutweed (ˈɡaʊtˌwiːd) or goutwort (ˈɡaʊtˌwɜːt)   n   a widely naturalized Eurasian umbelliferous plant, Aegopodium podagraria, with white flowers and creeping underground stems. Also called: bishop's weed, ground elder, herb Gerard

goût French (ɡu)   n   taste or good taste

goutte (ɡuːt)   n   heraldry the shape of a drop of liquid

gouvernante (ɡuvɛrnɑ̃t) French   n   a variant spelling of governante

gov   the internet domain name for   a US government organization

Gov. or gov.   abbreviation for   governor

govern (ˈɡʌvən)   vb (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to direct and control the actions, affairs, policies, functions, etc, of (a political unit, organization, nation, etc); rule   2 to exercise restraint over; regulate or direct: to govern one's temper   3 to be a predominant influence on (something); decide or determine (something): his injury governed his decision to avoid sports   4 to control the speed of (an engine, machine, etc) using a governor   5 to control the rate of flow of (a fluid) by using an automatic valve   6 (of a word) to determine the inflection of (another word): Latin nouns govern adjectives that modify them [C13: from Old French gouverner, from Latin gubernāre to steer, from Greek kubernan]   > ˈgovernable adj   > ˌgovernaˈbility or ˈgovernableness n

■ governall (ˈɡʌvənˌɔːl)   n   government

■ governance (ˈɡʌvənəns)   n   1 government, control, or authority   2 the action, manner, or system of governing

■ governante (ˌɡʌvəˈnãt)   n   1 a housekeeper   2 a governess   3 archaic a female ruler

■ governess (ˈɡʌvənIs)   n   a woman teacher employed in a private household to teach and train the children

■ governessy (ˈɡʌvənIsI)   adj   resembling or typical of a governess

■ governing (ˈɡʌvənIŋ)   adj   having the power to direct and control the actions, affairs, policies, functions, etc, of a political unit, organization, nation, etc; rule

■ government (ˈɡʌvənmənt, ˈɡʌvəmənt)   n   1 the exercise of political authority over the actions, affairs, etc, of a political unit, people, etc, as well as the performance of certain functions for this unit or body; the action of governing; political rule and administration   2 the system or form by which a community, etc, is ruled: tyrannical government   3    a the executive policy-making body of a political unit, community, etc; ministry or administration: yesterday we got a new government   b (capital when of a specific country): the British Government   4    a the state and its administration: blame it on the government   b (as modifier): a government agency   5 regulation; direction   6 grammar the determination of the form of one word by another word   > governmental (ˌɡʌvənˈmɛntəl, ˌɡʌvəˈmɛntəl) adj   > ˌgovernˈmentally adv

■ governmentalism (ˌɡʌvəˈmɛntəlIzəm, ˌɡʌvənˈmɛntəlIzəm)   n   a philosophy that promotes the extension of government activity

■ governmentalist (ˌɡʌvəˈmɛntəlIst, ˌɡʌvənˈmɛntəlIst)   n   one who promotes the philosophy of governmentalism

■ governmentalize or governmentalise (ˌɡʌvəˈmɛntəˌlaIz, ˌɡʌvənˈmɛntəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   to bring under governmental, or national, control

■ governmentese (ˌɡʌvəmənˈtiːz, ˌɡʌvənmənˈtiːz)   n   the jargon and long-winded language peculiar to government departments and documents

■ Government House   n   the official residence of a representative of the British Crown (such as a Canadian Lieutenant-Governor or an Australian Governor General) in a state or province that recognizes the British sovereign as Head of the Commonwealth

■ government issue   adj   supplied by a government or government agency

■ government man   n   Austral (in the 19th century) a convict

■ governor (ˈɡʌvənə)   n   1 a person who governs   2 the ruler or chief magistrate of a colony, province, etc   3 the representative of the Crown in a British colony   4 Brit the senior administrator or head of a society, prison, etc   5 the chief executive of any state in the US   6 a device that controls the speed of an engine, esp by regulating the supply of fuel, etc, either to limit the maximum speed or to maintain a constant speed   7 Also called: head grammar   a a word in a phrase or clause that is the principal item and gives the function of the whole, as hat in the big red hat   b (as modifier): a governor noun   8 Brit informal a name or title of respect for a father, employer, etc ▶ Related adjective: gubernatorial

■ governorate (ˈɡʌvənərət)   n   1 a province or administrative division   2 the office of a governor   3 the residence of a governor

■ governor general   n, pl governors general or governor generals   1 the representative of the Crown in a dominion of the Commonwealth or a British colony; vicegerent   2 Brit a governor with jurisdiction or precedence over other governors   > ˌgovernor-ˈgeneralˌship n

■ governorship (ˈɡʌvənəˌʃIp)   n   the office, jurisdiction, or term of a governor

Govind Singh (ˈɡəʊvInd sIŋ)   n   See Gobind Singh

Govt or govt   abbreviation for   government

gowan (ˈɡaʊən)   n   Scot any of various yellow or white flowers growing in fields, esp the common daisy [C16: variant of gollan, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gullin golden]   > ˈgowaned adj   > ˈgowany adj

gowdspink (ˈɡaʊdˌspIŋk)   n   Scot dialect the goldfinch

Gower^1 (ˈɡaʊə)   n   the Gower a peninsula in S Wales, in Swansea county on the Bristol Channel: mainly agricultural with several resorts

Gower^2 (ˈɡaʊə)   n   1  David (Ivon). born 1957, English cricketer: played in 117 test matches (1978–1992), 32 as captain; scored 8,231 test runs   2  John. ?1330–1408, English poet, noted particularly for his tales of love, the Confessio Amantis

gowf (ɡaʊf) Scot dialect   n   1 golf   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to strike   3 (intr) to play golf

■ gowfer (ˈɡaʊfə)   n   Scot dialect a golfer

gowk (ɡaʊk)   n Scot and Northern English dialect   1 a foolish person   2 a cuckoo [from Old Norse gaukr cuckoo; related to Old High German gouh]

gowl (ɡaʊl)   n   Midland English dialect the substance often found in the corner of the eyes after sleep

gown (ɡaʊn)   n   1 any of various outer garments, such as a woman's elegant or formal dress, a dressing robe, or a protective garment, esp one worn by surgeons during operations   2 a loose wide garment indicating status, such as worn by academics   3 the members of a university as opposed to the other residents of the university town. Compare town (sense 7)   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to supply with or dress in a gown [C14: from Old French goune, from Late Latin gunna garment made of leather or fur, of Celtic origin]

■ gownboy (ˈɡaʊnˌbɔI)   n   a foundationer schoolboy who wears a gown

■ gownman (ˈɡaʊnˌmæn)   n, pl -men   a professional person, such as a lawyer, who wears a gown

gowpen (ˈɡaʊpən)   n   Scot dialect a pair of cupped hands

■ gowpenful (ˈɡaʊpənfʊl)   n   Scot dialect an amount that can be contained in cupped hands

gox (ɡɒks)   n   gaseous oxygen

goy (ɡɔI)   n, pl goyim (ˈɡɔIIm) or goys   a Jewish word for a gentile [from Yiddish, from Hebrew goi people]   > ˈgoyish or ˈgoyisch adj

Goya (ˈɡɔIə; Spanish ˈɡoja)   n   Francisco de (franˈθisko de), full name Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. 1746–1828, Spanish painter and etcher; well known for his portraits, he became court painter to Charles IV of Spain (1799). He recorded the French invasion of Spain in a series of etchings The Disasters of War (1810–14) and two paintings 2 May 1808 and 3 May 1808 (1814)

Goyen (ˈɡɔIən)   n   Jan Josephszoon van (dʒæn ˈdʒəʊzIfsˌzʊn væn). 1596–1656, Dutch landscape painter and etcher

goyle (ɡɔIl)   n   Southwest English dialect a ravine

gp   the internet domain name for   Guadeloupe

GP   abbreviation for   1 general practitioner   2 Gallup Poll   3 (in Britain) graduated pension   4 Grand Prix   5 gas-permeable (contact lens)   6 music general pause

GPI   abbreviation for   general paralysis of the insane (general paresis)

GPMU   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   Graphical, Paper and Media Union

GPO   abbreviation for   (in Britain, formerly) General Post Office

GPRS   abbreviation for   general packet radio service: a telecommunications system providing very fast internet connections for mobile phones

GPS   abbreviation for   1 global positioning system   2 (in Australia) Great Public Schools; used of a group of mainly nonstate schools, and of sporting competitions between them

GPU   abbreviation for   State Political Administration; the Soviet police and secret police from 1922 to 1923 [from Russian Gosudarstvennoye politicheskoye upravlenie]

gq   the internet domain name for   Equatorial Guinea

GQ military   abbreviation for   general quarters

gr   the internet domain name for   Greece

GR   abbreviation for   Greece (international car registration)

Gr.   abbreviation for   1 Grecian   2 Greece   3 Greek

GR8 text messaging   abbreviation for   great

Graafian follicle (ˈɡrɑːfIən)   n   a fluid-filled vesicle in the mammalian ovary containing a developing egg cell [C17: named after R. de Graaf (1641–73), Dutch anatomist]

graal (ɡreIl)   n   an archaic spelling of Grail

grab (ɡræb)   vb grabs, grabbing, grabbed   1 to seize hold of (something)   2 (tr) to seize illegally or unscrupulously   3 (tr) to arrest; catch   4 (intr) (of a brake or clutch in a vehicle) to grip and release intermittently causing juddering   5 (tr) informal to catch the attention or interest of; impress   ▷ n   6 the act or an instance of grabbing   7 a mechanical device for gripping objects, esp the hinged jaws of a mechanical excavator   8 something that is grabbed   9 up for grabs informal available to be bought, claimed, or won [C16: probably from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch grabben; related to Swedish grabba, Sanskrit grbhnāti he seizes]   > ˈgrabber n

■ grabbable (ˈɡræbəbəl)   adj   informal able to be grabbed

■ grab bag   n   1 a collection of miscellaneous things   2 US, Canadian and Austral a bag or other container from which gifts are drawn at random

■ grabby (ˈɡræbI)   adj -bier, -biest   1 greedy or selfish   2 direct, stimulating, or attention-grabbing: grabbier opening paragraphs

grabble (ˈɡræbəl)   vb   1 (intr) to scratch or feel about with the hands   2 (intr) to fall to the ground; sprawl   3 (tr) Caribbean to seize rashly [C16: probably from Dutch grabbelen, from grabben to GRAB]   > ˈgrabbler n

graben (ˈɡrɑːbən)   n   an elongated trough of land produced by subsidence of the earth's crust between two faults [C19: from German, from Old High German graban to dig]

Gracchus (ˈɡrækəs)   n   Tiberius Sempronius (taIˈbIərIəs sɛmˈprəʊnIəs). ?163–133 BC, and his younger brother, Gaius Sempronius (ˈɡaIəs), 153–121 BC, known as the Gracchi. Roman tribunes and reformers. Tiberius attempted to redistribute public land among the poor but was murdered in the ensuing riot. Violence again occurred when the reform was revived by Gaius, and he too was killed

grace (ɡreIs)   n   1 elegance and beauty of movement, form, expression, or proportion   2 a pleasing or charming quality   3 goodwill or favour   4 the granting of a favour or the manifestation of goodwill, esp by a superior   5 a sense of propriety and consideration for others   6 (plural)   a affectation of manner (esp in the phrase airs and graces)   b in someone's good graces regarded favourably and with kindness by someone   7 mercy; clemency   8 Christianity   a the free and unmerited favour of God shown towards humankind   b the divine assistance and power given to humankind in spiritual rebirth and sanctification   c the condition of being favoured or sanctified by God   d an unmerited gift, favour, etc, granted by God   9 a short prayer recited before or after a meal to invoke a blessing upon the food or give thanks for it   10 music a melodic ornament or decoration   11 See days of grace   12 with bad grace or with a bad grace unwillingly or grudgingly   13 with good grace or with a good grace willingly or cheerfully   ▷ vb   14 (tr) to add elegance and beauty to: flowers graced the room   15 (tr) to honour or favour: to grace a party with one's presence   16 to ornament or decorate (a melody, part, etc) with nonessential notes [C12: from Old French, from Latin grātia, from grātus pleasing]

■ grace-and-favour   n   (modifier) Brit (of a house, flat, etc) owned by the sovereign and granted free of rent to a person to whom the sovereign wishes to express gratitude

■ grace cup   n   a cup, as of wine, passed around at the end of the meal for the final toast

■ graceful (ˈɡreIsfʊl)   adj   characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, etc   > ˈgracefully adv   > ˈgracefulness n

■ graceless (ˈɡreIslIs)   adj   1 lacking any sense of right and wrong; depraved   2 lacking grace or excellence   > ˈgracelessly adv   > ˈgracelessness n

■ grace note   n   music a note printed in small type to indicate that it is melodically and harmonically nonessential

■ Graces (ˈɡreIsIz)   pl n   Greek myth three sisters, the goddesses Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia, givers of charm and beauty

■ graciosity (ˌɡreIʃIˈɒsItI)   n   graciousness

■ gracious (ˈɡreIʃəs)   adj   1 characterized by or showing kindness and courtesy   2 condescendingly courteous, benevolent, or indulgent   3 characterized by or suitable for a life of elegance, ease, and indulgence: gracious living; gracious furnishings   4 merciful or compassionate   5 obsolete fortunate, prosperous, or happy   ▷ interj   6 an expression of mild surprise or wonder (often in exclamatory phrases such as good gracious!, gracious me!)   > ˈgraciously adv   > ˈgraciousness n

Grace^1 (ɡreIs)   n   (preceded by your, his, or her) a title used to address or refer to a duke, duchess, or archbishop

Grace^2 (ɡreIs)   n   W(illiam) G(ilbert). 1848–1915, English cricketer

gracile (ˈɡræsaIl)   adj   1 gracefully thin or slender   2 a less common word for graceful [C17: from Latin gracilis slender]   > gracility (ɡræˈsIlItI) or ˈgracileness n

gracilis (ˈɡræsIlIs)   n   anatomy a thin muscle on the inner thigh

gracioso (ˌɡræsIˈəʊsəʊ; Spanish ɡraˈθjoso)   n, pl -sos   a clown in Spanish comedy [C17: from Spanish: GRACIOUS]

grackle (ˈɡrækəl)   n   1 Also called: crow blackbird any American songbird of the genera Quiscalus and Cassidix, having a dark iridescent plumage: family Icteridae (American orioles)   2 any of various starlings of the genus Gracula, such as G. religiosa (Indian grackle or hill mynah) [C18: from New Latin Grācula, from Latin grāculus jackdaw]

grad (ɡræd)   n   informal a graduate

grad.   abbreviation for   1 maths gradient   2 education graduate(d)

gradate (ɡrəˈdeIt)   vb   1 to change or cause to change imperceptibly, as from one colour, tone, or degree to another   2 (tr) to arrange in grades or ranks

■ gradatim (ɡrəˈdeItIm)   adv   step by step

■ gradation (ɡrəˈdeIʃən)   n   1 a series of systematic stages; gradual progression   2 (often plural) a stage or degree in such a series or progression   3 the act or process of arranging or forming in stages, grades, etc, or of progressing evenly   4 (in painting, drawing, or sculpture) transition from one colour, tone, or surface to another through a series of very slight changes   5 linguistics any change in the quality or length of a vowel within a word indicating certain distinctions, such as inflectional or tense differentiations. See ablaut   6 geology the natural levelling of land as a result of the building up or wearing down of pre-existing formations   > graˈdational adj   > graˈdationally adv

■ gradatory (ˈɡreIdətərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a flight of stairs   ▷ adj   2 moving step by step

graddan (ˈɡrædən) Scot   n   1 grain that is parched   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to parch (grain) in the husk

grade (ɡreId)   n   1 a position or degree in a scale, as of quality, rank, size, or progression: small-grade eggs; high-grade timber   2 a group of people or things of the same category   3 chiefly US a military or other rank   4 a stage in a course of progression   5 a mark or rating indicating achievement or the worth of work done, as at school   6 US and Canadian a unit of pupils of similar age or ability taught together at school   7 US and Canadian   a a part of a railway, road, etc, that slopes upwards or downwards; inclination   b Also called: gradient a measure of such a slope, esp the ratio of the vertical distance between two points on the slope to the horizontal distance between them   8 a unit of angle equal to one hundredth of a right angle or 0.9 degree   9 stockbreeding   a an animal with one purebred parent and one of unknown or unimproved breeding   b (as modifier): a grade sheep. Compare crossbred (sense 2), purebred (sense 2)   10 linguistics one of the forms of the vowel in a morpheme when this vowel varies because of gradation   11 at grade   a on the same level   b (of a river profile or land surface) at an equilibrium level and slope, because there is a balance between erosion and deposition   12 make the grade informal   a to reach the required standard   b to succeed   ▷ vb   13 (tr) to arrange according to quality, rank, etc   14 (tr) to determine the grade of or assign a grade to   15 (intr) to achieve or deserve a grade or rank   16 to change or blend (something) gradually; merge   17 (tr) to level (ground, a road, etc) to a suitable gradient   18 (tr) stockbreeding to cross (one animal) with another to produce a grade animal [C16: from French, from Latin gradus step, from gradī to step]

■ gradable (ˈɡreIdəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being graded   2 linguistics denoting or relating to a word in whose meaning there is some implicit relationship to a standard: 'big' and 'small' are gradable adjectives   ▷ n   3 linguistics a word of this kind   > ˌgradaˈbility or ˈgradableness n

■ grade cricket   n   Austral competitive cricket, in which cricket club teams are arranged in grades

■ grade crossing   n   US and Canadian a point at which a railway and a road cross, esp one with barriers that close the road when a train is scheduled to pass. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): level crossing

■ graded (ˈɡreIdId)   adj   1 forming part of a series of things that gradually increase or decrease in standard, value, difficulty, etc   2 (of a road) levelled off so that it is less steep

■ graded post   n   Brit a position in a school having special responsibility for which additional payment is given

■ grade inflation   n   an apparently continual increase in numbers of students attaining high examination grades, or the practice of awarding grades in this way

■ gradeless (ˈɡreIdlIs)   adj   without a grade

■ grader (ˈɡreIdə)   n   1 a person or thing that grades   2 a machine, either self-powered or towed by a tractor, that levels earth, rubble, etc, as in road construction

■ grade school   n   US another name for elementary school

■ grading (ˈɡreIdIŋ)   n   1 the act of classifying something on a scale by quality, rank, size, or progression, etc   2 the position or degree assigned in this type of classification   3 education the act of assigning a mark or rating indicating achievement or the worth of work done

-grade   adj combining form   indicating a kind or manner of movement or progression: plantigrade; retrograde [via French from Latin -gradus, from gradus a step, from gradī to walk]

gradely (ˈɡreIdlI)   adj -lier, -liest   Midland English dialect fine; excellent [C13 greithlic, greithli, from Old Norse greidhligr, from greidhr ready]

gradient (ˈɡreIdIənt)   n   1 Also called (esp US): grade a part of a railway, road, etc, that slopes upwards or downwards; inclination   2 Also called (esp US and Canadian): grade a measure of such a slope, esp the ratio of the vertical distance between two points on the slope to the horizontal distance between them   3 physics a measure of the change of some physical quantity, such as temperature or electric potential, over a specified distance   4 maths   a (of a curve) the slope of the tangent at any point on a curve with respect to the horizontal axis   b (of a function, f(x, y, z)) the vector whose components along the axes are the partial derivatives of the function with respect to each variable, and whose direction is that in which the derivative of the function has its maximum value. Usually written: grad f, ∇f or ∇f. Compare curl (sense 11), divergence (sense 4)   ▷ adj   5 sloping uniformly [C19: from Latin gradiēns stepping, from gradī to go]

■ gradienter (ˈɡreIdIəntə)   n   surveying, US an instrument for measuring gradients

■ gradient post   n   a small white post beside a railway line at a point where the gradient changes having arms set at angles representing the gradients

gradin (ˈɡreIdIn) or gradine (ɡrəˈdiːn)   n   1 a ledge above or behind an altar on which candles, a cross, or other ornaments stand   2 one of a set of steps or seats arranged on a slope, as in an amphitheatre [C19: from French, from Italian gradino, a little step, from grado step; see GRADE]

■ gradino (Italian ɡraˈdino)   n   a work of art or sculpture that decorates an altar gradin

gradiometer (ˌɡrædIˈɒmItə)   n   1 physics an instrument for measuring the gradient of a magnetic field   2 surveying an instrument used to ensure that a long gradient remains constant

gradual (ˈɡrædjʊəl)   adj   1 occurring, developing, moving, etc, in small stages: a gradual improvement in health   2 not steep or abrupt: a gradual slope   ▷ n   3 (often capital) Christianity   a an antiphon or group of several antiphons, usually from the Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass   b a book of plainsong containing the words and music of the parts of the Mass that are sung by the cantors and choir [C16: from Medieval Latin graduālis relating to steps, from Latin gradus a step]   > ˈgradually adv   > ˈgradualness n

■ gradualism (ˈɡrædjʊəˌlIzəm)   n   1 the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics   2 the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes. Compare catastrophism   > ˈgradualist n, adj   > ˌgradualˈistic adj

■ graduality (ˌɡrædjʊˈælItI)   n   the state or quality of being gradual

graduate   n (ˈɡrædjʊIt)   1    a a person who has been awarded a first degree from a university or college   b (as modifier): a graduate profession   2 US and Canadian a student who has completed a course of studies at a high school and received a diploma   3 US a container, such as a flask, marked to indicate its capacity   ▷ vb (ˈɡrædjʊˌeIt)   4 to receive or cause to receive a degree or diploma   5 (tr) chiefly US and Canadian to confer a degree, diploma, etc, upon   6 (tr) to mark (a thermometer, flask, etc) with units of measurement; calibrate   7 (tr) to arrange or sort into groups according to type, quality, etc   8 (intr; often foll by to) to change by degrees (from something to something else) [C15: from Medieval Latin graduārī to take a degree, from Latin gradus a step]   > ˈgraduˌator n

■ graduand (ˈɡrædjʊˌænd)   n   chiefly Brit a person who is about to graduate [C19: from Medieval Latin graduandus, gerundive of graduārī to GRADUATE]

■ graduated (ˈɡrædjʊˌeItId)   adj   1 increasing by regular amounts or grades   2 arranged in a series of levels   3 marked with units of measurement; calibrated

■ graduateship (ˈɡrædjʊItʃIp)   n   the time or condition of being a graduate

■ graduation (ˌɡrædjʊˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act of graduating or the state of being graduated   2 the ceremony at which school or college degrees and diplomas are conferred   3 a mark or division or all the marks or divisions that indicate measure on an instrument or vessel

gradus (ˈɡreIdəs)   n, pl -duses   1 a book of études or other musical exercises arranged in order of increasing difficulty   2 prosody a dictionary or textbook of prosody for use in writing Latin or Greek verse [C18: shortened from Latin Gradus ad Parnassum a step towards Parnassus, a dictionary of prosody used in the 18th and 19th centuries]

Graeae or Graiae (ˈɡriːiː)   pl n   Greek myth three aged sea deities, having only one eye and one tooth among them, guardians of their sisters, the Gorgons

Graecism or esp US Grecism (ˈɡriːsIzəm)   n   1 Greek characteristics or style   2 admiration for or imitation of these, as in sculpture or architecture   3 a form of words characteristic or imitative of the idiom of the Greek language

■ Graecize, Graecise or esp US Grecize (ˈɡriːsaIz)   vb   another word for Hellenize [C17: from Latin graecizāre to imitate the Greeks, from Greek graikizein]

Graeco- or esp US Greco- (ˈɡriːkəʊ, ˈɡrɛkəʊ)   combining form   Greek: Graeco-Roman

Graeco-Roman or esp US Greco-Roman   adj   1 of, characteristic of, or relating to Greek and Roman influences, as found in Roman sculpture   2 denoting a style of wrestling in which the legs may not be used to obtain a fall and no hold may be applied below the waist

Graf^1 (ɡræf)   n   Steffi. born 1969, German tennis player: won 22 Grand Slam singles titles (1987–99), including seven at Wimbledon; won (1988) a unique 'golden slam' of each Grand Slam singles title and a gold medal in the women's singles at the Olympics

Graf^2 German (ɡraːf)   n, pl Grafen (ˈɡraːfən)   a German count: often used as a title [German, from Old High German grāvo]

graffiti (ɡræˈfiːtiː)   pl n, sing -to (-təʊ)   1 (sometimes with singular verb) drawings, messages, etc, often obscene, scribbled on the walls of public lavatories, advertising posters, etc   2 archaeol inscriptions or drawings scratched or carved onto a surface, esp rock or pottery   ▷ vb, past part graffitiing or graffiting   3 (intr; often passive) to be inscribed or defaced with graffiti: the wall was graffitied with offensive material   4 to inscribe or draw graffiti on (a wall, etc) [C19: graffito from Italian: a little scratch, from graffio, from Latin graphium stylus, from Greek grapheion; see GRAFT^1]   > grafˈfitist n

graft^1 (ɡrɑːft)   n   1 horticulture   a a piece of plant tissue (the scion), normally a stem, that is made to unite with an established plant (the stock), which supports and nourishes it   b the plant resulting from the union of scion and stock   c the point of union between the scion and the stock   2 surgery a piece of tissue or an organ transplanted from a donor or from the patient's own body to an area of the body in need of the tissue   3 the act of joining one thing to another by or as if by grafting   ▷ vb   4 horticulture   a to induce (a plant or part of a plant) to unite with another part or (of a plant or part of a plant) to unite in this way   b to produce (fruit, flowers, etc) by this means or (of fruit, flowers, etc) to grow by this means   5 to transplant (tissue) or (of tissue) to be transplanted   6 to attach or incorporate or become attached or incorporated: to graft a happy ending onto a sad tale [C15: from Old French graffe, from Medieval Latin graphium, from Latin: stylus, from Greek grapheion, from graphein to write]   > ˈgrafter n   > ˈgrafting n

■ graft hybrid   n   a plant produced by grafting a scion and stock from dissimilar plants such that cells of both stock and scion are mixed in the visible parts, giving an intermediate appearance in at least some parts; chimera

graft^2 (ɡrɑːft) informal   n   1 work (esp in the phrase hard graft)   2    a the acquisition of money, power, etc, by dishonest or unfair means, esp by taking advantage of a position of trust   b something gained in this way, such as profit from government business   c a payment made to a person profiting by such a practice   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to work   4 to acquire by or practise graft [C19: of uncertain origin]   > ˈgrafter n

■ graftage (ˈɡrɑːftIdʒ)   n   the art of grafting

Graham (ˈɡreIəm)   n   1  Martha. 1893–1991, US dancer and choreographer   2  Thomas. 1805–69, British physicist: proposed Graham's law of gaseous diffusion and coined the terms osmosis, crystalloids, and colloids   3  William Franklin, known as Billy. 1918–2018, US evangelist

■ Graham's law   n   the principle that the rates of diffusion and effusion of a gas are inversely proportional to the square root of its density, proposed by Thomas Graham in 1831

Grahame (ˈɡreIəm)   n   Kenneth. 1859–1932, Scottish author, noted for the children's classic The Wind in the Willows (1908)

graham flour   n   chiefly US and Canadian unbolted wheat flour ground from wholewheat grain, similar to wholewheat flour [C19: named after S. Graham (1794–1851), American dietetic reformer]

■ graham (ˈɡreIəm)   n   (modifier) chiefly US and Canadian made of graham flour: graham crackers

Graham Land   n   the N part of the Antarctic Peninsula: became part of the British Antarctic Territory in 1962 (formerly part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies; claims are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty)

Graiae (ˈɡreIiː, ˈɡraIiː)   pl n   a variant of Graeae

Graian Alps (ˈɡreIən, ˈɡraI-)   pl n   the N part of the Western Alps, in France and NW Piedmont, Italy. Highest peak: Gran Paradiso, 4061 m (13 323 ft)

Grail (ɡreIl)   n   See Holy Grail

grain (ɡreIn)   n   1 the small hard seedlike fruit of a grass, esp a cereal plant   2 a mass of such fruits, esp when gathered for food   3 the plants, collectively, from which such fruits are harvested   4 a small hard particle: a grain of sand   5    a the general direction or arrangement of the fibrous elements in paper or wood: to saw across the grain   b the pattern or texture of wood resulting from such an arrangement: the attractive grain of the table   6 the relative size of the particles of a substance: sugar of fine grain   7    a the granular texture of a rock, mineral, etc   b the appearance of a rock, mineral, etc, determined by the size and arrangement of its constituents   8    a the outer (hair-side) layer of a hide or skin from which the hair or wool has been removed   b the pattern on the outer surface of such a hide or skin   9 a surface artificially imitating the grain of wood, leather, stone, etc; graining   10 the smallest unit of weight in the avoirdupois, Troy, and apothecaries' systems, based on the average weight of a grain of wheat: in the avoirdupois system it equals 1⁄7000 of a pound, and in the Troy and apothecaries' systems it equals 1⁄5760 of a pound. 1 grain is equal to 0.0648 gram. Abbreviation: gr   11 Also called: metric grain a metric unit of weight used for pearls or diamonds, equal to 50 milligrams or one quarter of a carat   12 the threads or direction of threads in a woven fabric   13 photog any of a large number of particles in a photographic emulsion, the size of which limit the extent to which an image can be enlarged without serious loss of definition   14 television a granular effect in a television picture caused by electrical noise   15 cleavage lines in crystalline material, parallel to growth planes   16 chem any of a large number of small crystals forming a polycrystalline solid, each having a regular array of atoms that differs in orientation from that of the surrounding crystallites   17 a state of crystallization: to boil syrup to the grain   18 a very small amount: a grain of truth   19 natural disposition, inclination, or character (esp in the phrase go against the grain)   20 astronautics a homogenous mass of solid propellant in a form designed to give the required combustion characteristics for a particular rocket   21 (not in technical usage) kermes or a red dye made from this insect   22 dyeing an obsolete word for colour   23 with a grain of salt or with a pinch of salt without wholly believing: sceptically   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   24 (also intr) to form grains or cause to form into grains; granulate; crystallize   25 to give a granular or roughened appearance or texture to   26 to paint, stain, etc, in imitation of the grain of wood or leather   27    a to remove the hair or wool from (a hide or skin) before tanning   b to raise the grain pattern on (leather) [C13: from Old French, from Latin grānum]   > ˈgrainer n   > ˈgrainless adj

■ grainage (ˈɡreInIdʒ)   n   old-fashioned the duty paid on grain

■ grain alcohol   n   ethanol containing about 10 per cent of water, made by the fermentation of grain

■ grain elevator   n   a machine for raising grain to a higher level, esp one having an endless belt fitted with scoops

■ grainfield (ˈɡreInˌfiːld)   n   a field where grain is cultivated

■ graining (ˈɡreInIŋ)   n   1 the pattern or texture of the grain of wood, leather, etc   2 the process of painting, printing, staining, etc, a surface in imitation of a grain   3 a surface produced by such a process

■ grains of paradise   pl n   the peppery seeds of either of two African zingiberaceous plants, Aframomum melegueta or A. granum-paradisi, used as stimulants, diuretics, etc. Also called: guinea grains

■ grainy (ˈɡreInI)   adj grainier, grainiest   1 resembling, full of, or composed of grain; granular   2 resembling the grain of wood, leather, etc   3 photog having poor definition because of large grain size   > ˈgraininess n

graine (ɡreIn)   n   the eggs of the silkworm

Grainger (ˈɡreIndʒə)   n   Percy Aldridge. 1882–1961, Australian pianist, composer, and collector of folk music, on which many of his works are based

graip (ɡreIp)   n   Scot dialect a long-handled fork for digging dung

graith (ɡreIθ) Scot obsolete   n   1 equipment; apparatus; belongings   ▷ adj   2 prepared; ready   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to equip; clothe; prepare

■ graithly (ˈɡreIθlI)   adv   Scot in a graith manner

grallatorial (ˌɡræləˈtɔːrIəl)   adj   of or relating to long-legged wading birds, such as cranes, herons, and storks [C19: from New Latin grallātōrius, from Latin grallātor one who walks on stilts, from grallae stilts]

gralloch (ˈɡrælək; Scottish ˈɡrælɒx) Brit   n   1 the entrails of a deer   2 the act or an instance of disembowelling a deer killed in a hunt   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to disembowel (a deer killed in a hunt) [C19: from Scottish Gaelic grealach intestines]

gram^1 (ɡræm)   n   a metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. It is equivalent to 15.432 grains or 0.002 205 pounds. Symbol: g [C18: from French gramme, from Late Latin gramma, from Greek: small weight, from graphein to write]

■ gram atom or gram-atomic weight   n   an amount of an element equal to its atomic weight expressed in grams: now replaced by the mole. See mole^4

■ gram calorie   n   another name for calorie

■ gram equivalent or gram-equivalent weight   n   an amount of a substance equal to its equivalent weight expressed in grams

■ grammage (ˈɡræmIdʒ)   n   the weight of paper expressed as grams per square metre

■ gram molecule or gram-molecular weight   n   an amount of a compound equal to its molecular weight expressed in grams: now replaced by the mole. See mole^4   > ˌgram-moˈlecular or gram-molar (ˌɡræmˈməʊlə) adj

gram^2 (ɡræm)   n   1 any of several leguminous plants, such as the beans Phaseolus mungo (black gram or urd) and P. aureus (green gram), whose seeds are used as food in India   2 the seed of any of these plants [C18: from Portuguese gram (modern spelling grão), from Latin grānum GRAIN]

gram^3 (ɡrɑːm)   n   (in India) a village [Hindi]

gram.   abbreviation for   1 grammar   2 grammatical

-gram   n combining form   indicating a drawing or something written or recorded: hexagram; telegram [from Latin -gramma, from Greek, from gramma letter and grammē line]

grama or grama grass (ˈɡrɑːmə)   n   any of various grasses of the genus Bouteloua, of W North America and South America: often used as pasture grasses [C19: from Spanish, ultimately from Latin grāmen grass]

gramarye or gramary (ˈɡræmərI)   n   archaic magic, necromancy, or occult learning [C14: from Old French gramaire GRAMMAR]

gramash (ɡrəˈmæʃ)   n   archaic a type of gaiter

grame (ɡreIm)   n   obsolete sorrow; anger

gramercy (ɡrəˈmɜːsI)   interj archaic   1 many thanks   2 an expression of surprise, wonder, etc [C13: from Old French grand merci great thanks]

gramicidin or gramicidin D (ˌɡræmIˈsaIdIn)   n   an antibiotic used in treating local Gram-positive bacterial infections: obtained from the soil bacterium Bacillus brevis [C20: from GRAM(-POSITIVE) + -CID(E) + -IN]

gramineous (ɡrəˈmInIəs) or graminaceous (ˌɡræmIˈneIʃəs)   adj   resembling a grass; grasslike [C17: from Latin grāmineus of grass, grassy, from grāmen grass]

graminicolous (ˌɡræmIˈnIkələs)   adj   (esp of parasitic fungi) living on grass

graminivorous (ˌɡræmIˈnIvərəs)   adj   (of animals) feeding on grass [C18: from Latin grāmen grass + -VOROUS]

graminology (ˌɡræmIˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of botany concerned with the study of grasses

gramma (ˈɡrɑːmə)   n   a pasture grass of the South American plains

grammalogue (ˈɡræməˌlɒɡ)   n   (in shorthand) a sign or symbol representing a word [C19: from Greek, gramma letter + logos word]

grammar (ˈɡræmə)   n   1 the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology, sometimes also phonology and semantics   2 the abstract system of rules in terms of which the mastery of one's native language can be explained   3 a systematic description of the grammatical facts of a language   4 a book containing an account of the grammatical facts of a language or recommendations as to rules for the proper use of a language   5    a the use of language with regard to its correctness or social propriety, esp in syntax: the teacher told him to watch his grammar   b (as modifier): a grammar book   6 the elementary principles of a science or art: the grammar of drawing [C14: from Old French gramaire, from Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatikē (tekhnē) the grammatical (art), from grammatikos concerning letters, from gramma letter]   > ˈgrammarless adj

■ grammarian (ɡrəˈmɛərIən)   n   1 a person whose occupation is the study of grammar   2 the author of a grammar

■ grammar school   n   1 Brit (esp formerly) a state-maintained secondary school providing an education with an academic bias for children who are selected by the eleven-plus examination, teachers' reports, or other means. Compare secondary modern school, comprehensive school   2 US another term for elementary school   3 Austral a private school, esp one controlled by a church   4 NZ a secondary school forming part of the public education system

■ grammatic (ɡrəˈmætIk)   adj   of or relating to grammar

■ grammatical (ɡrəˈmætIkəl)   adj   1 of or relating to grammar   2 (of a sentence) well formed; regarded as correct and acceptable by native speakers of the language   > gramˈmatically adv   > gramˈmaticalness n

■ grammaticality (ɡrəmætIˈkælItI)   n   (of a sentence) the state or quality of being well formed; correctness

■ grammatical meaning   n   the meaning of a word by reference to its function within a sentence rather than to a world outside the sentence. Compare lexical meaning, function word

■ grammaticaster (ɡrəˈmætIˌkæstə)   n   derogatory a pedantic grammarian

■ grammaticism (ɡrəˈmætIsIzəm)   n   a grammatical point

■ grammaticize or grammaticise (ɡrəˈmætIˌsaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to cause to be grammatical   2 (intr) to discuss grammatical intricacies

■ grammatist (ˈɡræmətIst)   n   a precise grammarian

■ grammatology (ˌɡræməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of writing systems   > ˌgrammaˈtologist n

gramme (ɡræm)   n   a variant spelling of gram^1

Grammy (ˈɡræmI)   n, pl -mys or -mies   (in the US) one of the gold-plated discs awarded annually for outstanding achievement in the music industry [C20: from GRAM(OPHONE) + my as in EMMY]

Gram-negative   adj   designating bacteria that fail to retain the violet stain in Gram's method

gramophone (ˈɡræməˌfəʊn)   n   1    a Also called: acoustic gramophone a device for reproducing the sounds stored on a record: now usually applied to the nearly obsolete type that uses a clockwork motor and acoustic horn. US and Canadian name: phonograph   b (as modifier): a gramophone record   2 the technique and practice of recording sound on disc: the gramophone made music more widely accessible [C19: originally a trademark, perhaps based on an inversion of phonogram; see PHONO-, -GRAM]   > gramophonic (ˌɡræməˈfɒnIk) adj

■ gramophonically (ˌɡræməˈfɒnIklI)   adv   in a gramophonic manner

■ gramophonist (ɡræˈmɒfənIst, ˈɡræməˌfəʊnIst)   n   obsolete a person who uses a gramophone

■ gramophony (ɡræˈmɒfənI)   n   obsolete the art, technique, or practice of recording sound on disc

gramp (ɡræmp)   n   informal another word for gramps

Grampian (ˈɡræmpIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the area of Scotland occupied by the Grampian Mountains   ▷ n   2 another name for Grampian Region

■ Grampian Mountains   pl n   1 a mountain system of central Scotland, extending from the southwest to the northeast and separating the Highlands from the Lowlands. Highest peak: Ben Nevis, 1345 m (4413 ft)   2 a mountain range in SE Australia, in W Victoria   ▶ Also called: the Grampians

■ Grampian Region   n   a former local government region in NE Scotland, formed in 1975 from Aberdeenshire, Kincardineshire, and most of Banffshire and Morayshire; replaced in 1996 by the council areas of Aberdeenshire, City of Aberdeen, and Moray

Gram-positive   adj   designating bacteria that retain the violet stain in Gram's method

gramps (ɡræmps) or gramp   n   informal a grandfather

grampus (ˈɡræmpəs)   n, pl -puses   1 a widely distributed slaty-grey dolphin, Grampus griseus, with a blunt snout   2 another name for killer whale [C16: from Old French graspois, from gras fat (from Latin crassus) + pois fish (from Latin piscis)]

Gramsci (Italian ˈɡramʃi)   n   Antonio. 1891–1937, Italian politician and Marxist theorist: founder (1921) of the Italian Communist party. His important works were written during his imprisonment (1926–37) by the Fascists

Gram's method   n   bacteriol a staining technique used to classify bacteria, based on their ability to retain or lose a violet colour, produced by crystal violet and iodine, after treatment with a decolorizing agent. See also Gram-negative, Gram-positive [C19: named after Hans Christian Joachim Gram (1853–1938), Danish physician]

gran (ɡræn)   n   an informal word for grandmother

Granada (ɡrəˈnɑːdə)   n   1 a former kingdom of S Spain, in Andalusia: founded in the 13th century and divided in 1833 into the present-day provinces of Granada, Almería, and Málaga   2 a city in S Spain, in Andalusia: capital of the Moorish kingdom of Granada from 1238 to 1492 and a great commercial and cultural centre, containing the Alhambra palace (13th and 14th centuries); university (1531). Pop: 237 663 (2003 est)   3 a city in SW Nicaragua, on the NW shore of Lake Nicaragua: the oldest city in the country, founded in 1523 by Córdoba; attacked frequently by pirates in the 17th century. Pop: 95 000 (2005 est)

granadilla (ˌɡrænəˈdIlə)   n   1 any of various passionflowers, such as Passiflora quadrangularis (giant granadilla), that have edible egg-shaped fleshy fruit   2 Also called: passion fruit the fruit of such a plant [C18: from Spanish, diminutive of granada pomegranate, from Late Latin grānātum]

Granados (Spanish ɡraˈnaðɔs)   n   Enrique (enˈrrike), full name Enrique Granados y Campina. 1867–1916, Spanish composer, noted for the Goyescas (1911) for piano, which formed the basis for an opera of the same name

Grana Padano (ˌɡrɑːnə pəˈdɑːnəʊ)   n   a rich semifat hard cheese with a granular texture, often used grated, esp on pasta dishes and soups [C21: from Italian grana grain + Padano from the Po Valley]

granary (ˈɡrænərI; US ˈɡreInərI)   n, pl -ries   1 a building or store room for storing threshed grain, farm feed, etc   2 a region that produces a large amount of grain [C16: from Latin grānārium, from grānum GRAIN]

■ Granary (ˈɡrænərI)   adj   trademark (of bread, flour, etc) containing malted wheat grain

Gran Canaria (Spanish ɡraŋ kaˈnarja)   n   an island in the Atlantic, in the Canary Islands: part of the Spanish province of Las Palmas. Capital: Las Palmas. Pop: 771 333 (2002 est). Area: 1533 sq km (592 sq miles). English name: Grand Canary

gran cassa (Italian ɡran ˈkassa)   n   music another name for bass drum [Italian: great drum]

Gran Chaco (Spanish ɡran ˈtʃako)   n   a plain of S central South America, between the Andes and the Paraguay River in SE Bolivia, E Paraguay, and N Argentina: huge swamps and scrub forest Area: about 780 000 sq km (300 000 sq miles). Often shortened to: Chaco

grand (ɡrænd)   adj   1 large or impressive in size, extent, or consequence: grand mountain scenery   2 characterized by or attended with magnificence or display; sumptuous: a grand feast   3 of great distinction or pretension; dignified or haughty   4 designed to impress: he punctuated his story with grand gestures   5 very good; wonderful   6 comprehensive; complete: a grand total   7 worthy of respect; fine: a grand old man   8 large or impressive in conception or execution: grand ideas   9 most important; chief: the grand arena   ▷ n   10 short for grand piano   11 (pl grand) slang a thousand pounds or dollars [C16: from Old French, from Latin grandis]   > ˈgrandly adv   > ˈgrandness n

■ grand chain   n   a figure in formation dances, such as the lancers and Scottish reels, in which couples split up and move around in a circle in opposite directions, passing all other dancers until reaching their original partners

■ grand duchess   n   1 the wife or a widow of a grand duke   2 a woman who holds the rank of grand duke in her own right

■ grand duchy   n   the territory, state, or principality of a grand duke or grand duchess

■ grand duke   n   1 a prince or nobleman who rules a territory, state, or principality   2 a son or a male descendant in the male line of a Russian tsar   3 a medieval Russian prince who ruled over other princes

■ grand final   n   Austral the final game of the season in any of various sports, esp football

■ grand jury   n   law (esp in the US and, now rarely, in Canada) a jury of between 12 and 23 persons summoned to inquire into accusations of crime and ascertain whether the evidence is adequate to found an indictment. Abolished in Britain in 1948. Compare petit jury

■ grand larceny   n   1 (formerly in England) the theft of property valued at over 12 pence. Abolished in 1827   2 (in some states of the US) the theft of property of which the value is above a specified figure, varying from state to state but usually being between $25 and $60   ▶ Compare petit larceny

■ grandmaster (ˈɡrændˌmɑːstə)   n   1 chess   a one of the top chess players of a particular country   b (capital as part of title): Grandmaster of Russia   2 Also called: International Grandmaster chess a player who has been awarded the highest title by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs   3 a leading exponent of any of various arts

■ Grand Master   n   the title borne by the head of any of various societies, orders, and other organizations, such as the Templars or Freemasons, or the various martial arts

■ Grand Mufti   n   1 the titular head of the Muslim community in Jerusalem and formerly the chief constitutional administrator there   2 (in Turkey) the former official head of the state religion

■ Grand National   n   the Grand National an annual steeplechase run at Aintree, Liverpool, since 1839

■ Grand Old Party   n   (in the US) a nickname for the Republican Party since 1880. Abbreviation: GOP

■ grand opera   n   an opera that has a serious plot and is entirely in musical form, with no spoken dialogue

■ grand piano   n   a form of piano in which the strings are arranged horizontally. Grand pianos exist in three sizes. Compare baby grand, boudoir grand, concert grand, upright piano

■ Grand Remonstrance   n   the Grand Remonstrance English history the document prepared by the Long Parliament in 1640 listing the evils of the king's government, the abuses already rectified, and the reforms Parliament advocated

■ grand slam   n   1 bridge the winning of 13 tricks by one player or side or the contract to do so   2    a the winning of all major competitions in a season, esp in tennis and golf   b one of the major competitions in a grand slam   3 (often capital) rugby Union the winning of all five games in the annual Six Nations Championship involving England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy. Compare triple crown (sense 3)   4 baseball a home run hit when there is a runner on every base, scoring four runs

■ grandstand (ˈɡrænˌstænd, ˈɡrænd-)   n   1    a a terraced block of seats, usually under a roof, commanding the best view at racecourses, football pitches, etc   b (as modifier): grandstand tickets   2 the spectators in a grandstand   3 (modifier) as if from a grandstand; unimpeded (esp in the phrase grandstand view)   ▷ vb   4 (intr) informal, chiefly US and Canadian to behave ostentatiously in an attempt to impress onlookers   > ˈgrandˌstander n

■ grandstand finish   n   a close or exciting ending to a sports match or competition

■ grandstanding (ˈɡrstændIŋ)   n   ostentatious behaviour or speech intended to impress people

■ grand tour   n   1 (formerly) an extended tour through the major cities of Europe, esp one undertaken by a rich or aristocratic Englishman to complete his education   2 informal an extended sightseeing trip, tour of inspection, etc

■ grand unified theory   n   physics any of a number of theories of elementary particles and fundamental interactions designed to explain the gravitational, electromagnetic, strong, and weak interactions in terms of a single mathematical formalism. Abbreviation: GUT

■ Grand Union Canal   n   a canal in S England linking London and the Midlands: opened in 1801

■ grand vizier   n   (formerly) the chief officer or minister of state in the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim countries

grand-   prefix   (in designations of kinship) one generation removed in ascent or descent: grandson; grandfather [from French grand-, on the model of Latin magnus in such phrases as avunculus magnus great-uncle]

grandad, granddad (ˈɡrænˌdæd) or grandaddy, granddaddy (ˈɡrænˌdædI)   n, pl -dads or -daddies   informal words for grandfather

■ grandad shirt   n   a long-sleeved collarless shirt

grandam (ˈɡrændəm, -dæm) or grandame (ˈɡrændeIm, -dəm)   n   an archaic word for grandmother [C13: from Anglo-French grandame, from Old French GRAND- + dame lady, mother]

grandaunt (ˈɡrændˌɑːnt)   n   another name for great-aunt

grandbaby (ˈɡrændˌbeIbI)   n, pl -bies   US a grandchild who is an infant

Grand Bahama   n   an island in the Atlantic, in the W Bahamas. Pop: 46 994 (2000). Area: 1114 sq km (430 sq miles)

Grand Banks   pl n   a part of the continental shelf in the Atlantic, extending for about 560 km (350 miles) off the SE coast of Newfoundland: meeting place of the cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream, producing frequent fogs and formerly rich fishing grounds

Grand Canal   n   1 a canal in E China, extending north from Hangzhou to Tianjin: the longest canal in China, now partly silted up; central section, linking the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, finished in 486 BC; north section finished by Kublai Khan between 1282 and 1292. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles). Chinese name: Da Yunhe   2 a canal in Venice, forming the main water thoroughfare: noted for its bridges, the Rialto, and the fine palaces along its banks

Grand Canary   n   the English name for Gran Canaria

Grand Canyon   n   a gorge of the Colorado River in N Arizona, extending from its junction with the Little Colorado River to Lake Mead; cut by vertical river erosion through the multicoloured strata of a high plateau; partly contained in the Grand Canyon National Park, covering 2610 sq km (1008 sq miles). Length: 451 km (280 miles). Width: 6 km (4 miles) to 29 km (18 miles). Greatest depth: over 1.5 km (1 mile)

grandchild (ˈɡrænˌtʃaIld)   n, pl -children (-ˌtʃIldrən)   the son or daughter of one's child

Grand Coulee (ˈkuːlI)   n   a canyon in central Washington State, over 120 m (400 ft) deep, at the N end of which is situated the Grand Coulee Dam, on the Columbia River. Height of dam: 168 m (550 ft). Length of dam: 1310 m (4300 ft)

granddaughter (ˈɡrænˌdɔːtə)   n   a daughter of one's son or daughter

grande dame French (ɡrɑ̃d dam)   n   a woman regarded as the most experienced, prominent, or venerable member of her profession, etc: the grande dame of fashion

grandee (ɡrænˈdiː)   n   1 a Spanish or Portuguese prince or nobleman of the highest rank   2 a man of great rank or eminence [C16: from Spanish grande]   > granˈdeeship n

Grand Est (French ɡrɑ̃dɛst)   n   a region of E France formed in 2016 from the former regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine

Grande-Terre (French ɡrɑ̃dtɛr)   n   a French island in the Caribbean, in the Lesser Antilles: one of the two main islands which constitute Guadeloupe. Chief town: Pointe-à-Pitre

grandeur (ˈɡrændʒə)   n   1 personal greatness, esp when based on dignity, character, or accomplishments   2 magnificence; splendour   3 pretentious or bombastic behaviour

Grand Falls   pl n   the former name (until 1965) of Churchill Falls

grandfather (ˈɡrænˌfɑːðə, ˈɡrænd-)   n   1 the father of one's father or mother   2 (often plural) a male ancestor   3 (often capital) a familiar term of address for an old man   4 dialect a caterpillar or woodlouse

■ grandfather clause   n   1 US history a clause in the constitutions of several Southern states that waived electoral literacy requirements for lineal descendants of people voting before 1867, thus ensuring the franchise for illiterate White people: declared unconstitutional in 1915   2 a clause in legislation that forbids or regulates an activity so that those engaged in it are exempted from the ban

■ grandfather clock   n   any of various types of long-pendulum clocks in tall standing wooden cases, usually between six and eight feet tall. Also called: longcase clock

■ grandfatherly (ˈɡrænˌfɑːðəlI, ˈɡrænd-)   adj   of, resembling, or suitable to a grandfather, esp in being kindly

Grand Guignol French (ɡrɑ̃ ɡiɲɔl)   n     a a brief sensational play intended to horrify   b (modifier) of, relating to, or like plays of this kind [C20: after Le Grand Guignol, a small theatre in Montmartre, Paris]

grandiflora (ˌɡrændIˈflɔːrə)   adj   botany (of a plant) producing large flowers

grandiloquent (ɡrænˈdIləkwənt)   adj   inflated, pompous, or bombastic in style or expression [C16: from Latin grandiloquus, from grandis great + loquī to speak]   > granˈdiloquence n   > granˈdiloquently adv

grandiloquous (ɡrænˈdIləkwəs)   adj   archaic grandiloquent

grandiose (ˈɡrændIˌəʊs)   adj   1 pretentiously grand or stately   2 imposing in conception or execution [C19: from French, from Italian grandioso, from grande great; see GRAND]   > ˈgrandiˌosely adv   > grandiosity (ˌɡrændIˈɒsItI) or ˌgrandiˈoseness n

grandioso (ˌɡrændIˈəʊsəʊ)   adj, adv   music (to be played) in a grand manner

grandkid (ˈɡrændˌkId)   n   informal a grandchild

Grand Lama   n   either of two high priests of Lamaism, the Dalai Lama or the Panchen Lama

grandma (ˈɡrænˌmɑː, ˈɡrænd-, ˈɡræm-), grandmama or grandmamma (ˈɡrænməˌmɑː, ˈɡrænd-)   n   informal words for grandmother

grand mal (ɡrɒn mæl; French ɡrɑ̃ mal)   n   a form of epilepsy characterized by loss of consciousness for up to five minutes and violent convulsions. Compare petit mal [French: great illness]

Grandma Moses   n   the nickname of (Anna Mary Robertson) Moses

Grand Manan (məˈnæn)   n   a Canadian island, off the SW coast of New Brunswick: separated from the coast of Maine by the Grand Manan Channel. Area: 147 sq km (57 sq miles)

Grand Marnier (ˈɡrɒn ˈmɑːnIˌeI; French ɡrɑ̃ marnje)   n   trademark a French cognac-based liqueur with an orange flavour

grandmother (ˈɡrænˌmʌðə, ˈɡrænd-)   n   1 the mother of one's father or mother   2 (often plural) a female ancestor   3 (often capital) a familiar term of address for an old woman   4 teach one's grandmother to suck eggs See egg^1 (sense 8)

■ grandmother clock   n   a longcase clock with a pendulum, about two thirds the size of a grandfather clock

■ grandmotherly (ˈɡrænˌmʌðəlI, ˈɡrænd-)   adj   of, resembling, or suitable to a grandmother, esp in being protective, indulgent, or solicitous

grandnephew (ˈɡrænˌnɛvjuː, -ˌnɛfjuː, ˈɡrænd-)   n   another name for great-nephew

grandniece (ˈɡrænˌniːs, ˈɡrænd-)   n   another name for great-niece

grandpa (ˈɡrænˌpɑː, ˈɡrænd-, ˈɡræm-) or grandpapa (ˈɡrænpəˌpɑː, ˈɡrænd-)   n   informal words for grandfather

grandparent (ˈɡrænˌpɛərənt, ˈɡrænd-)   n   the father or mother of either of one's parents

■ grandparental (ˈɡrændpəˌrɛntəl, ˈɡrænpəˌrɛntəl)   adj   relating to or belonging to a grandparent or grandparents

■ grandparenthood (ˈɡrændˌpɛərənthʊd, ˈɡrænˌpɛərənthʊd)   n   the state of being a grandparent

Grand Pré (ɡrɒn preI; French ɡrɑ̃ pre)   n   a village in SE Canada, in W Nova Scotia: setting of Longfellow's Evangeline

Grand Prix (French ɡrɑ̃ pri)   n   1    a any of a series of formula motor races held to determine the annual Drivers' World Championship   b (as modifier): a Grand Prix car   2 horse racing a race for three-year-old horses run at Maisons Lafitte near Paris   3 a very important competitive event in various other sports, such as athletics, snooker, or powerboating [French: great prize]

Grand Rapids   n   (functioning as singular) a city in SW Michigan: electronics, car parts. Pop: 195 601 (2003 est)

grand seigneur French (ɡrɑ̃ sɛɲœr)   n, pl grands seigneurs (ɡrɑ̃ sɛɲœr)   often ironic a dignified or aristocratic man [literally: great lord]

grand siècle French (ɡrɑ̃ sjɛklə)   n, pl grands siècles (ɡrɑ̃ sjɛklə)   the 17th century in French art and literature, esp the classical period of Louis XIV [literally: great century]

grandsire (ˈɡrænˌsaIə, ˈɡrænd-)   n   1 an archaic word for grandfather   2 bell-ringing a well-established method used in change-ringing. See method (sense 4)

grandson (ˈɡrænsʌn, ˈɡrænd-)   n   a son of one's son or daughter

granduncle (ˈɡrændˌʌŋkəl)   n   another name for great-uncle

granfer (ˈɡrænfə)   n   dialect a grandfather

grange (ɡreIndʒ)   n   1 chiefly Brit a farm, esp a farmhouse or country house with its various outbuildings   2 history an outlying farmhouse in which a religious establishment or feudal lord stored crops and tithes in kind   3 archaic a granary or barn [C13: from Anglo-French graunge, from Medieval Latin grānica, from Latin grānum GRAIN]

■ granger (ˈɡreIndʒə)   n   US a farmer

Grange (ɡreIndʒ)   n   the Grange trademark (in the US)   a an association of farmers that strongly influenced state legislatures in the late 19th century   b a lodge of this association

Grangemouth (ˈɡreIndʒmaʊθ, -məθ)   n   a port in Scotland, in Falkirk council area: now Scotland's second port, with oil refineries, shipyards, and chemical industries. Pop: 17 771 (2001)

grangerize or grangerise (ˈɡreIndʒəˌraIz)   vb (tr)   1 to illustrate (a book) by inserting prints, drawings, etc, taken from other works   2 to raid (books) to acquire material for illustrating another book [C19: named after Joseph Granger, 18th-century English writer, whose Biographical History of England (1769) included blank pages for illustrations to be supplied by the reader]   > ˈgrangerism n   > ˌgrangeriˈzation or ˌgrangeriˈsation n   > ˈgrangerˌizer or ˈgrangerˌiser n

grani-   combining form   indicating grain: graniform [from Latin, from grānum GRAIN]

Granicus (ɡrəˈnaIkəs)   n   an ancient river in NW Asia Minor where Alexander the Great won his first major battle against the Persians (334 BC)

granita (ɡrəˈniːtə)   n   a type of Italian dessert, similar to a sorbet [from Italian granito grainy]

granite (ˈɡrænIt)   n   1 a light-coloured coarse-grained acid plutonic igneous rock consisting of quartz, feldspars, and such ferromagnesian minerals as biotite or hornblende: widely used for building   2 great hardness, endurance, or resolution   3 another name for a stone (sense 9) [C17: from Italian granito grained, from granire to grain, from grano grain, from Latin grānum]   > ˈgranite-ˌlike adj   > granitic (ɡrəˈnItIk) or ˈgranitˌoid adj

■ graniteware (ˈɡrænItˌwɛə)   n   1 iron vessels coated with enamel of a granite-like appearance   2 a type of very durable white semivitreous pottery   3 a type of pottery with a speckled glaze

■ granitification (ɡrəˌnItIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   the process or action of forming into granite

■ granitiform (ɡrəˈnItIˌfɔːm)   adj   resembling granite

■ granitite (ˈɡrænIˌtaIt)   n   any granite with a high content of biotite

■ granitization or granitisation (ˌɡrænItaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the metamorphic conversion of a rock into granite

■ granitize or granitise (ˈɡrænIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   to subject to granitization

granivorous (ɡræˈnIvərəs)   adj   (of animals) feeding on seeds and grain   > granivore (ˈɡrænIˌvɔː) n

grannam (ˈɡrænəm)   n   archaic an old woman or a grandmother

grannom (ˈɡrænəm)   n   a widespread caddis fly, Brachycentrus subnubilus, the larvae of which attach their cases to vegetation under running water and are esteemed as a bait by anglers [C18: altered from green tail]

granny or grannie (ˈɡrænI)   n, pl -nies   1 informal words for grandmother   2 informal an irritatingly fussy person   3 a revolving cap on a chimneypot that keeps out rain, etc   4 Southern US a midwife or nurse   5 See granny knot

■ grannies (ˈɡrænIz)   pl n   NZ informal Granny Smith apples

■ granny bond   n   (in Britain) an informal name for retirement issue certificate, an index-linked savings certificate, originally available only to people over retirement age

■ granny flat   n   self-contained accommodation within or built onto a house, suitable for an elderly parent. Also called: granny annexe

■ grannyish (ˈɡranIIʃ)   adj   typical of or suitable for an elderly woman; old-fashioned

■ granny knot or granny's knot   n   a reef knot with the ends crossed the wrong way, making it liable to slip or jam

■ Granny Smith   n   a variety of hard green-skinned apple eaten raw or cooked [C19: named after Maria Ann Smith, known as Granny Smith (died 1870), who first produced them at Eastwood, Sydney]

grano-   combining form   of or resembling granite: granolith [from German, from Granit GRANITE]

granodiorite (ˌɡrænəʊˈdaIəˌraIt)   n   a coarse-grained acid igneous rock containing almost twice as much plagioclase as orthoclase: intermediate in composition between granite and diorite [C19: from grano + DIORITE]

■ granodioritic (ˌɡrænəʊˌdaIəˈrItIk)   adj   relating to granodiorite

granola (ɡrəˈnəʊlə)   n   US and Canadian a mixture of rolled oats, brown sugar, nuts, fruit, etc, eaten with milk [C20: originally Granola a trademark]

granolith (ˈɡrænəʊˌlIθ)   n   a paving material consisting of a mixture of cement and crushed granite or granite chippings   > ˌgranoˈlithic adj, n

granophyre (ˈɡrænəʊˌfaIə)   n   a fine-grained granitic rock in which irregular crystals of intergrown quartz and feldspar are embedded in a groundmass of these minerals [C19: from GRAN(ITE) + -phyre after PORPHYRY]   > granophyric (ˌɡrænəʊˈfIrIk) adj

Gran Paradiso (Italian ɡram paraˈdiːzo)   n   a mountain in NW Italy, in NW Piedmont: the highest peak of the Graian Alps. Height: 4061 m (13 323 ft)

grant (ɡrɑːnt)   vb (tr)   1 to consent to perform or fulfil: to grant a wish   2 (may take a clause as object) to permit as a favour, indulgence, etc: to grant an interview   3 (may take a clause as object) to acknowledge the validity of; concede: I grant what you say is true   4 to bestow, esp in a formal manner   5 to transfer (property) to another, esp by deed; convey   6 take for granted   a to accept or assume without question: one takes certain amenities for granted   b to fail to appreciate the value, merit, etc, of (a person)   ▷ n   7 a sum of money provided by a government, local authority, or public fund to finance educational study, overseas aid, building repairs, etc   8 a privilege, right, etc, that has been granted   9 the act of granting   10 a transfer of property by deed or other written instrument; conveyance   11 US a territorial unit in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, originally granted to an individual or organization [C13: from Old French graunter, from Vulgar Latin credentāre (unattested), from Latin crēdere to believe]   > ˈgrantable adj   > ˈgranter n

■ grant-aided   adj   given financial assistance by an organization

■ granted (ˈɡrɑːntId, ˈɡræntId)   conj   1 granted (that) … even assuming that: granted the firm has not broken the law, is the law what it should be?   ▷ adv   2 admittedly: granted, he doesn't look bad for his age

■ grantee (ɡrɑːnˈtiː)   n   law a person to whom a grant is made

■ grant-in-aid   n, pl grants-in-aid   1 a sum of money granted by one government to a lower level of government or to a dependency for a programme, etc   2 education a grant provided by the central government or local education authority to ensure consistent standards in buildings and other facilities

■ grant-maintained   adj   (grant maintained when postpositive) (of schools or educational institutions) funded directly by central government

■ grant of probate   n   law a certificate stating that a will is valid

■ grantor (ɡrɑːnˈtɔː, ˈɡrɑːntə)   n   law a person who makes a grant

■ grantsman (ˈɡrɑːntsmən)   n, pl -men   a student who specializes in obtaining grants

■ grantsmanship (ˈɡrɑːntsmənˌʃIp)   n   the art of obtaining grants for research, etc

Grant (ɡrɑːnt)   n   1  Cary, real name Alexander Archibald Leach. 1904–86, US film actor, born in England. His many films include Bringing up Baby (1938), The Philadelphia Story (1940), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), and Mr Blandings Builds his Dream House (1948)   2  Duncan (James Corrowr). 1885–1978, British painter and designer   3  Ulysses S(impson), real name Hiram Ulysses Grant. 1822–85, 18th president of the US (1869–77); commander in chief of Union forces in the American Civil War (1864–65)

Granta (ˈɡræntə, ˈɡrɑːntə)   n   the original name, still in use locally, for the River Cam

Grantham (ˈɡrænθəm)   n   a town in E England, in Lincolnshire: birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher. Pop: 34 592 (2001)

Granthi (ˈɡrʌnˌtiː)   n   the caretaker of a gurdwara and the reader of the Guru Granth, who officiates at Sikh ceremonies [from Punjabi: keeper of the (GURU) GRANTH]

gran turismo (ˈɡræn tʊəˈrIzməʊ)   n, pl gran turismos   the full form of GT [C20: Italian, literally: great touring (i.e. touring on a grand scale)]

granule (ˈɡrænjuːl)   n   1 a small grain   2 geology a single rock fragment in gravel, smaller than a pebble but larger than a sand grain   3 astronomy another name for granulation (sense 5) [C17: from Late Latin grānulum a small GRAIN]

■ granular (ˈɡrænjʊlə)   adj   1 of, like, containing, or resembling a granule or granules   2 having a grainy or granulated surface   > ˈgranularly adv

■ granularity (ˌɡrænjʊˈlærItI)   n   1 the state or quality of being grainy or granular   2 the state or quality of being composed of many individual pieces or elements

■ granulary (ˈɡrænjʊlərI)   adj   archaic granular

■ granulate (ˈɡrænjʊˌleIt)   vb   1 (tr) to make into grains   2 to make or become roughened in surface texture   3 (intr) (of a wound, ulcer, etc) to form granulation tissue   > ˈgranulative adj   > ˈgranuˌlator or ˈgranuˌlater n

■ granulated sugar   n   a coarsely ground white sugar

■ granulation (ˌɡrænjʊˈleIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of granulating   2 a granulated texture or surface   3 a single bump or grain in such a surface   4 See granulation tissue   5 Also: granule astronomy any of numerous bright regions (approximate diameter 900 km) having a fine granular structure that can appear briefly on any part of the sun's surface

■ granulation tissue   n   a mass of new connective tissue and capillaries formed on the surface of a healing ulcer or wound, usually leaving a scar. Nontechnical name: proud flesh

■ granuliferous (ˌɡrænjʊˈlIfərəs)   adj   full of granules, or producing granules

■ granuliform (ˈɡrænjʊlIˌfɔːm)   adj   having a granular structure

■ granulite (ˈɡrænjʊˌlaIt)   n   a granular foliated metamorphic rock in which the minerals form a mosaic of equal-sized granules   > granulitic (ˌɡrænjʊˈlItIk) adj

■ granulitization or granulitisation (ˌɡrænjʊlItaIˈzeIʃən)   n   geology the process whereby metamorphism acts on a rock and reduces it to crystalline grains

■ granulocyte (ˈɡrænjʊləˌsaIt)   n   any of a group of phagocytic leucocytes having cytoplasmic granules that take up various dyes. See also eosinophil, neutrophil (sense 1), basophil (sense 2)   > granulocytic (ˌɡrænjʊləˈsItIk) adj

■ granulocytopenia (ˌɡrænjʊləʊˌsaItəʊˈpiːnIə)   n   a diminished number of granulocytes in the blood, which occurs in certain forms of anaemia

■ granuloma (ˌɡrænjʊˈləʊmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   a tumour composed of granulation tissue produced in response to chronic infection, inflammation, a foreign body, or to unknown causes   > granulomatous (ˌɡrænjʊˈlɒmətəs) adj

■ granulose (ˈɡrænjʊˌləʊs, -ˌləʊz)   adj   a less common word for granular

■ granulosis (ˌɡrænjʊˈləʊsIs)   n   entomol a disease that predominantly affects larval Lepidoptera and which causes loss of appetite and sluggishness

■ granulous (ˈɡrænjʊləs)   adj   consisting of grains or granules

granum (ˈɡrænəm)   n   botany any of the membrane layers in a chloroplast

Granville (ˈɡrænvIl)   n   1  1st Earl, title of John Carteret. 1690–1763, British statesman: secretary of state (1742–44); a leading opponent of Walpole   2  2nd Earl, title of Granville George Leveson-Gower. 1815–91, British Liberal politician: Gladstone's foreign secretary (1870–74; 1880–85) and a supporter of Irish Home Rule

Granville-Barker (ˈɡrænvIlˈbɑːkə)   n   Harley. 1877–1946, English dramatist, theatre director, and critic, noted particularly for his Prefaces to Shakespeare (1927–47)

grape (ɡreIp)   n   1 the fruit of the grapevine, which has a purple or green skin and sweet flesh: eaten raw, dried to make raisins, currants, or sultanas, or used for making wine   2 any of various plants that bear grapelike fruit, such as the Oregon grape   3 See grapevine (sense 1)   4 the grape an informal term for wine^1   5 See grapeshot [C13: from Old French grape bunch of grapes, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krāpfo; related to CRAMP^2, GRAPPLE]   > ˈgrapeless adj   > ˈgrapeˌlike adj

■ grapefruit (ˈɡreIpˌfruːt)   n, pl -fruit or -fruits   1 a tropical or subtropical cultivated evergreen rutaceous tree, Citrus paradisi   2 the large round edible fruit of this tree, which has yellow rind and juicy slightly bitter pulp

■ grape hyacinth   n   any of various Eurasian liliaceous plants of the genus Muscari, esp M. botryoides, with clusters of rounded blue flowers resembling tiny grapes

■ grape ivy   n   See rhoicissus

■ grapelouse (ˈɡreIpˌlaʊs)   n, pl -lice   an insect that attacks grape vines

■ grapery (ˈɡreIpərI)   n, pl -ries   a building or area where grapes are grown

■ grapes (ɡreIps)   n   (functioning as singular) vet science archaic an abnormal growth, resembling a bunch of grapes, on the fetlock of a horse

■ grapeseed (ˈɡreIpˌsiːd)   n   the seed of a grape

■ grapeshot (ˈɡreIpˌʃɒt)   n   ammunition for cannons consisting of a canvas tube containing a cluster of small iron or lead balls that scatter after firing

■ grapestone (ˈɡreIpˌstəʊn)   n   a grapeseed

■ grape sugar   n   another name for dextrose

■ grapetree (ˈɡreIpˌtriː)   n   any of various plants of the genus Coccoloba, esp C. uvifera, a shrubby plant resembling a grapevine

■ grapevine (ˈɡreIpˌvaIn)   n   1 any of several vitaceous vines of the genus Vitis, esp V. vinifera of E Asia, widely cultivated for its fruit (grapes): family Vitaceae   2 informal an unofficial means of relaying information, esp from person to person   3 a wrestling hold in which a wrestler entwines his own leg around an opponent's and exerts pressure against various joints

■ grapey or grapy (ˈɡreIpI)   adj -pier, -piest   tasting or smelling of grapes

■ grapiness (ˈɡreIpInəs)   n   the quality of tasting like a grape

graph (ɡrɑːf, ɡræf)   n   1 Also called: chart a drawing depicting the relation between certain sets of numbers or quantities by means of a series of dots, lines, etc, plotted with reference to a set of axes. See also bar graph   2 maths a drawing depicting a functional relation between two or three variables by means of a curve or surface containing only those points whose coordinates satisfy the relation   3 maths a structure represented by a diagram consisting of points (vertices) joined by lines (edges)   4 linguistics a symbol in a writing system not further subdivisible into other such symbols   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to draw or represent in a graph [C19: short for graphic formula]

■ graph paper   n   paper printed with intersecting lines, usually horizontal and vertical and equally spaced, for drawing graphs, diagrams, etc

-graph   n combining form   1 an instrument that writes or records: telegraph   2 a writing, record, or drawing: autograph; lithograph [via Latin from Greek -graphos, from graphein to write]   > -graphic or -graphical adj combining form   > -graphically adv combining form

grapheme (ˈɡræfiːm)   n   linguistics one of a set of orthographic symbols (letters or combinations of letters) in a given language that serve to distinguish one word from another and usually correspond to or represent phonemes, e.g. the f in fun, the ph in phantom, and the gh in laugh [C20: from Greek graphēma a letter]   > graˈphemic adj   > graˈphemically adv

graphene (ˈɡræfiːn)   n   a nanomaterial consisting of one-atom-thick sheets of carbon atoms, with the atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice structure [C20: from GRAPH(ITE) + -ENE]

-grapher   n combining form   1 indicating a person who writes about or is skilled in a subject: geographer; photographer   2 indicating a person who writes, records, or draws in a specified way: stenographer; lithographer

graphic (ˈɡræfIk) or graphical   adj   1 vividly or clearly described: a graphic account of the disaster   2 sexually explicit   3 of or relating to writing or other inscribed representations: graphic symbols   4 maths using, relating to, or determined by a graph: a graphic representation of the figures   5 of or relating to the graphic arts   6 geology having or denoting a texture formed by intergrowth of the crystals to resemble writing: graphic granite [C17: from Latin graphicus, from Greek graphikos, from graphein to write; see CARVE]   > ˈgraphically or ˈgraphicly adv   > ˈgraphicalness or ˈgraphicness n

■ graphicacy (ˈɡræfIkəsI)   n   the ability to understand and use maps, plans, symbols, etc [C20: formed on the model of literacy]

■ graphical user interface   n   an interface between a user and a computer system that involves the use of a mouse-controlled screen cursor to select options from menus, make choices with buttons, start programs by clicking icons, etc. Abbreviation: GUI

■ graphic arts   pl n   any of the fine or applied visual arts based on drawing or the use of line, as opposed to colour or relief, on a plane surface, esp illustration and printmaking of all kinds

■ graphic equalizer   n   an electronic device for cutting or boosting selected frequencies, using small linear faders. Compare parametric equalizer

■ graphic novel   n   a novel in the form of a comic strip

■ graphics (ˈɡræfIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the process or art of drawing in accordance with mathematical principles   2 (functioning as singular) the study of writing systems   3 (functioning as plural) the drawings, photographs, etc, in the layout of a magazine or book, or in a television or film production   4 (functioning as plural) the information displayed on a visual display unit or on a computer printout in the form of diagrams, graphs, pictures, and symbols

■ graphics adapter   n   (on a computer) the hardware that controls the way graphics appear on the monitor

graphite (ˈɡræfaIt)   n   a blackish soft allotropic form of carbon in hexagonal crystalline form: used in pencils, crucibles, and electrodes, as a lubricant, as a moderator in nuclear reactors, and, in a carbon fibre form, as a tough lightweight material for sporting equipment. Also called: plumbago [C18: from German Graphit; from Greek graphein to write + -ITE^1]   > graphitic (ɡrəˈfItIk) adj

■ graphitize or graphitise (ˈɡræfIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to convert (a substance) into graphite, usually by heating   2 to coat or impregnate with graphite   > ˌgraphiˈtizable or ˌgraphiˈtisable adj   > ˌgraphitiˈzation or ˌgraphitiˈsation n

■ graphitoid (ˈɡræfIˌtɔId)   adj   resembling graphite

graphium (ˈɡræfIəm, ˈɡrɑːfIəm)   n   a writing stylus

grapholect (ˈɡræfəˌlɛkt)   n   linguistics an established and standardized written language

graphology (ɡræˈfɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of handwriting, esp to analyse the writer's character   2 linguistics the study of writing systems   > graphologic (ˌɡræfəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌgraphoˈlogical adj   > graˈphologist n

graphomania (ˌɡræfəʊˈmeInIə)   n   an obsession with writing

graphomotor (ˈɡræfəˌməʊtə)   adj   of or relating to the muscular movements used or required in writing

graphophobia (ˌɡræfəʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   a fear or dislike of writing

-graphy   n combining form   1 indicating a form or process of writing, representing, etc: calligraphy; photography   2 indicating an art or descriptive science: choreography; oceanography [via Latin from Greek -graphia, from graphein to write]

graplement (ˈɡræpəlmənt)   n   obsolete a close fight or a close fighting grasp

grapnel (ˈɡræpnəl)   n   1 a device with a multiple hook at one end and attached to a rope, which is thrown or hooked over a firm mooring to secure an object attached to the other end of the rope   2 a light anchor for small boats [C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see GRAPE]

grappa (ˈɡræpə)   n   a spirit distilled from the fermented remains of grapes after pressing [Italian: grape stalk, of Germanic origin; see GRAPE]

Grappelli or Grappelly (ɡrəˈpɛlI)   n   Stéphane (ˈstɛfən) 1908–97, French jazz violinist: with Django Reinhardt, he led the Quintet of the Hot Club of France between 1934 and 1939

grapple (ˈɡræpəl)   vb   1 to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp to struggle in hand-to-hand combat   2 (intr; foll by with) to cope or contend: to grapple with a financial problem   3 (tr) to secure with a grapple   ▷ n   4 any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel   5    a the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling   b a grip or hold   6 a contest of grappling, esp a wrestling match [C16: from Old French grappelle a little hook, from grape hook; see GRAPNEL]   > ˈgrappler n

■ grapple plant   n   a herbaceous plant, Harpagophytum procumbens, of southern Africa, whose fruits are covered with large woody barbed hooks: family Pedaliaceae. Also called: wait-a-bit

■ grappling (ˈɡræplIŋ)   n   1 the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling   2 a hook used for securing something

■ grappling iron or grappling hook   n   a grapnel, esp one used for securing ships

graptolite (ˈɡræptəˌlaIt)   n   any extinct Palaeozoic colonial animal of the class Graptolithina, usually regarded as related to either the hemichordates or the coelenterates: a common fossil, used to determine the age of sedimentary rocks [C19: from Greek graptos written, from graphein to write + -LITE]

■ graptolitic (ˌɡræptəˈlItIk)   adj   relating to, or containing, graptolites

Grasmere (ˈɡrɑːsˌmIə)   n   a village in NW England, in Cumbria at the head of Lake Grasmere: home of William Wordsworth and of Thomas de Quincey

grasp (ɡrɑːsp)   vb   1 to grip (something) firmly with or as if with the hands   2 (when intr, often foll by at) to struggle, snatch, or grope (for)   3 (tr) to understand, esp with effort   ▷ n   4 the act of grasping   5 a grip or clasp, as of a hand   6 the capacity to accomplish (esp in the phrase within one's grasp)   7 total rule or possession   8 understanding; comprehension [C14: from Low German grapsen; related to Old English græppian to seize, Old Norse grāpa to steal]   > ˈgraspable adj   > ˈgrasper n

■ grasping (ˈɡrɑːspIŋ)   adj   greedy; avaricious; rapacious   > ˈgraspingly adv

■ graspingness (ˈɡrɑːspIŋnIs)   n   greed

■ graspless (ˈɡrɑːsplIs)   adj   (of a person's hand) having no grasp, and hence loose, relaxed, etc

grass (ɡrɑːs)   n   1 any monocotyledonous plant of the family Poaceae (formerly Gramineae), having jointed stems sheathed by long narrow leaves, flowers in spikes, and seedlike fruits. The family includes cereals, bamboo, etc   2 such plants collectively, in a lawn, meadow, etc. Related adjectives: gramineous, verdant   3 any similar plant, such as knotgrass, deergrass, or scurvy grass   4 ground on which such plants grow; a lawn, field, etc   5 ground on which animals are grazed; pasture   6 a slang word for marijuana   7 Brit slang a person who informs, esp on criminals   8 short for sparrowgrass   9 get off the grass NZ informal an exclamation of disbelief   10 let the grass grow under one's feet to squander time or opportunity   11 put out to grass   a to retire (a racehorse)   b informal to retire (a person)   ▷ vb   12 to cover or become covered with grass   13 to feed or be fed with grass   14 (tr) to spread (cloth) out on grass for drying or bleaching in the sun   15 (tr) sport to knock or bring down (an opponent)   16 (tr) to shoot down (a bird)   17 (tr) to land (a fish) on a river bank   18 (intr; usually foll by on) Brit slang to inform, esp to the police [Old English græs; related to Old Norse, Gothic, Old High German gras, Middle High German gruose sap]   > ˈgrassless adj   > ˈgrassˌlike adj

■ grassbird (ˈɡrɑːsˌbɜːd)   n   a type of warbler found in long grass and reed beds

■ grass box   n   a container attached to a lawn mower that receives grass after it has been cut

■ grass cloth   n   a cloth made from plant fibres, such as jute or hemp

■ grass court   n   a tennis court covered with grass. See also hard court

■ grasser (ˈɡrɑːsə)   n   informal an informer

■ grassfinch (ˈɡrɑːsˌfIntʃ)   n   any Australian weaverbird of the genus Poephila and related genera, many of which are brightly coloured and kept as cagebirds

■ grass hockey   n   Canadian field hockey, as contrasted with ice hockey

■ grasshook (ˈɡrɑːsˌhʊk)   n   another name for sickle

■ grasshopper (ˈɡrɑːsˌhɒpə)   n   1 any orthopterous insect of the families Acrididae (short-horned grasshoppers) and Tettigoniidae (long-horned grasshoppers), typically terrestrial, feeding on plants, and producing a ticking sound by rubbing the hind legs against the leathery forewings. See also locust (sense 1), katydid   2 knee-high to a grasshopper informal very young or very small   3 an iced cocktail of equal parts of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream   4 (modifier) unable to concentrate on any one subject for long: a grasshopper mind

■ grassily (ˈɡrɑːsIlI)   adv   in a grassy manner

■ grassland (ˈɡrɑːsˌlænd)   n   1 land, such as a prairie, on which grass predominates   2 land reserved for natural grass pasture

■ grass moth   n   any of a large subfamily of small night-flying pyralid moths, esp Crambus pratellus, that during the day cling to grass stems

■ grass-of-Parnassus   n   a herbaceous perennial N temperate marsh plant, Parnassia palustris, with solitary whitish flowers: family Parnassiaceae

■ grassplot (ˈɡrɑːsˌplɒt)   n   a plot of ground overgrown with grass

■ grassquit (ˈɡrɑːsˌkwIt)   n   any tropical American finch of the genus Tiaris and related genera, such as T. olivacea (yellow-faced grassquit) [from GRASS + quit, a bird name in Jamaica]

■ grassroot (ˈɡrɑːsˌruːt)   adj   relating to the ordinary people, esp as part of the electorate

■ grass roots   pl n   1    a the ordinary people as distinct from the active leadership of a party or organization: used esp of the rank-and-file members of a political party, or of the voters themselves   b (as modifier): the newly elected MP expressed a wish for greater contact with people at grass-roots level   2 the origin or essentials [C20: sense 1 originally US, with reference to rural areas in contrast to the towns]

■ grass snake   n   1 a harmless nonvenomous European colubrid snake, Natrix natrix, having a brownish-green body with variable markings   2 any of several similar related European snakes, such as Natrix maura (viperine grass snake)

■ grass tree   n   1 Also called: black boy, yacca, yacka any plant of the Australian genus Xanthorrhoea, having a woody stem, stiff grasslike leaves, and a spike of small white flowers: family Xanthorrhoeaceae. Some species produce fragrant resins. See also acaroid gum   2 any of several similar Australasian plants

■ grass up   vb   (tr, adverb) slang to inform on (someone), esp to the police

■ grass widow   n   1 a woman divorced, separated, or living away from her spouse   2 a woman whose spouse is regularly away for short periods [C16, meaning a discarded mistress: perhaps an allusion to a grass bed as representing an illicit relationship; compare BASTARD; C19 in the modern sense]

■ grass widower   n   1 a man divorced, separated, or living away from his spouse   2 a man whose spouse is regularly away for short periods

■ grasswrack (ˈɡrɑːsˌræk)   n   any of several perennial submerged marine plants of the genus Zostera; eelgrass

■ grassy (ˈɡrɑːsI)   adj grassier, grassiest   covered with, containing, or resembling grass   > ˈgrassiness n

Grass (German ɡras)   n   Günter (Wilhelm) (ˈɡyntər). 1927–2015, German novelist, dramatist, and poet. His novels include The Tin Drum (1959), Dog Years (1963), The Rat (1986), Crabwalk (2002), and Peeling the Onion (2007). Nobel prize for literature 1999

grassum (ˈɡrɑːsəm)   n   Scots law a lump sum paid when first taking up a lease, in addition to regular rent

grate^1 (ɡreIt)   vb   1 (tr) to reduce to small shreds by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface: to grate carrots   2 to scrape (an object) against something or (objects) together, producing a harsh rasping sound, or (of objects) to scrape with such a sound   3 (intr; foll by on or upon) to annoy   ▷ n   4 a harsh rasping sound [C15: from Old French grater to scrape, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krazzōn]

■ grater (ˈɡreItə)   n   1 a kitchen utensil with sharp-edged perforations for grating carrots, cheese, etc   2 a person or thing that grates

■ grating (ˈɡreItIŋ)   adj   1 (of sounds) harsh and rasping   2 annoying; irritating   ▷ n   3 (often plural) something produced by grating   > ˈgratingly adv

grate^2 (ɡreIt)   n   1 a framework of metal bars for holding fuel in a fireplace, stove, or furnace   2 a less common word for fireplace   3 another name for grating (sense 1)   4 mining a perforated metal screen for grading crushed ore   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to provide with a grate or grates [C14: from Old French grate, from Latin crātis hurdle]

■ grateless (ˈɡreItlIs)   adj   (of a fireplace, etc) having no grate

■ grating (ˈɡreItIŋ)   n   1 Also called: grate a framework of metal bars in the form of a grille set into a wall, pavement, etc, serving as a cover or guard but admitting air and sometimes light   2 short for diffraction grating

grateful (ˈɡreItfʊl)   adj   1 thankful for gifts, favours, etc; appreciative   2 showing gratitude: a grateful letter   3 favourable or pleasant: a grateful rest [C16: from obsolete grate, from Latin grātus + -FUL]   > ˈgratefully adv   > ˈgratefulness n

Gratian (ˈɡreIʃIən)   n   Latin name Flavius Gratianus. 359–383 AD, Roman emperor (367–383): ruled with his father Valentinian I (367–375); ruled the Western Roman Empire with his brother Valentinian II (375-83); appointed Theodosius I emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (379)

graticule (ˈɡrætIˌkjuːl)   n   1 the grid of intersecting lines, esp of latitude and longitude on which a map is drawn   2 another name for reticle   3 a transparent scale in front of a cathode-ray oscilloscope or other measuring instrument [C19: from French, from Latin crāticula, from crātis wickerwork]

■ graticulation (ɡrəˌtIkjʊˈleIʃən)   n   the division of a design, plan, etc into squares in order to improve the accuracy of enlargement or reduction

gratify (ˈɡrætIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to satisfy or please   2 to yield to or indulge (a desire, whim, etc)   3 obsolete to reward [C16: from Latin grātificārī to do a favour to, from grātus grateful + facere to make]   > ˈgratiˌfier n

■ gratification (ˌɡrætIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of gratifying or the state of being gratified   2 something that gratifies   3 an obsolete word for gratuity

■ gratified (ˈɡrætIfaId)   adj   pleased or satisfied

■ gratifying (ˈɡrætIˌfaIIŋ)   adj   giving one satisfaction or pleasure   > ˈgratiˌfyingly adv

gratillity (ɡrəˈtIlItI)   n   jocular, obsolete gratuity

gratin (French ɡratɛ̃)   adj   See au gratin

■ gratinate (ˈɡratIˌneIt)   vb (tr)   cookery to gratinee

■ gratinated (ˈɡrætIˌneItId)   adj   another term for au gratin

■ gratine (ˈɡrætIneI; French ɡratine)   adj   cookery cooked au gratin

■ gratinee (ˌɡratiːˈneI)   vb (tr)   cookery to cook (food) au gratin

gratis (ˈɡreItIs, ˈɡrætIs, ˈɡrɑːtIs)   adv, adj   (postpositive) without payment; free of charge [C15: from Latin: out of kindness, from grātiīs, ablative pl of grātia favour]

gratitude (ˈɡrætIˌtjuːd)   n   a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation, as for gifts or favours [C16: from Medieval Latin grātitūdō, from Latin grātus GRATEFUL]

Grattan (ˈɡrætən)   n   Henry. 1746–1820, Irish statesman and orator: led the movement that secured legislative independence for Ireland (1782), opposed union with England (1800), and campaigned for Catholic emancipation

grattoir (ˈɡrætwɑː)   n   archaeol a scraper made of flint

gratuity (ɡrəˈtjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   1 a gift or reward, usually of money, for services rendered; tip   2 something given without claim or obligation   3 military a financial award granted for long or meritorious service

■ gratuitous (ɡrəˈtjuːItəs)   adj   1 given or received without payment or obligation   2 without cause; unjustified   3 law given or made without receiving any value in return: a gratuitous agreement [C17: from Latin grātuītus, from grātia favour]   > graˈtuitously adv   > graˈtuitousness n

gratulate (ˈɡrætjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to greet joyously   2 to congratulate [C16: from Latin grātulārī, from grātus pleasing]   > ˈgratulant adj   > ˌgratuˈlation n   > ˈgratulatory adj

Graubünden (German ɡrauˈbyndən)   n   an Alpine canton of E Switzerland: the largest of the cantons, but sparsely populated. Capital: Chur. Pop: 186 100 (2002 est). Area: 7109 sq km (2773 sq miles). Italian name: Grigioni. Romansch name: Grischun. French name: Grisons

graunch (ɡrɔːntʃ)   vb   1 (tr) NZ to crush or destroy   2 South African to kiss and cuddle (someone) passionately [C19: from English dialect word, of imitative origin]

■ grauncher (ˈɡrɔːntʃə)   n NZ   1 a person who crushes or destroys   2 an incompetent mechanic

graupel (ˈɡraʊpəl)   n   soft hail or snow pellets [German, from Graupe, probably from Serbo-Croat krupa; related to Russian krupá peeled grain]

grav (ɡræv)   n   a unit of acceleration equal to the standard acceleration of free fall. 1 grav is equivalent to 9.806 65 metres per second per second. Symbol: g

gravadlax (ˈɡrævədˌlæks)   n   another name for gravlax

gravamen (ɡrəˈveImɛn)   n, pl -vamina (-ˈvæmInə)   1 law that part of an accusation weighing most heavily against an accused   2 law the substance or material grounds of a complaint   3 a rare word for grievance [C17: from Late Latin: trouble, from Latin gravāre to load, from gravis heavy; see GRAVE^2]

grave^1 (ɡreIv)   n   1 a place for the burial of a corpse, esp beneath the ground and usually marked by a tombstone. Related adjective: sepulchral   2 something resembling a grave or resting place: the ship went to its grave   3 the grave a poetic term for death   4 have one foot in the grave informal to be near death   5 to make someone turn in their grave or to make someone turn over in their grave to do something that would have shocked or distressed (someone now dead): many modern dictionaries would make Dr Johnson turn in his grave [Old English græf; related to Old Frisian gref, Old High German grab, Old Slavonic grobǔ; see GRAVE^3]

■ grave clothes   pl n   the wrappings in which a dead body is interred

■ gravedigger (ˈɡreIvˌdIɡə)   n   someone whose job is to dig the ground to make a grave

■ graveless (ˈɡreIvlIs)   adj   having no grave or graves

■ gravelike (ˈɡreIvˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a grave

■ graverobber (ˈɡreIvˌrɒbə)   n   someone who steals from graves

■ graveside (ˈɡreIvˌsaId)   n   the side of a grave

■ gravesite (ˈɡreIvˌsaIt)   n   the site of a grave

■ gravestone (ˈɡreIvˌstəʊn)   n   a stone marking a grave and usually inscribed with the name and dates of the person buried

■ graveward (ˈɡreIvwəd)   adj   moving towards the grave or death

■ grave-wax   n   the nontechnical name for adipocere

■ graveyard (ˈɡreIvˌjɑːd)   n   a place for graves; a burial ground, esp a small one or one in a churchyard

■ graveyard orbit   n   another name for dump orbit

■ graveyard shift   n   US the working shift between midnight and morning

■ graveyard slot   n   television the hours from late night until early morning when the number of people watching television is at its lowest

grave^2 (ɡreIv)   adj   1 serious and solemn: a grave look   2 full of or suggesting danger: a grave situation   3 important; crucial: grave matters of state   4 (of colours) sober or dull   5 (ɡrɑːv) phonetics   a (of a vowel or syllable in some languages with a pitch accent, such as ancient Greek) spoken on a lower or falling musical pitch relative to neighbouring syllables or vowels   b of or relating to an accent (`) over vowels, denoting a pronunciation with lower or falling musical pitch (as in ancient Greek), with a certain special quality (as in French), or in a manner that gives the vowel status as a syllable nucleus not usually possessed by it in that position (as in English agèd). Compare acute (sense 8), circumflex   ▷ n   6 a grave accent [C16: from Old French, from Latin gravis; related to Greek barus heavy; see GRAVAMEN]   > ˈgravely adv   > ˈgraveness n

grave^3 (ɡreIv)   vb graves, graving, graved, graved or graven (tr) archaic   1 to cut, carve, sculpt, or engrave   2 to fix firmly in the mind [Old English grafan; related to Old Norse grafa, Old High German graban to dig]

■ graven (ˈɡreIvən)   vb   1 a past participle of grave^3   ▷ adj   2 strongly fixed

■ graven image   n   chiefly Bible a carved image used as an idol

■ graver (ˈɡreIvə)   n   any of various engraving, chasing, or sculpting tools, such as a burin

grave^4 (ɡreIv)   vb   (tr) nautical to clean and apply a coating of pitch to (the bottom of a vessel) [C15: perhaps from Old French grave GRAVEL]

■ graving dock   n   another term for dry dock

grave^5 (ˈɡrɑːvI)   adj, adv   music to be performed in a solemn manner [C17: from Italian: heavy, from Latin gravis]

gravel (ˈɡrævəl)   n   1 an unconsolidated mixture of rock fragments that is coarser than sand   2 geology a mixture of rock fragments with diameters in the range 4–76 mm   3 pathol small rough calculi in the kidneys or bladder   ▷ vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled (tr)   4 to cover with gravel   5 to confound or confuse   6 US informal to annoy or disturb [C13: from Old French gravele, diminutive of grave gravel, perhaps of Celtic origin]   > ˈgravelish adj

■ gravel-blind   adj   literary almost entirely blind [C16: from GRAVEL + BLIND, formed on the model of SAND-BLIND]

■ gravelled or US graveled (ˈɡrævəld)   adj   covered with gravel

■ gravelly (ˈɡrævəlI)   adj   1 consisting of or abounding in gravel   2 of or like gravel   3 (esp of a voice) harsh and grating

■ gravel-voiced   adj   speaking in a rough and rasping tone

Gravenhage (xraːvənˈhaːxə)   n   's Gravenhage a Dutch name for (The) Hague^1

graveolent (ˈɡrævIələnt)   adj   (of plants) having a strong fetid smell [C17: from Latin gravis heavy + olēre to smell]

Graves^1 (ɡrɑːv)   n   (sometimes not capital) a white or red wine from the district around Bordeaux, France

Graves^2 (ɡreIvz)   n   Robert (Ranke). 1895–1985, English poet, novelist, and critic, whose works include his World War I autobiography, Goodbye to All That (1929), and the historical novels I, Claudius (1934) and Claudius the God (1934)

Graves' disease (ɡreIvz)   n   another name for exophthalmic goitre [C19: named after R. J. Graves (1796–1853), Irish physician]

Gravesend (ˌɡreIvzˈɛnd)   n   a river port in SE England, in NW Kent on the Thames. Pop: 53 045 (2001)

Gravettian (ɡrəˈvɛtIən)   adj   of, referring to, or characteristic of an Upper Palaeolithic culture, characterized esp by small pointed blades with blunt backs [C20: from La Gravette on the Dordogne, France]

gravid (ˈɡrævId)   adj   the technical word for pregnant [C16: from Latin gravidus, from gravis heavy]   > graˈvidity or ˈgravidness n   > ˈgravidly adv

■ gravida (ˈɡrævIdə)   n   med a pregnant woman

gravimeter (ɡrəˈvImItə)   n   1 an instrument for measuring the earth's gravitational field at points on its surface   2 an instrument for measuring relative density [C18: from French gravimètre, from Latin gravis heavy]   > graˈvimetry n

■ gravimetric (ˌɡrævIˈmɛtrIk) or gravimetrical   adj   of, concerned with, or using measurement by weight. Compare volumetric   > ˌgraviˈmetrically adv

■ gravimetric analysis   n   chem quantitative analysis by weight, usually involving the precipitation, filtration, drying, and weighing of the precipitate. Compare volumetric analysis

graviperception (ˌɡrævIpəˈsɛpʃən)   n   the perception of gravity by plants

gravitas (ˈɡrævIˌtæs)   n   seriousness, solemnity, or importance [C20: from Latin gravitās weight, from gravis heavy]

gravity (ˈɡrævItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the force of attraction that moves or tends to move bodies towards the centre of a celestial body, such as the earth or moon   2 the property of being heavy or having weight. See also specific gravity, centre of gravity   3 another name for gravitation   4 seriousness or importance, esp as a consequence of an action or opinion   5 manner or conduct that is solemn or dignified   6 lowness in pitch   7 (modifier) of or relating to gravity or gravitation or their effects: gravity wave; gravity feed [C16: from Latin gravitās weight, from gravis heavy]

■ gravitate (ˈɡrævIˌteIt)   vb (intr)   1 physics to move under the influence of gravity   2 (usually foll by to or towards) to be influenced or drawn, as by strong impulses   3 to sink or settle   > ˈgraviˌtater n

■ gravitation (ˌɡrævIˈteIʃən)   n   1 the force of attraction that bodies exert on one another as a result of their mass   2 any process or result caused by this interaction, such as the fall of a body to the surface of the earth   ▶ Also called: gravity. See also Newton's law of gravitation

■ gravitational (ˌɡrævIˈteIʃənəl)   adj   of, relating to, or involving gravitation   > ˌgraviˈtationally adv

■ gravitational constant   n   the factor relating force to mass and distance in Newton's law of gravitation. It is a universal constant with the value 6.673 × 10–11 N m^2 kg–2. Symbol: G

■ gravitational field   n   the field of force surrounding a body of finite mass in which another body would experience an attractive force that is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them

■ gravitational interaction or gravitational force   n   an interaction between particles or bodies resulting from their mass. It is very weak and occurs at all distances. See interaction (sense 2)

■ gravitational lens   n   astronomy a lenslike effect in which light rays are bent when passing through the gravitational field of such massive objects as galaxies or black holes

■ gravitational mass   n   the mass of a body determined by its response to the force of gravity. Compare inertial mass

■ gravitational wave   n   a wave-like motion in a gravitational field, produced when a mass is accelerated or otherwise disturbed; they travel through space-time at the speed of light and the strongest sources are those with the strongest gravitational fields, although the waves are very weak; predicted by Einstein in 1916 but not first observed directly until 2015

■ gravitative (ˈɡrævIˌteItIv)   adj   1 of, involving, or produced by gravitation   2 tending or causing to gravitate

■ gravitino (ˌɡrævIˈtiːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   physics a hypothetical subatomic particle, being the counterpart of a graviton and having a spin of 3/2

■ gravitometer (ˌɡrævIˈtɒmItə)   n   physics an instrument that measures specific gravities

■ graviton (ˈɡrævIˌtɒn)   n   a postulated quantum of gravitational energy, usually considered to be a particle with zero charge and rest mass and a spin of 2. Compare photon

■ gravity cell   n   an electrolytic cell in which the electrodes lie in two different electrolytes, which are separated into two layers by the difference in their relative densities

■ gravity dam   n   a dam whose weight alone is great enough to prevent it from tipping over

■ gravity fault   n   a fault in which the rocks on the upper side of an inclined fault plane have been displaced downwards; normal fault

■ gravity platform   n   (in the oil industry) a drilling platform that rests directly on the sea bed and is kept in position by its own weight; it is usually made of reinforced concrete

■ gravity scale   n   a scale giving the relative density of fluids. See API gravity scale

■ gravity wave   n physics   a surface wave on water or other liquid propagated because of the weight of liquid in the crests. See also: gravitational wave

gravlax (ˈɡrævˌlæks) or gravadlax   n   dry-cured salmon, marinated in salt, sugar, and spices, as served in Scandinavia [C20: from Norwegian, from grav grave (because the salmon is left to ferment) + laks or Swedish lax salmon]

Gravol (ˈɡrɒvəʊl)   n   Canadian trademark an antihistamine used in the prevention of nausea, esp in travel sickness; dimenhydrinate

gravure (ɡrəˈvjʊə)   n   1 a method of intaglio printing using a plate with many small etched recesses. See also rotogravure   2 See photogravure   3 matter printed by this process [C19: from French, from graver to engrave, of Germanic origin; see GRAVE^3]

gravy (ˈɡreIvI)   n, pl -vies   1    a the juices that exude from meat during cooking   b the sauce made by thickening and flavouring such juices   2 slang money or gain acquired with little effort, esp above that needed for ordinary living   3 slang wonderful; excellent: it's all gravy [C14: from Old French gravé, of uncertain origin]

■ gravy boat   n   a small often boat-shaped vessel for serving gravy or other sauces

■ gravy train   n   slang a job requiring comparatively little work for good pay, benefits, etc

gray^1 (ɡreI)   adj, n, vb   a variant spelling (now esp US) of grey   > ˈgrayish adj   > ˈgrayly adv   > ˈgrayness n

■ grayfish (ˈɡreIˌfIʃ)   n   a dogfish

■ grayfly (ˈɡreIˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   obsolete any of various stout-bodied hairy dipterous flies of the families Oestridae and Gasterophilidae; a botfly

■ graying (ˈɡreIIŋ)   adj   a variant spelling of greying

■ graylag (ˈɡreIˌlæɡ)   n   the US spelling of greylag

■ grayling (ˈɡreIlIŋ)   n, pl -ling or -lings   1 any freshwater salmonoid food fish of the genus Thymallus and family Thymallidae, of the N hemisphere, having a long spiny dorsal fin, a silvery back, and greyish-green sides   2 any butterfly of the satyrid genus Hipparchia and related genera, esp H. semele of Europe, having grey or greyish-brown wings

■ graymail (ˈɡreIˌmeIl)   n   law, US a tactic to avoid prosecution in an espionage case by threatening to expose state secrets during trial

■ grayout (ˈɡreIaʊt)   n   aeronautics a temporary impairment of vision due to lack of oxygen

■ grayscale (ˈɡreIˌskeIl)   adj   same as greyscale

gray^2 (ɡreI)   n   the derived SI unit of absorbed ionizing radiation dose or kerma equivalent to an absorption per unit mass of one joule per kilogram of irradiated material. 1 gray is equivalent to 100 rads. Symbol: Gy [C20: named after Louis Harold Gray (1905–65), English physicist]

Gray (ɡreI)   n   1  Simon (James Holiday). 1936–2008, British writer: his plays include Butley (1971), The Common Pursuit (1988), Life Support (1997), and Japes (2001)   2  Thomas. 1716–71, English poet, best known for his Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard (1751)

Gray code   n   a modification of a number system, esp a binary code, in which any adjacent pair of numbers, in counting order, differ in their digits at one position only, the absolute difference being the value 1 [named after Frank Gray, 20th-century American physicist]

grayle (ɡreIl)   n   an archaic variant spelling of Grail

Gray's Inn   n   (in England) one of the four legal societies in London that together form the Inns of Court

Graz (German ɡraːts)   n   an industrial city in SE Austria, capital of Styria province: the second largest city in the country. Pop: 226 244 (2001)

graze^1 (ɡreIz)   vb   1 to allow (animals) to consume the vegetation on (an area of land), or (of animals, esp cows and sheep) to feed thus   2 (tr) to tend (livestock) while at pasture   3 informal to eat snacks throughout the day rather than formal meals   4 South African informal to eat   5 (intr) informal to switch between television channels while viewing without watching any channel for long   6 US to pilfer and eat sweets, fruit, etc, from supermarket shelves while shopping   ▷ n   7 South African informal a snack; something to eat [Old English grasian, from græs GRASS; related to Old High German grasōn, Dutch grazen, Norwegian grasa]

■ grazeable or grazable (ˈɡreIzəbəl)   adj   able to be grazed

■ grazier (ˈɡreIzIə)   n   a rancher or farmer who rears or fattens cattle or sheep on grazing land

■ grazing (ˈɡreIzIŋ)   n   1 the vegetation on pastures that is available for livestock to feed upon   2 the land on which this is growing

graze^2 (ɡreIz)   vb   1 (when intr, often foll by against or along) to brush or scrape (against) gently, esp in passing   2 (tr) to break the skin of (a part of the body) by scraping   ▷ n   3 the act of grazing   4 a scrape or abrasion made by grazing [C17: probably special use of GRAZE^1; related to Swedish gräsa]   > ˈgrazer n   > ˈgrazingly adv

■ grazed (ɡreIzd)   adj   having damage where skin has been scraped

grazioso (ˌɡrɑːtsIˈəʊsəʊ)   adv   music gracefully

grease   n (ɡriːs, ɡriːz)   1 animal fat in a soft or melted condition   2 any thick fatty oil, esp one used as a lubricant for machinery, etc   3 shorn fleece before it has been cleaned   4 Also called: seborrhoea vet science inflammation of the skin of horses around the fetlocks, usually covered with an oily secretion   ▷ vb (ɡriːz, ɡriːs) (tr)   5 to soil, coat, or lubricate with grease   6 to ease the course of: his education greased his path to success   7 grease the palm of or grease the hand of slang to influence by giving money to; bribe [C13: from Old French craisse, from Latin crassus thick]   > ˈgreaseless adj

■ greaseball (ˈɡriːsˌbɔːl, ˈɡriːzˌbɔːl)   n   US offensive a person of Italian descent

■ greaseband (ˈɡriːsˌbænd, ˈɡriːzˌbænd)   n   horticulture a band of greasy or sticky material wrapped around a tree trunk in order to prevent insects from ascending the tree

■ grease cup   n   a container that stores grease and feeds it through a small hole into a bearing

■ grease gun   n   a device for forcing grease through nipples into bearings, usually consisting of a cylinder with a plunger and nozzle fitted to it

■ grease monkey   n   informal a mechanic, esp one who works on cars or aircraft

■ grease nipple   n   a metal nipple designed to engage with a grease gun for injecting grease into a bearing, etc

■ greasepaint (ˈɡriːsˌpeInt)   n   1 a waxy or greasy substance used as make-up by actors   2 theatrical make-up

■ greaseproof (ˈɡriːsˌpruːf, ˈɡriːzˌpruːf)   adj   resistant to penetration by greases and oils

■ greaseproof paper (ˈɡriːsˌpruːf)   n   any paper that is resistant to penetration by greases and oils

■ greaser (ˈɡriːzə, ˈɡriːsə)   n Brit slang   1 a mechanic, esp of motor vehicles   2 a semiskilled engine attendant aboard a merchant ship   3 a young long-haired motorcyclist, usually one of a gang   4 an unpleasant person, esp one who ingratiates himself or herself with superiors

■ grease-stained   adj   stained with grease marks

■ greasewood (ˈɡriːsˌwʊd) or greasebush (ˈɡriːsˌbʊʃ)   n   1 Also called: chico a spiny chenopodiaceous shrub, Sarcobatus vermiculatus of W North America, that yields an oil used as a fuel   2 any of various similar or related plants, such as the creosote bush

■ greasies (ˈɡriːsIz)   pl n   NZ informal fish and chips

■ greasy (ˈɡriːzI, -sI)   adj greasier, greasiest   1 coated or soiled with or as if with grease   2 composed of or full of grease   3 resembling grease   4 unctuous or oily in manner   ▷ n, pl greasies Austral slang   5 a shearer   6 an outback cook, esp cooking for a number of men   > ˈgreasily adv   > ˈgreasiness n

■ greasy spoon   n   slang a small, cheap, and often unsanitary restaurant, usually specializing in fried foods

■ greasy wool   n   untreated wool, still retaining the lanolin, which is used for waterproof clothing

great (ɡreIt)   adj   1 relatively large in size or extent; big   2 relatively large in number; having many parts or members: a great assembly   3 of relatively long duration: a great wait   4 of larger size or more importance than others of its kind: the great auk   5 extreme or more than usual: great worry   6 of significant importance or consequence: a great decision   7    a of exceptional talents or achievements; remarkable: a great writer   b (as noun): the great; one of the greats   8 arising from or possessing idealism in thought, action, etc; heroic: great deeds   9 illustrious or eminent: a great history   10 impressive or striking: a great show of wealth   11 much in use; favoured: poetry was a great convention of the Romantic era   12 active or enthusiastic: a great walker   13 doing or exemplifying (a characteristic or pursuit) on a large scale: what a great buffoon; he's not a great one for reading   14 (often foll by at) skilful or adroit: a great carpenter; you are great at singing   15 informal excellent; fantastic   16 Brit informal (intensifier): a dirty great big lie   17 (postpositive; foll by with) archaic   a pregnant: great with child   b full (of): great with hope   18 (intensifier, used in mild oaths): Great Scott!   19 be great on informal   a to be informed about   b to be enthusiastic about or for   ▷ adv   20 informal very well; excellently: it was working great   ▷ n   21 Also called: great organ the principal manual on an organ. Compare choir (sense 4), swell (sense 16) [Old English grēat; related to Old Frisian grāt, Old High German grōz; see GRIT, GROAT]   > ˈgreatly adv   > ˈgreatness n

■ great ape   n   any of the larger anthropoid apes, such as the chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gorilla

■ Great Attractor   n   astronomy a large mass, possibly a gigantic cluster of galaxies, postulated to explain the fact that many galaxies appear to be moving towards a particular point in the sky

■ great auk   n   a large flightless auk, Pinguinus impennis, extinct since the middle of the 19th century

■ Great Australian Bight   n   a wide bay of the Indian Ocean, in S Australia, extending from Cape Pasley to the Eyre Peninsula: notorious for storms

■ Great Barrier Reef   n   a coral reef in the Coral Sea, off the NE coast of Australia, extending for about 2000 km (1250 miles) from the Torres Strait along the coast of Queensland; the largest coral reef in the world

■ Great Basin   n   a semiarid region of the western US, between the Wasatch and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, having no drainage to the ocean: includes Nevada, W Utah, and parts of E California, S Oregon, and Idaho. Area: about 490 000 sq km (189 000 sq miles)

■ Great Bear   n   the Great Bear the English name for Ursa Major

■ Great Bear Lake   n   a lake in NW Canada, in the Northwest Territories: the largest freshwater lake entirely in Canada; drained by the Great Bear River, which flows to the Mackenzie River. Area: 31 792 sq km (12 275 sq miles)

■ Great Belt   n   a strait in Denmark, between Zealand and Funen islands, linking the Kattegat with the Baltic. Danish name: Store Bælt

■ Great Britain   n   England, Wales, and Scotland including those adjacent islands governed from the mainland (i.e. excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands). The United Kingdom of Great Britain was formed by the Act of Union (1707), although the term Great Britain had been in use since 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England (including Wales). Later unions created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1922). Pop: 57 851 100 (2003 est). Area: 229 523 sq km (88 619 sq miles). See also United Kingdom

■ great circle   n   a circular section of a sphere that has a radius equal to that of the sphere. Compare small circle

■ greatcoat (ˈɡreItˌkəʊt)   n   a heavy overcoat, now worn esp by men in the armed forces   > ˈgreatˌcoated adj

■ great council   n   (in medieval England) an assembly of the great nobles and prelates to advise the king

■ great crested grebe   n   a European grebe, Podiceps cristatus, having blackish ear tufts and, in the breeding season, a dark brown frill around the head

■ Great Dane   n   a very large, powerful, yet graceful breed of dog with a short smooth coat

■ Great Divide   n   another name for the continental divide

■ Great Dividing Range   pl n   a series of mountain ranges and plateaus roughly parallel to the E coast of Australia, in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria; the highest range is the Australian Alps, in the south

■ Great Dog   n   the Great Dog the English name for Canis Major

■ greaten (ˈɡreItən)   vb   archaic to make or become great

■ Greater (ˈɡreItə)   adj   (of a city) considered with the inclusion of the outer suburbs: Greater London

■ Greater Antilles   pl n   the Greater Antilles a group of islands in the Caribbean, including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico

■ greater celandine   n   a Eurasian papaveraceous plant, Chelidonium majus, with yellow flowers and deeply divided leaves. Also called: swallowwort. Compare lesser celandine

■ Greater London   n   See London^1 (sense 2)

■ Greater Manchester   n   a metropolitan county of NW England, administered since 1986 by the unitary authorities of Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Salford, Manchester, Oldham, Trafford, Stockport, and Tameside. Area: 1286 sq km (496 sq miles)

■ Greater Sunda Islands   pl n   a group of islands in the W Malay Archipelago, forming the larger part of the Sunda Islands: consists of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi

■ greatest (ˈɡreItIst)   adj   1 the superlative of great   ▷ n   2 the greatest slang an exceptional person

■ greatest common divisor   n   another name for highest common factor

■ greatest happiness principle   n   the ethical principle that an action is right in so far as it promotes the greatest happiness of the greatest number of those affected. See utilitarianism

■ Great Firewall   n   informal a system that prevents access to websites deemed undesirable by the government of the People's Republic of China [C21: a play on the GREAT WALL OF CHINA]

■ Great Glen   n   the Great Glen a fault valley across the whole of Scotland, extending southwest from the Moray Firth in the east to Loch Linnhe and containing Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. Also known as: Glen More, Glen Albyn

■ great gross   n   a unit of quantity equal to one dozen gross (or 1728)

■ great-hearted   adj   benevolent or noble; magnanimous   > ˌgreat-ˈheartedly adv   > ˌgreat-ˈheartedness n

■ Great Indian Desert   n   another name for the Thar Desert

■ Great Lakes   pl n   a group of five lakes in central North America with connecting waterways: the largest group of lakes in the world: consists of Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, which are divided by the border between the US and Canada and Lake Michigan, which is wholly in the US; constitutes the most important system of inland waterways in the world, discharging through the St Lawrence into the Atlantic. Total length: 3767 km (2340 miles). Area: 246 490 sq km (95 170 sq miles)

■ Great Leap Forward   n   the Great Leap Forward the attempt by the People's Republic of China in 1959–60 to solve the country's economic problems by labour-intensive industrialization

■ Great Mogul   n   any of the Muslim emperors of India (1526–1857)

■ great mountain buttercup   n   NZ See Mount Cook lily

■ great northern diver   n   a large northern bird, Gavia immer, with a black-and-white chequered back and a black head and neck in summer: family Gaviidae (divers)

■ great organ   n   the full name for great (sense 21)

■ Great Ouse   n   See Ouse (sense 1)

■ Great Plains   pl n   a vast region of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, extending from the lowlands of the Mackenzie River (Canada), south to the Big Bend of the Rio Grande

■ Great Power   n   a nation that has exceptional political influence, resources, and military strength

■ great primer   n   (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 18 point

■ Great Rebellion   n   the Great Rebellion another name for the English Civil War

■ Great Recession   n   the protracted worldwide economic recession following the financial crisis of 2007–08

■ Great Red Spot   n   a large long-lived oval feature, south of Jupiter's equator, that is an anticyclonic disturbance in the atmosphere

■ Great Rift Valley   n   the most extensive rift in the earth's surface, extending from the Jordan valley in Syria to Mozambique; marked by a chain of steep-sided lakes, volcanoes, and escarpments

■ Great Russian   n   1 linguistics the technical name for Russian. Compare Belarussian, Ukrainian   2 a member of the chief East Slavonic people of Russia   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this people or their language

■ Greats (ɡreIts)   pl n (at Oxford University)   1 the Honour School of Literae Humaniores, involving the study of Greek and Roman history and literature and philosophy   2 the final examinations at the end of this course

■ Great Salt Lake   n   a shallow salt lake in NW Utah, in the Great Basin at an altitude of 1260 m (4200 ft): the area has fluctuated from less than 2500 sq km (1000 sq miles) to over 5000 sq km (2000 sq miles)

■ Great Sandy Desert   n   1 a desert in NW Australia. Area: about 415 000 sq km (160 000 sq miles)   2 an English name for the Rub‘ al Khali

■ Great Satan   n   any force, person, organization, or country that is regarded as evil, used esp of the United States by radical Islamists

■ Great Schism   n   1 the breach between the Eastern and Western churches, usually dated from 1054   2 the division within the Roman Catholic Church from 1378 to 1429, during which rival popes reigned at Rome and Avignon

■ great seal   n   (often capitals) the principal seal of a nation, sovereign, etc, used to authenticate signatures and documents of the highest importance

■ Great Slave Lake   n   a lake in NW Canada, in the Northwest Territories: drained by the Mackenzie River into the Arctic Ocean. Area: 28 440 sq km (10 980 sq miles)

■ Great Slave River   n   another name for the Slave River

■ Great Smoky Mountains or Great Smokies   pl n   the W part of the Appalachians, in W North Carolina and E Tennessee. Highest peak: Clingmans Dome, 2025 m (6645 ft)

■ Great St Bernard Pass   n   a pass over the W Alps, between SW central Switzerland and N Italy: noted for the hospice at the summit, founded in the 11th century. Height: 2473 m (8114 ft)

■ Great Stour   n   another name for Stour (sense 1)

■ great tit   n   a large common Eurasian tit, Parus major, with yellow-and-black underparts and a black-and-white head

■ Great Trek   n   the Great Trek South African history the migration of Boer farmers with their slaves and African servants from the Cape Colony to the north and east from about 1836 to 1845 to escape British authority

■ Great Victoria Desert   n   a desert in S Australia, in SE Western Australia and W South Australia. Area: 323 750 sq km (125 000 sq miles)

■ Great Vowel Shift   n   linguistics a phonetic change that took place during the transition from Middle to Modern English, whereby the long vowels were raised (eː became iː, oː became uː, etc). The vowels (iː) and (uː) underwent breaking and became the diphthongs (aI) and (aʊ)

■ Great Wall   n   astronomy a vast sheet of many thousands of gravitationally associated galaxies detected in the universe

■ Great Wall of China   n   a defensive wall in N China, extending from W Gansu to the Gulf of Liaodong: constructed in the 3rd century BC as a defence against the Mongols; substantially rebuilt in the 15th century. Length: over 2400 km (1500 miles). Average height: 6 m (20 ft). Average width: 6 m (20 ft)

■ Great War   n   another name for World War I

■ Great Week   n   Eastern Churches the week preceding Easter, the equivalent of Holy Week in the Western Church

■ great white heron   n   1 a large white heron, Ardea occidentalis, of S North America   2 a widely distributed white egret, Egretta (or Casmerodius) albus

■ Great White Way   n   the theatre district on Broadway in New York City

■ Great Yarmouth (ˈjɑːməθ)   n   a port and resort in E England, in E Norfolk. Pop: 58 032 (2001)

■ great year   n   one complete cycle of the precession of the equinoxes; about 25 800 years

■ Great Zimbabwe   n   See Zimbabwe (sense 2)

great-   prefix   1 being the parent of a person's grandparent (in the combinations great-grandfather, great-grandmother, great-grandparent)   2 being the child of a person's grandchild (in the combinations great-grandson, great-granddaughter, great-grandchild)

■ great-aunt or grandaunt   n   an aunt of one's father or mother; sister of one's grandfather or grandmother

■ great-grandchild   n, pl great-grandchildren   the child of a grandchild

■ great-granddaughter   n   the daughter of a grandchild

■ great-grandfather   n   the father of a grandparent

■ great-grandmother   n   the mother of a grandparent

■ great-grandparent   n   the parent of a grandparent

■ great-grandson   n   the son of a grandchild

■ great-great-grandfather   n   the grandfather of a grandparent

■ great-great-grandson   n   the grandson of a grandchild

■ great-nephew or grandnephew   n   a son of one's nephew or niece; grandson of one's brother or sister

■ great-niece or grandniece   n   a daughter of one's nephew or niece; granddaughter of one's brother or sister

■ great-uncle or granduncle   n   an uncle of one's father or mother; brother of one's grandfather or grandmother

greave (ɡriːv)   n   (often plural) a piece of armour worn to protect the shin from the ankle to the knee [C14: from Old French greve, perhaps from graver to part the hair, of Germanic origin]   > greaved adj

greaves (ɡriːvz)   pl n   the residue left after the rendering of tallow [C17: from Low German greven; related to Old High German griubo]

Greaves (ɡriːvz)   n   Jimmy. born 1940, English footballer and television commentator on the sport; played for a number of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea; scored 44 goals in 57 matches for England (1959–67)

grebe (ɡriːb)   n   any aquatic bird, such as Podiceps cristatus (great crested grebe), of the order Podicipediformes, similar to the divers but with lobate rather than webbed toes and a vestigial tail [C18: from French grèbe, of unknown origin]

grece (ɡriːs)   n   English dialect a flight of steps, or a single step in a flight

Grecian (ˈɡriːʃən)   adj   1 (esp of beauty or architecture) conforming to Greek ideals, esp in being classically simple   ▷ n   2 a scholar of or expert in the Greek language or literature   ▷ adj, n   3 another word for Greek

■ grecianize or grecianise (ˈɡriːʃəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to make like the ancient Greeks

Grecism (ˈɡriːˌsIzəm)   n   a variant spelling (esp US) of Graecism

Grecize (ˈɡriːsaIz)   vb   a variant spelling (esp US) of Graecize

Greco (ˈɡrɛkəʊ)   n   El. See El Greco

Greco- (ˈɡriːkəʊ, ˈɡrɛkəʊ)   combining form   a variant (esp US) of Graeco-

grecque (ɡrɛk)   n   architect a fret of Greek origin

gree^1 (ɡriː)   n Scot archaic   1 superiority or victory   2 the prize for a victory [C14: from Old French gré, from Latin gradus step]

gree^2 (ɡriː)   n obsolete   1 goodwill; favour   2 satisfaction for an insult or injury [C14: from Old French gré, from Latin grātum what is pleasing; see GRATEFUL]

gree^3 (ɡriː)   vb grees, greeing, greed   archaic or dialect to come or cause to come to agreement or harmony [C14: variant of AGREE]

greebo (ˈɡriːbəʊ)   n, pl greeboes   an unkempt or dirty-looking young man

Greece (ɡriːs)   n   a republic in SE Europe, occupying the S part of the Balkan Peninsula and many islands in the Ionian and Aegean Seas; site of two of Europe's earliest civilizations (the Minoan and Mycenaean); in the classical era divided into many small independent city-states, the most important being Athens and Sparta; part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires; passed under Turkish rule in the late Middle Ages; became an independent kingdom in 1827; taken over by a military junta (1967–74); the monarchy was abolished in 1973; became a republic in 1975; a member of the European Union. Official language: Greek. Official religion: Eastern (Greek) Orthodox. Currency: euro. Capital: Athens. Pop: 11 159 773 (2017 est). Area: 131 944 sq km (50 944 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Ellás. Related adjective: Hellenic

greed (ɡriːd)   n   1 excessive consumption of or desire for food; gluttony   2 excessive desire, as for wealth or power [C17: back formation from GREEDY]   > ˈgreedless adj

■ greedsome (ˈɡriːdsəm)   adj   greedy

■ greedy (ˈɡriːdI)   adj greedier, greediest   1 excessively desirous of food or wealth, esp in large amounts; voracious   2 (postpositive; foll by for) eager (for): a man greedy for success [Old English grǣdig; related to Old Norse grāthugr, Gothic grēdags hungry, Old High German grātac]   > ˈgreedily adv   > ˈgreediness n

■ greedy guts   n   (functioning as singular) slang a glutton

greegree (ˈɡriːɡriː)   n   a variant spelling of grigri

Greek (ɡriːk)   n   1 the official language of Greece, constituting the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages. See Ancient Greek, Late Greek, Medieval Greek, Modern Greek   2 a native or inhabitant of Greece or a descendant of such a native   3 a member of the Greek Orthodox Church   4 informal anything incomprehensible (esp in the phrase it's (all) Greek to me)   5 Greek meets Greek equals meet   ▷ adj   6 denoting, relating to, or characteristic of Greece, the Greeks, or the Greek language; Hellenic   7 of, relating to, or designating the Greek Orthodox Church [from Old English Grēcas (plural), or Latin Graecus, from Greek Graikos]   > ˈGreekness n

■ Greek Catholic   n   1 a member of an Eastern Church in communion with the Greek patriarchal see of Constantinople   2 a member of one of the Uniat Greek Churches, which acknowledge the Pope's authority while retaining their own institutions, discipline, and liturgy

■ Greek Church   n   another name for the Greek Orthodox Church

■ Greek cross   n   a cross with each of the four arms of the same length

■ greeked text (ɡriːkt)   n   computing words which appear on screen as grey lines when the type size is too small for actual letters to be shown

■ Greek fire   n   1 a Byzantine weapon employed in naval warfare from 670 AD. It consisted of an unknown mixture that, when wetted, exploded and was projected, burning, from tubes   2 any of several other inflammable mixtures used in warfare up to the 19th century

■ Greek gift   n   a gift given with the intention of tricking and causing harm to the recipient [C19: in allusion to Virgil's Aeneid ii 49; see also TROJAN HORSE]

■ Greek mallow   n   See sidalcea

■ Greek Orthodox Church   n   1 Also called: Greek Church the established Church of Greece, governed by the holy synod of Greece, in which the Metropolitan of Athens has primacy of honour   2 another name for Orthodox Church

■ Greek Revival   n   (modifier) denoting, relating to, or having the style of architecture used in Western Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, based upon ancient Greek classical examples   > Greek Revivalism n   > Greek Revivalist adj, n

Greeley (ˈɡriːlI)   n   Horace. 1811–72, US journalist and political leader: founder (1841) and editor of the New York Tribune, which championed the abolition of slavery

green (ɡriːn)   n   1 any of a group of colours, such as that of fresh grass, that lie between yellow and blue in the visible spectrum in the wavelength range 575–500 nanometres. Green is the complementary colour of magenta and with red and blue forms a set of primary colours. Related adjective: verdant   2 a dye or pigment of or producing these colours   3 something of the colour green   4 a small area of grassland, esp in the centre of a village   5 an area of ground used for a purpose: a putting green   6 (plural)   a the edible leaves and stems of certain plants, eaten as a vegetable   b freshly cut branches of ornamental trees, shrubs, etc, used as a decoration   7 (sometimes capital) a person, esp a politician, who supports environmentalist issues (see sense 13)   8 slang money   9 slang marijuana of low quality   10 (plural) vulgar, slang sexual intercourse   ▷ adj   11 of the colour green   12 greenish in colour or having parts or marks that are greenish: a green monkey   13 (sometimes capital) concerned with or relating to conservation of the world's natural resources and improvement of the environment: green policies; the green consumer   14 vigorous; not faded: a green old age   15 envious or jealous   16 immature, unsophisticated, or gullible   17 characterized by foliage or green plants: a green wood; a green salad   18 fresh, raw, or unripe: green bananas   19 unhealthily pale in appearance: he was green after his boat trip   20 denoting a unit of account that is adjusted in accordance with fluctuations between the currencies of the EU nations and is used to make payments to agricultural producers within the EU: green pound   21 (of pottery) not fired   22 (of meat) not smoked or cured; unprocessed: green bacon   23 metallurgy (of a product, such as a sand mould or cermet) compacted but not yet fired; ready for firing   24 (of timber) freshly felled; not dried or seasoned   25 (of concrete) not having matured to design strength   ▷ vb   26 to make or become green [Old English grēne; related to Old High German gruoni; see GROW]   > ˈgreenish adj   > ˈgreenly adv   > ˈgreenness n   > ˈgreeny adj

■ green algae   pl n   the algae of the phylum Chlorophyta, which possess the green pigment chlorophyll. The group includes sea lettuce and spirogyra

■ greenback (ˈɡriːnˌbæk)   n   1 US informal an inconvertible legal-tender US currency note originally issued during the Civil War in 1862   2 US slang a dollar bill

■ Greenback Party   n   US history a political party formed after the Civil War advocating the use of fiat money and opposing the reduction of paper currency   > ˈGreenˌbacker n   > ˈGreenˌbackism n

■ green ban   n   Austral a trade union ban on any development that might be considered harmful to the environment

■ green bean   n   any bean plant, such as the French bean, having narrow green edible pods when unripe

■ greenbelt (ˈɡriːnˌbɛlt)   n   a zone of farmland, parks, and open country surrounding a town or city: usually officially designated as such and preserved from urban development

■ Green Beret   n   an informal name for a member of the US Army Special Forces

■ greenbone (ˈɡriːnˌbəʊn)   n   NZ another name for butterfish (sense 2)

■ greenbottle (ˈɡriːnˌbɒtəl)   n   a common dipterous fly, Lucilia caesar, that has a dark greenish body with a metallic lustre and lays its eggs in carrion: family Calliphoridae

■ greenbrier (ˈɡriːnˌbraIə)   n   any of several prickly climbing plants of the liliaceous genus Smilax, esp S. rotundifolia of the eastern US, which has small green flowers and blackish berries. Also called: cat brier

■ greenbug (ˈɡriːnˌbʌɡ)   n   an aphid, Schizaphis graminum, that is found in North America and that is destructive to several grains

■ green card   n   1 an official permit allowing the holder permanent residence and employment, issued to foreign nationals in the US   2 an insurance document covering motorists against accidents abroad   3 social welfare (formerly, in Britain) an identification card issued by the Manpower Services Commission to a disabled person, to show registration for employment purposes and eligibility for special services

■ greencloth (ˈɡriːnˌklɒθ)   n   1 informal the green covering of a billiard or gaming table   2 informal a billiard or gaming table   3 a department of the British monarch's household that is in charge of matters of justice within the household, as well as various matters of expenditure

■ green-collar   adj   of, relating to, or designating workers involved in environmental protection, or employed by companies that have protection of the environment as a stated aim

■ green corn   n   another name for sweetcorn (sense 1)

■ Green Cross Code   n   (in Britain) a code for children giving rules for road safety: first issued in 1971

■ green dragon   n   a North American aroid plant, Arisaema dracontium, with a long slender spadix projecting from a green or white long narrow spathe. Also called: dragonroot

■ greener (ˈɡriːnə)   n   informal an immigrant who has only recently arrived

■ greenery (ˈɡriːnərI)   n, pl -ries   green foliage or vegetation, esp when used for decoration

■ greeneye (ˈɡriːnˌaI)   n   a slender fish with pale green eyes

■ green-eyed   adj   1 jealous or envious   2 the green-eyed monster jealousy or envy

■ greenfield (ˈɡriːnˌfiːld)   n   (modifier) denoting or located in a rural area which has not previously been built on: new factories were erected on greenfield sites

■ greenfinch (ˈɡriːnˌfIntʃ)   n   a common European finch, Carduelis chloris, the male of which has a dull green plumage with yellow patches on the wings and tail

■ green fingers   pl n   considerable talent or ability to grow plants. US and Canadian equivalent: green thumb

■ Green Flag   n   an award given to a bathing beach that meets EU standards of cleanliness

■ green flash   n   astronomy a flash of bright green light sometimes seen as the sun passes below the horizon, caused by a combination of the dispersion, scattering, and refraction of light

■ greenfly (ˈɡriːnˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a greenish aphid commonly occurring as a pest on garden and crop plants

■ green footprint   n   the impact of a building on the environment

■ greengage (ˈɡriːnˌɡeIdʒ)   n   1 a cultivated variety of plum tree, Prunus domestica italica, with edible green plumlike fruits   2 the fruit of this tree [C18: GREEN + -gage, after Sir W. Gage (1777–1864), English botanist who brought it from France]

■ green gland   n   one of a pair of excretory organs in some crustaceans that open at the base of each antenna

■ green glass   n   glass in its natural colour, usually greenish as a result of metallic substances in the raw materials

■ Green Goddess   n   Brit an army fire engine [C20: so-called because of its green livery]

■ greengrocer (ˈɡriːnˌɡrəʊsə)   n   chiefly Brit a retail trader in fruit and vegetables   > ˈgreenˌgrocery n

■ greenhand (ˈɡriːnˌhænd)   n   an inexperienced person, esp a sailor

■ greenhead (ˈɡriːnˌhɛd)   n   a male mallard

■ greenheart (ˈɡriːnˌhɑːt)   n   1 Also called: bebeeru a tropical American lauraceous tree, Ocotea (or Nectandra) rodiaei, that has dark green durable wood and bark that yields the alkaloid bebeerine   2 any of various similar trees   3 the wood of any of these trees

■ green heron   n   a small heron, Butorides virescens, of subtropical North America, with dark greenish wings and back

■ greenhorn (ˈɡriːnˌhɔːn)   n   1 an inexperienced person, esp one who is extremely gullible   2 chiefly US a newcomer or immigrant [C17: originally an animal with green (that is, young) horns]

■ greenhouse (ˈɡriːnˌhaʊs)   n   a building with transparent walls and roof, usually of glass, for the cultivation and exhibition of plants under controlled conditions

■ greenhouse effect   n   1 an effect occurring in greenhouses, etc, in which radiant heat from the sun passes through the glass warming the contents, the radiant heat from inside being trapped by the glass   2 the application of this effect to a planet's atmosphere; carbon dioxide and some other gases in the planet's atmosphere can absorb the infrared radiation emitted by the planet's surface as a result of exposure to solar radiation, thus increasing the mean temperature of the planet

■ greenhouse gas   n   any gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect

■ greenie (ˈɡriːnI)   n   Austral informal a conservationist

■ greening (ˈɡriːnIŋ)   n   the process of making or becoming more aware of environmental considerations [C20: from GREEN (sense 13)]

■ greenishness (ˈɡriːnIʃnəs)   n   the quality of being greenish

■ greenkeeper (ˈɡriːnˌkiːpə)   n   a person in charge of a golf course or bowling green

■ green leek   n   any of several Australian parrots with a green or mostly green plumage

■ greenlet (ˈɡriːnlIt)   n   a vireo, esp one of the genus Hylophilus

■ green light   n   1 a signal to go, esp a green traffic light   2 permission to proceed with a project   ▷ vb greenlight (-lights, -lighting, -lighted) (tr)   3 to permit (a project, etc) to proceed

■ green light district   n   an area in which prostitution is officially tolerated [C21: from GREEN LIGHT, modelled on red-light district]

■ green line   n   (sometimes capitals) a line of demarcation between two hostile communities

■ greenling (ˈɡriːnlIŋ)   n   any scorpaenoid food fish of the family Hexagrammidae of the North Pacific Ocean

■ greenlit (ˈɡriːnˌlIt)   adj   given permission to proceed

■ green lung   n   an area of parkland within a town or city, considered in terms of the healthier environment it provides

■ green manure   n   1 a growing crop that is ploughed under to enrich the soil   2 manure that has not yet decomposed

■ green monkey   n   a W African variety of a common guenon monkey, Cercopithecus aethiops, having greenish-brown fur and a dark face. Compare grivet, vervet

■ green monkey disease   n   another name for Marburg disease

■ green mould   n   another name for blue mould (sense 1)

■ Green Mountain Boys   pl n   the members of the armed bands of Vermont organized in 1770 to oppose New York's territorial claims. Under Ethan Allen they won fame in the War of American Independence

■ Green Mountains   pl n   a mountain range in E North America, extending from Canada through Vermont into W Massachusetts: part of the Appalachian system. Highest peak: Mount Mansfield, 1339 m (4393 ft)

■ green paper   n   (often capitals) (in Britain) a command paper containing policy proposals to be discussed, esp by Parliament

■ Green Party   n   a political party whose policies are based on concern for the environment

■ Greenpeace (ˈɡriːnˌpiːs)   n   an organization founded in 1971 that stresses the need to maintain a balance between human progress and environmental conservation. Members take active but nonviolent measures against what are regarded as threats to environmental safety, such as the dumping of nuclear waste in the sea

■ green pepper   n   1 the green unripe fruit of the sweet pepper, eaten raw or cooked   2 the unripe fruit of various other pepper plants, eaten as a green vegetable

■ green plover   n   another name for lapwing

■ green pound   n   a unit of account used in calculating Britain's contributions to and payments from the Community Agricultural Fund of the EU

■ green revolution   n   the introduction of high-yielding seeds and modern agricultural techniques in developing countries

■ green roof   n   a roof covered with vegetation, designed for its aesthetic value and to optimize energy conservation

■ greenroom (ˈɡriːnˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   (esp formerly) a backstage room in a theatre where performers may rest or receive visitors [C18: probably from its original colour]

■ green run   n   skiing a very easy run, suitable for complete beginners

■ greensand (ˈɡriːnˌsænd)   n   an olive-green sandstone consisting mainly of quartz and glauconite

■ greenshank (ˈɡriːnˌʃæŋk)   n   a large European sandpiper, Tringa nebularia, with greenish legs and a slightly upturned bill

■ greensickness (ˈɡriːnˌsIknIs)   n   another name for chlorosis   > ˈgreenˌsick adj

■ greenskeeper (ˈɡriːnzˌkiːpə)   n   US a person who maintains a golf course

■ green soap   n   med a soft or liquid alkaline soap made from vegetable oils, used in treating certain chronic skin diseases. Also called: soft soap

■ greensome (ˈɡriːnsəm)   n   golf a match for two pairs in which each of the four players tees off and after selecting the better drive the partners of each pair play that ball alternately. Compare fourball, foursome (sense 2)

■ greenspeak (ˈɡriːnˌspiːk)   n   the jargon used by those who campaign for the conservation of the world's natural resources and the improvement of the environment

■ greenstick fracture (ˈɡriːnˌstIk)   n   a fracture in children in which the bone is partly bent and splinters only on the convex side of the bend [C20: alluding to the similar way in which a green stick splinters]

■ greenstone (ˈɡriːnˌstəʊn)   n   1 any basic igneous rock that is dark green because of the presence of chlorite, actinolite, or epidote   2 a variety of jade used in New Zealand for ornaments and tools

■ greenstuff (ˈɡriːnˌstʌf)   n   green vegetables, such as cabbage or lettuce

■ greensward (ˈɡriːnˌswɔːd)   n   archaic or literary fresh green turf or an area of such turf

■ green tax   n   any tax imposed with the aim of regulating activity in a way that benefits the environment

■ green tea   n   a sharp tea made from tea leaves that have been steamed and dried quickly without fermenting

■ greenth (ɡriːnθ)   n   obsolete greenness or verdure

■ green thumb   n   US and Canadian considerable talent or ability to grow plants. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): green fingers

■ green turtle   n   a mainly tropical edible turtle, Chelonia mydas, with greenish flesh used to prepare turtle soup: family Chelonidae

■ green vitriol   n   another name for ferrous sulphate

■ greenwash (ˈɡriːnˌwɒʃ)   n   a superficial or insincere display of concern for the environment that is shown by an organization

■ greenway (ˈɡriːnˌwɛI)   n   US a corridor of protected open space that is maintained for conservation, recreation, and non-motorized transportation

■ greenweed (ˈɡriːnˌwiːd)   n   See dyer's-greenweed

■ green-wellie   n   (modifier) characterizing or belonging to the upper-class set devoted to hunting, shooting, and fishing: the green-wellie brigade

■ greenwing (ˈɡriːnˌwIŋ)   n   the common teal, Anas crecca

■ greenwood (ˈɡriːnˌwʊd)   n   a forest or wood when the leaves are green: the traditional setting of stories about English outlaws, esp Robin Hood

■ green woodpecker   n   a European woodpecker, Picus viridis, with a dull green back and wings and a red crown

■ Green Zone   n   (since the invasion of Iraq by US-led forces, and the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003) the area of central Baghdad used by the coalition and civilian authorities, subject to high security

Green (ɡriːn)   n   1  Henry, real name Henry Vincent Yorke. 1905–73, British novelist: author of Living (1929), Loving (1945), and Back (1946)   2  John Richard. 1837–83, British historian; author of A Short History of the English People (1874)   3  T(homas) H(ill). 1836–82, British idealist philosopher. His chief work, Prolegomena to Ethics, was unfinished at his death

Greenaway (ˈɡriːnəˌweI)   n   1  Kate. 1846–1901, English painter, noted as an illustrator of children's books   2  Peter. born 1942, British film director; noted for such cerebral films as The Draughtsman's Contract (1982), Prospero's Books (1990), and Eight and a Half Women (1999)

Greene (ɡriːn)   n   1  Graham. 1904–91, English novelist and dramatist; his works include the novels Brighton Rock (1938), The Power and the Glory (1940), The End of the Affair (1951), and Our Man in Havana (1958), and the film script The Third Man (1949)   2  Robert. ?1558–92, English poet, dramatist, and prose writer, noted for his autobiographical tract A Groatsworth of Wit Bought with a Million of Repentance (1592), which contains an attack on Shakespeare

Greengrass (ˈɡriːnˌɡrɑːs)   n   Paul. born 1955, English film director and writer; his films include Bloody Sunday (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), United 93 (2006), and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

Greenham Common (ˈɡriːnəm)   n   a village in West Berkshire unitary authority, Berkshire; site of a US cruise missile base, and, from 1981, a camp of women protesters against nuclear weapons; although the base had closed by 1991 a small number of women remained until 2000

Greenland (ˈɡriːnlənd)   n   a large island, lying mostly within the Arctic Circle off the NE coast of North America: first settled by Icelanders in 986; resettled by Danes from 1721 onwards; integral part of Denmark (1953–79); granted internal autonomy 1979; mostly covered by an icecap up to 3300 m (11 000 ft) thick, with ice-free coastal strips and coastal mountains; the population is largely Inuit, with a European minority; fishing, hunting, and mining. Capital: Nuuk (Godthåb). Pop: 57 714 (2013 est). Area: 175 600 sq km (840 000 sq miles). Danish name: Grønland. Greenlandic name: Kalaallit Nunaat

■ Greenlander (ˈɡriːnləndə)   n   a native or inhabitant of Greenland

■ Greenlandic (ɡriːnˈlændIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Greenland, the Greenlanders, or the Inuit dialect spoken in Greenland   ▷ n   2 the dialect of Inuktitut spoken in Greenland

■ Greenland Sea   n   the S part of the Arctic Ocean, off the NE coast of Greenland

■ Greenland whale   n   an arctic right whale, Balaena mysticetus, that is black with a cream-coloured throat

greenmail (ˈɡriːnˌmeIl)   n   (esp in the US) the practice of a company buying sufficient shares in another company to threaten takeover and making a quick profit as a result of the threatened company buying back its shares at a higher price [C20: a blend of GREEN (sense 8) or GREENBACK (sense 2) + BLACKMAIL]

■ greenmailer (ˈɡriːnˌmeIlə)   n   a person or company who engages in greenmail

Greenock (ˈɡriːnək)   n   a port in SW Scotland, in Inverclyde on the Firth of Clyde. Pop: 44 248 (2011)

greenockite (ˈɡriːnəˌkaIt)   n   a rare yellowish mineral consisting of cadmium sulphide in hexagonal crystalline form: the only ore of cadmium. Formula: CdS [C19: named after Lord C. C. Greenock, 19th-century English soldier]

Greenough (ˈɡriːnəʊ)   n   George Bellas. 1778–1855, English geologist, founder of the Geological Society of London

Green River   n   a river in the western US, rising in W central Wyoming and flowing south into Utah, east through NW Colorado, re-entering Utah before joining the Colorado River. Length: 1175 km (730 miles)

Greensboro (ˈɡriːnzbərə, -brə)   n   a city in N central North Carolina. Pop: 229 110 (2003 est)

Greenspan (ˈɡriːnˌspæn)   n   Alan. born 1926, US economist; chairman of the Federal Reserve Board 1987–2006

Greenwich (ˈɡrInIdʒ, -Itʃ, ˈɡrɛn-)   n   a Greater London borough on the Thames: site of a Royal Naval College (now used as the National Maritime Museum), including Inigo Jones’ Queen’s House (1617), and of the original Royal Observatory designed by Christopher Wren (1675), accepted internationally as the prime meridian of longitude since 1884, and the basis of Greenwich Mean Time. Pop: 223 700 (2003 est). Area: 46 sq km (18 sq miles)

■ Greenwich Mean Time or Greenwich Time   n   mean solar time on the 0° meridian passing through Greenwich, England, measured from midnight: formerly a standard time in Britain and a basis for calculating times throughout most of the world, it has been replaced by an atomic timescale. Abbreviation: GMT. See universal time

USAGE

The name Greenwich Mean Time is ambiguous, having been measured from mean midday in astronomy up to 1925, and is not used for scientific purposes. It is generally and incorrectly used in the sense of universal coordinated time, an atomic timescale available since 1972 from broadcast signals, in addition to the earliest sense of universal time, adopted internationally in 1928 as the name for GMT measured from midnight

Greenwich Village (ˈɡrɛnItʃ, ˈɡrIn-)   n   a part of New York City in the lower west side of Manhattan; traditionally the home of many artists and writers

Greer (ɡrIə)   n   Germaine. born 1939, Australian writer, academic, and feminist. Her books include The Female Eunuch (1970), Sex and Destiny (1984), and The Whole Woman (1998)

greet^1 (ɡriːt)   vb (tr)   1 to meet or receive with expressions of gladness or welcome   2 to send a message of friendship to   3 to receive in a specified manner: her remarks were greeted by silence   4 to become apparent to: the smell of bread greeted him [Old English grētan; related to Old High German gruozzen to address]

■ greeter (ˈɡriːtə)   n   a person who greets people at the entrance of a shop, restaurant, casino, etc

■ greeting (ˈɡriːtIŋ)   n   1 the act or an instance of welcoming or saluting on meeting   2 (often plural)   a an expression of friendly salutation   b (as modifier): a greetings card

greet^2 (ɡriːt) Scot   vb   1 (intr) to weep; lament   ▷ n   2 weeping; lamentation [from Old English grētan, northern dialect variant of grætan; compare Old Norse grāta, Middle High German grazen]

greffier (ˈɡrɛfjeI)   n   a registrar

gregale (ɡreIˈɡɑːleI; Italian ɡreˈɡale)   n   meteorol a northeasterly wind occurring in the Mediterranean

gregarian (ɡrIˈɡɛərIən)   adj   obsolete having no special distinction, rank, or status, or belonging to a large mass of people

■ gregarianism (ɡrIˈɡɛərIəˌnIzəm)   n   the practice of living or clustering together in crowds or flocks

gregarine (ˈɡrɛɡəˌriːn, -rIn)   n   1 any parasitic protozoan of the order Gregarinida, typically occurring in the digestive tract and body cavity of other invertebrates: phylum Apicomplexa (sporozoans)   ▷ adj also gregarinian (ˌɡrɛɡəˈrInIən)   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Gregarinida [C19: from New Latin Gregarīna genus name, from Latin gregārius; see GREGARIOUS]

gregarious (ɡrIˈɡɛərIəs)   adj   1 enjoying the company of others   2 (of animals) living together in herds or flocks. Compare solitary (sense 6)   3 (of plants) growing close together but not in dense clusters   4 of, relating to, or characteristic of crowds or communities [C17: from Latin gregārius belonging to a flock, from grex flock]   > greˈgariously adv   > greˈgariousness n

gregatim (ɡrIˈɡɑːtIm, ɡrIˈɡeItIm)   adv   in flocks or crowds

grege (ˈɡreIɡeI)   vb (tr)   obsolete to make heavy

grego (ˈɡreIɡəʊ, ˈɡriːɡəʊ)   n, pl -gos   1 a short, thick, hooded jacket formerly worn in the Eastern Mediterranean   2 a similar jacket formerly worn by seamen

Gregorian (ɡrIˈɡɔːrIən)   adj   relating to, associated with, or introduced by any of the popes named Gregory, esp Gregory I or Gregory XIII

■ Gregorian calendar   n   the revision of the Julian calendar introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII and still in force, whereby the ordinary year is made to consist of 365 days and a leap year occurs in every year whose number is divisible by four, except those centenary years, such as 1900, whose numbers are not divisible by 400

■ Gregorian chant   n   another name for plainsong

■ Gregorian telescope   n   a form of reflecting astronomical telescope with a concave ellipsoidal secondary mirror and the eyepiece set behind the centre of the parabolic primary mirror [C18: named after J. Gregory (died 1675), Scottish mathematician who invented it]

■ Gregorian tone   n   a plainsong melody. See tone (sense 6)

Gregory (ˈɡrɛɡərI)   n   Lady (Isabella) Augusta (Persse). 1852–1932, Irish dramatist; a founder and director of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin

Gregory I   n   Saint, known as Gregory the Great. ?540–604 AD, pope (590–604), who greatly influenced the medieval Church. He strengthened papal authority by centralizing administration, tightened discipline, and revised the liturgy. He appointed Saint Augustine missionary to England. Feast day: March 12 or Sept 3

Gregory VII   n   Saint, monastic name Hildebrand. ?1020-–85, pope (1073–85), who did much to reform abuses in the Church. His assertion of papal supremacy and his prohibition (1075) of lay investiture was opposed by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, whom he excommunicated (1076). He was driven into exile when Henry captured Rome (1084). Feast day: May 25

Gregory IX   n   original name Ugolino of Segni. ?1148–1241, pope (1227–41). He excommunicated and waged war against Emperor Frederick II

Gregory XIII   n   1502–85, pope (1572–85). He promoted the Counter-Reformation and founded seminaries. His reformed (Gregorian) calendar was issued in 1582

Gregory of Nazianzus (ˌnæzIˈænzəs)   n   Saint. ?329–89 AD, Cappadocian theologian: bishop of Caesarea (370–79). Feast days: Jan 2, 25, and 30

Gregory of Nyssa (ˈnIsə)   n   Saint. ?335–394 AD, Cappadocian theologian and brother of St Basil: bishop of Nyssa. Feast day: March 9

Gregory of Tours   n   Saint. ?538–?594 AD, Frankish bishop and historian. His Historia Francorum is the chief source of knowledge of 6th-century Gaul. Feast day: Nov 17

Gregory's powder   n   a formulation of rhubarb powder used as a laxative or purgative [C19: named after Dr James Gregory (1753–1821), who first made it]

greige (ɡreIʒ) chiefly US   adj   1 (of a fabric or material) not yet dyed   ▷ n   2 an unbleached or undyed cloth or yarn [C20: from French grège raw]

grein (ɡriːn)   vb (tr)   Scot obsolete to desire fervently

greisen (ˈɡraIzən)   n   a light-coloured metamorphic rock consisting mainly of quartz, white mica, and topaz formed by the pneumatolysis of granite [C19: from German, from greissen to split]

■ greisenization or greisenisation (ˌɡraIzənaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process whereby granite is converted to greisen

■ greisenize or greisenise (ˈɡraIzəˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to convert granite to greisen

gremial (ˈɡriːmIəl)   n   RC Church a cloth spread upon the lap of a bishop when seated during Mass [C17: from Latin gremium lap]

gremlin (ˈɡrɛmlIn)   n   1 an imaginary imp jokingly said to be responsible for malfunctions in machinery   2 any mischievous troublemaker [C20: perhaps a corruption of GOBLIN]

gremmie (ˈɡrɛmI)   n   informal an inexperienced or young surfer

gremolata (ˌɡrɛməˈlɑːtə)   n   cookery a garnish of finely chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon

Grenache (ɡrIˈnɑːʃ)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 a black grape originally grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France and now in other wine-producing areas   2 any of various red wines made from this grape [French]

Grenada (ɡrɛˈneIdə)   n   an island state in the Caribbean, in the Windward Islands: formerly a British colony (1783–1967); since 1974 an independent state within the Commonwealth; occupied by US troops (1983–85); mainly agricultural. Official language: English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: East Caribbean dollar. Capital: St George's. Pop: 107 825 (2017 est). Area: 344 sq km (133 sq miles)

■ Grenadian (ɡrɛˈneIdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Grenada or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Grenada

grenade (ɡrIˈneId)   n   1 a small container filled with explosive thrown by hand or fired from a rifle   2 a sealed glass vessel that is thrown and shatters to release chemicals, such as tear gas or a fire extinguishing agent [C16: from French, from Spanish granada pomegranate, from Late Latin grānāta, from Latin grānātus seedy; see GRAIN]

■ grenadier (ˌɡrɛnəˈdIə)   n   1 military   a (in the British Army) a member of the senior regiment of infantry in the Household Brigade   b (formerly) a member of a special formation, usually selected for strength and height   c (formerly) a soldier trained to throw grenades   2 Also called: rat-tail any deep-sea gadoid fish of the family Macrouridae, typically having a large head and trunk and a long tapering tail   3 any of various African weaverbirds of the genus Estrilda. See waxbill [C17: from French]

grenadilla (ˌɡrɛnəˈdIlə)   n   a variant form of granadilla

grenadine^1 (ˌɡrɛnəˈdiːn)   n   a light thin leno-weave fabric of silk, wool, rayon, or nylon, used esp for dresses [C19: from French, from earlier grenade silk with a grained texture, from grenu grained; see GRAIN]

grenadine^2 (ˌɡrɛnəˈdiːn, ˈɡrɛnəˌdiːn)   n   1 a syrup made from pomegranate juice, used as a sweetening and colouring agent in various drinks   2    a a moderate reddish-orange colour   b (as adjective): a grenadine coat [C19: from French: a little pomegranate, from grenade pomegranate; see GRENADE]

Grenadines (ˌɡrɛnəˈdiːnz, ˈɡrɛnəˌdiːnz)   pl n   the Grenadines a chain of about 600 islets in the Caribbean, part of the Windward Islands, extending for about 100 km (60 miles) between St Vincent and Grenada and divided administratively between the two states. Largest island: Carriacou

Grendel (ˈɡrɛndəl)   n   (in Old English legend) a man-eating monster defeated by the hero Beowulf

Grenfell (ˈɡrɛnfəl)   n   Joyce, real name Joyce Irene Phipps. 1910–79, British comedy actress and writer

Grenoble (ɡrəˈnəʊbəl; French ɡrənɔblə)   n   a city in SE France, on the Isère River: university (1339). Pop: 156 659 (2008)

Grenville (ˈɡrɛnvIl)   n   1  George. 1712–70, British statesman; prime minister (1763–65). His policy of taxing the American colonies precipitated the War of Independence   2  Kate. born 1950. Australian writer. Her novels include Lilian's Story (1985), The Idea of Perfection (2002), and The Secret River (2005)   3  Sir Richard. ?1541–91, English naval commander. He was fatally wounded aboard his ship, the Revenge, during a lone battle with a fleet of Spanish treasure ships   4  William Wyndham, Baron Grenville, son of George Grenville. 1759–1834, British statesman; prime minister (1806–07) of the coalition government known as the "ministry of all the talents"

grenz rays (ɡrɛnz)   n   physics X-rays of long wavelength produced in a device when electrons are accelerated through 25 kilovolts or less [C20: from grenz, from German Grenze boundary]

Gresham (ˈɡrɛʃəm)   n   Sir Thomas. ?1519–79, English financier, who founded the Royal Exchange in London (1568)

■ Gresham's law or Gresham's theorem   n   the economic hypothesis that bad money drives good money out of circulation; the superior currency will tend to be hoarded and the inferior will thus dominate the circulation [C16: named after Sir Thomas Gresham]

gressorial (ɡrɛˈsɔːrIəl) or gressorious (ɡrɛˈsɔːrIəs)   adj   1 (of the feet of certain birds) specialized for walking   2 (of birds, such as the ostrich) having such feet [C19: from New Latin gressōrius, from gressus having walked, from gradī to step]

Gretna Green (ˈɡrɛtnə)   n   a village in S Scotland, in Dumfries and Galloway on the border with England: famous smithy where eloping couples were married by the blacksmith from 1754 until 1940, when such marriages became illegal. Pop: 2705 (2001)

Gretzky (ˈɡrɛtzkI)   n   Wayne. born 1961, Canadian ice-hockey player and coach; in his playing career (1979–99) he became the record point scorer in the National Hockey League

Greuze (French ɡrøz)   n   Jean Baptiste (ʒɑ̃ batist). 1725–1805, French genre and portrait painter

Greville (ˈɡrɛvIl)   n   Fulke (fʊlk), 1st Baron Brooke. 1554–1628, English poet, writer, politician, and diplomat: Chancellor of the Exchequer (1614–22); author of The Life of the Renowned Sir Philip Sidney (1652)

grevillea (ɡrəˈvIljə)   n   any of a large variety of evergreen trees and shrubs that comprise the genus Grevillea, native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Caledonia: family Proteaceae [named after C. F. Greville (1749–1809), a founder of the Royal Horticultural Society]

grew (ɡruː)   vb   the past tense of grow

grewhound (ˈɡruːˌhaʊnd)   n   Scot a greyhound

grewsome (ˈɡruːsəm)   adj   an archaic or US spelling of gruesome

grex (ɡrɛks)   n   a group of plants that has arisen from the same hybrid parent group [C20: from Latin grex flock]

Grexit (ˈɡrɛɡzIt, ˈɡrɛksIt)   n informal   the potential withdrawal of Greece from the group of countries using the common European currency [C21: GR(EEK) + EXIT]

grey or US gray (ɡreI)   adj   1 of a neutral tone, intermediate between black and white, that has no hue and reflects and transmits only a little light   2 greyish in colour or having parts or marks that are greyish   3 dismal or dark, esp from lack of light; gloomy   4 neutral or dull, esp in character or opinion   5 having grey hair   6 of or relating to people of middle age or above: grey power   7 ancient; venerable   8 (of textiles) natural, unbleached, undyed, and untreated   ▷ n   9 any of a group of grey tones   10 grey cloth or clothing: dressed in grey   11 an animal, esp a horse, that is grey or whitish   ▷ vb   12 to become or make grey [Old English grǣg; related to Old High German grāo, Old Norse grar]   > ˈgreyish or US ˈgrayish adj   > ˈgreyly or US ˈgrayly adv   > ˈgreyness or US ˈgrayness n

■ grey area or US gray area   n   1 (in Britain) a region in which unemployment is relatively high   2 an area or part of something existing between two extremes and having mixed characteristics of both   3 an area, situation, etc, lacking clearly defined characteristics

■ greyback or US grayback (ˈɡreIˌbæk)   n   any of various animals having a grey back, such as the grey whale and the hooded crow

■ greybeard or US graybeard (ˈɡreIˌbIəd)   n   1 an old man, esp a sage   2 a large stoneware or earthenware jar or jug for spirits   > ˈgreyˌbearded or US ˈgrayˌbearded adj

■ grey body or US gray body   n   physics a body that emits radiation in constant proportion to the corresponding black-body radiation

■ grey-crowned babbler or US gray-crowned babbler   n   an insect-eating Australian bird, Pomatostomus temporalis of the family Timaliidae

■ grey duck or US gray duck   n   another name for parera

■ greyed out or US grayed out   adj   (of a navigation button, menu item, etc on a computer screen) not highlighted, indicating that the function is unavailable at a given time

■ grey eminence or US gray eminence   n   the English equivalent of éminence grise

■ grey-faced petrel or US gray-faced petrel   n   a dark-coloured New Zealand petrel, Pterodroma macroptera gouldi. Also called: North Island muttonbird, oi

■ grey fox or US gray fox   n   1 a greyish American fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, inhabiting arid and woody regions from S North America to N South America   2 island grey fox a similar and related animal, U. littoralis, inhabiting islands off North America

■ Grey Friar or US Gray Friar   n   a Franciscan friar

■ grey gum or US gray gum   n   any of various eucalyptus trees of New South Wales having dull grey bark, esp Eucalyptus punctata

■ grey-haired or US gray-haired   adj   having grey hair

■ greyhead or US grayhead (ˈɡreIˌhɛd)   n   a person with grey hair

■ greyheaded or US grayheaded (ˌɡreIˈhɛdId)   adj   having grey hair

■ greyhen or US grayhen (ˈɡreIˌhɛn)   n   the female of the black grouse. Compare blackcock

■ grey heron or US gray heron   n   a large European heron, Ardea cinerea, with grey wings and back and a long black drooping crest

■ grey import or US gray import   n   an imported vehicle that does not have an exact model equivalent in the receiving country

■ greying or US graying (ˈɡreIIŋ)   adj   becoming grey

■ grey knight or US gray knight   n   informal an ambiguous intervener in a takeover battle, who makes a counterbid for the shares of the target company without having made his or her intentions clear. Compare black knight, white knight

■ greylag, greylag goose or US graylag, graylag goose (ˈɡreIˌlæɡ)   n   a large grey Eurasian goose, Anser anser: the ancestor of many domestic breeds of goose [C18: from GREY + LAG^1, from its migrating later than other species]

■ greylist or US graylist (ˈɡreIˌlIst)   vb (tr)   to hold (someone) in suspicion, without actually excluding him or her from a particular activity

■ grey market or US gray market   n   1  an unofficial market in goods that have not been sourced from an official supplier. Compare black market   2 stock exchange a market in the shares of a new issue, in which market makers deal with investors who have applied for shares but not yet received an allotment   3 the market for goods and services created by older people with a comfortable disposable income and increased opportunities for spending it

■ grey matter or US gray matter   n   1 the greyish tissue of the brain and spinal cord, containing nerve cell bodies, dendrites, and bare (unmyelinated) axons. Technical name: substantia grisea. Compare white matter   2 informal brains or intellect

■ grey mullet or US gray mullet   n   any teleost food fish of the family Mugilidae, mostly occurring in coastal regions, having a spindle-shaped body and a broad fleshy mouth. US name: mullet. Compare red mullet

■ grey nomad or US gray nomad   n   Austral any elderly retired person who spends time travelling around the country in a mobile home

■ grey nurse shark or US gray nurse shark   n   a common greyish Australian shark, Odontaspis arenarius

■ grey panther or US gray panther   n   a member of the generation of affluent older consumers, who regard themselves as young, active, and sociable

■ grey power or US gray power   n   the political, financial, or social influence of elderly people

■ grey propaganda or US gray propaganda   n   propaganda that does not identify its source. Compare black propaganda, white propaganda

■ Greys   pl n   the Greys another name for (the) Royal Scots Greys

■ greyscale or US grayscale (ˈɡreIˌskeIl)   adj   (of a digital image) represented in shades of grey

■ grey sedge or US gray sedge   n   Brit an angler's name for a greyish caddis fly, Odontocerum albicorne, that frequents running water, in which its larvae make cases from grains of sand

■ grey squirrel or US gray squirrel   n   a grey-furred squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, native to E North America but now widely established elsewhere

■ grey-state or US gray-state   n   (modifier) (of a fabric or material) not yet dyed

■ greystone or US graystone (ˈɡreIˌstəʊn)   n   mineralogy a grey igneous rock of volcanic origin

■ grey vote or US gray vote   n   the body of elderly people's votes, or elderly people regarded collectively as voters

■ greywacke or US graywacke (ˈɡreIˌwækə)   n   any dark sandstone or grit having a matrix of clay minerals [C19: partial translation of German Grauwacke; see WACKE]

■ grey warbler or US gray warbler   n   NZ a small bush bird that hatches the eggs of the shining cuckoo. Also called: riroriro

■ grey water or US gray water   n   household waste water that can be reused for some purposes without purification, e.g. bath water, which can be used to water plants. Compare black water

■ grey-wave or US gray-wave   adj   informal denoting a company or an investment that is potentially profitable but is unlikely to fulfil expectations before the investor has grey hair

■ greywether or US graywether (ˈɡreIˌwɛðə)   n   geology another name for sarsen [from its resemblance to a grey sheep; see WETHER]

■ grey whale or US gray whale   n   a large N Pacific whalebone whale, Eschrichtius glaucus, that is grey or black with white spots and patches: family Eschrichtidae

■ grey wolf or US gray wolf   n   another name for timber wolf

Grey (ɡreI)   n   1  Charles, 2nd Earl Grey. 1764–1845, British statesman. As Whig prime minister (1830–34), he carried the Reform Bill of 1832 and the bill for the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire (1833)   2  Sir Edward, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon. 1862–1933, British statesman; foreign secretary (1905–16)   3  Sir George. 1812–98, British statesman and colonial administrator; prime minister of New Zealand (1877–79)   4  Lady Jane. 1537–54, queen of England (July 9–19, 1553); great-granddaughter of Henry VII. Her father-in-law, the Duke of Northumberland, persuaded Edward VI to alter the succession in her favour, but after ten days as queen she was imprisoned and later executed   5  Zane. 1875–1939, US author of Westerns, including Riders of the Purple Sage (1912)

greyhound (ˈɡreIˌhaʊnd)   n   a tall slender fast-moving dog of an ancient breed originally used for coursing [Old English grīghund, related to Old Norse greyhundr, from grey bitch, hundr dog]

■ greyhound racing   n   a sport in which a mechanically propelled dummy hare is pursued by greyhounds around a race track

Grey Owl   n   Grey Owl, original name Archibald Belaney (1888–1938). Canadian writer and conservationist, born in England; adopted Native American identity

Grey-Thompson (ˈɡreIˈtɒmpsən)   n   Tanni (Carys Davina) Baroness. born 1969, Welsh wheelchair athlete; won eleven gold medals for Britain in wheelchair racing in the Paralympic Games (1988–2004); a crossbench peer in the House of Lords since 2010

GRF biochem   abbreviation for   growth hormone-releasing factor: a peptide that is released from the brain and stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone

gribble (ˈɡrIbəl)   n   any small marine isopod crustacean of the genus Limnoria, which bores into and damages wharves and other submerged wooden structures [C19: perhaps related to GRUB]

grice (ɡraIs)   vb   1 (intr) (of a railway enthusiast) to collect objects or visit places connected with trains and railways   ▷ n   2 an object collected or place visited by a railway enthusiast [C20: origin obscure]   > ˈgricer n   > ˈgricing n

grid (ɡrId)   n   1 See gridiron   2 a network of horizontal and vertical lines superimposed over a map, building plan, etc, for locating points   3 a grating consisting of parallel bars   4 the grid the national network of transmission lines, pipes, etc, by which electricity, gas, or water is distributed   5 NZ short for national grid   6 Also called: control grid electronics   a an electrode situated between the cathode and anode of a valve usually consisting of a cylindrical mesh of wires, that controls the flow of electrons between cathode and anode. See also screen grid, suppressor grid   b (as modifier): the grid bias   7 See starting grid   8 a plate in an accumulator that carries the active substance   9 any interconnecting system of links: the bus service formed a grid across the country   10 a Northern English dialect word for face   11 off the grid informal not using any of the services, such as bank accounts, public utilities, etc, that allow a person's activities to be monitored by the authorities [C19: back formation from GRIDIRON]   > ˈgridded adj

■ grid bias   n   the fixed voltage applied between the control grid and cathode of a valve

■ grid declination   n   the angular difference between true north and grid north on a map

■ gridder (ˈɡrIdə)   n   US informal an American football player

■ gridiron (ˈɡrIdˌaIən)   n   1 a utensil of parallel metal bars, used to grill meat, fish, etc   2 any framework resembling this utensil   3 a framework above the stage in a theatre from which suspended scenery, lights, etc, are manipulated   4    a the field of play in American football   b informal American football   c (as modifier): a gridiron hero   ▶ Often shortened to: grid [C13 gredire, perhaps variant (through influence of ire IRON) of gredile GRIDDLE]

■ gridlock (ˈɡrIdˌlɒk)   n   1 obstruction of urban traffic caused by queues of vehicles forming across junctions and causing further queues to form in the intersecting streets   2 a point in a dispute at which no agreement can be reached; deadlock: political gridlock   ▷ vb   3 (tr) (of traffic) to block or obstruct (an area)

■ gridlocked (ˈɡrIdlɒkt)   adj   1 (of urban traffic) obstructed by queues of vehicles forming across junctions and causing further queues to form in the intersecting streets   2 (of a dispute, etc) at a point at which no agreement can be reached; deadlocked

■ grid networking   n   a type of computer networking that harnesses unused processing cycles of ordinary desktop computers to create a virtual supercomputer

■ grid reference   n   a method of locating a point on a map or plan by a number referring to the lines of a grid drawn upon the map or plan and to subdivisions of the space between the lines

■ grid road   n   (in Canada) a road that follows a surveyed division between areas of a township, municipality, etc

■ grid variation   n   nautical the angle between grid north and magnetic north at a point on a map or chart. Also called: grivation

griddle (ˈɡrIdəl)   n   1 Also called: girdle Brit a thick round iron plate with a half hoop handle over the top, for making scones, etc   2 any flat heated surface, esp on the top of a stove, for cooking food   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to cook (food) on a griddle [C13: from Old French gridil, from Late Latin crātīculum (unattested) fine wickerwork; see GRILL^1]

■ griddlebread (ˈɡrIdəlˌbrɛd) or griddlecake (ˈɡrIdəlˌkeIk)   n   bread or cake made on a griddle

■ griddled (ˈɡrIdəld)   adj   cooked on a griddle

gride (ɡraId)   vb   1 (intr) literary to grate or scrape harshly   2 obsolete to pierce or wound   ▷ n   3 literary a harsh or piercing sound [C14: variant of girde GIRD^2]

gridelin (ˈɡrIdəlIn)   n   1 a greyish-violet colour   ▷ adj   2 having a greyish-violet colour

grief (ɡriːf)   n   1 deep or intense sorrow or distress, esp at the death of someone   2 something that causes keen distress or suffering   3 informal trouble or annoyance: people were giving me grief for leaving ten minutes early   4 come to grief informal to end unsuccessfully or disastrously   5 tune someone grief See tune (sense 17) [C13: from Anglo-French gref, from grever to GRIEVE^1]   > ˈgriefless adj

■ griefer (ˈɡriːfə) or grief player   n   an online game player who intentionally spoils the game for other players

■ griefful (ˈɡriːffʊl)   adj   stricken with grief or sorrow

■ grief-stricken   adj   deeply affected by sorrow or distress

Grieg (ɡriːɡ)   n   Edvard (Hagerup) (ˈɛdvard). 1843–1907, Norwegian composer. His works, often inspired by Norwegian folk music, include the incidental music for Peer Gynt (1876), a piano concerto, and many songs

Grierson (ˈɡrIəsən)   n   John. 1898–1972, Scottish film director. He coined the noun documentary, of which genre his Industrial Britain (1931) and Song of Ceylon (1934) are notable examples

grieve^1 (ɡriːv)   vb   1 to feel or cause to feel great sorrow or distress, esp at the death of someone   2 (tr) obsolete to inflict injury, hardship, or sorrow on [C13: from Old French grever, from Latin gravāre to burden, from gravis heavy]   > ˈgriever n   > ˈgrieving n, adj   > ˈgrievingly adv

■ grievance (ˈɡriːvəns)   n   1 a real or imaginary wrong causing resentment and regarded as grounds for complaint   2 a feeling of resentment or injustice at having been unfairly treated   3 obsolete affliction or hardship [C15 grevance, from Old French, from grever to GRIEVE^1]

■ grievant (ˈɡriːvənt)   n   formal a person with a grievance, esp one who has submitted this grievance for a legal hearing

■ grievous (ˈɡriːvəs)   adj   1 very severe or painful: a grievous injury   2 very serious; heinous: a grievous sin   3 showing or marked by grief: a grievous cry   4 causing great pain or suffering: a grievous attack   > ˈgrievously adv   > ˈgrievousness n

■ grievous bodily harm   n   criminal law really serious injury caused by one person to another. Abbreviation: GBH

grieve^2 (ɡriːv)   n   Scot a farm manager or overseer [C15: from Old English (Northumbrian) græfa reeve]

griff (ɡrIf)   n   slang information; news [C20: from GRIFFIN^2]

griffe (ɡrIf)   n   architect a carved ornament at the base of a column, often in the form of a claw [C19: from French: claw, of Germanic origin]

griffin^1 (ˈɡrIfIn), griffon or gryphon   n   a winged monster with an eagle-like head and the body of a lion [C14: from Old French grifon, from Latin grӯphus, from Greek grups, from grupos hooked]

griffin^2 (ˈɡrIfIn)   n   a newcomer to the Orient, esp one from W Europe [C18: of unknown origin]

■ griffinish (ˈɡrIfInIʃ)   adj   indicative of a griffin, being a newcomer to the Orient

■ griffinism (ˈɡrIfInIzəm)   n   the quality of having griffinish characteristics, or the condition of being a griffin

Griffith (ˈɡrIfIθ)   n   1  Arthur. 1872–1922, Irish journalist and nationalist: founder of Sinn Féin (1905); president of the Free State assembly (1922)   2  D(avid Lewelyn) W(ark). 1875–1948, US film director and producer. He introduced several cinematic techniques, including the flashback and the fade-out, in his masterpiece The Birth of a Nation (1915)

Griffith-Joyner (ˌɡrIfIθˈdʒɔInə)   n   Florence, known as Flojo. 1959–98, US sprinter, winner of two gold medals at the 1988 Olympic Games

griffon^1 (ˈɡrIfən)   n   1 any of various small wire-haired breeds of dog, originally from Belgium   2 any large vulture of the genus Gyps, of Africa, S Europe, and SW Asia, having a pale plumage with black wings: family Accipitridae (hawks) [C19: from French: GRIFFIN^1]

griffon^2 (ˈɡrIfən)   n   a variant of griffin^1

grift (ɡrIft) US   n   1 an act of obtaining money from someone by fraud   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to swindle someone out of money

■ grifter (ˈɡrIftə)   n   US informal a person who swindles another out of money

grig (ɡrIɡ)   n dialect   1 a lively person   2 a short-legged hen   3 a young eel [C14: dwarf, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish krik a little creature]

Grigioni (ɡriˈdʒoːni)   n   the Italian name for Graubünden

Grignard reagent (ˈɡriːnjɑː; French ɡriɲar)   n   chem any of a class of organometallic reagents, having the general formula RMgX, where R is an organic group and X is a halogen atom: used in the synthesis of organic compounds [C20: named after Victor Grignard (1871–1934), French chemist]

grigri, gris-gris or greegree (ˈɡriːɡriː)   n, pl -gris (-ɡriːz) or -grees   an African talisman, amulet, or charm [of African origin]

grike or gryke (ɡraIk)   n   a solution fissure, a vertical crack up to 0.5 m wide formed by the dissolving of limestone by water, that divides an exposed limestone surface into sections or clints [C20 in geological sense: from northern dialect]

Grikwa (ˈɡriːkwə, ˈɡrIk-)   n, pl -kwa or -kwas   a variant spelling of Griqua

grill^1 (ɡrIl)   vb   1 to cook (meat, fish, etc) by direct heat, as under a grill or over a hot fire, or (of meat, fish, etc) to be cooked in this way. Usual US and Canadian word: broil   2 (tr; usually passive) to torment with or as if with extreme heat: the travellers were grilled by the scorching sun   3 (tr) informal to subject to insistent or prolonged questioning   ▷ n   4 a device with parallel bars of thin metal on which meat, fish, etc, may be cooked by a fire; gridiron   5 a device on a cooker that radiates heat downwards for grilling meat, fish, etc   6 food cooked by grilling   7 See grillroom [C17: from French gril gridiron, from Latin crātīcula fine wickerwork; see GRILLE]   > ˈgriller n

■ grillade (ˈɡrIleId)   n   cookery obsolete grilled food

■ grilled (ɡrIld)   adj   cooked on a grill or gridiron

■ grillery (ˈɡrIlərI)   n, pl -ries   a place where food is grilled

■ grilling (ˈɡrIlIŋ)   n   informal an insistent or prolonged interrogation

■ grillroom (ˈɡrIlˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   a restaurant or room in a restaurant, etc, where grilled steaks and other meat are served

■ grillsteak (ˈɡrIlˌsteIk)   n   cookery a flat fried cake of minced beef or lamb that is usually grilled from frozen

grill^2 (ɡrIl)   n   a variant spelling of grille [C17: see GRILLE]

■ grilled (ɡrIld)   adj   having a grille

grille or grill (ɡrIl)   n   1 Also called: grillwork a framework, esp of metal bars arranged to form an ornamental pattern, used as a screen or partition   2 Also called: radiator grille a grating, often chromium-plated, that admits cooling air to the radiator of a motor vehicle   3 a metal or wooden openwork grating used as a screen or divider   4 a protective screen, usually plastic or metal, in front of the loudspeaker in a radio, record player, etc   5 real tennis the opening in one corner of the receiver's end of the court   6 a group of small pyramidal marks impressed in parallel rows into a stamp to prevent reuse [C17: from Old French, from Latin crātīcula fine hurdlework, from crātis a hurdle]

■ grillage (ˈɡrIlIdʒ)   n   an arrangement of beams and crossbeams used as a foundation on soft ground [C18: from French, from griller to furnish with a grille]

grillion (ˈɡrIljən)   n, pl -lions or -lion informal   1 (often plural) an extremely large but unspecified number, quantity, or amount: he had grillions more goes than me   ▷ determiner   2 amounting to a grillion: a grillion years old [C20: on the model of million]

Grillparzer (German ˈɡrIlpartsər)   n   Franz (frants). 1791–1872, Austrian dramatist and poet, noted for his historical and classical tragedies, which include Sappho (1818), the trilogy The Golden Fleece (1819–22), and The Jewess of Toledo (1872)

grilse (ɡrIls)   n, pl grilses or grilse   a young salmon that returns to fresh water after one winter in the sea [C15 grilles (plural), of uncertain origin]

grim (ɡrIm)   adj grimmer, grimmest   1 stern; resolute: grim determination   2 harsh or formidable in manner or appearance   3 harshly ironic or sinister: grim laughter   4 cruel, severe, or ghastly: a grim accident   5 archaic or poetic fierce: a grim warrior   6 informal unpleasant; disagreeable   7 hold on like grim death to hold very firmly or resolutely [Old English grimm; related to Old Norse grimmr, Old High German grimm savage, Greek khremizein to neigh]   > ˈgrimly adv   > ˈgrimness n

■ grim dig   n   NZ informal, obsolete an obdurate soldier

■ grimlooked (ˈɡrImˌlʊkt)   adj   obsolete having a grim appearance

grimace (ˈɡrIməs, ɡrIˈmeIs)   n   1 an ugly or distorted facial expression, as of wry humour, disgust, etc   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to contort the face [C17: from French grimace, of Germanic origin; related to Spanish grimazo caricature; see GRIM]   > grimacer (ˈɡrIməsə, ɡrIˈmeIsə) n   > grimacingly (ˈɡrIməsIŋlI, ɡrIˈmeIsIŋlI) adv

Grimaldi^1 (ɡrIˈmɔːldI)   n   a large crater in the SE quadrant of the moon, about 190 km in diameter, which is conspicuous because of its dark floor [named after Francesco Maria Grimaldi (1618–63), Italian physicist]

Grimaldi^2 (ɡrIˈmɔːldI)   n   Joseph. 1779–1837, English actor, noted as a clown in pantomime

Grimaldi man   n   anthropol obsolete a type of Aurignacian human, thought to be a race of Cro-Magnon man [C20: named after the Grimaldi caves, Italy, where two skeletons of this type were found]

grimalkin (ɡrIˈmælkIn, -ˈmɔːl-)   n archaic   1 an old cat, esp an old female cat   2 a crotchety or shrewish old woman [C17: from GREY + MALKIN]

grime (ɡraIm)   n   1 dirt, soot, or filth, esp when thickly accumulated or ingrained   2 a genre of music originating in the East End of London and combining elements of garage, hip-hop, rap, and jungle   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to make dirty or coat with filth [C15: from Middle Dutch grime; compare Flemish grijm, Old English grīma mask]   > ˈgrimy adj   > ˈgriminess n

■ grimily (ˈɡraImIlI)   adv   in a grimy manner

Grimm (ɡrIm)   n   Jakob Ludwig Karl (ˈjaːkɔp ˈluːtvIç karl), 1785–1863, and his brother, Wilhelm Karl (ˈvIlhɛlm karl), 1786–1859, German philologists and folklorists, who collaborated on Grimm's Fairy Tales (1812–22) and began a German dictionary. Jakob is noted also for his philological work Deutsche Grammatik (1819–37), in which he formulated the law named after him

■ Grimm's law (ɡrImz)   n   the rules accounting for systematic correspondences between consonants in the Germanic languages and consonants in other Indo-European languages; it states that Proto-Indo-European voiced aspirated stops, voiced unaspirated stops, and voiceless stops became voiced unaspirated stops, voiceless stops, and voiceless fricatives respectively [formulated by Jakob GRIMM]

grimoire (ɡriːmˈwɑː)   n   a textbook of sorcery and magic [C19: from French, altered from grammaire GRAMMAR; compare GLAMOUR]

Grimsby (ˈɡrImzbI)   n   a port in E England, in North East Lincolnshire unitary authority, Lincolnshire, formerly important for fishing. Pop: 87 574 (2001)

grin (ɡrIn)   vb grins, grinning, grinned   1 to smile with the lips drawn back revealing the teeth or express (something) by such a smile: to grin a welcome   2 (intr) to draw back the lips revealing the teeth, as in a snarl or grimace   3 grin and bear it informal to suffer trouble or hardship without complaint   ▷ n   4 a broad smile   5 a snarl or grimace [Old English grennian; related to Old High German grennen to snarl, Old Norse grenja to howl; see GRUNT]   > ˈgrinner n   > ˈgrinning adj, n

■ grinningly (ˈɡrInIŋlI)   adv   in a grinning manner

grinch (ɡrIntʃ)   n   US informal a person whose lack of enthusiasm or bad temper has a depressing effect on others [C20: from a character in the 1957 children's book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss (1904–91), US writer and illustrator, whose full name was Theodor Seuss Geisel]

grind (ɡraInd)   vb grinds, grinding, ground   1 to reduce or be reduced to small particles by pounding or abrading: to grind corn; to grind flour   2 (tr) to smooth, sharpen, or polish by friction or abrasion: to grind a knife   3 to scrape or grate together (two things, esp the teeth) with a harsh rasping sound or (of such objects) to be scraped together   4 (tr; foll by out) to speak or say (something) in a rough voice   5 (tr; often foll by down) to hold down; oppress; tyrannize   6 (tr) to operate (a machine) by turning a handle   7 (tr; foll by out) to produce in a routine or uninspired manner: he ground out his weekly article for the paper   8 (tr; foll by out) to continue to play in a dull or insipid manner: the band only ground out old tunes all evening   9 (tr; often foll by into) to instil (facts, information, etc) by persistent effort: they ground into the recruits the need for vigilance   10 (intr) informal to study or work laboriously   11 (intr) chiefly US to dance erotically by rotating the pelvis (esp in the phrase bump and grind)   ▷ n   12 informal laborious or routine work or study   13 slang, chiefly US a person, esp a student, who works excessively hard   14 a specific grade of pulverization, as of coffee beans: coarse grind   15 Brit vulgar, slang the act of sexual intercourse   16 chiefly US a dance movement involving an erotic rotation of the pelvis   17 the act or sound of grinding [Old English grindan; related to Latin frendere, Lithuanian gréndu I rub, Low German grand sand]   > ˈgrindingly adv

■ grinder (ˈɡraIndə)   n   1 a person who grinds, esp one who grinds cutting tools   2 a machine for grinding   3 a molar tooth

■ grindery (ˈɡraIndərI)   n, pl -eries   1 a place in which tools and cutlery are sharpened   2 the equipment of a shoemaker

■ grindhouse (ˈɡraIndˌhaʊs)   n   chiefly US   a a cinema specializing in violent or exploitative films such as martial arts movies from Japan and Hong Kong   b (as modifier): a grindhouse film

■ grind in   vb   (tr, adverb) engineering to make (a conical valve) fit its seating by grinding them together in the presence of an abrasive paste

■ grinding (ˈɡraIndIŋ)   adj   1 never getting better, changing, or ending: grinding tedium   2 to come to a grinding halt to stop very suddenly and emphatically

■ grinding wheel   n   an abrasive wheel, usually a composite of hard particles in a resin filler, used for grinding

■ grind on   vb   (intr, adverb) to move further relentlessly: the enemy's invasion ground slowly on

■ grindstone (ˈɡraIndˌstəʊn)   n   1    a a machine having a circular block of stone or composite abrasive rotated for sharpening tools or grinding metal   b the stone used in this machine   c any stone used for sharpening; whetstone   2 another name for millstone   3 keep one's nose to the grindstone or have one's nose to the grindstone to work hard and perseveringly

grindelia (ɡrInˈdiːlIə)   n   1 any coarse plant of the American genus Grindelia, having yellow daisy-like flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites). See also gum plant   2 the dried leaves and tops of certain species of these plants, used in tonics and sedatives [C19: named after David Hieronymus Grindel (1777–1836), Russian botanist]

Grindelwald (German ˈɡrIndəlvalt)   n   a valley and resort in central Switzerland, in the Bernese Oberland: mountaineering centre, with the Wetterhorn and the Eiger nearby

gringo (ˈɡrIŋɡəʊ) or feminine gringa (ˈɡrIŋɡə)   n, pl -gos or -gas   offensive (used by Latin Americans) a person from an English-speaking country, esp the USA [C19: from Spanish: foreigner, probably from griego Greek, hence an alien]

griot (ˈɡriːəʊ, ɡriːˈɒt)   n   (in Western Africa) a member of a caste responsible for maintaining an oral record of tribal history in the form of music, poetry, and storytelling [C20: from French guirot, perhaps from Portuguese criado domestic servant]

grip^1 (ɡrIp)   n   1 the act or an instance of grasping and holding firmly: he lost his grip on the slope   2 Also called: handgrip the strength or pressure of such a grasp, as in a handshake: a feeble grip   3 the style or manner of grasping an object, such as a tennis racket   4 understanding, control, or mastery of a subject, problem, etc (esp in such phrases as get or have a grip on)   5 Also called: handgrip a part by which an object is grasped; handle   6 Also called: handgrip a travelling bag or holdall   7 See hairgrip   8 any device that holds by friction, such as certain types of brake   9 a method of clasping or shaking hands used by members of secret societies to greet or identify one another   10 a spasm of pain: a grip in one's stomach   11 a worker in a camera crew or a stagehand who shifts sets and props, etc   12 a small drainage channel cut above an excavation to conduct surface water away from the excavation   13 get to grips or come to grips (often foll by with)   a to deal with (a problem or subject)   b to tackle (an assailant)   ▷ vb grips, gripping, gripped   14 to take hold of firmly or tightly, as by a clutch   15 to hold the interest or attention of: to grip an audience [Old English gripe grasp; related to Old Norse gripr property, Old High German grif]   > ˈgripper n

■ gripman (ˈɡrIpmən)   n, pl -men   a cable car operator

■ gripping (ˈɡrIpIŋ)   adj   able to hold the interest or attention of someone   > ˈgrippingly adv

■ grippy (ˈɡrIpI)   adj   (of a material) having adhesive qualities

■ gripsack (ˈɡrIpˌsæk)   n   US informal a travel bag

■ griptape (ˈɡrIpˌteIp)   n   a rough tape for sticking to a surface to provide a greater grip

grip^2 (ɡrIp)   n   med a variant spelling of grippe

gripe (ɡraIp)   vb   1 (intr) informal to complain, esp in a persistent nagging manner   2 to cause sudden intense pain in the intestines of (a person) or (of a person) to experience this pain   3 (intr) nautical (of a ship) to tend to come up into the wind in spite of the helm   4 archaic to clutch; grasp   5 (tr) archaic to afflict   ▷ n   6 (usually plural) a sudden intense pain in the intestines; colic   7 informal a complaint or grievance   8 rare   a the act of gripping   b a firm grip   c a device that grips   9 (in plural) nautical the lashings that secure a boat [Old English grīpan; related to Gothic greipan, Old High German grīfan to seize, Lithuanian greibiu]   > ˈgriper n

■ gripe water   n   Brit a solution given to infants to relieve colic

■ gripey (ˈɡraIpI)   adj   causing or resembling gripes

■ griping (ˈɡraIpIŋ)   n   1 informal the act of complaining   ▷ adj   2 sudden and intense: griping pains in her stomach   > ˈgripingly adv

gripe site   n   a website through which people can express their contempt for a particular person, organization, pop group, etc

grippe or grip (ɡrIp)   n   a former name for influenza [C18: from French grippe, from gripper to seize, of Germanic origin; see GRIP^1]

gripple (ˈɡrIpəl)   adj   1 greedy   ▷ n   2 obsolete a hook used to seize things

Griqua or Grikwa (ˈɡriːkwə, ˈɡrIk-)   n   1 (pl -qua, -quas or -kwa, -kwas) a member of a people of mixed European and Khoikhoi ancestry, living chiefly in Griqualand   2 the language or dialect of Khoikhoi spoken by this people, belonging to the Khoisan family

■ Griqualand East (ˈɡriːkwəˌlænd, ˈɡrIk-)   n   an area of central South Africa: settled in 1861 by Griquas led by Adam Kok III; annexed to the Cape Colony in 1879; part of the Transkei, 1903–93. Chief town: Kokstad. Area: 17 100 sq km (6602 sq miles)

■ Griqualand West   n   an area of N South Africa, north of the Orange river: settled after 1803 by the Griquas; annexed by the British in 1871 following a dispute with the Orange Free State; became part of the Cape Colony in 1880. Chief town: Kimberley. Area: 39 360 sq km (15 197 sq miles)

Gris (Spanish ɡris)   n   Juan (xwan). 1887–1927, Spanish cubist painter, resident in France from 1906

grisaille (ɡrIˈzeIl; French ɡrizɑj)   n   1 a technique of monochrome painting in shades of grey, as in an oil painting or a wall decoration, imitating the effect of relief   2 a painting, stained-glass window, etc, in this manner [C19: from French, from gris grey]

Grischun (ɡriːˈʃʊn)   n   the Romansch name for Graubünden

grise (ɡriːz)   vb (intr)   obsolete to shudder with fear

griseofulvin (ˌɡrIzIəʊˈfʊlvIn)   n   an antibiotic used to treat fungal infections [C20: from New Latin, from Penicillium griseofulvum dierckx (fungus from which it was isolated), from Medieval Latin griseus grey + Latin fulvus reddish yellow]

griseous (ˈɡrIsIəs, ˈɡrIz-)   adj   streaked or mixed with grey; somewhat grey [C19: from Medieval Latin griseus, of Germanic origin]

grisette (ɡrIˈzɛt)   n   1 (esp formerly) a French working-class girl, esp a pretty or flirtatious one   2 an edible toadstool of the genus Amanita of broad-leaved and birch woods [C18: from French, from grisette grey fabric used for dresses, from gris grey]

gris-gris (ˈɡriːɡriː)   n, pl -gris (-ɡriːz)   a variant spelling of grigri

Grisham (ˈɡrIʃəm)   n   John. born 1955, US novelist and lawyer; his legal thrillers, many of which have been filmed, include A Time to Kill (1989), The Pelican Brief (1992), and The Summons (2002)

griskin (ˈɡrIskIn)   n   Brit the lean part of a loin of pork [C17: probably from dialect gris pig, from Old Norse griss]

grisly^1 (ˈɡrIzlI)   adj -lier, -liest   causing horror or dread; gruesome [Old English grislic; related to Old Frisian grislik, Old High German grīsenlīh]   > ˈgrisliness n

USAGE

See at grizzly

grisly^2 (ˈɡrIzlI)   n, pl -lies   obsolete a variant spelling of grizzly

grison (ˈɡraIsən, ˈɡrIzən)   n   either of two musteline mammals, Grison (or Galictis) cuja or G. vittata, of Central and South America, having a greyish back and black face and underparts [C18: from French, from grison grey animal, from Old French gris grey]

Grisons (ɡrizɔ̃)   n   the French name for Graubünden

grissini (ɡrIˈsiːnI)   pl n, sing -no (-nəʊ)   thin crisp breadsticks [C20: from Italian]

grist (ɡrIst)   n   1    a grain intended to be or that has been ground   b the quantity of such grain processed in one grinding   2 brewing malt grains that have been cleaned and cracked   3 grist to the mill, grist to one's mill, grist for the mill or grist for one's mill anything that can be turned to profit or advantage [Old English grīst; related to Old Saxon grist-grimmo gnashing of teeth, Old High German grist-grimmōn]

■ grister (ˈɡrIstə)   n   a device for grinding grain

■ gristmill (ˈɡrIstˌmIl)   n   a mill, esp one equipped with large grinding stones for grinding grain

gristle (ˈɡrIsəl)   n   cartilage, esp when in meat [Old English gristle; related to Old Frisian, Middle Low German gristel]   > ˈgristly adj   > ˈgristliness n

grisy (ˈɡraIzI)   adj   obsolete grim or grisly

grit (ɡrIt)   n   1 small hard particles of sand, earth, stone, etc   2 Also called: gritstone any coarse sandstone that can be used as a grindstone or millstone   3 the texture or grain of stone   4 indomitable courage, toughness, or resolution   5 engineering an arbitrary measure of the size of abrasive particles used in a grinding wheel or other abrasive process   ▷ vb grits, gritting, gritted   6 to clench or grind together (two objects, esp the teeth)   7 to cover (a surface, such as icy roads) with grit [Old English grēot; related to Old Norse grjōt pebble, Old High German grioz; see GREAT, GROATS, GRUEL]   > ˈgritless adj

■ gritter (ˈɡrItə)   n   Brit a vehicle which spreads grit on roads during icy weather, or when icy conditions are expected

■ gritting (ˈɡrItIŋ)   n   Brit   a the spreading of grit on road surfaces to render them less slippery for vehicles during icy weather   b (as modifier): gritting lorries

■ gritty (ˈɡrItI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 courageous; hardy; resolute   2 of, like, or containing grit   > ˈgrittily adv   > ˈgrittiness n

Grit (ɡrIt)   n, adj Canadian   an informal word for Liberal

grith (ɡrIθ)   n   1 English legal history security, peace, or protection, guaranteed either in a certain place, such as a church, or for a period of time   2 a place of safety or protection [Old English grith; related to Old Norse grith home]

grits (ɡrIts)   pl n   1 hulled and coarsely ground grain   2 US See hominy grits [Old English grytt; related to Old High German gruzzi; see GREAT, GRIT]

grivation (ɡrIˈveIʃən)   n   nautical short for grid variation

grivet (ˈɡrIvIt)   n   an E African variety of a common guenon monkey, Cercopithecus aethiops, having long white tufts of hair on either side of the face. Compare green monkey, vervet [C19: from French, of unknown origin]

grizzle^1 (ˈɡrIzəl)   vb   1 to make or become grey   ▷ n   2 a grey colour   3 grey or partly grey hair   4 a grey wig [C15: from Old French grisel, from gris, of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German grīs grey]

■ grizzled (ˈɡrIzəld)   adj   1 streaked or mixed with grey; grizzly; griseous   2 having grey or partly grey hair

■ grizzly (ˈɡrIzlI)   adj -zlier, -zliest   1 somewhat grey; grizzled   ▷ n, pl -zlies   2 See grizzly bear

USAGE

Grizzly is sometimes wrongly used where grisly is meant: a grisly (not grizzly) murder

■ grizzly bear   n   a variety of the brown bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, formerly widespread in W North America; its brown fur has cream or white hair tips on the back, giving a grizzled appearance. Often shortened to: grizzly

grizzle^2 (ˈɡrIzəl)   vb (intr) informal, chiefly Brit   1 (esp of a child) to fret; whine   2 to sulk or grumble [C18: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German grist-grimmōn gnashing of teeth, German Griesgram unpleasant person]   > ˈgrizzler n

gro.   abbreviation for   gross (unit of quantity)

groan (ɡrəʊn)   n   1 a prolonged stressed dull cry expressive of agony, pain, or disapproval   2 a loud harsh creaking sound, as of a tree bending in the wind   3 informal a grumble or complaint, esp a persistent one   ▷ vb   4 to utter (low inarticulate sounds) expressive of pain, grief, disapproval, etc: they all groan at my puns   5 (intr) to make a sound like a groan   6 (intr, usually foll by beneath or under) to be weighed down (by) or suffer greatly (under): the country groaned under the dictator's rule   7 (intr) informal to complain or grumble [Old English grānian; related to Old Norse grīna, Old High German grīnan; see GRIN]   > ˈgroaning n, adj   > ˈgroaningly adv

■ groaner (ˈɡrəʊnə)   n   1 a person or thing that groans   2 informal a bad or corny joke or pun

■ groanful (ˈɡrəʊnfʊl)   adj   archaic sad or marked by groaning

groat (ɡrəʊt)   n   an English silver coin worth four pennies, taken out of circulation in the 17th century [C14: from Middle Dutch groot, from Middle Low German gros, from Medieval Latin (denarius) grossus thick (coin); see GROSCHEN]

■ groatsworth (ˈɡrəʊtsˌwɜːθ)   n   obsolete the amount that is, or may be, bought or sold for a groat

groats (ɡrəʊts)   pl n   1 the hulled and crushed grain of oats, wheat, or certain other cereals   2 the parts of oat kernels used as food [Old English grot particle; related to grota fragment, as in meregrota pearl; see GRIT, GROUT]

grocer (ˈɡrəʊsə)   n   a dealer in foodstuffs and other household supplies [C15: from Old French grossier, from gros large; see GROSS]

■ groceries (ˈɡrəʊsərIz)   pl n   merchandise, esp foodstuffs, sold by a grocer

■ grocer's apostrophe   n   an apostrophe placed before a final s intended to indicate the plural but in fact forming the possessive [from its supposed occurrence in grocers' signage]

■ grocery (ˈɡrəʊsərI)   n, pl -ceries   the business or premises of a grocer

groceteria (ˌɡrəʊsəˈtIərIə)   n   US obsolete a grocery store in which customers pick up products from shelves and pay for them on leaving the store, as opposed to one in which they are served by a shop assistant

grockle (ˈɡrɒkəl)   n   Southwest English dialect a tourist, esp one from the Midlands or the North of England [C20: of unknown origin]

Grodno (Russian ˈɡrɔdnə)   n   a city in W Belarus on the Neman River: part of Poland (1921–39); an industrial centre. Pop: 318 000 (2005 est)

grody (ˈɡrəʊdI)   adj -dier, -diest   US slang unpleasant; unattractive; revolting

Groening (ˈɡreInIŋ)   n   Matt(hew). born 1954, US cartoonist and writer, creator and producer of The Simpsons television series from 1989

grog (ɡrɒɡ)   n   1 diluted spirit, usually rum, as an alcoholic drink   2 informal, chiefly Austral and NZ alcoholic drink in general, esp spirits [C18: from Old Grog, nickname of Edward Vernon (1684–1757), British admiral, who in 1740 issued naval rum diluted with water; his nickname arose from his grogram cloak]

■ groggery (ˈɡrɒɡərI)   n, pl -ries   US old-fashioned a grogshop

■ groggy (ˈɡrɒɡI)   adj -gier, -giest informal   1 dazed or staggering, as from exhaustion, blows, or drunkenness   2 faint or weak   > ˈgroggily adv   > ˈgrogginess n

■ grogshop (ˈɡrɒɡˌʃɒp)   n   1 rare a drinking place, esp one of disreputable character   2 Austral and NZ informal a shop where liquor can be bought for drinking off the premises

grogram (ˈɡrɒɡrəm)   n   a coarse fabric of silk, wool, or silk mixed with wool or mohair, often stiffened with gum, formerly used for clothing [C16: from French gros grain coarse grain; see GROSGRAIN]

groin (ɡrɔIn)   n   1 the depression or fold where the legs join the abdomen. Related adjective: inguinal   2 euphemistic the genitals, esp the testicles   3 a variant spelling (esp US) of groyne   4 architect a curved arris formed where two intersecting vaults meet   ▷ vb   5 (tr) architect to provide or construct with groins [C15: perhaps from English grynde abyss; related to GROUND^1]

grok (ɡrɒk)   vb   US informal to understand completely and intuitively

Grolier (ˈɡrəʊlIə; French ɡrɔlje)   adj   relating to or denoting a decorative style of bookbinding using interlaced leather straps, gilded ornamental scrolls, etc [C19: named after Jean Grolier de Servières (1479–1565), French bibliophile]

groma (ˈɡrəʊmə)   n   a Roman surveying instrument which enabled the construction of right angles

grommet (ˈɡrɒmIt) or grummet   n   1 a ring of rubber or plastic or a metal eyelet designed to line a hole to prevent a cable or pipe passed through it from chafing   2 a ring of rope hemp used to stuff the gland of a pipe joint   3 med a small tube inserted into the eardrum in cases of glue ear in order to allow air to enter the middle ear   4 Austral informal a young or inexperienced surfer [C15: from obsolete French gourmette chain linking the ends of a bit, from gourmer bridle, of unknown origin]

■ grommeted (ˈɡrɒmItId)   adj   having grommets

gromwell (ˈɡrɒmwəl)   n   any of various hairy plants of the boraginaceous genus Lithospermum, esp L. officinale, having small greenish-white, yellow, or blue flowers, and smooth nutlike fruits. See also puccoon (sense 1) [C13: from Old French gromil, from gres sandstone + mil millet, from Latin milium]

Gromyko (Russian ɡraˈmikə)   n   Andrei Andreyevich (anˈdrjej anˈdrjejIvitʃ). 1909–89, Soviet statesman and diplomat; foreign minister (1957–85); president (1985–88)

Groningen (ˈɡrəʊnIŋən; Dutch ˈxroːnIŋə)   n   1 a province in the NE Netherlands: mainly agricultural. Capital: Groningen. Pop: 573 000 (2003 est). Area: 2336 sq km (902 sq miles)   2 a city in the NE Netherlands, capital of Groningen province. Pop: 177 000 (2003 est)

Grønland (ˈɡrœnlan)   n   the Danish name for Greenland

groof (ɡruːf)   n   Scot the face or the front of the body

grooly (ˈɡruːlI)   adj -lier, -liest   informal gruesome

groom (ɡruːm, ɡrʊm)   n   1 a person employed to clean and look after horses   2 See bridegroom   3 any of various officers of a royal or noble household   4 archaic a male servant or attendant   5 archaic, poetic a young man   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to make or keep (clothes, appearance, etc) clean and tidy   7 to rub down, clean, and smarten (a horse, dog, etc)   8 to train or prepare for a particular task, occupation, etc: to groom someone for the Presidency   9 to win the confidence of (a victim) in order to a commit sexual assault on him or her [C13 grom manservant; perhaps related to Old English grōwan to GROW]   > ˈgroomer n   > ˈgrooming n

■ groomed (ɡruːmd, ɡrʊmd)   adj   clean and tidy in appearance, clothes, etc. See also well-groomed

■ groomsman (ˈɡruːmzmən, ˈɡrʊmz-)   n, pl -men   a man who attends the bridegroom at a wedding, usually the best man

groove (ɡruːv)   n   1 a long narrow channel or furrow, esp one cut into wood by a tool   2 the spiral channel, usually V-shaped, in a gramophone record. See also microgroove   3 one of the spiral cuts in the bore of a gun   4 anatomy any furrow or channel on a bodily structure or part; sulcus   5 mountaineering a shallow fissure in a rock face or between two rock faces, forming an angle of more than 120°   6 a settled existence, routine, etc, to which one is suited or accustomed, esp one from which it is difficult to escape   7 slang an experience, event, etc, that is groovy   8 in the groove   a jazz playing well and apparently effortlessly, with a good beat, etc   b US fashionable   ▷ vb   9 (tr) to form or cut a groove in   10 (intr) old-fashioned, slang to enjoy oneself or feel in rapport with one's surroundings   11 (intr) jazz to play well, with a good beat, etc [C15: from obsolete Dutch groeve, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German gruoba pit, Old Norse grof]   > ˈgrooveless adj   > ˈgrooveˌlike adj

■ grooved (ɡruːvd)   adj   having a groove or grooves

■ groover (ˈɡruːvə)   n   a device or person that makes grooves

■ grooviness (ˈɡruːvInIs)   n   the quality of being groovy

■ grooving saw   n   a circular saw used for making grooves

■ groovy (ˈɡruːvI)   adj groovier, grooviest   slang, often jocular attractive, fashionable, or exciting

grope (ɡrəʊp)   vb   1 (intr; usually foll by for) to feel or search about uncertainly (for something) with the hands   2 (intr; usually foll by for or after) to search uncertainly or with difficulty (for a solution, answer, etc)   3 (tr) to find or make (one's way) by groping   4 (tr) slang to feel or fondle the body of (someone) for sexual gratification   ▷ n   5 the act of groping [Old English grāpian; related to Old High German greifōn, Norwegian greipa; compare GRIPE]   > ˈgropingly adv

groper (ˈɡrəʊpə) or grouper   n, pl -er or -ers   any large marine serranid fish of the genus Epinephelus and related genera, of warm and tropical seas. Also called: garoupa [C17: from Portuguese garupa, probably from a local word in South America]

Gropius (ˈɡrəʊpIəs)   n   Walter. 1883–1969, US architect, designer, and teacher, born in Germany. He founded (1919) and directed (1919–28) the Bauhaus in Germany. His influence stemmed from his adaptation of architecture to modern social needs and his pioneering use of industrial materials, such as concrete and steel. His buildings include the Fagus factory at Alfeld (1911) and the Bauhaus at Dessau (1926)

Gros (French ɡro)   n   Baron Antoine Jean (ɑ̃twan ʒɑ̃). 1771–1835, French painter, noted for his battle scenes

grosbeak (ˈɡrəʊsˌbiːk, ˈɡrɒs-)   n   1 any of various finches, such as Pinicola enucleator (pine grosbeak), that have a massive powerful bill   2 cardinal grosbeak any of various mostly tropical American buntings, such as the cardinal and pyrrhuloxia, the males of which have brightly coloured plumage [C17: from French grosbec, from Old French gros large, thick + bec BEAK^1]

groschen (ˈɡrəʊʃən; German ˈɡrɔʃən)   n, pl -schen   1 a former Austrian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a schilling   2 a former German coin worth ten pfennigs   3 a former German silver coin [C17: from German: Bohemian dialect alteration of Middle High German grosse, from Medieval Latin (denarius) grossus thick (penny); see GROSS, GROAT]

gros de Londres French (ɡro də lɔ̃drə)   n   a lightweight shiny ribbed silk fabric, the ribs alternating between wide and narrow between different colours or between different textures of yarn [literally: heavy (fabric) from London]

groser (ˈɡrəʊzə)   n   Scot a gooseberry

grosgrain (ˈɡrəʊˌɡreIn)   n   a heavy ribbed silk or rayon fabric or tape for trimming clothes, etc [C19: from French gros grain coarse grain; see GROSS, GRAIN]

gros point (ˈɡrəʊ ˈpɔInt; French ɡro pwɛ̃)   n   1 a needlepoint stitch covering two horizontal and two vertical threads   2 work done in this stitch   ▶ Compare petit point [C20: from Old French: large point]

gross (ɡrəʊs)   adj   1 repellently or excessively fat or bulky   2 with no deductions for expenses, tax, etc; total: gross sales; gross income. Compare net^2 (sense 1)   3 (of personal qualities, tastes, etc) conspicuously coarse or vulgar   4 obviously or exceptionally culpable or wrong; flagrant: gross inefficiency   5 lacking in perception, sensitivity, or discrimination: gross judgments   6 (esp of vegetation) dense; thick; luxuriant   7 obsolete coarse in texture or quality   8 rare rude; uneducated; ignorant   ▷ interj slang   9 an exclamation indicating disgust   ▷ n   10 (pl gross) a unit of quantity equal to 12 dozen   11 (pl grosses)   a the entire amount   b the great majority   ▷ vb (tr)   12 to earn as total revenue, before deductions for expenses, tax, etc [C14: from Old French gros large, from Late Latin grossus thick]   > ˈgrossly adv   > ˈgrossness n

■ gross domestic product   n   the total value of all goods and services produced domestically by a nation during a year. It is equivalent to gross national product minus net investment incomes from foreign nations. Abbreviation: GDP

■ gross national product   n   the total value of all final goods and services produced annually by a nation. Abbreviation: GNP

■ gross out US slang   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to cause (a person) to feel distaste or strong dislike for (something)   ▷ n gross-out   2 a person or thing regarded as disgusting or objectionable   ▷ adj gross-out   3 disgusting, boring, or objectionable

■ gross profit   n   accounting the difference between total revenue from sales and the total cost of purchases or materials, with an adjustment for stock

■ gross ton   n   a long ton. See ton^1 (sense 1)

■ gross up   vb   (tr, adverb) to increase (net income) to its pretax value

■ gross weight   n   total weight of an article inclusive of the weight of the container and packaging

Grosseteste (ˈɡrəʊsˌtɛst)   n   Robert. ?1175–1253, English prelate and scholar; bishop of Lincoln (1235–53). He attacked ecclesiastical abuses and wrote commentaries on Aristotle and treatises on theology, philosophy, and science

grossièreté (ɡrosjɛrte) French   n   grossness or coarseness

grossularite (ˈɡrɒsjʊləˌraIt) or grossular (ˈɡrɒsjʊlə)   n   a green or greenish-grey garnet, used as a gemstone. Formula: Ca_3Al_2(SiO_4)3. Also called: gooseberry stone [C19: from New Latin grossulāria gooseberry, from Old French grosele + -ITE^1]

Grosswardein (ɡroːsvarˈdain)   n   the German name for Oradea

grosz (ɡrɔːʃ)   n, pl groszy (ˈɡrɔːʃI)   a Polish monetary unit worth one hundredth of a złoty [from Polish, from Czech grosh; see GROSCHEN]

Grosz (ɡrəʊs; German ɡrɔs)   n   George. 1893–1959, German painter, in the US from 1932, whose works satirized German militarism and bourgeois society

grot^1 (ɡrɒt)   n   slang rubbish; dirt [C20: from GROTTY]

grot^2 (ɡrɒt)   n   a poetic word for grotto [C16: from French grotte, from Old Italian grotta; see GROTTO]

Grote (ɡrəʊt)   n   George. 1794–1871, English historian, noted particularly for his History of Greece (1846–56)

grotesque (ɡrəʊˈtɛsk)   adj   1 strangely or fantastically distorted; bizarre: a grotesque reflection in the mirror   2 of or characteristic of the grotesque in art   3 absurdly incongruous; in a ludicrous context: a grotesque turn of phrase   ▷ n   4 a 16th-century decorative style in which parts of human, animal, and plant forms are distorted and mixed   5 a decorative device, as in painting or sculpture, in this style   6 printing the family of 19th-century sans serif display types   7 any grotesque person or thing [C16: from French, from Old Italian (pittura) grottesca cave painting, from grottesco of a cave, from grotta cave; see GROTTO]   > groˈtesquely adv   > groˈtesqueness n

■ grotesquery or grotesquerie (ɡrəʊˈtɛskərI)   n, pl -queries   1 the state of being grotesque   2 something that is grotesque, esp an object such as a sculpture

Grotius (ˈɡrəʊtIəs)   n   Hugo, original name Huig de Groot. 1583–1645, Dutch jurist and statesman, whose De Jure Belli ac Pacis (1625) is regarded as the foundation of modern international law   > ˈGrotian adj   > ˈGrotianism n

grotto (ˈɡrɒtəʊ)   n, pl -toes or -tos   1 a small cave, esp one with attractive features   2 a construction in the form of a cave, esp as in landscaped gardens during the 18th century [C17: from Old Italian grotta, from Late Latin crypta vault; see CRYPT]

■ grottoed (ˈɡrɒtəʊd)   adj   having, or enclosed in, a grotto

grotty (ˈɡrɒtI)   adj -tier, -tiest Brit slang   1 unpleasant, nasty, or unattractive   2 of poor quality or in bad condition; unsatisfactory or useless [C20: from GROTESQUE]

■ grottiness (ˈɡrɒtInIs)   n   the quality of being grotty

grouch (ɡraʊtʃ) informal   vb (intr)   1 to complain; grumble   ▷ n   2 a complaint, esp a persistent one   3 a person who is always grumbling [C20: from obsolete grutch, from Old French grouchier to complain; see GRUDGE]

■ grouchy (ˈɡraʊtʃI)   adj grouchier, grouchiest   informal bad-tempered; tending to complain; peevish   > ˈgrouchily adv   > ˈgrouchiness n

grough (ɡrʌf)   n   mountaineering a natural channel or fissure in a peat moor; a peat hag [C20: possibly the same as grough, an obsolete variant of GRUFF in the obsolete sense: rough (of terrain)]

ground^1 (ɡraʊnd)   n   1 the land surface   2 earth or soil: he dug into the ground outside his house   3 (plural) the land around a dwelling house or other building   4 (sometimes plural) an area of land given over to a purpose: football ground; burial grounds   5 land having a particular characteristic: level ground; high ground   6 matter for consideration or debate; field of research or inquiry: the lecture was familiar ground to him; the report covered a lot of ground   7 a position or viewpoint, as in an argument or controversy (esp in the phrases give ground, hold, stand, or shift one's ground)   8 position or advantage, as in a subject or competition (esp in the phrases gain ground, lose ground, etc)   9 (often plural) reason; justification: grounds for complaint   10 arts   a the prepared surface applied to the support of a painting, such as a wall, canvas, etc, to prevent it reacting with or absorbing the paint   b the support of a painting   c the background of a painting or main surface against which the other parts of a work of art appear superimposed   11    a the first coat of paint applied to a surface   b (as modifier): ground colour   12 the bottom of a river or the sea   13 (plural) sediment or dregs, esp from coffee   14 chiefly Brit the floor of a room   15 cricket   a the area from the popping crease back past the stumps, in which a batsman may legally stand   b ground staff   16 See ground bass   17 a mesh or network supporting the main pattern of a piece of lace   18 electrical, US and Canadian   a a connection between an electrical circuit or device and the earth, which is at zero potential   b Also called: earth a terminal to which this connection is made   19 above ground alive   20 below ground dead and buried   21 break new ground to do something that has not been done before   22 cut the ground from under someone's feet to anticipate someone's action or argument and thus make it irrelevant or meaningless   23 get off the ground informal to make a beginning, esp one that is successful   24 go to ground to go into hiding   25 hit the ground running to make immediate and rapid progress: they have worked hard and hit the ground running   26 into the ground beyond what is requisite or can be endured; to exhaustion   27 meet someone on his or her own ground to meet someone according to terms he or she has laid down himself or herself   28 the high ground or the moral high ground a position of moral or ethical superiority in a dispute   29 to the ground or down to the ground Brit informal completely; absolutely: it suited him down to the ground   30 touch ground   a (of a ship) to strike the sea bed   b to arrive at something solid or stable after discussing or dealing with topics that are abstract or inconclusive   31 (modifier) situated on, living on, or used on the ground: ground frost; ground forces   32 (modifier) concerned with or operating on the ground, esp as distinct from in the air: ground crew; ground hostess   33 (modifier) (used in names of plants) low-growing and often trailing or spreading   ▷ vb   34 (tr) to put or place on the ground   35 (tr) to instruct in fundamentals   36 (tr) to provide a basis or foundation for; establish   37 (tr) to confine (an aircraft, pilot, etc) to the ground   38 (tr) informal to confine (a child) to the house as a punishment   39 the usual US word for earth (sense 16)   40 (tr) nautical to run (a vessel) aground   41 (tr) to cover (a surface) with a preparatory coat of paint   42 (intr) to hit or reach the ground [Old English grund; related to Old Norse grunn shallow, grunnr, grund plain, Old High German grunt]

■ groundage (ˈɡraʊndIdʒ)   n   Brit a fee levied on a vessel entering a port or anchored off a shore

■ groundbait (ˈɡraʊndˌbeIt) angling   n   1 bait, such as scraps of bread, maggots, etc, thrown into an area of water to attract fish. See chum^2   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to prepare (an area of water) with groundbait

■ ground bass or ground (beIs)   n   music a short melodic bass line that is repeated over and over again

■ ground beetle   n   1 any beetle of the family Carabidae, often found under logs, stones, etc, having long legs and a dark coloration   2 any beetle of the family Tenebrionidae, feeding on plants and plant products   3 any of various other beetles that live close to or beneath the ground

■ groundbreaker (ˈɡraʊndˌbreIkə)   n   an innovator or pioneer

■ ground-breaking   adj   innovative: a ground-breaking novel

■ ground bug   n   any member of a family (Lygaeidae) of hemipterous plant-eating insects, having generally dark bodies, sometimes marked with red, and lighter, yellowish wings

■ groundburst (ˈɡraʊndˌbɜːst)   n   the detonation of a bomb, esp a nuclear warhead, on the ground rather than in the air

■ ground cherry   n   any of various American solanaceous plants of the genus Physalis, esp P. pubescens, having round fleshy fruit enclosed in a bladder-like husk. See also winter cherry, gooseberry (sense 4)

■ ground control   n   1 the personnel, radar, computers, etc, on the ground that monitor the progress of aircraft or spacecraft   2 a system for feeding continuous radio messages to an aircraft pilot to enable him or her to make a blind landing

■ ground cover   n     a dense low herbaceous plants and shrubs that grow over the surface of the ground, esp, in a forest, preventing soil erosion or, in a garden, stifling weeds   b (as modifier): ground-cover plants

■ grounded (ˈɡraʊndId)   adj   sensible and down-to-earth; having one's feet on the ground

■ groundedly (ˈɡraʊndIdlI)   adv   archaic in a grounded manner, or with good justification or reason

■ ground effect   n   the improvement to the aerodynamic qualities of a low-slung motor vehicle resulting from a cushion of air beneath it

■ ground elder   n   another name for goutweed

■ ground engineer   n   an engineer qualified and licensed to certify the airworthiness of an aircraft. Official name: licensed aircraft engineer

■ grounder (ˈɡraʊndə)   n   baseball a batted ball that travels along the ground

■ groundfish (ˈɡraʊndˌfIʃ)   n   a fish that lives close to the bottom of the sea

■ ground floor   n   1 the floor of a building level or almost level with the ground   2 get in on the ground floor or start from the ground floor informal   a to enter a business, organization, etc, at the lowest level   b to be in a project, undertaking, etc, from its inception

■ ground frost   n   the condition resulting from a temperature reading of 0°C or below on a thermometer in contact with a grass surface

■ ground game   n   Brit game animals, such as hares or deer, found on the earth's surface: distinguished from game birds

■ groundhog (ˈɡraʊndˌhɒɡ)   n   another name for woodchuck

■ Groundhog Day   n   1 (in the US and Canada) February 2nd, when, according to tradition, the groundhog emerges from hibernation; if it sees its shadow, it returns to its burrow for six weeks as a sunny day indicates a late spring, while a cloudy day would mean an early spring   2 a situation in which events are or appear to be continually repeated [C20: sense 2 from the film Groundhog Day (1993), in which the lead character experiences the same day repeatedly]

■ ground ice   n   sea ice that is in contact with the coast or sea bed and thus not floating freely

■ grounding (ˈɡraʊndIŋ)   n   a basic knowledge of or training in a subject

■ ground ivy   n   a creeping or trailing Eurasian aromatic herbaceous plant, Glechoma (or Nepeta) hederacea, with scalloped leaves and purplish-blue flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

■ ground layer   n   See layer (sense 2)

■ groundless (ˈɡraʊndlIs)   adj   without reason or justification: his suspicions were groundless   > ˈgroundlessly adv   > ˈgroundlessness n

■ groundling (ˈɡraʊndlIŋ)   n   1 any animal or plant that lives close to the ground or at the bottom of a lake, river, etc   2    a (in Elizabethan theatre) a spectator standing in the yard in front of the stage and paying least   b a spectator in the cheapest section of any theatre   3 a person on the ground as distinguished from one in an aircraft

■ ground loop   n   a sudden uncontrolled turn by an aircraft on the ground, while moving under its own power

■ groundman (ˈɡraʊndmən)   n, pl -men   a groundsman

■ groundmass (ˈɡraʊndˌmæs)   n   the matrix of igneous rocks, such as porphyry, in which larger crystals (phenocrysts) are embedded

■ groundnut (ˈɡraʊndˌnʌt)   n   1 a North American climbing leguminous plant, Apios tuberosa, with fragrant brown flowers and small edible underground tubers   2 the tuber of this plant   3 any of several other plants having underground nutlike parts   4 Brit another name for peanut

■ groundnut oil   n   a mild-tasting oil extracted from peanuts and used in cooking

■ groundout (ˈɡraʊndaʊt)   n   baseball the process of putting out a batter who has hit a ball along the ground by fielding the ball and throwing it to first base

■ ground pine   n   1 a hairy plant, Ajuga chamaepitys, of Europe and N Africa, having two-lipped yellow flowers marked with red spots: family Lamiaceae (labiates). It smells of pine when crushed. See also bugle^2   2 any of certain North American club mosses, esp Lycopodium obscurum

■ ground plan   n   1 a drawing of the ground floor of a building, esp one to scale. See also plan (sense 3). Compare elevation (sense 5)   2 a preliminary or basic outline

■ ground-plane aerial   n   electronics a quarter-wave vertical dipole aerial in which the electrical image forming the other quarter-wave section is formed by reflection in a system of radially disposed metal rods or in a conductive sheet

■ ground plate   n   a joist forming the lowest member of a timber frame. Also called: groundsill, soleplate

■ groundplot (ˈɡraʊndˌplɒt)   n obsolete   1 the plot of ground that is covered by a building   2 a drawing of the ground floor of a building

■ ground plum   n   1 a North American leguminous plant, Astragalus caryocarpus, with purple or white flowers and green thick-walled plumlike edible pods   2 the pod of this plant

■ ground provisions   pl n   Caribbean starchy vegetables, esp root crops and plantains

■ groundprox (ˈɡraʊndˌprɒks)   n   aeronautics a device that alerts a pilot of a passenger aircraft when the altitude falls below a certain level

■ ground rent   n   law the rent reserved by a lessor on granting a lease, esp one for a long period of years

■ ground rule   n   a procedural rule or principle

■ ground run   n   the distance taken by an aircraft to brake from its landing speed to its taxiing speed or a stop

■ groundshare (ˈɡraʊndˌʃɛə)   vb   1 (intr) to share the facilities and running costs of a single stadium with another team   ▷ n   2 an arrangement, often temporary, whereby two sporting clubs share one stadium

■ groundsheet (ˈɡraʊndˌʃiːt) or ground cloth   n   1 a waterproof rubber, plastic, or polythene sheet placed on the ground in a tent, etc, to keep out damp   2 a similar sheet put over a sports field to protect it against rain

■ groundsill (ˈɡraʊndˌsIl)   n   another name for ground plate

■ groundskeeper (ˈɡraʊndzˌkiːpə)   n   the US name for a groundsman

■ groundsman (ˈɡraʊndzmən)   n, pl -men   a person employed to maintain a sports ground, park, etc

■ groundspeed (ˈɡraʊndˌspiːd)   n   the speed of an aircraft relative to the ground. Compare airspeed

■ ground squirrel   n   any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genus Citellus and related genera, resembling chipmunks and occurring in North America, E Europe, and Asia. Also called: gopher

■ ground state or ground level   n   the lowest energy state of an atom, molecule, particle, etc. Compare excited (sense 4)

■ ground stroke   n   tennis any return made to a ball that has touched the ground, as opposed to a volley

■ groundswell (ˈɡraʊndˌswɛl)   n   1 a considerable swell of the sea, often caused by a distant storm or earthquake or by the passage of waves into shallow water   2 a strong public feeling or opinion that is detectable even though not openly expressed: a groundswell of discontent

■ ground-to-air   adj   1 (of weapons) designed to be fired at aircraft from the ground   2 (of communications) used for communicating with aircraft from the ground

■ ground-to-ground   adj   1 (of weapons) designed to be fired at ground targets from the ground   2 (of communications) carried out via radio from two ground-based locations

■ ground war   n   the part of a political campaign that is conducted door-to-door by party workers in individual constituencies. Compare air war

■ groundwater (ˈɡraʊndˌwɔːtə)   n   underground water that has come mainly from the seepage of surface water and is held in pervious rocks

■ ground wave or ground ray   n   a radio wave that travels directly between a transmitting and a receiving aerial. Compare sky wave

■ groundwork (ˈɡraʊndˌwɜːk)   n   1 preliminary work as a foundation or basis   2 the ground or background of a painting, etc

■ ground zero   n   1 a point on the surface of land or water at or directly above or below the centre of a nuclear explosion   2 a scene of great devastation   3 (sometimes capitals) the name given to the devastated site of the collapsed World Trade Center towers in New York after September 11 2001

ground^2 (ɡraʊnd)   vb   1 the past tense and past participle of grind   ▷ adj   2 having the surface finished, thickness reduced, or an edge sharpened by grinding   3 reduced to fine particles by grinding

■ ground glass   n   1 glass that has a rough surface produced by grinding, used for diffusing light   2 glass in the form of fine particles produced by grinding, used as an abrasive

■ groundwood (ˈɡraʊndˌwʊd)   n   wood pulp that has been produced by grinding as opposed to chemical disintegration

groundsel or groundsell (ˈɡraʊnsəl)   n   1 any of certain plants of the genus Senecio, esp S. vulgaris, a Eurasian weed with heads of small yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites). See also ragwort   2 groundsel tree a shrub, Baccharis halimifolia, of E North America, with white plumelike fruits: family Asteraceae [Old English grundeswelge, changed from gundeswilge, from gund pus + swelgan to swallow; after its use in poultices on abscesses]

group (ɡruːp)   n   1 a number of persons or things considered as a collective unit   2    a a number of persons bound together by common social standards, interests, etc   b (as modifier): group behaviour   3 a small band of players or singers, esp of pop music   4 a number of animals or plants considered as a unit because of common characteristics, habits, etc   5 grammar another word, esp in systemic grammar, for phrase (sense 1)   6 an association of companies under a single ownership and control, consisting of a holding company, subsidiary companies, and sometimes associated companies   7 two or more figures or objects forming a design or unit in a design, in a painting or sculpture   8 a military formation comprising complementary arms and services, usually for a purpose: a brigade group   9 an air force organization of higher level than a squadron   10 Also called: radical chem two or more atoms that are bound together in a molecule and behave as a single unit: a methyl group -CH_3. Compare free radical   11 a vertical column of elements in the periodic table that all have similar electronic structures, properties, and valencies. Compare period (sense 8)   12 geology any stratigraphical unit, esp the unit for two or more formations   13 maths a set that has an associated operation that combines any two members of the set to give another member and that also contains an identity element and an inverse for each element   14 See blood group   ▷ vb   15 to arrange or place (things, people, etc) in or into a group or (of things, etc) to form into a group [C17: from French groupe, of Germanic origin; compare Italian gruppo; see CROP]

■ groupable (ˈɡruːpəbəl)   adj   able to be grouped

■ groupage (ˈɡruːpIdʒ)   n   the action of gathering people or objects into a group or groups

■ group captain   n   an officer holding commissioned rank senior to a wing commander but junior to an air commodore in the RAF and certain other air forces

■ group dynamics   n   (functioning as singular) a field of social psychology concerned with the nature of human groups, their development, and their interactions with individuals, other groups, and larger organizations

■ groupie (ˈɡruːpI)   n slang   1 an ardent fan of a celebrity, esp a pop star: originally, often a girl who followed the members of a pop group on tour in order to have sexual relations with them   2 an enthusiastic follower of some activity: a political groupie

■ grouping (ˈɡruːpIŋ)   n   a planned arrangement of things, people, etc, within a group

■ group insurance   n   chiefly US and Canadian insurance relating to life, health, or accident and covering several persons, esp the employees of a firm, under a single contract at reduced premiums

■ groupist (ˈɡruːpIst)   n   a follower of a group

■ grouplet (ˈɡruːplət)   n   a small group

■ group marriage   n   an arrangement in which several males live together with several females, forming a conjugal unit

■ Group of Eight   n   the Group of Seven nations and Russia, whose heads of government meet to discuss economic matters and international relations. Abbreviation: G8

■ Group of Five   n   France, Japan, UK, US, and Germany acting as a group to stabilize their currency exchange rates. Abbreviation: G5

■ Group of Seven   n   the seven leading industrial nations, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, and the US, whose heads of government and finance ministers meet regularly to coordinate economic policy. Abbreviation: G7

■ Group of Seventy-Seven   n   the developing countries of the world. Abbreviation: G77

■ Group of Ten   n   the ten nations who met in Paris in 1961 to arrange the special drawing rights of the IMF: Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, US, and West Germany. Abbreviation: G10

■ Group of Three   n   Japan, US, and Germany (formerly West Germany), regarded as the largest industrialized nations. Abbreviation: G3

■ Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors   n   a group of twenty people representing the financial interests of major industrial nations and blocs. Abbreviation: G20

■ Group of Twenty-Four   n   a group of twenty-four rich and industrialized countries of the world, whose heads of government meet regularly to coordinate the position of developing countries on monetary and development issues. Abbreviation: G24

■ groupoid (ˈɡruːpɔId)   n   maths an algebraic structure consisting of a set with a single binary operation acting on it

■ group practice   n   a medical practice undertaken by a group of associated doctors who work together as partners or as specialists in different areas

■ group speed or group velocity   n   physics the speed at which energy is propagated in a wave. This is the quantity determined when one measures the distance which the radiation travels in a given time. In a medium in which the speed increases with wavelength the group speed is less than the phase speed, and vice versa

■ group therapy   n   psychol the simultaneous treatment of a number of individuals who are members of a natural group or who are brought together to share their problems in group discussion

■ groupthink (ˈɡruːpˌθIŋk)   n   a tendency within organizations or society to promote or establish the view of the predominant group

■ groupware (ˈɡruːpˌwɛə)   n   software that enables computers within a group or organization to work together, allowing users to exchange emails, access shared files and databases, use video conferencing, etc

■ groupwork (ˈɡruːpˌwɜːk)   n   education teaching or learning in a group setting with the aim of developing students individually through group cooperation

grouper (ˈɡruːpə)   n   a variant of groper

groupuscule (ˈɡruːpəˌskjuːl)   n   usually derogatory a small group within a political party or movement [C20: from French: small group]

grouse^1 (ɡraʊs)   vb   1 (intr) to grumble; complain   ▷ n   2 a persistent complaint [C19: of unknown origin]   > ˈgrouser n

grouse^2 (ɡraʊs)   n, pl grouse or grouses   1 any gallinaceous bird of the family Tetraonidae, occurring mainly in the N hemisphere, having a stocky body and feathered legs and feet. They are popular game birds. See also black grouse, red grouse   ▷ adj   2 Austral and NZ slang excellent [C16: of unknown origin]   > ˈgrouseˌlike adj

■ grouse-beating   n   hunting for grouse by trying to drive them towards hunters using flags, sticks, and other devices

grout (ɡraʊt)   n   1 a thin mortar for filling joints between tiles, masonry, etc   2 a fine plaster used as a finishing coat   3 coarse meal or porridge   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to fill (joints) or finish (walls, etc) with grout [Old English grūt; related to Old Frisian grēt sand, Middle High German grūz, Middle Dutch grūte coarse meal; see GRIT, GROATS]   > ˈgrouter n

■ grouting (ˈɡraʊtIŋ)   n   grout, esp after it has been applied

■ grouty (ˈɡraʊtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   US old-fashioned sullen or surly

grouts (ɡraʊts)   pl n   1 chiefly Brit sediment or grounds, as from making coffee   2 a variant of groats

grove (ɡrəʊv)   n   1 a small wooded area or plantation   2    a a road lined with houses and often trees, esp in a suburban area   b (capital as part of a street name): Ladbroke Grove [Old English grāf; related to grǣfa thicket, GREAVE, Norwegian greivla to intertwine]

■ groveless (ˈɡrəʊvlIs)   adj   having no groves

grovel (ˈɡrɒvəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled (intr)   1 to humble or abase oneself, as in making apologies or showing respect   2 to lie or crawl face downwards, as in fear or humility   3 (often foll by in) to indulge or take pleasure (in sensuality or vice) [C16: back formation from obsolete groveling (adv), from Middle English on grufe on the face, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse ā grūfu, from grūfa prone position; see -LING^2]   > ˈgroveller or ˈgroveler n   > ˈgrovelling or ˈgroveling n, adj   > ˈgrovellingly or ˈgrovelingly adv

Groves (ɡrəʊvz)   n   Sir Charles. 1915–92, English orchestral conductor

grovet (ˈɡrɒvət)   n   a wrestling hold in which a wrestler in a kneeling position grips the head of a kneeling opponent with one arm and forces their shoulders down with the other

grow (ɡrəʊ)   vb grows, growing, grew (ɡruː), grown (ɡrəʊn)   1 (of an organism or part of an organism) to increase in size or develop (hair, leaves, or other structures)   2 (intr; usually foll by out of or from) to originate, as from an initial cause or source: the book grew out of the writer's own experiences   3 (intr) to increase in size, number, degree, etc: the population is growing rapidly   4 (intr) to change in length or amount in a specified direction: some plants grow downwards; profits over the years grew downwards   5 (copula; may take an infinitive) (esp of emotions, physical states, etc) to develop or come into existence or being gradually: to grow cold; to grow morose; he grew to like her   6 (intr; usually foll by up) to come into existence: a close friendship grew up between them   7 (intr; foll by together) to be joined gradually by or as by growth: the branches on the tree grew together   8 (intr; foll by away, together, etc) to develop a specified state of friendship: the lovers grew together gradually; many friends grow apart over the years   9 (when intr, foll by with) to become covered with a growth: the path grew with weeds   10 to produce (plants) by controlling or encouraging their growth, esp for home consumption or on a commercial basis [Old English grōwan; related to Old Norse grōa, Old Frisian grōia, Old High German gruoen; see GREEN, GRASS]

■ growable (ˈɡrəʊəbəl)   adj   able to be cultivated or grown

■ grow bag   n   a plastic bag containing a sufficient amount of a sterile growing medium and nutrients to enable a plant, such as a tomato or pepper, to be grown to full size in it, usually for one season only [C20: from Gro-bag, trademark for the first ones marketed]

■ grower (ˈɡrəʊə)   n   1 a person who grows plants: a vegetable grower   2 a plant that grows in a specified way: a fast grower   3 a piece of music that is initially unimpressive but becomes more enjoyable after further hearings

■ growing (ˈɡrəʊIŋ)   adj   1 increasing. See also fast-growing   2 getting bigger because of natural growth

■ growingly (ˈɡrəʊIŋlI)   adv   in a growing manner

■ growing pains   pl n   1 pains in muscles or joints sometimes experienced by children during a period of unusually rapid growth   2 difficulties besetting a new enterprise in its early stages

■ grow into   vb   (intr, preposition) to become big or mature enough for: his clothes were always big enough for him to grow into

■ grown (ɡrəʊn)   adj     a developed or advanced: fully grown   b (in combination): half-grown

■ grown-up   adj   1 having reached maturity; adult   2 suitable for or characteristic of an adult   ▷ n   3 an adult

■ grow on   vb   (intr, preposition) to become progressively more acceptable or pleasant to: I don't think much of your new song, but I suppose it will grow on me

■ grow-op   n   Canadian an illegal scheme to grow marijuana plants

■ grow out of   vb   (intr, adverb; + preposition) to become too big or mature for: she soon grew out of her childish ways

■ growth (ɡrəʊθ)   n   1 the process or act of growing, esp in organisms following assimilation of food   2 an increase in size, number, significance, etc   3 something grown or growing: a new growth of hair   4 a stage of development   5 any abnormal tissue, such as a tumour   6 (modifier) of, relating to, causing or characterized by growth: a growth industry; growth hormone

■ growth curve   n   a curve on a graph in which a variable is plotted against time to illustrate the growth of the variable

■ growth factor   n   any of several substances present in serum that induce growth of cells. Excessive amounts of growth factor may be associated with the production of cancer cells

■ growth hormone   n   a hormone synthesized in and secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that promotes growth of the long bones in the limbs and increases the synthesis of protein essential for growth. Also called: somatotrophin, human growth hormone

■ growthiness (ˈɡrəʊθInəs)   n   the quality of being growthy

■ growthist (ˈɡrəʊθIst)   n   an advocate of the importance of economic growth

■ growth ring   n   another name for annual ring

■ growth shares   pl n   finance ordinary shares with good prospects of appreciation in yield and value

■ growth substance   n   any substance, produced naturally by a plant or manufactured commercially, that, in very low concentrations, affects plant growth; a plant hormone

■ growthy (ˈɡrəʊθI)   adj   1 growing rapidly   2 able to grow to a large size

■ grow up   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to reach maturity; become adult   2 to come into existence; develop

growl (ɡraʊl)   vb   1 (of animals, esp when hostile) to utter (sounds) in a low inarticulate manner: the dog growled at us   2 to utter (words) in a gruff or angry manner: he growled an apology   3 (intr) to make sounds suggestive of an animal growling: the thunder growled around the lake   ▷ n   4 the act or sound of growling   5 jazz an effect resembling a growl, produced at the back of the throat when playing a wind instrument [C18: from earlier grolle, from Old French grouller to grumble]   > ˈgrowlingly adv

■ growler (ˈɡraʊlə)   n   1 a person, animal, or thing that growls   2 Brit slang, obsolete a four-wheeled hansom cab   3 Canadian a small iceberg that has broken off from a larger iceberg or from a glacier, often hazardous to shipping   4 US slang any container, such as a can, for draught beer   5 derogatory, slang a woman, esp one who is considered physically unattractive

■ growlery (ˈɡraʊlərI)   n, pl -ries   archaic a place to retreat to, alone, when ill-humoured

■ growliness (ˈɡraʊlInəs)   n   the quality of resembling a growl

■ growly (ˈɡraʊlI)   adj -lier, -liest   resembling a growl

groyne or esp US groin (ɡrɔIn)   n   a wall or jetty built out from a riverbank or seashore to control erosion. Also called: spur, breakwater [C16: origin uncertain: perhaps altered from GROIN]

grozing iron (ˈɡrəʊzIŋ)   n   an iron for smoothing joints between lead pipes [C17: part translation of Dutch gruisijzer, from gruizen to crush, from gruis gravel + yzer iron]

Grozny (Russian ˈɡrɔznij)   n   a city in S Russia, capital of the Chechen Republic: a major oil centre: it was badly damaged during fighting between separatists and Russian troops (1994–95, 1999–2000). Pop: 199 000 (2005 est)

GRU   abbreviation for   (formerly) the Soviet military intelligence service; the military counterpart of the KGB [from Russian Glavnoye Razvedyvatelnoye Upravleniye Main Intelligence Directorate]

grub (ɡrʌb)   vb grubs, grubbing, grubbed   1 (when tr, often foll by up or out) to search for and pull up (roots, stumps, etc) by digging in the ground   2 to dig up the surface of (ground, soil, etc), esp to clear away roots, stumps, etc   3 (intr; often foll by in or among) to search carefully   4 (intr) to work unceasingly, esp at a dull task or research   5 slang to provide (a person) with food or (of a person) to take food   6 (tr) slang, chiefly US to scrounge: to grub a cigarette   ▷ n   7 the short legless larva of certain insects, esp beetles   8 slang food; victuals   9 a person who works hard, esp in a dull plodding way   10 Brit informal a dirty child [C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German grubilōn to dig, German grübeln to rack one's brain, Middle Dutch grobben to scrape together; see GRAVE^3, GROOVE]

■ grubber (ˈɡrʌbə)   n   1 a person who grubs   2 another name for grub hoe   3 rugby a kick of the ball along the ground   4 cricket a delivery which keeps very low upon bouncing

■ grubby (ˈɡrʌbI)   adj -bier, -biest   1 dirty; slovenly   2 mean; beggarly   3 infested with grubs   > ˈgrubbily adv   > ˈgrubbiness n

■ grub hoe or grubbing hoe   n   a heavy hoe for grubbing up roots. Also called: grubber

■ grub screw   n   a small headless screw having a slot cut for a screwdriver or a socket for a hexagon key and used to secure a sliding component in a determined position

■ grubstake (ˈɡrʌbˌsteIk)   n   1 US and Canadian informal supplies provided for a prospector on the condition that the donor has a stake in any finds   ▷ vb (tr)   2 US informal to furnish with such supplies   3 chiefly US and Canadian to supply (a person) with a stake in a gambling game   > ˈgrubˌstaker n

Grub Street   n   1 a former street in London frequented by literary hacks and needy authors   2 the world or class of literary hacks, etc   ▷ adj also Grubstreet (ˈɡrʌbˌstriːt)   3 (sometimes not capital) relating to or characteristic of hack literature

grudge (ɡrʌdʒ)   n   1 a persistent feeling of resentment, esp one due to some cause, such as an insult or injury   2 (modifier) planned or carried out in order to settle a grudge: a grudge fight   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to give or allow unwillingly   4 to feel resentful or envious about (someone else's success, possessions, etc) [C15: from Old French grouchier to grumble, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German grunnizōn to grunt]   > ˈgrudgeless adj   > ˈgrudger n   > ˈgrudging adj   > ˈgrudgingly adv

■ grudgeful (ˈɡrʌdʒfʊl)   adj   envious or resentful

grue (ɡruː) Scot   n   1 a shiver or shudder; a creeping of the flesh   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to shiver or shudder   3 to feel strong aversion [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Swedish grua, Old Danish grue; related to German graven, Dutch gruwen to abhor]

gruel (ˈɡruːəl)   n   a drink or thin porridge, made by boiling meal, esp oatmeal, in water or milk [C14: from Old French, of Germanic origin; see GROUT]

■ grueller (ˈɡruːələ)   n   obsolete a person who eats gruel

gruelling or US grueling (ˈɡruːəlIŋ)   adj   1 severe or tiring: a gruelling interview   ▷ n   2 informal a severe experience, esp punishment [C19: from now obsolete vb gruel to exhaust, punish]

■ gruellingly or US gruelingly (ˈɡruːəlIŋlI)   adv   in a gruelling manner

gruesome (ˈɡruːsəm)   adj   inspiring repugnance and horror; ghastly [C16: originally Northern English and Scottish; see GRUE, -SOME^1]   > ˈgruesomely adv   > ˈgruesomeness n

gruff (ɡrʌf)   adj   1 rough or surly in manner, speech, etc: a gruff reply   2 (of a voice, bark, etc) low and throaty [C16: originally Scottish, from Dutch grof, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German girob; related to Old English hrēof, Lithuanian kraupùs]   > ˈgruffish adj   > ˈgruffly adv   > ˈgruffness n

■ gruffily (ˈɡrʌfIlI)   adv   obsolete in a gruffy manner

■ gruffy (ˈɡrʌfI)   adj   obsolete gruff

grufted (ˈɡrʌftId)   adj   dialect dirty or soiled

grugru (ˈɡruːɡruː)   n   1 any of several tropical American palms, esp Acrocomia sclerocarpa, which has a spiny trunk and leaves and edible nuts   2 the large edible wormlike larva of a weevil, Rhynchophorus palmarum, that infests this palm [C18: from American Spanish (Puerto Rican dialect) grugrú, of Cariban origin]

gruiform (ˈɡruːIˌfɔːm)   adj   ornithol relating to birds of the order Gruiformes, which includes cranes and bustards

grum (ɡrʌm)   adj   surly or gloomy

■ grumly (ˈɡrʌmlI)   adv   in a grum manner

■ grumness (ˈɡrʌmnəs)   n   the quality of being grum

grumble (ˈɡrʌmbəl)   vb   1 to utter (complaints) in a nagging or discontented way   2 (intr) to make low dull rumbling sounds   ▷ n   3 a complaint; grouse   4 a low rumbling sound [C16: from Middle Low German grommelen, of Germanic origin; see GRIM]   > ˈgrumbler n   > ˈgrumblingly adv   > ˈgrumbly adj

■ grumbling (ˈɡrʌmbəlIŋ)   n   the activity of complaining, or complaints generally

■ grumbling appendix   n   informal a condition in which the appendix causes intermittent pain but appendicitis has not developed

grume (ɡruːm)   n   med a clot of blood

■ grumous (ˈɡruːməs) or grumose (ˈɡruːməʊs)   adj   (esp of plant parts) consisting of granular tissue [C17: from grume a clot of blood, from Latin grumus a little heap; related to CRUMB]

grummet (ˈɡrʌmIt)   n   another word for grommet

■ grummeted (ˈɡrʌmItId)   adj   grommeted, or having grommets

grump (ɡrʌmp) informal   n   1 a surly or bad-tempered person   2 (plural) a sulky or morose mood (esp in the phrase have the grumps)   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to complain or grumble [C18: dialect grump surly remark, probably of imitative origin]

■ grumpy (ˈɡrʌmpI)   adj grumpier, grumpiest   1 peevish; sulky. Also: grumpish   ▷ n, pl grumpies   2 a bad-tempered person [C18: from GRUMP + -Y^1]   > ˈgrumpily or ˈgrumpishly adv   > ˈgrumpiness or ˈgrumpishness n

grumph (ɡrʌmf)   vb (intr)   Scot to grunt

■ grumphie (ˈɡrʌmfI)   n   Scot a pig

grundies (ˈɡrʌndIz)   pl n   NZ informal men's underpants

grundle (ˈɡrʌndəl)   n   slang the perineum

grund mail (ɡrʌnd)   n   Scot payment for the right to be buried

Grundy (ˈɡrʌndI)   n   a narrow-minded person who keeps critical watch on the propriety of others [C18: named after Mrs Grundy, the character in T. Morton's play Speed the Plough (1798)]   > ˈGrundyˌism n   > ˈGrundyist or ˈGrundyite n

Grünewald (German ˈɡryːnəvalt)   n   Matthias (maˈtiːas), original name Mathis Gothardt. ?1470–1528, German painter, the greatest exponent of late Gothic art in Germany. The Isenheim Altarpiece is regarded as his masterpiece

grunge (ɡrʌndʒ)   n   1 US slang dirt or rubbish   2 a style of rock music originating in the US in the late 1980s, featuring a distorted guitar sound   3 a deliberately untidy and uncoordinated fashion style [C20: possibly a coinage imitating GRIME + SLUDGE]

■ grunger (ˈɡrʌndʒə)   n   a fan of grunge music

■ grungy or grungey (ˈɡrʌndʒI)   adj -gier, -giest slang   1 chiefly US and Canadian squalid or seedy   2 (of rock music) resembling grunge

grunion (ˈɡrʌnjən)   n   a Californian marine teleost fish, Leuresthes tenuis, that spawns on beaches: family Atherinidae (silversides) [C20: probably from Spanish gruñón a grunter]

grunt (ɡrʌnt)   vb   1 (intr) (esp of pigs and some other animals) to emit a low short gruff noise   2 (when tr, may take a clause as object) to express something gruffly: he grunted his answer   ▷ n   3 the characteristic low short gruff noise of pigs, etc, or a similar sound, as of disgust   4 any of various mainly tropical marine sciaenid fishes, such as Haemulon macrostomum (Spanish grunt), that utter a grunting sound when caught   5 US slang an infantry soldier or US Marine   6 Brit informal power, esp in a motor vehicle [Old English grunnettan, probably of imitative origin; compare Old High German grunnizōn, grunni moaning, Latin grunnīre]   > ˈgruntingly adv

■ grunter (ˈɡrʌntə)   n   1 a person or animal that grunts, esp a pig   2 another name for grunt (sense 4)

gruntle (ˈɡrʌntəl)   vb (intr)   Brit dialect to grunt or groan

gruntled (ˈɡrʌntəld)   adj   informal happy or contented; satisfied [C20: back formation from DISGRUNTLED]

gruppetto (ɡrʊˈpɛtəʊ)   n, pl -ti (-tiː)   music a turn [C19: from Italian, diminutive of gruppo a group, a turn]

Grus (ɡrʊs)   n, Latin genitive Gruis (ˈɡruːIs)   a constellation in the S hemisphere lying near Phoenix and Piscis Austrinus and containing a first and a second magnitude star [via New Latin from Latin: crane]

grushie (ˈɡrʌʃI)   adj   Scot healthy and strong

grutch (ɡrʌtʃ)   vb obsolete   1 (intr) to grudge   2 (tr) to begrudge

Gruyère or Gruyère cheese (ˈɡruːjɛə; French ɡryjɛr)   n   (sometimes not capital) a hard flat whole-milk cheese, pale yellow in colour and with holes [C19: after Gruyère, Switzerland where it originated]

gr. wt.   abbreviation for   gross weight

gryesy (ˈɡraIzI)   adj   obsolete grey

gryke (ɡraIk)   n   a variant spelling of grike

gryphon (ˈɡrIfən)   n   a variant of griffin^1

grysbok (ˈɡraIsˌbɒk)   n   either of two small antelopes, Raphicerus melanotis or R. sharpei, of central and southern Africa, having small straight horns [C18: Afrikaans, from Dutch grijs grey + bok BUCK^1]

gs   the internet domain name for   South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

GS   abbreviation for   1 General Secretary   2 General Staff

gsm   abbreviation for   grams per square metre: the term used to specify the weight of paper

GSM   abbreviation for   Global System for Mobile Communications

GSOH   abbreviation for   good sense of humour: used in online dating sites and personal advertisements

G-spot   n   an area in the front wall of the vagina which is alleged to produce an extremely intense orgasm when stimulated [C20: short for Gräfenberg spot, named after Ernst Gräfenberg (1881–1957), German gynaecologist]

GSR   abbreviation for   galvanic skin response

GST   abbreviation for (in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada)   goods and services tax

G-string   n   1 a piece of cloth attached to a narrow waistband covering the pubic area, worn esp by strippers   2 a strip of cloth attached to the front and back of a waistband and covering the loins   3 music a string tuned to G, such as the lowest string of a violin

G-suit   n   a close-fitting garment covering the legs and abdomen that is worn by the crew of high-speed aircraft and can be pressurized to prevent blackout during certain manoeuvres. Also called: anti-G suit [C20: from g(ravity) suit]

GSVQ   abbreviation for (in Britain)   General Scottish Vocational Qualification. Compare GNVQ

gt   the internet domain name for   Guatemala

GT   abbreviation for   gran turismo: a high-performance luxury sports car with a hard fixed roof, designed for covering long distances

GTA   abbreviation for   Greater Toronto Area

GTC   abbreviation for   1 Also: gtc (on a commercial order for goods) good till cancelled (or countermanded)   2 (in Scotland) General Teaching Council

gtd   abbreviation for   guaranteed

gu   the internet domain name for   Guam

g.u. or GU   abbreviation for   genitourinary

guacamole (ˌɡwɑːkəˈməʊlI)   n   1 a spread of mashed avocado, tomato pulp, and seasoning   2 any of various Mexican or South American salads containing avocado [from American Spanish, from Nahuatl ahuacamolli, from ahuacatl avocado + molli sauce]

guacharo (ˈɡwɑːtʃəˌrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   another name for oilbird [C19: from Spanish guácharo]

guaco (ˈɡwɑːkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   1 any of several tropical American plants whose leaves are used as an antidote to snakebite, esp the climbers Mikania guaco, family Asteraceae (composites), or Aristolochia maxima (A. serpentina), family Aristolochiaceae   2 the leaves of any of these plants [C19: from American Spanish]

Guadalajara (ˌɡwɑːdələˈhɑːrə; Spanish ɡwaðalaˈxara)   n   1 a city in W Mexico, capital of Jalisco state: the second largest city of Mexico: centre of the slave trade until its abolition, declared here in 1810; two universities (1792 and 1935). Pop: 3 905 000 (2005 est)   2 a city in central Spain, in New Castile. Pop: 70 732 (2003 est)

Guadalcanal (ˌɡwɑːdəlkəˈnæl; Spanish ɡwaðalkaˈnal)   n   a mountainous island in the SW Pacific, the largest of the Solomon Islands: under British protection until 1978; occupied by the Japanese (1942–43). Pop: 109 382 (1999). Area: 6475 sq km (2500 sq miles)

Guadalquivir (ˌɡwɑːdəlkwIˈvIə; Spanish ɡwaðalkiˈβir)   n   the chief river of S Spain, rising in the Sierra de Segura and flowing west and southwest to the Gulf of Cádiz: navigable by ocean-going vessels to Seville. Length: 560 km (348 miles)

Guadalupe Hidalgo (ˌɡwɑːdəˈluːp hIˈdælɡəʊ; Spanish ɡwaðaˈlupe iˈðalɣo)   n   the former name (until 1931) of Gustavo A. Madero

Guadeloupe (ˌɡwɑːdəˈluːp)   n   an overseas region of France in the E Caribbean, in the Leeward Islands, formed by the islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre and several offlying islands; in 2007 the island of Saint-Barthélemy and the part-island dependency of Saint-Martin were separated from Guadeloupe to become Overseas Collectivities directly subordinate to France. Capital: Basse-Terre. Pop: 405 500 (2007 est). Area: 1780 sq km (687 sq miles)

Guadiana (Spanish ɡwaˈðjana; Portuguese ɡwəˈdjə̃nə)   n   a river in SW Europe, rising in S central Spain and flowing west, then south as part of the border between Spain and Portugal, to the Gulf of Cádiz. Length: 578 km (359 miles)

guaiacol (ˈɡwaIəˌkɒl)   n   a yellowish oily creosote-like liquid extracted from guaiacum resin and hardwood tar, used medicinally as an expectorant. Formula: C_7H_8O_2 [from GUAIAC(UM) + -OL^2]

guaiacum or guaiocum (ˈɡwaIəkəm)   n   1 any tropical American evergreen tree of the zygophyllaceous genus Guaiacum, such as the lignum vitae   2 the hard heavy wood of any of these trees   3 Also called: guaiac (ˈɡwaIæk) a brownish resin obtained from the lignum vitae, used medicinally and in making varnishes [C16: New Latin, from Spanish guayaco, of Taino origin]

Guam (ɡwɑːm)   n   an island in the N Pacific, the largest and southernmost of the Marianas: belonged to Spain from the 17th century until 1898, when it was ceded to the US; site of naval and air force bases. Capital: Agana (now officially spelt Hagåtña). Pop: 160 378 (2013 est). Area: 541 sq km (209 sq miles)

■ Guamanian (ɡwɑːˈmeInIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Guam or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Guam

guan (ɡwɑːn)   n   any gallinaceous bird of the genera Penelope, Pipile, etc, of Central and South America: family Cracidae (curassows) [C18: from American Spanish]

guanabana (ˌɡwɑːnəˈbɑːnə)   n   1 a small West Indian tree, Annona muricata, having large spiny fruit   2 the fruit of the Annona muricata, which has a tart edible pulp

Guanabara (Portuguese ɡwənaˈbara)   n   (until 1975) a state of SE Brazil, on the Atlantic and Guanabara Bay, now amalgamated with the state of Rio de Janeiro

guanaco (ɡwɑːˈnɑːkəʊ)   n, pl -cos   a cud-chewing South American artiodactyl mammal, Lama guanicoe, closely related to the domesticated llama: family Camelidae [C17: from Spanish, from Quechuan huanacu]

Guanajuato (Spanish ɡwanaˈxwato)   n   1 a state of central Mexico, on the great central plateau: mountainous in the north, with fertile plains in the south; important mineral resources. Capital: Guanajuato. Pop: 4 656 761 (2000). Area: 30 588 sq km (11 810 sq miles)   2 a city in central Mexico, capital of Guanajuato state: founded in 1554, it became one of the world's richest silver-mining centres. Pop: 80 000 (2005 est)

guanase (ˈɡwɑːneIz)   n   an enzyme that converts guanine to xanthine by removal of an amino group [C20: from GUAN(INE) + -ASE]

guanay (ˈɡwɑːneI)   n   a white-breasted cormorant, Phalacrocorax bougainvillii, found in Peru and northern Chile

guanazolo (ˌɡwɑːnəˈzəʊləʊ)   n   a synthetic form of guanine that is used to inhibit the growth of tumours

guanethidine (ɡwəˈnɛθIˌdiːn)   n   a drug, C_10H_22N_4, that is used to reduce high blood pressure

Guangdong (ˈɡwæŋˈdʊŋ) or Kwangtung   n   a province of SE China, on the South China Sea: includes the Leizhou Peninsula, with densely populated river valleys; traditionally also including Macao and Hong Kong; the only true tropical climate in China. Capital: Canton (Guangzhou). Pop: 79 540 000 (2003 est). Area: 197 100 sq km (76 100 sq miles)

guango (ˈɡwænɡəʊ)   n   another name name for the rain tree

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (ˈɡwæŋˈsiː ˈdʒwæŋ) or Kwangsi-Chuang Autonomous Region   n   an administrative division of S China. Capital: Nanning. Pop: 48 570 000 (2003 est). Area: 220 400 sq km (85 100 sq miles)

Guangzhou (ˈɡwæŋˈdzəʊ)   n   the Pinyin transliteration of the Chinese name for Canton

guanidine (ˈɡwɑːnIˌdiːn, -dIn, ˈɡwænI-) or guanidin (ˈɡwɑːnIdIn, ˈɡwænI-)   n   a strongly alkaline crystalline substance, soluble in water and found in plant and animal tissues. It is used in organic synthesis. Formula: HNC(NH_2)2. Also called: carbamidine, iminourea [C19: from GUANO + -ID^3 + -INE^2]

guanine (ˈɡwɑːniːn, ˈɡuːəˌniːn)   n   a white almost insoluble compound: one of the purine bases in nucleic acids. Formula: C_5H_5N_5O [C19: from GUANO + -INE^2]

guano (ˈɡwɑːnəʊ)   n, pl -nos   1    a the dried excrement of fish-eating sea birds, deposited in rocky coastal regions of South America: contains the urates, oxalates, and phosphates of ammonium and calcium; used as a fertilizer   b the accumulated droppings of bats and seals   2 any similar but artificial substance used as a fertilizer [C17: from Spanish, from Quechuan huano dung]

■ guaniferous (ɡwəˈnIfərəs)   adj   yielding guano

guanosine (ˈɡwɑːnəˌsiːn, -ˌziːn)   n   biochem a nucleoside consisting of guanine and ribose

Guantánamo (Spanish ɡwanˈtanamo)   n   a city in SE Cuba, on Guantánamo Bay. Pop: 214 000 (2005 est)

■ Guantánamo Bay Naval Base   n   a US naval base on Guantánamo Bay; since 2002, a detainment camp for suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban operatives

guanxi (ˌɡwænˈsiː)   n   a Chinese social concept based on the exchange of favours, in which personal relationships are considered more important than laws and written agreements [C20: Chinese: relationships]

guanylic acid (ɡwəˈnIlIk)   n   a nucleotide consisting of guanine, ribose or deoxyribose, and a phosphate group. It is a constituent of DNA or RNA. Also called: guanosine monophosphate

Guaporé (Portuguese ɡwapoˈrɛ)   n   1 a river in W central South America, rising in SW Brazil and flowing northwest as part of the border between Brazil and Bolivia, to join the Mamoré River. Length: 1750 km (1087 miles). Spanish name: Iténez   2 the former name (until 1956) of Rondônia

guar (ɡwɑː)   n   1 a leguminous Indian plant, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, grown as a fodder crop and for the gum obtained from its seeds   2 Also called: guar gum a gum obtained from the seeds of this plant, used as a stabilizer and thickening agent in food (E412) and as sizing for paper [C19: from Hindi]

guaracha Spanish (ɡwaˈratʃa), guarache (ɡwaˈratʃe) or guarachi (ɡwaˈratʃi)   n   variant forms of huarache

guarana (ɡwəˈrɑːnə)   n   a climbing shrub, Pauinia cupana, that is native to Venezuela and Brazil and whose seeds contain a higher concentration of caffeine than is found in coffee beans

Guarani (ˌɡwɑːrəˈniː)   n   1 (pl -ni or -nis) a member of an indigenous people of Paraguay, S Brazil, and Bolivia   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Tupi-Guarani family; one of the official languages of Paraguay, along with Spanish

guaraní (ˈɡwɑːrənI)   n, pl -ní or -nís   the standard monetary unit of Paraguay, divided into 100 céntimos

guarantee (ˌɡærənˈtiː)   n   1 a formal assurance, esp in writing, that a product, service, etc, will meet certain standards or specifications   2 law a promise, esp a collateral agreement, to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another   3    a a person, company, etc, to whom a guarantee is made   b a person, company, etc, who gives a guarantee   4 a person who acts as a guarantor   5 something that makes a specified condition or outcome certain   6 a variant spelling of guaranty   ▷ vb -tees, -teeing, -teed (mainly tr)   7 (also tr) to take responsibility for (someone else's debts, obligations, etc)   8 to serve as a guarantee for   9 to secure or furnish security for: a small deposit will guarantee any dress   10 (usually foll by from or against) to undertake to protect or keep secure, as against injury, loss, etc   11 to ensure: good planning will guarantee success   12 (may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to promise or make certain [C17: perhaps from Spanish garante or French garant, of Germanic origin; compare WARRANT]

■ guaranteed (ˌɡærənˈtiːd)   adj   1 bound to happen; certain   2 mandated by law or contract

■ guarantor (ˌɡærənˈtɔː)   n   a person who gives or is bound by a guarantee or guaranty; surety

■ guaranty (ˈɡærəntI)   n, pl -ties   1 a pledge of responsibility for fulfilling another person's obligations in case of that person's default   2 a thing given or taken as security for a guaranty   3 the act of providing security   4 a person who acts as a guarantor   ▷ vb -ties, -tying, -tied   5 a variant of guarantee [C16: from Old French garantie, variant of warantie, of Germanic origin; see WARRANTY]

guard (ɡɑːd)   vb   1 to watch over or shield (a person or thing) from danger or harm; protect   2 to keep watch over (a prisoner or other potentially dangerous person or thing), as to prevent escape   3 (tr) to control: to guard one's tongue   4 (intr; usually foll by against) to take precautions   5 to control entrance and exit through (a gate, door, etc)   6 (tr) to provide (machinery, etc) with a device to protect the operator   7 (tr)   a chess, cards to protect or cover (a chess man or card) with another   b curling, bowls to protect or cover (a stone or bowl) by placing one's own stone or bowl between it and another player   8 (tr) archaic to accompany as a guard   ▷ n   9 a person or group that keeps a protecting, supervising, or restraining watch or control over people, such as prisoners, things, etc. Related adjective: custodial   10 a person or group of people, such as soldiers, who form a ceremonial escort: guard of honour   11 Brit the official in charge of a train   12    a the act or duty of protecting, restraining, or supervising   b (as modifier): guard duty   13 Irish another word for garda   14 a device, part, or attachment on an object, such as a weapon or machine tool, designed to protect the user against injury, as on the hilt of a sword or the trigger of a firearm   15 anything that provides or is intended to provide protection: a guard against infection   16    a another name for safety chain   b a long neck chain often holding a chatelaine   17 See guard ring   18 sport an article of light tough material worn to protect any of various parts of the body   19 basketball   a the position of the two players in a team who play furthest from the basket   b a player in this position   20 the posture of defence or readiness in fencing, boxing, cricket, etc   21 give guard cricket (of an umpire) to indicate the batsman's position relative to the stumps   22 mount guard   a (of a sentry) to begin to keep watch   b (with over) to take up a protective or defensive stance (over something)   23 off one's guard having one's defences down; unprepared   24 on one's guard prepared to face danger, difficulties, etc   25 stand guard (of a military sentry, etc) to keep watch   26 take guard cricket (of a batsman) to choose a position in front of the wicket to receive the bowling, esp by requesting the umpire to indicate his or her position relative to the stumps [C15: from Old French garde, from garder to protect, of Germanic origin; compare Spanish guardar; see WARD]   > ˈguardable adj   > ˈguarder n   > ˈguardless adj   > ˈguardˌlike adj

■ guardage (ˈɡɑːdIdʒ)   n   obsolete the state of being in the care of a guardian

■ guardant or gardant (ˈɡɑːdənt)   adj   (usually postpositive) heraldry (of a beast) shown full face [C16: from French gardant guarding, from garder to GUARD]

■ guard band   n   a space left vacant between two radio frequency bands, or between two tracks on a magnetic tape recording, to avoid mutual interference

■ guard cell   n   botany one of a pair of crescent-shaped cells that surround a pore (stoma) in the epidermis. Changes in the turgidity of the cells cause the opening and closing of the stoma

■ guarddog (ˈɡɑːdˌdɒɡ)   n   a dog that guards a property or person

■ guarded (ˈɡɑːdId)   adj   1 protected or kept under surveillance   2 prudent, restrained, or noncommittal: a guarded reply   > ˈguardedly adv   > ˈguardedness n

■ guardee (ˌɡɑːˈdiː)   n   Brit informal a guardsman, esp considered as representing smartness and dash

■ guard hair   n   any of the coarse hairs that form the outer fur in certain mammals, rising above the underfur

■ guardhouse (ˈɡɑːdˌhaʊs)   n   military a building serving as the headquarters or a post for military police and in which military prisoners are detained

■ guardrail (ˈɡɑːdˌreIl)   n   1 a railing at the side of a staircase, road, etc, as a safety barrier   2 Also called (Brit): checkrail railways a short metal rail fitted to the inside of the main rail to provide additional support in keeping a train's wheels on the track

■ guard ring   n   1 Also called: guard, keeper ring jewellery an extra ring worn to prevent another from slipping off the finger   2 an electrode used to counteract distortion of the electric fields at the edges of other electrodes in a capacitor or electron lens

■ guardroom (ˈɡɑːdˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   1 a room used by guards   2 a room in which prisoners are confined under guard

■ Guards (ɡɑːdz)   pl n     a (esp in European armies) any of various regiments responsible for ceremonial duties and, formerly, the protection of the head of state: the Life Guards; the Grenadier Guards   b (as modifier): a Guards regiment

■ guardship (ˈɡɑːdʃIp)   n   navy a warship responsible for the safety of other ships in its company

■ guardsman (ˈɡɑːdzmən)   n, pl -men   1 (in Britain) a member of a Guards battalion or regiment   2 (in the US) a member of the National Guard   3 a guard

■ guard's van   n   railways, Brit and NZ the van in which the guard travels, usually attached to the rear of a train. US and Canadian equivalent: caboose

Guardafui (ˌɡwɑːdəˈfuːI)   n   Cape Guardafui a cape at the NE tip of Somalia, extending into the Indian Ocean

Guardi (Italian ˈɡwardi)   n   Francesco (franˈtʃesko). 1712–93, Venetian landscape painter

guardian (ˈɡɑːdIən)   n   1 one who looks after, protects, or defends: the guardian of public morals   2    a law someone legally appointed to manage the affairs of a person incapable of acting for himself or herself, as a minor or person of unsound mind   b social welfare (in England) a local authority, or person accepted by it, named under the Mental Health Act 1983 as having the powers to require a person with mental illness to live at a specified place, attend for treatment, and be accessible to a doctor or social worker   3 (often capital) (in England) another word for custos   ▷ adj   4 protecting or safeguarding   > ˈguardianˌship n

■ Guardian Angels   pl n   vigilante volunteers who patrol the underground railway in New York, London, and elsewhere, wearing red berets, to deter violent crime

Guardianista (ˌɡɑːdIənˈiːstə)   n   Brit informal a reader of the Guardian newspaper, seen as being typically left-wing, liberal, and politically correct. Also: Guardian reader [C20: from the Guardian newspaper + (SANDIN)ISTA]

guarish (ˈɡwɑːrIʃ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to heal

Guarneri (ɡwɑːˈnIərI; Italian ɡwarˈnɛːri), Guarnieri (Italian ɡwarˈnjɛːri) or Guarnerius (ɡwɑːˈnɛərIəs)   n, pl Guarneris, Guarnieris, Guarneriuses   1 an Italian family of 17th- and 18th-century violin-makers   2 any violin made by a member of this family

Guat.   abbreviation for   Guatemala

Guatemala (ˌɡwɑːtəˈmɑːlə)   n   a republic in Central America: original Mayans conquered by the Spanish in 1523; became the centre of Spanish administration in Central America; gained independence and was annexed to Mexico in 1821, becoming an independent republic in 1839. Official language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: quetzal and US dollar. Capital: Guatemala City. Pop: 16 913 503 (2017 est). Area: 108 889 sq km (42 042 sq miles)

■ Guatemala City   n   the capital of Guatemala, in the southeast: founded in 1776 to replace the former capital, Antigua Guatemala, after an earthquake; university (1676). Pop: 2 918 337 (2015 est)

■ Guatemalan (ˌɡwɑːtəˈmɑːlən)   adj   1 of or relating to Guatemala or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Guatemala

guava (ˈɡwɑːvə)   n   1 any of various tropical American trees of the myrtaceous genus Psidium, esp P. guajava, grown in tropical regions for their edible fruit   2 the fruit of such a tree, having yellow skin and pink pulp: used to make jellies, jams, etc [C16: from Spanish guayaba, from a local word in South America]

guayabera (ˌɡwaIəˈbɛrə)   n   an embroidered men's shirt worn in Latin America and the West Indies

Guayaquil (Spanish ɡwajaˈkil)   n   a port in W Ecuador: the largest city in the country and its chief port; university (1867). Pop: 2 387 000 (2005 est)

guayule (ɡwəˈjuːlI)   n   1 a bushy shrub, Parthenium argentatum, of the southwestern US: family Asteraceae (composites)   2 rubber derived from the sap of this plant [from American Spanish, from Nahuatl cuauhuli, from cuahuitl tree + uli gum]

gub (ɡʌb)   n   Austral offensive a white person

gubbins (ˈɡʌbInz)   n informal   1 (functioning as singular) an object of little or no value   2 (functioning as singular) a small device or gadget   3 (functioning as plural) odds and ends; litter or rubbish   4 (functioning as singular) a silly person [C16 (meaning: fragments): from obsolete gobbon, probably related to GOBBET]

gubernaculum (ˌɡjuːbəˈnækjʊləm)   n   anatomy the fetal ligament attached at one end to the testes and at the other to the scrotum. It pulls the testes down as the fetus grows.

■ gubernacular (ˌɡjuːbəˈnækjʊlə)   adj   anatomy relating to a gubernaculum

gubernator (ˈɡjuːbəˌneItə)   n   a governor

■ gubernation (ˌɡjuːbəˈneIʃən)   n   archaic the act of governing or ruling

■ gubernatorial (ˌɡjuːbənəˈtɔːrIəl, ˌɡuː-)   adj   chiefly US of or relating to a governor [C18: from Latin gubernātor governor]

guberniya Russian (ɡuˈbjɛrnIjə)   n   1 a territorial division of imperial Russia   2 a territorial and administrative subdivision in the former Soviet Union [from Russian: government, ultimately from Latin gubernāre to GOVERN]

guck (ɡʌk, ɡʊk)   n   slimy matter; gunk [C20: perhaps a blend of GOO and MUCK]

■ gucky (ˈɡʌkI)   adj guckier, guckiest   informal slimy and mucky

guddle (ˈɡʌdəl) Scot   vb   1 to catch (fish) by groping with the hands under the banks or stones of a stream   ▷ n   2 a muddle; confusion [C19: of unknown origin]

gudeman (ˌɡuːdˈmæn)   n, pl -men   an archaic Scots form of goodman

gudes (ɡuːdz)   pl n   a Scots form of goods

gudesire (ˌɡuːdˈsaIə)   n   an obsolete Scots form of goodsire

gudewife (ˌɡuːdˈwaIf, ˈɡuːdˌwaIf)   n   an archaic Scots form of goodwife

gudgeon^1 (ˈɡʌdʒən)   n   1 a small slender European freshwater cyprinid fish, Gobio gobio, with a barbel on each side of the mouth: used as bait by anglers   2 any of various other fishes, such as the goby   3 bait or enticement   4 slang a person who is easy to trick or cheat   ▷ vb   5 (tr) slang to trick or cheat [C15: from Old French gougon, probably from Latin gōbius; see GOBY]

gudgeon^2 (ˈɡʌdʒən)   n   1    a a pivot at the end of a beam or axle   b the female or socket portion of a pinned hinge   2 nautical one of two or more looplike sockets, fixed to the transom of a boat, into which the pintles of a rudder are fitted [C14: from Old French goujon, perhaps from Late Latin gulbia chisel]

■ gudgeon pin   n   Brit the pin through the skirt of a piston in an internal-combustion engine, to which the little end of the connecting rod is attached. US and Canadian name: wrist pin

Gudrun (ˈɡʊdruːn), Guthrun (ˈɡʊðruːn) or Kudrun (ˈkʊdruːn)   n   Norse myth the wife of Sigurd and, after his death, of Atli, whom she slew for his murder of her brother Gunnar. She corresponds to Kriemhild in the Nibelungenlied

guelder rose (ˈɡɛldə)   n   a Eurasian caprifoliaceous shrub, Viburnum opulus, with clusters of white flowers and small red fruits [C16: from Dutch geldersche roos, from Gelderland or Gelders, province of Holland]

Guelders (ˈɡɛldəz)   n   another name for Gelderland

Guelph^1 or Guelf (ɡwɛlf)   n   1 a member of the political faction in medieval Italy that supported the power of the pope against the German emperors. Compare Ghibelline   2 a member of a secret society in 19th-century Italy opposed to foreign rule   > ˈGuelphic or ˈGuelfic adj   > ˈGuelphism or ˈGuelfism n

Guelph^2 (ɡwɛlf)   n   a city in Canada, in SE Ontario. Pop: 106 920 (2001)

guenon (ɡəˈnɒn)   n   any slender agile Old World monkey of the genus Cercopithecus, inhabiting wooded regions of Africa and having long hind limbs and tail and long hair surrounding the face [C19: from French, of unknown origin]

guerdon (ˈɡɜːdən) poetic   n   1 a reward or payment   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to give a guerdon to [C14: from Old French gueredon, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German widarlōn, Old English witherlēan; final element influenced by Latin dōnum gift]   > ˈguerdoner n

guereza (ɡəˈrɛzə)   n   a handsome colobus monkey of the mountain forests of Ethiopia [C19: its native name]

Guericke (German ˈɡeːrikə)   n   Otto von. 1602–86, German physicist: invented the air pump (1650) and demonstrated the power of a vacuum with the Magdeburg hemispheres

gueridon (ˈɡɛrIdən; French ɡeridɔ̃n)   n   a small, ornately carved, table or stand

guerite (ɡəˈriːt; French ɡerit)   n   history a turret used by a sentry

Guernica (ɡɜːˈniːkə, ˈɡɜːnIkə; Spanish ɡɛrˈnika)   n   a town in N Spain: formerly the seat of a Basque parliament; destroyed in 1937 by German bombers during the Spanish Civil War, an event depicted in one of Picasso's most famous paintings. Pop: 15 454 (2003 est). Basque name: Gernika

Guernsey (ˈɡɜːnzI)   n   1 an island in the English Channel: a British Crown Dependency (but not part of the United Kingdom); the second largest of the Channel Islands, which, with Alderney and Sark, Herm, Jethou, and some islets, forms the Bailiwick of Guernsey; finance, market gardening, dairy farming, and tourism. Capital: St Peter Port. Pop: 65 605 (2013). Area: 63 sq km (24.5 sq miles)   2 a breed of dairy cattle producing rich creamy milk, originating from the island of Guernsey   3 (sometimes not capital) a seaman's knitted woollen sweater   4 (not capital) Austral a sleeveless woollen shirt or jumper worn by a football player   5 get a guernsey Austral to be selected or gain recognition for something

■ Guernsey lily   n   See nerine

Guerrero (Spanish ɡɛˈrrɛro)   n   a mountainous state of S Mexico, on the Pacific: rich mineral resources. Capital: Chilpancingo. Pop: 3 075 083 (2000 est). Area: 63 794 sq km (24 631 sq miles)

guerrilla or guerilla (ɡəˈrIlə)   n   1    a a member of an irregular usually politically motivated armed force that combats stronger regular forces, such as the army or police   b (as modifier): guerrilla warfare   2 a form of vegetative spread in which the advance is from several individual rhizomes or stolons growing rapidly away from the centre, as in some clovers. Compare phalanx [C19: from Spanish, diminutive of guerra WAR]   > guerˈrillaism or gueˈrillaism n

■ guerrilla gig   n   an impromptu musical performance in an unlikely public space, such as on an underground train or on the roof of a building, organized by text-message communication between the band and its fans

■ guerrillero (ˌɡɛrIˈljɛərəʊ; Spanish ɡeriˈʎero)   n, pl -ros   a guerrilla

Guesclin (French ɡeklɛ̃)   n   Bertrand du ?1320–80, French commander during the Hundred Years' War

guess (ɡɛs)   vb (when tr, may take a clause as object)   1 (when intr, often foll by at or about) to form or express an uncertain estimate or conclusion (about something), based on insufficient information: guess what we're having for dinner   2 to arrive at a correct estimate of (something) by guessing: he guessed my age   3 informal, chiefly US and Canadian to believe, think, or suppose (something): I guess I'll go now   4 keep a person guessing to let a person remain in a state of uncertainty   ▷ n   5 an estimate or conclusion arrived at by guessing: a bad guess   6 the act of guessing   7 anyone's guess something difficult to predict [C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Swedish gissa, Old Danish gitse, Middle Dutch gissen; see GET]   > ˈguessable adj   > ˈguesser n   > ˈguessingly adv

■ guesstimate or guestimate informal   n (ˈɡɛstImIt)   1 an estimate calculated mainly or only by guesswork   ▷ vb (ˈɡɛstIˌmeIt)   2 to form a guesstimate of

■ guesswork (ˈɡɛsˌwɜːk)   n   1 a set of conclusions, estimates, etc, arrived at by guessing   2 the process of making guesses

guest (ɡɛst)   n   1 a person who is entertained, taken out to eat, etc, and paid for by another   2    a a person who receives hospitality at the home of another: a weekend guest   b (as modifier): the guest room   3    a a person who receives the hospitality of a government, establishment, or organization   b (as modifier): a guest speaker   4    a an actor, contestant, entertainer, etc, taking part as a visitor in a programme in which there are also regular participants   b (as modifier): a guest appearance   5 a patron of a hotel, boarding house, restaurant, etc   6 zoology a nontechnical name for inquiline   7 be my guest informal do as you like   ▷ vb   8 (intr) (in theatre and broadcasting) to be a guest: to guest on a show [Old English giest guest, stranger, enemy; related to Old Norse gestr, Gothic gasts, Old High German gast, Old Slavonic gostǐ, Latin hostis enemy]

■ guest beer   n   a draught beer stocked by a bar, often for a limited period, in addition to its usual range

■ guestbook (ˈɡɛstˌbʊk)   n   1 a book in a museum, hotel, etc, in which a visitor can comment on his or her visit to that place   2 a page on a website where visitors may leave messages or greetings

■ guesten (ˈɡɛstən)   vb (intr)   obsolete to stay as a guest in someone's house

■ guesthouse (ˈɡɛstˌhaʊs)   n   a private home or boarding house offering accommodation, esp to travellers

■ guest rope   n   nautical any line sent or trailed over the side of a vessel as a convenience for boats drawing alongside, as an aid in warping or towing, etc

■ guestwise (ˈɡɛstˌwaIz)   adv   obsolete as, or in the manner of, a guest

Guevara (ɡəˈvɑːrə; Spanish ɡeˈβara)   n   Ernesto (ɛrˈnesto), known as Che Guevara. 1928–67, Latin American politician and soldier, born in Argentina. He developed guerrilla warfare as a tool for revolution and was instrumental in Castro's victory in Cuba (1959), where he held government posts until 1965. He was killed while training guerrillas in Bolivia

guff (ɡʌf)   n   slang ridiculous or insolent talk [C19: imitative of empty talk; compare dialect Norwegian gufs puff of wind]

guffaw (ɡʌˈfɔː)   n   1 a crude and boisterous laugh   ▷ vb   2 to laugh crudely and boisterously or express (something) in this way [C18: of imitative origin]

guga (ˈɡuːɡə)   n   Scot a gannet chick

Guggenheim Museum (ˈɡʊɡənˌhaIm)   n   an international chain of art museums, some of which are architecturally important buildings in their own right, most notably one in New York, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (1956–59), and one in Bilbao, designed by Frank O Gehry (1997)

guggle (ˈɡʌɡəl)   vb (intr)   1 to drink making a gurgling sound   2 to make a sound like that made when liquid is poured from a bottle

guglet (ˈɡʌɡlIt)   n   a variant form of goglet

GUI (ˈɡuːiː)   n acronym for   graphical user interface

Guiana (ɡaIˈænə, ɡIˈɑːnə) or The Guianas   n   a region of NE South America, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the Guiana Highlands (largely in SE Venezuela and partly in N Brazil). Area: about 1 787 000 sq km (690 000 sq miles)

■ Guianese (ˌɡaIəˈniːz, ˌɡIə-) or Guianan (ɡaIˈænən, ɡIˈɑːnən)   adj   1 of or relating to the South American region of Guiana or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Guiana

guichet (ˈɡiːʃeI)   n   a grating, hatch, or small opening in a wall, esp a ticket-office window [C19: from French]

guid (ɡyd, ɡId)   adj   a Scot word for good

■ guids (ɡIdz)   pl n   a Scots form of goods

■ guidwillie (ˈɡuːdˌwIlI)   adj   Scot obsolete generous or cordial

guide (ɡaId)   vb   1 to lead the way for (a person)   2 to control the movement or course of (an animal, vehicle, etc) by physical action; steer   3 to supervise or instruct (a person)   4 (tr) to direct the affairs of (a person, company, nation, etc): the president guided the country through the war   5 (tr) to advise or influence (a person) in his or her standards or opinions: let truth guide you always   ▷ n   6    a a person, animal, or thing that guides   b (as modifier): a guide dog   7 a person, usually paid, who conducts tour expeditions, etc   8 a model or criterion, as in moral standards or accuracy   9 See guidebook   10 a book that instructs or explains the fundamentals of a subject or skill: a guide to better living   11 any device that directs the motion of a tool or machine part   12    a a mark, sign, etc, that points the way   b (in combination): guidepost   13 spiritualism a spirit believed to influence mediums so as to direct what they utter and convey messages through them   14    a navy a ship in a formation used as a reference for manoeuvres, esp with relation to maintaining the correct formation and disposition   b military a soldier stationed to one side of a column or line to regulate alignment, show the way, etc [C14: from (Old) French guider, of Germanic origin; compare Old English wītan to observe]   > ˈguidable adj   > ˈguideless adj   > ˈguider n   > ˈguiding adj, n

■ guidage (ˈɡaIdIdʒ)   n obsolete   1 guidance   2 a fee paid for guidance, esp one paid to a guide for safe navigation through a foreign land

■ guidance (ˈɡaIdəns)   n   1 leadership, instruction, or direction   2    a counselling or advice on educational, vocational, or psychological matters   b (as modifier): guidance counsellor   3 something that guides   4 any process by which the flight path of a missile is controlled in flight. See also guided missile

■ Guide (ɡaId)   n   (sometimes not capital) a member of an organization for girls equivalent to the Scouts. US equivalent: Girl Scout

■ guidebook (ˈɡaIdˌbʊk)   n   a handbook with information for visitors to a place, as a historic building, museum, or foreign country. Also called: guide

■ guided (ˈɡaIdId)   adj   1 equipped with a guidance system   2 accompanied by a guide or conducted with the help of a guidebook

■ guided missile   n   a missile, esp one that is rocket-propelled, having a flight path controlled during flight either by radio signals or by internal preset or self-actuating homing devices. See also command guidance, field guidance, homing guidance, inertial guidance, terrestrial guidance

■ guide dog   n   a dog that has been specially trained to live with and accompany someone who is blind, enabling the blind person to move about safely

■ guideline (ˈɡaIdˌlaIn)   n   a principle put forward to set standards or determine a course of action

■ guidepost (ˈɡaIdˌpəʊst)   n   1 a sign on a post by a road indicating directions   2 a principle or guideline

■ Guider (ˈɡaIdə)   n (sometimes not capital)   1 a woman leader of a company of Guides. In full: Guide Guider   2 Brownie Guider a woman leader of a pack of Brownie Guides

■ guide rope   n   1 a stay or rope attached to another rope that is lifting a load, either to steady the load or guide the rope   2 another name for dragrope (sense 2)

■ guideship (ˈɡaIdʃIp)   n Scot obsolete   1 the position of a guide   2 supervision or direction

■ guide vanes   pl n   fixed aerofoils that direct air, gas, or water into the moving blades of a turbine or into or around bends in ducts with minimum loss of energy

■ guideway (ˈɡaIdˌweI)   n   a track that controls the motion of something that moves along it, as the moving object is fitted to the track and so turns when the track turns

■ guideword (ˈɡaIdˌwɜːd)   n   a word at the top of a dictionary page that indicates the first or last entry on that page

Guido d'Arezzo (Italian ˈɡwiːdo daˈrettso)   n   ?995–?1050 AD, Italian Benedictine monk and musical theorist: reputed inventor of solmization

guidon (ˈɡaIdən)   n   1 a small pennant, used as a marker or standard, esp by cavalry regiments   2 the person or vehicle that carries this [C16: from French, from Old Provençal guidoo, from guida GUIDE]

Guienne or Guyenne (French ɡɥijɛn)   n   a former province of SW France: formed, with Gascony, the duchy of Aquitaine during the 12th century

guild or gild (ɡIld)   n   1 an organization, club, or fellowship   2 (esp in medieval Europe) an association of men sharing the same interests, such as merchants or artisans: formed for mutual aid and protection and to maintain craft standards or pursue some other purpose such as communal worship   3 ecology a group of plants, such as a group of epiphytes, that share certain habits or characteristics [C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gjald payment, gildi guild; related to Old English gield offering, Old High German gelt money]

■ guildhall (ˈɡIldˌhɔːl)   n   1 Brit   a the hall of a guild or corporation   b a town hall   2 Also: gildhall the meeting place of a medieval guild

■ guildry (ˈɡIldrI)   n   Scot the corporation of merchants in a burgh

■ guildship (ˈɡIldʃIp)   n   1 the condition of being a member of a guild   2 an organization, club, or fellowship

■ guildsman or gildsman (ˈɡIldzmən)   n, pl -men   a man who is a member of a guild

■ guild socialism   n   a form of socialism advocated in Britain in the early 20th century. Industry was to be owned by the state but managed and controlled by worker-controlled guilds   > guild socialist n

■ guildswoman or gildswoman (ˈɡIldzwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a woman who is a member of a guild

guilder, gilder (ˈɡIldə) or gulden   n, pl -ders, -der or -dens, -den   1 Also called: florin the former standard monetary unit of the Netherlands, divided into 100 cents; replaced by the euro in 2002   2 the standard monetary unit of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, divided into 100 cents   3 any of various former gold or silver coins of Germany, Austria, or the Netherlands [C15: changed from Middle Dutch gulden, literally: GOLDEN]

Guildford (ˈɡIlfəd)   n   a town in S England, in Surrey: cathedral (1936–68); seat of the University of Surrey (1966). Pop: 69 400 (2001)

guile (ɡaIl)   n   clever or crafty character or behaviour [C18: from Old French guile, of Germanic origin; see WILE]   > ˈguileful adj   > ˈguilefully adv   > ˈguilefulness n

■ guileless (ˈɡaIllIs)   adj   free from guile; ingenuous   > ˈguilelessly adv   > ˈguilelessness n

■ guiler (ˈɡaIlə)   n   obsolete a deceiver

Guilin (ˈɡweIˈlIn), Kweilin or Kuei-lin   n   a city in S China, in Guangxi on the Li River: noted for the unusual caves and formations of the surrounding karst scenery; trade and manufacturing centre. Pop: 631 000 (2005 est)

Guillain-Barré syndrome (ˌɡijãˈbareI)   n   an acute neurological disorder, usually following a virus or bacterial infection, that causes progressive muscle weakness and partial paralysis [C20: named after Georges Guillain (1876–1961) and Jean Alexandre Barré (1880–1967), French neurologists]

Guillaume de Lorris (French ɡijom də lɔris)   n   13th-century French poet who wrote the first 4058 lines of the allegorical romance, the Roman de la rose, continued by Jean de Meung

Guillem (French ɡiɛm)   n   Sylvie. born 1965, French ballet dancer based in Britain; with the Royal Ballet (1989–2006)

guillemet (ˈɡIlIˌmɛt)   n   printing another name for duckfoot quote

guillemot (ˈɡIlIˌmɒt)   n   any northern oceanic diving bird of the genera Uria and Cepphus, having a black-and-white plumage and long narrow bill: family Alcidae (auks, etc), order Charadriiformes [C17: from French, diminutive of Guillaume William]

guilloche (ɡIˈlɒʃ)   n   an ornamental band or border with a repeating pattern of two or more interwoven wavy lines, as in architecture [C19: from French: tool used in ornamental work, perhaps from Guillaume William]

guillotine   n (ˈɡIləˌtiːn)   1 the guillotine   a a device for beheading persons, consisting of a weighted blade set between two upright posts   b execution by this instrument   2 a device for cutting or trimming sheet material, such as paper or sheet metal, consisting of a blade inclined at a small angle that descends onto the sheet   3 a surgical instrument for removing tonsils, growths in the throat, etc   4 Also called: closure by compartment (in Parliament, etc) a form of closure under which a bill is divided into compartments, groups of which must be completely dealt with each day   ▷ vb (ˌɡIləˈtiːn) (tr)   5 to behead (a person) by guillotine   6 (in Parliament, etc) to limit debate on (a bill, motion, etc) by the guillotine [C18: from French, named after Joseph Ignace Guillotin (1738–1814), French physician, who advocated its use in 1789]   > ˌguilloˈtiner n

guilt (ɡIlt)   n   1 the fact or state of having done wrong or committed an offence   2 responsibility for a criminal or moral offence deserving punishment or a penalty   3 remorse or self-reproach caused by feeling that one is responsible for a wrong or offence   4 archaic sin or crime [Old English gylt, of obscure origin]

■ guiltless (ˈɡIltlIs)   adj   free of all responsibility for wrongdoing or crime; innocent   > ˈguiltlessly adv   > ˈguiltlessness n

■ guilty (ˈɡIltI)   adj guiltier, guiltiest   1 responsible for an offence or misdeed   2 law having committed an offence or adjudged to have done so: the accused was found guilty   3 plead guilty law (of a person charged with an offence) to admit responsibility; confess   4 of, showing, or characterized by guilt: a guilty smile; guilty pleasures   > ˈguiltily adv   > ˈguiltiness n

guimbard (ˈɡImbɑːd)   n   another name for jew's-harp

guimpe (ɡImp, ɡæmp)   n   1 a short blouse with sleeves worn under a pinafore dress   2 a fill-in for a low-cut dress   3 a piece of starched cloth covering the chest and shoulders of a nun's habit   4 a variant spelling of gimp^1 [C19: variant of GIMP]

Guin.   abbreviation for   Guinea

guinea (ˈɡInI)   n   1    a a British gold coin taken out of circulation in 1813, worth 21 shillings   b the sum of 21 shillings (£1.05), still used in some contexts, as in quoting professional fees   2 See guinea fowl   3 US derogatory, slang, offensive an Italian or a person of Italian descent [C16: the coin was originally made of gold from Guinea]

Guinea (ˈɡInI)   n   1 a republic in West Africa, on the Atlantic: established as the colony of French Guinea in 1890 and became an independent republic in 1958. Official language: French. Religion: Muslim majority and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Conakry. Pop: 12 717 176 (2017 est). Area: 245 855 sq km (94 925 sq miles)   2 (formerly) the coastal region of West Africa, between Cape Verde and Namibe (formerly Moçâmedes; Angola): divided by a line of volcanic peaks into Upper Guinea (between The Gambia and Cameroon) and Lower Guinea (between Cameroon and S Angola)   3 Gulf of Guinea a large inlet of the S Atlantic on the W coast of Africa, extending from Cape Palmas, Liberia, to Cape Lopez, Gabon: contains two large bays, the Bight of Bonny and the Bight of Benin, separated by the Niger delta

■ Guinea-Bissau   n   a republic in West Africa, on the Atlantic: first discovered by the Portuguese in 1446 and of subsequent importance in the slave trade; made a colony in 1879; became an independent republic in 1974. Official language: Portuguese; a creole is widely spoken. Religion: Muslim, Christian, and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Bissau. Pop: 1 861 283 (2017 est). Area: 36 125 sq km (13 948 sq miles). Former name (until 1974): Portuguese Guinea

■ Guinea corn   n   another name for durra

■ guinea fowl or guinea   n   any gallinaceous bird, esp Numida meleagris, of the family Numididae of Africa and SW Asia, having a dark plumage mottled with white, a naked head and neck, and a heavy rounded body

■ guinea grains   pl n   another name for grains of paradise

■ guinea hen   n   a guinea fowl, esp a female

■ Guinean (ˈɡInIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Guinea or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Guinea

■ Guinea pepper   n   a variety of the pepper plant Capsicum frutescens, from which cayenne pepper is obtained

■ guinea pig   n   1 a domesticated cavy, probably descended from Cavia porcellus, commonly kept as a pet and used in scientific experiments   2 a person or thing used for experimentation [C17: origin uncertain: perhaps from old use of the name Guinea to mean any remote unknown land]

■ Guinea worm   n   a parasitic nematode worm, Dracunculus medinensis, that lives beneath the skin in humans and other vertebrates and is common in India and Africa

Guinevere (ˈɡwInIˌvIə), Guenevere (ˈɡwɛnIˌvIə) or Guinever (ˈɡwInIvə)   n   (in Arthurian legend) the wife of King Arthur and paramour of Lancelot

Guinness (ˈɡInIs)   n   Sir Alec. 1914–2000, British stage and film actor. His films include Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), for which he won an Oscar, and Star Wars (1977); TV roles include John Le Carré's George Smiley

guipure (ɡIˈpjʊə)   n   1 Also called: guipure lace any of many types of heavy lace that have their pattern connected by brides, rather than supported on a net mesh   2 a heavy corded trimming; gimp [C19: from Old French guipure, from guiper to cover with cloth, of Germanic origin; see WIPE, WHIP]

guiro (ˈɡwiːrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   a Latin American percussion instrument made from a hollow gourd that produces a rasping sound when rubbed

guisard (ˈɡaIzəd)   n   Scot a guiser

Guiscard (French ɡiskar)   n   Robert (rɔbɛr). ?1015–85, Norman conqueror in S Italy

guise (ɡaIz)   n   1 semblance or pretence: under the guise of friendship   2 external appearance in general   3 archaic manner or style of dress   4 obsolete customary behaviour or manner   ▷ vb   5 dialect to disguise or be disguised in fancy dress   6 (tr) archaic to dress or dress up [C13: from Old French guise, of Germanic origin; see WISE^2]

■ guising (ˈɡaIzIŋ)   n   (in Scotland and N England) the practice or custom of disguising oneself in fancy dress, often with a mask, and visiting people's houses, esp at Halloween   > ˈguiser n

guitar (ɡIˈtɑː)   n   music a plucked stringed instrument originating in Spain, usually having six strings, a flat sounding board with a circular sound hole in the centre, a flat back, and a fretted fingerboard. Range: more than three octaves upwards from E on the first leger line below the bass staff. See also electric guitar, bass guitar, Hawaiian guitar [C17: from Spanish guitarra, from Arabic qītār, from Greek kithara CITHARA]   > guiˈtarist n   > guiˈtar-ˌlike adj

■ guitarfish (ɡIˈtɑːˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any marine sharklike ray of the family Rhinobatidae, having a guitar-shaped body with a stout tail and occurring at the bottom of the sea

guitguit (ˈɡwItˈɡwIt)   n   any of several small birds of the family Coerebidae, which are found in tropical areas of North and South America

Guitry (French ɡitri)   n   Sacha (saʃa). 1885–1957, French actor, dramatist, and film director, born in Russia: plays include Nono (1905)

Guiyang (ˈɡweIˈjæŋ), Kweiyang or Kuei-yang   n   a city in S China, capital of Guizhou province: reached by rail in 1959, with subsequent industrial growth. Pop: 2 467 000 (2005 est)

Guizhou (ˈɡweIˈdʒəʊ), Kweichow or Kueichou   n   a province of SW China, between the Yangtze and Xi Rivers: a high plateau. Capital: Guiyang. Pop: 38 700 000 (2003 est). Area: 174 000 sq km (69 278 sq miles)

Guizot (French ɡizo)   n   François Pierre Guillaume (frɑ̃swa pjɛr ɡijom). 1787–1874, French statesman and historian. As chief minister (1840–48), his reactionary policies contributed to the outbreak of the revolution of 1848

Gujarat or Gujerat (ˌɡʊdʒəˈrɑːt)   n   1 a state of W India: formed in 1960 from the N and W parts of the former Bombay State; one of India's most industrialized states. Capital: Gandhinagar. Pop: 50 596 992 (2001). Area: 196 024 sq km (75 268 sq miles)   2 a region of W India, north of the Narmada River: generally includes the areas north of Mumbai city where Gujarati is spoken

■ Gujarati or Gujerati (ˌɡʊdʒəˈrɑːtI)   n   1 (pl -ti) a member of a people of India living chiefly in Gujarat   2 the state language of Gujarat, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to Gujarat, its people, or their language

Gujju (ˌɡʊdˈdʒuː) Hinglish informal   n   1 a Gujarati person   ▷ adj   2 Gujarati: Gujju food [C21: Gujarati]

Gujranwala (ɡuːdʒˈrɑːnˌwʌlə)   n   a city in NE Pakistan: textile manufacturing. Pop: 1 466 000 (2005 est)

gul (ɡuːl, ɡʊl)   n   a geometric, usually octagonal, design used in Turkoman carpets

gula (ˈɡuːlə, ˈɡjuːlə)   n   gluttony

■ gular (ˈɡuːlə, ˈɡjuː-)   adj   anatomy of, relating to, or situated in the throat or oesophagus [C19: from Latin gula throat]

Gulag (ˈɡuːlæɡ)   n   1 (formerly) the central administrative department of the Soviet security service, established in 1930, responsible for maintaining prisons and forced labour camps   2 (not capital) any system used to silence dissents [C20: from Russian G(lavnoye) U(pravleniye Ispravitelno-Trudovykh) Lag(erei) Main Administration for Corrective Labour Camps]

Gulbenkian (ɡʊlˈbɛŋkIən)   n   1  Calouste Sarkis (kæˈluːst ˈsɑːkIz). 1869–1955, British industrialist, born in Turkey. He endowed the international Gulbenkian Foundation for the advancement of the arts, science, and education   2  his son, Nubar Sarkis (ˈnuːbɑː ˈsɑːkIz). 1896–1972, British industrialist, diplomat, and philanthropist

gulch (ɡʌltʃ)   n   US and Canadian a narrow ravine cut by a fast stream [C19: of obscure origin]

gulden (ˈɡʊldən)   n, pl -dens or -den   a variant of guilder

Gülek Boğazi (ˈɡjuːlɛk bəʊˈæzI)   n   the Turkish name for the Cilician Gates

gules (ɡjuːlz)   adj, n (usually postpositive)   heraldry red [C14: from Old French gueules red fur worn around the neck, from gole throat, from Latin gula GULLET]

gulet (ˈɡʊlIt)   n   a wooden Turkish sailing boat

gulf (ɡʌlf)   n   1 a large deep bay   2 a deep chasm   3 something that divides or separates, such as a lack of understanding   4 something that engulfs, such as a whirlpool   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to swallow up; engulf [C14: from Old French golfe, from Italian golfo, from Greek kolpos]   > ˈgulfˌlike adj   > ˈgulfy adj

■ Gulf (ɡʌlf)   n the Gulf   1 another name for the Persian Gulf   2 US the Gulf of Mexico   3 Austral   the Gulf of Carpentaria   4 NZ the Hauraki Gulf

■ Gulf States   pl n the Gulf States   1 the oil-producing states around the Persian Gulf: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman   2 the states of the US that border on the Gulf of Mexico: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas

■ Gulf Stream   n   1 a relatively warm ocean current flowing northeastwards off the Atlantic coast of the US from the Gulf of Mexico   2 another name for North Atlantic Drift

■ Gulf War   n   1 the war (1991) between US-led UN forces and Iraq, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait   2 See Iran-Iraq War

■ Gulf War syndrome   n   a group of various debilitating symptoms experienced by many soldiers who served in the Gulf War of 1991. It is claimed to be associated with damage to the central nervous system, caused by exposure to pesticides containing organophosphates

■ gulfweed (ˈɡʌlfˌwiːd)   n   any brown seaweed of the genus Sargassum, esp S. bacciferum, having air bladders and forming dense floating masses in tropical Atlantic waters, esp the Gulf Stream. Also called: sargasso, sargasso weed

gull^1 (ɡʌl)   n   any aquatic bird of the genus Larus and related genera, such as L. canus (common gull or mew) having long pointed wings, short legs, and a mostly white plumage: family Laridae, order Charadriiformes. Related adjective: larine [C15: of Celtic origin; compare Welsh gwylan]   > ˈgull-ˌlike adj

■ gullery (ˈɡʌlərI)   n, pl -ries   a place where gulls breed

■ gull-wing (ˈɡʌlˌwIŋ)   adj   1 (of a car door) opening upwards   2 (of an aircraft wing) having a short upward-sloping inner section and a longer horizontal outer section

gull^2 (ɡʌl) archaic   n   1 a person who is easily fooled or cheated   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to fool, cheat, or hoax [C16: perhaps from dialect gull unfledged bird, probably from gul, from Old Norse gulr yellow]

■ guller (ˈɡʌlə)   n   obsolete a deceiver

■ gullible (ˈɡʌləbəl)   adj   easily taken in or tricked   > ˌgulliˈbility n   > ˈgullibly adv

■ gullish (ˈɡʌlIʃ)   adj   stupid or simple

Gullah (ˈɡʌlə)   n   1 (pl -lahs or -lah) a member of a dark-skinned people living on the Sea Islands or in the coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and NE Florida   2 the creolized English spoken by these people

gullet (ˈɡʌlIt)   n   1 a less formal name for the oesophagus. Related adjective: oesophageal   2 the throat or pharynx   3 mining, quarrying a preliminary cut in excavating, wide enough to take the vehicle that removes the earth [C14: from Old French goulet, diminutive of goule throat, from Latin gula throat]

gully^1 or gulley (ˈɡʌlI)   n, pl -lies or -leys   1 a channel or small valley, esp one cut by heavy rainwater   2 NZ a small bush-clad valley   3 a deep, wide fissure between two buttresses in a mountain face, sometimes containing a stream or scree   4 cricket   a a fielding position between the slips and point   b a fielder in this position   5 either of the two channels at the side of a tenpin bowling lane   ▷ vb -lies, -lying, -lied   6 (tr) to make (channels) in (the ground, sand, etc) [C16: from French goulet neck of a bottle; see GULLET]

gully^2 (ˈɡʌlI)   n, pl -lies   Scot a large knife, such as a butcher's knife [C16: of obscure origin]

gulosity (ɡjʊˈlɒsItI)   n   archaic greed or gluttony [C16: from Late Latin gulōsitās, from Latin gulōsus gluttonous, from gula gullet]

gulp (ɡʌlp)   vb   1 (tr; often foll by down) to swallow rapidly, esp in large mouthfuls: to gulp down food   2 (tr; often foll by back) to stifle or choke: to gulp back sobs   3 (intr) to swallow air convulsively, as while drinking, because of nervousness, surprise, etc   4 (intr) to make a noise, as when swallowing too quickly   ▷ n   5 the act of gulping   6 the quantity taken in a gulp [C15: from Middle Dutch gulpen, of imitative origin]   > ˈgulper n   > ˈgulpy adj

■ gulper eel or gulper fish   n   any deep-sea eel-like fish of the genera Eurypharynx and Saccopharynx and order Lyomeri, having the ability to swallow large prey

■ gulping (ˈɡʌlpIŋ)   adj   characterized by the noise made when gulping air   > ˈgulpingly adv

guly (ˈɡjuːlI)   adj   heraldry obsolete relating to gules

gum^1 (ɡʌm)   n   1 any of various sticky substances that exude from certain plants, hardening on exposure to air and dissolving or forming viscous masses in water   2 any of various products, such as adhesives, that are made from such exudates   3 any sticky substance used as an adhesive; mucilage; glue   4 NZ short for kauri gum   5 See chewing gum, bubble gum, gumtree   6 chiefly Brit a gumdrop   ▷ vb gums, gumming, gummed   7 to cover or become covered, clogged, or stiffened with or as if with gum   8 (tr) to stick together or in place with gum   9 (intr) to emit or form gum [C14: from Old French gomme, from Latin gummi, from Greek kommi, from Egyptian kemai]   > ˈgumless adj   > ˈgumˌlike adj

■ gum accroides (əˈkrɔIdiːz)   n   another name for acaroid gum

■ gum ammoniac   n   another name for ammoniac

■ gum arabic   n   a gum exuded by certain acacia trees, esp Acacia senegal: used in the manufacture of ink, food thickeners, pills, emulsifiers, etc. Also called: acacia, gum acacia

■ gumball (ˈɡʌmbɔːl)   n   US a small ball of chewing gum with a coating of coloured sugar

■ gum benzoin   n   another name for benzoin

■ gumboot (ˈɡʌmˌbuːt)   n   a Wellington boot

■ gum digger   n   NZ a person who digs for fossilized kauri gum in a gum field

■ gum digger's spear   n   NZ a long steel probe used by gum diggers digging for kauri gum

■ gumdrop (ˈɡʌmˌdrɒp)   n   a small jelly-like sweet containing gum arabic and various colourings and flavourings. Also called (esp Brit): gum

■ gum elastic   n   another name for rubber^1 (sense 1)

■ gum elemi   n   another name for elemi

■ gum field   n   NZ an area of land containing buried fossilized kauri gum

■ gumlands (ˈɡʌmˌlændz)   pl n   NZ infertile land from which the original kauri bush has been removed or burnt producing only kauri gum

■ gummed (ɡʌmd)   adj   covered with glue

■ gummiferous (ɡʌˈmIfərəs)   adj   producing gum

■ gummosity (ɡʌˈmɒsItI)   n   the quality of being gummous

■ gummous (ˈɡʌməs) or gummose (ˈɡʌməʊs)   adj   rare resembling or consisting of gum

■ gummy (ˈɡʌmI)   adj -mier, -miest   1 sticky or tacky   2 consisting of, coated with, or clogged by gum or a similar substance   3 producing gum [C14: from GUM^1 + -Y^1]   > ˈgumminess n

■ gumnut (ˈɡʌmˌnʌt)   n   Austral the hardened seed container of the gum tree Eucalyptus gummifera

■ gum plant or gumweed (ˈɡʌmˌwiːd)   n   any of several American yellow-flowered plants of the genus Grindelia, esp G. robusta, that have sticky flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ gum resin   n   a mixture of resin and gum obtained from various plants and trees. See also bdellium, gamboge

■ gumshoe (ˈɡʌmˌʃuː)   n   1 a waterproof overshoe   2 US and Canadian a rubber-soled shoe   3 US and Canadian slang a detective or one who moves about stealthily   4 US and Canadian slang a stealthy action or movement   ▷ vb -shoes, -shoeing, -shoed   5 (intr) US and Canadian slang to act stealthily

■ gumsucker (ˈɡʌmˌsʌkə)   n Austral informal (in the 19th century)     a a native-born Australian   b a native of Victoria

■ gumtree (ˈɡʌmˌtriː)   n   1 any of various trees that yield gum, such as the eucalyptus, sweet gum, and sour gum. Sometimes shortened to: gum   2 Also called: gumwood the wood of the eucalyptus tree   3 up a gumtree informal in a very awkward position; in difficulties

■ gum up   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to cover, dab, or stiffen with gum   2 informal to make a mess of; bungle (often in the phrase gum up the works)

gum^2 (ɡʌm)   n   the fleshy tissue that covers the jawbones around the bases of the teeth. Technical name: gingiva. Related adjective: gingival [Old English gōma jaw; related to Old Norse gōmr, Middle High German gūme, Lithuanian gomurīs]

■ gumboil (ˈɡʌmˌbɔIl)   n   an abscess on the gums, often at the root of a decayed tooth. Also called: parulis

■ gumline (ˈɡʌmˌlaIn)   n   dentistry the line where gums meet the teeth

■ gummer (ˈɡʌmə)   n   US a tool that increases the spaces between the teeth of a worn saw

■ gummy (ˈɡʌmI)   adj -mier, -miest   1 toothless; not showing one's teeth   ▷ n, pl -mies   2 Austral a small crustacean-eating shark, Mustelus antarcticus, with bony ridges resembling gums in its mouth   3 NZ an old ewe that has lost its incisor teeth [C20: from GUM^2 + -Y^1]   > ˈgummily adv

■ gummy shark   n   Austral another term for gummy (sense 2)

■ gumshield (ˈɡʌmˌʃiːld)   n   a plate or strip of soft waxy substance used by boxers to protect the teeth and gums. Also called: mouthpiece

gum^3 (ɡʌm)   n   used in the mild oath by gum! [C19: euphemism for GOD]

GUM   abbreviation for   genitourinary medicine

gumbo or gombo (ˈɡʌmbəʊ)   n, pl -bos US and Canadian   1 the mucilaginous pods of okra   2 another name for okra   3 a soup or stew thickened with okra pods   4 a fine soil in the W prairies that becomes muddy when wet [C19: from Louisiana French gombo, of Bantu origin]

■ Gumbo (ˈɡʌmbəʊ)   n   (sometimes not capital) a French patois spoken by Creoles in Louisiana and the Caribbean

gumbotil (ˈɡʌmbətIl)   n   a sticky clay formed by the weathering of glacial drift [C20: from GUMBO + TIL(L)4]

gumma (ˈɡʌmə)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   pathol a rubbery tumour characteristic of advanced syphilis, occurring esp on the skin, liver, brain, or heart [C18: from New Latin, from Latin gummi GUM^1]   > ˈgummatous adj

gummite (ˈɡʌmaIt)   n   an orange or yellowish amorphous secondary mineral consisting of hydrated uranium oxides

gummosis (ɡʌˈməʊsIs)   n   the abnormal production of excessive gum in certain trees, esp fruit trees, as a result of wounding, infection, adverse weather conditions, severe pruning, etc [C19: from New Latin; see GUMMA]

Gum Nebula   n   astronomy a large, almost circular, emission nebula in the constellation Vela and Puppis. Thought to be the remains of a supernova explosion 1 million years ago, it is estimated to lie 1300 light years away [C20: discovered by C. S. Gum (1924–60), Australian astronomer]

gump (ɡʌmp)   vb   Scot to catch fish by groping with the hands; guddle

gumphion (ˈɡʌmfIən)   n   Scot obsolete a funeral banner

gumption (ˈɡʌmpʃən)   n informal   1 Brit common sense or resourcefulness   2 initiative or courage: you haven't the gumption to try [C18: originally Scottish, of unknown origin]

■ gumptious (ˈɡʌmpʃəs)   adj   informal having gumption

gun (ɡʌn)   n   1    a a weapon with a metallic tube or barrel from which a missile is discharged, usually by force of an explosion. It may be portable or mounted. In a military context the term applies specifically to a flat-trajectory artillery piece   b (as modifier): a gun barrel   2 the firing of a gun as a salute or signal, as in military ceremonial   3 a member of or a place in a shooting party or syndicate   4 any device used to project something under pressure: a grease gun; a spray gun   5 US slang an armed criminal; gunman   6 Austral and NZ slang   a an expert   b (as modifier): a gun shearer; a gun batsman   7 go great guns slang to act or function with great speed, intensity, etc   8 jump the gun or beat the gun   a (of a runner, etc) to set off before the starting signal is given   b informal to act prematurely   9 spike someone's guns See spike^1 (sense 17)   10 stick to one's guns informal to maintain one's opinions or intentions in spite of opposition   ▷ vb guns, gunning, gunned   11 (when tr, often foll by down) to shoot (someone) with a gun   12 (tr) to press hard on the accelerator of (an engine): to gun the engine of a car   13 (intr) to hunt with a gun [C14: probably from a female pet name shortened from the Scandinavian name Gunnhildr (from Old Norse gunnr war + hildr war)]

■ gunboat (ˈɡʌnˌbəʊt)   n   a small shallow-draft vessel carrying mounted guns and used by coastal patrols, etc

■ gunboat diplomacy   n   diplomacy conducted by threats of military intervention, esp by a major power against a militarily weak state

■ gun carriage   n   a mechanical frame on which a gun is mounted for adjustment and firing or for transportation

■ guncotton (ˈɡʌnˌkɒtən)   n   cellulose nitrate containing a relatively large amount of nitrogen: used as an explosive

■ gundog (ˈɡʌnˌdɒɡ)   n   1 a dog trained to work with a hunter or gamekeeper, esp in retrieving, pointing at, or flushing game   2 a dog belonging to any breed adapted to these activities

■ gunfight (ˈɡʌnˌfaIt)   n   chiefly US a fight between persons using firearms   > ˈgunˌfighter n   > ˈgunˌfighting n

■ gunfire (ˈɡʌnˌfaIə)   n   1 the firing of one or more guns, esp when done repeatedly   2 the use of firearms, as contrasted with other military tactics

■ gunflint (ˈɡʌnˌflInt)   n   a piece of flint in a flintlock's hammer used to strike the spark that ignites the charge

■ gun for   vb (intr, preposition)   1 to search for in order to reprimand, punish, or kill   2 to try earnestly for: she was gunning for promotion

■ gunhouse (ˈɡʌnˌhaʊs)   n   navy an armoured rotatable enclosure for guns on a warship

■ gunite (ˈɡʌnˌaIt)   n   civil engineering a cement-sand mortar that is sprayed onto formwork, walls, or rock by a compressed air ejector giving a very dense strong concrete layer: used to repair reinforced concrete, to line tunnel walls or mine airways, etc [C20: from GUN + -ITE^1]

■ gunlayer (ˈɡʌnˌleIə)   n   Brit navy a person who aims a ship's gun

■ gunless (ˈɡʌnlIs)   adj   having no gun

■ gunlock (ˈɡʌnˌlɒk)   n   the mechanism in some firearms that causes the charge to be exploded

■ gunmaker (ˈɡʌnˌmeIkə)   n   a person who makes guns

■ gunman (ˈɡʌnmən)   n, pl -men   1 a man who is armed with a gun, esp unlawfully   2 a man who is skilled with a gun   3 US a person who makes, repairs, or has expert knowledge of guns   > ˈgunmanˌship n

■ gunmetal (ˈɡʌnˌmɛtəl)   n   1 a type of bronze containing copper (88 per cent), tin (8–10 per cent), and zinc (2–4 per cent): used for parts that are subject to wear or to corrosion, esp by sea water   2 any of various dark grey metals used for toys, belt buckles, etc   3    a a dark grey colour with a purplish or bluish tinge   b (as adjective): gunmetal chiffon

■ gun moll   n   slang a female criminal or a woman who associates with criminals

■ gunnage (ˈɡʌnIdʒ)   n   navy the number of guns carried by a warship

■ gunned (ɡʌnd)   adj     a having a gun or guns as specified: heavily gunned   b (in combination): three-gunned

■ gunner (ˈɡʌnə)   n   1 a serviceman who works with, uses, or specializes in guns   2 navy (formerly) a warrant officer responsible for the training of gun crews, their performance in action, and accounting for ammunition   3 (in the British Army) an artilleryman, esp a private. Abbreviation: gnr   4 a person who hunts with a rifle or shotgun   > ˈgunnerˌship n

■ gunnery (ˈɡʌnərI)   n   1 the art and science of the efficient design and use of ordnance, esp artillery   2 guns collectively   3 the use and firing of guns   4 (modifier) of, relating to, or concerned with heavy guns, as in warfare: a gunnery officer

■ gunning (ˈɡʌnIŋ)   n   1 the act or an instance of shooting with guns   2 the art, practice, or act of hunting game with guns

■ gunpaper (ˈɡʌnˌpeIpə)   n   a cellulose nitrate explosive made by treating paper with nitric acid

■ gunplay (ˈɡʌnˌpleI)   n   chiefly US the use of firearms, as by criminals

■ gunpoint (ˈɡʌnˌpɔInt)   n   1 the muzzle of a gun   2 at gunpoint being under or using the threat of being shot

■ gunport (ˈɡʌnˌpɔːt)   n   a porthole, or other opening, for a gun

■ gunpowder (ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdə)   n   an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulphur (typical proportions are 75:15:10): used in time fuses, blasting, and fireworks. Also called: black powder   > ˈgunˌpowdery adj

■ Gunpowder Plot   n   the unsuccessful conspiracy to blow up James I and Parliament at Westminster on Nov 5, 1605. See also Guy Fawkes Day

■ gunpowder tea   n   a fine variety of green tea, each leaf of which is rolled into a pellet

■ gunroom (ˈɡʌnˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n   1 (esp in the Royal Navy) the mess allocated to subordinate or junior officers   2 a room where guns are stored

■ gunrunning (ˈɡʌnˌrʌnIŋ)   n   the smuggling of guns and ammunition or other weapons of war into a country   > ˈgunˌrunner n

■ guns (ɡʌnz)   n   an informal term for the biceps

■ gunship (ˈɡʌnʃIp)   n   another name for helicopter gunship

■ gunshot (ˈɡʌnˌʃɒt)   n   1    a shot fired from a gun   b (as modifier): gunshot wounds   2 the range of a gun   3 the shooting of a gun

■ gun-shy   adj   afraid of a gun or the sound it makes: a gun-shy dog is useless for shooting

■ gunsight (ˈɡʌnˌsaIt)   n   a device on a gun which helps the user to aim

■ gunslinger (ˈɡʌnˌslIŋə)   n   slang a gunfighter or gunman, esp in the Old West   > ˈgunˌslinging n

■ gunsmith (ˈɡʌnˌsmIθ)   n   a person who manufactures or repairs firearms, esp portable guns   > ˈgunˌsmithing n

■ gunstick (ˈɡʌnˌstIk)   n   a ramrod

■ gunstock (ˈɡʌnˌstɒk)   n   the wooden or metallic handle or support to which is attached the barrel of a rifle

■ gunstone (ˈɡʌnˌstəʊn)   n   obsolete a cannonball of stone rather than metal

■ gun-toting   adj   (prenominal) (of a person, esp a criminal) carrying a gun

gundy (ˈɡʌndI)   n   Scot toffee made with treacle

gunge (ɡʌndʒ) informal   n   1 sticky, rubbery, or congealed matter   ▷ vb   2 (tr; usually passive; foll by up) to block or encrust with gunge; clog [C20: of imitative origin, perhaps influenced by GOO and SPONGE]   > ˈgungy adj

gung ho (ˌɡʌŋ ˈhəʊ)   adj   1 extremely enthusiastic and enterprising, sometimes to excess   2 extremely keen to participate in military combat [C20: pidgin English, from Mandarin Chinese kung work + ho together]

gunk (ɡʌŋk)   n   informal slimy, oily, or filthy matter [C20: perhaps of imitative origin]

■ gunkhole (ˈɡʌŋkˌhəʊl) informal   n   1 a small, shallow cove or inlet that is usually difficult to navigate   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to make a series of short boat excursions, esp for pleasure, often in unfamiliar waters, and usually involving visiting gunkholes

■ gunky (ˈɡʌŋkI)   adj gunkier, gunkiest   informal slimy, gooey, or sticky

Gunn (ɡʌn)   n   Thom(son William). 1929–2004, British poet who lived in the USA. His works include Fighting Terms (1954), My Sad Captains (1961), Jack Straw's Castle (1976), The Man with the Night Sweats (1992), and Boss Cupid (2000)

Gunnar (ˈɡʊnɑː)   n   Norse myth brother of Gudrun and husband of Brynhild, won for him by Sigurd. He corresponds to Gunther in the Nibelungenlied

Gunn effect (ɡʌn)   n   a phenomenon observed in some semiconductors in which a steady electric field of magnitude greater than a threshold value generates electrical oscillations with microwave frequencies [C20: named after John Battiscombe Gunn (1928–2008), British physicist]

gunnel^1 (ˈɡʌnəl)   n   any eel-like blennioid fish of the family Pholidae, occurring in coastal regions of northern seas. See also butterfish [C17: of unknown origin]

gunnel^2 (ˈɡʌnəl)   n   a variant spelling of gunwale [C15: from GUN + WALE^1 from its use to support guns]

Gunnell (ˈɡʌnəl)   n   Sally. born 1966, British athlete: Olympic 400-metre hurdles gold medallist (1992)

gunnera (ˈɡʌnərə)   n   any herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Gunnera, found throughout the S hemisphere and cultivated for its large leaves [C18: named after J. E. Gunnerus (1718–73), Norwegian bishop and botanist]

gunny (ˈɡʌnI)   n, pl -nies chiefly US   1 a coarse hard-wearing fabric usually made from jute and used for sacks, etc   2 Also called: gunnysack a sack made from this fabric [C18: from Hindi gōnī, from Sanskrit gonī sack, probably of Dravidian origin]

gunsel (ˈɡʌnsəl)   n US slang   1 a catamite   2 a stupid or inexperienced person, esp a youth   3 a criminal who carries a gun [C20: probably from Yiddish genzel; compare German ganslein gosling, from gans GOOSE^1]

Gunter (ˈɡʌntə)   n   Edmund. 1581–1626, English mathematician and astronomer, who invented various measuring instruments, including Gunter's chain

■ gunter rig (ˈɡʌntə)   n   nautical a type of gaffing in which the gaff is hoisted parallel to the mast [C18: named after Edmund Gunter]   > ˈgunter-ˌrigged adj

■ Gunter's chain   n   surveying a measuring chain 22 yards in length, or this length as a unit

Gunther (ˈɡʊntə)   n   (in the Nibelungenlied) a king of Burgundy, allied with Siegfried, who won for him his wife Brunhild. He corresponds to Gunnar in Norse mythology

Guntur (ɡʊnˈtʊə)   n   a city in E India, in central Andhra Pradesh: founded by the French in the 18th century; ceded to Britain in 1788. Pop: 514 707 (2001)

gunwale or gunnel (ˈɡʌnəl)   n   1 nautical the top of the side of a boat or the topmost plank of a wooden vessel   2 full to the gunwales completely full; full to overflowing

gunyah (ˈɡʌnjə)   n   Austral a bush hut or shelter [C19: from a native Australian language]

Günz (ɡʊnts)   n   the first major Pleistocene glaciation of the Alps. See also Mindel, Riss, Würm [named after the river Günz in Germany]

gup (ɡʌp)   n   Indian gossip

guppy (ˈɡʌpI)   n, pl -pies   a small brightly coloured freshwater viviparous cyprinodont fish, Lebistes reticulatus, of N South America and the Caribbean: a popular aquarium fish [C20: named after R. J. L. Guppy, 19th-century clergyman of Trinidad who first presented specimens to the British Museum]

Gupta (ˈɡʌptə)   n   the dynasty ruling northern India from the early 4th century to the late 6th century AD: the period is famous for achievements in art, science, and mathematics

guqin (ˌɡuːˈtʃIn)   n   a traditional Chinese zither

Gur (ɡʊə)   n   a small group of languages of W Africa, spoken chiefly in Burkina Faso and Ghana, forming a branch of the Niger-Congo family. Also called: Voltaic

Gurdjieff (ˈɡɜːdjɛf)   n   Georgei Ivanovitch (ˈdʒɔːdʒI Iˈvanəˌvitʃ). ?1877–1949, Russian mystic: founded a teaching centre in Paris (1922)

gurdwara (ɡɜːˈdwɑːrə)   n   a Sikh place of worship [C20: from Punjabi gurduārā, from Sanskrit guru teacher + dvārā DOOR]

gurge (ɡɜːdʒ)   vb (tr)   obsolete to swallow up

gurgitation (ˌɡɜːdʒIˈteIʃən)   n   surging or swirling motion, esp of water [C16: from Late Latin gurgitātus engulfed, from gurgitāre to engulf, from Latin gurges whirlpool]

gurgle (ˈɡɜːɡəl)   vb (intr)   1 (of liquids, esp of rivers, streams, etc) to make low bubbling noises when flowing   2 to utter low throaty bubbling noises, esp as a sign of contentment: the baby gurgled with delight   ▷ n   3 the act or sound of gurgling [C16: perhaps from Vulgar Latin gurgulāre, from Latin gurguliō gullet]   > ˈgurgling adj

gurglet (ˈɡɜːɡlIt)   n   another word for goglet

Gurindji (ɡʊˈrIndʒI)   n   1 an Aboriginal people of N central Australia   2 the language of this people

gurjun (ˈɡɜːdʒən)   n   1 any of several S or SE Asian dipterocarpaceous trees of the genus Dipterocarpus that yield a resin   2 Also called: gurjun balsam the resin from any of these trees, used as a varnish [C19: from Bengali garjon]

Gurkha (ˈɡʊəkɑː, ˈɡɜːkə)   n, pl -khas or -kha   1 a member of a Hindu people, descended from Brahmins and Rajputs, living chiefly in Nepal, where they achieved dominance after being driven from India by the Muslims   2 a member of this people serving as a soldier in the Indian or British army

■ Gurkhali (ˌɡʊəˈkɑːlI, ˌɡɜː-)   n   the language of the Gurkhas, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family

gurl (ɡɜːl)   vb (intr)   Scot to snarl or growl

■ gurly (ˈɡɜːlI)   adj -lier, -liest Scot   1 (of weather or the sea) stormy or rough   2 sullenly ill-tempered or rude

gurlet (ˈɡɜːlIt)   n   a pickaxe with a double-sided head, one side being a sharp point and the other side being a cutting edge

Gurmukhi (ˈɡʊəmʊkI)   n   the script used for writing the Punjabi language [Sanskrit, from guru teacher + mukh mouth]

gurn (ɡərn, ɡɜːn)   vb   (intr) a variant spelling of girn

gurnard (ˈɡɜːnəd) or gurnet (ˈɡɜːnIt)   n, pl -nard, -nards or -net, -nets   any European marine scorpaenoid fish of the family Triglidae, such as Trigla lucerna (tub or yellow gurnard), having a heavily armoured head and finger-like pectoral fins [C14: from Old French gornard grunter, from grognier to grunt, from Latin grunnīre]

gurney (ˈɡɜːnI)   n   US a wheeled stretcher for transporting hospital patients [C20: of unknown origin]

Gurney (ˈɡɜːnI)   n   Ivor (Bertie). 1890–1937, British poet and composer, noted esp for his songs and his poems of World War I

gurrah (ˈɡʌrə)   n   a type of coarse Indian muslin

gurrier (ˈɡʌrIər)   n   Dublin dialect a low-class tough ill-mannered person [perhaps from CURRIER]

gurry (ˈɡʌrI)   n, pl -ries   Scot a brawl or dogfight

gursh (ɡɜːʃ)   n   a unit of currency in Saudi Arabia, 20 of which make up a riyal

guru (ˈɡʊruː, ˈɡuːruː)   n   1 a Hindu or Sikh religious teacher or leader, giving personal spiritual guidance to his disciples   2 often derogatory a leader or chief theoretician of a movement, esp a spiritual or religious cult   3 often facetious a leading authority in a particular field: a cricketing guru [C17: from Hindi gurū, from Sanskrit guruh weighty]   > ˈguruˌship n

■ gurudom (ˈɡʊruːdəm, ˈɡuːruːdəm) or guruism (ˈɡʊruːIzəm, ˈɡuːruːIzəm)   n   the state of being a guru

■ Guru Granth or Guru Granth Sahib (ɡrʌnt)   n   the sacred scripture of the Sikhs, believed by them to be the embodiment of the gurus. Also called: Adi Granth [from Punjabi, from Sanskrit grantha a book]

■ Guru Nanak (ˈnɑːˌnʌk)   n   1469–1539, Indian religious leader and founder of Sikhism. Born near Lahore in India, he spent many years as a missionary before returning to the Punjab, where he gained many followers. See also Ten Gurus

gush (ɡʌʃ)   vb   1 to pour out or cause to pour out suddenly and profusely, usually with a rushing sound   2 to act or utter in an overeffusive, affected, or sentimental manner   ▷ n   3 a sudden copious flow or emission, esp of liquid   4 something that flows out or is emitted   5 an extravagant and insincere expression of admiration, sentiment, etc [C14: probably of imitative origin; compare Old Norse gjósa, Icelandic gusa]   > ˈgushing adj   > ˈgushingly adv

■ gusher (ˈɡʌʃə)   n   1 a person who gushes, as in being unusually effusive or sentimental   2 something, such as a spurting oil well, that gushes

■ gushy (ˈɡʌʃI)   adj gushier, gushiest   informal displaying excessive admiration or sentimentality   > ˈgushily adv   > ˈgushiness n

gusla (ˈɡuːslə)   n   a Balkan single-stringed musical instrument that is played with a bow

■ guslar (ɡuːsˈlɑː)   n   a person who plays the gusla

gusli (ˈɡuːslI)   n   a Russian musical instrument resembling a harp

gusset (ˈɡʌsIt)   n   1 an inset piece of material used esp to strengthen or enlarge a garment   2 a triangular metal plate for strengthening a corner joist between two structural members   3 a piece of mail fitted between armour plates or into the leather or cloth underclothes worn with armour, to give added protection   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to put a gusset in (a garment) [C15: from Old French gousset a piece of mail, a diminutive of gousse pod, of unknown origin]   > ˈgusseted adj

gussie (ˈɡʌsI)   n   Scot a young pig

gussy up (ˈɡʌsI)   vb -sies, -sying, -sied (tr, adverb)   slang, chiefly US to give (a person or thing) a smarter or more interesting appearance [C20: probably from the name Gussie, diminutive of Augusta]

gust (ɡʌst)   n   1 a sudden blast of wind   2 a sudden rush of smoke, sound, etc   3 an outburst of emotion   ▷ vb (intr)   4 to blow in gusts: the wind was gusting to more than 50 mph [C16: from Old Norse gustr; related to gjōsa to GUSH; see GEYSER]

■ gusty (ˈɡʌstI)   adj gustier, gustiest   1 blowing or occurring in gusts or characterized by blustery weather: a gusty wind   2 given to sudden outbursts, as of emotion or temperament   > ˈgustily adv   > ˈgustiness n

gustable (ˈɡʌstəbəl) archaic   adj   1 able to be tasted   ▷ n   2 a thing that can be tasted

gustation (ɡʌˈsteIʃən)   n   the act of tasting or the faculty of taste [C16: from Latin gustātiō, from gustāre to taste]   > gustatory (ˈɡʌstətərI, -trI) or ˈgustative adj

■ gustatorily (ˈɡʌstətərIlI)   adv   in a gustatory manner

Gustavo A. Madero (Spanish ɡusˈtaβo a maˈðero)   n   a city in central Mexico, northeast of Mexico City: became a pilgrimage centre after a native convert had a vision of the Virgin Mary here in 1531. Pop: 668 500 (2000 est). Former name (until 1931): Guadalupe Hidalgo

Gustavus I (ɡʊˈstɑːvəs)   n   called Gustavus Vasa. ?1496–1560, king of Sweden (1523–60). He was elected king after driving the Danes from Sweden (1520–23)

Gustavus II   n   See Gustavus Adolphus

Gustavus VI   n   title of Gustaf Adolf. 1882–1973, king of Sweden (1950–73)

Gustavus Adolphus (əˈdɒlfəs) or Gustavus II   n   1594–1632, king of Sweden (1611–32). A brilliant general, he waged successful wars with Denmark, Russia, and Poland and in the Thirty Years' War led a Protestant army against the Catholic League and the Holy Roman Empire (1630–32). He defeated Tilly at Leipzig (1631) and Lech (1632) but was killed at the battle of Lützen

gustful (ˈɡʌstfʊl)   adj   archaic tasty or appetizing

gustie (ˈɡʌstI)   adj   Scot tasty or savoury

gustless (ˈɡʌstlIs)   adj   obsolete tasteless

gusto (ˈɡʌstəʊ)   n   vigorous enjoyment, zest, or relish, esp in the performance of an action: the aria was sung with great gusto [C17: from Spanish: taste, from Latin gustus a tasting; see GUSTATION]

gut (ɡʌt)   n   1    a the lower part of the alimentary canal; intestine   b the entire alimentary canal. Related adjective: visceral   2 (often plural) the bowels or entrails, esp of an animal   3 slang the belly; paunch   4 See catgut   5 a silky fibrous substance extracted from silkworms, used in the manufacture of fishing tackle   6 a narrow channel or passage   7 (plural) informal courage, willpower, or daring; forcefulness   8 (plural) informal the essential part: the guts of a problem   9 bust a gut informal to make an intense effort   10 have someone's guts for garters informal to be extremely angry with someone   11 hate a person's guts informal to dislike a person very strongly   12 sweat one's guts out or work one's guts out informal to work very hard   ▷ vb guts, gutting, gutted (tr)   13 to remove the entrails from (fish, etc)   14 (esp of fire) to destroy the inside of (a building)   15 to plunder; despoil: the raiders gutted the city   16 to take out the central points of (an article), esp in summary form   ▷ adj   17 informal arising from or characterized by what is basic, essential, or natural: a gut problem; a gut reaction [Old English gutt; related to gēotan to flow; see FUSION]   > ˈgutˌlike adj

■ gutbucket (ˈɡʌtˌbʌkIt)   n   a highly emotional style of jazz playing [C20: from US gutbucket a cheap gambling saloon where musicians could play for hand-outs]

■ gut check   n US and Canadian informal   a pause to assess the state, progress, or condition of something such as an enterprise or institution

■ gut-churning   adj informal   1 nerve-wracking   2 causing a person to feel great shock, fear, and disgust; horrible

■ gutful (ˈɡʌtfʊl)   n   1 an amount of food that fills the stomach   2 an amount of anything that is the limit that a person wishes to have

■ gutless (ˈɡʌtlIs)   adj   informal lacking courage or determination   > ˈgutlessness n

■ gut out   vb   (tr, adverb) slang, chiefly US and Canadian to endure (difficulties) with bravery and persistence (esp in the phrase gut it out)

■ gut reaction   n   a reaction to a situation derived from a person's instinct and experience

■ gut-rot   n   1 a type of food or alcoholic drink that is unpleasant and poor in quality   2 an upset stomach   3 stomach pains

■ gutser (ˈɡʌtsə)   n come a gutser Austral and NZ slang   1 to fall heavily to the ground   2 to fail through error or misfortune [C20: from guts + -ER^1]

■ gutsful (ˈɡʌtsfʊl)   n   a variant form of gutful

■ gutsily (ˈɡʌtsIlI)   adv   1 in a greedy manner   2 in a brave manner   3 in a coarse or earthy manner

■ gutsiness (ˈɡʌtsInəs)   n   1 the state of being greedy   2 the state of being brave and spirited

■ gutsy (ˈɡʌtsI)   adj gutsier, gutsiest slang   1 gluttonous; greedy   2 full of courage, determination, or boldness

■ gutted (ˈɡʌtId)   adj   informal disappointed and upset

■ guttery (ˈɡʌtərI)   n, pl -ries   a place for removing the guts or cleaning the guts of dead animals or fish

■ gut-wrenching   adj   informal causing great distress or suffering: gut-wrenching scenes

GUT (ɡʌt)   n acronym for   grand unified theory

gutcher (ˈɡʌtʃə)   n   an obsolete Scots form of goodsire

Gutenberg (ˈɡuːtənˌbɜːɡ; German ˈɡuːtənbɛrk)   n   Johann (joˈhan), original name Johannes Gensfleisch. ?1398–1468, German printer; inventor of printing by movable type

Guterres (ɡʊˈtɛrəs)   n   António. born 1949, Portuguese diplomat; UN secretary-general from 2017

Gütersloh (German ˈɡyːtərsloː)   n   a town in NW Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 95 928 (2003 est)

Guthrie (ˈɡʌθrI)   n   1  Samuel. 1782–1848, US chemist: invented percussion priming powder and a punch lock for exploding it, and discovered chloroform (1831)   2  Sir (William) Tyrone. 1900–71, English theatrical director   3  Woody, full name Woodrow Wilson Guthrie. 1912–67, US folk singer and songwriter. His songs include "So Long, it's been Good to Know you" (1940) and "This Land is your Land" (1944)

Guthrun (ˈɡʊðruːn)   n   a variant of Gudrun

gutta (ˈɡʌtə)   n, pl -tae (-tiː)   1 architect one of a set of small droplike ornaments, esp as used on the architrave of a Doric entablature   2 med (formerly used in writing prescriptions) a technical name for drop (sense 2). Abbreviation: gt [C16: from Latin: a drop]

■ guttate (ˈɡʌteIt) or guttated   adj biology   1 (esp of plants) covered with small drops or droplike markings, esp oil glands   2 resembling a drop or drops [C19: from Latin guttātus dappled, from gutta a drop]   > gutˈtation n

■ guttiferous (ɡʌˈtIfərəs)   adj   relating to plants that produce gum or gum-like fluids

gutta-percha (ˈɡʌtəˈpɜːtʃə)   n   1 any of several tropical trees of the sapotaceous genera Palaquium and Payena, esp Palaquium gutta   2 a whitish rubber substance derived from the coagulated milky latex of any of these trees: used in electrical insulation and dentistry [C19: from Malay getah gum + percha name of a tree that produces it]

gutter (ˈɡʌtə)   n   1 a channel along the eaves or on the roof of a building, used to collect and carry away rainwater   2 a channel running along the kerb or the centre of a road to collect and carry away rainwater   3 a trench running beside a canal lined with clay puddle   4 either of the two channels running parallel to a tenpin bowling lane   5 printing   a the space between two pages in a forme   b the white space between the facing pages of an open book   c the space between two columns of type   6 the space left between stamps on a sheet in order to separate them   7 surfing a dangerous deep channel formed by currents and waves   8 Austral (in gold-mining) the channel of a former watercourse that is now a vein of gold   9 the gutter a poverty-stricken, degraded, or criminal environment   ▷ vb   10 (tr) to make gutters in   11 (intr) to flow in a stream or rivulet   12 (intr) (of a candle) to melt away by the wax forming channels and running down in drops   13 (intr) (of a flame) to flicker and be about to go out [C13: from Anglo-French goutiere, from Old French goute a drop, from Latin gutta]   > ˈgutter-ˌlike adj

■ gutterblood (ˈɡʌtərˌblʌd)   n   Scot a low person of inferior breeding

■ guttering (ˈɡʌtərIŋ)   n   1 the gutters, downpipes, etc, that make up the rainwater disposal system on the outside of a building   2 the materials used in this system

■ gutter press   n   the section of the popular press that seeks sensationalism in its coverage

■ guttersnipe (ˈɡʌtəˌsnaIp)   n   1 a child who spends most of the time in the streets, esp in a slum area   2 a person regarded as having the behaviour, morals, etc, of one brought up in squalor [C19: originally a name applied to the common snipe (the bird), then to a person who gathered refuse from gutters in city streets]   > ˈgutterˌsnipish adj

guttle (ˈɡʌtəl)   vb   to eat in a gluttonous manner

■ guttler (ˈɡʌtələ)   n   a person who is greedy or gluttonous

guttural (ˈɡʌtərəl)   adj   1 anatomy of or relating to the throat   2 phonetics pronounced in the throat or the back of the mouth; velar or uvular   3 raucous   ▷ n   4 phonetics a guttural consonant [C16: from New Latin gutturālis concerning the throat, from Latin guttur gullet]   > ˈgutturally adv   > ˈgutturalness, ˌgutturˈality or ˈgutturalism n

■ gutturalize or gutturalise (ˈɡʌtərəˌlaIz)   vb   1 (tr) phonetics to change into a guttural speech sound or pronounce with guttural articulation or pharyngeal constriction   2 to speak or utter in harsh raucous tones   > ˌgutturaliˈzation or ˌgutturaliˈsation n

gutty (ˈɡʌtI)   n, pl -ties Irish dialect   1 an urchin or delinquent   2 a low-class person [probably from GUTTER, perhaps from the compound GUTTERSNIPE]

gutzer (ˈɡʌtzə)   n   1 a bad fall or tumble   2 to come a gutzer or to fetch a gutzer to make an error or blunder

guv (ɡʌv) or guv'nor (ˈɡʌvnə)   n   Brit an informal name for governor

guy^1 (ɡaI)   n   1 informal a man or youth   2 Brit a crude effigy of Guy Fawkes, usually made of old clothes stuffed with straw or rags, that is burnt on top of a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day   3 Brit a person in shabby or ludicrously odd clothes   4 (plural) informal persons of any gender   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to make fun of; ridicule [C19: short for Guy FAWKES]

guy^2 (ɡaI)   n   1 a rope, chain, wire, etc, for anchoring an object, such as a radio mast, in position or for steadying or guiding it while being hoisted or lowered   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to anchor, steady, or guide with a guy or guys [C14: probably from Low German; compare Dutch gei brail, geiblok pulley, Old French guie guide, from guier to GUIDE]

■ guyline (ˈɡaIˌlaIn)   n   another name for guy^2 (sense 1)

Guy (ɡaI)   n   Buddy, real name George Guy. born 1936, US blues singer and guitarist

GUY   abbreviation for   Guyana (international car registration)

Guyana (ɡaIˈænə)   n   a republic in NE South America, on the Atlantic: colonized chiefly by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries; became a British colony in 1831 and an independent republic within the Commonwealth in 1966. Official language: English. Religions: Christian and Hindu. Currency: dollar. Capital: Georgetown. Pop: 777 859 (2017 est). Area: about 215 000 sq km (83 000 sq miles). Former name (until 1966): British Guiana

■ Guyanese (ˌɡaIəˈniːz) or Guyanan (ɡaIˈænən)   adj   1 of or relating to Guyana or its inhabitants   ▷ adj   2 a native or inhabitant of Guyana

Guyenne (French ɡɥijɛn)   n   a variant spelling of Guienne

Guy Fawkes Day   n   the anniversary of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, celebrated on the evening of Nov 5 (Guy Fawkes Night) in Britain with fireworks and bonfires

guyler (ˈɡaIlə)   n   a person who tricks or hoodwinks

guyliner (ˈɡaIˌlaInə)   n   informal eyeliner when worn by a man or boy

guyot (ˈɡiːəʊ)   n   a flat-topped submarine mountain, common in the Pacific Ocean, usually an extinct volcano whose summit did not reach above the sea surface. Compare seamount [C20: named after A. H. Guyot (1807–84), Swiss geographer and geologist]

Guzmán Blanco (Spanish ɡusˈman ˈblaŋko)   n   Antonio (anˈtonjo). 1829–99, Venezuelan statesman; president (1873–77; 1879–84; 1886–87). He was virtual dictator of Venezuela from 1870 until his overthrow (1889)

guzzle (ˈɡʌzəl)   vb   to consume (food or drink) excessively or greedily [C16: of unknown origin]

■ guzzler (ˈɡʌzlə)   n     a a person or thing that guzzles   b (in combination): a gas-guzzler

■ -guzzling   adj   (in combination) consuming a specified resource in a way that is wasteful and unnecessary: gas-guzzling

gv   abbreviation for   gravimetric volume

gw   the internet domain name for   Guinea-Bissau

Gwalior (ˈɡwɑːlIˌɔː)   n   1 a city in N central India, in Madhya Pradesh: built around the fort, which dates from before 525; industrial and commercial centre. Pop: 826 919 (2001)   2 a former princely state of central India, established in the 18th century: merged with Madhya Bharat in 1948, which in turn merged with Madhya Pradesh in 1956

Gwent (ɡwɛnt)   n   a former county of SE Wales: formed in 1974 from most of Monmouthshire and part of Breconshire; replaced in 1996 by Monmouthshire and the county boroughs of Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, and part of Caerphilly

Gweru (ˈɡweIruː)   n   a city in central Zimbabwe. Pop: 140 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1982): Gwelo (ˈɡwiːləʊ)

Gwich'in (ˈɡwItʃIn)   n   1 a member of an indigenous people from northwest Canada and northeast Alaska   2 the language of these people

Gwyn (ɡwIn)   n   Nell, original name Eleanor Gwynne. 1650–87, English actress; mistress of Charles II

Gwynedd (ˈɡwInɛð)   n   a county of NW Wales, formed in 1974 from Anglesey, Caernarvonshire, part of Denbighshire, and most of Merionethshire; lost Anglesey and part of the NE in 1996: generally mountainous with many lakes, much of it lying in Snowdonia National Park. Administrative centre: Caernarfon. Pop: 117 500 (2003 est). Area: 2550 sq km (869 sq miles)

gwyniad or gwiniad (ˈɡwInIˌæd)   n   a freshwater white fish, Coregonus pennantii, occurring in Lake Bala in Wales: related to the powan [C17: Welsh, from gwyn white, related to Scottish Gaelic fionn; see FINNOCK]

gy   the internet domain name for   Guyana

gyan (ɡjɑːn)   n Indian   knowledge [Hindi, from Sanskrit]

Gyani (ˈɡjɑːnI)   n   (in India) a title placed before the name of a Punjabi scholar [Hindi, from Sanskrit gyan knowledge]

gybe or jibe (dʒaIb) nautical   vb   1 (intr) (of a fore-and-aft sail) to shift suddenly from one side of the vessel to the other when running before the wind, as the result of allowing the wind to catch the leech   2 to cause (a sailing vessel) to gybe or (of a sailing vessel) to undergo gybing   ▷ n   3 an instance of gybing [C17: from obsolete Dutch gijben (now gijpen), of obscure origin]

gyeld (ɡjɛld)   n   an archaic form of guild

gylden (ˈɡIldən)   adj   an archaic form of golden

gym (dʒIm)   n, adj   short for gymnasium, gymnastics, gymnastic

■ gym bunny   n   informal a person who spends a lot of time exercising at a gymnasium

■ gym rat   n   another name for gym bunny

■ gym shoe   n   another name for plimsoll

■ gymslip (ˈdʒImˌslIp)   n   a tunic or pinafore dress worn by schoolgirls, often part of a school uniform

■ gymslip mother or gymslip mum   n   informal a girl of school age who has become a mother

■ gymsuit (ˈdʒImˌsuːt, -ˌsjuːt)   n   a US name for gymslip

gymkhana (dʒImˈkɑːnə)   n   1 chiefly Brit an event in which horses and riders display skill in various races and contests   2 (esp in Anglo-India) a place providing sporting and athletic facilities [C19: from Hindi gend-khānā, literally: ball house, from khāna house; influenced by GYMNASIUM]

gymnasium (dʒImˈneIzIəm)   n, pl -siums or -sia (-zIə)   1 a large room or hall equipped with bars, weights, ropes, etc, for games or physical training   2 (in various European countries) a secondary school that prepares pupils for university [C16: from Latin: school for gymnastics, from Greek gumnasion, from gumnazein to exercise naked, from gumnos naked]

■ gymnasial (dʒImˈneIzIəl) or gymnasic (dʒImˈneIzIk)   adj   education relating to gymnasium schools

■ gymnasiarch (dʒImˈneIzIˌɑːk)   n   1 (in ancient Greece) an official who supervised athletic schools and contests   2 obsolete the governor or chief tutor of an academy or college [C17: from Latin, from Greek gymnasiarchos, from gymnasion gymnasium + -archos ruling]

■ gymnasiast (dʒImˈneIzIˌæst)   n   a student in a gymnasium

gymnastics (dʒImˈnæstIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) practice or training in exercises that develop physical strength and agility or mental capacity   2 (functioning as plural) gymnastic exercises

■ gymnast (ˈdʒImnæst)   n   a person who is skilled or trained in gymnastics

■ gymnastic (dʒImˈnæstIk) or gymnastical (ˌdʒImˈnæstIkəl)   adj   of, relating to, like, or involving gymnastics   > gymˈnastically adv

gymnic (ˈdʒImnIk)   adj   another word for gymnastic

gymno-   combining form   naked, bare, or exposed: gymnosperm [from Greek gumnos naked]

gymnorhinal (ˌdʒImnəʊˈraInəl)   adj   ornithol having nostrils that are bare skin and not clothed in feathers

gymnosophist (dʒImˈnɒsəfIst) or gymnosoph (ˈdʒImnəˌsɒf)   n   one of a sect of naked Indian ascetics who regarded food or clothing as detrimental to purity of thought [C16: from Latin gymnosophistae, from Greek gumnosophistai naked philosophers]   > gymˈnosophy n

gymnosperm (ˈdʒImnəʊˌspɜːm, ˈɡIm-)   n   any seed-bearing plant in which the ovules are borne naked on the surface of the megasporophylls, which are often arranged in cones. Gymnosperms, which include conifers and cycads, are traditionally classified in the division Gymnospermae but in modern classifications are split into separate phyla. Compare angiosperm   > ˌgymnoˈspermous adj

■ gymnospermy (ˈdʒImnəʊˌspɜːmI)   n   the condition of having seeds that do not have a pericarp

gympie (ˈɡImpI)   n Austral   1 a tall tree with stinging hairs on its leaves   2 a hammer [C19: from a native Australian language]

gyn.   abbreviation for   1 gynaecological   2 gynaecology

gyn-   combining form   variant of gyno-

gynae (ˈɡaInI)   adj   informal gynaecological

gynaeceum (ˌdʒaInIˈsiːəm)   n, pl -cea (-ˈsiːə)   1 (in ancient Greece and Rome) the inner section of a house, used as women's quarters   2 (dʒaIˈniːsIəm, ɡaI-) a variant spelling of gynoecium [C17: from Latin: women's apartments, from Greek gunaikeion, from gunē a woman]

gynaeco- or US gyneco-   combining form   relating to women; female: gynaecology [from Greek, from gunē, gunaik- woman, female]

gynaecocracy or US gynecocracy (ˌdʒaInIˈkɒkrəsI, ˌɡaI-)   n, pl -cies   government by women or by a single woman. Also called: gynarchy   > gynaecocratic or US gynecocratic (dʒaIˌniːkəˈkrætIk, ɡaI-) adj

gynaecoid or US gynecoid (ˈdʒaInIˌkɔId, ˈɡaI-)   adj   resembling, relating to, or like a woman

gynaecology or US gynecology (ˌɡaInIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medicine concerned with diseases in women, esp those of the genitourinary tract   > gynaecological (ˌɡaInIkəˈlɒdʒIkəl), ˌgynaecoˈlogic or US ˌgynecoˈlogical, ˌgynecoˈlogic adj   > ˌgynaeˈcologist or US ˌgyneˈcologist n

gynaecomastia or US gynecomastia (ˌɡaInIkəʊˈmæstIə)   n   abnormal overdevelopment of the breasts in a man. Also called: gynaecomasty [C19: from GYNAECO- + Greek mastos breast]

■ gynaecomast (ˈɡaInIkəʊˌmæst)   n   a man who has gynaecomastia

gynandromorph (dʒIˈnændrəʊˌmɔːf, ɡaI-, dʒaI-)   n   an organism, esp an insect, that has both male and female physical characteristics. Compare hermaphrodite (sense 1)   > gyˌnandroˈmorphic or gyˌnandroˈmorphous adj   > gyˌnandroˈmorphism or gyˈnandroˌmorphy n

gynandrous (dʒaIˈnændrəs, dʒI-, ɡaI-)   adj   1 (of flowers such as the orchid) having the stamens and styles united in a column   2 hermaphroditic [C19: from Greek gunandros of uncertain sex, from gunē woman + anēr man]   > gyˈnandry or gyˈnandrism n

gynarchy (ˈdʒaIˌnɑːkI, ˈɡaI-)   n, pl -chies   another word for gynaecocracy

■ gynarchic (dʒaIˈnɑːkIk, ɡaI-)   adj   relating to gynarchy or rule by women

gynecium (dʒaIˈniːsIəm, ɡaI-)   n, pl -cia (-sIə)   a variant spelling (esp US) of gynoecium

■ gynecic (dʒaIˈniːsIk, ɡaI-)   adj   med relating to members of the female sex

gyneco-   combining form   a variant (esp US) of gynaeco-

gyniatrics (ˌdʒaInIˈætrIks, ˌɡaI-) or gyniatry (dʒaIˈnaIətrI, ɡaI-)   n   med less common words for gynaecology

gynie (ˈɡaInI)   n   1 a gynaecologist   2 gynaecology   ▷ adj   3 gynaecological

gyniolatry (ˌdʒaInIˈɒlətrI, ˌɡaI-)   n   an extreme form of love and attachment to women

gynney (ˈɡInI)   n   a guinea fowl or a female guinea fowl

gyno- or before a vowel gyn-   combining form   1 relating to women; female: gynarchy   2 denoting a female reproductive organ: gynophore [from Greek, from gunē woman]

gynocracy (dʒaIˈnɒkrəsI, ɡaI-)   n   another name for gynaecocracy

■ gynocratic (ˌɡaInəˈkrætIk, ˌdʒaInə-)   adj   another word for gynaecocratic

gynodioecious (ˌɡaInəʊdaIˈiːʃəs)   adj   (of a plant species) having some individuals bearing female flowers only and others bearing hermaphrodite flowers only

■ gynodioecism (ˌɡaInəʊdaIˈiːsIzəm, ˌdʒaI-)   n   the condition of having flowers that are only female in one example of a plant and flowers that have stamens and pistils in another example of a plant of the same species

gynoecium, gynaeceum, gynaecium or esp US gynecium (dʒaIˈniːsIəm, ɡaI-)   n, pl -cia or -cea (-sIə)   the carpels of a flowering plant collectively [C18: New Latin, from Greek gunaikeion women's quarters, from gunaik-, gunē woman + -eion, suffix indicating place]

gynogenesis (ˌɡaInəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   zoology a form of fertilization of an egg by a sperm and its subsequent development where the sperm does not provide any genetic factors in the developmental process

■ gynogenetic (ˌɡaInəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk)   adj   zoology relating to gynogenesis

gynomonoecious (ˌɡaInəʊmɒˈniːʃəs)   adj   (of a plant species) having each individual bearing both female and hermaphrodite flowers

■ gynomonoecism (ˌɡaInəʊmɒnˈiːsIzəm)   n   the condition of having female flowers and also flowers that have a pistil and stamen on the same plant

gynophobe (ˈɡaInəʊˌfəʊb, ˈdʒaInəʊ-)   n   a person who hates or fears women

■ gynophobia (ˌɡaInəʊˈfəʊbIə, ˌdʒaInəʊ-)   n   a dread or hatred of women

■ gynophobic (ˌɡaInəʊˈfəʊbIk, ˌdʒaInəʊ-)   adj   relating to a dread or hatred of women

gynophore (ˈdʒaInəʊˌfɔː, ˈɡaI-)   n   a stalk in some plants that bears the gynoecium above the level of the other flower parts   > gynophoric (ˌdʒaInəʊˈfɒrIk, ˌɡaI-) adj

gynostemium (ˌɡaInəʊˈstiːmIəm)   n   the central reproductive stalk of an orchid, which consists of a stamen and pistil fused together

-gynous   adj combining form   1 of or relating to women or females: androgynous; misogynous   2 relating to female organs: epigynous [from New Latin -gynus, from Greek -gunos, from gunē woman]   > -gyny n combining form

Győr (Hungarian djøːr)   n   an industrial town in NW Hungary: medieval Benedictine abbey. Pop: 128 913 (2003 est)

gyoza (ɡiːˈəʊzə)   n   a Japanese fried dumpling [Japanese]

gyp^1 or gip (dʒIp) offensive, slang   vb gyps, gypping, gypped or gips, gipping, gipped   1 (tr) to swindle, cheat, or defraud   ▷ n   2 an act of cheating   3 a person who gyps [C18: probably back formation from GYPSY]

■ gypper (ˈdʒIpə) or gypster (ˈdʒIpstə)   n   another name for gyp^1 (sense 3)

gyp^2 (dʒIp)   n   Brit and NZ slang severe pain; torture: his arthritis gave him gyp [C19: probably a contraction of gee up!; see GEE^1]

gyp^3 (dʒIp)   n   a college servant at the universities of Cambridge and Durham. Compare scout^1 (sense 5) [C18: perhaps from GYPSY, or from obsolete gippo a scullion]

gyplure (ˈdʒIpˌlʊə)   n   a man-made form of the female gypsy moth's sex pheromone

gyppo (ˈdʒIpəʊ)   n, pl -pos   slang a derogatory term for Gypsy

Gyprock (ˈdʒIprɒk)   n   trademark Austral the brand name of a type of plasterboard [from GYPSUM + ROCK]

gypsophila (dʒIpˈsɒfIlə)   n   any caryophyllaceous plant of the mainly Eurasian genus Gypsophila, such as baby's-breath, having small white or pink flowers [C18: New Latin, from Greek gupsos chalk + philos loving]

gypsum (ˈdʒIpsəm)   n   a colourless or white mineral sometimes tinted by impurities, found in beds as an evaporite. It is used in the manufacture of plaster of Paris, cement, paint, school chalk, glass, and fertilizer. Composition: hydrated calcium sulphate. Formula: CaSO_4.2H_2O. Crystal structure: monoclinic [C17: from Latin, from Greek gupsos chalk, plaster, cement, of Semitic origin]   > gypseous (ˈdʒIpsIəs) adj   > gypsiferous (dʒIpˈsIfərəs) adj

Gypsy or Gipsy (ˈdʒIpsI)   n, pl -sies (sometimes not capital)   1    a a member of a people scattered throughout Europe and North America, who maintain a nomadic way of life in industrialized societies. They migrated from NW India from about the 9th century onwards   b (as modifier): Gypsy music   2 the language of the Gypsies; Romany   3 a person who looks or behaves like a Gypsy [C16: from EGYPTIAN, since they were thought to have come originally from Egypt]   > ˈGypsydom or ˈGipsydom n   > ˈGypsyˌhood or ˈGipsyˌhood n   > ˈGypsyish or ˈGipsyish adj   > ˈGypsy-ˌlike or ˈGipsy-ˌlike adj

■ gypseian (ˈdʒIpsIən)   adj   relating to gypsies

■ gypsyism (ˈdʒIpsIˌIzəm)   n   1 the behaviour of or connected with gypsies   2 the condition of being a gypsy

■ gypsy moth   n   a variant spelling of gipsy moth

■ gypsywort (ˈdʒIpsIˌwɜːt)   n   a plant, Lycopus europaeus, that is indigenous to Europe and Asia and has white flowers

gyrase (ˈdʒaIˌreIz)   n   biology a topoisomerase enzyme

gyrate   vb (dʒIˈreIt, dʒaI-)   1 (intr) to rotate or spiral, esp about a fixed point or axis   ▷ adj (ˈdʒaIrIt, -reIt)   2 biology curved or coiled into a circle; circinate [C19: from Late Latin gӯrāre, from Latin gӯrus circle, from Greek guros]   > gyratory (ˈdʒaIrətərI, -trI, dʒaIˈreItərI) adj

■ gyration (dʒaIˈreIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of gyrating; rotation   2 any one of the whorls of a spiral-shaped shell

■ gyrational (dʒaIˈreIʃənəl)   adj   relating to a circular movement or pattern

■ gyrator (dʒaIˈreItə)   n   an electronic circuit that inverts the impedance

gyre (dʒaIə) chiefly literary   n   1 a circular or spiral movement or path   2 a ring, circle, or spiral   3 geography a large system of circulating ocean currents, driven by prevailing winds and the Coriolis effect   ▷ vb   4 (intr) to whirl [C16: from Latin gӯrus circle, from Greek guros]

■ gyral (ˈdʒaIrəl)   adj   1 having a circular, spiral, or rotating motion; gyratory   2 anatomy of or relating to a convolution (gyrus) of the brain   > ˈgyrally adv

■ gyrant (ˈdʒaIrənt)   adj   having a circular movement

■ gyrous (ˈdʒaIrəs)   adj   a variant form of gyrose

gyrene (dʒaIˈriːn)   n   slang a person who belongs to the US Marine Corps

gyrfalcon or gerfalcon (ˈdʒɜːˌfɔːlkən, -ˌfɔːkən)   n   a very large rare falcon, Falco rusticolus, of northern and arctic regions: often used for hunting [C14: from Old French gerfaucon, perhaps from Old Norse geirfalki, from geirr spear + falki falcon]

gyro (ˈdʒaIrəʊ)   n, pl -ros   1 See gyrocompass   2 See gyroscope

gyro- or before a vowel gyr-   combining form   1 indicating rotating or gyrating motion: gyroscope   2 indicating a spiral   3 indicating a gyroscope: gyrocompass [via Latin from Greek guro-, from guros circle]

gyrocar (ˈdʒaIrəʊˌkɑː)   n   1 a car or coach that runs on a single rail and is stabilized by gyroscopes that move in opposing directions   2 a motor car with two wheels that has gyroscopes that govern its stability and the direction in which it travels

gyrocompass (ˈdʒaIrəʊˌkʌmpəs)   n   nautical a nonmagnetic compass that uses a motor-driven gyroscope to indicate true north. Sometimes shortened to: gyro

gyrocopter (ˈdʒaIrəʊˌkɒptə)   n   a type of small and insubstantial helicopter

gyrodyne (ˈdʒaIrəʊˌdaIn)   n   an aircraft that uses a powered rotor to take off and manoeuvre, but uses autorotation when cruising

gyrofrequency (ˌdʒaIərəʊˈfriːkwənsI)   n   physics the frequency with which a charged particle, such as an electron, spirals while moving across a magnetic field

gyro horizon   n   another name for artificial horizon (sense 1)

gyroidal (dʒaIˈrɔIdəl)   adj   1 crystallog (of planes or crystal structures) having a spiral layout   2 optics having the ability to move polarized light spirally in a certain direction

gyrolite (ˈdʒaIrəʊˌlaIt)   n   mineralogy calcium silicate hydroxide in a hydrated form

gyromagnetic (ˌdʒaIrəʊmæɡˈnɛtIk)   adj   of or caused by magnetic properties resulting from the spin of a charged particle, such as an electron

■ gyromagnetic ratio   n   physics the ratio of the magnetic moment of a rotating charged particle, such as an electron, to its angular momentum

■ gyromagnetism (ˌdʒaIrəʊˈmæɡnIˌtIzəm)   n   physics the condition or state of being gyromagnetic

gyromancy (ˈdʒaIrəˌmænsI)   n   a method of prediction or prophecy in which a person moves round and round in a circle and the place at which they fall to the ground is said to be highly significant

gyron (ˈdʒaIrɒn)   n   a variant spelling of giron

■ gyronic (dʒaIˈrɒnIk)   adj   1 heraldry relating to a gyron   2 relating to spiral shape or movement

■ gyronny (dʒaIˈrɒnI)   adj   a variant spelling of gironny

gyropilot (ˈdʒaIrəʊˌpaIlət)   n   aeronautics a type of automatic pilot that consists of two gyroscopes

gyroplane (ˈdʒaIrəˌpleIn)   n   another name for autogiro

gyroscope (ˈdʒaIrəˌskəʊp) or gyrostat (ˈdʒaIrəˌstæt)   n   a device containing a disc rotating on an axis that can turn freely in any direction so that the disc resists the action of an applied couple and tends to maintain the same orientation in space irrespective of the movement of the surrounding structure. Sometimes shortened to: gyro   > gyroscopic (ˌdʒaIrəˈskɒpIk) adj   > ˌgyroˈscopically adv   > ˌgyroˈscopics n

gyrose (ˈdʒaIrəʊz)   adj   botany marked with sinuous lines

gyrostabilizer or gyrostabiliser (ˌdʒaIrəʊˈsteIbIˌlaIzə)   n   a gyroscopic device used to stabilize the rolling motion of a ship

gyrostatics (ˌdʒaIrəʊˈstætIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the science of rotating bodies

■ gyrostatic (ˌdʒaIrəʊˈstætIk)   adj   of or concerned with the gyroscope or with gyrostatics   > ˌgyroˈstatically adv

gyrovague (ˈdʒaIrəˌveIɡ)   n   ecclesiast a peripatetic monk

gyrus (ˈdʒaIrəs)   n, pl gyri (ˈdʒaIraI)   another name for convolution (sense 3) [C19: from Latin; see GYRE]

gyte (ɡaIt)   n   1 Scot a spoilt child   ▷ adj   2 deranged

gytrash (ˈɡaItræʃ)   n   a spirit appearing as a horse or a dog that haunts lonely roads

gyttja (ˈjItʃə)   n   geology a deposit full of nutrients that is found at the bottom of a body of water

gyve (dʒaIv) archaic   vb   1 (tr) to shackle or fetter   ▷ n   2 (usually plural) fetters [C13: of unknown origin]

Hh

h or H (eItʃ)   n, pl h's, H's or Hs   1 the eighth letter and sixth consonant of the modern English alphabet   2 a speech sound represented by this letter, in English usually a voiceless glottal fricative, as in hat   3    a something shaped like an H   b (in combination): an H-beam

h   symbol for   1 physics Planck constant   2 hecto-   3 chess See algebraic notation

■ h-bar   n   another name for Dirac constant

H   symbol for   1 chem hydrogen   2 physics   a magnetic field strength   b Hamiltonian   3 electronics henry or henries   4 thermodynamics enthalpy   5 (on Brit pencils, signifying degree of hardness of lead) hard: H; 2H; 3H. Compare B (sense 9)   6 slang heroin   ▷ abbreviation for   7 Hungary (international car registration)

■ H-beam   n   a rolled steel joist or girder with a cross section in the form of a capital letter H. Compare I-beam

h. or H.   abbreviation for   1 harbour   2 height   3 hour   4 husband

H8 text messaging   abbreviation for   hate

ha^1 or hah (hɑː)   interj   1 an exclamation expressing derision, triumph, surprise, etc, according to the intonation of the speaker   2 (reiterated) a representation of the sound of laughter

ha^2   symbol for   hectare

Ha   abbreviation for   Hawaii

h.a.   abbreviation for   hoc anno [Latin: in this year]

HAA   abbreviation for   hepatitis-associated antigen; an antigen that occurs in the blood serum of some people, esp those with serum hepatitis

haaf (hɑːf)   n   a deep-sea fishing ground off the Shetland and Orkney Islands [Old English hæf sea; related to Old Norse haf; see HEAVE]

Haakon IV (ˈhɑːkɒn)   n   surnamed Haakonsson. 1204–63, king of Norway (1217–63). He strengthened the monarchy and extended Norwegian territory to include Iceland and Greenland

Haakon VII   n   1872–1957, king of Norway (1905–57). During the Nazi occupation of Norway (1940–45) he led Norwegian resistance from England

haanepoot (ˈhɑːnəˌpuːt)   n South African   1 a variant spelling of Hanepoot   2 a type of white wine made from the Hanepoot grape

haar (hɑː)   n   Scot and Eastern Brit a cold sea mist or fog off the North Sea [C17: related to Dutch dialect harig damp]

Haarlem (Dutch ˈhaːrlɛm)   n   a city in the W Netherlands, capital of North Holland province. Pop: 147 000 (2003 est)

Hab. Bible   abbreviation for   Habakkuk

Habakkuk (ˈhæbəkək)   n Old Testament   1 a Hebrew prophet   2 the book containing his oracles and canticle   ▶ Douay spelling: Habacuc

Habana^1 (aˈβana)   n   a Spanish name for Havana

Habana^2 (həˈbænə)   n   Bryan. born 1983; South African Rugby Union player: scored a record-equalling eight tries for the South Africa side that won the 2007 World Cup

habanera (ˌhæbəˈnɛərə)   n   1 a slow Cuban dance in duple time   2 a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance [from Spanish danza habanera dance from Havana]

Habanero (Spanish aβaˈnero)   n, pl -ros (-ros)   a native or inhabitant of Havana

habdabs (ˈhæbˌdæbz)   pl n   slang a highly nervous state

habdalah (hævˈdɑːlə)   n Judaism   1 another name for havdalah   2 a prayer that is said at the havdalah

habeas corpus (ˈheIbIəs ˈkɔːpəs)   n   law a writ ordering a person to be brought before a court or judge, esp so that the court may ascertain whether his or her detention is lawful [C15: from the opening of the Latin writ, literally: you may have the body]

haberdasher (ˈhæbəˌdæʃə)   n   1 Brit a dealer in small articles for sewing, such as buttons, zips, and ribbons   2 US a men's outfitter [C14: from Anglo-French hapertas small items of merchandise, of obscure origin]

■ haberdasher's (ˈhæbəˌdæʃəz)   n   Brit a shop that sells small articles for sewing, such as buttons, zips, and ribbons

■ haberdashery (ˈhæbəˌdæʃərI)   n, pl -eries   the goods or business kept by a haberdasher

haberdine (ˈhæbəˌdiːn)   n   cookery a cod that has been dried and salted

habergeon (ˈhæbədʒən) or haubergeon   n   a light sleeveless coat of mail worn in the 14th century under the plated hauberk [C14: from Old French haubergeon a little HAUBERK]

Habermas (ˈhɑːbərmas)   n   Jürgen (ˈjyrɡən). born 1929, German social theorist: his chief works are Theory and Practice (1963) and Knowledge and Human Interests (1968)

Haber process (ˈhɑːbə)   n   an industrial process for producing ammonia by reacting atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen at about 200 atmospheres (2 × 10^7 pascals) and 500°C in the presence of a catalyst, usually iron [named after Fritz Haber (1868–1934), German chemist]

habilable (ˈhæbIləbəl)   adj   having the ability to be clothed

habilatory (həˈbIlətərI)   adj   relating to clothes or dressed in clothes

habile (ˈhæbiːl)   adj   1 rare skilful   2 obsolete fit [C14: from Latin habilis, from habēre to have; see ABLE]

habiliment (həˈbIlImənt)   n   (often plural) dress or attire [C15: from Old French habillement, from habiller to dress, from bille log; see BILLET^2]

habilitate (həˈbIlIˌteIt)   vb   1 (tr) chiefly Western US to equip and finance (a mine)   2 (intr) to qualify for office   3 (tr) archaic to clothe [C17: from Medieval Latin habilitāre to make fit, from Latin habilitās aptness, readiness; see ABILITY]   > haˌbiliˈtation n   > haˈbiliˌtator n

habit (ˈhæbIt)   n   1 a tendency or disposition to act in a particular way   2 established custom, usual practice, etc   3 psychol a learned behavioural response that has become associated with a particular situation, esp one frequently repeated   4 mental disposition or attitude: a good working habit of mind   5    a a practice or substance to which a person is addicted: drink has become a habit with him   b the state of being dependent on something, esp a drug   6 botany, zoology the method of growth, type of existence, behaviour, or general appearance of a plant or animal: a climbing habit; a burrowing habit   7 the customary apparel of a particular occupation, rank, etc, now esp the costume of a nun or monk   8 Also called: riding habit a woman's riding dress   9 crystallog short for crystal habit   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to clothe   11 an archaic word for inhabit, habituate [C13: from Latin habitus custom, from habēre to have]

■ habited (ˈhæbItId)   adj   1 dressed in a habit   2 clothed

■ habit-forming   adj   (of an activity, indulgence, etc) tending to become a habit or addiction

habitable (ˈhæbItəbəl)   adj   able to be lived in   > ˌhabitaˈbility or ˈhabitableness n   > ˈhabitably adv

habitant (ˈhæbItənt)   n   1 a less common word for inhabitant   2 (ˈhæbItənt; French abitɑ̃)   a an early French settler in Canada or Louisiana, esp a small farmer   b a descendant of these settlers, esp a farmer

habitat (ˈhæbIˌtæt)   n   1 the environment in which an animal or plant normally lives or grows   2 the place in which a person, group, class, etc, is normally found [C18: from Latin: it inhabits, from habitāre to dwell, from habēre to have]

■ habitation (ˌhæbIˈteIʃən)   n   1 a dwelling place   2 occupation of a dwelling place   > ˌhabiˈtational adj

habitaunce (ˈhæbIˌtɔːns)   n   archaic a place where a person or an animal lives or resides

habitual (həˈbItjʊəl)   adj   1 (usually prenominal) done or experienced regularly and repeatedly: the habitual Sunday walk   2 (usually prenominal) by habit: a habitual drinker   3 customary; usual: his habitual comment   > haˈbitually adv   > haˈbitualness n

habituate (həˈbItjʊˌeIt)   vb   1 to accustom; make used (to)   2 US and Canadian archaic to frequent

■ habituation (həˌbItjʊˈeIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of habituating   2 psychol the temporary waning of an innate response that occurs when it is elicited many times in succession. Compare extinction (sense 6)

habitude (ˈhæbIˌtjuːd)   n   rare habit or tendency   > ˌhabiˈtudinal adj

habitué (həˈbItjʊˌeI)   n   a frequent visitor to a place [C19: from French, from habituer to frequent]

habitus (ˈhæbItəs)   n, pl -tus   1 med general physical state, esp with regard to susceptibility to disease   2 tendency or inclination, esp of plant or animal growth; habit [C19: from Latin: state, HABIT]

haboob (hɑːˈbuːb)   n   (in Africa and India) a storm of strong winds that whips up sand and dust from the desert

Habsburg (ˈhaːpsbʊrk)   n   the German name for Hapsburg

habu (ˈhɑːbuː)   n   a large venomous snake, Trimeresurus flavoviridis, of Okinawa and other Ryukyu Islands: family Crotalidae (pit vipers) [from the native name originally used in the Ryukyu Islands]

HAC   abbreviation for   Honourable Artillery Company

háček (ˈhɑːtʃɛk)   n   a diacritic mark (ˇ) placed over certain letters in order to modify their sounds, esp used in Slavonic languages to indicate various forms of palatal articulation, as in the affricate č and the fricative trill ř used in Czech [from Czech]

hacendado (ˌhæsɛnˈdɑːdəʊ) or haciendado (ˌæsIɛnˈdɑːdəʊ)   n, pl -dados   a person who owns or supervises a hacienda

hachis (hɑːˈʃiː; French aʃi)   n   another name for hash^1 (sense 1)

hachure (hæˈʃjʊə)   n   1 hatching. See hatch^3   2 shading of short lines drawn on a relief map to indicate gradients   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to mark or show by hachures [C19: from French, from hacher to chop up, HATCH^3]

hacienda (ˌhæsIˈɛndə)   n (in Spain or Spanish-speaking countries)   1    a a ranch or large estate   b any substantial stock-raising, mining, or manufacturing establishment in the country   2 the main house on such a ranch or plantation [C18: from Spanish, from Latin facienda things to be done, from facere to do]

hack^1 (hæk)   vb   1 (when intr, usually foll by at or away) to cut or chop (at) irregularly, roughly, or violently   2 to cut and clear (a way, path, etc), as through undergrowth   3 (in sport, esp rugby) to foul (an opposing player) by kicking or striking his or her shins   4 basketball to commit the foul of striking (an opposing player) on the arm   5 (intr) to cough in short dry spasmodic bursts   6 (tr) to reduce or cut (a story, article, etc) in a damaging way   7 to manipulate a computer program skilfully, esp, to gain unauthorized access to another computer system   8 (tr) slang to tolerate; cope with: I joined the army but I couldn't hack it   9 hack to bits to damage severely: his reputation was hacked to bits   ▷ n   10 a cut, chop, notch, or gash, esp as made by a knife or axe   11 any tool used for shallow digging, such as a mattock or pick   12 a chopping blow   13 a dry spasmodic cough   14 a kick on the shins, as in rugby   15 a wound from a sharp kick   16 informal an adjustment, esp to a computer program, performed to resolve a specific problem [Old English haccian; related to Old Frisian hackia, Middle High German hacken]

■ hackable (ˈhækəbəl)   adj   (of computer programs or objects containing or relating to them) having the ability to be hacked or accessed without permission

■ hacker (ˈhækə)   n   1 a person who hacks   2 a computer user who gains unauthorized access to the computer system of a company, government, etc

■ hack hammer   n   an adzelike tool, used for dressing stone

■ hacking (ˈhækIŋ)   adj   (of a cough) harsh, dry, and spasmodic

■ hack off   vb (adv)   informal (tr; often passive) to annoy, irritate, or disappoint

■ hacksaw (ˈhækˌsɔː)   n   1 a handsaw for cutting metal, with a hard-steel blade in a frame under tension   ▷ vb -saws, -sawing, -sawed, -sawed or -sawn (-ˌsɔːn)   2 (tr) to cut with a hacksaw

hack^2 (hæk)   n   1 a horse kept for riding or (more rarely) for driving   2 an old, ill-bred, or overworked horse   3 a horse kept for hire   4 Brit a country ride on horseback   5 a drudge   6 a person who produces mediocre literary or journalistic work   7 Also called: hackney US a coach or carriage that is for hire   8 Also called: hackie US informal   a a cab driver   b a taxi   ▷ vb   9 Brit to ride (a horse) cross-country for pleasure   10 (tr) to let (a horse) out for hire   11 (tr) informal to write (an article) as or in the manner of a hack   12 (intr) US informal to drive a taxi   ▷ adj   13 (prenominal) banal, mediocre, or unoriginal: hack writing [C17: short for HACKNEY]

■ hackery (ˈhækərI)   n   ironic journalism; hackwork

■ hackette (ˌhæˈkɛt)   n   informal, derogatory a female journalist [C20: from HACK^2 (sense 6) + -ETTE]

■ hacking jacket or hacking coat   n   chiefly Brit a riding jacket with side or back vents and slanting pockets

■ hackwork (ˈhækˌwɜːk)   n   undistinguished literary work produced to order

hack^3 (hæk)   n   1 a rack used for fodder for livestock   2 a board on which meat is placed for a hawk   3 a pile or row of unfired bricks stacked to dry   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to place (fodder) in a hack   5 to place (bricks) in a hack [C16: variant of HATCH^2]

hackamore (ˈhækəˌmɔː)   n   US and NZ a rope or rawhide halter used for unbroken foals [C19: by folk etymology from Spanish jáquima headstall, from Old Spanish xaquima, from Arabic shaqīmah]

hackberry (ˈhækˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any American tree or shrub of the ulmaceous genus Celtis, having edible cherry-like fruits   2 the fruit or soft yellowish wood of such a tree [C18: variant of C16 hagberry, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse heggr hackberry]

hackbolt (ˈhækˌbəʊlt)   n   a European seabird, Puffinus major. Also called: greater shearwater

hackbut (ˈhækbʌt) or hagbut   n   another word for arquebus   > ˌhackbutˈeer, ˈhackbutter, ˌhagbutˈeer or ˈhagbutter n

hackee (ˈhækiː)   n   another name for chipmunk

hackerazzo (ˌhækəˈrætsəʊ)   n, pl -razzi (-ˈrætsiː) informal   a person who hacks into the computer or phone of a celebrity in order to gain information about him or her [C21: blend of HACKER + PAPARAZZO]

hackie (ˈhækI)   n   another name for hack^2 (sense 8)

hackle (ˈhækəl)   n   1 any of the long slender feathers on the necks of poultry and other birds   2 angling   a parts of an artificial fly made from hackle feathers, representing the legs and sometimes the wings of a real fly   b short for hackle fly   3 a feathered ornament worn in the headdress of some British regiments   4 a steel flax comb   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to comb (flax) using a hackle [C15: hakell, probably from Old English; variant of HECKLE; see HATCHEL]   > ˈhackler n

■ hackle fly   n   angling an artificial fly in which the legs and wings are represented by hackle feathers

■ hackles (ˈhækəlz)   pl n   1 the hairs on the back of the neck and the back of a dog, cat, etc, which rise when the animal is angry or afraid   2 anger or resentment (esp in the phrases get one's hackles up, make one's hackles rise)

hacklet (ˈhæklIt)   n   another name for kittiwake

hackly (ˈhæklI)   adj hacklier, hackliest   having a rough or serrated surface or edge

hackman (ˈhækˌmæn)   n, pl -men   US a taxi driver

Hackman (ˈhækmən)   n   Gene. born 1930, US film actor; his films include The French Connection (1971), Mississippi Burning (1988), Absolute Power (1997), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

hackmatack (ˈhækməˌtæk)   n   1 another name for tamarack   2 another name for balsam poplar

hackney (ˈhæknI)   n   1 a compact breed of harness horse with a high-stepping trot   2    a a coach or carriage that is for hire   b (as modifier): a hackney carriage   3 a popular term for hack^2 (sense 1)   ▷ vb   4 (tr; usually passive) to make commonplace and banal by too frequent use [C14: probably after HACKNEY, where horses were formerly raised; sense 4 meaning derives from the allusion to a weakened hired horse]   > ˈhackneyism n

■ hackneyed (ˈhæknId)   adj   (of phrases, fashions, etc) used so often as to be trite, dull, and stereotyped

■ hackneyman (ˈhæknImən)   n, pl -men   a man who rents out carriages and horses

Hackney (ˈhæknI)   n   a borough of NE Greater London: formed in 1965 from the former boroughs of Shoreditch, Stoke Newington, and Hackney; nearby are Hackney Marshes, the largest recreation ground in London. Pop: 208 400 (2003 est). Area: 19 sq km (8 sq miles)

hacktivist (ˈhæktIvIst)   n   informal a person who breaks into a computer system in order to pursue a political or social aim [C21: blend of HACKER and ACTIVIST]   > ˈhacktivism n

hacqueton (ˈhæktən)   n   1 clothing an upholstered garment for the upper body worn under chain mail or such a garment covered with chain mail   2 the fluffy substance present on the seeds of the cotton plant   3 the plant from which cotton is obtained   4 textiles a fabric made from cotton

had (hæd)   vb   the past tense and past participle of have

hadal (ˈheIdəl)   adj   of, relating to, or constituting the zones of the oceans deeper than abyssal: below about 6000 metres (18 000 ft). See also abyssal [C20: from French, from Hadés HADES]

hadaway (ˌhædəˈweI)   sentence substitute   Northeast English dialect an exclamation urging the hearer to refrain from delay in the execution of a task [perhaps from HOLD^1 + AWAY]

haddie (ˈhædI)   n   Scot a haddock

haddock (ˈhædək)   n, pl -docks or -dock   a North Atlantic gadoid food fish, Melanogrammus aeglefinus: similar to but smaller than the cod [C14: of uncertain origin]

hade (heId) geology   n   1 the angle made to the vertical by the plane of a fault or vein   ▷ vb   2 obsolete (intr) (of faults or veins) to incline from the vertical [C18: of unknown origin]

hadedah (ˈhɑːdIˌdɑː)   n   South African a large greyish-green ibis, Hagedeshia hagedash, having a greenish metallic sheen on the wing coverts and shoulders [probably imitative of the bird's call]

Haden (ˈheIdən)   n   Charles (Edward). 1937–2014, US jazz bassist, noted esp for his collaborations with Ornette Coleman and Keith Jarrett

Hades (ˈheIdiːz)   n   1 Greek myth   a the underworld abode of the souls of the dead   b Pluto, the god of the underworld, brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone   2 New Testament the abode or state of the dead   3 (often not capital) informal hell   > Hadean (heIˈdiːən, ˈheIdIən) adj

Hadfield (ˈhædˌfiːld)   n   Chris (Austin). born 1959, Canadian astronaut: in 2013 he became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station

Hadhramaut or Hadramaut (ˌhɑːdrəˈmɔːt)   n   a plateau region of the S Arabian Peninsula, in SE Yemen on the Indian Ocean; formerly in South Yemen: corresponds roughly to the former East Aden Protectorate. Area: about 151 500 sq km (58 500 sq miles)

Hadid (hæˈdiːd)   n   Dame Zaha (Mohammad). 1950–2016, Iraqi-British architect, born in Baghdad; her buildings include the MAXXI in Rome (Stirling Prize, 2010) and the Evelyn Grace Academy in London (Stirling Prize, 2011)

Hadith (ˈhædIθ, hɑːˈdiːθ)   n   the body of tradition and legend about Mohammed and his followers, used as a basis of Islamic law [Arabic]

hadj (hædʒ)   n, pl hadjes   a variant spelling of hajj

hadji (ˈhædʒI)   n, pl hadjis   a variant spelling of hajji

Hadlee (ˈhædlI)   n   Sir Richard (John). born 1951, New Zealand cricketer: an all-rounder, he played in 86 test matches in which he took 431 wickets and scored 3124 runs

hadn't (ˈhædənt)   contraction of   had not

Hadrian (ˈheIdrIən) or Adrian   n   Latin name Publius Aelius Hadrianus. 76–138 AD, Roman emperor (117–138); adopted son and successor of Trajan. He travelled throughout the Roman Empire, strengthening its frontiers and encouraging learning and architecture, and in Rome he reorganized the army and codified Roman law

■ Hadrian's Wall   n   a fortified Roman wall, of which substantial parts remain, extending across N England from the Solway Firth in the west to the mouth of the River Tyne in the east. It was built in 120–123 AD on the orders of the emperor Hadrian as a defence against the N British tribes

hadrome (ˈhɑːdrəʊm)   n   botany the part of the xylem of plants that transmits water and nutrients

hadron (ˈhædrɒn)   n   any elementary particle capable of taking part in a strong nuclear interaction and therefore excluding leptons and photons [C20: from Greek hadros heavy, from hadēn enough + -ON]   > hadˈronic adj

hadrosaur (ˈhædrəˌsɔː) or hadrosaurus (ˌhædrəˈsɔːrəs)   n   any one of a large group of bipedal Upper Cretaceous dinosaurs of the genus Anatosaurus, Maiasaura, Edmontosaurus, and related genera: partly aquatic, with a duck-billed skull and webbed feet. Also called: duck-billed dinosaur [C19: from Greek hadros thick, fat + -SAUR]

hadst (hædst)   vb   archaic or dialect (used with the pronoun thou) a singular form of the past tense (indicative mood) of have

hae (heI, hæ)   vb   a Scot variant of have

haecceity (hɛkˈsiːItI, hiːk-)   n, pl -ties   philosophy the property that uniquely identifies an object. Compare quiddity [C17: from Medieval Latin haecceitas, literally: thisness, from haec, feminine of hic this]

Haeckel (German ˈhɛkəl)   n   Ernst Heinrich (ɛrnst ˈhainrIç). 1834–1919, German biologist and philosopher. He formulated the recapitulation theory of evolution and was an exponent of the philosophy of materialistic monism   > Haeckelian (hɛˈkiːlIən) adj

haem or US heme (hiːm)   n   biochem a complex red organic pigment containing ferrous iron, present in haemoglobin [C20: shortened from HAEMATIN]

haem-   combining form   a variant (before a vowel) of haemo-. Also (US): hem-

haema-   combining form   a variant of haemo-. Also (US): hema-

haemachrome or US hemachrome (ˈhiːməˌkrəʊm, ˈhɛm-)   n   variants of haemochrome

haemacytometer or US hemacytometer (ˌhiːməsaIˈtɒmItə, ˌhɛm-)   n   med variants of haemocytometer

haemagglutinate or US hemagglutinate (ˌhiːməˈɡluːtIˌneIt, ˌhɛm-)   vb   (tr) to cause the clumping of red blood cells in (a blood sample)

haemagglutinin or US hemagglutinin (ˌhiːməˈɡluːtInIn, ˌhɛm-)   n   an antibody that causes the clumping of red blood cells

haemagogue or US hemagogue, hemagog (ˈhiːməˌɡɒɡ, ˈhɛm-)   adj   1 promoting the flow of blood   ▷ n   2 a drug or agent that promotes the flow of blood, esp the menstrual flow [C18: from HAEMO- + Greek agōgos leading]

haemal or US hemal (ˈhiːməl)   adj   1 of or relating to the blood or the blood vessels   2 denoting or relating to the region of the body containing the heart

haemangioma or US hemangioma (hIˌmændʒIˈəʊmə, hɛˌm-)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   a nonmalignant tumour of blood vessels, esp affecting those of the skin. See strawberry mark [from HAEM(O)- + ANGI(O)- + -OMA]

haemat-   prefix (before a vowel)   a variant of haemato-

haematein or US hematein (ˌhiːməˈtiːIn, ˌhɛm-)   n   a dark purple water-insoluble crystalline substance obtained from logwood and used as an indicator and biological stain. Formula: C_16H_12O_6

haematemesis or US hematemesis (ˌhiːməˈtɛmIsIs, ˌhɛm-)   n   vomiting of blood, esp as the result of a bleeding ulcer. Compare haemoptysis [C19: from HAEMATO- + Greek emesis vomiting]

haematic or US hematic (hiːˈmætIk, hɛm-)   adj   1 Also: haemic relating to, acting on, having the colour of, or containing blood   ▷ n   2 med another name for a haematinic

haematin or US hematin (ˈhɛmətIn, ˈhiː-)   n   biochem a dark bluish or brownish pigment containing iron in the ferric state, obtained by the oxidation of haem

■ haematinic or US hematinic (ˌhɛməˈtInIk, ˌhiː-)   n   1 Also called: haematic an agent that stimulates the production of red blood cells or increases the amount of haemoglobin in the blood   ▷ adj   2 having the effect of enriching the blood

haematite (ˈhiːməˌtaIt, ˈhɛm-)   n   a variant spelling of hematite   > haematitic (ˌhiːməˈtItIk, ˌhɛm-) adj

haemato- or before a vowel haemat-   combining form   indicating blood: haematolysis. Also: haemo-, (US) hemato-, (US) hemat- [from Greek haima, haimat- blood]

haematoblast or US hematoblast (hiːˈmætəʊˌblæst, hɛm-)   n   any of the undifferentiated cells in the bone marrow that develop into blood cells   > haeˌmatoˈblastic or US heˌmatoˈblastic adj

haematocele or US hematocele (ˈhɛmətəʊˌsiːl, ˈhiː-)   n   pathol a collection of blood in a body cavity, as in the space surrounding the testis; blood cyst

haematocrit or US hematocrit (ˈhɛmətəʊkrIt, ˈhiː-)   n   1 a centrifuge for separating blood cells from plasma   2 Also called: packed cell volume the ratio of the volume occupied by these cells, esp the red cells, to the total volume of blood, expressed as a percentage [C20: from HAEMATO- + Greek kritēs judge, from krinein to separate]

haematocryal or US hematocryal (ˌhɛmətəʊˈkraIəl, ˌhiː-)   adj   zoology another word for poikilothermic

haematogenesis or US hematogenesis (ˌhɛmətəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs, ˌhiː-)   n   another name for haematopoiesis   > ˌhaematoˈgenic, haematogenetic (ˌhɛmətəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk, ˌhiː-) or US ˌhematoˈgenic, ˌhematogeˈnetic adj

haematogenous or US hematogenous (ˌhɛməˈtɒdʒInəs, ˌhiː-)   adj   1 producing blood   2 produced by, derived from, or originating in the blood   3 (of bacteria, cancer cells, etc) borne by or distributed by the blood

haematoid, US hematoid (ˈhiːməˌtɔId, ˈhɛm-), haemoid or US hemoid (ˈhiːmɔId, ˈhɛm-)   adj   resembling blood

haematology or US hematology (ˌhɛm-, ˌhiːməˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medical science concerned with diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues   > haematologic, US hematologic (ˌhiːmətəˈlɒdʒIk, ˌhɛm-) or ˌhaematoˈlogical, US ˌhematoˈlogical adj   > ˌhaemaˈtologist or US ˌhemaˈtologist n

haematolysis or US hematolysis (ˌhiːməˈtɒlIsIs, ˌhɛm-)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   another name for haemolysis

haematoma or US hematoma (ˌhiːməˈtəʊmə, ˌhɛm-)   n, pl -mas or -mata (-mətə)   pathol a tumour of clotted or partially clotted blood

haematophagous or US hematophagous (ˌhiːməˈtɒfəɡəs, ˌhɛm-)   adj   (of certain animals) feeding on blood

haematopoiesis (ˌhɛmətəʊpɔIˈiːsIs, ˌhiː-), haemopoiesis (ˌhɛməʊpɔIˈiːsIs, ˌhiː-) or US hematopoiesis, hemopoiesis   n   Also called: haematosis, haematogenesis physiol the formation of blood   > haematopoietic, US hematopoietic (ˌhɛmətəʊpɔIˈɛtIk, ˌhiː-) or haemopoietic, US hemopoietic (ˌhiːməpɔIˈɛtIk, ˌhɛm-) adj

haematosis or US hematosis (ˌhiːməˈtəʊsIs, ˌhɛm-)   n physiol   1 another word for haematopoiesis   2 the oxygenation of venous blood in the lungs

haematothermal or US hematothermal (ˌhɛmətəʊˈθɜːməl, ˌhiː-)   adj   zoology another word for homoiothermic

haematoxylin or US hematoxylin (ˌhiːməˈtɒksIlIn, ˌhɛm-)   n   1 a colourless or yellowish crystalline compound that turns red on exposure to light: obtained from logwood and used in dyes and as a biological stain. Formula: C_16H_14O_6.3H_2O   2 a variant spelling of haematoxylon [C19: from New Latin Haematoxylon genus name of logwood, from HAEMATO- + Greek xulon wood + -IN]

haematoxylon (ˌhiːməˈtɒksIlɒn) or haematoxylin   n   any thorny leguminous tree of the genus Haematoxylon, esp the logwood, of tropical America and SW Africa. The heartwood yields the dye haematoxylin [C19: see HAEMATOXYLIN]   > haematoxylic (ˌhiːmətɒkˈsIlIk) adj

haematozoon or US hematozoon (ˌhiːmətəʊˈzəʊɒn, ˌhɛm-)   n, pl -zoa (-ˈzəʊə)   any microorganism, esp a protozoan, that is parasitic in the blood

haematuria or US hematuria (ˌhiːməˈtjʊərIə, ˌhɛm-)   n   pathol the presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine   > ˌhaemaˈturic or US ˌhemaˈturic adj

-haemia or US -hemia   n combining form   variants of -aemia

haemic or US hemic (ˈhiːmIk, ˈhɛm-)   adj   another word for haematic

haemin or US hemin (ˈhiːmIn, ˈhɛm-)   n   biochem haematin chloride; insoluble reddish-brown crystals formed by the action of hydrochloric acid on haematin in a test for the presence of blood [C20: from HAEMO- + -IN]

haemo-, haema- or before a vowel haem-   combining form   denoting blood: haemophobia. Also: haemato-, (US) hemo-, (US) hema-, (US) hem- [from Greek haima blood]

haemochromatosis or US hemochromatosis (ˌhiːməʊˌkrəʊməˈtəʊsIs, ˌhɛm-)   n   pathol a hereditary disease that causes the body to store excess iron leading to damaged organs

haemochrome or US hemochrome (ˈhiːməˌkrəʊm, ˈhɛm-)   n   a blood pigment, such as haemoglobin, that carries oxygen

haemocoel or US hemocoel (ˈhiːməˌsiːl, ˈhɛm-)   n   the body cavity of many invertebrates, including arthropods and molluscs, developed from part of the blood system [C19: from HAEMO- + New Latin coel, from Greek koilos hollow]

haemoconia or US hemoconia (ˌhiːməˈkəʊnIə, ˌhɛm-)   n   physiol the small particles of matter, thought to be particles of the structure of red blood cells, that are present in blood that is flowing around the body

haemocyanin or US hemocyanin (ˌhiːməʊˈsaIənIn, ˌhɛm-)   n   a blue copper-containing respiratory pigment in crustaceans and molluscs that functions as haemoglobin

haemocyte or US hemocyte (ˈhiːməʊˌsaIt, ˈhɛm-)   n   any blood cell, esp a red blood cell

haemocytometer, US hemocytometer or haemacytometer, US hemacytometer (ˌhiːməʊsaIˈtɒmItə, ˌhɛm-)   n   med an apparatus for counting the number of cells in a quantity of blood, typically consisting of a graduated pipette for drawing and diluting the blood and a ruled glass slide on which the cells are counted under a microscope

haemodialysis or US hemodialysis (ˌhiːməʊdaIˈælIsIs, ˌhɛm-)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   med the filtering of circulating blood through a semipermeable membrane in an apparatus (haemodialyser or artificial kidney) to remove waste products: performed in cases of kidney failure. Also called: extracorporeal dialysis. See also dialysis, artificial kidney [C20: from HAEMO- + DIALYSIS]

■ haemodialyser or US hemodialyzer (ˌhiːməʊˈdaIəˌlaIzə, ˌhɛm-)   n   another name for artificial kidney

haemodilution or US hemodilution (ˌhiːməʊdaIˈluːʃən, ˌhɛm-)   n   an increase in the fluid content of blood leading to a lower concentration of red blood cells

haemodynamic or US hemodynamic (ˌhiːməʊdaIˈnæmIk, ˌhɛm-)   adj   of or relating to blood circulation   > ˌhaemodyˈnamically or US ˌhemodyˈnamically adv

haemodynamics or US hemodynamics (ˌhiːməʊdaIˈnæmIks, ˌhɛm-)   n   a branch of physiology that deals with the circulation of the blood

haemoflagellate or US hemoflagellate (ˌhiːməˈflædʒəˌleIt, ˌhɛm-)   n   a flagellate protozoan, such as a trypanosome, that is parasitic in the blood

haemoglobin or US hemoglobin (ˌhiːməʊˈɡləʊbIn, ˌhɛm-)   n   a conjugated protein, consisting of haem and the protein globin, that gives red blood cells their characteristic colour. It combines reversibly with oxygen and is thus very important in the transportation of oxygen to tissues. See also oxyhaemoglobin [C19: shortened from haematoglobulin, from HAEMATIN + GLOBULIN the two components]

haemoglobinometer or US hemoglobinometer (ˌhiːməʊɡləʊbIˈnɒmItə, ˌhɛm-)   n   an instrument used to determine the haemoglobin content of blood

haemoglobinopathy or US hemoglobinopathy (ˌhiːməʊɡləʊbIˈnɒpəθI, ˌhɛm-)   n   any of various inherited diseases, including sickle-cell anaemia and thalassaemia, characterized by abnormal haemoglobin

haemoglobinuria or US hemoglobinuria (ˌhiːməʊɡləʊbIˈnjʊərIə, ˌhɛm-)   n   pathol the presence of haemoglobin in the urine

■ haemoglobinuric or US hemoglobinuric (ˌhiːməʊˌɡləʊbIˈnjʊərIk, ˌhɛm-)   adj   pathol relating to the presence of haemoglobin in the urine

haemoid or US hemoid (ˈhiːmɔId, ˈhɛm-)   adj   a former word for haematoid

haemolymph or US hemolymph (ˈhɛməʊˌlImf, ˈhiːm-)   n   zoology the blood-like fluid of invertebrates

haemolysin or US hemolysin (ˌhiːməʊˈlaIsIn, ˌhɛməʊ-, hIˈmɒlIsIn)   n   biochem any substance, esp an antibody, that causes the breakdown of red blood cells

haemolysis, US hemolysis (hIˈmɒlIsIs, ˌhɛm-), haematolysis or US hematolysis   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   the disintegration of red blood cells, with the release of haemoglobin, occurring in a living organism or in a blood sample

■ haemolyse or US hemolyze (ˈhiːməʊˌlaIz, ˈhɛm-)   vb   biology to break down red blood cells so that haemoglobin is released

■ haemolytic or US hemolytic (ˌhiːməʊˈlItIk, ˌhɛm-)   adj   of or relating to the disintegration of red blood cells

haemony (ˈhiːmənI)   n   a plant with paranormal qualities referred to by Milton

haemophilia or US hemophilia (ˌhiːməʊˈfIlIə, ˌhɛm-)   n   an inheritable disease, usually affecting only males but transmitted by women to their male children, characterized by loss or impairment of the normal clotting ability of blood so that a minor wound may result in fatal bleeding   > ˌhaemoˈphiliˌoid or US ˌhemoˈphiliˌoid adj

■ haemophile or US hemophile (ˈhiːməʊˌfaIl, ˈhɛm-)   n   1 another name for haemophiliac   2 a haemophilic bacterium

■ haemophiliac or US hemophiliac (ˌhiːməʊˈfIlIˌæk, ˌhɛm-)   n   a person having haemophilia. Nontechnical name: bleeder. Also called: haemophile

■ haemophilic or US hemophilic (ˌhiːməʊˈfIlIk, ˌhɛm-)   adj   1 of, relating to, or affected by haemophilia   2 (of bacteria) growing well in a culture medium containing blood

haemopoiesis or US hemopoiesis (ˌhiːməʊpɔIˈiːsIs, ˌhɛm-)   n   physiol another name for haematopoiesis   > haemopoietic or US hemopoietic (ˌhiːməʊpɔIˈɛtIk, ˌhɛm-) adj

haemoprotein or US hemoprotein (ˈhiːməʊˌprəʊtiːn, ˈhɛm-)   n   a conjugated protein, such as haemoglobin, whose prosthetic group is a porphyrin combined with iron

haemoptysis or US hemoptysis (hIˈmɒptIsIs, hɛˈm-)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   spitting or coughing up of blood or blood-streaked mucus, as in tuberculosis. Compare haematemesis [C17: from HAEMO- + -ptysis, from Greek ptyein to spit]

haemorrhage or US hemorrhage (ˈhɛmərIdʒ)   n   1 profuse bleeding from ruptured blood vessels   2 a steady or severe loss or depletion of resources, staff, etc   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to bleed profusely   4 (tr) to undergo a steady or severe loss or depletion of (resources, staff, etc) [C17: from Latin haemorrhagia; see HAEMO-, -RRHAGIA]   > haemorrhagic or US hemorrhagic (ˌhɛməˈrædʒIk) adj

■ haemorrhagic fever   n   any of a group of fevers, such as Ebola virus disease and yellow fever, characterized by internal bleeding or bleeding into the skin

■ haemorrhaging or US hemorrhaging (ˈhɛmərIdʒIŋ)   n   profuse bleeding from ruptured blood vessels

haemorrhoids or US hemorrhoids (ˈhɛməˌrɔIdz)   pl n   pathol swollen and twisted veins in the region of the anus and lower rectum, often painful and bleeding. Nontechnical name: piles [C14: from Latin haemorrhoidae (plural), from Greek, from haimorrhoos discharging blood, from haimo- HAEMO- + rhein to flow]   > ˌhaemorˈrhoidal or US ˌhemorˈrhoidal adj

■ haemorrhoid or US hemorrhoid (ˈhɛmərɔId)   n   (modifier) of or relating to haemorrhoids: haemorrhoid cream

■ haemorrhoidectomy or US hemorrhoidectomy (ˌhɛmərɔIˈdɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of haemorrhoids

haemosiderin or US hemosiderin (ˌhiːməʊˈsIdərIn, ˌhɛm-)   n   biochem an insoluble protein containing iron and stored in most tissues

haemostasis, US hemostasis (ˌhiːməʊˈsteIsIs, ˌhɛm-), haemostasia or US hemostasia (ˌhiːməʊˈsteIʒIə, -ʒə, ˌhɛm-)   n   1 the stopping of bleeding or arrest of blood circulation in an organ or part, as during a surgical operation   2 stagnation of the blood [C18: from New Latin, from HAEMO- + Greek stasis a standing still]

haemostat or US hemostat (ˈhiːməʊˌstæt, ˈhɛm-)   n   1 a surgical instrument that stops bleeding by compression of a blood vessel   2 a chemical agent that retards or stops bleeding

■ haemostatic or US hemostatic (ˌhiːməʊˈstætIk, ˌhɛm-)   adj   1 retarding or stopping the flow of blood within the blood vessels   2 retarding or stopping bleeding   ▷ n   3 a drug or agent that retards or stops bleeding

haemotoxin or US hemotoxin (ˌhiːməʊˈtɒksIn, ˌhɛm-)   n   biology a substance that destroys red blood cells

■ haemotoxic or US hemotoxic (ˌhiːməʊˈtɒksIk)   adj   biology destructive to red blood cells

haeremai (ˈhaIrəˌmaI) NZ   interj   1 a Māori expression of welcome   ▷ n   2 the act of saying "haeremai" [C18: Māori, literally: come hither]

haere ra (hɑːərɛ ˈrɑː)   sentence substitute   goodbye! [from Māori, literally: go away]

haeres (ˈhIəriːz)   n, pl haeredes (hIˈriːdiːz)   a variant spelling of heres

Ha-erh-pin (ˈhɑːˈɛəˈpIn)   n   a transliteration of the Chinese name for Harbin

haet (het)   n   Scot a whit; iota; the least amount [C16: originally in the phrase deil hae' it devil have it]

haff (hæf)   n   a pool or lake of water that is fresh, not very deep, and is situated at the mouth of a river

haffet (ˈhæfIt, ˈhɑːfIt)   n   Scot the part of the side of the head or face that is to the front of and above the ear

hafiz (ˈhɑːfIz)   n Islam   a title for a person who knows the Koran by heart [from Persian, from Arabic hāfiz, from hafiza to guard]

Hafiz (ˈhɑːfIz)   n   Shams al-Din Muhammad (ˌshæmz ælˌdIn məʊˈhæmId). ?1326–90, Persian lyric poet, best known for his many short poems about love and wine, often treated as religious symbols

hafnium (ˈhæfnIəm)   n   a bright metallic element found in zirconium ores: used in tungsten filaments and as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors. Symbol: Hf; atomic no: 72; atomic wt: 178.49; valency: 4; relative density: 13.31; melting pt: 2231±20°C; boiling pt: 4603°C [C20: New Latin, named after Hafnia, Latin name of Copenhagen + -IUM]

haft (hɑːft)   n   1 the handle of an axe, knife, etc   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to provide with a haft [Old English hæft; related to Old Norse hapt, Old High German haft fetter, hefti handle]   > ˈhafter n

Haftarah or Haphtarah (hɑːfˈtəʊrə; Hebrew haftaˈraː)   n, pl -taroth (-ˈtəʊrəʊt; Hebrew -taˈroːt)   Judaism a short reading from the Prophets which follows the reading from the Torah on Sabbaths and festivals, and relates either to the theme of the Torah reading or to the observances of the day. See also maftir

hag^1 (hæɡ)   n   1 an unpleasant or ugly old woman   2 a witch   3 short for hagfish   4 obsolete a female demon [Old English hægtesse witch; related to Old High German hagazussa, Middle Dutch haghetisse]   > ˈhaggish adj   > ˈhaggishly adv   > ˈhaggishness n   > ˈhagˌlike adj

hag^2 or hagg (hæɡ, hɑːɡ)   n Scot and Northern English dialect   1 a firm spot in a bog   2 a soft place in a moor [C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse högg gap; see HEW]

Hag. Bible   abbreviation for   Haggai

hagadic (həˈɡædIk)   adj   a variant spelling of haggadic

Hagar (ˈheIɡɑː, -ɡə)   n   Old Testament an Egyptian maid of Sarah, who bore Ishmael to Abraham, Sarah's husband

Hagåtña (həˈɡɑtɲə)   n   the capital of the Pacific island of Guam, on its W coast. Pop: 1100 (2000). Former name: Agana

hagborn (ˈhæɡˌbɔːn)   adj   (of a person) born of a witch or a wicked female

hagbut (ˈhæɡbʌt)   n   another word for arquebus   > ˌhagbutˈeer or ˈhagbutter n

Hagen^1 (ˈhɑːɡən)   n   (in the Nibelungenlied) Siegfried's killer, who in turn is killed by Siegfried's wife, Kriemhild

Hagen^2 (German ˈhaːɡən)   n   an industrial city in NW Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 200 039 (2003 est)

Hagen^3 (ˈheIɡən)   n   Walter. 1892–1969, US golfer; won 11 major championships, including five USPGA titles

hagfish (ˈhæɡˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   any eel-like marine cyclostome vertebrate of the family Myxinidae, having a round sucking mouth and feeding on the tissues of other animals and on dead organic material. Often shortened to: hag

hagg (hæɡ)   n   a variant spelling of hag^2

Haggadah or Haggodoh (həˈɡɑːdə; Hebrew haɡaˈdaː, -ɡɔˈdɔ)   n, pl -dahs, -das or -doth (Hebrew -ˈdoːt) Judaism   1    a a book containing the order of service of the traditional Passover meal   b the narrative of the Exodus from Egypt that constitutes the main part of that service. See also Seder   2 another word for Aggadah [C19: from Hebrew haggādāh a story, from hagged to tell]   > haggadic (həˈɡædIk, -ˈɡɑː-) or hagˈgadical adj

haggadist (həˈɡɑːdIst)   n Judaism   1 a writer of Aggadoth   2 an expert in or a student of haggadic literature   > haggadistic (ˌhæɡəˈdIstIk) adj

Haggai (ˈhæɡeIˌaI)   n Old Testament   1 a Hebrew prophet, whose oracles are usually dated between August and December of 520 BC   2 the book in which these oracles are contained, chiefly concerned with the rebuilding of the Temple after the Exile   ▶ Douay spelling: Aggeus (əˈdʒiːəs)

haggard^1 (ˈhæɡəd)   adj   1 careworn or gaunt, as from lack of sleep, anxiety, or starvation   2 wild or unruly   3 (of a hawk) having reached maturity in the wild before being caught   ▷ n   4 falconry a hawk that has reached maturity before being caught. Compare eyas, passage hawk [C16: from Old French hagard wild; perhaps related to HEDGE]   > ˈhaggardly adv   > ˈhaggardness n

haggard^2 (ˈhæɡərd)   n   (in Ireland and the Isle of Man) an enclosure beside a farmhouse in which crops are stored [C16: related to Old Norse heygarthr, from hey hay + garthr yard]

Haggard (ˈhæɡəd)   n   Sir (Henry) Rider. 1856–1925, British author of romantic adventure stories, including King Solomon's Mines (1885)

haggis (ˈhæɡIs)   n   a Scottish dish made from sheep's or calf's offal, oatmeal, suet, and seasonings boiled in a skin made from the animal's stomach [C15: perhaps from haggen to HACK^1]

haggle (ˈhæɡəl)   vb   1 (intr; often foll by over) to bargain or wrangle (over a price, terms of an agreement, etc); barter   2 (tr) rare to hack [C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse haggva to HEW]   > ˈhaggler n

■ haggling (ˈhæɡəlIŋ)   n   1 bargaining or wrangling (over a price, terms of an agreement, etc)   2 debating or arguing

hagi-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of hagio-

hagiarchy (ˈhæɡIˌɑːkI)   n, pl -archies   1 government by saints, holy men, or men in holy orders   2 an order of saints

hagio- or before a vowel hagi-   combining form   indicating a saint, saints, or holiness: hagiography [via Late Latin from Greek, from hagios holy]

hagiocracy (ˌhæɡIˈɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 government by holy men   2 a state, community, etc, governed by holy men

Hagiographa (ˌhæɡIˈɒɡrəfə)   n   the third of the three main parts into which the books of the Old Testament are divided in Jewish tradition (the other two parts being the Law and the Prophets), comprising Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Also called: Writings

hagiography (ˌhæɡIˈɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1 the writing of the lives of the saints   2 biography of the saints   3 any biography that idealizes or idolizes its subject   > hagiographic (ˌhæɡIəˈɡræfIk) or ˌhagioˈgraphical adj

■ hagiographer (ˌhæɡIˈɒɡrəfə) or hagiographist (ˌhæɡIˈɒɡrəfIst)   n   1 a person who writes about the lives of the saints   2 one of the writers of the Hagiographa

hagiolatry (ˌhæɡIˈɒlətrI)   n   worship or veneration of saints   > ˌhagiˈolater n   > ˌhagiˈolatrous adj

hagiology (ˌhæɡIˈɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 literature concerned with the lives and legends of saints   2    a a biography of a saint   b a collection of such biographies   3 an authoritative canon of saints   4 a history of sacred writings   > hagiologic (ˌhæɡIəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌhagioˈlogical adj   > ˌhagiˈologist n

hagioscope (ˈhæɡIəˌskəʊp)   n   architect another name for squint (sense 6)   > hagioscopic (ˌhæɡIəˈskɒpIk) adj

hagride (ˈhæɡˌraId)   vb (tr)   1 to worry or distress (a person)   2 to cause (a person) to be afflicted by nightmares

■ hag-ridden   adj   1 tormented or worried, as if by a witch   2 facetious (of a man) harassed by women

■ hagrider (ˈhæɡˌraIdə)   n   a person or thing that causes distressing anxiety or apprehension

Hague^1 (heIɡ)   n   The Hague the seat of government of the Netherlands and capital of South Holland province, situated about 3 km (2 miles) from the North Sea. Pop: 649 675 (2015 est). Dutch names: 's Gravenhage, Den Haag

■ Hague Tribunal   n   a tribunal of judges at The Hague, founded in 1899 to provide a panel of arbitrators for international disputes. It also chooses nominees for election by the United Nations to the International Court of Justice. Official name: Permanent Court of Arbitration

Hague^2 (heIɡ)   n   William (Jefferson), Baron. born 1961, British politician; leader of the Conservative party (1997–2001); foreign secretary (2010–2014)

hah (hɑː)   interj   a variant spelling of ha^1

ha-ha^1 (ˈhɑː ˈhɑː) or haw-haw   interj   1 a representation of the sound of laughter   2 an exclamation expressing derision, mockery, surprise, etc

ha-ha^2 (ˈhɑː hɑː) or haw-haw   n   a wall or other boundary marker that is set in a ditch so as not to interrupt the landscape [C18: from French haha, probably based on ha! ejaculation denoting surprise]

Hahn (German haːn)   n   1  Kurt. 1886–1974, German educationalist. During the Nazi era he escaped to Britain, where he founded Gordonstoun School (1935) and helped to establish the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme   2  Otto (ˈɔto). 1879–1968, German physicist: discovered the radioactive element protactinium with Meitner (1917); with Strassmann, demonstrated the nuclear fission of uranium, when it is bombarded with neutrons: Nobel prize for chemistry 1944

Hahnemann (German ˈhaːnəman)   n   (Christian Friedrich) Samuel (ˈzaːmueːl). 1755–1843, German physician; founder of homeopathy

hahnium (ˈhɑːnIəm)   n   a name once advanced by the American Chemical Society for dubnium [C20: named after Otto HAHN]

Haida (ˈhaIdə)   n   1 (pl -das or -da) a member of a seafaring group of Native American peoples inhabiting the coast of British Columbia and SW Alaska   2 the language of these peoples, belonging to the Na-Dene phylum   > ˈHaidan adj

■ Haida Gwaii (ˈɡwaII)   pl n   a group of about 150 islands off the W coast of Canada: part of British Columbia. Pop: about 6000 (latest est). Area: 9596 sq km (3705 sq miles). Former name: Queen Charlotte Islands

Haidar Ali (ˈhaIdər ˈɑːlI)   n   a variant spelling of Hyder Ali

Haiduk, Heyduck or Heiduc (ˈhaIdʊk)   n   a rural brigand in the European part of the Ottoman Empire [C17: from Hungarian hajdúk brigands]

Haifa (ˈhaIfə)   n   a port in NW Israel, near Mount Carmel, on the Bay of Acre: Israel's chief port, with an oil refinery and other heavy industry. Pop: 269 400 (2003 est)

Haig (heIɡ)   n   Douglas, 1st Earl Haig. 1861–1928, British field marshal; commander in chief of the British forces in France and Flanders (1915–18)

Haight-Ashbury (ˌheItˈæʃbərI)   n   an area of central San Francisco, associated with the counterculture of the 1960s

haik or haick (haIk, heIk)   n   an Arab's outer garment of cotton, wool, or silk, for the head and body [C18: from Arabic hā'ik]

haiku (ˈhaIkuː) or hokku   n, pl -ku   an epigrammatic Japanese verse form in 17 syllables [from Japanese, from hai amusement + ku verse]

hail^1 (heIl)   n   1 small pellets of ice falling from cumulonimbus clouds when there are very strong rising air currents   2 a shower or storm of such pellets   3 words, ideas, etc, directed with force and in great quantity: a hail of abuse   4 a collection of objects, esp bullets, spears, etc, directed at someone with violent force   ▷ vb   5 (intr; with it as subject) to be the case that hail is falling   6 (often with it as subject) to fall or cause to fall as or like hail: to hail criticism; bad language hailed about him [Old English hægl; related to Old Frisian heil, Old High German hagal hail, Greek kakhlēx pebble]

■ hailshot (ˈheIlˌʃɒt)   pl n   small pellets of ammunition resembling hail when it is discharged and broadcast in all directions

■ hailstone (ˈheIlˌstəʊn)   n   a pellet of hail

■ hailstorm (ˈheIlˌstɔːm)   n   a storm during which hail falls

■ haily (ˈheIlI)   adj hailier, hailiest   relating to or comprising hail

hail^2 (heIl)   vb (mainly tr)   1 to greet, esp enthusiastically: the crowd hailed the actress with joy   2 to acclaim or acknowledge: they hailed him as their hero   3 to attract the attention of by shouting or gesturing: to hail a taxi; to hail a passing ship   4 (intr; foll by from) to be a native (of); originate (in): she hails from India   ▷ n   5 the act or an instance of hailing   6 a shout or greeting   7 distance across which one can attract attention (esp in the phrase within hail)   ▷ sentence substitute   8 poetic an exclamation of greeting [C12: from Old Norse heill WHOLE; see HALE^1, WASSAIL]   > ˈhailer n

■ hail-fellow-well-met   adj   genial and familiar, esp in an offensive or ingratiating way: a hail-fellow-well-met slap on the back

■ Hail Mary   n   1 Also called: Ave Maria RC Church a prayer to the Virgin Mary, based on the salutations of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth (Luke 1:42) to her   2 American football slang a very long high pass into the end zone, made in the final seconds of a half or of a game

Haile Selassie (ˈhaIlI səˈlæsI)   n   title of Ras Tafari Makonnen. 1892–1975, emperor of Ethiopia (1930–36; 1941–74). During the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936–41), he lived in exile in England. He was a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement: deposed 1974

Hailsham of St Marylebone (ˈheIlʃəm)   n   Baron, title of Quintin (McGarel) Hogg (ˈkwIntIn). 1907–2001, British Conservative politician; Lord Chancellor (1970–74; 1979–87). He renounced his viscountcy in 1963 when he made an unsuccessful bid for the Conservative Party leadership; he became a life peer in 1970

Hailwood (ˈheIlwʊd)   n   Mike, full name Stanley Michael Bailey Hailwood. 1940–81, English racing motorcyclist: world champion (250 cc.) 1961 and 1966–67; (350 cc.) 1966–67; and (500 cc.) 1962–65

hain (heIn)   vb (tr)   Scot to save, leave off, or forbear

Hainan (ˈhaIˈnæn) or Hainan Tao (taʊ)   n   an island and province in the South China Sea, separated from the mainland of S China by the Hainan Strait: part of Guangdong province until 1988; mainland China's largest offshore island. Pop: 8 110 000 (2003 est). Area: 33 572 sq km (12 962 sq miles)

Hainaut or Hainault (French ɛno)   n   a province of SW Belgium: stretches from the Flanders Plain in the north to the Ardennes in the south. Capital: Mons. Pop: 1 283 200 (2004 est). Area: 3797 sq km (1466 sq miles)

hain't (heInt) archaic or dialect   contraction of   has not, have not, or is not

Haiphong (ˈhaIˈfɒŋ)   n   a port in N Vietnam, on the Red River delta: a major industrial centre. Pop: 1 817 000 (2005 est)

hair (hɛə)   n   1 any of the threadlike pigmented structures that grow from follicles beneath the skin of mammals and consist of layers of dead keratinized cells   2 a growth of such structures, as on the human head or animal body, which helps prevent heat loss from the body   3 botany any threadlike outgrowth from the epidermis, such as a root hair   4    a a fabric or material made from the hair of some animals   b (as modifier): a hair carpet; a hair shirt   5 another word for hair's-breadth: to lose by a hair   6 get in someone's hair informal to annoy someone persistently   7 hair of the dog or hair of the dog that bit one an alcoholic drink taken as an antidote to a hangover   8 keep your hair on! Brit informal keep calm   9 let one's hair down to behave without reserve   10 not turn a hair to show no surprise, anger, fear, etc   11 split hairs to make petty and unnecessary distinctions [Old English hær; related to Old Norse hār, Old High German hār hair, Norwegian herren stiff, hard, Lettish sari bristles, Latin crescere to grow]   > ˈhairˌlike adj

■ hairball (ˈhɛəˌbɔːl)   n   a compact mass of hair that forms in the stomach of cats, calves, etc, as a result of licking and swallowing the fur, and causes vomiting, coughing, bloat, weight loss, and depression

■ hairband (ˈhɛəbænd)   n   another name for Alice band

■ hairbreadth (ˈhɛəˌbrɛdθ)   n   another word for hair's-breadth

■ hairbrush (ˈhɛəˌbrʌʃ)   n   a brush for grooming the hair

■ haircap (ˈhɛəˌkæp)   n     a any moss of the genus Polytrichum   b (as modifier): haircap mosses

■ haircloth (ˈhɛəˌklɒθ)   n   a cloth woven from horsehair, used in upholstery

■ hair-curler   n   a cylindrical device, usually electronic and heated, used to curl the hair

■ haircut (ˈhɛəˌkʌt)   n   1 the act or an instance of cutting the hair   2 the style in which hair has been cut   3 stock exchange slang a percentage of the value of an asset deducted to account for a possible fall in its value before it can be liquidated

■ haircutter (ˈhɛəˌkʌtə)   n   1 a person who cuts the hair of a person's head   2 a device that cuts the hair of a person's head or face

■ haircutting (ˈhɛəˌkʌtIŋ)   n   the act of cutting hair

■ hairdo (ˈhɛəˌduː)   n, pl -dos   the arrangement of a person's hair, esp after styling and setting

■ hairdresser (ˈhɛəˌdrɛsə)   n   1 a person whose business is cutting, curling, colouring, and arranging hair, esp that of women   2 a hairdresser's establishment. Related adjective: tonsorial   > ˈhairˌdressing n

■ hairdresser's (ˈhɛəˌdrɛsəz) or hairdresser's salon   n   another name for hairdresser (sense 2)

■ hairdryer or hairdrier (ˈhɛəˌdraIə)   n   1 a handheld electric device that blows out hot air and is used to dry and, sometimes, assist in styling the hair, as in blow-drying   2 a device for drying the hair in which hot air is blown into a hood that surrounds the head of a seated person

■ hairdryer treatment   n   Brit informal (esp in sport) the practice of shouting at someone at close quarters in order to express one's displeasure at something he or she has done [C21: from the supposed similarity between this experience and having a hot hairdryer too close to one's head]

■ -haired   adj   having hair as specified: long-haired

■ hair follicle   n   a narrow tubular cavity that contains the root of a hair, formed by an infolding of the epidermis and corium of the skin

■ hair gel   n   a jelly-like substance applied to the hair before styling in order to retain the shape of the style

■ hair grass   n   any grass of the genera Aira, Deschampsia, etc, having very narrow stems and leaves

■ hairgrip (ˈhɛəˌɡrIp)   n   chiefly Brit a small tightly bent metal hair clip. Also called (esp US, Canadian, and NZ): bobby pin

■ hair lacquer   n   another name for hairspray

■ hairless (ˈhɛəlIs)   adj   1 having little or no hair   2 Brit slang very angry; raging

■ hairlessness (ˈhɛəlIsnəs)   n   the condition of being hairless

■ hairline (ˈhɛəˌlaIn)   n   1 the natural margin formed by hair on the head   2    a a very narrow line   b (as modifier): a hairline crack   3 printing   a a thin stroke in a typeface   b any typeface consisting of such strokes   c thin lines beside a character, produced by worn or poorly cast type   4 a rope or line of hair

■ hairline fracture   n   a very fine crack in a bone

■ hair-lock   n   a curl of the hair of the head

■ hairnet (ˈhɛəˌnɛt)   n   any of several kinds of light netting worn over the hair to keep it in place

■ hairpiece (ˈhɛəˌpiːs)   n   1 a wig or toupee   2 Also called: postiche a section of extra hair attached to a woman's real hair to give it greater bulk or length

■ hairpin (ˈhɛəˌpIn)   n   1 a thin double-pronged pin used by women to fasten the hair   2 (modifier) (esp of a bend in a road) curving very sharply

■ hair-raising   adj   inspiring horror; terrifying: a hair-raising drop of 600 feet   > ˈhair-ˌraiser n

■ hair restorer   n   a lotion claimed to promote hair growth

■ hair's-breadth   n     a a very short or imperceptible margin or distance   b (as modifier): a hair's-breadth escape

■ hair seal   n   any earless seal, esp the harbour seal, having a coat of stiff hair with no underfur

■ hair sheep   n   any variety of sheep growing hair instead of wool, yielding hides with a finer and tougher grain than those of wool sheep

■ hair shirt   n   1 a shirt made of haircloth worn next to the skin as a penance   2 a secret trouble or affliction

■ hair slide   n   a hinged clip with a tortoiseshell, bone, or similar back, used to fasten the hair

■ hair space   n   printing the thinnest of the metal spaces used in setting type to separate letters or words

■ hairsplitting (ˈhɛəˌsplItIŋ)   n   1 the making of petty distinctions   ▷ adj   2 occupied with or based on petty distinctions   > ˈhairˌsplitter n

■ hairspray (ˈhɛəˌspreI)   n   a fixative solution sprayed onto the hair to keep a hairstyle in shape. Also called: hair lacquer

■ hairspring (ˈhɛəˌsprIŋ)   n   horology a very fine spiral spring in some timepieces, which, in combination with the balance wheel, controls the timekeeping

■ hairstreak (ˈhɛəˌstriːk)   n   any small butterfly of the genus Callophrys and related genera, having fringed wings marked with narrow white streaks: family Lycaenidae

■ hair stroke   n   a very fine line in a written character

■ hairstyle (ˈhɛəˌstaIl)   n   a particular mode of arranging, cutting, or setting the hair   > ˈhairˌstylist n

■ hairstyling (ˈhɛəˌstaIlIŋ)   n   the act of styling hair

■ hairtail (ˈhɛəˌteIl)   n   any marine spiny-finned fish of the family Trichiuridae, most common in warm seas, having a long whiplike scaleless body and long sharp teeth. Usual US name: cutlass fish

■ hair trigger   n   1 a trigger of a firearm that responds to very slight pressure   2 informal   a any mechanism, reaction, etc, set in operation by slight provocation   b (as modifier): a hair-trigger temper

■ hairweaving (ˈhɛəˌwiːvIŋ)   n   the interweaving of false hair with the hair on a balding person's head

■ hairwork (ˈhɛəˌwɜːk)   n   1 the art of producing articles made of hair   2 the articles themselves

■ hairworm (ˈhɛəˌwɜːm)   n   1 any hairlike nematode worm of the family Trichostrongylidae, such as the stomach worm, parasitic in the intestines of vertebrates   2 Also called: horsehair worm any very thin long worm of the phylum (or class) Nematomorpha, the larvae of which are parasitic in arthropods

■ hairy (ˈhɛərI)   adj hairier, hairiest   1 having or covered with hair   2 slang   a difficult or problematic   b scaring, dangerous, or exciting   > ˈhairiness n

■ hairyback (ˈhɛərIbæk)   n   South African slang an offensive word for Afrikaner

■ hairy frog   n   a W African frog, Astylosternus robustus, the males of which have glandular hairlike processes on the flanks

■ hairy willowherb   n   another name for codlins-and-cream

hairbrained (ˈhɛəˌbreInd)   adj   a variant spelling of harebrained

hairif (ˈhɛərIf)   n   another name for cleavers

haith (heIθ)   interj   Scot a curse or a profanity

Haiti (ˈheItI, hɑːˈiːtI)   n   1 a republic occupying the W part of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, the E part consisting of the Dominican Republic: ceded by Spain to France in 1697 and became one of the richest colonial possessions in the world, with numerous plantations; slaves rebelled under Toussaint L'Ouverture in 1793 and defeated the French; taken over by the US (1915–41) after long political and economic chaos; under the authoritarian regimes of François Duvalier ('Papa Doc') (1957–71) and his son Jean-Claude Duvalier ('Baby Doc') (1971–86); returned to civilian rule in 1990, but another coup in 1991 brought military rule, which was ended in 1994 with US intervention; in 2010 the area around Port-au-Prince was devastated by an earthquake that killed at least 100,000 people. Official languages: French and Haitian creole. Religions: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: gourde. Capital: Port-au-Prince. Pop: 10 981 229 (2017 est). Area: 27 749 sq km (10 714 sq miles)   2 a former name for Hispaniola

■ Haitian (ˈheIʃIən, hɑːˈiːʃən)   adj   1 relating to or characteristic of Haiti, its inhabitants, or their language   ▷ n   2 a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Haiti   3 the creolized French spoken in Haiti   ▶ Former spelling: Haytian

Haitink (ˈhaIˌtIŋk)   n   Bernard. born 1929, Dutch orchestral conductor; received an honorary knighthood in 1977

Haji-Ioannou (ˈhadʒijɔˈanu)   n   Sir Stelios. born 1967, British businessman, born in Greece; founder (1995) and chairman (until 2002) of the low-cost airline company Easyjet

hajj or hadj (hædʒ)   n, pl hajjes or hadjes   the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are required to make at least once in their life, provided they have enough money and the health to do so [from Arabic hajj pilgrimage]

hajji, hadji or haji (ˈhædʒI, ˈhædʒə)   n, pl hajjis, hadjis or hajis   1 a Muslim who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca: also used as a title   2 a Christian of the Greek Orthodox or Armenian Churches who has visited Jerusalem   > ˈhajjah fem n

haka (ˈhɑːkə)   n NZ   1 a Māori war chant accompanied by gestures   2 a similar performance by a rugby team [Māori]

hakam (ˈhɑːkəm; Hebrew ˈxɔːxəm)   n   Judaism a person who is knowledgeable in matters of Jewish law

hakari (hɑːkɑːriː)   n, pl hakari   NZ a feast which follows a ceremonial funeral or other important occasion [Māori]

hake^1 (heIk)   n, pl hake or hakes   1 any gadoid food fish of the genus Merluccius, such as M. merluccius (European hake), of the N hemisphere, having an elongated body with a large head and two dorsal fins   2 any North American fish of the genus Urophycis, similar and related to Merluccius species   3 Austral another name for barracouta [C15: perhaps from Old Norse haki hook; compare Old English hacod pike; see HOOK]

hake^2 (heIk)   n   a wooden frame for drying cheese or fish [C18: variant of HECK^2]

hakea (ˈhɑːkIə, ˈheIkIə)   n   any shrub or tree of the Australian genus Hakea, having a hard woody fruit and often yielding a useful wood: family Proteaceae [C19: New Latin, named after C. L. von Hake (died 1818), German botanist]

Hakenkreuz German (ˈhɑːkənˌkrɔIts)   n   the swastika [literally: hooked cross]

hakim or hakeem (hɑːˈkiːm, ˈhɑːkiːm)   n   1 a Muslim judge, ruler, or administrator   2 a Muslim physician [C17: from Arabic, from hakama to rule]

Hakluyt (ˈhækluːt)   n   Richard. ?1552–1616, English geographer, who compiled The Principal Navigations, Voyages, and Discoveries of the English Nation (1589)

Hakodate (ˌhɑːkəʊˈdɑːteI)   n   a port in N Japan, on S Hokkaido: fishing industry and shipbuilding. Pop: 284 690 (2002 est)

haku (hɑːkuː)   n, pl haku   NZ another name for kingfish (sense 4) [Māori]

hakuna mathata (ˌhɑːˈkuːnə ˌmɑːˈtɑːtə)   sentence substitute   no problem [from Swahili, there is no difficulty]

hal-   combining form   a variant of halo-

Halabja (həˈlæbdʒə)   n   a Kurdish town in NE Iraq; in March 1998 Iraqi government forces used poison gas on the population, killing thousands of civilians. Pop: 200 000 (2013 est.)

Halacha, Halaka or Halakha (Hebrew hɑlɑˈxɑː; Yiddish hɑˈloxə)   n   1    a Jewish religious law   b a ruling on some specific matter   2    a that part of the Talmud which is concerned with legal matters as distinct from homiletics   b Jewish legal literature in general   ▶ Compare Aggadah (sense 1) [from Hebrew hǎlākhāh way]

halachic, halakhic or halakic (həˈlɑːxIk)   adj   Judaism relating to or connected with the Halacha

halachist, halakhist or halakist (həˈlɑːxIst)   n Judaism   1 a person who contributed to the creation of the Halacha   2 a person who is knowledgeable in matters relating to the Halacha

Halafian (həˈlɑːfIən)   adj   of or relating to the Neolithic culture extending from Iran to the Mediterranean

halal or hallal (hɑːˈlɑːl)   n   1 meat from animals that have been killed according to Muslim law   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to such meat: a halal butcher   ▷ vb -als, -alling, -alled (tr)   3 to kill (animals) in this way [from Arabic: lawful]

halala (həˈlɑlə)   n   currency a Saudi Arabian unit of currency or coin that has the value of one hundredth of a rial

halation (həˈleIʃən)   n   photog fogging usually seen as a bright ring surrounding a source of light: caused by reflection from the back of the film [C19: from HALO + -ATION]

halazone (ˈhæləˌzəʊn)   n   a powder that smells of chlorine and is used to purify water for drinking

halberd (ˈhælbəd) or halbert (ˈhælbət)   n   a weapon consisting of a long shaft with an axe blade and a pick, topped by a spearhead: used in 15th- and 16th-century warfare [C15: from Old French hallebarde, from Middle High German helm handle, HELM^1 + barde axe, from Old High German bart BEARD]   > ˌhalberˈdier n

Halberstadt (ˈhælbəˌʃtat)   n   a town in central Germany, in Saxony-Anhalt: industrial centre noted for its historic buildings. Pop: 40 014 (2003 est)

halcyon (ˈhælsIən)   adj also halcyonian (ˌhælsIˈəʊnIən), halcyonic (ˌhælsIˈɒnIk)   1 peaceful, gentle, and calm   2 happy and carefree   ▷ n   3 Greek myth a fabulous bird associated with the winter solstice   4 a poetic name for the kingfisher   5 halcyon days   a a fortnight of calm weather during the winter solstice   b a period of peace and happiness [C14: from Latin alcyon, from Greek alkuōn kingfisher, of uncertain origin]

Halcyone (hælˈsaIənI)   n   a variant of Alcyone^1

Haldane (ˈhɔːldeIn)   n   1  J(ohn) B(urdon) S(anderson) 1892–1964, Scottish biochemist, geneticist, and writer on science   2  his father, John Scott. 1860–1936, Scottish physiologist, noted particularly for his research into industrial diseases   3  his brother, Richard Burdon, 1st Viscount Haldane of Cloan. 1856–1928, British statesman and jurist. As secretary of state for war (1905–12) he reorganized the army and set up the territorial reserve

hale^1 (heIl)   adj   1 healthy and robust (esp in the phrase hale and hearty)   2 Scot and Northern English dialect whole [Old English hæl WHOLE]   > ˈhaleness n

hale^2 (heIl)   vb   (tr) to pull or drag; haul [C13: from Old French haler, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German halōn to fetch, Old English geholian to acquire]   > ˈhaler n

Hale (heIl)   n   1  George Ellery. 1868–1938, US astronomer: undertook research into sunspots and invented the spectroheliograph   2  Sir Matthew. 1609–76, English judge and scholar; Lord Chief Justice (1671–76)

Haleakala (ˌhɑːliːˌɑːkɑːˈlɑː)   n   a volcano in Hawaii, on E Maui island. Height: 3055 m (10 023 ft). Area of crater: 49 sq km (19 sq miles). Depth of crater: 829 m (2720 ft)

haler (ˈhɑːlə)   n, pl -lers or -leru (-ləˌruː)   a variant of heller^1 (sense 1)

Halesowen (heIlzˈəʊIn)   n   a town in W central England, in Dudley unitary authority, West Midlands. Pop: 55 273 (2001)

Halévy (French alevi)   n   1  (Jacques François) Fromental (fromɛ̃tal), original name Elias Levy. 1799–1862, French composer, noted for his operas, which include La Juive (1835)   2  his nephew, Ludovic (lydɔvik). 1834–1908, French dramatist and novelist, who collaborated with Meilhac on opera libretti

Haley (ˈheIlI)   n   Bill, full name William John Clifton Haley. 1925–81, US rock and roll singer, best known for his recording of "Rock Around the Clock" (1955)

half (hɑːf)   n, pl halves (hɑːvz)   1    a either of two equal or corresponding parts that together comprise a whole   b a quantity equalling such a part: half a dozen   2 half a pint, esp of beer   3 Scot a small drink of spirits, esp whisky   4 sport the half of the pitch regarded as belonging to one team   5 golf an equal score on a hole or round with an opponent   6 (in various games) either of two periods of play separated by an interval (the first half and second half)   7 a half-price ticket on a bus, train, etc   8 short for half-hour   9 short for halfpenny (sense 1)   10 sport short for halfback   11 obsolete a half-year period   12 better half jocular a person's wife or husband   13 by half by an excessive amount or to an excessive degree: he's too arrogant by half   14 by halves (used with a negative) without being thorough or exhaustive: we don't do things by halves   15 go halves (often foll by on, in, etc)   a to share the expenses (of something with one other person)   b to share the whole amount (of something with another person): to go halves on an orange   ▷ determiner   16    a being a half or approximately a half: half the kingdom   b (as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural): half of them came   ▷ adj   17 not perfect or complete; partial: he only did a half job on it   ▷ adv   18 to the amount or extent of a half   19 to a great amount or extent   20 partially; to an extent   21 half one, half two or half three, etc informal 30 minutes after one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock, etc   22 have half a mind to to have the intention of   23 not half informal   a not in any way: he's not half clever enough   b Brit really; very; indeed: he isn't half stupid   c certainly; yes, indeed ▶ Related prefixes: bi-, demi-, hemi-, semi- [Old English healf; related to Old Norse halfr, Old High German halb, Dutch half]

■ half-a-crown   n   another name for a half-crown

■ half-a-dollar   n   Brit slang another name for a half-crown

■ half-and-half   n   1 a mixture of half one thing and half another thing   2 a drink consisting of equal parts of beer and stout, or equal parts of bitter and mild   ▷ adj   3 of half one thing and half another thing   ▷ adv   4 in two equal parts

■ half-arsed   adj   slang incompetent; inept; badly organized

■ half-asleep   adj   neither fully asleep nor awake

■ half-assed   adj US and Canadian slang   1 incompetent; inept   2 lacking efficiency or organization

■ half-awake   adj   not fully awake

■ halfback (ˈhɑːfˌbæk)   n   1 rugby either the scrum half or the stand-off half   2 soccer old-fashioned any of three players positioned behind the line of forwards and in front of the fullbacks   3 any of certain similar players in other team sports   4 the position of a player who is halfback

■ half-baked   adj   1 insufficiently baked   2 informal foolish; stupid   3 informal poorly planned or conceived

■ half-ball   n     a a contact in billiards, etc, in which the player aims through the centre of the cue ball to the edge of the object ball, so that half the object ball is covered   b (as modifier): a half-ball stroke

■ halfbeak (ˈhɑːfˌbiːk)   n   any marine and freshwater teleost fish of the tropical and subtropical family Hemiramphidae, having an elongated body with a short upper jaw and a long protruding lower jaw

■ half-binding   n   a type of hardback bookbinding in which the spine and corners are bound in one material, such as leather, and the sides in another, such as cloth

■ half-blind   adj   having a limited capacity to see

■ half-blood   n   1    a the relationship between individuals having only one parent in common   b an individual having such a relationship   2 a less common name for a half-breed   3 a half-blooded domestic animal

■ half-blooded   adj   1 being related to another individual through only one parent   2 having parents of different races   3 (of a domestic animal) having only one parent of known pedigree

■ half-blue   n   (at Oxford and Cambridge universities) a sportsman who substitutes for a full blue or who represents the university in a minor sport. Compare blue (sense 4)

■ half board   n     a the daily provision by a hotel of bed, breakfast, and one main meal   b (as modifier): half-board accommodation. Also called: demi-pension

■ half-board   n   a manoeuvre by a sailing ship enabling it to gain distance to windward by luffing up into the wind

■ half-boot   n   a boot reaching to the midcalf

■ half-bottle   n   a bottle half the size of a standard bottle of wine, spirits, etc

■ half-bound   adj   (of a book) having a half-binding

■ half-breed   n   1 offensive a person whose parents are of different races, esp the offspring of a White person and a Native American   ▷ adj also half-bred   2 of, relating to, or designating offspring of people or animals of different races or breeds

■ half-brother   n   the son of either of one's parents by another partner

■ half-buried   adj   partially buried: a ring half-buried in the mud

■ half-butt   n   a snooker cue longer than an ordinary cue, usually used with a long rest

■ half-caste offensive   n   1 a person having parents of different races, esp the offspring of a European and an Indian   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or designating such a person

■ half-century   n, pl -ies   1 a period of 50 years: during the past half-century   2    a a score or grouping of 50: a half-century of points   b (as modifier): as I near the half-century mark

■ half-circle   n   1    a one half of a circle   b half the circumference of a circle   2 anything having the shape or form of half a circle

■ half-clad   adj   partially dressed

■ half-closed   adj   partially closed: with half-closed eyes

■ half-cock   n   1 on a single-action firearm, a halfway position in which the hammer can be set for safety; in this position the trigger is cocked by the hammer which cannot reach the primer to fire the weapon   2 go off at half-cock or go off half-cocked   a to fail as a result of inadequate preparation or premature starting   b to act or function prematurely

■ half-cocked   adj   (of a firearm) at half-cock

■ half-completed   adj   (of a job, task, project, etc) only partially completed

■ half-concealed   adj   partially hidden: little half-concealed paths

■ half-conscious   adj   only partially alert and awake

■ half-convinced   adj   not entirely convinced

■ half-cooked   adj   not cooked thoroughly

■ half-covered   adj   partially covered or concealed

■ half-crown   n   a British silver or cupronickel coin worth two shillings and sixpence (now equivalent to 12^1⁄2p), taken out of circulation in 1970. Also called: half-a-crown

■ half-cut   adj   1 partially severed or divided: half-cut citrus fruits lying around   2 informal intoxicated with alcohol: he looks half-cut already

■ half-day   n   a day when one works only in the morning or only in the afternoon

■ half-dazed   adj   informal partly dazed or confused

■ half-dead   adj   Brit informal very tired

■ half-deck   n   nautical a deck on an old ship of war that is situated below the upper deck and extends aft from the mainmast

■ half-deserted   adj   (of a place) not having many inhabitants, visitors, etc

■ half-digested   adj   1 (of food, drink, etc) partially digested   2 (of ideas, beliefs, etc) not entirely assimilated mentally: half-digested tenets of the latest intellectual fads

■ half-dollar   n   (in the US) a 50-cent piece

■ half-done   adj   (of a job, task, project, etc) only partially completed

■ half-dozen   determiner   (preceded by a)   a six or a group of six: a half-dozen roses   b (as pronoun; functioning as singular or plural): at least a half-dozen

■ half-dressed   adj   partially clothed

■ half-drowned   adj   nearly dead or killed by immersion in liquid: half-drowned crewmen lay on the planks

■ half-drunk   adj   partially intoxicated with alcohol

■ half eagle   n   a former US gold coin worth five dollars

■ half-eaten   adj   (of food, a meal, etc) partially consumed: he pushed his half-eaten meal away

■ half-educated   adj   not having benefited from a comprehensive education

■ half-empty   adj   (of a vessel, place, etc) holding or containing half its capacity

■ half-English   adj   having partial English citizenship through the nationality of one parent

■ half-fare   adj   (of a ticket) costing half the price of a regular ticket

■ half-fill   vb (tr)   to fill (a vessel, place, etc) so that it holds or contains half its capacity

■ half-filled   adj   (of a vessel, place, etc) holding or containing half its capacity

■ half-finished   adj   only partially completed: a half-finished jigsaw puzzle

■ half-forgotten   adj   having been nearly forgotten: a half-forgotten dream

■ half-formed   adj   not or not having been fully formed

■ half-forward   n   Australian rules football any of three forwards positioned between the centre line and the forward line

■ half frame   n     a a photograph taking up half the normal area of a frame on a particular film, taken esp on 35-millimetre film   b (as modifier): a half-frame camera

■ half-frozen   adj   1 extremely cold: the half-frozen, but still conscious boy   2 (of food, ice, etc) partially defrosted

■ half-full   adj   (of a vessel, place, etc) holding or containing half its capacity

■ half gainer   n   a type of dive in which the diver completes a half backward somersault to enter the water headfirst facing the diving board. Compare gainer

■ half-grown   adj   not yet fully grown

■ half-hardy   adj   (of a cultivated plant) able to survive out of doors except during severe frost

■ half-hearted   adj   without enthusiasm or determination   > ˌhalf-ˈheartedly adv   > ˌhalf-ˈheartedness n

■ half-hitch   n   a knot made by passing the end of a piece of rope around itself and through the loop thus made

■ half holiday   n   a day of which either the morning or the afternoon is a holiday

■ half-hoping   adj   having or expressing some hope

■ half-hour   n   1    a a period of 30 minutes   b (as modifier): a half-hour stint on the treadmill   2    a the point of time 30 minutes after the beginning of an hour   b (as modifier): a half-hour chime   > ˌhalf-ˈhourly adv, adj

■ half-human   adj   having half the properties or characteristics of humans

■ half-hunter   n   a watch with a hinged lid in which a small circular opening or crystal allows the approximate time to be read. See hunter (sense 5)

■ half-inch   n   1 a measure of length approximately equivalent to 13 millimetres   ▷ vb   2 slang, old-fashioned to steal [sense 2: from rhyming slang for PINCH to steal]

■ half-jack   n   South African informal a flat pocket-sized bottle of alcohol [C20: jack, probably from C16 jack a leather-covered vessel, from Old French jaque, of uncertain origin]

■ half-joking   adj   said, done, or acting in a seemingly jokey manner, but with some serious intent   > ˌhalf-ˈjokingly adv

■ half landing   n   a landing halfway up a flight of stairs

■ half-leather   n   a type of half-binding in which the backs and corners of a book are bound in leather

■ half-length   adj   1 (of a portrait) showing only the body from the waist up and including the hands   2 of half the entire or original length   ▷ n   3 a half-length portrait

■ half-lie   n   something that a person says or writes that they know to be partly untrue

■ half-life   n   1 the time taken for half of the atoms in a radioactive material to undergo decay. Symbol: τ   2 the time required for half of a quantity of radioactive material absorbed by a living tissue or organism to be naturally eliminated (biological half-life) or removed by both elimination and decay (effective half-life)

■ half-light   n   a dim light, as at dawn or dusk

■ half-line   n   maths a straight line extending infinitely in a single direction from a point

■ halfling (ˈhɑːflIŋ)   n   1 a person who is only half-grown   2    a (in the works of Tolkien) an imaginary creature that is half the size of a person   b (as modifier): the halfling folk

■ half-mad   adj   1 not entirely sane   2 extremely upset or distracted: half-mad with fear

■ half-marathon   n   a race on foot of 13 miles 352 yards (21.243 kilometres)

■ half-mast   n   1 the lower than normal position to which a flag is lowered on a mast as a sign of mourning or distress   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to put (a flag) in this position

■ half measure   n   (often plural) an inadequate measure

■ half-mile   n     a half a mile   b (as modifier): a half-mile stretch of the river

■ half-miler   n   a runner who specializes in running races over half a mile or a similar metric distance

■ half-minute   n   1    a 30 seconds   b (as modifier): a half-minute lead   2 a short period of time; moment: I'll be a half-minute

■ half-moon   n   1 the moon at first or last quarter when half its face is illuminated   2 the time at which a half-moon occurs   3    a something shaped like a half-moon   b (as modifier): half-moon spectacles   4 anatomy a nontechnical name for lunula

■ half-mourning   n   dark grey clothes worn by some during a period after full formal mourning

■ half-naked   adj   partially clothed: a half-naked body

■ half-nelson   n   a wrestling hold in which a wrestler places an arm under one of an opponent's arms from behind and exerts pressure with the palm on the back of the opponent's neck. Compare full nelson

■ halfness (ˈhɑːfnəs)   n   1 the state of having half missing   2 the state of being made up of two separate parts

■ half-note   n   US and Canadian a note having the time value of half a semibreve. Also called: minim

■ half-open   adj   chess (of a file) having a pawn or pawns of only one colour on it

■ half-p   n, pl -ps   an informal name for a halfpenny (sense 1)

■ half-pace   n   1 a small stage on which something stands   2 another name for footpace   3 architect a landing at the top of a flight of stairs before the stairs turn and ascend in the opposite direction

■ half-pedalling   n   a technique of piano playing in which the sustaining pedal is raised and immediately depressed thus allowing the lower strings to continue sounding

■ halfpenny or ha'penny (ˈheIpnI, for sense 1 ˈhɑːfˌpɛnI)   n   1 Also called: half (pl -pennies) a small British coin worth half a new penny, withdrawn from circulation in 1985   2 (pl -pennies) an old British coin worth half an old penny   3 (pl -pence) the sum represented by half a penny   4 (pl -pence) something of negligible value   5 (modifier) having the value or price of a halfpenny   6 (modifier) of negligible value

■ halfpennyworth (ˈheIpnIˌwɜːθ) or ha'p'orth (ˈheIpəθ)   n   1 an amount that may be bought for a halfpenny   2 a trifling or very small amount

■ half-pie   adj   NZ informal poorly planned or conceived. Equivalent expression (in certain other countries): half-baked [from Māori pai good]

■ half-pipe   n   a structure with a U-shaped cross-section, used in performing stunts in skateboarding, snowboarding, rollerblading, etc

■ half-plate   n   photog a size of plate measuring 6^1⁄2 × 4^1⁄4 inches

■ half-price   adj, adv   for half the normal price: children go half-price

■ half-quartern   n   Brit a loaf having a weight, when baked, of 800 g

■ half-raw   adj   (of meat) only partially cooked

■ half-remembered   adj   (of a memory, idea, etc) partially remembered or recalled

■ half-rhyme   n   a rhyme in which the vowel sounds are not identical, such as years and yours. See consonance (sense 2)

■ half-right   adj   not entirely correct: they were only half-right

■ half-round chisel   n   a cold chisel with a semicircular cutting edge used for making narrow channels

■ half-round file   n   engineering a file having a semicircular cross-section

■ half-ruined   adj   badly damaged, decayed, or ruined

■ half seas over   adj   Brit informal drunk

■ half-second   n   1    a 1/120 of a minute of time   b (as modifier): a half-second lead over the Finn   2 a very short period of time; moment

■ half-section   n   engineering a scale drawing of a section through a symmetrical object that shows only half the object

■ half-serious   adj   not entirely serious   > ˌhalfˈseriously adv

■ half-shut   adj   partially closed

■ half-silvered   adj   (of a mirror) having an incomplete reflective coating, so that half the incident light is reflected and half transmitted: used in optical instruments and two-way mirrors

■ half-sister   n   the daughter of either of one's parents by another partner

■ half-size   n   any size, esp in clothing, that is halfway between two sizes

■ half-sleeve   n   clothing a sleeve that reaches to around the elbow

■ half-slip   n   a woman's topless slip that hangs from the waist. Also called: waist-slip

■ half-smile   n   a smile that is uncertain or short-lived

■ half-sole   n   1 a sole from the shank of a shoe to the toe   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to replace the half-sole of (a shoe)

■ half-staff   n   US another word for half-mast

■ half-starved   adj   having been deprived of food; malnourished

■ half-step   n   music, US and Canadian another word for semitone

■ half term   n   Brit education   a a short holiday midway through an academic term   b (as modifier): a half-term holiday

■ half-tide   n   the state of the tide between flood and ebb

■ half tiger   n   South African slang a five-rand coin

■ half-timbered or half-timber   adj   (of a building, wall, etc) having an exposed timber framework filled with brick, stone, or plastered laths, as in Tudor architecture   > ˌhalf-ˈtimbering n

■ half-time   n   sport   a a rest period between the two halves of a game   b (as modifier): the half-time score

■ half-title   n   1 the short title of a book as printed on the right-hand page preceding the title page   2 a title on a separate page preceding a section of a book

■ halftone (ˈhɑːfˌtəʊn)   n   1    a a process used to reproduce an illustration by photographing it through a fine screen to break it up into dots   b the etched plate thus obtained   c the print obtained from such a plate   2 art a tonal value midway between highlight and dark shading   3 music, US and Canadian another word for semitone   ▷ adj   4 relating to, used in, or made by halftone

■ half-track   n   a vehicle with caterpillar tracks on the wheels that supply motive power only   > ˈhalf-ˌtracked adj

■ half-truth   n   a partially true statement intended to mislead   > ˈhalf-ˈtrue adj

■ half-understood   adj   partially understood

■ half-used   adj   having been partially used: half-used tubes of toothpaste

■ half volley sport   n   1 a stroke or shot in which the ball is hit immediately after it bounces   ▷ vb half-volley   2 to hit or kick (a ball) immediately after it bounces

■ halfway (ˌhɑːfˈweI)   adv, adj   1 at or to half the distance; at or to the middle   2 in or of an incomplete manner or nature   3 meet halfway to compromise with

■ halfway house   n   1 a place to rest midway on a journey   2 the halfway point in any progression   3 a centre or hostel designed to facilitate the readjustment to private life of released prisoners, former psychiatric patients, etc   4 Brit a compromise: a halfway house between fixed and floating exchange rates

■ halfwit (ˈhɑːfˌwIt)   n   a foolish or inane person   > ˌhalfˈwitted adj   > ˌhalfˈwittedly adv   > ˌhalfˈwittedness n

■ half-year   n     a a period of 6 months: the campaign lasted nearly a half-year   b (as modifier): a half-year break

■ half-yearly   adj   1 happening in the middle of a calendar year or a financial year   2 commerce (of a company's profits) made in six months   3 happening twice a year, with six months between each event   ▷ adv   4 twice a year

half-   prefix   1 one of two equal parts: half-moon   2 related by one parent only: half-sister   3 not completely; partly: half-hardy

halfa (ˈhælfə)   n   another name for esparto

halfen (ˈhɑːfən)   adj   having half missing

halfendeale (ˈhɑːfənˌdiːl)   n   1 a half portion of something   ▷ adv   2 in a manner that is to the amount of a half

hali-   combining form   a variant of halo-

halibut (ˈhælIbət) or holibut (ˈhɒlIbət)   n, pl -buts or -but   1 the largest flatfish: a dark green North Atlantic species, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, that is a very important food fish: family Pleuronectidae   2 any of several similar and related flatfishes, such as Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Greenland halibut) [C15: from hali HOLY (because it was eaten on holy days) + butte flat fish, from Middle Dutch butte]

Haliç (haˈliːtʃ)   n   the Turkish name for the Golden Horn

Halicarnassus (ˌhælIkɑːˈnæsəs)   n   a Greek colony on the SW coast of Asia Minor: one of the major Hellenistic cities

■ Halicarnassian (ˌhælIkɑːˈnæsIən)   adj   of or relating to the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus

halicore (həˈlIkəriː)   n   an obsolete name for dugong

halide (ˈhælaId) or halid (ˈhælId)   n   1 a binary compound containing a halogen atom or ion in combination with a more electropositive element   2 any organic compound containing halogen atoms in its molecules

halidom (ˈhælIdəm)   n   archaic a holy place or thing [Old English hāligdōm; see HOLY, -DOM]

halieutics (ˌhælIˈjuːtIks)   n   the art or practice of fishing

■ halieutic (ˌhælIˈjuːtIk)   adj   relating to the practice of catching fish

Halifax^1 (ˈhælIˌfæks)   n   1 a port in SE Canada, capital of Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic: founded in 1749 as a British stronghold. Pop: 390 096 (2011)   2 a town in N England, in Calderdale unitary authority, West Yorkshire: textiles. Pop: 83 570 (2001)

Halifax^2 (ˈhælIˌfæks)   n   1  Charles Montagu, Earl of Halifax. 1661–1715, British statesman; founder of the National Debt (1692) and the Bank of England (1694)   2  Edward Frederick Lindley Wood, Earl of Halifax. 1881–1959, British Conservative statesman. He was viceroy of India (1926–31), foreign secretary (1938–40), and ambassador to the US (1941–46)   3  George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax, known as the Trimmer. 1633–95, British politician, noted for his wavering opinions. He opposed the exclusion of the Catholic James II from the throne but later supported the Glorious Revolution

Haligonian (ˈhælIˌɡəʊnIən)   n   1 a native or resident of Halifax, Canada   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Halifax, Canada

halimot (ˈhæliˌməʊt)   n   1 the court held by a lord   2 the court of a company or association of traders

haliotis (ˌhælIˈəʊtIs)   n   another name for abalone

haliplankton (ˈhælIˌplæŋktən)   n   plankton living in sea water

halite (ˈhælaIt)   n   a colourless or white mineral sometimes tinted by impurities, found in beds as an evaporite. It is used to produce common salt and chlorine. Composition: sodium chloride. Formula: NaCl. Crystal structure: cubic. Also called: rock salt [C19: from New Latin halītes; see HALO-, -ITE^2]

halitosis (ˌhælIˈtəʊsIs)   n   the state or condition of having bad breath [C19: New Latin, from Latin hālitus breath, from hālāre to breathe]

■ halitotic (ˌhælIˈtəʊtIk)   adj   of or relating to halitosis

halitous (ˈhælItəs)   adj   relating to a mist or emission

halitus (ˈhælItəs)   n   a mist or emission similar to a breath

hall (hɔːl)   n   1 a room serving as an entry area within a house or building   2 (sometimes capital) a building for public meetings   3 (often capital) the great house of an estate; manor   4 a large building or room used for assemblies, worship, concerts, dances, etc   5 a residential building, esp in a university; hall of residence   6    a a large room, esp for dining, in a college or university   b a meal eaten in this room   7 the large room of a house, castle, etc   8 US and Canadian a passage or corridor into which rooms open   9 (often plural) informal short for music hall [Old English heall; related to Old Norse höll, Old High German halla hall, Latin cela CELL^1, Old Irish cuile cellar, Sanskrit śālā hut; see HELL]

■ hall of residence   n   a residential block in or attached to a university, college, etc

■ hallstand (ˈhɔːlˌstænd) or esp US hall tree   n   a piece of furniture on which are hung coats, hats, etc

■ hallway (ˈhɔːlˌweI)   n   a hall or corridor

Hall (hɔːl)   n   1  Charles Martin. 1863–1914, US chemist: discovered the electrolytic process for producing aluminium   2  Sir John. 1824–1907, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1879–82)   3  Sir Peter. 1930–2017, English stage director: director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (1960–73) and of the National Theatre (1973–88)   4  (Marguerite) Radclyffe. 1883–1943, British novelist and poet. Her frank treatment of a lesbian theme in the novel The Well of Loneliness (1928) led to an obscenity trial

■ Hall effect   n   the production of a potential difference across a conductor carrying an electric current when a magnetic field is applied in a direction perpendicular to that of the current flow [named after Edwin Herbert Hall (1855–1938), American physicist who discovered it]

hallah (ˈhɑːlə; Hebrew xaˈla)   n, pl -lahs or -lot (Hebrew -ˈlɔt)   a variant spelling of challah

hallali (ˈhæləlI)   n   a signal played on the bugle

hallan (ˈhɔːlən)   n Scot   1 a wall in a cottage that serves as a screen and keeps draughts coming in the door away from the fireplace   2 the enclosed area formed by this kind of screening wall

Halle (German ˈhalə)   n   a city in E central Germany, in Saxony-Anhalt, on the River Saale: early saltworks; a Hanseatic city in the late Middle Ages; university (1694). Pop: 240 119 (2003 est). Also called: Halle an der Saale (an der ˈzaːlə). Official name: Halle (Saale)

Hallé (ˈhæleI)   n   Sir Charles, original name Karl Hallé. 1819–95, German conductor and pianist, in Britain from 1848. In 1857 he founded the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester

halleflinta (ˈhɛləˌflIntə)   n   mineralogy a type of rock, volcanic or metamorphic in origin, that has a fine grain

Hallel (Hebrew hɑˈlel; Yiddish hɑːˈleIl)   n   Judaism a section of the liturgy consisting of Psalms 113–18, read during the morning service on festivals, Chanukah, and Rosh Chodesh [C18: from Hebrew hallēl, from hellēl to praise]

hallelujah, halleluiah (ˌhælIˈluːjə) or alleluia (ˌælIˈluːjə)   interj   1 an exclamation of praise to God   2 an expression of relief or a similar emotion   ▷ n   3 an exclamation of "Hallelujah"   4 a musical composition that uses the word Hallelujah as its text [C16: from Hebrew hallelūyāh praise the Lord, from hellēl to praise + yāh the Lord, YAHWEH]

Haller (German ˈhalər)   n   Albrecht von (ˈalbrɛçt fɔn). 1708–77, Swiss biologist: founder of experimental physiology

Halley (ˈhælI)   n   Edmund. 1656–1742, English astronomer and mathematician. He predicted the return of the comet now known as Halley's comet, constructed charts of magnetic declination, and produced the first wind maps

■ Halley's Comet (ˈhælIz)   n   a comet revolving around the sun in a period of about 76 years, last seen in 1985–86

halliard (ˈhæljəd)   n   a variant spelling of halyard

halling (ˈhælIŋ)   n   1 a type of country dance from Norway   2 the music that accompanies this dance

hallion (ˈhɔːlIən)   n   a disreputable or useless lout

Hall-Jones (ˈhɔːlˈdʒəʊnz)   n   Sir William. 1851–1936, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1906)

hallmark (ˈhɔːlˌmɑːk)   n   1 Brit an official series of marks, instituted by statute in 1300, and subsequently modified, stamped by the Guild of Goldsmiths at one of its assay offices on gold, silver, or platinum (since 1975) articles to guarantee purity, date of manufacture, etc   2 a mark or sign of authenticity or excellence   3 an outstanding or distinguishing feature   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to stamp with or as if with a hallmark   ▶ Also (for senses 1, 4): platemark [C18: named after Goldsmiths' Hall in London, where items were graded and stamped]

hallo (həˈləʊ)   sentence substitute, n   1 a variant spelling of hello   ▷ sentence substitute, n, vb   2 a variant spelling of halloo

Hall of Fame   n chiefly US and Canadian (sometimes not capitals)   1 a building containing plaques or busts honouring famous people   2 a group of famous people

halloo (həˈluː), hallo or halloa (həˈləʊ)   sentence substitute   1 a shout to attract attention, esp to call hounds at a hunt   ▷ n, pl -loos, -los or -loas   2 a shout of "halloo"   ▷ vb -loos, -looing, -looed, -los, -loing, -loed or -loas, -loaing, -loaed   3 to shout (something) to (someone)   4 (tr) to urge on or incite (dogs) with shouts [C16: perhaps variant of hallow to encourage hounds by shouting]

halloumi or haloumi (həˈluːmI)   n   a salty white sheep's-milk cheese from Greece or Turkey, usually eaten grilled [probably from Arabic haluma be mild]

hallow (ˈhæləʊ)   vb (tr)   1 to consecrate or set apart as being holy   2 to venerate as being holy [Old English hālgian, from hālig HOLY]   > ˈhallower n

■ hallowed (ˈhæləʊd, liturgical ˈhæləʊId)   adj   1 set apart as sacred   2 consecrated or holy   > ˈhallowedness n

Halloween or Hallowe'en (ˌhæləʊˈiːn)   n   the eve of All Saints' Day celebrated on Oct 31 by masquerading; Allhallows Eve [C18: see ALLHALLOWS, EVEN^2]

Hallowmas or Hallowmass (ˈhæləʊˌmæs)   n   archaic the feast celebrating All Saints' Day [C14: see ALLHALLOWS, MASS]

halloysite (ˈhælɔIˌzaIt)   n   mineralogy a white mineral, like clay in texture, which is composed of aluminium and silicon

Hallstatt (ˈhælstæt) or Hallstattian (hælˈstætIən)   adj   of or relating to a late Bronze Age culture extending from central Europe to Britain and lasting from the 9th to the 5th century BC, characterized by distinctive burial customs, bronze and iron tools, etc [C19: named after Hallstatt, Austrian village where remains were found]

hallucal (ˈhæljʊkəl)   adj   anatomy relating to the hallux

hallucinant (həˈluːsInənt)   n   1 a person who experiences hallucinations   2 a drug that causes a person to experience hallucinations

hallucinate (həˈluːsIˌneIt)   vb   (intr) to experience hallucinations [C17: from Latin ālūcinārī to wander in mind; compare Greek aluein to be distraught]   > halˈluciˌnator n

■ hallucination (həˌluːsIˈneIʃən)   n   the alleged perception of an object when no object is present   > halˌluciˈnational, halˈlucinative or halˈlucinatory adj

hallucinogen (həˈluːsInəˌdʒɛn)   n   any drug, such as LSD or mescaline, that induces hallucinations

■ hallucinogenic (həˌluːsInəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 (of drugs, plants, substances, etc) inducing hallucinations   2 having qualities suggestive of hallucination or hallucinogens: strange, hallucinogenic scenes

hallucinosis (həˌluːsIˈnəʊsIs)   n   psychiatry a disorder the symptom of which is hallucinations, commonly associated with the ingestion of alcohol or other drugs

hallux (ˈhæləks)   n   the first digit on the hind foot of a mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian; the big toe of humans [C19: New Latin, from Late Latin allex big toe]

■ hallux valgus   n   an abnormal bending or deviation of the big toe towards the other toes of the same foot

halm (hɔːm)   n   a variant spelling of haulm

halma (ˈhælmə)   n   a board game in which players attempt to transfer their pieces from their own to their opponents' bases [C19: from Greek halma leap, from hallesthai to leap]

Halmahera (ˌhælməˈhIərə)   n   an island in NE Indonesia, the largest of the Moluccas: consists of four peninsulas enclosing three bays; mountainous and forested. Area: 17 780 sq km (6865 sq miles). Former names: Djailolo, Gilolo, Jilolo

Halmstad (Swedish ˈhalmstɑːd)   n   a port in SW Sweden, on the Kattegat. Pop: 88 032 (2004 est)

halo (ˈheIləʊ)   n, pl -loes or -los   1 a disc or ring of light around the head of an angel, saint, etc, as in painting or sculpture   2 the aura surrounding an idealized, famous, or admired person, thing, or event   3 a circle of light around the sun or moon, caused by the refraction of light by particles of ice   4 astronomy a spherical cloud of stars surrounding the Galaxy and other spiral galaxies   ▷ vb -loes or -los, -loing, -loed   5 to surround with or form a halo [C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin halōs circular threshing floor, from Greek]   > ˈhalo-ˌlike adj

■ halo effect   n   1 See horns and halo effect   2 the beneficial effect on sales of a company's range of products produced by the popularity or high profile of one particular product

halo-, hali- or before a vowel hal-   combining form   1 indicating salt or the sea: halophyte   2 relating to or containing a halogen: halothane [from Greek hals, hal- sea, salt]

halobiont (ˌhæləʊˈbaIɒnt)   n   a plant or animal that lives in a salty environment such as the sea [C20: from HALO- + -biont from Greek bios life]   > ˌhalobiˈontic adj

halobiotic (ˌhæləʊbaIˈɒtIk)   adj   ecology relating to habitation in the sea

halocarbon (ˌhæləʊˈkɑːbən)   n   chem a compound of carbon and halogen in which halogen atoms have taken the place of some or all of the hydrogen atoms

halocline (ˈhæləʊˌklaIn)   n   geography a marked increase in the salinity level of the sea at a specific depth

halogen (ˈhæləˌdʒɛn)   n   any of the chemical elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are all monovalent and readily form negative ions [C19: from Swedish; see HALO-, -GEN]   > ˈhalogenˌoid adj   > halogenous (həˈlɒdʒInəs) adj

■ halogenate (ˈhælədʒəˌneIt)   vb   chem to treat or combine with a halogen   > ˌhalogenˈation n

halogeton (ˌhæləˈdʒiːtən)   n   a poisonous herbaceous plant, native to Siberia, that grows in North America

haloid (ˈhælɔId) chem   adj   1 resembling or derived from a halogen: a haloid salt   ▷ n   2 a compound containing halogen atoms in its molecules; halide

halomorphic (ˌhæləˈmɔːfIk)   adj   geology containing or resulting from the presence of neutral salts or alkaline salts or the presence of both

halon (ˈhælɒn)   n   any of a class of chemical compounds derived from hydrocarbons by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms by bromine atoms and other hydrogen atoms by other halogen atoms (chlorine, fluorine, or iodine). Halons are stable compounds that are used in fire extinguishers, although they may contribute to depletion of the ozone layer

haloperidol (ˌhæləˈpɛrIˌdɒl)   n   a strong sedative that is used as a remedial treatment in several medical conditions including Tourette's syndrome and dementia

halophile (ˈhæləʊˌfaIl)   n   an organism that thrives in an extremely salty environment, such as the Dead Sea   > ˌhaloˈphilic or haˈlophilous adj

■ halophily (hæˈlɒfIlI)   n   the ability or predisposition to thrive in an extremely salty environment

halophobe (ˈhæləʊˌfəʊb)   n   a creature that is unable to live in salty conditions

halophyte (ˈhæləʊˌfaIt)   n   a plant that grows in very salty soil, as in a salt marsh   > halophytic (ˌhæləˈfItIk) adj   > ˈhaloˌphytism n

halosere (ˈhæləʊˌsIə)   n   ecology a plant community that originates and develops in conditions of high salinity

halothane (ˈhæləʊˌθeIn)   n   a colourless volatile slightly soluble liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform; 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane: a general anaesthetic. Formula: CF_3CHBrCl [C20: from HALO- + -thane, as in METHANE]

haloumi (həˈluːmI)   n   a variant spelling of halloumi

Hals (Dutch hɑls)   n   Frans (frɑns). ?1580–1666, Dutch portrait and genre painter: his works include The Laughing Cavalier (1624)

halse (hɔːls)   vb (tr)   1 to hug or to embrace   2 to implore or plead with

■ halser (ˈhɔːlsə)   n   1 a person who hugs or embraces   2 a person who implores or pleads   3 nautical another name for hawser

Hälsingborg (Swedish hɛlsiŋˈbɔrj)   n   the former name (until 1971) of Helsingborg

halt^1 (hɔːlt)   n   1 an interruption or end to activity, movement, or progress   2 chiefly Brit a minor railway station, without permanent buildings   3 call a halt to put an end (to something); stop   ▷ n, sentence substitute   4 a command to halt, esp as an order when marching   ▷ vb   5 to come or bring to a halt [C17: from the phrase to make halt, translation of German halt machen, from halten to HOLD^1, STOP]

■ halting (ˈhɔːltIŋ)   adj   1 hesitant: halting speech   2 lame   > ˈhaltingly adv   > ˈhaltingness n

■ haltless (ˈhɔːltlIs)   adj   without stopping

halt^2 (hɔːlt)   vb (intr)   1 (esp of logic or verse) to falter or be defective   2 to waver or be unsure   3 archaic to be lame   ▷ adj   4 archaic   a lame   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the halt   ▷ n   5 archaic lameness [Old English healt lame; related to Old Norse haltr, Old High German halz lame, Greek kólos maimed, Old Slavonic kladivo hammer]

halter (ˈhɔːltə)   n   1 a rope or canvas headgear for a horse, usually with a rope for leading   2 Also called: halterneck a style of woman's top fastened behind the neck and waist, leaving the back and arms bare   3 a rope having a noose for hanging a person   4 death by hanging   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to secure with a halter or put a halter on   6 to hang (someone) [Old English hælfter; related to Old High German halftra, Middle Dutch heliftra]

■ halterbreak (ˈhɔːltərˌbreIk)   vb (tr)   to get (an animal) used to wearing a halter

■ halterneck (ˈhɔːltənɛk)   n   1 another name for halter (sense 2)   ▷ adj   2 clothing having a strap that goes around the back of the neck, rather than a strap over each shoulder

haltere (ˈhæltIə) or halter (ˈhæltə)   n, pl halteres (hælˈtIəriːz)   one of a pair of short projections in dipterous insects that are modified hind wings, used for maintaining equilibrium during flight. Also called: balancer [C18: from Greek haltēres (plural) handheld weights used as balancers or to give impetus in leaping, from hallesthai to leap]

Halton (ˈhɔːltən)   n   a unitary authority in NW England, in N Cheshire. Pop: 118 400 (2003 est). Area: 75 sq km (29 sq miles)

halutz Hebrew (xɑˈlʊts; English hɑːˈlʊts)   n   a variant spelling of chalutz

halvah, halva (ˈhælvɑː) or halavah (ˈhæləvɑː)   n   an Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Indian sweetmeat made of honey and containing sesame seeds, nuts, rose-water, saffron, etc [from Yiddish halva, from Romanian, from Turkish helve, from Arabic halwā sweetmeat]

halve (hɑːv)   vb (tr)   1 to divide into two approximately equal parts   2 to share equally   3 to reduce by half, as by cutting   4 golf to take the same number of strokes on (a hole or round) as one's opponent [Old English hielfan; related to Middle High German helben; see HALF]

■ halver (ˈhɑːvə)   n   a person who shares something

halyard or halliard (ˈhæljəd)   n   nautical a line for hoisting or lowering a sail, flag, or spar [C14: halier, influenced by YARD^1; see HALE^2]

ham^1 (hæm)   n   1 the part of the hindquarters of a pig or similar animal between the hock and the hip   2 the meat of this part, esp when salted or smoked   3 informal   a the back of the leg above the knee   b the space or area behind the knee   4 needlework a cushion used for moulding curves [Old English hamm; related to Old High German hamma haunch, Old Irish cnāim bone, camm bent, Latin camur bent]

■ ham-fisted or ham-handed   adj   informal lacking dexterity or elegance; clumsy

ham^2 (hæm)   n   1 theatre informal   a an actor who overacts or relies on stock gestures or mannerisms   b overacting or clumsy acting   c (as modifier): a ham actor   2 informal   a a licensed amateur radio operator   b (as modifier): a ham licence   ▷ vb hams, hamming, hammed   3 informal to overact [C19: special use of HAM^1; in some senses probably influenced by AMATEUR]

Hama (ˈhɑːmɑː)   n   a city in W Syria, on the Orontes River: an early Hittite settlement; famous for its huge water wheels, used for irrigation since the Middle Ages. Pop: 439 000 (2005 est). Biblical name: Hamath

hamada (həˈmɑːdə)   n   geology a desert terrain that consists of a flat and rocky area mainly devoid of sand

Hamadān or Hamedān (ˈhæməˌdæn)   n   a city in W central Iran, at an altitude of over 1830 m (6000 ft): changed hands several times from the 17th century between Iraq, Persia, and Turkey; trading centre. Pop: 508 000 (2005 est)

hamadryad (ˌhæməˈdraIəd, -æd)   n   1 classical myth one of a class of nymphs, each of which inhabits a tree and dies with it   2 another name for king cobra [C14: from Latin Hamādryas, from Greek Hamadruas, from hama together with + drus tree; see DRYAD]

hamadryas (ˌhæməˈdraIəs)   n   a baboon, Papio (or Comopithecus) hamadryas, of Arabia and NE Africa, having long silvery hair on the head, neck, and chest: regarded as sacred by the ancient Egyptians: family Cercopithecidae. Also called: hamadryas baboon, sacred baboon [C19: via New Latin from Latin; see HAMADRYAD]

hamal, hammal or hamaul (həˈmɑːl)   n   (in Middle Eastern countries) a porter, bearer, or servant [from Arabic hamala to carry]

Hamamatsu (ˌhæməˈmætsuː)   n   a city in central Japan, in S central Honshu: cotton textiles and musical instruments. Pop: 573 504 (2002 est)

hamamelidaceous (ˌhæməˌmiːlIˈdeIʃəs, -ˌmɛlI-)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Hamamelidaceae, a chiefly subtropical family of trees and shrubs that includes the witch hazel [C19: from New Latin Hamamelis type genus, from Greek: medlar, from hama together with + mēlon fruit]

hamamelis (ˌhæməˈmiːlIs)   n   any of several trees or shrubs constituting the hamameliaceous genus Hamamelis, native to E Asia and North America and cultivated as ornamentals. See witch hazel

hamantasch (ˈhɑːmənˌtɑːʃ, ˈhʌmən-)   n   Judaism a pastry, triangular in shape, that contains various types of filling, including prunes and poppy seeds, and is traditionally eaten at the Jewish festival of Purim

hamarthritis (ˌhæmɑːˈθraItIs)   n   med a swollen and painful condition that can affect all the joints

hamartia (həˈmɑːtIə)   n   literature the flaw in character which leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a tragedy [C19: from Greek]

hamartiology (həˌmɑːtIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the doctrine of sin in Christian theology [C19: from Greek hamartia sin + -LOGY]

Hamas (ˈhæmæs)   n   an organization founded in 1987 with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in Palestine [C20: Arabic: zeal; also an acronym for haraka muqawama islamia Islamic Armed Movement]

hamate (ˈheImeIt)   adj   rare hook-shaped [C18: from Latin hāmātus, from hāmus hook]

hamba (ˈhæmbə)   interj   South African slang go away; be off [from Nguni ukuttamba to go]

hamba kahle (ˈhæmbə ˈɡɑːʃlI)   sentence substitute   goodbye, farewell (esp to the dead) [from Xhosa, literally: go well]

hamble (ˈhæmbəl)   vb (tr)   to mutilate or disable by severing the hamstring muscles

Hambletonian (ˌhæmbəlˈtəʊnIən)   n   one of a breed of trotting horses descended from a stallion of that name

hambone (ˈhæmˌbəʊn)   n     a a method of striking the body in order to provide percussion   b (as modifier): hambone rhythms

Hamburg (ˈhæmbɜːɡ)   n   a city-state and port in NW Germany, on the River Elbe: the largest port in Germany; a founder member of the Hanseatic League; became a free imperial city in 1510 and a state of the German empire in 1871; university (1919); extensive shipyards. Pop: 1 734 083 (2003 est)

hamburger (ˈhæmˌbɜːɡə) or hamburg   n   a flat fried cake of minced beef, often served in a bread roll. Also called: Hamburger steak, beefburger [C20: shortened from Hamburger steak (that is, steak in the fashion of HAMBURG)]

hame^1 (heIm)   n   either of the two curved bars holding the traces of the harness, attached to the collar of a draught animal [C14: from Middle Dutch hame; related to Middle High German hame fishing rod]

hame^2 (hem)   n, adv   a Scot word for home

Hameln (German ˈhaːməln)   n   an industrial town in N Germany, in Lower Saxony on the Weser River: famous for the legend of the Pied Piper (supposedly took place in 1284). Pop: 58 902 (2003 est). English name: Hamelin (ˈhæməlIn, ˈhæmlIn)

Hamersley Range (ˈhæməzlI)   n   a mountain range in N Western Australia: iron-ore deposits. Highest peak: 1253 m (4111 ft)

hames (heImz)   n   make a hames of Irish informal to spoil through clumsiness or ineptitude [of unknown origin]

hamesucken (ˈheImˌsʌkən)   n   Scots law the offence of attacking a person in his or her own dwelling

hamewith (ˈheImwIθ)   adv   Scot in a homewards manner

hamfatter (ˈhæmˌfætə)   n   theatre a second-rate or ineffectual actor

Hamhung or Hamheung (ˈhɑːmˈhʊŋ)   n   an industrial city in central North Korea: commercial and governmental centre of NE Korea during the Yi dynasty (1392–1910). Pop: 753 000 (2005 est)

Hamilcar Barca (hæˈmIlkɑː ˈbɑːkə, ˈhæmIlˌkɑː)   n   died ?228 BC, Carthaginian general; father of Hannibal. He held command (247–41) during the first Punic War and established Carthaginian influence in Spain (237–?228)

Hamilton^1 (ˈhæməltən)   n   1 a port in central Canada, in S Ontario on Lake Ontario: iron and steel industry. Pop: 618 820 (2001)   2 a city in New Zealand, on central North Island. Pop: 150 200 (2011 est)   3 a town in S Scotland, in South Lanarkshire near Glasgow. Pop: 48 546 (2001)   4 the capital and chief port of Bermuda. Pop: 3461 (2000)   5 the former name of Churchill^1 (sense 1)

Hamilton^2 (ˈhæməltən)   n   1  Alexander. ?1757–1804, American statesman. He was a leader of the Federalists and as first secretary of the Treasury (1789–95) established a federal bank   2  Lady Emma. ?1765–1815, mistress of Nelson   3  James, 1st Duke of Hamilton. 1606–49, Scottish supporter of Charles I in the English Civil War: defeated by Cromwell at the Battle of Preston and executed   4  Lewis (Carl). born 1985, English racing driver; Formula One world champion (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017)   5  Richard. 1922–2011, British artist: a pioneer of the pop art style   6  Sir William Rowan. 1805–65, Irish mathematician: founded Hamiltonian mechanics and formulated the theory of quaternions

■ Hamiltonian (ˌhæməlˈtəʊnIən) physics, maths   n   1 a mathematical function of the coordinates and momenta of a system of particles used to express their equations of motion   2 a mathematical operator that generates such a function. Symbol: H   ▷ adj   3 denoting or relating to Sir William Rowan Hamilton, or to the theory of mechanics or mathematical operator devised by him

Hamiltonstovare (ˌhæmIltənˌstəˈvɑːrI)   n   a large strong short-haired breed of hound with a black, brown, and white coat [C20: named after Count Adolf Patrik Hamilton, the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, who created the breed in the 1880s]

Hamite (ˈhæmaIt)   n   a member of a group of peoples of N Africa supposedly descended from Noah's son Ham (Genesis 5:32, 10:6), including the ancient Egyptians, the Berbers, etc

■ Hamitic (hæˈmItIk, hə-)   n   1 a group of N African languages related to Semitic. They are now classified in four separate subfamilies of the Afro-Asiatic family: Egyptian, Berber, Cushitic, and Chadic   ▷ adj   2 denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages   3 denoting, belonging to, or characteristic of the Hamites

Hamito-Semitic   n   1 a former name for Afro-Asiatic (sense 1)   ▷ adj   2 denoting or belonging to this family of languages

hamlet (ˈhæmlIt)   n   1 a small village or group of houses   2 (in Britain) a village without its own church [C14: from Old French hamelet, diminutive of hamel, from ham, of Germanic origin; compare Old English hamm plot of pasture, Low German hamm enclosed land; see HOME]

Hamlisch (ˈhæmlIʃ)   n   Marvin. 1944–2012, US composer, best known for the musical A Chorus Line (1975)

Hamlyn (ˈhæmlIn)   n   Baron Paul. 1926–2001, British businessman and publisher

Hamm (German ham)   n   an industrial city in NW Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: a Hanse town from 1417; severely damaged in World War II. Pop: 184 961 (2003 est)

hammam (hʌmˈɑːm)   n   a bathing establishment, such as a Turkish bath [Arabic, literally: bath]

Hammarskjöld (ˈhæməˌʃʊld; Swedish ˈhamarʃœld)   n   Dag (Hjalmar Agne Carl) (dɑːɡ). 1905–61, Swedish statesman; secretary-general of the United Nations (1953–61): Nobel peace prize 1961

hammer (ˈhæmə)   n   1 a hand tool consisting of a heavy usually steel head held transversely on the end of a handle, used for driving in nails, beating metal, etc   2 any tool or device with a similar function, such as the moving part of a door knocker, the striking head on a bell, etc   3 a power-driven striking tool, esp one used in forging. A pneumatic hammer delivers a repeated blow from a pneumatic ram, a drop hammer uses the energy of a falling weight   4 a part of a gunlock that rotates about a fulcrum to strike the primer or percussion cap, either directly or via a firing pin   5 athletics   a a heavy metal ball attached to a flexible wire: thrown in competitions   b the event or sport of throwing the hammer   6 an auctioneer's gavel   7 a device on a piano that is made to strike a string or group of strings causing them to vibrate   8 anatomy the nontechnical name for malleus   9 curling the last stone thrown in an end   10 go under the hammer or come under the hammer to be offered for sale by an auctioneer   11 hammer and tongs with great effort or energy: fighting hammer and tongs   12 on someone's hammer Austral and NZ slang   a persistently demanding and critical of someone   b in hot pursuit of someone   ▷ vb   13 to strike or beat (a nail, wood, etc) with or as if with a hammer   14 (tr) to shape or fashion with or as if with a hammer   15 (tr; foll by in or into) to impress or force (facts, ideas, etc) into (someone) through constant repetition   16 (intr) to feel or sound like hammering: his pulse was hammering   17 (intr; often foll by away) to work at constantly   18 (tr) Brit   a to question in a relentless manner   b to criticize severely   19 informal to inflict a defeat on   20 (tr) slang to beat, punish, or chastise   21 (tr) stock exchange   a to announce the default of (a member)   b to cause prices of (securities, the market, etc) to fall by bearish selling [Old English hamor; related to Old Norse hamarr crag, Old High German hamar hammer, Old Slavonic kamy stone]   > ˈhammerer n   > ˈhammer-ˌlike adj

■ hammer and sickle   n   1 the emblem on the flag of the former Soviet Union, representing the industrial workers and the peasants respectively   2 a symbolic representation of the former Soviet Union or of Communism in general

■ hammer beam   n   either of a pair of short horizontal beams that project from opposite walls to support arched braces and struts

■ hammer blow   n   1 a blow from a hammer   2 a severe shock or setback: Liam's death was a hammer blow

■ hammercloth (ˈhæmərˌklɒθ)   n   the cloth that covers the seat that the driver of a coach or carriage sits on

■ hammer drill   n   1 a rock drill operated by compressed air in which the boring bit is not attached to the reciprocating piston   2 an electric hand drill providing hammering in addition to rotating action

■ hammered (ˈhæməd)   adj   a slang word for drunk (sense 1)

■ hammerhead (ˈhæməˌhɛd)   n   1 any shark of the genus Sphyrna and family Sphyrnidae, having a flattened hammer-shaped head   2 a heavily built tropical African wading bird, Scopus umbretta, related to the herons, having a dark plumage and a long backward-pointing crest: family Scopidae, order Ciconiiformes   3 a large African fruit bat, Hypsignathus monstrosus, with a large square head and hammer-shaped muzzle   > ˈhammerˌheaded adj

■ hammering (ˈhæmərIŋ)   n   1 the action of striking with a hammer   2 Brit the act of criticizing   3 sport informal an easy defeat   4 the action of hitting a surface several times to make a noise, or to emphasize something being said when angry

■ hammerings (ˈhæmərIŋz)   pl n   a series of punishments or beatings

■ hammerless (ˈhæməlIs)   adj   (of a firearm) having the hammer enclosed so that it is not visible

■ hammerlock (ˈhæməˌlɒk)   n   a wrestling hold in which a wrestler twists an opponent's arm upwards behind his or her back

■ hammerman (ˈhæmərmən)   n, pl -men   a man who uses a hammer in his work

■ hammer out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to shape or remove with or as if with a hammer   2 to form or produce (an agreement, plan, etc) after much discussion or dispute

■ hammer price   n   the price offered as the winning bid in a public auction

■ hammerstone (ˈhæməˌstəʊn)   n   a stone used as a hammer in the production of tools during the Acheulian period

■ hammertoe (ˈhæməˌtəʊ)   n   1 a deformity of the bones of a toe causing the toe to be bent in a clawlike arch   2 such a toe

Hammerfest (Norwegian ˈhamərfɛst)   n   a port in N Norway, on the W coast of Kvalöy Island: the northernmost town in Europe, with uninterrupted daylight from May 17 to July 29 and no sun between Nov 21 and Jan 21; fishing and tourist centre. Pop: 9157 (2004 est)

hammerkop (ˈhæmərˌkɒp)   n   a South African name for hammerhead (sense 2)

Hammersmith and Fulham (ˈhæməˌsmIθ)   n   a borough of Greater London on the River Thames: established in 1965 by the amalgamation of Fulham and Hammersmith. Pop: 174 200 (2003 est). Area: 16 sq km (6 sq miles)

Hammerstein II (ˈhæməˌstaIn)   n   Oscar. 1895–1960, US librettist and songwriter: collaborated with the composer Richard Rodgers in musicals such as South Pacific (1949) and The Sound of Music (1959)

Hammett (ˈhæmət)   n   Dashiell. 1894–1961, US writer of detective novels. His books include The Maltese Falcon (1930) and The Thin Man (1932)

hammock^1 (ˈhæmək)   n   a length of canvas, net, etc, suspended at the ends and used as a bed [C16: from Spanish hamaca, of Taino origin]   > ˈhammock-ˌlike adj

hammock^2 (ˈhæmək)   n   a variant of hummock (sense 3)

Hammond^1 (ˈhæmənd)   n   a city in NW Indiana, adjacent to Chicago. Pop: 80 547 (2003 est)

Hammond^2 (ˈhæmənd)   n   1  Dame Joan. 1912–96, Australian operatic singer, born in New Zealand   2  Philip (Antony). born 1955, British Conservative politician; Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2016   3  Walter Reginald, known as Wally. 1903–65, English cricketer. An all-rounder, he played for England 85 times between 1928 and 1946

Hammond organ   n   trademark an electric organ with two keyboards, electronic tone generation, and a wide variety of tone colours: invented in 1934 [C20: named after Laurens Hammond (1895–1973), US mechanical engineer]

Hammurabi (ˌhæmʊˈrɑːbI) or Hammurapi (ˌhæmʊˈrɑːpI)   n   ?18th century BC, king of Babylonia; promulgator of one of the earliest known codes of law

hammy^1 (ˈhæmI)   adj -mier, -miest informal   1 (of an actor) overacting or tending to overact   2 (of a play, performance, etc) overacted or exaggerated   > ˈhammily adv   > ˈhamminess n

hammy^2 (ˈhæmI)   n -mies informal   short for hamstring

hamose (heIˈməʊs)   adj   botany having the end bent in a curve; hook-shaped

Hampden (ˈhæmpdən, ˈhæmdən)   n   John. 1594–1643, English statesman; one of the leaders of the Parliamentary opposition to Charles I

hamper^1 (ˈhæmpə)   vb   1 (tr) to prevent the progress or free movement of   ▷ n   2 nautical gear aboard a vessel that, though essential, is often in the way [C14: of obscure origin; perhaps related to Old English hamm enclosure, hemm HEM^1]   > ˈhamperedness n   > ˈhamperer n

hamper^2 (ˈhæmpə)   n   1 a large basket, usually with a cover   2 Brit such a basket and its contents, usually food   3 US a laundry basket [C14: variant of HANAPER]

Hampshire^1 (ˈhæmpˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of S England, on the English Channel: crossed by the Hampshire Downs and the South Downs, with the New Forest in the southwest and many prehistoric and Roman remains: the geographical and ceremonial county includes Portsmouth and Southampton, which became independent unitary authorities in 1997. Administrative centre: Winchester. Pop (excluding unitary authorities): 1 251 000 (2003 est). Area (excluding unitary authorities): 3679 sq km (1420 sq miles). Abbreviation: Hants

■ Hampshire Down   n   a breed of stocky sheep having a dark face and dense close wool, originating from Hampshire, S England

Hampshire^2 (ˈhæmpʃə)   n   Sir Stuart. 1914–2004, British philosopher: his publications include Thought and Action (1959), Two Theories of Morality (1977), and Innocence and Experience (1989)

Hampstead (ˈhæmpstId)   n   a residential district in N London: part of the Greater London borough of Camden since 1965; nearby is Hampstead Heath, a popular recreation area

Hampton^1 (ˈhæmptən)   n   1 a city in SE Virginia, on the harbour of Hampton Roads on Chesapeake Bay. Pop: 146 878 (2003 est)   2 a district of the Greater London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, on the River Thames: famous for Hampton Court Palace (built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolsey)

Hampton^2 (ˈhæmptən)   n   1  Christopher James. born 1946, British playwright: his works include When Did You Last See My Mother? (1964), the screenplay for the film Dangerous Liaisons (1988), the book for the musical Sunset Boulevard (1993), and the screenplay for the film Atonement (2007)   2  Lionel. 1913–2002, US jazz-band leader and vibraphone player

hamshackle (ˈhæmʃækəl)   vb   (tr) to hobble (a cow, horse, etc) by tying a rope around the head and one of the legs

hamster (ˈhæmstə)   n   any Eurasian burrowing rodent of the tribe Cricetini, such as Mesocricetus auratus (golden hamster), having a stocky body, short tail, and cheek pouches: family Cricetidae. They are popular pets [C17: from German, from Old High German hamustro, of Slavic origin]

hamstring (ˈhæmˌstrIŋ)   n   1 anatomy any of the tendons at the back of the knee. Related adjective: popliteal   2 the large tendon at the back of the hock in the hind leg of a horse, etc   ▷ vb -strings, -stringing, -strung (tr)   3 to cripple by cutting the hamstring of   4 to ruin or thwart [C16: HAM^1 + STRING]

Hamsun (Norwegian ˈhamsun)   n   Knut, (knuːt), pen name of Knut Pedersen. 1859–1952, Norwegian novelist, whose works include The Growth of the Soil (1917): Nobel prize for literature 1920

hamulus (ˈhæmjʊləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   biology a hook or hooklike process at the end of some bones or between the fore and hind wings of a bee or similar insect [C18: from Latin: a little hook, from hāmus hook]   > ˈhamular, ˈhamuˌlate, ˈhamuˌlose or ˈhamulous adj

hamza or hamzah (ˈhɑːmzɑː, -zə)   n   the sign used in Arabic to represent the glottal stop [from Arabic hamzah, literally: a compression]

Han^1 (hæn)   n   a river in E central China, rising in S Shaanxi and flowing southeast through Hubei to the Yangtze River at Wuhan. Length: about 1450 km (900 miles)

■ Han Cities   pl n   a group of three cities in E central China (Hanyang, Hankow, and Wuchang), in SE Hubei at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze Rivers; united in 1950 to form the conurbation of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province

Han^2 (hæn)   n   1 the imperial dynasty that ruled China for most of the time from 206 BC to 221 AD, expanding its territory and developing its bureaucracy   2 the Chinese people as contrasted to Mongols, Manchus, etc

hanap (ˈhænəp)   n   obsolete an ornately decorated medieval goblet or cup for drinking from

hanaper (ˈhænəpə)   n   a small wickerwork basket, often used to hold official papers [C15: from Old French hanapier, from hanap cup, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German hnapf bowl, Old English hnæp]

Hanau (German ˈhaːnau)   n   a city in central Germany, in Hesse east of Frankfurt am Main: a centre of the jewellery industry. Pop: 88 897 (2003 est)

hance (hæns)   n   a variant of haunch (sense 3)

hanch (hɑːntʃ)   n   1 a savage and greedy bite   ▷ vb   2 (of a savage or voracious person or animal) to bite or nip (at) in a savage or voracious manner

Hancock (ˈhænkɒk)   n   1  Anthony John, known as Tony. 1924–68, British comedian, noted for his radio series Hancock's Half Hour   2  John. 1737–93, American statesman; first signatory of the Declaration of Independence

hand (hænd)   n   1    a the prehensile part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers, and a palm   b the bones of this part. Related adjective: manual   2 the corresponding or similar part in animals   3 something resembling this in shape or function   4    a the cards dealt to one or all players in one round of a card game   b a player holding such cards   c one round of a card game   5 agency or influence: the hand of God   6 a part in something done: he had a hand in the victory   7 assistance: to give someone a hand with his work   8 a pointer on a dial, indicator, or gauge, esp on a clock: the minute hand   9 acceptance or pledge of partnership, as in marriage: he asked for her hand; he gave me his hand on the merger   10 a position or direction indicated by its location to the side of an object or the observer: on the right hand; on every hand   11 a contrastive aspect, condition, etc (in the phrases on the one hand, on the other hand)   12 (preceded by an ordinal number) source or origin: a story heard at third hand   13 a person, esp one who creates something: a good hand at painting   14 a labourer or manual worker: we've just taken on a new hand at the farm   15 a member of a ship's crew: all hands on deck   16 printing another name for index (sense 9)   17 a person's handwriting: the letter was in his own hand   18 a round of applause: give him a hand   19 ability or skill: a hand for woodwork   20 a manner or characteristic way of doing something: the hand of a master   21 a unit of length measurement equalling four inches, used for measuring the height of horses, usually from the front hoof to the withers   22 a cluster or bundle, esp of bananas   23 a shoulder of pork   24 one of the two possible mirror-image forms of an asymmetric object, such as the direction of the helix in a screw thread   25 a free hand freedom to do as desired   26 a hand's turn (usually used with a negative) a small amount of work: he hasn't done a hand's turn   27 a heavy hand tyranny, persecution, or oppression: he ruled with a heavy hand   28 a high hand an oppressive or dictatorial manner   29 at hand or near at hand very near or close, esp in time   30 at someone's hand or at someone's hands from: the acts of kindness received at their hands   31 by hand   a by manual rather than mechanical means   b by messenger or personally: the letter was delivered by hand   32 come to hand to become available; be received   33 force someone's hand to force someone to act   34 from hand to hand from one person to another   35 from hand to mouth   a in poverty: living from hand to mouth   b without preparation or planning   36 hand and foot in all ways possible; completely: they waited on him hand and foot   37 hand in glove in an intimate relationship or close association   38 hand in hand   a together; jointly   b clasping each other's hands   39 hand over fist steadily and quickly; with rapid progress: he makes money hand over fist   40 hold one's hand to stop or postpone a planned action or punishment   41 hold someone's hand to support, help, or guide someone, esp by giving sympathy or moral support   42 in hand   a in possession   b under control   c receiving attention or being acted on   d available for use; in reserve   e with deferred payment: he works a week in hand   43 keep one's hand in to continue or practise   44 lend a hand to help   45 on hand close by; present: I'll be on hand to help you   46 out of hand   a beyond control   b without reservation or deeper examination: he condemned him out of hand   47 set one's hand to   a to sign (a document)   b to start (a task or undertaking)   48 show one's hand to reveal one's stand, opinion, or plans   49 take in hand to discipline; control   50 throw one's hand in See throw in (sense 3)   51 to hand accessible   52 try one's hand to attempt to do something   53 (modifier)   a of or involving the hand: a hand grenade   b made to be carried in or worn on the hand: hand luggage   c operated by hand: a hand drill   54 (in combination) made by hand rather than by a machine: hand-sewn   ▷ vb (tr)   55 to transmit or offer by the hand or hands   56 to help or lead with the hand   57 nautical to furl (a sail)   58 hand it to someone to give credit to someone [Old English hand; related to Old Norse hönd, Gothic handus, Old High German hant]   > ˈhandless adj   > ˈhandˌlike adj

■ handaxe or US handax (ˈhændˌæks)   n   1 a small axe with a short handle   2 a tool from the Paleolithic era that took the form of a sharpened stone that was used for cutting

■ handbag (ˈhændˌbæɡ)   n   1 Also called: bag, (US and Canadian) purse, (chiefly US) pocketbook a woman's small bag carried to contain personal articles   2 a small suitcase that can be carried by hand   3 a commercial style of House music [(for sense 3) C20: humorous allusion to the trend for groups of women to dance round their handbags in discos, nightclubs, etc]

■ handbagging (ˈhændˌbæɡIŋ)   n   an assault with a handbag

■ handbags (ˈhændˌbæɡz)   pl n   facetious an incident in which people, esp sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm (esp in the phrases handbags at dawn, handbags at twenty paces, etc)

■ handball (ˈhændˌbɔːl)   n   1 a game in which two teams of seven players try to throw a ball into their opponent's goal   2 a game in which two or four people strike a ball against a wall or walls with the hand, usually gloved   3 the small hard rubber ball used in this game   4 soccer the offence committed when a player other than a goalkeeper in his or her own penalty area touches the ball with a hand   ▷ vb   5 Australian rules football to pass (the ball) with a blow of the fist   > ˈhandˌballer n

■ handbarrow (ˈhændˌbærəʊ)   n   a flat tray for transporting loads, usually carried by two people

■ handbasket (ˈhændˌbɑːskIt)   n   a basket designed to be carried in the hand

■ handbell (ˈhændˌbɛl)   n   a bell rung by hand, esp one of a tuned set used in musical performance

■ handbill (ˈhændˌbIl)   n   a small printed notice for distribution by hand

■ handblown (ˈhændˌbləʊn)   adj   having been formed by hand

■ handbook (ˈhændˌbʊk)   n   a reference book listing brief facts on a subject or place or directions for maintenance or repair, as of a car: a tourists' handbook

■ handbrake (ˈhændˌbreIk)   n   1 a brake operated by a hand lever   2 the lever that operates the handbrake

■ handbrake turn   n   a turn sharply reversing the direction of a vehicle by speedily applying the handbrake while turning the steering wheel

■ handbreadth (ˈhændˌbrɛtθ, -ˌbrɛdθ) or hand's-breadth   n   the width of a hand used as an indication of length

■ handcar (ˈhændkɑː)   n   US a light hand-propelled vehicle used on railway lines

■ handcart (ˈhændˌkɑːt)   n   a simple cart, usually with one or two wheels, pushed or drawn by hand

■ handclap (ˈhændˌklæp)   n   a clap of the hands, usually expressing approval

■ handclasp (ˈhændˌklɑːsp)   n   US another word for handshake

■ handcraft (ˈhændˌkrɑːft)   n   1 another word for handicraft   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to make by handicraft

■ handcrafted (ˈhændˌkrɑːftId)   adj   made by handicraft

■ handcraftsman (ˈhændˌkrɑːftsmən)   n, pl -men   a variant form of handicraftsman

■ handcuff (ˈhændˌkʌf)   vb   1 (tr) to put handcuffs on (a person); manacle   ▷ n   2 (plural) a pair of locking metal rings joined by a short bar or chain for securing prisoners, etc

■ hand-delivered   adj   (of a letter or parcel) delivered by the sender rather than a postman or courier

■ hand down   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to leave to a later period or generation; bequeath   2 to pass (an outgrown garment) on from one member of a family to a younger one   3 law to announce or deliver (a verdict)

■ hand-drier or hand-dryer   n   an electrical appliance, usually found in public toilets, that dries a person's hands through the expulsion of hot air

■ -handed   adj   1 having a hand or hands as specified: broad-handed; a four-handed game of cards   2 made as specified for either left- or right-hand operation or positioning

■ handedness (ˈhændIdnIs)   n   1 the tendency to use one hand more skilfully or in preference to the other   2 the property of some chemical substances of rotating the plane of polarized light in one direction rather than another. See also dextrorotation, laevorotation   3 the relation between the vectors of spin and momentum of neutrinos and certain other elementary particles. See also helicity

■ -hander   n   (in combination) a person who is skilful with a particular hand: a right-hander

■ handfast (ˈhændˌfɑːst) archaic   n   1 an agreement, esp of marriage, confirmed by a handshake   2 a firm grip   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to betroth or marry (two persons or another person) by joining the hands   4 to grip with the hand

■ handfasting (ˈhændˌfɑːstIŋ)   n   1 an archaic word for betrothal   2 (formerly) a kind of trial marriage marked by the formal joining of hands   3 a contemporary pagan (esp Wiccan) marriage ceremony

■ handfeed (ˈhændˌfiːd)   vb -feeds, -feeding, -fed (-ˌfɛd) (tr)   1 to feed (a person or an animal) by hand   2 agriculture to give food to (poultry or livestock) in fixed amounts and at fixed times, rather than use a self-feeding system

■ hand, foot, and mouth disease   n   a usually mild disease, mainly affecting children under seven, in which mouth ulcers develop, accompanied by blisters or rashes on the hands and feet. Caused by the Coxsackie virus A16, it has no known cure. Abbreviation: HFMD

■ handful (ˈhændfʊl)   n, pl -fuls   1 the amount or number that can be held in the hand   2 a small number or quantity   3 informal a person or thing difficult to manage or control

■ hand glass   n   1 a magnifying glass with a handle   2 a small mirror with a handle   3 a small glazed frame for seedlings or plants

■ hand grenade   n   a small metal or plastic canister containing explosives, usually activated by a short fuse and used in close combat

■ handgrip (ˈhændˌɡrIp)   n   1 another word for grip^1 (sense 2), grip^1 (sense 5), grip^1 (sense 6)   2 sport a covering, usually of towelling or rubber, that makes the handle of a racket or club easier to hold

■ handgun (ˈhændˌɡʌn)   n   a firearm that can be held, carried, and fired with one hand, such as a pistol

■ handheld (ˈhændˌhɛld)   adj   1 held in position by the hand   2 (of a film camera) held rather than mounted, as in close-up action shots   3 (of an electronic device) able to be held in the hand and not requiring connection to a fixed power source   ▷ n   4 a computer that can be held in the hand

■ handhold (ˈhændˌhəʊld)   n   1 an object, crevice, etc, that can be used as a grip or support, as in climbing   2 a grip or secure hold with the hand or hands

■ hand in   vb   (tr, adverb) to return or submit (something, such as an examination paper)

■ handism (ˈhændˌIzəm)   n   discrimination against people on the grounds of whether they are left-handed or right-handed

■ handjob (ˈhændˌdʒɒb)   n   vulgar, slang an act of masturbation, esp male masturbation

■ hand-knit   adj also hand-knitted   1 knitted by hand, not on a machine   ▷ vb -knits, -knitting, -knitted or -knit   2 to knit (garments) by hand

■ hand-list   n   a list containing some rough or brief details

■ handloom (ˈhændˌluːm)   n     a a weaving device operated by hand   b (as modifier): a handloom weaver

■ hand-loomed   adj   (of a garment) made on a handloom

■ handmade (ˌhændˈmeId)   adj   made by hand, not by machine, esp with care or craftsmanship

■ handmaiden (ˈhændˌmeIdən) or handmaid   n   1 a person or thing that serves a useful but subordinate purpose: logic is the handmaid of philosophy   2 archaic a female servant or attendant

■ hand-me-down   n informal   1    a something, esp an outgrown garment, passed down from one person to another   b (as modifier): a hand-me-down dress   2    a anything that has already been used by another   b (as modifier): hand-me-down ideas

■ hand-me-up   n informal     a something, such as an item of electronic equipment, that is passed from a younger to an older member of a family   b (as modifier): a hand-me-up computer

■ hand-off rugby   n   1 the act of warding off an opposing player with the open hand   ▷ vb hand off   2 (tr, adverb) to ward off (an opponent) using a hand-off

■ hand on   vb   (tr, adverb) to pass to the next in a succession

■ hand organ   n   another name for barrel organ

■ hand-out   n, pl hand-outs   1 clothing, food, or money given to a needy person   2 a leaflet, free sample, etc, given out to publicize something   3 a statement or other document distributed to the press or an audience to confirm, supplement, or replace an oral presentation   ▷ vb hand out (tr, adverb)   4 to distribute

■ hand over   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to surrender possession of; transfer   ▷ n handover   2 a transfer or surrender

■ hand-painted   adj   painted by a person rather than a machine

■ handpass (ˈhændˌpɑːs)   n   1 (in Australian Rules and Gaelic football) an instance of passing the ball by striking it with one hand while it is held in the other   ▷ vb   2 to make such a pass

■ handphone (ˈhændˌfəʊn)   n   the usual SE Asian English term for mobile phone

■ hand-pick   vb   (tr) to choose or select with great care, as for a special job or purpose

■ hand-picked   adj   selected with great care, as for a special job or purpose; chosen

■ hand-piece   n   Austral and NZ handheld, power-operated shears used by a shearer. See also comb (sense 3)

■ hand-play   n   the practice of fighting with fists

■ handpress (ˈhændˌprɛs)   n   a printing press that is manipulated by hand

■ handprint (ˈhændˌprInt)   n     a the mark left by the impression of a hand   b (as modifier): a handprint scanner

■ hand-printed   adj   (of numbers, letters, or designs) printed, or put on a surface, by hand rather than by machine

■ handrail (ˈhændˌreIl)   n   a rail alongside a stairway, etc, at a convenient height to be grasped to provide support

■ hand-rear   vb (tr)   (of a person) to keep and look after (a young animal or bird) in place of its mother, until it is old enough to be used for work or food, or until it can look after itself

■ hand-reared   adj   (of an animal or bird) kept and looked after by a person, rather than by its mother, when young

■ handroll (ˈhændˌrəʊl)   n   a Japanese dish consisting of a large cone of dried seaweed filled with cold rice and other ingredients, eaten with the fingers rather than chopsticks

■ hands (hændz)   pl n   1 power or keeping: your welfare is in his hands   2 Also called: handling soccer the infringement of touching the ball with any part of the hand or arm   3 change hands to pass from the possession of one person or group to another   4 clean hands freedom from guilt   5 hands down without effort; easily   6 hands off do not touch or interfere   7 hands up! raise the hands above the level of the shoulders, an order usually given by an armed robber to a victim, etc   8 have one's hands full   a to be completely occupied   b to be beset with problems   9 have one's hands tied to be wholly unable to act   10 in good hands in protective care   11 join hands See join (sense 12)   12 lay hands on or lay hands upon   a to seize or get possession of   b to beat up; assault   c to find: I just can't lay my hands on it anywhere   d Christianity to confirm or ordain by the imposition of hands   13 off one's hands for which one is no longer responsible   14 on one's hands   a for which one is responsible: I've got too much on my hands to help   b to spare: time on my hands   15 out of one's hands no longer one's responsibility   16 throw up one's hands to give up in despair   17 wash one's hands of to have nothing more to do with

■ handsaw (ˈhændˌsɔː)   n   any saw for use in one hand only

■ hand's-breadth   n   another spelling of handbreadth

■ handset (ˈhændˌsɛt)   n   a telephone mouthpiece and earpiece mounted so that they can be held simultaneously to mouth and ear

■ hand setting   n   printing text matter composed in metal type by hand, rather than by machine

■ handsewn (hændˈsəʊn)   adj   sewn by a person rather than by a machine

■ hands-free (ˈhændzˌfriː)   adj   denoting an electronic device, esp a mobile phone, which can be operated without using one's hands

■ handshake (ˈhændˌʃeIk)   n   the act of grasping and shaking a person's hand, as when being introduced or agreeing on a deal

■ handshaking (ˈhændˌʃeIkIŋ)   n   computing communication between a computer system and an external device, by which each tells the other that data is ready to be transferred, and that the receiver is ready to accept it

■ hands-off   adj   1 (of a machine, device, etc) without need of manual operation   2 denoting a policy, etc, of deliberate noninvolvement: a hands-off strategy towards industry

■ hands-on   adj   involving practical experience of equipment, etc: hands-on training in the use of computers

■ handspike (ˈhændˌspaIk)   n   a bar or length of pipe used as a lever

■ hand-spray   n   1 an attachment to a shower, sink unit, etc, that is not fixed in place but can instead be moved in order to aid washing   2 a piece of equipment for spraying water or another liquid over growing plants

■ handspring (ˈhændˌsprIŋ)   n   a gymnastic feat in which a person starts from a standing position and leaps forwards or backwards into a handstand and then onto his or her feet

■ handstaff (ˈhændˌstɑːf)   n   a small spear

■ handstamp (ˈhændˌstæmp)   n   1 an implement for stamping an impression   2 the stamp or marking made by a handstamp   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to stamp (an impression) onto something by hand

■ handstand (ˈhændˌstænd)   n   the act or instance of supporting the body on the hands alone in an upside-down position

■ hand-stitched   adj   stitched by hand rather than by a machine

■ handstroke (ˈhændˌstrəʊk)   n   bell-ringing the downward movement of the bell rope as the bell swings around allowing the ringer to grasp and pull it. Compare backstroke (sense 4)

■ handsy (ˈhændzI)   adj handsier, handsiest   informal tending to engage in excessive or unwanted physical contact

■ hand-to-hand   adj, adv   at close quarters: they fought hand-to-hand

■ hand-to-mouth   adj, adv   with barely enough money or food to satisfy immediate needs: a hand-to-mouth existence

■ handtowel (ˈhændˌtaʊəl)   n   a small piece of thick soft cloth used to dry the hands

■ hand-wash   vb (tr)   to wash by hand rather than in a washing machine

■ handwheel (ˈhændˌwiːl)   n   a wheel that is manoeuvred by hand

■ handwork (ˈhændˌwɜːk)   n   work done by hand rather than by machine   > ˈhandˌworked adj

■ hand-worker   n   a person who does handwork

■ hand-woven   adj   woven by hand rather than by machine

■ handwringer (ˈhændˌrIŋə)   n   a person who wrings the hands often as a display of worry or upset

■ hand-wringing   n   informal an extended debate over the correct course of action in a situation

■ handwrite (ˈhændraIt)   vb -writes, -writing, -wrote, -written (tr)   to write by hand rather than by typing or printing

■ handwriting (ˈhændˌraItIŋ)   n   1 writing by hand rather than by typing or printing   2 a person's characteristic writing style: that signature is in my handwriting

■ handwritten (ˈhændˌrItən)   adj   written by hand; not printed or typed

■ handwrought (ˈhændˌrɔːt)   adj   having been made or formed by hand rather than by machine

HAND text messaging   abbreviation for   have a nice day

handba' (ˈhandbɔː, -bɑː)   n Scot   another name for ba' (sense 2)

h and c   abbreviation for   hot and cold (water)

Handel (ˈhændəl)   n   George Frideric. German name Georg Friedrich Händel. 1685–1759, German composer, resident in England, noted particularly for his oratorios, including the Messiah (1741) and Samson (1743). Other works include over 40 operas, 12 concerti grossi, organ concertos, chamber and orchestral music, esp Water Music (1717)

handicap (ˈhændIˌkæp)   n   1 something that hampers or hinders   2    a a contest, esp a race, in which competitors are given advantages or disadvantages of weight, distance, time, etc, in an attempt to equalize their chances of winning   b the advantage or disadvantage prescribed   3 golf the number of strokes by which a player's averaged score exceeds the standard scratch score for the particular course: used as the basis for handicapping in competitive play   4 old-fashioned, sometimes offensive any physical or mental disability   ▷ vb -caps, -capping, -capped (tr)   5 to be a hindrance or disadvantage to   6 to assign a handicap or handicaps to   7 to organize (a contest) by handicapping   8 US and Canadian   a to attempt to forecast the winner of (a contest, esp a horse race)   b to assign odds for or against (a contestant) [C17: probably from hand in cap, a lottery game in which players drew forfeits from a cap or deposited money in it]

■ handicapped (ˈhændIˌkæpt)   adj   1 old-fashioned, sometimes offensive physically or intellectually disabled   2 psychol denoting a person whose social behaviour or emotional reactions are in some way impaired   3 (of a competitor) assigned a handicap

USAGE

The use of the word handicapped to describe people with disabilities is generally considered inappropriate. It is preferable to refer to someone as having a disability and to talk about people with disabilities

■ handicapper (ˈhændIˌkæpə)   n   1 an official appointed to assign handicaps to competitors in such sports as golf and horse racing   2 a newspaper columnist employed to estimate the chances that horses have of winning races

■ handicap register   n social welfare (formerly, in Britain)   a list of the disabled people in its area that a local authority had a duty to compile under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970

handicraft (ˈhændIˌkrɑːft)   n   1 skill or dexterity in working with the hands   2 a particular skill or art performed with the hands, such as weaving, pottery, etc   3 Also called: handcraft the work produced by such a skill or art: local handicraft is on sale [C15: changed from HANDCRAFT through the influence of HANDIWORK, which was analysed as if HANDY + WORK]   > ˈhandiˌcraftsman or ˈhandiˌcrafter n

handicuffs (ˈhændIˌkʌfs)   pl n   another word for fisticuffs

handiwork (ˈhændIˌwɜːk)   n   1 work performed or produced by hand, such as embroidery or pottery   2 the result of the action or endeavours of a person or thing [Old English handgeweorc, from HAND + geweorc, from ge- (collective prefix) + weorc WORK]

handjar (ˈhændˌdʒɑː)   n   a knife or dagger from Persia or Turkey

handkercher (ˈhæŋkətʃə)   n   a nonstandard word for handkerchief

handkerchief (ˈhæŋkətʃIf, -tʃiːf)   n   a small square of soft absorbent material, such as linen, silk, or soft paper, carried and used to wipe the nose, etc

handlanger (ˈhændˌlæŋə)   n South African   1 an unskilled assistant to a tradesman   2 informal a friend; sidekick [from Dutch]

handle (ˈhændəl)   n   1 the part of a utensil, drawer, etc, designed to be held in order to move, use, or pick up the object   2 NZ a glass beer mug with a handle   3 slang a person's name or title   4 a CB radio slang name for call sign   5 an opportunity, reason, or excuse for doing something: his background served as a handle for their mockery   6 the quality, as of textiles, perceived by touching or feeling   7 the total amount of a bet on a horse race or similar event   8 fly off the handle informal to become suddenly extremely angry   ▷ vb (mainly tr)   9 to pick up and hold, move, or touch with the hands   10 to operate or employ using the hands: the boy handled the reins well   11 to have power or control over: my wife handles my investments   12 to manage successfully: a secretary must be able to handle clients   13 to discuss (a theme, subject, etc)   14 to deal with or treat in a specified way: I was handled with great tact   15 to trade or deal in (specified merchandise)   16 (intr) to react or respond in a specified way to operation or control: the car handles well on bends [Old English; related to Old Saxon handlon (vb), Old High German hantilla towel]   > ˈhandleable adj   > ˈhandled adj   > ˈhandleless adj

■ handlebar moustache (ˈhændəlˌbɑː)   n   a bushy extended moustache with curled ends that resembles handlebars

■ handlebars (ˈhændəlˌbɑːz)   pl n   (sometimes singular) a metal tube having its ends curved to form handles, used for steering a bicycle, motorcycle, etc

■ handler (ˈhændlə)   n   1 a person, esp a police officer, in charge of a specially trained dog   2 a person who handles some specified thing: a baggage handler   3 a person who holds or incites a dog, gamecock, etc, esp in a race or contest   4 the trainer or second of a boxer

■ handling (ˈhændlIŋ)   n   1 the act or an instance of picking up, turning over, or touching something   2 treatment, as of a theme in literature   3    a the process by which a commodity is packaged, transported, etc   b (as modifier): handling charges   4 law the act of receiving property that one knows or believes to be stolen

Handler (ˈhændlə)   n   Daniel. born 1970, US writer for older children, best known for the macabre humour of his A Series of Unfortunate Events, a sequence of books written in the persona of Lemony Snicket

Handley Page   n   Sir Frederick See (Sir Frederick Handley) Page (sense 2)

Hands (hænz)   n   Terence David, known as Terry. born 1941, British theatre director: chief executive and artistic director (1986–91) of the Royal Shakespeare Company

handsel or hansel (ˈhænsəl) archaic or dialect   n   1 a gift for good luck at the beginning of a new year, new venture, etc   ▷ vb -sels, -selling, -selled or US -sels, -seling, -seled (tr)   2 to give a handsel to (a person)   3 to begin (a venture) with ceremony; inaugurate [Old English handselen delivery into the hand; related to Old Norse handsal promise sealed with a handshake, Swedish handsöl gratuity; see HAND, SELL]

handsome (ˈhændsəm)   adj   1 (of a man) good-looking, esp in having regular, pleasing, and well-defined features   2 (of a woman) fine-looking in a dignified way   3 well-proportioned, stately, or comely: a handsome room   4 liberal or ample: a handsome allowance   5 gracious or generous: a handsome action   6 Southwest English pleasant: handsome weather   ▷ n   7 Southwest English a term of endearment for a beloved person, esp in my handsome [C15: handsom easily handled; compare Dutch handzaam; see HAND, -SOME^1]   > ˈhandsomely adv   > ˈhandsomeness n

handsturn (ˈhændzˌtɜːn)   n   an amount of work or the period of time spent doing a piece of work

handy (ˈhændI)   adj handier, handiest   1 conveniently or easily within reach   2 easy to manoeuvre, handle, or use: a handy tool   3 skilful with one's hands   > ˈhandiness n

■ handily (ˈhændIlI)   adv   1 in a handy way or manner   2 conveniently or suitably: handily nearby   3 US and Canadian easily: the horse won handily

■ handyman (ˈhændIˌmæn)   n, pl -men   1 a man employed to do various tasks   2 a man skilled in odd jobs, etc

■ handy-pack   n   marketing a pack of a product that is useful or convenient in some way, because, for example, it is easy to transport, or because it contains a variety of flavours, colours, etc

■ handyperson (ˈhændIˌpɜːsən)   n   another word for handyman

Handy (ˈhændI)   n   W(illiam) C(hristopher). 1873–1958, US blues musician and songwriter, esp noted for the song "St Louis Blues"

Hanepoot (ˈhɑːnəˌpʊət) or haanepoot (ˈhɑːnəˌpuːt)   n   South African a variety of muscat grape used as a dessert fruit and in making wine [from Afrikaans hane cock + poot claw]

Han Fei Zu (ˈhæn ˈfeI ˈtʃuː)   n   died 233 BC, Chinese diplomat and philosopher of law

hang (hæŋ)   vb hangs, hanging, hung (hʌŋ)   1 to fasten or be fastened from above, esp by a cord, chain, etc; suspend: the picture hung on the wall; to hang laundry   2 to place or be placed in position as by a hinge so as to allow free movement around or at the place of suspension: to hang a door   3 (intr; sometimes foll by over) to be suspended or poised; hover: a pall of smoke hung over the city   4 (intr; sometimes foll by over) to be imminent; threaten   5 (intr) to be or remain doubtful or unresolved (esp in the phrase hang in the balance)   6 (past tense and past participle hanged) to suspend or be suspended by the neck until dead   7 (tr) to fasten, fix, or attach in position or at an appropriate angle: to hang a scythe to its handle   8 (tr) to decorate, furnish, or cover with something suspended or fastened: to hang a wall with tapestry   9 (tr) to fasten to or suspend from a wall: to hang wallpaper   10 to exhibit (a picture or pictures) by (a particular painter, printmaker, etc) or (of a picture or a painter, etc) to be exhibited in an art gallery, etc   11 to fall or droop or allow to fall or droop: to hang one's head in shame   12 (of cloth, clothing, etc) to drape, fall, or flow, esp in a specified manner: her skirt hangs well   13 (tr) to suspend (game such as pheasant) so that it becomes slightly decomposed and therefore more tender and tasty   14 (of a jury) to prevent or be prevented from reaching a verdict   15 (past tense and past participle hanged) slang to damn or be damned: used in mild curses or interjections: I'll be hanged before I'll go out in that storm   16 (intr) to pass slowly (esp in the phrase time hangs heavily)   17 hang fire   a to be delayed   b to procrastinate. See also fire (sense 16)   18 hang tough See tough (sense 10)   ▷ n   19 the way in which something hangs   20 (usually used with a negative) slang a damn: I don't care a hang for what you say   21 get the hang of informal   a to understand the technique of doing something   b to perceive the meaning or significance of [Old English hangian; related to Old Norse hanga, Old High German hangēn]

■ hangability (ˌhæŋəˈbIlItI)   n   the ability to be hanged

■ hangable (ˈhæŋəbəl)   adj   1 having a suitability for hanging or a capability to be hanged   2 having a penalty of hanging

■ hang about or hang around   vb (intr)   1 to waste time; loiter   2 (adverb; foll by with) to frequent the company (of someone)   ▷ interj   3 wait a moment! stop!

■ hang back   vb   (intr, adverb; often foll by from) to be reluctant to go forward or carry on (with some activity)

■ hang behind   vb   (intr, adverb) to remain in a place after others have left; linger

■ hangbird (ˈhæŋˌbɜːd)   n   US and Canadian any bird, esp the Baltimore oriole, that builds a hanging nest

■ hangdog (ˈhæŋˌdɒɡ)   adj   1 downcast, furtive, or guilty in appearance or manner   ▷ n   2 a furtive or sneaky person

■ hanger (ˈhæŋə)   n   1    a any support, such as a hook, strap, peg, or loop, on or by which something may be hung   b See coat hanger   2    a a person who hangs something   b (in combination): paperhanger   3 a bracket designed to attach one part of a mechanical structure to another, such as the one that attaches the spring shackle of a motor car to the chassis   4 a wood on a steep hillside, characteristically beech growing on chalk in southern England   5    a a loop or strap on a sword belt from which a short sword or dagger was hung   b the weapon itself

■ hanger-on   n, pl hangers-on   a sycophantic follower or dependant, esp one hoping for personal gain

■ hangfire (ˈhæŋˌfaIə)   n   the delay of a gun firing or explosives detonating

■ hang-glider   n   an unpowered aircraft consisting of a large cloth wing stretched over a light framework from which the pilot hangs in a harness, using a horizontal bar to control the flight   > ˈhang-gliding n

■ hang in   vb   (intr, preposition) informal to persist: just hang in there for a bit longer

■ hangman (ˈhæŋmən)   n, pl -men   an official who carries out a sentence of hanging on condemned criminals

■ hangnail (ˈhæŋˌneIl)   n   a piece of skin torn away from, but still attached to, the base or side of a fingernail [C17: from Old English angnægl, from enge tight + nægl NAIL; influenced by HANG]

■ hang on   vb (intr)   1 (adverb) to continue or persist in an activity, esp with effort or difficulty: hang on at your present job until you can get another   2 (adverb) to cling, grasp, or hold: she hangs on to her mother's arm   3 (preposition) to be conditioned or contingent on; depend on: everything hangs on this business deal   4 Also: hang onto, hang upon (preposition) to listen attentively to: she hung on his every word   5 (adverb) informal to wait or remain: hang on for a few minutes

■ hang out   vb (adverb)   1 to suspend, be suspended, or lean, esp from an opening, as for display or airing: to hang out the washing   2 (intr) informal to live at or frequent a place: the police know where the thieves hang out   3 (intr; foll by with) informal to frequent the company (of someone)   4 slang to relax completely in an unassuming way (esp in the phrase let it all hang out)   5 (intr) US informal to act or speak freely, in an open, cooperative, or indiscreet manner   ▷ n hang-out   6 informal a place where one lives or that one frequently visits

■ hangover (ˈhæŋˌəʊvə)   n   1 the delayed aftereffects of drinking too much alcohol in a relatively short period of time, characterized by headache and sometimes nausea and dizziness   2 a person or thing left over from or influenced by a past age

■ hangtag (ˈhæŋˌtæɡ)   n   a label attached to an article that is for sale giving information regarding aftercare and details of its content

■ hang time   n   informal the amount of time that a person or object is able to remain in the air

■ hang together   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to be cohesive or united   2 to be consistent: your statements don't quite hang together

■ hang up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to put on a hook, hanger, etc: please hang up your coat   2 to replace (a telephone receiver) on its cradle at the end of a conversation, often breaking a conversation off abruptly   3 (tr; usually passive; usually foll by on) informal to cause to have an emotional or psychological preoccupation or problem: he's really hung up on his mother   ▷ n hang-up informal   4 an emotional or psychological preoccupation or problem   5 a persistent cause of annoyance

■ hang with   vb   (intr, preposition) US informal to frequent the company of (someone)

hangar (ˈhæŋə)   n   a large workshop or building for storing and maintaining aircraft [C19: from French: shed, perhaps from Medieval Latin angārium shed used as a smithy, of obscure origin]

Hangchow   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Hangzhou

hangi (ˈhʌŋiː)   n NZ   1 Also: Māori oven, umu an open-air cooking pit   2 the food cooked in it   3 the social gathering at the resultant meal [Māori]

hanging (ˈhæŋIŋ)   n   1    a the putting of a person to death by suspending the body by the neck from a noose   b (as modifier): a hanging offence   2 (often plural) a decorative textile such as a tapestry or drapery hung on a wall or over a window   3 the act of a person or thing that hangs   ▷ adj   4 not supported from below; suspended   5 undecided; still under discussion   6 inclining or projecting downwards; overhanging   7 situated on a steep slope or in a high place   8 (prenominal) given to issuing harsh sentences, esp death sentences: a hanging judge   9 Northern English informal unpleasant   10 chess See hanging pawn

■ hanging glacier   n   a glacier situated on a shelf above a valley or another glacier; it may be joined to the lower level by an icefall or separate from it

■ hanging indentation   n   printing a style of text-setting in which the first line of a paragraph is set to the full measure and subsequent lines are indented at the left-hand side

■ hanging pawn   n   chess one of two or more adjacent pawns on central half-open files with no pawns of the same colour on the files immediately to left and right of them

■ hanging valley   n   geography a tributary valley entering a main valley at a much higher level because of overdeepening of the main valley, esp by glacial erosion

■ hanging wall   n   the rocks on the upper side of an inclined fault plane or mineral vein. Compare footwall

Hanging Gardens of Babylon   n   (in ancient Babylon) gardens, probably planted on terraces of a ziggurat: one of the Seven Wonders of the World

hangry (ˈhæŋɡrI)   adj -grier, -griest   jocular irritable as a result of feeling hungry [blend of HUNGRY and ANGRY]

Hang Seng Index (hæŋ sɛŋ)   n   an index of share prices based on an average of 33 stocks quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [name of a Hong Kong bank]

Hanguk (ˈhænˈɡʊk)   n   the Korean name for South Korea

hangul (ˈhɑːŋɡuːl)   n   the alphabetic scheme that is used in Korea

Hangzhou (ˈhæŋˈdʒəʊ) or Hangchow   n   a port in E China, capital of Zhejiang province, on Hangzhou Bay (an inlet of the East China Sea), at the foot of the Eye of Heaven Mountains: regarded by Marco Polo as the finest city in the world; seat of two universities (1927, 1959). Pop: 1 955 000 (2005 est)

Hania (ˈhɑːnIə)   n   a variant spelling of Chania

haniwa (ˈhɑːnIˌwɑː)   n, pl -wa or -was   (in Japan) an empty statue made of clay, put on a tomb as a funeral offering [Japanese: clay ring]

hank (hæŋk)   n   1 a loop, coil, or skein, as of rope, wool, or yarn   2 nautical a ringlike fitting that can be opened to admit a stay for attaching the luff of a sail   3 a unit of measurement of cloth, yarn, etc, such as a length of 840 yards (767 m) of cotton or 560 yards (512 m) of worsted yarn   ▷ vb   4 (tr) nautical to attach (a sail) to a stay by hanks [C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse hanka to coil, Swedish hank string]

hanker (ˈhæŋkə)   vb   (foll by for, after, or an infinitive) to have a yearning (for something or to do something) [C17: probably from Dutch dialect hankeren]   > ˈhankerer n   > ˈhankering n

Hankow or Han-k'ou (ˈhænˈkaʊ)   n   a former city in SE China, in SE Hubei at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze Rivers: one of the Han Cities; merged with Hanyang and Wuchang in 1950 to form the conurbation of Wuhan

Hanks (hæŋks)   n   Tom. born 1956, US film actor: his films include Splash (1984), Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and The Terminal (2004)

hanky or hankie (ˈhæŋkI)   n, pl hankies   informal short for handkerchief

hanky-panky (ˈhæŋkIˈpæŋkI)   n informal   1 dubious or suspicious behaviour   2 foolish behaviour or talk   3 illicit sexual relations [C19: variant of HOCUS-POCUS]

Hanna (ˈhænə)   n   William. 1910–2001, US animator and film producer who with Joseph Barbera (1911–2006) created the cartoon characters Tom and Jerry in the 1940s; the Hanna–Barbera company later produced numerous cartoon series for television.

Hannah (ˈhænə)   n   Old Testament the woman who gave birth to Samuel (I Samuel 1–2)

Hannibal (ˈhænIbəl)   n   247–182 BC, Carthaginian general; son of Hamilcar Barca. He commanded the Carthaginian army in the Second Punic War (218–201). After capturing Sagunto in Spain, he invaded Italy (218), crossing the Alps with an army of about 40 000 men and defeating the Romans at Trasimene (217) and Cannae (216). In 203 he was recalled to defend Carthage and was defeated by Scipio at Zama (202). He was later forced into exile and committed suicide to avoid capture

Hannover (German haˈnoːfər)   n   a city in N Germany, capital of Lower Saxony: capital of the kingdom of Hannover (1815–66); situated on the Mittelland canal. Pop: 516 160 (2003 est). English spelling: Hanover

Hanoi (hæˈnɔI)   n   the capital of Vietnam, on the Red River: became capital of Tonkin in 1802, of French Indochina in 1887, of Vietnam in 1945, and of North Vietnam (1954–75); university (1917); industrial centre. Pop: 3 629 493 (2015 est)

Hanover^1 (ˈhænəʊvə)   n   the English spelling of Hannover

■ Hanoverian (ˌhænəˈvIərIən)   adj   of, relating to, or situated in Hannover

Hanover^2 (ˈhænəʊvə)   n   1 a princely house of Germany (1692–1815), the head of which succeeded to the British throne as George I in 1714   2 the royal house of Britain (1714–1901)

■ Hanoverian (ˌhænəˈvIərIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the princely house of Hanover or to the monarchs of England or their reigns from 1714 to 1901   ▷ n   2 a member or supporter of the house of Hanover

Hanratty (hænˈrætI)   n   James. 1936–62, Englishman executed, despite conflicting evidence, for a murder on the A6 road. Subsequent public concern played a major part in the abolition of capital punishment in Britain. New DNA evidence led to an appeal by Hanratty's supporters being dismissed in 2002

Hansard (ˈhænsɑːd)   n   1 the official report of the proceedings of the British Parliament   2 a similar report kept by other legislative bodies [C19: named after T.C. Hansard (1752–1828) and his son, who compiled the reports until 1889]

Hanse (hæns) or Hansa (ˈhænsə, -zə)   n   1 a medieval guild of merchants   2 a fee paid by the new members of a medieval trading guild   3    a another name for the Hanseatic League   b (as modifier): a Hanse town [C12: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German hansa, Old English hōs troop]

■ Hanseatic (ˌhænsIˈætIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the Hanseatic League   ▷ n   2 a member of the Hanseatic League

■ Hanseatic League   n   a commercial association of towns in N Germany formed in the mid-14th century to protect and control trade. It was at its most powerful in the 15th century. Also called: Hansa, Hanse

hansel (ˈhænsəl)   n, vb   a variant spelling of handsel

Hansen's disease (ˈhænsənz)   n   pathol another name for leprosy [C20: named after G. H. Hansen (1841–1912), Norwegian physician]

hansom (ˈhænsəm)   n   (sometimes capital) a two-wheeled one-horse carriage with a fixed hood. The driver sits on a high outside seat at the rear. Also called: hansom cab [C19: short for hansom cab, named after its designer J. A. Hansom (1803–82)]

hantavirus (ˈhæntəˌvaIrəs)   n   any one of a group of viruses that are transmitted to humans by rodents and cause disease of varying severity, ranging from a mild form of influenza to respiratory or kidney failure [C20: from Hanta(an), river in North and South Korea where the disease was first reported + VIRUS]

hantle (ˈhæntəl, ˈhɑːntəl)   n   Scot a sizeable amount

Hants (hænts)   abbreviation for   Hampshire

hanukiah or chanukiah (ˈhɑːnukIə, ˈhɑːnəkiːə; Hebrew xanuˈkiːa)   n   a candelabrum having nine branches that is lit during the festival of Hanukkah [from Hebrew]

Hanukkah, Hanukah or Chanukah (ˈhɑːnəkə, -nʊˌkɑː; Hebrew xanuˈka)   n   the eight-day Jewish festival of lights beginning on the 25th of Kislev and commemorating the rededication of the temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 BC. Also called: Feast of Dedication, Feast of Lights [from Hebrew, literally: a dedication]

Hanuman (ˌhʌnʊˈmɑːn)   n   1 (sometimes not capital) another word for entellus   2 the monkey chief of Hindu mythology and devoted helper of Rama [from Hindi Hanumān, from Sanskrit hanumant having (conspicuous) jaws, from hanu jaw]

Hanyang or Han-yang (ˈhænˈjæŋ)   n   a former city in SE China, in SE Hubei at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze Rivers: one of the Han Cities; merged with Hankow and Wuchang in 1950 to form the conurbation of Wuhan

hào (haʊ)   n   a monetary unit of Vietnam, worth one tenth of a dông

haole (ˈhaʊlI) (in Hawaii)   n   1 a person of European extraction, esp one who is White   ▷ adj   2 relating to a person of European extraction

haoma (ˈhəʊmə)   n   another name for hom

hap^1 (hæp)   n archaic   1 luck; chance   2 an occurrence   ▷ vb haps, happing, happed   3 (intr) an archaic word for happen [C13: from Old Norse happ good luck; related to Old English gehæplic convenient, Old Slavonic kobǔ fate]

hap^2 (hæp) Scot, Eastern Brit and Ulster dialect   vb (tr)   1 to cover up; wrap up warmly   ▷ n   2 a covering of any kind [C14: perhaps of Norse origin]

hapax (ˈhæpæks)   n   a word that only appears once in a work of or genus of literature or in a body of work by a particular author

■ hapax legomenon (ˈhæpæks ləˈɡɒmIˌnɒn)   n, pl hapax legomena (ləˈɡɒmInə)   another term for nonce word [Greek: thing said only once]

hapaxanthic (ˌhæpəˈzænθIk) or hapaxanthous (ˌhæpəˈzænθəs)   adj   botany another word for semelparous [from Greek: fruiting only once]

ha'penny (ˈheIpnI)   n, pl -nies   Brit a variant spelling of halfpenny

haphazard (hæpˈhæzəd)   adv, adj   1 at random   ▷ adj   2 careless; slipshod   ▷ n   3 rare chance   > hapˈhazardly adv   > hapˈhazardness n

■ haphazardry (hæpˈhæzədrI)   n   1 (pl -ries) a collection or series of haphazard reflections or matters   2 another word for haphazardness

Haphtarah (hɑːfˈtəʊrə; Hebrew haftaˈraː)   n, pl -taroth (-ˈtəʊrəʊt; Hebrew -taˈroːt) or -tarahs   a variant spelling of Haftarah

hapkido (ˌhɑːpˈkiːdəʊ)   n     a a Korean martial art   b (as modifier): a hapkido master

hapl-   prefix (before a vowel)   a variant form of haplo-

hapless (ˈhæplIs)   adj   unfortunate; wretched   > ˈhaplessly adv   > ˈhaplessness n

haplite (ˈhæplaIt)   n   a variant of aplite   > haplitic (hæpˈlItIk) adj

haplo- or before a vowel hapl-   combining form   single or simple: haplology; haplosis [from Greek haplous simple]

haplobiont (ˌhæpləʊˈbaIɒnt)   n   biology an organism, esp a plant, that exists in either the diploid form or the haploid form (but never alternates between these forms) during its life cycle   > ˌhaplobiˈontic adj

haplography (hæpˈlɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   the accidental writing of only one letter or syllable where there should be two similar letters or syllables, as in spelling endodontics as endontics [C19: from Greek, from haplous single + -GRAPHY]

haploid (ˈhæplɔId) biology   adj also haploidic   1 (esp of gametes) having a single set of unpaired chromosomes   ▷ n   2 a haploid cell or organism   ▶ Compare diploid [C20: from Greek haploeidēs single, from haplous single]   > ˈhaploidy n

haplology (hæpˈlɒlədʒI)   n   omission of a repeated occurrence of a sound or syllable in fluent speech, as for example in the pronunciation of library as (ˈlaIbrI)   > haplologic (ˌhæpləˈlɒdʒIk) adj

haplont (ˈhæplɒnt)   n   biology an organism, esp a plant, that has the haploid number of chromosomes in its somatic cells   > haˈplontic adj

haplopia (hæpˈləʊpIə)   n   ophthalmol the condition of usual single vision

haplosis (hæpˈləʊsIs)   n   biology the production of a haploid number of chromosomes during meiosis

haplostemonous (ˈhæpləʊˈstiːmənəs, -ˈstɛm-)   adj   (of plants) having the stamens arranged in a single whorl [C19: from New Latin, from HAPLO- + -stemonus relating to a STAMEN]

haplotype (ˈhæpləʊˌtaIp)   n   a set of alleles inherited by an individual from a single parent

haply (ˈhæplI)   adv   (sentence modifier) an archaic word for perhaps

ha'p'orth (ˈheIpəθ)   n Brit   1 a variant spelling of halfpennyworth   2 informal a person considered as specified: daft ha'p'orth

happen (ˈhæpən)   vb   1 (intr) (of an event in time) to come about or take place; occur   2 (intr; foll by to) (of some unforeseen circumstance or event, esp death), to fall to the lot (of); be a source of good or bad fortune (to): if anything happens to me, it'll be your fault   3 (tr) to chance (to be or do something): I happen to know him   4 (tr; takes a clause as object) to be the case, esp if by chance, that: it happens that I know him   ▷ adv, sentence substitute   5 Northern English dialect   a another word for perhaps   b (as sentence modifier): happen I'll see thee tomorrow [C14: see HAP^1, -EN^1]

USAGE

See at occur

■ happen by, happen past, happen along or happen in   vb   (intr, adverb) informal, chiefly US to appear, arrive, or come casually or by chance

■ happenchance (ˈhæpənˌtʃɑːns)   n   a fluke or a coincidental event

■ happening (ˈhæpənIŋ, ˈhæpnIŋ)   n   1 an occurrence; event   2 an improvised or spontaneous display or performance consisting of bizarre and haphazard events   ▷ adj   3 informal fashionable and up-to-the-minute

■ happen on or happen upon   vb   (intr, preposition) to find by chance: I happened upon a five-pound note lying in the street

■ happenstance (ˈhæpənˌstæns)   n   1 chance   2 a chance occurrence

happoshu (ˈhæpəʊˌʃuː)   n   a Japanese drink, similar to beer [C21: Japanese, literally: fizzy alcohol]

happy (ˈhæpI)   adj -pier, -piest   1 feeling, showing, or expressing joy; pleased   2 willing: I'd be happy to show you around   3 causing joy or gladness   4 fortunate; lucky: the happy position of not having to work   5 aptly expressed; appropriate: a happy turn of phrase   6 (postpositive) informal slightly intoxicated   ▷ interj   7 (in combination): happy birthday; happy Christmas   ▶ See also trigger-happy [C14: see HAP^1, -Y^1]   > ˈhappily adv   > ˈhappiness n

■ happy camper   n   informal a happy, satisfied person (esp in the phrase not a happy camper)

■ happy-clappy (ˈhæpIˈklæpI) derogatory   adj   1 of or denoting a form of evangelical Christianity in which members of the congregation sing and clap enthusiastically during acts of worship   ▷ n, pl -pies   2 Also called: happy clapper an enthusiastic evangelical Christian

■ happy event   n   informal the birth of a child

■ happy family or happy family bird   n Austral   1 another name for grey-crowned babbler   2 another name for apostle bird

■ happy-go-lucky   adj   carefree or easy-going

■ happy hour   n   a time, usually in the early evening, when some pubs or bars sell drinks at reduced prices

■ happy hunting ground   n   1 (in Native American legend) the paradise to which a person passes after death   2 a productive or profitable area for a person with a particular interest or requirement: jumble sales proved happy hunting grounds in her search for old stone jars

■ Happy Jack   n   Austral another name for grey-crowned babbler

■ happy medium   n   a course or state that avoids extremes

■ happy release   n   liberation, esp by death, from an unpleasant condition

■ happy slapping   n   Brit informal the practice of attacking, esp slapping, an unsuspecting passer-by and filming it with a mobile camera phone, footage of which is then circulated for the amusement of others [C21]

-happy   adj combining form   denoting excessive enthusiasm for or devotion to: gun-happy

Hapsburg (ˈhæpsˌbɜːɡ)   n   a German princely family founded by Albert, count of Hapsburg (1153). From 1440 to 1806, the Hapsburgs wore the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire almost uninterruptedly. They also provided rulers for Austria, Spain, Hungary, Bohemia, etc. The line continued as the royal house of Hapsburg-Lorraine, ruling in Austria (1806–48) and Austria-Hungary (1848–1918). German name: Habsburg

hapten (ˈhæptən) or haptene (ˈhæptiːn)   n   immunol an incomplete antigen that can stimulate antibody production only when it is chemically combined with a particular protein [C20: from German, from Greek haptein to fasten]

■ haptenic (hæpˈtɛnIk)   adj   immunol relating to a hapten

hapteron (ˈhæptərɒn)   n   a cell or group of cells that occurs in certain plants, esp seaweeds, and attaches the plant to its substratum; holdfast [C20: from Greek haptein to make fast]

haptic (ˈhæptIk)   adj   relating to or based on the sense of touch [C19: from Greek, from haptein to touch]

■ haptics (ˈhæptIks)   n   the scientific study of the sense of touch

haptoglobin (ˌhæptəˈɡləʊbIn)   n     a a protein that is present in blood plasma and can join with free haemoglobin   b (as modifier): haptoglobin genes

haptotropism (ˌhæptəʊˈtrəʊpIzəm)   n   another name for thigmotropism

■ haptotropic (ˌhæptəˈtrɒpIk)   adj   botany relating to haptotropism

hapu (ˈhɑːpuː)   n   NZ a subtribe [Māori]

hapuka or hapuku (həˈpuːkə, ˈhɑːpʊkə)   n   NZ another name for groper [Māori]

harakeke (hɑːrəˈkiːkiː)   n   NZ another name for flax (sense 4) [Māori]

hara-kiri (ˌhærəˈkIrI) or hari-kari (ˌhærIˈkɑːrI)   n   (formerly, in Japan) ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword when disgraced or under sentence of death. Also called: seppuku [C19: from Japanese taboo slang, from hara belly + kiri cutting]

Harald I (ˈhærəld)   n   called Harald Fairhair. ?850–933, first king of Norway: his rule caused emigration to the British Isles

Harald III   n   surname Hardraade. 1015–66, king of Norway (1047–66); invaded England (1066) and died at the battle of Stamford Bridge

haram (ˈhɑːˌrɑːm)   n   anything that is forbidden by Islamic law [from Arabic, literally: forbidden]

harambee (ˌhɑːrɑːmˈbeI)   n   1 a work chant used on the E African coast   2 a rallying cry used in Kenya   ▷ interj   3 a cry of harambee [Swahili: pull together]

haramzada (ˌhʌrəmˈzɑːdə) or haramda (hʌˈrɑːmdə)   n Indian slang   1 a male born of unmarried parents   2 an obnoxious or despicable male [from Urdu haraam forbidden]

haramzadi (ˌhʌrəmˈzɑːdiː) or haramdi (hʌˈrɑːmdiː)   n Indian slang   1 a female child of unmarried parents   2 an obnoxious or despicable woman

harangue (həˈræŋ)   vb   1 to address (a person or crowd) in an angry, vehement, or forcefully persuasive way   ▷ n   2 a loud, forceful, or angry speech [C15: from Old French, from Old Italian aringa public speech, probably of Germanic origin; related to Medieval Latin harenga; see HARRY, RING^1]   > haˈranguer n

Harappa (həˈræpə)   n   an ancient city in the Punjab in NW Pakistan: one of the centres of the Indus civilization that flourished from 2500 to 1700 BC; probably destroyed by Indo-European invaders

■ Harappan (həˈræpən)   adj   1 of or relating to Harappa (an ancient city in the Punjab) or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Harappa

Harar or Harrer (ˈhɑːrə)   n   a city in E Ethiopia: former capital of the Muslim state of Adal. Pop: 96 000 (2005 est)

Harare (həˈrɑːrI)   n   the capital of Zimbabwe, in the northeast: University of Zimbabwe (1957); industrial and commercial centre. Pop: 1 501 363 (2015 est). Former name (until 1982): Salisbury

harass (ˈhærəs, həˈræs)   vb   (tr) to trouble, torment, or confuse by continual persistent attacks, questions, etc [C17: from French harasser, variant of Old French harer to set a dog on, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German harēn to cry out]   > ˈharassed adj   > ˈharassedly adv   > haˈrasser n   > ˈharassing adj, n   > haˈrassingly adv   > ˈharassment n

Harbin (hɑːˈbiːn, -ˈbIn)   n   a city in NE China, capital of Heilongjiang province on the Songhua River: founded by the Russians in 1897; centre of tsarist activities after the October Revolution in Russia (1917). Pop: 2 989 000 (2005 est). Also called: Ha-erh-pin

harbinger (ˈhɑːbIndʒə)   n   1 a person or thing that announces or indicates the approach of something; forerunner   2 obsolete a person sent in advance of a royal party or army to obtain lodgings for them   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to announce the approach or arrival of [C12: from Old French herbergere, from herberge lodging, from Old Saxon heriberga; compare Old High German heriberga army shelter; see HARRY, BOROUGH]

harbour or US harbor (ˈhɑːbə)   n   1 a sheltered port   2 a place of refuge or safety   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to give shelter to: to harbour a criminal   4 (tr) to maintain secretly: to harbour a grudge   5 to shelter (a vessel) in a harbour or (of a vessel) to seek shelter [Old English herebeorg, from here troop, army + beorg shelter; related to Old High German heriberga hostelry, Old Norse herbergi]   > ˈharbourer or US ˈharborer n   > ˈharbourless or US ˈharborless adj

■ harborous (ˈhɑːbərəs)   adj   welcoming and offering hospitality

■ harbourage or US harborage (ˈhɑːbərIdʒ)   n   shelter or refuge, as for a ship, or a place providing shelter

■ harbourful or US harborful (ˈhɑːbərfʊl)   n   the amount that a harbour can hold

■ harbour master or US harbormaster (ˈhɑːbərˌmɑːstə)   n   an official in charge of a harbour

■ harbour seal   n   a common earless seal, Phoca vitulina, that is greyish-black with paler markings: found off the coasts of North America, N Europe, and NE Asia

■ harbourside or US harborside (ˈhɑːbəˌsaId)   n   1 the land that is situated next to a harbour   ▷ adj   2 having a position that is next to a harbour

hard (hɑːd)   adj   1 firm or rigid; not easily dented, crushed, or pierced   2 toughened by or as if by physical labour; not soft or smooth: hard hands   3 difficult to do or accomplish; arduous: a hard task   4 difficult to understand or perceive: a hard question   5 showing or requiring considerable physical or mental energy, effort, or application: hard work; a hard drinker   6 stern, cold, or intractable: a hard judge   7 exacting; demanding: a hard master   8 harsh; cruel: a hard fate   9 inflicting pain, sorrow, distress, or hardship: hard times   10 tough or adamant: a hard man   11 forceful or violent: a hard knock   12 cool or uncompromising: we took a long hard look at our profit factor   13 indisputable; real: hard facts   14 chem (of water) impairing the formation of a lather by soap. See hardness (sense 3)   15 practical, shrewd, or calculating: he is a hard man in business   16 too harsh to be pleasant: hard light   17    a (of cash, money, etc) in coin and paper rather than cheques   b (of currency) in strong demand, esp as a result of a good balance of payments situation   c (of credit) difficult to obtain; tight   18 (of alcoholic drink) being a spirit rather than a wine, beer, etc: the hard stuff   19 (of a drug such as heroin, morphine, or cocaine) highly addictive. Compare soft (sense 20)   20 physics (of radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays) having high energy and the ability to penetrate solids   21 physics (of a vacuum) almost complete   22 chiefly US (of goods) durable   23 short for hard-core. See hard core (sense 3), hard core (sense 4)   24 (of news coverage) concentrating on serious stories   25 phonetics   a an older word for fortis   b (not in modern technical usage) denoting the consonants c and g in English when they are pronounced as velar stops (k, g)   c (of consonants in the Slavonic languages) not palatalized   26    a being heavily fortified and protected   b (of nuclear missiles) located underground in massively reinforced silos   27 politically extreme: the hard left   28 Brit and NZ informal incorrigible or disreputable (esp in the phrase a hard case)   29 (of bread, etc) stale and old   30 a hard nut to crack   a a person not easily persuaded or won over   b a thing not easily understood   31 hard by near; close by   32 hard doer NZ a tough worker at anything   33 hard done by unfairly or badly treated   34 hard up informal   a in need of money; poor   b (foll by for) in great need (of): hard up for suggestions   35 put the hard word on Austral and NZ informal to ask or demand something from   ▷ adv   36 with great energy, force, or vigour: the team always played hard   37 as far as possible; all the way: hard left   38 with application; earnestly or intently: she thought hard about the formula   39 with great intensity, force, or violence: his son's death hit him hard   40 (foll by on, upon, by, or after) close; near: hard on his heels   41 (foll by at) assiduously; devotedly   42    a with effort or difficulty: their victory was hard won   b (in combination): hard-earned   43 slowly and reluctantly: prejudice dies hard   44 go hard with to cause pain or difficulty to (someone): it will go hard with you if you don't tell the truth   45 hard at it working hard   46 hard put or hard put to it scarcely having the capacity (to do something): he's hard put to get to work by 9:30   ▷ n   47 any colorant that produces a harsh coarse appearance   48 Brit a roadway across a foreshore   49 slang hard labour   50 vulgar, slang an erection of the penis (esp in the phrase get or have a hard on) [Old English heard; related to Old Norse harthr, Old Frisian herd, Old High German herti, Gothic hardus hard, Greek kratus strong]

■ hard and fast   adj   (hard-and-fast when prenominal) (esp of rules) invariable or strict

■ hard-ass   n   US slang someone who is tough and uncompromising

■ hard-assed   adj   US slang tough and uncompromising

■ hardback (ˈhɑːdˌbæk)   n   1 a book or edition with covers of cloth, cardboard, or leather. Compare paperback   ▷ adj   2 Also: casebound, hardbacked, hardbound, hardcover of or denoting a hardback or the publication of hardbacks

■ hardbag (ˈhɑːdˌbæɡ)   n   1 a rigid container on a motorcycle   2 a type of electronically generated dance music

■ hardbake (ˈhɑːdˌbeIk)   n   almond toffee

■ hardball (ˈhɑːdbɔːl)   n   1 US and Canadian baseball as distinct from softball   2 play hardball informal, chiefly US and Canadian to act in a ruthless or uncompromising way

■ hard-bitten   adj   tough and realistic

■ hardboard (ˈhɑːdˌbɔːd)   n   a thin stiff sheet made of compressed sawdust and wood pulp bound together with plastic adhesive or resin under heat and pressure

■ hard-boiled   adj   1 (of an egg) boiled until the yolk and white are solid   2 informal   a tough; realistic   b cynical

■ hardboot (ˈhɑːdˌbuːt)   n   1 a type of skiing boot that is made of rigid plastic   2 horse racing an old-fashioned horse trainer   ▷ adj   3 horse racing relating to an old-fashioned horse trainer

■ hard bop   n   a form of jazz originating in the late 1950s that is rhythmically less complex than bop

■ hard border   n   a border between countries that is strictly controlled by officials, police, or the military. Compare soft border

■ hardbound (ˈhɑːdˌbaʊnd)   adj   a variant form of hardback

■ hardcase (ˈhɑːdˌkeIs)   n   1 a container that has a rigid structure   ▷ adj   2 relating to a container that has a rigid structure   3 relating to a tough person

■ hard cheese   sentence substitute, n   Brit slang bad luck

■ hard cider   n   US and Canadian fermented apple juice. Compare sweet cider

■ hard coal   n   another name for anthracite. Compare soft coal

■ hard copy   n   computer output printed on paper, as contrasted with machine-readable output such as magnetic tape

■ hardcore (ˈhɑːdˌkɔː)   n   1 a style of rock music characterized by short fast numbers with minimal melody and aggressive delivery   2 a type of dance music with a very fast beat

■ hard core   n   1 the members of a group or movement who form an intransigent nucleus resisting change   2 material, such as broken bricks, stones, etc, used to form a foundation for a road, paving, building, etc   ▷ adj hard-core   3 (of pornography) describing or depicting sexual acts in explicit detail   4 extremely committed or fanatical: a hard-core Communist

■ hardcourt (ˈhɑːdˌkɔːt)   adj   relating to a type of tennis court that is made of hard material

■ hard court   n   a tennis court made of asphalt, concrete, etc. See also grass court

■ hardcover (ˈhɑːdˌkʌvə)   n   US another name for hardback

■ hard disk   n   a disk of rigid magnetizable material that is used to store data for computers: it is permanently mounted in its disk drive and usually has a storage capacity of a few gigabytes

■ hard-drinking   adj   tending to drink excessive amounts of alcohol

■ hard drive or hard disk drive   n   computing (on a computer) the mechanism that handles the reading, writing, and storage of data on the hard disk

■ hard-earned   adj   obtained or earned through effort or struggle

■ hard-edge   adj   of, relating to, or denoting a style of painting in which vividly coloured subjects are clearly delineated

■ hard-edged   adj   severe or tough

■ hardface (ˈhɑːdˌfeIs)   n   an uncompromising person

■ hard-faced   adj   Northern English dialect cheeky

■ hard feeling   n   (often plural; often used with a negative) resentment; ill will: no hard feelings?

■ hard fern   n   a common tufted erect fern of the polypody family, Blechnum spicant, having dark-green lanceolate leaves: it prefers acid soils, and in the US is sometimes grown as deer feed. US name: deer fern

■ hardfisted (ˌhɑːdˈfIstId)   adj   mean or miserly

■ hard-fought   adj   firmly or passionately contested or struggled for

■ hardgrass (ˈhɑːdˌɡrɑːs)   n   any of several types of coarse grass

■ hardhack (ˈhɑːdˌhæk)   n   a woody North American rosaceous plant, Spiraea tomentosa, with downy leaves and tapering clusters of small pink or white flowers. Also called: steeplebush

■ hardhanded (ˌhɑːdˈhændId)   adj   1 having hard or thickened skin on the hands due to manual work   2 harsh and domineering   > ˌhardˈhandedness n

■ hard hat   n   1 a hat made of a hard material for protection, worn esp by construction workers, equestrians, etc   2 informal, chiefly US and Canadian a construction worker   ▷ adj hard-hat   3 informal, chiefly US characteristic of the presumed conservative attitudes and prejudices typified by construction workers

■ hardhead (ˈhɑːdhɛd)   n   1 someone tough, realistic, or shrewd, and not moved by sentiment   2 US and Canadian someone stubborn or obstinate

■ hard-headed   adj   1 tough, realistic, or shrewd; not moved by sentiment   2 US and Canadian stubborn; obstinate   > ˌhard-ˈheadedly adv   > ˌhard-ˈheadedness n

■ hardheads (ˈhɑːdˌhɛdz)   n   (functioning as singular) a thistle-like plant, Centaurea nigra, native to Europe and introduced into North America and New Zealand, that has reddish-purple flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites). Also called: knapweed. See also centaury (sense 2)

■ hardhearted (ˌhɑːdˈhɑːtId)   adj   unkind or intolerant   > ˌhardˈheartedly adv   > ˌhardˈheartedness n

■ hard-hit   adj   seriously affected or hurt: hard-hit by taxation

■ hard hitter   n   NZ informal a bowler hat

■ hard-hitting   adj   uncompromising; tough: a hard-hitting report on urban deprivation

■ hardish (ˈhɑːdIʃ)   adj   rather hard

■ hard labour   n   criminal law (formerly) the penalty of compulsory physical labour imposed in addition to a sentence of imprisonment: abolished in England in 1948

■ hard landing   n   1 a landing by a rocket or spacecraft in which the vehicle is destroyed on impact   2 a sharp fall into recession following a sustained period of economic growth   ▶ Compare soft landing

■ hard launch   n   the general or official launch, esp of a website, after which all features, products, and services are understood to be available. Compare soft launch

■ hard lens   n   a rigid plastic lens which floats on the layer of tears in front of the cornea, worn to correct defects of vision. Compare gas-permeable lens, soft lens

■ hard line   n     a an uncompromising course or policy   b hardline (as modifier): a hardline policy   > ˌhardˈliner n

■ hard lines   sentence substitute, n   Brit informal bad luck. Also: hard cheese

■ hardly (ˈhɑːdlI)   adv   1 scarcely; barely: we hardly knew the family   2 just; only just: he could hardly hold the cup   3 often ironic almost or probably not or not at all: he will hardly incriminate himself   4 with difficulty or effort   5 rare harshly or cruelly

USAGE

Since hardly, scarcely, and barely already have negative force, it is redundant to use another negative in the same clause: he had hardly had (not he hadn't hardly had) time to think; there was scarcely any (not scarcely no) bread left

■ hardman (ˈhɑːdˌmæn)   n   a tough, ruthless, or violent man

■ hard money   n   politics (in the US) money given directly to a candidate in an election to assist his or her campaign. Compare soft money

■ hard-mouthed   adj   1 (of a horse) not responding satisfactorily to a pull on the bit   2 stubborn; obstinate

■ hard neck   n   Irish informal audacity; nerve

■ hardness (ˈhɑːdnIs)   n   1 the quality or condition of being hard   2 one of several measures of resistance to indentation, deformation, or abrasion. See Mohs scale, Brinell hardness number   3 the quality of water that causes it to impair the lathering of soap: caused by the presence of certain calcium salts. Temporary hardness can be removed by boiling whereas permanent hardness cannot

■ hardnose (ˈhɑːdˌnəʊz)   n   1 a person who is tough and uncompromising   ▷ adj   2 a variant form of hard-nosed

■ hard-nosed   adj   informal tough, shrewd, and practical

■ hard of hearing   adj     a unable to hear very well   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the hard of hearing

■ hard-on   n   vulgar, slang an erection of the penis

■ hardpack (ˈhɑːdˌpæk)   n   1 a bag that has a rigid shell   2    a a covering of snow that has been compressed and closely packed together   b (as modifier): hardpack snow   3 any hard compacted ground

■ hard pad   n   (in dogs) an abnormal increase in the thickness of the foot pads: one of the clinical signs of canine distemper. See distemper^1 (sense 1)

■ hard palate   n   the anterior bony portion of the roof of the mouth, extending backwards to the soft palate

■ hardpan (ˈhɑːdˌpæn)   n   a hard impervious layer of clay below the soil, resistant to drainage and root growth

■ hardparts (ˈhɑːdˌpɑːts)   pl n   the skeleton

■ hard paste   n     a porcelain made with kaolin and petuntse, of Chinese origin and made in Europe from the early 18th century   b (as modifier): hard-paste porcelain

■ hard power   n   the ability to achieve one's goals by force, esp military force. Compare soft power

■ hard-pressed   adj   1 in difficulties; struggling: the swimmer was hard-pressed; he was hard-pressed to get the work done on time   2 subject to severe competition   3 subject to severe attack   4 closely pursued

■ hardrock (ˈhɑːdˌrɒk) Canadian   adj   1 (of mining) concerned with extracting minerals other than coal, usually from solid rock   ▷ n   2 slang a tough uncompromising person

■ hard rock   n   music a rhythmically simple and usually highly amplified style of rock and roll

■ hard rubber   n   a hard fairly inelastic material made by vulcanizing natural rubber. See vulcanite

■ hard sauce   n   another name for brandy butter

■ hard science   n     a one of the natural or physical sciences, such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, or astronomy   b (as modifier): a hard-science lecture   > hard scientist n

■ hardscrabble (ˈhɑːdˌskræbəl)   n US informal   1 (modifier) (of a place) difficult to make a living in; barren   2 great effort made in the face of difficulties

■ hard sell   n   an aggressive insistent technique of selling or advertising. Compare soft sell

■ hard-set   adj   1 plagued by difficulties   2 set in an unyielding manner   3 dogged and persistent

■ hard-shell   adj also hard-shelled   1 zoology having a shell or carapace that is thick, heavy, or hard   2 US strictly orthodox   ▷ n   3 Also called: hard-shell clam. another name for quahog

■ hard-shell crab   n   a crab, esp of the edible species Cancer pagurus, that has not recently moulted and therefore has a hard shell. Compare soft-shell crab

■ hardship (ˈhɑːdʃIp)   n   1 conditions of life difficult to endure   2 something that causes suffering or privation

■ hard shoulder   n   Brit a surfaced verge running along the edge of a motorway for emergency stops

■ hard-spun   adj   (of yarn) spun with a firm close twist

■ hard standing, hardstanding (ˌhɑːdˈstændIŋ) or hardstand (ˈhɑːdˌstænd)   n   a hard surface on which vehicles, such as cars or aircraft, may be parked

■ hardtack (ˈhɑːdˌtæk)   n   a kind of hard saltless biscuit, formerly eaten esp by sailors as a staple aboard ship. Also called: pilot biscuit, ship's biscuit, sea biscuit

■ hard tack   n   Irish informal whisky

■ hardtail (ˈhɑːdˌteIl)   n     a a bicycle or motorcycle with no suspension at the rear   b (as modifier): a hardtail mountain bike

■ hardtop (ˈhɑːdˌtɒp)   n   1 a car equipped with a metal or plastic roof that is sometimes detachable   2 the detachable hard roof of some sports cars

■ hard up or hard-up   adj   poor or not well-off

■ hardware (ˈhɑːdˌwɛə)   n   1 metal tools, implements, etc, esp cutlery or cooking utensils   2 computing the physical equipment used in a computer system, such as the central processing unit, peripheral devices, and memory. Compare software   3 mechanical equipment, components, etc   4 heavy military equipment, such as tanks and missiles or their parts   5 informal a gun or guns collectively

■ hardwareman (ˈhɑːdˌwɛəmən)   n, pl -men   a person who makes or sells metal goods

■ hard-wearing   adj   resilient, durable, and tough

■ hard wheat   n   a type of wheat with hard kernels, yielding a strong flour and used for bread, macaroni, etc

■ hardwire (ˈhɑːdˌwaIə)   vb (tr)   1 to join (electrical parts) permanently   2 computing to install (a process) permanently in a computer and not permit any changes to be made   3 to cause certain mental processes to become automatic

■ hard-wired   adj   1 (of a circuit or instruction) permanently wired into a computer, replacing separate software   2 (of human behaviour) innate; not learned: humans have a hard-wired ability for acquiring language

■ hard-won   adj   acquired through effort or in spite of problems

■ hardwood (ˈhɑːdˌwʊd)   n   1 the wood of any of numerous broad-leaved dicotyledonous trees, such as oak, beech, ash, etc, as distinguished from the wood of a conifer   2 any tree from which this wood is obtained   ▶ Compare softwood

■ hard-working   adj   (of a person) industrious; diligent

■ hard yards   pl n   a great deal of effort or hard work, esp in playing a sport: Dallaglio's ability to make the hard yards and cross the gain line

Hardecanute or Hardicanute (ˈhɑːdIkəˌnjuːt)   n   ?1019–42, king of Denmark (1035–42) and of England (1040–42); son of Canute

harden^1 (ˈhɑːdən)   vb   1 to make or become hard or harder; freeze, stiffen, or set   2 to make or become more hardy, tough, or unfeeling   3 to make or become stronger or firmer: they hardened defences   4 to make or become more resolute or set: hardened in his resolve   5 (intr) commerce   a (of prices, a market, etc) to cease to fluctuate   b (of price) to rise higher

■ hardened (ˈhɑːdənd)   adj   1 rigidly set, as in a mode of behaviour   2 toughened, as by custom; seasoned   3 (of a nuclear missile site) constructed to withstand a nuclear attack

■ hardener (ˈhɑːdənə)   n   1 a person or thing that hardens   2 a substance added to paint or varnish to increase durability   3 an ingredient of certain adhesives and synthetic resins that accelerates or promotes setting

■ hardening (ˈhɑːdənIŋ)   n   1 the act or process of becoming or making hard   2 a substance added to another substance or material to make it harder

■ hardening of the arteries   n   a nontechnical name for arteriosclerosis

■ harden off   vb   (adverb) to accustom (a cultivated plant) or (of such a plant) to become accustomed to outdoor conditions by repeated exposure

■ harden up   vb   (intr) nautical to tighten the sheets of a sailing vessel so as to prevent luffing

harden^2 (ˈhɑːdən)   n   a rough fabric made from hards

Hardenberg (German ˈhardənbɛrk)   n   1  Friedrich von (ˈfriːdrIç fɔn). the original name of Novalis. See Novalis   2  Fürst Karl (August) von (fyrst karl (ˈaʊɡʊst) fɔn). 1750–1822, Prussian statesman: foreign minister (1804–06): prime minister (1807; 1810–22). His reforms enabled Prussia to break away from Napoleonic control in 1813

Hardicanute (ˈhɑːdIkəˌnjuːt)   n   same as Harthacanute

Hardie (ˈhɑːdI)   n   (James) Keir (kIə). 1856–1915, British Labour leader and politician, born in Scotland; the first parliamentary leader of the Labour Party

Harding (ˈhɑːdIŋ)   n   Warren G(amaliel). 1865–1923, 29th president of the US (1921–23)

Hardinge (ˈhɑːdIŋ)   n   Henry, 1st Viscount Hardinge of Lahore. 1785–1856, British politician, soldier, and colonial administrator; governor general of India (1844–48)

hardinggrass (ˈhɑːdIŋˌɡrɑːs)   n   a perennial grass of the genus Phalaris, found in South Africa, Australia, and in North America where it is used as an animal foodstuff

hardoke (ˈhɑːdɒk)   n   another name for burdock

Hardouin Mansart (French ardwɛ̃ mã̃saːr)   n   See Mansart (sense 2)

hards (hɑːdz) or hurds   pl n   coarse fibres and other refuse from flax and hemp [Old English heordan (plural); related to Middle Dutch hēde, Greek keskeon tow]

Hardwick Hall (ˈhɑːdwIk)   n   an Elizabethan mansion near Chesterfield in Derbyshire: built 1591–97 for Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury (Bess of Hardwick)

hardy^1 (ˈhɑːdI)   adj -dier, -diest   1 having or demanding a tough constitution; robust   2 bold; courageous   3 foolhardy; rash   4 (of plants) able to live out of doors throughout the winter [C13: from Old French hardi bold, past participle of hardir to become bold, of Germanic origin; compare Old English hierdan to HARDEN^1, Old Norse hertha, Old High German herten]

■ hardihood (ˈhɑːdIˌhʊd)   n   courage, daring, or audacity

■ hardily (ˈhɑːdIlI)   adv   in a hardy manner

■ hardiness (ˈhɑːdInIs)   n   the state or quality of being hardy

hardy^2 (ˈhɑːdI)   n, pl -dies   any blacksmith's tool made with a square shank so that it can be lodged in a square hole in an anvil [C19: probably from HARD]

Hardy (ˈhɑːdI)   n   1 Oliver. See Laurel and Hardy   2  Thomas. 1840–1928, British novelist and poet. Most of his novels are set in his native Dorset (part of his fictional Wessex) and include Far from the Madding Crowd (1874), The Return of the Native (1878), The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886), Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891), and Jude the Obscure (1895), after which his work consisted chiefly of verse   3  Sir Thomas Masterman. 1769–1839, British naval officer, flag captain under Nelson (1799–1805): 1st Sea Lord (1830)

hare (hɛə)   n, pl hares or hare   1 any solitary leporid mammal of the genus Lepus, such as L. europaeus (European hare). Hares are larger than rabbits, having longer ears and legs, and live in shallow nests (forms). Related adjective: leporine   2 make a hare of someone Irish informal to defeat someone completely   3 run with the hare and hunt with the hounds to be on good terms with both sides   ▷ vb   4 (intr; often foll by off, after, etc) Brit informal to go or run fast or wildly [Old English hara; related to Old Norse heri, Old High German haso, Swedish hare, Sanskrit śaśá]   > ˈhareˌlike adj

■ hare and hounds   n   (functioning as singular) a game in which certain players (hares) run across country scattering pieces of paper that the other players (hounds) follow in an attempt to catch the hares

■ harebell (ˈhɛəˌbɛl)   n   a N temperate campanulaceous plant, Campanula rotundifolia, having slender stems and leaves, and bell-shaped pale blue flowers. Also called (in Scotland): bluebell

■ harebrained or hairbrained (ˈhɛəˌbreInd)   adj   rash, foolish, or badly thought out: harebrained schemes

■ harelip (ˈhɛəˌlIp)   n   a congenital cleft or fissure in the midline of the upper lip, resembling the cleft upper lip of a hare, often occurring with cleft palate. Preferred form cleft lip   > ˈhareˌlipped adj

■ hare's-foot   n   a leguminous annual plant, Trifolium arvense, that grows on sandy soils in Europe and NW Asia and has downy heads of white or pink flowers. Also called: hare's-foot clover

■ harestail (ˈhɛəsˌteIl)   n   a species of cotton grass, Eriophorum vaginatum, more tussocky than common cotton grass and having only a single flower head

■ harish (ˈhɛərIʃ)   adj obsolete   1 like a hare   2 crazy; foolish

Hare^1 (hɛə)   n   1  Sir David. born 1947, British dramatist and theatre director: his plays include Plenty (1978), Pravda (with Howard Brenton, 1985), The Secret Rapture (1989), Racing Demon (1990), The Permanent Way (2003), and Stuff Happens (2004)   2  William. 19th century, Irish murderer and bodysnatcher: associate of William Burke

Hare^2 (hɛə)   n   a member of a Dene Native Canadian people of northern Canada [of Athapascan origin]

Hare Krishna (ˈhɑːrI ˈkrIʃnə)   n   1 a Hindu sect devoted to a form of Hinduism (Krishna Consciousness) based on the worship of the god Krishna   2 (pl Hare Krishnas) a member or follower of this sect [C20: from Hindi, literally: Lord Krishna (vocative): the opening words of a sacred verse often chanted in public by adherents of the movement]

hareld (ˈhærəld)   n   a type of sea duck, Clangula hyemalis. Also called: long-tailed duck

harem (ˈhɛərəm, hɑːˈriːm) or hareem (hɑːˈriːm)   n   1    a (formerly) the part of a Muslim house reserved strictly for wives, concubines, etc   b the women occupying this part of the house   2 a group of female animals of the same species that are the mates of a single male [C17: from Arabic harīm forbidden (place)]

harewood (ˈhɛəˌwʊd)   n   the wood of a sycamore tree that has been stained for use in furniture making

Harewood House (ˈhɛəwʊd)   n   a mansion near Harrogate in Yorkshire: built 1759–71 by John Carr for the Lascelles family; interior decoration by Robert Adam

Harfleur (ˈhɑːflɜːr; French arflœr)   n   a port in N France, in Seine-Maritime department: important centre in the Middle Ages. Pop: 8602 (2005)

Hargeisa (hɑːˈɡeIsə)   n   a city in NW Somalia: former capital of British Somaliland (1941–60) and functioning as the capital of the separatist republic of Somaliland; trading centre for nomadic herders. Pop: reliable recent estimates are not available

Hargreaves (ˈhɑːɡriːvz)   n   James. died 1778, English inventor of the spinning jenny

hariana (ˌhʌrIˈɑːnə)   n   an Indian breed of cattle

haricot (ˈhærIkəʊ)   n   1 a variety of French bean with light-coloured edible seeds, which can be dried and stored   2 another name for French bean   3 the seed or pod of any of these plants, eaten as a vegetable [C17: from French, perhaps from Nahuatl ayecotli]

harigalds (ˈhærIɡəlz)   pl n   Scot obsolete the intestines of an animal

Harijan (ˈhʌrIdʒən)   n   a member of certain classes in India, formerly considered inferior and untouchable. See scheduled castes [Hindi, literally: man of God (so called by Mahatma Gandhi), from Hari god + jan man]

hari-kari (ˌhærIˈkɑːrI)   n   a non-Japanese variant of hara-kiri

Haringey (ˈhærIŋˌɡeI)   n   a borough of N Greater London. Pop: 224 700 (2003 est). Area: 30 sq km (12 sq miles)

hariolate (ˈhærIəˌleIt)   vb (intr)   obsolete to practise divination or to prophesy   > ˌharioˈlation n

harira (həˈrIərə)   n   a Moroccan soup made from a variety of vegetables with lentils, chickpeas, and coriander [Arabic]

Harishchandra (ˌhærIʃˈtʃændrə)   n   also known as Bharatendu. 1850–85, Indian poet, dramatist, and essayist, who established Hindi as a literary language

harissa (həˈrIsə)   n   (in Tunisian cookery) a hot paste or sauce made from chilli peppers, tomatoes, spices, and olive oil, often served with couscous [C20: from Arabic]

hark (hɑːk)   vb   (intr; usually imperative) to listen; pay attention [Old English heorcnian to HEARKEN; related to Old Frisian herkia, Old High German hōrechen; see HEAR]

■ hark back   vb   (intr, adverb) to return to an earlier subject, point, or position, as in speech or thought

■ harken (ˈhɑːkən)   vb   a variant spelling (esp US) of hearken   > ˈharkener n

harl^1 (hærl, hɑːl) Scot   vb   1 (tr) to drag (something) along the ground   2 (intr) to drag oneself; trail along   3 (tr) to cover (a building) with a mixture of lime and gravel; roughcast   4 (intr) to troll for fish   ▷ n   5 the act of harling or dragging   6 a small quantity; a scraping   7 a mixture of lime and gravel; roughcast [C18: of unknown origin]   > ˈharling n

harl^2 (hɑːl)   n   angling a variant of herl

Harlech (ˈhɑːˌlIk)   n   a town in N Wales, in Gwynedd: noted for its ruined 13th-century castle overlooking Cardigan Bay: tourism. Pop: 1233 (2001)

Harlem (ˈhɑːləm)   n   a district of New York City, in NE Manhattan: now largely a Black ghetto

harlequin (ˈhɑːlIkwIn)   n   1 (sometimes capital) theatre a stock comic character originating in the commedia dell'arte; the foppish lover of Columbine in the English harlequinade. He is usually represented in diamond-patterned multicoloured tights, wearing a black mask   2 a clown or buffoon   ▷ adj   3 varied in colour or decoration   4 (of certain animals) having a white coat with irregular patches of black or other dark colour: harlequin Great Dane   5 comic; ludicrous [C16: from Old French Herlequin, Hellequin leader of band of demon horsemen, perhaps from Middle English Herle king (unattested) King Herle, mythical being identified with Woden]

■ harlequinade (ˌhɑːlIkwIˈneId)   n   1 (sometimes capital) theatre a play or part of a pantomime in which harlequin has a leading role   2 buffoonery

■ harlequin bug   n   a brightly coloured heteropterous insect, Murgantia histrionica, of the US and Central America: a pest of cabbages and related plants: family Pentatomidae

■ harlequin duck   n   a northern sea duck, Histrionicus histrionicus, the male of which has a blue and red plumage with black and white markings

Harley (ˈhɑːlI)   n   Robert, 1st Earl of Oxford. 1661–1724, British statesman; head of the government (1710–14), negotiated the treaty of Utrecht (1713)

Harley Street (ˈhɑːlI)   n   a street in central London famous for its large number of medical specialists' consulting rooms

harlot (ˈhɑːlət)   n   1 archaic a prostitute   2 derogatory, old-fashioned a promiscuous woman   ▷ adj   3 archaic of or like a harlot [C13: from Old French herlot rascal, of obscure origin]   > ˈharlotry n

Harlow^1 (ˈhɑːləʊ)   n   a town in SE England, in W Essex: designated a new town in 1947. Pop: 78 389 (2001 est)

Harlow^2 (ˈhɑːləʊ)   n   Jean, real name Harlean Carpentier. 1911–37, US film actress, whose films include Hell's Angels (1930), Red Dust (1932), and Bombshell (1933)

harm (hɑːm)   n   1 physical or mental injury or damage   2 moral evil or wrongdoing   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to injure physically, morally, or mentally [Old English hearm; related to Old Norse harmr grief, Old High German harm injury, Old Slavonic sramǔ disgrace]   > ˈharmer n

■ harmdoing (ˈhɑːmˌduːIŋ)   n   the doing of harm

■ harmful (ˈhɑːmfʊl)   adj   causing or tending to cause harm; injurious   > ˈharmfully adv   > ˈharmfulness n

■ harmless (ˈhɑːmlIs)   adj   1 not causing any physical or mental damage or injury   2 unlikely to annoy or worry people: a harmless sort of man   > ˈharmlessly adv   > ˈharmlessness n

harmala (ˈhɑːmələ)   n   a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia Minor, characterized by its white flowers and round seed capsules

harmaline (ˈhɑːməˌlaIn) or harmalin (-ˌlIn)   n   a chemical derived from the harmala plant, used as a hallucinogen or used in conjunction with other hallucinogens

harman (ˈhɑːmən)   n   obsolete a constable

harmattan (hɑːˈmætən)   n   a dry dusty wind from the Sahara blowing towards the W African coast, esp from November to March [C17: from Twi haramata, perhaps from Arabic harām forbidden thing; see HAREM]

harmolodics (ˌhɑːməˈlɒdIks)   n   (functioning as singular) jazz the technique of each musician in a group simultaneously improvising around the melodic and rhythmic patterns in a tune, rather than one musician improvising on its underlying harmonic pattern while the others play an accompaniment [C20: of unknown origin]   > ˌharmoˈlodic adj

harmonic (hɑːˈmɒnIk)   adj   1 of, involving, producing, or characterized by harmony; harmonious   2 music of, relating to, or belonging to harmony   3 maths   a capable of expression in the form of sine and cosine functions   b of or relating to numbers whose reciprocals form an arithmetic progression   4 physics of or concerned with an oscillation that has a frequency that is an integral multiple of a fundamental frequency   5 physics of or concerned with harmonics   ▷ n   6 physics, music a component of a periodic quantity, such as a musical tone, with a frequency that is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency. The first harmonic is the fundamental, the second harmonic (twice the fundamental frequency) is the first overtone, the third harmonic (three times the fundamental frequency) is the second overtone, etc   7 music (not in technical use) overtone: in this case, the first overtone is the first harmonic, etc [C16: from Latin harmonicus relating to HARMONY]   > harˈmonically adv

■ harmonical (hɑːˈmɒnIkəl)   adj   an obsolete form of harmonic (sense 1), harmonic (sense 2)

■ harmonic analysis   n   1 the representation of a periodic function by means of the summation and integration of simple trigonometric functions   2 the study of this means of representation

■ harmonic distortion   n   electronics distortion caused by nonlinear characteristics of electronic apparatus, esp of audio amplifiers, that generate unwanted harmonics of the input frequencies

■ harmonic mean   n   the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocals of a set of specified numbers: the harmonic mean of 2, 3, and 4 is 3(1⁄2 + 1⁄3 + 1⁄4)–1 = 3^6⁄13

■ harmonic minor scale   n   music a minor scale modified from the state of being natural by the sharpening of the seventh degree. Compare minor, melodic minor scale

■ harmonic motion   n   a periodic motion in which the displacement is symmetrical about a point or a periodic motion that is composed of such motions. See also simple harmonic motion

■ harmonic progression   n   a sequence of numbers whose reciprocals form an arithmetic progression, as 1, 1⁄2, 1⁄3, …

■ harmonics (hɑːˈmɒnIks)   n   1 (functioning as singular) the science of musical sounds and their acoustic properties   2 (functioning as plural) the overtones of a fundamental note, as produced by lightly touching the string of a stringed instrument at one of its node points while playing. See harmonic (sense 6)

■ harmonic series   n   1 maths a series whose terms are in harmonic progression, as in 1 + 1⁄2 + 1⁄3 + …   2 acoustics the series of tones with frequencies strictly related to one another and to the fundamental tone, as obtained by touching lightly the node points of a string while playing it. Its most important application is in the playing of brass instruments

harmonica (hɑːˈmɒnIkə)   n   1 Also called: mouth organ a small wind instrument of the reed organ family in which reeds of graduated lengths set into a metal plate enclosed in a narrow oblong box are made to vibrate by blowing and sucking   2 See glass harmonica [C18: from Latin harmonicus relating to HARMONY]

■ harmonicist (hɑːˈmɒnIsIst)   n   a person who plays a harmonica

harmonichord (hɑːˈmɒnIˌkɔːd)   n   a musical instrument resembling an upright piano intended to fuse the sound of a violin with the functionality of a piano, the tone therefore produced using friction rather than through striking

harmonicon (hɑːˈmɒnIkən)   n   obsolete a harmonica

harmoniphon (hɑːˈmɒnIˌfɒn) or harmoniphone (hɑːˈmɒnIˌfəʊn)   n   an obsolete musical instrument consisting of a mouth tube and keyboard that acts on reeds which vibrate to give a sound similar to an oboe

harmonium (hɑːˈməʊnIəm)   n   a musical keyboard instrument of the reed organ family, in which air from pedal-operated bellows causes the reeds to vibrate [C19: from French, from harmonie HARMONY]

■ harmoniumist (hɑːˈməʊnIəmIst)   n   a person who plays a harmonium

harmonogram (hɑːˈmɒnəˌɡræm)   n   the image produced by a harmonograph

harmonograph (hɑːˈmɒnəˌɡrɑːf)   n   an instrument using a system of pendulums to produce geometric images

harmonometer (ˌhɑːməˈnɒmətə)   n   the equipment used for measuring the harmonic relations of sounds

harmony (ˈhɑːmənI)   n, pl -nies   1 agreement in action, opinion, feeling, etc; accord   2 order or congruity of parts to their whole or to one another   3 agreeable sounds   4 music   a any combination of notes sounded simultaneously   b the vertically represented structure of a piece of music. Compare melody (sense 1b), rhythm (sense 1)   c the art or science concerned with the structure and combinations of chords   5 a collation of the material of parallel narratives, esp of the four Gospels [C14: from Latin harmonia concord of sounds, from Greek: harmony, from harmos a joint]

■ harmonious (hɑːˈməʊnIəs)   adj   1 (esp of colours or sounds) fitting together well   2 having agreement or consensus   3 tuneful, consonant, or melodious   > harˈmoniously adv   > harˈmoniousness n

■ harmonist (ˈhɑːmənIst)   n   1 a person skilled in the art and techniques of harmony   2 a person who combines and collates parallel narratives   > ˌharmoˈnistic adj   > ˌharmoˈnistically adv

■ harmonization or harmonisation (ˌhɑːmənaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the act of harmonizing   2 a system, particularly used in the EU, whereby the blue-collar workers and the white-collar workers in an organization have similar status and any former differences in terms and conditions of employment are levelled up

■ harmonize or harmonise (ˈhɑːməˌnaIz)   vb   1 to make or become harmonious   2 (tr) music to provide a harmony for (a melody, tune, etc)   3 (intr) to sing in harmony, as with other singers   4 to collate parallel narratives   > ˈharmoˌnizable or ˈharmoˌnisable adj

■ harmonizer or harmoniser (ˈhɑːməˌnaIzə)   n music   1 a person skilled in the theory of composition of harmony   2 a device that electronically duplicates a signal at a different pitch or different pitches

harmost (ˈhɑːmɒst)   n   Greek history a governor of Spartan colony

■ harmosty (ˈhɑːmɒstI)   n   the office of a harmost

harmotome (ˈhɑːməˌtəʊm)   n   a mineral of the zeolite group consisting of hydrated aluminium barium silicate in the form of monoclinic twinned crystals. Formula: Ba(Al_2Si_6O_16).6H_2O [C19: from French, from Greek harmos a joint + tomē a slice, from temnein to cut]

Harmsworth (ˈhɑːmzwɜːθ)   n   1 Alfred Charles William. See (Viscount) Northcliffe   2 Harold Sydney. See (1st Viscount) Rothermere

harn (hɑːn)   n   another name for harden^2

Harnack (German ˈharnak)   n   Adolf von. 1851–1930, German Protestant theologian, author of the influential History of Dogma (1886–90)

harness (ˈhɑːnIs)   n   1 an arrangement of leather straps buckled or looped together, fitted to a draught animal in order that the animal can be attached to and pull a cart   2 something resembling this, esp for attaching something to the body: a parachute harness   3 mountaineering an arrangement of webbing straps that enables a climber to attach himself or herself to the rope so that the impact of a fall is minimized   4 the total system of electrical leads for a vehicle or aircraft   5 weaving the part of a loom that raises and lowers the warp threads, creating the shed   6 archaic armour collectively   7 in harness at one's routine work   ▷ vb (tr)   8 to put harness on (a horse)   9 (usually foll by to) to attach (a draught animal) by means of harness to (a cart, etc)   10 to control so as to employ the energy or potential power of: to harness the atom   11 to equip or clothe with armour [C13: from Old French harneis baggage, probably from Old Norse hernest (unattested) provisions, from herr army + nest provisions]   > ˈharnesser n   > ˈharnessless adj   > ˈharness-ˌlike adj

■ harnessed antelope   n   any of various antelopes with vertical white stripes on the back, esp the bushbuck

■ harness hitch   n   a knot forming a loop with no free ends

■ harness race   n   horse racing a trotting or pacing race for standard-bred horses driven in sulkies and harnessed in a special way to cause them to use the correct gait

Harney Peak (ˈhɑːnI)   n   the former name of Black Elk Peak

Harnoncourt (ɑnɔkur)   n   Nikolaus. 1929–2016, Austrian conductor and cellist, noted for his performances using period instruments

haro (hæˈrəʊ)   interj   obsolete a cry meaning alas

Harold I (ˈhærəld)   n   surname Harefoot. died 1040, king of England (1037–40); son of Canute

Harold II   n   ?1022–66, king of England (1066); son of Earl Godwin and successor of Edward the Confessor. His claim to the throne was disputed by William the Conqueror, who defeated him at the Battle of Hastings (1066)

haroset (xæˈrəʊsɛt)   n   a variant spelling of charoset

harp (hɑːp)   n   1 a large triangular plucked stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard connected to an upright pillar by means of a curved crossbar from which the strings extend downwards. The strings are tuned diatonically and may be raised in pitch either one or two semitones by the use of pedals (double-action harp). Basic key: B major; range: nearly seven octaves   2 something resembling this, esp in shape   3 an informal name (esp in pop music) for harmonica   ▷ vb   4 (intr) to play the harp   5 (tr) archaic to speak; utter; express   6 (intr; foll by on or upon) to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner [Old English hearpe; related to Old Norse harpa, Old High German harfa, Latin corbis basket, Russian korobit to warp]   > ˈharper or ˈharpist n

■ harp seal   n   a brownish-grey earless seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus, of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans

Harper (ˈhɑːpə)   n   Stephen (Joseph). Born 1959. Canadian statesman; prime minister 2006–2015

Harper's Ferry (ˈhɑːpəz)   n   a village in NE West Virginia, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers: site of an arsenal seized by John Brown (1859). Pop: 302 (2003 est)

harpin (ˈhɑːpIn)   n   biochem a type of protein produced by pathogens in plants that triggers a plant's defence system

harpings (ˈhɑːpIŋz) or harpins (ˈhɑːpInz)   pl n   1 nautical wooden members used for strengthening the bow of a vessel   2 shipbuilding wooden supports used in construction [C17: perhaps related to French harpe cramp iron]

harpoon (hɑːˈpuːn)   n   1    a a barbed missile attached to a long cord and hurled or fired from a gun when hunting whales, etc   b (as modifier): a harpoon gun   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to spear with or as if with a harpoon [C17: probably from Dutch harpoen, from Old French harpon clasp, from harper to seize, perhaps of Scandinavian origin]   > harˈpooner or ˌharpoonˈeer n   > harˈpoon-ˌlike adj

harpsichord (ˈhɑːpsIˌkɔːd)   n   a horizontally strung stringed keyboard instrument, triangular in shape, consisting usually of two manuals controlling various sets of strings plucked by pivoted plectrums mounted on jacks. Some harpsichords have a pedal keyboard and stops by which the tone colour may be varied [C17: from New Latin harpichordium, from Late Latin harpa HARP + Latin chorda CHORD^1]   > ˈharpsiˌchordist n

harpy (ˈhɑːpI)   n, pl -pies   a cruel grasping woman [C16: from Latin Harpyia, from Greek Harpuiai the Harpies, literally: snatchers, from harpazein to seize]

■ harpy eagle   n   a very large tropical American eagle, Harpia harpyja, with a black-and-white plumage and a head crest

■ harpylike (ˈhɑːpIˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a harpy

Harpy (ˈhɑːpI)   n, pl -pies   Greek myth a ravenous creature with a woman's head and trunk and a bird's wings and claws

harquebus, harquebuse or harquebuss (ˈhɑːkwIbəs)   n, pl -buses or -busses   variant forms of arquebus

■ harquebusier (ˌhɑːkwIbəˈsIə)   n   (formerly) a soldier armed with an arquebus. Also called: arquebusier

Harrer (ˈhɑːrə)   n   a variant spelling of Harar

harridan (ˈhærIdən)   n   a scolding old woman; nag [C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to French haridelle, literally: broken-down horse; of obscure origin]

harrier^1 (ˈhærIə)   n   1 a person or thing that harries   2 any diurnal bird of prey of the genus Circus, having broad wings and long legs and tail and typically preying on small terrestrial animals: family Accipitridae (hawks, etc). See also marsh harrier, Montagu's harrier

harrier^2 (ˈhærIə)   n   1 a smallish breed of hound used originally for hare-hunting   2 a cross-country runner [C16: from HARE + -ER^1; influenced by HARRIER^1]

Harrier (ˈhærIə)   n   a British subsonic multipurpose military jet plane capable of vertical takeoff and landing by means of vectoring the engine thrust

Harriman (ˈhærImən)   n   W(illiam) Averell. 1891–1986, US diplomat: negotiated the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with the Soviet Union (1963); governor of New York (1955–58)

Harrington (ˈhærIŋtən)   n   James. 1611–77, English republican and writer. He described his ideal form of government in Oceana (1656)

Harris^1 (ˈhærIs)   n   the S part of the island of Lewis with Harris, in the Outer Hebrides. Pop: about 3000 (2001). Area: 500 sq km (190 sq miles)

■ Harris Tweed   n   trademark a hand-woven tweed made only by residents in the Outer Hebrides from locally dyed and spun wool

Harris^2 (ˈhærIs)   n   1  Sir Arthur Travers, known as Bomber Harris. 1892–1984, British air marshal. He was commander-in-chief of Bomber Command of the RAF (1942–45)   2  Frank. 1856–1931, British writer and journalist; his books include his autobiography My Life and Loves (1923–27) and Contemporary Portraits (1915–30)   3  Joel Chandler. 1848–1908, US writer; creator of Uncle Remus   4  Roy. 1898–1979, US composer, esp of orchestral and choral music incorporating American folk tunes

Harrisburg (ˈhærIsˌbɜːɡ)   n   a city in S Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River: the state capital. Pop: 48 322 (2003 est)

Harrison (ˈhærIsən)   n   1  Benjamin. 1833–1901, 23rd president of the US (1889–93)   2  George. 1943–2001, British rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter: a member of the Beatles (1960–70). His solo recordings include All Things Must Pass (1970) and Cloud Nine (1987)   3  Rex (Carey). 1908–90, British actor. His many films include Major Barbara (1940), Blithe Spirit (1945), and My Fair Lady (1964)   4  Tony. born 1937, British poet, dramatist, and translator: best known for his poems for television and his translations for the stage   5  grandfather of Benjamin, William Henry. 1773–1841, 9th president of the US (1841)

Harrogate (ˈhærəɡIt)   n   a town in N England, in North Yorkshire: a former spa, now a centre for tourism and conferences. Pop: 70 811 (2001 est)

Harrovian (həˈrəʊvIən)   n   1 a person educated at Harrow School   ▷ adj   2 of or concerning Harrow [C19: from New Latin Harrōvia HARROW + -AN]

harrow^1 (ˈhærəʊ)   n   1 any of various implements used to level the ground, stir the soil, break up clods, destroy weeds, etc, in soil   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to draw a harrow over (land)   3 (intr) (of soil) to become broken up through harrowing   4 (tr) to distress; vex [C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish harv, Swedish harf; related to Middle Dutch harke rake]   > ˈharrower n   > ˈharrowing adj, n   > ˈharrowingly adv

harrow^2 (ˈhærəʊ)   vb (tr) archaic   1 to plunder or ravish   2 (of Christ) to descend into (hell) to rescue righteous souls [C13: variant of Old English hergian to HARRY]   > ˈharrowment n

Harrow (ˈhærəʊ)   n   a borough of NW Greater London; site of an English boys' public school founded in 1571 at Harrow-on-the-Hill, a part of this borough. Pop: 210 700 (2003 est). Area: 51 sq km (20 sq miles)

harrumph or harumph (həˈrʌmf)   vb   (intr) to clear or make the noise of clearing the throat

harry (ˈhærI) or herry (ˈhɛrI)   vb -ries, -rying, -ried   1 (tr) to harass; worry   2 to ravage (a town, etc), esp in war [Old English hergian; related to here army, Old Norse herja to lay waste, Old High German heriōn]

■ harried (ˈhærId)   adj   stressed or harassed

harsh (hɑːʃ)   adj   1 rough or grating to the senses   2 stern, severe, or cruel   ▷ vb   3 (tr) slang to cause (a state of elation) to be diminished or ended (esp in the phrases harsh someone's mellow and harsh someone's buzz) [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Middle Low German harsch, Norwegian harsk rancid]   > ˈharshly adv   > ˈharshness n

■ harshen (ˈhɑːʃən)   vb (tr)   to make or render harsh

harslet (ˈhɑːzlIt, ˈhɑːs-)   n   a variant of haslet

hart (hɑːt)   n, pl harts or hart   the male of the deer, esp the red deer aged five years or more [Old English heorot; related to Old Norse hjörtr, Old High German hiruz hart, Latin cervus stag, Lithuanian kárve cow; see HORN]

■ hart's-tongue   n   an evergreen Eurasian fern, Asplenium scolopendrium, with narrow undivided fronds bearing rows of sori: family Polypodiaceae

Hart (hɑːt)   n   1  Lorenz. 1895–1943, US lyricist: collaborated with Richard Rodgers in writing musicals   2  Moss. 1904–61, US dramatist: collaborated with George Kaufman on Broadway comedies and wrote libretti for musicals

hartal (hɑːˈtɑːl)   n   (in India) the act of closing shops or suspending work, esp in political protest [C20: from Hindi hartāl, from hāt shop (from Sanskrit hatta) + tālā bolt for a door (from Sanskrit: latch)]

Harte (hɑːt)   n   (Francis) Bret. 1836–1902, US poet and short-story writer, noted for his sketches of Californian gold miners, such as The Luck of Roaring Camp (1870)

hartebeest (ˈhɑːtIˌbiːst) or hartbeest (ˈhɑːtˌbiːst)   n   1 either of two large African antelopes, Alcelaphus buselaphus or A. lichtensteini, having an elongated muzzle, lyre-shaped horns, and a fawn-coloured coat   2 any similar and related animal, such as Damaliscus hunteri (Hunter's hartebeest) [C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch; see HART, BEAST]

Hartford (ˈhɑːtfəd)   n   a port in central Connecticut, on the Connecticut River: the state capital. Pop: 124 387 (2003 est)

Harthacanute (ˈhɑːθəkəˌnjuːt)   n   same as Hardicanute

Hartington (ˈhɑːtIŋtən)   n   Lord. See (8th Duke of) Devonshire

Hartlepool (ˈhɑːtlIˌpuːl)   n   1 a port in NE England, in Hartlepool unitary authority, Co Durham, on the North Sea: greatly enlarged in 1967 by its amalgamation with West Hartlepool; engineering, clothing, food processing. Pop: 86 075 (2001)   2 a unitary authority in NE England, in Co Durham: formerly (1974–96) part of the county of Cleveland. Pop: 90 200 (2003 est). Area: 93 sq km (36 sq miles)

Hartley (ˈhɑːtlI)   n   1  David. 1705–57, English philosopher and physician. In Observations of Man (1749) he introduced the theory of psychological associationism   2  L(eslie) P(oles). 1895–1972, British novelist. His novels include the trilogy The Shrimp and the Anemone (1944), The Sixth Heaven (1946), and Eustace and Hilda (1947) as well as The Go-Between (1953)

Hartnell (ˈhɑːtnəl)   n   Sir Norman. 1901–79, English couturier

hartshorn (ˈhɑːtsˌhɔːn)   n   an obsolete name for sal volatile (sense 2) [Old English heortes horn hart's horn (formerly a chief source of ammonia)]

harumph (həˈrʌmf)   vb   a variant spelling of harrumph

harum-scarum (ˈhɛərəmˈskɛərəm)   adj, adv   1 in a reckless way or of a reckless nature   ▷ n   2 a person who is impetuous or rash [C17: perhaps from hare (in obsolete sense: harass) + scare, variant of STARE^1; compare HELTER-SKELTER]

Harun al-Rashid (hæˈruːn ˈælræˈʃiːd)   n   ?763–809 AD, Abbasid caliph of Islam (786–809), whose court at Baghdad was idealized in the Arabian Nights

haruspex (həˈrʌspɛks)   n, pl haruspices (həˈrʌspIˌsiːz)   (in ancient Rome) a priest who practised divination, esp by examining the entrails of animals [C16: from Latin, probably from hīra gut + specere to look]   > haruspical (həˈrʌspIkəl) adj   > haruspicy (həˈrʌspIsI) n

haruspicate (həˈrʌspIˌkeIt)   adj   archaic of or relating to a haruspex

■ haruspication (həˌrʌspIˈkeIʃən)   n   archaic the use of animal entrails for divination

Harvard classification (ˈhɑːvəd)   n   a classification of stars based on the characteristic spectral absorption lines and bands of the chemical elements present. See spectral type [C20: named after the observatory at Harvard, Massachusetts, where it was prepared and published as part of The Henry Draper Catalogue (1924)]

harvest (ˈhɑːvIst)   n   1 the gathering of a ripened crop   2 the crop itself or the yield from it in a single growing season   3 the season for gathering crops   4 the product of an effort, action, etc: a harvest of love   ▷ vb   5 to gather or reap (a ripened crop) from (the place where it has been growing)   6 (tr) to receive or reap (benefits, consequences, etc)   7 (tr) chiefly US to remove (an organ) from the body for transplantation [Old English hærfest; related to Old Norse harfr harrow, Old High German herbist autumn, Latin carpere to pluck, Greek karpos fruit, Sanskrit krpāna shears]   > ˈharvesting n   > ˈharvestless adj

■ harvestable (ˈhɑːvIstəbəl)   adj   capable of being harvested

■ harvester (ˈhɑːvIstə)   n   1 a person who harvests   2 a harvesting machine, esp a combine harvester

■ harvest home   n   1 the bringing in of the harvest   2 chiefly Brit a harvest supper

■ harvestman (ˈhɑːvIstmən)   n, pl -men   1 a person engaged in harvesting   2 Also called (US and Canadian): daddy-longlegs any arachnid of the order Opiliones (or Phalangida), having a small rounded body and very long thin legs

■ harvest mite or harvest tick   n   the bright red parasitic larva of any of various free-living mites of the genus Trombicula and related genera, which causes intense itching of human skin

■ harvest moon   n   the full moon occurring nearest to the autumnal equinox

■ harvest mouse   n   1 a very small reddish-brown Eurasian mouse, Micromys minutus, inhabiting cornfields, hedgerows, etc, and feeding on grain and seeds: family Muridae   2 American harvest mouse any small greyish mouse of the American genus Reithrodontomys: family Cricetidae

■ harvest-time or harvesttime (ˈhɑːvIstˌtaIm)   n   the time during which an annual crop is harvested

Harvey (ˈhɑːvI)   n   William. 1578–1657, English physician who discovered the mechanism of blood circulation, expounded in On the motion of the heart (1628)

Harvey Wallbanger (ˈhɑːvI ˈwɔːlˌbæŋə)   n   a cocktail containing vodka, Galliano, and orange juice [C20: supposedly named after a patron at the Hollywood bar where the drink was invented]

Harwell (ˈhɑːˌwɛl)   n   a village in S England, in Oxfordshire: atomic research station (1947)

Harwich (ˈhærItʃ)   n   a port in SE England, in NE Essex on the North Sea. Pop: 20 130 (2001)

Haryana (hərˈjɑːnə)   n   a state of NE India, formed in 1966 from the Hindi-speaking parts of the state of Punjab. Capital: Chandigarh (shared with Punjab). Pop: 21 082 989 (2001 est). Area: 44 506 sq km (17 182 sq miles)

Harz or Harz Mountains (hɑːts)   pl n   a range of wooded hills in central Germany, between the Rivers Weser and Elbe: source of many legends. Highest peak: Brocken, 1142 m (3746 ft)

has (hæz)   vb   (used with he, she, it, or a singular noun) a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of have

■ has-been   n   informal a person or thing that is no longer popular, successful, effective, etc

Hasan al-Basri (hæˈsæn æl ˈbæzrI)   n   died 728 AD, Muslim religious thinker

hasbian (ˈhæzbIən)   n   slang a former lesbian who has become heterosexual or bisexual [C20: HAS-BEEN + LESBIAN]

Hasdrubal (ˈhæzdrʊbəl)   n   died 207 BC, Carthaginian general: commanded the Carthaginian army in Spain (218–211); joined his brother Hannibal in Italy and was killed at the Metaurus

Hašek (Czech ˈhaʃɛk)   n   Jaroslav (ˈjarɔslaf). 1883–1923, Czech novelist and short-story writer; author of The Good Soldier Schweik (1923)

hasenpfeffer (ˈhɑːsənˌfɛfə)   n   cookery a German stew traditionally consisting of rabbit, wine or vinegar, and seasoning

hash^1 (hæʃ)   n   1 a dish of diced cooked meat, vegetables, etc, reheated in a sauce   2 something mixed up   3 a reuse or rework of old material   4 make a hash of informal   a to mix or mess up   b to defeat or destroy   5 settle someone's hash or fix someone's hash informal to subdue or silence someone   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to chop into small pieces   7 to mix or mess up [C17: from Old French hacher to chop up, from hache HATCHET]

■ hash browns   pl n   diced boiled potatoes mixed with chopped onion, shaped and fried until brown

■ hash house   n   US slang a cheap café or restaurant

■ hashy (ˈhæʃI)   adj hashier, hashiest   resembling or similar to a hash

hash^2 (hæʃ)   n   slang short for hashish

■ hashhead (ˈhæʃˌhɛd)   n   drugs slang a regular hashish user

hash^3 (hæʃ) or hashmark (ˈhæʃˌmɑːk)   n   1 the character (#) used to precede a number   2 this sign used in printing or writing to indicate that a space should be inserted

■ hashtag (ˈhæʃˌtæɡ)   n   (on the Twitter website) a word or phrase preceded by a hash mark, used to denote the topic of a post

HaShem (hɑˈʃɛm)   n   Judaism a periphrastic way of referring to God in contexts other than prayer, scriptural reading, etc because the name itself is considered too holy for such use [from Hebrew, literally: The Name]

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (ˈhæʃIˌmaIt)   n   the official name of Jordan^1

hashish (ˈhæʃiːʃ, -Iʃ) or hasheesh (ˈhæʃiːʃ)   n   1 a purified resinous extract of the dried flower tops of the female hemp plant, used as a hallucinogenic. See also cannabis   2 any hallucinogenic substance prepared from this resin [C16: from Arabic hashīsh hemp, dried herbage]

hask (hæsk)   n   1 archaic a basket for transporting fish   ▷ adj   2 archaic, dialect harsh; rough

haslet (ˈhæzlIt) or harslet   n   a loaf of cooked minced pig's offal, eaten cold [C14: from Old French hastelet piece of spit roasted meat, from haste spit, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German harsta frying pan]

hasn't (ˈhæzənt)   contraction of   has not

hasp (hɑːsp)   n   1 a metal fastening consisting of a hinged strap with a slot that fits over a staple and is secured by a pin, bolt, or padlock   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to secure (a door, window, etc) with a hasp [Old English hæpse; related to Old Norse hespa, Old High German haspa hasp, Dutch haspel reel, Sanskrit capa bow]

Hassan II (hæˈsɑːn, ˈhæsən)   n   1929–1999, king of Morocco (1961–99)

hassar (ˈhæsə)   n   a member of a genus of catfish native to South America

Hasselt (Flemish ˈhɑsəlt; French asɛlt)   n   a market town in E Belgium, capital of Limburg province. Pop: 69 127 (2004 est)

Hassid or Hasid (ˈhæsId; Hebrew xaˈsid)   n   variant spellings of Chassid

hassium (ˈhæsIəm)   n   a synthetic element produced in small quantities by high-energy ion bombardment. Symbol: Hs; atomic no: 108 [C20: from Latin, from Hesse, German state where it was discovered]

hassle (ˈhæsəl) informal   n   1 a prolonged argument; wrangle   2 a great deal of trouble; difficulty; nuisance   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to quarrel or wrangle   4 (tr) to cause annoyance or trouble to (someone); harass [C20: of unknown origin]

■ hassle-free   adj   informal without problems or bother

hassock (ˈhæsək)   n   1 a firm upholstered cushion used for kneeling on, esp in church   2 a thick clump of grass [Old English hassuc matted grass]

■ hassocky (ˈhæsəkI)   adj   covered in, or full of, hassocks

hast (hæst)   vb   archaic or dialect (used with the pronoun thou or its relative equivalent) a singular form of the present tense (indicative mood) of have

hastate (ˈhæsteIt)   adj   (of a leaf) having a pointed tip and two outward-pointing lobes at the base [C18: from Latin hastātus with a spear, from hasta spear]

■ hastately (ˈhæsteItlI)   adv   in a hastate manner

haste (heIst)   n   1 speed, esp in an action; swiftness; rapidity   2 the act of hurrying in a careless or rash manner   3 a necessity for hurrying; urgency   4 make haste to hurry; rush   ▷ vb   5 a poetic word for hasten [C14: from Old French haste, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse heifst hate, Old English hǣst strife, Old High German heisti powerful]   > ˈhasteful adj   > ˈhastefully adv

■ hasty (ˈheIstI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 rapid; swift; quick   2 excessively or rashly quick   3 short-tempered   4 showing irritation or anger: hasty words   > ˈhastily adv   > ˈhastiness n

■ hasty pudding   n   1 Brit a simple pudding made from milk thickened with tapioca, semolina, etc, and sweetened   2 US a mush of cornmeal, served with treacle sugar

hasten (ˈheIsən)   vb   1 (may take an infinitive) to hurry or cause to hurry; rush   2 (tr) to be anxious (to say something): I hasten to add that we are just good friends   > ˈhastener n

Hastings^1 (ˈheIstIŋz)   n   1 a port in SE England, in East Sussex on the English Channel: near the site of the Battle of Hastings (1066), in which William the Conqueror defeated King Harold; chief of the Cinque Ports. Pop: 85 828 (2001)   2 a town in New Zealand, on E North Island: centre of a rich agricultural and fruit-growing region. Pop: 71 100 (2004 est)

Hastings^2 (ˈheIstIŋz)   n   1  Gavin. born 1962, Scottish Rugby Union footballer; played for Scotland (1986–95), scoring 667 points in 61 games   2  Warren. 1732–1818, British administrator in India; governor general of Bengal (1773–85). He implemented important reforms but was impeached by parliament (1788) on charges of corruption; acquitted in 1795

hat (hæt)   n   1    a any of various head coverings, esp one with a brim and a shaped crown   b (in combination): hatrack   2 informal a role or capacity   3 at the drop of a hat without hesitation or delay   4 I'll eat my hat informal I will be greatly surprised if (something that proves me wrong) happens: I'll eat my hat if this book comes out late   5 hat in hand humbly or servilely   6 keep something under one's hat to keep something secret   7 my hat (interjection) Brit informal   a my word! my goodness!   b nonsense!   8 old hat something stale or old-fashioned   9 out of a hat   a as if by magic   b at random   10 pass the hat round or send the hat round to collect money, as for a cause   11 take off one's hat to to admire or congratulate   12 talk through one's hat   a to talk foolishly   b to deceive or bluff   13 throw one's hat at it Irish to give up all hope of getting or achieving something: you can throw your hat at it now   14 throw one's hat in the ring or toss one's hat in the ring to announce one's intentions to be a candidate or contestant   ▷ vb hats, hatting, hatted   15 (tr) to supply (a person, etc) with a hat or put a hat on (someone) [Old English hætt; related to Old Norse höttr cap, Latin cassis helmet; see HOOD^1]   > ˈhatless adj   > ˈhatlessness n   > ˈhatˌlike adj

■ hatband (ˈhætˌbænd)   n   a band or ribbon around the base of the crown of a hat

■ hatbox (ˈhætˌbɒks)   n   a box or case for a hat or hats

■ hatbrush (ˈhætˌbrʌʃ)   n   a soft brush for hats

■ hatcheck (ˈhættʃɛk)   n   US a cloakroom attendant

■ hatful (ˈhætfʊl)   n   the amount a hat will hold

■ hatguard (ˈhætˌɡɑːd)   n   a string to keep a hat from blowing off

■ hatmaker (ˈhætˌmeIkə)   n   a maker of hats

■ hatpeg (ˈhætˌpɛɡ)   n   a peg on which to hang a hat

■ hatpin (ˈhætˌpIn)   n   a sturdy pin used to secure a woman's hat to her hair, often having a decorative head

■ hat stand, hatstand, hatrack or esp US hat tree   n   a frame or pole equipped with hooks or arms for hanging up hats, coats, etc

■ hatter (ˈhætə)   n   1 a person who makes and sells hats   2 mad as a hatter crazily eccentric

■ hat-trick   n   1 cricket the achievement of a bowler in taking three wickets with three successive balls   2 any achievement of three points, victories, awards, etc within a given period, esp three goals scored by the same player in a soccer match

hatch^1 (hætʃ)   vb   1 to cause (the young of various animals, esp birds) to emerge from the egg or (of young birds, etc) to emerge from the egg   2 to cause (eggs) to break and release the fully developed young or (of eggs) to break and release the young animal within   3 (tr) to contrive or devise (a scheme, plot, etc)   ▷ n   4 the act or process of hatching   5 a group of newly hatched animals [C13: of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German hecken to mate (used of birds), Swedish häcka to hatch, Danish hække]   > ˈhatchable adj   > ˈhatcher n

■ hatchability (ˌhætʃəˈbIlItI)   n   1 the condition of being likely to hatch   2 a measure (usually a percentage) of the number of eggs that actually hatch

hatch^2 (hætʃ)   n   1 a covering for a hatchway   2    a short for hatchway   b a door in an aircraft or spacecraft   3 informal short for hatchback   4 Also called: serving hatch an opening in a wall between a kitchen and a dining area   5 the lower half of a divided door   6 a sluice or sliding gate in a dam, dyke, or weir   7 down the hatch slang (used as a toast) drink up!   8 under hatches   a below decks   b out of sight   c brought low; dead [Old English hæcc; related to Middle High German heck, Dutch hek gate]

■ hatchback (ˈhætʃˌbæk)   n   1    a a sloping rear end of a car having a single door that is lifted to open   b (as modifier): a hatchback model   2 a car having such a rear end   ▶ Often shortened to: hatch. US term: liftback

■ hatchway (ˈhætʃˌweI)   n   1 an opening in the deck of a vessel to provide access below   2 a similar opening in a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof, usually fitted with a lid or door   ▶ Often shortened to: hatch

hatch^3 (hætʃ)   vb   art to mark (a figure, shade, etc) with fine parallel or crossed lines to indicate shading. Compare hachure [C15: from Old French hacher to chop, from hache HATCHET]   > ˈhatching n

hatchel (ˈhætʃəl)   vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eledn   another word for heckle (sense 2), heckle (sense 3) [C13: hechele, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German hāko hook, Middle Dutch hekele HACKLE]   > ˈhatcheller n

hatchery (ˈhætʃərI)   n, pl -eries   a place where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions

hatchet (ˈhætʃIt)   n   1 a short axe used for chopping wood, etc   2 a tomahawk   3 (modifier) of narrow dimensions and sharp features: a hatchet face   4 bury the hatchet to cease hostilities and become reconciled [C14: from Old French hachette, from hache axe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German happa knife]   > ˈhatchet-ˌlike adj

■ hatchet-face   n   a face with narrow dimensions and sharp features

■ hatchet-faced   adj   having a face with narrow dimensions and sharp features

■ hatchet job   n   informal a malicious or devastating verbal or written attack

■ hatchet man   n informal   1 a person carrying out unpleasant assignments for an employer or superior   2 US and Canadian a hired murderer   3 a severe or malicious critic

■ hatchety (ˈhætʃItI)   adj   resembling a hatchet

hatchettite (ˈhætʃIˌtaIt)   n   mineralogy a yellow waxy mineral hydrocarbon found in coal-measures

hatchling (ˈhætʃlIŋ)   n   a young animal that has newly emerged from an egg [C19: from HATCH^1 + -LING^1]

hatchment (ˈhætʃmənt)   n   heraldry a diamond-shaped tablet displaying the coat of arms of a dead person. Also called: achievement [C16: changed from ACHIEVEMENT]

hate (heIt)   vb   1 to dislike (something) intensely; detest   2 (intr) to be unwilling (to be or do something)   ▷ n   3 intense dislike   4 informal a person or thing that is hated (esp in the phrase pet hate)   5 (modifier) expressing or arousing feelings of hatred: hate mail [Old English hatian; related to Old Norse hata, Old Saxon hatōn, Old High German hazzēn]   > ˈhateable or ˈhatable adj

■ hate crime   n   a crime, esp of violence, in which the victim is targeted because of his or her race, religion, sexuality, etc

■ hated (ˈheItId)   adj   detested

■ hateful (ˈheItfʊl)   adj   1 causing or deserving hate; loathsome; detestable   2 full of or showing hate   > ˈhatefully adv   > ˈhatefulness n

■ hateless (ˈheItlIs)   adj   without feelings of hatred   > ˈhatelessness n

■ hater (ˈheItə)   n   1    a someone who hates a specified person or thing: a passionate hater of tyranny   b (in combination): a cat-hater; a cop-hater   2 informal, chiefly US and Canadian a grudging or spiteful person, esp one who disparages others: Don't let the haters get you down

■ hate speech   n   speech disparaging a racial, sexual, or ethnic group or a member of such a group

■ hateworthy (ˈheItˌwɜːðI)   adj   worthy of hatred

Hatfield (ˈhætˌfiːld)   n   a market town in S central England, in Hertfordshire, with a new town of the same name built on the outskirts: university (1992); site of Hatfield House (1607–11), the seat of the Cecil family. Pop: 32 281 (2001)

hath (hæθ)   vb   archaic or dialect (used with the pronouns he, she, or it or a singular noun) a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of have

Hathaway (ˈhæθəˌweI)   n   Anne. ?1557–1623, wife of William Shakespeare

hatha yoga (ˈhʌtə, ˈhæθə)   n   (sometimes capitals) a form of yoga concerned chiefly with the regulation of breathing by exercises consisting of various postures designed to maintain healthy functioning of the body and to induce mental calm. Compare raja yoga [C20: from Sanskrit hatha force + YOGA]

Hathor (ˈhæθɔː)   n   (in ancient Egyptian religion) the mother of Horus and goddess of creation   > Hathoric (hæˈθɔːrIk, -ˈθɒr-) adj

hatinator   n   a small decorative hat, worn on social occasions [blend of HAT and FASCINATOR]

hatred (ˈheItrId)   n   a feeling of intense dislike; enmity

Hatshepsut (hætˈʃɛpsuːt) or Hatshepset   n   queen of Egypt of the l8th dynasty (?1512–1482 BC). She built a great mortuary temple at Deir el Bahri near Thebes

Hatteras (ˈhætərəs)   n   Cape Hatteras a promontory off the E coast of North Carolina, on Hatteras Island, which is situated between Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic: known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for its danger to shipping

hatteria (ˌhætəˈrIə)   n   another name for tuatara

Hattersley (ˈhætəzlI)   n   Roy (Sydney George), Baron Hattersley of Sparkbrook. born 1932, British Labour politician; deputy leader of the Labour Party (1983–92); shadow home secretary (1980–83; 1987–92)

hattock (ˈhætək)   n   Scot obsolete a small hat

haubergeon (ˈhɔːbədʒən)   n   a variant form of habergeon

hauberk (ˈhɔːbɜːk)   n   a long coat of mail, often sleeveless [C13: from Old French hauberc, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German halsberc, Old English healsbeorg, from heals neck + beorg protection, shelter]

haubois (ˈəʊbɔI)   n   a variant spelling of hautboy (sense 1)

haud (hɔːd, hʌd)   vb, n   a Scot word for hold^1

hauf (hɔːf)   n, determiner, adj, adv   a Scot word for half

haugh (hɑːk, hɑːf; Scottish hɒx)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a low-lying often alluvial riverside meadow [Old English healh corner of land; see HOLLOW]

Haughey (ˈhɔːxI; Irish ˈhʌhiː)   n   Charles James. 1925–2006, Irish politician; leader of the Fianna Fáil party; prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1979–81; 1982; 1987–92)

haughty (ˈhɔːtI)   adj -tier, -tiest   1 having or showing arrogance   2 archaic noble or exalted [C16: from Old French haut, literally: lofty, from Latin altus high]   > ˈhaughtily adv   > ˈhaughtiness n

Hauhau (ˈhaʊhaʊ)   n   NZ history a 19th-century Māori religious sect [Māori]

haul (hɔːl)   vb   1 to drag or draw (something) with effort   2 (tr) to transport, as in a lorry   3 nautical to alter the course of (a vessel), esp so as to sail closer to the wind   4 (tr) nautical to draw or hoist (a vessel) out of the water onto land or a dock for repair, storage, etc   5 (intr) nautical (of the wind) to blow from a direction nearer the bow. Compare veer^1 (sense 3b)   6 (intr) to change one's opinion or action   ▷ n   7 the act of dragging with effort   8 (esp of fish) the amount caught at a single time   9 something that is hauled   10 the goods obtained from a robbery   11 a distance of hauling: a three-mile haul   12 the amount of a contraband seizure: arms haul; drugs haul   13 in the long haul or over the long haul   a in a future time   b over a lengthy period of time   14 a quantity of goods, awards, currency, etc earned, purchased, or otherwise received: Her haul included a Gucci dress; an impressive haul of seven medals [C16: from Old French haler, of Germanic origin; see HALE^2]

■ haulage (ˈhɔːlIdʒ)   n   1 the act or labour of hauling   2 a rate or charge levied for the transportation of goods, esp by rail

■ haulier (ˈhɔːljə) or US hauler (ˈhɔːlə)   n   1 a person or firm that transports goods by lorry; one engaged in road haulage   2 a person that hauls, esp a mine worker who conveys coal from the workings to the foot of the shaft

■ haul off   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (foll by and) US and Canadian informal to draw back in preparation (esp to strike or fight): I hauled off and slugged him   2 nautical to alter the course of a vessel so as to avoid an obstruction, shallow waters, etc

■ haul up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) informal to call to account or criticize   2 nautical to sail (a vessel) closer to the wind

haulm or halm (hɔːm)   n   1 the stems or stalks of beans, peas, potatoes, grasses, etc, collectively, as used for thatching, bedding, etc   2 a single stem of such a plant [Old English healm; related to Old Norse halmr, Old High German halm stem, straw, Latin culmus stalk, Greek kalamos reed, Old Slavonic slama straw]

■ haulmy (ˈhɔːmI)   adj haulmier, haulmiest   having haulms

Haumea (həuˈmɛjə)   n   a dwarf planet located beyond Neptune's orbit; discovered in 2004, it has a diameter of 1240 km [C21: after a fertility goddess in Hawaiian mythology]

haun (hɔːn)   n   Scot a hand

haunch (hɔːntʃ)   n   1 the human hip or fleshy hindquarter of an animal, esp a horse or similar quadruped   2 the leg and loin of an animal, used for food: a haunch of venison   3 Also called: hance architect the part of an arch between the impost and the apex [C13: from Old French hanche; related to Spanish, Italian anca, of Germanic origin; compare Low German hanke]   > haunched adj

■ haunch bone   n   a nontechnical name for the ilium, hipbone

haunt (hɔːnt)   vb   1 to visit (a person or place) in the form of a ghost   2 (tr) to intrude upon or recur to (the memory, thoughts, etc): he was haunted by the fear of injury   3 to visit (a place) frequently   4 to associate with (someone) frequently   ▷ n   5 (often plural) a place visited frequently: an old haunt of hers   6 a place to which animals habitually resort for food, drink, shelter, etc [C13: from Old French hanter, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse heimta to bring home, Old English hāmettan to give a home to; see HOME]   > ˈhaunter n

■ haunted (ˈhɔːntId)   adj   1 frequented or visited by ghosts   2 (postpositive) obsessed or worried

■ haunting (ˈhɔːntIŋ)   adj   1 (of memories) poignant or persistent   2 poignantly sentimental; enchantingly or eerily evocative   > ˈhauntingly adv

Hauptmann (German ˈhaʊptman)   n   Gerhart (ˈɡeːrhart). 1862–1946, German naturalist, dramatist, novelist, and poet. His works include the historical drama The Weavers (1892): Nobel prize for literature 1912

Hauraki Gulf (haʊˈrækI)   n   an inlet of the Pacific in New Zealand, on the N coast of North Island

hauriant (ˈhɔːrIənt)   adj   heraldry a representation of a fish rising, with the head upward and the body erect

Hausa (ˈhaʊsə)   n   1 (pl -sas or -sa) a member of a people of W Africa, living chiefly in N Nigeria   2 the language of this people: the chief member of the Chadic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. It is widely used as a trading language throughout W Africa and the S Sahara

hausen (ˈhaʊzən, ˈhɔːzən)   n   another name for beluga (sense 1)

hausfrau (ˈhaʊsˌfraʊ)   n   a German housewife [German, from Haus HOUSE + Frau woman, wife]

Haussmann (French əsmən)   n   Georges-Eugène, Baron. 1809–91, French town planner, noted for his major rebuilding of Paris in the reign of Napoleon III

■ haussmannize or haussmannise (ˈhaʊsmənaIz)   vb (tr)   to rebuild in a similar fashion as Haussmann rebuilt Paris

haustellum (hɔːˈstɛləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   the tip of the proboscis of a housefly or similar insect, specialized for sucking food [C19: New Latin, diminutive of Latin haustrum device for drawing water, from haurīre to draw up; see EXHAUST]   > hausˈtellate adj

haustorium (hɔːˈstɔːrIəm)   n, pl -ria (-rIə)   the organ of a parasitic plant that penetrates the host tissues and absorbs food and water from them [C19: from New Latin, from Late Latin haustor a water-drawer; see HAUSTELLUM]   > hausˈtorial adj

hautbois strawberry (ˈəʊbɔI)   n   another name for hautboy (sense 1)

hautboy (ˈəʊbɔI)   n   1 Also called: hautbois strawberry, haubois a strawberry, Fragaria moschata, of central Europe and Asia, with small round fruit   2 an archaic word for oboe [C16: from French hautbois, from haut high + bois wood, of Germanic origin; see BUSH^1]

haute couture French (ot kutyr)   n   the design and manufacture of high-quality fashionable clothes [literally: high dressmaking]

haute cuisine French (ot kwizin)   n   high-class cooking [literally: high cookery]

haute école French (ot ekɔl)   n   the classical art of riding [literally: high school]

Haute-Garonne (French otɡarɔn)   n   a department of SW France, in Occitanie region. Capital: Toulouse. Pop: 1 102 919 (2003 est). Area: 6367 sq km (2483 sq miles)

Haute-Loire (French otlwar)   n   a department of S central France, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Le Puy. Pop: 213 993 (2003 est). Area: 5001 sq km (1950 sq miles)

Haute-Marne (French otmarn)   n   a department of NE France, in Grand Est region. Capital: Chaumont. Pop: 190 983 (2003 est). Area: 6257 sq km (2440 sq miles)

Haute-Normandie (French otnɔrmɑ̃di)   n   a former region of NW France, on the English Channel: generally fertile and flat

Hautes-Alpes (French otzalp)   n   a department of SE France in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Capital: Gap. Pop: 126 810 (2003 est). Area: 5643 sq km (2201 sq miles)

Haute-Saône (French otson)   n   a department of E France, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Capital: Vesoul. Pop: 232 283 (2003 est). Area: 5375 sq km (2096 sq miles)

Haute-Savoie (French otsavwa)   n   a department of E France, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Capital: Annecy. Pop: 663 810 (2003 est). Area: 4958 sq km (1934 sq miles)

Hautes-Pyrénées (French otpirene)   n   a department of SW France, in Occitanie region. Capital: Tarbes. Pop: 224 053 (2003 est). Area: 4534 sq km (1768 sq miles)

hauteur (əʊˈtɜː)   n   pride; haughtiness [C17: from French, from haut high; see HAUGHTY]

Haute-Vienne (French otvjɛn)   n   a department of W central France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Capital: Limoges. Pop: 353 788 (2003 est). Area: 5555 sq km (2166 sq miles)

haut monde French (o mɔ̃d)   n   high society [literally: high world]

Haut-Rhin (French orɛ̃)   n   a department of E France in Grand Est region. Capital: Colmar. Pop: 722 692 (2003 est). Area: 3566 sq km (1377 sq miles)

Hauts-de-France (French odəfrɑ̃s)   n   a region of N France formed in 2016 from the former regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy

Hauts-de-Seine (French odəsɛn)   n   a department of N central France, in Île-de-France region just west of Paris: formed in 1964. Capital: Nanterre. Pop: 1 470 706 (2003 est). Area: 175 sq km (68 sq miles)

hauyne (ˈhɑːwIn, ˈhɔːIn)   n   mineralogy a blue feldspathoid mineral found in igneous rock

Havana (həˈvænə)   n   the capital of Cuba, a port in the northwest on the Gulf of Mexico: the largest city in the Caribbean; founded in 1514 as San Cristóbal de la Habana by Diego Velásquez. Pop: 2 137 097 (2015 est). Spanish names: La Habana, Habana. Related adjective: Habanero

■ Havana Brown   n   a breed of medium-sized cat with large eyes, large ears, and a sleek brown coat

■ Havana cigar   n   any of various cigars hand rolled in Cuba, known esp for their high quality. Also called: Havana

Havant (ˈhævənt)   n   a market town in S England, in SE Hampshire. Pop: 45 435 (2001)

havarti (həˈvɑːtI)   n   a semi-soft Danish cheese

havdalah or havdoloh Hebrew (hɑvdɑˈlɑ; Yiddish hɑvˈdɔlə)   n   Judaism the ceremony marking the end of the sabbath or of a festival, including the blessings over wine, candles, and spices [literally: separation]

have (hæv)   vb has, having, had (mainly tr)   1 to be in material possession of; own: he has two cars   2 to possess as a characteristic quality or attribute: he has dark hair   3 to receive, take, or obtain: she had a present from him; have a look   4 to hold or entertain in the mind: to have an idea   5 to possess a knowledge or understanding of: I have no German   6 to experience or undergo: to have a shock   7 to be infected with or suffer from: to have a cold   8 to gain control of or advantage over: you have me on that point   9 (usually passive) slang to cheat or outwit: he was had by that dishonest salesman   10 (foll by on) to exhibit (mercy, compassion, etc, towards): have mercy on us, Lord   11 to engage or take part in: to have a conversation   12 to arrange, carry out, or hold: to have a party   13 to cause, compel, or require to (be, do, or be done): have my shoes mended   14 (takes an infinitive with to) used as an auxiliary to express compulsion or necessity: I had to run quickly to escape him   15 to eat, drink, or partake of: to have a good meal   16 vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse with: he had her on the sofa   17 (used with a negative) to tolerate or allow: I won't have all this noise   18 to declare, state, or assert: rumour has it that they will marry   19 to put or place: I'll have the sofa in this room   20 to receive as a guest: to have three people to stay   21 to beget or bear (offspring): she had three children   22 (takes a past participle) used as an auxiliary to form compound tenses expressing completed action: I have gone; I shall have gone; I would have gone; I had gone   23 had better or had best ought to: used to express compulsion, obligation, etc: you had better go   24 had rather or had sooner to consider or find preferable that: I had rather you left at once   25 have done See done (sense 3)   26 have had it informal   a to be exhausted, defeated, or killed   b to have lost one's last chance   c to become unfashionable   27 have it to win a victory   28 have it away or have it off Brit vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse   29 have it coming informal to be about to receive or to merit punishment or retribution   30 have it in for informal to wish or intend harm towards   31 have it so good to have so many benefits, esp material benefits   32 have to do with   a to have dealings or associate with: I have nothing to do with her   b to be of relevance to: this has nothing to do with you   33 I have it informal I know the answer   34 let someone have it slang to launch or deliver an attack on, esp to discharge a firearm at someone   35 not having any (foll by of) informal refusing to take part or be involved (in)   ▷ n   36 (usually plural) a person or group of people in possession of wealth, security, etc: the haves and the have-nots [Old English habban; related to Old Norse hafa, Old Saxon hebbian, Old High German habēn, Latin habēre]

■ have-a-go   adj   informal (of people attempting arduous or dangerous tasks) brave or spirited: a have-a-go pensioner

■ have at   vb   (intr, preposition) archaic to make an opening attack on, esp in fencing

■ have in   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to ask (a person) to give a service: we must have the electrician in to mend the fire   2 to invite to one's home

■ have-not   n   (usually plural) a person or group of people in possession of relatively little material wealth

■ have on   vb (tr)   1 (usually adverb) to wear   2 (usually adverb) to have (a meeting or engagement) arranged as a commitment: what does your boss have on this afternoon?   3 (adverb) informal to trick or tease (a person)   4 (preposition) to have available (information or evidence, esp when incriminating) about (a person): the police had nothing on him, so they let him go

■ have out   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to settle (a matter) or come to (a final decision), esp by fighting or by frank discussion (often in the phrase have it out)   2 to have extracted or removed: I had a tooth out

■ have up   vb   (tr, adverb; usually passive) to cause to appear for trial: he was had up for breaking and entering

Havel^1 (German ˈhaːfəl)   n   a river in E Germany, flowing south to Berlin, then west and north to join the River Elbe. Length: about 362 km (225 miles)

Havel^2 (Czech ˈhavɛl)   n   Václav (ˈvʌtslav). 1936–2011, Czech dramatist and statesman: founder of the Civil Forum movement for political change: president of Czechoslovakia (1989–92) and of the Czech Republic (1993–2003). His plays include The Garden Party (1963) and Redevelopment (1989)

havelock (ˈhævlɒk)   n   a light-coloured cover for a service cap with a flap extending over the back of the neck to protect the head and neck from the sun [C19: named after Sir H. Havelock (1795–1857), English general in India]

haven (ˈheIvən)   n   1 a port, harbour, or other sheltered place for shipping   2 a place of safety or sanctuary; shelter   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to secure or shelter in or as if in a haven [Old English hæfen, from Old Norse höfn; related to Middle Dutch havene, Old Irish cuan to bend]   > ˈhavenless adj

haven't (ˈhævənt)   contraction of   have not

haver (ˈheIvə)   vb (intr)   1 Brit to dither   2 Scot and Northern English dialect to talk nonsense; babble   ▷ n   3 (usually plural) Scot nonsense [C18: of unknown origin]

haverel (ˈheIvərəl)   n   Scot a person who talks nonsense or who babbles

Havering (ˈheIvərIŋ)   n   a borough of NE Greater London, formed in 1965 from Romford and Hornchurch (both previously in Essex). Pop: 224 600 (2003 est). Area: 120 sq km (46 sq miles)

haversack (ˈhævəˌsæk)   n   a canvas bag for provisions or equipment, carried on the back or shoulder [C18: from French havresac, from German Habersack oat bag, from Old High German habaro oats + Sack SACK^1]

Haversian canal (hæˈvɜːʃən)   n   histology any of the channels that form a network in bone and contain blood vessels and nerves [C19: named after C. Havers (died 1702), English anatomist who discovered them]

haversine (ˈhævəˌsaIn)   n   obsolete half the value of the versed sine [C19: combination of half + versed + SINE^1]

havildar (ˈhævIlˌdɑː)   n   a noncommissioned officer in the Indian army, equivalent in rank to sergeant [C17: from Hindi, from Persian hawāldār one in charge]

haviour (ˈheIvjə)   n   archaic the fact of owning or having; possession

havoc (ˈhævək)   n   1 destruction; devastation; ruin   2 informal confusion; chaos   3 cry havoc archaic to give the signal for pillage and destruction   4 play havoc (often foll by with) to cause a great deal of damage, distress, or confusion (to)   ▷ vb -ocs, -ocking, -ocked   5 (tr) archaic to lay waste [C15: from Old French havot pillage, probably of Germanic origin]

■ havocker (ˈhævəkə)   n   a person who causes havoc

Havre (ˈhɑːvrə; French ɑvrə)   n   See Le Havre

haw^1 (hɔː)   n   1 the round or oval fruit (a pome) of the hawthorn, usually red or yellow, containing one to five seeds   2 another name for hawthorn [Old English haga, identical with haga HEDGE; related to Old Norse hagi pasture]

■ hawfinch (ˈhɔːˌfIntʃ)   n   an uncommon European finch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes, having a very stout bill and brown plumage with black-and-white wings

haw^2 (hɔː)   n, interj   1 an inarticulate utterance, as of hesitation, embarrassment, etc; hem   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to make this sound   3 hem and haw or hum and haw See hem^2 (sense 3) [C17: of imitative origin]

haw^3 (hɔː)   n   archaic a yard or close [of unknown origin]

haw^4 (hɔː)   n   the nictitating membrane of a horse or other domestic animal [C15: of unknown origin]

Hawaii (həˈwaII)   n   a state of the US in the central Pacific, consisting of over 20 volcanic islands and atolls, including Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Molokai: discovered by Captain Cook in 1778; annexed by the US in 1898; naval base at Pearl Harbor attacked by the Japanese in 1941, a major cause of US entry into World War II; became a state in 1959. Capital: Honolulu. Pop: 1 257 608 (2003 est). Area: 16 640 sq km (6425 sq miles). Former name: Sandwich Islands. Abbreviation: Ha, (with zip code) HI

■ Hawaiian (həˈwaIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Hawaii, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Hawaii, esp one descended from Melanesian or Tahitian immigrants   3 a language of Hawaii belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family

■ Hawaiian guitar   n   a lap-held steel-strung guitar with a wood or metal body, tuned to an open chord and played with a slide. Compare Dobro, pedal steel guitar

Hawaiki (ˈhɑːwaIkiː)   n   NZ a legendary Pacific island from which the Māoris migrated to New Zealand by canoe [Māori]

hawala (haˈwɑːlə)   n   a system of money transfer based on promises and honour, practised in the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa

hawbuck (ˈhɔːˌbʌk)   n   a country bumpkin

Hawes Water (hɔːz)   n   a lake in NW England, in the Lake District: provides part of Manchester's water supply; extended by damming from 4 km (2.5 miles) to 6 km (4 miles)

haw-haw^1 (ˈhɔːˈhɔː)   interj   a variant of ha-ha^1

haw-haw^2 (ˈhɔːhɔː)   n   a variant of ha-ha^2

Haw-Haw (ˈhɔːˌhɔː)   n   Lord Haw-Haw See Joyce (sense 2)

Hawick (ˈhɔːIk)   n   a town in SE Scotland, in S central Scottish Borders: knitwear industry. Pop: 14 573 (2001)

hawk^1 (hɔːk)   n   1 any of various diurnal birds of prey of the family Accipitridae, such as the goshawk and Cooper's hawk, typically having short rounded wings and a long tail. Related adjective: accipitrine   2 US and Canadian any of various other falconiform birds, including the falcons but not the eagles or vultures   3 a person who advocates or supports war or warlike policies. Compare dove^1 (sense 2)   4 a ruthless or rapacious person   5 know a hawk from a handsaw to be able to judge things; be discerning   ▷ vb   6 (intr) to hunt with falcons, hawks, etc   7 (intr) (of falcons or hawks) to fly in quest of prey   8 to pursue or attack on the wing, as a hawk [Old English hafoc; related to Old Norse haukr, Old Frisian havek, Old High German habuh, Polish kobuz] [sense 5 from Shakespeare (Hamlet II:2:375); handsaw is probably a corruption of dialect heronshaw heron]   > ˈhawkˌlike adj

■ hawkbell (ˈhɔːkˌbɛl)   n   a small bell fitted to a hawk's leg

■ hawkbill (ˈhɔːkˌbIl)   n   another name for hawksbill turtle

■ hawkbit (ˈhɔːkˌbIt)   n   any of three composite perennial plants of the genus Leontodon, with yellow dandelion-like flowers and lobed leaves in a rosette, erect or prostrate: found in grassland [C18: from HAWK(WEED) + (DEVIL'S) BIT]

■ hawker (ˈhɔːkə)   n   a person who hunts with hawks, falcons, etc [Old English hafecere; see HAWK^1, -ER^1]

■ hawk-eyed   adj   1 having extremely keen sight   2 vigilant, watchful, or observant: hawk-eyed scrutiny

■ hawking (ˈhɔːkIŋ)   n   another name for falconry

■ hawkish (ˈhɔːkIʃ)   adj   favouring the use or display of force rather than diplomacy to achieve foreign-policy goals   > ˈhawkishly adv

■ hawkishness (ˈhɔːkIʃnəs)   n   the characteristic of being like a hawk, esp in a political sense

■ hawk moth or hawkmoth (ˈhɔːkˌmɒθ)   n   any of various moths of the family Sphingidae, having long narrow wings and powerful flight, with the ability to hover over flowers when feeding from the nectar. Also called: sphinx moth, hummingbird moth. See also death's-head moth

■ hawknose (ˈhɔːkˌnəʊz)   n   a nose hooked or curved similar to a hawk's beak

■ hawk owl   n   a hawklike northern owl, Surnia ulula, with a long slender tail and brownish speckled plumage

■ hawk's-beard   n   any plant of the genus Crepis, having a ring of fine hairs surrounding the fruit and clusters of small dandelion-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ hawksbill turtle or hawksbill (ˈhɔːksˌbIl)   n   a small tropical turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, with a hooked beaklike mouth: a source of tortoiseshell: family Chelonidae. Also called: hawkbill, tortoiseshell turtle

■ hawk's-eye   n   a dark blue variety of the mineral crocidolite: a semiprecious gemstone

■ hawkweed (ˈhɔːkˌwiːd)   n   any typically hairy plant of the genus Hieracium, with clusters of dandelion-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

hawk^2 (hɔːk)   vb   1 to offer (goods) for sale, as in the street   2 (tr; often foll by about) to spread (news, gossip, etc)

■ hawker (ˈhɔːkə)   n   a person who travels from place to place selling goods [C16: probably from Middle Low German hōker, from hōken to peddle; see HUCKSTER]

hawk^3 (hɔːk)   vb   1 (intr) to clear the throat noisily   2 (tr) to force (phlegm) up from the throat   3 Brit a slang word for spit^1   ▷ n   4 a noisy clearing of the throat [C16: of imitative origin; see HAW^2]

hawk^4 (hɔːk)   n   a small square board with a handle underneath, used for carrying wet plaster or mortar. Also called: mortar board [of unknown origin]

Hawke (hɔːk)   n   1  Edward, 1st Baron. 1705–81, British admiral. He destroyed the French fleet in Quiberon Bay (1759), preventing a French invasion of England   2  Robert (James Lee), known as Bob. Born 1929, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1983–91)

hawkey (ˈhɔːkI)   n   another name for hockey^2

Hawk-Eye   n   trademark an optical ball-tracking device used as an aid to commentators in certain sports, and as an officiating tool in major tennis tournaments

hawkie (ˈhɔːkI)   n   Scot a cow, esp a favourite one

Hawking (ˈhɔːkIŋ)   n   Stephen William. 1942–2018, British physicist. Contracting motor neurone disease in the 1960s, he nevertheless became a leading figure in cosmological theory. His publications intended for a wide audience included A Brief History of Time (1987) and The Grand Design (2010)

■ Hawking radiation   n   astronomy the emission of particles by a black hole. Pairs of virtual particles in the intense gravitational field around a black hole may live long enough for one to move outward when the other is pulled into the black hole, making it appear that the black hole is emitting radiation [C20: discovered by Stephen HAWKING]

Hawkins (ˈhɔːkInz)   n   1  Coleman. 1904–69, US pioneer of the tenor saxophone for jazz   2  Sir John. 1532–95, English naval commander and slave trader, treasurer of the navy (1577–89); commander of a squadron in the fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada (1588)

hawkit (ˈhɔːkIt)   adj   Scot (of animals) having a white streak or spots on the face

Hawks (hɔːks)   n   Howard (Winchester). 1896–1977, US film director. His films include Sergeant York (1941) and The Big Sleep (1946)

hawkshaw (ˈhɔːkʃɔː)   n   a detective

Hawksmoor (ˈhɔːksˌmɔː)   n   Nicholas. 1661–1736, English architect. His designs include All Souls', Oxford, and a number of London churches, notably St Anne's, Limehouse

hawm (hɔːm)   vb (intr)   dialect to move awkwardly

Haworth^1 (ˈhaʊəθ)   n   a village in N England, in Bradford unitary authority, West Yorkshire: home of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. Pop: 6078 (2001)

Haworth^2 (ˈhaʊəθ)   n   Sir Walter Norman. 1883–1950, British biochemist, who shared the Nobel prize for chemistry (1937) for being the first to synthesize ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

hawse (hɔːz) nautical   n   1 the part of the bows of a vessel where the hawseholes are   2 short for hawsehole, hawsepipe   3 the distance from the bow of an anchored vessel to the anchor   4 the arrangement of port and starboard anchor ropes when a vessel is riding on both anchors   ▷ vb   5 (intr) (of a vessel) to pitch violently when at anchor [C14: from earlier halse, probably from Old Norse háls; related to Old English heals neck]

■ hawsehole (ˈhɔːzˌhəʊl)   n   nautical one of the holes in the upper part of the bows of a vessel through which the anchor ropes pass. Often shortened to: hawse

■ hawsepipe (ˈhɔːzˌpaIp)   n   nautical a strong metal pipe through which an anchor rope passes. Often shortened to: hawse

hawser (ˈhɔːzə) or halser (ˈhɔːlsə)   n   nautical a large heavy rope [C14: from Anglo-French hauceour, from Old French haucier to hoist, ultimately from Latin altus high]

■ hawser bend   n   a knot for tying two ropes together

■ hawser-laid   adj   (of a rope) made up of three strands, the fibres (or yarns) of which have been twisted together in a left-handed direction. These three strands are then twisted together in a right-handed direction to make the rope

hawthorn (ˈhɔːˌθɔːn)   n   any of various thorny trees or shrubs of the N temperate rosaceous genus Crataegus, esp C. oxyacantha, having white or pink flowers and reddish fruits (haws). Also called (in Britain): may, may tree, mayflower [Old English haguthorn from haga hedge + thorn thorn; related to Old Norse hagthorn, Middle High German hagendorn, Dutch haagdoorn]

■ hawthorny (ˈhɔːˌθɔːnI)   adj   resembling or characterized by hawthorns

Hawthorne (ˈhɔːˌθɔːn)   n   Nathaniel. 1804–64, US novelist and short-story writer: his works include the novels The Scarlet Letter (1850) and The House of the Seven Gables (1851) and the children's stories Tanglewood Tales (1853)

Hawthorne effect (ˈhɔːˌθɔːn)   n   improvement in the performance of employees, students, etc, brought about by making changes in working methods, resulting from research into means of improving performance. Compare iatrogenic, placebo effect [from the Western Electric Company's Hawthorne works in Chicago, USA, where it was discovered during experiments in the 1920s]

hay^1 (heI)   n   1    a grass, clover, etc, cut and dried as fodder   b (in combination): a hayfield; a hayloft   2 hit the hay slang to go to bed   3 make hay of to throw into confusion   4 make hay while the sun shines to take full advantage of an opportunity   5 roll in the hay informal sexual intercourse or heavy petting   ▷ vb   6 to cut, dry, and store (grass, clover, etc) as fodder   7 (tr) to feed with hay [Old English hieg; related to Old Norse hey, Gothic hawi, Old Frisian hē, Old High German houwi; see HEW]

■ hayband (ˈheIˌbænd)   n   a rope made by twisting hay together

■ haybox (ˈheIˌbɒks)   n   an airtight box full of hay or other insulating material used to keep partially cooked food warm and allow cooking by retained heat

■ haycock (ˈheIˌkɒk)   n   a small cone-shaped pile of hay left in the field until dry enough to carry to the rick or barn

■ hayer (ˈheIə)   n   a person who makes hay

■ hayey (ˈheII)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling hay

■ hay fever   n   an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, etc, characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose. Technical names: allergic rhinitis, pollinosis

■ hayfield (ˈheIˌfiːld)   n   a field for making hay

■ hayfork (ˈheIˌfɔːk)   n   a long-handled fork with two long curved prongs, used for moving or turning hay; pitchfork

■ hayloft (ˈheIlɒft)   n   agriculture the upper part of a barn, used for storing hay

■ haymaker (ˈheIˌmeIkə)   n   1 a person who helps to cut, turn, toss, spread, or carry hay   2 Also called: hay conditioner either of two machines, one designed to crush stems of hay, the other to break and bend them, in order to cause more rapid and even drying   3 boxing slang a wild swinging punch   > ˈhayˌmaking adj, n

■ haymow (ˈheIˌmaʊ)   n   1 a part of a barn where hay is stored   2 a quantity of hay stored in a barn or loft

■ hayrack (ˈheIˌræk)   n   1 a rack for holding hay for feeding to animals   2 a rack fixed to a cart or wagon to increase the quantity of hay or straw that it can carry

■ hayrake (ˈheIˌreIk)   n   a large rake used to collect hay

■ hayride (ˈheIraId)   n   US a pleasure ride on a trailer or open truck

■ hayseed (ˈheIˌsiːd)   n   1 seeds or fragments of grass or straw   2 US and Canadian informal, derogatory a yokel

■ haystack (ˈheIˌstæk) or hayrick (ˈheIˌrIk)   n   a large pile of hay, esp one built in the open air and covered with thatch

hay^2 or hey (heI)   n   1 a circular figure in country dancing   2 a former country dance in which the dancers wove in and out of a circle [C16: of uncertain origin]

Hay (heI)   n   Will. 1888–1949, British music-hall comedian, who later starred in films, such as Oh, Mr Porter! (1937)

haycation (ˌheIˈkeIʃən)   n informal   a working holiday at a farm or similar business [C21: blend of HAY^1 + VACATION, modelled on STAYCATION]

Haydn (ˈhaIdən)   n   1  (Franz) Joseph (ˈjoːzɛf). 1732–1809, Austrian composer, who played a major part in establishing the classical forms of the symphony and the string quartet. His other works include the oratorios The Creation (1796–98) and The Seasons (1798–1801)   2  his brother, (Johann) Michael (German ˈmIçaeːl). 1737–1806, Austrian composer, esp of Church music

Haydon (ˈheIdən)   n   Benjamin (Robert). 1786–1846, British historical painter and art critic, best known for his Autobiography and Journals (1853)

Hayek (ˈhɑIjək)   n   Friedrich August von. 1899–1992, British economist and political philosopher, born in Austria: noted for his advocacy of free-market ideas; shared the Nobel prize for economics 1974

Hayes (heIz)   n   Rutherford B(irchard). 1822–93, 19th president of the US (1877–81)

haylage (ˈheIˌlIdʒ)   n   silage made from partially dried grass [C20: from HAY^1 + (SI)LAGE]

hayle (heIl)   n   archaic health and welfare

haysel (ˈheIsəl)   n   East Anglian the season for making hay

hayward (ˈheIˌwɔːd)   n   Brit obsolete a parish officer in charge of enclosures and fences

haywire (ˈheIˌwaIə)   adj (postpositive) informal   1 (of things) not functioning properly; disorganized (esp in the phrase go haywire)   2 (of people) erratic or crazy [C20: alluding to the disorderly tangle of wire removed from bales of hay]

hazan or hazzan Hebrew (xaˈzan; English ˈhɑːzən)   n   variant spellings of chazan

hazard (ˈhæzəd)   n   1 exposure or vulnerability to injury, loss, evil, etc   2 at hazard at risk; in danger   3 a thing likely to cause injury, etc   4 golf an obstacle such as a bunker, a road, rough, water, etc   5 chance; accident (esp in the phrase by hazard)   6 a gambling game played with two dice   7 real tennis   a the receiver's side of the court   b one of the winning openings   8 billiards a scoring stroke made either when a ball other than the striker's is pocketed (winning hazard) or the striker's cue ball itself (losing hazard)   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to chance or risk   10 to venture (an opinion, guess, etc)   11 to expose to danger [C13: from Old French hasard, from Arabic az-zahr the die]   > ˈhazardable adj   > ˈhazard-ˌfree adj

■ hazarder (ˈhæzədə)   n   obsolete a person who plays a gambling game with two dice

■ hazard lights   pl n   the indicator lights of a motor vehicle when flashing simultaneously to indicate that the vehicle is stationary and temporarily obstructing the traffic. Also called: hazard warning lights, hazards

■ hazardous (ˈhæzədəs)   adj   1 involving great risk   2 depending on chance   > ˈhazardously adv   > ˈhazardousness n

■ hazardry (ˈhæzədrI)   n   archaic the taking of risks

■ hazards (ˈhæzədz)   pl n   another name for hazard lights

■ hazard warning device   n   an appliance fitted to a motor vehicle that operates the hazard lights

Hazchem (ˈhæzˌkɛm)   n   a word used on warning signs to indicate the presence of hazardous chemicals

haze^1 (heIz)   n   1 meteorol   a reduced visibility in the air as a result of condensed water vapour, dust, etc, in the atmosphere   b the moisture or dust causing this   2 obscurity of perception, feeling, etc   ▷ vb   3 (when intr, often foll by over) to make or become hazy [C18: back formation from HAZY]

haze^2 (heIz)   vb (tr)   1 chiefly US and Canadian to subject (fellow students) to ridicule or abuse   2 nautical to harass with humiliating tasks [C17: of uncertain origin]   > ˈhazer n

■ hazing (ˈheIzIŋ)   n   chiefly US and Canadian the bullying of a student in school

hazel (ˈheIzəl)   n   1 Also called: cob any of several shrubs or small trees of the N temperate genus Corylus, esp C. avellana, having oval serrated leaves and edible rounded brown nuts: family Corylaceae   2 the wood of any of these trees   3 short for hazelnut   4    a a light yellowish-brown colour   b (as adjective): hazel eyes [Old English hæsel; related to Old Norse hasl, Old High German hasala, Latin corylus, Old Irish coll]

■ hazelhen (ˈheIzəlˌhɛn)   n   a European woodland gallinaceous bird, Tetrastes bonasia, with a speckled brown plumage and slightly crested crown: family Tetraonidae (grouse)

■ hazelly (ˈheIzəlI)   adj   consisting of or resembling hazel

■ hazelnut (ˈheIzəlˌnʌt)   n   the nut of a hazel shrub, having a smooth shiny hard shell. Also called: filbert, (Brit) cobnut, (Brit) cob

■ hazelnut oil   n   an oil extracted from hazelnuts and used mostly in cooking

■ hazelwood (ˈheIzəlˌwʊd)   n   the wood of a hazel tree

Hazlitt (ˈhæzlIt)   n   William. 1778–1830, English critic and essayist: works include Characters of Shakespeare's Plays (1817), Table Talk (1821), and The Plain Speaker (1826)

hazmat (ˈhæzˌmæt)   n chiefly US and Canadian     a substances that pose a danger to public health   b (as modifier): a hazmat suit [C20: HAZ(ARDOUS) + MAT(ERIALS)]

hazy (ˈheIzI)   adj -zier, -ziest   1 characterized by reduced visibility; misty   2 indistinct; vague [C17: of unknown origin]   > ˈhazily adv   > ˈhaziness n

hazzan Hebrew (xaˈzan; English ˈhɑːzən)   n   a variant spelling of chazan

Hb   symbol for   haemoglobin

HB   symbol for (on Brit pencils)   hard-black: denoting a medium-hard lead. Compare H (sense 5), B (sense 9)

HBC   abbreviation for (in Canada)   Hudson's Bay Company

HBM   abbreviation for (in Britain)   His (or Her) Britannic Majesty

H-bomb   n   short for hydrogen bomb

HC   abbreviation for   1 Holy Communion   2 (in Britain) House of Commons

HCCI   abbreviation for   homogeneous charge compression ignition

HCF or hcf   abbreviation for   highest common factor

HCG   abbreviation for   human chorionic gonadotrophin. See gonadotrophin

hcp   abbreviation for   handicap

hd   abbreviation for   1 hand   2 head

HD   abbreviation for   high-definition

■ HD-DVD   abbreviation for   High Definition DVD: a DVD capable of storing between two and four times as much data as a standard DVD

■ HDTV   abbreviation for   high definition television

hdbk   abbreviation for   handbook

HDCP   abbreviation for   high-bandwidth digital content protection

HDD   abbreviation for   hard disk drive

HDL   abbreviation for   high-density lipoprotein

HDMI trademark   abbreviation for   high definition multimedia interface

hdqrs   abbreviation for   headquarters: replaced in military use by HQ

HDR energy   n   hot dry rock energy; energy extracted from hot rocks below the earth's surface by pumping water around a circuit in the hot region and back to the surface

he^1 (hiː, unstressed iː)   pron (subjective)   1 refers to a male person or animal: he looks interesting; he's a fine stallion   2 refers to an indefinite antecedent such as one, whoever, or anybody: everybody can do as he likes in this country   3 refers to a person or animal of unknown or unspecified sex: a member of the party may vote as he sees fit   ▷ n   4    a a male person or animal   b (in combination): he-goat   5    a a children's game in which one player chases the others in an attempt to touch one of them, who then becomes the chaser. Compare tag^2   b the person chasing. Compare it^1 (sense 7) [Old English hē; related to Old Saxon hie, Old High German her he, Old Slavonic sĭ this, Latin cis on this side]

USAGE

The use of he and other masculine pronouns to refer to an unspecified person or to people in general, as in everybody can do as he likes in this country, was formerly widespread. In modern usage, however, it is preferable to use gender-neutral alternatives such as everybody can do as he or she likes in this country or even everybody can do as they like in this country. The latter usage was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable in all but the most formal contexts

■ he-bear   n   a male bear

■ he-goat   n   a male goat

■ he-man   n, pl -men   informal a strongly built muscular man

he^2 (heI; Hebrew he)   n   the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ה), transliterated as h

he^3 (hiː, heI)   interj   an expression of amusement or derision. Also: he-he!, hee-hee!

He   the chemical symbol for   helium

HE   abbreviation for   1 high explosive   2 His Eminence   3 His (or Her) Excellency

head (hɛd)   n   1 the upper or front part of the body in vertebrates, including humans, that contains and protects the brain, eyes, mouth, and nose and ears when present. Related adjective: cephalic   2 the corresponding part of an invertebrate animal   3 something resembling a head in form or function, such as the top of a tool   4    a the person commanding most authority within a group, organization, etc   b (as modifier): head buyer   c (in combination): headmaster   5 the position of leadership or command: at the head of his class   6    a the most forward part of a thing; a part that juts out; front: the head of a queue   b (as modifier): head point   7 the highest part of a thing; upper end: the head of the pass   8 the froth on the top of a glass of beer   9 aptitude, intelligence, and emotions (esp in the phrases above or over one's head, have a head for, keep one's head, lose one's head, etc): she has a good head for figures; a wise old head   10 (pl head) a person or animal considered as a unit: the show was two pounds per head; six hundred head of cattle   11 the head considered as a measure of length or height: he's a head taller than his mother   12 botany   a a dense inflorescence such as that of the daisy and other composite plants   b any other compact terminal part of a plant, such as the leaves of a cabbage or lettuce   13 a culmination or crisis (esp in the phrase bring or come to a head)   14 the pus-filled tip or central part of a pimple, boil, etc   15 the head considered as the part of the body on which hair grows densely: a fine head of hair   16 the source or origin of a river or stream   17 (capital when part of name) a headland or promontory, esp a high one   18 the obverse of a coin, usually bearing a portrait of the head or a full figure of a monarch, deity, etc. Compare tail^1   19 a main point or division of an argument, discourse, etc   20 (often plural) the headline at the top of a newspaper article or the heading of a section within an article   21 nautical   a the front part of a ship or boat   b (in sailing ships) the upper corner or edge of a sail   c the top of any spar or derrick   d any vertical timber cut to shape   e (often plural) a slang word for lavatory   22 grammar another word for governor (sense 7)   23 the taut membrane of a drum, tambourine, etc   24    a the height of the surface of liquid above a specific point, esp when considered or used as a measure of the pressure at that point: a head of four feet   b pressure of water, caused by height or velocity, measured in terms of a vertical column of water   c any pressure: a head of steam in the boiler   25 slang   a a person who regularly takes drugs, esp LSD or cannabis   b (in combination): an acidhead; a pothead   26 mining a road driven into the coal face   27    a the terminal point of a route   b (in combination): railhead   28 a device on a turning or boring machine, such as a lathe, that is equipped with one or more cutting tools held to the work by this device   29 See cylinder head   30 an electromagnet that can read, write, or erase information on a magnetic medium such as a magnetic tape, disk, or drum, used in computers, tape recorders, etc   31 informal short for headmaster, headmistress, head teacher   32    a the head of a horse considered as a narrow margin in the outcome of a race (in the phrase win by a head)   b any narrow margin of victory (in the phrase (win) by a head)   33 informal short for headache   34 curling the stones lying in the house after all 16 have been played   35 bowls the jack and the bowls that have been played considered together as a target area   36 against the head rugby from the opposing side's put-in to the scrum   37 bite someone's head off or snap someone's head off to speak sharply and angrily to someone   38 bring to a head or come to a head   a to bring or be brought to a crisis: matters came to a head   b (of a boil) to cause to be or be about to burst   39 get it into one's head to come to believe (an idea, esp a whimsical one): he got it into his head that the earth was flat   40 give head vulgar, slang to perform fellatio   41 give someone his or her head to allow a person greater freedom or responsibility   42 give a horse its head to allow a horse to gallop by lengthening the reins   43 go to one's head   a to make one dizzy or confused, as might an alcoholic drink   b to make one conceited: his success has gone to his head   44 head and shoulders above greatly superior to   45 head over heels   a turning a complete somersault   b completely; utterly (esp in the phrase head over heels in love)   46 hold up one's head to be unashamed   47 keep one's head to remain calm   48 keep one's head above water to manage to survive a difficult experience   49 make head to make progress   50 make head or tail of (used with a negative) to attempt to understand (a problem, etc): he couldn't make head or tail of the case   51 off one's head or out of one's head slang insane or delirious   52 off the top of one's head without previous thought; impromptu   53 on one's head or on one's own head at one's (own) risk or responsibility   54 one's head off slang loudly or excessively: the baby cried its head off   55 over someone's head   a without a person in the obvious position being considered, esp for promotion: the graduate was promoted over the heads of several of his seniors   b without consulting a person in the obvious position but referring to a higher authority: in making his complaint he went straight to the director, over the head of his immediate boss   c beyond a person's comprehension   56 put their heads together informal to consult together   57 take it into one's head to conceive a notion, desire, or wish (to do something)   58 turn heads to be so beautiful, unusual, or impressive as to attract a lot of attention   59 turn something on its head or stand something on its head to treat or present something in a completely new and different way: health care which has turned orthodox medicine on its head   60 turn someone's head to make someone vain, conceited, etc   ▷ vb   61 (tr) to be at the front or top of: to head the field   62 (tr; often foll by up) to be in the commanding or most important position   63 (often foll by for) to go or cause to go (towards): where are you heading?   64 to turn or steer (a vessel) as specified: to head into the wind   65 soccer to propel (the ball) by striking it with the head   66 (tr) to provide with or be a head or heading: to head a letter; the quotation which heads chapter 6   67 (tr) to cut the top branches or shoots off (a tree or plant)   68 (intr) to form a head, as a boil or plant   69 (intr; often foll by in) (of streams, rivers, etc) to originate or rise in   70 head them Austral to toss the coins in a game of two-up [Old English hēafod; related to Old Norse haufuth, Old Frisian hāved, Old Saxon hōbid, Old High German houbit]   > ˈheadˌlike adj

■ headache (ˈhɛdˌeIk)   n   1 pain in the head, caused by dilation of cerebral arteries, muscle contraction, insufficient oxygen in the cerebral blood, reaction to drugs, etc. Technical name: cephalalgia   2 informal any cause of worry, difficulty, or annoyance

■ headachy or headachey (ˈhɛdˌeIkI)   adj   suffering from, caused by, or likely to cause a headache

■ headage (ˈhɛdIdʒ)   n   a payment to a farmer based on the number of animals kept

■ head arrangement   n   jazz a spontaneous orchestration

■ headband (ˈhɛdˌbænd)   n   1 a ribbon or band worn around the head   2 a narrow cloth band attached to the top of the spine of a book for protection or decoration

■ headbang (ˈhɛdˌbæŋ)   vb   (intr) slang to nod one's head violently to the beat of loud rock music

■ head-banger   n slang   1 a heavy-metal rock fan   2 a crazy or stupid person

■ headboard (ˈhɛdˌbɔːd)   n   a vertical board or terminal at the head of a bed

■ headborough (ˈhɛdbʌrə)   n obsolete   1 the official in charge of a tithing   2 English law a petty constable

■ head-butt   vb (tr)   1 to deliberately strike (someone) with the head   ▷ n head butt   2 an act or an instance of deliberately striking someone with the head

■ headcase (ˈhɛdˌkeIs)   n   informal an insane person

■ headchair (ˈhɛdˌtʃɛə)   n   a chair with a support for the head

■ headcheese (ˈhɛdˌtʃiːz)   n   US and Canadian a seasoned jellied loaf made from the head and sometimes the feet of a pig or calf. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): brawn

■ headcloth (ˈhɛdˌklɒθ)   n   a cloth or kerchief worn on the head

■ head collar   n   the part of a bridle that fits round a horse's head. Also called (esp US): headstall

■ head count or headcount (ˈhɛdˌkaʊnt)   n   1 a check of the number of people present   2 commerce the number of people employed by a company or organization

■ headdress (ˈhɛdˌdrɛs)   n   any head covering, esp an ornate one or one denoting a rank or occupation

■ headed (ˈhɛdId)   adj   1    a having a head or heads   b (in combination): two-headed; bullet-headed   2 having a heading: headed notepaper   3 (in combination) having a mind or intellect as specified: thickheaded

■ headend (ˈhɛdˌɛnd)   n   telecomm the facility from which cable television is transmitted

■ header (ˈhɛdə)   n   1 Also called: header tank a reservoir, tank, or hopper that maintains a gravity feed or a static fluid pressure in an apparatus   2 a manifold for distributing a fluid supply amongst a number of passages   3 a machine that trims the heads from castings, forgings, etc, or one that forms heads, as in wire, to make nails   4 a person who operates such a machine   5 a brick or stone laid across a wall so that its end is flush with the outer surface. Compare stretcher (sense 5)   6 the action of striking a ball with the head   7 informal a headlong fall or dive   8 computing   a a block of data on a tape or disk providing information about the size, location, etc, of a file   b (as modifier): header card; header label   9 dialect a mentally unbalanced person

■ headfast (ˈhɛdfɑːst)   n   a mooring rope at the bows of a ship [C16: from HEAD (in the sense: front) + fast a mooring rope, from Middle English fest, from Old Norse festr; related to FAST^1]

■ headfirst (ˈhɛdˈfɜːst)   adj, adv   1 with the head foremost; headlong: he fell headfirst   ▷ adv   2 rashly or carelessly

■ head for   vb (preposition)   1 to go or cause to go (towards)   2 to be destined for: to head for trouble

■ headforemost (ˈhɛdˌfɔːˌməʊst)   adv   obsolete headfirst

■ headframe (ˈhɛdˌfreIm)   n   mining the structure supporting machinery at the entrance to a mine

■ headfuck (ˈhɛdfʌk)   n taboo, slang   1 an experience that is wildly exciting or impressive   2 another word for mindfuck

■ headful (ˈhɛdfʊl)   n   informal the amount a head or brain will hold

■ headgate (ˈhɛdˌɡeIt)   n   1 a gate that is used to control the flow of water at the upper end of a lock or conduit. Compare tailgate (sense 3)   2 another name for floodgate (sense 1)

■ headgear (ˈhɛdˌɡIə)   n   1 any head covering, esp a hat   2 any part of a horse's harness that is worn on the head   3 the hoisting mechanism at the pithead of a mine

■ headguard (ˈhɛdˌɡɑːd)   n   a padded helmet worn to protect the head in contact sports such as rugby and boxing

■ headhunt (ˈhɛdhʌnt)   vb (tr)   commerce to offer a job to a person who already has a job with another company

■ head-hunting   n   1 the practice among certain peoples of removing the heads of slain enemies and preserving them as trophies   2 the recruitment, esp through an agency, of executives from one company to another, often rival, company   3 US slang the destruction or neutralization of political opponents   > ˈhead-ˌhunter n

■ heading (ˈhɛdIŋ)   n   1 a title for a page, paragraph, chapter, etc   2 a main division, as of a lecture, speech, essay, etc   3 mining   a a horizontal tunnel   b the end of such a tunnel   4 the angle between the direction of an aircraft and a specified meridian, often due north   5 the compass direction parallel to the keel of a vessel   6 the act of heading   7 anything that serves as a head

■ heading dog   n   NZ a dog that heads off a flock of sheep or a single sheep

■ headland   n   1 (ˈhɛdlənd) a narrow area of land jutting out into a sea, lake, etc   2 (ˈhɛdˌlænd) a strip of land along the edge of an arable field left unploughed to allow space for machines

■ headlease (ˈhɛdˌliːs)   n   law the main lease between a tenant and a landlord

■ headless (ˈhɛdlIs)   adj   1 without a head   2 without a leader   3 foolish   4 prosody another word for catalectic   > ˈheadlessness n

■ headlight (ˈhɛdˌlaIt) or headlamp (ˈhɛdˌlæmp)   n   a powerful light, equipped with a reflector and attached to the front of a motor vehicle, locomotive, etc. See also quartz-iodine lamp

■ headline (ˈhɛdˌlaIn)   n   1 Also called: head, heading   a a phrase at the top of a newspaper or magazine article indicating the subject of the article, usually in larger and heavier type   b a line at the top of a page indicating the title, page number, etc   2 (modifier) denoting an important piece of news: headline news   3 (modifier) denoting the main performer at a concert or music festival: the headline act at Glastonbury   4 (usually plural) the main points of a television or radio news broadcast, read out before the full broadcast and summarized at the end   5 hit the headlines to become prominent in the news   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to furnish (a story or page) with a headline   7 to have top billing (in)

■ headline-grabbing   adj   intended or likely to attract publicity; sensational

■ headliner (ˈhɛdˌlaInə)   n   a performer given prominent billing; star

■ headline rate   n   a basic rate of inflation, taxation, etc, before distorting factors have been removed: the headline rate of inflation

■ head-load African   n   1 baggage or goods arranged so as to be carried on the heads of African porters   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to convey or carry (goods) on the head

■ headlock (ˈhɛdˌlɒk)   n   a wrestling hold in which a wrestler holds an opponent's head firmly between the crook of his or her elbow and the side of his or her body

■ headlong (ˈhɛdˌlɒŋ)   adv, adj   1 with the head foremost; headfirst   2 with great haste   ▷ adj   3 archaic (of slopes, etc) very steep; precipitous

■ headman (ˈhɛdmən)   n, pl -men   1 anthropol a chief or leader   2 a foreman or overseer

■ headmark (ˈhɛdˌmɑːk)   n   a characteristic

■ headmaster (ˌhɛdˈmɑːstə)   n   a male principal of a school. Gender-neutral form: head teacher   > ˌheadˈmasterˌship n

■ headmasterly (ˌhɛdˈmæstəlI)   adj   typical of the duties and behaviour of a headmaster

■ headmistress (ˌhɛdˈmistrəs)   n   a female principal of a school. Gender-neutral form: head teacher   > ˌheadˈmistressˌship n

■ headmistressy (ˌhɛdˈmIstrIsI)   adj   typical of the duties and behaviour of a headmistress

■ head money   n   1 a reward paid for the capture or slaying of a fugitive, outlaw, etc   2 an archaic term for poll tax

■ headmost (ˈhɛdˌməʊst)   adj   a less common word for foremost

■ headnote (ˈhɛdˌnəʊt)   n   1 law a note added to the text of a case following a court decision   2 any note with comments or suggestions attached to the head of a text

■ head off   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to intercept and force to change direction: to head off the stampede   2 to prevent or forestall (something that is likely to happen)   3 to depart or set out: to head off to school

■ head of the river   n     a any of various annual rowing regattas held on particular rivers   b the boat or team winning such a regatta: Eton are head of the river again this year

■ head-on   adv, adj   1 with the front or fronts foremost: a head-on collision   2 with directness or without compromise: in his usual head-on fashion

■ headphone (ˈhɛdˌfəʊn)   n   either of the earpieces in a set of headphones

■ headphones (ˈhɛdˌfəʊnz)   pl n   an electrical device consisting of two earphones held in position by a flexible metallic strap passing over the head. Informal name: cans

■ headpiece (ˈhɛdˌpiːs)   n   1 printing a decorative band at the top of a page, chapter, etc   2 any covering for the head, esp a helmet   3 archaic the intellect   4 a less common word for crownpiece (sense 2)

■ headpin (ˈhɛdˌpIn)   n   tenpin bowling another word for kingpin

■ headquarter (ˌhɛdˈkwɔːtə)   vb   informal, chiefly US to place in or establish as headquarters

■ headquartered (ˌhɛdˈkwɔːtəd)   adj   to be headquartered to be based; to have headquarters (in a place)

■ headquarters (ˌhɛdˈkwɔːtəz)   pl n (sometimes functioning as singular)   1 any centre or building from which operations are directed, as in the military, the police, etc   2 a military formation comprising the commander, his or her staff, and supporting echelons   ▶ Abbreviations: HQ, h.q.

■ headrace (ˈhɛdˌreIs)   n   a channel that carries water to a water wheel, turbine, etc. Compare tailrace

■ headrail (ˈhɛdˌreIl)   n   billiards, snooker the end of the table from which play is started, nearest the baulkline

■ headreach (ˈhɛdˌriːtʃ) nautical   n   1 the distance made to windward while tacking   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to gain distance over (another boat) when tacking

■ headrest (ˈhɛdˌrɛst)   n   a support for the head, as on a dentist's chair or car seat

■ head restraint   n   an adjustable support for the head, attached to a car seat, to prevent the neck from being jolted backwards sharply in the event of a crash or sudden stop

■ headrig (ˈhɛdˌrIɡ)   n   (in a sawmill) a saw that cuts logs into smaller pieces

■ headring (ˈhɛdˌrIŋ)   n   anthropol an African head decoration and symbol of maturity

■ headroom (ˈhɛdˌrʊm, -ˌruːm) or headway   n   the height of a bridge, room, etc; clearance

■ headrope (ˈhɛdˌrəʊp)   n   1 nautical the part of a bolt-rope attached to the head of a sail   2 a rope round an animal's head used to assist riding or to tie it up

■ heads (hɛdz)   interj, adv   1 with the obverse side of a coin uppermost, esp if it has a head on it: used as a call before tossing a coin. Compare tails   2 the heads Austral informal people in authority

■ headsail (ˈhɛdˌseIl, nautical ˈhɛdsəl)   n   any sail set forward of the foremast

■ headscarf (ˈhɛdˌskɑːf)   n, pl -scarves (-ˌskɑːvz)   a scarf for the head, often worn tied under the chin

■ head sea   n   a sea in which the waves run directly against the course of a ship

■ headset (ˈhɛdˌsɛt)   n   a pair of headphones, esp with a microphone attached

■ headshake (ˈhɛdˌʃeIk)   n   the gesture of shaking one's head

■ headsheets (ˈhɛdˌʃiːts)   n   nautical the sheet of a foresail; foresheet

■ headship (ˈhɛdʃIp)   n   1 the position or state of being a leader; command; leadership   2 education, Brit the position of head teacher of a school

■ headshot (ˈhɛdˌʃɒt)   n   1 a photo of a person's head   2 an actor's portfolio including photos of the head   3 a direct hit to the head with a bullet from a gun, esp in computer gaming

■ headshrinker (ˈhɛdˌʃrIŋkə)   n   1 slang a psychoanalyst. Often shortened to: shrink   2 a head-hunter who shrinks the heads of victims

■ headsman (ˈhɛdzmən)   n, pl -men   (formerly) an executioner who beheaded condemned persons

■ headspace (ˈhɛdˌspeIs)   n   1 artillery the space between bolt and cartridge in a firearm   2 the space between the surface of a substance in a container and the lid of the container

■ headspring (ˈhɛdˌsprIŋ)   n   1 a spring that is the source of a stream   2 a spring using the head as a lever from a position lying on the ground   3 rare a source

■ headsquare (ˈhɛdˌskwɛə)   n   a scarf worn on the head

■ headstall (ˈhɛdˌstɔːl)   n   another word (esp US) for head collar

■ headstand (ˈhɛdˌstænd)   n   the act or an instance of balancing on the head, usually with the hands as support

■ head start or head-start   n   an initial advantage in a competitive situation [originally referring to a horse's having its head in front of others at the start of a race]

■ head station   n   Austral the main buildings on a large sheep or cattle farm

■ headstay (ˈhɛdˌsteI)   n   nautical a rope or wire support from mast to bow on a boat

■ headstick (ˈhɛdˌstIk)   n   1 printing a piece of wood formerly used in typesetting to create a margin at the top of a page   2 a stick mounted to the forehead and used to point at or press objects, for people with little or no upper body movement

■ headstock (ˈhɛdˌstɒk)   n   1 the part of a machine that supports and transmits the drive to the chuck. Compare tailstock   2 the wooden or metal block on which a church bell is hung

■ headstone (ˈhɛdˌstəʊn)   n   1 a memorial stone at the head of a grave   2 architect another name for keystone

■ headstream (ˈhɛdˌstriːm)   n   a stream that is the source or a source of a river

■ headstrong (ˈhɛdˌstrɒŋ)   adj   1 self-willed; obstinate   2 (of an action) heedless; rash   > ˈheadˌstrongly adv   > ˈheadˌstrongness n

■ heads up   n   chiefly US and Canadian a tip-off or small amount of information given in advance

■ head teacher   n   a teacher responsible for running a school

■ head-to-head informal   adj   1 in direct competition   ▷ n   2 a competition involving two people, teams, etc

■ head-up display   n   the projection of readings from instruments onto a windscreen, enabling an aircraft pilot or car driver to see them without looking down

■ head voice or head register   n   the high register of the human voice, in which the vibrations of sung notes are felt in the head

■ head waiter or headwaiter (ˌhɛdˈweItə)   n   a waiter who supervises the activities of other waiters and arranges the seating of guests

■ headwall (ˈhɛdˌwɔːl)   n   a steep slope at the head of a glacial cirque

■ headward (ˈhɛdwəd)   adj   1 (of river erosion) cutting backwards or upstream above the original source, which recedes   ▷ adv   2 a variant of headwards

■ headwards (ˈhɛdwədz) or headward   adv   backwards beyond the original source: a river erodes headwards

■ headwater (ˈhɛdˌwɔːtə)   n   (usually plural) a tributary stream of a river in the area in which it rises; headstream

■ headway (ˈhɛdˌweI)   n   1 motion in a forward direction: the vessel made no headway   2 progress or rate of progress: he made no headway with the problem   3 another name for headroom   4 the distance or time between consecutive trains, buses, etc, on the same route

■ headwind (ˈhɛdˌwInd)   n   a wind blowing directly against the course of an aircraft or ship. Compare tailwind

■ headword (ˈhɛdˌwɜːd)   n   a key word placed at the beginning of a line, paragraph, etc, as in a dictionary entry

■ headwork (ˈhɛdˌwɜːk)   n   1 mental work   2 the ornamentation of the keystone of an arch   > ˈheadˌworker n

■ heady (ˈhɛdI)   adj headier, headiest   1 (of alcoholic drink) intoxicating   2 strongly affecting the mind or senses; extremely exciting   3 rash; impetuous   > ˈheadily adv   > ˈheadiness n

Head (hɛd)   n   Edith. 1907–81, US dress designer: won many Oscars for her Hollywood film costume designs

-head   combining form   indicating a person having a preoccupation as specified: breadhead

heal (hiːl)   vb   1 to restore or be restored to health   2 (intr; often foll by over or up) (of a wound, burn, etc) to repair by natural processes, as by scar formation   3 (tr)   a to treat (a wound, etc) by assisting in its natural repair   b to cure (a disease or disorder)   4 to restore or be restored to friendly relations, harmony, etc [Old English hælan; related to Old Norse heila, Gothic hailjan, Old High German heilen; see HALE^1, WHOLE]   > ˈhealable adj   > ˈhealer n   > ˈhealing n, adj

■ heal-all   n   another name for selfheal

■ healee (hiːˈliː)   n   a person who is being healed

■ healingly (ˈhiːlIŋlI)   adv   in a healing manner, intended to heal

Healey (ˈhiːlI)   n   Denis (Winston), Baron. 1917–2015, British Labour politician; Chancellor of the Exchequer (1974–79); deputy leader of the Labour Party (1980–83)

health (hɛlθ)   n   1 the state of being bodily and mentally vigorous and free from disease   2 the general condition of body and mind: in poor health   3 the condition of any unit, society, etc: the economic health of a nation   4 a toast to a person, wishing him or her good health, happiness, etc   5 (modifier) of or relating to food or other goods reputed to be beneficial to the health: health food; a health store   6 (modifier) of or relating to health, esp to the administration of health: a health committee; health resort; health service   ▷ interj   7 an exclamation wishing someone good health as part of a toast (in the phrases your health, good health, etc) [Old English hǣlth; related to hāl HALE^1]

■ health camp   n   NZ a camp, usually at the seaside, for children requiring health care

■ health card   n   Canadian an identity card required to obtain public health insurance services

■ health care   n     a the provision of medical services   b (as modifier): healthcare workers

■ health centre   n   (in Britain) premises, owned by a local authority, providing health care for the local community and usually housing a group practice, nursing staff, a child-health clinic, X-ray facilities, etc

■ health check   n   1 a medical checkup   2 Brit any examination carried out to verify the physical condition of an appliance or machine   3 Brit any examination carried out to verify the financial success or security of a company or person

■ health-conscious   adj   having an active interest in one's health

■ health farm   n   a residential establishment, often in the country, visited by those who wish to improve their health by losing weight, eating healthy foods, taking exercise, etc

■ health food   n     a vegetarian food, often organically grown and with no additives, eaten for its dietary value and benefit to health   b (as modifier): a health-food shop

■ healthful (ˈhɛlθfʊl)   adj   a less common word for healthy (sense 1), healthy (sense 2), healthy (sense 3)   > ˈhealthfully adv   > ˈhealthfulness n

■ health-giving   adj   conducive to health; salutary

■ healthism (ˈhɛlθIzəm)   n   a lifestyle that prioritizes health and fitness over anything else

■ healthless (ˈhɛlθlIs)   adj   without health; unhealthy   > ˈhealthlessness n

■ health physics   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the health and safety of people in medical, scientific, and industrial work, esp with protection from the biological effects of ionizing radiation

■ health salts   pl n   magnesium sulphate or similar salts taken as a mild laxative

■ Health Service Commissioner   n   (in Britain) the official name for an ombudsman who investigates personal complaints of injustice or hardship resulting from the failure, absence, or maladministration of a service for which a Regional or District Health Authority or Family Practitioner Committee is responsible, after other attempts to obtain redress have failed. See also Commissioner for Local Administration, Parliamentary Commissioner

■ healthsome (ˈhɛlθsəm)   adj   archaic healthy; salubrious

■ health stamp   n   NZ a postage stamp with a surcharge that is used to support a health camp

■ health tourism   n   travel to a foreign country in order to use its health services   > health tourist n

■ health visitor   n   (in Britain) a nurse employed by a district health authority to visit people in their homes and give help and advice on health and social welfare, esp to mothers of preschool children and to disabled people and elderly people

healthy (ˈhɛlθI)   adj healthier, healthiest   1 enjoying good health   2 functioning well or being sound: the company's finances are not very healthy   3 conducive to health; salutary   4 indicating soundness of body or mind: a healthy appetite   5 informal considerable in size or amount: a healthy sum   > ˈhealthily adv   > ˈhealthiness n

Healy (ˈhiːlI)   n   Ian. born 1964, Australian cricketer; a wicketkeeper, he took 395 dismissals in 119 test matches (1988–99)

Heaney (ˈhiːnI)   n   Seamus (Justin) (ˈʃeIməs). 1939–2013, Irish poet and critic, born in Northern Ireland. His collections include Death of a Naturalist (1966), North (1975), The Haw Lantern (1987), The Spirit Level (1996), District and Circle (2006), and Human Chain (2010). Nobel prize for literature 1995

heap (hiːp)   n   1 a collection of articles or mass of material gathered together in one place   2 (often plural; usually foll by of) informal a large number or quantity   3 give them heaps Austral slang to contend strenuously with an opposing sporting team   4 give it heaps NZ slang to try very hard   5 informal a place or thing that is very old, untidy, unreliable, etc: the car was a heap   ▷ adv   6 heaps (intensifier): he said he was feeling heaps better   ▷ vb   7 (often foll by up or together) to collect or be collected into or as if into a heap or pile: to heap up wealth   8 (tr; often foll by with, on, or upon) to load or supply (with) abundantly: to heap with riches [Old English héap; related to Old Frisian hāp, Old Saxon hōp, Old High German houf]   > ˈheaper n

■ heaped (hiːpt)   adj   having a surface that rises above the level of the edge of a container, esp a spoon

■ heaping (ˈhiːpIŋ)   adj   US and Canadian (of a spoonful) heaped

■ heapstead (ˈhiːpˌstɛd)   n   mining the buildings at the surface of a mine

■ heapy (ˈhiːpI)   adj heapier, heapiest   having many heaps

hear (hIə)   vb hears, hearing, heard (hɜːd)   1 (tr) to perceive (a sound) with the sense of hearing   2 (tr; may take a clause as object) to listen to: did you hear what I said?   3 (when intr, sometimes foll by of or about; when tr, may take a clause as object) to be informed (of); receive information (about): to hear of his success; have you heard?   4 law to give a hearing to (a case)   5 (when intr, usually foll by of and used with a negative) to listen (to) with favour, assent, etc: she wouldn't hear of it   6 (intr; foll by from) to receive a letter, news, etc (from)   7 hear! hear! an exclamation used to show approval of something said   8 hear tell dialect to be told (about); learn (of) [Old English hieran; related to Old Norse heyra, Gothic hausjan, Old High German hōren, Greek akouein]   > ˈhearable adj   > ˈhearer n

■ hearing (ˈhIərIŋ)   n   1 the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived. Related adjective: audio   2 an opportunity to be listened to   3 the range within which sound can be heard; earshot   4 the investigation of a matter by a court of law, esp the preliminary inquiry into an indictable crime by magistrates   5 a formal or official trial of an action or lawsuit

■ hearing aid   n   a device for assisting the hearing of partially deaf people, typically consisting of a small battery-powered electronic amplifier with microphone and earphone, worn in or behind the ear

■ hearing dog   n   a dog that has been specially trained to help deaf or partially deaf people by alerting them to sounds such as a ringing doorbell, an alarm, etc

■ hearing loss   n   an increase in the threshold of audibility caused by age, infirmity, or prolonged exposure to intense noise

■ hear out   vb   (tr, adverb) to listen in regard to every detail and give a proper or full hearing to

■ hearsay (ˈhIəˌseI)   n   gossip; rumour

■ hearsay evidence   n   law evidence based on what has been reported to a witness by others rather than what he or she has observed or experienced (not generally admissible as evidence)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands (hɜːd, məkˈdɒnəld)   pl n   a group of islands in the S Indian Ocean: an external territory of Australia from 1947. Area: 412 sq km (159 sq miles)

hearken or sometimes US harken (ˈhɑːkən)   vb   archaic to listen to (something) [Old English heorcnian; see HARK]   > ˈhearkener n

hearse (hɜːs)   n   a vehicle, such as a specially designed car or carriage, used to carry a coffin to a place of worship and ultimately to a cemetery or crematorium [C14: from Old French herce, from Latin hirpex harrow]

■ hearsy (ˈhɜːsI)   adj hearsier, hearsiest   resembling a hearse

Hearst (hɜːst)   n   William Randolph. 1863–1951, US newspaper publisher, whose newspapers were noted for their sensationalism

heart (hɑːt)   n   1 the hollow muscular organ in vertebrates whose contractions propel the blood through the circulatory system. In mammals it consists of a right and left atrium and a right and left ventricle. Related adjective: cardiac   2 the corresponding organ or part in invertebrates   3 this organ considered as the seat of life and emotions, esp love   4 emotional mood or disposition: a happy heart; a change of heart   5 tenderness or pity: you have no heart   6 courage or spirit; bravery   7 the inmost or most central part of a thing: the heart of the city   8 the most important or vital part: the heart of the matter   9 (of vegetables such as cabbage) the inner compact part   10 the core of a tree   11 the part nearest the heart of a person; breast: she held him to her heart   12 a dearly loved person: usually used as a term of address: dearest heart   13 a conventionalized representation of the heart, having two rounded lobes at the top meeting in a point at the bottom   14    a a red heart-shaped symbol on a playing card   b a card with one or more of these symbols or (when pl.) the suit of cards so marked   15 a fertile condition in land, conducive to vigorous growth in crops or herbage (esp in the phrase in good heart)   16 after one's own heart appealing to one's own disposition, taste, or tendencies   17 at heart in reality or fundamentally   18 break one's heart or break someone's heart to grieve or cause to grieve very deeply, esp through love   19 by heart by committing to memory   20 cross my heart! or cross my heart and hope to die! I promise!   21 eat one's heart out to brood or pine with grief or longing   22 from one's heart or from the bottom of one's heart very sincerely or deeply   23 have a heart! be kind or merciful   24 have one's heart in it (usually used with a negative) to have enthusiasm for something   25 have one's heart in one's boots to be depressed or down-hearted   26 have one's heart in one's mouth or have one's heart in one's throat to be full of apprehension, excitement, or fear   27 have one's heart in the right place   a to be kind, thoughtful, or generous   b to mean well   28 have the heart (usually used with a negative) to have the necessary will, callousness, etc (to do something): I didn't have the heart to tell him   29 heart and soul absolutely; completely   30 heart of hearts the depths of one's conscience or emotions   31 heart of oak a brave person   32 in one's heart secretly; fundamentally   33 lose heart to become despondent or disillusioned (over something)   34 lose one's heart to to fall in love with   35 near to one's heart or close to one's heart cherished or important   36 set one's heart on to have as one's ambition to obtain; covet   37 take heart to become encouraged   38 take to heart to take seriously or be upset about   39 to one's heart's content as much as one wishes   40 wear one's heart on one's sleeve to show one's feelings openly   41 with all one's heart or with one's whole heart very willingly   ▷ vb   42 (intr) (of vegetables) to form a heart   43 an archaic word for hearten [Old English heorte; related to Old Norse hjarta, Gothic hairtō, Old High German herza, Latin cor, Greek kardia, Old Irish cride]

■ heartache (ˈhɑːtˌeIk)   n   intense anguish or mental suffering

■ heart attack   n   any sudden severe instance of abnormal heart functioning, esp coronary thrombosis

■ heartbeat (ˈhɑːtˌbiːt)   n   one complete pulsation of the heart. See diastole, systole

■ heart block   n   impaired conduction or blocking of the impulse that regulates the heartbeat, resulting in a lack of coordination between the beating of the atria and the ventricles. Also called: Adams-Stokes syndrome, atrioventricular block

■ heartbreak (ˈhɑːtˌbreIk)   n   intense and overwhelming grief, esp through disappointment in love

■ heartbreaker (ˈhɑːtˌbreIkə)   n   a person or thing that causes intense sadness or disappointment

■ heartbreaking (ˈhɑːtˌbreIkIŋ)   adj   extremely sad, disappointing, or pitiful   > ˈheartˌbreakingly adv

■ heartbroke (ˈhɑːtˌbrəʊk)   adj   archaic heartbroken

■ heartbroken (ˈhɑːtˌbrəʊkən)   adj   suffering from intense grief   > ˈheartˌbrokenly adv   > ˈheartˌbrokenness n

■ heartburn (ˈhɑːtˌbɜːn)   n   a burning sensation beneath the breastbone caused by irritation of the oesophagus, as from regurgitation of the contents of the stomach. Technical names: cardialgia, pyrosis

■ heartburning (ˈhɑːtˌbɜːnIŋ)   n   a feeling of intense or rancorous jealousy

■ heart cherry   n   a heart-shaped variety of sweet cherry

■ -hearted   adj   (in combination) having a heart or disposition as specified: good-hearted; cold-hearted; great-hearted; heavy-hearted

■ hearten (ˈhɑːtən)   vb   to make or become cheerful

■ heartener (ˈhɑːtənə)   n   a person who cheers or heartens

■ heartening (ˈhɑːtənIŋ)   adj   causing cheerfulness; encouraging

■ hearteningly (ˈhɑːtənIŋlI)   adv   in a manner that heartens

■ heart failure   n   1 a condition in which the heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to the tissues, usually resulting in breathlessness, swollen ankles, etc   2 sudden and permanent cessation of the heartbeat, resulting in death

■ heartfelt (ˈhɑːtˌfɛlt)   adj   sincerely and strongly felt

■ heartfree (ˈhɑːtˌfriː)   adj   obsolete not in love

■ heartily (ˈhɑːtIlI)   adv   1 thoroughly or vigorously: to eat heartily   2 in a sincere manner: he congratulated me heartily on my promotion

■ heartland (ˈhɑːtˌlænd)   n   1 the central region of a country or continent   2 the core or most vital area: the industrial heartland of England

■ heartless (ˈhɑːtlIs)   adj   unkind or cruel; hard-hearted   > ˈheartlessly adv   > ˈheartlessness n

■ heartlet (ˈhɑːtlIt)   n   a little heart

■ heartling (ˈhɑːtlIŋ)   n   obsolete a term of endearment, little heart

■ heart-lung machine   n   a machine used to maintain the circulation and oxygenation of the blood during heart surgery

■ heartly (ˈhɑːtlI)   adv   obsolete heartily

■ heart murmur   n   an abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope over the region of the heart

■ heart-rending   adj   causing great mental pain and sorrow   > ˈheart-ˌrendingly adv

■ hearts (hɑːts)   n   (functioning as singular) a card game in which players must avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades. Also called: Black Maria

■ heart-searching   n   examination of one's feelings or conscience

■ heartsease or heart's-ease (ˈhɑːtsˌiːz)   n   1 another name for the wild pansy   2 peace of mind

■ heartseed (ˈhɑːtˌsiːd)   n   a type of vine found in tropical areas of Africa and the Americas, having seeds with heart-shaped spots on them

■ heart-shaped   adj   shaped like a stylized heart with a double rounded top

■ heartsick (ˈhɑːtˌsIk)   adj   deeply dejected or despondent   > ˈheartˌsickness n

■ heartsink (ˈhɑːtˌsIŋk)   n     a a patient who repeatedly visits his or her doctor's surgery, often with multiple or non-specific symptoms, and whose complaints are impossible to treat   b (as modifier): heartsink patients [C20: so-called because the patient's appearance in the surgery makes the doctor's heart sink]

■ heartsome (ˈhɑːtsəm)   adj chiefly Scot   1 cheering or encouraging: heartsome news   2 gay; cheerful   > ˈheartsomely adv   > ˈheartsomeness n

■ heartsore (ˈhɑːtˌsɔː)   n   1 obsolete the cause of pain in the heart or the pain itself   ▷ adj   2 having a sore heart; greatly distressed

■ heart starter   n   Austral slang the first drink of the day

■ heartstrings (ˈhɑːtˌstrIŋz)   pl n   often facetious deep emotions or feelings [C15: originally referring to the tendons supposed to support the heart]

■ heart-throb   n   1 an object of infatuation   2 a heart beat

■ heart-to-heart   adj   1 (esp of a conversation or discussion) concerned with personal problems or intimate feelings   ▷ n   2 an intimate conversation or discussion

■ heart urchin   n   any echinoderm of the genus Echinocardium, having a heart-shaped body enclosed in a rigid spiny test: class Echinoidea (sea urchins)

■ heart-warming   adj   1 pleasing; gratifying   2 emotionally moving

■ heart-water   n   vet science a tick-borne disease of cattle, sheep, and goats characterized by fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac. It is caused by the organism Rickettsia ruminantium

■ heart-whole   adj rare   1 not in love   2 sincere   3 stout-hearted   > ˌheart-ˈwholeness n

■ heartwood (ˈhɑːtˌwʊd)   n   the central core of dark hard wood in tree trunks, consisting of non-functioning xylem tissue that has become blocked with resins, tannins, and oils. Compare sapwood

■ heartworm (ˈhɑːtˌwɜːm)   n   a parasitic nematode worm, Dirofilaria immitis, that lives in the heart and bloodstream of vertebrates

■ hearty (ˈhɑːtI)   adj heartier, heartiest   1 warm and unreserved in manner or behaviour   2 vigorous and enthusiastic: a hearty slap on the back   3 sincere and heartfelt: hearty dislike   4 healthy and strong (esp in the phrase hale and hearty)   5 substantial and nourishing   ▷ n informal   6 a comrade, esp a sailor   7 a vigorous sporting man: a rugby hearty   > ˈheartiness n

hearth (hɑːθ)   n   1    a the floor of a fireplace, esp one that extends outwards into the room   b (as modifier): hearth rug   2 this part of a fireplace as a symbol of the home, etc   3 the bottom part of a metallurgical furnace in which the molten metal is produced or contained [Old English heorth; related to Old High German herd hearth, Latin carbō charcoal]

■ hearthrug (ˈhɑːθˌrʌɡ)   n   a rug placed in front of a fireplace

■ hearthstone (ˈhɑːθˌstəʊn)   n   1 a stone that forms a hearth   2 a less common word for hearth (sense 1)   3 soft stone used to clean and whiten floors, steps, etc

heartikin (ˈhɑːtIˌkIn)   n   obsolete a term of endearment: 'little heart'

heat (hiːt)   n   1    a the energy transferred as a result of a difference in temperature   b the random kinetic energy of the atoms, molecules, or ions in a substance or body. Related adjectives: thermal, calorific   2 the sensation caused in the body by heat energy; warmth   3 the state or quality of being hot   4 hot weather: the heat of summer   5 intensity of feeling; passion: the heat of rage   6 pressure: the political heat on the government over the economy   7 the most intense or active part: the heat of the battle   8 a period or condition of sexual excitement in female mammals that occurs at oestrus   9 sport   a a preliminary eliminating contest in a competition   b a single section of a contest   10 slang police activity after a crime: the heat is off   11 chiefly US slang criticism or abuse: he took a lot of heat for that mistake   12 in the heat of the moment without pausing to think   13 on heat or in heat   a Also: in season (of some female mammals) sexually receptive   b in a state of sexual excitement   14 the heat slang the police   15 turn up the heat or turn on the heat informal to increase the intensity of activity, coercion, etc   ▷ vb   16 to make or become hot or warm   17 to make or become excited or intense [Old English hǣtu; related to hāt HOT, Old Frisian hēte heat, Old High German heizī]   > ˈheatless adj

■ heatable (ˈhiːtəbəl)   adj   having the capacity to be heated

■ heat barrier   n   another name for thermal barrier

■ heat capacity   n   the heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by unit temperature interval under specified conditions, usually measured in joules per kelvin. Symbol: Cp (for constant pressure) or Cv (for constant volume)

■ heat-conducting   adj   able to conduct heat or whose function is to conduct heat

■ heat-conduction   n   the transfer of thermal energy between molecules

■ heat content   n   another name for enthalpy

■ heat death   n   thermodynamics the condition of any closed system when its total entropy is a maximum and it has no available energy. If the universe is a closed system, it should eventually reach this state

■ heated (ˈhiːtId)   adj   1 made hot; warmed   2 impassioned or highly emotional   > ˈheatedly adv   > ˈheatedness n

■ heat engine   n   an engine that converts heat energy into mechanical energy

■ heater (ˈhiːtə)   n   1 any device for supplying heat, such as a hot-air blower, radiator, convector, etc   2 US slang a pistol   3 electronics a conductor carrying a current that indirectly heats the cathode in some types of valve

■ heat exchanger   n   a device for transferring heat from one fluid to another without allowing them to mix

■ heat exhaustion   n   a condition resulting from exposure to intense heat, characterized by dizziness, abdominal cramp, and prostration. Also called: heat prostration. Compare heatstroke

■ heating (ˈhiːtIŋ)   n   1 a device or system for supplying heat, esp central heating, to a building   2 the heat supplied

■ heating element   n   a coil or other arrangement of wire in which heat is produced by an electric current

■ heat-island   n   meteorol the mass of air over a large city, characteristically having a slightly higher average temperature than that of the surrounding air

■ heat lightning   n   flashes of light seen near the horizon, esp on hot evenings: reflections of more distant lightning

■ heat map   n   a graphical representation of data in which a spectrum of colours is used to represent the different values

■ heat of combustion   n   chem the heat evolved when one mole of a substance is burnt in oxygen at constant volume

■ heat of formation   n   chem the heat evolved or absorbed when one mole of a compound is formed from its constituent atoms

■ heat of reaction   n   chem the heat evolved or absorbed when one mole of a product is formed at constant pressure

■ heat of solution   n   chem the heat evolved or absorbed when one mole of a substance dissolves completely in a large volume of solvent

■ heatproof (ˈhiːtpruːf)   adj   able to withstand heat or being heated

■ heat prostration   n   another name for heat exhaustion

■ heat pump   n   a device, as used in a refrigerator, for extracting heat from a source and delivering it elsewhere at a much higher temperature

■ heat rash   n   a nontechnical name for miliaria

■ heat-resistant   adj   able to resist and remain unaffected by heat

■ heat-seeking   adj   1 (of a detecting device) able to detect sources of infrared radiation: a heat-seeking camera   2 (of a missile) able to detect and follow a source of heat, as from an aircraft engine: a heat-seeking missile   > heat seeker n

■ heat-sensitive   adj   responding to heat or to changes in temperature

■ heat shield   n   a coating or barrier for shielding from excessive heat, such as that experienced by a spacecraft on re-entry into the earth's atmosphere

■ heat sink   n   1 a metal plate specially designed to conduct and radiate heat from an electrical component   2 a layer of material placed within the outer skin of high-speed aircraft to absorb heat

■ heatspot (ˈhiːtˌspɒt)   n   a spot on the skin or other surface produced by heat

■ heatstroke (ˈhiːtˌstrəʊk)   n   a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to intense heat, characterized by high fever and in severe cases convulsions and coma. See sunstroke

■ heat-treat   vb   (tr) to apply heat to (a metal or alloy) in one or more temperature cycles to give it desirable properties   > heat treatment n

■ heatwave (ˈhiːtˌweIv)   n   1 a continuous spell of abnormally hot weather   2 (not in technical use) an extensive slow-moving air mass at a relatively high temperature

heath (hiːθ)   n   1 Brit a large open area, usually with sandy soil and scrubby vegetation, esp heather   2 Also called: heather any low-growing evergreen ericaceous shrub of the Old World genus Erica and related genera, having small bell-shaped typically pink or purple flowers   3 any of several nonericaceous heathlike plants, such as sea heath   4 Austral any of various heathlike plants of the genus Epacris: family Epacridaceae   5 any of various small brown satyrid butterflies of the genus Coenonympha, with coppery-brown wings, esp the large heath (C. tullia) [Old English hǣth; related to Old Norse heithr field, Old High German heida heather]   > ˈheathˌlike adj   > ˈheathy adj

■ heathberry (ˈhiːθˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   any of various plants that have berry-like fruits and grow on heaths, such as the bilberry and crowberry

■ heathbird (ˈhiːθˌbɜːd)   n   the black grouse

■ heath cock   n   another name for blackcock

■ heathfowl (ˈhiːθˌfaʊl)   n   (in British game laws) an archaic name for the: black grouse. Compare moorfowl

■ heath grass or heather grass   n   a perennial European grass, Danthonia decumbens, with flat hairless leaves

■ heath hen   n   1 another name for greyhen   2 a recently extinct variety of the prairie chicken

■ heathland (ˈhiːθˌlænd)   n   an area of heath

■ heathless (ˈhiːθlIs)   adj   devoid of heath

■ heath wren   n   either of two ground-nesting warblers of southern Australia, Hylacola pyrrhopygia or H. cauta, noted for their song and their powers of mimicry

Heath (hiːθ)   n   Sir Edward (Richard George). 1916–2005, British statesman; leader of the Conservative Party (1965–75); prime minister (1970–74)

heathen (ˈhiːðən)   n, pl -thens or -then   1 a person who does not acknowledge the God of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam; pagan   2 an uncivilized or barbaric person   3 the heathen (functioning as plural) heathens collectively   ▷ adj   4 irreligious; pagan   5 unenlightened; uncivilized; barbaric   6 of or relating to heathen peoples or their religious, moral, and other customs, practices, and beliefs [Old English hǣthen; related to Old Norse heithinn, Old Frisian hēthin, Old High German heidan]   > ˈheathenism or ˈheathenry n   > ˈheathenness n

■ heathendom (ˈhiːðəndəm)   n   heathen lands, peoples, or beliefs

■ heathenesse (ˈhiːðəˌnɛs)   n archaic   1 the quality or character of a heathen   2 the lands of heathens; heathendom

■ heathenish (ˈhiːðənIʃ)   adj   of, relating to, or resembling a heathen or heathen culture   > ˈheathenishly adv   > ˈheathenishness n

■ heathenize or heathenise (ˈhiːðəˌnaIz)   vb   1 to render or become heathen, or bring or come under heathen influence   2 (intr) to engage in heathen practices

heather (ˈhɛðə)   n   1 Also called: ling, heath a low-growing evergreen Eurasian ericaceous shrub, Calluna vulgaris, that grows in dense masses on open ground and has clusters of small bell-shaped typically pinkish-purple flowers   2 any of certain similar plants   3 a purplish-red to pinkish-purple colour   ▷ adj   4 of a heather colour   5 of or relating to interwoven yarns of mixed colours: heather mixture [C14: originally Scottish and Northern English, probably from HEATH]   > ˈheathered adj   > ˈheathery adj

Heath Robinson   adj   (of a mechanical device) absurdly complicated in design and having a simple function [C20: named after William Heath Robinson (1872–1944), British cartoonist]

Heathrow (ˈhiːθrəʊ)   n   a large international airport 23 km (14 miles) west of the centre of London

heaume (həʊm)   n   (in the 12th and 13th centuries) a large helmet reaching and supported by the shoulders [C16: from Old French helme; see HELMET]

heave (hiːv)   vb heaves, heaving, heaved or chiefly nautical hove   1 (tr) to lift or move with a great effort   2 (tr) to throw (something heavy) with effort   3 to utter (sounds, sighs, etc) or breathe noisily or unhappily: to heave a sigh   4 to rise and fall or cause to rise and fall heavily   5 (past tense and past participle hove) nautical   a to move or cause to move in a specified way, direction, or position: to heave in sight   b (intr) (of a vessel) to pitch or roll   6 (tr) to displace (rock strata, mineral veins, etc) in a horizontal direction   7 (intr) to retch   ▷ n   8 the act or an instance of heaving   9 a fling   10 the horizontal displacement of rock strata at a fault [Old English hebban; related to Old Norse hefja, Old Saxon hebbian, Old High German heffen to raise, Latin capere to take, Sanskrit kapatī two hands full]   > ˈheaver n

■ heave down   vb   (intr, adverb) nautical to turn a vessel on its side for cleaning

■ heave-ho   sentence substitute   1 a sailors' cry, as when hoisting anchor   ▷ n   2 informal dismissal, as from employment

■ heaves (hiːvz)   n (functioning as singular or plural)   1 Also called: broken wind a chronic respiratory disorder of animals of the horse family caused by allergies and dust   2 the heaves slang an attack of vomiting or retching

■ heave to   vb   (adverb) to stop (a vessel) or (of a vessel) to stop, as by trimming the sails, etc. Also: lay to

heaven (ˈhɛvən)   n   1 (sometimes capital) Christianity   a the abode of God and the angels   b a place or state of communion with God after death. Compare hell   2 (usually plural) the sky, firmament, or space surrounding the earth   3 (in any of various mythologies) a place, such as Elysium or Valhalla, to which those who have died in the gods' favour are brought to dwell in happiness   4 a place or state of joy and happiness   5 (singular; or plural; sometimes capital) God or the gods, used in exclamatory phrases of surprise, exasperation, etc: for heaven's sake; heavens above   6 in seventh heaven ecstatically happy   7 move heaven and earth to do everything possible (to achieve something) [Old English heofon; related to Old Saxon heban]

■ heavenly (ˈhɛvənlI)   adj   1 informal alluring, wonderful, or sublime   2 of or occurring in space: a heavenly body   3 divine; holy   > ˈheavenliness n

■ heaven-sent   adj   providential; fortunate: a heaven-sent opportunity

■ heavenward (ˈhɛvənwəd)   adj   1 directed towards heaven or the sky   ▷ adv   2 a variant of heavenwards

■ heavenwards (ˈhɛvənwədz) or heavenward   adv   towards heaven or the sky

Heaviside (ˈhɛvIˌsaId)   n   Oliver. 1850–1925, English physicist. Independently of Kennelly, he predicted (1902) the existence of an ionized gaseous layer in the upper atmosphere (the Heaviside layer); he also contributed to telegraphy

■ Heaviside layer   n   the E region of the ionosphere. See E region

heavy (ˈhɛvI)   adj heavier, heaviest   1 of comparatively great weight: a heavy stone   2 having a relatively high density: lead is a heavy metal   3 great in yield, quality, or quantity: heavy rain; heavy traffic   4 great or considerable: heavy emphasis   5 hard to bear, accomplish, or fulfil: heavy demands   6 sad or dejected in spirit or mood: heavy at heart   7 coarse or broad: a heavy line; heavy features   8 (of soil) having a high clay content; cloggy   9 solid or fat: heavy legs   10 (of an industry) engaged in the large-scale complex manufacture of capital goods or extraction of raw materials. Compare light^2 (sense 19)   11 serious; grave   12 military   a armed or equipped with large weapons, armour, etc   b (of guns, etc) of a large and powerful type   13 (of a syllable) having stress or accentuation. Compare light^2 (sense 24)   14 dull and uninteresting: a heavy style   15 prodigious: a heavy drinker   16 (of cakes, bread, etc) insufficiently leavened   17 deep and loud: a heavy thud   18 (of music, literature, etc)   a dramatic and powerful; grandiose   b not immediately comprehensible or appealing   19 slang   a unpleasant or tedious   b wonderful   c (of rock music) having a powerful beat; hard   20 weighted; burdened: heavy with child   21 clumsy and slow: heavy going   22 permeating: a heavy smell   23 cloudy or overcast, esp threatening rain: heavy skies   24 not easily digestible: a heavy meal   25 (of an element or compound) being or containing an isotope with greater atomic weight than that of the naturally occurring element: heavy hydrogen; heavy water   26 horse racing (of the going on a racecourse) soft and muddy   27 slang using, or prepared to use, violence or brutality: the heavy mob   28 heavy on informal using large quantities of: this car is heavy on petrol   ▷ n, pl heavies   29    a a villainous role   b an actor who plays such a part   30 military   a a large fleet unit, esp an aircraft carrier or battleship   b a large calibre or weighty piece of artillery   31 the heavies (usually plural) informal a serious newspaper: the Sunday heavies   32 informal a heavyweight boxer, wrestler, etc   33 slang a strongly built person hired to threaten violence or intimidate others   34 Scot strong bitter beer   ▷ adv   35    a in a heavy manner; heavily: time hangs heavy   b (in combination): heavy-laden [Old English hefig; related to hebban to HEAVE, Old High German hebīg]   > ˈheavily adv   > ˈheaviness n

■ heavier-than-air   adj   1 having a density greater than that of air   2 of or relating to an aircraft that does not depend on buoyancy for support but gains lift from aerodynamic forces

■ heavy breather   n   1 a person who breathes stertorously or with difficulty   2 an anonymous telephone caller who imitates such sounds, as being suggestive of sexual excitement

■ heavy chain   n   immunol a type of polypeptide chain present in an immunoglobulin molecule

■ heavy-duty   n (modifier)   1 made to withstand hard wear, bad weather, etc: heavy-duty uniforms   2 subject to high import or export taxes

■ heavy earth   n   another name for barium oxide

■ heavy-footed   adj   having a heavy or clumsy tread

■ heavy-handed   adj   1 clumsy   2 harsh and oppressive   > ˌheavy-ˈhandedly adv   > ˌheavy-ˈhandedness n

■ heavy-hearted   adj   sad; melancholy   > ˈheavy-heartedly adv

■ heavy hitter   n   informal another term for big hitter (sense 2)

■ heavy hydrogen   n   another name for deuterium

■ heavy-laden   adj   carrying a heavy load

■ heavy metal   n   1    a a type of rock music characterized by a strong beat and amplified instrumental effects, sometimes with violent or nihilistic lyrics   b (as modifier): a heavy-metal band   2 a metal with a high specific gravity   3 military large guns or shot

■ heavy middleweight   n   a professional wrestler weighing 177–187 pounds (81–85 kg)

■ heavy mud   n   a dense substance made of a mixture of the mineral barite and water that is thickened with polymers

■ heavy oil   n   a hydrocarbon mixture, heavier than water, distilled from coal tar

■ heavy-set   adj   chiefly US (of a person) having a large build

■ heavy spar   n   another name for barytes

■ heavy water   n   water that has been electrolytically decomposed to enrich it in the deuterium isotope in the form HDO or D_2O

■ heavy-water reactor   n   a nuclear reactor that uses heavy water as moderator

■ heavyweight (ˈhɛvIˌweIt)   n   1 a person or thing that is heavier than average   2    a a professional boxer weighing more than 175 pounds (79 kg)   b an amateur boxer weighing more than 81 kg (179 pounds)   c (as modifier): the world heavyweight championship   3 a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually over 214 pounds (97 kg))   4 informal an important or highly influential person

Heb. or Hebr.   abbreviation for   1 Hebrew (language)   2 Bible Hebrews

Hebbel (German ˈhɛbəl)   n   Christian Friedrich (ˈkrIstian ˈfriːdrIç). 1813–63, German dramatist and lyric poet, whose historical works were influenced by Hegel; his major plays are Maria Magdalena (1844), Herodes und Marianne (1850), and the trilogy Die Nibelungen (1862)

hebdomad (ˈhɛbdəˌmæd)   n   1 obsolete the number seven or a group of seven   2 a rare word for week [C16: from Greek, from hebdomos seventh, from heptas seven]

■ hebdomadal (hɛbˈdɒmədəl) or hebdomadary (hɛbˈdɒmədərI, -drI)   adj   a rare word for weekly   > hebˈdomadally adv

■ Hebdomadal Council   n   the governing council or senate of Oxford University

■ hebdomadar or hebdomader (hɛbˈdɒmədə)   n   (in Scottish universities and grammar schools) a name given to the member of staff whose weekly turn it is to supervise the behaviour of students

Hebe (ˈhiːbI)   n   Greek myth the goddess of youth and spring, daughter of Zeus and Hera and wife of Hercules

Hebei (ˈhʌˈbeI), Hopeh or Hopei   n   a province of NE China, on the Gulf of Chihli: important for the production of winter wheat, cotton, and coal. Capital: Shijiazhuang. Pop: 67 690 000 (2003 est). Area: 202 700 sq km (79 053 sq miles)

hebenon (ˈhɛbəˌnɒn)   n   not standard (in Shakespeare's Hamlet) a type of poison

hebephrenia (ˌhiːbIˈfriːnIə)   n   a form of pubertal schizophrenia, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, foolish behaviour, and senseless laughter [C20: New Latin, from Greek hēbē youth + -phrenia mental disorder, from phrēn mind]   > hebephrenic (ˌhiːbIˈfrɛnIk) adj

■ hebephreniac (ˌhiːbIˈfriːnIæk)   n   a person with hebephrenia

Hébert (French ebɛr)   n   Jacques René (ʒak rəne). 1755–94, French journalist and revolutionary: a leader of the sans-culottes during the French Revolution. He was guillotined under Robespierre

hebetant (ˈhɛbItənt)   adj   causing dullness

hebetate (ˈhɛbIˌteIt)   adj   1 (of plant parts) having a blunt or soft point   ▷ vb   2 rare to make or become blunted [C16: from Latin hebetāre to make blunt, from hebes blunt]   > ˌhebeˈtation n   > ˈhebeˌtative adj

hebetic (hIˈbɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to puberty [C19: from Greek hēbētikos youth, from hēbē youth]

hebetude (ˈhɛbIˌtjuːd)   n   rare mental dullness or lethargy [C17: from Late Latin hebetūdō, from Latin hebes blunt]   > ˌhebeˈtudinous adj

■ hebetudinosity (ˌhɛbIˌtjuːdIˈnɒsItI)   n   mental dullness; insipidity

Hebraize or Hebraise (ˈhiːbreIˌaIz)   vb   to become or cause to become Hebrew or Hebraic   > ˌHebraiˈzation or ˌHebraiˈsation n   > ˈHebraˌizer or ˈHebraˌiser n

■ Hebraic (hIˈbreIIk), Hebraical or Hebrew   adj   of, relating to, or characteristic of the Hebrews or their language or culture   > Heˈbraically adv

■ Hebraism (ˈhiːbreIˌIzəm)   n   a linguistic usage, custom, or other feature borrowed from or particular to the Hebrew language, or to the Jewish people or their culture

■ Hebraist (ˈhiːbreIIst)   n   a person who studies the Hebrew language and culture   > ˌHebraˈistic or ˌHebraˈistical adj   > ˌHebraˈistically adv

Hebrew (ˈhiːbruː)   n   1 the ancient language of the Hebrews, revived as the official language of Israel. It belongs to the Canaanitic branch of the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages   2 a member of an ancient Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham; an Israelite   3 archaic or offensive a Jew   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to the Hebrews or their language   5 archaic or offensive Jewish [C13: from Old French Ebreu, from Latin Hebraeus, from Greek Hebraios, from Aramaic `ibhray, from Hebrew `ibhrī one from beyond (the river)]

■ Hebrew calendar   n   another term for the Jewish calendar

■ Hebrews (ˈhiːbruːz)   n   (functioning as singular) a book of the New Testament

Hebrides (ˈhɛbrIˌdiːz)   pl n   the Hebrides a group of over 500 islands off the W coast of Scotland: separated by the North Minch, Little Minch, and the Sea of the Hebrides: the chief islands are Skye, Raasay, Rum, Eigg, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Jura, Colonsay, and Islay (Inner Hebrides), and Lewis with Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra (Outer Hebrides). Also known as: the Western Isles

■ Hebridean (ˌhɛbrIˈdiːən) or Hebridian (hɛˈbrIdIən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Hebrides or their inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of the Hebrides

Hebron (ˈhɛbrɒn, ˈhiː-)   n   a city in the West Bank: famous for the Haram, which includes the cenotaphs of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah. Pop: 168 000 (2005 est). Arabic name: El Khalil

Hecate or Hekate (ˈhɛkətI)   n   Greek myth a goddess of the underworld

hecatomb (ˈhɛkəˌtəʊm, -ˌtuːm)   n   1 (in ancient Greece or Rome) any great public sacrifice and feast, originally one in which 100 oxen were sacrificed   2 a great sacrifice [C16: from Latin hecatombē, from Greek hekatombē, from hekaton hundred + bous ox]

hech (hɛx)   interj   Scot an exclamation of surprise, annoyance, etc

heck^1 (hɛk)   interj   a mild exclamation of surprise, irritation, etc [C19: euphemistic for hell]

heck^2 (hɛk)   n   Northern English dialect a frame for obstructing the passage of fish in a river [C14: variant of HATCH^2]

heckelphone (ˈhɛkəlˌfəʊn)   n   music a type of bass oboe [C20: named after W. Heckel (1856–1909), German inventor]

heckle (ˈhɛkəl)   vb   1 to interrupt (a public speaker, performer, etc) by comments, questions, or taunts   2 Also: hackle, hatchel (tr) to comb (hemp or flax)   ▷ n   3 an instrument for combing flax or hemp [C15: Northern and East Anglian form of HACKLE]   > ˈheckler n

■ heckling (ˈhɛklIŋ)   n   the practice of calling out comments to interrupt a person making a speech

hecogenin (ˌhɛkəʊˈdʒɛnIn, hɛˈkɒdʒəˌnIn, hɛˈkəʊdʒəˌnIn)   n   chem a steroid occurring naturally in plants and used in drugs including cortisone

hect-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of hecto-

hectare (ˈhɛktɑː)   n   one hundred ares. 1 hectare is equivalent to 10 000 square metres or 2.471 acres. Symbol: ha [C19: from French; see HECTO-, ARE^2]

hectic (ˈhɛktIk)   adj   1 characterized by extreme activity or excitement   2 associated with, peculiar to, or symptomatic of tuberculosis (esp in the phrases hectic fever, hectic flush)   ▷ n   3 a hectic fever or flush   4 rare a person who is consumptive or who experiences a hectic fever or flush [C14: from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, from hexis state, from ekhein to have]   > ˈhectically or ˈhecticly adv

hecto- or before a vowel hect-   prefix   denoting 100: hectogram. Symbol: h [via French from Greek hekaton hundred]

hectocotylus (ˌhɛktəʊˈkɒtIləs)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   a tentacle in certain male cephalopod molluscs, such as the octopus, that is specialized for transferring spermatozoa to the female [C19: New Latin, from HECTO- + Greek kotulē cup]

hectogram or hectogramme (ˈhɛktəʊˌɡræm)   n   one hundred grams. 1 hectogram is equivalent to 3.527 ounces. Symbol: hg

hectograph (ˈhɛktəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 Also called: copygraph a process for copying type or manuscript from a glycerine-coated gelatine master to which the original has been transferred   2 a machine using this process   > hectographic (ˌhɛktəʊˈɡræfIk) adj   > ˌhectoˈgraphically adv   > hectography (hɛkˈtɒɡrəfI) n

hectolitre or US hectoliter (ˈhɛktəʊˌliːtə)   n   one hundred litres. A measure of capacity equivalent to 3.531 cubic feet. Symbol: hl

hectometre or US hectometer (ˈhɛktəʊˌmiːtə)   n   one hundred metres: 1 hectometre is equivalent to 328.089 feet. Symbol: hm

Hector (ˈhɛktə)   n   classical myth a son of King Priam of Troy, who was killed by Achilles

■ hector (ˈhɛktə)   vb   1 to bully or torment   ▷ n   2 Also: hectorer a blustering bully [C17: after HECTOR (the son of Priam), in the sense: a bully]   > ˈhectoring adj   > ˈhectoringly or ˈhectorly adv   > ˈhectorism n   > ˈhectorship n

hectostere (ˈhɛktəʊˌstIə)   n   measurement a measurement equivalent to one hundred steres or one hundred cubic metres

Hecuba (ˈhɛkjʊbə)   n   classical myth the wife of King Priam of Troy, and mother of Hector and Paris

he'd (hiːd, unstressed iːd, hId, Id)   contraction of   he had or he would

heddle (ˈhɛdəl)   n   one of a set of frames of vertical wires on a loom, each wire having an eye through which a warp thread can be passed [Old English hefeld chain; related to Old Norse hafald, Middle Low German hevelte]

heder Hebrew (ˈxɛdɛr; English ˈheIdə)   n, pl hadarim (xadaˈriːm)   a variant spelling of cheder

hedera (ˈhɛdərə)   n   See ivy (sense 1) [Latin: ivy]

■ hederal (ˈhɛdərəl)   adj   botany of or resembling any plant of the genus Hedera

■ hederated (ˈhɛdəreItId)   adj   archaic honoured with a crown of ivy

hedge (hɛdʒ)   n   1 a row of shrubs, bushes, or trees forming a boundary to a field, garden, etc   2 a barrier or protection against something   3 the act or a method of reducing the risk of financial loss on an investment, bet, etc   4 a cautious or evasive statement   5 (modifier; often in combination) low, inferior, or illiterate: a hedge lawyer   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to enclose or separate with or as if with a hedge   7 (intr) to make or maintain a hedge, as by cutting and laying   8 (tr; often foll by in, about, or around) to hinder, obstruct, or restrict   9 (intr) to evade decision or action, esp by making noncommittal statements   10 (tr) to guard against the risk of loss in (a bet, the paying out of a win, etc), esp by laying bets with other bookmakers   11 (intr) to protect against financial loss through future price fluctuations, as by investing in futures [Old English hecg; related to Old High German heckia, Middle Dutch hegge; see HAW^1]   > ˈhedger n   > ˈhedging n   > ˈhedgy adj

■ hedgebill (ˈhɛdʒˌbIl)   n   a tool for pruning a hedge

■ hedge fund   n   a largely unregulated speculative fund which offers substantial returns for high-risk investments

■ hedge garlic   n   another name for garlic mustard

■ hedgehog (ˈhɛdʒˌhɒɡ)   n   1 any small nocturnal Old World mammal of the genus Erinaceus, such as E. europaeus, and related genera, having a protective covering of spines on the back: family Erinaceidae, order Insectivora (insectivores). Related adjective: erinaceous   2 any other insectivore of the family Erinaceidae, such as the moon rat   3 US any of various other spiny animals, esp the porcupine

■ hedgehop (ˈhɛdʒˌhɒp)   vb -hops, -hopping, -hopped   (intr) (of an aircraft) to fly close to the ground, as in crop spraying   > ˈhedgeˌhopper n   > ˈhedgeˌhopping n, adj

■ hedge hyssop   n   any of several North American scrophulariaceous plants of the genus Gratiola, esp G. aurea, having small yellow or white flowers

■ hedge laying   n   the art or practice of making or maintaining a hedge by cutting branches partway through, laying them horizontally, and pegging them in position in order to create a strong thick hedge

■ hedgerow (ˈhɛdʒˌrəʊ)   n   a hedge of shrubs or low trees growing along a bank, esp one bordering a field or lane

■ hedge-school   n   Irish history a school held out of doors in favourable weather, indoors in winter   > ˈhedge-schoolˌmaster n

■ hedge sparrow   n   a small brownish European songbird, Prunella modularis: family Prunellidae (accentors). Also called: dunnock

■ hedgingly (ˈhɛdʒIŋlI)   adv   so as to hedge

Hedjaz (hiːˈdʒæz)   n   a variant spelling of Hejaz

hedonism (ˈhiːdəˌnIzəm, ˈhɛd-)   n   1 ethics   a the doctrine that moral value can be defined in terms of pleasure. See utilitarianism   b the doctrine that the pursuit of pleasure is the highest good   2 the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of principle   3 indulgence in sensual pleasures [C19: from Greek hēdonē pleasure]   > heˈdonic or ˌhedoˈnistic adj   > ˈhedonist n

■ hedonically (hiːˈdɒnIkəlI)   adv   from a hedonic point of view

■ hedonic damages (hiːˈdɒnIk)   pl n   law compensation based on what the victim of a crime might have earned in the future

■ hedonics (hiːˈdɒnIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the branch of psychology concerned with the study of pleasant and unpleasant sensations   2 (in philosophy) the study of pleasure, esp in its relation to duty

■ hedonistically (ˌhiːdəˈnIstIkəlI)   adv   from a hedonistic point of view

-hedron   n combining form   indicating a geometric solid having a specified number of faces or surfaces: tetrahedron [from Greek -edron -sided, from hedra seat, base]   > -hedral adj combining form

hedyphane (ˈhɛdIˌfeIn)   n   mineralogy a white or yellow mineral with elongated crystals similar to mimetite, chiefly found in Sweden

heebie-jeebies (ˈhiːbIˈdʒiːbIz)   pl n   the heebie-jeebies slang apprehension and nervousness [C20: coined by W. De Beck (1890–1942), American cartoonist]

heed (hiːd)   n   1 close and careful attention; notice (often in the phrases give, pay, or take heed)   ▷ vb   2 to pay close attention to (someone or something) [Old English hēdan; related to Old Saxon hōdian, Old High German huoten]   > ˈheeder n   > ˈheedful adj   > ˈheedfully adv   > ˈheedfulness n

■ heediness (ˈhiːdInəs)   n   obsolete heedfulness; attentiveness

■ heedless (ˈhiːdlIs)   adj   taking little or no notice; careless or thoughtless   > ˈheedlessly adv   > ˈheedlessness n

■ heedy (ˈhiːdI)   adj heedier, heediest   obsolete heedful; attentive

heehaw (ˌhiːˈhɔː)   interj   an imitation or representation of the braying sound of a donkey

hee-hee   interj   a variant of he^3

heel^1 (hiːl)   n   1 the back part of the human foot from the instep to the lower part of the ankle. Compare calcaneus   2 the corresponding part in other vertebrates   3 the part of a shoe, stocking, etc, designed to fit the heel   4 the outer part of a shoe underneath the heel   5 the part of the palm of a glove nearest the wrist   6 the lower, end, or back section of something: the heel of a loaf   7 horticulture the small part of the parent plant that remains attached to a young shoot cut for propagation and that ensures more successful rooting   8 nautical   a the bottom of a mast   b the after end of a ship's keel   9 the back part of a golf club head where it bends to join the shaft   10 rugby possession of the ball as obtained from a scrum (esp in the phrase get the heel)   11 slang a contemptible person   12 at one's heels or on one's heels just behind or following closely   13 dig one's heels in See dig in (sense 5)   14 down at heel   a shabby or worn   b slovenly or careless   15 kick one's heels or cool one's heels to wait or be kept waiting   16 rock back on one's heels to astonish or be astonished   17 show a clean pair of heels to run off   18 take to one's heels to run off   19 to heel disciplined or under control, as a dog walking by a person's heel   ▷ vb   20 (tr) to repair or replace the heel of (shoes, boots, etc)   21 to perform (a dance) with the heels   22 (tr) golf to strike (the ball) with the heel of the club   23 rugby to kick (the ball) backwards using the sole and heel of the boot   24 to follow at the heels of (a person)   25 (tr) to arm (a gamecock) with spurs   26 (tr) NZ (of a cattle dog) to drive (cattle) by biting their heels [Old English hēla; related to Old Norse hǣll, Old Frisian hêl]   > ˈheelless adj

■ heel-and-toe   adj   1 of or denoting a style of walking in which the heel of the front foot touches the ground before the toes of the rear one leave it   ▷ vb   2 (intr) (esp in motor racing) to use the heel and toe of the same foot to operate the brake and accelerator

■ heelball (ˈhiːlˌbɔːl)   n     a a black waxy substance used by shoemakers to blacken the edges of heels and soles   b a similar substance used to take rubbings, esp brass rubbings

■ heelbar (ˈhiːlˌbɑː)   n   a small shop or a counter in a department store where shoes are mended while the customer waits

■ heel bone   n   the nontechnical name for calcaneus

■ heeled (hiːld)   adj     a having a heel or heels   b (in combination): high-heeled

■ heeler (ˈhiːlə)   n   1 US See ward heeler   2 a person or thing that heels   3 Austral and NZ a dog that herds cattle by biting at their heels

■ heel in or dialect hele in   vb   (tr, adverb) to insert (cuttings, shoots, etc) into the soil before planting to keep them moist

■ heelpiece (ˈhiːlˌpiːs)   n   the piece of a shoe, stocking, etc, designed to fit the heel

■ heelplate (ˈhiːlˌpleIt)   n   a reinforcing piece of metal on a shoe, gun, etc

■ heelpost (ˈhiːlˌpəʊst)   n   a post for carrying the hinges of a door or gate

■ heels (hiːlz)   pl n   high-heeled shoes

■ heeltap (ˈhiːlˌtæp)   n   1 Also called: lift a layer of leather, etc, in the heel of a shoe   2 a small amount of alcoholic drink left at the bottom of a glass after drinking

heel^2 (hiːl)   vb   1 (of a vessel) to lean over; list   ▷ n   2 inclined position from the vertical: the boat is at ten degrees of heel [Old English hieldan; related to Old Norse hallr inclined, Old High German helden to bow]

Heerlen (ˈhIələn; Dutch ˈheːrlə)   n   a city in the SE Netherlands, in Limburg province: industrial centre of a coal-mining region. Pop: 94 000 (2003 est)

heezie (ˈhiːzI)   n   Scot obsolete a lift; heave

Hefei (ˈhʌˈfeI) or Hofei   n   a city in SE China, capital of Anhui province: administrative and commercial centre in a rice- and cotton-growing region. Pop: 1 320 000 (2005 est)

heft (hɛft)   vb (tr)   1 to assess the weight of (something) by lifting   2 to lift   ▷ n   3 US weight   4 US the main part [C19: probably from HEAVE, by analogy with thieve, theft, cleave, cleft]   > ˈhefter n

■ hefty (ˈhɛftI)   adj heftier, heftiest informal   1 big and strong   2 characterized by vigour or force: a hefty blow   3 large, bulky, or heavy   4 sizable; involving a large amount of money: a hefty bill; a hefty wage   > ˈheftily adv   > ˈheftiness n

hegari (ˈhɛɡərI)   n   an African sorghum with white seeds used as both grain and forage

Hegel (ˈheIɡəl)   n   Georg Wilhelm Friedrich (ɡeˈɔrk ˈvIlhɛlm ˈfriːdrIç). 1770–1831, German philosopher, who created a fundamentally influential system of thought. His view of the human mind as the highest expression of the Absolute is expounded in The Phenomenology of Mind (1807). He developed his concept of dialectic, in which the contradiction between a proposition (thesis) and its antithesis is resolved at a higher level of truth (synthesis), in Science of Logic (1812–16)   > Hegelian (hIˈɡeIlIən, heIˈɡiː-) adj   > Heˈgelianˌism n

■ Hegelian dialectic   n   philosophy an interpretive method in which the contradiction between a proposition (thesis) and its antithesis is resolved at a higher level of truth (synthesis)

hegemon (ˈhɛɡIˌmɒn, ˈhɛdʒIˌmɒn, ˈhiːɡIˌmɒn, ˈhiːdʒIˌmɒn)   n   a state or group in ascendance over others

hegemony (hIˈɡɛmənI, hIˈdʒɛmənI)   n, pl -nies   ascendancy or domination of one power or state within a league, confederation, etc, or of one social class over others [C16: from Greek hēgemonia authority, from hēgemōn leader, from hēgeisthai to lead]   > hegemonic (ˌhɛɡəˈmɒnIk, ˌhɛdʒəˈmɒnIk), hegemonical (ˌhɛɡəˈmɒnIkəl, ˌhɛdʒəˈmɒnIkəl) or hegemonial (ˌhɛɡəˈməʊnIəl, ˌhɛdʒəˈməʊnIəl) adj

■ hegemonism (hIˈɡɛməˌnIzəm, hIˈdʒɛməˌnIzəm)   n   the fact or theory of hegemony

■ hegemonist (hIˈɡɛməˌnIst, hIˈdʒɛməˌnIst)   n   a proponent of hegemony

Hegira or Hejira (ˈhɛdʒIrə)   n   1 the departure of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD; the starting point of the Muslim era   2 the Muslim era itself. See also AH   3 (often not capital) an emigration escape or flight   ▶ Also called: Hijrah [C16: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic hijrah emigration or flight]

hegumen (hIˈɡjuːmɛn) or hegumenos (hIˈɡjuːmIˌnəʊs)   n   the head of a monastery of the Eastern Church [C16: from Medieval Latin hēgūmenus, from Late Greek hēgoumenos leader, from Greek hēgeisthai to lead]

■ hegumeny (hIˈɡjuːmənI)   n   the office of a hegumen

hegumene (hIˈɡjuːmiːn)   n   Eastern Churches the head of a nunnery of the Eastern Church

heh^1 (heI)   interj   an exclamation of surprise or inquiry

heh^2 (hɛ) or heh-heh (ˈhɛˈhɛ)   interj   an indication of sly amusement, used esp in electronic communication

heid (hiːd)   n   a Scot word for head

Heidegger (German ˈhaidɛɡər)   n   Martin (ˈmartiːn). 1889–1976, German existentialist philosopher: he expounded his ontological system in Being and Time (1927)

Heidelberg (ˈhaIdəlˌbɜːɡ; German ˈhaidəlbɛrk)   n   a city in SW Germany, in NW Baden-Württemberg on the River Neckar: capital of the Palatinate from the 13th century until 1719; famous castle (begun in the 12th century) and university (1386), the oldest in Germany. Pop: 142 959 (2003 est)

■ Heidelberg man   n   a type of primitive human, Homo heidelbergensis, occurring in Europe in the middle Palaeolithic age, known only from a single fossil lower jaw [C20: referring to the site where remains were found, at Mauer, near Heidelberg, Germany (1907)]

Heiduc (ˈhaIdʊk)   n   a variant spelling of Haiduk

heifer (ˈhɛfə)   n   a young cow [Old English heahfore; related to Greek poris calf; see HIGH]

Heifetz (ˈhaIfIts)   n   Jascha (ˈjæʃə). 1901–87, US violinist, born in Russia

heigh-ho (ˈheIˈhəʊ)   interj   a variant spelling of hey-ho

height (haIt)   n   1 the vertical distance from the bottom or lowest part of something to the top or apex   2 the vertical distance of an object or place above the ground or above sea level; altitude   3 relatively great altitude or distance from the bottom to the top   4 the topmost point; summit   5 astronomy the angular distance of a celestial body above the horizon   6 the period of greatest activity or intensity: the height of the battle   7 an extreme example of its kind: the height of rudeness   8 (often plural) an area of high ground   9 (often plural) the state of being far above the ground: I don't like heights   10 (often plural) a position of influence, fame, or power: the giddy heights they occupied in the 1980s [Old English hīehthu; related to Old Norse hǣthe, Gothic hauhitha, Old High German hōhida; see HIGH]

■ heightism (ˈhaItIzəm)   n   discrimination based on a person's height

■ height of land   n   US and Canadian a watershed

■ height-to-paper   n   the overall height of printing plates and type, standardized as 0.9175 inch (Brit) and 0.9186 inch (US)

heighten (ˈhaItən)   vb   1 to make or become high or higher   2 to make or become more extreme or intense   > ˈheightened adj   > ˈheightener n

heil (haIl)   interj   1 a German greeting of respect   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to greet (a person) by saying "heil!"

Heilbronn (German hailˈbrɔn)   n   a city in SW Germany, in N Baden-Württemberg on the River Neckar. Pop: 120 705 (2003 est)

Heilongjiang (ˈheIˈlʊŋdʒaIˈæŋ) or Heilungkiang (ˈheIˈlʊŋˈkjæŋ, -kaIˈæŋ)   n   a province of NE China, in Manchuria: coal-mining, with placer gold in some rivers. Capital: Harbin. Pop: 38 150 000 (2003 est). Area: 464 000 sq km (179 000 sq miles)

Heilong Jiang (ˈheIˈlʊŋ ˈdʒaIˈæŋ)   n   the Pinyin transliteration of the Chinese name for the Amur

Heiltsuk (ˈhaIlˌstʊk)   n   a member of a coastal Native Canadian people living in British Columbia. Formerly called: Bella Bella [of Wakashan origin]

Heimdall, Heimdal (ˈheImˌdɑːl) or Heimdallr (ˈheImˌdɑːlə)   n   Norse myth the god of light and the dawn, and the guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifrost

heimish (ˈheImIʃ)   adj   US slang comfortable; homely

Heimlich manoeuvre (ˈhaImlIk)   n   a technique in first aid to dislodge a foreign body in a person's windpipe by applying sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen. Also called: abdominal thrust [C20: named after Henry J. Heimlich (1920–2016), American surgeon]

Heine (German ˈhainə)   n   Heinrich (ˈhainrIç). 1797–1856, German poet and essayist, whose chief poetic work is Das Buch der Lieder (1827). Many of his poems have been set to music, notably by Schubert and Schumann

heinie (ˈhaInI)   n   US slang buttocks; bottom

Heinkel (German ˈhainkəl)   n   Ernst Heinrich (ɛrnst ˈhainrIç). 1888–1958, German aircraft designer. His company provided many military aircraft in World Wars I and II, including the first jet-powered plane

heinous (ˈheInəs, ˈhiː-)   adj   evil; atrocious [C14: from Old French haineus, from haine hatred, from hair to hate, of Germanic origin; see HATE]   > ˈheinously adv   > ˈheinousness n

heir (ɛə)   n   1 civil law the person legally succeeding to all property of a deceased person, irrespective of whether such person died testate or intestate, and upon whom devolves as well as the rights the duties and liabilities attached to the estate   2 any person or thing that carries on some tradition, circumstance, etc, from a forerunner   3 an archaic word for offspring [C13: from Old French, from Latin hērēs; related to Greek khēros bereaved]   > ˈheirless adj

■ heir apparent   n, pl heirs apparent   property law a person whose right to succeed to certain property cannot be defeated, provided such person survives his or her ancestor. Compare heir presumptive

■ heir-at-law   n, pl heirs-at-law   property law the person entitled to succeed to the real property of a person who dies intestate

■ heirdom (ˈɛədəm)   n   property law succession by right of blood; inheritance

■ heiress (ˈɛərIs)   n   1 a woman who inherits or expects to inherit great wealth   2 property law a female heir

■ heirloom (ˈɛəˌluːm)   n   1 an object that has been in a family for generations   2 property law a chattel inherited by special custom or in accordance with the terms of a will [C15: from HEIR + lome tool; see LOOM^1]

■ heir presumptive   n   property law a person who expects to succeed to an estate but whose right may be defeated by the birth of one nearer in blood to the ancestor. Compare heir apparent

■ heirship (ˈɛəʃIp)   n law   1 the state or condition of being an heir   2 the right to inherit; inheritance

Heisenberg (ˈhaIzənˌbɜːɡ; German ˈhaizənbɛrk)   n   Werner Karl (ˈvɛrnər karl). 1901–76, German physicist. He contributed to quantum mechanics and formulated the uncertainty principle (1927): Nobel prize for physics 1932

■ Heisenberg uncertainty principle (ˈhaIzənˌbɜːɡ)   n   a more formal name for uncertainty principle

heishi (ˈhaIʃI)   n   a type of Native American shell jewellery

heist (haIst) slang, chiefly US and Canadian   n   1 a robbery   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to steal or burgle [variant of HOIST]   > ˈheister n

heitiki (heIˈtiːkiː)   n   NZ a Māori neck ornament of greenstone [C19: from Māori, from hei to hang + TIKI]

Heitler (German ˈhaitlər)   n   Walter (ˈvaltər). 1904–81, German physicist, noted for his work on chemical bonds

hejab (hɛˈdʒɑːb)   n   a variant of hijab

Hejaz, Hedjaz or Hijaz (hiːˈdʒæz)   n   a region of W Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba: formerly an independent kingdom; united with Nejd in 1932 to form Saudi Arabia. Area: about 348 600 sq km (134 600 sq miles)

Hejira (ˈhɛdʒIrə)   n   a variant spelling of Hegira

Hekate (ˈhɛkətI)   n   a variant spelling of Hecate

heketara (ˈhɛkɛtɑːrə)   n   a small shrub, Olearia rani, which has flowers with white petals and yellow centres [Māori]

Hekla (ˈhɛklə)   n   a volcano in SW Iceland: several craters, subject to fairly frequent eruptions in recent times. Height: 1491 m (4892 ft)

Hel (hɛl) or Hela (ˈhɛlɑː)   n Norse myth   1 the goddess of the dead   2 the underworld realm of the dead

helcoid (ˈhɛlkɔId)   adj   resembling an ulcer

held (hɛld)   vb   the past tense and past participle of hold^1

Heldentenor German (ˈhɛldəntenoːr)   n, pl -tenöre (-teˈnøːrə)   a tenor with a powerful voice suited to singing heroic roles, esp in Wagner [literally: hero tenor]

hele in   vb   (tr, adverb) a dialect variant of heel in [Old English helian hide]

Helen (ˈhɛlIn)   n   Greek myth the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda, whose abduction by Paris from her husband Menelaus caused the Trojan War

Helena^1 (ˈhɛlənə)   n   a city in W Montana: the state capital. Pop: 26 718 (2003 est)

Helena^2 (ˈhɛlənə)   n   Saint. ?248–?328 AD, Roman empress, mother of Constantine I. After converting to Christianity (313) she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (?326) where she supposedly discovered the cross on which Christ died. Feast day: May 21

Helengrad (ˈhɛlənˌɡræd)   n   NZ a satirical name for Wellington as the seat of Helen Clark's socialist government from 1999 to 2008 [C20: from Helen + -grad common suffix in Russian place names; likening the policies of Clark's government to the communism of the former Soviet Union]

helenium (həˈliːnIəm)   n   any plant of the American genus Helenium, up to 1.6 m (5 ft) tall, some species of which are grown as border plants for their daisy-like yellow or variegated flowers: family Asteraceae [New Latin, from Greek helenion, a plant name]

Helgoland (ˈhɛlɡolant)   n   the German name for Heligoland

heli-   combining form   helicopter: heliport [C20: shortened from HELICOPTER]

heliacal rising (hIˈlaIəkəl)   n   1 the rising of a celestial object at approximately the same time as the rising of the sun   2 the date at which such a celestial object first becomes visible in the dawn sky [C17: from Late Latin hēliacus relating to the sun, from Greek hēliakos, from hēlios the sun]

■ heliacally (hIˈlaIəkəlI)   adv   astronomy in the manner of a heliacal rising

helianthemum (hiːlIˈænθəməm)   n   any plant of the dwarf evergreen genus Helianthemum, some species of which are grown as rock-garden plants for their numerous papery yellow or orange flowers; related to the rockrose, which they resemble: family Cistaceae. Also called: Cape primrose [New Latin, from Greek hēlios sun + anthemon flower]

helianthus (ˌhiːlIˈænθəs)   n, pl -thuses   any plant of the genus Helianthus, such as the sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke, typically having large yellow daisy-like flowers with yellow, brown, or purple centres: family Asteraceae (composites) [C18: New Latin, from Greek hēlios sun + anthos flower]

heliast (ˈhiːlIˌæst)   n   Greek history a court judge in ancient Greece

heli-boarding   n   NZ the sport of snowboarding on mountains or glaciers accessible only by helicopter or skiplane

heliborne (ˈhɛlIˌbɔːn)   adj   carried in a helicopter

helibus (ˈhɛlIˌbʌs)   n   a helicopter with the capacity to carry many passengers

helic-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of helico-

helical (ˈhɛlIkəl)   adj   of or shaped like a helix; spiral   > ˈhelically adv

■ helical gear   n   a cylindrical gearwheel having the tooth form generated on a helical path about the axis of the wheel

■ helical scan   n   (modifier) denoting a recording technique used with video tapes in which the recorded tracks on the tape are segments of a helix: a helical-scan tape

helicase (ˈhiːlIˌkeIz)   n   any of a group of proteins that are vital to all living organisms

helices (ˈhɛlIˌsiːz)   n   a plural of helix

helichrysum (ˌhɛlIˈkraIzəm)   n   any plant of the widely cultivated genus Helichrysum, whose flowers retain their shape and colour when dried: family Asteraceae (composites) [C16: from Latin, from Greek helikhrusos, from helix spiral + khrusos gold]

helicity (hIˈlIsItI)   n, pl -ties   physics the projection of the spin of an elementary particle on the direction of propagation [C20: from HELIX + -ITY]

helicline (ˈhɛlIˌklaIn)   n   architect a spiral-shaped ramp [from HELICO- + -CLINE]

helico- or before a vowel helic-   combining form   spiral or helical: helicograph [from Latin, from Greek helix spiral]

helicograph (ˈhɛlIkəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   an instrument for drawing spiral curves

helicoid (ˈhɛlIˌkɔId)   adj also helicoidal   1 biology shaped like a spiral: a helicoid shell   ▷ n   2 geometry any surface resembling that of a screw thread   > ˌheliˈcoidally adv

helicon (ˈhɛlIkən)   n   a bass tuba made to coil over the shoulder of a band musician [C19: probably from HELICON, associated with Greek helix spiral]

Helicon (ˈhɛlIkən)   n   a mountain in Greece, in Boeotia: location of the springs of Hippocrene and Aganippe, believed by the Ancient Greeks to be the source of poetic inspiration and the home of the Muses. Height: 1749 m (5738 ft). Modern Greek name: Elikón

heliconia (ˌhɛlIˈkənIə)   n   any of a genus of tropical flowering plants with long flowering panicles. Also called: lobster-claw

helicopter (ˈhɛlIˌkɒptə)   n   1 an aircraft capable of hover, vertical flight, and horizontal flight in any direction. Most get all of their lift and propulsion from the rotation of overhead blades. See also autogiro   ▷ vb   2 to transport (people or things) or (of people or things) to be transported by helicopter [C19: from French hélicoptère, from HELICO- + Greek pteron wing]

■ helicopt (ˈhɛlIˌkɒpt)   vb   to fly or transport using a helicopter

■ helicopter gunship   n   a large heavily armed helicopter used for ground attack

■ helicopter parent   n   a parent who is excessively involved in the life of his or her child

■ helicopter view   n   an overview of a situation without any details

helictite (ˈhɛlikˌtaIt)   n   geology a distorted or twisted stalactite

helideck (ˈhɛlIˌdɛk)   n   a landing deck for helicopters on ships, oil platforms, etc [C20: from HELI- + DECK]

helidrome (ˈhɛlIˌdrəʊm)   n   a small airport for helicopters

Heligoland (ˈhɛlIɡəʊˌlænd)   n   a small island in the North Sea, one of the North Frisian Islands, separated from the coast of NW Germany by the Heligoland Bight: administratively part of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein: a large island in early medieval times, now eroded to an area of about 150 hectares (380 acres); ceded by Britain to Germany in 1890 in exchange for Zanzibar. German name: Helgoland

helilift (ˈhɛlIˌlIft)   vb (tr)   to transport by helicopter

heliman (ˈhɛlImən)   n, pl -men   a helicopter pilot

helio- or before a vowel heli-   combining form   indicating the sun: heliocentric; heliolithic [from Greek, from hēlios sun]

heliocentric (ˌhiːlIəʊˈsɛntrIk)   adj   1 having the sun at its centre   2 measured from or in relation to the centre of the sun   > ˌhelioˈcentrically adv   > ˌheliocenˈtricity or ˌhelioˈcentriˌcism n

■ heliocentric parallax   n   See parallax (sense 2)

Heliochrome (ˈhiːlIəʊˌkrəʊm)   n   trademark a photograph that reproduces the natural colours of the subject   > ˌhelioˈchromic adj

heliochromy (ˈhiːlIəʊˌkrəʊmI)   n   photog the process and practice of producing a photograph that reproduces the natural colours of the subject

heliodor (ˈhiːlIəʊˌdɔː)   n   a clear yellow form of beryl used as a gemstone

Heliogabalus (ˌhiːlIəʊˈɡæbələs) or Elagabalus   n   original name Varius Avitus Bassianus. ?204–222 AD, Roman emperor (218–222). His reign was notorious for debauchery and extravagance

heliogram (ˈhiːlIəʊˌɡræm)   n   a message sent using a heliograph

heliograph (ˈhiːlIəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 an instrument with mirrors and a shutter used for sending messages in Morse code by reflecting the sun's rays   2 a device used to photograph the sun   > heliographer (ˌhiːlIˈɒɡrəfə) n   > heliographic (ˌhiːlIəʊˈɡræfIk) or ˌhelioˈgraphical adj   > ˌheliˈography n

heliogravure (ˌhiːlIəʊɡrəˈvjʊə)   n   the former name for photogravure

heliolatry (ˌhiːlIˈɒlətrI)   n   worship of the sun   > ˌheliˈolater n   > ˌheliˈolatrous adj

heliolithic (ˌhiːlIəʊˈlIθIk)   adj   of or relating to a civilization characterized by sun worship and megaliths

heliology (ˌhiːlIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the sun

heliometer (ˌhiːlIˈɒmItə)   n   a refracting telescope having a split objective lens that is used to determine very small angular distances between celestial bodies   > heliometric (ˌhiːlIəʊˈmɛtrIk) or ˌhelioˈmetrical adj   > ˌhelioˈmetrically adv   > ˌheliˈometry n

heliopause (ˈhiːlIəʊˌpɔːz)   n   the boundary between the region of space dominated by the solar wind and the interstellar medium

heliophilous (ˌhiːlIˈɒfIləs)   adj   attracted to sunlight

heliophobic (ˌhiːlIəʊˈfəʊbIk)   adj   fearing or unable to withstand sunlight

heliophyte (ˈhiːlIəʊˌfaIt)   n   any plant that grows best in direct sunlight

Heliopolis (ˌhiːlIˈɒpəlIs)   n   1 (in ancient Egypt) a city near the apex of the Nile delta: a centre of sun worship. Ancient Egyptian name: On   2 the Ancient Greek name for Baalbek

heliopsis (ˌhɛlIˈɒpsIs)   n   botany a genus of herbaceous flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae

Helios (ˈhiːlIˌɒs)   n   Greek myth the god of the sun, who drove his chariot daily across the sky. Roman counterpart: Sol

heliosciophyte (ˌhiːlIəʊˈsaIəˌfaIt)   n   any plant that grows in the shade, but thrives more in the sun

helioscope (ˈhiːlIəʊˌskəʊp)   n   astronomy any apparatus used in observing the sun

■ helioscopic (ˌhiːlIəˈskɒpIk)   adj   of or relating to observations of the sun

heliosis (ˌhiːlIˈəʊsIs)   n   the effect of overexposure to the sun

heliosphere (ˈhiːlIəʊˌsfIə)   n   the region around the sun outside of which the sun's influence is negligible and interstellar space begins

heliostat (ˈhiːlIəʊˌstæt)   n   an astronomical instrument used to reflect the light of the sun in a constant direction   > ˌhelioˈstatic adj

heliotaxis (ˌhiːlIəʊˈtæksIs)   n   movement of an entire organism in response to the stimulus of sunlight   > heliotactic (ˌhiːlIəʊˈtæktIk) adj

heliotherapy (ˌhiːlIəʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   the therapeutic use of sunlight

heliotrope (ˈhiːlIəˌtrəʊp, ˈhɛljə-)   n   1 any boraginaceous plant of the genus Heliotropium, esp the South American H. arborescens, cultivated for its small fragrant purple flowers   2 garden heliotrope a widely cultivated valerian, Valeriana officinalis, with clusters of small pink, purple, or white flowers   3 any of various plants that turn towards the sun   4    a a bluish-violet to purple colour   b (as adjective): a heliotrope dress   5 an instrument used in geodetic surveying employing the sun's rays reflected by a mirror as a signal for the sighting of stations over long distances   6 another name for bloodstone [C17: from Latin hēliotropium, from Greek hēliotropion, from hēlios sun + trepein to turn]

heliotropin (ˌhiːlIˈɒtrəpIn)   n   another term for piperonal

heliotropism (ˌhiːlIˈɒtrəˌpIzəm) or heliotropy (ˌhiːlIˈɒtrəpI)   n   the growth of plants or plant parts (esp flowers) in response to the stimulus of sunlight, so that they turn to face the sun   > heliotropic (ˌhiːlIəʊˈtrɒpIk) or heliotropical (ˌhiːlIəʊˈtrɒpIkəl) adj   > ˌhelioˈtropically adv

heliotype (ˈhiːlIəʊˌtaIp)   n   1 Also called: heliotypy a printing process in which an impression is taken in ink from a gelatine surface that has been exposed under a negative and prepared for printing   2 the gelatine plate produced by such a process   3 a print produced from such a plate   > heliotypic (ˌhiːlIəʊˈtIpIk) adj

heliozoan (ˌhiːlIəʊˈzəʊən)   n   any protozoan of the mostly freshwater group Heliozoa, typically having a siliceous shell and stiff radiating cytoplasmic projections: phylum Actinopoda (actinopods)

■ heliozoic (ˌhiːlIəʊˈzəʊIk)   adj   denoting or relating to a heliozoan

helipad (ˈhɛlIˌpæd)   n   a place for helicopters to land and take off [C20: from HELI- + PAD^1]

helipilot (ˈhɛlIˌpaIlət)   n   a helicopter pilot

heliport (ˈhɛlIˌpɔːt)   n   an airport for helicopters [C20: from HELI- + PORT^1]

heli-skiing   n   skiing in which skiers are transported by helicopter to remote slopes   > ˈheli-ˌskier n

helispheric (ˌhɛlIsˈfɛrIk) or helispherical (ˌhɛlIsˈfɛrIkəl)   adj   spiral

helistop (ˈhɛlIˌstɒp)   n   a landing place for a helicopter

helium (ˈhiːlIəm)   n   a very light nonflammable colourless odourless element that is an inert gas, occurring in certain natural gases: used in balloons and in cryogenic research. Symbol: He; atomic no: 2; atomic wt: 4.002602; density: 0.1785 kg/m^3; at normal pressures it is liquid down to absolute zero; melting pt: below –272.2°C; boiling pt: –268.90°C. See also alpha particle [C19: New Latin, from HELIO- + -IUM; named from its having first been detected in the solar spectrum]

■ helium flash   n   astronomy the explosive burning of helium in the case of a star of low mass that occurs when the core is so dense that the matter has become degenerate. The burning causes a rapid rise in temperature until it is so high that the gas ceases to be degenerate, after which there is a rapid expansion

helix (ˈhiːlIks)   n, pl helices (ˈhɛlIˌsiːz) or helixes   1 a curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, at a constant angle to the line segments making up the surface; spiral   2 a spiral shape or form   3 the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear   4 another name for volute (sense 2)   5 any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus Helix, which includes the garden snail (H. aspersa) [C16: from Latin, from Greek: spiral; probably related to Greek helissein to twist]

hell (hɛl)   n   1 Christianity (sometimes capital)   a the place or state of eternal punishment of the wicked after death, with Satan as its ruler   b forces of evil regarded as residing there   2 (sometimes capital) (in various religions and cultures) the abode of the spirits of the dead. See also Hel, Hades, Sheol   3 pain, extreme difficulty, etc   4 informal a cause of such difficulty or suffering: war is hell   5 US and Canadian high spirits or mischievousness: there's hell in that boy   6 a box used by a tailor for discarded material   7 rare a gambling house, booth, etc   8 as hell (intensifier): tired as hell   9 for the hell of it informal for the fun of it   10 from hell informal denoting a person or thing that is particularly bad or alarming: neighbour from hell; hangover from hell   11 give someone hell informal   a to give someone a severe reprimand or punishment   b to be a source of annoyance or torment to someone   12 hell of a or helluva informal (intensifier): a hell of a good performance   13 hell for leather at great speed   14 hell or high water or come hell or high water informal whatever difficulties may arise   15 hell to pay informal serious consequences, as of a foolish action   16 like hell informal   a (adverb) (intensifier): he works like hell   b an expression of strong disagreement with a previous statement, request, order, etc   17 play hell with or play merry hell with informal to throw into confusion and disorder; disrupt   18 raise hell   a to create a noisy disturbance, as in fun   b to react strongly and unfavourably   19 the hell informal   a (intensifier) used in such phrases as what the hell, who the hell, etc   b an expression of strong disagreement or disfavour: the hell I will   ▷ interj   20 informal an exclamation of anger, annoyance, surprise, etc (Also in exclamations such as hell's bells, hell's teeth, etc) [Old English hell; related to helan to cover, Old Norse hel, Gothic halja hell, Old High German hella]

■ hellbender (ˈhɛlˌbɛndə)   n   a very large dark grey aquatic salamander, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, with internal gills: inhabits rivers in E and central US: family Cryptobranchidae

■ hellbent (ˌhɛlˈbɛnt)   adj   (postpositive; and foll by on) informal strongly or rashly intent

■ hellbox (ˈhɛlˌbɒks)   n   printing a container for broken type

■ hellbroth (ˈhɛlˌbrɒθ)   n   an evil or unpleasant concoction

■ hellcat (ˈhɛlˌkæt)   n   a spiteful fierce-tempered woman

■ helldiver (ˈhɛlˌdaIvə)   n   US informal a small greyish-brown North American grebe, Podilymbus podiceps, with a small bill. Also called: pied-billed grebe, dabchick

■ hellery (ˈhɛlərI)   n   Canadian slang, rare wild or mischievous behaviour

■ hellfire (ˈhɛlˌfaIə)   n   1 the torment and punishment of hell, envisaged as eternal fire   2 (modifier) characterizing sermons or preachers that emphasize this aspect of Christian belief: hellfire evangelism

■ hellhole (ˈhɛlˌhəʊl)   n   an unpleasant or evil place

■ hellhound (ˈhɛlˌhaʊnd)   n   1 a hound of hell   2 a fiend

■ hell house   n   (in the US) a visitor attraction provided by fundamentalist Christians, in which each room contains a gruesome tableau of a sin and its divine punishment, intended to encourage the spectator to seek salvation in Christ

■ hellish (ˈhɛlIʃ)   adj   1 of or resembling hell   2 wicked; cruel   3 informal very difficult or unpleasant   ▷ adv   4 Brit informal (intensifier): a hellish good idea   > ˈhellishly adv   > ˈhellishness n

■ hellkite (ˈhɛlˌkaIt)   n   obsolete a cruel or fierce person

■ hell-raiser   n   informal someone who causes trouble

■ hell-raising   n   informal   a behaviour which causes trouble   b (as modifier): a hell-raising lifestyle

■ Hell's Angel   n   a member of a motorcycle gang of a kind originating in California in 1948 who typically dress in denim and Nazi-style paraphernalia and are noted for their initiation rites, lawless behaviour, etc

■ hellward (ˈhɛlwəd)   adj   towards hell

■ hellwards (ˈhɛlwədz)   adv   towards hell

he'll (hiːl, unstressed iːl, hIl, Il)   contraction of   he will or he shall

hellacious (hɛˈleIʃəs)   adj US slang   1 remarkable; horrifying   2 wonderful; excellent [C20: from HELL + -acious as in AUDACIOUS]   > hellˈaciously adv

Helladic (hɛˈlædIk)   adj   of, characteristic of, or related to the Bronze Age civilization that flourished about 2900 to 1100 BC on the Greek mainland and islands

Hellas (ˈhɛləs)   n   transliteration of the Ancient Greek name for Greece

Helle (ˈhɛlI)   n   Greek myth a daughter of King Athamas, who was borne away with her brother Phrixus on the golden winged ram. She fell from its back and was drowned in the Hellespont. See also Phrixus, Golden Fleece

hellebore (ˈhɛlIˌbɔː)   n   1 any plant of the Eurasian ranunculaceous genus Helleborus, esp H. niger (black hellebore), typically having showy flowers and poisonous parts. See also Christmas rose   2 any of various liliaceous plants of the N temperate genus Veratrum, esp V. album, that have greenish flowers and yield alkaloids used in the treatment of heart disease [C14: from Greek helleboros, of uncertain origin]

■ helleborine (ˌhɛlIˈbɔːriːn)   n   any of various N temperate orchids of the genera Cephalanthera and Epipactis [C16: ultimately from Greek helleborinē a plant resembling hellebore]

Hellen (ˈhɛlIn)   n   (in Greek legend) a Thessalian king and eponymous ancestor of the Hellenes

Hellene (ˈhɛliːn) or Hellenian (hɛˈliːnIən)   n   another name for a Greek

■ Hellenic (hɛˈlɛnIk, -ˈliː-)   adj   1 of or relating to the ancient or modern Greeks or their language   2 of or relating to ancient Greece or the Greeks of the classical period (776–323 BC). Compare Hellenistic   3 another word for Greek   ▷ n   4 a branch of the Indo-European family of languages consisting of Greek in its various ancient and modern dialects   > Helˈlenically adv

■ Hellenism (ˈhɛlIˌnIzəm)   n   1 the principles, ideals, and pursuits associated with classical Greek civilization   2 the spirit or national character of the Greeks   3 conformity to, imitation of, or devotion to the culture of ancient Greece   4 the cosmopolitan civilization of the Hellenistic world

■ Hellenist (ˈhɛlInIst)   n   1 Also called: Hellenizer (in the Hellenistic world) a non-Greek, esp a Jew, who adopted Greek culture   2 a student of the Greek civilization or language

■ Hellenistic (ˌhɛlIˈnIstIk) or Hellenistical (ˌhɛlIˈnIstIkəl)   adj   1 characteristic of or relating to Greek civilization in the Mediterranean world, esp from the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC) to the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra (30 BC)   2 of or relating to the Greeks or to Hellenism   > ˌHellenˈistically adv

■ Hellenize or Hellenise (ˈhɛlIˌnaIz)   vb   to make or become like the ancient Greeks   > ˌHelleniˈzation or ˌHelleniˈsation n   > ˈHellenˌizer or ˈHellenˌiser n

heller^1 (ˈhɛlə)   n, pl -ler   1 a monetary unit of the Czech Republic and (formerly) Slovakia, worth one hundredth of a koruna   2 any of various old German or Austrian coins of low denomination [from German haller a silver coin, after Hall, town in Swabia where the coins were minted]

heller^2 (ˈhɛlə)   n   another word for hellion

Heller (ˈhɛlə)   n   Joseph. 1923–99, US novelist. His works include Catch 22 (1961), God Knows (1984), Picture This (1988), and Closing Time (1994)

helleri (ˈhɛləˌreI)   n   a Central American freshwater fish. Also called: swordtail

Hellerwork (ˈhɛləˌwɜːk)   n   a form of deep tissue massage intended to release the build-up of physical and emotional traumas in the body

Helles (ˈhɛlIs)   n   Cape Helles a cape in NW Turkey, at the S end of the Gallipoli Peninsula

Hellespont (ˈhɛlIˌspɒnt)   n   the ancient name for the Dardanelles

hellgrammite or hellgramite (ˈhɛlɡrəˌmaIt)   n   US the larva of the dobsonfly, about 10 cm long with biting mouthparts: used as bait for bass. Also called: dobson [C19: of unknown origin]

hellicat (ˈhɛlIˌkæt)   n   Scot an evil creature

hellier (ˈhɛlIə)   n   English archaic a slater; tiler

hellion (ˈhɛljən)   n   US informal a rough or rowdy person, esp a child; troublemaker. Also called: heller [C19: probably from dialect hallion rogue, of unknown origin]

Hellman (ˈhɛlmən)   n   Lillian. 1905–84, US dramatist. Her works include the plays The Little Foxes (1939), The Searching Wind (1944), and the autobiographical Scoundrel Time (1976)

hello, hallo or hullo (hɛˈləʊ, hə-, ˈhɛləʊ)   sentence substitute   1 an expression of greeting used on meeting a person or at the start of a telephone call   2 a call used to attract attention   3 an expression of surprise   4 an expression used to indicate that the speaker thinks his or her listener is naive or slow to realize something: Hello? Have you been on Mars for the past two weeks or something?   ▷ n, pl -los   5 the act of saying or calling "hello" [C19: see HALLO]

■ hello money   n   a charge made by a retailer to a supplier for introducing the supplier's goods to its stores

helluva (ˈhɛləvə)   adv, adj informal   (intensifier): a helluva difficult job; he's a helluva guy

helm^1 (hɛlm)   n   1 nautical   a the wheel, tiller, or entire apparatus by which a vessel is steered   b the position of the helm: that is, on the side of the keel opposite from that of the rudder   2 a position of leadership or control (esp in the phrase at the helm)   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to direct or steer [Old English helma; related to Old Norse hjalm rudder, Old High German halmo]   > ˈhelmless adj

■ helmer (ˈhɛlmə)   n   informal a film director

■ helmsman (ˈhɛlmzmən)   n, pl -men   the person at the helm who steers the ship; steersman

■ helmsmanship (ˈhɛlmzmənʃIp)   n   nautical the skill or function of a helmsman

helm^2 (hɛlm)   n   1 an archaic or poetic word for helmet   ▷ vb   2 (tr) archaic or poetic to supply with a helmet [Old English helm; related to helan to cover, Old Norse hjalmr, Gothic hilms, Old High German helm helmet, Sanskrit śárman protection]

Helmand (ˈhɛlmənd)   n   1 a river in S Asia, rising in E Afghanistan and flowing generally southwest to a marshy lake, Hamun Helmand, on the border with Iran. Length: 1400 km (870 miles)   2 a province of SW Afghanistan; scene of strong Taliban insurgency since 2006. Capital: Lashkar Gah. Pop: 1 441 769 (2010 est). Area: 58 584 sq km (23 058 sq miles)

helmet (ˈhɛlmIt)   n   1 a piece of protective or defensive armour for the head worn by soldiers, policemen, firemen, divers, etc   2 biology a part or structure resembling a helmet, esp the upper part of the calyx of certain flowers [C15: from Old French, diminutive of helme, of Germanic origin]   > ˈhelmeted adj

■ helmeting (ˈhɛlmItIŋ)   n   the wearing or provision of a helmet

■ helmetlike (ˈhɛlmItˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a helmet in form or function

Helmholtz (German ˈhɛlmhɔlts)   n   Baron Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von (ˈhɛrman ˈluːtvIç ˈfɛrdinant fɔn). 1821–94, German physiologist, physicist, and mathematician: helped to found the theory of the conservation of energy; invented the ophthalmoscope (1850); and investigated the mechanics of sight and sound

■ Helmholtz function (German ˈhɛlmhɔlts)   n   a thermodynamic property of a system equal to the difference between its internal energy and the product of its temperature and its entropy. Symbol: A, F. Also called: Helmholtz free energy [C20: named after Baron Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz ]

helminth (ˈhɛlmInθ)   n   any parasitic worm, esp a nematode or fluke [C19: from Greek helmins parasitic worm]   > helminthoid (ˈhɛlmInˌθɔId, hɛlˈmInθɔId) adj

■ helminthic (hɛlˈmInθIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or caused by parasitic worms   ▷ n, adj   2 another word for vermifuge

■ helminthous (hɛlˈmInθəs)   adj   having intestinal worms

helminthiasis (ˌhɛlmInˈθaIəsIs)   n   infestation of the body with parasitic worms [C19: from New Latin, from Greek helminthian to be infested with worms]

helminthology (ˌhɛlmInˈθɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of zoology concerned with the study of parasitic worms   > helminthologic (ˌhɛlmInθəˈlɒdʒIk) or helminthological (ˌhɛlmInθəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌhelminˈthologist n

Helmont (Flemish ˈhɛlmɔnt)   n   Jean Baptiste van (ʒɑ̃ batist vɑn). 1577–1644, Flemish chemist and physician. He was the first to distinguish gases and claimed to have coined the word gas

helo (ˈhɛləʊ)   n, pl helos   informal helicopter

Héloïse (ˈɛləʊˌiːz; French elɔiz)   n   ?1101–64, pupil, mistress, and wife of Abelard

helophyte (ˈhɛləfaIt)   n   any perennial marsh plant that bears its overwintering buds in the mud below the surface [C20: from Modern Greek helos marsh + -PHYTE]

Helot (ˈhɛlət, ˈhiː-)   n   1 (in ancient Greece, esp Sparta) a member of the class of unfree men above slaves owned by the state   2 (usually not capital) a serf or slave [C16: from Latin Hēlotēs, from Greek Heilōtes, alleged to have meant originally: inhabitants of Helos, who, after its conquest, were serfs of the Spartans]

■ helotism (ˈhɛləˌtIzəm, ˈhiː-)   n   1 the condition or quality of being a Helot   2 a sociopolitical system in which a class, minority, nation, etc, is held in a state of subjection   3 zoology another name for dulosis   ▶ Also called (for senses 1, 2): helotage

■ helotry (ˈhɛlətrI, ˈhiː-)   n   1 serfdom or slavery   2 serfs or slaves as a class

help (hɛlp)   vb   1 to assist or aid (someone to do something), esp by sharing the work, cost, or burden of something: he helped his friend to escape; she helped him climb out of the boat   2 to alleviate the burden of (someone else) by giving assistance   3 (tr) to assist (a person) to go in a specified direction: help the old lady up from the chair   4 to promote or contribute to: to help the relief operations   5 to cause improvement in (a situation, person, etc): crying won't help   6 (tr; preceded by can, could, etc; usually used with a negative)   a to avoid or refrain from: we can't help wondering who he is   b (usually foll by it) to prevent or be responsible for: I can't help it if it rains   7 to alleviate (an illness, etc)   8 (tr) to serve (a customer): can I help you, madam?   9 (tr; foll by to)   a to serve (someone with food, etc) (usually in the phrase help oneself): may I help you to some more vegetables?; help yourself to peas   b to provide (oneself with) without permission: he's been helping himself to money out of the petty cash   10 cannot help but to be unable to do anything else except: I cannot help but laugh   11 help a person off with to assist a person in the removal of (clothes)   12 help a person on with to assist a person in the putting on of (clothes)   13 so help me   a on my honour   b no matter what: so help me, I'll get revenge   ▷ n   14 the act of helping, or being helped, or a person or thing that helps: she's a great help   15 a helping   16    a a person hired for a job; employee, esp a farm worker or domestic servant   b (functioning as singular) several employees collectively   17 a means of remedy: there's no help for it   ▷ interj   18 used to ask for assistance [Old English helpan; related to Old Norse hjalpa, Gothic hilpan, Old High German helfan]   > ˈhelpable adj   > ˈhelper n

■ helpdesk (ˈhɛlpˌdɛsk)   n   a service provided by a company to give information about its products and support to its customers

■ helper T-cell   n   See T-lymphocyte

■ helpful (ˈhɛlpfʊl)   adj   serving a useful function; giving help   > ˈhelpfully adv   > ˈhelpfulness n

■ helping (ˈhɛlpIŋ)   n   a single portion of food taken at a meal

■ helping hand   n   assistance: many people lent a helping hand in making arrangements for the party

■ helpless (ˈhɛlplIs)   adj   1 unable to manage independently   2 made powerless or weak: they were helpless from so much giggling   3 without help   > ˈhelplessly adv   > ˈhelplessness n

■ helpline (ˈhɛlpˌlaIn)   n   1 a telephone line operated by a charitable organization for people in distress   2 a telephone line operated by a commercial organization to provide information

■ helpmate (ˈhɛlpˌmeIt)   n   a companion and helper, esp a wife

■ helpmeet (ˈhɛlpˌmiːt)   n   a less common word for helpmate [C17: from the phrase an helpe meet (suitable) for him Genesis 2:18]

■ help out   vb (adverb)   1 to assist or aid (someone), esp by sharing the burden   2 to share the burden or cost of something with (another person)

■ help screens   pl n   computer instructions displayed on a visual display unit

Helpmann (ˈhɛlpmən)   n   Sir Robert. 1909–86, Australian ballet dancer and choreographer: his ballets include Miracle in the Gorbals (1944), Display (1965), and Yugen (1965)

Helsingborg (Swedish hɛlsiŋˈbɔrj)   n   a port in SW Sweden, on the Sound opposite Helsingør, Denmark: changed hands several times between Denmark and Sweden, finally becoming Swedish in 1710; shipbuilding. Pop: 121 097 (2004 est). Former name (until 1971): Hälsingborg

Helsingør (Danish hɛlseŋˈøːr)   n   a port in NE Denmark, in NE Zealand: site of Kronborg Castle (16th century), famous as the scene of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Pop: 35 002 (2004 est). Historical English name: Elsinore

Helsinki (ˈhɛlsIŋkI, hɛlˈsIŋ-)   n   the capital of Finland, a port in the south on the Gulf of Finland: founded by Gustavus I of Sweden in 1550; replaced Turku as capital in 1812, while under Russian rule; university. Pop: 1 179 916 (2015 est). Swedish name: Helsingfors (hɛlsIŋˈfɔrs)

helter-skelter (ˈhɛltəˈskɛltə)   adj   1 haphazard or carelessly hurried   ▷ adv   2 in a helter-skelter manner   ▷ n   3 Brit a high spiral slide, as at a fairground   4 disorder or haste [C16: probably of imitative origin]

helve (hɛlv)   n   1 the handle of a hand tool such as an axe or pick   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to fit a helve to (a tool) [Old English hielfe; related to Old Saxon hèlvi, Old High German halb, Lithuanian kìlpa stirrup; see HALTER]

Helvellyn (hɛlˈvɛlIn)   n   a mountain in NW England, in the Lake District. Height: 949 m (3114 ft)

Helvetia (hɛlˈviːʃə)   n   1 the Latin name for Switzerland   2 a Roman province in central Europe (1st century BC to the 5th century AD), corresponding to part of S Germany and parts of W and N Switzerland

■ Helvetian (hɛlˈviːʃən)   adj   1 of or relating to the Helvetii   2 another word for Swiss   ▷ n   3 a native or citizen of Switzerland   4 a member of the Helvetii

■ Helvetic (hɛlˈvɛtIk)   adj   1 Helvetian or Swiss   2 of or relating to the Helvetic Confessions or to Swiss Protestantism   ▷ n   3 a Swiss Protestant or reformed Calvinist who subscribes to one of the two Helvetic Confessions (of faith) formulated in 1536 and 1566

Helvetii (hɛlˈviːʃIˌaI)   pl n   a Celtic tribe from SW Germany who settled in Helvetia from about 200 BC

Helvétius (hɛlˈviːʃIəs; French ɛlvesjys)   n   Claude Adrien (klod adriɛ̃). 1715–71, French philosopher. In his chief work De l'Esprit (1758), he asserted that the mainspring of human action is self-interest and that differences in human intellects are due only to differences in education

hem^1 (hɛm)   n   1 an edge to a piece of cloth, made by folding the raw edge under and stitching it down   2 short for hemline   ▷ vb hems, hemming, hemmed (tr)   3 to provide with a hem   4 (usually foll by in, around, or about) to enclose or confine [Old English hemm; related to Old Frisian hemme enclosed land]

■ hemmer (ˈhɛmə)   n   an attachment on a sewing machine for hemming

■ hemstitch (ˈhɛmˌstItʃ)   n   1 a decorative edging stitch, usually for a hem, in which the cross threads are stitched in groups   ▷ vb   2 to decorate (a hem, etc) with hemstitches   > ˈhemˌstitcher n

hem^2 (hɛm)   n, interj   1 a representation of the sound of clearing the throat, used to gain attention, express hesitation, etc   ▷ vb hems, hemming, hemmed   2 (intr) to utter this sound   3 hem and haw or hum and haw to hesitate in speaking or in making a decision

hem-   combining form   a US variant of haemo-

hema-   combining form   a US variant of haemo-

hemat-   prefix (before a vowel)   a variant form of hemato-

hematine (ˈhɛmətaIn)   n   mineralogy a synthetic version of hematite

hematite (ˈhɛmətaIt) or haematite (ˈhɛmətaIt, ˈhiːm-)   n   a red, grey, or black mineral, found as massive beds and in veins and igneous rocks. It is the chief source of iron. Composition: iron (ferric) oxide. Formula: Fe_2O_3. Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral). Also called: iron glance [C16: via Latin from Greek haimatitēs resembling blood, from haima blood]   > hematitic or haematitic (ˌhɛməˈtItIk, ˌhiː-) adj

hemato- or before a vowel hemat-   combining form   US variants of haemato-

hematoporphyrin (ˌhiːmətəʊˈpɔːfIrIn)   n   biochem a porphyrin made by treating haemoglobin with acid, used to treat cancer in photodynamic therapy

Hemel Hempstead (ˈhɛməl ˈhɛmstId)   n   a town in SE England, in W Hertfordshire: designated a new town in 1947. Pop: 83 118 (2001)

hemelytron (hɛˈmɛlIˌtrɒn) or hemielytron (ˌhɛmIˈɛlIˌtrɒn)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   the forewing of plant bugs and related insects, having a thickened base and a membranous apex [C19: from New Latin hemielytron, from HEMI- + Greek elutron a covering]   > hemˈelytral or ˌhemiˈelytral adj

hemelytrum (ˌhɛmIˈlItrəm)   n   entomol the anterior wing of some insects such as earwigs

hemeralopia (ˌhɛmərəˈləʊpIə)   n   inability to see clearly in bright light. Nontechnical name: day blindness. Compare nyctalopia [C18: New Latin, from Greek hēmeralōps, from hēmera day + alaos blind + ōps eye]   > hemeralopic (ˌhɛmərəˈlɒpIk) adj

hemerocallis (ˌhɛmərəʊˈkælIs)   n   See day lily [from Greek hemera day + kallos beautiful]

hemerythrin (ˌhiːməˈrIθrIn)   n   biochem a type of protein responsible for oxygen transportation in some marine invertebrates

hemi-   prefix   half: hemicycle; hemisphere. Compare demi- (sense 1), semi- (sense 1) [from Latin, from Greek hēmi-]

-hemia   n combining form   US variant of -aemia

hemiacetal (ˌhɛmIəˈsiːtæl)   n   any of a class of compounds derived from aldehydes by adding an alcohol to the carbonyl group

hemialgia (ˌhɛmIˈældʒIə)   n   pain limited to one side of the body

hemianopia (ˌhɛmIænˈəʊpIə)   n   loss of vision in either the whole left or the whole right half of the field of vision. Also called: hemianopsia (ˌhɛmIænˈɒpsIə), hemiopia (ˌhɛmIˈəʊpIə) [C19: from HEMI- + AN- + Greek opsis sight]

■ hemianopic (ˌhɛmIəˈnəʊpIk), hemianoptic (-ˈnəʊptIk) or hemiopic (ˌhɛmIˈɒpIk)   adj   having or relating to hemianopia

hemicellulose (ˌhɛmIˈsɛljʊˌləʊz)   n   any of a group of plant polysaccharides that occur chiefly in the cell wall

hemichordate (ˌhɛmIˈkɔːˌdeIt)   n   1 any small wormlike marine animal of the subphylum Hemichordata (or Hemichorda), having numerous gill slits in the pharynx: phylum Chordata (chordates)   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the subphylum Hemichordata   ▶ See also acorn worm

hemicrania (ˌhɛmIˈkreInIə)   n   pathol a unilateral headache

hemicryptophyte (ˌhɛmIˈkrIptəfaIt)   n   any perennial plant that bears its overwintering buds at soil level, where they are often partly covered by surface debris [C20: HEMI- + CRYPTOPHYTE]

hemicrystalline (ˌhɛmIˈkrIstəˌlaIn)   adj   a former name for hypocrystalline. Compare holocrystalline

hemicycle (ˈhɛmIˌsaIkəl)   n   1 a semicircular structure, room, arena, wall, etc   2 a rare word for semicircle   > hemicyclic (ˌhɛmIˈsaIklIk, -ˈsIk-) adj

hemidemisemiquaver (ˌhɛmIˌdɛmIˈsɛmIˌkweIvə)   n   music a note having the time value of one sixty-fourth of a semibreve. Usual US and Canadian name: sixty-fourth note

hemielytron (ˌhɛmIˈɛlIˌtrɒn)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   a variant of hemelytron   > ˌhemiˈelytral adj

hemihedral (ˌhɛmIˈhiːdrəl)   adj   (of a crystal) exhibiting only half the number of planes necessary for complete symmetry

■ hemihedrism (ˌhɛmIˈhiːdrIzəm)   n   the quality of crystallizing in hemihedral form

■ hemihedron (ˌhɛmIˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a substance of hemihedral type

■ hemihedry (ˌhɛmIˈhiːdrI)   n   the quality or state of a crystal having hemihedral shape

hemihydrate (ˌhɛmIˈhaIdreIt)   n   chem a hydrate in which there are two molecules of substance to every molecule of water   > ˌhemiˈhydrated adj

hemimetabolous (ˌhɛmiːmIˈtæbələs)   adj   (of insects) relating to incomplete metamorphosis

hemimorphic (ˌhɛmIˈmɔːfIk)   adj   (of a crystal) having different forms at each end of an axis   > ˌhemiˈmorphism or ˈhemiˌmorphy n

hemimorphite (ˌhɛmIˈmɔːfaIt)   n   a white mineral consisting of hydrated zinc silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form: a common ore of zinc. Formula: Zn_4Si_2O_7(OH)2.H_2O. Also called (US): calamine

hemina (hIˈmaInə)   n   an ancient liquid measure equal to about a half pint

Hemingway (ˈhɛmIŋˌweI)   n   Ernest. 1899–1961, US novelist and short-story writer. His novels include The Sun Also Rises (1926), A Farewell to Arms (1929), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), and The Old Man and the Sea (1952): Nobel prize for literature 1954

■ Hemingwayesque (ˌhɛmIŋˌweIˈɛsk)   adj   of, relating to, or like Ernest Hemingway or his literary style

hemiola (ˌhɛmIˈəʊlə) or hemiolia (ˌhɛmIˈəʊlIə)   n   music a rhythmic device involving the superimposition of, for example, two notes in the time of three. Also called: sesquialtera [New Latin, from Greek hēmiolia ratio of one to one and a half, from HEMI- + (h)olos whole]   > hemiolic (ˌhɛmIˈɒlIk) adj

hemionus (ˌhɛmIˈəʊnəs)   n   an Asian wild donkey

hemiopia (ˌhɛmIˈəʊpIə)   n   another name for hemianopia

■ hemiopic (ˌhɛmIˈɒpIk)   adj   a variant form of hemianopic

hemiparasite (ˌhɛmIˈpærIˌsaIt) or semiparasite   n   1 a parasitic plant, such as mistletoe, that carries out photosynthesis but also obtains food from its host   2 an organism that can live independently or parasitically   > hemiparasitic (ˌhɛmIˌpærəˈsItIk) adj

hemiplegia (ˌhɛmIˈpliːdʒIə)   n   paralysis of one side of the body, usually as the result of injury to the brain. Compare paraplegia, quadriplegia   > ˌhemiˈplegic adj

hemipode (ˈhɛmIˌpəʊd) or hemipod (ˈhɛmIˌpɒd)   n   other names for button quail

hemipter (hIˈmIptə)   n   a hemipterous insect

■ hemipteral (hIˈmIptərəl)   adj   of or relating to a hemipterous insect

■ hemipteran (hIˈmIptərən)   n   1 Also called: hemipteron (hIˈmIptəˌrɒn) any hemipterous insect   ▷ adj   2 another word for hemipterous [C19: from HEMI- + Greek pteron wing]

■ hemipterous (hIˈmIptərəs) or hemipteran   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Hemiptera, a large order of insects having sucking or piercing mouthparts specialized as a beak (rostrum). The group is divided into the suborders Homoptera (aphids, cicadas, etc) and Heteroptera (water bugs, bedbugs, etc)

hemispace (ˈhɛmIˌspeIs)   n   the area to either the right or left side of the body

hemisphere (ˈhɛmIˌsfIə)   n   1 one half of a sphere   2    a half of the terrestrial globe, divided into northern and southern hemispheres by the equator or into eastern and western hemispheres by some meridians, usually 0° and 180°   b a map or projection of one of the hemispheres   3 either of the two halves of the celestial sphere that lie north or south of the celestial equator   4 anatomy short for cerebral hemisphere   > hemispheric (ˌhɛmIˈsfɛrIk) or ˌhemiˈspherical adj

■ hemispheroid (ˌhɛmIˈsfIərɔId)   n   half of a spheroid   > ˌhemispherˈoidal adj

hemistich (ˈhɛmIˌstIk)   n   prosody a half line of verse

■ hemistichal (ˈhɛmIˌstIkəl)   adj   prosody of or relating to a hemistich

hemiterpene (ˌhɛmIˈtɜːpiːn)   n   any of a class of simple unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as isoprene, having the formula C_5H_8

hemitrope (ˈhɛmIˌtrəʊp)   n   chem another name for twin (sense 3)   > hemitropic (ˌhɛmIˈtrɒpIk), hemitropous (hɛˈmItrəpəs) or hemitropal (ˌhɛmIˈtrəʊpəl) adj   > ˌhemiˈtropism or hemitropy (hiːˈmItrəpI) n

hemizygous (ˌhɛmIˈzaIɡəs)   adj   genetics (of a chromosome or gene) not having a homologue; not paired in a diploid cell

hemline (ˈhɛmˌlaIn)   n   the level to which the hem of a skirt or dress hangs; hem: knee-length hemlines

hemlock (ˈhɛmˌlɒk)   n   1 an umbelliferous poisonous Eurasian plant, Conium maculatum, having finely divided leaves, spotted stems, and small white flowers. US name: poison hemlock. See also water hemlock   2 a poisonous drug derived from this plant   3 Also called: hemlock spruce any coniferous tree of the genus Tsuga, of North America and E Asia, having short flat needles: family Pinaceae. See also western hemlock   4 the wood of any of these trees, used for lumber and as a source of wood pulp [Old English hymlic; perhaps related to hymele hop plant, Middle Low German homele, Old Norwegian humli, Old Slavonic chǔmelï]

hemo-   combining form   a US variant of haemo-

hemorrhoid (ˈhɛmərɔId)   n   a US variant of haemorrhoid

hemp (hɛmp)   n   1 Also called: cannabis, marijuana an annual strong-smelling Asian plant, Cannabis sativa, having tough fibres, deeply lobed leaves, and small greenish flowers: family Cannabidaeceae. See also Indian hemp   2 the fibre of this plant, used to make canvas, rope, etc   3 any of several narcotic drugs obtained from some varieties of this plant, esp from Indian hemp. See bhang, cannabis, hashish, marijuana   ▶ See also bowstring hemp [Old English hænep; related to Old Norse hampr, Old High German hanaf, Greek kannabis, Dutch hennep]   > ˈhempen or ˈhempˌlike adj

■ hemp agrimony   n   a Eurasian plant, Eupatorium cannabinum, with clusters of small pink flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites)

■ hemp nettle   n   1 a hairy weedy plant, Galeopsis tetrahit, of northern regions, having helmet-shaped pink, purple, and white flowers and toothed leaves: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   2 any of various other plants of the genus Galeopsis

■ hempseed (ˈhɛmpˌsiːd)   n   botany the seeds of any hemp plant

■ hempweed (ˈhɛmpˌwiːd)   n   a climbing herb with flowers that smell of vanilla

■ hempy (ˈhɛmpI)   adj hempier, hempiest   1 of or resembling hemp   ▷ n, pl hempies   2 obsolete a mischievous person; rogue

hen (hɛn)   n   1 the female of any bird, esp the adult female of the domestic fowl   2 the female of certain other animals, such as the lobster   3 informal a woman regarded as gossipy or foolish   4 Scot dialect a term of address (often affectionate), used to women and girls   5 scarce as hen's teeth extremely rare [Old English henn; related to Old High German henna, Old Frisian henne]

■ hen-and-chickens   n, pl hens-and-chickens   (functioning as singular or plural) any of several plants, such as the houseleek and ground ivy, that produce many offsets or runners

■ hencoop (ˈhɛnˌkuːp)   n   a cage for poultry

■ hen harrier   n   a common harrier, Circus cyaneus, that flies over fields and marshes and nests in marshes and open land. US and Canadian names: marsh hawk, marsh harrier

■ henhouse (ˈhɛnˌhaʊs)   n   a coop for hens

■ henlike (ˈhɛnˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a hen

■ hennery (ˈhɛnərI)   n, pl -neries   a place or farm for keeping poultry

■ hen night   n   informal a party for women only, esp held for a woman shortly before she is married. Also called: stagette. Compare hen party, stag night

■ hennish (ˈhɛnIʃ)   adj   of or relating to a hen   > ˈhennishly adv

■ henny (ˈhɛnI)   adj -nier, -niest   1 resembling a hen   ▷ n, pl -nies   2 a cock that looks like a hen

■ hen party   n   informal a party at which only women are present. Compare hen night, stag night

■ henpeck (ˈhɛnˌpɛk)   vb   (tr) (of a woman) to harass or torment (a man, esp her husband) by persistent nagging

■ henpecked (ˈhɛnˌpɛkd)   adj   (of a man) continually harassed or tormented by the persistent nagging of a woman (esp his wife)

■ henpeckery (ˌhɛnˈpɛkərI)   n   the state of being harassed or tormented through henpecking

■ hen run   n   an enclosure for hens, esp one made of chicken wire

Henan (ˈhʌˈnæn) or Honan   n   a province of N central China: the chief centre of early Chinese culture; mainly agricultural (the largest wheat-producing province in China). Capital: Zhengzhou. Pop: 96 670 000 (2003 est)

henbane (ˈhɛnˌbeIn)   n   a poisonous solanaceous European plant, Hyoscyamus niger, with sticky hairy leaves and funnel-shaped greenish flowers: yields the drug hyoscyamine

henbit (ˈhɛnˌbIt)   n   a plant, Lamium amplexicaule, that is native to Europe and has toothed opposite leaves and small dark red flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

hence (hɛns)   sentence connector   1 for this reason; following from this; therefore   ▷ adv   2 from this time: a year hence   3 archaic   a from here or from this world; away   b from this origin or source   ▷ interj   4 archaic begone! away! [Old English hionane; related to Old High German hinana away from here, Old Irish cen on this side]

henceforth (ˈhɛnsˈfɔːθ), henceforwards or henceforward   adv   from this time forward; from now on

hench (hɛntʃ)   adj   Brit informal (of a man) fit and having well-developed muscles [C21: perhaps from HENCHMAN]

henchman (ˈhɛntʃmən)   n, pl -men   1 a faithful attendant or supporter   2 archaic a squire; page [C14: hengestman, from Old English hengest stallion + MAN; related to Old Norse hestr horse, Old High German hengist gelding]

henchperson (ˈhɛntʃˌpɜːsən)   n   a loyal supporter, follower, or subordinate

henchwoman (ˈhɛntʃˌwʊmən)   n, pl -women   a female henchperson

hend (hɛnd)   vb (tr)   obsolete to seize; hold

hendeca-   combining form   eleven: hendecagon; hendecahedron; hendecasyllable [from Greek hendeka, from hen, neuter of heis one + deka ten]

hendecagon (hɛnˈdɛkəɡən)   n   a polygon having 11 sides   > hendecagonal (ˌhɛndIˈkæɡənəl) adj

hendecahedron (ˌhɛndɛkəˈhɛdrən, -ˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having 11 plane faces. See also polyhedron

hendecasyllable (ˈhɛndɛkəˌsIləbəl)   n   prosody a verse line of 11 syllables [C18: via Latin from Greek hendekasullabos]   > hendecasyllabic (hɛnˌdɛkəsIˈlæbIk) adj

Henderson (ˈhɛndəsən)   n   Arthur. 1863–1935, British Labour politician. As foreign secretary (1929–31) he supported the League of Nations and international disarmament; Nobel peace prize 1934

hendiadys (hɛnˈdaIədIs)   n   a rhetorical device by which two nouns joined by a conjunction, usually and, are used instead of a noun and a modifier, as in to run with fear and haste instead of to run with fearful haste [C16: from Medieval Latin, changed from Greek phrase hen dia duoin, literally: one through two]

Hendra (ˈhɛndrə)   n   a virus that affects humans and horses, causing a fatal, influenza-like illness [C20: after the suburb of Brisbane, the location of the outbreak during which the virus was first isolated]

Hendrix (ˈhɛndrIks)   n   Jimi, full name James Marshall Hendrix. 1942–70, US rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter, noted for his innovative guitar technique. His recordings include "Purple Haze" (1967) and Are you Experienced? (1967)

Hendry (ˈhɛndrI)   n   Stephen. born 1969, Scottish snooker player: world champion 1990, 1992–96, and 1999

henequen, henequin or heniquen (ˈhɛnIkIn)   n   1 an agave plant, Agave fourcroydes, that is native to Yucatán   2 the fibre of this plant, used in making rope, twine, and coarse fabrics [C19: from American Spanish henequén, probably of Taino origin]

henge (hɛndʒ)   n   a circular area, often containing a circle of stones or sometimes wooden posts, dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages [back formation from STONEHENGE]

Hengelo (Dutch ˈhɛŋəloː)   n   a city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province on the Twente Canal: industrial centre, esp for textiles. Pop: 81 000 (2003 est)

Hengist (ˈhɛŋɡIst)   n   died ?488 AD, a leader, with his brother Horsa, of the first Jutish settlers in Britain; he is thought to have conquered Kent (?455). See also Horsa

Hengyang (ˈhɛŋˈjæŋ)   n   a city in SE central China, in Hunan province on the Xiang River. Pop: 853 000 (2005 est)

Henie (ˈhɛnI)   n   Sonja (ˈsɒnjə). 1912–69, Norwegian figure-skater

Henle's loop (ˈhɛnlIz)   n   anatomy See loop^1 (sense 10b) [C19: named after F. G. J. Henle (1809–85), German anatomist]

henley (ˈhɛnliː)   n   a type of women's sweater with a wide neck and a buttoned placket

Henley-on-Thames (ˈhɛnlI)   n   a town in S England, in SE Oxfordshire on the River Thames: a riverside resort with an annual regatta. Pop: 10 513 (2001). Often shortened to: Henley

henna (ˈhɛnə)   n   1 a lythraceous shrub or tree, Lawsonia inermis, of Asia and N Africa, with white or reddish fragrant flowers   2 a reddish dye obtained from the powdered leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic and industrial dye   3 a reddish-brown or brown colour   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to dye with henna   ▶ Archaic name (for senses 1, 2): camphire [C16: from Arabic hinnā'; see ALKANET]

■ hennaed (ˈhɛnəd)   adj   dyed or patterned with henna

henner (ˈhɛnə)   n   Scot a challenge

hennin (ˈhɛnIn)   n   a conical head-dress, sometimes with a veil, worn by European women during the 15th century

henotheism (ˈhɛnəʊθiːˌIzəm)   n   the worship of one deity (of several) as the special god of one's family, clan, or tribe [C19: from Greek heis one + theos god]   > ˈhenotheist n   > ˌhenotheˈistic adj

henotic (hɛˈnɒtIk)   adj   serving to reconcile; promoting peace

Henri (ɑ̃ri)   n   born 1955, full name Henri Albert Gabriel Félix Marie Guillaume, grand duke of Luxembourg from 2000

Henrietta Maria (ˌhɛnrIˈɛtə məˈriːə)   n   1609–69, queen of England (1625–49), the wife of Charles I; daughter of Henry IV of France. Her Roman Catholicism contributed to the unpopularity of the crown in the period leading to the Civil War

henry (ˈhɛnrI)   n, pl -ry, -ries or -rys   the derived SI unit of electric inductance; the inductance of a closed circuit in which an emf of 1 volt is produced when the current varies uniformly at the rate of 1 ampere per second. Symbol: H [C19: named after Joseph Henry (1797–1878), US physicist]

Henry (ˈhɛnrI)   n   1  Joseph. 1797–1878, US physicist. He discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction independently of Faraday and constructed the first electromagnetic motor (1829). He also discovered self-induction and the oscillatory nature of electric discharges (1842)   2  Patrick. 1736–99, American statesman and orator, a leading opponent of British rule during the War of American Independence   3  Prince, known as Harry. born 1984, Duke of Sussex, second son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales; in 2018 he married Meghan Markle (born 1981)

■ Henry's law   n   chem the principle that the amount of a gas dissolved at equilibrium in a given quantity of a liquid is proportional to the pressure of the gas in contact with the liquid [C19: named after William Henry (1774–1836), English chemist]

Henry I   n   1  known as Henry the Fowler. ?876–936 AD, duke of Saxony (912–36) and king of Germany (919–36): founder of the Saxon dynasty (918–1024)   2  1068–1135, king of England (1100–35) and duke of Normandy (1106–35); son of William the Conqueror: crowned in the absence of his elder brother, Robert II, duke of Normandy; conquered Normandy (1106)

Henry II   n   1  known as Henry the Saint. 973–1024, king of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor (1014–24): canonized in 1145   2  1133–89, first Plantagenet king of England (1154–89): extended his Anglo-French domains and instituted judicial and financial reforms. His attempts to control the church were opposed by Becket   3  1519–59, king of France (1547–59); husband of Catherine de' Medici. He recovered Calais from the English (1558) and suppressed the Huguenots

Henry III   n   1  1017–56, king of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor (1046–56). He increased the power of the Empire but his religious policy led to rebellions   2  1207–72, king of England (1216–72); son of John. His incompetent rule provoked the Barons' War (1264–67), during which he was captured by Simon de Montfort   3  1551–89, king of France (1574–89). He plotted the massacre of Huguenots on St Bartholomew's Day (1572) with his mother Catherine de' Medici, thus exacerbating the religious wars in France

Henry IV   n   1  1050–1106, Holy Roman Emperor (1084–1105) and king of Germany (1056–1105). He was excommunicated by Pope Gregory VII, whom he deposed (1084)   2  surnamed Bolingbroke. 1367–1413, first Lancastrian king of England (1399–1413); son of John of Gaunt: deposed Richard II (1399) and suppressed rebellions led by Owen Glendower and the Earl of Northumberland   3  known as Henry of Navarre. 1553–1610, first Bourbon king of France (1589–1610). He obtained toleration for the Huguenots with the Edict of Nantes (1598) and restored prosperity to France following the religious wars (1562–98)

Henry V   n   1  1081–1125, king of Germany (1089–1125) and Holy Roman Emperor (1111–25)   2  1387–1422, king of England (1413–22); son of Henry IV. He defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt (1415), conquered Normandy (1419), and was recognized as heir to the French throne (1420)

Henry VI   n   1  1165–97, king of Germany (1169–97) and Holy Roman Emperor (1190–97): added Sicily to the Empire   2  1421–71, last Lancastrian king of England (1422–61; 1470–71); son of Henry V. His weak rule was blamed for the loss by 1453 of all his possessions in France except Calais; from 1454 he suffered periods of insanity which contributed to the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses (1455–85). He was deposed by Edward IV (1461) but was briefly restored to the throne (1470)

Henry VII   n   1  ?1275–1313, Holy Roman Emperor (1312–13) and, as Henry VI, count of Luxembourg (1288–1313). He became king of the Lombards in 1313   2  1457–1509, first Tudor king of England (1485–1509). He came to the throne (1485) after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, ending the Wars of the Roses. Royal power and the prosperity of the country greatly increased during his reign

Henry VIII   n   1491–1547, king of England (1509–47); second son of Henry VII. The declaration that his marriage to Catherine of Aragon was invalid and his marriage to Anne Boleyn (1533) precipitated the Act of Supremacy, making Henry supreme head of the Church in England. Anne Boleyn was executed (1536) and Henry subsequently married Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. His reign is also noted for the fame of his succession of advisers, Cardinal Wolsey, Sir Thomas More, and Thomas Cromwell

Henryson (ˈhɛnrIsən)   n   Robert. ?1430–?1506, Scottish poet. His works include Testament of Cresseid (1593), a sequel to Chaucer's Troilus and Cressida, the 13 Moral Fables of Esope the Phrygian, and the pastoral dialogue Robene and Makyne

Henry the Lion   n   ?1129–95, duke of Saxony (1142–81). His ambitions led to conflict with the Holy Roman Emperors, notably Frederick Barbarossa

Henry the Navigator   n   1394–1460, prince of Portugal, noted for his patronage of Portuguese voyages of exploration of the W coast of Africa

Henslowe (ˈhɛnzləʊ)   n   Philip. died 1616, English theatre manager, noted also for his diary

hent^1 (hɛnt) archaic   vb   1 (tr) to seize; grasp   ▷ n   2 anything that has been grasped, esp by the mind [Old English hentan to pursue; related to huntian to HUNT]

hent^2 (hɛnt)   vb (tr)   Southwest English dialect to empty: I'll hent the water out in the garden

Henze (German ˈhɛntsə)   n   Hans Werner (hans ˈvɛrnər). 1926–2012, German composer, whose works, in many styles, include the operas The Stag King (1956), The Bassarids (1965), The English Cat (1983), and Das verratene Meer (1990) and the oratorio The Raft of the Medusa (1968)

heortology (ˌhiːɔːˈtɒlədʒI)   n   theol the study of religious festivals

■ heortological (hiːˌɔːtəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to heortology

■ heortologist (ˌhiːɔːˈtɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies heortology

hep^1 (hɛp)   adj hepper, heppest   slang an earlier word for hip^4

hep^2 (hɛp)   n informal   short for hepatitis

hepar (ˈhiːpɑː)   n   chem obsolete a compound containing sulphur

heparin (ˈhɛpərIn)   n   a polysaccharide, containing sulphate groups, present in most body tissues: an anticoagulant used in the treatment of thrombosis [C20: from Greek hēpar the liver + -IN]   > ˈheparinˌoid adj

■ heparinized or heparinised (ˈhɛpərIˌnaIzd)   adj   biochem having been treated with heparin

hepat-   prefix (before a vowel)   a variant form of hepato-

hepatectomy (ˌhɛpəˈtɛktəmI)   n, pl -tomies   surgery the surgical removal of a part or all of the liver

■ hepatectomized or hepatectomised (ˌhɛpəˈtɛktəˌmaIzd)   adj   surgery having undergone a hepatectomy

hepatic (hIˈpætIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the liver   2 botany of or relating to the liverworts   3 having the colour of liver   ▷ n   4 obsolete any of various drugs for use in treating diseases of the liver   5 a less common name for a liverwort [C15: from Latin hēpaticus, from Greek hēpar liver]

hepatica (hIˈpætIkə)   n   any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the N temperate genus Hepatica, having three-lobed leaves and white, mauve, or pink flowers [C16: from Medieval Latin: liverwort, from Latin hēpaticus of the liver]

hepaticology (hIˌpætIˈkɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of bryophyte plants known as hepatics or liverworts

■ hepaticological (hIˌpætIkəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to hepaticology

■ hepaticologist (hIˌpætIˈkɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies hepaticology

hepatite (ˈhɛpəˌtaIt)   n   a type of barite mineral with a sulphuric odour

hepatitis (ˌhɛpəˈtaItIs)   n   inflammation of the liver, characterized by fever, jaundice, and weakness. See hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C

■ hepatitis A   n   a form of hepatitis caused by a virus transmitted in contaminated food or drink

■ hepatitis B   n   a form of hepatitis caused by a virus transmitted by infected blood (as in transfusions), contaminated hypodermic needles, sexual contact, or by contact with any other body fluid. Former name: serum hepatitis

■ hepatitis C   n   a form of hepatitis caused by a virus that is transmitted in the same ways as that responsible for hepatitis B. Former name: non-A, non-B hepatitis

hepatize or hepatise (ˈhɛpəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   pathol to transform into a liver-like substance

■ hepatization or hepatisation (ˌhɛpətaIˈzeIʃən)   n   pathol the transformation of tissue into a liver-like substance, esp of the lungs in pneumonia

hepato- or before a vowel hepat-   combining form   denoting the liver: hepatitis [from Greek hēpat-,hēpar]

hepatocellular (ˌhɛpətəʊˈsɛljʊlə)   adj   biology of or relating to the cells of the liver

hepatocyte (hIˈpætəˌsaIt)   n   biology a liver cell

hepatogenous (ˌhɛpəˈtɒdʒInəs)   adj   originating in the liver

hepatology (ˌhɛpəˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of medicine concerned with the liver and its diseases   > ˌhepaˈtologist n

hepatoma (ˌhɛpəˈtəʊmə)   n   pathol a cancer of the liver

hepatomegaly (ˌhɛpətəʊˈmɛɡəlI)   n   an abnormal enlargement of the liver, caused by congestion, inflammation, or a tumour [C20: from HEPATO- + New Latin megalia, from Greek megas great]

hepatopancreas (ˌhɛpətəʊˈpæŋkrIəs)   n   zoology an organ of some invertebrates that performs the functions of the liver and pancreas of vertebrates

hepatoscopy (ˌhɛpəˈtɒskɒpI)   n   the use of an animal's liver for divination

hepatotoxic (ˌhɛpətəʊˈtɒksIk)   adj   damaging to the liver

■ hepatotoxicity (ˌhɛpətəʊtɒkˈsIsItI)   n   the state or quality of being hepatoxic

Hepburn (ˈhɛpˌbɜːn)   n   1  Audrey. 1929–93, US actress, born in Belgium. Her films include Roman Holiday (1955), Funny Face (1957), and My Fair Lady (1964)   2  Katharine. 1907–2003, US film actress, whose films include The Philadelphia Story (1940), Adam's Rib (1949), The African Queen (1951), The Lion in Winter (1968) for which she won an Oscar, and On Golden Pond (1981)

hepcat (ˈhɛpˌkæt)   n   obsolete, slang a person who is hep, esp a player or admirer of jazz and swing in the 1940s

Hephaestus (hIˈfiːstəs) or Hephaistos (hIˈfaIstɒs)   n   Greek myth the lame god of fire and metal-working. Roman counterpart: Vulcan

hephthemimer (ˌhɛfθIˈmImə)   n   classical prosody a verse with a group of seven metrical half feet

■ hephthemimeral (ˌhɛfθIˈmImərəl)   adj   classical prosody of or relating to a hephthemimer

Hepplewhite (ˈhɛpəlˌwaIt)   adj   of, denoting, or made in a style of ornamental and carved 18th-century English furniture, of which oval or shield-shaped open chairbacks are characteristic [C18: named after George Hepplewhite (1727–86), English cabinetmaker]

hepta- or before a vowel hept-   combining form   seven: heptameter [from Greek]

heptachlor (ˈhɛptəˌklɔː)   n   chem a white powder used as an insecticide, similar to chlordane

heptachord (ˈhɛptəˌkɔːd)   n music   1 obsolete an instrument with seven strings   2 a musical scale consisting of seven notes   3 an interval of a seventh

heptad (ˈhɛptæd)   n   1 a group or series of seven   2 the number or sum of seven   3 an atom or element with a valency of seven [C17: from Greek heptas seven]

heptadecanoic acid (ˌhɛptəˌdɛkəˈnəʊIk)   n   a colourless crystalline water-insoluble carboxylic acid used in organic synthesis. Formula: CH_3(CH_2)15COOH. Also called: margaric acid

heptaglot (ˈhɛptəˌɡlɒt)   n   a book written in seven languages

heptagon (ˈhɛptəɡən)   n   a polygon having seven sides   > heptagonal (hɛpˈtæɡənəl) adj

heptagynous (hɛpˈtædʒInəs)   adj   (of a flower) having seven pistils

heptahedron (ˌhɛptəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having seven plane faces. See also polyhedron   > ˌheptaˈhedral adj

heptamerous (hɛpˈtæmərəs)   adj   (esp of plant parts such as petals or sepals) arranged in groups of seven

heptameter (hɛpˈtæmItə)   n   prosody a verse line of seven metrical feet   > heptametrical (ˌhɛptəˈmɛtrIkəl) adj

heptandrous (hɛpˈtændrəs)   adj   (of a flower) having seven stamens

heptane (ˈhɛpteIn)   n   an alkane existing in nine isomeric forms, esp the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms (n-heptane), which is found in petroleum and used as an anaesthetic. Formula: C_7H_16 [C19: from HEPTA- + -ANE, so called because it has seven carbon atoms]

heptangular (hɛpˈtæŋɡjʊlə)   adj   having seven angles

heptapody (hɛpˈtæpədI)   n, pl -dies   prosody a verse with seven metrical feet

■ heptapodic (ˌhɛptəˈpɒdIk)   adj   prosody having seven metrical feet

heptarchy (ˈhɛptɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   1 government by seven rulers   2 a state divided into seven regions each under its own ruler   3    a the seven kingdoms into which Anglo-Saxon England is thought to have been divided from about the 7th to the 9th centuries AD: Kent, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria   b the period when this grouping existed   > ˈheptarch or heptarchist n   > hepˈtarchic or hepˈtarchal adj

heptastich (ˈhɛptəˌstIk)   n   prosody a poem, strophe, or stanza that consists of seven lines

heptasyllabic (ˌhɛptəsIˈlæbIk)   adj   having seven syllables

Heptateuch (ˈhɛptəˌtjuːk)   n   the first seven books of the Old Testament [C17: from Late Latin Heptateuchos, from Greek HEPTA- + teukhos book]

heptathlon (hɛpˈtæθlɒn)   n   an athletic contest for women in which each athlete competes in seven different events [C20: from HEPTA- + Greek athlon contest]   > hepˈtathlete n

heptatonic (ˌhɛptəˈtɒnIk)   adj   (of a musical scale) comprising seven notes

heptavalent (hɛpˈtævələnt, ˌhɛptəˈveIlənt)   adj   chem having a valency of seven. Also: septivalent

heptose (ˈhɛptəʊs, -təʊz)   n   any monosaccharide that has seven carbon atoms per molecule

Hepworth (ˈhɛpwəθ)   n   Dame Barbara. 1903–75, British sculptor of abstract works

her (hɜː, unstressed hə, ə)   pron (objective)   1 refers to a female person or animal: he loves her; they sold her a bag; something odd about her; lucky her!   2 refers to things personified as feminine or traditionally to ships and nations   3 chiefly US a dialect word for herself: she needs to get her a better job   ▷ determiner   4 of, belonging to, or associated with her: her silly ideas; her hair; her smoking annoys me [Old English hire, genitive and dative of hēo SHE, feminine of hēo HE^1; related to Old High German ira, Gothic izōs, Middle Dutch hare]

USAGE

See at me^1

her.   abbreviation for   1 heraldic   2 heraldry

Hera or Here (ˈhIərə)   n   Greek myth the queen of the Olympian gods and sister and wife of Zeus. Roman counterpart: Juno

Heraclea (ˌhɛrəˈkliːə)   n   any of several ancient Greek colonies. The most famous is the S Italian site where Pyrrhus of Epirus defeated the Romans (280 BC)

Heracleides or Heraclides of Pontus (ˌhɛrəˈklaIdiːz, ˈpɒntəs)   n   ?390–?322 BC, Greek astronomer and philosopher: the first to state that the earth rotates on its axis

Heracles or Herakles (ˈhɛrəˌkliːz)   n   the usual name (in Greek) for Hercules^1   > ˌHeraˈclean or ˌHeraˈklean adj

Heraclid or Heraklid (ˈhɛrəklId)   n, pl Heraclidae or Heraklidae (ˌhɛrəˈklaIdiː)   any person claiming descent from Hercules, esp one of the Dorian aristocrats of Sparta   > Heraclidan or Heraklidan (ˌhɛrəˈklaIdən) adj

Heraclitus (ˌhɛrəˈklaItəs)   n   ?535–?475 BC, Greek philosopher, who held that fire is the primordial substance of the universe and that all things are in perpetual flux

Heraclius (hɛˈræklIəs)   n   ?575–641 AD, Byzantine emperor, who restored the Holy Cross to Jerusalem (629)

Herakleion or Heraklion (Greek heˈraːkliɔn)   n   variants of Iráklion

herald (ˈhɛrəld)   n   1    a a person who announces important news   b (as modifier): herald angels   2 often literary a forerunner; harbinger   3 the intermediate rank of heraldic officer, between king-of-arms and pursuivant   4 (in the Middle Ages) an official at a tournament   ▷ vb (tr)   5 to announce publicly   6 to precede or usher in [C14: from Old French herault, of Germanic origin; compare Old English here war; see WIELD]

■ heraldic (hɛˈrældIk)   adj   1 of or relating to heraldry   2 of or relating to heralds   > heˈraldically adv

■ herald moth   n   a noctuid moth, Scoliopteryx libatrix, having brownish cryptically mottled forewings and plain dull hind wings. The adult hibernates and has a prolonged life

■ heraldry (ˈhɛrəldrI)   n, pl -ries   1 the occupation or study concerned with the classification of armorial bearings, the allocation of rights to bear arms, the tracing of genealogies, etc   2 the duties and pursuit of a herald   3 armorial bearings, insignia, devices, etc   4 heraldic symbols or symbolism   5 the show and ceremony of heraldry   > ˈheraldist n

■ heralds' college   n   another name for college of arms

■ heraldship (ˈhɛrəldˌʃIp)   n   the office or position of a herald

Herat (hɛˈræt)   n   a city in NW Afghanistan, on the Hari Rud River: on the site of several ancient cities; at its height as a cultural centre in the 15th century. Pop: 344 000 (2005 est)

Hérault (French ero)   n   a department of S France, in Occitanie region. Capital: Montpellier. Pop: 945 901 (2003 est). Area: 6224 sq km (2427 sq miles)

herb (hɜːb; US ɜːrb)   n   1 a seed-bearing plant whose aerial parts do not persist above ground at the end of the growing season; herbaceous plant   2    a any of various usually aromatic plants, such as parsley, rue, and rosemary, that are used in cookery and medicine   b (as modifier): a herb garden   3 Caribbean a slang term for marijuana [C13: from Old French herbe, from Latin herba grass, green plants]   > ˈherbˌlike adj

■ herbage (ˈhɜːbIdʒ)   n   1 herbaceous plants collectively, esp the edible parts on which cattle, sheep, etc, graze   2 the vegetation of pasture land; pasturage

■ herbaged (ˈhɜːbIdʒd)   adj   covered with grass or herbage

■ herbal (ˈhɜːbəl)   adj   1 of or relating to herbs, usually culinary or medicinal herbs   2 Austral informal interested or participating in activities relating to esoteric philosophies, traditional remedies, etc   ▷ n   3 a book describing and listing the properties of plants

■ herbalism (ˈhɜːbəlIzəm)   n   the study or use of the medicinal properties of plants

■ herbalist (ˈhɜːbəlIst)   n   1 a person who grows, collects, sells, or specializes in the use of herbs, esp medicinal herbs   2 (formerly) a descriptive botanist

■ herbarium (hɜːˈbɛərIəm)   n, pl -iums or -ia (-Iə)   1 a collection of dried plants that are mounted and classified systematically   2 a building, room, etc, in which such a collection is kept   > herˈbarial adj

■ herbary (ˈhɜːbərI)   n, pl -ries   a herb garden

■ herb bennet   n   a Eurasian and N African rosaceous plant, Geum urbanum, with yellow flowers. Also called: wood avens, bennet [C13: herbe beneit, from Old French herbe benoite, literally: blessed herb, from Medieval Latin herba benedicta]

■ herb Christopher   n, pl herbs Christopher   another name for baneberry [C16: named after St Christopher]

■ herbed (hɜːbd)   adj   cookery flavoured with herbs

■ herb Gerard (ˈdʒɛˌrɑːd)   n, pl herbs Gerard   another name for goutweed [C16: named after St Gerard (feast day April 23), who was invoked by those suffering from gout]

■ herb layer   n   See layer (sense 2)

■ herbless (ˈhɜːbləs)   adj   without herbs

■ herblet (ˈhɜːblət)   n   a little herb

■ herb of grace   n   an archaic name for rue^2

■ herbous (ˈhɜːbəs)   adj   of or resembling herbs

■ herb Paris   n, pl herbs Paris   a Eurasian woodland plant, Paris quadrifolia, with a whorl of four leaves and a solitary yellow flower: formerly used medicinally: family Trilliaceae [C16: from Medieval Latin herba paris, literally: herb of a pair: so called because the four leaves on the stalk look like a true lovers' knot; associated in folk etymology with Paris, France]

■ herb Robert   n, pl herbs Robert   a low-growing N temperate geraniaceous plant, Geranium robertianum, with strongly scented divided leaves and small pink flowers [C13: from Medieval Latin herba Roberti herb of Robert, probably named after St Robert, 11th-century French ecclesiastic]

■ herby (ˈhɜːbI)   adj herbier, herbiest   1 abounding in herbs   2 of or relating to medicinal or culinary herbs

herbaceous (hɜːˈbeIʃəs)   adj   1 designating or relating to plants or plant parts that are fleshy as opposed to woody: a herbaceous plant   2 (of petals and sepals) green and leaflike   3 of or relating to herbs   > herˈbaceously adv

■ herbaceous border   n   a flower bed that primarily contains nonwoody perennials rather than annuals

Herbert (ˈhɜːbət)   n   1  Edward, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury. 1583–1648, English philosopher and poet, noted for his deistic views   2  his brother, George. 1593–1633, English Metaphysical poet. His chief work is The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations (1633)   3  Zbigniew (əzˈbIɡnIəf), 1924–98, Polish poet and dramatist, noted esp for his dramatic monologues

herbicide (ˈhɜːbIˌsaId)   n   a chemical that destroys plants, esp one used to control weeds   > ˌherbiˈcidal adj   > ˌherbiˈcidally adv

herbivore (ˈhɜːbIˌvɔː)   n   1 an animal that feeds on grass and other plants   2 informal a liberal, idealistic, or nonmaterialistic person [C19: from New Latin herbivora grass-eaters]

■ herbivora (hɜːˈbIvərə)   n   grass-eating animals collectively

■ herbivorous (hɜːˈbIvərəs)   adj   1 (of animals) feeding on grass and other plants   2 informal liberal, idealistic, or nonmaterialistic   > herˈbivorously adv   > herˈbivorousness n

■ herbivory (hɜːˈbIvərI)   n   the consumption of plants

herbology (hɜːbˈɒlədʒI)   n   the use or study of herbal medicine

herborize or herborise (ˈhɜːbəˌraIz)   vb (intr)   to grow or collect herbs

■ herborization or herborisation (ˌhɜːbəraIˈzeIʃən)   n   the act or process of herborizing

Hercegovina (Bosnian ˈhɛrtsɛɡɔvina)   n   a variant of Herzegovina

Herceptin (hərˈsɛptIn)   n   trademark a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the protein that can fuel tumour growth, used in the treatment of breast cancer

hercogamy (hɜːˈkɒɡəmI)   n   (of flowers) the prevention of self-fertilization

■ hercogamous (hɜːˈkɒɡəməs)   adj   (of flowers) incapable of self-fertilization

Herculaneum (ˌhɜːkjʊˈleInIəm)   n   an ancient city in SW Italy, of marked Greek character, on the S slope of Vesuvius: buried along with Pompeii by an eruption of the volcano (79 AD). Excavation has uncovered well-preserved streets, houses, etc

herculean (ˌhɜːkjʊˈliːən)   adj   1 requiring tremendous effort, strength, etc: a herculean task   2 (sometimes capital) resembling Hercules in strength, courage, etc

Hercules^1 (ˈhɜːkjʊˌliːz), Heracles or Herakles   n   1 Also called: Alcides classical myth a hero noted for his great strength, courage, and for the performance of twelve immense labours   2 a man of outstanding strength or size   > ˌHercuˈlean, ˌHeraˈclean or ˌHeraˈklean adj

Hercules^2 (ˈhɜːkjʊˌliːz)   n, Latin genitive Herculeis (ˌhɜːkjʊˈliːIs)   1 a large constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Lyra and Corona Borealis   2 a conspicuous crater in the NW quadrant of the moon, about 70 kilometres in diameter

hercules beetle   n   a very large tropical American scarabaeid beetle, Dynastes hercules: the male has two large anterior curved horns

Hercules'-club   n   1 a prickly North American araliaceous shrub, Aralia spinosa, with medicinal bark and leaves   2 a prickly North American rutaceous tree, Zanthoxylum clava-herculis, with medicinal bark and berries

Hercynian (hɜːˈsInIən)   adj   denoting a period of mountain building in Europe in the late Palaeozoic [C16: from Latin Hercynia silva the Hercynian forest (i.e., the wooded mountains of central Germany, esp the Erzgebirge)]

hercynite (ˈhɜːsIˌnaIt)   n   mineralogy a black, opaque mineral of the spinel series

herd^1 (hɜːd)   n   1 a large group of mammals living and feeding together, esp a group of cattle, sheep, etc   2 often derogatory a large group of people   3 derogatory the large mass of ordinary people   ▷ vb   4 to collect or be collected into or as if into a herd [Old English heord; related to Old Norse hjörth, Gothic hairda, Old High German herta, Greek kórthus troop]

■ herd-book   n   a book containing the pedigrees of breeds of pigs, cattle, etc

■ herdboy (ˈhɜːdˌbɔI)   n   a boy who looks after a herd

■ herder (ˈhɜːdə)   n   chiefly US a person who cares for or drives herds of cattle or flocks of sheep, esp on an open range. Brit equivalent: herdsman

■ herdess (ˈhɜːdɛs)   n   a female herder

■ herd instinct   n   psychol the inborn tendency to associate with others and follow the group's behaviour

■ herdlike (ˈhɜːdˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a herd

■ herdsman (ˈhɜːdzmən)   n, pl -men   chiefly Brit a person who breeds, rears, or cares for cattle or (rarely) other livestock in the herd. US equivalent: herder

■ herd tester   n   NZ a technician trained to test the health and production of milk and butterfat of dairy cows   > herd testing n

herd^2 (hɜːd)   n   1    a archaic or dialect a person who tends livestock; herdsman   b (in combination): goatherd; swineherd   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to drive forwards in a large group   3 to look after (livestock) [Old English hirde; related to Old Norse hirthir, Gothic hairdeis, Old High German hirti, Old Saxon hirdi, herdi; see HERD^1]

herden (ˈhɜːdən)   n   another name for harden^2

Herder (German ˈhɛrdər)   n   Johann Gottfried von (joˈhan ˈɡɔtfriːt fɔn). 1744–1803, German philosopher, critic, and poet, the leading figure in the Sturm und Drang movement in German literature. His chief work is Outlines of a Philosophy of the History of Man (1784–91)

herdic (ˈhɜːdIk)   n   US a small horse-drawn carriage with a rear entrance and side seats [C19: named after P. Herdic, 19th-century American inventor]

Herdwick (ˈhɜːdwIk)   n   a hardy breed of coarse-woolled sheep from NW England [C19: from obsolete herdwick pasture, sheep farm (see HERD^2 (sense 1), WICK^2); the breed is thought to have originated on the herdwicks of Furness Abbey]

here (hIə)   adv   1 in, at, or to this place, point, case, or respect: we come here every summer; here, the policemen do not usually carry guns; here comes Roy   2 here and there at several places in or throughout an area   3 here goes an exclamation indicating that the speaker is about to perform an action   4 here's to a formula used in proposing a toast to someone or something   5 here today, gone tomorrow short-lived; transitory   6 here we go again an event or process is about to repeat itself   7 neither here nor there of no relevance or importance   8 this here See this (sense 7)   ▷ n   9 this place: they leave here tonight   10 here and now or the here and now the present time [Old English hēr; related to Old Norse hēr, Old High German hiar, Old Saxon hīr]

■ hereness (ˈhIənəs)   n   archaic the state or fact of being here

Here (ˈjIrə)   interj   South African an exclamation of surprise or dismay [Afrikaans: Lord]

hereabouts (ˈhIərəˌbaʊts) or hereabout   adv   in this region or neighbourhood; near this place

hereafter (ˌhIərˈɑːftə)   adv   1 formal in a subsequent part of this document, matter, case, etc   2 a less common word for henceforth   3 at some time in the future   4 in a future life after death   ▷ n the hereafter   5 life after death   6 the future

hereat (ˌhIərˈæt)   adv   archaic because of this

hereby (ˌhIəˈbaI)   adv   1 (used in official statements, proclamations, etc) by means of or as a result of this   2 archaic nearby

heredes (hIˈriːdiːz)   n   the plural of heres

hereditable (hIˈrɛdItəbəl)   adj   a less common word for heritable   > heˌreditaˈbility n   > heˈreditably adv

hereditament (ˌhɛrIˈdItəmənt)   n property law   1 any kind of property capable of being inherited   2 property that before 1926 passed to an heir if not otherwise disposed of by will

■ hereditaments (ˌhɛrIˈdItəmənts)   pl n   law items of inheritance

hereditarian (hIˌrɛdIˈtɛərIən), hereditarianist (hIˌrɛdIˈtɛərIəˌnIst) or hereditist (həˈrɛdItIst) psychol   n   1 a person who believes in the doctrine of hereditarianism   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the doctrine of hereditarianism

■ hereditarianism (həˌrɛdIˈtɛərIəˌnIzəm)   n   psychol a school of thought that emphasizes the influence of heredity in the determination of human behaviour. Compare environmentalism

hereditary (hIˈrɛdItərI, -trI)   adj   1 of, relating to, or denoting factors that can be transmitted genetically from one generation to another   2 law   a descending or capable of descending to succeeding generations by inheritance   b transmitted or transmissible according to established rules of descent   3 derived from one's ancestors; traditional: hereditary feuds   4 maths, logic   a (of a set) containing all those elements which have a given relation to any element of the set   b (of a property) transferred by the given relation, so that if x has the property P and xRy, then y also has the property P   > heˈreditarily adv   > heˈreditariness n

heredity (hIˈrɛdItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the transmission from one generation to another of genetic factors that determine individual characteristics: responsible for the resemblances between parents and offspring   2 the sum total of the inherited factors or their characteristics in an organism [C16: from Old French heredite, from Latin hērēditās inheritance; see HEIR]

heredo-familial (həˌrɛdəʊfəˈmIlIəl)   adj   denoting a condition or disease that may be passed from generation to generation and to several members of one family

Hereford (ˈhɛrIfəd)   n   1 a city in W England, in Herefordshire on the River Wye: trading centre for agricultural produce; cathedral (begun 1079). Pop: 56 373 (2001)   2 a hardy breed of beef cattle characterized by a red body, red and white head, and white markings

■ Hereford and Worcester   n   a former county of the W Midlands of England, created in 1974 from the historic counties of Herefordshire and (most of) Worcestershire: abolished in 1998 when Herefordshire became an independent unitary authority

■ Herefordshire (ˈhɛrIfədˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of W England: from 1974 to 1998 part of Hereford and Worcester: drained chiefly by the River Wye; agricultural (esp fruit and cattle). Administrative centre: Hereford. Pop: 176 900 (2003 est). Area: 2180 sq km (842 sq miles)

herefrom (ˌhIəˈfrɒm)   adv archaic   1 from here, from this place   2 from this fact, information, or circumstance

herein (ˌhIərˈIn)   adv   1 formal in or into this place, thing, document, etc   2 rare in this respect, circumstance, etc

hereinabove (ˌhIərInəˈbʌv)   adv   formal above in this document, statement, etc

hereinafter (ˌhIərInˈɑːftə)   adv   formal in a subsequent part or from this point on in this document, statement, etc

hereinbefore (ˌhIərInbIˈfɔː)   adv   formal in a previous part of or previously in this document, statement, etc

hereinbelow (ˌhIərInbIˈləʊ)   adv   formal below in this document, statement, etc

hereinto (ˌhIərˈIntuː)   adv   formal into this place, circumstance, etc

hereof (ˌhIərˈɒv)   adv   formal of or concerning this

hereon (ˌhIərˈɒn)   adv   an archaic word for hereupon

Herero (həˈrɛərəʊ, ˈhɛərəˌrəʊ)   n   1 (pl -ro or -ros) a member of a formerly rich cattle-keeping people of southern Africa, living chiefly in central Namibia   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family

heres or haeres (ˈhIəriːz)   n, pl heredes or haeredes (hIˈriːdiːz)   civil law an heir [from Latin]

heresiarch (hIˈriːzIˌɑːk)   n   the leader or originator of a heretical movement or sect

heresiography (ˌhɛrəsIˈɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   any writing or discourse dealing with heresy

■ heresiographer (ˌhɛrəsIˈɒɡrəfə)   n   a person who writes about heresy

heresiology (ˌhɛrəsIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of heresy

■ heresiologist (ˌhɛrəsIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   a person who studies the history of heresy

heresthetic (ˌhɛrəsˈθɛtIk)   n   a political strategy by which a person or group sets or manipulates the context and structure of a decision-making process in order to win or be more likely to win [C20: coined, originally in the form heresthetics, by the US political scientist William Riker (1921–93), from Greek hairein to choose]   > ˌheresˈthetical adj   > heresthetician (ˌhɛrəsθəˈtIʃən) n

heresy (ˈhɛrəsI)   n, pl -sies   1    a an opinion or doctrine contrary to the orthodox tenets of a religious body or church   b the act of maintaining such an opinion or doctrine   2 any opinion or belief that is or is thought to be contrary to official or established theory   3 belief in or adherence to unorthodox opinion [C13: from Old French eresie, from Late Latin haeresis, from Latin: sect, from Greek hairesis a choosing, from hairein to choose]

heretic (ˈhɛrətIk)   n   1 chiefly RC Church a person who maintains beliefs contrary to the established teachings of the Church   2 a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field   > heretical (hIˈrɛtIkəl) adj   > heˈretically adv

■ hereticate (hIˈrɛtIˌkeIt)   vb (tr)   to declare as heresy or as a heretic

hereto (ˌhIəˈtuː)   adv   1 formal to this place, thing, matter, document, etc   2 an obsolete word for hitherto

heretofore (ˌhIətʊˈfɔː)   adv   1 formal until now; before this time   ▷ adj   2 obsolete previous; former   ▷ n   3 the heretofore archaic the past

heretrix (ˈhɛrIˌtrIks)   n   a female inheritor, heiress

hereunder (ˌhIərˈʌndə)   adv formal   1 (in documents, etc) below this; subsequently; hereafter   2 under the terms or authority of this

hereunto (ˌhIərʌnˈtuː)   adv   an archaic word for hereto (sense 1)

hereupon (ˌhIərəˈpɒn)   adv   1 following immediately after this; at this stage   2 formal upon this thing, point, subject, etc

Hereward (ˈhɛrIwəd)   n   called Hereward the Wake. 11th-century Anglo-Saxon rebel, who defended the Isle of Ely against William the Conqueror (1070–71): a subject of many legends

herewith (ˌhIəˈwIð, -ˈwIθ)   adv   1 formal together with this: we send you herewith your statement of account   2 a less common word for hereby (sense 1)

Hering (ˈheriŋ)   n   Ewald (ˈɛvalt). 1834–1918, German physiologist and experimental psychologist who studied vision and propounded the doctrine of nativism, the policy of favouring the natives of a country over the immigrants

heriot (ˈhɛrIət)   n   (in medieval England) a death duty paid by villeins and free tenants to their lord, often consisting of the dead man's best beast or chattel [Old English heregeatwa, from here army + geatwa equipment]

■ heriotable (ˈhɛrIətəbəl)   adj   English law archaic liable for the payment of a heriot

Herisau (German ˈheːrizau)   n   a town in NE Switzerland, capital of Appenzell Outer Rhodes canton. Pop: 15 882 (2000)

hérissé (ˈhɛrIˌseI)   adj   heraldry having bristles

herisson (ˈhɛrIsən)   n   fortifications a revolving spiked beam

heritable (ˈhɛrItəbəl)   adj   1 capable of being inherited; inheritable   2 chiefly law capable of inheriting [C14: from Old French, from heriter to INHERIT]   > ˌheritaˈbility n   > ˈheritably adv

heritage (ˈhɛrItIdʒ)   n   1 something inherited at birth, such as personal characteristics, status, and possessions   2 anything that has been transmitted from the past or handed down by tradition   3    a the evidence of the past, such as historical sites, buildings, and the unspoilt natural environment, considered collectively as the inheritance of present-day society   b (as modifier; cap. as part of name): Bannockburn Heritage Centre   4 something that is reserved for a particular person or group or the outcome of an action, way of life, etc: the sea was their heritage; the heritage of violence   5 law any property, esp land, that by law has descended or may descend to an heir   6 Bible   a the Israelites regarded as belonging inalienably to God   b the land of Canaan regarded as God's gift to the Israelites [C13: from Old French; see HEIR]

■ heritage language   n   Canadian education a language other than French, English, or an aboriginal language, esp as part of a school or extracurricular programme designed for, but not restricted to, the children of immigrants speaking the language

heritor (ˈhɛrItə)   n   Scots law a person who inherits; inheritor   > heritress (ˈhɛrItrIs) or ˈheritrix fem n

herl (hɜːl) or harl   n angling   1 the barb or barbs of a feather, used to dress fishing flies   2 an artificial fly dressed with such barbs [C15: from Middle Low German herle, of obscure origin]

herling (ˈhɜːlIŋ)   n   Scot obsolete a young sea trout

herm (hɜːm) or herma (ˈhɜːmə)   n, pl herms, hermae (ˈhɜːmiː) or hermai (ˈhɜːmaI)   (in ancient Greece) a stone head of Hermes surmounting a square stone pillar [C16: from Latin herma, from Greek hermēs HERMES^1]

■ hermaean (hɜːˈmiːən)   adj   denoting or relating to a herm

hermandad (ɜːmænˈdæd; Spanish ermanˈdað)   n   archaic an informal police force in Spain

Hermann (ˈhɜːmən; German ˈhɛrman)   n   another name for Arminius (sense 1)

Hermannstadt (ˈhɛrmanʃtat)   n   the German name for Sibiu

hermaphrodite (hɜːˈmæfrəˌdaIt)   n   1 biology an individual animal or flower that has both male and female reproductive organs   2 sometimes offensive a person having both male and female sexual characteristics and genital tissues. Preferred term: intersex   3 a person or thing in which two opposite forces or qualities are combined   ▷ adj   4 having the characteristics of a hermaphrodite [C15: from Latin hermaphrodītus, from Greek, after HERMAPHRODITUS]   > herˌmaphroˈditic or herˌmaphroˈditical adj   > herˌmaphroˈditically adv   > herˈmaphroditˌism n

■ hermaphrodite brig   n   a sailing vessel with two masts, rigged square on the foremast and fore-and-aft on the aftermast. Also called: brigantine

Hermaphroditus (hɜːˌmæfrəˈdaItəs)   n   Greek myth a son of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged with the nymph Salmacis to form one body

hermatypic (ˌhɜːməˈtIpIk)   adj   zoology (of corals) reef-building

hermeneutics (ˌhɜːmIˈnjuːtIks)   n (functioning as singular)   1 the science of interpretation, esp of Scripture   2 the branch of theology that deals with the principles and methodology of exegesis   3 philosophy   a the study and interpretation of human behaviour and social institutions   b (in existentialist thought) discussion of the purpose of life [C18: from Greek hermēneutikos expert in interpretation, from hermēneuein to interpret, from hermēneus interpreter, of uncertain origin]

■ hermeneutic (ˌhɜːmIˈnjuːtIk) or hermeneutical   adj   1 of or relating to the interpretation of Scripture; using or relating to hermeneutics   2 interpretive   > ˌhermeˈneutically adv   > ˌhermeˈneutist n

Hermes^1 (ˈhɜːmiːz)   n   Greek myth the messenger and herald of the gods; the divinity of commerce, cunning, theft, travellers, and rascals. He was represented as wearing winged sandals. Roman counterpart: Mercury

Hermes^2 (ˈhɜːmiːz)   n   a small asteroid some 800 m in diameter that passed within 670 000 kilometres of the earth in 1937, and is now lost

Hermes Trismegistus (ˌtrIsməˈdʒIstəs)   n   a Greek name for the Egyptian god Thoth, credited with various works on mysticism and magic [Greek: Hermes thrice-greatest]

hermetic (hɜːˈmɛtIk) or hermetical   adj   1 sealed so as to be airtight   2 hidden or protected from the outside world [C17: from Medieval Latin hermēticus belonging to HERMES TRISMEGISTUS, traditionally the inventor of a magic seal]   > herˈmetically adv

■ Hermetic (hɜːˈmɛtIk)   adj   1 of or relating to Hermes Trismegistus or the writings and teachings ascribed to him   2 of or relating to ancient science, esp alchemy   3 esoteric or recondite [see HERMETIC]

■ hermeticism (hɜːˈmɛtIˌsIzəm)   n   a cult based on religious and philosophical beliefs attributed to Hermes and popular around the time of the Renaissance

■ hermeticity (ˌhɜːməˈtIsItI)   n   the state of being airtight or gastight

■ hermetics (hɜːˈmɛtIks)   n   alchemy

hermetism (ˈhɜːmIˌtIzəm)   n   a former religion based on pagan mystical knowledge

■ hermetist (ˈhɜːmIˌtIst)   n   a believer in or expounder of hermetism

hermit (ˈhɜːmIt)   n   1 one of the early Christian recluses   2 any person living in solitude [C13: from Old French hermite, from Late Latin erēmīta, from Greek erēmitēs living in the desert, from erēmia desert, from erēmos lonely]   > herˈmitic or herˈmitical adj   > herˈmitically adv   > ˈhermit-ˌlike adj

■ hermitage (ˈhɜːmItIdʒ)   n   1 the abode of a hermit   2 any place where a person may live in seclusion; retreat

■ Hermitage (ˈhɜːmItIdʒ)   n   1 the Hermitage an art museum in St Petersburg, originally a palace built by Catherine the Great   2 a full-bodied red or white wine from the Rhône valley at Tain-l'Ermitage, in SE France

■ hermit crab   n   any small soft-bodied decapod crustacean of the genus Pagurus and related genera, living in and carrying about the empty shells of whelks or similar molluscs

■ hermitess (ˈhɜːmItˌɛs)   n   a female hermit

■ hermitism (ˈhɜːmIˌtIzəm) or hermitry (ˈhɜːmItrI)   n   the act of living as a hermit

Hermitian conjugate (hɜːˈmItIən)   n   maths a matrix that is the transpose of the matrix of the complex conjugates of the entries of a given matrix. Also called: adjoint [C19: named after Charles Hermite (1822–1901), French mathematician]

Hermitian matrix   n   maths a matrix whose transpose is equal to the matrix of the complex conjugates of its entries [C20: named after Charles Hermite (1822–1901), French mathematician]

Hermon (ˈhɜːmən)   n   Mount a mountain on the border between Lebanon and SW Syria, in the Anti-Lebanon Range: represented the NE limits of Israelite conquests under Moses and Joshua. Height: 2814 m (9232 ft)

Hermosillo (Spanish ɛrmoˈsiʎo)   n   a city in NW Mexico, capital of Sonora state, on the Sonora River: university (1938); winter resort and commercial centre for an agricultural and mining region. Pop: 668 000 (2005 est)

Hermoupolis (hɜːˈmuːpəlIs)   n   a port in Greece, capital of Cyclades department, on the E coast of Syros Island. Pop: (municipality): 13 496 (2001). Modern Greek name: Ermoupoli (ɛrˈmupɔli)

hern (hɜːn)   n   an archaic or dialect word for heron

Herne (German ˈhɛrnə)   n   an industrial city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Ruhr on the Rhine-Herne Canal. Pop: 172 870 (2003 est)

hernia (ˈhɜːnIə)   n, pl -nias or -niae (-nIˌiː)   the projection of an organ or part through the lining of the cavity in which it is normally situated, esp the protrusion of intestine through the front wall of the abdominal cavity. It is caused by muscular strain, injury, etc. Also called: rupture [C14: from Latin]   > ˈhernial adj   > ˈherniˌated adj

■ herniate (ˈhɜːnIˌeIt)   vb (intr)   pathol to protrude as a hernia

■ herniation (ˌhɜːnIˈeIʃən)   n   pathol an abnormal protrusion; hernia

herniorrhaphy (ˌhɜːnIˈɒrəfI)   n, pl -phies   surgical repair of a hernia by means of a suturing operation

herniotomy (ˌhɜːnIˈɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical procedure for fixing a hernia

hero (ˈhIərəʊ)   n, pl -roes   1 a person distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, fortitude, etc   2 a person who is idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field   3 classical myth a being of extraordinary strength and courage, often the offspring of a mortal and a god, who is celebrated for his exploits   4 the principal male character in a novel, play, etc [C14: from Latin hērōs, from Greek]

■ heroism (ˈhɛrəʊˌIzəm)   n   the state or quality of being a hero

■ heroize or heroise (ˈhIərəʊˌaIz)   vb (tr)   to make a hero of

■ heroship (ˈhIərəʊˌʃIp)   n   the character or position of a hero

■ hero worship   n   1 admiration for heroes or idealized persons   2 worship by the ancient Greeks and Romans of heroes   ▷ vb hero-worship, -ships, -shipping, -shipped or US -ships, -shiping, -shiped   3 (tr) to feel admiration or adulation for   > ˈhero-ˌworshipper n

Hero^1 (ˈhIərəʊ)   n   Greek myth a priestess of Aphrodite, who killed herself when her lover Leander drowned while swimming the Hellespont to visit her

Hero^2 (ˈhIərəʊ) or Heron   n   1st century AD, Greek mathematician and inventor

Herod (ˈhɛrəd)   n   called the Great. ?73–4 BC, king of Judaea (37–4). The latter part of his reign was notable for his cruelty: according to the New Testament he ordered the Massacre of the Innocents

Herod Agrippa I   n   10 BC–44 AD, king of Judaea (41–44), grandson of Herod (the Great). A friend of Caligula and Claudius, he imprisoned Saint Peter and executed Saint James

Herod Agrippa II   n   died ?93 AD, king of territories in N Palestine (50–?93 AD). He presided (60) at the trial of Saint Paul and sided with the Roman authorities in the Jewish rebellion of 66

Herod Antipas (ˈæntIˌpæs)   n   died ?40 AD, tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea (4 BC–40 AD); son of Herod the Great. At the instigation of his wife Herodias, he ordered the execution of John the Baptist

Herodias (hɛˈrəʊdIˌæs)   n   ?14 BC–?40 AD, niece and wife of Herod Antipas and mother of Salome, whom she persuaded to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Her ambition led to the banishment of her husband

Herodotus (hIˈrɒdətəs)   n   called the Father of History. ?485–?425 BC, Greek historian, famous for his History dealing with the causes and events of the wars between the Greeks and the Persians (490–479)

heroic (hIˈrəʊIk) or heroical   adj   1 of, like, or befitting a hero   2 courageous but desperate   3 relating to or treating of heroes and their deeds   4 of, relating to, or resembling the heroes of classical mythology   5 (of language, manner, etc) extravagant   6 prosody of, relating to, or resembling heroic verse   7 (of the arts, esp sculpture) larger than life-size; smaller than colossal   8 RC Church   a held to such a degree as to enable a person to perform virtuous actions with exceptional promptness, ease and pleasure, and with self-abnegation and self-control: heroic virtue   b performed or undergone by such a person: the heroic witness of martyrdom   > heˈroically adv   > heˈroicalness or heˈroicness n

■ heroic age   n   the period in an ancient culture, when legendary heroes are said to have lived

■ heroic couplet   n   prosody a verse form consisting of two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter

■ heroicly (hIˈrəʊIklI)   adv   an obsolete spelling of heroically

■ heroics (hIˈrəʊIks)   pl n   1 prosody short for heroic verse   2 actions befitting a hero   3 extravagant or melodramatic language, behaviour, etc

■ heroic stanza   n   a quatrain having the rhyme scheme a b a b

■ heroic tenor   n   a tenor with a dramatic voice

■ heroic verse   n   prosody a type of verse suitable for epic or heroic subjects, such as the classical hexameter, the French Alexandrine, or the English iambic pentameter

heroicomic (hIˈrəʊIˌkɒmIk) or heroicomical (hIˈrəʊIˌkɒmIkəl)   adj   combining both the heroic and the comical

heroin (ˈhɛrəʊIn)   n   a white odourless bitter-tasting crystalline powder related to morphine: a highly addictive narcotic. Formula: C_21H_23NO_5. Technical names: diamorphine, diacetylmorphine [C19: coined in German as a trademark, probably from HERO, referring to its aggrandizing effect on the personality]

■ heroin chic   n   the perceived glamorization of heroin and the characteristics associated with heroin addicts, such as gauntness and hollow eyes

■ heroinism (ˈhɛrəʊInˌIzəm)   n   drugs an addiction to heroin

heroine (ˈhɛrəʊIn)   n   1 a woman possessing heroic qualities   2 a woman idealized for possessing superior qualities   3 the main female character in a novel, play, film, etc

heron (ˈhɛrən)   n   any of various wading birds of the genera Butorides, Ardea, etc, having a long neck, slim body, and a plumage that is commonly grey or white: family Ardeidae, order Ciconiiformes [C14: from Old French hairon, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heigaro, Old Norse hegri]

■ heronry (ˈhɛrənrI)   n, pl -ries   a colony of breeding herons

Heron   n   1 (ˈhIərɒn) same as Hero^1   2 (ˈhɛrən) Patrick. 1920–99, British abstract painter and art critic

heronshaw (ˈhɛrənˌʃɔː)   n   a heron

heroon (hIəˈrəʊɒn)   n   Greek history a temple or monument dedicated to a hero

Herophilus (hIəˈrɒfIləs)   n   died ?280 BC, Greek anatomist in Alexandria. He was the first to distinguish sensory from motor nerves

herpes (ˈhɜːpiːz)   n   any of several inflammatory diseases of the skin, esp herpes simplex, characterized by the formation of small watery blisters. See also genital herpes [C17: via Latin from Greek: a creeping, from herpein to creep]

■ herpes labialis (ˌleIbIˈælIs)   n   a technical name for cold sore [New Latin: herpes of the lip]

■ herpes simplex (ˈsImplɛks)   n   an acute viral disease characterized by formation of clusters of watery blisters, esp on the margins of the lips and nostrils or on the genitals. It can be sexually transmitted and may recur fitfully [New Latin: simple herpes]

■ herpesvirus (ˈhɜːpiːzˌvaIrəs)   n   any one of a family of DNA-containing viruses that includes the agents causing herpes, the Epstein-Barr virus, and the cytomegalovirus

■ herpes zoster (ˈzɒstə)   n   a technical name for shingles [New Latin: girdle herpes, from HERPES + Greek zōstēr girdle]

herpetic (hɜːˈpɛtIk)   adj   1 of or relating to any of the herpes diseases   ▷ n   2 a person with any of the herpes diseases

herpetofauna (ˈhɜːpItəʊˌfɔːnə)   n   zoology the reptiles and amphibians that inhabit a given area

herpetoid (ˈhɜːpIˌtɔId)   adj   zoology reptilian, reptiliform

herpetology (ˌhɜːpIˈtɒlədʒI)   n   the study of reptiles and amphibians [C19: from Greek herpeton creeping animal, from herpein to creep]   > herpetologic (ˌhɜːpItəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌherpetoˈlogical adj   > ˌherpetoˈlogically adv   > ˌherpeˈtologist n

herptile (ˈhɜːpˌtaIl)   adj   chiefly US denoting, relating to, or characterizing both reptiles and amphibians [from Greek herp(eton) (see HERPETOLOGY) + (REP)TILE]

Herr (German hɛr)   n, pl Herren (ˈhɛrən)   a German man: used before a name as a title equivalent to Mr [German, from Old High German herro lord]

Herrenvolk German (ˈhɛrənfɔlk)   n   See master race

Herrick (ˈhɛrIk)   n   Robert. 1591–1674, English poet. His chief work is the Hesperides (1648), a collection of short, delicate, sacred, and pastoral lyrics

herring (ˈhɛrIŋ)   n, pl -rings or -ring   any marine soft-finned teleost fish of the family Clupeidae, esp Clupea harengus, an important food fish of northern seas, having an elongated body covered, except in the head region, with large fragile silvery scales [Old English hǣring; related to Old High German hāring, Old Frisian hēring, Dutch haring]

■ herringer (ˈhɛrIŋə)   n   1 a person that catches herring   2 a boat used to catch herring

■ herring gull   n   a common gull, Larus argentatus, that has a white plumage with black-tipped wings and pink legs

■ herring-pond   n   the herring-pond informal the Atlantic Ocean

herringbone (ˈhɛrIŋˌbəʊn)   n   1    a a pattern used in textiles, brickwork, etc, consisting of two or more rows of short parallel strokes slanting in alternate directions to form a series of parallel Vs or zigzags   b (as modifier): a herringbone jacket; a herringbone pattern of very long, narrow bricks   2 skiing a method of ascending a slope by walking with the skis pointing outwards and one's weight on the inside edges   ▷ vb   3 to decorate (textiles, brickwork, etc) with herringbone   4 (intr) skiing to ascend a slope in herringbone fashion

■ herringbone bond   n   a type of bricklaying in which the bricks are laid on the slant to form a herringbone pattern

■ herringbone gear   n   a gearwheel having two sets of helical teeth, one set inclined at an acute angle to the other so that V-shaped teeth are formed. Also called: double-helical gear

Herriot   n   1 (French ɛrjo) Édouard (edwar). 1872–1957, French Radical statesman and writer; premier (1924–25; 1932)   2 (ˈhɛrIət) James. real name James Alfred Wight. 1916–95, British veterinary surgeon and writer. His books based on his experiences in Yorkshire have been adapted for television and films

herry (ˈhɛrI)   vb -ries, -rying, -ried (tr)   a variant form of harry

■ herriment (ˈhɛrImənt)   n   obsolete the act of plundering

hers (hɜːz)   pron   1 something or someone belonging to or associated with her: hers is the nicest dress; that cat is hers   2 of hers belonging to or associated with her [C14 hires; see HER]

hersall (ˈhɜːsəl)   n   archaic a rehearsal

Herschel (ˈhɜːʃəl)   n   1  Caroline Lucretia. 1750–1848, British astronomer, born in Germany, noted for her catalogue of nebulae and star clusters: sister of Sir William Herschel   2  Sir John Frederick William. 1792–1871, British astronomer. He discovered and catalogued over 525 nebulae and star clusters   3  his father, Sir (Frederick) William, original name Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel. 1738–1822, British astronomer, born in Germany. He constructed a reflecting telescope, which led to his discovery of the planet Uranus (1781), two of its satellites, and two of the satellites of Saturn. He also discovered the motions of binary stars

herse (hɜːs)   n   1 agriculture obsolete a harrow used in farming   2 military obsolete a battle-formation   3 a frame for drying skins

■ hersed (hɜːst)   adj   military obsolete arranged in the herse battle formation

herself (həˈsɛlf)   pron   1    a the reflexive form of she or her   b (intensifier): the queen herself signed the letter   2 (preceded by a copula) her normal or usual self: she looks herself again after the operation   3 Irish and Scot the wife or woman of the house: is herself at home?

hership (ˈhɜːʃIp)   n   Scot archaic the act of plundering

Herstmonceux or Hurstmonceux (ˈhɜːstmənˌsjuː, -ˌsəʊ)   n   a village in S England, in E Sussex north of Eastbourne: 15th-century castle, site of the Royal Observatory, which was transferred from Greenwich between 1948 and 1958, until 1990

herstory (ˈhɜːstərI)   n   history from a female point of view or as it relates to women [C20: from changing the initial his in HISTORY to her, as if HISTORY were derived from his story]

Hertford (ˈhɑːtfəd)   n   a town in SE England, administrative centre of Hertfordshire. Pop: 24 460 (2001)

Hertfordshire (ˈhɑːtfədˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   a county of S England, bordering on Greater London in the south: mainly low-lying, with the Chiltern Hills in the northwest; largely agricultural; light industries, esp in the new towns. Administrative centre: Hertford. Pop: 1 040 900 (2003 est). Area: 1634 sq km (631 sq miles)

Hertogenbosch (Dutch hɛrtoːxənˈbɔs)   n   See 's Hertogenbosch

Herts (hɑːts)   abbreviation for   Hertfordshire

hertz (hɜːts)   n, pl hertz   the derived SI unit of frequency; the frequency of a periodic phenomenon that has a periodic time of 1 second; 1 cycle per second. Symbol: Hz [C20: named after Heinrich Rudolph HERTZ]

Hertz (hɜːts; German hɛrts)   n   1  Gustav (ˈɡʊstaf). 1887–1975, German atomic physicist. He provided evidence for the quantum theory by his research with Franck on the effects produced by bombarding atoms with electrons: they shared the Nobel prize for physics (1925)   2  Heinrich Rudolph (ˈhainrIç ˈruːdɔlf). 1857–94, German physicist. He was the first to produce electromagnetic waves artificially   > ˈHertzian adj

Hertzian wave   n   an electromagnetic wave with a frequency in the range from about 3 × 10^10 hertz to about 1.5 × 10^5 hertz [C19: named after H. R. HERTZ]

Hertzog (ˈhɜːtsɒɡ)   n   James Barry Munnik. 1866–1942, South African politician; prime minister (1924–39): founded the Nationalist Party (1913), advocating complete South African independence from Britain; opposed South African participation in World Wars I and II

Hertzsprung (Danish ˈhɛrdsbrɔŋ)   n   Ejnar (ˈəInar). 1873–1967, Danish astronomer: he discovered the existence of giant and dwarf stars, originating one form of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram

Hertzsprung-Russell diagram (ˈhɜːtssprʌŋˈrʌsəl)   n   a graph in which the spectral types of stars are plotted against their absolute magnitudes. Stars fall into different groupings in different parts of the graph. See also main sequence [C20: named after Ejnar HERTZSPRUNG and Henry Norris RUSSELL]

hery (ˈhɛrI)   vb -ries, -rying, -ried (tr)   obsolete to glorify; praise

Herzegovina (ˌhɜːtsəɡəʊˈviːnə) or Hercegovina   n   a region in Bosnia and Herzegovina: originally under Austro-Hungarian rule; became part of the province of Bosnia-Herzegovina (1878), which was a constituent republic of Yugoslavia (1946–92)

Herzen (Russian ˈɡjɛrtsən)   n   Aleksandr (Ivanovich) (alɛkˈsandr iˈvaːnovitʃ). 1812–70, Russian socialist political philosopher: best known for his autobiography My Past and Thoughts (1861–67)

Herzl (German ˈhɛrtsəl)   n   Theodor (ˈteːodoːr). 1860–1904, Austrian writer, born in Hungary; founder of the Zionist movement. In The Jewish State (1896), he advocated resettlement of the Jews in a state of their own

Herzog (German ˈhɛrtsoːk)   n   1  Roman. 1934–2017, German politician; president of Germany (1994–99)   2  Werner (ˈvɛrnər). born 1942, German film director. His films include Signs of Life (1967), Fata Morgana (1970), Fitzcarraldo (1982), Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997), and Grizzly Man (2005)

he's (hiːz)   contraction of   he is or he has

hESC   abbreviation for   human embryonic stem cell

Heseltine (ˈhɛzəlˌtaIn)   n   1  Michael (Ray Dibden) Baron. born 1933, British Conservative politician; secretary of state for defence (1983–86); secretary of state for the environment (1990–92); secretary of state for trade and industry (1992–95); deputy prime minister (1995–97)   2  Philip Arnold. the real name of composer Peter Warlock. See Warlock

Heshvan (xɜʃˈvɑn)   n   a variant spelling of Cheshvan

Hesiod (ˈhɛsIˌɒd)   n   8th century BC, Greek poet and the earliest author of didactic verse. His two complete extant works are the Works and Days, dealing with the agricultural seasons, and the Theogony, concerning the origin of the world and the genealogies of the gods   > ˌHesiˈodic adj

Hesione (hIˈsaIənI)   n   Greek myth daughter of King Laomedon, rescued by Hercules from a sea monster

hesitant (ˈhɛzItənt)   adj   wavering, hesitating, or irresolute   > ˈhesitance or ˈhesitancy n   > ˈhesitantly adv

hesitate (ˈhɛzIˌteIt)   vb (intr)   1 to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain   2 to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)   3 to stammer or pause in speaking [C17: from Latin haesitāre, from haerēre to cling to]   > ˈhesiˌtater or ˈhesiˌtator n   > ˈhesiˌtatingly adv   > ˌhesiˈtation n   > ˈhesiˌtative adj

■ hesitatory (ˈhɛzIˌteItərI)   adj   hesitating

Hesperia (hɛˈspIərIə)   n   a poetic name used by the ancient Greeks for Italy and by the Romans for Spain or beyond [Latin, from Greek: land of the west, from hesperos western]

■ Hesperian (hɛˈspIərIən)   adj   1 poetic western   2 of or relating to the Hesperides   ▷ n   3 a native or inhabitant of a western land

hesperid (ˈhɛspərId)   n   any small butterfly of the family Hesperiidae; a skipper

Hesperides (hɛˈspɛrIˌdiːz)   pl n Greek myth   1 the daughters of Hesperus, nymphs who kept watch with a dragon over the garden of the golden apples in the Islands of the Blessed   2 (functioning as singular) the gardens themselves   3 another name for the Islands of the Blessed   > Hesperidian (ˌhɛspəˈrIdIən) or ˌHesperˈidean adj

hesperidin (hɛˈspɛrIdIn)   n   a glycoside extracted from orange peel or other citrus fruits and used to treat capillary fragility [C19: from New Latin HESPERIDIUM + -IN]

hesperidium (ˌhɛspəˈrIdIəm)   n   botany the fruit of citrus plants, in which the flesh consists of fluid-filled hairs and is protected by a tough rind [C19: New Latin; alluding to the fruit in the garden of the HESPERIDES]

Hesperus (ˈhɛspərəs)   n   an evening star, esp Venus [from Latin, from Greek Hesperos, from hesperos western]

Hess (hɛs)   n   1  Dame Myra. 1890–1965, English pianist   2  (Walther Richard) Rudolf (ˈruːdɔlf). 1894–1987, German Nazi leader. He made a secret flight to Scotland (1941) to negotiate peace with Britain but was held as a prisoner of war; later sentenced to life imprisonment at the Nuremberg trials (1946); committed suicide   3  Victor Francis. 1883–1964, US physicist, born in Austria: pioneered the investigation of cosmic rays: shared the Nobel prize for physics (1936)

Hesse^1 (hɛs)   n   a state of central Germany, formed in 1945 from the former Prussian province of Hesse-Nassau and part of the former state of Hesse; part of West Germany until 1990. Capital: Wiesbaden. Pop: 6 089 000 (2003 est). Area: 21 111 sq km (8151 sq miles). German name: Hessen (ˈhɛsən)

Hesse^2 (hɛs; German ˈhɛsə)   n   Hermann (ˈhɛrman). 1877–1962, German novelist, short-story writer, and poet. His novels include Der Steppenwolf (1927) and Das Glasperlenspiel (1943): Nobel prize for literature 1946

Hesse-Nassau   n   a former province of Prussia, now part of the state of Hesse, Germany

hessian (ˈhɛsIən)   n   a coarse jute fabric similar to sacking, used for bags, upholstery, etc [C18: from HESSE + -IAN]

Hessian (ˈhɛsIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Hesse   2    a a Hessian soldier in any of the mercenary units of the British Army in the War of American Independence or the Napoleonic Wars   b US any German mercenary in the British Army during the War of American Independence   3 chiefly US a mercenary or ruffian   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to Hesse or its inhabitants

■ Hessian boots   pl n   men's high boots with tassels around the top, fashionable in England in the early 19th century

■ Hessian fly   n   a small dipterous fly, Mayetiola destructor, whose larvae damage wheat, barley, and rye: family Cecidomyidae (gall midges) [C18: so called because it was thought to have been introduced into America by Hessian soldiers]

hessite (ˈhɛsaIt)   n   a black or grey metallic mineral consisting of silver telluride in cubic crystalline form. Formula: Ag_2Te [C19: from German Hessit; named after Henry Hess, 19th-century chemist of Swiss origin who worked in Russia; see -ITE^1]

hessonite (ˈhɛsəˌnaIt)   n   an orange-brown variety of grossularite garnet. Also called: essonite, cinnamon stone [C19: from French, from Greek hēssōn less, inferior + -ITE^1; so called because it is less hard than genuine hyacinth]

hest (hɛst)   n   an archaic word for behest [Old English hǣs; related to hātan to promise, command]

hesternal (hɛˈstɜːnəl)   adj   relating or belonging to yesterday

Hestia (ˈhɛstIə)   n   Greek myth the goddess of the hearth. Roman counterpart: Vesta

Hesychast (ˈhɛsIˌkæst)   n   Greek Orthodox Church a member of a school of mysticism developed by the monks of Mount Athos in the 14th century [Cl8: from Medieval Latin hesychasta mystic, from Greek hēsukhastēs, from hēsukhazein to be tranquil, from hēsukhos quiet]   > ˌHesyˈchastic adj

het^1 (hɛt)   n   slang short for heterosexual

het^2 (hɛt)   vb   1 archaic or dialect a past tense and past participle of heat   ▷ adj   2 a Scot word for hot

■ het up   adj   angry; excited: too many people are getting het up about money in rugby

hetaera (hIˈtIərə) or hetaira (hIˈtaIrə)   n, pl -taerae (-ˈtIəriː) or -tairai (-ˈtaIraI)   (esp in ancient Greece) a female prostitute, esp an educated courtesan [C19: from Greek hetaira concubine]   > heˈtaeric or heˈtairic adj

hetaerism (hIˈtIərIzəm) or hetairism (hIˈtaIrIzəm)   n   1 the state of being a concubine   2 sociol, anthropol a social system attributed to some primitive societies, in which women are communally shared   > heˈtaerist or heˈtairist n   > ˌhetaeˈristic or ˌhetaiˈristic adj

■ hetaerismic (ˌhItIəˈrIzmIk) or hetairismic (-taI-)   adj   of or relating to courtesans

hetairia (hIˈtaIərIə)   n   a society or association

heterarchy (ˈhɛtərɑːkI)   n   linguistics a formal structure, usually represented by a diagram of connected nodes, without any single permanent uppermost node. Compare hierarchy (sense 5), tree (sense 6) [from Greek heteros other, different + archē sovereignty]

heterauxesis (ˌhɛtərɔːkˈsiːsIs)   n   biology an unequal or asymmetrical growth of cells, parts of plants or animals

hetero (ˈhɛtərəʊ) informal   n, adj, pl -os   short for heterosexual

hetero-   combining form   other, another, or different: heterodyne; heterophony; heterosexual. Compare homo- [from Greek heteros other]

heteroatom (ˈhɛtərəʊˌætəm)   n   chem any atom in the ring of a cyclic compound that is not a carbon atom

heteroauxin (ˌhɛtərəʊˈɔːksIn)   n   biochem a type of growth hormone found in plants

heteroblasty (ˈhɛtərəʊˌblæstI)   n   the morphological changes that occur in plants between juvenility and adulthood

■ heteroblastic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈblæstIk)   adj   (of a plant or plant part) showing a marked difference in form between the juvenile and the adult structures. Compare homoblastic

heterocarpous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈkɑːpəs)   adj   (of a plant) producing more than one type of fruit

heterocercal (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsɜːkəl)   adj   ichthyol of or possessing a tail in which the vertebral column turns upwards and extends into the upper, usually larger, lobe, as in sharks. Compare homocercal [C19: from HETERO- + Greek kerkos tail]

■ heterocercality (ˌhɛtərəʊsɜːˈkɒlItI) or heterocercy (ˈhɛtərəʊˌsɜːsI)   n   the condition or state of having a heterocercal tail

heterochlamydeous (ˌhɛtərəʊkləˈmIdIəs)   adj   (of a plant) having a perianth consisting of distinct sepals and petals. Compare homochlamydeous

heterochromatic (ˌhɛtərəʊkrəʊˈmætIk)   adj   1 of or involving many different colours   2 physics consisting of or concerned with different frequencies or wavelengths   > ˌheteroˈchromatism n

heterochromatin (ˌhɛtərəʊˈkrəʊmətIn)   n   the condensed part of a chromosome that stains strongly with basic dyes in nondividing cells and has little genetic activity. Compare euchromatin

heterochromosome (ˌhɛtərəʊˈkrəʊməˌsəʊm)   n   1 an atypical chromosome, esp a sex chromosome   2 a chromosome composed mainly of heterochromatin

heterochromous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈkrəʊməs)   adj   (esp of plant parts) of different colours: the heterochromous florets of a daisy flower

heterochronism (ˌhɛtəˈrɒkrəˌnIzəm) or heterochrony (ˌhɛtəˈrɒkrənI)   n   biology a change in the stage at which developmental processes take place relative to members of the same species

■ heterochronic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈkrɒnIk) or heterochronous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒkrənəs)   adj   biology occurring at different times or stages

heteroclite (ˈhɛtərəˌklaIt)   adj also heteroclitic (ˌhɛtərəˈklItIk), heteroclitous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒklItəs)   1 (esp of the form of a word) irregular or unusual   ▷ n   2 an irregularly formed word [C16: from Late Latin heteroclitus declining irregularly, from Greek heteroklitos, from HETERO- + klinein to bend, inflect]

heterocont (ˈhɛtərəʊˌkɒnt)   n, adj   a variant spelling of heterokont

heterocycle (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsaIkəl)   n   a heterocyclic compound

■ heterocyclic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsaIklIk, -ˈsIk-)   adj   (of an organic compound) containing a closed ring of atoms, at least one of which is not a carbon atom. Compare homocyclic

heterocyst (ˈhɛtərəʊˌsIst)   n   biology a special cell type found in cyanobacteria and responsible for fixing nitrogen

■ heterocystous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsIstəs)   adj   containing or relating to heterocysts

heterodactyl (ˌhɛtərəʊˈdæktIl)   adj   1 (of the feet of certain birds) having the first and second toes directed backwards and the third and fourth forwards   ▷ n   2 a bird with heterodactyl feet   ▶ Compare zygodactyl

■ heterodactylous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈdæktIləs)   adj   having or relating to heterodactyl feet

heterodont (ˈhɛtərəˌdɒnt)   adj   (of most mammals) having teeth of different types. Compare homodont

heterodox (ˈhɛtərəʊˌdɒks)   adj   1 at variance with established, orthodox, or accepted doctrines or beliefs   2 holding unorthodox opinions [C17: from Greek heterodoxos holding another opinion, from HETERO- + doxa opinion]   > ˈheteroˌdoxy n

heteroduplex (ˌhɛtərəʊˈdjuːplɛks)   adj   biochem having polynucleotide strands derived from two different sources

heterodyne (ˈhɛtərəʊˌdaIn)   vb   1 electronics to combine by intermodulation (two alternating signals, esp radio signals) to produce two signals having frequencies corresponding to the sum and the difference of the original frequencies. See also superheterodyne receiver   ▷ adj   2 produced by, operating by, or involved in heterodyning two signals

heteroecious (ˌhɛtəˈriːʃəs)   adj   (of parasites, esp rust fungi) undergoing different stages of the life cycle on different host species. Compare autoecious [from HETERO- + -oecious, from Greek oikia house]   > ˌheterˈoecism n

heteroflexible (ˌhɛtərəʊˈflɛksIbəl)   adj   1 (of a person) predominantly heterosexual but not exclusively so   ▷ n   2 such a person [C20: from HETERO(SEXUAL) + FLEXIBLE]

heterogamete (ˌhɛtərəʊɡæˈmiːt)   n   a gamete that differs in size and form from the one with which it unites in fertilization. Compare isogamete

■ heterogametic (ˌhɛtərəʊɡəˈmɛtIk)   adj   denoting the sex that possesses dissimilar sex chromosomes. In humans and many other mammals it is the male sex, possessing one X-chromosome and one Y-chromosome. Compare homogametic

■ heterogamety (ˌhɛtərəʊˈɡæmətI)   n   the condition or state of being heterogametic

heterogamy (ˌhɛtəˈrɒɡəmI)   n   1 a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes differ in both size and form. Compare isogamy   2 a condition in which different types of reproduction occur in successive generations of an organism   3 the presence of both male and female flowers in one inflorescence. Compare homogamy (sense 1)   > ˌheterˈogamous adj

heterogeneous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈdʒiːnIəs)   adj   1 composed of unrelated or differing parts or elements   2 not of the same kind or type   3 chem of, composed of, or concerned with two or more different phases. Compare homogeneous [C17: from Medieval Latin heterogeneus, from Greek heterogenēs, from HETERO- + genos sort]   > heterogeneity (ˌhɛtərəʊdʒIˈniːItI) or ˌheteroˈgeneousness n   > ˌheteroˈgeneously adv

heterogenesis (ˌhɛtərəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   another name for alternation of generations, abiogenesis   > heterogenetic (ˌhɛtərəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) or ˌheteroˈgenic adj   > ˌheterogeˈnetically adv

heterogenous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒdʒInəs)   adj   biology, med not originating within the body; of foreign origin: a heterogenous skin graft. Compare autogenous

heterogeny (ˌhɛtəˈrɒdʒənI)   n   the condition or state of being heterogenous

heterogonic (ˌhɛtərəˈɡɒnIk)   adj biology   1 exhibiting allometry   2 exhibiting heterogeny

heterogony (ˌhɛtəˈrɒɡənI)   n   1 biology the alternation of parthenogenetic and sexual generations in rotifers and similar animals   2 the condition in plants, such as the primrose, of having flowers that differ from each other in the length of their stamens and styles. Compare homogony   > ˌheterˈogonous adj   > ˌheterˈogonously adv

heterograft (ˈhɛtərəʊˌɡrɑːft)   n   a tissue graft obtained from a donor of a different species from the recipient

heterography (ˌhɛtəˈrɒɡrəfI)   n   1 the phenomenon of different letters or sequences of letters representing the same sound in different words, as for example -ight and -ite in blight and bite   2 any writing system in which this phenomenon occurs   > heterographic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈɡræfIk) or ˌheteroˌgraphical adj

heterogynous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒdʒInəs)   adj   (of ants, bees, etc) having two types of female, one fertile and the other infertile

heterokaryon (ˌhɛtərəʊˈkærIɒn)   n   biology a fungal cell or mycelium containing two or more nuclei of different genetic constitution [from HETERO- + karyon, from Greek karuon kernel]

heterokaryosis (ˌhɛtərəʊˌkærIˈəʊsIs)   n   the condition of having two genetically different nuclei in a cytoplasm of a fungus

■ heterokaryotic (ˌhɛtərəʊˌkærIˈɒtIk)   adj   botany exhibiting or relating to heterokaryosis

heterokont or heterocont (ˈhɛtərəʊˌkɒnt)   n   1 any organism that possesses two flagella of unequal length. Heterokonts include diatoms and some other algae   ▷ adj   2 possessing two flagella of unequal length

■ heterokontan (ˌhɛtərəʊˈkɒntən)   adj   of or relating to a heterokont

heterolecithal (ˌhɛtərəʊˈlɛsIθəl)   adj   (of the eggs of birds) having an unequally distributed yolk. Compare isolecithal [C19: HETERO- + Greek lekithos egg yolk]

heterologous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒləɡəs)   adj   1 pathol of, relating to, or designating cells or tissues not normally present in a particular part of the body   2 (esp of parts of an organism or of different organisms) differing in structure or origin   > ˌheterˈologously adv   > ˌheterˈology n

heterolysis (ˌhɛtəˈrɒlIsIs)   n   1 the dissolution of the cells of one organism by the lysins of another. Compare autolysis   2 Also called: heterolytic fission chem the dissociation of a molecule into two ions with opposite charges. Compare homolysis   > heterolytic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈlItIk) adj

heteromerous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒmərəs)   adj   biology having or consisting of parts that differ, esp in number

heteromorphic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈmɔːfIk) or heteromorphous   adj biology   1 differing from the normal form in size, shape, and function   2 (of pairs of homologous chromosomes) differing from each other in size or form   3 (esp of insects) having different forms at different stages of the life cycle   > ˌheteroˈmorphism or ˌheteroˈmorphy n

heteronomous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒnIməs)   adj   1 subject to an external law, rule, or authority. Compare autonomous   2 (of the parts of an organism) differing in the manner of growth, development, or specialization   3 (in Kant's philosophy) directed to an end other than duty for its own sake. Compare autonomous (sense 4b)   > ˌheterˈonomously adv   > ˌheterˈonomy n

heteronormative (ˌhɛtərəʊˈnɔːmətIv)   adj   regarding heterosexual relationships as the social norm

heteronym (ˈhɛtərəʊˌnIm)   n   one of two or more words pronounced differently but spelt alike: the two English words spelt 'bow' are heteronyms. Compare homograph [C17: from Late Greek heteronumos, from Greek HETERO- + onoma name]   > heteronymous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒnIməs) adj   > ˌheterˈonymously adv

Heteroousian (ˌhɛtərəʊˈuːsIən, -ˈaʊsIən)   n   1 a Christian who maintains that God the Father and God the Son are different in substance   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this belief [C17: from Late Greek heteroousios, from Greek HETERO- + ousia nature]

heterophile (ˈhɛtərəˌfaIl) or heterophil (ˈhɛtərəˌfIl)   n   1 a polymorphonuclear leukocyte in humans that may be stained with dyes   ▷ adj   2 able to stain with specific dyes

heterophony (ˌhɛtəˈrɒfənI)   n   the simultaneous performance of different versions of the same melody by different voices or instruments

heterophyllous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈfIləs, ˌhɛtəˈrɒfIləs)   adj   (of plants such as arrowhead) having more than one type of leaf on the same plant. Also: anisophyllous   > ˈheteroˌphylly n

heteroplasia (ˌhɛtərəʊˈpleIzIə, ˌhɛtərəʊˈpleIʒə)   n   pathol the formation of abnormal tissue on a given area

heteroplasty (ˈhɛtərəʊˌplæstI)   n, pl -ties   the surgical transplantation of tissue obtained from another person or animal   > ˌheteroˈplastic adj

heteroploid (ˈhɛtərəʊˌplɔId)   adj   1 of a chromosome number that is neither the haploid nor diploid number characteristic of the species   ▷ n   2 such a chromosome number

■ heteroploidy (ˈhɛtərəˌplɔIdI)   n   the condition of having an abnormal number of chromosomes

heteropod (ˈhɛtərəˌpɒd)   n   any marine invertebrate with a foot or feet adapted for swimming

heteropolar (ˌhɛtərəʊˈpəʊlə)   adj   a less common word for polar (sense 5a)   > heteropolarity (ˌhɛtərəʊpəʊˈlærItI) n

heteropterous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒptərəs) or heteropteran   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Heteroptera, a suborder of hemipterous insects, including bedbugs, water bugs, etc, in which the forewings are membranous but have leathery tips. Compare homopterous [C19: from New Latin Heteroptera, from HETERO- + Greek pteron wing]

heteroscedastic (ˌhɛtərəʊskIˈdæstIk)   adj statistics   1 (of several distributions) having different variances   2 (of a bivariate or multivariate distribution) not having any variable whose variance is the same for all values of the other or others   3 (of a random variable) having different variances for different values of the others in a multivariate distribution   ▶ Compare homoscedastic [C20: from HETERO- + scedastic, from Greek skedasis a scattering, dispersal]   > heteroscedasticity (ˌhɛtərəʊskIdæsˈtIsItI) n

heteroscian (ˌhɛtəˈrɒʃIən)   n   1 a name applied to the people who live in temperate zones, so given because in these areas shadows created by the sun at noon will fall in opposite directions   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the sun's shadow at noon in the temperate zones

heterosexism (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsɛkˌsIzəm)   n   discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, practised by heterosexuals against homosexuals   > ˌheteroˈsexist adj, n

heterosexual (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsɛksjʊəl)   n   1 a person who is sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted to members of the opposite sex   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to heterosexuality   ▶ Compare homosexual

■ heterosexuality (ˌhɛtərəʊˌsɛksjʊˈælItI)   n   attraction to or sexual relations with a person or persons of the opposite sex. Compare homosexuality

■ heterosexually (ˌhɛtərəˈsɛksjʊəlI)   adv   in a heterosexual manner

heterosis (ˌhɛtəˈrəʊsIs)   n   biology another name for hybrid vigour [C19: from Late Greek: alteration, from Greek heteroioun to alter, from heteros other, different]

heterosocial (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsəʊʃəl)   adj   relating to or denoting mixed-sex social relationships. Compare homosocial   > heterosociality (ˌhɛtərəʊˌsəʊʃIˈælItI) n

heterosomatous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈsəʊmətəs)   adj   obsolete (of fish) having an abnormal or asymmetrical body type

heterospecific (ˌhɛtərəʊspəˈsIfIk)   adj   1 belonging to a different species or group   ▷ n   2 an organism of a different species or group

heterosporous (ˌhɛtəˈrɒspərəs)   adj   (of seed plants and some ferns and club mosses) producing megaspores and microspores. Compare homosporous   > ˌheterˈospory n

heterostrophic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈstrɒfIk)   adj   (of a shell) twisting or turning in a different direction

■ heterostrophy (hɛtəˈrɒstrəfI)   n   the condition of being heterostrophic

heterostyly (ˈhɛtərəˌstaIlI)   n   the condition in certain plants, such as primroses, of having styles of different lengths, each type of style in flowers on different plants, which promotes cross-pollination [C20: from Greek, from heteros different + stylos pillar]   > ˌheteroˈstylous adj

■ heterostyled (ˈhɛtərəʊˌstaIld)   adj   having styles of varying lengths relative to the stamens

■ heterostylism (ˌhɛtərəʊˈstaIlIzəm)   n   the condition of being heterostyled

heterotaxis (ˌhɛtərəʊˈtæksIs), heterotaxy or heterotaxia   n   an abnormal or asymmetrical arrangement of parts, as of the organs of the body or the constituents of a rock   > ˌheteroˈtactic, ˌheteroˈtactous or ˌheteroˈtaxic adj

heterothallic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈθælIk)   adj   1 (of some algae and fungi) having male and female reproductive organs on different thalli   2 (of some fungi) having sexual reproduction that occurs only between two self-sterile mycelia   ▶ Compare homothallic [C20: from HETERO- + Greek thallos green shoot, young twig]   > ˌheteroˈthallism or ˌheteroˈthally (ˈhɛtərəʊˌθælI) n

heterothermal (ˌhɛtərəʊˈθɜːməl)   adj   having a different or varying temperature

heterotic (ˌhɛtəˈrɒtIk)   adj   biology of or pertaining to heterosis

heterotopia (ˌhɛtərəʊˈtəʊpIə) or heterotopy (ˌhɛtəˈrɒtəpI)   n   abnormal displacement of a bodily organ or part [C19: from New Latin, from HETERO- + Greek topos place]   > ˌheteroˈtopic or ˌheterˈotopous adj

heterotrophic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈtrɒfIk)   adj   (of organisms, such as animals) obtaining carbon for growth and energy from complex organic compounds. Compare autotrophic [C20: from HETERO- + Greek trophikos concerning food, from trophē nourishment]   > ˈheteroˌtroph n

■ heterotrophy (ˌhɛtəˈrɒtrəfI)   n   the quality or condition of being heterotrophic

heterotypic (ˌhɛtərəʊˈtIpIk) or heterotypical   adj   denoting or relating to the first nuclear division of meiosis, in which the chromosome number is halved. Compare homeotypic

Heterousian   n, adj   a variant of Heteroousian

heterozygote (ˌhɛtərəʊˈzaIɡəʊt, -ˈzIɡəʊt)   n   an animal or plant that is heterozygous; a hybrid. Compare homozygote   > ˌheterozyˈgosis n

heterozygous (ˌhɛtərəʊˈzaIɡəs)   adj   (of an organism) having different alleles for any one gene: heterozygous for eye colour. Compare homozygous

■ heterozygosity (ˌhɛtərəʊzaIˈɡɒsItI)   n   the condition of being a heterozygote

heth or cheth (hɛt; Hebrew xɛt)   n   the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ח), transliterated as h and pronounced as a pharyngeal fricative [from Hebrew]

hetherward (ˈhɛθəwəd)   adv   an archaic word for hither (sense 1)

hetman (ˈhɛtmən)   n, pl -mans   another word for ataman [C18: from Polish, from German Hauptmann headman]

■ hetmanate (ˈhɛtməˌneIt)   n   all of the hetmans

■ hetmanship (ˈhɛtmənˌʃIp)   n   the position of a hetman

hettie (ˈhɛtI) informal   adj   1 heterosexual   ▷ n   2 a heterosexual person [C20: shortened from HETEROSEXUAL]

HEU   abbreviation for   highly enriched uranium

heuchera (ˈhjuːkərə)   n   any plant of the N. American genus Heuchera, with low-growing heart-shaped leaves and mostly red flowers carried in sprays on slender graceful stems: family Saxifragaceae. See also alumroot [named after J. H. Heucher (1677–1747), German doctor and botanist]

heulandite (ˈhjuːlənˌdaIt)   n   a white, grey, red, or brown zeolite mineral that consists essentially of hydrated calcium aluminium silicate in the form of elongated tabular crystals. Formula: CaAl_2Si_7O_18.6H_2O [C19: named after H. Heuland, 19th-century English mineral collector; see -ITE^1]

heuretics (hjʊəˈrɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the use of logic

heurism (ˈhjʊərIzəm)   n   the educational principle of acquiring knowledge through empirical study and practical experience

heuristic (hjʊəˈrIstIk)   adj   1 helping to learn; guiding in discovery or investigation   2 (of a method of teaching) allowing pupils to learn things for themselves   3    a maths, science, philosophy using or obtained by exploration of possibilities rather than by following set rules   b computing denoting a rule of thumb for solving a problem without the exhaustive application of an algorithm: a heuristic solution   ▷ n   4 (plural) the science of heuristic procedure [C19: from New Latin heuristicus, from Greek heuriskein to discover]   > heuˈristically adv

■ heuristics (hjʊəˈrIstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) maths, logic a method or set of rules for solving problems other than by algorithm. See also algorithm (sense 1), artificial intelligence

hevea (ˈhiːvjə)   n   any tree of the South American euphorbiaceous genus Hevea, having a milky sap which provides rubber [C19: New Latin from native name hevé]

Hevelius (German heˈveːliʊs)   n   Johannes (joˈhanəs). 1611–87, German astronomer, who published one of the first detailed maps of the lunar surface

Hever Castle (ˈhiːvə)   n   a Tudor mansion near Edenbridge in Kent: home of Anne Boleyn before her marriage; Italian garden added in the 20th century by the Astor family

Hevesy (Hungarian ˈhɛvɛʃi)   n   Georg von (ˈɡeːɔrɡ fɔn). 1885–1966, Hungarian chemist. He worked on radioactive tracing and, with D. Coster, discovered the element hafnium (1923): Nobel prize for chemistry 1943

hew (hjuː)   vb hews, hewing, hewed, hewed or hewn (hjuːn)   1 to strike (something, esp wood) with cutting blows, as with an axe   2 (tr; often foll by out) to shape or carve from a substance   3 (tr; often foll by away, down, from, off, etc) to sever from a larger or another portion   4 (intr; often foll by to) US and Canadian to conform (to a code, principle, etc) [Old English hēawan; related to Old Norse heggva, Old Saxon hāwa, Old High German houwan, Latin cūdere to beat]   > ˈhewer n

■ hewable (ˈhjuːəbəl)   adj   capable of being hewed

HEW   abbreviation for (in the US, formerly)   Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

hewgh (hjuː)   interj   archaic a sound made to imitate the flight of an arrow

Hewish (ˈhjuːIʃ)   n   Antony. born 1924, British radio astronomer, noted esp for his role in the discovery of pulsars (1967): shared the Nobel prize for physics 1974

Hewitt (ˈhjuːIt)   n   Lleyton (ˈleItən). born 1981, Australian tennis player; US Open champion 2001, Wimbledon singles champion 2002

hex^1 (hɛks)   n     a short for hexadecimal   b (as modifier): hex code

hex^2 (hɛks) informal   vb   1 (tr) to bewitch   ▷ n   2 an evil spell or symbol of bad luck   3 a witch [C19: via Pennsylvania Dutch from German Hexe witch, from Middle High German hecse, perhaps from Old High German hagzissa; see HAG^1]   > ˈhexer n

hexa- or before a vowel hex-   combining form   six: hexachord; hexameter [from Greek, from hex SIX]

hexachloride (ˌhɛksəˈklɔːraId)   n   any compound containing six chlorine atoms per molecule

hexachlorocyclohexane (ˌhɛksəˌklɔːrəˌsaIkləʊˈhɛkseIn)   n   a white or yellowish powder existing in many isomeric forms. A mixture of isomers, including lindane, is used as an insecticide. Formula: C_6H_6Cl_6

hexachloroethane (ˌhɛksəˌklɔːrəʊˈɛθeIn) or hexachlorethane   n   a colourless crystalline insoluble compound with a camphor-like odour: used in pyrotechnics and explosives. Formula: C_2Cl_6

hexachlorophene (ˌhɛksəˈklɔːrəfiːn) or hexachlorophane (ˌhɛksəˈklɔːrəˌfeIn)   n   an insoluble almost odourless white bactericidal substance used in antiseptic soaps, deodorants, etc. Formula: (C_6HCl_3OH)2CH_2

hexachord (ˈhɛksəˌkɔːd)   n   (in medieval musical theory) any of three diatonic scales based upon C, F, and G, each consisting of six notes, from which solmization was developed

hexacosanoic acid (ˌhɛksəkəʊsəˈnəʊIk)   n   a white insoluble odourless wax present in beeswax, carnauba, and Chinese wax. Formula: CH_3(CH_2)24COOH. Also called: cerotic acid

hexact (ˈhɛksækt)   n   1 another name for a hexactinellid   ▷ adj   2 zoology hexactinal

hexactinal (ˌhɛksækˈtaInəl, hɛksˈæktInəl)   adj   zoology having six spicules

hexactinellid (hɛkˌsæktIˈnɛlId)   n   a type of sponge characterized by their (usually) six siliceous spicules or rays. Also called: hexact

hexad (ˈhɛksæd)   n   1 a group or series of six   2 the number or sum of six [C17: from Greek hexas, from hex six]   > hexˈadic adj

hexadactylic (ˌhɛksədækˈtIlIk) or hexadactylous (ˌhɛksəˈdæktIləs)   adj   having six fingers or toes

hexadecane (ˈhɛksədɛˌkeIn, ˌhɛksəˈdɛkeIn)   n   the systematic name for cetane [C19: from HEXA- + DECA- + -ANE]

hexadecanoic acid (ˈhɛksəˌdɛkənəʊIk)   n   the systematic name for palmitic acid

hexadecimal (ˌhɛksəˈdɛsIməl)   adj   1 relating to or using a number system whose base is 16 rather than 10   ▷ n also called hexadecimal notation   2 a number system having a base 16; the symbols for the numbers 0–9 are the same as those used in the decimal system, and the numbers 10–15 are usually represented by the letters A–F. The system is used as a convenient way of representing the internal binary code of a computer

hexaemeron (ˌhɛksəˈɛmərɒn) or hexahemeron   n     a the period of six days in which God created the world   b the account of the Creation in Genesis 1 [C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from hexaēmeros (adj) of six days, from HEXA- + hēmera day]   > ˌhexaˈemeric or ˌhexaˈhemeric adj

hexafluoride (ˌhɛksəˈflʊəˌraId)   adj   chem any compound containing six fluorine atoms per molecule

hexafoil (ˈhɛksəˌfɔIl)   n   geometry a pattern with six lobes around a regular hexagon

hexaglot (ˈhɛksəˌɡlɒt)   n   a book written in six languages

hexagon (ˈhɛksəɡən)   n   a polygon having six sides

■ hexagonal (hɛkˈsæɡənəl)   adj   1 having six sides and six angles   2 of or relating to a hexagon   3 relating or belonging to the crystal system characterized by three equal coplanar axes inclined at 60° to each other and a fourth longer or shorter axis at right angles to their plane. See also trigonal   > hexˈagonally adv

hexagram (ˈhɛksəˌɡræm)   n   1 a star-shaped figure formed by extending the sides of a regular hexagon to meet at six points   2 a group of six broken or unbroken lines which may be combined into 64 different patterns, as used in the I Ching   > ˌhexaˈgrammoid adj, n

hexagynian (ˌhɛksəˈdʒInIən) or hexagynous (hɛksˈædʒInəs)   adj   (of a plant) having six pistils

hexahedron (ˌhɛksəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having six plane faces. A regular hexahedron (cube) has square faces. See also polyhedron   > ˌhexaˈhedral adj

hexahydrate (ˌhɛksəˈhaIdreIt)   n   a hydrate, such as magnesium chloride, MgCl_2.6H_2O, with six molecules of water per molecule of substance   > ˌhexaˈhydrated adj

hexahydropiridine (ˌhɛksəhaIdrəʊˈpIrIˌdiːn)   n   the systematic name for piperidine

hexahydropyrazine (ˌhɛksəhaIdrəʊˈpaIrəˌziːn)   n   the systematic name for piperazine

hexamerous (hɛkˈsæmərəs) or hexameral   adj   (esp of the parts of a plant) arranged in groups of six   > hexˈamerism n

hexameter (hɛkˈsæmItə)   n prosody   1 a verse line consisting of six metrical feet   2 (in Greek and Latin epic poetry) a verse line of six metrical feet, of which the first four are usually dactyls or spondees, the fifth almost always a dactyl, and the sixth a spondee or trochee   > hexaˈmetral, hexametric (ˌhɛksəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌhexaˈmetrical adj

■ hexametrist (hɛksˈæmətrIst)   n   prosody a person who writes in hexameters

■ hexametrize or hexametrise (hɛkˈsæmIˌtraIz)   vb   prosody to write or put into hexameters

hexamethonium (ˌhɛksəmIˈθəʊnIəm)   n   a ganglionic blocker used to relieve hypertension

hexamethylenetetramine (ˌhɛksəˌmɛθIliːnˈtɛtrəˌmiːn)   n   a colourless crystalline organic compound used as a urinary antiseptic. Formula: C_6H_12N_4. Also called: hexamine, methenamine

hexamine (ˈhɛksəmiːn)   n   1 another name for hexamethylenetetramine   2 a type of fuel produced in small solid blocks or tablets for use in miniature camping stoves

hexandrian (hɛkˈsændrIən) or hexandrous (hɛksˈændrəs)   adj   (of a plant) having six stamens

hexane (ˈhɛkseIn)   n   a liquid alkane existing in five isomeric forms that are found in petroleum and used as solvents, esp the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms (n-hexane). Formula: C_6H_14 [C19: from HEXA- + -ANE]

hexangular (hɛkˈsæŋɡjʊlə)   adj   having six angles

hexanoic acid (ˌhɛksəˈnəʊIk)   n   an insoluble oily carboxylic acid found in coconut and palm oils and in milk. Formula: C_5H_11COOH [C20: from HEXANE + -oic]

hexapla (ˈhɛksəplə)   n   an edition of the Old Testament compiled by Origen, containing six versions of the text [C17: from Greek hexaploos sixfold]   > ˈhexaplar, hexaplarian (ˌhɛksəˈplɛərIən) or hexaplaric (ˌhɛksəˈplærIk) adj

hexaploid (ˈhɛksəˌplɔId) biology   n   1 an organism made up of cells containing six sets of chromosomes   ▷ adj   2 having six times the normal number of chromosomes

■ hexaploidy (ˈhɛksəˌplɔIdI)   n   the condition of being a hexaploid

hexapod (ˈhɛksəˌpɒd)   n   any arthropod of the class Hexapoda (or Insecta); an insect

■ hexapodal (hɛkˈsæpədəl)   adj   of or relating to the hexapods

■ hexapody (hɛkˈsæpədI)   n, pl -dies   prosody a verse measure consisting of six metrical feet   > hexapodic (ˌhɛksəˈpɒdIk) adj

hexarch (ˈhɛksɑːk)   adj   (of a plant) having six veins in the vascular tissue

hexarchy (ˈhɛksɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   an alliance or group of six states

hexastich (ˈhɛksəˌstIk) or hexastichon (hɛkˈsæstIˌkɒn)   n   a poem, stanza, or strophe that consists of six lines   > ˌhexaˈstichic or ˌhexaˈstichal adj

hexastyle (ˈhɛksəˌstaIl) architect   n   1 a portico or façade with six columns   ▷ adj   2 having six columns

Hexateuch (ˈhɛksəˌtjuːk)   n   the first six books of the Old Testament [C19: from HEXA- + Greek teukhos a book]   > ˈHexaˌteuchal adj

hexathlon (hɛkˈsæθlən)   n   an athletic contest consisting of six different events

hexavalent (ˌhɛksəˈveIlənt)   adj   chem having a valency of six. Also: sexivalent

hexerei (ˌhɛksəˈraI)   n   archaic witchcraft

hexobarbital (ˌhɛksəˈbɑːbIˌtæl)   n   a barbiturate with hypnotic and sedative properties

hexokinase (ˌhɛksəʊˈkaIneIz, ˌhɛksəʊˈkaIneIs)   n   an enzyme that catalyses the transfer of phosphate from ATP to glucose

hexone (ˈhɛksəʊn)   n   another name for methyl isobutyl ketone

hexosaminidase (ˌhɛksəʊsəˈmInIˌdeIz, ˌhɛksəʊsəˈmInIˌdeIs)   n   the enzymes that catalyse the metabolism of gangliosides

hexosan (ˈhɛksəˌsæn)   n   any of a group of polysaccharides that yield hexose on hydrolysis

hexose (ˈhɛksəʊs, -əʊz)   n   a monosaccharide, such as glucose, that contains six carbon atoms per molecule

hexyl (ˈhɛksIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the group of atoms C_6H_13, esp the isomeric form of this group, CH_3(CH_2)4CH_2-: a hexyl group or radical

■ hexylic (hɛkˈsIlIk)   adj   chem of or relating to hexyl

hexylene (ˈhɛksIˌliːn)   n   a liquid hydrocarbon similar to ethylene

hexylresorcinol (ˌhɛksIlrIˈzɔːsIˌnɒl)   n   a yellowish-white crystalline phenol that has a fatty odour and sharp taste; 2,4- dihydroxy-1-hexylbenzene: used for treating bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Formula: C_12H_18O_2

hey (heI)   interj   1 an expression indicating surprise, dismay, discovery, etc, or calling for another's attention   2 South African an exclamation used for emphasis at the end of a statement, or alone to seek repetition or confirmation of another person's statement   3 hey presto an exclamation used by conjurors to herald the climax of a trick [C13: compare Old French hay, German hei, Swedish hej]

■ hey-ho or heigh-ho (ˈheIˈhəʊ)   interj   an exclamation of weariness, disappointment, surprise, or happiness

heyday (ˈheIˌdeI)   n   the time of most power, popularity, vigour, etc; prime [C16: probably based on HEY]

Heyduck (ˈhaIdʊk)   n   a variant spelling of Haiduk

Heyer (ˈheIə)   n   Georgette. 1902–74, British historical novelist and writer of detective stories, noted esp for her romances of the Regency period

Heyerdahl (Norwegian ˈhɛiərdaːl)   n   Thor (tɔː). 1914–2002, Norwegian anthropologist. In 1947 he demonstrated that the Polynesians could originally have been migrants from South America, by sailing from Peru to the Pacific Islands of Tuamotu in the Kon-Tiki, a raft made of balsa wood. DNA testing in the late 1990s indicated that such a migration did not actually take place

Heysham (ˈhiːʃəm)   n   a port in NW England, in NW Lancashire. Pop (with Morecambe): 16 136 (2001)

Heywood^1 (ˈheIˌwʊd)   n   a town in NW England, in Rochdale unitary authority, Greater Manchester, near Bury. Pop: 28 024 (2001))

Heywood^2 (ˈheIˌwʊd)   n   1  John. ?1497–?1580, English dramatist, noted for his comic interludes   2  Thomas. ?1574–1641, English dramatist, noted esp for his domestic drama A Woman Killed with Kindness (1607)

Hezbollah (ˌhɛzbəˈlɑː) or Hizbollah   n   an organization of militant Shiite Muslims based in Lebanon [C20: Arabic, literally: party of God]

Hezekiah (ˌhɛzəˈkaIə)   n   a king of Judah ?715–?687 BC, noted for his religious reforms (II Kings 18–19). Douay spelling: Ezechias [from Hebrew hizqīyyāh ū God has strengthened]

hf   abbreviation for   half

Hf   the chemical symbol for   hafnium

HF or h.f.   abbreviation for   high frequency

HFEA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority

HFMD   abbreviation for   hand, foot, and mouth disease

hg   abbreviation for   hectogram

Hg   the chemical symbol for   mercury [from New Latin HYDRARGYRUM]

HG   abbreviation for   1 High German   2 His (or Her) Grace   3 (formerly, in Britain) Home Guard

HGH   abbreviation for   human growth hormone

hgt   abbreviation for   height

HGV   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   heavy goods vehicle

HH   abbreviation for   1 His (or Her) Highness   2 His Holiness (title of the Pope)   ▷ symbol for   3 (on Brit pencils) double hard

hhd   abbreviation for   hogshead

H-hour   n   military the specific hour at which any operation commences. Also called: zero hour

hi^1 (haI)   sentence substitute   an informal word for hello [C20: originally US, from HIYA]

hi^2 (haI)   interj   an expression used to attract attention [C15 hy; compare HEY]

HI   abbreviation for   1 Hawaii (state)   2 Hawaiian Islands

Hialeah (ˌhaIəˈliːə)   n   a city in SE Florida, near Miami: racetrack. Pop: 226 401 (2003 est)

hiant (ˈhaIənt)   adj   obsolete gaping, wide

hiatus (haIˈeItəs)   n, pl -tuses or -tus   1 (esp in manuscripts) a break or gap where something is missing   2 a break or interruption in continuity   3 a break between adjacent vowels in the pronunciation of a word   4 anatomy a natural opening or aperture; foramen   5 anatomy a less common word for vulva [C16: from Latin: gap, cleft, aperture, from hiāre to gape, yawn]   > hiˈatal adj

■ hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia   n   protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm at the oesophageal opening

Hiawatha (ˌhaIəˈwɒθə)   n   a 16th-century Onondaga chief: credited with the organization of the Five Nations

Hib (hIb)   n acronym for   Haemophilus influenzae type b: a vaccine against a type of bacterial meningitis, administered to children

hibachi (hIˈbɑːtʃI)   n   a portable brazier for heating and cooking food [from Japanese, from hi fire + bachi bowl]

hibakusha (hIˈbɑːkʊʃə)   n, pl -sha or -shas   a survivor of either of the atomic-bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 [C20: from Japanese, from hibaku exposed + -sha -person]

hibernaculum (ˌhaIbəˈnækjʊləm) or hibernacle (ˈhaIbəˌnækəl)   n, pl -ula (-jʊlə) or -les rare   1 the winter quarters of a hibernating animal   2 the protective case or covering of a plant bud or animal [C17: from Latin: winter residence; see HIBERNATE]

hibernal (haIˈbɜːnəl)   adj   of or occurring in winter [C17: from Latin hībernālis, from hiems winter]

hibernate (ˈhaIbəˌneIt)   vb (intr)   1 (of some mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) to pass the winter in a dormant condition with metabolism greatly slowed down. Compare aestivate   2 to cease from activity [C19: from Latin hībernāre to spend the winter, from hībernus of winter, from hiems winter]   > ˌhiberˈnation n   > ˈhiberˌnator n

Hibernia (haIˈbɜːnIə, hIˈbɜːnIə)   n   the Roman name for Ireland^1

USAGE

This name is now used poetically

■ Hibernian (haIˈbɜːnIən, hIˈbɜːnIən)   adj   1 of or relating to Ireland or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Ireland

■ Hibernicism (haIˈbɜːnIˌsIzəm) or Hibernianism (haIˈbɜːnIəˌnIzəm)   n   an Irish expression, idiom, trait, custom, etc

■ hibernicization, hibernicisation (haIˌbɜːnIsaIˈzeIʃən), hibernization or hibernisation (ˌhaIbɜːnaIˈzeIʃən)   n   the process or act of making Irish

■ hibernicize, hibernicise (haIˈbɜːnIˌsaIz), hibernize or hibernise (ˈhaIbɜːˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   to make Irish in form or character

Hiberno- (haIˈbɜːnəʊ, hIˈbɜːnəʊ)   combining form   denoting Irish or Ireland: Hiberno-English

hibiscus (haIˈbIskəs)   n, pl -cuses   any plant of the chiefly tropical and subtropical malvaceous genus Hibiscus, esp H. rosa-sinensis, cultivated for its large brightly coloured flowers [C18: from Latin, from Greek hibiskos marsh mallow]

hic (hIk)   interj   a representation of the sound of a hiccup

hiccatee (ˌhIkəˈtiː)   n   a fresh-water tortoise native to the Caribbean

hiccup or hiccough (ˈhIkʌp)   n   1 a spasm of the diaphragm producing a sudden breathing in followed by a closing of the glottis, resulting in a sharp sound. Technical name: singultus   2 the state or condition of having such spasms   3 informal a minor difficulty or problem   ▷ vb -cups, -cuping, -cuped or -cups, -cupping, -cupped or -coughs, -coughing, -coughed   4 (intr) to make a hiccup or hiccups   5 (tr) to utter with a hiccup or hiccups [C16: of imitative origin]

■ hiccupy (ˈhIkʌpI)   adj   having hiccups

hic jacet Latin (hIk ˈjækɛt)     (on gravestones) here lies

hick (hIk)   n   informal   a a country person; bumpkin   b (as modifier): hick ideas [C16: after Hick, familiar form of Richard]

■ hickish (ˈhIkIʃ)   adj   like a hick

hickey (ˈhIkI)   n   1 US and Canadian informal an object or gadget: used as a name when the correct name is forgotten, etc; doodah   2 US and Canadian informal a mark on the skin, esp a lovebite   3 printing a spot on a printed sheet caused by an imperfection or a speck on the printing plate [C20: of unknown origin]

Hickok (ˈhIkɒk)   n   James Butler, known as Wild Bill Hickok. 1837–76, US frontiersman and marshal

hickory (ˈhIkərI)   n, pl -ries   1 any juglandaceous tree of the chiefly North American genus Carya, having nuts with edible kernels and hard smooth shells. See also pecan, pignut (sense 1), bitternut (sense 1), shagbark   2 the hard tough wood of any of these trees   3 the nut of any of these trees   4 a switch or cane made of hickory wood [C17: from earlier pohickery, from Algonquian pawcohiccora food made from ground hickory nuts]

Hickox (ˈhIkɒks)   n   Richard (Sidney). 1948–2008, British conductor; musical director of the City of London Sinfonia and Singers (1971–2008)

hickwall (ˈhIkˌwɔːl)   n   a name given to a variety of European woodpeckers, esp the green woodpecker

hickymal (ˈhIkIməl)   n   Southwest English dialect a titmouse

hid (hId)   vb   the past tense and a past participle of hide^1

hidalgo (hIˈdælɡəʊ; Spanish iˈðalɣo) or feminine hidalga (-ɡə; Spanish -ɣa)   n, pl -gos (-ɡəʊz; Spanish -ɣos) or -gas (-ɡəz; Spanish -ɣas)   a member of the lower nobility in Spain [C16: from Spanish, from Old Spanish fijo dalgo nobleman, from Latin filius son + dē of + aliquid something]

■ hidalgoish (hIˈdælɡəʊIʃ)   adj   resembling a hidalgo

■ hidalgoism (hIˈdælɡəʊˌIzəm)   n   the position or practice of a hidalgo

Hidalgo (hIˈdælɡəʊ; Spanish iˈðalɣo)   n   a state of central Mexico: consists of a high plateau, with the Sierra Madre Oriental in the north and east; ancient remains of Teltec culture (at Tula); rich mineral resources. Capital: Pachuca. Pop: 2 231 392 (2000). Area: 20 987 sq km (8103 sq miles)

hidden (ˈhIdən)   vb   1 a past participle of hide^1   ▷ adj   2 concealed or obscured: a hidden cave; a hidden meaning   > ˈhiddenly adv   > ˈhiddenness n

■ hidden agenda   n   a hidden motive or intention behind an overt action, policy, etc

■ hidden hand   n   an unknown force or influence believed to be the cause of certain, often unfortunate, events

hiddenite (ˈhIdəˌnaIt)   n   a green transparent variety of the mineral spodumene, used as a gemstone [C19: named after W. E. Hidden (1853–1918), American mineralogist who discovered it]

hiddenmost (ˈhIdənˌməʊst)   adj   archaic most hidden or concealed

hidder (ˈhIdə)   n   dialect a young ram

hide^1 (haId)   vb hides, hiding, hid (hId), hidden (ˈhIdən) or hid   1 to put or keep (oneself or an object) in a secret place; conceal (oneself or an object) from view or discovery: to hide a pencil; to hide from the police   2 (tr) to conceal or obscure: the clouds hid the sun   3 (tr) to keep secret   4 (tr) to turn (one's head, eyes, etc) away   ▷ n   5 Brit a place of concealment, usually disguised to appear as part of the natural environment, used by hunters, birdwatchers, etc. US and Canadian equivalent: blind [Old English hӯdan; related to Old Frisian hēda, Middle Low German hüden, Greek keuthein]   > ˈhidable adj   > ˈhider n

■ hide-and-seek or US and Canadian hide-and-go-seek   n   a game in which one player covers his or her eyes and waits while the others hide, and then tries to find them

■ hideaway (ˈhaIdəˌweI)   n   a hiding place or secluded spot

■ hideout (ˈhaIdˌaʊt)   n   1 a hiding place, esp a remote place used by outlaws, etc; hideaway   ▷ vb hide out (intr)   2 to remain deliberately concealed, esp for a prolonged period of time

■ hiding (ˈhaIdIŋ)   n   1 the state of concealment (esp in the phrase in hiding)   2 hiding place a place of concealment

hide^2 (haId)   n   1 the skin of an animal, esp the tough thick skin of a large mammal, either tanned or raw   2 informal the human skin   3 Austral and NZ informal impudence   ▷ vb hides, hiding, hided   4 (tr) informal to flog [Old English hӯd; related to Old Norse hūth, Old Frisian hēd, Old High German hūt, Latin cutis skin, Greek kutos; see CUTICLE]   > ˈhideless adj

■ hidebound (ˈhaIdˌbaʊnd)   adj   1 restricted by petty rules, a conservative attitude, etc   2 (of cattle, etc) having the skin closely attached to the flesh as a result of poor feeding   3 (of trees) having a very tight bark that impairs growth

■ hiding (ˈhaIdIŋ)   n   1 informal a flogging; beating   2 be on a hiding to nothing to be bound to fail; to face impossible odds

hide^3 (haId)   n   an obsolete Brit unit of land measure, varying in magnitude from about 60 to 120 acres [Old English hīgid; related to hīw family, household, Latin cīvis citizen]

■ hidage (ˈhaIdIdʒ)   n   English law (formerly) a land tax based on the number of hides

hi-def (ˌhaIˈdɛf) informal   adj   1 of or relating to broadcasting systems that offer a picture with superior definition   ▷ n   2 high definition television

hideous (ˈhIdIəs)   adj   1 extremely ugly; repulsive: a hideous person   2 terrifying and horrific [C13: from Old French hisdos, from hisde fear; of uncertain origin]   > ˈhideously adv   > ˈhideousness or hideosity (ˌhIdIˈɒsItI) n

Hideyoshi Toyotomi (ˌhiːdɛˈjɔːʃI ˌtɔːjɔːˈtɔːmI)   n   1536–98, Japanese military dictator (1582–98). He unified all Japan (1590)

hidling (ˈhIdlIŋ)   n   1 dialect a person or object fond of hiding   ▷ adj   2 dialect fond of hiding

hidlings (ˈhIdlIŋz)   adv   in secret, secretly

hidrosis (hIˈdrəʊsIs)   n   1 a technical word for sweating or sweat. See sweat   2 any skin disease affecting the sweat glands   3 Also called: hyperhidrosis (ˌhaIpəhIˈdrəʊsIs, -haIˈdrəʊsIs) pathol excessive perspiration [C18: via New Latin from Greek: sweating, from hidrōs sweat]   > hidrotic (hIˈdrɒtIk) adj

hidy-hole or hidey-hole (ˈhaIdIˌhəʊl)   n   informal a hiding place

hie (haI)   vb hies, hieing or hying, hied   archaic or poetic to hurry; hasten; speed [Old English hīgian to strive]

HIE   abbreviation for   (in Scotland) Highlands and Islands Enterprise

hielaman (ˈhiːləˌmæn)   n   an Australian Aboriginal shield

hieland (ˈhiːlənd)   adj Scot dialect   1 a variant of Highland   2 characteristic of Highlanders, esp alluding to their supposed gullibility or foolishness in towns or cities

hiemal (ˈhaIəməl)   adj   a less common word for hibernal [C16: from Latin hiems winter; see HIBERNATE]

hiems (ˈhaIəmz)   n   poetic winter

hier-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of hiero-

hieracium (ˌhaIəˈreIʃIəm)   n   another name for hawkweed

hieracosphinx (ˌhaIəˈreIkəʊˌsfIŋks)   n, pl -sphinxes or -sphinges (-ˌsfIndʒiːz)   (in ancient Egyptian art) a hawk-headed sphinx [C18: from Greek hierax hawk + SPHINX]

hierarchy (ˈhaIəˌrɑːkI)   n, pl -chies   1 a system of persons or things arranged in a graded order   2 a body of persons in holy orders organized into graded ranks   3 the collective body of those so organized   4 a series of ordered groupings within a system, such as the arrangement of plants and animals into classes, orders, families, etc   5 linguistics, maths a formal structure, usually represented by a diagram of connected nodes, with a single uppermost element. Compare ordering, heterarchy, tree (sense 6)   6 government by an organized priesthood [C14: from Medieval Latin hierarchia, from Late Greek hierarkhia, from hierarkhēs high priest; see HIERO-, -ARCHY]   > ˌhierˈarchical or ˌhierˈarchic adj   > ˌhierˈarchically adv   > ˈhierˌarchism n

■ hierarch (ˈhaIəˌrɑːk)   n   1    a a person in a position of high priestly authority   b a person holding high rank in a religious hierarchy   2 a person at a high level in a hierarchy   > ˌhierˈarchal adj

■ hierarchize or hierarchise (ˈhaIəˌrɑːkˌaIz)   vb (tr)   to arrange in a hierarchy

hieratic (ˌhaIəˈrætIk)   adj also hieratical   1 of or relating to priests   2 of or relating to a cursive form of hieroglyphics used by priests in ancient Egypt   3 of or relating to styles in art that adhere to certain fixed types or methods, as in ancient Egypt   ▷ n   4 the hieratic script of ancient Egypt [C17: from Latin hierāticus, from Greek hieratikos, from hiereus a priest, from hieros holy]   > ˌhierˈatically adv

hieratica (ˌhaIəˈrætIkə)   n   a type of papyrus noted for its high quality and used by the ancient Egyptians in sacred books

hiero- or before a vowel hier-   combining form   holy or divine: hierocracy; hierarchy [from Greek, from hieros]

hierocracy (ˌhaIəˈrɒkrəsI)   n, pl -cies   government by priests or ecclesiastics   > hierocratic (ˌhaIərəˈkrætIk) or ˌhieroˈcratical adj

■ hierocrat (ˈhaIərəˌkræt)   n   a person who believes in government by religious leaders

hierodule (ˈhaIərəˌdjuːl)   n   (in ancient Greece) a temple slave, esp a sacral prostitute [C19: from Greek hierodoulos, from HIERO- + doulos slave]   > ˌhieroˈdulic adj

hieroglyphic (ˌhaIərəˈɡlIfIk)   adj also hieroglyphical   1 of or relating to a form of writing using picture symbols, esp as used in ancient Egypt   2 written with hieroglyphic symbols   3 difficult to read or decipher   ▷ n also hieroglyph   4 a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound   5 a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher [C16: from Late Latin hieroglyphicus, from Greek hierogluphikos, from HIERO- + gluphē carving, from gluphein to carve]   > ˌhieroˈglyphically adv   > hieroglyphist (ˌhaIərəˈɡlIfIst, ˌhaIəˈrɒɡ-) n

■ hieroglyphics (ˌhaIərəˈɡlIfIks)   n (functioning as singular or plural)   1 a form of writing, esp as used in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, concepts, or sounds   2 difficult or undecipherable writing

hierogram (ˈhaIərəˌɡræm)   n   a sacred symbol

■ hierogrammate (ˌhaIərəˈɡræmIt, ˌhaIərəˈɡræmeIt), hierogrammat (ˌhaIərəˈɡræmət) or hierogrammatist (ˌhaIərəˈɡræmətIst)   n   a writer of hierograms

■ hierogrammatic (ˌhaIərəˈɡræmætIk)   adj   of or relating to a hierogram

hierograph (ˈhaIərəˌɡrɑːf)   n   sacred writing or characters

■ hierographer (ˌhaIəˈrɒɡrəfə)   n   a writer of hierographs

■ hierographic (ˌhaIərəˈɡræfIk) or hierographical (ˌhaIərəˈɡræfIkəl)   adj   of or relating to hierographs

■ hierography (ˌhaIəˈrɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   a treatise on religion or sacred things

hierolatry (ˌhaIəˈrɒlətrI)   n   the worship or veneration of holy beings

hierology (ˌhaIəˈrɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 sacred literature   2 a biography of a saint   > hierologic (ˌhaIərəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌhieroˈlogical adj   > ˌhierˈologist n

hieromancy (ˈhaIərəˌmænsI)   n   divination through studying objects offered in sacrifice. Also called: hieroscopy

Hieronymus (ˌhaIəˈrɒnIməs)   n   Eusebius (juːˈsiːbIəs). the Latin name of Saint Jerome. See Jerome (sense 1)   > Hieronymic (ˌhaIərəˈnImIk) or ˌHieroˈnymian adj

hierophant (ˈhaIərəˌfænt)   n   1 (in ancient Greece) an official high priest of religious mysteries, esp those of Eleusis   2 a person who interprets and explains esoteric mysteries [C17: from Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophantēs, from HIERO- + phainein to reveal]   > ˌhieroˈphantic adj   > ˌhieroˈphantically adv

hierophobia (ˌhaIərəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an irrational fear of sacred objects or people

■ hierophobic (ˌhaIərəˈfəʊbIk)   n   a person who has hierophobia

hieroscopy (haIəˈrɒskəpI)   n   another word for hieromancy

hierurgy (ˈhaIərˌɜːdʒI)   n   1 the performance of religious worship   2 (pl -gies) a sacred rite

■ hierurgical (ˌhaIəˈrɜːdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to sacred rites

hifalutin (ˌhaIfəˈluːtIn)   adj   a variant spelling of highfalutin

hi-fi (ˈhaIˈfaI)   n informal   1    a short for high fidelity   b (as modifier): hi-fi equipment   2 a set of high-quality sound-reproducing equipment

Higgins (ˈhIɡInz)   n   1  Alex, known as Hurricane Higgins. 1949–2010, Northern Irish snooker player: world champion (1972, 1982)   2  Jack, real name Harry Patterson. born 1929, British novelist; his thrillers include The Eagle Has Landed (1975), Confessional (1985), and Midnight Runner (2002)   3  Michael (Daniel). born 1941, Irish politician: president of Ireland from 2011

higgle (ˈhIɡəl)   vb   a less common word for haggle   > ˈhiggler n

higgledy-piggledy (ˈhIɡəldIˈpIɡəldI) informal   adj, adv   1 in a jumble   ▷ n   2 a muddle

Higgs boson or Higgs particle (hIɡz)   n   physics an elementary particle with zero spin and mass greater than zero, predicted to exist by electroweak theory and other gauge theories, discovered in 2012. Also called: (informal) God particle [C20: named after Peter Higgs (born 1929), British theoretical physicist]

high (haI)   adj   1 being a relatively great distance from top to bottom; tall: a high building   2 situated at or extending to a relatively great distance above the ground or above sea level: a high plateau   3    a (postpositive) being a specified distance from top to bottom: three feet high   b (in combination): a seven-foot-high wall   4 extending from an elevation: a high dive   5 (in combination) coming up to a specified level: knee-high   6 being at its peak or point of culmination: high noon   7 of greater than average height: a high collar   8 greater than normal in degree, intensity, or amount: high prices; a high temperature; a high wind   9 of large or relatively large numerical value: high frequency; high voltage; high mileage   10 (of sound) acute in pitch; having a high frequency   11 (of latitudes) situated relatively far north or south from the equator   12 (of meat) slightly decomposed or tainted, regarded as enhancing the flavour of game   13 of great eminence; very important: the high priestess   14 exalted in style or character; elevated: high drama   15 expressing or feeling contempt or arrogance: high words   16 elated; cheerful: high spirits   17 (predicative) informal overexcited: by the end of term the children are really high   18 informal being in a state of altered consciousness, characterized esp by euphoria and often induced by the use of alcohol, narcotics, etc   19 luxurious or extravagant: high life   20 advanced in complexity or development: high finance   21 (of a gear) providing a relatively great forward speed for a given engine speed. Compare low^1 (sense 21)   22 phonetics of, relating to, or denoting a vowel whose articulation is produced by raising the back of the tongue towards the soft palate or the blade towards the hard palate, such as for the ee in English see or oo in English moon. Compare low^1 (sense 20)   23 (capital when part of name) formal and elaborate in style: High Mass   24 (usually capital) of or relating to the High Church   25 remote, esp in time   26 cards   a having a relatively great value in a suit   b able to win a trick   27 high and dry stranded; helpless; destitute   28 high and low in all places; everywhere   29 high and mighty informal arrogant   30 high as a kite informal   a very drunk   b overexcited   c euphoric from drugs   31 high opinion a favourable opinion   ▷ adv   32 at or to a height: he jumped high   33 in a high manner   34 nautical close to the wind with sails full   ▷ n   35 a high place or level   36 informal a state of altered consciousness, often induced by alcohol, narcotics, etc   37 another word for anticyclone   38 short for high school   39 (capital) (esp in Oxford) the High Street   40 electronics the voltage level in a logic circuit corresponding to logical one. Compare low^1 (sense 30)   41 on high   a at a height   b in heaven [Old English hēah; related to Old Norse hār, Gothic hauhs, Old High German hōh high, Lithuanian kaũkas bump, Russian kúchča heap, Sanskrit kuča bosom]

■ high-ability   adj   (of a student) having a higher than average ability

■ high-achieving   adj   (of a person) dynamic, ambitious, and successful

■ high altar   n   the principal altar of a church

■ High Arctic   n   the regions of Canada, esp the northern islands, within the Arctic Circle

■ highball (ˈhaIˌbɔːl) chiefly US   n   1 a long iced drink consisting of a spirit base with water, soda water, etc   2 (originally in railway use) a signal that the way ahead is clear and one may proceed   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to move at great speed   4 (tr) to drive (a vehicle) at great speed [C19: (in sense 2) from the early railway signal consisting of a ball hoisted to the top of a pole]

■ high-bandwidth digital content protection   n   trademark a specification for the encryption of digital content during processing. Abbreviation: HDCP

■ highbinder (ˈhaIˌbaIndə)   n US informal   1 a gangster   2 a corrupt politician   3 (formerly) a member of a Chinese-American secret society that engaged in blackmail, murder, etc [C19: named after the High-binders, a New York city gang]

■ highblooded (ˈhaIˌblʌdId)   adj   archaic of high blood, family, or race

■ highborn (ˈhaIˌbɔːn)   adj   of noble or aristocratic birth

■ highboy (ˈhaIˌbɔI)   n   US and Canadian a tall chest of drawers in two sections, the lower section being a lowboy. Brit equivalent: tallboy

■ high brass   n   brass containing 65 per cent copper and 35 per cent zinc, used for most applications

■ highbred (ˈhaIˌbrɛd)   adj   of high breed, stock, etc

■ highbrow (ˈhaIˌbraʊ) often derogatory   n   1 a person of scholarly and erudite tastes   ▷ adj also highbrowed   2 appealing to highbrows: highbrow literature

■ highbrowism (ˈhaIˌbraʊIzəm)   n   the condition of being highbrow

■ highbush (ˈhaIˌbʌʃ)   adj   denoting a tall-growing variety of a bush

■ high camp   n   a sophisticated form of camp^2

■ high-carb   n   (modifier) having a high carbohydrate content: high-carb foods

■ high-carbon steel   n   steel containing between 0.5 and 1.5 per cent carbon

■ highchair (ˈhaIˌtʃɛə)   n   a long-legged chair for a child, esp one with a table-like tray used at meal times

■ High Church   n   1 the party or movement within the Church of England stressing continuity with Catholic Christendom, the authority of bishops, and the importance of sacraments, rituals, and ceremonies. Compare Broad Church, Low Church   ▷ adj High-Church   2 of or relating to this party or movement   > ˈHigh-ˈChurchman n

■ high-class   adj   1 of very good quality; superior: a high-class grocer   2 belonging to, associated with, or exhibiting the characteristics of an upper social class: a high-class lady; a high-class prostitute

■ high-coloured   adj   (of the complexion) deep red or purplish; florid

■ high comedy   n   comedy set largely among cultured and articulate people and featuring witty dialogue. Compare low comedy   > high comedian n

■ high command   n   the commander-in-chief and senior officers of a nation's armed forces

■ high commissioner   n   1 the senior diplomatic representative sent by one Commonwealth country to another instead of an ambassador   2 the head of an international commission   3 the chief officer in a colony or other dependency

■ high concept   n     a a strikingly original idea that underlies an artistic project   b (as modifier): Baz Luhrmann's high-concept Romeo and Juliet

■ high-context   adj   preferring to communicate in person, rather than by electronic methods such as email. Compare low-context

■ high country   n   the high country sheep pastures in the foothills of the Southern Alps, New Zealand

■ High Court   n   1    a (in England and Wales) a shortened form of High Court of Justice   b (in Scotland) a shortened form of High Court of Justiciary   2 (in Australia) the highest court of appeal, deciding esp constitutional issues   3 (in New Zealand) a court of law inferior to the Court of Appeal. Formerly called: Supreme Court

■ High Court of Justice   n   (in England and Wales) one of the two divisions of the Supreme Court of Judicature. See also Court of Appeal

■ High Court of Justiciary   n   the senior criminal court in Scotland, to which all cases of murder and rape and all cases involving heavy penalties are referred

■ high day   n   a day of celebration; festival (esp in the phrase high days and holidays)

■ high-definition   adj   providing a high definition image

■ high definition multimedia interface   n   a digital interface capable of transmitting uncompressed audio or visual data. Abbreviation: (trademark) HDMI

■ high definition television   n   a television system offering a picture with superior definition, using 1000 or more scanning lines, and possibly a higher field repetition rate to reduce flicker effects. Abbreviation: HDTV

■ high-density   adj   (of a floppy disk) having a relatively high storage capacity, usually of 1.44 megabytes

■ high-density lipoprotein   n   a lipoprotein that is the form in which cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream from the tissues to the liver. Abbreviation: HDL

■ high-dependency   adj   needing or providing a more than usually high level of healthcare: a shortage of high-dependency beds

■ high-end   adj   (prenominal) (esp of computers, electronic equipment, etc) of the greatest power or sophistication

■ high-energy   adj   1 physics possessing speed and energy beyond the classical laws of motion, esp of particles which have been accelerated in an accelerator   2 (of a food or drink) providing a special source of energy for the eater or drinker   3 (of an activity or person) requiring or displaying a lot of physical energy

■ high-energy physics   n   another name for particle physics

■ highest common factor   n   the largest number or quantity that is a factor of each member of a group of numbers or quantities. Abbreviation: HCF, Abbreviation: h.c.f. Also called: greatest common divisor

■ high explosive   n   an extremely powerful chemical explosive, such as TNT or gelignite

■ high fashion   n   another name for haute couture

■ high fidelity   n     a the reproduction of sound using electronic equipment that gives faithful reproduction with little or no distortion   b (as modifier): a high-fidelity amplifier. Often shortened to: hi-fi

■ high-five slang   n   1 a gesture of greeting or congratulation in which two people slap raised right palms together   ▷ vb   2 to greet or congratulate (a person) in this way

■ high-flown   adj   extravagant or pretentious in conception or intention: high-flown ideas

■ high-flyer or high-flier   n   1 a person who is extreme in aims, ambition, etc   2 a person of great ability, esp in a career

■ high-flying   adj   having great ambition or ability

■ high frequency   n     a a radio-frequency band or radio frequency lying between 3 and 30 megahertz. Abbreviation: HF   b (as modifier): a high-frequency transmitter

■ High German   n   1 the standard German language, historically developed from the form of West Germanic spoken in S Germany. Abbreviation: HG. See also German (sense 1), Low German   2 any of the German dialects of S Germany, Austria, or Switzerland

■ high-grade   adj   of a higher than average standard or quality

■ high-handed   adj   tactlessly overbearing and inconsiderate   > ˌhigh-ˈhandedly adv   > ˌhigh-ˈhandedness n

■ high hat   n   1 another name for top hat   2 informal a snobbish person   3 two facing brass cymbals triggered by means of a foot pedal   ▷ adj high-hat   4 informal snobbish and arrogant   ▷ vb high-hat (-hats, -hatting, -hatted) (tr)   5 informal, chiefly US and Canadian to treat (a person) in a snobbish or offhand way

■ high-heeled   adj   (of shoes or boots) having high, rather than flat, heels

■ High Holidays   pl n   Judaism the festivals of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the period of repentance in the first ten days of the Jewish new year. Also called: Days of Awe, Yamim Nora'im

■ high hurdles   n   (functioning as singular) a race in which competitors leap over hurdles 42 inches (107 cm) high

■ high-impact   adj (prenominal)   1 (of a plastic or other material) able to withstand great force   2 (of aerobic or other exercise) placing great stress on various areas of the body   3 informal having great effect: high-impact sound

■ high-income   adj   1 (of a person) earning a higher than average income   2 (of a financial instrument) providing a higher than average income

■ high-interest   adj   1 (of a loan, mortgage, etc) to be repaid at a high rate of interest   2 (of an account, share, etc) paying interest above the average

■ highish (ˈhaIIʃ)   adj   informal quite high

■ high jinks or hijinks (ˈhaIˌdʒIŋks)   n   lively enjoyment

■ high jump   n   1 the high jump   a an athletic event in which a competitor has to jump over a high bar set between two vertical supports   b (as modifier): high-jump techniques   2 be for the high jump Brit informal to be liable to receive a severe reprimand or punishment   > high jumper n   > high jumping n

■ high-key   adj   (of a photograph, painting, etc) having a predominance of light grey tones or light colours. Compare low-key (sense 3)

■ high-keyed   adj   1 having a high pitch; shrill   2 US highly strung   3 bright in colour

■ highland (ˈhaIlənd)   n   1 relatively high ground   2 (modifier) of or relating to a highland   > ˈhighlander n

■ high-level   adj   (of conferences, talks, etc) involving very important people

■ high-level language   n   a computer programming language that resembles natural language or mathematical notation and is designed to reflect the requirements of a problem; examples include Ada, BASIC, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, Pascal. See also machine code

■ high-level waste   n   radioactive waste material, such as spent nuclear fuel initially having a high activity and thus needing constant cooling for several decades by its producers before it can be reprocessed or treated. Compare intermediate-level waste, low-level waste

■ highlife (ˈhaIˌlaIf)   n     a a style of music combining West African elements with US jazz forms, found esp in the cities of West Africa   b (as modifier): a highlife band

■ highlight (ˈhaIˌlaIt)   n   1 an area of the lightest tone in a painting, drawing, photograph, etc   2 the most exciting or memorable part of an event or period of time   3 (often plural) a bleached blond streak in the hair   ▷ vb (tr)   4 painting, drawing, photog to mark (any brightly illuminated or prominent part of a form or figure) with light tone   5 to bring notice or emphasis to   6 to be the highlight of   7 to produce blond streaks in (the hair) by bleaching

■ highlighter (ˈhaIˌlaItə)   n   1 a cosmetic cream or powder applied to the face to highlight the cheekbones, eyes, etc   2 a fluorescent felt-tip pen used as a marker to emphasize a section of text without obscuring it

■ highlights (ˈhaIlaIts)   pl n   1 television a selection on the TV or radio of the most important and exciting parts of an event, esp a sporting event   2 dyed or bleached blond streaks in the hair

■ highly (ˈhaIlI)   adv   1 (intensifier): highly pleased; highly disappointed   2 with great approbation or favour: we spoke highly of it   3 in a high position: placed highly in class   4 at or for a high price or cost

■ highly strung or US and Canadian high-strung   adj   tense and easily upset; excitable; nervous

■ high-maintenance   adj   1 (of a piece of equipment, motor vehicle, etc) requiring regular maintenance to keep it in working order   2 informal (of a person) requiring a high level of care and attention; demanding

■ highman (ˈhaImən)   n, pl -men   a dice weighted to make it fall in a particular way

■ High Mass   n   a solemn and elaborate sung Mass. Compare Low Mass

■ high-minded   adj   1 having or characterized by high moral principles   2 archaic arrogant; haughty   > ˌhigh-ˈmindedly adv   > ˌhigh-ˈmindedness n

■ highmost (ˈhaIˌməʊst)   adj   obsolete highest

■ high-muck-a-muck   n   a conceited or haughty person [C19: from Chinook Jargon hiu muckamuck, literally: plenty (of) food]

■ high-necked   adj   (of a shirt, blouse, dress, etc) having a neck of greater than average height

■ highness (ˈhaInIs)   n   the condition of being high or lofty

■ Highness (ˈhaInIs)   n   (preceded by Your, His, or Her) a title used to address or refer to a royal person

■ high-octane   adj   1 (of petrol) having a high octane number   2 informal dynamic, forceful, or intense: high-octane drive and efficiency

■ high-pass filter   n   electronics a filter that transmits all frequencies above a specified value, substantially attenuating frequencies below this value. Compare low-pass filter, band-pass filter

■ high-performance   adj   (of machines, engines, cars) very efficient and powerful

■ high-pitched   adj   1 pitched high in volume or tone. See high (sense 10)   2 (of a roof) having steeply sloping sides   3 (of an argument, style, etc) lofty or intense

■ high place   n   Old Testament a place of idolatrous worship, esp a hilltop

■ high places   pl n   positions and offices of influence and importance: a scandal in high places

■ high point   n   a moment or occasion of great intensity, interest, happiness, etc: the award marked a high point in his life

■ high-powered   adj   1 (of an optical instrument or lens) having a high magnification: a high-powered telescope   2 dynamic and energetic; highly capable   3 possessing great strength, power, etc: a high-powered engine

■ high-pressure   adj   1 having, using, involving, or designed to withstand a pressure above normal pressure: a high-pressure gas; a high-pressure cylinder   2 informal (of selling) persuasive in an aggressive and persistent manner

■ high-priced   adj   costing more than the average

■ high priest   n   1 Judaism the priest of highest rank who alone was permitted to enter the holy of holies of the tabernacle and Temple   2 Mormon Church a priest of the order of Melchizedek priesthood   3 the head of a group or cult. Also (feminine): high priestess   > high priesthood n

■ high-principled   adj   possessing or displaying very high moral or ethical principles

■ high profile   n     a a position or approach characterized by a deliberate seeking of prominence or publicity   b (as modifier): a high-profile campaign. Compare low profile

■ high-protein   adj   (of a food) rich in proteins

■ high-ranking   adj   having a senior position in a military or political organization

■ high relief   n   relief in which forms and figures stand out from the background to half or more than half of their natural depth. Also called: alto-relievo

■ High Renaissance   n   the High Renaissance   a the period from about the 1490s to the 1520s in painting, sculpture, and architecture in Europe, esp in Italy, when the Renaissance ideals were considered to have been attained through the mastery of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael   b (as modifier): High Renaissance art

■ high-resolution   adj   (of a photographic, TV, or video image) showing a great deal of detail

■ high-rise   adj     a (prenominal) of or relating to a building that has many storeys, esp one used for flats or offices: a high-rise block. Compare low-rise   b (as noun): a high-rise in Atlanta

■ high-risk   adj   denoting a group, part, etc, that is particularly subject or exposed to a danger

■ highroad (ˈhaIˌrəʊd)   n   1 a main road; highway   2 (the highroad) the sure way: the highroad to fame

■ high roller   n   slang, chiefly US and Canadian a person who spends money extravagantly or gambles recklessly   > high rolling n, adj

■ high school   n   1 Brit another term for grammar school   2 US and NZ a secondary school from grade 7 to grade 12   3 Canadian a secondary school, the grades covered depending on the province

■ high-scoring   adj   1 (of a football etc match) in which a lot of goals are scored   2 (of a football etc player) that scores a lot of goals

■ high seas   pl n   (sometimes singular) the open seas of the world, outside the jurisdiction of any one nation

■ high season   n   the most popular time of year at a holiday resort, etc

■ high society   n     a the upper classes, esp when fashionable   b (as modifier): her high-society image

■ high-sounding   adj   another term for high-flown

■ high-speed   adj photog   1 employing or requiring a very short exposure time: high-speed film   2 recording or making exposures at a rate usually exceeding 50 and up to several million frames per second   3 working, moving, or operating at a high speed

■ high-speed downlink packet access   n   a technology that allows high-speed downloads to mobile telephones. Abbreviation: HSDPA. Also: 3.5G

■ high-speed steel   n   any of various steels that retain their hardness at high temperatures and are thus suitable for making tools used on lathes and other high-speed machines

■ high-spending   adj   1 spending more than is necessary or appropriate   2 having a lot of money to spend, esp on expensive items

■ high-spirited   adj   vivacious, bold, or lively   > ˌhigh-ˈspiritedly adv   > ˌhigh-ˈspiritedness n

■ high spot or highspot   n   informal another word for highlight (sense 2)

■ high-stepper   n   a horse trained to lift its feet high off the ground when walking or trotting

■ High Street often not capitals   n the High Street   1 Brit the main street of a town, usually where the principal shops are situated   2 the market constituted by the general public   3 (modifier) geared to meet the requirements of, and readily available for purchase by, the general public: High-Street fashion

■ high table   n   (sometimes capitals) the table, sometimes elevated, in the dining hall of a school, college, etc, at which the principal teachers, fellows, etc, sit

■ hightail (ˈhaIˌteIl)   vb   (intr) informal, chiefly US and Canadian to go or move in a great hurry. Also: hightail it

■ High Tatra   n   another name for the Tatra Mountains

■ high tea   n   Brit See tea (sense 4c)

■ high-tech, hi-tech, hi tec or high-technology   adj   (of software, electronics, etc) extremely advanced and highly sophisticated

■ high technology   n   highly sophisticated, often electronic, techniques used in manufacturing and other processes

■ high-tension   n   (modifier) subjected to, carrying, or capable of operating at a relatively high voltage: a high-tension wire. Abbreviation: HT

■ high tide   n   1    a the tide at its highest level   b the time at which it reaches this   2 a culminating point

■ high time informal   adv   1 the latest possible time; a time that is almost too late: it's high time you mended this shelf   ▷ n   2 Also called: high old time an enjoyable and exciting time

■ high-toned   adj   1 having a superior social, moral, or intellectual quality   2 affectedly superior   3 high in tone

■ hightop (ˈhaIˌtɒp)   n   nautical the top of a ship's mast

■ high tops   pl n   training shoes that reach above the ankles

■ high treason   n   an act of treason directly affecting a sovereign or state

■ high-up   n   informal a person who holds an important or influential position

■ highveld (ˈhaIˌfɛlt, -ˌvɛlt)   n   the highveld the high-altitude grassland region of E South Africa

■ high-velocity   adj   having an above average velocity

■ high-voltage   adj   of or relating to high voltage

■ high water   n   1 another name for high tide (sense 1)   2 the state of any stretch of water at its highest level, as during a flood   ▶ Abbreviation: HW

■ high-water mark   n   1    a the level reached by sea water at high tide or by other stretches of water in flood   b the mark indicating this level   2 the highest point

■ high wire   n   a tightrope stretched high in the air for balancing acts

■ highwrought (ˈhaIˌrɔːt)   adj   archaic extremely worked-up or excited

higher (ˈhaIə)   adj   1 the comparative of high   ▷ n (usually capital) (in Scotland)   2    a the advanced level of the Scottish Certificate of Education   b (as modifier): Higher Latin   3 a pass in a particular subject at Higher level: she has four Highers

■ higher criticism   n   the use of scientific techniques of literary criticism to establish the sources of the books of the Bible. Compare lower criticism

■ higher education   n   education and training at colleges, universities, polytechnics, etc

■ higher mathematics   n   (functioning as singular) abstract mathematics, including number theory and topology, that is more advanced than basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

■ highermost (ˈhaIəˌməʊst)   adj   formal highest

■ higher rate   n   (in Britain) a rate of income tax that is higher than the basic rate and becomes payable on taxable income in excess of a specified limit

■ higher self   n   a person's spiritual self, as the focus of many meditation techniques, as opposed to the physical body

■ Higher Still   n (in Scotland)     a a system of post-Standard Grade qualifications offered at five levels including Higher and Advanced Higher   b (as modifier): Higher Still courses

■ higher-up   n   informal a person of higher rank or in a superior position

highfalutin, hifalutin (ˌhaIfəˈluːtIn) or highfaluting   adj   informal pompous or pretentious [C19: from HIGH + -falutin, perhaps variant of fluting, from FLUTE]

highjack (ˈhaIˌdʒæk)   vb, n   a less common spelling of hijack   > ˈhighˌjacker n   > ˈhighˌjacking n

Highland (ˈhaIlənd)   n   1 a council area in N Scotland, formed in 1975 (as Highland Region) from Caithness, Sutherland, Nairnshire, most of Inverness-shire, and Ross and Cromarty except for the Outer Hebrides. Administrative centre: Inverness. Pop: 209 080 (2003 est). Area: 25 149 sq km (9710 sq miles)   2 (modifier) of, relating to, or denoting the Highlands of Scotland

■ Highland cattle   n   a breed of cattle with shaggy hair, usually reddish-brown in colour, and long horns

■ Highland Clearances   pl n   in Scotland, the removal, often by force, of the people from some parts of the Highlands to make way for sheep, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Also called: the Clearances

■ Highland dress   n   1 the historical costume, including the plaid, kilt or filibeg, and bonnet, as worn by Highland clansmen and soldiers   2 a modern version of this worn for formal occasions

■ Highlander (ˈhaIləndə)   n   1 a native of the Highlands of Scotland   2 a member of a Scottish Highland regiment or battalion

■ Highland fling   n   a vigorous Scottish solo dance

■ Highland Games   n   (functioning as singular or plural) a meeting in which competitions in sport, piping, and dancing are held: originating in the Highlands of Scotland

Highlands (ˈhaIləndz)   n the Highlands   1    a the part of Scotland that lies to the northwest of the great fault that runs from Dumbarton to Stonehaven   b a smaller area consisting of the mountainous north of Scotland: distinguished by Gaelic culture   2 (often not capital) the highland region of any country

Highsmith (ˈhaIˌsmIθ)   n   Patricia. 1921–95, US author of crime fiction. Her novels include Strangers on a Train (1950) and Ripley's Game (1974)

hight (haIt)   vb   (tr; used only as a past tense in the passive or as a past participle) archaic, poetic to name; call: a maid hight Mary [Old English heht, from hatan to call; related to Old Norse heita, Old Frisian hēta, Old High German heizzan]

highting (ˈhaItIŋ)   n obsolete   1 an oath; promise   2 a person who embellishes

highway (ˈhaIˌweI)   n   1 a public road that all may use   2 chiefly US and Canadian law a main road, esp one that connects towns or cities   3 a main route for any form of transport   4 a direct path or course

■ Highway Code   n   (in Britain) an official government booklet giving guidance to users of public roads

■ highwayman (ˈhaIˌweImən)   n, pl -men   (formerly) a robber, usually on horseback, who held up travellers

■ highway robbery   n   informal blatant overcharging

High Wycombe (ˈwIkəm)   n   a town in S central England, in S Buckinghamshire: furniture industry. Pop: 77 178 (2001)

HIH   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Imperial Highness

hi-hat   n   a variant spelling of high hat (sense 4)

HIIT (hIt)   n acronym for   sport high-intensity interval training

hijab (hIˈdʒæb, hɛˈdʒɑːb) or hejab   n   a covering for the head and face, worn by some Muslim women [from Arabic, literally: curtain]

hijack or highjack (ˈhaIˌdʒæk)   vb   1 (tr) to seize, divert, or appropriate (a vehicle or the goods it carries) while in transit: to hijack an aircraft   2 to rob (a person or vehicle) by force: to hijack a traveller   3 (esp in the US during Prohibition) to rob (a bootlegger or smuggler) of illicit goods or to steal (illicit goods) in transit   ▷ n   4 the act or an instance of hijacking [C20: of unknown origin]   > ˈhiˌjacker or ˈhighˌjacker n

■ hijacking or highjacking (ˈhaIdʒækIŋ)   n   the act or an instance of hijacking

Hijaz (hiːˈdʒæz)   n   a variant spelling of Hejaz

hijra (ˈhIdʒrə)   n   (in India) a person who adopts a gender role that is neither traditionally male nor traditionally female [Urdu: eunuch]

Hijrah (ˈhIdʒrə)   n   a variant of Hegira

hike (haIk)   vb   1 (intr) to walk a long way, usually for pleasure or exercise, esp in the country   2 (usually foll by up) to pull or be pulled; hitch   3 (tr) to increase (a price)   ▷ n   4 a long walk   5 a rise in prices, wages, etc [C18: of uncertain origin]   > ˈhiker n

■ hike out   vb   (intr, adverb) nautical, US and Canadian to lean backwards over the side of a light sailing boat in order to carry the centre of gravity as far to windward as possible to reduce heeling. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): sit out

■ hiking (ˈhaIkIŋ)   n   the sporting or leisure activity of going for long, often strenuous, walks in the country

hikoi (ˈhiːkɔI) NZ   n   1 a walk or march, esp a Māori protest march   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to take part in such a march [Māori]

hilarious (hIˈlɛərIəs)   adj   very funny or merry [C19: from Latin hilaris glad, from Greek hilaros]   > hiˈlariously adv   > hiˈlariousness n

■ hilarity (hIˈlærItI)   n   mirth and merriment; cheerfulness

Hilary of Poitiers (ˈhIlərI)   n   Saint. ?315–?367 AD, French bishop, an opponent of Arianism. Feast day: Jan 13 or 14

Hilary term (ˈhIlərI)   n   the spring term at Oxford University, the Inns of Court, and some other educational establishments [C16: named after Saint HILARY OF POITIERS]

Hilbert (ˈhIlbət)   n   David (ˈdaːfIt). 1862–1943, German mathematician, who made outstanding contributions to the theories of number fields and invariants and to geometry

hilch (hIlʃ)   vb (intr)   1 Scot to limp or hobble   ▷ n   2 Scot a limp

Hildebrand (ˈhIldəˌbrænd)   n   the monastic name of Gregory VII   > ˌHildeˈbrandian adj, n   > ˈHildeˌbrandine adj

Hildegard of Bingen (ˈhIldəɡɑːd, ˈbIŋən)   n   Saint. 1098–1179, German abbess, poet, composer, and mystic

Hildesheim (German ˈhIldəshaim)   n   a city in N central Germany, in Lower Saxony: a member of the Hanseatic League. Pop: 103 245 (2003 est)

hilding (ˈhIldIŋ)   n   obsolete a contemptible individual; wretch

hill (hIl)   n   1    a a conspicuous and often rounded natural elevation of the earth's surface, less high or craggy than a mountain   b (in combination): a hillside; a hilltop   2    a a heap or mound made by a person or animal   b (in combination): a dunghill   3 an incline; slope   4 over the hill   a informal beyond one's prime   b military slang absent without leave or deserting   5 up hill and down dale strenuously and persistently   ▷ vb (tr)   6 to form into a hill or mound   7 to cover or surround with a mound or heap of earth [Old English hyll; related to Old Frisian holla head, Latin collis hill, Low German hull hill]   > ˈhiller n   > ˈhilly adj

■ hill climb   n   a competition in which motor vehicles attempt singly to ascend a steep slope as fast as possible

■ hill country   n   NZ (in North Island) elevated pasture land for sheep or cattle

■ hillcrest (ˈhIlˌkrɛst)   n   the crest of a hill

■ hillfolk (ˈhIlˌfəʊk)   n   the inhabitants of a hill or hills

■ hillfort (ˈhIlˌfɔːt)   n   archaeol a hilltop fortified with ramparts and ditches, dating from the second millennium BC

■ hilliness (ˈhIlInIs)   n   the fact or condition of being hilly

■ hill mynah   n   a starling, Gracula religiosa, of S and SE Asia: a popular cage bird because of its ability to talk. Also called: Indian grackle

■ hills (hIlz)   pl n   1 the hills a hilly and often remote region   2 as old as the hills very old

■ hillside (ˈhIlˌsaId)   n   the side of a hill

■ hill station   n   (in northern India) a settlement or resort at a high altitude

■ hilltop (ˈhIlˌtɒp)   n     a the top of a hill   b (as modifier): a hilltop castle

■ hillwalker (ˈhIlˌwɔːkə)   n   a person who goes hillwalking

■ hillwalking (ˈhIlˌwɔːkIŋ)   n   the pastime of walking in the hills

Hill (hIl)   n   1  Archibald Vivian. 1886–1977, British biochemist, noted for his research into heat loss in muscle contraction: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1922)   2  Damon Graham Devereux, son of Graham Hill. born 1960, British motor-racing driver; Formula One world champion (1996)   3  David Octavius 1802–70, Scottish painter and portrait photographer, noted esp for his collaboration with the chemist Robert Adamson (1821–48)   4  Sir Geoffrey (William). 1932–2016, British poet: his books include King Log (1968), Mercian Hymns (1971), The Mystery of the Charity of Charles Péguy (1983), and The Orchards of Syon (2002)   5  Graham. 1929–75, British motor-racing driver: Formula One world champion (1962, 1968)   6  Octavia. 1838–1912, British housing reformer; a founder of the National Trust   7  Sir Rowland. 1795–1879, British originator of the penny postage   8  Susan (Elizabeth). born 1942, British novelist and writer of short stories: her books include I'm the King of the Castle (1970), The Woman in Black (1983), and Felix Derby (2002)

Hilla (ˈhIlə)   n   a market town in central Iraq, on a branch of the Euphrates: built partly of bricks from the nearby site of Babylon. Pop: 364 000 (2005 est). Also called: Al Hillah

Hillary (ˈhIlərI)   n   Sir Edmund. 1919–2008, New Zealand explorer and mountaineer. He and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest (1953); New Zealand ambassador to India (1984–89)

hillbilly (ˈhIlˌbIlI)   n, pl -lies   1 usually derogatory an unsophisticated person, esp from the mountainous areas in the southeastern US   2 another name for country and western [C20: from HILL + Billy (the nickname)]

Hillel (ˈhIlɛl, -ləl)   n   ?60 BC–?9 AD, rabbi, born in Babylonia; president of the Sanhedrin. He was the first to formulate principles of biblical interpretation

Hiller (ˈhIlə)   n   Dame Wendy. 1912–2003, British actress. Her many films include Pygmalion (1938), Major Barbara (1940), and Separate Tables (1958)

Hilliard (ˈhIlIəd)   n   Nicholas. 1537–1619, English miniaturist, esp of portraits

Hillingdon (ˈhIlIŋdən)   n   a residential borough of W Greater London. Pop: 247 600 (2003 est). Area: 110 sq km (43 sq miles)

hillock (ˈhIlək)   n   a small hill or mound [C14 hilloc, from HILL + -OCK]   > ˈhillocked or ˈhillocky adj

Hills cloud (hIlz)   n   astronomy a hypothetical dense, disc-shaped area within the Oort cloud [C20: named after Jack Hills, US astronomer who first proposed its existence in the 1980s]

Hills Hoist (hIlz)   n   trademark an Australian brand of rotary clothesline [C20: named after its inventor, Lance Hills (1902–86)]

hilt (hIlt)   n   1 the handle or shaft of a sword, dagger, etc   2 to the hilt to the full   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to supply with a hilt [Old English; related to Old Norse hjalt, Old Saxon helta oar handle, Old High German helza]

■ hiltless (ˈhIltləs)   adj   without a hilt

Hilton (ˈhIltən)   n   Walter. died 1396, English mystical writer: author of The Scale of Perfection

hilum (ˈhaIləm)   n, pl -la (-lə)   1 botany   a a scar on the surface of a seed marking its point of attachment to the seed stalk (funicle)   b the nucleus of a starch grain   2 a deep fissure or depression on the surface of a bodily organ around the point of entrance or exit of vessels, nerves, or ducts [C17: from Latin: trifle; see NIHIL]

hilus (ˈhaIləs)   n   a rare word for hilum (sense 2) [C19: via New Latin from Latin: a trifle]   > ˈhilar adj

Hilversum (ˈhIlvəsəm; Dutch ˈhIlvərsym)   n   a city in the central Netherlands, in North Holland province: Dutch radio and television centre. Pop: 83 000 (2003 est))

him (hIm, unstressed Im)   pron (objective)   1 refers to a male person or animal: they needed him; I baked him a cake; not him again!   2 chiefly US a dialect word for himself: he ought to find him a wife [Old English him, dative of hē HE^1]

USAGE

See at me^1

HIM   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Imperial Majesty

Himachal Pradesh (hIˈmɑːtʃəl prɑːˈdɛʃ)   n   a state of N India, in the W Himalayas: rises to about 6700 m (22 000 ft) and is densely forested. Capital: Shimla. Pop: 6 077 248 (2001). Area: 55 658 sq km (21 707 sq miles)

Himalayan (ˌhIməˈleIən)   adj   of or relating to the Himalayas or their inhabitants

■ Himalayan cat   n   the US name for colourpoint cat

■ Himalayan guinea pig   n   a variety of short-haired guinea pig with markings on its nose, ears, and feet

Himalayas (ˌhIməˈleIəz, hIˈmɑːljəz) or Himalaya   pl n   the Himalayas a vast mountain system in S Asia, extending 2400 km (1500 miles) from Kashmir (west) to Assam (east), between the valleys of the Rivers Indus and Brahmaputra: covers most of Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and the S edge of Tibet; the highest range in the world, with several peaks over 7500 m (25 000 ft). Highest peak: Mount Everest, 8848 m (29 028 ft)

Himalia (hIˈmɑːlIə)   n   astronomy a satellite of Jupiter in an intermediate orbit

himation (hIˈmætIˌɒn)   n, pl -ia (-Iə)   (in ancient Greece) a cloak draped around the body [C19: from Greek: a little garment, from heima dress, from hennunai to clothe]

himbo (ˈhImbəʊ)   n, pl -bos   slang, usually derogatory an attractive, but empty-headed man [C20: from HIM + (BIM)BO]

Himeji (ˈhiːmɛˌdʒiː)   n   a city in central Japan, on W Honshu: cotton textile centre. Pop: 475 892 (2002 est)

Himmler (German ˈhImlər)   n   Heinrich (ˈhainrIç). 1900–45, German Nazi leader, head of the SS and the Gestapo (1936–45); died by suicide

Hims (hImz)   n   a variant of Homs

himself (hImˈsɛlf, medially often Imˈsɛlf)   pron   1    a the reflexive form of he or him   b (intensifier): the king himself waved to me   2 (preceded by a copula) his normal or usual self: he seems himself once more   3 Irish and Scot the man of the house: how is himself? [Old English him selfum, dative singular of hē self; see HE^1, SELF]

Himyarite (ˈhImjəˌraIt)   n   1 a member of an ancient people of SW Arabia, sometimes regarded as including the Sabeans   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to this people or their culture [C19: named after Himyar legendary king in ancient Yemen]

■ Himyaritic (ˌhImjəˈrItIk)   n   1 the extinct language of the Himyarites, belonging to the SE Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or using this language

hin (hIn)   n   a Hebrew unit of capacity equal to about 12 pints or 3.5 litres [from Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew hīn, from Egyptian hnw]

hinahina (ˈhiːnəˈhiːnə)   n, pl hinahina   another name for mahoe [Māori]

hinau (ˈhiːnəuː)   n, pl hinau   a tall New Zealand tree, Elaeocarpus dentatus, with white flowers and purple fruit [Māori]

Hinayana (ˌhiːnəˈjɑːnə)   n     a any of various early forms of Buddhism   b (as modifier): Hinayana Buddhism [from Sanskrit hīnayāna, from hīna lesser + yāna vehicle]   > ˌHinaˈyanist n   > ˌHinayaˈnistic adj

Hinckley (ˈhIŋklI)   n   a town in central England, in Leicestershire. Pop: 43 246 (2001)

hind^1 (haInd)   adj hinder, hindmost or hindermost   (prenominal) (esp of parts of the body) situated at the back or rear: a hind leg [Old English hindan at the back, related to German hinten; see BEHIND, HINDER^2]

■ hindbrain (ˈhaIndˌbreIn)   n   the nontechnical name for rhombencephalon

■ hindcast (ˈhaIndˌkɑːst)   vb -casts, -casting, -cast or -casted   to test (a mathematical model) by observing whether it would have correctly predicted a historical event

■ hindfoot (ˈhaIndˌfʊt)   n   a back foot of a quadruped

■ hindforemost (ˈhaIndˌfɔːməʊst)   adv   with the back part in the front place

■ hindgut (ˈhaIndˌɡʌt)   n   1 the part of the vertebrate digestive tract comprising the colon and rectum   2 the posterior part of the digestive tract of arthropods   ▶ See also foregut, midgut

■ hindhead (ˈhaIndˌhɛd)   n   obsolete the back of the head

■ hindleg (ˈhaIndˌlɛɡ)   n   a back leg of a quadruped

■ hindquarter (ˈhaIndˌkwɔːtə)   n   1 one of the two back quarters of a carcass of beef, lamb, etc   2 (plural) the rear, esp of a four-legged animal

■ hindshank (ˈhaIndˌʃæŋk)   n   cookery the meat from an animal's hind leg

■ hindsight (ˈhaIndˌsaIt)   n   1 the ability to understand, after something has happened, what should have been done or what caused the event   2 a firearm's rear sight

■ hindwing (ˈhaIndˌwIŋ)   n   a rear wing on a four-winged insect

hind^2 (haInd)   n, pl hinds or hind   1 the female of the deer, esp the red deer when aged three years or more   2 any of several marine serranid fishes of the genus Epinephelus, closely related and similar to the gropers [Old English hind; related to Old High German hinta, Greek kemas young deer, Lithuanian szmúlas hornless]

hind^3 (haInd)   n (formerly)   1 a simple peasant   2 (in N Britain) a skilled farm worker   3 a steward [Old English hīne, from hīgna, genitive plural of hīgan servants]

Hind.   abbreviation for   1 Hindi   2 Hindu   3 Hindustan   4 Hindustani

hindberry (ˈhaIndbərI)   n, pl -ries   obsolete a raspberry

Hindemith (German ˈhIndəmIt)   n   Paul (paul). 1895–1963, German composer and musical theorist, who opposed the twelve-tone technique. His works include the song cycle Das Marienleben (1923) and the opera Mathis der Maler (1938)

Hindenburg^1 (ˈhIndənbʊrk)   n   the German name for Zabrze

Hindenburg^2 (ˈhIndənˌbɜːɡ; German ˈhIndənbʊrk)   n   1  Paul von Beneckendorff und von (paul fɔn ˈbɛnəkəndɔrf ʊnt fɔn). 1847–1934, German field marshal and statesman; president (1925–34). During World War I he directed German strategy together with Ludendorff (1916–18)   2 the Hindenburg a large German passenger airship; crashed at Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1937 with the loss of 36 lives

■ Hindenburg line (ˈhIndənˌbɜːɡ)   n   a line of strong fortifications built by the German army near the Franco-Belgian border in 1916–17: breached by the Allies in August 1918 [C20: named after Paul von HINDENBURG]

hinder^1 (ˈhIndə)   vb   1 to be or get in the way of (someone or something); hamper   2 (tr) to prevent [Old English hindrian; related to Old Norse hindra, Old High German hintarōn]   > ˈhinderer n   > ˈhindering adj, n

■ hinderance (ˈhIndərəns)   n   a variant form of hindrance

■ hinderingly (ˈhIndərIŋlI)   adv   in a hindering manner, so as to hinder or obstruct

hinder^2 (ˈhaIndə)   adj   (prenominal) situated at or further towards the back or rear; posterior: the hinder parts [Old English; related to Old Norse hindri latter, Gothic hindar beyond, Old High German hintar behind]

hinderland (ˈhIndəˌlænd)   n   obsolete a type of linen cloth from Europe

hinderlands or hinderlans (ˈhInələnz)   pl n   Scot slang the buttocks

hinderlings (ˈhIndəlIŋz) or hinderlins (ˈhIndəlInz)   pl n   Scot archaic the buttocks or bottom

Hindi (ˈhIndI)   n   1 a language or group of dialects of N central India. It belongs to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family and is closely related to Urdu. See also Hindustani   2 a formal literary dialect of this language, the official language of India, usually written in Nagari script   3 a person whose native language is Hindi [C18: from Hindi hindī, from Hind India, from Old Persian Hindu the river Indus]

hindmost (ˈhaIndˌməʊst) or hindermost (ˈhaIndəˌməʊst)   adj   furthest back; last

Hindoo (ˈhInduː, hInˈduː)   n, pl -doosadj   an older spelling of Hindu   > Hindooism (ˈhIndʊˌIzəm) n

hindrance (ˈhIndrəns) or hinderance (ˈhIndərəns)   n   1 an obstruction or snag; impediment   2 the act of hindering; prevention

Hindu or Hindoo (ˈhInduː, hInˈduː)   n, pl -dus, -doos   1 a person who adheres to Hinduism   2 an inhabitant or native of Hindustan or India, esp one adhering to Hinduism   ▷ adj   3 relating to Hinduism, Hindus, or India [C17: from Persian Hindū, from Hind India; see HINDI]

■ Hinduism or Hindooism (ˈhIndʊˌIzəm)   n   the complex of beliefs, values, and customs comprising the dominant religion of India, characterized by the worship of many gods, including Brahma as supreme being, a caste system, belief in reincarnation, etc

Hindu Kush (kʊʃ, kuːʃ)   pl n   a mountain range in central Asia, extending about 800 km (500 miles) east from the Koh-i-Baba Mountains of central Afghanistan to the Pamirs. Highest peak: Tirich Mir, 7690 m (25 230 ft)

Hindustan (ˌhIndʊˈstɑːn)   n   1 the land of the Hindus, esp India north of the Deccan and excluding Bengal   2 the general area around the Ganges where Hindi is the predominant language   3 the areas of India where Hinduism predominates, as contrasted with those areas where Islam predominates

■ Hindustani, Hindoostani (ˌhIndʊˈstɑːnI) or Hindostani (ˌhIndəʊˈstɑːnI)   n   1 the dialect of Hindi spoken in Delhi: used as a lingua franca throughout India   2 a group of languages or dialects consisting of all spoken forms of Hindi and Urdu considered together   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to these languages or Hindustan

Hindutva (hInˈdʊtvə)   n   (in India) a political movement advocating Hindu nationalism and the establishment of a Hindu state [C21: Hindi, literally: Hinduness]

hindward (ˈhaIndwəd) rare   adj   1 backward   ▷ adv   2 backward

Hines (haInz)   n   Earl, known as Earl "Fatha" Hines. 1905–83, US jazz pianist, conductor, and songwriter

hing (hIŋ)   n   another name for asafoetida

hinge (hIndʒ)   n   1 a device for holding together two parts such that one can swing relative to the other, typically having two interlocking metal leaves held by a pin about which they pivot   2 anatomy a type of joint, such as the knee joint, that moves only backwards and forwards; a joint that functions in only one plane. Technical name: ginglymus   3 a similar structure in invertebrate animals, such as the joint between the two halves of a bivalve shell   4 something on which events, opinions, etc, turn   5 Also called: mount philately a small thin transparent strip of gummed paper for affixing a stamp to a page   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to attach or fit a hinge to (something)   7 (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to depend (on)   8 (intr) to hang or turn on or as if on a hinge [C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch henge; see HANG]   > hinged adj   > ˈhingeless adj   > ˈhingeˌlike adj

■ hinger (ˈhIndʒə)   n   a tool for making hinges

Hinglish (ˈhIŋɡlIʃ)   n   a variety of English incorporating elements of Hindi [C20: a blend of HINDI + ENGLISH]

hinky (ˈhIŋkI)   adj hinkier, hinkiest   1 police slang nervous; apprehensive   2 Black slang dubious; questionable

hinny^1 (ˈhInI)   n, pl -nies   the sterile hybrid offspring of a male horse and a female donkey or ass. Compare mule^1 (sense 1) [C17: from Latin hinnus, from Greek hinnos]

hinny^2 (ˈhInI)   vb -nies, -nying, -nied   a less common word for whinny

hinny^3 (ˈhInI)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a term of endearment, esp for a woman or child [variant of HONEY]

Hinshelwood (ˈhInʃəlˌwʊd)   n   Sir Cyril Norman. 1897–1967, English chemist, who shared the Nobel prize for chemistry (1956) for the study of reaction kinetics

hint (hInt)   n   1 a suggestion or implication given in an indirect or subtle manner: he dropped a hint   2 a helpful piece of advice or practical suggestion   3 a small amount; trace   ▷ vb   4 (when intr, often foll by at; when tr, takes a clause as object) to suggest or imply indirectly [C17: of uncertain origin]   > ˈhinter n   > ˈhinting n   > ˈhintingly adv

hinterland (ˈhIntəˌlænd)   n   1 land lying behind something, esp a coast or the shore of a river   2 remote or undeveloped areas of a country   3 an area located near and dependent on a large city, esp a port [C19: from German, from hinter behind + land LAND; see HINDER^2]

hioi (ˈhiːɒiː)   n   a New Zealand plant, Mentha cunninghamii, of the mint family. Also: Māori mint [Māori]

hip^1 (hIp)   n   1 (often plural) either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh, overlying the lateral part of the pelvis and its articulation with the thighbones   2 another name for pelvis (sense 1)   3 short for hip joint   4 the angle formed where two sloping sides of a roof meet or where a sloping side meets a sloping end [Old English hype; related to Old High German huf, Gothic hups, Dutch heup]   > ˈhipless adj   > ˈhipˌlike adj

■ hip bath   n   a portable bath in which the bather sits

■ hipbone (ˈhIpˌbəʊn)   n   the nontechnical name for innominate bone

■ hip dysplasia   n   vet science a common disorder of large and giant-breed dogs, as well as other species, in which the femoral head does not sit properly in the socket of the hip joint

■ hip flask   n   a small metal flask for spirits, etc, often carried in a hip pocket

■ hiphugger (ˈhIpˌhʌɡə)   adj   US (of trousers) cut to reach only as high as the hips and to fit tightly around the hips

■ hip-huggers   pl n   chiefly US trousers that begin at the hips instead of the waist. Usual Brit word: hipsters

■ hip-hugging   adj   US (of trousers) beginning at the hips instead of the waist

■ hip joint   n   the ball-and-socket joint that connects each leg to the trunk of the body, in which the head of the femur articulates with the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvis

■ hipline (ˈhIpˌlaIn)   n   the widest part or the contour of a person's hips

■ hipped (hIpt)   adj   1    a having a hip or hips   b (in combination): broad-hipped; low-hipped   2 (esp of cows, sheep, reindeer, elk, etc) having an injury to the hip, such as a dislocation of the bones   3 architect having a hip or hips

■ hipped roof   n   a roof having sloping ends and sides

■ hip pocket   n   a pocket at the back of a pair of trousers

■ hip roof   n   a roof having sloping ends and sides

■ hip-shot   adj   US (esp of a horse) having a dislocated hip

hip^2 (hIp)   n   the berry-like brightly coloured fruit of a rose plant: a swollen receptacle, rich in vitamin C, containing several small hairy achenes. Also called: rosehip [Old English héopa; related to Old Saxon hiopo, Old High German hiufo, Dutch joop, Norwegian dialect hjūpa]

hip^3 (hIp)   interj   an exclamation used to introduce cheers (in the phrase hip, hip, hurrah) [C18: of unknown origin]

hip^4 (hIp) or hep   adj hipper, hippest or hepper, heppest slang   1 aware of or following the latest trends in music, ideas, fashion, etc   2 (often postpositive; foll by to) informed (about) [C20: variant of earlier hep]

■ hip-hop (ˈhIpˌhɒp)   n   a US pop culture movement originating in the 1980s comprising rap music, graffiti, and break dancing

■ hiply (ˈhIplI)   adv   slang in a hip manner or style

■ hipness (ˈhIpnəs)   n   slang the quality of being hip

■ hipped (hIpt)   adj   (often postpositive; foll by on) US and Canadian old-fashioned, slang very enthusiastic (about)

HIP (hIp)   n acronym for   (formerly in England and Wales) home information pack: a set of documents that a seller must possess before his or her property can be put on the market

hipparch (ˈhIpɑːk)   n   (in ancient Greece) a cavalry commander [C17: from Greek hippos horse + -ARCH]

Hipparchus^1 (hIˈpɑːkəs)   n   1  2nd century BC, Greek astronomer. He discovered the precession of the equinoxes, calculated the length of the solar year, and developed trigonometry   2  died 514 BC, tyrant of Athens (527–514)

■ Hipparchus satellite   n   an astronometric satellite launched in 1989 by the European Space Agency that measured the position, proper motion, and brightness of 118 218 stars down to 12th magnitude and the magnitude and colour of a million stars down to 10th magnitude

Hipparchus^2 (hIˈpɑːkəs)   n   a large crater in the SW quadrant of the moon, about 130 kilometres in diameter

hippeastrum (hIpIˈæstrəm)   n   any plant of the South American amaryllidaceous genus Hippeastrum: cultivated for their large funnel-shaped typically red flowers [C19: New Latin, from Greek hippeus knight + astron star]

hippen (ˈhIpən)   n   a dialect word for nappy^1

hippiatry (hIˈpaIətrI) or hippiatrics (ˌhIpIˈætrIks)   n   the treatment of disease in horses

■ hippiatric (ˌhIpIˈætrIk)   adj   relating or belonging to the treatment of disease in horses

■ hippiatrist (hIˈpaIətrIst)   n   someone who treats the diseases of horses

hippic (ˈhIpIk)   adj   belonging or relating to horses

hippie (ˈhIpI)   n   a variant spelling of hippy^1

■ hippiedom or hippydom (ˈhIpIdəm)   n   informal hippy fashion and behaviour, or the condition of being a hippy

■ hippieish (ˈhIpIIʃ)   adj   informal typical of or similar to hippies

■ hippieness or hippiness (ˈhIpInəs)   n   informal the state or quality of being a hippy or hippies

hippish (ˈhIpIʃ)   adj   archaic, informal rather depressed or tending to be hypochondriac

hippo (ˈhIpəʊ)   n, pl -pos informal   1 short for hippopotamus   2 South African an armoured police car

hippocampus (ˌhIpəʊˈkæmpəs)   n, pl -pi (-paI)   1 a mythological sea creature with the forelegs of a horse and the tail of a fish   2 any marine teleost fish of the genus Hippocampus, having a horselike head. See seahorse (sense 1)   3 an area of cerebral cortex that forms a ridge in the floor of the lateral ventricle of the brain, which in cross section has the shape of a sea horse. It functions as part of the limbic system [C16: from Latin, from Greek hippos horse + kampos a sea monster]   > ˌhippoˈcampal adj

hippocentaur (ˌhIpəʊˈsɛntɔː)   n   another term for centaur

hippocras (ˈhIpəʊˌkræs)   n   an old English drink of wine flavoured with spices [C14 ypocras, from Old French: HIPPOCRATES, probably referring to a filter called Hippocrates' sleeve]

Hippocrates (hIˈpɒkrəˌtiːz)   n   ?460–?377 BC, Greek physician, commonly regarded as the father of medicine   > ˌHippoˈcratic or ˌHippoˈcratical adj

■ Hippocratic oath (ˌhIpəʊˈkrætIk)   n   an oath taken by a doctor to observe a code of medical ethics supposedly derived from that of Hippocrates

Hippocratic facies (ˌhIpəʊˈkrætIk)   n   the sallow facial expression, with listless staring eyes, often regarded as denoting approaching death

Hippocrene (ˈhIpəʊˌkriːn, ˌhIpəʊˈkriːnI)   n   a spring on Mount Helicon in Greece, said to engender poetic inspiration [C17: via Latin from Greek hippos horse + krēnē spring]   > ˌHippoˈcrenian adj

hippocrepian (ˌhIpəˈkriːpIən)   adj   1 (of an aquatic organism or plant) shaped like a horseshoe   ▷ n   2 a type of bryozoan that has a lophophore shaped like a horseshoe

hippodame (ˈhIpəʊˌdeIm)   n   archaic a sea horse

■ hippodamist (hIˈpɒdəmIst)   n   a horse-tamer

■ hippodamous (hIˈpɒdəməs)   adj   horse-taming

hippodrome (ˈhIpəˌdrəʊm)   n   1 a music hall, variety theatre, or circus   2 (in ancient Greece or Rome) an open-air course for horse and chariot races [C16: from Latin hippodromos, from Greek hippos horse + dromos a race]

■ hippodromic (ˌhIpəˈdrɒmIk)   adj   of or relating to a hippodrome

hippogriff or hippogryph (ˈhIpəʊˌɡrIf)   n   a monster of Greek mythology with a griffin's head, wings, and claws and a horse's body [C17: from Italian ippogrifo, from ippo- horse (from Greek hippos) + grifo GRIFFIN^1]

hippology (hIˈpɒlədʒI)   n   formal, rare the study of horses

■ hippologist (hIˈpɒlədʒIst)   n   formal, rare an expert in hippology

Hippolyta (hIˈpɒlItə) or Hippolyte (hIˈpɒlIˌtiː)   n   Greek myth a queen of the Amazons, slain by Hercules in battle for her belt, which he obtained as his ninth labour

Hippolytus (hIˈpɒlItəs)   n   Greek myth a son of Theseus, killed after his stepmother Phaedra falsely accused him of raping her   > Hipˈpolytan adj

hippomanes (hIˈpɒməˌniːz)   n   med (formerly) a substance found on the forehead of a newborn foal or obtained from a mare in foal, thought to act as an aphrodisiac

Hippomenes (hIˈpɒmIˌniːz)   n   Greek myth the husband, in some traditions, of Atalanta

hippophagy (hIˈpɒfədʒI)   n   the practice of eating horse meat

■ hippophagist (hIˈpɒfədʒIst, hIˈpɒfəɡIst)   n   formal, rare someone who eats horse meat

■ hippophagous (hIˈpɒfəɡəs)   adj   formal, rare eating horse meat

hippophile (ˈhIpəʊˌfaIl)   n   formal, rare someone who loves horses

hippophobe (ˈhIpəʊˌfəʊb)   n   formal, rare someone who hates horses

hippopotamus (ˌhIpəˈpɒtəməs)   n, pl -muses or -mi (-ˌmaI)   1 a very large massive gregarious artiodactyl mammal, Hippopotamus amphibius, living in or around the rivers of tropical Africa: family Hippopotamidae. It has short legs and a thick skin sparsely covered with hair   2 pigmy hippopotamus a related but smaller animal, Choeropsis liberiensis [C16: from Latin, from Greek hippopotamos river horse, from hippos horse + potamos river]

■ hippopotamic (ˌhIpəpɒˈtæmIk) or hippopotamian (ˌhIpəpɒˈteImIən)   adj   jocular like, of, or relating to a hippopotamus

Hippo Regius (ˈhIpəʊ ˈriːdʒIəs)   n   an ancient Numidian city, adjoining present-day Annaba, Algeria. Often shortened to: Hippo

hippuric acid (hIˈpjʊərIk)   n   a crystalline solid excreted in the urine of mammals. Formula: C_9H_9NO_3

■ hippuric (hIˈpjʊərIk)   adj   of or relating to hippuric acid

hippurite (ˈhIpjʊˌraIt)   n   an extinct type of bivalve mollusc (family Hippuritidae) found as fossils from the late Cretaceous period

■ hippuritic (ˌhIpjʊˈrItIk)   adj   of, relating to, or containing hippurites

hippus (ˈhIpəs)   n   ophthalmol a disorder of the eye in which the pupil dilates and contracts in an irregular spasmodic rhythm

hippy^1 or hippie (ˈhIpI)   n, pl -pies     a (esp during the 1960s) a person whose behaviour, dress, use of drugs, etc, implied a rejection of conventional values   b (as modifier): hippy language [C20: see HIP^4]

hippy^2 (ˈhIpI)   adj -pier, -piest   informal (esp of a woman) having large hips

hipster (ˈhIpstə)   n   1 informal, sometimes derogatory a person who follows trends that he or she regards as being outside the mainstream   2 slang, rare   a an enthusiast of modern jazz   b an outmoded word for hippy^1   3 (modifier) (of trousers) cut so that the top encircles the hips

■ hipsterism (ˈhIpstərˌIzəm)   n   rare, old-fashioned, slang the fact or condition of being a hipster

■ hipsters (ˈhIpstəz)   pl n   Brit trousers cut so that the top encircles the hips. Usual US word: hip-huggers

hiragana (ˌhIərəˈɡɑːnə)   n   one of the Japanese systems of syllabic writing based on Chinese cursive ideograms. The more widely used of the two current systems, it is employed in newspapers and general literature. Compare katakana [from Japanese: flat kana]

Hiram (ˈhaIərəm)   n   10th century BC, king of Tyre, who supplied Solomon with materials and craftsmen for the building of the Temple (II Samuel 5:11; I Kings 5:1–18)

hircine (ˈhɜːsaIn, -sIn)   adj   1 archaic of or like a goat, esp in smell   2 literary lustful; lascivious [C17: from Latin hircīnus, from hircus goat]

■ hircosity (həˈkɒsItI)   n   formal the quality of being like a goat

hircocervus (ˌhɜːkəʊˈsɜːvəs)   n   (in classical and medieval fable) a mythical creature that is half goat and half stag

hire (ˈhaIə)   vb (tr)   1 to acquire the temporary use of (a thing) or the services of (a person) in exchange for payment   2 to employ (a person) for wages   3 (often foll by out) to provide (something) or the services of (oneself or others) for an agreed payment, usually for an agreed period   4 (tr; foll by out) chiefly Brit to pay independent contractors for (work to be done)   ▷ n   5    a the act of hiring or the state of being hired   b (as modifier): a hire car   6    a the price paid or payable for a person's services or the temporary use of something   b (as modifier): the hire charge   7 for hire or on hire available for service or temporary use in exchange for payment [Old English hӯrian; related to Old Frisian hēra to lease, Middle Dutch hūren]   > ˈhirable or ˈhireable adj   > ˈhirer n

■ hirage (ˈhaIrIdʒ) or hireage   n NZ   1 the fee for hiring something   2 the practice or facility of hiring things

■ hiree (ˌhaIəˈriː)   n   a person who is hired to do something

■ hire-purchase   n   Brit, Austral, NZ and South African   a a system for purchasing merchandise, such as cars or furniture, in which the buyer takes possession of the merchandise on payment of a deposit and completes the purchase by paying a series of regular instalments while the seller retains ownership until the final instalment is paid   b (as modifier): hire-purchase legislation. Abbreviation: HP, Abbreviation: h.p.. US and Canadian equivalents: instalment plan, installment plan

■ hiring (ˈhaIrIŋ)   n   1 the act, or an instance, of hiring something or someone   2 hiring and firing informal the authority to hire or fire staff, or the act of doing this

■ hiring-fair   n   (formerly, in rural areas) a fair or market at which agricultural labourers were hired

hireling (ˈhaIəlIŋ)   n   derogatory a person who works only for money, esp one paid to do something unpleasant [Old English hӯrling; related to Dutch huurling; see HIRE, -LING^1]

Hiri Motu (ˈhIərI ˈməʊtuː)   n   another name for Motu (sense 3)

hirling (ˈhɜːlIŋ)   n   Scot dialect a salmon trout

Hirohito (ˌhIərəʊˈhiːtəʊ)   n   1901–89, emperor of Japan 1926–89. In 1946 he became a constitutional monarch

Hiroshige (ˌhIərəʊˈʃiːɡeI)   n   Ando (ˈɑːndəʊ). 1797–1858, Japanese artist, esp of colour wood-block prints

Hiroshima (ˌhIrɒˈʃiːmə, hIˈrɒʃImə)   n   a port in SW Japan, on SW Honshu on the delta of the Ota River: largely destroyed on August 6, 1945, by the first atomic bomb to be used in warfare, dropped by the US, which killed over 75 000 of its inhabitants. Pop: 1 113 786 (2002 est)

hirple (ˈhIrpəl) Scot   vb (intr)   1 to limp   ▷ n   2 a limping gait [C15: of unknown origin]

hirrient (ˈhIrIənt)   n   phonetics a trilled sound in speech or song

hirsel (ˈhɜːsəl, ˈhIrsəl) Scot and Northern English dialect   n   1 a group of sheep of the same kind   ▷ vb (tr)   2 to sort (sheep) into groups of different kinds

■ hirselling (ˈhɜːsəlIŋ, ˈhIr-)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect the practice or activity of sorting sheep into groups of different kinds

hirsle (ˈhɜːsəl)   vb   (intr) Scot to wriggle or fidget while seated

Hirst (hɜːst)   n   Damien. born 1965, British artist, noted esp for his works featuring dead animals preserved in tanks of formaldehyde, and for his 2007 sculpture, For the Love of God, a human skull encrusted with flawless diamonds

hirstie (ˈhɜːstI, ˈhIrstI)   adj   Scot dialect dry

hirsute (ˈhɜːsjuːt)   adj   1 covered with hair   2 (of plants or their parts) covered with long but not stiff hairs   3 (of a person) having long, thick, or untrimmed hair [C17: from Latin hirsūtus shaggy; related to Latin horrēre to bristle, hirtus hairy; see HORRID]   > ˈhirsuteness n

■ hirsutism (ˈhɜːsjuːˌtIzəm)   n   med the condition of being abnormally hairy

hirudin (hIˈruːdIn)   n   med an anticoagulant extracted from the mouth glands of leeches [C20: from Latin hirudin-, hirudo leech + -IN]

■ hirudinean (ˌhIruːˈdInIən)   n   obsolete any worm or leech belonging to the Hirudinidae family of annelids

■ hirudinoid (hIˈruːdIˌnɔId) or hirudinous (hIˈruːdInəs)   adj   obsolete like or resembling a member of the leech family

hirundine (hIˈrʌndIn, -daIn)   adj   1 of or resembling a swallow   2 belonging to the bird family Hirundinidae, which includes swallows and martins [C19: from Late Latin hirundineus, from Latin hirundō a swallow]

his (hIz, unstressed Iz)   determiner   1    a of, belonging to, or associated with him: his own fault; his knee; I don't like his being out so late   b as pronoun: his is on the left; that book is his   2 his and hers (of paired objects) for a man and woman respectively   ▷ pron   3 of his belonging to or associated with him [Old English his, genitive of hē HE^1 and of hit IT]

Hispania (hIˈspænIə)   n   the Iberian peninsula in the Roman world

Hispanic (hIˈspænIk)   adj   1 relating to, characteristic of, or derived from Spain or Spanish-speaking countries   ▷ n   2 US a person of Latin-American or Spanish descent living in the US

USAGE

Hispanic is the word most generally used in the US to refer to people of Latin American or Spanish ancestry

■ Hispanicism (hIˈspænIˌsIzəm)   n   a word or expression borrowed from Spanish or modelled on the form of a Spanish word or expression

■ Hispanicize or Hispanicise (hIˈspænIˌsaIz)   vb   (tr) to make Spanish, as in custom or culture; bring under Spanish control or influence   > Hisˈpanicist n   > Hisˌpaniciˈzation or Hisˌpaniciˈsation n

Hispaniola (ˌhIspənˈjəʊlə; Spanish ispaˈɲola)   n   the second largest island in the Caribbean, in the Greater Antilles: divided politically into Haiti and the Dominican Republic; discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, who named it La Isla Española. Area: 18 703 sq km (29 418 sq miles). Former name: Santo Domingo

hispaniolize or hispaniolise (hIˈspænjəˌlaIz)   vb (tr)   archaic, rare (often capital) to make someone Spanish in their cultural attitudes, values, speech, etc

hispanism (ˈhIspənIzəm)   n   a Spanish turn of phrase

Hispano- (hIˈspænəʊ)   prefix   Hispanic: Hispano-Black Americans

hispid (ˈhIspId)   adj   biology covered with stiff hairs or bristles [C17: from Latin hispidus bristly]   > hisˈpidity n

hiss (hIs)   n   1 a voiceless fricative sound like that of a prolonged s   2 such a sound uttered as an exclamation of derision, contempt, etc, esp by an audience or crowd   3 electronics receiver noise with a continuous spectrum, caused by thermal agitation, shot noise, etc   ▷ interj   4 an exclamation of derision or disapproval   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to produce or utter a hiss   6 (tr) to express with a hiss, usually to indicate derision or anger   7 (tr) to show derision or anger towards (a speaker, performer, etc) by hissing [C14: of imitative origin]   > ˈhisser n

■ hissing (ˈhIsIŋ)   n   1 another word for hiss (sense 1), hiss (sense 2)   ▷ adj   2 producing, uttering or accompanied by a hiss

■ hissingly (ˈhIsIŋlI)   adv   in a hissing manner

■ hissy (ˈhIsI)   adj -sier, -siest   having or resembling the sound of a hiss

■ hissy fit or hissy   n   informal a childish temper tantrum

Hiss (hIs)   n   Alger. 1904–96, US government official: imprisoned (1950–54) for perjury in connection with alleged espionage activities

hist (hIst)   interj   an exclamation used to attract attention or as a warning to be silent

histaminase (hIˈstæmIˌneIs)   n   an enzyme, occurring in the digestive system, that inactivates histamine by removal of its amino group. Also called: diamine oxidase

histamine (ˈhIstəˌmiːn, -mIn)   n   an amine formed from histidine and released by the body tissues in allergic reactions, causing irritation. It also stimulates gastric secretions, dilates blood vessels, and contracts smooth muscle. Formula: C_5H_9N_3. See also antihistamine [C20: from HIST(IDINE) + -AMINE]   > histaminic (ˌhIstəˈmInIk) adj

histaminergic (ˌhIstəmIˈnɜːdʒIk)   adj biochem   1 releasing histamine   2 activated by histamine

histidine (ˈhIstIˌdiːn, -dIn)   n   a nonessential amino acid that occurs in most proteins: a precursor of histamine

histiocyte (ˈhIstIəˌsaIt)   n   physiol a macrophage that occurs in connective tissue [C20: alteration of German histiozyt, from Greek histion a little web, from histos web + -CYTE]   > histiocytic (ˌhIstIəˈsItIk) adj

histiology (ˌhIstIˈɒlədʒI)   n   old-fashioned a variant form of histology

histiophoroid (ˌhIstIˈɒfəˌrɔId)   adj   rare of or relating to the sailfish

histo- or before a vowel hist-   combining form   indicating animal or plant tissue: histology; histamine [from Greek, from histos web]

histoblast (ˈhIstəˌblɑːst, ˈhIstəˌblæst)   n   histology an embryonic cell that forms tissue

histochemistry (ˌhIstəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   the chemistry of tissues, such as liver and bone, often studied with the aid of a microscope   > ˌhistoˈchemical adj

■ histochemically (ˌhIstəʊˈkɛmIkəlI)   adv   biochem using histochemical methods, or from a histochemical point of view

■ histochemist (ˌhIstəʊˈkɛmIst)   n   someone who specializes in histochemistry

histocompatibility (ˌhIstəʊkəmˌpætIˈbIlItI)   n   the degree of similarity between the histocompatibility antigens of two individuals. Histocompatibility determines whether an organ transplant will be tolerated   > ˌhistocomˈpatible adj

■ histocompatibility antigen   n   a molecule occurring on the surface of tissue cells that can take several different forms. The differences between histocompatibility antigens are inherited and determine organ transplant rejection

histogen (ˈhIstəˌdʒɛn)   n   (formerly) any of three layers in an apical meristem that were thought to give rise to the different parts of the plant: the apical meristem is now regarded as comprising two layers. See corpus, tunica

histogenesis (ˌhIstəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs) or histogeny (hIˈstɒdʒənI)   n   the formation of tissues and organs from undifferentiated cells   > histogenetic (ˌhIstəʊdʒəˈnɛtIk) or ˌhistoˈgenic adj   > ˌhistogeˈnetically or ˌhistoˈgenically adv

histogram (ˈhIstəˌɡræm)   n   a statistical graph that represents the frequency of values of a quantity by vertical rectangles of varying heights and widths. The width of the rectangles is in proportion to the class interval under consideration, and their areas represent the relative frequency of the phenomenon in question. See also stem-and-leaf diagram [C20: perhaps from HISTO(RY) + -GRAM]

histoid (ˈhIstɔId)   adj   1 resembling normal tissue   2 composed of one kind of tissue

histology (hIˈstɒlədʒI) or histiology (ˌhIstIˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study, esp the microscopic study, of the tissues of an animal or plant   2 the structure of a tissue or organ   > histological (ˌhIstəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌhistoˈlogic adj   > ˌhistoˈlogically adv   > hisˈtologist n

histolysis (hIˈstɒlIsIs)   n   the disintegration of organic tissues   > histolytic (ˌhIstəˈlItIk) adj   > ˌhistoˈlytically adv

histone (ˈhIstəʊn)   n   any of a group of basic proteins present in cell nuclei and implicated in the spatial organization of DNA

histopathology (ˌhIstəʊpəˈθɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the microscopic structure of diseased tissues   > histopathologic (ˌhIstəʊˌpæθəˈlɒdʒIk) or histopathological (ˌhIstəʊˌpæθəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj

histophysiology (ˌhIstəʊˌfIzIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the physiology of animal and plant tissue

histoplasmosis (ˌhIstəʊplæzˈməʊsIs)   n   a severe fungal disease of the lungs caused by Histoplasma capsulatum

historian (hIˈstɔːrIən)   n   a person who writes or studies history, esp one who is an authority on it

historiated (hIˈstɔːrIˌeItId)   adj   decorated with flowers or animals. Also: storiated [C19: from Medieval Latin historiāre to tell a story in pictures, from Latin historia story]

historic (hIˈstɒrIk)   adj   1 famous or likely to become famous in history; significant   2 a less common word for historical (sense 1), historical (sense 2), historical (sense 3), historical (sense 4), historical (sense 5)   3 Also: secondary linguistics (of Latin, Greek, or Sanskrit verb tenses) referring to past time

USAGE

A distinction is usually made between historic (important, significant) and historical (pertaining to history): a historic decision; a historical perspective

■ historic episcopate   n   Christian Church the derivation of the episcopate of a Church in historic succession from the apostles

■ historicity (ˌhIstəˈrIsItI)   n   historical authenticity

■ Historic Places Trust   n   (in New Zealand) the statutory body concerned with the conservation of historic buildings, esp with ancient Māori sites

historical (hIˈstɒrIkəl)   adj   1 belonging to or typical of the study of history: historical methods   2 concerned with or treating of events of the past: historical accounts   3 based on or constituting factual material as distinct from legend or supposition   4 based on or inspired by history: a historical novel   5 occurring or prominent in history   6 a less common word for historic (sense 1)   > hisˈtorically adv   > hisˈtoricalness n

■ historical-cost accounting   n   a method of accounting that values assets at the original cost. In times of high inflation profits can be overstated. Compare current-cost accounting

■ historical geology   n   the branch of geology concerned with the evolution of the earth and its life forms from its origins to the present

■ historical linguistics   n   (functioning as singular) the study of language as it changes in the course of time, with a view either to discovering general principles of linguistic change or to establishing the correct genealogical classification of particular languages. Also called: diachronic linguistics. Compare descriptive linguistics

■ historical materialism   n   the part of Marxist theory maintaining that social structures derive from economic structures and that these are transformed as a result of class struggles, each ruling class producing another, which will overcome and destroy it, the final phase being the emergence of a communist society

■ historical method   n   a means of learning about something by considering its origins and development

■ historical present   n   the present tense used to narrate past events, usually employed in English for special effect or in informal use, as in a week ago I'm walking down the street and I see this accident

■ historical school   n   1 a group of 19th-century German economists who maintained that modern economies evolved from historical institutions   2 the school of jurists maintaining that laws are based on social and historical circumstances rather than made by a sovereign power

historicize or historicise (hIˈstɒrIˌsaIz)   vb   formal to represent (events) in a historic context

■ historicism (hIˈstɒrIˌsIzəm) or historism (ˈhIstəˌrIzəm)   n   1 the belief that natural laws govern historical events which in turn determine social and cultural phenomena   2 the doctrine that each period of history has its own beliefs and values inapplicable to any other, so that nothing can be understood independently of its historical context   3 the conduct of any enquiry in accordance with these views   4 excessive emphasis on history, historicism, past styles, etc   > hisˈtoricist n, adj

historiette (hIˌstɔːrIˈɛt)   n   archaic a short historical story or anecdote

historify (hIˈstɒrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   literary to make something part of history or to tell the history of something

historiographer (hIˌstɔːrIˈɒɡrəfə)   n   1 a historian, esp one concerned with historical method and the writings of other historians   2 a historian employed to write the history of a group or public institution

■ historiography (ˌhIstɔːrIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   1 the writing of history   2 the study of the development of historical method, historical research, and writing   3 any body of historical literature   > historiographic (hIˌstɔːrIəˈɡræfIk) or hisˌtorioˈgraphical adj

historiology (hIˌstɒrIˈɒlədʒI)   n   history the scientific study or knowledge of history

historism (ˈhIstəˌrIzəm)   n   archaic a variant form of historicism

history (ˈhIstərI, ˈhIstrI)   n, pl -ries   1    a a record or account, often chronological in approach, of past events, developments, etc   b (as modifier): a history book; a history play   2 all that is preserved or remembered of the past, esp in written form   3 the discipline of recording and interpreting past events involving human beings   4 past events, esp when considered as an aggregate   5 an event in the past, esp one that has been forgotten or reduced in importance: their quarrel was just history   6 the past, background, previous experiences, etc, of a thing or person: the house had a strange history   7 computing a stored list of the websites that a user has recently visited   8 a play that depicts or is based on historical events   9 a narrative relating the events of a character's life: the history of Joseph Andrews   ▶ Abbreviation (for senses 1–3): hist [C15: from Latin historia, from Greek: enquiry, from historein to narrate, from histōr judge]

■ historied (ˈhIstəriːd)   adj   1 literary recorded in history   2 archaic decorated with historical scenes or images

histrio (ˈhIstriːəʊ) or histrion (ˈhIstriːɒn)   n, pl histrios   archaic, derogatory a stage actor

histrionic (ˌhIstrIˈɒnIk) or histrionical   adj   1 excessively dramatic, insincere, or artificial: histrionic gestures   2 rare dramatic   ▷ n   3 (plural) melodramatic displays of temperament   4 rare (plural, functioning as singular) dramatics [C17: from Late Latin histriōnicus of a player, from histriō actor]   > ˌhistriˈonically adv

■ histrionicism (ˌhIstrIˈɒnəˌsIzəm)   n   literary histrionic behaviour or acts

■ histrionism (ˈhIstrIənIzəm)   n   theatre formal acting, theatrical performance

hit (hIt)   vb hits, hitting, hit (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to deal (a blow or stroke) to (a person or thing); strike: he hit the table with his fist   2 to come into violent contact with: the car hit the tree   3 to reach or strike with a missile, thrown object, etc: to hit a target   4 to make or cause to make forceful contact; knock or bump: I hit my arm on the table   5 to propel or cause to move by striking: to hit a ball   6 cricket to score (runs)   7 to affect (a person, place, or thing) suddenly or adversely: his illness hit his wife very hard   8 to become suddenly apparent to (a person): the reason for his behaviour hit me and made the whole episode clear   9 to achieve or reach: to hit the jackpot; unemployment hit a new high   10 to experience or encounter: I've hit a slight snag here   11 slang to murder (a rival criminal) in fulfilment of an underworld contract or vendetta   12 to accord or suit (esp in the phrase hit one's fancy)   13 to guess correctly or find out by accident: you have hit the answer   14 informal to set out on (a road, path, etc): let's hit the road   15 informal to arrive or appear in: he will hit town tomorrow night   16 informal, chiefly US and Canadian to demand or request from: he hit me for a pound   17 slang to drink an excessive amount of (alcohol): to hit the bottle   18 hit it music slang start playing   19 hit skins US vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse   20 hit the sack or hit the hay slang to go to bed   21 not know what has hit one to be completely taken by surprise   ▷ n   22 an impact or collision   23 a shot, blow, etc, that reaches its object   24 an apt, witty, or telling remark   25 informal   a a person or thing that gains wide appeal: she's a hit with everyone   b (as modifier): a hit record   26 informal a stroke of luck   27 slang   a a murder carried out as the result of an underworld vendetta or rivalry   b (as modifier): a hit squad   28 slang a drag on a cigarette, a swig from a bottle, a line of a drug, or an injection of heroin   29 computing a single visit to a website   30 make a hit with or score a hit with informal to make a favourable impression on [Old English hittan, from Old Norse hitta]

■ hit-and-miss   adj   informal random; haphazard: a hit-and-miss affair; the technique is very hit and miss. Also: hit or miss

■ hit-and-run   adj (prenominal)   1    a involved in or denoting a motor-vehicle accident in which the driver leaves the scene without stopping to give assistance, inform the police, etc   b (as noun): a hit-and-run   2 (of an attack, raid, etc) relying on surprise allied to a rapid departure from the scene of operations for the desired effect: hit-and-run tactics   3 baseball denoting a play in which a base runner begins to run as the pitcher throws the ball to the batter

■ hit back   vb (intr, adverb; often foll by at)   1 to make forceful blows (against an attacker)   2 to respond vigorously (to a verbal attack)

■ hitless (ˈhItləs)   adj baseball, US   1 (of a batter or team) without having hit the ball   2 without any points being scored

■ hit list   n informal   1 a list of people to be murdered: a terrorist hit list   2 a list of targets to be eliminated in some way: a hit list of pits to be closed

■ hit man or hitman (ˈhItˌmæn)   n   slang a hired assassin, esp one employed by gangsters

■ hit off   vb   1 (tr, adverb) to represent or mimic accurately   2 hit it off informal to have a good relationship with

■ hit on   vb (tr, preposition)   1 to strike   2 Also: hit upon to discover unexpectedly or guess correctly   3 US and Canadian slang to make sexual advances to (a person)

■ hit out   vb (intr, adverb; often foll by at)   1 to direct blows forcefully and vigorously   2 to make a verbal attack (upon someone)

■ hit parade   n   old-fashioned a listing or playing of the current most popular songs

■ hittable (ˈhItəbəl)   adj baseball   1 (of a ball or pitch) capable of being hit   2 tending to pitch or bowl the ball in a way that batters are capable hitting

■ hitter (ˈhItə)   n   1 informal a boxer who has a hard punch rather than skill or finesse   2 a person who hits something

■ hit wicket   n   cricket an instance of a batsman breaking the wicket with the bat or a part of the body while playing a stroke and so being out

Hitachi (hIˈtætʃI)   n   a city in Japan, in E Honshu: a centre of the electronics industry. Pop: 193 080 (2002 est)

hitch (hItʃ)   vb   1 to fasten or become fastened with a knot or tie, esp temporarily   2 (often foll by up) to connect (a horse, team, etc); harness   3 (tr; often foll by up) to pull up (the trousers, a skirt, etc) with a quick jerk   4 (intr) chiefly US to move in a halting manner: to hitch along   5 to entangle or become entangled: the thread was hitched on the reel   6 (tr; passive) slang to marry (esp in the phrase get hitched)   7 informal to obtain (a ride or rides) by hitchhiking   ▷ n   8 an impediment or obstacle, esp one that is temporary or minor: a hitch in the proceedings   9 a knot for fastening a rope to posts, other ropes, etc, that can be undone by pulling against the direction of the strain that holds it   10 a sudden jerk; tug; pull: he gave it a hitch and it came loose   11 chiefly US a hobbling gait: to walk with a hitch   12 a device used for fastening   13 informal a ride obtained by hitchhiking   14 US and Canadian slang a period of time spent in prison, in the army, etc [C15: of uncertain origin]   > ˈhitcher n

■ hitchhike (ˈhItʃˌhaIk)   vb   (intr) to travel by obtaining free lifts in motor vehicles   > ˈhitchˌhiker n

■ hitchhiking or hitch-hiking (ˈhItʃˌhaIkIŋ)   n   the act of travelling by obtaining free lifts in motor vehicles

■ hitchily (ˈhItʃIlI)   adv   rare with hitches or in a hitchy or jerky manner

■ hitching post   n   a post or rail to which the reins of a horse, etc, are tied

■ hitchy (ˈhItʃI)   adj hitchier, hitchiest   rare having hitches; jerky

Hitchcock (ˈhItʃˌkɒk)   n   Sir Alfred (Joseph). 1899–1980, English film director, noted for his mastery in creating suspense. His films include The Thirty-Nine Steps (1935), Rebecca (1940), Psycho (1960), and The Birds (1963)

hi tech or high tech (tɛk)   n   1 short for high technology   2 a style of interior design using features of industrial equipment   ▷ adj hi-tech, high-tech   3 designed for or using high technology   4 of or in the interior design style. Compare low tech

hi-tech or hi-tec   adj   a variant spelling of high-tech

hithe (haIð) or hythe   n   Brit archaic a small harbour or landing-place

hither (ˈhIðə)   adv   1 to or towards this place (esp in the phrase come hither). Also (archaic): hitherward, hitherwards   2 hither and thither this way and that, as in a state of confusion   ▷ adj   3 archaic or dialect (of a side or part, esp of a hill or valley) nearer; closer [Old English hider; related to Old Norse hethra here, Gothic hidrē, Latin citrā on this side, citrō]

■ hithermost (ˈhIðəˌməʊst)   adj   rare nearest to this place or in this direction

■ hitherside (ˈhIðəˌsaId)   n   archaic the nearer side of something or someone

■ hithersides (ˈhIðəˌsaIdz)   adv   on the nearer side

■ hitherto (ˈhIðəˈtuː)   adv   1 until this time: hitherto, there have been no problems   2 archaic to this place or point   ▷ adj   3 until this time: efforts to solve hitherto problems

■ hitherward (ˈhIðəwəd) or hitherwards (ˈhIðəwədz)   adv   an archaic word for hither (sense 1)

Hitler (ˈhItlə)   n   1  Adolf (ˈaːdɔlf). Grandmother's maiden name and father's original surname Schicklgruber. 1889–1945, German dictator, born in Austria. After becoming president of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi party), he attempted to overthrow the government of Bavaria (1923). While in prison he wrote Mein Kampf, expressing his philosophy of the superiority of the Aryan race and the inferiority of the Jews. He was appointed chancellor of Germany (1933), transforming it from a democratic republic into the totalitarian Third Reich, of which he became Führer in 1934. He established concentration camps to exterminate the Jews, rearmed the Rhineland (1936), annexed Austria (1938) and Czechoslovakia, and invaded Poland (1939), which precipitated World War II. He died by suicide   2 a person who displays dictatorial characteristics

■ Hitlerism (ˈhItləˌrIzəm)   n   the policies, principles, and methods of the Nazi party as developed by Adolf Hitler

Hittite (ˈhItaIt)   n   1 a member of an ancient people of Anatolia, who built a great empire in N Syria and Asia Minor in the second millennium BC   2 the extinct language of this people, deciphered from cuneiform inscriptions found at Boǧazköy and elsewhere. It is clearly related to the Indo-European family of languages, although the precise relationship is disputed   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to this people, their civilization, or their language

HIV   abbreviation for   human immunodeficiency virus; the cause of AIDS. Two strains have been identified: HIV-1 and HIV-2

hive (haIv)   n   1 a structure in which social bees live and rear their young   2 a colony of social bees   3 a place showing signs of great industry (esp in the phrase a hive of activity)   4 a teeming crowd; multitude   5 an object in the form of a hive   ▷ vb   6 to cause (bees) to collect or (of bees) to collect inside a hive   7 to live or cause to live in or as if in a hive   8 (tr) (of bees) to store (honey, pollen, etc) in the hive   9 (tr; often foll by up or away) to store, esp for future use: he used to hive away a small sum every week [Old English hӯf; related to Westphalian hüwe, Old Norse hūfr ship's hull, Latin cūpa barrel, Greek kupē, Sanskrit kūpa cave]   > ˈhiveˌlike adj

■ hive bee   n   another name for a honeybee

■ hive dross   n   another name for propolis

■ hiveless (ˈhaIvləs)   adj   (of bees) having no hive

■ hive off   vb (adverb)   1 to transfer or be transferred from a larger group or unit   2 (usually tr) to transfer (profitable activities of a nationalized industry) back to private ownership

■ hiver (ˈhaIvə)   n   someone who keeps beehives

■ hiveward (ˈhaIvwəd) or hivewards (ˈhaIvwədz)   adv   1 (of a bee's movement) towards the hive   ▷ adj   2 (of a bee) moving towards the hive

hives (haIvz)   n   (functioning as singular or plural) pathol a nontechnical name for urticaria [C16: of uncertain origin]

hiya (ˈhaIjə, ˌhaIˈjɑː)   sentence substitute   an informal term of greeting [C20: shortened from how are you?]

Hizbollah (ˌhIzbəˈlɑː)   n   a variant spelling of Hezbollah

hizzoner (hIˈzɒnə)   n   US informal a city mayor or a judge

HJ   abbreviation for (on gravestones)   hic jacet [Latin: here lies]

HJS   abbreviation for (on gravestones)   hic jacet sepultus [Latin: here lies buried]

hk   the internet domain name for   Hong Kong

HK   abbreviation for   1 House of Keys (Manx Parliament)   2 Hong Kong (international car registration)

HKJ   abbreviation for   Jordan (international car registration) [from HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN]

hl   symbol for   hectolitre

HL   abbreviation for (in Britain)   House of Lords

HLA system   n   human leucocyte antigen system; a group of the most important antigens responsible for tissue compatibility, together with the genes that encode them. For tissue and organ transplantation to be successful there needs to be a minimum number of HLA differences between the donor's and recipient's tissue

hm^1   symbol for   hectometre

hm^2   the internet domain name for   Heard Island and McDonald Islands

HM   abbreviation for   1 His (or Her) Majesty   2 heavy metal (sense 1)   3 headmaster; headmistress

h'm (spelling pron hmmm)   interj   used to indicate hesitation, doubt, assent, pleasure, etc

HMAS   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Majesty's Australian Ship

HMCS   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Majesty's Canadian Ship

HMG   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Majesty's Government

HMI   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Her Majesty's Inspector; a government official who examines and supervises schools

hmm (mm)   interj   a sound made when considering or puzzling over something

HMRC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Her (or His) Majesty's Revenue and Customs, a government department that administers and collects major direct taxes, such as income tax, corporation tax, and capital gains tax

H.M.S. or HMS   abbreviation for   1 His (or Her) Majesty's Service   2 His (or Her) Majesty's Ship

HMSO   abbreviation for (formerly, in Britain)   His (or Her) Majesty's Stationery Office, now The Stationery Office (TSO)

hn   the internet domain name for   Honduras

HNC   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Higher National Certificate; a qualification recognized by many national technical and professional institutions

HND   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Higher National Diploma; a qualification in technical subjects equivalent to an ordinary degree

ho^1 (həʊ)   interj   1 Also: ho-ho an imitation or representation of the sound of a deep laugh   2 an exclamation used to attract attention, announce a destination, etc: what ho!; land ho!; westward ho! [C13: of imitative origin; compare Old Norse hó, Old French ho! halt!]

■ ho-ho   interj   a variant form of ho^1 (sense 1)

■ ho-hum (ˈhəʊˌhʌm)   adj   informal lacking interest or inspiration; dull; mediocre: a ho-hum album

ho^2 (həʊ)   n   US Black slang, offensive a derogatory term for a woman [C20: from Black or Southern US pronunciation of WHORE]

Ho   the chemical symbol for   holmium

HO or H.O.   abbreviation for   1 head office   2 Brit government Home Office

ho.   abbreviation for   house

hoactzin (həʊˈæktsIn)   n   a variant of hoatzin

hoagie (ˈhəʊɡI)   n   US a sandwich made with a long, narrow bread roll [C20: of uncertain origin]

hoar (hɔː)   n   1 short for hoarfrost   ▷ adj   2 rare covered with hoarfrost   3 archaic a poetic variant of hoary [Old English hār; related to Old Norse hārr, Old High German hēr, Old Slavonic sěrǔ grey]

■ hoarfrost (ˈhɔːˌfrɒst)   n   a deposit of needle-like ice crystals formed on the ground by direct condensation at temperatures below freezing point. Also called: white frost

■ hoarhead (ˈhɔːˌhɛd)   n   archaic, informal someone, esp an old man, with white hair

■ hoary (ˈhɔːrI)   adj hoarier, hoariest   1 having grey or white hair   2 white or whitish-grey in colour   3 ancient or venerable   > ˈhoarily adv   > ˈhoariness n

■ hoary cress   n   a perennial Mediterranean plant, Cardaria (or Lepidium) draba, with small white flowers: a widespread troublesome weed: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

hoard (hɔːd)   n   1 an accumulated store hidden away for future use   2 a cache of ancient coins, treasure, etc   ▷ vb   3 to gather or accumulate (a hoard) [Old English hord; related to Old Norse hodd, Gothic huzd, German Hort, Swedish hydda hut]   > ˈhoarder n

USAGE

Hoard is sometimes wrongly written where horde is meant: hordes (not hoards) of tourists

hoarding (ˈhɔːdIŋ)   n   1 a large board used for displaying advertising posters, as by a road. Also called (esp US and Canadian): billboard   2 a temporary wooden fence erected round a building or demolition site [C19: from C15 hoard fence, from Old French hourd palisade, of Germanic origin, related to Gothic haurds, Old Norse hurth door]

hoarhound (ˈhɔːˌhaʊnd)   n   a variant spelling of horehound

hoarse (hɔːs)   adj   1 gratingly harsh or raucous in tone   2 low, harsh, and lacking in intensity: a hoarse whisper   3 having a husky voice, as through illness, shouting, etc [C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hās, Old Saxon hēs]   > ˈhoarsely adv   > ˈhoarseness n

hoarsen (ˈhɔːsən)   vb   to make or become hoarse

hoast (host) Scot   n   1 a cough   ▷ vb (intr)   2 to cough [from Old Norse]

hoastman (ˈhəʊstmən)   n, pl -men   British history obsolete a member of a former guild of tradesmen responsible for loading and shipping coal in Newcastle upon Tyne

hoatching (ˈhəʊtʃIŋ)   adj   Scot infested; swarming: this food's hoatching with flies [of unknown origin]

hoatzin (həʊˈætsIn) or hoactzin   n   a unique South American gallinaceous bird, Opisthocomus hoazin, with a brownish plumage, a very small crested head, and clawed wing digits in the young: family Opisthocomidae [C17: from American Spanish, from Nahuatl uatzin pheasant]

hoax (həʊks)   n   1 a deception, esp a practical joke   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to deceive or play a joke on (someone) [C18: probably from HOCUS]   > ˈhoaxer n

hob^1 (hɒb)   n   1 Brit the flat top part of a cooking stove, or a separate flat surface, containing hotplates or burners   2 a shelf beside an open fire, for keeping kettles, etc, hot   3 a steel pattern used in forming a mould or die in cold metal   4 a hard steel rotating cutting tool used in machines for cutting gears   ▷ vb hobs, hobbing, hobbed   5 (tr) to cut or form with a hob [C16: variant of obsolete hubbe, of unknown origin; perhaps related to HUB]

■ hobber (ˈhɒbə)   n   machinery a machine used for cutting gears

■ hobnail (ˈhɒbˌneIl)   n     a a short nail with a large head for protecting the soles of heavy footwear   b (as modifier): hobnail boots [C16: from HOB^1 (in the archaic sense: peg) + NAIL]   > ˈhobˌnailed adj

hob^2 (hɒb)   n   1 a hobgoblin or elf   2 a male ferret   3 raise hob or play hob US informal to cause mischief or disturbance [C14: variant of Rob, short for Robin or Robert]   > ˈhobˌlike adj

■ hobbish (ˈhɒbIʃ)   adj   old-fashioned like a clown

Hobart (ˈhəʊbɑːt)   n   a port in Australia, capital of the island state of Tasmania on the estuary of the Derwent: excellent natural harbour; University of Tasmania (1890). Pop: 216 656 (2011)

Hobbema (ˈhɒbImə; Dutch ˈhɔbəmaː)   n   Meindert (ˈmaIndərt). 1638–1709, Dutch painter of peaceful landscapes, usually including a watermill

Hobbes (hɒbz)   n   Thomas. 1588–1679, English political philosopher. His greatest work is the Leviathan (1651), which contains his defence of absolute sovereignty   > ˈHobbesian n, adj

Hobbism (ˈhɒbIzəm)   n   the mechanistic political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, which stresses the necessity for a powerful sovereign to control human beings   > ˈHobbist n

hobbit (ˈhɒbIt)   n   1 one of an imaginary race of half-size people living in holes   2 a nickname used for a very small type of primitive human, Homo floresiensis, following the discovery of remains of eight such people on the Island of Flores, Indonesia, in 2003 [C20: coined by J. R. R. TOLKIEN, with the meaning 'hole-builder']   > ˈhobbitry n

hobble (ˈhɒbəl)   vb   1 (intr) to walk with a lame awkward movement   2 (tr) to fetter the legs of (a horse) in order to restrict movement   3 to progress unevenly or with difficulty   4 (tr) to hamper or restrict (the actions or scope of a person, organization, etc)   ▷ n   5 a strap, rope, etc, used to hobble a horse   6 a limping gait   7 Brit dialect a difficult or embarrassing situation   8 a castrated ferret   ▶ Also (for senses 2, 5): hopple [C14: probably from Low German; compare Flemish hoppelen, Middle Dutch hobbelen to stammer]   > ˈhobbler n

■ hobblebush (ˈhɒbəlˌbʊʃ)   n   US a sprawling North American woodland shrub (Viburnum alnifolium) with roots that develop on the ground from its branches, producing clusters of white flowers in spring

■ hobble skirt   n   a long skirt, popular between 1910 and 1914, cut so narrow at the ankles that it hindered walking

■ hobblingly (ˈhɒbəlIŋlI)   adv   in a hobbling manner

hobbledehoy (ˌhɒbəldIˈhɔI)   n   archaic a clumsy or bad-mannered youth [C16: from earlier hobbard de hoy, of uncertain origin]

■ hobbledehoydom (ˌhɒbəldIˈhɔIdəm), hobbledehoyhood (ˌhɒbəldIˈhɔIhʊd) or hobbledehoyism (ˌhɒbəldIˈhɔIˌIzəm)   n   archaic the condition of being a hobbledehoy

■ hobbledehoyish (ˌhɒbəldIˈhɔIIʃ)   adj   archaic of or like a hobbledehoy

Hobbs (hɒbz)   n   Sir John Berry, known as Jack Hobbs. 1882–1963, English cricketer: scored 197 centuries

hobby^1 (ˈhɒbI)   n, pl -bies   1 an activity pursued in spare time for pleasure or relaxation   2 archaic or dialect a small horse or pony   3 short for hobbyhorse (sense 1)   4 an early form of bicycle, without pedals [C14 hobyn, probably variant of proper name Robin; compare DOBBIN]   > ˈhobbyist n

■ hobby farmer   n   a person who runs a farm as a hobby rather than a means of making a living

■ hobbyhorse (ˈhɒbIˌhɔːs)   n   1 a toy consisting of a stick with a figure of a horse's head at one end   2 another word for rocking horse   3 a figure of a horse attached to a performer's waist in a pantomime, morris dance, etc   4 a favourite topic or obsessive fixed idea (esp in the phrase on one's hobbyhorse)   ▷ vb   5 (intr) nautical (of a vessel) to pitch violently [C16: from HOBBY^1, originally a small horse, hence sense 3; then generalized to apply to any pastime]

■ hobbyism (ˈhɒbIˌIzəm)   n   the practice of pursuing a hobby

■ hobbyless (ˈhɒbIləs)   adj   without any hobby or hobbies

hobby^2 (ˈhɒbI)   n, pl -bies   any of several small Old World falcons, esp the European Falco subbuteo, formerly used in falconry [C15: from Old French hobet, from hobe falcon; probably related to Middle Dutch hobbelen to roll, turn]

hobday (ˈhɒbˌdeI)   vb   (tr) to alleviate (a breathing problem in certain horses) by the surgical operation of removing soft tissue ventricles to pull back the vocal fold [C20: named after F. T. Hobday (1869–1939), English veterinary surgeon, who devised the operation]   > ˈhobˌdayed adj

hobgoblin (ˌhɒbˈɡɒblIn)   n   1 an evil or mischievous goblin   2 a bogey; bugbear [C16: from HOB^2 + GOBLIN]

■ hobgoblinism (hɒbˈɡɒblInˌIzəm)   n   a belief in hobgoblins

■ hobgoblinry (hɒbˈɡɒblInrI)   n   legend the behaviour or activities of hobgoblins

hob-job   vb (intr)   Brit dialect to do casual work or various small unskilled jobs

■ hob-jobber   n   Brit dialect someone who does casual work or various small unskilled jobs

■ hob-jobbing   n   Brit dialect the work or activities of a hobjobber

hobnob (ˈhɒbˌnɒb)   vb -nobs, -nobbing, -nobbed (intr; often foll by with)   1 to socialize or talk informally   2 obsolete to drink (with) [C18: from hob or nob to drink to one another in turns, hence, to be familiar, ultimately from Old English habban to HAVE + nabban not to have]

■ hobnobber (ˈhɒbˌnɒbə)   n   informal someone who hobnobs with other people

■ hobnobby (ˈhɒbnɒbI)   adj   informal tending to hobnob or characterized by hobnobbing

hobo (ˈhəʊbəʊ)   n, pl -bos or -boes chiefly US and Canadian   1 a tramp; vagrant   2 a migratory worker, esp an unskilled labourer [C19 (US): origin unknown]   > ˈhoboism n

■ hobodom (ˈhəʊbəʊdəm)   n   the condition or life of a hobo

Hoboken (ˈhəʊbəʊkən)   n   1 a city in N Belgium, in Antwerp province, on the River Scheldt. Pop: 33 476 (2002 est)   2 a city in NE New Jersey, on the Hudson River. Pop: 50 005 (2010)

hobson-jobson (ˌhɒbsənˈdʒɒbsən)   n   another word for folk etymology [C19: Anglo-Indian folk-etymological variant of Arabic yā Hasan! yā Husayn! O Hasan! O Husain! (ritual lament for the grandsons of Mohammed); influenced by the surnames Hobson and Jobson]

Hobson's choice (ˈhɒbsənz)   n   the choice of taking what is offered or nothing at all [C16: named after Thomas Hobson (1544–1631), English liveryman who gave his customers no choice but had them take the nearest horse]

Hochheimer (ˈhɒkˌhaImə; German ˈhoːxhaimər)   n   a German white wine from the area around Hochheim near Mainz. Also called: Hochheim

Hochhuth (German ˈhoːxhuːt)   n   Rolf (rɔlf). born 1931, German dramatist. His best-known works are the controversial documentary drama The Representative (1963), on the papacy's attitude to the Jews in World War II, Soldiers (1967), German Love Story (1980), and Wessis in Weimar (1992)

Ho Chi Minh (ˈhəʊ ˈtʃiː ˈmIn)   n   original name Nguyen That Tan. 1890–1969, Vietnamese statesman; president of North Vietnam (1954–69). He headed the Vietminh (1941), which won independence for Vietnam from the French (1954)

■ Ho Chi Minh City   n   a port in S Vietnam, 97 km (60 miles) from the South China Sea, on the Saigon River: captured by the French in 1859; merged with adjoining Cholon in 1932; capital of the former Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) from 1954 to 1976; university (1917); US headquarters during the Vietnam War. Pop: 5 030 000 (2005 est). Former name (until 1976): Saigon

hochmagandy or houghmagandie (ˌhɒxməˈɡændI)   n   Scot a mainly jocular or literary word for sexual intercourse [of uncertain origin]

hock^1 (hɒk)   n   1 the joint at the tarsus of a horse or similar animal, pointing backwards and corresponding to the human ankle   2 the corresponding joint in domestic fowl   ▷ vb   3 another word for hamstring [C16: short for hockshin, from Old English hōhsinu heel sinew]

hock^2 (hɒk)   n   1 any of several white wines from the German Rhine   2 (not in technical usage) any dry white wine [C17: short for obsolete hockamore HOCHHEIMER]

hock^3 (hɒk) informal, chiefly US and Canadian   vb   1 (tr) to pawn or pledge   ▷ n   2 the state of being in pawn (esp in the phrase in hock)   3 in hock   a in prison   b in debt   c in pawn [C19: from Dutch hok prison, debt]   > ˈhocker n

■ hockshop (ˈhɒkˌʃɒp)   n   US informal a pawnshop

hockey^1 (ˈhɒkI)   n   1 Also called (esp US and Canadian): field hockey   a a game played on a field by two opposing teams of 11 players each, who try to hit a ball into their opponents' goal using long sticks curved at the end   b (as modifier): hockey stick; hockey ball   2 See ice hockey [C19: from earlier hawkey, of unknown origin]

■ hockey mom   n   chiefly US a mother who spends much of her spare time transporting her children to and from ice hockey practices and matches

hockey^2 (ˈhɒkI)   n   East Anglian dialect   a the feast at harvest home; harvest supper   b (as modifier): the hockey cart. Also: hawkey, horkey [C16: of unknown origin]

hockle (ˈhɒkəl)   vb hockles, hockled, hockling (intr)   Northumbrian dialect to spit

Hockney (ˈhɒknI)   n   David. born 1937, English painter, best known for his etchings, such as those to Cavafy's poems (1966), naturalistic portraits such as Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy (1971), and for paintings of water, swimmers, and swimming pools

Hocktide (ˈhɒkˌtaId)   n   Brit history a former festival celebrated on the second Monday and Tuesday after Easter [C15: from hock-, hoke- (of unknown origin) + TIDE^1]

hocus (ˈhəʊkəs)   vb -cuses, -cusing, -cused or -cuses, -cussing, -cussed (tr) rare   1 to take in; trick   2 to stupefy, esp with a drug   3 to add a drug to (a drink)

■ hocus-pocus (ˈhəʊkəsˈpəʊkəs)   n   1 trickery or chicanery   2 mystifying jargon   3 an incantation used by conjurors or magicians when performing tricks   4 conjuring skill or practice. Also called: hokey-pokey   ▷ vb -cuses, -cusing, -cused or -cuses, -cussing, -cussed   5 to deceive or trick (someone) [C17: perhaps a dog-Latin formation invented by jugglers]

hod (hɒd)   n   1 an open metal or plastic box fitted with a handle, for carrying bricks, mortar, etc   2 a tall narrow coal scuttle [C14: perhaps alteration of C13 dialect hot, from Old French hotte pannier, creel, probably from Germanic]

■ hod carrier   n   a labourer who carries the materials in a hod for a plasterer, bricklayer, etc. Also called: hodman

■ hodman (ˈhɒdmən)   n, pl -men   Brit another name for a hod carrier

hodad (ˈhəʊˌdæd)   n   surfing slang someone who pretends to be a surfer or cannot yet surf

hodden (ˈhɒdən) or hoddin (ˈhɒdIn)   n   a coarse homespun cloth produced in Scotland: hodden grey is made by mixing black and white wools [C18: Scottish, of obscure origin]

hoddle (ˈhɒdəl)   vb (intr)   Scot dialect to waddle

Hodeida (hɒˈdeIdə)   n   a port in N Yemen, on the Red Sea. Pop: 547 000 (2005 est)

Hodge (hɒdʒ)   n   a typical name for a farm labourer; rustic [C14 hogge, from familiar form of Roger]

hodgepodge (ˈhɒdʒˌpɒdʒ)   n US and Canadian   1 a jumbled mixture   2 a thick soup or stew made from meat and vegetables   ▶ Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): hotchpotch [C15: variant of HOTCHPOT]

Hodgkin (ˈhɒdʒkIn)   n   1  Sir Alan Lloyd. 1914–98, English physiologist. With A. F. Huxley, he explained the conduction of nervous impulses in terms of the physical and chemical changes involved: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1963)   2  Dorothy Crowfoot. 1910–94, English chemist and crystallographer, who determined the three-dimensional structure of insulin: Nobel prize for chemistry (1964)   3  Sir Howard. 1932–2017, British painter, noted for his brightly coloured semi-abstract works

Hodgkin's disease (ˈhɒdʒkInz)   n   a malignant disease, a form of lymphoma, characterized by painless enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Also called: lymphoadenoma, lymphogranulomatosis [C19: named after Thomas Hodgkin (1798–1866), London physician, who first described it]

hodiernal (ˌhəʊdIˈɜːnəl)   adj   1 literary belonging or relating to the present day   2 grammar (of a grammatical tense) relating to the present day, such as events occurring either earlier or later today

hodja (ˈhəʊjə)   n   a variant form of khoja

hodmandod (ˈhɒdmənˌdɒd)   n   Southern English dialect a snail

hodograph (ˈhɒdəˌɡrɑːf, -ɡræf)   n   a curve of which the radius vector represents the velocity of a moving particle [C19: from Greek hodos way + -GRAPH]   > ˌhodoˈgraphic adj

hodometer (hɒˈdɒmItə)   n   US another name for odometer   > hoˈdometry n

hodoscope (ˈhɒdəˌskəʊp)   n   physics any device for tracing the path of a charged particle, esp a particle found in cosmic rays [C20: from Greek hodos way, path + -SCOPE]

hoe (həʊ)   n   1 any of several kinds of long-handled hand implement equipped with a light blade and used to till the soil, eradicate weeds, etc   ▷ vb hoes, hoeing, hoed   2 to dig, scrape, weed, or till (surface soil) with or as if with a hoe [C14: via Old French houe from Germanic: compare Old High German houwā, houwan to HEW, German Haue hoe]   > ˈhoer n   > ˈhoeˌlike adj

■ hoecake (ˈhəʊˌkeIk)   n   US a thin maize cake

■ hoedown (ˈhəʊˌdaʊn)   n US and Canadian   1 a boisterous square dance   2 a party at which hoedowns are danced

■ hoe in   vb   (intr, adverb) Austral and NZ informal to eat food heartily

■ hoe into   vb   (intr, preposition) Austral and NZ informal to eat (food) heartily

Hoek van Holland (ˈhuːk fɑn ˈhɔlɑnt)   n   the Dutch name for the Hook of Holland

Hofei (ˈhəʊˈfeI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Hefei

Hoffman (ˈhɒfmən)   n   Dustin (Lee) (ˈdʌstIn). born 1937, US stage and film actor. His films include The Graduate (1967), Midnight Cowboy (1969), All the President's Men (1976), Kramer vs Kramer (1979), Rain Man (1989), Accidental Hero (1992), and Moonlight Mile (2002)

Hofmann (ˈhɒfmən)   n   Hans. 1880–1966, US painter, born in Germany: a pioneer of the abstract expressionist style

Hofmannsthal (German ˈhoːfmanstaːl)   n   Hugo von (ˈhuːɡo fɔn). 1874–1929, Austrian lyric poet and dramatist, noted as the librettist for Richard Strauss' operas, esp Der Rosenkavalier (1911), Elektra (1909), and Ariadne auf Naxos (1912)

Hofuf (hʊˈfuːf)   n   another name for Al Hufuf

hog (hɒɡ)   n   1 a domesticated pig, esp a castrated male weighing more than 102 kg   2 US and Canadian any artiodactyl mammal of the family Suidae; pig   3 Also: hogg Brit dialect, Austral and NZ another name for hogget   4 informal a selfish, greedy, or slovenly person   5 nautical a stiff brush, for scraping a vessel's bottom   6 nautical the amount or extent to which a vessel is hogged. Compare sag (sense 6)   7 another word for camber (sense 4)   8 slang, chiefly US a large powerful motorcycle   9 go the whole hog informal to do something thoroughly or unreservedly: if you are redecorating one room, why not go the whole hog and paint the entire house?   10 live high on the hog or live high off the hog informal, chiefly US to have an extravagant lifestyle   ▷ vb hogs, hogging, hogged (tr)   11 slang to take more than one's share of   12 to arch (the back) like a hog   13 to cut (the mane) of (a horse) very short [Old English hogg, from Celtic; compare Cornish hoch]   > ˈhogger n   > ˈhogˌlike adj

■ hogback (ˈhɒɡˌbæk)   n   1 Also called: hog's back a narrow ridge that consists of steeply inclined rock strata   2 archaeol a Saxon or Scandinavian tomb with sloping sides

■ hog badger   n   a SE Asian badger, Arctonyx collaris, with a piglike mobile snout. Also called: sand badger

■ hog cholera   n   the US term for swine fever

■ hogfish (ˈhɒɡˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   1 a wrasse, Lachnolaimus maximus, that occurs in the Atlantic off the SE coast of North America. The head of the male resembles a pig's snout   2 another name for pigfish (sense 1)

■ hogged (hɒɡd)   adj   nautical (of a vessel) having a keel that droops at both ends. Compare sag (sense 6)

■ hoggery (ˈhɒɡərI)   n   1 hogs collectively   2 (pl -ries) a place where hogs are kept

■ hogging moment   n   a bending moment that produces convex bending at the supports of a continuously supported beam. Also called: negative bending moment

■ hoggish (ˈhɒɡIʃ)   adj   selfish, gluttonous, or dirty   > ˈhoggishly adv   > ˈhoggishness n

■ hog heaven   n   informal a state of great ease or happiness [C20: of uncertain origin ]

■ hoghood (ˈhɒɡhʊd)   n   literary, rare the condition of being a hog

■ hogmane (ˈhɒɡˌmeIn)   n   a horse's mane that has been cut short so that it stands up stiffly

■ hognosed skunk (ˈhɒɡˌnəʊzd)   n   any of several American skunks of the genus Conepatus, esp C. leuconotus, having a broad snoutlike nose

■ hognose snake (ˈhɒɡˌnəʊz)   n   any North American nonvenomous colubrid snake of the genus Heterodon, having a trowel-shaped snout and inflating the body when alarmed. Also called: puff adder

■ hognut (ˈhɒɡˌnʌt)   n   another name for pignut

■ hog peanut   n   a North American leguminous climbing plant, Amphicarpa bracteata, having fleshy curved one-seeded pods, which ripen in or on the ground

■ hog's fennel   n   any of several Eurasian umbelliferous marsh plants of the genus Peucedanum, esp P. officinale, having clusters of small whitish flowers

■ hogshead (ˈhɒɡzˌhɛd)   n   1 a unit of capacity, used esp for alcoholic beverages. It has several values, being 54 imperial gallons in the case of beer and 52.5 imperial gallons in the case of wine   2 a large cask used for shipment of wines and spirits [C14: of obscure origin]

■ hogtie (ˈhɒɡˌtaI)   vb -ties, -tying, -tied (tr) chiefly US   1 to tie together the legs or the arms and legs of   2 to impede, hamper, or thwart

■ hog-ward   n   archaic someone who looks after hogs

■ hogwash (ˈhɒɡˌwɒʃ)   n   1 informal nonsense   2 pigswill

■ hogweed (ˈhɒɡˌwiːd)   n   any of several coarse weedy umbelliferous plants, esp cow parsnip. See also giant hogweed

hogan (ˈhəʊɡən)   n   a wooden dwelling covered with earth, typical of the Navaho people of N America [from Navaho]

Hogan (ˈheʊɡən)   n   Ben, full name William Benjamin Hogan. 1912–97, US golfer: winner of nine major championships (1946–53) including the US Open four times

Hogarth (ˈhəʊɡɑːθ)   n   William. 1697–1764, English engraver and painter. He is noted particularly for his series of engravings satirizing the vices and affectations of his age, such as A Rake's Progress (1735) and Marriage à la Mode (1745)   > Hoˈgarthian adj

hogen (ˈhəʊɡən)   n   archaic, rare strong beer or liquor

hogg (hɒɡ)   n   1 an uncastrated male pig   2 a sheep of either sex aged between birth and second shearing

Hogg (hɒɡ)   n   1  James, known as the Ettrick Shepherd. 1770–1835, Scottish poet and writer. His works include the volume of poems The Queen's Wake (1813) and the novel The Confessions of a Justified Sinner (1824)   2 Quintin See Hailsham of St Marylebone

hoggerel (ˈhɒɡərəl)   n   a sheep in its second or third year

hogget (ˈhɒɡIt)   n Brit dialect, Austral and NZ   1 a sheep up to the age of one year that has yet to be sheared   2 the meat of this sheep

hoggin (ˈhɒɡIn) or hogging (ˈhɒɡIŋ)   n   a finely sifted gravel containing enough clay binder for it to be used in its natural form for making paths or roads [C19: perhaps the same as hogging from HOG in the sense of arching the back, from the shape given to a road to facilitate drainage]

hogh (həʊ)   n   archaic a ridge of land

Hogmanay (ˌhɒɡməˈneI)   n   (sometimes not capital)   a New Year's Eve in Scotland   b (as modifier): a Hogmanay party. See also first-foot [C17: Scottish and Northern English, perhaps from Norman French hoguinane, from Old French aguillanneuf the last day of the year; also, a New Year's eve gift]

Hogtown (ˈhɒɡˌtaʊn)   n   Canadian a slang name for Toronto

Hogue (French ɔɡ)   n   See La Hogue

Hogwood (ˈhɒɡwʊd)   n   Christopher (Jarvis Haley). (1941–2014), British harpsichordist, conductor, and musicologist; founder and director of the Academy of Ancient Music (1973–2006)

hoha (ˈhɒhɑː)   adj   NZ bored or annoyed [Māori]

Hohenlinden (German hoːənˈlIndən)   n   a village in S Germany, in Bavaria east of Munich: scene of the defeat of the Austrians by the French during the Napoleonic Wars (1800)

Hohenlohe (ˈhəʊənˌləʊə; German hoːənˈloːə)   n   Chlodwig (ˈkloːtvIç), Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. 1819–1901, Prussian statesman; chancellor of the German empire (1894–1900)

Hohenstaufen (ˈhəʊənˌʃtaʊfən; German hoːənˈʃtaufən)   n   a German princely family that provided rulers of Germany (1138–1208, 1215–54), Sicily (1194–1268), and the Holy Roman Empire (1138–1254)

Hohenzollern (ˈhəʊənˌzɒlən; German hoːənˈtsɔlərn)   n   a German noble family, the younger (Franconian) branch of which provided rulers of Brandenburg (1417–1701) and Prussia (1701–1918). The last kings of Prussia (1871–1918) were also emperors of Germany

Hohhot (ˈhɒˈhɒt), Huhehot or Hu-ho-hao-t'e   n   a city in N China, capital of Inner Mongolia (since 1954); previously capital of the former Suiyüan province; Inner Mongolia University (1957). Pop: 998 000 (2005 est)

hoick (hɔIk)   vb   1 informal to rise or raise abruptly and sharply: she hoicked her dress above her knees   2 NZ informal to clear the throat and spit [C20: perhaps a variant of hike]

hoicks (hɔIks)   interj   a cry used to encourage hounds to hunt. Also: yoicks

hoiden (ˈhɔIdən)   n   a variant spelling of hoyden   > ˈhoidenish adj   > ˈhoidenishness n

hoi polloi (ˌhɔI pəˈlɔI)   pl n   often derogatory the masses; common people [Greek, literally: the many]

hoisin (ˌhɔIˈsIn)   n   (in Chinese cookery) a sweet spicy reddish-brown sauce made from soya beans, sugar, vinegar, and garlic. Also called: Peking sauce [C20: from Cantonese]

hoist (hɔIst)   vb   1 (tr) to raise or lift up, esp by mechanical means   2 hoist with one's own petard See petard (sense 2)   ▷ n   3 any apparatus or device for hoisting   4 the act of hoisting   5 See rotary clothesline   6 nautical   a the amidships height of a sail bent to the yard with which it is hoisted. Compare drop (sense 15)   b the difference between the set and lowered positions of this yard   7 nautical the length of the luff of a fore-and-aft sail   8 nautical a group of signal flags   9 the inner edge of a flag next to the staff. Compare fly^1 (sense 25) [C16: variant of hoise, probably from Low German; compare Dutch hijschen, German hissen]   > ˈhoister n

■ hoistman (ˈhɔIstmən)   n, pl -men   someone who operates a hoist

■ hoistway (ˈhɔIstˌweI)   n   US a shaft for a hoist or a lift

hoity-toity (ˌhɔItIˈtɔItI)   adj   informal arrogant or haughty: we have had enough of her hoity-toity manner [C17: rhyming compound based on C16 hoit to romp, of obscure origin]

hojatoleslam (ˌhɒdʒəˈtɒlɛzˌlɑːm) or hojatolislam   n   Islam a title of respect given to an ayatollah or a middle-ranking Shiite cleric, which means literally 'proof of Islam'

hoka (ˈhɒkɑː)   n, pl hoka   NZ another name for red cod [Māori]

hoke (həʊk)   vb   (tr; usually foll by up) to overplay (a part, etc) [C20: perhaps from HOKUM]

hokey (ˈhəʊkI)   adj slang, chiefly US and Canadian   1 corny; sentimental   2 contrived; phoney [C20: from HOKUM]

■ hokeyness (ˈhəʊkInəs) or hokiness   n   the quality of being hokey

■ hokey-pokey or hoky-poky (ˌhəʊkIˈpəʊkI)   n   1 another word for hocus-pocus (sense 1), hocus-pocus (sense 2)   2 NZ a brittle toffee sold in lumps

■ hokily (ˈhəʊkIlI)   adv   in a hokey manner

hokey cokey (ˈhəʊkI ˈkəʊkI)   n   a Cockney song with a traditional dance routine to match the words [C19: of uncertain origin]

hoki (ˈhɒkiː)   n, pl hoki   an edible saltwater fish, Macruronus novaezeelandiae, of southern New Zealand waters [Māori]

Hokkaido (hɒˈkaIdəʊ)   n   the second largest and northernmost of the four main islands of Japan, separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait and from the island of Sakhalin, Russia, by La Pérouse Strait: constitutes an autonomous administrative division. Capital: Sapporo. Pop: 5 670 000 (2002 est). Area: 78 508 sq km (30 312 sq miles)

hokku (ˈhɒkuː)   n, pl -ku   prosody another word for haiku [from Japanese, from hok beginning + ku hemistich]

hokonui (həʊkəˈnuːiː)   n   NZ obsolete illicit whisky [from Hokonui, district of Southland region, NZ]

hokum (ˈhəʊkəm)   n slang   1 claptrap; bunk   2 obvious or hackneyed material of a sentimental nature in a play, film, etc [C20: probably a blend of HOCUS-POCUS and BUNKUM]

Hokusai (ˈhəʊkʊˌsaI, ˌhəʊkʊˈsaI)   n   Katsushika (ˌkætsuːˈʃiːkə). 1760–1849, Japanese artist, noted for the draughtsmanship of his colour wood-block prints, which influenced the impressionists

hol-   combining form   a variant of holo-

holandric (hɒˈlændrIk, həʊ-)   adj   genetics carried or located on a Y-chromosome, therefore passed on genetically from father to son

holarchy (ˈhəʊlˌɑːkI)   n   a system composed of interacting holons [C20: from HOLO- + -ARCHY]

Holarctic (həʊˈlɑːktIk)   adj   of or denoting a zoogeographical region consisting of the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions [C19: from HOLO- + ARCTIC]

holard (ˈhɒlɑːd)   n   ecology a total amount of water contained in soil

Holbein (German ˈhɔlbain)   n   1  Hans (hans), known as Holbein the Elder. 1465– 1524, German painter   2  his son, Hans, known as Holbein the Younger. 1497–1543, German painter and engraver; court painter to Henry VIII of England (1536–43). He is noted particularly for his portraits, such as those of Erasmus (1524; 1532) and Sir Thomas More (1526)

Holberg (ˈhɒlbɜːɡ)   n   Ludvig, Baron. 1684–1754, Danish playwright, poet, and historian, born in Norway: considered the founder of modern Danish literature

hold^1 (həʊld)   vb holds, holding, held (hɛld)   1 to have or keep (an object) with or within the hands, arms, etc; clasp   2 (tr) to support or bear: to hold a drowning man's head above water   3 to maintain or be maintained in a specified state or condition: to hold one's emotions in check; hold firm   4 (tr) to set aside or reserve: they will hold our tickets until tomorrow   5 (when intr, usually used in commands) to restrain or be restrained from motion, action, departure, etc: hold that man until the police come   6 (intr) to remain fast or unbroken: that cable won't hold much longer   7 (intr) (of the weather) to remain dry and bright: how long will the weather hold?   8 (tr) to keep the attention of: her singing held the audience   9 (tr) to engage in or carry on: to hold a meeting   10 (tr) to have the ownership, possession, etc, of: she holds a law degree from London; who's holding the ace of spades?   11 (tr) to have the use of or responsibility for: to hold the office of director   12 (tr) to have the space or capacity for: the carton will hold only eight books   13 (tr) to be able to control the outward effects of drinking beer, spirits, etc: he can hold his drink well   14 (often foll by to or by) to remain or cause to remain committed to: hold him to his promise; he held by his views in spite of opposition   15 (tr; takes a clause as object) to claim: he holds that the theory is incorrect   16 (intr) to remain relevant, valid, or true: the old philosophies don't hold nowadays   17 (tr) to keep in the mind: to hold affection for someone   18 (tr) to regard or consider in a specified manner: I hold him very dear   19 (tr) to guard or defend successfully: hold the fort against the attack   20 (intr) to continue to go: hold on one's way   21 (sometimes foll by on) music to sustain the sound of (a note) throughout its specified duration: to hold on a semibreve for its full value   22 (tr) computing to retain (data) in a storage device after copying onto another storage device or onto another location in the same device. Compare clear (sense 49)   23 (tr) to be in possession of illegal drugs   24 hold for or hold good for to apply or be relevant to: the same rules hold for everyone   25 holding thumbs South African holding the thumb of one hand with the other, in the hope of bringing good luck   26 hold it!   a stop! wait!   b stay in the same position! as when being photographed   27 hold one's head high to conduct oneself in a proud and confident manner   28 hold one's own to maintain one's situation or position esp in spite of opposition or difficulty   29 hold one's peace or hold one's tongue to keep silent   30 hold water to prove credible, logical, or consistent   31 there is no holding him or her he or she is so spirited or resolute that they cannot be restrained   ▷ n   32 the act or method of holding fast or grasping, as with the hands   33 something to hold onto, as for support or control   34 an object or device that holds fast or grips something else so as to hold it fast   35 controlling force or influence: the company has a hold on his life   36 a short delay or pause   37 a prison or a cell in a prison   38 wrestling a way of seizing one's opponent: a wrist hold   39 music a pause or fermata   40    a a tenure or holding, esp of land   b (in combination): leasehold; freehold; copyhold   41 a container   42 archaic a fortified place   43 get hold of   a to obtain   b to come into contact with   44 no holds barred all limitations removed   45 on hold in a state of temporary postponement or delay [Old English healdan; related to Old Norse halla, Gothic haldan, German halten]   > ˈholdable adj

■ holdall (ˈhəʊldˌɔːl)   n   Brit a large strong bag with handles. Usual US and Canadian name: carryall

■ hold back   vb (adverb)   1 to restrain or be restrained   2 (tr) to withhold: he held back part of the payment   ▷ n holdback   3 a strap of the harness joining the breeching to the shaft, so that the horse can hold back the vehicle   4 something that restrains or hinders

■ holddown (ˈhəʊldˌdaʊn)   n   computing a control function in a router that stops it receiving information from other routers while there is instability in the network

■ hold down   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to restrain or control   2 informal to manage to retain or keep possession of: to hold down two jobs at once

■ holder (ˈhəʊldə)   n   1 a person or thing that holds   2    a a person, such as an owner, who has possession or control of something   b (in combination): householder   3 law a person who has possession of a bill of exchange, cheque, or promissory note that he or she is legally entitled to enforce   > ˈholderˌship n

■ holderbat (ˈhəʊldəˌbæt)   n   plumbing a bracket that supports a pipe and fastens it to a wall or surface

■ holdfast (ˈhəʊldˌfɑːst)   n   1    a the act of gripping strongly   b such a grip   2 any device used to secure an object, such as a hook, clamp, etc   3 the organ of attachment of a seaweed or related plant

■ hold forth   vb (adverb)   1 (intr) to speak for a long time or in public   2 (tr) to offer (an attraction or enticement)

■ hold in   vb (tr, adverb)   1 to curb, control, or keep in check   2 to conceal or restrain (feelings)

■ holding (ˈhəʊldIŋ)   n   1 land held under a lease and used for agriculture or similar purposes   2 (often plural) property to which the holder has legal title, such as land, stocks, shares, and other investments   3 sport the obstruction of an opponent with the hands or arms, esp in boxing   ▷ adj   4 Austral informal in funds; having money

■ holding company   n   a company with controlling shareholdings in one or more other companies

■ holding operation   n   a plan or procedure devised to prolong the existing situation

■ holding paddock   n   Austral and NZ a paddock in which cattle or sheep are kept temporarily, as before shearing, etc

■ holding pattern   n   the oval or circular path of an aircraft flying around an airport awaiting permission to land

■ hold off   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to keep apart or at a distance   2 (intr; often foll by from) to refrain (from doing something): he held off buying the house until prices fell slightly

■ hold on   vb (intr, adverb)   1 to maintain a firm grasp: she held on with all her strength   2 to continue or persist   3 (foll by to) to keep or retain: hold on to those stamps as they'll soon be valuable   4 to keep a telephone line open   ▷ interj   5 informal stop! wait!

■ hold out   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to offer or present   2 (intr) to last or endure   3 (intr) to continue to resist or stand firm, as a city under siege or a person refusing to succumb to persuasion   4 chiefly US to withhold (something due or expected)   5 hold out for to wait patiently or uncompromisingly for (the fulfilment of one's demands)   6 hold out on informal to delay in or keep from telling (a person) some new or important information   ▷ n holdout US   7 a person, country, organization, etc, that continues to resist or refuses to change: one of the staunchest holdouts against reform   8 a person, country, organization, etc, that declines to cooperate or participate: they remain the only holdouts to signing the accord

■ hold over   vb (tr, mainly adverb)   1 to defer consideration of or action on   2 to postpone for a further period   3 to prolong (a note, chord, etc) from one bar to the next   4 (preposition) to intimidate (a person) with (a threat)   ▷ n holdover US and Canadian informal   5 an elected official who continues in office after his or her term has expired   6 a performer or performance continuing beyond the original engagement

■ hold together   vb (adverb)   1 to cohere or remain or cause to cohere or remain in one piece: your old coat holds together very well   2 to stay or cause to stay united: the children held the family together

■ hold-up   n   1 a robbery, esp an armed one   2 a delay; stoppage   3 US an excessive charge; extortion   4 (usually plural) a stocking that is held up by an elasticated top without suspenders   ▷ vb hold up (adverb)   5 (tr) to delay; hinder: we were held up by traffic   6 (tr) to keep from falling; support   7 (tr) to stop forcibly or waylay in order to rob, esp using a weapon   8 (tr) to exhibit or present: he held up his achievements for our admiration   9 (intr) to survive or last: how are your shoes holding up?   10 bridge to refrain from playing a high card, so delaying the establishment of (a suit)   11 hold up one's hands to confess a mistake or misdeed

■ hold with   vb   (intr, preposition) to support; approve of

hold^2 (həʊld)   n   the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo [C16: variant of HOLE]

holden (ˈhəʊldən)   vb   archaic or dialect a past participle of hold^1

Hölderlin (German ˈhœldərliːn)   n   Friedrich (ˈfriːdrIç). 1770–1843, German lyric poet, whose works include the poems Menon's Lament for Diotima and Bread and Wine and the novel Hyperion (1797–99)

hole (həʊl)   n   1 an area hollowed out in a solid   2 an opening made in or through something   3 an animal's hiding place or burrow   4 informal an unattractive place, such as a town or a dwelling   5 informal a cell or dungeon   6 US informal a small anchorage   7 a fault (esp in the phrase pick holes in)   8 slang a difficult and embarrassing situation   9 the cavity in various games into which the ball must be thrust   10 (on a golf course)   a the cup on each of the greens   b each of the divisions of a course (usually 18) represented by the distance between the tee and a green   c the score made in striking the ball from the tee into the hole   11 physics   a a vacancy in a nearly full band of quantum states of electrons in a semiconductor or an insulator. Under the action of an electric field holes behave as carriers of positive charge   b (as modifier): hole current   c a vacancy in the nearly full continuum of quantum states of negative energy of fermions. A hole appears as the antiparticle of the fermion   12 in holes so worn as to be full of holes: his socks were in holes   13 in the hole chiefly US   a in debt   b (of a card, the hole card, in stud poker) dealt face down in the first round   14 make a hole in to consume or use a great amount of (food, drink, money, etc): to make a hole in a bottle of brandy   ▷ vb   15 to make a hole or holes in (something)   16 (when intr, often foll by out) golf to hit (the ball) into the hole [Old English hol; related to Gothic hulundi, German Höhle, Old Norse hylr pool, Latin caulis hollow stem; see HOLLOW]

■ hole-and-corner   adj   (usually prenominal) informal furtive or secretive

■ hole in one golf   n   1 a shot from the tee that finishes in the hole   ▷ vb   2 (intr) to score a hole in one   ▶ Also called (esp US): ace

■ hole in the heart   n     a a defect of the heart in which there is an abnormal opening in any of the walls dividing the four heart chambers   b (as modifier): a hole-in-the-heart operation

■ hole in the wall   n informal   1 chiefly Brit another name for cash dispenser   2 a small dingy place, esp one difficult to find

■ holeless (ˈhəʊlləs)   adj   without a hole or without any holes

■ hole up   vb (intr, adverb)   1 (of an animal) to hibernate, esp in a cave   2 informal to hide or remain secluded

■ holey (ˈhəʊlI)   adj holeyer, holeyest   full of holes

Holguín (Spanish ɔlˈɣin)   n   a city in NE Cuba, in Holguín province: trading centre. Pop: 278 000 (2005 est)

Holi (ˈhɒˌliː)   n   a Hindu spring festival, celebrated for two to five days, commemorating Krishna's dalliance with the cowgirls. Bonfires are lit and coloured powder and water thrown over celebrants [named after Holika, legendary female demon]

-holic   suffix forming nouns   indicating a person having an abnormal desire for or dependence on: workaholic; chocoholic [C20: on the pattern of alcoholic]

holiday (ˈhɒlIˌdeI, -dI)   n   1 (often plural) chiefly Brit   a a period in which a break is taken from work or studies for rest, travel, or recreation. US and Canadian word: vacation   b (as modifier): a holiday mood   2 a day on which work is suspended by law or custom, such as a religious festival, bank holiday, etc. Related adjective: ferial   ▷ vb   3 (intr) chiefly Brit to spend a holiday [Old English hāligdæg, literally: holy day]

■ holiday camp   n   Brit a place, esp one at the seaside, providing accommodation, recreational facilities, etc, for holiday-makers

■ holidayer (ˈhɒlIˌdeIə)   n   Austral a holiday-maker; tourist

■ holiday-maker   n   Brit a person who goes on holiday. US and Canadian equivalents: vacationer, vacationist

Holiday (ˈhɒlIˌdeI)   n   Billie. real name Eleanora Fagan; known as Lady Day. 1915–59, US jazz singer

Holinshed (ˈhɒlInʃɛd) or Holingshed   n   Raphael. died ?1580, English chronicler. His Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1577) provided material for Shakespeare's historical and legendary plays

holism (ˈhəʊlIzəm)   n   1 any doctrine that a system may have properties over and above those of its parts and their organization   2 the treatment of any subject as a whole integrated system, esp, in medicine, the consideration of the complete person, physically and psychologically, in the treatment of a disease. See also alternative medicine   3 philosophy one of a number of methodological theses holding that the significance of the parts can only be understood in terms of their contribution to the significance of the whole and that the latter must therefore be epistemologically prior. Compare reductionism, atomism (sense 2) [C20: from HOLO- + -ISM]

■ holist (ˈhəʊlIst, ˈhɒlIst)   n   philosophy a person who believes in or teaches holism

■ holistic (həʊˈlIstIk)   adj   1 of or relating to a doctrine of holism   2 of or relating to the medical consideration of the complete person, physically and psychologically, in the treatment of a disease   > hoˈlistically adv

holk (həʊk)   vb   dialect to dig (something) out or up

Holkar State (hɒlˈkɑː)   n   a former state of central India, ruled by the Holkar dynasty of Maratha rulers of Indore (18th century until 1947)

Holkham Hall (ˈhəʊkəm, ˈhɒlkəm)   n   a Palladian mansion near Wells in Norfolk: built 1734–59 by William Kent for Thomas Coke

holland (ˈhɒlənd)   n   a coarse linen cloth, used esp for furnishing [C15: after HOLLAND, where it was made]

Holland^1 (ˈhɒlənd)   n   1 another name for the Netherlands   2 a county of the Holy Roman Empire, corresponding to the present-day North and South Holland provinces of the Netherlands   3 Parts of an area in E England constituting a former administrative division of Lincolnshire

■ Hollander (ˈhɒləndə)   n   another name for a Dutchman

Holland^2 (ˈhɒlənd)   n   1  Henry. 1745–1806, British neoclassical architect. His work includes Brooks's Club (1776) and Carlton House (1783), both in London   2  Sir Sidney George. 1893–1961, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1949–57)

hollandaise sauce (ˌhɒlənˈdeIz, ˈhɒlənˌdeIz) or hollandaise   n   a rich sauce of egg yolks, butter, vinegar, etc, served esp with fish [C19: from French sauce hollandaise Dutch sauce]

Hollande (ɔlɑ̃d)   n   François (frɑ̃swa). born 1954, French socialist politician, president of France (2012–17)

Hollandia (hɒˈlændIə)   n   a former name of Jayapura

Hollands (ˈhɒləndz)   n   Dutch gin, often sold in stone bottles [C18: from Dutch hollandsch genever]

holler (ˈhɒlə) informal   vb   1 to shout or yell (something)   ▷ n   2 a shout; call [variant of C16 hollow, from holla, from French holà stop! (literally: ho there!)]

Holliger (German ˈhɔlIɡə)   n   Heinz (haints). born 1939, Swiss oboist and composer

hollo (ˈhɒləʊ), holla (ˈhɒlə) or holloa (həˈləʊ)   n, pl -los, -las or -loas (-ˈləʊz)   1 a cry for attention, or of encouragement   ▷ interj   2 a cry for attention, or of encouragement   ▷ vb   3 (intr) to shout [C16: from French holà ho there!]

hollow (ˈhɒləʊ)   adj   1 having a hole, cavity, or space within; not solid   2 having a sunken area; concave   3 recessed or deeply set: hollow cheeks   4 (of sounds) as if resounding in a hollow place   5 without substance or validity   6 hungry or empty   7 insincere; cynical   8 a hollow leg or hollow legs the capacity to eat or drink a lot without ill effects   ▷ adv   9 beat someone hollow Brit informal to defeat someone thoroughly and convincingly   ▷ n   10 a cavity, opening, or space in or within something   11 a depression or dip in the land   ▷ vb (often foll by out, usually when tr)   12 to make or become hollow   13 to form (a hole, cavity, etc) or (of a hole, etc) to be formed [C12: from holu, inflected form of Old English holh cave; related to Old Norse holr, German hohl; see HOLE]   > ˈhollowly adv   > ˈhollowness n

■ hollow-back   n   pathol the nontechnical name for lordosis. Compare hunchback

■ hollow-cheeked   adj   having sunken cheeks, as from thinness

■ hollow-eyed   adj   with the eyes appearing to be sunk into the face, as from excessive fatigue

■ hollowware or holloware (ˈhɒləʊˌwɛə)   n   hollow articles made of metal, china, etc, such as pots, jugs, and kettles. Compare flatware (sense 2)

holly (ˈhɒlI)   n, pl -lies   1 any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex, such as the Eurasian I. aquifolium, having bright red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges   2 branches of any of these trees, used for Christmas decorations   3 holly oak another name for holm oak   ▶ See also sea holly [Old English holegn; related to Old Norse hulfr, Old High German hulis, German Hulst, Old Slavonic kolja prick]

Holly (ˈhɒlI)   n   Buddy. real name Charles Harden Holley. 1936–59, US rock-and-roll singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His hits (all 1956–59) include "That'll be the Day", "Maybe Baby", "Peggy Sue", "Oh, Boy", "Think It Over", and "It Doesn't Matter Anymore"

hollyhock (ˈhɒlIˌhɒk)   n   a tall widely cultivated malvaceous plant, Althaea rosea, with stout hairy stems and spikes of white, yellow, red, or purple flowers. Also called (US): rose mallow [C16: from HOLY + hock, from Old English hoc mallow]

Hollywood (ˈhɒlIˌwʊd)   n   1 a NW suburb of Los Angeles, California: centre of the American film industry. Pop: 167 664 (2000)   2    a the American film industry   b (as modifier): a Hollywood star

holm^1 (həʊm)   n dialect, chiefly Northwest English   1 an island in a river, lake, or estuary   2 low flat land near a river [Old English holm sea, island; related to Old Saxon holm hill, Old Norse holmr island, Latin culmen tip]

holm^2 (həʊm)   n   1 short for holm oak   2 chiefly Brit a dialect word for holly [C14: variant of obsolete holin, from Old English holegn HOLLY]

■ holm oak   n   an evergreen Mediterranean oak tree, Quercus ilex, widely planted for ornament: the leaves are holly-like when young but become smooth-edged with age. Also called: holm, holly oak, ilex

Holmes (həʊmz)   n   1  Oliver Wendell. 1809–94, US author, esp of humorous essays, such as The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table (1858) and its sequels   2  his son, Oliver Wendell. 1841–1935, US jurist, noted for his liberal judgments   3  Sir Paul.1950–2013, New Zealand radio and television broadcaster; presenter of The Paul Holmes Breakfast, (1987–2008)

holmia (ˈhɒlmIə)   n   chem the oxide of holmium

holmium (ˈhɒlmIəm)   n   a malleable silver-white metallic element of the lanthanide series. Symbol: Ho; atomic no: 67; atomic wt: 164.93032; valency: 3; relative density: 8.795; melting pt: 1474°C; boiling pt: 2700°C [C19: from New Latin Holmia Stockholm]

■ holmic (ˈhɒlmIk)   adj   of or containing holmium

holo- or before a vowel hol-   combining form   whole or wholly: holograph; holotype; Holarctic [from Greek holos]

holobenthic (ˌhɒləˈbɛnθIk)   adj   (of an animal) completing its life cycle in the ocean depths

holoblastic (ˌhɒləˈblæstIk)   adj   embryol of or showing cleavage of the entire zygote into blastomeres, as in eggs with little yolk. Compare meroblastic   > ˌholoˈblastically adv

Holocaine (ˈhɒləˌkeIn)   n   a trademark for phenacaine

holocaust (ˈhɒləˌkɔːst)   n   1 great destruction or loss of life or the source of such destruction, esp fire   2 Also called: the Churban, the Shoah (usually capital) the mass murder of Jews and members of many other ethnic, social, and political groups in continental Europe between 1940 and 1945 by the Nazi regime   3 a rare word for burnt offering [C13: from Late Latin holocaustum whole burnt offering, from Greek holokauston, from HOLO- + kaustos, from kaiein to burn]   > ˌholoˈcaustal or ˌholoˈcaustic adj

Holocene (ˈhɒləˌsiːn)   adj   1 of, denoting, or formed in the second and most recent epoch of the Quaternary period, which began 10 000 years ago at the end of the Pleistocene   ▷ n   2 the Holocene the Holocene epoch or rock series   ▶ Also called: Recent

holocrine (ˈhɒləkrIn)   adj   (of the secretion of glands) characterized by disintegration of the entire glandular cell in releasing its product, as in sebaceous glands. Compare merocrine, apocrine [C20: from HOLO- + Greek krinein to separate, decide]

holocrystalline (ˌhɒləˈkrIstəˌlaIn)   adj   (of igneous rocks) having only crystalline components and no glass. Compare hemicrystalline

holoenzyme (ˌhɒləʊˈɛnzaIm)   n   an active enzyme consisting of a protein component (apoenzyme) and its coenzyme

Holofernes (ˌhɒləˈfɜːniːz, həˈlɒfəˌniːz)   n   the Assyrian general who was killed by the biblical heroine Judith

hologamy (həʊˈlɒɡəmI)   n   biology a type of reproduction in which the gametes are like ordinary cells in form and size, as is found in some algae and protozoa

hologram (ˈhɒləˌɡræm)   n   a photographic record produced by illuminating the object with coherent light (as from a laser) and, without using lenses, exposing a film to light reflected from this object and to a direct beam of coherent light. When interference patterns on the film are illuminated by the coherent light a three-dimensional image is produced

holograph (ˈhɒləˌɡræf, -ˌɡrɑːf)   n     a a book or document handwritten by its author; original manuscript; autograph   b (as modifier): a holograph document

■ holographer (hɒˈlɒɡrəfə)   n   photog someone who makes or uses holograms

■ holographic (ˌhɒləˈɡræfIk)   adj   of, relating to, or produced using holograms; three-dimensional   > ˌholoˈgraphically adv

■ holography (hɒˈlɒɡrəfI)   n   the science or practice of producing holograms

hologyny (hɒˈlɒdʒInI)   n   genetics the inheritance of genetic traits through females only

■ hologynic (ˌhɒləˈdʒInIk, ˌhɒləˈdʒaInIk)   adj   genetics carried or located on an X-chromosome, therefore passed on genetically from mother to daughter

holohedron (ˌhɒləˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a holohedral form or crystal

■ holohedral (ˌhɒləˈhiːdrəl)   adj   (of a crystal) exhibiting all the planes required for the symmetry of the crystal system   > ˌholoˈhedrism n

holometabolism (ˌhɒləʊmIˈtæbəˌlIzəm)   n   the complete process of metamorphosis in which an insect develops through all four stages, as embryo, larva, pupa and imago

■ holometabolic (ˌhɒləʊˌmɛtəˈbɒlIk)   adj   having or undergoing holometabolism

■ holometabolous (ˌhɒləʊmIˈtæbələs)   adj   relating to or undergoing holometabolism

holomorphic (ˌhɒləˈmɔːfIk)   adj   maths another word for analytic (sense 5)

holon (ˈhəʊlən)   n   an autonomous self-reliant unit, esp in manufacturing [C20: from HOLO- + -ON]   > hoˈlonic adj

holophote (ˈhɒləʊˌfəʊt)   n   optics a device or system for reflecting and redirecting all or a large amount of the light from a source, such as the lamp system in a lighthouse

■ holophotal (ˌhɒləʊˈfəʊtəl)   adj   optics reflecting and redirecting all or a large amount of the light from a source

holophrase (ˈhɒləˌfreIz)   n   linguistics the use of one word to express a whole phrase or concept, or an example of this

■ holophrastic (ˌhɒləˈfræstIk)   adj   1 denoting the stage in a child's acquisition of syntax when most utterances are single words   2 (of languages) tending to express in one word what would be expressed in several words in other languages; polysynthetic [C19: from HOLO- + Greek phrastikos expressive, from phrazein to express]

holophytic (ˌhɒləˈfItIk)   adj   (of plants) capable of synthesizing their food from inorganic molecules, esp by photosynthesis   > holophyte (ˈhɒləˌfaIt) n

■ holophytism (ˈhɒləfIˌtIzəm)   n   the property of being holophytic

holoplankton (ˌhɒləˈplæŋktən)   n   organisms, such as diatoms and algae, that spend all stages of their life cycle as plankton. Compare meroplankton

holoptic (hɒlˈɒptIk)   adj   entomol of, relating to, or having eyes that meet at the top of the head

holosteric (ˌhɒləˈstɛrIk)   adj   (of an instrument or device) wholly constructed of solids, without any liquids

holothurian (ˌhɒləˈθjʊərIən)   n   1 any echinoderm of the class Holothuroidea, including the sea cucumbers, having a leathery elongated body with a ring of tentacles around the mouth   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Holothuroidea [C19: from New Latin Holothūria name of type genus, from Latin: water polyp, from Greek holothourion, of obscure origin]

holotype (ˈhɒləˌtaIp)   n   biology another name for type specimen   > holotypic (ˌhɒləˈtIpIk) adj

holozoic (ˌhɒləˈzəʊIk)   adj   (of animals) obtaining nourishment by feeding on plants or other animals

holp (həʊlp)   vb   archaic or dialect a past tense of help

holpen (ˈhəʊlpən)   vb   archaic a past participle of help

hols (hɒlz)   pl n   Brit school slang holidays

Holst (həʊlst)   n   1  Dame Alison. born 1938, New Zealand chef.   2  Gustav (Theodore). 1874–1934, English composer. His works include operas, choral music, and orchestral music such as the suite The Planets (1917)

Holstein^1 (ˈhəʊlstaIn)   n   the usual US and Canadian name for Friesian^1

Holstein^2 (German ˈhɔlʃtain)   n   a region of N Germany, in S Schleswig-Holstein: in early times a German duchy of Saxony; became a duchy of Denmark in 1474; finally incorporated into Prussia in 1866

holster (ˈhəʊlstə)   n   1 a sheathlike leather case for a pistol, attached to a belt or saddle   2 mountaineering a similar case for an ice axe or piton hammer [C17: via Dutch holster from Germanic; compare Old Norse hulstr sheath, Old English heolstor darkness, Gothic hulistr cover]   > ˈholstered adj

holt^1 (həʊlt)   n   archaic or poetic a wood or wooded hill [Old English holt; related to Old Norse holt, Old High German holz, Old Slavonic kladũ log, Greek klados twig]

holt^2 (həʊlt)   n   the burrowed lair of an animal, esp an otter [C16: a phonetic variant of HOLD^2]

Holt (həʊlt)   n   Harold Edward. 1908–67, Australian statesman; prime minister (1966–67); believed drowned

holus-bolus (ˈhəʊləsˈbəʊləs)   adv   informal all at once [C19: pseudo-Latin based on whole bolus; see BOLUS]

holy (ˈhəʊlI)   adj holier, holiest   1 of, relating to, or associated with God or a deity; sacred   2 endowed or invested with extreme purity or sublimity   3 devout, godly, or virtuous   4 holier-than-thou offensively sanctimonious or self-righteous: a holier-than-thou attitude   5 holy terror   a a difficult or frightening person   b Irish informal a person who is an active gambler, womanizer, etc   ▷ n, pl -lies   6 the holy   a a sacred place   b (functioning as plural) persons or things invested with holiness [Old English hālig, hǣlig; related to Old Saxon hēlag, Gothic hailags, German heilig; see HALLOW]

■ holily (ˈhəʊlIlI)   adv   in a holy, devout, or sacred manner

■ holiness (ˈhəʊlInIs)   n   the state or quality of being holy

■ Holiness (ˈhəʊlInIs)   n   (preceded by his or your) a title once given to all bishops, but now reserved for the pope

■ Holy Alliance   n   1 a document advocating government according to Christian principles that was signed in 1815 by the rulers of Russia, Prussia, and Austria   2 the informal alliance that resulted from this agreement

■ Holy Bible   n   another name for Bible

■ Holy City   n the Holy City   1 Jerusalem, esp when regarded as the focal point of the religions of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam   2 Christianity heaven regarded as the perfect counterpart of Jerusalem   3 any city regarded as especially sacred by a particular religion

■ Holy Communion   n   1 the celebration of the Eucharist   2 the consecrated elements of the Eucharist   ▶ Often shortened to: Communion

■ holy day or holyday (ˈhəʊlIˌdeI)   n   a day on which a religious festival is observed

■ holy day of obligation   n   a major feastday of the Roman Catholic Church on which Catholics are bound to attend Mass and refrain from servile work

■ Holy Family   n   the Holy Family Christianity the infant Jesus, Mary, and St Joseph

■ Holy Father   n   RC Church a title of the pope

■ Holy Ghost   n   another name for the Holy Spirit

■ Holy Grail   n   1    a Also called: Grail, Sangraal (in medieval legend) the bowl used by Jesus at the Last Supper. It was allegedly brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea, where it became the quest of many knights   b (in modern spirituality) a symbol of the spiritual wholeness that leads a person to union with the divine   2 informal any desired ambition or goal: the Holy Grail of infrared astronomy [C14 grail from Old French graal, from Medieval Latin gradālis bowl, of unknown origin]

■ Holy Hour   n   1 RC Church an hour set aside for prayer and reflection   2 (not capitals) Irish informal a period during the afternoon when public houses are obliged to close by law

■ Holy Innocents' Day   n   Dec 28, a day commemorating the massacre of male children at Bethlehem by Herod's order (Matthew 2:16); Childermas

■ Holy Joe   n informal   1 a minister or chaplain   2 any sanctimonious or self-righteous person

■ Holy Land   n   the Holy Land another name (used mainly by Christians) for Palestine (sense 1)

■ Holy Mary   n   Irish a pietistic person: he's a real Holy Mary

■ Holy Office   n   RC Church a congregation established in 1542 as the final court of appeal in heresy trials; it now deals with matters of doctrine

■ holy of holies   n   1 any place of special sanctity   2 (capitals) the innermost compartment of the Jewish tabernacle, and later of the Temple, where the Ark was enshrined

■ holy orders   pl n   1 the sacrament or rite whereby a person is admitted to the Christian ministry   2 the grades of the Christian ministry   3 the rank or status of an ordained Christian minister   ▶ See also orders

■ holy place   n   1 the outer chamber of a Jewish sanctuary   2 a place of pilgrimage

■ Holy Roller   n   derogatory a member of a sect that expresses religious fervour in an ecstatic or frenzied way

■ Holy Roman Empire   n   the complex of European territories under the rule of the Frankish or German king who bore the title of Roman emperor, beginning with the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 AD. The last emperor, Francis II, relinquished his crown in 1806

■ holy rood   n   1 a cross or crucifix, esp one placed upon the rood screen in a church   2 (often capital) the cross on which Christ was crucified

■ Holy Saturday   n   the Saturday before Easter Sunday

■ Holy Scripture   n   another term for Scripture

■ Holy See   n RC Church   1 the see of the pope as bishop of Rome and head of the Church   2 the Roman curia

■ Holy Sepulchre   n   New Testament the tomb in which the body of Christ was laid after the Crucifixion

■ Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost   n   Christianity the third person of the Trinity

■ holystone (ˈhəʊlIˌstəʊn)   n   1 a soft sandstone used for scrubbing the decks of a vessel   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to scrub (a vessel's decks) with a holystone [C19: perhaps so named from its being used in a kneeling position]

■ holy synod   n   the governing body of any of the Orthodox Churches

■ Holy Thursday   n RC Church   1 another name for Maundy Thursday   2 a rare name for Ascension Day

■ holytide (ˈhəʊlIˌtaId)   n   a time of special religious observance

■ holy war   n   a war waged in the cause of a religion

■ holy water   n   water that has been blessed by a priest for use in symbolic rituals of purification

■ Holy Week   n   the week preceding Easter Sunday

■ Holy Willie (ˈwIlI)   n   a person who is hypocritically pious [C18: from Burns' Holy Willie's Prayer]

■ Holy Writ   n   another term for Scripture

■ Holy Year   n   RC Church a period of remission from sin, esp one granted every 25 years

Holyhead (ˈhɒlIˌhɛd)   n   a town in NW Wales, in Anglesey, the chief town of Holy Island: a port on the N coast. Pop: 11 237 (2001)

Holy Island   n   1 Also called: Lindisfarne an island off the NE coast of Northumberland, linked to the mainland by road but accessible only at low water: site of a monastery founded by St Aidan in 635   2 an island off the NW coast of Anglesey. Area: about 62 sq km (24 sq miles)

Holyoake (ˈhəʊlIˌəʊk)   n   Sir Keith Jacka (ˈdʒækə). 1904–83, New Zealand politician; prime minister (1957; 1960–72); governor general (1977–80)

Holyrood (ˈhɒlIˌruːd, ˈhəʊlIˌruːd)   n   1 the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, located beside Holyroodhouse   2 informal the Scottish Government

■ Holyroodhouse (ˌhɒlIruːdˈhaʊs)   n   a royal palace in Edinburgh in Scotland: official residence of the Queen when in Scotland; begun in 1501 by James IV of Scotland; scene of the murder of David Rizzio in 1566

hom (hɒm), homa (ˈhɒmə) or haoma (ˈhəʊmə)   n   1 a sacred plant of the Parsees and ancient Persians   2 a drink made from this plant [from Persian, from Avestan haoma]

homage (ˈhɒmIdʒ)   n   1 a public show of respect or honour towards someone or something (esp in the phrases pay or do homage to)   2 (in feudal society)   a the act of respect and allegiance made by a vassal to his lord. See also fealty   b something done in acknowledgment of vassalage   ▷ vb (tr)   3 archaic or poetic to render homage to [C13: from Old French, from home man, from Latin homo]

■ homager (ˈhɒmIdʒə)   n   history someone who owes or pays homage to a lord

homaloid (ˈhɒməˌlɔId)   n   geometry a geometrical plane, a flat surface or space

■ homaloidal (ˌhɒməˈlɔIdəl)   adj   geometry (of a space or surface, etc) flat, in the form of a plane

hombre^1 (ˈɒmbreI, -brI)   n   Western US a slang word for man [C19: from Spanish: man]

hombre^2 (ˈhɒmbə)   n   a variant of ombre

homburg (ˈhɒmbɜːɡ)   n   a hat of soft felt with a dented crown and a stiff upturned brim [C20: named after Homburg, in Germany, town where it was originally made]

home (həʊm)   n   1 the place or a place where one lives: have you no home to go to?   2 a house or other dwelling   3 a family or other group living in a house or other place   4 a person's country, city, etc, esp viewed as a birthplace, a residence during one's early years, or a place dear to one   5 the environment or habitat of a person or animal   6 the place where something is invented, founded, or developed: the US is the home of baseball   7 a building or institution set up to care for vulnerable members of society   8 sport one's own ground: the match is at home   9    a the objective towards which a player strives in certain sports   b an area where a player is safe from attack   10 lacrosse   a one of two positions of play nearest the opponents' goal   b a player assigned to such a position: inside home   11 baseball another name for home plate   12 NZ informal, obsolete Britain, esp England   13 a home from home a place other than one's own home where one can be at ease   14 at home   a in one's own home or country   b at ease, as if at one's own home   c giving an informal party at one's own home   d Brit such a party   15 at home in, at home on or at home with familiar or conversant with   16 home and dry Brit informal definitely safe or successful: we will not be home and dry until the votes have been counted. Austral. and NZ equivalent: home and hosed   17 near home concerning one deeply   ▷ adj (usually prenominal)   18 of, relating to, or involving one's home, country, etc; domestic   19 (of an activity) done in one's house: home brewing   20 effective or deadly: a home thrust   21 sport relating to one's own ground: a home game   22 US central; principal: the company's home office   ▷ adv   23 to or at home: I'll be home tomorrow   24 to or on the point   25 to the fullest extent: hammer the nail home   26 (of nautical gear) into or in the best or proper position: the boom is home   27 bring home to   a to make clear to   b to place the blame on   28 come home nautical (of an anchor) to fail to hold   29 come home to to become absolutely clear to   30 nothing to write home about informal to be of no particular interest: the film was nothing to write home about   ▷ vb   31 (intr) (of birds and other animals) to return home accurately from a distance   32 (often foll by on or onto) to direct or be directed onto a point or target, esp by automatic navigational aids   33 to send or go home   34 to furnish with or have a home   35 (intr; often foll by in or in on) to be directed towards a goal, target, etc [Old English hām; related to Old Norse heimr, Gothic haims, Old High German heim, Dutch heem, Greek kōmi village]   > ˈhomeˌlike adj

■ home aid   n   NZ another name for home help

■ home-alone   adj   informal (esp of a young child) left in a house, flat, etc unattended

■ home automation   n   the control of domestic appliances by electronically controlled systems

■ home-baked   adj   cookery baked at home; home-made

■ home banking   n   a system whereby a person at home or in an office can use a computer with a modem to call up information from a bank or to transfer funds electronically

■ homebird (ˈhəʊmˌbɜːd)   n   1 a person who is reluctant to leave their hometown or their childhood home, or who returns after a period of living away   2 Another name for homebody [C20: (for sense 1) perhaps influenced by HOMING PIGEON]

■ homebirth (ˈhəʊmˌbɜːθ)   n   1 the act of giving birth to a child in one's own home   2 an instance of a woman giving birth to a child at home: a large increase in homebirths

■ homebody (ˈhəʊmˌbɒdI)   n, pl -bodies   a person whose life and interests are centred on the home

■ homebound (ˈhəʊmˈbaʊnd)   adj   going home

■ homeboy (ˈhəʊmˌbɔI) or feminine homegirl   n slang, chiefly US   1 a close friend   2 a person from one's home town or neighbourhood [C20: US rap-music usage]

■ home brand   n   Austral   a an item packaged and marketed under the brand name of a particular retailer, usually a large supermarket chain, rather than that of the manufacturer   b (as modifier): home-brand products. Also called (in certain other countries): own brand

■ homebred (ˈhəʊmˌbrɛd)   adj   1 raised or bred at home   2 lacking sophistication or cultivation; crude

■ home-brew   n   1 a beer or other alcoholic drink brewed at home rather than commercially   2 Canadian informal a professional football player who was born in Canada and is not an import   > ˈhome-ˈbrewed adj

■ home-built   adj   built at home

■ homebuyer (ˈhəʊmˌbaIə)   n   someone who is buying a home

■ home-buying   n   the purchase of a house or flat

■ homecomer (ˈhəʊmˌkʌmə)   n   someone who is coming home

■ homecoming (ˈhəʊmˌkʌmIŋ)   n   1 the act of coming home   2 US an annual celebration held by a university, college, or school, for former students

■ Home Counties   pl n   the counties surrounding London

■ homecraft (ˈhəʊmˌkrɑːft)   n   esp Austral skills used in the home

■ home economics   n   (functioning as singular or plural) the study of diet, budgeting, child care, textiles, and other subjects concerned with running a home   > home economist n

■ home farm   n   Brit (esp formerly) a farm belonging to and providing food for a large country house

■ homefelt (ˈhəʊmˌfɛlt)   adj   archaic (of an emotion) felt personally or intimately; private; inward

■ home ground   n   a familiar area or topic

■ home-grown   adj   (esp of fruit and vegetables) produced in one's own country, district, estate, or garden

■ Home Guard   n   1 a volunteer part-time military force recruited for the defence of the United Kingdom in World War II   2 (in various countries) a civil defence and reserve militia organization

■ home help   n social welfare (in Britain and New Zealand)   1 a person who is paid to do domestic chores for persons unable to look after themselves adequately   2 Also called: home care such a service provided by a local authority social services department to those whom it judges most need it   ▶ Also called (NZ): home aid

■ home invasion   n   Austral and NZ aggravated burglary

■ homeland (ˈhəʊmˌlænd)   n   1 the country in which one lives or was born   2 the official name for a Bantustan

■ homeland security   n   1 precautions taken by the government of a specified country against terrorist attacks   2 (with capitals) a US government department responsible for dealing with terrorist threats on US soil

■ homelands movement   n   Austral the programme to resettle native Australians on their tribal lands

■ homeless (ˈhəʊmlIs)   adj     a having nowhere to live   b (as collective noun; preceded by the): the homeless   > ˈhomelessness n

■ homelily (ˈhəʊmlIlI)   adv   in a homely manner

■ home loan   n   an informal name for mortgage (sense 1)

■ home-lover   n   a person who enjoys being at home and who is fond of their family

■ home-loving   adj   fond of one's home

■ homely (ˈhəʊmlI)   adj -lier, -liest   1 characteristic of or suited to the ordinary home; unpretentious   2 (of a person)   a Brit warm and domesticated in manner or appearance   b chiefly US and Canadian plain or ugly   > ˈhomeliness n

■ home-made   adj   1 (esp of cakes, jam, and other foods) made at home or on the premises, esp of high-quality ingredients   2 crudely fashioned

■ homemaker (ˈhəʊmˌmeIkə)   n   1 chiefly US and Canadian a person, esp a housewife, who manages a home   2 US and Canadian a social worker who manages a household during the incapacity of the housewife   > ˈhomeˌmaking n, adj

■ Home Office   n   Brit government the national department responsible for the maintenance of law and order, immigration control, and all other domestic affairs not specifically assigned to another department

■ homeowner (ˈhəʊmˌəʊnə)   n   a person who owns the house in which he or she lives   > ˌhomeˈownership n

■ home page or homepage (ˈhəʊmˌpeIdʒ)   n   computing (on a website) the main document relating to an individual or institution that provides introductory information about a website with links to the actual details of services or information provided

■ homeplace (ˈhəʊmˌpleIs)   n   US the place or piece of land containing one's home

■ home plate   n   baseball a flat often five-sided piece of hard rubber or other material that serves to define the area over which the pitcher must throw the ball for a strike and that a base runner must safely reach on the way from third base to score a run. Also called: plate, home, home base

■ home port or homeport (ˈhəʊmˌpɔːt)   n   nautical the port where a ship is based

■ homer (ˈhəʊmə)   n   1 another word for homing pigeon   2 US and Canadian an informal word for home run

■ home range   n   ecology the area in which an animal normally ranges

■ homeroom (ˈhəʊmˌruːm, -ˌrʊm)   n US   1 a room in a school used by a particular group of students as a base for registration, notices, etc   2 a group of students who use the same room as a base in school

■ home rule   n   1 self-government, esp in domestic affairs   2 US government the partial autonomy of cities and (in some states) counties, under which they manage their own affairs, with their own charters, etc, within the limits set by the state constitution and laws   3 the partial autonomy sometimes granted to a national minority or a colony

■ Home Rule   n   self-government for Ireland: the goal of the Irish Nationalists from about 1870 to 1920

■ home run   n   baseball a hit that enables the batter to run round all four bases, usually by hitting the ball out of the playing area

■ home-school   vb   1 to teach one's child at home instead of sending him or her to school   ▷ adj   2    a being educated at home rather than in school: home-school kids   b relating to the education of children in their own homes instead of in school: home-school parents

■ home-schooler   n   1 a child who is educated at home, esp by his or her parents   2 a parent who educates a child at home

■ Home Secretary   n   Brit government short for Secretary of State for the Home Department; the head of the Home Office

■ homeshoring (ˈhəʊmˌʃɔːrIŋ)   n   the practice of paying one's employees to work from home rather than in an office. Also called: homesourcing [C21: from HOME + (OFF)SHORING]

■ homesick (ˈhəʊmˌsIk)   adj   depressed or melancholy at being away from home and family   > ˈhomeˌsickness n

■ homesite (ˈhəʊmˌsaIt)   n   US and Canadian a site for building a house on

■ homespun (ˈhəʊmˌspʌn)   adj   1 having plain or unsophisticated character   2 woven or spun at home   ▷ n   3 cloth made at home or made of yarn spun at home   4 a cloth resembling this but made on a power loom

■ homestand (ˈhəʊmˌstænd)   n   baseball a series of successive games played between the same two teams at one team's home ground

■ homestay (ˈhəʊmˌsteI)   n   tourism, esp US a period spent living as a guest in someone's home in a foreign country, or an arrangement to do this

■ homestead (ˈhəʊmˌstɛd, -stId)   n   1 a house or estate and the adjoining land, buildings, etc, esp a farm   2 (in the US) a house and adjoining land designated by the owner as his or her fixed residence and exempt under the homestead laws from seizure and forced sale for debts   3 (in western Canada) a piece of land, usually 160 acres, granted to a settler by the federal government   4 Austral and NZ the owner's or manager's residence on a sheep or cattle station; in New Zealand the term includes all outbuildings

■ Homestead Act   n   1 an act passed by the US Congress in 1862 making available to settlers 160-acre tracts of public land for cultivation   2 (in Canada) a similar act passed by the Canadian Parliament in 1872

■ homesteader (ˈhəʊmˌstɛdə)   n   1 a person owning a homestead   2 US and Canadian a person who acquires or possesses land under a homestead law   3 a person taking part in a homesteading scheme

■ homesteading (ˈhəʊmˌstɛdIŋ)   n (in Britain)     a a scheme whereby council tenants are enabled to buy derelict property from the council and renovate it with the aid of Government grants   b (as modifier): a homesteading scheme

■ homestead law   n   (in the US and Canada) any of various laws conferring certain privileges on owners of homesteads

■ home straight   n   1 horse racing the section of a racecourse forming the approach to the finish   2 the final stage of an undertaking or journey   ▶ Also (chiefly US): home stretch

■ home teacher   n   Brit a teacher who educates ill or disabled children in their homes

■ home town or hometown   n   the town where a person lives, or where they come from

■ home truth   n   (often plural) an unpleasant fact told to a person about himself or herself

■ home unit   n   Austral and NZ a self-contained residence which is part of a series of similar residences. Often shortened to: unit

■ homeward (ˈhəʊmwəd)   adj   1 directed or going home   2 (of a ship, part of a voyage, etc) returning to the home port   ▷ adv also homewards   3 towards home

■ homeware (ˈhəʊmwɛə)   n   crockery, furniture, and furnishings with which a house, room, etc, is furnished [C20: HOME + WARE^1]

■ homework (ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk)   n   1 school work done out of lessons, esp at home   2 any preparatory study   3 work done at home for pay

■ homeworker (ˈhəʊmˌwɜːkə)   n   a person who does paid work at home, rather than in an office

■ homeworking (ˈhəʊmˌwɜːkIŋ)   n   the practice of working at home, rather than in a factory or office

■ homey (ˈhəʊmI)   adj homier, homiest   1 a variant spelling (esp US) of homy   ▷ n   2 NZ informal a British person   > ˈhomeyness n

Home (hjuːm)   n   Baron See Home of the Hirsel

homelyn (ˈhɒməlIn, ˈhəʊmlIn)   n   a European fish, a species of ray (Raia maculata)

homeo-, homoeo- or homoio-   combining form   like or similar: homeomorphism [from Latin homoeo-, from Greek homoio-, from homos same]

homeobox (ˈhɒmIəʊˌbɒks)   n   genetics a particular sequence of DNA found in genes that regulate cell development

Home of the Hirsel (hjuːm, ˈhɜːsəl)   n   Baron, title of Sir Alec Douglas-Home, formerly 14th Earl of Home. 1903–95, British Conservative statesman: he renounced his earldom to become prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1963–64); foreign secretary (1970–74)

homeomery or homoeomery (ˌhɒmIˈɒmərI)   n   biology the condition of being made up of similar parts

■ homeomerous, homoeomerous or homoiomerous (ˌhɒmIˈɒmɛrəs)   adj   biology showing or relating to homeomery; consisting of similar parts. Also: homeomeric, homoeomeric (ˌhɒmIəˈmɛrIk)

homeomorphism or homoeomorphism (ˌhəʊmIəˈmɔːfIzəm)   n   1 the property, shown by certain chemical compounds, of having the same crystal form but different chemical composition   2 maths a one-to-one correspondence, continuous in both directions, between the points of two geometric figures or between two topological spaces   > ˌhomeoˈmorphic, ˌhomeoˈmorphous, ˌhomoeoˈmorphic or ˌhomoeoˈmorphous adj

■ homeomorph or homoeomorph (ˈhɒmIəˌmɔːf)   n   maths, chem something that exhibits homeomorphism

■ homeomorphy or homoeomorphy (ˈhɒmIəʊˌmɔːfI)   n   palaeontol the occurrence of two fossil species that appear to be similar although they are unrelated, happening as a result of convergent evolution

homeopathy or homoeopathy (ˌhəʊmIˈɒpəθI)   n   a method of treating disease by the use of small amounts of a drug that, in healthy persons, produces symptoms similar to those of the disease being treated. Compare allopathy   > homeopathic or homoeopathic (ˌhəʊmIəˈpæθIk) adj   > ˌhomeoˈpathically or ˌhomoeoˈpathically adv   > homeopathist, homoeopathist (ˌhəʊmIˈɒpəθIst) or homeopath, homoeopath (ˈhəʊmIəˌpæθ) n

homeosis or homoeosis (ˌhɒmIəʊˈsIs)   n   biology the process in which one part of an animal or plant comes to resemble another part, esp when it has regrown

■ homeotic or homoeotic (ˌhɒmIˈɒtIk)   adj   biology showing, producing, or relating to homeosis. Also called: homoeothermous

homeostasis or homoeostasis (ˌhəʊmIəʊˈsteIsIs)   n   1 the maintenance of metabolic equilibrium within an animal by a tendency to compensate for disrupting changes   2 the maintenance of equilibrium within a social group, person, etc   > homeostatic or homoeostatic (ˌhəʊmIəʊˈstætIk) adj

homeoteleuton or homoeoteleuton (ˌhəʊmIəʊtɛˈljuːtɒn, ˌhɒm-)   n   the use of word-endings that are similar or the same, either intentionally for rhetorical effect or by mistake during copying of text

homeotherm, homoeotherm or homoiotherm (ˈhɒmIəʊˌθɜːm)   n   zoology an animal or organism that keeps its body at an almost constant temperature

■ homeothermic, homoeothermic (ˌhəʊmIəʊˈθɜːmIk) or homothermic (ˌhɒməˈθɜːmIk)   adj   zoology having an almost constant body temperature. Also: homeothermal, homoeothermal, homoiothermal

■ homeothermous, homoeothermous (ˌhəʊmIəʊˈθɜːməs) or homothermous (ˌhəʊməʊˈθɜːməs)   adj   biology remaining at an almost constant temperature

■ homeothermy (ˌhɒmIəˈθɜːmI) or homeothermism (ˌhɒmIəʊˈθɜːmIzəm)   n   zoology the regulation of body temperature at an almost constant temperature

homeotypic (ˌhəʊmIəʊˈtIpIk), homeotypical, homoeotypic or homoeotypical   adj   denoting or relating to the second nuclear division of meiosis, which resembles mitosis. Compare heterotypic

Homer (ˈhəʊmə)   n   1  c. 800 BC, Greek poet to whom are attributed the Iliad and the Odyssey. Almost nothing is known of him, but it is thought that he was born on the island of Chios and was blind   2  Winslow. 1836–1910, US painter, noted for his seascapes and scenes of working life

■ Homeric (həʊˈmɛrIk) or Homerian (həʊˈmIərIən)   adj   1 of, relating to, or resembling Homer or his poems   2 imposing or heroic   3 of or relating to the archaic form of Greek used by Homer. See epic   > Hoˈmerically adv

■ Homeric laughter   n   loud unrestrained laughter, as that of the gods

homescreetch (ˈhəʊmˌskriːtʃ)   n   Southwest English dialect a mistle thrush

homicide (ˈhɒmIˌsaId)   n   1 the killing of a human being by another person   2 a person who kills another [C14: from Old French, from Latin homo man + caedere to slay]

■ homicidal (ˌhɒmIˈsaIdəl)   adj   1 of, involving, or characterized by homicide   2 likely to commit homicide: a homicidal maniac   > ˌhomiˈcidally adv

■ homicide bomber   n   another name for suicide bomber

homie (ˈhəʊmI)   n   slang, chiefly US short for homeboy or homegirl. See homeboy

homiletics (ˌhɒmIˈlɛtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the art of preaching or writing sermons [C17: from Greek homilētikos cordial, from homilein to converse with; see HOMILY]

■ homiletic (ˌhɒmIˈlɛtIk) or homiletical   adj   1 of or relating to a homily or sermon   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of homiletics   > ˌhomiˈletically adv

homily (ˈhɒmIlI)   n, pl -lies   1 a sermon or discourse on a moral or religious topic   2 moralizing talk or writing [C14: from Church Latin homīlia, from Greek: discourse, from homilein to converse with, from homilos crowd, from homou together + ilē crowd]   > ˈhomilist n

homing (ˈhəʊmIŋ)   n (modifier)   1 zoology relating to the ability to return home after travelling great distances: homing instinct   2 (of an aircraft, a missile, etc) capable of guiding itself onto a target or to a specified point

■ homing guidance   n   a method of missile guidance in which internal equipment enables it to steer itself onto the target, as by sensing the target's heat radiation

■ homing pigeon   n   any breed of pigeon developed for its homing instinct, used for carrying messages or for racing. Also called: homer

hominid (ˈhɒmInId)   n   1 any primate of the family Hominidae, which includes modern humans (Homo sapiens) and the extinct precursors of man   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Hominidae [C19: via New Latin from Latin homo man + -ID^2]

hominin (ˈhɒmInIn)   n   any primate of the tribe of hominids that includes modern humans and their direct ancestors

hominine (ˈhɒmIˌnaIn)   adj   1 anthropol of, relating to or characteristic of humans   2 zoology belonging or relating to the subfamily Homininae which includes humans

hominize or hominise (ˈhɒmIˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   zoology, anthropol formal, rare to make something characteristically human or suitable for humans   > ˌhominiˈzation or ˌhominiˈsation n

hominoid (ˈhɒmIˌnɔId)   adj   1 of or like man; manlike   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the primate superfamily Hominoidea, which includes humans and the anthropoid apes   ▷ n   3 a hominoid animal [C20: from Latin homin-, homo man + -OID]

hominy (ˈhɒmInI)   n   chiefly US coarsely ground maize prepared as a food by boiling in milk or water [C17: probably of Algonquian origin]

■ hominy grits   pl n   US finely ground hominy. Often shortened to: grits

homo^1 (ˈhəʊməʊ)   n, pl -mos   informal, offensive a homosexual man

■ homo-   combining form   being the same or like: homologous; homosexual. Compare hetero- [via Latin from Greek, from homos same]

homo^2 (ˈhəʊməʊ)   n   Canadian informal homogenized milk

Homo (ˈhəʊməʊ)   n   a genus of hominids including modern man (see Homo sapiens) and several extinct primitive species including Homo habilis and Homo erectus [Latin: man]

■ Homo erectus (Iˈrɛktəs)   n   an extinct species of primitive man, able to walk upright. See also Java man, Peking man [New Latin, from Latin homo man + erectus upright]

■ Homo habilis (ˈhæbIlIs)   n   an extinct species of primitive man, the first to use stone tools [New Latin, from Latin homo man + habilis able to handle, skilled]

■ Homo sapiens (ˈsæpIˌɛnz)   n   the specific name of modern man; the only extant species of the genus Homo. This species also includes extinct types of primitive man such as Cro-Magnon man. See also man (sense 5) [New Latin, from Latin homo man + sapiens wise]

homoblastic (ˌhəʊməˈblæstIk)   adj   (of a plant or plant part) showing no difference in form between the juvenile and the adult structures. Compare heteroblastic

■ homoblasty (ˈhəʊməˌblæstI)   n   the state of being homoblastic

homocentric (ˌhəʊməʊˈsɛntrIk, ˌhɒm-)   adj   having the same centre; concentric   > ˌhomoˈcentrically adv

homocercal (ˌhəʊməʊˈsɜːkəl, ˌhɒm-)   adj   ichthyol of or possessing a symmetrical tail that extends beyond the end of the vertebral column, as in most bony fishes. Compare heterocercal [C19: from HOMO- + Greek kerkos tail]

■ homocercy (ˈhəʊməʊˌsɜːsI, ˈhɒm-)   n   ichthyol the condition in fish of having a symmetrical tail

homochlamydeous (ˌhəʊməkləˈmIdIəs)   adj   (of a plant) having a perianth in which the sepals and petals are fused together and indistinguishable. Compare heterochlamydeous

homochromatic (ˌhəʊməʊkrəʊˈmætIk, ˌhɒm-)   adj   a less common word for monochromatic (sense 1)   > homochromatism (ˌhəʊməʊˈkrəʊməˌtIzəm, ˌhɒm-) n

homochromy (hɒˈmɒkrəmI, ˌhɒməˈkrəʊmI)   n   zoology a form of camouflage or protective colouring in animals that makes an individual visually become part of the whole group or landscape

■ homochromous (ˌhəʊməˈkrəʊməs, ˌhɒm-)   adj   (esp of plant parts) of only one colour

homocyclic (ˌhəʊməʊˈsaIklIk, -ˈsIk-, ˌhɒm-)   adj   (of an organic compound) containing a closed ring of atoms of the same kind, esp carbon atoms. Compare heterocyclic

homocysteine (ˌhəʊməʊˈsIstiːn)   n   an amino acid occurring as an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine. Elevated levels in the blood may indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease

homodont (ˈhəʊməˌdɒnt)   adj   (of most nonmammalian vertebrates) having teeth that are all of the same type. Compare heterodont [C19: from HOMO- + -ODONT]

homodyne (ˈhɒməˌdaIn)   adj   telecomm produced by, operating by, or relating to the combination of two radio signals using a local oscillator set to share the same frequency as that of the carrier wave

homo economicus (ˌɛkəˈnɒmIkəs)   n   a theoretical human being who rationally calculates the costs and benefits of every action before making a decision, used as the basis for a number of economic theories and models [C21: modelled on HOMO SAPIENS, etc. ]

homoeo-   combining form   a variant of homeo-

homoerotic (ˌhəʊməʊIˈrɒtIk)   adj   of, concerning, or arousing sexual desire for persons of one's own sex

■ homoeroticism (ˌhəʊməʊIˈrɒtIˌsIzəm) or homoerotism (ˌhəʊməʊˈɛrəˌtIzəm)   n   eroticism centred on or aroused by persons of one's own sex

homogametic (ˌhəʊməɡəˈmɛtIk)   adj   genetics denoting the sex that possesses two similar sex chromosomes. In humans and many other mammals it is the female sex, possessing two X-chromosomes. Compare heterogametic

homogamy (hɒˈmɒɡəmI)   n   1 a condition in which all the flowers of an inflorescence are either of the same sex or hermaphrodite. Compare heterogamy (sense 3)   2 the maturation of the anthers and stigmas of a flower at the same time, ensuring self-pollination. Compare dichogamy   > hoˈmogamous adj

■ homogamic (ˌhɒməʊˈɡæmIk)   adj   (of a plant) in which all the flowers of an inflorescence are either of the same sex or hermaphrodite

homogenate (hɒˈmɒdʒInIt, -ˌneIt)   n   a substance produced by homogenizing [C20: from HOMOGENIZE + -ATE^1]

homogeneous (ˌhəʊməˈdʒiːnIəs, ˌhɒm-)   adj   1 composed of similar or identical parts or elements   2 of uniform nature   3 similar in kind or nature   4 having a constant property, such as density, throughout   5 maths   a (of a polynomial) containing terms of the same degree with respect to all the variables, as in x^2 + 2xy + y^2   b (of a function) containing a set of variables such that when each is multiplied by a constant, this constant can be eliminated without altering the value of the function, as in cos x/y + x/y   c (of an equation) containing a homogeneous function made equal to 0   6 chem of, composed of, or concerned with a single phase. Compare heterogeneous   ▶ Also (for senses 1–4): homogenous   > homogeneity (ˌhəʊməʊdʒIˈniːItI, ˌhɒm-) n   > ˌhomoˈgeneously adv   > ˌhomoˈgeneousness n

■ homogeneous charge compression ignition   n   a form of internal combustion in which fuel and air are compressed until ignition occurs. Abbreviation: HCCI

homogenesis (ˌhɒməˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   biology the method of reproduction in which each generation resembles the previous generation and passes through the same stages of development. Compare heterogenesis

■ homogenetic (ˌhɒmədʒəˈnɛtIk) or homogenetical (ˌhɒmədʒIˈnɛtIkəl)   adj biology   of, involving, or relating to homogenesis

homogenize or homogenise (hɒˈmɒdʒIˌnaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to break up the fat globules in (milk or cream) so that they are evenly distributed   2 to make or become homogeneous   > hoˌmogeniˈzation or hoˌmogeniˈsation n   > hoˈmogeˌnizer or hoˈmogeˌniser n

■ homogenized or homogenised (həˈmɒdʒəˌnaIzd)   adj   uniform; homogeneous; samey

homogeny (hɒˈmɒdʒInI)   n   biology similarity in structure of individuals or parts because of common ancestry [C19: from Greek homogeneia community of origin, from homogenēs of the same kind]

■ homogenous (həˈmɒdʒInəs)   adj   1 another word for homogeneous (sense 1), homogeneous (sense 2), homogeneous (sense 3), homogeneous (sense 4)   2 of, relating to, or exhibiting homogeny

homogony (hɒˈmɒɡənI)   n   the condition in a plant of having stamens and styles of the same length in all the flowers. Compare heterogony (sense 2)   > hoˈmogonous adj   > hoˈmogonously adv

homograft (ˈhɒməˌɡrɑːft)   n   a tissue graft obtained from an organism of the same species as the recipient

homograph (ˈhɒməˌɡræf, -ˌɡrɑːf)   n   one of a group of words spelt in the same way but having different meanings. Compare heteronym   > ˌhomoˈgraphic adj

■ homography (hɒˈmɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   geometry a type of transformation that maps straight lines onto another plane

homoio-   combining form   a variant of homeo-

homoiothermic (həʊˌmɔIəˈθɜːmIk) or homothermal   adj   (of birds and mammals) having a constant body temperature, usually higher than the temperature of the surroundings; warm-blooded. Compare poikilothermic   > hoˈmoioˌthermy or ˈhomoˌthermy n

Homoiousian (ˌhəʊmɔIˈuːsIən, -ˈaʊ-, ˌhɒm-)   n   1 a Christian who believes that the Son is of like (and not identical) substance with the Father. Compare Homoousian   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Homoiousians [C18: from Late Greek homoiousios of like substance, from Greek homoio- like + ousia nature]   > ˌHomoiˈousianism n

homologate (hɒˈmɒləˌɡeIt)   vb (tr)   1 chiefly Scots law to approve or ratify (a deed or contract, esp one that is defective)   2 law to confirm (a proceeding, etc)   3 to recognize (a particular type of car or car component) as a production model or component rather than a prototype, as in making it eligible for a motor race [C17: from Medieval Latin homologāre to agree, from Greek homologein to approve, from homologos agreeing, from HOMO- + legein to speak]   > hoˌmoloˈgation n

homologize or homologise (hɒˈmɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb   to be, show to be, or make homologous   > hoˈmoloˌgizer or hoˈmoloˌgiser n

homologoumena or homologumena (ˌhɒmələˈɡuːmInə)   pl n   Bible formal those sections of the New Testament that have been accepted since the early Christian era as being part of the body of sacred or officially recognized writings

homologous (həʊˈmɒləɡəs, hɒ-), homological (ˌhəʊməˈlɒdʒIkəl, ˌhɒm-) or homologic   adj   1 having a related or similar position, structure, etc   2 chem (of a series of organic compounds) having similar characteristics and structure but differing by a number of CH_2 groups   3 med   a (of two or more tissues) identical in structure   b (of a vaccine) prepared from the infecting microorganism   4 biology (of organs and parts) having the same evolutionary origin but different functions: the wing of a bat and the paddle of a whale are homologous. Compare analogous (sense 2)   5 maths (of elements) playing a similar role in distinct figures or functions   > ˌhomoˈlogically adv

■ homologous chromosomes   pl n   two chromosomes, one of paternal origin, the other of maternal origin, that are identical in appearance and pair during meiosis

■ homologue or sometimes US homolog (ˈhɒməˌlɒɡ)   n   1 biology a homologous part or organ   2 chem any homologous compound

homolographic (həʊˌmɒləˈɡræfIk) or homalographic   adj   cartography another term for equal-area

homology (həʊˈmɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 the condition of being homologous   2 chem the similarities in chemical behaviour shown by members of a homologous series   3 zoology the measurable likenesses between animals, as used in grouping them according to the theory of cladistics [C17: from Greek homologia agreement, from homologos agreeing; see HOMOLOGATE]

homolosine projection (hɒˈmɒləˌsaIn)   n   a map projection of the world on which the oceans are distorted to allow for greater accuracy in representing the continents, combining the sinusoidal and equal-area projections [C20: from HOMOLOGRAPHIC + SINE^1]

homolysis (hɒˈmɒlIsIs)   n   the dissociation of a molecule into two neutral fragments. Also called: homolytic fission. Compare heterolysis (sense 2)   > homolytic (ˌhəʊməʊˈlItIk, ˌhɒm-) adj

homomorph (ˈhɒməˌmɔːf)   n   biology something that is similar in form to something else

■ homomorphism (ˌhəʊməʊˈmɔːfIzəm, ˌhɒm-) or homomorphy   n   biology similarity in form   > ˌhomoˈmorphic or ˌhomoˈmorphous adj

homomorphosis (ˌhɒməʊmɔːˈfəʊsIs)   n   biology the regrowth by a plant or animal of an organ, tissue or another part that has been lost or destroyed

homonuclear (ˌhɒməʊˈnjuːklIə)   adj   physics, chem a homonuclear molecule is composed of atoms of the same element or isotope and all of its nuclei are alike

homonym (ˈhɒmənIm)   n   1 one of a group of words pronounced or spelt in the same way but having different meanings. Compare homograph, homophone   2 a person with the same name as another   3 biology a name for a species or genus that should be unique but has been used for two or more different organisms [C17: from Latin homōnymum, from Greek homōnumon, from homōnumos of the same name; see HOMO-, -ONYM]   > ˌhomoˈnymic or hoˈmonymous adj   > ˌhomoˈnymity or hoˈmonymy n

■ homonymously (hɒˈmɒnIməslI)   adv   in a homonymous manner

Homoousian (ˌhəʊməʊˈuːsIən, -ˈaʊ-, ˌhɒm-)   n   1 a Christian who believes that the Son is of the same substance as the Father. Compare Homoiousian   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to the Homoousians [C16: from Late Greek homoousios of the same substance, from Greek HOMO- + ousia nature]   > ˌHomoˈousianism n

homophile (ˈhəʊməˌfaIl, ˈhɒm-)   n   a rare word for homosexual

homophobia (ˌhəʊməʊˈfəʊbIə)   n   intense hatred or fear of homosexual people or homosexuality [C20: from HOMO(SEXUAL) + -PHOBIA]   > ˈhomoˌphobe n   > ˌhomoˈphobic adj

homophone (ˈhɒməˌfəʊn)   n   1 one of a group of words pronounced in the same way but differing in meaning or spelling or both, as for example bear and bare   2 a written letter or combination of letters that represents the same speech sound as another: 'ph' is a homophone of 'f' in English

■ homophonic (ˌhɒməˈfɒnIk)   adj   1 of or relating to homophony   2 of or relating to music in which the parts move together rather than independently   > ˌhomoˈphonically adv

■ homophonous (hɒˈmɒfənəs)   adj   of, relating to, or denoting a homophone

■ homophony (hɒˈmɒfənI)   n   1 the linguistic phenomenon whereby words of different origins become identical in pronunciation   2 part music composed in a homophonic style

homophyly (hɒˈmɒfəlI)   n   resemblance due to common ancestry [C19: from Greek, from HOMO- + PHYLUM]   > homophyllic (ˌhəʊməˈfIlIk, ˌhɒm-) adj

homoplastic (ˌhəʊməʊˈplæstIk, ˌhɒm-)   adj   1 (of a tissue graft) derived from an individual of the same species as the recipient   2 another word for analogous (sense 2)   > ˌhomoˈplastically adv   > ˈhomoˌplasty n   > homoplasy (ˈhəʊməʊˌpleIsI, ˈhɒm-) or homoplasmy (ˈhəʊməʊˌplæzmI, ˈhɒm-) n

homopolar (ˌhəʊməʊˈpəʊlə)   adj   chem of uniform charge; not ionic; covalent: a homopolar bond   > homopolarity (ˌhəʊməʊpəʊˈlærItI, ˌhɒm-) n

homopolymer (ˌhɒməʊˈpɒlImə)   n   chem a polymer composed of monomers all of the same type

■ homopolymeric (ˌhɒməʊˌpɒlIˈmɛrIk)   adj   chem relating to or made of homopolymers

homopterous (həʊˈmɒptərəs) or homopteran (həʊˈmɒptərən)   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Homoptera, a suborder of hemipterous insects, including cicadas, aphids, and scale insects, having wings of a uniform texture held over the back at rest. Compare heteropterous [C19: from Greek homopteros, from HOMO- + pteron wing]

homorganic (ˌhəʊmɔːˈɡænIk, ˌhɒm-)   adj   phonetics (of a consonant) articulated at the same point in the vocal tract as a consonant in a different class. Thus (ŋ) is the homorganic nasal of k

homoscedastic (ˌhəʊməʊskIˈdæstIk)   adj statistics   1 (of several distributions) having equal variance   2 (of a bivariate or multivariate distribution) having one variable whose variance is the same for all values of the other or others   3 (of a random variable) having this property   ▶ Compare heteroscedastic [C20: from HOMO- + scedastic, from Greek skedasis a scattering, dispersal]   > homoscedasticity (ˌhəʊməʊskIdæsˈtIsItI) n

homosex (ˌhəʊməʊˈsɛks)   n   slang sexual activity between homosexual people

homosexual (ˌhəʊməʊˈsɛksjʊəl, ˌhɒm-)   n   1 a person who is sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted to members of the same sex   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to homosexuals or homosexuality   3 of or relating to the same sex   ▶ Compare heterosexual

■ homosexualism (ˌhɒməˈsɛkʃʊəˌlIzəm)   n   an old-fashioned name for homosexuality

■ homosexualist (ˌhɒməˈsɛkʃʊəlIst)   n   an old-fashioned name for a homosexual (sense 1)

■ homosexuality (ˌhəʊməʊˌsɛksjʊˈælItI, ˌhɒm-)   n   attraction to or sexual relations with members of the same sex. Compare heterosexuality

■ homosexually (ˌhɒməˈsɛkʃʊəlI)   adv   in a homosexual manner

homosocial (ˌhəʊməʊˈsəʊʃəl)   adj   relating to or denoting same-sex social relationships. Compare heterosocial   > homosociality (ˌhəʊməʊˌsəʊʃIˈælItI) n

homosporous (hɒˈmɒspərəs, ˌhəʊməʊˈspɔːrəs)   adj   (of most ferns and some other spore-bearing plants) producing spores of one kind only, which develop into hermaphrodite gametophytes. Compare heterosporous   > homospory (həʊˈmɒspərI) n

homostyly (ˈhɒməʊˌstaIlI)   n   botany (in plants) the condition of having all the flowers with styles of only one length, rather than of different lengths. See also heterostyly

homotaxis (ˌhəʊməʊˈtæksIs, ˌhɒm-)   n   similarity of composition and arrangement in rock strata of different ages or in different regions   > ˌhomoˈtaxic or ˌhomoˈtaxial adj   > ˌhomoˈtaxially adv

homothally (ˌhəʊməʊˈθælI)   n   another name for homothallism

■ homothallic (ˌhəʊməʊˈθælIk)   adj   (of some algae and fungi) having both male and female reproductive organs on the same thallus, which can be self-fertilizing. Compare heterothallic [C20: from HOMO- + Greek thallos green shoot]   > ˌhomoˈthallism n

homothermal (ˌhəʊməʊˈθɜːməl, ˌhɒm-)   adj   another word for homoiothermic

homotonic (ˌhɒməˈtɒnIk)   adj   1 formal of the same tone   2 Also: homotonous med relating to, having, or restoring the same tension or tone in every part, taking away variation within the whole

■ homotony (hɒmˈɒtənI)   n   the condition of being homotonic

homotransplant (ˌhɒməʊˈtrænsˌplɑːnt)   n   surgery an organ or tissue removed from one individual to be transplanted into another belonging to the same species

homotype (ˈhɒməʊˌtaIp)   n   biology a part or organ with same structure and evolutionary origin as something else but now having a different function

■ homotypal (ˌhɒməʊˈtaʊpəl)   adj   of normal type

homozygote (ˌhəʊməʊˈzaIɡəʊt, -ˈzIɡ-, ˌhɒm-)   n   an animal or plant that is homozygous and breeds true to type. Compare heterozygote   > ˌhomozyˈgosis n   > homozygotic (ˌhəʊməʊzaIˈɡɒtIk, -zI-, ˌhɒm-) adj

homozygous (ˌhəʊməʊˈzaIɡəs, -ˈzIɡ-, ˌhɒm-)   adj   genetics (of an organism) having identical alleles for any one gene: these two fruit flies are homozygous for red eye colour. Compare heterozygous   > ˌhomoˈzygously adv

■ homozygosity (ˌhəʊməʊzaIˈɡɒsItI, ˌhɒm-)   n   genetics the condition or fact of being homozygous

Homs (hɒms), Hums (hʊms) or Hims (hImz)   n   a city in W Syria, near the Orontes River: important in Roman times as the capital of Phoenicia-Lebanesia. Pop: 915 000 (2005 est). Ancient name: Emesa (ˈɛmɛsə)

homunculus (hɒˈmʌŋkjʊləs) or homuncle (həʊˈmʌŋkəl, hɒˈmʌŋkəl)   n, pl -li (-ˌlaI)   1 a miniature person; midget   2 (in early biological theory) a fully-formed miniature human being existing in a spermatozoon or egg   ▶ Former name: homuncule (həʊˈmʌŋkjuːl) [C17: from Latin, diminutive of homo man]   > hoˈmuncular adj

homy or esp US homey (ˈhəʊmI)   adj homier, homiest   like a home, esp in comfort or informality; cosy   > ˈhominess or esp US ˈhomeyness n

hon.   abbreviation for   1 honorary   2 honourable

Hon.   abbreviation for   Honourable (title)

honan (ˈhəʊˈnæn)   n   (sometimes capital) a silk fabric of rough weave [C20: from Honan, former name of HENAN, where it is made]

Honan (ˈhəʊˈnæn)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Henan

honcho (ˈhɒntʃəʊ) informal, chiefly US   n, pl -chos   1 the person in charge; the boss   ▷ vb   2 to supervise or be in charge of [C20: from Japanese han'chō group leader]

Hond.   abbreviation for   Honduras

honda (ˈhɒndə)   n   Western US a type of loop in a rope used as a knot when making a lasso

hondle (ˈhɒndəl)   vb (intr)   US informal to negotiate on the price of something

Hondo (ˈhɒndəʊ)   n   another name for Honshu

Honduras (hɒnˈdjʊərəs)   n   1 a republic in Central America: an early centre of Mayan civilization; colonized by the Spanish from 1524 onwards; gained independence in 1821. Official language: Spanish; English is also widely spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: lempira. Capital: Tegucigalpa. Pop: 9 265 067 (2017 est). Area: 112 088 sq km (43 277 sq miles)   2 Gulf of Honduras an inlet of the Caribbean, on the coasts of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize

■ Honduran (hɒnˈdjʊərən)   adj   1 of or relating to Honduras or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 a native or inhabitant of Honduras

hone^1 (həʊn)   n   1 a fine whetstone, esp for sharpening razors   2 a tool consisting of a number of fine abrasive slips held in a machine head, rotated and reciprocated to impart a smooth finish to cylinder bores, etc   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to sharpen or polish with or as if with a hone [Old English hān stone; related to Old Norse hein]

USAGE

Hone is sometimes wrongly used where home is meant: this device makes it easier to home in on (not hone in on) the target

■ honed (həʊnd)   adj   1 highly developed   2 sharpened

■ honer (ˈhəʊnə)   n   a person who hones something

hone^2 (həʊn)   vb (intr) dialect   1 (often foll by for or after) to yearn or pine   2 to moan or grieve [C17: from Old French hogner to growl, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German hōnen to revile]

Honecker (German ˈhɒnɛkər)   n   Erich (ˈeːrIç). 1912–94, German statesman; head of state of East Germany (1976–89)

Honegger (ˈhɒnIɡə; French ɔnɛɡɛr)   n   Arthur (artyr). 1892–1955, French composer, one of Les Six. His works include the oratorios King David (1921) and Joan of Arc at the Stake (1935), and Pacific 231 (1924) for orchestra

honest (ˈɒnIst)   adj   1 not given to lying, cheating, stealing, etc; trustworthy   2 not false or misleading; genuine   3 just or fair: honest wages   4 characterized by sincerity and candour: an honest appraisal   5 without pretensions or artificial traits: honest farmers   6 archaic (of a woman) respectable   7 honest broker a mediator in disputes, esp international ones   8 honest Injun (interjection) school slang genuinely, really   9 honest to God or honest to goodness   a (adjective) completely authentic   b (interjection) an expression of affirmation or surprise   10 make an honest woman of to marry (a woman, esp one who is pregnant) to prevent scandal [C13: from Old French honeste, from Latin honestus distinguished, from honōs HONOUR]   > ˈhonestness n

■ honestly (ˈɒnIstlI)   adv   1 in an honest manner   2 (intensifier): I honestly don't believe it   ▷ interj   3 an expression of disgust, surprise, etc

■ honesty (ˈɒnIstI)   n, pl -ties   1 the condition of being honest   2 sincerity or fairness   3 archaic virtue or respect   4 Also called: lunary, moonwort, satinpod a purple-flowered SE European plant, Lunaria annua, cultivated for its flattened silvery pods, which are used for indoor decoration: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

■ honesty bar   n   an unattended area in a hotel, resort, etc, where patrons may serve themselves drinks and are expected to leave money to pay for them

■ honesty box   n   a container into which members of the public are trusted to place payments when there is no attendant to collect them

honewort (ˈhəʊnˌwɜːt)   n   1 a European umbelliferous plant, Trinia glauca, with clusters of small white flowers   2 any of several similar and related plants [C17: apparently from obsolete dialect hone a swelling, of obscure origin; the plant was believed to relieve swellings]

honey (ˈhʌnI)   n   1 a sweet viscid substance made by bees from nectar and stored in their nests or hives as food. It is spread on bread or used as a sweetening agent   2 any similar sweet substance, esp the nectar of flowers   3 anything that is sweet or delightful   4 (often capital) chiefly US and Canadian a term of endearment   5 informal, chiefly US and Canadian something considered to be very good of its kind: a honey of a car   6 (modifier) of, concerned with, or resembling honey   ▷ vb honeys, honeying, honeyed or honied   7 (tr) to sweeten with or as if with honey   8 (often foll by up) to talk to (someone) in a fond or flattering way [Old English huneg; related to Old Norse hunang, Old Saxon hanig, German Honig, Greek knēkos yellowish, Sanskrit kánaka- gold]   > ˈhoney-ˌlike adj

■ honey badger   n   another name for ratel

■ honey bear   n   another name for kinkajou, sun bear

■ honeybee (ˈhʌnIˌbiː)   n   any of various social honey-producing bees of the genus Apis, esp A. mellifera, which has been widely domesticated as a source of honey and beeswax. Also called: hive bee

■ honeybunch (ˈhʌnIˌbʌntʃ) or honeybun (ˈhʌnIˌbʌn)   n   informal, chiefly US honey; darling: a term of endearment

■ honey buzzard   n   a common European bird of prey, Pernis apivorus, having broad wings and a typically dull brown plumage with white-streaked underparts: family Accipitridae (hawks, buzzards, etc). It feeds on grubs and honey from bees' nests

■ honey-coloured   adj   having the colour of honey

■ honeycomb (ˈhʌnIˌkəʊm)   n   1 a waxy structure, constructed by bees in a hive, that consists of adjacent hexagonal cells in which honey is stored, eggs are laid, and larvae develop   2 something resembling this in structure or appearance   3 zoology another name for reticulum (sense 2)   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to pierce or fill with holes, cavities, etc   5 to permeate: honeycombed with spies

■ honeycomb moth   n   another name for the wax moth

■ honey creeper or honeycreeper (ˈhʌnIˌkriːpə)   n   1 any small tropical American songbird of the genus Dacnis and related genera, closely related to the tanagers and buntings, having a slender downward-curving bill and feeding on nectar   2 any bird of the family Drepanididae of Hawaii

■ honeydew (ˈhʌnIˌdjuː)   n   1 a sugary substance excreted by aphids and similar insects   2 a similar substance exuded by certain plants   3 short for honeydew melon   > ˈhoneyˌdewed adj

■ honeydew melon   n   a variety of muskmelon with a smooth greenish-white rind and sweet greenish flesh

■ honey-eater (ˈhʌnIˌiːtə)   n   any small arboreal songbird of the Australasian family Meliphagidae, having a downward-curving bill and a brushlike tongue specialized for extracting nectar from flowers

■ honeyed or honied (ˈhʌnId)   adj poetic   1 flattering or soothing   2 made sweet or agreeable: honeyed words   3 of, full of, or resembling honey   > ˈhoneyedly or ˈhoniedly adv

■ honeyful (ˈhʌnIfəl)   adj   full of honey

■ honey fungus   n   an edible basidiomycetous fungus, Armillaria mellea, having a yellow-spotted cap and wrinkled stems, parasitic on the roots of woody plants, which it may kill by root rot. It spreads by thin black underground strands. Also called: bootlace fungus

■ honey guide or honeyguide (ˈhʌnIˌɡaId)   n   any small bird of the family Indicatoridae, inhabiting tropical forests of Africa and Asia and feeding on beeswax, honey, and insects: order Piciformes (woodpeckers, etc)

■ honeyless (ˈhʌnIləs)   adj   without any honey

■ honey locust   n   1 a thorny leguminous tree, Gleditsia triacanthos of E North America, that has long pods containing a sweet-tasting pulp   2 another name for mesquite

■ honey mesquite   n   another name for mesquite

■ honeymonth (ˈhʌnIˌmʌnθ)   n   obsolete a couple's honeymoon or their first month of marriage

■ honey mouse or honey phalanger   n   a small agile Australian marsupial, Tarsipes spenserae, having dark-striped pale brown fur, a long prehensile tail, and a very long snout and tongue with which it feeds on honey, pollen, and insects: family Phalangeridae. Also called: honeysucker

■ honey plant   n   any of various plants that are particularly useful in providing bees with nectar

■ honeypot (ˈhʌnIˌpɒt)   n   1 a container for honey   2 something which attracts people in great numbers: Barcelona is a honeypot for tourists

■ honeysucker (ˈhʌnIˌsʌkə)   n   1 any bird, esp a honey-eater, that feeds on nectar   2 another name for honey mouse

■ honeysuckle (ˈhʌnIˌsʌkəl)   n   1 any temperate caprifoliaceous shrub or vine of the genus Lonicera: cultivated for their fragrant white, yellow, or pink tubular flowers   2 any of several similar plants   3 any of various Australian trees or shrubs of the genus Banksia, having flowers in dense spikes: family Proteaceae [Old English hunigsūce, from HONEY + SUCK; see SUCKLE]   > ˈhoneyˌsuckled adj

■ honeysuckle ornament   n   arts another term for anthemion

■ honey-sweet   adj   sweet or endearing

■ honeytrap (ˈhʌnIˌtræp)   n   informal a scheme in which a victim is lured into a compromising sexual situation to provide an opportunity for blackmail

honeymoon (ˈhʌnIˌmuːn)   n   1    a a holiday taken by a newly married couple   b (as modifier): a honeymoon cottage   2 a holiday considered to resemble a honeymoon: a second honeymoon   3 the early, usually calm period of a relationship, such as a political or business one   ▷ vb   4 (intr) to take a honeymoon [C16: traditionally explained as an allusion to the feelings of married couples as changing with the phases of the moon]   > ˈhoneyˌmooner n

hong (hɒŋ)   n   1 (in China) a factory, warehouse, etc   2 (formerly, in Canton) a foreign commercial establishment [C18: from Chinese (Cantonese dialect)]

hongi (ˈhɒŋiː)   n   NZ a form of salutation expressed by touching noses [Māori]

Hong Kong (ˌhɒŋ ˈkɒŋ)   n   1 a Special Administrative Region of China, in the south of the country, with some autonomy; formerly a British Crown Colony: consists of Hong Kong Island, leased by China to Britain from 1842 until 1997, Kowloon Peninsula, Stonecutters Island, the New Territories (mainland), leased by China in 1898 for a 99-year period, and over 230 small islands; important entrepôt trade and manufacturing centre, esp for textiles and other consumer goods; university (1912). It retains its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar. Administrative centre: Victoria. Pop: 7 182 724 (2013 est). Area: 1046 sq km (404 sq miles)   2 an island in Hong Kong region, south of Kowloon Peninsula: contains the capital, Victoria. Pop: 1 337 800 (2001). Area: 75 sq km (29 sq miles)

■ Hong Kongese (ˈkɒŋiːz)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Hong Kong, its people, or their languages   ▷ n   2 (pl -ese) a native or inhabitant of Hong Kong or a descendant of one

Hong-wu (ˈhɒŋˈwuː) or Hung-wu   n   title of Chu Yuan-Zhang (or Chu Yüan-Chang), 1328–98, first emperor (1368–98) of the Ming dynasty, uniting China under his rule by 1382

Hong Xiu Quan (ˈhɒŋ ˈʃjuː ˈtʃwɑːn) or Hung Hsiu-Ch'uan   n   1814–64, Chinese religious leader and revolutionary. Claiming (1851) to be Christ's brother, he led the Taiping rebellion; died by suicide when it was defeated

Honiara (ˌhəʊnIˈɑːrə)   n   the capital of the Solomon Islands, on NW Guadalcanal Island. Pop: 61 000 (2005 est)

honied (ˈhʌnId)   adj   a variant spelling of honeyed   > ˈhoniedly adv

honi soit qui mal y pense French (ɔni swa ki mal i pɑ̃s)     shamed be he who thinks evil of it: the motto of the Order of the Garter

Honiton (ˈhɒnItən, ˈhʌn-) or Honiton lace   n   a type of lace with a floral sprig pattern [C19: named after Honiton, Devon, where it was first made]

honk (hɒŋk)   n   1 a representation of the sound made by a goose   2 any sound resembling this, esp a motor horn   3 Brit and Austral slang a bad smell   ▷ vb   4 to make or cause (something) to make such a sound   5 (intr) Brit a slang word for vomit   6 Brit and Austral slang to have a bad smell

■ honker (ˈhɒŋkə)   n   1 a person or thing that honks   2 Canadian an informal name for the Canada goose   3 slang a nose, esp a large nose

■ honky-tonk (ˈhɒŋkIˌtɒŋk)   n   1 US and Canadian slang   a a cheap disreputable nightclub, bar, etc   b (as modifier): a honky-tonk district   2 a style of ragtime piano-playing, esp on a tinny-sounding piano   3 a type of country music, usually performed by a small band with electric and steel guitars   4 (as modifier): honky-tonk music [C19: rhyming compound based on HONK]

honkie or honky (ˈhɒŋkI)   n, pl honkies   US Black slang, offensive   a a White person or White people collectively   b (as modifier): honkie guilt [C20: of unknown origin]

Honolulu (ˌhɒnəˈluːluː)   n   a port in Hawaii, on S Oahu island: the state capital. Pop: 380 149 (2003 est)

honor (ˈɒnə)   n, vb   the US spelling of honour

honorand (ˈɒnəˌrænd)   n   formal someone who is being honoured, esp someone receiving an honorary degree from a university

honorarium (ˌɒnəˈrɛərIəm)   n, pl -iums or -ia (-Iə)   a fee paid for a nominally free service [C17: from Latin: something presented on being admitted to a post of HONOUR]

honorary (ˈɒnərərI, ˈɒnrərI)   adj (usually prenominal)   1    a (esp of a position, title, etc) held or given only as an honour, without the normal privileges or duties: an honorary degree   b (of a secretary, treasurer, etc) unpaid   2 having such a position or title   3 depending on honour rather than legal agreement

■ honorarily (ˈɒnərərIlI)   adv   in an honorary manner or capacity

honorific (ˌɒnəˈrIfIk) or honorifical (ˌɒnəˈrIfIkəl) archaic   adj   1 showing or conferring honour or respect   2    a (of a pronoun, verb inflection, etc) indicating the speaker's respect for the addressee or his or her acknowledgment of inferior status   b (as noun): a Japanese honorific   > ˌhonorˈifically adv

honoris causa Latin (hɒˈnɔːrIs ˈkaʊzɑː)     for the sake of honour

honour or US honor (ˈɒnə)   n   1 personal integrity; allegiance to moral principles   2    a fame or glory   b a person or thing that wins this for another: he is an honour to the school   3 (often plural) great respect, regard, esteem, etc, or an outward sign of this   4 (often plural) high or noble rank   5 a privilege or pleasure: it is an honour to serve you   6 a woman's virtue or chastity   7    a bridge, poker any of the top five cards in a suit or any of the four aces at no trumps   b whist any of the top four cards   8 golf the right to tee off first   9 do honour to   a to pay homage to   b to be a credit to   10 do the honours   a to serve as host or hostess   b to perform a social act, such as carving meat, proposing a toast, etc   11 honour bright Brit school slang an exclamation pledging honour   12 in honour bound under a moral obligation   13 in honour of out of respect for   14 on one's honour or upon one's honour on the pledge of one's word or good name   ▷ vb (tr)   15 to hold in respect or esteem   16 to show courteous behaviour towards   17 to worship   18 to confer a distinction upon   19 to accept and then pay when due (a cheque, draft, etc)   20 to keep (one's promise); fulfil (a previous agreement)   21 to bow or curtsy to (one's dancing partner) [C12: from Old French onor, from Latin honor esteem]   > ˈhonourer or US ˈhonorer n   > ˈhonourless or US ˈhonorless adj

■ honourability Brit or honorability US (ˈɒnərəˈbIlItI)   n   Brit rare the quality of being honourable

■ honourable or US honorable (ˈɒnərəbəl, ˈɒnrəbəl)   adj   1 possessing or characterized by high principles: honourable intentions   2 worthy of or entitled to honour or esteem   3 consistent with or bestowing honour   > ˈhonourableness or US ˈhonorableness n   > ˈhonourably or US ˈhonorably adv

■ Honourable or US Honorable (ˈɒnərəbəl, ˈɒnrəbəl)   adj   the Honourable (prenominal) a title of respect placed before a name: employed before the names of various officials in the English-speaking world, as a courtesy title in Britain for the children of viscounts and barons and the younger sons of earls, and in Parliament by one member speaking of another. Abbreviation: Hon

■ honourable discharge   n   See discharge (sense 15)

■ honour-bound or US honor-bound   adj   morally obliged

■ honoured or US honored (ˈɒnəd)   adj   1 esteemed; respected   2 formal delighted

■ honouree (ˌɒnəˈriː)   n   a person who is honoured

■ honour killing   n   a murder committed by a male on a female relative considered to have brought dishonour to the family, usually through sexual activity forbidden by religion or tradition

■ Honour Moderations   pl n   (at Oxford University) the first public examination, in which candidates are placed into one of three classes of honours. Sometimes shortened to: Moderations, Mods

■ honours or US honors (ˈɒnəz)   pl n   1 observances of respect   2 (often capital)   a (in a university degree or degree course) a rank of the highest academic standard   b (as modifier): an honours degree. Abbreviation: Hons. Compare general (sense 9), pass (sense 35)   3 a high mark awarded for an examination; distinction   4 last honours or funeral honours observances of respect at a funeral   5 military honours ceremonies performed by troops in honour of royalty, at the burial of an officer, etc

■ honour school   n   (at Oxford University) one of the courses of study leading to an honours degree

■ honours list   n   Brit a list of those who have had or are having an honour, esp a peerage or membership of an order of chivalry, conferred on them

■ honours of war   pl n   military the honours granted by the victorious to the defeated, esp as of marching out with all arms and flags flying

Honour (ˈɒnə)   n   (preceded by Your, His, or Her)   a a title used to or of certain judges   b (in Ireland) a form of address in general use

Hons (ɑnz)   n   short for honours (sense 2)

Hon. Sec.   abbreviation for   Honorary Secretary

Honshu (ˈhɒnʃuː)   n   the largest of the four main islands of Japan, between the Pacific and the Sea of Japan; regarded as the Japanese mainland; includes a number of offshore islands and contains most of the main cities. Pop: 102 324 961 (2000). Area: 230 448 sq km (88 976 sq miles). Also called: Hondo

hoo (huː)   pron   West Yorkshire and Lancashire dialect she [from Old English heo]

hooch or hootch (huːtʃ)   n   informal, chiefly US and Canadian alcoholic drink, esp illicitly distilled spirits [C20: shortened from Tlingit Hootchinoo, name of a tribe that distilled a type of liquor]

Hooch or Hoogh (huːtʃ; Dutch hoːx)   n   Pieter de (ˈpiːtər də). 1629–?1684, Dutch genre painter, noted esp for his light effects

hoochie (ˈhuːtʃI)   n   US slang a promiscuous or provocative woman

hood^1 (hʊd)   n   1 a loose head covering either attached to a cloak or coat or made as a separate garment   2 something resembling this in shape or use   3 the US and Canadian name for bonnet (sense 3)   4 the folding roof of a convertible car   5 a hoodlike garment worn over an academic gown, indicating its wearer's degree and university   6 falconry a close-fitting cover, placed over the head and eyes of a falcon to keep it quiet when not hunting   7 biology a structure or marking, such as the fold of skin on the head of a cobra, that covers or appears to cover the head or some similar part   ▷ vb   8 (tr) to cover or provide with or as if with a hood [Old English hōd; related to Old High German huot hat, Middle Dutch hoet, Latin cassis helmet; see HAT]   > ˈhoodless adj   > ˈhoodˌlike adj

■ hooded (ˈhʊdId)   adj   1 covered with, having, or shaped like a hood   2 (of eyes) having heavy eyelids that appear to be half closed

■ hooded crow   n   a subspecies of the carrion crow, Corvus corone cornix, that has a grey body and black head, wings, and tail. Also called (Scot): hoodie (ˈhʊdI), hoodie crow

■ hoodedness (ˈhʊdIdnIs)   n   the state of being hooded

■ hooded seal   n   a large greyish earless seal, Cystophora cristata, of the N Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, having an inflatable hoodlike sac over the nasal region. Also called: bladdernose

■ hoodman (ˈhʊdmən)   n, pl -men archaic   1 a man wearing a hood over his head   2 the blindfolded person in the game of blind man's buff

■ hoodman-blind   n   Brit archaic blind man's buff

■ hood mould or hoodmold   n   another name for dripstone (sense 2)

hood^2 (hʊd)   n   slang short for hoodlum (sense 1)

Hood (hʊd)   n   1 Robin See Robin Hood   2  Samuel, 1st Viscount. 1724–1816, British admiral. He fought successfully against the French during the American Revolution and the French Revolutionary Wars   3  Thomas. 1799–1845, British poet and humorist: his work includes protest poetry, such as The Song of the Shirt (1843) and The Bridge of Sighs (1844)

'hood (hʊd)   n   slang, chiefly US short for neighbourhood

■ hood rat   n   US slang, derogatory a young promiscuous woman from an impoverished urban area [C20: from ’HOOD; influenced by MALL RAT]

-hood   suffix forming nouns   1 indicating state or condition of being: manhood; adulthood   2 indicating a body of persons: knighthood; priesthood [Old English -hād]

hoodia (ˈhʊdIə)   n   any of several succulent asclepiadaceous plants of the genus Hoodia, of southern Africa, the sap of which suppresses appetite

hoodie or hoody (ˈhʊdI)   n informal   1 a hooded sweatshirt   2 a young person who wears a hooded sweatshirt, regarded by some as a potential hooligan

hoodlum (ˈhuːdləm)   n   1 a petty gangster or ruffian   2 a lawless youth [C19: perhaps from Southern German dialect Haderlump ragged good-for-nothing]   > ˈhoodlumism n

■ hoodlumish (ˈhuːdləmIʃ)   adj   like a hoodlum

hoodoo (ˈhuːduː)   n, pl -doos   1 a variant of voodoo   2 informal a person or thing that brings bad luck   3 informal bad luck   4 (in the western US and Canada) a strangely shaped column of rock   ▷ vb -doos, -dooing, -dooed   5 (tr) informal to bring bad luck to [C19: variant of VOODOO]   > ˈhoodooism n

hoodwink (ˈhʊdˌwIŋk)   vb (tr)   1 to dupe; trick   2 obsolete to cover or hide [C16: originally, to cover the eyes with a hood, blindfold]   > ˈhoodˌwinker n

hoody (ˈhʊdI)   n, pl -dies   informal a variant spelling of hoodie

hooey (ˈhuːI)   n, interj   slang nonsense; rubbish [C20: of unknown origin]

hoof (huːf)   n, pl hooves (huːvz) or hoofs   1    a the horny covering of the end of the foot in the horse, deer, and all other ungulate mammals   b (in combination): a hoofbeat. Related adjective: ungular   2 the foot of an ungulate mammal   3 a hoofed animal   4 facetious a person's foot   5 on the hoof   a (of livestock) alive   b in an impromptu manner: he did his thinking on the hoof   ▷ vb   6 (tr) to kick or trample with the hoofs   7 hoof it slang   a to walk   b to dance [Old English hōf; related to Old Norse hōfr, Old High German huof (German Huf), Sanskrit saphás]   > ˈhoofless adj   > ˈhoofˌlike adj

■ hoofbeat (ˈhuːfˌbiːt)   n   poetic the sound made by an animal's hoof on the ground

■ hoofbound (ˈhuːfˌbaʊnd)   adj   vet science (of a horse) having dry contracted hooves, with resultant pain and lameness

■ hoofed (huːft)   adj     a having a hoof or hoofs   b (in combination): four-hoofed; cloven-hoofed

■ hoofer (ˈhuːfə)   n   slang a professional dancer, esp a tap-dancer

■ hoofprint (ˈhuːfˌprInt)   n   a mark made by an animal's hoof on the ground

■ hoof rot or hoofrot (ˈhuːfˌrɒt)   n   another name for foot rot

Hooft (Dutch hoːft)   n   Pieter Corneliszoon (ˈpiːtər kɔrˈnɛːlisoːn). 1581–1647, Dutch poet, historian, and writer: noted esp for his love poetry and his 27-volume History of the Netherlands (1626–47)

Hoogh (Dutch hoːx)   n   See (Pieter de) Hooch

Hooghly (ˈhuːɡlI)   n   a river in NE India, in West Bengal: the westernmost and commercially most important channel by which the River Ganges enters the Bay of Bengal. Length: 232 km (144 miles)

hoo-ha (ˈhuːˌhɑː)   n   a noisy commotion or fuss [C20: of unknown origin]

hook (hʊk)   n   1 a piece of material, usually metal, curved or bent and used to suspend, catch, hold, or pull something   2 short for fish-hook   3 a trap or snare   4 chiefly US something that attracts or is intended to be an attraction   5 something resembling a hook in design or use   6    a a sharp bend or angle in a geological formation, esp a river   b a sharply curved spit of land   7 boxing a short swinging blow delivered from the side with the elbow bent   8 cricket a shot in which the ball is hit square on the leg side with the bat held horizontally   9 golf a shot that causes the ball to swerve sharply from right to left   10 surfing the top of a breaking wave   11 Also called: hookcheck ice hockey the act of hooking an opposing player   12 music a stroke added to the stem of a written or printed note to indicate time values shorter than a crotchet   13 a catchy musical phrase in a pop song   14 another name for a sickle   15 a nautical word for anchor   16 by hook or crook or by hook or by crook by any means   17 get the hook US and Canadian slang to be dismissed from employment   18 hook, line, and sinker informal completely: he fell for it hook, line, and sinker   19 off the hook   a slang out of danger; free from obligation or guilt   b (of a telephone receiver) not on the support, so that incoming calls cannot be received   20 on one's own hook slang, chiefly US on one's own initiative   21 on the hook slang   a waiting   b in a dangerous or difficult situation   22 sling one's hook Brit slang to leave   ▷ vb   23 (often foll by up) to fasten or be fastened with or as if with a hook or hooks   24 (tr) to catch (something, such as a fish) on a hook   25 to curve like or into the shape of a hook   26 (tr) (of bulls, elks, etc) to catch or gore with the horns   27 (tr) to make (a rug) by hooking yarn through a stiff fabric backing with a special instrument   28 (tr; often foll by down) to cut (grass or herbage) with a sickle: to hook down weeds   29 boxing to hit (an opponent) with a hook   30 ice hockey to impede (an opposing player) by catching hold of him or her with the stick   31 golf to play (a ball) with a hook   32 rugby to obtain and pass (the ball) backwards from a scrum to a member of one's team, using the feet   33 cricket to play (a ball) with a hook   34 (tr) informal to trick   35 (tr) a slang word for steal   36 hook it slang to run or go quickly away [Old English hōc; related to Middle Dutch hōk, Old Norse haki]   > ˈhookless adj   > ˈhookˌlike adj

■ hook and eye   n   a fastening for clothes consisting of a small hook hooked onto a small metal or thread loop

■ hooked (hʊkt)   adj   1 bent like a hook   2 having a hook or hooks   3 caught or trapped   4 a slang word for married   5 slang addicted to a drug   6 (often foll by on) obsessed (with)   > hookedness (ˈhʊkIdnIs) n

■ hooklet (ˈhʊklət)   n   a little hook, used for example in zoology in reference to a tiny hook found on or in the body of an organism

■ hooknose (ˈhʊkˌnəʊz)   n   a nose with a pronounced outward and downward curve; aquiline nose   > ˈhookˌnosed adj

■ hook-tip   n   1 any of several moths of the genus Daepana, characterized by the hooked point on each forewing   2 beautiful hook-tip a similar but unrelated species, Laspeyria flexula

■ hook turn   n   Austral a right turn made from the left-hand lane of a dual carriageway

■ hook-up   n   1 the contact of an aircraft in flight with the refuelling hose of a tanker aircraft   2 an alliance or relationship, esp an unlikely one, between people, countries, etc   3 the linking of broadcasting equipment or stations to transmit a special programme   4 slang   a a person, esp a stranger or recent acquaintance, with whom one has casual, unplanned sex   b an instance of having casual, unplanned sex with a person, esp a stranger or recent acquaintance   ▷ vb hook up (adverb)   5 to connect (two or more people or things)   6 (often foll by with) slang to get married (to)   7 (often foll by with) slang to have casual, unplanned sex

■ hookworm (ˈhʊkˌwɜːm)   n   any parasitic blood-sucking nematode worm of the family Ancylostomatidae, esp Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, both of which cause disease. They have hooked mouthparts and enter their hosts by boring through the skin

■ hookworm disease   n   the nontechnical name for ancylostomiasis

hookah or hooka (ˈhʊkə)   n   an oriental pipe for smoking marijuana, tobacco, etc, consisting of one or more long flexible stems connected to a container of water or other liquid through which smoke is drawn and cooled. Also called: hubble-bubble, kalian, narghile, water pipe [C18: from Arabic huqqah]

Hooke (hʊk)   n   Robert. 1635–1703, English physicist, chemist, and inventor. He formulated Hooke's law (1678), built the first Gregorian telescope, and invented a balance spring for watches

■ Hooke's law (hʊks)   n   the principle that the stress imposed on a solid is directly proportional to the strain produced, within the elastic limit [C18: named after Robert Hooke ]

hooker (ˈhʊkə)   n   1 a commercial fishing boat using hooks and lines instead of nets   2 a sailing boat of the west of Ireland formerly used for cargo and now for pleasure sailing and racing [C17: from Dutch hoeker]

■ hooker (ˈhʊkə)   n   1 a person or thing that hooks   2 US and Canadian slang   a a draught of alcoholic drink, esp of spirits   b a prostitute   3 rugby the central forward in the front row of a scrum whose main job is to hook the ball

Hooker (ˈhʊkə)   n   1  John Lee. 1917–2001, US blues singer and guitarist   2  Sir Joseph Dalton. 1817–1911, British botanist; director of Kew Gardens (1865–85)   3  Richard. 1554–1600, British theologian, who influenced Anglican theology with The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity (1593–97)   4  Sir William Jackson. 1785–1865, British botanist; first director of Kew Gardens: father of Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker

Hook of Holland   n the Hook of Holland   1 a cape on the SW coast of the Netherlands, in South Holland province   2 a port on this cape   ▶ Dutch name: Hoek van Holland

hooky or hookey (ˈhʊkI)   n   informal, chiefly US, Canadian and NZ truancy, usually from school (esp in the phrase play hooky) [C20: perhaps from hook it to escape]

hoolachan (ˈhuːləxən)   n   Scot dialect a Highland reel

hooley or hoolie (ˈhuːlI)   n, pl -leys or -lies   chiefly Irish and NZ a lively party [C19: of uncertain origin]

hoolie (ˈhuːlI)   n   slang a hooligan

hooligan (ˈhuːlIɡən)   n   slang a rough lawless young person [C19: perhaps variant of Houlihan, Irish surname]   > ˈhooliganism n

hoolock (ˈhuːlək)   n   a type of gibbon (genus Hoolock) of Northeastern India and parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh, the males of which have black fur and white brows

hooly (ˈhuːlI)   adj   Scot careful or gentle

hoon (huːn)   n   Austral and NZ informal a hooligan [of unknown origin]

hoop^1 (huːp)   n   1 a rigid circular band of metal or wood   2 something resembling this   3    a a band of iron that holds the staves of a barrel or cask together   b (as modifier): hoop iron   4 a child's toy shaped like a hoop and rolled on the ground or whirled around the body   5 croquet any of the iron arches through which the ball is driven   6    a a light curved frame to spread out a skirt   b (as modifier): a hoop skirt; a hoop petticoat   7 basketball the round metal frame to which the net is attached to form the basket   8 a large ring through which performers or animals jump   9 jewellery   a an earring consisting of one or more circles of metal, plastic, etc   b the part of a finger ring through which the finger fits   10 Austral informal a jockey   11 go through the hoop or be put through the hoop to be subjected to an ordeal   ▷ vb   12 (tr) to surround with or as if with a hoop [Old English hōp; related to Dutch hoep, Old Norse hōp bay, Lithuanian kabẽ hook]   > hooped adj   > ˈhoopˌlike adj

■ hooper (ˈhuːpə)   n   a rare word for cooper

■ hoopless (ˈhuːpləs)   adj   without any hoops

■ hoop pine   n   a fast-growing timber tree of Australia, Araucaria cunninghamii, having rough bark with hoop-like cracks around the trunk and branches: family Araucariaceae

■ hoop-skirt or hoop-petticoat   n   fashion a skirt that has hoops made of bone or metal, etc fastened inside it to make it stiff and full

■ hoop snake   n   any of various North American snakes, such as the mud snake (Farancia abacura), that were formerly thought to hold the tail in the mouth and roll along like a hoop

hoop^2 (huːp)   n, vb   a variant spelling of whoop

hoopla (ˈhuːplɑː)   n   1 Brit a fairground game in which a player tries to throw a hoop over an object and so win it   2 US and Canadian slang noise; bustle   3 US slang nonsense; ballyhoo [C20: see WHOOP, LA^2]

hoopoe (ˈhuːpuː)   n   an Old World bird, Upupa epops, having a pinkish-brown plumage with black-and-white wings and an erectile crest: family Upupidae, order Coraciiformes (kingfishers, etc) [C17: from earlier hoopoop, of imitative origin; compare Latin upupa]

hoopster (ˈhuːpstə)   n   basketball informal a basketball player

hoor (hʊə; Scottish huːr)   n Scot and Irish slang   1 a whore   2 an unpleasant or difficult thing

hooray (huːˈreI)   interj, n, vb   1 a variant of hurrah   ▷ interj   2 Also: hooroo (huːˈruː) Austral and NZ goodbye; cheerio

Hooray Henry (ˈhuːˌreI)   n, pl Hooray Henries or -rys   a young upper-class man, often with affectedly hearty voice and manners. Sometimes shortened to: Hooray

hooroo (huːˈruː)   interj   the Australian and New Zealand equivalent of hurrah

hoosegow or hoosgow (ˈhuːsɡaʊ)   n   US a slang word for jail [C20: from Mexican Spanish jusgado prison, from Spanish: court of justice, from juzgar to judge, from Latin judicāre, from judex a JUDGE; compare JUG]

hoosh (huːʃ)   vb   1 (tr) informal to shoo, drive away, or turn out (an animal)   2 (intr) informal to move quickly   ▷ n   3 slang a thick stew or soup   ▷ interj   4 an exclamation used when shooing or driving animals and, in particular, when ordering camels to sit down

Hoosier (ˈhuːʒIə)   n   US a native or inhabitant of Indiana [C19: origin unknown]

hoot^1 (huːt)   n   1 the mournful wavering cry of some owls   2 a similar sound, such as that of a train whistle   3 a jeer of derision   4 informal an amusing person or thing: the weekend was a hoot   5 not give a hoot not to care at all   ▷ vb   6 (often foll by at) to jeer or yell (something) contemptuously (at someone)   7 (tr) to drive (political speakers, actors on stage, etc) off or away by hooting   8 (intr) to make a hoot   9 (intr) Brit to blow a horn [C13 hoten, of imitative origin]

■ hooter (ˈhuːtə)   n chiefly Brit   1 a person or thing that hoots, esp a car horn   2 slang a nose

■ hoot owl   n   any owl that utters a hooting cry, as distinct from a screech owl

■ hooty (ˈhuːtI)   adj hootier, hootiest   resembling or producing the hoot of the owl

hoot^2 (huːt) or hoots (huːts)   interj   an exclamation of impatience or dissatisfaction: a supposed Scotticism [C17: of unknown origin]

hoot^3 (huːt)   n   Austral and NZ a slang word for money [from Māori utu price]

hootch (huːtʃ)   n   a variant spelling of hooch

hootenanny, hootanannie, hootananny, hootenannie or hootnanny (ˈhuːtəˌnænI)   n, pl -nies   1 an informal performance by folk singers   2 chiefly US something the name of which is unspecified or forgotten [C20: of unknown origin]

hooven (ˈhuːvən)   adj   (of cattle and sheep) affected by hoove, a disease which causes the belly to distend with gas

Hoover^1 (ˈhuːvə)   n   1 trademark a type of vacuum cleaner   ▷ vb (usually not capital)   2 to vacuum-clean (a carpet, furniture, etc)   3 (tr; often foll by up) to consume or dispose of (something) quickly and completely: he hoovered up his grilled fish

■ hoovering (ˈhuːvərIŋ)   n   the action or an instance of using a Hoover to vacuum-clean

Hoover^2 (ˈhuːvə)   n   1  Herbert (Clark). 1874–1964, US statesman; 31st president of the US (1929–33). He organized relief for Europe during and after World War I, but as president he lost favour after his failure to alleviate the effects of the Depression   2  J(ohn) Edgar. 1895–1972, US lawyer: director of the FBI (1924–72). He used new scientific methods to combat crime, including the first fingerprint file

■ Hoover Dam   n   a dam in the western US, on the Colorado River on the border between Nevada and Arizona; forms Lake Mead. Height: 222 m (727 ft). Length: 354 m (1180 ft). Former name (1933–47): Boulder Dam

hooves (huːvz)   n   a plural of hoof

hop^1 (hɒp)   vb hops, hopping, hopped   1 (intr) to make a jump forwards or upwards, esp on one foot   2 (intr) (esp of frogs, birds, rabbits, etc) to move forwards in short jumps   3 (tr) to jump over: he hopped the hedge   4 (intr) informal to move or proceed quickly (in, on, out of, etc): hop on a bus   5 (tr) informal to cross (an ocean) in an aircraft: they hopped the Atlantic in seven hours   6 (tr) US and Canadian informal to travel by means of (an aircraft, bus, etc): he hopped a train to Chicago   7 US and Canadian to bounce or cause to bounce: he hopped the flat stone over the lake's surface   8 (intr) US and Canadian informal to begin intense activity, esp work   9 (intr) another word for limp^1   10 hop it or hop off Brit slang to go away   ▷ n   11 the act or an instance of hopping   12 old-fashioned, informal a dance, esp one at which popular music is played: we're all going to the school hop tonight   13 informal a trip, esp in an aircraft   14 US a bounce, as of a ball   15 on the hop informal   a active or busy   b Brit unawares or unprepared: the new ruling caught me on the hop [Old English hoppian; related to Old Norse hoppa to hop, Middle Low German hupfen]

■ hop into   vb (intr, preposition) Austral and NZ slang   1 to attack (a person)   2 to start or set about (a task)

■ hop-o'-my-thumb   n   archaic a dwarf or very small person

■ hopping (ˈhɒpIŋ)   n   1 the action of a person or animal that hops   2 Tyneside dialect a fair, esp (the Hoppings) an annual fair in Newcastle   ▷ adj   3 hopping mad in a terrible rage

■ hopscotch (ˈhɒpˌskɒtʃ)   n   a children's game in which a player throws a small stone or other object to land in one of a pattern of squares marked on the ground and then hops over to it to pick it up [C19: HOP^1 + SCOTCH^1]

■ hop, step, and jump   n   1 an older term for triple jump   2 Also called: hop, skip, and jump a short distance: the shops are only a hop, step, and jump from our house

hop^2 (hɒp)   n   1 any climbing plant of the N temperate genus Humulus, esp H. lupulus, which has green conelike female flowers and clusters of small male flowers: family Cannabiaceae (or Cannabidaceae). See also hops   2 hop garden a field of hops   3 obsolete, slang opium or any other narcotic drug [C15: from Middle Dutch hoppe; related to Old High German hopfo, Norwegian hupp tassel]

■ hopbind (ˈhɒpˌbaInd)   n   the stalk or vine on which hops grow

■ hop clover   n   the US name for hop trefoil

■ hopdog (ˈhɒpˌdɒɡ)   n   1 a species of caterpillar   2 a long-handled tool once used for pulling hop poles out of the ground

■ hopfield (ˈhɒpˌfiːld)   n   a field in which hops are grown

■ hop-picker   n   a person employed or a machine used to pick hops

■ hop-picking   n   the activity of picking hops

■ hoppy (ˈhɒpI)   adj -pier, -piest   tasting or smelling of hops

■ hops (hɒps)   pl n   the dried ripe flowers, esp the female flowers, of the hop plant, used to give a bitter taste to beer

■ hopsack (ˈhɒpˌsæk)   n   1 a roughly woven fabric of wool, cotton, etc, used for clothing   2 Also called: hopsacking a coarse fabric used for bags, etc, made generally of hemp or jute

■ hop trefoil   n   a leguminous plant, Trifolium campestre, of N temperate grasslands, with globular yellow flower heads and trifoliate leaves. US and Canadian name: hop clover

hope (həʊp)   n   1 (sometimes plural) a feeling of desire for something and confidence in the possibility of its fulfilment: his hope for peace was justified; their hopes were dashed   2 a reasonable ground for this feeling: there is still hope   3 a person or thing that gives cause for hope   4 a thing, situation, or event that is desired: my hope is that prices will fall   5 not a hope or some hope used ironically to express little confidence that expectations will be fulfilled   ▷ vb   6 (tr; takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to desire (something) with some possibility of fulfilment: we hope you can come; I hope to tell you   7 (intr; often foll by for) to have a wish (for a future event, situation, etc)   8 (tr; takes a clause as object) to trust, expect, or believe: we hope that this is satisfactory [Old English hopa; related to Old Frisian hope, Dutch hoop, Middle High German hoffe]   > ˈhoper n

■ hope chest   n   US and Canadian a young woman's collection of clothes, linen, cutlery, etc, in anticipation of marriage. Also called (esp in Britain): bottom drawer

■ hoped-for   adj   that people hope for or expect

■ hopeful (ˈhəʊpfʊl)   adj   1 having or expressing hope   2 giving or inspiring hope; promising   ▷ n   3 a person considered to be on the brink of success (esp in the phrase a young hopeful)   > ˈhopefulness n

■ hopefully (ˈhəʊpfʊlI)   adv   1 in a hopeful manner   2 informal it is hoped: hopefully they will be here soon

USAGE

The use of hopefully to mean it is hoped used to be considered incorrect by some people but has now become acceptable in informal contexts

■ hopeless (ˈhəʊplIs)   adj   1 having or offering no hope   2 impossible to analyse or solve   3 unable to learn, function, etc   4 informal without skill or ability   > ˈhopelessly adv   > ˈhopelessness n

■ hopingly (ˈhəʊpIŋlI)   adv   archaic in a hopeful manner

Hope (həʊp)   n   1  Anthony, real name Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins. 1863–1933, English novelist; author of The Prisoner of Zenda (1894)   2  Bob, real name Leslie Townes Hope. 1903–2003, US comedian and comic actor, born in England. His films include The Cat and the Canary (1939), Road to Morocco (1942), and The Paleface (1947). He was awarded an honorary knighthood in 1998   3  David (Michael). Baron. born 1940, British churchman, Archbishop of York (1995–2005)

Hopeh or Hopei (ˈhəʊˈpeI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Hebei

hophead (ˈhɒpˌhɛd)   n   slang, chiefly US a heroin or opium addict [C20: from obsolete slang hop opium; see HOP^2]

Hopi (ˈhəʊpI)   n   1 (pl -pis or -pi) a member of a Native American people of NE Arizona   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Shoshonean subfamily of the Uto-Aztecan family [from Hopi Hópi peaceful]

Hopkins (ˈhɒpkInz)   n   1  Sir Anthony. born 1937, Welsh actor: his films include Bounty (1984), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Shadowlands (1994), Nixon (1995), and Hannibal (2001)   2  Sir Frederick Gowland (ˈɡaʊlənd). 1861–1947, British biochemist, who pioneered research into what came to be called vitamins: shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine (1929)   3  Gerard Manley. 1844–89, British poet and Jesuit priest, who experimented with sprung rhythm in his highly original poetry   4  Harry L(loyd). 1890–1946, US administrator. During World War II he was a personal aide to President Roosevelt and administered the lend-lease programme

hoplite (ˈhɒplaIt)   n   (in ancient Greece) a heavily armed infantryman [C18: from Greek hoplitēs, from hoplon weapon, from hepein to prepare]   > hoplitic (hɒpˈlItIk) adj

hoplology (hɒpˈlɒlədʒI)   n   the study of weapons or armour [C19: from Greek, from hoplon weapon + -LOGY]   > hopˈlologist n

hopper (ˈhɒpə)   n   1 a person or thing that hops   2 a funnel-shaped chamber or reservoir from which solid materials can be discharged under gravity into a receptacle below, esp for feeding fuel to a furnace, loading a railway truck with grain, etc   3 a machine used for picking hops   4 any of various long-legged hopping insects, esp the grasshopper, leaf hopper, and immature locust   5 Also called: hoppercar an open-topped railway truck for bulk transport of loose minerals, etc, unloaded through doors on the underside   6 South African another name for cocopan   7 computing a device formerly used for holding punched cards and feeding them to a card punch or card reader

Hopper (ˈhɒpə)   n   Edward. 1882–1967, US painter, noted for his realistic depiction of everyday scenes

hopple (ˈhɒpəl)   vb, n   a less common word for hobble (sense 2), hobble (sense 5)   > ˈhoppler n

Hoppus foot (ˈhɒpəs)   n   (also without capital) a unit of volume equal to 1.27 cubic feet, applied to timber in the round, the cross-sectional area being taken as the square of one quarter of the circumference [C20: named after Edward Hoppus, 18th-century English surveyor]

hoptoad (ˈhɒpˌtəʊd)   n   a US name for a toad

hora (ˈhɔːrə)   n   a traditional Israeli or Romanian circle dance [from Modern Hebrew hōrāh, from Romanian horǎ, from Turkish]

Horace (ˈhɒrIs)   n   Latin name Quintus Horatius Flaccus. 65–8 BC, Roman poet and satirist: his verse includes the lyrics in the Epodes and the Odes, the Epistles and Satires, and the Ars Poetica

Horae (ˈhɔːriː)   pl n   classical myth the goddesses of the seasons. Also called: the Hours [Latin: hours]

horal (ˈhɔːrəl)   adj   a less common word for hourly [C18: from Late Latin hōrālis of an HOUR]

horary (ˈhɔːrərI)   adj archaic   1 relating to the hours   2 hourly [C17: from Medieval Latin hōrārius; see HOUR]

Horatian (həˈreIʃən)   adj   of, relating to, or characteristic of Horace or his poetry

■ Horatian ode   n   an ode of several stanzas, each of the same metrical pattern. Also called: Sapphic ode

Horatius Cocles (hɒˈreIʃIəs ˈkəʊkliːz)   n   a legendary Roman hero of the 6th century BC, who defended a bridge over the Tiber against Lars Porsena

horde (hɔːd)   n   1 a vast crowd; throng; mob   2 a local group of people in a nomadic society   3 a nomadic group of people, esp an Asiatic group   4 a large moving mass of animals, esp insects   ▷ vb   5 (intr) to form, move in, or live in a horde [C16: from Polish horda, from Turkish ordū camp; compare Urdu]

USAGE

Horde is sometimes wrongly written where hoard is meant: a hoard (not horde) of gold coins

hordein (ˈhɔːdiːIn)   n   a simple protein, rich in proline, that occurs in barley [C19: from French hordéine, from Latin hordeum barley + French -ine -IN]

hordeolum (ˌhɔːdIˈəʊləm)   n   a medical name for a stye of the eye

Hordern (ˈhɔːdən)   n   Sir Michael (Murray). 1911–95, British actor

Horeb (ˈhɔːrɛb)   n   Bible a mountain, probably Mount Sinai

horehound or hoarhound (ˈhɔːˌhaʊnd)   n   1 Also called: white horehound a downy perennial herbaceous Old World plant, Marrubium vulgare, with small white flowers that contain a bitter juice formerly used as a cough medicine and flavouring: family Lamiaceae (labiates). See also black horehound   2 water horehound another name for bugleweed (sense 1) [Old English hārhūne, from hār grey + hūne horehound, of obscure origin]

hori (ˈhɔːriː) NZ informal, offensive   n, pl horis   1 a Māori   2 a falsehood   ▷ adj   3 of or relating to the Māori [Māori]

horiatiki (ˌhɔːrIəˈtiːkI)   n   a traditional Greek salad consisting of tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta cheese [C21: from Modern Greek]

horizon (həˈraIzən)   n   1 Also called: visible horizon, apparent horizon the apparent line that divides the earth and the sky   2 astronomy   a Also called: sensible horizon the circular intersection with the celestial sphere of the plane tangential to the earth at the position of the observer   b Also called: celestial horizon the great circle on the celestial sphere, the plane of which passes through the centre of the earth and is parallel to the sensible horizon   3 the range or limit of scope, interest, knowledge, etc   4 a thin layer of rock within a stratum that has a distinct composition, esp of fossils, by which the stratum may be dated   5 a layer in a soil profile having particular characteristics. See A horizon, B horizon, C horizon   6 on the horizon likely or about to happen or appear [C14: from Latin, from Greek horizōn kuklos limiting circle, from horizein to limit, from horos limit]   > hoˈrizonless adj

■ horizonal (həˈraIzənəl)   adj   relating to the horizon

horizontal (ˌhɒrIˈzɒntəl)   adj   1 parallel to the plane of the horizon; level; flat. Compare vertical (sense 1)   2 of or relating to the horizon   3 measured or contained in a plane parallel to that of the horizon   4 applied uniformly or equally to all members of a group   5 economics relating to identical stages of commercial activity: horizontal integration   ▷ n   6 a horizontal plane, position, line, etc   > ˌhorizonˈtality or ˌhoriˈzontalness n   > ˌhoriˈzontally adv

■ horizontal bar   n   gymnastics a raised bar on which swinging and vaulting exercises are performed. Also called: high bar

■ horizontal mobility   n   sociol the movement of groups or individuals to positions that differ from those previously held but do not involve any change in class, status, or power. Compare vertical mobility. See also upward mobility, downward mobility

■ horizontal stabilizer   n   the US name for tailplane

■ horizontal union   n   another name (esp US) for craft union

horkey (ˈhɔːkI)   n   an East Anglian dialect word for hockey^2

Horkheimer (German ˈhɔrkhaImər)   n   Max. 1895–1973, German social theorist of the Frankfurt school. His books include Eclipse of Reason (1947) and Critical Theory (1968)

horlicks (ˈhɔːlIks)   n   make a horlicks Brit informal to make a mistake or a mess: his boss is making a horlicks of his job [C20: from Horlicks, a drink meant to induce sleep]

horme (ˈhɔːmI)   n   (in the psychology of C. G. Jung) fundamental vital energy [C20: from Greek hormē impulse]   > ˈhormic adj

hormesis (hɔːˈmiːsIs)   n   a beneficial effect arising from exposure to a very small amount of a toxic substance

■ hormetic (hɔːˈmɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to hormesis

hormogonium (ˌhɔːməˈɡəʊnIəm)   n, pl hormogonia   botany a part of a filament in algae that detaches and reproduces by cell division

hormone (ˈhɔːməʊn)   n   1 a chemical substance produced in an endocrine gland and transported in the blood to a certain tissue, on which it exerts a specific effect   2 an organic compound produced by a plant that is essential for growth   3 any synthetic substance having the same effects [C20: from Greek hormōn, from horman to stir up, urge on, from hormē impulse, assault]   > horˈmonal or hormonic adj   > horˈmonally adv   > ˈhormoneˌlike adj

■ hormone replacement therapy   n   a form of oestrogen treatment used to control menopausal symptoms and in the prevention of osteoporosis. Abbreviation: HRT

Hormuz (hɔːˈmuːz, ˈhɔːmʌz) or Ormuz   n   an island off the SE coast of Iran, in the Strait of Hormuz: ruins of the ancient city of Hormuz, a major trading centre in the Middle Ages. Area: about 41 sq km (16 sq miles)

horn (hɔːn)   n   1 either of a pair of permanent outgrowths on the heads of cattle, antelopes, sheep, etc, consisting of a central bony core covered with layers of keratin. Related adjectives: corneous, keratoid   2 the outgrowth from the nasal bone of a rhinoceros, consisting of a mass of fused hairs   3 any hornlike projection or process, such as the eyestalk of a snail   4 the antler of a deer   5    a the constituent substance, mainly keratin, of horns, hooves, etc   b (in combination): horn-rimmed spectacles   6 a container or device made from this substance or an artificial substitute: a shoe horn; a drinking horn   7 an object or part resembling a horn in shape, such as the points at either end of a crescent, the point of an anvil, the pommel of a saddle, or a cornucopia   8 a primitive musical wind instrument made from the horn of an animal   9 any musical instrument consisting of a pipe or tube of brass fitted with a mouthpiece, with or without valves. See hunting horn, French horn, cor anglais   10 jazz slang any wind instrument   11    a a device for producing a warning or signalling noise   b (in combination): a foghorn   12 US, Canadian and Austral an informal name for telephone   13 (usually plural) the hornlike projection attributed to certain devils, deities, etc   14 (usually plural) the imaginary hornlike parts formerly supposed to appear on the forehead of a cuckold   15 Also called: horn balance an extension of an aircraft control surface that projects in front of the hinge providing aerodynamic assistance in moving the control   16    a Also called: acoustic horn, exponential horn a hollow conical device coupled to the diaphragm of a gramophone to control the direction and quality of the sound   b any such device used to spread or focus sound, such as the device attached to an electrical loudspeaker in a public address system   c Also called: horn antenna a microwave aerial, formed by flaring out the end of a waveguide   17 geology another name for pyramidal peak   18 a stretch of land or water shaped like a horn   19 Brit vulgar, slang an erection of the penis   20 Bible a symbol of power, victory, or success: in my name shall his horn be exalted   21 blow one's horn US and Canadian to boast about oneself; brag. Brit equivalent: blow one's own trumpet   22 draw in one's horns or pull in one's horns   a to suppress or control one's feelings, esp of anger, enthusiasm, or passion   b to withdraw a previous statement   c to economize   23 on the horns of a dilemma   a in a situation involving a choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives   b in an awkward situation   ▷ vb (tr)   24 to provide with a horn or horns   25 to gore or butt with a horn [Old English; related to Old Norse horn, Gothic haurn, Latin cornu horn]   > ˈhornless adj   > ˈhornlessness n   > ˈhornˌlike adj

■ hornbag (ˈhɔːnˌbæɡ)   n   Austral and NZ slang a sexually attractive person [C20: from HORNY]

■ hornbeak (ˈhɔːnˌbiːk)   n   a dialect name for a fish known as the garfish, hornfish or sea needle

■ hornbeam (ˈhɔːnˌbiːm)   n   1 any tree of the betulaceous genus Carpinus, such as C. betulus of Europe and Asia, having smooth grey bark and hard white wood   2 the wood of any of these trees   ▶ Brit equivalent: ironwood [C14: from HORN + BEAM, referring to its tough wood]

■ hornbill (ˈhɔːnˌbIl)   n   any bird of the family Bucerotidae of tropical Africa and Asia, having a very large bill with a basal bony protuberance: order Coraciiformes (kingfishers, etc)

■ hornbook (ˈhɔːnˌbʊk)   n   1 a page bearing a religious text or the alphabet, held in a frame with a thin window of flattened cattle horn over it   2 any elementary primer

■ hornbug (ˈhɔːnˌbʌɡ)   n   a US name for the stag beetle

■ horned (hɔːnd)   adj   having a horn, horns, or hornlike parts   > hornedness (ˈhɔːnIdnIs) n

■ horned owl   n   any large owl of the genus Bubo, having prominent ear tufts: family Strigidae

■ horned poppy   n   any of several Eurasian papaveraceous plants of the genera Glaucium and Roemeria, having large brightly coloured flowers and long curved seed capsules

■ horned pout   n   a North American catfish, Ameiurus (or Ictalurus) nebulosus, with a sharp spine on the dorsal and pectoral fins and eight long barbels around the mouth: family Ameiuridae. Also called: brown bullhead

■ horned toad or horned lizard   n   any small insectivorous burrowing lizard of the genus Phrynosoma, inhabiting desert regions of America, having a flattened toadlike body covered with spines: family Iguanidae (iguanas)

■ horned viper   n   a venomous snake, Cerastes cornutus, that occurs in desert regions of N Africa and SW Asia and has a small horny spine above each eye: family Viperidae (vipers). Also called: sand viper

■ horner (ˈhɔːnə)   n   1 a person who works or deals in horn   2 archaic a person who plays the horn   3 archaic a person who horns or cuckolds   4 the British sand lance or sand eel (Ammodytes lanceolatus)

■ hornful (ˈhɔːnfʊl)   n   the amount a horn will hold

■ horngeld (ˈhɔːnˌɡɛld)   n   feudal history a feudal tax levied on horned cattle. Also called: cornage

■ horn in   vb   (intr, adverb; often foll by on) slang to interrupt or intrude: don't horn in on our conversation

■ hornish (ˈhɔːnIʃ)   adj   resembling horn or hard

■ hornist (ˈhɔːnIst)   n   a musician who plays the horn, esp the French horn

■ hornlet (ˈhɔːnlət)   n   a small horn

■ Horn of Africa   n   a region of NE Africa, comprising Somalia and adjacent territories

■ horn of plenty   n   1 another term for cornucopia   2 an edible basidiomycetous fungus, Craterellus cornucopioides, related to the chanterelle and like it funnel shaped but dark brown inside and dark grey outside: found in broad-leaved woodland

■ hornpipe (ˈhɔːnˌpaIp)   n   1 an obsolete reed instrument with a mouthpiece made of horn   2 an old British solo dance to a hornpipe accompaniment, traditionally performed by sailors   3 a piece of music for such a dance

■ hornpout (ˈhɔːnˌpaʊt)   n   the brown bullhead, a species of catfish native to North America. Also called: horned pout, mud pout, mud cat

■ horns and halo effect   n   a tendency to allow one's judgment of another person, esp in a job interview, to be unduly influenced by an unfavourable (horns) or favourable (halo) first impression based on appearances

■ horn silver   n   another name for chloroargyrite

■ hornstone (ˈhɔːnˌstəʊn)   n   another name for chert, hornfels [C17: translation of German Hornstein; so called from its appearance]

■ horntail (ˈhɔːnˌteIl)   n   any of various large wasplike insects of the hymenopterous family Siricidae, the females of which have a strong stout ovipositor and lay their eggs in the wood of felled trees. Also called: wood wasp

■ hornwork (ˈhɔːnˌwɜːk)   n   1 fortifications a freestanding fortification with angular points or horns serving to enclose an area immediately adjacent to a fort and add an extra layer of defence   2 work in horn   3 archaic cuckoldry

■ hornworm (ˈhɔːnˌwɜːm)   n   the hawk-moth caterpillar

■ hornwort (ˈhɔːnˌwɜːt)   n   1 any aquatic plant of the genus Ceratophyllum, forming submerged branching masses in ponds and slow-flowing streams: family Ceratophyllaceae   2 any of a group of bryophytes belonging to the phylum Anthocerophyta, resembling liverworts but with hornlike sporophytes

■ hornwrack (ˈhɔːnˌræk)   n   a yellowish bryozoan or sea mat sometimes found on beaches after a storm

■ horny (ˈhɔːnI)   adj hornier, horniest   1 of, like, or hard as horn   2 having a horn or horns   3 slang   a sexually aroused   b provoking or intended to provoke sexual arousal   c sexually eager or lustful   > ˈhornily adv   > ˈhorniness n

■ hornyhead chub (ˈhɔːnIˌhɛd)   n   a small N American fish, Nocomis biguttatus

Horn (hɔːn)   n   Cape See Cape Horn

hornblende (ˈhɔːnˌblɛnd)   n   a black or greenish-black mineral of the amphibole group, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Composition: calcium magnesium iron sodium aluminium aluminosilicate. General formula: (Ca,Na)2.3(Mg,Fe,Al)5Si_6(Si,Al)2O_22(OH)2 [C18: from German Horn horn + BLENDE]   > ˌhornˈblendic adj

Hornby (ˈhɔːnbI)   n   Nick. born 1958, British writer; his books include the memoir Fever Pitch (1992; filmed 1997) and the bestselling novels About a Boy (1998; filmed 2002), How To Be Good (2001), and Juliet, Naked (2009)

hornet (ˈhɔːnIt)   n   1 any of various large social wasps of the family Vespidae, esp Vespa crabro of Europe, that can inflict a severe sting   2 hornet's nest a strongly unfavourable reaction (often in the phrase stir up a hornet's nest) [Old English hyrnetu; related to Old Saxon hornut, Old High German hornuz]

■ hornet clearwing   n   See clearwing

hornfels (ˈhɔːnfɛlz)   n   a hard compact fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the action of heat from a magmatic intrusion on neighbouring sedimentary rocks. Also called: hornstone [German, literally: horn rock]

hornito (hɔːˈniːtəʊ)   n, pl -tos   geology a low mound of volcanic matter that forms when lava is forced up through an opening in the cooled surface of a flow [C19: Spanish, literally: a little oven, from horno oven, furnace]

hornswoggle (ˈhɔːnˌswɒɡəl)   vb   (tr) slang to cheat or trick; bamboozle [C19: of unknown origin]

hornywink (ˈhɔːnIˌwIŋk)   n   Southwest English dialect a lapwing

horoeka (hɒrɒˈiːkə)   n, pl horoeka   NZ another name for lancewood (sense 3) [Māori]

horography (hɒˈrɒɡrəfI)   n   the art of constructing time-keeping instruments such as watches and clocks

■ horographer (hɒˈrɒɡrəfə)   n   1 a person who reckons time   2 a person who constructs instruments for reckoning the time

horokaka (hɒrɒˈkɑːkə)   n, pl horokaka   a New Zealand low-growing plant, Disphyma australe with fleshy leaves and pink or white flowers [Māori]

horol.   abbreviation for   horology

horologe (ˈhɒrəˌlɒdʒ)   n   a rare word for timepiece [C14: from Latin hōrologium, from Greek hōrologion, from hōra HOUR + -logos from legein to tell]

horologium (ˌhɒrəˈləʊdʒIəm)   n, pl -gia (-dʒIə)   1 a clocktower   2 Also called: horologion (in the Eastern Church) a liturgical book of the offices for the canonical hours, corresponding to the Western breviary [C17: from Latin; see HOROLOGE]

Horologium (ˌhɒrəˈləʊdʒIəm)   n, Latin genitive Horologii (ˌhɒrəˈləʊdʒIaI)   a faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying near Eridanus and Hydrus

horology (hɒˈrɒlədʒI)   n   the art or science of making timepieces or of measuring time   > horologic (ˌhɒrəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌhoroˈlogical adj

■ horologist (hɒˈrɒlədʒIst) or horologer (hɒˈrɒlədʒə)   n   a person skilled in horology, esp an expert maker of timepieces

horometry (hɒˈrɒmətrI)   n   the practice or method of measuring time by hours and subordinate divisions

■ horometrical (ˌhɒrəˈmɛtrIkəl)   adj   relating to the measurement of time by hours

horopito (ˈhɔːrɔːpiːtɔː)   n   a bushy New Zealand shrub, Pseudowintera colorata, with red aromatic peppery leaves. It possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties. Also called: New Zealand pepper tree [Māori]

horopter (hɒˈrɒptə)   n   optics the locus of all points in space that stimulate points on each eye that yield the same visual direction as each other [C18: from Greek horos boundary + optēr, from ops eye]

horoscope (ˈhɒrəˌskəʊp)   n   1 the prediction of a person's future based on a comparison of the zodiacal data for the time of birth with the data from the period under consideration   2 the configuration of the planets, the sun, and the moon in the sky at a particular moment   3 Also called: chart a diagram showing the positions of the planets, sun, moon, etc, at a particular time and place [Old English horoscopus, from Latin, from Greek hōroskopos ascendant birth sign, from hōra HOUR + -SCOPE]   > horoscopic (ˌhɒrəˈskɒpIk) adj

■ horoscopist (hɒˈrɒskəpIst)   n   a person who casts horoscopes

■ horoscopy (hɒˈrɒskəpI)   n, pl -pies   the casting and interpretation of horoscopes

Horowitz (ˈhɒrəvIts)   n   Vladimir. 1904–89, Russian virtuoso pianist, in the US from 1928

horrendous (hɒˈrɛndəs)   adj   another word for horrific [C17: from Latin horrendus fearful, from horrēre to bristle, shudder, tremble; see HORROR]   > horˈrendously adv   > horˈrendousness n

horrent (ˈhɒrənt)   adj   poetic bristling or rough

horrible (ˈhɒrəbəl)   adj   1 causing horror; dreadful   2 disagreeable; unpleasant   3 informal cruel or unkind [C14: via Old French from Latin horribilis, from horrēre to tremble]   > ˈhorribleness n

■ horribly (ˈhɒrIblI)   adv   1 in a horrible manner   2 (intensifier): I'm horribly bored

horrid (ˈhɒrId)   adj   1 disagreeable; unpleasant: a horrid meal   2 repulsive or frightening   3 informal unkind [C16 (in the sense: bristling, shaggy): from Latin horridus prickly, rough, from horrēre to bristle]   > ˈhorridly adv   > ˈhorridness n

horrific (hɒˈrIfIk, hə-)   adj   provoking horror; horrible   > horˈrifically adv

horrify (ˈhɒrIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (tr)   1 to cause feelings of horror in; terrify; frighten   2 to dismay or shock greatly   > ˌhorrifiˈcation n

■ horrified (ˈhɒrIˌfaId)   adj   1 terrified; frightened   2 dismayed or shocked

■ horrifying (ˈhɒrIˌfaIIŋ)   adj   1 causing feelings of horror in; awful; terrifying;   2 dismaying or greatly shocking; dreadful   > ˈhorriˌfyingly adv

horripilation (hɒˌrIpIˈleIʃən)   n physiol   1 a technical name for gooseflesh   2 the erection of any short bodily hairs [C17: from Late Latin horripilātiō a bristling, from Latin horrēre to stand on end + pilus hair]

■ horripilant (hɒˈrIpIlənt)   adj   causing horripilation, ie goose flesh, or the flesh to creep

■ horripilate (hɒˈrIpIlˌleIt)   vb   to cause or undergo horripilation

horrisonous (hɒˈrIsənəs) or horrisonant (hɒˈrIsənənt)   adj   sounding dreadful

horror (ˈhɒrə)   n   1 extreme fear; terror; dread   2 intense loathing; hatred   3 (often plural) a thing or person causing fear, loathing, etc   4 (modifier) having a frightening subject, esp a supernatural one: a horror film [C14: from Latin: a trembling with fear; compare HIRSUTE]

■ horror-struck or horror-stricken   adj   shocked; horrified

horrors (ˈhɒrəz)   pl n   1 slang a fit of depression or anxiety   2 informal See delirium tremens   ▷ interj   3 an expression of dismay, sometimes facetious

Horsa (ˈhɔːsə)   n   died ?455 AD, leader, with his brother Hengist, of the first Jutish settlers in Britain. See also Hengist

hors concours French (ɔr kɔ̃kur)   adj, adv (postpositive)   1 (of an artist, exhibitor, etc) excluded from competing   2 without equal; unrivalled [literally: out of the competition]

hors de combat French (ɔr də kɔ̃ba)   adj, adv (postpositive)   disabled or injured [literally: out of (the) fight]

hors d'oeuvre (ɔː ˈdɜːvr; French ɔr dœvrə)   n, pl hors d'oeuvre or hors d'oeuvres (ˈdɜːvr; French dœvrə)   an additional dish served as an appetizer, usually before the main meal [C18: from French, literally: outside the work, not part of the main course]

horse (hɔːs)   n   1 a domesticated perissodactyl mammal, Equus caballus, used for draught work and riding: family Equidae. Related adjective: equine   2 the adult male of this species; stallion   3 wild horse   a a horse (Equus caballus) that has become feral   b another name for Przewalski's horse   4    a any other member of the family Equidae, such as the zebra or ass   b (as modifier): the horse family   5 (functioning as plural) horsemen, esp cavalry: a regiment of horse   6 Also called: buck gymnastics a padded apparatus on legs, used for vaulting, etc   7 a narrow board supported by a pair of legs at each end, used as a frame for sawing or as a trestle, barrier, etc   8 a contrivance on which a person may ride and exercise   9 a slang word for heroin   10 mining a mass of rock within a vein of ore   11 nautical a rod, rope, or cable, fixed at the ends, along which something may slide by means of a thimble, shackle, or other fitting; traveller   12 chess an informal name for knight   13 informal short for horsepower   14 (modifier) drawn by a horse or horses: a horse cart   15 a horse of another colour or a horse of a different colour a completely different topic, argument, etc   16 be on one's high horse or get on one's high horse informal to be disdainfully aloof   17 flog a dead horse See flog (sense 6)   18 hold one's horses to hold back; restrain oneself   19 horses for courses a policy, course of action, etc modified slightly to take account of specific circumstances without departing in essentials from the original   20 the horse's mouth the most reliable source   21 to horse! an order to mount horses   ▷ vb   22 (tr) to provide with a horse or horses   23 to put or be put on horseback   24 (tr) to move (something heavy) into position by sheer physical strength [Old English hors; related to Old Frisian hors, Old High German hros, Old Norse hross]   > ˈhorseless adj   > ˈhorseˌlike adj

■ horse-and-buggy   adj   US (of technology, practices or methods) very old-fashioned or primitive

■ horse around or horse about   vb   (intr, adverb) informal to indulge in horseplay

■ horseback (ˈhɔːsˌbæk)   n     a a horse's back (esp in the phrase on horseback)   b (as modifier): horseback riding

■ horse bean or horsebean (ˈhɔːsˌbiːn)   n   another name for broad bean

■ horsebox (ˈhɔːsˌbɒks)   n   Brit a van or trailer used for carrying horses

■ horse brass   n   a decorative brass ornament, usually circular, originally attached to a horse's harness

■ horse-breaker   n   a person who breaks in a horse

■ horsecar (ˈhɔːskɑː)   n   US obsolete a public transport vehicle drawn by a horse

■ horse chestnut   n   1 any of several trees of the genus Aesculus, esp the Eurasian A. hippocastanum, having palmate leaves, erect clusters of white, pink, or red flowers, and brown shiny inedible nuts enclosed in a spiky bur: family Hippocastanaceae   2 Also called: conker the nut of this tree [C16: so called from its having been used in the treatment of respiratory disease in horses]

■ horse-collar   n   a band of leather or rope placed around a horse's neck to restrain or harness it

■ horse-dealer   n   a person who buys and sells horses as a profession

■ horse-doctor   n   an informal word for a vet who specializes in treating horses

■ horse-drawn   adj   (of a cart, carriage, etc) pulled by a horse or horses

■ horsefeathers (ˈhɔːsˌfɛðəz)   n   1 US slang nonsense, foolishness   ▷ interj   2 US slang a term used to express disagreement, exasperation or disbelief

■ horseflesh (ˈhɔːsˌflɛʃ)   n   1 horses collectively   2 the flesh of a horse, esp edible horse meat

■ horsefly (ˈhɔːsˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   any large stout-bodied dipterous fly of the family Tabanidae, the females of which suck the blood of mammals, esp horses, cattle, and humans. Also called: gadfly, cleg

■ horse gentian   n   any caprifoliaceous plant of the genus Triosteum, of Asia and North America, having small purplish-brown flowers. Also called: feverwort

■ Horse Guards   pl n   1 the mounted squadrons supplied by the Household Cavalry for ceremonial duties   2 their headquarters in Whitehall, London: also the headquarters of the British Army

■ horsehair (ˈhɔːsˌhɛə)   n     a hair taken chiefly from the tail or mane of a horse, used in upholstery and for fabric, etc   b (as modifier): a horsehair mattress

■ horsehair toadstool or horsehair fungus   n   a small basidiomycetous fungus, Marasmius androsaceus, having a rusty coloured cap and very slender black stems. It is related to the fairy ring mushroom, but is commonly found among conifers and heather

■ horsehair worm   n   another name for hairworm (sense 2)

■ Horsehead nebula (ˈhɔːsˌhɛd)   n   astronomy a dark nebula lying in the constellation of Orion and resembling the head of a horse

■ horsehide (ˈhɔːsˌhaId)   n   1 the hide of a horse   2 leather made from this hide   3 (modifier) made of horsehide

■ horse latitudes   pl n   nautical the latitudes near 30°N or 30°S at sea, characterized by baffling winds, calms, and high barometric pressure [C18: referring either to the high mortality of horses on board ship in these latitudes or to dead horse (nautical slang: advance pay), which sailors expected to work off by this stage of a voyage]

■ horse laugh or horselaugh (ˈhɔːsˌlɑːf)   n   a coarse, mocking, or raucous laugh; guffaw

■ horseleech (ˈhɔːsˌliːtʃ)   n   1 any of several large carnivorous freshwater leeches of the genus Haemopis, esp H. sanguisuga   2 an archaic name for a veterinary surgeon

■ horse mackerel   n   1 Also called: scad a mackerel-like carangid fish, Trachurus of European Atlantic waters, with a row of bony scales along the lateral line. Sometimes called (US): saurel   2 any of various large tunnies or related fishes

■ horseman (ˈhɔːsmən) or feminine horsewoman   n, pl -men or -women   1 a person who is skilled in riding or horsemanship   2 a person who rides a horse

■ horsemanship (ˈhɔːsmənˌʃIp)   n   1 the art of riding on horseback   2 skill in riding horses

■ horse marine   n US   1 (formerly) a mounted marine or cavalryman serving in a ship   2 someone out of his or her natural element, as if a member of an imaginary body of marine cavalry

■ horsemeat (ˈhɔːsmiːt)   n   the flesh of a horse, esp edible horse meat

■ horsemint (ˈhɔːsˌmInt)   n   1 a hairy European mint plant, Mentha longifolia, with small mauve flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   2 any of several similar and related plants, such as Monarda punctata of North America

■ horse mushroom   n   a large edible agaricaceous field mushroom, Agaricus arvensis, with a white cap and greyish gills

■ horse nettle   n   a weedy solanaceous North American plant, Solanum carolinense, with yellow prickles, white or blue flowers, and yellow berries

■ horse opera   n   informal another term for Western (sense 4)

■ horse pistol   n   a large holstered pistol formerly carried by horsemen

■ horseplay (ˈhɔːsˌpleI)   n   rough, boisterous, or rowdy play

■ horseplayer (ˈhɔːsˌpleIə)   n   a person who regularly bets on horse races

■ horsepond (ˈhɔːsˌpɒnd)   n   a pond where horses drink or are washed

■ horsepower (ˈhɔːsˌpaʊə)   n   1 an fps unit of power, equal to 550 foot-pounds per second (equivalent to 745.7 watts)   2 a US standard unit of power, equal to 746 watts   ▶ Abbreviation: HP, h.p

■ horsepower-hour   n   an fps unit of work or energy equal to the work done by 1 horsepower in 1 hour. 1 horsepower-hour is equivalent to 2.686 × 10^6 joules

■ horsepox (ˈhɔːsˌpɒks)   n   vet science an equine viral infection similar to smallpox

■ horse race or horserace (ˈhɔːsˌreIs)   n   an organized race between jockeys and their mounts

■ horse racing   n   an organized sport, closely associated with gambling, in which riders race horses over dedicated courses, often incorporating hurdles.

■ horseradish (ˈhɔːsˌrædIʃ)   n   1 a coarse Eurasian plant, Armoracia rusticana, cultivated for its thick white pungent root: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)   2 the root of this plant, which is ground and combined with vinegar, etc, to make a sauce

■ horses (ˈhɔːsIz)   pl n   the horses gambling linked to horse racing

■ horse sense   n   another term for common sense

■ horseshit (ˈhɔːsˌʃIt)   n   slang rubbish; nonsense

■ horseshoe (ˈhɔːsˌʃuː)   n   1 a piece of iron shaped like a U with the ends curving inwards that is nailed to the underside of the hoof of a horse to protect the soft part of the foot from hard surfaces: commonly thought to be a token of good luck   2 an object of similar shape   ▷ vb -shoes, -shoeing, -shoed   3 (tr) to fit with a horseshoe; shoe

■ horseshoe arch   n   an arch formed in the shape of a horseshoe, esp as used in Moorish architecture

■ horseshoe bat   n   any of numerous large-eared Old World insectivorous bats, mostly of the genus Rhinolophus, with a fleshy growth around the nostrils, used in echolocation: family Rhinolophidae

■ horseshoe crab   n   any marine chelicerate arthropod of the genus Limulus, of North America and Asia, having a rounded heavily armoured body with a long pointed tail: class Merostomata. Also called: king crab

■ horseshoe fern   n   another name for para^3

■ horseshoeing (ˈhɔːsˌʃuːIŋ)   n   farriery

■ horseshoer (ˈhɔːsˌʃuːə)   n   any person who shoes horses

■ horseshoes (ˈhɔːsˌʃuːz)   n   (functioning as singular) a game in which the players try to throw horseshoes so that they encircle a stake in the ground some distance away

■ horsetail (ˈhɔːsˌteIl)   n   1 any tracheophyte plant of the genus Equisetum, having jointed stems with whorls of small dark toothlike leaves and producing spores within conelike structures at the tips of the stems: phylum Sphenophyta   2 a stylized horse's tail formerly used as the emblem of a pasha, the number of tails increasing with rank

■ horse-trade   vb (intr)   1 to buy and sell horses   2 to negotiate or bargain boldly and effectively

■ horse-trader   n   1 a person who buys and sells horses   2 a bold and effective negotiator

■ horse trading   n   hard bargaining to obtain equal concessions by both sides in a dispute

■ horseway (ˈhɔːsˌweI)   n   a bridleway

■ horseweed (ˈhɔːsˌwiːd)   n   the US name for Canadian fleabane. See fleabane (sense 3)

■ horsewhip (ˈhɔːsˌwIp)   n   1 a whip, usually with a long thong, used for managing horses   ▷ vb -whips, -whipping, -whipped   2 (tr) to flog with such a whip   > ˈhorseˌwhipper n

■ horsey or horsy (ˈhɔːsI)   adj horsier, horsiest   1 of or relating to horses: a horsey smell   2 dealing with or devoted to horses   3 like a horse: a horsey face   > ˈhorsily adv   > ˈhorsiness n

Horsens (Danish ˈhɔrsəns)   n   a port in Denmark, in E Jutland at the head of Horsens Fjord. Pop: 49 652 (2004 est)

horst (hɔːst)   n   a ridge of land that has been forced upwards between two parallel faults [C20: from German: thicket]

Horta^1 (Portuguese ˈɔrtə)   n   a port in the Azores, on the SE coast of Fayal Island

Horta^2 (ˈɔːtə)   n   Victor. 1861–1947, Belgian architect, best known for his early buildings in Art Nouveau style

hortatory (ˈhɔːtətərI, -trI) or hortative (ˈhɔːtətIv)   adj   tending to exhort; encouraging [C16: from Late Latin hortātōrius, from Latin hortārī to EXHORT]   > horˈtation n   > ˈhortatorily or ˈhortatively adv

Hortense (French ɔrtɑ̃s)   n   See (Eugénie Hortense de) Beauharnais

Horthy (Hungarian ˈhorti)   n   Miklós (ˈmikloːʃ), full name Horthy de Nagybánya. 1868–1957, Hungarian admiral: suppressed Kun's Communist republic (1919); regent of Hungary (1920–44)

horticulture (ˈhɔːtIˌkʌltʃə)   n   the art or science of cultivating gardens [C17: from Latin hortus garden + CULTURE, on the model of AGRICULTURE]   > ˌhortiˈculturist n

■ horticultural (ˌhɔːtIˈkʌltʃərəl)   adj   of or relating to horticulture   > ˌhortiˈculturally adv   > ˌhortiˈculturalist n

hortus siccus (ˈhɔːtəs ˈsIkəs)   n   a less common name for herbarium [C17: Latin, literally: dry garden]

Horus (ˈhɔːrəs)   n   a solar god of Egyptian mythology, usually depicted with a falcon's head [via Late Latin from Greek Hōros, from Egyptian Hur hawk]

Hos. Bible   abbreviation for   Hosea

hosanna or hosannah (həʊˈzænə)   interj   1 an exclamation of praise, esp one to God   ▷ n   2 the act of crying "hosanna" [Old English osanna, via Late Latin from Greek, from Hebrew hōshi `āh nnā save now, we pray]

hose^1 (həʊz)   n   1 Also called: hosepipe a flexible pipe, for conveying a liquid or gas   ▷ vb   2 (sometimes foll by down) to wash, water, or sprinkle (a person or thing) with or as if with a hose [C15: later use of HOSE^2]

■ hoselike (ˈhəʊzˌlaIk)   adj   resembling a hose

■ hoseman (ˈhəʊzˌmæn, ˈhəʊzmən)   n, pl -men   1 US a fireman   2 historically, a fireman in charge of the hose

■ hoser (ˈhəʊzə)   n   1 US slang a person who swindles or deceives others   2 Canadian slang an unsophisticated, esp rural, person

hose^2 (həʊz)   n, pl hose or hosen   1 stockings, socks, and tights collectively   2 history a man's garment covering the legs and reaching up to the waist; worn with a doublet   3 half-hose socks [Old English hosa; related to Old High German hosa, Dutch hoos, Old Norse hosa]

Hosea (həʊˈzIə)   n Old Testament   1 a Hebrew prophet of the 8th century BC   2 the book containing his oracles

hosel (ˈhəʊzəl)   n   the socket or hollow part of the head of an iron golf club into which the shaft is fitted

hosey (ˈhəʊzI)   vb (tr) US children's slang   1 to claim or demand something   2 to choose someone to take part in a children's game

hosier (ˈhəʊzIə)   n   a person who sells stockings, etc

■ hosiery (ˈhəʊzIərI)   n   stockings, socks, and knitted underclothing collectively

hosp   abbreviation for   hospital

hospice (ˈhɒspIs)   n, pl hospices   1 a nursing home that specializes in caring for the terminally ill   2 Also called: hospitium (hɒˈspItIəm) (pl hospitia (hɒˈspItIə)) archaic a place of shelter for travellers, esp one kept by a monastic order [C19: from French, from Latin hospitium hospitality, from hospes guest, HOST^1]

hospitable (ˈhɒspItəbəl, hɒˈspIt-)   adj   1 welcoming to guests or strangers   2 fond of entertaining   3 receptive: hospitable to new ideas [C16: from Medieval Latin hospitāre to receive as a guest, from Latin hospes guest, HOST^1]   > ˈhospitableness n   > ˈhospitably adv

hospitage (ˈhɒspIˌtIdʒ)   n   1 archaic the position of being a guest   2 archaic the lodging and entertainment received by a guest   3 a place of hospitality

hospital (ˈhɒspItəl)   n   1 an institution for the medical, surgical, obstetric, or psychiatric care and treatment of patients   2 (modifier) having the function of a hospital: a hospital ship   3 a repair shop for something specified: a dolls' hospital   4 archaic a charitable home, hospice, or school [C13: from Medieval Latin hospitāle hospice, from Latin hospitālis relating to a guest, from hospes, hospit- guest, HOST^1]

■ hospital corner   n   a corner of a made-up bed in which the bedclothes have been neatly and securely folded, esp as in hospitals

■ hospitalist (ˈhɒspItəˌlIst)   n   US a doctor who works in a hospital

■ hospitalization or hospitalisation (ˌhɒspItəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the act or an instance of being hospitalized   2 the duration of a stay in a hospital

■ hospitalize or hospitalise (ˈhɒspItəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to admit or send (a person) into a hospital

■ hospital pass   n informal   1 sport a pass made to a team-mate who will be tackled heavily as soon as the ball is received   2 a task or project that will inevitably bring heavy criticism on the person to whom it has been assigned

hospitale (ˈhɒspIteIl)   n   archaic a place of lodging

Hospitalet (Spanish ɔspitaˈlɛt)   n   a city in NE Spain, a SW suburb of Barcelona. Pop: 246 415 (2003 est)

hospitality (ˌhɒspIˈtælItI)   n, pl -ties   1 kindness in welcoming strangers or guests   2 receptiveness

■ hospitality suite   n   a room or suite, as at a conference, where free drinks are offered

hospitaller or US hospitaler (ˈhɒspItələ)   n   a person, esp a member of certain religious orders, dedicated to hospital work, ambulance services, etc [C14: from Old French hospitalier, from Medieval Latin hospitālārius, from hospitāle hospice; see HOSPITAL]

Hospitaller or US Hospitaler (ˈhɒspItələ)   n   a member of the order of the Knights Hospitallers

hospitium (hɒˈspItIəm)   n   another name for hospice (sense 2)

hospodar (ˈhɒspəˌdɑː)   n   (formerly) the governor or prince of Moldavia or Wallachia under Ottoman rule [C17: via Romanian from Ukrainian, from hospod' lord; related to Russian gospodin courtesy title, Old Slavonic gospodǐ lord]

hoss (hɒs)   n   US dialect, informal a horse

host^1 (həʊst)   n   1 a person who receives or entertains guests, esp in his or her own home   2    a a country or organization which provides facilities for and receives visitors to an event   b (as modifier): the host nation   3 the compere of a show or television programme   4 biology   a an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite   b an animal, esp an embryo, into which tissue is experimentally grafted   5 computing a computer connected to a network and providing facilities to other computers and their users   6 the owner or manager of an inn   ▷ vb   7 to be the host of (a party, programme, etc): to host one's own show   8 (tr) US informal to leave (a restaurant) without paying the bill [C13: from French hoste, from Latin hospes guest, foreigner, from hostis enemy]

■ hostess (ˈhəʊstIs)   n   1 a woman acting as host   2 a woman who receives and entertains patrons of a club, restaurant, etc   3 See air hostess

■ hostie (ˈhəʊstI)   n   Austral informal short for air hostess

■ hostless (ˈhəʊstləs)   adj   1 rare lacking a host   2 Also: hostlesse archaic, rare inhospitable

■ hostly (ˈhəʊstlI)   adj   befitting a host; host-like

host^2 (həʊst)   n   1 a great number; multitude   2 an archaic word for army [C13: from Old French hoste, from Latin hostis stranger, enemy]

Host (həʊst)   n   the bread consecrated in the Eucharist [C14: from Old French oiste, from Latin hostia victim]

hosta (ˈhɒstə)   n   any plant of the liliaceous genus Hosta, of China and Japan: cultivated esp for their ornamental foliage [C19: New Latin, named after N. T. Host (1761–1834), Austrian physician]

hostage (ˈhɒstIdʒ)   n   1 a person given to or held by a person, organization, etc, as a security or pledge or for ransom, release, exchange for prisoners, etc   2 the state of being held as a hostage   3 any security or pledge   4 give hostages to fortune to place oneself in a position in which misfortune may strike through the loss of what one values most [C13: from Old French, from hoste guest, HOST^1]

hostel (ˈhɒstəl)   n   1 a building providing overnight accommodation, as for homeless people, etc   2 See youth hostel   3 Brit a supervised lodging house for nurses, workers, etc   4 archaic another word for hostelry [C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin hospitāle hospice; see HOSPITAL]

■ hosteller or US hosteler (ˈhɒstələ)   n   1 a person who stays at youth hostels   2 an archaic word for innkeeper

■ hostelling or US hosteling (ˈhɒstəlIŋ)   n   the practice of staying at youth hostels when travelling

■ hostelry (ˈhɒstəlrI)   n, pl -ries   archaic or facetious an inn

■ hostel school   n   (in N Canada) a government boarding school for Native American and Inuit students

hostile (ˈhɒstaIl)   adj   1 antagonistic; opposed   2 of or relating to an enemy   3 unfriendly   ▷ n   4 a hostile person; enemy [C16: from Latin hostīlis, from hostis enemy]   > ˈhostilely adv

■ hostile witness   n   a witness who gives evidence against the party calling him or her

■ hostility (hɒˈstIlItI)   n, pl -ties   1 enmity or antagonism   2 an act expressing enmity or opposition   3 (plural) fighting; warfare

hostler (ˈɒslə)   n   another name (esp Brit) for ostler

hostry (ˈhəʊstrI)   n, pl -ries archaic   1 an inn or lodging house, hostelry   2 a stable

hot (hɒt)   adj hotter, hottest   1 having a relatively high temperature   2 having a temperature higher than desirable   3 causing or having a sensation of bodily heat   4 causing a burning sensation on the tongue: hot mustard; a hot curry   5 expressing or feeling intense emotion, such as embarrassment, anger, or lust   6 intense or vehement: a hot argument   7 recent; fresh; new: a hot trial; hot from the press   8 ball games (of a ball) thrown or struck hard, and so difficult to respond to   9 much favoured or approved: a hot tip; a hot favourite   10 informal having a dangerously high level of radioactivity: a hot laboratory   11 slang (of goods or money) stolen, smuggled, or otherwise illegally obtained   12 slang (of people) being sought by the police   13 informal sexually attractive   14 (of a colour) intense; striking: hot pink   15 close or following closely: hot on the scent   16 informal at a dangerously high electric potential: a hot terminal   17 physics having an energy level higher than that of the ground state: a hot atom   18 slang impressive or good of its kind (esp in the phrase not so hot)   19 jazz slang arousing great excitement or enthusiasm by inspired improvisation, strong rhythms, etc   20 informal dangerous or unpleasant (esp in the phrase make it hot for someone)   21 (in various searching or guessing games) very near the answer or object to be found   22 metallurgy (of a process) at a sufficiently high temperature for metal to be in a soft workable state   23 Austral and NZ informal (of a price, charge, etc) excessive   24 give it hot or give it to someone hot to punish or thrash someone   25 hot on informal   a very severe: the police are hot on drunk drivers   b particularly skilled at or knowledgeable about: he's hot on vintage cars   26 hot under the collar informal aroused with anger, annoyance, etc   27 in hot water informal in trouble, esp with those in authority   ▷ adv   28 in a hot manner; hotly [Old English hāt; related to Old High German heiz, Old Norse heitr, Gothic heito fever]   > ˈhotly adv   > ˈhotness n

■ hot air   n   informal empty and usually boastful talk

■ hot-air balloon   n   a lighter-than-air craft in which air heated by a flame is trapped in a large fabric bag

■ hotbed (ˈhɒtˌbɛd)   n   1 a glass-covered bed of soil, usually heated by fermenting material, used for propagating plants, forcing early vegetables, etc   2 a place offering ideal conditions for the growth of an idea, activity, etc, esp one considered bad: a hotbed of insurrection

■ hotblood (ˈhɒtˌblʌd)   n   a collective term for Arabian, Barb, and Thoroughbred horses

■ hot-blooded   adj   1 passionate or excitable   2 (of a horse) being of thoroughbred stock   > ˌhot-ˈbloodedness n

■ hotbox (ˈhɒtˌbɒks)   n   1 railways an axle or bearing on a train that has become overheated by excessive friction   2 baseball a type of mini baseball game   3 a container maintained at a high temperature to heat or cook its contents   4 an excessively hot and airless place   ▷ vb (intr) drugs slang   5 to smoke marijuana in a small confined area until it is full of smoke   6 to take a long drag or a series of drags on a cigarette or joint

■ hot button   n   informal   a a controversial subject or issue that is likely to arouse strong emotions   b (as modifier): the hot-button issue of global warming

■ hotcake (ˈhɒtkeIk)   n   a US equivalent of pancake (sense 1)

■ hot cockles   n   (functioning as singular) (formerly) a children's game in which one blindfolded player has to guess which other player has hit him or her

■ hot cross bun   n   a yeast bun with spices, currants, and sometimes candied peel, marked with a cross and traditionally eaten on Good Friday

■ hot-desk   vb (intr)   to work at any available desk in a workplace, rather than be assigned a permanent desk

■ hot-desking (ˈdɛskIŋ)   n   the practice of not assigning permanent desks in a workplace, so that employees may work at any available desk

■ hot dog   n   1 a sausage, esp a frankfurter, served hot in a long roll split lengthways   2 chiefly US a person who performs showy acrobatic manoeuvres when skiing or surfing   ▷ vb hot-dog, -dogs, -dogging, -dogged   3 (intr) chiefly US to perform a series of manoeuvres in skiing, surfing, etc, esp in a showy manner [C20: sense 1 from the supposed resemblance of the sausage to a dachshund; sense 2 from US hot dog!, exclamation of pleasure, approval, etc ]

■ hotdogger (ˈhɒtˌdɒɡə)   n informal   1 a skier, surfer, etc, who performs ostentatiously or flamboyantly   2 a show-off

■ hot-dogging   n   sport informal very daring or ostentatious stunts performed while skiing, surfing, etc

■ hot fence   n   NZ an electric fence surrounding a farm

■ hot flush or US hot flash   n   a sudden unpleasant hot feeling in the skin, caused by endocrine imbalance, esp experienced by women at menopause

■ hotfoot (ˈhɒtˌfʊt)   adv   1 with all possible speed; quickly   ▷ vb   2 to move quickly

■ hot gospeller   n   informal a person who preaches in a fervent and vocal way, esp in evangelical churches   > hot ˈgospelling n

■ hothead (ˈhɒtˌhɛd)   n   an excitable or fiery person

■ hot-headed   adj   impetuous, rash, or hot-tempered   > ˌhot-ˈheadedly adv   > ˌhot-ˈheadedness n

■ hothouse (ˈhɒtˌhaʊs)   n   1    a a greenhouse in which the temperature is maintained at a fixed level above that of the surroundings   b (as modifier): a hothouse plant   2    a an environment that encourages rapid development   b (as modifier): a hot-house atmosphere   3 an environment where there is great pressure: showjumping is a tough, hothouse world   4 (modifier) informal, sometimes derogatory sensitive or delicate: a hothouse temperament

■ hothoused (ˈhɒtˌhaʊzd)   adj   education (of a child) having undergone hothousing

■ hothousing (ˈhɒthaʊzIŋ)   n   1 the practice of teaching children to high level at an earlier than usual age   2 sport the practice of providing intense, special training to young people who are good at sport, particularly football

■ hot key   n   computing a single key or combination of keys on the keyboard of a computer that carries out a series of commands

■ hotline (ˈhɒtˌlaIn)   n   1 a direct telephone, teletype, or other communications link between heads of government, for emergency use   2 any such direct line kept for urgent use

■ hotlink (ˈhɒtˌlIŋk)   n   a word or phrase in a hypertext document that when selected by mouse or keyboard causes information that has been associated with that word or phrase to be displayed. See hypertext

■ hot metal   n     a metallic type cast into shape in the molten state   b (as modifier): hot-metal printing

■ hot money   n   capital transferred from one financial centre to another seeking the highest interest rates or the best opportunity for short-term gain, esp from changes in exchange rates

■ hot pants   pl n   1 very brief skin-tight shorts, worn by young women   2 slang a feeling of sexual arousal: he has hot pants for her

■ hot pepper   n   1 any of several varieties of the pepper Capsicum frutescens, esp chilli pepper   2 the pungent usually small fruit of any of these plants

■ hotplate (ˈhɒtˌpleIt)   n   1 an electrically heated plate on a cooker   2 a portable device, heated electrically or by spirit lamps, etc, on which food can be kept warm

■ hot pool   n   a pool or spring that is heated geothermally

■ hotpot (ˈhɒtˌpɒt)   n   1 Brit a baked stew or casserole made with meat or fish and covered with a layer of potatoes   2 Austral slang a heavily backed horse

■ hot potato   n   slang an awkward or delicate matter

■ hot-press   n   1 a machine for applying a combination of heat and pressure to give a smooth surface to paper, to express oil from it, etc   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to subject (paper, cloth, etc) to heat and pressure to give it a smooth surface or extract oil

■ hotrod (ˈhɒtˌrɒd)   n   a car with an engine that has been radically modified to produce increased power

■ hots (hɒts)   pl n   the hots slang intense sexual desire; lust (esp in the phrase have the hots for someone)

■ hot seat   n   1 informal a precarious, difficult, or dangerous position   2 US a slang term for electric chair

■ hot-selling   adj   (of a good or product) that sells in large numbers

■ hot shoe   n   photog an accessory shoe on a camera through which electrical contact is made to an electronic flash device

■ hotshot (ˈhɒtˌʃɒt)   n   informal an important person or expert, esp when showy

■ hot spot or hotspot (ˈhɒtˌspɒt)   n   1 an area of potential violence or political unrest   2 a lively nightclub or other place of entertainment   3 an area of great activity of a specific type: the world's economic hot spots   4    a any local area of high temperature in a part of an engine, etc   b part of the inlet manifold of a paraffin engine that is heated by exhaust gases to vaporize the fuel   5 computing a place where wireless internet, esp broadband, services are provided to users of portable computers through a wireless local area network, such as in an airport, railway station, or library   6 med   a a small area on the surface of or within a body with an exceptionally high concentration of radioactivity or of some chemical or mineral considered harmful   b a similar area that generates an abnormal amount of heat, as revealed by thermography   7 genetics a part of a chromosome that has a tendency for mutation or recombination

■ hot spring   n   a natural spring of mineral water at a temperature of 21°C (70°F) or above, found in areas of volcanic activity. Also called: thermal spring

■ hotspur (ˈhɒtˌspɜː)   n   an impetuous or fiery person [C15: from Hotspur, nickname of Sir Henry PERCY]

■ hot stuff   n informal   1 a person, object, etc, considered important, attractive, sexually exciting, etc   2 a pornographic or erotic book, play, film, etc

■ hot-swappable   adj   computing (of devices, disks, etc) capable of being inserted or removed from a computer system that is running, without causing damage or affecting performance

■ hot swapping   n   computing the insertion or removal of peripheral devices, disks, etc while a computer is still running without either causing damage to the system or affecting performance

■ hot-tempered   adj   tending to become angry very easily

■ hottie or hotty (ˈhɒtI)   n, pl -ties informal   1 US a sexually attractive person   2 a hot-water bottle

■ hotting (ˈhɒtIŋ)   n   informal the practice of stealing fast cars and putting on a show of skilful but dangerous driving   > ˈhotter n

■ hottish (ˈhɒtIʃ)   adj   fairly hot

■ hot up   vb (adverb) informal   1 to make or become more exciting, active, or intense: the chase was hotting up   2 (tr) another term for soup up

■ hot-water bottle   n   a receptacle, now usually made of rubber, designed to be filled with hot water, used for warming a bed or parts of the body

■ hot-wire   vb   (tr) slang to start the engine of (a motor vehicle) by bypassing the ignition switch

■ hot-work   vb   (tr) to shape (metal) when hot

■ hot yoga   n   another name for Bikram yoga

■ hot zone   n   computing a variable area towards the end of a line of text that informs the operator that a decision must be taken as to whether to hyphenate or begin a new line

Hotan (ˈhəʊˈtæn), Hotien or Ho-t'ien (ˈhəʊˈtjɛn)   n   1 an oasis in W China, in the Taklimakan Shamo desert of central Xinjiang, around the seasonal Hotan River   2 the chief town of this oasis, situated at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains. Pop: 114 000 (2006 est)   ▶ Also called: Khotan, Hetian

hotch (hɒtʃ)   vb Scot, Ulster and English dialect   1 to (cause to) jog; fidget   2 (intr) to swarm (with), or be in a ferment

hotchpot (ˈhɒtʃˌpɒt)   n   property law the collecting of property so that it may be redistributed in equal shares, esp on the intestacy of a parent who has given property to a child in his or her lifetime [C14: from Old French hochepot, from hocher to shake, of Germanic origin + POT^1]

hotchpotch (ˈhɒtʃˌpɒtʃ) or esp US and Canadian hodgepodge   n   1 a jumbled mixture   2 a thick soup or stew made from meat and vegetables [C15: a variant of HOTCHPOT]

hotel (həʊˈtɛl)   n   a commercially run establishment providing lodging and usually meals for guests, and often containing a public bar [C17: from French hôtel, from Old French hostel; see HOSTEL]

■ hoteldom (həʊˈtɛldəm)   n   the hotel business or hotels collectively

■ hotelier (həʊˈtɛljeI)   n   an owner or manager of one or more hotels

■ hotelling or hoteling (həʊˈtɛlIŋ)   n   (in office management) a practice in which desk space must be booked in advance by an employee as required

■ hotelman (həʊˈtɛlmən, həʊˈtɛlˌmæn)   n, pl -men   the owner or manager of a hotel

Hotel (həʊˈtɛl)   n   communications a code word for the letter h

Hotere (ˈhɒtɛrI)   n   Ralph. 1931–2013, New Zealand artist of Māori origin, noted esp for his minimalist Black Paintings

Hotien or Ho-t'ien (ˈhəʊˈtjɛn)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Hotan

Hotspur (ˈhɒtˌspɜː)   n   Harry Hotspur the nickname of Sir Henry Percy. See Percy (sense 1)

Hottentot (ˈhɒtənˌtɒt)   n   (pl -tot or -tots) offensive a former name for Khoikhoi (sense 1) [C17: from Afrikaans, of uncertain origin]

USAGE

This word can give offence and Khoikhoi is the preferred term. Hottentot is still used in some animal and plant names

■ Hottentot fig   n   a perennial plant, Mesembryanthemum (or Carpobrotus) edule, originally South African, having fleshy prostrate leaves, showy yellow or purple flowers, and edible fruits

houdah (ˈhaʊdə)   n   a variant spelling of howdah

Houdan (ˈhuːdæn)   n   a breed of light domestic fowl originally from France, with a distinctive full crest [C19: named after Houdan, village near Paris where the breed originated]

Houdini (huːˈdiːnI)   n   Harry, real name Ehrich Weiss. 1874–1926, US magician and escapologist

Houdon (French udɔ̃)   n   Jean Antoine (ʒɑ̃ ɑ̃twan). 1741–1828, French neoclassical portrait sculptor

hough (hɒk) Brit   n   1 another word for hock^1   2 (hɒx) in Scotland, a cut of meat corresponding to shin   ▷ vb (tr)   3 to hamstring (cattle, horses, etc) [C14: from Old English hōh heel]

houghmagandie (ˌhɒxməˈɡændI)   n   Scot a variant spelling of hochmagandy

Houghton-le-Spring (ˈhaʊtənləˈsprIŋ)   n   a town in N England, in Sunderland unitary authority, Tyne and Wear: coal-mining. Pop: 36 746 (2001)

houhere (ˈhɒuːhɛrɛ)   n, pl houhere   NZ another name for ribbonwood [Māori]

hoummos, houmous or houmus (ˈhuːməs)   n   variant spellings of hummus

hound^1 (haʊnd)   n   1    a any of several breeds of dog used for hunting   b (in combination): an otterhound; a deerhound   2 the hounds a pack of foxhounds, etc   3 a dog, esp one regarded as annoying   4 a despicable person   5 (in hare and hounds) a runner who pursues a hare   6 slang, chiefly US and Canadian an enthusiast: an autograph hound   7 short for houndfish. See also nursehound   8 ride to hounds or follow the hounds to take part in a fox hunt with hounds   ▷ vb (tr)   9 to pursue or chase relentlessly   10 to urge on [Old English hund; related to Old High German hunt, Old Norse hundr, Gothic hunds]   > ˈhounder n

■ houndfish (ˈhaʊndˌfIʃ)   n, pl -fish or -fishes   a name given to various small sharks or dogfish. See also nursehound

■ hound's-tongue   n   any boraginaceous weedy plant of the genus Cynoglossum, esp the Eurasian C. officinale, which has small reddish-purple flowers and spiny fruits. Also called: dog's-tongue [Old English hundestunge, translation of Latin cynoglōssos, from Greek kunoglōssos, from kuōn dog + glōssa tongue; referring to the shape of its leaves]

■ hound's-tooth check   n   a pattern of broken or jagged checks, esp one printed on or woven into cloth. Also called: dog's-tooth check, dogtooth check

hound^2 (haʊnd)   n   1 either of a pair of horizontal bars that reinforce the running gear of a horse-drawn vehicle   2 nautical either of a pair of fore-and-aft braces that serve as supports for a topmast [C15: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hūnn knob, cube]

houngan or hungan (ˈhuːŋɡən, ˈuːŋɡən)   n   a voodoo priest [C20: from Haitian Creole, from Fon hun deity + ga chief]

Hounslow (ˈhaʊnzləʊ)   n   a borough of Greater London, on the River Thames: site of London's first civil airport (1919). Pop: 212 900 (2003 est). Area: 59 sq km (23 sq miles)

Houphouet-Boigny (French ufwɛbwaɲi)   n   Félix (feliks). 1905–93, Côte d'Ivoire statesman; president of the Côte d'Ivoire (1960–93)

hour (aʊə)   n   1 a period of time equal to 3600 seconds; 1⁄24th of a calendar day. Related adjectives: horal, horary   2 any of the points on the face of a timepiece that indicate intervals of 60 minutes   3 the hour an exact number of complete hours: the bus leaves on the hour   4 the time of day as indicated by a watch, clock, etc   5 the period of time allowed for or used for something: the lunch hour; the hour of prayer   6 a special moment or period: our finest hour   7 the hour the present time: the man of the hour   8 the distance covered in an hour: we live an hour from the city   9 astronomy an angular measurement of right ascension equal to 15° or a 24th part of the celestial equator   10 one's hour   a a time of success, fame, etc   b Also: one's last hour the time of one's death: his hour had come   11 take one's hour Irish informal to do something in a leisurely manner [C13: from Old French hore, from Latin hōra, from Greek: season]

■ hour angle   n   the angular distance along the celestial equator from the meridian of the observer to the hour circle of a particular celestial body

■ hour circle   n   a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the celestial poles and a specified point, such as a star

■ hourglass (ˈaʊəˌɡlɑːs)   n   1 a device consisting of two transparent chambers linked by a narrow channel, containing a quantity of sand that takes a specified time to trickle to one chamber from the other   2 (modifier) well-proportioned with a small waist: an hourglass figure

■ hour hand   n   the pointer on a timepiece that indicates the hour. Compare minute hand, second hand

■ hourlong (ˈaʊəˌlɒŋ)   adj, adv   lasting an hour

■ hourly (ˈaʊəlI)   adj   1 of, occurring, or done every hour   2 done in or measured by the hour: we are paid an hourly rate   3 continual or frequent   ▷ adv   4 every hour   5 at any moment or time

■ hourplate (ˈaʊəˌpleIt)   n   horology the dial of a clock or watch

■ hours (aʊəz)   pl n   1 a period regularly or customarily appointed for work, business, etc   2 one's times of rising and going to bed (esp in the phrases keep regular, irregular, or late hours)   3 an indefinite period of time   4 Also called (in the Roman Catholic Church): canonical hours   a the seven times of the day laid down for the recitation of the prayers of the divine office   b the prayers recited at these times   5 the small hours the hours just after midnight   6 till all hours until very late

■ Hours (aʊəz)   pl n   another word for the Horae

houri (ˈhʊərI)   n, pl -ris   1 (in Muslim belief) any of the nymphs of Paradise   2 any alluring woman [C18: from French, from Persian hūri, from Arabic hūr, plural of haurā' woman with dark eyes]

house   n (haʊs) pl houses (ˈhaʊzIz)   1    a a building used as a home; dwelling   b (as modifier): house dog   2 the people present in a house, esp its usual occupants   3    a a building used for some specific purpose   b (in combination): a schoolhouse   4 (often capital) a family line including ancestors and relatives, esp a noble one: the House of York   5    a a commercial company; firm: a publishing house   b (as modifier): house style; a house journal   6 an official deliberative or legislative body, such as one chamber of a bicameral legislature   7 a quorum in such a body (esp in the phrase make a house)   8 a dwelling for a religious community   9 astrology any of the 12 divisions of the zodiac. See also planet (sense 3)   10    a any of several divisions, esp residential, of a large school   b (as modifier): house spirit   11    a a hotel, restaurant, bar, inn, club, etc, or the management of such an establishment   b (as modifier): house rules   c (in combination): steakhouse   12 (modifier) (of wine) sold unnamed by a restaurant, at a lower price than wines specified on the wine list: the house red   13 the audience in a theatre or cinema   14 an informal word for brothel   15 a hall in which an official deliberative or legislative body meets   16 See full house   17 curling the 12-foot target circle around the tee   18 nautical any structure or shelter on the weather deck of a vessel   19 bring the house down theatre to win great applause   20 house and home an emphatic form of home   21 keep open house to be always ready to provide hospitality   22 like a house on fire informal very well, quickly, or intensely   23 on the house (usually of drinks) paid for by the management of the hotel, bar, etc   24 put one's house in order to settle or organize one's affairs   25 safe as houses Brit very secure   ▷ vb (haʊz)   26 (tr) to provide with or serve as accommodation   27 to give or receive shelter or lodging   28 (tr) to contain or cover, esp in order to protect   29 (tr) to fit (a piece of wood) into a mortise, joint, etc   30 (tr) nautical   a to secure or stow   b to secure (a topmast)   c to secure and stow (an anchor) [Old English hūs; related to Old High German hūs, Gothic gudhūs temple, Old Norse hūs house]   > ˈhouseless adj

■ House (haʊs)   n the House   1 See House of Commons   2 Brit informal the Stock Exchange

■ house agent   n   Brit another name for estate agent

■ house arrest   n   confinement to one's own home

■ houseboat (ˈhaʊsˌbəʊt)   n   a stationary boat or barge used as a home

■ houseboater (ˈhaʊsˌbəʊtə)   n   a person who lives on or takes a holiday or a trip on a houseboat

■ housebound (ˈhaʊsˌbaʊnd)   adj   unable to leave one's house because of illness, injury, etc

■ houseboy (ˈhaʊsˌbɔI)   n   a male domestic servant

■ housebreak (ˈhaʊsˌbreIk)   vb US   1 (tr) to train (a pet) to live cleanly in a house by excreting outdoors or in a designated place   2 (intr) to break into a house with criminal intent   ▷ n   3 the burglary of a domestic property

■ housebreaking (ˈhaʊsˌbreIkIŋ)   n   criminal law the act of entering a building as a trespasser for an unlawful purpose. Assimilated with burglary, 1968   > ˈhouseˌbreaker n

■ house-broken   adj   another word for house-trained

■ housecarl (ˈhaʊsˌkɑːl)   n   (in medieval Europe) a household warrior of Danish kings and noblemen [Old English hūscarl, from Old Norse hūskarl manservant, from hūs HOUSE + karl man; see CHURL]

■ house church   n   1 a group of Christians meeting for worship in a private house   2 a nondenominational charismatic Church movement

■ house-clean   vb (intr)   US to clean the inside of a person's house

■ house-cleaning   n   US the act of cleaning the inside of a person's house

■ housecoat (ˈhaʊsˌkəʊt) or housedress (ˈhaʊsdrɛs)   n   a woman's loose robelike informal garment

■ house-craft   n   skill in domestic management

■ house factor   n   a Scot term for estate agent

■ housefather (ˈhaʊsˌfɑːðə) or feminine housemother   n   a person in charge of the welfare of a particular group of children in an institution such as a children's home or approved school

■ housefly (ˈhaʊsˌflaI)   n, pl -flies   a common dipterous fly, Musca domestica, that frequents human habitations, spreads disease, and lays its eggs in carrion, decaying vegetables, etc: family Muscidae

■ housefront (ˈhaʊsˌfrʌnt)   n   the façade of a house

■ houseful (ˈhaʊsfʊl)   n   the full amount or number that can be accommodated in a particular house

■ house group or house church   n   a group of Christians who regularly meet to worship, study the Bible, etc, in someone's house

■ house guest or houseguest (ˈhaʊsˌɡɛst)   n   a guest at a house, esp one who stays for a comparatively long time

■ house-hunt   vb (intr)   Brit to search for a house to buy or rent

■ house-hunting   n   Brit the act of searching for a house to buy or rent

■ househusband (ˈhaʊsˌhʌzbənd)   n   a married man who keeps house, usually without having paid employment

■ housekeep (ˈhaʊsˌkiːp)   vb -keeps, -keeping, -kept (intr)   to run your a household or to act as a housekeeper

■ housekeeper (ˈhaʊsˌkiːpə)   n   1 a person, esp a woman, employed to run a household   2 bad housekeeper a person who is not an efficient and thrifty domestic manager   3 good housekeeper a person who is an efficient and thrifty domestic manager

■ housekeeping (ˈhaʊsˌkiːpIŋ)   n   1 the running of a household   2 money allocated for the running of a household   3 organization and tidiness in general, as of an office, shop, etc   4 the general maintenance of a computer storage system, including removal of obsolete files, documentation, security copying, etc

■ house league   n   (in Canada) a sports league in which the members of all teams belong to the same organization, school, or company

■ houseleek (ˈhaʊsˌliːk)   n   any Old World crassulaceous plant of the genus Sempervivum, esp S. tectorum, which has a rosette of succulent leaves and pinkish flowers: grows on walls. Also called: hen-and-chickens

■ houselessness (ˈhaʊsləsnəs)   n   the condition of being without a house or home

■ house lights or houselights (ˈhaʊsˌlaIts)   pl n   the lights in the auditorium of a theatre, cinema, etc

■ houseline (ˈhaʊsˌlaIn)   n   nautical tarred marline. Also called: housing

■ housemaid (ˈhaʊsˌmeId)   n   a girl or woman employed to do housework, esp one who is resident in the household

■ housemaid's knee   n   inflammation and swelling of the bursa in front of the kneecap, caused esp by constant kneeling on a hard surface. Technical name: prepatellar bursitis

■ houseman (ˈhaʊsmən)   n, pl -men   med a junior doctor who is a member of the medical staff of a hospital. US and Canadian equivalent: intern

■ house martin   n   a Eurasian swallow, Delichon urbica, with a slightly forked tail and a white and bluish-black plumage

■ housemaster (ˈhaʊsˌmɑːstə) or feminine housemistress   n   a teacher, esp in a boarding school, responsible for the pupils in a house

■ housemate (ˈhaʊsˌmeIt)   n   a person who is not part of the same family, but with whom one shares a house

■ house moth   n   either of two species of micro moth, esp the brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella) which, although it usually inhabits birds' nests, sometimes enters houses where its larvae can be very destructive of stored fabrics and foodstuffs

■ house mouse   n   any of various greyish mice of the Old World genus Mus, esp M. musculus, a common household pest in most parts of the world: family Muridae

■ House music or House   n   a type of disco music originating in the late 1980s, based on funk, with fragments of other recordings edited in electronically

■ House of Assembly   n   a legislative assembly or the lower chamber of such an assembly, esp in various British colonies and countries of the Commonwealth

■ house of cards   n   1 a tiered structure created by balancing playing cards on their edges   2 an unstable situation, plan, etc

■ House of Commons   n   (in Britain, Canada, etc) the lower chamber of Parliament

■ house of correction   n   (formerly) a place of confinement for persons convicted of minor offences

■ house officer or houseman (ˈhaʊsmən)   n, pl -men   med a doctor who is the most junior member of the medical staff of a hospital, usually resident in the hospital. US and Canadian equivalent: intern

■ house of God   n   a church, temple, or chapel

■ house of ill repute or house of ill fame   n   a euphemistic name for brothel

■ House of Keys   n   the lower chamber of the legislature of the Isle of Man

■ House of Lords   n   (in Britain) the upper chamber of Parliament, composed of the peers of the realm

■ House of Representatives   n   1 (in the US) the lower chamber of Congress   2 (in Australia) the lower chamber of Parliament   3 the sole chamber of New Zealand's Parliament: formerly the lower chamber   4 (in the US) the lower chamber in many state legislatures

■ House of the People   n   another name for Lok Sabha

■ house organ   n   a periodical published by an organization for its employees or clients

■ housepainter (ˈhaʊsˌpeIntə)   n   a person whose business or occupation is painting houses

■ houseparent (ˈhaʊsˌpɛərənt)   n   social welfare a housefather or housemother

■ house party   n   1 a party, usually in a country house, at which guests are invited to stay for several days   2 the guests who are invited

■ houseperson (ˈhaʊsˌpɜːsən)   n   1 a person who manages a household, a housewife or househusband   2 a person who is employed to carry out housekeeping duties, for example in a hotel

■ house physician or house doctor   n   1 a house officer working in a medical as opposed to a surgical discipline. Compare house surgeon   2 a physician who lives in a hospital or other institution in which he or she is employed. Compare resident (sense 7)

■ house plant or houseplant (ˈhaʊsˌplɑːnt)   n   a plant that can be grown indoors

■ house-proud   adj   proud of the appearance, cleanliness, etc, of one's house, sometimes excessively so

■ houser (ˈhaʊzə)   n   1 archaic, rare a person who erects a house, a builder   2 rare a dweller or inhabitant   3 archaic a covering

■ houseroom (ˈhaʊsˌrʊm, -ˌruːm)   n   1 room for storage or lodging   2 give something houseroom (used with a negative) to have or keep something in one's house: I wouldn't give that vase houseroom

■ house-sit   vb -sits, -sitting, -sat (intr)   to live in and look after a house during the absence of its owner or owners   > ˈhouse-ˌsitter n

■ Houses of Parliament   n (in Britain)   1 the building in which the House of Commons and the House of Lords assemble   2 these two chambers considered together

■ house sparrow   n   a small Eurasian weaverbird, Passer domesticus, now established in North America and Australia. It has a brown streaked plumage with grey underparts. Also called (US): English sparrow

■ house spider   n   any largish dark spider of the genus Tegenaria that is common in houses, such as the cardinal spider

■ house style   n   a set of rules concerning spellings, typography, etc, observed by editorial and printing staff in a particular publishing or printing company

■ house surgeon   n   a house officer working in a surgical as opposed to a medical discipline. Compare house physician

■ house-to-house   adj   1 made to or made of all the houses in an area, one after another: police continued house-to-house inquiries   ▷ adv   2 to all the houses in an area, one after another: they're going house-to-house, rounding up the residents

■ housetop (ˈhaʊsˌtɒp)   n   1 the roof of a house   2 proclaim from the housetops to announce (something) publicly

■ house-train   vb   (tr) Brit to train (pets) to urinate and defecate outside the house or in a special place, such as a litter tray   > ˈhouse-ˌtrained adj

■ House Un-American Activities Committee   n   the former name of the Internal Security Committee of the US House of Representatives: notorious for its anti-Communist investigations in the late 1940s and 1950s

■ housewares (ˈhaʊsˌwɛəz)   pl n   US and Canadian kitchenware and other utensils for use in the home

■ house-warming   n     a a party given after moving into a new home   b (as modifier): a house-warming party

■ housewife (ˈhaʊsˌwaIf)   n, pl -wives   1 a woman, typically a married woman, who keeps house, usually without having paid employment   2 Also called: hussy, huswife (ˈhʌzIf), hussif (ˈhʌsIf) chiefly Brit a small sewing kit issued to soldiers   > housewifery (ˈhaʊsˌwIfərI, -ˌwIfrI) n

■ housewifely (ˈhaʊsˌwaIflI)   adj   prudent and neat; domestic: housewifely virtues   > ˈhouseˌwifeliness n

■ housewifeship (ˈhaʊswaIfʃIp)   n   rare the role of a housewife, household management. Also (Scot): housewifeskep (ˈhaʊswaIfskɛp)

■ housewifey (ˈhaʊsˌwaIfI)   adj   suitable for or typical of a housewife

■ housework (ˈhaʊsˌwɜːk)   n   the work of running a home, such as cleaning, cooking, etc   > ˈhouseˌworker n

■ housey (ˈhaʊsI)   adj   resembling house music

■ housey-housey (ˈhaʊzIˈhaʊzI)   n   another name for bingo, lotto [C20: so called from the cry of 'house!' shouted by the winner of a game, probably from FULL HOUSE]

household (ˈhaʊsˌhəʊld)   n   1 the people living together in one house collectively   2 (modifier) of, relating to, or used in the running of a household; domestic: household management

■ household chores   pl n   tasks such as cleaning, washing, and ironing that have to be done regularly at home

■ householder (ˈhaʊsˌhəʊldə)   n   a person who owns or rents a house   > ˈhouseˌholderˌship n

■ household gods   pl n   1 (in ancient Rome) deities of the home; lares and penates   2 Brit informal the essentials of domestic life

■ household name or household word   n   a person or thing that is very well known

■ household troops   pl n   the infantry and cavalry regiments that carry out escort and guard duties for a head of state

housel (ˈhaʊzəl)   n   1 a medieval name for Eucharist   ▷ vb -sels, -selling, -selled or US -sels, -seling, -seled   2 (tr) to give the Eucharist to (someone) [Old English hūsl; related to Gothic hunsl sacrifice, Old Norse hūsl]

■ houselling, houseling or housling (ˈhaʊzəlIŋ)   n   Christianity archaic   a administration of the Eucharist   b (as modifier): houselling cloths

housing^1 (ˈhaʊzIŋ)   n   1    a houses or dwellings collectively   b (as modifier): a housing problem   2 the act of providing with accommodation   3 a hole, recess, groove, or slot made in one wooden member to receive another   4 a part designed to shelter, cover, contain, or support a component, such as a bearing, or a mechanism, such as a pump or wheel: a bearing housing; a motor housing; a wheel housing   5 another word for houseline

■ housing association   n   social welfare (in Britain) a non-profit-making body whose purpose is to build, convert, or improve houses for letting at fair rents

■ housing benefit   n   social welfare (in Britain) a payment made by a local authority in the form of a rent rebate to a council tenant or a rent allowance to a private tenant

■ housing estate   n   a planned area of housing, often with its own shops and other amenities

■ housing project   n   US a housing development built and maintained by a local authority, usually intended for people with a low or moderate income

■ housing scheme   n Brit   1 a local-authority housing plan   2 the houses built according to such a plan; housing estate   ▶ Often shortened to: scheme

housing^2 (ˈhaʊzIŋ)   n   (often plural) archaic another word for trappings (sense 2) [C14: from Old French houce covering, of Germanic origin]

housling^1 (ˈhaʊzəlIŋ)   n   archaic the growing of the climbing stem of the hop into a dense mass at the top of the poles which support it

housling^2 (ˈhaʊzəlIŋ)   n   a variant spelling of houselling

Housman (ˈhaʊsmən)   n   A(lfred) E(dward). 1859–1936, English poet and classical scholar, author of A Shropshire Lad (1896) and Last Poems (1922)

Houston (ˈhjuːstən)   n   an inland port in SE Texas, linked by the Houston Ship Canal to the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway: capital of the Republic of Texas (1837–39; 1842–45); site of the Manned Spacecraft Center (1964). Pop: 2 009 690 (2003 est)

houstonia (huːˈstəʊnIə)   n   any small North American rubiaceous plant of the genus Houstonia, having blue, white, or purple flowers [C19: named after Dr. William Houston (died 1733), Scottish botanist]

houting (ˈhaʊtIŋ)   n   a European whitefish, Coregonus oxyrhynchus, that lives in salt water but spawns in freshwater lakes: a valued food fish [C19: from Dutch, from Middle Dutch houtic, of uncertain origin]

Hovawart (ˈhəufəˌvɑːt)   n   a medium-sized strongly-built dog of a breed with a long thick coat, a thick tuft of hair round the neck, and a long bushy tail [from Middle High German hova yard + wart watchman]

hove (həʊv)   vb   chiefly nautical a past tense and past participle of heave

Hove (həʊv)   n   a town and coastal resort in S England, in Brighton and Hove unitary authority, East Sussex. Pop: 72 335 (2001)

hovea (ˈhəʊvIə)   n   any of various plants of the Australian genus Hovea, having clusters of small purple flowers

hovel (ˈhʌvəl, ˈhɒv-)   n   1 a ramshackle dwelling place   2 an open shed for livestock, carts, etc   3 the conical building enclosing a kiln   ▷ vb -els, -elling, -elled or US -els, -eling, -eled   4 to shelter or be sheltered in a hovel [C15: of unknown origin]

hoveller (ˈhɒvələ)   n   1 an unlicensed pilot or boatman, esp as found off the coast of Kent or a boatman going out to a wreck   2 the vessel used by a hoveller

hover (ˈhɒvə)   vb   1 (intr) to remain suspended in one place   2 (intr) (of certain birds, esp hawks) to remain in one place in the air by rapidly beating the wings   3 (intr) to linger uncertainly in a nervous or solicitous way   4 (intr) to be in a state of indecision: she was hovering between the two suitors   5 (tr) computing to hold (the mouse pointer) over a defined area on a web page without clicking, in order to cause a menu, information box, etc to appear   ▷ n   6 the act of hovering [C14: hoveren, variant of hoven, of obscure origin]   > ˈhoverer n   > ˈhoveringly adv

■ hoverboard (ˈhɒvəˌbɔːd)   n   a narrow horizontal board with wheels at each end, on which a person may stand upright and move by leaning forwards. Official name: self-balancing scooter

■ hovercraft (ˈhɒvəˌkrɑːft)   n   a vehicle that is able to travel across both land and water on a cushion of air. The cushion is produced by a fan continuously forcing air under the vehicle

■ hoverfly (ˈhɒvəˌflaI)   n   any dipterous fly of the family Syrphidae, with a typically hovering flight, esp Syrphus ribesii, which mimics a wasp

■ hovering (ˈhɒvərIŋ)   adj   1 staying in the same position in the air   2 remaining in or near one place

■ hoverport (ˈhɒvəˌpɔːt)   n   a port for hovercraft

■ hovertrain (ˈhɒvəˌtreIn)   n   a train that moves over a concrete track and is supported while in motion by a cushion of air supplied by powerful fans

how^1 (haʊ)   adv   1 in what way? in what manner? by what means?: how did it happen? Also used in indirect questions: tell me how he did it   2 to what extent?: how tall is he?   3 how good? how well? what…like?: how did she sing?; how was the holiday?   4 how about? used to suggest something: how about asking her?; how about a cup of tea?   5 how are you? what is your state of health?   6 how come? informal what is the reason (that)?: how come you told him?   7 how's that for…?   a is this satisfactory as regards…?: how's that for size?   b an exclamation used to draw attention to a quality, deed, etc: how is that for endurance?   8 how's that?   a what is your opinion?   b cricket (an appeal to the umpire) is the batsman out?. Also written: howzat (haʊˈzæt)   9 how now? or how so? archaic what is the meaning of this?   10 Also: as how not standard that: he told me as how the shop was closed   11 in whatever way: do it how you wish   12 used in exclamations to emphasize extent: how happy I was!   13 and how! (intensifier) very much so!   14 here's how! (as a toast) good health!   ▷ n   15 the way a thing is done: the how of it [Old English hu; related to Old Frisian hū, Old High German hweo]

■ how do you do   sentence substitute   1 Also: how do?, how d'ye do? a formal greeting said by people who are being introduced to each other or are meeting for the first time   ▷ n how-do-you-do   2 informal a difficult situation

■ how's-your-father   n   Brit euphemistic sexual intercourse

■ how-to   adj   (of a book or guide) giving basic instructions to the lay person on how to do or make something, esp as a hobby or for practical purposes: a how-to book on carpentry

how^2 (haʊ)   sentence substitute   a greeting supposed to be or have been used by Native Americans and often used humorously [C19: of Siouan origin; related to Dakota háo]

Howard (ˈhaʊəd)   n   1  Catherine. ?1521–42, fifth wife of Henry VIII of England; beheaded   2  Charles, Lord Howard of Effingham and 1st Earl of Nottingham. 1536–1624, Lord High Admiral of England (1585–1618). He commanded the fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada (1588)   3  Sir Ebenezer. 1850–1928, English town planner, who introduced garden cities   4 Henry Howard See Surrey^2   5  John. 1726–90, English prison reformer   6  John Winston. born 1939, Australian politician; prime minister of Australia (1996–2007)   7  Leslie. real name Leslie Howard Stainer. 1890–1943, British actor of Hungarian descent. His many films included The Scarlet Pimpernel (1938), Pygmalion (1938), and Gone With the Wind (1939)   8  Michael, Baron. born 1941, British politician; Home Secretary (1993–1997); leader of the Conservative Party (2003–2005)   9  Trevor. 1916-88, British actor. His many films include Brief Encounter (1946), The Third Man (1949), Ryan's Daughter (1970), and White Mischief (1987)

howbeit (haʊˈbiːIt) archaic   sentence connector   1 however   ▷ conj   2 (subordinating) though; although

howdah or houdah (ˈhaʊdə)   n   a seat for riding on an elephant's back, esp one with a canopy [C18: from Hindi haudah, from Arabic haudaj load carried by elephant or camel]

howdy or howdie (ˈhaʊdI)   sentence substitute   chiefly US an informal word for hello [C16: from the phrase how d'ye do]

howe (haʊ)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a depression in the earth's surface, such as a basin or valley [C16: from HOLE]

Howe (haʊ)   n   1  Elias. 1819–67, US inventor of the sewing machine (1846)   2  Gordon, known as Gordie. 1928–2016, Canadian ice-hockey player, who scored 1071 goals in a professional career lasting 32 years.   3  Howe of Aberavon, Baron, title of (Richard Edward) Geoffrey Howe. 1926–2015, British Conservative politician; Chancellor of the Exchequer (1979–83); foreign secretary (1983–89); deputy prime minister (1989–90)   4  Richard, 4th Viscount Howe. 1726–99, British admiral: served (1776–78) in the War of American Independence and commanded the Channel fleet against France, winning the Battle of the Glorious First of June (1794)   5  his brother, William, 5th Viscount Howe. 1729–1814, British general; commander in chief (1776–78) of British forces in the War of American Independence

howe'er (haʊˈɛə)   sentence connector, adv   a poetic contraction of however

Howel Dda (ˈhaʊəl ˈdɑː)   n   See Hywel Dda

however (haʊˈɛvə)   sentence connector   1 still; nevertheless   2 on the other hand; yet   ▷ adv   3 by whatever means; in whatever manner   4 (used with adjectives expressing or admitting of quantity or degree) no matter how: however long it takes, finish it   5 an emphatic form of how^1 (sense 1)

howf or howff (haʊf, həʊf)   n   Scot a haunt, esp a public house [C16: of uncertain origin]

howitzer (ˈhaʊItsə)   n   a cannon having a short or medium barrel with a low muzzle velocity and a steep angle of fire [C16: from Dutch houwitser, from German Haubitze, from Czech houfnice stone-sling]

howk (haʊk)   vb   Scot to dig (out or up) [C17: from earlier holk]

howker (ˈhaʊkə)   n   1 a one or two-masted fishing boat   2 a term used either pejoratively or fondly for any ship or boat

howl (haʊl)   n   1 a long plaintive cry or wail characteristic of a wolf or hound   2 a similar cry of pain or sorrow   3 slang   a a person or thing that is very funny   b a prolonged outburst of laughter   4 electronics an unwanted prolonged high-pitched sound produced by a sound-producing system as a result of feedback   ▷ vb   5 to express in a howl or utter such cries   6 (intr) (of the wind, etc) to make a wailing noise   7 (intr) informal to shout or laugh [C14: houlen; related to Middle High German hiuweln, Middle Dutch hūlen, Danish hyle]

■ howl down   vb   (tr, adverb) to prevent (a speaker) from being heard by shouting disapprovingly

■ howler (ˈhaʊlə)   n   1 Also called: howler monkey any large New World monkey of the genus Alouatta, inhabiting tropical forests in South America and having a loud howling cry   2 informal a glaring mistake   3 Brit (formerly) a device that produces a loud tone in a telephone receiver to attract attention when the receiver is incorrectly replaced   4 a person or thing that howls

■ howlround (ˈhaʊlˌraʊnd)   n   the condition, resulting in a howling noise, when sound from a loudspeaker is fed back into the microphone of a public-address or recording system. Also called: howlback

Howland Island (ˈhaʊlənd)   n   a small island in the central Pacific, near the equator northwest of Phoenix Island: US airfield. Area: 2.6 sq km (1 sq mile)

howlet (ˈhaʊlIt)   n   archaic, poetic another word for owl [C15: diminutive of howle OWL]

howling (ˈhaʊlIŋ)   adj   (prenominal) informal (intensifier): a howling success; a howling error   > ˈhowlingly adv

Howlin' Wolf (ˈhaʊlIn)   n   real name Chester Burnett. 1910–76, US blues singer and songwriter

Howrah (ˈhaʊrə)   n   an industrial city in E India, in West Bengal on the Hooghly River opposite Kolkata (Calcutta). Pop: 1 008 704 (2001)

howsoever (ˌhaʊsəʊˈɛvə)   sentence connector, adv   a less common word for however

howsomever (ˌhaʊsəmˈɛvə) or howsomdever (ˌhaʊsəmˈdɛvə)   adv   1 dialect, archaic in whatever manner, although   2 US informal nevertheless, yet

howtowdie (haʊˈtaʊdI)   n   a Scottish dish of boiled chicken with poached eggs and spinach [C18: from Old French hétoudeau, estaudeau a fat young chicken for cooking]

howzat (haʊˈzæt)   adv   See how^1 (sense 8b)

howzit (ˈhaʊzIt)   sentence substitute   South African an informal word for hello [C20: from the phrase how is it?]

hox (hɒks)   vb (tr)   1 archaic, dialect to hamstring, to hock   ▷ n   2 anatomy archaic, rare a hamstring   3 genetics a homeobox or homeotic gene

Hoxha (Albanian ˈhodʒa)   n   Enver (ˈemver). 1908–85, Albanian statesman: founded the Albanian Communist Party in 1941 and was its first secretary (1954–85)

hoy^1 (hɔI)   n nautical   1 a freight barge   2 a coastal fishing and trading vessel, usually sloop-rigged, used during the 17th and 18th centuries [C15: from Middle Dutch hoei]

hoy^2 (hɔI)   interj   a cry used to attract attention or drive animals [C14: variant of HEY]

Hoy (hɔI)   n   Sir Chris(topher Andrew). born 1976, Scottish cyclist: in his international career (1999–2012) he won eleven World Championship gold medals and six Olympic gold medals for Britain

hoya (ˈhɔIə)   n   any plant of the asclepiadaceous genus Hoya, of E Asia and Australia, esp the waxplant popular as a house plant [C19: named after Thomas Hoy (died 1821), English gardener]

hoyden or hoiden (ˈhɔIdən)   n   a wild boisterous girl; tomboy [C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch heidijn heathen]   > ˈhoydenish or ˈhoidenish adj   > ˈhoydenishness or ˈhoidenishness n

■ hoydenhood (ˈhɔIdənˌhʊd)   n   the condition of a rude, ill-bred or boisterous and noisy girl or woman, or a tomboy

■ hoydenism (ˈhɔIdənˌIzəm)   n   (in women, esp young women) the character of a hoyden, hoydenishness, or masculinity

Hoylake (ˈhɔIˌleIk)   n   a town and resort in NW England, in Wirral unitary authority, Merseyside, on the Irish Sea. Pop: 25 524 (2001)

Hoyle^1 (hɔIl)   n   an authoritative book of rules for card games [after Edmond Hoyle (1672–1769), English authority on games, its compiler]

Hoyle^2 (hɔIl)   n   Sir Fred. 1915–2001, English astronomer and writer: his books include The Nature of the Universe (1950) and Frontiers of Astronomy (1955), and science-fiction writings

HP or h.p.   abbreviation for   1 Brit hire-purchase   2 horsepower   3 high pressure   4 (in Britain) Houses of Parliament

HPV   abbreviation for   human papilloma virus

HQ or h.q.   abbreviation for   headquarters

hr^1   abbreviation for   1 hour   2 Baseball home run

hr^2   the internet domain name for   Croatia

HR   abbreviation for   1 US House of Representatives   2 human resources   3 human rights   4 Croatia (international car registration) [(for sense 4) from Croatian Hrvatska]

Hradec Králové (Czech ˈhradɛts ˈkraːlɔvɛː)   n   a town in the N Czech Republic, on the Elbe River. Pop: 97 000 (2005 est). German name: Königgrätz

HRE   abbreviation for   Holy Roman Emperor or Empire

HRH   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Royal Highness

HRT   abbreviation for   hormone replacement therapy

Hrvatska (ˈhrvaːtskaː)   n   the Croatian name for Croatia

hryvna (ˈhrʌvnə), hryvnya or hryvnia (ˈhrʌvnjə)   n   the standard monetary unit of Ukraine, divided into 100 kopiykas

HS   abbreviation for   1 High School   2 (in Britain) Home Secretary

HSDPA   abbreviation for   high-speed download packet access

HSE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Health and Safety Executive: the government department responsible for the regulation of health, safety, and welfare in the workplace

HSH   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Serene Highness

Hsi (ʃiː)   n   a variant spelling of Xi

Hsia Kuei (ˈʃjɑː ˈkweI)   n   See Xia Gui

Hsia-men (ˈʃjɑːˈmɛn)   n   a transliteration of the modern Chinese name for Amoy

Hsian (ʃjɑːn)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xi'an

Hsiang (ʃjɑːŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xiang

Hsin-hai-lien (ˈʃIn ˈhaI ˈljɛn)   n   a variant transliteration of the alternative name of Lianyungang

Hsining (ˈʃiːˈnIŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xining

Hsinking (ˈʃInˈkIŋ)   n   the former name (1932–45) of Changchun

HSM   abbreviation for   His (or Her) Serene Majesty

HSPDA   abbreviation for   high-speed packet data access

HSRC   abbreviation for   Human Sciences Research Council

HST   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) high speed train   2 Hubble Space Telescope

Hsüan-tsang (ˈʃwɑːn ˈtsæŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xuan Zang

Hsüan-tsung (ˈʃwɑːn ˈtsɒŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xuan Zong

Hsüan T'ung (ˈʃwɑːn ˈtʊŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xuan-tong

Hsü-chou (ˈʃuːˈtʃaʊ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xuzhou

Hsün-tzu (ˈtʃun ˈdʒI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Xun Zi

ht^1   abbreviation for   height

ht^2   the internet domain name for   Haiti

HT physics   abbreviation for   high tension

HTLV   abbreviation for   human T-cell lymphotrophic virus: any one of a small family of viruses that cause certain rare diseases in the T-cells of human beings; for instance, HTLV I causes a form of leukaemia

HTML   abbreviation for   hypertext markup language: a text description language that is used for electronic publishing, esp on the internet

Hts   abbreviation for (in place names)   Heights

HTTP   abbreviation for   HyperText Transfer Protocol: the data transfer protocol used on the World Wide Web. See also hypertext

HTTPS   abbreviation for   HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure: an adaptation of HTTP for secure communication over the internet

hu   the internet domain name for   Hungary

Hua Guo Feng (ˈhwɑː ɡwəʊ ˈfɛʃ) or Hua Kuo-feng (ˈhwɑː kwəʊ ˈfɛŋ)   n   1921–2008, Chinese Communist statesman; prime minister of China 1976–80

Huainan (ˈhwaIˈnæn)   n   a city in E China, in Anhui province north of Hefei. Pop: 1 422 000 (2005 est)

Huambo (Portuguese ˈwambu)   n   a town in central Angola: designated at one time by the Portuguese as the future capital of the country. Pop: 756 000 (2005 est). Former name (1928–73): Nova Lisboa

Huang Hai (ˈhwæŋ ˈhaI)   n   the Pinyin transliteration of the Chinese name for the Yellow Sea

Huang He (ˈhwæŋ ˈhiː)   n   the modern transliteration of the Chinese name (formerly Huang Ho) for the Yellow River

Huang Hua (hwæŋ hwɑː)   n   1913–2010, Chinese Communist statesman; minister for foreign affairs (1976–83)

huaquero (waˈkero)   n   the Spanish name for a tomb or grave robber

huarache Spanish (waˈratʃe) or huaracho (waˈratʃo)   n   a sandal with flat heels and an upper of woven leather strips, originally worn by indigenous Mexicans

Huáscar (Spanish uaskar)   n   died 1533, Inca ruler (1525–33): murdered by his half brother Atahualpa

Huascarán (Spanish uaskaˈran) or Huascán (Spanish uasˈkan)   n   an extinct volcano in W Peru, in the Peruvian Andes: the highest peak in Peru; avalanche in 1962 killed over 3000 people. Height: 6768 m (22 205 ft)

hub (hʌb)   n   1 the central portion of a wheel, propeller, fan, etc, through which the axle passes   2 the focal point   3 computing a device for connecting computers in a network   4 an airport, railway station, bus station, etc from which many services operate and connecting journeys can be made [C17: probably variant of HOB^1]

■ hub-and-spoke   n   (modifier) denoting a method of organizing intercontinental air traffic in which one major airport is used as a feeder for local airports. Sometimes shortened to: hub

■ hubcap (ˈhʌbˌkæp)   n   a metal cap fitting onto the hub of a wheel, esp a stainless steel or chromium-plated one

hubba-hubba   interj   US slang, old-fashioned an expression of excitement or approval

Hubble (ˈhʌbəl)   n   Edwin Powell. 1889–1953, US astronomer, noted for his investigations of nebulae and the recession of the galaxies

■ Hubble classification   n   a method of classifying galaxies depending on whether they are elliptical, spiral, barred spiral, or irregular [C20: named after Edwin Powell HUBBLE]

■ Hubble constant   n   the rate at which the expansion velocity of the universe depends on distance away. It is currently estimated to lie in the range 60–80 km s–1 megaparsec–1. Also called: Hubble parameter

■ Hubble's law   n   astronomy a law stating that the velocity of recession of a galaxy is proportional to its distance from the observer

■ Hubble telescope   n   a telescope launched into orbit around the earth in 1990 to provide information about the universe in the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet ranges. Also called: Hubble space telescope

hubble-bubble (ˈhʌbəlˈbʌbəl)   n   1 another name for hookah   2 hubbub; turmoil   3 a bubbling or gargling sound [C17: rhyming jingle based on BUBBLE]

hubbly (ˈhʌbəlI)   adj -blier, -bliest   US having an uneven surface; rough; bumpy; choppy

hubbub (ˈhʌbʌb)   n   1 a confused noise of many voices   2 uproar [C16: probably from Irish hooboobbes; compare Scottish Gaelic ubub! an exclamation of contempt]

hubby (ˈhʌbI)   n, pl -bies   an informal word for husband [C17: by shortening and altering]

Hubei (ˈhuːˈbeI), Hupeh or Hupei   n   a province of central China: largely low-lying with many lakes. Capital: Wuhan. Pop: 60 020 000 (2003 est). Area: 187 500 sq km (72 394 sq miles)

Hubli (ˈhuːblI)   n   a city in W India, in NW Karnataka: incorporated with Dharwar in 1961; educational and trading centre. Pop (with Dharwar): 786 018 (2001)

hubris (ˈhjuːbrIs) or hybris   n   1 pride or arrogance   2 (in Greek tragedy) an excess of ambition, pride, etc, ultimately causing the transgressor's ruin [C19: from Greek]   > huˈbristic or hyˈbristic adj

■ hubristically (hjuːˈbrIstIkəlI)   adv   in a presumptuous or arrogant manner

huckaback (ˈhʌkəˌbæk)   n   a coarse absorbent linen or cotton fabric used for towels and informal shirts, etc. Also called: huck (hʌk) [C17: of unknown origin]

huckery (ˈhʌkərI)   adj   NZ informal ugly

huckle (ˈhʌkəl)   n rare   1 the hip or haunch   2 a projecting or humped part [C16: diminutive of Middle English huck hip, haunch; perhaps related to Old Norse hūka to squat]

■ hucklebone (ˈhʌkəlˌbəʊn)   n archaic   1 the anklebone; talus   2 the hipbone; innominate bone

huckleberry (ˈhʌkəlˌbɛrI)   n, pl -ries   1 any American ericaceous shrub of the genus Gaylussacia, having edible dark blue berries with large seeds   2 the fruit of any of these shrubs   3 another name for blueberry   4 a Brit name for whortleberry (sense 1) [C17: probably a variant of hurtleberry, of unknown origin]

■ huckleberrying (ˈhʌkəlˌbɛrIIŋ)   n   the activity of gathering huckleberries

huckster (ˈhʌkstə)   n   1 a person who uses aggressive or questionable methods of selling   2 rare a person who sells small articles or fruit in the street   3 US a person who writes for radio or television advertisements   ▷ vb   4 (tr) to peddle   5 (tr) to sell or advertise aggressively or questionably   6 to haggle (over) [C12: perhaps from Middle Dutch hoekster, from hoeken to carry on the back]   > ˈhucksterism n

■ hucksterage (ˈhʌkstərIdʒ)   n archaic, rare   1 the business of a huckster; peddling   2 the activity of haggling or bargaining

■ hucksteress (ˈhʌkstərəs) or huckstress (ˈhʌkstrəs)   n   a female huckster

■ huckstery (ˈhʌkstərI)   n   1 the business of a huckster   2 (pl -ries) the place in which the huckster's trade is carried out   3 haggling; petty bargaining

HUD   abbreviation for   head-up display

Huddersfield (ˈhʌdəzˌfiːld)   n   a town in N England, in Kirklees unitary authority, West Yorkshire, on the River Colne: former textile centre, now with varied manufacturing and services; university 1992. Pop: 146 234 (2001)

huddle (ˈhʌdəl)   n   1 a heaped or crowded mass of people or things   2 informal a private or impromptu conference (esp in the phrase go into a huddle)   ▷ vb   3 to crowd or cause to crowd or nestle closely together   4 (often foll by up) to draw or hunch (oneself), as through cold   5 (intr) informal to meet and confer privately   6 (tr) chiefly Brit to do (something) in a careless way   7 (tr) rare to put on (clothes) hurriedly [C16: of uncertain origin; compare Middle English hoderen to wrap up]   > ˈhuddler n

■ huddled (ˈhʌdld)   adj   1 crowded or nestled closely together   2 (of a person) having their arms and legs close to their body

Huddleston (ˈhʌdəlstən)   n   Trevor. 1913–98, British Anglican prelate; suffragan bishop of Stepney (1968–78) and bishop of Mauritius (1978–83); president of the Anti-Apartheid Movement (1981–94)

huddup (hʌdˈʌp)   interj   US a word used to encourage a horse to hurry

hudibrastic (ˌhjuːdIˈbræstIk)   adj   mock-heroic in style [C18: after Hudibras, poem (1663–68) by Samuel Butler]

hudna (ˈhʊdnə)   n   Islam a truce or ceasefire for a fixed duration [C21: Arabic]

Hudson (ˈhʌdsən)   n   1  Henry. died 1611, English navigator: he explored the Hudson River (1609) and Hudson Bay (1610), where his crew mutinied and cast him adrift to die   2  W(illiam) H(enry). 1841–1922, British naturalist and novelist, born in Argentina, noted esp for his romance Green Mansions (1904) and the autobiographical Far Away and Long Ago (1918)

■ Hudson Bay (ˈhʌdsən)   n   an inland sea in NE Canada: linked with the Atlantic by Hudson Strait; the S extension forms James Bay; discovered in 1610 by Henry Hudson. Area (excluding James Bay): 647 500 sq km (250 000 sq miles)

■ Hudson River   n   a river in E New York State, flowing generally south into Upper New York Bay: linked to the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence Seaway, and Lake Champlain by the New York State Barge Canal and the canalized Mohawk River. Length: 492 km (306 miles)

■ Hudson's Bay blanket   n   Canadian a woollen blanket with wide stripes [C19: from a type of blanket originally sold by the Hudson's Bay Company]

■ Hudson's Bay Company   n   an English company chartered in 1670 to trade in all parts of North America drained by rivers flowing into Hudson Bay

■ Hudson seal   n   muskrat fur that has been dressed and dyed to resemble sealskin

hudud (ˈhʌdʌd)   n   the set of laws and punishments specified by Allah in the Koran [from Arabic, literally: boundaries, limits]

hue (hjuː)   n   1 the attribute of colour that enables an observer to classify it as red, green, blue, purple, etc, and excludes white, black, and shades of grey. See also colour   2 a shade of a colour   3 aspect; complexion: a different hue on matters [Old English hīw beauty; related to Old Norse hӯ fine hair, Gothic hiwi form]

■ hued (hjuːd)   adj   archaic or poetic   a having a hue or colour as specified   b (in combination): rosy-hued dawn

■ hueless (ˈhjuːləs)   adj   having no colour; pale

Hué (French ɥe)   n   a port in central Vietnam, on the delta of the Hué River near the South China Sea: former capital of the kingdom of Annam, of French Indochina (1883–1946), and of Central Vietnam (1946–54). Pop: 377 000 (2005 est)

hue and cry   n   1 (formerly) the pursuit of a suspected criminal with loud cries in order to raise the alarm   2 any loud public outcry [C16: from Anglo-French hu et cri, from Old French hue outcry, from huer to shout, from hu! shout of warning + cri CRY]

Huelva (Spanish ˈuɛlβa)   n   a port in SW Spain, between the estuaries of the Odiel and Tinto Rivers: exports copper and other ores. Pop: 144 831 (2003 est)

huer (ˈhjuːə)   n   1 a person who stood on a cliff during herring-fishing in order to signal to the fisherman at sea which way shoals of herrings or sardines passed   2 archaic a person employed to rouse or drive deer by shouting or making a noise

Huesca (Spanish ˈueska)   n   a city in NE Spain: Roman town, site of Quintus Sertorius' school (76 BC); 15th-century cathedral and ancient palace of Aragonese kings. Pop: 47 609 (2003 est). Latin name: Osca (ˈɒskə)

huff (hʌf)   n   1 a passing mood of anger or pique (esp in the phrase in a huff)   ▷ vb   2 to make or become angry or resentful   3 (intr) to blow or puff heavily   4 Also: blow draughts to remove (an opponent's draught) from the board for failure to make a capture   5 (tr) obsolete to bully   6 huffing and puffing empty threats or objections; bluster [C16: of imitative origin; compare PUFF]   > ˈhuffish or ˈhuffy adj   > ˈhuffily or ˈhuffishly adv   > ˈhuffiness or ˈhuffishness n

■ huffing (ˈhʌfIŋ)   n   slang the practice of inhaling toxic fumes from glue and other household products for their intoxicating effects   > ˈhuffer n

huffkin (ˈhʌfkIn)   n   a kind of muffin or tea-cake made mainly in Kent

Hufuf (hʊˈfuːf)   n   See Al Hufuf

hug (hʌɡ)   vb hugs, hugging, hugged (mainly tr)   1 (also intr) to clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace   2 to keep close to a shore, kerb, etc   3 to cling to (beliefs, etc); cherish   4 to congratulate (oneself); be delighted with (oneself)   ▷ n   5 a tight or fond embrace [C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hugga to comfort, Old English hogian to take care of]   > ˈhuggable adj   > ˈhugger n

■ -hugging   adj   (in combination) fitting very tightly over the part of the body specified: body-hugging; skin-hugging

■ huggy (ˈhʌɡI)   adj -gier, -giest   informal sensitive and caring: a soft, lovely, huggy person

■ hug-me-tight   n   a woman's knitted jacket

huge (hjuːdʒ)   adj   extremely large in size, amount, or scope [C13: from Old French ahuge, of uncertain origin]   > ˈhugeness n

■ hugely (ˈhjuːdʒlI)   adv   very much; enormously

■ hugeous (ˈhjuːdʒəs)   adj   an archaic word for huge   > ˈhugeously adv   > ˈhugeousness n

hugger-mugger (ˈhʌɡəˌmʌɡə)   n   1 confusion   2 rare secrecy   ▷ adj, adv archaic   3 with secrecy   4 in confusion   ▷ vb obsolete   5 (tr) to keep secret   6 (intr) to act secretly [C16: of uncertain origin]

Huggins (ˈhʌɡInz)   n   Sir William. 1824–1910, British astronomer. He pioneered the use of spectroscopy in astronomy and discovered the red shift in the lines of a stellar spectrum

Hugh Capet (ˈhjuː ˈkæpIt, ˈkeIpIt)   n   See Capet

Hughes (hjuːz)   n   1  Howard. 1905–76, US industrialist, aviator, and film producer. He became a total recluse during the last years of his life   2  (James Mercer) Langston. 1902–67, US poet and writer. His collections include The Weary Blues (1926) and The Panther and the Lash (1967)   3  Richard (Arthur Warren). 1900–76, British novelist. He wrote A High Wind in Jamaica (1929), In Hazard (1938), and The Fox in the Attic (1961)   4  Robert (Studley Forrest). 1938–2012, Australian art critic, writer, and broadcaster; his work includes the television series The Shock of the New (1981) and the book The Culture of Complaint (1993)   5  Ted, full name Edward James Hughes. 1930–98, British poet: his works include The Hawk in the Rain (1957), Crow (1970), and Birthday Letters (1998). Poet laureate (1984–98)   6  Thomas. 1822–96, British novelist; author of Tom Brown's Schooldays (1857)   7  William Morris. 1864–1952, Australian statesman, born in England: prime minister of Australia (1915–23)

■ Hughes syndrome (hjuːz)   n   a condition of the autoimmune system caused by antibodies reacting against phospholipids, leading to thrombosis [C20: after Graham Hughes, British rheumatologist who described it in 1983]

Hughie (ˈhjuːI)   n   Austral and NZ informal the god of rain and of surf (esp in the phrases send her down, Hughie! and send 'em up, Hughie!) [C20: of uncertain origin]

Hugo (ˈhjuːɡəʊ; French yɡo)   n   Victor (Marie) (viktɔr). 1802–85, French poet, novelist, and dramatist; leader of the romantic movement in France. His works include the volumes of verse Les Feuilles d'automne (1831) and Les Contemplations (1856), the novels Notre-Dame de Paris (1831) and Les Misérables (1862), and the plays Hernani (1830) and Ruy Blas (1838)

Huguenot (ˈhjuːɡəˌnəʊ, -ˌnɒt)   n   1 a French Calvinist, esp of the 16th or 17th centuries   ▷ adj   2 designating the French Protestant Church [C16: from French, from Genevan dialect eyguenot one who opposed annexation by Savoy, ultimately from Swiss German Eidgenoss confederate; influenced by Hugues, surname of 16th-century Genevan burgomaster]   > ˌHugueˈnotic adj   > ˈHugueˌnotism n

huh (hʌ)   interj   an exclamation of derision, bewilderment, inquiry, etc

Huhehot (ˌhuːhIˈhɒt ˌhuːI-) or Hu-ho-hao-t'e (ˌhuːhəʊ-haʊˈteI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Hohhot

huhu (ˈhuːhuː)   n   a New Zealand beetle, Prionoplus reticularis, with a hairy body [Māori]

hui (ˈhuːI)   n, pl hui or huis NZ   1 a conference, meeting, or other gathering   2 informal a party [Māori]

huia (ˈhʊIjə)   n   an extinct bird of New Zealand, Heteralocha acutirostris, prized by early Māoris for its distinctive tail feathers [Māori]

huic (huːˈiːk)   interj   hunting an encouraging call given by a huntsman during a hunt to cheer on hounds

huipil Spanish (wiˈpil)   n   a loose, richly embroidered blouse worn chiefly by Mayan women in Mexico and Central America

huisache (wiːˈsɑːtʃI)   n   a thorny shrub or small tree of tropical or sub-tropical America, Acacia farnesia var farnesia, with clusters of fragrant yellow flower heads used in perfumery. Also called: cassie, opopanax, popinac(k), sweet acacia, sponge tree

huissier French (ɥisje)   n   an usher

huitain French (wiːˈteIn)   n   a French verse form of eight lines or sets of lines of 8 or 10 syllables rhyming ababbcbc or abbaacac

Hu Jintao (ˈhuː ˈdʒIntaʊ)   n   born 1942, Chinese Communist statesman; president of China (2003–2013)

hula (ˈhuːlə) or hula-hula   n   a Hawaiian dance performed by a woman [from Hawaiian]

■ hula skirt   n   a skirt made of long grass attached to a waistband and worn by hula dancers

Hula Hoop   n   trademark a light hoop that is whirled around the body by movements of the waist and hips

hulk (hʌlk)   n   1 the body of an abandoned vessel   2 derogatory a large or unwieldy vessel   3 derogatory a large ungainly person or thing   4 (often plural) the frame or hull of a ship, used as a storehouse, etc, or (esp in 19th-century Britain) as a prison   ▷ vb   5 (intr) Brit informal to move clumsily   6 (intr; often foll by up) to rise massively [Old English hulc, from Medieval Latin hulca, from Greek holkas barge, from helkein to tow]

■ hulking (ˈhʌlkIŋ)   adj   big and ungainly. Also: hulky

hull (hʌl)   n   1 the main body of a vessel, tank, flying boat, etc   2 the shell or pod of peas or beans; the outer covering of any fruit or seed; husk   3 the persistent calyx at the base of a strawberry, raspberry, or similar fruit   4 the outer casing of a missile, rocket, etc   ▷ vb   5 to remove the hulls from (fruit or seeds)   6 (tr) to pierce the hull of (a vessel, tank, etc) [Old English hulu; related to Old High German helawa, Old English helan to hide]   > ˈhuller n   > ˈhull-less adj

■ hull down   adj   1 (of a ship) having its hull concealed by the horizon   2 (of a tank) having only its turret visible

■ -hulled   adj   (of a vessel) having a hull as specified: steel-hulled

■ hully (ˈhʌlI)   adj   rare having hulls or husks

Hull^1 (hʌl)   n   1 a city and port in NE England, in Kingston upon Hull unitary authority, East Riding of Yorkshire: fishing, food processing; two universities. Pop: 301 416 (2001). Official name: Kingston upon Hull   2 a city in SE Canada, in SW Quebec on the River Ottawa: a centre of the timber trade and associated industries. Pop: 66 246 (2001)

Hull^2 (hʌl)   n   Cordell. 1871–1955, US statesman; secretary of state (1933–44). He helped to found the U.N.: Nobel peace prize 1945

hullabaloo or hullaballoo (ˌhʌləbəˈluː)   n, pl -loos   loud confused noise, esp of protest; commotion [C18: perhaps from interjection HALLO + Scottish baloo lullaby]

hullo (hʌˈləʊ)   sentence substitute, n   a variant of hello

Hulme (hjuːm)   n   T(homas) E(rnest). 1883–1917, English literary critic and poet; a proponent of imagism

hum (hʌm)   vb hums, humming, hummed   1 (intr) to make a low continuous vibrating sound like that of a prolonged m   2 (intr) (of a person) to sing with the lips closed   3 (intr) to utter an indistinct sound, as in hesitation; hem   4 (intr) informal to be in a state of feverish activity   5 (intr) Brit and Irish slang to smell unpleasant   6 (intr) Austral slang to scrounge   7 hum and haw See hem^2 (sense 3)   ▷ n   8 a low continuous murmuring sound   9 electronics an undesired low-frequency noise in the output of an amplifier or receiver, esp one caused by the power supply   10 Austral slang a scrounger; cadger   11 Brit and Irish slang an unpleasant odour   ▷ interj, n   12 an indistinct sound of hesitation, embarrassment, etc; hem [C14: of imitative origin; compare Dutch hommelen, Old High German humbal bumblebee]   > ˈhummer n

■ hummable (ˈhʌməbəl)   adj   suitable for humming

■ humming (ˈhʌmIŋ)   n   1 the act of singing with closed lips   ▷ adj   2 (of a sound) low and continuous

■ hummingbird (ˈhʌmIŋˌbɜːd)   n   any very small American bird of the family Trochilidae, having a brilliant iridescent plumage, long slender bill, and wings specialized for very powerful vibrating flight: order Apodiformes

■ hummingbird moth   n   US another name for the hawk moth

■ humming top   n   a top that hums as it spins

■ hum tone   n   a note produced by a bell when struck, lying an octave or (in many English bells) a sixth or seventh below the strike tone. Also called (esp Brit): hum note

huma (ˈhuːmə)   n   a bird in Persian mythology similar to the phoenix and believed to bring good luck. Also called: bird of paradise

human (ˈhjuːmən)   adj   1 of, characterizing, or relating to people: human nature   2 consisting of people: the human race; a human chain   3 having the attributes of people as opposed to animals, divine beings, or machines: human failings   4    a kind or considerate   b natural   ▷ n   5 a human being; person ▶ Related prefix: anthropo- [C14: from Latin hūmānus; related to Latin homō man]   > ˈhuman-ˌlike adj   > ˈhumanness n

■ human being   n   a member of any of the races of Homo sapiens; person; man, woman, or child

■ human capital   n   economics the abilities and skills of any individual, esp those acquired through investment in education and training, that enhance potential income earning

■ human embryonic stem cell   n   a stem cell obtained from the blastocyst of a human embryo. Abbreviation: hESC

■ human growth hormone   n   another name for growth hormone. Abbreviation: HGH

■ humanhood (ˈhjuːmənˌhʊd)   n   rare the state or character of being human

■ human immunodeficiency virus   n   the full name for HIV

■ human interest   n   (in a newspaper story, news broadcasting, etc) reference to individuals and their emotions

■ humanism (ˈhjuːməˌnIzəm)   n   1 the denial of any power or moral value superior to that of humanity; the rejection of religion in favour of a belief in the advancement of humanity by its own efforts   2 a philosophical position that stresses the autonomy of human reason in contradistinction to the authority of the Church   3 (often capital) a cultural movement of the Renaissance, based on classical studies   4 interest in the welfare of people   > ˈhumanist n   > ˌhumanˈistic adj   > ˌhumanˈistically adv

■ humanistic psychology   n   an approach to psychology that emphasizes emotions and the better understanding of the self in terms of observation of oneself and one's relations with others

■ humanity (hjuːˈmænItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the human race   2 the quality of being human   3 kindness or mercy   4 the humanities (plural) the study of literature, philosophy, and the arts   5 the study of Ancient Greek and Roman language, literature, etc

■ humankind (ˌhjuːmənˈkaInd)   n   the human race; humanity

■ humanly (ˈhjuːmənlI)   adv   1 by human powers or means   2 in a human or humane manner

■ human megaphone   n US   the technique of using a crowd of people to repeat a speaker's words in unison

■ human nature   n   1 the qualities common to humanity   2 ordinary human behaviour, esp considered as less than perfect   3 sociol the unique elements that form a basic part of human life and distinguish it from other animal life

■ humanoid (ˈhjuːməˌnɔId)   adj   1 like a human being in appearance   ▷ n   2 a being with human rather than anthropoid characteristics   3 (in science fiction) a robot or creature resembling a human being

■ human papilloma virus   n   any one of a class of viruses that cause tumours, including warts, in humans. Certain strains infect the cervix and have been implicated as a cause of cervical cancer. Abbreviation: HPV

■ human resources   pl n   1    a the workforce of an organization   b (as modifier): human-resources management; human-resources officer   2    a the office or department in an organization that interviews, appoints, or keeps records of employees   b (as modifier): a human-resources consultancy   3 the contribution to an employing organization which its workforce could provide in effort, skills, knowledge, etc

■ human rights   pl n   the rights of individuals to liberty, justice, etc

humane (hjuːˈmeIn)   adj   1 characterized by kindness, mercy, sympathy, etc   2 inflicting as little pain as possible: a humane killing   3 civilizing or liberal (esp in the phrases humane studies, humane education) [C16: variant of HUMAN]   > huˈmanely adv   > huˈmaneness n

■ humane society   n   an organization for promotion of humane ideals, esp in dealing with animals

Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority   n   an organization set up by act of Parliament (1990) to control and review research involving embryos. It maintains a register of persons whose gametes are used for assisted conception. Abbreviation: HFEA

humanitarian (hjuːˌmænIˈtɛərIən)   adj   1 having the interests of humankind at heart   2 of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism   ▷ n   3 a philanthropist   4 an adherent of humanitarianism

■ humanitarianism (hjuːˌmænIˈtɛərIəˌnIzəm)   n   1 humanitarian principles   2 ethics   a the doctrine that duty of human beings is to strive to promote the welfare of their fellow people   b the doctrine that people can achieve perfection through their own resources   3 theol the belief that Jesus Christ was only a mortal man   > huˌmaniˈtarianist n

humanize or humanise (ˈhjuːməˌnaIz)   vb   1 to make or become human   2 to make or become humane   > ˌhumaniˈzation or ˌhumaniˈsation n   > ˈhumanˌizer or ˈhumanˌiser n

humate (ˈhjuːˌmeIt)   n   chem a mineral salt of humic acid formed from decomposed prehistoric plant and animal matter, used as a fertilizer

Humber (ˈhʌmbə)   n   an estuary in NE England, into which flow the Rivers Ouse and Trent: flows east into the North Sea; navigable for large ocean-going ships as far as Hull; crossed by the Humber Bridge (1981), a single-span suspension bridge with a main span of 1410 m (4626 ft). Length: 64 km (40 miles)

■ Humberside (ˈhʌmbəˌsaId)   n   a former county of N England around the Humber estuary, formed in 1974 from parts of the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire and N Lincolnshire: replaced in 1996 by the unitary authorities of East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire

humble (ˈhʌmbəl)   adj   1 conscious of one's failings   2 unpretentious; lowly: a humble cottage; my humble opinion   3 deferential or servile   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to cause to become humble; humiliate   5 to lower in status [C13: from Old French, from Latin humilis low, from humus the ground]   > ˈhumbled adj   > ˈhumbleness n   > ˈhumbler n   > ˈhumbling adj   > ˈhumblingly adv   > ˈhumbly adv

■ humblebrag (ˈhʌmbəlˌbræɡ)   n   a statement that purports to be self-effacing but in fact reveals a person's wealth or importance [C21: HUMBLE + BRAG]

■ humble pie   n   1 (formerly) a pie made from the heart, entrails, etc, of a deer   2 eat humble pie to behave or be forced to behave humbly; be humiliated [C17: earlier an umble pie, by mistaken word division from a numble pie, from numbles offal of a deer, from Old French nombles, ultimately from Latin lumbulus a little loin, from lumbus loin]

humblebee (ˈhʌmbəlˌbiː)   n   another name for the bumblebee [C15: related to Middle Dutch hommel bumblebee, Old High German humbal; see HUM]

humblesse (ˈhʌmblɛs)   n   archaic humbleness, humility, or abasement

Humboldt (ˈhʌmbəʊlt; German ˈhʊmbɔlt)   n   1  Baron (Friedrich Heinrich) Alexander von (alɛˈksandər fɔn). 1769–1859, German scientist, who made important scientific explorations in Central and South America (1799–1804). In Kosmos (1845–62), he provided a comprehensive description of the physical universe   2  his brother, Baron (Karl) Wilhelm von (ˈvIlhɛlm fɔn). 1767–1835, German philologist and educational reformer

■ Humboldt Current (ˈhʌmbəʊlt)   n   a cold ocean current of the S Pacific, flowing north along the coasts of Chile and Peru. Also called: Peru Current

humbucker (ˈhʌmˌbʌkə)   n   a twin-coil guitar pick-up

humbug (ˈhʌmˌbʌɡ)   n   1 a person or thing that tricks or deceives   2 nonsense; rubbish   3 Brit a hard boiled sweet, usually flavoured with peppermint and often having a striped pattern   ▷ vb -bugs, -bugging, -bugged   4 to cheat or deceive (someone) [C18: of unknown origin]   > ˈhumˌbugger n   > ˈhumˌbuggery n

■ humbuggable (ˌhʌmˈbʌɡəbəl)   adj   capable of being humbugged

humbuzz (ˈhʌmˌbʌz)   n dialect   1 the cockchafer, a European beetle of the genus Melolontha in the family Scarabaeidae   2 another word for bullroarer

humdinger (ˈhʌmˌdIŋə)   n slang   1 something unusually large: a humdinger of a recession   2 an excellent person or thing: a humdinger of a party [C20: of unknown origin]

humdrum (ˈhʌmˌdrʌm)   adj   1 ordinary; dull   ▷ n   2 a monotonous routine, task, or person [C16: rhyming compound, probably based on HUM]   > ˈhumˌdrumness n

humdudgeon (ˌhʌmˈdʌdʒən) or humdurgeon (hʌmˈdɜːdʒən)   n   an imaginary illness

Hume (hjuːm)   n   1  (George) Basil. 1923–99, English Roman Catholic Benedictine monk and cardinal; archbishop of Westminster (1976–99)   2  David. 1711–76, Scottish empiricist philosopher, economist, and historian, whose sceptic philosophy restricted human knowledge to that which can be perceived by the senses. His works include A Treatise of Human Nature (1740), An Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals (1751), Political Discourses (1752), and History of England (1754–62)   3  John. born 1937, Northern Ireland politician; leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) (1979–2001). Nobel peace prize jointly with David Trimble in 1998   > ˈHumism n

■ Hume's law (hjuːmz)   n   the philosophical doctrine that an evaluative statement cannot be derived from purely factual premises, often formulated as: one can't derive an "ought" from an "is". See also naturalistic fallacy [named after David HUME]

humect (hjuːˈmɛkt) or humectate (hjuːˈmɛkteIt)   vb (tr)   rare to moisten, to wet

■ humectant (hjuːˈmɛktənt)   adj   1 producing moisture   ▷ n   2 a substance added to another substance to keep it moist [C17: from Latin ūmectāre to wet, from ūmēre to be moist, from ūmor moisture; see HUMOUR]

■ humectation (ˌhjuːmɛkˈteIʃən)   n   1 the action or process of moistening or wetting, irrigation, or the state of being moistened or wet   2 pathol oedema   3 archaic liquefaction

■ humective (hjuːˈmɛktIv)   adj   1 archaic tending to moisten   ▷ n   2 med an agent that dilutes, dissolves or makes more fluid, a diluent

humerus (ˈhjuːmərəs)   n, pl -meri (-məˌraI)   1 the bone that extends from the shoulder to the elbow   2 the corresponding bone in other vertebrates [C17: from Latin umerus; related to Gothic ams shoulder, Greek ōmos]

■ humeral (ˈhjuːmərəl)   adj   1 anatomy of or relating to the humerus   2 of or near the shoulder

■ humeral veil   n   RC Church a silk shawl worn by a priest at High Mass, etc. Often shortened to: veil

humgruffin (hʌmˈɡrʌfIn) or humgruffian (hʌmˈɡrʌfIən)   n   a terrible or repulsive person

humhum (ˈhʌmˌhʌm)   n   a coarse Indian cotton cloth

humic (ˈhjuːmIk)   adj   of, relating to, derived from, or resembling humus: humic acids [C19: from Latin humus ground + -IC]

humicole (ˈhjuːmIˌkəʊl)   n   rare any plant that thrives on humus   > humicolous (hjuːˈmIkələs) adj

humid (ˈhjuːmId)   adj   moist; damp: a humid day [C16: from Latin ūmidus, from ūmēre to be wet; see HUMECTANT, HUMOUR]   > ˈhumidly adv   > ˈhumidness n

■ humidity (hjuːˈmIdItI)   n   1 the state of being humid; dampness   2 a measure of the amount of moisture in the air. See relative humidity, absolute humidity

humidex (ˈhjuːmIˌdɛks)   n   Canadian a scale indicating the levels of heat and humidity in current weather conditions [C20: from HUMID + (IN)DEX]

humidify (hjuːˈmIdIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   (tr) to make (air) humid or damp   > huˌmidifiˈcation n

■ humidifier (hjuːˈmIdIˌfaIə)   n   a device for increasing or controlling the water vapour in a room, building, etc

humidistat (hjuːˈmIdIˌstæt)   n   a device for maintaining constant humidity. Also called: hygrostat

humidor (ˈhjuːmIˌdɔː)   n   a humid place or container for storing cigars, tobacco, etc

humify (ˈhjuːmIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied   to convert or be converted into humus   > ˌhumifiˈcation n

humiliant (hjuːˈmIlIənt)   adj   humiliating, humbling

humiliate (hjuːˈmIlIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to lower or hurt the dignity or pride of [C16: from Late Latin humiliāre, from Latin humilis HUMBLE]   > huˈmiliˌated adj   > huˈmiliˌating adj   > huˈmiliˌatingly adv   > huˌmiliˈation n   > humiliative (hjuːˈmIljətIv) adj   > huˈmiliˌator n   > huˈmiliatory adj

humility (hjuːˈmIlItI)   n, pl -ties   the state or quality of being humble

humint (ˈhjuːmInt)   n   human intelligence: military intelligence gained from human sources with knowledge of the target area

humite (ˈhjuːmaIt)   n   mineralogy a mineral, transparent vitreous brown to orange in colour, found in the volcanic matter on Vesuvius

humiture (ˈhjuːmItjə, ˈhjuːmItjʊə)   n   1 a measure of the discomfort felt by most people due to the combined effects of atmospheric temperature and humidity   2 obsolete the heat index

humlie (ˈhʌmlI)   n   Scot a hornless cow

hummel (ˈhʌməl)   adj Scot   1 (of cattle) hornless   2 (of grain) awnless [C15: of Germanic origin; compare Low German hummel hornless animal]

■ hummeller (ˈhʌmələ)   n   a person, machine or tool which removes the awns or beards from barley

■ hummelling (ˈhʌməlIŋ)   n   the process of removing the awns or beards form barley

Hummel (ˈhʊməl)   n   Johann Nepomuk (joˈhan ˈneːpomʊk). 1778–1837, German composer and pianist

hummle bonnet (ˈhʌməl)   n   a cap formerly worn by Scottish soldiers

hummock (ˈhʌmək)   n   1 a hillock; knoll   2 a ridge or mound of ice in an ice field   3 Also called: hammock chiefly Southern US a wooded area lying above the level of an adjacent marsh [C16: of uncertain origin; compare HUMP, HAMMOCK]   > ˈhummocky adj

hummus, hoummos or houmous (ˈhʊməs)   n   a creamy dip originating in the Middle East, made from puréed chickpeas, tahini, etc [from Turkish humus]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with humus

humogen (ˈhjuːmədʒən)   n   a plant fertilizer

humongous or humungous (ˌhjuːˈmʌŋɡəs)   adj   exceptionally large; huge [C20: of uncertain origin]

humoral (ˈhjuːmərəl)   adj   1 immunol denoting or relating to a type of immunity caused by free antibodies circulating in the blood   2 obsolete of or relating to the four bodily fluids (humours)

■ humoralism (ˈhjuːmərəˌlIzəm)   n   a theory of the composition and workings of the human body, based on the idea that it was filled with four basic substances, or humours, adopted by Greek and Roman physicians and philosophers.

■ humoralist (ˈhjuːmərəlIst)   n   a person who believes in humoralism

■ humorally (ˈhjuːmərəlI)   adv   med in a humoral manner or from a humoral point of view

humoresque or humoresk (ˌhjuːməˈrɛsk)   n   a short lively piece of music [C19: from German Humoreske, ultimately from English HUMOUR]

humorist (ˈhjuːmərIst)   n   a person who acts, speaks, or writes in a humorous way   > ˌhumorˈistic adj

humorous (ˈhjuːmərəs)   adj   1 funny; comical; amusing   2 displaying or creating humour   3 archaic another word for capricious   > ˈhumorously adv   > ˈhumorousness n

humour or US humor (ˈhjuːmə)   n   1 the quality of being funny   2 Also called: sense of humour the ability to appreciate or express that which is humorous   3 situations, speech, or writings that are thought to be humorous   4    a a state of mind; temper; mood   b (in combination): ill humour; good humour   5 temperament or disposition   6 a caprice or whim   7 any of various fluids in the body, esp the aqueous humour and vitreous humour   8 Also called: cardinal humour archaic any of the four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, choler or yellow bile, melancholy or black bile) formerly thought to determine emotional and physical disposition   9 out of humour in a bad mood   ▷ vb (tr)   10 to attempt to gratify; indulge: he humoured the boy's whims   11 to adapt oneself to: to humour someone's fantasies [C14: from Latin humor liquid; related to Latin ūmēre to be wet, Old Norse vökr moist, Greek hugros wet]   > ˈhumourful or US ˈhumorful adj   > ˈhumourless or US ˈhumorless adj   > ˈhumourlessness or US ˈhumorlessness n

■ -humoured or US -humored   adj   (in combination) having a state of mind, temper, or mood as specified: bad-humoured

■ humourlessly or US humorlessly (ˈhjuːməlIslI)   adv   in a humourless manner

■ humoursome or US humorsome (ˈhjuːməsəm)   adj   1 capricious; fanciful   2 inclined to humour someone   > ˈhumoursomeness or US ˈhumorsomeness n

hump (hʌmp)   n   1 a rounded protuberance or projection, as of earth, sand, etc   2 pathol a rounded deformity of the back in persons with kyphosis, consisting of a convex spinal curvature   3 a rounded protuberance on the back of a camel or related animal   4 the hump Brit informal a fit of depression or sulking (esp in the phrase it gives me the hump)   5 over the hump past the largest or most difficult portion of work, time, etc   ▷ vb   6 to form or become a hump; hunch; arch   7 (tr) Brit slang to carry or heave   8 vulgar, slang to have sexual intercourse with (someone)   9 hump one's swag Austral and NZ informal (of a tramp) to carry one's belongings from place to place on one's back [C18: probably from earlier HUMPBACKED]   > ˈhumpˌlike adj

■ humpback (ˈhʌmpˌbæk)   n   1 another word for hunchback   2 Also called: humpback whale a large whalebone whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, closely related and similar to the rorquals but with a humped back and long flippers: family Balaenopteridae   3 a Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, the male of which has a humped back and hooked jaws   4 Also called: humpback bridge Brit a road bridge having a sharp incline and decline and usually a narrow roadway [C17: alteration of earlier crumpbacked, perhaps influenced by HUNCHBACK; perhaps related to Dutch homp lump]   > ˈhumpˌbacked adj

■ hump day   n   informal the middle day of the working week, usually Wednesday [C20: see HUMP (sense 5)]

■ humper (ˈhʌmpə)   n   a person or thing that humps

■ humpless (ˈhʌmpləs)   adj   having no hump

■ humpy (ˈhʌmpI)   adj humpier, humpiest   1 full of humps   2 Brit informal angry or gloomy   > ˈhumpiness n

humpy (ˈhʌmpI)   n, pl humpies   Austral a primitive hut [C19: from a native Australian language]

humpen (ˈhʊmpən)   n   a round drinking glass formerly made in Germany

Humperdinck (German ˈhʊmpərdIŋk)   n   Engelbert (ˈɛŋəlbɛrt). 1854–1921, German composer, esp of operas, including Hansel and Gretel (1893)

humph (hʌmf)   interj   an exclamation of annoyance, dissatisfaction, scepticism, etc

Humphrey (ˈhʌmfrI)   n   1 Duke Humphrey See Gloucester^2 (sense 1)   2  Hubert Horatio. 1911–78, US statesman; vice-president of the US under President Johnson (1965–69)

Humphreys Peak (ˈhʌmfrIz)   n   a mountain in N central Arizona, in the San Francisco Peaks: the highest peak in the state. Height: 3851 m (12 635 ft)

Humphries (ˈhʌmfrIz)   n   (John) Barry. born 1934, Australian comic actor and writer, best known for creating the character Dame Edna Everage

humpty (ˈhʌmptI)   n   Brit a low padded seat; pouffe [C20: from humpty hunchbacked, perhaps influenced by Humpty Dumpty (nursery rhyme)]

■ humpty dumpty (ˈhʌmptI ˈdʌmptI)   n chiefly Brit   1 a short fat person   2 a person or thing that once overthrown or broken cannot be restored or mended [C18: after the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty]

Hums (hʊms)   n   a variant of Homs

humstrum (ˈhʌmˌstrʌm)   n   1 a musical instrument that is of crude construction or out of tune   2 music, esp when poorly played

humungous (hjuːˈmʌŋɡəs)   adj   a variant spelling of humongous

humus (ˈhjuːməs)   n   a dark brown or black colloidal mass of partially decomposed organic matter in the soil. It improves the fertility and water retention of the soil and is therefore important for plant growth [C18: from Latin: soil, earth]

USAGE

Avoid confusion with hummus

■ humusy (ˈhjuːməsI)   adj   (of soil) rich in humus

Humvee (ˈhʌmˌviː)   n   a four-wheel drive military vehicle [from h(igh-mobility) + m(ulti-purpose) v(ehicle) + -EE]

Hun (hʌn)   n   1 a member of any of several Asiatic nomadic peoples speaking Mongolic or Turkic languages who dominated much of Asia and E Europe from before 300 BC, invading the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries AD   2 informal (esp in World War I) a derogatory name for a German (sense 2)   3 informal a vandal [Old English Hūnas, from Late Latin Hūnī, from Turkish Hun-yū]   > ˈHunˌlike adj

■ Hunnish (ˈhʌnIʃ)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of the Huns   2 barbarously destructive; vandalistic   > ˈHunnishly adv   > ˈHunnishness n

Hunan (ˈhuːˈnæn)   n   a province of S China, between the Yangtze River and the Nan Ling Mountains: drained chiefly by the Xiang and Yuan Rivers; valuable mineral resources. Capital: Changsha. Pop: 66 630 000 (2003 est). Area: 210 500 sq km (82 095 sq miles)

hunch (hʌntʃ)   n   1 an intuitive guess or feeling   2 another word for hump   3 a lump or large piece   ▷ vb   4 to bend or draw (oneself or a part of the body) up or together   5 (intr; usually foll by up) to sit in a hunched position [C16: of unknown origin]

■ hunchback (ˈhʌntʃˌbæk)   n   1 offensive a person having an abnormal convex curvature of the thoracic spine   2 such a curvature   ▶ Also called: humpback. Compare kyphosis, hollow-back [C18: from earlier hunchbacked, huckbacked humpbacked, influenced by bunchbacked, from bunch (in obsolete sense of hump) + BACKED]   > ˈhunchˌbacked adj

■ hunched (hʌntʃt)   adj   (of a person) leaning forwards with their shoulders raised and their head down, or (of shoulders, etc) in the posture adopted by a hunched person

hundred (ˈhʌndrəd)   n, pl -dreds or -dred   1 the cardinal number that is the product of ten and ten; five score. See also number (sense 1)   2 a numeral, 100, C, etc, representing this number   3 (often plural) a large but unspecified number, amount, or quantity: there will be hundreds of people there   4 the hundreds   a the numbers 100 to 109: the temperature was in the hundreds   b the numbers 100 to 199: his score went into the hundreds   c the numbers 100 to 999: the price was in the hundreds   5 (plural) the 100 years of a specified century: in the sixteen hundreds   6 something representing, represented by, or consisting of 100 units   7 maths the position containing a digit representing that number followed by two zeros: in 4376, 3 is in the hundred's place   8 an ancient division of a county in England, Ireland, and parts of the US   ▷ determiner   9    a amounting to or approximately a hundred: a hundred reasons for that   b (as pronoun): the hundred I chose   10 amounting to 100 times a particular scientific quantity: a hundred volts ▶ Related prefix: hecto- [Old English; related to Old Frisian hunderd, Old Norse hundrath, German hundert, Gothic hund, Latin centum, Greek hekaton]

■ hundred days   pl n   French history the period between Napoleon Bonaparte's arrival in Paris from Elba on March 20, 1815, and his abdication on June 29, 1815

■ hundreder (ˈhʌndrədə)   n   1 the bailiff or chief officer of a hundred, an old subdivision of a county with its own court   2 an inhabitant of a hundred

■ hundredfold (ˈhʌndrədfəʊld)   adj   1 having a hundred times as many or as much   ▷ adv   2 by a factor of a hundred

■ hundred-percenter   n   US an extreme or unjustified nationalist   > ˈhundred-perˈcentism n

■ hundreds and thousands   pl n   tiny beads of brightly coloured sugar, used in decorating cakes, sweets, etc

■ hundredweight (ˈhʌndrədˌweIt)   n, pl -weights or -weight   1 Also called: long hundredweight Brit a unit of weight equal to 112 pounds or 50.802 35 kilograms   2 Also called: short hundredweight US and Canadian a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds or 45.359 24 kilograms   3 Also called: metric hundredweight a metric unit of weight equal to 50 kilograms   ▶ Abbreviation (for senses 1, 2): cwt

■ hundred-year-old   adj   of one hundred years of age

■ Hundred Years' War   n   the series of wars fought intermittently between England and France from 1337–1453: after early victories the English were expelled from all of France except Calais

hundredth (ˈhʌndrədθ)   adj   1 (usually prenominal)   a being the ordinal number of 100 in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc   b (as noun): the hundredth in line   ▷ n   2    a one of 100 approximately equal parts of something   b (as modifier): a hundredth part   3 one of 100 equal divisions of a particular scientific quantity: centimetre. Related prefix: centi-   4 the fraction equal to one divided by 100 (1⁄100)

hung (hʌŋ)   vb   1 the usual past tense and past participle of hang   ▷ adj   2    a (of a legislative assembly) not having a party with a working majority: a hung parliament   b unable to reach a decision: a hung jury   c (of a situation) unable to be resolved   3 hung over or hungover informal suffering from the effects of a hangover   4 hung up slang   a impeded by some difficulty or delay   b in a state of confusion; emotionally or psychologically troubled   5 hung up on slang obsessively or exclusively interested in: he's hung up on modern art these days

USAGE

For most senses of hang the past tense and past participle is hung: I hung the curtains; he had hung the new painting on the wall. However, when the meaning is 'to suspend or be suspended by the neck until dead', the past tense and past participle is hanged: the traitors were hanged; they had hanged him at dawn. This form is also used in the idiom I'll be hanged

Hung.   abbreviation for   1 Hungarian   2 Hungary

Hungarian (hʌŋˈɡɛərIən)   n   1 the official language of Hungary, also spoken in Romania and elsewhere, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family and most closely related to the Ostyak and Vogul languages of NW Siberia   2 a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Hungary   3 a Hungarian-speaking person who is not a citizen of Hungary   ▷ adj   4 of or relating to Hungary, its people, or their language   ▶ Compare Magyar

■ Hungarian goulash   n   the full name of goulash

Hungary (ˈhʌŋɡərI)   n   a republic in central Europe: Magyars first unified under Saint Stephen, the first Hungarian king (1001–38); taken by the Hapsburgs from the Turks at the end of the 17th century; gained autonomy with the establishment of the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary (1867) and became a republic in 1918; passed under Communist control in 1949; a popular rising in 1956 was suppressed by Soviet troops; a multi-party democracy replaced Communism in 1989 after mass protests; joined the EU in 2004. It consists chiefly of the Middle Danube basin and plains. Official language: Hungarian. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: forint. Capital: Budapest Pop: 9 721 559 (2017 est). Area: 93 030 sq km (35 919 sq miles). Hungarian name: Magyarország

hunger (ˈhʌŋɡə)   n   1 a feeling of pain, emptiness, or weakness induced by lack of food   2 an appetite, desire, need, or craving: hunger for power   ▷ vb   3 to have or cause to have a need or craving for food   4 (intr; usually foll by for or after) to have a great appetite or desire (for) [Old English hungor; related to Old High German hungar, Old Norse hungr, Gothic hūhrus]

■ hungerful (ˈhʌŋɡəfʊl)   adj   US and Canadian hungry

■ hungerly (ˈhʌŋɡəlI)   adj   1 archaic having a hungry or starved look   ▷ adv   2 archaic hungrily; greedily

■ hunger march   n   a procession of protest or demonstration by unemployed people

■ hunger strike   n   a voluntary fast undertaken, usually by a prisoner, as a means of protest   > hunger striker n

Hung Hsiu-ch'uan (ˈhʌŋ ˈʃjuː ˈtʃwɑːn)   n   See Hong Xiu Quan

Hungnam (ˌhʊŋˈnæm)   n   a port in E North Korea, on the Sea of Japan (East Sea) southeast of Hamhung. Pop: about 200 000 (latest est), but the city was merged administratively with Hamhung in 2005 and figures are not normally published separately

hungry (ˈhʌŋɡrI)   adj -grier, -griest   1 desiring food   2 experiencing pain, weakness, or nausea through lack of food   3 (postpositive; foll by for) having a craving, desire, or need (for)   4 expressing or appearing to express greed, craving, or desire   5 lacking fertility; poor   6 Austral and NZ informal   a greedy; grasping   b stingy; mean   7 NZ (of timber) dry and bare   > ˈhungrily or ˈhungeringly adv   > ˈhungriness n

Hung-wu (ˈhʌŋ ˈwuː)   n   See Hong-wu

hunk (hʌŋk)   n   1 a large piece   2 Also called: hunk of a man slang a well-built, sexually attractive man [C19: probably related to Flemish hunke; compare Dutch homp lump]

■ hunky (ˈhʌŋkI) informal   adj hunkier, hunkiest   1 (of a man) well-built and sexually attractive   ▷ n, pl hunkies   2 Also: hunkey. another word for hunk (sense 2)

hunker (ˈhʌŋkə)   vb   (intr; often foll by down) to squat; crouch

hunkers (ˈhʌŋkəz)   pl n   haunches [C18: of uncertain origin]

hunks (hʌŋks)   n (functioning as singular) rare   1 a crotchety old person   2 a miserly person [C17: of unknown origin]

hunky-dory (ˌhʌŋkIˈdɔːrI)   adj   informal very satisfactory; fine [C20: of uncertain origin]

hunt (hʌnt)   vb   1 to seek out and kill or capture (game or wild animals) for food or sport   2 (intr; often foll by for) to look (for); search (for): to hunt for a book; to hunt up a friend   3 (tr) to use (hounds, horses, etc) in the pursuit of wild animals, game, etc: to hunt a pack of hounds   4 (tr) to search or draw (country) to hunt wild animals, game, etc: to hunt the parkland   5 (tr; often foll by down) to track or chase diligently, esp so as to capture: to hunt down a criminal   6 (tr; usually passive) to persecute; hound   7 (intr) (of a gauge indicator, engine speed, etc) to oscillate about a mean value or position   8 (intr) (of an aircraft, rocket, etc) to oscillate about a flight path   ▷ n   9 the act or an instance of hunting   10 chase or search, esp of animals or game   11 the area of a hunt   12 a party or institution organized for the pursuit of wild animals or game, esp for sport   13 the participants in or members of such a party or institution   14 in the hunt informal having a chance of success: that result keeps us in the hunt [Old English huntian; related to Old English hentan, Old Norse henda to grasp]   > ˈhuntedly adv

■ huntable (ˈhʌntəbəl)   adj   capable of being hunted

■ huntaway (ˈhʌntəˌweI)   n   NZ a dog trained to drive sheep at a long distance from the shepherd

■ hunt down   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to pursue successfully by diligent searching and chasing: they finally hunted down the killer in Mexico   2 (intr) (of a bell) to be rung progressively later during a set of changes

■ hunted (ˈhʌntId)   adj   harassed and worn: he has a hunted look

■ hunter (ˈhʌntə)   n   1 a person or animal that seeks out and kills or captures game. Female equivalent: huntress (ˈhʌntrIs)   2    a a person who looks diligently for something   b (in combination): a fortune-hunter   3 a specially bred horse used in hunting, usually characterized by strength and stamina   4 a specially bred dog used to hunt game   5 Also called: hunting watch a watch with a hinged metal lid or case (hunting case) to protect the crystal. See also half-hunter

■ hunter-gatherer anthropol   adj   1 (of a society, lifestyle, etc) surviving by hunting animals and gathering plants for subsistence   ▷ n   2 a member of such a society

■ hunter-killer   adj   denoting a type of naval vessel, esp a submarine, designed and equipped to pursue and destroy enemy craft

■ hunter's moon   n   the full moon following the harvest moon

■ hunt the slipper   n   a children's game in which the players look for a hidden slipper or other object, such as a thimble (hunt the thimble)

■ hunt up   vb (adverb)   1 (tr) to search for, esp successfully: I couldn't hunt up a copy of it anywhere   2 (intr) (of a bell) to be rung progressively earlier during a set of changes

Hunt (hʌnt)   n   1  Henry, known as Orator Hunt. 1773–1835, British radical, who led the mass meeting that ended in the Peterloo Massacre (1819)   2  (William) Holman. 1827–1910, British painter; a founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (1848)   3  James. 1947–93, British motor-racing driver: world champion 1976   4  (Henry Cecil) John, Baron. 1910–98, British army officer and mountaineer. He planned and led the expedition that first climbed Mount Everest (1953)   5  (James Henry) Leigh (liː). 1784–1859, British poet and essayist: a founder of The Examiner (1808) in which he promoted the work of Keats and Shelley   6  Sam(uel Percival Maitland). born 1946, New Zealand poet, noted for his public performances

Hunter (ˈhʌntə)   n   1  John. 1728–93, British physician, noted for his investigation of venereal and other diseases   2  his brother, William. 1718–83, British anatomist and obstetrician

huntiegowk (ˈhʌntIˌɡaʊk)   n   1 Scot a fool's errand or a person sent on an April fool's errand   ▷ vb (intr)   2 Scot to go on a fool's errand

hunting (ˈhʌntIŋ)   n     a the pursuit and killing or capture of game and wild animals, regarded as a sport   b (as modifier): hunting boots; hunting lodge. Related adjective: venatic

■ hunting cat or leopard   n   another name for cheetah

■ hunting ground   n   1 the area of a hunt   2 Also called: happy hunting ground any place containing a supply of what is wanted or in which a search is conducted: some resorts are a happy hunting ground for souvenirs

■ hunting horn   n   1 a long straight metal tube with a flared end and a cylindrical bore, used in giving signals in hunting. See horn (sense 9)   2 an obsolete brass instrument from which the modern French horn was developed

■ hunting knife   n   a knife used for flaying and cutting up game and sometimes for killing it

■ hunting spider   n   another name for wolf spider

Huntingdon^1 (ˈhʌntIŋdən)   n   a town in E central England, in Cambridgeshire: birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. Pop (with Godmanchester): 20 600 (2001)

Huntingdon^2 (ˈhʌntIŋdən)   n   Selina, Countess of Huntingdon. 1707–91, English religious leader, who founded a Calvinistic Methodist sect

Huntingdonshire (ˈhʌntIŋdənˌʃIə, -ʃə)   n   (until 1974) a former county of E England, now part of Cambridgeshire

Huntington's disease (ˈhʌntIŋtən)   n   a rare hereditary type of chorea, marked by involuntary jerky movements, impaired speech, and increasing dementia. Former name: Huntington's chorea [C19: named after George Huntington (1850–1916), US neurologist]

huntsman (ˈhʌntsmən)   n, pl -men   1 a person who hunts   2 a person who looks after and trains hounds, and manages them during a hunt

■ huntsman's-cup   n   US any of various pitcher plants of the genus Sarracenia, whose leaves are modified to form tubular pitchers

■ huntsmanship (ˈhʌntsmənˌʃIp)   n   the art or practice of hunting or the position or business of a huntsman

Huntsville (ˈhʌntsvIl)   n   a city in NE Alabama: space-flight and guided-missile research centre. Pop: 164 237 (2003 est)

Hunyadi (Hungarian ˈhunjɔdi)   n   János (ˈjaːnoʃ). ?1387–1456, Hungarian general, who led Hungarian resistance to the Turks, defeating them notably at Belgrade (1456)

Huon pine (ˈhjuːɒn)   n   a Tasmanian coniferous tree, Dacrydium franklinii, with scalelike leaves and cup-shaped berry-like fruits: family Podocarpaceae. It is among the oldest living individual plants, thought to be up to 10 000 years old [named after the Huon River, Tasmania]

hup (hʌp)   interj   a call to a horse to quicken its pace

hupaithric (hjuːˈpeIθrIk)   adj   a variant form of hypaethral

Hupeh or Hupei (ˈxuːˈpeI)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Hubei

hupiro (ˈhuːpiːrəʊ)   n, pl hupiro   NZ another name for stinkwood (sense 3) [Māori]

huppah (ˈhʊpə)   n   a variant spelling of chuppah

Hurban Hebrew (xʊːrˈbɑn; Yiddish ˈxʊːrbən)   n   a variant spelling of Churban

Hurd (hɜːd)   n   Douglas (Richard), Baron Hurd of Westwell. born 1930, British Conservative politician; home secretary (1985–89); foreign secretary (1989–95)

hurdies (ˈhʌrdIz)   pl n   Scot the buttocks or haunches [C16: of unknown origin]

hurdle (ˈhɜːdəl)   n   1    a athletics one of a number of light barriers over which runners leap in certain events   b a low barrier used in certain horse races   2 an obstacle to be overcome   3 a light framework of interlaced osiers, wattle, etc, used as a temporary fence   4 Brit a sledge on which criminals were dragged to their executions   ▷ vb   5 to jump (a hurdle, etc), as in racing   6 (tr) to surround with hurdles   7 (tr) to overcome [Old English hyrdel; related to Gothic haurds door, Old Norse hurth door, Old High German hurd, Latin crātis, Greek kurtos basket]   > ˈhurdler n

■ hurdle rate   n   finance the rate of return that a proposed project must provide if it is to be worth considering: usually calculated as the cost of the capital involved adjusted by a risk factor

■ hurdles (ˈhɜːdəlz)   n   athletics a race in which people have to jump over a number of obstacles while running

■ hurdling (ˈhɜːdəlIŋ)   n   athletics the act of running a hurdle race

hurds (hɜːdz)   pl n   another word for hards

hurdy-gurdy (ˈhɜːdIˈɡɜːdI)   n, pl -dies   1 any mechanical musical instrument, such as a barrel organ   2 a medieval instrument shaped like a viol in which a rosined wheel rotated by a handle sounds the strings [C18: rhyming compound, probably of imitative origin]

hurl (hɜːl)   vb   1 (tr) to throw or propel with great force   2 (tr) to utter with force; yell: to hurl insults   3 (hʌrl) Scot to transport or be transported in a driven vehicle   ▷ n   4 the act or an instance of hurling   5 (hʌrl) Scot a ride in a driven vehicle [C13: probably of imitative origin]   > ˈhurler n

■ hurlbarrow (ˈhɜːlˌbærəʊ)   n   Scot and Northern English dialect a wheelbarrow

■ hurling (ˈhɜːlIŋ)   n   a traditional Irish game resembling hockey and lacrosse, played with sticks and a ball between two teams of 15 players each

Hurler's syndrome (ˈhɜːlərz)   n   pathol a medical condition characterized by bone deformity and learning disability. Old-fashioned name: gargoylism [C20: after Gertrud Hurler (1889–1965), Austrian paediatrician]

hurley or hurly (ˈhɜːlI)   n   1 chiefly Brit another word for hurling   2 Also called: hurley stick the stick used in playing hurling

hurly (ˈhɜːlI)   n   1 commotion; hurly-burly; uproar; confusion   2 (pl -lies) a variant spelling of hurley   3 (pl -lies) Scot dialect a large wheeled barrow or hand-cart

■ hurly-burly (ˈhɜːlIˈbɜːlI)   n, pl hurly-burlies   1 confusion or commotion   ▷ adj   2 turbulent [C16: from earlier hurling and burling, rhyming phrase based on hurling in obsolete sense of uproar]

Huron (ˈhjʊərən)   n   1 Lake Huron a lake in North America, between the US and Canada: the second largest of the Great Lakes. Area: 59 570 sq km (23 000 sq miles)   2 (pl -rons or -ron) a member of a Native American people formerly living in the region east of Lake Huron   3 the Iroquoian language of this people

hurrah (hʊˈrɑː), hooray (huːˈreI), hurray (hʊˈreI) or hooroo (huːˈruː) Austral and NZ   interj, n   1 a cheer of joy, victory, etc   ▷ vb   2 to shout "hurrah" [C17: probably from German hurra; compare HUZZAH]

hurricane (ˈhʌrIkən, -keIn)   n   1 a severe, often destructive storm, esp a tropical cyclone   2    a a wind of force 12 or above on the Beaufort scale   b (as modifier): a wind of hurricane force   3 anything acting like such a wind [C16: from Spanish huracán, from Taino hurakán, from hura wind]

■ hurricane deck   n   a ship's deck that is covered by a light deck as a sunshade

■ hurricane lamp   n   a paraffin lamp, with a glass covering to prevent the flame from being blown out. Also called: storm lantern

hurry (ˈhʌrI)   vb -ries, -rying, -ried   1 (intr; often foll by up) to hasten (to do something); rush   2 (tr; often foll by along) to speed up the completion, progress, etc, of   ▷ n   3 haste   4 urgency or eagerness   5 in a hurry informal   a easily: you won't beat him in a hurry   b willingly: we won't go there again in a hurry [C16 horyen, probably of imitative origin; compare Middle High German hurren; see SCURRY]   > ˈhurrying n, adj   > ˈhurryingly adv

■ hurried (ˈhʌrId)   adj   performed with great or excessive haste: a hurried visit   > ˈhurriedly adv   > ˈhurriedness n

■ hurrier (ˈhʌrIə)   n   1 a person who hurries   2 (formerly) a child employed in a coal mine to haul baskets or carts of coal from the coal face to the surface

■ hurry-scurry   adv   1 in frantic haste   ▷ adj   2 hasty and disorderly   ▷ n   3 disordered haste   ▷ vb (intr)   4 to rush about in confusion [C18: reduplication of HURRY; compare HELTER-SKELTER]

hurst (hɜːst)   n archaic   1 a wood   2 a sandbank [Old English hyrst; related to Old High German hurst]

Hurstmonceux (ˈhɜːstmənˌsuː, -ˌsəʊ)   n   a variant spelling of Herstmonceux

hurt^1 (hɜːt)   vb hurts, hurting, hurt   1 to cause physical pain to (someone or something)   2 to cause emotional pain or distress to (someone)   3 to produce a painful sensation in (someone): the bruise hurts   4 (intr) informal to feel pain   ▷ n   5 physical, moral, or mental pain or suffering   6 a wound, cut, or sore   7 damage or injury; harm   ▷ adj   8 injured or pained physically or emotionally: a hurt knee; a hurt look [C12 hurten to hit, from Old French hurter to knock against, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse hrūtr ram, Middle High German hurt a collision]   > ˈhurter n

■ hurtful (ˈhɜːtfʊl)   adj   causing distress or injury: to say hurtful things   > ˈhurtfully adv   > ˈhurtfulness n

■ hurtless (ˈhɜːtləs)   adj   1 unhurt   2 harmless

■ hurtlessly (ˈhɜːtləslI)   adv   harmlessly

■ hurtlessness (ˈhɜːtləsnəs)   n   harmlessness; innocence

hurt^2 (hɜːt) or whort (hwɜːt)   n   Southern English dialect another name for whortleberry

hurter (ˈhɜːtə)   n   an object or part that gives protection, such as a concrete block that protects a building from traffic or the shoulder of an axle against which the hub strikes [C14 hurtour, from Old French hurtoir something that knocks or strikes, from hurter to HURT^1]

hurtle (ˈhɜːtəl)   vb   1 to project or be projected very quickly, noisily, or violently   2 (intr) rare to collide or crash [C13 hurtlen, from hurten to strike; see HURT^1]

hurtleberry (ˈhɜːtəlˌbɛrI)   n, pl -berries   1 another name for whortleberry (sense 1)   2 another name for huckleberry (sense 1)

Hus (Czech hʊs)   n   Jan (jan). the Czech name of John Huss. See Huss

Husain (hʊˈseIn, -ˈsaIn)   n   1  ?629–680 AD, Islamic caliph, the son of Ali and Fatima and the grandson of Mohammed   2 same as Hussein

husband (ˈhʌzbənd)   n   1 one's (male) partner in marriage; a married man   2 archaic   a a manager of an estate   b a frugal person   ▷ vb   3 to manage or use (resources, finances, etc) thriftily   4 archaic   a (tr) to find a husband for   b to marry (a man)   5 (tr) obsolete to till (the soil) [Old English hūsbonda, from Old Norse hūsbōndi, from hūs house + bōndi one who has a household, from bōa to dwell]   > ˈhusbander n   > ˈhusbandless adj

■ husbandage (ˈhʌzbəndIdʒ)   n   the commission or allowance formerly paid to a ship's manager or husband

■ husbandland (ˈhʌzbəndˌlænd)   n   Northumbrian and Scot archaic the holding once held by a husband or tenant farmer or the quantity of land held by him, approximately 32 acres

■ husbandlike (ˈhʌzbəndˌlaIk)   adj   1 resembling a husband   ▷ adv   2 in a husbandly manner

■ husbandly (ˈhʌzbəndlI)   adj   relating to or befitting a husband

■ husbandman (ˈhʌzbəndmən)   n, pl -men   a farmer

■ husbandry (ˈhʌzbəndrI)   n   1 farming, esp when regarded as a science, skill, or art   2 management of affairs and resources

Husein ibn-Ali (hʊˈseIn ˈIbənˈɑːlI, ˈælI, hʊˈsaIn)   n   1856–1931, first king of Hejaz (1916–24): initiated the Arab revolt against the Turks (1916–18); forced to abdicate by ibn-Saud

hush^1 (hʌʃ)   vb   1 to make or become silent; quieten   2 to soothe or be soothed   ▷ n   3 stillness; silence   4 an act of hushing   ▷ interj   5 a plea or demand for silence [C16: probably from earlier husht quiet!, the -t being thought to indicate a past participle]   > hushed adj

■ hushedly (ˈhʌʃtlI)   adv   in a hushed tone

■ hushful (ˈhʌʃfʊl)   adj   rare silent, still

■ hush-hush   adj   informal (esp of official work, documents, etc) secret; confidential

■ hush money   n   slang money given to a person, such as an accomplice, to ensure that something is kept secret

■ hushpuppy (ˈhʌʃˌpʌpI)   n   Southern US a snack of deep-fried cornmeal bread

■ hush up   vb   (tr, adverb) to suppress information or rumours about

■ hushy (ˈhʌʃI)   adj   characterized by the sound 'hush'

hush^2 (hʌʃ) mining, Northern English   vb (tr)   1 to run water over the ground to erode (surface soil), revealing the underlying strata and any valuable minerals present   2 to wash (an ore) by removing particles of earth with rushing water   ▷ n   3 a gush of water, esp when artificially produced [C18: of imitative origin]

hushaby (ˈhʌʃəˌbaI)   interj, pl -bies   1 used in quietening a baby or child to sleep   ▷ n   2 a lullaby [C18: from HUSH^1 + by, as in BYE-BYE]

husk^1 (hʌsk)   n   1 the external green or membranous covering of certain fruits and seeds   2 any worthless outer covering   ▷ vb   3 (tr) to remove the husk from [C14: probably based on Middle Dutch huusken little house, from hūs house; related to Old English hosu husk, hūs HOUSE]   > ˈhusker n   > ˈhuskˌlike adj

■ husky (ˈhʌskI)   adj huskier, huskiest   1 (of a voice, an utterance, etc) slightly hoarse or rasping   2 of, like, or containing husks   3 informal big, strong, and well-built [C19: probably from HUSK, from the toughness of a corn husk]   > ˈhuskily adv   > ˈhuskiness n

husk^2   n   bronchitis in cattle, sheep, and goats, usually caused by lungworm infestation

husky (ˈhʌskI)   n, pl huskies   1 a breed of Arctic sled dog with a thick dense coat, pricked ears, and a curled tail   2 Canadian slang   a a member of the Inuit people   b the Inuit language [C19: probably based on ESKIMO]

huso (ˈhjuːsəʊ)   n, pl -sos   any of a genus of large sturgeons containing two species: Huso huso and Huso dauricus

huss (hʌs)   n   the flesh of the European dogfish, when used as food [C15 husk, huske, C16 huss: of obscure origin]

Huss (hʌs)   n   John, Czech name Jan Hus. ?1372–1415, Bohemian religious reformer. Influenced by Wycliffe, he anticipated the Reformation in denouncing doctrines and abuses of the Church. His death at the stake precipitated the Hussite wars in Bohemia and Moravia

■ Hussite (ˈhʌsaIt)   n   1 an adherent of the religious ideas of John Huss or a member of the movement initiated by him   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to John Huss, his teachings, followers, etc   > ˈHussism or ˈHussitism n

Hussain (hʊˈseIn)   n   Nasser (ˈnæsə). born 1968, British cricketer born in India; played in 96 test matches for England (1990–2004), 56 as captain

hussar (hʊˈzɑː)   n   1    a a member of any of various light cavalry regiments in European armies, renowned for their elegant dress   b (pl; cap when part of a name): the Queen's own Hussars   2 a Hungarian horseman of the 15th century [C15: from Hungarian huszár hussar, formerly freebooter, from Old Serbian husar, from Old Italian corsaro CORSAIR]

Hussein (hʊˈseIn)   n   1 Also: Husain 1935–99, king of Jordan (1952–99)   2  Saddam (sæˈdæm). 1937–2006, Iraqi politician: president (1979–2003) and prime minister (1994–2003) of Iraq. He led Iraq into the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) and the Gulf War (1991) but was deposed and captured in the US-led invasion of 2003; executed 2006

Husserl (German ˈhʊsərl)   n   Edmund (ˈɛtmʊnt). 1859–1938, German philosopher; founder of phenomenology

hussif (ˈhʌsIf)   n   a variant form of housewife

hussy (ˈhʌsI, -zI)   n, pl -sies   1 derogatory a promiscuous woman   2 dialect a folder for needles, thread, etc [C16 (in the sense: housewife): from hussif HOUSEWIFE]

hustings (ˈhʌstIŋz)   n (functioning as plural or singular)   1 Brit (before 1872) the platform on which candidates were nominated for Parliament and from which they addressed the electors   2 the proceedings at a parliamentary election   3 political campaigning [C11: from Old Norse hūsthing, from hūs HOUSE + thing assembly]

hustle (ˈhʌsəl)   vb   1 to shove or crowd (someone) roughly   2 to move or cause to move hurriedly or furtively: he hustled her out of sight   3 (tr) to deal with or cause to proceed hurriedly: to hustle legislation through   4 slang to earn or obtain (something) forcefully   5 US and Canadian slang (of procurers and prostitutes) to solicit   ▷ n   6 an instance of hustling   7 undue activity   8 a disco dance of the 1970s [C17: from Dutch husselen to shake, from Middle Dutch hutsen]   > ˈhustler n

■ hustle up   vb   (tr) informal, chiefly US and Canadian to prepare quickly

Huston (ˈhjuːstən)   n   John. 1906–87, US film director. His films include The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1947), for which he won an Oscar, The African Queen (1951), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), Prizzi's Honour (1985), and The Dead (1987)

huswife (ˈhʌsIf)   n   another name for housewife (sense 2)

hut (hʌt)   n   1 a small house or shelter, usually made of wood or metal   2 the hut Austral (on a sheep or cattle station) accommodation for the shearers, stockmen, etc   3 NZ a shelter for mountaineers, skiers, etc   ▷ vb   4 to furnish with or live in a hut [C17: from French hutte, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German hutta a crude dwelling]   > ˈhutˌlike adj

■ hut circle   n   archaeol a circle of earth or stones representing the site of a prehistoric hut

■ hutment (ˈhʌtmənt)   n   chiefly military a number or group of huts

hutch (hʌtʃ)   n   1 a cage, usually of wood and wire mesh, for small animals   2 informal, derogatory a small house   3 a cart for carrying ore   4 a trough, esp one used for kneading dough or (in mining) for washing ore   ▷ vb   5 (tr) to store or keep in or as if in a hutch [C14 hucche, from Old French huche, from Medieval Latin hutica, of obscure origin]

Hutcheson (ˈhʌtʃIsən)   n   Francis. 1694–1746, Scottish philosopher: he published books on ethics and aesthetics, including System of Moral Philosophy (1755)

hutchie (ˈhʌtʃI)   n   Austral a groundsheet draped over an upright stick, used as a temporary shelter [C20: from HUTCH]

hutia (huːˈtIə)   n   any of the fairly large rat-like rodents of the family Capromyidae native to Cuba, the West Indies and northern South America

Hutterite (ˈhʌtəˌraIt)   n   a member of an Anabaptist Christian sect founded in Moravia, branches of which established farming communities in western Canada and the northwest US [C19: after Jacob Hutter (died 1536), Moravian Anabaptist]

Hutton (ˈhʌtən)   n   1  James. 1726–97, Scottish geologist, regarded as the founder of modern geology   2  Sir Leonard, known as Len Hutton. 1916–90, English cricketer; the first professional captain of England (1953)

Hutu (ˈhuːˌtuː)   n, pl -tu or -tus   a member of a people of Rwanda and Burundi

hutzpah (ˈxʊtspə)   n   a variant spelling of chutzpah

Huxley (ˈhʌkslI)   n   1  Aldous (Leonard) (ˈɔːldəs). 1894–1963, British novelist and essayist, noted particularly for his novel Brave New World (1932), depicting a scientifically controlled civilization of human robots   2  his half-brother, Sir Andrew Fielding, 1917–2012, English biologist: noted for his research into nerve cells and the mechanism by which nerve impulses are transmitted; Nobel prize for physiology or medicine shared with Alan Hodgkin and John Eccles 1963; president of the Royal Society (1980–85)   3  brother of Aldous, Sir Julian (Sorrel). 1887–1975, English biologist; first director-general of UNESCO (1946–48). His works include Essays of a Biologist (1923) and Evolution: the Modern Synthesis (1942)   4  their grandfather, Thomas Henry. 1825–95, English biologist, the leading British exponent of Darwin's theory of evolution; his works include Man's Place in Nature (1863) and Evolution and Ethics (1893)

Hu Yaobang (xuː jaʊˈbɑːŋ)   n   1915–89, Chinese statesman; leader of the Chinese Communist Party (1981–87)

Huygens (ˈhaIɡənz; Dutch ˈhœixəns)   n   Christiaan (ˈkristiːˌaːn). 1629–95, Dutch physicist: first formulated the wave theory of light

■ Huygens' eyepiece (ˈhaIɡənz)   n   physics a telescope eyepiece consisting of two planoconvex lenses separated by a distance equal to half the sum of their focal lengths, which are in the ratio of three to one, and oriented so that their curved surfaces face the incident light [C19: named after Christiaan Huygens ]

Huysmans (French yismɑ̃s)   n   Joris Karl (ʒɔris karl). 1848–1907, French novelist of the Decadent school, whose works include À rebours (1884)

huzoor (hʌˈzʊə)   n   an Indian of high rank, or a title of respect for such a person

huzzah (həˈzɑː)   interj, n, vb   an archaic word for hurrah [C16: of unknown origin]

HV or h.v.   abbreviation for   high voltage

HW or h.w.   abbreviation for   1 high water   2 cricket hit wicket

hwan (hwɑːn, wɑːn)   n   another name for won^2 (sense 1), won^2 (sense 2) [Korean]

Hwange (ˈhwæŋɡeI)   n   a town in W Zimbabwe: coal mines. Pop: 42 581 (1992). Former name (until 1982): Wankie

Hwang Hai (ˈwæŋ ˈhaI)   n   a former transliteration of the Chinese name for Yellow Sea

Hwang Ho (ˈwæŋ ˈhəʊ)   n   a former transliteration of the Chinese name for Yellow River

HWM   abbreviation for   high-water mark

hwyl (ˈhuːIl)   n   emotional fervour, as in the recitation of poetry [C19: Welsh]

hyacinth (ˈhaIəsInθ)   n   1 any liliaceous plant of the Mediterranean genus Hyacinthus, esp any cultivated variety of H. orientalis, having a thick flower stalk bearing white, blue, or pink fragrant flowers   2 the flower or bulb of such a plant   3 any similar or related plant, such as the grape hyacinth   4 Also called: jacinth a red or reddish-brown transparent variety of the mineral zircon, used as a gemstone   5 Greek myth a flower which sprang from the blood of the dead Hyacinthus   6    a any of the varying colours of the hyacinth flower or stone   b (as modifier): hyacinth eyes [C16: from Latin hyacinthus, from Greek huakinthos]   > hyacinthine (ˌhaIəˈsInθaIn) adj

Hyacinthus (ˌhaIəˈsInθəs)   n   Greek myth a youth beloved of Apollo and inadvertently killed by him. At the spot where the youth died, Apollo caused a flower to grow

Hyades^1 (ˈhaIəˌdiːz) or Hyads (ˈhaIædz)   pl n   an open cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus. Compare Pleiades^1 [C16: via Latin from Greek huades, perhaps from huein to rain]

Hyades^2 (ˈhaIəˌdiːz)   pl n   Greek myth seven nymphs, daughters of Atlas, whom Zeus placed among the stars after death

hyaena (haIˈiːnə)   n   a variant spelling of hyena   > hyˈaenic adj

hyalin (ˈhaIəlIn)   n   glassy translucent substance, such as occurs in certain degenerative skin conditions or in hyaline cartilage

hyaline (ˈhaIəlIn)   adj   1 biology clear and translucent, with no fibres or granules   2 archaic transparent   ▷ n   3 archaic a glassy transparent surface [C17: from Late Latin hyalinus, from Greek hualinos of glass, from hualos glass]

■ hyaline cartilage   n   a common type of cartilage with a translucent matrix containing little fibrous tissue

■ hyalinization or hyalinisation (ˌhaIəlInaIˈzeIʃən)   n   med the process whereby tissue degenerates into a translucent glass-like substance, or the state of being hyaline

■ hyalinize or hyalinise (ˈhaIəlInˌaIz)   vb (intr)   med to become hyaline

hyalite (ˈhaIəˌlaIt)   n   a clear and colourless variety of opal in globular form

hyalo- or before a vowel hyal-   combining form   of, relating to, or resembling glass: hyaloplasm [from Greek hualos glass]

hyalogen (haIˈælədʒən)   n   biology any of several insoluble substances found in many animal structures such as cartilage which yield sugars on hydrolysis structures

hyaloid (ˈhaIəˌlɔId)   adj   anatomy, zoology clear and transparent; glassy; hyaline [C19: from Greek hualoeidēs]

■ hyaloid membrane   n   the delicate transparent membrane enclosing the vitreous humour of the eye

hyalomelane or hyalomelan (ˌhaIəˈlɒməˌleIn)   n   obsolete a type of basaltic glass

hyalonema (ˌhaIələʊˈniːmə)   n   a species of sponge with a long stem made up of long, twisted glass-like fibres

hyalophane (ˈhaIələʊˌfeIn)   n   a crystalline mineral which contains potassium and belongs to the feldspar group. Also called: jaloallofane

hyaloplasm (ˈhaIələʊˌplæzəm)   n   the clear nongranular constituent of cell cytoplasm   > ˌhyaloˈplasmic adj

hyaluronic acid (ˌhaIəlʊˈrɒnIk)   n   a viscous polysaccharide with important lubricating properties, present, for example, in the synovial fluid in joints [C20: HYALO- + Greek ouron urine + -IC]   > ˌhyaluˈronic adj

hyaluronidase (ˌhaIəlʊˈrɒnIˌdeIs, -ˌdeIz)   n   an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, thus decreasing the viscosity of the medium containing the acid [C20: HYALO- + Greek ouron urine + -ID^3 + -ASE]

hybrid (ˈhaIbrId)   n   1 an animal or plant resulting from a cross between genetically unlike individuals. Hybrids between different species are usually sterile   2 anything of mixed ancestry   3 a vehicle that is powered by an internal-combustion engine and another source of power such as a battery   4 a word, part of which is derived from one language and part from another, such as monolingual, which has a prefix of Greek origin and a root of Latin origin   ▷ adj   5 (of a vehicle) powered by more than one source   6 denoting or being a hybrid; of mixed origin   7 physics (of an electromagnetic wave) having components of both electric and magnetic field vectors in the direction of propagation   8 electronics   a (of a circuit) consisting of transistors and valves   b (of an integrated circuit) consisting of one or more fully integrated circuits and other components, attached to a ceramic substrate. Compare monolithic (sense 3) [C17: from Latin hibrida offspring of a mixed union (human or animal)]   > ˈhybridism n   > hyˈbridity n

■ hybrid antibody   n   a synthetic antibody that is able to combine with two different antigens

■ hybrid bill   n   (in Parliament) a public bill to which the standing orders for private business apply; a bill having a general application as well as affecting certain private interests

■ hybrid car   n   a car which uses electrical power to enhance the efficiency of the engine

■ hybrid computer   n   a computer that uses both analogue and digital techniques

■ hybridist (ˈhaIbrIdIst)   n   someone who hybridizes or cross-breeds (animals or plants)

■ hybridize or hybridise (ˈhaIbrIˌdaIz)   vb   to produce or cause to produce hybrids; crossbreed   > ˈhybridˌizable or ˈhybridˌisable adj   > ˌhybridiˈzation or ˌhybridiˈsation n   > ˈhybridˌizer or ˈhybridˌiser n

■ hybridous (ˈhaIbrIdəs)   adj   of or relating to a hybrid

■ hybrid rock   n   an igneous rock formed by molten magma incorporating pre-existing rock through which it passes

■ hybrid vigour   n   biology the increased size, strength, etc, of a hybrid as compared to either of its parents. Also called: heterosis

■ hybrid warfare   n   a military strategy in which conventional warfare is integrated with tactics such as covert operations and cyberattacks

hybridoma (ˌhaIbrəˈdəʊmə)   n   a hybrid cell formed by the fusion of two different types of cell, esp one capable of producing antibodies, but of limited lifespan, fused with an immortal tumour cell [C20: from HYBRID + -OMA]

hybris (ˈhaIbrIs)   n   a variant of hubris   > hyˈbristic adj

hydantoin (haIˈdæntəʊIn)   n   a colourless odourless crystalline compound present in beet molasses: used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and synthetic resins. Formula: C_3H_4N_2O_2 [C20: from HYD(ROGEN + all)antoin product occurring in allantoic fluid]

hydathode (ˈhaIdəˌθəʊd)   n   a pore in plants, esp on the leaves, specialized for excreting water [C19: from Greek, from hudor water + hodos way]

hydatid (ˈhaIdətId)   n   1 a large bladder containing encysted larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus: causes serious disease in humans   2 Also called: hydatid cyst a sterile fluid-filled cyst produced in humans and animals during infestation by Echinococcus larval forms [C17: from Greek hudatis watery vesicle, from hudōr, hudat- water]

■ hydatidiform (ˌhaIdəˈtIdIˌfɔːm)   adj   like or resembling a hydatid

hydatoid (ˈhaIdəˌtɔId)   adj   anatomy watery; resembling water; transparent

Hyde^1 (haId)   n   a town in NW England, in Tameside unitary authority, Greater Manchester; textiles, footwear, engineering. Pop: 31 253 (2001)

Hyde^2 (haId)   n   1  Douglas. 1860–1949, Irish scholar and author; first president of Eire (1938–45)   2 Edward Hyde See Clarendon^2

Hyde Park   n   a park in W central London: popular for open-air meetings

Hyderabad (ˈhaIdərəˌbɑːd, -ˌbæd, ˈhaIdrə-)   n   1 a city in S central India, joint capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states; university (1918). Pop: 4 025 300 (2009 est)   2 a former state of S India: divided in 1956 between the states of Andhra Pradesh, Mysore, and Maharashtra   3 a city in SW Pakistan, on the River Indus: seat of the University of Sind (1947). Pop: 1 536 400 (2009 est)

Hyder Ali or Haidar Ali (ˈhaIdər ˈɑːlI)   n   1722–82, Indian ruler of Mysore (1766–82), who waged two wars against the British in India (1767–69; 1780–82)

hydnocarpate (ˌhIdnəʊˈkɑːpeIt)   n   any salt or ester of hydnocarpic acid

hydnocarpic acid (ˌhIdnəʊˈkɑːpIk)   n   a cyclic fatty acid occurring in the form of its glycerides in chaulmoogra oil. Formula: C_16H_28O_2 [C20: from Greek hudnon truffle + karpos fruit + -IC]

■ hydnocarpic (ˌhIdnəʊˈkɑːpIk)   adj   of or relating to hydnocarpic acid

hydr-   combining form   a variant of hydro-

hydra (ˈhaIdrə)   n, pl -dras, -drae (-driː)   1 any solitary freshwater hydroid coelenterate of the genus Hydra, in which the body is a slender polyp with tentacles around the mouth   2 a persistent trouble or evil: the hydra of corruption [C16: from Latin, from Greek hudra water serpent; compare OTTER]

Hydra^1 (ˈhaIdrə)   n   Greek myth a monster with nine heads, each of which, when struck off, was replaced by two new ones

Hydra^2 (ˈhaIdrə)   n, Latin genitive Hydrae (ˈhaIdriː)   a very long faint constellation lying mainly in the S hemisphere and extending from near Virgo to Cancer

hydracid (haIˈdræsId)   n   an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, that does not contain oxygen

hydraemia (haIˈdriːmIə)   n   an unusually high wateriness or thinness of the blood; anaemia

hydragogue or hydragog (ˈhaIdrəˌɡɒɡ)   n   med any purgative that causes evacuation of water from the bowels

hydralazine (haIˈdræləˌziːn)   n   a muscle-relaxant drug used to treat high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Trade name: Apresoline

hydrangea (haIˈdreIndʒə)   n   any shrub or tree of the Asian and American genus Hydrangea, cultivated for their large clusters of white, pink, or blue flowers: family Hydrangeaceae [C18: from New Latin, from Greek hudōr water + angeion vessel: probably from the cup-shaped fruit]

hydrant (ˈhaIdrənt)   n   an outlet from a water main, usually consisting of an upright pipe with a valve attached, from which water can be tapped for fighting fires. See also fire hydrant [C19: from HYDRO- + -ANT]

hydranth (ˈhaIdrænθ)   n   a polyp in a colony of hydrozoan coelenterates that is specialized for feeding rather than reproduction [C19: from HYDRA + Greek anthos flower]

hydrargyria (ˌhaIdrɑːˈdʒəIrIə) or hydrargyrism (haIˈdrɑːdʒIrIzəm)   n   med mercury poisoning [C17: see HYDRARGYRUM]

hydrargyrum (haIˈdrɑːdʒIrəm)   n   an obsolete name for mercury (sense 1) [C16: from New Latin, from Latin hydrargyrus from Greek hydrarguros, from HYDRO- + arguros silver]   > hydrargyric (ˌhaIdrɑːˈdʒIərIk) or hydrargyral (haIˈdrɑːdʒIrəl) adj

hydrarthrosis (ˌhaIdrɑːˈθrəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   a build-up of fluid or water in the cavity of a joint, esp the knee joint

hydrase (ˈhaIˌdreIz)   n   an enzyme that speeds up the removal or addition of water from a substance in a chemical reaction

hydrastine (haIˈdræstiːn, -tIn)   n   a white poisonous alkaloid extracted from the roots of the goldenseal: has been used in medicine (in the form of one of its water-soluble salts) to contract the uterus and arrest haemorrhage. Formula: C_21H_21NO_6 [C19: from HYDRAST(IS) + -INE^2]

hydrastinine (haIˈdræstIˌniːn)   n   a colourless crystalline water-soluble compound whose pharmacological action resembles that of hydrastine. Formula: C_11H_13NO_3

hydrastis (haIˈdræstIs)   n   any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Hydrastis, of Japan and E North America, such as goldenseal, having showy foliage and ornamental red fruits [C18: New Latin, from Greek HYDRO- + -astis, of unknown origin]

hydrate (ˈhaIdreIt)   n   1 a chemical compound containing water that is chemically combined with a substance and can usually be expelled without changing the constitution of the substance   2 a chemical compound that can dissociate reversibly into water and another compound. For example sulphuric acid (H_2SO_4) dissociates into sulphur trioxide (SO_3) and water (H_2O)   3 (not in technical usage) a chemical compound, such as a carbohydrate, that contains hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio two to one   ▷ vb   4 to undergo or cause to undergo treatment or impregnation with water [C19: from HYDRO- + -ATE^1]   > hyˈdration n   > ˈhydrator n

■ hydrated (ˈhaIdreItId)   adj   (of a compound) chemically bonded to water molecules

hydraulic (haIˈdrɒlIk)   adj   1 operated by pressure transmitted through a pipe by a liquid, such as water or oil   2 of, concerned with, or employing liquids in motion   3 of or concerned with hydraulics   4 hardening under water: hydraulic cement [C17: from Latin hydraulicus of a water organ, from Greek hudraulikos, from hudraulos water organ, from HYDRO- + aulos pipe, reed instrument]   > hyˈdraulically adv

■ hydraulic brake   n   a type of brake, used in motor vehicles, in which the braking force is transmitted from the brake pedal to the brakes by a liquid under pressure

■ hydraulic coupling   n   another name for torque converter

■ hydraulicked (haIˈdrɒlIkt)   adj   (of an extracted mineral) excavated using water

■ hydraulicking (haIˈdrɒlIkIŋ)   n   a type of mining that uses water to move rock. Also called: hydraulic mining

■ hydraulic press   n   a press that utilizes liquid pressure to enable a small force applied to a small piston to produce a large force on a larger piston. The small piston moves through a proportionately greater distance than the larger

■ hydraulic ram   n   1 any large device involving the displacement of a piston or plunger driven by fluid pressure   2 a form of water pump utilizing the kinetic energy of running water to provide static pressure to raise water to a reservoir higher than the source

■ hydraulic suspension   n   a system of motor-vehicle suspension using hydraulic members, often with hydraulic compensation between front and rear systems (hydroelastic suspension)

hydraulics (haIˈdrɒlIks)   n   (functioning as singular) another name for fluid mechanics

hydrazide (ˈhaIdrəˌzaId)   n   any of a class of chemical compounds that result when hydrogen in hydrazine or any of its derivatives is replaced by an acid radical

hydrazine (ˈhaIdrəˌziːn, -zIn)   n   a colourless basic liquid made from sodium hypochlorite and ammonia: a strong reducing agent, used chiefly as a rocket fuel. Formula: N_2H_4 [C19: from HYDRO- + AZO- + -INE^2]

hydrazoic acid (ˌhaIdrəˈzəʊIk)   n   a colourless highly explosive liquid. Formula: HN_3. See also azide

■ hydrazoic (ˌhaIdrəˈzəʊIk)   adj   chem rare of or relating to hydrazoic acid

hydria (ˈhaIdrIə)   n   (in ancient Greece and Rome) a large water jar [C19: from Latin, from Greek hudria, from hudōr water]

hydric (ˈhaIdrIk)   adj   1 of or containing hydrogen   2 containing or using moisture

■ hydrically (ˈhaIdrIkəlI)   adv   in a hydric manner; in a manner using water or moisture

hydride (ˈhaIdraId)   n   any compound of hydrogen with another element, including ionic compounds such as sodium hydride (NaH), covalent compounds such as borane (B_2H_6), and the transition metal hydrides formed when certain metals, such as palladium, absorb hydrogen

hydrilla (haIˈdrIlə)   n   any aquatic plant of the Eurasian genus Hydrilla, growing underwater and forming large masses: used as an oxygenator in aquaria and pools. It was introduced in the S US where it has become a serious problem, choking fish and hindering navigation [C20: New Latin, probably from HYDRA]

hydriodic acid (ˌhaIdrIˈɒdIk)   n   the colourless or pale yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide: a strong acid [C19: from HYDRO- + IODIC]

hydro^1 (ˈhaIdrəʊ)   n, pl -dros   Brit (esp formerly) a hotel or resort, often near a spa, offering facilities for hydropathic treatment

hydro^2 (ˈhaIdrəʊ)   adj   1 short for hydroelectric   ▷ n   2 a Canadian name for electricity when it is supplied to a residence, business, institution, etc

Hydro (ˈhaIdrəʊ)   n   (esp in Canada) a hydroelectric power company or board

hydro- or sometimes before a vowel hydr-   combining form   1 indicating or denoting water, liquid, or fluid: hydrolysis; hydrodynamics   2 indicating the presence of hydrogen in a chemical compound: hydrochloric acid   3 indicating a hydroid: hydrozoan [from Greek hudōr water]

hydroacoustics (ˌhaIdrəʊəˈkuːstIks)   n   (functioning as singular) physics the study of sound travelling through water

hydrobiology (ˌhaIdrəʊbaIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the field of biology concerned with the study of bodies of water

■ hydrobiological (ˌhaIdrəʊˌbaIəˈlɒdʒIkəl)   adj   of or relating to hydrobiology

■ hydrobiologist (ˌhaIdrəʊbaIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   someone who studies or specializes in hydrobiology

hydrobromic (ˌhaIdrəˈbrəʊmIk)   adj   made up of hydrogen and bromine

■ hydrobromic acid (ˌhaIdrəʊˈbrəʊmIk)   n   the colourless or faintly yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide: a strong acid

hydrocarbon (ˌhaIdrəʊˈkɑːbən)   n   any organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen, such as the alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, terpenes, and arenes

hydrocast (ˈhaIdrəˌkɑːst)   n   the gathering of water samples for analysis by using several connected bottles to collect water at different depths

hydrocele (ˈhaIdrəʊˌsiːl)   n   an abnormal collection of fluid in any saclike space, esp around the testicles [C16: from HYDRO- + -CELE]

hydrocellulose (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsɛljʊˌləʊs, -ˌləʊz)   n   a gelatinous material consisting of hydrated cellulose, made by treating cellulose with water, acids, or alkalis: used in making paper, viscose rayon, and mercerized cotton

hydrocephalus (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsɛfələs) or hydrocephaly (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsɛfəlI)   n   accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain because its normal outlet has been blocked by congenital malformation or disease. In infancy it usually results in great enlargement of the head. Nontechnical name: water on the brain   > hydrocephalic (ˌhaIdrəʊsɛˈfælIk), ˌhydroˈcephaloid or ˌhydroˈcephalous adj

hydrochloric acid (ˌhaIdrəˈklɒrIk)   n   the colourless or slightly yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride: a strong acid used in many industrial and laboratory processes. Formerly called: muriatic acid

■ hydrochloric (ˌhaIdrəʊˈklɒrIk)   adj   chem of or relating to hydrochloric acid

hydrochloride (ˌhaIdrəˈklɔːraId)   n   a quaternary salt formed by the addition of hydrochloric acid to an organic base, such as aniline hydrochloride, [C_6H_5NH_3]+Cl-

hydrochore (ˈhaIdrəˌkɔː)   n   botany a plant that disperses seeds through water

■ hydrochoric (ˌhaIdrəˈkɒrIk)   adj   botany of or relating to dispersing seeds through water or to a hydrochore

hydrocodone (ˌhaIdrəˈkəʊdəʊn)   n   a semi-synthetic opioid drug derived from codeine and thebaine

hydrocolloid (ˌhaIdrəʊˈkɒlɔId)   n   biochem any substance that forms a gel with water

■ hydrocolloidal (ˌhaIdrəʊkəˈlɔIdəl)   adj   biochem of or relating to a hydrocolloid

hydrocoral (ˌhaIdrəˈkɒrəl) or hydrocoralline   n   any hydrozoan coelenterate of the order Milleporina (or Hydrocorallinae), which includes the millepores [C20: from HYDRO- + CORAL]

hydrocortisone (ˌhaIdrəʊˈkɔːtIˌzəʊn)   n   the principal glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex; 17-hydroxycorticosterone. The synthesized form is used mainly in treating rheumatic, allergic, and inflammatory disorders. Formula: C_21H_30O_5. Also called: cortisol

hydrocrack (ˈhaIdrəʊˌkræk)   vb (tr)   to break down petroleum into simpler molecules in order to maximize the production of fuels

■ hydrocracker (ˈhaIdrəʊˌkrækə)   n   something which breaks down petroleum into simpler molecules

■ hydrocracking (ˈhaIdrəʊˌkrækIŋ)   n   the process of breaking down petroleum into simpler molecules

hydrocyanic acid (ˌhaIdrəʊsaIˈænIk)   n   another name for hydrogen cyanide, esp when in aqueous solution

■ hydrocyanic (ˌhaIdrəʊsaIˈænIk)   adj   chem of or relating to hydrocyanic acid

hydrodynamics (ˌhaIdrəʊdaIˈnæmIks, -dI-)   n   1 Also called: hydromechanics (functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with the mechanical properties of fluids, esp liquids. See also hydrokinetics, hydrostatics   2 another name for hydrokinetics

■ hydrodynamic (ˌhaIdrəʊdaIˈnæmIk, -dI-) or hydrodynamical   adj   1 of or concerned with the mechanical properties of fluids   2 of or concerned with hydrodynamics   > ˌhydrodyˈnamically adv

■ hydrodynamicist (ˌhaIdrəʊdaIˈnæmIsIst)   n   a specialist in hydrodynamics

hydroelastic (ˌhaIdrəʊIˈlæstIk)   adj   undergoing a change in elasticity as a result of the flow of water or another fluid

■ hydroelastic suspension (ˌhaIdrəʊIˈlæstIk)   n   See hydraulic suspension

hydroelectric (ˌhaIdrəʊIˈlɛktrIk)   adj   1 generated by the pressure of falling water: hydroelectric power   2 of or concerned with the generation of electricity by water pressure: a hydroelectric scheme   > hydroelectricity (ˌhaIdrəʊIlɛkˈtrIsItI, -ˌiːlɛk-) n

hydroextractor (ˌhaIdrəʊIkˈstræktə)   n   a device that dries things by means of the material to be dried being spun around the device's central axis

hydrofluoric (ˌhaIdrəʊfluːˈɒrIk)   adj   composed of or containing hydrogen and fluorine

■ hydrofluoric acid   n   the colourless aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride: a strong acid that attacks glass

hydrofoil (ˈhaIdrəˌfɔIl)   n   1 a fast light vessel the hull of which is raised out of the water on one or more pairs of fixed vanes   2 any of these vanes

hydroforming (ˈhaIdrəʊˌfɔːmIŋ)   n chem   1 the catalytic reforming of petroleum to increase the proportion of aromatic and branched-chain hydrocarbons   2 engineering a forming process in which a metal component is shaped by a metal punch forced against a die, consisting of a flexible bag containing a fluid

hydrogel (ˈhaIdrəˌdʒɛl)   n   a gel in which the liquid constituent is water

hydrogen (ˈhaIdrIdʒən)   n     a a flammable colourless gas that is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It occurs mainly in water and in most organic compounds and is used in the production of ammonia and other chemicals, in the hydrogenation of fats and oils, and in welding. Symbol: H; atomic no: 1; atomic wt: 1.00794; valency: 1; density: 0.08988 kg/m^3; melting pt: –259.34°C; boiling pt: –252.87°C. See also deuterium, tritium   b (as modifier): hydrogen bomb [C18: from French hydrogène, from HYDRO- + -GEN; so called because its combustion produces water]

■ hydrogenate (ˈhaIdrədʒIˌneIt, haIˈdrɒdʒIˌneIt), hydrogenize or hydrogenise   vb   to undergo or cause to undergo a reaction with hydrogen: to hydrogenate ethylene   > ˌhydrogenˈation, ˌhydrogeniˈzation or ˌhydrogeniˈsation n   > ˈhydrogenˌator n

■ hydrogen bomb   n   a type of bomb in which energy is released by fusion of hydrogen nuclei to give helium nuclei. The energy required to initiate the fusion is provided by the detonation of an atomic bomb, which is surrounded by a hydrogen-containing substance such as lithium deuteride. Also called: H-bomb. See also fusion bomb

■ hydrogen bond   n   a weak chemical bond between an electronegative atom, such as fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen, and a hydrogen atom bound to another electronegative atom. Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the properties of water and many biological molecules

■ hydrogen bromide   n   1 a colourless pungent gas used in organic synthesis. Formula: HBr   2 an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide; hydrobromic acid

■ hydrogen carbonate   n   another name for bicarbonate

■ hydrogen chloride   n   1 a colourless pungent corrosive gas obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on sodium chloride: used in making vinyl chloride and other organic chemicals. Formula: HCl   2 an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride; hydrochloric acid

■ hydrogen cyanide   n   a colourless poisonous liquid with a faint odour of bitter almonds, usually made by a catalysed reaction between ammonia, oxygen, and methane. It forms prussic acid in aqueous solution and is used for making plastics and dyes and as a war gas. Formula: HCN. Also called: hydrocyanic acid

■ hydrogen embrittlement (ImˈbrItəlmənt)   n   engineering the weakening of metal by the sorption of hydrogen during a pickling process, such as that used in plating

■ hydrogen fluoride   n   1 a colourless poisonous corrosive gas or liquid made by reaction between calcium fluoride and sulphuric acid: used as a fluorinating agent and catalyst. Formula: HF   2 an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride; hydrofluoric acid

■ hydrogen iodide   n   1 a colourless poisonous corrosive gas obtained by a catalysed reaction between hydrogen and iodine vapour: used in making iodides. Formula: HI   2 an aqueous solution of this gas; hydriodic acid

■ hydrogen ion   n   1 an ionized hydrogen atom, occurring in plasmas and in aqueous solutions of acids, in which it is solvated by one or more water molecules; proton. Formula: H+   2 an ionized hydrogen molecule; hydrogen molecular ion. Formula: H_2+

■ hydrogenize or hydrogenise (ˈhaIdrədʒIˌnaIz, haIˈdrɒdʒIˌnaIz)   vb   variants of hydrogenate   > ˌhydrogeniˈzation or ˌhydrogeniˈsation n

■ hydrogenolysis (ˌhaIdrəʊdʒIˈnɒlIsIs)   n   a chemical reaction in which a compound is decomposed by hydrogen

■ hydrogenous (haIˈdrɒdʒInəs)   adj   of or containing hydrogen

■ hydrogen peroxide   n   a colourless oily unstable liquid, usually used in aqueous solution. It is a strong oxidizing agent used as a bleach for textiles, wood pulp, hair, etc, and as an oxidizer in rocket fuels. Formula: H_2O_2

■ hydrogen sulphate   n   another name for bisulphate

■ hydrogen sulphide   n   a colourless poisonous soluble flammable gas with an odour of rotten eggs: used as a reagent in chemical analysis. Formula: H_2S. Also called: sulphuretted hydrogen

■ hydrogen sulphite   n   another name for bisulphite

■ hydrogen tartrate   n   another name for bitartrate

hydrogenase (ˈhaIdrIdʒəˌneIz)   n   an enzyme in certain microorganisms that speeds up the reversible oxidation of hydrogen

hydrogeology (ˌhaIdrədʒIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the branch of geology dealing with the waters below the earth's surface and with the geological aspects of surface waters   > ˌhydrogeoˈlogical adj   > ˌhydrogeˈologist n

hydrograph (ˈhaIdrəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   a graph showing the seasonal variation in the level of a body of water, from which its velocity and discharge can be calculated

■ hydrographic (ˌhaIdrəˈɡræfIk)   adj   of or relating to hydrographics   > ˌhydroˈgraphical adj   > ˌhydroˈgraphically adv

■ hydrography (haIˈdrɒɡrəfI)   n   1 the study, surveying, and mapping of the oceans, seas, and rivers. Compare hydrology   2 the oceans, seas, and rivers as represented on a chart   > hyˈdrographer n

hydroid (ˈhaIdrɔId)   adj   1 of or relating to the Hydroida, an order of colonial hydrozoan coelenterates that have the polyp phase dominant   2 (of coelenterate colonies or individuals) having or consisting of hydra-like polyps   ▷ n   3 a hydroid colony or individual [C19: from HYDRA + -OID]

hydrokinetics (ˌhaIdrəʊkIˈnɛtIks, -kaI-)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with the mechanical behaviour and properties of fluids in motion, esp of liquids. Also called: hydrodynamics

■ hydrokinetic (ˌhaIdrəʊkIˈnɛtIk, -kaI-) or hydrokinetical   adj   1 of or concerned with fluids that are in motion   2 of or concerned with hydrokinetics

hydrolase (ˈhaIdrəˌleIz)   n   an enzyme, such as an esterase, that controls hydrolysis

hydrologic cycle   n   another name for water cycle

hydrology (haIˈdrɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the distribution, conservation, use, etc, of the water of the earth and its atmosphere, particularly at the land surface   > hydrologic (ˌhaIdrəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌhydroˈlogical adj   > ˌhydroˈlogically adv   > hyˈdrologist n

hydrolysis (haIˈdrɒlIsIs)   n   a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds

■ hydrolysate or hydrolyzate (haIˈdrɒlIˌseIt)   n   a substance or mixture produced by hydrolysis [C20: from HYDROLYSIS + -ATE^1]

■ hydrolyse or US hydrolyze (ˈhaIdrəˌlaIz)   vb   to subject to or undergo hydrolysis   > ˈhydroˌlysable or US ˈhydroˌlyzable adj   > ˌhydrolyˈsation or US ˌhydrolyˈzation n   > ˈhydroˌlyser or US ˈhydroˌlyzer n

■ hydrolyte (ˈhaIdrəˌlaIt)   n   a substance subjected to hydrolysis

■ hydrolytic (ˌhaIdrəˈlItIk)   adj   of, concerned with, producing, or produced by hydrolysis   > ˌhydroˈlytically adv

hydromagnetics (ˌhaIdrəʊmæɡˈnɛtIks)   n   another name for magnetohydrodynamics   > ˌhydromagˈnetic adj

hydromancy (ˈhaIdrəʊˌmænsI)   n   divination by water   > ˈhydroˌmancer n   > ˌhydroˈmantic adj

hydromania (ˌhaIdrəʊˈmeInIə)   n   an excessive craving or love for water

hydromechanics (ˌhaIdrəʊmIˈkænIks)   n   another name for hydrodynamics   > ˌhydromeˈchanical adj

hydromedusa (ˌhaIdrəʊmIˈdjuːsə)   n, pl -sas or -sae (-siː)   the medusa form of hydrozoan coelenterates   > ˌhydromeˈdusan adj

hydromedusoid (ˌhaIdrəʊmIˈdjuːsɔId)   n   a jellyfish or something resembling a jellyfish that lives in water

hydromel (ˈhaIdrəʊˌmɛl)   n   archaic another word for mead^1 [C15: from Latin, from Greek hudromeli, from HYDRO- + meli honey]

hydrometallurgy (ˌhaIdrəʊˈmɛtəˌlɜːdʒI, -mɛˈtælədʒI)   n   a technique for the recovery of a metal from an aqueous medium in which the metal or the gangue is preferentially dissolved   > ˌhydroˌmetalˈlurgical adj

hydrometeor (ˌhaIdrəʊˈmiːtIə)   n   any weather condition produced by water or water vapour in the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, or cloud   > ˌhydroˌmeteoroˈlogical adj   > ˌhydroˌmeteorˈology n

hydrometer (haIˈdrɒmItə)   n   an instrument for measuring the relative density of a liquid, usually consisting of a sealed graduated tube with a weighted bulb on one end, the relative density being indicated by the length of the unsubmerged stem   > hydrometric (ˌhaIdrəʊˈmɛtrIk) or ˌhydroˈmetrical adj   > ˌhydroˈmetrically adv   > hyˈdrometry n

hydromorphic (ˌhaIdrəˈmɔːfIk)   adj   relating to soil with characteristics caused by excess water

hydronaut (ˈhaIdrəʊˌnɔːt)   n   US navy a person trained to operate deep submergence vessels [C20: from Greek, from HYDRO- + -naut, as in aeronaut, astronaut]

hydronephrosis (ˌhaIdrəʊnIˈfrəʊsIs)   n, pl hydronephroses   a swelling of a kidney due to an obstruction of urine flow in the urinary tract

■ hydronephrotic (ˌhaIdrəʊnIˈfrɒtIk)   adj   of, relating to, or affected by hydronephrosis

hydronic (haIˈdrɒnIk)   adj   of or relating to the transfer of water through a pipe system in a heating or cooling system   > hyˈdronically adv

hydronium ion (haIˈdrəʊnIəm)   n   chem another name for hydroxonium ion [C20: from HYDRO- + (AMM)ONIUM]

hydropathy (haIˈdrɒpəθI)   n   a pseudoscientific method of treating disease by the use of large quantities of water both internally and externally. Also called: water cure. Compare hydrotherapy   > hydropathic (ˌhaIdrəʊˈpæθIk) or ˌhydroˈpathical adj   > hyˈdropathist or ˈhydroˌpath n

■ hydropathically (ˌhaIdrəʊˈpæθIkəlI)   adv   in a hydropathic manner; in a manner relating to hydropathy

hydroperoxide (ˌhaIdrəʊpəˈrɒksaId)   n   a colourless oxidizing liquid which is mainly used in mild antiseptics, bleaching agents, and oxidizing agents

hydrophane (ˈhaIdrəʊˌfeIn)   n   a white partially opaque variety of opal that becomes translucent in water   > hydrophanous (haIˈdrɒfənəs) adj

hydrophilic (ˌhaIdrəʊˈfIlIk)   adj   chem tending to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water: a hydrophilic colloid. Compare hydrophobic   > ˈhydroˌphile n

■ hydrophilicity (ˌhaIdrəʊfIˈlIsItI)   n   the quality or state of being hydrophilic

hydrophilite (haIˈdrɒfIˌlaIt)   n   a white mineral consisting of potassium and calcium. Also called: chlorocalcite

hydrophilous (haIˈdrɒfIləs)   adj   botany growing in or pollinated by water   > hyˈdrophily n

hydrophobia (ˌhaIdrəˈfəʊbIə)   n   1 another name for rabies   2 a fear of drinking fluids, esp that of a person with rabies, because of painful spasms when trying to swallow. Compare aquaphobia

■ hydrophobic (ˌhaIdrəˈfəʊbIk) or hydrophobous (haIˈdrɒfəbəs)   adj   1 of or relating to hydrophobia   2 chem tending not to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water: a hydrophobic colloid. Compare hydrophilic

■ hydrophobicity (ˌhaIdrəfəʊˈbIsItI)   n   the property of repelling water rather than absorbing it or dissolving in it

hydrophone (ˈhaIdrəˌfəʊn)   n   an electroacoustic transducer that converts sound or ultrasonic waves travelling through water into electrical oscillations

hydrophyte (ˈhaIdrəʊˌfaIt)   n   a plant that grows only in water or very moist soil   > hydrophytic (ˌhaIdrəʊˈfItIk) or hydrophytous (haIˈdrɒfItəs) adj

hydrophyton (haIˈdrɒfItɒn)   n   a branched plant-like structure which supports colonial animals such as zooids

hydroplane (ˈhaIdrəʊˌpleIn)   n   1 a motorboat equipped with hydrofoils or with a shaped bottom that raises its hull out of the water at high speeds   2 an attachment to an aircraft to enable it to glide along the surface of water   3 another name (esp US) for a seaplane   4 a horizontal vane on the hull of a submarine for controlling its vertical motion   ▷ vb   5 (intr) (of a boat) to rise out of the water in the manner of a hydroplane

hydropneumatic (ˌhaIdrəʊnjʊˈmætIk)   adj   relating to both liquid and gas substances

hydropolyp (ˌhaIdrəʊˈpɒlIp)   n   an individual animal in a colony of hydroids

hydroponics (ˌhaIdrəʊˈpɒnIks)   n   (functioning as singular) a method of cultivating plants by growing them in gravel, etc, through which water containing dissolved inorganic nutrient salts is pumped. Also called: aquiculture [C20: from HYDRO- + (GEO)PONICS]   > ˌhydroˈponic adj   > ˌhydroˈponically adv

hydropower (ˈhaIdrəʊˌpaʊə)   n   hydroelectric power

hydrops (ˈhaIdrɒps)   n   1 a swelling caused by excessive fluid in cells or tissues   2 a severe swelling of the entire body caused by excess fluid and accompanied by anaemia, occurring in foetuses and newborns affected by haemolytic disease. Also called: fetal hydrops, hydrops fetalis

■ hydropic (haIˈdrɒpIk) or hydroptic (haIdrˈɒptIk)   adj   1 of or relating to hydrops   2 containing excessive water or fluid

hydropult (ˈhaIdrəʊˌpʌlt)   n   a type of water pump or machine that expels water by means of hand power, as, for example, a fire extinguisher

hydroquinone (ˌhaIdrəʊkwIˈnəʊn) or hydroquinol (ˌhaIdrəʊˈkwInɒl)   n   a white crystalline soluble phenol used as a photographic developer; 1,4-dihydroxybenzene. Formula: C_6H_4(OH)2. Also called: quinol

hydroscope (ˈhaIdrəˌskəʊp)   n   any instrument for making observations of underwater objects   > hydroscopic (ˌhaIdrəˈskɒpIk) or ˌhydroˈscopical adj

hydrosere (ˈhaIdrəʊsIə)   n   a sere that begins in an aquatic environment

hydroski (ˈhaIdrəʊˌskiː)   n   a hydrofoil used on some seaplanes to provide extra lift when taking off

hydrosol (ˈhaIdrəˌsɒl)   n   chem a sol that has water as its liquid phase

■ hydrosolic (ˌhaIdrəˈsɒlIk)   adj   of or relating to a hydrosol

hydrosome (ˈhaIdrəˌsəʊm) or hydrosoma (ˌhaIdrəˈsəʊmə)   n   zoology the body of a colonial hydrozoan [C19: from hydro-, from HYDRA + -SOME^3]

■ hydrosomal (ˌhaIdrəˈsəʊməl) or hydrosomatous (ˌhaIdrəˈsəʊmətəs)   adj   of or relating to a hydrosome

hydrospace (ˌhaIdrəʊˈspeIs)   n   the space beneath the surface of the ocean, the depths of the ocean, esp as an area of scientific investigation

hydrosphere (ˈhaIdrəˌsfIə)   n   the watery part of the earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, water vapour in the atmosphere, etc   > ˌhydroˈspheric adj

hydrostat (ˈhaIdrəʊˌstæt)   n   a device that detects the presence of water as a prevention against drying out, overflow, etc, esp one used as a warning in a steam boiler

hydrostatics (ˌhaIdrəʊˈstætIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with the mechanical properties and behaviour of fluids that are not in motion. See also hydrodynamics

■ hydrostatic (ˌhaIdrəʊˈstætIk) or hydrostatical   adj   1 of or concerned with fluids that are not in motion: hydrostatic pressure   2 of or concerned with hydrostatics   > ˌhydroˈstatically adv

■ hydrostatic balance   n   a balance for finding the weight of an object submerged in water in order to determine the upthrust on it and thus determine its relative density

hydrosulphate (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsʌlfeIt)   n   any quaternary acid salt formed by addition of an organic base to sulphuric acid, such as aniline hydrosulphate, C_6H_5NH_3HSO_4

hydrosulphide (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsʌlfaId)   n   any salt derived from hydrogen sulphide by replacing one of its hydrogen atoms with a metal atom. Technical name: hydrogen sulphide

hydrosulphite (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsʌlfaIt)   n   another name (not in technical usage) for dithionite [C20: from HYDROSULPH(UROUS) + -ITE^2]

hydrosulphuric (ˌhaIdrəʊˌsʌlˈfjʊərIk)   adj   relating to or derived from both hydrogen and sulphur

hydrosulphurous acid (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsʌlfərəs)   n   another name (not in technical usage) for dithionous acid

■ hydrosulphurous (ˌhaIdrəʊˈsʌlfjʊərəs)   adj   relating to or derived from hydrosulphurous acid

hydrotaxis (ˌhaIdrəʊˈtæksIs)   n   the directional movement of an organism or cell in response to the stimulus of water   > ˌhydroˈtactic adj

hydrotheca (ˌhaIdrəˈθiːkə)   n, pl -cae (-siː)   a cuplike depression or cavity which protects an individual animal in some marine invertebrate colonial animals

hydrotherapeutics (ˌhaIdrəʊˌθɛrəˈpjuːtIks)   n   (functioning as singular) the branch of medical science concerned with hydrotherapy   > ˌhydroˌtheraˈpeutic adj

hydrotherapy (ˌhaIdrəʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   med the treatment of certain diseases by the external use of water, esp by exercising in water in order to mobilize stiff joints or strengthen weakened muscles. Also called: water cure. Compare hydropathy   > hydrotherapic (ˌhaIdrəʊθIˈræpIk) adj   > ˌhydroˈtherapist n

hydrothermal (ˌhaIdrəʊˈθɜːməl)   adj   of or relating to the action of water under conditions of high temperature, esp in forming rocks and minerals   > ˌhydroˈthermally adv

hydrothorax (ˌhaIdrəʊˈθɔːræks)   n   pathol an accumulation of fluid in one or both pleural cavities, often resulting from disease of the heart or kidneys   > hydrothoracic (ˌhaIdrəʊθɔːˈræsIk) adj

hydrotropism (haIˈdrɒtrəˌpIzəm)   n   the directional growth of plants in response to the stimulus of water   > hydrotropic (ˌhaIdrəʊˈtrɒpIk) adj   > ˌhydroˈtropically adv

hydrous (ˈhaIdrəs)   adj   1 containing water   2 (of a chemical compound) combined with water molecules: hydrous copper sulphate, CuSO_4.5H_2O

hydrovane (ˈhaIdrəʊˌveIn)   n   a vane on a seaplane conferring stability on water (a sponson) or facilitating take off (a hydrofoil)

hydroxide (haIˈdrɒksaId)   n   1 a base or alkali containing the ion OH–   2 any compound containing an -OH group

hydroxonium ion (ˌhaIdrɒkˈsəʊnIəm) or hydroxium   n   a positive ion, H_3O+, formed by the attachment of a proton to a water molecule: occurs in solutions of acids and behaves like a hydrogen ion. Also called: hydronium ion

hydroxy (haIˈdrɒksI)   adj   (of a chemical compound) containing one or more hydroxyl groups [C19: HYDRO- + OXY(GEN)]

■ hydroxy acid   n   1 any acid, such as sulphuric acid, containing hydroxyl groups in its molecules   2 any of a class of carboxylic acids that contain both a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group in their molecules

hydroxy-   combining form   (in chemical compounds) indicating the presence of one or more hydroxyl groups or ions [from HYDRO- + OXY(GEN)]

hydroxyapatite (haIˌdrɒksIˈæpəˌtaIt) or hydroxylapatite (haIˈdrɒksIˈlæpəˌtaIt)   n   a natural calcium mineral found in human teeth and bones

hydroxybutyrate (haIˌdrɒksIˈbjuːtəˌreIt)   n   a salt of an acid derived from butyric acid and a hydroxyl group

hydroxyl (haIˈdrɒksIl)   n   (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group -OH or the ion OH–: a hydroxyl group or radical   > ˌhydroxˈylic adj

■ hydroxylase (haIˈdrɒksIˌleIz)   n   an enzyme useful in hydroxylation

■ hydroxylate (haIˈdrɒksIˌleIt)   vb (tr)   to introduce hydroxyl into a chemical compound

■ hydroxylation (haIˈdrɒksIˌleIʃən)   n   the introduction of hydroxyl into a chemical compound

hydroxylamine (haIˌdrɒksIləˈmiːn, -ˈæmIn, -ˈsaIləˌmiːn)   n   a colourless crystalline compound that explodes when heated: a reducing agent. Formula: NH_2OH

hydroxyproline (haIˌdrɒksIˈprəʊliːn, -lIn)   n   an amino acid occurring in some proteins, esp collagen. Formula: (OH)C_4H_7N(COOH)

hydroxytryptamine (haIˌdrɒksIˈtrIptəmiːn)   n   5-hydroxytryptamine another name for serotonin. Abbreviation: 5HT

hydroxyurea (haIˌdrɒksIjʊˈrIə)   n   a drug which prevents the development of tumours and is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer as well as in the treatment of sickle-cell disease and AIDS

hydroxyzine (haIˈdrɒksIˌziːn)   n   a tranquillizing drug used in the treatment of anxiety and motion sickness. Trade names: Atarax, Vistaril

hydrozincite (ˌhaIdrəʊˈzIŋkaIt)   n   a white carbonate mineral containing zinc

hydrozoan (ˌhaIdrəʊˈzəʊən)   n   1 any colonial or solitary coelenterate of the class Hydrozoa, which includes the hydra, Portuguese man-of-war, and the sertularians   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Hydrozoa

Hydrus (ˈhaIdrəs)   n, Latin genitive Hydri (ˈhaIdraI)   a constellation near the S celestial pole lying close to Eridanus and Tucana and containing part of the Small Magellanic cloud [C17: from Latin, from Greek hudros water serpent, from hudōr water]

hydyne (ˈhaIdaIn)   n   a type of fuel for launching rockets

hyena or hyaena (haIˈiːnə)   n   any of several long-legged carnivorous doglike mammals of the genera Hyaena and Crocuta, such as C. crocuta (spotted or laughing hyena), of Africa and S Asia: family Hyaenidae, order Carnivora (carnivores). See also strandwolf [C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin hyaena, from Greek huaina, from hus hog]   > hyˈenic or hyˈaenic adj

■ hyenine (haIˈiːnaIn, haIˈiːnIn)   adj   of or relating to hyenas

■ hyenoid (haIˈiːnɔId)   adj   of, resembling or like hyenas

hyetal (ˈhaIItəl)   adj   of or relating to rain, rainfall, or rainy regions [C19: from Greek huetos rain + -AL^1]

hyeto- or before a vowel hyet-   combining form   indicating rain [from Greek huetos]

hyetograph (ˈhaIItəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 a chart showing the distribution of rainfall of a particular area, usually throughout a year   2 a self-recording rain gauge

■ hyetography (ˌhaIIˈtɒɡrəfI)   n   the study of the distribution and recording of rainfall   > hyetographic (ˌhaIItəˈɡræfIk) or ˌhyetoˈgraphical adj   > ˌhyetoˈgraphically adv

hyetology (ˌhaIItˈɒlədʒI)   n   the scientific study of the origin, structure, and other features of rainfall

hyetometer (ˌhaIIˈtɒmətə)   n   an instrument used to measure rainfall

hyetometrograph (ˌhaIItəˈmɛtrəˌɡrɑːf)   n   an instrument used to record rainfall

Hygeia (haIˈdʒiːə)   n   the Greek goddess of health   > Hyˈgeian adj

hygge Danish (ˈhyːɡə)   n   the practice of creating cosy and congenial environments that promote emotional wellbeing

hygiene (ˈhaIdʒiːn)   n   1 Also called: hygienics the science concerned with the maintenance of health   2 clean or healthy practices or thinking: personal hygiene [C18: from New Latin hygiēna, from Greek hugieinē, from hugiēs healthy]

■ hygienic (haIˈdʒiːnIk)   adj   promoting health or cleanliness; sanitary   > hyˈgienically adv

■ hygienist (ˈhaIdʒiːnIst), hygeist or hygieist (ˈhaIdʒiːIst)   n   a person skilled in the practice of hygiene. See also dental hygienist

hygristor (haIˈɡrIstə)   n   an electronic component the resistance of which varies with humidity [C20: from HYGRO- + (RES)ISTOR]

hygro- or before a vowel hygr-   combining form   indicating moisture: hygrometer [from Greek hugros wet]

hygrochasy (haIˈɡrɒkəsI)   n   the opening of a fruit or flower caused by water or moisture

■ hygrochastic (ˌhaIɡrəˈkæstIk)   adj   of or relating to the opening of a fruit or flower caused by water or moisture

hygrodeik (ˈhaIɡrəʊˌdaIk)   n   a type of hygrometer with wet and dry bulb thermometers which show the percentage of moisture in the air

hygrograph (ˈhaIɡrəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   an automatic hygrometer that produces a graphic record of the humidity of the air

■ hygrographic (ˌhaIɡrəˈɡræfIk) or hygrographical (ˌhaIɡrəˈɡrɑːfIkəl)   adj   meteorol of or relating to a hygrograph

hygrology (haIɡrˈɒlədʒI)   n   1 meteorol the study of humidity of the air or atmosphere   2 med the scientific study of fluids of the body

hygroma (haIˈɡrəʊmə) or hydroma (haIˈdrəʊmə)   n   pathol a swelling in the soft tissue that occurs over a joint, usually caused by repeated injury [C20: from HYGRO- + -OMA]

hygrometer (haIˈɡrɒmItə)   n   any of various instruments for measuring humidity   > hygrometric (ˌhaIɡrəˈmɛtrIk) or hygrometrical (ˌhaIɡrəʊˈmɛtrIkəl) adj   > ˌhygroˈmetrically adv   > hyˈgrometry n

hygrophilous (haIˈɡrɒfIləs) or hygrophil (ˈhaIɡrəˌfIl)   adj   (of a plant) growing in moist places   > hygrophile (ˈhaIɡrəʊˌfaIl) n

hygrophobe (ˈhaIɡrəˌfəʊb)   n   a plant that grows best with little or no moisture

hygrophyte (ˈhaIɡrəˌfaIt)   n   any plant that grows in wet or waterlogged soil   > hygrophytic (ˌhaIɡrəˈfItIk) adj

hygroscope (ˈhaIɡrəˌskəʊp)   n   any device that indicates the humidity of the air without necessarily measuring it

■ hygroscopic (ˌhaIɡrəˈskɒpIk) or hygroscopical (ˌhaIɡrəˈskɒpIkəl)   adj   (of a substance) tending to absorb water from the air   > ˌhygroˈscopically adv   > ˌhygroscoˈpicity (ˌhaIɡrəskəʊˈpIsItI) n

hygrostat (ˈhaIɡrəˌstæt)   n   another name for humidistat

hying (ˈhaIIŋ)   vb   a present participle of hie

Hyksos (ˈhIksɒs)   n, pl -sos   a member of a nomadic Asian people, probably Semites, who controlled Egypt from 1720 BC until 1560 BC [from Greek Huksōs name of ruling dynasty in Egypt, from Egyptian hq's'sw ruler of the lands of the nomads]

hyla (ˈhaIlə)   n   any tree frog of the genus Hyla, such as H. leucophyllata (white-spotted hyla) of tropical America [C19: from New Latin, from Greek hulē forest, wood]

hyle (ˈhaIliː)   n   philosophy matter; everything with a physical form

hyleg (ˈhaIlɛɡ)   n   astrology the dominant planet when someone is born which is said to determine the length of their life

hylic (ˈhaIlIk)   adj   1 of or relating to matter; material or solid, having a physical form   2 philosophy of or relating to hylicism

■ hylicism (ˈhaIlIˌsIzəm)   n   1 the philosophy that the only thing that can be proven to exist is matter and that everything, including consciousness, is as a result of interaction with material things. Also called materialism   2 theol the doctrine concerning the three lowest Gnostic orders of humans which are concerned with the material (as opposed to psychism and pneumatism)   3 the theory that matter is the principle of evil

■ hylicist (ˈhaIlIsIst)   n   philosophy a philosopher specializing in matter

hylo- or before a vowel hyl-   combining form   1 indicating matter (as distinguished from spirit): hylozoism   2 indicating wood: hylophagous [from Greek hulē wood]

hylobate (ˈhaIləˌbeIt)   n   an ape with long arms or any member of the genus Hylobates, consisting of four species

hylogenesis (ˌhaIləˈdʒɛnəsIs)   n, pl hylogeneses   the formation or coming into being of matter

hyloist (ˈhaIləʊIst)   n   philosophy an adherent of hylotheism

hylomorphism (ˌhaIləˈmɔːfIzəm)   n   the philosophical doctrine that identifies matter with the first cause of the universe

■ hylomorphic (ˌhaIləˈmɔːfIk)   adj   1 philosophy (of a creature) made up of physical and spiritual matter   2 computing consisting of distinct anamorphic and catamorphic parts

hylopathism (haIˈlɒpəˌθIzəm)   n   philosophy the theory that understands matter as conscious or receptive to feeling

■ hylopathist (haIˈlɒpəθIst)   n   philosophy an adherent of hylopathism

hylophagous (haIˈlɒfəɡəs)   adj   (esp of insects) feeding on wood [C19: from Greek hulophagos, from hulē wood + phagein to devour]

hylophyte (ˈhaIləˌfaIt)   n   botany a plant that grows in woods

hylotheism (ˌhaIləˈθiːIzəm)   n   the doctrine that God is identical to matter

■ hylotheist (ˌhaIləˈθiːIst)   n   an adherent of hylotheism

hylotomous (haIˈlɒtəməs)   adj   zoology (of insects) wood-cutting or wood-boring

hylozoism (ˌhaIləˈzəʊIzəm)   n   the philosophical doctrine that life is one of the properties of matter [C17: HYLO- + Greek zōē life]   > ˌhyloˈzoic adj   > ˌhyloˈzoist n   > ˌhylozoˈistic adj   > ˌhylozoˈistically adv

■ hylozoical (ˌhaIləˈzəʊIkəl)   adj   characterized by the theory that all matter possesses life or that life is an essential property of matter

hymen (ˈhaImɛn)   n   anatomy a fold of mucous membrane that partly covers the entrance to the vagina and is usually ruptured when sexual intercourse takes place for the first time [C17: from Greek: membrane]   > ˈhymenal adj

Hymen (ˈhaImɛn)   n   the Greek and Roman god of marriage

hymenaean (ˌhaIməˈniːən)   n   1 New Testament someone who adheres to the hymenaean belief that there will be no future resurrection   ▷ adj   2 Greek myth archaic relating to weddings   3 New Testament relating to the Gnostic doctrine that there will be no future resurrection

hymeneal (ˌhaImɛˈniːəl)   adj   1 chiefly poetic of or relating to marriage   ▷ n   2 a wedding song or poem   > ˌhymeˈneally adv

hymenean (ˌhaIməˈniːən)   n   1 archaic a wedding song   ▷ adj   2 archaic relating to weddings

hymenium (haIˈmiːnIəm)   n, pl -nia (-nIə) or -niums   (in basidiomycetous and ascomycetous fungi) a layer of cells some of which produce the spores

■ hymenial (haIˈmiːnIəl)   adj   relating to the layer of certain fungi which bears spores, composed of asci or basidia

hymenophore (haIˈmiːnəʊˌfɔː)   n   botany the fruiting body of some basidiomycetous fungi [from HYMENIUM + -PHORE]

hymenoplasty (ˈhaImənəʊˌplæstI)   n, pl -ties   a surgical operation to reconstruct the hymen in order to give the appearance of virginity, usually for religious or cultural reasons [C20: from HYMEN + -PLASTY]

hymenopteran (ˌhaImIˈnɒptərən) or hymenopteron   n, pl -terans or -tera (-tərə) or -terons   any hymenopterous insect

hymenopterous (ˌhaImIˈnɒptərəs) or hymenopteran   adj   of, relating to, or belonging to the Hymenoptera, an order of insects, including bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies, having two pairs of membranous wings and an ovipositor specialized for stinging, sawing, or piercing [C19: from Greek humenopteros membrane wing; see HYMEN, -PTEROUS]

Hymettus (haIˈmɛtəs)   n   a mountain in SE Greece, in Attica east of Athens: famous for its marble and for honey. Height: 1026 m (3366 ft). Modern Greek name: Imittós

■ Hymettian (haIˈmɛtIən) or Hymettic (haIˈmɛtIk)   adj   of or relating to Hymettus, a mountain in SE Greece

hymn (hIm)   n   1 a Christian song of praise sung to God or a saint   2 a similar song praising other gods, a nation, etc   ▷ vb   3 to express (praises, thanks, etc) by singing hymns [C13: from Latin hymnus, from Greek humnos]   > hymnic (ˈhImnIk) adj   > ˈhymnˌlike adj

■ hymnal (ˈhImnəl)   n   1 a book of hymns   ▷ adj   2 of, relating to, or characteristic of hymns

■ hymnbook (ˈhImˌbʊk)   n   a book containing the words and music of hymns

■ hymnist (ˈhImnIst), hymnodist (ˈhImnədIst) or hymnographer (hImˈnɒɡrəfə)   n   a person who composes hymns

■ hymnless (ˈhImləs)   adj   having no hymn

hymnody (ˈhImnədI)   n   1 the composition or singing of hymns   2 hymns collectively   ▶ Also called: hymnology [C18: from Medieval Latin hymnōdia, from Greek humnōidia, from humnōidein to chant a hymn, from HYMN + aeidein to sing]   > hymnodical (hImˈnɒdIkəl) adj

hymnography (hImˈnɒɡrəfI)   n   music the craft of hymn composition

hymnology (hImˈnɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study of hymn composition   2 another word for hymnody   > hymnologic (ˌhImnəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌhymnoˈlogical adj   > hymˈnologist n

hyoid (ˈhaIɔId)   adj also hyoidal, hyoidean   1 of or relating to the hyoid bone   ▷ n also hyoid bone   2 the horseshoe-shaped bone that lies at the base of the tongue and above the thyroid cartilage   3 a corresponding bone or group of bones in other vertebrates [C19: from New Latin hӯoïdes, from Greek huoeidēs having the shape of the letter UPSILON, from hu upsilon + -OID]

hyoplastra (ˌhaIəˈplæstrə)   pl n, sing hyoplastron   zoology the second foremost pair of plastral bones in a turtle

■ hyoplastral (ˌhaIəˈplæstrəl)   adj   of or relating to hyoplastra

hyoscine (ˈhaIəˌsiːn)   n   another name for scopolamine [C19: from HYOSC(YAMUS) + -INE^2]

hyoscyamine (ˌhaIəˈsaIəˌmiːn, -mIn)   n   a poisonous alkaloid occurring in henbane and related plants: an optically active isomer of atropine, used in medicine in a similar way. Formula: C_17H_23NO_3 [C19: from New Latin, from Greek huoskuamos (from hus pig + kuamos bean) + AMINE]

hyoscyamus (ˌhaIəˈsaIəməs)   n   any plant of the solanaceous genus Hyoscyamus, of Europe, Asia, and N Africa, including henbane [C18: from New Latin, from Greek huoskuamos, from hus pig + kuamos bean; the plant was thought to be poisonous to pigs]

hyp.   abbreviation for   1 hypotenuse   2 hypothetical

hyp-   prefix   a variant of hypo-: hypabyssal

hypabyssal (ˌhIpəˈbIsəl)   adj   (of igneous rocks) derived from magma that has solidified at shallow depth in the form of dykes, sills, etc [C19: from HYP- + -ABYSSAL]

■ hypabyssally (ˌhIpəˈbIsəlI)   adv   in a hypabyssal manner

hypaesthesia or US hypesthesia (ˌhIpiːsˈθiːzIə, ˌhaI-)   n   pathol a reduced sensibility to touch   > hypaesthesic or US hypesthesic (ˌhIpiːsˈθiːsIk, ˌhaI-) adj

hypaethral or US hypethral (hIˈpiːθrəl, haI-)   adj   (esp of a classical temple) having no roof. Also: hupaithric [C18: from Latin hypaethrus uncovered, from Greek hupaithros, from HYPO- + aithros clear sky]

hypaethron (hIˈpiːθrɒn)   n   architect a part of a building or court which is open to the sky

hypalgesia (ˌhaIpælˈdʒiːzIə, -sIə)   n   diminished sensitivity to pain   > ˌhypalˈgesic adj

hypalgia (hIˈpældʒIə)   n   reduced sensitivity to pain

hypallage (haIˈpæləˌdʒiː)   n   rhetoric a figure of speech in which the natural relations of two words in a statement are interchanged, as in the fire spread the wind [C16: via Late Latin from Greek hupallagē interchange, from HYPO- + allassein to exchange]

■ hypallactic (ˌhaIpəˈlæktIk)   adj   grammar relating to a hypallage

hypanthium (haIˈpænθIəm)   n, pl -thia (-θIə)   the cup-shaped or flat receptacle of perigynous or epigynous flowers [C19: from New Latin, from HYPO- + Greek anthion a little flower, from anthos flower]   > hyˈpanthial adj

hypate (ˈhIpətiː)   n   (on the ancient Greek lyre) the highest placed string, producing the lowest tone

Hypatia (haIˈpeIʃIə)   n   died 415 AD, Neo-Platonist philosopher and politician, who lectured at Alexandria. She was murdered by a Christian mob

hype^1 (haIp) slang   n   1 a hypodermic needle or injection   ▷ vb   2 (intr; usually foll by up) to inject oneself with a drug   3 (tr) to stimulate artificially or excite [C20: shortened from HYPODERMIC]

■ hyped up   adj   slang stimulated or excited by or as if by the effect of a stimulating drug

hype^2 (haIp)   n   1 a deception or racket   2 intensive or exaggerated publicity or sales promotion: media hype   3 the person or thing so publicized   ▷ vb (tr)   4 to market or promote (a product) using exaggerated or intensive publicity   5 to falsify or rig (something)   6 (in the pop-music business) to buy (copies of a particular record) in such quantity as to increase its ratings in the charts [C20: of unknown origin]   > ˈhyper n   > ˈhyping n

hyper (ˈhaIpə)   adj   informal overactive; overexcited [C20: probably independent use of HYPER-]

hyper-   prefix   1 above, over, or in excess: hypercritical   2 (in medicine) denoting an abnormal excess: hyperacidity   3 indicating that a chemical compound contains a greater than usual amount of an element: hyperoxide [from Greek huper over]

hyperaccumulator (ˌhaIpərəˈkjuːmjʊˌleItə)   n   a plant that absorbs toxins, such as heavy metals, to a greater concentration than that in the soil in which it is growing

hyperacidity (ˌhaIpərəˈsIdItI)   n   excess acidity of the gastrointestinal tract, esp the stomach, producing a burning sensation   > ˌhyperˈacid adj

hyperactive (ˌhaIpərˈæktIv)   adj   abnormally active   > ˌhyperˈaction n   > ˌhyperacˈtivity n

hyperacuity (ˌhaIpərəˈkjuːItI)   n, pl -ties   an extreme acuteness (of the senses)

hyperacusis (ˌhaIpərəˈkjuːsIs)   n, pl hyperacuses   med the sense of a disproportionate increase in volume compared to a moderate auditory stimulus

hyperacute (ˌhaIpərəˈkjuːt)   adj   extremely acute or aware

■ hyperacuteness (ˌhaIpərəˈkjuːtnəs)   n   the state of being extremely acute or aware

hyperadrenalism (ˌhaIpərəˈdrɛnəlIzəm)   n   med a glandular disorder caused by the overactivity of the adrenal glands and often resulting in obesity

hyperaemia or US hyperemia (ˌhaIpərˈiːmIə)   n   pathol an excessive amount of blood in an organ or part   > ˌhyperˈaemic or US ˌhyperˈemic adj

hyperaesthesia or US hyperesthesia (ˌhaIpəriːsˈθiːzIə)   n   pathol increased sensitivity of any of the sense organs, esp of the skin to cold, heat, pain, etc   > hyperaesthetic or US hyperesthetic (ˌhaIpəriːsˈθɛtIk) adj

hyperaesthesic (ˌhaIpəriːsˈθiːzIk)   adj   med relating to an extreme capacity for feeling

hyperaggressive (ˌhaIpərəˈɡrɛsIv)   adj   extremely aggressive

hyperalert (ˌhaIpərəˈlɜːt)   adj   excessively alert

hyperalgesia (ˌhaIpərælˈdʒiːzIə)   n   med an extreme sensitivity to pain

■ hyperalgesic (ˌhaIpərælˈdʒiːzIk)   adj   med characterized by an extreme sensitivity to pain

hyperarid (ˌhaIpərˈærId)   adj   meteorol (of climate) extremely dry

hyperarousal (ˌhaIpərəˈraʊzəl)   n   a state of heightened physiological and psychological stress which may result in anxiety, fatigue, and reduced tolerance to pain

hyperaware (ˌhaIpərəˈwɛə)   adj   acutely alert or aware

■ hyperawareness (ˌhaIpərəˈwɛənəs)   n   an acute alertness or awareness

hyperbaric (ˌhaIpəˈbærIk)   adj   of, concerned with, or operating at pressures higher than normal

■ hyperbarically (ˌhaIpəˈbærIkəlI)   adv   in a hyperbaric manner

hyperbaton (haIˈpɜːbəˌtɒn)   n   rhetoric a figure of speech in which the normal order of words is reversed, as in cheese I love [C16: via Latin from Greek, literally: an overstepping, from HYPER- + bainein to step]

■ hyperbatic (ˌhaIpəˈbætIk)   adj   relating to a hyperbaton

■ hyperbatically (ˌhaIpəˈbætIkəlI)   adv   in a hyperbatic manner

hyperbola (haIˈpɜːbələ)   n, pl -las, -lae (-ˌliː)   a conic section formed by a plane that cuts both bases of a cone; it consists of two branches asymptotic to two intersecting fixed lines and has two foci. Standard equation: x^2/a^2 – y^2/b^2 = 1 where 2a is the distance between the two intersections with the x-axis and b = a√(e^2 – 1), where e is the eccentricity [C17: from Greek huperbolē, literally: excess, extravagance, from HYPER- + ballein to throw]

hyperbole (haIˈpɜːbəlI)   n   a deliberate exaggeration used for effect: he embraced her a thousand times [C16: from Greek: from HYPER- + bolē a throw, from ballein to throw]   > hyˈperbolism n

■ hyperbolist (haIˈpɜːbəlIst)   n   an exaggerator or someone who employs hyperboles

■ hyperbolize or hyperbolise (haIˈpɜːbəˌlaIz)   vb   to express (something) by means of hyperbole

hyperbolic (ˌhaIpəˈbɒlIk) or hyperbolical   adj   1 of or relating to a hyperbola   2 rhetoric of or relating to a hyperbole   > ˌhyperˈbolically adv

■ hyperbolic function   n   any of a group of functions of an angle expressed as a relationship between the distances of a point on a hyperbola to the origin and to the coordinate axes. The group includes sinh (hyperbolic sine), cosh (hyperbolic cosine), tanh (hyperbolic tangent), sech (hyperbolic secant), cosech (hyperbolic cosecant), and coth (hyperbolic cotangent)

hyperboloid (haIˈpɜːbəˌlɔId)   n   a geometric surface consisting of one sheet, or of two sheets separated by a finite distance, whose sections parallel to the three coordinate planes are hyperbolas or ellipses. Equations x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 – z^2/c^2 = 1 (one sheet) or x^2/a^2 – y^2/b^2 – z^2/c^2 = 1 (two sheets) where a, b, and c are constants

■ hyperboloidal (ˌhaIpəbəˈlɔIdəl)   adj   maths resembling the shape of a hyperboloid

Hyperborean (ˌhaIpəˈbɔːrIən)   n   1 Greek myth one of a people believed to have lived beyond the North Wind in a sunny land   2 an inhabitant of the extreme north   ▷ adj   3 (sometimes not capital) of or relating to the extreme north   4 of or relating to the Hyperboreans [C16: from Latin hyperboreus, from Greek huperboreos, from HYPER- + Boreas the north wind]

hypercalcaemia or US hypercalcemia (ˌhaIpəkælˈsiːmIə)   n   med a heightened level of calcium in the blood

■ hypercalcaemic or US hypercalcemic (ˌhaIpəkælˈsiːmIk)   adj   of or relating to hypercalcaemia

hypercapnia (ˌhaIpəˈkæpnIə)   n   an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood. Also: hypercarbia [from HYPER- + Greek kapnos smoke]   > ˌhyperˈcapnic adj

hypercatabolism (ˌhaIpəkəˈtæbəˌlIzəm)   n   med an abnormally high metabolic breakdown of a substance or tissue which leads to weight loss and physical deterioration

hypercatalexis (ˌhaIpəkætəˈlɛksIs)   n, pl hypercatalexes   prosody the addition of an extra syllable or syllables at the end of a line of verse already metrically complete

■ hypercatalectic (ˌhaIpəˌkætəˈlɛktIk)   adj   prosody (of a line of verse) having extra syllables after the last foot

hypercautious (ˌhaIpəˈkɔːʃəs)   adj   extremely or excessively cautious

hypercharge (ˈhaIpəˌtʃɑːdʒ)   n   a property of baryons that is used to account for the absence of certain strong interaction decays

hypercholesterolaemia or US hypercholesterolemia (ˌhaIpəkəˌlɛstərɒlˈiːmIə)   n   the condition of having a high concentration of cholesterol in the blood. See hyperlipidaemia

hypercivilized or hypercivilised (ˌhaIpəˈsIvIˌlaIzd)   adj   extremely or excessively civilized

hypercoagulable (ˌhaIpəkəʊˈæɡjʊləbəl)   adj   med related to excessive coagulation of the blood or blood clots

hypercolour (ˈhaIpəˌkʌlə)   n   a dye that causes a fabric to change colour with a change of temperature

hypercomplex (ˌhaIpəˈkɒmplɛks)   adj   maths extremely complex

hyperconnectivity (ˌhaIpəˌkɒnɛkˈtIvItI)   n   the use of multiple systems and devices to remain constantly connected to social networks and streams of information

hyperconscious (ˌhaIpəˈkɒnʃəs)   adj   characterized by being more aware or conscious than normal

hypercorrect (ˌhaIpəkəˈrɛkt)   adj   1 excessively correct or fastidious   2 resulting from or characterized by hypercorrection   > ˌhypercorˈrectness n

■ hypercorrection (ˌhaIpəkəˈrɛkʃən)   n   a mistaken correction to text or speech made through a desire to avoid nonstandard pronunciation or grammar: 'between you and I' is a hypercorrection of 'between you and me'

■ hypercorrectly (ˌhaIpəkəˈrɛktlI)   adv   in a hypercorrect manner

hypercritical (ˌhaIpəˈkrItIkəl)   adj   excessively or severely critical; carping; captious   > ˌhyperˈcritic n   > ˌhyperˈcritically adv   > ˌhyperˈcritiˌcism n

■ hypercriticize or hypercriticise (ˌhaIpəˈkrItIˌsaIz)   vb (tr)   to criticize excessively or severely

hypercube (ˈhaIpəˌkjuːb)   n   maths a figure in a space of four or more dimensions having all its sides equal and all its angles right angles

hyperdactyl (ˌhaIpəˈdæktIl)   adj   med having an excessive number of fingers or toes

■ hyperdactyly (ˌhaIpəˈdæktIlI)   n   med an inborn physical abnormality characterized by excessive fingers or toes

hyperdorian (ˌhaIpəˈdɔːrIən)   adj   music of or related to the mode above the Dorian mode in ancient Greek music

hyperdulia (ˌhaIpədjʊˈlIə)   n   RC Church special veneration accorded to the Virgin Mary. Compare dulia, latria [C16: from Latin HYPER- + Medieval Latin dulia service]   > ˌhyperˈdulic or ˌhyperˈdulical adj

hyperefficient (ˌhaIpərIˈfIʃənt)   adj   more efficient than normal

hyperemesis (ˌhaIpərˈɛmIsIs)   n, pl hyperemeses   med extreme and unrelenting vomiting

■ hyperemetic (ˌhaIpərIˈmɛtIk)   adj   med characterized by extreme and unrelenting vomiting

hyperemia (ˌhaIpərˈiːmIə)   n   pathol the usual US spelling of hyperaemia   > ˌhyperˈemic adj

hyperemotional (ˌhaIpərIˈməʊʃənəl)   adj   extremely or excessively emotional

hyperendemic (ˌhaIpərɛnˈdɛmIk)   adj med   1 manifesting a high and persistent occurrence   2 characterized by hyperendemic disease

hyperenergetic (ˌhaIpərˌɛnəˈdʒɛtIk)   adj   extremely or excessively energetic

hyperesthesia (ˌhaIpəriːsˈθiːzIə)   n   pathol the usual US spelling of hyperaesthesia   > ˌhyperesˈthetic adj

hypereutectic (ˌhaIpəjuːˈtɛktIk) or hypereutectoid   adj   (of a mixture or alloy with two components) containing more of the minor component than a eutectic mixture. Compare hypoeutectic

hyperexcitement (ˌhaIpərIkˈsaItmənt)   n   excessive or extreme excitement

■ hyperexcitable (ˌhaIpərIkˈsaItəbəl)   adj   extremely reactive to stimuli

■ hyperexcited (ˌhaIpərIkˈsaItId)   adj   showing excessive excitement

hyperexcretion (ˌhaIpərIkˈskriːʃən)   n   med excessive excretion

hyperextend (ˌhaIpərIkˈstɛnd)   vb (tr)   med to overextend or to extend a joint or body part beyond its usual limit of motion

■ hyperextension (ˌhaIpərIkˈstɛnʃən)   n   extension of an arm or leg beyond its normal limits

hyperfastidious (ˌhaIpəfæˈstIdIəs)   adj   extremely or excessively fastidious

hyperfine structure (ˈhaIpəˌfaIn)   n   the splitting of a spectral line of an atom or molecule into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction of the electrons with the magnetic moments of the nuclei. Compare fine structure. See also Zeeman effect

hyperfocal (ˌhaIpəˈfəʊkəl)   adj   photog, optics relating to the distance beyond which a lens can be focused to produce satisfactory image quality

■ hyperfocal distance (ˌhaIpəˈfəʊkəl)   n   the distance from a camera lens to the point beyond which all objects appear sharp and clearly defined

hyperfunction (ˌhaIpəˈfʌŋkʃən)   n   1 med excessive activity or functioning   2 maths a pair of holomorphic functions distinguished by a boundary

■ hyperfunctional (ˌhaIpəˈfʌŋkʃənəl)   adj   med characterized by excessive activity

hypergamy (haIˈpɜːɡəmI)   n   1 a custom that forbids a woman to marry a man of lower social status   2 any marriage with a partner of higher social status [C19: from HYPER- + -GAMY]   > ˌhyperˈgamous adj

hypergeometric (ˌhaIpədʒIəˈmɛtrIk)   adj   of or relating to operations or series that transcend ordinary geometrical operations or series

hyperglycaemia or US hyperglycemia (ˌhaIpəɡlaIˈsiːmIə)   n   pathol an abnormally large amount of sugar in the blood [C20: from HYPER- + GLYCO- + -AEMIA]   > ˌhyperglyˈcaemic or US ˌhyperglyˈcemic adj

hypergolic (ˌhaIpəˈɡɒlIk)   adj   (of a rocket fuel) able to ignite spontaneously on contact with an oxidizer [C20: from German Hypergol (perhaps from HYP(ER-) + ERG^1 + -OL^2) + -IC]

■ hypergol (ˈhaIpəˌɡɒl)   n   a hypergolic force or fuel

■ hypergolically (ˌhaIpəˈɡɒlIkəlI)   adv   in a hypergolic manner

hyperhidrosis (ˌhaIpəhIˈdrəʊsIs, ˌhaIpəhaIˈdrəʊsIs)   n, pl hyperhidroses   another name for hidrosis (sense 3)

hypericin (haIˈpɛrIsIn)   n   an antidepressant and antiviral compound derived from Saint John's wort

hypericum (haIˈpɛrIkəm)   n   any herbaceous plant or shrub of the temperate genus Hypericum: family Hypericaceae. See rose of Sharon (sense 1), Saint John's wort [C16: via Latin from Greek hupereikon, from HYPER- + ereikē heath]

hyperidrosis (ˌhaIpərIˈdrəʊsIs)   n, pl hyperidroses   excessive or abnormal sweating

hyperimmune (ˌhaIpərIˈmjuːn)   adj   med characterized by a high degree of immunization

■ hyperimmunize or hyperimmunise (ˌhaIpəˈImjʊˌnaIz)   vb (tr)   med to render highly immunized

hyperinflated (ˌhaIpərInˈfleItId)   adj   1 economics relating to currency inflation that has gone out of control   2 med (of lungs, etc) excessively inflated or enlarged   3 (of expectations, etc) unreasonably high

hyperinflation (ˌhaIpəInˈfleIʃən)   n   extremely high inflation, usually over 50 per cent per month, often involving social disorder. Also called: galloping inflation

hyperinosis (ˌhaIpərIˈnəʊsIs)   n, pl hyperinoses   med a blood condition characterized by the presence of excessive levels of fibrin

■ hyperinotic (ˌhaIpərIˈnɒtIk)   adj   med of or having hyperinosis

hyperinsulinism (ˌhaIpərˈInsjʊlIˌnIzəm)   n   pathol an excessive amount of insulin in the blood, producing hypoglycaemia, caused by oversecretion of insulin by the pancreas or overdosage of insulin in treating diabetes. See insulin reaction

hyperintense (ˌhaIpərInˈtɛns)   adj   excessively intense or active

hyperinvolution (ˌhaIpərˌInvəˈluːʃən)   n   med a decrease in the size of an organ following enlargement, usually used to describe the shrinking of the uterus after childbirth

Hyperion^1 (haIˈpIərIən)   n   Greek myth a Titan, son of Uranus and Gaea, father of Helios (sun), Selene (moon), and Eos (dawn)

Hyperion^2 (haIˈpIərIən)   n   an irregular-shaped outer satellite of the planet Saturn that tumbles chaotically

hyperirritable (ˌhaIpərˈIrItəbəl)   adj   excessively responsive or sensitive to a stimulus

hyperkeratosis (ˌhaIpəˌkɛrəˈtəʊsIs)   n   pathol overgrowth and thickening of the outer layer of the skin   > hyperkeratotic (ˌhaIpəˌkɛrəˈtɒtIk) adj

hyperkinesia (ˌhaIpəkIˈniːzIə, -kaI-) or hyperkinesis (ˌhaIpəkIˈniːsIs, -kaI-)   n pathol   1 excessive movement, as in a muscle spasm   2 extreme overactivity in children [C20: from HYPER- + -kinesia from Greek kinēsis movement, from kinein to move]   > hyperkinetic (ˌhaIpəkIˈnɛtIk, -kaI-) adj

hyperlink (ˈhaIpəˌlIŋk)   n   1 a word, phrase, picture, icon, etc, in a computer document on which a user may click to move to another part of the document or to another document   ▷ vb   2 (tr) to link (files) in this way   ▶ Often shortened to: link

hyperlipidaemia or US hyperlipidemia (ˌhaIpəˌlIpIˈdiːmIə)   n   an abnormally high level of lipids, esp cholesterol, in the blood, predisposing to atherosclerosis and other arterial diseases

■ hyperlipemic (ˌhaIpəlIˈpiːmIk)   adj   characterized by an excessive level of fat in the blood

hyperlipoproteinaemia or US hyperlipoproteinemia (ˌhaIpəˌlIpəˌprəʊtIˈniːmIə)   n   med the condition of having an abnormally high level of lipoproteins in the blood

hyperlydian (ˌhaIpəˈlIdIən)   adj   music relating to the highest scale or mode in ancient Greek music

hypermania (ˌhaIpəˈmeInIə)   n   psychol a condition of extreme mania   > ˌhyperˈmanic adj

hypermarket (ˈhaIpəˌmɑːkIt)   n   Brit a huge self-service store, usually built on the outskirts of a town [C20: translation of French hypermarché]

hypermart (ˈhaIpəˌmɑːt)   n   a very large, discount supermarket with a maximum range of products including groceries, apparel and general household goods

hypermasculine (ˌhaIpəˈmæskjʊlIn)   adj   psychol characterized by an exaggeration of traditionally masculine traits or behaviour

hypermedia (ˈhaIpəˌmiːdIə)   n   computer software and hardware that allows users to interact with text, graphics, sound, and video, each of which can be accessed from within any of the others. Compare hypertext

hypermetabolism (ˌhaIpəmIˈtæbəˌlIzəm)   n   physiol an excessive increase in metabolic activity

■ hypermetabolic (ˌhaIpəˌmɛtəˈbɒlIk)   adj   physiol characterized by an excessive increase in metabolic activity

hypermeter (haIˈpɜːmItə)   n   prosody a verse line containing one or more additional syllables   > hypermetric (ˌhaIpəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌhyperˈmetrical adj

hypermetropia (ˌhaIpəmIˈtrəʊpIə) or hypermetropy (ˌhaIpəˈmɛtrəpI)   n   pathol variants of hyperopia [C19: from Greek hupermetros beyond measure (from HYPER- + metron measure) + -OPIA]   > hypermetropic (ˌhaIpəmIˈtrɒpIk) or ˌhypermeˈtropical adj

hypermiling (ˈhaIpəˌmaIlIŋ)   n   the practice of maximizing the fuel economy of a motor vehicle, esp through driving technique and vehicle maintenance

hypermnesia (ˌhaIpəmˈniːzIə)   n   psychol an unusually good ability to remember, found in some mental disorders and possibly in hypnosis [C20: New Latin, from HYPER- + -mnesia, formed on the model of AMNESIA]

■ hypermnesic (ˌhaIpəˈmniːzIk)   adj   med characterized by an unusually poignant and accurate memory of the past

hypermobility (ˌhaIpəməʊˈbIlItI)   n   med an extension of the joints beyond normal capacity

hypermodern (ˌhaIpəˈmɒdən)   adj   1 chess relating to a strategy in chess which seeks to control the centre of the board by the use of distant pieces instead of pawns   2 art referring to an extreme movement in art and culture distinct from modernism and postmodernism   3 relating to the intensification of modernity

■ hypermodernism (ˌhaIpəˈmɒdənIzəm)   n   a hypermodern approach or theory

■ hypermodernist (ˌhaIpəˈmɒdənIst)   n   a person who adheres to hypermodernism

■ hypermodern school   n   a style of chess characterized by control of the centre from the flanks

hypermutable (ˌhaIpəˈmjuːtəbəl)   adj   med characterized by a rapid occurrence of mutation

■ hypermutability (ˌhaIpəˈmjuːtəbIlItI)   n, pl -ties   med a rapid occurrence of mutation

hypernatraemia (ˌhaIpənəˈtriːmIə)   n   med, Brit a heightened concentration of sodium in the blood

hypernova (ˈhaIpəˌnəʊvə)   n   an exploding star that produces even more energy and light than a supernova

hypernym (ˈhaIpəˌnIm)   n   another name for superordinate (sense 3) [C20: HYPER- + Greek onoma name]

■ hypernymy (ˈhaIpəˌnImI)   n   grammar the semantic association of being part of a higher class

hyperon (ˈhaIpəˌrɒn)   n   physics any baryon that is not a nucleon [C20: from HYPER- + -ON]

hyperopia (ˌhaIpəˈrəʊpIə)   n   inability to see near objects clearly because the images received by the eye are focused behind the retina; long-sightedness. Also called: hypermetropia, hypermetropy. Compare myopia, presbyopia   > hyperopic (ˌhaIpəˈrɒpIk) adj

■ hyperope (ˈhaIpəˌəʊp)   n   optics a person who is far-sighted or has hyperopia

hyperorexia (ˌhaIpərɒˈrɛksIə)   n   compulsive overeating [C20: from HYPER- + Greek orexis appetite]

hyperosmia (ˌhaIpəˈɒzmIə)   n   an abnormally acute sense of smell [C20: from HYPER- + Greek osmē odour]

hyperostosis (ˌhaIpərɒˈstəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz) pathol   1 an abnormal enlargement of the outer layer of a bone   2 a bony growth arising from the root of a tooth or from the surface of a bone   > hyperostotic (ˌhaIpərɒˈstɒtIk) adj

hyperparasite (ˌhaIpəˈpærəˌsaIt)   n   an organism that is parasitic on another parasite

■ hyperparasitic (ˌhaIpəˌpærəˈsItIk)   adj   resembling a parasite that lives off another parasite

■ hyperparasitism (ˌhaIpəˈpærəsaIˌtIzəm)   n   a relationship between two parasites in which one develops within the other

hyperphagia (ˌhaIpəˈfeIdʒIə)   n   psychol compulsive overeating over a prolonged period

■ hyperphagic (ˌhaIpəˈfeIdʒIk)   adj   med characterized by overeating

hyperphrygian (ˌhaIpəˈfrIdʒIən)   adj   (in ancient Greek music) of a principle mode found between the hyperlydian and the hypolydian

hyperphysical (ˌhaIpəˈfIzIkəl)   adj   beyond the physical; supernatural or immaterial   > ˌhyperˈphysically adv

hyperpigmented (ˌhaIpəpIɡˈmɛntId)   adj   med characterized by having some patches of skin that are darker than others

hyperpituitarism (ˌhaIpəpIˈtjuːItəˌrIzəm)   n   pathol overactivity of the pituitary gland, sometimes resulting in acromegaly or gigantism   > ˌhyperpiˈtuitary adj

hyperplane (ˈhaIpəˌpleIn)   n   maths a higher dimensional analogue of a plane in three dimensions. It can be represented by one linear equation

hyperplasia (ˌhaIpəˈplæzIə)   n   enlargement of a bodily organ or part resulting from an increase in the total number of cells. Compare hypertrophy   > hyperplastic (ˌhaIpəˈplæstIk) adj

hyperploid (ˈhaIpəˌplɔId)   adj   biology having or relating to a chromosome number that exceeds an exact multiple of the haploid number   > ˈhyperˌploidy n

hyperpnoea or US hyperpnea (ˌhaIpəpˈniːə, ˌhaIpəˈniːə)   n   an increase in the breathing rate or in the depth of breathing, as after strenuous exercise [C20: from New Latin, from HYPER- + Greek pnoia breath, from pnein to breathe]

■ hyperpneic (ˌhaIpəˈniːIk)   adj   med characterized by unusually fast breathing

hyperpolarize or hyperpolarise (ˌhaIpəˈpəʊləˌraIz)   vb (tr)   biology, physics to cause increased polarization

hyperpower (ˈhaIpəˌpaʊə)   n   1 an extremely powerful state that dominates all other states in every sphere of activity   2 the power wielded by such a state

hyperproduction (ˌhaIpəprəˈdʌkʃən)   n   an increased or excessive production or output

■ hyperproducer (ˌhaIpəprəˈdjuːsə)   n   an increased or rapid producer

hyperprosexia (ˌhaIpəprɒˈsɛksIə)   n   psychol a condition in which the whole attention is occupied by one object or idea to the exclusion of others [C20: from HYPER- + Greek prosexein to heed]

hyperpure (ˌhaIpəˈpjʊə)   adj   extremely pure or completely uncontaminated

hyperpyrexia (ˌhaIpəpaIˈrɛksIə)   n   pathol an extremely high fever, with a temperature of 41°C (106°F) or above. Also called: hyperthermia, hyperthermy   > hyperpyretic (ˌhaIpəpaIˈrɛtIk) or ˌhyperpyˈrexial adj

hyperrational (ˌhaIpəˈræʃənəl)   adj   characterized by excessive rationality

hyperreactive (ˌhaIpərIˈæktIv)   adj   exhibiting an exaggerated reaction to stimuli

■ hyperreactivity (ˌhaIpəˌriːækˈtIvItI)   n   an exaggerated response to stimuli

■ hyperreactor (ˌhaIpərIˈæktə)   n   a person who behaves in a hyperreactive manner

hyperreal (ˌhaIpəˈrIəl)   adj   1 involving or characterized by particularly realistic graphic representation   2 distorting or exaggerating reality   3 pertaining to or creating a hyperreality   ▷ n   4 the hyperreal that which constitutes hyperreality   5 short for hyperreal number

■ hyperrealism (ˌhaIpəˈrIəlIzəm)   n   another word for photorealism   > ˌhyperˈrealist n, adj   > ˌhyperˌrealˈistic adj

■ hyperreality (ˌhaIpərIˈælItI)   n, pl -ties   an image or simulation, or an aggregate of images and simulations, that either distorts the reality it purports to depict or does not in fact depict anything with a real existence at all, but which nonetheless comes to constitute reality

■ hyperreal number   n   any of the set of numbers formed by the addition of infinite numbers and infinitesimal numbers to the set of real numbers

hyperresponsive (ˌhaIpərIˈspɒnsIv)   adj   exhibiting an exaggerated response to stimuli

hyperromantic (ˌhaIpərəʊˈmæntIk)   adj   extremely or excessively romantic

hypersaline (ˌhaIpəˈseIlaIn)   adj   med characterized by excessive salt in a saline solution

■ hypersalinity (ˌhaIpəsəˈlInItI)   n   med an excess of salt in a saline solution

hypersalivation (ˌhaIpəˌsælIˈveIʃən)   n   excessive salivation

hypersarcoma (ˌhaIpəsɑːˈkəʊmə)   n, pl -mata (-mətə) or -mas   a growth of proud or fungous flesh

hypersarcosis (ˌhaIpəsɑːˈkəʊsIs)   n, pl hypersarcoses   med a fleshy outgrowth

hypersecretion (ˌhaIpəsIˈkriːʃən)   n   excessive or abnormal secretion

hypersensitive (ˌhaIpəˈsɛnsItIv)   adj   1 having unduly vulnerable feelings   2 abnormally sensitive to an allergen, a drug, or other agent   > ˌhyperˈsensitiveness or ˌhyperˌsensiˈtivity n

hypersensitize or hypersensitise (ˌhaIpəˈsɛnsIˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to treat (a photographic emulsion), usually after manufacture and shortly before exposure, to increase its speed   > ˌhyperˌsensitiˈzation or ˌhyperˌsensitiˈsation n

hypersensual (ˌhaIpəˈsɛnsjʊəl)   adj   extremely or excessively sensual

hypersexual (ˌhaIpəˈsɛksjʊəl)   adj   extremely or excessively sexual or given to sexual activities

■ hypersexuality (ˌhaIpəˌsɛksjʊˈælətI)   n   extreme or excessive sexual activity

hypersomnia (ˌhaIpəˈsɒmnIə) or hypersomnolence (ˌhaIpəˈsɒmnələns)   n   an extreme or excessive level of sleepiness

hypersonic (ˌhaIpəˈsɒnIk)   adj   concerned with or having a velocity of at least five times that of sound in the same medium under the same conditions   > ˌhyperˈsonics n

■ hypersonically (ˌhaIpəˈsɒnIkəlI)   adv   in a hypersonic manner

hyperspace (ˌhaIpəˈspeIs)   n   1 maths space having more than three dimensions: often used to describe a multi-dimensional environment   2 (in science fiction) a theoretical dimension within which conventional space-time relationship does not apply   > hyperspatial (ˌhaIpəˈspeIʃəl) adj

hyperstatic (ˌhaIpəˈstætIk)   adj   (of a building) having excessive or redundant support components

hypersthene (ˈhaIpəˌsθiːn)   n   a green, brown, or black pyroxene mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. Formula: (Mg,Fe)2Si_2O_6 [C19: from HYPER- + Greek sthenos strength]   > hypersthenic (ˌhaIpəˈsθɛnIk) adj

hypersthenia (ˌhaIpəˈsθiːnIə)   n   abnormal strength or tension

■ hypersthenite (ˌhaIpəˈsθɛnaIt)   n   a person who possesses an excess of muscle strength

hyperstimulate (ˌhaIpəˈstImjʊˌleIt)   vb (tr)   med to stimulate excessively

hyperstress (ˈhaIpəˌstrɛs)   n   med extreme stress or anxiety

hypersurface (ˈhaIpəˌsɜːfIs)   n   maths a type of submanifold

hypertense (ˌhaIpəˈtɛns)   adj   extremely or excessively tense

■ hypertension (ˌhaIpəˈtɛnʃən)   n   pathol abnormally high blood pressure   > hypertensive (ˌhaIpəˈtɛnsIv) adj, n

hypertext (ˈhaIpəˌtɛkst)   n   computer software and hardware that allows users to create, store, and view text and move between related items easily and in a nonsequential way; a word or phrase can be selected to link users to another part of the same document or to a different document

■ hypertext markup language   n   the full name for HTML

hyperthermia (ˌhaIpəˈθɜːmIə) or hyperthermy (ˌhaIpəˈθɜːmI)   n   pathol variants of hyperpyrexia   > ˌhyperˈthermal adj

■ hyperthermic (ˌhaIpəˈθɜːmIk)   adj   med characterized by an abnormally high body temperature

hyperthermophile (ˌhaIpəˈθɜːməʊˌfaIl)   n   an organism, esp a bacterium, that lives at high temperatures (above 80°C), found in some hot springs [C20: from HYPER- + -THERMOPHILE]   > hyperthermophilic (ˌhaIpəˌθɜːməʊˈfIlIk) adj

hyperthymia (ˌhaIpəˈθaImIə)   n   excessive emotionalism [C20: from HYPER- + Greek thymos spirit]

hyperthyroidism (ˌhaIpəˈθaIrɔIˌdIzəm)   n   overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing nervousness, insomnia, sweating, palpitation, and sensitivity to heat. Also called: thyrotoxicosis. See exophthalmic goitre   > ˌhyperˈthyroid adj, n

hypertonia (ˌhaIpəˈtəʊnIə)   n   med an unusual increase in muscle tension making stretching difficult or impossible

hypertonic (ˌhaIpəˈtɒnIk)   adj   1 (esp of muscles) being in a state of abnormally high tension   2 (of a solution) having a higher osmotic pressure than that of a specified, generally physiological, solution. Compare hypotonic, isotonic   > hypertonicity (ˌhaIpətəʊˈnIsItI) n

hypertrophy (haIˈpɜːtrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1 enlargement of an organ or part resulting from an increase in the size of the cells. Compare atrophy, hyperplasia   ▷ vb -phies, -phying, -phied   2 to undergo or cause to undergo this condition   > hypertrophic (ˌhaIpəˈtrɒfIk) adj

■ hypertrophical (ˌhaIpəˈtrɒfIkəl) or hypertrophous (ˌhaIpəˈtrɒfəs)   adj   med relating to hypertrophy

hypertypical (ˈhaIpəˌtIpIkəl)   adj   excessively typical

hyperurbanism (ˌhaIpərˈɜːbəˌnIzəm)   n   an overcompensation of pronunciation in an attempt to hide provincial speech

hyperuricaemia or US hyperuricemia (ˌhaIpəˌjʊərIˈsiːmIə)   n   an abnormal elevation of uric acid in the blood

hypervelocity (ˌhaIpəvəˈlɒsItI)   n, pl -ties   an extremely high velocity

hyperventilate (ˌhaIpəˈvɛntIleIt)   vb   (intr) to breathe in an abnormally deep, long, and rapid manner, sometimes resulting in cramp and dizziness

■ hyperventilation (ˌhaIpəˌvɛntIˈleIʃən)   n   an increase in the depth, duration, and rate of breathing, sometimes resulting in cramp and dizziness

hypervigilance (ˌhaIpəˈvIdʒIləns)   n   med an unusually heightened arousal accompanied by extreme sensitivity to stimuli

■ hypervigilant (ˌhaIpəˈvIdʒIlənt)   adj   med characterized by hypervigilance

hypervirulent (ˌhaIpəˈvIrjʊlənt, ˌhaIpəˈvIrʊlənt)   adj   extremely virulent

hyperviscosity (ˌhaIpəvIsˈkɒsətI)   n, pl -ties   the abnormal thickening of a liquid

hypervitaminosis (ˌhaIpəˌvItəmIˈnəʊsIs, -ˌvaI-)   n   pathol the condition resulting from the chronic excessive intake of vitamins [C20: from HYPER- + VITAMIN + -OSIS]

hypester (ˈhaIpstə)   n   a person or organization that gives an idea or product intense publicity in order to promote it

hypesthesia (ˌhIpiːsˈθiːzIə, ˌhaI-)   n   the usual US spelling of hypaesthesia   > hypesthesic (ˌhIpiːsˈθiːsIk, ˌhaI-) adj

hypethral (hIˈpiːθrəl, haI-)   adj   the usual US spelling of hypaethral

hypha (ˈhaIfə)   n, pl -phae (-fiː)   any of the filaments that constitute the body (mycelium) of a fungus [C19: from New Latin, from Greek huphē web]   > ˈhyphal adj

hyphemia (haIˈfiːmIə)   n   med bleeding inside the eye caused by ruptured blood vessels

hyphen (ˈhaIfən)   n   1 the punctuation mark (-), used to separate the parts of some compound words, to link the words of a phrase, and between syllables of a word split between two consecutive lines of writing or printing   ▷ vb   2 (tr) another word for hyphenate [C17: from Late Latin (meaning: the combining of two words), from Greek huphen (adv) together, from HYPO- + heis one]

■ hyphenate (ˈhaIfəˌneIt) or hyphen   vb   (tr) to separate (syllables, words, etc) with a hyphen   > ˌhyphenˈation n

■ hyphenated (ˈhaIfəˌneItId)   adj   1 containing or linked with a hyphen   2 chiefly US having a nationality denoted by a hyphenated word, as in American-Irish   3 chiefly US denoting something, such as a professional career, that consists of two elements, as in singer-songwriter

■ hyphen help   n   a word processing function that assists the operator to identify automatically those words that can be hyphenated at the end of a line of text

■ hyphenic (haIˈfɛnIk)   adj   relating to a hyphen

■ hyphenism (ˈhaIfəˌnIzəm)   n   dual patriotic loyalty

■ hyphenization or hyphenisation (ˌhaIfənaIˈzeIʃəŋ)   n   the act or use of hyphenation

■ hyphenless (ˈhaIfənləs)   adj   without a hyphen

hyphy (ˈhaIˌfiː)   n   a style of hip-hop music originating in the Bay Area of San Francisco [C20: from HYPERACTIVE]

hypinosis (ˌhaIpIˈnəʊsIs)   n   med a protein deficiency or reduction in blood

hypn-   prefix   a variant form (before a vowel) of hypno-

hypnagogic or hypnogogic (ˌhIpnəˈɡɒdʒIk)   adj   psychol of or relating to the state just before one is fully asleep. See also hypnagogic image, hypnopompic [C19: from French hypnagogique; see HYPNO-, -AGOGIC]

■ hypnagogic image   n   psychol an image experienced by a person just before falling asleep, which often resembles a hallucination

hypnic (ˈhIpnIk)   adj   relating to or inducing sleep

hypno- or before a vowel hypn-   combining form   1 indicating sleep: hypnophobia   2 relating to hypnosis: hypnotherapy [from Greek hupnos sleep]

hypnoanalysis (ˌhIpnəʊəˈnælIsIs)   n   psychoanalysis conducted on a hypnotized person   > hypnoanalytic (ˌhIpnəʊˌænəˈlItIk) adj

hypnobirthing (ˈhIpnəʊˌbɜːθIŋ)   n   the use of hypnotic techniques during labour by an expectant mother to reduce the pain and emotional stress of delivery

hypnogenesis (ˌhIpnəʊˈdʒɛnIsIs)   n   psychol the induction of sleep or hypnosis   > hypnogenetic (ˌhIpnəʊdʒIˈnɛtIk) adj   > ˌhypnogeˈnetically adv

hypnogeny (hIpˈnɒdʒInI)   n   hypnosis or the induction of a hypnotic state

■ hypnogenic (ˌhIpnəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the induction of sleep   2 of or relating to the induction of hypnosis

■ hypnogenous (hIpˈnɒdʒənəs)   adj   characterized by the induction of hypnotic sleep

hypnoid^1 (ˈhIpˌnɔId) or hypnoidal (hIpˈnɔIdəl)   adj   of or relating to a state resembling sleep or hypnosis

hypnoid^2 (ˈhIpˌnɔId)   adj   resembling a moss, specifically a moss of the genus Hypnum [from New Latin hypnum, from Greek hupnon a type of lichen, + -OID]

hypnoidize or hypnoidise (ˈhIpnɔIˌdaIz)   vb (tr)   US to induce a state of sleep

hypnology (hIpˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the study of sleep and hypnosis   > hypnologic (ˌhIpnəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌhypnoˈlogical adj   > hypˈnologist n

hypnone (ˈhIpnəʊn)   n   chem a clear liquid with a sweet odour

hypnopaedia (ˌhIpnəʊˈpiːdIə)   n   the learning of lessons heard during sleep [C20: from HYPNO- + Greek paideia education]

hypnopompic (ˌhIpnəʊˈpɒmpIk)   adj   psychol relating to the state existing between sleep and full waking, characterized by the persistence of dreamlike imagery. See also hypnagogic [C20: from HYPNO- + Greek pompē a sending forth, escort + -IC; see POMP]

Hypnos (ˈhIpnɒs)   n   Greek myth the god of sleep. Roman counterpart: Somnus. Compare Morpheus [Greek: sleep]

hypnosis (hIpˈnəʊsIs)   n, pl -ses (-siːz)   an artificially induced state of relaxation and concentration in which deeper parts of the mind become more accessible: used clinically to reduce reaction to pain, to encourage free association, etc. See also autohypnosis

hypnotee (ˌhIpnəˈtiː)   n   a person being hypnotized

hypnotherapy (ˌhIpnəʊˈθɛrəpI)   n   the use of hypnosis in the treatment of emotional and psychogenic problems   > ˌhypnoˈtherapist n

hypnotize or hypnotise (ˈhIpnəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to induce hypnosis in (a person)   2 to charm or beguile; fascinate   > ˈhypnoˌtizable or ˈhypnoˌtisable adj   > ˌhypnoˌtizaˈbility or ˌhypnoˌtisaˈbility n   > ˌhypnotiˈzation or ˌhypnotiˈsation n   > ˈhypnoˌtizer or ˈhypnoˌtiser n

■ hypnotic (hIpˈnɒtIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or producing hypnosis or sleep   2 (of a person) susceptible to hypnotism   ▷ n   3 a drug or agent that induces sleep   4 a person susceptible to hypnosis [C17: from Late Latin hypnōticus, from Greek hupnōtikos, from hupnoun to put to sleep, from hupnos sleep]   > hypˈnotically adv

■ hypnotism (ˈhIpnəˌtIzəm)   n   1 the scientific study and practice of hypnosis   2 the process of inducing hypnosis

■ hypnotist (ˈhIpnətIst)   n   a person skilled in the theory and practice of hypnosis

■ hypnotistic (ˌhIpnəˈtIstIk)   adj   of or relating to a hypnotist

■ hypnotoid (ˈhIpnəˌtɔId)   adj   resembling or similar to hypnosis

hypnum (ˈhIpnəm)   n   any of various plants of the genus Hypnum, the largest genus of moss

hypo^1 (ˈhaIpəʊ)   n   another name for sodium thiosulphate, esp when used as a fixer in photographic developing [C19: shortened from HYPOSULPHITE]

hypo^2 (ˈhaIpəʊ)   n, pl -pos informal   short for hypodermic syringe

hypo- or before a vowel hyp-   prefix   1 under, beneath, or below: hypodermic   2 lower; at a lower point: hypogastrium   3 less than: hypoploid   4 (in medicine) denoting a deficiency or an abnormally low level: hypothyroid; hypoglycaemia   5 incomplete or partial: hypoplasia   6 indicating that a chemical compound contains an element in a lower oxidation state than usual: hypochlorous acid [from Greek, from hupo under]

Hypo-   prefix   indicating a plagal mode in music: Hypodorian [from Greek: beneath (it lies a fourth below the corresponding authentic mode)]

hypoacid (ˌhaIpəʊˈæsId)   adj   relating to a lower than normal level of acidity

■ hypoacidity (ˌhaIpəʊəˈsIdItI)   n   med abnormally low acidity, as of the contents of the stomach

hypoaeolian (ˌhaIpəʊiːˈəʊlIən)   adj   of a specific mode of church music

hypoallergenic (ˈhaIpəʊˌæləˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   (of cosmetics, earrings, etc) not likely to cause an allergic reaction

hypobaric (ˌhaIpəˈbærIk)   adj   having less than normal pressure

hypoblast (ˈhaIpəˌblæst)   n   1 Also called: endoblast embryol the inner layer of an embryo at an early stage of development that becomes the endoderm at gastrulation   2 a less common name for endoderm   > ˌhypoˈblastic adj

hypobole (hIpˈɒbəliː)   n   the act of anticipating objection for the purpose of refutation

hypocalcaemia or US hypocalcemia (ˌhaIpəʊkælˈsiːmIə)   n   med a deficiency of calcium in the blood

■ hypocalcaemic or US hypocalcemic (ˌhaIpəʊkælˈsiːmIk)   adj   of or relating to hypocalcaemia

hypocaust (ˈhaIpəˌkɔːst)   n   an ancient Roman heating system in which hot air circulated under the floor and between double walls [C17: from Latin hypocaustum, from Greek hupokauston room heated from below, from hupokaiein to light a fire beneath, from HYPO- + kaiein to burn]

hypocentre (ˈhaIpəʊˌsɛntə)   n   1 Also called: ground zero the point on the ground immediately below the centre of explosion of a nuclear bomb in the atmosphere   2 another term for focus (sense 6)

■ hypocentral (ˌhaIpəʊˈsɛntrəl)   adj   of or relating to a hypocentre

hypochlorite (ˌhaIpəˈklɔːraIt)   n   any salt or ester of hypochlorous acid

hypochlorous (ˌhaIpəˈklɔːrəs)   adj   chem relating to chlorine which has a valence lower than chlorous compounds

■ hypochlorous acid   n   an unstable acid known only in solution and in the form of its salts, formed when chlorine dissolves in water: a strong oxidizing and bleaching agent. Formula: HOCl

hypochondria (ˌhaIpəˈkɒndrIə)   n   chronic abnormal anxiety concerning the state of one's health, even in the absence of any evidence of disease on medical examination. Also called: hypochondriasis (ˌhaIpəʊkɒnˈdraIəsIs), hypochondriasm (ˌhaIpəˈkɒndrIˌæzəm) [C18: from Late Latin: the abdomen, supposedly the seat of melancholy, from Greek hupokhondria, from hupokhondrios of the upper abdomen, from HYPO- + khondros cartilage]

■ hypochondriac (ˌhaIpəˈkɒndrIˌæk)   n also hypochondriast (ˌhaIpəˈkɒndrIəst)   1 a person with hypochondria   ▷ adj also hypochondriacal (ˌhaIpəkɒnˈdraIəkəl)   2 relating to or having hypochondria   3 anatomy of or relating to the hypochondrium   > ˌhypochonˈdriacally adv

hypochondrium (ˌhaIpəˈkɒndrIəm)   n, pl -dria (-drIə)   anatomy the upper region of the abdomen on each side of the epigastrium, just below the lowest ribs [C17: from New Latin, from Greek hupokhondrion; see HYPOCHONDRIA]

hypocist (ˈhaIpəʊˌsIst)   n   a type of juice derived from the fruit of a plant which grows from the Cistus shrub

hypocorism (haIˈpɒkəˌrIzəm) or hypocorisma (haIˌpɒkəˈrIzmə)   n   1 a pet name, esp one using a diminutive affix: "Sally" is a hypocorism for "Sarah"   2 another word for euphemism (sense 1) [C19: from Greek hupokorisma, from hupokorizesthai to use pet names, from hypo- beneath + korizesthai, from korē girl, koros boy]   > hypocoristic (ˌhaIpəkɔːˈrIstIk) or hypocoristical (ˌhaIpəkəˈrIstIkəl) adj   > ˌhypocoˈristically adv

hypocotyl (ˌhaIpəˈkɒtIl)   n   the part of an embryo plant between the cotyledons and the radicle [C19: from HYPO- + COTYL(EDON)]   > ˌhypoˈcotylous adj

hypocrisy (hIˈpɒkrəsI)   n, pl -sies   1 the practice of professing standards, beliefs, etc, contrary to one's real character or actual behaviour, esp the pretence of virtue and piety   2 an act or instance of this

hypocrite (ˈhIpəkrIt)   n   a person who pretends to be what he or she is not [C13: from Old French ipocrite, via Late Latin, from Greek hupokritēs one who plays a part, from hupokrinein to feign, from krinein to judge]   > ˌhypoˈcritical or ˌhypoˈcritic adj   > ˌhypoˈcritically adv

hypocrystalline (ˌhaIpəʊˈkrIstəˌlaIn)   adj   (of igneous rocks) having both glass and crystalline components. Former word: hemicrystalline. See holocrystalline

hypocycloid (ˌhaIpəˈsaIklɔId)   n   a curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as the circle rolls around the inside of a fixed coplanar circle. Compare epicycloid, cycloid (sense 4)   > ˌhypocyˈcloidal adj

hypoderm (ˈhaIpəˌdɜːm)   n   a variant of hypodermis   > ˌhypoˈdermal adj

hypodermic (ˌhaIpəˈdɜːmIk)   adj   1 of or relating to the region of the skin beneath the epidermis   2 injected beneath the skin   ▷ n   3 a hypodermic syringe or needle   4 a hypodermic injection   > ˌhypoˈdermically adv

■ hypodermic syringe   n   med a type of syringe consisting of a hollow cylinder, usually of glass or plastic, a tightly fitting piston, and a hollow needle (hypodermic needle), used for withdrawing blood samples, injecting medicine, etc

hypodermis (ˌhaIpəˈdɜːmIs), hypoderm (ˌhaIpəˈdɜːm) or hypoderma (ˌhaIpəˈdɜːmə)   n   1 botany a layer of thick-walled supportive or water-storing cells beneath the epidermis in some plants   2 zoology the epidermis of arthropods, annelids, etc, which secretes and is covered by a cuticle [C19: from HYPO- + EPIDERMIS]

hypodiploid (ˌhaIpəʊˈdIplɔId)   adj   med having fewer chromosomes than the diploid number

■ hypodiploidy (ˌhaIpəʊˈdIplɔIdI)   n   med a deficiency of chromosomes less than the diploid number

Hypodorian (ˌhaIpəˈdɔːrIən)   adj   music denoting a plagal mode represented by the ascending diatonic scale from A to A. Compare Dorian (sense 3), Hypo-

hypoeutectic (ˌhaIpəʊjuːˈtɛktIk) or hypoeutectoid   adj   (of a mixture or alloy with two components) containing less of the minor component than a eutectic mixture. Compare hypereutectic

hypogastrium (ˌhaIpəˈɡæstrIəm)   n, pl -tria (-trIə)   anatomy the lower front central region of the abdomen, below the navel [C17: from New Latin, from Greek hupogastrion, from HYPO- + gastrion, diminutive of gastēr stomach]   > ˌhypoˈgastric adj

hypogene (ˈhaIpəˌdʒiːn)   adj   formed, taking place, or originating beneath the surface of the earth. Compare epigene   > hypogenic (ˌhaIpəˈdʒɛnIk) adj

hypogenous (haIˈpɒdʒInəs)   adj   botany produced or growing on the undersurface, esp (of fern spores) growing on the undersurface of the leaves

hypogeum (ˌhaIpəˈdʒiːəm)   n, pl -gea (-ˈdʒiːə)   an underground vault, esp one used for burials [C18: from Latin, from Greek hupogeion; see HYPOGEAL]

■ hypogeal, hypogaeal (ˌhaIpəˈdʒiːəl), hypogeous or hypogaeous (ˌhaIpəˈdʒiːəs)   adj   1 occurring or living below the surface of the ground   2 botany of or relating to seed germination in which the cotyledons remain below the ground, because of the growth of the epicotyl [C19: from Latin hypogēus, from Greek hupogeios, from HYPO- + gē earth]

■ hypogean or hypogaean (ˌhaIpəˈdʒiːən)   adj   being, living or growing underground or below the earth's surface

hypoglossal (ˌhaIpəˈɡlɒsəl)   adj   1 situated beneath the tongue   ▷ n   2 short for hypoglossal nerve

■ hypoglossal nerve   n   the twelfth cranial nerve, which supplies the muscles of the tongue

hypoglycaemia or US hypoglycemia (ˌhaIpəʊɡlaIˈsiːmIə)   n   pathol an abnormally small amount of sugar in the blood [C20: from HYPO- + GLYCO- + -AEMIA]   > ˌhypoglyˈcaemic or US ˌhypoglyˈcemic adj

hypognathous (haIˈpɒɡnəθəs)   adj   1 having a lower jaw that protrudes beyond the upper jaw   2 (of insects) having downturned mouthparts   > hyˈpognathism n

hypogynous (haIˈpɒdʒInəs)   adj   1 (of a flower) having the gynoecium situated above the other floral parts, as in the buttercup   2 of or relating to the parts of a flower arranged in this way   > hyˈpogyny n

hypoid gear (ˈhaIpɔId)   n   a gear having a tooth form generated by a hypocycloidal curve; used extensively in motor vehicle transmissions to withstand a high surface loading [C20: hypoid, shortened from HYPOCYCLOID]

hypokalemia (ˌhaIpəʊkəˈliːmIə)   n   med a deficiency of potassium in the blood

■ hypokalemic (ˌhaIpəʊkəˈliːmIk)   adj   med characterized by a deficiency of potassium in the blood

hypolimnion (ˌhaIpəʊˈlImnIən)   n, pl -nions or -nia (-nIə)   the lower and colder layer of water in a lake [C20: from HYPO- + Greek limnion, diminutive of limnē lake]

Hypolydian (ˌhaIpəˈlIdIən)   adj   music denoting a plagal mode represented by the diatonic scale from D to D. Compare Lydian (sense 2), Hypo-

hypomagnesaemia or US hypomagnesemia (ˌhaIpəʊˌmæɡnəˈsiːmIə)   n   vet science the condition of having too little magnesium in the blood, particularly in cattle, in which it is also known as lactation tetany

hypomania (ˌhaIpəʊˈmeInIə)   n   psychiatry an abnormal condition of extreme excitement, milder than mania but characterized by great optimism and overactivity and often by reckless spending of money   > hypomanic (ˌhaIpəʊˈmænIk) adj

hypomenorrhoea or hypomenorrhea (ˌhaIpəʊˌmɛnəˈriːə)   n   med an extremely light menstrual bleeding

hypomixolydian (ˌhaIpəʊˌmIksəʊˈlIdIən)   adj   (in medieval church music) of or relating to the last of the eight scales

hypomorph (ˈhaIpəˌmɔːf)   n   1 genetics a mutant gene   2 a person who is disproportionately short when standing compared to sitting

■ hypomorphic (ˌhaIpəˈmɔːfIk)   adj   genetics showing a loss of gene function

hyponasty (ˈhaIpəˌnæstI)   n   increased growth of the lower surface of a plant part, resulting in an upward bending of the part. Compare epinasty   > ˌhypoˈnastic adj   > ˌhypoˈnastically adv

hyponatraemia (ˌhaIpɒnəˈtriːmIə)   n   a condition in which there is a low concentration of sodium in the blood. Also called: water intoxication [C20: from HYPO- + Latin natrium sodium + -AEMIA]

hyponitrite (ˌhaIpəˈnaItraIt)   n   any salt or ester of hyponitrous acid

hyponitrous (ˌhaIpəʊˈnaItrəs)   adj   chem relating to nitrogen which has a lower valence than nitrous compounds

■ hyponitrous acid (ˌhaIpəˈnaItrəs)   n   a white soluble unstable crystalline acid: an oxidizing and reducing agent. Formula: H_2N_2O_2

hyponoia (ˌhaIpəˈnɔIə)   n   1 med a slow mental function or imagination   2 the underlying meaning

hyponym (ˈhaIpəʊnIm)   n   a word whose meaning is included in that of another word: 'scarlet', 'vermilion', and 'crimson' are hyponyms of 'red'. Compare superordinate (sense 3), synonym, antonym [C20: from HYPO- + Greek onoma name]   > hyponymy (haIˈpɒnəmI) n

hypopharynx (ˌhaIpəʊˈfærIŋks)   n, pl -pharynges (-fəˈrIndʒiːz) or -pharynxes   the lowest part of the pharynx which leads to the oesophagus and larynx

hypophosphate (ˌhaIpəˈfɒsfeIt)   n   any salt or ester of hypophosphoric acid

hypophosphite (ˌhaIpəˈfɒsfaIt)   n   any salt of hypophosphorous acid

hypophosphoric (ˌhaIpəʊfɒsˈfɒrIk) or hypophosphorous (ˌhaIpəʊˈfɒsfərəs)   adj   chem relating to phosphorus in a state of lower oxidation than phosphoric compounds

■ hypophosphoric acid (ˌhaIpəfɒsˈfɒrIk)   n   a crystalline odourless deliquescent solid: a tetrabasic acid produced by the slow oxidation of phosphorus in moist air. Formula: H_4P_2O_6

hypophosphorous acid (ˌhaIpəˈfɒsfərəs)   n   a colourless or yellowish oily liquid or white deliquescent solid: a monobasic acid and a reducing agent. Formula: H_3PO_2

hypophrygian (ˌhaIpəˈfrIdʒIən)   adj   (in medieval church music) of or relating to the fourth of the eight scales

hypophyge (haIˈpɒfIdʒI)   n   architect another name for apophyge

hypophysectomy (ˌhaIpəfIˈzɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical removal of the pituitary gland

hypophysis (haIˈpɒfIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   the technical name for pituitary gland [C18: from Greek: outgrowth, from HYPO- + phuein to grow]   > hypophyseal or hypophysial (ˌhaIpəˈfIzIəl, haIˌpɒfIˈsIəl) adj

hypopituitarism (ˌhaIpəpIˈtjuːItəˌrIzəm)   n   pathol underactivity of the pituitary gland   > ˌhypopiˈtuitary adj

hypoplasia (ˌhaIpəʊˈplæzIə) or hypoplasty (ˈhaIpəʊˌplæstI)   n   pathol incomplete development of an organ or part   > hypoplastic (ˌhaIpəʊˈplæstIk) adj

hypoplastron (ˌhaIpəʊˈplæstrən)   n, pl -tra (-trə)   zoology the third lateral plate in the plastron of turtles

hypoploid (ˈhaIpəˌplɔId)   adj   having or designating a chromosome number that is less than a multiple of the haploid number   > ˈhypoˌploidy n

hypopnoea or US hypopnea (haIˈpɒpnIə, ˌhaIpəˈniːə)   n   abnormally shallow breathing, usually accompanied by a decrease in the breathing rate [C20: New Latin, from HYPO- + Greek pnoia breath, from pnein to breathe]

■ hypopneic (ˌhaIpəˈniːIk)   adj   of or relating to hypopnoea

hypopyon (haIˈpəʊpIən)   n   med an accumulation of pus or white blood cells in the eye

hyposensitize or hyposensitise (ˌhaIpəʊˈsɛnsIˌtaIz)   vb   (tr) to desensitize; render less sensitive   > ˌhypoˌsensitiˈzation or ˌhypoˌsensitiˈsation n

hypospadias (ˌhaIpəˈspeIdIəs)   n   pathol a congenital condition in which the opening of the urethra is situated on the underside of the penis instead of at its tip [C19: from Greek hupospadias man with hypospadia, from HYPO- + spadias, prob from spadōn eunuch]

hypostasis (haIˈpɒstəsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 metaphysics the essential nature of a substance as opposed to its attributes   2 Christianity   a any of the three persons of the Godhead, together constituting the Trinity   b the one person of Christ in which the divine and human natures are united   3 the accumulation of blood in an organ or part, under the influence of gravity as the result of poor circulation   4 another name for epistasis (sense 3) [C16: from Late Latin: substance, from Greek hupostasis foundation, from huphistasthai to stand under, from HYPO- + histanai to cause to stand]   > hypostatic (ˌhaIpəˈstætIk) or ˌhypoˈstatical adj   > ˌhypoˈstatically adv

hypostasize or hypostasise (haIˈpɒstəˌsaIz)   vb   another word for hypostatize   > hyˌpostasiˈzation or hyˌpostasiˈsation n

hypostatize or hypostatise (haIˈpɒstəˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   1 to regard or treat as real   2 to embody or personify   > hyˌpostatiˈzation or hyˌpostatiˈsation n

hyposthenia (ˌhaIpɒsˈθiːnIə)   n   pathol a weakened condition; lack of strength [C19: from HYPO- + Greek sthenos strength]   > hyposthenic (ˌhaIpɒsˈθɛnIk) adj

hypostome (ˈhaIpəˌstəʊm)   n   a mouthpart of crustaceans and some other invertebrates, as well as ticks and mites

hypostress (ˈhaIpəʊˌstrɛs)   n   med the stress which is caused by boredom or lack of motivation

hypostrophe (haIˈpɒstrəfI, hIˈpɒstrəfI)   n med   1 the achievement of a patient turning himself or herself over   2 the recurrence or relapse of a disease

hypostyle (ˈhaIpəʊˌstaIl)   adj   1 having a roof supported by columns   ▷ n   2 a building constructed in this way

hyposulphate (ˌhaIpəʊˈsʌlfeIt)   n   a salt derived from hyposulphuric acid

hyposulphite (ˌhaIpəˈsʌlfaIt)   n   1 another name for sodium thiosulphate, esp when used as a photographic fixer. Often shortened to: hypo   2 another name for dithionite

hyposulphuric (ˌhaIpəʊsʌlˈfjʊərIk)   adj   relating to sulphur which is in a lower state of oxidation than it is in sulphuric compounds

hyposulphurous (ˌhaIpəʊˈsʌlfərəs)   adj   relating to sulphur in a low state of oxidation

■ hyposulphurous acid (ˌhaIpəˈsʌlfərəs)   n   another name for dithionous acid

hypotaxis (ˌhaIpəʊˈtæksIs)   n   grammar the subordination of one clause to another by a conjunction. Compare parataxis   > hypotactic (ˌhaIpəʊˈtæktIk) adj

hypotension (ˌhaIpəʊˈtɛnʃən)   n   pathol abnormally low blood pressure   > hypotensive (ˌhaIpəʊˈtɛnsIv) adj

hypotenuse (haIˈpɒtIˌnjuːz)   n   the side in a right-angled triangle that is opposite the right angle. Abbreviation: hyp [C16: from Latin hypotēnūsa, from Greek hupoteinousa grammē subtending line, from hupoteinein to subtend, from HYPO- + teinein to stretch]

hypothalamus (ˌhaIpəˈθæləməs)   n, pl -mi (-ˌmaI)   a neural control centre at the base of the brain, concerned with hunger, thirst, satiety, and other autonomic functions   > hypothalamic (ˌhaIpəθəˈlæmIk) adj

hypothec (haIˈpɒθIk)   n   Roman law, Scots law a charge on property in favour of a creditor [C16: from Late Latin hypotheca a security, from Greek hupothēkē deposit, pledge, from hupotithenai to deposit as a security, place under, from HYPO- + tithenai to place]

■ hypothecary (hIˈpɒθIkərI, haIˈpɒθIkərI)   adj   relating to a hypothec or secured debt

hypotheca (ˌhaIpəʊˈθiːkə)   n, pl -cae (-siː)   the inner and younger layer of the cell wall of a diatom. Compare epitheca [from HYPO- + THECA]

hypothecate (haIˈpɒθIˌkeIt)   vb   1 (tr) law to pledge (personal property or a ship) as security for a debt without transferring possession or title   2 to allocate the revenue raised by a tax for a specified purpose. See also bottomry [C17: hypothēcātus, past participle of hypothēcāre; see HYPOTHEC, -ATE^1]   > hyˌpotheˈcation n   > hyˈpotheˌcator n

hypothenuse (haIˈpɒθIˌnjuːz)   n   a variant spelling of hypotenuse

hypothermia (ˌhaIpəʊˈθɜːmIə)   n   1 pathol an abnormally low body temperature, as induced in elderly people by exposure to cold weather   2 med the intentional reduction of normal body temperature, as by ice packs, to reduce the patient's metabolic rate: performed esp in heart and brain surgery

■ hypothermal (ˌhaIpəʊˈθɜːməl)   adj   1 Also: hypothermic of, relating to, or characterized by hypothermia   2 (of rocks and minerals) formed at great depth under conditions of high temperature

hypothesis (haIˈpɒθIsIs)   n, pl -ses (-ˌsiːz)   1 a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification (working hypothesis) or accepted as likely to be true. Compare theory (sense 5)   2 an assumption used in an argument without its being endorsed; a supposition   3 an unproved theory; a conjecture [C16: from Greek, from hupotithenai to propose, suppose, literally: put under; see HYPO-, THESIS]   > hyˈpothesist n

■ hypothesis testing   n   statistics the theory, methods, and practice of testing a hypothesis concerning the parameters of a population distribution (the null hypothesis) against another (the alternative hypothesis) which will be accepted only if its probability exceeds a predetermined significance level, generally on the basis of statistics derived from random sampling from the given population. Compare statistical inference

hypothesize or hypothesise (haIˈpɒθIˌsaIz)   vb   to form or assume as a hypothesis   > hyˈpotheˌsizer or hyˈpotheˌsiser n

hypothetical (ˌhaIpəˈθɛtIkəl) or hypothetic   adj   1 having the nature of a hypothesis   2 assumed or thought to exist   3 logic another word for conditional (sense 4)   4 existing only as an idea or concept: a time machine is a hypothetical device   > ˌhypoˈthetically adv

■ hypothetical imperative   n   (esp in the moral philosophy of Kant) any conditional rule of action, concerned with means and ends rather than with duty for its own sake. Compare categorical imperative

hypothetico-deductive (ˌhaIpəˈθɛtIkəʊdIˈdʌktIv)   adj   pertaining to or governed by the supposed method of scientific progress whereby a general hypothesis is tested by deducing predictions that may be experimentally tested. When such a prediction is falsified the theory is rejected and a new hypothesis is required

hypothetize or hypothetise (haIˈpɒθIˌtaIz)   vb (tr)   a variant of hypothesize

hypothymia (haIpəˈθaImIə)   n   1 a state of depression   2 a diminished emotional response [C20: from HYPO- + Greek thymos spirit]

hypothyroidism (ˌhaIpəʊˈθaIrɔIˌdIzəm)   n pathol   1 insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland   2 any disorder, such as cretinism or myxoedema, resulting from this   > ˌhypoˈthyroid n, adj

hypotonia (ˌhaIpəˈtəʊnIə)   n   med a deficiency of muscle tone

■ hypotonic (ˌhaIpəˈtɒnIk)   adj   1 (of muscles) lacking normal tone or tension   2 (of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than that of a specified, generally physiological, solution. Compare hypertonic, isotonic   > hypotonicity (ˌhaIpətəˈnIsItI) n

hypotrochoid (ˌhaIpəʊˈtrəʊkɔId)   n   a geometric curve or pattern formed by following a fixed point on the radial line of a small circle moving around the circumference of a larger circle

hypotyposis (ˌhaIpətaIˈpəʊsIs)   n, pl hypotyposes   grammar a figure of speech by which something not present is represented as though present

hypoventilation (ˌhaIpəʊˌvɛntIˈleIʃən)   n   med a deficiency in the amount of air circulating through the lungs resulting in a build up of carbon dioxide

hypoxaemia or US hypoxemia (ˌhaIpɒkˈsiːmIə)   n   med a lack of oxygen in the blood

■ hypoxaemic or US hypoxemic (ˌhaIpɒkˈsiːmIk)   adj   of or relating to hypoxaemia

hypoxanthine (ˌhaIpəˈzænθiːn, -θIn)   n   a white or colourless crystalline compound that is a breakdown product of nucleoproteins. Formula: C_5H_4N_4O

hypoxia (haIˈpɒksIə)   n   deficiency in the amount of oxygen delivered to the body tissues [C20: from HYPO- + OXY-2 +-IA]   > hypoxic (haIˈpɒksIk) adj

Hypsilantis or Hypsilantes (Greek ˌipsiˈlandis)   n   variants of Ypsilanti

hypso- or before a vowel hyps-   combining form   indicating height: hypsometry [from Greek hupsos]

hypsochromic (ˌhIpsəˈkrəʊmIk)   adj   chem denoting or relating to a shift to a shorter wavelength in the absorption spectrum of a compound   > ˈhypsoˌchrome n

hypsography (hIpˈsɒɡrəfI)   n   1 the study and mapping of the earth's topography above sea level   2 topography or relief, or a map showing this   3 another name for hypsometry   > hypsographic (ˌhIpsəˈɡræfIk) or ˌhypsoˈgraphical adj

hypsometer (hIpˈsɒmItə)   n   1 an instrument for measuring altitudes by determining the boiling point of water at a given altitude   2 any instrument used to calculate the heights of trees by triangulation

■ hypsometry (hIpˈsɒmItrI)   n   (in mapping) the establishment of height above sea level. Also called: hypsography   > hypsometric (ˌhIpsəˈmɛtrIk) or ˌhypsoˈmetrical adj   > ˌhypsoˈmetrically adv   > hypˈsometrist n

hypsophobia (ˌhIpsəˈfəʊbIə)   n   an extreme or abnormal fear of heights

■ hypsophobe (ˈhIpsəˌfəʊb)   n   a person who has hypsophobia

hypsophyll (ˈhIpsəʊˌfIl)   n   botany a leaf located beneath a spore-bearing leaf

■ hypsophyllary (ˌhIpsəʊˈfIlərI)   adj   botany relating to a hypsophyll

hypural (haIˈpjuːrəl)   adj   ichthyol relating to the bones of the area below the tail of fish

hyracoid (ˈhaIrəˌkɔId)   adj   1 of, relating to, or belonging to the mammalian order Hyracoidea, which contains the hyraxes   ▷ n   2 a hyrax   > ˌhyraˈcoidean adj, n

hyrax (ˈhaIræks)   n, pl hyraxes or hyraces (ˈhaIrəˌsiːz)   any agile herbivorous mammal of the family Procaviidae and order Hyracoidea, of Africa and SW Asia, such as Procavia capensis (rock hyrax). They resemble rodents but have feet with hooflike toes. Also called: dassie, (South African) rock rabbit [C19: from New Latin, from Greek hurax shrewmouse; probably related to Latin sōrex]

Hyrcania (hɜːˈkeInIə)   n   an ancient district of Asia, southeast of the Caspian Sea

■ Hyrcanian (hɜːˈkeInIən)   adj   of or relating to Hyrcania

hyson (ˈhaIsən)   n   a Chinese green tea, the early crop of which is known as young hyson and the inferior leaves as hyson skin [C18: from Chinese (Cantonese) hei-ch'un bright spring]

hyssop (ˈhIsəp)   n   1 a widely cultivated Asian plant, Hyssopus officinalis, with spikes of small blue flowers and aromatic leaves, used as a condiment and in perfumery and folk medicine: family Lamiaceae (labiates)   2 any of several similar or related plants such as the hedge hyssop   3 a Biblical plant, used for sprinkling in the ritual practices of the Hebrews [Old English ysope, from Latin hyssōpus, from Greek hussōpos, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew ēzōv]

hysteranthous (ˌhIstəˈrænθəs)   adj   relating to a plant whose flowers open before its leaves

hysterectomy (ˌhIstəˈrɛktəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical removal of the uterus

■ hysterectomize or hysterectomise (ˌhIstəˈrɛktəˌmaIz)   vb   (tr) to perform a hysterectomy on (someone)

hysteresis (ˌhIstəˈriːsIs)   n   physics the lag in a variable property of a system with respect to the effect producing it as this effect varies, esp the phenomenon in which the magnetic flux density of a ferromagnetic material lags behind the changing external magnetic field strength [C19: from Greek husterēsis coming late, from husteros coming after]   > hysteretic (ˌhIstəˈrɛtIk) adj   > ˌhysterˈetically adv

■ hysteresial (ˌhIstəˈriːsIəl)   adj   relating to the retardation of an effect following upon its cause

■ hysteresis loop   n   a closed curve showing the variation of the magnetic flux density of a ferromagnetic material with the external magnetic field producing it, when this field is changed through a complete cycle

hysteria (hIˈstIərIə)   n   1 old-fashioned a psychological disorder characterized by emotional outbursts, susceptibility to autosuggestion, and, often, symptoms such as paralysis that mimic the effects of physical disorders. See also conversion disorder   2 any frenzied emotional state, esp of laughter or crying [C19: from New Latin, from Latin hystericus HYSTERIC]

■ hysteric (hIˈstɛrIk)   n   1 a hysterical person   ▷ adj   2 hysterical [C17: from Latin hystericus literally: of the womb, from Greek husterikos, from hustera the womb; from the belief that hysteria in women originated in disorders of the womb]

■ hysterical (hIˈstɛrIkəl) or hysteric   adj   1 of or suggesting hysteria: hysterical cries   2 having hysteria   3 informal wildly funny   > hysˈterically adv

■ hystericky (hIsˈtɛrIkI)   adj   prone to or characterized by hysteria

■ hysterics (hIˈstɛrIks)   n (functioning as plural or singular)   1 an attack of hysteria   2 informal wild uncontrollable bursts of laughter

hysteritis (ˌhIstəˈraItIs)   n   med an inflammation of the uterus

hystero- or before a vowel hyster-   combining form   1 indicating the uterus: hysterotomy   2 hysteria: hysterogenic [from Greek hustera womb]

hysterogenic (ˌhIstərəˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   inducing hysteria [C20: from HYSTERIA + -GENIC]   > hysterogeny (ˌhIstəˈrɒdʒənI) n

hysteroid (ˈhIstəˌrɔId) or hysteroidal   adj   resembling hysteria

hysteromania (ˌhIstərəʊˈmeInIə)   n   psychol unusually increased sexual desire in a woman

hysteron proteron (ˈhIstəˌrɒn ˈprɒtəˌrɒn)   n   1 logic a fallacious argument in which the proposition to be proved is assumed as a premise   2 rhetoric a figure of speech in which the normal order of two sentences, clauses, etc, is reversed, as in bred and born (for born and bred) [C16: from Late Latin, from Greek husteron proteron the latter (placed as) former]

hysterotomy (ˌhIstəˈrɒtəmI)   n, pl -mies   surgical incision into the uterus

hystricomorph (hIˈstraIkəʊˌmɔːf)   n   1 any rodent of the suborder Hystricomorpha, which includes porcupines, cavies, agoutis, and chinchillas   ▷ adj also hystricomorphic (hIˌstraIkəʊˈmɔːfIk)   2 of, relating to, or belonging to the Hystricomorpha [C19: from Latin hystrix porcupine, from Greek hustrix]

hyte (haIt)   adj   insane or psychotic

Hywel Dda or Howel Dda (ˈhaʊəl ˈdɑː)   n   known as Hywel the Good. died 950 AD, Welsh prince. He united S and N Wales and codified Welsh law

Hz   symbol for   hertz

Ii

i or I (aI)   n, pl i's, I's or Is   1 the ninth letter and third vowel of the modern English alphabet   2 any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in bite or hit   3    a something shaped like an I   b (in combination): an I-beam   4 dot the i's and cross the t's to pay meticulous attention to detail

i   symbol for   the imaginary number √–1. Also called: j

I^1 (aI)   pron   (subjective) refers to the speaker or writer [C12: reduced form of Old English ic; compare Old Saxon ik, Old High German ih, Sanskrit ahám]

I^2   symbol for   1 chem iodine   2 physics current   3 physics isospin   4 logic a particular affirmative categorial statement, such as some men are married, often symbolized as SiP. Compare A, E, O^1   5 (Roman numeral) one. See Roman numerals   ▷ abbreviation for   6 Italy (international car registration) [(for sense 4) from Latin (aff)i(rmo) I affirm]

I.   abbreviation for   1 International   2 Island or Isle

-i   suffix forming adjectives   of or relating to a region or people, esp of the Middle East: Iraqi; Bangladeshi [from an adjectival suffix in Semitic and in Indo-Iranian languages]

-i-   connective vowel   used between elements in a compound word: cuneiform; coniferous. Compare -o- [from Latin, stem vowel of nouns and adjectives in combination]

Ia. or IA   abbreviation for   Iowa

-ia   suffix forming nouns   1 occurring in place names: Albania; Columbia   2 occurring in names of diseases and pathological disorders: pneumonia; aphasia   3 occurring in words denoting condition or quality: utopia   4 occurring in names of botanical genera: acacia; poinsettia   5 occurring in names of zoological classes: Reptilia   6 occurring in collective nouns borrowed from Latin: marginalia; memorabilia; regalia [(for senses 1–4) New Latin, from Latin and Greek, suffix of feminine nouns; (for senses 5–6) from Latin, neuter plural suffix]

IAA   abbreviation for   indoleacetic acid

IAAF   abbreviation for   International Amateur Athletic Federation

IAEA   abbreviation for   International Atomic Energy Agency

IAF   abbreviation for   Indian Air Force

-ial   suffix forming adjectives   of; relating to; connected with: managerial [from Latin -iālis, adj suffix; compare -AL^1]

iamb (ˈaIæm, ˈaIæmb) or iambus (aIˈæmbəs)   n, pl iambs, iambi (aIˈæmbaI) or iambuses prosody   1 a metrical foot consisting of two syllables, a short one followed by a long one (◡ –)   2 a line of verse of such feet [C19 iamb, from C16 iambus, from Latin, from Greek iambos]

■ iambic (aIˈæmbIk) prosody   adj   1 of, relating to, consisting of, or using an iamb or iambs   2 (in Greek literature) denoting a type of satirical verse written in iambs   ▷ n   3 a metrical foot, line, or stanza of verse consisting of iambs   4 a type of ancient Greek satirical verse written in iambs   > iˈambically adv

■ iambist (aIˈæmbIst) or iambographer (ˌaIæmˈbɒɡrəfə)   n   poetry a person who writes iambs

-ian   suffix   a variant of -an: Etonian; Johnsonian [from Latin -iānus]

-iana   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -ana

ianthine (aIˈænθaIn)   adj   having a violet colour

IAP   abbreviation for   internet access provider: a company that provides organizations or individuals with access to the internet

Iapetus (aIˈæpItəs)   n   a large outer satellite of the planet Saturn

IARU   abbreviation for   International Amateur Radio Union

IAS aeronautics   abbreviation for   indicated air speed

Iaşi (Romanian ˈiaʃj)   n   a city in NE Romania: capital of Moldavia (1565–1859); university (1860). Pop: 280 000 (2005 est). German name: Jassy

-iasis or -asis   n combining form   (in medicine) indicating a diseased condition: psoriasis. Compare -osis (sense 2) [from New Latin, from Greek, suffix of action]

IATA (aIˈɑːtə, iːˈɑːtə)   n acronym for   International Air Transport Association

iatric (aIˈætrIk) or iatrical   adj   relating to medicine or physicians; medical [C19: from Greek iatrikos of healing, from iasthai to heal]

-iatrics   n combining form   indicating medical care or treatment: paediatrics. Compare -iatry [from IATRIC]

iatrochemistry (aIˌætrəʊˈkɛmIstrI)   n   chem the discipline of treating disease or illness using chemical solutions

■ iatrochemical (aIˌætrəʊˈkɛmIkəl)   adj   chem relating to iatrochemistry or iatrochemists

■ iatrochemist (aIˌætrəʊˈkɛmIst)   n   chem a person who practises iatrochemistry

iatrogenic (aIˌætrəʊˈdʒɛnIk)   adj   1 med (of an illness or symptoms) induced in a patient as the result of a physician's words or actions, esp as a consequence of taking a drug prescribed by the physician   2 social welfare (of a problem) induced by the means of treating a problem but ascribed to the continuing natural development of the problem being treated   > iatrogenicity (aIˌætrəʊdʒIˈnIsItI) n

■ iatrogenically (aIˌætrəʊˈdʒɛnIkəlI)   adv   med in an iatrogenic manner

■ iatrogeny (ˌaIætˈrɒdʒənI)   n, pl -nies   med a disease caused by medical intervention or treatment

-iatry   n combining form   indicating healing or medical treatment: psychiatry. Compare -iatrics [from New Latin -iatria, from Greek iatreia the healing art, from iatros healer, physician]   > -iatric adj combining form

ib.     See ibid.

IBA   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Independent Broadcasting Authority

ibadah (ˈIbɑːdɑː)   n   the following of Islamic beliefs and practices

Ibadan (Iˈbædən)   n   a city in SW Nigeria, capital of Oyo state: university (1948). Pop: 2 375 000 (2005 est)

Ibagué (Spanish iβaˈɣe)   n   a city in W central Colombia. Pop: 440 000 (2005 est)

Ibáñez (Spanish iˈβaɲɛθ)   n   See Blasco Ibáñez

Ibarruri (Spanish iˈβarruri)   n   Dolores. real name of (La) Pasionaria

I-beam   n   a rolled steel joist or a girder with a cross section in the form of a capital letter I. Compare H-beam

Iberia (aIˈbIərIə)   n   1 the Iberian Peninsula   2 an ancient region in central Asia, south of the Caucasus corresponding approximately to present-day Georgia

■ Iberian (aIˈbIərIən)   n   1 a member of a group of ancient peoples who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula in preclassical and classical times. See also Celtiberian   2 a native or inhabitant of the Iberian Peninsula; a Spaniard or Portuguese   3 a native or inhabitant of ancient Iberia in the Caucasus   ▷ adj   4 denoting or relating to the pre-Roman peoples of the Iberian Peninsula or of Caucasian Iberia   5 of or relating to the Iberian Peninsula, its inhabitants, or any of their languages

■ Iberian Peninsula   n   a peninsula of SW Europe, occupied by Spain and Portugal

iberis (aIˈbIərIs)   n   any plant of the annual or perennial Eurasian genus Iberis, 12 to 25 cm (6–12 in.) in height, with white or purple flowers. I. amara and I. umbellata are the garden candytuft Family Brassicaceae (crucifers) [New Latin, from Iberia Spain, where many species are common]

Ibero- (ˈaIbərəʊ)   combining form   indicating Iberia or Iberian: Ibero-Caucasian

Ibert (French ibɛr)   n   Jacques (François Antoine) (ʒak). 1890–1962, French composer; his works include the humorous orchestral Divertissement (1930)

Iberville (French ibɛrvil)   n   Pierre le Moyne (pjɛr lə mwan), Sieur d'. 1661–1706, French-Canadian explorer, who founded (1700) the first French colony in Louisiana

ibex (ˈaIbɛks)   n, pl ibexes, ibices (ˈIbIˌsiːz, ˈaI-) or ibex   any of three wild goats, Capra ibex, C. caucasica, or C. pyrenaica, of mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, having large backward-curving horns [C17: from Latin: chamois]

IBF   abbreviation for   International Boxing Federation

Ibibio (IˈbIbIəʊ)   n   1 (pl -os or -o) a member of a people of SE Nigeria, living esp in and around Calabar   2 Also called: Efik the language of this people

ibid. or ib.   abbreviation for (in annotations, bibliographies, etc, when referring to a book, article, chapter, or page previously cited)   ibidem [Latin: in the same place]

ibidem (ˈIbəˌdɛm)   adv   in the same place

ibis (ˈaIbIs)   n, pl ibises or ibis   any of various wading birds of the family Threskiornithidae, such as Threskiornis aethiopica (sacred ibis), that occur in warm regions and have a long thin down-curved bill: order Ciconiiformes (herons, storks, etc). Compare wood ibis [C14: via Latin from Greek, from Egyptian hby]

Ibiza, Iviza (Spanish iˈβiθa) or Eivissa (Catalan əiˈβisə)   n   1 a Spanish island in the W Mediterranean, one of the Balearic Islands: hilly, with a rugged coast; tourism. Pop: 40 175 (2003 est). Area: 541 sq km (209 sq miles)   2 the capital of Ibiza, a port on the south of the island. Pop: 16 000 (latest est)

■ Ibizan hound (Iˈbiːθən)   n   a tall slender short-haired breed of hound with large erect ears and a coat of white, chestnut, or tan, or of a combination of these colours

-ible   suffix forming adjectives   a variant of -able   > -ibly suffix forming adverbs   > -ibility suffix forming nouns

ibn-al-Arabi (ˌIbənælɑːˈrɑːbI)   n   Muhyi-l-din. 1165–1240, Muslim mystic and poet, born in Spain, noted for his influence on Sufism

ibn-Batuta (ˌIbənbæˈtuːtɑː)   n   1304–?68, Arab traveller, who wrote the Rihlah, an account of his travels (1325–54) in Africa and Asia

ibn-Ezra (ˌIbənˈɛzrə)   n   Abraham Ben Meir. 1093–1167, Jewish poet, scholar, and traveller, born in Spain

ibn-Gabirol (ˌIbənˌɡɑːˈbiːrɔːl)   n   Solomon. ?1021–?58, Jewish philosopher and poet, born in Spain. His work The Fountain of Life influenced Western medieval philosophers

ibn-Khaldun (ˌIbənˌkɑːlˈduːn)   n   1332–1406, Arab historian and philosopher. His Kitab al-`ibar (Book of Examples) is a history of Islam

ibn-Rushd (ˌIbənˈrʊʃt)   n   the Arabic name of Averroës

ibn-Saud (ˌIbənˈsaʊd)   n   Abdul-Aziz (æbˈdʊlæˈziːz). 1880–1953, first king of Saudi Arabia (1932–53)

ibn-Sina (ˌIbənˈsiːnə)   n   the Arabic name of Avicenna

Ibo or Igbo (ˈiːbəʊ)   n   1 (pl -bos or -bo) a member of a people of W Africa, living chiefly in S Nigeria   2 the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family: one of the chief literary and cultural languages of S Nigeria

ibogaine (Iˈbəʊɡəˌiːn)   n   med a psychoactive compound found in plants and used as a dopamine blocker

Ibrahim Pasha (ˌIbrəˈhiːm ˈpɑːʃə)   n   1789–1848, Albanian general; son of Mehemet Ali, whom he succeeded as viceroy of Egypt (1848)

IBRD   abbreviation for   International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank)

ibrik (ˈibrik)   n   the Arabic name for cezve

IBS   abbreviation for   irritable bowel syndrome

Ibsen (ˈIbsən)   n   Henrik (ˈhɛnrIk). 1828–1906, Norwegian dramatist and poet. After his early verse plays Brand (1866) and Peer Gynt (1867), he began the series of social dramas in prose, including A Doll's House (1879), Ghosts (1881), and The Wild Duck (1886), which have had a profound influence on modern drama. His later plays, such as Hedda Gabler (1890) and The Master Builder (1892), are more symbolic

ibuprofen (aIbjuːˈprəʊfən)   n   a drug, isobutylphenylpropionic acid, that relieves pain and reduces inflammation: used to treat arthritis and muscular strains. Formula: C_13H_18O_2

IC   abbreviation for   1 internal-combustion   2 electronics integrated circuit   3 text messaging I see   4 (in transformational grammar) immediate constituent   5 astrology Imum Coeli: the point on the ecliptic lying directly opposite the Midheaven

i/c   abbreviation for   in charge (of)

-ic   suffix forming adjectives   1 of, relating to, or resembling: allergic; Germanic; periodic. See also -ical   2 (in chemistry) indicating that an element is chemically combined in the higher of two possible valence states: ferric; stannic. Compare -ous (sense 2) [from Latin -icus or Greek -ikos; -ic also occurs in nouns that represent a substantive use of adjectives (magic) and in nouns borrowed directly from Latin or Greek (critic, music)]

ICA   abbreviation for   1 (in Britain) Institute of Contemporary Arts   2 International Cooperation Administration

Içá (ˈiːsɑː; Portuguese iˈsa)   n   the Brazilian part of the river Putumayo

-ical   suffix forming adjectives   a variant of -ic: economical; fanatical [from Latin -icālis]   > -ically suffix forming adverbs

ICANN (ˈaIkæn)   acronym for   Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

ICAO   abbreviation for   International Civil Aviation Organization

Icaria (aIˈkɛərIə, I-)   n   a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, in the Southern Sporades group. Area: 256 sq km (99 sq miles). Modern Greek name: Ikaría. Also called: Nikaria

■ Icarian Sea   n   the part of the Aegean Sea between the islands of Patmos and Leros and the coast of Asia Minor, where, according to legend, Icarus fell into the sea

Icarus (ˈIkərəs, ˈaI-)   n   Greek myth the son of Daedalus, with whom he escaped from Crete, flying with wings made of wax and feathers. Heedless of his father's warning he flew too near the sun, causing the wax to melt, and fell into the Aegean and drowned

■ Icarian (aIˈkɛərIən, I-)   adj   of or relating to Icarus

■ Icarian (aIˈkɛərIən, I-)   adj   1 of or relating to Icaria or its inhabitants   ▷ n   2 an inhabitant of Icaria

ICBM   abbreviation for   intercontinental ballistic missile: a missile with a range greater than 5500 km

ICC   abbreviation for   International Cricket Council

ice (aIs)   n   1 water in the solid state, formed by freezing liquid water. Related adjective: glacial   2 a portion of ice cream   3 slang a diamond or diamonds   4 the field of play in ice hockey   5 slang a concentrated and highly potent form of methamphetamine with dangerous side effects   6 break the ice   a to relieve shyness, etc, esp between strangers   b to be the first of a group to do something   7 cut no ice informal to fail to make an impression   8 on ice in abeyance; pending   9 on thin ice unsafe or unsafely; vulnerable or vulnerably   10 the Ice NZ informal Antarctica   ▷ vb   11 (often foll by up, over, etc) to form or cause to form ice; freeze   12 (tr) to mix with ice or chill (a drink, etc)   13 (tr) to cover (a cake, etc) with icing   14 (tr) US slang to kill   15 chiefly Canadian (in ice hockey)   a to shoot the puck from one end of the rink to the other   b to select which players will play in a game [Old English īs; compare Old High German īs, Old Norse īss]   > ˈiceless adj   > ˈiceˌlike adj

■ ice age   n   another name for glacial period

■ ice-age   adj   of or relating to an ice age

■ ice axe   n   a light axe used by mountaineers for cutting footholds in snow or ice, to provide an anchor point, or to control a slide on snow; it has a spiked tip and a head consisting of a pick and an adze

■ ice bag   n   1 a waterproof bag used as an ice pack   2 a strong bag, usually made of canvas and equipped with two handles, used for carrying blocks of ice

■ iceball (ˈaIsˌbɔːl)   n   a ball of ice or snow

■ ice beer   n   a beer that is chilled after brewing so that any water is turned to ice and then removed

■ iceberg (ˈaIsbɜːɡ)   n   1 a large mass of ice floating in the sea, esp a mass that has broken off a polar glacier   2 tip of the iceberg the small visible part of something, esp a problem or difficulty, that is much larger   3 slang, chiefly US a person considered to have a cold or reserved manner [C18: probably part translation of Middle Dutch ijsberg ice mountain; compare Norwegian isberg]

■ iceberg lettuce   n   a type of lettuce with very crisp pale leaves tightly enfolded

■ Ice Blacks   pl n   the Ice Blacks the international ice hockey team of New Zealand

■ iceblink (ˈaIsˌblIŋk)   n   1 Also called: blink a yellowish-white reflected glare in the sky over an ice field   2 a coastal ice cliff

■ ice block   n   Scot, Austral and NZ a flavoured frozen water ice: in Australia and New Zealand, sometimes on a stick

■ iceboat (ˈaIsˌbəʊt)   n   another name for icebreaker (sense 1), ice yacht

■ iceboater (ˈaIsˌbəʊtə)   n   a person who sails an iceboat

■ iceboating (ˈaIsˌbəʊtIŋ)   n   the sport of using an iceboat

■ icebound (ˈaIsˌbaʊnd)   adj   covered or made immobile by ice; frozen in: an icebound ship

■ icebox (ˈaIsˌbɒks)   n   1 a compartment in a refrigerator for storing or making ice   2 an insulated cabinet packed with ice for storing food   3 US and Canadian a refrigerator

■ icebreaker (ˈaIsˌbreIkə)   n   1 Also called: iceboat a vessel with a reinforced bow for breaking up the ice in bodies of water to keep channels open for navigation   2 any tool or device for breaking ice into smaller pieces   3 something intended to relieve mutual shyness at a gathering of strangers

■ icebreaking (ˈaIsˌbreIkIŋ)   adj   sailing relating to a ship or boat whose purpose is to navigate ice-covered water

■ ice bridge   n   Canadian a body of ice that forms across the width of a river and is strong enough to bear traffic

■ icecap (ˈaIsˌkæp)   n   a thick mass of glacial ice and snow that permanently covers an area of land, such as either of the polar regions or the peak of a mountain

■ icecapped (ˈaIsˌkæpt)   adj   having an icecap

■ ice-cold   adj   1 very cold   2 deliberately controlling the expression of emotion, or lacking in feeling or friendliness

■ ice-cool   adj   calm and in control of one's emotions

■ ice cream   n   a kind of sweetened frozen liquid, properly made from cream and egg yolks but often made from milk or a custard base, flavoured in various ways

■ ice-cream cone or ice-cream cornet   n   1 a conical edible wafer for holding ice cream   2 such a cone containing ice cream

■ ice-cream soda   n   chiefly US ice cream served in a tall glass of carbonated water and a little milk, usually flavoured in various ways

■ iced (aIst)   adj   1 covered, coated, or chilled with ice   2 covered with icing: iced cakes

■ ice dance   n   any of a number of dances, mostly based on ballroom dancing, performed by a couple skating on ice   > ice dancer n   > ice dancing n

■ iced tea or ice tea   n   chilled black tea, often sweetened and flavoured with lemon juice

■ icefall (ˈaIsˌfɔːl)   n   a very steep part of a glacier that has deep crevasses and resembles a frozen waterfall

■ ice field or icefield (ˈeIsˌfiːld)   n   1 a very large flat expanse of ice floating in the sea; large ice floe   2 a large mass of ice permanently covering an extensive area of land

■ ice fish   n   any percoid fish of the family Chaenichthyidae, of Antarctic seas, having a semitransparent scaleless body

■ ice fishing   n   a form of fishing in which a line is lowered through a hole made in a frozen lake, river, etc

■ ice floe   n   a sheet of ice, of variable size, floating in the sea. See also ice field (sense 1)

■ ice foot   n   a narrow belt of ice permanently attached to the coast in polar regions

■ ice hockey   n   a game played on ice by two opposing teams of six players each, who wear skates and try to propel a flat puck into their opponents' goal with long sticks having an offset flat blade at the end

■ ice house or icehouse (ˈaIsˌhaʊs)   n   a building for storing ice

■ icekhana (aIsˈkɑːnə)   n   a motor race which tests driving skills on a frozen lake

■ ice lolly   n   Brit informal an ice cream or water ice on a stick. Also called: lolly. US and Canadian equivalent (trademark): Popsicle

■ ice machine   n   a machine that automatically produces ice for use in drinks, etc

■ ice maiden   n   a beautiful but aloof woman

■ icemaker (ˈaIsˌmeIkə)   n   a device for making ice, esp as part of a refrigerator

■ iceman (ˈaIsmæn)   n, pl icemen   1 chiefly US a man who sells or delivers ice   2 archaeol a prehistoric human corpse found preserved in ice

■ ice man   n   chiefly US a man who sells or delivers ice

■ ice needle   n   meteorol one of many needle-like ice crystals that form cirrus clouds in clear cold weather

■ ice pack or icepack (ˈeIsˌpæk)   n   1 a bag or folded cloth containing ice, applied to a part of the body, esp the head, to cool, reduce swelling, etc   2 another name for pack ice   3 a sachet containing a gel that can be frozen or heated and that retains its temperature for an extended period of time, used esp in cool bags

■ ice pick   n   a pointed tool used for breaking ice

■ ice plant   n   a low-growing plant, Mesembryanthemum (or Cryophytum) crystallinum, of southern Africa, with fleshy leaves covered with icelike hairs and pink or white rayed flowers: family Aizoaceae

■ ice point   n   the temperature at which a mixture of ice and water are in equilibrium at a pressure of one atmosphere. It is 0° on the Celsius scale and 32° on the Fahrenheit scale. Compare steam point

■ icer (ˈaIsə)   n   a person who ices, particularly cakes

■ ice road   n   chiefly Canadian a temporary winter road built across ice or frozen ground

■ ice screw   n   mountaineering a screwed tubular or solid steel rod with a ring at one end for inserting into ice as an anchor point

■ ice sheet   n   a thick layer of ice covering a large area of land for a long time, esp those in Antarctica and Greenland

■ ice shelf or ice-shelf   n   a thick mass of ice that is permanently attached to the land but projects into and floats on the sea

■ ice show   n   any entertainment performed by ice-skaters

■ ice skate   n   1 a boot having a steel blade fitted to the sole to enable the wearer to glide swiftly over ice   2 the steel blade on such a boot or shoe   ▷ vb ice-skate   3 (intr) to glide swiftly over ice on ice skates   > ˈice-ˌskater n

■ ice-skating   n   the sport or pastime of gliding swiftly over ice on ice skates

■ ice station or ice-station   n   a scientific research station in polar regions, where ice movement, weather, and environmental conditions are monitored

■ icestone (ˈaIsˌstəʊn)   n   geology a rare crystalline mineral also known as cryolite

■ ice storm   n   chiefly US a storm of freezing rain that deposits a glaze of ice on the ground

■ ice water   n   1 water formed from ice   2 Also called: iced water drinking water cooled by refrigeration or the addition of ice

■ icewine (ˈaIswaIn)   n   Canadian a dessert wine made from grapes that have frozen before being harvested

■ ice yacht   n   a sailing craft having a cross-shaped frame with a cockpit and runners for travelling over ice. Also called: iceboat

ICE   abbreviation for (in Britain)   Institution of Civil Engineers

Ice.   abbreviation for   Iceland(ic)

Içel (iːˈtʃɛl)   n   another name for Mersin

Iceland (ˈaIslənd)   n   an island republic in the N Atlantic, regarded as part of Europe: settled by Norsemen, who established a legislative assembly in 930; under Danish rule (1380–1918); gained independence in 1918 and became a republic in 1944; contains large areas of glaciers, snowfields, and lava beds with many volcanoes and hot springs (the chief source of domestic heat); inhabited chiefly along the SW coast. The economy is based largely on fishing and tourism. Official language: Icelandic. Official religion: Evangelical Lutheran. Currency: króna. Capital: Reykjavik. Pop: 335 025 (2017 est). Area: 102 828 sq km (39 702 sq miles)

■ Iceland agate   n   another name for obsidian

■ Icelander (ˈaIsˌlændə, ˈaIsləndə)   n   a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Iceland

■ Icelandic (aIsˈlændIk)   adj   1 of, relating to, or characteristic of Iceland, its people, or their language   ▷ n   2 the official language of Iceland, belonging to the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European family. See also Old Icelandic

■ Iceland moss   n   a lichen, Cetraria islandica, of arctic regions and N Europe, with brownish edible fronds

■ Iceland poppy   n   any of various widely cultivated arctic poppies, esp Papaver nudicaule, with white or yellow nodding flowers

■ Iceland spar   n   a pure transparent variety of calcite with double-refracting crystals used in making polarizing microscopes

Iceni (aIˈsiːnaI)   pl n   an ancient British tribe that rebelled against the Romans in 61 AD under Queen Boudicca

ICF   abbreviation for   intermediate care facility

ICFTU   abbreviation for   International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

ichabod (ˈIkəˌbɒd)   interj   archaic the glory has departed

Ichang or I-ch'ang (ˈiːˈtʃæŋ)   n   a variant transliteration of the Chinese name of Yichang

I.Chem.E.   abbreviation for   Institution of Chemical Engineers

I Ching (ˈiː ˈtʃIŋ)   n   an ancient Chinese book of divination and a source of Confucian and Taoist philosophy. Answers to questions and advice may be obtained by referring to the text accompanying one of 64 hexagrams, selected at random. Also called: Book of Changes

ich-laut (ˈIçˌlaʊt, ˈIk-)   n   (sometimes capital) phonetics the voiceless palatal fricative sound that is written as ch in German ich, often allophonic with the ach-laut. See also ach-laut [from German, from ich I + Laut sound]

ichneumon (Ikˈnjuːmən)   n   a mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon, of Africa and S Europe, having greyish-brown speckled fur [C16: via Latin from Greek, literally: tracker, hunter, from ikhneuein to track, from ikhnos a footprint; so named from the animal's alleged ability to locate the eggs of crocodiles]

■ ichneumon fly or ichneumon wasp   n   any hymenopterous insect of the family Ichneumonidae, whose larvae are parasitic in caterpillars and other insect larvae

ichnite (ˈIknaIt) or ichnolite (ˈIknəˌlaIt)   n   a less common name for trace fossil [C19: from Greek ikhnos footprint, track + -ITE^1]

ichnofossil (ˈIknəʊˌfɒsəl)   n   another name for trace fossil [C19: from Greek ikhnos footprint, track + -ITE^1]

ichnography (IkˈnɒɡrəfI)   n   1 the art of drawing ground plans   2 the ground plan of a building, factory, etc [C16: from Latin ichnographia, from Greek ikhnographia, from ikhnos trace, track]   > ichnographic (ˌIknəˈɡræfIk) or ˌichnoˈgraphical adj   > ˌichnoˈgraphically adv

ichnology (IkˈnɒlədʒI)   n   the study of trace fossils [C19: from Greek ikhnos footprint, track]   > ichnological (ˌIknəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj

ichor (ˈaIkɔː)   n   1 Greek myth the fluid said to flow in the veins of the gods   2 pathol a foul-smelling watery discharge from a wound or ulcer [C17: from Greek ikhōr, of obscure origin]   > ˈichorous adj

ichth.   abbreviation for   ichthyology

ichthyic (ˈIkθIIk)   adj   of, relating to, or characteristic of fishes [C19: from Greek, from ikhthus fish]

ichthyo- or before a vowel ichthy-   combining form   indicating or relating to fishes: ichthyology [from Latin, from Greek ikhthus fish]

ichthyocolla (ˌIkθIəʊˈkɒlə)   n   a fish glue or gelatine used as food or medicine

ichthyodorulite (ˌIkθIəʊˈdɔːjʊˌlaIt) or ichthyodorylite (-rIˌlaIt)   n   a spiny plate located on the tail and back of some fish or similar vertebrates

ichthyofauna (ˌIkθIəˈfɔːnə)   n, pl ichthyofaunas or ichthyofaunae   biology the fish of a specific region

■ ichthyofaunal (ˌIkθIəʊˈfɔːnəl)   adj   biology relating to ichthyofauna

ichthyoid (ˈIkθIˌɔId)   adj also ichthyoidal (ˌIkθIˈɔIdəl)   1 resembling a fish   ▷ n   2 a fishlike vertebrate

ichthyolatry (ˌIkθIˈɒlətrI)   n   theol fish-worship or worship of idols in the shape of fish

■ ichthyolatrous (ˌIkθIˈɒlətrəs)   adj   theol relating to the worship of fish or divination by means of fish parts

ichthyolite (ˈIkθIəˌlaIt)   n   rare any fossil fish   > ichthyolitic (ˌIkθIəˈlItIk) adj

ichthyology (ˌIkθIˈɒlədʒI)   n   the study of the physiology, history, economic importance, etc, of fishes   > ichthyologic (ˌIkθIəˈlɒdʒIk) or ˌichthyoˈlogical adj   > ˌichthyoˈlogically adv   > ˌichthyˈologist n

ichthyophagist (ˌIkθIˈɒfədʒIst)   n   a person whose diet is primarily composed of fish

ichthyophagous (ˌIkθIˈɒfəɡəs)   adj   feeding on fish   > ichthyophagy (ˌIkθIˈɒfədʒI) n

ichthyopsid (ˌIkθIˈɒpsId)   adj   zoology relating to the class Ichthyopsida, which contains amphibians, fishes, and fish-like vertebrates

■ ichthyopsidan (ˌIkθIˈɒpsIdən)   n   a member of the class Ichthyopsida

ichthyornis (ˌIkθIˈɔːnIs)   n   an extinct Cretaceous sea bird of the genus Ichthyornis, thought to have resembled a tern [C19: New Latin, from ICHTHY- + Greek ornis bird]

ichthyosaur (ˈIkθIəˌsɔː) or ichthyosaurus (ˌIkθIəˈsɔːrəs)   n, pl -saurs, -sauruses or -sauri (-ˈsɔːraI)   any extinct marine Mesozoic reptile of the order Ichthyosauria, which had a porpoise-like body with dorsal and tail fins and paddle-like limbs. See also plesiosaur

■ ichthyosaurian (ˌIkθIəˈsɔːrIən)   adj   of or relating to the ichthyosaurs

ichthyosis (ˌIkθIˈəʊsIs)   n   a congenital disease in which the skin is coarse, dry, and scaly. Also called: xeroderma. Nontechnical name: fishskin disease   > ichthyotic (ˌIkθIˈɒtIk) adj

ichthys (ˈIkθIs)   n   an early Christian emblem in the shape of a fish

ICI   abbreviation for   Imperial Chemical Industries

-ician   suffix forming nouns   indicating a person skilled or involved in a subject or activity: physician; beautician [from French -icien; see -IC, -IAN]

icicle (ˈaIsIkəl)   n   a hanging spike of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water [C14: from ICE + ickel, from Old English gicel icicle, related to Old Norse jökull large piece of ice, glacier]   > ˈicicled adj

icily (ˈaIsIlI)   adv   in an icy or reserved manner

iciness (ˈaIsInIs)   n   1 the condition of being icy or very cold   2 a manner that is cold or reserved; aloofness

icing (ˈaIsIŋ)   n   1 Also called (esp US and Canadian): frosting a sugar preparation, variously flavoured and coloured, for coating and decorating cakes, biscuits, etc   2 the formation of ice, as on a ship or aircraft, due to the freezing of moisture in the atmosphere   3 any unexpected extra or bonus (esp in icing on the cake)

■ icing sugar   n   Brit a very finely ground sugar used for icings, confections, etc. US term: confectioners' sugar

ICJ   abbreviation for   International Court of Justice

ick (Ik)   interj   an expression of disgust

icker (ˈIkə)   n   Scot an ear of corn

ickle (ˈIkəl)   adj   Brit informal an ironically childish word for little

icky (ˈIkI)   adj ickier, ickiest   1 sticky   2 excessively sentimental or emotional   > ˈickiness n

icon (ˈaIkɒn)   n   1 Also: ikon a representation of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or a saint, esp one painted in oil on a wooden panel, depicted in a traditional Byzantine style and venerated in the Eastern Church   2 an image, picture, representation, etc   3 a person or thing regarded as a symbol of a belief, nation, community, or cultural movement   4 a person regarded as a sex symbol or as a symbol of the latest fashion trends   5 a pictorial representation of a facility available on a computer system, that enables the facility to be activated by means of a screen cursor rather than by a textual instruction [C16: from Latin, from Greek eikōn image, from eikenai to be like]

■ iconic (aIˈkɒnIk) or iconical   adj   1 relating to, resembling, or having the character of an icon   2 (of memorial sculptures, esp those depicting athletes of ancient Greece) having a fixed conventional style

■ iconic memory   n   psychol the temporary persistence of visual impressions after the stimulus has been removed. Compare echoic memory

■ iconize or iconise (ˈaIkəˌnaIz)   vb   (tr) to portray (someone) as an icon. Also: iconify

Iconium (aIˈkəʊnIəm)   n   the ancient name for Konya

icono- or before a vowel icon-   combining form   indicating an image or likeness: iconology [from Greek: ICON]

iconoclast (aIˈkɒnəˌklæst)   n   1 a person who attacks established or traditional concepts, principles, laws, etc   2    a a destroyer of religious images or sacred objects   b an adherent of the heretical movement within the Greek Orthodox Church from 725 to 842 AD, which aimed at the destruction of icons and religious images [C16: from Late Latin iconoclastes, from Late Greek eikonoklastes, from eikōn icon + klastēs breaker]   > iˌconoˈclastic adj   > iˌconoˈclastically adv

■ iconoclasm (aIˈkɒnəˌklæzəm)   n   the acts or beliefs of an iconoclast

iconography (ˌaIkɒˈnɒɡrəfI)   n, pl -phies   1    a the symbols used in a work of art or art movement   b the conventional significance attached to such symbols   2 a collection of pictures of a particular subject, such as Christ   3 the representation of the subjects of icons or portraits, esp on coins   > ˌicoˈnographer n   > iconographic (aIˌkɒnəˈɡræfIk) or iˌconoˈgraphical adj

iconolatry (ˌaIkɒˈnɒlətrI)   n   the worship or adoration of icons as idols   > ˌicoˈnolater n   > ˌicoˈnolatrous adj

iconology (ˌaIkəˈnɒlədʒI)   n   1 the study or field of art history concerning icons   2 icons collectively   3 the symbolic representation or symbolism of icons   > iconological (aIˌkɒnəˈlɒdʒIkəl) adj   > ˌicoˈnologist n

iconomachy (ˌaIkəˈnɒməkI)   n   opposition to the worship of images or icons

■ iconomachist (ˌaIkəˈnɒməkIst)   n   a person who campaigns against the use of icons in religious worship

iconomatic (aIˌkɒnəˈmætIk)   adj   employing pictures to represent not objects themselves but the sound of their names [C19: from Greek, from eikon image + onoma name]   > iconomaticism (aIˌkɒnəˈmætIˌsIzəm) n

iconometer (ˌaIkəˈnɒmItə)   n   an instrument for finding the size of an object by measuring its image

■ iconometry (ˌaIkəˈnɒmItrI)   n   measurement by an iconometer

iconophilism (ˌaIkəˈnɒfIlIzəm)   n   a taste for pictures and symbols

■ iconophilist (ˌaIkəˈnɒfIlIst)   n   a person with a taste for pictures and symbols

iconoscope (aIˈkɒnəˌskəʊp)   n   a television camera tube in which an electron beam scans a photoemissive surface, converting an optical image into electrical pulses

iconostasis (ˌaIkəʊˈnɒstəsIs) or iconostas (aIˈkɒnəˌstæs)   n, pl iconostases (ˌaIkəʊˈnɒstəˌsiːz, aIˈkɒnəˌstæsIz)   Eastern Churches a screen with doors and icons set in tiers, which separates the bema (sanctuary) from the nave [C19: Church Latin, from Late Greek eikonostasion shrine, literally: area where images are placed, from ICONO- + histanai to stand]

icosahedron (ˌaIkəsəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having 20 faces. The faces of a regular icosahedron are equilateral triangles [C16: from Greek eikosaedron, from eikosi twenty + -edron -HEDRON]   > ˌicosaˈhedral adj

icosandrian (ˌaIkəʊˈsændrIən) or icosandrous (ˌaIkəʊˈsændrəs)   adj   botany (of a plant) having at least twenty stamens

icositetrahedron (ˌaIkəsIˌtɛtrəˈhiːdrən)   n, pl -drons or -dra (-drə)   a solid figure having 24 trapezoid faces, as occurring in some crystals

ICQ   n   trademark an instant messaging computer program that enables internet users to locate and communicate with one another online [approximate abbreviation of I seek you]

ICS   abbreviation for   Indian Civil Service

-ics   suffix forming nouns (functioning as singular)   1 indicating a science, art, or matters relating to a particular subject: aeronautics; politics   2 indicating certain activities or practices: acrobatics [plural of -ic, representing Latin -ica, from Greek -ika, as in mathēmatika mathematics]

ICSH   abbreviation for   interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone

ICSI   abbreviation for   intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a method of in vitro fertilization in which a spermatozoon is injected into an ovum for implantation within the womb

ICT   abbreviation for   Information and Communications Technology

icterid (ˈIktərId)   n   any bird of the N American family Icteridae

icterine warbler (ˈIktəraIn)   n   a European variety of tree warbler (Hippolais icterina )

icteritious (ˌIktəˈrIʃəs)   adj   jaundiced; yellow

icterus (ˈIktərəs)   n   1 pathol another name for jaundice   2 a yellowing of plant leaves, caused by excessive cold or moisture [C18: from Latin: yellow bird, the sight of which reputedly cured jaundice, from Greek ikteros]   > icteric (IkˈtɛrIk) adj

Ictinus (IkˈtaInəs)   n   5th century BC, Greek architect, who designed the Parthenon with Callicrates

ictus (ˈIktəs)   n, pl -tuses or -tus   1 prosody metrical or rhythmic stress in verse feet, as contrasted with the stress accent on words   2 med a sudden attack or stroke [C18: from Latin icere to strike]   > ˈictal adj

ICU   abbreviation for   1 intensive care unit   2 text messaging I see you

icy (ˈaIsI)   adj icier, iciest   1 made of, covered with, or containing ice   2 resembling ice   3 freezing or very cold   4 cold or reserved in manner; aloof

■ icy pole   n   Austral an ice cream or water ice on a stick. Also called (esp in Britain): ice lolly, (US and Canadian (Trademark)) Popsicle

id^1 (Id)   n   psychoanal the mass of primitive instincts and energies in the unconscious mind that, modified by the ego and the superego, underlies all psychic activity [C20: New Latin, from Latin: it; used to render German Es]

id^2   the internet domain name for   Indonesia

ID   abbreviation for   1 Idaho   2 identification (document)   3 Also: i.d inside diameter   4 Intelligence Department   5 Also: i.d intradermal

■ ID card   n   a card or document that serves to identify a person, or to prove his or her age, membership, etc

id.   abbreviation for   idem

Id.   abbreviation for   Idaho

I'd (aId)   contraction of   I had or I would

-id^1   suffix forming nouns   1 indicating the names of meteor showers that appear to radiate from a specified constellation: Orionids (from Orion)   2 indicating a particle, body, or structure of a specified kind: energid [from Latin -id-, -is, from Greek, feminine suffix of origin]

-id^2   suffix forming adjectives, suffix forming nouns   1 indicating members of a zoological family: cyprinid   2 indicating members of a dynasty: Seleucid; Fatimid [from New Latin -idae or -ida, from Greek -idēs suffix indicating offspring]

-id^3   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -ide

Ida (ˈaIdə)   n Mount Ida   1 a mountain in central Crete: the highest on the island; in ancient times associated with the worship of Zeus. Height: 2456 m (8057 ft). Modern Greek names: Idhi, Psiloritis   2 a mountain in NW Turkey, southeast of the site of ancient Troy. Height: 1767 m (5797 ft). Turkish name: Kaz Daği

IDA   abbreviation for   International Development Association

Ida.   abbreviation for   Idaho

-idae   suffix forming nouns   indicating names of zoological families: Felidae; Hominidae [New Latin, from Latin, from Greek -idai, suffix indicating offspring]

Idaho (ˈaIdəˌhəʊ)   n   a state of the northwestern US: consists chiefly of ranges of the Rocky Mountains, with the Snake River basin in the south; important for agriculture (Idaho potatoes), livestock, and silver-mining. Capital: Boise. Pop: 1 366 332 (2003 est). Area: 216 413 sq km (83 557 sq miles). Abbreviation: Id., Ida., (with zip code) ID

■ Idahoan (ˈaIdəˌhəʊən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Idaho   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Idaho or its inhabitants

idant (ˈeIdənt)   n   a chromosome

IDB chiefly South African   abbreviation for   illicit diamond buying

IDC   abbreviation for   industrial development certificate

IDD   abbreviation for   international direct dialling

IDDM   abbreviation for   insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; a form of diabetes in which patients have little or no ability to produce insulin and are therefore entirely dependent on insulin injections

ide (aId)   n   another name for the silver orfe. See orfe [C19: from New Latin idus, from Swedish id]

-ide or -id   suffix forming nouns   1 (added to the combining form of the nonmetallic or electronegative elements) indicating a binary compound: sodium chloride   2 indicating an organic compound derived from another: acetanilide   3 indicating one of a class of compounds or elements: peptide; lanthanide [from German -id, from French oxide OXIDE, based on the suffix of acide ACID]

idea (aIˈdIə)   n   1 any content of the mind, esp the conscious mind   2 the thought of something: the very idea appals me   3 a mental representation of something: she's got a good idea of the layout of the factory   4 the characterization of something in general terms; concept: the idea of a square circle is self-contradictory   5 an individual's conception of something: his idea of honesty is not the same as yours and mine   6 the belief that something is the case: he has the idea that what he's doing is right   7 a scheme, intention, plan, etc: here's my idea for the sales campaign   8 a vague notion or indication; inkling: he had no idea of what life would be like in Africa   9 significance or purpose: the idea of the game is to discover the murderer   10 philosophy   a a private mental object, regarded as the immediate object of thought or perception   b a Platonic Idea or Form   11 music a thematic phrase or figure; motif   12 obsolete a mental image   13 get ideas to become ambitious, restless, etc   14 not one's idea of not what one regards as (hard work, a holiday, etc)   15 that's an idea that is worth considering   16 the very idea! that is preposterous, unreasonable, etc [C16: via Late Latin from Greek: model, pattern, notion, from idein to see]   > iˈdealess adj

USAGE

It is usually considered correct to say that someone has the idea of doing something, rather than the idea to do it: he had the idea of taking (not the idea to take) a short holiday

■ idea hamster or ideas hamster   n   slang a person who is employed as a source of new ideas

■ ideas of reference   pl n   a schizophrenic symptom in which patients think that things completely disconnected from them are influencing them or conveying messages to them

Idea (aIˈdIə)   n   another name for Form

ideal (aIˈdIəl)   n   1 a conception of something that is perfect, esp that which one seeks to attain   2 a person or thing considered to represent perfection: he's her ideal   3 something existing only as an idea   4 a pattern or model, esp of ethical behaviour   ▷ adj   5 conforming to an ideal   6 of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea   7 philosophy   a of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairs   b of or relating to idealism   > ideality (ˌaIdIˈælItI) n   > iˈdeally adv   > iˈdealness n

■ ideal crystal   n   chem a crystal in which there are no defects or impurities

■ ideal element   n   any element added to a mathematical theory in order to eliminate special cases. The ideal element i = √–1 allows all algebraic equations to be solved and the point at infinity (ideal point) ensures that any two lines in projective geometry intersect

■ ideal gas   n   a hypothetical gas which obeys Boyle's law exactly at all temperatures and pressures, and which has internal energy that depends only upon the temperature. Measurements upon real gases are extrapolated to zero pressure to obtain results in agreement with theories relating to an ideal gas, esp in thermometry. Also called: perfect gas

■ idealism (aIˈdIəˌlIzəm)   n   1 belief in or pursuance of ideals   2 the tendency to represent things in their ideal forms, rather than as they are   3 any of a group of philosophical doctrines that share the monistic view that material objects and the external world do not exist in reality independently of the human mind but are variously creations of the mind or constructs of ideas. Compare materialism (sense 2), dualism (sense 2)   > iˈdealist n   > iˌdealˈistic adj   > iˌdealˈistically adv

■ idealization or idealisation (aIˌdIəlaIˈzeIʃən)   n   1 the representation of something as ideal   2 a conception of something that dwells on its advantages and ignores its deficiencies   3 a general theoretical account of natural phenomena that ignores features that are difficult to accommodate within a theory

■ idealize or idealise (aIˈdIəˌlaIz)   vb   1 to consider or represent (something) as ideal   2 (tr) to portray as ideal; glorify   3 (intr) to form an ideal or ideals   > iˈdealˌizer or iˈdealˌiser n

■ idealized or idealised (aIˈdIəlaIzd)   adj   portrayed or represented as being ideal

ideate (ˈaIdIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to form or have an idea of; to imagine or conceive [C17: from Medieval Latin ideat- formed as an idea, from ideare, from Greek idea model, pattern, notion]   > ˌideˈation n

■ ideational (ˌeIdIˈeIʃənəl)   adj   pertaining to, or characterized by, ideation

ideatum (ˌaIdIˈeItəm)   n, pl -ata (-ˈeItə)   philosophy the objective reality with which human ideas are supposed to correspond [C18: New Latin, from Latin: IDEA]

idée fixe French (ide fiks)   n, pl idées fixes (ide fiks)   a fixed idea; obsession

idée reçue French (ide rəsy)   n, pl idées reçues (ide rəsy)   a generally held opinion or concept [literally: received idea]

idem Latin (ˈaIdɛm, ˈIdɛm)     the same: used to refer to an article, chapter, etc, previously cited

idempotent (ˈaIdəmˌpəʊtənt, ˈId-)   adj   maths (of a matrix, transformation, etc) not changed in value following multiplication by itself [C20: from Latin idem same + POTENT^1]

■ idempotency (ˈaIdəmˌpəʊtənsI, ˈId-)   n   maths the state of being idempotent

ident (ˈaIdɛnt)   n   a short visual image employed between television programmes that works as a logo to locate the viewer to the channel

identic (aIˈdɛntIk)   adj   1 diplomacy (esp of opinions expressed by two or more governments) having the same wording or intention regarding another power: identic notes   2 an obsolete word for identical

identical (aIˈdɛntIkəl)   adj   1 Also called: numerically identical being one and the same individual: Cicero and Tully are identical   2 Also called: quantitatively identical exactly alike, equal, or agreeing   3 designating either or both of a pair of twins of the same sex who developed from a single fertilized ovum that split into two. Compare fraternal (sense 3) [C17: from Medieval Latin identicus, from Latin idem the same]   > iˈdentically adv   > iˈdenticalness n

■ identical proposition   n   logic a necessary truth, esp a categorial identity, such as whatever is triangular has three sides

identification (aIˌdɛntIfIˈkeIʃən)   n   1 the act of identifying or the state of being identified   2    a something that identifies a person or thing   b (as modifier): an identification card   3 psychol   a the process of recognizing specific objects as the result of remembering   b the process by which one incorporates aspects of another person's personality. See also empathy   c the transferring of a response from one situation to another because the two bear similar features. See also generalization (sense 3)

■ identification parade   n   a group of persons including one suspected of having committed a crime assembled for the purpose of discovering whether a witness can identify the suspect

identify (aIˈdɛntIˌfaI)   vb -fies, -fying, -fied (mainly tr)   1 to prove or recognize as being a certain person or thing; determine the identity of   2 to consider as the same or equivalent   3 (also intr; often foll by with) to consider (oneself) as similar to another   4 to determine the taxonomic classification of (a plant or animal)   5 (intr; usually foll by with) psychol to engage in identification   > iˈdentiˌfiable adj   > iˈdentiˌfiably adv

■ identifier (aIˈdɛntIˌfaIə)   n   a person or thing that establishes the identity of someone or something

Identikit (aIˈdɛntIˌkIt)   n trademark   1    a a set of transparencies of various typical facial characteristics that can be superimposed on one another to build up, on the basis of a description, a picture of a person sought by the police   b (as modifier): an Identikit picture   2 (modifier) artificially created by copying different elements in an attempt to form a whole: an Identikit pop group

identity (aIˈdɛntItI)   n, pl -ties   1 the state of having unique identifying characteristics held by no other person or thing   2 the individual characteristics by which a person or thing is recognized   3 Also called: numerical identity the property of being one and the same individual: his loss of memory did not affect his identity   4 Also called: qualitative identity the state of being the same in nature, quality, etc: they were linked by the identity of their tastes   5 the state of being the same as a person or thing described or claimed: the identity of the stolen goods has not yet been established   6 identification of oneself as: I'm proud of my Welsh identity   7 logic   a that relation that holds only between any entity and itself   b an assertion that that relation holds, as Cicero is Tully   8 maths   a an equation that is valid for all values of its variables, as in (x – y)(x + y) = x^2 – y^2. Often denoted by the symbol ≡   b Also called: identity element a member of a set that when operating on another member, x, produces that member x: the identity for multiplication of numbers is 1 since x.1 = 1.x = x. See also inverse (sense 2b)   9 Austral and NZ informal a well-known person, esp in a specified locality; figure (esp in the phrase an old identity) [C16: from Late Latin identitās, from Latin idem the same]

■ identity card   n   a card that establishes a person's identity, esp one issued to all members of the population in wartime, to the staff of an organization, etc

■ identity theft   n   the crime of setting up and using bank accounts and credit facilities fraudulently in another person's name without his or her knowledge

■ identity theory   n   philosophy a form of materialism which holds mental states to be identical with certain states of the brain and so to have no separate existence, but regards this identity as contingent so that mentalistic and physicalistic language are not held to be synonymous. See also anomalous monism, materialism (sense 2)

ideo-   combining form   of or indicating idea or ideas: ideology [from French idéo-, from Greek idea IDEA]

ideogram (ˈIdIəʊˌɡræm) or ideograph (ˈIdIəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   1 a sign or symbol, used in such writing systems as those of China or Japan, that directly represents a concept, idea, or thing rather than a word or set of words for it   2 any graphic sign or symbol, such as %, @, &, etc

■ ideogramic, ideogrammic (ˈIdIəʊˌɡræmIk) or ideogrammatic (ˌIdIəʊɡrəˈmætIk)   adj   of or like an ideogram

ideography (ˌIdIˈɒɡrəfI)   n   the use of ideograms to communicate ideas

■ ideographic (ˌIdIəˈɡræfIk)   adj   of or relating to ideographs or ideography

■ ideographical (ˌIdIəʊˈɡræfIkəl)   adj   in the form of an ideogram

ideology (ˌaIdIˈɒlədʒI)   n, pl -gies   1 a body of ideas that reflects the beliefs and interests of a nation, political system, etc and underlies political action   2 philosophy, sociol the set of beliefs by which a group or society orders reality so as to render it intelligible   3 speculation that is imaginary or visionary   4 the study of the nature and origin of ideas   > ideological (ˌaIdIəˈlɒdʒIkəl) or ˌideoˈlogic adj   > ˌideoˈlogically adv

■ ideologist (ˌaIdIˈɒlədʒIst)   n   1 a person who supports a particular ideology, esp a political theorist   2 a person who studies an ideology or ideologies   3 a theorist or visionary   ▶ Also: ideologue (ˈaIdIəˌlɒɡ)

■ ideologize or ideologise (ˌIdIˈɒləˌdʒaIz)   vb   (tr) to render ideological

ideomotor (ˌaIdIəˈməʊtə)   adj   physiol designating automatic muscular movements stimulated by ideas, as in absent-minded acts

ideophone (ˈIdIəʊˌfəʊn)   n   a sound that represents a complete idea

ideopolis (ˈaIdIˌɒpəlIs)   n   a city that is sustained primarily by intellectual enterprises such as education, the media, advertising, and design, with a highly educated workforce [C20: from IDEA + Greek polis city]

ideopraxist (ˌIdIəʊˈpræksIst)   n   a person who is impelled to carry out an idea

ides (aIdz)   n   (functioning as singular) (in the Roman calendar) the 15th day in March, May, July, and October and the 13th day of each other month. See also calends, nones [C15: from Old French, from Latin īdūs (plural), of uncertain origin]

id est Latin (ˈId ˈɛst)     the full form of i.e.

Idhi (ˈiði)   n   a transliteration of a Modern Greek name for (Mount) Ida (sense 1)

idio-   combining form   indicating peculiarity, isolation, or that which pertains to an individual person or thing: idiolect [from Greek idios private, separate]

idioblast (ˈIdIəʊˌblæst)   n   a plant cell that differs from those around it in the same tissue   > ˌidioˈblastic adj

idiocy (ˈIdIəsI)   n, pl -cies   1 offensive, old-fashioned severe learning difficulties   2 foolishness or senselessness; stupidity   3 a foolish act or remark

idioglossia (ˌIdIəʊˈɡlɒsIə)   n   1 a private language, as invented by a child or between two children, esp twins   2 a pathological condition in which a person's speech is so severely distorted that it is unintelligible [C19: from Greek idios private, separate + glossa tongue]

idiogram (ˈIdIəʊˌɡræm)   n   another name for karyogram

idiograph (ˈIdIəʊˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)   n   a trademark

idiographic (ˌIdIəʊˈɡræfIk)   adj   psychol of or relating to the study of individuals. Compare nomothetic

idiolect (ˈIdIəˌlɛkt)   n   the variety or form of a language used by an individual   > ˌidioˈlectal or ˌidioˈlectic adj

idiom (ˈIdIəm)   n   1 a group of words whose meaning cannot be predicted from the meanings of the constituent words, as for example (It was raining) cats and dogs   2 linguistic usage that is grammatical and natural to native speakers of a language   3 the characteristic vocabulary or usage of a specific human group or subject   4 the characteristic artistic style of an individual, school, period, etc [C16: from Latin idiōma peculiarity of language, from Greek; see IDIO-]   > idiomatic (ˌIdIəˈmætIk) or ˌidioˈmatical adj   > ˌidioˈmatically adv   > ˌidioˈmaticalness n

■ idiomaticness (ˌIdIəʊˈmætIknIs)   n   the state of being idiomatic

idiomorphic (ˌIdIəʊˈmɔːfIk)   adj   (of minerals) occurring naturally in the form of well-developed crystals   > ˌidioˈmorphically adv   > ˌidioˈmorphism n

idiopathy (ˌIdIˈɒpəθI)   n, pl -thies   any disease of unknown cause   > idiopathic (ˌIdIəʊˈpæθIk) adj

idiophone (ˈIdIəˌfəʊn)   n   music a percussion instrument, such as a cymbal or xylophone, made of naturally sonorous material   > idiophonic (ˌIdIəˈfɒnIk) adj

idioplasm (ˈIdIəʊˌplæzəm)   n   another name for germplasm   > ˌidioˈplasmic or idioplasmatic (ˌIdIəʊplæzˈmætIk) adj

idiorhythmic or idiorrhythmic (ˌIdIəʊˈrIðmIk)   adj   (of an institution) allowing each member to regulate his or her own life

idiosyncrasy (ˌIdIəʊˈsIŋkrəsI)   n, pl -sies   1 a tendency, type of behaviour, mannerism, etc, of a specific person; quirk   2 the composite physical or psychological make-up of a specific person   3 an abnormal reaction of an individual to specific foods, drugs, or other agents [C17: from Greek idiosunkrasia, from IDIO- + sunkrasis mixture, temperament, from sun- SYN- + kerannunai to mingle]

■ idiosyncratic (ˌIdIəʊsIŋˈkrætIk) or idiosyncratical   adj   of or relating to idiosyncrasy; characteristic of a specific person   > ˌidiosynˈcratically adv

idiot (ˈIdIət)   n   1 a foolish or senseless person   2 old-fashioned, offensive a person with severe learning difficulties [C13: from Latin idiōta ignorant person, from Greek idiōtēs private person, one who lacks professional knowledge, ignoramus; see IDIO-]

■ idiot board   n   a slang name for Autocue

■ idiot box   n   slang a television set

■ idiotic (ˌIdIˈɒtIk)   adj   of or resembling an idiot; foolish; senseless   > ˌidiˈotically adv   > ˌidiˈoticalness n

■ idiotism (ˈIdIəˌtIzəm)   n   1 an archaic word for idiocy   2 an obsolete word for idiom

■ idiot-proof   adj   informal providing protection against human error or misuse

■ idiot savant (ˈiːdjəʊ sæˈvɑ̃, ˈIdIət ˈsævənt)   n, pl idiots savants (ˈiːdjəʊ sæˈvɑ̃) or idiot savants   sometimes offensive an old-fashioned term for savant (sense 2) [C19: from French: knowledgeable idiot]

■ idiot strings   pl n   Canadian informal strings attached to children's mittens to prevent the wearer from losing them

■ idiot tape   n   printing an input tape for a typesetting machine that contains text only, the typographical instructions being supplied by the typesetting machine itself

idiothermous (ˌIdIəʊˈθɜːməs)   adj   warm-blooded

idioticon (ˌIdIˈɒtIkɒn)   n   a dictionary of dialect

idiotype (ˈIdIəʊˌtaIp)   n   the unique part of an antibody

idle (ˈaIdəl)   adj   1 unemployed or unoccupied; inactive   2 not operating or being used   3 (of money) not being used to earn interest or dividends   4 not wanting to work; lazy   5 (usually prenominal) frivolous or trivial: idle pleasures   6 ineffective or powerless; fruitless; vain   7 without basis; unfounded   ▷ vb   8 (when tr, often foll by away) to waste or pass (time) fruitlessly or inactively: he idled the hours away   9 (intr) to loiter or move aimlessly   10 (intr) (of a shaft, engine, etc) to turn without doing useful work   11 (intr) (of an engine) to run at low speed with the transmission disengaged. Also (Brit): tick over   12 (tr) US and Canadian to cause to be inactive or unemployed [Old English īdel; compare Old High German ītal empty, vain]   > ˈidleness n   > ˈidly adv

■ idle pulley or idler pulley   n   a freely rotating trolley used to control the tension or direction of a belt. Also called: idler

■ idler (ˈaIdlə)   n   1 a person who idles   2 another name for idle pulley, idle wheel   3 nautical a ship's crew member, such as a carpenter, sailmaker, etc, whose duties do not include standing regular watches

■ idler shaft   n   a shaft carrying one or more gearwheels that idles between a driver shaft and a driven shaft, usually to reverse the direction of rotation or provide different spacing of gearwheels, esp in a gearbox

■ idle time   n   commerce time during which a machine or a worker could be working but is not, as when one job has been completed and tooling or materials for the next are not complete or available. Compare downtime

■ idle wheel   n   a gearwheel interposed between two others to transmit torque without changing the direction of rotation to the velocity ratio. Also called: idler

■ idling (ˈaIdlIŋ)   adj   (of an engine) running at low speed with the transmission disengaged

IDN   abbreviation for   in Dei nomine. Also: IND [Latin: in the name of God]

Ido (ˈiːdəʊ)   n   an artificial language; a modification of Esperanto [C20: offspring, from Greek -id daughter of]

idocrase (ˈaIdəˌkreIs, ˈId-)   n   another name for vesuvianite [C19: from French, from Greek eidos form + krasis a mingling]

idol (ˈaIdəl)   n   1 a material object, esp a carved image, that is worshipped as a god   2 Christianity, Judaism any being (other than the one God) to which divine honour is paid   3 a person who is revered, admired, or highly loved [C13: from Late Latin īdōlum, from Latin: image, from Greek eidōlon, from eidos shape, form]

■ idolatrize or idolatrise (aIˈdɒləˌtraIz)   vb   1 (tr) a less common word for idolize   2 (intr) to indulge in the worship of idols   > iˈdolaˌtrizer or iˈdolaˌtriser n

■ idolatry (aIˈdɒlətrI)   n   1 the worship of idols   2 great devotion or reverence   > iˈdolater or iˈdolator n   > iˈdolatress fem n   > iˈdolatrous adj   > iˈdolatrously adv   > iˈdolatrousness n

■ idolize or idolise (ˈaIdəˌlaIz)   vb   1 (tr) to admire or revere greatly   2 (tr) to worship as an idol   3 (intr) to worship idols   > iˈdolism, ˌidoliˈzation or ˌidoliˈsation n   > ˈidolist, ˈidolˌizer or ˈidolˌiser n

■ idoloclast (aIˈdɒləˌklæst)   n   a breaker of idols; iconoclast

idolum (Iˈdəʊlʊm) or idolon (-lɒn)   n   1 a mental picture; idea   2 a false idea; fallacy [C17: from Latin: IDOL]

Idomeneus (aIˈdɒmIˌnjuːs)   n   Greek myth a king of Crete who fought on the Greek side in the Trojan War

idoneous (eIˈdəʊnIəs)   adj   appropriate

idoxuridine (ˌeIdɒksˈjʊərIdiːn)   n   a drug used to treat keratitis

IDP   abbreviation for   1 integrated data processing   2 internally displaced person

Id-ul-Adha (ˈiːdʊlˌɑːdə)   n   a variant spelling of Eid-ul-Adha

Id-ul-Fitr (ˈiːdʊlˌfiːtə)   n   a variant spelling of Eid-ul-Fitr

Idun (ˈiːdʊn) or Ithunn   n   Norse myth the goddess of spring who guarded the apples that kept the gods eternally young; wife of Bragi

idyll or sometimes US idyl (ˈIdIl)   n   1 a poem or prose work describing an idealized rural life, pastoral scenes, etc   2 any simple narrative or descriptive piece in poetry or prose   3 a charming or picturesque scene or event   4 a piece of music with a calm or pastoral character [C17: from Latin īdyllium, from Greek eidullion, from eidos shape, (literary) form]

■ idyllic (IˈdIlIk, aI-)   adj   1 of or relating to an idyll   2 charming; picturesque   > iˈdyllically adv

■ idyllist or US idylist (ˈIdIlIst)   n   a writer of idylls

ie   the internet domain name for   Ireland

IE   abbreviation for   Indo-European (languages)

i.e.   abbreviation for   id est [Latin: that is (to say); in other words]

-ie   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -y^2

IEA   abbreviation for   International Energy Agency

iechyd da (ˌjækiːˈdɑː; Welsh ˈjɛxəd dɑː)   interj   Welsh a drinking toast; good health; cheers [Welsh: good health]

IED   abbreviation for   improvised explosive device

IEE   abbreviation for   Institution of Electrical Engineers

Ieper (ˈiːpər)   n   the Flemish name for Ypres

-ier   suffix forming nouns   a variant of -eer: brigadier [from Old English -ere -ER^1 or (in some words) from Old French -ier, from Latin -ārius -ARY]

Ieyasu (ˌiːjɛˈjɑːsuː)   n   a variant spelling of (Tokugawa) Iyeyasu

if (If)   conj (subordinating)   1 in case that, or on condition that: if you try hard it might work; if he were poor, would you marry him?   2 used to introduce an indirect question. In this sense, if approaches the meaning of whether   3 even though: an attractive if awkward girl   4    a used to introduce expressions of desire, with only: if I had only known   b used to introduce exclamations of surprise, dismay, etc: if this doesn't top everything!   5 as if as it would be if; as though: he treats me as if I were junior to him   ▷ n   6 an uncertainty or doubt: the big if is whether our plan will work at all   7 a condition or stipulation: I won't have any ifs or buts [Old English gif; related to Old Saxon ef if, Old High German iba whether, if]

IF or i.f. electronics   abbreviation for   intermediate frequency

IFA   abbreviation for   independent financial adviser

IFAD   abbreviation for   International Fund for Agricultural Development

IFC   abbreviation for   International Finance Corporation

Ife (ˈiːfI)   n   a town in W central Nigeria: one of the largest and oldest Yoruba towns; university (1961); centre of the cocoa trade. Pop: 229 000 (2005 est)

-iferous   suffix forming adjectives   containing or yielding: carboniferous

iff (If)   conj   logic a shortened form of if and only if: it indicates that the two sentences so connected are necessary and sufficient conditions for one another. Usually iff is used for equivalence in the metalanguage, rather than as the biconditional in the object language

IFF military   abbreviation for   Identification, Friend or Foe: a system using radar transmissions to which equipment carried by friendly forces automatically responds with a precoded signal

iffy (ˈIfI)   adj iffier, iffiest   informal uncertain or subject to contingency: this scheme sounds a bit iffy [C20: from IF + -Y^1]

Ifni (Spanish ˈifni)   n   a former Spanish province in S Morocco, on the Atlantic: returned to Morocco in 1969

IFP   abbreviation for (in South Africa)   Inkatha Freedom Party

IFR aeronautics   abbreviation for   instrument flying regulations

IFS   abbreviation for   Irish Free State (now called Republic of Ireland)

iftar or Iftar (ˈIftɑː)   n   the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset every day during Ramadan [from Arabic iftar the breaking of the fast; compare ID-UL-FITR]

-ify   suffix forming verbs   a variant of -fy: intensify   > -ification suffix forming nouns

IG   abbreviation for   1 Indo-Germanic (languages)   2 Inspector General

igapo (Iɡɑːˈpəʊ)   n   another name for gapo

igarapé (ˌiːɡərəˈpeI)   n   (in Brazil) a route that is navigable by canoes

Igbo (ˈiːbəʊ)   n, pl -bo or -bos   a variant spelling of Ibo

IGBP   abbreviation for   International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme

IGC   abbreviation for   inter-governmental conference (esp in the European Union)

Igdrasil (ˈIɡdrəsIl)   n   a variant spelling of Yggdrasil

IGFET (ˈIɡfɛt)   n   insulated-gate field-effect transistor; a type of field-effect transistor having one or more semiconductor gate electrodes. Compare JFET

igg (Iɡ)   vb   (tr) to antagonize

igloo or iglu (ˈIɡluː)   n, pl -loos or -lus   1 a dome-shaped Inuit house, usually built of blocks of solid snow   2 a hollow made by a seal in the snow over its breathing hole in the ice [C19: from Inuktitut igdlu house]

IGM chess   abbreviation for   International Grandmaster

ignaro (Iɡˈnɑːrəʊ)   n   an ignoramus

ignatia (IɡˈneIʃə)   n   a dried seed of the plant Strychnos ignatii, used as a homeopathic remedy

Ignatiev (Iɡˈnɑːtjɛf)   n   Count Nikolai Pavlovich. 1832–1908, Russian diplomat and politician. As ambassador to Turkey (1864–77), he negotiated the Treaty of San Stefano (1878) ending the Russo-Turkish War

Ignatius (IɡˈneIʃIəs)   n   Saint, surnamed Theophorus. died ?110 AD, bishop of Antioch. His seven letters, written on his way to his martyrdom in Rome, give valuable insight into the early Christian Church. Feast day: Oct 17 or Dec 17 or 20

Ignatius Loyola (lɔIˈəʊlə)   n   Saint. 1491–1556, Spanish ecclesiastic. He founded the Society of Jesus (1534) and was its first general (1541–56). His Spiritual Exercises (1548) remains the basic manual for the training of Jesuits. Feast day: July 31

igneous (ˈIɡnIəs)   adj   1 (of rocks) derived by solidification of magma or molten lava emplaced on or below the earth's surface. Compare sedimentary, metamorphic (sense 2)   2 of or relating to fire [C17: from Latin igneus fiery, from ignis fire]

ignescent (Iɡˈnɛsənt)   adj   1 giving off sparks when struck, as a flint   2 capable of bursting into flame   ▷ n   3 an ignescent substance [C19: from Latin ignescere to become inflamed]

ignify (ˈIɡnIˌfaI)   vb   (tr) to turn into fire

ignimbrite (ˈIɡnImˌbraIt)   n   a rock formed by the deposition at high temperature and the consolidation of a nuée ardente or other type of ash flow, being a complicated mixture of volcanic materials welded together by heat, hot gases, and pressure. Also called: welded tuft. See tuft [C20: from Latin ign(is) fire + imbr(is), imber shower of rain + -ITE^1]

ignipotent (IɡˈnIpətənt)   adj   presiding over fire

ignis fatuus (ˈIɡnIs ˈfætjʊəs)   n, pl ignes fatui (ˈIɡniːz ˈfætjʊˌaI)   another name for will-o'-the-wisp [C16: from Medieval Latin, literally: foolish fire]

ignite (IɡˈnaIt)   vb   1 to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn   2 (tr) chem to heat strongly   3 (tr) to stimulate or provoke: the case has ignited a nationwide debate [C17: from Latin ignīre to set alight, from ignis fire]   > igˈnitable or igˈnitible adj   > igˌnitaˈbility or igˌnitiˈbility n

■ igniter (IɡˈnaItə)   n   1 a person or thing that ignites   2 a fuse to fire explosive charges   3 an electrical device for lighting a gas turbine   4 a subsidiary electrode in an ignitron

■ ignition (IɡˈnIʃən)   n   1 the act or process of initiating combustion   2 the process of igniting the fuel in an internal-combustion engine   3 the ignition the devices used to ignite the fuel in an internal-combustion engine

■ ignition coil   n   an induction coil that supplies the high voltage to the sparking plugs of an internal-combustion engine

■ ignition key   n   the key used in a motor vehicle to turn the switch that connects the battery to the ignition system and other electrical devices

ignitron (IɡˈnaItrɒn, ˈIɡnIˌtrɒn)   n   a mercury-arc rectifier controlled by a subsidiary electrode, the igniter, partially immersed in a mercury cathode. A current passed between igniter and cathode forms a hot spot sufficient to strike an arc between cathode and anode [C20: from IGNITER + ELECTRON]

ignoble (Iɡˈnəʊbəl)   adj   1 dishonourable; base; despicable   2 of low birth or origins; humble; common   3 of low quality; inferior   4 falconry   a designating short-winged hawks that capture their quarry by swiftness and adroitness of flight. Compare noble (sense 7)   b designating quarry which is inferior or unworthy of pursuit by a particular species of hawk or falcon [C16: from Latin ignōbilis, from IN-1 + Old Latin gnōbilis NOBLE]   > ˌignoˈbility or igˈnobleness n   > igˈnobly adv

ignominy (ˈIɡnəˌmInI)   n, pl -minies   1 disgrace or public shame; dishonour   2 a cause of disgrace; a shameful act [C16: from Latin ignōminia disgrace, from ig- (see IN-2) + nōmen name, reputation]   > ˌignoˈminious adj   > ˌignoˈminiously adv   > ˌignoˈminiousness n

ignoramus (ˌIɡnəˈreIməs)   n, pl -muses   an ignorant person; fool [C16: from legal Latin, literally: we have no knowledge of, from Latin ignōrāre to be ignorant of; see IGNORE; modern usage originated from the use of Ignoramus as the name of an unlettered lawyer in a play by G. Ruggle, 17th-century English dramatist]

ignorant (ˈIɡnərənt)   adj   1 lacking in knowledge or education; unenlightened   2 (postpositive; often foll by of) lacking in awareness or knowledge (of): ignorant of the law   3 resulting from or showing lack of knowledge or awareness: an ignorant remark   > ˈignorantly adv

■ ignorance (ˈIɡnərəns) or rare ignorantness (ˈIɡnərəntnIs)   n   lack of knowledge, information, or education; the state of being ignorant

ignoratio elenchi (ˌIɡnəˈreIʃIəʊ IˈlɛŋkaI)   n logic   1 a purported refutation of a proposition that does not in fact prove it false but merely establishes a related but strictly irrelevant proposition   2 the fallacy of arguing in this way [Latin: an ignorance of proof, translating Greek elenchou agnoia]

ignore (Iɡˈnɔː)   vb (tr)   1 to fail or refuse to notice; disregard   ▷ n   2 Austral informal disregard: to treat someone with ignore [C17: from Latin ignōrāre not to know, from ignārus ignorant of, from i- IN-1 + gnārus knowing; related to Latin noscere to know]   > igˈnorable adj   > igˈnorer n

■ ignoration (ˌIɡnəˈreIʃən)   n   the act of ignoring

ignotum per ignotius Latin (Iɡˈnəʊtʊm pər IɡˈnəʊtIʊs)   n   an explanation that is obscurer than the thing to be explained [literally: the unknown by means of the more unknown]

Igorot (ˌIɡəˈrəʊt, ˌiːɡə-) or Igorrote (ˌIɡəˈrəʊtI, ˌiːɡə-)   n, pl -rot, -rots or -rote, -rotes   a member of a people of the mountains of N Luzon in the Philippines: noted as early exponents of mining

Igraine (IˈɡreIn) or Ygerne   n   the mother of King Arthur

Iguaçú or Iguassú (Portuguese iɡwaˈsu)   n   a river in SE South America, rising in S Brazil and flowing west to join the Paraná River, forming part of the border between Brazil and Argentina. Length: 1200 km (745 miles)

■ Iguaçú Falls   n   a waterfall on the border between Brazil and Argentina, on the Iguaçú River: divided into hundreds of separate falls by forested rocky islands. Width: about 4 km (2.5 miles). Height: 82 m (269 ft)

iguana (Iˈɡwɑːnə)   n   1 either of two large tropical American arboreal herbivorous lizards of the genus Iguana, esp I. iguana (common iguana), having a greyish-green body with a row of spines along the back: family Iguanidae   2 Also called: iguanid (IˈɡwɑːnId) any other lizard of the tropical American family Iguanidae   3 another name for leguaan [C16: from Spanish, from Arawak iwana]   > iˈguanian n, adj

iguanid (IˈɡwɑːnId)   n   zoology any lizard of the tropical American family Iguanidae, such as the green iguana

iguanodon (Iˈɡwɑːnəˌdɒn)   n   a massive herbivorous long-tailed bipedal dinosaur of the genus Iguanodon, common in Europe and N Africa in Jurassic and Cretaceous times: suborder Ornithopoda (ornithopods) [C19: New Latin, from IGUANA + Greek odōn tooth]

IGY   abbreviation for   International Geophysical Year

IHC   n (in New Zealand)   an organization supporting people with learning disabilities [abbreviation of (Society for) Intellectually Handicapped Children, its original name]

Ihimaera (IhIˈmɑːrə)   n   Witi (ˈwItI), full name Witi Tame Ihimaera-Smiler. born 1944, New Zealand Māori novelist and short-story writer; his novels include The Whale Rider (1987) and The Uncle's Story (2002)

ihram (Iˈrɑːm)   n   the customary white robes worn by Muslim pilgrims to Mecca, symbolizing a sacred or consecrated state [C18: from Arabic ihrām, from harama he forbade]

IHS   n   the first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ), often used as a Christian emblem

iid statistics   abbreviation for   independent identically distributed (of random variables)

IJC   abbreviation for (in the US and Canada)   International Joint Commission

IJssel or Yssel (ˈaIsəl; Dutch ˈɛisəl)   n   a river in the central Netherlands: a distributary of the Rhine, flowing north to the IJsselmeer. Length: 116 km (72 miles)

■ IJsselmeer or Ysselmeer (Dutch ɛisəlˈmeːr)   n   a shallow lake in the NW Netherlands; formed from the S part of the Zuider Zee by the construction of the IJsselmeer Dam in 1932; salt water gradually replaced by fresh water from the IJssel River; fisheries (formerly marine fish, now esp eels). Area: (before reclamation) 3690 sq km (1425 sq miles). Estimated final area: 1200 sq km (465 sq miles). English name: Ijssel Lake

ijtihad (ˌIdʒtəˈhɑːd)   n   an attempt to derive a legal ruling from the Koran

ikan (ˈiːkan)   n   (in Malaysia) fish used esp in names of cooked dishes: assam ikan [from Malay]

Ikaría (ikaˈria)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Icaria

ikat (ˈaIkæt)   n   a method of creating patterns in fabric by tie-dyeing the yarn before weaving [C20: from Malay, literally: to tie, bind]

IKBS   abbreviation for   intelligent knowledge-based system

ikebana (ˌiːkəˈbɑːnə)   n   the Japanese decorative art of flower arrangement

Ikeja (IˈkeIjə)   n   a town in SW Nigeria, capital of Lagos state: residential and industrial suburb of Lagos. Pop (local government area): 313 196 (2006)

Ikey (ˈaIkI)   n   South African informal a student at the University of Cape Town, esp one representing the University in a sport [from the name Isaac]

Ikhnaton (Ikˈnɑːtən)   n   same as Akhenaten

ikon (ˈaIkɒn)   n   a variant spelling of icon

il   the internet domain name for   Israel

IL   abbreviation for   1 Illinois   2 Israel (international car registration)

il-   prefix   variant of in-1, in-2

ilang-ilang (ˈiːlæŋˈiːlæŋ)   n   a variant spelling of ylang-ylang

-ile   suffix forming adjectives, suffix forming nouns   indicating capability, liability, or a relationship with something: agile; fragile; juvenile [via French from Latin or directly from Latin -ilis]

ILEA (ˈIlIə)   n acronym for (formerly)   Inner London Education Authority

ileac (ˈIlIˌæk) or ileal (ˈIlIəl)   adj   1 anatomy of or relating to the ileum   2 pathol of or relating to ileus

Île-de-France (French ildəfrɑ̃s)   n   1 a region of N France, in the Paris Basin: part of the duchy of France in the 10th century   2 a former name (1715–1810) for Mauritius

Île du Diable (il dy djɑblə)   n   the French name for Devil's Island

ileitis (ˌIlIˈaItIs)   n   inflammation of the ileum

ileo- or before a vowel ile-   combining form   indicating the ileum: ileostomy

ileostomy (ˌIlIˈɒstəmI)   n, pl -mies   the surgical formation of a permanent opening through the abdominal wall into the ileum

Îles Comores (il kɔmɔr)   pl n   the French name for the Comoros

Îles du Salut (il dy saly)   pl n   the French name for the Safety Islands

Ilesha (IˈleIʃə)   n   a town in W Nigeria. Pop: 500 000 (2005 est)

Îles Mascareignes (il maskarɛɲ)   pl n   the French name for the Mascarene Islands

Îles sous le Vent (il su lə vɑ̃)   pl n   the French name for the Leeward Islands (sense 3)

ileum (ˈIlIəm)   n   1 the part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the caecum   2 the corresponding part in insects [C17: New Latin, from Latin īlium, īleum flank, groin, of obscure origin]

ileus (ˈIlIəs)   n   obstruction of the intestine, esp the ileum, by mechanical occlusion or as the result of distension of the bowel following loss of muscular action [C18: from Latin īleos severe colic, from Greek eileos a rolling, twisting, from eilein to roll]

ilex (ˈaIlɛks)   n   1 any of various trees or shrubs of the widely distributed genus Ilex, such as the holly and inkberry: family Aquifoliaceae   2 another name for the holm oak [C16: from Latin]

ilia (ˈIlIə)   n   the plural of ilium

Ilia (ˈIlIə)   n   (in Roman legend) the daughter of Aeneas and Lavinia, who, according to some traditions, was the mother of Romulus and Remus. See also Rhea Silvia

Ilía (iˈlia)   n   a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Elia^1

iliac (ˈIlIˌæk)   adj   anatomy of or relating to the ilium

■ iliacus (IˈlaIəkəs)   n   a muscle near the ilium which flexes the hip joint

Iliad (ˈIlIəd)   n   a Greek epic poem describing the siege of Troy, attributed to Homer and probably composed before 700 BC   > Iliadic (ˌIlIˈædIk) adj

Iliamna (ˌIlIˈæmnə)   n   1 a lake in SW Alaska: the largest lake in Alaska. Length: about 130 km (80 miles). Width: 40 km (25 miles)   2 a volcano in SW Alaska, northwest of Iliamna Lake. Height: 3076 m (10 092 ft)

Iligan (Iˈliːɡən)   n   a city in the Philippines, a port on the N coast of Mindanao. Pop: 306 000 (2005 est)

Ilion (ˈIlIən)   n   a transliteration of the Greek name for ancient Troy

ilium (ˈIlIəm)   n, pl -ia (-Iə)   the uppermost and widest of the three sections of the hipbone

Ilium (ˈIlIəm)   n   the Latin name for ancient Troy

ilk^1 (Ilk)   n   1 a type; class; sort (esp in the phrase of that, his, her, etc, ilk): people of that ilk should not be allowed here   2 of that ilk Scot of the place of the same name: used to indicate that the person named is proprietor or laird of the place named: Moncrieff of that ilk [Old English ilca the same family, same kind; related to Gothic is he, Latin is, Old English gelīc like]

USAGE

Although the use of ilk in the sense of sense 1 is sometimes condemned as being the result of a misunderstanding of the original Scottish expression of that ilk, it is nevertheless well established and generally acceptable

ilk^2 (Ilk) or ilka (ˈIlkə)   determiner   Scot each; every [Old English ǣlc each (+ A^1)]

■ ilkaday (ˈIlkəˌdeI)   n   Scot every day

Ilkeston (ˈIlkIstən)   n   a town in N central England, in SE Derbyshire. Pop: 37 270 (2001)

Ilkley (ˈIlklI)   n   a town in N England, in Bradford unitary authority, West Yorkshire: nearby is Ilkley Moor (to the south). Pop: 13 472 (2001)

ill (Il)   adj worse, worst   1 (usually postpositive) not in good health; sick   2 characterized by or intending evil, harm, etc; hostile: ill deeds   3 causing or resulting in pain, harm, adversity, etc: ill effects   4 ascribing or imputing evil to something referred to: ill repute   5 promising an unfavourable outcome; unpropitious: an ill omen   6 harsh; lacking kindness: ill will   7 not up to an acceptable standard; faulty: ill manners   8 ill at ease unable to relax; uncomfortable   ▷ n   9 evil or harm: to wish a person ill   10 a mild disease   11 misfortune; trouble   ▷ adv   12 badly: the title ill befits him   13 with difficulty; hardly: he can ill afford the money   14 not rightly: she ill deserves such good fortune [C11 (in the sense: evil): from Old Norse illr bad]

■ ill-advised   adj   1 acting without reasonable care or thought: you would be ill-advised to sell your house now   2 badly thought out; not or insufficiently considered: an ill-advised plan of action   > ˌill-adˈvisedly adv

■ ill-affected   adj   (often foll by towards) not well disposed; disaffected

■ ill-assorted   adj   badly matched; incompatible

■ ill-behaved   adj   poorly behaved; lacking good manners

■ ill-bred   adj   badly brought up; lacking good manners   > ˌill-ˈbreeding n

■ ill-concealed   adj   poorly disguised

■ ill-conceived   adj   poor in conception

■ ill-considered   adj   done without due consideration; not thought out: an ill-considered decision

■ ill-defined   adj   imperfectly defined; having no clear outline

■ ill-disposed   adj   (often foll by towards) not kindly disposed

■ ill-equipped   adj   without the skills, qualities, or equipment necessary (for something)

■ ill-fated   adj   doomed or unlucky: an ill-fated marriage

■ ill-favoured or US ill-favored   adj   1 unattractive or repulsive in appearance; ugly   2 offensive, disagreeable, or objectionable   > ˌill-ˈfavouredly or US ˌill-ˈfavoredly adv   > ˌill-ˈfavouredness or US ˌill-ˈfavoredness n

■ ill feeling   n   hostile feeling; animosity

■ ill-fitting   adj   badly fitting

■ ill-formed   adj   linguistics badly formed and ungrammatical

■ ill-founded   adj   not founded on true or reliable premises; unsubstantiated: an ill-founded rumour

■ ill-gotten   adj   obtained dishonestly or illegally (esp in the phrase ill-gotten gains)

■ ill humour   n   a disagreeable or sullen mood; bad temper   > ˌill-ˈhumoured adj   > ˌill-ˈhumouredly adv

■ ill-informed   adj   1 not having adequate information or knowledge about a situation or subject   2 resulting from inadequate knowledge about a situation or subject

■ ill-judged   adj   rash; ill-advised

■ ill-mannered   adj   having bad manners; rude; impolite   > ˌill-ˈmanneredly adv

■ ill-natured   adj   naturally unpleasant and mean   > ˌill-ˈnaturedly adv   > ˌill-ˈnaturedness n

■ illness (ˈIlnIs)   n   1 a disease or indisposition; sickness   2 a state of ill health   3 obsolete wickedness

■ ill-nourished   adj   1 underfed or inadequately fed   2 literary lacking adequate stimulation

■ ill-omened   adj   doomed to be unlucky; ill-fated

■ ill-prepared   adj   not having made all the necessary preparations for something

■ ill-sorted   adj   badly arranged or matched; ill-assorted

■ ill-starred   adj   unlucky; unfortunate; ill-fated

■ ill-suited   adj   1 ill-suited for unsuitable for something   2 not very compatible

■ ill temper   n   bad temper; irritability

■ ill-tempered   adj   showing bad temper; irritable   > ˌill-ˈtemperedly adv

■ ill-timed   adj   occurring at or planned for an unsuitable time

■ ill-treat   vb   (tr) to behave cruelly or harshly towards; misuse; maltreat   > ˌill-ˈtreatment n

■ ill-use   vb (ˈIlˈjuːz)   1 to use badly or cruelly; abuse; maltreat   ▷ n (ˈIlˈjuːs) also ill-usage   2 harsh or cruel treatment; abuse

■ ill will   n   hostile feeling; enmity; antagonism

■ illy   adv   badly

Ill.   abbreviation for   Illinois

I'll (aIl)   contraction of   I will or I shall

Illampu (Spanish iʎamˈpu)   n   one of the two peaks of Mount Sorata

illapse (Iˈlæps)   vb   (intr) to slide in

illaqueate (IˈlækwIˌeIt)   vb   (tr) to ensnare

■ illaqueable (IˈlækwIəbəl)   adj   capable of being ensnared

■ illaqueation (IˌlækwIˈeIʃən)   n   the act of ensnaring

illation (IˈleIʃən)   n   a rare word for inference [C16: from Late Latin illātiō a bringing in, from Latin illātus brought in, from inferre to bring in, from IN-2 + ferre to bear, carry]

illative (IˈleItIv)   adj   1 of or relating to illation; inferential   2 grammar denoting a word or morpheme used to signal inference, for example so or therefore   3 (in the grammar of Finnish and other languages) denoting a case of nouns expressing a relation of motion or direction, usually translated by the English prepositions into or towards. Compare elative (sense 1)   ▷ n   4 grammar   a the illative case   b an illative word or speech element [C16: from Late Latin illātīvus inferring, concluding]   > ilˈlatively adv

illaudable (Iˈlɔːdəbəl)   adj   not praiseworthy

Illawarra (ˌIləˈwɒrə)   n   1 a coastal district of E Australia, in S New South Wales. Pop: 404 626 (2002 est)   2 an Australian breed of shorthorn dairy cattle noted for its high milk yield and ability to survive on poor pastures

Ille-et-Vilaine (French ilevilɛn)   n   a department of NW France, in E Brittany. Capital: Rennes. Pop: 894 625 (2003 est). Area: 6992 sq km (2727 sq miles)

illegal (Iˈliːɡəl)   adj   1 forbidden by law; unlawful; illicit   2 unauthorized or prohibited by a code of official or accepted rules   ▷ n   3 a person who has entered or attempted to enter a country illegally   > ilˈlegally adv   > ˌilleˈgality n

■ illegalize or illegalise (IˈliːɡəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to make illegal   > ilˌlegaliˈzation or ilˌlegaliˈsation n

illegible (IˈlɛdʒIbəl)   adj   unable to be read or deciphered   > ilˌlegiˈbility or ilˈlegibleness n   > ilˈlegibly adv

illegitimate (ˌIlIˈdʒItImIt)   adj   1 born of parents who were not married to each other at the time of birth; bastard   2 forbidden by law; illegal; unlawful   3 contrary to logic; incorrectly reasoned   ▷ n   4 an illegitimate person; bastard   > ˌilleˈgitimacy or ˌilleˈgitimateness n   > ˌilleˈgitimately adv

■ illegitimation (ˌIlIˌdʒItIˈmeIʃən)   n   the process of making illegitimate

illiad (ˈIlIæd)   n   archaic a wink

illiberal (IˈlIbərəl)   adj   1 narrow-minded; prejudiced; bigoted; intolerant   2 not generous; mean   3 lacking in culture or refinement   > ilˌliberˈality, ilˈliberalness or ilˈliberaˌlism n   > ilˈliberally adv

■ illiberalize or illiberalise (IˈlIbərəˌlaIz)   vb   (tr) to render illiberal

Illich (ˈIlItʃ)   n   Ivan. 1926–2002. US teacher and writer, born in Austria. His books include Deschooling Society (1971), Medical Nemesis (1975), and In the Mirror of the Past (1991)

illicit (IˈlIsIt)   adj   1 another word for illegal   2 not allowed or approved by common custom, rule, or standard: illicit sexual relations   > ilˈlicitly adv   > ilˈlicitness n

Illimani (Spanish iʎiˈmani)   n   a mountain in W Bolivia, in the Andes near La Paz. Height: 6402 m (21 004 ft)

illimitable (IˈlImItəbəl)   adj   limitless; boundless   > ilˌlimitaˈbility or ilˈlimitableness n   > ilˈlimitably adv

illimitation (IˌlImIˈteIʃən)   n   the state of being infinite

illimited (IˈlImItId)   adj   infinite

illinium (IˈlInIəm)   n   chem the former name for promethium [C20: New Latin, from ILLINOIS + -IUM]

Illinois (ˌIlIˈnɔI)   n   1 a state of the N central US, in the Midwest: consists of level prairie crossed by the Illinois and Kaskaskia Rivers; mainly agricultural. Capital: Springfield. Pop: 12 653 544 (2003 est). Area: 144 858 sq km (55 930 sq miles). Abbreviation: Ill., (with zip code) IL   2 a river in Illinois, flowing SW to the Mississippi. Length: 439 km (273 miles)

■ Illinoisan (ˌIlIˈnɔIzən), Illinoian (ˌIlIˈnɔIən) or Illinoisian (ˌIlIˈnɔIzIən)   n   1 a native or inhabitant of Illinois   ▷ adj   2 of or relating to Illinois or its inhabitants

illipe (ˈIlIpI)   n   a tropical Asian tree of the family Sapotaceae

illiquation (ˌIlIˈkweIʃən)   n   the melting of one thing into another

illiquid (IˈlIkwId)   adj   1 (of an asset) not easily convertible into cash   2 (of an enterprise, organization, etc) deficient in liquid assets

■ illiquidity (ˌIlIˈkwIdItI)   n   the state of being illiquid

illision (IˈlIʒən)   n   the act of striking against something

illite (ˈIlaIt)   n   a clay mineral of the mica group, found in shales and mudstones. Crystal structure: monoclinic. Formula: K1–1.5Al_4(Si6.5–7Al1–1.5O_20)(OH)4 [C20: named after ILLINOIS, where it was first found]

illiterate (IˈlItərIt)   adj   1 unable to read and write   2 violating accepted standards in reading and writing: an illiterate scrawl   3 uneducated, ignorant, or uncultured: scientifically illiterate   ▷